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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012 HYDERABAD
The woman known for her powerful place at the side of Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Monday took a seat on the leading social network’s board of directors. P9
WEATHER: SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS; 30°C
SELFLESS COP TURNS SAVIOUR Constable Ashok Kumar and his sister were present on the spot of the Shirdi bus accident. Their quick action saved many lives. Ashok recounts what happened that P7 night.
MEDIA REPORTS IRK PRAKASH RAJ After hearing that a section of the media, quoting anonymous sources, reported that he charges about `10 lakh per day, a miffed Prakash Raj lashed out at the gossipmongers on Twitter.
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UNSUNG HEROES N SHIVA KUMAR
SHERYL IS FIRST EVE ON FB BOARD
WWW.POSTNOON.COM
Underprivileged children from Rasoolpura gear up to take on the best in the Bangalore Ultimate Open Frisbee championship. REPORT ON PG 4&5
iáÑÉ= çå= íÜÉ= ÉÇÖÉ Even the most hardened cynics won’t deny the pluck of Nick Wallenda who walked the highwire across the Niagara Falls. We list some other great feats and stunts that stunned the world. P16&17
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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Spirit of Twin Cities
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS... M ANIL KUMAR
Hyderabad Library services Library and librarian services offered to members and groups (institutions) at `3,650 per year (per member). It covers study, career, competition, business of research. Welcome to APSET enrolled. Where: Hyderabad library services, Sagar View Complex When: June 9 to July 8, Contact: (040) 2322 2247, 94412 37751
Album launch Mumbai-based band Blakc will be releasing its sophomore album Mothered land at Hard Rock Cafe, Banjara Hills on June 28. Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: July 28 Contact: (040) 6463 6375
Monsoon Regatta An exhibition that features works of artists Thota Tharrani, JMS Mani, S Jayaraj, Alphonso Arul Doss and Sowmya Das Gupta is on. Where: Muse Art Gallery, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999
Dragon festival Have an oriental experience as the Golden Dragon at Taj Banjara presents its Dragon Festival Feast from June 28 onwards. Open for both lunch and dinner. Where: Golden Dragon Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: June 26 onwards Contact: (040) 6629 3309
Cloth, paper, scissors An exhibition featuring 22 artists in various medias is on display at Iconart Gallery. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11.30 am onwards Contact: 98499 68797
Being eunuch Being Eunuch, a play highlighting the plight and problems of eunuchs in the country will be presented by Nishumbita on July 13. Where: Ravindra Bharathi, Saifabad When: July 13, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 2323 1245
CINEMAS
Beginners Beginners, a movie by Mike Millis which is based on the, surprises and confusion about love will be screened at Sri Sarathi Studios on June 28. Where: Sri Sarathi Studios, Ameerpet When: June 28, 10am-7pm Contact: (040) 23732050
Cheating cheaters Cheating cheaters is a play dealing with two middle-aged sisters,who set of with the ideo of impersonating begging nuns so that they would be able to send their orphaned niece to an art school. The play is being staged by Masquerade Youth Theatre. Where: Nift auditorium, Madhapur When: June 30, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2311 4537
Creative strokes An exhibition of paintings by artists like Fawad Tamkanat, Kavita Duesker and Sayam Bharath Yadav titled Creative Strokes is being held at Arts Heaven Art Gallery. The exhibition will be on till June 30 . Where: Arts Heaven Art Gallery,
Lakdikapul When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: 99495 71031
Kashmiri food festival Take a trip to what is often described as ‘paradise on earth’— Kashmir, with a Kashmiri Food festival. The food festival offers a variety of authentic Kashmiri dishes and is on till June 26. Where: Ella Hotels, Gachibowli When: Ongoing, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2300 2488
Musical evening Boondhon ka Paigam, a monsoon musical yearly event will be held on July 12 at Hyderabad Marriott and Convention centre. The musical event will feature sufi singer Kavitha Seth and ghazal singer Jaswinder Singh. Where: Hyderabad Marriott and convention centre, Tank Bund When: July 12, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999
Chai pakoda It’s monsoon. We all love to sit by the window as it rains, with a plate of hot pakodas and some chai. Arena at Taj Deccan brings that feeling to you every evening from 3pm-7pm. Where: Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: Ongoing, 3pm to7pm Contact: (040) 6666 393
Karaoke nights Head to Bottles and Chimney for a musical karaoke night. Where: Bottles and Chimney, Begumpet When: June 26, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 2776 6464
Madhubani workshop The YMCA Secunderabad is hosting a madhubani painting workshop. The workshop is being felicitated by an artist from Madhubani. A part of the fees earned through the workshop will be used to train underprivileged women in this form of painting. Where: YMCA Secunderabad, West Marredpally When: June 18-June 29 Contact: 98490 07736
Big Cinemas, Ameerpet: 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills: 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally: 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills: 44767777; Prasads, Tank Bund Rd: 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta: 8800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur: 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad: 27844973
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Hyderabad says no to drugs campaign begins today NARCOTICS Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com
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tarting from today — World Antidrug Day — the Hyderabad police begins a special drive against narcotic abuse. “Hyderabad says no to drugs” is the slogan of the campaign, Anurag Sharma, commissioner of police said. DCP West Zone M Stephen Raveendra will lead the campaign. Hyderabad is the third metro to have formed a narcotic cell last year. Since, the cell has been instrumental in bringing to book 50 people for drug peddling in 18 cases. Some 18 of them are foreign nationals including students. They are from Nigeria, Afghanistan, Nepal and Iran. We know that not all are out to damage the society, said Sharma. Many are peddling narcotics to earn an extra buck. But it is a fact that many students from African countries are misusing their student visa pushing drugs. We are keeping a watch on them, he said. The commissioner is sure that Hyderabad police have done commendably on containing this worldwide menace if compared to
other cities. The City police works in tandem with Interpol and all information about drug mafia is shared. Sharma appealed to parents to be on guard against their children coming in contact with drugs because it destroys life and career. “Giving fat pocket money is one sure way to push them to this menace,” he remarked. Stephen Raveendra told Postnoon that the first line of defence against drugs is the parents. Police can do only so much, he said. “We will ensure that the special drive against the drugs is continued throughout,” said the police officer. A UN report says drug menace is one major problem affecting millions worldwide. Some 30 million people are affected.
Training institute is a hit M ANIL KUMAR
TRAFFIC Rahul Ramakrishna rahul.r@postnoon.com
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he Traffic Training Institute at Goshamahal is an unseen or unheard aspect of the City police. It is from here that counselling sessions for errant drivers and drunk driving campaigns were brought onto the streets of the City. Such was their level of proficiency during the training, that the institute has been taking in police batches from all over the State. There are two training institutes in the City, one at Begumpet and the other at Goshamahal. The Begumpet institute handles
the Secunderabad division and the Goshamahal institute handles work for areas like Abids, Nampally, Old City etc. In association with the WHO, their much publicised and active Drunk Driving Campaign has cleared the roads of the City from errant and dangerous driving. Furthermore, there has not been one registered case of an accident or death after the “drunk driving” campaign has made its presence felt regularly in the City. Speaking to Postnoon, RI M Kishtaiah said, “The training period for traffic police lasts one week, which is inclusive of training over traffic drill, operating camera system and even Yoga. I have been teaching here for twoand-a-half years and I am happy
with the change that is being seen and felt across the City.” With its state of the art technology and inspired personnel, the TTI at Goshamahal is the only one of its kind in the State. In the last two weeks, police batches from Nizamabad and Guntur have finished training here. “The fact that I get to interact with so many people, from teenagers to RTC bus drivers and educate them about the importance of traffic safety is in itself a very satisfying job. In fact, a traffic violator was so moved that he left with tears in his eyes after being counselled about the traffic safety,” says Kishtaiah. Although the many campaigns of the Traffic Police are yet to find their grip and place with citizens, their work in some aspects has been commendable if not, an unacknowledged facet of the City’s police.
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Four vehicle lifters nabbed
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he Kachiguda Police have nabbed four vehicle lifters and recovered property worth `11 lakh from their possession. On June 24 at 6pm, the police conducted vehicle checking at Barkhatpura and Nimboli Adda crossroads and took four persons into custody while they were moving suspiciously. When interrogated, they confessed that they committed theft of 10 two-wheelers and one car under the limits of Kachiguda, Narayanaguda, Amberpet and Chandanagar police stations. D Vishnu Prasad, 31, a GHMC worker lifted two wheelers and a car, out of which five cases belong to Kachiguda PS, one in Amberpet PS and one in Narayanaguda PS. Syed Obed Hussain, 20, a painter by profession, stole two bikes while ML Venkataramana, 25, a businessman and G Venkatesh, 26, a driver stole two motorcycles in Kachiguda. The accused were produced before Nampally Court for judicial remand. NSS
Third temple theft in a week Postnoon News
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emples seem to be the hot favourites with thieves these days. Thieves struck at the Aghapura Jain temple under the Habeebnagar police station limits on Monday night, making it the third such incident in the last one week. The incident came to light when the sweeper entered the premises on Tuesday morning, said Subash Lohade, vice president of Digamber Jain Sanstha.
He added, “We locked up the temple on Monday night before heading home. In the meantime, the thieves broke open the grill and entered the premises. They stole nearly 1215 kilos of silver ornaments from the temple. As soon as we learnt of the incident, we informed the police.” The Habeebnagar reached the spot with a dog squad and are investigating the scene. The secretary of the Sanstha, Anand Jain lodged a complaint with the police. Incidentally, there are no security cameras or watchman on the premises at the time of the incident.
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Padmini Copparapu padmini.c@postnoon.com
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GOs and civil society members working in the slum settlements of Rasoolpura have a pressing concern — where the children of the area should be going to school. The Government High School, which offers
free education, is just about able to manage its current strength. Private schools, on the other hand, are by the dozens, but too many of them are unrecognised and charge parents amounts far beyond what they are able to pay. “I don’t know what that [recognition] is and all that. All I know is that
my husband and I did not read and write. That’s why we are suffering as we do today. So, we are working to send our child to a private school because even if it costs a lot, he is properly taught, has all the facilities, and can pass out of school with good grades,” says Fatima who works as a domestic help in Sindhi Colony to
support her family. Fatima is not alone in her sentiment. Despite almost half of Rasoolpura, especially Indirammanagar’s population being below the poverty line, many parents in the area send their children to private schools, having little trust in any governmental enterprise.
Education is said to be the great equaliser. But children in Rasoolpura receive vastly different standards of education in government and private-run schools
The Government High School
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he story of the government school in Rasoolpura is literally, that of one raised from the ground. Until a few years ago, more than 500 students crammed every morning into three concrete classrooms in the crumbling building, which stood in the middle of a garbage dump. It was only after an intervention by Bhumi, a local NGO, whose volunteers tore down the old building and built a new one with toilets et all, that this current building that houses the Government High School came about. Today, the building is strong enough with 10 functioning classrooms and twice as many number of teachers and nearly 850 children enrolled in it, but the school crumbles under the weight of its problems. It can’t be concerned with the mushrooming of private schools, unrecognised or otherwise, as it struggles
The Private High School
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I don’t know what I want to become when I grow up. Maybe a hero, Seshakumar, student to do the best it can. Praveen Kumar, the headmaster claims a 70 per cent pass percentage this year, a dramatic increase over the 35 per cent, five years ago. If true, it is an impressive number considering that his staff is frayed at the edges, trying to keep their boat afloat. “The government one day declared that children between classes VII and X can choose between studying in either Telugu or English medium. As it is,
cross the playground, by contrast, is one of the oldest and largest private schools in the area. The school authorities of Kasturba High School say that they have an enrolment rate of 1,500 children, and an English-speaking staff, and almost all the facilities comparable to any other school in the City. Unlike other private schools in the area, it is recognised
thanks to the no-detention policy, most children have no basics and are unable to cope in higher classes. Switching to English makes it all that much harder. Then, there’s the teachers, who cannot speak in English, let alone teach it. So there’s a complete lack of suitable manpower. You know how the government functions, we don’t get manpower immediately even if our requirement is urgent. There are so many problems like this,” rues Praveen. The manpower crunch doesn’t end there. “We have computers, but no computer teachers. We want to introduce singing and dancing lessons but there’s no one to teach them. The staff is already under pressure to complete their subject syllabus, so there’s no one available for any of this,” he adds. The teachers have their own woes. “It’s challenging to stay motivated. Parents are not concerned, they don’t even show up for PTA meetings. After enrolling the child, they think he’s our responsibility alone. How much can we do?” they ask. “I don’t know what I want to become when I grow up. Maybe a hero,” says Seshakumar, a class VII student. The tragedy seems to be that even with mid-day meals, free tuition fees, books and clothes and a staff that’s trying hard, the lack of suitable resources and manpower have made the government school an unviable proposition for anyone, except the off-spring of the poorest in Rasoolpura.
and relatively economical. “Everyone in my neighbourhood sends children here because the teachers are approachable, well-qualified and give good feedback. And, also the fees are very reasonable as there are no donations. Both my daughters have been doing very well here,” says MG Suresh, a proud parent. Victoria, who has been teaching
in Kasturba for over 20 years puts things into perspective. “Children from our school have gone abroad. We focus on having well-experienced teachers, equipped computer labs, extra curricular activities like drawing and painting, NCC, NSS and more. Also, parents are very co-operative and very involved,” says Victoria. The school was started in 1991,
by Kasturba whose tuitions had become extremely popular in the area. But keeping to the roots, she says, “Our motto is that every child should have the right to a proper education, irrespective of who their parents are or what they do for a living.” Indeed, the difference between the Zilla Parishad High School and the private school couldn’t be clearer.
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
A STUDY IN CONTRASTS N SHIVA KUMAR AND PADMINI C
The Ultimate game
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very afternoon, Sandeep Avalu takes a bus from Erragadda to Begumpet and walks down to the government school to rally his troops. A motley bunch of children in the school have been waiting for this all day. Their faces light up at the sight of him and they run across the corridor beating each other to hi-five their “anna.” Then they all march to a ground in the hockey stadium where they begin their drills. Soon enough, white and red discs are flying from hand to hand. It’s a welcome sight. Refreshingly, this is no cricket practice. This is frisbee, baby! “It all started when a friend from Indicorps and an international player, Jaidip Patel, came down from the UK and floated the plan to popularise Ultimate among schools and colleges. We started coaching at the government school in November last year and even after Jaidip left, we (Arun Mukesh, of the Hyderabad Ultimate Frisbee team and I) kept at it,” explains Sandeep, of the NGO Bhumi. The duo is training the team hard, hoping to take them to play at the Bangalore Ultimate Open 2012 next month. Not hoping that they will win anything but instead, to provide them some exposure and encouragement. “I like going to school. But I like playing frisbee more. I’ve
It all started when a friend from Indicorps and an international player, Jaidip Patel, came down from the UK and floated the plan to popularise Ultimate among schools and colleges. We started coaching at the government school in November last year and even after Jaidip left, we (Arun Mukesh, a member of the Hyderabad Ultimate Frisbee team and I) kept at it. Sandeep, a member of the NGO Bhumi
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been playing for over a year now, so I’m getting better at it. And now I’m going to Bangalore. It will my first time on a train,” says Kalyani, a class VII student who with her sister Shivani, are among the stars of the team.
INSIGHT INTO... Rasoolpura Kalyani’s excitement is heartbreakingly endearing. But as Sandeep points out, the Bangalore trip is already looking shaky. First, there is the matter of sponsorship. They will need to have the expenses covered for the kids’ tickets, accommodation, sports gear and such. But the more worrying part for the mentors is that the players these kids will go against in the tournament will be world-class. So, whether it’ll demotivate the kids or they’ll still have fun is a gamble that could go either ways, they say. But this doesn’t mar the spirit of the troopers. “It is very removed from the experience of corporate life as you don’t often see people running around totally oblivious of the kind of life they’ll have in the future; always ready to have fun,” grins Sandeep.
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Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
TDP, Congress worried by desertions to Jagan camp POLITICS Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com
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he much expected political change has begun in the State. Lower level leaders from the ruling Congress and TDP have started moving to the YSR Congress after the conclusion of the recent high voltage and much talked about by-elections. While the ruling Congress and TDP are worried about these desertions, the YSR Congress is smiling with a sense of optimism. During the last one week after the bypolls, many senior leaders of the Congress and TDP are making a beeline to the YSR Congress. These leaders include second grade cadre leaders of both parties. Senior Congress leader of Karimnagar district and Congress committee official spokesperson Dr K Nagesh joined the YSR Congress in the
presence of party leaders Makkan Singh Raj Thakur on Monday. This is in addition to the recent shock the ruling party had suffered when two party MLAs Alla Nani and Venkata Sujay Krishna Ranga Ravu quit their posts and announced that they would join the YSR Congress. The list of leaders is not confined to politicians. Newcomers and industrialists who want to take a plunge into politics are also looking at the YSR Congress with hope. One such industrialist who recently joined the YSR Congress is Federation of Andhra
Pradesh Industries (FAPI) president, BV Rama Rao, a well known name in the State’s industrial circle. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Rao alleged that the ruling Congress did little for the growth of industrial sector in the State and added that because of this attitude, many industries were moving to other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Maharastra and Gujarat. He further said that the State had failed in keeping its promise, which it made during thepartnership summit, of brining `6 lakh crore investments in the State. Commenting on the desertions from Congress and TDP, YSR Congress MLA Dharmana Krishna Das said that it is just the beginning of the end of the Congress and TDP and added there would be more desertions in the coming days. The YSRC leaders are also of the view that the joining of grassroot level leaders would help to strengthen it. “We need leaders to strengthen the party. This would definitely help us,” Das added.
GHMC to outsource assessment work POLITICS Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com
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aced with severe criticism from the ruling and Opposition parties for its failure in delivery of services within the deadline, GHMC has decided to outsource property assessment works to private agencies. The corporation was forced to take this decision as it lacks adequate staff. The work being outsourced includes assessment of under assessed properties and assessment of unassessed and new properties. The decision to outsource comes in the wake of disparities between the data available on total number of properties in GHMC limits. While the census 2011 projects that the GHMC consists of about 20 lakh properties, the official statistics only has
data of about 12.5 lakh properties. Among these properties, 11 lakh properties are categorised as domestic while the rest are commercial. “There is a strong need to undertake this survey to find out the total number of properties. But, we don’t have adequate staff,” GHMC commissioner MT Krishna Babu said. He further informed that the GHMC had already outsourced a collection of geographical information system works and that proposed property tax works are being outsourced. The officials of GHMC are planning to complete these works in four months. The idea behind this deadline is to bring the unassessed and undervalued properties in tax net before the year end and issue demand notices to them. For the ongoing fiscal (2012-13), the civic body has set up a target of `720 crore as against the demand of about `1,200 crore.
Total number of households as per census 2011 20 lakh Total number of households as per GHMC records 12.5 lakh Number of households needed to be assessed 7.5 lakh
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Selfless cop turned saviour Constable Ashok Kumar and his sister were present at the spot of the Shirdi bus accident. Their quick action saved many lives. Ashok recounts what happened that night N SHIVA KUMAR
SAMARITAN Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com
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he recent bus accident at Solapur, Maharashtra, killed more than 32 people while 20 others suffered injuries. The accident took place at 1.30 am and a medical support team reached the spot at 2.30 am. That one hour was perhaps one of the most difficult times for constable Ashok Kumar, who works with the Hayatnagar police station, and his sister who saved several lives. He recounts his experience of that fateful night to Postnoon: My sister and I are devotees of Sai Baba and often travel to Shirdi. That Friday night we were travelling by a private bus which stopped in Zahirabad at 10.30pm. Along with our bus there were several other buses travelling on the same route, one of which belonged to Shri Kaleshwari Travels. At around 10.30 pm there was a sudden jerk and our bus stopped. We got down to check what had happened and we were shocked to find that the Kaleshwari bus had fallen into the gorge. Without second thoughts, our bus driver, codriver, cleaner and I decided to go down and help the passengers in trouble. However, on reaching the
spot the people who accompanied me were terrified seeing the dead bodies and refused to help. Thanks to my police training, I was strong and managed to convince them to help the ones who were alive. We summoned all our courage and went close to people who were writhing in pain and began helping them. We kept going down and rescued more than eight
to nine people. While we were helping save lives, a 19-year-old victim Prashant, whose vision had gotten blurred due to an eye injury stood up and started walking towards the end of the gorge. Since we didn’t know his name we just shouted out to him to stay where he was. I threw him my shirt using which we pulled
him to safety. After sometime, I realised that we need more people to save lives and provide medical aid to the injured. I was frantically calling my seniors but network connectivity was the biggest hurdle I faced and adding to our woes was the language problem. We could not communicate properly with the local people. Despite that I continued to try and contact seniors and I finally got through to them. Within an hour the required support reached the area, but the blocked roads created chaos and panic. As a police constable I am used to seeing such accidents. At our police station alone we record more than 350 such cases every year. But this particular experience was life changing. Today I am proud that I chose to be in the police force and my profession. Had it not been for my training I am sure I would not have been able to help the accident victims. In the police we are taught that we should save lives in any situation and today I know the reason behind it. It is also gratifying. One of the passengers whom we had rescued called me up to thank me. For me, this was one of the best feelings. As much as he is grateful to me, I am grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful life.
To make dialysis affordable for all CHARITY Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com
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iping away every tear, and lighting up every face is the main motto for the Jain community in Hyderabad. Jains are known for their charitable work. The community members believe in doing business with a social conscience. The community contributes a lot to the field of education, health, culture and environment, as they believe that these are the vital pillars of society. The Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation Trust is inaugurating its second dialysis centre in the twin cities. The Bhagwan Mahavir Dialysis Centre in Ramdev Rao Hospital, Kukatpally will be inaugurated on Saturday, June 30. The trust will also be honouring donors on the same day. In 2011, the trust opened its
first dialysis centre in the King Koti hospital. The trust is also going to open an outpatient block in the same hospital on Sunday, July 1. The Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation Trust was started by 16 like-minded Jain friends who saw the insurmountable problems being faced by people with kidney failure who could not afford these expenses and were forced to give up and accept death as the only option. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people who require dialysis and cannot afford the medical expenses. Our only objective is to give such people a ray of hope. Patients from all over country can get treated in both the centres,” said Inderchand Jain, trustee, The Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation trust. The trust has tied up with nine associate hospitals in the City. Every last Sunday of the month, the trust distributes coupons to patients, which have to be produced at the
designated hospitals. To avail the coupon, the patients have to pay `400 at the trust centre and the remaining amount that has to be paid to the hospital is subsidised by the trust.
There are around one lakh Jains in the twin cities and most of them are into business, or have their own industries. Many of them are also high-level State government officials.
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N SHIVA KUMAR
No DJ for Bonalu While committee members requested for a DJ, Old City locals are unhappy with the civic preparedness for Bonalu
FESTIVAL Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com
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he Golconda Bonalu, the first of the month-long annual Bonalu festivities began on a colourful note at the Sri Jagdamba Mahankali temple. But much before the festival began in the Old City a clash of views between the organisers and the Old City police began. Shri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram members and youth organisers had requested for permission from the Old City police to get disc jockeys (DJs). “We sought police permission to get a DJ to play music during the festival. During the procession the DJs play songs to which the participating youth can dance and enjoy the festivities,” said G Niranjan, president of Shri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram Committee. However, the City police commissioner Anurag Sharma, advised the com-
mittee members to carry on as before, with traditional musical instruments like drums. He also requested the organisers to not start the procession from or near Mecca Masjid during the namaz timings. The members assured the police department that there would be no trouble from their side and they would not disrespect any other community. As many as 1,000 small and large scale processions are taken out during the month long festival from different parts of the City. Meanwhile the locals from the area are not so happy with the State government’s preparation in the Old City. “We are already facing scarcity of water from a long time and now the festival is here but yet there is no facility of round-the-clock water supply by the authorities. The authorities are not doing much to ensure a snag-free celebration of the festival,” said Laxman Rao, resident of Old City. The residents have requested the government
to ensure round-the-clock water and power supply on July 15 and 16. “It’s sad to see that the various government departments have failed to take up the listed development works around the temple. The officials of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), Central Discom and Roads and Buildings department have not yet taken up the work of repairing bad roads, clearing garbage, providing street lights, providing regular water supply and power cuts in the area,” he adds. Jai Mathaji Bhajan Chowki, Shakambari Alankara Puja, Laksha Kumkumarchana, Thottela Uregimpu, Chandi Havanam and an exhibition on Bonalu are some of the events that have been lined up for the 10-day festival in the Old City. The Bonalu festivities at the Akkana Madanna Mahankali Temple in Old City will commence on Friday, July 6 and continue till Monday, July 16.
‘The Hyderabad music scene is picking up’ MUSIC
City-based band ‘Fatman Trio’ is all set to perform at Cuba Libre on June 27
Rahul Ramakrishna rahul.r@postnoon.com
W
ith a name that reflects upon the band’s sense of humour, The Fatman Trio, are all set to go places. These Hyderabadi boys who have been playing for over a year as a band are quite happy with the music scene and are optimistic about it picking up. Aradhya Alamuru, guitarist says, “The idea began a year ago when my bassist and I were playing without a drummer. Our search for a drummer ended nine months after our impromptu jam sessions.” Ask about the band’s name and Aradhya jokingly reflects, “We were supposed to be playing at a competition somewhere and we couldn’t come up with a name. A friend of ours, while trying to humour us, called us The Fatman Trio and we’ve been a
band ever since.” The trio is a blues rock band with jazz influences. Apart from Aradhya, the band consists of Krishna Chaitanya on the bass guitars and Joshua on the drums, the band has performed over 20
shows, including a couple of acoustic sets. “The scene in Hyderabad is picking up thanks to the many initiatives of Cuba Libre or XSB these days. But we wish we do not have to procrastinate over that long dry period
between two shows,” they say. While the band’s forte is primarily blues rock, they also innovate with old blues songs arranged and presented with a refreshing three piece band framework. Hop into Cuba Libre
to listen to them playing on June 27. Some of the best blues rock artists will come alive, from the Cream to Hendrix, added with the band’s very own sense of humour and style, keeping alive the rock tradition in Hyderabad.
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Homework is crucial to biz
K Lakshmi Chandrika, founder, SS Enterprises Prudhvi Raju K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com
M
arket research is one of the important aspects for checking the viability of any
business model. With effective market research, K Lakshmi Chandrika has almost nullified the risk of her business and put her business in the growth curve within six months of launch, S.S. Enterprises, a non-woven bag
manufacturing company, which started with a mere investment of `3 lakh is almost touching `2.5 lakh revenues per month. Talking about her professional career, she says, “I started off my career with AMC Cookware in the marketing department as a sales consultant and was promoted to the branch manager position over time. I am always passionate about entrepreneurship want to start-up a company with the experience I gained. However; I did not know how to turn this passion in to reality. “After seeing an advertisement, I attended a seminar conducted by ministry of MSME and got selected in an interview for training on manufacturing of Non-woven and jute bags during the end of last year. After two months of training on different segments of business like sourcing of raw material, banking, accounting, self development, I gained confidence for starting business on non-woven bags. “However, confidence in venturing cannot guarantee the success of the business. So, to check the viability of the business idea before actually starting it, I went to 10 different retailers and convinced them to use non-woven bags instead of plastics. With these orders, I approached different non-woven and jute bag manufactures for a delivery. I understood viability of business in a month’s time and also had ready customers to start off the business. I started S.S. Enterprises in January 2011,” Talking about the business idea, she says, “With increase awareness on eco-friendly products, retailers decreased the usage of plastic bags but replaced them with other bags made up of paper, non-woven material and jute. Paper bags are also in a way harm-
WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF LAUNCH, S.S. ENTERPRISES, A NON-WOVEN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY, WHICH STARTED WITH A MERE INVESTMENT OF `3 LAKH, IS ALMOST TOUCHING `2.5 LAKH REVENUES PER MONTH. ing the environment as they are made by cutting trees. They can’t take weight like non-woven and jute bags. So that makes them the only alternatives for plastic bags in the long run.” The business still faces challenges. “The manufacturing units have grown with the increase in demand in last four years. We want to differentiate by offering quality products at a reasonable price with timely delivery in this competitive market. It is easy to lose a customer, but once gone we can never get back him. We also started screen printing on our own as we found glitches when we outsourced these bags for printing. We are also facing difficulties in finding human resource for printing,” she says. The business is going to invest another `4-5 lakh over time to upgrade its technoigies. “We are aiming for a break even in another 18 months for the total investments with around 10 per cent margins. The company is manufacturing 15,000-20,000 bags per month with a turnover of `2.5 lakh per month. It wants to double its turnover within six months by manufacturing 50,000 bags.” The business has eight employees and also provides work for 15 self-employed women. It also plans to expand into jute bag manufacturing once the business increases.
Microsoft buys Yammer
Sheryl is first Eve on FB board
SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft on Monday announced a billion-dollar deal to buy startup Yammer which specializes in social networks for businesses. Microsoft said that it will pay $1.2 billion for Yammer, which will become part of the US technology titan’s Office Division. “The acquisition of Yammer underscores our commitment to deliver technology that businesses need and people love,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Yammer was launched in San Francisco in 2008 and
SAN FRANCISCO: The woman
enables companies to make private networks that let employees communicate Twitter-style while keeping exchanges away from public viewing. Yammer has more than five million users, including workers at 85 per cent of the Fortune 500 companies, according to Microsoft. It said that it planned to promote adoption of Yammer’s service tied to complementary offerings of software or services such as SharePoint, Skype, and Office 365. AFP
known for her powerful place at the side of Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Monday took a seat on the leading social network’s board of directors. Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg became the first female member of the board at the company, which became a publicly traded firm in May with a Nasdaq debut that raised billions of dollars. Prior to joining Facebook four years ago, Sandberg was vice president of global online sales and operations at Internet search titan Google. The Harvard gradu-
`88.87
ate’s background includes having served as chief of staff for the US Treasury Department under former President Bill Clinton and being an economist with the World Bank. AFP
POUND TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012 9 NUMEROLOGY
$2.1
bn
is the worth of the deal won by South Korea’s Samsung Engineering to build a power plant in Kazakhstan.
THUS SPAKE “All they (AI pilots) have to do is to come back unconditionally to work. They never gave a notice of a strike. High Court said it is illegal. I don’t even know what the issues are. They don’t know themselves. What can we do?” Ajit Singh civil aviation minister
MORE BAD NEWS Moody’s hit 28 Spanish banks with new credit downgrades Monday, as Madrid formally requested a rescue loan of up to 100 billion euros ($125 billion) for the banking sector from its eurozone partners. Moody’s said the banks face rising losses from commercial real estate loans and that Madrid’s own lowered credit grade also contributed to the rating cuts.
VERDICT A US jury on Monday ordered French media giant Vivendi to pay some $965 million to American-based Liberty Media, headed by magnate John Malone, in a lawsuit accusing the French firm of making misleading statements about its finances. Vivendi said in a statement it would appeal the verdict. Liberty Media, which owns Starz movie channel and has stakes in SiriusXM radio, Time Warner and Viacom, ended up as a Vivendi shareholder in 2001 because of its interest in USA Networks, a broadcaster bought by the French firm. Liberty sued in 2003, contending the shares used in the acquisition were overvalued and inflated because of fraudulent statements by Vivendi about its financial conditions.
India‑View
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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
India unveiled
An era ends, a new one begins NEW DELHI: Respected among friends and foes alike, Pranab Mukherjee, the “most perfected politician of the current lot”, will leave active politics on Tuesday marking the end of an illustrious career spanning four decades in the Congress and government. The redoubtable number two in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet since 2004, Mukherjee has been the chief trouble shooter of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. The fact that he heads 83 out of the 183 group of ministers adds to his reputation for versatility, which few others can match. Senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar said Mukherjee is unique as he can be firm and yet reach out to his opponents. “He could be firm not only with leaders of other parties but with Congress leaders as well,” Aiyar told IANS. Another trait Aiyar finds remarkable in Mukherjee is his “elephantine” memory on issues related to politics and governance. The Bharatiya Janata Party too has nice words for him. “Mukherjee is a seasoned politician and a good human being... he is a dedicated Congressman,” BJP’s national vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. Mukherjee’s father Kamada
It’s a state of shame The state-run shelter was in the news after eight inmates, who were beaten up by the staff, escaped. NEW DELHI: Mathura’s child welfare system is marred by poor sanitation and living standards, dilapidated buildings, ineffective staff and irregular adoptions, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) says. The situation came to light on Friday when a five-member NCPCR team inspected a juvenile observation home, an orphanage and a beggar’s home — all run by the Uttar Pradesh government — in the Hindu holy town. At the State Observation Home, which had 35 inmates, the team found only three small rooms with cots and threadbare mattresses, a water tap for drinking and washing, open drains and no bathrooms. The team even found the young inmates had to cook, wash clothes and clean the place all by themselves. “Under the Juvenile Justice Act, no child living in a state-run home has to do such menial chores. The condition here is utterly dehumanising,” said NCPCR member Yogesh Dube. NCPCR has recommended that a case be registered against the home’s
caretaker OP Yadav for alleged neglect and ill-treatment of the children. “There is an urgent need to understand the psychology of the children behind the incident, instead of calling them unruly and undisciplined,” Dube said. The team then visited Rajkiya Shishu Griha, a home for children under 10, and found glaring discrepancies in the adoption process. Members of Mathura district’s child welfare committee were also found involved in a feud, Dube said. After the inspection, the team also asked the chief medical officer to probe the reason behind amputating the hand of a mentally-challenged girl who lived in the children’s home. Then, at the home for child beggars, the team found that it did not have a single inmate since 2010. The rooms of the dilapidated building were being used as stores and the home had staffers who had no work, Dube said. He urged the superintendent of police to form a task force to eradicate begging and bring child beggars to the beggars’ home for rehabilitation. IANS
Kinkar Mukherjee, a Congress politician, influenced him. His political career started as a deputy minister for industrial development in 1973 and he became the finance minister in 1982, a post he holds currently.
THE FACT THAT MUKHERJEE HEADS 83 OUT OF THE 183 GROUP OF MINISTERS ADDS TO HIS REPUTATION FOR VERSATILITY, WHICH FEW OTHERS CAN MATCH. HE HAS BEEN THE CHIEF TROUBLE SHOOTER OF THE CONGRESS-LED UPA GOVERNMENT.
His parliamentary career began in 1969 with a Rajya Sabha membership and he was nominated to the Upper House until 2004 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from West Bengal’s Jangipur constituency. The 76-year-old Mukherjee is a man of unparalleled experience and has served as commerce, foreign, defence and finance ministers. While the accolades have been many, there are some brickbats too. According to senior journalist Kuldeep Nayar, Mukherjee served
the Congress well for over four decades but “the only blot on him was when he, as Union commerce minister, went along with former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who declared emergency in 1975, and her son Sanjay Gandhi, who had become an extra-constitutional authority.” Opinion on how Mukherjee as finance minister managed a slowing down economy of late too is varied. Nayar said Mukherjee failed as he became bereft of ideas in the past two years while presenting the general budgets. “He is leaving the economy in a mess,” Nayar told IANS, adding “he perhaps was thinking more about his presidency.” However, political commentator N Bhaskara Rao described Mukherjee as the most perfected politician among the existing lot across parties as he understands national issues, can analyse them and always found a solution to a political crisis.” “He was the most relied upon leader by the Congress while making its strategy whether the party was in power or not,” Rao said. Though Rao said his absence from the government would be worrying for the Congress as the country is facing an economic crisis, Aiyar said “the Congress is bigger than any individual and would find a replacement of Mukherjee.”
India‑View
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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
India unveiled
US renews support on punishing 26/11 plotters The US reiterated that it has a strong interest, since the day of the attack in the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of all those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack WASHINGTON: Welcoming the arrest of Abu Jindal Hamza, a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the United States has vowed to continue to support India’s efforts to bring its perpetrators to justice. “We are aware of these reports that one of the suspected planners of the 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai has been arrested,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Monday when asked to comment on Hamza's arrest in Delhi. “We have a strong interest, as we've said, since the day of the attack in the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of all those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack because our
own citizens were among the victims,” she said. “So we want to see all of them brought to justice.” Asked if the US provided any kind of assistance intelligence-wise in nabbing the key accused in the attack blamed on Pakistan based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Nuland said she didn't have any details in this particular case. “But as you know, we have been doing what we can to share information and support of the Indian efforts to bring folks to justice,” she said. Asked if the US was going to provide India fresh access to convicted Pakistani American key plotter David Coleman Headley as requested by Indian External Affairs Minister SM
Pak offers India cooperation today offered India counter-terrorism cooperation in the backdrop of the arrest of Abu Jundal, a LeT terrorist and key handler of attackers who struck Mumbai in 2008. Maintaining that Pakistan has been at the forefront in the campaign against terror, the Pakistan High Commission here said terrorism is a common concern. "As agreed at the highest level between Pakistan and India, terrorism is a common concern and counter-terrorism cooperation is in the mutual interest of both countries, he said.
Delhi cops likely to seek extension of Jundal’s remand NEW DELHI: Delhi Police is likely to seek an extension of remand of 26/11 handler Abu Jundal, which may put a spanner in Mumbai Police's efforts to question him soon. Sources in Delhi Police said Jundal's role was being examined in the larger conspiracy behind the Jama Masjid attack in 2010, a fortnight ahead of the Commonwealth
Four babus in UP suspended
Games to "avenge" the Batla House encounter in which suspected Indian Mujahideen operatives were killed. Sources said they are likely to seek extension of police remand when Jundal will be produced before a court when his custody ends on July five. Soon after the arrest of Jundal became public, a Mumbai court on Monday issued a production warrant against him.
Equipped with the production warrant, a team of Mumbai Police will now file an application in a Delhi court seeking the custody of Jundal and bring him to Mumbai to stand trial in 26/11 case. However, if Delhi Police manages to get extension of Jundal's custody, then Mumbai Police will have to wait for some more time till he is sent to judicial custody.
Jundal was arrested on June 21 after a 43-month manhunt. He was detained in Saudi Arabia and sent here five days ago. Thirtyyear-old Jundal, alias Zabiuddin alias Riyasat Ali, is an Indian national who is believed to have issued directions from a 'control room' in Pakistan to 10 terrorists responsible for the 26/11 attacks PTI
VIEW FROM THE TOP
WASHINGTON: The United States has hailed the Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan to encourage more private sector investment in Afghanistan and support for its economy as "an excellent initiative."The US had encouraged American firms interested in Afghanistan to participate, a state department official said.
People take part in a torch rally on the eve of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Siliguri. PTI
2 aircraft carriers to be at the ready: Navy chief NEW DELHI: India is planning to operate at least two aircraft carriers at any given time, once its indigenous programme for such large warships is complete. This was stated by Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma in an address delivered at the International Institute for Strategic Studies at London Monday. Verma is in Britain on a three-day bilateral visit.
Woman worker falls to death in Thane mall
T
he Uttar Pradesh government late Monday suspended four senior officials in Pratapgrah district, including the district magistrate and police chief, for laxity in their duty following violence after a gang-rape. A government spokesman said the district magistrate YK Bahal, superintendent of police OP Sager, circle officer Kunda VS Rana and sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kunda Brahmaprakash have been suspended with immediate effect. Officials said the four were found wanting in the discharge of their duty after a gang rape was reported from a village in the Kunda area last week. As a fall out of the gang rape, irate villagers set on fire many houses and in the violence that ensued, one person was killed. Officials said the government was dissatisfied with the response of the four officials.
SRINAGAR: Undeclared curfew-like restrictions were imposed in the old city areas of Srinagar Tuesday following tension in the city over the gutting of the revered shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani in the Khanyar area. Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in riot control gear disallowed pedestrian and vehicular movement in old city areas.
US praises Delhi meet on Afghanistan
WASHINGTON: Pakistan
Krishna during his recent visit, Nuland said: “We have routinely provided access to David Headley when asked, and we will continue to make him available as appropriate.” IANS
NATION AT A GLANCE Restrictions imposed in Srinagar after tension
THANE: A woman casual worker died after she fell from the second floor of a mall while cleaning glass panes this morning, police said. Durga Shirpur, a widow who resided in Navi Mumbai, was employed in Eternity Mall as a sweeper. As part of her routine job, she was wiping glass panes on the second floor of the mall immediately after it opened.
A view of the camps near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath on Monday.
PTI
Rickshaw-pullers wade through water-logged road in Guwahati on Monday, after a heavy showers.PTI
Around the World
12
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Beyond Borders
Should we stay or should we go? Being gay is a cultural and social taboo that these young Moroccans keep hidden Marie von Hafften
RABAT, MOROCCO: In Morocco, often considered one of the most liberal Muslim countries, affection between women is common. Girls loop arms, stroll handin-hand and sit cuddled together. But when this affection becomes romantic and women want to live openly as lesbians, Morocco’s acceptance abruptly stops. Even after the Arab Spring, as
demands for democracy and human rights ripple through North Africa, homosexuality is still an island unchanged, officially illegal and too taboo to be discussed openly. Moroccan author Abdellah Taïa, who has written a new book about growing up gay in the Arab world, lives in Paris for fear of reprisal in the country of his birth. Moroccans Sarah and Maria, both 20, have been a couple for more than a year. Though Sarah now attends a university in France and Maria is studying fine arts in Casablanca, they spend time together whenever they can. Maria says she’s known she was a lesbian since she was 12
years old, but Sarah struggled when she began having feelings for Maria. “I wasn’t ready to understand how you can love someone that has the same gender,” she said. Now Sarah confidently pro
THE BLACK STALLION RETURNS
nounces, “I am lesbian.” Neither woman’s family knows of her sexual orientation, but Sarah and Maria did tell some friends and colleagues they are lesbians — and lost friends as a
Race on to save Grevy’s Zebras Helen Vesperini
WEST GATE CONSERVANCY, KENYA: Five zebras
HOOFIN’ IT: Horse riders take part in the traditional San Juan (Saint John) festival in the town of Ciutadella on the Balearic Island of Menorca on the eve of Saint John's Day. AFP/JAIME REINA
Top editors flee Fairfax’s ranks SYDNEY: Top editors at Australian newspapers The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald resigned Monday, after parent company Fairfax last week announced an overhaul designed to embrace the digital era. Peter Fray, publisher and editor-in-chief at the 180-year-old Sydney paper, and its first female editor Amanda Wilson, said they were leaving, as did The Age's editor-in-chief Paul Ramadge. Their resignations pushed shares in the company down one cent to 57 cents, a record closing low. It follows last week's shock announcement that Fairfax will slash about 1,900 jobs and downsize The Herald and The Age from broadsheet to tabloid size and
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has increased her stake in Fairfax, provoking fears she will seek to assert influence on the newspapers, known for their integrity and professionalism
put the two dailies' websites behind a paywall. Ramadge, who is expected to depart next month, said he was leaving the influential Melbourne newspaper with "divided feelings" after several weeks of talks, but added that he backed the group's new direction. The Australian media sector is enduring a turbulent period, with the two major newspaper groups Fairfax and Rupert Murdoch's News Limited both flagging large job cuts last week. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has increased her stake in Fairfax, provoking fears she will seek to assert influence on the newspapers, known for their integrity and professionalism.
result. Despite the pressures on lesbians in Morocco, there are signs that things might be changing. Sarah points to a growing community of support. True, it exists largely online, but internet forums such as LGBT Maroc and Lesbiennes du Maroc may help individuals feel they are not alone. Perhaps more significantly, the government unofficially tolerates Kif-Kif, the only organisation advocating for LGBT rights in Morocco. “We just want to be free and safe. I want to live here, but I have no security. I am Moroccan, but I cannot live in Morocco.” With reporting assistance from Yousra El Hassani.
roam the dusty Naibelibeli plains of this protected wildlife area in Kenya as a dozen camels, bathed in afternoon sunlight, feed on thorn trees. The saucer-shaped ears and barcode-tight stripes of the black-and-white animals set them apart from ordinary zebra. These are Grevy's zebra, a separate species whose numbers have plummeted in recent years. Habitat loss driven by human population growth, hunting and disease mean fewer than 2,500 remain, down from about 15,000 at the end of the 1970s. "People are settling everywhere and grazing everywhere," said Peter Lalampaa, a Samburu tribesman and senior manager at the Grevy's Zebra Trust, who was visiting West Gate.
Until Kenya banned trophy hunting in 1977, Grevy's zebra were shot for their skin. Hunting for meat probably had an even more dramatic impact on their numbers. Some northern tribes, such as the Turkana, still consider the meat a delicacy. For others such as the Samburu, whose men wear brightly coloured blankets and whose women sport a wide collar of red beads, eating meat from a member of the horse family is taboo. Kenya outlawed the sale of game meat in 2004 in a bid to rein in poaching. George Anyona, Grevy's zebra liaison officer at the Kenya Wildlife Service, says human-wildlife conflicts result from a lack of planning and not a lack of land. "If we plan well we will still have enough space,' he said, indicating the vast expanse of the plains. "I would love my grandchildren one day to also see the Grevy's zebra."
Around the World
13
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Beyond Borders
UNSC a colossal failure: US AFP
Russia repairing choppers for Syria MOSCOW: A Russian ship that tried to deliver repaired attack helicopters to Syria raised Russia’s tricolour flag as it awaited orders in a naval port to possibly make a second attempt. The Alaed
cargo vessel dropped anchor near the city of Murmansk on Sunday after being forced to turn back when its British insurer dropped coverage on learning of the mission’s true intent. AFP
Syria fires at another Turkish jet MOSCOW: Having downed
Turkey’s Prime Minister (C) meets leader of the opposition party and other officials in Ankara to discuss the developments over the downing by Syria of a Turkish fighter jet on June 22. UNITED
NATIONS: The United States said on Monday that the UN Security Council has been a “colossal failure” in protecting Syrian civilians and made a new demand for sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad. The council, which is divided on how to end the conflict, “continues to stand by, rather than to stand up,” Susan Rice, US envoy to the United Nations, told the 15-nation body. The Security Council is to get an update on the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) on Tuesday from
UK police get ‘smart’
Nasser al-Kudwa, deputy to UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan. “The situation in Syria represents a colossal failure by the Security Council to protect civilians,” Rice told a council debate on civilians in conflict. “For over a year, this council has not been willing to protect the Syrian people from the brutal actions of their government,” she added, saying the Assad government’s crackdown “has grown ever more reprehensible and ever more dangerous to international peace and security.”
a Turkish military jet last week, Syrian forces have fired at another jet looking for the first plane’s wreckage. The attack ceased after “It is a shame that this Council continues to stand by rather than to stand up,” Rice said. “We must take meaningful steps, including by imposing binding sanctions under Chapter VII, to pressure” Assad to comply with Annan’s six point peace plan and work toward a political transition, the US envoy added. Britain’s UN ambassador Mark Lyall Grant also called for “robust action” to press the Syrian government. While the United States, Britain, France and Germany
have called for sanctions against Assad, Russia and China have twice used their powers as permanent members of the council to veto resolutions which hinted at sanctions. Two other resolutions have been passed though setting up UNSMIS and calling for the withdrawal of Syrian troops and heavy weapons from cities. Britain, France and the United States are working on a new resolution which would call for sanctions on Syria, where activists say more than 15,000 people have died in the past 15 months of conflict. AFP
When small is beautiful
LONDON: British police on Tuesday loaded almost 3,000 images onto a smartphone App and invited the public to help them identify people suspected of taking part in last year’s London riots. The Metropolitan Police force loaded 2,880 CCTV images onto its App and urged people to sift through the images and confidentially send the names and addresses of any people identified. “This is a great opportunity for the public to help us fight crime and bring those who remain outstanding to justice,” said the force’s Mark Rowley. “We need Londoners to browse through the App every week or so as new images will appear regularly,” he added. “This is a fantastic way for Londoners to help us to fight crime.” Rights groups have repeatedly criticised the widespread use of CCTV in Britain. AFP
a warning from the Turkish side, and the second plane was not brought down. NATO will hold a meeting today at Turkey’s request to discuss the incident. IANS
Tiny New DURHAM: Hampshire has only four of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, but late on November 6, small might be beautiful for Mitt Romney or Barack Obama. With both campaigns predicting a cliffhanger election, even diminutive swing states can add up to far more than the sum of their parts. Had Democrat Al Gore, for instance, captured New Hampshire in 2000 — he lost the state by around 7,000 votes — he would have won the White House and the presiden-
cy of George W. Bush would have been stillborn. Obama signaled the importance of a northeastern battleground known for flinty independence, by flying in for a campaign rally on Monday, before heading to Boston to cram more Democratic dollars into his war chest. “Four more years” chanted a rowdy crowd of 1,200 jammed into a humid high school gym in the town of Durham, as Obama, shirt sleeves scrunched up at his elbows, hopped on stage in front of a banner bearing his
new slogan “Forward.” “New Hampshire — this election is your chance to break the stalemate,” said Obama as he wound up into his stump speech positioning him as a warrior for the middle class. Republican Romney is also fighting hard in the state, where he has a home and local bona fides after governing neighbouring Massachusetts, and has visited four times in the last six weeks. “Definitely it is going to be close,” a senior Romney advisor told AFP. Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, agrees. “New Hampshire once again is showing bellwether tendencies and it is fully expected to be a swing state, maybe with a slight Democratic tilt to it.” Obama captured New Hampshire by nearly 10 per centage points in his thumping 2008 win over Republican John McCain, but mirroring the national race, the Granite state is expected to be closer this time. AFP
GLOBE AT A GLANCE WikiLeaks suspect wins battle over US docs FORT MEADE: A US military judge has ordered prosecutors to show they are not withholding evidence from WikiLeaks suspect Bradley Manning after defense lawyers accused them of hiding documents that could potentially help their client’s case. Manning, 24, accused of handing over a trove of classified documents to the WikiLeaks website smiled at his attorneys after the judge read out her decision.
Eight killed in Iraq bombings BAGHDAD: : At least eight people were killed and 25 injured following two bomb blasts in different cities near Baghdad on Monday night, said police sources. At least three people were killed and four wounded when a blast occurred on the roadside in a popular pet market in Baquba city, near Baghdad.
Supporters of ousted Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo during a demonstration in Asuncion. AFP
One dead in Canada shopping mall collapse MONTREAL: Police called off their search for survivors from a weekend roof cave-in at an Ontario shopping mall, which killed one person and injured around 20. The rooftop car-park of the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake partly collapsed on Saturday but two days after the accident officials said that the structure had become too shaky for rescuers to enter safely.
Woman wins $470,000 while shopping TALLINN: An Estonian retiree, who took shelter in a casino while on her way to buy a frying pan, has hit jackpot and won a record 378,270 euros. “I was not planning on going to a casino that day, I was heading to a shopping mall to buy a frying pan, but the rain had started and my husband and I hid in a casino. It all happened after about an hour of playing,” she said.
Anti-monarchy graffiti is pictured on a wall in west Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Monday. AFP
Comment
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Fair, free and forthright
A dying friend’s idea for fighting HIV/AIDS
Talk back The unfortunate ones
Apropos The insight into Rasoolpura, June 25. Whatever we claim we do for the betterment of the society is a big fib. How else would slums exist if everyone is accorded equal rights, facilities and opportunities? Only the elite and the rich are taken care of by those in charge. Food, water, electricity and other basic amenities… only those with money can have these necessities and more. For the rest, everyday is a bloody struggle. And the most appalling fact is none of the privileged ones care. They are happy the way they are, comfy in their homes in the cool of their ACs. I have seen people waking up in the wee hours just to queue up to collect water that comes on alternate days. If you go to the slums, you can see women and men, many of them past their heydays, slugging pots and other vessels with water back to their homes. They can barely cloth themselves, what to speak of their children? Healthcare for them is something that cannot discussed, for they have none. Like weeds they grow, and go strong till they wither in time. It is these same people who are wooed every time an election is announced with grand promises. And these unfortunate ones readily are swayed, too happy to get some notice, even if it is from lying politicians. Ray Ravine Secunderabad
The wonders of plate’s colour Wow! Thank you for sharing the article Changing plate’s colour helps you shed weight, June 19. I did not know that something as simple as the plate’s colour could help you lose weight. I was online looking for some new white plates and that’s when I came across your article. I’m so happy I did because I’ll take any dieting tips that I can find, I’m definitely going to give this a try. Thank you again for sharing! Charlie Ward via e-mail
MWC will stay in our hearts Thanks for the article Married with Children, where are they now, June 21. MWC and its characters are epic and will remain in our hearts and lives for many years to come. If you are a fan, please visit Married with Children fan site to get some more great information about the show. Al B via e-mail
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. Editor: Dean Williams
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Turning point Juliana Schatz
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he watched five of her closest friends die, all of them gay men, of AIDS in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For A Toni Young each of them was a profound loss, but it was her best friend Steven’s question in the last days of his life that would change the direction of hers. “He asked me, ‘What if this was you?’” remembered Young. “I was like, ‘Don’t do this to me. I don’t want to have this on my conscience. I just want my hamburger job and kind of be done with it‘ — but it wasn’t.” In the late 1980s, HIV was still thought of as a gay man’s disease and resources almost exclusively supported infected white men. Despite his frail state, Steven, who was white, had assistance. But women and people of colour had little or close to nothing of such help. Steven thought Young should do something about it. Young took her friend’s suggestion to heart and, with no formal training, started the Community Education Group (CEG) in Ward 7, just east of the Anacostia neighbourhood of Washington, DC. “It’s a community I’m from. Ward 7 and 8 (Anacostia) are 97 and 98 per cent AfricanAmerican. It is a community rot with a lot of health disparities. HIV is one of many. But what people don’t understand is people who live east of the river have a real commitment to east of the river. We have a resilience.” In its early days, Young and a staff of five started out by distributing condoms in the neighbourhood. Today, with 25 outreach workers and eight mobile testing units providing tests and referrals to clinics, it has become one of the most respected community-based organisations in the city. “Toni really flipped things around when it came to linking patients to care,” said Dr. Shannon Hader, who served as director of the District’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA) from 2007 until 2010. When Young can escape the daily blitz of
Editorials
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A man takes a saliva swab inside an HIV testing van. Outside the van, a group of about ten others are waiting to be tested. The rapid test consists of a quick oral swab that takes 20 minutes to process a result. John Stanmeyer/GlobalPost
“He asked me, ‘What if this was you?’” recalls Young. “I was like, ‘Don’t do this to me. I don’t want to have this on my conscience. I just want my hamburger job.” A Toni Young telephone calls and meetings that consume her days, she takes the time to stroll down one of the busy hallways to tease her team with a little humour. On this day, it’s Alan Viars, who is putting the final touches on the software that will go into a new tablet application —
the newest tool for CEG’s outreach team. “Hey white boy, what have you got for me today?” asked Young, with the straight face of a veteran comedian. Viars just grins and carries on. This spring, 10 students — all recently released ex-offenders or individuals with histories of substance abuse — were in class in the back part of the building listening to an instructor teach them how to conduct rapid HIV tests as part of CHAMPS, a job-training program Young started a few years ago. It teaches community members how to do HIV outreach and testing. Almost all of Community Education Group’s staff graduated from the program. Even though she began with no special training, Young is well-known at the Center for Disease Control, has been a contributor to public health journals and a guest at the White House. She attributes it all to Steven. “He used to always tell me, ‘Girl walk in that room like you own it,'" remembered Young. “It doesn’t matter you don’t have two nickels to rub together. Walk in there like you own it and you’ll come out with something.
IS ASSAD PLANNING his own doom?
t’s not been many days since Syria shot down a Turkish jet off the Mediterranean claiming that it had violated its airspace. Turkey has been maintaining restraint. Now tensions have flared up further as Turkey claims that one of more of its aircrafts that was looking for the wreckage of the shot-down F-4 Phantom jet has been shot at by Syria and the firing stopped after Turkey issued a warning. If Turkey’s claims are true, Syria — which has already lost face by its brutal handling of its people’s uprising — is steadily justifying some kind of action from the rest of the world. Turkey has approached Nato and reports hint that the North Atlantic council has not decided upon anything specific though there’s no doubt there would be serious deliberations about the crisis triggered by Syria and the action that must be taken. It would be prudent on Bashar al-Assad’s part to not let the crisis worsen. It would be too much for him to handle it from within and without.
WASTAGE OF FOOD: That’s a shame
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e waste one-third of the food that is produced globally — 1.3 billion tones — a UN report says. The greatest culprits are North America and Europe which discard about 222 million tonnes of food. Compare that with the total food production of Sub-Saharan Africa, 230 million tonnes. Now that’s a shame.
At the workplace
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
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Paradise regained, at the office Your office desk is where you spend most of your day, while some are content with the bland stationery and drapes, others prefer creating their own little ‘treasure island’ Indira Atluri indira.a@postnoon.com
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magine working in a traditional office space, where you carry nothing more than your laptop bag and the lunch bag your mum or your wife packed for you — a place where just work, and nothing else matters. How boring does that sound? To some, if it is nothing more than a place assigned by the manager, to many, it is a space that needs to be exploited! And how! We spoke to a few to who the desk is a means of an expression their unique personalities. Ever heard of a collector of fossilised insects? That is exactly how Vaibhav Kundalkar, a corporate employee adorns his desk. An avid trekking enthusiast, Vaibhav tells us, “My friend Jas and I love to go on weekend trips to jungles and the outskirts where we get to see some great flora and fauna. I once spotted a funny little skeleton of a creature that looked like a beetle. I pasted it on
CRYSTAL
FROM MINIATURE CARS TO BONSAI; FROM PICTURES TO SOUVENIRS, DESKS ARE ALL YOU CAN MAKE THEM TO BE. OF COURSE, MOSTLY IT IS HOBBIES THAT MAKE THEIR WAY ONTO BLAND DESKS.
a black paper, wrote the date I found it on, and framed it. That was five years ago, and now I am a collector!” His desk evokes mixed responses from his teammates he says. While some find it grotesque, some appreciate the wanderer in him. Teddy Bears are perhaps the most common ‘colleagues and companions’ to many corporate women. Madhumika Dinushi graduated this year and is all set to join a multinational firm in Hyderabad. Apart from her expectations of doing well professionally, she also hopes that her desk is big enough to accommodate her interests. She tells us, “I have a collection of around 12 little teddy bears that my college friends gave me on my birthday two months ago. I hope to have them all on my desk when I join office next month.” Vasundhara Saha though is averse to the idea of keeping stuffed toys on the desk, she says,. “I think people who collect teddy bears and pink stuffed toys need to be at home with their kindergarten friends
RELAX! YOU’RE ONLY AT WORK Make your workspace look attractive to you Try new furniture, photos, posters, mirrors, flowers, knick knacks, toys, statues, rugs, artwork, crystals, etc. If you have the necessary control, you can also tweak the lighting in your workspace to create the right type of mood.
Clear out the clutter One look at a cluttered workspace, and you get a sense that the person working there is stressed, overwhelmed, and disorganised. Ideally the only paper items on your desk should be directly related to the current task at hand. Store everything else in drawers, shelves, or cabinets.
Add plants Plants are a wonderful way to add life to a lifeless workspace. Use only living, oxygen-generating plants, not lifeless fake ones. Water them as
needed to keep them healthy. Over time you’ll find that your plants begin to resonate with you and become a reflection of you.
Make it smell good Australian dentist Paddy Lund has his staff bake fresh muffins for his patients daily. Think about how a dentist’s office usually smells. Now imagine walking into one that smells of blueberry muffins. If you don’t like candles, there are other options for improving the smell of your office. You can get a diffuser and fill it with essential oil, or add some potpourri. Be careful when considering chemical air fresheners though, as there are reports they can pose health risks.
Play relaxing music Experiment with different types of music to see what effect they have on your stress level and productivity. Use headphones if you need to keep from disturbing others. I prefer total silence when I do certain types of work, but for everyday tasks I like listening to music. My favourite streams are Vocal Trance and New Age.
Get a decent chair Most likely you’ll use your chair more than any other object in your workspace, so consider investing in a good one. Today there’s an assortment of oddities you can sit on, including knee chairs, balls, and more. Steve Pavlina
and not in offices. I find that the joy of imbeciles and not of professionals.” The debate surely goes on, but who is to judge what is good, bad, appropriate or juvenile in workplaces that believe in giving as much freedom to the employee as possible! From miniature cars to Bonsai plants, from self-flagellating pictures to souvenirs, desks are all you can make them to be. Of course, mostly it is hobbies that make their way into the otherwise bland desks. But to some, utilities such as stationery also are a way to express one’s creativity. Tape dispensers in the shape of snails and alligators, sticky notes with impressions of actors or performers, push pins topped with beetles or lady bugs all add the much required colour and spice to the desk spaces. Go ahead, give expressions to your creativity and let your office know that a great performer you may be, but are not lagging behind when it comes to work either!
H‑Factor
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
Of a nerve wracking nature Multiple sclerosis is said to affect more women than men and is one debilitating illness. There is no known cure for this ailment, just ways to control symptoms Ranjani Rajendra ranjani.r@postnoon.com
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magine living a life where you suddenly realise that the numbness in your limbs has now progressed to you having little control over them. And to think you started out just fine, until the day you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That is exactly what happened with reality TV star and new father Jack Osbourne, better known as Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne’s son. Life for the 26-year-old father was going great guns, with him having landed a plum job and having just welcomed his baby son into the world, when he was diagnosed with the debilitating ailment. The result – he lost his job, because the channel thought he couldn’t perform following his diagnosis. While Jack Osbourne continues to battle it out and holds onto every ray of hope coming his way to stay positive, there are several others out there who grapple with
multiple sclerosis. In fact, according to surveys conducted in the past it has been discovered that the incidence of multiple sclerosis has tripled in the last decade. Nearly three in 1,00,000 people are victims of this ailment in India. Although the figure might seem small, for a nation of over 1.2 billion people, this is a significant number. However, in the Parsi community, the prevalence stands at 26 in 1,00,000. According to epidemiological studies there is a higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Iran, from where Parsis originally come.
What it is Multiple sclerosis is more common in the older population than in the paediatric group. It is a neurological disorder that affects the brain
3 IN 1,00,000 PEOPLE ARE VICTIMS OF THIS AILMENT IN INDIA. IN THE PARSI COMMUNITY, THE PREVALENCE STANDS AT 26 IN 1,00,000. ACCORDING TO STUDIES THERE IS A HIGHER PREVALENCE OF MS IN IRAN, FROM WHERE PARSIS ORIGINALLY COME.
Neurons that control hunger also drive drug addiction
covering is damaged, signals slow down or stop. This can occur anywhere in the brain area, optic nerve or spinal cord. While the exact causes are unknown, it is either due to a virus or a genetic cause,” says Dr Sreekanth, a neurologist.
Symptoms “The symptoms could vary depending on the severity and area that has been affected. If muscles are affected then symptoms could be loss of balance, spasms, problem with motor skills etc. Other symptoms could include, loss of bladder control, double vision, numbness or tingling, dizziness etc,” says Dr Sreekanth.
Treatment and spinal cord and while it progresses very gradually it does cause an individual to lose motor skills over time. It is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. “When this
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“Often symptoms mimic other nervous system disorders so diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions. While there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis yet, there are therapies and medications available to slow down its progression and reduce its severity,” he says.
WASHINGTON: Researchers have zeroed in on a set of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain’s hypothalamus that is not only linked with hunger and overeating, but also drives drug addiction. Researchers focused attention on the brain’s reward circuits located in the midbrain to develop treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes. “Using genetic approaches, we found that increased appetite for food can actually be associated with decreased interest in novelty as well as in cocaine, and on the other hand, less interest in food can predict increased interest in cocaine,” said Marcelo O Dietrich, postdoctoral associate at the Yale School of Medicine. Dietrich conducted the research with Tamas L Horvath, professor of biomedical research at the Yale School and his team, studying two sets of transgenic mice, the journal Nature Neuroscience reports. In one set, they knocked out a signalling molecule that controls hunger-promoting neurons in the hypothalamus, which regulates vital functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst fatigue and sleep, according to an Yale statement. In the other set, they interfered with the neurons by eliminating them selectively during development. The mice were given various tests that measured how they respond to anxiety and cocaine. “We found that animals that have less interest in food are more interested in novelty-seeking behaviours and drugs like cocaine,” said Horvath. “This suggests that there may be individuals with increased drive of the reward circuitry, but who are still lean.” “This is a complex trait that arises from the activity of the basic feeding circuits during development, which then impacts the adult response to drugs and novelty in the environment,” added Horvath. “These hunger-promoting neurons are critically important during development to establish the set point of higher brain functions, and their impaired function may be the underlying cause for altered motivated and cognitive behaviours,” he said. IANS
H‑Factor
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
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Placenta can stave off postnatal depression What was once an age-old Chinese tradition is now catching on with the West. Some believe it can help ward off depression, improve breast milk supply and boost energy SHANGHAI: After Wang Lan delivered, she brought home a baby girl and her placenta, which she plans to eat in a soup — adopting an age-old practice in Chinese traditional medicine. The health-giving qualities of placenta are currently creating a buzz in Western countries, where some believe it can help ward off postnatal depression, improve breast milk supply and boost energy levels. But placentophagy — the practice of eating one’s placenta after birth — is relatively common in China, where it is thought to have anti-ageing properties, and dates back more than 2,000 years. “It is in the refrigerator now and I am waiting for my mother to come and cook it to eat. After cleaning, it can be stewed for soup, without that fishy smell,”
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Wang said, adding she believed it would help her recover from delivery. Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of a unified China, is said to have designated placenta as having health properties some 2,200 years ago, and during China’s last dynasty, the dowager empress Cixi was said to have eaten it to stay young. A classic medical text from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) said placenta —which lines the uterus and is key to the survival of the foetus — was “heavily nutritious” and “if taken for the longer term... longevity will be achieved”. China’s state media says the practice of eating placenta has reemerged over the past decade. One maternity hospital in the eastern city of Nanjing reported that about 10 per cent of new par-
ents took their placenta after childbirth. Internet postings swap recipes on how to prepare placenta. One popular health website suggests soup, dumplings, meat balls or mixing it with other kinds of traditional Chinese medicine. While trade in the organs has been banned since 2005, pills containing placentas ground into powder are legally available in Chinese pharmacies indicating unwanted placenta is somehow making its way to drug companies. “It is a tonic to fortify the ‘qi’ and enrich the blood,” a traditional medicine doctor at Shanghai’s Lei Yun Shang pharmacy said, referring to the “life force” that practitioners believe flows through the body. “Sales are very good.
HOUSECALL
APP-LY YOURSELF
Chickenpox
Me, Myself and I
hickenpox is caused by a virus Herpes Varicella Zoster which spread in droplets inhaled into the respiratory tract. Complications are rare but serious. Chickenpox usually effects children who are the age of 10. If it happens in elders or elder children there is a possibility that the effects are more serious. The incubation period for a person suffering from chicken pox is 14 to 24 days. The initial symptoms are mild fever and headaches. Treatment for chickenpox involves a variety of antiviral treatments. Chickenpox can now be prevented with the help of a vaccine.
Basically, every time we have supplies, they sell out very quickly,” a clerk at the shop told AFP. And it’s not just mothers who want to eat the placenta. One new father in Shanghai who did not want to be named said his relatives were eager to try the sought-after item. “My wife and I were still in the hospital... and they ate it,” he said. But strong demand has created a thriving black market with hospitals, medical workers and even mothers selling placentas in violation of the law. Last year, authorities investigated a hospital in the southern city of Guangzhou for selling placentas for 20 yuan ($2) apiece. “They (nurses) take the money and use it to buy breakfast,” a source told a the local Xin Kuai newspaper. They fetch a higher price in
holistic approach to many of A life’s various problems. Me, Myself and I is a health app which helps provide you with a holistic approach to wellness and health. I this app the user plays a card game with cards in the following categories – health, home, safety, life and money, exploring the impact that factors can have on someone’s health. At the end of the game the individual is issued with a prescription highlighting risk factors and areas that need addressing, enabling them to manage their condition. This is based on an original paper board game.
other parts of China like the eastern city of Jinan, where dealers ask as much as 300 yuan per placenta, most sourced from hospitals. Last month, South Korean customs said they had uncovered multiple attempts to illegally import over 17,000 capsules apparently containing the powdered flesh of dead babies. Experts have said the pills may actually be made from human placenta, raising concerns that China’s trade in the organs has started to go international. Some people, meanwhile, are averse to the idea. “I know it’s good for health, but the idea of eating human flesh is just disgusting. I cannot do it,” said Shanghai accountant Grace Jiang, who opted to leave the placenta after giving birth to her son. AFP
DID YOU KNOW? Eggs raise ‘good cholesterol’
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ou’ve always loved eggs but have stopped eating them after repeated warnings from friends and family about it’s negative impact on your cholesterol- this fact is just for you. Studies have proven that the cholesterol found in food needn’t directly impact the cholesterol in your bloodstream as much as experts once thought. According to UC Berkeley’s Wellness Letter, eating cholesterol-rich foods only raises blood cholesterol in about a third of people. Some other studies have shown that eggs in particular help raise HDL which may counter any effects of raising LDL. That doesn’t mean you can eat an infinite number of eggs, but an egg a day is sufficient.
Spotlight 1
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
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DEEPAK DESHPANDE
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Time travellers The members of Club Se La Vie on Monday held a theme party at the Park Hyatt. The event was titled From Charminar to Chinatown and the ladies’ dresses reflected the theme of the party. DEEPAK DESHPANDE
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1. Nikitha Reddy & Sheetal 2. Shalini & Sonal 3. Bobby & Sirisha 4. Trushna 5. Priti & Neha 6. Sarita Lohiya 7. Rajni
Actor Asin Thottumkal was in the city on Monday to unveil the Fair and Lovely Expert Express bus at Park Hyatt. The staff on the customised luxury bus will offer personalised advice on skin care and solutions.
Health matters The Taj Krishna Ladies Club has the health of its members and their families foremost on their minds and so they organised a session on weight management, nutrition and beauty in collaboration with VLCC. The session was held in the Garden Room at Taj Krishna on Monday.
DEEPAK DESHPANDE
Magic Screen
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
Media reports irk Prakash Raj
P First look of Gouravam unveiled
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he first look of Radhamohan’s upcoming bilingual film Gouravam has caught the attention of netizens after it was unveiled yesterday by Prakash Raj on Twitter. The parched land and dilapidated building in the middle of nowhere, in the poster, have raised quite a lot of curiosity and the film seems to be quite in contrast to what the initial buzz aboutthe film was. Allu Sirish is making his acting debut with this film and Yami Gautam is playing the lead role. The principal shooting of the film Prakash Raj is producing the film under the Duet Movies banner. SS Thaman is composing the music.
rakash Raj is undoubtedly one of the most soughtafter actors in Telugu film industry today. He’s part of almost every big budget film in Telugu and producers don’t shy away from paying him a bomb to sign him for their films. There have been several rumours about how much he charges per day and recently a section of media began quoting anonymous sources that he charges about `10 lakh per day. The actor
was so miffed with these reports that he lashed out at the gossipmongers. “I’m angry with reports in the media that I charge 10 lakh per day?NONSENSE How DARE they think I’m available for so Less. Grow up guys!!!!! (sic),” Prakash Raj posted on Twitter. Despite reports that he’s a tough person to work with, sources say that people close to him can’t stop raving about his magnanimity. Recently, he gifted new flats at a posh locality in Hyderabad to his staff. On the workfront, he’s currently acting in Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and he will soon be seen in Puri Jagannadh’s Devudu Chesina Manushulu.
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T-TOWN TWEETIES
@Actor_Siddharth The Indian mind is being systematically made to forget its natural attraction to dark skin. Fairness ads are getting more offensive everyday!
@shriyasmiling Reading Papillon by Henri charriere. Very intriguing. It's from dad’s collection. About 20 years old book.
@actor_Nikhil What is success?? It is when people search for u on Google instead of searching 4 you on Facebook... ;-)
@tashu_02 Jst a thot- body odour n foul smell from mouth are natural, but can b taken care of as well, its not dat difficult..Than y do people ignore it?
@pnavdeep26
NANI IS ON A HIGH N
ani is on a roll these days with back to back big projects in both Telugu and Tamil. Apart from Eega and Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, he’ll soon be seen in Krishnavamsi’s Paisa for which he had been shooting in Hyderabad for the past few weeks. Recently, he won the Vijay TV award for Best Debut in Tamil for his role in Veppam and at SIIMA, he was given the Rising Star of South Indian Cinema award. As soon as he flew
back to Hyderabad from Dubai, he flew to Chennai to take part in the photoshoot of his upcoming film. “Off to chennai .. For the photoshoot of my new film which is going to start in August ...Details soon (sic),” Nani posted on Twitter. We hear that this photoshoot is for his upcoming film to be directed by Samuthirakani and Amala Paul is going to play the lead role in it.
26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking: say no to drugsnow and always
@sundeepkishan Hearing some really nice things about Memu Vayasuki Vachem...unfortunate that even good small films dont get enough theatres #disheartening
@ramsayz New DP...No fat burners, No steroids, No starving...Just healthy food and regular physical training... NO 6PACK...it’s just my BACK!!...; p
@ssrajamouli Nagarjunagaru's new look is terrific. What's more amazing is the transformation to this after Shiridi Saibaba. Style personified... :)
Magic Screen
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
Prachi happy to play her age in I, Me Aur Main
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I, Me Aur Main is a perfect opportunity for me to change people’s perceptions about me,” says Prachi Desai who will be seen playing her age in the film. She adds that usually she has been offered roles older than her age. “It is such a vivacious role. I don’t think people have nor-
mally seen me like that. The film is a perfect opportunity for me to change people’s perceptions about me,” she said. Directed by debutant Kapil Sharma, John will be seen romancing five girls in I, Me Aur Main. Prachi is one of them. She said: “I, Me Aur Main is a modern film. I play a girl who is very young. She just comes into John’s life and changes everything around him.”
The young actress started her career as the lead in TV show Kasamh Se, feels that the industry had a set perception about her and that nobody wanted to try her for new roles. According to her, she was always offered roles older to her. “The reason for being offered roles much older than me was because that is the kind of role I had done on television. So, I guess, people wanted to stick to that. Nobody
wanted to experiment with me,” said the actress. The 25-year-old made her big screen debut with “Rock On!” and later featured in “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, “Life Partner” and recently released Teri Meri Kahaani. IANS
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B-TOWN TWEETIES
@priyankachopra Nothing comes close to the love that parents give...no matter what happens loving ur parents is the most unconditional love in the world...
@SrBachchan T 785 - AAAHHHHHH !!! Have risen out of my slumberous condition, and prepare to work now for another night of .. FOOTBALL !! The little joys
@singer_shaan Do give a listen to 'khudgarzi' on Utube ( erosnowmusic ) it's a Dance track.. So listen with earphones.. Feel the thump better:))
@Riteishd happy birthday my dear @aftab_ps - have a super duper grand Masti bhara janmadin
Tough to promote Indian dance: Remo
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Buying a film’s rights is like paying tribute
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f one is inspired by a movie, its rights should be bought to make one’s own version, actor Ajay Devgn suggests, adding this is akin to paying a tribute to that work. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Gol Maal inspires his forthcoming film Bol Bachchan, which he has co-produced with Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. “A lot of people told us that we didn’t need to buy the rights. But
ideally, if a film inspires you, you need to buy the rights. It is just ethical. It is like giving a tribute,” Ajay said.. Directed by Rohit Shetty, Bol Bachchan is an action comedy. The film will see Ajay along with Abhishek Bachchan and Asin Thottumkal. Ajay plays landlord Prithviraj Raghuvanshi who loves to talk in English but does not know the language. IANS
ndian youth is more inclined towards western dance forms like Bboying, hip-hop and jazz and their interest in Indian classical forms is diminishing, laments choreographer Remo D’Souza, who couldn’t find any takers to release his film on Chhau dance. “The whole scene has changed. People come to me and say, ‘I want to make my son a dancer’. We never had this. In my time, my father would have slapped me if I was to say I want to become a dancer. It’s a huge change,” Remo said. “We try to promote Indian dance, but we know that people, majorly youth, doesn’t want to watch it. They prefer more western forms,” he added.Talking about his first directorial venture,
Bengali film Lal Pahare’r Katha, he said: “I made my first Bengali film based on Chhau dance. I won a lot of praise for it in the US, Germany and other countries, but in India, nobody released that film. IANS
@NeilNMukesh Finally got myself a new iphone ! :) now time to go home and download allllllll my apps again ! Phew! !!!
@ameesha_patel At shoot of bhaiyaji superhit.waiting for my makeup van 2 get electricity from the generators..chilin in my car reading newspapers
@ActorMadhavan Princess our first puppy went to a better place this morning.RIP my baby.
@imarshadwarsi The way the laws r being implemented I feel India is back under British Raj.... Bapu pls come back n save us from the local Brits ..
Magic Screen
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
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Magic Screen
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
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Magic Screen
The glamour behind the glitz
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have a date night Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart both attended their friend Kevin Turen’s wedding in New Jersey on Saturday. Rob took a turn as DJ during the reception, while Kristen kept things casual in her t-shirt and jeans. The caterer for the event posted a picture of Robert’s and Kristen’s place cards for the meal. Rob and Kristen shared a date night in La last week when she returned from her Snow White and the Huntsman press tour in Australia. The couple are enjoying a small downtime between promoting projects, but they’ll be gearing up for their final Twilight soon enough. The first group of Breaking Dawn Part 2 pictures and the trailer were just released, and the crew is expected to reunite for Comic-Con in July.
Andrew almost suffocated on Spiderman SpiderManset sets
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ndrew Garfield Garfield has hasrevealed revealedthat that he almost almost suffocated suffocatedwhile whilefilmfilming the the upcoming upcomingAmazing Amazing Spider-Man Spider-Man movie.The movie.TheSocial Social Network Network actor actor stars starsin inthe thefilm filmas asPeter Peter Parker opposite opposite Emma Emma Stone, Stone,Martin Martin Sheen, Sally Sally Field Field and andRhys RhysIfans. Ifans. Garfield told told the the New NewYork YorkDaily DailyNews News that he had aa harrowing harrowingexperience experienceon on set after failing failing to to realise realisethat thathis hisSpiderSpiderMan suit was was not not equipped equippedfor forwater. water.“I“I had to get wet, wet, and and IIjust justkind kindof ofdove doveinin and didn’t realise realise that thatwater wateron onthe themask mask made it impossible impossible to tobreathe,” breathe,”the theactor actor explained. “So “So II was was kind kindof, of,like, like,suffosuffo-
cating. I couldn’t couldn’t get getany anyoxygen! oxygen!II water-boarded water-boarded myself.” myself.”He He praised fight co-ordinator co-ordinator Andy Andy Armstrong’s quick quick thinking thinkingfor fordiving diving in and in and removing removing the the restrictive restrictive mask from maskhis from face. hisThe face. Amazing The Amazing Spider-Man Spider-Man is a reboot is a of reboot the Sam of the Raimi Samfilms Raimi which films starred which starred Tobey Maguire Tobey Maguire in the Peter in Parker the Peter role. Parker Garfield, role.who Garfield, has been who has a fan been of Spider-Man a fan of Spidersince he was Manasince boy, recently he was asaid boy,that recently he just “wanted said that to hedo just it justice” “wantedintothis do it new justice” retelling. in thisThe newfilm retelling. is scheduled The for filmrelease is scheduled on July for 3. release on
Princess Merida beats up the boys at the box office “Brave” and its red-tressed heroine Princess Merida had the box office all bowed-up this weekend, posting a $66.7 million debut. “This is Pixar doing what Pixar does,” Disney’s executive vice-president of exhibition Dave Hollis told TheWrap Sunday. “They have created very high expectations and they’ve delivered.” Audiences agreed, giving the movie an “A” CinemaScore. It’s the 13th consecutive No. 1 opening for Pixar, and marks the summer’s second major box-office score for Disney with a film from an in-house studio partner. Marvel’s superhero mashup “The Avengers” posted the biggest box-office bow in U.S. history in May and has gone on to make more than $1.4 billion worldwide
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
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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
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa
26
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Give shelter or refuge to 7 Uppercut target 11 Bottom-row PC key 14 Elaborately embellished 15 Boxcar Willie dressed as one 16 Astor's line 17 Summer treat for a goddess? 19 Dangerous to drive on 20 Showed off, as clothes 21 Pupil's flower? 22 Kangaroo babies 25 Assistance provider 26 Airplane assignment 27 Aussie avian 28 "Guinness World Records" suffix 30 Post-wedding title 32 Lee of baking fame 34 Area away from the battle 37 To best 41 Patronizing a wellknown retailer? 44 Decreases, as pain 45 Ballesteros of golf 46 Punjabi queen 47 Basketball backboard attachment 49 "Am ___ risk?" 51 Bad thing to invoke 52 Match audio and video 55 Caribbean taro 58 Many a Wayne flick 60 Beach ball? 61 Very last segment 63 Mo. of Canada's Thanksgiving 64 Hands-on god in a children's farm activity? 68 A fifth of "Hamlet" 69 Hype up 70 They make a party a party 71 Adverse vote 72 Ant formation 73 Has a second meeting with DOWN
1 ___ polloi 2 "The ___ of the Deal" 3 "Messenger" molecule 4 Pleasant, weather-wise 5 Serving no purpose 6 Audition for a part 7 Five-alarm dish 8 Flimflammed 9 Footnote notation 10 "Terrible twos" cries 11 Blazing 12 Windward Island St. ___ 13 Clandestine meeting 18 Tidies up 21 Magazine publisher, e.g.? 22 Eisenberg of "The Social Network" 23 Missouri River city 24 Cash from the Continent 29 ___ Lanka 31 "Arabian Nights" men-
ace 33 Quick impression 35 Woman's secret 36 Filled pasta 38 Brown eyes or curly hair, e.g. 39 Category 40 Basketry twig 42 Last Greek consonant 43 "Coffee or ___?" 48 Planetary threat in some sci-fi films 50 Taste bud locale 52 Ashcan School member 53 New Mexico
SUDOKU
state flower 54 Dressed like King Cole? 56 It's a fact 57 Simple tune 59 Ax relatives 62 Bridge builder, for one (Abbr.) PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
THOUGHT OF THE DAY Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. – Rabindranath Tagore
Chai Time STAR POWER
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR
As per Hindu panchang
FOR 27-6-2012
thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9177596118
TAURUS
GEMINI
Avoid consuming junk foods or eating out in the parties. If unavoidable take utmost care to eat foods that don't harm you. You might be caught due to certain wrong doings but don't give up.
Unexpected disappointments and fina‑ cial losses will make you upset. Need not worry as you will get back the same in some other profitable deal and hence cheer up.
Influx of more visitors will increase the expenses. Professionals need to work hard to achieve their goals. Held up projects of businessmen will gain momentum and get completed.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Employees need to keep their cool as differences with superiors likely. Avoid any such problems and work with involvement to avoid getting blamed.
Opportunities to come in your way and make use of everyone of them effectively without giving them any miss. Financial position will be good only if you put in proper efforts.
Your stock is set to pile up. Employees need to substantiate their efforts on the upcoming new project, else they might face the ire from superiors.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Employees are required to do the important works on their own only rather than entrusting them with someone. Financial situation looks sat‑ isfactory.
The decisions taken by you with due considerations and with courage will start yielding the expected results. Chances of minor misunderstanding with spouse likely.
Avoid getting into dispute with anyone as you might be humiliated. Expenses will go up due to influx of visitors. Professionals will be in limelight and their income is expected to grow.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Minor tensions likely but you will be able to handle them wisely. Chances of getting criticised and support from your own relatives may not come through.
Health problem likely. Take good care. Businessmen need to plan the launch of new ventures properly and ensure that you complete them in time to avoid any future problems.
Spouse may not understand your good intentions, which might cause misun‑ derstanding between both of you. Convince her with patience and avoid the problem.
SUMAA TEKUR
FOR 27-6-2012
tarotreadhyd@gmail.com
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Six of Swords – Overseas contacts are very important to determine success in your field. Network in the right way, using the right channels.
The Wheel of Fortune – Conceptual ideas are the beginning to giv‑ ing your plans more concrete shape. Work out the blueprints.
Knight of Wands – There are no free lunches in this world. If someone is being very close to you and friendly, you need to think why and what this person wants.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Temperance – There are unconventional ways to sell your ideas to skeptics. Use different chan‑ nels of communica‑ tion and take ideas from the internet.
Three of Swords – You need to stay united with family members in times of trouble to show that you care and that you can be a family person.
Seven of Wands – You need to make detailed notes at important meetings so that everything is recorded well and also because there will be no confusion.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Page of Swords – Solutions to lifeʼs larger problems can‑ not be found in a mechanical way because often there are emotions involved.
Two of Wands – You need to feel free to spend some time by yourself everyday and do what you like. You have to wrestle your way through the dayʼs tasks.
Two of Cups – There is a notion that you donʼt like sharing, even if youʼre in a marriage. But thatʼs not true. Certain events show you can be a good partner.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Three of Pentacles – Your mind is feeling fresh, because you have been having interacting with the right kind of intellec‑ tual people and have gathered new ideas.
Four of Wands – Be careful when you prefer fast food and ready‑to‑eat food like instant noodles and frozen samosas over fresh home‑cooked food.
The Fool – Be open to new possibilities. New opportunities open up in areas unfamiliar to you. Try these out with‑ out dismissing them at the very start.
For Better or for Worse Stone soup
SOLUTIONS
Boggle TENOR SOPROND BARITONE
Number game
Suduko
Scrabble
Ink pen
COMICS
Fred Basset
ARIES
TAROT READ
27
Vol: 1, No. 345 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 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211
2012 LONDON OLYMPICS
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DID YOU KNOW...? n Synchronised Swimming began as a sport for men in the 1800s. It is now one of two disciplines on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.
LEGENDS OF THE SPORT
STAYING IN SYNC
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Sarah and Karen Josephson (born January 10, 1964) Identical twins Sarah and Karen Josephson won every synchronised swimming title available during their illustrious careers. Sarah first competed in 1984, but it was not until Seoul 1988 that the pair teamed up on the Olympic stage in the Duets event. Although they put on a strong performance, the twins had to settle for second place.
Olga Brusnikina (born November 9, 1978) When the Synchronised Swimming Team event was added to the Olympic programme in 1996, Olga Brusnikina was a member of the Russian team that placed fourth. In 2000 Brusnikina and her partner, Maria Kisseleva, swam a karate-themed free routine in the Duets, earning straight 10’s for artistic interpretation.
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DAYS TO GO
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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
n Hollywood star Esther Williams performed water ballet in several American movies in the 1940s and 1950s. She hoped to compete in the 1940 Olympic Games, but they were cancelled because of World War II
TALLY 2008
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RUSSIA SPAIN CHINA
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MEDAL EVENTS August 7 Women’s Duets August 10 Women’s Teams
TRIVIA
Synchronised Swimming grew out of the ornamental water ballets of the late 19th
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Part of the pool used for Swimming events is used for this competition. The area used for Synchronised Swimming is 30m long, 25m wide and 3m deep.
Synchronised Swimming at Games
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Synchronised Swimming is all about grace under pressure, as athletes use pinpoint precision and immense stamina to deliver beautiful routines in the pool. It made its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 1984 Games.
Field of play
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SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING:
THE LINGO Scull: underwater hand movements designed to move and support the body in the pool Deckwork: the initial movements performed by swimmers after the music starts but before they enter the water Back layout: a position in which the swimmer holds herself flat and face up on the water’s surface while sculling and early 20th centuries, which became popular in Europe and the US thanks to pioneers such as Australian swimmer Annette Kellerm-
an. The first competitions were held in the 1930s.
The basics Aided by underwater speakers, duets or teams of eight swimmers perform short routines to a musical accompaniment. Judges mark a variety of components during the course of a routine, including choreography, difficulty and execution.
Competition format In the Duets event, each duet performs a technical routine and a free routine. The total combined scores determine which 12 duets progress to the final, where each of them performs a free routine final. The results are determined by the combination of the scores from the technical routine during the
preliminary phase and the free routine final. In the Teams event, each team performs a technical routine and a free routine. The total of the two scores determines the competition results
Officials In the technical routine, one panel judges the execution, including the required elements while in the free routine the technical merit judges score the difficulty and execution of strokes/movements as well as the synchronisation of the swimmers. The other panel (for both) is looking at the overall impression: choreography, synchronisation, difficulty and manner of presentation. Venues: Aquatics Centre
The Eggbeater The “eggbeater kick” is an important skill of synchronised swimming. It is a form of treading the water that allows for stability as well as height above the water while leaving the hands free to perform strokes. An average eggbeater height is usually around chest level. Using the eggbeater, swimmers can also perform “boosts”, where they use their legs to momentarily propel the-mselves out of the water to their hips or higher. “Eggbeater” is also a common movement found in water polo as well as the “pop-up” movement.
HISTORY OF SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING
A
t the turn of the 20th century, sycharonised swimming was known as water ballet. The first recorded competition was in 1891 in Berlin, Germany. Many swim clubs were formed around that time, and the sport simultaneously developed
within several countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Ger-many, and the USA. As well as existing as a sport, it often constituted a popular addition to Music Hall evenings, in the larger variety theatres of London or Glasgow which were equipped with
huge on-stage water tanks for the purpose. While exclusively a sport performed by men initially, it quickly became a women’s sport because the nature of the physical movements are more suitable to the female physique. In 1907, Australian Annette Kellerman
popularized the sport when she performed in a glass tank as an underwater ballerina in the New York Hippodrome. After experimenting with various diving actions and stunts in the water, Katherine Curtis started one of the first water ballet clubs.
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
29
DAYS TO GO
JESSE NEARLY LOSES BERTH EUGENE, OREGON: Reigning world high jump champion Jesse Williams barely qualified for London while Alysia Montano served notice she will be an 800-meter medal threat at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. On a rainy Monday at the meet where the top three finishers typically book US berths at the Olympics, Williams slipped in with a fourth-place finish only because third-place finisher Nick Ross had not reached the Olympic A standard. “For me not to be on the team would be a disaster,” Williams said. “It almost didn’t happen for me.” Ross took three leaps at 2.31 meters, the height he needed to clear to qualify for the Olympics, but failed each time as Williams watched helplessly, unable to do more than hope his rival missed. “I’ve never been in a situation quite that dramatic, wishing someone to miss,” Williams said. “He had some really good jumps at 2.31. I was sitting there thinking, ‘Miss them.’ Normally I don’t think that during competitions. “Normally I don’t put myself in that kind of distress.” Montano, who missed the podium at last year’s worlds by .06 of a second, won the women’s 800 in 1:59.08. Her season-best time of 1:57.37 at a Diamond
Beisel books 400m individual Olympic berth in style OMAHA, NEBRASKA: Despite
League meet in Eugene on June 1 ranks second in the world this year in the event. “I don’t want to go to the Games for the Olympic experience,” Montano said. “I want a spot on the podium. I want to win.” No American woman has taken a women’s 800 Olympic medal since Kim Gallagher in 1988. The only US woman to win gold in the event was Madeline Manning in 1968. But Montano intends to change that. “I want to be a trailblazer,” she said. “I looked at the women who won this race. I would see them start running from the gun. That’s what I want to do.” Jamie Nieto, 12th on this year’s world performers list
For me not to be on the team would be a disaster. I’ve never been in a situation quite that dramatic, wishing someone to miss. Jesse Williams, High Jump Champion at 2.31, won the high jump on fewest misses with Erik Kynard, fourth on the 2012 world performers list at 2.34, taking second the same way. Both Ross and Williams missed three times before
missing all their jumps at 2.31, but because Williams missed later in the competition, he finished fourth behind Ross. “Sometimes in the rain something can go a little off,” Williams said. “I wasn’t able to get in the right position for my takeoff. I did a lot of things wrong. When I do these things well, I’ll perform well. “When you start forcing things, when you try to muscle over, things go wrong. I became a jumper, not a high jumper.” Williams wants to learn a lesson from his near-miss experience as he prepares for London — “to do everything in my training more correctly. I’m not going to let it happen again. AFP
Lochte edges Phelps in 400m medley OMAHA, NEBRASKA: Ryan Lochte (in pic, left) downed Michael Phelps (in pic, right)in the men’s 400m medley at the US Olympic swimming trials on Monday in a race that gave a glimpse of the fireworks they could produce at the London Games. Lochte seized control on the breaststroke leg and held on to beat Phelps for the first time in the punishing four-stroke event. Lochte won in 4:7.06, while world record-holder and two-time Olympic
champion, Phelps, was second, booking with 4:07.89. Tyler Clary, the World Championships silver medallist behind Lochte in Shanghai last year as Phelps opted out of the event, was the odd man out. He finished third in 4:09.92, but only the top two finishers in each event in the eight-day meeting make the Olympic team. Lochte, beaten by Phelps in nine prior 400m medley clashes dating back to 2002, said he wasn’t trying to make a statement against the 14-time Olympic gold medallist. AFP
her status as a world champion, Elizabeth Beisel had to shake off some nerves en route to her convincing 400m individual medley victory at the US Olympic swimming trials. “I was so nervous,” said Beisel, 19. “You never know what to expect going into trials. It’s one of the biggest meets of your life. You don’t want to throw away all the hard work you’ve done.” Four years ago, Beisel made the Olympic team as a 15-year-old, but failed to medal in Beijing. Since then she’s gained plenty of international experience, including capturing the 400m medley world title in Shanghai last year. “This time, I had my mindset where I have something to lose this year, so I was more nervous this time around,” she said. “But I think now I can pretty much relax for the rest of the meet.” Beisel’s time was the fastest in the world this year, supplanting the 4:32.67 posted by Britain’s Hannah Miley in March. AFP
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Dalma not to participate in London Games LOS ANGELES: Showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas who has been touted to become Saudi Arabia’s first female competitor in the Olympics, will not be coming to London after all. Malhas, who won bronze in the Youth Olympic Games in 2010, was seen as the country’s most likely representative. But her mother, Arwa Mutabagani, told The Guardian she would not be able to compete because her horse, Caramell KS, was injured. AFP
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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
BEAUTY
Russian football chief resigns after Euro failure The Russian Football Union head stepped down from his post on Monday while apologising to fans for the national team’s group stage exit at Euro 2012. Sergei Fursenko’s resignation throws into doubt the process of choosing a successor to coach Dick Advocaat, who left after the tournament. Fursenko’s deputy Nikita Simonyan will serve as acting president of the union.
&
THE BEST
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Germany fined $31,000 for unruly fans UEFA said on Monday that it had fined the German Football Federation (DFB) $31,000 over the behaviour of its supporters during the country’s final group stage match with Denmark. The DFB had been charged with “the setting-off of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters during the game in Lviv, Ukraine, on June 17.
Del Bosque on verge of greatness GNIEWINO, POLAND: Spain’s Vicente Del Bosque is two victories away from emulating West Germany’s Helmut Schoen on Sunday, to date the only coach to win both the World Cup and the European Championship. Del Bosque 61, took over from Luis Aragones after Euro 2008 and lifted the World Cup two years later after a relatively seamless transition owing to the respect of the squad for a man who twice conquered Europe with Real Madrid. His success two years ago saw King Juan Carlos bestow the title of the 1st Marquis of Del Bosque in recognition of his achievements and now the moustachioed coach must conquer another summit — if Portugal can first be waylaid in the semi-
finals and then Germany or Italy dispatched in the final. If the Spanish do win the title they will become the first side ever to win three consecutive major international tournaments and, given the form of the Germans in particular, Del Bosque has his work cut out even considering he presides over a supremely-talented generation of players. It had been Aragones who cast off four decades of underachievement in masterminding success at Euro 2008 — Spain’s first major tournament triumph since winning the European Championship on home soil in 1964. Whereas England are still waiting for more glory after their own home win at 1966 World
Cup, the Furia Roja have gone from strength to strength. Del Bosque inherited a specific playing style — the “tikitaka” (short passing, movement and keeping possession) used to great effect by Barcelona — and a group of fabulous players who can fill a variety of roles a la total football as practiced by the Dutch in the 1970s. The coach’s serious mien and calm persona appears to be bringing dividends, as is a touch of modesty. “We have been lucky to have such a marvellous generation of players, players who are genuinely good but also nice people, humble and selfless,” he said last year, making sure that the men on the pitch take all the credit. AFP
Police probe tweet attack on British duo
Forget practising penalties, says Kopke
British police LONDON: launched an investigation on Monday after two England internationals were subject to abuse on social networking site Twitter. Asley Young and Ashley Cole were targeted after missing penalties in England’s Euro 2012 quarter-final loss to Italy on Sunday. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter following last night’s England game and have launched an investigation. AFP
GDANSK, POLAND: Ahead of Thursday’s Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy, goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke has said Germany will not be taking too many spot-kicks to prepare for a dreaded penalty shoot-out. Germany face the Azzurri in Warsaw on Thursday for a place in Sunday’s final, but after Italy needed a penalty shoot-out to beat England in their quarter-final, Kopke insisted the Germans will not become spot-kick obsessed. Although there is a clear argument for preparing players to deal with the nerveshredding tension of the dreaded spot-kicks, Kopke insists it is impossible to replicate the same fraught environment exhausted players face. “It is nearly impossible to “practise”
Ryland James
penalty shoot-outs in training, it doesn’t yield much in terms of results, because you can’t really simulate the psychological pressure goalkeepers and players will be under,” said Kopke. “The players just whack it in when it
comes to training and you can’t really recreate that pressure, so it makes little sense to practise penalties. “As far as I am concerned, I hated (penalties) when I was a player. “Sometimes you have to lure the goalkeeper the other way, or wait until the last possible moment for him to have moved before you kick.” Kopke did reveal Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be fully briefed about what to expect against the Italians should Thursday’s game come down to penalties and the Germans will have done their homework. By the same token, the German goalkeeping staff will know, and have passed on to their players, all of the habits and preferences Italy shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon favours between the posts by Thursday.
Wimbledon 2012
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
Nadal, Kvitova launch Wimbledon bid today LONDON: Two-time winner Rafael Nadal and defending women’s champion Petra Kvitova start their Wimbledon campaigns today (Tuesday) while veterans Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt ride an emotional wave of support. Nadal, fresh from his record-breaking seventh French Open title, tackles Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci on Centre Court after Kvitova, who win her maiden Grand
Slam event at the All England Club last year, faces Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan. Britain’s Andy Murray, semi-finalist for the last two years, takes on Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko. Lleyton Hewitt, the champion in 2002 but needing a wildcard to play this year, faces French fifth seed JoWilfried Tsonga, who beat Roger Federer on to his way to the semi-finals last year.
Roddick, three times a runner-up, begins against Britain’s Jamie Baker buoyed by winning the Eastbourne grasscourt title last weekend. Also in action on day two are women’s second seed Victoria Azarenka who faces America’s Irina Falconi and fellow former number one Caroline Wozniacki who meets Tamira Paszek, the women’s champion in Eastbourne. AFP
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Czech takes to Twitter to vent fury LONDON: Czech Republic player Iveta Benesova slumped to a 62, 6-1 defeat to Britain’s Heather Watson at Wimbledon on Monday and found an alley in Twitter to take out her instant frustration. “F WORD GRASS!!!!!!!!” wrote the 29-year-old just moments after coming off Centre Court where she had been comprehensively outplayed by the young Briton. “Some of you guys may not like it, but what can I do,” she then added. AFP
Court silence golden for Djokovic Dave James
Prankster tees up golf on Centre Court
LONDON:
Quiet please. Defending champion Novak Djokovic admitted on Monday that he is a fan of the cathedral silence that greets him when he steps onto Centre Court. Unlike the US Open, where rock anthems greet the players as New Yorkers chomp food and sink ice-cold beers, or the French Open, where Paris A-listers only forsake their mobiles to take lunch, Wimbledon prefers the silent treatment. No fanfare, no fuss, no introductions as the players stroll out of the locker room, straight to their chairs and then down to business. “It is quieter compared to the other centre courts of the other Grand Slams,” said Djokovic. “But you feel the tradition and the history of tennis. It is quieter. It feels like a theatre in a way. But the crowd gets into it when they have reason for it. “The crowd here understands. I think they have a great knowledge about tennis.” Top seed Djokovic reached the second round with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win over Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero. Djokovic, playing for the first time since his French Open final defeat to Rafael Nadal, will face America’s Ryan Harrison for a place in the last 32 and was looking forward to returning to the court.
N
ovak Djokovic broke the strict Wimbledon tradition on Monday by swinging a golf club on Centre Court. Djokovic, who has a reputation as the sport’s joker, pulled the club from his tennis bag as he walked on to court to face Juan Carlos Ferrero. “It was a little joke we wanted to do with my sponsor. They provided me with a junior golf club because the bags look like golf bags. You can place them the way the golf bag is standing,” said the top seed. “So it was a little funny thing. Being creative, that’s all. But the fans corrected me right away. They said, ‘This is not a golf course’. I said, Okay.” The stunt didn’t distract the Serb from his business as he defeated Ferrero. AFP
“It’s a very unique feeling,” added Djokovic of the opportunity to open play on Centre Court as defending men’s champion. “This is the only tournament that actually allows you to have information 12 months in advance when you’re playing. The grass was untouched. It was so soft, so smooth. It was great to play on.” Despite his reverence for the institution, Djokovic did break with some tradition on Monday
by swinging a golf club on Centre Court. The Serb, who has a reputation as the sport’s joker, pulled the club from his tennis bag as he walked on to court. “It was a little joke we wanted to do with my sponsor. They provided me with a junior golf club because the bags look like golf bags. You can place them the way the golf bag is standing,” said the champion. “So it was a little funny thing.
Being creative, that’s all. But the fans corrected me right away. They said, ‘This is not a golf course’. I said, Okay.” Djokovic had seen his hopes of becoming just the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at once shattered by his defeat at the hands of Nadal in Paris. The 25-year-old, playing in a 31st successive Grand Slam tournament, opted to nurse his wounds by holidaying in Scotland rather than playing a
grass court warm-up event. And he looked rusty early on Monday, dropping serve to trail the 32-year-old Ferrero, a former world number one and ex-French Open champion, 2-1. But the Serb broke back immediately for 2-2 and went to 5-3 when Ferrero hit a forehand long. An ace gave Djokovic the first set 6-3 before he dominated the second set by the same score as Ferrero, a quarter-finalist in 2007 and 2009, wilted.
Playing Field
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012
The games people play
Tyre plan cost McLaren
Ferrari’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso leaves the pits passing McLaren Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton at the Valencia Street Circuit on Sunday in Valencia during the European Formula One Grand Prix. AFP/ VALDRIN XHEMAJ Gordon Howard
VALENCIA, SPAIN: McLaren have admitted a poor strategy and mismanagement of tyres contributed heavily towards the team’s downfall at the European Grand Prix. Neither McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton nor Jenson Button were able to match the frontrunners for pace at the Valencia street circuit on Sunday. Hamilton wound up in the barriers on the penultimate lap after a controversial battle for third with Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado of Williams, while
team-mate Button rescued four points for the team coming home eighth thanks to additional retirements from Red Bull driver German Sebastian Vettel and Frenchman Romain Grosjean of Lotus. Although Maldonado was later blamed for crashing into the 2008 champion by way of a 20second penalty, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh admitted that Hamilton, 27, had struggled for speed throughout the race would not have had the pace to sustain his position. “It was a bad day in the office and I think we really struggled
It was a bad day in the office and I think we really struggled with the tyres. The inherent pace was where you were on your tyres. McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh
with the tyres,” he explained. “The inherent pace was where you were on your tyres. “Lewis struggled on the first set and was better on the prime in truth, but ultimately it went away — and that could have happened to Sebastian as well, I don’t know.” Whitmarsh agreed with the stewards’ decision to penalize Maldonado, but hinted that he thought Hamilton could have avoided the incident if he had drive differently. “In my mind, you saw him defend with Grosjean and with (Kimi) Raikkonen, and he didn’t do anything different with Maldonado. It was a different outcome, but he didn’t do anything different with those drivers. “My own view is that it was Maldonado’s fault, and it is deeply frustrating — but he is a racing driver and that is it. I am sure in hindsight you have to say that dealing with someone like that you have to take a different approach, but you cannot anticipate it.” However, in spite of his crash, Hamilton, who qualified second, struggled for speed throughout the race and could do nothing to stop early pace-setter Vettel or eventual race-winner Spaniard Fernando Alonso from extending their leads. Whitmarsh played down any significance of this and put faith in his team to be back in the running at the British Grand Prix in two weeks time. “When your competitors are showing that sort of pace it is always a concern, but I think we know well this year that what determines the underlying pace of the cars is quite challenging and quite difficult.
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Movistar target Tour de France
PARIS: The Movistar team, led by Spain’s Alejandro Valverde (in pic), are targeting a podium finish in this year’s Tour de France which gets underway on Saturday. “There are lots of riders who are capable of making the podium,” said Eusebio Unzue, Movistar’s general manager, at the Spanish team’s unveiling on Monday. “Aside from Valverde we’ve got strong riders such as (Juanjo) Cobo, back competing in a major Tour after his victory in the Vuelta in 2011. “He lines up in good form and I’m expecting him to have a good Tour so that he can defend his Vuelta title.”
Movistar team Juanjo Cobo (ESP), Rui Costa (POR), Imanol Erviti (ESP), Ivan Gutierrez (ESP), Vladimir Karpets (RUS), Vasil Kiryienka (BLR), Ruben Plaza (ESP), Jose Joaquin Rojas (ESP), Alejandro Valverde (ESP) AFP
Heat celebrate NBA title with fans MIAMI: The Miami Heat held a downtown victory parade on Monday after winning the NBA finals with the players riding atop double-decker buses cheered by hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets. The Heat won their second title in franchise history by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the NBA finals. It was the first title for finals MVP LeBron James who came to Miami after seven seasons in Cleveland. “It’s the best feeling I’ve had,” James said. “This was my dream here, to be able to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy up, hug it, grab it, never want to let it go.”
Two years after James and Chris Bosh joined forces with Dwyane Wade here, the trio delivered on
THE HEAT WON THEIR SECOND TITLE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY BY BEATING THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER IN FIVE GAMES IN THE NBA FINALS. IT WAS THE FIRST TITLE FOR MVP LEBRON JAMES. their promise of bringing the championship back to Miami. The downtown parade was followed by a
rally inside the American Airlines Arena where the coaches and players danced, took turns holding the trophy and made speeches. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra talked about how the criticism of his team helped motivate the players. “People from the outside, they criticized this group, this team. They didn’t support this team, they counted this team out, but they never estimated how close this group was as a family,” said Spoelstra. “And every single one of these players had to sacrifice something to be a part of this dream and it was all for a moment like this.” AFP
Fans cheer as the Miami Heat pass by in a victory parade through the streets during a celebration for the 2012 NBA Champion Miami Heat on Monday in Miami, Florida. AFP/ JOE RAEDLE