Established 1961 Friday ISSUE NO: 17423 RABI ALTHANI 18, 1439 AH FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018

First batch of recruits Trump slams Bannon, says Murray, Nishikori pull 9 report to duty tomorrow 14 ex-aide has ‘lost his mind’ 44 out of Australian Open

The biggest games to look out for in 2018 See Page 28 2 Friday Local Friday, January 5, 2018

$127 billion vs Photo of the Day $300 million!

Local Spotlight

By Badrya Darwish [email protected]

t was shocking to hear that the US may cut aid for Palestinians for disagreeing over the unilateral Idecision by Washington to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It’s a decision that the rest of the world pretty much opposed, and even the closest allies of the US like the UK, Germany and France criticized the move and said it would damage the peace process. Now the US president is threatening to cut what lit- tle money his government, not himself, donates to the Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA already faces regu- lar funding shortages and the paltry $300 million the A fireboat is seen plying the waters off the coast of Ras Salmiya on a recent morning. The boats are part of the US gives barely helps. Kuwait Fire Service Directorate’s fleet of firefighting vehicles and regularly conduct drills in the coastal waters But behind the scenes, there’s a bigger game being of Kuwait. — Photo by Jamie Etheridge played. For the last 20 years, Israel tried nonstop to convince the United Nations to close the UNRWA program. Israel wants to stop calling Palestinians refugees because it wants to legitimize its land grabs and prevent any resettlement of Palestinians back to their homeland. Will 2018 be a year of change? Now Israel wants to delegitimize the Palestinian

refugee status Local Spotlight

By Muna Al-Fuzai Israel’s strategy is to take the whole of Palestine, including the West Bank and Gaza, which was occu- [email protected] pied in 1967 by Israel. That is why no matter what government is in power there, they still promote the settlers’ initiatives. Half the West Bank now is made up he world is still celebrating a new year after emerg- appear to be worrisome to many around the world, and we of new settlements for Israelis. ing from a year that was filled with dramatic and can only point to his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the devastating changes for many countries and people. capital of Israel. This decision triggered an angry and dis- Now Israel wants to delegitimize the Palestinian T Nevertheless, we still hope for change for the best. Even our missive reaction. I think we are at the beginning of a year refugee status, and by shutting UNRWA, it will help safe Gulf region is witnessing a deep-rooted crisis amongst that faces a lot of arduous issues. People are usually opti- them claim there are no Palestinian refugees left in the its members that may lead to serious repercussions on the mistic about the new year, and they see it as a new station world. social, economic, national and political levels if not ended. in their lives. But some have wishes that have remained By the way, in total, the US gives around $600 mil- Kuwait is still striving to preserve unity and solidarity unfulfilled for many years. lion to the Palestinians; half of which goes to UNRWA among the Gulf states, but the situation is still worrying and Also these days, the demonstrations in Iran have been and approximately $300 million goes to the Palestinian tense. Meanwhile, the Arab world faces crises from Syria to making the headlines, and many are following the develop- Authority and NGOS in Palestine. Yemen. ments with caution, especially as the repercussions of the By way of comparison, what aid does Israel receive Locally, there is nothing new except for a new govern- situation undoubtedly affect the whole region and possibly from the US? In 2016, the US inked a deal to give ment. Nothing significant has been achieved, whether in the the world’s policies in dealing with Iran. However, so far the Israel $38 billion - YES BILLIION - dollars in military field of development or corruption, or the status of women war against IS essentially seems to be over, yet the fear and aid over the next decade. Just imagine. In fact, from and their rights over equality with men in their demand for threat of other terror groups exist. 1949 until 2015, the US has given Israel more than housing. It has become a dream. The government has Security is desired by all religions, as well as peace, repeated itself in every formation, but perhaps the most $127 billion in aid, according to the Congressional security and tolerance, because people are tired of fighting, prominent event was the entry of a new member with a dis- bloodshed and sectarian discrimination. There are other Research Service. tinguished public status who represents new hope for general wishes shared by the majority of people, such as Wow! I leave it up to you guys to contemplate on Kuwaitis - Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, the new eliminating corruption and low prices. As a Kuwaiti, I hope the massive difference between those two aid pack- Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister. The lifting that the new year will eliminate corruption and witness real ages. And one goes to a military that dominates the of the suspension from Kuwaiti football and hosting the Gulf educational reform, most notably the amendment of the cur- entire region and the other to feed refugees. Cup sparked enthusiasm, and the spirit of unity and joy was riculum. We need a new generation that is aware of its So have mercy, please. felt all around Kuwait. responsibilities and role. Globally, the positions of US President Donald Trump Will the new year bring a new breakthrough?

4 Friday

Local Friday, January 5, 2018

Non-native trees are planted by local authorities in the streets. Non-native plants Cactus Abraham’s Balm

“As a researcher, I do not focus matrimony vine, rhanterium and in the dock overly much on what happens in cities, haloxylon, which are able to hold the because ecosystems are fundamen- soil, according to an academic study tally confused - people can plant provided by Dr Ali Al-Dosari of the By Athoob Al-Shuaibi tomers are whether the plant is suit- whatever they want in their homes. But Kuwait Institute for Scientific Re- able for external cultivation all year the damage is done when cultivating search. The study showed that it only ometimes you pass by a truck around, and whether it can tolerate the non-native plants in the heart of the takes us to cultivate these small bushes with a large tree on its way to an heat, cold and saline water. As a result, desert and in large numbers, as has to reduce the degradation of soil and Sincinerator, or some decades-old there’s a huge demand for conocarpus happened with the conocarpus. We dust storms. trees chopped and left next to a trees, American cactus, lotus flower, later discovered that its long roots dumpster. These are sad scenes that Abraham’s balm and oleander. damage the infrastructure and break may make you furious, wondering On the other hand, local authorities pipes,” she said. what was the fault of that tree that it adopt the same approach to selecting “The real imbalance occurs when was dealt with in such a violent man- plants that are grown in very large Dr. Sara Al-Ateeqi the only goal is to turn the desert into ner. Perhaps the person who planted it quantities in different parts of the coun- a green land without prior research. I was not sufficiently cognizant of the try and in the desert, in order to make in the environment. There is invariably wonder why we are ashamed of our Kuwait greener. But we wonder whether a good reason why some plants and beautiful desert nature. There is a tone there are studies demonstrating the long animals are not found in some geo- of dissatisfaction with its color and term effects of non-local plant cultiva- graphical areas even if their climatic shape and efforts are made to try to tion in the ecosystem of Kuwait. conditions are similar. turn it into something else, like a jun- Every plant has its own soil type, gle, despite the existence of more than Kuwait’s ecosystem and plants bacteria and fungi. When non-native 400 species of fungi plants in the In general, all plants in any desert plants are cultivated in a habitat, this desert of Kuwait,” Ateeqi added. macrocosm share the same character- causes a disturbance in ecosystems, During winter and spring, the istics that withstand heat and salinity. Dr Sara Al-Ateeqi, Director of Oper- desert blooms with all sorts of plants. But the problem is that every plant has ations at Al-Shaheed Park Museums, Therefore, it is best to invest in local its natural enemy to sustain a balance told Kuwait Times. plants and scrubs such as nitraria,

Oleander

Conocarpus problems of planting it. Those who want to green their buildings or farms often look for weather-resistant char- acteristics so that the trees can sur- vive in an arid desert climate such as Kuwait and to ensure their longevity. This is what the vendors at the Fourth Ring Road nurseries told Kuwait Times. The most common questions they get from cus- CONDOLENCES

Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief, management and staff convey their deepest condolences to

BAHMAN FAMILY

on the sad demise of Abdul Hussain Bahman

Chairman and Founding Member Bahman Group

May Allah Almighty bestow His mercy on him 6 Friday

Local Friday, January 5, 2018

oung artists in Kuwait responded to the 1930s when it was constructed by the late the final call from Architecture stu- Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in Salmiya, Ydents to express their objections to to be transformed later into a cultural center. the deconstruction of Bayt Lothan. This cam- Photos are selected from the participating paign was guided by the student associations artists: Halah Al-Eissa, Rana Ajrawi, Zain Al- at the Faculty of Architecture of Kuwait Uni- Farhan, Reem Al-Farhan, Kholoud Al-Asfour, versity in a stand against the ongoing demol- Asayel Al-Saeed, Rahaf Al-Dabbous and Al- ishing process which was started last week. Zahra Ashkanani. The legacy of Bayt Lothan goes back to Friday 7 Local Friday, January 5, 2018

How do we protect Arabic for the future?

Local Spotlight

By Jeri Al-Jeri [email protected]

uwait is in practice a bilingual country. Arabic is the official language but English is Kuwait bans poultry from Saudi Arabia over bird flu Kfast gaining as the business of language, KUWAIT: Kuwait placed a temporary ban on Animal Health which indicates that the H8N8 virus government and society. There are both positive and importing live poultry from Saudi Arabia after the was detected in Saudi Arabia, said Shakir Awadh, the negative effects to consider. English is the global appearance of a strain of bird flu there, an official official spokesman of the Public Authority for language of business and commerce and if Kuwait announced recently. This decision came based on Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources in a report hopes to compete on the world stage, it and its citi- reports released by the World Organization for published in December 25, 2017. zens must embrace English. At the same time, Arabic is a beautiful and important part of our heritage and hopefully, our future. So I want to know: “How do Kuwaitis view their Arabic language and its future?” There are some concerns that the English lan- Harnessing the power of ‘suggestion’ guage will eventually rival Arabic in the entire Arabian peninsula, and when a nation’s identity is By Nawara Fattahova body would read the suggestions card,” she told Kuwait Times. interwoven with its language, these concerns are Violation of the labor law was behind Maha’s suggestion for increasingly critical to our self-image. In this arti- any people believe that their suggestions or ideas having an extra day off for the employees at a hotel. “We only are never taken into consideration by institutions or had one day off per week, and we were working 10 hours every cle, I will strictly stress the reality of the situation Morganizations, so they don’t even bother proposing day. This is against the law, as we should only work for eight of my country, Kuwait, that parallels the bulk of the them. It’s true many times a customer’s complaint or request hours daily, unless we have two days off per week. After I sub- GCC states. may be ignored. mitted my suggestion to the management, they agreed to give all Kuwaitis do use English in shopping malls, in But persistence and the desire to create positive change the staff a second day off every week,” she said. school, in restaurants, and often in the comfort of can have an impact and sometimes making even the smallest Maryam was also surprised that her suggestion at a salon their own homes when communicating with their suggestions can result in incredible improvements. elicited a quick response. “I suggested to the salon where I do children’s nanny or their house help. In the past 20 my nails to have a wider selection of nail polish, especially years, it used to be that we learned English from our Take these simple examples sparkly ones, which is a trend now. When I came back the next school’s curriculum. “Every time I came to the co-op looking for a cockroach trap, I didn’t find any, so I had to buy it from other co-ops that But now, even this task is completed by our Asian are far from my house. When I was at the cashier the last time, nannies whose knowledge of English is usually I noticed the supermarket manager was present, so I went to enough for us to communicate with them. Speaking him and asked him if they might bring this product to the English at home with the help, rather than struggling store. He listened politely and agreed but honestly, I didn’t to teach them basic Arabic, also affords families a bit believe anything would change, but imagine my surprise when of privacy. They can language shift to Arabic when- I went only after three days and found the glue trap. I was ever they want to exercise their privacy. So, when impressed with the quick response,” Nouf told Kuwait Times. Kuwaitis account for only about a third of the popu- Aisha is a vegetarian and loves coffee with milk, but lation, should we be concerned about Arabic doesn’t drink cow’s milk. She made a suggestion, and got what she wanted. “Based on my suggestion, two different cafes becoming irrelevant or unnecessary? added more than one plant-based milk alternative instead of In Islam, we believe that the Holy Quran is forever regular milk, in addition to soymilk. I’m really happy that now divinely protected, that ensures to us that Arabic will I can drink the coffee that I like outside the house,” she noted. be eternal as well. Arabic once surpassed Greek, Even a pharmacy took suggestions into consideration. “I Latin, Hebrew and Persian as the language of philos- noticed that a pharmacy was displaying medical machines and ophy and science during the Dark Ages of Europe. tools in a bad way, as they were not easily seen by customers. But now, the global lingua franca is now English. So I suggested to the pharmacist to change the display to In my opinion, all we can do as people from the make them more visible to the customers when they enter the pharmacy. When I returned after a week, I saw that they had Arab world is to optimize the chances that Arabic changed the display,” Mohammed said. will never come second to English in our countries Omar noticed that the food at a popular Lebanese restau- via inserting Arabic in every technical terminology in rant was a bit salty, so he suggested reducing the quantity of any field and replace English with Arabic as the lan- salt in their dishes. “I submitted my suggestion to them, and week, I found it available, which really impressed me,” she said. guage of pop culture, i.e. movies and videogames on my next visit, when I ordered my favorite dishes, they were Suggestions can also help the community. One resident asked and social media, to ensure that English stays as a not as salty as they used to be. I was impressed that they that delivery restaurants provide people ordering food with the temporary necessity for gaining momentum in our responded positively to my suggestion,” he said. option of ‘opting’ out of plastic forks and knives. This not only educational endeavors and business interactions. Suzan frequents a cafe near her house, but was annoyed by saves restaurants money but is good for the environment and is This is the most humble effort toward the security to the music played there on a loop. “I filled the suggestions card now being adopted by many local delivery services. with my comment, asking the management if they can change Offering ideas on how to make the world a better place can our identity, because of the fact that nations’ ideolo- the CD that they were playing repeatedly. The manager agreed extend far beyond asking for specific products at the local gy is only “packaged” by their language, not by their that it was boring to hear the same songs all the time. When I market or reducing plastic waste. But it first requires that countries’ geography nor their racial chromosomes. came back after two days, the music was different. I was pleased people within the community believe that their voices, and that they responded to my suggestion, as I wasn’t sure that any- suggestions, will be heard. 8 Friday

Local Friday, January 5, 2018 Sheikh Mohammad demands investigation in Interior Ministry’s alleged financial violations

Move to protect police from political struggles: Lawyer

By A Saleh the assembly’s agenda. The draft laws include Tabatabae and his fel- the condition of anonymity, the sources said that proposals to naturalize children of Kuwaiti low jailed MP Dr Ja- the capital expenses’ volume of Kuwait Petroleum KUWAIT: Former defense minister Sheikh Mo- women and at least 4,000 candidates a year, in maan Al-Harbash Cooperation (KPC) and its subsidiaries during the hammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah lodged a petition addition to other laws to grant civil rights to along with other youth fiscal year 2018/2019 reach KD 30 billion, while with the Attorney General yesterday demanding bedoons, Subaie said, adding that the current who were found guilty operating expenses are KD 17 billion. an investigation in allegations mentioned in a re- solutions adopted by the government are tem- in the same case. He The total number of KPC and its subsidiaries’ cent State Audit Bureau report about financial porary or partial. “We hope for a more deter- said all those jailed are workers will reach 21,750 according to the ap- violations committed at the Interior Ministry mined approach and cooperation with the in good shape and proved cost, which is concentrated in the in- during his time as interior minister, and esti- parliament to resolve this issue,” he said. spirits. crease made by the establishment of the Kuwait mated at ‘millions of dinars’. Sheikh Mohammad Meanwhile, an informed legal source denied Integrated Petrochemical Industries Company does not object to being sent to the ministers’ rumors posted recently on Twitter and sug- Oil sector budget Sheikh Mohammad (KIPIC), which added nearly 450 employees, not court in order to “reveal the truth in front of the gested that the cassation court will discuss the The Supreme Pe- Al-Khaled Al-Sabah including 200 employees transferred from other Kuwaiti people and protect police from political case of storming the National Assembly. The troleum Council plants KPC subsidiaries. KPC and its subsidiaries made struggles,” his attorney Emad Al-Saif said in a source said there will not be a court session until to meet within two KD 1.4 billion in net profits in the first half of fis- statement yesterday. Sheikh Mohammad served after a memo is received from the prosecutor, weeks after the cabinet officially announces its cal year 2017/2018, with KD 5.5 billion from as defense minister from December 2016 to De- which is yet to take place. final formation, which is set to include the crude oil sales. Investment revenues increased cember 2017. He served as the interior minister In the meantime, the parliament’s human Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh by KD 700 million, the sources said. for over three years from August 2013 until he rights committee discuss on Sunday claims of Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and was reshuffled to the defense ministry in the rights violations committed inside prisons. Com- State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh, Man stabs father previous cabinet. Sheikh Mohammad was left mittee Chairman Adel Al-Demkhi said he re- State Minister for Economic Affairs Hind Al- A citizen stabbed his father in the shoulder out of the current cabinet that was formed last ceived a letter from Committee Rapporteur Dr Sabeeh, Central Bank Governor Dr Mohammad area in Jahra. The victim went to Naeem police month, and has since been appointed as an ad- Waleed Al-Tabatabae, who is currently serving Al-Hashel, in addition to members from outside station and lodged a complaint against his son visor in the Amiri Diwan. jail time after being convicted in the storming the government. His Highness the Prime Minister as well as his former brother-in-law. The man case, about the alleged mistreatment of a pris- Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah explained that he went to hand over his two sons Bedoons’ rights oner despite promises made by the Interior heads the council. to his ex-wife after visitation, but a fight ensued MP Al-Humaidi Al-Subaie said the National Ministry that no prisoners were being mis- The oil budget for fiscal year 2018/2019 will between him and his former brother-in-law. His Assembly has draft laws ready to resolve the treated. MP Osama Al-Shaheen had posted on be a top priority on the agenda of the council, ac- son, siding with his uncle, attacked him with a bedoons’ (stateless people) issue and will be on his Twitter account saying that he visited cording to oil sources’ expectations. Speaking on knife, he said.

the central bank, whereas the government Kuwait reserves should have transferred these funds to the DGCA sovereign wealth fund. He also said that based on reports, gov- higher than ernment agencies has around KD 5.8 bil- launches new lion in cash inventory and there is suspicion $36 million $524 billion: of wrongdoings by some government de- weather app partments. maintenance Adasani said he strongly rejects any KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Directorate General MP Adasani plan to impose any form of taxes in the of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a country or making citizens pay for the gov- contract for Doha new weather application ‘KuwaitMet’ ernment failures. competent with the latest smartphone By B Izzak He described as ridiculous a proposal systems, the DGCA said yesterday. The by pro-government MP Ahmad Al-Fadhl to East plant signed app aims to better services on weather KUWAIT: Opposition MP Riyadh Al- form a committee to study grillings filed by in Kuwait, it added. The app will help lawmakers, saying that is an intention to Adasani said yesterday that the size of as- KUWAIT: Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity and people follow weather conditions na- amend the most important tool the consti- sets in Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund is Water Bakheet Al-Rashidi yesterday signed a KD 12 tionwide, including Kuwait City, the tution gives to lawmakers. much higher than the $524 billion an- million ($36 million) contract for the annual maintenance Kuwait International Airport, Al-Wafra, Meanwhile, the minister of social affairs nounced by the national assembly financial of the East Doha Power Station (EDPS). The contract Al-Abdali, Al-Salmiya, Al-Jahra, Al- and labor Hind Al-Sabeeh said yesterday and economic affairs committee. covers regular and thorough maintenance of the equip- Shaqeya and Al-Salmi, Deputy Director that she was ready for any grillings within The lawmaker reiterated his opposition ment and control apparatus at the EDPS to guarantee General for Air Navigation Services Af- the framework of the constitution and laws. to government plans to borrow from the high performance and safe and stable operation of the fairs Khalid Mubarak Shuaibi said. He She was responding to threats by a number domestic and international markets to fi- plant’s units, an official statement said. It noted that it is added that the app would present up- of MPs to grill her. nance the budget deficits resulting from part of the hard efforts to improve, and secure stability to-date data on temperature, wind In the meantime, opposition Islamist MP low oil prices. of power services nationwide. Maintenance work will speed, humidity, and sea state. Mohammad Al-Dallal yesterday warned of He said that the government should in- cover 60 months after the contract was signed. It will also provide weather warn- clear signs that the country was headed for stead stop squandering of public funds in Meanwhile, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) ings for four days ahead, besides satel- another wave of reform protests like the many areas and also collect billions of di- announced the new prices of liquid gas (Propane and lite images and weather maps, as well one a few years ago. nars in government dues from the public Butane) for January. The corporation said that Propane as a climate archive, he noted. Shuaibi He said at one stage, some thought that and other sides. gas is sold for $590 per metric ton, while Butane gas is pointed out that they are working on the protests have gone forever but certain Adasani said that the government has set at $570 per metric ton. Propane and Butane prices introducing Arabic as a second lan- quarters have taken harsh measures debt worth KD 1.3 billion, most of it held by are affected by the rate of crude oil, and the value of the guage of the app. In the meantime, the against the reformist youths to the extent the ministry of energy and electricity and US dollar, along with geopolitical factors and natural DGCA’s Meteorology Department has of sending them to jail, adding that this may water and the customs department. disasters. The two gases are used in the petrochemical upgraded its website to keep pace with become the launchpad for a new wave of He also said there are some KD 20 bil- industry, cooking, heating and other areas. — KUNA IT advances. — KUNA lion held by the government, half of it by protests. Friday 9 Local Friday, January 5, 2018 First batch of recruits report to duty tomorrow Those who failed to register were transferred to investigations

By Nawara Fattahova Those who failed to register during the an- nounced period were transferred to the Investi- KUWAIT: The first batch of recruits for conscrip- gation Department, and most of them had serious tion will start their training at G1, Mubarakiya reasons for being late, and we took that in con- Camp, and Al-Aghrar Military School tomorrow. sideration.” They will serve for one year, including training during the first four months. The training phase Strict sanctions will include military theoretical and practical The sanctions are strict against those who training, as well as religious, security and commu- failed to register. “After people start receiving nication lectures. The first batch consists of 140 warning letters, they became aware, and many recruits out of 6,500 on whom the conscription registered,” said retired Brigadier Falah Al-Anezi, applies according to the law. Legal Consultant of the Authority of National “The law applies on all Kuwaiti males who Service and Reserve. “The sanctions are now ap- were born after May 10, 1999.” said Major Gen- plied by the Investigation Department as they eral Ibrahim Al-Amiri, Head of the Authority of didn’t join the service yet. The sanctions have se- National Service and Reserve during a press con- rious effect, one for each phase. The sanction may ference held yesterday at the Officers Club. “Of reach five years of imprisonment in case of dis- those Kuwaiti males, 2,333 have study exemption. asters. Failing to register is considered a crime, The 140 number of recruits seems like a small and may not allow them to be employed, along KUWAIT: (From left) Brigadier Mohammed Al-Jassar, Brigadier Saleh Al-Anezi, Major General Ibrahim number, but the number will increase when stu- with travel bans and arrest warrants. Furthermore Al-Amiri, and retired Brigadier Falah Al-Anezi attend a press conference held yesterday at the Of- dents will graduate from the Public Authority for they will be banned from voting. The punishment ficers Club. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Applied Education and Training after two years does not expire by time.” and from Kuwait University after four years. What Women are excluded from this law. “In the really matters is that we do not have men who are new law Kuwaiti women are completely excluded saying “More than 200 were sent to the Depart- of the Authority of National Service and Reserve. neither studying nor recruits.” from conscription. In the old law, they were not ment for not registering while the rest received “According to medical checkup and health con- “We will now enter the registration phase. The included but it was possible to issue a decree. The warning letters. There are two violations depend- dition of recruits they may serve in an adminis- recruits will stay for the first two weeks at a camp constitution does not forbid women from con- ing on the phase, so there it is a crime if one fails trative position. Also we are cooperating with after which they will work from morning to after- scription, thus the present law was amended by to register or join, and one person can be com- different institutions and ministries and according noon at any job,” he added. “The number of those the parliament,” he further said. mitted for both the crimes.” to their demand some of the recruits will serve in who didn’t register have dropped from over 1,000 Commander of the Institute of the Authority of Some recruits may serve in different institu- a ministry or other public institution. They will re- to 870, and I believe there will be more registra- National Service and Reserve Brigadier Saleh Al- tions. “The health condition is also considered,” ceive salary depending on their education degree tions, as more people are now aware of the law. Anezi also spoke during the press conference, stated Brigadier Mohammed Al-Jassar, Director with all benefits that the officers receive.”

Bangladesh PM,

Kuwait’s Chief of of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Defense Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah - the Supreme Commander of the Kuwaiti Staff hold talks Armed Forces. Minister to He wished Sheikh Sabah success in his new post and voiced hope that KUWAIT: Promoting bilateral cooperation, mili- Kuwait will see more prosperity and tary in particular, featured high on the agenda of inspect progress under the wise leadership of talks held between Bangladesh Prime Minister His Highness the Amir, according to a Sheikh Hasina and the visiting Kuwaiti Army Chief Kuwaiti troops statement issued by the moral guidance of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Khaled Al-Khuder and and public relations Department of the an accompanying delegation. Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense. Sheikh During the meeting, both reiterated willingness KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister Nasser sent a letter of thanks to the Al- to consolidate ties between the two countries, the DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser gerian leader to express his best wishes Kuwaiti Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Moral Hasina meets with Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah left Kuwait for him and the sisterly Algeria. Guidance and Public Relations said in a press Lt Gen Mohammad Khaled Al-Khuder. — KUNA yesterday for Saudi Arabia to inspect the Sheikh Nasser also received a letter statement. Kuwaiti troops in operation ‘Restoration of congratulations from Zhang Gaoli, the The two sides today addressed major issues of of Hope’ in Yemen. A high-ranking dele- first vice-premier of the People’s Re- Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince common concern, it added. Sheikh Hasina congrat- gation is accompanying Sheikh Nasser public of China. Zhang congratulated Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ulated Khuder and his delegation - who are on an Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who was seen Sheikh Nasser on winning the trust of phoned Khuder earlier today to get reassured official visit- on their safety after their helicopter off by Defense Ministry Undersecretary His Highness the Amir and wished him about his and his companions’ health following the encountered a problem while trying to land at Syl- Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al- success in his new post. Sheikh Nasser accident. Khuder also received similar calls from het airport, east Bangladesh, due to heavy fog and Sabah and senior military commanders. sent a letter of thanks to the Chinese Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al- had a friction with some trees there. On Wednesday, Sheikh Nasser Sabah First Vice-Premier and expressed his Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh On Wednesday, Khuder expressed gratitude to Al-Ahmad received a letter of congratu- best wishes for him and friendly China, Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and First the top political leaders of Kuwait for their kind lations from Algerian President Abdelaziz according to a statement issued by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister phone calls with him after a helicopter accident, Bouteflika. President Bouteflika congrat- moral guidance and public relations de- Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as well the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. His ulated Sheikh Nasser on winning the trust partment. — KUNA Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- as several ministers and MPs. — KUNA

Friday

InternationalFRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 Trump slams Bannon, says ex-aide has Pakistan shrugs off impending US aid cuts Page 16 ‘lost his mind’ Page 14

DAMASCUS: Syrian man walks amid destruction following bombardment a day earlier in the rebel-controlled town of Misraba, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus. — AFP Suspected Russian jets kill 30 in Syria Civilians besieged face ‘complete catastrophe’ BEIRUT: At least 30 civilians were killed early sands of civilians since its major intervention two liveries by the government are blocked and hun- people live. Rescue workers said there had been a yesterday when jets dropped bombs on a residen- years ago that turned the tide in the country’s dreds of people who need urgent medical evacu- spike in civilian casualties there in the last twenty tial area in a besieged rebel enclave east of Syria’s nearly seven-year-old war in favor of President ation have not been allowed outside the enclave. days from stepped-up aerial strikes on residential capital, a war monitor said, identifying the planes Bashar Al-Assad. Scores of hospitals and civil defense centers in areas, documenting 50 dead at least in that period. as Russian. At least four bombs flattened two Moscow says it only attacks hardline Islamists. Ghouta and across Syria have been bombed dur- “There have been at least six major massacres buildings in the Eastern Ghouta town of Misraba, Video footage posted ing the conflict in what perpetrated by Russia in indiscriminate bombing in an attack that killed around 20 and wounded yesterday by activists the opposition said is a of cities and towns with thousands fleeing their more than 40 people, the Syrian Observatory for on social media in East- “scorched earth policy” homes in the last two weeks,” said Mustafa al Haj Human Rights and civil defense sources said. ern Ghouta showed At least ten to paralyze life in rebel- Yousef, the head of Idlib’s Civil Defence, rescuers Elsewhere in Eastern Ghouta, the last major rescue workers pulling held areas. Syrian state who work in opposition-held areas. On Wednes- rebel enclave near Damascus, at least ten people women and children people were news agency SANA said day air strikes hit a maternity hospital in Idlib’s were killed in aerial strikes in other nearby towns, from rubble. The on Thursday rebel Ma’arat Al-Nu’man city, killing five people, the the Observatory, rescuers and residents said. The footage could not be killed in shelling of the govern- Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) charity, Observatory, a war monitor based in Britain, said independently con- ment-held capital Dam- which supports the hospital, said. 11 women and a child were among the dead in the firmed. Jets also aerial strikes ascus killed one and The hospital, which SAMS said delivers around strikes in Misraba, which it said were carried out pounded Harasta, on injured 22 in the Amara 30 babies a day, had been struck three times in by Russian planes. the western edge of the district of the city. four days and the last strikes temporarily put the Backed by Russian strikes, government forces enclave, where rebels hospital out of service. Overnight, a family of seven have escalated military operations against Eastern this week besieged and overran a major military Idlib push was buried under rubble in Tel Dukan village, res- Ghouta in recent months, seeking to tighten a base which residents say the army uses to pound Supported by Iran-backed militias and inten- cuers said. The army has been gaining ground in siege that residents and aid workers say is a de- residential areas. sive Russian bombing, the Syrian army has since Idlib and the adjoining eastern Hama countryside, liberate use of starvation as a weapon of war, a The rebel assault aimed partly to relieve the last month waged a new campaign to push into the with scores of villages seized from rebels mainly charge the government denies. Russia rejects Syr- pressure of the tightening siege. The United Na- heart of another rebel-held part of Syria, Idlib belonging to Tahrir al Sham, a coalition of jihadist ian opposition and rights groups’ accusations that tions says about 400,000 civilians besieged in the province in the country’s northwest. Idlib is a groups with mainstream Free Syrian Army (FSA) its jets have been responsible for deaths of thou- area face “complete catastrophe” because aid de- heavily populated area where over two million factions also engaged in the battles. — Reuters 12 Friday International Friday, January 5, 2018 More pro-regime rallies as Iran declares ‘sedition’ over No reports of fresh protests in local media

TEHRAN: Iran saw another day of large pro- ‘Grotesque intervention’ regime rallies yesterday after authorities de- Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli clared the end of deadly unrest and turned yesterday said 42,000 people had taken part in attention to addressing the economic concerns the unrest nationwide. It was a higher figure than that fuelled protests. A week after the demon- the 15,000 given by the head of the Revolution- strations broke out, there were no reports of ary Guards a day earlier, but still far below the fresh protests in local media overnight, while hundreds of thousands that took to the streets videos on social media during the last major suggested only limited protest movement in unrest in provincial 2009. The unrest caused towns which could not We are international concern, be immediately verified. together with the United States in As Washington said it particular accusing au- may look to impose fresh behind the thorities of a crackdown sanctions on Tehran, on dissent. Iranian authorities were leader A White House offi- weighing options includ- cial, who asked for ing blocking unpopular anonymity, on Wednes- measures in President day said Washington Hassan Rouhani’s recent budget. State television would look for “actionable information” to try to showed huge crowds marching in support of the bring fresh sanctions on those responsible. US government across 10 cities early yesterday, in- President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly cluding Isfahan, Ardebil and Mashhad, where the tweeted his backing for Iranian protesters, protests first erupted last Thursday. “We are to- wrote: “You will see great support from the gether behind the leader,” chanted the crowds, in United States at the appropriate time!” MASHHAD: Iranian pro-government supporters hold posters of Iran’s supreme leader Aya- reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali The question now is whether Trump will tollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of the regime after authorities declared the end Khamenei. The head of the army, General Abdol- continue to waive nuclear-related sanctions of deadly unrest. —AFP rahim Mousavin, thanked security forces for that were suspended under the 2015 nuclear “putting out the fire of sedition”. deal between Iran and world powers. Under platforms Telegram and Instagram remained the unpopular budget measures announced last An advisor to Khamenei said: “The revolu- the deal, Trump must actively lift certain sanc- blocked on mobile phones, having been inter- month, which included cuts to welfare and fuel tionary Iranian people have responded in time tions every few months and the next deadline rupted soon after protests began. Telecoms price hikes. to the enemies and trouble-makers by coming falls on January 12. Iran-which has long ac- Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi said “As concerns petrol prices, we must ab- out on the streets”. “The people’s main demand cused the United States and Sunni Arab rivals Telegram would only be unblocked if it removed solutely take into account the situation of the now is for the government and officials to deal led by Saudi Arabia of interference in its af- “terrorist” content. people because the tensions are absolutely not with the economic problems,” Ali Akbar Velayati fairs-said external “enemies” were behind re- in the interests of the country,” parliament told the semi-official ISNA news agency. A total cent unrest. Parliament responds speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday. of 21 people died and hundreds were arrested Its UN Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo Iran’s political establishment has closed Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to in five days of unrest that began on December said the US government had “stepped up its acts ranks against the unrest, with even reformists mend the economy and ease social tensions, 28 as protests against economic grievances and of intervention in a grotesque way in Iran’s in- condemning the violence. But many have also but high living costs and unemployment have quickly turned against the regime as a whole, ternal affairs” and accused Washington of vio- called on Rouhani to address the economic left many feeling that progress is too slow. with attacks on government buildings and po- lating international law and the principles of the grievances that drove the initial protests. There Rural areas, hit by years of drought and under- lice stations. UN charter. Online messaging and photo sharing have already been moves in parliament to block investment, are particularly hard-hit.—AFP

said in a statement. A jury in New York found mayor Rudy Giuliani, at that point part of legations,” with the ministry saying that “de- Turkey furious Atilla guilty on Wednesday of five counts of Zarrab’s legal team, had even met Erdogan in stroyed the court process’s seriousness and bank fraud and conspiracy. The federal trial Ankara in search of a solution to the case. credibility.” Bozdag went even further, saying hinged on the testimony of well-connected Zarrab, a prominent gold trader, agreed to testify the case was “tangible proof” that the CIA and over US Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who after striking a deal to plead guilty to violating US FBI were engaged in judicial cooperation with became a government witness after admitting sanctions in a switch that infuriated Ankara. His Gulen’s group. Atilla is due to be sentenced on sanctions-busting his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar gold- assets in Turkey were later seized. Deputy Prime April 11. Zarrab’s sentencing date has not been for-oil scheme to subvert US economic sanc- Minister Bekir Bozdag blasted the case as a “po- scheduled. tions against Iran. litical plot”, saying the jury’s conviction “doesn’t Much of the case focused on Zarrab, 34, a key ISTANBUL: Turkey reacted furiously yesterday His testimony implicated former Turkish min- have any legal value from Turkey’s point of figure in a 2013 Turkish corruption scandal in to the fraud conviction in New York of a Turkish isters and Erdogan in the scheme, and identified view.” “This decision is against international which he allegedly bribed four ministers to fa- banker which came after an explosive trial over 47-year-old Atilla as a key organizer. Turkey’s law,” he wrote on Twitter. Ties between Turkey cilitate sanctions-busting trade and other deals. Iran sanctions-busting that implicated ex-min- foreign ministry branded the US ruling as “unfair and the US have been strained over a number of Those charges against Zarrab were ultimately isters and even President Recep Tayyip Erdo- and unfortunate,” and “a shame of law”. Erdo- issues including Washington’s refusal so far to dropped. But he was arrested in Miami in 2016 gan. The conviction of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, gan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin meanwhile de- extradite the Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, while seeking to take is family on a holiday to deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halk- scribed the conviction as a “scandalous decision who Ankara blames for orchestrating the failed Florida, and eventually agreed to testify in the bank, is set to further ratchet up strains between in a scandalous case” and a “shameful scenario”. 2016 coup. US case over violating Iran sanctions in a plea Washington and Ankara in an increasingly trou- Only last week, the two sides resolved a bargain. ble-plagued relationship. ‘Political plot’ months-long crisis that resulted in the suspen- In testimony in a New York court on Novem- “The US court... has interfered in Turkey’s Erdogan had repeatedly slammed the trial sion of visa services for Americans in Turkey and ber 30, he said he was told that Erdogan, as domestic affairs in an unprecedented way based as a plot against Turkey and, according to Amer- vice versa. The foreign ministry statement said prime minister in 2012, and economy minister Ali on so-called evidence that is only fit for forgery ican newspaper reports, had often raised the the court in the US was influenced by some Babacan had given “instructions” to two public and political abuse,” the Turkish foreign ministry case in talks with US leaders. Former New York Gulen group members who “made unrealistic al- banks to take part in the scheme. —AFP Friday 13 International Friday, January 5, 2018 Mass alerts as Eleanor batters Europe

4th winter storm to hit Europe since December

PARIS: The French Alps were on maximum ava- Yesterday, firefighters said a woman in her lanche alert yesterday as Storm Eleanor swept 90s died in Crets-en-Belledonne in the French through Europe, killing at least four people and Alps after the heavy rains caused a nearby fanning rare winter wildfires in Corsica. With the stream to overflow its banks, sending a torrent of mountains packed with skiiers for the school hol- mud and water into her home. In France, 29 peo- idays, major resort Val d’Isere closed its runs for ple have been injured-four of them seriously-in- the day because of “heavy snowfall”, while Cha- cluding a woman hit by a falling block of monix said it was shutting many of its lifts as a concrete. At Lenk in central Switzerland, eight precautionary measure. “The objective is to people were hurt when a violent gust of wind keep everyone safe,” said David Ponson, ski chief overturned a railway carriage. in the Alpine Savoie region, as many pistes were shut for a second day. Power cuts At the other extreme, nearly 400 firefighters The whole of Spain’s northern coast remained on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica on “orange” alert-the second highest on a four- were battling two blazes fanned by Eleanor’s point scale-because of the risk from strong strong gusts of wind, with three people injured winds and large waves. More than 40 towns in in a fire overnight. Three hundred goats were southwestern Spain have meanwhile brought for- killed in the blaze at Chiatra-Canale di Verde ward their annual Epiphany feast parades-cele- near the island’s east coast and ten homes burnt- brating the coming of the three wise men with five of them completely destroyed, local author- gifts for Jesus-to Thursday because of heavy rain ities said. The prefecture added that the intensity forecast Friday. The worst of the storm appeared of the blazes was “exceptional in the middle of to have passed by Thursday, though much of winter.” Two helicopters were able to help douse eastern France was still on “orange” alert for the flames after the winds eased up. heavy winds, floods and avalanches. ASNELLES: A man and children watch waves crashing against a tidal wall yesterday in Eleanor, the fourth winter storm to hit Europe Some 29,000 French homes remained with- Asnelles, northwestern France, after storm Eleanor swept into Europe. — AFP since December, swept into the continent on out power, a third of them in Corsica. Germany Wednesday after battering Britain and Ireland. lowered its alert for violent winds Wednesday ported. River traffic will be suspended if it hits havoc with road and rail transport, leaving It has left four people dead, including a 21-year- evening, but high tides were worrying several 8.3 meters. branches, electrical lines and other debris strewn old skiier hit by a falling tree in France and a cou- states, including in the Moselle Valley where The storm had snarled air traffic on Wednes- across tracks and highways. The Eiffel Tower was ple in their 60s swept away on Spain’s northern heavy downpours have halted boat traffic. The day, briefly shutting the Strasbourg and Basel- temporarily closed Wednesday, with the top deck Basque coast by a huge wave. A young man had Rhine river was set to surge to seven meters yes- Mulhouse airports and delaying departures from remaining off limits most of the day due to gusts to be rescued after attempting to save them. terday and was still rising, the Bild newspaper re- Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. It also played of over 80 kilometers an hour. — AFP 14 Friday International Friday, January 5, 2018 Trump slams Bannon, says ex-aide has ‘lost his mind’ Calls eldest son ‘treasonous’ and ‘unpatriotic’ WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump Fury: Inside the Trump White House” by Michael has unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one Wolff. Passages published by The Guardian and of his closest political allies, describing former New York magazine quoted Bannon being highly White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as in- critical of Trump’s son Donald Junior and daugh- sane and irrelevant. After the release of explosive ter Ivanka. excerpts from a new book in which Bannon re- Bannon, who left the White House in August, portedly described Trump’s eldest son’s meeting is also quoted as saying that the investigation by with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as “treasonous” special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian in- and “unpatriotic,” Trump wasted no time terference in the 2016 election will focus on Wednesday in firing back. money laundering. The The embattled Repub- investigation by Mueller, lican president issued a a former FBI director, is response that was searing looking into whether the even by his combative Trump campaign col- standards. “Steve Bannon Only in it luded with Russia to has nothing to do with me for himself help get him elected-a or my presidency. When charge the president has he was fired, he not only repeatedly and vehe- lost his job, he lost his mently denied. mind,” Trump said in a written statement. Trump ‘You should have WASHINGTON: This file photo taken on January 28, 2017 shows US President Donald Trump said Bannon — who engineered the New York called the FBI’ speaking on the phone with Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, alongside former real estate mogul’s link to the nationalist far right Donald Junior took a meeting with Russian Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) and former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, from and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosys- lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016 after an the Oval Office of the White House. —AFP tem-was “only in it for himself.” intermediary promised material that would in- US media said Charles Harder, a lawyer for criminate Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clin- government inside Trump Tower in the confer- should have called the FBI immediately,” he said. Trump, has sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter ton. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and then ence room on the 25th floor-with no lawyers,” Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agree- campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended Bannon was quoted as saying in the book. “They the reported comments by Bannon, a former in- ment by speaking to the author of the book. the meeting at Trump Tower in New York. didn’t have any lawyers. “Even if you thought that vestment banker and the executive chairman of Trump’s fury appeared to have been provoked by “The three senior guys in the campaign this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart the publication of startling extracts from “Fire and thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign s**t, and I happen to think it’s all of that, you News. —AFP

very dangerous conditions,” New York Mayor Bill Blizzard pounds de Blasio said late on Wednesday. “Both rush hours will be affected,” Boston Mayor Marty Hillary Clinton saw their poll numbers get US Northeast Walsh earlier told a news conference. “Be patient. Trump receives poll better the less news coverage they got. With the amount of snow we’re getting here, we Given FBI investigations and assorted could be plowing your street and a half hour later boost after silence scandals swirling around the two deeply un- CHARLESTON: Heavy snow and high winds it could look like we haven’t been there.” popular candidates-it stands to reason that pounded the U.S. East Coast along a front WASHINGTON: US President Donald the absence of predominantly bad news stretching from Maine as far south as North Car- Southern snow Trump enjoyed a modest bump in popularity might be beneficial. Additionally, pollsters olina early yesterday, knocking out power, icing Private forecaster Accuweather said snow over the Christmas break, prompting poll- Kristen Soltis Anderson and Patrick Ruffini over roadways and closing hundreds of schools. would fall quickly during the day, at a rate of sev- sters to wonder whether he’s more popular of Republican research firm Echelon Insights The storm is the product of a rapid and rare sharp eral inches per hour, with the storm intensified by when he stays out of the news. During sev- found that “in the 30 days before the elec- drop in barometric pressure known as bomboge- the bombogenesis effect. The phenomenon oc- eral low-key days at his sun-kissed Florida tion, ‘Donald Trump’ was Googled more in nesis, or bomb cyclone. curs when a storm’s barometric pressure drops golf course, Trump’s approval ratings in- states that he lost than in those he won.” On Wednesday it dumped snow on Florida’s by 24 millibars in 24 hours. The rare type of storm creased from 36 percent on the eve of his capital Tallahassee for the first time in 30 years, and struck the U.S. Southeast on Wednesday, also departure to 40 percent on his return, ac- Faired well was expected to last through the day. States of dumping snow in parts of South Carolina and cording to the latest Gallup polls. While he During Trump’s presidency, that apparent emergency were in effect in Florida, Georgia, North eastern Georgia, said meteorologist Patrick Burke remains historically unpopular, his approval trend may have continued. HuffPost polling di- Carolina and Virginia and there were blizzard warn- of the federal Weather Prediction Center. rating is today at a higher level that at any rector Ariel Edwards-Levy pointed out that ings from the Canadian border as far south as Vir- More than 35,000 customers were without point since June last year-the honeymoon of when a series of hurricanes hit in the United ginia. Federal government offices were delaying power in Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia his presidency. States around September-the first news cycles opening for two hours on Thursday. early on Thursday, utilities reported online. A part That bump has rekindled a long-sus- not totally dominated by Trump — he faired Much of the eastern United States is in the of US-13 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel pected theory among poll-watchers: the relatively well in the polls. Over Christmas he grip of a sustained cold spell that has frozen part in Virginia was closed due to high winds early on most attention-hungry president in modern tweeted relatively little, and to an audience dis- of Niagara Falls, played havoc with public works Thursday while state transportation departments times might actually be better off slightly out tracted by family meals and vacations. and impeded firefighting in places where temper- throughout the region reported dozens of delays of the limelight. “It’s hard thing to prove” Any clear link between his silence and im- atures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus due to deteriorating roads conditions. Late on said Kyle Kondik, of the University of Vir- proved political fortunes could have pro- 6 centigrade). Areas around Boston were forecast Wednesday night, a baggage car and two sleeper ginia, who suspects Trump “does a little bit found implications for the way Trump to see about 1 foot (30 cm) of snow on Thursday, cars on an Amtrak train traveling from Miami to better in approval when he’s not dominating communicates. This year promises to be a and the National Weather Service predicted a New York, with 311 passengers aboard, derailed the news so much.” Kondik and his colleague difficult one for the 71-year-old, with Con- similar amount and wind gusts of up to 55 mph in as it was slowly backing into a station in Sa- Geoffrey Skelley have shown that before the gressional elections and an FBI investigation (90 kph) in New York City. Schools were ordered vannah, Georgia. No one was injured, an Amtrak 2016 election, both Trump and Democrat looming. —AFP to close in both cities. “This could bring some spokesman said. —Reuters Friday 15 International Friday, January 5, 2018 50 bodies recovered from horrific bus crash in Peru Collision on a precarious stretch known as the ‘devil’s curve’

LIMA: Peruvian emergency workers on ies remained in the crushed bus. There were six Wednesday said they had recovered 50 bodies- survivors, all injured. But most on board perished. six of them children-from a horrific bus crash One passenger, Maximo Jimenez, 24, saved him- over a cliff north of the capital Lima. The coach self by jumping through a window on the bus just plunged around 100 meters over a seaside cliff as he saw it careen off the road. He suffered a on Tuesday after a collision with a truck on a broken arm and took himself to hospital in a taxi, precarious stretch known as the “devil’s curve.” according to doctors who treated him. It had been travelling from Huacho, 130 kilome- ters north of the capital, to Lima with 55 pas- Perilous road sengers registered and two crew on board. The Dino Escudero, head of the traffic police, told vehicle landed upside down on rocks at the edge reporters that a crane was being brought in to of the sea. haul up the wrecked bus. Other officials said that “We have finished the painful task of recov- would permit an inspection to see if anyone had ering the bodies. Fifty been crushed under- bodies have been recov- neath. “Hopefully there ered from the accident,” will be no other bod- the regional head of Vehicle landed ies,” said a police com- Lima’s health service, Felic upside down mander, Victor Rucoba. Palomo, told radio station President Pedro Pablo RPP. “They have been on rocks Kuczynski wrote on identified by their next of Twitter that “it is very kin,” he said. Efforts to get painful to suffer an ac- Rescuers, police and firefighters work at the scene after a bus plunged the day before at the bodies were sus- cident of this magni- around 100 meters over a cliff when it collided with a truck on a coastal highway near pended Tuesday night be- tude.” He expressed his Pasamayo, around 45 km north of Lima. —AFP cause the tide had risen and reached the bus, the sympathies with the relatives of those killed. police said. Pope Francis, who is scheduled to visit Peru More than 200 workers from the police, army later this month, sent his condolences. He asked tragedy occurred is only used by trucks and San Martin de Porres, which owned the bus. and navy took part in the rescue and recovery for “eternal rest for the deceased,” said Cardinal buses, as cars travel a different route. Martinez could not confirm whether the driver effort. A police helicopter had to winch some res- Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. The It is a dangerous sea-hugging road where fog had been killed or injured, but added that the cue workers to the wreck of the blue bus while accident took place on a coastal highway about is frequent and high humidity can make the bus underwent a mechanical check before leav- others made the precarious journey down on 45 kilometers north of Lima, said Colonel Dino roadway slippery. The bus driver had a lot of ex- ing Huacho. More than 2,600 people died in foot with the assistance of ropes. Crews were still Escudero, head of the police highway patrol di- perience and was working with an assistant, said traffic accidents in Peru in 2016, according to the at the scene to ascertain whether any more bod- vision. The Pasamayo highway on which the Luis Martinez, a representative of Transportes latest available official figures. —AFP

tration had been repelled thanks to an operation Clashes in carried out “in collaboration with the Cameroon security services”, he said. Sources told AFP flew the 2-foot-by-2-foot “quadcopter” from that the country’s ambassador to Chad had been a friend’s apartment balcony and lost control Equatorial Guinea arrested and was being held in a military camp. New Jersey of it over the grounds surrounding the White Formerly a Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea is House, the New York Times reported. New one of sub-Sahara’s biggest oil producers but a MALABO: Clashes were reported in Equatorial poised to bar statistics set for release next week show 3.1 large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives Guinea near the border with Cameroon on million drones were sold in the United States in poverty. Obiang, in power for more than 38 Wednesday, shortly after the West African state last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said years, is accused by critics of brutal repression drunken droning said it had thwarted a coup against President Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption. Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa’s longest- Technology Association. “This was the first serving leader. Government troops had shot NEW YORK: US drone sales in 2017 topped Ambassador arrested year that drone revenues reached $1 billion,” dead a “mercenary” and “used gunfire to dis- $1 billion for the first time ever, but don’t raise Kowalksi said in an email. Wednesday’s announcement came after a glass too quickly if you’re in New Jersey, perse them in the forests along the border”, state New Jersey is among at least 38 states con- Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily where lawmakers are poised to outlaw drunken television TVGE said, without specifying how sidering restrictions on the devices this legisla- many “mercenaries” were involved or how long armed men on the border with the tiny state. droning. It is one of a wave of US states moving Two days later, Equatorial Guinea’s ambassador to bring the unmanned aircrafts’ high-flying fun tive year, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, the clashes lasted. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Penn- Reports of the shooting came after Security to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, re- back to earth. New Jersey’s Assembly yester- sylvania, and South Carolina, said Amanda Essex, Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said in a state- ferred to the incident as an “invasion and desta- day is slated to vote on a Senate-approved bill senior policy specialist for the National Confer- ment on public radio that an attempted coup had bilisation attempt”. The suspects, taken into to ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well ence of State Legislatures. “Like any technology, been mounted on December 24, allegedly by custody in a bus on the border, had rocket as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems foreign mercenaries recruited by political oppo- launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife. drones have the ability to be used for good, but nents. “A group of Chadian, Sudanese and Cen- according to his office. “It’s basically like flying a blender,” said they also provide new opportunities for bad ac- trafricans [citizens of the Central African On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said “a John Sullivan, 41, of New York, a drone buff and tors,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano of Republic] infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mon- war” was being prepared against his regime, aerial cinematographer. He said he opposed Elizabeth, New Jersey. She backed the bill, gomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of “because they say I have spent a lot of time in drunk droning but also fretted about regula- which would impose a punishment of up to six state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presiden- power”. The same day, the country’s ambassador tory overreach. “If I had like one drink, I’d be months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk dron- tial palace for the year-end holiday,” he said. to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, was arrested hesitant to even fly it.” A 2015 drone crash on ing. Already, nine states prohibit drones from The “mercenaries... were recruited by Equa- in the district of Ebibeyin, on Equatorial Guinea’s the White House lawn fueled debate in the US operating near or over prisons, including Ari- torial Guinean militants from certain radical op- border with Cameroon, one of his cousins and a Congress over the need for drone regulations. zona, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ore- position parties with the support of certain senior police officer told AFP on Wednesday, It was a drunken, off-duty employee of the gon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and powers”, the minister said. The attempted infil- speaking on condition of anonymity. —AFP National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who Wisconsin, Essex said. —Reuters 16 Friday International Friday, January 5, 2018 Pakistan shrugs off impending US aid cuts but wary of harsher measures Washington plans to slash ‘security assistance’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is shrugging off proposed the leverage they have, because it is something US aid cuts but frets that Washington could take they have reduced drastically over the years.” more drastic measures to deter what it sees as the Pakistan received about $1 billion in US assis- South Asian nation’s support for Taleban militants tance in 2016, down from a peak of about 3.5 causing chaos in neighboring Afghanistan. Wash- billion in 2011, Pakistani and US officials say. ington plans to imminently slash “security assis- About $550 million of the 2016 total came from tance” to Pakistan, US congressional aides told the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), a US Defense Reuters on Wednesday, although the type, scale Department program to reimburse allies for the and length of the cuts costs of supporting was unclear. A day ear- counter-terrorist and lier, the White House counter-insurgency oper- said it would suspend Frustrating ations. Pakistan was the about $255 million in al- largest recipient of such ready delayed military relationship funds. The remaining $450 assistance. million was a mix of mili- Tense ties between with Pakistan tary assistance and funds the uneasy allies nose- for international non-gov- dived on Jan 1 when ernment bodies (NGOs) President Donald and other development Trump lashed out on Twitter against Islamabad’s programs, Pakistan’s finance ministry says. “lies and deceit” despite $33 billion in aid and Analysts say there are limits to how much the the White House warned of “specific actions” to US can fracture relations, since Pakistan cannot be pressurize Pakistan. A staunch US Cold War ally isolated or completely sidelined, because of its and key player in the US-backed invasion of proximity to, and influence in, Afghanistan. “There Afghanistan after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on is really no way forward for the United States in KARACHI: Activists of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council shout anti-US slogans at a the United States, Pakistan has watched warily Afghanistan without Pakistan playing some kind protest. —AFP as Washington has in recent years pivoted to- of cooperative and collaborative role,” said Huma wards its arch-foe India. Yusuf, a Wilson Center Global Fellow. cial sanctions. Pakistani officials warn economic sible to find a solution to the Afghan conflict Over the past decade, US threats to cut aid damage would weaken the country, proving “without Pakistan being part of it”. Last year, have been part and parcel of its frustrating rela- Part of solution counterproductive in Washington’s battle US officials said the options being discussed to tionship with Pakistan, a nation also seen as vital Islamabad worries that the United States, against Islamist militant groups in South Asia. push Pakistan to change its behaviour included to the peace process in Afghanistan. “Aid cuts seeking to exert greater pressure on its ally, “I can’t imagine how the US financially or mili- targeted sanctions of officials with ties to mili- will not hurt us,” Miftah Ismail, Pakistan’s de could in future train its crosshairs on Pakistan’s tarily hurts us and their own war effort doesn’t tant groups waging an insurgency in facto finance minister, told Reuters. “That’s not fragile economy and impose some sort of finan- get hurt,” said Ismail, adding that it was impos- Afghanistan. —Reuters

had entered the country on a passport possibly a death sentence.” Serious secu- Vietnam arrests with a false identity while carrying another rity offences can carry the death penalty Vietnamese passport with his real identity in Vietnam although that also depends on S Korea’s Park and also had a third passport in his pos- the motivation and the degree of damage fugitive tycoon session. Singapore’s Ministry of Home Af- caused. Vietnamese police have not said ‘took money from fairs said Vu was wanted under an Interpol which secrets Vu is accused of revealing. SINGAPORE/HANOI: A fugitive Viet- “Red Notice” issued by Vietnam and had Police published a wanted notice for Vu spy agency’: Reports namese property tycoon who is accused been removed by the Immigration and on Dec 21 after failing to find him at his of spilling state secrets was arrested in Checkpoints Authority. home in the central resort city of Danang, Hanoi yesterday after Singapore deported A lawyer for Vu in Singapore said he where he had been nicknamed “Aluminum SEOUL: Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye is to be him, despite appeals that his life could be was only informed about the deportation Vu” for his background making window charged with accepting millions of dollars worth of bribes from in danger in Vietnam. Phan Van Anh Vu, 42, nearly three hours after Vu had been flown and door frames. For years, he had been a the state spy agency, news reports said yesterday. Park allegedly told his lawyers he was also a senior offi- out. “I am disappointed that, despite our prominent business figure in the city with received between 50 and 200 million won (now $47,000 to cer in Vietnam’s secret police and was try- best efforts for our client, he was deported public connections to authorities, among $188,000) from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) every without our knowledge or given an oppor- them the head of its communist party, who month from soon after her swearing-in in early 2013 until mid- ing to get to Germany and could have details of an operation in which a wanted tunity to contest the allegations made was fired in October for misconduct. 2016, prosecutors told South Korean media. against him,” Remy Choo told Reuters. Sin- Dozens of officials and business people The cash-said to total 3.8 billion won-was reportedly delivered Vietnamese oil executive was spirited gapore has close diplomatic and trade ties have been arrested in a crackdown on cor- by NIS agents to Park’s aides in uncrowded parking lots or in back home from Berlin last year. to Vietnam and both share a concern at ruption that gathered pace last year after alleys near the presidential Blue House. The money came from the Vu’s case put a new international spot- China’s growing regional influence. This spy agency’s “blind budget”-millions of dollars of special funds light on a sweeping crackdown on corrup- changes at the top of the communist party year, Singapore is also chairing the Associ- that can be spent without receipts for anti-espionage activities- tion in the communist state, where graft gave greater sway to the security estab- Yonhap news agency said. It remains unclear how Park spent the has flourished alongside years of rapid ation of Southeast Asian Nations grouping lishment. funds but news reports said she used them for personal purposes economic growth that have made it a that aims to boost regional cooperation. The fight against corruption is broadly or to bankroll supporter groups. prime destination for investors. Vietnam’s welcomed in Vietnam, but government Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coer- Ministry of Public Security said on its ‘Transparency and justice’ critics say they believe it is also being cion and abuse of power for offering governmental favors to ty- website that Vu was arrested in Hanoi after “Speed has been the enemy of both used to undermine officials linked to the coons, and prosecutors will add a 19th count to the indictment being deported from Singapore and that it transparency and justice in this case,” said administration of former Prime Minister regarding the payments, reports said. South Korea’s first female would “investigate according to Viet- Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Nguyen Tan Dung. The crackdown drew president was impeached by parliament after months of mass namese law”. New York-based Human Rights Watch. global attention last summer when Ger- protests over a sprawling graft scandal, and the constitutional Vu had been detained in Singapore on “Singapore deserves utter condemnation many accused Vietnam of kidnapping for- court upheld the decision in March last year, dismissing her from Dec 28 as he tried to leave for neighboring for forcing him back to face what will cer- mer oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh from office. She has been in custody since March 31. —AFP Malaysia. Singapore authorities said he tainly be a kangaroo court trial, and quite a Berlin park. —Reuters Friday 17 International Friday, January 5, 2018 India eyes ways to stop wasting $14 billion worth of food a year Food production is clearly not the main issue

NEW DELHI: For Bhaskar Kumar it is a struggle little money I had saved to buy seeds became to name green leafy vegetables found in India worthless,” adding by the time she changed her for his homework as his staple diet is rice and notes the price of seed had soared. Bai now salt with vegetables served only on festive oc- works as a daily labourer, earning 120 Indian ru- casions. But the eight-year-old from Pilakhana pees ($1.87) a day, which is not enough to sup- village in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh port her family of eight that includes five decides not to ask his mother Shakuni Bai, aware children. she skipped dinner four times that week. For Bai is among 194 million Indians going hun- More than enough food gry daily, according to the United Nations’ Food The paradox of millions going hungry in India and Agriculture Organization (FAO) - despite while food goes to waste is receiving increasing India wasting food worth about $14 billion a year, amounts of attention as the FAO stresses that according to government one third of food pro- figures. India, one of the duced globally for world’s largest food pro- 194 million human consumption is ducers, is trying to tackle wasted every year. As waste during production, Indians the World Economic processing, retailing and Forum has highlighted, consumption by funding going food production is internal initiatives and by clearly not the main partnerships on best prac- hungry daily issue as India needs tice and technology with 225-230 million tons of overseas investors. food per year to feed But many of those struggling to get enough its population - and farm output in 2015-2016 to eat are concerned that progress is too slow hit more than 270 million tons. in India which ranked 100 among 119 countries Sharad Pawar, a former agriculture minister, JALANDHAR: This photo taken on December 30, 2017 shows an Indian woman stitching to- in the 2017 Global Hunger Index, with 14.5 per- once told parliament that nearly 40 percent of gether a football as children sit nearby next to a field. — AFP cent of the population undernourished. Bai said the value of annual production was wasted, with her problems getting food came when three crops left to rot in the sun without storage or about 50 years ago, now sits on mounds of rice people are going hungry, with 38.4 percent of years of inadequate rainfall were followed by transportation, or eaten by insects and rats. This and wheat and has faced criticism for being too children aged under five stunted, according to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “demonetiza- wastage has a knock-on effect on the environ- weighed down by process and bureaucracy to Global Hunger Index. “This reflects the chronic tion”, when two of the highest denomination ment as well, as the efforts made to produce this solve the problems. A report by the govern- lack of balanced food,” said Ashish Agarwal, a notes were scrapped in November 2016. generates greenhouse gases, uses water, and can ment’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) food rights activist with Aligarh-based non-profit “I had my own land where I used to grow rice lead to deforestation. But while India’s Amul, the published last year involved a detailed analysis group UDAAN Society that focuses on rural de- and wheat alternately but with three years of world’s largest dairy cooperative, has been on shortcomings of the FCI including wastage, velopment. “The under-5 mortality rate is 4.8 per- consecutive drought I mortgaged my land to pay widely praised for successfully processing huge misappropriation, and fraudulent payments. An cent in India, partially because of inadequate the mounting debt,” Bai, 42, said during an inter- amounts of milk quickly and safely for years, official with the FCI, who wished to remain nutrition and unhealthy environment.” view at her mud-and-brick hut in Pilakhana. “I spurring the so-called “White Revolution” in anonymous, said a key reason for food waste is Critics are concerned that it is not enough to decided to give myself a last chance and was India, authorities have struggled to stop vast damage caused by a lack of infrastructure which just focus on boosting grain storage, as 350 million planning to pay the mortgage by farming as the amounts of grain wasting every year. it is trying to overcome by investing in building of India’s 1.3 billion people live in rural locations forecast suggested good rain in the coming The Food Corporation of India (FCI), the na- new cold storage facilities over the next five where electricity is unreliable and erratic so the months but then demonetization happened. The tion’s main grain procurement agency set up years. But while this food is wasted, millions of use of cold storage facilities limited. —Reuters

tions, vowed during the campaign to act against added, and officials say the final list is likely to “That’s impossible. We only look at docu- Indian Muslims illegal Muslim immigrants from neighboring be published in July. Reuters spoke to nearly two ments,” Sharmah said at his office, as people Bangladesh. But rights activists say the drive is dozen Muslims, including Bibi, from paddy- trickled in to look for their names on the second fret amid drive also targeting Muslims who are Indian citizens. growing villages around Fofonga who said their day of the list’s publication. “The time taken in Two national spokesmen for the BJP declined to names were not on the preliminary list. “I feel we the verification process depends on what kind of comment. A spokesman for the Ministry of Home are targeted because we are Muslims,” said Bibi, documents people submit.” Reuters saw a tribal against immigrants Affairs in New Delhi did not reply to e-mails and who said she has already proved she was Indian Hindu man leaving the NRC office with a smile a telephone call seeking comment. - she was jailed for eight months on charges of after being told that the names of all six members Citizenship and illegal migration are volatile being an illegal migrant from Bangladesh and of his family were on the list. Soon after, two FOFONGA: Marzina Bibi, a Muslim woman liv- issues in tea-growing and oil-rich Assam, home was let off only after showing documents attest- Muslim women came with their infants, and left ing in India’s northeastern state of Assam, is pet- to more than 32 million people, about a third of ing to her nationality. Surrounded by her neigh- disappointed. rified she will be declared stateless. The whom are Muslims. Hundreds of people were bors in the village, she showed her voter identity Hundreds of thousands of people fled to India 26-year-old’s name was not on a preliminary list killed in the 1980s in a violent protest by a native card and the court order for her release from jail. from Muslim-majority Bangladesh after it declared of citizens that was published at midnight on Assamese group against outsiders from the state independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971, Sunday, although she holds a voter identity card taking the bulk of jobs and cornering resources, setting off a nine-month civil war. Most of them and had voted in state elections in 2016. “Why including land. No religious bias settled in Assam and the neighboring state of West are they doing this to me?” Bibi asked, sitting For the latest update of the National Register The BJP has said previous governments have Bengal, where there are similar demands to send beside a bamboo mat she was weaving outside of Citizens (NRC), all residents of Assam had to included many Bangladeshi immigrants on elec- back illegal Muslim immigrants. The migrants in- her mud house in Assam’s Fofonga village. “They produce documents proving that they or their toral rolls to buy votes. At the local NRC office clude many Hindus, but the federal BJP govern- think I am a Bangladeshi. I was born here, my families lived in the country before March 24, in the Muslim-majority area, only around 4,500 ment has said they will not be deported. Himanta parents were born here, I am an Indian.” 1971, to be recognized as Indian citizens. Ac- people had made it to the preliminary list out of Biswa Sarma, Assam’s finance minister who is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu na- cording to the preliminary list of the NRC, about nearly 11,000 who had applied. The government in charge of the citizenship register, told Reuters tionalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which 19 million people in Assam have now been veri- officer in charge of the centre, Gautam Sharmah, that all those whose names do not figure in the came to power in Assam in the April, 2016 elec- fied as Indian citizens. More names will be said there was no religious bias against Muslims. final NRC list would be segregated. —Reuters 18 Friday International Friday, January 5, 2018 Games and festivities as Myanmar marks 70 years of independence ‘We need to remember this day every year’

YANGON: Children clambered up oiled ba- Myanmar as it faces global condemnation of nana stalks as teenagers wrestled for greasy alleged military atrocities committed against coconuts in street fairs held around Yangon the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority. yesterday to celebrate Myanmar’s 70 years of Vice President Myint Swe was the highest- independence. The national holiday saw roads ranking official to attend a solemn ceremony blocked off with pop music and live commen- that started before dawn broke in the capital tary blasting from sound systems in a cross be- Naypyidaw. But the day’s meaning was not tween a street festival and a public sports day. lost on ordinary people, 18-year-old Aung In Yangon’s northern suburb of Insein, on- Thant Kyaw explained, after several bruising lookers cheered a young boy as he endeavored rounds saw him crowned champion in a wres- to climb up an oiled, suspended banana trunk tle for a coconut covered in grease. “Our In- to reach the Myanmar flag at the top-a symbol dependence Day hero General Aung San and of the nation’s long struggle for independence. his comrades fought to give our country inde- “We need to remember this day every year. It’s pendence,” he said of a national hero who was important for the whole country,” organizer Ye assassinated months before Myanmar secured Yint, 27, told AFP, sporting a Manchester the independence he struggled for. “So today United top. “Younger generations need to re- we play games to celebrate our freedom and member the older generation that fought for to honor him.” our freedom.” Other competitions included a cushion fight on a bamboo pole over a muddy pond of water, Renewed patriotic fervor a race to snatch mouthfuls of suspended bis- Myanmar declared independence from cuits with no hands and a team competition to British colonial rule on 4 January 1948 after a pass scoops of flour by hand. But the most eye- long fight championed by General Aung San, watering was an extreme version of the ‘three- the father of the country’s current civilian legged’ race for pairs of naked young boys, leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. running along with their penises tied together Yet official celebrations for the 70th an- using a length of ribbon. There was jubilation niversary were kept low-key despite the re- for the winners but tears for the losing team YANGON: Youths play a traditional pillow fight game on a bamboo pole during festivities marking Myanmar’s newed patriotic fervor that has gripped who fell over halfway along the track. —AFP 70th Independence Day. —AFP

jured, including four critically. Emergency services said 14 Dozen dead people had died, and dozens were hurt, calling the minis- ter’s injury estimate premature. in South Africa “I have been briefed that the accident was the result of Indian pilots a truck that was driving through a level crossing... You can see for yourself the truck driver was taking chances,” train crash Maswanganyi said on the news channel of national broad- grounded after caster SABC. He said the driver had survived and police JOHANNESBURG: More than a dozen people were were investigating. Emergency services and rail officials ‘mid-air row’ killed and hundreds were feared injured after a train were not immediately able to confirm the circumstances of struck a lorry, derailed and burst into flames in South the crash. MUMBAI: An Indian airline said yesterday it had grounded Africa yesterday. Footage from television news showed South Africa has the continent’s largest railway network, two pilots over allegations they had a fight and both briefly fire engulfing one of the train’s carriages after the acci- but it has been plagued by mismanagement and under-in- stormed out of the cockpit during a New Year’s Day flight from dent, which occurred as it travelled between Port Eliza- vestment that has seen train use dwindle despite it being London to Mumbai. Jet Airways is investigating claims that a beth and Johannesburg. male pilot slapped his female colleague during a heated argu- the cheapest from of public transportation. In a recent re- Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi said the train, port, the government’s Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) said ment while the plane was in the air with 324 passengers on which was carrying 700 passengers, jumped the tracks board. Reports in several Indian newspapers, quoting unnamed that, in the 2016/17 financial year, 495 people lost their after hitting the truck, which was attempting to negotiate sources, said the mid-air altercation led the female pilot to lives in the country’s railway environment and 2,079 were leave the cockpit in tears and she had to be persuaded to go a level crossing. He said preliminary investigations sug- injured. The death toll was up 5 percent increase from the back in by cabin crew. gested 12 people had died in the crash and 268 were in- previous year. —Reuters At one point the male pilot also left the cockpit, leaving the controls briefly unattended, the Times of India claimed. “A mis- Six people were arrested in connection with the haul, understanding occurred between the cockpit crew... However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight... con- Indonesia police make but police have not provided a street value for the seized tinued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely,” Jet said in a state- drugs. West Jakarta police Chief Idham Aziz said drug- ment. “The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate huge marijuana bust related cases in West Java Indonesia’s most populous General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the concerned crew have province-were increasing. “Narcotics cases between been derostered pending an internal investigation that has since JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities have seized 1.3 tons of 2015-2017 are up 11.8 percent and the victims are mostly been initiated,” it added. The flight departed London around marijuana and arrested six people in a major drug bust on children and teenagers,” Aziz said at a press conference. 1000 GMT on Monday and arrived in India’s financial capital New Year’s Eve, police said yesterday. Authorities confis- Indonesia has some of the toughest anti-drugs laws in the on schedule around nine hours later at midnight local time. “At cated the drugs at a port near Lampung, on the southern world, including capital punishment for traffickers. Au- Jet Airways, safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount tip of Sumatra Island. The bricks of tightly-wrapped thorities, including President Joko Widodo, have declared importance and the airline has zero tolerance for any action of cannabis-which were displayed at a press conference yes- the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country is in its employees that compromises safety,” the airline said in its terday-were found hidden inside several vehicles waiting the grips of a “narcotics emergency”, although accurate statement. —AFP to cross to West Java, local media reported. data on drug use is notoriously difficult to find. —AFP Friday

www.kuwaittimes.net FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018

This file photo shows Australian actress Cate Blanchett posing as she arrives for the screening of the film “Sicario” at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southeastern France. — AFP Cate Blanchett to head Cannes festival jury

Page 20 20 Friday Lifestyle | Movies Friday, January 5, 2018 Cate Blanchett to head Cannes festival jury

ate Blanchett, the double Oscar-winning actress leading a Hollywood campaign to tackle sexual harassment in the Cworkplace, will head the jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, organizers said yesterday. Australian Blanchett, 48, who helped launch the “Time’s Up” initiative this week following a string of sexual assault accusations against prominent men in the film industry, will become the 12th woman to lead the prestigious panel at Cannes, which kicks off on May 8. “We’re very pleased to welcome a rare and unique artist with talent and conviction,” Cannes president Pierre Lescure and del- egate general Thierry Fremaux said in a joint statement. “Our conversations this autumn convince us she will be a committed president, and a passionate and generous spectator.” The choice of Blanchett, who was named best actress at the 2014 Academy Awards for her role in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine”, will be seen as politically charged after a year in which the sexual harassment scandal surrounding Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked a deluge of allegations against powerful men in entertainment, politics and the media.

Any male who thinks it’s

his prerogative to sexually This combination of pictures created yesterday shows (from top left) US actress and president of the jury of 71th Cannes Festival Cate Blanchett on April 11, 2017, New Zealander director and president of the 67th Cannes Festival Jane Campion on May 13, 2014, French intimidate or abuse women they actress and president of the jury of 61th Cannes Festival Isabelle Huppert on May 13, 2009, president of the 54th Cannes Film Festival jury, Norwegian actress and director Liv Ullmann on May 9, 2001, Isabelle Adjani, French actress and president of the 50th Cannes fes- need to be held to account’ tival 1997, on May 7, 1997, president of the 48th Festival de Cannes, Jeanne Moreau, president of jury of the 32th Cannes Festival and French writer FranÁoise Sagan on May 10, 1979 in Cannes, French actress and president of the jury of the 28th Cannes International Film Festival Jeanne Moreau, on May 10, 1975, Swedish actress and president of the jury of the 26th Cannes Film Festival Ingrid She was one of the first women to speak out against Weinstein, Bergman in 1959, actress and president of the 24th Cannes Festival Michele Morgan, in May 1971, president of the jury of the 19th who faces claims of a string of sexual assaults and rapes from Cannes Film Festival and Italian film actress Sophia Loren on November 2, 1965 at the Savoy Hotel in London, US actress and president more than one hundred accusers. Weinstein has denied some of of the jury of the 18th Cannes Film Festival Olivia de Havilland, during the Cannes Film Festival, on April 16, 1953. — AFP the accusations. “Any male who’s in a position of authority or power, you know, whether he be a film producer or the president of the United States who thinks it’s his prerogative to sexually in- 2011: Robert De Niro, American actor in “Raging Bull” (1980), timidate or abuse women that they come into contact with, “Casino” (1995) and “Meet the Fockers” (2004) whether in the workplace or otherwise, they need to be held to 2010: Tim Burton, American director of “Edward Scissorhands” account,” Blanchett said during the September premier of her lat- (1990) and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) est picture, “Thor: Ragnarok”. 2009: Isabelle Huppert, French actress in “The Piano Teacher” She was one of over 300 top women in Hollywood, joining the (2001) and “La Ceremonie” (1995) likes of Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence, to unveil the “Time’s 2008: US actor and director Sean Penn, who appeared in “Dead Up” initiative on Monday to tackle the pervasive culture of sexual Man Walking” (1995), “Mystic River” (2003) and “Milk” harassment at work. It urges companies, government agencies (2008)—AFP and even the US federal court system to re-examine harassment policies. Blanchett won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2005 for her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn in Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and won Venice’s best actress award in 2007 for her androgynous depiction of Bob Dylan in the biopic “I’m Not There”. She succeeds Spanish director Pedro Almodovar as jury head at Cannes, which last year awarded its prestigious Palme d’Or for the Swedish tragicomedy “The Square”.

The 10 previous heads of the prestigious panel: 2017: Pedro Almodovar, Spain’s most celebrated living movie di- rector, who won Oscars for “All About My Mother” (1999) and “Talk To Her” (2002) 2016: George Miller, the Australian creator of the “Mad Max” films, also known for the animated hit “Happy Feet” (2006) 2015: Joel and Ethan Coen, the sibling writing/directing duo be- hind the quirky US cult hits “The Big Lebowski” (1998) and “Fargo” (1996), and the Oscar-winning “No Country for Old Men” (2008) 2014: Jane Campion, New Zealand director of “The Piano” (1993) 2013: Steven Spielberg, US director of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” This file photo shows Australian actress Cate Blanchett posing This file photo shows Australian actress Cate Blanchett smiling (1981), “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “Schindler’s List” (1993) during a photocall for the film “Carol” at the 68th Cannes Film as she arrives for the screening of the film “Carol” at the 68th 2012: Nanni Moretti, Italian actor and director of Cannes winner Festival in Cannes, southeastern France. Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southeastern France. — AFP “The Son’s Room” (2001) Friday 21 Lifestyle Friday, January 5, 2018

Golden Globes: Men in black Turkey fines TV channel over mocked for flimsy #MeToo support girls in shorts in talent show

ormally ahead of the Golden Globes, urkey’s broadcasting watchdog has fined a TV the women of Hollywood would be station nearly one million lira ($266,000) over Nclamoring to find the perfect head- Tfootage of young girls dancing in shorts in a tal- line-grabbing dress for the red carpet. In- ent competition after viewers complained of “child stead, many are planning to sport basic black abuse”, a board member said yesterday. Citing moral to Sunday’s gala-a sartorial protest over sex- dangers for the children, it penalised TV8 channel for ual harassment. Jessica Chastain, Meryl footage in the “Yetenek Sizsiniz” (“You Got Talent”) Streep and Emma Stone are leading the ac- programme which showed a group of girls, aged from tresses taking a stand against the avalanche 7 to 11, who peformed in shorts and tank tops, the board of misconduct allegations that have felled member who did not want to be named told Reuters. Harvey Weinstein and numerous other Tinsel- The move by the Turkish Radio and Television town A-listers. But backing for the campaign Supreme Council (RTUK) is likely to further anger gov- by male stars including Dwayne “The Rock” ernment critics, who accuse President Tayyip Erdogan Johnson-who say they, too, will turn out in and his Islamist-rooted ruling AK Party of trying to roll black in a gesture of solidarity has raised eye- back secularism and civil rights for minorities, gay peo- brows and prompted ridicule. ple and women. Last year, hundreds of Turkish women “Don’t most men who attend the Globes marched in Istanbul to protest against violence and come cloaked in either all-black or mostly threats from men demanding they dress more conserv- black, with a black suit and black shoes and The #MeToo hashtag campaign encourages women to denounce experiences of sexual atively. RTUK ruled that the footage had violated its a black tie, anyway?” asked New York-based abuse. — AFP ethical broadcast regulations and fined the channel 2 millennial-focused news site Mic. “Haven’t percent of its advertising revenues, amounting almost men who have already stood at odds with to 1 million lira. The regulations state that “programs women in Hollywood speaking out, like Matt ulation tuxedos. the men will be standing in solidarity with which contain content that could harm the physical, Damon for instance, shown up to the Globes The stylists who say their male clients will women on this wearing-all-black movement mental and moral development of children and youth in black?” It is true that while outliers like tone it down in support of the so-called to protest against gender inequality at this cannot be broadcast”. RTUK said in a report that it had Johnson himself, Donald Glover and Alan “blacklash” include Ilaria Urbinati, who is year’s Golden Globes,” she posted on Insta- received complaints that the channel had exploited the Cumming are sometimes partial to burgundy dressing Johnson, along with Armie Hammer, gram. “At least all my guys will be. Safe to say children in an “immoral” show. — Reuters velvet, a glittery jacket or even a skin-tone Liev Schreiber, Tom Hiddleston and others. this may not be the right time to choose to be suit, the vast majority of men turn up in reg- “Because everyone keeps asking me... Yes, the odd man out here... just sayin.” — AFP Rick Hall, unlikely producer Paris Hilton is engaged of soul sound, dead at 85 aris Hilton has confirmed she is en- gaged to Chris Zylka. The 36-year- Pold heiress “immediately said yes” ick Hall, the white fiddler who became an when her boyfriend popped the question on unlikely force in soul music and made the the ski slopes during their holiday in Aspen, Rsmall town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, an Colorado, over the weekend, and couldn’t international destination, has died at age 85, his stop shaking when she put the ring on. She family said Wednesday. Hall, who had been suf- told PEOPLE magazine: “I am so excited to fering from cancer, died Tuesday at his home be engaged to the love of my life and my near the legendary Fame Recording Studios he best friend. “I have never felt so happy, safe built in the riverside town of 14,000. and loved. He is perfect for me in every way “We hope the band in Heaven is ready. If not, and showed me that fairytales really do there’s going to be a problem,” his family said in exist. “I was so excited and surprised. I im- a statement. Hall turned his studio in a go-to hub mediately said yes. “The ring was so gor- for soul music, with distinctive horns and a geous and sparkling. I was shaking as I put steady rhythm section complementing the vocal it on. It is the most beautiful ring that I have powers of visiting singers. The studio had its ever seen.” The 32-year-old actor cannot breakthrough when Hall licensed Percy Sledge’s wait to spend the rest of his life with the so- “When a Man Loves a Woman,” recorded cialite, who he described as his “dream girl”. nearby, and labels soon were sending star talent He said: “Paris is the most beautiful and in- to Fame to make their albums. The studio File photo shows Rick Hall, the producer who recorded Etta James, Otis Redding, Little forged the Southern soul style known as the credible woman both inside and out. Richard, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, who Muscle Shoals sound. — AFP “I feel like the luckiest man in the world recorded her early hits “I Never Loved a Man to be marrying my dream girl. I can’t wait to (the Way I Love You”) and “Do Right Woman, Wallace had vowed to preserve segregation spend the rest of our lives together.” Paris Do Right Man” at Fame. forever. “I’m one of them. I feel black,” Hall later and ‘The Leftovers’ star first met at an But the sessions with Franklin ended in dis- told television host Larry King. “I can tell you Academy Awards party eight years ago but aster when Hall got into a fistfight with the diva’s that immediately when black people are around were reunited two years ago, and she con- then husband, Ted White, who demanded that me they feel very good about me,” he said. Hall firmed their relationship on her Instagram the studio owner fire musicians for allegedly ha- had grown up in grinding poverty, with his fa- page in February 2017. In November, the rassing his wife. Atlantic Records pulled Franklin ther working in a sawmill and his mother leav- businesswoman said Chris was “everything out and she recorded her classic “Respect” in ing to help run a brothel. Hall, after quitting a [she’s] ever wished for” and was glad he New York, although she brought in musicians factory job, became a fiddler and found his pas- saved her from “all these weirdos”. She from Muscle Shoals. Hall often marveled at how sion for country music, gradually earning a liv- said: “We are so perfect together. He’s my Muscle Shoals became internationally known. ing as a songwriter and taking over the local everything. I’m so happy and excited to Musicians under Hall in 1969 founded the sepa- studio. He said that he found a natural connec- have someone who is my best friend, who I rate Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where The tion between country and soul music, even trust. Everything I’ve ever wished for came Rolling Stones recorded parts of their acclaimed though the genres were dominated by different true. “I always thought I would end up alone “Sticky Fingers” album. races. “Both country and soul songs often dealt just because I never thought I would fall in Hall’s prominence in African American music with growing up dirt poor, trying to make life love and trust somebody. With him, it’s like was unexpected in Alabama, one of the most better, hopeless love,” he told the country mag- God literally made him for me to save me conservative US states whose governor George azine No Depression. —AFP from all these weirdos.”— Bang Showbiz Paris Hilton and Chris Zylka 22 Friday Lifestyle | Features Friday, January 5, 2018

Actress Aisha Jawando per- forms as Cinderella in a pro- In this undated handout photograph received from Hackney Empire, director duction of the pantomime and actor, Susie McKenna (center) performs with actors Kat B and Tony Whittle “Cinderella” at the Hackney as the Ugly Sisters in a production of the pantomime “Cinderella” at the Hack- Actor Darren Hart performs as Buttons in a production of the pantomime ‘Cinderella’ Empire theatre in London. ney Empire theatre in London. — AFP photos at the Hackney Empire theatre in London. British panto brings a contemporary twist to fairytales

figure styled as Donald Trump is booed off stage by a Tax havens and fake news also get a mention, while the brief to life that it happens in many situations,” she said. But although rowdy audience enjoying the thrills of British pantomime, appearance of Trump at the royal ball-which Cinderella flees at Steegman has overhauled the fairytale ending, her play has kept Abringing a contemporary twist to traditional fairytales. midnight-speaks to the ongoing saga of the US president’s true to panto form with its wider cultural references and men in Up and down the country over the festive season, children and planned state visit to the UK. “So many people have said to me drag. adults alike flock to theatres to watch a “panto”-complete with it was such a release, to feel that they could boo him,” said princesses, political jibes and innuendo. Audiences attending McKenna, recalling audiences’ delight when Trump is banished Breaking down barriers pantomimes instinctively know when to yell out stock phrases from the ball. For Darren Hart, who plays Cinderella’s best friend As well established as the pantomime horse-played by two such as “He’s behind you!”, while newcomers quickly learn when Buttons, contemporary audiences are open to a recap of news actors inside a furry costume-the pantomime sees a male actor to join the collective hissing or cheering. alongside their musical theatre. “That’s how fast society is now take on a lead female role. While men and boys have played fe- “Lots of Americans who come in are just wide-eyed and can’t and how fast we are with our media,” he said. “Referencing so- male parts for centuries in Britain, largely due to societal restric- believe it! And by the end they’ve got it, they’re joining in too,” cial culture but having our twist on it, and allowing the audience tions placed on women, Hart believes that continuing to bend said Susie McKenna, director and actor who plays the Wicked to debate it more afterwards.” the gender norms can help children become more open-minded Stepmother in “Cinderella” at London’s Hackney Empire theatre. as they grow up. “What it allows them to do is to break down “It is definitely unique, it is definitely quintessentially British.” Weinstein scandal those barriers that may form later on in life and the questions Pantomime traces its origins to the 16th-century “Commedia While pantomimes fill big theatres, new spaces are also tack- they may ask. Because a lot of children don’t question it,” he said. dell’Arte”, a form of Italian street theatre which travelled to ling the genre with one London show this season being per- But beyond the celebrated traditions on stage, the key to a Britain, according to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. It formed in a converted caravan. “Caravantomime” takes on the successful panto is the audience. “It’s different to normal theatre, was transformed through London theatres, initially with music fairytale “Sleeping Beauty”, whose star joins forces with a lost because normal theatre is like watching a TV boxset but it’s live,” but no dialogue, morphing into the familiar Christmas panto dur- Cinderella to change both their destinies. “With a bit of sense of said Aisha Jawando, who plays Cinderella at Hackney Empire. ing the Victorian era. humor, we question what’s going on in certain fairytales, and we “Panto is very inclusive. We want to hear people making noise,” Pantomimes are now staged at theatres across Britain, often absolutely bring in what’s been happening,” said Robin Steeg- she added. Hart agreed, rolling off a list of pantomime essentials starring a local celebrity and actors of all ages. In Hackney, man, creator of the 20-minute show she describes as an “anti- including a good script and a great dame. “The last thing is an McKenna has been writing the annual festive show for nearly 20 panto”. audience that is willing to have a good time. There’s no point years and has become accustomed to another tradition-weaving Steegman gives her heroines the agency they lack in their coming to a panto expecting to just sit there and watch it, it’s a in references to recent events. “This year because we were talk- original stories, while also making direct reference to disgraced waste!”—AFP ing about the travesty that is Brexit, we have a character who’s Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein-who is facing multiple ac- Italian who’s going to be deported,” she lamented, reflecting the cusations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. “Sexual ha- views of the largely pro-EU neighborhood. rassment, I think, especially in this climate, it’s good to bring it DJs Diplo, Ronson to debut collaboration at New York festival

iplo and Mark Ronson, two DJs who have achieved wide Winehouse. He finally achieved stardom on his own with his in- success as producers, will premiere a new collaboration fectious 2014 hit “Uptown Funk,” which featured vocals by Dat New York’s Governors Ball music festival, promoters Bruno Mars. announced Wednesday. Unveiling the lineup for the June 1-3 fes- Diplo became known for his work with hip-hop globalist tival, Governors Ball said the two would launch a new act called M.I.A. and has since recorded with a who’s who of top artists, Silk City, the name likely an allusion to a Philadelphia club where notably freshening Justin Bieber’s sound with the tropical house File photo shows DJ Diplo at- File photo shows musican Diplo used to play. beats of the Canadian singer’s latest album. Diplo has also be- tending the Billboard Women Mark Ronson on the red car- The artists themselves did not immediately reveal more de- come a major live attraction with his groups Major Lazer and In Music 2017 at the Ray pet during the 2017 American tails but Diplo, in an interview last year with GQ, said he and Jack U, the latter a collaboration with another electronic pro- Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, Foundation for AIDS Re- Ronson were working on an album together based on their ducer, Skrillex. Governors Ball’s key headliner will be Eminem, California. — AFP photos search (amfAR) Hong Kong shared love of disco music. Ronson, a Londoner who had his who is returning to live performances after releasing his long- gala at Shaw Studios in Hong start in New York, has had a major behind-the-scenes impact awaited “Revival” album last month.—AFP Kong. on pop music as a producer for artists including Adele and Amy Friday 23 Lifestyle | Features Friday, January 5, 2018 Tropical island paradise with a cautious eye to growth

t’s a nation that boasts warm azure seas and dream beaches, countries that is benefiting from Chinese funding,” Finance and grows in the garden of his farm. “We live in a country with Ia landscape ranging from volcanic rocks to tropical rain- Minister Americo De Oliveira Ramos told AFP after the pact an interesting biodiversity and where we can grow crops with- forest, and stable democratic rule-yet many people have with Beijing. out chemicals and with traditional techniques,” Silva says, ad- never heard of it. Tourists to Sao Tome and Principe, a scat- Economic sectors such as health, oil or China’s primary in- vocating “smart tourism”, a far cry from mass arrivals. tering of islands off the coast of western equatorial Africa that terest here-fisheries-are earmarked for development, accord- once served the slave and sugar trades of Portuguese colonial ing to the finance minister. China is also pursuing the Toll of development rulers, are rare. And though this paradise has been dubbed deepwater port proposal that went into abeyance as the Pen- Among the obstacles to growth in tourism, entrepreneurs “the islands in the middle of the world”-because of their prox- tagon waged the Iraq War. In June, Sao Tome signed an agree- cite the sky-high cost of lending. Manuel Nazare, the owner imity to the zero point on GPS, with the prime meridian just ment to let Chinese trawlers ply the country’s waters alongside of the Praia Inhame hotel in Porto Alegre, told AFP in 2016: “I six degrees to the west and the equator crossing one island- those of Japan and the European Union. borrow money from the local bank at very high rates, 24 per- it rarely features on any radar for investors. cent.” Another hindrance is the price of a trip, which makes ‘Smart tourism’ visiting Sao Tome a luxury for Europeans though the cost of Eyes to the East China’s arrival has raised concerns among environmental- living is low. A return air fare from Lisbon costs at least 850 In 2002, Sao Tome’s then president Fradique de Menezes ists, particularly opposed to illegal and intensive shark fishing. euros (more than $1,000) and connecting flights are sparse, announced a deal with the United States to create the deep- But paradise is unspoilt in rural areas that are home to almost via Gabon, Ghana or Portugal. water port his country lacks and to build a US military base. 600 recorded species of plant, not to mention those that re- While officials plan growth, including expansion of the in- Washington never confirmed the plan, despite stakes in the main undiscovered and unidentified. The government is keen ternational airport, the toll of development on the environment booming oil industry of the region. Today-like many other to encourage tourism to provide jobs and income-two-thirds is an issue. A veteran figure in the tourism sector said he had African nations-the country has turned to China to help its de- of the population live below the poverty line-but without observed a worrying degradation of the sea floor over the past velopment, especially infrastructure. In December 2016, Sao harming the islands’ natural beauty. two decades. “The big question is whether the public will ben- Tome renewed diplomatic ties with Beijing to the detriment of Renowned local chef Joao Carlos Silva-also a celebrity in efit from development, and whether nature in Sao Tome will its rival Taiwan, which had cooperated with the African archi- Portugal-is pounding the drum for low-volume ecotourism. He be preserved,” he said. — AFP pelago since 1997. “Our country wanted to join this group of uses organic produce in his kitchen, most of which he gathers

A handout picture released yesterday shows characters of the hit US show Game of Thrones on a new collection of stamps to be released by the Royal Mail. — AFP photos Britain celebrates ‘Game of Thrones’ with new stamps

tars of “Game of Thrones” will appear on available from January 23. Filmed largely in a new collection of stamps to celebrate Northern Ireland, the fantasy epic has become SBritain’s contribution to the fantasy series, a global phenomenon since its debut in 2010. Royal Mail announced. Ten characters are pic- The latest seventh series has also featured tured in the souvenir series unveiled on British pop sensation Ed Sheeran, who did not Wednesday, set against dramatic scenes from make it into the Royal Mail collection. the hit US show. Highlighting the prominence of The television series has won 38 Emmys, British stars among the cast, the stamps feature more than any other fictional show in history, actors Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow, and and one Golden Globe award. “Game of Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) among Thrones” is also a nominee for best drama se- others. ries at this year’s Golden Globes, competing Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, from Denmark, and against shows including “The Handmaid’s Tale” American Peter Dinklage are the two actors in- and “The Crown”. — AFP cluded who hail from elsewhere. One of the British actress Emilia Clarke playing Daenerys British actor Kit Harington who plays Jon stamps features an image of the series’ famous Targaryen, one of the characters of the hit US Snow, one of the characters of the hit US show Iron Throne. An additional five stamps feature show Game of Thrones, part of a new collec- Game of Thrones, part of a new collection of non-human characters, including dragons and tion of stamps released by the Royal Mail. stamps released by the Royal Mail. dire wolves, as part of the series which will be 24 Friday Lifestyle | Features Friday, January 5, 2018

Bao Shanchun watches television in his home in Laoximen, the city’s oldest neighborhood, in Zhu Laiying washes dishes inside her home in Laoximen. Shanghai. — AFP photos Old Shanghai neighborhood shivers in winter

midst the skyscrapers of a modern Chinese metropolis, double as heating devices, but they are left largely unused in the the city’s oldest neighborhood shivers through the winter winters because residents cannot afford the resulting electricity Athanks to an old rule forbidding central heating. In Laoxi- bills, which can top 100 yuan per month ($15) or much more. men, not far from Shanghai’s swanky riverfront Bund, locals and migrant workers bundle up in thick coats inside houses built decades ago. To save energy, the Chinese government decided in the 1950s that areas of the country south of the Qinling moun- ‘We just use hot tains and Huaihe river in north-central China would not have state-provided central heating. Shanghai lies in the designated southern zone even though water pouch to keep average temperatures in winter are around four degrees at night and 12 degrees during the day. And in the city’s lower-income our hands warm’ neighborhoods such as Laoximen, people are too poor to pay A woman who gave her name as Sun (right) eats dinner with her for electric heaters. Many of them own air conditioners that can husband in their home in Laoximen.

Luo Guihua arranges food inside her home in Laoximen. He Mincai cooks inside her home in Laoximen. Friday 25 Lifestyle | Features Friday, January 5, 2018

Bao Shanchun carries a blanket outside his home in Laoximen. A woman who gave her name as Yin (right) sits with neighbors Wang Juan holds her daughter in their home in Laoximen. outside her home in Laoximen.

The area used to be the city’s cultural center. Surrounding name, Yin, complained about the lack of a more affordable in a space less than 10 square meters. But it is not turned on even a Confucian temple, the mostly two- and three-storey wooden heating system. at night. “I’m very happy here to earn one or two hundred yuan buildings remain at the heart of Shanghai’s commercial district The cold weather makes her legs ache, Yin said, adding she a day. To make money every day makes me happy,” said Bao, even today. It is in this neighborhood that migrant workers can spends most of her retirement money on healthcare costs. who came to Shanghai 15 years ago from nearby Jiangsu rent homes for just 1,000 yuan ($150) a month. For Zhang “Heaters use electricity and we never turn them on unless we province because he thought “gold is everywhere” in the city. “I Dongjun, a 57-year-old street sweeper, a heater was too much have friends or family visiting us,” she said. “Most of the time, will go back to my hometown when I’m 70,” said Bao, now 64. of a luxury to pack into his tiny single room: a bunk bed takes we just use a hot-water pouch to keep our hands warm.” Bao “I have big houses there.” — AFP up most of the space. He uses an electric blanket to keep him- Shanchun, who collects antiques from the many old houses being self warm at night. A woman in her 70s who gave only her sur- demolished around Shanghai, shares a heater with another man Ancient Angkorian returned from Britain to Cambodia

A statue with a set of ancient Angkor-era gold jew- elry is pictured during a special exhibition at the Na- tional Museum in Phnom Penh yesterday. The piece was part of a set of ancient Angkorian gold jewelry which was returned from Britain to Cambodia last month on December 2 with an elaborate procession through the capital, decades after the precious pieces were looted from a famed jungle temple dur- Visitors take pictures of a statue with a set of ancient Angkor-era gold jewelry during a special exhibition at the National Museum in ing the kingdomís civil war. Phnom Penh. — AFP photos 26 Friday

Friday, January 5, 2018 Lifestyle | Food

By Melissa D’Arabian dreds of uses for it - mix it into hummus or yo- North African Carrot 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice gurt for a quick dip, add a spoonful to stews to and Chickpea Salad 1 tablespoon water first tasted harissa when I was 19, when I deepen the flavor, rub meat for grilling, brush it 1 teaspoon lemon or lime zest traveled on a lone adventure to Tunisia after on roasted or sauteed vegetables, or even on Ingredients 1 teaspoon powdered harissa Ispending a semester abroad in France. buttered toast for a tasty garlic-bread-like in- Makes 8 servings 1/4 teaspoon salt Browsing the open markets in Tunisia, the fra- dulgence. You also can add harissa to salad Salad: 2 tablespoons olive oil grant spice section beckoned me with its unfa- dressings to add an international flair. 3 cups shredded carrots miliar, dazzling aromas. I bought as many small Today’s recipe for North African carrot and 11/4 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), Preparation pouches of mystery spices that my student chickpea salad pairs lightly sweet carrots with rinsed and drained if canned (from about 1 15- Place all the salad ingredients in a salad bowl. In budget could afford. My favorite was harissa, a the warmth of harissa, and the result is balanced ounce can) a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, lemon mix of chilies and such warm spices as coriander, and not overly spicy, although feel free to add 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped or lime juice and zest, water, harissa and salt until cumin and paprika. more or less according to your tastes. Chickpeas 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped well-blended. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until Thirty years later, harissa is fairly easy to find add heft and protein, so you could turn this side 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and in the United States, either in a well-stocked dish into a vegetarian main dish, and herbs keep 2 green onions, chopped toss to coat. Serve. neighborhood supermarket or online. If you like the dish bright and fresh. Buying the carrots pre- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds spicy food at all, it’s a worthy purchase. Harissa shredded is an excellent weekday timesaver. But Note: If you can’t find harissa, substitute a mix- is available in both paste and dry powdered even if you start with whole carrots, the entire Dressing: ture of smoked or sweet paprika, cayenne, form, and once it’s on your shelf, you’ll find hun- dish can be thrown together in mere minutes. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard cumin, coriander and granulated garlic. Friday 27

Friday, January 5, 2018 Lifestyle | Food

By Katie Workman makes me feel a bit less guilty about pulling out Start to finish: 40 minutes Preparation that peanut can yet one more time. And while 2 tablespoons olive oil Heat the oil in a heavy, large pot or Dutch oven at have been in possession recently of a very this soup is all of that, it’s also delicious, and 1 cup chopped onion medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot and gar- large can of Virginia peanuts, one of my fa- doesn’t feel punishing in the slightest. I think this 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped lic, season with salt and pepper, and sautÈ until Ivorite things to eat on earth. It’s foolish to recipe benefits from a very liberal hand with the 3 garlic cloves, minced the onion is tender and golden brown, about 8 pretend that a small handful will curb the peanut peppermill, but that’s a personal preference. To Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste minutes. Turn the heat to medium-high, add the craving. But I do take out a small handful, put the make the soup more substantial, you can add a 4 cups roughly chopped escarole, rinsed and ex- escarole, and cook, stirring occasionally for 4 lid back on, put the can away (Ha, the wishful can of rinsed and drained white beans, such as cess water shaken off minutes, until the escarole is wilted. Add the broth, thinking!) and crunch away. Then I take out the navy or cannellini. And now, maybe I’ll have one 4 cups less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth beans (if using) and tomatoes, and bring to a sim- can again, remove another small handful, put the more small bowl.. 1 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and mer over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium- can away and eat those. Then I do it one more drained (optional) low. Simmer until the escarole is tender, about 20 time. And maybe one more time. ESCAROLE AND SPINACH SOUP 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes minutes. Add the spinach and stir until the spinach All of this is to explain why I’d been craving 10 ounces baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped is wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust the seasonings. a cleansing soup, a bracing soup, a soup that Ingredients Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve (op- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the feels almost acerbic in nature. A soup that Servings: 8 to 10 tional) Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot. 28 Friday

MixTape Friday, January 5, 2018 The seven most anticipated games of 2018

By Aakash Bakaya

017 was a highly memorable year for gaming but not for all the right reasons. It saw the incredibly successful launch of the Nintendo Switch along with titles that seemingly came out of nowhere like ‘Playerunknown’s: Battlegrounds’, ‘Divinity: Original Sin 2’ and ‘Nier: Automata’. The independent scene also continues to break 2new grounds with games like ‘Cuphead’, ‘Pyre’ and ‘Hollow Knight’, garnering universal acclaim. On the flip side, it also saw an outbreak of intrusive, near game- breaking ‘micro’ transactions being shoved into games simply to increase the developer’s bottom line. 2018 seems like a mixed bag in comparison, so this list might appear safe for some (and it is). But if any of these titles do meet expectations, they are sure to leave an undeniable mark on the gaming world. So without further ado, here are my seven most anticipated games of 2018:

Monster Hunter: World

t long last, the beloved ‘Monster Hunter’ franchise makes Aits way to the current generation of consoles and will also make its debut release on PC later this year. The popular action-adventure game is also opening itself up to a much more robust online multiplayer structure which will make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience for console owners and PC gamers alike. Hunting giant monsters and dinosaurs in a massive open world along with your friends sounds like a dream and if Capcom can actually deliver on the hype, this new entry will elevate the franchise to brand new heights. New players might find the grindy-nature of ‘Monster Hunter’ games a bit of a slog at first but if equipping your character with weaponry and armor made from the last creature you just defeated sounds appealing to you then this is right up your alley.

A Way Out

mentioned ‘A Way Out’ on my E3 anticipa- velopment team ‘Hazelight Studios’, the studio Ition list so I’m glad nothing has changed my behind ‘Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons’, has done mind since then. Thankfully the little bit of more than enough to garner player trust and extra details that have come out after E3 has this latest move only cements that fact. The en- only grown my anticipation for it. More expan- tirely co-op experience still hinges heavily on sive gameplay videos and fleshed out details on the story but with fun puzzle mechanics involv- the plot has really peaked interests all over the ing breaking out of a prison and fleeing from web but the best part must be the fact that the the law seems unique and challenging enough 2 player co-op campaign can be played online to make it immensely memorable. even if only one player has the game. The de-

Warhammer: Vermintide 2

spent much of 2017 discovering the time again. ‘Vermintide 2’ is not only massively IWarhammer Fantasy universe and I would expanding the enemy roaster but also upping credit that new found fascination to Fatshark the RPG elements with a new class-based pro- Studio’s insanely fun and atmospheric ‘Ver- gression for all the returning characters. With mintide’. The ‘Left 4 Dead’ style multiplayer major improvements all across the board, Ver- might not be the first thing that comes to your mintide 2 is definitely a game to look out for this mind when thinking of the fantasy tabletop year. games of the Warhammer universe but ‘Ver- mintide’’s excellent world-building and plentiful loot system kept players returning time and Friday 29

MixTape Friday, January 5, 2018

Sea of Thieves

ne of many games coming out this year massive naval warfare but in ‘Sea of Thieves’ Oinvolving pirates (the other major one you can shoot yourself out of canon, onto an being Ubisoft’s ‘Skull and Bones’), I’m enemy ship and fight to the death for the treas- choosing this one simply because it chose a ure they stole from you. As long as Microsoft more light-hearted and quirkier approach. Also keeps the game relatively customer-friendly its emphasis on seamless multi-player fun with (please no loot boxes!), ‘Sea of Thieves’ could players jumping in and out of games is a de- be the most fun multiplayer experiences of the lightfully distinctive twist on the genre. ‘Skull year. and Bones’ might have realistic graphics and

God of War

ne of many tent-pole releases for the around, he’s taking his son along with him. OPS4 this year, the new ‘God of War’ re- Sappy father and son bonding doesn’t sound boot looks like a stunning entry to both like it goes hand-in-hand with the series’ fa- the franchise and action-adventure genre as a mous tenacity for slaughter and bloodshed but whole. Departing from ancient Greek mythos of I’m hoping for more than just a few surprises its beloved forebears, the reboot introduces us from one of Playstation’s most beloved series. to a new, heavily bearded Kratos fighting the hordes of Norse mythology. Also this time

Red Dead Redemption 2

uite possibly the most anticipated gam- knows they have the weight of the world’s ex- Qing release of the decade, ‘Red Dead pectations squarely on their shoulders. I simply Redemption 2’ will either crumble want to see Rockstar return to their story- Rockstar’s dwindling public reputation or pro- telling roots and give us a Western tale to rival pel them to a legendary status that may never even the classics of the genre. How the game be touched. As they’ve done several times in the handles its online components will be highly past, Rockstar has kept the game’s features and debated especially with GTA V’s greedy micro- story details close to their chest. Its predeces- transaction tactics so hopefully ‘Red Dead’ will sor is fondly remembered as the highlight of the be a redemption for the studio as well. previous console generation and the studio

Far Cry 5

he ‘Far Cry’ series has definitely had its trying to take over a town seems exciting re- Tups and downs over the years. ‘Far Cry 3’ gardless of execution. Ubisoft has seemingly and ‘Blood Dragon’ were some of the given the developers more breathing room to greatest achievements of the first-person, open experiment as well which is great for everyone world genre while ‘Far Cry 4’ and ‘Primal’ drew involved. The ‘Far Cry’ open-world formula is dreary, tired responses from fans hoping for far from the most exciting thing in modern something new. ‘Far Cry 5’ is looking like it lies gaming but hopefully Ubisoft can spark some somewhere in between. Setting it in mid-town new life into it once again. Montana looks both daring and beautiful while making your antagonists a deadly religious cult 30 Friday

Lifestyle | Kids Friday, January 5, 2018

Color Me Sudoku

Solution Friday 31

Comic Friday, January 5, 2018

Word Search 80. A police officer who investigates 34. A member of the Algonquian people CROSSWORD 1801 crimes. of Maine and southern Quebec. 81. A Spanish courtesy title for a girl or 35. A device that very useful for a par- unmarried woman. ticular job. 82. The longer of the two telegraphic 37. A republic on the island of Malta in signals used in Morse code. the Mediterranean. 39. Type genus of the Gavidae. DOWN 41. American professional baseball 1. A plain plinth that supports a wall. player who hit more home runs than 2. A wall hanging of heavy handwoven Babe Ruth (born in 1934). fabric with pictorial designs. 43. A soft silvery metallic element of the 3. Relatively deep or strong. alkali earth group. 4. Fudge made with brown sugar and 45. A plant hormone promoting elonga- butter and milk and nuts. tion of stems and roots. 5. A radioactive element of the actinide 48. The brightest star in Virgo. series. 50. A spread made chiefly from veg- 6. A human female who does house- etable oils and used as a substitute for work. butter. 7. Scottish sea captain who was hired 54. Any of various strong liquors espe- to protect British shipping in the Indian cially a Dutch spirit distilled from pota- Ocean and then was accused of piracy toes. and hanged (1645-1701). 56. One thousandth of a second. 8. A silvery ductile metallic element 58. Relating to modern Greece or its in- found primarily in bauxite. habitants or its language n. 9. Fleshy spore-bearing inner mass of 59. Solid excretory product evacuated e.g. a puffball or stinkhorn. from the bowels. 10. In an unnatural eery manner. 60. Someone (especially a German) 11. Caused to show discomposure. who speaks a Germanic language. 12. Submerged aquatic plant having 64. A Buddhist who has attained nir- narrow leaves and small flowers. vana. 13. A book of the New Testament. 65. An Italian woman of rank. 14. A person with an unusual or odd 67. A French abbot. personality. 68. Capital city of the Apulia region on 19. A religious belief of African origin the Adriatic coast. involving witchcraft and sorcery. 69. (Babylonian) God of storms and 23. Title for a civil or military leader wind. ACROSS section of the coronary artery and im- (especially in Turkey). 70. A Chadic language spoken south of 1. Experiencing or showing sorrow or prove the blood supply to the heart. 29. A British peer ranking below a Mar- Lake Chad. unhappiness. 40. Any of numerous low-growing quess and above a Viscount. 71. Make an etching of. 4. Enclosed in a package or protective cushion-forming plants of the genus 30. A Chadic language spoken south of 74. A member of the Siouan people in- covering. Draba having rosette-forming leaves Lake Chad. habiting the valleys of the Platte and 12. Someone (especially a woman) who and terminal racemes of small flowers 31. Someone who works (or provides Missouri rivers in Nebraska. annoys people by constantly finding with scapose or leafy stems. workers) during a strike. 75. Seed vessel having hooks or fault. 42. Any of various long-tailed rodents 32. A river in north central Switzerland prickles. 15. A metal-bearing mineral valuable similar to but larger than a mouse. that runs northeast into the Rhine. enough to be mined. 44. The branch of computer science 16. Any of several plants of the genus that deal with writing computer pro- Yesterdayʼs Solution Achillea native to Europe and having grams that can solve problems cre- small white flowers in flat-topped atively. flower heads. 46. Relating to or characteristic of or 17. (informal) Of the highest quality. occurring on land. 18. (Greek mythology) The brother of 47. By bad luck. Jocasta and uncle of Antigone who be- 49. The blood group whose red cells came king of Thebes after the fall of carry both the A and B antigens. Oedipus. 51. A small piece of cloth. 20. A public promotion of some prod- 52. A New England state. uct or service. 53. A note appended to a letter after Yesterday’s Solution 21. Having or showing profound knowl- the signature. edge. 55. English essayist (1775-1834). 22. Writing board used on the lap as a 57. A French variety of green bean table or desk. plant bearing light-colored beans. 24. A container. 61. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 25. Inquire about. 62. A state of agitated irritation. 26. A radioactive transuranic element 63. Of a moderate orange-yellow color. produced by bombarding plutonium 66. Small toothless anteater with pre- with neutrons. hensile tale and four-clawed forelimbs. 27. A graphical recording of the cardiac 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment cycle produced by an electrocardio- made from aba cloth. graph. 73. An expressway in a German-speak- 28. Brought to a halt. ing country. 33. An affirmative. 76. An audiotape recording of sound. 36. A member of the Siouan people for- 77. The law enforcement agency in the merly living in the Missouri river valley Justice Department. in NE Nebraska. 78. Any of several minute primitive 38. Open-heart surgery in which the rib wingless and eyeless insects having a cage is opened and a section of a blood cone-shaped head. vessel is grafted from the aorta to the 79. The elementary stages of any sub- coronary artery to bypass the blocked ject (usually plural).

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution 32 Friday

TV Listings Friday, January 5, 2018

09:30 It Takes A Killer 23:00 Evil Online 03:40 Loopdidoo 07:15 Right Now Kapow 04:20 Tonight At The London Pal- 10:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 23:55 I Speak For The Dead 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 07:40 Disney Mickey Mouse ladium 11:00 Cold Case Files 04:10 Art Attack 07:45 Walk The Prank 05:15 Big Star’s Little Star 12:00 The First 48 04:35 Loopdidoo 08:10 Phineas And Ferb 06:10 Chopping Block 13:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:50 Calimero 08:35 Mech-X4 07:05 Cash Trapped 01:25 Iron Man 14:00 It Takes A Killer 05:05 Art Attack 09:00 Marvel’s Spider-Man 08:00 Catchphrase 03:40 Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 14:30 It Takes A Killer 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 09:25 Lab Rats 09:00 Tonight At The London Pal- XV 15:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 05:45 Henry Hugglemonster 09:50 Star Wars Freemaker Adven- ladium 05:40 Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. 16:00 Cold Case Files 06:00 Art Attack tures 10:00 Surprise Surprise Mutants 17:00 Homicide Hunter 00:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 10:20 Gravity Falls 10:55 Chopping Block 07:00 I Am Number Four 18:00 It Takes A Killer Teenage Witch 06:45 Loopdidoo 10:45 Kid vs Kat 11:50 Cash Trapped 08:55 Rumble 18:30 It Takes A Killer 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 07:00 Henry Hugglemonster 11:10 Milo Murphy’s Law 12:45 Emmerdale 10:35 Iron Man 19:00 The First 48 01:00 Hank Zipzer 07:15 Calimero 11:35 Right Now Kapow 13:45 Coronation Street 12:45 Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. 20:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 01:25 Alex & Co. 07:30 PJ Masks 12:00 Lab Rats: On The Edge 14:15 Chopping Block Mutants 21:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 14:10 I Am Number Four 01:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 08:00 P-King Duckling 12:55 Pair Of Kings 15:10 Cash Trapped 16:05 Iron Man 2 22:00 Cold Case Files 01:50 Evermoor Chronicles 08:25 Puppy Dog Pals 13:20 Pair Of Kings 16:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 18:15 Savage Dog 23:00 Killer Kids 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 08:50 Doc McStuffins 13:45 Phineas And Ferb Of Dogs 19:55 War Of The Worlds Teenage Witch 09:10 Mickey And The Roadster 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 21:55 Blood Circus 02:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Racers 14:15 Phineas And Ferb Of Dogs 23:25 REC 2 Teenage Witch 09:35 Sofia The First 14:40 The Suite Life Of Zack & 17:00 5 Star Family Reunion 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 10:00 Mickey’s Pirate Adventure Cody 17:50 Big Star’s Little Star 03:30 Binny And The Ghost 10:45 PJ Masks 15:05 The Suite Life Of Zack & 18:45 Emmerdale 00:30 Kids Do The Craziest Things 03:55 Hank Zipzer 11:00 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West Cody 19:15 Emmerdale 00:55 Kids Do The Craziest Things 04:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 15:30 Gravity Falls 19:45 Coronation Street 01:20 NASA’s Unexplained Files 04:20 Hank Zipzer 11:50 The Lion Guard 15:55 Gravity Falls 20:10 Cash Trapped 00:50 Untamed & Uncut 02:10 Dinosaurs: Return To Life 04:45 Alex & Co. 12:15 The Lion Guard 16:20 Two More Eggs 21:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 01:45 Treehouse Masters 03:00 Zoltan The Wolfman 05:10 Alex & Co. 12:45 Sofia The First 16:25 Lab Rats Of Dogs 02:40 Bad Dog 03:50 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 05:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A 13:10 Sofia The First 16:50 Lab Rats 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 03:35 Swamp Brothers 04:40 Tanked Teenage Witch 13:35 PJ Masks 17:15 Kirby Buckets Warped Of Dogs 04:00 Swamp Brothers 05:30 How It’s Made 06:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:00 PJ Masks 17:40 Kirby Buckets Warped 22:00 5 Star Family Reunion 04:25 Whale Wars 05:55 How It’s Made Teenage Witch 14:30 Doc McStuffins 18:05 Supa Strikas 22:50 Emmerdale 05:15 Whale Wars 06:20 Kids Do The Craziest Things 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 14:55 P-King Duckling 18:30 Marvel’s Ant-Man 23:15 Emmerdale 06:02 Wildest Indochina 06:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 06:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:20 Vampirina 18:35 Disney11 23:40 Coronation Street 06:49 Untamed & Uncut 07:00 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 06:50 Rolling With The Ronks 15:45 Sofia The First 19:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 07:36 Night 07:50 How It’s Made 07:00 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 16:10 Puppy Dog Pals 19:25 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 08:00 Night 08:15 How It’s Made bug & Cat Noir 16:35 Mickey And The Roadster 19:50 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 08:25 Swamp Brothers 08:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:25 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- Racers 19:55 Walk The Prank 08:50 Swamp Brothers 09:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things bug & Cat Noir 17:00 Doc McStuffins 20:20 Walk The Prank 09:15 Treehouse Masters 09:30 Tanked 07:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 17:30 Vampirina 20:45 Supa Strikas 10:10 Bad Dog 10:20 Zoltan The Wolfman 07:55 Elena Of Avalor 18:00 PJ Masks 21:10 Supa Strikas 00:00 Stan Lee’s Superhumans 11:05 Wildest Indochina 11:10 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:20 K.C. Undercover 18:25 Puppy Dog Pals 21:35 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 01:00 Ancient Impossible 12:00 Swamp Brothers 11:35 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:45 Bunk’d 18:50 Sofia The First 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 02:00 Clash Of Warriors 12:55 Whale Wars 12:00 The Carbonaro Effect 09:10 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- 19:20 Mickey And The Roadster 21:45 Lab Rats 03:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 13:50 Whale Wars 12:25 The Carbonaro Effect ries Racers 22:10 Lab Rats 03:50 Ancient Aliens 14:45 Bad Dog 12:50 How It’s Made 09:35 Tangled: The Series 19:45 Doc McStuffins 22:35 Phineas And Ferb 04:40 Blood And Glory: The Civil 15:40 Wildest Indochina 13:15 How It’s Made 10:00 Read It And Weep 20:10 The Lion Guard 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am War In Color 16:35 Untamed & Uncut 13:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 11:20 Star Wars Forces Of Destiny 20:35 P-King Duckling 05:30 Stan Lee’s Superhumans 17:30 Treehouse Masters 14:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things 11:25 The Zhuzhus 21:00 Vampirina 06:20 Ancient Impossible 18:25 Keeping Up With The 14:30 Tanked 11:40 Austin & Ally 21:30 PJ Masks 07:10 The Universe Kruger 15:20 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 12:05 That’s So Raven 22:00 Mickey’s Pirate Adventure 08:00 Clash Of Warriors 19:20 Dr. Jeff: Mountain Vet 16:10 Zoltan The Wolfman 12:30 That’s So Raven 22:45 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 09:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 20:15 Bad Dog 17:00 Penn & Teller Tell A Lie 12:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 22:55 P-King Duckling 00:00 Tia Mowry At Home 10:00 Ancient Aliens 21:10 Swamp Brothers 17:50 The Carbonaro Effect 13:00 Bunk’d 23:20 Puppy Dog Pals 00:30 Tia Mowry At Home 11:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 21:38 Swamp Brothers 18:15 The Carbonaro Effect 13:25 Tangled: The Series 23:45 Mickey And The Roadster 01:00 The Big Eat - Middle East 12:00 America’s Book Of Secrets 22:05 Keeping Up With The 18:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 13:50 Jessie Racers 01:30 The Big Eat - Middle East 13:00 Ancient Impossible Kruger 19:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things 14:15 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:00 Clash Of Warriors 23:00 Dr. Jeff: Mountain Vet 19:30 How It’s Made ries 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 23:55 Wildest Indochina 19:55 How It’s Made 14:40 K.C. Undercover 03:00 Man Fire Food 16:00 Ancient Aliens 20:20 Tanked 15:05 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 03:30 Man Fire Food 17:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 21:10 Penn & Teller Tell A Lie bug & Cat Noir 04:00 Chopped Junior 18:00 The Universe 22:00 The Carbonaro Effect 15:30 Bizaardvark 00:15 Yukon Men 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 19:00 Ancient Impossible 22:25 The Carbonaro Effect 15:55 Elena Of Avalor 01:05 Madiba 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 20:00 Clash Of Warriors 22:50 Zoltan The Wolfman 16:20 Stuck In The Middle 01:50 Bushcraft Build-Off Basics 21:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 23:40 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 16:45 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 02:35 Ed Stafford: Left For Dead 06:25 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 22:00 Ancient Aliens 00:30 Benidorm 17:00 Tangled: The Series 03:20 Diesel Brothers Basics 23:00 Bible Secrets Revealed 01:25 New Tricks 17:25 K.C. Undercover 04:05 Misfit Garage 06:50 Bake With Anna Olson 02:30 Holby City 17:50 K.C. Undercover 04:50 Deadliest Catch 07:15 The Kitchen 03:30 Doctors 18:15 Descendants Wicked World 05:35 How Do They Do It? 08:05 The Pioneer Woman 04:05 Benidorm 18:20 Bunk’d 06:00 Extreme Collectors 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 05:00 New Tricks 18:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- 06:23 Container Wars 08:55 Siba’s Table 06:00 Doctors 00:50 Scott Peterson: Pregnant ries 06:45 How Do They Do It? 09:25 Siba’s Table 06:30 Father Brown Wife Missing 19:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:10 How Do They Do It? 09:55 Cooking For Real 07:25 Holby City 01:45 Scott Peterson: Pregnant 19:15 Liv And Maddie 07:35 Misfit Garage 10:25 Cooking For Real 00:20 Swamp People 08:15 Dickensian Wife Missing 19:40 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 08:20 Extreme Collectors 10:55 The Kitchen 01:10 Swamp People 09:00 Dickensian 02:40 Murder By Numbers bug & Cat Noir 08:45 Container Wars 11:45 Cooking For Real 02:00 Pawn Stars 09:45 Dickensian 03:35 Reasonable Doubt 20:05 Descendants Wicked World 09:10 Deadliest Catch 12:10 The Pioneer Woman 02:25 Pawn Stars 10:30 Doctors 04:30 Scott Peterson: Pregnant 20:10 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 09:55 Misfit Garage 12:35 The Pioneer Woman 02:47 The Warfighters 11:00 Father Brown Wife Missing bug & Cat Noir 10:45 Deadliest Catch 13:00 Siba’s Table 03:40 Billion Dollar Wreck 11:55 Holby City 05:25 Scott Peterson: Pregnant 20:35 Disney The Lodge 11:30 Yukon Men 13:30 Siba’s Table 04:30 Swamp People 13:00 Eastenders Wife Missing 21:00 Alex & Co. 12:20 Extreme Collectors 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:15 Swamp People 14:00 Eastenders 06:20 I Almost Got Away With It 21:25 Alex & Co. 12:43 Container Wars 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:00 Swamp People 15:05 Father Brown 07:10 Nightmare Next Door 21:50 Lolirock 13:05 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Chopped 06:50 Swamp People 16:00 Doctors 08:00 California Investigator 22:15 Lolirock 13:30 How Do They Do It? 16:00 The Kitchen 07:40 Swamp People 16:30 Doctors 08:25 On The Case With Paula 22:40 Evermoor Chronicles 13:55 Deadliest Catch 17:00 Cooking For Real 08:30 Swamp People 18:30 Bad Move Zahn 23:05 Rolling With The Ronks 14:40 Yukon Men 17:30 Cooking For Real 09:20 Swamp People 19:00 New Tricks 09:15 California Investigator 23:20 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 15:30 Strip The City 18:00 Chopped Junior 10:10 Alone: Lost And Found 20:00 Father Brown 09:40 California Investigator bug & Cat Noir 16:15 Bushcraft Build-Off 19:00 Chopped 11:00 Alone: Lost And Found 21:00 Death In Paradise 10:10 Nightmare Next Door 23:45 Lolirock 17:05 Ed Stafford: Left For Dead 20:00 Extreme Cake Wars 11:50 Alone: Lost And Found 22:00 Poldark 11:05 Betrayed 17:50 Finding Escobar’s Millions 21:00 Beach Bites With Katie Lee 12:40 Alone: Lost And Found 23:00 Doctors 12:00 Evil Stepmothers 18:40 Treasure Quest: Snake Is- 21:30 Beach Bites With Katie Lee 13:30 Alone: Lost And Found 23:30 Bad Move 12:55 On The Case With Paula land19:25 Yukon Men 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:20 Swamp People Zahn 20:15 Diesel Brothers 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:10 Swamp People 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 21:00 Diesel Brothers 23:00 Chopped 16:00 Swamp People 14:45 Nightmare Next Door 00:15 PJ Masks 21:50 Supertruckers 16:50 Swamp People 15:40 Betrayed 00:40 PJ Masks 22:40 Supertruckers 17:40 Swamp People 16:35 The Perfect Murder 01:05 PJ Masks 23:30 Gold Rush 18:30 Ultimate Wheels 01:00 The First 48 17:30 On The Case With Paula 01:30 Art Attack 19:20 Leepu And Pitbull 02:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos Zahn 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster 20:10 Fifth Gear 03:00 Kids Who Kill 18:25 California Investigator 02:05 Loopdidoo 00:10 Chopping Block 21:00 American Pickers Best Ofs 05:00 The First 48 18:50 California Investigator 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 01:00 Emmerdale 21:50 Storage Wars 06:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 19:20 I Almost Got Away With It 02:35 Calimero 01:30 Emmerdale 22:15 Storage Wars 07:00 Homicide Hunter 20:15 Nightmare Next Door 02:50 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Disney11 02:00 Coronation Street 22:40 Britain’s Bloody Crown: War 08:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 21:10 Betrayed 03:05 Art Attack 06:25 Supa Strikas 02:30 Cash Trapped Of The Roses 09:00 It Takes A Killer 22:05 Murder Calls 03:30 The Hive 06:50 Marvel’s Spider-Man 03:25 Catchphrase 23:30 Ultimate Wheels Friday 33

TV Listings Friday, January 5, 2018

12:00 Shark vs Predator 03:26 Nella The Princess Knight 05:30 Holiday Joy 15:38 The Future Of... 21:50 Finding My Twin Stranger 12:55 Croc Invasion 03:38 Paw Patrol 07:00 Are We Done Yet? 16:26 How Things Work 22:40 The Undateables 13:50 Animal Fight Club 04:01 Little Charmers 08:40 Welcome Home Roscoe 17:14 Mythbusters 23:30 Return To Amish 14:45 World’s Deadliest 04:13 Ben & Holly’s Little King- Jenkins 18:02 Strangest Weather On Earth 00:45 Miguel’s Feasts 15:40 Ultimate Animal Countdown dom04:24 Dora The Explorer 10:40 The Tiger Hunter 18:50 The Future Of... 01:10 What’s For Sale? 16:35 Africa’s Super Snake 04:46 Max & Ruby 12:20 Men At Work 19:40 Mythbusters 01:40 Cesar’s Recruit: Asia 17:30 Wild Scotland S2 Compila- 05:06 The Day Henry Met 14:05 Are We Done Yet? 20:30 Gamechangers: Inventing 02:35 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By tions 05:11 Nella The Princess Knight 15:45 Tyler Perry’s Boo: A Madea The World The Sea 18:25 Last Devils 05:35 Shimmer And Shine Halloween 21:20 How Do They Do It? 00:00 When Ghosts Attack 03:30 George Clarke’s Amazing 19:20 World’s Deadliest 05:59 Wallykazam! 17:35 A Date With Miss Fortune 21:45 Food Factory USA 01:00 Ghost Hunters International Spaces 20:10 Ultimate Animal Countdown 06:21 Zack & Quack 19:20 SuperBob 22:10 Strangest Weather On Earth 02:00 Mysteries At The Museum 04:25 Poh & Co. 21:00 Africa’s Super Snake 06:32 The Day Henry Met 20:50 They Came Together 23:00 You Have Been Warned 03:00 Top Secret Beaches 04:50 Cesar’s Recruit: Asia 21:50 Wild Scotland S2 Compila- 06:38 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 22:20 How To Make Love Like An 23:50 The Future Of... 04:00 Top Secret Swimming Holes 06:15 Chocolate Perfection With tions chines Englishman 05:00 When Ghosts Attack Michel Roux Jr 22:40 Last Devils 07:00 Rusty Rivets 06:00 Bizarre Foods With Andrew 07:10 Cesar’s Recruit: Asia 23:30 Shark vs Predator 07:13 Paw Patrol Zimmern 07:35 Cesar’s Recruit: Asia 07:37 Dora The Explorer 07:00 Mysteries At The Museum 08:05 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 08:00 Nella The Princess Knight 08:00 House Hunters International The Sea 08:10 Kid-E-Cats 01:45 Man To Man 08:30 House Hunters International 09:00 George Clarke’s Amazing 08:15 Kid-E-Cats 00:40 Crisscross 03:45 The Assignment 09:00 House Hunters International Spaces 08:21 Bubble Guppies 02:30 The Salesman 05:30 Night Moves 09:30 House Hunters International 09:55 Poh & Co. 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 08:44 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 04:45 The Challenger 07:30 The Maiden Heist 10:00 Salvage Dawgs 10:20 Cesar’s Recruit: Asia tles chines 06:35 A Country Called Home 09:00 Noel 10:30 Salvage Dawgs 11:45 Chocolate Perfection With 00:36 Rabbids Invasion 09:07 Paw Patrol 08:15 The Salesman 10:35 Hurricane Season 11:00 Hotel Impossible Michel Roux Jr 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 09:30 Shimmer And Shine 10:30 The Challenger 12:15 Hostage 12:00 Mysteries At The Museum 12:40 George Clarke’s Amazing 02:12 Winx Club 09:53 Nella The Princess Knight 12:20 A Country Called Home 14:15 Man To Man 13:00 Mysteries At The Museum Spaces 02:36 Winx Club 10:15 The Day Henry Met 14:00 Forsaken 16:15 Nothing But The Truth 14:00 House Hunters International 13:35 George Clarke’s Amazing 03:00 Harvey Beaks 10:22 Paw Patrol 15:40 An Inconvenient Truth 18:00 Crash 14:30 House Hunters International Spaces 03:24 Harvey Beaks 10:45 Rusty Rivets 17:30 Rushmore 20:00 The Legend Of Bagger 15:00 House Hunters International 14:30 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 03:48 The Loud House 10:56 Rusty Rivets 19:15 The Man Who Knew Infinity Vance 15:30 House Hunters International The Sea 04:36 Breadwinners 11:05 Wallykazam! 21:15 The Kite Runner 22:15 Henry’s Crime 16:00 Hotel Impossible 15:25 The Food Files 05:00 Breadwinners 11:28 Bubble Guppies 23:25 Wild At Heart 17:00 Salvage Dawgs 15:50 The Food Files 05:24 Get Blake 11:52 Team Umizoomi 17:30 Salvage Dawgs 16:20 Cruise Ship Diaries 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 12:15 Shimmer And Shine 18:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 16:45 Cruise Ship Diaries 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 12:39 Shimmer And Shine Destinations 17:15 Cradle Of Mandopop 06:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 13:01 Max & Ruby 18:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 18:10 George Clarke’s Amazing tles 13:25 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 00:00 Married At First Sight Destinations Spaces 07:24 Rabbids Invasion 13:47 The Day Henry Met 01:00 Married At First Sight 19:00 Bizarre Foods With Andrew 19:05 George Clarke’s Amazing 07:48 Get Blake 13:57 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 00:00 Back To The Sea 02:00 Mom vs. Matchmaker Zimmern Spaces 08:12 Harvey Beaks chines 01:40 Freddy Frogface 02:30 Mom vs. Matchmaker 20:00 House Hunters International 20:00 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 08:36 Sanjay And Craig 14:41 Zack & Quack 03:10 Moomin And Midsummer 03:00 Fashion Star 20:30 House Hunters International The Sea 09:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 14:52 Kid-E-Cats Madness 04:00 Project Runway All Stars 21:00 House Hunters International 21:00 The Food Files 09:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 15:04 Shimmer And Shine 04:35 Simba The King Lion 05:00 Project Runway 21:30 House Hunters International 21:30 The Food Files tles 15:26 Nella The Princess Knight 06:45 Hocus Pocus Alfie Atkins 06:00 Married At First Sight 22:00 Off The Grid Living 22:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 09:48 Henry Danger 15:38 Paw Patrol 08:10 The Secret Of Kells 07:00 Married At First Sight 22:30 Off The Grid Living 22:25 Cruise Ship Diaries 10:12 Game Shakers 16:01 Little Charmers 09:40 Phantom Boy 08:00 Mom vs. Matchmaker 23:00 Building Off The Grid: Mud 22:55 Cradle Of Mandopop 10:36 Regal Academy 16:13 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 11:15 Dinofroz - An Island In The 08:30 Mom vs. Matchmaker Men 23:50 George Clarke’s Amazing 11:00 Winx Club 16:24 Dora The Explorer Sky 09:00 Fashion Star Spaces 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 16:46 Max & Ruby 12:40 Pacific Pirates 10:00 Project Runway All Stars 11:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 17:06 The Day Henry Met 14:10 Moomin And Midsummer 11:00 Project Runway tles 17:11 Nella The Princess Knight Madness 12:00 Married At First Sight 12:12 The Loud House 17:35 Shimmer And Shine 15:35 Simba The King Lion 13:00 Married At First Sight 00:05 Broad City 12:36 Rabbids Invasion 17:59 Wallykazam! 17:45 Monkey King: The Hero 14:00 Mom vs. Matchmaker 00:30 Idiotsitter 13:00 Breadwinners 18:21 Zack & Quack 19:20 Dinofroz - An Island In The 14:30 Mom vs. Matchmaker 00:55 Tosh.0 13:24 Harvey Beaks 18:32 The Day Henry Met Sky 15:00 Fashion Star 01:15 Tosh.0 00:10 Nazi Megastructures 13:48 Hunter Street 18:38 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 20:45 Ivan The Incredible 16:00 Project Runway All Stars 01:45 Tosh.0 02:00 To Catch A Smuggler 14:12 I Am Frankie chines 22:15 Azur & Asmar: The Prince’s 17:00 Mistresses 02:10 The Opposition With Jordan 03:00 Science Of Stupid Compila- 14:36 The Thundermans 19:00 Rusty Rivets Quest 18:00 Devious Maids Klepper tions 15:00 Escape From Mr. Lemon- 19:13 Paw Patrol 23:55 Monkey King: The Hero 19:00 Devious Maids 02:35 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 03:30 Science Of Stupid Compila- cello’s Library 19:37 Dora The Explorer 20:00 Married At First Sight 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor tions 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 20:00 Nella The Princess Knight 21:00 Grey’s Anatomy Noah 04:00 Nazi Megastructures tles 20:10 Kid-E-Cats 22:00 Grey’s Anatomy 03:25 Tosh.0 06:00 Supercar Megabuild 16:36 The Loud House 20:21 Bubble Guppies 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy 03:50 The Opposition With Jordan 07:00 X: The Generation That 17:00 Sanjay And Craig 20:44 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 01:00 Black Snake Moan Klepper Changed The World 17:24 I Am Frankie chines 03:00 Oleanna 04:15 Lip Sync Battle UK 08:00 Seconds From Disaster 17:48 Hunter Street 21:07 Paw Patrol 04:35 Baby’s Day Out 04:40 Workaholics 09:00 Crash Science 18:12 Henry Danger 21:30 Shimmer And Shine 06:15 Nacho Libre 05:05 Workaholics 10:00 To Catch A Smuggler 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky And 21:53 Nella The Princess Knight 07:50 The Count Of Monte Cristo 05:30 Workaholics 11:00 China’s Megatomb Revealed Dawn 22:15 The Day Henry Met 10:05 Oleanna 05:55 Workaholics 13:00 100%: Planes 19:00 School Of Rock 22:22 Paw Patrol 11:40 Nacho Libre 00:20 Say Yes To The Dress UK 06:20 Workaholics 14:00 Seconds From Disaster 19:24 Game Shakers 22:45 Rusty Rivets 13:15 Steve Jobs 00:42 Say Yes To The Dress UK 06:50 Brotherhood 15:00 Origins: The Journey Of Hu- 19:48 The Thundermans 22:56 Rusty Rivets 15:20 Leatherheads 01:05 90 Day Fianc?: Happily Ever 08:30 The Jim Gaffigan Show mankind 20:12 Ride 23:05 Wallykazam! 17:15 Hot Pursuit After? 08:55 Punk’d (Bet) 16:00 Explorer XL 20:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 23:28 Bubble Guppies 18:45 Zoolander 2 01:50 The Spouse House 09:20 Punk’d (Bet) 17:00 Original Sin 21:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 23:52 Team Umizoomi 20:30 London Has Fallen 02:35 Oprah: Where Are They 09:45 Important Things With 18:00 Drugs Inc tles 22:10 The Revenant Now? Demitri Martin 19:00 Origins: The Journey Of Hu- 21:24 Sanjay And Craig 03:20 Kate Plus 8 11:00 Kroll Show mankind 21:48 Rabbids Invasion 04:05 Toddlers & Tiaras 11:25 Kroll Show 20:00 Explorer XL 22:12 Breadwinners 04:50 Randy To The Rescue 11:50 Kroll Show 20:50 Original Sin 22:36 Harvey Beaks 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress 12:15 Kroll Show 21:40 Drugs Inc 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 06:00 Little People, Big World 12:40 Kroll Show 22:30 Origins: The Journey Of Hu- 23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 01:20 The Kids From 62-F 00:40 Mythbusters 06:45 Little People, Big World 13:05 Disaster Date mankind 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur- 03:15 The Secret Life Of Pets 01:30 How Do They Do It? 07:30 Kate Plus 8 13:30 Disaster Date 23:20 Born To Ride tles 04:45 Christmas Trade 01:55 Food Factory USA 08:15 Outdaughtered: Busby 13:55 The Dude Perfect Show 06:30 The Great Gilly Hopkins 02:20 Mysteries Of The Missing Quints 14:20 The Dude Perfect Show 08:10 The Kids From 62-F 03:10 Strangest Weather On Earth 09:00 Say Yes To The Dress UK 14:45 Ridiculousness Arabia 10:05 A Tiger’s Tail 04:00 The Future Of... 09:25 Obsessive Compulsive 15:10 Ridiculousness Arabia 11:30 The Secret Life Of Pets 04:48 Mythbusters Cleaners 15:35 Ridiculousness Arabia 13:00 The Tale Of Despereaux 05:36 How Do They Do It? 10:10 Extreme Cheapskates 16:00 Important Things With 00:15 Shimmer And Shine 14:35 Minions 06:00 Food Factory USA 10:55 Love At First Swipe Demitri Martin 00:20 Boss Croc 00:39 Shimmer And Shine 16:10 The Sound Of Music Live! 06:24 Mysteries Of The Missing 13:10 Oprah: Where Are They 16:30 Important Things With 01:10 Safari Brothers 01:01 Max & Ruby 18:30 Because Of Winn Dixie 07:12 Strangest Weather On Earth Now? Demitri Martin 02:00 Africa’s Blood River 01:25 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 20:20 Coat Of Many Colors 08:00 How Do They Do It? 13:55 Oprah: Where Are They 16:55 Lip Sync Battle UK 02:50 Animal Fight Club 01:36 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 21:50 The Tale Of Despereaux 08:26 The Future Of... Now? 17:20 Lip Sync Battle UK 03:45 World’s Deadliest 01:47 The Day Henry Met 23:25 Minions 09:14 Mythbusters 14:40 Cake Boss 17:45 Friends 04:40 Secret Life Of Predators 01:52 The Day Henry Met 10:02 Strangest Weather On Earth 17:00 Baby Bodybuilders 18:10 Friends 05:35 Africa’s Blood River 01:57 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 10:50 How Do They Do It? 17:50 Meet The Putmans 18:35 Friends 06:30 Animal Fight Club chines 11:14 Food Factory USA 18:50 Outdaughtered: Busby 18:58 Friends 07:25 World’s Deadliest 02:19 Blaze And The Monster Ma- 11:38 How Things Work Quints 19:20 Friends 08:20 Secret Life Of Predators chines 12:26 The Future Of... 19:40 Cake Boss 19:45 Idiotsitter 09:15 Asia’s Deadliest Snakes 02:41 Zack & Quack 13:14 Mythbusters 20:10 Say Yes To The Dress UK 20:07 Workaholics 10:10 Badlands 02:52 Kid-E-Cats 00:10 Puerto Ricans In Paris 14:02 How Do They Do It? 20:35 Say Yes To The Dress 20:30 Graves 11:05 Little Monkey House 02:58 Kid-E-Cats 01:40 Growing Up And Other Lies 14:26 Food Factory USA 21:00 Outdaughtered: Busby 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 03:04 Shimmer And Shine 03:20 Elizabethtown 14:50 Strangest Weather On Earth Quints Noah 34 Friday

Stars Friday, January 5, 2018

COUNTRY CODES Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

Aries, a restless quest to learn spurs you on; you won t stop until Libra, your senses are acutely in tune with your surroundings, Afghanistan 0093 Jordan 00962 you find one particular thing. You have entered a cycle that causes change; you as though you can almost feel what people are thinking. This would be perfect Albania 00355 Kazakhstan 007 Algeria 00213 desire new paths and methods just now. Everything seems to get on your last timing for finding big ticket items like furniture, vehicles, jewelry and such. There Kenya 00254 Andorra 00376 Kiribati 00686 nerve as a result of careless decisions made in the recent past. You could exhibit is a vibration of high drama if you choose to engage; you are not connected to volatile behavior that causes tongues to wag. This is a perfect time to redirect Angola 00244 Kuwait 00965 your innermost sensitivities at this time, only to the feelings of others. Relax and Anguilla 001264 Kyrgyzstan 00996 your thoughts and activities to the more positive possibilities, not a good time don t dwell on bothersome issues just now; breathe and meditate as you wait Antiga 001268 Laos 00856 to gamble now. You could become indecisive and unsure of what you really want, for better times. You could be assigned to an unusual task using teamwork. An Argentina 0054 Latvia 00371 sometimes being at a standstill can be a good thing. Make and effort to keep irritating problem concerning someone close could crop up and eventually you Armenia 00374 Lebanon 00961 your emotional and mental energies high as you end the day with someone you will need to make some decisions regarding this matter. Tonight will be a relaxing Australia 0061 Liberia 00231 love, aries. time at home away from tensions and demands, libra. Austria 0043 Libya 00218 Bahamas 001242 Lithuania 00370 Bahrain 00973 Luxembourg 00352 Bangladesh 00880 Macau 00853 Barbados 001246 Macedonia 00389 Taurus (April 20-May 20) Belarus 00375 Madagascar 00261 Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Belgium 0032 Majorca 0034 Belize 00501 Malawi 00265 Taurus, you could grow to cherish something you take for Scorpio, you could find yourself looking back at burned bridges; Benin 00229 Malaysia 0060 granted. You are entering a cycle of abundance in the areas of real estate and fi- when we learn our lessons we don t have to learn them again. Perhaps this year Bermuda 001441 Maldives 00960 nances. You look to the future and imagine what you would like to see in it; this you can conduct yourself differently when faced with situations resembling the Bhutan 00975 Mali 00223 could involve a sweetheart, child or self-change. Daydreaming and thinking of past! With so many things on your mind, it may be hard to concentrate on rou- Bolivia 00591 Malta 00356 things less realistic seem to be your path today; this could cause friction today tine matters. But the mundane is where you have succeeded and prospered. Be Bosnia 00387 Marshall Islands 00692 or possibly this evening. There will be important projects come up that will de- grateful for what you have instead of wanting things you think you can t have. Botswana 00267 Martinique 00596 Brazil 0055 Mauritania 00222 mand your best efforts. Someone listens to your side of the story and agrees with Later today someone may be rude and interrupt at an inopportune time. You you. You will get praise for your ability to make things happen. You might wrestle Brunei 00673 Mauritius 00230 could feel the right place for you today is home. Poetry and art may soothe your Bulgaria 00359 Mayotte 00269 with what your heart wants and what you head knows; you will get help from jangled nerves this evening. Choose something fun or relaxing later and do it someone who cares for you, taurus. Burkina 00226 Mexico 0052 with someone you know you will enjoy, passionate scorpio. Burundi 00257 Micronesia 00691 Cambodia 00855 Moldova 00373 Cameroon 00237 Monaco 00377 Canada 001 Mongolia 00976 Cape Verde 00238 Montserrat 001664 Cayman Islands 001345 Morocco 00212 Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Central African Republic 00236 Mozambique 00258 Chad 00235 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Gemini, you will cross over the line of mundane with your Chile 0056 Namibia 00264 Sagittarius, turmoil in your personal life is indicated if you thoughts reaching for the stars. New concepts will be inspired as you look at the China 0086 Nepal 00977 choose not to avoid it. Your opinions and wants do not sync with what is going infinity of the universe and spirit. When asked, your views can help bring a new Colombia 0057 Netherlands (Holland)0031 on with others and you could feel downhearted regarding this. Keep your in- perspective to difficult situations. You will feel love and encouragement from Comoros 00269 Netherlands Antilles 00599 nermost thoughts and feelings to yourself just now and wait for better days. those around you; confidence and peace of mind are prominent now. You will Congo 00242 New Caledonia 00687 Someone important, a boss or customer more than likely, will hold you up for discover the cause of a problem and eliminate it. You will feel strong energy urg- Cook Islands 00682 New Zealand 0064 praise. A new assignment will herald a welcome new beginning. Tonight you may ing you to work out, dance, walk or any other means of moving your body. You Costa Rica 00506 Nicaragua 00505 be surprised at the progress you make on a task you were dreading. You could will fee refined and quite handsome or beautiful. Your thoughts are on the cosmic Croatia 00385 Nigar 00227 be tempted to attend a gathering perhaps you should not; consider this before Cuba 0053 levels of understanding. Others will express much interest and curiosity in your Nigeria 00234 you act. You have a way with words and people this evening when you try to Cyprus 00357 Niue 00683 opinions of complicated, mystic issues, gemini. help some feuding neighbors, sagittarius. Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Norfolk Island 00672 Czech Republic 00420 Northern Ireland (UK)0044 Denmark 0045 North Korea 00850 Diego Garcia 00246 Norway 0047 Djibouti 00253 Oman 00968 Cancer (June 21-July 22) Dominica 001767 Pakistan 0092 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Dominican Republic 001809 Palau 00680 Ecuador 00593 Panama 00507 Cancer, others admire you for your excellent leadership abilities Capricorn, try to stay in the present today as the past repeats over Egypt 0020 Papua New Guinea 00675 regarding groups. If you are in advertising, public relations or broadcasting you and over in your mind. You will notice others around you more clearly and look El Salvador 00503 Paraguay 00595 will have very good insight into what consumers and audiences are looking for inward for understanding. Treat yourself to some fun, plan an escape with some- England (UK) 0044 Peru 0051 just now. Definitive choices concerning others could prove very positive. It seems one you love. This day is destined to give you moments of joy. Eat well, enjoy Equatorial Guinea 00240 Philippines 0063 you will have to make things happen today; others will eagerly strive to do what the outdoors, let your reflections on the past teach you. You have an eager mind Eritrea 00291 Poland 0048 you say needs to happen. Events will determine which direction an important and a willing spirit that love to learn embrace these blessings now just as you Estonia 00372 Portugal 00351 meeting should be taken; go with the flow and be assured all will be well. Even if have in the past. Your general goodwill toward people will shine through today Ethiopia 00251 Puerto Rico 001787 Falkland Islands 00500 Qatar 00974 your idea never catches on, you got the attention that it takes to be included on and someone will appreciate your energy. This evening, put your feet up, let your Faroe Islands 00298 Romania 0040 the next decision-making team and you created some good energy around an mind and body relax. Keep melancholy away by remembering that you are re- idea. Relax and enjoy a few moments to yourself, cancer. Fiji 00679 Russian Federation 007 spected and needed by many, capricorn. Finland 00358 Rwanda 00250 France 0033 Saint Helena 00290 French Guiana 00594 Saint Kitts 001869 French Polynesia 00689 Saint Lucia 001758 Gabon 00241 Saint Pierre 00508 Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Gambia 00220 Saint Vincent 001784 Georgia 00995 Samoa US 00684 Leo, you will feel a strong urge to understand the mysteries of life Germany 0049 Samoa West 00685 Aquarius, job opportunities don t feel right to you, they actually Ghana 00233 and they might apply to you. The vibrations of compassion and assisting will be San Marino 00378 go against your grain. The activities and efforts associated with this position goes Gibraltar 00350 Sao Tone 00239 strong according to the stars. You could feel that you are watching some things against your moral compass; remember that money isn t everything even at a Greece 0030 Saudi Arabia 00966 from far away, but you re actually right there. Open your physical mind to absorb time like this. Your plans and the direction you desired in your life resemble a Greenland 00299 Scotland (UK) 0044 spiritual truths and to see that we are all connected in a divine way. This new runaway rollercoaster. It s almost as though even your family life is unacceptable Grenada 001473 Senegal 00221 cycle will highlight your ability to organize and put things in motion. You could in the workplace. Someone will cross you today and possibly create a scene. Guadeloupe 00590 Seychelles 00284 want to ignore duties today and instead just have fun, unfortunately your role is Shopping for items to feather your nest is not a good idea just now; your tastes Guam 001671 Sierra Leone 00232 far too important today for you be absent. You will reign yourself in and complete aren t appreciated. Special attention is given to your ancestral history; you may Guatemala 00502 Singapore 0065 whatever needs to be finished; friends may scoff because they wanted you with become involved with a group. Your investments will include land and property Guinea 00224 Slovakia 00421 them, dependable leo. and the time is perfect for it, aquarius! Guyana 00592 Slovenia 00386 Haiti 00509 Solomon Islands 00677 Holland (Netherlands)0031 Somalia 00252 Honduras 00504 South Africa 0027 Hong Kong 00852 South Korea 0082 Hungary 0036 Spain 0034 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sri Lanka 0094 Iceland 00354 Sudan 00249 Virgo, you will feel a need to be recognized and thanked for your Pisces, are you going through a separation of some kindperhaps India 0091 Suriname 00597 contributions. You enjoy giving as much as you do receiving and you want those you have or will be graduating from one school to another, or maybe one job to Indian Ocean 00873 Swaziland 00268 who receive your gifts to pay it forward. Through your example, you teach others anotherwhatever the case you will finally be free of a situation you won t miss; Indonesia 0062 Sweden 0046 to come from the truth and not their anger. If you feel excluded consider that you not that it was negative, but the time has come to move toward the future. Smile Iran 0098 Switzerland 0041 may have set yourself up for this by being overcritical or too conservative; there as you join the world of independence and responsibility; remember you should Iraq 00964 Syria 00963 Ireland 00353 Taiwan 00886 is a thing called give and take and you are good at it when you want to be. You call each obstacle teacher and friend! Deep, reflective moments could occur throughout this month. A new start with an old flame or it could be a job could Italy 0039 Tanzania 00255 could have a tough time regarding work or home just now; delay making your Ivory Coast 00225 materialize. Let your renewed energy flow into your newest efforts at work and Thailand 0066 mind up about any important issues you may have at this time. Let your mind go Jamaica 001876 Toga 00228 home. You could fall into the trap of after holiday sales; avoid these unless you to the accomplishments you have made. Put your feet up and enjoy dinner in front Japan 0081 Tonga 00676 of the television tonight, virgo. truly need an item and it just happens to be on sale, pisces. Friday 35

Health Friday, January 5, 2018 Cosmic dust, not ‘alien mega structure,’ veils mysterious star

MIAMI: It’s been called the “most mysterious lead author Tabetha Boyajian, assistant pro- with the help of NASA’s planet-hunting space study it further. Astronomers at the Califor- star in the universe,” bigger than the sun and fessor of physics and astronomy at Louisiana telescope, known as Kepler. Kepler detects nia-based Las Cumbres Observatory yet brightening and dimming in an odd way State University, for whom “Tabby’s Star” is planets by tracking moments when a star’s watched it closely from March 2016 to De- that suggested to some an alien mega structure nicknamed. “The new data shows that different light dims as an object passes in front of it. The cember 2017. “We were hoping that once we might be circling it. But a study out Wednes- colors of light are being blocked at different unusual dips in brightness in Tabby’s Star- finally caught a dip happening in real time, we day, compiled by more than 100 scientists who intensities. Therefore, whatever is passing be- more than 1,000 lightyears away, about 50 could see if the dips were the same depth at have been observing the star, named KIC tween us and the star is not opaque, as would percent bigger and 1,000 degrees hotter than all wavelengths,” said co-author Jason 8462852, puts the alien rumors to rest. be expected from a planet or alien mega the sun-aroused global interest. Wright, assistant professor at Pennsylvania “Dust is most likely the reason why the structure.” More than 1,700 people donated some State’s department of astronomy and astro- star’s light appears to dim and brighten,” said The initial discovery of the star was made $100,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to physics. —AFP Established 1961

ClassifiedsFriday, January 5, 2018

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 Business

Qatar allows full ownership US Fed members divided Computer chip ‘flaw’ 39 for foreign investors 40 over rate hikes in 2018 41 sparks security debate

BEIJING: In this picture, buildings demolished by authorities are seen in a migrant housing area on the outskirts of Beijing. —AFP Migrant worker evictions tear at Beijing’s backbone City plans on demolishing ‘illegal’ structures

BEIJING: They fuelled their nation’s dramatic eco- moving business has taken a hit as the city con- ternational and comparative labor at Cornell Uni- cember 1, after she had to close two other delivery nomic rise, toiling in jobs far from home, but China’s demns buildings en masse, evicting tens of thou- versity, said China’s biggest cities “simply cannot hubs this year, forcing her to cut her work force migrant workers are now finding themselves in- sands into the winter cold. “Our customers are function without migrant workers”. “If every non- from 240 couriers to 60. “There’s no stability. I creasingly unwelcome as authorities try to cap the commoners like us,” he said. “With their small busi- local were to actually be removed from cities like don’t know what I’ll be facing tomorrow,” she said, population explosions in key cities. Lin Huiqing nesses shut down, there’s no stock for us to move. Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these economic tears welling in her eyes. moved to Beijing to look for work when his children We’re basically unemployed now.” engines for the whole country would completely were still in diapers. For the last eighteen years, he collapse,” he said. But that is exactly what is hap- ‘Now we have to start over’ has seen his family just once a year, the rest spent ‘Can’t make it here anymore’ pening, said Li Ning, one of the 60,000 delivery The demolitions have also hit Beijing’s retail sec- doing the hard labor most Beijingers would prefer Authorities say the campaign, which kicked into drivers who criss-cross Beijing’s streets. tor, decimating once affordable mom and pop to avoid. high gear after a fire in an illegal structure killed 19 Li was recently evicted from a village on the city’s shops and pushing consumers online or into high- The 50-year-old is one of hundreds of millions in November, is needed to outskirts, forcing him into end malls. Two years ago, Ge Guoxiang moved with of migrants who moved from the countryside to the clean the city up once and an apartment where the his wife from their home province of Jiangsu to take cities, a colossal demographic shift that made for all. But it is also remov- rent quadrupled. Then au- over his brother’s textiles stall. It had thrived for China’s ascent possible. But last month Lin was ing vibrant chunks of Bei- thorities came for his de- over 20 years in Beijing’s Tuanjiehu Tianyu market. evicted from the village where he lived on the cap- jing’s economy, such as Where will livery company’s But three months ago, they received notice that au- ital’s outskirts, another victim of a city-wide demo- retail and small scale man- warehouse, forcing staff to thorities will shutter the market. lition plan to limit Beijing’s population to 23 million ufacturing, and throwing they go? sort packages on the side- Dozens of small-scale community markets have by 2020 — a target that could come at the cost of into chaos other sectors walk and sending his in- been forced to shut down this year-including the its economy. “If I go home, I have no way to support like delivery, the bedrock come plummeting. “In iconic Beijing Zoo market, where hundreds of mer- my wife and kids,” Lin lamented. of the booming e-com- Beijing all the migrants are chants organized rare street protests against the According to the Communist Party mouthpiece merce trade. Relegated to leaving. We can’t make it evictions. Officials said they have designated cer- People’s Daily, the city plans to demolish 40 million the periphery, migrants have kept China’s economy here anymore,” he said, adding he plans to leave for tain areas in the neighboring Hebei province where square meters of “illegal” structures. Many are the humming, handling the difficult, dirty and some- good during the upcoming spring festival. merchants can move their businesses to. But Ge is homes and shops of low-income migrants like Lin. times dangerous work that the city’s permanent Another delivery franchise owner surnamed unconvinced. “It takes years for businesses like When he first arrived in Beijing, Lin and his friends residents won’t do. Wang said she will “give up” if authorities knock ours to build up clientele. Now we have to start pooled their money and took out loans to purchase Urban industries like construction, domestic down her current warehouse, which they marked in over,” he said. “Our clients are mostly older people delivery trucks. He made a living hauling the wares work and sanitation are almost completely staffed black paint with the character “chai” — (demolish) who don’t know how to shop online. Where will of small-scale shopkeepers and traders, but the by migrants. Eli Friedman, associate professor of in- — in mid-December. She had just moved in De- they go?”—AFP 38 Friday Business Friday, January 5, 2018 Stocks records tumble, oil at highest since 2015 World stocks hit record on upbeat growth data LONDON: Market bulls resumed their charge yes- off the best year for over a decade, continuing to terday as strong data from the world’s biggest confound widely held fears that rising political un- economies sent stock index records tumbling and certainty would curb economic growth,” Chris oil prices to their highest since mid-2015. In an ap- Williamson, chief business economist at IHS parent acceleration of last year’s global equity Markit, said. Another factor behind the upbeat boom, MSCI’s world stocks index and London’s mood was that minutes of the Federal Reserve’s FTSE both set records as Europe opened. mid-December meeting released on Wednesday Tokyo’s Nikkei - Asia’s biggest market - earlier did little to change that view that it will stick to shot to its highest since 1991 with a 3.3 percent surge. measured increases in US interest rates. Asia-Pacific excluding Japan also scaled a decade- They showed policymakers expect US President high peak as a fifth day of gains in China helped Donald Trump’s tax cut plans to boost consumer emerging market stocks to a 6-1/2 year high as well. spending but are still uncertain about the impact “It is a continuation of the goldilocks story,” said the stimulus would have on inflation. Fed funds rate State Street Global Markets’ head of macro strategy futures moved to price a 75 percent chance of a Michael Metcalfe. “The main theme last year was rate hike by March, compared with around 60 per- strong growth and accommodative (monetary) pol- cent at the end of last year. But markets are still not icy and the data we have had so far suggest that the fully pricing in the three rate increases many Fed growth is expected to accelerate, and without infla- officials expect this year. The dollar climbed off a tion.” The data published yesterday reinforced ex- three-month low after the minutes but was back- pectations that solid world growth will boost demand sliding again in Europe on Thursday as the euro for goods, including oil, and lift corporate earnings. zone and Asia data handed the initiative back to the China’s services sector activity hit its highest euro and yen. It left the greenback flat at 112.61 yen level in more than three years, manufacturing data and the euro up 0.15 percent at $1.2033. If the sin- TOKYO: Women wearing traditional kimono outfits pose after the opening of the stock from Japan came in strong and euro zone surveys gle currency gets above September’s peak of market for the year at the Tokyo Stock Exchange.—AFP showed the bloc enjoying its strongest run in nearly $1.2092 it would return to ground last trod in early seven years. IHS Markit’s Final Composite Pur- 2015. “We see some very positive euro sentiment chasing Managers’ Index - seen as a good overall in the market right now,” said Commerzbank cur- buoyed by the data, as investors readied for new debt bond issuer, 10-year bond yields were up 1.5 bps at growth indicator for the 19-country region - rose rency strategist Esther Reichelt in Frankfurt. sales from France and Spain in what is traditionally 0.46 percent and holding within reach of recent two- to 58.1 in December from 57.5 in November and one of the busiest issuance months of the year. Yields month highs. The bigger focus though was on the on- up slightly from a flash estimate of 58.0. Oil on the boil on French and Spanish 10-year bonds were around 1 going rise in commodity prices, which often have a “A stellar end to 2017 for the euro zone rounded Euro zone bond yields were also creeping higher, basis point higher. In Germany, the bloc’s benchmark big influence on global inflation. —Reuters Solid US, China data Big oil powers UK’s lifts emerging stocks FTSE 100 to record LONDON: Fresh evidence that the world’s top two economies high; Debenhams drops were on a solid growth track pushed emerging stocks to fresh 6- 1/2 year highs yesterday, while higher oil prices underpinned crude exporters. Global equities hit a new high following record LONDON: A rally in oil majors pushed the UK’s top share closes on Wall Street on Wednesday, helped by robust growth index to an all-time high yesterday, though elsewhere retailers numbers and a rally in energy stocks. Tensions in key oil producer were under pressure after a profit warning from Debenhams. Iran and ongoing OPEC-led output cuts have pushed oil prices Britain’s FTSE 100 index was up 0.2 percent at 7,686.95 points to their highest in over 2-1/2 years. by 0948 GMT, while mid caps rose 0.1 percent. US factory activity increased by more than expected in De- “Just because we’re trading on ground that’s never been cember, boosted by a surge in new orders growth, while China’s TEHRAN: Iranians shop at Tehran’s ancient Grand traded on before doesn’t really mean that we’re due a pullback services sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in more than Bazaar.—AFP - we do expect (the FTSE 100) to push higher,” John Moore, three years. MSCI’s benchmark emerging equities index rose 0.4 trader at Berkeley Capital, said. “We’ve also seen that the his- percent, with Chinese mainland shares up 0.5 percent to over against the dollar. “The market has taken pretty much no notice toric correlation between the pound and the FTSE is somewhat one-month highs, Warsaw up 1.7 percent to a six-week high, of it,” Fage said. “The whole thing is really about what the conse- not as strong as before,” Moore added, saying bigger factors, Prague up 1 percent to a 6-1/2 year high and Russian shares up quences will be for the relationship between Turkey and the US, such as the oil price, were driving the index. 0.7 percent. Strong economic data out of Germany and the and it is hard to know at this precise moment in time.” He was A rally in cyclical sectors such as financials and energy broader euro zone added to the benign backdrop for Eastern Eu- skeptical it would really have a substantial long-term negative added around 20 points to the index, with BP and Shell rising rope. “Everything seems to point to a positive start, the risk ap- market impact. 1 percent and 0.8 percent respectively. The UK’s oil and gas petite is good, you have FX rallying, you have equity markets The South African rand firmed 0.8 percent against the dollar, index was up 0.8 percent at its highest level since May 2008. rallying - it is a typical start to the new year with people taking shrugging off data showing South Africa’s private sector eco- The British oil majors aped a move higher in oil prices, which up risk again,” said Paul Fage, a strategist at TD Securities. nomic activity contracted for a fifth consecutive month in Decem- were spurred to their highest level since mid-2015 on the back In Turkey, Halkbank shares surged as much as 4.7 percent be- ber, hitting a 20-month low. Meanwhile Angola’s central bank said of tensions in producer Iran. fore giving up most of these gains, after a US jury found a Halk- it would abandon its currency peg against the U.S. dollar from this A supportive research note from Barclays also helped the bank executive guilty of helping Iran evade US sanctions. month, setting the stage for the kwanza to fall sharply to match energy sector, in which analysts said they expected European Halkbank said the banker had the right to appeal against the ver- its value on the streets. integrated oil and refining companies to be cash flow positive dict. Halkbank dollar-denominated bonds were little changed. The NKC African Economics said the change may not address do- after dividends in the fourth quarter, thanks to a higher oil almost four-week trial has strained relations between the US and mestic product shortages in the short-term. “Hence, the net impact price. Likewise positive metals prices also drove shares in Turkey, which said the decision was “unjust and unfortunate”. will be inflationary given that a certain proportion of imports are British miners. —Reuters The Turkish bank sector index and the broader market were no longer subsidised at a stronger exchange rate,” analyst Cobus both up around 0.5 percent, while the lira firmed 0.4 percent de Hart said in a note. —Reuters Friday 39 Business Friday, January 5, 2018 Qatar allows full ownership for foreign investors Qatar tries to secure new revenues

DOHA: Qatar has approved legislation allow- passed in 2014. ing 100-percent ownership for foreign in- The new law was approved at the cabinet’s vestors in most sectors of the economy in a bid weekly meeting on Wednesday. “The draft law to boost non-energy revenues, the government aims to increase tax revenues, protect foreign said yesterday. The move comes at a time of and local investors and boost Qatar’s status in political crisis in the Gulf, with Qatar under an global economic indicators,” according to a economic and diplomatic boycott by neighbor- statement by the ministry. It is not yet clear ing countries for the past seven months. It is when the draft law will come into force. The also an attempt by move is the latest at- Qatar, the third largest tempt by Qatar, the economy in the Gulf, to world’s largest exporter secure new revenues to of liquefied natural gas, finance a budget deficit to secure new revenues due to the slump in oil 100-percent since the Gulf crisis prices since mid-2014. ownership took hold. Overseas investors Saudi Arabia, the will be able to fully own United Arab Emirates, businesses in almost all Bahrain and Egypt sev- economic sectors but ered ties with Qatar in they are not allowed to purchase real estate or June, accusing it of links to extremist groups own franchises, according to the ministry of and being too close to Shiite Iran, Riyadh’s re- economy and trade. To invest in the banking gional arch-rival. Doha has denied the charges. and insurance sectors, foreigners need to se- Qatar has increased business with existing cure a special permit from the government, the trade partners outside the region, announced law states. Currently, foreign investors can own plans to produce more gas and sought new up to 49 percent of companies listed on Qatar’s markets, most recently in West Africa.—AFP stock exchange in accordance with a law DOHA: In this file photo, a Qatari woman walks in front of the city skyline in Doha, Qatar. —AP London house prices in first Labor’s annual fall economic plan, since 2009 a high-risk gamble LONDON: The average price of a home in Lon- LONDON: The opposition Labor Party’s proposal for a don dropped in 2017 for the first time in eight sharp increase in state-funded investment is a high-risk years on fallout from Brexit, data showed yester- economic strategy, Labor’s education policy chief said in day. While prices were up nationwide, they were an interview published yesterday. The socialist leadership down in London for the first time since 2009, of Britain’s second largest party has promised a range of mortgage lender Nationwide calculated. UK sweeping economic reforms if it wrestles power from house prices rose by 2.6 percent overall last year- Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservatives, including a slower than the 4.5 percent seen the previous debt-funded 250 billion pound 10-year investment plan. year-said Nationwide, whose monthly survey is LONDON: Passenger trains pass through Battersea Park rail station as construction work continues on the “We are in different times, radical times where we closely watched by markets. Battersea Power Station residential and retail development complex in south-west London. —AFP need to have a real investment in Britain’s future. Gen- However, “London saw a particularly marked uinely. I don’t mean that as a slogan, I mean it as an eco- slowdown, with prices falling in annual terms for nomic strategy,” Angela Rayner, Labor’s would-be the first time in eight years, albeit by a modest 0.5 education minister told the Spectator magazine. “It’s a percent” during the fourth quarter, said Nation- More Zurich tax tripling the previous record set in 2016 high-risk strategy. But all of Britain’s great advancements wide chief economist Robert Gardner. In addition, and helping to disclose 1.3 billion Swiss in the past have been because we’ve had the gumption London was the UK’s worst-performing region for cheats come clean as francs in hidden wealth so far. to take a risk.” Labor performed much better than ex- the first time since 2004. “How the housing market The authorities have been able to handle pected in a June national election, depriving May of an performs in 2018 will be determined in large part data sharing looms only about half the cases so far, however, outright majority in parliament. by developments in the wider economy,” noted so they expect the sum to rise. Under the That has pushed investors to seriously consider the Gardner. ZURICH: Switzerland’s largest and Organization for Economic Cooperation prospect of Labor taking power sooner than the next “Brexit developments will remain important, wealthiest canton saw a three-fold rise in and Development’s new Automatic Ex- scheduled election in 2022. Morgan Stanley cautioned in- though these remain hard to foresee,” he added. the number of tax cheats turning them- change of Information program, more than vestors on Nov. 26 that political uncertainty in Britain was Since Britain voted to leave the European Union selves in during 2017, Zurich officials said 100 countries are beginning to exchange a bigger threat than Brexit given the risk of Corbyn win- in June 2016, a drop in sterling-making imported yesterday, as an international accord to financial information amid a global clamp- ning power and then dismantling what was once seen as goods more expensive-has pushed inflation up to one of the world’s most stable free-market economies. share information on offshore wealth more than 3.0 percent. In 2017, “low mortgage down on tax evasion. The agreement aims Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn later hit back at the bank, rates and healthy employment growth continued takes effect. The finance department said to ensure offshore accounts are known to saying: “They’re right: We’re a threat to a damaging and to support demand” for housing, according to 6,150 Zurich taxpayers came clean on authorities in the country where the ac- failed system that is rigged for the few.”—Reuters Gardner. —AFP previously undisclosed assets in 2017, count holder owes tax. —Reuters 40 Friday Business Friday, January 5, 2018 US Fed members divided over rate hikes in 2018 Companies to use windfall for mergers, share buybacks

WASHINGTON: US central bankers are divided over How many rate hikes? how fast they will need to raise interest rates next year, A few FOMC members said three rate increases, given differences over the causes behind the low in- while still a gradual upward path, would be too fast flation and wage gains seen to date, according to a re- and “might prove inconsistent with a sustained re- port released Wednesday. The minutes of the turn of inflation to two percent.” However, a few December 12-13 policy meeting, when the Federal Re- others found the pace of rate hikes should be serve raised the benchmark lending rate for the third “somewhat faster” than the three signaled in the time last year, also showed officials believe the likely forecast. They worried that “continued low interest benefits of the recently adopted tax cut are highly un- rates risked financial instability in the future, or that certain. While the tax cuts could boost spending, there the labor market was increasingly tight.” are indications companies are likely to use the windfall With steady job creation in the past two years for mergers and share buy- pushing the unemployment backs, the minutes said. down to a 17-year low of 4.1 That is contrary to the ar- percent, Fed officials have guments its supporters Return of been perplexed about why used to back the massive inflation has remained very tax package. The Fed’s pol- inflation low and wage gains have icy-setting Federal Open been sluggish so far, but Market Committee last to 2% largely attributed it to tran- month increased the key sitory factors. The Fed’s WASHINGTON: A man walks past the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington, DC. —Reuters lending rate to 1.25-1.5 preferred inflation measure, percent, an increase of a the Personal Consumption quarter-point on the rate that affects all types of credit Expenditures price index, remains well below two bank should wait to see actual wage and inflation trillion tax package, and many Fed officials noted from mortgages to car loans. percent and shows few signs it will rise soon. The 12- increases before raising rates. Analysts at Bar- the potential for the tax cuts to provide some The Fed’s quarterly economic projections also re- month core PCE, which excludes volatile food and clays said the actual pace of rate increases will boost to consumer and business spending. How- leased last month indicated the central bank is likely to energy prices, has risen just 1.4 percent. depend on inflation this year, but if it does not rise ever, they highlighted the uncertainty about the raise the federal funds rate three times in 2018 and once The central bank forecasts indicate the unem- by March “or if the unemployment rate decline magnitude of the impact. in 2019. However, that is a median forecast and the min- ployment rate is expected to continue to drop to stalls out, then the case for a pause in the rate hike On the business side especially, reports from utes show there are conflicting views among the poli- 3.9 percent next year, although some economists cycle strengthens.” firms and surveys indicate that “the increase in cymakers about the number of rate hikes that will be see it falling even further. Two voting members of cash flow that would result from corporate tax needed. The disagreement centers on whether inflation the FOMC, Charles Evans of Chicago and Neel Uncertain tax cut impact cuts was more likely to be used for mergers and has remained stubbornly below the Fed’s two percent Kashkari of Minneapolis, dissented from the de- Last month’s policy meeting took place just be- acquisitions or for debt reduction and stock target due to temporary or more enduring factors. cision to raise rates last month saying the central fore the US Congress approved the massive $1.4 buybacks.” —AFP

going to have to adjust their prices,” said Jorge Tortilla, gasoline Garcia, the owner of a Mexico City bakery. The price of liquefied natural gas, used for cooking, cant for maintaining Malaysia’s investment-grade prices unnerve rose by an average of 25 percent in 2017, while Malaysia unlikely sovereign credit ratings. However, some analysts electricity rates have also inched up, according to are concerned the increase in government spend- Mexicans as government data. “With increasing gas prices to meet 2020 ing will hinder the pace of deficit reduction going we’re going to have to make adjustments... I can’t forward. Najib, under pressure to shore up his work without gas,” said Garcia. balanced budget goal government’s popularity, in October unveiled a election year begins As inflation hovers near a 16-year high at just budget aimed at winning votes in a national elec- below 7 percent, officials insisted the forecast KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is unlikely to meet tion that must be held by August. He announced a MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s government on price spikes, which have triggered social media earlier targets it set for a balanced budget by 2020 spending increase of 7.5 percent for 2018 from last Wednesday denounced forecast price hikes by outrage and threats of protests, are not war- and will need another two to three years to reach year, and said the government plans to cut per- fuel retailers and tortilla makers, saying increases ranted. “In 2018, variations in international fuel the goal, the country’s second finance minister said sonal income tax for lower-income citizens, pay were unjustified as it sought to allay public con- prices will continue to be cushioned,” the finance yesterday. The shift in the budget target follows more to pensioners and spend billions on schools, cern about high inflation at the start of a presi- ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, empha- comments by ratings agencies late last year that hospitals and rural infrastructure. dential election year. Prices for corn tortillas, the sizing a scheme that allows it to reduce a key ex- the Southeast Asian economy might struggle to Post the 2018 budget announcement, ratings Mexican staple, are forecast to rise in the coming cise tax applied to fuel sales. meet its objectives in the stated timeframe due to agency Moody’s said it does not expect Malaysia days by between nearly 11 and 21 percent, ac- With presidential elections looming in July, the a run up in spending. to achieve the balanced budget target by 2020. cording to figures from the National Union of In- government is especially sensitive to the possibil- “I don’t think by 2020 (the government) can Rising spending in the run up to the elections and dustrial Mills and Tortillas. ity that protests could further erode its support achieve a balanced budget because if you do that, lack of revenue reforms slowed the pace of deficit Meanwhile, gasoline and diesel prices are seen among voters. But beyond rhetoric, the govern- basically you will squeeze economic develop- reduction, it said. Fitch, however, said in October by one retail association rising an average of ment is mostly powerless to force the hands of gas ment,” second finance minister Johari Abdul Malaysia’s 2020 target would “require a step-up about 7 percent this year due to tax changes, station owners as its ability to set prices ended in Ghani said at a conference, adding the govern- in consolidation efforts in 2019 and 2020, but is not volatility of the peso currency and higher crude late November after it finalized a gradual, nation- ment will have to spend in order to stimulate the unattainable.” Najib faces his toughest election yet prices. “That they say they are now going to hike wide fuel liberalization. The move to market economy. “We will try to extend it to 2022-23,” as he looks to counter bad publicity from a cor- prices is unjustified. We don’t see the market con- prices, part of sweeping 2013-2014 energy re- he said. Johari reiterated projections stated pre- ruption scandal involving state-owned fund ditions for this to happen,” said Jose Rogelio form, ending a transitional period during which it viously that the fiscal deficit will be reduced to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and a Garza, a deputy economy minister. The forecast still set maximum gasoline and diesel prices. The 2.8 percent of gross domestic product this year growing challenge from Mahathir Mohamad, his from the Mexican Association of Gasoline Busi- fuel regulator, or CRE, said in a statement that from 3 percent in 2017. former mentor turned rival. Malaysia’s economy nesses (AMEGAS) was quickly dismissed as false prices in central Mexico for Pemex’s Magna gaso- Prime Minister Najib Razak has been able to expanded at its fastest pace in more than three in a statement by state-run oil company Pemex, line, which makes up more than 80 percent of lower Malaysia’s fiscal deficit every year since years in the third quarter of 2017, a turnaround but that did not stop complaints. total sales, have only risen 1.3 percent compared taking power in 2009 and that has been signifi- from 2016 when low oil prices hurt.—Reuters “My suppliers bring me the dough by car and to average prices at the end of November, an in- if gasoline prices go up then obviously they are crease it described as stable. —Reuters Friday 41 Business Friday, January 5, 2018 Computer chip ‘flaw’ sparks security debate Systems updated to protect against new attack WASHINGTON: A newly discovered vulnera- fected products to protect against this new bility in computer chips raised concerns type of attack. We also collaborated with Wednesday that hackers could access sensitive hardware and software manufacturers across data on most modern systems, as technology the industry to help protect their users and the firms sought to play down the security risks. broader web.” Chip giant Intel issued a statement responding to a flurry of warnings surfacing after re- Specter and Meltdown searchers discovered the security hole which The Google team said the vulnerabilities, could allow privately stored data in computers labeled “Specter” and “Meltdown,” affected a and networks to be leaked. number of chips from Intel as well as some Intel labeled as incorrect reports describing from AMD and ARM, which specializes in a “bug” or “flaw” unique to its products. Intel processors for mobile devices. Intel said it was chief executive Brian Krzanich told CNBC that working with AMD and ARM Holdings and “basically all modern processers across all ap- with the makers of computer operating soft- plications” use this process known as “access ware “to develop an industry-wide approach memory,” which was discovered by re- to resolve this issue promptly and construc- searchers at Google and kept confidential as tively.” companies work on remedies. Google, mean- Jack Gold, an independent technology ana- while, released findings from its security re- lyst, said he was briefed in a conference call searchers who sparked the concerns, saying it with Intel, AMD and ARM on the issue and that made the results public the three companies days ahead of schedule suggested concerns because much of the in- were overblown. “All formation had been in Serious the chips are designed the media. that way,” Gold said. together with Intel and AMD” to address po- be significant and will be mitigated over time,” The security team security The companies were tential issues “in certain high-end processors, the company statement said. Tatu Ylonen, se- found “serious security working on remedies including some of our Cortex-A processors.” curity researcher at SSH Communications Se- flaws” in devices pow- flaws after “some researchers “We have informed our silicon partners and curity, said the patches “will be effective” but ered by Intel, AMD and found a way to use ex- are encouraging them to implement the soft- it will be critical to get all networks and cloud ARM chips and the op- isting architecture and ware mitigations developed if their chips are services upgraded, Ylonen said. British security erating systems running get into protected impacted,” the SoftBank-owned firm said. researcher Graham Cluley also expressed con- them and noted that, if exploited, “an unautho- areas of computer memory and read some of cern “that attackers could exploit the flaw on rized party may read sensitive information in the data,” he added. Microsoft said in a state- Slowdown? vulnerable systems to gain access to parts of the system’s memory such as passwords, en- ment it had no information suggesting any Earlier this week, some researchers said any the computer’s memory which may be storing cryption keys, or sensitive information open in compromised data but was “releasing security fix-which would need to be handled by soft- sensitive information. Think passwords, private applications.” “As soon as we learned of this updates today to protect Windows customers ware-could slow down computer systems, keys, credit card data.” But he said in a blog new class of attack, our security and product against vulnerabilities.” But an AMD possibly by 30 percent or more. Intel’s state- post that it was “good news” that the problem development teams mobilized to defend spokesman said that because of the differences ment said these concerns, too, were exagger- had been kept under wraps to allow operating Google’s systems and our users’ data,” Google in AMD processor architecture, “we believe ated. “Contrary to some reports, any systems such as those from Microsoft and said in a security blog. there is near zero risk to AMD products at this performance impacts are workload-dependent, Apple to make security updates before the flaw “We have updated our systems and af- time.” ARM meanwhile said it was “working and, for the average computer user, should not is maliciously exploited.—AFP

larger vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks and “crossover” US auto sales fall models. Larger vehicles are grabbing even more market share from sedans, which Kelley estimated made up just 36 percent of the US market last year, down from 50 percent in 2012. GM’s annual sales for the first fell 1.3 percent to three million vehicles last year, but the biggest US automaker said continued strength in larger crossover vehicles time since 2009 and trucks had helped lift the average retail price for all vehicles to a record $35,400 in the final month of the year. Ford’s sales fell 1.1 percent to 2.6 million compared to 2016, but NEW YORK: Automakers on Wednesday reported the first annual it reported a surprise increase in December, fueled in part by the decline in US sales since the end of the financial crisis, a dip offset continued success of the F-Series pickups and other large vehicles. by continued strength in sales of trucks and other large vehicles. The average price of best-selling F-Series came in at $47,800, a The three leaders in the US market-General Motors, Ford and new record, marking an “unbelievable year” for the model, Ford Toyota-all reported modest declines in 2017 compared with the Vice President Mark LaNeve said. Toyota, saw US sales drop 0.6 sales records set in 2016. The results put an end to US auto in- percent to 2.4 million, but the company highlighted strength in its CALIFORNIA: This file photo shows the Ford logo on a truck dustry’s eight-year streak of increases, as the national total popular Camry sedan, the RAV4 crossover and SUVs. in Manhattan Beach, California.—AFP slipped 1.5 percent to 17.23 million, according to Autodata. Fiat Chrysler did not release year-end figures, but its December The winning streak “was the result of pent-up demand after sales fell 11 percent to 171,946, a bit below the level projected by the benefits from the US tax cut that President Donald Trump the recession that’s finally just running out,” said Tim Fleming, an Edmunds, but above the forecast by Kelley Blue Book. Sales were signed into law last month. “In 2017, we had solid GDP growth and analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Automakers had been bracing for the hit by lower sales to car rental companies. Honda’s US sales rose good news on employment, wages and consumer sentiment, which sales gains to come to an end for the last couple of years, but that 0.2 percent for the year to 1.6 million. Nissan’s 2017 sales also came helped deliver very strong retail sales for the auto industry,” GM was averted in 2016 in part by heavy incentives implemented late in at 1.6 million, a 1.9 percent increase from the prior year. chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem said. “This year, many con- in the year to unload excess inventory. Despite the decline, ana- sumers will see their take-home pay rise because of tax reform. That lysts note that sales above 17 million is still very strong. Bullish on 2018? will keep the broad economy growing, and help keep sales at very And the US auto industry continues to enjoy strong demand for Some in the auto world remain bullish about 2018, pointing to healthy levels even as the Fed increases interest rates.” —AFP 42 Friday

Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 World champion Fernandez carries Spanish hopes Fernandez has played a key role in developing the sport in Spain

MOSCOW: When two-time world champion two Grand Prix Final silver medals. Javier Fernandez competes at the Pyeongchang He did not qualify for December’s Grand Prix Games next month, he will be hoping to end a 26- Final but won the Grand Prix event in France in year Winter Olympic medal drought for Spain. Fer- November with a season-best performance in the nandez trains in Canada but his success has short programme. He was more than 10 points reverberated to his native land, where figure skat- ahead of second-place finisher Shoma Uno of ing has struggled to find a similar level of popular- Japan, even though he fell on his quad Salchow and ity enjoyed by soccer, tennis and basketball. The triple Axel in the free skate. “Javier is a fighter, a Pyeongchang Olympics will be Fernandez’s third person whose ideas are clear and who follows his and final Games and the 26-year-old, a five-time goals to the end,” Spanish Ice Sports Federation European champion, is keen to improve on his (FEDH) general secretary Xavier Cherta told heart-breaking fourth- Reuters. “Only good place finish at the 2014 things can be said about Sochi Games. Fernandez’s Javier.” “I wanted to get onto the podium but it didn’t consistency “MAN OF LA happen,” Fernandez said MANCHA” of Sochi in an interview has been In Pyeongchang, Fer- with the International astonishing nandez will be skating his Skating Union (ISU) web- free programme to “Man Javier Fernandez site. “I didn’t have a bad of La Mancha”, a musical competition but it was not based on the 17th-century good enough.” Fernandez was in third after the classic Spanish novel “Don Quixote” by Miguel de leave Spain to train because we cannot give him Muehlegg won three gold medals for Spain in the short programme but a mistake in his free skate Cervantes. Fernandez said that his choice of music the facilities for his calibre,” Cherta said. “But 2002 Salt Lake City Games only to be disquali- saw Kazakhstan’s Denis Ten dislodge him and take was a wink to his compatriots, a gesture he hoped Javier’s appearance has allowed us to work toward fied for doping. Fernandez, who left Spain at 17 the bronze. After narrowly missing the podium, would be appreciated back home. building a high-performance centre and we have to pursue his figure skating career, also recog- Fernandez returned to the rink with “so much en- Although his fan base in Spain is not as large the support of public institutions.” nises his role in transforming the landscape of ergy to give in practice”. as those of tennis star Rafael Nadal and NBA In its history Spain has won only two medals Spanish sport. “So I think it was actually positive for me to not veteran Pau Gasol, Fernandez has played a key at the Winter Olympics-a gold in the men’s slalom “We got more support, more sponsors, more even achieve the medal in Sochi,” the ISU quoted role in developing the sport. Cherta has seen Fer- in 1972 and a bronze in the women’s slalom in everything,” Fernandez told the ISU. “Now peo- him as saying. Fernandez’s consistency has been nandez’s success spark growing public interest 1992 won by siblings Francisco and Blanca Fer- ple know about figure skating a little bit more. astonishing since then. He won back-to-back in figure skating. nandez Ochoa. They know that we have a team that is compet- world titles, three consecutive European titles and “When we have a high-level athlete, he has to German-born cross-country skier Johann ing.”— Reuters

Four years after that crushing disappoint- Tennell leads ment, Nagasu entered this year’s championships with the distinction of being only the second necessarily waste energy on its individual American after Tonya Harding to land a triple Quad king Chen components. “That’s definitely what I’m try- US champs after Axel in international competition. ing to prove this season,” Chen told re- After a nervous warm-up, Nagasu started her porters a day after winning his first senior routine with the triple Axel but stumbled upon pushes for grand prix event in Moscow in October. short program landing, although she stayed on her feet. She re- “Obviously there is still work to be done. SAN JOSE: Bradie Tennell performed a brilliant grouped, however, and was rewarded with the artistry ahead But definitely I’m in the right direction.” routine to take a narrow short program lead over highest technical score of the night. Chen opened the season by beating defend- sentimental favourite Mirai Nagasu in the ladies “I think I did a great job. To go down in his- ing Olympic and world champion Yuzuru competition at the US figure skating champi- tory is all I’ve ever wanted,” said Nagasu, who of Pyeongchang Hanyu of Japan in Moscow, landing four onships on Wednesday. makes no secret of her desire to atone for 2014. quadruple jumps in his short programme in- Under the microscope of the Olympic selec- “I wish I had the mental ability of (multiple gold MOSCOW: Nathan Chen became the first cluding a breathtaking combination of the tors in the last event before the team for medal-winning swimmer) Michael Phelps but I figure skater to land five quadruple jumps in quad lutz and triple toe loop. Pyeongchang is picked, in-form teenager Tennell think my journey has been about getting up... I’m a single programme last year, but the 18- In November he won the Skate America executed flawlessly in San Jose, California. Ten- so proud to still be here today.” year-old American insists he has much more grand prix event despite one of the worst nell arrived at the championships as one to Tennell and Nagasu are well clear of third- to offer. In his second season on the senior free skates of his senior career. He had watch after finishing third at Skate America last placed Karen Wang on 69.48, with triple na- circuit, the 2017 US national champion is planned five quadruple jumps but only at- month and she did not disappoint, notching the tional champion Ashley Wagner languishing hoping to prove at the Pyeongchang tempted four and put his hand on the ice on highest ever US championships short program down in fifth place on 65.94. “I’ve head a re- Olympics that he’s not all about the quad. his quad flip before falling on his quad score of 73.79 points, ahead of Nagasu’s 73.09. ally mental season, I’m not going to lie about Chen has packed his programmes with toeloop. Chen redeemed himself at the “I didn’t even know that,” the 19-year-old that,” said Wagner, referring to her recent quadruple jumps, four-revolution jumps that Grand Prix Final in December, overcoming said in a post-routine interview. “My expecta- mediocre form. have become key elements in world-class an error-filled free skate to win the title. tions were just to skate a clean program. I just “This was solid. You can lose an event in the men’s programmes. But Chen has made spe- The youngest of five children, Chen was ignored the whole Olympics aspect of it and short program and my main focus was to get cial efforts to improve his presentation, turn- born in Salt Lake City to Chinese immigrant skated how I know how.” through this, not get too far behind and get my- ing to Canadian choreographers Shae-Lynn parents. He was not quite three years old when Nagasu, meanwhile, failed to stick her signa- self a close enough distance to make a real killing Bourne and Lori Nichol to develop his his hometown hosted the 2002 Winter ture jump in a nervous start to what she hopes in the long.” artistry-footwork, expression and other el- Olympics. Chen is skating his free programme will be Olympic redemption but still recovered The ladies’ event concludes on Friday with ements essential to a high score. to music from the movie “Mao’s Last Dancer”, to challenge Tennell. The 24-year-old wept the long program. The first three finishers are not Chen says he is trying to “imagine the based on an autobiography of former Chinese openly after being overlooked for the 2014 guaranteed of selection, as Nagasu discovered programme as a whole picture,” and not un- ballet dancer Li Cunxin. —Reuters American team for Sochi, despite finishing third in 2014, but know a strong finish will be hard to at the US championships that year. ignore. —Reuters Friday 43 Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 Warriors survive frantic Mavericks rally for victory Celtics rout Cavs, Thomas gets ovation in Boston return

DALLAS: Stephen Curry buried a tie-breaking 3- losing streak to the Spurs that dated to 2011. The Six- pointer with three seconds remaining Wednesday, al- ers also broke a five-game home losing skid. The lowing the visiting Golden State Warriors to survive a short-handed Spurs played without a number of key frantic Dallas Mavericks rally for a 125-122 victory. players including Rudy Gay (right heel bursitis), Manu Curry (32), Kevin Durant (25) and Klay Thompson (25) Ginobili (rest), Danny Green (left groin), Kawhi all topped 20 points as the Warriors beat the Mavericks Leonard (quadriceps) and Tony Parker (injury man- for the ninth straight time while winning their eighth in agement). Patty Mills led the Spurs with 26 points off a row on the road, matching the second-longest road the bench while LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points streak in the NBA this season. After trailing 120-110 and 14 rebounds. with 2:46 to play, the Mavericks rallied into a tie by scoring 10 straight, including 3-pointers by Yogi Ferrell WIZARDS 121, KNICKS 103 and Wesley Matthews. Harrison Barnes’ 15-footer with John Wall and Bradley Beal spearheaded a defen- 39 seconds remaining forged a 120-all deadlock. sive surge with steals that they turned into dunks dur- Matthews had 22 points and Dwight Powell 21 for the ing a third-quarter burst, helping Washington turn Mavericks, whose four-game winning streak ended. back New York. The Wizards completed a 3-0 home- stand by limiting the Knicks to seven points in the first ROCKETS 116, MAGIC 98 10 1/2 minutes of the third quarter while turning a Playing without James Harden for the first time one-point halftime advantage into an 87-70 lead. Beal since the star guard injured his hamstring, visiting finished with game-high 27 points, Wall 25 and Houston trounced Orlando. Harden was injured Sun- Marcin Gortat 21 for the Wizards, who shot 59.3 per- day in Houston’s double-overtime victory over the cent from the field. Michael Beasley had 20 points off Los Angeles Lakers. He could be out of the lineup for the bench for the Knicks. anywhere from two to six weeks. Playing in only his DALLAS: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against Maxi- fourth game of the season, veteran Gerald Green HEAT 111, PISTONS 104 milian Kleber #42 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines helped pick up the slack. He produced a season-high Miami had three 20-point scorers in a game for Center in Dallas, Texas. —AFP 27 points and six rebounds and made 7 of 10 3-point the second time this season and held off visiting De- tries for the Rockets. Clint Capela finished with 21 troit on Wednesday night to go three games over the points and eight rebounds for Houston. Aaron Gordon .500 mark for the first time since April 2016. Kelly led the Magic with 16 points. Olynyk scored a game-high 25 points, Goran Dragic added 24 and Josh Richardson posted the 10th 20- NBA results/standings CELTICS 102, CAVALIERS 88 point game of his career and seventh of this season Philadelphia 112, San Antonio 106; Washington 121, New York 103; Houston 116, Orlando 98; Former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas rested on the with 22 for the Heat. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with Miami 111, Detroit 104; Brooklyn 98, Minnesota 97; Boston 102, Cleveland 88; Toronto 124, second night of a back-to-back after making his sea- 19 points, and Reggie Bullock hit a season-best 5 of 8 Chicago 115; Milwaukee 122, Indiana 101; Golden State 125, Dallas 122; Denver 134, Phoenix 111; son and Cavaliers debut Tuesday, so Cleveland had to 3-pointers on his way to 17 points. Boban Marjanovic fend without him and came up short in a loss at scored a surprising 15 points in getting his first start New Orleans 108, Utah 98; Oklahoma City 133, Los Angeles Lakers 96. Boston.Thomas exchanged hugs and smiles with his in nearly two years, replacing Andre Drummond, out former teammates before and after the game and due to a rib injury. Eastern Conference Western Conference when he was shown on the scoreboard videoscreen, W L PCT GB Golden State 30 8 78.9 - Boston fans responded with a standing ovation. Ex- NETS 98, TIMBERWOLVES 97 Boston 31 10 75.6 - Houston 27 9 75.0 2 Celtics forward Jae Crowder received one as well. Spencer Dinwiddie capped off a strong perform- Toronto 26 10 72.2 2.5 San Antonio 26 13 66.7 4.5 Terry Rozier paced the Celtics with 20 points off the ance by scoring the decisive basket with 10.1 seconds Cleveland 25 13 65.8 4.5 Minnesota 24 15 61.5 6.5 bench. Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart each scored remaining as Brooklyn registered a victory over Min- Washington 22 16 57.9 7.5 Oklahoma City 21 17 55.3 9 15 and Jaylen Brown 14 as Boston won its fourth nesota. Dinwiddie’s fadeaway jumper finished off a Detroit 20 16 55.6 8.5 Denver 20 17 54.1 9.5 straight. Kyrie Irving finished with 11 points, nine re- showing in which he had 26 points and nine assists. Joe Milwaukee 20 16 55.6 8.5 Portland 19 18 51.4 10.5 bounds and six assists. LeBron James finished with 19 Harris added 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting for the Nets, Miami 20 17 54.1 9 New Orleans 19 18 51.4 10.5 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Cleveland. who were 14 of 30 from 3-point range while winning for Indiana 19 19 50.0 10.5 LA Clippers 17 19 47.2 12 Kyle Korver hit five 3-pointers for 15 points, and for- the third time in their past four games. Jimmy Butler Philadelphia 18 19 48.6 11 Utah 16 22 42.1 14 mer Celtic Jeff Green scored 13 for the Cavaliers, who scored 30 points but was off the mark with a jumper New York 18 20 47.4 11.5 Phoenix 15 25 37.5 16 fell for the fourth time in five games. with 1.5 seconds left for the Timberwolves. Andrew Brooklyn 15 23 39.5 14.5 Dallas 13 26 33.3 17.5 Wiggins scored 17 points and Karl-Anthony Towns Charlotte 14 23 37.8 15 Sacramento 12 25 32.4 17.5 THUNDER 133, LAKERS 96 contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, but Minnesota Chicago 13 25 34.2 16.5 Paul George put on a show in his home state to was 1 of 11 from 3-point range and lost for just the sec- Orlando 12 27 30.8 18 Memphis 12 26 31.6 18 help visiting Oklahoma City rout Los Angeles. ond time in the past nine games. Atlanta 10 27 27.0 19 LA Lakers 11 26 29.7 18.5 George, a native of nearby Palmdale, Calif., who is ru- mored to be interested in signing with the Lakers as RAPTORS 124, BULLS 115 a free agent next offseason, tied for the team high with DeMar DeRozan scored 26 of 35 points after half- were 9 of 17 from long distance. Indiana fell to 0-6 on about 2 p.m. Wednesday because of mechanical issues 24 points. Terrance Ferguson poured in 24 points with time as Toronto overcame an early deficit to blow past the season without leading scorer Victor Oladipo, and regulations regarding pilot flying time. six 3-pointers in his first career NBA start in place of Chicago. The victory was the third straight and 15th in who missed a fourth straight game because of sore- Andre Roberson (knee). Russell Westbrook, who 18 contests for the Raptors. Justin Holiday finished with ness in his left knee. Domantas Sabonis made 10 of 13 PELICANS 108, JAZZ 98 played in college at UCLA, had 20 points, 12 assists 26 points for Chicago, which lost its third in a row. The shots and led the Pacers with 24 points. Anthony Davis scored 29 points and collected 15 re- and six rebounds. Carmelo Anthony added 21 for the Bulls lost for the fifth time in eight games. Serge Ibaka bounds, and Jrue Holliday added 24 points to lead New Thunder, all in the first half. Kyle Kuzma scored 18 and Kyle Lowry scored 16 points each for the Raptors. NUGGETS 134, SUNS 111 Orleans past Utah in Salt Lake City. DeMarcus Cousins points to pace the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Nikola Mirotic had 20 points for the Bulls. Gary Harris tied his career with 36 points, and Wil- added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Rajon Rando had 12 as the Lakers lost their eighth straight. son Chandler scored 17 points for hot-shooting Denver chipped in 12 points for the Pelicans. New Orleans BUCKS 122, PACERS 101 in a victory over Phoenix. Reserve Trey Lyles had 16 snapped a two-game losing streak and also ended a 76ERS 112, SPURS 106 Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points, Khris points, and Nikola Jokic had 14 points, nine rebounds five-game skid to the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell scored 24 Ben Simmons scored 26 points, Joel Embiid added Middleton added 27 and Milwaukee extended Indi- and eight assists for the Nuggets. Denver shot 62.2 per- points and Joe Johnson added a season-high 20 points 21 points and 11 rebounds, and JJ Redick had 20 ana’s losing streak to five games. Antetokounmpo and cent from the field, including 12 of 27 (44.4 percent) on to lead Utah. The Jazz forced 20 turnovers but could not points as Philadelphia defeated San Antonio. Dario Middleton combined to hit 21 of 32 shots, with Mid- 3-point attempts. Devin Booker had 17 points and Mar- overcome poor perimeter shooting. Utah made just 7 of Saric contributed 15 points for the Sixers, who won dleton knocking down 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. quese Chriss and Greg Monroe had 16 points apiece 32 (21.9 percent) from 3-point range while losing for for the third straight game and snapped a 12-game Overall, the Bucks shot 58.7 percent from the field and for the Suns, whose flight did not land in Denver until the fourth time in five games. —Reuters 44 Friday Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 Murray, Nishikori pull out of Australian Open

Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic to play in Melbourne

MELBOURNE: Former world number one Andy time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic re- Murray and Japan’s Kei Nishikori pulled out of the main huge doubts having yet to play a competitive Australian Open yesterday as a host of top names match this year. battle to be fit for the year’s first Grand Slam. Murray, Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open 30, had failed to recover from a hip injury sustained champion, pulled out of Brisbane at the weekend with last year and has not played since losing in the Wim- a knee injury but said he still intends to play at Mel- bledon quarter-finals last July, while Nishikori has bourne Park. Former world number one Novak been on the sidelines since August due to a torn ten- Djokovic has not played since a right elbow issue don in his right wrist. forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals. “Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, He cancelled scheduled appearances in Abu as I am not yet ready to compete,” the three-time Dhabi and Doha but intends to test the injury next Grand Slam champion Murray said in a statement. week at two warm-up events in Melbourne before “I’ll be flying home deciding whether to em- shortly to assess all the bark on a tilt at a record options but I appreciate Top names seventh Aussie title. all the messages of sup- “Novak is travelling to port and I hope to be battle to be fit Australia where he will take back playing soon.” Mur- part in two exhibition tour- ray, who earlier withdrew for the first naments,” said a statement from the Brisbane Inter- Grand Slam on 12-time Grand Slam Kei Nishikori national, did fly from winner’s website early Queensland to Mel- Thursday. “After the two bourne, but only to catch events, the decision will be Williams, who has not played competitively since giv- two Garbine Muguruza was forced to retire at Bris- a connecting flight back to Europe, the national made about his participation.” ing birth four months ago. And British number one Jo- bane with severe leg cramps, though the Spaniard broadcaster ABC reported. hanna Konta, a semi-finalist in Melbourne two years two-time Grand Slam winner yesterday accepted a ‘GAME BECOMING MORE PHYSICAL’ ago, retired from her Brisbane quarter-final yesterday wildcard to play in Sydney. ‘HARD DECISION’ World number eight Jack Sock joined the growing with a right hip injury and was not sure if she would US Open champion Sloane Stephens pulled out Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley injury list when he injured his hip at the Hopman Cup defend her Sydney International title next week. of Brisbane before the tournament to rest a trouble- said he respected what was a “very hard decision for in Perth on Tuesday. Former champion Stan Wawrinka “Hips take a massive beating,” Konta said. “Obvi- some knee but is entered for Sydney. And upcoming Andy.” The loss of the Scot, who may now opt for and Canada’s Milos Raonic are also returning from ously, our game is becoming more and more physical French star Caroline Garcia, who enjoyed a break- surgery on his hip, came with injury clouds hanging injuries but intend to play in Melbourne. On the and the demands of the tour as well, week-in and through season in 2017 rising to eight in the world, over a who’s who of stars before the Open begins on women’s side of the draw there are question marks week-out, is becoming more demanding.” Earlier in retired in tears with back pain from the same event January 15. World number one Rafael Nadal and six- over the fitness of defending champion Serena the week Wimbledon champion and world number on Sunday. —AFP Pliskova survives Sharapova, Halep in Kanepi scare Shenzhen semi-finals at Brisbane BRISBANE: Defending champion Karolina Pliskova survived a mas- SHENZHEN: Former world number one Maria Sharapova cruised sive scare from Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi to move into the semi-finals past Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas and into the semi-finals of the of the Brisbane International yesterday. Second seed Pliskova lost Shenzhen Open in China yesterday. Sharapova, who won 6-3 6- the first set to an inspired Kanepi and was down 3-1 in the second 3, struck 24 winners and five aces to stay on course for a title before launching an epic comeback, winning 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in two clash with top-ranked Simona Halep after the Romanian dis- hours and 11 minutes. Pliskova was in imperious form in her demoli- missed Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-2. “I’m glad that I ended up being tion of American Catherine Bellis in the last round, but the powerful the winner of the match,” Sharapova said in a courtside interview. Kanepi proved a far tougher challenge. The 32-year-old Estonian “I didn’t play my best tennis and there’s certainly a lot of things won in Brisbane in 2012 but 12 months away from the game with in- to improve on in the next. The great thing is that I’m through and jury in 2016-17 saw her ranking plummet and she had to qualify to have another chance to play tomorrow.” The five-times grand make the main draw this year. slam champion committed 22 unforced errors in the match but Kanepi looked like joining fellow qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich BRISBANE: Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic hits a return stepped up her game at decisive moments of the contest to get in the semi-finals as she outplayed Pliskova at her own power game. past her spirited rival. against Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi during their women’s single quar- But she faltered when serving to go to 4-1 in the second set, allowing ter-final match in Brisbane. —AFP Sharapova’s only title in 2017 came at the Tianjin Open, after Pliskova to break back and swing the momentum towards the Czech she came back from a 15-month doping ban, and the world number world number four. “I was a little bit surprised the first set and a half 59 is aiming for a title-winning start to the year in her first visit to how she played,” Pliskova said. “And for the big risks that she was right hip in her first service game of the third set and opted to with- Shenzhen. “I feel like I’m having a nice little tour of China. It’s my taking, she had almost zero mistakes,” she added. “The only thing draw, with Svitolina winning 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 3-2. fourth Chinese city in a few months,” Sharapova added. “It’s obvi- that I could do is just wait for my chance, and I got it, because, ob- Svitolina, tipped as a possible winner of the Australian Open, was ously been a great welcome here. It took many years for me to play viously, nobody can play like this for two sets or three.” pleased at her recovery after a sluggish start. “Playing against a top this event but I’m really glad that I did.” Sharapova plays Katerina Pliskova will now play third seed Elena Svitolina for a place in 10 player early in the year... it can be challenging, but it’s good,” the Siniakova next after the defending champion beat fellow Czech the final after the Ukrainian won an eventful match against British Ukrainian said. Kristyna Pliskova 6-2 6-2. Earlier, fourth seed Irina-Camelia Begu number one Johanna Konta. Svitolina reached the final four when “After losing the first set, I was trying to stay calm and to realise had to work hard to overcome Timea Babos 7-5 7-5 to set up a Konta was forced to retire with an injury at 2-3 in the third set. what I was doing wrong, and I actually came back in the second set. semi-final meeting with her compatriot Halep. —Reuters Konta had raced through the first set before Svitolina recovered The second semi-final will be between Sasnovich and seventh seed to take the second in a tiebreak. But Konta felt a problem with her Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia. —AFP Friday 45 Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 Australia hit back with late wickets in Sydney

Root makes 83 before late exit

SYDNEY: Australia stunned England with two late get stuck into them.” end and Tim Paine’s throw to Lyon caused had got starts under brightening skies but wickets, including that of Joe Root for 83, to leave Despite the Ashes already having been relin- the spinner to spill the ball, allowing Malan departed for 24 and 25 respectively, both the tourists wobbling on 233 for five at the end of quished after the loss of the first three Tests in the to make his ground. Malan had eked his tally caught behind off Pat Cummins. the rain-disrupted opening day of the fifth and final series, the tourists had been determined to build on to 34 when he got an edge off to a Lyon de- Cook made 244 not out in Melbourne last Ashes Test yesterday. their performance in the drawn fourth test and se- livery that eluded both wicketkeeper Paine week and looked to be creeping assiduously A day that started with rain washing out the first cure a consolation win. and captain Steve Smith at first slip. towards another big tally when Hazlewood session had looked like ending with a packed Syd- Malan, who survived a few scares to notch up his They were chances that Australia would intervened to remove him lbw for 39, a re- ney Cricket Ground bathed in summer sunshine and fifth test half century and reached stumps unbeaten have rued had the day not ended as well for view leaving the former England captain five England’s Barmy Army of fans in full triumphant on 55, said England were obviously disappointed. them as it had started. Stoneman and Vince runs short of 12,000 Test runs. — Reuters voice. Root and Dawid Malan had combined for a “It sort of sums up where we’ve been in on this tour, 133-run partnership to we’ve been on top for so long in help steer the tourists to games and then make a couple 228 for three when Aus- of mistakes and let the Aussies tralia took the second Cook falls back in,” he said. new ball with two or “I thought Rooty played fan- three overs of play re- short of tastically well to get to that po- maining. sition, obviously he was First, Mitchell Starc, 12,000 runs disappointed to get out and to back after missing the be five down after the hard work fourth test with a we put in today is obviously not bruised heel, induced ideal.” Mark Stoneman, James Root into a half volley to Vince and Alastair Cook de- square leg where Mitchell Marsh took a superb parted relatively cheaply before tea but Australia’s catch. Then Jonny Bairstow, who had eschewed a bowlers were unable to drive home their advantage nightwatchman, was removed caught behind by Josh until the dramatic climax. Hazlewood with what turned out to be the last ball Both Root and Malan scored slowly - the captain of the day. had six boundaries in his half century and his part- “It was great to get the late reward as a bowling ner five - and there were chances to dismiss the lat- group for our hard toil,” said Marsh. “Two three- ter in particular. Root had just reached the 50 mark hour sessions really took it out of us, certainly in that when he called for a single off Nathan Lyon only for last hour, it felt pretty long. So to get those two Malan, who was on 28, to stand his ground and then wickets was great for our confidence and we’ve got set off very late. SCOREBOARD a two-over new ball tomorrow, so hopefully we can Marsh fielded the ball but fired it to the striker’s SYDNEY: Scoreboard at the close on day one in the fifth Ashes Test between Australia and England in Sydney yesterday:

England first innings: Total (5 wickets; 81.4 overs) 233 A. Cook lbw b Hazlewood 39 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Stoneman), 2-88 (Vince), Africa have all their key bowlers fit, while the re- M. Stoneman c Paine b Cummins 24 3-95 (Cook), 4-228 (Root), 5-233 (Bairstow) It’s the pitch turning AB de Villiers needs to be slotted into what J. Vince c Paine b Cummins 25 To bat: M. Ali, T. Curran, S. Broad, M. Crane, J. has been a settled batting middle order. “There are J. Root c M. Marsh b Starc 83 Anderson. so many combinations,” said Du Plessis. “It is the D. Malan not out 55 Bowling: Starc 16-4-63-1, Hazlewood 17.4-2- we wanted, says hardest team selection I’ve been involved in. We J. Bairstow c Paine b Hazlewood 5 47-2, Cummins 17-4-44-2 (1w), Lyon 26-4-61- Extras (lb1, w1) 2 0, M. Marsh 5-0-17-0. have so many different options, we can almost pick Du Plessis different teams for different venues.” Although coach Ottis Gibson indicated earlier in the week that it was unlikely Dale Steyn would be CAPE TOWN: South African captain Faf du Plessis part of the fast bowling line-up after a long injury said yesterday that the pitch for the first Test against break, Du Plessis said the former world number one India, starting at Newlands on Friday, looked ideal bowler had lost none of his skill. for his team. “The groundsman has done a fantastic “Dale for me is the best bowler in the world,” job,” said Du Plessis. “It’s been very, very hot but it said Du Plessis. “He hasn’t played for a while. He looks like it’s going to be a good cricket wicket, hasn’t got the overs under his legs that he would nothing too extreme but it looks like it’s going to be have wanted but facing Dale in the nets it feels like exactly what we wanted.” he’s got the same pace, the same swing.” After several days of hot weather the match pitch Du Plessis admitted that South Africa had pro- had a mottled appearance. It looked less green than duced some disappointing results in the past two it was when the South Africans assembled on Tues- years, notably away to India and at home to England day but there was still a good covering of grass. The in 2015/16 and in England in 2017, but said condi- ideal pitch, according to Du Plessis, is one that of- tions, particularly in India, and injuries has been a fers pace, bounce and some seam movement. factor. “You don’t want excessive movement that brings He said he looked forward to his team challeng- both bowling attacks into the game. We feel that our ing for the number one Test ranking, currently held seam resources on a wicket that offers a bit of pace by India. “The next two or three years are going to and bounce can exploit some areas in their batting be very exciting for South African cricket. We can line-up,” he said. push very hard to not only get to number one but SYDNEY: England batsman Joe Root drives a ball from Australia’s attack on the first day of the For the first time in more than a year, South to stay there for quite a bit.” — AFP fifth Ashes cricket Test match. — AFP 46 Friday

Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 Inter play catchup on Napoli, Juventus before winter break

Napoli lead the way with 48 points from 19 games

MILAN: Inter Milan travel to Fiorentina today solution to more team goals,” added Spalletti. looking to close the gap on leaders Napoli and Juventus to rekindle their Serie A campaign be- NAPOLI REFOCUS AFTER CUP EXIT fore the winter break. Inter Milan and Roma lost Napoli turn their focus back to their Serie A ground on the leading duo last weekend after campaign against second-from-bottom Verona both were held and need three points to ensure days after their shock 2-1 Italian Cup exit to Ata- the leading duo are within sight before a two- lanta. Maurizio Sarri was at a loss to explain his week break in the championship. side’s flagging performance in the 2-1 home de- Napoli lead the way with 48 points from 19 feat by the side from Bergamo. games, one point ahead of six-time champions “I don’t understand why we can’t perform at Juventus, with Inter now seven points adrift of the same level as in the league,” said Sarri whose top spot in third. Roma-a further two points be- side have lost just once this season to Juventus. hind in fourth-host midtable Atalanta tomorrow. “I guess it’s subconscious or perhaps we see Luciano Spalletti’s side face a tricky task at some games as less important than others. Either Fiorentina, seventh after being held 1-1 by AC way, it’s a mistake on our part. Milan last weekend. Spalletti, who arrived from “If we play the same way we did in the sec- Roma last season, wants more despite just two ond half when we go to Bergamo, we’ll struggle losses in the campaign. again. “I am not happy with my work,” said Spalletti. “We’ll need to be fierce and aggressive.” Ju- “I think we’ve done quite well, but are capable ventus host lowly Cagliari boosted by their Ital- of something more. We’ve got to get a move-on ian Cup derby win over Torino. “I said we in the second half of the season.” Spalletti is expected key matches before the break, now we counting on leading Serie A scorer Mauro Icardi do not throw anything tomorrow,” said coach VERONA: File photo shows Juventus’ players celebrate their victory at the end of the Italian Serie A to lift his side, which suffered back-to-back Massimiliano Allegri. football match Verona vs Juventus in Verona. —AFP league defeats followed by an Italian Cup exit to Torino-whose coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has AC Milan. been sacked after the club’s Italian Cup defeat- “We have Mauro Icardi, the goal psycholo- host European rivals Bologna. AC Milan begin back into the top of the table and their push for ropean berths, travel to tailenders Benevento gist. He will speak to the team before (Thurs- their first match of 2018 against Crotone, occu- European football next season. who are looking to build on their first win of the day’s) training session and he will help find the pant of the first relegation spot, looking to climb Sampdoria, in sixth and also targeting the Eu- season last weekend. — AFP

Elsewhere, Sevilla beat second division Cadiz 2-0 Costa back with away in former AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella’s first game in charge. Early goals from Nolito and Jesus Navas put the 2016 finalists in charge although a bang as Atletico the home side missed a late penalty. Spain international Rodrigo Moreno struck late to Torino sack coach thrash Lleida salvage a 1-1 draw for Valencia at Las Palmas and last year’s runners-up Deportivo Alaves eased to a 3-1 MILAN: Torino sacked coach Sinisa Mihajlovic win at tiny island side SD Formentera. yesterday, one day after he was sent off for dissent in King’s Cup in a 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat against neighbours Ju- EXTRA EDGE ventus. The Serbian-born coach, who as a player Costa completed a 57 million-pound ($77 million) was regarded as one of the game’s best-ever free BARCELONA: Diego Costa enjoyed a typically move back to Atletico from Chelsea in September, kick specialists, had been in charge at the club for eventful return to action for Atletico Madrid on having left the club in 2014 after firing them to the La 18 months. Wednesday, scoring within six minutes of coming off Liga title. The move was delayed by the club’s ban on Torino, who have drawn 10 of their 19 league Sinisa Mihajlovic the bench in his side’s 4-0 King’s Cup win at Lleida registering new players which expired on Jan. 1. games this season, are 10th in Serie A and did not Esportiu but appearing to injure his knee in the Costa immediately gave his side an extra edge, give any reasons for the unexpected decision. process. charging into challenges and provoking opponents as “Torino announce the release of Sinisa Mihajlovic Costa turned Juanfran’s low cross into the net in well as starting and finishing the move for the third from his post of first-team coach,” said a brief statement. “We thank Sinisa and the 69th minute for Atletico’s third goal in the first leg goal, his first strike for Atletico since scoring against his staff for the effort and passion he has shown in these 18 months.”There was of the last 16 tie against third division Lleida but im- Chelsea in April 2014. no immediate comment from Mihajlovic himself. Italian media said that the 48- mediately limped to the sidelines. He did return to the “In those first five minutes he showed what he is year-old had been told of the decision in the early hours of the morning and that pitch, however, and completed the game despite all about and I hope he can keep it up,” Atletico coach a group of players had visited him to tell him that they stood behind him. bleeding from his knee. Diego Simeone told reporters. “But we have to take Local media also reported that former Napoli, Inter Milan and Watford coach Diego Godin had headed Atletico in front in the it easy, it’s bad to get carried away. He is quick, de- Walter Mazzarri was expected to be named as his replacement. Torino was the 33rd minute following a free kick and Fernando Tor- termined and strong, but (Kevin) Gameiro and Torres sixth Serie A club of Mihajlovic’s coaching career after Bologna, Catania, res slid in to double the lead, completing a sweeping played well too, the team played well as a collective.” Fiorentina, Sampdoria and AC Milan, where he lasted less than one full season. He counter-attack although he was fortunate not to be Spain international Vitolo, a 40 million-euro sign- has also coached the Serbian national team. Mihajlovic was sent off midway ruled offside. ing from Sevilla who spent the first half of the season through the second half of Wednesdsay’s game after protesting angrily at the ref- Antoine Griezmann completed the rout with a goal on loan at Las Palmas, also made his debut for eree’s decision to award Juventus’ second goal, a decision that the official stood from a free kick in stoppage time, moments after the Atletico by coming on in the second half. by after studying the video replay system (VAR). home side had defender Marc Trilles sent off for a “The arrival of these players will help us grow,” Torino claimed that midfielder Afriyie Acquah was fouled in the buildup to the second yellow card. The win put Atletico on the verge Simeone added. “I hope they improve us and give us goal. Mihajlovic has mellowed in the last few years although still shows flashes of of the quarter-finals, with the second leg at their more power and drive. They are top level players and the fiery temper for which he used to be known. —Reuters Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Jan. 9. they bring us extra competition.” — Reuters Friday 47 Sports Friday, January 5, 2018 Wenger rages at ‘farcical’ penalty, vows to fight charge Bellerin strikes late to rescue Arsenal in Chelsea thriller LONDON: Arsene Wenger slammed the conduct towards referee Mike Dean after “farcical” penalty decision that cost Arsenal the Chambers penalty incident. But although in their thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea he risked further censure with his latest out- and vowed to fight a Football Association burst, the Frenchman, who could be given a charge in his latest furious attack on the touchline ban, insisted he has every inten- authorities. tion of stating his case in front of the gov- Wenger was seething after referee erning body. Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty for “(I will contest the charge) 100 percent. Hector Bellerin’s challenge on Eden Hazard You can listen to every interview and I stick in the second half of Wednesday’s heated to everything I said without any problem,” London derby at the Emirates Stadium. The he said. “I am 35 years in football and I know Arsenal manager felt there wasn’t enough what I said. “What I find terrible is we just evidence of a foul to justify Taylor’s decision saw a great game and we talk only about and Hazard rubbed salt into the wound by this and for me it would be nice if we think converting the spot-kick to cancel out Jack about football for a change.” Wilshere’s opener. After Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in front ‘SHOW RESPECT’ with six minutes left, Bellerin enjoyed a Once he had calmed down, Wenger sweet moment of redemption as he blasted reserved praise for Arsenal midfielder Arsenal’s 90th-minute equaliser. But Wilshere, who scored his first league goal Wenger’s anger wasn’t soothed by that dra- for the club since May 2015. Wilshere LONDON: Arsenal’s Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (2R) has a shot on goal by Chelsea’s matic intervention and, recalling the contro- appeared to have no future with the Gunners Italian defender Davide Zappacosta during the English Premier League football match versial penalty awarded for a handball by when he was sent on loan to Bournemouth between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London. — AFP Arsenal’s Calum Chambers in Sunday’s draw last season, but now Wenger says he at West Brom, he launched another broad- deserves an England recall. from the coach after the game. Sometimes Conte said. “This is the first season he is side at the officials. “He is where not many people expected we don’t agree with them, but we must have playing with regularity, because he didn’t “We got again a farcical decision on the him to be. Since Euro 2016 he hasn’t played great respect for the decision of the refer- play with Real Madrid and also Juventus. He penalty, but we knew that (could happen) for England. I would say that means every- ee,” he said. has to stay calm and continue to play this before the game,” Wenger said. “You could one had given up on him,” he said. “Now no Conte also defended Alvaro Morata after way, the goals are coming.” With Chelsea 16 give 10 penalties like that a game. Since the one would be surprised if he was selected the Chelsea striker missed a host of chances points behind runaway leaders Manchester start of the season it is what we have to take. again. He deserves great credit for that.” to continue his erratic first season in England City, Conte conceded the champions would- “I’m fed up with that. At the moment we Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said following his move from Real Madrid. “For a n’t be able to retain the title. “We must be have to face surprising decisions. “Nothing Wenger should show more respect for the striker it is very important to score, it is a realistic. It is very difficult to catch them. We will change and we have to deal with that.” officials as he responded to his rival’s com- pity, he had many chances to score, but I’m fight for a place in the Champions League,” Wenger was hit with an FA charge for his plaints. “For sure there is a lot of frustration very happy with his commitment and effort,’ he said. — AFP

Senegal international was the only one who started at Burnley, Klopp juggles Coutinho, as Dominic Solanke was given a rare start. Firmino was used only as a substitute, undoubtedly to keep him fresh for the Everton match, while Coutinho was omitted Matches on TV Salah, Van Dijk from the squad altogether with a thigh problem, amid reports that Barcelona were preparing a new attempt to sign him. (Local Timings) for Everton tie “He is a doubt, at least a doubt, for Everton,” Klopp said. Defender Van Dijk, meanwhile, is eligible to make his debut, LIVERPOOL: Mohamed Salah’s fitness, Philippe Coutinho’s having officially completed his £75 million move from ARABIAN GULF CUP 2017 future and Virgil van Dijk’s arrival are the three key issues fac- Southampton on Monday. If he is selected, it will mean Klopp ing Liverpool as they prepare to host neighbours Everton in fielding a fourth different central defensive partnership in four the FA Cup’s outstanding third-round tie today. games, with Joel Matip playing alongside Ragnar Klavan Oman v United Arab Emirates 20:00 Salah, Liverpool’s 23-goal top scorer, missed Monday’s 2- against Swansea and Dejan Lovren against Leicester, before Saudi Sports HD1 1 Premier League victory at Burnley because of a groin dropping out as the latter two faced Burnley. “There is no MBC Pro Sports 1 HD injury, and manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that he rush,” Klopp said on Van Dijk. “We need time. A pre-season is OMAN SPORTS HD remains a doubt. Despite that, Klopp was happy for Egypt for that usually but we don’t have a pre-season. After the international Salah and Senegal forward Sadio Mane were Everton game, we have a little bit more time, that will help, but KTV Sport HD both allowed to fly to Ghana for an awards ceremony taking it’s a long-term project. Dubai Sports 1 HD place on Thursday. “So it’s not important when he makes his first game, it’s Both men are on the shortlist for the Confederation of important how many good games he will play for Liverpool.” African Football’s player of the year award, and Klopp says is While Liverpool are unbeaten in all competitions since ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE important that they are at the ceremony, even though it is so October 22, Everton have gone four games without victory, close to the Everton match. losing their last two, at Bournemouth last Saturday and at “If it had been a match day, they wouldn’t have asked,” home to Manchester United on Monday. Chievo Verona v Udinese Calcio20:00 Klopp said. “For our side, it is just a sign of respect. We sleep New manager Sam Allardyce guided them to a 1-1 draw beIN SPORTS HD 4 in a hotel, they sleep in a plane. That is all the difference. If Mo against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Fiorentina v Internazionale Milano22:45 is not fit, it will not be because of that.” December 10, although the visitors were outplayed for a sig- Salah, Mane, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are widely nificant chunk of the game, needing a late Wayne Rooney beIN SPORTS HD 4 considered to be Liverpool’s four key forwards, though the penalty to secure a point. — AFP Established 1961 h i il i h bi lf

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SHENZHEN: Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return against Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan during their women’s singles quarter- final match at the WTA Shenzhen Open tennis tournament in Shenzhen yesterday. — AFP

Sharapova, Halep in Shenzhen semi-finals Page 44