THE GIRL WHO FOLLOWS HER DREAMS
HOME SCIENCES, THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
For Maryam Zakaria, becoming an actress has been a 20-year-old dream. In 2011, she sizzled on screen in 100% Love and now she has a lot more on her plate. We find out more about her journey thus far P21
If you want to have a diverse variety of subjects as part of your under-graduation course, then College of Home Science is the right place for you P15 Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper
WWW.POSTNOON.COM N SHIVA KUMAR
SHOBANA IS FLEXIBLE, DEADLINE ISN’T Crowds enthralled by danseuse Shobana, were left frustrated after the 10pm deadline struck another blow to culture. REPORT ON PG 7
BLAME IT ON RIO It doesn’t get bigger or better than this. A day after it was officially declared open, Rio Carnival came alive on Saturday with more than two million people taking part in the frenzied samba-driven street festival P16&17
WEATHER: A MIX OF CLEAR AND CLOUDY SKIES; 27°C
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 HYDERABAD
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KINGFISHER TEETERS ON THE BRINK Kingfisher Airlines’ operations continued to be disrupted for the third consecutive day, a day after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took a serious note of the developments and summoned the CEO.
Page Two
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Spirit of Twin Cities
IT’S COOL TO PRAY
Artistic draw Artists Giridhar Gowd, Sirajuddin, Glower Paul, Nageshwara Rao, Tailor Srinivas, Ajit Kumar, Gangadhar, Srinivas Reddy, Gouri Vemula, Bhaskar Rao and Jinson Joseph present drawings and etchings done in graphite, charcoal, pastel and colour pencil. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11.30 am Contact: (040) 3241 1554
Classic Mondays Monday blues? Head to Classic Mondays with DJ Neil at Sixth Element as he belts out classic rock numbers. Where: Sixth Element, Punjagutta When: Every Monday, 8pm Contact: (040) 6666 4488
Acting workshop Samhaara- an acting and dancing workshop is being held. The workshop focusses on learning the basics of stage acting, character analysis, stage and rehearsal terms, movement, stage geography, stage behaviour and improvisation. Where: The Actor’s studio, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 7pm tp 9pm Contact: 98854 04784
Group exhibition Muse Art Gallery will play host to a group exhibition titled ‘An Artful Art’. It is a contemporary painting exhibition by a group of 26 artists. Where: Muse Art Gallery, Tank Bund When: Ongong, 11am Contact: 93964 44424
The Indian Mosaic An exhibition of paintings titled ‘The Indian Mosaic’ will be on display at Iconart Gallery. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 6.30pm Contact: 98499 68797
A girl prays in front of an Amarnath Shiva lingam made of ice at Amberpet on Sunday. When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 6666 232
City in pictures A pictorial essay depicting the city of Hyderabad between the years of 1975 and 2011 is on display at Salarjung Museum. Where: Salarjung Museum When: Ongoing, 10am Contact: (040) 2457 6443
Cognac and Cigar The Seasons Bar opens up again as a Cigar and Cognac lounge with a wide selection of cognac, rare whiskies, single malts and cigars. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 6666 2323
Eat in the dark
Martini ‘n music Enjoy winter evenings with martinis and crooner Kelly. A perfect mix for a perfect evening! Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills
CINEMAS
Have you ever wondered how it feels to eat in the dark? Come and experience this. Pay `499 to enjoy a 4-course meal worth `1,000 at Dialogue in the Dark. Where: Dialogue in the Dark, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 6460 3341
Dance Fiesta Soorya festival, an exotic feast of
Kerela’s various dance forms will begin from February 16. 40 artists from all over the country will participate in the event. Where: NSKK High School, Ferozeguda When: Ongoing Contact: 9010403034
International pizza festival Pizza lovers this is the news for you! News Cafe is host to the International Pizza Festival. Get a taste of a variety of Pizzas from around the world. Where: News Cafe, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 6460 3341
Vintage Mondays It’s Monday, head to Bottles and Chimney as DJ Rahul spins a variety of vintage tunes. Where: Bottles and Chimney, Begumpet When: Ongoing, 8pm Contact: (040) 2776 6464
Nizami celebration Head to Jewel of Nizam at Masab tank for a Nizami treat. As it get’s set to celebrate it’s first anniversary, sample on various cuisines from around the country.
SRINIVAS SETTY
Where: Jewel of Nizam, Masab Tank When: Ongoing, 11.30 am Contact: (040) 6611 0130
Lunch specials Nautanki Galli offers its expansive lunch buffet. Head to Nautanki Galli for an interesting option. Where: Nautanki Galli, Madhapur When: Every day, 12.30pm onwards Contact: 78930 10000
Crafts Mela Head to People’s plaza where AP handicrafts development corporation is hosting a 10-days crafts bazaar which features craftsmen from around the country. Where: Peoples Plaza, Necklace Road When: Ongoing, 11am
A suitable lunch Syn presents three lunch offers to suit your needs. There is a lunch for those in a hurry, a lunch for the calorie conscious and a lunch for those who are planning a fun and food-filled reunion with pals. Where: Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills When: Everyday, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 6666 3939
Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet, Kompally, 61606060; Inox, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973
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Hyper Local CRIME ROUNDUP
Seized car stolen
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Hyundai Accent car that was seized by the traffic police at Banjara Hills and moved to Jubilee Hills traffic police station was stolen in less than an hour of its seizure. The police said that the car driver was given a challan as he was drunk. When the sentry of the police station went inside, someone took away the car with the help of a duplicate key. A case of theft was lodged by the traffic police with Banjara Hills police.
Student dies
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student died when he fell under a moving train at Seethaphalmandi railway station. The police identified him as Subrahmanyam, 27, belonging to Mahbubnagar. When Subrahmanyam got down on the platform to buy some snacks, he noticed the train moving. He rushed to the train and tried to get in while on the move. He accidentally fell from the platform and suffered serious injuries and died instantly.
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
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No police case yet on Rambabu’s death Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com
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he police have not registered a case on the death of V Rambabu (58), as the family members apparently have not reported the matter. They also seem to prefer that it is treated as a ‘natural death’. The police are confused on how to go about with the case. Postnoon visited the house of the bereaved family and tried to elicit some information in the demise of Rambabu who allegedly committed suicide consuming pesticide, as the proposed marriage of his daughter with film star T Gopichand fell through. Rambabu is an ex-service person and is said to be very soft-spoken and sensitive. Rambabu, who belongs to Cherukupalli in Guntur district, is running a furniture shop (Purnima Enterprizes) at Dilsukhnagar. The family members pleaded that they be left alone as they are grief stricken. Enquiries revealed that Ramababu went into his bedroom and told his family not to disturb him.
When the light wasn’t put out for a long time, the family called him from outside. As there was no response from him, they grew suspicious and broke open the doors of the bedroom and found him lying on his bed. They also found a pesticide bottle there. Immediately, the family called a doctor from a nearby hospital who confirmed the death. The family members are maintaining that “he suffered a massive heart attack and died” for the record. The engagement function of his daughter with the movie artiste was conducted on January 26. Ironically, the alliance proposal was called off due to “private reasons”, just a few days ago, even as the marriage was slated for February 24.
Rambabu committed suicide after the proposed marriage of his daughter with actor T Gopichand (in the picture) was called off. The engagement took place on January 26 and the wedding was slated for February 24.
Hyper Local
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
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Dark, Monk and Munia are here! They have travelled across the world. The Hyderabad zoo recently welcomed three new members into its fold — cheetahs. The enclosure that has been vacant for the last 26 years will now be home to these spotted wonders.
WILDLIFE Indira Atluri Indira.a@postnoon.com
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he famed Hyderabad zoo had been waiting far too long for a cheetah, and finally, they came from a Czech zoo. The three beauties are now quarantined to ensure their health and acclimatisation. You will be able to set your eyes on the trio only in the second week of March. Curator Shekhar Reddy said, “They are African animals that were put in a Czech zoo before being brought here. Our in-house vets are on a constant vigil, and there have been no signs of stress in them so far. But the isolation and observation will continue for a month before they would be allowed to their enclosure." Two are males — Dark and Monk — and the female’s name is Munia. Each carnivore is fed eight kilograms of beef every day. For breakfast, the fast stars have chicken and a whole egg. On the diet of the carnivores, Shekhar says, “As far as their diet is concerned, we take no chances,". They will be given open enclosures to thrive and reproduce, he added. Interestingly, the Nehru Zoo has some veteran residents — a Galapagos tortoise that is over 80 years old, and some of the birds that have been in the zoo for more than 40 years. Despite critics who believe that doctored habitats are by no means a home for the animals, the Nehru Zoo has been able to prolong lives of many of these animals which may have fallen prey to predators in their natural habitats. The debate, of course, is never-ending.
of India (CPI) is making arrangements for its four-day State conference in Karimnagar. The conference will begin on Tuesday. CPI State secretary K Narayana said that the party would discuss its strategy on whether or not to contest the upcoming by-elections. It may be recalled that the CPI (M) conducted a massive rally and public meeting following its State plenary at Khammam recently. The CPI too wants to replicate the same in Karimgar.
Prasanna Kumar Reddi
Jagan to campaign in Kovur in two spells NELLORE: President of the YSR
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The cheetah achieves by far the fastest land speed of any living animal — between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 m (1,600 ft).
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It has the ability to accelerate from 0 to over 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds.
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Its total head-and-body length ranges from 110 to 150 cm.
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Most of this feline species are endangered.
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Cheetahs are found only in Africa and southwestern Asia. An estimated 50 of them survive in Khorasan Province of Iran.
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The cheetah disappeared from India in the 1940's. Estimates of the current African cheetah population range from a low of 5,000 to highs of 15,000 to 25,000. Another 1,000 cheetahs live in captivity around the world.
The cheetah enclosure at Nehru Zoo
BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints
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ONGOLE: One person set ablaze his two wives and a daughter at Eethamukkala village in Prakasam district on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. According to the police, Shanoon came home in an inebriated condition and doused his wives – Kairul and Radha – and daughter, Shadina, in kerosene and set them on fire. On hearing their cries, other family members rushed to the spot. All the three suffered serious burns and are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The police are investigating.
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Congress party YS Jaganmohan Reddy will campaign for the party nominee in the Kovur Assembly constituency Nallapureddi Prasannakumar Reddi in two different spells. The first round of campaign would be on March 2,3 and 4, while the second round would be on March 14,15 and 16. Jagan had a detailed discussion on the election strategy. In fact, Reddi was campaigning in the constituency ever since he tendered his resignation to the membership of the Assembly. He would file his nomination on February 25 at 12.58 pm.
AIRLINES Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec’bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999
UK Visa Office 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
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Readers’ views We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222
Hyper Local
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Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
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Retail stores score over local mandis PIC FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY
TRADE Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com
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one are the days when people made their weekly trips to the local vegetable markets or rythu bazaars armed with shopping bags and long lists of groceries to suffice the entire week. Now, suggest a visit to one of these markets and people will cringe at the thought of the unhygienic conditions. For most of us heading to the nearest supermarket once a week to stock up on fruits and vegetables is a more preferred option. Earlier vegetable markets would be crowded with people jostling for space or haggling with vendors, but today’s Gen X prefers pushing a trolley through an airconditioned supermarkets — a one-stop destination for all their needs. The reasons for this switch are plenty — unhygienic conditions at vegetable markets, congestion and distance from residential areas. What’s more, at a supermarket you can expect attractive promotional offers, membership facili-
ties, home delivery, use of plastic money and a variety of products. For Sunita S, a regular at Nature’s Basket, it’s the well-organised display of produce and hygiene that’s a winner. “The vegetable sections in the super markets are more hygienic when comdis. Moreover, we get new and better varieties of vegetables, which are not available in the mandis. These supermarkets also offer organic produce. Besides, the
produce is fresher and of a better quality, so shelling out a few extra bucks for this is worth it,” she says. “These shops stock almost everything a home needs ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables to pulses and personal care items. Also, the produce is kept refrigerated, giving them a longer shelflife. What’s more, I know I can pick up chopped vegetables too if I am hard pressed for time,” says Rohit Paliwal, an MNC employee.
According to the officials at these supermarkets, it is the quality of products they stock up that help them win clients. “Quality is given high priority, which ensures freshness, flavour, aroma, taste and more importantly hygiene. The fruits and vegetables are handpicked. Strict quality control is exercised at each stage to preserve the natural flavour of the various agri products,” said Ramesh, an executive at Food
World. “The problem with rythu bazaars is that the vendors do not stick to the prescribed prices. And most of them are not farmers. Parking space is insufficient. Shopping at supermarkets is more convenient,” said Rita Choudhary, a techincal writer. “With the increasing stress and hectic routines, it is necessary to eat a healthy diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits should constitute the major portion of our intake. That’s why I prefer supermarkets,” she adds. Vendors at the rythu bazaars are feeling the pinch too. Most of them are not happy with the lack of parking and unhygienic conditions. “Several of us are not keen on carrying out their businesses here, particularly in the absence of proper storage facilities, problems in transporting their produce and low prices compared to conventional markets. Prices at rythu bazaars are fixed by the authorities based on the wholesale prices in the Bowenpally Agriculture Market,” says Ramulu, a vegetable vendor at Erragadda Model Rythu Bazaar. This doesn’t work out to be profitable for the effort that goes into the entire rigmarole.
Leaders get busy with bypolls
POLITICS U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com
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ith the budget presentation now over Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is focussing more on the by-elections slated for March 18. The CM in consultation with APCC president Botsa Satyanarayana is finalising the candidates. He also had consultations with party workers from Kamareddi Assembly constituency on Sunday to identify the party nominee. Most of them suggested the name of Mohammed Ali Shabbir, who is reluctant to contest. On Monday, Reddy is meeting workers from Warangal to finalise candidates for Station Ghanpur constituency. With the announcement of the by-election schedule the Assembly sessions will lose steam. Legislators belonging to the Congress, the TDP and TRS are busy holding parleys with the constituency-level leaders. The TDP appointed one MLA each to every
Assembly constituency going to polls, said E Dayakar Rao, MLA. K Laxman, national secretary of the BJP, said the elections would be the first priority of any political party. The BJP is planning to contest all seats, he said. The Congress may make ministers incharge of every Assembly constituency and their responsibilities would be delegated to other ministers to field questions in the House. Dayakar Rao said that the TDP would concentrate on both — elections and Assembly. By-elections would be an acid test to the CM and his ability to lead the party to a victory. As planned earlier the Congress has successfully avoided simultaneous byelections to all the 24 seats by postponing the disqualification of Congress MLAs owing allegiance to the YSR Congress. Out of the seven seats going to polls, six are in Telangana. The Congress feels it is easy for it to handle the elections in two spells rather than at one go. Congress MLCs KR Amos and Paladugu Venkata Rao said that they would take care to see the Assembly and Council work without a hitch. Elections do not mean that all the leaders would be camping in constituencies. The responsibilities would be divided, they said. Jagan had already announced that his party would not contest from Telangana. The Congress is sure to make all out efforts to win as many seats as possible. The Chief Minister and the APCC chief would campaign for the by-elections. The BJP is also planning to contest all the seats, according to the party’s State unit president G Kishan Reddy.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
Shivaratri with a twist N SHIVA KUMAR
FESTIVAL
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No T Bill: Jaipal Reddy
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nion Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy has made it clear that the Telangana Bill might not come before Parliament in the ensuing budget session. He said there was need for a discussion on the issue and no such discussion has taken place so far.
typical Shivaratri celebration usually saw people fast the whole day, perform poojas and then stay up all night for the jaagran. Back to back movies, playing card games and singing bhajans marked the jaagrans previously. But this year, youngsters are gearing up to celebrate a Shivaratri with a difference — one that involves sticking to the spiritual path, attending rock satsangs, singing, dancing, meditating and doing seva. Youngsters today are more involved in spirituality than religion. “Religion and spirituality both go hand in hand. If I have to celebrate Shivaratri religiously I would fast, do pooja and stay awake all night watching movies or going on long drives. However, it is important for one to understand the significance of the festival, hence the celebration with a difference,” says Anushree Gupta, Nalsar law student and Youth empowerment and skills (yes plus) volunteer. Youth based spiritual organisations have been planning and working for Maha Shivaratri months in advance. The budget for the event is also increasing with each passing year. Each group is spending close to `4 lakh on the celebrations. “We have been working on this event for the last one month. The cost has gone up to `4 lakh and we have raised the funds through volunteer contributions and donations. We have poojas in the morning and at night we have invited
Devotees offer prayers at Keesaragutta on the occasion of Shivaratri singer Vikram Hazara, from Mumbai for the satsang,” says Phani Kumar Raja, volunteer, Art of Living. With more and more youth turning towards spirituality, the City is witnessing the new age Shivaratri celebrations. Several organisations have booked halls and are planning all night celebrations. There will be meditation, singing, dancing, food donation and live streaming of their main ashram events. “We have booked a community hall in Secunderabad and will be celebrating there. We will be cooking and doing free food distribution as an act of seva. Followed by which there will be a live streaming of the celebrations at the main ashram. Our budget is comparatively less this time as a lot of people are reducing the prices for us,” says Suma R, teacher at Isha foundation. Around five to six youth-based
THE FACES OF HYDERABAD Jacob S, branch in-charge, gas agency
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oday, Jacob is the branch in-charge of a gas agency, with the responsibility of running the day-to-day business, falling on his shoulders. Running a gas agency is no easy task with angry customers storming in day-in and day-out. But with commendable patience, Jacob handles all kinds of pressures. What is truly remarkable about Jacob’s professional journey is that he first joined this office 35 years ago as a delivery boy, carrying cylinders to homes. Having been educated only up to class VIII,
Aishwarya Yerra A city is defined by the people who live and work in it. Here we take a look at the human threads that make up our urban tapestry
Anubha Singh
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The night of the Lord anubha.k@postnoon.com
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he left home in Kanyakumari to earn a living in Hyderabad. Joining the office from the junior most position, he ventured into clerical work and slowly climbed up the professional ladder. He’s a firm believer that more than education it is experience that truly helps one’s career. His mother who passed away a few years ago was very satisfied with the way his career turned out. What are his retirement plans? Jacob says with a smile he does not want to ever retire and wants to work forever.
spiritual organisations are celebrating the festival the same way. With is a blend of science, technology, religion and spirituality. More than 10,000 youngsters are expected in each event. “Shiva means peace and ratri means refuge, so Shivaratri means take refuge in peace. I didn’t understand this peace until I started meditating. Being spiritual gives one a better understanding of the day and this I want to share with the other youngsters who play poker and watch movies all night long,” said Prvuth Rajan, a B.Tech student and Yes plus volunteer. According to Suteja K, teacher at Isha Foundation, Maha Shivaratri is the perfect opportunity to make the most of spirituality. “Maha Shivaratri comes only once in a year. On this day the planetary positions are aligned in such a way that they create immense energy. When this is happening naturally, we should make the most of it.” AISHWARYA YERRA
n the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Hindu devotees around the world observe Shivratri Vrat (fast). The fasting involves eating only roots and fruits while staying away from grains and cereals. Some staunch believers give food a complete miss on this day. Shivratri literally means the night of Lord Shiva. The Shivratri fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to religious scholars it is mentioned in the Shiva Purana that if a devotee observes Shivratri Vrat with sincerity and devotion, they will be blessed by Lord Shiva. Postnoon checks with the youth in the City if they observe the tradition of fasting and other
What is shivaratri?
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here are many popular legends about Shivratri. One says Parvati performed tapas on this day to ward off any evil that might befall her husband on the moonless night. An unmarried woman prays for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband. Another legend is that Shiva and Shakti married each other today. Another one is associated with Samudra Manthan, the battle between devas and asuras during which Shiva, on the request of gods comsumed the the pot of poison that came out of the ocean. The poison was so potent that it changed the colour of His neck to blue. rituals. “The tradition of fasting has been followed by many generations in my family. We have always been told that when a devotee spends an entire day in fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva, his emotions come under control and evils like anger and jealousy get subdued,” said Shruthi S, a B.Tech student. “Every year I observe a fast but this year I have a special wish. Shivratri Vrat is significant for unmarried girls. It’s a belief that if unmarried girls perform the Maha Shivratri pooja with great faith, they will be blessed with good husbands,” said Ruchikka K, an MNC Employee. Married women too pray to Lord Shiva for marital bliss. However, fasting is not only a part of worship, but a great instrument for self-discipline too. It trains the mind and the body to endure all hardships. “I observe the nirahar vrat (not eating food). As prasad my mother prepares potato pumpkin pancakes, lauki ka halwa etc,” said Abhijeet Anand, a B.Tech student.
Hyper Local
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Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
WHAT A NIGHT! Rajesh Ravindran Rajesh.r@postnoon.com
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hobana, Pt Shankar Ghosh, Bickram Ghosh, and Ronu Majumdar are serious practitioners of their art, no doubt. They can also be equally entertaining and intriguing with their witticisms as with their renditions. What’s amazing was that these virtuosos who performed at the finale of the Sawai Gandharwa Bhimsen Joshi Music Festival at the Chowmahalla Palace did not need words to do so: music, rhythm and mere facial gestures were enough. Shobana, who was sublime with her dance performance before the chandelier-lit durbar, showed her lighter side when a CD of the violinist duo Kumaresh and Ganesh was being released during the show. When the artistes lined up on the stage and posed for pictures with the CD, a cameraman kept asking them to hold the CD aloft. Shobana raised herself on her toes and held the CD as high as she could while grinning ear-to-ear and gesturing with her eyes, as if to ask the cam-
Pt Shankar Ghosh
Bickram Ghosh
eraman, “Will this do? Is this high enough?” She had not uttered a word, but the audience laughed. Even she enjoyed it thoroughly and flashed a smile. PT Shankar Ghosh, who had accompanied Bhimsen Joshi at about 50 concerts on the tabla, said after his piece which was an 11-beat composition, “I hope I have not bored you,” drawing chuckles and giggles from all. Kumaresh and Ganesh with a composition in Mayamalavagowla led the audience, who seemed entranced, into a world of melody. The toast of the evening was the fusion music by the famous percussionist Bickram Ghosh, son of Pt Shankar Ghosh, and flautist Ronu Majumdar and R Arun Kumar. Bickram Ghosh, who has worked with the likes of Pundit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, was outstanding. In a jugalbandhi with R Arun Kumar, he “conversed” with him via the table and Arun replied via drums. He mesmerised all by his “ta ri ki da” dialogue, especially the ones made with the sounds he produced hitting lightly on his cheeks.
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N SHIVA KUMAR
Every good thing has to end, sometimes much before time… at times when none wants it to end. While the musicians were playing the last piece of the show, Mohan Hemmadi, one of the chief organisers, slowly walked up and sat at one corner of the stage and gave the artists and the audience a strange, pleading look. The first response of all present was of amusement; then they realised. It’s 10.10pm, 10 minutes past the permitted time and “orders” have come that the show must stop. Artistes are known to be temperamental: but here not one fussed; they slowly started to pack up, perhaps understanding the organisers’ limitations, or out of respect and love for the abovementioned veteran and connoisseur, who had turned 75 recently. It takes all sorts to make this world: the good, the bad, the ugly. At events like these, the most familiar forms of the last two kinds are gatecrashers and spoilsports. However, the spoilsport on Sunday night was not a man, but “orders” issued by some.
Ganesh and Kumaresh
Passion drives me, says Rahman’s blue-eyed boy Sudeshna Koka
Favorite Hyderabad cuisine I love the Kababs in Hyderabad they are amazingly tasty.
sudeshna.k@postnoon.com
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ITS Hyderabad campus was on a live-wire and students where high with Benny Dayal performed. ‘Pappu Can’t Dance Saala’, ‘Tu Hi Meri Dost Hai’, and ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayee’. Benny Dayal is music maestro A R Rahman’s blue-eyed boy. From doing a mundane job as a HR professional to singing for the biggest of stars, Benny has come a long way. Connection with Hyderabad and Tollywood industry? This is my 5th show in Hyderabad. I have been getting a great response from the city and would love to keep coming back. The Telugu music industry is great; I have worked with Devi Sri Prasad and Mani Sharma. Singing Telugu songs has helped me
What do u think about the kolaveri fever. It’s from the sole and very honest music. It’s a genuine attempt and this is the only reason why it has reached global heights. One needs to work from the heart and not the mind because we know what the mind will tell but not what the heart will.
approach the language and the nativity of the place. You often perform in campus
fests, what keep you bringing back to perform for students? The energy here is great and
Message : Be your own bench mark. Aim where you can go, compete with your own self. Only then will the efforts be genuine and not materialist
genuine. I get a lot of positive energy playing in such an atmosphere , this is th reason I keep going back to colleges to perform. Do youth today understand music? One does not have to understand music; it’s all about feeling the music. It’s the spirit and the energy that one needs to fell and not understand. Role Models I would say AR Rahman because I started listening to film music seriously only after Rahman sir came onto the scene with Roja, Bombay etc. HR professional to singing how did that happen? Passion, it’s all about passion. One needs to have passion and this will take them places. My band manager is an engineer but now he is into events. One should always do what make them happy.
Focus
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The story behind the news
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The Middle East and the West aren’t the only regions that would be hit by an IranIsrael war
War with Iran could reverberate across globe Nicholas Clayton
TBILISI: After two apparent assassination attempts against Israeli diplomats in the South Caucasus, many fear this fractured and strategically important region is being pulled into the rising tensions between the West and Iran. On Monday, police defused a “magnetic bomb” attached to a car belonging to a local driver for the Israeli embassy in Georgia. On the same day, a bomb exploded on an Israeli embassy vehicle in New Dehli, injuring several, including the Israeli defense attaché’s wife. The attempted bombing in Georgia came less than three weeks after the government of neighboring Azerbaijan announced it had arrested three men who had been recruited and paid to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan and later attack a Jewish school in the country. Tehran accused Azerbaijan Monday of aiding Israeli intelligence forces in assassinating Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, an Iranian nuclear scientist who was also killed by a bomb magnetically attached to his car in early January. At the time, a top
Iranian official told a local newspaper that “Iran’s reaction will extend beyond the borders and beyond the region.” The official added: “None of those who ordered these attacks should feel safe anywhere.” All three countries that comprise the South Caucasus — Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia — maintain important relationships with both the West and Iran. Conflict between these two sides could destabilize the fragile, but strategically crucial peace in the region.
They are clearly concerned, as are the Russians, about the fact that they’re being dragged into a contingency outside their area.
Azerbaijan: Fears of an Iranian invasion
Stephen Blank, US Army War College
Azerbaijan is a major supplier of both natural gas and oil for Europe, and several pipeline projects designed to reduce the EU’s energy dependence on Russia require Georgian territory and Azerbaijani resources. The two countries are also key links in the Northern Distribution Network, a transit route supplying ISAF forces in Afghanistan. Since Pakistan closed its borders to NATO air and ground transit in November 2011, this route is now the only means for the alliance to get personnel and materials in and out of Afghanistan.
Since the revelation of the alleged Iranian assassination plot, Azerbaijan and Iran have been furiously trading accusations. Tehran has often threatened Azerbaijan with invasion should it allow Western countries to use its territory in support of an operation against Iran.
Georgia: Caught in the middle Georgian authorities, meanwhile, have been cautious to assess blame in the foiled bombing in its capital, Tbilisi, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu quickly pointed to Iran in the attacks. Shota Utiashvili, head of the Georgian Interior Ministry’s analytical department publicly noted the similarities between the descriptions of the defused bomb and the one used to kill the Iranian scientist, and said it was designed to target the car’s passengers. Other top officials have downplayed the link, however, noting that the bomb was found on the driver’s personal car, not an embassy vehicle. Furthermore, pro-government TV channels have made little mention of the incident in domestic news broadcasts. Georgia has cultivated close ties with Tehran since its brief 2008 war with Russia, signing a visa-free travel agreement with the Islamic Republic and opening up greater economic, academic and commercial links in various agreements with the country.
Armenia: Trying to stick close to Iran The country perhaps most vulnerable to the shifting circumstances is Armenia, which relies on Iran for crucial political support and as a route for about one third of its trade. Due to an
ongoing territorial dispute with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s borders with both Azerbaijan and Turkey have been closed since the early 1990s. It relies on Iran and Russia — through Georgian territory — for its trade and energy supply. Analysts in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, worry that a damaged or preoccupied Iran could reopen its on-again-offagain war with Azerbaijan over the territory of NagornoKarabakh.
The Russian factor Meanwhile, Russia has announced it will hold military exercises in the South Caucasus this year that are unprecedented in scale, involving not only its units in its own North Caucasus territory, but also battalions stationed in Armenia and the Georgian breakaway republic of Abkhazia. Over the past year, Russian officials have often warned that foreign intervention in either Syria or Iran could lead to a “wider conflict” in the region. Viewing the South Caucasus as its buffer zone against the Middle East, observers say Moscow is now reasserting its presence in the region. GLOBAL POST
India‑View
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
India unveiled
Khurshid’s wife faces brickbats, literally FARRUKHABAD: Louis Khurshid, Congress leader and wife of Union law minister Salman Khurshid, had a narrow escape on Sunday evening as a group of people pelted stones at a polling booth here, from where she is contesting the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, for allegedly promoting bogus voting. The protesters charged her with “facilitating voting by her supporters” inside a booth at a primary school in Bibiganj after the 5pm deadline. As the gates were closed for voting and the people who had queued up were taken in, a group of BJP and BSP workers gathered near the booth and started shouting slogans. The protesters even pelted stones at the polling booth where she was standing. They accused her of trying to influence voters
A UNIQUE JOYRIDE
and promoting bogus voting. Farrukhabad SP Mohit Gupta said that an incident had been reported from Bibiganj and he had asked officials to investigate the matter. IANS
UP polls’ fourth phase also sees high turnout LUCKNOW: Voting across 56 constituencies, including Lucknow, in the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on Sunday picked up pace after a slow start to record a 57 per cent turnout, officials said. Polling was peaceful barring stray incidents. The turnout was a marked improvement over the 2007 State elections when the turnout stood at 43.84 per cent. IANS
Didi changes tune: Now it’s CPM behind train sabotage KOLKATA: Months after accusing the Maoists of triggering the 2010 Gyaneshwari Express train derailment which killed 149 people, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also former railway minister, did a volte-face and blamed the Marxists for the tragedy. Banerjee in November 2011 held the Maoists responsible for the Gyaneshwari disaster. “When I was railway minister, the CPM (Communist Party of India - Marxist) used to inflict damage on railways each and every day. Everyday problems were created either in the functioning of the Metro or in the Indian railways to malign me. People were killed by planning the accident of the Gyaneshwari. They are so dangerous. People of
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Bengal will never forgive them,” Banerjee said at a programme that was organised by the railways. “They have taken the State backwards. They cannot do us any harm by carrying out malicious campaigns against us. When I had announced projects in the railway budget, they had said these are all eyewash. Now what will they say,” she said. IANS
People ride on an Army tank during an Army Day event organised by the Trishakti Corps at the Bengdubi army cantonment area on the outskirts of Siliguri on Sunday.
AFP
Kerala cops slap murder charge on ship’s guards KOCHI/NEW DELHI: Two naval guards of the Italian ship Enirca Lexie, charged with the killing of two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast, would be produced before a local magistrate here this afternoon. The naval guards — Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone — were arrested by Kerala Police on Sunday and brought to the land from the ship which was intercepted and wharfed at Kochi Port. They have been charged with murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. After four days of negotiations involving Indian and Italian diplomats, the Naval guards were arrested by police in Kochi yesterday. They were later questioned by a team of senior police officials including Kochi City Police
Commissioner MR Ajith Kumar and Kollam SP Sam Christy Daniel. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, inspector-general of police K Padmakumar said: “The case has been registered by the Kollam police and now it is their job to take forward the case and they will do the needful after further questioning.” He said that detailed statements were taken by the investigating officials from the captain of the ship and other crew members. “Since the case has been registered by the Kollam police, it would be a court in Kollam district which would look into this case,” said Padmakumar. Officials from the Italian Embassy were also aboard the ship and were in constant touch with their officials, who landed in New Delhi for talks.
After about three hours of talks, a ministry of external affairs spokesperson said the Italian authorities have been asked to let the law of the land take its course. The Italian team comprised officials from the foreign, law, justice and defence ministries and the Indian side was represented by officials from ministry of external affairs and home affairs. Meanwhile, external affairs minister SM Krishna said the Italian authorities have been advised to fully cooperate with the Indian investigators to find an amicable solution. . In a phone conversation with his Italian counterpart Giulio Terzi on Saturday, Krishna had made it clear that the captain and crew of the Italian ship will have to surrender and cooperate in the investigation of the case. PTI
Another IIT-Delhi grad follows Bhagat’s trail NEW DELHI: It might just be haunted by the ghost of a writer! For NB 24 at Kumaon Hostel of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is the very room that planted the writing bug in two ‘old boys’ — popular mass fiction writer Chetan Bhagat and his senior SV Divvaakar. Divvaakar, a mechanical engineer and business consultant, is walking on Bhagat’s trail with his first work of IIT fiction, The Winner’s Price: Life Beyond the Campus, a tech-thriller about five IITians. “This is a coincidence. But we — Bhagat and I — lived in the same room at IIT Delhi’s Kumaon
Hostel NB 24. I was senior to Bhagat by a few years and inhabited the room before him,” Divvaakar said. His book adds to the growing kitty of IIT books by students of the institute that took off with Bhagat’s Five Point Someone eight years ago and is fast becoming an independent genre of popular fiction. It sparked a near flood of IIT titles like Tushar Raheja’s Anything for You, Ma’am, Neeraj Chibba’s Zero Percentile: Missed IIT, Kissed Russia, Amitabha Bagchi’s Above
Average and Suman Hossain’s A Guy Thing...A Magical Love Story of an IITian and Saumil Shrivastava’s A Roller Coaster Ride - When An IITian Met a Bitsian Girl. Now comes The Winner’s Price. To be released on February 24 is also the first fiction from Konark Publishers, known for its non-fiction titles. The book packs in social commitment and a mystery, the writer said. Five friends, Harsh, Rocky, Armani, Ravi and Kamal meet 25 years after graduating from the institute at the reunion
party. Memories lead to the present and the friends find themselves discussing the present state of affairs at IIT and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption drive. The friends suddenly realise that they have a transparency issue to settle among themselves Divvakaar said. The story travels across three regions namely India, Dubai and California. An independent musician, Divvaakar has composed a song, for the cinematic adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s Two States and has sent it to filmmaker Karan Johar.“The jingle features Chetan in its opening lyrics,” said the writer, a 1982 graduate. IANS
Around the World
10
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Beyond Borders
‘Intervention is difficult’
GLOBE AT A GLANCE Dutch prince critical after skiing accident THE HAGUE: Prince Friso of the
WASHINGTON: The top US military officer warned on Sunday that intervention in Syria would be “very difficult” and said it would be “premature” to arm the besieged country’s opposition movement. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told CNN that Syria was the focus of competing Middle Eastern states, notably Iran and Saudi Arabia, and posed different problems for the United States than Libya did. “It’s premature to take a decision to arm the opposition movement in Syria because I would challenge anyone to identify for me the opposition movement in Syria at this point,” Dempsey said in an interview. “There’s indications that AlQaeda is involved and that they’re interested in supporting the opposition. I mean there’s a number of players, all of whom
A file image of General Martin Dempsey. are trying to reinforce their particular side of this issue. “And until we’re a lot clearer about, you know, who they are and what they are, I think it would be premature to talk about arming them.” Dempsey identified “a
AFP
Sunni-Shiite competition for, you know, regional control,” of Syria being played out between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a key barrier to US intervention, as well as Damascus’s “very capable,” military. “They have a very sophisti-
cated, integrated air defence system. They have chemical and biological weapons. They haven’t demonstrated any interest or any intent to use those, but it is a very different military problem,” Dempsey said, noting he had not yet been asked to provide US military options on Syria. “Intervening in Syria would be very difficult... And I think that the current path of trying to gain some kind of international consensus is the proper path, rather than to take a decision to do anything unilaterally. But, you know, when I wear the uniform I wear it to provide options when asked. And we’ll be prepared to do that. But this would not be — it was a big mistake to think of this as being another Libya,” he added. Libya celebrated on Friday the first anniversary of the launch of its revolution that ousted Mohammad Gaddafi. AFP
Netherlands was still in critical condition after a skiing accident last week, the Dutch government said. The prince was buried in an avalanche in Austria on Friday, Xinhua reported. The prince was skiing in Litzen-Zugertobel near Lech. Media said the prince may have suffered brain injury, and that a team of neurosurgical specialists operated on him on Saturday.
38 inmates killed in Mexico prison clash MEXICO CITY: At least 38 inmates were killed and several others wounded on Sunday in a clash inside a prison in Mexico, an official said. The clash broke out at Apodaca prison in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, Xinhua reported. The incident occurred between 2 and 3 am. Sunday “for reasons not yet determined”.
Poll places Santorum ahead of Romney WASHINGTON: White House hopeful Rick Santorum has opened an eight-point lead over presumptive frontrunner Mitt Romney among likely Republican voters nationwide, a new poll showed on Sunday. Thirty-six per cent of those surveyed
Rick Santorum signs a supporter’s shirt after speaking at a rally. AFP
said they supported the Christian conservative, while 28 per cent said they preferred the former Massachusetts governor, according to the latest results from Gallup’s daily tracking poll. Less than a week ago, Romney was leading Santorum, a former US senator from Pennsylvania, by two points, putting the two candidates in a statistical tie. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich trails the two leaders with 13 per cent, while veteran libertarian Texas congressman Ron Paul was not far behind with 11 percent, the poll showed.Santorum who surprised Romney with wins in nominating contests earlier this month in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado is now trying to maintain his momentum for the February 28 primary in Michigan. The poll was conducted from Tuesday through Saturday among about 1,200 likely Republican voters. AFP
Santorum scales back attack on Obama’s faith WASHINGTON: Republican White House contender Rick Santorum on Sunday scaled back an apparent attack on Barack Obama’s faith, saying it was the US president’s world view, that he takes issue with. Santorum, a staunch Catholic who takes a strong line against abortion and gay marriage, on Saturday hit out at Obama for believing in some phony ideal, some phony theology. Not a theology based on the Bible. But on Sunday he moved to water down those remarks, made at a campaign stop in Ohio, and told CBS television’s Face the Nation program that he had been referring not to the president’ religion, but his views on the environment. AFP
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping kicks a Gaelic football as he visits at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday. AFP
Hundreds participate in anti-Putin protest MOSCOW: Hundreds of cars with white ribbons and balloons drove around Moscow Sunday to protest the expected return of Vladimir Putin as the Russian president in next month’s elections. The white ribbons were adopted by protesters as a sign of discontent after what they said was a rigged parliamentary election in December.
Pakistani PM hints at early elections ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime
Merkel backs Gauck as new prez BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed late on Sunday to back former East German rights activist Joachim Gauck to become the country's next president, resolving a political dispute that had become a damaging distraction. The decision followed Christian Wulff’s resignation from the post on Friday over a corruption probe and came after Merkel and her conservatives dropped their objections to the opposition's candidate Gauck, 72. Merkel, who like Gauck
grew up in communist East Germany and is a Protestant, hailed the popular pastor as a "true teacher of democracy" who had helped the country come together since its reunification in 1990. “This man can provide an important impetus for the challenges of our time and the future,” she said after meeting with representatives of her centre-right government and the opposition at the chancellery in central Berlin. Gauck was the candidate of the opposition Social Democrats and Greens in June 2010
Joachim Gauck speaks during a press conference on Sunday in Berlin. AFP against Wulff, a former Christian Democrat state premier and Merkel’s hand-picked choice for the largely ceremonial office as a kind of moral
arbiter for the nation. Despite Merkel's strong backing, Wulff was only elected in the third round of voting -- a messy start to a doomed presidency. The mainstream opposition put forward Gauck again. Only the far-left Die Linke, which includes former East German communists, said it would withhold support when the president is elected in March. Conservatives were initially reluctant to support Gauck as they feared losing face and offering a political gift to the opposition. AFP
Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday hinted at the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections. The parliamentary elections are scheduled in early 2013. The prime minister said that the issue of early elections will be discussed after next month’s Senate elections and the presentation of the annual budget in May.
Artists perform the dance form “Cumbia” during the second day of the annual parade in Barranquilla, Colombia on Sunday. AFP
Business
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Matters of saving and spending
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Insurance portability yet to catch up K Prudhvi Raju prudhvi.k@postnoon.com
H
ealth insurance portability is helping customers especially in the case of pre-existing diseases. The insurance companies do not cover illness caused by pre-existing diseases up to four years. However, it varies from policy to policy and the insurer. If a customer wants to change the insurer after some time, the time he was with the old insurer will not be taken into account for making a claim on health policies. However, the insurance portability helps the customers change the insurer and get the time counted that he was with previous insurer too. The customer can claim insurance for pre-existing diseases only after he completes the prescribed time limit, taking into account the policy time, with the previous insurer, says P Nandagopal, managing director and CEO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance. Health insurance portability will also give a freedom to the customer to shift the insurer, if he
is unhappy with the existing insurer. Interestingly, the portability hasn’t proved to be a major hit as in the case of mobile phones. There are differences in the policies and services that are being offered by different insurance companies. Customer is also not in touch with the company on a regular basis to understand or analyse the services provided. It is also difficult for him to draw a comparison among the services offered by different companies, said Nandagopal. The number of people who are shifting to new insurance companies using insurance portability is very less. The portability may impact the older companies than the younger insurance companies. Industry has no issues and is comfortable with insurance portability. There is also a need to extend the portability beyond health insurance plans, he said.
The blame lies with a company to a large extent in case of misselling. It is the principal responsibility of the insurance company to control its agents and prevent them from mis-selling of policies. However, it is extremely difficult to monitor the agents especially for an insurance company with a large number of agents. The companies should sort out this problem by making their products much simpler to understand. They also need to check and explain to customers about the conditions and features of a policy once it is purchased. There is a need for invigilation by insurers on the policy selling procedures. Secondly, the customer should not have blind trust in the agent. He has to do some basic verification with the insurance company on what the agent has promised. The insurance policy drafting, and conditions are long and complex and even educated people cannot understand. The regulator has to make sure whether the product is easy to understand, fairly priced and serviced efficiently. In fact, the IRDA constituted a panel to simplify the policy language and conditions. Chairman of IRDA J Hari Narayan has been advocating the need for simplifying the language. Though some progress has been made in this direction, it is yet to translate into reality, say IRDA sources. If the insurance company, customer and regulator will play a larger role, the agent will automatically behave himself, he said.
Upgraded Aakash tablet to be available at same price: Sibal NEW DELHI: ‘Aakash’, the world’s cheapest tablet, will be fully indigenous soon and its improved version will be launched by the government at the same price. Telecom and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said Datawind – the manufacturer of the product — will not be associated with it anymore and the Government has roped in C-DAC and ITI in further development of the tablet computer. “There have been some problem with Datawind I must confess. Therefore, I have got into the act. IT Ministry has got C-DAC and ITI into the act and I am going to ensure that this product is fully indigenous and truly an Indian product,” he said. On whether the new tablet will be available within the same price range as that of the earlier product, he said, “Yes that’s what we hope. It is to be upgraded.” On the possible timeline for launching it, he said, “Well, 2012 should seen the sun... Aakash-II
should be launched. There have been some hiccups in the way. Remember when you do a project of this nature and when your dream is as big as this, things are never that smooth.” Welcoming competition from market for development of the tablet, he said the ultimate objective is to give a quality product to the children. “I think its a great thing if there is competition. Ultimately my objective is to get a quality product in the hands of the children. I have set the benchmark, it has changed the mindset of the world, I can tell you that,” the Minister said. Everybody now wants to produce a tablet which is of quality and which is reasonably affordable, he noted. “So if the whole world wants to produce, I don’t care who produces, if ultimately it is produced by somebody for children,” he underlined. The Aakash tablet is priced at approximately $ 49 (`2414). PTI
KTM debuts with 200 Duke motorcycle in City market
Private jet market soars in India
HYDERABAD: KTM, Europe’s motor cycle manufacturer, has launched KTM 200 Duke bike in the City. The first offering from the KTM in India, the 200 Duke would be retailed
NEW DELHI: Even as Indian commercial carriers are facing a tough time sustaining operations, aircraft manufacturers feel the demand for private jets in the country is set to soar with economic growth and a rising number of high net-worth individuals. “Strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth, along with corporate profits and market capitalizations, is driving corporate wealth. These are strong indicators of a strong market for business aircraft in India,” said Nilesh Pattanayak, managing director,
through a dedicated KTM store (erstwhile Bajaj Probiking Store) at Begumpet. The 200 Duke is powered by a single cylinder, 200cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, four valve engine which will pump out a peak power of 25bhp and a maximum torque of 19 Nm. It is available at introductory price of `1, 20,057 (exshowroom, Hyderabad).
Rohit Vaid
South Asia, Bombardier Business Aircraft of Canada. The growth in the business aircraft sector is driven by Indian corporates who utilise the executive jets to help them ferry between cities and remote locations faster on a comfortable mode. “As Indian companies increas-
ingly compete on the global market, with customers around the world, demand for time-saving tools such as business jets will continue as key executives try to make the most out of their work days,” Pattanayak told IANS as the country completed a year of celebrations commemorating 100 years of aviation. Business jets offer a virtual office in the sky, providing a high technology and safe environment to conduct business, all in a very high level of comfort. They also allow more flexible travel, that is, travel to cities that are underserved by commercial airlines.
Comment
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Fair, free and forthright
Editorials CONGREESS MUST chose PM candidate
T
he campaigning for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections has seen Priyanka Gandhi assuming a major role, at times eclipsing her sibling and Congress’ PM-in-waiting Rahul Gandhi. Sections of media have reported that in the campaign material too Priyanka has overshadowed Rahul. This puts an interesting question before the country as to who is the real PM candidate for the Congress in the 2014 General Elections. So far the party has been maintaining that Rahul is its prime ministerial candidate but the same clarification has not come from Sonia Gandhi. Even within the Congress, there have been lone but increasing voices calling for a larger role for Priyanka in the national politics. Her husband Robert Vadra has already expressed that he is not averse to taking a political plunge. Rahul has put strengthening the party as priority before taking the helm but unless the party comes out with a clear indication on what role it envisions for the siblings, succession could be an uneasy affair.
WHY WE LOVE The Sun on Sunday
E
ver since News of the World closed its doors and skulked into the sunset, the world has been a poorer place. But Emperor Murdoch, has now announced that this Sunday, the world will be able to read the Sun. Hopefully it will combine the best of both these papers and deliver a great product (with all the sleaze that fits)!
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KF descends into financial maelström Money Talk A Saye Sekhar
W
as it indeed a bird hit? If so, which one? A woodpecker? What hit the ostentatious airline Kingfisher? On Sunday, the flashy carrier hit an ‘air-pocket’ and experienced turbulence, leaving the management ‘red’-faced. This time it appears to last longer than expected with the economic fuselage of the airline apparently suffering chinks. It may not be an exaggeration to say that they are beyond repair. The pilots and other employees have not been paid their salaries for more than two months now. Lack of salary affects the morale and concentration of any employee of any establishment. When it comes to pilots, such disturbance to focus will surely affect the safety of the air-borne. It isn’t easy to come to terms with remaining unpaid and work with ‘full commitment’. A tweet early on Monday quoted an interesting question and Kingfisher’s chairman Vijay Mallya’s response in tweets. The question by a reporter was: “Sir, should one have girlfriends after 50?” Pat came the reply from Mallya: “Absolutely not, 50 girl friends are enough.” Wisdom prevailed on the boisterous businessman, perhaps, only now. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have jeered the low-cost operators and vitiated the whole concept of taking the airline industry closer to the common man and gobbled up Capt. Gopinath’s Deccan Air. It is that Deccan Air which after being spiked with Kingfisher became Kingfisher Red, pushing the group into experiencing business blues in the blue skies. Staff at the airlines offices in Kolkata stoked rebellion on Sunday, for there were reports that Kingfisher might shut shop in the city. Cancellation of numerous services lent credence to their suspicion. The protracted discussions that lasted for 18 hours with lenders on Friday did not bear fruit. The `444-crore quarterly loss posted by the airline seemed to be a lump in the throats of the lenders. This naturally made the employees unbuckle themselves.
Weekend look great
Criminal brothers
I was waiting eagerly for your weekend editions of the paper. Really good going. The feeling comes of reading a foreign newspaper. Also the elements on the pages make for an interesting read. I was waiting to see if you are a one-week wonder. The choice of representative pictures and illustrations for the stories is really great. I have never come across such quality look and feel even to the established morning newspapers that dominate the market here. I enjoy the pages on history and the centrepiece compilations. They are interesting and add to the general knowledge of the reader. Keep up the good work. Sanju Salim Amberpet
I liked two stories in your Sunday edition: Brothers in crime and Living in abandonment. There is nothing that can be done about the first one: it’s like recurring cancer; it keeps on coming despite your efforts to blast it. But something may be done for the inmates of the Home for Disabled. We could do lot of things in our own way to help these people. The government also should take note of the paucity of funds faced by the authorities of this institution and provide whatever help they need. Sanjana Mohan Kukatpally
The Sunday’s cancellation of numerous services connecting major destinations like Mumbai-Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai irked not only the passengers, who were stranded in most cases, but even the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). DGCA EK Bharat Bhushan said: “We have received reports about large-scale cancellations. They are bound to inform us when they cut their schedule. But they haven’t done so.” The debt burden on the cash-strapped airline is currently pegged at a whopping `10,000 crore, worsening its creditworthiness among the lenders. When Mallya himself admitted to the fact that the net worth of the company had eroded, how does one expect the airline to be a ‘going concern’ — a company that need not be liquidated in the foreseeable future — remains a two-billion-dollar question. Sunday afternoon was indeed a panic situation at the swanky Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, as KF stopped flying to Bangalore, Chennai and Vijayawada after selling the tickets. Out of the 138 departures on the schedule, the airline operated only 78, in all
TALK BACK 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
across the country. It cancelled flights to Dhaka and Singapore too. The company spokesperson confirmed the cancellations and expected everything back on track in four days. But ironically, Kingfisher is the only operator that is exposed owing to its serious cash crunch. The worst sufferers are yet to open up, though the big brother Air India already laid bare its foolhardiness. The pilots’ strike barely a month ago disclosed the humongous losses accruing to the exchequer of the national carrier. But it has the whole government behind it to keep the corporation afloat. Jet Airways too delayed its January salaries to its employees. Naresh Goyal, chairman of the largest private operator by market share, is now talking about foreign direct investment (FDI) in aviation sector. But globally convention did not permit cabotage (carrying of passengers to domestic destinations by foreign airlines). Will the problems of the airlines sector disappear in the proverbial thin air or will the aircraft remain rooted to the ground, leaving the companies to ‘fly in the air’ is only a conjecture of time.
Get rid of ignorance
Good interview
On February 15, in the newspaper, the local news was full of stories, that I personally consider, were based on senseless grounds. But more shocking was that of girl child. Children are god’s gift to the parent,according to shariyat (Islamic laws) it is a dogma to accept whatever god has bestowed the parents. Apart from scientific laws people must acquire religious knowledge to avoid such superstitious and ignorance. It is the duty of men to understand the role of women in their life and treat them with love and empathy. Mohammad Ansari Bazaarghat
I found the interview of Santha John really inspiring. It is commendable that the lady dared to pursue her dreams and take her chances at a time when cases of women pursuing independent careers were rare in the country. Her refusal to compromise on professionalism has made her the iconic figure she is today. Success comes to those who uphold their core values and work tirelessly. Our business leaders and aspiring professionals should emulate her principles to find success. Kartik Ganguly Khairatabad
H‑Factor
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
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No laughing matter Have you ever silently chuckled after noticing someone with their eye flickering continuously or repeating some strange sounds again and again. Stop! That person could be suffering from muscle twitches.
Avoid mammogram in pregnancy
Dr P Raghu Ram
Stephen Hawking suffers from motor-neuron disease
Tics and Twitches: First sign of Parkinson’s?
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any people are under the misconception that Tics and Twitches are early signs of diseases like Parkinson’s. Dr Sudhir refutes this misconception. He states, “People who are suffering from Parkinson’s suffer from tremors which should not be confused with tics and twitches.”
Anishaa Kumar feedback@postnoon.com
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he flickering of the eye signifies many things to many people like a common superstition that if your eye flickers it is a good omen. We have also seen people with a problem of a flickering eye and have either been appalled or amused by the gestures. In reality these could be unintentional gestures which a person has no control over. Medically they are termed as twitches. The terms, tics and twitches are often confused and used interchangeably but in reality they are two different things.
Tics Tics, explains Dr Sudhir Kumar, Senior consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospital, are sudden involuntary jerky movements of a particular part of the body, most commonly the arms and legs. These are known as motor tics. “It is a habit spasm which could causes actions such as jerking of the head. The person develops an urge to do a certain action and the pressure builds up stress. The person is relieved only once the action is done,” explains Dr Shobhavati, neurologist. Another type of ticks are vocal ticks. Vocal ticks refer to when people make certain meaningless noises such as clearing their throat repeatedly. Ticks are most common in children, Dr Shobhavati adds. Dr Sudhir mentions that if it occurs in adults it should start before they are 22. Children suffering from tics
may have certain psychological problems. “Children could suffer from depression due to many reasons such as their peers teasing them about these habits. They could also develop obsessive traits such as washing their hands or checking whether a door has been locked repeatedly,” explains Dr Sudhir. The treatment for severe ticks involves anti-psychotic medicines and in some cases behavioural treatment and counselling. He mentions that if it is temporary than one need not visit a doctor but if it becomes constant visiting a doctor is advised.
Twitches “Twitches are common in the thighs and eye. It occurs due to fasciculation which is the contracting of certain muscles. As twitches are usually caused due to stress they go away with adequate rest,” mentions Dr Sudhir. Twitching could also occur due to family history of twitching. Although they are not a serious problem, it appears awkward in various situations. Excessive eye twitching is known as Blepharospasm (Blepharo means muscle and Spasm is an uncontrolled muscle movement). As a treatment, botox is injected into the eyelids, explains Dr Sudhir. Other forms of excessive twitching include hemi-facial (one-side of the face) and motor- neurone disease (all muscles of the hands and legs are affected). “Famous scientist Stephen Hawking suffers from motor-neurone disease,” mentions Dr Sudhir. Like tics if the problem persists for a long time you should call your doctor.
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yths surrounding breast cancer and breast feeding abound. Here are some more myths and facts. n Breast feeding should be stopped when there a breast infection (lactation induced mastitis) Fact: Breast feeding should not be stopped when there is breast infection (mastitis). In fact, breast feeding keeps the ducts patent and may help improve breast infection. Ice packs should not be used to treat breast infection as it can harden the milk. It is important to see a Specialist as soon as there are signs of breast infection. Antibiotics are initially used to control the infection. If an abscess has developed, an ultrasound guided aspiration of absess should be attempted. If all measures fail, a formal incision and drainage of abscess should be performed. n HIV Positive Patients should not breast feed Fact: According to World health Organisation recommendations released in 2009, HIV Positive mothers can breast feed provided they commence taking Anti Retro Viral Therapy from the 14th week of pregnancy to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. This therapy must be continued through to the end of breast feeding. WHO recommends that mothers known to be HIV positive should exclusively breastfeed their infants until 6 months of age introducing appropriate complimentary foods thereafter and continue breast feeding for the first 12 months. The clear message is that breast feeding is a good option for every baby including HIV positive mothers when they have access to anti retroviral therapy. n Screening Mammograms can be done during pregnancy and lactation Fact: A screening mammogram should not be done during pregnancy and lactation. Although the radiation dose from a mammogram is small (equivalent to a dental X ray), it is best to avoid radiation exposure to the fetus or infant. (The writer is director and consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, Hyderabad)
H‑Factor
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
14
PREGNANCY SIMPLIFIED
Pregnancy facts that may surprise you
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Take te a t o avoid heart p r o b diabete lems, s LONDON: While many of
us may remain undecided about how much is too much for us to take tea in a day, researchers have now claimed that drinking three cups of tea a day could help us keep heart attacks as well as type 2 diabetes at bay. A review shows that regular drinking of tea, with or without milk, can reduce the risk of heart problems by cutting levels of bad cholesterol and blood sugar, Daily Mail reported. As per experts, the benefits of tea are largely due to the flavonoid content antioxidant ingredients that counteract cardiovascular disease. One cup of tea provides 150-200mg of flavonoids and it is the best source of antioxidants in the diet. Drinking three or more cups of black tea a day protects against heart disease and two or more cups a day may protect against type 2 diabetes, a review in the journal Nutrition Bulletin found. Nutritionist Carrie Ruxton, co-author of the lat-
est review and a member of the industry-backed Tea Advisory Panel (TAP), said: “There is far more to the nation’s favourite drink than we realise. “With its antioxidant flavonoids, black tea packs a powerful punch with many health benefits particularly
for the heart. And recent studies show that the flavonoids work their magic whether or not we choose to add milk.” In addition, a 12-week study of 87 volunteers showed how drinking three cups of tea a day produced a significant improvement in
various cardiovascular risk factors. Flavonoids that are found in tea are said to assist in controlling inflammation, reducing excess blood clotting, promoting blood vessel function and also limiting furring up of the arteries. IANS
o you’ve learnt you’re pregnant, you’re excited and thrilled and you’re trying to gleen all the information you possibly can. But there might be a few things that your doctor or well meaning relative may unintentionally leave out. Here is a lowdown of things that might just take you by surprise. 1. Nesting instinct: Pregnant women usually feel this nesting instinct and from the moment they learn they’re pregnant they begin preparing the home for the baby. Cleaning and rearranging furniture. As your due date draws closer, you may find yourself cleaning cupboard. While it’s a good thing, try not to overdo it. 2. Inability to concentrate: Your first trimester might be a little hard on you, what with the morning sickness and fatigue. But even women who are wellrested might find it hard to concentrate on chores. This could partially be because you are preoccupied with the baby and hormonal changes as well. Making lists and to do notes can help. 3. Mood swings: Pregnancy is the time you should be glowing, calm and radiant. But you may find that you’re constantly edgy and irritated. You could go from being chirpy one minute to furious or weepy the next. Pregnancy is similar to PMS in many ways with the mood swings, change in breast size etc. This is common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and towards the end of the third trimester. 4. Bra size: An increase in the size of the breast is one of the first signs of pregnancy. They usually become swollen and tender in the first trimester due to the increased levels of hormones. They can also continue to grow through the pregnancy. Your bra size may also be affected by your rib cage. When you’re pregnant, your lung capacity increases and this may result in a bigger chest size. 5. Skin: A pregnancy glow is one of the commonest changes we hear about. It’s only one of the many skin changes you may experience during pregnancy due to hormonal changes ans stretching of your skin. Pregnant women experience an increased blood flow and this can lead to increased oil secretion. Some women develop brownish or yellow patches on their faces while others may notice a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen as well as hyperpigmentation of the nipples and genetalia.
To be concluded next week… Source: WWW.KIDSHEALTH.ORG
Campus
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Home sciences, the road not taken If you want to have a diverse variety of subjects as part of your under-graduation course, then College of Home Science is the right place for you MARYAM SULTANA
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Lecturer Speaks Darshani Nene
• How many years have you been teaching from? It’s been a good 36 years. I’ve been a student of this college, was offered lectureship in Koti Women’s College, but turned it down to take up research in my college. That’s how much I love Home Sciences!
• What exactly is Human Development and Family Studies about and what kind of a scope does it hold in today’s times? What’s really sad is that people don’t even know much about Home Sciences, yet they go ahead and make judgments about this course. HDFS is about conveying what you want the society to be, dealing with people from different backgrounds, and creating awareness. It’s not a philosophical science. We study development across different life spans, and educate students about marriage and family issues. Other than creating a well-aware student body, Home Sciences gets you jobs in the teaching sector, the health sector and fashion and textiles as well.
• For a subject like Human Development and Family Studies, what is the best way to go about teaching this subject?
Maryam Sultana feedback@postnoon.com
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ocated in the Secretariat, the Home Sciences College has a charm of its own. Home Science, has come to be known as a subject synonymous with cooking and stitching, but in reality it isn’t so. Affiliated to Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University this college offers a plethora of subjects, which
include Nutrition, Psychology, Textiles, Fashion Designing and Interior Designing. Despite being rated among the best colleges in India for under-graduate courses in Home Science, this college is not well-known enough. “Our college is not that popular in the city, more so because Home Science as a subject isn’t able to attract many students when compared to other streams. But thankfully,
enhancement of the course is bringing this college to the attention of many people,” says Kruti, a second-year student of this college. The college offers undergraduation, PG and PhD courses. Its UG course is spread over four years, divided in eight semesters. Zaina Hazari, a second-year student says, “Initially I was hesitant in taking up this course, but after I joined this college, I just fell in love with
Home Sciences. Every semester we have different subjects like Instructional Technology, Textile Designing, Market Management, Dynamics of Marriage and Family, etc. The best part about it is that we’re taken on frequent field trips, which give us practical and extensive knowledge about the subjects. I’ve been encouraging a lot of people to take up this field.” “This college has taught me how to live. The course covers every little detail of your life, from cooking to banking, from designing your house to planning your marriage, from preparing nutrition charts to counselling people. It has contributed a lot in my allround development,” says Nida Maaz, doing her PhD in Nutrition through this college. This college has transformed lives of so many girls, that now even boys are getting enrolled in this college!
STUDENTS SPEAK Best thing about your college The courses offered here. We learn practically everything in a span of four years. And we just love the campus, it’s beautiful and serene. Fashion trends You can see a lot of girls wearing Indian dresses. These days girls have started to sport jholas and
jootis. You can see very few people wearing Western stuff. We never miss a chance to wear half-saris during occasions. Music playing on your iPods The hit song Sir ostara from Businessman, has become a rage among us. We’re listening to songs from Rockstar and Agneepath also. Oo la la from Dirty Picture is also on every-
one’s lips. Favourite hang-out inside college The students hang out at the stairs behind the gym, popularly known as ‘The big steps’. Favourite hang-out outside college We frequent Tara Bakery a lot. Sensation theatre and Imax are walking distance from our col-
lege, so we also hang out there. Sometimes we even hang-out at NTR Gardens, but that’s very rare! Things you’d like to change about college Their are big plans to change the name of the college. As of now we’re just looking forward to that. A new name will give us a new identity.
Well, narrating real-life instances, even sharing my stories, come in very handy. There is a very interactive atmosphere that is set up; sharing helps them loosen up a little, and reaching them is easier. They relate to what is taught once they realise they have experienced most of what they’re being told. And when you experience something, understanding it is a piece of cake.
• If you could change one thing about the students of this generation, what would it be? Their attitude. It’s a don’t-care attitude, like, “you do your job, I’ll do mine”. Very casual, very light.
• It is very obvious that Home Sciences, or Community Sciences as you’re now going to call is, has amazing scope. But the problem is that not many people even know much about this course. How do you plan to change that? See, I’ll be honest. We do not have sufficient resources to go around advertising this course. But we are trying as much as we can. We plan to host a college festival in the near future. The idea is just in its conception stage, let’s see what happens. Dr S Ratna Kumari Associate Professor, College of Home Sciences
F‑Folio
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Because you are what you wear
SHINE ON, SHINY TOPS!
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PATRICK STEWART Whether he is playing Captain Picard in Star Trek or Dr X in X-Men, Patrick Stewart looks mature with a balding head. An accomplished Shakespearean actor, he moves easily from stage to studio and carries it off with the much-needed oomph.
A lot of men these days worry about losing their hair and going bald. They spend a lot of time and effort on hair treatments and transplants, all of which usually doesn’t work. But hey, who’s says bald can’t be sexy?
Y
es, bald is beautiful and that appears to be true even in Hollywood where it’s all about keeping up appearances. Let's take a look at these famous ‘bald’ stars who are both stylish and sophisticated.
BRUCE WILLIS He gained much fame as an action hero with his role as a cop in the Die Hard movies. Instead of fighting his thinning hairline, Willis decided to embrace it and now likes to keep his side hair cropped or his head completely shaved. The bald look definitely makes him look much younger than his actual years. He is one bald celebrity who would never need a toupee.
VIN DIESEL A hot, muscular body and a shiny, bald head go well together and who else but Vin Diesel as a model to epitomise the bad boy image. He pulls off the bald look with ease and isn’t the least bit conscious about it.
YUL BRYNNER
JASON STATHAM The Transporter star considers his balding head to be his biggest asset. A total badass, he keeps his hair in a nice, tight buzz. His confidence and obviously sexy physique more than makes up for his receding hairline. Doesn’t that tell you enough?
It was Russian-born Yul Brynner who was one of the very first actors in Hollywood to have gone completely bald for his role in the film, The King and I, for which he is so famously known. After that he went on to do 4,000 stage shows of The King and I, and was also awarded the Tony award for his extensive work in cinema. All this he earned, while keeping a bald head.
Spotlight
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The Grand Finale
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ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL!
DEEPAK DESHPANDE
Osama Salman salman.o@postnoon.com
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fter two hectic days at Felicity 2012, IIIT-H’s annual fest came to an end on Day 3. And, end in style it did! The RoboRally race, originally slated for Day 1 was held on Day 3. But there were no frets about as obviously, IIIT wanted to leave the best for last. Watching robots race live gives a complete adrenalin rush and few knew it better than the huge crowd that gathered to cheer on their favourite robot. Meanwhile, events like Stomp the Yard, Futsal and photography
contest, that earlier had a prelims spread over Day 1 and Day 2, concluded their finals rounds. Moreover, the paper dressing competition, the Graffiti competition, T Shirt design all proved to be a huge hit among the students. The fun-filled three days came to a fitting end with a spectacular performance by the popular Delhi-based band Faridkot which made the audience go crazy. But it wasn’t just about just fun and games. There was a blood donation camp held all the three days. This is what is rightly called, ‘College with a conscience’. Kudos IIIT-H.
CHARITABLE VENTURES
Yashoda Charitable Foundation announced the commencement of its first batch of Employment Linked Training Programme at Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Indoor Stadium on Sunday. The event was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Governor, Rosaiah.
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he last day of the BITS Hyderabad fest Pearl 2012 was outstanding. From fashion shows to quiz competitions, performances by popular DJs to stirring speeches by celebrated figures, the Fest couldn’t have had a better ending! Day 3 at BITS began with BITS Business Quiz, Xpresso and Pearl Open Quiz. This year’s BBQ was bigger, better and tougher than ever. And with students participating from various colleges nation-wide, it brought India’s brightest minds on a sin-
gle platform for the final faceoff. The Mayor, Md. Majid Hussain was one of the prominent personalities to speak at Aspire, an event featuring achievers from all walks of life. But the best was saved for the last, Glitterati, the most popular fashion parade at Pearl, witnessed huge audiences this year also. Glitterati, 2012 was without a doubt bigger and better than its previous editions. The teams selected for the final round presented themselves for the following two themes: Evening at
Vegas, and Wildfire. The teams were judged based on their creativity, clothing, co-ordination, presentation and also the selection of their soundtracks. Gandhara- Classical music competition brought out the best in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Black O’ White- a hunt for the best ‘jodi’ also caught everyone’s attention. The last night of Pearl’12 was indeed spectacular with Ela Rose and David Dee Jay’s scintillating performances which had the audience dancing away into the wee hours of the night.
Magic Screen
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
Ram
T-TOWN TWEETIES
to team up with Bommarillu Bhaskar?
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ommarillu Bhaskar has been struggling to find a hero for his next film post the debacle of Orange. In the past, there were reports that he had approached Karthi and Allu Arjun for a new project; however, there were no official announcements made about the proposed project. The latest buzz is that the director, who made Bommarillu and Parugu, has convinced Ram and if the grapevine is to be believed, the actor has given the green signal for the project. An official announcement is likely to be made sometime soon. Currently, Ram is busy wrapping up A Karunakaran’s Endhukante Premanta, which also stars Tamannaah.
Karthik turns music director
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opular singer Karthik is composing music for Nara Rohit’s upcoming film Okkadine. Karthik is one of the most sought-after singers in Telugu and Tamil film industry today and he had sung some of the most popular songs in films like Boys, Ghajini, Happy Days and Veedokkade. This is the first time that he will be composing music for a Telugu film. Srinivas Raga is directing the film and it stars Nara Rohit and Nithya Menen. CV Reddy is producing the film. The film’s shooting has already begun and the team will head to Araku on February 24 for the second schedule.
Amala Paul to star in Vinayak’s film?
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mala Paul has been making waves in Tamil for the last couple of years, thanks to films like Mynaa, Deiva Thirumagal and Vettai. Two of her films were dubbed in Telugu and last year, she signed her first Telugu film Bezawada, which though didn’t really click at the boxoffice. However, 2012 seems to be a promising year for her career in both Telugu and Tamil. Her performance in Love Failure is getting rave reviews and the latest buzz in the industry is that she has been approached to
play
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one of the lead roles in the upcoming VV Vinayak’s film. Ram Charan Tej and Kajal are playing lead roles in the film and Amala Paul is likely to play the other important role in the film. VV Vinayak reportedly saw Amala Paul’s recent films and we hear that he was impressed with her acting skills. This film’s shooting has already begun and recently some action scenes were canned in Hyderabad. DVV Danayya is producing the film and SS Thaman is composing the music.
@Actor_Siddharth Win-Win! #KSY & #LoveFailure have done it all! Small film, Giant success:) happy mahasivarathri everyone!! Over & out:)
@shraddhadas43 Back home, did my groceries myself! My fav part of living independent! Now for some nice movie, my book n grilled chicken! After cleaning up!
@sundeepkishan Loved #LoveFailure... terrific writing... How the BEEP does @Actor_Siddharth manage to look the young..lol..#Happy Happy Heart attack Love :)
@trishtrashers) Day and night shoot in Pollachi... D nites r far better, cooler, peaceful… hmmm... Prefer working at nights actually...
@shrutihaasan Funny how you can buy just about anything these days :) but true happiness and success are still priceless :)
@PriyaWajAnand) Riding in a Mini Van to the Satz Home with other volunteers.. Reminiscent of my school days! Fun! Fun! My reason to Smile... Urs? :)
@RGVzoomin Hw come none of the animal lovers never ever care about hw well their pets can see?... I never saw any dogs or cats wearing any spects.
@RanaDaggubati @RanaDaggubati @geneliad What does NaaIshtam mean?” It means “my wish” said in the most selfish way possible:-)
Magic Screen
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
21
The girl who follows her
DREAMS Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com
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ow can someone not fall in love with Sweden and its people? Apart from being one of the happiest countries in the world, it’s the home of Volvo, WikiLeaks, Pirate Bay, bestselling books like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman, Alfred Nobel and bombshells like Maryam Zakaria. “I was born in Iran, but I grew up in Sweden. It’s my home,” Maryam says with a glint in her eyes. It’s tough to make out that she is a Persian and the moment she talks, you would want to listen to her without any interruption. Long before Europeans fell in love with Shah Rukh Khan, Maryam Zakaria was tripping on Bollywood films, especially the dances. “In the late ‘80s, I had gone to Tehran to meet my uncle and he had a collection of Bollywood films. The first film I saw was Mithun Chakraborty’s Dance Dance. I didn’t remember this until my mother told me so. Later, I started imitating dance moves while watching Bollywood films in Sweden,” she recalls. Her love for Indian films grew enormously with time and finally she found a guru to take few lessons in Kathak and Kuchipudi. “It’s been my biggest dream to act in Indian films and dance is my passion,” she reveals. While Maryam was studying in college, she was invited to perform at various events all over Europe and in 2007 she started Sweden’s first Bollywood dance school named Indisk Dans Studio. “We even had our dance group named Chori Chori. I used to go talk about Bollywood films and dance in various Swedish TV channels and now it has caught up in a big way,” she smiles. Then in 2009, she decided to come to India to pursue her passion. “It was initially very tough to adjust because of the culture shock. But I eventually accepted the way of life in India and I am totally in love with this country. Everything is so colourful and people are extremely warm,” she says. After a few commercials, she did an item number in Nagaram, a Tamil film, but it was Diyalo Diyalo, the item number in 100% Love, which brought her to the limelight. Later, she appeared in films like Brahmigadi Katha and was the second lead in Madatha Kaja. “I want to do more item numbers and lead
For Maryam Zakaria, becoming an actress has been a 20-year-old dream. In 2011, she sizzled on screen in 100% Love and now she has a lot more on her plate. We find out more about her journey thus far
roles. In my next Telugu film, Arjuna, I am playing a police officer and I recently finished shooting for an item song in Naa Ishtam,” she smiles. It’s been more than two years since Maryam came to India and we wonder why she didn’t dance in more item numbers after 100% Love. “I rejected a lot of offers. I am very particular about what I wear and what the lyrics mean. I don’t like double entendre,” she reveals. All this for an item song? “I am not here for money or fame but to follow my dreams. Dancing is my passion and everything I do should come from my heart,” she clarifies. Fair enough. So what’s the craziest thing she has done so far? “While shooting for the item number in Nagaram, I had fractured my ribs and believe me that was the most painful thing I had to go through in my life. I didn’t want to cancel the shoot, so I went to a doctor who gave an injection to block the nerves near my ribs,” she recalls. She’ll soon be seen in Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Agent Vinod. “My first project in Telugu was a big hit and now I am making my debut in a big project in Hindi. I guess this is my destiny,” she says. Any unfulfilled dreams? “I hope I get an award someday for Best Actress,” she says.
Magic Screen
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
What gives Nargis Fakhri cold feet? S he has been walking the ramp for years now, but even after such a vast experience model-turned-actress Nargis Fakhri gets cold feet
when she sees a huge crowd sitting in front of her. Czech Pakistani model Nargis, who was introduced to Bollywood by director Imtiaz Ali as Ranbir Kapoor’s love interest in the hit movie Rockstar, walked the ramp at the final day of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) on Sunday as the showstopper for designer Sakshee Pradhan. She wore shimmery trousers with a long flowy asymmetrical top. After the show when Nargis came out for the press conference, she was heard saying, “It freaks me out to see so many people in front of me.” Walking the ramp as a showstopper is a completely different experience, Nargis said, adding that “it is a very different experience.” “Words cannot describe what you feel when you get on to the runway and you transform to something else. With this outfit, I feel like a glamorous diva,” she added. IANS
Indian film Gattu wins special mention at 62nd Berlinale
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ndian filmmaker Rajan Khosa’s Gattu has won a special mention at the 62nd Berlinale for capturing the ironies, the complexities and the vitality of India. At the award ceremony of the international film festival that concluded on Saturday, the jury of the Generation Section saw in Gattu the potential for life’s wonders in every child’s eye; and in particular, the boundless ingenuity of the young rascal was utterly compelling. Along with the heavenly dueling spectacle throughout, this combi-
nation created a humorous, energetic and joyous ride. Khosa said that his “film for children, adults and all humanity is about following your dream... about following your heart. It is about not taking no for an answer and about making it happen against all odds.” Gattu was screened in the Generation section, devoted to provide a platform for children and young people. Every year, about 60,000 visitors attend the screenings at four venues. IANS
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B-TOWN TWEETIES
@TheShilpaShetty Leaving London for Mumbai with a heavy heart… My last travel for a looong time. Will miss the milk, cherries, blueberries, plums, peaches… yummy.
@NeilNMukesh
The film industry is image driven: Aditi Rao
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diti Rao Hydari’s journey from a miniscule role in Delhi 6 to the lead in her forthcoming release London, Paris, New York, has not been easy. The actress says she has realised that the industry is image driven and that she wants to avoid that. “Now I have realised that the industry is image driven. Supporting roles are very beautifully written, but supporting character is a window into the life,” she said. “But in a lead role you get to show so much emotions, sorrow, pain everything and you get to live a life, which is very satisfying. I sing and dance and all, and I get an opportunity to do this only in a lead role. I always wanted to do that. Here is where I want to be,” she added. She plays a very idealistic and judgmental role in London, Paris, New York. IANS
Planning on being silent on twitter for a few days. Let's see if it's poss. Take care people. Have fun. Gnite
@imarshadwarsi Hate boasting but so much n what all has happened in the past 6 months could possibly change my future... Hopefully for the better.
@SrBachchan T 659 -Was wondering how convenient it has become to narrate your condition nowadays as opposed to 1982, or even later …
@bipsluvurself Today was a Long Day! Back in Delhi from Kolkata! Waiting fr my dinner n finally some time to see some TV!
@DuttaLara Are women genetically engineered to hoard things?? No matter how much one clears, there's always a ton of stuff staring back at you!! How?!!
@sandymridul Love this man more :) “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are. -Muhammad Ali”.
@sonamakapoor RT @soninamrata: Off to Italy with my favourite girls @sonamakapoor @RheaKapoor and Shanti. What a trip it’s going to be.
Magic Screen
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Magic Screen
Springsteen applauds Occupy movement
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
ruce Springsteen said this week that his new album Wrecking Ball was inspired by an “angry patriotism” that drew fuel from the Occupy movement. Springsteen described how the financial crisis, income inequality, and other hot-button political issues informed Wrecking Ball, which paints a picture of an America that has failed the working class. “My work has always been about judging the distance between American reality and the American Dream — how far is that at any given moment,” Springsteen said. Judging by the album’s tenour, he believes the gap has only become wider in recent years. In one song, Easy Money, a downon-his luck protagonist goes on a robbing spree out of desperation. “He’s imitating your guys on Wall Street the only way he knows how,” Springsteen said.
Judi Dench fighting to keep her vision
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ctress Judi Dench is battling to save her sight. The James Bond star said in an interview that she had been diagnosed with macular degeneration, an eye condition that can cause blindness, and that her eyesight was already so bad that she couldn’t even read her own scripts. The 77-yearold said that she was relying on friends and family to keep her up to speed with her lines. “It’s usually my daughter or my agent or a friend and actually I like that, because I sit there and imagine the story in my mind,” she told the newspaper during an interview at a London hotel. “The most distressing thing is in a restaurant in the evening I can’t see the person I’m dining with,” she said.
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Magic Screen
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
Brad Pitt hits a home run
Safe House opens strong
ROAD TO OSCARS
Bennet Miller’s Moneyball is one of the finest films in Brad Pitt’s career. Whether it wins an Oscar or not, Moneyball is a movie that you can’t afford to miss
S
afe House grossed $24 million FridaySunday, followed by $23.6 million for The Vow; Ghost Rider sequel opened at #3 with 22 million, while This Means War opened at #5 with $17.6 million. The heated President Day Weekend race at the domestic box office won't be officially called until Monday, although Denzel Washington-Ryan Reynolds action pic Safe House is now looking like the early victor. Still, Safe House remains in a relatively close race with the Rachel McAdams-Channing Tatum romantic drama The Vow, grossing $24 million for the three-day weekend, compared to $23.6 million for The Vow.
Postnoon News
I
n Moneyball, Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of a baseball team Oakland Athletics. He struggles to bring together a competitive team given the limited budget available and every time he asks for more money from his boss, he’s told to do the best he can. Disappointed by the attitude of his boss, he meets Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) who suggest alternative ways to assess players value. Based on Peter’s ideas, Billy recruits promising baseball players who are undervalued and this strategy works wonders for the team, much to the surprise of everyone around. Moneyball is much more than a regular baseball movie like Field of Dreams. Most of the action takes place off the field and thanks to some sharp writing by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, the film turns out to be a inspirational sports drama. Based on a book of the same name, written by Micheal Lewis, the film
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showcases the other side of the sport where money is everything. Bennet Miller’s masterstroke lies in bringing together Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. They form an unlikely pair but as the film progresses, you can see how well they compliment each other. Moneyball is one of the finest films in Brad Pitt’s career and after wooing the
LiLo to receive good report L
indsay Lohan will allegedly receive a good report when she visits court next week. The actress, who is on probation for her misdemeanor theft case, has apparently completed 15 days of community service at the Los Angeles County Morgue as well as five therapy sessions. According to a close source, “Lindsay is on track and doing very well in fulfilling all terms of her probation, and completing her service at the morgue, and her therapy. She is focused, and committed to putting this part of her life behind her.” Following her appearance on Tuesday, the star will have 17 days of community service and four further therapy sessions to complete before March 29.
audience with his charisma for most part of his career, Brad Pitt is clearly moving towards films, which have a niche audience. At a run time of just over two hours, Moneyball never gets boring. This is a story about a man who fights for what he believes is right and that’s what makes Moneyball a heart-warming film. A must watch.
Chai Time
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 referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells - called a run - any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once. Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two - it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.
SCRIBBLING PAD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa
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QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Pull up stakes 5 Transcription taker 10 Make a sweater 14 Body of majestic poetry 15 Trivial objection 16 Inning enders 17 Talking Heads album and concert movie 20 Students often apply for this 21 Scott Turow book 22 Wheat beard 23 Be nosy 25 Ending with “cop” or “hotel” 27 Supermarket area 31 Advice from Horace Greeley 34 Tokyo, formerly 35 “Dig in!” 36 Israeli submachine gun 37 Uncovers, as evidence 41 Like some pupils 44 Singer Yoko 45 Ballerina's balancing point 47 ___ Cayes, Haiti 48 Newspaper reporter's dramatic cry 54 Bulgaria's capital 55 Farrow of Hollywood 56 Seethes 58 Day-___ (fluorescent paint brand) 60 Ta-ta, in Tuscany 62 Nay's opposite 63 Folk song about a gray goose 68 Multi-level cookie 69 Actor Zimbalist Jr. 70 Son of Zeus 71 Many a prom attendee 72 Gravity-powered vehicles 73 Carson's heir DOWN 1 Flat-topped desert sights 2 Making a choice 3 Type of doll for revengeseekers 4 Quick perception 5 Look over quickly
6 “___ to the Limit” (Eagles hit) 7 Supposedly harmful glance 8 Writer Anais 9 Sister in Chekhov's “Three Sisters” 10 He played Chekov on “Star Trek” 11 Woman with a habit 12 Possessive pronoun 13 Mao ___-tung 18 Bikes with engines 19 Type of dive 24 Keating-___ Act 26 Kind of rage 28 Filth 29 Take it easy 30 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 32 Compass point 33 Practical 37 Prepare salad
38 Biblical preposition 39 Triangle, in a child's drawing 40 “The Waste Land,” e.g. 42 Rent check payee 43 Rank of some profs. 46 Gourmet 49 Dove's city cousin 50 Like the Willis Tower and Shaq 51 Showered 52 Milne's donkey 53 Home to Ikea 57 Authoritative pronouncement 59 Bullfight cheers 61 They're withdrawn
SUDOKU
from 63 Understood, as a punch line 64 Miner's quest 65 A driver may hit it 66 CIO's partner 67 Shakespearean prince PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
THOUGHT OF THE DAY I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it by not dying. – Woody Allen
Chai Time STAR POWER
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR
As per Hindu panchang
FOR 21-2-2012
thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9177596118
TAURUS
GEMINI
Obstacles in the way of performing good events will disappear. You have to spend for those good events but will be blessed with a strong financial position. Busines‑ smen who want to export can go ahead.
Court cases will end now in your fav‑ our. Marriage talks will go smoothly and finalisation is on the cards. Those recently married get ready to invite off‑ spring. Be adjustable with others.
Financial inflow will be steady and keep looking up. Inculcate savings habit, which will help for a peaceful future. Real‑estate matters will be profitable. Read the docu‑ ments thoroughly, before signing.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Avoid any third person interfering in family affairs. Without consultation and taking fa‑ mily members' consent, avoid making fresh investment decisions. Children's health needs attention; take due care of them.
With your strong self‑confidence, you will take necessary action to improve the finan‑ cial situation. Assets like house, plot and jewels will be purchased. Be careful that you don't enter into controversial deals.
Your patience and proper approach can bring you success in all work undertak‑ en. Benefits through maternal relatives likely. Businessmen who are into family business will gain the most.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Govt officials need to be prepared to accept unexpected transfer and differ‑ ent responsibilities. Ancestral property might bring gains. Obstacles faced by businessmen will disappear.
Don't ignore advises from elders and par‑ ents. Be alert while undertaking journeys. Avoid acting emotionally even for petty issues. Govt officials need to be extra cautious with colleagues.
Support from friends and relatives will make you feel cheerful. Confusion in family will disappear and a happy atm‑ osphere will prevail. Obstacles in per‑ forming good events will blow over.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Good approach alone can bring you suc‑ cess. If debts are to be under control, it is highly essential to avoid luxurious and wasteful expenditure. Avoid friend‑ ship with strangers during travel.
Avoid overnight journeys. Friendship with wrong persons might drag you into trouble, hence avoid such peo‑ ple. Govt of ficials need to behave obediently with superiors.
Businessmen will be happy as hurdles for them will disappear. Profits are likely to increase. But saving for the future is a must to be safe in during financial crises. Avoid expecting sky and be practical.
SUMAA TEKUR
FOR 21-2-2012
tarotreadhyd@gmail.com
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Temperance – Your patience will be put to test by some very an‑ noying and irritating people around you. Understand that they are there so the best in you can come out.
Ten of Cups – Family needs your time and attention. If you feel like it, take a few days off and spend time with your loved ones.
Nine of Cups – This is the wish card and the most special card in the Tarot set. Make a wish but also be cautioned that you truly need what youʼre wishing for.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Six of Wands – You get creative ideas to provide solutions to some mundane prob‑ lems. Donʼt be afraid to do the new or the out of the box.
Queen of Cups – You wear your heart on your sleeve and walk around. This may make you seem less practical than you actually are. Ag‑ ain, itʼs your choice.
Eight of Wands – Go‑ od luck comes your way in terms of new jobs and new projec‑ ts. You do well, too, and please your bos‑ ses. They in turn reward you well.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
King of Swords – Youʼre in control of your life and have been planning it with the precision of a machine. Keep some free time for yourself for free thinking.
Four of Pentacles – Financials stability is important to you at this stage of your life. You achieve that, too, by hard work and determination.
Four of Wands – A project is moving along quite rapidly and youʼre happy with the progress. Some guilt gnaws at you from within. Donʼt pay it any attention.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Eight of Swords – You may be getting night‑ mares or not sleeping well enough thinking of something. Learn to let go and donʼt be afraid of getting hurt.
The Lovers –Itʼs deci‑ sion time! An impor‑ tant decision cannot be procrastinated any longer. You need to make a decision fast. Use your intuition and get on with it.
Seven of Swords – Se‑ crecy is involved. So‑ meone is not telling you the whole story and it is putting you in a big fix. It makes you nervous about y‑ our financial stability.
For Better or for Worse Stone soup
SOLUTIONS
Boggle PLAYER HELMET FUMBLE TACKLE
Number game
Suduko
Scrabble
Ink pen
COMICS
Fred Basset
ARIES
TAROT READ
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Vol: 1, No 218 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
Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Kodala Kodala Koduku Pellama 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Missamma 2030 Edureetha 2100 Bhale Chancele 2200 CID 2300 Challenge 0730 Maa Gramadevatalu 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Chaganti Sanatana Dharmam 0900 Challenge 1100 CID
1400 Kannavaari Kalalu 1430 Maavichiguru 1500 Sumangali 1530 Movie 1800 Jai Shri Krishna 1830 Shraavani Subramaniam 1900 Mandhara 1930 Auto Bharthi 2000 Swathi 2030 Mogali Rekulu 2100 Aparanji 2130 Devatha 2200 Mamathala Kovela 2230 Heartlo Battery 2300 Gemini Vaarthalu 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Movie 1130 Aha Emi Ruchi 1200 Jeevitha Chakram 1230 Maa Inti Aada Paduchu 1300 Chittemmaa 1330 Gorintaku
1400 [V] Vignettes 1430 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1500 [V] Humse Hai Life 1530 [V] Trailers 1600 [V] My Big Decision 1700 [V] Zabardast Hits 1800 [V] Fresh Songs 1830 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1930 [V] Humse Hai Life 2100 [V] Vignettes 2130 [V] Trailers 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] My Big Decision 2300 [V] Humse Hai Life 2330 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1230 [V] Humse Hai Life 1300 [V] My Big Decision
‘[V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance’ at 1900 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]
1300 News Now At 1 1330 News Now 1800 6 Pm 1830 Live Report 1900 Primetime 1930 The Game 2000 News Now At 8 2030 Live Report 2100 The Newshour 2200 The Newshour - Plus 2230 E Now 2300 News Now At 11 0800 The Morning News 0900 News Now 1200 Live Report 1230 News Now
‘The Game’ at 1930 Hrs only on TIMES NOW
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings
1400 Abhishekam 1430 Aadade Aadharam 1500 Antahpuram 1530 Aakasa Ganga 1600 Prema Mandiram 1630 Jagadeeswari 1700 Adurs 1800 Devimahathyam 1830 Puttadi Bomma 1900 Kumkuma Rekha 1930 Manasu Mamata 2000 Chandra Mukhi 2030 Bharyamani 2100 Etv News 2130 Paduta Teeyaga 2245 Movie 0800 Jeevana Jyothi 0830 Tollywood Time 0900 Movie 1130 Abhiruchi 1230 Star Mahila
1400 Nagani 1430 Movie 1800 Meera 1830 Kalavari Kodallu 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Pasupu Kunkuma 2000 Muddu Bidda 2030 Radha Kalyanam 2100 Kanyadanam 2130 Comedy Club 2230 Shree 2300 Bindas 2330 Latest Songs 0800 Gopuram 0830 Bhakti Samacharam 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam 0930 Mahadevi 1000 Bindass 1030 Luckku Kickku 1130 Jeevana Vignanam 1200 Mee Inti Vanta
‘Business Tonight’ at 2100 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 The F And O Show 1430 Closing Trades 1530 Tomorrow's Trades 1600 Business Day 1730 Markets Tomorrow 1800 Rush Hour 1900 Global Business Report 1930 Business Express 2000 Business First 2030 Markets Tomorrow 2100 Business Tonight 2200 Top 10 At 10 2230 Investor's Guide 2300 Zigwheels 0900 First Trades 1000 Hot Stocks 1100 Buy Now Sell Now - The Stock Game 1130 Buy Now Sell Now 1200 Market Sense 1300 Business Day 1330 Markets Now
‘Flying Wild Alaska’ at 2000 Hrs on DISCOVERY 1400 Human Body 1500 My Naked Secret 1600 One Man Army 1700 Discovery Showcase 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 Man Woman Wild 2000 Flying Wild Alaska 2100 Deception With Keith Barry 2200 One Man Army 2300 The Survivors 1000 Breaking Point 1100 Swords 1200 Masters Of Survival 1300 Wild Discovery
1435 Whacked Out Sports 1505 Wipeout 1600 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 1700 Destination Truth 1800 Chuck 1900 Wipeout 2000 Supernatural 2100 Minute To Win It 2200 Fear Factor 2300 Guinness World Records Smashed 0930 Whacked Out Sports 1000 The Millionaire Matchmaker 1100 Minute To Win It 1200 Got To Dance 1250 Movie - Sacrifice
‘Sacrifice’ at 1250 Hrs on AXN
‘Dwarkadheesh’ at 2000 Hrs on IMAGINE 1400 Haar Jeet 1500 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1600 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1630 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1700 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1730 Haar Jeet 1800 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 1830 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1900 Haar Jeet 1930 Gyaan Guru 2000 Dwarkadheesh 2030 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 2100 Beendh Banuga Ghodi Chadhunga 2130 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 2200 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 2230 Haar Jeet 2300 Gyaan Guru 2330 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb
1430 Balika Vadhu 1500 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1530 Uttaran 1600 Phulwa 1630 Parichay 1700 Ring Ka King 1730 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1800 Uttaran 1830 Balika Vadhu 1900 Hawan 1930 Sasural Simar Ka 2000 Balika Vadhu 2030 Veer Shivaji 2100 Phulwa 2130 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 2200 Uttaran 2230 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 2300 Na Aana Is Des Laado 2330 Balika Vadhu
‘Balika Vadhu’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS
‘Choti Bahu 2’ at 1930 Hrs on ZEE TV 1400 Hitler Didi 1430 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1500 Afsar Bitiya 1530 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 1600 Pavitra Rishta 1630 Shobha Somnath Ki 1730 Ram Milaye Jodi 1800 Hitler Didi 1830 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1900 Afsar Bitiya 1930 Choti Bahu 2 2000 Hitler Didi 2030 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 2100 Pavitra Rishta 2130 Ram Milaye Jodi 2200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 2230 Punarvivah 2300 Afsar Bitiya
1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1530 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 1600 57th Filmfare 2011 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2030 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2100 Saas Bina Sasuraal 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 2230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 2300 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2330 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0900 Parvarrish 1000 CID 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1230 Dekha Ek Khwaab 1300 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 1330 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi
‘Dekha Ek Khwaab’ at 2030 Hrs on SONY
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‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai’ at 2030 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein 1500 Navya 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 1630 Sasuraal Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1800 Navya 1830 Ruk Jana Nahin 1900 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1930 Sasuraal Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 2100 Diya Aur Bati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein 2230 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?
MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
1326 Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix 1600 Swordfish 1755 Troy 2100 300 2300 The Devil's Tomb 0835 Friends 0906 Cats & Dogs 1042 Collateral Damage 1238 The Devil's Tomb
1310 Die Another Day 1555 Death Race 2 1755 Inception 2100 Cats & Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore 2250 Bangkok Dangerous 0910 Cats & Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore 1100 Get Him To The Greek 1300 Inception
1400 Outsourced 1430 Scrubs 1500 Rizzoli And Isles 1600 Rookie Blue 1700 Outsourced 1730 Scrubs 1800 E News 1900 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 2000 Outsourced 2030 America's Funniest Home Videos 2100 Rizzoli And Isles 2200 Rookie Blue 2300 My Wife And Kids 2330 Scrubs 0800 Rizzoli And Isles 0900 Rookie Blue 1000 Outsourced 1030 America's Funniest Home Videos 1100 Rizzoli And Isles 1200 Rookie Blue 1300 Slot 1330 America's Funniest Home Videos
‘My Wife And Kids’ at 2300 Hrs on ZEE CAFE
Punar Vivah Storyline - Aarti is introduced dancing to a folk song in a wedding. Bimla is pretty impressed with Aarti who she thinks has all the qualities of a perfect bahu. ‘Punar Vivah’ at 2230 Hrs on ZEE TV
‘The Shield’ at 2200 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Supernatural 1500 Charlie’s Angels 1600 The Big Bang Theory 1700 The Shield 1800 Supernatural 1900 Desperate Housewives 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Supernatural 2200 The Shield 2300 The Big Bang Theory 2330 Two And A Half Men 0700 The Shield 0800 Las Vegas 0900 Pan Am 1000 The Shield 1100 Desperate Housewives 1200 Two And A Half Men 1230 The Simpsons 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends
Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha Storyline - Renu Vyas enacts the role of Himalaya Putri Parvati, Raju plays Narad muni and Shiv is essayed by Gurucharan Brijwaasi (Guru)! ‘Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha’ at 2230 Hrs on COLORS ‘Cats & Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO
1430 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1500 Lapataganj 1600 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1630 Gutur Gu 1900 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1930 Lapataganj 2000 I Luv My India 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2100 Chidiyaghar 2130 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2200 Lapataganj 2230 F.I.R 2300 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2330 Chidiyaghar 0900 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 0945 Gutur Gu 1030 I Luv My India 1100 F.I.R 1130 Chidiyaghar 1200 Lapataganj 1230 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1300 I Luv My India 1330 Chidiyaghar
‘I Luv My India’ at 2000 Hrs on SAB TV
‘Mukhbir’ at 1400 Hrs on ZOOM 1400 Movie - Mukhbir 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Link'D 2000 Telly Talk 2030 Letz Go! 2100 Style Strip 2130 Link'D 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Business Of Bollywood 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1300 Planet Bollywood News 1330 Telly Talk
1430 How It's Made 1500 The New Inventors 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 World's Strangest Ufo Stories 1730 Frontline Battle Machines With Mike Brewer 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Junkyard Wars 2030 Sports Science 2130 Popsci's Future Of 2230 Weapon Masters 2330 Some Assembly Required 1030 World's Strangest Ufo Stories 1130 How It's Made 1200 The New Inventors 1230 Best Of Discovery Science 1330 Junkyard Wars
‘Junkyard Wars’ at 1930 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE
‘Jerry Springer’ at 2200 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1400 Frasier 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Aspire 1600 Galileo Extreme 1700 Survivor 1800 Entertainment Tonight 1830 Galileo Extreme 1930 Frasier 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 Hawaii 5.0 2200 Jerry Springer 2300 Survivor 0700 Big Wheels 0730 Aspire 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 Survivor 1000 Bellator 1100 Jerry Springer 1200 Aspire 1230 Entertainment Tonight 1300 Galileo Extreme
Playing Field
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The games people play
29
Haas-ta la vista, baby! Bill wins Rebecca Bryan
LOS ANGELES: Bill Haas rolled in a 45foot birdie putt at the second playoff hole on Sunday to win the Northern Trust Open and deny Phil Mickelson a second US PGA Tour title in as many weeks. Mickelson, who was coming off a storming victory at Pebble Beach last Sunday, had led or shared the lead here after each of the first three rounds. He and Keegan Bradley, who shared the overnight lead, made Haas work overtime by sinking birdie putts at the final hole of regulation to force the three-man playoff, but it was Haas who came through on the second playoff hole — Riviera Country Club’s often dramatic 315-yard, par-four 10th. Mickelson put his tee shot in the right rough short of the green. Bradley was in the right greenside bunker while Haas was in
17th. His lead looked safer after neither Mickelson nor Bradley could take advantage of the 17th, Mickelson’s long birdie putt stopping an inch short. But the overnight co-leaders responded at the last hole of regulation. Mickelson, who had struggled all day on Riviera’s testing greens, rolled in a 26-footer from the back fringe to complete his evenpar 71. Moments later Bradley made his own 13-foot birdie putt for his 71 and headed with Mickelson and Haas back to the 18th — which they all parred to open the playoff. Haas wasn’t surprised to be in a playoff — he had already headed to the range expecting one when he heard the cheers from the 18th green. “Secretly I was hoping they didn’t, but Phil just won his 40th event. Keegan won a major last year, so I expected them to make it,” Haas said.
the back left rough. Haas pitched safely to the middle of the green. Mickelson’s shot out of the rough rolled through the green and into the back bunker while Bradley fired out of the sand to the back fringe. Haas sank his long birdie putt, then waited tensely as Mickelson and Bradley tried in vain to extend the playoff. “Bill hit a tremendous putt,” Mickelson said. “That’s going to do it.” Haas said he wasn’t really expecting his putt to drop. “I never expect to make a 40-footer, especially in that situation,” he said. “That was a little bit of luck involved, but I felt like I put a good roll on it.” Haas had been the first in the clubhouse on seven-under 277 after a two-under par 69. He had seized a one-shot lead with a birdie at the par-five
Azarenka grunts at criticism
Samantha Stosur of Australia returns to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the final match of Qatar WTA Tennis Open in Doha. Azarenka won 6-1, 6-2. AFP/KARIM JAAFAR
DOHA: World number one Victoria Azarenka hit back at more criticism of her on-court grunting on Sunday, claiming it was as natural and uncontrollable as snoring. The Belarusian turned her fire on a reporter after she had defeated Samantha Stosur 6-1, 6-2 in the Qatar Open final which gave her a 17th successive victory in 2012. But the Australian Open champion found herself once again under the spotlight for her trademark grunting. “Do you snore?,” she hit back at a journalist. When he replied ‘yes’, Azarenka asked whether or not he could control it. “No, I guess it’s natural,” said the reporter. “So it’s natural to you, right? So that’s natural to me, too, the way I play tennis. That’s it. “It [the snoring] probably distracts your wife, if you have a wife, I don’t know, right? There you go.” Azarenka insisted she has no time for critics of her noise levels, claiming that she has never been approached by other players to tone it down.
Milos Raonic defends his San Jose crown SAN JOSE: Third seeded Milos Raonic successfully defended his San Jose Open crown by routing Denis Istomin 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 for his third career title on Sunday. The 21-year-old Canadian dominated unseeded Istomin with his serve, hammering seven aces and winning 90 percent of his first serve points in the 79 minute match. “I feel amazing,” Raonic said. “It is great to come back here. There was a little more pressure
than last year but I am really happy with the tennis I played this week.” Raonic, who had a bye in the first round, didn’t drop a set in the $531,000 indoor tournament, winning four-straight matches at the HP Pavilion arena which also serves as the home of the NHL San Jose Sharks. The world No. 32 is also a perfect eight-for-eight in tiebreakers at the event over two years. “This is special to me because it is a hockey arena,” said Raonic.
If real estate wasn’t so expensive here [San Jose] I might buy a home Milos Raonic San Jose Open winner
“I am not the biggest hockey fan but it definitely makes me feel like I am at home.” Raonic, of Toronto, won the first set in a tiebreaker, closing it out with a 233 kph (145 mph) serve. He jumped out to a 6-1 lead, then dropped the next two points before serving for the set. Raonic stepped up the attack in a lightning quick second set, going eight-for-eight in his first serve points and winning 89 percent of his second serve points.
The victory earned Raonic $95,000 in prize money and made him the ATP Tour’s first two-time winner of 2012. Raonic opened this season with a win at the Chennai Open in New Delhi, India. Raonic was presented with his trophy at centre court then joked about his good feelings for the area. “If real estate wasn’t so expensive here I might buy a home,” he said.
Playing Field
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The games people play
30
Shame only charge in Chisora’s release
Mavericks succumb to Lin-sanity Dereck Chisora (R) argues with compatriot and boxer David Haye’s manager Adam Booth after a brawl with Haye during a press conference after his WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight with Klitschko. AFP / CLAUS HERGOT MUNICH: Heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora was released without charge on Sunday after an astonishing press conference brawl with bitter British rival David Haye, who he threatened to shoot. Chisora, who had been defeated by defending champion Vitali Klitschko in Saturday’s WBC heavyweight title clash here, was detained by police, along with trainer Don Charles, at Munich airport as he was preparing to board a plane home. The pair gave statements, but were released on Sunday evening and allowed to return to the United Kingdom, although the whereabouts of Haye are unknown. “Munich-based detectives are investigating allegations of grievous bodily harm and threatening behaviour by Chisora,” said a spokesman for Munich police. “They are also investigating Chisora’s trainer and Haye for assault. Both Chisora and his coach were arrested at Munich airport and have given statements, they have also named legal representation. “After consideration, prosecutors
THE BRITISH BOXING BOARD OF CONTROL HAS ALREADY INDICATED THEY WILL LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE EMBARRASSING MELEE IN MUNICH.
decided to release them at 17.45 (local time, 1645 GMT). The whereabouts of David Haye are still unknown.” Munich police searched Haye’s hotel room on Sunday morning, but there was no sign of the former WBA heavyweight champion. The British Boxing Board of Control has already indicated they will launch an investigation into events leading up to the embarrassing melee in Munich, when Chisora was heard shouting that he wanted to “shoot” and “burn” Haye. Thomas Puetz, president of Germany’s Professional Boxers (BdB) Federation, said he does not want to see Chisora box in Germany again.
“We are considering a boxing ban for Chisora in Germany,” Puetz told German website spox.com. “This guy is a public menace. He has no place in a German ring. (Former German heavyweight champion) Max Schmeling would turn in his grave. “I guess David Haye, as an intelligent man, is trying to promote himself, but with regards to Chisora, I doubt whether he has the mental capacity to practise a contact sport.” On Saturday, Chisora lost to Klitschko by a unanimous points decision, but the fight inside the ring was overshadowed by the violence in the post-fight press conference between the two British fighters. Haye, 31, who was working as a TV pundit, branded Chisora “a loser”. Chisora promptly left the head table at the press conference to confront Haye, who he dubbed “an embarrassment”. Vitali, who defended his WBC title for the 10th time, said he did not respect Chisora as a person. “If you are a sportsman with millions of people watching, you have to set a good example, and Chisora didn’t do that,” Klitschko said.
NEW YORK: The New York Knicks rebounded from their first loss of Jeremy Lin’s magical run to defeat the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks 104-97 on Sunday. Just two days after committing a seasonhigh nine turnovers in a loss to New Orleans, the 23-year-old Lin bounced back in superb fashion against the mighty Mavericks. “We are thankful for any win we can get but obviously this is a big one because they are defending champions,” Lin said. Point guard Lin finished with a team-high 28 points, 14 assists and five steals for the Knicks, who beat Dallas for the first time at Madison Square Garden in over six years. “The game that he had, that’s ridiculous,” said Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni. “It just seems the harder the moment, the better he shoots the ball. He makes big plays. He’s definitely fearless. “The thing that you can’t teach is what he has inside, his heart. You just can’t teach that, and he has it. His brain, his heart, it’s huge.” Center Tyson Chandler finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds and veteran shooting guard J.R. Smith had 15 points in his first start of the season for the Knicks. Smith signed with New York Friday after a stint playing in China. Lin said teams are trying to make it harder on him on offense by double-teaming him. “I am being aggressive and trying to learn from my mistakes,” he said. “They are doubleteaming me on the pick and roll.”
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The games people play
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King Kenny backs hot trio Graham Chase
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is keen to see Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll play together on a regular basis after they all featured in the FA Cup thrashing of Brighton. Despite Suarez and Carroll arriving at Anfield in January last year, the trio started together for the first time in the 6-1 fifth round home win Sunday. Both Gerrard and Carroll have struggled with injuries, while Suarez only recently returned from an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. They had been restricted to just 69 minutes together on the pitch before the Cup tie but they showed just how prolific they can be by helping the Reds to their biggest win since Dalglish returned to the club 13 months ago. “Someone said they’d played 69 minutes before so I assumed they must have started somewhere,” said Liverpool great Dalglish. “The more anybody or any team gets the players that are iconic like they are on the pitch, the better chance they’ve got of being successful. “But we’ve got more than three players and the fact that we’ve
Liverpool’s Andy Carroll celebrates after scoring during the English FA Cup football match against Brighton Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool. AFP/PAUL ELLIS done as well as we have and that’s the first time they’ve (all) started a match tells you how well the rest of the boys have done as well. “We’ll stand and be counted as a squad and I don’t think we’ve done too badly this year,” added Dalglish, who will take his side to Wembley next weekend to play another second-tier club in Cardiff
in the League Cup final. Carroll’s goal against Brighton, which helped set up an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Stoke, was just his eighth since his £35 million ($55 million) move to Anfield from Newcastle 13 months ago. But Dalglish maintains he has never been swayed by the criti-
cism the striker has received since his expensive transfer. “We’ve always been positive and we always will be and we’ll always be supportive of any player that comes to this football club. “It doesn’t matter what his name is, we’ll judge him and we’ll judge whether we’re happy or unhappy.”
Dalglish revealed Craig Bellamy and Daniel Agger had pulled out of the squad in the days running up to the game at Anfield. But he is hopeful that the pair will be available to play against Cardiff. “There are no injuries from the game as far as we know but we had a couple on Friday and Saturday with ‘Bellars’ and Daniel Agger,” said Dalglish. “We’ll just have to see how they are but they should be alright.” Liverpool opened the scoring after just four minutes when Martin Skrtel headed in Gerrard’s corner and after Kazenga Lua Lua pulled Brighton level, Liam Bridcutt’s own goal gave the Reds a half-time advantage. Carroll added a third before further own goals from Bridcutt and Lewis Dunk and a Suarez header, after he had missed a penalty, completed the scoring. It was Brighton’s first defeat of 2012 and manager Gus Poyet hoped it would be a valuable lesson for his players. “People are talking about promotion and things and I said I want to be ready and we are not,” Poyet explained. “People think I’m being negative but maybe now they will say I was right. “I learned a lot and I hope they did the same because if they want to play in the Premier League as a team or as individuals they know what it takes now.”
Chelsea playing for AVB and pride Barnaby Chesterman
Chelsea’s manager Andre Villas-Boas gestures during the English FA Cup 5th Round match against Birmingham.
NAPLES: Chelsea will be playing for more than just simple qualification when they travel to Napoli in the Champions League second round, first leg on Tuesday. It’s a tie that could have far wider reaching consequences for both their coach Andre Villas-Boas and English football as a whole. Villas-Boas, for many people’s money, is living on borrowed time in the Stamford Bridge hot-seat. Rumours of dressing room dissent and some unsatisfactory results have made his position appear precarious.
Chelsea face a fight to finish in the top four in the Premier League, battling alongside Arsenal and Newcastle for that crucial fourth spot, and hence qualification for next season’s premier European club competition. They came close to bowing out of the FA Cup at home to Championship Birmingham City at the weekend too, before snatching a draw. Villas-Boas admits he doesn’t know if he will still be in a job if they fail to beat the Italians. “It’s not up to me to decide that, you have to ask that question to the right person,” he said, referring to owner Roman
Abramovich. But the Portuguese manager says his side is lacking in belief due to their recent poor results. “The situation is we don’t have enough good results for us to feel a bit strong,” he said. “But we are still in these competitions and will continue to push for them. It will be a difficult game against Napoli but we have shown in the group games we can overcome adversity.” Chelsea went into their final group game at home to Bayer Leverkusen knowing that if they didn’t win they risked crashing out. They did win 2-0 and topped the group but now there is the added pressure that they
are realistically England’s last representatives. The dominant teams in this season’s Premier League, Manchester rivals United and City, both crashed out in the group stages while Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing at AC Milan last week even had their manager Arsene Wenger admitting they had no chance of progressing. With Chelsea’s recent troubles and Napoli’s return to form — they have won their last two games following a sticky period marked by numerous draws — the Italians’ coach Walter Mazzarri is feeling confident. “Right now maybe Chelsea are worse than us but I don’t believe that,” he said.
Playing Field
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The games people play
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Messi’s four-play has V-boys panting Tim Hanlon
MADRID: Lionel Messi hit four goals to inspire Barcelona to a 5-1 victory over Valencia on Sunday, but the champions still remain 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Messi, playing his 200th game for the club, took his league goals tally to 27 for the season and 42 in all competitions although third-placed Valencia had stunned the Spanish and European champions by taking a shock early lead. “The most important thing was that the team played like we did against Bayer Leverkuson in the Champions League in midweek when we won 3-1,” said Messi after his Camp Nou masterclass. “There are lots of crucial challenges ahead and it’s necessary to keep going like this.” Barca coach Pep Guardiola saluted his team and insisted that they do not deserve to be so far off the pace in the title chase. “With the football we have played we don’t deserve to be so far behind but our challenge now is to keep the title race open and that is down to us,” he said. “We need to compete for the next three months just like we have done in this match. “We are lucky to have such a generation of players. It’s a
Stevenage suffocate Spurs Jon West
STEVENAGE: Harry Redknapp is confident his Tottenham Hotspur side can go on to lift the FA Cup despite being held to a goalless draw away to League One Stevenage in the fifth round on Sunday. The winners of the White Hart Lane replay will face Bolton Wanderers at home in a competition that has already seen Manchester United, Manchester City, the holders, and Arsenal eliminated Redknapp knows ‘smaller’ clubs rarely go all the way, although he conceded third-tier Stevenage, who are now the lowest-ranked club left in the Cup, were more than worthy of being in the quarter-final draw. “It’s a good draw for the winners,” he said. “It’s a home draw and you can’t ask for anything more than that. Chelsea had a
good draw too, at home to Birmingham, and Liverpool are at home (against Stoke) too. “Usually the Cup ends up with a big club winning it. In the last few years it has been one of the top four who have won it,” added Redknapp, who bucked that trend when he led Portsmouth to FA Cup glory in 2008. Louis Saha saw a goal disallowed for offside in the 55th minute because it hit team-mate Scott Parker just before it crossed the line but Tottenham did not create many other chances. “I expected it to be tough and it was,” said Redknapp, who has guided Spurs to third place in the Premier League. “The pitch was bumpy and the ball was bobbling everywhere. I have been in the same situation so many times in the past so nothing surprised me.”
privilege to work with such fantastic lads. They are a credit to the sport.” The pressure was on the Catalan side after defeat last weekend away to Osasuna and they got off to a poor start with Pablo Piatti giving Valencia the lead after nine minutes. Martin Montoya, in the side with Dani Alves suspended, and Gerard Pique left Piatti unmarked and keeper Victor Valdes came and failed to reach a Sofiane Feghouli cross allowing the diminutive striker to tuck the ball in. The home fans were becoming restless but Messi responded once again when his side needed him most with two goals in five minutes. Adil Rami failed to clear a cross and Messi coolly finished from a tight angle. The Argentine then got ahead of the Valencia defence to meet an Eric Abidal cross and while the keeper Diego Alves saved his initial shot, he was able to sweep in the rebound. Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas were both denied by Alves while the former Arsenal player then hit the woodwork with an acrobatic effort. The home side continued to push forward after the break with Alves stopping a Messi header with a wonderful save and Fabregas badly miscued before Messi gave Barca a
cushion by firing in a rebound after another Alves block. Messi completed his hattrick with 15 minutes to go and then notched up his 42nd goal of the season after running clear of the defence and clipping the ball over the keeper. With the Valencia defence in disarray substitute Xavi Hernandez lobbed the ball over the keeper for the fifth in injury time. Despite the rout, Barca are still struggling to retain their title after Real Madrid had swept past Racing Santander 4-0 on Saturday. Levante’s miserable form continued when they dropped out of the European places, losing 5-3 at home to Rayo Vallecano. The modest side from Valencia have spent most of the season among the top four after a surprising start which also saw them briefly lead the table, but they now haven’t won in two months and have tumbled down to seventh place. Lass Bangoura put the visitors ahead but Jose Barkero brought Levante level at the start of the second half with a penalty. Levante were in the ascendancy but against the run of play Diego Costa hit a quickfire double and then Lass gave them a commanding lead after 69 minutes.