Postnoon E-Paper for 19 May 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

JENNY MCCARTHY TO BARE ALL, AGAIN! J

enny McCarthy is coming back to reclaim the cover of Playboy. E! News confirmed that after almost 20 years, the soon-to-be-40 actress is returning to the magazine. PG 24

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Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

CITY BEING ‘BORED’ TO DEATH

he groundwater levels in the City have gone down disastrously but there is no attempt to check the unbridled exploitation of precious water.

PG 4

CHARGERS!

A series of mobile-phone-related deaths in the City and State are not being probed. As a result, these incidents continue to kill. REPORT ON PG 3 ZEST TAKES WINGS

ON SATURDAY

MAY 19, 2012 HYDERABAD

KILLER

32 PAGES

FL ASH

2 KILLED AND 2 INJURED IN ACCIDENT AT SR NAGAR

wo people were killed and two others injured in a road accident involving a car and a lorry at SR Nagar crossroads in the wee hours today. The victims were identified as K Vamsi Krishna of Yousufguda and M Swaroopa Reddy of KPHB Colony.

PAGE TWO SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

DRINKS BREAK

Library summer camp A library summer camp for parents and faculty of UG and PG students will be held from May 10 onwards. The camp will provide guidance for faculty and final year PG students for National/State lectureship and scholarship test(NET/APSET) for `3,650. Where: Hyderabad library services, Sagar View Complex When: May 10 - June 10, Contact: (040) 2322 2247, 94412 37751

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

The amazing summer shuttle A summer camp for children in the age group of 1-15 and for adults in Thai flowers, stocking flowers and marble painting is being held. Where: Plot-26, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad When: 11am-1pm, 11am-5pm Contact:98498 04416, 93921 05310

Kanchi Maggaala Vaari We purchase your old Pattu Sarees,old Kanchipattu, Gadwal,Venkatagiri,Pattu Skirts,Teared Pattu Jeri Borders also Where: Kalinga Cultural Trust, Rd No12, Near MLA Colony, Banjara Hills When: May 17-May20 Contact: 98493 54166

Summer camp Annapurna International School of Film and Media will be holding a Summer Camp program in filmmaking, acting and photography. The first batch is from May 21.The second batch is from May 28 onwards. Where: Annapurna School, Banjara Hills When: May 21 onwards Contact: (040) 4914 1234

World colouring day Landmark is all set to host a colouring competition on the occasion of world colouring day at Landmark. Where: Landmark store, Banjara Hills. When: May 19, 4pm onwards Contact: (040) 6463 1557

Blood song Blood Song, a radical adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s "Blood Wedding", directed by the internationally acclaimed David Zinder will be showcased on May 26 and 27 at the Nift auditorium. Where: Nift auditorium, Madhapur When: May 26 and 27, 7.30pm onwards Contact: 98852 88982

CINEMAS

The awakening A painting exhibition titled Buddha — The awakening will be held at Iconart gallery. The exhibition which was inaugurated on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on May 6 will be on display . Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No12 When: May 7 onwards, 11.30 am onwards Contact: 98499 68797

Painting exhibition An exhibition of paintings by Lalu Shaw is being held at Shrishti Art Gallery. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 15 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2354 0023

Etching prints A group exhibition of etching prints by various talented artists is being held. Where: Gallery Space, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 6554 1836

Time to think This — a thought provoking comedy by Sharanya Ramprakash deals with four modern thirty-year-olds. The play will be staged on May 19.

Where: Nift campus, Madhapur When: May19, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2311 4537

Metamorpherscense A painting exhibition titled Metamorphescense by Pranatu Khanna is being held at Iconart Gallery. The exhibition is on display till May 19. Where: Muse Art Gallery, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Solo exhibition Ramakanth’s Solo Painting Exhibition which deals with loneliness of a long distance runner is being displayed at Muse Art Gallery. Where: Hyderabad Marriott, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Yoga Camp The third part of a series of sevenday yoga camp will be held by Yoga Healing Foundation in Yousufguda. The last part will beheld at Saroornagar from May 20. Where: Krishnakanth Park, Yousufguda When: May13 onwards,

5.15 am onwards Contact: 98489 92354

Theatre workshop Samahaara is hosting special four week summer acting workshops. The workshops will be held for a duration of four weeks. The workshops are being held at three different places in the City. Where: Vidyaranya School, The Terrace, The Actor’s Studio When: May 14 onwards, Monday-Friday Contact: 83411 20303

Food and cricket Great food and a great game of cricket makes for great news. Head to News Cafe to catch the IPL matches with some great IPL isnpired food. Where: News Cafe, Inorbit Mall, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 8pm onwards Contact: (040) 4010 1236

Summer contest Head to Inorbit mall for a summer from May 14 to May 27. All through the weeks there will be a variety of contests. Where: Inorbit Mall, Madhapur When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 4488 0000

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 44767777, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 8800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

CITY SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

No charges for mobile murders

MOHD SUBHAN

mohd.s@postnoon.com

act is often stranger than fiction, it is rightly said. The marriage muhurtham was half hour away. Everything was ready and the pundit’s intonation of mantras filled the hall. The bridegroom, 28-year-old V Akaiah, received a call on his mobile that was put on charging. It was his friend who had called to wish him a happy married life, “thank you,” he replied and his voice suddenly trailed off and a scream rent the air. He was seen profusely bleeding by ear and nose. Panicked parents and relatives did not know what to do as their son, after a painful streak, was sinking. Someone summoned an ambulance. Akaiah was taken to hospital but he died in the hospital. That was on April 28. And the place: Jamisthanpur in Warangal district. Three weeks after the tragedy, the Mamnur police who were investigating the case are still “waiting for postmortem report!” DSP Mamnur Ch. Venkateshwar Rao told Postnoon that a case of accidental death has been registered. Did the police engage a techexpert to find out the make of the mobile and trace out the trouble? The police officer was surprised. What for? he countered. “He died of electric shock,” the DSP declared. But then why wait for post mortem if the conclusion is already

made? No answer. Two days ago another recently married youth, B Anil Kumar, 26, a software engineer, died in a similar manner. His mobile charger was the culprit. It happened in his home in Uppal Budhanagar. The Medipally police station’s subinspector Moin Pasha termed it an “electric shock.” But the boy’s parents contest this. Again, no effort is being made to trace the trouble. At least three mobilerelated deaths have been reported in the recent past and no effort by any authority has been taken to find out the cause. In yet another shocking incident last month, a mobile phone burst set a room aflame in Begum Baazar’s Chudi Baazar under Shahinayat Gunj police station. Postnoon spoke to mobile dealers. Samir Khanna and Ameen Uddin. The two dealers said that this happened due to unbranded Chinese mobiles and local chargers. Chinese mobiles are cheap and attractive which draw the uninitiated in mobile technology. They come in shining models and are very cheap. Often people trust them blindly and dealers have no clue from where they are brought in. All this is despite the government in 2009 putting quality restrictions on mobile phones, chocolates and toys in a measure for unfair practices and quality control. Besides the lack of quality, the Chinese mobiles are found not having the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which helps authorities to track the sale and use of the phones. “In this country, it is not the lack of law but corrupt law keepers who defeat the law,” remarked a senior advocate M Govinda Kumar.

Chaitanya tops IIT-JEE

ri Chaitanya students achieved an admirable victory in the IIT-JEE2012 results, securing 5 All India Ranks below 10 in various categories. Among the Sri Chaitanya rankers Md H Rehman (HT No 6037448) bagged All India rank 1 in minority category; Pachipala Balaji Vishal (HT 6019114) bagged 4th rank; Duppada Venkatesh (HT 5004054) bagged 5th Rank, Ameer Hamza (HT 5006275) 6th Rank and K Madhava Murthy Sai Priyatham (HT 6058246) bagged 8th rank in various categories. Dr BS Rao, founder chairman, Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions, expressed satisfaction with the results.

Academic director Sushma and director Sridhar congratulated the students on their achievement. Rao said these results were a fitting reward for the hard work put in by the students, faculty and management. For 26 years, Sri Chaitanya has been producing top rankers at the State and national competitive examinations. Its students are excelling in their careers globally. Sri Chaitanya has bagged 18 All India Ranks in open category and 56 All India Ranks in various categories, which testifies to the total dominance of Sri Chaitanya in IIT-JEE.

CITY SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

City being ‘bored’ to death The groundwater levels in the City have gone down disastrously but there is no attempt to keep a check on the unbridled exploitation of precious water DEEPAK DESHPANDE

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA

rahul.r@postnoon.com

nbeknown to authorities, thousands of people in the City are sinking their money digging bore wells that in the end provide no trace of water. Despite scientific data showing dangerous depletion of groundwater in the City due to over exploitation, denudation and killing of water bodies, desperate people still go digging wells and end up losing money. In Somajiguda alone, for instance, within a span of two weeks, over five bore wells have been dug, but only one yielded some water and the others boulders and pebbles. Postnoon’s reality check revealed a tragic-comic situation where those who lost money are pulling out their hair in desperation. Well digging companies, which are the only beneficiaries in the deal, mislead many saying that the house of the prospective client sits right on top of a water source! But digging produces dry sand at the end.

Siddhappa, a resident of Dwaraka Nivas in Jaffer Ali Bagh, one of the many residential colonies, says, “We had dug a bore well here last week. It went

all the way to 1,200 feet and yet we found no trace of water. Our only source of water is now tankers that cost `1,100 a day.” In fact, residents say power,

water and fuel is eating up threefourth of their home budget. The residents of Dwaraka Nivas, for instance, spent `1.60 lakh on drilling a bore well in the hope

that it will solve their water woes, but to no avail. “Spending `30,000 a month on water alone has increased the monthly building maintenance fee,” he says. The fact that 1,200 feet of bore well drilling has not helped their crisis has become a local record of sorts. But a hundred yards away, luck favoured David Raja. “For a mere 150 feet, our bore well has yielded a bountiful supply. Our total expenditure has been around `1.50 lakh including labour charges,” says his ecstatic wife. Drying up of ground water in City is a reality beyond a shred of doubt. All this, say experts and geologists, is due to the destruction of lakes, marshes, trees and over exploitation of water. The APWALTA Act of 2004 lacks the appropriate monitoring required to keep in check the rising number of bore well drillings as it limits its responsibility to only prohibiting people from drilling bore wells within the vicinity of a public drinking water source. There is no effort at the municipal level too to keep a check on the groundwater usage, it is pointed out.

300 Angola detainees from AP The Union minister for overseas affairs Vayalar Ravi has spoken to Angola’s ambassador in India for an early release of the workers who were arrested for protesting against a breach of contract U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

nion minister for overseas affairs Vayalar Ravi today said that he spoke to Angola’s ambassador in India and is hopeful that 40 of the 1200 Indian workers arrested for protest in Angola will be released. In fact, he said, they would already be on their way back home. The Indian workers, about 300 of them from Andhra Pradesh, were working in a cement factory. They had been held in subhuman conditions after they protested against the breach of contract wherein they were promised salary in US dollars but paid in Indian rupees. The workers held captive have no facilities for basic needs and they are ill-treated and abused, reports said. Ravi spoke to Postnoon on the sidelines of his party meetings at Gandhi Bhavan on Friday. He said that 59 Indians were taken into custody by the

Angola Government as per the records and information available. In all, 22 of them are still in the custody of the police and they have to pay a fine of $1.5 per day. But the minister was not sure of the reported figure of 1,200. The Indian embassy and the ministry of the external affairs are negotiating with the Angola government and the local cement factory where they have been working. The factory has been urged to pay the fines imposed on the workers for protesting. He said that Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has already written to Union minister for external affairs SM Krishna expressing concern about the workers from the State. Ravi, however said, the situation was under control and workers will be released. He said CPI leader Narayana has met him at a hotel this morning and urged the government to take steps for the release of workers from Andhra Pradesh.

The minister added that while most of the workers were from Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam, some are from Hyderabad. They are said to have been working in the Sumba city of Angola. Ravi said he was did not have city-specific figures. Coming to State politics, Ravi said that the situation has improved a lot in Andhra Pradesh for the Congress. The party, contrary to the propaganda, will win majority of the 18 seats. He dismissed YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy as not of much consequence. “He is not big enough for Congress to engage in a personal war.” Ravi, who went with the chief minister on a campaign trail yesterday to assess the mood of voters, said the party cadres have a new vim and vigour and this time. The Congress would turn tables at the Opposition and party detractors. All the tall party leaders in the State are united, he pointed out.

FOCUS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Chef Rafael Lunetta of JiRaffe in Santa Monica oversees orders of Pistachio Crusted Foie Gras before waiters serve diners at the Melisse eatery in Santa Monica, California AFP/FREDERIC J BROWN

Activists, chefs square up in foie gras war

California’s foie gras ban comes into force July 1, and a group of chefs have formed the Coalition for Human and Ethical Farming Standards (CHEFS) to combat the perception they don’t care how animals are treated. Michael Thurston

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: A simmering row between animal rights campaigners and a handful of California’s top chefs is coming to the boil, ahead of a looming ban on foie gras in the western US state. Protesters took their message to the streets this week as a series of high-end restaurants staged events — with menus including foie gras ice cream — to celebrate the gastronomic delicacy, made from force-fed ducks. “Helpless ducks are force fed, eat somewhere else instead," chanted some 30 protesters outside the Michelin twostarred Melisse eatery in Santa Monica. “We were out there being the voice for the ducks, who obviously don’t have a voice," Amber Coon of the Animal Protection and Rescue League told AFP, saying famously liberal California is leading the way for other states.

All the ingredients that I try to use, that I use in my restaurant, I really work hard to find humanelyraised animals by farmers who really care about it. Josiah Citrin, owner & chef, Melisse California’s foie gras ban comes into force July 1, and a group of chefs have formed the Coalition for Human and Ethical Farming Standards (CHEFS) to combat the perception they don’t care how animals are treated. Inside the Melisse, owner and chef Josiah Citrin offered guests at the ticket-only event a mouth-watering sixcourse menu including foie gras — French for fatty liver — in every dish,

from entrees to desserts. Prepared by a team of eight top chefs, the $200-a-head meal included Pressed Foie Gras Terrine, Duck and Foie Gras Parfait, Foie Gras Tortelloni, and Pistachio Crusted Foie Gras. There was also Maine Lobster with Foie Gras and Salsify, and Wild King Salmon prepared with Foie Gras, Bloomsdale Spinach, French Radish and Jus au Vin Rouge, while the Roasted Liberty Farms Duck came with Artisan Foie Gras. For dessert there was Foie Gras Butter Kuchen with Local Cherries and Foie Gras Ice Cream. Citrin is even selling T-shirts emblazoned with ‘Touche Pas a Mon Foie Gras’ (Keep Your Hands Off my Foie Gras), with a picture of a duck in a little white chef ’s hat. The event aimed to “raise money and awareness about this legislation, which single-handedly attacks foie gras but fails to address the lack of humane or ethical standards and treatment for other items in our food chain,” he said. “All the ingredients that I try to use, that I use in my restaurant, I really work hard to find humanely-raised animals by farmers who really care about it,” Citrin added. The anti-foie gras protesters are not convinced, and showed photos and an iPad video to passers-by and diners arriving at the Santa Monica eatery, a few blocks back from the Pacific ocean. “We were just letting them know that they can’t get away with [presenting] foie gras in a humane sustainable farming practice,” said Coon. “Most of them tried to ignore us... they obviously knew that they were going to a fundraiser by a lobbyist to repeal an animal welfare law, so that’s the type of crowd you’re going to get anyway,” she added. “There’s really just a few, very well connected hold-outs such as Melisse who are making a big fuss about this,” she said.

NATION SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

16 die in Uttar Pradesh accident

‘Cool, ain’t I?’

Tiger dies in Chandrapur

LUCKNOW: At least 16 people were killed

AHMEDABAD: A rhesus macaque eats

CHANDRAPUR (MAHARASHTRA):

and over a dozen injured when a bus in which they were travelling rammed into a truck and caught fire in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said today (Saturday). The bus, carrying 60 pilgrims, was returning from the Ghazi Miyan ki Dargah in Bahraich after a religious congregation when it collided with the truck at Tilwarai on the town’s outskirts on Friday. The pilgrims were on their way to Ajmer.

watermelon, provided by zookeepers to help it deal with the hot summer temperature, at the Kamla Nehru Zoological Gardens in Ahmedabad on Friday. The rhesus monkey (macaca mulatta) is native to northern India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan and southern China.

The carcass of a tiger was found with its head and paws missing in Borda Beat of forests on Chandrapur–Mul road today, P Kalyan Kumar, ACF, Chandrapur Forest Division said. The incident came to light when the guard during his routine patrol noticed 10-15 scattered parts of the tiger’s carcass early today (Saturday).

AFP/ SAM PANTHAKY

Water war effect: Jaya writes to PM Asks Manmohan to convene Cauvery River Authority meet CHENNAI: Charging

Jai Gurudev, 116, no more NEW DELHI: Mathura: Spiritual guru Baba Jai Gurudev, who had millions of followers, passed away here late Friday after prolonged illness, a spokesman for his ashram said. He was 116 years old. In his last moments, he was brought to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh from the Medanta City Hospital in Gurgaon. As news of his demise spread, thousands of devotees made a beeline to his ashram on the Agra-Delhi highway, weeping inconsolably.

Considered a cult figure for his simplicity and social service, Jai Gurudev had followers mostly in villages and small towns. Known for preaching simple living, his devotees wore clothes made of jute and cotton. Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav and his younger brother, PWD Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav, are ardent admirers of Jai Gurudev. Managers at his ashram said the body would be kept for two days to allow his devotees to pay IANS their last respects.

Karnataka with “unjustly utilising” Cauvery water for summer irrigation, Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa asked Prime Minister Manmhohan Singh to convene a meeting of the Cauvery River Authority to discuss the issue. Karnataka has been “unjustly utilising” the water for summer irrigation from February to May by depleting storage in its four major reservoirs, she said in a letter. The combined gross storage in the four major reservoirs of Karnataka as on February 1, 2012, was 58.50 TMC ft and on May 14, it was 28.176 TMC ft, Jayalalithaa claimed. “Karnataka had depleted a storage of about 30.33 TMC ft from 1.2.2012 to 14.5.2012, besides utilising the flows of about 11 TMC ft.” Thus, the total utilization during the period was about 41 TMC ft, she said. Due to depletion of storage during summer, Karnataka “impounds” initial monsoon flows in its dams and released water only when they become surplus, she said. She said a solution was

Puri seeks UNSC seat DALLAS, TEXAS: Noting that India is acting as a responsible stakeholder in the international system, New Delhi’s UN envoy has a made a strong case for a governance architecture that accommodates and acknowledges its contribution and potential. “If the evolving multilateral world were to truly value India’s role and views, there need to be some fundamental developments taking place in the near future,” India’s Permanent UN Representative Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday. “By any objective criteria such as population, territorial size, GDP, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UN AND GLOBAL ECONOMY CALLS FOR MORE RECOGNITION — PRIMARILY A PERMANENT UNSC SEAT, PURI SAID. past and ongoing contributions to the activities of the UN, India is eminently suited for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council,” he said. Noting that India has affirmed its willingness and capacity to shoulder the responsibilities and obligations

of permanent membership, Puri said reform of the Bretton Woods institutions too have to be undertaken immediately. “We need a more representative international financial architecture, with an increase in the voice and representation of developing countries. “The need of the hour is also the establishment of a just international monetary system that serves the interests of all countries. Reform is also needed at the World Bank,” Puri said. Acknowledging that there are no formulae for calibrating India’s efforts, “and a lot will depend on factors over which India has virtually no control,” he assured that India will not IANS be found wanting.

eluding the finalisation of Distress Sharing Formula evolved by Central Water Commission, ultimately depriving Tamil Nadu of adequate water which should have been released by Karnataka either as per Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s interim order or by the formula evolved. The Cauvery Monitoring Committee in its 24th meeting had decided to refer the formula to the Cauvery River

Authority for consideration when noticeable distress condition occurs in future. “Such a distress situation may arise at any time,” she said. She alleged that Karnataka was also not furnishing yearwise details of the area under irrigation though the Tribunal’s interim order specifies that Karnataka shall not increase its area under irrigation beyond 11.20 lakh acres.

DISGRACEFUL IN DEFEAT

Vehicles were damaged/ set on fire by youths after they failed in an Army recruitment camp at Govindgarh village about 50km from Jaipur on Friday. Police arrested many miscreants after the incident. PTI

PTI

WORLD SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

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Mexican newspaper reporter kidnapped in the northwestern border state of Sonora was found dead Friday with signs of torture, local officials said. Marco Antonio Avila Garcia, a police reporter with the newspaper El Regional de Sonora, was snatched at gunpoint on Thursday in Ciudad Obregon, a spokesman for the Sonora state prosecutor's office said.

Soyuz-U programme ends

he launch of a Soyuz-U carrier rocket from the Russia's Plesetsk Space Center Thursday was the last in its 40-year history, said a spokesperson on Friday The Soyuz-U orbited Thursday a Cosmos-series reconnaissance satellite to expand Russia's Oko orbital missile early warning network, which consists of about 70 satellites.

EU growth in focus

HEALTH

SEMINAR

Kidnapped journo killed

CAMP DAVID: President

Tiananmen leader ignored by China’s US embassy WASHINGTON: One of the exiled leaders of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 got the cold shoulder from the Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday when he tried to turn himself in to return home. Wu'er Kaixi, 44, who now lives in Taiwan, wants to see his frail and aging parents in Urumqi, northwest China, as well as ignite a dialogue on reform with China's communist leadership — even if it means standing trial. But when he went to the bunkerlike Chinese embassy in the US capital, the dissident activist found the smokedglass doors locked, and no one responded when he rang the doorbell and dialed an off-hours telephone number. AFP

Barack Obama threw his weight behind French calls more pro-growth policies in Europe Friday, as he welcomed G8 leaders to Camp David for a summit darkened by Greece's possible eurozone exit. Obama set the stage for a fractious meeting of world leaders by forging an alliance with new French President Francois Hollande over the need to jolt Europe back to growth. Fearing Europe's crisis is poised worsen — with dangerous repercussions for the US economy and perhaps Obama's chances of re-election — Obama risked the ire of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has championed an austerity-first approach. Shortly before welcoming Merkel and other leaders to his famed presidential retreat outside Washington, Obama noted that events in Europe held "extraordinary" importance for the United States. In what may have been a telling moment, Obama greeted Merkel at his Laurel Lodge with a cordial: "How've you been?" When her response came: a shrug and pursed lips, Obama conceded: "Well, you have a few things on your mind." Publicly European leaders have attempted to smooth over the splits within the G8, insisting austerity and stimulus need not be mutually exclusive. "We need to take action

Hollande shows up in tie at tieless summit

US President Barack Obama greets Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev upon arrival for a working dinner during the G8 summit on Friday at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. AFP/MANDEL NGAN for growth while staying the course in terms of putting our public finances in order. Stability and growth go together, they are two sides of the same coin," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said. But with Greece's fiscal crisis apparently approaching denouement, those good words may be sorely tested. The recent clobbering of Greek parties that back austerity measures under the country's $220 billion bailout has sparked a fresh round of

US jets intercept 2 planes near venue WASHINGTON: US military aircraft intercepted two Cessna 172 general aviation aircraft late on Friday in the vicinity of the US presidential retreat of Camp David, Maryland, the North American Aerospace Defense Command announced. President Barack Obama is hosting a G8 summit meeting at Camp David this weekend. Both civilian aircraft were out of radio communication, the NORAD said in a statement. The first was intercepted by a NORAD F-15 Eagle fighter jet at approximately 7.03pm (23.03 GMT). It left the restricted area over the retreat and landed at York Airport, Pennsylvania. The second Cessna was intercepted by an F-15 jet and a HH 60 Black Hawk helicopter at approximately 7:17pm (2317 GMT) and landed on a grass runway in Pennsylvania, NORAD said. Law enforcement authorities AFP are interviewing both pilots, the statement said.

market panic and left the twoyear-old effort to prevent a Greek default on life support. Fresh Greek polls are scheduled for June 17, but there is no certainty that supporters of the painful reforms will win, and already nervous Greeks have been pulling money from bank accounts. If anti-austerity parties win, the markets are already betting that the rest of Europe turns off the bailout spigot, a decision that would force a Greek default and would likely spell an exit

French President Francois Hollande was the only foreign leader who showed up at a Group of Eight summit in Maryland wearing a tie, a fact that did not remain unnoticed by President Barack Obama. "Francois, we said you could take off the tie," Obama noted as Hollande came walking up. "For my press," responded the French leader. "For your press you must look good," Obama pointed out. Later on Friday, the White House released an official photo of the dinner, which showed Hollande sitting next to Obama without a tie. from the eurozone. So far, European leaders are insisting that Greece must meet its commitments, a stance that will likely be held until the elections. But a row is brewing over whether Greece's bailout package needs to be revisited. Two years of austerity have resulted in crippling unemployment and while Greeks say they are overwhelmingly in favor of staying in the eurozone, there is little appetite for more budget cuts. AFP

COMMENT SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Please don’t ban SRK

Nail-biting IPL matches

just don’t understand the fuss about the Shah Rukh Khan controversy. So what if he has abused a MCA member even if he has? There are politicians who have murdered people, but no one cares! I request the media and the people to wake up! There are bigger convicts in the world. Rajendra Singh Safilguda

'm amazed at the quality of matches that are being played this year. This year more than 40 matches have gone down to the last over, and many to the very last ball. I mean, come on, this is total paisa vasool! And your coverage of this lovely event is also praiseworthy. Indira Priya Sainkpuri

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

GHMC meets are pointless

he GHMC meet doesn't really look appealing to me. I don’t understand the purpose of having such meets when nothing is going to be implemented or done. What happens in this city is imaginary planning and political parties trying to get more mileage out of it. Ranganath Choudhry Sanatnagar

PTI

EDITORIALS HOLD GROUND on marines case Italy has recalled its ambassador to India 'for consultations' after the two Italian marines were charged with murder of two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast — a clear indication of more troubles that await diplomatic ties between the two countries. As part of efforts to secure the release of their personnel, Italy had dispatched top-ranking ministers and officials to hold talks with Indian authorities. Rome was willing to pay a compensation of over Rs1 crore each to the families of the deceased, in possible hope that a 'deal' could be worked out on the lines of paying 'blood money' under Sharia laws. India should stand its ground and not allow the Italian anger to subvert the process of law. Gone are the days when developed countries could sway India with threats of cutting off aid. If India is in pursuit of its dream of becoming a superpower, it should demonstrate that it can withstand pressure and uphold its interests. A country that values the lives of its citizens, whether they are fishermen or multi-billionaires, would have an enviable standing before the global community.

GREEK TRAGEDY edges to the brink Merkel’s statement that Greece should rethin its position in the Euro zone has sent shockwaves through the G8 meeting. With David Cameron and the UK increasingly criticised for being the opinionated outsiders hurting the Euro rather than helping it rise from the economic ashes, it’s imperative that brinkmanship not give way to aggressive tomfoolery. That Greece may have to leave the Euro is very much on the cards, but how it leaves is still a scenario leaders can control.

The Indian Premium League association Soul Curry SUMAA TEKUR

ive years after the Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament captured the imagination of Indians everywhere, I watched a match live at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore early this week. The Royal Challengers Bangalore played against the Mumbai Indians. A heavy afternoon shower did not deter the spectators who poured in, dripping wet, into the stadium. The stadium experience was very different than I had expected. It was louder, grander, blingy-er and more vulgar than I had ever imagined. People walked in, mostly in large groups, their focus being on each other, on the free flags distributed at the stadium, on

checking their phones to track where their other friends were seated, the popcorn that somehow always got sold out before the vendor made it to where one was seated, and on the hooting, whistling and cheering when the ‘MC’ (yes, MC) asked them to. The MC asked the crowd to do the wave. They did the wave. The MC asked them to wave their flags. They waved their flags. The MC asked them to stand up. They stood up. The MC asked them to chant the RCB slogan. They chanted the RCB slogan. They were there to be entertained; to forget (if only for a few hours) the worries that otherwise keep them occupied; and most of all, to be part of the maha IPL tamasha. A senior columnist recently wrote that the IPL is a vulgar display of our decadence. The way IPL followers were waving the flags, drumming up support and cheering on, it seems as though they enjoy this display — or

rather didn’t care about the money power as long as they got their money’s worth. But why is this happening? Urban Indians love a good IPL match because it entertains. It helps spectators get away from the fragmentation they feel in other areas of their social and work lives. This is a tight-knit community where people are assured that their interests are similar and their experiences, problems and worries, perhaps, are similar, too. IPL is grassroots and bubbles up all the way to the topmost rung of Indian society. Ticket prices even tell you that — it starts from a few hundreds and goes all the way up to a few thousands. It binds together people with similar interests fuelling this concern and passion for cricket and bringing the game right at the heart of this gathering. In a deeper sense, IPL is fulfilling this enduring human urge to be part of something huge — something larger than ourselves.

What works with cricket and especially with the IPL is that it brings out our social need to belong to a group or association without doing much more than watch a sport. You can be a passionate follower, keenly watching the test matches that go on for five days, or even log in to the game only when India is playing against Pakistan or when an important and exciting game is taking place. The nature of this ‘association’ is fluid, making it easy for a ‘fan’ to sign in and out as per his/ her convenience. The best part is that the access to the game is always there. It’s on TV when one is out at a pub with friends, or at a friend’s place. Cricket makes us feel like there’s a common purpose and goal that a very large group is heading towards. It makes us ‘belong’ and even feel wanted. And we’d like to join this group. To belong. The writer is a Bangalorebased commentator.

COMMENT SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Of stars and politicians Perceptions

MINI SINGH

he promos of Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate along with the sombre title of the show gave me the impression that this show was definitely not for me. There’s enough to weep about and get depressed about in real life, so why watch more of it on TV; is my reasoning for sticking solely with sitcoms. And so I laugh with Friends, Hope and Faith, Scrubs, Seinfeld, Joey, Raising Hope, Less than Perfect, Better with You, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and even old shows such as Home Improvement and The Wonder Years. The bottom line is that I diligently avoid any TV show that is not funny. I got curious about Aamir’s show when it created a stir after the very first episode, and people started talking about it. So the following Sunday at 11 o’clock, I tricked mum and dad into skipping the inviolable Gurudwara visit and we stayed home to watch Satyamev Jayate. When I watched the episode about child sexual abuse where, among other things, Aamir counsels kids on how to escape a potential assaulter; I realised that every other show paled in comparison to Satyamev Jayate. Why then, was Khan facing criticism for his show? While other stars such as Amitabh Bacchhan, Akshay Kumar, Hritik Roshan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Shah Rukh Khan choose to work on purely entertainment-based formats; Aamir has outdone even himself this time, with his choice of

genre. I am no fan of Aamir, mind you. But I have always wondered why movie stars don’t use their power and influence over the janta to do more meaningful work. And Aamir Khan seems to be the only Khan (or Kapoor or Kumar or Roshan) who seems to realise that he exerts tremendous power over the average Indian and that this stardom can be used to influence people in a positive way. Time and again, I go back to my favourite Spiderman quote, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Sajid Khan, Rohit Shetty and Priyadarshan do to Bollywood what China does to the world — they produce junk that is ready for the dustbin almost as soon as it is created. They’re definitely not using their power responsibly. The one person who has got it right in terms of blending entertainment with powerful messages is Rajkumar Hirani. He has mastered the art of reaching out to the masses and conveying complex hard-hitting positive life lessons in an effortlessly humorous way. Hirani’s almost simplistic packaging belies the enormity of his accomplishments. Who else could convince the aam janta to use daily affirmations such as “all is well,” as well as hug-therapy to improve the quality of their life? Just as Baba Ramdev took yoga into everyone’s homes; Hirani took New Age spirituality into everyone’s homes. Now combine the twin powers of Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, and you get a force to reckon with. If only the rest of the film industry would consciously choose to make a true difference, they could change the way Indians think. But what do our stars do instead? They sell unhealthy soft

drinks, undergarments, fairness creams, cameras, cosmetics and makeup. They do this for money. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with endorsing brands for money. Which brings me back to Aamir Khan. Even as Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appreciated Aamir’s efforts to curb female foeticide (which was the focus of the first episode of Satyamev Jayate), Minister of state for health, Rajkumar Sharma was less than enthusiastic. He was bitter and defensive, stating that Aamir was doing this show only for money. Well, Mr Sharma, Aamir could sell undergarments and deos and face creams if his only motive was to earn money. He did not

have to host a show that was geared at creating awareness about issues that ail India and pull the country backwards. But perhaps I should not be so harsh on Mr Sharma. After all, feeling defensive or even guilty is better than being proud of one’s misdeeds. Remember the Bhanvari Devi case wherein the saathin was alienated from her community and then raped by fellowvillagers who wanted to teach her a lesson for interfering with so-called traditional practices. The assaulters were proud of their deeds, and did not see themselves as criminals: Ditto for the honour killing case of Jagir Kaur’s daughter Harpreet Kaur. Honour killing is seen as something to be proud of in

many parts of India, where the family and village believe that they are defending the honour of their community by killing the erring couple. In a country where people are proud of their crimes, I would see the defensive reaction of the Rajasthan health minister as a positive reaction simply because he accepts that foeticide is a crime and that it should be stopped. Sharma insisting that he has already been taking steps to combat foeticide is music to my ears. My enthusiasm to see Sharma’s reaction as positive isn’t even dampened by his sulky claim that foeticide is more prevalent in neighbouring states. All of this is essentially generating exposure for this long-neglected issue. The more people talk about female foeticide, the more pressure the authorities face to take action. All of this is good news for the unborn girls whose parents and grandparents are contemplating murdering them before they are born. Now there’s a good chance that these otherwise death-sentenced girls might survive and live long lives. The killed girl-foetuses of North India won’t come back to life, but the ones whose parents are sitting on the fence right now, just might live. Instead of ending up as aborted foetuses, they might take birth and experience life on planet Earth. I’m not sure about the quality of life that awaits them in a male-centric community; but heck, anything beats being dead! And so I’m glad with Sharma’s reaction. As for Satyamev Jayate, I hope its TRP’s rise from the current 3 because God knows, the show deserves better. The writer is a Hyderabadbased commentator.

Why Satyameva Jayate scores Point Blank

PADMINI C

t the best of times, I’m a contrarian and a cynic. If I know any number of people like something, I’ll be most inclined to hate it. In fact, the most fervent their ardour, the more repellent it becomes to me. So when I heard, or rather, was forced to listen (until it was drilled into my skull and I could recite the commercial in sleep) to how Bollywood’s thinking star was coming up with a new show that was going to deal with societal evils, I was partly dismissive and largely indifferent. Until, it became a runaway hit.

Words like “genius,” “India’s Oprah”, and “tear-jerker” began to float like jetsam across cyber space. I don’t like my Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, newspapers, radio, TV and owl post being hijacked by one person. Any person. Least of all, by Bollywood’s self-anointed high priest. Even before I watched the show, I was prepared to dismiss it. Female foeticide, yes. Since we never knew that was problem. Until Aamir Khan held you down in a hypnotic stare, cried a little, and gave you the dope, that is. Never mind all the groundlevel activists, the journalists, the government officials who’ve been screaming hoarse about it. They’re just professionals, pffft, what do they know? And besides, they are all corrupt and have no credibility. And there’s Aamir Khan,

who’s “doing something”. Making an honest living of `3 crore per episode. And... and... fighting for change. By asking all of us conscientious people to do what we do best — text message our opinions. Which of course, will solve everything. That he talks about the perception, ill treatment, need for empowerment of women on a channel that just happens to have rung in the culture of showcasing, promoting and cementing every type of female stereotype there exists in this country, is of course, incidental. Don’t get me wrong. Aamir Khan is not the one with whom I have a bone to pick. As PR goes, it doesn’t better than this. He comes out being the hero, gets paid handsomely to do it, and any collateral impact he might have on societal change, is more

points to him. You can’t blame the guy for being an excellent strategist. No. What I find shameful is that we have come down to this. That we can’t see it for the obvious marketing ploy that it is and are lapping it up so excitedly forgetting it is really only entertainment. A best-ditch attempt to capture a Sunday-morning slot. So desperate and eager for role models that we are, we’ll clutch at anyone that looks like a hero. More importantly, we’ve come to a stage where we need a celebrity to dumb things down and talk to us as though we were mentally-challenged snails. Knowing is not doing. But it is the first step in getting there. Nothing on the show, not fact or figure, case or incident, was a revelation out of public domain. Yet, every time a stat was

revealed, the shock and outrage on the faces of people on the programme made you pause and wonder just how many more there were out there for who any, or all of this, was news. So, for me, that is the real threat. This baffling ignorance. This sense of morbid novelty about the very people we live amongst. As if we really did not know. Or care. Until now. But we do now because Aamir is saying we should. Because we are all about “doing something”. If this show helps enlighten chronic Star Plus watching minds, we couldn’t ask for more. But if educated, intelligent, urbandwelling, English-speaking, young people are awed by this show, it’s a reason to worry. It means that we actually need it. The writer works for Postnoon.

BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Blow for Motorola

SpiceJet moves to No 3 slot

espite an improvement in the seat factor, the national carrier Air India has lost its market share in April, helping SpiceJet to become the third largest airline in the month with a market share of 17.7 per cent, according to the DGCA. The fall in the market share of AI is significant as it has seen an improvement in its seat factor from 68.9 to 70.5 per cent.

US commission on Friday sided with Microsoft by moving to ban the import of Android-powered Motorola smartphones based on patent infringement complaints by the software colossus. The ruling issued by the International Trade Commission (ITC) will take effect in late July if President Barack Obama does not overrule it.

L&T bags `2,592 cr orders

ngineering and constructions major Larsen and Toubro said it has bagged orders worth `2,592 crore during the first quarter of 2012-13 for construction of residential and commercial buildings in major cities. In the residential buildings segment, new orders worth `1,206 crore have been secured for construction of multi-storeyed residential towers.

Zest takes wings

Shanta Sriram’s new project

‘Listening to the needs of the customer and implementing it effectively with a valued team can bring huge returns’ SRINIVAS SETTY

PRUDHVI RAJU K

prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

ejo Ramakanth Ravuri and Rajesh Yarramasu, final year electronics and communication engineering students from MGIT in the City, have started Zestwings with their pocket money in a small left out room of a photo studio. The duo proved that neither finance nor the family background will be criteria to create successful business, if there is will to accomplish it. A `30,000 investment company with two employee team in January 2009 reached a turnover of `1 crore last fiscal. Talking about the idea, Ramakanth says “We had many start up ideas from canteen to bakery, but lastly took up technological platform for our business. Those were the days, when start-ups like way2sms from the City were highly successful. The idea was to replicate their model finding a new revenue source. We started offering free SMS on phone through web. For every SMS, there were 40 characters of advertising out of 160 characters message. We soon created a good client base, with the first income `600 from Arena Multimedia. “After a while, clients were requesting us to offer a full message for advertising rather than 40 characters, by which they can send their customers about new stocks in the shop and offers. That is how, we created bulk messaging, a platform by which a client can send his marketing messages to 30 lakh customers in 45 minutes. Most of our business is built on fulfilling the market demand with effective implementation in an appropriate time.” He adds, “We did not target any turnover mark but rather targeted to increase client base, by which we can reap long term returns. We the sales force of two people, we built a client base of 1,100 customers in first year. The commitment in fulfilling the customer needs helped us to

Ramakanth Ravuri(L) and Rajesh Yarramasu(R), founders, Zestwings bring in more customers with word of mouth without spending anything on marketing.” Zestwings do not have a single employee who left the company in all these years. “Our Team is also responsible for all of our achievements; we never had the technical expertise or knowledge in the subject area. Most of the initial employees of the Zestwings had job offer letters in hand from MNCs when they joined us. They chose us despite they were not sure of fixed pay neither the brand name. The only reason for them to join us is that they could sense our vision and thought process in building this company. I can confidently say, we kept their trust and made them grow along with us.” “We never limited them to work, but always shared the successes and growth of the company by ensuring a familylike bonding. Financial success is of no value when you can’t retain the people who were part of the foundation building team,” he says. When asked about the financial hiccups during the process, Ramakanth says, “We were literally zero at every step, with neither with finances nor technical

Number of clients: 3,400 Clientele: Bigbazaar, Levi’s, Pepe Investments in assets: `15-20 lakh Turnover 2009-2010 `15-20 lakh 2010-2011 `50-60 lakh 2011-2012 `1 cr Target: 2012-2013 `3-4 cr Employees: 60 expertise. There was a need of 15-20 employees to generate a new revenue stream by switching in to IT (web development and solutions). We did not do it in one go, there is always risk involved with the growth. We were balanced in our approach by initially hiring a web designer who could design static websites. Once we saw revenues coming in we employed more people. This solved our investment problem and also let us grow steadily.” Talking about personal life Rajesh says, “My father is a farmer and he is my inspiration all along. I learnt to be balanced in life from him. Start-ups with

small investments may face a day without a rupee in the pocket or when there was no business coming in for few months. We never let it impact our fellow employees. Neither, we went on unnecessary spending when there is huge money.” The ultimate objective of the company is to become a global brand across the products and services. To achieve that, the company has set three goals in their action plan for 2017. It will be in five different verticals at least in two global locations with an IPO. It wants to spread to all the tier-1 and tier-2 cities of the country with at least one marketing person. More important of all, to provide a residential space for the first 100 employees of the company in return for their efforts put in for the growth of the company. The firm also came up with an application, GRID (http://itsmygrid.com) by which students can upload and share their resume while availing other benefits. It also provides support for the students working on innovation in robotics, which was a dream that Rajesh could not realise after graduation due to financial problems.

hanta Sriram Constructions unveiled Shanta Sriram Tech Park, a new commercial project, adjacent to DLF Cyber City in Gachibowli. The 10,050 square yard commercial property venture is spread around 2.5 acres in the HITEC City. This project is a unique one, in the sense that for the first time, the aam aadmi can invest in commercial property. Earlier, investing in commercial properties was just for the rich but with the real estate prices hitting an all-time low and also with the bank providing ample finance opportunities, it is the best time to invest in commercial property venture, said M Narsaiah, CMD, Shanta Sriram Constructions. On the advantages of the project, he said, the office spaces are from 625 sq ft to 4,800 ft is in one of fastest growing IT hubs of the City. Not only the location, the investors also don’t need to worry about maintaining the property as the management will take care of it. The bids start from `35 lakh. Almost at same price for owning a residential property, it would give a better rental value, said Lingaiah, director. The 123-unit project’s work is in progress and is expected to be completed in about two years. Shanta Sriram Constructions has executed 80 commercial and residential ventures till date.

$15 billion suit on Facebook SAN FRANCISCO: A new lawsuit consolidating several complaints about Facebook's privacy policies was filed Friday in California, seeking damages for US users of the social network for improper tracking. The class action suit alleges that Facebook was improperly tracking Internet use of its members even after they logged out of their accounts. It consolidates 21 related cases filed in more than a dozen states in AFP 2011 and early 2012.

MOTORING SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

MSD to endorse Leyland

India to assemble Jaguar XF

honi is the face of Ashok Leyland’s new television commercial that has now gone on air. Ashok Leyland’s association with Mahi comes at a most opportune time. In the first-ever association with a celebrity endorser in over six decades Ashok Leyland has chosen the captain of the Indian Cricket Team.

he assembling of Land Rover Freelander 2 had been started last year in India by Tata Motors and now the company has revealed the plan of assembling more vehicles locally from the product range of JLR in some time. The next model line up to be assembled locally is the Jaguar XF. The XF has a cost which is higher from the other cars in the segments.

Chinese cars suffer the ‘fong kong’ curse Chinese car manufacturers struggle against a reputation for ‘rubbish’ quality, ‘appalling’ design and a disturbing smell of glue

he Geely LC is a classic Chinese car: cheap and cheerful, with a design said to have been inspired by a happy panda. A South African car reviewer recently showered it with relative praise. “Cheap and not at all nasty,” said the headline. The reviewer noted the usual reputation of Chinese cars in Africa: “rubbish” quality, “appalling” design and a disturbing smell of

glue. Chinese automakers must overcome this credibility problem as they ramp up exports and build new assembly plants in Africa, in an attempt to maintain growth despite sluggish car sales back home. Call it the “fong kong” curse — a slang term in South Africa for cheap made-in-China products that fall apart soon after purchase. Zimbabweans similarly call lowquality Chinese products “zhing

zhong.” While China’s auto industry is the world’s biggest, new vehicle sales in the Middle Kingdom have slumped due to the country’s cooling economy, and manufacturers are making a push overseas, according to a 2012 report by the international consults KPMG. Africa, along with Latin America and Southeast Asia, are seen as key markets with long-term growth potential. GLOBAL POST

BMW 1 series in India soon

he Bavarian Motor Works has unleashed the first pictures and details of its latest three-door 1 Series which is speculated to hit the Indian shores within no time. The three door BMW 1 series sports 30 mm longer wheelbase, 85 mm more length and wider tracks on both the front and the rear end than the model it is going to replace.

TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK www.popcap.com s one great website to kill time. The games offered in this website are good and easy to load even on slow internet connections. Bejewelled is the best game on the website and it surely is addictive!

VIDEOGAME REVIEW THE GOOD

APP OF THE WEEK

GAME OF THRONES

Neon Fish App

n Strong story with interesting twists. n Both the heroes and the villains are nicely fleshed out.

his app turns your mobile phone into a mini aquarium. And the best part is that you don’t have to feed the fish of clean the tank. The fishes look very real with the sounds adding to it!

THE B AD

n Middling visual design n Easy-to-exploit combat.

Fast-track to unemployment You’re done with your work, but still have a lot of time to kill? Worry not! Here’s a guide to all the things you can do to while away the time while pretending to work. Try not to get caught! tem; especially not your boss'.

SAMEENA KENAZ

feedback@postnoon.com

hen there is time to kill at work, we often find ourselves staring at our computer screens for answers. Most companies do not take kindly to wasting work hours but then lets’s be adventurous. Here’s a list of things you can do to waste your time at work!

FUNNY PICTURES

Whether you’re talented enough to use Photoshop or you’re sticking to the basics with ‘Paint’, try not to get caught making funny little additions to someone’s pictures, on the sys-

JOB HUNTING

Looking for another job while you’re at the office could be a very daring thing to do! If you get caught, it’ll save you the trouble of having to mail your resignation. But if you are expecting something from your organisation — a fat increment for example, try to be discreet about it.

GAME ADDICTION@WORK Bad idea! Playing ‘crazy taxi’, ‘Texas HoldEm Poker’, ‘Tetris’, ‘FarmVille’, etc. at work isn’t a very bright idea. But if someone finds out about your game addictions, you’re in trouble! Online games are still respectable, if you’re playing Minesweeper or Solitaire you know you need to get a life! Don’t even bother with

games on your phone, looking into that tiny screen with that much concentration will expose you in no time.

STALKERAZZI

Facebook and other social networking sites are meant for just that: social networking. Don’t end up stalking people from your workplace; or your boss. It’s creepy and a sure shot way to get yourself fired.

THE

YOUTUBE

You can watch trailers, shows, movies; not only on Youtube; there are tons of sites which will allow you to catch up with the shows running on television and even the ones that aren’t running on television.

CLEANIN’

OUT MY CLOSET

We mean checking inboxes, del-

eting the junk and spam mails, etc. This could be a wonderful and safe way to waste your time because it doesn’t look conspicuous at all. Hell, it actually helps you to get more organised for the next day! But, leaves you with one less thing to do incase you have to kill time again.

APP-DATING

YOURSELF

Downloading the latest app’s for your phone at your workplace is something that can keep you busy for a good amount of time and keep you updated.

CHANGING

YOUR SCREENSAVER

Go online, look for some interesting screen savers for your desktop, phone, whatever. As long as your clicking, it may look like you’re working on something so its a safe bet.

6 GAMES TO SACKDOM TRIVIA M ACHINE Test your knowledge with Miniclip’s version of trivial pursuit. You can choose from various categories like music, history and movies and three different skill levels: elementary, scholar or genius. www.miniclip.com FUNKY TRUCK

You can spend hours climbing hills and bouncing over bumps as you race a big monster truck and get extra points for racing in “style”. The slightest touch will keep you on your wheels or flip you on to your hood. www.teagames.com

QUAD

This is a “tetris-like” puzzle game from I am Bored that requires quick thinking. www.i-am-bored.com

UDDER INSANITY This is just a plain silly game from CoffeBreakArcade.com, where you have to milk all the cows before they blow up-a great one for kids! www.coffeebreakarcade.c om SPEED RACING

Drivers, start your engines! This is a racing game with good graphics, perfect for the Nascar fan who is stuck in the office. www.freeaddictinggames.com

HANGAROO

This is a word puzzle game-a cross between hangman and Wheel of Fortune. There are many different categories and the game will choose one at random to begin. Figure out the puzzle or the kangaroo hangs. www.freeaddictinggames.com

ANIMAL KINGDOM SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

PET NEWS Pit bull saves lady

Prehistoric panda

t a railroad crossing in Shirley, Mass., Lilly, the pit bull, watched as her owner, Christine Spain, collapsed on the tracks. Lilly dragged her owner out of danger, but an oncoming train's front wheel crushed her paw.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Doberman Pinscher

prehistoric relative of the giant panda has been discovered in Spain, a new study says which suggests that the charismatic Chinese bears might have originated in Europe.The 11-million-year-old species has dubbed Agriarctos beatrix.

he Doberman Pinscher is a medium sized, squarely built dog with a compact muscular body. Doberman Pinschers are very keen, super energetic with tremendous strength and stamina.

CATS AND DOGS The Animal Care Clinic 040-2335 2474 Pet’s World Dog Clinic 98856 46259 Blue Cross of Hyderabad 040-3298 9858, 23544355/ 5523 Vet-N-Pet 040-6553 9535, 93463 05890 Bluplus Pet Clinic 040-2712 1739, 2716 2636 Sri Sai Pet Clinic

Race is on to save the Devil

Breeding dogs: True crime! Pruthvi Ramesh and Sukriti Sen

feedback@postnoon.com

The burrowing, tree-climbing animals known as Tasmanian Devils are in a battle for survival against a contagious facial cancer that experts fear could see them extinct in as little as five years Amy Coopes

t’s been hundreds of years since the Tasmanian devil last lived on the Australian mainland but, in the misty hills of Barrington Tops, a pioneering group is being bred for survival. Rat-like in appearance but with a marsupial pouch and carnivorous jaws that can crack bone, Tasmanian devils are an enigmatic Australian species. They are reclusive creatures who sleep by day and forage by night, and are best known for the guttural cries which saw the early British settlers call them “devils” and inspired a Warner Bros. cartoon character. But the burrowing, tree-climbing animals are in a battle for survival against an aggressive and contagious facial cancer which experts fear could see them become extinct in the wild in as little as five years. “Its viability at present seems critical,” said conservationist Tim Faulkner of the animal. “In 1996 the disease was first found — since then you’ve had a 91 per cent population decrease,” Faulkner, who is based at the Australian Reptile Park, said. “There’s no sign of a cure, there’s no sign of a vaccine and there’s no sign of the disease slowing up.” Devil facial tumour disease has seen the animals plunge from a pest species to endangered in a very short period, with Faulkner estimating their numbers —once in excess

The most famous devil of them all: Taz

of 250,000 — in the “low tens of thousands.” They once roamed Australia but since about 1,600 have been isolated to Tasmania, an island state south of the mainland, where a series of disease outbreaks has seen their genetic stocks severely diminished. The cancer, which typically causes death within three to six months, is spread during

he Tasmanian Devil, often referred to as Taz, is an animated cartoon character featured in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes series of cartoons. As the youngest of the

fighting over food and territory, when a healthy devil will bite an infected devil’s face and pick up cancer cells says geneticist Kathy Belov, who describes the animals as “immunological clones”. Belov’s team at the University of Sydney are studying the tumour in search of a vaccine or cure, but she believes cataloguing the genes of healthy

Looney Tunes, he is generally portrayed as a dim-witted carnivore with a notoriously short temper and little patience. He will eat anything and everything, with an appetite that

animals and selectively breeding them in captivity is the devils’ best hope. “In 30 years’ time, a few generations down the track, we want devils that we can release back into the wild that can hunt and can fend for themselves,” Belov said. Devils are kept in densely vegetated pens of between two and three football fields in size enclosed by a climb and burrowproof fence, and their pen mates are chosen by experts from a genetic “stud book” to optimise breeding at Devil Ark. Social dominance is a constant battle in the wild and Devil Ark is no different — having to share their territory with others forces the devils to fight for their food and mating rights, skills they can quickly lose in a zoo. There are currently just under 100 devils living at the Ark and keepers are targeting 350 by 2016, with plans for as many as 1,000 in the years after that to be trickled back into Tasmania once the wild population dies out. The Australian Reptile Park’s Faulkner is overseeing the project and said it was unique in the world because unlike most other endangered species captive-bred devils would be able to be returned to their habitat. Belov says, “It’s a warning for us because we have a lot of wildlife populations that are isolated... and that’s where you have problems.”

seems to know no bounds. He is best known for his speech consisting mostly of grunts, growls and rasps, and his ability to spin and bite through just about anything.

040-2779 7458, 9848645350 Claws & Paws 98662 82772 All Creatures Animals Clinic 040-2773 0885 BIRDS Govt Veterinary Hospital 040-2331 9656, 2753 5755 Bird Watcher’s Society 040-2355 6166 Friends of Birds9391048315 SNAKES Friends of Snakes 8374233366

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f one decides to welcome a dog into their family, they may be considering buying a puppy from a breeder. While many potential canine guardians have heard about the horrors of puppy mills and ‘backyard breeders’, they mistakenly think that buying a puppy from a socalled ‘responsible breeder’ is acceptable. Nothing could be further from the truth. Countless puppies are born every day, thanks to breeders who often breed closely related dogs in order to retain certain breed characteristics. Not only does this contribute to the overpopulation crisis, it also leads to genetic diseases in virtually every breed. According to The Kennel Club of India, a female dog is eligible for breeding only after 14 months of its birth. “Few breeders start breeding their bitches after the eighth month, ie, after its first heat.

This makes the bitch weak. According to the laws, breeding should be done only once in a year and should be avoided during summers,” says Rohit, breeder, Royal kennels. Unless one is a licensed breeder, breeding over one litter of dogs per year, is a crime. Many breeders are not licensed and are operating illegally. Pet stores are notorious for selling dogs who come from ‘puppy mills,’. As a result, many are abandoned within weeks or months of purchase. When there is a surge in demand for a particular breed, puppy mills try to meet that demand, but when dogs at home don’t act just like their TV or movie screen counterparts, rescue groups and animal shelters are flooded with these breeds. “It depends on the customers whether they wish to have a certificate while buying or breeding their dogs,” says Rohit. It is always better to adopt a dog rather than getting a dog from an unlicenced breeder, who torture the animals.

BOOKS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Driven by destiny Flame narrates the story of a very extraordinary woman whose determination to be the best drives her existence

Moghul durbar An opulent story that takes you back to an age when the Moghuls ruled India

RANJANI RAJENDRA

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

he Tainted Throne (Empire of the Moghul) by Alex Rutherford is by far one of the most compelling reads I’ve come across in recent times. The fourth book in its series, The Tainted Throne is a tale of ambition, power and death. While the story is largely based on historical facts, Rutherford does bring in his own spin to the tale, making it all the more riveting. The story begins with a brutal battle between Jahangir and his son Khusrao, who dared to rebel against his father to take over the throne of Hindustan. Jahangir crushes his son’s troops to return victorious to his palace. The emperor, who himself had overthrown his father to become the ruler, is in no mood to let one of his sons do the same, and by meting out the most severe punishment to Khusrao and his supporters, he sends out the message loud and clear. However, the Moghul’s rule must go on and Jahangir needs a

suitable heir to succeed him. He zeroes in on Khurram, who later goes on to become Shah Jahan, as his rightful heir. In the meantime, Jahangir marries Meherunissa, or Nur Jahan as she later came to be known, his long lost love. Even as the couple grow closer, their ties are

Name The Tainted Throne Author Alex Rutherford Pages 448pp Publisher Hachette India

strengthened by Khurram’s marriage to Arjumand (Mumtaz Mahal), Meherunissa’s niece. As Khurram continues to win his father’s trust through his loyalty and determination, Meherunissa, who has bigger plans for herself begins to feel threatened. Meherunissa takes advantage of Jahangir’s addiction to opium and wine and begins to take control of the state and also gets her daughter, from her first husband, married to Jahangir’s youngest son and plans to make him the next emperor. As she continues to create a rift between Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the latter is forced to flee. How he then fights to win back the throne that is rightfully his forms the rest of the plot. Rutherford’s graphic descriptions of the wars they waged and the plotting and planning brings history alive in a way few other books have managed to. He minces no words when he describes the horrors of the wars and the savagery that once took place. But his careful choice of words makes the book an easy read. The book is definitely a must read if not for anything but to get a feel of India’s past.

Fleme Varkey fleme.v@postnoon.com

o say that Nelofar Currimbhoy adores her mother is an understatement of sorts. Nelofar worships her mother Shahnaz Husain. Known to the world as the Empress of the Beauty World or the Queen of Ayurveda, for Nelofar she is above it all— Shahnaz for her, is the epitome of womanhood. The story is more like a girl writing about her escapades with her best friend and it is rightfully so as the reader learns of Shahnaz’s marriage at the age of 16 and having a daughter a year later. They grew up more like friends and not like mother and daughter. The life Nelofar documents is an illutations one. Her lineage is also very impressive. Shahnaz’s dad was unlike the men of that age and wanted that his daughter complete education first and then move on in life. However, as fate would have it, she fell prey to the charms of debonair and dashing Nasir Husain who she describes as the wind ‘beneath her wings’. Despite coming from a rich influential family Shahnaz worked her way up and never allowed anything to arrest her growth. Be it the death of her father whom she adored, the death of her soulmate Husain, the death of her young son— nothing could stop her from achieving what she set out to. Nelofar covers this and

Name Flame- The story of my mother Shahnaz Husain Author Nelofar Currimbhoy Pages 233pp Publisher Hachette India much more in her book, which she was initially very hesitant about writing. She hopes that Flame will be an inspiration to other women especially women entrepreneurs — nothing is impossible. Despite revealing a lot of Shahnaz’s private and public life when it comes to the death of her brother Sameer, Nelofar chooses to maintain silence. Also despite the fact that one is initially in awe of this brilliant businesswoman what it ultimately boils down to is the devotion of daughter. Nelofar has ably kept her promise to her mother.

WHAT’S SELLING Walden’s best in fiction

Walden’s best in non-fiction

New York Times’ best in fiction

New York Times’ best in non-fiction

n Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat

n Great by Choice by Collins And Hansen

n Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

n The Passage of Power by Robert A Caro

n Micro By Michael Crichton

n Journey by Brandon Bays

n My Cross to bear by Gregg Allman with Alan Light

n Secret Of The Nagas by Amish Tripati

n Most And More by Voice Ra

n The Wind through the keyhole by Stephen King

n Time of my Life by Cecelia Ahern

n Target 3 Billion by APJ Abdul Kalam

n Lethal by Sandra Brown

n Confessions Of A Serial Dieter by Kalli Purie

n The Innocent by David Baldacci n Calico Joe by John Grisham n The Witness by Nora Roberts

n Lots of candle, plenty of cake by Anna Quindlen n Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright with Bill Woodward n The Power of habit by Charles Duhigg

WOMEN SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

WEBSITES OF THE WEEK fashiondig.com Whether you want fashion advice, a vintage clothing store locator, or recommendations on books related to fashion you should see this site. It’s well-organized, easy to navigate, helpful, and plain fun!

handbag.com Fashion, hair, beauty, entertainment, sex and life—those are only some of the categories covered on this styleoriented site. It’s userfriendly, with active forums on everything in the fashion world

smashingdarling.com The site claims that it leads “the indie fashion revolution.” You’re going to faint over their camisoles, jewelry, jumpsuits, nightgowns, vests, slips, and, well, everything! Excellent wardrobe builder.

Building homes or careers?

Behind the scenes of a photo shoot All About Eve

SHREYA SEN

The grass always seems greener on the other side. Few know this better than women who make a choice between their family and careers

SNEHA MASHETTY

feedback@postnoon.com

ou are happy with your modest Maruti 800 but when the neighbour gets a Swift suddenly a wish to buy a Swift crops up, same is the case with housewives and working women when we asked them how they feel in their respective fields. We understood that women in both the fields feel the grass is greener on the other side. Read on to know what the scenario is. Gurubir Kaur (below), homemaker, says, “Today when I look back in time I regret not working as I miss the financial freedom that every working

woman has.” When we asked if she missed anything by choosing to be a housewife this is what she had to say, “I miss having my own circle of friends and hanging out with them. If I was a working woman I would have demanded an off on a weekend and said adios to the kitchen.” She also shares the reason why she was in a dilemma whether to work or no after marriage, “In our times working women were not readily accepted and then later on I had kids, I dedicated all my time to raising my children which was the most important thing for me. I wish I had chosen to work and managed my time between home and office.” When we ask what she feels the ideal time for work would be this is what she had to say, “I

would be fine with anything from 10am to 5pm as I would be there for my kids once they back home from school and college, then I would not miss on anything it would have been a perfect blend of office and home.” Tripthi Sen (above), VicePrincipal of Radcliffe International School, shares her thoughts on being a working woman. “I definitely have the financial freedom I need, but being a mother of two kids what I miss the most is my kids.” She also shares the guilt that she experiences when she not there for her family, “I feel so guilty when I am not there

5 ways to decide to work or not n Talk to your family members and see what they have to say about it. n Make sure the timings of the workplace are according to your needs. n Know your priorities before jumping into anything. n Listen to your heart and do what it says. n Logic is the key.

with my children when they have exams as I know what children go through during exams being a vice-principal. I feel so bad when I am not a major part of their upbringing. “I am sure that every working woman would agree with me because nothing means more for a woman than her kids. To compensate for the time I’m not at home I try and do as much as I can.” She explains why she took up this job. “Since I wanted to support my family financially, I took up this job. Now when I see children at school, I am reminded of my own.” But Tripthi feels a bit confused now. She took up a job to be able to provide her children with everything they needed but now she is torn between being the just another working woman and wanting to be there for her kids. The situation is very confusing and chaotic as both have their pros and cons, for all the mothers out there in dilemma about what their next step should be just sit back relax and ask your heart what it wants to do the most, then there would not be any looking back. After all life is all about living it your way.

oday I thought I would write about my profession and give an insight into behind-the-scenes of maternity photography. There are various things that one has to counter with regards to confidence issues of first time and new age mothers. Maternity photography in India is mostly been unheard of. We will find that in India women have always hid behind closed doors when they were pregnant mainly for two reasons. One, their body changes and secondly there is a concept of nazar in India. That you have to protect the baby belly from the evil eye of others. So during my maternity shoots, the first thing my to-bemums tell me when they speak to me is ‘I have put on a lot of weight, how will you shoot that?’ My response is always the same, “Are you happy and excited?” What she says next is something that I really admire about most women. The answer is what shows a woman’s strength, however tired and hard her months of pregnancy have been, she immediately talks about how excited she is and looking forward to seeing her baby. It shifts from her body to bringing life to this world that is a part of her and her husband. Something which is way bigger than weight or fat. That is how I work with my clients. Once the shoot begins, talk about her baby and she is only concentrating on how she’s feeling. Most people say when a woman is expecting a child there is an added glow to her face. The ‘glow’ someone said the other day is a myth, honestly it’s not. It is pure happiness that comes from doing something that’s selfless and you feel pure love. I hope someday I can spread this thought that pregnant women should be proud of their bellies, of that life that they have carried for nine months to keep this world going.

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Gunaas, a diamond jewellery lounge is offering a great shopping experience for the connoisseur.The store which was established by VR Gunasekhar, held the launch of its diamond jewellery collection. The jewels were exhibited by models at Road no 10, Banjara Hills on Friday.

Sparkling divas

Weavers pride

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Taste spotting

The beauty of make-up DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Actor Taapsee took time off her busy schedule to indulge in some food tasting. She was seen at the Venkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Xprs Hitech City outlet on Friday.

Anaghas launched a new handloom boutique at Himayatnagar on Friday.

Bollywood's celebrity make-up artist Marvie Ann Beck was in the city on Thursday. As part of a training progamme on bridal make-up by Naturals Family Salon and Spa, Beck released her 'Bridal Look' album.

RELATIONSHIPS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

I AM ALL EARS

am a newly married 25 yearold woman. Ours is an arranged marriage. Recently, one of my husband’s marrie cousin came calling on us. At home he behaved very oddly with me and even touched me inappropriately. I want to tell my husband but I am scared of how he will react. Please help

MR WRONG

Dear disturbed kid, What the cousin did to you you haven’t said, but I gather, it is something that’s got you really worked. If you keep quiet now, you will have to keep silent on this forever and it will be giving this cousin an undue advantage. He will probably take it as consent. So please tell your husband but break it to him gently. While on your part, maintain distance and never be alone with him.

ow is it that a woman can take leave of her senses and fall for a bad boy when she should probably know better? It has been well-documented that ovulating women are inclined to be attracted to Mr. Right Now rather than Mr. Right. However, new research reveals that the hormonal changes associated with fertility induce women to believe that players might actually stick around.

What went wrong? Were the leftovers from your wedding reception the last dinner you and your husband shared? Here are notes from one couple’s life

YAMUNA KONA

feedback@postnoon.com

ere the reheated leftovers from your wedding reception the last enchanting dinner your husband and you shared? Has the spark finally extinguished? Are you among that crowd that flips through pages of magazines, speed read countless articles or endlessly answers self-help questionnaires? Nina truly believed she was blissfully going to share her fairytale future with Raj, expecting occasional unsavory bits along the way. “Even after ten years, I don’t have a solid concept of marriage,” Nina comments. She explains they’re 99% sure genuine love was the basis since college, but confusion arises when chal-

lenges bank on the 1% of uncertainty. “I thought couples decided to get married, because they really wanted to share and enrich each other’s lives; not live separate lives, like Raj and I do.” Nina shows me a photograph taken of them at their wedding reception, their first dance. With their current scheduling conflicts, it seems they only waltz by each other in passing, and often sleep in separate bedrooms. As owner and wedding coordinator, Nina is always rushing to meet a client. Raj is a renowned chef at one of New York Times highest rated Indian restaurants, and tiptoes into the house after midnight. “It was out of consideration, at first. Now… it’s a daily routine.” The words barely escaped Nina’s lips. “We live in the same house. Sometimes we’re even in the same room, but we’re completely detached. I don’t know what happened.” Nina disclosed. She says they were inseparable before the engagement and for the first six months of filling out

“WE LIVE IN THE SAME HOUSE. SOMETIMES WE’RE EVEN IN THE SAME ROOM, BUT WE’RE COMPLETELY DETACHED. I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED” every joint bank account and rental property application. Learning about each other was an exciting stage of their relationship. Nina and Raj’s theories are vastly different. Raj says, “It’s completely unjust when she forces me to do something that I have no interest in.” Nina’s truly convinced couples essentially sign a lifetime lease to do everything together when they choose to get married, braising the relationship with healthy doses of freedom. She complains that dining together typically involves

watching TV. While their mouths are chewing, they laugh at someone else’s problems, possibly evading their own. Nina wonders what happened. Well, I like to call this the “Chase Phase”: Week 1: Poetically captivate her heart with affectionate greeting cards, painting future dreams, and timely present meaningful, yet priceless keepsakes. Week 2: Spend oodles of time with her and know when it’s too much. Week 3: Divert intense topics and potential nagging with romantic walks. Week 4: Before engagement, be attentive, plan dates and when to mention her likes at precisely the right time. Week 5: The last romantic walk is down the wedding isle. Week 6: She’s taken your name, so no need to sign it in every greeting card and remind her no present is precious as she is. Week 7: Cable television vs. table conversation. Ladies, do you ever wonder if

the “Chase Phase” is an underground course, universally taught in men’s locker rooms, coaching them how to lure and settle down with women? Fortunately for Nina and Raj, they’ve rekindled the meaning behind their vows to each other, and once again enjoy sharing moments together. Nina no longer is immersed in her client’s fantasy wedding; she’s brought those visions to reality. She now makes time to meet Raj and he gives her full attention without answering his cell phone. They also confirm that lack of intimacy can distance relationships to the point of no return, and that ‘making up’ can be a sweet intoxication. Nina and Raj prove the “Chase Phase” can ripen into stubbornness unless bowlfuls of blandness aren’t replaced with spoonfuls of mutual appreciation. A perfect fusion to tempt the tongue demands constant attention and passion, as marriages crave, or beware the taste of sweet intentions gone sour.

CINEMA SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

T-TOWN TWEETIES @actor_Siddharth

@shrutihaasan

@sundeepkishan

@tashu_02

Thanks to telecast repeats, I got to see gayle’s legendary knock with pause and rewind! What an international treasure:)

Always lovely to meet new and interesting people:) and to see kindness and warmth from people you’ve just met :) there is hope after all :p

Wish women payed half the attention they pay to helpless stray dogs to the men they are involved with... will solve relationship issues.

“Ahun ahun ahun” song also reminds me of my dear frnd @sagarchopra.... This is totally ur song... miss u buddy :-)

@shraddhadas43

@ramsayz

@taapsee

@lakshmiManchu

Off to sleep early tonite,for an early mornin shoot tom! Alleppey is beautiful! Shootn climax 1st thing tom!

Just for fun — When u refer to a film as Old wine in a new bottle what u don't realize is "older the Wine... the more we pay" ;p

I don’t know y is my latest project in Tamil being called as my come back!! I had 2 releases just last year n this year I’ve taken up dis 1..

For all those who asked... I did not dub for my voice in #Department. @RGVzoomin chose it. I haven't even heard it .

Trisha opts out of Ravi Teja’s film

risha is no longer part of Ravi Teja’s upcoming film titled Saar Vastaru. Parasuram, who had earlier teamed up with Ravi Teja for Anjaneyulu, is going to direct the film and Ashwini Dutt is producing this film. Saar Vastaru was supposed to go on floors in the first half of June and we hear that Trisha couldn’t allot the required dates for this film since she's busy with couple of Tamil films. “Yes it's true that I opted out of Saar Vastaru for various reasons. Hoping to work with Ravi soon in the near future. Also I have my hands full with Samar, Endrendum Poonaghai n Boologham for now :) Boologham starts end of May n Endrendum in mid June. Looking fwd (sic),” Trisha posted on Twitter. Few days ago, Amala Paul had also walked out of the film due to similar reasons. A source tells us that talks are on with a top actress to play one of the lead roles in the film and a newcomer might be cast in place of Amala Paul.

Gabbar Singh smashes records at BO

awan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan starrer Gabbar Singh has turned out to be a juggernaut at box office. Harish Shankar had directed the film. The mass entertainer is doing extremely well in AP and we hear that the distributors in several areas are going to add more screens in the second week. Although the makers of Gabbar Singh have not revealed the official figures, there’s a buzz in the industry that the film collected a share of close to `36 crores in the first week of its run across the world. Apart from Andhra Pradesh, the film is doing remarkably well in the US and it grossed more than $1 million so far.

Puri Jagannadh excited to work with Pawan

uri Jagannadh’s upcoming film Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu starring Pawan Kalyan and Tamannaah will go on floors on June 15. Talking about the film, Puri Jagannadh said, “I can’t wait to work with Pawan Kalyan. Recently, when I narrated the script to him, he was quite overwhelmed with his characterization in the film. Frankly, both of us were so excited that we couldn’t sleep properly after the meeting. Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu will be a good follow up to a blockbuster film like Gabbar Singh.” Buzz is that Pawan Kalyan is going to be seen as a TV journalist and the film is being touted as a satire on the media. DVV Danayya is going to produce the film and Devi Sri Prasad is going to compose the music. Puri Jagannadh has already announced that the film is going to hit the screens on October 18.

CINEMA SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

B-TOWN TWEETIES @NeilNMukesh

@imarshadwarsi

@reddysameera

@SrBachchan

The Oscar winner Mr Jim Frazier has provided lenses which have an all focus point and infinite depth also with focus.

Good morning... Can't get the injustice that is happening with @iamsrk out of my head...

Defending one’s family-justified! Use of profanity-could have been avoided. Why exclude provocation from the debate?

T 748 - To all the Ef... Blog is up! somewhat early and somewhat incomplete, but up all the same... far too many complained of delays !

@udaychopra

@realpreityzinta

@RahulBose1

@shreyaghoshal

“Man — Your inhuman! Alien —Thank God for that, or I’d have to kill myself too” — Earth Massacres #NonExistentQuotes

Don’t know wat2 believe when I see news. Lot of misreporting and inaccuracies. Can say dat cuz I’ve been in da middle of it sometimes.

Presented tickets for Coldplay concert to my niece. Never heard a more thrilled 15yr old. Massive points for aged uncle.

A monster of a headache I had today. Still a lingering pain. Cudnt move an inch most of the day:( missed @DaSoothsayer’s bday .

B’town invisible at Cannes

Priyanka not invited to Kjo's b’day party

here were umpteen number of reports appearing in the Indian media about the Bollywood stars all set to walk the red carpet at Cannes this year. Among the names mentioned were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, her daughter Aaradhya, Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Arjun Rampal, and others. However, they were invisible for the most important red carpet event, the opening night of the 65th Festival de Cannes, on Wednesday, 16th May 2012. Aishwarya's presence was sorely missed since she has been a Cannes regular and was a cynosure of all eyes at the last year's edition of the Festival. The only Indian actor to have made her presence felt at the opening ceremony red carpet was Frieda Pinto but she hardly has anything to do with IANS Bollywood.

ilmmaker Karan Johar’s birthday party on May 25th is going to be a grand event with 300 guests turning up for the bash and the names are mostly from the B-town. There are many names which are excluded from the guests list. Ram Gopal Varma who is not on friendly terms with Karan are not invited and another shocking exclusion is Priyanka Chopra who worked in Karan’s film, Dostana and Agneepath. For last few months, all is not going well between Karan and Priyanka especially after the news of alleged affair of Shahrukh with Priyanka surfaced. Karan is a close pal of Shahrukh and he is totally miffed IANS with his link-up with Piggy Chops.

AB Jr’s double dhamaal in ‘Bol Bachchan’

ollywood star Abhishek Bachchan will be seen in his first double role in Bol Bachchan, a comedy said to be inspired by 1979 classic Golmaal.The first poster of the Rohit Shetty directed movie, features Abhishek in two different looks — one features the actor in a confident, macho and moustached look, and the other sees him in a more metrosexual look with a magenta floral shirt and a net vest.

The poster serves the purpose - the mannerisms of both the characters look distinct.In the middle of the poster sits Ajay Devgn, wearing a black Pathani suit and yellow shades.The poster is bright and colourful, and depicts that the movie will be an action-packed, fun-filled affair.Presented by Fox Star Studios, and co-produced by Ajay Devgn Films and Shree Ashtavinayak LFS Infra Ltd. IANS

CINEMA SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

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CINEMA SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Brooke Shields to star in The Exorcist

Jenny to strip for Playboy M

ove over, ladies—Jenny McCarthy is coming back to reclaim the cover of Playboy. E! News confirms that after almost 20 years, the soon-to-be 40-yearold actress is returning to show off her goods on the cover of the men’s mag, along with a nude pictorial for the July-August issue that hits newsstands June 29. Is she nervous about it? Not at

all! The Love in the Wild star actually seems to be pretty excited about the upcoming project, telling E! News during an interview on Monday for the NBC upfronts, “All I wanted to do [when she began in the industry] was work with my clothes on, and now I just hope to get them off !” We’re sure no one would mind that, Jenny.

Sir Sean Connery rings bell at US stock exchange S

ir Sean Connery stepped back into the spotlight on Thursday to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The Bond legend vowed to retire from public appearances in 2011. The move sparked rumours he was suffering ill health, but he returned to centre stage on Thursday when he helped open the Wall Street financial market. Stock Exchange bosses invited the actor and Professor Louise Anderson, who is the principal of St Andrews university in Connery's native Scotland. The appearance was to mark the 600th anniversary of the prestigious college, of which Connery is an honorary graduate.

rooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain are bringing horror classic The Exorcist to the stage. In the creepy new adaptation, Shields will take on the part of Chris MacNeil, the mother of demonically possessed child Regan, while Chamberlain will play priest Father Merrin. Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow orig-

inally starred in those roles in the cult 1973 film. Playwright John Pielmeier insists the production will scale back on the movie's more gruesome scenes. He says, "The story of the battle between faith and evil needed no spinning heads or green vomit. The horror should unfold instead on a simple set with an incredible

cast (which we absolutely have), and the central conflict between doubting Father Karras and the demon should be a series of debates, in which the young girl possessed is the least of the figures present." The Exorcist will open at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse on July 11.

CINEMA SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

A charming story

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel directed by John Madden confronts questions about old age and related issues in a hilarious, light-hearted and yet poignant way

even British retirees ‘outsource’ their retirement to a reasonably priced and exotic hotel in Jaipur, India. Their dreams of final peaceful days are shattered as they find that the truth about this retirement home had been ‘photo-shopped’. Instead of leisure, they are confronted with their own pasts and prejudices and each is forced to discover the meaning of life, anew. The film’s script, based on a novel by Deborah Moggach, sparkles with wit and the dialogues are quite intelligent. The focus of the film, and all its sub plots, is clearly age and time. Time becomes a metaphor to entice viewers to look inside themselves and find their own relationship with time and age. Thus, it might be a film situated in the stories of ‘old’ people, in reality, it is about all of us finding ourselves. It will have a resonance across ages. It also makes a comment on many evils plaguing the county, like the existence of caste hier-

Hope for all

archy and the opposition to homosexuality in a very staid and gentle manner. The casting is a charm. Almost all the actors including Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Lillette Dubey breathe so much life into their roles that you can’t help but smile. Dev Patel is perhaps the odd one out in this impressive starcast. However, given his rising star power, no British or Hollywood film set in India can be complete without him. Go watch this one. You’ll have the fun, touching ride of IANS your life.

An urban love story

he 3D-CGI feature Dr. Title: Seuss’ The Lorax is an Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax 3DHotel adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale of a forDirected by: est creature who shares the Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a boy as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world. Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic young boy who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted’s wise Grammy Norma. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop).

Movie: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Cast: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Dev Patel Directed by: John Madden Rating:

Movie: Love, Lies and Seeta Cast: Melanie Kannokada, Arjun Gupta, Lavrenti Lopes andMichael Derek Dev Patel Directed by: Chandra Pemmaraju

A heartfelt comedy

nspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, What to expect when you are expecting is a hilarious big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by ALSO IN THEATRES the challenges of Title: impending parenthood. What to Expect When You Over the moon about Are Expecting starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and Cast: dance show star Evan Cameron Diaz, Jennifer find that their highLopez, Elizabeth Banks, octane celebrity lives Brooklyn Decker , Anna don’t stand a chance Kendrick, Mathew Morrison, against the surprise Dennis Quaid, Chis Rock demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and Directed by: advocate Wendy gets a Kirk Jones taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group.

ove, Lies and Seeta, directed by Chandra Pemmaraju, is an urban romantic comedy about three guys who fall for the same girl in New York. Rahul (Arjun Gupta), Tom (Michael Derek) and Bhavuk (Lavrenti Lopes), who live in the same apartment meet Seeta (Melanie Kannokada) at a party and realise that they are in love with her. In turn, each one of them approaches Seeta’s friends and her brother to help them out in their pursuit to win over Seeta.When all three of them propose to Seeta, she declares that she’ll date all three of them at the same time so that no one is disappointed. Things take a different turn when Seeta finally understands what being in love feels like. The film was shot mostly in New York and Brooklyn, Chandra Pemmaraju brings a live a totally different side of New York. The film doesn’t really aim high and the writing is quite simple. The good part is that it doesn’t reinforce any of the cultural stereotypes which are common in such crossover films.

CHAI TIME SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

SOLUTION ON PAGE 32

SUDOKU

KAKURO

How to play Kakuro

SCRIBBLING PAD

Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once. Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech. – George Bernard Shaw

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Slot machine symbol 4 They can be made with adobes 9 Called for liniment 14 President Lincoln's nickname 15 Cause to lose face 16 Rendered inoperable 17 Saves, in a way 19 Showbiz luminary 20 Certain Alaska native 21 Drove too fast 23 Supplements 24 Annoy 26 Card divisions 28 Objects of infatuation 32 Is ill with 35 Sketch 36 Muse who inspires poets 38 White-centered cookie 40 Major glitch 43 Bagpipes player, often 44 ‘C'mon, sleepy head!’ 46 ‘... ___ lender be’ 48 Kit ___ (candy brand) 49 Skin treatments 53 Home 54 Blot on one' sreputation 58 Mexican coin 60 Architectural recess 63 ‘Cats’ poet TS 64 Opera highlights 66 Saves, in a way 68 Short-tailed lemur 69 Grain disease 70 Buddhism doctrine 71 Base negotiating amounts 72 Hospital divisions 73 Yard contents DOWN 1 Bathroom fixture 2 ‘... to fetch her poor dog ___’ 3 Divide the deck again 4 Made a chess maneuver

5 Judge's org 6 Some may be pulled in two directions 7 ‘... and make it fast!’ 8 Furthest from forward 9 NBC competitor 10 Imaginative types 11 Saves, in a way 12 ___ out a living (barely got by) 13 Young socialites (Abbr) 18 Kin's companion 22 Moron's comment 25 ‘I'm all ___!’ 27 Pique at its peak? 29 Was boss of 30 Nasal accent 31 Greek colonnade 32 Monopolise 33 Field of interest 34 Saves, in a way 37 Giants great Mel

39 Motor type bird 41 Enemy or 61 ‘Flame and Shadow’ competition poet Teasdale 42 Diner dispensers 62 Abbr for an MIT grad 45 Newbie's mentor 65 Bro's relative 47 Bears witness 67 The Lord 50 Director Lupino 51 George Clooney, to Rosemary PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER 52 Airtight tower 55 Tokyo shopping district 56 Traveler's lodging 57 Make amends 58 Reason to take acetaminophen 59 Fish-eating

CHAI TIME SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Three of Cups

Judgement

Three of Swords

Ten of Wands

Page of Pentacles

ork – Watch out for matters of etiquette and the expected rules and regulations in a business environment. To grow, you need to follow theses. Romance – You have the urge to stay home and spend time doing homely things. Take time off and just relax at home with no plans. Health – Nagging health issues may crop up if you haven’t taken care of them already. Home remedies and alternative therapies work best. Money – Not a best time to move money around when you are unsure of where you’ll be next or what your next career move will be. Tarot message – What you sow, you will reap. But that should not stop you from following your gut feel.

ork – You may not be entirely happy with the results of a project, which you worked very hard on. Let it go and move on. Romance – Singles may be tempted to get into an unconventional relationship. Stay away and don’t yield to temptation. Health – Stop popping pills, no matter how good it makes you feel. You need to get a proper medical check-up and go by the book. Money – Finances are in good shape. Be practical and don’t get too adventurous with investments. Stick to long-term, traditional ones. Tarot message – This is not a great time for matters of the heart. You feel restless. Wait it out and don’t jump to take action unless you’ve very sure.

ork – Hard work and perseverance are required at the moment. It also means that you need to stick to a formula you know for sure works. Romance – Before sealing the deal on an important relationship, review your pros and cons. Ensure you know very well what you’re getting into. Health – A family doctor may be annoying but he/she is also the one with the knowledge of your family history. Be patient and go with the familiar. Money – There is no dearth of anything for your needs. But don’t get greedy and try to maximise what you have. Tarot message – Sharing is part of spiritual growing. Learn to share your thoughts and ideas, even though they will be exposed to criticism.

ork – You may be blocked access to something important. Look at it this way. It also means, you are expected to concentrate on fewer jobs. Romance – You need to up the romance quotient in your life and for that you need to renew and refresh your attitude. Make way for the new. Health – Stomach upset or sore throat or something minor will be an irritant. Treat it immediately. It is also a sign that you should diet. Money – Shifting money around is not a good idea now. Don’t shake up something which is stable just to bring some change. Tarot message – Get adventurous but within limits. It should not upset your life in such a way that you need to start over.

ork – Stop worrying. What’s the worst that could happen? You lose out on one project? Let it go and move on to the next thing. Romance – A third person may be knowingly or unknowingly interfering with your romance. Tell that person off. There’s never an easy way to do it. Health – The heat may be getting to you. Keep your body cool with fruits, juices and plenty of water. Avoid heat-inducing foods. Money – The falling rupee against the dollar has you a bit worried. You want to save on your foreign trip but also want to have a good time. Plan! Tarot message – This is a relatively easy time with no major changes. You need to cruise along.

SUMAA TEKUR tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

Libra

Scorpio

Knight of Cups

Three of Wands

ork – Many new challenges are going to come your way. It’s up to you whether to step up and show what you can do, or reject them and stay where you are. Romance – Feelings of positivity can wipe out that irritation you feel rising up towards your loved one. It may be because of spending too much time together. Health – You need to pause and take a break if your body is feeling fatigued. It is sending you a signal that a break is in order. Money – Do some thorough background research before you decide to invest in a new fund. Err on the side of caution. Tarot message – You can get a better deal with your current situation if you remain patient.

ork – It helps if you have a consensual attitude while working in large teams. Take the team members into confidence before launching plans. Romance – Your romantic life may be getting to theatric for your liking. Being a more practical person, you like to stick to reality. But let your partner enjoy this time. Health – When the rhythm of your daily routine is meddled with too many times, it leads to stress. Get back into the familiar and do things you enjoy to de-stress. Money – There may be some missing links in the balance sheet and it’s important you figure it out. Tarot message – Be empathetic and open to other people’s points of view. Team work is important.

Sagittarius Queen of Swords

ork –Beware of coming across as too snooty and difficult to approach. This may prevent your further growth within the company. Romance – Legal issues between partners need to be sorted out. Singles should go out and meet potential partners. Health – Discuss your health issues openly with your doctor. It may seem like an insignificant problem to you but your doctor will recognise trouble if there is. Money – No point accusing your tax advisor if you haven’t done your homework and checked on where your money is going. Be careful. Tarot message – Communication is very important. Be frank and honest with people who matter and it will make a huge difference.

ork – There may be some imbalances at the work place, in terms of the number of hours you’re working or the expectations and resources at your disposal. Talk to your boss. Romance – Growth is indicated in a relationship where you and your partner decide to take it a notch higher. Health – If your exercise routine has not been giving you any results, it could be that your body is fatigued and needs a change. Do a different routine. Money – There’s nothing to worry about money. If you have taken a home loan or any such high-interest-guzzling loan, think of ways to reduce the interest outflow. Tarot message – You are unique and should not compare to others.

Six of Swords

ork – Good time to look at new avenues and opportunities. This is an ocean with a world of new chances. Look at the right places. Romance – An overseas trip will get you in touch with interesting members of the opposite sex. Enjoy the interactions and the new ideas. Health – Your mind needs relaxation. Take a break and get out of the city for a few days. Leave your phone behind if that would help. Money – There are ways to keep track of your expenses only if you have the will to cut down and save for tomorrow. Get pen and paper and take note. Tarot message – Be open to new ideas and exploration. There are many different sides to a story.

Date 20-5-2012

Capricorn Nine of Pentacles

Virgo

Aquarius Five of Swords

ork – Creativity will rid you of boredom at the work place. Think of new ways to do the same old job and you won’t feel stuck in a rut. Romance – If you have made some promises, it’s important you keep them. Maintaining this trust, at any cost, is the foundation of a strong relationship. Health – Go for a regular health checkup. You may be in for a few surprises but nothing that cannot be handled well. Consult a good doctor. Money – Knowing about a scheme first is one thing, acting on it fast is another. Being there first will give you an advantage. Tarot message – It’s not easy to think out of the box. But it is essential to keep you motivated.

Pisces Strength

ork – Streamline your work processes so that you can produce better quality work. By thinking of new ways to do the same old thing will take up time. Romance – A travel plan to reignite the passion between you and your partner is a good idea. Choose a location which you both will find things to discover. Health – A change may be needed in your diet or exercise to make the most of your current situation. Continue to meditate and release mental stress. Money – Money matters need attention. Pool all your resources together and think of ways to maximise what you have. Tarot message – This is not the time to be aggressive. Get practical and do the best under your present circumstances.

Vol: 1, No 307 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

THE SATURDAY QUIZ SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Sistine Chapel? 14. Which is the non-contagious disease that is the most common in the world? 15. Which golf player’s mother is from Thailand? 16. What is Aurora Borealis commonly known as? 17.Who was the creator of Jeeves and Wooster?

IDENTIFY THESE CARTOON CHARACTERS

IDENTIFY THESE FAMOUS BETTER HALVES

Jinke ghar sheshe ke hote hai woh kapde basement mein badalte hai.

2 3 4

Ek baar jo meine commitment kardi toh main khud ki bhi nahi sunta.

Sacche police ki ya toh maut hoti hai ya suspend hota hai.

6 7

This music director is known for his contribution to music. He has also won many prestigious awards which include the Oscar as well. He is married to Saira Banu.Who is he?

1Sylvester Stallone 2. Farida Jalal 3.AR Rahman

I am just a stupid common man.

Answers Answer: 1 Courage

2 Captain Haddock 3 Jigglypuff 4.Yosemite Sam

Name the first Indian wrestler who won gold in the world wrestling championship?

2 3

MC Marykom, the puglist belongs to which Indian state?

PICTURE PUZZLE 15

In which state will the world’s tallest bridge that will replace France’s Millaes be built?

with Santosh Ghule

Answer for

Which language has been declared as Jharkand’s second official language?

Superimposed here is a synonym for enlightenment. What is it?

14: Hidden in the flowers is the face of a woman.

Answer

Which state in india is going to have longest test high speed test track of the world?

Ata majhi satakli

Chand tak pahunch gaye hum, par ab bhi aap ko hum hindustaniyo ke haath mein saap ki been hi nazar aati hai

Don’t die Mandira, don’t don’t die.

Basanti in kutton ke samne mat naachna.

Counted as one of the best mother’s in Bollywood, this actress bagged many prizes for her acting. Occasionally seen on the big screen, she is now comfortable doing television shows. Her show in which she plays the role of a fairy is very popular with the children. Her husband’s name is Tabrez Barmavar. Who is she?

KNOW YOUR COUNTRY

NAME THE FILMS FROM WHICH DIALOGUES HAVE BEEN TAKEN

He was part of two great English movie series. Both of them were action series. He was known as the muscle man of Hollywood. He has been married thrice and his latest wife’s name is Jennifer Flavin. One can usually find his pictures gracing gym walls. Who is he?

GUESS WHO?

WHO AM I? I started my career on televison with MTV Roadies. Anchoring shows almost came naturally to me. My latest movie is a hit. The topic for the film is very unusual. It was on sperm banking.John Abraham was the producer of the movie. Who am I?

Answer: Ayushmann Khurrana

FAMOUS SPOUSES

9. Which state is the biggest in USA? 10. Which country has the largest area of land? 11.Which is the largest mammal in the world? 12.Who was the writer of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland? 13.Who painted the ceiling of

1Golmaal 3 2.My Name Is Khan 3. Sholay 4. Wanted 5.Tiranga 6.Singham 7.Namastey London 8.A Wednesday

_________ and principal conductor of world famous New York Philharmonic Orchestra. 6. After which famous person the was the teddy bear named? 7. What is the rhino’s horn made of? 8. In which country was golf first played?

sAnswers. 1. Defence research and development laboratory 2.Increased height 3.Cricketer 4.Economist 5.Musician 6.Theodore Roosevelt 7.Hair 8.Scotland 9.Alaska 10.Russia 11. Blue whale 12.Lewis carroll 13.Michelangelo 14.Tooth decay 15.Tiger Woods 16.Northern lights 17.PG Woodehouse

1. What do the abbreviations DRDL stand for? 2. Excessive secretion from the pituitary gland in the children results in? 3. Sir Donald Bradman was a world famous... 4. What is Adam Smith’s claim to fame? 5. Zubin Mehta is an eminent

1. Sushil Kumar 2.Manipur 3.Jammu & Kashmir 4.Madhya pradesh 5. Oriya

Answers

SATURDAY MAY 19, 2012

6S 645

METER

I don't think it was the pressure. We did not play good cricket, should have recognised it was a 150-wicket not more. Very disappointed in the dressing room, tough dressing room I have just left Rahul Dravid RR Captian

Chris Gayle (RCB) 706 runs

M Morkel (DD), L Malinga (MI), S Narine (KKR) 21 wickets

Women activists criticise Mallya W

omen leaders and activists today criticised Siddharth Mallya for his comments casting aspersions on the character of an American woman who alleged that a cricketer molested her and attacked her fiance. His comments came following the arrest of Australia’s Luke Pomersbach. Siddharth, director of RCB, accused her of talking nonsense and went on to say "she was all over me last night and asked for my BBM pin". Reacting to his tweets, women activist Ranjana Kumari said nobody has a right to sexually assault her. "This kind of juvenile irresponsible behaviour will not be acceptable in the country who so ever the person may be. He must apologise to the women of PTI the country," she said.

Chris Gayle (RCB)

57 4S 1755

Ajinkya Rahane (RR)

P 15 15 15 16 15 15 15 15 15

W 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 4 3

L 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 11 11

N/T 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

PT NRR 20 0.599 19 0.478 18 -0.160 17 0.100 17 0.010 16 -0.172 14 0.272 8 -0.477 7-0.582

P-played; W-win; L-lost; N/T-no result/tie;NRR-net run rate; PT-points

HIGHEST SCORE

128*

Chris Gayle (RCB)

BEST BOWLER

4-13

Ajit Chandila (RR)

Last hope for Punjab G APARNA SAI

aparna.s@postnoon.com

ings XI Punjab rose to the occasion when it mattered the most; they defeated Chennai Super Kings in a do or die encounter to keep their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive. They are currently placed sixth on the points table. High on their victory against the Kings from Chennai, Punjab would hope to carry forward their form when they clash with Delhi Daredevils today. While Delhi have already qualified for the next round, Punjab's fate hangs in the balance. Even if they manage to clinch victory against the Daredevils, finding a place among the top four remains a distant dream unless the other teams under perform. Though Shaun Marsh did not feature among the playing 11, the return of Adam Gilchrist to the team is certain-

KXIP VS DD AT 4 PM ON SET MAX ly a morale booster. Not only was he exceptional in the field (taking not less than four catches behind the stumps) but his willow also produced a match winning innings. Parvinder Awana's newfound form with the ball in the previous two matches has seen

DECCAN CHARGERS V Rajasthan Royals innings (20 overs) R Dravid c Lynn b Gony 39 A Rahane c Dhawan b Steyn 6 S Watson b Mishra 13 S Binny b Mishra 7 O Shah run out (†Patel) 28 AL Menaria c Dhawan b Pratap Singh 20 J Botha c & b Steyn 3 S Goswami† b Pratap Singh 3 A Chandila not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 3, nb 1) 7 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 126 Bowling O M R W Econ JP Duminy 2 0 13 0 6.50 D Steyn 4 0 16 2 4.00 M Gony 4 0 26 1 6.50 V Pratap Singh 4 0 31 2 7.75 A Mishra 4 0 20 2 5.00 A Ashish Reddy 2 0 17 0 8.50

RAJASTHAN ROYALS Deccan Chargers innings (target: 127 runs from 20 overs) PA Reddy c Shah b Trivedi

S Dhawan c Chandila b Botha

JP Duminy c Shah b Binny

C White* c & b Chandila CA Lynn c Watson b Trivedi

1 6

P Patel† not out

A Ashish Reddy not out

Extras (lb 1, w 8) Total (5 wickets; 18.4 overs) Bowling A Chandila S Watson S Tait J Botha SK Trivedi S Binny

him become an integral part of Punjab's bowling line-up. He scalped two wickets against Chennai along with Praveen Kumar and Azhar Mahmood who also claimed two a piece. Meanwhile, the Daredevils would continue to try out new combinations in the team like they did when they clashed with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In the match against RCB, skipper Virender Sehwag decided to sit out making way for Unmukt Chand while Morne Morkel was replaced by Andre Russell. With this being the last match for both the sides, will the Kings be able to hold on to the reins and improve their qualifying chances or will the Daredevils play party-spoilers, remains to be seen.

Ganguly’s final IPL game

SCORECARD

9 128

O M R W Econ 4 0 20 1 5.00 2 0 14 0 7.00 3.4 0 35 0 9.54 4 0 30 1 7.50 4 0 20 2 5.00 1 0 8 1 8.00

Deccan Chargers won by 5 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)

DD KKR MI CSK RCB KXIP RR PWI DC

nlike most of the remaining matches where a team's victory or defeat would make a difference in the another side's qualification for the play-offs, this will not be the scenario when Pune Warriors take on Kolkata Knight Riders today. Pune began this season on a high but the team soon steam and faltered on many counts.

Mamta calls SRK ban undemocratic

oming out in support of Shah Rukh Khan, the brand Ambassador of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the ban on him from entering the Wankhede stadium was "undemocratic" and a "minor" matter had been blown out of proportion. "It is undemocratic and unwarranted. I will appeal please reconsider the decision," Banerjee said when reporters sought her reaction on the decision of the Mumbai Cricket Association. "I think that harsh punishment has been meted out for a minor offence. The game should be taken as a game only. I am speaking not as a chief minister, but as a commoner," she said. PTI

Also, news of Sourav Ganguly being only a mentor from the next edition added to the woes. Meanwhile, the Knights did not have a fairy-tale beginning but soon turned tides in their favour. The Warriors would hope to clinch victory in this match and give a befitting farewell to their captain, Ganguly AS

67 DAYS TO GO

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Cups: Dress rehearsals for '12 Games Emilie Bickerton

HONG KONG: Badminton’s

Xiang seeks sparkle at Diamond meet Bill Savadove

SHANGHAI: Chinese superstar Liu Xiang faces a huge test of his Olympic credentials when he lines up against reigning 110m hurdles world champion Jason Richardson at Shanghai’s Diamond League meet on Saturday. The 2004 Olympic goldmedallist has hit form as he bids to erase his injury heartbreak of 2008, and he will be backed his home crowd as he faces America’s Richardson as well as Aries Merritt, the newly crowned world indoor champion. Liu, who was forced out of the 2008 Olympics by an Achilles injury in front of a packed Bird’s Nest Stadium, was second behind Merritt in March and cruised to victory at a World Challenge meet in Japan this month. “I got out in a rush and wasn’t able to control my technique over the first hurdle," Liu said after the world indoor final. On Saturday, he can lay down an important marker against Richardson, who took gold in last year’s highly contentious world championships final in Daegu, South Korea. He finished second after he was obstructed by Olympic champion Dayron Robles, who was disqualified over the clash. Liu heads a starstudded line-up which has gathered in Shanghai for the event, nearly two months before the Olympics get underway in London. “It will be interesting to see how everybody performs,” said Andreas Thorkildsen. The women’s 200m is shaping up as a duel between Veronica Campbell-Brown and AFP Carmelita Jeter

elite will look to gain a mental edge before the Olympics in the highly charged atmosphere of the Thomas and Uber Cups world team championships in China next week. While qualification for London is already decided, the highly prized biennial event is one of the last opportunities to inflict psychological wounds, and replicates the team setting

of Olympic competition. Formidable hosts China will be hot favourites for both the men’s and women’s titles in Wuhan, but rivals will be queuing up to give them a bloody nose before they enter the biggest stage of all in July. “This is a dress rehearsal for London,” said Raphael Sachetat, chief editor of online badminton magazine Badzine International. “Psychological advantage in a recent confrontation is always a big help before a

Saina Nehwal

major event like the Olympic Games.” In the men’s Thomas Cup, only three nations have won since 1948: Malaysia, Indonesia and China. The same three are the top contenders this year, alongside a tricky South Korean side and the doughty but ageing Among China’s main challengers are India, who will be pinning their hopes on a top individual performance from its charismatic star world number five, AFP Saina Nehwal.

Japan eye Volleyball Olympic berth

Japan are currently placed third in the world rankings Our goal is to qualify at the top of the table although I know other Asian powers will also be desperate. Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe

osts Japan are hoping home advantage in the final Olympic women’s volleyball qualifying tournament starting Saturday will help them secure a berth at London 2012 as they bid to end a 28-year medal drought. Eight countries — Japan, Cuba, Peru, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand — will play in the nine-day round robin tournament in Tokyo, all chasing the final four of 12 women’s volleyball spots in London.

The top three teams and the best Asian side other than that trio will book the tickets, with the event also doubling as Asia’s continental elimination round. Already qualified for London are hosts Britain, the top three teams at the 2011 World Cup (Italy, United States and China) and the winners of the other continental qualifiers — Algeria, Dominican Republic, Turkey and Brazil. “Absolutely, our goal is to qualify at the top of the table although I know other Asian

powers will also be desperate,” Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe told Japanese media. Japan, the 1964 and 1976 Olympic champions, will be seeking their first medal since bagging the bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Japan are currently third in the world rankings and the highest placed among the eight teams. But European champions Serbia, ranked sixth, could pose a threat to the hosts, whom they beat in straight sets at the 2011 World Cup. Japan have also struggled against world champions Russia, ranked seventh, over the years. Russia, who defended their world title in 2010, are the most decorated women’s team in the Olympics with four gold medals and two silvers they won as the Soviet Union. But Japan finished third at the 2010 world championships and fourth at the 2011 World Cup in which they beat Brazil and the United States. “We are much closer than ever to the world’s top teams,” Manabe said. “The mindAFP set of our players has changed.”

SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Djoker, Federer gear up for semis Scott Williams

ROME: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will clash for the 25th time in Saturday’s Rome Masters semi-finals while Rafael Nadal also progressed, ensuring the big three all made the last four of this crucial French Open warm-up. Defending champion Djokovic, the top seed, fought through the first set, before racing away in the second to beat French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5, 6-1. Federer, fresh from his Madrid Masters triumph last weekend, followed the script with a 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Italian Andreas Seppi in just 53 minutes, with the Swiss third seed winning 14 of the first 15 points. Second seed Nadal, meanwhile, got the better of Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych, grinding out a 6-4, 7-5 win and will meet fellow Spaniard David Ferrer. “It was a very good match for me. From the start I played aggressive,” said Federer. “The goals have to be the same against Djokovic — take it to him and play my game.” Rome is one of the few big

events Federer has not won, losing finals in 2003 and 2006. But the Swiss star, who hasn’t played Djokovic since his marathon US Open semi-final defeat last year, showed his clay game is nearing perfection, just a week before the start of the

French Open. Djokovic was tested early on by Tsonga in a first set filled with five breaks of serve. But after winning the opener in nearly an hour, Tsonga’s defences collapsed as the top seed came home for his 29th win

Julian Guyer Andrew Strauss ended his 18month wait for a Test century as he led his side into a first innings lead on the second day against the West Indies at Lord’s on Friday. When bad light ended play, England were 259 for three — a lead of 16 runs after they needed just Friday’s first ball to dismiss the West Indies for their overnight score of 243. Strauss was 121 not out and Ian Bell five not out at stumps. But with the West Indies just two deliveries into the new ball, England’s position is far from assured in this first of a threeTest series. This was the 35-year-old

DALLAS: American Jason Dufner rolled in four birdies on his final five holes for a four-under 66 and a one-shot lead after the second round of the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Championship on Friday. Dufner finished off his round with a 37-foot chip-in at the 429-yard 18th. His drive off the tee sailed wide right and he hit an approach that rolled over the green. “I’m confident with my game and happy with where my game is right now,” he said. Dufner, who won last month in New Orleans for his first USPGA Tour title, reached seven-under 133. He also had a 35-foot chip in at the 15th hole.

DUFNER, WHO WON LAST MONTH IN NEW ORLEANS FOR HIS FIRST USPGA TOUR TITLE, REACHED SEVEN-UNDER 133 of the season. “In the second set I played one of the best sets on clay this year," said Serb star Djokovic. “This is encouraging for the challenges ahead. With Roland Garros coming, I’m playing and feeling better in every match."

Strauss ton piles on the pressure LONDON: England captain

Dufner goes into the lead

STRAUSS IS IN SIGHT OF THE ENGLAND TEST RECORD OF 22 HUNDREDS HELD JOINTLY BY HAMMOND, COWDREY AND BOYCOTT Strauss’s 20th century in his 95 Tests but the left-handed opener’s first since he made 110 against Australia at Brisbane in November 2010. He came into this match with questions regarding his recent lack of runs but the circumstances were near ideal for Strauss to end his century drought, despite overcast conditions that saw the floodlights

switched on after lunch. The West Indies attack was willing but rarely threatening and Strauss enjoys batting at Lord’s, his Middlesex home ground, where he has now made five Test centuries including one on debut, against New Zealand in 2004. Strauss is now in sight of the England Test record of 22 hundreds held jointly by Walter Hammond, Colin Cowdrey and Geoffrey Boycott. His only worrying moment Friday came when he was dropped on 95 in the slips by Shivnarine Chanderpaul off what was, in any event, a Fidel Edwards no-ball. Bowler Chris Broad’s figures of seven for 72 were his best in Tests

He had the 36-hole lead at the Masters, one of four times Dufner has led after two rounds this season. Because he has won before after leading at the halfway point of a tournament, Dufner feels he can do it again. “It was a nice way to finish, looking forward to the weekend,” Dufner said. “I was kind of around par for the day, trying to stay patient a little bit, maybe get a birdie or two on the last five holes and ended up getting birdie on four of the last five, couple of chip-ins, which you don’t expect, especially the one on 18. “That’s a difficult position to be over the back of that green to that hole location. Matt Kuchar was second along with first-round leader Ryan Palmer, Chad Campbell, Pat Perez, Dicky Pride and Marc Leishman. Kuchar shot a 68 and is fresh off a win at The Players Championship on Sunday. Phil Mickelson, who is one of just two top 10 players in the field, finished with a double bogey for a 69. He was not happy with his round.

SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Robin to make Euro mark

Van Persie’s next challenge is to make an impact at an international tournament

on the tournament. “He is like Lionel Messi in the positional sense,” says Arsenal coach Arsene

All eyes on Big Final MUNICH: Bayern Munich and Chelsea were gearing for their Champions League final showdown here Saturday as the Bavarian capital buzzed with anticipation ahead of the biggest game in club football. A worldwide television audience estimated in the hundreds of millions is expected to tune in for Satur-

76ers thrash Boston Celtics PHILADELPHIA: Andre Iguodala finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists as the Philadelphia 76ers rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 92-83 in game four of their Eastern Conference series. Evan Turner also had 16 points and Lou Williams finished with 15 points and eight assists for the Sixers who levelled the best-of-seven series at 2-2. “We just kept fighting. I kept telling our guys to ‘keep battling’ and something good was going to come out of that,” said Sixers coach Doug Collins. “What we did wasn’t pretty, we just grinded it out.” Game five is scheduled for Monday in Boston. Philadelphia rallied from 18 points down at one point to win it down the stretch, scoring the final nine points of the game. Williams scored 13 of his points in the second half and Iguodala nailed the go-ahead jumper in the final two minutes. Philadelphia’s bench outscored the Celtics’ bench 44-12. Paul Pierce scored a game-high 24 points and Rajon Rondo finished with 15 points and 15 assists for Boston.

day’s clash between the German and English Premier League giants, which kicks off at 1845 GMT (12.15 am IST). The eagerly awaited final — which is taking place at Bayern’s home ground, the Allianz Arena — is a 70,000 sell-out. A further 65,000 fans have bought tickets to watch the match on giant screens.

Wenger. “He doesn’t play like a real centre-forward but if you look at his movement, he is very intelligent.”

SOLUTIONS

Boggle Number game

the final at the last World Cup in 2010 but he scored just one goal en route and failed to make a lasting impression

AFP/FABRICE COFFRINI

anchester City are confident they are best placed to sign Robin van Persie from Arsenal, with the champions considering making him the club’s highest-paid player, a report in The Guardian stated. It claimed that Khaldoon alMubarak, the chairman, may sanction offering the Dutchman more than the £250,000 weekly salary earned by Yaya Touré. The potential deal is far enough along for the possible move to have been the talk of the dressing room for a few weeks. City, who have been conducting homework on the striker for some time, are confident that Van Persie will leave Arsenal and that the lure of joining the title winners plus a salary that would take him beyond Touré and Carlos Tevez, the club’s highest-paid players, will convince him to move on, according to the Guardian. So anxious are Arsenal to retain Van Persie, the club have barred him from talking while on international duty.

FORD MONROE REAGAN CARTER TRUMAN

Suduko

Dutch forward Robin van Persie carries his daughter Dina Layla

Scrabble

THE HAGUE: Having shaken off his injury woes to emerge as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers, Robin van Persie’s next challenge is to make an impact at a major international tournament with the Netherlands. The 2011-12 season was without doubt the finest of the Dutchman’s career, as he scored 30 goals for Arsenal to finish as top scorer in the Premier League, earning himself multiple recognition at the end-of-season award ceremonies. After making only 25 league appearances in the previous season, van Persie played in every game of Arsenal’s most recent campaign, suggesting that the injuries that stunted his progress in the past are now behind him. With 37 goals in all competitions, the 28-year-old placed himself in the company of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers. His next assignment is to leave a mark at Euro 2012. Van Persie was a member of the Dutch side that reached

Man City eye Persie windfall