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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 RABI ALAWWAL 6, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Three citizens Top Somali Yangon votes Smith fireworks die in crash on Islamist for first time leave India 7th Ring4 Road surrenders7 in12 six decades reeling20 Fadhl under fire for Min 09º Max 24º call to legalize liquor High Tide 03:23 & 16:53 Low Tide ‘MP seeks to distort Kuwait’s history and image’ 10:29 & 22:57 40 PAGES NO: 16386 150 FILS
By B Izzak
KUWAIT: A number of lawmakers, former MPs and reli- N Korea compares Obama to monkey gious societies have strongly condemned MP Nabil Al- Fadhl for saying that liquor was part of Kuwait’s history and ancestors were tolerant towards allowing its con- Hacking row over ‘The Interview’ rages sumption in the past. Fadhl, an independent MP with liberal-secular views, made the statements with the aim SEOUL: North Korea has compared President Barack to prepare the grounds for calling to allow the use of Obama to a monkey and blamed the US for shutting liquor in the country. down its Internet amid the hacking row over the Kuwait totally banned liquor in a law issued by the movie “The Interview.” The North has denied involve- first National Assembly in 1964 although the country’s ment in a crippling cyberattack on Sony Pictures, but penal code had stipulated stiff penalties for the use of has expressed fury over the comedy, which depicts liquor four years earlier. Since its ban, authorities regu- the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong larly bust large quantities of smuggled whisky from Gulf Un. states where it is allowed like Dubai and also seize local- Sony Pictures initially called off the release of the ly made liquor. film, citing threats of terror attacks against US movie Before his liquor statements, Fadhl had also called for theaters. Obama criticized Sony’s decision, and the lifting tough restrictions on musical concerts in the movie opened this past week. country that were imposed 10 years ago allegedly Yesterday, the North’s powerful National Defense under pressure from the then strong Islamist groups. He Commission, which is led by Kim and is the country’s had also vowed to challenge an article in the Kuwaiti top governing body, said Obama was behind the constitution banning non-Muslims from getting Kuwaiti release of “The Interview.” It described the movie as citizenship. illegal, dishonest and reactionary. “Obama always Critics charged that Fadhl was trying to legalize the goes reckless in words and deeds like a monkey in a use of liquor which is totally banned in Islam. MP Saud tropical forest,” an unidentified spokesman at the Al-Huraiji said that by issuing such a statement, Fadhl commission’s Policy Department said in a statement had clearly undermined the image of Kuwaitis and the carried by North Korea’s official Korean Central News country’s history, adding that the statement is a clear Agency. manifestation that the lawmaker is ignorant about his It wasn’t the first time North Korea has used crude religion. insults against Obama and other top US and South Huraij said it is regrettable that a member of Kuwaiti Korean officials. Earlier this year, the North called US parliament who has taken the oath to safeguard the Secretary of State John Kerry a wolf with a “hideous” Kuwaiti constitution and laws, has failed to keep his lantern jaw and South Korean President Park Geun- pledge by calling to legalize the use of liquor. “Fadhl is hye a prostitute. In May, the North’s official news distorting the history and the image of Kuwait and its agency published a dispatch saying Obama has the people who have elected him” he said. Islamist MP “shape of a monkey.” The defense commission also This photo combination shows US President Barack Obama (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Humoud Al-Hamdan said that the ancestors of Kuwaitis blamed Washington for intermittent outages of North were well known of their fight against moral corruption Korean websites this past week, which happened North Korea has compared Obama to a monkey and blamed the US for shutting down its Internet amid the hacking row over the movie “The Interview.” —AP including the use of liquor. Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 No dependent visas for expat parents KUWAIT: Dependent visas are no longer visas are no longer issued, visit visas are will be similar to those imposed by other offered to expatriates to bring their parents available for those who wish to bring their GCC countries because some citizens and to the country, said Interior Ministry fathers and mothers. Dependent visas were companies bring in workers with free visit Assistant Undersecretary for Nationality and stopped because there is no benefit from visas and then employ them while authori- Iqama Affairs Major General Sheikh Mazen them, he said. An expat pays KD200 for ties exert efforts to chase violators in vain,” Al-Jarrah. dependent visa for a parent in addition to he added. Announcing several new measures with KD50 as health insurance fee, while the Al-Jarrah said, “Now, visit visas are free regard to the iqama law for expats, he said country spends around KD15,000 on each and we will allow them once a year for three the new rules are being executed with a person as healthcare cost, he said quoting months. But we will impose fees on those view to balancing the demographic struc- health ministry statistics. who want more than that, because the state ture in the country, bearing in mind that the Al-Jarrah announced that there is a pro- does not benefit from the current visit law number of expat population in Kuwait has posal to impose fees on visit and commer- which can easily be manipulated,” he men- reached 2.5 million. cial visas. We have noticed several cases of tioned. Al-Jarrah said that as parents reunion manipulation in this regard,” he said “Fees Continued on Page 13 Police outside cop funeral A double-decker bus travels over Standedge between snow-covered fields at dusk near the village of Diggle, northern England, yesterday. Overnight flurries left parts of Britain blanketed in snow yesterday, causing power shortages and turn backs on NYC mayor delays at airports. —AFP NEW YORK: Hundreds of officers outside Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral on giant TV Bahrain opposition the church where a funeral was held for a screens followed comments from police Snow flurries policeman killed along with his partner in union officials who had said Mayor Bill de chief re-elected an ambush shooting turned their backs Blasio contributed to a climate of mistrust on the mayor as he spoke during yester- that contributed to the killings of the two DUBAI: Bahrain’s main opposition movement Al- day’s service. New York Police Department officers. blanket Britain Wefaq said yesterday that it had re-elected the The reaction from officers watching Continued on Page 13 leader of the banned Shiite group, who was sum- LONDON: Overnight flurries left much of northern England, many drivers were moned by police hours later. Sheikh Ali Salman, 49, Britain blanketed in snow yesterday, marooned in was handed a new four-year term at Al-Wefaq’s gen- causing power shortages and delays at heavy snow. One coachload of eral congress on Friday night, in a meeting held to airports. More than 100,000 homes in London-bound passengers spent the comply with a law on associations that led to the Britain were left with power shortages as night sheltering in a church, while the three-month ban. snow affected electricity cables, with BBC had footage of people skiing in the The interior ministry ordered Salman to appear some 3,000 customers in eastern central city’s streets. Forecasters predict that before police investigators on Sunday, said Al-Wefaq, England still affected early yesterday. temperatures could drop as low as minus which described the move as “serious”. Neither the The heaviest snow was in Leek, west- 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees opposition group nor the ministry, which confirmed ern central England, where 11 centime- Fahrenheit) next week. the summons, said why it was issued. Police tres fell. “The worst of the snow has Storm winds gusting up to 160 kilo- deployed in force as the notice was delivered to the passed through. There is quite a bit of meters (100 miles) per hour yesterday Al-Wefaq chief’s residence on the outskirts of the ice, especially over the higher ground in forced the temporary closure of France’s capital Manama, witnesses said. the north of England,” said a spokesman port of Calais on the English Channel and It came a day after thousands of Shiites protested for the Met Office national weather serv- the suspension of car ferries to and from along a road linking two of their villages near ice. Britain, officials said. Ferry and port traffic Manama to call for the dismissal of the parliament “Overnight tonight ice is going to be was halted for just under two hours, with and government. “Bahrain Authority is illegitimate. more of a problem.” Flights to European normal operations resuming at 900 GMT, The people will continue struggle for freedom,” said destinations took off with delays from according to the harbor master’s office. some of the English-language banners they held Manchester Airport, the third-biggest in Officials stopped traffic around 710 aloft during a march. Following the demonstration, Britain. Liverpool and Leeds Bradford air- GMT after a car ferry exiting the port was which ended without incident, the opposition issued ports in northern England closed tem- forced to turn back because the high a statement saying “the government and the current parliament have no popular mandate”. NEW YORK: Justin Ramos, the son of slain New York City police officer Rafael porarily late Friday, causing a handful of winds prevented it from being able to Ramos (left) is comforted by his mother, Maritza Ramos, following funeral serv- Continued on Page 13 diversions. Meanwhile in Sheffield, safely cross the channel. — AFP ices at Christ Tabernacle Church yesterday in New York. — AP (See also Page 9)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 LOCAL
SPECIAL REPORT The evolution of Kuwait’s hamburger restaurant business Fast casual hamburger concept emerging as own category
By Ali Boshehry rant concept into a brand that lives with cess of their investments. Three elements Managing Director generations. The clear definition of busi- that currently differentiate the successful Global Markets ness concepts powered by strong opera- fast casual brands are: menu prices, geo- tional management and social engage- graphic branch allocation, and social amburger was first introduced to ment are key to growth in the foodser- engagement. The fast casual category is the public in Kuwait when Kuwait vice industry. characterized by offering affordable HFood Company (Americana) quality food in a fast food theme. launched a branch of the famous Smart consumers Pushing prices into the casual dining American fast food restaurant, Hardee’s, “Organic food was not popular in price range while offering limited cus- in the country in 1981. Wendy’s followed Kuwait, and people didn’t really seem to tomer service and smaller food portions after but shut its operation soon after. 13 talk about it much. However, we took the will push customers to seek other alter- years later McDonald’s was launched in bet that people are smarter than what natives. Geographic branch allocation is Kuwait in 1994 with its first branch on general market census might say,” as another factor that is hugely misread in Gulf Road. The entry of Johnny Rockets stated by Ali Ashkanani, CEO of TABCo the market. For some reason, franchise in Kuwait in 1995 was the beginning of International, Elevation Burger operator owners of this category enjoy compet- premium hamburger chains which did in Kuwait. The opening of Elevation ing with each other door to door. The not exist in Kuwait before. Johnny Burger in the Avenues in 2010 was the Avenues for example features six outlets Rockets’ first branch in Salmiya was the wake up call to many investors to realize and Divone complex in Abu Al Hasania first to provide customers a different the potential success of such concepts in features three outlets. Such high concen- hamburger experience from fast food. Kuwait. Many international chains such tration of the same food service catego- Prior to that consumers in Kuwait mainly as Shake Shack, SmashBurger, and ry will result in oversupply of the same associated hamburgers with McDonald’s, FatBurger entered the Kuwaiti market product to the same consumer demo- Hardee’s, and Burger King. For 15 years, shortly after and were able to take a con- graphic. Owners should scout and posi- hamburgers were either served in casual siderable share from those that have tion themselves outside the traditional dining restaurants or fast food restau- been operating in the country since the food and beverage areas such as rants up until 2010 when Elevation 1990s. Today, the current hamburger Salmiya, Hawally, Kuwait City, and Burger, with its organic food-based con- supply in Kuwait is one of these four Mahboula. There are new residential cept, set the stepping stone for the fast concepts: fast food hamburger, fast casu- areas outside the old commercial param- casual dining experience in Kuwait. It is al hamburger, hamburger catering, and accepted by consumers of different ages. ed by Global Markets, there are currently eters that need to be considered. Social worth to note that locally developed casual dining hamburger channels. This Such strong association and acceptance around eight international chained engagement is another critical factor to hamburger concepts launched before niche category, fast casual hamburger, is of the meal makes consumers consider brands in Kuwait with more than 30 increase consumer retention in the long 2010. Burger Boutique launched in 2005 transforming from an emerging trend to this particular food option at least three branches and generating more than term which is something needed for a followed by The Burger Hub in 2006 and become a category by itself. Fast casual times a week. As a matter of fact, 15,000 KWD 11 million in value sales annually young category. Solid social media pres- Slider Station in 2007. These brands suc- hamburgers are not like other food serv- Kuwaitis formed an 11 kilometer drive- under the fast casual hamburger catego- ence accompanied by strong social ceeded in stimulating the hamburger ice trends that popped into the market through line at the opening of the first ry. Some of these brands such as responsibility activities plays a major role market in general and plant the seeds and died quickly such as frozen yogurt McDonald’s in Kuwait in 1994. We saw Elevation Burger and Shake Shack are in establishing brands as friendly day to for future change. Despite the fact that and cupcake stores. First, hamburgers people lining up for frozen yogurt but rapidly increasing their branch count day companions rather than destination. these locally developed concepts are are not seasonal meals to be affected by not as much. The line for frozen yogurt and competing head to head with The category is still young and it would mainly in the casual dining category but the long months of summer or few cold and cupcake stores got shorter and brands outside their category such as be interesting to see how it will evolve their fresh take on hamburgers attracted months of winter in Kuwait. Hamburgers shorter over time mainly because they McDonald’s and Burger King. further. early investors to the hamburger restau- can be consumed multiple times weekly are new derivatives of existing food con- The rapid transformation witnessed rant business such as TABCo and because they are fast, priced reasonably, cepts that did not capture a long term in this new category will also result in a About Global Markets Alshaya. Their early entry into the indus- and are considered a full fledge meal. appeal. market correction which will lead to Global Markets is a market research try did not go beyond a short lived hype Second, consumers in Kuwait are closing of entire chains or branches. and a business intelligence company that among youngsters and slowly faded exposed to the international food scene Full grown category Investors who already invested in this was established in 2010 in Kuwait. The away. They fell into the same trap that and the hamburger culture is deeply The hamburger trend is now a full new category and those looking to company estimates market sizes and most local businesses fall into which is integrated in their travel abroad for grown category and is here to stay. As invest should study the existing compe- shares by conducting primary and second- turning their 100 square meter restau- many decades which makes it strongly per the market research studies conduct- tition and strategize to ensure the suc- ary research. Egypt President Sisi due on Jan 4
KUWAIT: Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi is scheduled to visit Kuwait on January 4, a high ranking source said yes- terday. Prior to his visit, a media delega- tion from Egypt will arrive in Kuwait on Januray2. Al-Yawm Al-Sabe newspaper said on its network site quoting a presidential source as saying President Sisi will dis- cuss bilateral issues in addition to regional and international issues of mutual concern. Several Egyptians in Kuwait are preparing to receive presi- First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari dent Al-Sisi on his arrival with Kuwait Khaled Al-Sabah and Egypt national flags along with wel- Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi coming banners. Kuwaiti-Iraqi higher ‘Hala February 2015’ Festival honors Dr Suad Al-Sabah committee meets in Baghdad KUWAIT: Further developing bilateral relations improvement of Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations were dis- with Iraq. Conversely, a high-level delegation led KUWAIT: Kuwaiti poet Dr Suad Al-Sabah the festival’s Higher Organizing Committee on all possible domains will be the main theme cussed by the senior officials of both countries. by then Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari visited will be honored during the ‘Hala February announced yesterday. of the fourth meeting of the joint Kuwaiti-Iraqi Accords concerning the coordination of mar- Kuwait in 2013. The visit resulted in the signing 2015’ Festival in recognition of her role and Honoring Dr Suad Al-Sabah during the high committee scheduled in the Iraqi capital itime efforts in Khor Abdallah waterway, cus- of two memos within the framework of the bor- efforts in support of culture in the Arab festival, which kicks off on January 8, also Baghdad today. toms cooperation and investments were der control and development. world, community service and in the comes as a result of her leading role in The meeting, to be co-chaired by Kuwaiti First amongst the most important deals struck during Though diplomatic relations were officially encouragement of science and scientists, encouraging the Arab youth on the literary, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign the committee’s meetings. Also since the launch consummated in 2008 with the mutual opening scientific and artistic creativity, Waleed Al- Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah of the committee, high-level visits by Kuwaiti of Kuwaiti and Iraqi embassies in the capitals of Saqoubi, member of the Supreme and Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, will and Iraqi officials occurred. both countries, the strongest gesture of reconcil- Committee and head of the media commit- focus on means to boost relations between the In 2012, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah iation came when an aircraft belonging to the tee of the festival, said in a press statement. two countries through the efforts of the commit- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah led Kuwait’s delega- Iraqi airways landed at Kuwait airport on He recalled Dr Suad’s launching of many tee which was established on January 12, 2011. tion to the Arab summit which was held in February 27, 2013, ushering a new era in initiatives and incentive awards in the sci- Since 2011, a number of key issues on the Baghdad cementing Kuwait’s efforts to reconcile Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations. — KUNA entific, literary and artistic fields, especially the Fine Arts and her role in linking the Arab culture with the western one through Indonesia grateful for Kuwait’s SMEs fund enters an annual award in London for the best support during Tsunami English literature on the Middle East. executive stage: Chairman He added that Dr Suad is a valuable lit- KUALA LUMPUR: said the Kuwaiti diplomat, erary and cultural personality locally and Indonesia is grateful for noting that the town also KUWAIT: The National Fund for and projects reaching to found- regionally and has published several books Kuwait’s support during had a mosque and a health Small and Medium Enterprises ing measures, in addition to pro- and works in poetry, literature and eco- the Tsunami which hit the center to serve the (SMEs) Development has entered tecting entrepreneurs’ ideas, nomics fields, in addition to her practice of country in 2004 which Indonesian populace occu- a new stage after its issuance of drawing up regulations to guar- fine art, in which she excelled since her ear- killed nearly 230,000 peo- pying the area. He indicat- its executive regulation, antee that the offered financing ly literary presence so far, thus, enabling ple, Kuwait’s Ambassador ed that Kuwait’s contribu- Chairman Mohammad Al-Zuhair is proportional with the financial to Indonesia Nasser Al-Enizi tions were well received by her to find for herself and for the Kuwaiti said yesterday. The executive women a prominent place among the said yesterday. During his the Indonesian govern- participation in the decade ment which named the regulation is integral to the giants of Arab literature of poets and Fund’s legislative structure as it Dr Suad Al-Sabah artists. — KUNA anniversary of the Tsunami, Gulf country as one of the Enizi told KUNA that Nasser Al-Enizi strongest contributors of explains in detail the means and Kuwait, through Kuwait relief aid efforts after the mechanisms of enforcing the rel- Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and oth- devastating Tsunami. evant law so that it can achieve Local company contracted er entities, helped in relief aid efforts The Tsunami which hit Indonesia its targets, Zuhair told KUNA. The to support the Indonesians during in 2004 was a result of an earthquake SMEs field is a sophisticated one for National Operetta their crisis. Among the Kuwaiti efforts in the Indian Ocean. In addition to under its new definition and so was the construction of a 150-house Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, the regulation was carefully pre- KUWAIT: The Information Ministry has ham- and annual anniversary of His Highness the town named after late Amir Sheikh Maldives, and Somalia were also pared to guarantee that the law mered out a KD495,000 contract with a local Amir’s assumption of power, not to mention Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affected by the quake. — KUNA would be soundly implemented company to carry out diverse art activities perti- ongoing celebrations on the occasion of the UN to realize the set goals, serving nent to the National Operetta 2015, which is a honoring of His Highness the Amir as a Parliament to receive entrepreneurs and beneficiaries, core feature of Kuwait’s annual national celebra- Humanitarian Leader and Kuwait as a he added. Dr Mohammad Al-Zuhair tions. The National Operetta is of paramount Humanitarian Center, he said. The 42-item executive regula- ability of the proposed project. significance due to the fact that it enjoys the Minister of Information and Minister of State e-media law in February tion defines the Fund’s targets One of the major terms for a proj- sponsorship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh for Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Standing By A Saleh deposits and transfers of million will and domains, as well as the man- ect according to the executive Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Committee of celebrating the National Events hold a meeting today to continue Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- agement mechanisms on the regulation is that costs must not KUWAIT: The electronic media law has meetings with officials in preparation administrative, technical, finan- exceed KD 500,000, Zuhair said. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Sabah and members of the committee are been reviewed, and Information for its report. The committee is expect- cial and organizational levels, in Over the past period, the Fund’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad closely monitoring preparations and arrange- Ministry Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud will ed to discuss comments of the Audit Al-Sabah, Saud Al-Khaldi, rapporteur of the ments for the National Operetta, he added. present it to the Council of Ministers Bureau and testimonies of the Central line with law 98/2013. It also board was busy over preparation organizing committee, told KUNA yesterday. The operetta should obviously reflect real next January. Sources said that the gov- Bank Governor and his answer specific specifies the powers of the Fund’s of its strategy for the coming five The National Operetta is the fruit of persist- loyalty to the nation and its wise leadership, ernment will send it to the National requests by the committee. The com- board of directors, starting with years, based on encouraging ent cooperation between the ministries of emphasize national unity and demonstrate the Assembly not later than February 2015. mittee will meet Foreign Ministry setting the general policies and entrepreneurs and project own- information and education. Kuwait is geared up civilized image of the State of Kuwait, Khaldi Multimillion deposits Undersecretary Khalid Al-Jarallah dur- deciding on feasible initiatives ers. — KUNA for marking the National Day, Liberation Day pointed out. — KUNA The committee investigating the ing its next meeting. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 LOCAL Three deaths in Seventh Iraqi bid to smuggle in sorcery beads foiled
Ring Road crash KUWAIT: An Iraqi reportedly attempted to with the possession of half a kilo of meth smuggle in black beads covered in soap and large sums of money in Sulaibiya, said into the country through airport to per- security sources. Meanwhile, a citizen was Ministry’s report shows drop in fatal car accidents form sorcery. He was arrested by airport arrested with meth in Fahaheel, said securi- customs officials and was sent to ty sources. Case papers indicate that a Qashaniya police station. police patrol spotted the suspect burning By Hanan Al-Saadoun gestion and the numbers of accidents and cita- ber 67/1976 to take all measures to reduce acci- According to a customs source, a certain some items in a garbage bin, and on tions,” the report indicates. dents and cases of deaths, especially with the quantity of soap was found with black approaching him, he jumped into an KUWAIT: Three citizens lost their lives yesterday “These studies prompted the Ministry of the increasing number of vehicles and the exten- beads inside his bag at the customs check- unmarked pick-up and drove off. Chasing morning during a horrific accident on the Interior to take a number of measures to reduce sion of road networks in the country,” the report point. When asked he said these beads him into the desert, the suspect’s vehicle Seventh Ring Road. Firemen helped in extricat- the growing number of vehicles through continues. were for performing magic and sorcery to turned over and he was rescued unharmed. ing the bodies from the wreckage. An investiga- amending regulations of the Traffic Act, includ- “The ministry has embarked on making sev- make a living. Some Kuwaiti currency was Checking on the suspect, he was found tion was opened to determine the circum- ing the tightening of penalties against the grave eral steps aimed at reducing the traffic viola- also found with him. wanted for detention at the psychiatric dis- stances behind the accident. It was the second breaches, as well as reconsidering the process tions and accidents through the installation of eases hospital. fatal crash to take place on the same road with- of drivers license issuance for residents,” the advanced modern radars and cameras on high- Trespassing in a 48-hour period, as one man died and six report says. ways and roads for the detection of irregulari- A mentally disturbed man was sent to Shooting report others were injured in a 5-car pileup Thursday “Local traffic laws have been keen since the ties, particularly violations pertinent to over- the psychiatric hospital for evaluation after A 22-year-old Saudi was injured when a night. issuance of the first systematic traffic law num- speeding,” the report concludes. he made an attempt to forcefully enter a friend shot him in Jahra and fled the scene, This came while the Ministry of Interior palace. Police received a call about the said security sources, noting that the released a report that credits enforcement of man’s attempt. On reaching the place, they injured man, who was found wanted for ‘improved traffic laws’ for a recorded drop in discovered that the man was mentally several drug-related cases, was rushed to reducing road fatalities in recent years. unstable. hospital. A search is on for the shooter. “Some believe that the current applicable However, initial investigations suggest that traffic laws in the country are strict and severe,” Meth possession the two friends argued over their illegal reads the report that was published by Kuwait Two bedoon drug dealers were arrested drug business. News Agency (KUNA) yesterday. “However at the same time, their effective role in the reduc- tion of accidents and fatalities cannot be denied Child obesity increased as shown by statistics from the General Directorate of Traffic.” According to the report, the ministry’s statis- by 30% within decade tics showed significant decrease in the number of fatalities as a result of road accidents in the By Nawara Fattahova past three years “with 555 fatality cases report- ed in 2012 against 333 cases till last September KUWAIT: Well-known dietician Maryam of this year, in addition to 8,000 road accidents Al-Turki said yesterday that there is a 30 which dwindled to only 1,200 during the same percent increase in obesity among chil- period.” dren and teenagers in the past 10 years. The report also points out studies conducted “One of the most important reasons on the local road networks, which show that behind this sharp increase is technology,” “such roads can absorb nearly 950,000 vehicles, she said during the third conference of while the number of registered vehicles in the childhood obesity under the sponsorship country is currently standing at some 1.92 mil- of Seham Al-Fraih titled ‘The Children of lion vehicles.” Technology.’ “[This matter] has led to increased traffic con- Al-Turki compared some of the daily activities, hobbies and light exercises with using the technology from the energy expenditure point of view and concluded that any light physical activity would burn Maryam Al-Turki Zain sponsors VOYA at least three more calories than using the laptop or smart tablets or smart phones. who invented the social media site On the other hand, Al-Turki supported Facebook. “He used the computer for the positive uses of technology such as more than 7 hours a day even when he health applications and calory counters was less than 19 years old. And today he is Film Festival 2014 that help a lot of child and teenager one of the youngest billionaires, healthy patients in reaching their weight goals. and slim with no recorded health issues,” Al-Turki referred to Mark Zuckerburg she pointed out. KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecom- an opportunity for talented young tival falls under the company’s continue highlighting the accom- munications company in Kuwait, local filmmakers to show off their Corporate Social Responsibility plishments of Kuwait’s future lead- announced its sponsorship of the projects in a vibrant environment, strategy, which aims to support the ers as well as to develop their skills VOYA Film Festival 2014 which is the and represent a positive image of achievements and talents of young and talents further to fulfill their first international film festival organ- Kuwait on an international forum. people on a local, regional, and potential. ized by Kuwaiti youth. The event is Zain’s sponsorship of the film fes- international basis. Zain looks to Zain representatives attended the opening of the VOYA Film Festival, which was held in Los Angeles in late November and a series of short films that were writ- ten, directed, and filmed by a group of ambitious young Kuwaitis were shown at the event. Projects under- taken by other Arab youth were also highlighted, with an honoring cere- mony incorporated into the pro- gram to identify distinguished con- tributors to the film industry. The festival’s upcoming activities will include a variety of professional workshops organized in collabora- tion with leading filmmaking acade- mies from around the world, while a group of invited international movie stars will participate and share their expertise in the fields of acting and directing. The VOYA Film Festival aims to become one of the most anticipated events in media by being positioned as a regional hub for creativity and innovation in the world of filmmak- ing. The festival offers distinctive programs that can contribute to the global community while it also showcases the work of Kuwaiti and Arab filmmakers.
Safety recognition program’s The Kuwait Dive Team removed a 21-feet boat that sunk at the marina of the Fahaheel Sea Club. Divers used airbags and water pumps to float the 2-ton boat to the surface, the operation’s supervisor Faisal Al-Harban said in a implementation encouraged press statement.
KUWAIT: The Health Ministry will continue to media executive Ghalia Al-Mutairi said that the hospital Dr Jamal Al-Duaij said that the hospital encourage medical centers to follow and imple- honoring was to show the ministry’s diligence to was fully invested in following the program to Kuwaitis in Egypt urged ment the quality and safety recognition program provide high standards of treatment. The min- ensure that patients were given the best medical to further improve healthcare in the country, a istry is concerned in applying international stan- care possible. He thanked the hospitals staff for to be extra cautious ministry official said yesterday. Speaking at a cer- dards for healthcare and the program was an their efforts and stressed that the infectious dis- emony to honor the infectious disease hospital’s extension of such policy, said the official. ease hospital will continue to carry out policies CAIRO: The Kuwaiti embassy appealed to Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sanaa arrived in Cairo commitment to the program, Health Ministry On his part, head of the infectious disease to provide better healthcare. —KUNA Kuwaiti residents, students and vacationers Friday to partake in the first Arab interna- in Egypt to be extra cautious when they go tional arbitration conference, slated for out and not to carry big sums of money. today and tomorrow. The embassy warned in a statement The Minister was received at the airport Friday that some people pose as policemen by Charge d’Affaires of Kuwait Embassy in for extortion purposes. It urged Kuwaitis in Cairo Mohammad Al-Mohammad and the country to be as careful as ever, verify Head of the Egyptian Bar Association, Arab any security people IDs and to reject being Lawyers Union and Arab Center for taken “anywhere and for whatever reasons.” International Arbitration Sameh Ashour. The embassy announced phone numbers During his three-day stay in Egypt, the to contact in case of need. Minister will meet Egyptian Public Prosecutor Hesham Barakat, Awqaf Arbitration conference Minister Mohammad Mokhtar Gomaa, In other news, Kuwaiti Minister of and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al- Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Tayyeb. —KUNA Ministry bent on seizing unlicensed weapons
KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry stressed that tion or jeopardizes the country’s facilities and security men are constantly exerting their efforts public and private properties, it pointed out. As part of Kuwait’s cooperation with other countries in security, police and military fields, Jordan’s Prince Hashim Bin Al-Hussein to seize unlicensed weapons and ammunition. The SMD appealed to all picnickers in the Special Operations School recently celebrated the graduation of 42 trainees from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The students The ministry is monitoring fireworks used at desert and camping locations not to use underwent a special forces’ training course that included a walkathon, street combat, shooting various types of weapons, dealing wedding parties, camping areas and other occa- weapons either for hunting or for any other with explosives and mountain climbing exercises. After returning home, Kuwaiti Graduates were honored by Major General sions, the ministry’s Security Media Department activities for the safety of people, the state- (SMD) said in a statement yesterday. The ministry ment said, noting that people who violate the Jamal Al-Sayegh, Ministry of Interior’s Assistant Undersecretary for Operations Affairs, and Major General Zuhair Al-Nasrallah, will never hesitate to enforce the law on every- regulations will be turned over to security the Police Patrols Department’s Director. one who holds unlicensed weapons, or ammuni- authorities. —KUNA
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 LOCAL
Local spotlight Domestic workers and Christmas Statements ...
By Muna Al-Fuzai
uwait has a huge expatriate population with 60.7 percent of its people constitute expatri- Kates. They are of different nationalities and majority of them are Asians. Paradoxically, Kuwaitis constitute only 33% of the total population. That underlines the fact that expats are the pillars of the workforce in the country and life will be hard for us without the thousands of domestic workers in the country. This also underscores the fact that they also have a right to go to church on a Christians Day if they wish. I was invited to a social function on the morning of December 24 on the eve of the Christmas Day. While I was greeting some of the female workers present there with Merry Christmas , I was almost hit by two Kuwaiti ladies who told me that I should not wish maids on Christmas! ‘Why not?’ I asked. That means these maids will not be allowed to go to church tomorrow? I asked. And I was shocked to hear a firm ‘no’. I tried to reason out with them saying that these workers usually wish everyone during Eid celebration. I was showing the same gesture to them on great occasion like Christmas. I don’t see any harm in doing so,” I told them. Al-Jarida As usual, the two ladies tried to use the typical weapon of ‘haram and hell’ to justify their position to refrain from congratulating maids on Christmas. kuwait digest Ending up the conversation with the ladies, I told them if this was your attitude towards your own GID: Gender Identity Disorder I was almost hit by two Kuwaiti ladies who told me By Ali Mahmoud Khajah that I should not wish ooking up the initials GID, you will find that der exists and that individuals have no control over it we accept that the government will deal with such a maids on Christmas! they refer to the term gender identity disorder, in most cases. I might accept that, as individuals, we disorder as a crime without sending these people to Lwhich is the official definition used by doctors may reject having people with GID within our friends, the relevant MoH department and treatment and and psychiatrists to describe and diagnose people which is OK because we are all free to select those correctional facilities to determine the best way to experiencing noticeable gender conflict with their within our social circle from outside family or blood deal with them? domestic workers, then why did you hire Christian birth-determined gender. Such disorders results from kinship. But to reject their presence despite our Some GID cases may undergo gender changing maids? You call them infidels, still you leave your chil- dren and your houses to their supervision? Don’t ask psychological as well as biological reasons, which knowledge that many of them have nothing to do surgeries abroad so that they can fit within a deter- for respect which you fail to give,” I told them and left means that in many cases, those experiencing it may mined gender identity which might help solve their the place. They made me feel sick with their arrogant not be responsible for it and are to be considered vic- Unlike many other disor- disorder. In fact, many people opt to treat any physi- tone and insolent thinking. tims of the surrounding environment, be it the family cal problem that annoys them and this can be proved Perhaps, the new labor law may be guaranteeing or the society, and sometimes their genetic makeup, ders the society sympathizes by the legal spread of plastic surgery clinics in Kuwait the right for holidays for a domestic worker. But how which forces them to live with it for the rest of their to treat obesity cases not caused by psychological or many sponsors respect the law and grant their work- lives. with like dyslexia or genetic genetic reasons. This only happens because obese ers the holidays? How many domestic workers have In other words, unlike many other disorders the disorders that cause disabil- patients are greedy for food and hate exercise. been given permission to go to church and be a part society sympathizes with like dyslexia or genetic dis- Nevertheless, we accept such plastic surgeries. of Christmas celebrations? Some may argue that the orders that cause disability, GID does not get the ity, GID does not get the I believe that it is the state’s responsibility to rede- photographs published in newspapers would prove same sympathy. Contrarily, it is met by people’s fine some social misconceptions to the whole society that thousands of expatriates have participated in same sympathy. Christmas celebrations. but how many of them are anger, resentment and abuse in our societies because on the one hand, and to government establishments domestic servants? we grew up with the concept that ‘a man is a man on the other because we ought to take what is scien- I believe that the exchange of greetings between and woman is a woman’. We never accept compro- with his/her case is a totally unjustified exclusion. tifically proven to be a psychological disorder even if people of different religions express mutual respect mises and any exception to this rule is considered an Even if we overlook the social side of the issue and we do not like it. To determine what is acceptable and and acceptance of other religions and cultures. This unacceptable and shameful abnormality. social ill-treatment of people with this disorder - what is rejected according to our limited understand- gesture shows the high morality and respect for oth- I really fail to understand this sarcastic approach to because the whole society has been brought up not ing is the biggest crime ever! er religions, particularly Christianity and Judaism. I GID, especially since science admits that such a disor- to accept gender abnormalities - how on earth will —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida know many do shot share my views. But I also know that there are many Kuwaitis like my views. The domestic workers also have legitimate religious rights and we must respect their sentiments. washington watch
In my view The Silent Cry of Bethlehem
Latest sanctions By Dr James J Zogby against Russia ethlehem has always loomed large in our imagina- their settlements further so that their young can find with plans to double that number in the near future. tion. For generations, the feelings evoked by this housing. And they insist that they must continue to build Facing this human onslaught, Palestinians have taken Btown have been captured in multiple art forms, their wall, in order to protect their people who live in their case to the World Court which ruled that the settle- serving to inspire both believers and non-believers with these illegal colonies. What they do not say is that the ments and the wall are illegal-in clear violation of interna- its message of hope and the joyful promise of new life. expansion of the mammoth projects at HarHoma, Gilo, tional laws designed after World War II to protect the For those who do not know the place, Bethlehem pos- HarGilo, BetarIlit, Giva’ot, and more are occurring at the rights of people living in territories occupied in time of By Labeed Abdal sesses a timeless quality, derived from these artistic cre- expense of Palestinians living in the Bethlehem region. war. In response, Israel, with the backing of the US, acts ations. It is a place of mystery and contradictions. It is the The Israelis call these colonies “neighborhoods of with impunity continuing to build, to move its people into peaceful little town that played an out-sized role in histo- Jerusalem”. This is but a crude effort to obfuscate the reali- Palestinian land, and to take still more land. ry; the birthplace of Jesus, the child born in a cave, herald- ty that they are all built on Bethlehem area land-illegally Looming large over the lives of Bethlehemites is the ed by angels, and visited by shepherds and kings. For confiscated by Israel and then unilaterally annexed to Israeli plan to extend the wall in the north through one of hundreds of millions of Christians world-wide, these are what they call “Greater Jerusalem”. As a result, Palestinians the last remaining green spaces in the region. This portion [email protected] the images that define Bethlehem. Sadly, in reality, all of now retain only tenuous control of 13% of the Bethlehem of the wall is designed to zig-zag along a path that will cut this is but a fantasy, since the pressures of daily life con- region-with the Israelis still threatening to take more. In through the vineyards and olive orchards of the Convent S President Barack Obama signed a bill fronted by the residents of this historic community paint a fact, the 22 Israeli settlements built in the Bethlehem at Cremisan, separating the children of BeitJala from their authorizing new sanctions against Russia remarkably different portrait. Suffering under an Israeli region, the roads that connect them, and the wall that school, and confiscating land owned by 54 Palestinian Uand providing extra aid to Ukraine, which military occupation since 1967, Bethlehem is slowly being protects them were all built on land taken from families. Once completed, the wall will allow the Israelis to came simultaneously with the fall of the Russian cur- strangled. It is losing land to settlement construction, Palestinians. And the new expansion plans for Jewish-only expand and connect two settlements of Gilo and HarGilo. rency, the ruble, and the plummeting oil prices, that hemmed in by a 30 foot high concrete wall, stripped of its housing and the extension of the wall simply means that It is, as described by Bethlehem’s mayor, Vera Baboun, “the resources, and denied access to external markets. As a more land will be taken, leaving less for Palestinians. final knot in the noose around the neck of Bethlehem”. has left the country in economic turmoil. The US result, 25% of Bethlehem’s people are unemployed, while Look at a map and you will see that Bethlehem is but a All this is happening while Christians in the West bliss- step comes as a reminder of the East vs West strug- 35% live below the poverty level. few miles from Jerusalem. As late as 20 years ago, stand- fully sing of the “peaceful little town”, not hearing the cries gle, which previously led to the fall of the Soviet Before the occupation, for example, thousands of ing near Manger Square, one could look out over a green of its people. More disturbing is the degree to which poli- Union. Palestinians in Bethlehem were employed as craftsmen space, the hill of JabalAbulGhnaim, and see the Holy City. cymakers and those who should know better deliberately The White House even expressed concern, saying known worldwide for their olive-wood and mother-of- The trip, by car, was only 15 to 20 minutes. Today that turn a deaf ear to Palestinian appeals for recognition of that the bill contains sanctions that ‘do not reflect on pearl artifacts. Today, denied the ability to freely export view has been obliterated by the 30 wall, and that green their plight, thereby enabling the continuation of this the nature of the ongoing negotiations’. Obama said and hurt by the instability of the occupation, that industry space, where Palestinian families once picnicked, is now injustice. Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, hope gives way to that the bill will not be imposed ‘at this time’, and I employs only a few hundred. Similarly, Bethlehem’s the site of the monstrous concrete settlement of despair and thoughts of peace to feelings of anger. believe that the two sides need to seize the oppor- tourism has suffered. Israeli companies that dominate that HarHoma-home to 25,000 Israelis. As a result of the settle- Attention must be paid to this tragedy. tunity to negotiate to reach peaceful solutions and field bring tourists to stay in hotels in areas they control, ments, Jewish-only roads, and the wall, an entire genera- Just for a moment, think of Bethlehem and instead of avoid escalations. making day trips to Bethlehem’s holy places. The crowds tion of young Palestinians have grown up never having imagining the shepherds and the angels, think of life as it The bill that was passed by the US Congress come to the town, but their revenues disproportionately been to Jerusalem. Not only that, but the entire popula- is in that town today. Imagine what you would feel if you includes sanctions on Russian defense, arms and go the Israelis. tion has been cut off from the city that was their lived in Bethlehem and saw your land taken to make way energy companies. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy The town has lost so much land to Israeli confiscation metropol-the hub that provided them medical, social, for homes and roads for another people. And imagine Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov said that the bill for settlement construction that, because it can no longer educational services, markets and sources of employ- how you would feel if your sons and daughters were reflect ‘anti-Russia sentiments’. These sanctions, expand, it must build vertically. As a result, what is left of ment, and venues for cultural and spiritual enrichment. forced into exile to find employment, to make way for the which stem from the Ukrainian crisis, directly affect Bethlehem has become overcrowded, with traffic con- All that is now beyond their reach. sons and daughters of another people who have come to the Russian economy, threatening it with further tur- gesting its narrow streets. live on your land. Then listen carefully and hear the cry of World Court the people of that little town. moil in 2015. All we call for is freedom and democra- Crude effort Today, the Palestinian population of the Bethlehem NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Arab cy to be restored in Ukraine, away from the games Israeli leaders often complain that they must expand region is 210,000. There are over 110,000 Israeli settlers, American Institute that the superpowers play. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 Syria says ready to meet Mourners gather for slain NY policeman opposition in Moscow Page 9 Page 8
MOGADISHU: Hundreds of newly-trained Al-Shabab fighters perform military exercises in the Lafofe area some 18km south of Mogadishu, in Somalia. A Somali intelligence official says Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi, a leader with the Islamic extremist group Al-Shabab who has a $3 million bounty on his head, has surrendered to police in Somalia. —AP Somali Islamist with $3m US bounty on head surrenders Group attacked African Union base in Mogadishu
MOGADISHU: A leader of Although Al-Shabaab still con- senior Shebab operative, it was Somali Islamist group Al- trols chunks of the countryside in unclear if Zakariya Ahmed had Shabaab, who has a $3 million US south and central Somalia, this still been active within the bounty on his head, has surren- year it has lost several key towns Shebab in recent months or dered, a Somali government during two major offensives by weeks, or if he was among a large source and local media said yes- African Union peacekeepers and group of commanders who had terday. Zakariya Ismail Ahmed the Somali National Army. already fallen out with Godane Hersi was one of seven al However, the group continues prior to his death-some of whom Shabaab leaders for whom the to carry out hit-and-run attacks were killed in a purge. US State Department in 2012 in Somalia and in neighboring offered a total of $33 million in Kenya, where it has killed hun- ‘Intelligence bonanza’ reward money for information dreds of people over the past 18 The surrender brings some that led to their capture. months. It attacked a major welcome good news for If confirmed, Hersi’s surrender African Union base in the Somali Somalia’s fragile, internationally- would be a second major blow to capital Mogadishu on Thursday backed government as well as al Shabaab’s leadership in just a in an audacious raid that lasted the African Union’s AMISOM few months. In September the force, who have been facing an several hours. group’s main leader, Ahmed Abdi almost constant wave of attacks “Zakariya Ahmed was a very Godane, was assassinated by a from the Shabab despite recent US drone strike. “Al-Shabaab senior person who worked with territorial gains in the south and leader Zakariya Ismail surren- Godane,” said regional military centre of the Horn of Africa dered to government forces in El official Jama Muse, referring to nation. The Somali government Wak, Gedo region. He is expected former Shebab leader Ahmed has also been locked in bitter to be flown to Mogadishu tomor- Abdi Godane, killed by a US air infighting, with the president this row,” a senior government official strike in September. month falling out with his prime told Reuters. State radio website “He was in charge of intelli- minister. Radio Muqdisho also reported gence and finances. He was one According to a Western intelli- Hersi’s surrender and said he was of the senior Al-Shabab com- gence source, the surrender “the general secretary of Al- manders who the Americans put could deliver an “intelligence Shabaab’s finance (department)” a lot of money on their head,” he bonanza” that could prove highly but did not give reasons for his added. damaging to the Al-Qaeda-linked surrender. Another Somali military offi- group. A member of Al-Shabaab’s cial, Mohamed Osmail, said the The source said members of media team told Reuters by tele- militant was hiding in a house in AMISON or the African Union phone that the group had seen the border town in the El-Wak force in Somalia, in particular media reports about Hersi’s area, and made contact with gov- Kenya, will be urgently trying to arrest and was “going to investi- ernment officials in order to recover actionable intelligence gate whether or not the man hand himself in. on Shebab operations in the talked about belonged to us”. Another intelligence source border region, the scene of two While the government offered an said the surrender was believed recent massacres on Kenyan soil amnesty to al Shabaab members to have been motivated by a carried out by the militants.The in September, none of the key series of recent bloody splits and surrender comes two days after leaders of the group has so far purges within the group, with Shebab militants carried out taken up the offer. Godane having ruthlessly elimi- another high-profile raid in the The Al-Qaeda-aligned group nated many of his rivals and his capital Mogadishu, where they wants to topple the Western- successor, Ahmad Umar Abu struck AMISOM’s heavily-forti- backed Mogadishu government Ubaidah, continuing to maintain fied headquarters and killed and impose its own strict version strict internal security. Although three soldiers and a civilian con- of sharia law in the country. presented by the officials as a tractor. —Agencies Pakistani gets 26 years in jail for hoax bomb threats
LAHORE: A Pakistani man was sen- tenced to 26 years in jail for both the Sheikh Saeed, another government tenced to 26 years in jail for making bogus calls and fake information,” prosecutor and a police official in two hoax calls to police claiming he Ashfaq Malik, Multan’s deputy prose- Multan, confirmed the verdict. had planted bombs in crowded pub- cutor general, told AFP. Pakistan has ramped up its anti-terror lic places, prosecutors said yesterday. Police said Yousuf used the sim strategy in the wake of the December Mohammad Yousuf, who is in his 30s, card of one of his friends, whom he 16 slaughter at an army-run school in made the calls in July in the central wanted to entrap because of busi- Peshawar, where 134 children were city of Multan, telling police that he ness rivalry. Police in August traced among the victims gunned down by had placed bombs in a market and a the sim card and arrested both heavily-armed Taleban militants. busy children’s park. Yousuf and his friend. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also said Police, bomb disposal experts and Judge Sajjad Sheikh announced on Thursday that the country will set rescue workers were forced to rush to the verdict in a Multan anti-terror up military courts for terror-related the scene at the time but found noth- court on Wednesday and it was pub- cases, as part of an ambitious anti- ing. “Yousuf confessed and was sen- licized by prosecutors yesterday. terrorism plan. —AFP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Syria says ready to meet opposition in Moscow
US-led coalition hits IS jihadists with 39 air strikes
DAMASCUS: Syria’s regime is willing to began a massive crackdown on dissent. the negotiation should be on fighting The jihadists launched a major offen- meet the country’s opposition in An estimated 200,000 people have “terrorism”. sive in mid-September to try to capture Moscow to seek a way out of the nearly been killed, and half the population Since then, some opposition figures Kobane, and at one point controlled four-year civil war, a government official have been forced to flee their homes. have suggested that a deal could see more than half of the town, known in said yesterday. “Syria is ready to partici- Russia has been trying to relaunch Assad remain in power for a limited Arabic as Ain Al-Arab. pate in a preliminary and consultative peace talks for Syria that would include time. The change in tone reflects grow- But supported by US-led air strikes meeting in Moscow to respond to the meetings between delegates of the ing concern over advances by jihadists and reinforced by Kurds from Iraq, aspirations of Syrians who are trying to regime and the fractured opposition. who have expelled more moderate “Kurdish forces now control more than find a solution to the crisis,” the foreign The Russian foreign ministry opposition rebels from large areas. 60 percent of the city”, said Rami Abdel ministry official said, quoted by SANA declined to comment yesterday. But on Foreign fighters have flocked to join Rahman, director of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “IS has even left areas that the Kurds did KONYA: Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (right) and Hamas leader not enter for fear of mines,” he added. Khaled Mashaal greet each other during a meeting of Turkey’s ruling party The US-led coalition pounded the in Konya yesterday. —AP Islamic State group with 39 air strikes Thursday and Friday, including more than a dozen near the flashpoint Syrian Hamas chief lauds town of Kobane. The 13 strikes conduct- ed Thursday in Kobane, which is known as Ain Al-Arab in Arabic, destroyed 17 Turkey as ‘source of fighting positions, as well as IS buildings, staging areas and a vehicle, the US-led anti-IS coalition said in a statement. power’ for Muslims On Friday four air strikes destroyed three IS buildings and two vehicles in ANKARA: Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal yes- at the ruling party’s events. He also attended the area, it added. terday praised Turkey as a “source of power” the AKP’s congress in 2012 when President The statement updated an earlier for all Muslims in gratitude to Turkey’s lead- Recep Tayyip Erdogan was serving as prime report by the US Defense Department, ers for supporting the Palestinian cause. minister. which had erroneously stated that all of “A democratic, stable and developed Current Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, the strikes occurred on Friday, and Turkey is a source of power for all Muslims,” in his speech said Turkey’s red flag featuring which had set the total number of Meshaal said in an address to the ruling a crescent with a star was a “symbol of the strikes at 31. Justice and Development Party (AKP) annual innocent in the world.” “God is witness ... we Fighting over Kobane began in mid- congress in the conservative central will make this red flag a symbol of the inno- September, when the jihadists moved Anatolian city of Konya. Meshaal said a cent. This red flag will fly side by side with to take over the town on the border “strong Turkey means a strong Jerusalem, a the flags of Palestine, free Syria and all other with Turkey. The US-led coalition strong Palestine,” voicing hopes to “liberate innocents’ flags anywhere in the world,” he launched air strikes against the Islamic Palestine and Jerusalem,” according to the told the congress. State group in Syria on September 23. state-run Anatolia news agency. Turkey’s leaders, in particular Erdogan, Over Thursday and Friday, there were 19 His brief address was interrupted repeat- are known for their angry outbursts at Israel. strikes in Syria by coalition fighter and CAIRO: The Arab League’s Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby (right) meets with Hadi Bahra, the head edly by cheering crowds in the hall waving A staunch supporter of the Palestinian bomber aircraft, as well as drones. Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanting: cause, Erdogan has often blasted the Jewish the Syrian National Coalition, the country’s main political opposition group, left, and Haitham Al- Coalition raids also struck tactical units, a “Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)” and “Down state over its military assaults on the Gaza Maleh, a member of the group (second left) at the League’s headquarters in Cairo yesterday. —AP drilling tower and an assembly area, the with Israel!” The Hamas chief often shows up Strip, which is ruled by Hamas. —AFP statement said. state news agency. Thursday, Moscow said that it planned Al-Qaeda-linked militants and the In Iraq, the coalition carried out 20 The decision followed talks between to host delegations from the Syrian Islamic State (IS) group which led an strikes according to the updated docu- Syria and Russia about a possible meet- opposition in late January, possibly fol- offensive that seized large parts of Syria ment: 15 on Thursday, mostly in ing, the official said. “The Syrian Arab lowed by a visit by regime representa- and Iraq, committing widespread atroci- Ninevah and Anbar, two of the main Republic has always been ready for dia- tives that could bring the two sides ties. fronts in the fight against IS there, and logue with those who believe in its uni- together for talks. Assad has said he A monitoring group said yesterday five on Friday in the same provinces. ty, sovereignty and freedom of choice,” backs the efforts by his key ally. The that IS had lost ground in the Syrian The strikes destroyed an IS rocket sys- the official added. main opposition coalition held talks town of Kobane, where Kurdish fighters tem and vehicles, equipment, a mortar Syria’s war began as a pro-democra- with Syria’s government earlier this year. now control more than 60 percent of position, fighting position and a modu- cy revolt, but escalated into a multi- But they collapsed as the opposition territory. The strategically located town lar refinery. The jets and drones also sided civil war drawing foreign jihadists demanded Assad’s resignation, while on the border with Turkey has become a targeted IS tactical units and a check- after President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime the regime insisted the main focus of major symbol of resistance against IS. point. —Agencies Egypt cuts jail terms in gay wedding case
CAIRO: An Egyptian appeals court yesterday reduced Egypt writer to face trial jail sentences given to eight men over a gay wedding video that went viral on the Internet to one year each, for ‘insulting Islam’ from three years. Their arrests in September were part of a series of highly publicized raids targeting suspected CAIRO: Egypt’s prosecutor has insult Islam, the official told AFP, homosexuals in the conservative country. referred a female writer to trial for adding she had also been charged A lower court convicted them in November of broad- CAIRO: Mona Soueif (center), the sister of Alaa Abdel Fattah, attends the allegedly insulting Islam by criticizing with “making fun of the right to sacri- casting images that “violated public decency”. The men retrial of her son and 24 others, in the courtroom in Cairo yesterday. —AFP the slaughter of animals during a fice”. were detained after a video, filmed aboard a Nile river- major religious festival, a judicial offi- “It is the price paid by those who boat, showed what prosecutors said was a gay wedding Car bomb hits diplomatic cial said yesterday. carry torches of enlightenment at ceremony, with two men kissing, exchanging rings and “Happy massacre,” Fatima Naoot every age,” Naoot wrote on Friday cutting a cake with their picture on it. The video received security building in Tripoli wrote on her Facebook page in after having been informed of her tri- widespread attention on websites such as Facebook, October during Eid Al-Adha, the al which is due to start on January 28. Twitter and YouTube. The defendants’ families, who were TRIPOLI: A car bomb exploded yesterday blast,” SITE said. Three years after Muammar Muslim feast of sacrifice. Animals are She said that in October she had expecting their acquittal, screamed and wept on hearing outside the diplomatic security building in Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a NATO- Tripoli but caused no casualties, a Libyan backed revolt, Libya is awash with weapons slaughtered during Eid to commemo- posted messages on Facebook to the new sentences, according to an AFP reporter. rate the willingness of Abraham to congratulate Muslims for Eid Al-Adha official said, with the Islamic State group and powerful militias, and run by rival gov- Homosexuality is not specifically banned under Egyptian claiming responsibility. ernments and parliaments. Fajr Libya (Libya fulfil God’s command to sacrifice his but “urged them to respect the offer- law and the men were initially accused of debauchery. Colonel Mubarak Abu Dhaheer, who Dawn), a coalition of Islamist militias, seized own son, although in the end God ing and not humiliate it by flooding That charge was dropped after an invasive anal exam heads the security department in charge of Tripoli in August after weeks of deadly fight- provided him with a sheep. “Massacre the ground with animal blood”. of the men showed that they did not have receptive anal protecting diplomatic missions, said the ing with a nationalist group. The violence committed by men over the past 10 Egypt’s constitution outlaws insults sex. The defence repeatedly denied that the men were blast in central Tripoli caused some damage triggered an exodus of foreigners from the centuries and followed by men each against the three monotheist reli- to the building but that no one was hurt. Libyan capital and prompted the closure of gay, and insisted that the lower court had caved in to “This is a criminal act aimed at undermin- several embassies, with many relocating to year with a smile,” Naoot wrote at the gions recognized by the state-Islam, popular pressure. time. Christianity and Judaism. Earlier this ing security and stability and at targeting neighboring countries. Abu Dhaheer said One of the defendants told a television talk show pri- policemen tasked with guarding diplomatic police were investigating the car bombing Naoot, who is Muslim, deleted her year a female Coptic teacher was or to their arrest that the video was recorded during a missions,” said Abu Dhaheer. The jihadist and were also looking into a fire that broke posts from Facebook after controver- jailed for six months after parents of birthday party. In the past, Egyptian homosexuals have Islamic State (IS) organization said it carried out at the shuttered Saudi embassy, damag- sy erupted about them. But a judicial her students accused her of evangel- been jailed on charges ranging from “scorning religion” out the bombing, according to the US- ing three cars. official said yesterday that she admit- izing and insulting Islam. based monitoring group SITE Intelligence. In November, two car bombs struck near to “sexual practices contrary to Islam,” the country’s dom- ted during questioning that she had In June, in a separate case a Coptic “The provincial division of the Islamic the shuttered Egyptian and United Arab inant religion. written them. The 50-year-old colum- Christian man was sentenced to six State (IS) for Tripoli, Libya, claimed a car Emirates embassies in Tripoli. Italy is one of In April, a court sentenced four men accused of nist denied she had any intention to years in jail for insulting Islam. —AFP bombing at the diplomatic security building the few countries to keep an embassy open homosexuality to up to eight years in prison. —AFP in the capital, and provided a photo of the in the Libyan capital. —AFP Shiite militia vows to press on with Yemen offensive
SANAA: Yemen’s Ansarullah Shiite militia and stability”. On September 21, the Huthis vowed yesterday to press ahead with an signed a UN-brokered deal with the govern- offensive it launched in September to consoli- ment under which they had pledged to lay date its grip across Yemen, despite fierce down their arms and pull out of the city. They resistance from Sunni tribes and Al-Qaeda. have yet to respect the terms of the agree- The Arabian Peninsula country has been ment. In his statement, the Huthi leader also rocked by instability since the Shiite fighters, called on supporters to “organize better in also known as Huthis, seized control of Sanaa order to prepare for any eventuality”, without in September. elaborating. He also warned of “strict meas- They have since expanded their presence ures” that could be adopted, but again did not in central and western Yemen, but have met provide any details on what these might be. fierce resistance from powerful Sunni tribes- In another development, Ansarullah has men backed by fighters from Al-Qaeda. “The told residents in areas it controls that Saturday Yemeni people is determined to pursue its will no longer be considered part of the week- revolution... and combat corruption,” end because it is “the rest day of the Jews”, a Ansarullah chief Abdulmalik Al-Huthi said in a militia official said. statement published by Yemeni media. He Yemen, like some other Arab countries, said he will also push ahead with the offensive observes the weekend on Friday and yester- to “guarantee security” and “put an end to day. The militia official said the new regulation political tyranny”-repeating slogans used by has entered into force in the Huthi stronghold the Huthis to justify launching their campaign of Saada in the remote north, as well as in the in September. neighboring province of Amran. In the south, On the streets of central Sanaa, meanwhile, meanwhile, two soldiers were killed yesterday hundreds of youths staged a rally demanding and four wounded in a roadside bomb explo- that the Huthi militiamen withdraw from the sion in Hadramawt province, a military source capital, an AFP correspondent said. said. The demonstrators marched to the may- The source blamed Al-Qaeda’s Yemen fran- SANAA: Yemeni protesters shout slogans during a rally in Sanaa yesterday against the deployment of armed or’s office carrying banners that read: chise for the blast which he said was detonat- militias from the Shiite Huthi movement across the country and in the capital. —AFP “No to armed groups” and “Yes to security ed by remote control. —AFP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 INTERNATIONAL US mission in Havana to become embassy amid thaw
HAVANA: A half-century after Washington built the adjacent “Anti-Imperialist Plaza,” severed relations with Cuba, the United which has hosted nationalist rallies where States’ seven-story mission looms over Castro gave long speeches railing against Havana’s seaside Malecon boulevard as the Washington, and concerts demanding the largest diplomatic outpost in the country. return of the Cuban intelligence agents Cuban guards stand at close intervals on whom the US freed last week as part of the the street outside, and islanders line up by detente. Huge marches streamed past the the thousands each year for a shot at a Interests Section in 2000 to demand the coveted visa. return of the young Cuban rafter Elian The gleaming US Interests Section sud- Gonzalez. denly is poised to become an even more On the wall of a conference room in the important presence in Cuba as the two mission hangs the bronze head of an eagle countries negotiate the first phase of their that topped the nearby USS Maine monu- historic detente - transforming the com- ment until it was ripped down in a 1961 plex into a full embassy that would reflect anti-Yankee protest following the failed the Obama administration’s hopes of new Bay of Pigs invasion. The wings and body influence on the communist island. sit in a musty Cuban museum storage Roberta Jacobson, assistant US secretary of room awaiting a possible reunion with the state for Western Hemisphere affairs, will head on the day that Havana and be the highest known US administration Washington become friends. official to visit in decades when she comes In 2006, US diplomats abruptly installed next month for annual talks on migration an electronic billboard that scrolled mes- that will now also focus on the details of sages extolling democracy and human re-establishing full diplomatic relations. rights to Cubans on the street below. An The discussions are expected to cover outraged Cuban government erected expanding staffing in the two countries’ dozens of black flags to obscure the signs. interests sections and letting diplomats “The consequence of that was, for years, travel outside their respective capitals they did not allow us to import lightbulbs,” NEW YORK: New York City police officers watch over the lines outside the wake for NYPD officer Rafael Ramos in New York. —AFP without having to ask permission. Caulfield recalled with a chuckle. Also part of the reopening of the The US Interests Section is closely embassy: symbolic measures such as rais- watched by cameras and guards on both ing the American flag on the Malecon. sides, a function of both the longtime ten- Mourners gather for “Opening an embassy is a symbolic ges- sions and general increased security at ture, but symbols are really important,” American diplomatic missions following John Caulfield, who was Interests Section 9/11. Cuban police make pedestrians cross chief from 2011 to 2014, said by phone the street to use another sidewalk, and no from Jacksonville, Florida, where he parking is allowed. slain NY policeman retired. Some neighbors say they love living “This is a pretty powerful symbol by our nearby: Nobody ever gets robbed, and the president that we want to have a more employees and visa-seekers support local normal relationship with Cuba despite the businesses that were allowed to open Activists urged to halt demos until police funerals fact that we have the obvious differences,” under President Raul Castro’s economic NEW YORK: Police officers in dress uniform and a city that had largely escaped some of the more city’s police commissioner, headed into the he added. reforms of recent years. other mourners joined a somber, four-block line violent outbursts seen in six months of nation- church. Cuba’s interests section is a stately “Because the whole area is so well outside a New York City church on Friday for the wide protests against police use of force. In manor in Washington’s Adams Morgan guarded, it’s very safe,” said Pedro wake of one of two officers shot by a man who extraordinary scenes at the hospital where Liu Tens of thousands expected neighborhood. It, too, stands to become Hernandez, 73, who runs a modest snack said he was avenging the killing of unarmed and Ramos were taken on Saturday, police union Police from departments around the country, an embassy. Diplomats say privately that bar out of his home. “There are no prob- black men by police. leaders, angered by Mayor Bill de Blasio’s quali- including those in St. Louis, Atlanta, New Orleans Washington hopes to boost staffing in lems with crime of any kind, and that’s very Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were slain last fied support of the protesters, said the mayor and Washington, DC, were expected to join Havana, currently at about 50 Americans good for us.” American diplomats say low- Saturday afternoon while sitting in their patrol had “blood on his hands”. As the mayor arrived at national, state and city leaders for the funeral and 300 Cuban workers, as more American level harassment was routine for many car in Brooklyn. Singled out because of their uni- the hospital, some officers turned their backs to service at the church yesterday. Nearly 700 offi- travelers and trade delegates are expected years, as Cuba restricted their movements forms, their deaths have become a rallying point him in a pointed display of disrespect. cers had taken up an offer JetBlue Airways Corp to come here under new rules to be set by and activities and dragged its feet on per- for police and their supporters around the coun- Two days later, a visibly angered mayor chas- to fly two members of each law enforcement the White House softening the US trade mission to do standard maintenance. try, beleaguered by months of street rallies by tised some journalists at a news conference for agency to New York for free, an airline spokes- embargo on Cuba. Cuban state media routinely portrayed the protesters who say police practices are marked what he called “divisive” coverage, while urging woman said. An agreement could also ease or scrap building as a den of spies. by racism. activists to halt demonstrations until after the Police had yet to announce details for the rules that require US diplomats to channel Both sides gradually moved toward a Stephen Davis, the police department’s chief police funerals. Activists denounced the request funeral of Liu, 32. The execution-style killing was all requests through Cuba’s Foreign remarkably civil relationship in recent spokesman, said yesterday’s service may prove as suggesting they were partly to blame for the so swift, police said, that the officers may not Ministry; the diplomats would be able to years. The electronic sign came down in to be the largest funeral in the police depart- deaths. Small groups of protesters continued to have seen their assailant, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, a deal directly with at least some other 2009, as did the black flags - though they ment’s history, with tens of thousands of people, take to the streets chanting “How do you spell man described by city officials as emotionally branches of government. still fly on special occasions. The countries including US Vice President Joe Biden, expected murderer? NYPD” and other anti-police chants. troubled. After shooting the officers, he shot The US Interests Section has often been started granting diplomatic travel permis- to fill the church and the streets outside. The mayor has said he hopes the funerals will himself and died in a nearby subway station. He a flashpoint for conflict, and its decades of sion more easily. Envoys exchanged home Draped in the New York Police Department’s help mend the city’s fractured mood, although a had begun the day by shooting and wounding hybrid status reflect the dysfunctional rela- phone numbers and even dined together green, white and blue flag, Ramos’s coffin was banner carried over the Hudson River behind a his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore. tionship between the two deeply inter- occasionally. Long-stalled talks on migra- carried into a church in his Queens neighbor- plane a few miles from the wake on Friday sug- Brinsley, who was black, wrote online that twined countries. The building first opened tion and restoring mail service resumed. hood by police officers as colleagues from his gested not everyone was seeking unity: “De he wanted to kill police officers to avenge the as an embassy in 1953, the same year Fidel Once details of the new diplomatic rela- Brooklyn station house stood saluting. Ramos, Blasio, Our Backs Have Turned To You,” the mes- deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, Castro launched an ill fated assault on a tionship are worked, actually turning the 40, had been on the force for two years and was sage read, paid for by an anonymous group of unarmed black men killed by white policemen barracks that is considered the onset of the mission into an embassy requires little raising two teenage sons with his wife Maritza. current and retired police officers, according to in New York and Ferguson, Missouri. The deaths Cuban Revolution. Eight years later, with more than changing a few signs and order- “Dad, I’m forever grateful for the sacrifices you the police blogger John Cardillo. Marta Mares, of Garner and Brown and the decisions not to Castro then in power, the countries broke ing a new letterhead, experts said. made to provide for me and Jaden,” his son, who said she only learned Ramos was her neigh- prosecute the officers responsible ignited ties and Switzerland stepped in to safe- “A few strokes of the pen and that’s it,” Justin, said in an emotional voice during a bor after his death, arrived at the church two protests across the country, renewing a debate guard both the embassy and the ambas- said Wayne Smith, who was a junior diplo- memorial service held after the wake, projected hours early. about race in America that has drawn in US sador’s residence, a sprawling, immacu- mat in Cuba when relations were severed on a large screen in the streets outside. “He was “We want to support NYPD officers because President Barack Obama. Relatives of Garner lately groomed estate in Havana’s finest in 1961 and returned to head the Interests my absolute best friend.” now we can see what danger they are in, espe- joined civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton neighborhood. Section in the late 1970s. Ramos’s funeral came at the end of a week cially under Mayor de Blasio,” she said. “We love on Christmas Day to say prayers for both Ramos After the break, Washington was with- Some who served in the US Interests during which heated rhetoric and blame marked you guys,” a woman shouted as Bill Bratton, the and Liu. — Reuters out a presence in Cuba until 1977, when Section are awaiting the change with a the interests sections were opened under mixture of excitement and wistfulness at President Jimmy Carter. The missions tech- not being here for the transition. “I would nically operate under the aegis of the “pro- have loved to be there to raise that flag,” tecting power” Switzerland. Cuba later Caulfield said. —AP Thousands protest in Mexico News City over missing students in brief
MEXICO CITY: Some three thousand peo- 22,000 others missing since 2006 in Mexico. Quake hits off Panama’s ple took to the streets of downtown Mexico Authorities say the aspiring teachers Pacific coast, no damage City on Friday, three months after the dis- vanished after gang-linked police attacked PANAMA CITY: A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off appearance and likely massacre of 43 stu- their buses in the city of Iguala, allegedly Panama’s Pacific coast yesterday, the US Geological Survey dents. The students went missing on under orders from the mayor and his wife said, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The September 26, in an apparent massacre by in a night of terror that left six other people USGS said the quake, initially reported as having a magni- a police-backed gang that sparked nation- dead. The police then delivered the young tude of 6.0, was relatively shallow at a depth of 6.2 miles wide protests and caused a crisis for men to members of the Guerreros Unidos (10 km) below the seabed. It struck in the early evening President Enrique Pena Nieto. drug gang, who told investigators they 132 miles (213 km) south of the town of David. The latest marches in Mexico City were took them in two trucks to a landfill, killed led by parents and other relatives and them, burned their bodies and dumped friends of the missing, including students them in a river. For now, only one of the Canada mall shooting hurts from their teacher training college in students has been positively identified 1, no ‘active shooter’ southern Guerrero state. from charred remains, which leaves little OTTAWA: A single shot fired outside an Ottawa “We want them alive,” protesters chant- hope of finding the 42 others. mall left one person with minor injuries Friday in ed, walking behind gigantic portraits of the On Christmas Eve, the students’ parents what police were treating as an isolated incident. missing students and a huge Mexican flag had already protested under heavy rains in Staff Sgt. Rick Keindel said police arrested two whose red and green colors were replaced front of the Los Pinos presidential palace. by black. And in a sign of the violence that continues suspects and were looking for two others. “It’s not “What does Ayotzinapa want?” protest to reign in Guerrero state, the body of a an active shooter situation,” he said. “It seems like This Jan 3, 1961 file photo shows Cubans lining up outside the US embassy in hopes leaders called out, referring to the name of priest was found with a bullet wound to an isolated thing.” The shooting occurred on of getting visas after President Fidel Castro ordered the embassy to reduce its staff the students’ school. “Justice! Justice!” the the head. Boxing Day, one of Canada’s busiest shopping within 48 hours in Havana, Cuba. After the diplomatic break in 1961, Washington crowd responded. If all the students are Gregorio Lopez Gorostieta was discov- days of the year. It occurred on a pedestrian walk- was without a presence in Cuba until 1977, when the interests sections were opened confirmed dead, it would rank among the ered in the Tierra Caliente region two way at the Tanger Outlets mall around 3:45 p.m., under President Jimmy Carter. — AP worst mass murders in a drug war that has months after another priest’s body was Keindel said. The victim had non-life-threatening killed more than 80,000 people and left found. — AFP injuries and was in stable condition. Duty Inspector Mark Patterson said the victim was known to police and was not co-operating with Former President investigators and that the guns and gangs unit had been called in, Patterson said. Keindel said Bush to spend 4th night about a dozen officers cordoned off the area. He said no weapon had been recovered at the scene. in Houston hospital Local media reported that shoppers weren’t being allowed into the mall. HOUSTON: Doctors in Houston have spirits.” “President Bush remains in high decided to keep former US President spirits and continues to make progress, but Argentine President George H W Bush in the hospital for a he will remain at the Houston Methodist Fernandez fractures ankle fourth night since his bout with shortness Hospital this evening,” McGrath said in an of breath, though his condition has updated message on Friday. BUENOS AIRES: Argentine President Cristina improved and he “remains in high spirits,” Bush, who was president from 1989 to Fernandez has fractured her left ankle and has been his spokesman said on Friday. 1993, was admitted to the same hospital in ordered by doctors to keep it still, the government Bush, 90, was taken by ambulance to November 2012 for treatment of bronchitis said in a statement yesterday. The statement, signed Houston Methodist Hospital on Tuesday and related ailments. He was so ill at one by her medical team, did not mention how night and admitted for observation after point that he was believed to be near death Fernandez hurt herself but said she sustained the experiencing breathing difficulties earlier but ultimately recuperated and was fracture on Friday. “Immobilization, symptomatic that evening, according to his spokesman, allowed to go home after seven weeks. treatment and monitoring of progress was indicated,” Jim McGrath. There has been no word on The former Republican president suffers her doctors said. The 61-year-old returned to Buenos whether the nation’s 41st president is suf- from Parkinson’s disease and cannot use his Aires on Friday after a holiday visit to her home fering from any particular ailment. McGrath legs. But he celebrated his 90th birthday on said on Wednesday that Bush’s prognosis June 12 by skydiving near Kennebunkport, province of Santa Cruz and would rest in the presi- was positive and that he was being kept Maine, with the Army’s Golden Knight para- dential quarters, the state news agency Telam said. hospitalized as a precaution. chute team. The two-term president has had various health prob- On Thursday, Bush received a Christmas His eldest son, former President George lems in recent years. She underwent an operation to Day visit from his wife, Barbara, as well as W Bush, this year published a best-selling MEXICO CITY: Mourners carry the coffin of priest Gregorio Lopez during a funeral in remove blood that had pooled on her brain last year, his son Neil and daughter-in-law, Maria book about his father, titled “41 - A Portrait Altamirano, Guerrero State, Mexico, on Friday. Priest Lopez was kidnapped and and last month spent a week in hospital for treat- Bush, and was described as being in “great of My Father.” —Reuters killed in Altamirano community. — AFP ment of an infection. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 INTERNATIONAL
Christmas baby cheer as Italy names trafficking ‘superboss’
ROME: A baby born at sea on Christmas Day numbers this year. dreds of would-be immigrants from boats neighbouring Algeria. Italian naval vessels lars each for what is sold as a ticket to after his Nigerian mother was plucked from Described as a trafficking “superboss” and destined for, but ill-equipped to reach, picked up a total of 2,300 people from trou- Europe. Increasingly however it appears that a floundering migrant boat by the Italian named as Ahmed Mohamed Farrag Hanafi, Europe’s southern shores. bled boats over the Christmas period, lifting the people smugglers simply aim to get the navy has been baptised Testimony Salvatore the alleged trafficking overlord is now being “The lady was brilliant,” said gynaecolo- to almost 170,000 the number of migrants boats into open water and rely on the in honour of the medics who delivered him. pursued by the Egyptian authorities at Italy’s gist Maita Sartori. “She did everything her- from north Africa registered as having land- human cargo being picked up by either the The two-day old infant, who weighed in request, Corriere della Sera reported. The self, all we had to was to be there and moni- ed on Italian soil this year. Italian navy or by passing merchant ships at 2.7 kilogrammes (just under six pounds), broadsheet daily said he was based in the tor the labour, talking to her in English.” More than 80 percent of the migrants which are obliged, under the law of the sea, and his 28-year-old mother were both recov- Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate in northern The mother, whose first name is Kate leave from Libya, where traffickers are able to respond to distress calls. ering in hospital yesterday after what was a Egypt and had been identified as a result of according to Italian media, was travelling to operate with impunity because of the Responsibility for patrolling Europe’s smooth delivery in testing circumstances, intercepted mobile calls to traffickers work- with Testimony’s 15-month-old sister and chaos engulfing a country that has disinte- southern shores in theory lies with Triton, a according to the gynaecologist who over- ing for him on boats leaving Libya. was quoted as saying: “I’m really happy with grated into warring fiefdoms. multinational operation run by the saw it. The cheering Christmas tale came as the birth of my son. I was really scared but The conflict in Syria/Iraq and repression European borders agency Frontex. But in it was reported that Italian authorities have Really scared everything went well in the end.” in Eritrea have been the two biggest factors practice the Italian navy has continued to identified a 32-year-old Egyptian man as a Little Testimony entered the world at 20 She told reporters the family had left behind the migrant surge this year with carry out most of the rescues despite official- lynchpin in the large-scale people smug- minutes before midnight on December 25, Nigeria two months ago and that she and Syrian and Eritrean nationals accounting for ly scaling back its own Mare Nostrum opera- gling that has been instrumental in sending aboard the Italian navy vessel Etna as it her youngest child had boarded a boat in over half the people landed in Italy this year. tion at the end of October after failing to asylum seekers and economic migrants headed to the Sicilian port of Messina. Libya on December 23, having left her hus- Typically, refugees boarding boats in Libya persuade other EU governments to help across the Mediterranean in unprecedented The ship had just helped to rescue hun- band and two older sons, aged 6 and 10, in have paid traffickers several thousand dol- fund it. —AFP Sweden avoids snap poll in deal that counters far right Swedes concern about growing influx of foreigners
STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s govern- rising political fortunes of anti- no confidence, but did not say receive up to 105,000 asylum seek- ment yesterday announced a deal immigrant parties in much of when. ers next year. with the opposition that will avert Europe. “Thanks to the agreement “Basically, the idea is to not the country’s first snap elections in we have found enabling a minority Growing immigration allow the Sweden Democrats to more than half a century and government to govern, the gov- The Sweden Democrats-which have any influence,” said Camilla counter the rising influence of the ernment will not organise early won 13 percent of the vote in par- Sandstroem, a political scientist at anti-immigrant far right. elections,” Loefven, a Social liamentary elections held in the University of Umeaa in north- The deal announced by Prime Democrat, said. September-launched their budget ern Sweden. Minister Stefan Loefven, in office The Sweden Democrats, which spoiler on December 3 as a protest The snap poll had been called for less than three months, will see had said they wanted to turn the over the government’s pro-immi- to take place on March 22. If it had the minority centre-left govern- now-cancelled election into a ref- gration policies. gone ahead, it would have been the first early elections in political- ly stable Sweden since 1958. Some Swedes said they were KIEV: A handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential relieved they would not have to Press-Service shows Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (R) welcoming cast their votes again so soon after Ukrainian troops freed from captivity after they arrived at an airport near the previous elections. Kiev early yesterday. —AFP “I think it’s great we won’t have a snap election,” said Per Lager, a 38-year-old daycare worker. “The top priority is to make sure Poroshenko hails Ukraine the Sweden Democrats don’t have any influence, and they won’t get ‘warriors’ freed by rebels that now.” Saturday’s announcement of a KIEV: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko state troops and 225 militants. deal implies that Loefven can con- yesterday welcomed home as heroes 145 “Unfortunately, not everyone was tinue to rule in a coalition with the soldiers freed by pro-Russian rebels during released. Another four of your comrades Greens, and that the four-party the largest prisoner swap of the eight- will come back on (Saturday),” Poroshenko centre-right opposition, the month separatist war. said in reference to a much smaller prisoner Alliance, will not oppose the budg- The Western-backed leader, beaming swap expected to take place in another part et in a new vote. and wearing a black bomber jacket, walked of eastern Ukraine. The agreement, which will run up to the back cargo bay of a military trans- “But we will search for and find everyone until 2022, means that whichever port plane that landed at a military airport and not leave anyone behind,” Poroshenko of the six parties are in opposition outside Kiev in the dawn hours of Saturday promised. will commit to not voting against to hail the men. He firmly shook hands and “The country will fight for each one of its the government’s budget. tightly embraced them-some young and faithful sons.” Yesterday’s swap was due to “It illustrates a common feature others sporting greying beards-as they trun- involve both sides’ fighters captured in of Swedish politics-you look for dled down the steps wearing regular civilian Donetsk’s neighbouring breakaway region long-term solutions,” said clothes and knitted skull caps in the searing of Lugansk. Sandstroem from Umeaa cold. University. “This is a victory for “My heart as that of a president and citi- Stalled peace talks Sweden,” said Anne Kinberg Batra, zen is brimming with joy that you as I had The Minsk negotiations were called to STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Prime Minister and Social Democratic Party leader Stefan Lˆfven, left, set to take over as leader of the promised-will be able to meet the New Year reinforce a largely ignored peace plan and Moderate Party leader-elect Anna Kinberg Batra speak during a press conference at the Moderates, the largest opposition with your families and comrades and arms,” struck in September that aimed to both Swedish Parliament in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday. —AP party, and widely tipped to one Poroshenko said as the released men hud- stem the bloodshed and ease the crisis in day become the Nordic country’s dled around him on the tarmac. East-West relations the conflict has sparked. ment remain in power. The far erendum on immigration, reacted The Sweden Democrats has first female prime minister. Ukraine’s chronically underfunded army The eastern revolt began only weeks right has however threatened a with anger and disappointment to grown from a virtual non-entity a The six parties have agreed to has been criticised heavily by the public for after Russia’s March seizure of Crimea and no-confidence vote. the news of the surprise deal. decade ago to the country’s third- focus on defence, energy and pen- failing to stamp out a revolt that has claimed appeared to have been staged in reprisal for Loefven had called early elec- “We don’t have any confidence largest party today, riding a wave sions as three areas where left and 4,700 lives and continues to threaten the the February ouster in Kiev of a Moscow- tions this month after the populist in Loefven as prime minister,” said of concern among many Swedes right in parliament will be able to former Soviet republic’s very existence. backed president. and anti-immigrant Sweden Mattias Karlsson, interim leader of about a growing influx of foreign- cooperate in the future. Poroshenko appeared to be addressing Russia had initially denied parachuting Democrats torpedoed his fledgling the Sweden Democrats, in an ers, especially refugees from coun- “Sweden has a proud tradition that rebuke by praising the men for “not in its troops to capture the Black Sea penin- government’s budget. interview with public television tries outside Europe. for solving difficult problems breaking or changing and firmly keeping sula. But President Vladimir Putin later The crisis had dealt a severe SVT. Government figures suggest across party boundaries which your military morale, demonstrating the awarded medals to soldiers involved in the blow to Sweden’s self-image as a He said the party will subject that Sweden, with a population doesn’t exist in any other country,” best qualities of a Ukranian warrior”. Crimean campaign. tolerant nation and illustrated the Loefven’s government to a vote of just below 10 million, could Loefven said. —AFP Ukraine’s allies in Europe hope that And the Kremlin’s rejection of charges Friday’s exchange will mark a watershed that it was now doing the same in Ukraine’s moment in a war that seems at a stalemate separatist east have convinced few Western but still rages on because of the immense nations. mistrust between the two sides. Russia-its economy already under severe Pilot recalls last flight Kiev on Friday freed 222 insurgent fight- pressure from the plunge in the value of its ers captured around the main rebel strong- oil exports-is suffer from increasing heavy hold of Donetsk and its surrounding US and EU financial penalties as a result. regions. The Kremlin fired back at the West by to Cyprus airport But the original deal-agreed with the publishing a revised military doctrine on help of European and Russian mediators in Friday that decries the “reinforcement of the Belarussian capital Minsk on NATO’s offensive capacities on Russia’s NICOSIA: Capt. Adamos Marneros gazed with fore- the first Cypriot to win the post in the company’s his- symbol of a future hijacked by unresolved conflict. Wednesday-called for the release of 150 borders”. —AFP boding at the dots on the radar screen of his passen- tory. Flight 317, taking off from London Heathrow Aboard the aircraft were only 10 passengers made up ger jet as it prepared for landing on Cyprus. It was with a brief stopover in Rome, would go down as the of two families - a Greek one and a Turkish Cypriot before dawn on July 20, 1974, and the view of from last to land at the country’s transportation jewel, one. his cockpit confirmed his suspicions: Turkish warships Nicosia airport, before it was shut down barely six Marneros says he had deep misgivings about were approaching the Mediterranean island in an years after its completion. The invasion that Marneros making the flight to Nicosia. After a sleepless night in Separatists to dominate invasion triggered by a coup by Greek Cypriots aim- witnessed from the skies cleaved the island in two his London hotel room watching TV reports of the ing to unite with Greece. “I couldn’t allow myself to be along ethnic lines with breakaway Turkish Cypriots in buildup to invasion, he pleaded on three separate Scotland in UK election frightened because I would be unable to do my job the north and internationally recognized Greek occasions with the airline’s boss to cancel the flight. and land the plane safely,” Marneros told The Cypriots in the south. The reply was unequivocal every time: LONDON: The pro-independence been Labour since the 1920s,” said Associated Press. Marneros was then a 27-year-old Once an emblem of the young republic’s growing You must bring the aircraft back to Nicosia. Scottish National Party is set to domi- Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde pilot with national carrier Cyprus Airways who had confidence just 14 years after independence from Approaching the island in the darkness, Marneros got nate Scotland in the United Kingdom University. received his captain’s stripes only two months earlier, British colonial rule, the airport overnight became a permission from Nicosia air traffic control to fly general election in May, according to a “It is becoming clear that the inde- around the island at 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) for a poll out yesterday, potentially giving it pendence referendum has reset all the look at what was happening. Below him the hulking the balance of power. dials,” the electoral behaviour expert silhouettes of warships were creeping toward Cypriot The ICM poll in The Guardian news- told The Guardian, calling it “the politi- shores. His warnings to the airport control tower were paper put the SNP, which wants cal transformation of a nation”. met with what he said were half-hearted attempts to Scotland to leave the UK, on 43 percent, The SNP won six of Scotland’s 59 ease his concerns. which, if reflected at the ballot box, seats in the 650-member British parlia- The Trident aircraft touched down just before day- could leave the left-wing party as king- ment at the last general election in break, and Marneros was last to leave the airport in makers in the London parliament. 2010, while Labour won 41. the ensuing evacuation. As he left in his car, Marneros It could also severely dent the cen- The ICM poll would give the SNP 45 caught sight of Turkish paratroopers just north of the tre-left opposition Labour Party’s hopes seats and Labour 10, on a uniform airport drifting down from the skies. of overtaking Prime Minister David swing. Scotland is set to get sweeping Cameron’s Conservatives and returning new powers, including setting its own Eyeballs to power in the May general election. income tax rates, under plans unveiled “I could see the paratroopers’ eyeballs,” he said, The online poll of 1,004 adults put the last month by a cross-party commission “and the guns strapped to their gear.” His aircraft, one SNP on 43 percent (up from 20 percent on greater devolution set up after the of the airline’s four Tridents, was later wheeled to the in the 2010 general election) in Scotland, referendum. head of the runway in a bid to prevent Turkish planes with Labour on 26 percent (down 16 “More and more people are putting for landing. It was promptly blown to bits by Turkish percent). Cameron’s centre-right Tories their trust in the SNP to stand up for bombs. The rusting hulk of another Cyprus Airways were on 13 percent (down four), with Scotland’s interests, and ensure that Trident now sits on the airport’s apron, gutted and their centrist Liberal Democrat coalition Westminster delivers the powers need- stripped of everything from its flight deck and fuse- partners on six percent (down 13). ed,” said Angus Robertson, the SNP’s NICOSIA: In this Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014 photo, sunlight pours through the skylights lage. Parts of its engines were used to allow a pair of The SNP’s membership has more general election campaign director. above bird dropping-laden seats in the departure lounge of the long-abandoned other Tridents to eventually fly to the UK. The airport than tripled to 90,000 since the Jenny Marra, Labour’s health spokes- was the scene of intense fighting during the invasion Nicosia airport that lies inside a United Nations-controlled buffer zone separating the September 18 referendum on Scottish woman in Scotland, said: “We can send as Turkish forces tried to seize it and effectively encir- independence, when 55 percent of SNP MPs to the House of Commons to breakaway Turkish speaking north of ethnically divided Cyprus from the internation- cle the capital. Taking heavy losses, the attackers ally recognized Greek speaking south. Once an emblem of the young republicís grow- Scots voted to remain part of the UK. protest against the Tories, or we can failed amid fierce resistance, prompting United “We are prospectively looking at the send Scottish Labour MPs to replace the ing confidence just 14 years after independence from British colonial rule, the airport Nations peacekeepers to take it over and declare it a collapse of citadels that have always Tories.” —AFP overnight became a symbol of a future hijacked by unresolved conflict. —AP UN protected zone. —AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 INTERNATIONAL US ‘disturbed’ at Azerbaijan raiding Radio Liberty
BAKU: Azerbaijan has raided and closed The radio network has its roots in a Crackdown on foreign-funded groups which was eventually shut down. Azeri government’s abusive attempt to the local offices of a US-funded radio sta- Cold War programme started by the US The raid came after a prominent The legal assault on Radio Azadliq intimidate independent journalists and tion in a move that has left Washington to counter Soviet propaganda. “Our jour- investigative reporter working for Radio sparked widespread concern. Press free- repress free media”. Dissent in Azerbaijan “deeply disturbed” and raised concerns nalists are being summoned to the pros- Azadliq, Khadija Ismayilova, was arrested dom group Reporters Without Borders is often met with a tough government about the treatment of non-state media ecutor’s office for questioning. We fear in early December and placed in pre-trial said RFE/RL was “the latest victim of the response. Rights groups say authorities in the tightly-controlled Caucasus for our safety,” Aliyev said. detention for two months. government’s campaign to stamp out have been clamping down on oppo- nation. “We are witnessing yet another round Amnesty International condemned media pluralism”. “President Ilham nents since Aliyev’s election to a third The offices of Radio Azadliq in the of the authorities’ crackdown on free her arrest as a move to “gag free media” Aliyev’s government is methodically term last year. Aliyev, 53, came to power capital Baku were sealed on Friday after media.” The US State Department said it in Azerbaijan. Radio Azadliq’s Aliyev said, crushing each of the remaining inde- in 2003 following a controversial elec- prosecutors and armed police confiscat- was “deeply disturbed” by the raid. “We citing prosecutors, that the raid on the pendent news outlets one by one,” tion. He took over after the death of his ed equipment and computers during a call on the responsible authorities to offices was linked to a probe into the Johann Bihr, head of Eastern Europe and father Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB offi- raid, the station’s director, Kenan Aliyev, respect Azerbaijan’s international com- work of foreign-funded non-govern- Central Asia for the watchdog, said in a cer and Communist-era leader who had told AFP yesterday. mitment to protecting media freedom,” mental organisations in the energy-rich statement. Jeff Shell, chairman of the ruled newly independent Azerbaijan The station provides Azerbaijani-lan- said a senior State Department official. country. In recent months, Azerbaijani Washington-based Broadcasting Board with an iron fist since 1993. guage programming in the US-funded The administration of Azerbaijani prosecutors have staged similar raids on of Governors, a bi-partisan federal Headquartered in Prague and funded by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty net- President Ilham Aliyev had no immedi- other foreign-funded groups, including agency overseeing US international the US Congress, RFE/RL broadcasts to work directed at Eastern Europe and ate comment on the action, but said a the Baku offices of the Washington- broadcasting services, said the raid was 21 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia. statement would be made “soon”. based National Democratic Institute, “unwarranted” and “an escalation of the Central Asia, and the Middle East. —AFP Pakistan airstrikes, gun battle kill 55 militants
PESHAWAR: At least 55 militants were in the northwest late Friday and an ammu- killed in airstrikes and a gun battle with nition depot was also destroyed, according ground forces in Pakistan’s troubled north- to military spokesman Major General Asim west where the military launched a major Bajwa. offensive this year, officials said yesterday. It was not possible to independently The army intensified its offensive after verify the casualties as media are banned the massacre of 150 people in a school in from visiting the far-flung area. Peshawar this month, a carnage which In another incident, police said they Pakistan described as its own “mini 9/11” arrested an important Taliban commander and a game-changer in the fight against who was wanted for attacks on police and extremism. was also involved in the killing a local jour- Troops raided a militant hideout late nalist in northwestern Khyber Friday in an area adjoining Orakzai and Pakhtunkhwa province. Khyber tribal districts-near the Afghan bor- The army has been waging a major der-where the insurgents had gathered for offensive against longstanding Taliban and a meeting, the military said in a statement. other militant strongholds in the restive “An intense battle took place, in which tribal areas on the Afghan border for the 16 terrorists were killed and 20 injured,” it last six months. said, adding that “fleeing terrorists left The offensive gathered momentum behind nine dead bodies of their accom- after the December 16 attack on an army- plices”. run school in Peshawar which killed 150 Troops arrested two critically wounded people, 134 of them children. militants while four soldiers were also The Pakistani military says it has killed wounded in the battle, the statement said. more than 1,700 militants so far in its heavy Separately, 39 militants, including two offensive in the tribal zone, with 126 sol- rebel commanders, were killed in airstrikes diers having lost their lives. —AFP
KOTA BHARU: Flood victims greet Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (C) as he arrives at an evacuation center in Pasir Mas, on the outskirts of Kota Bharu yesterday. Rescue teams struggled yesterday to reach inundated areas of northeast Malaysia as victims accused the government of being slow to provide assistance after the country’s worst flooding in decades. — AFP Rescuers struggle to reach flood victims in Malaysia Najib arrives in flood hit area
PENGKALAN CHEPA: Rescue teams struggled rescue workers and we are trying our best to en as it continued to rain in surrounding areas. yesterday to reach inundated areas of northeast make sure that the food arrives to the victims “I am angry with them (the government). We Malaysia as victims accused the government of depending on the flood situation,” he was quot- don’t care about their politics. We just want the being slow to provide assistance after the coun- ed as saying by the Star newspaper. government to do what they should do and help try’s worst flooding in decades. Military helicopters and trucks were seen in us,” 23-year-old Farhana Suhada, who works for a Malaysians have vented their anger at Prime Kota Bharu area, which is near the border with courier service, told AFP. Minister Najib Razak after the release of photos southern Thailand, but rescue efforts were being Holding on tightly to her six-month-old baby, which went viral on social media showing him hampered by fast rising waters and strong cur- she said: “For breakfast I had three biscuits and ORAKZAI: Pakistani security personnel and media gather around the bodies of playing golf with US President Barack Obama rents while roads to hard-hit areas were impass- tea. There’s not enough water and no food at all alleged Taleban militants after a gunbattle in Orakzai tribal districts near the Afghan during the storms. able. “The severity and scale of the floods had for my baby. I had to buy my own milk.” border yesterday. At least 55 militants have been killed in airstrikes by Pakistani The number of people forced to flee their taken the authorities completely by surprise as it Farhana was forced to abandon her home fighter jets and gunbattle with ground forces in the country’s troubled northwest, homes climbed past 120,000 with weather fore- was worse than anticipated, overwhelming all four days ago after flood waters rose quickly military said. — AFP casters warning of no respite for the northeast- disaster management plans and preparations,” almost to neck level. ern states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Lim Kit Siang, veteran opposition MP with the “I have lost everything, including huge dam- The under-fire Najib, meanwhile, arrived in Democratic Action Party said in a statement yes- age to my house and my car and motorcycle,” Kelantan to lead the national flood response terday. said Suhada, who was among 200 people seek- Indonesia arrests six for after cutting short his vacation in Hawaii and ing refuge in a two-storey school. Many flood was expected to meet flood victims. ‘I have lost everything victims were seen lying on the floor while chil- Torrential northeast monsoon rains leading Kelantan, one of the worst-affected areas, is dren ran around. The Universiti Sains Malaysia attempting to join IS to massive flooding in northeast Malaysia has led by the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic hospital, located in Kota Bharu, was busy taken the lives of five people. This region is regu- Party (PAS) and is one of the poorest states in handling flood victims flown in from nearby JAKARTA: Indonesian police yesterday from Indonesia soared to 264 in October larly hit by flooding during the annual monsoon, the country. areas-including a pregnant woman from Pasir arrested six people attempting to fly to from 86 in June, the National Counter- but this year’s rains have been unusually bad. From the air, parts of the state capital Kota Mas district where strong winds and currents Syria to join the Islamic State group, offi- Terrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Saud Usman Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin Bharu resembled a vast, muddy lake, with row have made rescue operations difficult. cials said, the latest in a wave of potential Nasution was quoted as saying in the admitted rescuers were facing challenges with after row of rooftops peeking out of the murky “It’s been three days, but the currents are still sympathisers emerging from the world’s Jakarta Post. power outages and roads being washed away by waters. Tempers were frayed among people very strong and the bad weather conditions are most populous Muslim nation. In total, an estimated 514 Indonesians the floods. sheltering at a crowded relief centre just outside making it difficult for everyone,” a rescue worker Those arrested at Jakarta’s Soekarno have gone to Syria and Iraq to fight along- “I admit the situation is challenging to the Kota Bharu, with fears the situation would wors- told AFP on condition of anonymity. — AFP Hatta airport at dawn included a couple side IS-around half of them students or and their 10-year-old child, with police say- migrant workers based in nearby countries, ing they were attempting to travel on fake according to Nasution. NATO force mistakenly passports. A large number of Muslims around the The alleged organiser of the trip was world have gravitated towards the radical kills 3 Afghan nomads also captured after the arrests. “They group, which this year declared a caliphate admitted during an investigation that they spanning territories it captured in Syria and GARDEZ: Afghanistan’s NATO-led foreign force mistakenly want to carry out jihad and be martyrs in Iraq. Indonesia has waged a crackdown on killed three civilians in an air strike, Afghan officials said yes- defending (IS),” said Jakarta police terror groups over the past decade follow- terday, less than a week before most foreign troops are due spokesman Rikwanto. “We hope to find out ing attacks against Western targets, includ- to pull out at the end of a 13-year mission. more details from the organiser, including ing the 2002 Bali bombings-a campaign The mistaken killing of civilians in air strikes has been a who funded the trip,” he added. that has been credited with weakening key source of anger throughout the force’s mission, frequently The number of IS supporters embarking networks. —AFP straining ties between the NATO force and the government. The latest incident took place in Logar province just south of the capital, Kabul, on Friday, and it involved nomads who had clashed in a dispute over land, provincial officials said. Authorities in the area were negotiating a ceasefire but NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) appar- ently mistook the nomads for insurgents preparing an attack, officials said. “ISAF launched an air strike which killed three people and wounded two,” said Logar police chief Abdul Hakim Ishaqzai. He said it was common for nomads, who move around the country with flocks of livestock, to be well-armed. Disputes over grazing land are common. “The people who were killed were inside a house,” he MUMBAI: A firefighter douses a fire at a timber shop in Bhiwandi, India, yesterday. said. The NATO force did not immediately respond to a The fire near the Indian financial capital of Mumbai early yesterday burnt eight peo- request forcomment but said it would issue a statement lat- ple to death, police said. The victims were workers who were sleeping in the shop, er. At least 3,188 civilians have been killed Afghanistan in said police officer Ramesh Patil. —AP 2014, according to the United Nations, a nearly 20 percent rise on the previous year and the highest since the United Nations began keeping records in 2009. Meanwhile, at least four intelligence officials and a civil- Eight killed in ian were killed in a roadside bomb that ripped through their vehicle in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan, offi- cial said yesterday. The governors spokesman, Samim fire near Mumbai Khpalwak told media that the blast took place in the Ibrahim Khalifa Baba area of Dand district, adding that the National Directorate of Security (NDS) officials had gone to the area NEW DELHI: A fire broke out in a timber state, said police officer Ramesh Patil. on excursion. Confirming the casualties he said that a fifth shop on the outskirts of the Indian finan- Authorities are investigating the cause NDS official was injured in the blast. No group claimed cial capital of Mumbai early yesterday, of the fire. The Press Trust of India news RAWALPINDI: A supporter of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) hangs a poster of slain for- responsibility of the blast but the official accused Taliban burning eight people to death, police agency said a dozen fire engines took mer premier Benazir Bhutto at her assassination site in Rawalpindi yesterday, on her rebels for the incident. The roadside blast came at a time said. hours to extinguish the blaze, which also seventh death anniversary. Bhutto was assassinated in a gun and suicide attack after when NATO /ISAF forces are preparing to leave Afghanistan The victims were workers who were spread to some adjacent shops. Three addressing an election campaign rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the till the end of the year handing overall security situation to sleeping in the shop, located in the other people sustained burn wounds and capital Islamabad. — AFP Afghan forces. —Agencies Bhiwandi area of western Maharashtra were hospitalized, it said. —AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 INTERNATIONAL China, Vietnam to address maritime disputes
SHANGHAI: Senior Chinese and “Megaphone diplomacy can only trig- Chinese troops invaded Vietnam in Sea, which set China’s sea border hun- the government moved to warm military Vietnamese officials have agreed to settle ger volatility in public opinion, which response to Hanoi’s invasion of dreds of kilometres south of its land mass ties with the US and also bought two their maritime disputes without resorting should be avoided by both sides,” the Cambodia, run at the time by the China- to hug most Vietnam’s coast. Kilo-class attack submarines from Russia to “megaphone diplomacy”, the official report quoted Yu as saying. “The mar- backed genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. China pressed those claims dramati- as a deterrent. Xinhua news service said yesterday. itime issue is highly complicated and sen- Both governments, which lay claim to cally early in 2014 by placing an oil Beijing has since removed the oil rig The agency’s report follows a meeting sitive, which requires negotiations to revolutionary credentials of resistance to drilling rig in waters claimed by Vietnam, and has signalled it wants better relations in Hanoi on Friday between Chinese manage and control differences,” he said. foreign invaders, must also placate their then confronted Vietnamese vessels with Vietnam. China has recently political advisor Yu Zhengsheng and Although major trading partners and respective nationalists demanding more attempting to approach the platform launched initiatives for a regional invest- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan sharing the same nominal commitment aggressive defence of territory. with water cannon and ramming tactics. ment bank and an infrastructure fund Dung, and it comes as Beijing backs off to communism, China and Vietnam have The conflict has been aggravated in Vietnamese citizens reacted by trash- that would position it as a benevolent from aggressive attempts to press its ter- a long history of distrust and conflict, recent years as China has grown more ing Chinese factories (and factories they driver of regional economic develop- ritorial claims in the South China Sea. including a short war in 1978 when assertive about its claims in South China mistook for Chinese) inside Vietnam, and ment. —Reuters Yangon votes for first time in six decades ‘We came here to vote and show our spirit’
YANGON: Residents of Myanmar’s replaced outright military rule in city’s several million residents, vote after years of repressed dem- commercial hub Yangon went to 2011. while other clauses have strictly ocratic aspirations under junta the polls yesterday for the first It was also a rare opportunity controlled who can stand for the rule. municipal elections in six decades, to have a say over the future of YCDC. “I do not know anything about with voters enthusiastic for Myanmar’s biggest city, where res- Just under 300 candidates, candidates. I just found out their change even though many knew idents grumble about runaway among them businessmen, retired names while voting,” Phone Maw little about the candidates or their construction and soaring rents, civil servants and activists, are Lynn, a resident in Sanchaung policies. worsening traffic, poor sanitation competing for 115 positions on township told AFP after voting. The election is being closely and weak pollution control. the committee-although the top “I hope for some significant watched as a test of the country’s “It’s very difficult to have big posts will remain largely appoint- change by voting,” he said without democratic credentials ahead of a expectations as this is the first ed. revealing who he voted for. While yesterday’s election marked a major step by the YCDC, which has not been chosen by popular ballot since 1949, analysts MINDANAO: In this photo taken on December 26, 2014, members of the cautioned against reading too communists’ armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), walk past a hammer much into the vote. and sickle flag displayed in a village as they mark the 46th anniversary of its Ahead of the ballot, critics said founding, on the southern island of Mindanao. —AFP the poll was deeply flawed, citing the rule of just one person per household being allowed to vote, China jails six ‘cult’ the narrow age restrictions for candidates and a ban on political parties from taking part. members in crackdown Appointees will still outnumber elected figures on the city’s top BEIJING: China has jailed six members of a tortured for refusing to give up their beliefs. council within the YCDC, which fringe religious group known as “Almighty A Chinese court in October sentenced has major responsibilities over God” for up to five years for promoting their two members of Almighty God to death for infrastructure, heritage and tax faith, state-media reported yesterday. beating a woman to death at a McDonald’s collection in Yangon. China has cracked down hard on the restaurant in the eastern province of “It may be free and fair. But group, whose members believe that Jesus Shandong. The incident prompted a because this election is free and was reincarnated as a Chinese woman, renewed crackdown on Almighty God, fair, we can not assume the com- detaining and imprisoning thousands since though the group on its official website dis- ing 2015 general election will be labelling it a “cult” in the 1990s. tanced itself from the pair and said they had free and fair also,” said independ- The court in the western city of Lanzhou been forced into confessing. ent political analyst Yan Myo said their activities “seriously disturbed Beijing has for years struggled to sup- Thein. social order and the work of state agencies”, press the group, which has attracted follow- The polls are only the second the official Xinhua news agency said in a ers across China’s countryside. The move- major vote since the 2010 general brief dispatch. ment’s founder is reported to have fled to elections, which were marred by The six members were found to have the United States. widespread accusations of cheat- held fundraising events and promotional Almighty God has told members that a ing and the absence of Aung San activities, Xinhua said without giving details. “female Jesus” called on members to Suu Kyi’s opposition party, which They were each sentenced to between overthrow the Communist Party, which it YANGON: Volunteers make preparations ahead of voting at a polling station in Yangon yester- boycotted the election. By-elec- three and five years in jail. The court could refers to as “the big red dragon”, the state- day. Myanmar’s main city went to the polls yesterday for the first municipal vote in six decades, tions in 2012 held in a handful of not be reached for comment. China’s ruling run Global Times reported. but observers warn the process is riddled with flaws and could cast a shadow over crucial 2015 constituencies across the country Communist party is wary of independent China tightly controls the exercise of reli- general elections. —AFP were considered much freer and organisations, and has cracked down harsh- gion, permitting worship at government- allowed the veteran democracy ly on groups it labels “cults”, most notably controlled Buddhist, Daoist, Muslim, landmark nationwide poll slated YCDC election for 60 years,” Khin Campaigns were muted-or campaigner Suu Kyi to enter par- the Falungong spiritual movement. Protestant and Catholic establishments but for November next year, despite Maung Tun, 50, a resident in non-existent-in a country where liament for the first time. It has detained tens of thousands of banning other religious organisations. strict curbs on who could vote Thaketa township told AFP. “But politicians are unused to wooing But she remains barred from Falungong members, according to rights Beijing often proclaims that it grants citizens yesterday and the limited power we came here to vote and show the electorate, although election running for president under the groups, with some saying they have been wide-ranging religious freedoms. —AFP of the councillors they were elect- our spirit.” officials said the ballot would be current constitution, although her ing. Despite such enthusiasm, local transparent, free and fair. National League for Democracy For many the ballot for the Yangon media said turnout was low, party is pressing hard for an City Development Committee, which although there were no official Turn up and vote amendment. closed yesterday afternoon, was the figures immediately available. Despite the lack of intimacy The NLD is expected to sweep first chance to vote under the coun- Restrictions on who can vote with the candidates’ politics, many next year’s poll, following up on try’s quasi-civilian government, which enfranchised just 400,000 of the residents appeared determined to its 2012 success. —AFP Agonizing, lonely search for missing kids in China
BEIJING: In the grainy video, Zhang Xiuhong can “We go out and search, and then all these police Illegal adoption see her daughter ride her bike down a country road surround us,” Zhang said in the dingy room she and As many as 70,000 children are estimated to be on her way to school one spring afternoon six years her husband share near where her daughter was kidnapped every year in China for illegal adoption, ago. In the next shot, Yao Li rides down a driveway a last seen. “Nobody’s watching for my daughter. forced labor or sex trafficking, making it one of the few moments after her classmates walk by. Then, Nobody’s doing anything. How can we have any world’s biggest markets for abducted children, the pictures stop: The 15-year-old disappeared just more hope?” according to the state-run newspaper China Daily. minutes after that surveillance footage was taken, In a tightly monitored society where authorities By comparison, in the US, about 100 children are leaving only a shoe as a clue in a nearby ditch. detain even relatives of air crash victims demand- abducted annually by people who are strangers to Zhang and her husband have since searched all ing government action, Zhang and other parents of them, said the Polly Klaas Foundation, a nonprofit MANDALAY: Buddhist monks attend a protest, demanding the closure over China for Yao Li, hoping to rescue her from a missing children have learned that they must fight dedicated to preventing crimes against children of a flashpoint copper mine, near the Chinese consulate in Myanmar’s child trafficking industry that swallows up thou- on two fronts. and assisting in the recovery of missing ones. central city of Mandalay yesterday. —AFP sands of boys and girls every year. Along the way, First, they’re up against a sprawling, opaque net- The US State Department said in its annual traf- the couple have also been harassed, arrested and work of abductors and illegal buyers and sellers of ficking report this year that China “does not fully jailed repeatedly by police who accuse them of stir- children. And since police efforts to find children comply with the minimum standards for the elimi- Hundreds protest against ring up trouble by joining with other parents and often leave parents unsatisfied, they must negoti- nation of trafficking.” taking their search to the streets. ate with authorities to hunt for the kids themselves. Chinese authorities have tried to show they’re China-backed mine tackling the problem, including launching a special anti-kidnapping task force in 2009, which govern- YANGON: Around 500 people including dozens neighbours. But we are worried that relations ment media say has busted 11,000 trafficking of Buddhist monks protested near the Chinese between China and Myanmar may be dam- gangs and rescued more than 54,000 children consulate in Myanmar’s central city of Mandalay aged,” by the mine dispute, Thein Aung Myint across the country. yesterday demanding the closure of a flashpoint added. In October, the issue was highlighted in the copper mine. Mandalay police confirmed the protest, say- Chinese-produced movie “Dearest,” which told the It was the largest protest since the fatal ing hundreds were in attendance but no arrests true story of a couple who found their abducted shooting of a woman demonstrating against were made. Keen to prevent the issue snow- son after searching for three years. Still, many par- the Letpadaung mine in the northwestern town balling, Wanbao has recognised the woman’s ents say they toil largely on their own, with the of Monywa-a Chinese backed venture dogged “senseless death” as “painful and poignant”, police at best leaving them alone. by complaints of land grabbing and environ- while China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday Xiao Chaohua, whose son was 5 when he disap- mental damage. also expressed its regret. peared outside his shop in 2007, said appeals to Khin Win, in her 50s, was killed last Monday The Letpadaung copper mine has triggered government-run TV to broadcast pictures and when police opened fire on protesters trying to several rounds of fierce opposition from local names of individual children are largely rejected, as stop the mine company building a fence in terri- villagers. are suggestions to develop a Chinese version of US tory disputed with local farmers. In November 2012 a botched police raid Amber Alert warning systems to spread informa- The mine-run by Chinese firm Wanbao as using phosphorus on a protest at the mine left tion about missing children through roadway signs part of a joint venture with a major local military dozens of people, including monks, with burn or other means. conglomerate —- has raised questions about injuries. “They won’t broadcast it because if they do, it’ll Myanmar’s reliance on investment from neigh- That crackdown, the harshest since the end expose one of China’s problems - the fact that chil- bouring China, which gave crucial political sup- of outright army rule in 2011, sparked fury in the dren go missing here,” Xiao said. port to the former junta. Buddhist-majority country. The Public Security Ministry, which runs the anti- “We want the truth of what happened in Earlier this year two Chinese workers were kidnapping task force, did not respond to several Letpadaung as Khin Win was killed. We want kidnapped at the site by activists, though they BEIJING: In this Dec 2, 2014 photo, Xiao Chaohua walks past his van displaying pho- phone calls and a fax seeking comment. the authorities to take appropriate action,” Thein were later released unharmed. tos of the missing children across China, which created by him to seek public atten- According to Pia Macrae, China director for the Aung Myint, a protest organiser from A new quasi-civilian government has imple- international nonprofit group Save The Children, Movement for Democracy Current Force mented headline-grabbing reforms in recent tion to locate the children, parked outside his house in Beijing, China. As many as (MDCF) told AFP. Small but near-daily protests years, including releasing political prisoners and 70,000 children are estimated to be kidnapped every year in China for illegal adop- Chinese police are often more willing to help fami- lies with greater means, and even then frequently against Wanbao have been held in Yangon and allowing opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi tion, forced labor or sex trafficking, making it one of the world’s biggest markets for Mandalay. “We are not against China. We are into parliament. —AFP abducted children, according to the state-run newspaper China Daily. —AP don’t tell parents what they’re doing. —AP NEWS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
ALBERTVILLE: Snow fall as vehicles move bumper-to-bumper along the motorway near Albertville yesterday as they make their way into the Tarentaise valley in the heart of the French Alps, home to many of the famous French ski resorts. — AFP
Police outside cop funeral turn backs on NYC mayor Continued from Page 1 his support of protesters angry that no tors to temporarily halt their protests and targeted two officers, it targeted this city and NYPD jacket - was hugged by a police offi- charges will be filed in the police deaths of praising officers after the police department it touched the soul of an entire nation,” the cer. Ramos, a 40-year-old married father of Inside Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric announced the arrest of a seventh person vice president said. Cuomo called the day- two, was studying to become a pastor and however, mourners gave de Blasio polite Garner on Staten Island. At a hospital after the since the shooting for making threats against light shootings of the officers as they sat in kept Bible study books in his locker, his com- applause before and after his speech. The officers’ slayings, the police union’s president, police. their cruiser on a street in Brooklyn’s Bedford- manding officer said. Officer Dustin mayor said hearts citywide were aching after Patrick Lynch, and others turned their backs De Blasio and Lynch nodded at each other Stuyvesant section “an attack on all of us.” Lindaman of the Waterloo Police Department the Dec. 20 shootings that left Ramos and his on de Blasio in a sign of disrespect. Lynch said as they exited the church Saturday and lined The attack shook the city and put an end flew from Iowa to attend Ramos’ funeral. partner, Wenjian Liu, dead. the mayor had “blood on his hands.” up to wait for the casket. The mayor followed to large-scale local protests criticizing police “He’s one of our brothers, and when this “All of this city is grieving and grieving for Weeks before the shooting, Lynch had Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew over a series of high-profile, in-custody happens, it affects everyone in law enforce- so many reasons,” de Blasio said. “But the most suggested that officers sign a petition Cuomo on the roster of speakers eulogizing deaths. Funeral plans for Ramos’ partner, ment - it absolutely affects everyone,” he said. personal is that we’ve lost such a good man, requesting that the mayor not attend their Ramos yesterday. Officer Wenjian Liu, have yet to be “We wanted to show our support.” A block and the family is in such pain.” funerals were they to die in the line of duty. Officers inside and outside the church announced. When the Ramos family arrived from the church, retired NYPD Officer John Police union officials have blamed de De Blasio has stood firmly by the police applauded when Biden called the NYPD the at the church yesterday, the elder son - wear- Mangan held a sign that read: “God Bless the Blasio for fostering anti-police sentiment for since the shooting, calling on the demonstra- finest in the world. “When an assassin’s bullet ing his father’s NYPD. Dump de Blasio.” —AP No dependent visas for expat parents Bahrain opposition chief re-elected Continued from Page 1 penalties on expats for not informing immigration depart- Continued from Page 1 2011. Al-Wefaq, which withdrew its lawmakers from parlia- ments about renewal of passports, Al-Jarrah said “All ment in protest, denounced the vote as a “farce”. It has called Regarding the fees on iqamas, Al-Jarrah said that “as countries have their own sovereign right to implement In July, the justice ministry sued Al-Wefaq demanding it for an elected prime minister who is independent from the soon as we finish organizing the visits and dependency their own law. We do not object to laws when they imple- rectify its “illegal status following the annulment of four gen- ruling royal family. visas we will start with iqamas”. He said iqama rules are ment them that affect our citizens in their countries eral assemblies for lack of a quorum and the non-commit- Pro-government Sunni candidates, including Islamists, old as they have been in force for more than 50 years. because it is their sovereign right. Similarly, they must also ment to the public and transparency requirements for hold- won 27 of the 40 parliamentary seats in the November 22 “We do not agree with the current fees nor with the understand our sovereign rights when we implement ing them”. The Manama administrative court slapped Al- election, with the rest taken by Shiites including three state’s policy to diversify income sources, adding that all laws in our country. He said the Egyptian embassy Wefaq with the ban on October 28 and gave it three months women. The parliament can examine bills proposed by the iqama fee structure in the country needs to be charges KD30 for passport renewal in Kuwait although it to hold an assembly to elect its leaders. The ruling came after King Hamad and has monitoring powers, while the Majlis reviewed,” he said. costs only KD7 in Egypt,” he said. He said the country has Al-Wefaq announced it was boycotting a parliamentary elec- Ash-Shura, a consultative council whose 40 members are About the issue of domestic help, Al-Jarrah said “rules become a refuge for illegals and law violators because of tion in November, the first in the Gulf state since Sunni appointed, can block legislation coming out of the lower concerning the citizens including the one on domestic our leniency. Now, we are in the process of executing laws authorities crushed Shiite-led pro-democracy protests in house. — AFP help will not be subjected to any change.” to safeguard the interests of the state. Those who want to Regarding the objections raised by some embassies in respect our laws are welcome but the doors are open for N Korea compares Obama to monkey Kuwait and some members of parliament on imposing those expats who do not respect our laws,” he added. Continued from Page 1 People’s Republic of Korea. The commission said the movie was the result of a hostile US policy toward North Fadhl under fire for call to legalize... after the US had promised to respond to the Sony Korea, and threatened the US with unspecified conse- hack. The US government has declined to say if it was quences. Continued from Page 1 intruded their life and brought with them liquor and even behind the shutdown. North Korea and the US remain technically in a state traded in it. There was no immediate reaction from the White of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an Hamdan said it is not acceptable from a member of par- Former MP Faisal Al-Muslim strongly lashed out at Fadhl’s House yesterday. According to the North Korean com- armistice, not a peace treaty. The rivals also are locked in liament to issue statements that include false information calls and criticized MPs who did not condemn Fadhl. The mission’s spokesman, “the US, a big country, started dis- an international standoff over the North’s nuclear and about the history of Kuwait and also calling to allow liquor. Islamist Social Reform Society also strongly condemned turbing the Internet operation of major media of the missile programs and its alleged human rights abuses. MP Faisal Al-Kundari said Fadhl is trying to confuse Fadhl’s call to allow liquor saying that Kuwait remained an DPRK, not knowing shame like children playing tag.” The US stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea as between the noble traditions of Kuwaitis and those who Islamic state that had applied the principles of Islam. DPRK refers to the North’s official name, the Democratic deterrence against North Korean aggression. — AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 ANALYSIS
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Focus Parents of Cuban who spied for US say they only hope he’s well
By Rosa Tania Valdés
or two decades, the parents of a Cuban man convicted of spying for the United States Fbelieved he was innocent. Now that all signs suggest he was a double agent working for Washington, they say they can only wish him a happy future. Rolando Sarraff was sentenced to 25 years for collaborating with the United States while he worked for Cuba’s Directorate of Intelligence, helping the Americans crack codes that exposed Cuban spies working in the United After a stormy year, 2015 may be no calmer States, according to former US intelligence offi- cials who knew of his case. By Peter Apps could make him more unpredictable. “It’s not necessarily can slow Iran’s nuclear program. With a mid-year deadline Sarraff, 51, is widely believed to be the spy that going to make Russia any better behaved,” says for a deal, some analysts believe Israel’s government US President Barack Obama spoke of last week rom financial crisis in Russia to cyber warfare with Christopher Harmer, a former US navy pilot now senior fel- might launch a military strike to knock it back. when he announced an end to five decades of North Korea, 2014 has generated new flashpoints low at the Institute for Study of War. NATO officials say the “If Iran agrees a deal, and that remains a big “if”, that right into its final days, setting 2015 up to be just as alliance would treat any aggression, even covert, in NATO could constitute a trigger for such an event,” said Nigel enmity with communist-run Cuba and a prisoner F turbulent. Almost all of the major confrontations, such as member Baltic states as an act of war. Inkster, former deputy chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence swap that accompanied it. Obama said his “sacri- the battle with Islamic State militants, the West’s stand-off China is building up its military might. It lays claim to Service (MI6) and now head of transnational threats at fice has been known to only a few” and praised with Russia over Ukraine and the fight against Ebola, will almost all the South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies. him for providing information that led to several rumble on. and gas. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and He said much would depend on whether Israeli Prime Cuban spies in the United States, including the Others could erupt at short notice. “Normally after a Taiwan also have claims. In the East China Sea, a string of Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wins March elections and three he was swapped for. Several current and for- year like this you might expect things to islets claimed by both China and Japan have strained ties how hardline a coalition results. calm down,” said John Bassett, former senior official severely. Some officials and analysts say Western over- On one threat, most of the world’s powers are coalesc- mer US officials identified that spy as Sarraff, with British signals intelligence agency GCHQ now an asso- stretch means a confrontation in one part of the world can ing. Pushing back Islamic State in Iraq and Syria is a high according to The New York Times. ciate at Oxford University. “But none of these problems encourage potential adversaries elsewhere to try their priority for western states, Gulf powers and Turkey, Russia His parents said they are desperate to hear have been resolved and the drivers of them are not going luck, a potential factor in North Korea’s increased and China. from their son as they haven’t spoken with him away.” The causes are varied - a global shift of economic assertiveness. Whether they can bridge differences on the fate of since before Obama’s Dec 17 announcement. power from the West, new technologies, regional rivalries Washington has accused Pyongyang of launching a Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad, however, remains “I always thought that (he was innocent) but, and anger over rising wealth gaps. cyber attack on Sony Pictures after its film on the fictional unclear. Already some worry the anti-IS operation initially In June, a report by the Institute for Economics and assassination of leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea has to safeguard minority refugees in northern Iraq is suffer- well, I don’t have any information,” his father, also Peace showed world peace declining for the seventh con- rejected the charge. ing “mission creep” as US elections hove into view. called Rolando Sarraff, said on Friday from the secutive year since 2007, reversing a trend of improvement “The recent hack on Sony has highlighted the vulnera- More than 1,000 members of the 82nd Airborne front door of the couple’s simple apartment in an over decades. The same group said in November deaths bility of the West to the growing threat posed by cyber Division will deploy to Iraq in the New Year to help train upscale neighborhood of western Havana. “Look, from militant attacks leapt 60 percent to an all-time high, attack,” said Alastair Newton, senior political analyst at Iraqi forces. The first months of 2015 will also be key in the Cuban government hasn’t said anything and primarily in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, Nomura. tackling a very different foe: Ebola. A major US military neither has Obama, so there is an agreement this at a time when the West’s ability to respond militarily is deployment to build treatment centres in Liberia is credit- constrained as Washington and its European allies cut MIDDLE EAST MAELSTROM ed with helping slow new cases there but the virus contin- between the two governments not to say any- defense budgets. Washington’s adversaries are becoming more adept at ues to spread in Sierra Leone and Guinea. thing, I guess,” the 79-year-old father said. “The “ambiguous warfare”, using deniable tactics or proxy “It really is an unusually broad range of challenges,” said important thing is that my son be well.” RUSSIAN ENIGMA forces such as the “little green men” in unmarked uniforms Kathleen Hicks, US Principal Deputy Secretary of Defense Neither Washington nor Havana have said While Western policymakers hope Russia’s economic and vehicles the West says Russia deployed in Ukraine. for Policy from 2012-13 and now with the Centre for where the spy has been since his release from crisis will curb Vladimir Putin’s ambitions, others worry it Covert tactics may no longer be enough to satisfy Israel it Strategic and International Studies. —Reuters prison. For years, Sarraff’s parents spoke with him on US plagued by doubts as it exits Afghan war the phone and visited him regularly in prison, and they believed their son’s claim that he was inno- By Dan De Luce lofty ideals of nation-building, vowing to Having reached a peak of more than casualties and desertions. cent. A family blog described him as unjustly fight corruption, foster economic develop- 100,000 US forces, the American presence “The Taleban have nowhere near the imprisoned. Then last week he was apparently tak- fter 13 years, the United States is ment, and forge a “stable, democratic state” is down to about 11,000 troops, now that power they did in 2001, but they are cer- en from prison with no explanation from either winding down its war in in an impoverished land mired in war for NATO’s combat mission is over. tainly not finished,” said Vanda Felbab- the Cuban or US governments. AAfghanistan, plagued by doubts decades. The results were often disappoint- Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings about what was accomplished at such a ing. International aid helped build roads ‘Big test’ Institution think tank. US officials hope a His parents said they last saw him two days high cost. Instead of a sense of triumph at and schools, but it also was blamed for The balance sheet for the campaign is huge investment in the Afghan security before the joint announcement by Obama and the close of the longest conflict in fueling rampant corruption, with some of decidedly mixed. The intervention forces will pay off, but already the insur- Cuban President Raul Castro that they would America’s history, there is mostly regret and the money ending up with the insurgents. deprived Al-Qaeda of a sanctuary, ousted gents have clawed back control in some restore diplomatic ties and swap prisoners. When fatigue over a war that claimed the lives of Attempts to broker peace talks with the the Taleban from power, eased the repres- areas in the south where American troops they called their son the following day, they were more than 2,300 American troops and cost Taliban in recent years came to nothing. sion of women and created an Afghan have pulled out. more than a trillion dollars. Critics say Washington missed a chance at army that could make it difficult for the The newly created security force, rid- told he was no longer available. If the United US commanders insist the Afghan secu- cutting a deal early in the war, when the insurgents to return to their once domi- dled with ethnic divisions, remains “a ques- States negotiated Sarraff’s release, it would con- rity forces will hold the line in a stalemate insurgents were on the retreat. nant role, analysts said. tion mark,” Felbab-Brown said. “Next year is firm he was a turncoat. It was unknown if Sarraff with the Taleban. But some officials fear a Fighting the elusive Taleban, with their But Al-Qaeda-even after its leader a big test for them,” said Carter Malkasian, had not contacted his family because US or Cuban repeat of Iraq, in which an American- homemade bombs and Pakistani sanctuar- Osama bin Laden was killed by US com- author of a book on the war who worked officials told him not to or for his own reasons. trained army virtually collapsed in the face ies, proved frustrating for Western troops, mandos-has spawned cells elsewhere and as a US diplomat for two years in southern “Our longing is that he be happy and that he’s of a jihadist onslaught. A large majority of who struggled to grasp the language and inspired new extremists in Syria and Iraq, Helmand province. Americans now say the war was not worth tribal rivalries of an alien culture. while women’s advances are fragile and “If they lose ground, that’s an indica- well and that he has a plan for his future, because it, and only 23 percent of US soldiers Commanders appealed for more troops. could easily unravel. The Taleban may no tion that this war is going to keep going,” no prisoner can have a plan for his future,” his believe the mission has been a success, And Washington kept sending forces “in longer run ministries but they are far from he said. “If that happens, the Taleban are mother, 76-year-old Odesa Trujillo, said on Friday. according to recent polls. the vain hope that something might some- defeated and could yet turn the tide going to get bolder, because the Taliban “He has to move forward.” But when it began, the war enjoyed how improve,” wrote retired general Daniel against the Kabul government’s army, are not going to see a reason to negoti- The parents, both retired journalists who suffer overwhelming support and victory seemed Bolger, author of “Why We Lost.” which has suffered unsustainably high ate.” —AFP from health problems, declined to talk about how within reach. Less than a month after Al- Qaeda’s attacks of September 11, 2001, they felt about their son’s case but his mother president George W Bush captured the defended him as a good person. “He’s a great son, nation’s sense of righteous anger as he a great friend, a great everything, and if one day announced military action in Afghanistan you get to speak with him I’m sure that you will in a televised address in October. see how cultured he is,” she said. In the prisoner The goal was to “disrupt the use of exchange, Obama commuted the sentences of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of opera- tions,” Bush said, and to attack the Taliban three Cuban intelligence agents while Cuba regime that had hosted Al-Qaeda and released the spy and US aid contractor Alan Gross. refused to hand over its leaders. It also committed to freeing 53 people that the US government considers political prisoners, Toppling the Taleban although their identities remain a mystery nine US objectives were met with stunning days later. —Reuters speed. Al-Qaeda training camps were wiped out and Northern Alliance fighters- backed by US-led air strikes and a small number of American special forces-toppled the Taleban regime within a month. All articles appearing on these For the United States, the war seemed all but over. But the Taleban eventually pages are the personal opinion of regrouped from safe havens in neighboring the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Pakistan, even as Washington’s attention responsibility for views expressed shifted to a new war in Iraq. The Taleban therein. Kuwait Times invites read- grew into a virulent insurgency that exploited resentment of a corrupt, ineffec- ers to voice their opinions. Please tive government in Kabul. send submissions via email to: opin- The United States formed the backbone [email protected] or via snail of an international force that found itself in a protracted fight with insurgents. The US- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. led contingent steadily expanded-while the The editor reserves the right to edit goals of the war became increasingly ambi- any submission as necessary. tious as well. KABUL: US Senator John McCain (left) meets with Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah (right) at the Washington and its allies embraced the Sapedar Palace in Kabul on Decr 25. —AFP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 SPORTS
Aguirre denies match-fixing Marsh to miss Ronaldo eyes bigger success TOKYO: Japan coach Javier Aguirre denied yesterday any involvement in match-fixing in MADRID: Not content with four titles in 2014, including his second Champions Spain and called for calm from the team’s supporters during their Asian Cup defence. final Test League, prolific Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to make next The Mexican was among 41 people named by Spain’s anti-corruption prosecutor in court year an even bigger success. Ronaldo netted 51 goals in 47 appearances last sea- this month following a probe into Real Zaragoza’s 2-1 win at Levante on the final day of the MELBOURNE: Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh son, setting a record of 17 goals for one edition of Europe’s elite club competition, 2010-11 campaign. The victory ensured Zaragoza, coached by Aguirre, avoided relegation. has been ruled out of the fourth and final test as Real secured a record-extending 10th continental crown and the King’s Cup. The Japan Football Association has sent a delegation to Spain to conduct a probe into the against India after aggravating a hamstring injury. The Portugal captain continued where he left off in 2014-15 as the world’s richest case but said Aguirre will remain in charge for next month’s Asian Cup in Australia. Marsh strained his hamstring during the second club by income claimed the European Super Cup and Club World Cup and he has Speaking through a translator, Aguirre said he believed Spanish soccer was clean and the test in Brisbane and was sidelined for the ongoing amassed an incredible 32 goals in 25 games in all competitions. investigation would not impact Japan’s preparations for the tournament. third test in Melbourne. “Mitchell Marsh had scans His haul of 25 in 14 La Liga matches is a Spanish record and he looks “I worked in Spain for 12 years and I have never done anything unethical or on his injured hamstring this morning after set to smash the biggest total for a season in Spain’s top flight of 50 unprofessional,” Aguirre told reporters at the JFA’s headquarters in Tokyo on reporting some soreness yesterday. The scans scored by Lionel Messi in 2011-12. Saturday. confirm that he has suffered a setback in his rehab “It would be a dream if 2015 was like 2014 or even better,” Ronaldo “I would like to tell our supporters to stay calm during this investigation. and will not be available for the Sydney test said in an interview published in sports daily As yesterday.”It is possi- We need their support to take the Asian Cup title. “I will be concentrating match,” team physio Alex Kountouris said in a ble to do it because Madrid is always a candidate to win the competi- and preparing for the Japan team to win the Asian Cup.” The 56-year-old statement. tions it is playing in,” added the 29-year-old. “We have a team spirit Aguirre replaced Italian Alberto Zaccheroni, who stepped down after Japan Kountouris said the team’s focus would be to that can help us win the most titles possible and we will fight were eliminated in the first round of this year’s World Cup in Brazil. get Marsh fit for the one-day international tri- to the death to get them.” Ronaldo attributed much of The prosecutor in Spain alleges the Levante players were paid a total series against England and India which starts Jan. Real’s recent success to the arrival of coach Carlo of 965,000 euros to deliberately lose the game. “I will be cooperat- 12. Debutant batsman Joe Burns replaced Marsh Ancelotti, who replaced the divisive Jose ing with the Spanish authorities and seeing this case through to in the team for the third Test. Australia lead the Mourinho at the end of the 2012-13 sea- the end,” Aguirre added. — Reuters series 2-0. son. —Reuters
ATLANTA: Milwaukee Bucks’ Johnny O’Bryant III (3) blocks a shot by Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP
Bucks shoot down Hawks
ATLANTA: Reserve forward Jared Dudley made all reserve Evan Fournier scored 15. The Magic lost for chance to tie it at the buzzer, but Sullinger’s shot He could return Sunday at home against Phoenix. and Portland won for the seventh time in eight 10 shots, including four 3-pointers, and scored a the fifth time in the last six games. from the left baseline rimmed out. Carlos Boozer scored 18 points for the Lakers, who games. Lillard, who had scored at least 40 points in season-high 24 points Friday night to lead the lost again on the second night of a back-to-back two of Portland’s previous three games, had 19 Milwaukee Bucks to a 107-77 victory over the PISTONS 119, PACERS 109 PELICANS 97,SPURS 90 after beating NBA-leading Golden State in the first second-half points for the Blazers (24-7). Wesley Atlanta Hawks. Brandon Knight added 16 points Greg Monroe had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Anthony Davis had 22 points, 12 rebounds and game without Bryant. Nowitzki passed Elvin Hayes Matthews went 7 of 14 from 3-point range and fin- for Milwaukee, which ended Atlanta’s five-game Andre Drummond scored 20 points and Detroit five blocks, leading New Orleans to a 97-90 victory for eighth on the NBA’s scoring list, and 10th on the ished with 25 points. winning streak. The Hawks had won 14 of 15 but ended a four-game skid. The Pistons had seven over slumping San Antonio. The Pelicans earned combined NBA-ABA list. Nowitzki, in his 17th sea- Joel Freeland pulled down a career-high 17 were routed in front of a rare sellout crowd at players score in double figures. Kentavious consecutive wins over the Spurs for the first time in son, finished at 27,322 points, nine ahead of Hayes. rebounds, most by a Blazer this season. Tony home. Caldwell-Pope had 15 points, and Brandon team history. They also won 100-99 in San Antonio Wroten, who missed Philadelphia’s last game with After Dudley made back-to-back 3-pointers for Jennings finished with 14 points and 10 assists. on Nov. 8.Ryan Anderson scored 22 points for New NUGGETS 106, TIMBERWOLVES 102 a right knee sprain, came off the bench to score 22 a 21-18 Milwaukee lead with 2:51 left in the first Roy Hibbert paced Indiana with 19 points, but Orleans (15-14), and Jrue Holiday added 15 points Kenneth Faried had a career-high 25 rebounds points. Michael Carter-Williams had 17 points. quarter, the Bucks led the rest of the way and went foul trouble sent him to the bench in the third and seven assists. San Antonio has dropped six of to go along with 26 points, and Denver beat Philadelphia (4-24) had won two in a row. ahead by 30 in the final period. Paul Millsap led the quarter, and the Pistons took advantage. They seven. It was coming off a 114-106 loss to Minnesota. Wilson Chandler scored 21 points for Hawks with 22 points and 11 rebounds. outscored the Pacers 36-29 in the period to take an Oklahoma City on Christmas. Tim Duncan had 20 the Nuggets, who had lost two in a row. Ty Lawson SUNS 115, KINGS 106 11-point lead into the fourth. points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs (18-13), and finished with 16 points and 11 assists. Marcus Morris had 20 points and nine CAVALIERS 98, MAGIC 89 Cory Joseph also scored 20 points. New Orleans Faried tied the NBA’s highest rebounding total rebounds for Phoenix, and Isaiah Thomas keyed LeBron James had 29 points and eight assists, NETS 109, CELTICS 107 scored 20 points off 17 San Antonio turnovers. this season. Mavericks center Tyson Chandler also the decisive run against his former team. In his first helping Cleveland rally for the win. Kevin Love Jarrett Jack made a tiebreaking jumper with 28 had 25 rebounds in a 109-102 victory over the New game back in Sacramento, Thomas led an 18-7 scored 22 points and reserve Dion Waiters added seconds left, lifting Brooklyn to the road win. Jack ROCKETS 117, GRIZZLIES 111 York Knicks on Nov. 26. It was Faried’s best game spurt to start the fourth quarter that put Phoenix 17 for Cleveland, which bounced back from a 101- had 27 points and Alan Anderson scored 15 for the James Harden had 32 points and 10 assists for since he had 22 points and 17 rebounds in a victory up by 15. The former Kings fan favorite finished 91 loss at Miami on Christmas. Tristan Thompson Nets, who won their third straight and improved to Houston, and Josh Smith scored 21 points in his over Detroit on opening night. Thaddeus Young led with 17 points, five assists and three rebounds in grabbed 13 rebounds. 12-2 against sub-.500 teams. Mason Plumlee had Rockets debut. Trevor Ariza had 15 points for the Minnesota with 23 points. Rookie guard Andrew just 29 minutes. Darren Collison scored 19 points The Cavaliers played without point guard Kyrie 14 points and 12 rebounds. Rockets, who took over the top spot in the Western Wiggins had 22 points for the Timberwolves, who for the Kings, who sorely missed DeMarcus Irving, who was sidelined by a bruised knee. Tobias Jeff Green scored 22 points for Boston, which Conference’s Southwest Division. Dwight Howard have lost seven straight and 13 of 14. Cousins inside. The franchise center sat out with a Harris led Orlando with 16 points. Nik Vucevic had has dropped three in a row. Jared Sullinger had 19 had only six points, but connected on all four of his stomach illness. Interim coach Tyrone Corbin said 12 points, seven assists and eight rebounds, and points and eight rebounds. The Celtics had a free throws in overtime. He also grabbed 11 TRAIL BLAZERS 114, 76ERS 93 the illness is unrelated to the viral meningitis that rebounds. Damian Lillard had 28 points and nine assists, sidelined Cousins for 10 games previously. — AP Marc Gasol led Memphis with 29 points, and O’Connor leaves Toulon to Beno Udrih scored 17. Vince Carter had 10, includ- ing a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that fueled a Memphis rally. NBA results/standings pursue World Cup dream The teams were tied at 104 at the end of regula- tion after Gasol’s jumper at the end of the fourth Brooklyn 109, Boston 107; Cleveland 98, Orlando 89; Milwaukee 107, Atlanta 77; Detroit 119, TOULON: Australia back James O’Connor the wake of an incident at Perth airport that bounced away. Indiana 109; Houston 117, Memphis 111 (OT); New Orleans 97, San Antonio 90; Oklahoma City says he leaves Toulon after Sunday’s Top 14 reportedly saw him escorted from the 98, Charlotte 75; Dallas 102, LA Lakers 98; Denver 106, Minnesota 102; Portland 114, Philadelphia clash against Stade Francais after “a great premises for arguing with airline staff. THUNDER 98, HORNETS 75 93; Phoenix 115, Sacramento 106. six months” with the French champions. The then Australia coach Ewen McKenzie Russell Westbrook scored 29 points, and Eastern Conference Western Conference Oklahoma City snapped Charlotte’s four-game win- The 24-year-old is heading home to join declared that O’Connor would have to Atlantic Division Northwest Division ning streak. The Hornets scored the game’s first Queensland Reds in a bid to boost his “modify (his) behavior” if he wanted to res- W L PCT GB Portland 24 7 .774 - basket, and then the Thunder reeled off nine chances of being selected for the Wallabies’ urrect his international career. Toronto 22 7 .759 - Oklahoma City 15 16 .484 9 2015 World Cup squad. The player noted: “I didn’t leave on good straight points to take a lead they never relin- Brooklyn 13 15 .464 8.5 quished in winning for the second straight day. Denver 13 17 .433 10.5 “I’ve picked up so many things from my terms. I’ve got things to prove to my coun- Boston 10 17 .370 11 Utah 9 20 .310 14 time here,” he said yesterday.”I’ve learnt a try.” O’Connor has turned out 10 times for Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka had 13 points, 14 NY Knicks 5 26 .161 18 rebounds and four blocks. Brian Roberts led the Minnesota 5 23 .179 17.5 great deal from this team. Playing with top Toulon, scoring four tries with a total of 59 Philadelphia 4 24 .143 17.5 Pacific Division players gives you confidence. points. Reflecting on his Top 14 spell he Hornets with 17 points. The Thunder played their Central Division fifth straight game without Kevin Durant, who has Golden State 23 5 .821 - “There’s a real culture of winning here, said: “I’ve grown up. I’ve really developed Chicago 20 9 .690 - LA Clippers 20 10 .667 4 a sprained ankle. Cleveland 18 11 .621 2 I’m sure the boys are going to win the Top my game, especially in attack, in learning Phoenix 17 14 .548 7.5 14 and the European Champions Cup.” how to make good decisions. I understand Milwaukee 15 15 .500 5.5 MAVERICKS 102, LAKERS 98 Indiana 10 20 .333 10.5 Sacramento 12 17 .414 11.5 Explaining his decision to return home he rugby better now.” He quits Toulon mean- Rajon Rondo scored a season-high 21 points in LA Lakers 9 21 .300 15 added: “I’m going back to Australia in the while with fond memories of his half year in Detroit 6 23 .207 14 his fourth game with Dallas, and Dirk Nowitzki had Southeast Division Southwest Division hope of fulfilling a dream: to play in the France. “I love the way of life in France, the 14 while moving up another spot on the NBA’s Houston 21 7 .750 - World Cup. “I will do everything to earn my culture and their style of living suits me per- Atlanta 21 8 .724 - scoring list. Rondo, traded from Boston last week, Washington 20 8 .714 0.5 Memphis 21 8 .724 0.5 selection, first of all in the Super 15, then fectly. “I reckon it’s the ideal place for me to also had eight rebounds and seven assists in Dallas’ Miami 14 16 .467 7.5 Dallas 21 10 .677 1.5 with the national team.” O’Connor was better express myself both on and off the franchise-best fifth straight win against the Lakers Orlando 11 21 .344 11.5 San Antonio 18 13 .581 4.5 dropped by Australia in September 2013 in pitch.” — AFP in the regular season. Kobe Bryant missed his third Charlotte 10 20 .333 11.5 New Orleans 15 14 .517 6.5 straight game for Los Angeles to rest his sore body. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 SPORTS
SYDNEY: The racing yacht Loyal leaves the heads of Sydney Harbor during the start of the Sydney Hobart yacht race, Friday Dec. 26, 2014. Loyal was sitting in fourth before being forced yesterday to retire from the race due to reports of a damaged hull. — AP Wild Oats XI overtakes Comanche for Hobart lead
HOBART: Seven-time champion Wild Oats XI opened up a 30-nautical-mile lead over the lar. “Yesterday this time we were all smiles, we super maxi Rio 100. Sally Fitzgibbons, former world champion edged ahead of American super maxi American boat, with both yachts completing had a great beat on the coast. But even Perpetual Loyal was earlier sitting in fourth boxer Danny Green and Olympic sailor Tom Comanche on the second day of the annual nearly half of the 628-nautical-mile race to though our dream weather turned into a place before being forced to retire due to a Slingsby among its crew, returned to its home Sydney to Hobart yacht race, with Comanche Hobart, the capital of the island state of nightmare, there’s no quit on this boat, so damaged hull - the first of the five super max- club at Sydney’s Rose Bay. “We’re not exactly skipper Ken Read calling it a “very frustrating Tasmania. we’ll see.” The leading yachts were looking to is in the race to retire and one of eight yachts sure how it happened,” Slingsby said. “We day.” Comanche, which was launched in “We’ve had better days, that’s for sure,” finish the race late Sunday, well outside the to pull out following a rough first night at sea. were coming off some big waves but we also October and is being tested in race conditions Read said in a telephone interview with The race record of 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes, 12 Perpetual Loyal skipper Anthony Bell could have hit something during the night for the first time, led defending champion Associated Press. “It’s been increasingly frus- seconds that Wild Oats XI set in 2012. decided to withdraw early Saturday after the when we were falling off these waves.” Wild Oats XI for much of the race since its trating. There are troughs that moved over Ragamuffin, another super maxi and skip- boat started taking on water while off Eden Brindabella, the 1997 champion, also retired start Friday in Sydney Harbour. top of us and sucked us all in instead of mov- pered by 87-year-old Syd Fischer, was in third on the New South Wales state south coast. from the original 117-yacht fleet with rudder But by late afternoon yesterday, Wild Oats ing us ahead. But the boat has been spectacu- place, followed by another American entry, The boat, which includes professional surfer problems. — AP Wenger facing up to Giroud blow
LONDON: Arsene Wenger admits losing “He knows he made a mistake and I Upton Park, especially with the aerial bom- Oliver Giroud once again is a body blow to know him well enough to think that he will bardment West Ham put teams under with Arsenal’s Champions League push. Giroud not do it again. “He told me he was pushed Andy Carroll in their ranks. is facing three games out after his red card in the back and projected against the Much will rest on the shoulders of Alexis in the 2-1 Boxing Day win against QPR. The ‘keeper. Maybe the injury he had played Sanchez, who scored and then created Frenchman was sent off for a headbutt on on his mind and he was scared to be Tomas Rosicky’s goal in another man-of- Nedum Onuoha and his lack of discipline injured again. Usually he is a guy in control the-match showing. “Sanchez has shown will see him first sit out today’s London der- of his response. his ability to create chances and his com- by at West Ham. “You never need that - that’s for sure. In mitment to the side, which has made such Having made a major impact since his my job you have to deal with it with the a difference for us this season,” said return from ankle surgery that sidelined strengths and sometimes the mistakes of Wenger. him for three months, Giroud’s absence is people.” “He is a guy full of confidence and play- the last thing the Arsenal manager needs Wenger might have celebrated his 400th ing with some real style.” Despite the win, at this pivotal stage of the season. “Olivier Premier League win in charge of Arsenal Arsenal are still 15 points behind leaders touched him (Onuoha) and he should not but he won’t be raising a glass to Giroud. Chelsea and Wenger added: “We find our- have done it,” said Wenger. The striker’s physicality will be missed at selves detached from the teams above us at the moment, with a bit of ground to make up. “We can’t get too carried away with trying to make up that ground at the moment, just to concentrate on what we’re doing. “I don’t give importance to the table at the moment. There’s 20 games to go. It’s very tight and it’s down to consistency now. We know every game now is down to consistency and reproducing the perform- ances.” After a record-equalling nine straight away defeats in the Premier League, QPR will be thankful to return to home soil when they face another London derby in Crystal Palace on Sunday. Harry Redknapp will go head-to-head with Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock, the man who helped QPR win promotion in 2011 but was sacked just months later. “He did a great job, didn’t he, at QPR?,” said Redknapp. “You can only do with what Jacoby Brissett you have got. “If you can go out and buy the best NC State wins Bitcoin Bowl players you will have the best teams. If you have a small budget it’s a different game. ST. PETERSBURG: Jacoby Brissett threw for a touchdown and Rutgers beat North Carolina “But I think Palace are a good side and he is 262 yards and one touchdown and Matt Dayes 40-21 in the inaugural Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Arsene Wenger doing a good job now.”— AFP scored on runs of 24 and 15 yards to help Field. North Carolina beat Central Florida 34-27 in Gary Nova threw for 184 yards and two the Bitcoin Bowl on Friday night at Tropicana touchdowns, and Robert Martin ran for 100 Field. Brissett tossed a 37-yard TD pass to yards and two scores to help the Scarlet Warnock sacked by Palace after dismal run Johnathan Alston to put the Wolfpack ahead Knights cap their first Big Ten season. for good in the second quarter. Running back Rutgers led 40-7 before the Tar Heels scored LONDON: Premier League strugglers longer first-team manager,” Palace said on an 11th-place finish against the odds last Shadrach Thornton got NC State going early twice in the final 7 minutes. Houston Bates had Crystal Palace ended manager Neil their website (www.cpfc.co.uk). season, departed two days before the start with an 18-yard scoring pass to Jaylen 4 1/2 sacks against his former team to help Warnock’s brief second spell in charge yes- “The club would like to put on record its of the current campaign. Samuels. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18 in the Heart terday following a dismal run of one win in thanks to Neil for all his hard work and Warnock left Palace in 2010 after they Brissett was 15 of 26 with no interceptions, of Dallas Bowl at the Cotton Bowl. Bates gradu- 12 games, the club said in a statement. energy over the past four months.” The went into administration, joining Queens completing passes to eight receivers. Thornton ated from Illinois with a year of eligibility A 3-1 home defeat by Southampton on London club have lost three and drawn Park Rangers and taking them into the rushed for 96 yards on 17 carries and Dayes fin- remaining and transferred to Louisiana Tech to Friday left Palace in the relegation zone, three of their last six games, their last win Premier League before being sacked eight ished with 78 yards on 13 attempts to key a finish his college career close to home. third from bottom on 15 points from 18 coming against Liverpool on Nov. 23. months later, in January 2012. ground attack that produced 188 yards. Kenneth Dixon scored one of his two games. Warnock, appointed in August, is Palace make the trip across London to face The following month he was appointed UCF’s Justin Holman threw for 291 yards, touchdowns on an 80-yard reception, and the first Premier League manager to lose Queens Park Rangers on Sunday with Keith manager of Leeds United, only to be fired including TD passes of 6, 14 and 2 yards to Xavier Woods returned an interception 69 his job this season. “Crystal Palace Football Millen taking charge as caretaker manager. just over a year later. Warnock has man- Josh Reese, who had six receptions for 75 yards for a score for the Bulldogs. Dixon Club can today confirm that Neil Warnock Warnock, 66, returned to Selhurst Park aged 13 clubs, starting in non-League foot- yards. Reese’s second touchdown cut it to 34- became Louisiana Tech’s career rushing leader, has been relieved of his duties and is no after Tony Pulis, who had steered them to ball almost 35 years ago. — Reuters 20 with 11 minutes remaining. finishing with 63 to push his three-season At Detroit, Josh Hicks ran for 202 yards and total to 3,410. — AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 SPORTS Afghan women’s cricket crushed by threats KABUL: The story of Afghan cricket is a rare bright that women should not leave home unescorted, or women’s squad if he is to achieve his goal of mak- ment at the cricket board, and it meant skilled spot in the troubled country’s recent past, full of be given the chance to learn the sport. ing Afghanistan a full member of the International sportswomen from across the country do not get a unlikely successes and glory that have helped unify “Afghanistan’s cricket board does not support Cricket Council by 2025, since a national women’s chance to play, limiting the talent pool. a divided nation. Unless you’re a woman player. cricket for women, even though I have 3,700 girl team is one of the criteria for joining. “Every day, every week there are bombs, when A national women’s cricket team formed in 2010 cricketers across Afghanistan,” said Barakzai, who, He drew a sharp breath, however, when asked these security problems are happening, how can with some fanfare was quietly dissolved this year like many other Afghan cricketers, learned the about developing the sport for women, which he the families deal with it? They don’t let their daugh- amid Taliban threats, insecurity and conservative game as a refugee in Pakistan and says her mission insists he supports fully. ter come and play cricket,” said Sangar. beliefs that led to a shortage of players. is to teach more women to play. “(The Taleban) said ‘you should not develop She says the board has been supportive of her “It does not exist,” said the newly appointed “I hope their attitude will change,” she said. women’s cricket, it is not in Islam, it is not in attempts to revive the team, but that the lack of chairman of Afghanistan’s cricket board, Nasimullah Danish is dreaming big for the men’s game. He Afghanistan culture. If you do so, we will not be players and coaches means it will take time before Danish, when asked about the team. “The situation wants to make Afghanistan a top cricketing nation responsible for your players’,” Danish said, describ- Afghan women are ready for cricket internationals. is not very much prepared for developing women’s within 10 years, from having next to no base a ing a threatening phone call from the militants. Heather Barr, Human Rights Watch’s senior cricket in Afghanistan.” Activists say the fate of the decade ago. Since 2000, when the Taliban ended a Resistance from conservative families who don’t researcher on women’s rights in Asia, said the com- squad is indicative of a wider lack of institutional ban on the sport, cricket has developed rapidly, want their daughters to play adds to the challenge, mitment of the government to women’s sport was support for women in sport in a country where with an Afghan league and a men’s team that has he said in his bustling office in Kabul Cricket “cosmetic” and aimed at pleasing aid-donor nations. many men are deeply uncomfortable with the idea made its mark internationally. Stadium. Danish accused Barakzai of running the “Unfortunately, it’s part of a broader pattern of the of their sisters and daughters competing in public. When the men’s team qualified for the 2015 team, which included members of her family, for Afghan government promising the moon on It is also a reminder of the ambiguous results of World Cup in Australia, street celebrations broke personal interest. Barakzai laughed at that sugges- women’s rights ... while making little effort to follow millions of dollars spent by donors on women’s out across Afghanistan, highlighting the power of tion and accused the board of misusing U.S. aid through and sometimes sabotaging efforts from development in Afghanistan - a problem detailed in sport to unite the fractious country. For many money. Danish said he was investigating the admin- behind the scenes,” Barr said. a December report by a U.S. watchdog on spending young Afghans, sports stars are the first heroes they istration of the board under the former chairman he The collapse of the squad has not ended foreign in the country (http://bit.ly/1wOLDzX). have known that are not carrying Kalashnikovs. took over from last week, but that he had not donor support for women’s cricket. In June, the US The founder of the national women’s team, uncovered evidence of corruption. Embassy announced a $450,000 grant to promote Diana Barakzai, resigned in April. She said the crick- TALIBAN THREAT Insecurity adds to the problems for women, said the sport through a training exchange with players et board obstructed the team because of a belief But Danish will also have to help build up the Tuba Sangar, who now heads the women’s depart- from India and Pakistan. — Reuters Cleveland reaches 50 years of sports futility
CLEVELAND: For this golden anniversary, World Series, we were so close,” he said. “Then there won’t be any gifts exchanged or cham- LeBron and them went to the championship, pagne-sipping celebrations. There’s no reason but it wasn’t even close. But it’s Cleveland.” to party or toast these 50 years, a half-century But on Dec. 27, 1964, when LBJ was in the of sports suffering and failure best forgotten. White House and the Beatles had invaded This Saturday will mark the 50th anniver- America, the Browns ruled. Facing a high-scor- sary of Cleveland’s last pro sports champi- ing Baltimore squad favored by double digits onship when the Browns beat the heavily and loaded with future Hall of Famers like favored Baltimore Colts 27-0 to win the NFL Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore and Raymond title, the last for the franchise and the city. Berry, the Browns won their first title since Since then, the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers 1955. Wide receiver Gary Collins caught three have gone a combined 141 seasons without touchdown passes in the second half from winning it all. That’s five decades. That’s 18,262 Frank Ryan, Lou Groza kicked two field goals days. That’s a long time. and Cleveland’s defense pitched an unlikely “It’s hard to believe,” Hall of Fame running shutout in front of 79,544 fans. back Jim Brown said. “Because when you look When he reflects on a game most back at 50 years, something’s wrong, because Cleveland fans know only through black-and- somebody should’ve figured out something. white footage, Brown, who rushed for 114 ... We’ve got money and we’ve got a new yards, remembers one play vividly. building and we’ve got green grass and we “My greatest memory of the game is Galen can draft players, and we can’t do any better Fiss breaking through the line and tackling than that?” Lenny Moore for about a 7-yard loss,” the 78- Cleveland’s title drought is the longest for year-old Brown said. “Galen was a real fine any North American city with three pro fran- linebacker, but he wasn’t a great linebacker. chises. San Diego has gone 51 years since the But that day he played fantastic. When you Chargers won an AFL title, but the California can tackle Lenny Moore 1-on-1, you’re doing a city no longer has an NBA team and it’s a little hell of a job. And so when I let my mind go easier to handle misery when it’s sunny and blank and I think of these things, that comes 70 most of the year. up almost like No. 1. After that I think, boy, In Cleveland, generations of fans have only what a great team effort. known what it’s like to finish second or third This is what team sports are all about.” The or worse, which is why superstar LeBron Colts, coached by Don Shula, came in averag- James’ decision to come home last summer ing more than 30 points per game. They were and re-sign with the Cavs was cheered as if he expected to bulldoze the Browns, who went had delivered that elusive championship. 10-3-1 in the regular season under Blanton Around here, “wait until next year” is Collier and had nearly cost themselves a PORT ELIZABETH: South Africa Faf du Plessis drives the ball for his century during the second day of the second Test against West Indies. — AP engrained in the population’s collective psy- chance at the championship with a late-sea- che. It hasn’t all been bad. There have been a son loss at St. Louis. few magical seasons, they just didn’t end However, they recovered by beating the Rain dampens SA chances magically but with heartbreak. The Browns New York Giants 52-20 to get to their first title made it to three AFC title games from 1987- game since 1957. As kickoff approached, the 1990, but lost each time to Denver and quar- Browns were given little chance by odds mak- PORT ELIZABETH: Faf du Plessis completed his terback John Elway. Two of those defeats ers. “They were just supposed to wipe us off fourth Test century and was dismissed immedi- SCOREBOARD have been given lasting nicknames: “The the mat,” Brown said. “They didn’t give us no ately afterwards on a rain-hit second day of the Drive” and “The Fumble.” The Indians, who kind of chance, made them a three-touch- second Test between South Africa and the West PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Scores at close of play on the second day of the rain-affect- haven’t won a world championship since down favorite, no respect. The game wasn’t Indies at St George’s Park yesterday. ed second Test between South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth 1948, ended a 41-year drought by getting to going to be anything because we just couldn’t Only half an hour’s play was possible in Port yesterday. the World Series in 1995 only to lose to hold up against that team. So it was tremen- Elizabeth, during which six overs were bowled South Africa, first innings Bowling: Taylor 22-4-74-1 (2nb, 1w), Peters 15- Atlanta. Cleveland returned two years later dous to overcome that and to turn it around and South Africa moved from their overnight but lost Game 7 in extra innings to Florida. in such a dynamic way, because we had no 270 for two to 289 for three. (Overnight 270-2) 6-44-1, Holder 16-5-34-0 (1nb), Gabriel 15-0- With All-Stars Mark Price and Brad expectations.” “It was a very frustrating day,” said Du Plessis A. Petersen c Johnson b Gabriel 17 52-1 (3nb), Benn 25-3-81-0 (1nb), Samuels 1- Daugherty, the Cavaliers had some title-wor- An end to the drought could be in sight. after play was finally called off more than four- D. Elgar c Ramdin b Peters 121 1-0-0 thy teams in the 1980s that were stopped by When he returned from Miami, James brought and-a-half hours after the stoppage. F. du Plessis c Ramdin b Taylor 103 To bat: S. van Zyl, T. Bavuma, V. Philander, D. Michael Jordan. They made it to the NBA with him something dearly needed: hope. “We had a very good day one and were exact- H. Amla not out 23 Steyn, M. Morkel, Imran Tahir Finals for the first time in 2007, but were The four-time league MVP understands he ly where we wanted to be.” With more rain pre- A. de Villiers not out 9 West Indies: D. Ramdin, K. Brathwaite, D. swept by San Antonio. may be the best chance to end Cleveland’s dicted for today, Du Plessis admitted it might be Extras (lb4, nb7, w5) 16 Smith, L. Johnson, M. Samuels, S. Chanderpaul, It’s enough to sour the biggest optimist, futile run. “I guess it’s hard to believe it’s been difficult for South Africa to force a series-clinch- Total (3 wkts, 94 overs) 289 J. Holder, J. Taylor, S. Benn, S. Gabriel, K. Peters and the title-less decades have led to theories that long, but hopefully we can change that,” ing win to follow their victory by an innings and Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Petersen), 2-226 (Elgar), 3- Match situation: South Africa are 289 for three that a curse has been placed on the city’s James said. “It shouldn’t take away from the 220 runs in the first Test in Centurion. 274 (Du Plessis) in the first innings. three teams. good things that this city has done for its “ut there?s still quite a lot of time left,” he said. Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer grew up sports teams, though. People get so wrapped “We will just have to do what we plan to do a lot in Cleveland, where sports pain is part of up into that, hopefully we can fix this real quicker. We?ve got a very good bowling etkeeper Denesh Ramdin and the bowler cele- unbeaten on 23. West Indian opening batsman every kid’s upbringing. “I lived through the soon.” — AP armoury but on the St George’s Park wicket it brated. Kraigg Brathwaite said patience would be the does take a bit longer.” The West Indians sought a review and Reiffel key when the tourists eventually batted. Du Plessis, on 99 overnight, flicked Jerome was forced to change his decision when ‘Snicko’ He said the West Indian players had been Taylor’s first ball of the day for four runs to raise revealed the tiniest of scratches off the bat. It encouraged by the way they bowled on the first his century off 229 balls. He hit 13 fours and two was the first wicket of the series for Taylor. day but wanted to get on the field to make up sixes. But he was out to the next ball, a perfect AB de Villiers joined captain Hashim Amla for the chances they had missed during a 179- outswinger which found such a faint edge that and hit two handsome drives for four off Jason run second wicket partnership between Du umpire Paul Reiffel remained unmoved as wick- Holder. He was on nine not out and Amla was Plessis and Dean Elgar. — AFP Ajmal withdraws from World Cup
KARACHI: Ace Pakistan spinner The suspended bowlers need to Saeed Ajmal announced he will not remodel their action after which feature in next year’s World Cup they undergo reassessment to get after he failed to completely correct clearance. Ajmal did remedial work his bowling action which led to his under former Pakistan spinner suspension three months ago, an Saqlain Mushtaq who also advised official said yesterday. him to take some more time. The 37-year-old Ajmal appeared Mohammad Akram, head coach before a Pakistan Cricket Board at Pakistan’s national cricket acade- (PCB) committee on Saturday before my, said Ajmal has taken an honest taking the decision. “Ajmal has taken decision. “Ajmal wants to play as this decision all by himself as he has world number one bowler and not not been able to completely correct someone who wants to hide for his his action and he will hold a press action,” Akram told AFP. “Saqlain conference in a couple of days to advised him to concentrate on crick- announce his decision,” PCB chair- et after the World Cup which he has man Shaharyar Khan told media. accepted and withdrew from the Ajmal’s bowling action was World Cup,” said Akram. reported during the Galle Test in Sri Pakistan face another race Lanka in August. His action was against time on all-rounder found illegal on a bio-mechanic Mohammad Hafeez whose action assessment a month later which led was also reported last month. PCB to his suspension. has decided to send Hafeez to “The remedial work on his action Chennai, India for unofficial tests will take some time so we are not before applying for reassessment sending him for an unofficial test,” with the ICC. said Khan. Under the International Ajmal’s absence will badly ham- Cricket Council (ICC) rules all per Pakistan’s chances in the World bowlers are allowed to bend their Cup to be held in Australia and New elbow by 15 degrees beyond which Zealand in February-March next Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James the action is deemed illegal. year. —AFP Saeed Ajmal SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 SPORTS
BRAZIL: In this June 24, 2014, file photo, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez holds his teeth after running into Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder during a group D World Cup soccer match in Natal, Brazil. Perhaps odder things happened in sports in 2014, but for sheer audacity, and on a global stage no less, the bite by Suarez takes the (temporary porcelain) crown. —AP In year of odd bounces, reality bites at WCup
BRAZIL: Gothic folklore met modern den- didn’t know what to do,” he said. “My cad- tistry, with the whole world watching. This die told me to run, so I start running like a was the World Cup and the Bite of Brazil — crazy guy.” a mouthwatering, open-jawed, succulent chomp on an unsuspecting victim that LOVE AND DEATH: The Winnipeg Blue would have done proud any vampire Bombers of the Canadian Football League worth his cape. became wedding planners. The team Perhaps odder things happened in offered couples the chance to say “I do” on sports in 2014, but for sheer audacity, and its field, completing perhaps the ultimate on a global stage no less, the bite by Hail Marry. . The family of a Puerto Rican Uruguay’s Luis Suarez takes the (tempo- boxer wanted to honor his passion. So rary porcelain) crown. there he was, or there the body of Uruguay was playing Italy in June, each Christopher Rivera Amaro was, standing looking to reach the round of 16. Suarez, upright with boxing gloves in the corner of one of soccer’s top scorers, nuzzled up to a simulated ring at his wake in a San Juan Giorgio Chiellini late in the game and sud- funeral home. denly, inexplicably sunk his teeth into the shoulder of the Italian defender as if he CHIP SHOT: Webb Simpson is a champi- were a dish of veal piccata. on golfer, and an obliging sort. So when he The two fell to the turf. A baffled saw a bunch of kids hanging around the Chiellini — unable to ward off the vampir- clubhouse at Pinehurst — site of the men’s ic attack for lack of a mirror or garlic clove and women’s U.S. Open — he made it a — displayed for an entire stadium evi- point to sign autographs. He noticed one dence of fang marks. He lowered his shirt girl with braces off to the side. He asked sleeve and, like a Hollywood starlet from a her if there was anything he could do. “No,” bygone era, bared his shoulder. Suarez, said 11-year-old Lucy Li. “I’m playing in the meanwhile, held his upper teeth while on tournament next week.” the ground as if he were a patient in a chair and assisting a dental technician tak- TRASH STALKERS: They were the sani- ing X-rays. Suarez, it turns out, has a long tary kings of the World Cup. And it mat- oral history. This was the third time in four tered little that their team lost. After years he bit an opponent. At first, he games, Japan’s fans scooped up the mess denied biting Chiellini, saying he lost his left in the stadium. Other fans get drunk balance and tumbled. He also said Chiellini and fight. The Japanese put their blue trash hit him in the eye earlier in the match. He bags to work, drawing on a tradition of also said Chiellini pushed his shoulder into respect and decorum. So now, as FIFA tries the Uruguayan’s mouth. He said many to clean the muck from its befouled sta- things. bles, the course of action is clear: Assign Uruguay won the game 1-0 but Suarez the job to Japan. was suspended for four months. FIFA said “such behavior cannot be tolerated.” His FIDDLER ON THE GOOF: Forgive teammates were soon gone, as well, after a Olympic leaders if they don’t swoon to the loss to Colombia in the next game. Suarez strains of Vanessa-Mae’s violin. The celebri- eventually came clean and apologized. No ty musician who lives in Britain and skied less a person than Chiellini asked FIFA to for Thailand at the Sochi Games is not what reduce the suspension. He said things she’s cracked up to be. She competed as happen on the field. As for Suarez, he Vanessa Vanakorn, taking the last name of promised — with his uppers and lowers — her Thai father. No problem there. But her to never bite anyone again. qualifying races for Sochi were rigged, and Other wayward spots visited by sports the IOC months later banned her for four this year: years, not that she was headed to the World Cup circuit. At Sochi, she finished ANIMAL HOUSE: The Portland Trail 67th and last in the giant slalom, more Blazers discovered a rattlesnake in their than 50 seconds behind. How slow was the locker room in San Antonio. “I don’t know violinist? Adagio, for sure. if that’s ever happened before,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. “That sounds like FIELDER’S CHOICE: Hailed like a an ABA story.” . Golfer Luke Donald was Pharaoh, Derek Jeter was bestowed with less concerned by a charge from the rest of countless gifts as he left baseball. Even the the field than he was with a large baboon Earth itself paid tribute. A cornfield in cen- charging him during a tournament in the tral New Jersey was cut in such a way to South African wilderness. “They are big BRAZIL: Brazil’s Neymar is fouled present an image of the Yankee captain’s and strong and you wouldn’t want to mess by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga face, along with a baseball and his No. 2. with them,” he said. . Golf also proved a during the World Cup quarterfi- “This was just something totally different,” hazard in Malaysia for Spain’s Pablo nal soccer match between Brazil said Cindy VonThun, whose in-laws own Larrazabal, who threw down his scorecard, and Colombia at the Arena the farm. “To walk out in the field and to be tossed off his shoes and jumped in a lake Castelao in Fortaleza. —AP on the path and to say ‘I’m in Derek Jeter’s to escape a swarm of monstrous hornets. “I chin,’ it’s pretty cool.” – AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 SPORTS
LONDON: Chelsea’s captain John Terry (center) celebrates scoring his side’s first goal with his teammates Cesc OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United’s Robin van Persie (centre right) celebrates with teammates after scoring Fabregas (left) and Diego Costa during the English Premier League soccer match. against Newcastle during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP photos Plotlines emerge as EPL reaches halfway
MANCHESTER: The English Premier League Third-place United is unbeaten in eight match- two games and helped Chelsea keep clean said. “In my opinion, they are the best team in get into the box from that role. season is approaching its halfway point and a es, winning seven of them, but faces a test of sheets in six of its last seven matches. Terry the Premier League until now, but we believe Comparing himself to United great Paul number of storylines are beginning to take its new-found credentials in an away match at was Chelsea’s captain during Mourinho’s first in ourselves and it will be a great game.” Scholes, Rooney added: “As Paul did many shape. Tottenham - one of a slew of teams in the spell as manager at Stamford Bridge, helping Southampton has struggled against the top times over his career, he could see the ball Chelsea and Manchester City are unstop- chasing pack in the hunt for European football the team to back-to-back Premier League teams this season, though, losing to Liverpool, when it was wide and see the space and run pable forces and will fight it out for the title. next season. titles in 2005 and ‘06. City, Arsenal and Man United. into it.” Manchester United’s resurgence, based on its Elsewhere, West Ham meets Arsenal in a Key to Chelsea’s obduracy in defense is the glut of attacking riches, is offering a tantalizing match pitting fifth vs. sixth respectively, while form of holding midfielder Nemanja Matic, ROONEY REVELLING EVERTON STRUGGLING glimpse of what to expect next season with its Liverpool hosts Swansea in another game who has been one of the star players in the Wayne Rooney has dropped back into cen- It’s been a tough season for the Merseyside defense sorted out. between two teams in the top nine and in Premier League this season and a brilliant pro- tral midfield as Man United manager Louis van clubs - but while Liverpool appears to be on And the fight for the final Champions reach of the top four. tector of the back four. “He’s been a revelation Gaal looks to find a spot for all his attacking the rise, nothing is going right for Everton. League place could involve five or six teams Here are some things to know about the for us,” Terry said. players - and the England captain is respond- The blue half of Merseyside has lost four of and be the most thrilling in years. The second 19th round of games, which marks the mid- ing with some of his best form in years. its last six Premier League games to drop to part of the festive fixture pileup takes place on point of the campaign: SOUTHAMPTON RECOVERY Rooney scored twice in Friday’s 3-1 win over 12th place in the standings. The team is 13 Sunday, when squad strength is set to come Southampton was Chelsea’s nearest chal- Newcastle to take his team-high tally to nine points behind where it was last season after 18 into play as 18 of the league’s 20 teams play VINTAGE TERRY lenger only a month ago, before a defeat to goals for the season. He has scored eight times games, with its regression perhaps due to its their second matches in the space of 48 hours. Scoring goals at one end and keeping them Man City sparked a run of four league losses in his last eight games for club and country, involvement in the Europa League. Chelsea holds a three-point lead over City out at the other, John Terry is a player reborn that burst the bubble at St. Mary’s Stadium. and is keeping up his scoring form despite Everton lost 1-0 at home to Stoke on Friday heading into a tricky-looking away match at at Chelsea. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho The south-coast side is back in form after playing in midfield for United. during which defender Phil Jagielka, American Southampton, which has recovered from a sees “my John of 2004, ‘05, ‘06” in the recent successive wins against Everton and Crystal “It’s a role that I’ve played many times and I goalkeeper Tim Howard and winger Kevin blip and is back in the top four. displays of the former England captain, who Palace, scoring three goals in both games, and know I can play,” said Rooney, who has played Mirallas were injured and are all set to miss With City on a seven-match winning streak has been a rock in the team’s superb start to could give Chelsea problems. behind Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie today’s trip to Newcastle. “It is a pivotal and at home to relegation-threatened Burnley, the season. “For everybody, Chelsea are the biggest for the last two games. “The manager has giv- moment in the season for us,” Everton manag- there is a chance of a twist in the title race. Terry has scored goals in each of his last test,” Southampton manager Ronald Koeman en me even more license to get forward and er Roberto Martinez said. — AP Hibs dent Sanchez rescues Arsenal
Rangers LONDON: Alexis Sanchez helped maintain 10-man Arsenal’s Champions League push title hopes as his man-of-the-match display con- demned Queens Park Rangers to a 2-1 Premier League defeat on Friday. EDINBURGH: Hibernian secured their biggest victory The Chilean forward went from zero to over Rangers since 1912 as a turbulent week for the hero after squandering an early penalty Glasgow giants ended in a 4-0 thrashing yesterday. and then putting Arsenal ahead with a In a week where manager Ally McCoist was placed 37th-minute header. on gardening leave and serious concerns were raised Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud was sent off about the running of the club at a stormy AGM, it was for violent conduct before Sanchez’s mazy hoped the focus would revert back to the Ibrox club’s run carved out a second goal for Tomas challenge for the Scottish Championship title at Easter Rosicky. Road. However, caretaker manager Kenny McDowall’s Charlie Austin’s late penalty had nerves reign as Rangers boss got off to a disastrous start jangling at the Emirates Stadium, but it was when David Gray fired home a superb eighth minute too little, too late for QPR, who fell to a opener followed four minutes later by a Jason record-equalling ninth straight away Cummings strike. There was to be no second half defeat. In a bid to end his side’s woes away comeback for Rangers with Scott Robertson and Liam from Loftus Road, QPR manager Harry Craig compounding their misery as Hibernian ran riot. Redknapp recalled Rio Ferdinand for the The defeat, Rangers’ fifth in just 17 matches, all but first time since October and he formed part ends their hopes of beating Hearts to the one auto- of a new three-man defensive set-up. matic promotion spot back to the Premiership, with But those carefully-laid plans should the Jambos able to open up a 15 point lead at the top have been thrown out of the window of the table if they defeat Livingston. inside the opening eight minutes. Former “I’m hugely disappointed, especially for our support Arsenal left-back Armand Traore, among who were here today. Obviously finding yourself 2-0 those called in by Redknapp, tripped the down after 12 minutes isn’t an ideal start,” a clearly all-action Sanchez for a clear penalty. despondent McDowall said. Sanchez stepped up instead of regular “I think the best team won and I don’t have any taker Santi Cazorla, but saw his tame spot- excuses at all.” Hibernian, who had a shaky start to the kick pushed out by QPR goalkeeper Rob season under new manager Alan Stubbs, have now Green, who also scrambled away the completed the double over Rangers following their 3-1 rebound. Arsenal pressed and probed for win at Ibrox in September to close to within four an opener, but a combination of last-ditch points of the Gers in second place. defending and inaccurate final balls let “From the beginning to the end, it probably doesn’t LONDON: Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker (left) competes for the ball with Queens Park Rangers Steven Caulker (center) and Jordon them down. Giroud went close from dis- Mutch during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP get much better than that. I feel the lads have just pro- tance before forcing an acrobatic save from duced a complete performance,” Hibs boss Stubbs Green with a 28th-minute free-kick. Vargas’s cross just wide before the break. past him spoke volumes. The incident Mathieu Debuchy was harshly adjudged to said. “We dominated in every area of the field and the It was one-way traffic and the pressure The visitors were given an unexpected threatened to turn the game on its head, have tripped substitute Junior Hoilett players deserve all the credit. The way we played today finally told when Sanchez made amends by helping hand when Giroud was sent off for but instead Arsenal extended their lead via inside the penalty area. was outstanding, we scored some brilliant goals.” heading Arsenal into the lead. Kieran Gibbs a moment of madness in the 53rd minute. veteran Czech midfielder Rosicky in the In-form striker Austin did the rest, slam- McDowall opted to make no changes to the drilled a cross into the box from the left The France striker took exception after 65th minute. ming the spot-kick down the centre of the Rangers side that defeated Livingston last week while and Sanchez exploited inattentive defend- Nedum Onuoha pushed him from behind Sanchez turned creator with a wonder- goal to register his 12th goal of the cam- Hibs manager Stubbs kept faith with the same players ing from Traore to head home his 15th goal as he chased a through-ball and rose from ful run and pass that culminated in a deli- paign. But besides a Vargas header that who had won their previous two matches. Any hopes of the season. the floor to headbutt the QPR defender cately-weighted pass for Rosicky, who was scrambled clear and despite a nerv- McDowall harbored of getting his Gers reign off to a It was the least the hosts deserved. QPR right in front of referee Martin Atkinson, placed a deflected shot beneath Green to ous atmosphere inside the ground, there perfect start took a dent almost immediately as his had failed to register a meaningful attempt who had no option but to send him off. end his nine-month wait for a goal. was to be no grandstand finish as side conceded two goals in four minutes. at goal, but they did sound a note of cau- The angry look on Arsenal manager The game looked up for QPR, but they Wenger’s team saw out the game with rel- The first came from Gray, who collected the ball tion as Steven Caulker headed Eduardo Arsene Wenger’s face as Giroud trudged were thrown a 79th-minute lifeline when ative ease. — AFP wide right and, as the Gers defence stood off him, he smacked a sensational 20 yard strike into the top cor- ner past the helpless Steve Simonsen. Rangers had barely regrouped when Hibs added United gathering Matches on TV another through Cummings. Keeper Simonsen was caught in no man’s land when Craig knocked Scott (Local Timings) Allan’s excellent cross-field pass back across goal and pace under Van Gaal Cummings bundled the ball home with a queue of English Premier League Hibs’ players waiting to finish. Cummings then tested Tottenham v Man United 15:00 Simonsen with a stinging shot that the keeper could LONDON: While Chelsea and Manchester club website (ManUtd.com). “We were bit- to 15 in all competitions. “We’ve built up beIN SPORTS 1 HD only palm away as Hibs bossed proceedings. City slug it out at the top of the Premier terly disappointed not to win last week (at some momentum now with some wins,” beIN SPORTS 11 HD It took Rangers until the 37th minute to have their League, Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford revo- Aston Villa) but we beat Newcastle and he said. “United have picked up form. It’s Southampton v Chelsea 17:05 effort on goal with Lee McCulloch sending his header lution gathers ever more momentum in now have two big away games. They will going to be a tough game but we are beIN SPORTS 1 HD from a Steven Smith corner widely over the bar. the red half of Manchester. be a good test for us to see where we are confident at the minute. We’re ready for beIN SPORTS 11 HD Aston Villa v Sunderland 18:00 In a rare foray forward Lee Wallace managed to The Dutchman endured a tricky start at.” After the trip to Spurs, United-seven it.” Chelsea make the trip south to face a beIN SPORTS 2 HD swing a decent delivery from the left into the box but to his reign but seven wins in eight points behind City and 10 adrift of fourth-placed Southampton side who QPR v Crystal Palace 18:00 Miller powered a header wide under pressure. league games have put United hot on the Chelsea-are away at Stoke on New Year’s appear to have got over their blip follow- beIN SPORTS 5 HD Rangers tried to respond in the second with Liam heels of the pacesetters. Day. “We’re continuing to look up and will ing a flying start to the campaign. Man City v Burnley 18:00 Fontaine clearing a Nicky Law strike off the line but an If the current United side can emulate continue to try to catch them (City and “We have found the belief again,” said beIN SPORTS 4 HD Allan-inspired Hibs soon killed off their hopes. The the teams of Alex Ferguson who were Chelsea),” Carrick said. “We’re not satisfied Southampton manager Ronald Koeman West Ham v Arsenal 18:00 midfielder’s sublime pass slipped in Robertson who renowned for a strong second half of the with third-it’s obviously an improvement after Saints followed up a 3-0 drubbing of beIN SPORTS 7 HD curled a shot beyond Simonsen in the 63rd minute. season, Van Gaal’s men could yet have and we’re getting better, but we want to Everton with a 3-1 success at Crystal Stoke City v West Bromwich 18:00 Allan was again the architect in the 70th minute as their say in the destiny of the title. United keep looking up.” Palace on Friday. “We know Chelsea are beIN SPORTS 6 HD he burst forward down the inside right channel and visit Tottenham Hotspur in a lunchtime Seventh-placed Spurs have won three strong. It will be a challenge.” Manuel Hull City v Leicester 18:00 beIN SPORTS 9 HD kickoff today as the games continue to on the bounce with striker Harry Kane Pellegrini’s City will set a club record of 10 chipped a beautiful ball across goal for Craig who sent Newcastle v Everton 19:15 a measured volley low into the bottom right-hand cor- flow thick and fast over the festive period. emerging as one of the stars of the sea- wins in succession in all competitions if beIN SPORTS 1 HD ner of the net. — AFP “The signs have been good in recent son, his first-minute strike in the 2-1 victo- they can take three points at home to beIN SPORTS 11 HD weeks,” midfielder Michael Carrick told the ry over Leicester on Friday taking his tally Burnley. — Reuters Wild Oats XI In year of odd overtakes bounces, reality Comanche for bites at WCup Hobart16 lead 18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
Warnock sacked by Palace after dismal run Page 16
MELBOURNE: Australia’s Joe Burns (left) fields a ball of India’s Murali Vijay during play on day two of their third cricket Test. — AP Smith fireworks leave India reeling
MELBOURNE: Steve Smith put Australia in command of board and that’s a very good first innings total for us,” the third Test with a memorable innings to leave India Smith said. SCOREBOARD with a massive task to stay alive in the Border-Gavaskar “It was pretty fun to be honest. It was nice to be able Trophy series in Melbourne yesterday. Smith blasted an to play a few shots there at the end and try and get the MELBOURNE: Scoreboard at the close on the second day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne imperious 192 off 305 balls with 15 fours and two sixes total up as high as we could.” Cricket Ground yesterday: to spearhead Australia to a formidable 530 and then Smith bettered his previous highest score of 162 not Australia 1st innings (overnight 259 for 5) 4-184 (Marsh), 5-216 (Burns), 6-326 (Haddin), 7-376 took a diving catch to have the tourists at 108 for one at out in the first Adelaide Test by dancing down the wick- C. Rogers c Dhoni b Shami 57 the close on the second day and trailing by 422 runs. et to plonk spinner Ravi Ashwin high into the stands (Johnson), 8-482 (Harris), 9-530 (Lyon), 10-530 (Smith) India’s first task was to avoid the follow-on target of with a mighty six. D. Warner c Dhawan b Yadav 0 Bowling: I. Sharma 32-7-104-0 (5nb), Yadav 32.3-3-130-3, 331 while the Australians, leading the four-match series The new skipper was aided by lusty knocks from S. Watson lbw b Ashwin 52 Shami 29-4-138-4 (1w), Ashwin 44-9-134-3, Vijay 5-0-14-0 2-0, will be pressing for victory over the final three days. Haddin (55), Mitchell Johnson (28) and Ryan Harris (74) S. Smith b Yadav 192 Murali Vijay passed fifty for the fourth time in the as Australia took apart the Indian attack. S. Marsh c Dhoni b Shami 32 India 1st innings J. Burns c Dhoni b Yadav 13 series and was unbeaten on 55 with Cheteshwar Pujara As a double century beckoned for Smith, Dhoni M. Vijay not out 55 B. Haddin c Dhoni b Shami 55 not out 25 after Smith swooped to take a catch low off placed all his fielders close to the ropes in damage limi- S. Dhawan c Smith b Harris 28 the ground at second slip to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan for tation but in the end the Aussie skipper threw away his M. Johnson stp Dhoni b Ashwin 28 R. Harris lbw b Ashwin 74 C. Pujara not out 25 28 off Ryan Harris. wicket going for a big heave off Umesh Yadav only to be Extras 0 It could have been better for Australia but wicket- bowled. N. Lyon b Shami 11 Total (1 wicket; 37 overs) 108 keeper Brad Haddin dropped Pujara on 12 off the bowl- Smith has now accumulated 567 runs in the series for J. Hazlewood not out 0 ing of Josh Hazlewood. three times out at an average of 189. “We looked to get Extras (b1, lb9, w1, nb5) 16 Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Dhawan) Smith dominated day two with his highest Test score them out pretty early this morning. Unfortunately, Total (all out, 142.3 overs) 530 Bowling: Johnson 9-3-24-0, Harris 7-3-19-1, Hazlewood 9-4- and was the last wicket to fall when he went after a big Smith batted really well and they got a (few) too many Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Warner), 2-115 (Rogers), 3-115 (Watson), 19-0, Watson 4-0-14-0, Lyon 8-0-32-0. shot with fielders on the boundary in pursuit of a dou- runs for our liking,” Ashwin said. ble century. “But if you look at the overall game, the score is pret- He put on 106 runs for the eighth wicket with Smith innings without a fifty, reaching his 18th Test half-centu- It was his third century of the series, his fifth for the ty par for this wicket. It seems slow and pretty flat as and looked unruffled against the nonplussed Indian ry and his highest score for almost a year with his 55. year and was replete with all his quirky shotmaking to well. “We’ll take 1-108 and we’d like to pile on the runs bowlers. Nathan Lyon was out going for a big heave off The veteran wicketkeeper tried to leave a Shami leave India skipper M.S. Dhoni at a loss as to how to tomorrow,” while adding with a smile: “We’ll make 650 Mohammed Shami for 11 with another 48 runs added delivery but got a bottom edge and was caught contain him. and try to put them back in.” off 38 balls. behind. Haddin put on 110 runs for the sixth wicket “I feel pretty good at the crease. Everything is Paceman Harris brought up his highest Test score Australia lost two wickets in the morning session but with Smith, while Johnson hit a breezy 28 off 37 balls working for me at the moment which is nice and the with a six off Ashwin and then was out next ball leg added 130 runs to their overnight score of 259 for five. with five fours before he was stumped off Ashwin most pleasing thing is that we’ve got 530 runs on the before wicket for 74 off 88 balls. Haddin played himself back into form after a run of 15 shortly before lunch. — AFP
SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka in fight to survive against NZ
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard at close of the second day of the first Test CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand had the scent The quick end signalled that the bowlers Prasanna Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews and between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday: of victory after only the second day of the first had found how to exploit the green-tinged Tharindu Kaushal before Jimmy Neesham Test against Sri Lanka yesterday after a scintil- surface and 13 wickets fell in two sessions after mopped up the tail with the wickets of New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 429-7) K. Sangakkara c Southee b Boult 6 lating bowling spell forced the tourists to fol- the batsmen led by New Zealand skipper Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal. T. Latham c Kaushal b Eranga 27 L. Thirimanne c Craig b Southee 24 low on 303 runs in arrears. After New Zealand Brendon McCullum’s 195 had dominated the Amid the carnage, only Mathews carried the H. Rutherford b Lakmal 18 A. Mathews c Latham b Wagner 50 posted 441 in their first innings at Hagley Oval first day. fight to New Zealand as he raced from 40 to his K. Williamson b Prasad 54 N. Dickwella c McCullum b Southee 2 in Christchurch, a four-pronged pace attack led In a pre-lunch onslaught Boult ripped 19th half-century with a four and six off succes- R. Taylor run out (Silva) 7 P. Jayawardene c Williamson b Wagner 10 by Trent Boult dismissed Sri Lanka for 138 through Sri Lanka’s top order starting with the sive deliveries from Wagner. B. McCullum c Karunaratne b Kaushal 195 D. Prasad c McCullum b Neesham 18 inside 43 overs. removal of Dimuth Karunaratne for nought J. Neesham c Sangakkara b Mathews 85 T. Kaushal c Williamson b Wagner 6 But his belligerence was to prove his BJ Watling lbw Mathews 26 S. Eranga not out 10 “That first innings was something special. It with his fourth delivery to bring up his 100th downfall when he charged at Wagner a third M. Craig not out 12 Suranda Lakmal c McCullum b Neesham 2 just seemed to happen against a quality side Test dismissal. time and skied a top edge to Tom Latham at T. Southee c Thirimanne b Mathews 0 Extras (lb3, w2, nb1) 6 so it was brilliant,” New Zealand’s chief destroy- He followed with the wickets of Kaushal third man. Total (all out, 42.4 overs) 138 N. Wagner c Kaushal b Lakmal 4 er Boult said after returning figures of three for Silva for four and Sri Lanka dangerman Kumar In addition to Boult’s impressive figures, Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Karunaratne), 2-8 (Silva), 3-15 T. Boult c Jayawardene b Lakmal 0 25 off 11 overs. Sangakarra for six. Sangakkara was six runs Wagner took three for 60, Southee two for 17 (Sangakkara), 4-58 (Thirimanne), 5-60 (Dickwella), 6- Extras (lb4, w2, nb7) 13 Sri Lanka made a more solid start to their short of becoming only the fifth player to and Neesham two for 28. 88 (Jayawardene), 7-105 (Mathews), 8-118 Total (all out, 85.5 overs) 441 second innings, reaching 84 without loss at reach 12,000 Test runs when he was beaten by (Kaushal), 9-128 (Prasad), 10-138 (Lakmal) In their second innings Karunaratne was Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Rutherford), 2-60 (Latham), 3- stumps, but with three days remaining they a late swinging Boult delivery that caught an not out 49 at stumps with Silva on 33, with Bowling: Boult 11-4-25-3 (1w), Southee 12-4-17-2, were still 219 runs in arrears and Boult believed outside edge and was snapped up by Tim 88 (Taylor), 4-214 (Williamson), 5-367 (McCullum), 6- Karunaratne receiving a life when he was Neesham 6.4-1-28-2 (1w), Wagner 11-0-60-3 (1nb), the signs were good for New Zealand. Southee at third slip. 420 (Neesham), 7-429 (Watling), 8-431 (Southee), 9- Craig 2-0-5-0 dropped on 10 by substitute Cole McConchie “It’s a great opportunity to win a Test match Southee split the webbing between the 440 (Wagner), 10-441 (Boult) Sri Lanka 2nd innings in New Zealand,” the left-arm quick said. He thumb and forefinger of his left hand securing off Boult’s bowling. Bowling: Lakmal 19.5-3-90-3 (2nb), Eranga 18-1-82- D. Karunaratne not out 49 New Zealand’s first innings folded tamely 1, Mathews 12-2-39-3, Prasad 12-2-62-1 (2w), described the pitch as “inconsistent” with the the catch and required five stitches. K. Silva not out 33 with only Mark Craig, not out 12, offering Kaushal 22-0-159-1 (5nb), Thirimanne 2-0-5-0 amount of assistance it gave but said if the But the injury did not affect his right-arm Extras (1lb, 1nb) 2 token resistance as Mathews and Lakmal Total (0 wickets, 35 overs) 84 New Zealand bowlers kept the pressure on deliveries and after a tight but fruitless open- removed Southee and Boult without scoring. Sri Lanka 1st innings Bowling: Boult 7-2-16-0, Southee 7-2-11-0, Wagner “then I think we’re going to be successful”. ing spell he joined the action after lunch, D. Karunaratne lbw Boult 0 11-1-37-0 (1nb), Craig 7-2-12-0, Neesham 2-1-4-0, New Zealand had resumed the second day at claiming Lahiru Thirimanne (24) and Niroshan Lakmal also removed Wagner for four to K. Silva lbw Boult 4 McCullum 1-0-3-0. 429-7 and lost their last three wickets for a cheap Dickwella (two) in the space of four balls. finish with three for 90 while the more eco- 12 runs in 32 balls as their innings folded for 441. Neil Wagner chimed in with the wickets of nomical Mathews took three for 39. — AFP US stocks close higher, extend gains for the week Page 22
‘Britain in Business Kuwait 2015’ Page 26 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 Kalyan Jewellers opens Abe unleashes stimulus plan to spur growth three showrooms Kuwait Page 25 Page 23
PROVIDENCE: File photo shows Hillary Rodham Clinton addressing supporters of Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Raimondo during a Raimondo campaign event at Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I. Rejuvenating the economy figured prominently in the first Clinton presidential campaign and could form the foundation of the next one. — AP Clinton economic approach under scrutiny Hillary voices concerns about concentration of wealth
WASHINGTON: Rejuvenating the economy into the race. those comments, arguing that trickle-down tionships with key institutions. “I certainly figured prominently in the first Clinton’s presi- Warren says she’s not running for presi- economics had failed. don’t think it’s a virtue to declare a big seg- dential campaign and could form the founda- dent, but her confrontational approach on Her supporters point to her 2008 primary ment of the economy off limits,” he said. Germany minister tion of the next one’s. Wall Street and reducing the gap between campaign, when she scored wins in Ohio and More than two decades after Bill Clinton the rich and poor has generated a loyal fol- Pennsylvania, as an indicator of how she Economic growth warns Greece won the presidency, Hillary Rodham Clinton lowing. She showcased this posture during could connect with working-class families. Promoting economic growth and wages is considering another White House bid - and December’s “lame duck” session of Congress, They also downplay the differences between will also be on the calendar. The AFL-CIO has over reforms for her, too, it’s still “the economy, stupid.” But when she led the charge against a $1.1 trillion her and Warren on the economy. invited Warren to deliver the keynote address the former secretary of state has not yet out- omnibus spending bill - ultimately signed by “I think the debate is not going to be at its national summit on wages in early BERLIN: Germany’s finance minister warned Greece lined the specific steps to address income Obama - that repealed part of the Dodd- about big major fundamental directions for January, giving her a plum appearance before that any new government must respect commit- inequality and economic anxieties for mid- Frank financial law and loosened contribution the economy. The disagreement will be how labor leaders. ments made by its predecessor, as the country dle-class families. Democrats are watching caps for some political donors. Clinton has yet to get there,” said former Vermont Gov. About a week later, the Center for moved closer to early elections that EU officials fear closely, including members of the party’s lib- to comment on the spending plan. Howard Dean, who has backed Clinton. American Progress, which was founded by ex- would be won by a radical leftist party. eral wing who are wary of her ties to Wall Clinton could have more opportunities to Clinton administration officials, will release a Wolfgang Schaeuble spoke after German lawmak- Street and six-figure speaking fees. Prosperity connect with - or alienate - liberals in 2015. report offering ways to spur middle-class ers last week backed plans to give troubled Greece a Clinton is widely expected to announce a During the fall elections, Clinton often One moment could come on the nomination growth, ideas that might guide Clinton’s two-month loan extension while international credi- presidential campaign next year and remains pointed to the broad prosperity during her of Lazard investment banker Antonio Weiss to agenda. The panel is co-chaired by Lawrence tors finish an audit to determine the release of its the prohibitive favorite to succeed President husband’s administration and advocated for lead a Treasury Department office overseeing Summers, a former Treasury secretary under next 7.0 billion euros ($8.7 billion). Barack Obama as the party’s nominee in policies to raise the minimum wage, address domestic finance. Weiss, Warren contends, Bill Clinton. “We will continue to help Greece along the path of 2016. But how she navigates a party animat- pay equity for women and provide paid leave would represent a long line of Wall Street Tad Devine, an adviser to Vermont Sen. difficult reforms,” Schaeuble said in an interview with ed by economic populism, an approach per- for new mothers. executives who are part of the revolving door Bernie Sanders, who is considering a 2016 Germany’s Bild newspaper published yesterday. But if sonified by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth In a nod to liberals, Clinton has voiced between Washington and the financial mar- presidential campaign, noted that Bill Clinton Greece “decides to take another path, that will be Warren, could represent one of her biggest concerns about the concentration of wealth, kets. campaigned in 1992 as a different kind of more difficult,” the conservative finance minister hurdles. Democrats bruised from GOP gains pointing to the rise in income and wealth to Clinton has not yet spoken publicly about Democrat willing to reform welfare and warned. in the 2014 elections are pushing for big poli- the top 0.01 percent of the population. “Some Weiss’ nomination. She remains a favorite of appeal to centrists. This time, he said, Hillary Greece moved a step closer on Tuesday to early cy changes - raising the minimum wage and are calling it a throwback to the ‘Gilded Age’ Wall Street from her time representing New Clinton will need to make a decision of how elections that could undermine its international pay equity, for example - that favor the of the robber barons,” Clinton said in May. York in the Senate. At a recent conference she will position herself on the economy. bailout and rekindle the eurozone crisis, after law- declining middle class. Clinton also has stumbled on the econo- sponsored by the New York Times’ DealBook, “There is a huge audience right now for makers failed for a second time to elect a president. “We don’t win when we play small-ball my. At a fall event, she drew criticism from Goldman Sachs chairman and CEO people who want to have a completely dif- The government candidate, EU Environment and calibrate. Why not try to be bold?” said Republicans when she said “don’t let anybody Lloyd Blankfein said he had “always been a ferent economic theory of what’s wrong Commissioner Stavros Dimas, fell 32 votes short of Anna Galland of MoveOn.org, which tell you that it’s corporations and businesses fan of Hillary Clinton” and argued it was with the country and how to fix it,” Devine the required 200 votes, meaning a third and final vote launched a draft campaign to lure Warren that create jobs.” She quickly cleaned up important for political leaders to have rela- said. — Reuters will be held on December 29. European Union and International Monetary Fund officials fear an early election would be won by radi- China Shanghai FTZ to expand cal leftist party Syriza and could undo many of Greece’s ongoing fiscal reforms. Syriza, which wants to end a four-year austerity to include commercial centre drive and re-negotiate Greece’s bailout, holds a steady lead in opinion polls. Greece’s dire finances SHANGHAI: China will dramatically conditions were deemed ripe. Ending isolation expand the size of a free trade zone (FTZ) The zone was launched in 2013 to The Shanghai zone’s geographic isola- nearly destroyed the euro in 2012, and despite two in Shanghai to include the city’s commer- much fanfare but it has failed to live up to tion out near the airport and the port area bailouts worth 240 billion euros and most of the debt cial centre where major multinational expectations. Media reports predicting was also a disadvantage. held by private investors being wiped out, the econo- companies and Chinese banks have their that opening the FTZ would be followed Companies with existing footprints in my has only begun to recover after six years of con- headquarters, state media reported. by deep liberalisation to China’s capital the city were reluctant to relocate given tracting. The official Xinhua news agency cited account, the scrapping of wide restric- uncertainties about the depth of Beijing’s The reforms required by the EU and IMF have the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the tions on foreign investment, and even the commitment to the Shanghai FTZ - a cau- improved the government’s finances, but have taken National People’s Congress on Friday, but lowering of China’s censorship firewall tion now paying off for those who waited. a terrible toll on Greeks as unemployment soared it did not given a date for the formal inside the zone went largely unfulfilled. In addition, analysts said that while above 27 percent and many people have had wages expansion nor mention any new policies At the same time, the leadership gave many of the liberalisations implemented and benefits cut. for the zone. the green light to many projects outside in the zone targeted service industries, the Schaeuble said Greece had made “huge progress” Under the plan, the zone will be the zone that duplicated or exceeded the zone’s separate areas were all far from the in recent years, but issued a sharp warning in the face enlarged to include the Lujiazui financial policy benefits the Shanghai municipal central business district. Long commutes of the growing challenge Syriza is posing to the district, Shanghai’s riverside commercial government hoped would remain exclu- to meetings deterred many companies Athens government. centre and home to its tallest skyscrapers. sive. that might have otherwise been interest- “New elections would change nothing with regard It will include the Jinqiao and Zhangjiang Not only did Beijing authorise compet- ed, analysts said. In addition, real estate to Greek debt. Every new government must respect districts nearby. ing zones in other cities, it also launched speculation grew so fierce that the zone the agreements made by their predecessors,” he said. The expansion will allow companies in nationwide pilots testing liberalisation for government stepped in to control prices. ZELIENOPLE: This Sept 10, 2014, file photo shows signs Prime Minister Antonis Samaras warned this week those areas to take advantage of existing currency controls and cross-border invest- The Xinhua report also said that the geo- welcoming visitors to a model home as construction is that early general elections, which could be held as preferential policies for companies in the ment - most recently the Shanghai-Hong graphic limits of trade zones in under way at a housing development in Zelienople, Pa. soon as January 25, constituted a “national danger” free trade zone and it fulfils a government Kong Stock Connect programme - that Guangdong, Fujian province and the city Few issues in a presidential campaign come close to that must be avoided. — AFP commitment to expand the zone once diminished the zone’s relative appeal. of Tianjin had been set. — Reuters being as meaningful as the economy. — AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 BUSINESS Credit Suisse bid to dismiss US mortgage suit denied
NEW YORK: Swiss banking giant Credit dential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) Suisse can be prosecuted for its role in the that it sold in 2006 and 2007. US housing finance meltdown, according to The suit said that the bank knew that the a court decision, which dismissed the com- RMBS it was selling as quality investments pany’s bid to halt a suit. were full of high-risk, subprime home loans The bank had filed a motion to have a that the bank’s own traders branded suit for fraud over the sale of questionable “garbage.” mortgage securities that dealt buyers $11.2 The decision opens the way for a settle- billion in losses in the housing crisis dis- ment between state authorities and the missed. bank or proceedings that could result in But Justice Marcy Friedman of New York’s heavy fines of up to several billion dollars. Supreme Court authorized the state’s attor- In 2013, US bank JPMorgan agreed to ney general to pursue the suit in a decision pay $13 billion to federal and state agencies Wednesday. Freidman denied the bank’s for losses related to falsely marketed mort- claim that a three-year statute of limitations gage-backed securities, bringing an end to had been exceeded, insisting that the state proceedings initiated by Schneiderman and had six years to file against Credit Suisse. others. New York Attorney General Eric Citigroup and Bank of America paid $7 Schneiderman sued Credit Suisse in billion and nearly $17 billion respectively November 2012, stating that the Swiss bank this year to settle claims over risky mortgage deceived investors over the quality of resi- securities. —AFP
LINCOLN: This April 10, 2014, file photo, shows a sign to a job fair on the campus of Kaplan University in Lincoln, Neb. Few issues in a presidential campaign come close to being as meaningful as the economy. —AP US stocks close higher, extend gains for the week Utilities stocks biggest gainers
NEW YORK: Wall Street’s “Santa Poor’s 500 index added 6.89 points, Markets’ history cents, or 3.2 percent, to $26.97. Claus” rally kept delivering gifts a or 0.3 percent, to 2,088.77. That’s up The markets also have history on Most metals prices rose. Gold day after Christmas. The Dow Jones 0.3 percent from the S&P 500’s most- their side. December is typically the gained $21.80 to $1,195.30 an FRANKFURT: A Lufthansa airplane is de-iced during snowfall before takeoff industrial average, Standard & Poor’s recent all-time high recorded on best month of the year for stocks, ounce. Silver rose 44 cents to $16.15 at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday. —AP 500 index and the Russell 2000 Tuesday. The Nasdaq composite while January is the second-best, an ounce, and copper fell four cents index of small-company stocks rose 33.39 points, or 0.7 percent, to Chalupnik noted. to $2.81 an ounce. In other energy closed at all-time highs on Friday. 4,806.86. The last time the index was The stock market opened higher trading, Brent crude, a benchmark Belarus strongman sacks The modest pickup in stocks, higher was March 28, 2000, during Friday and held steady the rest of for international oils used by many which gave the Dow its seventh the heady days of the dot-com bub- the day. There wasn’t any major US US refineries, fell 79 cents to close at consecutive gain, came on a day of ble. economic or corporate news. Major $59.45 a barrel in London. PM amid economic woes relatively light trading following the The Russell 2000 climbed 8.42 European markets were closed for On the NYMEX, wholesale gaso- holiday break for US markets. points, or 0.7 percent, to 1,215.21. the holiday. Markets in Asia posted line fell 0.4 cent to close at $1.509 a MINSK: Belarussian strongman Alexander est rates to 50 percent. Utilities stocks were among the That’s an increase of 0.5 percent slight gains. Investors kept an eye gallon, heating oil fell 1.6 cents to Lukashenko yesterday sacked his prime Lukashenko has admitted that his coun- biggest gainers. from the Russell’s previous all-time on oil prices, which have been a close at $1.908 a gallon and natural minister and four other top officials as the try’s economy has been hit hard as around Oil prices continued to decline. high on March 4. major focus in over the past few gas fell 2.3 cents to close at $3.007 per ex-Soviet state reels from the effects of 40 percent of its exports are bound for That made traders hopeful for US government bond prices rose. weeks. Benchmark US crude oil fell 1,000 cubic feet. Among other stocks Russia’s economic crisis next door. Russia. stronger consumer spending head- The yield on the 10-year Treasury $1.11 to close at $54.73 a barrel. Oil making big moves Friday: Virgin Lukashenko dismissed Mikhail Earlier this month, the Belarussian ing into next year, since drivers note dipped to 2.25 percent. The prices have fallen by about a half America rose 5.9 percent after several Myasnikovich, in office since December strongman tasked the government with won’t need to pay as much to fill up stock market has been mostly since the summer as traders worry financial firms issued bullish recom- 2010, and appointed his chief of staff conducting transactions with Russia settled their cars. “Holiday sales look good. climbing since hitting a recent low that there won’t be enough global mendations for the airline company’s Andrei Kobyakov as his new head of gov- in dollars or euros. “Fluctuations on the The consumer is in good shape,” said of 17,069 on Dec. 16 on worries demand for the abundant supplies stock. Its shares added $2.42 to ernment, his administration said. Russian currency market are unfath- David Chalupnik, head of equities at about plunging oil prices and a of oil being produced. Eight of the $43.42.Cytokinetics gained 4.6 per- Lukashenko also replaced the head of omable,” he said at the time. Nuveen Asset Management. “We’re sharp drop in Russia’s currency. 10 sectors in the S&P 500 index rose, cent on news the company will con- the central bank and three other top offi- Under pressure from falling oil prices ending the year strong and my Since then, investors have been led by utilities stocks. The sector is tinue advancing development of a cials including the ministers of economy and Western sanctions over Ukraine, Russia guess is the market continues to encouraged by signs of a strength- up 27.9 percent this year. Energy muscle-weakness treatment with its and industry. is sliding into a full-blown economic crisis trend higher through year-end and ening U.S. economy, which the gov- posted the biggest decline, deepen- partner, Astellas Pharma. The stock Those five people “are paying with their complete with the collapse of the ruble and January is probably going to be a ernment estimates grew in the July- ing its slide this year to 9 percent. rose 27 cents to $6.14. heads for the country’s economic and growing inflation. good month as well.” September quarter at the fastest Celgene notched the biggest gain Juno Therapeutics climbed 21.9 financial situation,” the president said in a The Dow gained 23.50 points to pace in 11 years. Consumer spend- among individual stocks in the S&P percent. The biotech company statement. “The economy is an area which ‘Country needs reforms’ close at 18,053.71. That’s up 0.1 per- ing and personal incomes have 500, adding $3.75, or 3.4 percent, to closed its initial public offering on calls for the greatest responsibility and rep- Independent political analyst Alexei cent from its previous record high been rising. The economy has been $113.35. Newfield Exploration Wednesday. The stock gained $8.74 resents the greatest danger.” Korol said the Belarussian government re- on Wednesday.The Standard & creating more jobs. declined the most, shedding 89 to $48.73. —AP The tightly-controlled country’s eco- shuffle was a band-aid solution that would nomic ills present a serious challenge to not help address the root causes of its eco- Lukashenko’s 20-year rule. The country nomic troubles. faces a presidential vote next year. “The country needs deep economic Chinese investor to buy Lukashenko has indicated he would seek reforms. Instead he is re-shuffling an old re-election in case of popular support. pack of cards,” he told AFP, referring to Although the Belarussian ruble is not Lukashenko. Megabox cinema chain officially pegged to the Russian currency, “He won’t embark on reforms because the country is highly dependent on its for- at the end of the day they would lead to mer master Moscow and is hugely sensitive the collapse of his authoritarian regime,” he HONG KONG: A Chinese investment firm has Megabox has a roughly 20% share of the been an investor in the telecoms, media and to its economic woes. added. acquired a major stake in South Korea’s third Korean exhibition market and was previously entertainment sector, including games. It is not The collapse of the Russian ruble this “It’s important for Lukashenko to pass ranked cinema chain Megabox. part of a vertically integrated group with the clear whether the firm is seeking to buy the month sparked panic, with Belarussians the buck onto his team.” The former head of According to local reports, Oriental Star Showbox production and distribution company. Korean company as a long term investment or rushing to convert their savings into dol- the Belarussian central bank, Stanislav Capital is to pay $515 million (KRW570 billion) Showbox still owns a small circuit of Megabox- whether it is acting as a stalking horse for the lars. Bogdankevich, also said that the move sig- for the 50% stake in Megabox held by Korea branded cinemas in China. ultimate owner. Other recent Chinese moves in Since the start of the year the nalled Lukashenko’s apparent unwilling- Multiplex Investment, a group of investors head- The deal comes only days after Korea’s Free the Korean entertainment space have included Belarussian ruble has lost about half of its ness to conduct sweeping reforms. “You ed by Australian banking and funds group Trade Commission fined the two market leaders Zhejiang Huace’s stake buy in the recently float- value. The run on the Belarussian ruble have to openly say that the economy is in Macquarie. CJ-CGV and Lotte Entertainment for unfair com- ed distributor and producer Next Entertainment forced the central bank to announce a crisis and you have to come up with new JContentree Corp., a Korean media group, petition, in particular to how the exhibition firms World. Another Chinese investor was this month “temporary” tax of 30 percent on all pur- economic policies,” said the opposition- holds a 46% stake and now has 30 days to either favoured movies from their affiliated distribution announced as buying Hoyts, Australia’s number chases of foreign currency and raise inter- minded figure. —AFP beat Oriental’s offer or sell its shares. companies. Oriental Star is understood to have two cinema chain. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Singapore Dollar 0.218818 0.224816 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 South African Rand 0.019295 0.027795 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001880 0.002460 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 2.443 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Taiwan 0.009160 0.009340 Indian Rupees 4.647 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Thai Bhat 9.885 Thai Baht 0.008589 0.009139 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Turkish Lira 131.225 Srilankan Rupees 2.222 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Arab Nepali Rupees 2.904 Euro 362.08 363.08 Bahraini Dinar 0.772055 0.780055 Singapore Dollar 222.740 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Egyptian Pound 0.039520 0.042620 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Hongkong Dollar 37.817 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Bangladesh Taka 3.751 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Philippine Peso 6.573 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.409898 0.417398 Thai Baht 8.927 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Belgian Franc 0.007640 0.008644 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.450768 0.459768 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004921 0.016921 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023926 0.047928 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 Danish Krone 0.044110 0.049110 Nigerian Naira 0.001192 0.001827 Saudi Riyal 78.258 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Euro 0.352802 0.360802 Omani Riyal 0.756316 0.761996 Qatari Riyal 80.624 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Norwegian Krone 0.035456 0.040656 Qatar Riyal 0.079906 0.081118 Omani Riyal 762.540 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084186 0.084186 Saudi Riyal 0.077630 0.078330 Bahraini Dinar 779.460 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Slovakia 0.008593 0.018593 Syrian Pound 0.001740 0.001960 UAE Dirham 79.921 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.033606 0.038608 Tunisian Dinar 0.154130 0.162130 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.291108 0.301308 Turkish Lira 0.124804 0.131804 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124804 0.131804 UAE Dirhams 0.078928 0.080077 Egyptian Pound - Cash 43.950 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001325 0.001405 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.943 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.230339 0.241839 Tunisian Dinar 157.500 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.222091 0.231591 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 414.160 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.969 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.247414 0.255914 Syrian Lira 2.092 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.289400 0.294100 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.035 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.289900 0.294100 US Dollar 292.750 Swiss Frank 303.035 Asia Euro 360.650 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Bangladesh Taka 0.003438 0.004038 Pound Sterlng 458.300 US Dollar Transfer 292.350 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Chinese Yuan 0.046110 0.049610 Canadian Dollar 254.150 Euro 359.940 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035758 0.038508 Indian Rupee 4.635 Sterling Pound 458.800 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Indian Rupee 0.004399 0.004800 Egyptian Pound 40.925 Canadian dollar 253.320 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Turkish lira 126.800 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Japanese Yen 0.002358 0.002538 Bangladesh Taka 3.733 Swiss Franc 299.340 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Kenyan Shilling 0.003284 0.003284 Australian Dollar 239.370 Philippines Peso 6.558 Indian Rupees 4.716 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Pakistan Rupee 2.916 US Dollar Buying 292.150 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080747 0.086747 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 779.550 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Nepalese Rupee 0.003000 0.003170 GOLD UAE Dirham 79.700 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Pakistan Rupee 0.002749 0.003029 20 gram 238.100 Saudi Riyal 78.150 Philippine Peso 0.006483 0.006763 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 715.865 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 BUSINESS
KUWAIT: (Fourth from left) Prabhu Ganesan, Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Nagarjuna Akkineni and T.S. Kalyanaraman, Chairman & MD of Kalyan Jewellers inaugurating the Al-Rai showroom in Kuwait.
Amitabh Bachchan waves to the crowd. Nagarjuna, Manju Warrier and Prabhu Amitabh Bachchan Kalyan Jewellers opens three showrooms Kuwait Bachchan mania grips as huge crowds attend Al-Rai, Maliya, Fahaheel launch events
KUWAIT: Crowds thronged Kalyan Jewellers’ Bachchan strode in majestically and waved The stars greeted the crowd and thanked connect among its stakeholders with its brand much-anticipated showroom launch at Al-Rai to the audience. He was the cynosure of all them for the support. After a brief appearance, promise of ‘Trust is Everything’. Kalyan as popular film stars and Kalyan Jewellers eyes, notwithstanding the presence of the stars were taken inside the showroom for a Jewellers has developed a distinct image Brand Ambassadors Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Prabhu and Manju Warrier. In his special preview before disappearing. To cele- among consumers by smartly leveraging its Nagarjuna, Prabhu and Manju Warrier regaled deep baritone voice he said, “This is my first brate this occasion, Kalyan Jewellers brand ambassadors. Kalyan was the first jew- the huge crowds and inaugurated the 75th trip to Kuwait. Looking at the affection from all announced a special inaugural offer. ellery brand in the country to have a male as a store of Kalyan Jewellers. The stars were over- of you, this is not the last trip - I can tell you I Customers who buy jewellery worth KD 150 brand ambassador, successfully defying the joyed with the massive turnout of nearly 3,000 am going to come again and again. We have will get a free gold coin and also be eligible to convention in jewellery marketing. fans and yet, a bit overwhelmed with the mag- all come here for the opening of Kalyan win the mega prize of KD 75,000 from a lucky Kalyan Jewellers has also invested in educa- nitude. The stars strutted onto the stage erect- Jewellers’ stores-my relationship with Kalyan draw. tional campaigns for consumers to share their ed outside the main showroom entrance Jewellers dates back years. I am here in Kuwait The stars inaugurated the second and third insights on buying jewellery. Amitabh receiving a huge applause. The audience was because of them-I am sure if you extend the Kalyan Jewellers showrooms at Maliya (Kuwait Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are the completely star-struck with the four stars. same love and affection that you have show- City) and Fahaheel. Later in the evening, they brand ambassadors of Kalyan Jewellers. The However, the appearance of Indian cinema’s ered on me to Kalyan, all of us will be blessed attended a fusion concert by Balabhaskar brand also has regional icons like Prabhu biggest icon Amitabh Bachchan, who has a by Kalyan Jewellers. I hope I get to see you Chandran at Jumeirah Messilah beach Hotel as Ganesan, Nagarjuna, Shivaraj Kumar and huge fan following in Kuwait, created frenzy, again.” Bachchan then recited the poem from part of the launch celebrations. Manju Warrier associated with the brand. with crowds jostling to get a glimpse of one of his movies ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ much to the Kalyan Jewellers is one of the most trusted Kalyan Jewellers has been ranked among Top Bachchan. thrill of the audience. brands in India and has developed a deep 10 Trend Setting Brands in India (Pitch, 2013). Nagarjuna interacts with the huge crowd. KSE ends week in green zone
BAYAN INVESTMENT WEEKLY REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) end- ending the session in the green zone, whilst ed last week in the green zone. The Price the Weighted and KSX-15 indices couldn’t, to Index closed at 6,577.81 points, up by 5.58% end the session with losses affected by the from the week before closing, the Weighted profit collection operations, but was not Index increased by 5.95% after closing at enough to push both indices to close in the 441.59 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index red zone on the weekly level, however light- closed 1,069.99 points up by 7.19%. ened its gains. Furthermore, last week’s average daily For the annual performance, the price turnover increased by 17.44%, compared to index ended last week recording 12.87% the preceding week, reaching KD 36.15 mil- annual loss compared to its closing in 2013, lion, whereas trading volume average was while the weighted index decreased by 2.49%, 356.55 million shares, recording an increase and the KSX-15 recorded 0.15% growth. of 72.57%. Kuwait Stock exchange was able to com- Sectors’ Indices pensate some of its previous weeks’ losses, All of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the as its three stock indicators ended the week’s green zone except for one sector. Last week’s trading activity with varied gains, supported highest gainer was the Telecommunications by the purchasing power witnessed by many sector, achieving 11.46% growth rate as its listed stocks and headed by the large-cap index closed at 547.48 points. Whereas, in and operational stocks. This performance the second place, the Real Estate sector’s came among a noticeable improvement in index closed at 1,133.03 points recording the trading activity compared to the preced- 9.81% increase. The Financial Services sector ing week, whereas the optimistic environ- came in third as its index achieved 6.82% ment witnessed by the market was reflected growth, ending the week at 847 points. The on the trading activity, and had a positive Health Care sector was the least growing as impact on the market capital, which realized its index closed at 940.27 points with a a weekly gain of 6.09% after it reached KD 2.79% increase. On the other hand, the 28.19 billion by the end of last week, com- Consumer Services sector was last week’s pared to a KD 26.57 billion by the end of the only loser as its index declined by 0.58% to preceding week. end the week’s activity at 1,086.62 points. The stock market initiated the first session of the week with a noticeable growth for the Sectors’ Activity three indices, supported by the active pur- The Financial Services sector dominated a chasing activity witnessed by many stocks in total trade volume of 814.65 million shares all sectors, especially the blue-chip stocks changing hands during last week, represent- that affected the performance of KSX-15 ing 45.70% of the total market trading vol- index in particular, and was able to realize ume. The Real Estate sector was second in the highest gain ever for one day, as its gains terms of trading volume as the sector’s trad- increased more than 5% in the same session, ed shares were 22.30% of last week’s total which positively affected the market capital trading volume, with a total of 397.51 million to increase by more than 3%. In addition, shares. the stock market continued its upward direc- On the other hand, the Banks sector’s tion in the next session despite the profit stocks were the highest traded in terms of collection operations that were present dur- In the mid-week session, the stock mar- slight decrease in the trading activity. cially in the Real Estate and the Financial value; with a turnover of K.D 46.96 million or ing the session, as the heavy purchasing ket was able to resist the profit collection However, the stock market continued to Services sector. 25.98% of last week’s total market trading operation executed on the blue-chip stocks, operations that were strongly present during increase on Wednesday’s session, supported On the last session of the week, the stock value. The Financial Services sector took the and the return of the positive speculative most of the trading periods, and the three by the optimism trend in controlling the market witnessed a mixed performance for second place as the sector’s last week operations, caused the market to continue indicators were able to end the session in the traders spirits, with a concentrated purchas- its three indices, whereas the Price Index was turnover was K.D 40.35 million represented its upward direction. green zone, with limited gains, among a ing operations on the small-cap stocks, espe- able to continue its positive performance, 22.32% of the total market trading value. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 BUSINESS Weekly performance of Kuwait Stock Exchange Al-Shall Weekly Economic Report KUWAIT: The Public Administration in States. In Kuwait three ministers declare in 2008 (before the impact of the global eign exchange gain (loss) decreased by increased by KD 101.6 million, or by end of the same period of last year. Kuwait seems to be living for the now that there will be no impact for weak oil financial crisis). KD 115 thousand to a loss by KD 44 25.1%, to KD 507.1 million (KD 405.5 Results of analyzing the bank’s finan- and the present only and it neither recol- market on development projects. It is Financial performance data, com- thousand versus a profit by KD 71 thou- million in the end of 2013). Total assets cial statements calculated on annual lects nor benefits from the human lega- supposed that one Public pared with the same period of the previ- sand. increased by KD 120.4 million, or by basis indicate that all bank profitability cy of all nations that have experienced Administration should have unified ous year, point to a rise in the banks’ Total operations expenditures and 31.1%, when compared with KD 386.7 indexes achieved noticeable rise. The the same. It is neither capable nor will- speech. When oil prices decline by 40% total operating incomes by about 2% provisions for impairment increased by million in the same period 2013. Item of return on average equities (ROE) ing to recall Kuwait’s experience in simi- or more in a country whose budget rev- compared to 6.6% value of banks’ oper- less than the increase in total operations financing receivables increased by KD achieved 0.5% compared with a loss by - lar crises. Therefore, the Public enues rely on oil revenues by about 92%, ating expenses, resulting in a slight incomes. They increased by KD 1.2 mil- 128.7 million, or by 59%, to KD 346.7 4.5%. Likewise, the bank achieved Administration officials returned to it is certain that all development pro- decline in net operating income, prior to lion to KD 10.6 million (KD 9.4 million in million (68.4% of total assets) compared return on average capital (ROC) by repeating the same misconceptions, grams will be adversely affected. But provisions and distributing to deposi- the same period of 2013). Items of all with KD 218 million (53.8% of total 0.4% versus a loss by -4.2%. The return such as the following: what development programs are we tors, to KD 1.175 billion versus KD 1.183 operations expenditures (staff costs, assets) in the end of 2013. It increased on average assets (ROA) increased to talking about? There are two mistakes in billion, down by -0.7%. general and administrative expenses, by 90.1% or KD 164.3 million versus KD 0.1% versus a loss by -1.4%. EPS scored A. Funding the Deficit the Ministers statements. The first is that Provisions fell during the first nine depreciation and financing costs) 182.5 million (47.2% of total assets) in 0.3 fils versus a loss by -3.1 fils. (P/B) The Finance Minister complains that development is sustainable perform- months of this year by KD 122.1 mil- increased by KD 2.3 million, or 33.9%, to the same period of 2013. scored 2.9 times versus 3.8 times. he and his Government warned against ance, while the thinking of the Council lion, or -24.7%, which was directly KD 9.3 million versus KD 6.9 million. Item of placements with banks the current position of the public of Ministers does not go beyond the reflected on the high value of the banks’ While item of provision for impairment increased by KD 8.4 million, or by 11.6%, 5. The Weekly performance finance deficit but no one did heed their forthcoming fiscal year obligations; the net profits. Proportion of total provi- decreased by KD 1.1 million, or 45.9%, to KD 81 million (16% of total assets) of Kuwait Stock Exchange warnings. If that deficit occurs, there is second is the unanimous agreement on sions to the net profits equaled 75.8%, and scored KD 1.3 million (KD 2.4 million compared with KD 72.6 million (17.9% The performance of Kuwait Stock comparison between the commercial the failure of development projects so down from 119.7% for the same period in the same period last year). Item of of total assets) in the end of 2013. While Exchange (KSE) for the last week was borrowing and borrowing from the pub- far. We wonder about the development of last year. Distributions to depositors distributions to depositors increased by it decreased by 22.3%, or KD 23.3 mil- more active, where all indexes showed lic reserves for funding the deficit. It is projects that would not be affected increased by approximately KD 37 mil- KD 829 thousand and scored KD 2.3 mil- lion compared with KD 104.3 million an increase, the traded value index, the nonsense for the highest authority in the which are meant by the Ministers. lion, or by 18.9%, compared to the same lion (KD 1.5 million in the same period (27% of total assets) in the same period traded volume index, the transactions State to complain from corruption while period last year, though it did not take last year). This explains the increase in of 2013. index, and the general index showed an it is increasing; similarly, there is no 2. The Monthly Report of the into account integrating ‘Boubyan the net profit margin before the esti- Figures indicate that the bank’s liabil- increase, AlShall Index (value index) sense for its higher financial authority to State, Financial Administration Bank’s’ data with the ‘National Bank of mated distributions to depositors to ities (without including total equity) closed at 447.5 points at the closing of complain while until a few months ago Accounts — November 2014 Kuwait’ data. Unnecessary provisions 26.8% in the first nine months of this increased by KD 100.2 million, or by last Thursday, showing an increase of or even in last July the financial policy In its monthly follow-up report for remain profits that could be called if year compared with a loss by 29% in the 31.8%, and scored KD 415 million (KD 32.8 points or about 7.9% compared to becomes more loose. The right concept the State’s financial accounts (as pub- needed, or risk reserve that could be same period of last year. 314.9 million in the end of 2013) and the end of the previous week, while it’s is that responsibility is proportional to lished on its website) until November cancelled when risks subsided. (P/E) to The bank’s financial statements indi- increased by KD 118.9 million, or by a decrease by 7.2 points or about 1.6% authority and not to the complaint. The 2014, the Ministry of Finance indicates a the banks sector (ten banks) scored cate that the bank’s total assets 40.2%, if compared with the total in the compared with the end of 2013. comparison between the two choices continued rise in the revenues side. Until about 29.5 times compared to 33.2 above is a misconception because the 30/11/2014, i.e. eight months of the cur- times for the same period of last year. meaning for both is one and the same, rent fiscal year 2014/2015, total collect- ‘Al Juman Center’ states that banks i.e. deferred and illegal withdrawing ed revenues amounted to approximately vary in their provisions ratio to their bal- from the future generations reserve if KD 19.029 billion, about 94.8% of the ance of loans and advances. The highest the weakness of oil prices continues to total estimated revenues for the entire went for the ‘Gulf Bank’ by about 7.2%, the medium and long terms, which is current fiscal year at approximately KD then for “Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait” by exactly what happened in the 1980s and 20.069 billion, a noticeable decline by - about 6.9%, and the lowest for ‘Warba 1990s. The correct approach is to control 9.4% below the total received revenues Bank’ by about 1.4%. The general aver- the expenses to be within the limit of during the same period of last fiscal year age of the ten banks was around 5%. revenues either by controlling expenses 2013/2014 in the amount of KD 21.012 The concentration of loans and or creating sustainable revenue sources billion. advances is still high. The share of the to finance the deficit such as taxes and In details, the bulletin estimates actu- National Bank of Kuwait of the net loans fees, or a combination of both. al oil revenues until 30/11/2014 by and advances scored about 30.6% and about KD 17.949 billion, about 95.4% of 21.4% for Kuwait Finance House, i.e. two B. Adjusting Withdrawal Rates the estimated oil revenues for the entire banks alone have captured 52% there in Favor of the Generations Reserve current fiscal year in the amount of from, and the other eight banks got the The Future Generations Fund (FGF) about KD 18.806 billion, or about 94.3% other half, or 48%, with Warba Bank was created in 1970s to control the ceil- of total received revenues. Therefore, being the lowest by 0.9%, and Kuwait ing of public expenditures at a limit received oil revenues during the first International Bank by 2.8%, both are which does not exceed 90% of public eight months of the current fiscal year Islamic banks. revenues, i.e. obligatory saving for the were less by about KD -1.730 billion, The statistical bulletin (September future generations. What happened later about -8.8% below its counterpart value 2014) of the Central Bank of Kuwait on was in fact a revocation to this right during the same period of last fiscal year. states that the balance of the total cred- concept. The decision of the Council of An amount of KD 1.080 billion was col- it facilities for residents, provided from Ministers a few years ago to increase the lected from non-oil revenues during the local banks scored approximately KD deduction to 25% at the oil booming same period, at a monthly average of 30.621 billion, representing approxi- time was a naïve decision because the about KD 134.995 million, while the esti- mately 56.7% of total local banks’ assets, saving was higher than this percentage mated for the entire current fiscal year a rise by about KD 2.196 billion from the despite the outrageous increase in pub- was about KD 1.263 billion. This means end of September 2013, with a growth lic expense, and returning to the 10% the realized amount will be more for the rate of 7.7%. Total personal facilities now with the first shock in the oil market entire fiscal year by about KD 357 million within these were KD 12.203 billion, or is granted and will be followed by more than the estimate. 39.9%, of total credit facilities (approxi- borrowing than the deduction if oil Expenditures allocations for the cur- mately KD 10.961 billion in the end of prices sustain their decline. rent fiscal year were estimated at about September 2013), a growth rate of KD 23.212 billion, of which an amount of approximately 11.3%. Value of install- C. Supporting the Stock Market KD 8.491 billion was actually spent - ment loans within them included about The third of the flawed concepts was according to the bulletin- until KD 7.832 billion, or by 64.2% of the total implemented by Kuwait after every 30/11/2014, a monthly average of personal facilities, to purchase of securi- stock market crash and failed miserably spending by KD 1.061 billion. We, how- ties, including approximately KD 2.843 every time, yet it continues to be consid- ever, recommend not to rely on this fig- billion, or by 23.3% of the total personal ered as a viable option. If failing locally ure because there are expenses which facilities. Consumer loans amounted to wasn’t enough to deter government have become due but have not been KD 1.194 billion. institutions from pre-determining and actually spent. In addition, spending in The National Bank of Kuwait guaranteeing stock prices, then its the late months of the fiscal year will be achieved the highest value in the profits implementation and subsequent failure higher when settlements in the last among the ten banks capturing about in global markets should have. month of the fiscal year and conse- KD 203.9 million, or by 41.5% of the net Government bodies should not guaran- quently in the final account. Although profits of tee the price for select stocks, it should the bulletin concludes that the budget the ten banks, a rise by approximate- instead adopt policies that protect all surplus in the end of the first eight ly 12.7%, compared with the same peri- elements of the local economy. These months of the current fiscal year scored od in 2013. Kuwait Finance House polices should be aimed at promoting about KD 10.537 billion, we publish it achieved the second highest profits an appropriate working environment without recommending its endorsement capturing about KD 90.94 million, or by that creates a platform to ethically and as we believe that the actual surplus fig- 18.3% of the net profits of the ten securely trade the aforementioned ure of the budget will be less than the banks, with a growth rate by 1.1%, com- stocks. In reality, government support published figures when the final account pared with the same period of the previ- came in the form of the reactionary pur- is issued. The current fiscal year will ous year, taking advantage of the chase of stocks in attempt to stimulate a show a negative decreasing trend for reduced in total provisions. Warba bank declining market, which is equivalent to first and second half revenues, with four was the lowest in term of profits, with the theft of money that is owned by months of weaker revenues still remain- only KD 318 thousand compared to a those who deserve it, and given to those ing. loss of approximately KD 3.1 million. The who don’t. The basic principle is to Commercial Bank of Kuwait achieved adopt proactive polices that will reduce 3. Aggregated Performance the highest growth rate in profits by the supply of stock through appropriate for Banks’ Sector 227.6%, to KD 25.3 million, compared market procedures, by means of liquida- Last week we finished our last analy- with KD 7.734 million. Burgan Bank tion, merging, and then restructuring sis of nine banks performance in the first achieved about KD 48.7 million com- falling stocks. This will support the nine months of this year. With our analy- pared with KD 17.6 million, with a process of restoring confidence in the sis to ‘Warba Bank’ in this weekly report, growth rate by 176.9%. This means all market resulting from the knowledge our analysis completed to the ten banks’ banks have overcome the difficult situa- that its listed companies are safe, which performance. Aggregated figures indi- tion. It could be said that the path of in return will provide a much needed cate that the net profits of all banks, after banks sector, despite weak growth of boost to the demand side. Increasing tax deduction and non-controlling inter- the financing activity, its main activity, demand through market functions is ests, amounted to KD 491.1 million, up and its deviation towards the real estate what the government should intend for by KD 78.1 million, or by 18.9%, vis-a-vis and installment loans with big risks, is its polices to achieve, and it’s what the KD 413 million for the same period in improving despite the hot regional government failed to do during the 2013. All banks recorded improvement geopolitical conditions and the local financial crisis at 2008 and has to endure in their profitability, but with dominance political conditions. Monitoring and the consequences of the repeated fail- for a drop in the total provisions. That measuring the negative impact that ure of political policy. was also accompanied by a remarkable may result from the very weak oil mar- improvement in both assets prices or ket if it continues. D. Low Oil Prices Will Not Affect quality. Likewise, financial solvency of Development Projects the sector, both commercial and Islamic, 4. Warba Bank Financial In HH the Amir’s speech in the Doha has improved. There remains an indica- Results — 30 September 2014 GCC Summit Conference the current tor of a gradual recovery in the growth The bank announced results of its month, there is an explicit statement of of lending by the entire sector. It howev- business for the first nine months of this the negative impact of low oil prices on er will remain lagging by about -45.1% year, which indicate that the net bank the development programs in the Gulf when compared with the same period profit, after deducting taxes, scored KD 318 thousand vis-vis a loss by KD 3.1 million in the same period 2013. This means the bank recorded a noticeable rise in its profits by KD 3.4 million. Due to the rise in operational incomes by a more value than the rise in total opera- tional expenditures. In details, the bank’s total operations incomes increased by about KD 5.5 mil- lion and scored KD 13.2 million (KD 7.7 million in the same period 2013), due to increase in the item of placements and financing incomes by KD 4 million to KD 9.7 million (KD 5.8 million in the same period 2013). The bank’s financing port- folio increased to KD 346.8 million (KD 182.5 million in the same period 2013), i.e. with a growth rate by 90%. Likewise, item of investments income increased by KD 1.4 million to KD 2.5 million ver- sus KD 1.1 million, while the item of for- BUSINESS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 How to rewrite your CV to move to a higher position
CV is often the only document you have to pro- You can start by tailoring your career objective so it er wants to know if you’re a leader, and if hiring you 4. Design your CV like a pro mote yourself to a potential employer. It is your matches what the company is looking for. Use the key- will help them solve problems. As such, always have a Your CV might have the best content, but if it Achance to make a good impression. Even if you words that employers have put in the job description. “Key Achievements” section in your CV, highlighting isn’t designed in a professional manner, it won’t have all the credentials in the world, a poorly written Depending on the role, you must state how many how you have solved a specific company problem, grab the attention of the person reading it. Use for- CV will not make the cut. A well-constructed CV, on the years of experience you have accumulated, and that motivated the rest of your colleagues, and so forth. matting, especially the bold tool, to your advantage. other hand, could ultimately land you that dream job you’re not only a specialist in your particular field, but Remember to use examples from your career to Highlight keywords as well as numbers. or help you move up the career ladder. a leader. In fact, 25% of employers in the Middle East demonstrate your prowess. Make sure to proofread your CV at least twice Here, the career experts at Bayt.com, the Middle and North Africa (MENA) region say that experience is before sending it out to employers in order to check East’s leading job site, present four tips to rewrite your the most important part in a CV, as stated in the 3. Be specific and precise for any grammatical errors. CV if you want to move to a higher position: Bayt.com ‘Modern Job Search in the MENA’ poll, There is no better way to describe your achieve- Additionally, 45% of employers in the region November 2013. ments than using concrete examples. Instead of writ- want job seekers to include a picture in their CV, 1. It’s about them not you ing “I exceeded my monthly sales target,” you could say according to the Bayt.com ‘Modern Job Search in Job seekers tend to focus on what they want from a 2. Achievements have a higher weight than “I exceeded my monthly sales target of $5,000 by 20% the MENA’ poll, so make sure to insert a professional company without considering the value they could give responsibilities every month.” Employers want to know that investing photo. Don’t forget to use a readable font size and back to the employer. When an employer is skimming Now that you’re applying for a higher position in their resources in you will be worth their money, and color. through your CV, they are usually concerned about one the career ladder, your achievements are much more being extremely specific about what you have done Apply these tips to your CV, and employers will thing: “Will this person create value for my company?” important than your day-to-day activities. The employ- will win you some brownie points. soon be knocking at your door! Doubts as China project’s water reaches capital
DANJIANGKOU: A towering dam in central whose government approved it in 2002. China holds back a vast expanse of water Its construction has since taken on added destined to travel over 1,000 kilometres urgency with water levels per person in north to Beijing, but critics say it will only Beijing falling to just 120 cubic metres-less temporarily quench the city’s thirst. than Algeria and roughly on par with China’s capital on Saturday received its Yemen, both desert countries. first flows from the South-North Water The project’s eastern route, built along Diversion Project, one of the most ambitious the 1,400-year-old Grand Canal, began engineering projects in Chinese history. transporting water from the Yangtze to After decades of planning and at least Shandong province last year but has been $33 billion of investment, over a billion cubic dogged by pollution concerns, and some metres of water is projected to flow to the fear the same fate could befall the pricier capital every year, through more than 1,200 central section. kilometres of channels and pipes-the dis- State broadcaster CCTV reported last tance from London to Madrid. year that the Danjiangkou reservoir had “Beijing is now formally receiving water” become a “cesspool” due to rampant dis- from the project, the city’s government said charge of sewage into its tributaries, with in a text message. Another 8.5 billion cubic human waste and animal corpses a com- metres-equivalent to 3.4 million Olympic- mon sight in one of them. sized swimming pools-will reach provinces Officials have reportedly closed thou- along the way, planners say. sands of factories upstream from China’s government says the project, Danjiangkou, and this year announced that which will ultimately have three routes and the water was good enough to drink. an estimated $81 billion total cost, will solve a chronic shortage in China’s northern cities. ‘Very short-sighted’ Water availability per person in Beijing is But years of declining rainfall in southern on a par with Middle Eastern countries such China means it now regularly sees droughts as Israel, threatening economic growth, the of its own, and analysts say the project will key source of support for China’s ruling exacerbate those strains. DANJIANKOU: This photo taken on November 2, 2014 shows visitors on top of the Danjiangkou dam at Danjiankou in China’s central Hubei Communist party. “The basic trend in the South is that rain- province. The height of the dam was raised to increase the size of the Danjiangkou reservoir, which will provide water from central regions of “This water needs to go to the North,” fall decreases each year,” said Wu Xinmu, of China to Beijing in one of the most ambitious engineering projects in Chinese history. — AFP said a tour guide surnamed Chen, standing the Water Research Institute at China’s atop the 110-metre-high dam at the Wuhan University. Danjiangkou reservoir in the central Flow on lower sections of the rivers province of Hubei, which sits 120 meters which feed the Danjiangkou reservoir will Abe unleashes stimulus above Beijing’s sea-level to allow flow by decline dramatically and the project will pure gravity. “threaten the local supply of drinking water Among the engineering feats involved and influence farming irrigation and indus- are a 7.2 kilometre-long tunnel beneath the trial production” in parts of central China, plan to spur growth Yellow river-China’s second biggest water- researchers at the University wrote in a way-described in official reports as “the report. The central route has forced the relo- most enormous river crossing project in cation of more than 330,000 people, accord- human history”. ing to state-run media. Cabinet approves 29 billion for ailing economy To carry the flow over one river in Henan But the 1.05 billion cubic metres it is province, Chinese engineers built a 12 kilo- intended to deliver to Beijing every year will TOKYO: Japan’s Cabinet approved 3.5 trillion yen Since wage increases have not kept pace with such as help for rice farmers due to price declines metre aqueduct-the longest in the world. be not be enough to end the city’s thirst. ($29 billion) in fresh stimulus yesterday for the ail- inflation, rising share prices and corporate profits and relief for truckers and fishermen from high fuel But critics say that the scheme’s success is As China’s cities become richer, water ing economy, pledging to get growth back on track have done little to stimulate consumer demand, costs. But it also includes items addressing social jeopardised by declining rainfall in the consumption by citizens has rocketed, and is and restore the country’s precarious public apart from a rush of purchasing ahead of the April ills, such as measures against suicide and child south, and it will only act as a temporary set to grow further. finances. tax hike. abuse. The government will also provide funds to stopgap in the north’s insatiable demand. The capital’s annual water use has Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is wrapping up his The stimulus endorsed Saturday is to be paid for back loans to small and medium size businesses reached 3.6 billion cubic metres, and with second year in office hard-pressed to salvage a out of previously unused budget allocations. that have struggled with rising costs thanks to a Mao Zedong supplies at only about 2.1 billion cubic recovery that fizzled into recession after a sales tax Instead of the “trickle down” approach of many ear- weakening of the yen, which has boosted the Northern China supports nearly half the metres it already faces a 1.5 billion cubic hike in April. The stimulus plan endorsed by the lier policies, some support planned for local gov- prices Japanese pay for energy, food and other country’s population and economy along- metre shortfall every year. Cabinet includes 600 billion yen ($5 billion) ear- ernments will be handouts to be used as shopping imported goods. Another key aim is to ensure side two-thirds of its arable land, but has just Environmentalists say water conservation marked for stagnant regional economies. It also vouchers to entice people to spend more. Overall, improved job prospects for younger Japanese in a fifth its total water supply, according to the is an urgent priority, and prices currently lays out Abe’s vision for countering longer term 1.2 trillion yen ($10 billion) will go to consumers regions that are suffering from severe population World Bank. well below global averages at around 4 yuan trends such as Japan’s surging public debt and a and businesses and 1.7 trillion yen ($14.1 billion) is decline as jobseekers crowd into the cities. Looking over the Yellow river in 1952, per cubic metre-need to rise. A “supply-side declining and aging population. “A strong econo- allocated for disaster prevention and reconstruc- The government set targets for creating new Communist China’s founding father, Mao approach” exemplified by the project “does my is the wellspring of Japan’s national strength,” tion of stricken areas, such as the northeastern jobs and for encouraging city dwellers to move to Zedong is reported to have said: “The north not address the underlying causes of the said a summary of the plan released by the govern- coast, which is still recovering from the devastation the countryside. One proposal calls for moving of China needs water and the south has region’s water stress”, said Britt Crow-Miller, ment. It pledged to restore vitality to local regions of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and some government research institutes to the plenty. It would be fine to borrow some if assistant professor of geography at Portland to enable young Japanese “to have dreams and nuclear disaster. The plan is packed full of goodies, provinces, and away from Tokyo. — AP possible.” State University, who has studied it. hopes for the future.” But the document also At a time when a single word from Mao “China’s current development model is acknowledged the narrow policy options open to could launch a project, studies were swiftly very short-sighted,” she added. “It’s about Japan’s leaders given the country’s massive public begun but technical concerns and lack of keeping things growing at all costs... and debt, which is twice the size of the economy. The capital meant the idea was shelved until a deferring the consequences as far into the government is sticking to its pledge to balance its revival by then-president Jiang Zemin, future as possible.” — AFP budget by 2020, despite a recent decision by Abe to defer a tax hike due for next year until April WALL ST WEEK AHEAD 2017. Abe has sought to spur growth and end a long spell of deflation through aggressive mone- tary easing and increased public spending. He also Big questions for promised to undertake bold steps to break through the “bedrock” of Japan’s vested interests and bureaucracy, but has made little headway in areas such as labor and farm sector reforms. markets for 2015 After taking office for a third term following a snap election earlier this month, the prime minister NEW YORK: Wall Street was generally calmer intraday high of 5,132.52 reached on March faces growing pressure to show that his in 2014 than in previous years, but that does- 10, 2000, isn’t far off. “Abenomics” strategy for nurturing growth through n’t mean the stock market was devoid of dra- “I think Nasdaq will test and probably inflation can succeed. ma. Big selloffs in biotechnology and social achieve higher highs than we did in 2000 The Democratic Party of Japan, the leading media stocks had strategists predicting doom because I think we’re in a secular bull market opposition party, issued a statement Saturday in the spring, and the plunge in oil prices has that has another eight to 10 years left to run,” expressing its disappointment with the stimulus clouded the outlook for the coming year. It said Jeffrey Saut, managing director at plan, which it said relied on old pork barrel tactics was a year when Cynk Technology, a develop- Raymond James & Associates. that have failed in the past. ment-stage company with no revenue, was For the Nasdaq to hit 5,000, it would take a It said DPJ lawmakers would push for policies briefly worth $6 billion, and when a long-for- gain of 4 percent. And to get to that all-time “investing in people,” to help improve incomes and gotten closed-end fund focused on Cuba - high, it would take about a 7 percent boost growth. Japan’s central bank is buying up to the Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund - saw increase. Whether that’s warranted is some- 80 trillion yen ($660 billion) in assets each month, more trading in one day in December than it thing over which investors disagree. “What mostly government bonds, to help spur inflation, TOKYO: In this Dec. 15, 2014 file photo, Japanese Prime Minister and leader of the ruling had in six years. we need now is for fundamentals like revenue but so far has not attained its target of 2 percent Liberal Democratic Party Shinzo Abe, left, arrives for a press conference at the party headquar- With that in mind, Reuters asked Wall and earnings to catch up with current valua- price increases overall. Data released Friday ters in Tokyo. Japan’s Cabinet yesterday approved about 3.5 trillion yen ($29 billion) in fresh Street strategists a few questions on odd tions,” said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer showed inflation eased slightly in November as stimulus, including subsidies and job creation, to help pull the world’s third-largest economy things to watch for in 2015. at BMO Private Bank in Chicago. incomes and household spending dropped. out of recession. — AP
The big Apple More trading events expected Shares of Apple Inc, the most valuable After a series of market-crippling opera- Panama Canal claims $737m in cost overruns publicly traded US company, will finish higher tional glitches in recent years, found every- for a sixth straight year. With a current market where from Nasdaq to options markets, PANAMA CITY: The consortium expanding the for $333 million, is related to the weight of the a third set of locks to enable it to handle the value of about $663 billion, if one were to investors are bracing for more such events. Panama Canal is making fresh claims for cost gate for the third set of locks it is building for modern mega-freighters that global shipping pick a company that would be the first to hit This year, a gold-mining exchange-traded overruns totaling $737 million, officials said the canal-at 55,000 tonnes, compared to the companies prefer. $1 trillion in value, Apple’s a safe choice - but fund, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, dove Friday. Canal administrator Jorge Quijano told 35,000 tonnes initially planned. But the $5.25 billion project has been not next year, investors said. The iWatch, its 10 percent in the waning seconds of trading reporters that the Panama Canal Authority had But Quijano pointed to a clause in the con- plagued by delays, strikes and a bitter dispute latest product, may not be enough to propel one day in early December. Earlier in the year, received two claims on Tuesday that “will be tract according to which the canal authority over $1.6 billion in cost overruns with the con- the stock further. high-frequency trading firm Virtu Financial evaluated” to determine if there is probable would pay up to the value of a gate weighing sortium carrying out the upgrade, led by “I don’t really see this company as having canceled an initial public offering after the cause. But he warned that “at first glance, the 49,000 tonnes. Spanish construction firm Sacyr. another blockbuster category of products. release of Michael Lewis’ book “Flash Boys” issues will be very difficult for the counterparty The second claim, for $404 million, is due to Initially scheduled for completion in 2014, The watch doesn’t feel like a great idea. I’m brought negative publicity to computerized to justify.” delays in the fourth phase of excavation in the the project’s due date has been pushed back to kind of out of the Apple mystique thing,” said trading. None of these incidents were as dam- And in the latest setback for the behind- Pacific sector. The consortium, Grupos Unidos early 2016. Nearby Nicaragua, meanwhile, Kim Forrest, vice president and senior analyst aging as the May 2010 “flash crash.” The most schedule, over-budget upgrade, a union repre- por el Canal, says that the delay in excavation launched construction this week on a rival canal, sentative said excavation work was on hold after work may mean it will not receive water needed a $50 billion project that the Chinese firm at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Pittsburgh. notable in 2014 came out of the bond market negotiations broke down between the consor- to test the gates. Quijano, however, said he has a behind it plans to complete in five years. in mid-October, when 10-year Treasuries tium and workers who have been on strike since “plan B” to provide the necessary water for test- Quijano estimated that the Nicaragua Canal Nasdaq 5000 yields crashed more than 0.3 percentage Tuesday. About 1,000 workers are on strike, ing. The canal authority will pay another $120 construction would reduce by up to 30 percent With its gains on Friday, the Nasdaq point without warning. “There definitely will demanding better safety and treatment. Talks million in adjustments to the contract and other the transit of ships through the Panama Canal, Composite Index sits just about 200 points be an event. At least one, probably more,” said between the two sides are due to resume small claims, Quijano said. because it is closer to the lucrative market in the shy of the vaunted 5,000 level, which it has Joe Saluzzi, co-manager of trading at Themis Monday. One of the consortium’s latest claims, Work began in 2007 to expand the canal with United States. - not seen in nearly 15 years - and its all-time Trading in Chatham, New Jersey. —Reuters SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 BUSINESS
Crusher capacity in GCC steps up to meet rising demands
FUJAIRAH: Fujairah’s quarry products boosted an already successful local is a key player also in the advancement One of the companies meeting the Industries carried out major enhance- industry is gaining positive attention industry. of regional quarry product expansion needs of the market and supplying the ments to the newly acquirer crushers from the GCC and beyond - with produc- The UAE is the world’s third largest with a commitment to invest another quarry product demand is Fujairah which included installing primary and tion expected to experience continual exporter of quarry products, with SAR 8 billion in Oil & Gas and retail in based Oryx Industries, an industry lead- secondary jaw crushers from industry growth in terms of volume, rising from Fujairah situated at the heart of current Fujairah specifically. This combination of ing Gulf producer of building materials, leader Metso (Finland). This has allowed the current 100 million tons in 2015 to production- catering to local and region- economic factors impacting Fujairah’s with a track record of excellence in the production capacities to reach 3mn 145 million tons by 2019. The emirate al needs. According to MEED Ventures quarry production is expected to fields of supplying ready-mix concrete tons annually. This expansion will give expects to receive more than AED 25 bil- Onsite, the total value of construction increase operations by 8% annually for and the sourcing and transportation of Oryx Industries a total production of lion in infrastructure projects in the projects either planned or underway in the next 5 years to meet growing high quality quarry products. Fujairah 8mn tons per annum, about 8% of coming five years; accompanied by an the UAE is $549bn. Two major events, demands both locally and regionally. based companies like Oryx Industries Fujairah’s total gabbro production in 11% additional residential supply to the the World Expo in 2020 and the Football The construction boom is subse- are playing an important role in the 2015. With a production capacity of 8 emirate. In addition, the construction World Cup in 2022, hosted by Dubai and quently having a direct impact on the growth and development of the UAE, million tons of high quality mined quar- boom currently sweeping the entire Qatar respectively, will support the role of crushers - machinery designed to and will continue to be vital in the future ry products, and quarry reserves of region has played a large role in devel- growth in real estate and construction cope with the toughest quarry aggre- development of the region. In anticipa- more than 400 million tons (sufficient oping Fujairah’s quarry product industry, sectors - with further significant addi- gates, completing a process vital to the tion with increasing demand for build- for more than 40 years) Oryx Industries with a pipeline of construction projects tional contracts from Kuwait; one of the exporting of quarry materials, thus ing materials, Oryx Industries added to and their crusher capabilities looks set that exceeds USD 2.5 trillion. All of these region’s biggest quarry product impacting and expanding the role of its capacities after acquiring Oryx to be a major player in the future of market dynamics have significantly importers. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia crusher’s and their capacities in Fujairah. Crushers early 2014. Since then, Oryx Fujairah’s growing economy.
Kuwait Energy announces second oil discovery
KUWAIT: Kuwait Energy (the Company) of circa 5,000 and 8,000 barrels of oil per yesterday announced that the consortium- day (BOPD) of 35 API crude on 32”/64” and comprised of Kuwait Energy (70% and 64”/64” chokes respectively. operator) and Dragon Oil (30%) has made The consortium will conduct more its second oil discovery at ‘Block 9’ in Iraq. detailed testing on Yamama towards the The successful discovery was at the con- end of the year. sortium’s second target, the Yamama for- Sara Akbar, CEO of Kuwait Energy, said: mation at 4,000 meters, in its Block 9 explo- “This is the second discovery in the first ration well, ‘Faihaa-1’, located in Northern well drilled in Block 9, so we are delighted Basra, Iraq. to have accomplished additional progress. Preliminary tests of the Faihaa-1 We are confident that Block 9 has strong Yamama formation resulted in oil flow rates exploration potential.” Gulf Bank announces winners of Al Danah daily draws KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al Danah side winners of KD 50,000 and KD daily draws on December 21st, 2014, 250,000. announcing the names of its winners Al Danah allows customers to win HH Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Matthew Lodge, British Ahmed Ismail Behbehani for the week of December 14th to cash prizes and simultaneously Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Ambassador to Kuwait December 18th. The Al Danah daily encourages them to save. Each KD100 draws include draws each working day gives the customer 1 chance daily for two prizes of KD 1000 per winner. which accumulates day by day. The ‘Britain in Kuwait 2015’ more money saved and the longer it is The winners were: in the account, the more chances indi- (Sunday 14/12): Abdulrazzaq viduals stand to win. Every Mohammed Fahmi Al-Jabban, Yaqoub Al Danah prize draws will automati- 9th trade exhibition to showcase over 70 stands Abdulredha Hussain Kabli. cally be deposited into the winner’s KUWAIT: The ‘Britain in Kuwait’ 2015 exhibition clients. This is a significant event that we are Kuwait Investment Promotion Office. A num- (Monday 15/12): Fadeelah account within two working days. is set to take place at the Salwa Sabah Al proud to be part of, as it allows us to build fur- ber of exciting activities will take place at the Abdulrasoul Ali Hassan Al-Arbash, Al Danah also offers a number of Ahmad Ballroom under the patronage and in ther on the successful relationship we current- event, with some companies promoting Nabeel Mohammed Roudhan Al- unique services including the Al Danah presence of His Highness Sheikh Nasser ly enjoy with Kuwait and its people.” numerous first to market promotions. Roudhan. Deposit Only ATM card which helps Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah; from the 15th The majority of industries and sectors in On behalf of the organizers, Ahmed Ismail (Tuesday 16/12): Omar Saad Al-Ajmi, account holders deposit their money to the 17th of January, 2015. Kuwait will be represented during the exhibi- Behbehani said: “It is a privilege to play a sig- Ammar Essa Hassan Sowayed. at their convenience; as well as the Al The ‘Britain in Kuwait’ exhibition was estab- tion; these include retail, education, health- nificant role in creating the platform that (Wednesday 17/12): Moneera Khaled Danah calculator to help customers lished in 1997 to solidify the trade ties care, motor industry, hospitality, aviation and brings together so many esteemed companies Yousef Al-Mutawa, Fatmah calculate their chances of becoming an between the two nations and reinforce the many more. Zain & AlZayani are participating that have contributed greatly to the economy Mohammed Khalif Sabti. Al Danah winner. long standing relationship that joins them as ‘Platinum Sponsors’ and a host of other com- of Kuwait. This event is not only about the (Thursday 18/12): Bejad Hamad Gulf Bank’s Al Danah account is together, and continues to grow stronger until panies are taking part, including NBK, British companies exhibiting their services, but rather Merwi Al-Adwani, Sameerah Mansour open to Kuwaitis and all residents of this day. Petroleum, British Airways, Alghanim Travel , reinforcing their commitment to developing Qasem Al-Saraf. Kuwait. Customers that open an Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador to Costa Coffee, East India Tea Company, The the different sectors across Kuwait”. account with the minimum balance of Kuwait said, “A great selection of Britain’s top British Council, Orbit/Showtime, G4 Security, Following on from Great British Week, which KD 200, will automatically enter the Al companies operating in and out of Kuwait will Inchcape Shipping, HCA International , was held in April, 2014, ‘Britain in Kuwait’ will Danah upcoming draws as long as they come together under one roof to showcase the Burlington Stone, British Business Forum, the provide an excellent and high profile start to meet the required minimum hold of best of their products and services, with the British School of Kuwait, Kuwait English the series of activities planned to be held in each draw. To be part of the Al Danah aim of better servicing existing and potential School, Kuwait Banking Association and the Kuwait during 2015. draws, customers can visit one of Gulf Gulf Bank’s Al Danah 2014 draw Bank’s 58 branches, transfer on line, or lineup includes daily draws (2 winners call the Customer Contact Center on per working day each receive KD 1805805 for assistance and guidance. 1000). The final Al Danah draw for the Customers can also log on to www.e- Million Dinars will be held on 8 gulfbank.com/aldanahwinners, to find January, 2015 whereby the Al Danah out more about Al Danah and who the Millionaire will be announced along- winners are.
GCC countries dominate top 5 Arab states recording in ICT development Index
UAE: ICDL Arabia, the governing body gies, the adoption of new standards and and certification authority for the ICDL legislations on digital advancement, and certification program in Egypt, GCC the emergence of products and solutions States and Iraq, has expanded on the for mobility, business and the likes. The recent findings of the 2014 report pub- recent UN study demonstrates the GCC lished by the International countries leading role in the technology Telecommunication Union (ITU), the shift, with five GCC states joining the United Nations’ specialized agency for world’s top 60 countries in ?CT develop- ICT, pointing out the outstanding per- ment. The UAE in particular has made a formance of the GCC significant improve- countries in the ment, jumping 14 posi- report. The ITU’s flag- tions to its current glob- ship annual report al ranking of 32.” ‘Measuring the The IDI top 30 rank- Information Society ings include Australia, Report’ has identified Bahrain (rank 27), Gulf countries among Canada, Japan, Macau, the group of ‘most New Zealand, Singapore, dynamic countries,’ and the USA. Denmark having recorded was ranked first, fol- above-average lowed by the Republic of improvements in their Korea which ranked sec- ICT Development ond. The UAE, Qatar, KSA Etihad Airways Airbus A380 launch Index (IDI) rank over and Oman are at 32, 34, the past 12 months. 47, and 52, respectively. According to the Almost all countries sur- maiden flight to Heathrow UN report, Bahrain, veyed improved their IDI UAE, Qatar, Saudi rankings, with the CIS ICDL Director General, Jamil Ezzo ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways, the national air- wi-fi access and the airline will host social guests a personal Butler who, for the inaugu- Arabia and Oman are and Arab States demon- line of the United Arab Emirates, launched its media activities during the flight. ral flight, will be British national, Georgina the top five among strating the highest first A380 service to London Heathrow in the James Hogan, President and Chief Henderson. Arab States and within the top 60 global- improvements in regional IDI averages. early hours of tomorrow, December, morn- Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The Georgina and other Etihad Airways Butlers ly in the IDI, a composite measure that The report further highlighted that ing. The double decker aircraft will operate response from air travellers to our new A380, have all received specialist training at the ranks 166 countries according to their Internet usage continued to grow steadi- on EY11, one of the three daily London particularly The Residence by Etihad pent- Savoy Butler Academy in London prior to the level of ICT access, use and skills. In the ly at 6.6 per cent globally in 2014. The Heathrow services, departing at 2.35 am and house suite, has been incredible and we’re launch of the A380. Arab States, Bahrain ranked number one number of Internet users in developing arriving at the world’s busiest airport at delighted to introduce the aircraft into com- The A380 also features First Apartments, with an IDI of 7.40 while the UAE jumped countries has doubled in the last five 6.35am. By August 2015, every Etihad mercial service. which are fully private suites with a separate 14 places to earn second rank with an IDI years (2009-2014), with two thirds of all Airways flight between Abu Dhabi and “This last week has seen the successful reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as of 7.03. Qatar was third with 7.01, fol- people online now living in the develop- London will be an A380 service. final testing and preparations for the inaugu- well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity lowed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ing countries the end of 2014, almost 44 Etihad Airways unveiled the A380 to an ral historic flight to London Heathrow and unit and wardrobe. A total of 70 Business (KSA) in fourth and Oman in fifth posi- per cent of households globally will have audience of 200 media at a high profile gala we look forward to welcoming guests onto Studios are located on the upper deck of the tion with IDIs of 6.36 and 6.10, respec- Internet access at home, up from 40 per in Abu Dhabi on Thursday 18 December, hav- the A380 aircraft at Abu Dhabi Airport.” A380all offering aisle access and a fully flat tively. cent last year and 30 per cent in 2010. In ing taken delivery of the aircraft from Airbus The Residence by Etihad is a three room bed of up to 80.5 inches long. The upper Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL developed countries, , 78 per cent of in Hamburg earlier in the week. suite - with living room, bathroom and bed- deck of the A380 is allocated to the premium Arabia, said: “These are exciting times for households now have home Internet Guests travelling on the inaugural flight room - that offers a level of luxury and priva- cabins. the ICT sector as the world is shifting access, compared to 31 per cent in devel- will be given a commemorative A380 certifi- cy normally associated with private jet travel. The Economy Smart Seat also debuts on towards a smarter society characterized oping countries, with just 5 per cent in cate as well as passport holders and luggage Located in the forward upper section of the A380 and has enhanced comfort with the by the integration of fresher technolo- the 48 UN Least Developed Countries. tags. Guests will also have complimentary the A380 The Residence by Etihad offers unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 technology ‘The Interview’ makes $1 million before online revenue rolls in
LOS ANGELES: “The Interview” took in more ing the film and its stars, Seth Rogen and sands of people have reportedly downloaded than $1 million in a limited Christmas Day James Franco. the film from pirate sites. The controversy release, a solid showing that could be quickly The comedy, steeped in gross-out, bath- gave the film exposure to audiences that eclipsed by the money Sony Pictures makes room humor, depicts the travails of two jour- might never have gone to see it otherwise, with its groundbreaking online debut of the nalists who get enlisted to assassinate North and many who showed up on Christmas Day raunchy comedy. That the farcical film - which Korea leader Kim Jong Un. It might not be a said they were there to support free speech. angered North Korea and triggered a devas- typical Christmas Day release, but it filled the- One of those was David Humdy, 65, an enter- tating cyberattack on the studio - is now a aters and got lots of laughs. tainment industry accountant who saw the guinea pig for Hollywood’s digital future con- Sony “got $1 million in sales, that’s a nice film in Los Angeles and declared it “silly, enter- stitutes another bizarre twist in the month- bit of gravy... knowing the main release isn’t taining, better than I thought.” long Sony Pictures saga. After large movie happening the way it should be,” said Gitesh The extensive press coverage could also theater chains refused to screen the comedy Pandya, editor of boxofficeguru.com. boost the film in overseas markets, where following threats of violence from hackers The theatrical release so far amounts to Rogen and Franco are not yet big stars. who opposed the film, Sony stitched together less than 10 percent of the cinemas that had Pandya believes Sony Pictures will be able a limited release in 331 mostly independent been planned for a wide release in the United to absorb losses easily, as it is not unusual for NEW YORK: In this photo taken July 14, 2010, an electric plug charges a Smart Car theaters and a $5.99 video-on-demand (VOD) States and Canada. The film was expected to a film of such a budget to fall short. electric drive vehicle in New York. People buying all-electric cars where coal supplies rental option on YouTube, Google Play and gross at least $20 million over the long holi- “It’s hard to find a way that they recoup it the power may think they are helping the environment. But a new study shows those other sites. day weekend if in wide release, according to all because they did end up spending a lot of coal-powered plug-in vehicles can be making the air dirtier and worsening global “I’d be surprised if this wasn’t one of the Boxoffice.com. money on marketing for a theatrical release warming. — AP biggest VOD events ever,” said Jeff Bock, a box that never happened,” he added. office analyst at Exhibitor Relations, who TIDE TURNING But the fracas forced Sony to explore more thinks Sony could have charged more. The day before Christmas, Sony Pictures fully a territory looming on the Hollywood Tesla upgrading Roadster car Until Sony discloses the online revenues, it released the movie online via Google Inc’s horizon: “day-and-date” simultaneous VOD is hard to know if the studio will come any- YouTube and Google Play, Microsoft Corp’s and theatrical release. VOD deals tend to give NEW YORK: Tesla said improvements it is ed about the upgrade Thursday and Tesla where near recouping the $44 million it cost Xbox gaming console and a Sony dedicated studios a higher slice of revenue than the 50- making to its older Roadster model will let posted more details on its website Friday. to make the film, plus the $30 million-$40 mil- website. Sony is looking for more partners for 50 split they share with U.S. and Canadian the electric car travel about 400 miles on a Tesla stopped making Roadsters in 2012, lion that some estimate was spent on market- digital distribution, though hundreds of thou- movie theaters. — Reuters single charge. the year it introduced the Model S. The Palo Alto, California, company said The company said not to expect any that a new battery, new tires, and other major upgrades in the battery or range of improvements will boost the car’s range 40 its Model S “in the near term.” Musk said to 50 percent compared to the original. that upgrade will happen eventually. Tesla plans to demonstrate the higher The Model S comes with two battery range with a drive from San Francisco to options. The larger battery has a range of Los Angeles - about a 400-mile trip - early 265 miles, according to EPA testing. Shares next year. of Tesla rose $5.98, or 2.7 percent, to Tesla Motors Inc. CEO Elon Musk tweet- $228.24 in afternoon trading.— AP Toshiba develops new 3D displays
TOKYO: Toshiba Corporation has devel- ing a new low-crosstalk high-definition oped a new technology for 3D displays liquid crystal GRIN lens system which suf- that do not require users to wear dedicat- fers no degradation in image brightness ed 3D glasses that uses a low-crosstalk, in 3D mode and no deterioration of high-definition LCD GRIN lenswith a 15- image quality in 2D mode. The lens sys- inch 4K LCD panel. tem reduces the abnormal alignment of The technology realizes a highly liquid crystal molecules near the bound- portable, compact display that can aries of liquid crystal lens, reducing switch between 3D mode with high-defi- crosstalk to 2%, against 5% in conven- nition resolution and 2D mode with tional 3D displays. ultrahigh-definition 4K resolution. The This is achieved by optimizing the ori- technology and the new display will be entation of the liquid crystal molecules unveiled at the “2015 International and the angle of the liquid crystal GRIN Consumer Electronics Show” that will be lens relative to the direction of polariza- held in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2015. tion of the liquid crystal panel. By com- Toshiba has developed and marketed bining this technology with a 15-inch 4K glasses-free big-screen 3D televisions LCD panel, 3D resolution has been and laptop computers for the consumer increased more than fivefold, making it market. Technologies established in com- possible to view high-quality 3D images mercialization of these products were on the same display used for ultrahigh- SAN FRANCISCO: This March 8, 2012 file photo shows attendees walking past the Sony PlayStation PS Vita console on display in the Sony also used to develop specialized prod- definition 2D images. PlayStation booth at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. —AP ucts for the professional business market, Moving forward, Toshiba plans to fuse efforts that culminated in the introduc- the new technology with a partial 2D/3D tion of the world’s first glasses-free 3D switching function which can be applied medical display on the market. to any screen size and position, and to PlayStation, Xbox outages spark Achieving the high level 3D perform- aim for its rapid commercialization in B2B ance required in B2B fields has typically industrial and medical products that relied on specialized plastic lenses for require glasses-free high-definition 3D debate over hacker claims professional 3D displays. However, displays. Toshiba’s specialized 3D display is also Crosstalk indicates the separation per- SAN FRANCISCO: Sony’s PlayStation network support site said Xbox Live was available at mid- desire for visibility and “lulz,” which is Internet required to function as a 2D display for formance of parallax images in 3D mode; remained offline Friday on the second day of an day Friday, but it reported new problems in the slang for laughs. Holden said he recently users who need to view 2D images. This the lower the crosstalk, the higher the outage that began roiling the online world just afternoon. described them on his blog as “hacktivists” or is especially important for mobile definition of the 3D display. GRIN: as eager video game players were unwrapping Signs of trouble emerged earlier this month online political activists, until the group contact- devices, where there is a high demand Gradient-index lens. In a GRIN lens, the new consoles on Christmas morning. when someone using a Lizard Squad account on ed him on Twitter and asked to be called “cyber- for a product that allows users to easily refractive-index distribution is formed by Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, which also went Twitter began threatening to disrupt gaming terrorists.” switch between high-quality 3D and applying a voltage to the liquid crystal down Thursday, was back online Friday although services on Christmas - and then boasted of Holden said the attacks did cause economic ultrahigh- definition 2D without any cell. 3840 ◊ 2160 pixels. In comparison the company reported reported problems with causing the outages on Thursday. A person or damage to gaming companies. “It’s certainly need for an additional display. with the Dynabook Qosmio T851 Toshiba met this demand by develop- (launched 2011). — Agencies some functions in the afternoon. group using the same name on Twitter took costing money all the way around to defend Credit for the disruptions was claimed on credit last August for similar attacks in which against these attacks,” he said, adding that Sony Twitter by a group of self-proclaimed hackers hackers overwhelmed company servers with a may also face the ire of customers whose brand- called Lizard Squad - or someone purporting to flood of Internet traffic, disrupting the online new PlayStations wouldn’t work on Christmas speak for it. But many video game enthusiasts gaming networks operated by Sony, Riot Games Day. and some other hacker groups quickly con- and other companies. The same Twitter account Lizard Squad’s claimed attack on Sony’s gam- demned their actions. Even the notorious Kim was also used in August to make an apparently ing network last summer has also prompted Dotcom, a New Zealand-based online entrepre- false report that a bomb was on an airliner carry- speculation it might be involved in the neur who’s been accused of abetting Internet ing a Sony executive. November hack of Sony Pictures Entertainment, piracy, got into the act by offering free vouchers So far, there’s no specific evidence to link which the FBI has blamed on North Korea. While for his online privacy service if the Lizard Squad these episodes with last month’s malware experts say it’s possible the North Korean gov- would agree to restore the Xbox network. attacks on Sony’s movie division. The current ernment worked with independent hackers, A Lizard Squad account on Twitter appeared episode doesn’t appear to have exposed any Holden also noted that Lizard Squad Twitter to credit Dotcom’s offer for the partial restora- corporate or customer data. But one expert said accounts appeared to applaud the Internet out- tion of Xbox service on Friday. But exactly what Friday that the Lizard Squad group is capable of age that afflicted North Korea this week. “It’s happened is still unclear: Neither Sony nor serious disruption. totally speculative,” he said of suggestions that Microsoft would say what disrupted their net- “They’re well-practiced and, from what I see, Lizard Squad might be involved in the Sony works. And experts say it’s difficult to trace the they’ve got the capability to take down a lot of Pictures attack. source of attacks or confirm claims of responsi- things,” said Dan Holden, director of security Meanwhile on Friday, someone using a Lizard bility. research for Arbor Networks, a cyber-defense Squad Twitter account claimed the group was Sony Online Entertainment said on its web- company based in Burlington, Massachusetts. shifting its attention to attack a widely used site Friday that its Playstation network was still He added that little is known about the group or Internet encryption service called Tor. Late in the URUGUAY : Young bulls remain at the “Toros de Kiyu” test station, in Kiyu, 61 km west down, adding on Twitter: “We are working to where its members are based. “Their cause is a day, a Tor spokeswoman said the service was of Montevideo. Uruguay is the only country in the world to achieve 100% tracebility restore full network services for all platforms - little bit oddball,” said Holden, adding that the responding to an attack but did not expect any of cattle. — AFP thanks, as always, for your patience!” A Microsoft group appears to be motivated primarily by a “performance effects.” — AP Uruguay has big plans for smart agriculture
MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay, a country of 3.3 million ture industry was traditionally geared toward quality, we’ve developed public policies... that inhabitants and four times as many cows, hopes cattle ranching, nearly tripled its crop land to 1.5 apply a mathematical model predicting erosion,” to feed 50 million people thanks to drones, million hectares (3.7 million acres). he told AFP. “smart” combines and other high-tech farming The small country, an agricultural dynamo That model enables the government to regu- techniques. At a farm a two-hour drive outside with a temperate climate that is sandwiched late soil usage with drones and satellite imagery the capital Montevideo, combines on auto pilot between South American giants Argentina and to ensure farmers are following the rules. meticulously harvest every millimeter of field. Brazil, leads the world in arable land per person, “It’s developed as public policy but it’s The farmer inside the machine, instead of with 15 million hectares. It is also likely the only applied on the ground by nearly 500 private driving, follows its progress on a screen as it col- country with four cows per person, each of them agronomics engineers,” said the minister. lects data on crop yields per square meter that equipped with an electronic ear chip to trace The government’s flagship project is a nation- he will analyze to improve next year’s harvest. every cut of beef in this nation of steak lovers. al information system that will centralize data “For us, harvesting information is as impor- By betting on technology and boosting pro- from each agricultural sector to guide policy- tant as harvesting grain,” said farmer Gabriel ductivity, Uruguay has already gone from pro- makers. Carballal. Carballal, 40, began working on his ducing enough food for nine million people in The goal is to increase competitiveness but family farm in 1999, originally using traditional 2005 to enough for 28 million people today. also protect family farms — 75 percent of the methods. But then came a “revolution” in plant- The government has set a target of eventual- total, but disappearing fast-and preserve the ing technologies, machinery and crop manage- ly feeding 50 million people, 15 times the popu- country’s resources, said Aguerre. ment techniques, he told AFP. That revolution lation. Behind this “agro-intelligent Uruguay,” as “Protecting soil quality doesn’t mean not has nearly doubled his yields in the course of a the government puts it, are decades of joint using the soil, it means using it responsibly,” he decade, thanks to genetically modified seeds, research by the state and private farmers and said. He pointed to the example of Uruguayan high-tech machines and “direct sowing”-a tech- ranchers, said Agriculture Minister Tabare cattle ranchers, who cut emissions by 28 percent nique that involves planting seeds directly into Aguerre. from 1990 to 2010. “With science, we can intensi- last year’s fields, with minimal tilling, to protect “We’re using the soil more intensively. Since fy production and be more environmentally URUGUAY: Wheat is unloaded from a combine harvester into a tractor at a wheat the soil. we have more than 50 years of research telling responsible in terms of greenhouse gas emis- field near the city of Mercedes, in Soriano department, 270 km northwest of At the same time Uruguay, where the agricul- us which variables affect erosion and loss of soil sions,” he said — AFP Montevideo in this file photo. — AFP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE
Language barriers and fear of police may prevent minority 911 calls NEW YORK: In poor, mostly Latino areas goodness . . . Uh, there is great hesitation of Denver, Colorado, people who suffer on the older people’s part,” said one par- cardiac arrest are less likely to get help in ticipant. part because distrust of law enforcement Many also expressed the fear of not and language barriers stop bystanders being able to communicate with an from calling 911 or learning CPR, emergency dispatcher. “One of the researchers say. things we found that’s specific to the “We always sort of take it for granted Latinos in Denver, and I think it’s some- the people will call 911, and this is the thing that’s important for people to first study to really take a step back and know, is when you do call 911 how to say, gosh there’s real barriers that we say the right words to get through need to talk about,” said Dr Comilla faster,” Sasson said. Sasson, who led the new study. People It can take 5 to 10 minutes for the dis- who live in poor and minority neighbor- patcher to communicate with somebody hoods are more likely to suffer cardiac who doesn’t speak English while trying arrest outside of a hospital, and less like- to figure out the medical emergency, ly to receive bystander cardiopulmonary Sasson said, so she trains people in the resuscitation (CPR) or to survive, Sasson community to say “heart stopped, and her colleagues write in Annals of Spanish interpreter” when they call 911. Emergency Medicine. The results of the “It’s not rocket science by any means, survey point out several misconceptions but ‘heart stopped’ triggers that this is a that need to be addressed in such com- medical emergency,” Sasson said, and munities, like the fear that first respon- saying “Spanish interpreter” immediately ders “aren’t going to help you unless lets the operator know they don’t speak you’re documented or that they’re going English. to arrest you,” Sasson, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado Cardiac arrest Yoga may benefit heart School of Medicine, told Reuters Health. The main reasons people gave for not “It’s something we spent a lot of time learning CPR included the cost, lack of here in Denver really talking to our classes and not being aware of how CPR police officers and talking to our com- can save lives. “We know from the health as much as aerobics munity members to let them know that research we’ve done that Latinos are 30 if you call 911 we’re not going to ask for percent less likely to have CPR performed EUROPE: Those sun salutations and downward ago, and has become a popular mind-body thera- improvements seen among people who did aero- identification - we’re here to help you,” and what the study really showed it was dogs could be as good for the heart as cycling or py in the West. Yoga’s breath control and body bic exercise instead. Sasson said. For their study, Sasson and not that Latinos don’t want to do CPR or brisk walking, and easier to tolerate for older postures are believed to help nourish self-aware- colleagues recruited residents of five that they’re afraid of it,” Sasson said. It’s people and those with health challenges, accord- ness, control stress and develop physical strength Silver yoga low-income, primarily Latino neighbor- truly, I think, that we haven’t gotten the ing to a new review of existing research. Based on and balance. The more traditional Hatha style of There were no changes, though, in fasting glu- hoods in Denver to form focus groups messaging out on how important it is 37 clinical trials, researchers found that doing yoga is the most widely practiced in the US. But cose levels or A1C, a measure of long-term blood and do individual interviews to find out and how easy it is to do, especially now yoga lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, heart many specialized yoga “products,” such as hot sugar control in diabetics. Chu and her colleagues what might prevent them from calling that you can do it without breathing into rate and other cardiovascular risk factors in incre- yoga, power yoga and yoga retreats are part of a note that one weakness of the results is that the 911, learning CPR or performing it. somebody’s mouth - you can do hands- ments comparable to those seen with aerobic billion-dollar yoga industry. One study estimates analyzed trials included various types of yoga that only CPR.” exercise. that 15 million Americans have practiced yoga at were practiced for different amounts of time. Criminal history Sasson said the American Heart “Taken together, these improvements could least once, according to Chu and her co-authors. These included Silver yoga (for seniors), Iyengar A total of 55 people participated in Association has a Spanish-language web- facilitate and complement a regimen toward bet- yoga (a form of Hatha that emphasizes correct six focus groups, along with an addition- site at heart.org/rcp with training materi- ter cardiovascular health,” said Paula Chu, a doc- Metabolic syndrome postures), Viniyoga (which includes chanting) and al nine individual interviews. The als and a 60-second video that people toral candidate in health policy at Harvard They focused on yoga’s effects on cardiovascu- Vinyasa (breath-synchronized movements.) researchers identified six major barriers can watch to learn how to do hands-only University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who led lar disease, as well as risk factors including high There were also a wide range of populations, to calling 911, including the fear of law CPR in Spanish. “Cardiac arrest is a major the study. blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdomi- from the young and healthy to older people with enforcement if the bystander was public health problem and bystander She and her co-authors caution in the nal fat and abnormal cholesterol levels that make histories of heart disease, Chu told Reuters Health. undocumented or had a criminal history. CPR significantly improves your odds of European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, how- up a profile - known as metabolic syndrome - that “We are not recommending anyone ditch their Participants also misunderstood or were survival on the order of tripling (them) ever, that larger studies are needed to under- often leads to heart disease and diabetes. The medicines or established medical or physical not aware of Good Samaritan laws and and there’s large disparities in who stand how yoga improves health, how much of it study team analyzed 37 randomized, controlled practices,” she said. “Individuals can talk to their worried that law enforcement or the vic- receives bystander CPR,” Dr Ben Bobrow, is ideal and if there are differences in benefits trials involving 2,768 people through December doctors about whether yoga is a viable option for tim’s family would blame them if the per- who wasn’t involved in the study, told from various types of yoga before the practice 2013. The trials either looked at yoga compared to them.” son did not survive. Reuters Health. “There’s both economic becomes a standard prescription for heart dis- no exercise or to aerobic exercises. Participants’ Yoga classes may be offered at health clubs, Cultural and language issues were and racial disparities in who has access to ease. average age was 50 and they were followed for spas, senior centers and in other settings. also important. For instance, there was life-saving therapy like CPR and it’s unac- Nonetheless, yoga’s benefits have been long anywhere from 12 weeks to one year. Individual classes at stand-alone yoga centers considerable concern about the propri- ceptable that people shouldn’t have suspected, said Dr Larry Phillips, a cardiologist at Those who did yoga had significant improve- tend to range from $15 to $30. Phillips said he ety or safety of touching another person, access to simple life-saving interventions NYU Langone Medical Center in New York. “I think ments in a range of risk factors. Systolic blood encourages his patients to develop a healthy especially a stranger, in the chest area or like CPR,” said Bobrow, who is medical what we’ve seen is with yoga and the relaxation pressure (the top number) dropped by an average lifestyle and exercise regimen, which could on the mouth. “I don’t know if it’s limited director of the EMS and Trauma System and behavior modification that goes along with of 5.21 mm Hg, and diastolic pressure (the bottom include yoga. He urges people to find a class to Hispanic culture or not, but the hesi- in the Arizona Department of Health it, there is a benefit to all patients, but especially number) dropped 4.9 mm HG. LDL “bad” choles- that is appropriate for their comfort level and tancy to touch another person, especial- Services and the University of Arizona those with heart disease,” said Phillips, who was terol fell by an average 12.14 mg/dl and HDL ability. “I think the effects of relaxation do ly in the chest, and if it’s a woman, oh my College of Medicine in Tucson. — AP not involved in the new analysis. “Here we are “good” cholesterol rose by an average 3.20 mg/dl. decrease stress levels and have a benefit to the able to see there are more measurable benefits Average heart rate was lower by a little over 5 heart,” said Phillips, adding that he had found than we’ve seen before,” he told Reuters Health. beats per minute and weight loss averaged a bit doing yoga boosted his own mood and energy Hippo jumps from moving Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years over 5 pounds. These changes were similar to the level. — Reuters truck in Taiwan, startling locals TAIPEI: A hippo that panicked while being truck driver was quoted by the newspaper transported by truck in Taiwan jumped from as saying that he saw the hippo “flying out” the vehicle, breaking a leg and causing con- of the vehicle after getting spooked during fused residents to report spotting a dinosaur the drive. The injured animal, named “A Ho” on the loose. Television footage showed the after the Chinese name for hippo Ho Ma, lay enormous animal lying on the road with a on the road for a few hours before being put white fluid oozing from its eyes after it into a cargo container and taken back to its jumped through a truck window and landed farm in central Taichung city, officials said. on a parked car before falling onto the road Taiwanese authorities said Saturday that on Friday. The sound of the collision startled the animal’s owner could face a fine of up people nearby who flocked to see the ani- to Tw$75,000 (US$2,400) for violating ani- mal and contacted the police in central mal protection laws after the hippo suf- Miaoli County. fered a broken leg and damage to its teeth. One woman was quoted by the United Local media said the hippo was a star Daily News as saying that she ran out of her attraction at its farm and had even house after hearing the crash and thought appeared in a popular television soap she saw “a dinosaur” lying on the road. The opera several years ago. — AFP Somber Christmas, Wildlife groups seek gathering sbanned in Ebola-hit Sierra Leone help for California owl
FREETOWN: Leoneans observed a those who are too weak can hear it from FRESNO: Loggers cutting down forests burned in Large swaths the spotted owl,” he said. “We’re all working hard somber Christmas in their homes on their beds,” said Boyle by telephone wildfires could bring about the extinction of Rangers monitor California spotted owls and to preserve it.” Monica Bond, a biologist with the Thursday, after the government banned before doing her morning round to visit California spotted owls, wildlife advocates said are currently updating a 1992 study to deter- Wild Nature Institute and one of the petitioners, traditionally boisterous holiday celebra- the sick. “I will sing gospel for them. I will Tuesday as they sought protection for the birds mine what help is needed. That study should be said a 400-square-mile area burned in the 2013 tions to prevent the spread of deadly give them encouraging words and tell under the federal Endangered Species Act. The ready early next year with a conservation strate- Rim Fire is a prime example of the logic in the Ebola in the worst-hit country. Small them not to lose hope.” The center held a petition says emerging science has shown that gy complete by 2016, Heil said. Mike Albrecht, a petition. groups of Christians in formal attire were small concert for patients earlier this the owls thrive in old growth forests that are still logger and owner of Sierra Resources Spotted owls have flourished a year after the permitted to attend church services, but week. A nurse in full personal protective living as well as those that have been burned and Management, said removing burned trees cre- Sierra Nevada’s largest fire in recorded history the family gatherings, beach parties, equipment entered the patient area and turned black by high-intensity forest fires. ates healthier forests, which benefits spotted raced through Stanislaus National Forest and concerts and dancing that usually danced, holding the hands of two chil- That finding contradicts current common owls and people. Loggers have left large swaths Yosemite National Park, she said. Hanson and accompany the holiday were banned to dren. One patient stood and danced practice of the US Forest Service, which opens up of forests in California untouched, which are Bond have taken part in a lawsuit attempting to help slow the deadly virus. while others watched from their beds. some burned forests to loggers, the petition open to wildlife, he said. stop logging in the Rim Fire area. “The fact is that Police patrolled the capital’s twisting With more than 9,000 cases, Sierra states. US Forest Service spokesman John Heil “It’s a little misleading to blame logging or logging is going to hurt owls,” she said. “It’s time streets and manned temperature check Leone now accounts for nearly half of said officials don’t believe the California spotted massive fires or any one thing on the demise of to give this owl some help.” — AP points to watch for symptoms of the the known cases of Ebola in this year’s owl is in danger of extinction. The agency main- haemorrhagic fever. On the radio, musi- West African outbreak, the worst ever. tains that massive wildfires are the greatest threat cians who would normally be perform- Neighboring Liberia and Guinea have to the owls and works to ensure the owl’s habitat ing at live concerts played Ebola aware- also been badly hit. President Ernest Bai is maintained or improved, he said. ness jingles. Koroma has announced a new operation Spotted owls have declined throughout “We want to avoid contact because of to identify the sick in an effort to slow California by about 40 percent in the past three this deadly disease. It’s necessary but I the disease’s spread. Further north in the decades, said Chad Hanson, a forest ecologist at am not really happy. Normally we have a district of Port Loko, officials have the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute and lot of fun with family and friends, but we declared a three-day lockdown and one of the petitioners. There are an estimated just have to stay home,” said Kadija asked residents to stay indoors. 1,200 pairs nesting in the state stretching from Kargbo, a cleaner in the capital Sierra Leoneans have a reputation for Lassen National Forest in the north to San Freetown. partying in the face of hardship and bars Bernardino National Forest in the south, he said. She planned to stay indoors and were often heaving during successive Without federal protection, Hanson said the watch films with her children instead of rebel incursions into the capital during owls could be gone after another three decades celebrating at the beach this year. At a more than a decade of civil war that end- of logging. Red Cross treatment center in the east- ed in 2002. “People know about Ebola “You don’t call that a decline,” he said. “Science ern city of Kenema, a small group of but we are worried that we’ve had it so is telling us loudly that this species is at serious patients gathered around a cassette long that they normalize the situation risk of extinction.” The US Fish and Wildlife Service, player listening to Christmas carols, said and party,” said OB Sisay, director of the which denied protection to the spotted owl in Jestina Boyle, a psychosocial assistant situation room at the National Ebola 2006 under a similar request, has three months to with the Red Cross. Response Centre, explaining the meas- decide if there is evidence to support the request ures. He said police had received instruc- and open a deeper discussion. Officials at the US Full personal tions to break up gatherings and arrest Department of the Interior and US Fish and “Some are sitting and listening and the organizers. — Reuters Wildlife Service declined to comment, saying they had not yet seen the 130-page petition. CALIFORNIA: This June 1995 file photo shows a Northern Spotted owl taken in Point Reyes. —AP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE
Teen drivers may run a fatal risk in older, smaller cars
NEW YORK: Teenagers are more likely than middle years old and 48 percent drove cars over 11 years aged drivers to die in crashes while driving older, old. Among the 19,000 middle-aged drivers killed, smaller cars, according to a recent study. Based on a 77 percent were in cars more than six years old and census of fatal car accidents over five years, 46 percent had cars over 11 years old. researchers found that four out of five teens killed were driving cars that were at least six years old and Older drivers nearly half drove cars that were more than 11 years The car sizes involved in the fatalities differed old. In addition, nearly one third of the teens killed considerably between age groups. Among the were driving small or mini cars. teens, 29 percent were driving a mini or small car “Many teenagers are driving - and dying in - the and 23 percent were driving a mid-size car when least protective types of vehicles,” said Anne McCartt, they crashed. In comparison, 20 percent of middle- a senior vice president of research at the Insurance aged drivers had a mini or small car and 16 percent a Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) who led the study. mid-size, when killed. Older drivers were more likely Car accidents are the leading cause of death among to be in large pick-up trucks (17 percent, versus 10 US teenagers, and teens are three times more likely percent of teens) and midsize SUVs ( 11 percent, ver- than adults to have a motor vehicle accident, sus 9 percent of teens), according to the results pub- McCartt told Reuters in an email. lished in Injury Prevention. Teens are less mature and often more confident “Newer vehicles tend to fare better in crashes than adult drivers, leading them to speed and neg- than older vehicles, and are more likely to have safe- lect to wear seatbelts, said Keli Braitman, an assistant ty features,” Braitman said. She listed electronic sta- professor of psychology at William Jewell College in bility control (ESC), a program that automatically Liberty, Missouri, who studies teenage drivers. applies breaks when the car skids, as a key feature. “Because of their lack of experience, they’re also Another important safety feature is side air bags, less able to recognize and handle emergencies and which Braitman said can protect both the driver and hazards when they arise,” she told Reuters Health in passengers in a crash. “Smaller, lighter vehicles don’t an email. Braitman was not involved in the new afford as much crash protection as bigger, heavier study. McCartt and another researcher used data on vehicles,” McCartt said. fatal accidents from the Fatality Analysis Reporting One limitation of the study, Braitman noted, is System covering 2008 through 2012. They examined that the researchers did not compare data on people the types and sizes of cars driven by 15- to 17-year- killed in crashes to those who didn’t die. This makes date information on safety features. The IIHS, which horsepower, and recommends bigger, heavier cars olds who were driving when killed in a crash, then it difficult to say, for example, whether teens are funded the study, offers an online guide for parents as well as cars with ESC and good crash test ratings. compared results to drivers between 35 and 50 years more often killed in older cars because these cars are to help them choose the safest possible used cars at “A teenager’s first vehicle is more than just a financial old who died behind the wheel. more dangerous or because teens are more likely to a reasonable price. decision. Parents need to do their homework and In the sample of around 2,500 teens, 82 percent drive older cars. According to McCartt, parents are The guide, titled “Safety rides shotgun: the best factor in safety as well as affordability,” McCartt were killed in crashes while driving cars over six concerned with safety, but often do not have up-to- used vehicles for teen drivers,” advises against high said.— Reuters
Complex jobs might help Irish court: Life support maintain brain fitness in aging NEWYORK: Regardless of IQ, people who the cognitive differences between people can end for pregnant woman work at complex jobs have a slightly high- later in life, according to the results in the er chance of being better thinkers as they journal Neurology. The researchers said DUBLIN: Ireland’s high court ruled doctors can with- age, a recent study suggests. “When we the cognitive benefit of a complex job draw life support for a clinically-dead pregnant look at the association between complex- was similar to the benefits of not smoking woman on Friday, in the latest case to trigger heated ity of work with people or data, we see on later cognition. debate on the country’s stringent abortion laws. that those in more complex jobs general- “It’s been proposed, for example, that Despite requests from the woman’s family for her to ly do better on a range of cognitive ability more complex work with people and data be allowed to die, doctors continued life support as measures,” said Alan Gow, one of the might require the deployment of various the Irish constitution says a woman and her unborn study authors. cognitive abilities; this may develop these child have an equal right to life. The woman was 14 “That’s not necessarily surprising . . . skills, or at least protect them from weeks pregnant when she was declared clinically but we were able to add an interesting decline, and people are exploring what dead on Dec 3 after suffering a brain injury. She has twist,” said Gow, an assistant professor of those suggested mechanisms might been on life support since but is “deteriorating rapid- psychology at the School of Life Sciences actually look like in terms of changes in ly”, the court heard. at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the brain,” Gow said. He’s been looking at The case touched on a deeply divisive issue in Scotland. The researchers knew from ear- a variety of lifestyle factors that might Ireland, which has a controversial constitutional ban lier work that complex jobs might help predict cognitive ability in older people, on abortion, with even the head of the Catholic protect cognitive ability later in life. So including leisure and physical activity and Church in the country saying, “A woman isn’t simply they added the childhood IQs of 1,066 social networks and support. an incubator.” people in Scotland from a 1936 study to “The reason I focus on factors like The high court’s judgment accepted medical evi- their analysis. these is that many, though not all, of dence that the fetus has “no realistic prospect of They also grouped the people from course, are amenable to change. If we can emerging alive” and that only legal uncertainty had that study according to profession - for identify the things that protect or harm brought the case to this point. example, architect, engineer and lawyer our cognitive abilities, we will be able to “To maintain and continue the present somatic (higher thinking jobs) or typist and sales- provide clear information or design better support for the mother would deprive her of dignity person (requiring less complicated think- interventions,” Gow said. in death and subject her father, her partner and her DUBLIN: In this Saturday, Nov, 2012 file photo, abortion rights activists hold candles and dis- ing). “I think the opportunity to use our young children to unimaginable distress,” the judg- play pictures in memory of Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old Indian dentist who died of The study participants, all age 70 dur- thinking and reasoning skills and continu- ment said. It described continuing medical treatment blood poisoning after being denied an abortion in a Dublin hospital, during a protest rally ing the new analysis, took cognitive tests ally use them throughout our lives likely as “a futile exercise which commenced only because outside Ireland’s government headquarters. — AP that determined general thinking ability, contributes to our ability to stay sharp,” of fears held by medical specialists of potential legal ed to outlaw abortion, the wording of the amend- and their doctors, a couple or next-of-kin... on the speed and memory. Their educational said Sian Beilock, a psychology professor consequences”. The case reignited fierce social ten- ment does not refer specifically to termination and basis of best clinical practice, are now often made on and criminal backgrounds and access to at the University of Chicago. sions in majority Catholic Ireland over the rights of affords equal rights to a woman and her unborn foot of legal advice. That is not how it should be.” services were also factored in. By includ- “So being able to do complex thinking unborn children, prompting the Archbishop of child “as far as practicable”. A series of protests have demanded the amend- ing data on IQ from the participants and reasoning in our profession is one Dublin Diarmuid Martin to speak out on the issue. “The (court’s) decision was based on the absence ment be repealed, but Prime Minister Enda Kenny when they were 11 years old, “the associ- way to continually flex our cognitive “From the point of view of Catholic teaching in of a realistic prospect of a live birth,” Conor has ruled out a referendum before the next general ation between more complex jobs and horsepower or brain power,” said Beilock, general medical ethics, there is no obligation to use O’Mahony, a senior lecturer in constitutional law at election, which is due in 2016. In 2013, after another better cognitive outcomes is reduced, but who was not involved in the study. Other extraordinary means to maintain a life,” Martin told University College Cork wrote in an analysis of the divisive debate and a supreme court ruling, Dublin there remains a small additional benefit ways to ward off cognitive decline Newstalk radio. “A woman isn’t simply an incubator.” judgment. “As long as the eighth amendment introduced new laws allowing for terminations in for our cognitive abilities from being in include exercise, and remembering our In a statement following the judgment, the Irish remains in the constitution in its present form, the limited circumstances if the life of the mother was at more complex jobs,” Gow told Reuters strengths, rather than dwelling on what health service welcomed the judgment and possibility of such a deeply tragic and private case risk. Health in an email. we’re forgetting, he said. “Doing things to expressed “deepest sympathy to the family... in the being decided in the very public and distressing sur- It followed the death of 31-year-old Indian dentist get rid of those worries, whether remind- tragic and extremely difficult situation they have roundings of the courts will be present.” The broad Savita Halappanavar in a Galway hospital in October Complex job ing yourself you have lots of experience found themselves in.” wording of the law has also been blamed for causing 2012, in a case that generated global attention. Childhood IQ explained about half of or jotting down things (like worries) in confusion in emergency situations in the past. Halappanavar had sought a termination when told the difference in later thinking ability in notes . . . can help ensure you can use all ‘Too restrictive’ Earlier this month, Health Minister Leo Varadkar she was miscarrying, but the request was refused as the participants. And complex jobs were the brain power at your disposal,” Beilock But experts said similar cases could emerge in the said the constitutional rules around abortion are “too the fetus was alive and her life appeared not to be in responsible for about 1 to 2 percent of said. — Reuters future due to the broad language of the eighth restrictive” and have a “chilling effect” on doctors. danger. She died of blood poisoning days after mis- amendment to the Irish constitution. Though intend- “Difficult decisions that should be made by women carrying. — AFP WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 ASSE introduces GCC3 HSE Excellence Award
merican Society of Safety Engineers, System. The award is patronized by Kuwait gram which is Excellence in Corporate Social Executive Committee, ASSE Advisory members Kuwait Chapter has introduced Gulf Petroleum Corporation (KPC), endorsed by Responsibility and Environmental Excellence and the ASSE members. ACooperation Council (GCC) HSE the international organizations such as Award. The four other special awards such as The GCC HSE Excellence Award committee Excellence Award to recognize leadership, International Association Of Drilling Management of Driving safety award, HSE Director Bala Siva SrikanthAdivi briefed the excellence and encourage exceptional per- Contractors (IADC) and supported by Management Initiative award, Best Debut gathering on the award programs, its benefits formance in the field of Health, Safety and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Award and Gold Medal Award are continued and salient features of application mechanism. Environment in private sector companies in UK (IOSH) from previous years and launched in this ASSE President Mohammed Riaz stated the Gulf Region. The awards will be presented to the organi- award program as well. that it will be a good opportunity for the pri- American Society of Safety Engineers- zations under five categories such as engi- The award submission will be evaluated by vate sector companies to show case their HSE Kuwait chapter, a non-profit Voluntary neering and construction, manufacturing, oil independent panel of HSE professionals of performance and benchmark their position. Organization has devised this award scheme and gas, facility and maintenance and sector ASSE, headed by President of ASSE - USA and The details are available in the web site to recognize and reward those GCC private (Specific Contract / Project Site). Based on the Vice President Region VI- USA and ASSE http://www.asse-hseawards.com The last date sector organizations who have been success- award criteria and evaluation, Gold, Silver, Kuwait Chapter. for award submission is February 15 2015. ful over the course of the years in managing Bronze and Merit awards are presented under The launch of the brochure for the GCC HSE The list of winners under different cate- the Occupational Health, Safety and each Category. excellence award was held on 16th of gories will be announced at the end of March Environment risks of workplace, development In addition to this, two special additional December in a gathering of invited guests 2015 and the gala award ceremony will be on and performance of its HSE Management awards are announced in this year award pro- from various companies across GCC, ASSE April 22, 2015 at Hilton Kuwait.
Greetings Kuwait Science Club announces results earest Urmi, A he Kuwait Science Club announced results of Kuwait’s 5th Conference on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which took place on 1 - 3 very Happy birth- December 2014. The results include establishing a union of organizations that provide care for people with disabilities. Several Kuwait University stu- Dday to you. You Tdents took part in 36 workshops that took place during the conference, featuring experts in the fields from the United States of America. are a wonderful source of joy in our life. May your special day bring you an extra share of everything which makes you the happiest in the world. May God bless you with love & success on every step in life. Best wishes from: Didun, Mummy, Papa, Bara mama, Bara mami, Mejo mama, mejo mami, Rongo mama, chhoto mami, Mimi, Mou didi, Sharmi didi, Ria didi, Rimi, Sonu, Tutu kaka, kaki, Pishu, Ranti dada, Mamoni, Kona pishi, Somu dada, Manu kaka Debu dada, Minu & Riddhimaan.
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All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
‘Engineering Day’ at Australian College of Kuwait
he School of Engineering at the exhibition was developed as a platform to pro- 4 projects were then chosen as winners from It was a brilliant showcase of our students’ cre- and theoretical curriculum. The “Engineering Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) vide students the opportunity to present their each department and were awarded by the ative capabilities and knowledge in the field of Day” was a direct reflection of this approach, Torganized its first ‘Engineering Day’ exhi- innovative concepts, reflecting their knowl- College’s President, Professor Mohammad engineering, and I am extremely confident representing ACK’s students’ abilities in con- bition, whereby students from the College’s edge, competency and special technical skills Terro. On this occasion, Dr Mohammad Ghaith, that they will be of great value to Kuwait’s ceptualizing and executing complex projects four Engineering programs - Mechanical, acquired during their studies at the School of Head of School of Engineering, said: “I am growing labor market.” from start to finish, preparing them for real Electrical, Civil and Oil and Gas / Petroleum - Engineering. In total, there were 68 projects overwhelmed and extremely pleased with the ACK proudly integrates project-based world experiences in the competitive field of showcased their final graduation projects. The presented by 77 Engineering students. The top success of our first Engineering Day exhibition. learning (PBL)into its unique mix of vocational engineering. ACK Football Tournament winners honored
he Commercial Bank of Kuwait was the main sponsor of the Australian College Tof Kuwait’s football tournament which started in November until December. Sixteen teams consisting of ACK students participated. A representative from the bank, Bashar Al-Bader, was on hand during the closing ceremony to crown the first and sec- ond place teams plus give prizes to the best player, best goal keeper and top scorer. Al-Tijari is keen on supporting students, and youth in general, throughout the year in their academic activities and help them in creating a brighter future for Kuwait. The Commercial Bank of Kuwait provides the best account for college students in the form of @Tijari, a savings account for customers aged 15 - 21 years old and can be opened with KD 10 only. Holders of the @Tijari account receive exclusive discounts at numerous clothing stores, restaurants, gym and more in addition to be invited to many exciting events that the banks organizes each year. Furthermore, college students who transfer their social allowance to CBK receive a KD 50 welcoming gift. Sultan Center inaugurates TSC Naturals in Oman
he Sultan Center (TSC) products. Our extensive range cov- Naturals also maps out the compa- flagged off the opening of its ers every category of products that ny’s direction for 2015 and its goals Torganic food section at the our customers need and demand, to advocate healthy living through chain’s Qurum store on Sunday, like beauty care products, groceries, the consumption of organically December 21, 2014. TSC Naturals beverages, toys, bed linen and farmed products. will be a section solely dedicated to cookware “ said Makram Malaeb - “Our customers will be able to organic food, featuring over 2,000 Group International & Non Food complement their shopping at TSC products sourced internationally Commercial Director. Naturals with other healthy prod- from countries such as the UK, US, “By establishing a dedicated sec- ucts from our specialist bakery, Italy and Australia. tion to organic food, the company butchery, delicatessen and the wide “TSC is always keen to offer its aims to give Oman the best in terms assortment of local and imported valuable customers the finest exclu- of quality produce that is fresh and fruits and vegetables. Our new and sive and unique products from organically produced, he added. exclusive line of ‘Sultan Organic’ every spot of the globe. This new Guided by a mandate to guaran- products provide customers with a store comes to delight our clients tee customers a unique and pleas- healthy choice and better value for health conscious with their favorite ant shopping experience, TSC money,” concluded Malaeb. Inventor wins first place in GCC inventions award uwaiti inventor would only motivate them to Mohammad Behbahani do more and encourage them Kwas honored by the to express their creative ideas Council of Saudi Chambers for through practical inventions winning first place in the 2nd that could be put to use in Gulf campaign for the “GCC day-to-day life. Inventors 2014,” held recently “GCC Inventors 2014” was in Riyadh. Behbahani also won held under the patronage of first place for his “portable Secretary General of the GCC armrest for seating” invention Abdullatif Al-Zayani. The in a competition held at the Award aimed at helping the Kuwait Science Club two youth to realize their aspira- weeks ago. tions by organizing events, Upon his return from Saudi Arabia, workshops, meetings, training courses, and Behbahani told said that providing com- interaction with their international coun- petitive atmosphere to Arab inventors terparts. —KUNA
ABK awards outstanding high school students
l Ahli Bank of Kuwait awarded outstand- Ali Al Baghli, ABK’s PR Manager stated, “At social responsibility initiatives that are offered ing students at Abdullah Al Mubarak Al the outset we would like to congratulate the to develop and support varying segments of ASabah High School for boys, as part of its outstanding students for their efforts at such a society in Kuwait. It also reiterates ABK’s com- ‘Best Student Award’ initiative. creditable performance. Congratulations also mitment to participating in educational sup- The ‘best student’ award went to Omar go out to their parents and the administrative port, which is the core of any successful and Mohammed Abdulmen’em, fahad Nashi Fahad, and educational faculty of Abdullah Al developed society.” Ahmad Essam Mahmoud, Mubarak Jamal Al Mubarak Al Sabah High School for their dedi- Abdullah Mubarak Al Haggan, the school Rubaian and Abdulateef Jumaa Al Mahmeed for cation and perseverance at honing the stu- manager thanked ABK’s generous initiative in achieving superlative percentages in their dents to this level.” supporting and encouraging students as they grades. Baghli added, “This comes as part of the chart their educational journey. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 TV PROGRAMS
07:00 Tastiest Places To 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Chowdown 08:00 Growing Up Fisher 07:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:30 Better Off Ted 09:05 Siba’s Table 10:00 Young & Hungry 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 09:30 Have Cake, Will Travel 10:30 My Name Is Earl 00:00 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To 02:30 Live Cricket 00:45 The Fighters 10:20 Barefoot Contessa - Back 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring The Galaxy-PG15 10:30 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 01:35 How It’s Made To Basics Jimmy Fallon 02:00 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 Film 02:00 How It’s Made 10:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back 12:30 Growing Up Fisher 04:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 11:30 PGA Tour Year in Review 02:25 How It’s Made To Basics 13:00 Better Off Ted 06:00 Hello Ladies: The Movie- 12:30 Ryder Cup Official Film 02:50 How It’s Made 11:10 Siba’s Table 13:30 My Name Is Earl PG15 14:00 European Tour Weekly 03:15 How It’s Made 11:35 Siba’s Table 15:00 Young & Hungry 08:00 Open Season-FAM 15:00 Rugby League Final 03:40 How It’s Made 12:00 Guy’s Big Bite 15:30 The Daily Show Global 10:00 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 Highlights 04:05 How It’s Made 12:25 Unique Eats Edition 15:30 Live PDC World Darts 04:30 How It’s Made 12:00 The Little Rascals Save The 13:15 Hungry Girl 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Day-PG Championship 05:00 How It’s Made 14:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:30 NFL Gameday Edition 14:00 So I Married An Axe 05:30 How It’s Made 15:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:00 Top 14 Murderer-PG15 06:00 Fast N’ Loud To Basics 18:30 The Goldbergs 22:00 Live PDC World Darts 06:50 Kindig Customs 16:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back 19:00 Dads 16:00 Open Season-FAM Championship 07:40 Highway To Sell To Basics 19:30 Baby Daddy 18:00 Dumb And Dumberer: When 08:30 Gold Rush 16:35 Siba’s Table 20:00 Friends With Better Lives Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 09:20 Gold Rush 17:00 Siba’s Table 20:30 Mystery Girls 20:00 Friends With Kids-PG15 10:10 Alaskan Bush People 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 22:00 The Heartbreak Kid-18 11:00 Airplane Repo 18:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back Stewart 00:30 Futbol Mundial 11:50 Street Outlaws To Basics 21:30 The Colbert Report 01:00 NHL 12:40 How It’s Made 19:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back 22:00 Saturday Night Live 03:00 Live NHL 13:05 How It’s Made To Basics 23:00 Mixology 06:00 Trans world Sport 13:30 How It’s Made 19:30 Siba’s Table 23:30 Friends With Better Lives 07:00 European Tour Weekly 08:00 PDC World Darts 13:55 How It’s Made 20:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 My Last Day Without You- Championship 14:20 How It’s Made 21:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back PG15 12:00 Super League Final 14:45 Container Wars To Basics 03:00 How I Live Now-PG15 Highlights 15:10 Container Wars 21:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back 05:00 Heaven’s Door-PG 12:30 NRL Final Highlights 15:35 Container Wars To Basics 07:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 00:00 Rake 13:00 Rugby League 4Nations 16:00 Container Wars 22:00 Chopped A Marriage Counselor-PG15 01:00 The Strain Final Highlights 16:25 Container Wars 22:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 02:00 Sons Of Anarchy 13:30 Super Rugby Final 16:50 Garage Gold 11:00 Heaven’s Door-PG 03:00 Supernatural Highlights 17:15 Garage Gold 13:00 Beasts Of The Southern 06:00 Rake 14:00 Currie Cup Final Highlights 17:40 Dukes Of Haggle Wild-PG15 08:00 Bones 14:30 ITM Cup Final Highlights 18:05 Dukes Of Haggle 15:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 12:00 Emmerdale 15:00 NHL 18:30 Dukes Of Haggle 17:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 12:30 Coronation Street 17:00 NFL Gameday 18:55 Troy 19:00 Maladies-PG15 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:30 Trans world Sport 19:45 Close-Up Kings 01:15 Murdoch Mysteries 21:00 Safe Haven-PG15 14:00 Bones 18:30 NHL 20:35 Magic Of Science 02:55 Emmerdale 23:00 12 Years A Slave-18 15:00 Rake 20:00 NFL Gameday 21:00 Magic Of Science 05:00 Breathless 21:25 Gold Rush 16:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Live NFL 05:55 The Jonathan Ross Show 16:30 Coronation Street 22:15 Gold Rush 06:45 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 23:05 Alaskan Bush People 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:15 The Royal Variety 18:00 Bones Performance 2014 19:00 Once Upon A Time 00:00 Mo Better Blues-18 09:45 Tricked 21:00 The Killing 02:30 Nobody Walks-PG15 10:40 Big Star’s Little Star 22:00 The Americans 04:00 Blackfish-PG15 00:00 Big Bash League T20 11:35 Paul O’grady For The Love 23:00 Supernatural 05:30 Snow Falling On Cedars- Highlights Of Dogs PG15 01:00 ICC Cricket 360 12:30 Murdoch Mysteries 00:30 Fashion Bloggers 08:00 Eastwood Directs: The 01:30 Big Bash League T20 14:05 Cilla 00:55 Fashion Bloggers Untold Story-PG15 Highlights 15:00 Big Star’s Little Star 01:25 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 09:30 Captain Phillips-PG15 02:30 Live Australia v India 15:55 Paul O’grady: For The Love 01:50 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 11:45 Hold Fast-PG15 International Test Of Dogs... 02:20 THS 13:30 A Cool Dry Place-PG15 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:50 The Jonathan Ross Show 03:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On 15:30 Captain Phillips-PG15 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 17:45 Tricked 03:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On 00:00 Franklin & Bash 18:00 The Best Man-PG15 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 18:30 Paul O’grady For The Love 04:10 E! Investigates 02:00 Good Morning America 20:00 Great Expectations-PG15 15:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 Of Dogs 05:05 Pop Innovators 03:00 Grimm 22:00 Love Is All You Need-18 16:00 Big Bash League T20 19:00 Big Star’s Little Star 06:00 Keeping Up With The 04:00 The Knick Highlights 19:55 Tricked Kardashians 06:00 Good Morning America 17:00 Big Bash League T20 20:50 The Jonathan Ross Show 06:55 Keeping Up With The 07:00 Emmerdale 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 21:45 Murdoch Mysteries 07:30 Coronation Street 21:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Kardashians 01:00 Dream House-PG15 23:15 The Royal Variety 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 07:50 Style Star 03:00 Superman: Unbound-PG Performance 2014 09:00 24 22:00 Big Bash League T20 08:20 Beyond Candid With 05:00 The Croods-PG 10:00 Emmerdale Highlights Giuliana 07:00 Austenland-PG15 10:30 Coronation Street 23:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 09:15 House Of DVF 09:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:15 House Of DVF 11:00 A Good Day To Die Hard 12:00 Burn Notice 11:10 Fashion Bloggers 13:00 Lego Batman: The Movie - 13:00 Franklin & Bash 11:35 Fashion Bloggers DC Super Heroes Unite-PG 00:00 Diggers 14:00 24 12:05 E!ES 15:00 The Bag Man-PG15 00:30 Diggers 16:00 Live Good Morning America 13:05 Pop Innovators 17:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 01:00 Hard Time 17:00 Burn Notice 14:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take 19:00 Escape Plan-PG15 01:00 The Four-U 02:00 Chasing UFOs 18:00 Franklin & Bash The Last Stand ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD The Hamptons 21:00 White Bird In A Blizzard 03:00 Coyote Ugly 03:00 Jurassic C.S.I. 19:00 24 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 23:00 The Wolverine-PG15 04:45 The Horse Whisperer Pregnant 04:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 20:00 Burn Notice 08:00 Storage Wars The Hamptons 07:30 Spy Kids 4-PG 08:30 Storage Wars 03:40 I Didn’t Know I Was 16:00 Giuliana & Bill Odyssey 21:00 Franklin & Bash 05:00 Naked Science 09:15 The Hurricane 09:00 Storage Wars Pregnant 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 22:00 Grimm 11:45 Stepmom 04:05 Driving Me Crazy 06:00 Master Of Disaster 23:00 The Knick 09:30 Storage Wars 18:00 E! News 14:00 Marvel’s The Avengers 10:00 Storage Wars 05:00 Driving Me Crazy 19:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 07:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 00:00 Dark Passage-FAM 08:00 Diggers 00:30 Barbie Magic Of The 16:30 The Four-U 01:50 Sweet Bird Of Youth 10:30 Storage Wars 06:00 Something Borrowed, 19:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On Rainbow 18:30 Elvis Has Left The Building- 11:00 Pawn Stars UK Something New 20:00 Untold With Maria 08:30 Diggers 03:50 Dark Passage-FAM 09:00 Hard Time 02:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: U 05:40 TCM Presents Under The...- 11:30 Pawn Stars UK 06:25 Super Soul Sunday Menounos 20:00 Terminator III-PG 07:15 Driving Me Crazy 10:00 Chasing UFOs 00:00 The Expatriate Heroes Of Tomorrow U 12:00 Pawn Stars UK 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 21:45 Double Team 08:05 Ultimate Shopper 11:00 Britain’s Underworld 02:00 The Day 03:30 The Chronicles Of Narnia: 07:00 The Main Attraction-PG 12:30 Pawn Stars UK The Hamptons 23:30 Cinderella Man 08:55 Cake Boss 12:00 Salvage Code Red 04:00 The Cold Light Of Day Prince Caspian 08:30 Penelope-FAM 13:00 Down East Dickering 22:00 House Of DVF 09:20 Cake Boss 13:00 The Truth Behind 06:00 One Good Cop 06:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 10:10 Invasion Quartet-FAM 14:00 American Pickers 23:00 E!ES 09:45 Cake Boss 14:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 08:00 The Expatriate 08:00 Unstable Fables: The 11:35 Courage Of Lassie-FAM 15:00 Counting Cars 10:10 17 Kids And Counting 15:00 Family Guns 10:00 American Warships Goldilocks & The Three Bears 13:05 Valley Of The Kings-FAM 15:30 Counting Cars 10:35 Little People, Big World 16:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 12:00 Tactical Force 10:00 Home Alone 3 14:35 Edge Of The City-PG 16:00 Storage Wars Texas 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 17:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 14:00 The Last Stand 11:30 Blue Elephant 16:00 3 Godfathers-FAM 16:30 Storage Wars Texas 00:00 Fit For Fashion 11:50 Say Yes To The Dress 18:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 16:00 The Expatriate 13:00 Wheelers 17:45 4 For Texas-PG 17:00 Storage Wars Texas 01:00 The Listener 12:15 Say Yes To The Dress 19:00 Family Guns 18:00 The Call 14:30 Cinderella 19:40 They Died With Their Boots 17:30 Storage Wars Texas 02:00 The Listener 12:40 Super Soul Sunday 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back 20:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 19:45 Police Story 16:00 Shark Bait On-FAM 18:00 Storage Wars 18:00 Home Alone 3 03:00 According To Jim 18:30 Storage Wars 13:30 World’s Worst Mum To Basics 21:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 21:45 Oblivion 05:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Julius Caesar-FAM 00:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back 22:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 20:00 Arthur’s Missing Pal 19:00 Storage Wars 14:20 Randy To The Rescue 22:00 Cinderella 07:30 The Bridge 19:30 Storage Wars 15:10 Something Borrowed, To Basics 23:00 Britain’s Underworld 08:30 How I Met Your Mother 00:55 Siba’s Table 23:30 Shark Bait 20:00 Storage Wars Something New 08:55 How I Met Your Mother 20:30 Storage Wars 15:35 Cake Boss 01:20 Siba’s Table 09:30 Detroit 1-8-7 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Pawn Stars 16:00 Driving Me Crazy 10:30 No Ordinary Family 00:00 Pawn Stars 16:50 17 Kids And Counting 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:00 The Day-PG15 11:30 Army Wives 00:30 Pawn Stars 17:15 Little People, Big World 02:35 Fast Food Gone Global 02:00 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 14:00 Fit For Fashion 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 01:00 Ice Road Truckers 17:40 Toddlers & Tiaras 00:30 The Daily Show Global 04:00 One Good Cop-PG15 01:45 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 15:00 The Listener 02:00 American Restoration 18:30 Something Borrowed, 03:50 Siba’s Table 06:00 The Expatriate-PG15 04:00 Hot Rod-PG15 16:00 The Listener 04:15 Siba’s Table Edition 02:30 American Restoration Something New 08:00 American Warships-PG15 05:45 Sky Force-FAM 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 04:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back 01:00 The Colbert Report Global 03:00 Counting Cars 18:55 Say Yes To The Dress Edition 10:00 Tactical Force-PG15 07:30 Red Sky-PG15 18:00 Off The Map 03:30 Counting Cars 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress To Basics 09:30 Turbo-PG 19:00 Off The Map 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back 01:30 Saturday Night Live 12:00 The Last Stand-PG15 04:00 Pawn Stars 00:45 Return To Amish 19:45 Super Soul Sunday 02:30 Mixology 11:15 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 20:00 Castle 04:30 Pawn Stars 20:35 Cake Boss To Basics 14:00 The Expatriate-PG15 21:00 Happy Endings 01:35 Body Bizarre 04:00 Growing Up Fisher 13:30 The Host-PG15 05:00 Pawn Stars 02:25 I Didn’t Know I Was 21:00 Cake Boss 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 16:00 The Call-PG15 15:45 Red Sky-PG15 21:25 Happy Endings 05:50 Siba’s Table 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 17:45 Police Story-PG15 05:30 Pawn Stars Pregnant 21:25 Cake Boss Jimmy Fallon 17:45 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 22:00 The Bridge 06:00 Pawn Stars 21:50 Bakery Boss 06:10 Have Cake, Will Travel 19:45 Oblivion-PG15 02:50 I Didn’t Know I Was 05:30 Better Off Ted 19:45 Star Trek Into Darkness- 23:00 The Walking Dead 06:30 Pawn Stars 22:40 Long Island Medium 06:35 Have Cake, Will Travel 22:00 Plunkett & Macleane-PG15 Pregnant 06:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 Breakout-PG15 07:00 Pawn Stars 03:15 I Didn’t Know I Was 23:05 Secret Eaters
THE WOLVERINE ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (25/12/2014 TO 31/12/2014)
SHARQIA-1 PADDINGTON 1:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM PADDINGTON 3:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:45 PM ANNIE 4:45 PM PADDINGTON 8:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM ANNIE 9:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM FANAR-4 SHARQIA-2 INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 9:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM MARINA-1 PADDINGTON 12:30 PM SHARQIA-3 PADDINGTON 4:19 PM PADDINGTON 11:30 AM ANNIE 4:45 PM PADDINGTON 1:30 PM PADDINGTON 7:15 PM PADDINGTON 3:30 PM ANNIE 9:15 PM PADDINGTON 5:30 PM ANNIE 11:45 PM PADDINGTON 7:45 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:15 PM MARINA-2 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM MUHALAB-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM ANNIE 1:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM ANNIE 2:15 PM NO WED I am Shivaji Jaivant Rajput, ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM Indian national, Passport MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:15 PM NO WED ANNIE 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM Number G6775517, perma- ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM WED nent address house no. ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM 1126, Muslim Wada, WED Industrial Road, Bicholim, MUHALAB-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM Goa, hereby changing my INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM MARINA-3 name to Shiva Jaiwant INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM Rajput, (C 4893) INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM 27-12-2014 MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:30 PM I, Utukuru Rama NO THU+FRI INTO THE WOODS 10:15 PM Indian Passport No. Gubbaiah, holder of Indian INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM F3832096, resident of Passport No. J2020031 2559B, Gali No. 3, Rampura MUHALAB-3 AVENUES-1 hereby changed changed PADDINGTON 12:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 PM Mohalla, Hisar, Haryana, my name to Utukuru Rama PADDINGTON 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM India, have changed my Subba Reddy. Upparapalli PADDINGTON 4:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM name from Harsh Mehta to PADDINGTON 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM Konduru Penagalur, Harsh Ahuja. In future, I will NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 AM Kadapa, A.P. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:15 PM be known as Harsh Ahuja. (C 4891) NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-2 (C 4892) THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM MONTANA 11:45 AM 25-11-2014 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM MONTANA 2:00 PM I, Harsh Mehta, holder of MONTANA 4:15 PM FANAR-1 MONTANA 6:45 PM ANNIE 11:30 AM NO THU+FRI ANNIE 2:00 PM MONTANA 9:00 PM ANNIE 4:30 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT 112 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:00 PM MONTANA 11:30 PM ANNIE 9:30 PM MONTANA 1:30 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:05 AM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 7:00 PM Prayer timings 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM Fajr: 05:16 AVENUES-3 FANAR-2 THE WATER DIVINER 12:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 2:30 PM Shorook 06:41 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 7:30 PM Duhr: 11:49 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:30 AM Asr: 14:39 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-4 Maghrib: 16:58 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 PM FANAR-3 PADDINGTON 3:00 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 5:15 PM Isha: 18:20
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Arrival Flights on Sunday 28/12/2014 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 28/12/2014 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 6507 Shiraz 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 502 Beirut 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JZR 562 Sohag 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 AGY 681 Alexandria 00:15 IRC 529 Ahwaz 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 KAC 741 Dammam 14:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 IRC 6508 Shiraz 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 16:20 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 742 Dammam 17:45 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:25 KAC 542 Cairo 18:25 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 QTR 8632 Doha 06:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 544 Cairo 06:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 8632 Doha 07:55 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 JZR 483 Istanbul 19:35 BAW 156 London 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 171 Frankfurt 09:05 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 20:00 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 KAC 117 New York 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 SYR 341 Latakia 11:10 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 541 Cairo 11:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:50 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KAC 172 Frankfurt 22:20 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 SYR 342 Latakia 12:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 IRC 528 Ahwaz 13:15 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 CROSSWORD 768 STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
You may find it difficult to buckle down to your more routine duties this You should be feeling really good about making your own way and discover- day. You could find yourself in a rather dreamy kind of mood. Perhaps a poem has been ing solutions to whatever problems you have. The good life and all that is fine and pleasur- running around in your mind and you want to finish it. As a new life phase begins for able may be what you value most just now. Expressing yourself comes quite naturally and you, satisfaction could be coming from your work, health or a creative venture. These works very well with your thoughts and ideas. Others will follow your lead at this time due things may lead to love and a new self-image if you will stick with them. If you have not to your power of persuasion. Expect a gratifying conversation between someone about taken a creative writing course, this next year might be a good time to consider it. It whom you care deeply-a healing takes place. Some nice compliment may reach you today in the form of flattery on your preferences or personal effects. It should be a breeze to enjoy should be easy for you to enjoy and value your own life situation, or to feel particularly and find value in your own life circumstances. You feel especially good-hearted toward a kind towards a friend or loved one. Someone may compliment you on your talents and friend or loved one this evening. the way that you handle yourself. Your domestic life is in a good place: harmony.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
You are mentally alert and ready to achieve and accomplish things. You Today has every indication of being your day-you may find it particularly easy may be very convincing in what you say and think. With all of this emotional energy, you to express yourself. You appear very relaxed. Being able to understand those around you could lecture, teach or represent your company. Being closely involved with another per- could create opportunities for you to be the go-between for problem-solving situations, if son may well become your highest priority. Your career direction gets some real focus you want. You know how to give others encouragement, even when there seems to be no and life’s problems seem easy to solve. You may find yourself benefiting from conversa- possible way. There is a sense of support and harmony from your co-workers and family, tions with an older individual or someone in authority. Marriage contracts and partner- making this a happy time. These people could have a big impact on your goals and make a huge impression. Gathering and exchanging information becomes paramount. Expect a ships are seen as a means of success and happiness. The most unusual people are attract- mentally and socially active period. Getting your personal affairs organized will help you ed to you at this time. Show the world you have character and good taste. Lots of good along in your career path. news pours in at the same time. Get ready . . . Company is coming.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find it easy to read people and that should give you a better under- Today you contact those key people that can contribute to your business standing of and sensitivity to their needs, which in turn will put you in a posi- success. It is who you know, not necessarily what you know, that makes a tion to communicate concerning groups and the community in general. Interacting with ACROSS 2. The clock time given by a clock carried difference-be friendly. A stabilizing factor for your emotions may come from a marriage or those in your neighborhood as well as your family helps to placate a big emotional need. 1. Standard time in the 8th time zone west on board a spacecraft. other close relationship, which gives rise to great expectations now. This is a good time to Making sure you are understood when you speak is an important issue to you just now. You 3. Hard strong durable yellowish-brown enjoy your association and ties to other folks and to strive for peace and harmony in all of will, however, have no problem in convincing others of new projects or particular ideas-you of Greenwich, reckoned at the 120th your endeavors. You may find yourself wanting to collect all of the information about a just naturally have a talent for conversing with those around you. You will find it necessary meridian west. wood of teak trees. disturbing subject that you possibly can, in order to share with those around you. to be out and about gathering new information to share with others. A pleasant conversa- 4. A feeling of great (usually exaggerated) 4. The compass point that is one point Knowing a little about many things is your calling card. Have faith in a loved one this tion will ensue with loved ones tonight. elation. south of due east. evening. Do not worry about circumstances that are out of your control. 12. A polymer of vinyl chloride used 5. An ancient city of Sumer located on a instead of rubber in electric cables. former channel of the Euphrates River. 15. (informal) Of the highest quality. 6. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 16. A container used to keep bread or cake alling). Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 7. (Jewish cookery) A loaf of white bread in. You really must consider slowing down a bit and having a good breakfast You are most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You 17. An implement used to propel or steer a containing eggs and leavened with yeast. before your day begins. You can process your activities better with some pro- work hard at developing a system for getting things organized as a sense of ambition and boat. 8. A doctor's degree in optometry. tein to start the day. Co-workers may need your input today and you are on your toes with common sense is practiced. All lines of communication should be open to you at this time 9. A mature blood cell that contains hemo- quick answers and help wherever you are needed. Customers have questions. You are a 18. People having the same social or eco- and you should feel particularly in touch and in rapport with others. Now is a time when you good teacher and many times the new employees learn by watching. There are so many fun- nomic status. globin to carry oxygen to the bodily tis- can probably expect a little push in the right direction and some sort of positive recognition ny and unusual situations during your usual work day that you could write a comedy show 20. A metric unit of volume equal to one sues. from those around you. Needing and wanting to be respected is an emotionally charged for television. Why not begin now to take a few notes and see how your writing develops issue at this time and could be one of your motivating factors. You are called on to show off tenth of a liter. 10. An informal debt instrument. you enjoy talking, writing and keeping a finger on the pulse of all that’s happening. Tonight your talents this evening and you could find yourself in some sort of entertainment arena or 21. The practice or manner of preparing 11. With respect to an axis. is for enjoying a special celebration. food or the food so prepared. 12. A cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to piano bar; you are encouraged. 23. A town and port in northwestern Israel one dyne-second per square centimeter. in the eastern Mediterranean. 13. (Norse mythology) Race of ancient 25. A domed or vaulted recess or projec- gods sometimes in conflict with the Aesir. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) tion on a building especially the east end 14. Any of various plants of the family Deep and penetrating discussions and investigative conversations could find of a church. Cruciferae having edible pungent-tasting You could be flexing your independence today, as well as getting right in the middle of anything that is new, unusual or different. Get organized and pour you at your mental finest. Your perceptive abilities are at a high point. You 26. An indehiscent fruit derived from a sin- leaves. your effort into the most important priorities. You may just relish getting away from the old have no problem in getting your thoughts and ideas across to other people at this time- gle ovary having one or many seeds within 19. A region of Malaysia in northeastern tried and true routine this afternoon or you could work to set your sails in another direction- good communication. An interest in charities or volunteering comes to your attention again a fleshy wall or pericarp. Borneo. towards change. Community activities fascinate you. Look beyond the surface meanings for and again. Self-sacrifice can be noble if the cause is worthy; otherwise, it can be a terrible the insights you seek at this time. Responsibilities and outside commitments demand your waste. Now is the time to be sure which is which. You have the ability to know where to draw 30. A porch along the outside of a building 22. Marked by conspicuous display. the line and now is the time to make those decisions and turn them into goals. An unexpect- (sometimes partly enclosed). 24. A digital display that uses liquid crystal attention. Your presence is beneficial and comforting to others. Tonight is a good time to update your checkbook, pay bills and look at ways in which you could take on a new finan- ed turn of events could be profitable this evening. Before you get the check you have spent 33. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot cells that change reflectivity in an applied cial strategy. the money in your mind-spend wisely. palm used in India for writing paper. electric field. 34. A genus of Indriidae. 27. A blue dye obtained from plants or 35. An implement with a flat part (of mesh made synthetically. or plastic) and a long handle. 28. An upholstered seat for more than one Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 39. An electrically charged particle. person. 42. Someone who practices homosexuali- 29. (Norse mythology) Goddess of old age Correct choices and deciding which path is best, may be at odds with your Because of your ability to be conservative, as well as thorough, someone may ty. who defeated Thor in a wrestling match. sense of value. You may not rate highly the easy way, or the clear-cut option, and may come to you with a proposal to take charge of some project requiring a conservative mind. 43. Gull-like jaeger of northern seas. 31. Called forth from a latent or potential choose instead a more difficult path for your life experiences and lessons. There is a contin- You work through the business madness like no other person. Clear thoughts and answers ued accent on your career. You may receive a challenging new assignment or job offer at are available to you and it is easy to see why higher-ups would call on you to help in a diffi- 46. The branch of engineering science that state by stimulation. this time. Your personality is valuable in business dealings. Friendships and involvement in cult job or in a deadline situation. You may tend to be somewhat of a loner this afternoon studies the uses of electricity and the 32. A cyst on the underside of the tongue. group activities play a more important part in your life. Being able to communicate and get and find the simple life much more appealing. Hoopla and fanfare is just not your cup of tea. equipment for power generation and dis- 36. An adult female person (as opposed to your message across to others is very important to you. Your timing should be perfect and Perhaps all that rushing about during the day has created the need to find a quiet atmos- tribution and the control of machines and a man). those around you should find you most expressive. You could find yourself enjoying the phere for the evening. A loved one is most comforting this evening and the two of you may communication. 37. Type genus of the Amiidae. support that is given to you at this time. enjoy a long after-dinner stroll. 47. (Norse mythology) The primeval giant 38. A unit of pressure equal to 0.001316 slain by Odin and his brothers and from atmosphere. whose body they created the world. 40. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 48. In a vehement outcry. on a skewer usually with vegetables. 50. A small cake leavened with yeast. 41. Having little physical or spiritual 53. A river in north central Switzerland that strength. runs northeast into the Rhine. 44. Primitive chlorophyll-containing main- 54. A condensed but memorable saying ly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking embodying some important fact of experi- true stems and roots and leaves. ence that is taken as true by many people. 45. Being one hundred more than three 57. A colorless and odorless inert gas. hundred. 58. The blood group whose red cells carry 49. Suggestive of the supernatural. both the A and B antigens. 51. The capital and chief port of Qatar. 59. A Mid-Atlantic state. 52. On or toward the lee. 62. A compartment in front of a motor 55. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to vehicle where driver sits. gallinules. 65. Noisy talk. 56. Used especially in treating bruises. 70. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 60. A restraint used to slow or stop a vehi- mythology. cle. 72. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of 61. Held back. Lamaism. 63. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 74. Deciduous South African tree having 64. A Chadic language spoken south of large odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fra- Lake Chad. grant orange-yellow flowers. 66. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising 75. A collection of facts from which conclu- solely the razorbill. sions may be drawn. 67. (New Testament) The sages who visited 76. A Bantu language spoken by the Chaga Jesus and Mary and Joseph shortly after people in northern Tanzania. Jesus was born. 79. Cylindrical green fruit with thin green 68. A state in northwestern North America. rind and white flesh eaten as a vegetable. 69. Material used to daub walls. 80. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in 71. A member of a Mayan people of south- balls. western Guatemala. 81. Of or belonging to an aecium. 73. (British) A waterproof raincoat made of 82. In bed. rubberized fabric. 77. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic DOWN element. 1. Large burrowing rodent of South and 78. A silvery ductile metallic element Central America. found primarily in bauxite. Yesterday’s Solution
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 information
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Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. 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GOSSIP Warwick Davis: Star Wars will be amazing ngelina Jolie “didn’t eat much” on the set of ‘Unbroken’. The 39-year- old actress - who directed the biographical drama about World War II arwick Davis thinks ‘Star Wars: The Force Ahero, Louis Zamperini - ate like the cast members who played prison- Awakens’ is going to be an “amazing ers of war, according to Japanese pop star Miyavi, who plays prison guard, Wmoment” for cinema. The 44-year-old The Bird, in the film. The 33-year-old singer-turned-actor said: “She came to actor - who starred in ‘Return of the Jedi’ as Ewok the set every day, giving advice to the actors, and she actually didn’t eat Wicket - has been cast in the much-hyped sci-fi much [either]. “She was so thin because most of the actors were not able to sequel and he’s revealed he can barely contain eat because they’re prisoners in the prison camp.” Miyavi praised his direc- his excitement for its release. Warwick told BANG tor’s “determination” and “professionalism”, revealing that her attitude Showbiz: “What I’m most excited by is chance to throughout the filming process was the reason for its success. He explained: see members of the old cast in the poster.”I’ve “She was so determined. I was also surprised how skinny she got. You know, been a fan of ‘Star Wars’ ever since the first film she was not eating much. I felt so bad I was the only one who got fat during [‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’] came out in filming. “I really respect her professionalism, her attitude towards the cre- 1977. This just feels like an amazing moment.” ation - she’s so determined and passionate. It was intense on set but with Warwick also played several parts in ‘Star Wars her motivation and attitude we were on the same page.” Jack O’Connell, 24, Jolie’s Episode I: The Phantom Menace’, including who plays the title character also revealed how Angelina would help him Greedo the Elder. He recently confirmed he will and try out all of his stunts first - including a scene where he supports the star alongside returning cast members Harrison
Unbroken diet weight of a heavy wooden plank above his head for hours. He told Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, as well as RadioTimes.com: “She did test out all of my stunts before I had to do them. new faces John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar The plank - I’m not sure if that can be regarded as a stunt - but, in any case, Isaac, in the eagerly-awaited seventh film in the she was under it before I turned up on set.” franchise. Warwick revealed the news via the official ‘Star Wars’ YouTube account by posting a spoof video - titled “Will Warwick Davis Appear in Star Wars Episode VII?” - showing him sat by his phone waiting for a call from director J.J. Abrahams. When he finally gets the call, the actor is heard saying on the line: “Hello Warwick Davis. Yes J.J. hi. Would I like to appear in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’? Let me think about it. Just got to check the diary, yep good.”
Serkis wants Quasimodo role
ndy Serkis wants to play Quasimodo. The 50-year-old actor is known for portraying Caesar the ape in the A‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise and would love to use the same motion-capture technology to take on the role of Hunchback of Notre Dame after being inspired by Charles Laughton’s performance in the 1939 film of the same name. He said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of Charles Lawton’s perform- ance in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ so somewhere along the line I’ve always wanted to play that character.” However, the star - who portrayed late singer Ian Dury in 2010 biopic ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’ - insists he doesn’t ever usually set his sights on a particular role unless he has signed up for that spe- cific part. He added: “I only really think about things like that if they present themselves to me. Unlike films I want to make as a won’t kiss music to own won’t director, with The Imaginarium Studios I’m very clear about the The Vamps The he Vamps’ James McVey would never kiss a Kissing to them might be weird.” The heartthrobs story I want to tell as a director. girl to one of his own songs. The ‘Somebody also confessed that while they appreciate their “Ian Dury is an example of a role I sought and we put that Tto You’ hitmaker has revealed he thinks it fans’ passion, they find it slightly strange that together because I was a huge fan of him and he really meant a would be far too “cringe” to lock lips with a girl some girls get emotional to their music. When lot to me, the process of working with his family was amazing.” while listening to one of his and his bandmates’ - asked if they find it weird knowing their songs Brad Simpson, Connor Ball and Tristan Evans - make girls cry, James said: “Kind of. It’s nice that songs. Quizzed on whether he’d ever had a kiss to people can feel the emotion that was originally one of his own songs, he said: “No way. I would put in the song though.” Brad added: “Most of the never want to. It would be cringe.” Tristan agreed songs we’ve released are upbeat so maybe it’s a and said: “We’re very involved in the sound of our little weird.” songs so we have to listen to them quite a lot.
Scherzinger apologizes to former bandmates icole Scherzinger wants to apologize to her former The Pussycat Dolls bandmates. The ‘Boomerang’ hitmaker fea- Ntured in the band alongside fellow members Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton and Kimberly Wyatt for five years, but admits she was often “distant and stand-offish” because of an eating disorder. When asked who she would like to say sorry to, she said: “The other members of the Pussycat Dolls. There were a lot of moments when I was with them that I was dis- tant and stand-offish. I never opened up to them to talk about my problems and I would shut myself away - and push them away - because I was battling this horrible secret illness, bulimia.” The Coyle teases ‘vulnerable’ singer - who has since enjoyed a prosperous solo career - joined the band as the lead vocalist in 2005 and enjoyed chart success with the band with their hit singles ‘Don’t Cha’, ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Jai new album Ho! (You Are My Destiny)’, before their split in 2010. The 36-year-old Ian McKellen adores star - who is currently dating Formula One champion Lewis adine Coyle is feeling “vulnerable” on her second solo album. Hamilton - recently admitted the disease had a huge impact on her Gandalf role The 29-year-old singer is working on the follow up to her debut life for over a decade but has since overcome the problem. She told solo LP ‘Insatiable’ which was released in 2010, and admits the ir Ian McKellen feels “lucky” to portray Gandalf. The veteran actor has por- N Event magazine: “Between 18 right up to my mid-30s I suffered album’s content will be risky because she will be singing about so trayed the wizard in both the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ movie series and from bulimia. It was all wrapped up with my low self-esteem and a many personal things. She said: “I’m really laying it all out there, which thinks it is rare for such an interesting part to come along that is not a villain. crippling lack of confidence. It’s taken me a long time to deal with S is scary. I’m making myself vulnerable.” The musician - who is dating He said: “I love Gandalf. Aren’t I lucky? “The best parts are usually the villains but these issues and I feel so annoyed that I let that disease take over.” former American football player Jason Bell - gave birth to her daugh- not this.”Gandalf’s a good guy and it’s a good part. He says the right things, he ter, Ana?ya, in February, and explained the newborn has helped her to believes the right things. An actor can have fun with it.” Ian believes if the fantasy reflect on life in a more truthful way. Speaking about the unguarded tales - which are based on J.R.R. Tolkein’s 1930s novels - were presented to studios nature of her music, she continued: “But having a baby forces you to as new now they would never go into production because they are so much “of live a bit more honestly.” Despite planning on returning to music fol- their time”. He said: “There’s lots of Tolkein that must be confusing to people. lowing an extended hiatus, the former Girls Aloud star confessed she Where are the women? Have you noticed that all the main characters smoke? “If feels completely different to the woman she was when she was in the you’d written this story from scratch, there’s no way a studio would have allowed band, and confessed she has no wish to reunite with her bandmates, it. They are of their time. “But they are about the end of the world, when cultures Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and clash and changes occur, and about something as important as the world wars.”I Kimberley Walsh. She told HELLO! magazine: “I can barely remember think that might be why they endure. Of course, they’re extremely well written. my old life. I think, ‘How did I get through 24 hours without a baby to Tolkein is as good as Dickens at sketching a scene.” look after?’ “It was a wonderful thing to spend my teens and early 20s doing, but I don’t miss anything.” The comments come just a month after the star said she would be up for getting back together with the group at some point in the distant future. When asked if she would ever reunite with her former bandmates, she said: “Why not! 10 years down the line. I would never rule [reuniting] out.”—Bang Showbiz Christmas LP on Jessie J’s ‘wish list’
essie J wants to release Christmas album. The ‘Keep Us Together’ singer says it’s on her “wish list” to record a festive LP but she wouldn’t want to just record a col- Jlection of covers, she wants to write new Yuletide classics. She told BANG Showbiz: “I would love to do a Christmas album it’s one of the things on my wish list. But I want to write some new classic Christmas songs, I don’t want to just sing ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’.” Jessie insists one of the best things about having a big Christmas hit is that you make lots of money from it every single year. She explained: “During the Christmas period, if you wrote ‘Winter Wonderland’, its bril- liant. That’s where the money is, songwriting.” Although not a Festive smash, Jessie banks a sizeable sum from Miley Cyrus’ 2009 hit ‘Party in the U.S.A.’, which she co- wrote with Lukasz Gottwald and Claude Kelly and is played all the time at Disney theme parks. She said: “I get paid something every time that track is played in a pub- lic domain, all the writers get money.” LIFESTYLE37 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES
This Friday, Dec 26, 2014 booking photo provided by the Ozaukee County Sheriff shows Dustin Diamond. —AP Former ‘Saved by the Bell’ actor Diamond arrested in Wisconsin Chris Pratt Jennifer Lawrence ormer “Saved by the Bell” actor concealed weapon and possessing a Lawrence, Pratt top highest-grossing actors list Dustin Diamond, who played the switchblade knife, said an Ozaukee Fnerdy “Screech” on the high County Sheriff’s Office jail clerk. he actors and actresses who generate 5. Chris Evans’ lead roles in “Captain school sitcom, has been arrested for He appeared in court on Friday and the most money for Hollywood aren’t America: The Winter Soldier” and stabbing a man with a switchblade at a his bail was set at $10,000, with his Talways the ones with the highest “Snowpiercer” grossed $801 million globally. bar north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next court appearance scheduled for salaries. Last week, Forbes magazine posted a 6. Emma Stone starred not just in “The police said on Friday. Dustin Diamond, Dec 29, the clerk said. Diamond’s pub- list of the actors who provide the worst Amazing Spider-Man 2” but also in two indie 37, and his girlfriend were arrested lic defender could not be reached for return on investment; this week the magazine hits: Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight” shortly after they drove away from the comment. The former child actor’s tallied the highest- grossing actors overall and “Birdman,” with all three totaling $764 Grand Ave Saloon in the town of Port girlfriend was charged with disorder- according to figures from BoxOfficeMojo. worldwide so far. Washington following the altercation ly conduct, police said. Diamond 1. Jennifer Lawrence is the highest gross- 7. Angelina Jolie’s earnings as the director on Thursday night, police said in a played socially awkward but brainy ing actor in Hollywood with “The Hunger of “Unbroken” don’t figure into this list, but it statement. student Samuel “Screech” Powers as a Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” and “X-Men: Days doesn’t matter since “Maleficent” was her The man Diamond is suspected of cast member in the sitcom “Saved by of Future Past.” The two films grossed a total biggest hit to date as an actress, with a total stabbing at the saloon was treated for the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to $1.4 billion worldwide. $758 million worldwide. wounds that were not life threatening 1993 and was popular with children 2. Chris Pratt, with his lead roles in 8. -10. “X-Men: Days of Future Past” stars and he is recovering at home, accord- and teenagers. Since then, he has “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Lego James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and ing to Port Washington police. had a number of smaller television Movie,” grossed $1.2 billion globally. Hugh Jackman typically split their time Celebrity website TMZ showed video roles and has made appearances on 3. Scarlett Johansson grossed $1.18 billion between blockbusters and indie films. While of a man it identified as Diamond reality programs and game shows. He worldwide with her roles in “Captain America: “X-Men” racked up $746 million worldwide, standing next to a table soccer board lived in Port Washington as recently The Winter Soldier,” “Lucy” and “Under the McAvoy’s role in “The Disappearance of while someone exclaims that he has a as 2009, according to an article from Skin.” Eleanor Rigby” and Fassbender’s in Sundance knife. Police arrested Diamond for reck- that year in the Milwaukee Journal 4. Mark Wahlberg starred in “Transformers: favorite “Frank” didn’t add much to their total lessly endangering safety, carrying a Sentinel.—Reuters Age of Extinction,” which grossed $1 billion gross figure.—Reuters worldwide, and “The Gambler,” which is esti- mated to have made $5 million on its Dec. 25 release. Scarlett Johansson Will ‘The Interview’ change how Hollywood does business?
he Interview” was never supposed Major releases ‘The movie is mediocre’ to be a paradigm-shifting film. But “The relationship between big studios and Long-term prospects for “The Interview” at “Tunusual doesn’t even begin to exhibitors is so monumental that they’re not the box office remain a mystery. Pandya describe the series of events that transpired going to start changing things around any- believes that theatrical grosses will be front- over the past few weeks, culminating in the time soon. Possibly down the road, little by lit- loaded, and that’s at least partially attributa- truly unprecedented move by a major studio tle. But the old-school model of putting your ble to the quality of the film. “The movie is to release a film in theaters and on digital major releases in 3,000 theaters nationwide mediocre,” he said. “If it were a brilliant film, platforms simultaneously. Sony is in unchart- will stay intact for the time being,” Pandya the word of mouth would carry it week to ed waters now with the film, which earned said. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media ana- week.” He predicts a dramatic drop off when $1.04 million from 331 locations on Thursday, lyst for box office tracker Rentrak, agreed. the holidays end. Also, the public may never according to studio estimates, in addition to “Theatrical is the engine that drives every- know how the movie fared on the digital plat- the untold VOD grosses. thing else. I don’t think this is a sudden gate- forms. Smaller distributors like Radius-TWC, “Considering the incredibly challenging cir- way to studios wanting to release films this who released “Snowpiercer” on demand while cumstances, we are extremely grateful to the way,” he said. Also, “The Interview” is an imper- it was still in theaters, have started pulling people all over the country who came out to fect case. Patriotism, free speech, pure curiosi- back the veil on VOD financials, but it’s unlike- experience “The Interview” on the first day of ty and even the desire to be part of the ly that Sony will ever give the public a peek its unconventional release,” said Rory Bruer, nationwide conversation have all played in to into “The Interview’s” success or failure online. president of worldwide distribution for Sony why audiences flocked to theaters on “I’m sure they’re not that impressive. For stu- Pictures in a statement. For a film that would Christmas Day to see the movie. dios, the biggest part of reporting box office Box Office: ‘Interview’ tops have just come and gone in the usual 3,000 “Awareness is through the roof,” is to brag,” Pandya said. “If the numbers aren’t theaters without much fanfare, the $40 mil- Dergarabedian said. “People went out to the brag-worthy, they’re probably going to keep $3 million, ‘Hobbit,’ ‘Woods,’ lion comedy has now become an accidental theaters and made an event out of it. They’re it in their own files.” “The Interview” might case study in the world of day-and-date going to be talking about this for a long time. now forever be in the history books, but it ‘Unbroken’ continue to surprise releases, in which titles are available both in That’s a very interesting and unusual phe- probably won’t change the way audiences see theaters and for digital rental simultaneously. nomenon that’s usually reserved for films like new movies. For the big movies, theatrical will he Interview” has left a solid “Unbroken,” the musical comedy has The industry is watching closely to see just ‘The Hobbit’ or ‘Star Wars.’ “ Added Pandya: always come first, Dergarabedian said. “It’s a impression at the box office, come in above estimates, reeling in $12.2 where audiences will choose to place their “Audiences who would otherwise never go to system that works and audiences like it,” he “Tdespite the sea of trouble lead- million on Friday for a weekend above dollars in the coming days and weeks. The big see a Seth Rogen movie were hearing about it said.—AP ing up to its release. After opening to $1 $33 million and a four-day total of $48 question is whether or not this strategy could and decided to come out to see what all the million-plus on Christmas Day, the Sony million. be viable for major releases in the future. fuss is about.” comedy is headed for $2.8 million this Directed by Rob Marshall, the movie - While a $3,142 per-theater average and sold- weekend. As expected, the controversial adapted from Stephen Sondheim’s musi- out showings when audiences had the option pic is far behind wide releases: “The cal - boasts an all-star cast that includes to watch the film from the comfort of their Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp own homes is nothing to scoff at, analysts the clear winner for the second consecu- and Chris Pine. Angelina Jolie’s agree that it probably doesn’t signal the tive weekend, while “Into the Woods” and “Unbroken” is hot on the heels of “Into beginning of a significant change in how “Unbroken” are in a tight race for second the Woods.” The war drama from Hollywood does business. Day-and-date and third place, with “Woods” leading. Universal made $12.3 million on Friday in releases are nothing new, for one. If estimates hold-each movie is pro- the US, barely edging out “Woods,” but Independent distributors have embraced this jected to haul at least $45 million during will fall to third come Sunday for an esti- strategy for years. But those are generally the four-day holiday period-the final mated weekend finish of $32 million. This small films with even smaller budgets_ones weekend of the year will finish strong, up would bring its four-day total far above that can’t afford a more traditional, wide- as much as 10% from the same time forecasts to $47 million. spread marketing campaign. frame in 2013. Sony’s “Interview” was A couple of holdovers, “Night at the For the major studios, it’s never really been dropping off on Friday, earning $725,000 Museum: Secret of the Tomb” and an option. Theater chains depend on exclu- at 331 US locations. This could partly be “Annie,” both family-friendly fare, round- sive first-run content to survive. If audiences attributed to its day-and-date VOD ed out the top five. “Night at the were given the choice to just rent anything release; it’s available on YouTube, Google Museum” was fourth on Friday with $1.9 from a mid-budget comedy to a $200 million Play, Xbox and Sony’s own site. Major million. The Fox sequel is en route to $21 blockbuster on the day of its release, theaters chains such as AMC, Regal and Carmike million plus, which will raise its two-week would undoubtedly suffer. “The last thing the refused to show the film due to its VOD cume to $56 million. Sony’s “Annie” took major theater chains want is for this kind of release. in $6.1 million on Friday on its way to a strategy to be employed by the major studios Peter Jackson’s “Hobbit” finale brought weekend north of $17 million, raising its on a more frequent basis,” said in $15.7 million on Friday as it eyed a no. cume to more than $46 million. Other BoxOfficeGuru.com editor Gitesh Pandya. 1 finish and second weekend total new releases, Paramount’s remake of Earlier this year, Warner Bros. experimented between $42 million and $43 million. The “The Gambler” and the Weinstein Co.’s with an unconventional day-and-date release fantasy epic is down just 22%, bringing “Big Eyes,” are headed for just under $14 for “Veronica Mars.” Theater chains Regal and its impressive 12-day total to $170 mil- million and above $4 million, respective- Cinemark declined to screen the film because lion. Disney’s “Into the Woods” came in ly.—Reuters of its online availability. The film ended up third on Friday, but will finish the week- showing on 270 screens, most of which were In this Wednesday, Dec 17, 2014 file photo, a banner for “The Interview” is posted outside end as a runner-up. Like its competitor AMC. Arclight Cinemas in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.—AP lifestyle SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 FEATURES Scientists target mess from Christmas tree needles
he presents are unwrapped. The children’s your house, says Gary Chastagner of Washington Chastagner is also working with others to identi- shrieks of delight are just a memory. Now State University. But even within a given species, fy genetic markers that indicate whether a tree Tit’s time for another Yuletide tradition: some trees are better than others, he said. will resist needle shedding. That would make the cleaning up the needles that are falling off your Needle retention is an inherited trait: if a tree tree-screening process much faster and perhaps Christmas tree. “I’m not particularly worried does well, so will the offspring that grow from lead to breeding experiments to produce superi- about it ... I’ll just sweep it up,” said Lisa Smith- the seeds in its cones. or trees. Hansford of New York, who bought a small tree at a Manhattan sidewalk stand early this week. Seeking the champs Another global warming worry She likes the smell of a real tree, she said, com- At a research station in Puyallup, Washington, Trees that experience warm autumns tend to paring it to comfort food. Chastagner works to identify individual trees have more needle loss later, Chastagner said. So that hold onto their needles best. He tests if global warming leads to warmer falls in the branches cut early in the fall, which encourages future, it could be bad news for Christmas trees, needle loss because they haven’t experienced he said. But since his studies focus on tree cold weather. He lets them dry out and his team branches harvested before cold autumn weather evaluates them after about 10 days, looking for sets in, they may identify trees that will do well in branches that do not shed any needles. Needles a warming world, he said. start to fall off branches from some trees within three to five days when the branch is gently For now, water that tree rubbed, even if they aren’t dry and brittle. A poor Chastagner emphasizes that homeowners performer may lose all of them within a week. can minimize needle shedding by keeping their displayed trees well-supplied with water. In fact, Good branch is good sign when he has set up trees for research in early If a branch does well, it means the tree has December and kept them watered, some good genetics for keeping needles. So growers Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University plant pathology professor, stands among species, like noble and Nordmann fir, have gone can seek out seeds from those trees to produce trimmed Douglas fir trees suspended in a temperature and humidity-controlled room at a even three months with only minimal shedding. seedlings for future planting. These progeny school research facility in Puyallup, Wash. — AP photos “The potential is phenomenal,” he said. — AP should do well, too. With a federal grant,
Needles on a Canaan fir tree hold drops of water. But others do mind. Consumers consistently cite messiness as one of the most common rea- sons they don’t have a real tree, says the National Christmas Tree Association. Keeping a tree well- watered goes a long way toward minimizing the needle problem. But beyond that, scientists are trying to find ways to make trees less messy and keep them fresh through the holidays.
It’s in the genes Some kinds of trees, like the noble fir or Fraser fir, are better than others at maintaining mois- ture and keeping their needles once they’re in Cuttings from Douglas fir trees are suspended in water. Needles cover the floor under a Douglas fir tree.
Trip Tips: Downton Abbey destinations Subversive or submissive? Hungary for fans of British period drama divided over its Cube houses hey were a rare sign of individuality during the grim Communist era. But now THungarians are turning their backs on their gaily-painted “Cube” houses, ashamed of the simple geometric patterns and trompe-l’oeil effects that brightened their darkest days. In the 1960s and 1970s the “Kadar Cube”-named after the all-powerful communist leader of the time Janos Kadar-transformed the Hungarian coun- tryside. Some 800,000 of these simple 100- square-metre (1,080-square-foot) homes still dot the landscape in the country of 10 million, including in Kozarmisleny, near the southern city of Pecs. But what makes some of them stand out are their unexpectedly cheery and modern facades, far removed from the dull greyness so often associated with Communist-era construc- tions. “The houses were boring, so I thought let’s figure something out,” said Istvan Pucher, a 72- year-old mason who built over 220 cube houses and individually decorated at least a tenth of them. Pucher developed his own designs and Cars drive in front of new versions of cube houses in Kozarmisleny. — AFP photos patterns, reminiscent of vintage op art (optical Her husband puts it down to an unspoken said. “The drama is that the houses rewrote the art) and soon it became a trend, with neighbors bargain between the communist leadership and country’s image, yet they remained invisible.” wanting different designs. ans of the popular British period dra- with Edith. Visitors can absorb the deca- the people after the 1956 uprising, which was While there are no definite figures, a few “People heard of it by word of mouth,” the ma “Downton Abbey” can visit a num- dence and feel the excitement of a secret brutally suppressed by Soviet tanks and fol- thousand decorated cube houses still remain in cheery, white-haired Pucher told AFP. Supplies Fber of sites depicted in the television lunch date here, or stop in for a cocktail at lowed by massive reprisals. In exchange for their Hungary. But they are slowly disappearing as were scarce-Hungary was then part of the Soviet series about life among the upper crust ear- the long bar. quiet submissiveness, Hungarians were afforded houses are renovated and owners want to erase block-but with the limited tools, colours and ly last century. From wandering around the Season five also saw Downton charac- higher living standards and more freedom than memories of a depressing past. “They deserve techniques at their disposal, masons created Victorian stately home that is the centre- ters dining at London’s oldest restaurant, in the rest of the eastern bloc. attention to remind us of that time, when we false box windows and painted trapezoids, trian- piece of the show to afternoon tea at the Rules. Founded in 1798 by Thomas Rule as Now an uncomfortable reminder of this, the worked for simple people who were happy to gles and swirls in vibrant colours on these squat home of the Dowager Countess of an oyster bar just off the market in Covent colorful houses are at best ignored, at worst have a comfortable new home,” said Pucher. little homes. Grantham, visitors can enjoy their own Garden, it now serves traditional British despised. “There is a lot of psychological sup- Despite the attention, he doesn’t consider him- At the time, the ornamentation represented a moments of intrigue and drama at the fol- food and has been a dining favourite of the pression in not seeing these buildings,” Szolnoki self an artist. “I just did my job,” he said. — AFP lowing Downton Abbey destinations. The rich and famous throughout its more than subversive desire for individuality, even if the article below is an edited version of a blog 200-year history. authorities pretended that was not the case. compiled by the travel site GoEuro.co.uk. “Unconsciously with the individual designs peo- Highclere Castle, the setting for Surrey and Sussex, England ple defined themselves against the homogenis- Downton Abbey Undoubtedly the jewel Byfleet Manor (The Dowager’s House) ing efforts of socialism,” said film-maker Jozsef among the many splendid Downton loca- and Horsted Keynes Station (Downton Train Szolnoki, who has helped document the very tions on the list, Highclere Castle in Station) Nestled in Byfleet near Surrey, best examples with his German photographer Newbury, Berkshire is where the series is Byfleet Manor is a private house that is wife Katharina Roters. set. The castle is the home of the eighth used as the location for the Dowager Earl of Carnarvon and his wife and is open Countess of Grantham’s residence. Most A past best forgotten during the summer months, when the earl recently in the Downton universe, the She has travelled around Hungary for 10 and countess move to a summer cottage, imperious Dowager, Violet, and Isobel years seeking out the most artistic and unusual and on select days during the rest of the Crawley have been seen taking tea there cube houses, praising what she described as an year. Tickets have already sold out for 2015 and debating whether Isobel will in fact “ornamental phenomenon that has become a so visitors need to plan well ahead. marry Lord Merton. The house is private code, a language of its own.” But she is one of Basildon Park, used for Grantham House and not usually open to the public to visit the few to appreciate their beauty. “Why are Also located in Berkshire, Basildon Park although it can be booked for private they interesting? I don’t see it!” said Aniko, an is used in the series as the fictional Earl of events and takes private reservations for elderly woman passing by with her shopping Grantham’s London residence, Grantham afternoon tea. bags in Ujpetre, one of the many villages boast- House. A Georgian mansion owned by the Horsted Keynes Station, used as ing decorated cube houses. Before Roters ven- National Trust, the house offers Downton Downton Station Nearby in West Sussex is tured out there was never any real interest in the fans a behind-the-scenes video and guided Horsted Keynes Station, which is used as designs. “This was a blind spot in Hungary,” tours throughout November. Inveraray Downton Station in the series. The actual Roters told AFP. Former mason Istvan Pucher looks out of the window of his cube house in Kozarmisleny. Castle Scotland, used as Gleneagle Castle station of Horsted Keynes is on the Bluebell This beautiful Scottish castle was the set- Railway, a preserved 11-mile (18-kilometre) ting for the 2012 Christmas episode where line that uses steam trains. Afternoon tea is many juicy plot lines were hatched. It is the served on some trains on the railway line, family home of the dukes of Argyll and is which also hosts Christmas and other the seat of the Clan Campbell. The stunning events. Oxfordshire, England Bampton castle and grounds, located on the shores (Downton Village) of Loch Fyne, are open to visitors from April Last but not least is the location for the through October and offer an array of activ- village where Downton is set. Downton ities and events. Village is fictional and is supposed to be located in Yorkshire, northern England, but London is actually filmed in Bampton in The Criterion and Rules, two of London’s Oxfordshire, hundreds of miles to the oldest restaurants. The Criterion opened in south. The village is historic and pictur- 1873 and remains one of the most luxuri- esque, and its easy access to London made ous places to dine in the capital. This is it perfect for filming. Here visitors will find where Lady Edith and Michael Gregson St. Mary’s church, which can be seen in shared their first kiss and where he laid out many Downton episodes, and the pub his doomed plans to go to Germany in which serves as the Grantham Arms in the order to divorce his mentally ill wife and be series. — Reuters Former mason Istvan Pucher, a 72-year-old pensioner shows his cre- Cube houses are pictured in Ocsard village. ation, a cube house in Kozarmisleny. lifestyle SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 FEATURES
Ice buckets, breaking the Internet: A year in pop culture
ust for fun, let’s try to picture the year in pop bachelor who said he’d never marry again culture, all in one image. We might begin George Clooney and British human rights lawyer Jwith a singer oddly named Adele Dazeem, Amal Alamuddin. Think traffic jams of paparazzi belting “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.” on gondolas. This isn’t even the only Hollywood Suddenly a friend would pour a bucket of ice celebrity wedding in Italy this month - Neil water over her head. Adele would immediately Patrick Harris, next year’s Oscar host, marries tweet the moment on her new iPhone 6, hashtag partner David Burtka. Big tech news: The new #icebucketchallenge, while Ellen would pop out iPhone 6 arrives, with its larger screen and and take a group selfie that would inevitable prestige factor. APPLE also unveils its #BreaktheInternet. Now let’s get more serious. smartwatch, bringing the features of an iPhone It’s always a challenge to capture a year in pop to one’s arm, and Microsoft spends $2.5 billion culture, but we try nonetheless. Herewith, our for the company that created the hit game annual, highly selective trip down memory lane: “Minecraft,” popular on mobile phones. Sadly, the world loses deliciously tart-tongued Joan Rivers,
January: a trailblazer for women in comedy. Pharrell Williams has lots of reason to be hap- py this month. After a huge 2013, the producer- October: rapper-singer gets an Oscar nomination for More life cycle events: Kate Middleton “Happy” on the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack. A appears in public for the first time since week later, he wins four Grammys, including announcing that she’s expecting her second roy- album and record of the year for producing the April: June: an Emmy - the first nomination for an openly al heir. As for Hollywood royalty, Jennifer funk-electronic anthem “Get Lucky.” Happy, Lucky Yet more epic shifts in late-night: David Let’s turn to sports: It’s World Cup time, and transgender person. It’s also time for the Lawrence, about to make a splash with the latest ... the guy certainly picks apt song titles. Letterman announces he’ll retire in 2015. His who says America doesn’t love soccer? People campy “Sharknado 2.” A shark in the New York “Hunger Games” installment, speaks out on the replacement is Comedy Central star Stephen are glued to their TVs, iPads, phones and other subway? No big deal. Manhattanites have seen hacking scandal that led to nude photos of her - February: Colbert, adored by the younger demographic. devices for the US games, and a hero is born: Tim rats that big. intended for her boyfriend - being published on The ground shifts in the late-night TV land- Letterman quips: “I happen to know they wanted Howard, the US goalie, who even in a 2-1 defeat websites. “It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime,” she scape: Jimmy Fallon takes over for Jay Leno and another guy with glasses.” And now, we know to Belgium makes a record-setting 16 saves. He August: says. immediately establishes himself as the new king, you were getting antsy for KIMYE news, so here it becomes a social media darling - on Wikipedia, Whoever would have thought a lowly bucket with a younger, fresher vibe perfect for next-day is: Kim Kardashian and soon-to-be hubby Kanye he briefly becomes the Secretary of Defense, of ice would become a pop culture phenom? November: YouTube viewing of bits like celebrity lip-syncing West make the prestigious cover of VOGUE, edging out Chuck Hagel. And he inspires an Celebs and regular folks alike take on the ALS Ice Remember when Ellen’s selfie sorta broke the duels. Kicking off an eventful year in the tech sparking existential angst among some fashion- Internet meme naming all the “Things Tim Bucket Challenge, generating many millions of Internet? Well, Kim Kardashian (yes, her again), world, Facebook pays a massive $19 billion for istas. Kardashian tweets that it’s “a dream come Howard Could Save.” (Example: The dinosaurs dollars to fight the disease. Epic screams are aiming to do the same, poses nude for Paper Whatsapp, the popular mobile messaging serv- true!!!” from extinction.) heard, but the most entertainingly blood-cur- magazine, and the focus on her posterior leads ice favored by teenagers and young adults - who dling comes from Oprah Winfrey. And what to all sorts of talk about “the year of the booty.” see Facebook as something better suited to their May: July: would August be without a wedding? Brangelina Kudos to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which parents. At New York Fashion Week, emerging But the real dream comes when KIMYE ties A collective “Awwwwww” ricochets ‘round finally ties the knot, at a small ceremony on their tweets a photo of a strikingly similar figure from star Lupita N’yongo makes a front-row splash at the knot at a Renaissance fortress in Florence, the world as Britain’s mediagenic royal couple, French estate. A very sad note to the month: The one of its 4000 B.C. statues, noting that they can Calvin Klein. Italy, following lavish pre-wedding festivities in William and Kate, release photos of the equally death of Robin Williams, whose manic energy “BreaktheInternet” too. Taylor Swift, meanwhile, France. Angelina Jolie makes a splash as mediagenic prince george, upon his first birth- graced screens big and small, leaves a gaping takes a stand, asking SPOTIFY to stop streaming March: “Maleficent,” giving us a new take on the Disney day. Turns out his fashion choices - lots of hole in the cultural landscape. her music, and setting up an intriguing standoff It’s Oscar time, and this year’s show - the character that’s now more superheroine than vil- blues, and bib overalls - prove as influential as between the industry’s most popular artist and most-watched in a decade - gives us a slew of lainess. Also making a splash: Laverne Cox, the his mom’s. Cox, meanwhile, is nominated for September: its top music streaming service. On a MUCH pop culture moments. Introducing Idina Menzel, openly transgender actress on “Orange is the Back to weddings - and in this year of celebri- more serious note, Bill Cosby, once America’s John Travolta mangles her name in epic fashion, New Black,” featured on the cover of Time maga- ty knot-tying, nothing is bigger than the lavish most beloved TV dad, faces a cascade of allega- creating a new star: “the one and only Adele zine. Venice festivities surrounding the nuptials of the tions that he drugged and sexually assaulted Dazeem.” Ever the Broadway trouper, Menzel women decades ago. The comedian’s planned doesn’t miss a beat as she sings the girl-power return to television is shelved, and his career suf- anthem “Let It Go.” N’yongo completes her rapid fers perhaps irreparable damage. ascent to superstardom with a supporting- actress trophy for “12 Years a Slave,” also the December: year’s best picture. And speaking of superstars, Suddenly it’s the only thing anyone in Ellen Degeneres takes that famous selfie with a Hollywood is talking about: The devastating gaggle of ‘em, causing Twitter to crash for 20 SONY hacking scandal. After several weeks of minutes and beating the previous champion for embarrassing disclosures in hacked emails, the retweets, a photo of Barack and Michelle Obama. focus turns sharply in mid-December to genuine Time for a new phrase in Hollywood-speak: fear, as hackers threaten violence and mayhem at “CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING,” the term used by theaters showing “The Interview,” the Seth Gwyneth Paltrow to describe her enlightened Rogen-James Franco film depicting the fictional split from Chris Martin. Oh, and Obama pitches assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong his health plan to young people via an unusual Un. Theater chains pull out, and Sony finally platform: Zach Galifianakis’ comic Web series shelves the movie. The fallout is still developing, “Between Two Ferns.” Some conservative com- but it’s clearly a sober ending to a dramatic year mentators call it undignified. for the entertainment industry. — AP Ice buckets, breaking the Internet: A year in pop39 culture SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014
File photo shows a Palestinian dressed as Santa Claus holds balloons at Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve Wednesday. — AP Feline fame in cyberspace gives species a boost
odern-day cats aren’t associated with shrift compared with dogs. Some see cats as ing out to an audience addicted to cat videos. deities like they were in ancient aloof, poor companions and indifferent to Shelters use social media to promote every- MEgypt, but the Internet has gotten attention that dogs enjoy. But with cats’ thing from adoption campaigns to free vacci- them a little closer. We adore Nora the piano- celebrity expanding, experts say cyberspace is nations, spaying and neutering. playing cat. We chuckle as a comical feline aiding their plight. Although there are no comprehensive named Maru leaps into cardboard boxes. We “Social media has put pets front and cen- nationwide statistics, recent studies of target- revel in Grumpy Cat’s permanently sour ter,” said Christie Keith, social media consultant ed communities and available data indicate expression. And with millions watching videos for Maddie’s Fund, a California-based founda- increases in animal shelters releasing cats to of other kitties getting tongue baths from tion that works to save pets’ lives. Social owners or agencies such as rescues that guar- horses and playing peekaboo with their own- media, she said, “is revolutionizing how we antee adoption. ers, cats have become online stars. help animals.” The Internet has created a vast In one of the studies, conducted by the For feline fans, it’s a sea change. In the audience of potential adopters. To save pets’ American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty affections of Americans, cats often get short lives, animal welfare organizations are reach- to Animals, shelters and rescue organizations in six areas from Florida to Washington state supplied data from 2007 to 2011. Overall, the rates for dogs and cats released to people or agencies rose from 41 percent to 65 percent. Cats showed a whopping 111 percent boost. It’s difficult to pinpoint how much of this good news stems from the Internet, but many online campaigns have seen successes. A year ago, just before Christmas, the Dumb Friends League in Denver posted a photo and story on A cat rests on the throne bed in the King Tut-theme cat playroom at the Oregon Humane Facebook of an 11-year-old cat that had been Society in Portland. — AP photos in its shelter for nearly eight months. Older cats like Ripley are often overlooked by poten- turns to Facebook to help get pets adopted other pets still get dumped at shelters because tial adopters. over the holidays. The organization’s page, with the owner doesn’t like the animal’s personality the headline “Home For The Holidays,” shows or can’t afford to keep it. But as viewers keep New home four homeless animals wearing Santa hats: a returning to videos of Nora pawing the ivories For her online appearance, Ripley donned a cat, a dog, a rabbit and a parrot. It also has seen and Maru running and sliding into cardboard tiny Santa suit. The posting got hundreds of social media users share the group’s photos of boxes, they are strengthening their bond with shares and “likes” and netted her a new home, adoptable pets. On average, kittens featured on the feline species. “There’s something quite fas- said Megan Rees, spokeswoman for the organi- the organization’s website find new homes cinating and fun about cat videos,” said Dr Emily zation. The organization has increased its adop- within half a day of appearing online. It takes Weiss, senior director of research and develop- tion rate of adult cats by 13 percent over the about seven days for adult cats after they are ment for the ASPCA. “What’s more compelling past year, with help from its website, Facebook posted online. than some random compilation of cats doing A cat checks out his surroundings in the King Tut-theme cat playroom. and Twitter. The Oregon Humane Society also Despite the successes, too many cats and stuff like knocking things over?” — AP Doggy love works wonders at model Italian prison ith a bark of excitement, Titti, Tato and murder, The 53-year-old, who divides his time opportunities to recreate yourself”. Italy has the Carmela scamper down the corridors of between the dogs and studying for a third univer- second-highest level of prison overcrowding in Wthe Bollate prison near Milan and are sity degree, said he wanted to pass on the joys of Europe, partly due to the number of convicts who enveloped by prisoners who shower them with pet therapy to others. “I hope one day we will be commit crimes once released, landing them back treats, pats and hugs. It’s pet therapy day, and able to give to someone else what we have behind bars. Valeria Gallinotti, founder of the Dogs Inside asso- received, by doing pet therapy with people with ciation, has brought her labrador, doberman and Alzheimer’s or children with psychophysical prob- a mongrel to play with inmates in Italy’s model jail, lems, with the same dignity it’s been done with where a host of such initiatives keep repeat us,” he said, as Titti, tired out by the game, settles offender rates at a record low. Convicted murder- down for a snooze nearby. ers and sex offenders scoop up the canines for kisses, burying their hands in their fur and play Murder, Mafia and a fresh start endless games of fetch with tennis balls in the The theory of using animals as agents of social- prison yard, chasing them oblivious to the rain. ization and relaxation dates back to the 18th cen- “My dream was to organize pet therapy ses- tury. Later Sigmund Freud and Florence An inmate plays with a dog as part of the “pet therapy project” at the Bollate penitentiary near sions in prison because it’s the one place where Nightingale favored the use of dogs or other pets Milan, on November 26, 2014. there is a total lack of affection, where dogs can during during sessions or while treating patients. While 78 percent of prisoners in Italian jails go Nicolo Vergani, 25, a former Red Cross volun- create calm, good moods, emotional bonds and It is also a way of tackling solitude within the tow- on to become repeat offenders, in Bollate just 20 teer, said he wanted to work with animals once he physical contact,” Gallinotti, 47, told AFP. She vol- ering walls at the medium-security facility in percent do so. With training for cooks, electricians has finished serving time for sexual acts with unteers once a week to teach the prisoners how northern Italy, set up in 2000 as an experimental and carpenters, as well as courses such as paint- minors, and hopes to specialize in zoology after to train the animals with treats handed out for sit- project designed to cater to prisoners who wish to ing, yoga and gardening on offer, there’s a waiting he gains his biological science degree. “I do pet ting, shaking paws and lying down-as well as how study or learn work skills. list to get in. In exchange for a chance to spend therapy to prepare me in even a small way for pet therapy works so that some can go on to set Maurizio, 36, who was found guilty of ordering their mornings playing tennis, learning a foreign what I’d like to do in the future,” he said, as his fel- up their own initiatives once released. five mafia killings and expects to serve at least 30 language or playing with dogs, inmates must low inmates tried to stop the dogs from eating the “I have always loved animals, I had a cat and years of a sentence which officially ends in 2087, While 78 percent of prisoners in Italian jails agree to conditions including living with sexual cakes and pizzas they had made for lunch in the dog at home, and pet therapy has been wonder- has done time in over 15 prisons and said Bollate go on to become repeat offenders, in offenders, traditionally housed separately. ovens in their cell-blocks. —AFP ful,” said Nazareno Caporali, who is serving life for is “by far the most advanced in terms of giving you Bollate just 20 percent do so. — AFP photos