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FEBRUARY 19, 2012 HYDERABAD
The thought that one needs a companion more in old age than in youth is sinking into the collective consciousness, but orthodoxy still prevails.
PG 11
THE RED MARKET
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH THE KITCHEN One simple idea can bring a revolution in women’s lives in the way the mobile phone did over a decade ago.
PG 14 AD WORLD’S GRAND DAME What makes for a successful woman in today’s world? To know what success looks like, talk to ad guru Santha John.
PG 10
Even as the need for human organs for transplantation rises, the number of people donating them remains static. We investigate why we’re so reluctant to part with life, after death. REPORT ON PG 4
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ON SUNDAY RAU-KUN
INTO THE GOLDEN YEARS TOGETHER
32 PAGES
BROTHERS IN CRIME Meet the eight robber-brothers of Hyderabad and marvel at the justice system that allows them free reign, despite hundreds of thefts registered against their infamous name. PG 3
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CITY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
BEAUTY OF THE NIGHT
International pizza festival
Farewell Theatre on your mind this Sunday? A multilingual play titled Farewell will be presented at NIFT. The play is directed by Ratna Shekar Reddy. Where: Nift, Madhapur When: February 19, 7.30pm Contact: (040) 23114537
Felicity The annual technical and cultural fest of IIIT-H festival is on. The fest is an interesting bag of events. Where: IIIT-H campus, Gachibowli When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 2300 1967
The Indian Mosaic An exhibition of paintings titled “The Indian Mosaic” will be on display at Iconart Gallery. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 6.30pm Contact: 9849968797
Retro Sundays Bollywood lovers, put on your dancing shoes and head to 10 Downing Street as they celebrate Bollywood retro Sunday. Where: 10 Downing Street, Begumpet When: February 19, 8pm Contact: (040) 6662 9323
Crafts Mela Head to People’s plaza where AP handicrafts development corporation is hosting a 10-days crafts bazaar which features craftsmen from around the country. Where: Peoples Plaza, Necklace Road When: Ongoing, 11am
Salsa suprise La Cantina offers a Sunday special brunch. It includes a five course menu along with a live taco bar and beverages. Where: La Cantina, Hitech city When: February 19, 12pm Contact: (040) 6682 4422
One of the entrance gates of the Chowmahalla Palace. N SHIVA KUMAR
Cognac and Cigar
A suitable lunch Syn presents three lunch offers to suit your needs. There is a lunch for those in a hurry, a lunch for the calorie conscious and a lunch for those who are planning a reunion with pals. Where: Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills When: Everyday, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 66663939
Martini ‘n music Enjoy winter evenings with martinis and crooner Kelly. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 66662323
Lunch specials Nautanki Galli offers its expansive lunch buffet. Where: Nautanki Galli, Madhapur When: Everyday, 12:30 pm onwards Contact: 7893010000
CINEMAS
Music fest The third of the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Joshi Festival will feature a Bharatnatyam performance by Shobhana, Tabla Jugalbandhi by Pt Shankar Ghosh and Bikram Ghosh, Fusion by Bikram Ghosh, Kumaresh Ganesh and Pt Ronu Majumdar. Where: Chowmahalla Palace When: Ongoing, 8pm
Pizza lovers this is the news for you! News Cafe is hosting the International Pizza Festival. Where: News Cafe, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 64603341
The Seasons Bar opens up again as a Cigar and Cognac lounge with a wide selection of cognac, rare whiskies, single malts and cigars. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 66662323
Kerala’s various dance forms is on. 40 artists from all over the country will participate in the event. Where: NSKK High School, Ferozeguda When: February 16, 6pm Contact: 9010403034
Eat in the dark
Pearl 2012
Have you ever wondered how it feels to eat in the dark? Come and experience this. Pay `499 to enjoy a 4-course meal worth `1,000 at Dialogue in the Dark. Where: Dialogue in the Dark, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 64603341
Acting workshop
Get my food-Pronto In a hurry? Head to Prego at Westin. It offers quick 45-minute lunch stop over. Where: The Westin, Madhapur When: Every day, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 6767 6767
Dance Fiesta Soorya festival, an exotic feast of
City in pictures Hyderabad is a city of innumerable historical images. Through the years the City has seen various changes. A pictorial essay depicting the City of Hyderabad between the years of 1975 and 2011 is on display at Salarjung Museum. Where: Salarjung museum When: Ongoing, 10am Contact: (040) 2457 6443
Head to ‘Pearl 2012’, BITS-Pilani’s annual college fest. The festival is on till February 19, 2012. Log onto www.bits-pearl.org for more details about the fest. Where: BITS-Pilani campus When: February 18, 6pm Samhaara- an acting and dancing workshop is being held. The workshop focusses on learning the basics of stage acting, character analysis, stage and rehearsal terms, movement and stage geography. Where: The Actor’s studio, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 7pm tp 9pm Contact: 9885404784
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
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CITY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Wife commits suicide
A
woman identified as Jaylata of SR Nagar allegedly committed suicide by hanging. Police gathered that the husband and wife used to quarrel. Jaylata and Rao is said to have had a big fight on the fateful day and he reported walked out in a huff. The deceased used her sari to tie a knot on the ceiling fan and killed herself, police said in preliminary report. The police have registered a case.
Fire victims given shelter
Youth mowed down by train
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n unidentified youth was killed in train mishap on Saturday night at Lingampally railway tracks while he was crossing the tracks. A passing train hit him and he died on the spot. He looks around 25 years of age and was dressed in pants and shirt. Body is kept in Osmania general hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem. So far no one has come forward to identify the deceased, sources said.
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nder the directive of the CM, the Ranga Reddy collector V Seshadri has made arrangements for temporary shelter and medical aid to the 100 hutment dwellers of Pochampally whose dwellings were gutted in a massive fire yesterday. Seven lost their lives and all the hutments had been destroyed. All are construction labourers from the State and neighbouring states.
Habeeb Bros Enterprises
Meet the eight chor brothers with hundreds of registered theft cases and a few convictions to their credit
MOHD SUBHAN
mohd.s@postnoon.com
I
f translated into celluloid it would run a packed house. All the ingredients needed to make a masala film are there: Eight brothers of a family run a crime syndicate. Just the eldest of nine sons is a Dharmaputr who lives an honest life as an auto driver. One of the eight brothers is a bachelor and a Casanova and cultivate half-a-dozen girlfriends, some of whom even visited him in jail and showered him with gifts — dry fruits, gold ring, cake, shirts, I luv U signage in brass… Burglary, thefts, robbery, threatening, vehicle lifting… They have graduated in all these areas. And, being a gang of eight, they have few opponents. Here’s the lineup: Habeeb Abbas, Hassan Ali, Habeeb Ali, Habeeb Mohsin, Habeeb Mohd, Habeeb Mahmud, Habeeb Yousuf. The crime family has no heritage. Their father was a forest official who struggled to give nine sons and four sisters food and education. Police inspector of Chandrayangutta, AS Rao, who
has studied the background of the gang, says had the father not died 15 years ago, the children would have had enough education to go for lawful vocations in life. After the death of the father, the widowed mother left the family canoe drift and this was the time the brothers, one by one, bunked school and started on the crime career path. The youngsters, police say, began with snatching, which requires no investment or skill but a daring demeanour and swift foot. All the eight lives in one house while the eldest is separate and has no contact with the eight. Sisters have been married off. Of the eight, seven are married but police say most of them live a double life, with unofficial wives and mistresses and therefore need money to maintain the huge establishment. All of them are in their 30s. Habeeb Abbas, who remained unmarried by choice, is presently in prison but officials narrate how his girlfriends keep coming with his favourite food on visitors’ day. Jail mates envy at his profligacy. Rao and other police officials who are well versed with the crime gang say the brothers’ favourite is locked up homes and automobiles. Both, they say are lucrative, and any lucky encounter with a chest of jewellery is bonus. Police have
lost count on number of cases registered against them, may be 50 or even 100. But they all agree that Habeeb Abbas or ‘king’ to his criminal friends, is the sharpest and the strategist. He lives lavishly and goes on vacation with his girlfriends to exotic locales. Little wonder the girlfriends repay their debt when he is cooling his heels in prison for a while. Inspector of police Syed Faiyaz Ahmed says they are not simply girlfriends but partners in crime. “Now, these gangs do not use their wives but use these girls and jobless boys.” Police say the brothers use their wives to dispose off stolen stuff. “It is more convenient. Women won’t be suspected if they sell jewellery, you know,” said an officer. Honestly, the police admit, they are wary of
the gang because they are vengeful and have clout. Not only the gang is involved in the cases, their women in the family are also booked by the police because they helped to sell the stolen gold. The gangs now use some jobless boys and girls and through them they sell the stolen property. These ‘agents’ are given a small share of the proceed. Yousf, Hassan, Abbas, Mahmud, Mohsin and Mohd are in now in prison. Police officers say they book them, trace them and bring them to justice. “Many times stolen booty is recovered, what else can we do?”the police say when asked about how come they keep repeating the crime and get away with light punishment?
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CITY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Medical, social roadblocks hinder organ donations Keeping brain-dead patients alive for organ transplants faces opposition from kin, who do not understand that their dear ones cannot be brought back, say City doctors and organ donation activists.
RANJANI RAJENDRA
ranjani.r@postnoon.com
I
t was back in 2004 that Lalitha and Raghuram were faced with one of the toughest decisions of their lives. The couple’s son Swamynarayan, who was home from college for Pongal break, was involved in a car accident. The engineering student had gone to Nagarjuna Sagar with a couple of friends and on their way back, their car ran into a ditch along the dark highway. It was only the next morning that a passing milk van found them and rushed them to the nearest hospital. However, too much precious time had been lost. By the time the Raghurams got to the hospital, their son had been declared brain dead — it was his 19th birthday. Grief stricken as they were, the parents still decided to donate their son’s organs. Both Lalitha and Raghuram have been working in the field of organ donation since 2002 and when they were faced with a situation like this, they didn’t hesitate to give their consent. “It was like a test for me,” says Lalitha, country director, Mohan Foundation.
In a country where organ donations are few and far between, it is a challenging task to be able to retrieve organs. “In some countries it is mandatory to harvest organs from a brain dead patient unless they had specifi-
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM ORGAN DONATION FOUNDATIONS IN THE CITY FACE IS THE RELUCTANCE OF DOCTORS TO DECLARE A BRAIN DEATH. cally requested otherwise. But a law like that is difficult to pass in our country for various reasons like lack of awareness and religious sentiments. A simple law like wearing a helmet is hard to implement in our City,” says Dr Tarun Kumar Saha, senior consultant nephrologist at Apollo Hospital. “Our biggest challenge is the paucity of brain death cases being declared,” says Lalitha. In a stark contrast is Britain, where doctors suggest keeping patients alive solely for the purpose of organ donation. According to a report in The Guardian, the British Medical Association has put forth proposals to keep a brain-dead patient on life support until their organs have been harvested. But the biggest problem organ donation foundations in the City face is the reluctance of doctors to declare a brain death. “When a person is declared brain dead, the families find it very hard to accept it — they can
still see the heart beating. Given the scenario in our country, it is not uncommon for aggrieved families to turn violent or allege negligence,” says Lalitha. Ironically, organ donors are aplenty in the South. There have been instances of youngsters using their birthdays and other special occasions as an opportunity to pledge their organs. “On two occasions we had families request us to set up a counter at their children’s wedding receptions to register organ donors. The families themselves pledged their organs and one couple gave away all of their gift money to us as donation,” says Lalitha. For patients on the waiting list to receive organs, the wait is nothing less than traumatic. “I registered myself for a kidney transplant in 2009 when I was diagnosed with a kidney failure. I am still waiting to receive an organ. Although my wife wants to donate her kidney, I’m not comfortable about it since we have two young children and I don’t want both of us to be surviving on one kidney each,” says K Sanjay, a one time businessman who is now struggling to make ends meet with his father’s pension and help from a relative. “I haven’t been able to work since my illness,” Sanjay added. The foremost need, says Lalitha, is for a legislation that makes it mandatory for hospitals to declare a brain death if it
STORAGE TIME FOR ORGANS
3 16 24
hours
hours
hours
W
hile corneal donations are plenty there is a lack of donors for livers, kidneys and hearts. Waiting list for organs in the City
MORE THAN A
1000 100+ 3 TO 4 (A LOT DIE WHILE ON THE WAITING LIST) occurs. “Maybe once we achieve this goal we can move towards a mandatory life support legislation. Also having a centralised system with people’s medical histories and if they’ve pledged their organs can help. In the event of that person’s death, we will have a record of their pledge and it will then be easier to convince their families to sign consent forms for organ donation,” she explains.
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FOCUS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Living in abandonment
N SHIVA KUMAR
Nagrani There is nothing more innocent than a child's smile. Nagrani's smile can work wonders on anyone. She is often is found playing alone or with her best friend Anjali.
Valli: She is the senior in-charge who takes care of everyone in the home. She has polio but this has never dampened her sprits to enjoy life. Valli is55-year-old but she is as innocent as a young girl.
Sudeshna Koka
of her since then,” said Rangamma, 54, who is like a grandmother to Mehak. The four acres of land on which the home is located is very well maintained. They have clean lawns and a bright garden. Most of the gardening is done by the residents themselves. A few ofthe young women stitch table cloth on orders and make some money out of it. Their budget for one month comes up to Rs 450,000. However there is a serious lack of food and other basic amenities. With the increasing number of disabled citizens being disowned by their family, the home receives a steady strain of people. “We want to accommodate more people but unfortunately we do not have enough place hence we have taken a bigger land at Shamirpet and we are developing the area, said Hary Thambiroy, in-charge.
sudeshna.k@postnoon.com “I was brought here when I was five-years-old. Ever since, this has been my home. When I was young, one sister would take care of me but now I take care of others and this place,” says Valli, the senior incharge proudly while cutting fruit sitting on her wheel chair. More than 1,500 disabled persons have been calling this 'Home for Disabled' in Secunderabad their abode for the past 89 years. Currently, there are 300 people residing here, of which, 42 are young children and a few are cancer patients. Spend a few hours in the home and one will get a feel of the strong sense of bonding among them. “Mehak has been here since she was one-year-old. I have been taking care
Mehak She hails from Punjab and was left here by her parents as she was the fifth girl child in the family. She is indeed the dream child of any parent as she makes no fuss while eating food and barely cries, says the home in-charge, Hays T .
Sharing and caring for each other is what has kept the residents of the Home For Disabled together for the last 89 years. However, for these 300 special citizens there are only five caretakers.
Anitha: She was a 60-day-old baby when her parents abandoned her at Niloufer hospital since her skull was deformed and she had only one functional eye. She is one person who welcomes all visitors with a lot of warmth.
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NATION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS FABRICATION
UP poll phase 4 begins
Anna returns to village
Ship owners cooperate
LUCKNOW: Polling for the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh’s staggered elections in 56 Assembly seats began Sunday at 7am. The total electorate numbering 1,74,14,545 (men 95,83,429, women 78,30,718 and others 398) will seal the fate of 967 candidates, including 91 women candidates, in the fray. The poll is being conducted in seven phases.
RALEGAN SIDDHI: Activist Anna
KOCHI: The owners of an Italian
Hazare on Saturday returned to his native village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district after a 15-day spell of treatment in Bangalore.“Anna returned to Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday. He was at Jindal Naturecure Institute, Bangalore, where he was being treated by naturopathy.” an associate said.
ship, whose security crew shot dead two Indian fishermen, have agreed to cooperate with the inquiry, Kerala Police said. Police Commissioner Ajith Kumar, who is facilitating and coordinating the probe into the deaths, said the police will meet the officials representing the ship owners on the ship on Sunday.
Three arrested for Kolkata car rape, police backtracks PICTURE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
KOLKATA: Three people were
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Accidents cost India $20 bn every year NEW DELHI: India suffers a staggering hit of `1 lakh crore ($20 billion) every year due to road accidents, according to the International Road Federation (IRF), which says the country lacks "political will" to tackle the menace. "The losses due to road accidents have crossed `1 lakh crore annually. The sad part is the establishment knows it. These figures are present in their own records and despite this, there's no political will to resolve the problem," IRF president KK Kapila said. IRF is a non-profit organisation working for development and maintenance of better and sustainable roads and road networks. According to Planning Commission studies during 2001-2003, that is nearly a decade ago, the total losses to the economy due to road accidents in the year 1999-2000 were pegged at `55,000 crore (about $10 billion), some three percent of the country's IANS GDP.
arrested on Saturday for raping a 37-year-old Anglo-Indian woman, a mother of two and a former call centre employee, in a moving car after offering her a lift earlier this month, police said. The city police who had earlier arrested two people — Rahman Khan and Sumit Bajaj — from the Howrah station area, Saturday night arrested a third person named Nasir in connection with the case, said joint commissioner of police (crime) Damayanti Sen. Khan and Bajaj, both residents of Kolkata, were held while fleeing from the city, Sen said. “We are interrogating them. We are also trying to apprehend some other persons who have been identified,” Sen told mediapersons. “As of now, we have also got some names. Investigation is on. After some time, we will be able to find out how many persons were involved in the crime,” she said. The victim alleged that she was raped past midnight on February 5 in a moving car. She was also severely beaten. She filed a police complaint on February 9 while her medical examination was conduct-
ed on February 14. Sen said police seized the vehicle, in which four people were present. “Following the CCTV footage, we could identify the vehicle that belonged to Sumit Bajaj,” she said.
Azhar gets NBW in cheque case
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Saturday issued non-bailable warrant against MP Mohammed Azharuddin for not appearing in court on the day of final verdict in a chequebounce case, a lawyer said. Metropolitan Magistrate Vikrant Vaid issued non-bailable warrant against Azhar, whose counsel Firoj Khan Ghazi said that he was busy campaigning in UP for the ongoing Assembly elections. The court would next hear the case on March 1. According to complainant Sanjay Solanki, he helped Azhar in a deal to purchase a property in Mumbai for `1.5 crore. As per the agreement to sell and purchase, Azhar agreed to pay double the amount of the initial
amount of `1.5 crore if the deal fell through due to his failure to comply with the terms. When the deal did not mature due to Azhar’s laxity, he refused to pay double the amount of the initial amount, the complainant’s counsel said. Azhar issued two cheques of amount `1.5 crore twice to the complainant, which were dishonoured. Azhar during the framing of charge claimed innocence and told the court that he did not know the complainant personally and met him for the first time in court. He added that he made the payment to the person who had set the deal as the agreement, carrying the MP’s Delhi address, was made by IANS another person.
Talking about her ordeal to a Bengali news channel, the victim said “There were five people, including two whose names I do not know, inside the car where I was raped at gun-point by Sharafat
Ali. The man kept hitting me mercilessly even after he had finished raping me.” She named another person in the car as Azhar Ali. Police said Khan had introduced himself to the victim as Lovi Gidwani and offered her a lift in the car. The other two accused introduced themselves as Sharafat Ali and Azhar Ali. “This is a reason she got confused,” Sen said. Police on Thursday maintained there were “certain technical discrepancies” in the case and termed the victim’s allegations of lax investigation as an attempt to malign police and the state government. Police, however, changed their stand on Friday. “Her (victim’s) version was more or less the same (what she had alleged in the complaint). Something must have occurred in the early hours of Feb 6 and police are thoroughly investigating all aspects,” Sen said. Thursday night, police took the victim to the places she mentioned in her complaint and tried to recreate the chain of events related to IANS the alleged rape.
LORD OF THE MOUNTAINS
A man dressed as Lord Shiva participates in a procession in connection with Shivratri festival in Jammu on Saturday. PTI
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WORLD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
ESPN sorry for Lin headline ISLAMABAD: The ESPN has apologised for an “offensive” headline that appeared on one of its web pages after Jeremy Lin’s New York Knicks suffered a loss after winning seven straight. ESPN was forced to apologize on Saturday for an anti-Asian slur directed at Chinese-American Lin that appeared in a story on its website for mobile users, the Chicago Tribune reported. The headline “Chink in the Armor” was included in the online story.
Medvedev has 1mn fans
Acid thrown at 4 Pak girls
MOSCOW: The number of followers of
ISLAMABAD: Unidentified miscreants
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Twitter has exceeded one million. “Today I have one million readers. Thank you for following me,” Medvedev wrote on his Twitter account on Saturday. The president also posted his photo taken at the Twitter office in June 2010 with a sign, “That is how it began”. The president also has his own video channel on Youtube and a blog on LiveJournal.
allegedly threw acid on four girls in Faisalabad city on Saturday,. The men, after throwing the acid fled the scene in Ghulam Muhammadabad area. The girls were on their way home after finishing work at a hosiery factory when the attack took place. They were taken to hospital where they were provided treatment. Hospital sources said two girls’ faces were affected while the hands of the other two suffered burns.
Syrian forces fire on funeral, China urges end to bloodshed DAMASCUS: Security forces shot dead a mourner at a huge funeral on Saturday for demonstrators killed in protests in the Syrian capital, as a senior Chinese envoy issued a plea for the bloodshed to end. The Damascus funerals were for four people, two of them teenagers, killed when security forces fired on protesters in the capital’s Mazzeh district, which is overlooked by the presidential palace and houses many government offices and embassies, a human rights group and activists said. “The funerals in Mazzeh turned into protests — it was the closest major gathering to Omayyad Square in the city centre,” the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdul Rahman, said. Mohammed Shami, a spokesman for activists in Damascus province, echoed him. “It’s the first time there have been demonstrations of such a scale so close to the centre of Damascus,” Shami said, adding that some 15,000 people had turned out despite snowfall. He said the shootings, in which many people were wounded, were followed by a “wave of searches and arrests” across the leafy, upscale residential district. “People hid wherever they could,” he said. “State television didn’t cover what happened even though it was only a short distance from the Radio and Television Organisation.” Activists described Friday’s
Members of the Free Syrian Army sit in the back of a pick-up truck during a patrol in Idlib in northwestern Syria. AFP/BULENT KILIC
demonstrations in Damascus as “unprecedented”, saying there were 49 in all, and called for a “day of defiance” in the capital on Sunday to galvanise support. “We said from the onset that the day when huge demonstrations will spill out in Damascus and (Syria’s second city) Aleppo, it will be the end of the regime,” said Agnes Levallois, a Parisbased Middle East expert.
The continuing onslaught on the rebel city of Homs “has spurred many Syrians, who were still hesitating, to join the protest movement”, said Levallois. “The wall of fear has really crumbled.” The Syrian Observatory said the security forces killed a total of at least 11 civilians across the country on Saturday. In a message to Damascus
residents on their “Syrian Revolution 2011” Facebook page, activists said: “The blood of the martyrs exhorts you to disobedience.” Security forces also kept up their pounding of the flashpoint central city of Homs as the Chinese envoy visited. Rockets crashed into strongholds of resistance at the rate of four a minute on Friday, according to one activist. He
warned that the city, Syria’s third largest, faced a humanitarian crisis. Thirteen of the 30 people killed on Friday were in the Homs district of Baba Amr, the Observatory said. After morning talks with President Bashar al-Assad, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun called on all sides to stop the violence and for planned elections, which have been denounced by the opposition, to go ahead peacefully, state media said. Zhai, whose government has twice joined Russia in blocking UN Security Council condemnation of the Damascus regime’s crackdown, said it was vital that “calm be restored as quickly as possible,” state television reported. “The position of China is to call on the government, the opposition and the rebels to halt acts of violence immediately,” Zhai said, on the second day of talks with Syrian officials. “We hope that the referendum on a new constitution as well as the forthcoming parliamentary elections pass off calmly,” he added. “China supports the reforms under way in Syria and the significant measures taken by the country in this field.” Assad said the unrest was “aimed at dividing the country and delivering a blow to its and role in the region,” the official SANA news agency reported. AFP
14 killed in Mexico clashes
Rudd in a spot over profanity-laced rant
Houston funeral a star-packed affair
MONTERREY: Fourteen people were killed in gun violence in northern and central Mexico on Saturday, authorities said. In the metropolitan area of prosperous and industrial Monterrey, two police were among those slain in the early morning hours in a clash with unidentified assailants. “There was a chase situation. A car with four men in it went up alongside the police patrol car and opened fire,” a source with the state investigating unit said. Some 50,000 people have died in suspected drug violence since President Felipe Calderon began a military crackdown on organized crime in December 2006, according to media counts and official figures.
SYDNEY: Leadership tensions within Australia’s ruling
NEWARK: An audio recording of “I Will Always Love You,” ended a more than four-hour funeral service to the singer Whitney Houston on Saturday, one week after the superstar’s sudden death at 48. Hollywood stars, music greats, relatives and friends had assembled at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey to pay tribute to the singer, where she sang as a child before conquering the world stage with her performances. A casket carrying Houston’s body was taken from the church at around 3.45 pm (8.45 GMT) as “I Will Always Love You,” the theme from “The Bodyguard,” movie regarded by many as her signature track, AFP played in the background.
AFP
Labor party erupted on Sunday with the release of a video showing ex-prime minister Kevin Rudd on an expletive-ridden rant about a Chinese interpreter. The two-minute video, uploaded onto YouTube by a mystery user calling themselves “HappyVegemiteKR”, shows an irate Rudd trying to record a message in Mandarin and railing against the “@%#^head in the embassy” who wrote the text. “This *&@#ing language, he just complicates it so much. How can anyone do this?” Rudd shouts, slamming his fist on the table. Rudd was ousted as leader in a shock party coup in June 2010 by his deputy, Julia Gillard, who scraped back into power at elecAFP tions and is now badly lagging in the polls.
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COMMENT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Tragic story of Vinu
Water shortage bad news
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was so disheartened to see your Auto Page yesterday. It was not something that I was expecting to read. He was such a young boy, lost his life so tragically. My son is a regular biker. The moment he leaves the house to go on one of his rides, I am uneasy till he returns. I heard that Vinu was a safe rider, it was just fate that got him. May his soul rest in peace. Shraddha MN Ameerpet
EDITORIALS STOP OUTSOURCING tirade at India At a time when presidential hopefuls in the US are crying hoarse over outsourcing and how India and China are stealing American jobs, Indian ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao has asked her host country’s policymakers to do a reality check. In a speech at Harvard on Saturday, she pointed out that Indian companies have invested $26 billion and employs 100,000 people directly in the last five years — playing a key role in the slow but steady recovery of the US economy. For a country that cribs about job losses to Asian giants, the US is underplaying the fact that its domestic industry is powered by top-class talent from all over the world, especially India and China. If the US has lost its economic edge, it is because it chose to be complacent — chewing the cud of its superpower glory. Nirupama’s speech is a terse reminder to Uncle Sam that India doesn’t take the role of outsourcing whipping boy kindly.
he story about the water shortage crisis that is going to hit the twin cities this summer was interesting as well as disturbing. It is sad to know that the government we elect to take care of problem is least concerned about the problems we face. There is also an alarming drop in water levels in borewells too. Unless something is done quickly, all will suffer. Janaki Reddy Vikrampuri Colony
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Budget figures suspect
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t is very difficult to believe the ‘surplus’ budget that was presented by the finance minister. So many projects are blocked because there is shortage of funds. In such case, how can the government coffers be overflowing with funds. I suspect that there is some funny adjustment of accounts to present a please-all budget at a time when byelections to seven seats are around the corner. Sundeep T Begumpet
The soul speaks to us in strange ways
WHY WE LOVE... Cordao da Bola Preta Every year, Rio de Janeiro plays host to the largest party in the world. The Cordao da Bola Preta Parade, which took place last night — attracted a record 2.2 million revellers — as part of the Rio Carnival, is a veritable feast for the senses. From gorgeous dancers, to magnificent costumes it makes the Mardi Gras look like a frat party at an underfunded college for social rejects. Brazil does many things well, and the carnival is certainly on that list. And to top it all, this year the parade broke with tradition, for the first time in its 93year history, the event allowed electric sound systems and reversed its normal route. Whatever will they think of next?
EDITORIALS
Soul Curry SUMAA TEKUR
I
am neither deeply religious nor ritualistic. I don’t believe in visiting the temple regularly or performing puja on occasions. Yet, many times, I find myself at places I hadn’t planned to be in at the first place, doing things I’m not greatly passionate about. And yet, I come away having savoured the experience. A recent visit to my friend’s house in Kochi found me in such a situation. When my friend was driving me to her home from the bus station on the morning I arrived at Kochi, one of the first things she told me was that we were going to visit a temple that
evening. She wasn’t asking. She was only telling me. Although she’s not a devoutly religious person and I should have been surprised that a temple, of all places, came to her mind before a shopping mall or picnic did, I instantly agreed without asking questions. We set off for the temple in the evening. It was the first time she was visiting this place, too. We had to search for the place, take narrow by-lanes and circumvent one-way streets. We finally arrived at a small but utterly charming Krishna temple. We walked barefoot on the long stretch to the main temple building. It was not very crowded but devotees had queued up, singing praises of Lord Krishna. The path to the sanctum sanctorum was long and narrow. We hesitated at the entrance. But a temple official told us to walk in. We went in and stood among the other
devotees craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the main deity. The minute we stopped before the door of the main deity, the lights came on and the main aarti started. My friend and I couldn’t resist looking at each other in surprise. The moment was like magic. It was as though we were meant to go there. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. And, in that, I saw a sign. Like the popular saying goes: There are no accidents in life. This was one such incident of synchronicity that I will remember for a long time to come. Some call it spiritual timing — this is the energy that manifests from people and objects and brings out results that we need at that time. One school of thought believes that the soul communicates with us through precisely these small ways. It’s the everyday acts and happenings of life
YANA
that connect us to our deeper selves. These “synchronistic events” may be giving us a heads up to something bigger or they may just be telling us that we’re on the right path. To be able to recognise and connect the dots with these signals is truly a privilege. We spent the rest of the time at the temple walking around in silence and admiring its peace and beauty. It was an old Kerala style temple and little modernity had touched it. We were not tempted to take photographs of the temple, for some reason. Our memories of it, perhaps, are far too precious, and physical records might ruin that feeling. I guess I may never know my purpose of being at the temple at that time, but I cannot deny that it stirred something deep within me, and I connected to my soul through this experience.
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BUSINESS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Finnair bookings surge
Raytheon powers radar
Indians invest $26b in US
N
ordic carrier Finnair, whose cabin crew performed an inflight dance, as a treat for Indian guests on January 26 (Indian Republic Day), reported a surge of 25 per cent of advance booking on its DelhiHelsinki flights, post the promotional initiative, said an official here on Saturday. “In a short time, the advance bookings on Finnair went up by about 25 per cent,” said Kari Stolbow, director, Indian Subcontinent for Finnair.
I
R
ndian companies have invested more than $26 billion in the US in the last five years and the IT companies employ more than one lakh people in that country. “Indian companies are now contributing strongly to local State economies in the US with a presence in 43 states and having invested over $26 billion in the last five years in several key areas of the economy, in manufacturing as also in services,” the Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao.
MICHAEL OSWALD
aytheon has delivered the first APY-10 radar to Boeing for integration on board the Indian Navy’s first P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft that should be delivered in January 2013. It will be installed in the nose of the aircraft, is forward looking and enables 240 degrees surveillance. The radar also provides weather data and is compatible for connectivity with Indian naval ships, satellites and other nodes as required.
The sheen that never fades
Gold price witnessed several ups and some downs last year
Sunday Soup A SAYE SEKHAR
A
ll that glitters may not be gold, but surely gold glitters. Rays of arc lights that incident on the gold ornaments that proudly adorn the necks of rich women do reflect adding glory to the glitter of those wearing them. Marriage, birthday party, or any function, the first choice of most women is gold. We saw golden teeth and even a wafer-thin gold layer on a dosa in Bangalore. A layer of gold foil laces ghulkand in a paan to add value to it. Almost all languages in the world, which have poetry as a form of expression do have numerous anthologies penned with yellow metal as the subject. Myriad offers by jewellers add to the sheen of gold. Gold is the most common epithet in labelling anything in the world — from cement to whisky and from a cool drink to tea and from thresholds to gates. Even some Ian Fleming’s Bond movies have gold central to their themes. Gold occupies such a pride of place in everyday life of mankind. Gold price witnessed several ups and some downs last year, but stabilised around `27,000 for 10 grams. As latest on Saturday, the ruling price of 24-karat gold in Mumbai bullion market was `28,100 per 10 grams.
The global demand surged ahead to over $200 billion 2011. The 4,067.1 tonne (estimated at $ 205 billion) is the highest since 1997, according to the demand trends indicated by World Gold Council (WGC).The annual demand rose by five per cent to 1,640.7 tonnes mainly because of growing investments. The value attached was $82.9 billion. We are particularly proud because, India topped the list of pre-eminent markets followed by China and Europe. After all, gold is the measure of the country’s economic muscle. China overtook India in terms of global jewellery demand with 55 per cent in its kitty (India lagged behind with 49 per cent). Central banks continued the trend established in 2010 of being net buyers of gold. Purchases by central banks soared from 77t to 439.7t. This reflects the need to diversify assets, reduce reliance on one or two foreign currencies, rebalance reserves and ultimately protect national wealth. Marcus Grubb, managing director, Investment at the World Gold Council said, “Asian growth and optimism on the one hand and Western desire to protect assets against uncertainty on the other drove the growth. Looking particularly at Asia, there was a major boost to the overall figures from the increase in Chinese demand, which is a trend that could continue over the next year. It is likely that China will emerge as the largest gold market in the world for the first time in 2012.”
What WGC findings say India remains the largest country for demand with 933.4t, which is notable considering the volatility of the gold price and the weakness of the Indian rupee against the US dollar during the second half of the year. Gold jewellery accounted for over 500t and the investment market demand reached 366t. Indian demand accounted for 25 per cent of total bar and coin demand worldwide. n In China, annual demand of 769.8t was up 20 per cent yearon-year as a result of increases in both jewellery and investment. The largest rise was in investment. China jewellery demand increased every quarter of last year and was the largest single jewellery market worldwide for the second half of 2011. n There was also a surge in demand in Europe with the region posting its seventh consecutive annual gain to 374.8t. Germany and Switzerland were the main drivers of growth in the region as the eurozone remains in turmoil and the need for asset protection continues to be a priority. n
Gold demand data for 2011 n
On the supply side, gold mine production reached a new annual record of 2,809.5t, four per cent up compared to 2010. Recycling was down two per cent year on year to 1,611.9t, which indicates that near-market
supplies are drying up and that consumers may be holding on to their gold in the expectation of higher prices. n Gold used in electronics was up 1.1 per cent to 330.4t worth, a record $16.7 billion, which is
unexpected considering the increase in cost. n The value of jewellery demand in 2011 reached a new annual record of $99.2 billion. India and China continue to believe in both the intrinsic and emotional
value of gold jewellery, which explains why overall global jewellery demand was resilient despite high gold prices, difficult economic conditions, volatility and currency weakness against the US dollar.
n
Demand for gold bars and coins continued to be robust and were major contributors of the increase in investment demand, which climbed 24 per cent to 1,486.7t.
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PROFILE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
AD WORLD’S GRAND DAME What makes for a successful woman in today’s world? Ask, and you will get an abundance of plausible answers. But when you want to know what success looks like, you can talk to Santha John
INDIRA ATLURI
indira.a@postnoon.com
T
he managing director of JWT Mindset Advertising, Santha John, essays effortlessly the roles of the leader of her enterprise, a mother and a wife. In an interview with her, we saw the different facets of the Grand Dame of the advertising world. Her advent into the ad world came by ‘elimination’ she tells us. “Years ago, there wasn’t much choice, people were either teachers, or secretaries, and I didn’t want to be either of them. So it had to be advertising. There were more women those days in advertising than there are today. And today, all the top advertising companies are run by men. We definitely need more women,” she says emphatically. Santha’s phone rings constantly and she graciously excuses herself each time. As we see the animated side to her, we realise the importance she holds in the lives of other people. She smiles as she tells us, “My husband saw the Warhorse movie and he called to tell me it was good. And my brother is coming to Hyderabad from the USA — as excited as I am, I do have a lot of planning to do, and hence these calls.” The list of to-dos on her table is reflective of her organised living. Santha
believes that women today have the advantages of a good career and a better self-esteem like never before. She tells us, “Today, young girls go abroad even for under-graduate studies. I see many women who are challenging, capable, educated and self-driven and it feels good to see that. Education according to me is the key to many successes. Whether they have a supporting family or not, I believe that women should be educated.” Her professionalism is well-known in the advertising circles. She tells us, “I do not like people with the ‘genetic disorder’ of not moving and getting things done! I never understood why people procrastinate. I believe that it is unpardonable. I know I can delegate work. But my job does not end there — I make sure to follow up on what was delegated. Together with my business partner Ram, I work hard but am never tired of it. We remind each other of the things to be done, so everything is in order at the end of the day. I am the sort who has great perseverance. I don’t think of the impending successess or failure. I just cannot live with the regret of not trying.”
I am the sort who has great perseverance. I don’t think of the impending successess or failure. I just cannot live with the regret of not trying. Santha John Known for being socially active, Santha tells us about the importance of friends in her life, “I enjoy inviting friends home for parties. I don’t like monotony much, so I try a complicated recipe for my parties. And most of the times, I succeed. I do enjoy the company of my friends. It comes as no surprise to us then, that come Christmas, Santha buys her fruits in October to marinate them in brandy until the first week of December. “This year, I used 192 eggs to bake my cakes,” she tells us proudly. She then tells us about her growing up years, “I studied in a boarding school, away from home for most part of my school-life and was always independent. My father passed away when I was 11, and my mother soon moved to Kerala. I moved to Kerala after schooling, but never even knew who my neighbours were; I never really did care. I was even then a very independent person and disliked being told what to do, so I never felt free. But when I got married and moved to Hyderabad, I started a new life with my husband. It gave a new sense of happiness and freedom.” We soon realise that Santha’s formula for life is a simple equation everyone can endorse. While for many, it takes an eternity to implement, for Santha, it is not an option but a way of life.
Motto
I
believe in what Dag Hammarskjold once said: It is easy to be nice, even to an enemy — from lack of character.
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INSIGHT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Into the golden years together
Q ‘N’ A
The thought that one needs a companion more in old age than in youth is sinking into the collective consciousness, but orthodoxy still prevails NIDHI
Rajeshwari (62) has no grand curriculum vitae to boast of but she has a ton of that uncommon essence called common sense. She knows how people feel as they move towards decay and death. She herself has suffered at the hands of a man who did not know the dharma of a husband. She floated Thodu Needa to offer a solution to this vexed problem. How and when did you begin Thodu Needa? I began to work for the seniors’ welfare in 2008. A seniors’ daycare was where I first started working. I was working for their welfare but I was not confident about it. I came in touch with the Companion Club of India, Mumbai and they helped me with ideas. That is how I began Thodu Needa in May 2010.
What is the proclaimed aim of Thodu Needa? It is a platform to help lonely seniors meet, become friends, live together or even marry if they like. The organisation does not get directly into their affair. Let the seniors who are neglected and lonely live a life rather than an existence.
What is the single-most important obstacle before you? The social stigma. The children don’t mind dumping their parents in old-age homes but they would not want them to have a companion. And they are reflecting the social attitude.
What is your dream? To visit every district of Andhra Pradesh and make a network for the welfare of lonely seniors.
PK SURENDRAN
pksurendran@gmail.com
“A
aj mere baap ki shaadi hai,” a corrupted form of a popular Hindi film song from Aadmi Sadak Ka, aptly marked the Thodu Needa (a plank for lonely elders) meeting held at Tarnaka on Sunday. It sounds creepy today but the concept could be in vogue a few years from now. The thought that one needs a companion more in old age than in youth is sinking in the collective mind though orthodoxy still holds the ground. Hyderabad’s Thodu Needa provides a unique platform to lonely seniors — men and women — who by a quirk of fate are left alone in the evening of their life — divorced or dead spouses or neglected by their children. At least six seniors (three pairs) found possible partners at the meeting and they took a vow to live together for the rest of their life whether their children, now all married and settled, approve or not. A Narasimha Rao is 75 and his wife Indira is 55. Both their spouses have been dead for 10 to 12 years now. They first met in
July last at a Thodu Needa meeting and were married a few months later. “Our courtship lasted a couple of months. We really understand each other. Our children are married and settled in their life. She and I found that our children had little time or inclination to live with us. And, why not go for a second innings in life?” asks Rao with visible zest for life. Fortunately, Rao’s four children understand the need for a companion in his old age. Indira too had faced no great resistance. In fact, their children and their spouses seem relieved. Today, they are a happy couple living in MGCH colony, Gandhinagar, Chirala. Rao is Hindu and Indira is a Christian convert. “ She goes to church on Sunday and I go to my temple. Perfect! Isn’t it?” Rao enquired impishly. Rao was a manager with Andhra Bank and he has his own property in Chirala. But he drops to whispers saying even now people around look at them with a touch of disdain or curiosity. But, Ramu Raju and Mary (name changed) are not so lucky. A retired railway employee whose wife died many years ago following sickness, he found himself an outcast in his own home. His sons and their wives have no time for him. Even if he did not eat, they wouldn’t ask. Life for Mary, who
ekes out a living by stitching clothes, was tough since her husband died when their daughter was six-months old. “Alone and young, I struggled to give her good education and protection. “She got a post-graduation, landed a decent job, and I married her off to a well-paid techie. But now my daughter’s in-laws look down on me. They (including my daughter) find me below their status.” It was in such a miserable situation that she came to a Thodu Needa meeting and met Ramu.
THODU NEEDA PRO-
VIDES A UNIQUE PLATFORM TO LONELY SENIORS — MEN AND WOMEN — WHO BY A QUIRK OF FATE ARE LEFT ALONE IN THE EVENING OF THEIR LIFE. “It was instant love,” smiles Ramu who is quite frail and needs care. “She is plain, has suffered in life and therefore knows how to be happy with a limited income. I get `8,000 pension a month. It is enough for both of us.” Mary nods in assent. But Ramu and Mary are yet to disclose their plans to their children. “When they don’t want us, why do we care?” asks Mary.
“We will register our marriage soon and take a rental.” Another couple, Ramana Rao and Shailaja, are not so bad off. Spouses of both have been dead several years ago and their children are married and settled abroad. Rao is 67 and Shailaja, 48. Rao looks young for his age. He was a banker and has property in City. “I hate to live alone. It’s a curse,” says Rao. “My wife died of brain haemorrhage in 2000 and ever since I have been miserable. “We have decided to hitch up,” Rao says throwing a side glance at his fiancée who in turn coyly nudges him and blushes. Do they have the same wavelength? “Ninety-eight per cent,” says Shailaja. She wouldn’t say what is that two per cent gap. They seem eager to get married and start life anew. Suddenly, Shailaja sits up and asks alarmingly, “You are not going to write all this, are you?” Rao pacifies her, “Our children don’t care, and so don’t bother. We have the experience of a lifetime to guide us. We’ll make it a success.” She nods and pats his arm lovingly. Companionship in old age is more mental than physical. But people attribute a sexual connotation to seniors finding a companion. It’s a collective bias of the society. Nearly 100 people participated in the companionship meeting.
Do you have any regrets? Yes, now that you ask me. Look, I don’t want to go for donations. But you know it costs money to run an organisation. All I have is a teacher’s pension. Sometimes I wonder why can’t these 30-40 people who found partners through Thodu Needa give me some help, in cash or kind. The only one who did was Giri who found a partner and he promptly bought a printer and fax machine for us.
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ART AND CULTURE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Sports, illustrated
Lost Appel works found
MINNEAPOLIS: An exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts explores the transformation of sports from leisure activity to mass spectacle. Curator David Little says the inspiration for ‘The Sports Show’, at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, came when he saw a Paul Pfeiffer exhibition at the Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin. “I walk into this completely spare gallery with just these beautiful wood floors,” he said. “It was one of those spine-chilling moments.”
LONDON: More than 400 works of art by a celebrated 20th-century Dutch artist have been found in a British warehouse more than a decade after they disappeared, leaving the artist distraught. Karel Appel, a leading Dutch expressionist, died at the age of 85 in 2006. He never recovered from the loss of a lifetime's worth of drawings, sketches, notebooks and other works believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Waste not, want not LONDON: Ten umbrellas, 16 chairs, three ancient radiators, innumerable medicine bottles and old boxes of tea — and that's just scratching the surface. On Tuesday, the Barbican in London opened its doors to reveal five decades' worth of possessions accumulated by Zhao Xiangyuan, the mother of the Chinese conceptual artist Song Dong, 46. The 10,000 items took a fortnight for Song and his family to arrange on the floor of the Barbican's Curve gallery.
Dramanon: Infusing life into theatre Grooming student actors, directors, stage managers and designers, with every passing year, Dramanon is one group, which believes that theatre will only see better days ahead Indira Atluri
We are in need of a similar platform like the Prithvi in Mumbai, or the Ranga Shankara in Bangalore.
indira.a@postnoon.com
– RK Shenoy
W
e spoke to RK Shenoy, the name behind the revival of Dramanon. He tells us about the initial days of Dramanon, “I was the visiting faculty at the Manipal Institute of Technology, and saw that there was no theatre activity whatsoever in the campus there. So I decided to revive the theatre group and infuse new life into what had faded into oblivion. In 2007, we came to Hyderabad, and since then we have staged 14 shows in the last five years.” On his take on theatre arts today, Shenoy tells us, “The growth in terms of quantity has been fantastic yes, but qualitatively, we need to improve. In Hyderabad, the Osmania and the Hyderabad Central University do teach theatre, but where do the artists vanish after graduation? Obviously, they try for the movies. I do know that theatre is not monetarily rewarding, and so the apprehension.” Dramanon’s recent win at the AYNA 2012 competition is proof
of the group’s dedication to the revival of theatre arts. Shenoy shares his excitement over the win as he tells us, “The panel of judges included the eminent Om Puri and Prayag Shukla among others. And we won two awards — one for the best play, and the other for the best performance. It was a moment to cherish for all of us.” Shenoy also recalls, “I remember what Om Puri said, ‘Good plays are the ones that remain in your head. When the audience is able to take the moments along with them, your show had the intended impact’.” Shenoy feels the need for a better space for theatre in the city. He says, “We are in need of a similar platform like the Prithvi in Mumbai, or the Ranga Shankara in Bangalore. We have better platforms than before to showcase our performances, and the prices too have come down, but an exclusive theatre space is definitely the need of the hour.”
Connecting the dots
Branching off from impressionism, Pointillism became a credible art movement in its own right
I
n 1886, a French draftsman and painter named Georges Pierre Seurat devised a new and innovative technique of painting using a number of small but distinct dots of contrasting pure colour to form images. Critics who saw his work considered it ridiculous and therefore coined a pejorative term called Pointillism. It was later closely associated with another movement of art called Divisionism. But
ART FOR DUMMIES where divisionism focused on the separation of colours into individual dots or patches that interacted optically, Pointillism was more specifically focused on the brushwork. The technique relies on the ability of the eye and mind of the viewer to blend the colour spots into a fuller range of tones. But
unlike traditional palettes, Pointillism is restricted to the process colours CMYK. The majority of pointillism is done in oil paints as they are preferred for their thickness and tendency to not run or bleed. Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Henri-Edmond Cross, Charles Angrand, John Roy, Chuck Close and Georges Lemmen are some of the most notable artists practicing this movement.
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DESIGN SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Herzog Hall in doldrums HAMBURG: Since 2007, controversy has been stirring due to rising costs and delayed schedule of Herzog & de Meuron’s Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, Germany. Recent reports state the court has approved the city of Hamburg’s €40-million lawsuit against the primary contractor HochTief, who has stopped working in four areas of the €600-million project this past November. HochTief blames the architect due to differences in its plans.
Weiss/Manfredi for NatGeo
Glass underpants no more
WASHINGTON DC: Weiss/Manfredi has just been selected to transform the urban campus of the National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, DC following a competition among top firms such as Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Steven Holl Architects. The project will establish new connections among the diverse collection of buildings that span more than a century on the site and create a new expression for National Geographic’s programmes.
MUNICH: The votes are in and 72 per cent of the citizens in Isny im Allgäu (Bavaria, Germany) have vetoed Peter Zumthor’s design for the new city gate commonly referred to as the ‘glass underpants’. As the Swiss architect is famously praised for his context-sensitive designs, the people of Isny initially felt ‘lucky’ to have Zumthor design for their town. They had high hopes for their very own Steilneset Memorial but ultimately were disappointed.
Sowing the seeds for a greener tomorrow
DESIGN FILES
The British Design Museum has announced nominees for the best designs of 2011. Here’s a peek.
Sprawling lawns, trees and flowers welcome you at Novotel, Madhapur, which recently bagged the Best Hotel Garden award. We take you for a stroll on the green Top 10 Green hotels of the world SHIBA MINAI
shiba.m@postnoon.com
N
ovotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Madhapur recently bagged the Best Hotel Garden award instituted by the ministry of horticulture. Novotel has not only been exceeding expectations by providing world-class service but they have also utilised their 15-acre campus to the optimum level. Winning this prestigious award took a lot of effort and hard work. “It was very difficult to match up to the parameters set by the judges. The three main ones drawn out were variety of foliage, utilisation of the space available, and lastly, the maintenance of the greens and gardens,” informs Tejus Jose, the resident manager of NHCC. Tejus is quick to credit the team of gardeners at NHCC who made the achievement pos-
n The Q Hotel and Spa, Kansas, Missouri n White Eco-Retreat – Switzerland n Voyages Longitude 131 – Australia n ChumbeIsland Coral Park – Zanzibar,
Tanzania n Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada n Adrere Amellal, Egypt n Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado n Tiamo Resort, Bahamas n Soneva Fushi Resort, Maldives n Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, California
sible. “We have an army of 30 gardeners, who are constantly at work from dusk to dawn — be it tending to the landscape or monitoring watering of the plants (they have an extensive irrigation procedure) and a lot more,” he says. They have also recently planted rain trees that contribute to the eco system. Unlike a lot of commercial properties, NHCC has a massive lawn area. We ask how do they maintain the greens and Tejus says, “For us the toughest
times are when we have events and the lawns are damaged, the first four–six days are critical and we spend a lot of time and effort in resurrecting the greens to ensure they come back to a healthy state.” NHCC also has an in-house kitchen garden. They grow their own vegetables and herbs that are harvested on a bi-monthly basis. Tejus tells us, “We grow about 60kg of vegetables every month and a half and this produce is what we use in
our kitchen. We have beds of coriander, basil, and other herbs. We avoid chemicals, and use natural pest control methods.” A part of the manure used is from the waste generated in the hotel. The waste is then put into a compost pit and used after it decomposes.”We are yet to go a long way and want to improvise on waste management, compost and other recycle methods,” says Tejus about their future plans. Another interesting feature of NHCC is that they also take care of an in-house nursery, Tejus says, “A lot of plants have small life spans like 1.5 to three years. To replace them, we are constantly nurturing saplings, and are used as and where possible.” NHCC’s attempt at maintaining their greens is not only for the aesthetic purposes but also for the greater good of making the world a better place to live in. After their work has been appreciated, the hotel is further motivated and aims to achieve greater standards.
1. Guangzhou Opera House What: Opera house Where: Guangzhou, China The structure was designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid; its freestanding concrete auditorium set within an audacious exposed granite and glass-clad steel frame took over five years to build, and was praised upon opening by architectural critic Jonathan Glancey in The Guardian, who called it “at once highly theatrical and insistently subtle.” The dramatic structure was the source of inspiration behind fashion designer Vivienne Tam’s fall ‘10 collection.
DEEPAK DESHPANDE
2. Hepworth Wakefield
What: Art gallery Where: Wakefield, England The Hepworth Wakefield is a cluster of 10 trapezoidal blocks, which form the structure; the upper-level galleries are lit by natural light from large windows in the pitched roofs. Its windows frame views of the river and historic waterfront and the city skyline. The façade of the building was made on site using selfcompacting pigmented concrete, the first of its kind in the UK. The material was selected by the architects to emphasise the sculptural appearance of the building.
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FOOD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Health plan for schools
Diet soda’s dirty secret
LOS ANGELES: A new piece of legislation, aimed at helping keep schoolchildren from unhealthy foods could be viewed as a threat to the popular food truck industry in California. The proposed legislation AB 1678, introduced into the California State Legislature on Tuesday, would restrict ‘mobile foot and beverage vending’ near schools when they’re in session. To be exact — food trucks could not sell within 1,500 feet of schools from 6am to 6pm.
WASHINGTON: Diet pop may benefit the waistline, but a new study suggests that people who drink it every day have a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, which followed almost 2,600 older adults for a decade, found that those who drank diet pop every day were 44 per cent more likely than non-drinkers to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The findings, were reported in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Snickers not king anymore NEW YORK: Mars is discontinuing its King Size Snickers bar, and even the traditional 2-ounce version of the chocolate bar is headed for the chopping block, as the venerable candy company pares down its products in the face of America's obesity epidemic. The company has replaced the King Size Snickers with the so-called ‘2toGo’, which is two bars in one package. Each of the bars is 220 calories. The company said the package can be resealed.
Empowering women through the kitchen
One simple idea will bring in change in the very functions of the family. This can bring a revolution in women’s lives the way the mobile phones did SYED SHOAIB
shoaib.s@postnoon.com
M
y mother was a homemaker and a successful career woman. She carried out both roles with aplomb. I am talking of a time three decades ago when not many women thought of a career outside of their homes. I remember my mother had to be at work at 7am. We children had to leave for school by 8. She would cook breakfast and lunch by the time she left. My father would serve it to us and pack our lunch boxes, get us ready for school and drop us off. And mind you those were not the days of pressure cookers, mixers, washing machines and gas cylinders. My mother cooked on the kerosene pump stove, ground masala on the grinding stone and cooked in open vessels. It all used to be hectic, but I
do not remember a single day when I had to go without breakfast or lunch. Now looking back I realise the effort my mother had to put in to ensure that her family was well fed while she managed her career. We all took it for granted that though she earned like my father, cooking was her duty. It never occurred to us any other way. The head of the Dawoodi Bohra community Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin has started community kitchens for members of his community thereby freeing the Bohra women from the hassle of daily cooking, allowing them more time to devote to religious activities, education of their children, and starting small businesses. It is indeed a wonderful way to empower women. This can bring a revolution in women’s lives the way the mobile phones did. Every month some amount will be contributed by each family and in return they will get two cooked meals
delivered at home. Just imagine the result of women being freed from the bondage of the kitchen. The effect it will have on her individual self. She’ll have more time for herself, she will be more rested, and she can be better
groomed, increasing her selfesteem and self-worth. She will be calmer and it will reflect on the way she deals with her family and the situations at home. Her health will improve and she will make fewer visits to the doctor. Imagine the amount of time and effort saved in planning and preparing meals. Also, no one in the family can complain against the food or about it not being cooked on time. Children will be on time at school. There will be no scenes of the morning rush hour common in households. Instead, picture-perfect scenes of neat well-groomed smiling families waving each other goodbye would become the everyday scenario. One of the objectives of the scheme is to ensure that women get gainfully employed and become economically independent. Time now gained will motivate the woman to use it in starting small enterprises. The woman will no longer be con-
strained by household chores as she will now utilise the saved time to negotiate buyers, sellers, designers and the multiple individuals and agencies that are associated with any business small or large. She will get to handle money and learn banking. The money in her account will make her a more confident individual and the family, particularly the children, will benefit. For career women it will be a God-sent gift. For once there will be equality between men and women in the workplace and in the distribution of work at home. This will bring about a major change in the society. Once the idea becomes successful, and more kitchens are opened, such ventures will become places of employment generation. Right from cooks to dieticians, managers, helpers, cleaners, packers, people to transport food to homes, people will be employed. Of course, one has to ensure that a high level of hygiene is maintained and variety is available. The idea will
MY MOTHER COOKED ON THE KEROSENE PUMP STOVE, GROUND MASALA ON THE GRINDING STONE AND COOKED IN OPEN VESSELS. IT ALL USED TO BE HECTIC, BUT I DO NOT REMEMBER A SINGLE DAY WHEN I HAD TO GO WITHOUT FOOD. certainly be welcomed by all women. Every idea has its flip side: Women will feel the loss of the creative aspect that they feel every time a meal is prepared, for cooking is not all drudgery. It actually is enjoyable and therapeutic, and allows women’s creativity to come out in the form of various delicacies. Besides, the kitchen itself is a power centre of women, one area where they are in control and no male can ever presume to poach their preserve. It is also a safe haven for women in the house. They are likely to lose this sense of power. Women can overcome these dilemmas by indulging in cookery more as a hobby rather than a chore. Women certainly will have a choice now, which they can make by assessing where the gains lie. If only my mother had this convenience! But now her daughters will be blessed with it!
15
FOOD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 MARYAM SULTANA
Try out this delicious mutton stew traditionally cooked in a deep and narrow-mouthed cooking pot
Handi gosht
Noor's Kitchen Dhabas! The word conjures images of truckers feasting on Sarson da saag and Makkai di roti, squatting on chaarpaais and drinking lassi from huge, brass tumblers. But that’s not the case with modern dhabas in our country, especially here in our city. Postnoon visits a few popular dhabas that dot our highways
Highway on your plate MARYAM SULTANA
T
he muddy grounds have been replaced with lush gardens, the cots by tables and thus these small local restaurants have been transformed into huge outdoor dining areas with an impressive ambience. Highway No 7, Medchal, is a paradise for good food lovers. “Some dhabas have been running here for over 20 years, the oldest ones being Chandni and Taj. Our dhaba has been here for almost 13 years. Over this span of time we have catered to a lot of tourists, local families and college going students here,” says Md Rasheedduddin, owner of Zee Dhaba. These small eateries have a variety of cuisine for their customers, which range from Chinese to Mughlai and from Andhra to Bihari. “We serve almost 200 customers per day. Kebabs, Pepper chicken and Tandoori chicken masala are very popular among our regular customers. We also offer
vegetarian delights like Paneer shahi khurma and Mixed vegetable curry,” says Biyas, manager of Sony International Family Dhaba. During the day you can find groups of college-going students flocking to these dhabas, as most of these dhabas have been set up in the vicinity of the nearby engineering colleges. “We come to these dhabas very often as they’re very close to our colleges. The best part about this place is that it
offers delicious food at reasonable prices, and the service is kind of casual. We have a ball of a time here. The dhaba culture is not a ‘rage’ with college-goers here, but I am sure in time it will be,” says Rahul Chowdhry a student from CMR college. It is in the evenings that the dhabas actually come alive; the ambience changes with families coming in. SK Saleem, manager at Deewan Dhaba says, “Our dhaba is spread over four acres. We
have outdoor as well as indoor dining areas, swings and fun-rides for kids, and halls for organising parties or get-togethers. So our place offers a variety of facilities when compared to the rest. Families, students, couples, political leaders, models and tourists, this is what our clientele consists of.” The new look of these dhabas has been attracting a lot of crowds. In short, the dhaba culture despite all competition is here to stay.
Origin of dhabas
I
n India and Pakistan, highways are dotted with local restaurants popularly known as dhabas. They generally serve local cuisine, and also serve as truck stops. Here in India, dhabas are mostly found near petrol bunks. As most truck drivers were Punjabi, these roadside eateries are famous for Punjabi cuisine; but that has obviously change, with them now offering all kinds of culinary options. Dhabas were characterised by mud structures and cots to sit upon while eating and then rest. A wooden plank would be placed across the width of the cot to place the dishes. With time, the cots were replaced by tables. But what has remained is that the food is typically inexpensive and has a homemade feel to it.
NOOR JAFRI Ingredients 1. Boneless mutton (pieces or minced) – 200gm 2. Papaya paste – 1tsp 3. Black pepper powder – 1tsp 4. Red chilly powder – 1tsp 5. Garam masala powder – 1tsp 6. Ginger garlic paste – 1tsp 7. Coriander and green chillies paste – 1tsp 8. Kaju/khus-khus powdered – 1tsp each 9. Roasted chana dal powder – 4tsp 10. Oil – 4tsp 11. Ghee – 2tsp 12. Salt to taste 13. A piece of charcoal 14. Garnishing – onion rings, mint leaves and lemon wedges
Method 1. Marinate the mutton with papaya and all other ingredients for 1-2 hours 2. Shift the marinated mutton into the clay pot 3. Make a well in the centre and put ghee and dip a burning red charcoal into this, covering it tightly till the smoke is absorbed and mutton starts giving off a smoky aroma. 4. Put the oil around the mutton on all sides of the plate and cook it on a gas stove or charcoal fire from both the sides till done and it gets brown on the top. 5. Garnish and serve hot in the same plate.
Chef’s note With low fat content, it’s safe even for calorie-conscious people. Noor Jafri runs a cooking class in Hyderabad called Noor’s Kitchen. She can be contacted over 2335 6947 or 94412 82318.
18
SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Postnoon news
Pearl shines bright
DEPARTMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY, BITS
P
earl 2012, the annual fest of Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) is only getting bigger and better. On Day 2, more than 2,000 students from across the State and country visited the campus. Technical events like Line Follower, Robo Wars, Surface computing workshop and paper presentations attracted huge crowds and proved to be a definite hit among students. On the other side of the campus were the cultural events which included everything from dance to drama, also a major draw for the audiences. Solo and group dance events and the photog-race project saw the best of their talent. Surely these guys know how to make the best out of any waste as evident in the event Raw Genius where one had to build something out of old newspapers and plastic bottles. Six bands fought it out in the rock band competition, Til’ Deaf Do We Part. If this was not enough, the Belgian band Thurisaz left the crowd mesmerised. But the party was just only beginning. The War of the DJs went on till wee hours of the morning with students dancing their hearts out and asking for more.
Osama Salman
On a high note A
salman.o@postnoon.com fter a rocking Day 1, Day 2 at Felicity 2012 — IIIT’s annual fest came with a lot of expectations. But living up to the hype was not even a challenge. Day 2 started on a high note with robots entering the arena to play sports. Yes, you read that right. One of the highlights of Felicity was RoboSoccer, where four robots, two on each team took on each other in a game of soccer. With live commentary, induced with wit and humour, not only was it an interesting watch, it was also a laugh riot. Staying true to being an engineering college, there were other events related to the field. The King of Bread Board in which participants were required to solve a complex problem using an electrical board was a major hit among the students. Another event that needs special mention was Spin the Yarn — a storytelling session. Other events like Stomp the Yard, a dance competition, drew as usual, a full house. The choreography was fabulous! The day ended with a superb performance by Riders of the Storm and Inner Sanctum. Will we go back to IIIT-H on Day 3? Without a doubt!
N SHIVA KUMAR
19
SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Worth the gold
Models showcased jewellery from Tibarumals as it was awarded the National Jewellery Award 2012.
DD
DEEPAK DESHPANDE
Creativity at its best Sana Mirza
sana.m@postnoon.com
R
educe. Reuse. Recycle. That was the theme of NIFT's annual fest, Spectrum 2012 fashion show on Saturday. True to its reputation, NIFT’s students from various departments showcased their best work. The creative urban warriors took to stage deriving inspiration from some of nature's biggest threats like global warming, pollution, animal endangerment, etc. One of the most interesting collections displayed was called the Bicycle Crusade, in which different parts of a bicycle were used to put together uniquely designed costumes. But it was the Hullabaloo Rhapsody, which stole the show last night with the young designers taking a leaf out of the big, fat Indian wedding. They made use of items that are generally used at weddings like flowers, dhol or drums, the lights and more, to assemble their outfits. Not to be left behind, children also had their share of fun by showcasing merchandise from Chota Bheem as a part of the show.
N SHIVA KUMAR
Evening Raaga
The Bhimsen Joshi Festival was a grand success as singing and dancing was the agenda for the day.
20
HISTORY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Feb 25
1836 – Samuel Colt received a patent for a revolving gun.
Feb 24 1981 – Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Britain's Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.
Feb 26
1815 – Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from the Island of Elba. He then began his second conquest of France.
Feb 22
Feb 22
1997 – Scottish scientist Ian Wilmut and colleagues announced that an adult sheep had been successfully cloned. Dolly was actually born on July 5, 1996. Dolly was the first mammal to have been successfully cloned from an adult cell.
1732 – George Washington, first president of the United States was born.
Feb 20
Feb 23
1952 – Emmett L Ashford became the first black umpire in organised baseball. He was authorised to be a substitute in the Southwestern International League.
1919 – The Fascist Party was formed in Italy by Benito Mussolini.
Feb 26
1993 – Six people were killed and more than a thousand injured when a van exploded in the parking garage beneath the World Trade Center in New York City.
Feb 23
1940 – Walt Disney's animated movie Pinocchio was released.
Feb 21
1965 – Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City at the age of 39 by assassins identified as Black Muslims.
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CINEMA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
B-TOWN TWEETIES @konkonas First day of film shoot after a year and a half and a baby :)
@bipsluvurself Thank you all fr the good wishes n love tht u all r sending me fr my next release #Jodi Breakers!Its a very special film!
@sonusood18 @SrBachchan Get well soon sir..Wishing a speedy recovery..love u always :-)
@imarshadwarsi Gd Mrng to all...have a super Sunday... I am gonna rest my body today coz I must
@realpreityzinta It's a cold Rainy day in Paris today. Somehow the cold has taken away the romance frm the rain & left me wid nothing but fever ! Bachaao ! @NeilNMukesh Ok so my friends sat with me till now. Narrated them all the anecdotes of the trip to masai mara. I love my friends.
@SrBachchan Hospital 7 Hills , Mumbai Feb 18, 2012 (cont) tl.gd/g09e88
@kjohar25 Lots of love amit uncle!!! @SrBachchan godspeed!!!! Wishing you a super speedy recovery!!!!
Big B battles sleepless nights
B’wood should look for stories in books: John A
ctor John Abraham feels that instead of getting inspired by Hollywood films, Bollywood filmmakers should start adapting stories from books. “Most of the time, in our industry we get a lot of inspiration from other films, especially English films. But I think the best inspiration you can get is out of books,” the 39-year-old said at the launch of the book In A Bubble of Time. “Even English films that have done well, got their inspiration out of books. So I think it’s important to read and get new ideas and I think that is where we are limiting ourselves,” he added. “I have been a great fan of 20th century fiction and I love Jeffry Archer. So, I have read all his books and if I have to make a Hindi picture I would definitely make it IANS on a Jeffrey Archer book,” he said.
A
week after he was hospitalised and underwent two abdominal surgeries, Amitabh Bachchan says he is spending sleepless nights and recovering only slowly. Unable to doze off at the Seven Hills Hospital, Big B took to Twitter at 4am on Saturday to connect with his “extended family”. “Have not been able to sleep yet... so I guess you all have to tolerate me for a while,” the 69year-old megastar wrote. “The body repairs but gradually... what a piece of machinery the Almighty created...incredible! “Yes it’s become a routine now to be awake all night almost... best time to think, reminisce, write and contemplate... “The doctors have gone home, the family is asleep in adjoining room and the night nurses and sisters are a joy to be IANS with...,” he added.
A
ctor Irrfan Khan, who plays the lead in a biopic on Paan Singh Tomar, a former national steeplechase championturned-bandit, says some former athletes asked for money to talk about the runner. Since the research material on Paan Singh Tomar for the film of the same name was limited, filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia had to approach former athletes for more information on him. “Tigmanshu and his writers went out to research about Paan Singh but people were not ready to talk about him. There are some athletes on whom films are being made, they were more interested in talking about themselves. There are some who even asked for money to talk... so research took a lot of time,” said Irrfan Khan. IANS
Former athletes demanded money to talk: Irrfan Khan
22
CINEMA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Red 2 to be directed by Dean Parisot
Third Bridget Jones movie doubtful
A
ctor Hugh Grant says the status of the third Bridget Jones movie is still in doubt as a number of screenplays have failed to hit the “bull’s eye”. The actor showed off his nasty side by essaying Daniel Cleaver opposite Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth in the first two films, which were both huge hits at the box-office. Though grapevine suggests all three stars are gearing up for a third installment, Grant reveals they are still to sign any contracts as the draft storylines have not been up to scratch. “I did like playing Daniel Cleaver, but there is no definite part three. None of the three of us have signed up yet. There’s been a number of drafts that have had great things in them but haven’t quite hit the bull’s eye,” Total Film magazine quoted Grant as saying. “But they’re working on it again now with yet another writer, as soon as they get to a good point we will do it, I’m sure. It’s just that it does have to be significantIANS ly reinvented,” he added.
D
ean Parisot is in final negotiations to direct the sequel to Summit¹s hit action movie Red. Red saw Bruce Willis lead a cast that included Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Morgan Freeman, among others, as over-the-hill special ops agents forced out of retirement. The quartet is expected to return for the sequel, although no deals are signed and sealed. Robert Schwentke directed the first movie, which hit theatres in the fall 2010 and grossed almost $200 million worldwide.
Matthew Perry joins The Good Wife!
A
fter the low ratings of his last show, we’re really glad he’s found a new home — this time on The Good Wife! Plus it’s not just a cameo, it’s going to be a recurring role! He’s going to play an attorney from Chicago named Mike who’s heading up a blue-ribbon panel in charge of investigating a police shooting. He’s not going to have an easy time winning over Julianna Margulies, even though he’s supposedly really charming.
CINEMA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
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24
CINEMA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Pete Doherty to stop taking drugs
Britney to settle lawsuit
R
ocker Pete Doherty has decided to stop injecting drugs out of respect for his mystery girlfriend. He does not want her to dabble in drugs. “I’ve stopped injecting. The only way I see myself in a serious relationship is if I am toning it down a bit. When you’re banging up all day you can’t really have someone in your life, especially if she’s an English rose. I wouldn’t let her touch anything. I just wouldn’t,” contactmusic.com quoted Doherty as saying. Doherty, who has earlier dated supermodel Kate Moss, also says he is calmer ever since he quit London to move to Paris three years ago. “The media circus got a bit twisted when I was in London. It became a bit of a joke, really. In Paris, they’re so serious I can take myself really seriously, too. I can get really morbid without people telling me to cheer IANS up,” he added.
P
op star Britney Spears has reportedly agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she’s accused of being a “perfume traitor”. Spears was sued by Brand Sense Partners, a beauty company that hooked her up with Elizabeth Arden to front her
Radiance perfume. Under the deal, Brand Sense was supposed to get 35 per cent of the singer’s profits, reports tmz.com. But according to the suit Spears entered into a secret deal with Elizabeth Arden and cut Brand Sense out of the deal. IANS
25
CINEMA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
T-TOWN TWEETIES @sneha_ullal Good Morning..feel like a yummy BreakfasT
@shraddhadas43 Time for shirdi darshan,last time I came here was with my parents as a kid..
@bsoumya26 Wt shireen n Aijaz at n event in chash https://t.co/QENze3uv. My bb tanked again aaaarrrrgh
@PriyaWajAnand Morning All! looking forward to spending this Sunday with the wonderful children from the Satz Foundation! What are ur plans?
Sunil rocks in this potpourri
H
is last film Katha Screenplay Darshakathvam Appalraju may have been a major disappointment, but Sunil has finally found his mojo. His latest film Poola Rangadu presents him in a new avatar much to the surprise of the audience. Directed by Veerabhadram, Poola Rangadu is a potpourri of almost everything under the sun. It seems more like a calculated risk, which Sunil had taken to please all sections of the audience. The film narrates the story of a real-estate broker who gets stuck between two warring factions. Sunil stars as Ranga, a realestate broker who ends up buying 30 acres of land near Warangal without knowing that two warring factions have set their eyes on that land. When he goes to the village, he comes to know that Konda Reddy (Dev Gill) and Lala Goud (Pradeep Rawat) will kill him if they come to know about his identity. The only way out of this problem is to impress Lala Goud's daughter Anitha (Isha Chawla) and the latter ends up falling in love with Ranga. The rest of the story is about how Ranga manages to save himself from the impending danger.
Sunil does complete justice to his role, which requires him to be meek for most part of the film. His comic timing is good and he's impressive when it comes to dances and fights. The film's climax is well shot and the very sight of Sunil flexing his muscles is a jaw dropping moment. Isha Movie: Poola Rangadu Cast: Sunil, Isha Chawla, Dev Gill Directed by: Veerabhadram Rating: Chawla looks cute and does well in her role. Dev Gill and Pradeep Rawat are convincing. The film is a tad too long and drags in the second half. In terms of content, the film is a rehash of formula films and it is even inspired from a Malayalam film titled Pandipada; however, Veerabhadram does a reasonably good job in adapting the film in Telugu. Anup Rubens' music is decent and so is Prasad Morella's cinematography. Poola Rangadu banks a lot on Sunil's charm and he lives up to the expectations. It's a decent entertainer, which doesn't strain your mind.
@geneliad Can't wait"@mymalishka:Mon alert:shadishuda jodi @geneliad and @Riteishd on my show LIVE on Monday morn 7 to 11 @RedFM_Mumbai.Aika ho Aika:) @Actor_Siddharth Meeting over 15k students tomorrow in kakinada...also stops in 3 other centers...maybe I should learn sign language...
On cloud nine
S
iddharth is on cloud nine, thanks to the overwhelming response, which his latest film Love Failure has been getting from the audience. “This is the first time since Bommarillu that my film has got a unanimous response. I must thank my co-producers Nirav Shah, Shashikanth and Bellamkonda Suresh for being the driving force behind the success of the film. The film was made on a limited budget and we have already recovered all the costs before the release of the film. I hope the audience continues to support the film we have made and I am extremely happy to announce that the film will be screened in more number of theatres from today,� Siddharth told the media. Directed by Balaji Mohan, the film has Siddharth and Amala Paul in lead roles. SS Thaman has composed the music.
@shrutihaasan And now onto dr zhivago :) there's goes the three hours lol
@ssrajamouli Post production shaping up well.shots of eega looking good.going to chennai on Monday; pressmeet of naanee.
Priyamani in Riteish Deshmukh's film? P
riyamani is reportedly trying her luck in Bollywood once again. A couple of years ago, she had made her debut in Mani Ratnam's Raavan and later she starred opposite Suriya in Raktha Charithra-2; however, both the films failed to click at the box-office. The latest news is that the actress is in talks with director Chandrakanth Singh for a new romcom. Riteish Deshmukh is playing the lead role in this film.
26
CHAI TIME SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
SUNDAY CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Evade a duty 6 Email option 11 Flatten on impact 16 Brainy club 21 Portage item 22 Come to terms 23 Island near Venezuela 24 Hurl lava 25 Croce’s “I Got — —” 26 Kind of elevator 27 Firmed up, as muscles 28 Hair-raising 29 L. — Hubbard 30 Manhandled 32 Undercover job 34 Hunky-dory (hyph.) 36 RR terminal 37 Vassal’s land 39 Ditto (2 wds.) 41 Sudden impulses 43 Use a coupon 45 Garage jobs 47 Corresponds with 49 Violet lead-in 51 Concentrated 54 Explores a coral reef 55 Dull and boring 56 Have the blues 60 Tear gas target 61 Turn (2 wds.) 62 Sheep 64 100 yrs. 65 Take up or let out 66 Laugh provoker 67 Georgetown gridders 68 Tara’s owner 70 Mosquito — 71 Bedouin’s domain 73 Port in a storm 74 Chill out (2 wds.) 75 Zodiac animal 77 Phobos orbits it 78 Weaker, as an excuse 79 Hull edge 80 Notched, as a leaf 82 Discharged 83 Price tag 84 Height 87 Lustrous gem 88 Go wild about 89 Vocalized 93 Get cozy 94 Pungent spice 95 Break away 97 Fergie’s daughter 98 In the blink of — — 99 —Joplin 100 Alpine refrain 101 Keenly attentive 103 Region of India 104 Kind of daisy 106 Common amphibians 107 Lament 108 Mlle. in Barcelona 110 Shrill barks 111 Whitish 112 Fumed 113 Edge past 115 Wolfgang’s thanks 116 Uncouth 117 Popeye’s tattoo 120 Atlas line 122 “Dream Lover” artist 124 Enjoy, as benefits 128 Meadow murmur 129 Half-star movie
131 Start the day 133 Medieval tales 135 Financial wiz 136 Dwight opponent 138 Admit (2 wds.) 140 “Wellaway!” 142 Heaths 144 Did the taxes 145 Castle that danced 146 Parish donation 147 Immature raptor 148 Locate, perhaps 149 River vessel 150 Risk a ticket 151 Brant and graylag DOWN 1 Head warmer 2 Asian capital 3 Shallow 4 Gypsy man 5 Stay fresh 6 Hay fever culprit 7 Long-plumed birds 8 Madrid’s Louvre 9 Aloha token 10 Itches 11 Swift works 12 Antler tips 13 Charge ahead
14 Exemplar of honesty 15 Mock fanfare (hyph.) 16 Less assertive 17 Previously 18 Drink slowly 19 Ill will 20 Elite squad (hyph.) 31 Fossil resin 33 Floated down the river 35 Lawn products brand 38 Piccolo kin 40 Great Lakes tribe 42 Harem head 44 Reservoir boundary 46 Tech-support callers 48 A Karamazov 50 Back muscles 51 Cannes cash, once 52 Edmonton puckster 53 Terra — 54 Places for hinges 55 “Emptor,” translated 57 Florida city 58 Hazard 59 Related to mom 61 Driving hazard 62 Pulled up stakes 63 Not a soul (2 wds.) 66 Action film highlight 67 Veronica — of “Hill Street Blues”
69 Bays at the moon 72 Romance, in Venice 73 “Dirty —” 74 Like some sugar 76 Grable or Friedan 78 Fibbers, plus 79 Auctioneer’s mallet 81 Decides, as a jury 82 Non-feast day 83 Football feature 84 Pitfalls 85 It’s above baritone 86 What a standee would like (2 wds.) 87 Fourth-down options 88 Mr. Kilowatt 90 Red as — — 91 Brain messenger 92 Secured, in a way 94 Friendly ghost 95 Overcharged 96 Lop- — bunny 99 Jug or slammer 100 Egg portion 102 Metric measure 105 Water, in combos 106 Pitchfork parts 107 Bear’s comment 109 Blonde shade 111 Show before dark 112 Patted down
114 Cloud-seeding compound 115 While 116 Nativity scene 117 Toward the rudder 118 Low point 119 Kind of lily 121 Movie with a posse 123 Rock tumbler stone 125 Quebec school
126 — -ski party 127 Fake diamonds 130 Smooth-talking 132 Absorbs, as costs 134 Sky blight 137 Nuke org., once 139 Time period 141 Backtalk 143 Run up a tab PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
27
CHAI TIME SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
STAR POWER FOR 20-2-2012
As per Hindu panchang
THIRUVAIKUMAR
thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9949870449
TAURUS
GEMINI
Bad phase will disappear and whatever you undertake will be done successfully. At the same time be cool and remain obedient. Employees are likely to get elevation and appreciation.
Difficulties are no more. Your wishes will get fulfilled. Employees will be favoured with multiple benefits such as transfer, pay hike and elevation. Your stock is set to pile up at home as well.
Disappointments will reduce and things will start materialising. Avoid negligence and hurried actions. Plan to earn a good name by pointing out at other's mistakes, might boomerang.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Your irritating attitude is the main enemy for your growth. Hurdles at work will be over. Avoid unwanted arguments. Family members will be in a happy atmosphere. Your influence will increase.
Problems will disappear and you will feel cheerful. You have to be extra cautious at work to avoid unwanted problems. Workplace worries will disappear and your self-confidence will increase.
You will be cheerful and self-confidence level will be high. Those who neglected you at workplace will now come to you and seek support. They will also appreciate you. Let it not go to your head.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
With your nice approach, things will improve for the best. Avoid entrusting important work to others as your reputation is at stake. Avoid arguments at work place; you will be rewarded.
The best efforts will bring you the best results. Laziness and murmering will not help. Avoid arguments with superiors and try to complete work in stipulated time schedule. Hurdles in events will go.
Hurdles are over and a clearcut path will be in front of you. Apprehensions in your mind will disappear and selfconfidence will improve. Troubles created by superiors will be over.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Slow and steady approach only can yield desired results. Meddling with others' issues might bring you trouble. Just concentrate on your own work so that the same will get completed.
Carefully-crafted master plan can help you complete work with perfection and earn appreciation. Be careful as indirect enemies might gain upper hand. Some might have to go on transfers.
Patience will pay rich dividends. You will get tremendous support at work but there might be a few who will think bad for you. Be extra cautious. Keep away from those who talk ill of others.
TAURUS
GEMINI
Three of Pentacles – A conflict situation might arise with a third person interfering in your work. Make your stand very clear and draw the lines well in advance.
Ten of Swords – Are you experiencing nightmares? You need to de-stress and maintain sleep hygiene. Sleep at the same time every night.
Five of Swords – There is a lot of confusion, especially when group work is involved. If you want to be seen as a good team player, you need to put up with it.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Eight of Pentacles – Take up a study course that will enhance your skills and market knowledge. You will be in a position to bargain for higher pay.
Page of Cups – You’re feeling emotional about something that may not actually deserve that attention from you. Be more practical about life and take it easy.
Knight of Wands – Your creativity is heightened. You feel great about your ideas and can’t wait to execute them. Get a buy-in from team members.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Two of Cups – Marriage is on the cards for committed people. Partnerships of all kinds are in focus. They work well and it’s a good time to form unions.
Three of Wands – You have just completed a long waiting period and the results are about to come out soon. It may have to do with your health.
Seven of Wands – You’re feeling a little lost without the help of someone with expertise in an unfamiliar area. Accept it and extend your request for help.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Page of Swords – You’re young and in love but it does not mean you have let go of your practical side. You’re in control and your intellect is much in use.
Three of Cups – Celebration time! You have worked hard on something and this is the time when it’s all coming together and working to your advantage.
Seven of Pentacles – You meet someone interesting in a conference. Your intellectual side is awakened and you feel good about the encounter.
For Better or for Worse Stone soup
Wise ones for wizards
I
Ink pen
COMICS
SUMAA TEKUR
tarotreadhyd@gmail.com
ARIES
Fred Basset
ARIES
TAROT READ FOR 20-2-2012
f you throw a cat out of a car window does it become kitty litter? How did a fool and his money get together in the first place? If corn oil comes from corn, what about baby oil? How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign? Why is there an expiration date on my sour cream container? What's another word for thesaurus? Why do they sterilise the needles for lethal injections? What do they use to ship Styrofoam? When you choke a smurf, what
colour does it turn? Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny? What was the best thing before sliced bread? Why do they call it a TV set when you only get one? What do you do when you see an endangered animal that eats only endangered plants? If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success? Do cemetery workers prefer the graveyard shift? If the cops arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?
Vol: 1, No 217 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
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WACKY WORLD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Facebook punishment
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video purporting to be the work of an angry father teaching his daughter a lesson by shooting bullets through her laptop is the viral video of day. The father, who identifies himself as Tommy Jordan, says his daughter broke ground rules when using Facebook, and posted disrespectful remarks about him there. He retaliated by laying out a case against her in an 8-minute video, concluding it with firing 8 bullets through her computer.
Wood stove in Volvo
My smelly valentine
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n this Valentine’s Day, a unique activity that was available to lovebirds was the chance to take that special someone for a tour of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection offered a tour of the sewage treatment facility that culminates in an expansive view of the Manhattan skyline and the 53-acre Newtown plant from 130 feet up.
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ouldn’t it be great to have a car-companion that simply radiates warmth on a cold, cold winter’s day? Well, Pascal Prokop has just that, except his companion isn’t human. While most people complain about the cold, this guy from Switzerland actually decided to do something about it by putting a stove in his car — a real, woodburning stove, complete with a chimney and everything.
AFP/ CHRISTOPHE SIMON
Drive-through funeral service
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drive-through service is being offered at the Robert L Adams Mortuary funeral home, located in Compton, California. True to its name, the service allows the casket containing the body of the deceased to be placed behind a display window, while visitors simply drive by, signing a book of condolences as they leave. Mourners are free to leave their cars and come in if they would like to, but it’s not required.
Burglar breaks in, does chores
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A combo picture of fancy-dressed dogs and a cat taking part in the animal carnival parade at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Artist gets damages for two lost French fries
“A
Munich court awarded an artist $2,647 in damages because a gallery lost two 22year-old chips that were the basis of an artwork in which the fries lay across each other in a cross. The artwork comprised a cross made of two golden chips, alongside two normal fries, deepfried and not gold-leafed. The catalogue for the original 1990 exhibition “Pommes d’Or,” described the work of artist Stefan Bohnenberger as ‘the metamorphosis of a profane everyday object into a sacred artwork.’
hen an Indiana mother returned home on Monday night with her son, she discovered Keith Davis, 46, had neatly folded her clothes, swept the floor and cooked dinner. The problem? Davis was a burglar. "I saw that my living room light was on and the bedroom light on, so once we came up the stairs I figured my brother was home," Ashley Murray told a TV station. "I turned the knob and it was locked, I saw my screen open and I pushed my window open and it was some random guy in my kitchen." Murray told the station she walked away from the window with her son and called the police before yelling at Davis to leave her home.
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SPORTS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Ricciardo braces up
Phil shares lead with Keegan
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our-time major winner Phil Mickelson clung to a share of the lead after 54 holes of the Northern Trust Open on Saturday, alongside 2011 US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Keegan Bradley. Bradley, whose outstanding 2011 campaign included a major title with his playoff victory in the PGA Championship, had six birdies in a five-under 66 on the par-71 Riviera Country Club layout and was the first in the clubhouse on sevenunder 206.
ustralian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo insists he has no worries about living up to the expectations of Toro Rosso, despite the team’s no-nonsense reputation with its rookies. The 22-year-old made his F1 bow with Hispania mid-way through last season, but as a Red Bull protege, he will team up with Jean-Eric Vergne at the world champions’ sister team in 2012. “I feel pressure, yes, but it’s not only pressure from Red Bull, it’s pressure from myself.”
Ding in Welsh Open final
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CATCH AS CATCH CAN
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hina's Ding Junhui swept past England's Shaun Murphy 6-2 to reach the Welsh Open snooker final on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who laid the foundations for victory by taking a 4-1 lead in the best-of-eleven-frame clash, will tackle Mark Selby, who defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-2, in Sunday's final. It will be Ding's first ranking final since he lost to Mark Williams in the 2010 China Open.
Raonic in San Jose Open final
TRI SERIES
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India’s Umesh Yadav, left, attempts to stop a shot by Australia's Peter Forrest, right, in the One-day International in Brisbane on Sunday. Australia were 224 for 5 from 44.2 overs when Postnoon was going to press. AFP PHOTO / GREG WOOD
ilos Raonic put on an impressive serving display with a straight set semi-final win over Ryan Harrison at the San Jose Open, avenging a loss to the American in their only previous contest. The 21-year-old Canadian moved another step closer to defending his San Jose title by spinning off 20 aces to win 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 at the $531,000 ATP Tour tournament. He advances to Sunday's final where he will face the winner of the other semi between France's Julien Benneteau and unseeded Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. "I think I did a really good job taking care of the serve," Raonic said. "What I was doing really well was making most of my first serves. But when I missed a few, I was still playing pretty well on the second serves.”
It’s a Fedex-del Potro final ROTTERDAM OPEN
TOP SEED ROGER FEDERER WILL PLAY FOR HIS 71ST CAREER TITLE ON SUNDAY WHEN HE TAKES ON JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO IN A REMATCH OF THE 2009 US OPEN FINAL WON BY THE ARGENTINE. THE SWISS MAESTRO STANDS 8-2 OVER ARGENTINE DEL POTRO
ROTTERDAM: Roger Federer recovered from a set and a break down to defeat Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Rotterdam Open semi-finals on Saturday, his 17th win in 19 matches against the Russian. Top seed Federer will play for his 71st career title on Sunday when he takes on Juan Martin del Potro in a re-match of the 2009 US Open final won by the Argentine. Del Potro, seeded third, mowed down a listless Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-1 in just an hour and a quarter to hand the Czech a first defeat indoors this season. Federer had his difficulties against Davydenko, a long-time rival on the tour. “I’ve played him a lot, we are the same age,” said the 30-yearold, world number three. “He was in the top four or
AFP PHOTO/ANP/ KOEN SUYK
five for years and we played a lot of big matches. I’m happy to live up to expectations, he’s playing fantastic again but not enough to beat me. We had a great match.” The Swiss stands 8-2 over del Potro, who missed 2010 due to
wrist surgery but is back to 10th in the world rankings. The powerful Argentine has lost just five games in his last two matches as his successful Rotterdam debut continues. “I beat him in the Australian Open last month in my 1,000th
match on tour,” said 2005 Rotterdam winner Federer after disposing of the gritty Davydenko who saved 10 of the 13 break points he faced. “It’s nice to see him back. I’m sure it will be a good match, I had my first hit this week with him and he will also be my last
match of the week. He’s played a great tournament, but I hope I can win, let’s see how it goes.” Federer was caught in the ninth game of the first set on a break as Davydenko moved into the lead, taking the opener after a long game in which Federer saved a set point before sending a forehand out. The Swiss levelled after fighting back from a break down in the third game of the second, breaking Davydenko late in the set to level. In the third, Federer battled to finally take victory with a break in the penultimate game followed by a winner down the line on match point. Earlier Saturday, Del Potro never let Berdych into their semi-final. “I played almost perfect,” said the Argentine. “I was focused all the time on trying to break and on hitting my forehand.”
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SPORTS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
AFP PHOTO / GREG WOOD
Batting holds the key Twelfth Man BABU KALYANPUR
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ri Lanka’s resurgence in the Commonwealth Bank Series has opened up the tournament and made it much more interesting gat the halfway stage. So far, the series has thrown up some tight finishes which has more to do with lack of consistency from all the sides. None of the teams have fired fully. Fortunately Sri Lanka have peaked at the right moment and this could be to their advantage. In their first match, the Sri
Lankans found some inspiration when seemingly heading for defeat and made India fight for their four-wicket victory. Then they came close to beating Australia when all seemed lost. That seem to inspire them and their captain Mahela Jayawardene and they were finally rewarded with a crushing victory over Australia in the sixth match of the series. Jayawardene must take credit for the revival. His field placements were excellent and bowling changes inspiring. If Sri Lanka make it to the final, then it will be heartening for a team which has been down in the dumps since the World Cup last year. India have not played at their best but have managed to get
MANY OF THE BATSMEN GET STARTS AND THEN FRITTER AWAY THEIR INNINGS THROUGH RASH SHOTS. there through with some good lower order resistance. Skipper MS Dhoni has found the form which has made him so dangerous in this form of the game. Dhoni played two fantastic knocks which salvaged pride for India when things seemed bleak. India’s opening stands have been slightly better, but the middleorder still leaves much to be desired. The lack of consistency continues and this will prove wo-
rrying as the tournament progresses. It seems more the case of bad batting than anything else. Many of the batsmen get starts and then fritter away their innings through rash shots or poor judgement. Thankfully, Gautam Gambhir has found form and he played the anchor’s role to perfection in India’s last two outings. The silliest aspect of India’s thinking is the rotation of players. One can understand a team resorting to such tactics when in full flight. But after getting whitewashed in the Tests, India are experimenting for no rhyme or reason. One cannot savvy how players, who have only taken part in a few matches anyway in recent times for one reason or another, deserving such breaks.
This has broken the continuity in the team. The old maxim of the best must play should always apply. Australia started off well by crushing India in the opening encounter but since then seem to falter a bit. The batting, as with all the other teams, seems to be the problem. David Warner has not been allowed to get away and former skipper Ricky Ponting has been dismissed cheaply. The injury to captain Michael Clarke has also not helped. Only David Hussey has batted consistently to bolster the middle-order. Australia also need to lift up their fielding if they want to remain in contention. With the teams more or less in a similar position, the batting will hold the key.
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SPORTS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Cheeky Chisora makes champ Klitschko sweat David Chisora may have had to eat his words about pummeling WBC title-holder Vitali Klitschko, but he made the champ stretch to retain his crown
Chisora camp rows with Haye’s
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ereck Chisora brawled with British rival David Haye in a confrontation which left the former WBA heavyweight champion’s trainer and manager with a nasty facial cut, reported the Guardian After losing a brave 12-round decision to WBC champion Vitali Klitschko in Munich tonight, Chisora mocked the onlooking Haye for his poor performance against Klitschko’s brother Wladimir last year – a fight which cost him his title. Chisora then confronted Haye during the press conference and the two men grappled around the room with onlookers and entourages getting involved. Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth, who like Haye had been commentating on the fight, then appeared with a cut forehead, while someone held aloft a camera tripod threateningly. Even by boxing’s often chaotic standards the unsavoury incident was shocking, drawing gasps and cries of alarm as those involved fell about the room.
AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOF STACHE
Nick Parkinson
MUNICH: Vitali Klitschko unanimously out-pointed Dereck Chisora for a 10th successive defence of his World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title in a stormy clash at the Olympiahalle on Saturday. After being slapped by Briton Chisora at Friday’s weigh-in, Ukrainian Klitschko got revenge over his provocative challenger but he spent a lot of the fight on the back foot before earning scores of 118110, 118-110 and 119-111 from the judges. “He was very motivated. It was not easy but I saw every punch, he was slow. I am upset because I wanted to finish the fight before the 12th round,” said Klitschko.
The Briton said: “The only thing that beat me tonight was experience. I don’t hold back. I keep coming and I want a rematch.” Despite the wide margin of the scores, Klitschko’s 40-year-old legs were made to work for every moment of the 12 rounds in a plucky effort from Chisora. Klitschko won the title in 2004 but ‘retired’ later that year through injury only to resume his untroubled reign four years later. Like all the other younger challengers who have stepped up to face the 6ft 7in Ukrainian, 6ft 1in Chisora fell short but he did give Klitschko some worrying moments. Germany-based Klitschko improved his record to 44 wins, and two losses with his 41st stoppage while Zimbabwe-born
He was very motivated. It was not easy but I saw every punch, he was slow. I am upset because I wanted to finish the fight before the 12th round Vitali Klitschko Chisora, who moved to London aged 16, suffered his third defeat in his 18th fight. It means all the world title belts remain in Klitschko hands, with Vitali’s younger brother Wladimir owning the other three.
Chisora, 28, had lost his previous fight — controversially on points to Finland’s Robert Helenius for the European title in December — but his aggressive start showed the Briton had bad intentions for Klitschko and was not intimidated. Klitschko, who spends more time on his political career in the Ukraine than boxing, declared that after fighting Chisora he would have one more fight before considering hanging up the gloves. Another Briton, David Haye, would be Klitschko’s choice but the former WBA champion, who lost his belt to Vitali’s younger brother Wladimir in the summer, has not agreed to the terms being offered for a summer showAFP down.
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SPORTS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Gunners miss last shot LONDON: Arsenal’s season of woe took another miserable turn on Saturday as the Premier League giants crashed out of the FA Cup in a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland. Arsenal — all but eliminated from the Champions League in midweek following a 4-0 rout by AC Milan — saw their last realistic chance of ending a sevenyear trophy drought snuffed out at the Stadium of Light. Kieran Richardson took advantage of a poor clearance to lash in Sunderland’s opener in the 40th minute before more shoddy Arsenal play culminated in a 77th-minute own goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The defeat means Arsene Wenger’s side are left with only qualification for next season’s Champions League to play for this term, and provides further ammunition for Arsene Wenger’s growing legion of critics. Wenger had uncharacteristically criticised his players in public following the Milan defeat and demanded a response against Sunderland. However Wenger’s men were always struggling to impose themselves as Martin O’Neill’s advanced to the quarter-finals with an energetic display. “I felt we were a bit unlucky. It was a 100 per cent performance from us and their first shot was a goal. Then we had to chase the game, take a gamble and they caught us on the break for the second goal,” said Wenger. “We had a lot of possession, but didn’t create a lot of because of some fantastic defending by Sunderland.” Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas’ problems mounted after his side laboured to a 1-1 draw with lower league Birmingham. Daniel Sturridge headed home a second-half equaliser to
Arsenal’s English striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacts after scoring an own-goal upping rival Sunderland’s goal tally 2-0 during the 5th Round FA Cup match at The Stadium Of Light, in Sunderland, north-east England, on Saturday. AFP/ANDREW YATES
save Chelsea’s blushes at a restive Stamford Bridge after David Murphy had fired Birmingham into a shock lead on 20 minutes. Villas-Boas’ position has come under scrutiny following reports of a training ground mutiny by his senior players after last weekend’s Premier League defeat against Everton at Goodison Park. His team have now won just
one game in their last six games across all competitions and Villas-Boas was forced to watch as his side were booed off the field following another unconvincing display. “It is a poor result of course. We had a better performance in the second half compared to the first half,” Villas-Boas said afterwards. “1-1 is not what we expected, but it gives us another chance at
Wenger remains defiant SUNDERLAND: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remained defiant despite facing further questions about his future in the wake of their 2-0 defeat at Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The club are now heading towards their seventh season without a trophy, but Wenger told his critics: “We will stay united, fight and focus on the next game. It is important for us to show strength and resilience.” The only problem is that the next game is against neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur, and another defeat would provide further ammunition for the Gunners’ supporters who are increasingly unhappy about their team’s performances and results. While Wenger accepts their fans have a right to their opinions, he was less impressed by the verdict of Roy Keane, a former Sunderland manager, who described the current Arsenal team as the
worst he had seen. “I think it’s a very harsh judgment,” said Wenger, who was already under fire after the midweek 4-0 Champions League rout at the hands of AC Milan.
Birmingham as we try to win a trophy,” added Villas-Boas, who insisted he enjoyed “unconditional” support from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Elsewhere in the last 16, Championship side Leicester claimed a Premier League scalp as David Nugent’s second half winner clinched a 2-1 victory at Norwich. Nigel Pearson’s team made the perfect start through Irish
defender Sean St Ledger, who headed in Ben Marshall’s corner in the fifth minute. Norwich equalised in the 23rd minute when Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel gave away a penalty with a foul on Elliott Bennett. Schmeichel saved Wes Hoolahan’s spot-kick, but couldn’t prevent the midfielder scoring from the rebound. However, Nugent gave Leicester victory when the former England striker latched onto Jermaine Beckford’s flick and fired home in the 71st minute. Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi inspired Bolton as the struggling Premier League side brushed aside Championship outfit Millwall 2-0 at The Den. Owen Coyle’s team, beaten semi-finalists last season, are second bottom of England’s top flight, but they quickly took control in south London as on loan Arsenal midfielder Miyaichi marked his first Wanderers start by sweeping a high finish past Steve Mildenhall in the fourth minute. Former Liverpool striker David Ngog ended Millwall’s hopes of a replay when he claimed his third goal of the season with a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area in the 59th minute. Everton took the express route into the last eight with a 20 win over Championship club Blackpool at Goodison Park. It took only 49 seconds for David Moyes’ side to take the lead through Dutch forward Royston Drenthe’s emphatic finish and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi increased their advantage just five minutes later with a close-range finish. Blackpool wasted a chance to reduce the deficit in the final minutes when veteran striker Kevin Phillips blasted a penalty over the bar.