THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 HYDERABAD
WWW.POSTNOON.COM
WEATHER: A MIX OF CLOUDY AND CLEAR SKIES; 21°C
HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER
REDUCED TO PUDDLES
After all the enthusiasm that was seen just before the global biodiversity conclave, City’s waterbodies have returned to their original state — of official neglect.
REPORT ON P4
PG 12
AMERICAN OLIVIA IS MISS UNIVERSE American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012, beating beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title. The title of first runner-up went to the Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon. It is the first win for an American woman since 1997, when the title was won by Brook Lee. Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third in the contest. Fourth place went to Miss Australia Renae Ayris, and fifth to Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus.
HAT-TRICK FOR MODI CONGRESS SNATCHES HIMACHAL
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is all set for a third term in office, underscored by his 70,000-plus vote victory over Congress candidate Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended police officer Sanjeev Bhatt. At the time of going to press, the BJP was leading/set-to-win in at least 117 seats out of 182. The Congress, marginally better off than 2007, was leading/set to win in at least 61 seats. The ruling party has a reason to cheer in Himachal as it established a clear lead over the incumbent BJP. The Congress was leading/setto-win in at least 39 seats out of 68. The saffron party’s fortunes went downhill as it lost many strongholds by a considerable margin.
FULL REPORT ON P11
32 PAGES
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
city events
MUSICAL NIGHT
There will be a night of ghazals by singer Hariharan at Chowmahalla Palace. Hariharan is one of the renowned ghazal singers of India with over 30 albums to his credit. The event is on December 23 from 7pm to 10pm.
Weather for Hyderabad
Evening
Overnight
Morning
Afternoon
21°C
16°C
21°C
30°C
A mix of clear and cloudy skies.
A mix of clear and cloudy skies
A mix of cloud and sun.
Mostly sunny.
New Delhi Mumbai Max 21 Max 32 Min 8 Min 22 Clear skies.
Chennai Max 31 Min 24
Sunny, clear skies.
Partly cloudy.
Bangalore Max 28 Min 16 Partly cloudy.
AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES Contact: (040) 6652 3939
SHOWS
Art exhibition Artist M Narayan’s work is on display. Narayan graduated from the Ken School of Art. He has participated in over 30 solo exhibitions and is known for his rural depictions. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Road no. 15, Jubilee Hills When: Up to January 2 Contact: (040) 2354 0023
A-Bong Live A-Bong is a group of music enthusiast Bengalis from Hyderabad. Where: La Makaan, Lane Adjacent To C-Bay , Banjara Hills. When: January 6 5pm onwards Contact: 93965 55888
DINING
Christmas carols Christmas carols will be sung by Global Edge school till the end of December at The Lobby. Where: Novotel & HICC Complex, PO Bag No 1101, Cyberabad Post Office, Near Hitec City When: December 3-31 Contact: (040) 6682 4422
Christmas Eve buffet Traditional turkey buffet and unlimited beverages will be served at Deccan Pavilion. There will also be live entertainment. Where: Deccan Pavilion, Begumpet When: December 24 Contact: (040) 2340 0132
Alexander Jaya Prakash Reddy is performing a 100 minute solo. He plays a retired army officer who wants to help people with their problems by starting a helpline. It is scripted by writer Pusala. Where: Ravindra Bharathi, Public Gardens, Nampally, H-01, Abids When: January 6, 7pm to 9pm Contact: (040) 2324 9045
Christmas brunch There is a Christmas Day Turkey Brunch at Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Europeaninspired Ginger Bread House started from December 15. Where: Okra, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Center When: December 25, 12.30pm to 4pm
MISCELLANEOUS
ARTS Inertia Photography Photography exhibition on India by STUDY TIME: Students study near Gulzar House fountain in Old City. M ANIL KUMAR
Lona Lohan till December 31. Where: Rajiv Gandhi Airport, Shamshabad When: Up to December 31 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6625 0000
Commissioner & Spl Officer
Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints
198 155313
POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section
155333 23431178 23431179
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333
Delineation Haris Srinivas's art will be on display at this exhibition at Taj Deccan. Where: Taj Deccan, Road No 1 , Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am to 10pm
WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar
155313 23307328 23313163
27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999
BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills
Chai-Pakora Run To spread the word about India Bike Week being held in Goa on 2-3 February 2013, a chai-pakora run will be organised in Hyderabad. Where: Secunderabad Parade Ground, War Memorial on Lamba Theatre Road Opp. cricket ground. When: December 23 6am onwards Contact: indiabikeweek.in/calendar
Christmas hampers Taj Krishna is giving out Luxury Santa Hampers and Deluxe Santa Hampers, which include Remy Martin Xo, Lagavulin 16, luxury Canali tie, Rose petal jam with cane sugar, Kalmata Olives, assorted Christmas chocolate and plum cakes to name a few. Where: Taj Krishna When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 6666 2323 Jewels by Queenie Queenie Singh, jewellery designer from Mumbai is having a private viewing of her signature diamond collection. Where: Kimaya store, Shangrila Plaza, Near check post, Road no 2, Banjara hills When: December 19 to 20 Photo competition Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad, is conducting a photo competition. The theme is Professions of the world. The winning entries will be sent to Paris. Where: http://hyderabad.afindia.org When: December 3 to January 6
Transpersonal session Art & Science of Self-Actualization is a foundation course in transpersonal
27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445
AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES
counselling, by clinical psychologist Sujata Potay. Life skills, self awareness skills will be imparted, among others. Where: Center for Organization Development, Madhapur When: January 19 to April 27 Contact: 98494 53045
Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7
Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum
24523211 232431300/7641 24521029
Readers’ views
We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
City
YESTERDAY’S QUESTION
SHOULD RAPISTS BE GIVEN CAPITAL PUNISHMENT? 89% 11%
YES (A) NO (B)
TODAY’S QUESTION
WILL THE GUJARAT POLL RESULTS REFLECT ON RAHUL GANDHI’S LEADERSHIP A)
CRIME
Cops recently arrested two of a family of five that has made pick pocketing it’s profession, usually targeting rail and bus passengers.
A
n entire family of five has found a vocation in picking pocket for a living. This came out after the arrest of a motherdaughter duo by the Langer
B)
NO
CRIME
It is in their blood
Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com
YES
To vote visit www.postnoon.com
House police recently. G Ramanujamma and her daughter Laxmi were arrested while in the act of swiping a purse from a woman passenger at Bapunagar bus stop. Some cash and ornaments were seized from their possession. Sub-inspector T Gopal said,
only after interrogation, did the police realise that the family of five — husband, wife, daughter and two cousins — have been indulging in picking valuables from rail and bus passengers. By the time the police went after the other three, the trio had escaped. According to details the 45year-old Ramanujamma is the native of Padmavathypet of Ananthapur district. She belongs to a poor family. They came to the City a few months ago in search of a livelihood but found a lucrative profession in pick pocketing. While mother and daughter ‘worked’ among women passengers, the other three zeroed in on men. They stayed in the outskirts and came by train to the City and by night would return with the loot. Police believe the family syndicate is behind at least 20 cases of pick pocketing or stealing.
CRIME
Marrying second time cost his life Unable to bear his sister’s misery, Firdoze killed his brother-in-law with a boulder. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
A
man by name Syed Younus was allegedly murdered by his brotherin-law, Firdoze, in broad daylight on Tuesday at Darabgunj colony of Madanapet. Younus, an auto driver, had married for the second time a couple of years ago. Neglect and insult to the first wife caused much anguish to her brother. Unable to suffer the agony of his sister, Firdoze is said to have done his brother-in-law to death. Younus, 35, was an auto driver and lived in Hafizbaba Nagar. He married Shabana and has two children. He married a second time disregarding the protests of his first wife. He was unable to provide for the families and Shabana suffered a lot due to his
negligence, police said. On Tuesday, Younus was coming home after meeting the second wife when Firdoze out of pain and frustration attacked him with a boulder. The bleeding and screaming Younus was taken to a hospital but he died. Police have arrested Firoze.
VICTORY DANCE
Young hubby blames wife, ends life Fed up by his wife’s cruelty, a young man committed suicide by jumping in front of a train.
POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
I
n a reversal of roles, a young man wrote a death note in which he accused his wife of cruelty, and jumped to his death before a speeding train on the
tracks between Sanathnagar and Fatehnagar railway stations on Tuesday night. K Vijay Raju, 28, got married to Vasantha, 27, a distant relative, only eight months ago. After marriage Raju lived with his inlaws in Fatehnagar. Vasantha is alleged to have harassed him mentally and her father, James, seemingly supported his daughter. She demanded divorce but he was unwilling to yield. After he parried the demand, the father and daughter had threatened to get him arrested. Sub-inspector of railway police V Madhusudan Rao said the death note recovered from his pocket only said he was sorry to end his life but there was no alternative. He regretted his marriage with Vasantha. “If only I knew her character I would not have married her,” he wrote. What precisely was the issue is as yet unknown.
BJP party workers celebrate as the party took a decisive lead in Gujarat elections.
N SHIVA KUMAR
LOKAYUKTA Lokayukta issues warrant against SE T
aking cognisance of a newsitem that appeared in a Telugu daily in August last year, Lokayukta Justice B Subhashan Reddy registered a complaint suo-motu. The news-item had stated
that though the government sanctioned YT Cheruvu Project to provide Protected Water Supply to meet the needs of 20 fluoride affected villages of Guntakal Division in 2004-05, the project was not completed
as funds were not released under Phase-III. The government has spent `11 crore and still 25km pipeline is to be laid. People were waiting for years for drinking water, but the project remained incomplete.
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city THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
GHMC
LAST YEAR... HERE Blame game rules the sky
L
ast year we had reported how air passengers were left in a lurch when flights were being cancelled at the last minute. While they scrambled to rejig their schedules at the last minute, the airlines and Met department chose to play the blame game. Airlines demanded that the Met predict fog early while the latter chose to look on helplessly.
DECEMBER 20, 2011
NUMEROLOGY
501
are the number of lakes under the GHMC limits. Of these at least 169 are more than 10 hectares in area.
YSRC is a cover for Congress and it will merge with the Congress before or after the elections. The Congress is so anaemic that it will be sick of its own weakness.
M ANIL KUMAR
City lakes lie orphaned Despite having a lake protection committee, little is being done to preserve the rapidly shrinking water bodies in the City. Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com
T
he last the Lake Protection Committee held a meeting was about four months ago, as part of the CoP preparations. Ever since, no serious discussions have taken place on the issue. It has been almost a year, since the GHMC commissioner MT Krishna Babu has spoken about various protection measures for 169 lakes in the GHMC limits but most of the lakes continue to be under encroachments. Saving West zone, the other four zones have taken no steps to protect this precious
common wealth. According to sources, lack of coordination between departments of irrigation, revenue and GHMC is the biggest bane. While some of the tanks got a budget approval, and fencing is undertaken in the West zone (Seringampally), other zones lag behind. Each day shrinks the lake areas in the City. While circles 12, 13 and 14 in West Zone made some progress, officials are nevertheless facing problems from the locals. Seven tanks of Circle 11, three of Circle 12, three of circle 13 and 10 of Circle 14 got a budget approval and officials will be completing the task of fencing soon. Lack of manpower is cited
Though the commissioner had called for the involvement of NGOs, they have not been invited to any of the meetings that have been held. as the biggest hurdle for the irrigation department for determining the FTL of lakes. These and several other reasons have put the issue on back burner. Though in March this year, the commissioner had called for the involvement of NGOs, the actively involved organisations like SOUL have not been invited to any of the meetings held
under the auspices of ‘Lake Protection Committee’. There are a total of 501 lakes under the GHMC limits and amongst them 169 are of more than 10 hectares area. “How much has been encroached will be clear when the FTL is known,” says Rama Krishna, co-convenor of SOUL. Meanwhile the GHMC officials directly point out the lack of support from the irrigation and revenue in determining the FTL of lakes. “All the 169 lakes cannot be taken at time. We have taken up 35 lakes and the process is going on. First we have to identify the FTL, which should be done by the irrigation department,” says K Suresh Kumar, chief engineer.
Dr Kodela Sivaprasad Rao See page 5
THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.
1
Cruelty need not always be meted out by the man. A young man recently jumped to his death leaving family shocked. His suicide note blamed his wife for cruelty and the reason for his resorting to such an extreme step.
2
Family business seems to be the lure here. A family of five recently zeroed in on its vocation — pickpocketing! This interesting fact came to light when the mother and daughter were nabbed when they were in the act of relieving somebody of his wallet.
3
NEWS BRIEFS
GHMC’s tall claims rarely ever materialise. The civic body had set up a lake protection committee, but to date little has been done.
Carcasses found in drinking water
YSRC demands fund for farmers
Bike-borne men snatch six tola gold chain
Railway police arrest 2 for stealing debit card
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I
D
A
T
It’s a world of perfection, even if it is artificial. Gone are the days when Christmas trees were the real deal. Today it’s all plastic and perfect.
5
Have holiday plans? Head where the world is heading. According to a travel website there are a bunch of places that are the most visited this year.
n a shocking example of civic neglect, dead bodies of animals — dogs and birds — were found in the water tank of the board in Chanchalguda on Wednesday. The incident came to light when a team of board officials led by local corporator Amjadullah Khan undertook a cleaning operation. This water is supplied to residents in the area.
emanding adequate price for cotton farmers, the YSRC asked the government to stop exploitation by traders. YSRC farmers cell convenor MVS Nagi Reddy pointed out that Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) was being unresponsive to farmers needs. The party demands a `3,000 crore market stabilisation fund to help the farmers.
woman by name Srilaxmi, 35, lost her six tola gold chain on Wednesday evening at the OU colony in Shaikpet when it was snatched by bikers. She was going to her local tailor when two bikeborne men closed in and snatched the gold chain from her person and escaped. The Golconda police have registered a case.
he Kacheguda railway police have arrested two thieves, Srikanth, 35, and Chitti Babu, 32, both residents of NTR Nagar. The duo had stolen an ATM card from a person who was fast asleep in the waiting hall of the railway station and then withdrew an amount of `35,000. Investigation led to their arrest.
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city THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
POLITICS
TDP hopes to get 200 seats Despite allegations that Telugu Desam Party leaders are being lured away by YSRC, the party remains confident of mopping up seats. A senior party leader says TDP does not consider YSRC as a party. INKESHAF AHMED Ahmed.m@postnoon.com
YSRC is a cover for Congress and it will merge with the Congress before or after the elections. The Congress is so anaemic that it will be sick of its own weakness .
G
oing by the reports of TDP leaders being lured away by other parties, one would have thought the TDP leadership is dejected beyond words. But the party leaders are found to be in high spirits and say their party leads and others follow. Once party chief Chandrababu Naidu’s padayatra ends next month, the party will be getting ready for what they call “premature elections.” Party’s senior leader and former minister Dr Kodela Sivaprasad Rao (right) says initiating Rahul Gandhi into electoral politics is the clear indication that the party will go to polls with him as the prime ministerial candidate and midterm elections are not unlikely. The most shocking statement Rao made is that the TDP does not consider YSRC as a party. Nor does it consider the Congress a strong opponent at the next general elections! “YSRC is a cover for Congress and it will merge with the Congress before or after the elections. The Congress is so anaemic that it will be sick of its own weakness by the next elections. TRS is a family party, the patriarch of which is a stooge of the Congress. We will tell people of Telangana they are being taken for a ride by KCR.” Talking to Postnoon on Wednesday, Rao said that his party was getting ready to repeat
Sivaprasad Rao Senior TDP leader
TRS party is a B- team of the Congress. The decision of KCR to attend the all party meet is the latest example of this. How can he attend the meeting? Sivaprasad Rao Senior TDP leader
1994 when it won two-third majority under the leadership of NT Rama Rao. Rao, considered very close to the party chief and Nandamuri family, said KCR was one of the most snobbish and selfish leaders of today who is hand-inglove with the Congress.
“The TRS is a B-team of the Congress. The decision of KCR to attend the all-party meet is the latest example of this. How can he attend the meeting called by the Union government which refused a T state? Does he ever remember the martyrdom of so many young men for the cause?
If he has any self respect, he’d have spurned the offer.” The TDP was happy that Rahul Gandhi was being brought in. The man, said the Desam leader, has proved a failure and it would be easy for us to defeat such a one. Kiran government has been a repeated failure on all fronts — power, farmers’ issues, welfare of women and children. Rao confirms the initiation of Naidu’s son Lokesh into active politics soon and sees nothing wrong in that. If Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Naveen Patnaik could inherit, why not Lokesh? Besides, he said, unlike others, Lokesh has been rendering invaluable contributions in ideological and philosophical planes of the party. In fact, Naidu’s padayatra is giving Lokesh firsthand experience of people and their issues, he said.
EXCLUSIVE
T-union not to donate to conference The Telangana union thumbs its nose at the government and decides to boycott the World Telugu Conference, refusing to donate their one-day salary to it as directed by the State government.
POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
T
he IV World Telugu Conference scheduled to be held from December 27 to 29th has already earned a controversial status. The reason for this is a directive of the State government to all its employees to donate their one-day salary for the conduct of the function. While the directive did not find any opposition from Andhra and Rayalaseema employees, the Telangana employees have stirred up hornet’s nest by rejecting it as an authoritarian move.
“When we asked the government to donate one-day salary of all employees for the families of Telangana martyrs, the state rejected our request without even considering it.” Speaking to Postnoon, Telangana Non-Gazetted Officers’s Union (TNGO) leader G Devi Prasad said the Telangana employees are
opposed to conducting the World Telugu Conference. “Why should we give our hard earned money for this function?” “When we asked the government to donate one-day salary of all employees for the families of Telangana martyrs, the state rejected our request. Now, it is asking us to donate money for the Telugu conference. We will not donate at any cost,” he said. Telangana Gazetted Officers Association president V Srinivas Goud also said they can’t donate and be a part of the World Telugu Conference until the separate Telangana issue is resolved.
The stand of the Telangana employees has come as a shock for the State government, which is expected to collect huge amounts of donations from its employees. The total employee head count of the State government stands at about 11 lakh. The figure also includes outsourcing and contract employees. The State government had so far allocated `25 crore for the organisation of the Telugu conference. The conference will be held at the world-renowned temple town of Tirupathi. A total of 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting.
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city THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
ACTIVISM
‘Use RTI to fight corruption’ Rahul Buddala, president of It’s Time to Make a Difference, a Right To Information activism group in the City, talks to Postnoon about the group’s motivation, current projects, future plans and long-term goals. I am not saying all of us need to be constantly motivated. Some of our group’s members are highly passionate individuals who have shown no signs of being dejected. So yes, success stories need longevity. And we have always kept the motivation pot boiling because without immediate success stories, the drive dies out. Success stories for motivating people is a formula we have thought of right now. What inspired you into taking up social issues? When 26/11 happened, I got to know about the policemen who were killed on duty because they were ill-equipped. That shook me. It was followed by the 2G scam when I realised that our money was being eaten away by the corrupt. That is when the RTI movement began. Some issues you are going to take up in the next two months? There are a few issues that we have been preparing for. For instance, the H-TRIMS traffic coordination system that was planned for CoP-11 was supposed to have finished before September. That has not
materialised yet. We have filed RTIs and have got some unsatisfactory replies. That is one among the many issues we plan to take up shortly.
“We are also planning to fan out to the rural areas of Hyderabad to help the locals solve their problems. We want them to taste the successes of RTI and work their problems out by themselves.” If not for ITMD, you said you wanted to be a management graduate. So if you were to shift base from Hyderabad in pursuit of MBA, what are your plans for the future? I will fight and address issues wherever I go, be it Mumbai, Chennai or Pune. It is perhaps one reason I have stayed back in India despite being part of the Great Indian Dream where I wanted to go to America and settle down happily. I might still go, but that will be a short visit, just to see the life out there.
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R
ahul Ramakrishna met Rahul Buddala (pictured), newly-elected president of It’s Time to Make a Difference (ITMD), a city youth initiative, and discussed about RTI activism, politics and the group’s plans for the future. ITMD is Hyderabad’s most proactive RTI activism group that has addressed, fought and brought results on scores of issues. ITMD recently completed four years of public service. What is your plan now that you have been elected president for 2012-2013? We want to expand the scope of ITMD. We want to take it to the students in our City, considering we have over 200 engineering colleges in Hyderabad. We want to involve the youth in civic issues and also help them address their own problems in education. Apart from the youth, do you plan to expand to other target groups? What about the people in the rural areas around Hyderabad? So far, ITMD has had a strong presence in Infosys. We now want to expand it to other companies and also other cities. There are a lot of educated, likeminded people who care about the problems of this country. And most of
them are young and desirous of doing some service to the society. RTI is one major weapon to fight corruption. We are also planning to fan out to the rural areas of Hyderabad to help the locals solve their problems. We want them to taste the successes of RTI and work their problems out by themselves. Do you see yourself getting into politics or supporting any political party, now or later on in the future? As a team, we have no political leanings. Personally, some people might be inclined to support some party or the other, but as a team we are completely apolitical. And personally, I do not see myself being a politician or being associated with politics. I am just a responsible citizen fighting for problems and I would like to keep it that way. There are ample number of politicians. Right now, what we need are responsible citizens. Counting your experience as being part of an activist group, there must be many things that deter the group’s progress. Yes. Motivation is an issue. When an RTI is filed, there is a response time of anywhere between six months to five years or more. So the motivation keeps fizzling out sometimes, in some people.
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classifieds THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
CHRISTMAS As the market is flooded with artificial trees, City folk choose them over the real deal. Their perfect shape and ornaments make them more lucrative. CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH/ CLINIC
INTERIOR
Fakes take over this Xmas
ANUBHA K SINGH anubha.k@postnoon.com
I
t’s that time of the year when most trees are bare, except one — the Christmas tree. Decorating the tree and placing gifts beneath it is probably the best custom of this festive season. The custom of decorating the Christmas tree can be traced back to an ancient pagan ritual celebrating renewal of life. Back then the Christmas tree would be decorated with apples, nuts, dates, fruits and paper flowers. Remember the popular song O! Christmas tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging? It perfectly evokes the magic of Christmas. However, the tree now seems to be undergoing a change. Artificial trees are now replacing the real ones in most homes as the demand for the real deal has reduced. “We stopped selling Christmas trees for the last two years as there is no demand for the real tree in the City,” says Shanti Bhushan, horticulture officer at Bhavani Nursery,
S BALAKRISHNA
Abids. “The reason being, the real tree is not as conical as it is shown in books or television. A tree gains the perfect conical shape only when it reaches more than 30 feet. People here look for the conical tree in a size that will fit in their homes and that is not possible with the real tree. This is one of the reason the original tree is less in demand so we now dont have stock of original christmas tree.”
There are many variety of artificial trees available in the market and the newest additions are the fibre optic and white christmas tree varieties. “In contrast to the original Christmas tree, the artificial tree comes in perfect conical shape and size and the price range from `200 to `5,000 depending on the size, shape and some extra decorations so people prefer buying artificial trees,” he adds.
`200
to `5000
is the price of artificial christmas trees depending on the shape, size and accessories that go along with them.
POLITICS
FESTIVAL
CR sticks to remarks against YSR; slams Naidu The endowments minister remained firm on his stance against YSR.
E
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For Cyberabad 9866698879
Subhash Rao of Pragati Gardening nursery, says, “People in the twin cities don’t prefer buying the original tree as there is very less option of decorating it as compared to artificial ones. The latter can be reused every year and that’s one reason people here don’t prefer buying an original tree. We brought original trees from Bangalore last year and we were suffered losses because there was no demand. This year we dropped the plan of selling original christmas trees.” In the recent years, the artificial Christmas tree has made its way in the City market. There are many variety of artificial trees available in the market and the newest additions are the fibre optic and white christmas tree varieties. For a fibre optic tree you don’t have to worry about hanging twinkling lights on the tree, just plug in and the end of each leaf of the tree glows in numerous colours. This tree also has the option of rotating. Traditionally, gifts are put under the tree on the Christmas eve after it’s decked up for the eve.
ndowments minister C Ramachandraiah (pictured) has said that he stuck to his remarks against former chief minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy that the latter was corrupt. Speaking to the media at the CLP office on Wednesday, Ramachandraiah said that he was the man who had opposed the proposal of merger of PRP in Congress when YSR was alive. He said that he did not know if any minister had a role in YSR’s corrupt deals. He said that the party would decide whether to continue the ministers, who worked in late YSR’s cabinet or not now. He said the CBI probe would reveal whether any ministers were involved in corrupt practices of late chief minister. Lashing out at TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for alleging that Chiranjeevi committed constitutional betrayal by merging erstwhile PRP into the Congress, Ramachandraiah said the former himself was involved in the constitutional betrayal by dethroning late NTR. Finding fault with TDP president Chandrababu Naidu for stating that the present Congress party was copying his ideas,
introduced by Rajiv Gandhi and DWCRA introduced by PV Narasimha Rao as his own. Chandrababu was now stating that Cash Transfer Scheme was his own, he said and alleged that Chandrababu has lost his mental balance. He also alleged that Chandrababu, who had neglected
The minister ridiculed Chandrababu Naidu for stating that Information Technology, which was introduced by Rajiv Gandhi as being his own. Ramachandraiah said there was no copy master like Chandrababu. He has alleged that Chandrababu Naidu aped YSR by taking up “Vastunna Meekosam padayatra”. He has alleged that Chandrababu Naidu also copied YSR by forging an alliance with the TRS in 2004 elections and TRS, CPI and CPM in 2009 elections in the name of ‘Maha Kootami’. The minister also ridiculed Chandrababu Naidu for stating that Information Technology, which was
the poor people during his regime, was speaking lies and shedding crocodile tears on the plight of the poor people. He said that there were no movements demanding separate Rayalaseema State and no leader was taking into account the people’s opinion. He said the leaders were claiming their personal views as public opinion. He said there were no movements in the Rayalaseema region like Telangana movement. NSS
Kakatiya festival from Dec 21: Vatti
M
inister for cultural affairs and tourism Vatti Vasanta Kumar today said the Kakatiya Festival was being organised to highlight the greatness of the Kakatiya empire and its contribution to Telugu culture from December 21. Talking to the media along with ministers Ponnala Lakshmaiah, B Saraiah and tourism secretary Chandana Khan, Vatti said the festival will be organised from December 21 to 23 in Warangal. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will inaugurate it. The festival will continue at Kotagallu Ramappa temple on the second day. He said Union Ninister of State for Tourism K Chiranjeevi and Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah would participate in the festival. A website was launched to provide information about the history of the Kakatiya rulers and the festival details. He also said that the tourism department will be operating packages from Hyderabad to Warangal and a local package for tourists. Ponnala Lakshmaiah recalled that Rani Rudrama Devi ruled the empire 750 years ago and demonstrated the power of women to the world. NSS
8
city THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
TRAVEL POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
I
ndia Travel Trends Survey for 2013 conducted among 3,200 online respondents by TripAdvisor shows backing out of a promise the intending travellers did in 2012. Despite an optimistic disposition on their holiday plans at the beginning of 2012 and being upbeat about their holiday calendar even mid-year, people have actually cut back on vacation time in 2012. However, travellers continue to be bullish about their holiday plans for 2013 with 41 percent respondents planning to increase their vacation time next year.
HOLIDAYERS PLAN BIG FOR 2013
Though 2012 began on an upbeat note for holiday planning, rising airfares and expenditure forced many to cut back. However, travellers are bullish on 2013 plans.
THE YEAR THAT WAS
According to last year’s survey, 64 per cent holidaymakers took an international holiday in 2011. At the beginning of 2012 people were confident of their travel plans and 85 per cent respondents estimated they will take at least one international holiday. In reality however, international travel is much lower this year with 50 per cent respondents who will actually take to foreign land. Domestic holidays taken this year matched traveller estimates at the beginning of 2012 and stayed stable compared to 2011 as well. While only 7 per cent travellers said at the beginning of the year that they will undertake lesser leisure travel in 2012 compared to the previous year, actually 28 per cent actually took fewer holidays this year. At least 60 per cent respondents made some kind of change to their travel plans, of which 17 per cent cancelled a domestic trip and,
With work clashing with holidays and inflation eating into holiday budgets, many cancelled their 2012 plans. 16 per cent reduced the duration of their trip, 11 per cent canned a foreign holiday,21 percent changed their destination and 10 per cent traded an international destination for a domestic holiday.
WHAT DISCOURAGED THEM
At the start of 2012, 44 per cent respondents thought they would spend more on their holidays this year compared to 2011. However, 56 per cent actually stretched their budget beyond last year’s. The top three factors holidaymakers attributed their increased spend to were:
HIGHER HOTEL ROOM COSTS l
Significantly higher air fares l Higher cost of eating out on holiday Those who took fewer holidays this year compared to 2011 cited not getting leaves from work and holidays plans clashing with official/personal commitments as the biggest reason. The next key factor was high inflation eating into holiday budget and high airfares. 60 per cent respondents claimed they made some change to their travel plans in 2012. The top three reasons according to them for altering travel plans were: l Expensive flight tickets l Alternate plans clashing with travel dates l Not getting leaves
TripAdvisor says According to Nikhil Ganju, country manager-TripAdvisor India, “Rising airfares, high hotel room costs and persistent inflation appear to be the main issues daunting holiday goers this year and travellers have expressed their concern about these trends continuing in the coming year. However, for now holiday intent for 2013 looks promising, with 41 per cent leisure vacationers looking at travelling more compared to this year.” He further added, “Another striking trend is the 40 per cent respondents who experienced some form of adventure activity on their holidays this year, indicating adventure travel clearly to be a growing driving force for domestic vacationers.”
TOP 10 DESTINATIONS
INDIA
ABROAD
n Goa n Munnar n Ooty n Manali n Jaipur n Ladakh n Srinagar n Darjeeling n Agra n Pondicherry
Singapore Dubai London Bangkok Hongkong Paris New York Bali Phuket Sydney
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
focus
THE BUSINESS MODEL
Ashley Madison was created with women in mind. They do not pay to subscribe or make contacts with men, who are the ones who must pay to send emails, chat messages, draw hearts or use other techniques of virtual seduction. Its business model is based on credits rather than monthly subscriptions.
NOT SINGLE, BUT READY TO MINGLE
9
E-dating service thrives in Brazil Since Ashley Madison arrived in Brazil 15 months ago, the website has attracted one million lusty Brazilians, turning this South American country of 194 million people into one of the biggest markets for it. NATALIA RAMOS Agence France-Presse SAO PAULO: Want to cheat on your partner? Then the online dating service Ashley Madison is the perfect place for you. Since it arrived in Brazil 15 months ago, the website has attracted one million lusty Brazilians, turning this South American country of 194 million people into one of the biggest markets for the Canadian company. Created 10 years ago, Ashley Madison and its slogan: “Life is short. Have an affair” is now present in 24 countries, with eight million members in the United States and six million in Canada. But Brazil has seen the firm’s most explosive growth in terms of number of clients — 70 percent of whom are men — and in money spent to finance the temptations the site offers. “Brazilians have a very strong propensity for pleasure, sex and fun,” said Eduardo Borges, the company’s representative in this body-conscious country famous for its exuberant samba dancing and carnival. “Add to this a fascination for technology, for communicating and meeting other people,” he noted. The country has around 80 million Internet users and is among world leaders in the use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. This provides a combination which, according to Borges, does not promote infidelity but offers alternatives to practise it in a “proper manner.” Know-how is precisely the basis for Ashley Madison’s marketing appeal, including references to famous cases of infidelity such as those of former US president Bill Clinton and Prince Charles.
‘LOVER GUARANTEED’
“We started in Brazil in late August 2011. I expected 500,000 subscribers in a year, but we got more than 800,000. And we are going to close 2012 with more than one million, a much bigger growth than what we anticipated,” Borges added. With 17 million subscribers
worldwide, the website will gross $120 million this year, but Borges would not say how much is generated in Brazil. “Brazil is our second largest market in terms of income,” he said, adding that before the end
of the year, the company hopes to open an office in Sao Paulo, the first outside Canada. “Brazil is the apple of our eye,” he added. There are many other leading dating sites in Brazil such as
Brazilians have a very strong propensity for pleasure, sex and fun. Add to this a fascination for technology, for communicating and meeting other people Eduardo Borges AM representative
eHarmony or Second Love. Ashley Madison was created with women in mind. They do not pay to subscribe or make contacts with men, who are the ones who must pay to send emails, chat messages, draw hearts or use other techniques of virtual seduction. Its business model is based on credits rather than monthly subscriptions. For a conversation between two members, one of the members must pay five credits to initiate the conversation. Any followup messages between the two members are free after the communication has been initiated. A pack of 100 credits, which allows a man to contact 20 women on average, costs $25. Bare chest pictures, faces with piercing looks, adjectives such as “sensitive and affectionate, creative and adventurous,” anything goes. “Send me a picture?” said one subscriber named “Guto”
when contacted by AFP. He claimed to have been married for 21 years, said he joined the site in March and bought 4,000 credits. “I spent more than I wanted, but I got a few contacts. So far I have had two cases of casual sex, pretty good experiences,” he crowed. To mark its first year in Brazil, Ashley Madison launched “Lover guaranteed”, a program offering the money back guarantee of an affair. “So far no one has asked for their money back,” said Borges. David Benoliel, the company’s vice-president for Latin America, said acceptance in the region has been amazing “despite many social and religious taboos”. Company officials see infidelity as the perfect recipe to save marriage from boredom. “If there is something missing in your marriage but you do not want a divorce, here we have what you are looking for,” Borges insisted.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Business
VODAPHONE SPECIAL OFFER Vodafone India has launched a special offer for all new post-paid customers in Andhra Pradesh. A customer who activates a new post paid connection with a rental plan of `149 or above in December will get a free Lotto Watch worth `2799.
SECURITY
REHABILITATION
10
Goa to invest `100 crore in mining belt
Goa government has decided to pump in ` 100-150 crore in various developmental works in mining belt of the state, which has been hit with recession due to closure of iron ore extraction activity. Initially, at least 10,000-12,000 people would be benefited in the form of various government contracts awarded to them for implementation of these projects, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
Activate sun shield Solar electric fencing is increasingly gaining popularity for its crime disruption and asset protection capabilities.
PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com
A
re you living in fear of burglary at your independent house or office? Do you want to safeguard you manufacturing unit or your farm? Here is one of the trending security applications. Solar electric fencing is increasingly gaining popularity for its crime disruption and asset protection capabilities. Features such as spot alarms, automatic switching of zone lights, intrusion detection through monitor and mobile alerts are making it a favourite security application for banks, defence properties, residences of celebrities and politicians. “It is the new alternative to the traditional type of perimeter function. Earlier, the owners would increase the height of the compound wall or install Closed Circuit TV cameras. However, that may fail at times and cannot give the complete protection. But this solar fencing application gives a guaranteed protection and deters the intruders.
“It is also cost effective compared to increasing the height of the compound wall or employing four to five security guards. The central monitoring function helps to find out even the minute detail through the cameras fixed around
Various features such as spot alarms, automatic switching of zone lights, intrusion detection through monitor and mobile alerts are making it a favorite security application. the wall,” says P Rama Krishna Naidu, proprietor, Silicon Solar Systems “The energiser sends short pulses for 0.3 milli seconds duration of 4 to 9 KV in an interval of 1.2 seconds. It almost takes 10 minutes to recover from that shock and the resident can become alert in the meantime by the siren, which can be heard for a very
long distance (0.5 km to 1 km) and by observing through a central monitoring the system. The alarm is sensitive to any type of tampering of the fence. “Though this fence is non-lethal, it is recommended to have five feet wall height to completely prevent children or pets getting shock,” he advises. The system has low maintenance costs with an average life span of 20 years. Anti-corrosive and water resistant properties will also increase the life of fence. On prices, he says, “Price varies according to the purpose. The cost of crop protection electric fence, which only deters animals, can be up to `95 per running meter (RM) excluding 25 per cent subsidy provided by AP Agros (with out poles). It also doesn’t have various alert features. Security fence for residences can range any where between `300-1,000 per RM based on the features required and location of the installation. The system should also meet BIS, ISI and IEC standards not only for safety but also for quality of the product.”
BSE 5,891.00 `54.84 5,209.05 DOLLAR`55.14 17,179.95DOLLAR NSEPOUND `86.60 `89.18 POUND BSE NSE GOLD`31,200 10g SILVER `60,000 1kg
24C
for
for
GOLD `29,500 10g SILVER `53,000 1kg for
for
98.90
33.65
Since our country is a union of states, we abide by its federal character and, therefore, are bound by the consensus on the issue, ANAND SHARMA, COMMERCE MINISTER
19,361.69 114.31
ANAND SHARMA, 38.80 COMMERCE MINISTER
11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
nation
PLEA FOR DEADLINE EXTENTION DISMISSED In the high-profile case involving repayment of money to bondholders of two Sahara group firms, the Securities and Appellate Tribunal today dismissed a plea for extension of deadline for submitting investor documents to the market regulator Sebi.
Gujarat retains Modification, Congress wrests Himachal Keshubhai Patel threat comes a cropper as Narendra Modi leads BJP to a comfortable victory, completing a hat-trick. AHMEDABAD/SHIMLA: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi looked set for a third consecutive victory in the Assembly elections and leading the race for Prime Ministerial candidate in BJP in 2014 while Congress appeared to be wresting power from the saffron party in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP was leading in 118 of the 182 seats in Gujarat while Congress was ahead in 59. Former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel's Gujarat
GPP on which the Congress hoped to defeat Modi fared very badly. The NCP and JDU were leading in one seat each. In 2007, the BJP had won 117 seats and Congress 59. However, the party was set for a debacle in Himachal Pradesh, a state which has stuck to its habit of voting out anincumbent government. The Congress, which put up a spirited campaign under former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is all set to return to power.
Gujarat OTHER
3 CONG
59
BJP
120
Alliances BJP Cong Others
Leads 71 33 2
Results Change 49 +3 26 -3 2
Total 120 59 3
No need of looking behind...FORWARD...we want infinite energy, infinite courage, infinite patience...
Himachal Pradesh Other 6
Cong BJP
38
24
Alliances Leads Results Cong 19 19 BJP 12 12 Others 3 3
Total 38 24 6
Narendra Modi via Twitter
ODISHA
BURMAN CASE
HuJI man arrested
KOLKATA: A HuJI militant wanted in the abduction case of shoe baron Partha Pratim Roy Burman in 2001 was arrested by the Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police. During a raid in port area of the city, the militant identified as Muijanur Rehman, 45, was arrested late last night, Joint Commissioner of Police (STF) Rajeev Mishra told PTI. The HuJI militant was wanted in connection with the abduction of Khadim's owner Burman and is a co-associate of another militant Amir Reja Khan. Some “suspicious objects” and pamphlets were found in his possession, Mishra said. PTI
N-capable Prithvi-II test successful BALASORE (ODISHA): India on Thursday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km from a test range at Chandipur near here. The surface-to-surface missile was test fired from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of Integrated Test Range at about 9.21am, defence sources said. The launch of the sophisticated missile, conducted as part of operational exercise by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the defence services, was successful, they said. “The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and
the total launch activities were carried out by the specially formed SFC and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of practice drill,” sources said. The Prithvi-II missile, developed by the DRDO, is already inducted into the Indian Armed forces. Prithvi, the first missile developed under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads and thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines, uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory. PTI
PICK YOUR
@
Across Stores
ities Twin C
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
World
$900 MILLION IN WORLD AID FOR IRAQ The World Bank announced Tuesday a $900 million support plan for Iraq aimed at helping the war-ravaged country better manage its human and vast oil resources. The World Bank’s four-year support for Iraq, through 2016, will focus on job creation, social inclusion and building stronger institutions.
HOLLANDE IN ALGERIA
AMERICAN OLIVIA IS MISS UNIVERSE
President Francois Hollande arrived in Algeria on Wednesday for a landmark visit to the former French territory, amid hopes of a new phase in relations but persistent bitterness over crimes committed during colonial rule. Hollande was received with full honours by his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika as he got off the plane, and a large crowd cheered them as their convoy passed along the capital’s historic corniche.
American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 late Wednesday, beating out beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title. The title of first runner-up went to the contestant from the Philippines, Janine Tugonon. Last year’s winner Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned jubilant Culpo, 20 years old, to succeed her in a year-long reign. It is the first win for an American woman since 1997, when the title was won by Brook Lee. Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third in the contest. AFP/JOE KLAMAR
NUMEROLOGY
$525
STRICTER GUN LAWS
Biden to lead Obama’s team US President calls for “concrete” proposals within a month. STEPHEN COLLINSON Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama put ending an “epidemic” of gun violence at the top of his second term agenda Wednesday, denying he was “on vacation” on the issue before last week’s school massacre. Obama called for “concrete” proposals within a month from a new task force that will be led by Vice President Joe Biden that will examine new gun control laws, better mental health access and the impact of violent culture. “I will be putting forward
Bullet-proof backpacks WASHINGTON: On the heels of the deadly shooting tragedy in Connecticut, parents’ anxiety is driving a surge in sales of bullet-proof backpacks, in the hope the armored bags can give their kids a safety edge. For under $300, the company Amendment II — a play on the Second Amendment to the US constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms — is selling a boys’ pack with Avengers characters on it.
very specific proposals. I will be talking about them in my State of the Union, and we will be working with interested members of Congress to try to get something done,” Obama said. The president said the killings of 20 children aged six and seven and six adults in an elementary school last week should give lawmakers a potent incentive for action, even when initial shock fades. “The fact that this problem is complex can no longer be an excuse for doing nothing. The fact that we can’t prevent every act of violence doesn’t mean we
can’t steadily reduce the violence, and prevent the very worst violence.” Obama said he welcomed public support for measures like the banning of assault weapons, like the one used by gunman Adam Lanza in Connecticut last Friday, and also on outlawing the sale of high-capacity ammunition clips. He said a majority of Americans also supported background checks for all gun purchases and signaled an effort to expand mental health care, in an effort to deter psychologically troubled people from turning to mass violence.
NEWS BRIEFS Australia customs upheaval over graft
Mexico empties prison Head of top Singapore of its inmates after riots school named in graft
US for death penalty in Afghan massacre case
SYDNEY: Australia announced an overhaul of its customs service Thursday after eight people were arrested in a corruption investigation linked to an alleged drugs ring at Sydney airport. “I am working on major structural and cultural reforms to Customs and will announce them next year,” Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said.
Officials on Wednesday removed all of the prisoners — about 500 inmates — from a prison in northern Mexico, one day after the facility erupted in violence, leaving 15 inmates and nine guards dead. The prison “has been totally emptied as a preventive measure,” a public safety spokesman said.
DURANGO, MEXICO:
LOS ANGELES: Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for an American soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in one of the most appalling atrocities of the war, the US military said Wednesday. Staff Sergeant Robert Bales faces 16 murder charges, six of attempted murder, seven of assault and two of using drugs.
SINGAPORE: The principal of a top Singapore high school was Thursday removed from his post and being investigated by the anticorruption bureau, authorities told AFP, in the latest such scandal to hit the city-state. Former headmaster of River Valley High School Steven Koh Yong Chiah, 58, was replaced “with effect from 20 December 2012”.
12
mn
is the price at which US photography giant Eastman Kodak said on Wednesday it had agreed sell its digital imaging patents.
CLINTON GROUNDED US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the most traveled US top diplomat ever, has had her wings clipped by ill-health and will not be able to make any trips for several weeks, a top aide said Wednesday. “Given her condition, the secretary’s doctors have advised that she may not fly for any significant duration in the coming weeks,” her closest aide, Philippe Reines said in a statement. “So as things stand we are not planning any travel through midJanuary.” The news will come as a blow for Clinton who has flown almost a million miles in duty.
What separates us is probably a few hundred billion dollars. The idea we would put our economy at risk because you can’t bridge that gap doesn’t make a lot of sense. Barack Obama US President
13
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Technology PRIVACY WARS Instagram yields to user outrage over policy change.
SAMSUNG LEADS Samsung has overtaken Nokia to become the top mobile phone brand of 2012, according to a research firm. The Finland-based Nokia has been struggling for the past two years and their shift to Windows operating system hasn’t helped them fight their way back to the top. Samsung on the other hand has become synonymous with Android phones and its devices have been selling extremely well worldover, especially the Galaxy SIII and Note. Samsung is expected to account for 29 per cent of global mobile shipments, up from 24 per cent in 2011, according to the IHS, which said Nokia’s share dropped to 24 percent from 30 per cent.
Call him maybe
Insta apology SAN FRANCISCO: Instagram backed down from a planned policy change that appeared to clear the way for the mobile photo sharing service to sell pictures without compensation, after users cried foul. “The language we proposed also raised questions about whether your photos can be part of an advertisement,” Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom said in a blog post. “We do not have plans for anything like this and because of that we’re going to remove the language that raised the question,” he continued. “To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos.” Changes to the Instagram privacy policy and terms of ser-
vice set to take effect January 16 had included wording that appeared to allow people’s pictures to be used by advertisers at Instagram or Facebook worldwide, royalty-free. Twitter and Instagram forums were abuzz over the phrasing, as users debated whether to delete their accounts before the new rules kicked in. “Bye-bye Instagram,” tweeted Scott Ninness. “Who in their right mind will use a service that allows your images (to) be sold with no financial remuneration to you?” “Everybody should continue using Instagram but just take blurry photos of sandwiches,” suggested a Twitter user with the screen name Michele Catalano. Systrom did not specify how the terms of service wording would be changed. Originally proposed portions of the new policy that rankled users included “You hereby grant to Instagram a nonexclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the content that you post on or through the service.” The terms also stated that “a business or other entity may
NUMEROLOGY
575
likes and 81 comments by Instagram users every second
7.3
million
daily active users on an average
5 4
million
photos uploaded every day.
billion
photos shared since its beginning
pay us to display your username, likeness, photos, and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.” Instagram contended that it was not claiming ownership of people's pictures. “Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we’d like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram,” Systrom said. “Instead it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation. This is not true and it is our mistake that this language is confusing.” Some people tweeted in defense of Instagram, arguing that it was a “mega-business” that needs to make money. “I quit Instagram on principle,” Twitter user Liz Heron said on the popular message service. “I’m tired of contributing to the commodification (sic) of my own existence.” Instagram said that the changes were part of a move to better share information with Facebook, which bought the company this year. AFP
If you’ve been naughty this year and not expecting any gifty from Santa, then here’s a chance to talk things out with Santa. Google wants gmail users to call up Santa by visiting http://is.gd/callsanta and make their requests. Last year, users of Google Voice in US got a call from US, though Google may not continue that practice this year. You also can create and send a customised call from Santa to anyone you know, in US by visiting http://is.gd/customsanta.
GRAND THEFT CONSOLE Looks like a bunch of guys really wanted to play a few Wii U games for Christmas. A truck full of Nintendo’s Wii U gaming consoles were stolen from Seattle. The console were stored in two trucks and the thieves drove off in these trucks before the law enforcement could catch up with them. They are currently looking for these trucks and are also keeping an eye on ebay and Craiglist as they suspect they would offload their loot on these sites. The original ABC report didn’t specify whether it was Wii U or the older Wii that had been stolen, but Kotaku confirmed with the police that it was in fact the Wii U.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Comment
HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS "I've got to be goofy about this or I'll get emotional up here,” said Mike Tyson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame of boxing. And this was the man who was dubbed the baddest man on the planet. Tyson proves every man deserves a second chance and anyone is capable of change.
WHEN WORDS DO NOT FLOW
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
14
MY LACKLUSTER ARTICLE
BUT SERIOUSLY
Samuel Johnson English writer
Park faces the N Korea test
PARK CHAN-KYONG feedback@postnoon.com
S
outh Korean president-elect Park Geun-Hye will struggle to fulfil an election vow of engagement with North Korea given the global fury over Pyongyang's recent rocket launch, analysts said Thursday. Park, the daughter of former military ruler Park Chung-Hee, won a slim but historic election victory Wednesday over her liberal rival Moon Jae-In to become the country's first woman president. Domestically, her main challenge will be addressing the issues that dominated the campaign: reviving a slowing economy, creating more jobs and funding a growing welfare burden. But the international focus will be on her stance towards North Korea at a time when the UN Security Council is struggling to find a consensus on punishing Pyongyang over its rocket launch last week. The launch, labelled a peaceful satellite mission by the North, was condemned by most of the international community as a disguised missile test that violated UN resolutions triggered by the North's nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009. During her campaign, Park had distanced herself from outgoing President Lee Myung-Bak's hardline policy towards Pyongyang and spoken of the need for greater engagement with the North. But in her first post-victory policy statement on Thursday, Park made it clear she still viewed Pyongyang as a serious threat and would put the South's national security before any trust-building programme. AFP
Ajay Hotchandani
I
t’s just been one of those weeks. Sunday night I thought I would get a head start on preparing my article for this week. I had it all planned out. I would have my dinner, watch some TV and then write my article. Sunday night I ate my dinner, watched some TV, played Call of Duty 2- Black Ops online (which is pretty good but not as good as COD 3Modern Warfare). There was no inspiration to write my article, but that’s ok since I have two days left. Monday morning, oh how I despise thee! In a recent survey Monday Morning was nominated as the worse time of the week. Second place went to Thursday afternoon, as people often wish it was Friday afternoon by Thursday. So my Monday morning started off bad. Leaving my house I discovered one of our vehicle’s back glass had been shattered, and to make matters worse it was done by my nephew’s friend. I restrained myself from going to my nephew’s room and kicking him in his gulab jamoons. Driving to work I realized there was a chip on my windshield from their work, so that just
made me more irate. Work was going ok until a patient decided to vomit in my office. I come home looking for my nephew who is now in hiding. Honestly, Monday night I completely forgot I had an article to write or even the fact that I left my coffee in the microwave. Tuesday morning started a bit better. No broken glass to deal with. Besides being busy, nothing really exciting at work. I did manage to walk into the adjoining kitchen where they were frying fish (something I’m allergic to) and within seconds I started sneezing. That led to me taking an allergy medication when I got home that made me sleepy. In my semi-conscious state I did have some, what appeared to be, brilliant ideas but I failed to write down the ideas or the articles on the ideas. If memory serves me right, one of the ideas was about a “Letter to Santa”. It just so happens that the one idea I remembered is actually based on an article I just wrote last week. Wednesday morning. No broken glass but I was low on petrol. I don’t think there are many people in the hustle and bustle on India can make the statement I’m about to make. I can leave my house at 7.58am and drive to work and get there by 8 am. So there wasn’t any real concern about running out of gas, but I did make a mental
Monday morning, oh how I despise thee! In a recent survey Monday Morning was nominated as the worse time of the week. Second place goes to Thursday afternoon. note to fill up later that day. Had a small discussion about why I thought Rani Mukherjee was a better actress than Karina Kapoor. Drove to go pick up my
jeans that I gave for tailoring. Ate some dessert at my friend’s restaurant and started to draw up plans for a Bar B Q pit smoker (because when doctors get bored we work on engineering designs). On my way home I really couldn’t think of anything I wanted to write about, it’s 5pm here and 5am in India. I have about an hour before my article is due. Thank you, thank you the article is now finished. For the record, my nephew packed up and left to go stay with my parents in another town for fear of what was going to happen to him.
EDITORIALS Impaling is the least they deserve
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he wants to live though her world is encompassed in darkness, the work of some demons in the garb of humans. “I want to live,” said she weakly, “tears trickling down”, in her mother’s ear, when she regained consciousness as she lay fighting for her life at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. In the span of four days, she had been operated upon two times. The doctors have not said anything definite, but their words do not give much hope. Almost all of her intestines have had to be removed as gangrene had set in. Meanwhile, as the nation stays in shock over the horror, cases of rape are still being reported. A five-yearold girl was raped by a man who is a close acquaintance of the victim’s family. She too lies in a hospital bed fighting for her life. This is becoming shockingly commonplace: rapes in India. It has become something to spend our finest sensibilities feeling outrage and shame, yet we do
READERS’ VIEWS
nothing to change. One of the men involved in the dastardly act in Delhi has sought death penalty for himself when he was presented in court. He says he did nothing to the girl but was involved only in laying the poor boy who was with her to waste. Does that absolve him of his crime? Does that make what he did any less evil? NO. As his friends tore the girl apart, he did nothing to stop them, did nothing to save her, but took the one person noble in that situation of hell to task for trying to protect her. He is equally in this despite his denials. To think up of devices to punish such monsters, those on the other side will have to cross the line that divides good and evil. If that must happen, cross we must, for evil worked on the evil is good, for let them have a taste of their own medicine. It may not right them, but it will give their victims the solace that those who wronged themgot what they deserve.
We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222. Editor: Dean Williams
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
tELEVISION
'GAME OF THRONES' GETS ITS OWN OFFICIAL BEER Game of Thrones will be launching its own brand of beer, it has been reported. According to the New York Times, the HBO fantasy drama is collaborating with Cooperstown, New York company Brewery Ommegang on specially-themed ales.
SERIES REVIEW
Dysfunctional is cool
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CLASSIC TELEVISION
Shameless, the US remake of a British TV series of the same name, is absolutely electrifying and is one of the best shows on TV today. HEMANTH KUMAR hemanth.k@postnoon.com
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here have been several TV shows centred around the concept of dysfunctional families, but Shameless takes this to a whole new level. Created by Paul Abbott, Shameless, is a US remake of a British TV series of the same name and it narrates the story of Frank Gallagher, a perennial drunkard, and his six children who live in a poor neighbourhood in Chicago. The cast comprises William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, Justin Chatwin, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan and the show has been developed by John Wells. Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) is an alcoholic, who spends most of his time getting
wasted at bars, and he leaves his entire family to fend for themselves. His eldest daughter Fiona Gallagher (Emmy Rossum) runs the house and never complains about the responsibility on her shoulders. As she continues to juggle between her jobs to make ends meet, her brothers Phillip "Lip" Gallagher (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian Gallagher (Cameron Monaghan) lend her support by working as a tutor and at a departmental store respectively. Fiona's three other siblings Debbie, Carl and Liam have absolutely no clue what's happening around them, although Debbie is extremely good at heart and keeps collecting money for charity. Fiona's neighbours Kevin and Veronica are a pillar of support for her and she treats them like family. One night, Fiona meets Steve (Justin Chatwin), who's head over heels
The show belongs to Emmy Rossum whose rock solid performance as Fiona gives rise to some of the best moments. for her and after spending a night together, Steve goes all out to impress her. Eventually, Fiona falls for him after he reveals the truth about how he earns money. Elsewhere, Phillip finds out that his brother Ian is a homosexual; however, he doesn't tell his sister about it. William H. Macy is perfect as an alcoholic, who has no sense of morality and drinks all day, but the show belongs to Emmy Rossum. Her rock solid performance as Fiona gives rise to some
of the best and most electrifying moments in the initial episodes of the TV series. Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin share a great onscreen chemistry and it gets better that both of them believe in free spirit and not letting the fact that their economic condition is in doldrums get into their heads. The subplots involving Phillip and Ian, the roles which are played by Jeremy and Cameron, complete the circle for this dysfunctional family. So is there any sense of morality among these characters? Absolutely not and that's what makes it so exciting. Shameless, as the name suggests, is about people who live their lives on the edge and have no qualms about it. Two big thumbs up for Shameless. It really is one of the best shows on TV and it's a must watch, if you are looking for some edgy content on the tube. (Shameless is available online)
Charlie’s Angels Charlie's Angels is an American crime drama television series about three women who work for a private investigation agency, and is one of the first shows to showcase women in roles traditionally reserved for men. This ABC crime series began in September 1976 introducing three stunning, sexy and young former policewoman, private detectives. The trio of Angels featured Sabrina Duncan; the "cool, smart, multilingual leader," Jill Munroe; the "athletic angel" and finally Kelly Garrett; the "street wise angel."
DID YOU KNOW...
Scrubs' medical advisers (in the credits) include Dr. Jonathan Doris, Dr. Jon Turk and Dr. 'Dolly Klock' (v), obviously serving as the basis for the names of Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Heather Graham's characters.
TRENDING...
Chris Colfer has lent his support for Bette Midler to guest star on Glee. Co-creator Ryan Murphy invited Midler to appear on the series earlier this year, but the actress revealed this week that she didn't get a followup call about the role. Colfer has now assured Access Hollywood that Midler's guest appearance is still in the works and even hinted about what role she might play.
The Walking Dead television show will be converted into black and white for its reruns. Beginning in February, the first two seasons of the hit AMC show will air without colour. It is yet to be revealed whether the first two Walking Dead seasons will be made available in black and white on DVD and Bluray.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
spotlight PAINTING THE TOWN RED S BALAKRISHNA
1
5
TUNE IN
Delhi-based band Barefaced Liars will be performing live at Hard Rock Cafe tonight. This band traverses through genres ranging from Blues to Classic Rock and Heavy Metal.
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S BALAKRISHNA
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FESTIVE CHEER
DIVA IN THE CITY
Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan inaugurated Longines’ new boutique at Jubilee Hills on Wednesday. S BALAKRISHNA
Dressed in red, members of Kakatiya Ladies Club got together for a pre-Christmas party. Spotted were Manjula Narsa, Esha and others. 10
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1 Manjula Narsa
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2 Harsha 3 Shalini 4 Sonal Desai 5 Namita 6 Reena 7 Thrishna 8 Preeti 9 Riya, Preethi, Sushila,
SCINTILLATING MOVES
A two-day Kathak festival, Antarang, dedicated to Kathak Maestro Pt. Durga Lal is being organised at NIFT. Rani Khanam, a disciple of Pt Birju Maharaj performed during the event.
Anu, Mehak
10 Hema, Shashi,
Shobha, Shermila
11 Esha 12 Varthika, Reema
BOYS’ FAVOURITE TOYS
MINI launched its first KUN Exclusive MINI showroom in the City on Wednesday. A blue MINI Convertible was on display at the do.
SRINIVAS SETTY
13 Rummy Azad
FUN & REVELRY
Dance group from Eastern Europe, Duo-Effekt, performed at Funival, international carnival organised at HITEX Grounds. The carnival is on till December 23.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
health
CHOLESTEROL PATTERNS REFLECTED IN GUT BUGS Jens Walter and researchers at the University of Nebraska show that changes in cholesterol metabolism induced by diet can also alter gut flora. What that means, practically speaking, is that microbial inhabitants of the gut are actually part of the body's metabolic system.
ADDICTIONS
Chew on this
Addictions can be strange, we never denied it. But an addiction to chew on ice? Now that is extreme. We speak to doctors about why this happens. RANJANI RAJENDRA
ranjani.r@postnoon.com
A
ditya and his friends were watching their favourite movie when he realised that he was being shot dirty looks by those sitting around him. Wondering why, he continued watching the movie until one of his friends nudged him sharply and asked him to stop chewing so loudly on ice cubes. Aditya, was one of those few people who are addicted to chewing on ice and this habit was proving to be a huge problem both healthwise and in social set-ups. Sounds like a strange addiction? Nobody ever said that an addictions could only revolve around drugs and alcohol. Certain deficiencies in the human body can cause a person
to get addicted to unusual foods. As weird as it may sound for some people ice chewing is an addiction, a habit they absolutely cannot do without. Like most addictions go, they feel a compulsive need to chew on ice at all times and needless to say this need can take over their lives. However, like most addictions go, this one has it’s pitfalls too. Commonly known as pagophagia, this is a form of the disorder pica and it involves compulsive consumption of ice or iced drinks. According to research pagophagia has been linked to anaemia. However, the American Dental Association recommends not to chew on ice as it can inflict
harm to the teeth and strip it off its enamel layer. “Pica is a disorder where children eat unusual things like ice, nails and even chew on their skin. In extreme cases they can even rip off their toe nails. Pica is often seen in children with calcium, vitamins or iron deficiencies. But another major contributing factor to this disorder is an emotional problem,” says S Jayanti, consultant psychologist at Roshni counselling centre. She goes on to add that Pica is a manifestation of mistrust or the lack of emotional bonding between
children and their care-givers. “Sometimes when the child is very young and is not provided with enough care and love they begin to develop such problems. It continues in to their adulthood and they become very anxious. They always seek others’ approval and rarely does this problem begin all of a sudden,” she explains. Cognitive behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques are the way to go, she says. “They need to be trained to change their negative thinking and deal with their insecurities. Apart from that support from the family is also very important. In some cases medication may also be prescribed,” she says.
Icy Facts n
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Damage to Teeth: Crunching ice damages teeth. The hard, rigid cubes wear away the enamel on your teeth, causing them to weaken, chip and crack. The risk of tooth damage increases with the amount of ice you chew, so it is best not to crunch ice at all. Malnutrition: In severe cases of pagophagia when people eat ice all day, they suffer from malnutrition. It is unclear whether the ice itself hinders nutrient absorption or if the craving overpowers the desire for nutrient-rich foods. Moderate and infrequent ice chewing poses little threat to overall health and nutrition. Social Impact: Chewing ice causes problems socially as well. Crunching ice during a movie or religious ceremony disturbs those seated nearby, and crunching ice during a conversation can limit your ability to hear another person speaking, making it difficult to carry on a conversation. In extreme cases, people may limit contact with you because of an uncontrolled desire to munch on ice. Source: www.ehow.com
HOUSECALL
DID YOU KNOW?
Strava
Lichen sclerosus
A foetus’s fingerprints
Patricia Bath
You can track your rides, see distance, speed, elevation gained and calories burned, view maps, collect heart rate, power and cadence data from sensors. You can also see all of your recent rides and get accumulated stats and set personal records and earn achievements for outstanding performances.
Lichen sclerosus mostly affects the skin around the genital and anal areas. Some people have the condition but have no symptoms at all. Many, however, experience inflammation and often agonising, intractable itching for long periods of time. The rash usually begins as white irregular spots that join together to form plaques. While the genital area is particularly affected, the disease may be found anywhere on the body.
A small way through its development, a foetus will have already developed one of the most unique human traits. At only 6-13 weeks of development, the whorls of what will be fingerprints have already developed. Those will not change throughout the person’s life and will be one of the last things to disappear after death.
Patricia Era Bath is an ophthalmologist and the first woman to serve on the staff of the Jules Stein Eye Institute and be elected to the honorary staff of the UCLA Medical Center. Before Bath, no black person had served as a resident in ophthalmology at New York. Her Laserphaco Probe is used to treat cataracts. The holder of four patents, she is also the founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness.
ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF
PIONEERS
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health THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
RESEARCH
STUDY
BLACK AND WHITE VIEWS
Black and white can lead you to make extreme judgements, according to a new study. Those presented with dilemmas in monochrome put forward polarised views. LONDON: Colours can actually affect your judgement and exposure to black and white leads people to hold more extreme views, a new study has claimed. Participants in the study were offered moral dilemmas printed against either a black and white or neutral background. Those presented in monochrome put forward more polarised views, according to the research by Dr Theodora Zarkadi, of Anglia Ruskin University, and Dr Simone Schnall, of the University of Cambridge, the Daily Mail reported. “The two experiments showed that priming partici-
pants with a black and white background resulted in them making judgements in a ‘black and white’ and therefore extreme manner, by giving responses closer to the scale’s end points,” Zarkadi said. “The results indicate that the black and white metaphor was not driven solely by contrast because there was no comparable effect for the blue and yellow pattern in the first experiment,” she said. “Instead, there appears to be a specific connotation of black and white that relates to judgement extremity,” Zarkadi added. She added that the fact that colour can affect people’s per-
ceptions of right or wrong could have important practical implications, for example in contexts which involve judgements of others’ guilt or innocence. “Subtle perceptual stimuli in a courtroom, even in fairly innocuous objects such as the colour of floor tiles, might subconsciously influence people involved in legal proceedings, leading to biased judgements and decisions when objectivity is of utmost importance,” she said. In one experiment participants were asked to rate a moral dilemma involving a man called Heinz, whose wife is dying of cancer. Since the pharmacist who sells the life-saving cancer drug
charges more than Heinz can afford, he decides to steal the drug. For participants in the experimental condition, the Heinz dilemma was presented on a black and white chequered background, whereas for participants in the control condition it was presented on a uniform grey background. The study found that participants in the black and white set gave more extreme judgements that were significantly further from the scale’s midpoint, compared with participants in the grey or the blue and yellow sets. The research was published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. PTI
WEIGHT WATCH
Curb car use to cut down X-mas calories WASHINGTON: Curbing car travel could be one way of cutting down calories and maintaining a healthy weight during holiday fests, says a study. The study, led by Sheldon H. Jacobson, computer science and mathematics professor at the University of Ilinois, suggests that both daily automobile travel and calories consumed are related to body weight. Lowering either one, even by a fraction, reduces body mass index (BMI).
“We’re saying that making small changes in travel or diet choices may lead to comparable obesity reduction, which implies that travel-based interventions may be as effective as dietary interventions,” said graduate student and study co-author Banafsheh Behzad, the journal Preventive Medicine reports. Obesity is a multi-dimensional problem with many social and medical factors, but maintaining body weight
essentially is a result of energy consumed and energy expended, according to an Illinois statement. “An easy way to be more physically active is to spend less time in an automobile. Any time a person sits behind the wheel of a car, it’s one of the most docile activities they can do in a day,” Jacobson said. “The automobile is the quickest mode of transportation we have. But a consequence of this need for speed
in getting things done may be the obesity epidemic,” added Jacobson. Researchers found that if all adults in the US drove a mile less per day, the national average BMI would decrease in six years. “One mile is really not much,” Behzad said. “If they would just consider even taking the bus, walking the distance to the bus stop could have an impact like eating 100 calories less per day.” IANS
Aspirin could lead to blindness LONDON: Regular intake of the “wonder drug” aspirin for 10 years could more than double the risk of sight loss, a new study has claimed. Scientists say taking aspirin could increase the chance of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - an eye condition that can lead to blindness. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin used data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study on age-related eye diseases. Eye exams were performed every five years over a 20-year period on nearly 5,000 participants, the Daily Mail reported. Volunteers, aged 43 to 86, were then asked if they had regularly used aspirin at least twice a week for more than three months. The average duration of follow-up was 14.8 years. Researchers measured the incidences of different types of AMD. Wet AMD makes up just 10 per cent of cases but causes severe vision loss, while dry AMD is more common and milder -although it can develop into wet AMD at any time. Results showed there were 512 cases of dry AMD and 117
cases of wet AMD over the course of the study, the report said. Researchers found those who took aspirin for 10 years had a 1.4 per cent risk of developing wet AMD compared to just 0.6 per cent of non-users. However, there was no association found between taking aspirin and developing dry AMD. “The results of cross-sectional studies of aspirin use and its relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been inconsistent,” Dr Barbara Klein said. “AMD is a potentially blinding condition for which prevalence and incidence are increasing with the increased survival of the population, and regular use of aspirin is common and becoming more widespread in persons in the age range at highest risk for this disease. Researchers said further studies would be needed to confirm the findings. If true it could help develop ways to prevent wet AMD. PTI
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Entertainment KITCHEN ATTRACTION
CINE BYTES
Sarocharu gets U certificate avi Teja, Kajal and Richa starrer Sarocharu has been censored and it has been given a clean U certificate. Directed by Parasuram, this romantic entertainer has been produced by Priyanka Dutt on Three Angels Studio Pvt Ltd. Devi Sri Prasad has composed the music. Sarocharu will hit the screens on December 21.
R
PRAKASH RAJ has a passion for cooking
P
rakash Raj, apart from being an actor, producer, director and a TV host, is also an expert cook. On many occasions, he has spoken about his penchant for cooking and we hear that every time he goes to a restaurant, the first thing he does is visiting the kitchen. Interestingly, one of his upcoming films, is a food film titled Ulavacharu Biryani. The film is a remake of a hit Malayalam film titled Salt N' Pepper. Prakash Raj and Sneha are going to play the lead roles in this film and two other actors are yet to be finalised. Prakash Raj is also going to direct the film and it'll go on floors shortly. Meanwhile, Gauravam, a film which he has produced, is gearing up for release in January, 2013.
Genius set to release on December 28
T
he theatrical release of popular anchor turned director Omkar's debut film Genius has been pushed to December 28. Havish and Sanoosha have played the lead roles in this action drama. Dasari Kiran Kumar, the film's producer, has reportedly pumped in `12 crore for this film. Joshua Sridhar has composed the music.
Lawrence-Taapsee’s film launched
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aghava Lawrence's upcoming film, which is the third installment in Muni series, was launched yesterday morning in Hyderabad. Lawrence and Taapsee are playing the lead roles. Bellamkonda Suresh is going to produce it. The film's official title will be announced soon and the principal shooting of the film will begin in January.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
fashion
LOUIS VUITTON CEO FORCED TO EXIT
JORDI CONSTANS has been forced to step down from his position as Louis Vuitton CEO after just one month, due to medical reasons. He will be replaced by former Bulgari CEO and long-standing LVMH employee Michael Burke.
The Trends Fashion show at Prishtina organised this week witnessed the designers in the country making their presence felt in the world fashion arena.
22&23
MARGIELA AND MABILLE AWARDED COUTURE STATUS
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA and Alexis Mabille have both been awarded haute couture appellation by The Commission de Classement Couture Création in Paris — marking their official welcome into the couture world.
setters W hile fashion capitals are presenting Spring/Summer 2012 collections, stylists in Kosovo displayed their designs at Prishtina Fashion Show that
was organised at Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo on December 16.The colour of the evening was white and beige with models sashaying down the ramp in these colours. According to the organisers, Prishtina Fashion Show is growing by the year since there is an increase in the number of audience. Designers expressed their style with a “guilty” inspiration, deriving from the notion of colours and styles of our “Grandparents
times”. Bold styles and designs that takes you back to the past were the main feature of the show. sAs for designers’ creations, they each presented a style of their own and had something special in itself, which made the show unique. Meanwhile, models were seen carrying off the dresses with attitude while walking down the ramp. The bridal designs stole the limelight at the show.
ARMEND NIMANI-AFP
Entertainment THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
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Entertainment THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Chai Time
Play & Win
Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.
KAKURO How to play kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column refer-
QUICK CROSSWORD enced 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.
Play & Win
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SUDOKU
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1 Get-off-drugs facility 6 Computer programming language 11 DC clock setting 14 Looking shocked 15 Analyse grammatically 16 Wonder 17 State bordering on Canada 19 ‘Get the point?’ 20 Reed in music 21 Sheep in its second year 22 Perfect score, sometimes 23 Buffalo’s home 27 Too proud 29 From day ___ (since the start) 30 Bass ___ (stringed instrument) 32 ___ the Hyena (‘Li’l Abner’ character) 33 Curved letter 34 Concluded 36 Hindquarters 39 Some party snacks 41 MacLeod of ‘The Love Boat’ 43 Surprisingly agile 44 Color scheme, curtains, etc 46 Pueblo Indian structures 48 252 gallons 49 Shaded 51 Egg locale
52 Lennon’s wife 53 Grass-covered plains of Siberia 56 Like outcasts 58 ‘___ gratia artis’ (MGM motto) 59 ___-Locka, Fla 60 ET’s transportation 61 Comedian’s routine 62 It surrounds Lesotho 68 Director Ang or Spike 69 Bud Grace comic strip 70 Peach State university 71 Write down the wrong answer, eg 72 Place for a witness 73 ‘Divine Comedy’ writer
DOWN
1 Got ruined in the wash 2 Feature of many a prima donna 3 Belly-laugh sound 4 In an appropriate way 5 Serve well 6 Audit rep 7 Source of acorns 8 Chicken soup, for the most part 9 Pertaining to bone 10 ‘Little’ or ‘major’ follower 11 City in W Massachusetts, ironically
12 Like many kids’ cereals 13 Itsy-bitsy 18 In the course of 23 ‘... with ___ in sight’ 24 Occur as a result 25 City in SE Pennsylvania, ironically 26 Big name in cameras 28 African beasts with curved horns 31 ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ author Ira 35 Plunges into water 37 Danish fruit? 38 Meeting of the rite people? 40 ‘Du jour’ item 42 City on the Merrimack River 45 Peaceful states 47 Unable to eat another bite 50 Banish an immigrant 53 Expensive fur 54 Judge, at times 55 Perspirationinducing bathhouse 57 Oscar winner ‘___ Rae’ 63 ___ Pan Alley (songwriters’ district) 64 ‘___ give you the shirt off his back!’ 65 Particle accelerator particle 66 PC monitor of old 67 Yes vote
Chai Time THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Thiruvaikumar
STAR POWER for 21-12-2012
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As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Income from shares and commissions likely. Your long-time dream of purchasing a house will be realised. Son will join a university of his choice for higher studies. Court matters end in your favour. Businessmen have partners’ co-operation.
STRIP TEASE AGNES
Employees will be overburdened. Daughter is likely to get a job of her choice. You will successfully perform marriage of your sister. Politicians advised to avoid unwanted discussions. Administrative abilities go up. Court verdict will go in favour.
Financial position will improve. Businessmen will identify culprits who leaked their business secrets and chuck them out. Employees to maintain cool, unmindful of criticism against them; superiors will support. Govt officials will get powerful post.
You might face some obstruction in the construction of your house. Real-estate deals will go through profitably. Children's higher studies and marriage matters will go in the right direction. Politicians' suggestions will be well received.
VIP friends will help and extend their wholehearted support. A peaceful atmosphere will prevail in the family. Friends and relatives who severed relationship with you will come back on their own. Marriage talks will end favourably.
Employees will be entrusted with new responsibilities. Sudden expenses likely to upset you. Avoid anger and unwanted arguments. Some old issues might resurface and scare you. Businessmen will sign new contract agreements.
Comforts will improve. Those who graduated recently will be favoured with a job soon. Some are certain to change their residence. Be careful while driving as a minor accident is likely. Plan all work to complete them without hurdles.
Women will take certain important decision regarding their future. Businessmen will add new customers and sell all their products at attractive offers. Artists will get good opportunities and with guidance from senior artists, achieve success.
Be careful in financial transactions. Written-off dues will come to your surprise. Your stock is set to pile up. Politicians will lead meetings and agitations. Employees will get tensed due to work load. Differences with superiors likely.
TAROT READ
Sumaa Tekur
tarotreadhyd@gmail. com
ARIES:
GEMINI:
Love is in the air. You plan a string of parties in this happy holiday season and in one of those gatherings you meet the love of your life.
LEO:
Page of Swords – The focus is on intellectual conversations. You meet someone who will challenge your intellect and help you discover new thoughts and ideas.
LIBRA:
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE
Seven of Pentacles – You’re exhausted by the routine and need a break but find that you’re unable to slow down because of all the commitments. Use sense of humour.
SAGITTARIUS:
Eight of Pentacles – Try to upgrade your skills or learn something new to improve your job prospects. Even volunteer work will do you a world of good.
TAURUS:
Three of Wands – Success is imminent. All your plans are working out fine and your patience in the last few weeks is paying off. Don’t be in a hurry.
CANCER:
Judgement – A difficult situation comes to a head and it starts to get resolved. It may or may not go exactly as you had planned. But a resolution comes through.
VIRGO:
The Emperor – You’re in control of all aspects of your life and you’re admired by your peers for these very qualities. Your leadership skills are put to the test.
SCORPIO:
The Wheel of Fortune – Only thing permanent is change. If things have been bad, they won’t for long. The days will look up and it all changes for the better.
CAPRICORN:
Four of Swords – You’re feeling stable and secure in your current job profile. You’ve reached a comfort zone and really don’t want to move away from it.
PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS
PISCES:
Five of Cups – You’re feeling low and out of sorts because of some disappointment. Someone you trusted deeply has let you down. Move on, don’t get negative.
NUMBER GAME
Decision time. You need to decide what you want to do with your life the next few years. Take a pen and pencil and plan your options.
SCRABBLE
AQUARIUS: The Lovers –
POOCH CAFE
Businessmen will have a boom time and profits will soar. Spouse's health may be a cause for concern; take care and treat without delay. Employees will be active and do all work in time and earn a name. Women's wishes will be fulfilled.
for 21-12-2012
Two of Swords – Extremes are indicated. You either absolutely love someone or hate him/ her. There is no middle path in your understanding of how things ought to be.
NON SEQUITUR
You might not be able to sell the old property for the expected price. You manage all problems well. Help will come from the expected sources. Some have a bright chance to get a good career opening. You will benefit through friends abroad.
SUDUKO
Applied bank loan will get sanctioned. Never be negligent in govt-related work. Maintain cool as even if you feel angry. You will get a solution to clear your debts. Court verdicts will go in your favour. Speculative deals will yield moderate gains.
Boggle SWAN DUCK GOOSE STORK Vol: 2, No 154 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211
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Entertainment THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 CINE BYTES No more ‘bad influences’ for LiLo
A
ctress Lindsay Lohan has stopped taking calls of some of her friends in a bid to remove bad influences from her life and get herself back on track. The 26-year-old actress, has realised that not all of her friends want what is best for her, and so she is cutting them out of her life. “She hasn’t been texting and calling back some of the people who she just parties with," contactmusic.com quoted a source as saying. IANS
Leaked Transformers 4 script fake
P
lot details from Transformers 4 emerged on the internet recently, but director Michael Bay says it is all fake. Bay has dismissed reports that an early copy of the script for his new Transformers movie has leaked online. He says only he and screenwriter Ehren Kruger are in possession of the storyline, reports dailystar.co.uk.
P
Rihanna’s burned out schedule
op star Rihanna fears that her busy work schedule and chaotic love life is leading her to a burnout. The 24-yearold posted cryptic tweets recently after a rumoured rift with boyfriend Chris Brown, Daily Star reported. “If we do the same thing over and over, we get burned out. Outta place all the time, in a world that wasn’t mine.... is this my life?" she tweeted. PTI
‘THE LESS CLOTHES THE BETTER’
INDIA VISIT A A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR
NAOMI WATTS
ctress Naomi Watts, who has got her first Golden Globe nomination for The Impossible, not only enjoyed sightseeing and shopping during her India visit, but was also impressed by the “strength and determination” of HIV mothers whom she met in the capital. She visited the country with her husband Liev Schreiber last year. “In Rajasthan, I visited Jal Mahal. It was so beautiful. I was awestruck. The beauty of the terrace garden, Chameli Bagh, was enthralling. I also shopped for Jaipuri quilts from Chaura Rasta in Jaipur. My mother and both my children, Kai and Sasha, had a great time," Watts said in a statement. Schreiber was shooting in the capital for Mira Nair’s The
Reluctant Fundamentalist and the 44-year-old actress also visited a hospital, where she met a few HIV mothers. “The hospital staff welcomed me warmly," she said. Talking about her interaction with the mothers there, Watts said: “My heart went out to them. I could see their struggles and challenges that they faced. But what moved me was their strength and determination to raise a healthy child. I have great respect for them." In The Impossible, the actress will be seen as a mother who is separated from her family during tsunami. It is based on real life tsunami survivor Maria Belon. PVR Pictures will release The Impossible in India on January 4. IANS
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Entertainment THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
APOLOGISING FOR A REASON
CINE BYTES
Angelina Jolie to direct biopic Unbroken
A
ngelina Jolie is poised to direct a new biopic film called Unbroken, based on the life of WWII veteran Louis Zamperini. Jolie made her directorial debut with the 2011 drama In the Land of Blood and Honey, and is now in final talks to direct Unbroken based on a treatment she wrote for bosses at Universal, according to Deadline.
Vegan shoes for Anne Hathaway
W
Ke$ha
RESPONDS TO ‘DIE YOUNG’ CONTROVERSY
F
ollowing the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary last week, Ke$ha’s single Die Young was taken out of rotation in radio stations across the country, according to MTV News. Now, Ke$ha has responded to the controversy, claiming that she never approved of the lyrics in the first place. “I understand. I had my very own issue with Die Young for this reason. I did NOT want to sing those lyrics and I was FORCED TO," Ke$ha wrote before adding,
“I’m so so so sorry for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy, and I understand why my song is now inappropriate. Words cannot express." Predictably, since the song has lost airtime, it has plummeted on music charts. Miley Cyrus, no stranger to controversy, offered encouraging advice to the singer, replying to Ke$ha’s tweet with a message of her own, writing, “Don’t be hard on yourself. Just a good reminder to always listen to your [heart].”
hen Anne Hathaway took to the red carpet in a fab pair of faux leather Tom Ford knee-high gladiator sandals for the New York premiere of Les Misérables last week, it was the first time many of us had ever heard of vegan footwear. But as it turns out, the hard-core vegan has been rocking custom-made cruelty-free kicks for quite some time.
Oz The Great And Powerful: new poster revealed
W
alt Disney Studios has released a new poster for Oz The Great and Powerful. While she’s still green, the wicked witch in this installment, which stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Zach Braff, is positively voluptuous. The new film, directed by Sam Raimi, is an imagined tale of the origins of the classic L. Frank Baum character — the Wizard of Oz.
sports
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Branson to be AirAsia stewardess KUALA LUMPUR: British billionaire Richard Branson will finally wear a red skirt and serve as a stewardess on Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia in May after losing a Grand Prix bet with the founder of the airline. Virgin boss Branson and AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes had agreed in 2010 that whichever of their teams (then Virgin and Lotus) finished lower in the constructors' championship in their debut season, the losing owner would serve on the other's airline. Branson lost as Lotus finished 10th and Virgin 12th, but the trip was postponed in early 2011 after he injured himself while skiing. Fernandes said Branson had contacted him to honour his bet. "He will be an Airasia stewardess in May on Airasia. 2 years late but main point he hasn't forgotten," Fernandes tweeted. AFP
2012 AT A GLANCE
Lance picks up the pieces Credited with one of the greatest comebacks in sport, Lance finished 2012 with a reputation as arguably its greatest fraud. JUSTIN DAVIS Agence France-Presse MILAN: Credited with one of the greatest comebacks in sport, the Tour de France icon that was Lance Armstrong finished 2012 with a reputation as arguably its greatest fraud. By the end of yet another turbulent year, Bradley Wiggins joined Australian track star Anna Meares, Sir Chris Hoy and Dutchwoman Marianne Vos in offering some cheer to a sport left in disarray by the sport's biggest PR disaster. Wiggins, the down-to-earth Londoner with a keen eye for music and the 'Mod' culture of the Sixties, followed his historic Tour de France triumph by winning Olympic time trial gold at his home Olympics. "I cannot put it into words. I wouldn't do it justice," Wiggins said after adding that Olympic gold to the three had had previ-
ously won on the track for Britain. As a federal investigation into Armstrong and his former team US Postal appeared to stall, other, more deserving champions emerged with Slovakian Peter Sagan winning three stages at the Tour de France, where he beat British sprint king Mark Cavendish to the coveted green jersey. Cavendish, who in October was succeeded as world champion by Belgium's Philippe Gilbert, failed in his bid for Olympic road race gold, won in stylish fashion by controversial Kazakhstan rider Alexandre Vinokourov. Britain, however, went on to make amends by winning seven of the 10 events at the London velodrome. Sir Chris Hoy won two from the team sprint and keirin while Victoria Pendleton ended her career by losing her sprint title
HYDERABAD TRACK WORK
Vijays Champ and Noble Honour excel
HYDERABAD: Vijays Champ, Noble Honour, Fearless Moments, Precisely That and Pacific Star caught the eye with impressive runs when horses were exercised at the Malakpet racecourse in the City this morning. Sand Track 800 Metres:
Magic Million (Kuldeep Singh) Prince of Arabia (rb) 58, 600/43 Former finished a length in front. Sheer Genius (rb) 1-1, 600/45 Easy. Trustful (Anil) Ice Rain (Dileep) 57.5, 600/43 Former finished a length in front. Golden Rule (Kuldeep Singh) 1-2.5, 600/45 Easy. Ocean Side (Christopher) Atternborough (S Nayak) 56, 600/43 They moved together. Best Pal (rb) 1-0, 600/45 Easy. Custodian (app) Promotion (Anil) 57, 600/43 Former finished 2 lengths in front. Mount Titlis (Togrolu) 58.5, 600/44 Moved freely. Exclusive (Kuldeep Singh) Perfect (app) 57.5, 600/42 They finished together. Bloody Mary (S Nayak) Golden Palace (Christopher) 55.5, 600/41 They
moved well and finished together. Betty Prior (K Alam) Jamie (Ali Khan) 59, 60/44 Former finished in front. Strides of Glory (N Rawal) 58, 600/44 Un-extended. Vijayshaurya (Togrolu) 1-0, 600/46 Easy. Incredible India (Kiran Naidu) 1-0, 600/44 Easy. Azaiba (Joshi) 56, 600/42 Moved well. Ground Crew (app) Fair And Square (Anil) 58, 600/44 Former finished in front. Jabel Queen (Joshi) 57, 600/42.5 Moved on the bit. Ciel Blu (Kiran Naidu) Spirited (Chary) 1-2, 600/46 They moved freely. Cherry Hill (S Nayak) 57, 600/42 Moved well.
Sand Track 1000 Metres:
Noble Honour (K Alam) Jaden Gil (rb) 1-10, 800/53, 600/40 Former outpaced companion. Fearless Moments (Chary) Baazigar (Imran Khan) 1-9, 800/55, 600/42 Former finished 3 lengths in front. Precisely That (Joshi) 1-10, 800/53, 600/40 Impressed. So Super (Kiran Naidu) 1-12, 800/56.5, 600/42 Moved well. Magical Spell (Joshi) Silver Lid (app) 1-
12.5, 800/57, 600/42 Former finished a length in front. Rainbow In The Sky (Ali Khan) 1-12.5, 800/57, 600/43 Moved well. Kohinoor Wish (N Rawal) 1-15, 800/58.5, 600/44.5 Moved on the bit. Winjoy (Joshi) 1-12, 800/58, 600/43 Easy. Pacific Star (Joshi) 1-10, 800/54.5, 600/42 Caught the eye.
Sand track 1200 Metres:
Racing Queen (Joshi) 1-30, 1000/1-13, 800/58, 600/45 Moved on the bit. Blazing Asian (rb) Lots Of Love (Kiran Naidu) 1-33, 1000/1-15, 800/58, 600/43 They moved together. Salvadore (Ajit Kumar) 1-33, 1000/1-18, 800/1-2, 600/47 Easy. Staminoizd (app) Lucy Diamond (Ramana) 1-31, 1000/1-14.5, 800/58, 600/43 Former finished in front. Surya Lakshmi (Ramana) 1600/400 in 1-25 Eased. Sand 1400 Metres:
Vijays Champ (Joshi) 1-42, 1200/1-25, 1000/1-10.5, 800/57, 600/42.5 Slightly pushed.
to Meares. The Scot cried tears of joy as he, too, waved goodbye to the Games with a sixth gold which allowed him to surpass former rower Sir Steve Redgrave's fivegold haul to become Britain's most successful Olympic champion. "This is the perfect end to my Olympic career," said Hoy. While Wiggins stands next in line for a possible knighthood, Armstrong will go down as the cancer survivor who cheated his way to global stardom and success and was brought down without failing a dope test.
Krishna Teja claims title HYDERABAD: N. Krishna Teja of Tadepalligudem won the gold medal in chess under-15 category of the Asian School Games Classical 2012 2012 at New Delhi. In this tournament he beat Fide Master Bilgunn Sumia of Mangolia (2265), Isakjanov Kilsenberk of Kirgygistan, Tze How Dilwen Ding of
LEAGUE CRICKET
BROTHER JOHN OF GOD HCA U-14
Johnson Grammer School 100 (Syed Azmath 5/36) lost to Janapriya High School 102/1. Bhegas 113 (Rajashekar 53,
Malaysia and scored 7.5 points out of 9 rounds with out loosing a single round. Earlier he hadthat he also won the silver medal in the under-15 category of Asian School games rapid championship 2012 and also the Asian Blitz championship at school games under-15 category. Krishna Teja
Akhil 3/15, Zubair 3/29 lost to Mahaboobnagar 116/3 (Sainath 39) Nijambad 138 (Sawan 39, Vamshi37, Adithya 3/26) bt Indus World School 123 (Nitish Reddy 44, Prem Reddy 3/35).
ZINDA TILISMATH CUP HCCL beat Value Labs Group A: Mane India bt Monarch Infotech (super over) - C Sreedhar 31(49) and 22/3, G Rama Rao 27(23) HCCL bt Value Labs by 33 runs Omkar Avhad 41(31) and 8/2, Yaqub Maqsusi 4 overs 17/3 Tata Advanced Systems bt Worldview by 5 wickets Sarvottam P 34(40), Omkar Bhise 21/3.
Group B: Phoenix bt Deccan Rangers by 47 runs - Fiyazuddin Amer 43 (30), Ravi Kiran J 25/4. Pete Transformers bt Zonah by 11 runs - Mithun 47 (37) and 29/1, Hasan Azam 50 (41). Hyderabad House bt Avengers by 34 runs - Imran Khan 23/4, Himanshu Kaushik 52(45).
sports
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
STEPS FOR IMPROVEMENT
SPORTS BRIEFS
‘More participation needed’ The problem in our country is that there is no competition. In other countries they have many sprinters and they don’t have to go out to have competition, said PT Usha. MUMBAI: India’s ‘Sprint Queen’ PT Usha (in pic) on Wednesday said there is a need to have more participation in athletics to promote competition and improve the performance. “The problem in our country is that there is no competition. In other countries they have many sprinters and they don’t have to go out to have competition (to improve themselves)," Usha said at the KOOH Sports event, where she is roped in as the brand ambassador for an initiative. “Jessi (Joseph) is coming up very well and in two years she will give competition to Tintu (Luka). It is not only good for them but also the country." Elaborating further, she said, “For example, Tintu is the lone runner in 800 m. There is no com-
INDO-PAK SERIES
PCB awaits India series tickets KARACHI: PCB is still awaiting the 3000 tickets promised to it by the BCCI for the much-anticipated T20 and ODI series in India later this month. A PCB source told PTI that although a long list of requests had been received by the three travel agencies designated to handle the requests from Pakistanis wishing to travel to India for the matches, none had been processed due to non availability of tickets.
petition for her over here. You take Kenya, they have 200 runners. They are getting competition. Like that we need to im-
prove. That will only help. Grassroot level competition is important." The Olympian added that the facilities provided are better than what they were earlier but not to the standard of European nations. “Compared to 70s and 80s, the infrastructure has improved. We are also sending the athletes out to get exposure. But still the facilities we have can’t be compared to that in Europe," she said. KOOH Sports that is engaged in the business of sports promotion and education in the country today launched an initiative to scout talent at school level called ‘SpeedStar'. The talent hunt will identify the fastest 100-meter runner in three categories—under 12, under 14 and under 16.
The programme will be rolled out in 11 cities, with close to 20,000 children participating and six of the national winners (boy and girl in each of the category) will travel to Australia for a week, where they will train at Sports Credentials (Gold Coast, Queensland). On the initiative, PT Usha said, “We are confident that SpeedStar will mark the first step of celebrating the importance of athletics. We know the history of Indian athletics and how it has been limited to the select few. To improve our performance at international level, it is essential to take mini steps. Sports is not just about basking in the glory of well earned victories, but equally about teaching oneself about the setbacks and then winning.”
BOXING
Tyson, Leonard, De la Hoya enter Nevada Hall of Fame LAS VEGAS: Legendary fighters Mike Tyson (in pic), Oscar de la Hoya, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Larry Holmes and Julio Cesar Chavez were among the inaugural inductees named Wednesday to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Voting was done by the group’s board of directors with enshrinement ceremonies to be staged in 2013. Also inducted were fighters Diego Corrales and Mike McCallum, trainers Eddie Futch and Freddie Roach, promoters Don King and Bob Arum, referees Joe
Cortez and Mills Lane, executives Marc Ratner and James Nave, reporters Al Bernstein and Royce Feour and contributors Kirk Kirkorian and Sig Rogich. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson went 50-6 with 44 knockouts and was the youngest man to hold the crown while Holmes, 69-6 with 44 knockouts, owned the heavyweight title from 1978 through 1985. Leonard, 36-3
with one drawn and 25 knockouts, was a 1976 Montreal Olympic champ and a 1980s star. “Golden Boy” De la Hoya, 39-6 with 30 knockouts, won 10 world titles in six weight divisions and has become a top promoter while Chavez, 107-6 with two drawn and 88 knockouts, was a Mexican legend and also a three-division world champion. AFP
London to host 2017 IPC worlds LONDON: London was rewarded for its successful organisation of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday when it was named as the host city of the 2017 IPC Athletics World Championships. The event, organised under the banner of the IPC, will take place at London’s Olympic Stadium, just a month before the World Athletics Championships gets under way at the same venue. The move means London will become the first city to host the two championships concurrently. “This year London just staged the best spectacle of sport the world has seen," said London mayor Boris Johnson, who is also chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation. “By bringing the IPC Athletics World Championships to our wonderful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park just a month before the World Athletics Championships, the capital is poised to recreate the magic of 2012. London’s Paralympic Games were the first ever to sell out, and these Championships provide a perfect chance to build on that enthusiasm for disabled sport, bringing back the world’s greatest Paralympians to the Olympic Stadium.” AFP
Sri Lanka’s Hathurusinghe named coach for NSW SYDNEY: Former Sri Lankan Test player Chandika Hathurusinghe has been appointed head coach of the NSW Blues until the end of the season after Anthony Stuart was sacked. At a NSW Cricket board meeting this week, it was decided that Stuart’s contract would not be renewed and the 42-year-old stepped down immediately. “NSW Blues assistant coach, and former Sri Lankan Test player, Chandika Hathurusinghe has been appointed acting head coach until the conclusion of the 2012-13 season," the team said on its website Thursday. Stuart had been in the job for 18 months. AFP
NBA “The process outlined by the Indian High Commission is clear, the special visas will only be processed and issued if the applicants apply with tickets for the venues they want to travel to," the source disclosed. “The problem facing the PCB and the travel agencies is that since they haven’t got the tickets as yet from the BCCI, they can’t process any of the requests." Another source said the BCCI had recommended names of some hotels where the Pakistani visitors can stay during their visit to India but even they are not yet complete. PTI
Thunder stretch win streak to 12
Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Philips Arena on Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia. KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES/AFP
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Kevin Durant scored 41 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and the Oklahoma City Thunder stretched its NBA win streak to 12 games by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-92 on Wednesday. Durant hit 14-of-23 shots from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line while London Olympic gold medal teammate Russell Westbrook added 27 points and 11 assists for the Thunder, who improved to an NBA-best 21-4 overall. Serge Ibaka, whose Spanish
side lost to Durant and the Americans in the final for the second Olympics in a row, contributed 14 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Josh Smith added 17 points and nine assists and Zaza Pachulia had 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who fell to 15-8. Oklahoma City led 55-41 at half-time but the host Hawks pulled within 73-66 entering the fourth quarter only to falter in the final minutes.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
sports Chelsea rout Leeds
BRAZIL TUMBLE DOWN FIFA RANKINGS
Brazil slumped five places to an all-time low 18th in the latest FIFA World Cup rankings as they struggle to regroup under new manager Felipe Scolari. Ranking: 1 Spain, 2 Germany, 3 Argentina, 4 Italy (+1 place), 5 Colombia (+3) 6, England 7, Portugal (-3), 8 Netherlands, (-1) 9 Russia, 10 Croatia.
LEAGUE CUP
JASON MELLOR Agence France-Presse
LEEDS, UK: Chelsea won their match against old rivals Leeds and made it to the semi-finals thanks to an emphatic 5-1 victory at Elland Road on Wednesday. Leeds, currently mid-table in the Championship, sensed a quarter-final shock when they took a 38th-minute lead thanks to a 15th goal of the season from Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio, who slid the ball home from 12 yards as he met a Jerome Thomas cross to roundoff a length of the field move. But defender Tom Lees missed a great chance to double the advantage in first-half stoppage-time, heading over from an El Hadji-Diouf cross as the Yorkshire club attempted to emulate their neighbours Bradford City, who booked their semi-final place with a stunning upset over Arsenal. Chelsea refused to go the same way as their Premier League rivals, moving through the gears to score five second-half goals to make it through to the last four in January in some style.
Chelsea Chelsea eased eased the the pressure pressure on on Rafael Benitez Benitez and and sealed sealed their their Rafael place in in the the League League Cup Cup semisemiplace finals finals with with aa 5-1 5-1 win win over over Leeds. Leeds.
“The team was quite good in the first half and the reaction of the team in the second half was fantastic after coming back from Japan with jet lag and changing some players,” interim manager Benitez said. “The reaction was amazing. We were looking for character and we talked about it at halftime.” Leeds boss Neil Warnock added: “If Tom Lees’ header had gone in when the score was 1-0
BALLON D’OR
Ronaldo unruffled about award
Chelsea face Swansea, Bradford Villa in semis LONDON: Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez set his sights on League Cup glory after his side were handed a semi-final clash with Swansea. Benitez’s hopes of landing the Chelsea job on a permanent basis would be increased if he can put some silverware in the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet. After crashing out of the CL, the League Cup represents their next chance.
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it would have been a different game. Branislav Ivanovic stole in at the near post to head home a corner on 64 minutes to give the visitors a lead they wouldn’t relinquish as they moved a step closer to claiming their first silverware under Benitez. Substitute Eden Hazard (scoring above) made it four with a calm finish beyond a stranded Ashdown inside the box to take it away from Leeds.
HILLSBOROUGH RUMBLING
LISBON: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo (above) said in an interview published on Wednesday that he would love to win this year’s Ballon d’Or but it would not be the end of the world if the prize went elsewhere. “If I win, perfect. If I don’t, never mind, life goes on. But obviously I’d love to win. I’m not going to lie or be hypocritical,” the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward was quoted as saying on the Portuguese football federation website. “Fair or unfair, the decision will be what it will be... I’ll maybe be very happy or maybe very sad,” the 2008 winner added.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Court quashes disaster verdicts A panel found that police tried to divert blame for the tragedy on to the victims. TOM WILLIAMS Agence France-Presse LONDON: Families of 96 Liverpool fans crushed to death at the Hillsborough football stadium in 1989 welcomed a British court decision Wednesday to quash accidental death verdicts from the disaster, but
High Court judges annulled the inquest verdicts delivered in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and called for fresh inquests to be held.
say their fight is far from over. High Court judges annulled the inquest verdicts delivered in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and called for fresh inquests to be held, while police also launched a new investigation. “If there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against
those who were in the wrong, then they have to be held accountable in law,” said Barry Devonshire, whose 18-year-old son Christopher perished in the tragedy. “I am not on a witchhunt and I don’t want people locked up for the sake of it, but if there is evidence, they should be before a court.”
BRIEFS Barca coach suffers Wilshere and Brit pack cancer relapse – reports sign new Arsenal deals
Bologna shock Napoli in Italian Cup
Arsenal postpone West Ham game
BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has suffered a relapse of cancer a year after surgeons removed a tumour from his salivary gland, the club said Wednesday, in a potentially bitter blow for the Spanish league leaders. Messages of support poured in for the 44-year-old, whose team is flying nine points high at the top of La Liga.
ROME: Lazio and Fiorentina reached the Italian Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday — but Napoli fell by the wayside after a 2-1 home loss to Bologna in the round of 16, Greek star Panagiotis Kone netting an injury-time winner. Lazio needed penalties to beat Siena after a 1-1 stalemate over 120 minutes while Fiorentina won 1-0 at Udinese.
LONDON: Arsenal have postponed their Premier League game with West Ham United on December 26 due to planned industrial action affecting London’s Underground transport network, the club announced on Wednesday. Arsenal said the disruption meant that supporter safety at their Emirates Stadium could not be guaranteed.
LONDON: Arsenal were given a major fillip on Wednesday when they announced that English midfielder Jack Wilshere and four other players have agreed new long-term contracts with the club. Wilshere joins fellow England internationals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson and Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Balotelli drops appeal over fine
LONDON: Manchester City’s wayward striker Mario Balotelli (above) has accepted a two-week fine over his poor disciplinary record and dropped an appeal to a Premier League tribunal, the club announced on Wednesday. Lawyers representing the Italy international had been due to present an appeal on his behalf to a tribunal on Wednesday, after City reportedly fined him two weeks’ wages for his on-pitch misdemeanours last season. However, following talks between Balotelli and the club, the 22-year-old agreed to withdraw his case and accept his punishment. AFP