Postnoon E-Paper for 29 November 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012 HYDERABAD

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32 PAGES

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLOUDY AND CLEAR SKIES; 23°C

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

If you’re planning to watch The Hobbit, which premiered today, and don’t intend to read the book, don’t worry. We follow Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves as they set out to face Smaug and reclaim the Lonely Mountain.

P16&17

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

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APPOINTMENTS IN 1 WEEK! REPORT ON P5 PONTING ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM TESTS

Australia's Ricky Ponting on Thursday called time on a 17-year Test career that made him the world's second-highest run scorer, announcing this week's clash with South Africa will be his last.

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Men sit up and take note if your wardrobe has these essentials for winter. These picks are not just fashion forward but also warming and utilitarian.

P22&23

GUIDE TO BE QUINTESSENTIALLY STYLISH

THE LOOKING GLASS

On Monday, Microsoft was given a patent on ‘augmented reality’ (AR) glasses. But what is AR, and will it be the next digital battlefield? We take a look.

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FLASH P RAMCHANDRA REDDY RESIGNS Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, MLA, arch rival of CM Kiran Kumar Reddy tendered his resignation to the Speaker this morning protesting continuance of the CM.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

city events

RETRONOME

Catch Bangalore-based cover band Retronome perform live in the City. The band will be playing a mix of pop-rock and rock hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today at Hard Rock Cafe, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 on November 29, 9pm onwards.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

Morning

Afternoon

23°C

17°C

23°C

31°C

Clear with cloudy periods

Clear

Sunny with cloudy periods

A mix of cloud and sun

New Delhi Mumbai Max 22 Max 32 Min 13 Min 22 Sunny

Chennai Max 30 Min 23

Sunny

Bangalore Max 27 Min 15

A mix of cloud and sun

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES SHOWS

DINING Khamma ghani sa The Westinn Hyderabad Mindspace is hosting a Rajasthani food festival from November 23 to December 7. Where: Westinn Hitec City When: Ongoing, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 6767 6838

U never know The play U never know being staged at Lamakaan on December 1 revolves around a teenager Jennings and her journey to heaven. Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: December 1, 6.30pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Awadhi food fest Taj Krishna is hosting the Awadhi food festival at Firdaus. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Rd no 1 When: Ongoing, Lunch and dinner Contact: (040) 6666 2323

The last Christmas The last Christmas is a large-scale production featuring live singing, dancing and acting, is the heartwarming story of Retired Gen Roy who recounts his seven favourite Christmases. Where: RNR auditorium, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: December 8, 9 and 10 11am onwards Contact: (040) 6515 7558

ART Palette scapes An exhibition of paintings on Acrylic on canvas by artist Nupur Kundu is being held at Shrishti Art Gallery Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 15 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2354 0023 Art show Symmetrics in the unknown, an exhi-

FLOCKING TOGETHER: Two young girls watch the birds as they take flight near the City College. bition of abstract paintings by 10 artists is being held at Iconart Gallery. The exhibition is on till December 6. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11.30am onwards Contact: 98499 68797 Expressive art Alankritha Art Gallery presents an exhibition by Maredu Ramu, Nirmal Karmakar Nirmala Biluka and Palak Dubey. Where: Alankritha Art Gallery, Kavuri Hills, Jubilee Hills When: Ongoing, Monday-Saturday

Commissioner & Spl Officer

Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333

11am onwards Contact: (040) 2311 3709 Convergence Convergence, an exhibition Of Paintings By Ananad Swaroop Manchiraju is being held. Where: Muse Art Gallery, Marriot Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

ACTIVITIES Full throttle Tata Motors Presents Tata Motors Full Throttle Trails, a half day off road excursion with challenges to be completed in a stipulated time To

WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills

take part, mail Tata Motors at trails@tatamotorsfullthrottle.com Where: Hotel Novotel, Shamshabad When: December 2, 8am onwards Interactive session Manthan is hosting an interactive session on The Sacred and the Profane: Living and Dying with Blasphemy Laws with Babu Gogineni humanist, rationalist, activist. the meeting is open to all and is free-ofcost. Where: Saptaparni, Banjara Hills Rd No 8 When: December 6, 6.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2335 5118

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES

M ANIL KUMAR

Punjabi food festival Head to Hotel Green Park, Begumpet for the Punjabi Food Festival. Where: Hotel Green Park, Greenlands, Begumpet When: Ongoing, 8pm onwards Contact: (040) 6651 5151 Kashmiri Wazwan nights A Kashmiri food fest based on the Wazwan cuisine is being held.The fest is on till December 2. Where: The Square, Novotel, Cyberabad When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 66824422

Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7

Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

24523211 232431300/7641 24521029

Readers’ views

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

City

TODAY’S QUESTION

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

SHOULD THERE BE STRICTER NORMS TO ENSURE FIRE SAFETY? 86% 14%

WILL THE UPA PULL THROUGH THE FDI DEADLOCK? A)

YES (A) NO (B)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

LAW AND ORDER

New chief pledges to clean CCS Making money out of misery is how corruption in Crime Control Station (CCS) was described by a police report. The new chief now vows to root out the pest. Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

ew additional commissioner of crime, Sandeep Shandiliya, has vowed to clean up Crime Control Station (CCS) which had faced several corruption cases recently. Shandiliya, who took over three days ago, told Postnoon that he had a mandate to make CCS work clean and in full steam. “I’ve heard there are corruption charges against many in CCS, especially in dowry cases. All of them are under watch and anyone caught for unlawful activity will face tough

MA MUJEEB

action,” he said. Corruption charges have been particularly nasty against the police station that deal with crimes against women. Allegations are that the police officers dealing with serious crimes strike deal with the suspects and dilute the cases. One deputy police commissioner faces corruption charges and a woman police officer has already been suspended. The new incumbent agreed that corruption is what makes a dent in the image of police and sincere cops. “We are keeping a watch. Situation will improve,” he said. Shandiliya said no leniency should be expected.

I’ve heard there are corruption charges against many in CCS, especially dowry . All of them are under watch and anyone caught for unlawful activity will face action. Sandeep Shandiliya additional commissioner

city THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012 LAST YEAR... HERE Alliance on the rocks

ast year we had reported how the alliance between the ruling Congress party and MIM was in troubled waters when former mayor Banda Karthika refused to step down and make way for an MIM candidate. While the issue was resolved eventually, the alliance is once again facing testing times thanks to communal issues in the Old City.

NOVEMBER 29, 2011

NUMEROLOGY

11,462

are the number of government vacancies in various departments of the State.

Our objective is to tell the people that they blindly believed TRS’s Tstate promises. But the world knows that all those promises have proved futile. Ch Vidyasagar Rao, BJP See page 5

THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

Want to see corruption go down? Observe Shandiliya. The new additional commissioner of the CCS, which has been plagued by corruption charges, promises to bring a new dawn.

City has no respect for traffic rules or emergency services. Ambulances with seriously ill patients and fire engines struggle to fight through bumper-tobumper traffic. But the City turns a deaf ear.

Demolitions are not the answer. The GHMC loves to ﬂaunt its bulldozers, but residents wonder if there is no other way out for them.

State library all set to embrace technology. The State Library in Afzalgunj which had been troubled by decreasing number of visitors is now set to go digital in a bid to woo them all back.

We only like the foreign maal. Desi ﬁnds no takers. Every time a local band plays in the City, they have a handful of audience. International bands however, see great turnouts.

SAFETY

Whose life is it anyway?

Disrespect shown to emergency services marks the City traffic behaviour which often results in loss of life and property. Road users ought to be taught to give way to fire and ambulance services. RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA rahul.r@postnoon.com

mbulance comes wailing for way, sounding the urgency on the need to convey a seriously ill patient to the hospital at the earliest. Fire engines rush along clanging bells, reminding other road users of misery raging in some part of the City. But do the motorists care? Not a wee bit. Sights are too common when an ambulance bearing dying patients get caught in traffic, growling and panting all the while for space. When a residential building in Manikonda was gutted by a blaze recently, fire engines and ambulances that were pressed into service could not reach on time which resulted in huge loss of lives and property. Everyday law that we generated is insulted by our callousness. According to traffic laws, “Move Over Law” under the Road Traffic Act demands every commuter and vehicle to make way for an ambulance or a fire engine if they run with a siren on. Obstructing these vehicles is punishable under the law. But neither the people nor the police bother to respect law. Anand Raj, an ambulance driver for a private hospital in Somajiguda, says, “The tension of reaching the hospital is more during day. In the more thickly populated areas like Nampally, Bazaar Guard, Old City, I have been stalled in traffic while trying to drop seriously ill patients to the hospital. That fact that I bear responsibility for someone’s life and to see the time ticking away is depressing.” There was a proposal to mark lanes exclusively for emergency services and VIP movements but that did not materialise due to the choking traffic

pared them for terrorist attack situations that demands complete coordination over traffic to allow special security forces to take over.” A senior official from Cyberabad Traffic Police too reiterates that ambulance and fire services are given priority over normal flow of traffic. “The Manikonda incident was a oneoff incident where emergency ambulances and fire engines were allowed to move as swiftly as they could. “In the department too, nobody has ever received a complaint about fire engines being delayed and we have certainly not received any complaints about preferences towards VIP movements. Now that you have this issue, we will certainly dis-

CAMPAIGN population. People at the site of the recent Manikonda fire mishap raised questions as to why VIPs and some rich people get their traffic movements coordinated while ambulances and fire services are never given the same priority. Additional commissioner (traffic) CV Anand, says, “It is not true that VIPs get preferential treatment over emergency services. We have trained our department staff to always help emergency services plying on the roads and make way for them. In fact, we have even pre-

There was a proposal to mark lanes for emergency services and VIP movements but that did not materialise. cuss it with the staff during the next meeting,” he said. It must be noted that those who believe that there are no complaints about VIPs getting preferential treatment over normal commuters should check the flood of complaints and suggestions on the traffic police page on social websites. However, like all civic issues in Hyderabad, this too will get a quiet burial.

NEWS BRIEFS Bike burnt after crackers lit on fuel tank

Spurned lover kills himself

Knocked over by speeding bus, teen dies

Government to organise mega job fair

bike belonging to one Jagdish, resident of Ramdaspura at Langer House, went up in flames last night after firecrackers were burst on its petrol tank. According to reports, revellers were bursting firecrackers with no regard for precautions or safety. The police have booked a case against those who burst crackers recklessly.

youth, Vinod Singh, 24, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his home in Nallagutta, Secunderabad. He was running a cloth shop and had reportedly fallen in love with a local girl. However, it proved to be a onesided affection. Spurned by her, he resorted to the extreme step, says the Ramgopalpet police.

n a heart-rending tragedy, a teenager, Maruthi, who had been crossing the road near Darjigalli was fatally knocked down by a speeding APSRTC bus. The boy, a Kannadiga, was crossing the road after distributing food to alms seekers when the incident took place. Following this, locals gathered and tension built up.

he State government is organising a mega job fair for unemployed graduates of the State on Friday at Indira Priyadarshini Government Degree College in Nampally. A total of 10 companies including ICICI bank, Eureka Forbes Limited and Mahindra Finance are participating. BA, BSc and BCom graduates will be eligible.

city THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

POLITICS

CRIME

CM sets a new record

Flesh trade racket busted

A confident Kiran Kumar Reddy clears 11,462 appointments in a week.

INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com

pparently emboldened by the free hand he got from the high command, a visibly confident Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy held two Cabinet meetings in just one week, a record in recent times. The first Cabinet meeting which was held after a gap of three months on November 23, approved 30 items pertaining to various development activities of the State. Some of these activities included according permission to fill 11,462 government vacancies in various departments of the State. Among these posts 11,142 related to filling up of teachers vacancies through a special recruitment drive and the posts of doctors, paramedical and gazetted posts include the list of other posts. This is in accord with the promise the chief minister had made as part of his pet programme — Rajiv Yuvakiranalu.

The second Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday also revolved around giving approvals to various development activities. This time around, the CM focussed on appeasing 11 lakh strong force

of government employees by giving them dearness allowance which would put an additional burden of `124 crore on the State government. Apart from this decision, he had also cleared the proposal to

fill up 42 Municipal commissioner and engineer posts for the newly carved out Municipalities. A die hard supporter of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, minister for primary education S Sailajanath has said that the CM was trying to retain his promise of taking the State on the development radar. “He is a fighter to the core. He was never bogged down with the campaign of his detractors to pull him out his post. He always focussed on his dream of retaining his promises that he made to the people. The decision that he took in the last few days like filling up of thousands of government vacancies is an evidence of it,” he said. Another minister K Partha Sarathi also expressed similar views and added that the CM would go ahead with his plans. In another move, which would help Kiran in catapulting his image to a different level, the CM is convening Assembly session from Friday to make the prestigious SC ST sub-plan into a law.

Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

hey have been running a flesh racket in an Ameerpet lodge but now have landed in the lock-up. Jaya Laxmi of Rajahmudry and N Sai of Mahbubnagar set up their operations in a lodge and brought girls from Pune, Mumbai and Calcutta to entertain guests here, Punjagutta police said. The duo had pimps to procure girls, it is said. They paid anything between `5,000 to `25,000 to each girl and made the same amount on them in one night. Thus, the operators made a pile. Girls never knew how much their ‘employers’ had been making from their ‘services.’ The Ameerpet police raid resulted in the arrest of seven including two customers.

CIVIC

POLITICS

Capacity building workshop held

BJP calls TRS’s bluff

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

The party in a recent meeting has decided to ‘expose’ TRS and Chandrasekhar Rao in the General Elections.

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

one-day workshop on capacity building in footpaths and cycle paths got under way at Jubilee Hall today. Mayor Majid Hussain pledged a sum ranging from `50 crore to `100 crore per zone which will be

spent to create the infrastructure. The mayor said that some 40 km of this facility was created for CoP. He wanted more efforts to make the whole City pedestrianfriendly. Nearly 100 people including engineers, municipal officials and resource persons from Delhi are attending the workshop.

he saffron brigade has coined a new slogan for Telangana where all its hope of a few seats is pinned: “give us a chance.” In the State, Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to expose TRS and Chandrasekhar Rao who had been ‘befooling’ the Telangana region for the past 12 years promising to deliver Telangana state. BJP said it is the only party in India that has not ditched its allies or went back on its words. “Let Telangana give us one chance and see the result,” they say. There is no more love lost between the TRS and the BJP as Rao has firmly stood behind the Congress for achieving his goal. This time around, hinted the meeting, the BJP would take on TRS as the number one enemy in Telangana and go on all-out fight for supremacy. “Our objective is to tell the people that so far they blindly

believed TRS’ promises that it would bring a separate Telangana state. But the entire world knows that all that promises have proved futile. We will expose this fact in the public and request them to vote for us once if they want a separate T-state,” BJP senior leader and former union minister Ch Vidyasagar Rao said. He further added that the BJP would not go back on its promise of creating Telangana if it is voted back to power.

Another party senior leader G Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that the TRS deceived the people of Telangana with its false promises. “KCR had set up deadlines several times and said that Telangana would be reality. But now the people have realised that they have been deceived. We will utilise this opportunity to gain public acceptance,” he said The party has just three MLAs in the House and plans to treble the number in the elections.

city THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

CIVIC

Demolishing illegal structures may not be the answer M ANIL KUMAR

Pulling down finished buildings that are illegal is considered a destructive way of dealing with an urban issue. Many ask why they can’t be attached. Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

he demolition drive in Anjaiah Nagar and Siddique Nagar has made several people think aloud if demolition is the ideal way to deal with illegal construction. Would it not be more constructive to attach such property and utilise them for public services? Demolition is destruction of wealth and rendering a huge amounts of waste. Disposal of debris itself poses a gigantic problem. When waste recycle provisions are absent how will the City face the additional woe of demolished debris? Many ask. “There is no option other than demolition under the law,” says chief city planner GV Raghu. “Under the GHMC Act

there is no provision for attaching illegally built property because the action will be questioned in the court of law. Such a provision also calls for transfer of registration,” he clarified. Most of the unauthorised structures are being constructed in the newer localities. Major demolition drives in 2012 included the LB Nagar and Industrial Units in Shastrinagar, Anjaiah Nagar and Siddique Nagar. The GHMC has identified 28 buildings in Kukatpally, whose demolition will be taking place sooner or later. Even the United federation of resident welfare associations (UFERWAS) has lauded the efforts of the GHMC. Dr Rao Chelikani, founder president has blamed politicians for all the mess of illegal constructions. According to him, as

The recent demolition drive, Dr Rao Chelikani argued, only provided MLAs and other leaders to draw political mileage. the building itself will be undermining the area’s civic amenities like sewage, road and street lighting by its presence, no law can be amended to accommodate this kind of gross deviation. “Even if it is considered, it will be a risky affair contradicting the very norms of the corporation,” says Dr Rao. The recent demolition drive,

Pick

he argued, only provided MLAs and other leaders to draw political mileage. Even some of the politicians and intellectuals have criticied the way MLA stopped officials from following the Lokayukta’s order. Md Ayub Khan who was critical of the way the demolition work was stopped also blamed officials for providing a go-ahead for building construction in the first place. On the issue of possession of the structure by the GHMC for availing benefits, he said that this kind of activity does not provide scope in the Act. However, there is provision for the individual owner to secure the property by paying 33.5 per cent penalty. “As these buildings were

at the

There is no provision for attaching illegally built property because the action will be questioned in the court of law. Such a provision also calls for transfer of registration. GV Raghu chief city planner already given notices, this provision also becomes void. The only answer to this kind of violation is demolition,” Md Ayub Khan noted.

airport,

classifieds THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012 HOME APPLIANCES

COMPUTERS

INFRASTRUCTURE

State central library set to go online by 2020 The demand for books is so low that in 2010, a mere 38 books were purchased by the Central Library. M NAZIMUDDIN md.nazim@postnoon.com

S HEALTH/ CLINIC

teeped in history and once bustling with scholars and poets alike, the State Central Library in Afzalgunj is in desperate need of a digital makeover. Troubled with dipping membership figures and losing of rare books, the government, through the Universal Digital Library Project, aims to digitalise one million books by 2020. The Central Library was constructed in 1930s and resembles a palace with its huge halls and high ceilings. This heritage building has an excellent collection of 5,01,861 books from as far back as the early 19th century, which are of special importance to research scholars. “Public behaviour and ethics have changed. There has been an increase in education, but not in knowledge,” says Chandrashekar, an assistant librarian. Another librarian, Lalita Prakash, agrees. “People are not sincere anymore and many do not return the books they borrow. They know that these books are rare and are not available in the market or online,” she says. This is what got the process of digitisation going. Looking at preserving and propagating the cultural heritage of the State, nearly 55,099 books in different languages have already been scanned and 10,000 more rare books are in the pipeline. The library, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy, has scanned and digitised Telugu and Urdu newspapers prior to 1977. With the advent of the internet, going to the library has become a thing of the past. “People’s reading habits have reduced and that is why they do not come to the library. No one comes here

To advertise on this page, RECRUITMENT

contact: 9866074747 For Secunderabad -9 2 9 0 2 0 4 0 3 0

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From January to October, 2012, only 126 members applied for membership at the library. anymore just for the love of books; it is only for research or project purposes,” says Sai Kumar, a graduate who regularly visits the Central Library. The demand for books is so low that in 2005, only 300 books were purchased by the library. This number fell to a mere 38 in 2010. Responding to the dip, 17,000 manuscripts were recently transferred to the Tarnaka library.

Book stock in the State Central Library English Telugu Hindi Urdu Marathi Kannada Sanskrit Tamil

1, 60, 575 1, 64, 261 53, 911 85, 481 17, 706 15, 141 3, 460 1, 326

All these trends have only given the government more reasons to digitise the State Library.

EVENT

Three-day film festival a hit

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

he three-day film festival held at La Makaan recently, had cinema lovers in the City in a tizzy. As part of this festival 5 Broken Cameras, a documentary on a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army, was screened and it received a great response. Anand Kamlakar

(right) an alumnus of Hyderabad University, now settled in Brooklyn, was the special guest. Before the screening of 5 Broken Cameras a short documentary about John W Jones called 30 Miles to freedom was screened, which was directed by Anand Kamlakar. He also faced a round of Q&A after the screening of the film. The entire event was organised by Sumanaspathy Reddy and Subbah Reddy.

SRIVANTH KUMAR

city THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Boris means business

Amidst chuckles, laughs and quips, the mayor of London effectively made his case. He was here on a mission and he knew how to win a crowd. RAJESH RAVINDRAN rajesh.r@postnoon.com

Earlier in the week, he had said he did not want to see Americans and Canadians eating Britain's lunch.

oris Johnson was everything you read and hear about him. He came, he saw, he charmed everyone at the Indian School of Business. And there were moments aplenty where people giggled, chuckled and laughed varying with the tone and the manner Boris made quips, but the mayor of London was here on a mission and amid the wisecracks, he made his case. Boris means business. In his brief address and the question answer session that followed that was what Boris tried to prove: the mutual benefits India and Britain stand to gain. Boris knows how to win a crowd. No where else has he in his life seen a building in the shape of a fish (the AP fisheries department office), Boris said quite approvingly. “In London we have a Gherkin, a Shard and a Pickled Onion. But never in my life have I seen a building shaped as a fish.” And he talked of his Indian connections for whom he got two bottles of whisky and riled against France without actually taking their name for their plans of nationalising Arcelor-Mittal plants, owned by Lakshmi Mittal. He claimed that

London is any day more business-friendly than Paris. Boris and his team is in India to look for new business opportunities. Ever since he landed in Delhi, he has been making his country's case on how business friendly it is. “Did you see the Olympics?” Boris asked and went on to say despite the pre-

dictions of the doomsters everything went well and congratulated India for its performance. As expected, one of the questions raised was about the strict visa process, which Boris has been a vociferous opponent of. Earlier in the week, he had said he did not want to see Americans and Canadians eating Britain's

lunch, an indirect warning how Britain shall lose in the education sector if it goes on with stricter visa processes and immigration laws. In recent times, there has been a decline in the number of Indian students heading to Britain. And so when the question was asked, he said, “Even if I am not there to personally

stamp your visas, I am sure our friends at the British high commission will help you.” The moderator of the session asked about Boris’s week-long stint as management consultant upon graduating from Oxford before he joined The Times. This is what he said once of his time there: Try as I might, I could not look at an overhead projection of a growth profit matrix, and stay conscious.” But Boris sounded regretful that he did not stick on instead of “always attacking everyone”, working in the media. “That’s what the media does. Attack everyone. But that’s its function and it’s necessary.” But Boris loves his current job because he thinks it gives him a chance to make a difference to the world. When there was mention of the IndiaEngland test series, Boris said, “The fortunes of our team have changed since our landing in Delhi.”

EDUCATION

Students get a taste of hybrid tech POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

Toyota’s campaign consists of a detailed programme wherein students are sensitised to pollution and its ill effects.

argeted at school students between the age group of 12 to 14, the Hybrid Craft Campaign initiated by Toyota’s educational initiative in association with the Glendale Academy is a unique and interactive way for students to understand hybrid technology and its benefits to the environment. The campaign consists of a detailed programme wherein students are sensitised to pollution and its ill effects. They are also introduced to the concept of Hybrid Technology and the ways in which it can be used to curtail pollution and conserve fuel. Commenting on Toyota’s Educational initiative on Hybrid

Technology, Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, sales & marketing, Toyota Kirloskar

Motor said, “Toyota is considered to be the pioneer in hybrid technology and is renowned for

it worldwide. To further emphasize on Toyota’s commitment to the environment, we have been involved with many green initiatives, the Hybrid Craft Campaign being one such programme, which enables us to sensitise school children about the benefits of hybrid technology and the importance of conserving energy and fuel. Here, we would also like to extend our gratitude to Glendale Academy International, Hyderabad, who

have given us a platform to educate their students about this future technology.” Also commenting on the occasion, Anjum Babukhan, director, Glendale Academy International said, “This has been a marvelous opportunity for our students to experience first hand how to assemble a working model and it has generated great enthusiasm among them. “A very well thought out campaign, the students were taken through each step methodically and the whole exercise has brought alive once again the issues of pollution and the pressing need for alternate sources of energy. The students have been able to appreciate the benefits of Hybrid technology and explain the same very convincingly.”

city THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

MUSIC

Eye wide open The American alternate rock band Third Eye Blind saw full attendance of City music lovers and expats. RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA rahul.r@postnoon.com

hen an American band comes to play in town, our City’s rock fraternity makes sure that they are out in full attendance. Ironically, though, the same cannot be said about local bands playing. So when San Fransisco-based Third Eye Blind came to town, the show had all the right ingredients to make it “live and happening,”— the sound was good, it served the resident/visiting American expatriate a chance to relive their memories and then, like any good show, overflow of liquor. For the uninitiated, Third Eye Blind is a popular American alternative rock band with a

Third Eye Blind is a popular alternative rock band with a score of smash hits such as Jumper and Deep Inside of You. score of smash hits. The band is known for its hit singles, Jumper and Deep Inside of You, both of which met with a great response and calls for encores from the proud Hyderabad rock janta. Credit and appreciation must be given to the band for being on time, showing great stage presence and the free LED arm bands dropped from the stage. But on a more serious note, the band must also be appreciated for maintaining a tight and

solid drum and bass groove, John Pancoast on bass guitar and Brad Hargreaves on drums, clean lead guitars with Kryz Reid on the Les Paul, and the frontman Stephen Jenkins’ soaring vocal lines with an acoustic guitar. Accompanying them was a keys player on a hammond electric all of which made Third Eye Blind, a five piece alternative rock band a momentary, or maybe permanent, favourite. The same cannot be said of any other band performing in Hyderabad. While that discussion remains unsettled, Third Eye Blind had a great time. In the words of the vocalist Stephen Jenkins, “It is so good to see that there are people in Hyderabad, who know and love Third Eye Blind.” That says it all.

GAMING

Poor response: WCG cancelled

Coming as a blow to gaming enthusiasts in the country, the Indian stage of the World Cyber Games (WCG) has been cancelled due to poor response from the sponsors. NT BALANARAYAN balanarayan.nt@postnoon.com

Thankfully, for gamers in the country, WCG is not the only international gaming tournament that is organised here.

he Indian stage of World Cyber Games, one of the most popular tournaments globally, was cancelled earlier this week because of poor response from sponsors. In a statement announcing the cancellation, the organisers in India, Xtreme Gaming said that the gaming companies were only interested in the sale of their products and not in sponsoring gaming in India. “We sadly announce that this year there won't be WCG and BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer). This is mainly because all the so-called gaming brands are not at all interested in pro-gamers and gaming events. We ran from post to pillar and knocked every brand's door to support the Indian Gaming, forget the general big brands, but even brands who only make gaming gears are least interested in supporting gaming events. “This is not the end, we always have and will try for the best gaming experience and exposure for the Indian gamers.

Hope 2013 would be better. Sorry guys,” the statement read. World Cyber Games has been organised in India for more than five years now in most metros in the country including Hyderabad. The national level finals are generally held in

Mumbai or Delhi. Cancellation of WCG is a big blow for gaming in India as Indian gamers have slowly been making their presence felt internationally. However all is not lost according to Ashish Gupta, who is the director of Xtreme

Gaming. “We are planning to start an eSports stadium in Delhi that can accommodate up to 100 gamers. The stadium will be opened in the first week of December,” Ashish said. Apart from the difficulty in getting sponsorship, the cost of

organising the tournament had also gone up according to Ashish. “The cost of venues for organising the event and that of providing transport for gamers to go for the national finals had gone up. Also a lot of gamers were not interested as Counter Strike was not part of the event this year,” he added. Ashish is also hopeful that they will be able to pull off the event next year without any issues. “We are hoping that everything works out in 2013 as expected. Thankfully for gamers in the country, WCG is not the only international gaming tournament that is organised here. Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) was organised successfully earlier this year.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Business

SONY MULLS BATTERY BUSINESS SALE: REPORT

Sony is in talks with suitors including Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision over the sale of its battery business, a report said Thursday. Sony, was eyeing the sale to focus on core businesses, including its videogames unit, as it battles fierce overseas competition.

French unions upbeat on nationalisation PARIS: France is committed to nationalise a steel plant at the centre of a bitter row between the government and its owner ArcelorMittal, unions said on Wednesday. Arnaud Montebourg, the minister for industrial renewal, “told us that if Mittal doesn’t reverse course, the nationalisation will happen,” said FO union representative

Walter Broccoli. The Socialist government has threatened to nationalise the Florange plant if the company goes ahead with plans to permanently close two blast furnaces. ArcelorMittal, which wants to continue to operate the rest of the site, has given the government until Saturday to find a new investor willing

to take over the furnaces. Montebourg earlier told parliament an unidentified investor who was already involved in the steel industry had offered to put nearly 400 million euros into the site. “We have a buyer, who is a steelman, an industrialist, who is not a financier, who wants to invest his own money and who is ready to put

almost 400 million euros into renovating this plant,” Montebourg told deputies. The minister told the same to unions at a meeting later at his ministry. “It’s too good to be true,” said CFDT unionist Edouard Martin after the talks. “Everything is ready, the financial set-up is solid, they’re ready.” AFP

TRAVEL INDUSTRY

TECHNOLOGY

Google buys targeted marketing firm

Info powers growth PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

one are the days, when there are long queues to book a air ticket or visiting to a travel agent to get one. Online air and train ticket booking has become significant in planning a travel online. Adding to this, user generated content is also playing prominent role in travel decisions. “Online travel industry is growing at a robust pace from last four years. However, the growth has slowed down for last couple of quarters due to macro-economic conditions. The fall in air travel traffic had affected the top line (revenues) of the online travel agencies (OTAs). However, there is significant shift from offline travel booking to online. Around 25 per cent of all travel transactions are happening online be it a hotel, package or an air booking. It is not just about deals but the sheer convenience is pushing the growth,” said Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, Tripadvisor India. On importance of user generated content, he said, “Travelers are also increasingly depending on the user-generated content on web before making travel decisions. They want to read the reviews, see

Search engine giant to focus on discounts and promotions to boost business. NEW YORK: Google has agreed to buy the marketing firm Incentive Targeting in a move that gives the tech giant more tools to work with retailers on discounts and other promotions, the two firms said Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. We are excited to announce that Incentive Targeting has been acquired by Google!” said a blog post by the Massachusetts-based firm. A Google spokesperson said: “We look forward to working with Incentive Targeting in our ongoing efforts to help consumers save time and money and enable retailers deliver relevant discounts to the right customers.” According to its website, Incentive Targeting partners with retail chains to provide targeted marketing for manufacturers of grocery and consumer products, using technology which aims to deliver the most relevant promotions. The effectiveness of the promotions can be measured in real time over the Internet, the company says. AFP

around 20 per cent discount, compared to the price listed on the travel agent site. Anyhow, the margins that are being gained by the travel agents are given to the customer directly by the hotels, which is affecting the hotel booking revenues for OTAs. Only few hoteliers enforce the price parity strictly. However, with the growth of online channel, the hotels cannot exclude the importance of OTAs in the future. Taking about the future of the industry, he added, “The growth will continue and the decline is a temporary impact due to economic scenario in the country. Hotels and packages will contribute to the bottom-line and air ticketing will help them with the top line of their business. The industry will also continue to take the business from the offline travel agents.”

is what mining giant Rio Tinto plans to make in savings by 2014 to rein in “unsustainable costs”.

LEBEDEV SEEKS PARTNER Russian billionaire Alexander Lebedev is looking for an investment partner to help absorb the losses from his ailing British newspaper The Independent, according to Thursday’s Times. Lebedev, who bought The Independent and The Independent on Sunday for a £1 ($1.6, 1.2 euros) less than three years ago, admitted in an interview with the Times that ﬁnding a minority partner would be difﬁcult given forecasts of continuing losses. “We’re not selling, but looking for someone to come in,” the former KGB agent told the Times daily. “We have cut the losses at The Independent quite considerably but in the business plan for the coming two years, the loss would still be there. We have been looking for a potential minority partner.” He added that current economic conditions meant there were “not many people willing to be heroes”.

BSE 5784.50 `55.42 5,209.05 DOLLAR`55.14 17,179.95DOLLAR NSEPOUND `86.60 `88.75 POUND BSE NSE for

for

British oil giant BP was temporarily banned from winning new US government contracts Wednesday after agreeing to plead guilty to criminal charges in the deadly 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. The decision was announced hours before two BP supervisors pleaded not guilty in a federal court in New Orleans to manslaughter charges for their failure to prevent the deadly blast on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. A former BP executive charged with obstruction of justice for lying about how much oil was gushing out of the runaway well also pleaded not guilty in the same court. Two weeks after BP agreed to pay $4.5 billion to settle criminal charges in the case, the US Environmental Protection Agency said the ﬁrm was barred from obtaining new contracts until it can prove it meets US government business standards.

pictures and find out more intrinsic things about the hotel. For instance, a potential visitor wants to know which room has a better view over the others. The reviews by already visited the hotel play a prominent role in finding this.” “Any review posted on TripAdvisor has a potential to reach around 3 million unique visitors per month.Many of the online travel booking sites use these reviews on their site as well to guide the customer with factual content,” he said. Although, the online user content is playing a key role in travel decision but could convert to actual online bookings due to price parity. “For instance, potential visitors decide on hotel to book after reading the content and also try to find prices from different OTAs. Most of them call up a hotel directly and bargain for

GOLD`32,100 10g SILVER `63,100 1kg

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US BANS BP DEALS

NUMEROLOGY

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Since our country is a union of states, we abide by its federal character and, therefore, are bound by the consensus on the issue, ANAND SHARMA, COMMERCE MINISTER

19044.37 202.29

ANAND SHARMA, 57.05 COMMERCE MINISTER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

nation

4 KILLED IN ACCIDENT Four persons were killed and two others injured when a bus collided with a jeep in Sidhri area, police said here today. The incident occurred late last night when the jeep carrying a DJ party was hit by the bus coming from Lucknow near Shahgarh town killing four persons.

WINTER SESSION

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

FDI debate with vote gets nod

Devotees light traditional lamps on Karthika Vilakku at Sreekandeswara temple in Kozhikode on Wednesday. PTI

CRIME

School fine drives boy to suicide BHUBANESWAR: A Class X student in Odisha allegedly killed himself by consuming poison because his parents couldn’t pay the `250 fine imposed by the school for attendance shortage and he was subsequently refused permission to sit for a test, police said Thursday. Alekh Chandra Mandal, a resident of Khandahar village in the district of Balasore, about 210 km from here, was the son of a couple who earned daily wages, police inspector MK Deo told IANS. The 15-year-old was to sit for a test beginning Thursday. However, the school authorities asked him to pay fine to appear in the test. The boy was upset after his parents expressed their inability to arrange the money in short notice. The boy, who consumed poison Wednesday, died in a hospital after several hours of treatment. Though no suicide note was recovered, police have started investigation after registering a case against the school headmaster on the basis of a complaint lodged by the boy’s father, Deo said. IANS

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Thursday allowed a debate under voting rules on foreign investment in multi-brand retail. She was responding to notices submitted by the BJP and CPI-M for a debate on the issue under rule 184, which entails voting. Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj thanked the speaker for allowing BJP’s motion and assured that the house will run smoothly. “I thank you for allowing the motion and I assure you that now the house will run smoothly,” she said. The date and time of the debate is to be decided later. The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned till 12 noon as opposition MPs, who have

Both houses of Parliament have been seeing disruptions since the Winter Session began on November 22. been demanding a debate on the government’s move to allow foreign investment in multi-brand retail, again disrupted the house. Opposition MPs were on their feet and shouting slogans as soon as question hour was taken up at 11 am. Despite requests from the chair Hamid Ansari to let proceedings continue, the ruckus continued. He then adjourned the house till 12 noon. IANS

NEWS BRIEFS Curfew in parts of Srinagar SRINAGAR: Curfew continued in parts of Srinagar on Thursday, a day after sectarian clashes in some parts of the city, police said. Curfew had been imposed in nine police station areas, including Lal Bazar, Nigeen, Safakadal and Rainawari. On Wednesday, some groups of Shia and Sunni Muslims clashed in the Hawal area of old city Srinagar. The rioters had also resorted to pelting stones on police who intervened to bring the situation under control. Contingents of police and CRPF in riot gear have been deployed.

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Goa pegs rape relief at `10 lakh PANAJI: Victims of rape, targeted acid attacks and human trafficking in Goa will be eligible for up to `10 lakh as compensation, CM Manohar Parrikar said Thursday. “The maximum compensation we have earmarked is `10 lakh per person. The scheme also complies with Supreme Court directions in such cases,” Parrikar told IANS, adding that this was perhaps the highest compensation any state offered for victims of such attacks. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday chaired by the CM.

/095 Rs.1 9/: e c 4 r Pri Rs.5 Cove r Price: : 50% g e f n f i O l Sav Tota

Light intensity tremor in TN CHENNAI: A tremor of light intensity was experienced in parts of Tamil Nadu, but there were no reports of any casualty or damage, Met officials said today. The tremor, measuring 3.3 on Richter scale, was experienced for a few seconds in some parts of Salem and Dharmapuri districts around 11.20 last night, they said.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

World

‘Assange has lung condition’ WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been holed up at Ecuador’s London embassy for five months, has a lung condition that could get worse, the South American country’s envoy to Britain said Wednesday.

CAIRO CRISIS

Egypt rushes new charter

NO RICE, PLEASE

Morsi dismissed criticism of his power grab and said the protests in the streets of Cairo were a positive sign. JAILIJN ZAYAN Agence France-Presse

We are learning to be free: Morsi

CAIRO, NOV: A divisive panel boycotted by liberals and Christians was set Thursday to vote on a draft new Egyptian constitution, amid mounting protests over President Mohamed Morsi’s assumption of sweeping powers. Morsi insisted in a magazine interview Wednesday that he will surrender his controversial new powers once a new constitution is in place, hoping to assuage the growing anger among people who thought their role in the Arab Spring nearly two years ago would bring a new era of democracy. Morsi dismissed criticism of his power grab and said the protests on the streets of Cairo

WASHINGTON: President Mohamed Morsi vowed in an interview published Wednesday to surrender his new special powers when a new constitution is in place, and pleaded for patience as Egypt learns to be free. Morsi dismissed criticism of his power grab and said protests on the streets of Cairo were a positive sign that Egypt was on the path to democracy after overthrowing dictator Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. “The world stage is very difﬁcult. It’s not easy to be on the world stage,” admitted Morsi, who won a cliffhanger election in June, speaking brieﬂy in English at the start of his interview with Time magazine.

President Morsi said that he will surrender his controversial new powers once a new constitution is in place.

NEVER BEFORE

A protester throws back a tear gas canister during clashes with Egyptian riot Police on Tahrir Square on Wednesday in Cairo. Police fired tear gas into Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where several hundred protesters spent the night after a mass rally to denounce President Mohamed Morsi’s assumpAFP/ MAHMOUD KHALED tion of expanded powers.

were a positive sign that Egypt is indeed on the path to democracy after overthrowing dictator Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. “The world stage is very difficult. It’s not easy to be on the world stage,” admitted Morsi, who won a cliffhanger election in June, speaking briefly in English at the start of an inter-

view with Time magazine. “If we had a constitution, then all of what I have said or done last week will stop,” he said, wiping his hands to stress his point. “I hope, when we have a constitution, what I have issued will stop immediately,” he added. Asked about warnings from critics that he wants to become a

new pharaoh, Morsi repeated “New pharaoh?” disbelievingly, before letting out a big laugh. “Can I be?” he asked incredulously. “I’ve been suffering, personally.” The Islamist leader just last week gave the constituent assembly an additional two months to complete its work. AFP

NY has a crime-free day F

or the first time in living memory, New York has spent a day entirely without violent crime. The city police department’s chief spokesman said that Monday was the most bloodshed-free 24-hour period

in recent history, reported the BBC. Not a single murder, shooting, stabbing or other incident of violent crime was reported for a whole day. Despite a July spike in homicides, the city’s murder rate is on target to hit

its lowest point since 1960. Just a few months ago, residents were living through what one tabloid newspaper called the “summer of blood”. Despite the fall in homicides, statistics point to a 3 per cent overall rise in crime.

NEWS BRIEFS ‘New Chinese passports China AIDS activists counterproductive’ reject Li olive branch

US soldier kills pregnant Afghan girl’s throat slit wife after argument over refusal to wed

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that new Chinese passports featuring a map laying claim to disputed islands were “counterproductive”. Although it is not a claimant itself, Indonesia has mediated in the dispute between China and several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO: A US soldier killed his

BEIJING: Chinese AIDS activists on Thursday accused the Communist Party’s new number two Li Keqiang of hypocrisy after he called for more non-government efforts to fight the disease. The ruling party has long been suspicious of HIV/AIDS campaigners because of their refusal to support official policy.

pregnant wife after a Thanksgiving Day argument and dumped her body at a landfill near this Mexican border city, then killed himself, authorities said Wednesday. Cristal Nevares, 20, was two months pregnant, the Mexican office of the prosecutor for gender crimes said.

KUNDUZ, AFGHANISTAN:

Two men have been arrested for slitting the throat of a 15-year-old Afghan girl after her family refused a marriage proposal, police said Thursday. The girl was carrying water from a river to her village home in northern Kunduz province on Wednesday when she was murdered, police sources said.

Republican reservations have deepened about whether UN envoy Susan Rice should be nominated as US secretary of state, with senators demanding more answers about her role in the Benghazi affair. The embattled Rice met Wednesday for a second straight day with her critics in the US Senate to try to mollify conservatives threatening to block her confirmation if President Barack Obama picks her to replace Hillary Clinton. But moderate Senator Susan Collins joined other Republicans who have sharply criticized Rice for portraying the September 11 attack on the US mission in Libya as stemming from a protest against an anti-Islam film.

NUMEROLOGY

people were killed when two car bombs exploded minutes apart in a suburban residential area of Damascus on Wednesday.

ALL EYES ON IRAN Iran is set to be the main talking point at a two-day meeting of the UN atomic agency starting Thursday, amid ongoing weaponisation fears and safety concerns over Tehran’s only operating nuclear power plant. Western countries will refrain however from seeking a censure motion from the 35-nation International Atomic Energy Agency board against Iran, in part to enable renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-running crisis a chance.

Kuwait stands at a crossroads. The outcome of Saturday’s polls will be decisive for the country’s future. If turnout comes at less than 35-40 per cent, it will strengthen the opposition. Abdulwahed al-Khalfant Shiite candidate

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Technology AUGMENTING YOUR REALITY

1901

The looking glass

1966

On Monday, Microsoft was given a patent on ‘augmented reality’ (AR) glasses that would enhance sports and other live events with streams of information beamed directly in front of the user — even including action replays and lyrics of songs. Google’s Glass Project is already active in this sphere. But what is AR, and will it be the next digital battlefield? We take a look.

THE EVOLUTION OF AR L Frank Baum, first mentions the idea of an electronic display/spectacles that overlays data onto real life (in this case 'people'), it's named a 'character marker'.

Ivan Sutherland invents the headmounted display and positions it as a window into a virtual world.

1990

The term "'Augmented Reality'" is believed to be attributed to Tom Caudell, a former Boeing researcher.

1992

LB Rosenberg develops one of the first functioning AR systems, called Virtual Fixtures, at the US Air Force Research Laboratory— Armstrong, and demonstrates benefits to human performance.

1993

Loral WDL, with sponsorship from STRICOM, performed the first demonstration combining live ARequipped vehicles and manned simulators.

2000

Bruce H Thomas develops ARQuake, the first outdoor mobile AR game, demonstrating it in the International Symposium on Wearable Computers.

2008

Wikitude AR Travel Guide launches on 20 Oct 2008 with the G1 Android phone.

2011

LASTER Technologies, a French start-up from University of Paris Sud (Orsay), has developed first augmented reality ski goggle in the market, demonstrating it at SIGGRAPH.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATIONS OF AR? Archaeology AR can be used to aid archaeological research, by augmenting archaeological features onto the modern landscape, enabling archaeologists to formulate conclusions about site placement and configuration

Architecture AR can aid in visualizing building projects. Computer generated images of a structure can be superimposed into a real life local view of a property before the physical building is constructed there.

Commerce AR can enhance product previews such as allowing a customer to view what's inside a product's packaging without opening it. AR can also be used as an aid in selecting products from a catalog or through a kiosk. Scanned images of products can activate views of additional content such as customization options and additional images of the product in its use.

Education Augmented reality applications can complement a standard curriculum. Text, graphics, video and audio can be superimposed into a student’s real time environment. Textbooks, flashcards and other educational reading material can contain embedded “markers” that, when scanned by an AR device, produce supplementary information to the student rendered in a multimedia format.

Medical Augmented Reality can provide the surgeon with information, which are otherwise hidden, such as showing the heartbeat rate, the blood pressure, the state of the patient’s organ, etc. In particular AR can be used to let the doctor look inside the patient by combining one source of images such as as a X-ray with another such as video.

Military An combat, AR can serve as a networked communication system that renders useful battlefield data onto a soldier's goggles in real time. From the soldier's viewpoint, people and various objects can be marked with special indicators to warn of potential dangers.

Navigation AR can augment the effectiveness of navigation devices. Information can be displayed on an automobile's windshield indicating directions, weather, terrain, road conditions and traffic information.

Sports & Entertainment AR has become common in sports telecasting. Sports and entertainment venues are provided with see-trough and overlay augmentation through tracked camera feeds for enhanced viewing by the audience.

Tourism and Sightseeing Augmented Reality applications can enhance a user's experience when traveling by providing real time informational displays regarding a location and it's features, including comments made by previous visitors of the site.

Translation AR systems can interpret foreign text on signs and menus and, in a user's augmented view, re-display the text in the user's language.

What is Augmented Reality?

ugmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

APPLE FIRES WILLIAMSON Apple has finally realised that its Maps software is utter dog poo, and sacked the head of the division Richard Williamson. Apple’s maps was so bad it forced Apple CEO Tim Cook to publicly apologize for the software and promised improvements. Now with Google set to release its updated Maps for the iOS, this sacking seems to be at the pointy end of a major shake-up. Latest reports, however state that Williamson is still trying to find his way off the Apple campus after he attempted to exit using iMaps and wound up in the janitor’s cupboard. Lucky for him the janitor’s still lost from his trip to the men’s loo.

DIRTY WINDOWS

Microsoft claims to have ﬁnally discovered why some of the phones running their Windows 8 software are spontaneously rebooting. The Window cleaners have said that they will issue a ﬁx “next month”. What customers will do till then is anyone’s guess. But the fact that we’ve struggled through rebooting Windows for over two decades means that we’ll probably just grin and bear it. Of course some geeks have said that you can solve the problem yourself by simply uninstalling Skype. Easy peasy! “Next month”, what tosh!

MAPLES WITH YOUR WII? Just when you thought Nintendo had it all ﬁgured out with the Wii U, news arrives of the launch of the Wii Mini. And it only costs $100! But if you think you’d be able to buy it, ask yourself this: Do you have maple leaves on your lawn every autumn? Does a dude on a horse arrive whenever you call the cops? Do you believe the lacrosse is just the most awesome sport ever? Do you end every sentence with eh? If not then you probably can’t. The Mini is only on sale in Canada and that too only if you can sing the Canadian national anthem in French. OK the bit about the anthem is a joke, but not as big as the one Nintendo’s pulling on us.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Comment Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.

DOOMSDAY

THE HUMAN CONDITION Dean Williams

ne of the most difficult things in life is to know when the time has come to move over and make way for the younger generation. It’s difficult because it means that your powers have waned to the point where the young ones once snapping at your heels have now moved past you. It’s difficult because you have to admit that you are no longer cock-of-the-walk. It’s difficult because you must admit that you’re growing older. Ricky Ponting’s decision today to hang up his boots and retire from Test cricket means that he faced this difficult decision and took the hard road. One that will see him bow out, if not at the pinnacle of his career, then certainly not too far from the top. Sachin Tendulkar should do the same, but whether he has the introspective fortitude to do so is in question. Sachin may well bounce back in Kolkata and slam a glorious ton, but if he doesn’t then he runs the risk of being known as the man who never knew when the sun set on his career, and continued to swing in the dark. The legendary Neil Young once sang: “It’s better to burn out, than it is to rust.” Ponting has refused to creak away into the night; as he said: “I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms.” Sachin also has this opportunity. He should take it. His legacy is solid, and there’s no need for him to cement it further. True greatness is measured by the way one leaves the stage, as much as it is measured by what one does on it.

21 DECEMBER 2012... THE END BUT... SERIOUSLY

Albert Einstein Physicist

Ricky don’t lose our number

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS All right. It’s finally out that Einstein’s brain is of the normal size. But there are several folds that may have helped him think in extraordinary ways. The thing is we are still stuck up with the size of the brain instead of thinking in extraordinary ways.

Ajay Hotchandani

n December 21, 2012, the Mayan Calendar predicts that the world will come to an end, however, they were not kind enough to tell us how. In December 1999 everyone was all concerned about Y2K and the possibility of civil society becoming undone followed by the demise of humanity. Given that we are in 2012, it’s safe to say that Y2K was nothing to really worry about. Lynchpin: a central cohesive source of support and stability. Now given the fact that I’m sitting here writing my article rather than preparing for the possibility of the world coming to an end tells you I’m not taking it seriously. In fact, I went ahead and booked patients for that day. But what if…and how? A lynchpin is what holds it all together, if that lynchpin came apart it would be the beginning of the end. So is there such a thing as a lynchpin and what could it possibly be? A quick search reveals that currently there are 13 countries that have some form of civil war going on. The lynchpin is less likely to be there, as anything

internal often stays internal. Then there are 31 other conflicts occurring that include internal and neighboring warring factions. Three of the 31 conflicts involve India – the feuding Bollywood starlets don’t count. There was a recent surge in attacks between Palestine and Israel that some thought might be it, however those two have been going at it for 50 plus years and if all continues the way it is, they will be going it at for another 50 plus years. So what if I told you the lynchpin was Senkaku Islands. Senkaku Islands???? Yes, the Senkaku Islands. The Senkaku Islands comprises eight small islands whose total surface area is just 7 square miles. Based on research it appears that no one even lives on any of the islands. Currently Japan claims ownership of the islands through a process of the US handing it over to them in 1972. However, surprisingly, in 1972 the Chinese claim the island to be theirs. It is believed that there is oil around the islands hence why the Chinese want it. On December 5, 2012, both Japan and Chinese naval fleets patrol the area when one inadvertently fires a water balloon at the other. This is seen as a sign of hostility, rather than a sign of HEY LETS PARTY!. A war ensues between the two countries. A nuclear weapon acci-

A lynchpin is what holds it all together, if that lynchpin came apart it would be the beginning of the end. So is there such a thing as a lynchpin and what could it possibly be? dentally hits US base in Korea. The US retaliates but their nuclear weapon with the markings, “Made in China”, fall apart before reaching its intended target and hits Moscow. Russia goes crazy and launches nuclear weapons all over the place. At

this point Africa and the Middle East have imploded from the civil war due to running out of hummus. A dust cloud of cocaine from South America blankets that region making it look like snow. December 20th, 2012 everyone is in a mad rush to update their facebook status about what is going on which leads to a worldwide power outage that results in no internet causing hysteria and mass suicide. Political pundits (those who can even find Senkaku Islands on the map) have all agreed that the best course of action should be is to open a huge Sushi Chinese Buffet Restaurant so white people can visit the island and take pictures with the large plastic turtles in the front.

EDITORIALS Not a good practice

mit Shah, close aide of the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been offered a ticket to contest from Narayanpura seat in Ahmedabad. There’s nothing wrong, just that Shah is on bail in two fake encounter cases. Now this is not proper, especially, these being turbulent times for the BJP. Here’s a man, who has been accused and arrested for involvement in something very grave as fake encounters. Everyone knows how close Modi and Shah are. The warm and emotional welcome from Modi that Shah got upon release from jail was widely reported in the media. But offering him a seat while he’s on bail with no verdict yet in the case contradicts the ethics of politics. Shah may be Modi’s right-hand man, but he remains an accused and he should not have been on the candidate’s list. The BJP is already reeling from several issues and one of the contenders for the PM candidate from the BJP can certainly do without being accused of favouritism.

READERS’ VIEWS

Why we love... Punter

nd finally Ricky Ponting has retired. It’s been an illustrious career that saw his become one of the best cricketers from Australia. Towards the end of last year there were vehement calls that Ponting retire but Punter clung on and gave a fitting reply with some stellar performances in the Tests series in India. Last time it was about pride and honour. Now Ponting sees that he can’t come up with the flair and he’s a man for whom his team comes first. Well done, Punter. The time’s right.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

tELEVISION

SO LONG TO GUEST ROLES

Kimberly Williams is preparing to put down permanent stakes in ABC’s Nashville. The actress — who’s currently guest-starring on the drama — will have the option to become a regular if the show is renewed for a second season, our sister site Deadline reports.

TICKLING YOUR FUNNY BONE

CLASSIC TELEVISION

The Brits do it better

Being funny is serious business. And with American comedies losing the plot, we suggest the producers go drink at the original fount of comedy — classic British TV. Here are the funniest series ever produced in the land of the stiff upper lip.

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

3rd Rock from the Sun

BLACKADDER

ong before turning into the bumbling Mr Bean or the suave Johnny English, Rowan Atkinson was tickling our funny bone as the scheming Edmund Blackadder in the Blackadder series. Over the four series and numerous specials, each set in a different historical era, Blackadder (or his descendants) worms his way to power and riches. The series also confirmed the comic genius of Hugh Laurie, who plays Prince George and Lieutenant George, and Stephen Fry, who plays Lord Melchett and King Charles I. We recommend: Blackadder Goes Forth, the fourth season of the series which is set in the trenches of World War I, is probably the best season of this vintage comedy.

The show is about four extraterrestrials who are on an expedition to Earth, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet. Almost all the episodes revolve around the Solomons' difficulty in integrating themselves into Earth culture and understanding human customs. Often their view of Earth realities is distorted by the fact that much of their understanding of Earth comes through the media, especially television, rather than firsthand experience.

DID YOU KNOW

Dan

Fawlty Towers

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES Only Fools and Horses isn't as popular as the other series here, but it is considered to be one of the best British comedies of all time. Set in south London, it stars David Jason as market trader Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, Nicholas Lyndhurst as his younger brother Rodney, and Lennard Pearce as their grandfather as they try to become millionaires. The show’s impact was so wide that several words on the show have become part of British culture. We recommend: Time On Our Hands, the episode that holds the record for highest UK audience for a sitcom.

BBC calls Fawlty Towers ‘the British sitcom by which all other British sitcoms must be judged’, and with good reason. The series is set in Fawlty Towers, a fictional hotel. The arrogant and rude Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) owns and runs the ordinary hotel and attempts to bring some class to the place as he quarrels with his wife, the guests and the staff. Cleese is ably supported by Prunella Scales (Sybil) and Andrew Sachs (Manuel). The pity is that the series ran for only 12 episodes, but critics say this helped preserve the excellent comic quality of the show. We recommend: Communication Problems and The Germans are a must-watch.

The Office (UK)

Yes Minister Political dramas are a dime a dozen, but great political comedies are few. Standing tall among them is Yes Minister, a British satirical sitcom which ran between 1980 and 1984. The show follows the ministerial fortunes of Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington), whose attempts to pass legislations are usually thwarted by Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne). While the show is about British politics of that era, the plots still ring true for politicians the world over. Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher said it was her favourite show. What more do you need? We recommend: The one where the minister decides to do something about the lack of women in the government.

Yes, Steve Carell is brilliant in the US adaptation of The Office. But it is nothing compared to the brilliance of The Office UK, the original directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It's probably one of the best uses of the mockumentary format, and dry wit enlivens the dreary cubicles at the Wernham Hogg Paper Company in Slough. The show follows the office staff after the company decided to downsize. Ricky Gervais shines as David Brent, the obnoxious boss. Not to mention his dancing skills, which would put Michael Jackson's moves to shame. We recommend: Comic Relief Day. Enough said.

Stevens of Downton Abbey will not be returning to the series reports the UK tabloid The Sunday Express. This is potential bad news for the Downton Abbey fans. Stevens is currently starring on Broadway in The Heiress opposite Jessica Chastain and David Strathairn. The play is scheduled to end its run in February, right around the time Downton Abbey begins filming Season 4.

TRENDING...

Happy Endings alum Travis Van Winkle has landed a recurring role on Hart of Dixie, TVLine has learned. He joins the CW charmer as Jonah Breeland, Lemon’s studly cousin who once called the ﬁctional town home. Beloved by the town’s denizens, Jonah ends up posing a threat to Zoe.

Produced with the Jim Henson Company’s “Henson Alternative” division, Neil Patrick Harris’ Puppet Dreams will premiere on Nerdist’s YouTube channel. Upcoming episodes promise drag queens, puppet sex, and a surprising amount of nudity.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

spotlight

ROCK & ROLL

Head to 10 Lounge & Night Club, S D Road, where DJ Gani and DJ Lucky will be spinning the best of house and hip hop all night.

A TREAT FOR TWIFANS

Fanpires galore 1

Members of Team Edward and Team Jacob were in attendance at Cinemax where Breaking Dawn Part 2 was screened. 2

CROWD IN A FRENZY

Music lovers ﬂocked to Hard Rock Cafe where American alternative rock band, Third Eye Blind performed live. The rock band played some of their major hits like Semi-Charmed Life, How’s It Going To Be?, Jumper and Deep Inside of You.

Jwala Gutta 2 Pushya, Rasagnya, Rupal 3 Shireen 4 Sirisha 5 Chaitanya, Neetu 4

LETTING YOUR HAIR DOWN

The PYTs were seen having a gala time at Kismet on Wednesday night. Girl gangs partied till wee hours in the morning and bonded over food and drinks.

1 Aishwarya 2 Shilpa 3 Natasha

4 Amrutha 5 Shilpa 6 Rashmi

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

health

Soft drink raises men's risk of prostate cancer Men who drink fizzy drinks are not just ruining their teeth but could also be at risk of aggressive prostate cancer, the Daily Mail reported Tuesday. A Swedish study has found just one soft drink a day could increase the risk of developing more serious forms of the cancer by 40 percent.

DIET CONCERNS

Get energised ‘naturally’ RANJANI RAJENDRA

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

ow often have you reached out for a can of energy drink and glugged it down, all the time thinking it was doing you a world of good? Pretty often right. However, did you know that the energy drink you swear by is actually doing you more harm than good. Not only are most energy drinks laden with sugar, caffeine they are also full of stimulants that companies conveniently forget to mention on the label. So while it does give you that temporary energy boost it also brings with a whole lot of unwanted calories, dehydration and other health ailments. There are a whole lot of naturally occurring ingredients that can help your energy levels and at the same time protect against everything that is harmful. Foods like nuts, brown bread and flax seeds are excellent energy boosters. So while most fad diets would recommend cutting out the carbs, they are what release energy. A word of caution though: Don’t overdo them. Too much of anything is bad. But when consumed in moderation, carbs can work wonders. Greens like spinach and romaine lettuce too are wonderful energy boosters and can be easily used to make some delicious energy drinks. Coffee and tea too when limited to a couple of cups a day are good for your energy levels. Fruits like bananas, berries and citrus fruits are excellent energy boosters. One of the primary reasons

for fatigue in most people is the lack of protein intake. So loading up on proteins in various forms like eggs, lean meats, fish and legumes might be a good idea. What’s best, these foods also help boost your metabolism and hence cut down on the fat. So when there is a whole bunch of naturally occurring ingredients, why not try making some energy drinks in the comfort of your home? Here are a few you can try.

There are several energy drinks in the market, but not one admits what truly lies within — a tonne of sugar and caffeine. What you can instead try are natural energy boosters in the comfort of your home.

ROMAINE BANANA SMOOTHIE Bananas are the best source of potassium, an excellent source of energy. Romaine lettuce is high in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and potassium. Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas; romaine lettuce, washed; 2 cups of cold water Methods: Blend two cups of cold water, ice and romaine lettuce in a blender for about a minute. Now add the peeled bananas and blitz till it’s smooth. Pour in a tall glass and serve. This is a great post-workout drink. Alternately you can also use wheat grass instead of the romaine lettuce.

LEMON JUICE WITH A TWIST This energy drink combines the natural power of lemons, tea, sugar and salt. It is a great source of energy and low on sugar. Ingredients: 2 tea bags (you can use green tea if you like since it has a lower caffeine content); sugar to taste, pinch of salt, lemon juice, boiling water. Methods: Dip the tea bags in the boiling water and let it stay. Add the sugar, salt and lemon juice and stir well. Try not to use too much sugar though. You can also substitute it with honey.

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

HOUSECALL

Meditation Helper

Lead poisoning

This app is a meditation timer with a widget to help motivate you to meditate regularly. It has a timer which allows you to set a target for the length of time you want to meditate each day. It includes a widget that displays the number of consecutive days you have hit the target.

Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism) is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children.

DID YOU KNOW? Bad dreams in cold rooms The colder the room you sleep in, the better the chances are that you’ll have a bad dream. It isn’t entirely clear to scientists why this is the case, but if you are opposed to having nightmares you might want to keep yourself a little toastier at night.

PIONEERS Dr Giorgio Fischer Dr Giorgio Fischer was the ﬁrst person to begin performing liposuction procedures in 1974. His primary profession though was gynaecology. Liposuction is a procedure done on the body to remove unwanted fat cells and help to thin and contour the body shape. The procedure became very popular in most countries of the world and by 1980 America was deeply into cosmetic surgery and liposuctions.

health THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

RESEARCH

Stem cell discovery may revive damaged heart The breakthrough may enable scientists to create such life giving patches from a patient's own stem cells — regardless of the patient's age.

TORONTO: A new discovery that tricks aging stem cells into rejuvenating mode could enable scientists to create youthful patches for damaged or diseased hearts and heal them, according to a Canadian study. The breakthrough may enable scientists to create such life giving patches from a patient's own stem cells — regardless of the patient's age — while avoiding the threat of rejection, the study claims. Stem cell therapies involving donated bone marrow stem cells run the risk of patient rejection in a portion of the population, argues Milica Radisic, associate

professor of chemical engineering and applied chemistry at the University of Toronto, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports. One method of avoiding such a risk has been to use cells derived from a patient's own body. But until now, clinical trials of this kind of therapy using elderly patients' own cells have not been a viable option, since aged cells tend not to function as well as cells from young patients, according to a Toronto statement. "If you want to treat these people with their own cells, how do you do this?" asks Radisic.

The wonder therapy for n n n n n

Parkinson's disease Type I diabetes Arthritis Burn victims Cardiovascular diseases

It's a problem that Radisic and co-researcher Ren-Ke Li think they might have an answer for: by creating the conditions for a 'fountain of youth' reaction within a tissue culture. Li is a professor in the division of cardiovascular surgery. Radisic and Li first create a "micro-environment" that

allows heart tissue to grow, with stem cells donated from elderly patients. Li and his team then tracked the molecular changes in the tissue patch cells. "We saw certain aging factors turned off," states Li, citing the levels of two molecules in particular, p16 and (regucalcin) RGN, which effectively turned back the clock in the cells, returning them to robust and states. "It's very exciting research," says Radisic, who was named one of the top innovators under 35 by MIT in 2008 and winner of the 2012 Young Engineers Canada award. IANS

Doctor’s corner Dr Divya T Sudarshan

Biological clocks do tick... fast Hi doc, I was just reading about the woman’s biological clock in a magazine and I’m wondering what all the noise is about? I have always found people getting reflective as the new year approaches. It seems the only time of the year when they acknowledge the ‘time’ factor. So why is this biological clock crisis and time running out emergency seems to be popping up in women’s magazines? The easiest way to think of the biological clock would be like a sand timer. When a girl is born, she comes with her baggage of 300,000 primordial follicles, which will grow and age with her and become 180,000 by puberty. By the time she reaches menopause she has around 1,000 follicles left. So why is it a scary reality today? Unfortunately, female emancipation and social success has caused her to delay her fecundity. It is a war between the devil and deep blue sea — to work for her ambitions, or to listen to warning signs that her body throws at her. By the time most girls marry today, they are close to 27, and baby dreams don’t usually start for another two years. In the meanwhile if she has some hormonal problems, weight gain or even excessive exercise, smoking, she has managed to knock down a few more thousand eggs — and her chances for conception. While a lot of magazines carry stories about late conceptions, Dr Rebecca Sokol, professor of OBGYN at California says most such pregnancies are from donor eggs. Most women never pay attention to fertility issues, till they actually start trying to get pregnant. The smart women should learn to prioritise and make difficult choices: between making a life and living one! The writer is a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Happy Women Clinic. You can write in to her at happywomenclinic@gmail.com or call her on 9959729444/ 9581952485.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Entertainment WAITING FOR THE CLASH

CINE BYTES

VISHAWAROOPAM JOINS PONGAL RACE

Thuppakki joins `100 crore club Kamal Haasan had decided to push the film's release from November to January next year since he wanted to introduce Auro 3D.

amal Haasan's upcoming magnum o p u s Vishwaroopam is set to clash with three other big Telugu films which are all slated for release just days ahead of Sankranthi, 2013. Couple of months ago, Kamal Haasan had decided to push the film's release from November to January next year since he wanted to introduce Auro 3D sound format. The film's audio was supposed to be launched on the eve of his birthday on November 7, but it was postponed at the last moment due to bad weather. The latest buzz is that Kamal Haasan has decided to launch the audio in the first week of December. Vishwaroopam stars Kamal Haasan, Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah, Rahul Bose and Sekhar Kapur in lead roles and it's set in the backdrop of global terrorism. Shankar Ehsaan Loy have composed the music. Kamal Haasan has also written, produced and directed the film. Vishwaroopam is expected to hit the screens on January 11, 2013. Incidentally, Ram Charan starrer Nayak, Mahesh Babu, Venkatesh starrer Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Prabhas starrer Mirchi are also releasing in the same week and the release of these three big films will pose a huge challenge for Vishwaroopam.

ijay, Kajal starrer Thuppakki is making a killing at the box office and it has now joined the elite `100 crore club. AR Murugadoss, the director of the film, has confirmed that Thuppakki is the second Tamil film to collect more than `100 crore, after Rajinikanth starrer Endhiran. Harris Jayaraj had composed the music.

Nara Rohit teams up with Tatineni Satya

ara Rohit is all set to team up with director Tatineni Satya for an action thriller. Tatineni Satya had earlier directed Bheemi Kabbadi Jattu and SMS. Nara Rohit was reportedly quite impressed with the script and he immediately agreed to act in the film. This untitled film will go on floors in January, 2013.

Sarocharu's audio to be launched soon

he audio of Ravi Teja, Kajal and Richa starrer Sarocharu is going to be launched later this weekend. Parasuram has directed the film and Priyanka Dutt has produced the film under Three Angels Studios Pvt Ltd. Devi Sri Prasad has composed the music and the film is all set to release on December 21.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

fashion

DAUGHTER OF ANNA NICOLE SMITH MODELS FOR GUESS

THE SIX-YEAR DAUGHTER of dead Playboy model and reality television star Anna Nicole Smith has stepped in front of the camera like her mother to model for U.S. clothing brand Guess, the company said.

Guide to be quintessentially Wool coat

Scarf

BRIONI

ON ITT VU IS LOU

Beanie

The hat of choice for winter, beanie is arguably the most comfortable to wear. This snug-fit hat protects you against chill winds. Beanie wraps the head and ears with its elastic fabric property. In snow covered areas, this is essential for survival, but for less harsher colds the beanie still protects while making a strong stylish statement.

Wool blend trousers

Knitwear

The latest trends in knitwear are of the classy 90s roll neck and the knit patterns like the Fair Isle. Bottom line; do not be afraid to go bold. The simple thin cashmere blend vnecks are always handy to wear over shirts and under jackets. The chunky patterned knits stand a place of their own and look formal when worn over wool blend trousers.

O LD GI DY NE NA ME EG ER Z

Suits are no longer a necessity to wear for official or formal events. Skip the suit and go for super tailored pair of trousers in rich wool blend fabrics to wear with sweater, jacket, cardigan, shirt, blazer, etc. The wool blend trousers are much more polished than denims and equally comfortable and easy to wear.

A type of coat that is worn as the top most clothing layer. This coat made of thick fabric to protect you from strong cold. A good wool coat will last you many cold winters and portrays a dapper image of a man who masterfully keep warm while wearing few layers when not indoors. Shearling lining, cashmere blend, leather collars are classy additions in the current designs.

LACOSTE

While a summer scarf is quite strictly for style statement, the winter counterparts keep you away from the cold. Scarves in knit wool or blend can be tested in various patterns and colours and fits one size all. The cashmere scarves in plain colours are versatile and could be worn casually or with a suit.

stylish

22&23 BURBERRY PRORSUM

FRIDA GIANNINI PREGNANT

GUCCI creative director Frida Giannini and her partner, the label's president and CEO, Patrizio Di Marco are expecting their first child.

Men sit up and take note if your wardrobe has these essentials for winter season. These picks are not just fashion forward but also warming and Gloves utilitarian. Gloves keep hands warm

Blazer

so it is important that good quality pair be invested in to make the right impression. Lambswool knit gloves are common and come in numerous colours. For a more grown-up look and feel, there are gloves in leather and suede with cashmere lining inside for a truly luxurious experience.

A good blazer will instantly clean your look and make it suitable for you to wear it for a formal dinner. A well-fit blazer or jacket is an investment in your winter wardrobe. Pick a colour that sets the look apart from your office suit jacket. Tweed, wool blend, wool, velvet, double breasted, slim fit, quilted — the options are numerous. Opt for the one that is most comfortable and versatile to wear with different trousers and inners.

The writer is a fashion blogger (www.lovestruckcow.blogspot.com ) who attempts to bridge the gap between creator and consumer. As a fashion writer, she hopes to promote Indian fashion among Indians and on a global level too.

Plaid shirts – flannel, madras checks, wool shirts,

SURABHI CHAUHAN feedback@postnoon.com

While men usually have enough dress shirts (white, blue, stripes, etc) in their wardrobe, its time to look at the more laid back styles of a flannel shirt. Flannel was part of a grunge fashion movement in the 90s and is popular again. Wear with denim or corduroy pants for a weekend or even for a casual work look.

QU OD DY

Leather boots Winters are the time to hide away your open toe sandals and bring out the lace-up shoes. A smarter alternative to sports shoes and sneakers are boots. Go for ones that provide comfort as well as match the shades of your work trousers and jeans. Options in leather and suede with wool detailing are meant for winters and promise to keep your feet cosy in the harshest of winters.

Bomber jacket Flight jacket or Bomber jackets is the term derived from the pilot’s jacket. These are warm and encapsulate enough heat for pilots to wear when up in the air. Bomber jacket also reflect a casual style and could be worn over a dress shirt and trousers for after-work hours. Bright colours and textures for outside and lining make for many options to wear this winter.

Entertainment THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Chai Time

Play & Win

Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.

KAKURO

How to play kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column refer-

QUICK CROSSWORD

enced by the number. Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so

on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

Play & Win

voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

ACROSS

SCRIBBLING PAD

Play & Win voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

SUDOKU

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Play & Win voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

1 Frying pan spray 4 Change with the times 9 Fugard’s ‘A Lesson From ___’ 14 ‘___ Beso’ (Paul Anka song) 15 Head-scratching question 16 Headless and limbless sculpture 17 Part of a healthy breakfast 20 Scottish island or NY college 21 Screenwriter’s output 22 Some old TV tubes 26 Rocky outcropping 27 ‘To thine ___ self be true’ 30 Match, as a contribution? 31 Wide-mouthed earthenware jar 33 Authoritative order 35 Thin porridges 37 Saber handle 38 Numskull to the max 42 Many an Oscar party 43 Juicy tropical fruit 44 Demonstrate clearly 47 Hoarfrost 48 Faux ___ (blunder) 51 Potok’s ‘My Name is Asher ___’ 52 Photo ___ (publicity setups)

54 Clear of blame 56 Velvet’s older sister in ‘National Velvet’ 59 Makes haste 60 100 percent effort and devotion 65 Beyond unconventional 66 Certain Arabian Peninsula native 67 Wish things otherwise 68 True’s partner 69 A sheriff may round one up 70 It’s all love at the start

DOWN

1 Small black-headed European gulls 2 On land 3 Unification Church member, casually 4 ‘Tarzan’ beast 5 ___ Jones Industrial Average 6 Smokestack emission 7 Shopping centre? 8 Building developer’s plot 9 Distinctive dress 10 Shoe-tying maneuver 11 Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ eg 12 One of a Mississippi quartet 13 One dominated by spirits?

18 ‘7 Faces of Dr ___’ 19 Like taken paths 23 Village or hamlet 24 Av follower on the Hebrew calendar 25 Slumber 28 Lash mark 29 Figure on a pay stub 32 Where two become one 34 Pet with green ‘hair’ 35 FBI investigator, slangily 36 Old photo tint 38 Stalagmite site 39 Old typewriter brand 40 Two-syllable foot 41 Salon supplies 42 Hair care product 45 Wearing a monk’s hood 46 Grand, as an adventure 48 They help you get a grip 49 Park or Pennsylvania 50 Six-line stanza 53 Nose around 55 Electrician’s unit 57 Throw down the gauntlet 58 Battlefront supply 60 One learning to walk 61 Sharer’s pronoun 62 Pas’ other halves 63 ___ and outs 64 Man’s formal accessory

Chai Time THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 30-11-2012

As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Your master plan, keeping the future in mind, will get completed without fail. VIPs will extend help. Maternal relatives will extend wholehearted support. Sudden trips, vehicle repair and minor accidents likely. Be alert and cautious.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

Opposition you had will weaken. Friendship with powerful officials likely. Relatives will come in search of you and favour you very much. Sops from govt will come. Businessmen will plan fresh investments and expand horizons.

Promotion and pay hike on cards for some govt officials. Improvement likely in new efforts. Happy events to take place at home. Software professionals might face a dull trend. Women artists will get recognition. Good events will take place.

Money flow will be very good and fortune chances also likely. You will spend a happy time with spouse and children. Those in love will have a good time. Businessmen need to be careful with partners. List out priorities and set a realistic target.

Administrative abilities will increase. Financially, a sound position is seen. Those awaiting job calls will get a favourable news. Govt sops will come. Bank loan and paternal property share likely. With an innovative approach, success will be yours.

Patience alone can do good to you. Adopt the slow-and-steady policy to win the race. Avoid dictating terms to anyone at work to get co-operation from all. To keep the family peaceful it is necessary to adjust. Take spouse’s suggestions.

Chances of buying a new property by selling an old one. Mother's health needs attention. Minor accidents likely, hence be careful while driving. Strained friendship will blossom again. Govt works will end favourably. Politicians will be in limelight.

Expected money will come. Visit to holy places likely. Friends and relatives will understand your kindhearted activities. Keep anger under control. Health needs to be taken care. Sudden travel likely. Avoid unnecessary arguments with anyone.

Opportunities will knock at your door. Make use of the same to gain the most out of them. Employees can expect an elevation combined with pay hike. You will complete all work with perfection and get appreciation from all.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Five of Swords – Following on someone’s footsteps does not guarantee that your fates will somehow tail the same direction. Everyone of us has a unique path.

LEO:

Three of Pentacles – Take a financial advisor’s help to plan your money management. Not everyone is an expert in handling money. Don’t hesitate to take help.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

Ace of Swords – There are many ifs and buts to your current situation. Take the plunge if your heart says yes, and deal with the obstacles as they crop up.

SAGITTARIUS:

Seven of Wands – Copying someone else’s style does not speak well for your path ahead. For a beginner, it’s quite alright. But not for a professional.

TAURUS:

Three of Wands – Barking dogs seldom bite, or so the saying goes. Don’t take it too literally and get adventurous with someone who’s into heavy rhetoric.

CANCER:

Queen of Swords – Learn to recycle old stuff. Don’t throw it out if you can put it to better use. Get more environment-conscious and give back.

VIRGO:

Ten of Swords – Instead of going for the cookie cutter versions of what’s available in the market, tailor products and services to your specific needs. Indulge!

SCORPIO:

The World – Take up jobs only as per the time available to you and as per your capacity to deliver. Taking on too much will put your health at risk.

CAPRICORN:

The Tower – Your expertise is being utilized fully. Peers and seniors at work are happy with your contributions and your urge to do more with your talent.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Ace of Wands – There is a dilemma you need to sort out before deciding your next course of action. Think of ways to reduce the stress for family members.

NUMBER GAME

You smell a rat with the way your colleagues have been treating you lately. They may have a thing up their sleeve. Get into the grapevine to find out.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: Temperance –

POOCH CAFE

Your talks and approach will do wonders. All undertaken work will be successful. Newlyweds can get ready to welcome their offspring. Litigations in property matters will end smoothly. Misunderstanding with blood relatives and friends likely.

for 30-11-2012

The Emperor – Shifting to a new house goes smoothly. Trust your movers and packers to do a good job. There’s no point in trying to micro-manage everything.

NON SEQUITUR

Avoid degrading others as the same might bounce back. Never be a headstrong person and avoid being emotional. Some have chances to undertake pilgrimage. Women might suffer hormone problems, so are advised to take treatment.

SUDUKO

Administrative abilities will be exposed. Children will get support from parents, which will surprise them but also make them happy. Students will get a sudden spurt of interest in studies. Chances of big expenses, travel and blames; be careful.

Boggle PECAN PEANUT CASHEW ALMOND WALNUT Vol: 2, No 133 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

Entertainment THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

ANDRE S TO PROPOSE MARRIAGE TO EMILY?

inger Peter Andre is reportedly planning to propose girlfriend Emily MacDonagh and feels he has found true love. “Pete knows it’s quick, but he doesn’t want to wait around any longer. It’s true love and he worships Emily; he honestly believes that fate brought them together ... He’s already spoken to Emily’s dad about it. He wanted to reassure him he would never stop her pursuing her medical career ...,” Heat magazine

CINE BYTES quoted a source as saying. Andre, 39, who is in relationship with MacDonagh, 23, from past four months does not mind having a long engagement if she wants. “Pete really wants to get a ring on Emily’s finger and is happy to have a long engagement if that’s what she wants,” the source said. The singer was married to model Katie Price for four years before calling it quits in 2009 and has two children with her son Junior, 7 and daughter Princess Tiaamii, 5. IANS

Cate Blanchett up for a wicked role

ord of the Rings fans will see Cate Blanchett returned to her role as Galadriel for upcoming Hobbit trilogy. And she may be adding Disney’s live-action Cinderella film to the list. Deadline reports that Cate Blanchett is in “deep talks” to join the project, playing the iconic role of the villainous wicked stepmother (Lady Tremaine).

Adele’s ‘21’ goes Diamond

dele is closing out 2012 on a high note! Per Billboard, the singer’s sophomore album, 21, passes the 10 million US sales mark this week in data gathered by Nielsen SoundScan. 21 is the 21st album to go diamond since 1991, and it’s only the eighth album to reach that status in less than two years.

Angus T Jones doesn’t attend table read

ngus T Jones was not in attendance for the table read of the latest Two and a Half Men episode. The teenage star caused controversy after branding the show “filth” in an online video for a Christian church. He also claimed he doesn’t want to be on the show anymore, and urged fans to stop watching it. Yahoo! reports that Jones will have to wait to confront the producers over the comments.

sports

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

NBA

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT

Thunder downs Rockets Flintoff has boxing Travel fatigue and gloom over the death of their coach’s daughter affected their performance on court. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA: A tough day for the Houston Rockets ended with a tough NBA loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. In a show of support for coach Kevin McHale, Rockets team members had flown to Minnesota for the funeral of his daughter, Alexandra “Sasha” McHale, who died on Saturday after a lengthy battle with the auto-immune disease lupus. From there they went to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder’s Kevin Durant scored 37 points in a 120-98 triumph over emotionally depleted Houston. It was a particularly rough night for James Harden, who scored 17 points on just 3-of-16 shooting in his first return to Oklahoma City since he was traded to Houston in October. Serge Ibaka (dunking in right) added 23 points for the Thunder, who have won six of their last seven games. Harden said it was the first time he had seen his former coaches and team-mates since the trade. “It was just good to see them, kind of laugh and joke around,” he said. “You don’t really realise it until you’re actu-

ally in the position. Just to be warming up on the other side felt kind of weird.” Those feelings didn’t improve much as the game went on, but Harden noted before the contest that in terms

of the Rockets’ season, the contest was no more important than any other. “This game doesn’t count for any more wins or defeats,” Harden said. “It’s the business. You have to move on.”

OBITUARY HCA condoles demise of former Ranji player

HYDERABAD: HCA have announced the death of former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy player Syed Shahid Akbar.

Syed Shahid Akbar played 27 Ranji Trophy matches for Hyderabad between 1976 and 1984. He had also represented

the South Zone team against West Indies and represented Rest of India team in the Iran Trophy cup.

bug ahead of debut CHRIS MCKENNA Agence France-Presse MANCHESTER, UK: Former England cricket star Andrew Flintoff is already contemplating more boxing bouts if his professional debut against Richard Dawson of the United States on Friday is a success. ‘Freddie, as he is known to cricket lovers around the world, will break new ground when the 34-year-old squares up to Dawson in a four-round heavyweight contest at Manchester Arena for his first professional bout. Flintoff has been trained for the past five months by former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and his son Shane, alongside Carl Frampton, the unbeaten Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion. A former fast-bowling allrounder, Flintoff has denied his foray into boxing is a gimmick for a ‘reality’ television show and insisted training for his ring debut has been the hardest thing he has done. But having decided against taking the traditional route of coming through the amateur ranks first, Flintoff said he was contemplating a short-term boxing career if he defeated Dawson. “It has been a hard road, the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” Flintoff said. “I am getting a bug for the training, being fit and being around the sport. I got to be honest about it, I’m nearly 35. I’ve put all I can into this. “It would be sad to have just

one fight after all I have put into this, all the training and technical stuff it would be a waste. “We will see where it takes us, I’m not going to get ahead of myself. I’m not going to say I am going to do this or do that. I am just having this fight and see where we go from that.” McGuigan added: “He is not the finished article. He is not going to be a champion, he could have just a few professional fights, let’s be honest. “I want him to get through it safely first and then he can say what he wants after that. I want him to feel good about what he has done.” McGuigan also defended Flintoff against critics who believe the former Lancashire and England star has been dangerously fast-tracked to a professional boxing debut.

HYDERABAD TRACK WORK

Silver Crown, Street Magic make an impact

HYDERABAD: Silver Crown, Street Magic, Major Luck, Betty Prior, Windsor Manor, Vijays Pride, Plenipotent and Westminister caught the eye when horses were exercised at the Malakpet racecourse in the City this morning. Sand track 800 metres Classic Wish (N Rawal) 59, 500/45 Easy. Silver Crown (K Alam) Desert Romance (rb) 55, 600/42 Former finished well in front. Exclusive (Kuldeep Singh) Ice Lolly (rb) 57, 600/42.5 They moved well and finished together. Street Magic (K Alam) 57, 600/43.5 Pleased. Ace Star (rb) 57.5, 600/44 Moved freely.

Handsome Hunk (rb) 58, 600/42 Urged. Nano Star (Ajit Kumar) 10, 600/43 Pushed. Magical Punch (Kuldeep Singh) Garibaldi (S Nayak) 59.5, 600/42.5 They moved together. Robust (Joshi) 1-0, 600/46 Easy. Rio Grande (Kuldeep Singh) Ponte Verdi (AK Pawar) 56, 600/41.5 Former finished a length in front. Home Coming (Ajit Kumar) 58, 600/43.5 Moved well. Vijayshaurya (Ravinder Singh) 57.5, 600/45 Easy. Rose Queen (rb) 1-0, 600/45 moved freely. Melody Queen (N Rawal) Fine Racer (Sai Kumar) 57, 600/42.5 Former finished in front. Vijaysheel (Joshi) 56, 600/42

Pleased. Attenborough (S Nayak) Fighting Fit (Kuldeep Singh) 1-1, 600/45 They moved together. Vijay Keerti (app) 57, 600/43 Moved well. Kohinoor Revanta (app) 58, 600/44 Easy. Kohinoor Desire (Nitin Singh) Symbol Of Victory (app) 1-1.5,600/45 They moved together. Sprint Saloni (app) Ceremonious (Deep Shanker) 13, 600/47 They moved freely. Sand track 1000 metres Sheer Genius (M Mark) 112.5,800/56.5, 600/42.5 Moved on the bit. Plenipotent (Togrolu) 1-8.5, 800/55, 600/41 Impressed. Staminoized (rb) Lucy Diamond (Ramana) 1-17, 800/1-0, 600/45

Former finished in front. Vijays Pride (Ravinder Singh) 1-12.5, 800/56, 600/41 Pleased. Betty Prior (K Alam) 1-10, 800/55.5, 600/42 Moved attractively. Walnut Creek (S Nayak) Bloody Mary (app) 1-10.5, 800/54.5, 600/40.5 Former finished in front. Young Soldier (Ravinder Singh) 1-12, 800/55, 600/42.5 Moved well. Golden art (Ajit Kumar) 1-13, 800/58, 600/44 Pushed. Prince Prashant (S Nayak) Perfect (Kuldeep Singh) 1-17, 800/1-0, 600/43.5 They finished together. Buck Knife (app) 1-13, 800/59, 600/45 Urged. Vijays Champ (Ravinder Singh) 1-13, 800/55, 600/40.5 Pleased.

Dazzling Prince (app) Fairy Emperor (M Mark) 1-13, 800/57, 600/42 They finished together. Sand track 1200 metres Westminister (app) 1-29, 1000/113, 800/57, 600/43 Moved well. Major Luck (K Alam) 1-27, 1000/1-11, 800/57, 600/ 42.5 Impressed. Kohinoor Destiny (app) 1-31, 1000/1-15, 800/59, 600/45 Moved well. Blazing Asian (Chary) Flying Spur (Imran Khan) 1-27, 1000/1-11, 800/57,600/42 Impressive pair. Sand track 1400 metres Jaz Elle (rb) 1-48.5,1200/1-32.5, 10001-17.5, 800/1-1.5, 600/46 Easy.

sports

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

WORLD CHALLENGE INVITATIONAL PREVIEW

BADMINTON

McDowell chases title

Tiger Woods, ranked third in the world, ended a two-year global victory drought here last year and carried the momentum forward winning three US PGA Tour titles. THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFOR NIA: Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell says he’s happy to be back at the World Challenge Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods, a tournament that has been key in his career. McDowell won the tournament in 2010, following up his US Open triumph earlier that year up the Pacific coast at Pebble Beach. But he still believes it was his runner-up finish in 2009, when he received a last-minute invitation that set the stage for his 2010 breakthrough. “There’s no doubt, I always look back fondly not only at 2010 when I won here but I look fondly at 2009, as well, as certainly something that kick-started a bit of a chain reaction of amazing events that would be a very defining year for me in my career so far.” McDowell said geography played into his decision not to defend his title at Sherwood Country Club, in rolling countryside west of Los Angeles, last year. Instead he played in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City in South Africa. “I decided to go to Sun City before the Race to Dubai Championship because I figured it would be an easier journey from South Africa to Dubai,” he said. “So it’s great to be able to

McIlroy welcomes putting rule change

come back here this year. It’s a good golf course and there are good memories for me here.” Two notable absentees this year are world number one Rory McIlroy and number two Luke Donald. Tiger Woods who won the title last year said, “I’m very

excited because last year at this point in time I was still not quite where I wanted to be physically.” “I’ve played a full schedule for the first time in a very long time, and just very pleased with what I’ve done overall with my game. Obviously there’s always things we need to work on.”

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA: World number one Rory McIlroy was among those welcoming a proposed ban on “anchored” putting, announced on Wednesday by golf’s global governing bodies. “Fully agree with the anchoring ban,” the Northern Ireland golfer said on Twitter after the Royal & Ancient and US Golf Association jointly announced they proposed to ban golfers from anchoring putters to their bodies to create a pendulum-type stroke from 2016. “Better image for the game of golf, skill and nerves are all part of the game. Level playing field in ‘16” McIlroy tweeted. McIlroy’s comments echoed those that 14-time major champion Tiger Woods has made all year -that an anchored putter does not produce a true golf stroke, and can ameliorate the effect of nerves which should be part competition.

Saina to play Super Series despite knee trouble NEW DELHI: She is not quite fully there as far recovering from her knee injury is concerned, but London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal today asserted that she would compete in the prestigious World Super series Finals in China next month. “The Super Series in China is coming up. The world’s top players will be playing in that competition. I lost in the final last year, so, I am looking forward to it,” Saina said. The 22-year-old shuttler was in the Capital along with cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who launched her autobiography -- ‘Playing to Win -- My life on and off court’. Barring a second-round exit in the Hong Kong Open earlier this month, Saina has had a great results post Olympics, winning the Denmark Open and entering the final of the France Open. “I did not have enough time to recover after Denmark and France,” said Saina. PTI

FORMULA ONE

Ferrari may appeal Vettel title

Claims that a YouTube footage appeared to show Vettel overtaking Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne wrongly. LONDON: Ferrari are considering an appeal against an overtaking manoeuvre by Sebastian Vettel at Sunday’s chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix which could see the German stripped of his title, it was reported Wednesday. The Daily Mail claimed that YouTube footage appeared to show Vettel, the youngest triple world champion in Formula One history, overtaking Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne under yellow flags in the early laps of the rainaffected race at Interlagos. Overtaking under caution is outlawed and is usually punished with a drive-through penalty. However, in cases where the infringement is not spotted, the newspaper claimed, the sanction

is a 20-second penalty handed out retrospectively. Vettel was sixth in Sunday’s season-ending race while double world champion Fernando Alonso was second in his Ferrari behind winner, McLaren’s Jenson Button. The result allowed Vettel to beat Alonso in the title race by just three points. The aftermath of Sunday’s thrilling race in Sao Paulo was overshadowed by Ferrari insisting that Alonso should have been crowned champion, pointing to controversial races in Belgium and Japan to support their argument. Ferrari principal Stefano Domenicali said that Alonso paid a heavy price for first lap exits in Belgium and Japan. AFP

sports

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

RICKY PONTING TEST RETIREMENT

Perth Test Punter’s swansong The Tasmanian, who has 13,336 Test runs to his name — including 41 centuries with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more — said he knew it was time to call it a day. PERTH: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting called time Thursday on his 17-year Test career, announcing that this week’s clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last. “This Test will be my last,” he said at a hastily-called press conference, adding that he will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition this summer. Ponting, who turns 38 next month, has failed in three innings against the Proteas during draws in Brisbane and Adelaide and pressure has been building on the veteran ahead of Friday’s series decider in Perth. Perth will be a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career. It is where he debuted against Sri Lanka in 1995 and by playing Friday he will equal Steve Waugh’s mark of 168 Test matches — the most in the history of Australian cricket. After being made Australian captain in 2004, the right-hander went onto become one of the country’s greatest cricketers. “Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn’t been good enough,” said Ponting, who had already been dumped from the one-day and Twenty20 international squads. “My passion and love for the game hasn’t changed but at the end of the day (the decision) was based on my results. “In this series so far they have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team. “I’m glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms.” An emotional Michael Clarke, the current captain, said Ponting would be sorely missed and his announcement took him by surprise. “I didn’t have a feeling it was coming,” he said of his friend and mentor. “Ricky spoke to me after Adelaide and obviously made his decision over the last

Declares it’s all over T SCOTT COGHLAN Agence France-Presse

few days. “The boys (team) are obviously hurting right now. He’s been an amazing player for a long time.” Clarke added that the announcement would only fire up the side to win the third Test, where the number one ranking

in Test cricket will be on the line. “It will only give us more inspiration,” said Clarke as he fought back tears. In a statement, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland described Ponting as one of the best players ever to pad up for his country.

Factfile nName: Ricky Thomas Ponting Right-hand batsman, right-arm medium nDate of birth: December 19, 1974 (Age 37) nMajor teams: Australia, Tasmania, Somerset nTest debut: v Sri Lanka, Perth, December 8, 1995 nODI debut: v South Africa, Wellington, February 15, 1995 nT20 debut: Vs New Zealand,

“Ricky has had an extraordinary career and has made an extraordinary contribution, including through the example he has set for other elite players and through the excitement he has given fans, young and old,” he said.

Auckland, February 17, 2005 Career nTests Matches 167, Runs 13,366, Highest 257, Average 52.21, Strike-rate 58.74, Centuries 41 nOne-dayers Matches 375, Runs 13,704, Highest 164, Average 42.03, Strike-rate 80.39, Centuries 30 nTwenty20 internationals: Matches 23, Runs 477, Highest 98 not out, Average 23.85, Strike-rate 121.06.

onting has won more Tests as captain with 48 than any other Australian and has an astonishing success rate of almost 72 percent as the country’s one-day leader, winning 164 of his 228 games. He had already called a halt on his captaincy of the Test and one-day team in March last year, but continued as a player. Despite skippering Australia in more than 300 Test and one-day matches, taking over from Steve Waugh, his magnificent innings were blighted by three Ashes series losses as captain. Nicknamed Punter by Shane Warne for his penchant for a bet (punt) on the greyhounds, Ponting has amassed 13,366 runs in 167 Tests at 52.21, and 13,704 runs in 375 one-day internationals. As captain he oversaw a painful transition in Australian cricket in the wake of several high-profile retirements, including Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. But even with such greats in the ranks, Ponting, as captain, lost the 2005 Ashes in England. Despite engineering a 5-0 revenge in the ensuing home series in 2006/07, he again lost in 2009 and 2010/11. That last failure was badly received in Australia — it was their first Ashes loss at home for 24 years.

SOUTH AFRICA IN AUSTRALIA

Siddle, Hilfenhaus to miss third Test to provide rest

PERTH: Fast bowlers Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus were on Thursday left out of the Australian team for the third Test in Perth after their exhausting workload in Adelaide.

Instead pace quartet Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings were named in the 12-man squad, while star all-rounder Shane Watson will play after recovering from a calf injury.

Right-arm quick James Pattinson was a forced omission due to a side strain, while Siddle and Hilfenhaus rested after the drawn Adelaide Test. Should Johnson return, it would mark his first Test since

breaking down with a toe injury in South Africa last November. Hastings and Hazlewood will make their Test debuts if they play. Australia - Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan,

Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings (12th man to be named). AFP

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

sports

BRAZIL INSISTS FOOTBALL SECURITY ON TRACK

Brazil has a reputation for being one of the world’s more violent societies, but organisers of the 2014 World Cup insist that security will not be a problem at either event. They insist that they will be able to draw on the experience of dealing with huge carnivals, particularly in Rio.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Benitez denied 1st Chelsea goal Fulham — who have now gone six league games without a win — could claim to have created the better chances while Dimitar Berbatov was the game’s outstanding player. IAN WINROW Agence France-Presse

United and City keep rest at bay

LONDON: Rafael Benitez was still searching for his first win since his controversial appointment as Chelsea manager after they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham in a west London derby at Stamford Bridge. Wednesday saw Benitez largely spared the hostile reception he received during his first game in charge against Premier League champions Manchester City — also a scoreless draw —

JULIAN GUYER

Agence France-Presse

Results on Wednesday Chelsea 0 Fulham 0 Everton 1 (Fellaini 28) Arsenal 1 (Walcott 1) Manchester United 1 (Van Persie 1) West Ham 0 Southampton 1 (Lambert 32) Norwich 1 (Snodgrass 45) Stoke 2 (Walters 81, Jerome 85) Newcastle 1 (Cisse 47) Swansea 3 (Michu 9, Routledge 11, 39) West Brom 1 (Lukaku 45) Tottenham 2 (Lennon 7, Bale 16) Liverpool 1 (Bale 72-og) Wigan 0 Manchester City 2 (Balotelli 69, Milner 72)

Chelsea’s Brazilian defender David Luiz (L) takes a free kick during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge in London, on Wednesday. AFP/ IAN KINGTON

four days previously. But this was hardly a performance to win over those supporters who opposed the Spaniard’s appointment as Roberto di Matteo’s successor. The final whistle was greeted with boos from the home supporters and with Chelsea now without a win in six Premier

FIFA STANDARDS

Goalline technology nearing finish line JAVIER TOVAR Agence France-Presse RIO DE JANEIRO: Did the ball cross the line? It’s a question which football fans have been asking at least since the 1966 World Cup final, when England striker Geoff Hurst’s goal against Germany was given by a Swiss referee on the advice of his Soviet linesman. World governing body FIFA has been trying out two technologies and will put them to the tournament test at the upcoming Club World Cup starting December 6 in Japan with a view to using the most accurate version at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. A last-16 match at the last finals two years ago in South Africa went a long way to convincing FIFA that the technology had to come to the rescue after England’s Frank Lampard had what appeared to be a perfectly good goal ruled out against Germany. The non-award of his effort ultimately went some way to presaging a 4-1 loss for Lampard’s side.

League games, Benitez must find a way to help the European champions recover their cutting edge if he is to revive the club’s domestic title ambitions. Fernando Torres suffered another frustrating night that was summed up when a secondhalf volley was cleared off the line and the Spaniard has now

gone almost 11 hours without a league goal. Benitez made two changes from the side the drew with Manchester City with Oriol Romeu coming in for John Obi Mikel and, more significantly, Ryan Bertrand replacing Juan Mata as one of three offensive midfielders.

LONDON: Robin van Persie scored the fastest goal of the English Premier League season as Manchester United stayed a point clear at the top with a 1-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The Dutch forward needed just 33 seconds to give United the lead when his first touch eluded Winston Reid before his finish deflected off James Collins and looped over Hammers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Van Persie’s goal was all the more extraordinary as, prior to Wednesday’s match, United had conceded the first goal 13 times already this season. United remained just a point in front after reigning champions and local rivals Manchester City, who won 2-0 away to Wigan. City, the only unbeaten side in the top flight, looked like they might be held to a frustrating draw before striker Mario Balotelli scored in the 69th minute. Three minutes later James Milner made it 2-0.