The dying Aircraft lands on Pelicans subdue businesses US Capitol lawn; Spurs to snatch in Kuwait4 pilot10 in custody playoff46 berth
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Kaffeeklatsch What’s the issue with tissue?
By Shakir Reshamwala
t’s obvious that people in Kuwait have a soft spot for facial travelling back to their home countries take this fixation with sue paper in bulk, but it is mostly in the form of kitchen rolls tissues. Boxes of it can be found everywhere, from the them, bewildering family and friends as they festoon the or toilet paper. Ihumblest abodes to the glitziest palaces. Go to any event, house with boxes of tissues. Many people even keep boxes Getting a bit philosophical, maybe one can view this tis- meeting, party or reception, and there it is - ubiquitously of tissues in their cars. sue mania metaphorically as a manifestation of the ‘disposal- occupying pride of place on every tabletop and mantelpiece. Retailers, ministries, hospitals and even mosques have got able’ mentality that is prevalent here, which can be seen in Observe images of official meetings and you will find, along- into the act, with their own custom-designed boxes of tis- the amount of food chucked in the garbage, the rampant side the customary bottles of water and juices, the tissue box sues. Kleenex has gone lowbrow (and lowercase too), with consumption of electricity and water and even human in its own bespoke cover emblazoned with the logo of the dozens of generic kleenex brands vying for customers, who resources that are laid waste, from unpaid workers to abused concerned authority. buy them by the cartful. Visit any supermarket and you can maids. Gone are the days too when children and workers carried find shrink-wrapped packs of up to 11 boxes of 150 2-ply tis- Or maybe it’s just a matter of convenience and ease of handkerchiefs to schools and offices. Pockets now are stuffed sues selling for under a dinar. That’s a mind-bogglingly use, even if it only involves blowing one’s nose. Whatever the with tissues, invariably leading to laundry day disasters as cheap price to pay. Of course tissues are used all over the reasons - and they are mostly as flimsy as the tissues - this wash loads emerge from the tub smothered in lint. Expats world and shops in other consumerist countries also sell tis- obsession doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon.
Scribbler’s Notebook When a saloon isn’t
By Jamie Etheridge
ll across Kuwait, residents and locals will be heading to their favorite saloon over the weekend for a bit of relax- Aation. They won’t be knocking back shots of gut rot whiskey, playing rounds of poker or carousing with Mae West, though if you were a newly arrived American, you might be for- given for thinking otherwise. The word ‘saloon’ to an American immediately conjures up images of the Old West, of John Wayne movies and gun fights at the OK Corral. Watch any of the Hollywood Westerns from the 1950s and 1960s and you will see the word ‘saloon’ flash across the screen each time Gary Cooper or Clint Eastwood walked into a bar. Saloons have a very rough, low reputation. They are the places where cowboys caroused, swilled beer and mingled with saloon girls (aka prostitutes). So it’s ironic whenever an American arrives in Kuwait that they find saloons on almost every corner - but not a drop of legal alcohol to drink. Typically places where haircuts and other personal groom- ing are performed are called ‘salons’, parlors or shops as in beauty parlors or barber shops. The word salon is derived from the French salon or sala and can also mean a gathering place like a living room in a private residence or a public hall or gath- ering as in the literary salons of early modern France. There is a bit of debate about the origins of the use ‘saloon’ to denote hairdressers in Kuwait. Some suggest that it was imported by sub continental barbers. Others have suggested that it’s due to the transliteration of the Arabic word which results in the extra ‘o’. Whatever the case, the use of the word saloon in Kuwait to signify a barbershop or beauty parlor rather than a bar from the Old West is a testament to the diversity of the venerable English language. All languages that hope to survive must grow and evolve over time. The global lingua franca, English is the epito- me of a viral-like language that adapts to its surroundings. It is a hodgepodge language with origins in Germanic Anglo-Frisian but also deeply influenced by Latin, Ancient Greek, Dutch, French and other languages. It is a living lan- guage and as such can be modified or adapted to local use. In Sociology College organizes ‘A Day for Women’ event other words, history tells us a saloon is meant to be a gathering KUWAIT: In collaboration with KU’s Women researches dean, Professor Abdul Redha Aseeri’ in a statement place for drinking and not a barbershop, it can now mean both. unit, the public relations department at Kuwait stressed that women always deserved the best and that In Kuwait, we lack bars to hang out in but we have plenty of University’s Sociology College organized a special open the exhibition displays projects and services presented by saloons. day under the title of ‘A Day for Women’. The college women and for women. — KUNA Local FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Local Spotlight
Fake doctors a KUWAIT: A herd of risk to society camels is seen pass- ing by a road near Jahra. — Photo by Joseph Shagra By Muna Al-Fuzai
olice recently arrested a fake doctor who helped several women abort their fetuses. The Psuspect admitted that he is not a qualified physician and gathered information from the Internet to help him carry out the procedure! He told the police that he had helped nine women abort their fetuses. The police must verify the state of health of the nine women and the circumstances that led them to take this drastic step. This guy knows very well that abortion is prohibited in Islamic countries and it is forbidden by law except in very rare cases, such as when there is a danger to the mother’s life. Nevertheless, the abortion must be carried out in a hospital by licensed doctors and not in a secret place or private residence. I’m sure these women got pregnant out of wed- lock, so continuing the pregnancy here would have had legal consequences and abortions through the hospital are not available. Maybe they found this ille- gal process easy and convenient. None of them thought of the possible side effects and no one would dare to expose the other and end up in jail. While I was writing this article, I found a lot of information about home abortions on the Internet, including the methods and tools to use. It’s scary because such information entails health risks, espe- cially when carried out by non-certified doctors. This man was telling the truth when he said that he obtained his info from the Web and practiced it on those women. They were lucky not to die. That is why I think it is important to find these women and make sure that they are fine. A few years ago, a strange incident occurred in Kuwait when a government hospital found out that one of their Arab doctors didn’t hold any medical qualification. He had already conducted 200 surger- ies over three years. He escaped from Kuwait before he was arrested. These fake doctors want to conduct illegal opera- tions and get quick cash, and must receive tough punishment. We also need awareness campaigns for women to make them aware of such risks. This man has been arrested, but there must be a follow-up to find the women who underwent abortions and the reasons that led them to commit such operations.
Al-Sabah hospital to educate public on asthma, allergies
KUWAIT: Internal medicine ward of Al-Sabah Hospital holds an awareness day at the country’s largest and most visited mall, the Avenues, for public education on asthma and allergy today. Dr Fatma Al-Hreish, head of the breathing unit, indicated in a statement that the activity is a necessity, taking into consideration the high number of patients suffering from these cases, being admitted at the country’s clinics and hospitals. Many patients have expressed no knowledge of causes and preventive measures while being examined by doctors, she said. She also noted such negligence proved to be costly at a health and financial level. She also urged nationals and residents to make the best use of the free education being provided about these diseases. Owners get creative to stay in business
Dying businessesin Kuwait
By Chidi Emmanuel other latest digital devices have pushed the photo studio businesses to the brink of extinction. “Things are not the same. People hardly come here to print echnological advances have resulted in a number of businesses and oc- photos unlike a few years ago. They only come now for passport photos or cupations becoming obsolete in Kuwait. It’s been said that if you’re not Photoshop jobs,” said Kumal, an Indian graphic designer working in one of the Tgrowing, you are dying. Some of the hardest-hit businesses had already few studios in Kuwait City. been declining for years due to advances in modern and cheap technology and changes in the global economy. Watch repairers This seems true when it comes to careers too. Unfortunately, in today’s fast- Watch repairs have taken a hit since many consumers opt to buy new ones paced, technology-driven world, sometimes it’s hard to predict which business- instead of fixing them, mostly because the prices of watches have fallen in es and occupations will be winners and which will be losers. But understanding recent years. The factor most directly responsible for the business’ downturn the likely trajectory of your chosen field will be crucial to your success. The however has been the increasing trend among manufacturers to offer warran- following is a list of businesses that are swiftly disappearing in Kuwait. ties on new appliances. Improving the technologies has also resulted in lower demand for repair services. At one of the shops in Kuwait City, Karan Khan, Photo studios an Indian watch repairer, was seen cleaning his small table as he waited for With the rise of digital photography and computerized printing, manual customers. Karan lamented over the downturn in business. “Business is going photo printers are rapidly disappearing. The rise of cheap imports, technologi- down. Only a few people come here to fix their watches. The few that come only cal advances and the financial crisis have collectively delivered a harsh blow to change batteries,” he said. When asked why, he said, “people prefer to buy new the photo business. According to some of the business owners, the occupation watches nowadays because they are becoming cheaper, while the expensive has been steadily losing market share in the last five years as smartphones and watches have warranties.” Local5
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Call centers DVD, game, video rental industry From Kuwait City to Jleeb down to Fahaheel, one can hardly see a call cen- “Streaming, YouTube and other online services have thrown this industry ter these days. Online services and apps are making it easier and cheaper for into the abyss. The rental industry has taken a hit because of its struggle to users to interact with family and friends. The rise of more effective technology adapt to a competitive marketplace and embrace technological develop- such as chatting, SMS/text, video calls, extensive use of the Web, mobiles and ments,” John Aka, a business administrator told Kuwait Times, adding that social media permit users to engage in several simultaneous conversations, consumers are increasingly opting for streaming, video on demand (VOD) thus putting call center owners out of business and making the old fashioned and downloading media. The industry in Kuwait has seen a free fall. At a few telephone switchboard obsolete. rental shops in Fahaheel, some of the shop owners are now selling pirated In every business, entrepreneurs always face the daunting task of manag- videos instead of renting, just to stay in business. “We sell four clear copies for ing the recovery of a failing business. Some recover from this and bounce back KD 1,” Soham said when asked about the movie ‘24’. Kuwait Times asked him stronger than before, and some don’t. Some of these business owners in Ku- why they don’t rent any more, and he replied: “People prefer to own copies of wait are not giving up. Even with the low sales, low morale, low cash, and low videos than rent these days. Moreover, the cost of renting and buying is almost innovation, Ahmed, the cafe manager has managed to stay put as he devised the same.” another way to turn things around for good. Others like Karan Khan (an Indian watch repairer) is now seeking another way to survive. “Actually am looking for Internet cafes a job in Al-Ghanim company and other computer shops. As soon as I get any of A few years ago, the Internet cafe’s future looked assured. It seemed that these jobs, I will leave this place,” he said. every almost every popular street had one. But now, observers are predict- ing that the Internet café’s days could be numbered. The number of Internet cafes in Kuwait has shrunk drastically with the advent of wireless technology, 3G, 4G, etc. “Most people don’t use Internet cafes as much as they did before. The trend is set to continue now that we have wi-fi and other Internet con- nections on mobile phones. Many people now have laptops and smartphones with lightning-fast connection and hotspots, which have sprung up in many restaurants, cafes and even on public buses,” Mary, a Filipina who was working at an Internet cafe in Salmiya said. In one of the few Internet cafes in Farwaniya, the manager has devised another way to stay in business. “Now we offer free coffee and tea to our customers. Also, with KD 3, you can browse for 20 days, among other incen- tives including live matches (football and cricket). There are special areas for families, non-smokers and smokers - all aimed at making our customers happy. With all these incentives, people now come here to enjoy themselves,” said Ahmed, the manager.
Local FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
By Ben Garcia Very quickly, the bus filled up and those who couldn’t squeeze in were left to wait another 40 minutes before they ummer is here definitely here. The heat, the dust make every- could expect a ride. one want to flee or at least seek the comfort of an air condi- “It is always like this, many passengers and not enough Stioner. For those whose only means of transporation are the space” one rider told this reporter. “But there are times we are public bus system, however, air conditioned comfort is an impos- lucky, if two buses come at the same time. Sometimes KPTC sible dream. From broken down and dirty bus waiting areas to and City bus come almost togheter and then everyone can get unreliable route times, bus riders suffer more than most during a seat. But if not we’ll have to stand throughout our journey to the summer heat. Jahra,” the Filipino passenger who works in Jahra but lives in Buses are air-conditioned, but sometimes it is not enough and Kuwait City said. especially when buses are super crowded during rush hour. And Throughout the journey, the bus would stop at the most let’s not forget about the 15 minutes to half an hour many bus rid- dilapidated and run down bus stops. Almost all were run down, ers must wait in the hot sun for a bus to come along. Bus stop many did not have any bench or seats for waiting passengers waiting areas are often in very poor condition, offer little to no and most had no shade or protection from the hot Kuwait sun. protection from the sun and definitely are not air conditioned. “We don’t mind at all about the conditions of bus stops as From Kuwait City, bus 103 will bring you to Jahra. Waiting for the long as we can ride immediately. But if we wait under the heat bus on Wednesday afternoon, this reporter sat for 40 minutes (past for ages, of course we need a shade and a better waiting area the scheduled bus arrival time). Immediately, tired and annoyed at least...we are working and helping, we are not a decoration passengers rushed in a group to board the bus before it even com- here,” a frustrated Egyptian passenger told this reporter. “All pletely stopped. (this is necessary because sometimes buses do not bus stops throughout Kuwait are not really well-suited with the fully stop and the drivers expect passengers to leap on as it rolls by). environment and weather in Kuwait,” he explained. Local FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 8
KUWAIT: Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah mediates the photo contest winners. —KUNA photos Minister Sheikh Mohammad elated at high turnout for photo contest Largest of its kind at the Arab level
KUWAIT: Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Chefiq Al-Sayed Omar, the Assistant Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al- Undersecretary for Youth Projects at the Ministry Sabah has voiced his satisfaction at the large of State for Youth Affairs, told KUNA that State number of participants in Kuwait sponsorship of such activities is Photography Contest, held for the part of the approach to encour- second consecutive year. age talented youth and provide The contest is the largest of its them with a space to manifest kind at the Arab level, in terms of their skills and creations. the number of contestants. The Photography has become one of highly-qualified panel of judges the top favored hobbies among had given away prizes, valued at Kuwaiti youngsters. The contest, KD 65,000, Minister Sheikh initially, saw participation of 1,000 Mohammad Al-Abdullah told photographers who presented KUNA, during the award ceremony 5,000 pictures. Later the number held late on Wednesday. rose to 2,000 with 12,000 pieces. He also expressed pleasure at Up to 100 photos were selected the participation of a large number for display and 40 awards were of GCC photographers, noting that Sarah Hassan allotted for the best shooters. The the contestants displayed up to Al Sayegh winning photos covered various 12,000 pictures. “It’s our duty to subjects, namely Kuwait’s urban offer support to such contests to encourage the beauty, ordinary life, Islamic art, sports, wildlife, youth of Kuwait and the GCC countries,” he said. natural panorama and lighting art. —KUNA Kuwait Informatics Award announces its 30 winners
KUWAIT: The 15th edition of His Highness prominently during its five-year term, adding Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Informatics that the event has seen great success Award (Shift Kuwait 5) throughout its run. The number announced the 30 winners from of participants has increased in different countries. Among the the current edition, exceeding ‘Panel car’ by Sarah Hassan Al Sayegh. One of the winning images. winners, there were eight from 48,000 - compared to over Kuwait, six from Egypt, four 25,000 in the last edition, said from Palestine, three from Safar. Number of air travelers Yemen, two from Iraq and one He noted the winners from from Jordan, Libya, Ageria, Kuwait are Noof Al-Abdulhadi, Eritrea, Syria, India and the Azeeza Al-Kandari, Shaima’ increases: Civil Aviation Comoros, Member of the Khan, Fatma Al-Khalifa, Organizing Committee of the Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Asmaa Al- KUWAIT: The number of passengers served at passengers reached approximately 820,844 in Award Bassam Al-Shemmari Dousari, Nawal Al-Dousari and Kuwait International Airport rose seven percent March, in contrast to 768,798 the same month said in a statement yesterday. Bassam Abdullah, adding that in March, compared to last year’s same month, in 2014. Overall figure of arriving and departing Meanwhile, the competi- Kuwait Informatics all winners of different national- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aircraft stood at 8,195 last March compared to tion’s coordinator Ahmad Safar Award coordinator ities will be awarded USD 1,000 said in a statement yesterday. The number of 7,245 in March last year. —KUNA said the award has developed Ahmad Safar as a prize. —KUNA Local FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 9
Surveillance cameras law to be approved next week Two opposition activists jailed over Barrak’s speech
By B Izzak and privacy of citizens and expatriates Al-Barrak. Fahad Al-Ajmi and Ahmad Al- Barrak’s sentence was however will continue to be guaranteed. Damkhi, members of the office of oppo- scrapped later by the Court of Appeals KUWAIT: The National Assembly Interior Maayouf insisted that the law is not sition Popular Action Movement, were which retried him and passed a two-year and Defense Committee is finalizing a an indication that Kuwait is becoming a given the maximum five years sentence jail term on him in February. The case is government-sponsored draft law to police state because the proposed legis- with immediate implementation. now being looked by the Court of install surveillance cameras at public lation will help to prevent accidents and Barrak, a former opposition figure, is Cassation whose rulings are final. The places to beef up security measures and speed up the arrest of wanted criminals. in jail serving a two-year sentence for two activists can still challenge the ver- prevent crime, the head of the commit- He said that such surveillance systems making the speech in October 2012 after dict in the Appeals and Cassation courts tee said yesterday. MP Abdullah Al- have been proved successful in he was charged of undermining the but they have to plead to the Appeals Maayouf said the committee will vote on advanced countries like the United Amir’s authorities and insulting him. Court to keep them out of jail until the the bill at its next meeting and refer to States and Britain and in neighboring After making the speech, Barrak was final verdict. the National Assembly for approval, Gulf States like the UAE and Qatar. handed a five-year jail term by the In another development, MP Jamal adding the legislation has a great securi- In the meantime, the Criminal Court Criminal Court, a verdict that triggered Al-Omar has asked the Health Minister ty value. The lawmaker said the draft law yesterday sentenced two opposition violent street protests. In a move to chal- about the ministry’s precautionary meas- stipulates installing hi-tech security cam- members to five years in jail for allegedly lenge the government and the verdict, ures against the spread of swine flu after eras in public places to ensure perma- insulting the Amir and undermining his dozens of activists read parts of the the ministry recently announced the nent monitoring, adding that the cam- authority after repeating parts of a speech at a public rally outside Barrak’s death of several people from the danger- eras will not be installed in private places speech by opposition leader Mussallam residence. ous disease.
Crime Kuwait chairs UN anti-crime Report cooperation session in Doha
DOHA: Kuwait’s delegation to the 13th UN Congress on Crime Crime (UNTOC) and its two protocols in 2006. In 2013 the coun- Prevention and Criminal Justice on Wednesday briefed the con- try joined the International Convention for the Suppression of ferees on the successful experiments made by the country in Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the International Convention for preventing the trans-border crimes such as terrorism and money the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. In the same year laundering. the country approved Law No. 106 on the combat against mon- Kuwait’s constitution stipulates in article 8 that the state is ey laundering and financing for terrorism. responsible for protecting the safety and security of the society The Amiri Decree No 325/2014 approved launching an inter- and preventing any attempts to destabilize the country, national anti-corruption academy which will come into existence Counselor of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tahani Al- this May. Kuwait also set up a committee for verifying the imple- Nasser said. She was addressing a session on the third agenda mentation of the UN Security Council resolutions against terror- item of the congress “Successes and challenges in implementing ism under Chapter VII of the UN Charter in keeping with the UN comprehensive crime prevention and criminal justice policies and strategies to promote the rule of law at the national and KUWAIT: The vehicle of the 19 year old crash victim. international levels, and to support sustainable development.” “A government legal panel has worked out a draft law on inter- 19 year old dies national legal and judicial cooperation in the penal issues which will be passed soon,” Al-Nasser revealed. in accident On the regional level, she said the government has finalized the guidelines of the agreement on legal and judicial coopera- By Hanan Al- Sa’doun tion, the national statutes of the single System of International Legal Cooperation in Criminal Matters, and the GCC treaty for KUWAIT: A 19 year old female citizen was instantly killed in a criminal extradition. In the framework of the Arab League, collision between her vehicle and a truck along the Seventh Kuwait has also endorsed the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention, ring Road, said security sources noting that the girl’s vehicle the convention against money laundering and financing for ter- was totally wrecked and that a special medical team had to be rorism, and the convention against trans-border organized dispatched to release her body from wreckage. crime, she pointed out. Kuwait showcases successes Hashish smugglers foiled “On the international level, Kuwait joined 18 treaties on the combat against criminal and terrorist acts,” Al-Nasser said, noting DOHA: Kuwait’s ambassador to Austria, Sadeq Northern land border inspectors recently foiled an that the as soon as these documents were endorsed, they took Ma’rafi presiding Kuwait’s delegation to Doha attempt to smuggle 30 kilograms of Hashish into Kuwait, effect on equal footing with the national laws of Kuwait. “Kuwait, International Conference on fighting crime. said security sources. Case papers indicate that the nar- represented by the Ministry of Justice, inked a number of bilater- cotics detectives had been tipped off on the attempt and al agreements with several countries on judicial cooperation and strategy and international obligations to the combat against ter- were on high alert prior to the smuggling. No details on legal assistance in the criminal matters and extradition of crimi- rorism, she added. the smugglers were released. nals,” she said. The 13th UN Congress, held on April 12-19, marks the sixtieth Under item 13 of article 45 of the United Nations Convention anniversary of UN congresses on crime prevention and criminal against Corruption (UNCAC), signed by Kuwait in 2006, the justice, bringing together governments, policy-makers and Farwaniya building blaze forces evacuation Ministry of Justice is the central authority entitled to receive experts to exchange their experiences and improve international A fire broke out in a Farwaniya building early yesterday applications for mutual legal assistance. Kuwait has also joined cooperation in tackling the threat of transnational organized morning. Firefighters rushed to the scene and were divided into the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized crime. —KUNA three teams. The first team’s duty was to evacuate the whole building, the second team was to fight the fire from the outside using a ladder and the third broke into the building to fight the fire from within. Except for a waiter working at an adjacent café Interior Minister inaugurates who sustained minor injuries, no other casualties were reported. immigration administration
‘Death way’ kills another KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior a speech during the official opening of the services. He called for the development of Two people were killed and two others seriously injured Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al- new building for the immigration administra- employee capabilities and raising their effi- in another collision along Wafra highway, commonly called Hamad Al-Sabah said yesterday that serving tion of Hawally Governorate in Mubarak Al- ciency and work skills, stressing the impor- ‘the death way’ by locals and expatriates alike. Security citizens and residents and facilitating their Abdullah area, his ministry’s quest to use the tance of the continued presence of the sources noted that one of the drivers was seriously injured transactions are among the ministry’s top latest systems and advanced methods to employee with the citizens and residents and had to be evacuated by a helicopter ambulance. priorities. ease citizens and residents’ transactions and alike and work on overcoming all their obsta- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid stressed, in provide them with the best humanitarian cles. —KUNA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Grief and anger Die-hard Hindus France shocked as S Korea marks push to ban beef by rape, murder disaster12 ‘versary in16 blow to poor of 179-year-old girl
WASHINGTON: A member of a bomb squad checks a small helicopter after a man landed on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. — AP Aircraft lands on US Capitol lawn Anti-corruption protester flies through no-fly zone
WASHINGTON: An anti-corruption protester was Congress whose 535 lawmakers were in session at Air defense command NORAD told AFP that it apparently wrote. Hughes is described as a mail- arrested after he landed his mini helicopter on the the time. A bomb squad inspected the gyrocopter, only became aware of the incident after the gyro- man, and a logo appearing to be that of the US US Capitol lawn Wednesday and piloted it which landed a few hundred yards from the copter landed. NORAD spokesman Major Jamie Postal Service was visible on the tail of the air- through Washington’s no-fly zone, triggering a Capitol, but found nothing hazardous. It was Humphries said an investigation is underway to craft. It appeared Hughes was flying a single-seat, national security investigation and shocking cleared from the grounds hours later. Authorities determine if the helicopter was detected by radar open-cockpit Bensen-type gyrocopter, which the bystanders. The Federal Aviation Administration reportedly put the building on temporary lock- and why officials were not aware of the aircraft FAA classifies as an ultralight “vehicle” that said it is investigating the incident along with oth- down, although it was not evacuated. Iraq’s Prime while it was in the air. In addition to the FAA, the requires no registration. The gyrocopter typically er US authorities, adding that the pilot was not in Minister Haider Al-Abadi was in the Capitol at the Secret Service and a handful of other US agencies cruises at 65 miles an hour, with flight times of no touch with air traffic controllers while in the air. time for a meeting with senators. are investigating the landing. more than 90 minutes. “The FAA did not authorize him to enter restricted Witness Rachel Jackman said she was alarmed No airport is required for takeoff and a rear pro- airspace,” the agency said in a statement. The after the incident. “Within minutes, the entire area ‘Patriot,’ not bomber peller is used for thrust. “They’re designed very pilot, Douglas Hughes, was detained and illegal was shut down. I mean, there were probably 30 or “I’m demanding reform and declaring a vot- strictly for recreational, low-altitude flying,” Dick transport charges are pending against him, US 40 of the Capitol police there, cars, some black er’s rebellion in a manner consistent with Knapinski, spokesman for the Experimental Capitol Police said. SUVs as well,” she told CNN. The breach during Jefferson’s description of rights in the Declaration Aircraft Association, told AFP. A US Capitol Police The arrested pilot is a Florida man who was tourist season was the second air security scare of Independence,” Hughes, 61, reportedly wrote officer told the Tampa Bay Times that Hughes conducting civil disobedience to call for campaign this year in the US capital. In January, an intelli- in letters to all 535 members of Congress and “hasn’t notified anybody” of his planned flight. But finance reform, according to the Tampa Bay Times, gence agency employee lost control of a hobby which he carried with him on his flight. On the his friend Mike Shanahan said he called a Secret which had interviewed and filmed him prior to his drone and crashed it on the White House lawn, website Democracyclub.org, Hughes described Service agent to notify him of the flight hours audacious flight. Air space is severely restricted prompting a Secret Service investigation. what he wanted to achieve with his stunt. “In before Hughes landed in Washington. “He’s not a around Washington landmarks, including the President Barack Obama was briefed about every Congressional race in 2016, I want every suicide bomber, he’s a patriot,” Shanahan, 65, told White House and the Capitol, which houses the US Wednesday’s incident, the White House said. candidate to take a stand on corruption,” he the newspaper. —AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Once vibrant, Tripoli Old City struggles to survive
TRIPOLI: Sitting in his workshop among the winding streets of Tripoli’s Old City, Abdulwahab Al-Saudi bangs away at a piece of copper. After nearly two hours, he sets the crescent-shaped work down and moves on to the next piece. With Libya plagued by chaos and violence since the end of the 2011 revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, Saudi has little hope of finding buyers for his copperwork. But like other craftsmen and merchants in the Old City, he is keeping up traditions that have endured here for centuries. “No one is buying any- more, we just make the objects and store them,” Saudi says. For more than 2,500 years, Tripoli’s Old City has been the beating heart of this city-a vibrant warren of white-washed buildings, workshops and market stalls. Founded by Phoenician traders in the seventh century BC, it contains a wealth of historic treasures, from the 10th century Al-Naqah mosque- one of the oldest in North Africa-to the Christ the King church, which dates back to 1829. For centuries it has welcomed visitors to Libya’s shores. Facing the Mediterranean at its entrance lies the Roman arch of Marcus Aurelius, next to it the house of the first diplomatic mission to Libya, estab- lished in 1630 by the French. Overhead is an Ottoman clock tower built in 1870. But with Libya a battleground between rival governments and Tripoli under the control of the Islamist-backed Fajr Libya militia, today visitors are scarce. Next to Saudi’s shop sits fellow copper-worker Mukhtar Ramadan, whose family has been in the business for 150 years. “We have many problems, we are struggling to get in raw materials to do our work,” Ramadan says, adding that his sales have fallen to almost nothing since the revolution. “There isn’t any tourism anymore.” TRIPOLI: Picture shows the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, in the city of Oea, in modern Tripoli, Libya. — AFP
‘Heartbeat of Tripoli’ Hosam Bash Imam, an advisor for Tripoli’s her- itage body, said the Old City holds a special place for South Africans learn to laugh Libyans. “The Old City is the heartbeat of Tripoli,” he said. “(It) has been through some difficult times and at lighter side of blackouts has had to endure fighting and decay, but it still stands.” The Old City was not a major battleground during the revolution or in the recent violence that has swept Libya. But work to maintain it has all but Comedians, advertisers feast on power cut material halted since 2011, Imam said, and several years of neglect are starting to show. Along its narrow cob- JOHANNESBURG: Facing a long, cold to use their product,” one comedian mounted by one recruitment agency. bled streets, the Old City’s paint is peeling and its southern hemisphere winter of power cuts, observed. Social media users have latched Restaurant chain Nando’s has been pok- masonry is crumbling. Many historic sites have been many South Africans are choosing to cope onto handles like #eishkom. ‘Eish’ is a wide- ing fun at blackouts since the last crisis in vandalized, including some mosques and gravesites. with their frustrations by seeing the lighter ly used exclamation of resigned indigna- 2008. “When the lights go out, you can still In the Old City’s former Jewish neighborhood, a side of life in the dark. Africa’s most tion in South Africa. enjoy a saucy night in,” was one tagline synagogue last used in 1967 — when Gaddafi advanced economy is in the throes of its “What did South Africa use before can- used beneath a billboard image of the expelled the country’s small Jewish community-is worst electricity crisis since 2008, with resi- dles? Electricity,” goes another joke. The chicken chain’s spicy marinade. Insurer boarded up and empty, a Star of David and Hebrew dents subjected to frequent blackouts as power crisis has also been called the “50 Santam’s television commercial features inscriptions etched above the entrance. As he weaves state power utility Eskom battles to avoid shades of darkness”, in reference to the erot- foreigners telling their bemused friends colorful yarns into dresses at the silk market, Jamal total grid shut down. ic Hollywood movie “50 Shades of Grey”, as about the experiences they had on holiday Mustafa Mahmoud says he has faith the Old City-and Electricity outages are expected to last some people joke that having the lights off in South Africa, including ‘load shedding’, its traditional craftsmen-will survive. “We are spiritual- until 2017 and the government says the sparks romance. “Wonder how many babies the term used by Eskom for power cuts. knock-on effects could cut 1 percent from will there be next year?” was one comment “Sometimes they just switch the power off. ly connected to this trade. My father lived with it, my economic growth this year. A wave of cri- on a Facebook page set up to share jokes They even have a name for it: ‘load shed- grandfather was here and my children will be,” said sis-related jokes have sprung up on social about electricity shortages. Some compa- ding’,” a series of travelers explain to seem- Mahmoud, 60. “The old city is like the oxygen you media and the stand-up comedy circuit, nies are tapping into the public’s ability to ingly shocked friends. An amused breathe, it is history. Many people have passed exemplifying South Africans’ ability to use see the funny side with light-hearted pro- American woman responds with a joke through here and the city will face a lot of adversity, humor to cope with adversity. “Eskom is motions. “Blackouts? We’ll introduce you to about weight loss: “I could shed a little and it will pull through.” — AFP the only business that pleads with you not switched on candidates,” reads a billboard load.”— Reuters Global anti-Semitic attacks soar in 2014
JERUSALEM: Violent anti-Semitic it logged 766 violent attacks, includ- France has Europe’s largest Jewish that has become not only insulting attacks soared by 38 percent world- ing “arson, vandalism or direct threats community, estimated at about and threatening, but outright danger- wide in 2014 according to an Israeli against Jewish persons or institu- 600,000. In Britain, 141 attacks were ous, and that they are facing an explo- survey marking 70 years since the lib- tions”. “In this regard 2014 has been recorded, up from 95 in 2013 and sion of hatred towards them as indi- eration of the Nazi death camps. The the second-worst year of the decade, Germany logged 76 in 2014, more viduals, their communities, and Israel, Tel Aviv University study, which was coming next after 2009,” it added. It than double the figure for 2013, said as a Jewish state,” it said. published as Israel marked Holocaust said the highest number of incidents the report, which is published annual- It said one of the contributing fac- memorial day yesterday, said that fig- in a single country occurred in France, ly. “The overall feeling among many tors was last summer’s war in Gaza ures from France and Britain were par- with 164 attacks in 2014 compared to Jewish people is one of living in an which sparked many protests, largely ticularly disturbing. Across the world 141 the previous year. intensifying anti-Jewish environment in Europe. — AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Grief, anger as South Syrian war leaves Korea marks ferry disaster ’versary over 220,000 dead ANSAN: Grief, anger and political tension colored the first anniversary of South Korea’s Sewol ferry disaster yesterday, as weeping relatives mourned the 304 dead-mostly school- More than 11,000 children perish children-and accused top officials of indifference to the tragedy. Bowing to a key demand of the victims’ families, BEIRUT: The conflict in Syria has left more than 220,000 dead since it Syria envoy would launch fresh consultations with Syrian factions and President Park Geun-Hye used the anniversary to announce began four years ago with an uprising against President Bashar Al- interested countries on a new round of peace talks, a year after the that the 6,825-tonne vessel would be brought to the sur- Assad, a key monitoring group said yesterday.”We have counted last such initiative collapsed. face at “the earliest possible date”. 222,271 deaths since the start of the revolt in March 2011,” the head However, Russian envoy Alexey Borodavkin said there was reason Park made the statement during a visit to the southern of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman said. to hope for better results now, arguing that both mainstream Syrian island of Jindo, the closest landfall to the site where the Based in Britain, the Observatory uses a broad network of sources on opposition and government negotiators increasingly recognized that Sewol sank on April 16. Family members-still angry over the the ground in Syria to gather information about the conflict. Abdel there was no military solution to the four-year-old civil war, that has official response to the disaster-declined to meet her, and Rahman said more than 67,000 of the dead were civilians, including killed more than 220,000. Borodavkin said the fact that some opposi- there was no immediate response from the relatives to the more than 11,000 children. tion negotiators were no longer supported by a meaningful military, announcement that the ferry would be raised. The focus of Among dead combatants, nearly 47,000 were from pro-regime also helped. “The Free Syrian Army was partly defeated, partly joined yesterday’s anniversary was on Ansan city, south of Seoul, forces, including more than 3,000 foreign fighters. Nearly 700 were the extremist forces of Daesh,” he said, using an Arabic term for where a single high school lost 250 students when the ferry fighters with Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah movement, a key backer of Islamic State. “This in itself is not a positive development, but this is went down. Flags flew at half mast and yellow ribbons flut- Assad. Nearly 40,000 anti-regime fighters and about 28,000 foreign reality, and the opposition should recognize that.” tered from trees and lamp posts as sirens blared across the jihadists have been killed in the conflict, the Observatory said. Foreign While the FSA is a much diminished force, insurgent groups have city at 10:00 am (0100 GMT) and residents bowed their jihadists have flocked to join the conflict in Syria, fighting for the recently made significant gains against Syrian President Bashar Al- heads for a minute’s silence and prayer. Despite heavy rain, Islamic State group or other groups such as the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al- Assad, including mainstream rebels, who seized the Nasib border a steady stream of mourners passed through the memorial Nusra Front. The toll does not include some 20,000 people listed as crossing with Jordan this month. Russia has forcefully backed Assad in hall in Ansan, containing hundreds of black-ribboned, missing. The Observatory says the full death toll is likely to be much the war, rejecting calls from the opposition and West for him to stand flower-ringed portraits of the dead students. higher than the deaths it has been able to count. aside. While the main, Western-backed political opposition alliance Meanwhile, the latest UN efforts to resolve the Syria crisis could sticks to this position, Borodavkin said some opponents were no Sobbing parents succeed this time and lead to a united front against Islamic State fol- longer insisting he must step down. “I do believe that we have to Parents and other relatives sobbed and beat their chests lowed by a political transition, Russia’s ambassador to the United focus not on personalities but on the objective to stop bloodshed first as they left messages, stuffed animals and favored snacks Nations in Geneva said. Earlier this week, the United Nations said its of all, and to fight Daesh together,” he said. — Agencies under the framed photos. “My son, I hope you’re happy up there. Mom misses you so much,” one message read. A giant screen showed a slideshow of family pictures below a large banner that read: “We’re sorry. We love you. We won’t forget.”Uniformed students from Danwon High School were among those who paid their respects, standing in tearful silence before the portraits of their dead classmates. Relatives had threatened to boycott a formal memorial in the afternoon, unless the government committed to a fully independent inquiry and to salvaging the Sewol. “We just want the deaths of our kids to become an opportunity to create a safe society where no one should go through such pain,” said Chun Myeong-Sun, who lost his teenage son.
My ‘heart aches’ “I will take the necessary steps to salvage the ship at the earliest possible date,” the president said in Jindo. “My heart still aches when I think of the nine people who are still missing under the cold water, and of their families,” she added. The overloaded Sewol was carrying 476 people, including 325 students from the high school in Ansan, when it sank. Only 75 students survived. A total of 295 bod- ies were recovered from the ferry, but nine remained unac- counted for when divers finally called off the dangerous search in November. The families of those still missing had spearheaded the calls for the ferry to be brought to the sur- face-an operation that would cost an estimated $110 mil- lion. The disaster, with the loss of so many young lives, stunned the entire country, and one year later there is still a deep sense of public grievance over the perceived inade- quacy of the official response.—AFP LESBOS: A migrant from Syria holds her child upon arrival in Greece at the port of Lesbos island. — AFP Turkey PM’s Armenian aide resigns amid genocide row
ANKARA: The first member of Turkey’s Armenian community to hold Maybe he will himself make a re-evaluation,” Bozkir told a live televi- can present a proposal without any party discipline. The use of the the post of senior advisor to the prime minister has retired, an official sion interview shortly before Mahcupyan quit the post. Last year, word “genocide” by Pope Francis on Sunday infuriated Ankara and said yesterday, after he described the mass killings of Armenians dur- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered an unprecedented expres- prompted Davutoglu to accuse the pontiff of “blackmail” against ing the Ottoman Empire as “genocide”. The official, who asked not to sion of condolence for the massacres when he was still prime minister, Turkey. In this week’s interview, Mahcupyan said the Vatican had final- be named, denied any link between the departure of Etyen describing the killings as “our shared pain”. But as the anniversary has ly released a “100-year-old psychological burden,” adding that what Mahcupyan and the looming 100th anniversary on April 24 of the drawn near, Turkey, which has always rejected the term genocide, has needed to be questioned was 100-year-old resistance to using the start of the 1915 killings of Armenians, which Yerevan regards as taken an increasingly defiant and combative line amid growing ten- term. genocide. Mahcupyan, 65, “has retired on the grounds of age,” the sions over the characterization of the tragedy. official said, noting this was the age limit for all Turkish civil servants. Pope’s comments But Mahcupyan, who was appointed last year as senior advisor to ‘EU Parliament a circus’ The pope’s comments labeling the mass killings as “the first geno- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, infuriated some within the ruling The European Parliament on Wednesday urged Turkey to use the cide of the 20th century” not only angered the government but also Justice and Development Party (AKP) this week when he qualified the centenary of Ottoman-era massacres to “recognize the Armenian religious circles in Turkey. The mufti of Ankara suggested that the mass World War I killings of Armenians as “genocide.” “If accepting genocide” and help promote reconciliation between the two peoples. pope’s statement would hasten the reopening of Istanbul’s Hagia that what happened in Bosnia and Africa were genocides, it is impos- After the vote, the Turkish foreign ministry accused the European Sophia museum to Muslim worshipping. “Frankly, I believe the pope’s sible not to call what happened to Armenians in 1915 genocide too,” Parliament of rewriting history based on a “one-sided approach” and comments will only accelerate the process of Hagia Sophia to be Mahcupyan said in an interview published this week. Turkey’s EU said it threatened to harm relations with the European Union, which reopened for worshipping,” Mefail Hizli was quoted as saying by Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir strongly rebuked Mahcupyan for speak- Ankara has long sought to join. Turkish media. The world famous landmark was turned into a muse- ing out on the issue, which remains taboo for many in Turkey. Bozkir yesterday slammed the non-binding resolution as “null and um accessible to all by the secular founders of modern Turkey in the “Naturally, those views were not suitable for a Turkish citizen. void” and likened the European Parliament to a “circus” where anyone 1930s after serving as a church and a mosque. —AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Terrified Burundi refugees flee as tense polls approach
GASHORA: Burundian farmer Emmanuel Minani knew it was time to leave when the gang who had terrified him for months told him directly they would torch his house and kill him. As elec- tions in Burundi approach, thousands of people are fleeing into neighboring Rwanda, fearing violence from the hands of the rul- ing party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure. Minani, 44, crossed into southern Rwanda last week with his wife and four children, because of what he said were threats from the Imbonerakure ahead of elections in May and June. “The Imbonerakure threatened to kill us because we are not members of the ruling party, and we refused to vote for the presi- dent,” said Minani, a supporter of the opposition Uprona party, Burundi’s main Tutsi political group. “At night, they (the Imbonerakure) patrol the area and threatened to burn our house,” he added, surrounded by a group of terrified Burundians who also fled across the border. Now the group of exhausted refugees shelter in dilapidated buildings, a former army training camp being turned into a refugee reception centre at Gashora, in Rwanda’s southern region. UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Wednesday warned the “militia of the Imbonerakure” was AMSTERDAM: Commuters ride their bikes in late afternoon traffic near Amsterdam Central Station. — AFP “operating increasingly aggressively and with total impunity.” Intimidation, beating, violence Amsterdam unveils new plan Minani, like scores of others with him in Gashora, came from just across the border from the province of Kirundo, half a day’s walk away. There are now more than 6,000 Burundians registered to fight creeping congestion in Rwanda, with the number growing by hundreds every day, many of them Tutsi, as well as Twa people. Burundi, a small land- THE HAGUE: Amsterdam unveiled yester- population of around 811,000 use their lanes to supplement its already existing locked nation in central Africa’s Great Lakes region, emerged in day a new traffic plan aimed at reducing bikes on a daily basis, according to the network of 500 kilometers of bicycle paths. 2006 from a brutal 13-year civil war, and the majority Hutu and the Dutch capital’s rising congestion crisis, city’s latest statistics. Two-wheeled travel Some 40,000 additional bicycle parking minority Tutsi communities are still struggling to reconcile after caused in part by the explosion of two- grew by 40 percent over the past 20 years. spots are also needed, but research decades of conflict. It holds general elections in May to elect law- wheeled transport in one of the world’s top There are 175,000 pedestrians to and from showed that 15 percent of bicycles parked makers before a June presidential poll. cycling cities. “Over the next few years, the city’s busy Central Station alone and in Amsterdam were not actively used. Tensions have risen over incumbent President Pierre Amsterdam will implement new measures 400,000 “car movements” daily in the city, “Therefore, a proposal has been put for- Nkurunziza’s bid to seek a third term, despite the constitution to lessen congestion in the city and create Amsterdam’s statement added. “Cyclists, ward to enforce a maximum parking dura- stating a president can only be elected twice. With the opposition more space in public areas that are increas- pedestrians, trams, buses and cars are get- tion of six weeks for bikes” in the city cen- and civil society groups mobilizing, there are worries the country ingly under pressure,” the city said in a ting into each others’ way more and more tre, Amsterdam said. It also planned to is on the brink of trouble once again. Those who have fled say it is statement. “More room will be created for and the strain on scarce public space build 12 new underground parking increasingly difficult to leave. When Minani first attempted to cyclists and pedestrians,” it stressed. around the city is immense,” it added. garages for cars and reducing speed limits cross into Rwanda, the Imbonerakure blocked their way. “They There are an estimated 800,000 bicycles To deal with the pedal problem, in the city centre from 50 kilometers per stole our goats and forced us to go home,” he said. —AFP in Amsterdam and almost two-thirds of its Amsterdam planned to build more bicycle hour to 30 km/h. — AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 14
Welsh separatists hope to swing British election LONDON: They may only win a handful of seats at next month’s general election, but the Welsh nationalists could find themselves propelled from relative obscurity to influ- ence across Britain. With no party likely to win an overall majority on May 7, Plaid Cymru, a pro-independence socialist party, hopes to team up with others to propel the opposition centre-left Labor Party into power-while extracting concessions for Welsh nationalism. “This elec- tion provides Wales with an unprecedented opportunity,” their leader Leanne Wood has said. The party, whose heartland is in Welsh-speaking north- west Wales, is defending three of Wales’ 40 seats in the British parliament’s 650-member House of Commons. However, Plaid Cymru-meaning the Party of Wales-is hop- ing to replicate the rapid advance of their ideological soul- mates in Scotland: the pro-independence Scottish National Party. They have pledged to join forces with the SNP and the Greens in a bid to keep Prime Minister David Cameron’s centre-right Conservatives out of power-then call the tune in propping up a Labor minority government. All three parties are opposed to spending cuts to elimi- nate Britain’s deficit-something pledged by both the Conservatives and Labor.
NICOSIA: Supporters of Turkish-Cypriot presidential candidate Mustafa Akinci (portrait) wave campaign Post-debate poll boost flags before a rally in northern Nicosia, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a breakaway Previously little known outside Wales, Wood stepped enclave occupying about a third of the Mediterranean island, recognized only by Turkey. —AFP into the UK limelight on April 2 in the only seven-way tele- vised leaders’ pre-election debate. She got the biggest round of applause as she slapped down populist UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage. Wood has Cut-off Turkish Cypriots seek another chance to shine in Thursday’s five-way opposition leaders’ debate live on BBC television. Though UK-wide snap polls said she was the worst performer in the first hope in presidential election debate, it is only how voters in Wales see her that really matters. “Plaid had already won that debate just by being Incumbent Eroglu faces 3 main challengers there. It gave Leanne Wood a level of profile that she didn’t have before,” said Roger Scully of Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre (WGC). NICOSIA: Erham Tayfor lowers the black about 1,000 peacekeepers monitoring a ‘Candidates like belly dancers’ The first post-debate opinion poll in Wales-a YouGov woollen shawl she knits outside her ceasefire line that cuts through the Opponents accuse Eroglu of being survey of 1,143 adults for the WGC and ITV television con- market stall and ponders the business heart of Nicosia, Europe’s last divided too close to Ankara. But it is not clear ducted between Monday and Wednesday-showed only she might have were her homeland not capital. Decades of talks have failed to what, if anything, challengers such as Plaid making ground. The poll gave Labor 40 percent (no deemed illegal by almost every country unify the island, including a plan by Siber or former Nicosia mayor change); the Conservatives 26 percent (down one); UKIP 13 on Earth. “I hope we can change things,” then-UN secretary general Kofi Annan Mustapha Akinci would change. “I want percent (no change); Plaid Cymru 12 percent (up three) and says the 62-year-old, who lives in the which was approved by Turkish Cypriot the new president not to take orders the Liberal Democrats six percent (no change). Wood, a 43- northern part of the walled city in the voters in 2004 but overwhelmingly from Turkey and from other countries,” year-old trenchant republican, has been in charge of Plaid Cypriot capital Nicosia. “We want to be rejected by Greek Cypriots. Cyprus Tayfor says. “We don’t want anyone to since 2012 and has stamped her authority on the position. able to move freely and to trade without joined the European Union that year still interfere.” Yet experts say there is a lim- “The direction of the next government could come down to embargoes.” Tayfor is one of almost a divided island and, although the north it to how much a president can stand how strong a presence of Plaid Cymru MPs there are in par- 300,000 citizens of the Turkish Republic is technically part of the bloc, Turkish up to the region’s sole international liament,” Wood told supporters when she launched her par- of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a breakaway Cypriots are denied nearly all of the ben- backer. “The candidates are becoming ty’s manifesto in Bangor, northwest Wales. The party is pil- enclave occupying about a third of the efits of EU membership. like belly dancers not to annoy Turkey ing resources into retaining their three seats and winning Mediterranean island. Some trade is allowed across the but also to look like they can annoy it,” three further target seats. “If Plaid Cymru holds the balance On Sunday they vote in a presidential ceasefire line but so far proposals for says TRNC analyst Mete Hatay. Still, of power, we will use that to rebalance power and wealth election knowing that whoever wins will direct trade with the rest of the bloc other issues have come up in the cam- throughout the UK, away from the financial sector in the be hamstrung by a geopolitical snarl have come to nothing. Turkish Cypriots paign, in what experts say is a welcome City of London and to those communities in Wales that generations of leaders and successive with foreign passports or those issued sign. need the investment,” said Wood. UN chiefs have failed to untangle. by the internationally recognized Greek “The president should be someone Incumbent Dervis Eroglu faces three Cypriot government can travel abroad who cares about the environment... Independence for Wales? main challengers in the election, which through the south but otherwise travel about the education system, the Plaid Cymru was formed in 1925, chiefly as a Welsh lan- not surprisingly has been dominated by is only possible via Turkey. A UN peace health system,” says Ahmed Sozen, guage pressure group. They won their first parliamentary questions of the enclave’s international envoy announced this month that nego- vice-rector of academic affairs at seat in 1966. They were Labor’s junior partners in the status and its relationship with the tiations were set to resume, but many Famagusta’s Eastern Mediterranean devolved Welsh government from 2007-2011. Plaid now Greek Cypriots to the south. Turkish Cypriots have lost faith in their University. “This is the first time I have holds 11 of the Welsh National Assembly’s 60 seats. They “There is a lack of recognition from leaders’ ability to reach a deal and open seen so much discussion about things came fourth in Wales in the 2010 general election, win- the international community and a lack the TRNC to the rest of the world. like corruption or nepotism,” says ning three seats with 11 percent of the votes cast there. of integration of Turkish Cypriots” in the “People have been born, lived, had Colak, the human rights lawyer. Separatist sentiment is not as strong in Wales as in global economy, says Sibel Siber, a for- children and families, and died waiting Gamze Karaderi, a 36-year-old mother Scotland, but Plaid hope this election could be their mer prime minister tipped by polls to be for them to resolve something,” says of two, says it was corruption that springboard, calling for the same powers and funding as Eroglu’s main rival. Following its inde- human rights lawyer Ermine Colak. Still, stymied her promising legal career. Scotland currently gets. pendence from British rule in 1960, turnout is predicted to be high and cam- She now works for free in a crafts shop The SNP, Plaid and Greens could be set to win up to 55 Cyprus was home to both ethnic Greek paign posters blanket billboards inside north Nicosia’s stone-walled seats between them, according to poll projections, and and Turkish communities. In 1974, in throughout Nicosia’s north. “It is my duty caravanserai after being denied a posi- could potentially lay down the law to Labor over unpopu- response to an Athens-engineered coup to vote,” says Ahmed Shahin, 29, hoping tion as a judge because she graduated lar spending cuts. Though they would put Labor in gov- seeking a union with Greece, Turkish the next president will help to end the in the TRNC, not in Turkey. Karaderi ernment, “they may well have considerable power over troops invaded northern Cyprus, with region’s isolation. “There’s no opportuni- doubts any leader can radically alter what that government does,” political science professor the TRNC later unilaterally declaring an ty here because we are closed,” he said. the territory’s reliance on Ankara, or its Scully said. “They have quite a lot of potential for influenc- independent state. The TRNC remains heavily reliant on worldwide isolation. But she still ing the content of budgets, further devolution. “The SNP Turkey, the only country to recognize the intends to vote. “I’ve not given up all and Plaid can just obstruct all legislation if they don’t get ‘No opportunity here’ territory and the provider of one third of hope,” she says. “I still love my coun- what they want. They can leave them swinging.” —AFP The island has been split since, with its annual budget. try. The problem is the system.” —AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 15
Dangerous radioactive material stolen Mexican authorities issue alert
MEXICO CITY: Authorities issued an alert for several Puente used his Twitter account to urge anybody who and the US government to keep tabs on the situation. Mexican states Wednesday after thieves snatched poten- locates the source to “not handle or stay close to it.” More recently, in February, authorities recovered in central tially deadly radioactive material used for industrial radiog- Officials urged the population to establish a 30-meter Mexico three stolen trucks that had been transporting raphy. The iridium-192 source, marked X-571, was inside a perimeter and contact authorities if they find the material. radioactive material for industrial use. A similar incident container when it was stolen on Monday from a truck in Iridium-192 is a manmade radioactive element that can took place in July 2014, also without causing harm to the Cardenas, a town in southern Tabasco state, the interior cause burns, acute radiation sickness and even death, population. The theft came a day after authorities recov- ministry said in a statement. according to the US Centers for Disease Control and ered a trailer truck that had been stolen in the central state “This source is very dangerous to people if it is removed Prevention. It is used to treat cancer or in industrial gauges of Puebla and contained paraformaldehyde, a highly toxic from its container,” the statement said, in the latest theft of that inspect welding seams. and flammable material. radioactive material to hit Mexico. The ministry launched Criminals have stolen other materials in Mexico that an alert for civil protection authorities in the states of Radioactive thefts in Mexico have endangered or even harmed populations and the Tabasco, Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, as well It was only the latest case of radioactive material being environment. On Sunday, thieves punctured a pipeline in as the federal police, the navy and the army. The theft was stolen in Mexico. In December 2013, thieves took a truck Tabasco’s capital, Villahermosa, causing an oil pipeline in reported by the company Garantia Radiografica e containing a cancer-treating medical device with highly rivers and forcing authorities to shut down water filtration Ingenieria. The ministry said that, if not handled with prop- radioactive cobalt-60 near Mexico City, but they were plants, affecting half a million people. The water filtration er protection, “this source could cause permanent injuries apparently unaware about the contents of the cargo. system was being restored on Wednesday, but 100,000 to the person who handles it or who has been in contact Authorities arrested and hospitalized five suspects in that people remained without fresh water. Drug cartels have with it for a brief time (minutes or hours).” case after recovering the potentially lethal material. They all diversified their business in Mexico, stealing fuel, exploiting “Being close to this quantity of unprotected radioactive survived. iron ore mines and extorting all kinds of people. But it is material for hours or days could be fatal,” the statement That theft prompted the International Atomic Energy unclear whether radioactive material is a new source of rev- warned. National civil protection coordinator Luis Felipe Agency to issue an alert for “extremely dangerous” material enue for organized crime gangs. — AFP Chelsea Clinton steps into the US spotlight
NEW YORK: Chelsea Clinton’s star is rising. shied away from speaking to the press. Based on Photographed, interviewed and increasingly interviews with friends and associates of the prominent in her family’s charitable empire, there is Clintons, Politico reported that Chelsea is poised to no more ardent cheerleader for her mother’s bid become a major figure in the campaign and possi- for the presidency. Photographed in a $1,500 Gucci bly the White House. dress and Cartier bracelet, the 35-year-old philan- “I think she will play a more active role in 2016 thropist, wife and new mother appeared on the than she did in 2008 but again I think it will be on front cover of Elle with an impassioned plea for a her own terms,” Meena Bose, professor of political female leader. science at Hofstra University said. Hillary has “When you ask about the importance of having already made improving lives for her granddaugh- a woman president, absolutely it’s ter’s generation a key message of her important,” she told the glossy mag- nascent campaign, peppering her CAUCA: Colombian soldiers carry the corpse of one of the ten soldiers killed by the FARC guer- azine in remarks released the week- appearances with liberal references rillas in Buenos Aires, Cauca department, Colombia. — AFP end her mother announced her to baby Charlotte. Robert Shapiro, campaign. “One of our core values in former chair of political science at Colombia ends freeze on this country is that we are the land of Columbia University, said Chelsea’s equal opportunity, but when equal appeal to younger voters and hasn’t yet included gender, there is a women tapped into Clinton’s air strikes after attacks fundamental challenge there that, I emphasis of women and families. believe, having our first woman “Now with Chelsea having a baby BOGOTA: Colombian President Juan Manuel Temistocles Ortega earlier told Blu radio the sol- president-whenever that is-will help and her first granddaughter, there is Santos lifted a suspension of air strikes against the diers came under fire in a hamlet known as La resolve.” When Hillary Clinton, for- that angle that can be pursued,” he FARC after the Marxist guerrillas were suspected in Esperanza. The wounded were evacuated with the mer secretary of state, senator and Chelsea Clinton said. the killing of 10 soldiers in a pre-dawn attack help of the Red Cross and emergency personnel, first lady, on Sunday ended years of Wednesday. The attack in western Colombia, but bad weather and the remote location were speculation that she would contest the White Perception of a disconnect which also left 20 soldiers wounded, was the dead- hampering the operation, Valencia said. House once again, daughter Chelsea was right Elle magazine breathlessly described Chelsea as liest since the start of peace talks more than two behind her. “Very proud of you Mom!” the Stanford, the beloved daughter of two of the most powerful years ago, officials said. Impact on peace process Columbia and Oxford University educated daugh- people on the planet who rides the subway and “I have ordered the armed forces to end the The attack underscored the difficulty of putting ter tweeted to her more 817,800 followers. A day does the groceries. But Bose warns that her wealth order suspending bombing raids against FARC an end to the conflict, now over a half century old earlier, the first photographs of Chelsea’s six- and privilege could disconnect Clinton further from camps until further notice,” said Santos. “Let this and easily Latin America’s longest. “We deplore month-old daughter Charlotte in a stroller ordinary voters. Chelsea and husband Marc, who be clear to the FARC: I’m not going to be pres- the deaths of the soldiers in Cauca. This is precisely emerged, snapped with mom, dad and pooch co-founded a hedge fund, paid $9.25 million for sured... by vile acts like this to make a decision on a the war that we are trying to end,” Santos said on walking in the Manhattan sunshine. This is the their Manhattan apartment. She is reportedly paid bilateral ceasefire.” Late last year the FARC Twitter. In Havana, a FARC spokesman expressed baby that softens Hillary’s image. The woman seen up to $75,000 for speeches, more than some annu- declared a unilateral ceasefire in a bid to advance regret over the bloodletting, but blamed the gov- as distant and cold has spoken of her joy at becom- al salaries, although the fees go straight to the peace talks that have been under way in Havana ernment’s “incoherence in ordering military opera- ing a grandmother and of a child who has “helped Foundation. “You have this slightly awkward since November 2012. Santos has refused to com- tions against a guerrilla force observing a truce.” me see the world in new ways.” Chelsea herself potential perception of a disconnect, primarily for mit to a bilateral ceasefire until there is a compre- “Whether it was an ambush or a counter-ambush, acknowledges being in the middle of her family’s her mother, but I think it does also apply for her hensive peace agreement, but had suspended air what we have before us is some dead decisions and says she has influenced her parents daughter on the campaign trail,” Bose said. raids in recognition of the move. Colombians,” said the spokesman, Pastor Alape, opinions, such as on gay marriage and priorities at It is also unclear whether she can actually calling on the government to join the FARC in a the Clinton Foundation. deliver votes. She was a child when her father Bill Troops ambushed ceasefire. Jorge Restrepo, the head of a research was president and may not either play as detailed Wednesday’s attack occurred in a remote center that specializes on the Colombian conflict, More active role a role as George W Bush did in his father’s 1988 mountainous area in Cauca province, a stronghold said the attack was a “serious” blow but would not “We have had kind of a conversation about election to the White House. John Sides, associ- of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia lead to a breakdown in the peace talks. He added what we think the challenges, the opportunities, ate professor of political science at George (FARC), who have been battling the Bogota gov- that it might even serve “to accelerate the negotia- the solutions are... literally my whole life,” she told Washington University who studies public opin- ernment for five decades. A senior military official tion of a definitive ceasefire in Havana.” The public an audience at Harvard last week. “The benefit of ion and American election, says personality plays said the infantry troops were ambushed as they defender for human rights, Jorge Armando having three family members is that you have kind a subservient role in campaigns. “I think a lot of conducted a patrol. “They were attacked with Otalora, denounced the guerrillas’ “rupture of the of two candidates and a moderator like of built in,” commentary still puts too much emphasis on explosives, grenades and firearms,” General Mario unilateral ceasefire,” calling it “an open contradic- she said. Although it’s early days, Chelsea has whether presidential candidates are good-look- Augusto Valencia, the commander of the army’s tion with the discourse of the FARC negotiators in already been more visible than during Hillary’s ing or nice or inspiring or young or old or empa- Third Division, told reporters. Cauca governor Havana.”—AFP failed bid for the White House in 2008, when she thetic,” Sides said. —AFP International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Return of Gandhi scion sparking media frenzy
NEW DELHI: India’s excitable news channels went into overdrive yesterday on news beleaguered opposition leader Rahul Gandhi had returned from a two-month break from politics after a series of embarrassing electoral defeats. Television footage showed a convoy of black SUVs driving to Rahul’s house in the exclusive leafy heart of New Delhi, purportedly carrying the scion of the Gandhi family dynasty. Reporters set up camp outside the house to try to catch a glimpse of the 44-year-old, while #RahulReturns was trending on Twitter. CNN-IBN reported Gandhi, whose father, grandmother and great-grandfather were all prime ministers, returned from a sojourn in Myanmar where he was staying at a “famous meditation retreat”. Gandhi’s decision in February to go on a sabbatical on the same day that India’s budget session of parliament started sparked widespread criticism as well as speculation about his future. According to Congress Party officials, Gandhi took a break to “reflect” on the future course of the party which has suffered a string of defeats since its humiliat- ing loss in last year’s national polls. Gandhi has been heavily criticized for his lackluster leadership as number two in Congress. But the party has dismissed speculation that he would quit politics altogether or take over from his mother as Congress president. Veteran Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry said Gandhi would address a rally of hundreds of farmers in Delhi on Sunday against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reform of land purchasing rules. “It is natural for cadres to feel energized at his return as he NEW DELHI: An Indian Muslim eats a meat dish at a wayside shop, in New Delhi, India. — AP is our leader,” Mistry said. Rahul has the reputation of a reluctant leader who maintains a low profile in and out- side parliament, where he is an MP. His refusal of the polit- India’s die-hard Hindus push ical spotlight has frustrated colleagues, but few in the par- ty have been willing to criticize him publicly. — AFP to ban beef in blow to poor Anti-graft academic ‘They want to gratify Hindus and harass Muslims’ fights Afghan NEW DELHI: Every morning just before is a key source of nutrition for millions of welfare organizations run “gaushalas,” or ‘economic mafia’ dawn, hundreds of trucks loaded with people,” he said. cow shelters, in many cities where aban- buffaloes trundle into New Delhi’s Fears among meat traders grew last doned cows found wandering the sprawling slaughterhouse complex month when India’s second-most-popu- streets are given food and shelter. KABUL: Ringed with snipers and sandbag bunkers, the makeshift office of a Kabul academic spearheading where young men rush to unload the lous state, Maharashtra, extended the Feeding a cow is seen by many Hindus President Ashraf Ghani’s unprecedented anti-corruption bellowing cargo. Skidding on heaps of slaughter ban to include bulls. While as a way to appease the gods and get drive could be mistaken for a military garrison. “I used to fresh dung, they pull the animals out of buffalo was not mentioned in the new one’s wishes fulfilled. “Hare Krishna, Hare live an ordinary life driving an ordinary Toyota,” the trucks, herding them for the daily law, buffalo meat quickly disappeared Krishna,” chanted Minu Aggarwal, a Hamidullah Farooqi, 62, said, reading glasses perched on auction and eventual slaughter. The from most of the state’s butcher shops, housewife, as she fed soaked lentils and his forehead. “But investigating corruption means investi- work is hard and the money at the end amid fears of communal violence if it leafy greens to a cow at a New Delhi gating people with dangerous connections. It’s like fight- of it, poor. But the business is big. was confused with cow meat. The ban shelter. The chant means “Lord Krishna,” ing the mafia-the economic mafia.” Despite Hindu beliefs that cows are carries a stiff punishment: Bail is not a popular Hindu god. As she bent down Corruption in Afghanistan is not just another issue. It is sacred - and the fact that their slaughter allowed and anyone convicted of selling in obeisance near the animal, a shelter arguably the single biggest challenge confronting the is banned in most of the country - India or possessing beef faces a five-year jail worker touched her head with the cow’s troubled country as it rebuilds itself after decades of war. is the world’s fifth-largest consumer and term and a $200 fine, a huge sum for tail - a blessing, Aggarwal said. It permeates nearly every public institution, hobbling development despite hundreds of billions of dollars of second-largest exporter of beef. The poor Indians. Within days of the ban, the foreign aid over the past decade, sapping already bare meat, which in India comes from bulls red-meat business in Mumbai, the state ‘Cow is our mother’ state coffers and fuelling insecurity as alienated Afghans and buffaloes, is widely eaten in some capital, was forced underground, leaving Pankaj Bansal, a New Delhi business- veer towards the Taleban. Since coming to power in communities, particularly by low-caste restaurants and eateries scrambling for man feeding pieces of bread to a cow September, Ghani, an American-educated former World Hindus and millions of Muslims and alternatives. Meat traders in Maharashtra nearby, praised the bans. “The cow is our Bank official, appears to be cracking down hard. Christians. have challenged the ban in court, saying mother,” he said. “The ban should be He launched a probe into 12 military logistics con- tens of thousands of people have lost imposed all over the country.” In recent tracts, reopened the investigation into a major banking A political decision their jobs. decades, as millions of Indians traveled scandal and sacked nearly the entire administration of With the victory of Prime Minister The state’s decision did not come as a abroad for study and work, tastes have western Herat province accused of corruption or incom- Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist surprise. During his election campaign, slowly changed. Today, many restau- petence. Handpicked by Ghani to oversee his anti-graft campaign is Farooqi, a Kabul University economics lectur- Bharatiya Janata Party last year, hardline Modi promised a countrywide ban on rants and small eateries serve steak and er who was part of the president’s election campaign last Hindu groups are pushing to expand the cow slaughter, and that has embold- kebabs made from buffalo meat. Many year. The most high-profile among these cases are con- slaughter ban to include all types of cat- ened Hindu hardliners. Other states people who in the past would not have tracts to supply fuel to the Afghan military worth nearly tle, male or female. Meat traders, many ruled by Modi’s party have promised to eaten the meat at home in deference to $1 billion, approved by the previous Hamid Karzai-led of whom have carried their trade for follow Maharashtra’s example. The gov- strictly vegetarian parents and older rel- government. generations, are worried about their ernment in Haryana state, bordering atives now openly broil buffalo meat. Farooqi said the contracts, which Ghani terminated, jobs. “This is a political decision,” said New Delhi, is considering laws making Economists say a complete ban on cow involved “sophisticated” white-collar fraud. “When you Mohammed Aqil Qureshi, president of cow slaughter comparable to murder. slaughter could prove counterproduc- take a look at the paperwork, everything looks perfectly the Buffalo Traders Welfare Association Offenders would face a life term for tive as farmers would abandon their ani- normal and by the book, but closer scrutiny reveals the in Ghazipur, the New Delhi neighbor- killing a cow or bull if the state adopts mals once they stop giving milk. Worse, anomalies, the fraud,” he said. Last week, Farooqi discov- hood where the slaughterhouse com- the planned legislation. farmers may consider it economically ered one eye-popping detail that helped uncover the graft: four companies vying for the contracts submitted plex is located. “They want to gratify the impossible to keep cows altogether if the exact same bidding prices-the numbers matched Hindus and harass the Muslims.” A beef ‘Gaushalas’ they must feed the animals for the rest right up to the last decimal place. —AFP ban would hit the poor the most, said Many Hindus regard the cow as the of their lives, said Harish Damodaran, an Qureshi. “This is poor people’s food and living symbol of their religion. Hindu economic analyst. —AP International17 FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Resurgent Russia worries Finland
HELSINKI: After 25 years of tranquil post Cold “It’s more like people think about it long- Helsinki has prioritized EU-based military Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and War relations, Finns are once again worried term. Maybe one day Finnish security policy cooperation over NATO. The head of the Iceland agreed to step up their military coop- about the threat posed by their resurgent east- will have to change but they don’t see that a Finnish military, Commander Jarmo Lindberg, eration following the changed security situa- ern neighbor Russia, though they remain firm- change would be imminent,” Aunesluoma says Russia has done nothing that could be tion, including more joint military exercises, ly opposed to joining NATO. The issue has said. The Nordic country of 5.5 million inhabi- considered as posing an acute threat to intelligence exchanges and stronger defense been on everybody’s lips since Russia annexed tants shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) bor- Finland. However, “the entire volume of activi- industry ties. “Russia’s propaganda and politi- the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine last year, der with Russia. Finland’s military non-align- ty near Finland’s borders has grown. For this cal maneuvering are contributing to sowing but despite the tangible concern, the question ment is seen as an important tool for maintain- reason we need to re-examine our prepared- discord” within both the EU and NATO, they of NATO membership has been broadly avoid- ing good relations with its powerful neighbor. ness accordingly.” added. The declaration prompted the Russian ed in political debates ahead of Sunday’s leg- The two countries waged a horrific war in foreign ministry to express “concern” that non- islative elections. 1939-1940, still fresh in the minds of Finland’s ‘Biggest challenge to European security’ NATO members Sweden and Finland were “Security is surprisingly absent in the elec- oldest generation. For decades during the Finland and its Nordic neighbors say they increasing their cooperation with NATO mem- tion debates. Finns have discussed security Cold War, when it was strategically positioned have seen an uptick in Russian military activity bers Denmark, Norway and Iceland. issues quite intensively in the media, especially between East and West, Finland’s uncritical over the last year, including several airspace Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb the conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s behavior, stance towards the Soviet Union allowed it to violations and war planes allegedly flying with- hastened to tell Finns they should not let but (the issue has been) avoided in the access a vast market while trading extensively out their identifying transponders. Just last Russia’s “sabre-rattling” startle them, while debates,” Helsinki University political history with the West. week, Finnish Defense Minister Carl Haglund Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja insisted Russia professor Juhana Aunesluoma said. “People Helsinki has however aligned itself with the joined his Nordic counterparts in issuing a dec- was not a threat. But a poll published in are clearly concerned about it but they seem West after the fall of the Soviet Union, joining laration referring to Russia as the “biggest chal- Finnish broadsheet Helsingin Sanomat in to stand behind the government consensus the EU in 1995 and inching closer to NATO. It is lenge to European security”. “The security situ- March showed that 61 percent of Finns either right now, which is to stick with EU policy to part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, ation around the Nordic countries has signifi- completely or somewhat agreed with the strengthen collaboration with NATO within and has for example participated in the cantly worsened during the past year,” the statement that “Russia is now a greater threat existing agreements,” he added. Alliance’s ISAF operation in Afghanistan. But ministers wrote. to Finland”. —AFP
France shocked by rape, murder of 9-year-old girl
CALAIS: A Polish man has confessed to raping and killing a nine-year-old girl after brazenly snatching her from a French playground in front of her mother, prosecutors said yester- day. The country was left reeling from the crime in the northern city of Calais, where flags flew at half mast, as grisly details emerged about how Chloe was kidnapped, raped and strangled in an hour and a half. A Polish man whose criminal past had seen him banned from French territory, confessed to the crime after being arrested on Wednesday night near the woods where the girl’s naked, lifeless body was found. Chloe was playing with a friend on Wednesday afternoon when a man “appeared and grabbed her, forcing her to get into a red car,” prosecutors said in a statement. Her mother, who was present with her two other children, burst into panicked screams as the man, described by witnesses as CALAIS: A woman and her child lay flowers where a nine-year-old girl was snatched in front of her mother from a bald and wearing sunglasses, shoved Chloe into his car. playground in the northern city of Calais. —AFP Police were alerted to the kidnapping at 3:30 pm and search teams were dispatched, one of which made the grisly dis- covery of the murdered child at 5pm. Migrant children test Europe as Forensic investigators reported evidence of “strangula- tion and sexual violence”, prosecutor Jean-Pierre Valensi Mediterranean crisis worsens said at a press conference yesterday. Nearby, police found the red vehicle with Polish number plates, and the driver- Demographics, poverty, political instability fuel migration heavily under the influence of alcohol-was arrested not far from the scene shortly thereafter. The man was banned CALTAGIRONE: Sixteen-year-old orphan Italy’s shores, survivors said. The number World’s Deadliest Border from French territory after being released from prison where Ishmael Bangura fled Sierra Leone in July of minors traveling alone in this mass “The Mediterranean will continue to be a he had served time for robbery, and was handed over to when the Ebola virus killed eight members migration has soared-underage arrivals to heavily trafficked and deadly space,” said Polish authorities in March 2014 after a Europe-wide arrest of his household. On his way to Italy from Italy tripled in 2014 from the previous Maurizio Albahari, professor at Notre Dame warrant was issued in his name, said Valensi. He added that Libya months later, his boat capsized. He year. This poses a particular problem for University in South Bend, Indiana, and survived by clinging to a rope lowered frontier countries like Italy, Spain and author of a soon-to-be published book the man had arrived back in France on Wednesday morning from a rescue vessel while dozens Greece. Italy, by law, cannot repatriate called “Crimes of Peace: Mediterranean and was planning to head to England where his sister lived. drowned in the sea below him. Today minors and is required to provide health- Migrations and the World’s Deadliest French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called for light to be Bangura is living in a shelter on this Sicilian care and schooling. Border”. Facing this prospect, Italy is trying to shed on the suspect’s history, saying the family and commu- hilltop town. He is part of a growing army Host countries are already under strain. introduce a long-term system for sheltering nity were “deeply shocked” by the murder. “It is up to the of parentless child migrants that are wash- In Italy, 13,000 teenagers-mostly young and integrating waves of future minors. It is legal system now to carry out the investigation and what we ing up on Europe’s shores, giving the con- men fleeing conflict, poverty or persecu- tapping European Union funds to open up owe to the family is the whole truth,” he said. The French tinent’s immigration crisis a tragic new tion-now live in Italian immigration cen- new shelters to be monitored by humanitari- city of Calais was plunged into mourning after the killing of face. “I’m happy to be alive,” said the soft- tres, alongside adult shelters that are an groups that seek to help integrate the the girl described as “cheerful and full of life”. Residents spoken Bangura on a recent morning as bursting at the seams with some 80,000 youngsters. There is resistance. Some right- he sat in the shelter’s front yard. people. The numbers are expected to rise wing politicians, particularly in the wealthy planned a solemn march in memory of Chloe later. “It’s hor- The number of migrants reaching Italy because of the world’s demographic north of Italy, are pushing back against rific,” a shocked mother of two said outside Chloe’s school by sea this year is set to top last year’s boom. There are more 10-to 24-year-olds opening shelters in their regions. Just this yesterday morning, where a counseling unit has been set record of 170,000, the International now than at any other time in human his- week, Lombardy and Veneto, northern up. “My son knew her, he didn’t sleep last night, he knows Organization for Migration said. In the past tory, mostly living in poor countries, regions that are governed by the anti-immi- he will never see her again. I can’t even imagine what the week alone 10,000 have arrived. Another according to the United Nations gration Northern League, said they would parents are going through,” she said. —AFP 400 people drowned before making it to Population Fund. not accept any new migrants. —Reuters International FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Indonesia fighter plane catches fire on runway Pilot jumps to safety
JAKARTA: An Indonesian fighter jet caught fire just He said an investigation into the incident before take-off yesterday, prompting the pilot to had been launched. The fighter jet was due to jump to safety as flames and thick smoke engulfed take off alongside three other aircraft, which all the plane, officials said. The pilot escaped with took off successfully. The aircraft were making minor injuries and is now being treated in hospital preparations to provide security at a summit of after leaping from the blazing F-16 aircraft, which Asian and African leaders in Indonesia next was about to take off from an airbase in the capital week. The F-16 was one of several aircraft that Jakarta. “As the aircraft was about to take off, there the United States recently provided to the was a fire in the engine, and the pilot straight away Indonesian military in the form of a grant, the decided to abort the flight,” air force chief of staff air force said. The accident came a month after Agus Supriatna said on news channel MetroTV. two air force planes from an Indonesian aero- “The pilot was rushed to hospital but he is con- batics team crashed during a practice session scious,” he added. Military spokesman Fuad Basya ahead of an air show on Malaysia’s Langkawi said the airman suffered a minor injury as he island. All four pilots ejected successfully and JAKARTA: Military rescue personnel hoists a fire-damaged Indonesian Air Force F-16 jumped from the cockpit. survived. — AFP fighter aircraft from the runway at Halim airbase in Jakarta yesterday. — AFP Muslim-majority Indonesia cracks down UN’s Yemen envoy quits on alcohol sales Saudi-led air war enters fourth week JAKARTA: Indonesia yesterday banned small retailers from sell- ing beer, despite an outcry from the booze industry and in SANAA: The UN envoy to Yemen has coalition saw as support for its bombing achieved. “There can be no half measures,” tourism hotspots over the Muslim-majority country’s latest offen- resigned after failing to avert large-scale campaign. The resolution-the first formal Adel Al-Jubeir told reporters in sive against drinking. The ban restricts the sale of beer and pre- violence, dealing a blow to hopes of a action taken by the Security Council since Washington. Jubeir said the first three mixed drinks-such as spirits with soft drinks-to large supermar- diplomatic solution to the conflict air strikes started on March 26 - demands weeks had been “very successful” and had kets only, outlawing sales in the country’s 16,000 minimarts and between rebels and Saudi-backed govern- that the rebels withdraw from Sanaa and “been able to degrade and destroy much 55,000 other small shops. Hotels, restaurants and bars are unaf- ment forces. The announcement from the all other areas they have seized. It also of the military infrastructure that Houthis fected. There had been particular anxiety about how the ban United Nations came as a Saudi-led coali- slapped an arms embargo on the rebels and Saleh possess.” Coalition spokesman might affect tourism on the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali. tion pressed its air war against the Iran- and army units still loyal to Saleh who Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri said the However, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel-who was shouted at backed rebels into a fourth week, promis- have allied with them, providing crucial bombing campaign had “in a large pro- during an ill-tempered meeting with community leaders in Bali ing “no half measures” in its campaign to support as they have advanced out of portion” succeeded in halting the rebels’ last weekend-has now pledged to ease the restrictions on the restore President Abedrabbo Mansour their stronghold in the northern moun- advance in the south. island to ensure street vendors can still sell beer at the beach. But Hadi. tains into mainly Sunni areas. Hadi’s newly Troops and militia loyal to Hadi have others have not been so lucky. Convenience stores in the capital As UN envoy, Jamal Benomar had tried appointed Vice President Khaled Bahah been battling the rebels in Aden and other Jakarta began pulling booze from their shelves weeks ago in desperately to avert all-out conflict as the called on those army units yesterday to southern provinces. Overnight, coalition anticipation, replacing chilled beers and bourbon and cokes with Shiite Houthi rebels seized the capital last signs apologizing to customers for the inconvenience. September and then placed Hadi under Very few small retailers can stock unmixed spirits and wine, effective house arrest in January. But meaning the regulation has been viewed as an attempt to com- Hadi’s escape to second city Aden the fol- pletely ban alcohol sales at such outlets. German traveller Daniel lowing month to rally opposition to the Kowalski told AFP he tried to buy a beer from a convenience rebels effectively brought negotiations to store on Jakarta’s backpacker strip only to learn they no longer an end and Benomar’s efforts to revive stocked alcohol. “I think tourists will not appreciate it. Everybody them came to nothing as the rebels likes to have a beer,” he said. “Some people may actually say ‘well advanced on the president’s last refuge, I can’t have a beer, I’d rather go to Thailand’.” triggering his flight to Saudi Arabia. The national ban is the latest sign that conservative forces in Benomar retained the support of UN the country of 250 million people are pushing back against grow- chief Ban Ki-moon, who has repeatedly ing alcohol consumption, and comes the same week that Islamic called for a return to the negotiating table, parties in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation pro- but he lost the confidence of Riyadh and posed a total ban on drinking. The trade ministry has justified the its allies. Last month, a Gulf diplomatic ban on sales at small retailers on health and moral grounds, as official accused the UN envoy of appeas- concerns grow that underage drinking is being fuelled by wide ing the rebels and their allies as they over- availability in local neighborhoods. “We need to protect our ran Saudi Arabia’s impoverished but youth,” Gobel said yesterday. Lawmaker Fahira Idris, the founder strategically important neighbor. “They of the National Anti-Alcohol Movement and a leading proponent pressed to redraw the political map of of the measure, likened alcohol to a “machine killing our youth”. Yemen and, in a way, they were encour- “Our volunteers often see minors buying alcohol with ease in aged by Benomar,” the official said. The minimarkets,” she said. Moroccan diplomat had been instrumen- tal in negotiating a peace deal that eased Unhappy brewers former president Ali Abdullah Saleh out of But major brewers have voiced their unhappiness. office in February 2012 after a year of Multinational giant Diageo, which distributes well-known brands bloody protests against his three-decade rule, and Ban paid tribute to his work. such as Guinness in Indonesia, has called the ban “regrettable” ADEN: Yemeni members of the southern separatist movement, loyal to and said Thursday that the changes had impacted its first-quarter The UN chief “greatly appreciates the tireless efforts Benomar has made over the President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, stand next to a tank in Aden’s northern performance. A spokeswoman for Dutch brewer Heineken, suburbs. — AFP which owns the company that makes Indonesia’s most popular years to promote consensus and trust on a beer, Bintang, said the regulation would hurt at the local level peaceful way forward in Yemen,” a state- while the Indonesian Brewers Association also voiced concerns. ment said. Among the candidates to drop their support for the Houthis. aircraft carried out fresh air strikes on rebel Health advocates meanwhile warned it could drive more replace him is Mauritanian diplomat Ismail “I call on all troops and security force positions in Aden, killing at least eight drinkers to blackmarket spirits, high-potency concoctions sold Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who currently heads personnel to accept the command of the rebels, a military source said. The World illegally on the street that kill an untold number of drinkers every the UN Ebola mission in Accra, a UN official legitimate government and protect the Health Organization says at least 736 peo- year. “To limit the market, and to limit where you can purchase said, speaking on condition of anonymity. country,” he told reporters in Riyadh, ple have died in the conflict since April 12 the controlled alcohol, it’s just a nightmare,” said Australian Lhani where he is exiled along with the presi- and more than 2,700 have been wounded. Davies, whose 19-year-old son Liam died from methanol poison- ‘No half measures’ dent. As the air campaign entered its The United Nations said nearly half the ing after being served homebrewed spirits at a bar in Benomar’s resignation came hot on the fourth week, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to casualties were civilians, and UN human Indonesia.—AFP heels of the adoption by the UN Security the United States vowed that it would rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein called Council of a resolution that the Saudi-led continue until all its objectives were Tuesday for an investigation. — AFP www.kuwaittimes.net
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
A model presents a cre- ation by designer Abdul Samad at the Fashion Pakistan Week in Karachi.— AFP
Page 22 Lifestyle FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett top bill at Montreux Jazz Festival
Abby Drumright sings with The Amaziní Blue, a A Cappella group, during a practice ses- Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett sion at Pierpont commons in Ann Arbor, Mich. — AP op diva Lady Gaga’s duet with veteran despite expanding its repertoire over the crooner Tony Bennett will top the bill at years. The 2015 edition will feature Mary J Pthis year’s Montreux Jazz Festival in Blige, Damien Rice and Portishead for the first Switzerland, with other headliners including time, and return performances by the likes of College a cappella singers become Lenny Kravitz and Portishead, organizers said Sinead O’Connor, Lenny Kravitz, and Lionel yesterday. The “elegant collision of charisma” Richie. But fans of the original genre will not pairing the 28-year-old super star and the 88- be disappointed, thanks to performances by unlikely stars on campuses year-old industry veteran will set the tone at stars like US jazz singer Dianne Reeves, who the 49th edition of the festival on the shores last visited Montreux a decade ago and who heir musical performances pack university groups in the U.S. and Britain vied for a spot. of lake Geneva, the festival team said in a will perform from her new album. auditoriums, though they play no instru- The SoCal VoCals of the University of Southern statement. Jazz bassist Avishai Cohen and Tunisian Tments. While universities have long nurtured California made the cut after out-singing their They will be performing numbers from oud player Dhafer Youssef, as well as the niche community of a cappella singers, the TV regional competition. They practice for hours every their joint album “Cheek to Cheek”, a collec- American saxophonists David Sanborn and show “Glee” and hit movie “Pitch Perfect” helped week “because we all really want it,” junior Malia tion of revisited jazz standards. The July 3-18 Joshua Redman will also be performing. create a new generation of fans that propelled the Civetz said. “It is very difficult and we all know that, event will be “full of exceptional artist pair- Organisers meanwhile promised that concerts soulful, unaccompanied vocal sound into main- so when we nail it, it’s just this incredible feeling,” ings,” they said, listing for instance jazz titans by John Legend, Emeli Sande, Paolo Nutini stream culture. Now, they’re unlikely stars on cam- Civetz said. Though Civetz is a popular music major, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, who will and Melody Gardot among others would puses across the US. many students who sing are pursuing studies com- also be performing together 36 years after “ensure a renewal for R&B, pure soul, and On Saturday, about 3,000 people will flock to pletely unrelated to the arts - which is why they their 1979 duet at the festival. Brazilian artists vocal jazz” at the festival. Others on this edi- New York to see eight groups compete in the colle- make the most of their brief time in the spotlight. and political activists Caetano Veloso and tion’s eclectic bill include James Blake, Sam giate championship of a cappella singings. The “This is their first and last big chance to be a pop Gilberto Gil will also be performing together. Smith, Benjamin Booker, D’Angelo, Chemical sold-out show at the Beacon Theatre is a far cry star,” Newman said. “And they are when they’re on The festival has retained its jazz label Brothers, Zaz and La Famille Chedid. — AFP from the paltry crowd of 200 that watched the their campus, they are when they’re on our stage.” national finals more than a decade ago. “Now the The a cappella craze showcases a tradition that larger world is seeing that it’s awesome,” said dates back decades - or longer - at some schools: Amanda Newman, executive director of Varsity The Yale Whiffenpoofs were founded in 1909. Off ‘Batman V Superman’ trailer to Vocals, the event’s organizer. “Everyone’s just over the Beat started more than 25 years ago at the the moon. It wasn’t a secret that we wanted to University of Pennsylvania with audiences of fewer keep.” This isn’t your grandfather’s barbershop than 100 people, said junior Jasmine Barksdale, the premiere Monday in Imax theaters quartet. Covering pop songs like Beyonce’s “Crazy music director. Now the 15-member group performs in Love” and Hozier’s “Take Me to Church,” the in an auditorium that can hold about 1,000, she said. groups earn the adulation of cheering fans through “There are people I meet randomly who are like: their complex harmonies and choreography. ‘Oh my gosh, you’re in Off the Beat? I’ve been to “People used to think of vocal music as boring every Off the Beat show since I was a freshman,’” choir stuff,” said Isaac Hecker, a member of Amazin’ said Barksdale, an economics major at Wharton. The Blue at the University of Michigan. “Once you fig- success of “Pitch Perfect,” based on a book about ured out that you can do crazy beat-boxing, awe- the small but robust a cappella community, has led some bass lines (and) throw everything together, to the planned May 15 release of “Pitch Perfect 2.” you just have really cool music.” This weekend’s Two days before that, the Pop cable network contest is the 19th International Championship of debuts “Sing It On,” a documentary-style series on Collegiate A cappella, or ICCA. In its early years, this year’s ICCA competition. Grammy winner John Newman said, only 35 groups competed in the Legend - a former a cappella singer at Penn - is the rounds leading up to the finals. This year, about 320 executive producer. — AP Boney M brother quizzed over murder of Assad critic in London
he brother of a singer from disco band 1970s band Boney M, best know for hit singles max will debut Warner Bros.’ first full- An earlier release would not only allow WB to Boney M has been quizzed by police “Rivers of Babylon”, “Rasputin” and “Mary’s length trailer for “Batman v Superman: attach it to Disney’s “The Avengers” on May 1, Tover the London murder of an imam Boy Child”. They sold more than 200 million IDawn of Justice” next Monday in some of but also give the studio a chance to show off critical of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, records worldwide. its theaters, sources confirm. The Celebration footage to exhibitors at next week’s Britain’s press reported yesterday. Scotland The singer was born in Jamaica, but emi- Cinema theater in Grand Rapids, Mich., dis- CinemaCon confab in Las Vegas. Yard confirmed on Tuesday that they had grated to Britain with her family in 1963. Leslie closed the April 20 event as “Batman vs The first footage for “Batman v. Superman” arrested a 61-year-old man in London on sus- Cooper, 36, described by the British press as a Superman Imax Trailer Event.” The running was unveiled last year at Comic-Con, a year picion of conspiracy to commit murder as part Jamaican businessman, was to appear in court time is 15 minutes. after the project was announced as a sequel of the investigation into the death of Abdul yesterday after being charged with the mur- A rumor emerged this week on the Latino to 2013’s “Man of Steel.” Zack Snyder is direct- Hadi Arwani on April 7. der. Police yesterday said they had arrested a Review site that director Zack Snyder will ing from Chris Terrio’s script, from a story by The Times newspaper named the suspect third suspect, a 53-year-old woman, who debut the first five seconds of the teaser on Snyder and David S Goyer. The cast includes as Burnell “Bernie” Mitchell, a convert to Islam remained in custody along with the 61-year- Thursday through social media. Warner Bros Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy who was director of the An Noor mosque in old man. Arwani, 48, was found in his car with and Imax had no comment. The studio had Adams, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, west London, where Arwani preached. gunshot wounds to the chest in London on been planning on a wide release of the trailer Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons. “Batman v Mitchell’s sister Liz was the lead singer of Tuesday. —AFP for “Batman v Superman” attached to the Superman” is scheduled for release on March “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which opens May 15. 25, 2016. — Reuters Lifestyle FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
A movie-themed municipal art on a traffic circle in the city of Ouarzazate where dozens of for- Actor Tom Cruise drives a BMW covered with cameras during the shooting of a scene for eign movies are filmed every year. Mission Impossible filmed in Rabat, Morocco. — AP photos Bible stories and thrillers make Morocco filming choice UIET!” The cry rings out in English, whole industry will move here,” he said, cutting a none of the agitation common elsewhere. “The French and Arabic across the cobble- cinematic figure himself, sporting a fedora and Arab Spring did help us, actually, when everyone “Qstoned streets of Jerusalem, as filming puffing on a cigar. “If we make $120 million today, was more worried to come to Tunisia and every- begins for a scene in the series “AD The Bible with tax incentives we could go up to $200-$250 where else, they were coming to Morocco because Continues.” But while the arched doorways, bal- million.” He pulled out a sheaf of publicity it was a lot safer,” said Khadija Alami, head of one of conies and furnishings all say Roman-era Israel, the brochures from competitors in Turkey, Colombia, Morocco’s several local production companies that real-life setting is southern Morocco. Viewers in Macedonia, the Netherlands, Ireland, even the partner with international companies. America and elsewhere in the world may not know Canadian province of Manitoba, with promised tax it but they have seen a lot of Morocco in the past rebates of 20-40 percent plastered across the cov- Conservative countries year. It has served as the Baghdad of “American ers to entice film companies. Alami first worked on the 1985 Chevy Case Sniper,” the Tehran seen in TV series “Homeland,” Ever since 1962, when David Lean filmed scenes comedy “Spies like Us,” soon followed by “Ishtar,” the Mali of “American Odyssey” and the Egypt that from “Lawrence of Arabia” in Morocco, film compa- before founding her own production company in will appear in the miniseries “King Tut.” Morocco nies have been using its deserts, mountains and 1998. It organizes crews, permissions and filming has also been Somalia numerous times, including cities as stand-ins for exotic locations. At the vast locations for shoots. The industry has also been in the 2001 film “Blackhawk Atlas Studios complex in Ouarzazate - Morocco’s boosted by official support. While the state has yet Down,” and more recently in the 2013 “Captain desert Hollywood perched between the High Atlas to approve tax rebates, it does make it easy to work Philips.” And it will be Saudi Arabia in this year’s and the Sahara - there are sets from dozens of in Morocco and is happy to lend the services of the “Hologram for a King” starring Tom Hanks. All in all, movies from the past decades. Here, it’s possible to Moroccan army for a reasonable fee. it has been a banner year for Morocco’s status as a ride the camel used by Nicole Kidman in the Aside from the helicopters, the military equip- gigantic film-set - with $120 million spent by for- upcoming “Queen of the Desert” past the pharaon- ment used in “Blackhawk Down” largely came from eign film productions in the country last year, more ic sets from 2002 French film “Asterix and Obelix the Moroccan army. Soldiers also often play extras than in the past five years put together. Meet Cleopatra” to the fortifications Ridley Scott when huge crowd scenes are called for. The gov- The North African kingdom is riding high on its built to recreate medieval Jerusalem for the 2005 ernment even allowed the main highway between reputation for stability and exotic locales, but crusader film “Kingdom of Heaven.” Marrakech and the seaside town of Agadir to be industry officials say that Morocco needs to do Morocco has fallen in and out of fashion as a closed for three weeks last year for “Mission Workmen put the finishing touches on the more - and offer more incentives - to realize its movie set over the decades. One mainstay has Impossible 5.” Local media later credited the clo- temple of Jerusalem gate on the set of the potential as a filming destination. It is contending been biblical films, and that business is booming sure for a drug bust - when a car full of cocaine ran TV series ‘AD.’ with increasingly stiff competition from South now with the bible-craze taking off in America. At afoul of a police checkpoint in the detour. Africa and other countries that offer deep tax one point over the winter, there were three actors Most important is Morocco’s reputation for tol- rebates. For Morocco’s film industry, the future playing Jesus in different productions staying at the erance regarding themes other Muslim countries depends on the right package of sweeteners to main hotel in Ouarzazate. might find unpalatable. Biblical stories are out of persuade studios to do more than just film exteriors The new boom comes off some lean years, the question in some conservative countries and here but also use local facilities. The ultimate goal is beginning with the 2008 global financial crisis and the current vogue for thrillers set in the Middle East to get Hollywood to film entire movies in Morocco, exacerbated by the 2011 Arab Spring unrest that is too political for many Islamic countries. “There is a said Sarim Fassi-Fihri, head of the Moroccan Center led insurers to pull film companies out of the big boom here because of its nature as the most for Cinematography, which oversees the industry. Middle East. But in the case of Morocco, they came liberal of the Muslim countries,” said Eamon Patrick, back. Morocco stands out for being blessed with a line producer for “AD” “So any filming that uses a ‘Queen of the Desert’ the people and landscapes needed to satisfy contemporary Middle East setting, they do a lot of it “The day tax incentives come to Morocco, the renewed interest in the Middle East, while having here,” Patrick said. — AP
Moroccan member of the costumes depart- Entrance to the Atlas Studio where several major American movies Filming equipment is left outside the arched set for Pontius Pilate’s ment puts the finishing touches on Roman have been filmed in Ouarzazate, Morocco. palace. helmet for the TV series AD in the city of Ouarzazate, Morocco. Lifestyle FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, center, celebrates at the end of the show from the Colcci Summer collection at Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Bundchen, the Brazilian supermodel who has lit up catwalks around the world for 20 years, is retiring from the runway. — AP photos SUPERMODEL GISELE BUNDCHEN MAKES TEARY LAST CATWALK TURN
here were tears, hugs, and a standing ovation as supermodel Gisele Bundchen strode the Tcatwalk one last time on her home turf in Brazil on Wednesday. Bundchen, the world’s top- earning model, made her final sashay down the runway at Sao Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW), the same event where she made her debut 20 years ago. She opened and closed the show for Brazilian label Colcci, bringing full circle a runway career that launched her to stardom. In the first row were fami- ly and friends she invited including her parents and American football star husband Tom Brady. Bundchen, 34, appeared calm and smiled. The whole show took about 20 minutes. But when a crowd of men and women models strode out in jeans and white T-shirts with her image on them, she stayed composed for a bit before bursting into tears. Bundchen hugged friends and waved to well- wishers. The Brazilian bombshell announced last month she was retiring from runway modeling, saying she wanted to spend more time with husband New England Patriots quarterback Brady, and their two children, Benjamin and Vivian. She also told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo: “My body she’s at the height of her powers. It’s an intelligent 1999, she became the face of what Vogue maga- tells me if what I do is worth it, and it asked to stop. I decision,” said Dilson Stein, the talent scout who zine, splashing her across its cover, called “the respect my body, it’s a privilege to be able to stop.” discovered Bundchen in 1994 during a modeling return of the sexy model.” Stein remembers being She will continue modeling off the runway and pro- workshop in the small city of Horizontina, in her wowed by the willowy girl of German descent, with moting her lingerie line, Gisele Bundchen Intimates, native state of Rio Grande do Sul. her long blonde hair, sun-kissed skin and athletic launched in 2011 for the Brazilian label Hope. Bundchen began her career when the so-called build. “I saw something in her. I knew she would be Her final runway show was a symbolic return to “heroin chic” of pale, angular models like Kate Moss the great model of the future,” he told AFP. — AFP her roots. Bundchen and SPFW were both just start- was the prevailing aesthetic in high fashion. By ing out two decades ago when she had her first show there, taking the runway for local label Zoomp at 14 years old. Today, the twice-yearly event, which opened Monday, is the largest fashion show in Latin America. It was also the start of big things for Bundchen, who went on to model for major fashion houses such as Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Versace and Victoria’s Secret. “I am grateful that at 14, I was given the oppor- tunity to start this journey. Today after 20 years in the industry, it is a privilege to be doing my last fashion show by choice and yet still be working in other facets of the business,” she wrote on Facebook, posting a picture of her teenage self.
Career height According to Forbes magazine, she has been the highest-paid model in the world for the past eight years, with $47 million in earnings last year. Only recently, she signed her largest ever contract- worth more than $25 million, according to Forbes- with US sports apparel firm Under Armor. “It’s mar- Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen’s husband US Tom Brady , of the New England Patriots velous she’s leaving the runway at a moment when and her father Valdir Bundchen attend the Colcci show during the 2016 Summer collections. Lifestyle FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Models parade outfits by Australian fashion designer Vanessa Moe during the New Generation Show at Fashion Week Australia in Sydney yesterday. — AP/AFP photos
Models parade outfits by Australian Kirrily Johnston in her collaboration with label Cooper St. Australia Fashion Week
Models parade outfits by Australian fash- ion label Casper & Pearl. 24 FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Go green with these simple spinach salads Loaded Spinach Salad ike many spinach salads, this features lots of chopped- up hard-boiled egg. But since most of the calories in an Legg are in the yolk, this recipe uses just two whole eggs, plus the whites from six additional eggs, for a satisfying spinach salad that keeps the calories in check.
Ingredients Creamy blue cheese dressing 1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise 1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar or white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese Salad 8 large eggs 6 cups baby spinach 4 tablespoons Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, divided 1 8-ounce can beets, rinsed and sliced 1 cup shredded carrots 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted
Preparation To prepare dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk (or milk), yogurt, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Add cheese and stir, mashing with a spoon until the cheese is incorporated. To prepare sal- ad: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook at the lowest simmer for 10 minutes. Pour off the hot water and run cold water over the eggs until they are completely cooled. Peel the eggs; discard 6 of the yolks. Chop the remaining yolks and whites. Toss spinach and 2 tablespoons of the dressing in a large bowl. Divide between 2 plates. Top with the chopped eggs, beets, car- rots and pecans. Drizzle with 2 more tablespoons dressing. (Refrigerate the extra dressing for up to 1 week.) 25 Warm Beet & Spinach Salad
his warm spinach-and-beet salad is inspired by a dish from Penny Cluse Café in Burlington, Vermont. If you Thave cooked beets on hand, you can have it ready in just a few minutes.
Ingredients 8 cups baby spinach 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 2 tablespoons sliced olives 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups steamed beet wedges 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
Preparation Place spinach in a large bowl. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, olives, parsley and garlic and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes. Add beets, vinegar, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the beets are heated through, about 1 minute more. Add the beet mixture to the spinach and toss to combine. Serve warm. —www.eatingwell.com Spinach Salad with Japanese Ginger Dressing
his spinach salad tossed with spunky gin- ger dressing was inspired by the iceberg Tsalads served at Japanese steak- houses.
Ingredients 3 tablespoons minced onion 3 tablespoons peanut or canola oil 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 10 ounces fresh spinach, (see Note) 1 large carrot, grated 1 medium red bell pepper, very thinly sliced
Preparation Combine onion, oil, vinegar, ginger, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pep- per in a blender. Process until combined. Toss spinach, carrot and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 The most anticipated summer movies of 2015 t’s almost summer 2015, and guess what, Oscar season is iover! Boyhood and Birdman are fantastic, and we can talk about them all day but audienc- es are gearing up with a dream of spring for the impending summer movie season, which starts earlier and earlier every year. Thus it’s a perfect time to count down the most anticipat- ed movies of summer 2015. 27
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
1- Avengers: Age of Ultron 5- Jurassic World What is likely destined to be the biggest movie of 2015, Avengers: Age of Reboots are a tricky business in general. Essentially trying to remake the thrills Ultron kicks off the summer movie season of 2015 in earnest with a picture that of a proven classic with few of those original elements, it has to appeal to old fans countless fans have been yearning for. And with Joss Whedon at the helm, it while gaining new ones. Multiply that challenge by a thousand when attempting might actually live up to the hype! Picking up on the tail-end of the mixed bag to bring back the grandeur and joy of Steven Spielberg’s last unapologetic pop- that was “Phase Two” (which saved its best two entries for last), Avengers: Age of corn classic, 1993’s Jurassic Park. But there is still reason to be optimistic beyond Ultron examines what the super-team does when they get a little too complacent Spielberg lending it his name as executive producer. It actually takes place on an post-SHIELD. Isla Nublar (the island from the first movie) that has become a successful theme In a plot development that would do Sam Raimi proud, the heroes aren’t sure park. Like a T-Rex in a visitor’s center, you’re just going to have to bite in. they want to be doing this full-time, so faster than you can say HAL 9000, they create an AI being to do their crime-busting for them: Ultron (James Spader). But when Ultron decides to take over the world and kill us all with kindness in a plot 6- Inside Out that Whedon promises is a “touch” apocalyptic, the heroes are all tested in pro- With the delay of ‘The Good Dinosaur’ taking it out of the 2014 line-up, we found ways. Also, there is Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron were left with a two-year gap between last summer’s ‘Monsters University’ and Taylor-Johnson). And did we mention the Hulkbuster? ‘Inside Out’. However, for those fearing that Pixar has lost its ambition, Inside Out’s premise alone promises the most out-there Hollywood-produced animated effort in many years. Directed by one of Pixar’s original brain trust, Peter Docter (Mon- 2- Mad Max: Fury Road sters Inc., writer on Toy Story 2, Wall-E, Up), from an original story he had that has It’s been a long, grueling road to another flick starring Max Rockatansky hitting been scripted by Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), the big screen. Even the actual movie star has changed from the controversial Mel Inside Out goes big by entering the smallest, most confusing place imaginable: Gibson to the far more box office friendly Tom Hardy, who is on the edge of a Hol- the brain of a young girl. lywood moment, breaking out in celebrity almost as big as his already impressive range of talent. But most of all, Mad Max: Fury Road just looks cool. If you’ve seen the Comic-Con trailer, you know that this easily made the 7- Terminator: Genisys biggest splash of all the movie panels in San Diego this year. George Miller has Terminator: Genysis, in addition to being a spell-check editor’s worst night- returned to his Outback hellscape that a million movies have copied; yet once mare, could very well be the first Terminator movie since 1991 worth watching. again, he proves no one can find the beauty in the barren, desolate road in a film For starters, this reboot/quasi-sequel has cast very wisely from Jason Clarke as like he can. Having described this film as a two-hour chase scene, Miller’s return John Connor, the savior of all humanity, to Jai Courtney as the new Kyle Reese. to old school in-camera spectacle will certainly be getting all action fans in full But most intriguing is Matt Smith in a mystery role that has yet to be revealed, pursuit. though we suspect it will be chillingly cold in a synthetic sort of way. And to help guide this cast is Alan Taylor who has shown an aptitude in the past for handling large ensembles well, whether it be on HBO’s Rome, Boardwalk Empire, or espe- 3- Tomorrowland cially Game of Thrones. All the secrets of Brad Bird’s upcoming Tomorrowland, which was originally scheduled for a 2014 release, are still barely known. Nonetheless, this is an inev- itable must-see event. The director of The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Mission: 8- Mission Impossible 5: Rogue Nation Impossible – Ghost Protocol is returning to the big screen with a film that he The strength of the Mission: Impossible franchise is that each installment is co-wrote beside Lost’s Damon Lindelof. In a science fiction adventure that bends a fresh start. Whether this current project is a success or failure, the next film is time and reality, George Clooney and Britt Robertson travel to another plane of an opportunity to start from scratch, save for the one constant of Tom Cruise in existence known simply as ’Tomorrowland.’ It is there that their actions can direct- the heroic role of Ethan Hunt. Nonetheless, just as Brad Bird could re-wrap this ly affect the world around them. Shrouded in mystery, Tomorrowland beckons to franchise into a Christmas Day event in 2011, there is plenty of room for Christo- have its surprises discovered. pher McQuarrie to craft his own stamp on the IMF series in his second effort with Cruise after ‘Jack Reacher’.—www.denofgeek.us 4- Entourage The boys are finally back in the long promised big screen adaptation of En- tourage, and all we can say is “great to see you again, Ari.” Oh sure, it’s also nice to hug it out with Vinnie Chase, E, Turtle, and Johnny Drama too. But if we’re being honest, it could just be the Ari Gold Movie. No matter what, however, an Entou- rage film is welcome since it must improve on that lousy final season. And with Entourage creator Doug Ellis directing and co-writing the film, he’ll know that this is crass consumerism’s best multimedia crossover opportunity since Sex and the City also got its own flick. TravelFRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Road-tripping through
man is hot right now. Not as in boiling; hot as in ‘of the moment’. Its star has risen steadily thanks to a Ocarefully nurtured tourism industry and a growing appreciation for its natural and cultural riches. After all, where else in the Arabian Peninsula combines a beguil- ing capital, mountains straight from the surface of Mars, sinuous, wind-sculpted deserts, and miles of near-empty beaches, yet remains true to its roots, is easily acces- sible, and safe? Throw in alluring places to stay (with the prospect of more to come: a clutch of hotel mega-brands are circling Oman, including Four Seasons, Anantara, Kempinski, and Jumeirah, all of whom have properties in the pipeline) and you end up with a destination that’s leapfrogging up a lot of bucket lists. Furthermore, Oman is arguably the most rewarding place in the region to hire a car, ideally a 4WD: the roads are good; the signs are in English (which is widely spoken); and petrol is cheap. Check out a few suggestions for an Omani road trip to remember. Travel FRIDAY,29 APRIL 17, 2015
Marvel at Muscat Most international visitors fly into Muscat and it’s worth spending a few days in this storied capital before you head for an adventure in the mountains, the desert, or along the coast. Not for Muscat the high-rise development of neighboring Dubai; this ancient port city is a chaste counterpoint of whitewashed buildings, where even the humblest structure references traditional Islamic architecture with an arabesque window or a modest dome. Muscat is a modern city where the past lingers pleasingly in the air like a whiff of smoldering frankincense; it’s easy to fantasies of an earlier time as locals in dishdashas (robes) and kumas (embroidered caps) make their way to mosques to answer the call to prayer. The city – compris- ing the towns of Ruwi, Mutrah, and Old Muscat, plus a straggling conurbation – stretches for 50km along the Arabian Sea; if you’re pressed for time, it’s far easier to see the sights on a guided tour rather than brave the heavy traffic on your own. Viator and Oman Day tours organize group and private tours of the city.
What to do Built to mark the 30th year of Sultan Qaboos’ reign, Muscat’s Grand Mosque is a major city landmark. The restrained exterior – hewn from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone – belies the riches within, particularly in the main prayer hall, where 14m-tall chandeliers sparkle above the world’s second-largest hand-loomed Persian carpet. To the east, Mutrah Souk has hummed with trade since long before Portuguese admiral Alfonso de Albuquerque sailed into Muscat in the 16th century; its strip- lit stores sell everything from antique muskets to mosque-shaped alarm clocks. Looking for souvenirs? This is the place to make like the biblical Magi and stock up on supplies of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Explore the mountains The cost of fuel is not the only reason for the prevalence of 4WDs in Oman: they’re a necessity in parts of the country, including the Western Al Hajar Moun- tains. At the heart of this range lies dramatic scenery, including Jebel Shams (Oman’s highest mountain at 3075m), Wadi Ghul (Arabia’s answer to the Grand Travel FRIDAY,30 APRIL 17, 2015
Canyon) and Jebel Akhdar, Arabic for ‘Green Mountain’. Confusingly, the latter refers not to a single mountain at all, but to a region encompassing the Saiq Plateau, whose fecund orchards produce pomegranates, apricots, and other fruit, and the raw ingredients of the local specialty: rosewater.
What to do Want a true test of nerve? If you’ve got a 4WD and don’t mind driving on the edge – literally – the off-road route between Rushtaq and Al Hamra snakes for 70km through the heart of the mountains. Narrow, harrowingly steep at times, with vertigo-inducing drops at regular intervals, it isn’t for everyone. But unflappable drivers are rewarded with unforgettable panoramas. The route passes through remote territory so take suitable precautions (pack a spare tire, jack, water, warm clothing, walking shoes, and food and water). Check the weather before you leave and avoid this route during or after rain. Less intimidating but also eye-popping is the drive up to Jebel Akhdar itself, also a 4WD-only affair (this road is steep and windy, but sealed).
Experience the desert Shifting Sharqiya Sands covers about 12,500 sq km of eastern Oman. This is the desert as glimpsed in your dreams: a landscape of undulating copper-colored dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Apart from small groups of Bedouins encamped in the south, Sharqiya Sands has no permanent settlements. But a handful of desert camps in the north give visitors the chance to spend a night or two amid the dunes. Again, you’ll need a 4WD to reach most of them from the turn-offs on the Muscat-Sur Hwy at Al-Mintirib or Al-Wasil. Remember to let air out of your tires at a petrol station beforehand to avoid getting stuck in a sand drift. Camp touts at the turn-offs will also do this for you for a small fee.
What to do All the camps offer a range of activities: typically dune-bashing and quad-biking, and the more environmentally sound alternatives of sand- boarding, camel and horse rides, or trekking. But the key experience is the simplest and cheapest of them all: just sit atop a dune and watch the sunset. It’s spellbinding.
Watch turtles nesting Five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle swim in Oman’s nutrient- rich waters. Two of them – loggerheads and greens – come ashore to breed. Ras Al-Jinz, the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, is a hotspot for the latter. Turtles emerge from the Arabian Sea here every night of the year and the government-run Ras Al-Jinz Turtle Reserve pro- tects a nesting site of international importance. The centre runs escorted turtle-watching tours to support their conservation. You’re not guaran- teed a sighting, of course, but the odds are good.
What to do Manage your expectations. Don’t go expecting Life on Earth-style close-ups. Bearing witness to a critical moment in this endangered ani- mal’s life cycle is a silent, almost solemn experience, and no less magical for that. Always listen to your guide and respect the rules – be quiet, stay out of a turtle’s line of sight, and put away your camera when told; a fail- ure to do so could stress out the animals, send them back to the sea, and ultimately jeopardize the species. —www.lonelyplanet.com Leisure FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Alaska. CROSSWORD 875 73. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942). 74. An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin). 75. Characterized by friendship and good will. 77. Preserve of crushed fruit. 78. A communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia. 79. In a vicious manner. 80. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.
DOWN 1. Lean end of the neck. 2. A city in southeastern South Korea. 3. Of or relating to or involving an area. 4. A piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep. 5. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite. 6. A quantity of no importance. 7. Type genus of the Otariidae. 8. French royal architect who built the Tuileries Palace and Gardens in Paris for Catherine de Medicis (1515-1570). 9. A heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group. 10. An enclosed space. 11. Resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy. 12. Relating to or having the characteristics of bees. 13. Avoid and stay away from deliberately. 14. Capital and largest city and economic center of Peru. ACROSS 21. Be going to. 1. A thrusting blow with a knife. 24. A small tent used as a dressing room beside the sea or a swimming 5. Coat a metal with an oxide coat. pool. 12. The sign language used in the United States. 27. A dark-skinned member of a race of people living in Australia when 15. The work of caring for or attending to someone or something. Europeans arrived. 16. Situated at or extending to the side. 28. A metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. 17. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet. 30. A hard malleable ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to 18. Having a tone of a reed instrument. corrosion. 19. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters. 32. A unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg. 20. A soft silver-white ductile metallic element (liquid at normal tempera- 33. Owing or owed feudal allegiance and service. tures). 34. To fix or set securely or deeply. Yesterday’s Solution 22. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 36. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally. 23. Of or relating to or characteristic of Morocco or its people. 37. Wasting of the body during a chronic disease. 25. A republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. 38. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegeta- 26. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners. bles. 29. Of or relating to Iran or its people or language or culture. 41. Jordan's port. 31. A nonmetallic largely pentavalent heavy volatile corrosive dark brown 45. Tropical starchy tuberous root. liquid element belonging to the halogens. 48. Any of various herbaceous plants of the genus Atriplex that thrive in 35. A Powhatan Indian woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriend- deserts and salt marshes. ed the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John 49. Slanting diagonally across the grain of a fabric. Smith's life (1595-1617). 50. A state in midwestern United States. 39. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 51. An ancient region of northeastern Africa (southern Egypt and northern 40. An assertion of a right (as to money or property). Sudan) on the Nile. 42. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and 55. The basic unit of money in Macao. Norma. 56. The cardinal number that is the sum of four and one. 43. Being nothing more than specified. 58. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the 44. A colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum decomposition of organic substances. tube. 59. (used colloquially) Having the relationship of friends or pals. 46. God of the earth. 60. Designating a solution containing 1 mole of solute per 1000 grams of 47. Alternatively, a member of the family Nymphaeaceae. solvent. 52. Overeat or eat immodestly. 61. (Jungian psychology) The inner self (not the external persona) that is in 53. Smeared thickly. touch with the unconscious. 54. An independent agency of the United States government responsible 63. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers. for aviation and spaceflight. 64. Colloquial British abbreviation. 57. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 65. Type genus of the Anatidae. 62. Large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and 66. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism. oil. 68. A Hindu prince or king in India. 67. American professional baseball player who hit more home runs than 71. The act of slowing down or falling behind. Babe Ruth (born in 1934). 72. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir known for his beauty and skill with 69. (Greek mythology) Goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent bow and skis. warfare. 76. Being one more than three. 70. A member of the people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and western
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Yesterday’s Solution TV listings FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
05:30 How It’s Made 17:00 Alien Encounters 16:10 Violetta 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier 17:50 Sport Science 17:00 Frenemies 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 18:40 Food Factory 18:40 Gravity Falls 08:00 Chopped 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 19:05 Food Factory 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 09:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 08:30 Storage Hunters 19:30 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 19:30 Violetta Basics 00:00 Dogtown 00:20 Eastenders 08:55 Dukes Of Haggle 19:55 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 09:30 Farm Kings 01:00 Situation Critical 00:45 Doctors 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 20:20 How The Universe Works 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 10:30 The Big Eat... 02:00 Is It Real? 01:15 The Weakest Link 09:45 How It’s Made 21:10 How Do They Do It? 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 11:00 Mexican Made Easy 03:00 Brave New World 02:00 Hebburn 10:10 How It’s Made 21:35 How Do They Do It? 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 11:30 Chopped 04:00 The Border 02:30 Waking The Dead 10:35 Treehouse Masters 22:00 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 22:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 12:30 Siba’s Table 05:00 America’s Lost Treasures 03:20 Waking The Dead 11:25 The Pool Master 22:25 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 06:00 Years of Living Dangerously 04:15 The Weakest Link 12:15 Tanked 22:50 Through The Wormhole With Witch 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 07:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 05:00 Show Me Show Me 13:05 Storage Hunters Morgan Freeman 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:00 Dogtown 05:25 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 13:30 Dukes Of Haggle 23:40 How It’s Made 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:00 Situation Critical 05:45 Boogie Beebies 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 15:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 10:00 Is It Real? 06:00 Gigglebiz 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 16:00 Chopped 11:00 Family Guns 06:15 Show Me Show Me 15:10 Wheeler Dealers: Top 5 17:00 Guy’s Big Bite 12:00 America The Wild 06:40 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 00:00 Who Wore It Better? 17:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 07:00 Boogie Beebies 16:50 How It’s Made 00:30 Fashion Police 18:00 Siba’s Table 14:00 Banged Up Abroad 07:15 The Weakest Link 17:15 How It’s Made 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 18:30 The Big Eat... 15:00 Battleground Brothers 08:00 My Hero 17:40 Troy Hamptons 19:00 Chopped 16:00 Armageddon Outfitters 08:30 Twenty Twelve 18:30 Fast N’ Loud 02:20 E! News 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 17:00 Crimes Against Nature 09:00 Eastenders 19:20 Misfit Garage 00:00 Violetta 03:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:00 BBQ Crawl 18:00 Years of Living Dangerously 09:30 Doctors 20:10 Dukes Of Haggle 00:45 The Hive 04:10 E!ES 21:30 BBQ Crawl 19:00 Battleground Brothers 10:00 Jack The Ripper: Prime 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 05:05 E!ES 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Armageddon Outfitters Suspect 21:00 Fast N’ Loud Witch 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Crimes Against Nature 10:50 Hebburn 21:50 Misfit Garage 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Years of Living Dangerously 11:20 The Weakest Link 22:40 Wheeler Dealers Witch 07:50 Style Star 23:30 Chopped 23:00 Family Guns 12:05 My Hero 23:30 Troy 01:40 Wolfblood 08:20 E! News 12:35 Twenty Twelve 02:05 Wolfblood 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 13:05 Eastenders 02:30 Violetta 10:15 E!ES 13:35 Doctors 03:15 The Hive 11:10 E!ES 14:05 Jack The Ripper: Prime 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 12:05 E! News Suspect Witch 13:05 Who Wore It Better? 00:35 Midsomer Murders 02:00 Emmerdale 14:55 My Hero 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 13:35 Who Wore It Better? 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 02:25 Emmerdale 15:25 Hebburn 00:05 How It’s Made Witch 14:05 Fashion Bloggers Stewart 15:55 Twenty Twelve 00:30 Alien Encounters 04:10 Wolfblood 14:30 Fashion Bloggers 02:55 Coronation Street 01:00 Hot In Cleveland 16:25 The Weakest Link 01:20 How Do They Do It? 04:35 Wolfblood 15:00 House Of DVF 03:25 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 01:30 Family Guy 17:10 My Family 01:45 How Do They Do It? 05:00 Violetta 16:00 Keeping Up With The 04:20 Tricked 02:00 Brickleberry 17:40 Doctors 02:10 Through The Wormhole With 05:45 The Hive Kardashians 05:15 The Chase 02:30 Friends With Better Lives 18:10 Casualty Morgan Freeman 05:50 Mouk 17:00 Keeping Up With The 06:00 Midsomer Murders 03:00 Community 19:05 Dara O Briain: This Is The 03:00 Food Factory 06:00 Dog With A Blog Kardashians 07:30 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring Show 03:24 Food Factory 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 18:00 E! News 08:25 Tricked Jimmy Fallon 20:00 Silent Witness 06:50 Girl Meets World 19:00 E!ES 03:48 Weird Or What? 09:20 Harry At 30 06:30 My Boys 21:40 Ideal 04:36 Sport Science 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 22:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 07:40 Jessie 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 10:15 May The Best House Win 05:24 Alien Encounters 11:10 Emmerdale 09:00 Community 22:55 Pramface 06:12 How It’s Made 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 11:35 Emmerdale 09:30 Black-Ish 23:25 The Weakest Link 06:36 How It’s Made 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 22:00 E! News 10:00 Parks And Recreation 07:00 Prank Science 08:55 Austin & Ally 23:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 12:00 Coronation Street 10:30 My Boys 07:25 Gadget Show - World Tour 09:20 Austin & Ally 12:30 The Chase 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 07:50 Superships 09:45 Gravity Falls 13:15 May The Best House Win Jimmy Fallon 08:40 Food Factory 10:10 Gravity Falls 14:05 Midsomer Murders 13:00 My Boys 09:05 Food Factory 10:35 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 15:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:30 Black-Ish 09:30 Weird Or What? Witch 16:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 15:00 Parks And Recreation 10:20 Alien Encounters 11:00 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 00:15 The Little Paris Kitchen 17:25 Love And Marriage: A 20th 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 11:10 How Do They Do It? Witch 00:40 Masterchef: The Professionals Century Romance Stewart 11:35 How Do They Do It? 11:25 Jessie 01:05 Masterchef: The Professionals 00:30 Guy’s Big Bite 18:20 The Chase 16:00 Hot In Cleveland 12:00 Prank Science 11:50 Jessie 01:55 Bargain Hunt 01:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 19:10 Coronation Street 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:25 Gadget Show - World Tour 12:15 Austin & Ally 02:40 Come Dine With Me 01:30 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 19:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 18:00 Last Man Standing 12:50 Superships 12:40 Austin & Ally 03:10 Michela’s Classic Italian 02:00 Best In Chow 18:30 New Girl 13:40 How It’s Made 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 20:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 03:35 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 02:30 Best In Chow 19:00 Black-Ish 14:05 How It’s Made 13:30 Good Luck Charlie 21:25 Love And Marriage: A 20th 04:25 Masterchef: The Professionals 03:00 Guy’s Big Bite 19:30 Parks And Recreation 14:30 Weird Or What? 14:00 Gravity Falls Century Romance 04:50 Masterchef: The Professionals 03:30 Guy’s Grocery Games 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 15:20 Through The Wormhole With 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 22:20 Coronation Street 05:40 Bargain Hunt 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Jimmy Fallon Morgan Freeman 14:55 Liv And Maddie 22:50 Emmerdale 06:30 Michela’s Classic Italian 05:00 Chopped 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 16:10 How Do They Do It? 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 23:15 Emmerdale 07:00 Bargain Hunt 06:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Stewart 16:35 How Do They Do It? 15:45 Girl Meets World 07:50 Come Dine With Me 06:30 Siba’s Table 23:45 May The Best House Win 21:30 Hot In Cleveland 08:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 22:00 You’re The Worst 09:05 Michela’s Classic Italian 22:30 You’re The Worst 09:30 Extreme Makeover: Home 23:00 Friends With Better Lives Edition 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 10:15 Masterchef: The Professionals 10:40 Masterchef: The Professionals 11:30 Bargain Hunt 12:15 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 12:40 Come Dine With Me 08:00 Rake 13:05 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 Emmerdale 13:55 Michela’s Classic Italian 14:00 Rake 14:20 Extreme Makeover: Home 16:00 Emmerdale Edition 18:00 Rake 15:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 19:00 Once Upon A Time 15:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 16:20 Bargain Hunt 21:00 American Idol 17:05 Come Dine With Me 22:00 Survivor: Worlds Apart 17:30 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 18:15 DIY SOS: The Big Build 19:10 Come Dine With Me: South Africa 20:00 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 20:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 21:20 Bargain Hunt 22:10 Come Dine With Me 01:00 Good Morning America 22:35 Planet Cake 03:00 Grimm 23:00 DIY SOS: The Big Build 05:00 Good Morning America 23:50 Come Dine With Me: South 09:00 Royal Pains Africa 12:00 Covert Affairs 14:00 Live Good Morning America 16:00 Royal Pains 17:00 Covert Affairs 19:00 Royal Pains 20:00 Covert Affairs 22:00 Grimm 23:00 The Assets
00:20 Fast N’ Loud 01:10 Treehouse Masters 02:00 The Pool Master 02:50 Tanked 03:40 Storage Hunters 00:00 Lockout 04:05 Dukes Of Haggle 02:00 Devil May Call 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 04:00 Red Dawn 05:00 How It’s Made CARRIE ON OSN MOVIES HD 06:00 40 Days And Nights TV listings FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
08:00 Rage 10:00 Red Sky 12:00 Stolen 14:00 Appleseed: Alpha 16:00 Babylon A.D 18:00 Red Sky 20:00 Rage 22:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear
00:00 Devil May Call-PG15 02:00 Red Dawn-PG15 04:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 06:00 Rage-PG15 08:00 Red Sky-PG15 10:00 Stolen-PG15 12:00 Appleseed: Alpha-PG15 14:00 Babylon A.D-PG15 16:00 Red Sky-PG15 18:00 Rage-PG15 20:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear-PG15 22:00 The Amazing Spider-Man 2
00:00 The Food Guide To Love 02:00 Hope Springs 04:00 10 Years 06:00 Addams Family Values 08:00 Oscar 10:00 Run For Your Wife 12:00 10 Years 14:00 Three Men And A Baby 16:00 Oscar 18:00 Bringing Down The House 20:00 Big Daddy 22:00 21 & Over
01:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 03:00 August: Osage County-PG15 05:00 Safe Haven-PG15 07:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 09:00 Knockout-PG15 11:00 Safe Haven-PG15 13:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 18:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots Day 18:05 Secrets Of The High Street 23:40 Dates From Hell 15:00 Grand Piano-PG15 20:00 Barbie As Rapunzel 18:05 Secrets Of The High Street 18:30 Secrets Of The High Street 00:05 Dates From Hell 17:00 Knockout-PG15 21:45 Hammer Boy 18:30 Secrets Of The High Street 18:55 Cake Boss 00:30 Couples Who Kill 19:00 I Will Follow You Into The Dark- 23:15 The Legend Of Secret Pass 18:55 Cake Boss 19:20 19 Kids And Counting 01:20 Diabolical PG15 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 19:20 19 Kids And Counting 19:45 19 Kids And Counting 02:10 Evil, I 21:00 Reasonable Doubt-PG15 02:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 19:45 19 Kids And Counting 20:10 Kate Plus 8 02:35 I Was Murdered 23:00 Killing Season-18 SH v RR 20:10 Kate Plus 8 21:00 19 Kids And Counting 17:30 Live Indian Premier League : 21:00 19 Kids And Counting 21:25 19 Kids And Counting MI v CSK 21:25 19 Kids And Counting 21:50 Kate Plus 8 21:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 21:50 Kate Plus 8 22:40 America’s Worst Tattoos 00:00 Isa-PG15 KXIP v RR 22:40 America’s Worst Tattoos 23:05 90 Days To Wed 02:00 All In Good Time-PG15 22:00 Indian Premier League RPT : 23:05 90 Days To Wed 23:55 90 Days To Wed 04:00 The Philly Kid-PG15 MI v CSK 00:00 Buried 23:55 90 Days To Wed 06:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 03:00 Art Attack 01:45 The Damned United 08:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 03:30 The Patriot 03:25 Julius Jr. 10:00 Call Me Crazy: A Five Film- 03:35 Calimero 06:30 Jack And The Cuckoo Clock PG15 Heart 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 Getaway-PG15 04:00 Zou 08:30 All Is Lost 14:00 Epic-PG 03:00 I Almost Got Away With It 04:15 Mouk 10:30 The Damned United 16:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 03:45 Dates From Hell 04:25 Jungle Junction 12:15 The Prestige 18:00 Pacific Rim-PG15 04:07 Dates From Hell 04:35 Art Attack 14:45 Salinger 20:15 Runner Runner-PG15 00:45 Oprah’s Next Chapter TLC HD 04:30 Deadly Sins 05:00 Julius Jr. 17:00 All Is Lost 22:00 Rush-18 01:35 America’s Worst Tattoos 00:45 Oprah’s Next Chapter 05:20 True Crime With Aphrodite 05:10 Calimero 19:00 Texas Killing Fields 02:00 Too Ugly For Love? 01:35 America’s Worst Tattoos Jones 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 21:00 Being Flynn 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 02:00 Too Ugly For Love? 06:10 On The Case With Paula 05:35 Zou 23:00 Cloud Atlas 03:15 Something Borrowed, 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress Zahn 05:50 Mouk Something New 03:15 Something Borrowed, 07:00 Deadly Affairs 06:00 Jungle Junction 03:40 What Not To Wear Something New 07:50 Fatal Encounters 06:10 Art Attack 01:00 Golfing World 04:30 Cake Boss 03:40 What Not To Wear 08:40 Murder Shift 06:35 Julius Jr. 03:00 Live NHL 05:00 Little People, Big World 04:30 Cake Boss 09:30 I Was Murdered 06:45 Calimero 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 05:30 Extreme Couponing 01:00 The Immigrant-PG15 05:00 Little People, Big World 09:55 Stalked: Someone’s 07:00 Jungle Junction 09:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 03:00 Maladies-PG15 05:30 Extreme Couponing Watching 07:15 Zou 10:00 World Rugby 06:25 Cake Boss 05:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 10:20 Forensic Detectives 07:30 Calimero 10:30 Live Super Rugby 06:50 Cake Boss 06:45 The Book Thief-PG15 06:25 Cake Boss 11:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 07:45 Loopdidoo 12:30 Live Super Rugby 07:15 Cake Boss 09:00 Great Expectations-PG15 06:50 Cake Boss Jones 08:00 Limon And Oli 14:30 PGA Tour 07:40 Cake Boss 11:15 The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty 07:15 Cake Boss 12:00 Blood Relatives 08:10 Jake And The Never Land 18:00 Golfing World 08:05 Randy To The Rescue 13:15 Khumba-PG 07:40 Cake Boss 12:50 On The Case With Paula Pirates 19:00 Super Rugby Highlights 08:55 Randy To The Rescue 14:45 Stuck In Love-PG15 08:05 Randy To The Rescue Zahn 08:35 Doc McStuffins 19:30 Volvo Ocean Race 09:45 Toddlers & Tiaras 16:30 Great Expectations-PG15 08:55 Randy To The Rescue 13:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 09:05 Art Attack 21:30 Inside The PGA Tour 10:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 18:45 The Wolverine-PG15 09:45 Toddlers & Tiaras 14:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:00 Live PGA Tour 11:25 Something Borrowed, 21:00 When The Game Stands Tall 10:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 14:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 10:00 Sofia The First Something New 23:00 Carrie-18 11:25 Something Borrowed, Jones 10:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 11:50 Something Borrowed, Something New 15:20 I Was Murdered 10:55 Calimero Something New 11:50 Something Borrowed, 15:45 Stalked: Someone’s 11:10 Jake And The Never Land 12:15 Something Borrowed, Something New Watching Pirates Something New 01:00 Premier League Darts 12:15 Something Borrowed, 16:10 Murder Shift 11:35 Limon And Oli 12:40 Something Borrowed, 04:30 Golfing World Something New 17:00 Blood Relatives 11:45 Loopdidoo Something New 01:00 Barbie And The Diamond 05:30 Live PGA European Tour 12:40 Something Borrowed, 17:50 Fatal Encounters 12:00 Justin Time 13:05 Something Borrowed, Castle 07:30 Golfing World Something New 18:40 Forensic Detectives 12:15 Sofia The First Something New 02:45 Barbie Magic Of The Rainbow 13:05 Something Borrowed, 19:30 On The Case With Paula 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:30 Live PGA European Tour 13:30 Oprah’s Lifeclass 04:30 Cinderella Something New Zahn 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 12:30 Live NRL Premiership 14:20 Oprah’s Next Chapter 06:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom 13:30 Oprah’s Lifeclass 20:20 The Will: Family Secrets 13:35 Zou 14:30 Golfing World 15:10 Little People, Big World Sabotage 14:20 Oprah’s Next Chapter Revealed 13:50 Jake And The Neverland 15:30 Super Rugby 15:35 Little People, Big World 08:00 Jelly T 15:10 Little People, Big World 21:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Pirates 16:00 Little People, Big World 10:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots 19:00 WWE Bottomline 15:35 Little People, Big World 21:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 14:15 Doc McStuffins 16:25 Little People, Big World 11:30 Knight Rusty 20:00 WWE Superstars 16:00 Little People, Big World 22:00 Evil, I 14:45 Limon And Oli 16:50 Little People, Big World 13:00 Barbie Magic Of The Rainbow 21:00 WWE Main Event 16:25 Little People, Big World 22:25 I Was Murdered 14:55 Loopdidoo 17:15 Say Yes To The Dress: The Big 14:30 Hammer Boy 22:00 Live Super League 16:50 Little People, Big World 22:50 Crimes That Shook The 15:10 Sofia The First Day 16:00 The Legend Of Secret Pass 17:15 Say Yes To The Dress: The Big World 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Health FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Liberia rebuilds devastated child healthcare system
MONROVIA: Estella Verdier keeps vigil by her sick UNICEF’s own contribution to building up paedi- Leone and Guinea has missed a goal of being “Ebola Ebola hit,” MSF project coordinator Ondrej Horvath four-month-old grandson’s hospital bed, praying for atric healthcare includes supporting a government free” by mid-April. told AFP. his recovery but placing her faith in the earthly heal- campaign planned for May to immunise more than The country of four million people had been on “We were thinking how to do this (so) we sent a ing powers of Liberia’s first ever children’s hospital. 600,000 under-fives against measles and polio. course to meet the target but on March 20 authori- small team of specialists who explored Monrovia... The 46-bed unit, just opened in Monrovia by “Polio immunisation was at 88 percent in 2013 ties recorded a new patient who died a week later, One of the suggestions was to focus on children.” Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), is part of the coun- compared to 49 percent by November 2014. meaning the 42-day countdown to Ebola-free status MSF began by helping clinics welcome back par- try’s response to the challenge of repairing its Measles coverage among one-year-olds fell from 74 had to start again. With its Ebola clinics now empty, ents who kept their children out of clinics for fear wrecked health service as it emerges from the night- percent to 46 percent,” Yett told AFP. Liberia’s priority is curing the ailing healthcare sys- they might become Ebola carriers. mare of Ebola. Like countless young women in Liberia is now in the Ebola recovery phase with tem. “We basically decided to come and help the “We decided to open an in-patient department, impoverished Liberia, Verdier’s daughter died in no new cases reported for weeks, but like Sierra medical system in the effort of restoration after specialised in the hospitalisation of children, so it is childbirth, leaving the 63-year-old the infant’s main not a clinic where you go in, get consultation and guardian. medication and get out,” Horvath said. “Since then he continues to get sick. Anything he eats, he vomits it. No need to ask me how I feel-I am ‘I feel ready’ feeling bad, of course-but with this well-equipped The hospital was opened on March 23 in an old hospital I have hope that the kid will survive,” three-storey block of flats rented from a former cabi- Verdier tells AFP. net minister in the northern suburb of Bardnesville. Liberia is one of three countries, together with Inside the L-shaped concrete block, MSF health- Guinea and Sierra Leone, that were ravaged by the care workers triage young patients, ensuring they worst outbreak of Ebola in history. The epidemic has do not have Ebola before admitting them for treat- killed at least 10,600 people since December 2013, ment for a variety of other illnesses. some 500 of them healthcare workers. The unit, which can extend its capacity to 100 Clinics which could not cope with the highly beds, is equipped to cope with any illness other infectious virus were forced to close as the death toll than AIDS, tuberculosis and Ebola, says MSF, known rose, and with it the number of Liberians dying from in the English-speaking world as Doctors Without easily treatable diseases. Borders. “In our hospital we treat kids with common “We saw people dying simply because they could not access timely medical care. They were diseases like malaria, malnutrition, pneumonia, et usually suffering from illnesses like severe malaria or cetera,” says paediatric specialist Stephanie Taylor. typhoid,” said Philippe Le Vaillant, MSF’s head of Newborns who become ill after home births are mission in Liberia. “Pregnant women facing obstetri- a significant proportion of the intake, says Taylor, cal complications also have suffered the same fate.” along with infants malnourished because of prohibi- tive increases in food prices caused by the Ebola cri- Recovery phase sis. MSF has also been assisting James David Junior Meanwhile the vaccination rate “took a very MONROVIA: A woman sits next to her baby on April 7, 2015 in Liberia’s first ever chil- Memorial Hospital in Monrovia’s Paynesville neigh- deep dive”, according to Sheldon Yett, the Liberia dren’s hospital in Monrovia. The 46-bed unit, just opened in Monrovia by Medecins bourhood to upgrade its paediatric and maternal representative for UNICEF, the United Nations chil- sans Frontieres (MSF), is part of the country’s response to the daunting challenge of services to standards that now take account of dren’s agency. repairing its wrecked health service as it emerges from the nightmare of Ebola. —AFP Ebola. —AFP FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
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Euro-zone yields Oman’s Islamic deposits surge, adding pressure on liquidity sink to new lows PAGE 39 PAGE 38
NEW YROK: Protesters rally for higher pay in front of a McDonald’s in New York. Airport workers, home care workers, Walmart workers and adjunct professors are among those set to join in the Fight for $15 protests across the country, in what organizers are calling the biggest ever mobilization of workers in the US. — AP New York protesters demand $15 minimum wage
NEW YORK: Thousands of demonstrators, includ- survive on that,” said the Guatemalan-born family On April 1, McDonald’s said that it was raising New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer said in ing many fast-food workers, protested in New York man. “Once you pay your bills, there is nothing left hourly pay to $1 above the local official minimum a report on Tuesday that even when adjusted for on Wednesday demanding a minimum wage of in your pockets.” wage for 90,000 employees in company-owned cost of living, New York’s minimum wage is the $15 an hour to escape poverty in America’s largest In New York, a first protest began at around restaurants, and would offer them paid time off. lowest of any major US city. Pay of $15 an hour city. Fast-food workers held strikes in more than 6:00 am outside a McDonald’s outlet in Brooklyn. In The increase, however, does not apply to 660,000 would save taxpayers $200-$500 million a year in 230 American cities, joined by airport, construction Manhattan, fast-food workers were joined by stu- employees working for restaurants owned by fran- food stamps and Medicaid spending, his report and child care staff, as well as people working in dents and activists, spreading out on the sidewalk chises, which comprise 90 percent of the 14,000 said. San Francisco and Seattle have both adopted education, organizers said, calling it the largest outside another McDonald’s to demand better McDonald’s outlets across the United States. minimum wages of $15. In August 2013, fast-food mobilization of underpaid workers in the US. salaries, an AFP photographer said. They held up “Rather than mollifying employees, the paltry pay workers launched their first national day-long labor Between 10,000 and 15,000 took part in the New placards proclaiming: “Why poverty,” “Fight for 15” move is attracting ridicule and inspiring even more strike, in 60 cities, and their outcry has increasingly York protest, they said. Pedro Gamboa, 58, is a bag- and “Because the rent won’t wait.” Workers say workers to join the walkout,” strike organizers said. resonated in national politics. President Barack gage handler at JFK airport who works 40 hours a they are fed up with pay that does not come close The minimum wage in New York state is $8.75 an Obama has faced stiff Republican opposition in his week and wakes up at 3:00 am to do it-earning to keeping them out of poverty and the threat of hour and due to rise to $9 in 2016. There is a feder- push for an increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. retaliation from employers hostile to them joining al minimum wage of $7.25 but many US states $10.10 to lift hundreds of thousands of people “It’s not enough. You have to be a magician to or forming unions. have their own minimum wage. above the poverty line. — AFP Business FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Brent crude oil hits 2015 high as Euro-zone yields US output slows
LONDON: Oil rose more than 3 percent yesterday, pushing Brent crude to a 2015 sink to new lows high above $63 per barrel on increasing evidence that US production is peaking, balancing a market that has been in heavy oversupply for more than a year. Greece in focus Oil prices collapsed in the six months to January, pushing Brent down more than 60 percent to almost $45 a barrel. But the LONDON: Euro-zone government borrowing costs slid to new lows yester- points, France’s CAC40 was down 0.7 percent and Britain’s FTSE100 down a market has gradually recovered this year day, a day after the European Central Bank pledged to fulfill its 1 trillion- half of one percent. Earlier in Asia, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific as much lower prices have discouraged euro bond-buying program and as Greece’s financial predicament deterio- shares outside Japan touched a seven-year high and closed up 1.1 percent. oil exploration and production, especial- rated sharply. Global stocks touched a record high thanks to renewed South Korean, Australian, Chinese and Malaysian stocks gained, pushing ly in the United States. strength in Asian markets. Brent oil fell back from new highs for the year it the MSCI global index to a new high of 438.99 points. Japan’s Nikkei lost 0.1 “People are realizing that the US pro- had reached after figures showed a decline in US production. percent, and US futures pointed to a fall of almost 0.5 percent at the open duction juggernaut is slowing, at least But the widening rift between Greece and its creditors over a deal that on Wall Street after shares posted sizable gains on Wednesday on several for now,” said Virendra Chauhan, oil ana- would unlock funds for Athens and prevent a default hit European stocks. strong corporate earnings results. lyst at London-based consultancy Energy Financials led the reversal in broader indices from Wednesday’s recent mul- Aspects. “US production is down for the ti-year highs. Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded Greece Aussie soars second time in three weeks and refinery late on Wednesday, and the country’s short-term bond yields soared to 27 Lacklustre economic indicators have been mostly kind to risk assets this runs are spiking up, driving demand percent. The flip side of this was new lows in German yields. The 10-year week. Wednesday’s weak Chinese data further boosted expectations of higher.” Brent crude futures for June hit Bund yield reached a low of 0.078 percent. Yields on all German govern- monetary stimulus by Beijing and soft US data have helped by dampening $63.29 a barrel, the highest since ment debt out to January 2024 were negative. prospects of an early rate increase by the Federal Reserve. In currencies, the December, after the previous much Rate strategists at Royal Bank of Scotland yesterday issued the boldest biggest mover yesterday was the Aussie, lifted to a three-week high as weaker front-month futures contract, for call on Bunds from any major bank, predicting a fall in the 10-year yield to - stronger-than-expected Australian employment numbers reduced the May, expired on Wednesday. 0.13 percent. “The simple continuation of an environment similar to today odds of an interest rate cut in the next few months. By 1030 GMT, June Brent was at is likely to push 10-year yields below zero,” they said. “There is only a weak The Australian dollar was last up 1.4 percent at $0.7745. The euro was on $62.52 a barrel, down 80 cents from the sense that inflation risks have been raised by QE so far.” Borrowing costs in a rollercoaster ride, last 0.5 percent higher at $1.0735, rebounding more previous close for June, but up sharply peripheral euro-zone bond markets like Spain, Italy and Portugal rose, how- than a cent from an earlier low of $1.0626. ECB President Mario Draghi on ever, as the prospect of Greece and the euro-zone reaching agreement Wednesday committed to seeing the central bank fulfil its bond-buying pro- from Wednesday’s close for May at appeared to fade. That also fed into European stocks, encouraging gram, quashing speculation in some quarters that the program’s success $60.32. US crude was at $55.39, down investors to take profit on the previous day’s ECB-fuelled rally to historic could lead to an early “taper”. “From the perspective of the euro we have $1.00, after hitting a 2015 high of $56.69 highs. one clear conclusion: the message from Draghi is that nothing has changed on Wednesday. US crude has been log- The EuroFirst300 index of Europe’s leading 300 shares was down 0.75 and that we are only at the very start of the QE easing that is coming,” said ging its strongest upswing this year as percent at 1,637 points. Germany’s DAX was 1.6 percent lower at 12,034 Derek Halpenny, senior currency strategist at BTMU in London.—Reuters ebbing fears of an inventory overflow and renewed hedging in far-distance futures flatten the forward curve. “We turn extremely bullish on oil,” Singapore- based energy brokerage Phillips Futures said in a note to clients. “This whole rally was primarily due to drops in US crude production. We see the four-week aver- age for crude production turning nega- tive for the first time since July ‘14,” it added. Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao told Reuters Global Oil Forum that Brent could rise towards $70 a barrel in the near term, but that a sharp down- turn could happen after that. US oil prices jumped on Wednesday after US inventories built up more slowly than expected, although still to a new record. Talks between major oil produc- ers also triggered speculation of pro- duction cuts, even though most ana- lysts said these were unlikely. Despite the oil price rally, the market remains oversupplied, analysts say. “The recent bounce comes despite a surge in OPEC crude oil production in March which is likely to have been sustained in April,” ATHENS: Miners, workers and supporters of an important gold mine project in northern Greece demonstrate outside the Ministry of ANZ bank said. — Reuters Development in Athens yesterday to put pressure on the radical left-wing government. — AFP Gold up on softer shares
LONDON: Gold rose yesterday, heading for a second straight still be a fairly extended period of trading in this near-$1,200 demand for bullion, a non-interest-paying asset. Traders will session of gains as European shares fell and weak US data added level before prices rise at year-end,” he added. The dollar be monitoring a Federal Reserve policy meeting scheduled on to uncertainty over the timing of a rate rise by the US Federal recovered from an earlier one-week low against a basket of April 28-29. Analysts have made big cuts to expectations for Reserve. Spot gold gained 0.4 percent to $1,206.03 an ounce by currencies that it had hit due to recent weak US economic gold and silver prices this year and the next after the metals, 1004 GMT, while US gold for June delivery rose $4.70 to data. The market will look to US housing data later for further weighed down by the prospect of higher US interest rates, $1,206.00 an ounce. “The market needs to get past the first rate clues on the strength of the world’s largest economy. Data on failed to recover last year’s losses in early 2015. “(In the short hike to move away from this no-man’s land that it is trapped in,” Wednesday showed US industrial output in March posted its term), the level of $1,200 continues to prove to be an extreme- said Standard Chartered analyst Nicholas Snowdon. “But after biggest drop in more than 2-1/2 years. The dour report was ly stubborn support and resistance, and ...we can expect gold that, the realization that the rate hike cycle is a lot shallower and the latest sign that US growth slowed sharply in the first quar- prices to continue hovering about (this) level,” said Howie Lee, shorter than it had previously been conceived will take some of ter and suggested the Fed could delay raising interest rates an analyst at Phillip Futures. Spot silver rose 0.8 percent to the momentum out of the US dollar rally,” he said. until later this year. $16.46 an ounce. Platinum rose 0.8 percent to $1,166 an ounce “We are looking at a September rate (rise) and there could Any delay in an expected hike in US rates could boost and palladium was unchanged at $767.50 an ounce.— Reuters Business FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 39 Shopping a daily puzzle on remote St Helena
JAMESTOWN: If you think grocery shopping is a chore, spare a moment for those on the tiny island of Saint Helena who never know what will be on the shelf from one day to the next. “This is like living under Soviet rule,” jokes Francois Haffner, a French tourist determined to eat well on the remote South Atlantic island, famous as the place the French military leader Napoleon was exiled until his death in 1821. “In the first store there is butter, in another there are lemons, and in the third you can find some cream. There are no greens, and eggs aren’t there every day,” said an exasperated Haffner. “The fish comes at 1:00 pm, the bread after 11:00 am-but no later than 12 noon-and all the shops close at 5:00 pm.” The shopping schedule requires that hungry tourists and residents dedicate a good chunk of time to planning how to fill their stomachs. “There are no stores where you can find everything, and shopping takes some time,” said Haffner.
Choice is a luxury Still, he is determined never to visit the frozen food sec- tion, which was stocked with last year’s Christmas pud- JAMESTOWN: A customer looks at half empty shelves at an emporium in Jamestown on the tiny island of ding in March. In contrast with Haffner, the 4,200 inhabi- Saint Helena. If you think grocery shopping is a chore, spare a moment for those on the tiny island of Saint tants of the British island are more relaxed about the gro- Helena who never know what will be on the shelf one day to the next. —AFP cery situation, having resigned themselves to the reality that choice is a luxury in a place where supplies come only every three weeks on a ship from Cape Town. As a result, shopping in the island’s capital, Jamestown, requires some flexibility and a close knowledge of the ship’s sched- Oman’s Islamic ule. “Of course, you do not want to starve, but it is better not to look for something specific,” says David Pryce, a native of England who studies insects on the island. A successful islander has to balance patience with spontaneity, he says. “You have to make the rounds of deposits surge stores every day. And if you see something, you have to buy it.” However, sometimes excitement over new items causes problems, says Tara Thomas, whose family owns four convenience stores. “When bottled water hits the More pressure on liquidity tools shop, people bulk buy. They panic buy, and they create another shortage,” she says. “If people had a normal con- MUSCAT: Oman’s two full-fledged rial loss in the same period last year. central bank said last month. sumer behavior, we wouldn’t have so many problems.” Islamic banks have yet to post a profit Bank Nizwa saw net losses after tax The central bank has set up a task but their customer deposits are surging, of 1.6 million rials in the latest quarter. force to develop sharia-compliant mon- increasing pressure on authorities to That figure was 19 percent smaller than ey market tools, which could resemble Little local produce develop sharia-compliant money market its losses a year earlier. Islamic banks the short-term instruments offered by Most produce on the island comes from Britain or tools and make a long-awaited issue of elsewhere in the Gulf use sukuk to the Bahraini central bank. But it is not South Africa. Little is made domestically. There are cows, Islamic bonds (sukuk). Oman was the last manage their liquidity, but Oman has clear when the Omani tools will be avail- for example, but no fresh milk. “We have farmers, but they country in the six-nation Gulf so far seen only one issue of corporate able. As of January, total assets held by do not produce enough,” moans Thomas. What little local Cooperation Council to introduce Islamic sukuk and bankers say sovereign Oman’s Islamic banks and the Islamic produce exists is often bartered between islanders or finance, granting licences to Al Izz issuance is needed to energize the mar- windows of conventional banks reached snapped up by hotels and restaurants before reaching the Islamic Bank and Bank Nizwa in 2013. ket. A sovereign deal has been delayed 1.4 billion rials, representing a 5 percent shelves. Still, some are hoping to capitalize on the scarcity. Combined customer deposits at the by the plunge of oil prices and the share of total banking assets, central Mirroring the fashion overseas for self-sufficiency, entre- two full-fledged Islamic banks and Bank uncertainty it is creating over state bank data showed. There is further room preneurs have started small-scale farming. Muscat, which operates the largest finances, however. The sultanate now for growth, as that figure is well below Joshua Martin, 39, has set up a business delivering Islamic window in Oman, almost tripled plans to make its first sovereign issue of the roughly 25 percent market share that tomatoes and cucumbers that he produces in polytun- in the year to March. They reached a sukuk, a 200 million rial ($520 million) Islamic banks enjoy in the Gulf Arab nels. While his venture is a success, Martin complains combined 440.4 million rials ($1.14 bil- deal, by mid-2015, the head of Oman’s region. —Reuters there is little coordination between the producers. lion) against 154.8 million rials a year ear- “Everyone produces the same,” he says. Then there is the lier, according to Reuters calculations issue of reliability. “The problem is that we are not regu- based on company financial statements. lar,” says Aaron Legg, a 30-year-old guide who grows This compares with 4.5 percent and 15.1 Australia jobless percent increases in deposits at Bank bananas. “Retailers cannot rely on us and they have to Sohar and Ahli Bank respectively during import.” It’s not for lack of want, says Legg, who plans to the same period. HSBC Bank Oman saw a rate falls to 6.1% start growing onions. “The island imports 70 tons of 0.1 percent drop in deposits. onions a year from South Africa,” he says incredulously. “If While the Islamic banks’ deposit SYDNEY: Australia’s unemployment rate dipped to 6.1 percent in March, data there were onions every day on the shelves people would growth is welcome, it puts them in a dif- showed yesterday, a better-than-expected reading that could ease pressure on buy more. There is a huge market.” ficult position because in contrast to the central bank to further cut interest rates. The figure was down from a revised Shop owners worry that with such short supply they will conventional banks, whose markets are 6.2 percent in February, as 37,664 positions were created, according to the not be able to accommodate an influx of tourists when much more developed, they still have Australian Bureau of Statistics. Analysts had forecast a reading of 6.3 percent weekly flights start between the island and Johannesburg few tools which they can use to manage with 15,000 jobs added. Full-time roles increased by 31,516 while part-time jobs in February next year. With the monthly ship service set to the money profitably. This could hurt rose 6,148. The participation rate, which measures the proportion of adults in end after the introduction of the flights, retailers worry their bottom lines, and may already be work or looking for work, strengthened from a seasonally adjusted 64.7 percent their produce options will decrease. Now they’re in a doing so. Al Izz saw financing receivables to 64.8. The Australian dollar jumped on the news, rising half a US cent to 77.77 quandary. “It is not profitable for a ship to come more grow five-fold for the quarter to March US cents. “It was a strong set of numbers,” Barclays’ chief economist for Australia often,” says Nick Thorpe, one of the leading importers on compared to a year earlier, but total Kieran Davies said. “The trend has improved. For a while the labor market was running weaker the island. “I have the feeling that if they want the ship to income was insufficient to cover expens- es; it posted a net loss of 1.6 million rials than what the (forward indicators) job ads and job vacancies were suggesting, come more often, they will have to subsidize it,” he says. so perhaps we are seeing some belated catch-up.” —AFP Whether or not that will happen is another story. —AFP for the quarter, compared to a 1.5 million Business FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Speculation over Saudi-India oil deal as talks drag on Saudi’s gasoline imports overtake diesel
SINGAPORE: Saudi Aramco and India’s “Even if the Saudis don’t import Reliance could use the barrels itself 400,000 bpd in Jazan, bringing its total Reliance Industries have not yet con- from Reliance, Reliance will be able to particularly given higher freight rates. If capacity to over 3 million bpd. The cluded a term contract to import diesel sell in the domestic market due to no deal is reached, reduced demand country last year became a net annual and gasoline, three industry sources firm summer demand and low under- from Saudi Arabia and continued diesel exporter for the first time since said, fanning market speculation that lying crude oil prices,” said one exports from its new refineries would 2007, according to data published by the long-standing annual deal may not source. Reliance and Saudi Aramco weigh on Asian diesel margins, which the Joint Organizations Data Initiative be renewed. A deal has normally been could not immediately be reached for are down 26 percent from the same (JODI). Saudi Arabia exported about signed by the first quarter, but negotia- comment. While Saudi Arabia is the period last year. The volumes in the 88.8 million barrels of diesel and tions have gone on longer at a time world’s top crude exporter, a lack of term deal vary, but typically range imported 72.6 million barrels in 2014, when Saudi Arabia has become less refineries to process crude into fuel around 1.5 million to 3.7 million barrels the data showed. reliant on imports following refinery products has meant the kingdom has a month of diesel, according to a trader In 2013, diesel imports were 92.4 expansions. traditionally relied on imports, largely who supplies oil products to Saudi million barrels and exports 45.8 barrels. The term deal talks had stalled from Asia. Arabia. The country’s gasoline imports over- because the companies had not been But a industry source who supplies Saudi Arabia added 800,000 barrels took diesel for the first time in at least able to agree a price yet, said the products to Saudi Arabia said a deal per day (bpd) of new capacity in its three years last December, as its Yanbu sources who were familiar with the might not be reached since there was refineries of Yanbu and Jubail over the refinery is configured to produce main- negotiations. less logic this year on both sides and last two years, and is planning another ly diesel, traders said. — Reuters Some banks win, some lose in Dubai ‘Islamic economy’
Islamic assets growing faster than conventional
DUBAI: Dubai’s drive to develop its Islamic finance sector Islamic banks - Al Hilal Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank and is fuelling growth of sharia-compliant banking but the ben- Sharjah Islamic Bank plus Emirates NBD, a top conventional efits are unevenly distributed, with some lenders strug- bank. Such deals create more capital markets business for gling to compete against burgeoning competition. In Islamic banks and increase the supply of sukuk which they 2013, Dubai’s government announced plans to turn the can use to manage their liquidity, potentially aiding their emirate into a centre for an “Islamic economy” with sharia- bottom lines. The UAE central bank took an important step compliant businesses ranging from banking to asset man- towards improving Islamic banks’ liquidity last month, agement, trade, food preparation and certification, fashion, making it easier for them to access its special lending facili- education and tourism. ty by expanding the range of collateral they can use. This looked like good news for Islamic banks in the United Arab Emirates, and over the past 18 months, some Banks MUMBAI: An Indian woman sells vegetables to a customer at her roadside have appeared to benefit. But others have not, underlining Some of the UAE’s six full Islamic banks are clearly ben- shop in Mumbai. India’s wholesale prices dropped for the fifth straight the sometimes unpredictable consequences of govern- efiting. Historically, a lack of scale has made them less prof- month in March thanks to lower food and manufacturing costs along with ment efforts to develop Islamic finance in the Gulf. Tirad itable than conventional banks, but for some the gap is slumping global oil prices, government data showed. — AFP Mahmoud, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank , said shrinking. Noor Bank reported a record net profit of 678.1 conventional banks had moved strongly into Islamic bank- million dirhams ($184.6 million) for 2014, a 166 percent ing through sharia-compliant “windows” - departments leap from 2013. Last year, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank bought Emerging shares lagging which offer Islamic services while segregating their funds the UAE retail operations of Barclays in a $177 million deal. from the bank’s conventional operations. “Lately, conven- Other Islamic lenders are not faring so well, however. for the 5th straight year tional banks have become much more aggressive in the Al Hilal posted just 2.1 percent growth in total income Islamic banking space, which makes our business equally in the first half of 2014, with a 15.5 percent drop in the sec- LONDON: The roaring stock market rallies Jonathan Lowe, portfolio manager in sensitive to competitive pressures,” he told Reuters. ond quarter, its latest financials show. The lender did not of the United States, Japan and Europe JPMorgan Asset Management’s multi- respond to a request for comment. One risk in Dubai’s show no sign of reaching most emerging asset group. “In fact, the amount of stimu- Policies drive is that it whips up so much enthusiasm for Islamic markets, where lackluster economic lus we are seeing in places like Japan and Several initiatives announced by Dubai could have a banking, causing so many conventional institutions to growth and company profits point to a euro zone is wanting us to be more under- big impact on the Islamic banking sector but have not yet pour into the sector, that competition starts to hurt profit fifth straight year of lagging performance. weight EM,” Lowe added. More than half Emerging markets are the black hole in of the global investors surveyed by Bank materialized. One such initiative is a central sharia board margins and the market quickly becomes saturated. Last the global equity picture at a time when of America/Merrill Lynch in March said of Islamic scholars that would oversee the sector, poten- year, Abu Dhabi’s Union National Bank opened five Islamic Wall Street has hit record highs, European emerging markets was the asset class they tially standardizing banks’ products and reducing uncer- banking branches and saw its Islamic deposits triple. stocks are at seven-year peaks and would underweight in the coming year. tainty over their religious permissibility. This could reduce Japanese markets at the highest in 15 costs for banks and increase the confidence of customers. Islamic retail banking years, buoyed by central bank money- Slower growth Another project still in the planning stage is the world’s In October, National Bank of Fujairah launched an printing and recovering economies. Several things have gone wrong, the first fully sharia-compliant export-import bank, which Islamic retail banking business; it plans to expand into the MSCI’s emerging equity index, in con- first being that emerging markets are on could spur the growth of Islamic trade financing. But wholesale segment this year, said chief executive Vince trast, stands more than 20 percent below track for a sixth straight year of slowing Dubai’s drive does appear to be having an impact in at Cook. “Overall, we should expect NBF Islamic to keep pace record highs hit in 2007 and despite economic growth, shrinking the tradition- least two areas. An aggressive publicity campaign seems with the bank’s overall growth targets once it has settled, notable exceptions such as India and al growth premium they enjoy over to have pushed more consumers and companies to favour which puts its growth rate at around 20 percent per China , it has lagged the world index by advanced peers. That premium will be less Islamic banking products, or to at least become more annum,” Cook said. NBF hopes its Islamic banking seg- more than 50 percent since end-2010. than 2 percentage points this year, the open to them. ments can grow to represent as much as a quarter of its Dedicated emerging equity and International Monetary Fund predicted Assets in the UAE’s Islamic banking sector expanded overall business. Such growth would be supported by pre- exchange-traded funds have seen out- this week, compared with 4.5 percent as 11.4 percent last year to $127 billion in 2014, and could viously unmet demand, Cook said; “we expect this trend to flows of $60 billion in the past two years, recently as 2013. And with Chinese reach $263 billion by 2019, consultancy EY estimates. It continue as efforts to grow the Islamic economy intensify.” according to EPFR Global data cited by growth at a six-year low, short-term said Islamic assets accounted for about a fifth of the coun- Growth in size does not necessarily ensure profits, JPMorgan Asset Management. And now, improvement seems unlikely. try’s total banking assets, which according to central bank however. Dubai’s Mashreq said its Islamic business was with the United States to start raising Consumption and fixed capital formation data grew 10.6 percent in 2014. The second way in which growing about 40 percent annually, but its non-interest interest rates and emerging currencies in emerging markets both slowed in the wilting against the resurgent dollar, US- last quarter of 2014, while export growth Dubai’s Islamic economy drive is benefiting banks is an income shrank 7.7 percent in 2014. Interest income - based investors have even less incentive has declined for three years straight, UBS increased emphasis on sharia-compliant financing - bond which is banned by Islamic finance - grew 26 percent. to place cash in the sector. analysts said. This in turn has caused dis- issues and loans - by the Dubai government and big com- Hussain Al-Qemzi, chief executive of Noor Bank, said that “The call we are making is developed appointment on the earnings front even panies related to it. although banks were expanding their Islamic windows, markets versus emerging equities, and in India where stocks are up a third since For example Dubai’s Noor Bank, whose owners include not all of them considered the windows as core to their despite strong outperformance in DM end-2013, 40 percent of companies state funds Investment Corporation of Dubai and Dubai business. “In that sense, yes it can be viewed as a defen- since the end of 2010, we don’t see any undershot earnings forecasts in the latest Holding, is launching roadshows for a debut sukuk issue. sive strategy aimed at protecting market share in Muslim reason to reverse our position,” said quarter, Morgan Stanley noted. —Reuters Lead managers from the UAE include three full-fledged majority markets.”— Reuters Business FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 41
Jawbone banks on smart fashion trend beyond watches
SAN FRANCISCO: On the one created a seamless payment ignite the smar watch market. major players including Apple, system. “One thing that differen- hand, or wrist, there may be an experience all in the tap of a “Those are really daytime wear,” Huawei, Asus, LG and Motorola. tiates tech companies from eye-catching Apple Watch, while wrist,” said Leslie Berland, execu- he said of smartwatches. UP Data gathered by wearable com- competitors is being a platform,” the other will sport with more tive vice president of digital part- bands are designed to be jewelry puting devices can be used by Gartner analyst Brian Blau said. discreet jewelry packed with nerships and development at that “disappears on the body” “smart coach” to coax or nudge “That is something of a Holy Internet Age smarts. Jawbone American Express. UP4 will be while being worn all day every users toward lifestyle goals from Grail. Getting to that point and had that vision of the wearable priced at $199 when it is released day, using sensors to track activi- losing weight to drinking more kick-starting an ecosystem is computing trend in mind late really lucrative, and could be for Wednesday when it ramped its Jawbone.” Having services, UP family of lifestyle-tracking applications, smartwatches and bands and teased a coming more tuned to its platform diver- model that enables American sifies opportunities for Jawbone Express users to tap and pay at to make money. Gartner has shop checkout counters. found that while people have “People often wear a watch at been showing interest in wear- the same time they are wearing able computing, it hasn’t trans- bracelets,” Jawbone vice presi- lated into massive mainstream dent of product management purchasing. “I think that the and strategy Travis Bogard told Apple Watch is going to pique AFP at the company’s San people’s interest and they will Francisco headquarters. “We can pay more attention to wrist now put technology into those wearables,” Blau said. situations in a way that doesn’t The analyst doubted there disrupt how you would wear it. would be a quick shift to people Then you can collect that infor- using watches, bracelets or oth- mation and do interesting things er wearable computers as wal- with it.” A UP3 bracelet that lets since it is already easy tracks heart rate along with enough to use credit cards for activity and sleep is shipping purchases. Overall, it remains after a delayed release while CALIFORNIA: Jawbone UP activity-tracking bands (held aloft) are compared to early days for wearable comput- technicians improved water competing offerings during a briefing at the company’s headquarters in San ing with innovations on the hori- resistance. Francisco. —AFP zon including virtual or aug- Jawbone introduced another mented reality head gear and new Up band with an over- in the middle of this year, accord- ty, sleep and more. water or getting to sleep earlier. sensors or chips embedded in hauled design and almost half ing to Bogard. The lowest priced The bands synch to smart- “Data is good, understanding is clothing fabric, according to the the mass of its predecessor. UP model is $49. phones and feed what they learn better,” Bogard said. analyst. “The wearables industry Bogard showed off a coming to the Internet cloud, where is only just getting started,” Blau flagship UP4 model with sensors In time with smartwatches “smart coach” software provides Technology Holy Grail said. “The conundrum the wear- capable of measuring heart rate Bogard was undaunted by personalized advice for healthier While Jawbone believes peo- ables industry is in today is and other biometrics, and which the pending arrival next week of lifestyles. Jawbone has focused ple will want UP hardware, it has which will stand out as the next could be used at checkouts that Apple Watch, which unofficial on creating a platform that can made the platform open so platform or the next spot on the have American Express contact- estimates indicate has about a synch to applications tailored for developers can synch devices, body where people will wear less payment systems. “We have million pre-orders and could an array of smartwatches from applications or services to the things.” —AFP China exporters expect more pain as the economy sputters China’s March exports fell 15 percent
GUANGZHOU: More than half of China’s the economy of China, which has been the 2008/09 financial crisis, China’s exporters exporters expect a trade slowdown to last at world’s biggest exporter since 2009, but the have struggled with a strengthening currency least six months as production costs climb country’s dominance is under threat as the and rising labor costs, with global supply and European demand weakens, according currency strengthens, labor costs soar and chains shifting increasingly inland or to to a Reuters survey at the country’s biggest authorities shift from an excessive reliance on cheaper hubs such as Vietnam and trade fair. On the opening day of the biannu- exports. Many respondents reported a contin- Bangladesh. al Canton Fair in the Pearl River Delta, the ued tightness in the labor market as skilled While many factories said the impact of workshop of the world, the cavernous halls young workers become harder to find and the yuan appreciation was not as significant over ADDIS ABABA: A model of the Ethiopia-China Dong were filled with international buyers, but economy rebalances towards consumption the past 12 months compared with previous Guan Huajian International Light Industrial Zone is many, especially Europeans hit by a weaker and services. years, the poll found that on average manu- pictured during the opening ceremony for the euro, appeared to be ordering fewer goods facturers said they would be in the red if the groundbreaking of the Ethiopia-China Dong Guan and haggling hard with manufacturers. Hard bargain yuan hit 5.6 to the greenback, compared with Huajian International Light Industrial Zone outside The fair is taking place just after econom- Some European buyers, hit by a sharp about 6.2 now. “Right now the exchange rate of Addis Ababa yesterday. —AFP ic data showed China’s exports unexpected- depreciation in the euro against the dollar (the yuan) is stable, and that’s good,” said ly fell 15 percent in March and its economy and China’s yuan, were pushing for discounts, George Chen, a factory manager with Qiyun grew at its slowest pace in six years in the despite exporters looking to raise prices an Audio that manufactures amplifiers. “But if it China corporate jet sales first quarter. A Reuters survey of 90 mostly average of 4.6 percent this year, the poll goes below 6 (to the dollar) that would mean ‘dire’ after graft sweep small to medium-sized manufacturers of showed. “There are still buyers,” said Zhu all factories would have nowhere to go, or at goods from consumer electronics to heavy Xiangkui, a manager at a stall selling batteries, least 80 percent of factories couldn’t survive.” SHANGHAI: China’s corporate jet market is facing a “dire” machinery and car parts showed many at as he shook his head. “(But) most of them Recent currency fluctuations, however, 2015, an aviation consultancy said, as slowing economic the fair are expecting tough times. On aver- have the mentality of bargaining when they have offset some costs for Chinese factories, growth and a persistent crackdown on corruption batter sales. age respondents expected their orders to arrive.” Juan Banovio, a veteran buyer from making some imports cheaper, including raw The number of corporate jets-also called business or execu- rise just 3.1 percent in 2015, while produc- Spain with a retail business in Madrid, said materials and precision parts from Europe or tion costs, mostly labor and materials, would some Chinese manufacturers had agreed to Japan. Some 40 percent said they were pes- tive jets-in mainland China rose 16 percent year-on-year to climb 6.5 percent. slash prices by 8-10 percent as price competi- simistic about their factory’s prospects, while 297 in 2014, independent consultancy Asian Sky Group stated While 43 percent of those polled said they tion intensifies and buyers become more dis- 59 percent were neutral. “We all have a kind in its annual fleet report. expected an export rebound within six cerning. “They understand the pressure we of pessimism,” said Lu Jie, a vice-general man- That was a slowdown from a 26.7 percent surge in 2013 months, 24 percent said the downturn would face in Europe ... and they’re trying to help, ager of YSD, a metal-forming machinery fac- and little improvement is seen for this year, it added, describ- continue for at least six months, and a further but not much. Most European buyers are tory in the lower-cost area of Hubei in central ing the prospects for Greater China-which includes the main- 33 percent put the timeframe at more than a ordering less,” said Banovia at a stall selling China. “We have orders, but the environment land, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan-as “dire indeed”. —AFP year. The fair has long been a barometer for brightly colored vacuum cleaners. Since the is still so tough.” —Reuters Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Uganda coach arrested for alleged rape
KAMPALA: Ugandan police have arrested an athletics It said the former coach had been arrested after the was a “national shame” and demanded an investigation coach for allegedly raping three teenage female nation- girls underwent medical examinations. “He is the prime into it. Ruhweza said police were looking for another al runners, a report yesterday said. suspect,” said local police commander James Ruhweza young girl who Wemali is accused of making pregnant Uganda, an emerging athletics power that has been from Uganda’s eastern Sipi district, according to the before forcing her to have an abortion. trying to take on traditional regional rivals Kenya and newspaper. Earlier this week Stephen Kiprotich, Uganda’s Ethiopia, has been hit after the alleged athletics sex Last year, female junior national team runners Olympic and world marathon champion, told the abuse scandal emerged last year. accused him of sexually harassing them during a train- Monitor that Wemali was a “wrong character” who had It broke after the country’s star distance runner and ing camp. Wemali was said to have advised them to get “ruined” the career of one promising young female run- Commonwealth gold medallist Moses Kipsiro made pregnant and then abort so they could run better. ner, and turned another into his wife. public complaints from his female teammates against Wemali, who has also been accused of practising “These officials totally have no respect for athletes,” Peter Wemali, until recently the head coach of a police witchcraft, was cleared of any wrongdoing. The Uganda he said, accusing the UAF of being “insensitive” and camp in eastern Uganda. Wemali was taken into cus- Athletics Federation (UAF) however, have been accused “shielding” Wemali. Earlier this month, Kipsiro revealed tody yesterday over the alleged rape and defilement of by some female Ugandan MPs of dragging their feet or he may have to flee Uganda after receiving death three female runners aged 15, 16 and 17 between 2013 even trying to cover up the scandal. threats which he said stemmed from the allegations he and 2014, the Daily Monitor newspaper reported. Earlier this month they told Parliament the scandal raised against the coach. — AFP Foley gets first ‘flexible’ contract for Australia
MELBOURNE: Australia flyhalf Bernard Foley has been handed the nation’s first ‘flexible’ playing contract which allows him to continue with the Wallabies but also play lucrative stints overseas. Australia has long demanded players put in a full sea- son of domestic rugby to earn the right to be selected for the national team, but has battled to stem the flow of play- ers to richer foreign competitions. Amid fears the player drain will leave the Wallabies uncompetitive in world rugby, Foley has been given a blessing to play in Japan during his three-year contract extension with Super Rugby champions New South Wales Waratahs and the national Wallabies side. “Flexible contracting is taken into consideration for exceptional circumstances, and I am confident that he will put his own well-being at the front of his priorities and thinking,” Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said in a statement. “Bernard is a playmaker who is still yet to reach his full potential and we need our best players eligible for Australia- now and in the future.” MANCHESTER: This May 5, 2012 file photo of Britain’s Aaron Cook, right, as he aims a kick on his way to controversially beating The Australian Rugby Union has previously allowed a Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan in the final of the Men’s -80kg competition during the European Taekwondo Championships, at handful of players to represent the Wallabies without play- the Manchester Regional Arena, Manchester, England. British Olympic officials yesterday approved top-ranked taekwondo ing full seasons of Super Rugby. fighter Aaron Cook’s request to switch nationalities so he can compete for Moldova. — AP Flanker George Smith came back from Japan to play for the Canberra-based ACT Brumbies on a short-term Super Rugby deal in 2013 and he subsequently represented British taekwondo fighter Australia during the British and Irish Lions tour that year. But the ARU has been reticent to include provisions in contracts that allow players to seek big-money deals over- to compete for Moldova seas that might curtail their playing time in domestic rug- by. “I have an incredibly strong desire to continue repre- LONDON: Top-ranked taekwondo fighter Aaron Cook can compete Cook, 24, has previously said he felt “cheated” after being denied a for Moldova in the Olympics and other international competitions chance to compete at the London Olympics and that he was being senting Australia and the Waratahs, and this deal allows after the British Olympic Association approved his request to switch punished for abandoning the British training system. He has not rep- me to do that for at least another three years,” Foley said. nationalities. Cook announced last month he had obtained a resented Britain since 2012 and has independently funded his own “I’d like to thank Australian Rugby and the Waratahs for Moldovan passport and hoped to represent the eastern European training since 2011. He is a three-time European taekwondo champi- understanding my desire to experience a new culture and country at next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He was overlooked on and has consistently beaten the British fighters in his division at Rugby environment in Japan, while continuing to provide for a spot on the British team for the 2012 London Olympics after leav- major competitions. In a Facebook post last month, Cook said he felt me an opportunity for represent my state and country.” ing the national training academy despite being the No. 1 athlete in he had no other option but to change nationalities in his attempt to Foley’s deal retains the 25-year-old in Australian rugby his 80-kilogram category. secure a place at the Rio Olympics. He said it was clear to him last year until the end of 2018, while allowing him to spend two In a statement issued on Thursday, the BOA said officials were that British officials would not select him to compete at the Olympics seasons in Japan. “saddened” by Cook’s decision, noting that he had “a named place” despite his world No. 1 ranking. He had previously represented the New Zealand’s rugby union has also maintained a on the British team competing at the inaugural European Games in Isle of Man before switching to Moldova. requirement that All Blacks hopefuls must play full domes- Baku, Azerbaijan, in June. Still, Cook does not have a place on the “I am a fighter at heart and I am not going to throw away 20 years tic seasons but has allowed a handful of top senior players, British team fighting at next month’s World Taekwondo of dedication because of bureaucracy,” Cook wrote. He competed for including captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter, to Championships in Russia and is expected to represent Moldova. Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and narrowly missed out on a take six-month “sabbaticals” to keep them fresh for inter- “Despite the fact that there is no legitimate case for nationality bronze medal. Cook has reportedly received funding from a national duty. change here, the BOA cannot compel any athlete to represent the Moldovan billionaire, Igor Iuzefovici, president of Moldova’s taekwon- United Kingdom against his or her will,” the association said. “As do federation. “We have made exhaustive efforts to engage with him Both rugby nations are bracing for an exodus of players Aaron has now reiterated that he wishes to represent Moldova, rather and his team for some time but sadly it seems that he has made the after the World Cup, with local contracts often unable to than the country of his birth, at future taekwondo competitions, the decision that his future lies elsewhere and we wish him well,” GB compete with those offered by richer Japanese and BOA will not stand in his way.” Taekwondo chairman Jeremy Beard said. — AP European clubs. — Reuters Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Triple-birdie Bubba casts Masters woe aside
SHENZHEN: Bubba Watson quickly after 11 holes. Watson sunk three birdies by leading the field on six-under. He is a swing a little and yesterday I changed my shrugged off the disappointment of relin- in a row from the fifth, his 14th hole after stroke ahead of four players on 67 — driver and it was very good. I like the new quishing his Masters crown with a bat- starting on the 10th, as the putting stroke South Korea’s An Byeong-Hun, who aced driver. I also like the course and the tling two-under par 70 yesterday to lie that went awry at the season’s first major the 226-yard eighth hole, American Peter greens.” Globe-trotting Watson, who tri- within striking distance of the lead at the returned with a vengeance in Shenzhen. Uihlein, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat umphed at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shenzhen International. “It was a slow start, you know, getting and Chile’s Felipe Aguilar. Shanghai on his last visit to China in American Watson admitted he strug- used to the greens-the speed of them,” China’s Huang showed a welcome November, had a warning for those gled early in his opening round at the said Watson at the southern Chinese return to form after a torrid 2014 in which ahead of him-there would be no Masters European Tour event after a rapid trip city’s Genzon Golf Club. he made only one cut in seven appear- hangover and he was definitely in halfway across the world from Augusta, “Coming from the Masters to here is a ances on the European Tour with a Shenzhen to win. “More practice and where he had finished one over par and little different. It’s not really about confi- sparkling 66 that included eight birdies. more feel and it’s going to get better,” he 19 shots adrift of champion Jordan Spieth dence, it’s about feeling the greens out. Huang admitted it was his best round said ominously. “The whole course sets on Sunday. “I three-putted one hole and some of since a closing 65 at the European Tour’s up good for me and hit my driver quite However, he fought back superbly on my chips didn’t turn out the way I wanted BMW International Open in Germany, nicely today off the tee. It set up some the closing stretch after his day had them to. But made three (birdies) in a row way back in June 2013. holes, so hopefully tomorrow I’ll make a threatened to fall apart after back-to-back there to help me to two-under so it’s “Last year I played very bad but this is few more putts. “I wouldn’t be here if I bogeys dropped him to one over par nice.” Huang Wenyi cheered the local fans a new year,” he said. “I have changed my wasn’t motivated to win.” — AFP Yuzuru Hanyu top in Tokyo despite spill
TOKYO: Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu topped the men’s short programme at the figure skating World Team Trophy yesterday, but was steaming mad at himself for taking a tum- ble. “I’m not happy,” the 20-year-old Japanese told reporters after crash-landing a triple toeloop in Tokyo. “It’s been going on all season. I just can’t seem to string it together,” shrugged Hanyu, who surrendered his world title to Spain’s Javier Fernandez in Shanghai two weeks ago. Hanyu, gold medallist at last year’s Sochi Olympics, nailed his opening quad toeloop and looked in a different class until he got into a muddle on a triple lutz-toeloop combination, stumbling onto the ice to audible gasps from the packed crowd. “I could feel the crash coming,” said Hanyu, who scored 96.27 points to lead by some distance from China’s Yan Han (87.13), the skater he smashed into last November in FALL RIVER: Former New England Patriots NFL football player Aaron Hernandez, center, stands with his defense attor- a sickening warm-up collision that left the Japanese with cra- neys, from left, Charles Rankin, Micheal Fee and James Sultan, as the verdict is read in his murder trial, Wednesday, at nial bruising and needing stitches in his jaw and head. Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River, Mass. Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting “I didn’t have the speed into the lutz and that did me. I’ll death of Odin Lloyd in June 2013. — AP have to train harder and come back ready to do better tomor- row.” Since his brutal wipe-out with Yan, which left him in a wheelchair, Hanyu has undergone surgery for a bladder infec- Murder, rape, guns and tion and been nursing an ankle problem. As silence fell before his skate on Thursday, one concerned female fan shouted: “Relax and keep calm!” Greeted like a pop idol, Hanyu pressed his hands together gridiron’s rap sheet to apologise to his adoring public for the spill but still did enough to lift Japan into joint second in the overall standings LOS ANGELES: Murder, rape, domestic vio- The case was the most prominent of sev- higher compared to other sports, by virtue behind the United States, who topped the women’s and lence, weapons charges, drug crime and ani- eral involving domestic violence, and of the fact that NFL rosters of between 60-90 placed second in the ice dance short routines. mal cruelty: National Football League stars prompted criticism that the sport’s man- players are vastly bigger than baseball and The American team have 48 points after the first day of the past and present have accumulated an ever- agers were not doing enough to tackle the basketball. three-day competition with Japan with Russia on 43. lengthening rap sheet over the years. problem. Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Analysis by the statistics-crunching web- Gracie Gold finished on 71.26 points, ahead of Russia’s For some, the murder conviction of for- Peterson was suspended for almost the site FiveThirtyEight.com also found that newly crowned world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva on mer New England Patriots star Aaron entirety of the 2014 season after being arrest rates among NFL players were low 70.93 and her countrywoman Elena Radionova with 68.77. Hernandez on Wednesday confirms the view charged with child abuse for beating his son compared to US national averages for men that American football is the red light district with a tree branch. in a similar age range. Overall, NFL players’ of professional sport. Others point to figures He was later fined and placed on proba- arrest rate was 13 percent of the national that indicate a “crime problem” in the NFL tion after pleading no contest. average. Gun-related, non-violent crimes isn’t as clear cut as the stream of lurid head- Retired 2010 Super Bowl winner Darren tracked at 45.2 percent, while sex offenses lines suggests. Sharper, meanwhile, was jailed earlier this came in at 38.2 percent of the national aver- The case of Hernandez, who also faces year after admitting multiple counts of rape age. Domestic violence scored as the NFL’s murder charges for the killing of two men in against women in California, Arizona, worst category, with an arrest rate of 55.4 2012, is just the latest in a long line to tar- Nevada and Louisiana percent of the average. nish the image of the NFL. Former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis was accused of the Problem with crime? Tell-tale signs murder of two men stabbed to death out- So does the NFL have a crime problem? Jeff Benedict, author of the 1998 book side a nightclub in 2000 before the charges Available statistics suggest it is not that sim- “Pros and Cons,” which spotlighted criminal were dropped when he pleaded guilty to ple. A database of arrests involving NFL play- cases in American football, believes players obstruction of justice. Star running back O.J. ers compiled by USA Today has logged 790 accused of crimes are often shaped by their Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murder cases dating back to 2000. environment before they arrive in the NFL. of his ex-wife and her friend and today sits in Brent Schrotenboer, the journalist who Hernandez, who had numerous run-ins a Nevada prison after being convicted of created the database, notes that the overall with the law during his college football armed robbery and kidnapping in 2008. crime rate is around two percent, compared career at the University of Florida, was typical In 2007, Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick with around four percent for the general of the problem. “It’s not often that a player in OREGON: In this Saturday, June 2, 2012 file photo was sent to prison after pleading guilty to population. “I would not say that the NFL the NFL just suddenly goes bad one day and Britain’s Mo Farah, left, runs next to Kenya’s Isaiah running a dog-fighting ring which involved has a crime epidemic as such,” Schrotenboer goes off the rails,” Benedict told the “Only a Kiplangat Koech during the 5000-meter event, at the horrific cruelty. told AFP, noting that many of the cases Game” program on the National Public Radio Prefontaine Classic athletics meet in Eugene, Ore. The Last year, the NFL was rocked by a scan- involve drunk-driving offenses. “These are in the US. While there many success stories of IAAF awarded the 2021 world athletics championships to dal after former Baltimore Ravens running young men who like to party and have a lot players from troubled backgrounds who Eugene, Oregon, yesterday, the first time the event will be back Ray Rice was suspended for punching of money.” The number of reported cases flourish in the NFL, there were many whose held in the United States. — AP his then-fiance unconscious in an elevator. involving NFL players was also likely to be fortunes “go south,” Benedict said. —AFP Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 West Indies out for 295, trail England by 220
NORTH SOUND: West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood hit an unbeaten 112 but the momentum in the first test remained with England on Wednesday as the tourists built a lead of 220 in their second innings on the third day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Blackwood led the West Indies reply to England’s first innings total of 399, but their last four wickets tumbled for 19, the last three for three runs to be all out for 295 at tea, a deficit of 104. The hosts struck early in England’s second innings when an incisive new ball spell by Jerome Taylor accounted for the cheap dismissals for the second time of the match of openers Jonathan Trott for four and captain Alastair Cook for 13. The run out of first innings century-maker Ian Bell for 11 reduced England to 54 for three before the West Indies effort waned. Left-hander Gary Ballance and Joe Root steadied things with an unbroken partner- ship of 64 that boosted England to 116 without further loss by the close, with Ballance on 44 and Root on 32. When the West Indies resumed at 155-4, the 23-year-old Blackwood and veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul carried their fifth wick- et partnership to 93 before off-spinner James Tredwell claimed the first of his three wickets for the day - removing Chanderpaul for 46 to a catch at short extra-cover. After that, Blackwood alone flew the standard for the West Indies as Ramdin fell for nine, Jason Holder for 16 and the last three in the order for seven runs between them. The feature of Blackwood’s batting was his mixture of strokes that brought him two six- es and 14 fours, along with a tight defence, as he completed his first SAN FRANCISCO: DJ LeMahieu #9 of the Colorado Rockies completes the double-play over the top of Angel hundred in only his sixth test. England paid for offering him two Pagan #16 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the sixth inning at AT&T Park on Wednesday in San chances. Reprieved at 21 on the second day when his catch to first slip Francisco, California. —AFP off Ben Stokes was negated by a no-ball decision, he was missed before lunch when 43 by Tredwell at gully off a difficult, low chance, also off Stokes. Kyle Gibson helps Twins He also endured a fierce bodyline attack from Broad with the second new ball. His hurried defensive prod against one short delivery dropped just short of wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. An over later, he needed the on- field attention of the team’s physiotherapist when hit on the forearm. to a 3-1 win over Royals Tredwell, in his second test, was England’s most effective bowler with 4-47 from 26 overs. Fast bowler James Anderson, playing his 100th test, claimed his 382nd wicket by dismissing last man Sulieman Benn. He KANSAS CITY: Right-hander Kyle Gibson the all-time home run list with 660. Mets completed a three-game sweep of the is now one short of Ian Botham’s England test record of 383. —AP gave up one run in 6 2/3 innings and helped Philadelphia Phillies with a 6-1 victory. The the Minnesota Twins to a 3-1 win over the Angels 10, Rangers 2 Mets (6-3) won their fourth successive game. Kansas City Royals. The loss ended Kansas The Los Angeles Angels jumped on Texas They had just three four-game winning SCOREBOARD City’s season-opening winning streak at sev- spot starter Anthony Ranaudo for six runs in streaks last season. The Phillies (3-6) have lost en games and halted Minnesota’s three- the second inning on their way to a 10-2 vic- four in a row. Scoreboard at stumps on the third day in the first Test between game skid. tory over the Rangers. Ranaudo, who was West Indies and England on Wednesday in North Sound, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the off- Blue Jays 12, Rays 7 Antigua and Barbuda. Rockies 4, Giants 2 season, retired just five batters, walked two The Toronto Blue Jays ended their offen- The Colorado Rockies struck early and and allowed six hits and six earned runs in 1 sive mini-slump in a 12-7 victory over the England 1st innings 399 (I. Bell 143, J. Root 83, B. Stokes 79; K. received strong pitching to beat the San 2/3 innings. Tampa Bay Rays. After being held to just Roach 4-94). Francisco Giants 4-2 and win a sixth straight three runs total over the first two games of West Indies 1st innings (Overnight: 155-4). K. Brathwaite c Jordan b Tredwell 39 game at the outset of their road season for Nationals 10, Red Sox 5 the series against Tampa Bay, Toronto scored the first time in club history. The defending The struggling Washington Nationals, multiple runs in each of the first five innings. De. Smith c Buttler b Anderson 11 World Series champions lost six straight picked by many to go to the 2015 World Da. Bravo c Buttler b Jordan 10 M. Samuels c Buttler b Broad 33 games in the season’s opening month for the Series, pounded out a 10-5 interleague victo- Padres 3, Diamondbacks 2 first time since April 10-16, 2009. ry over the Boston Red Sox to avert a three- Justin Upton homered to left-center with S. Chanderpaul c Stokes b Tredwell 46 game sweep. Catcher Wilson Ramos drilled a two out in the bottom of the eighth J. Blackwood not out 112 D. Ramdin c Buttler b Broad 9 Dodgers 5, Mariners 2 three-run double to key a six-run third inning Wednesday night to give the San Diego Left fielder Scott Van Slyke drove in two and shortstop Ian Desmond and left fielder Padres a 3-2 victory over the Arizona J. Holder c Ballance b Tredwell 16 runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers capped Tyler Moore homered as the Nats raised their Diamondbacks. Upton’s third homer as a K. Roach c Buttler b Tredwell 5 their sweep of the Seattle Mariners with a 5-2 early-season record to 3-6. Padre-and his second in as many nights- J. Taylor run out (Broad, Buttler) 0 victory. Brett Anderson (1-0) allowed two came on the first pitch he saw from S. Benn c Root b Anderson 2 Extras (lb-4 nb-2 w-6) 12 runs (one earned) on six hits with three strike- Indians 4, White Sox 2 Diamondbacks’ right-handed reliever Ronald outs and a walk in five-plus innings as the Trevor Bauer pitched six strong innings Delgado and soared 383 feet. Total (all out, 113 overs) 295 Dodgers (6-3) won their fourth in a row. and Lonnie Chisenhall had two hits and two Fall of wickets: 1-19 De. Smith, 2-42 Da. Bravo, 3-89 M. Samuels, 4-99 K. Brathwaite, 5-192 S. Chanderpaul, 6-227 D. Ramdin, 7- RBIs as the Cleveland Indians snapped their Cubs 5, Reds 0 276 J. Holder, 8-292 K. Roach, 9-292 J. Taylor, 10-295 S. Benn Tigers 1, Pirates 0 four-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory Left-hander Travis Wood scattered three Alfredo Simon allowed two hits in eight over the Chicago White Sox. Bauer (2-0) held hits and struck out seven in seven-plus score- Bowling: J. Anderson 23-9-67-2 (w-1), S. Broad 22-2-67-2, C. innings and Rajai Davis homered for the only the White Sox to two runs on four hits with less innings as Chicago blanked Cincinnati. Jordan 23-8-46-1 (nb-1 w-1), B. Stokes 19-3-64-0 (nb-1), J. run as the Detroit Tigers defeated the eight strikeouts and four walks. Tredwell 26-12-47-4. Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for their fourth shutout Astros 6, A’s 1 England 2nd innings A. Cook c Benn b Taylor 13 of the season. The Tigers (8-1) blanked the Marlins 6, Braves 2 Houston shortstop Jed Lowrie blasted a Pirates for the second straight night to take Miami shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria cele- home run and drove in three runs against his J. Trott c Ramdin b Taylor 4 two games in the three-game series. brated his 26th birthday with three hits to former team as the Astros salvaged a game G. Balance not out 44 help the Marlins to a 6-2 win over the Atlanta from the home series with a 6-1 win over the I. Bell run out (Ramdin) 11 J. Root not out 32 Orioles 7, Yankees 5 Braves. Hechavarria went 3-for-3 with a sacri- Oakland Athletics. Baltimore’s Manny Machado and fice fly, scored two runs, drove in three and Extras (lb-5 nb-2 w-5) 12 Total (for 3 wickets, 38 overs) 116 Jonathan Schoop each homered, while hit his first home run of the season. Cardinals 4, Brewers 2 Chris Davis had three RBIs, to lead the Starter Lance Lynn allowed one run in five Fall of wickets: 1-15 J. Trott, 2-20 A. Cook, 3-52 I. Bell Orioles past the New York Yankees 7-5. innings for his 50th career win and the St. To bat: B. Stokes, J. Buttler, C. Jordan, S. Broad, J. Tredwell, J. Anderson Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez Mets 6, Phillies 1 Louis Cardinals beat Milwaukee 4-2. The homered and is now four home runs away First baseman Lucas Duda homered and Brewers punched out 10 hits but left 11 run- Bowling: J. Taylor 8-4-12-2, K. Roach 9-1-32-0 (nb-1), J. Holder 7- from tying Willie Mays for fourth place on delivered an RBI double as the New York ners on base. —Reuters 3-20-0 (nb-1 w-1), S. Benn 9-2-34-0, M. Samuels 5-0-13-0. Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
France seek another Fed Cup surprise against Czechs
OSTRAVA: Memories of a spectacular comeback (13) and Barbora Strycova (23). On the hardcourt in the Wednesday, showing good spirits and self-confidence. against Italy two months ago will propel France as they eastern Czech city of Ostrava, France will rely on 28th- As so often in the past years, the team will rely on face holders the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup semi- ranked Alize Cornet, Caroline Garcia (29), Pauline Kvitova, who is coming back after a month-long break finals at the weekend. “It was a great satisfaction to get Parmentier (89) and Kristina Mladenovic, who is ranked from tennis. that win over Italy and we are definitely looking forward 58th for singles and 10th for doubles. It was Kvitova, the 25-year-old Wimbledon champion from to another really tough one in Czech Republic,” said Mladenovic who started the comeback in Italy by stun- 2011 and 2014, last played at Doha in February, then France captain Amelie Mauresmo. ning Sara Errani, and Mauresmo is hoping to inspire her skipped the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments citing In February, France came back from 2-0 down after girls to more surprises. “I hope to find the words. I hope “mental and physical weariness”. day one to beat 2009, 2010 and 2013 champions Italy in the girls are having a great level and we’ll see,” said the After a few training sessions with Kvitova in Ostrava, the Fed Cup quarter-finals in Genoa. With the same 35-year-old former world number one. The French are her teammate Safarova said “she played great, as team as in Italy, they are now facing the Czechs who lift- appearing in the Fed Cup semi-finals for the first time always.” “When you take a longer break, the first event ed the trophy in 2011, 2012 and 2014. since 2007 and attempting to reach the final, an after the comeback is the toughest, but Petra is a great “We know that their team is unbelievable,” said achievement they last pulled off in 2005, when they lost player with great experience and I have no doubt she Mauresmo, who also coaches Briton Andy Murray and to Russia at Roland Garros. The last time they lifted the will play excellent tennis here.” who made headlines by announcing her pregnancy ear- trophy was in 2003 when they defeated the United But she knows the tie against France will be no stroll. lier this month. States. “They might be worse when you look at the rankings The Czechs have called up world number four Petra The Czechs, who beat Canada in the quarter-finals, but they definitely have a strong, young and balanced Kvitova alongside Karolina Pliskova (12), Lucie Safarova giggled their way through their press conference on team and it won’t be easy,” said Safarova. — AFP Michael Phelps confirms he’s aiming for 5th Olympics in Rio
MESA: Michael Phelps is aiming to com- anything was going to lead us back to I ever have been. I understand that’s going pete in a fifth Olympics next year in Rio, something that we’d be proud of.” to take a lot of time. This week will be the although the 18-time Olympic champion first week that I can start that.” won’t swim in the world championships Weird Phelps will be competing in Mesa for this summer. Phelps called Bowman a few times the first time since the Pan Pacific Phelps confirmed his intention to make from rehab, which the coach described as Championships last August. The Arizona one last run at the Olympics on “really weird” because he typically never meet was where Phelps made his come- Wednesday. “You guys heard it here first,” heard from Phelps away from the pool. back a year ago after an extended retire- he told reporters at Skyline Aquatic Bowman visited Phelps during treatment, ment following the 2012 Olympics. LAS VEGAS: Boxer Manny Pacquiao spars with his coach Center, where he will be competing in his still skeptical that the swimmer was there He isn’t sure what to expect, having Freddy Roach during a training session at the Wild Card first meet since serving a six-month sus- for any reason other than he had to be. only recently returned to the kind of hard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California on April 15. — AFP pension by USA Swimming after a second But Bowman left thinking differently. training he did before the 2008 Beijing drunken driving arrest last fall. “I am look- “I just had no doubt that he had Games, where he won a record eight gold ing forward to next year. I don’t think it’s changed in a way that was really meaning- medals. Phelps is falling back on the men- Pacquiao eager too hard to really realize why I came back.” ful,” Bowman said. tality he used for much of his career. But Phelps said he won’t be swimming “He was completely different and it’s “I would just get up and swim as hard at the world meet in Russia in August as been that way every day since he’s been as I could and leave it in the water,” he to trade blows part of the punishment set forth by the back.” Phelps pleaded guilty after his first said. “That’s what I’m going to do here. I sport’s US governing body. He had already drunken driving arrest in 2004. Five years know I’m more prepared now than I was at qualified in three events before being later, a photo was published of him using this time last year.” with Mayweather banned from the last major international a marijuana pipe at a party, which drew a His first event is the 100-meter butter- meet before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. three-month suspension and caused some fly on Thursday, when he’ll compete LOS ANGELES: Manny Pacquiao pronounced himself ready to “I really enjoy being on those trips,” he sponsors to drop him. against longtime rival Ryan Lochte. fight Floyd Mayweather, saying he’s willing to engage the said. “That’s why it is painful to think that I Phelps knows not everyone will believe Phelps is surrounding himself with unbeaten American in the middle of the ring if that’s what it won’t have the chance to compete at he’s contrite and has changed. “If some- familiar faces this week, including his takes to win. The eagerly-anticipated May 2 welterweight unifi- worlds.” There had been informal discus- body doesn’t believe the words that are fiancee Nicole Johnson and family mem- cation showdown in Las Vegas promises to be the most lucra- sions about Phelps being reinstated to the coming out of my mouth that’s their bers. “I’m a lot happier and in a lot better tive fight in boxing history. “I am very excited,” Pacquiao said US team for worlds, but it would have choice,” he said. “I, of course, would like to state and in a lot better physical shape Wednesday at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood. “My training meant removing swimmers that were show everybody in the world that I am in a than I really have been in a long time,” he and my conditioning is good. I can feel it. I am ready.” Pacquiao named to the team in his absence. different place and I am much better than said. — AP says that is why he is training harder and with more drive and “By no means do I want this to be a dis- determination than for any other fight in his career. “I know this traction from the team,” he said. “No way is one of the biggest fights ever in boxing,” he said. “I am not would I ever want to displace a member of saying it is the biggest, because that would be insulting to the that team.” Phelps is back in Arizona, other fights that have been done already. where he attended 45 days of inpatient “But it is one of the biggest.” Pacquiao defended his aggres- alcohol rehabilitation after being arrested sive style after Mayweather, 38, on Tuesday called the 36-year- on DUI charges in his hometown of old Filipino superstar a “reckless” fighter whose careless actions Baltimore last September. He offered no leads to knockouts. specifics about his treatment, which he Pacquiao said boxing fans appreciate a fighter who comes continued in Maryland. He also enrolled in to box and put on a good show. “Reckless fighter, that is how Alcoholics Anonymous. people like me and love me,” Pacquiao said. “Fans like an excit- “The last couple of months have proba- ing fight. Our sport is called boxing, people like a boxer.” bly been the hardest I’ve ever had to go Pacquiao was speaking in Hollywood at the final news con- through in my entire life,” he said. “I take ference he is giving before he heads to Las Vegas for the fight at full responsibility for all of my actions. I’ve the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. hurt a lot of people and it’s been terrible.” The boxer said he doesn’t need a blockbuster fight with The 29-year-old swimmer was sen- Mayweather to define his legacy, that winning titles in eight tenced to 18 months of probation. He said divisions has far exceeded his expectations. he’s done more growing up in recent “My entire career defines my legacy. Everything I have done months than he has in his entire life. in boxing,” he said. “I have had some great, great accomplish- “I have been able to come out on a bet- ments and achievements in my career. I won titles in eight dif- ter end, have a clear head,” he said. “I ferent weight divisions.” His hall-of-fame career has surpassed don’t think I’ve ever been like this once in anything he could have imagined when he got into sport after my life.” Phelps’ longtime coach, Bob someone told him he could earn 100 pesos (about $2) for a Bowman, acknowledged his star swim- MESA: Michael Phelps, left, speaks as coach Bob Bowman listens, after a practice fight. —AFP mer’s second arrest for drunken driving session, Wednesday, in Mesa, Ariz. The 18-time Olympic champion will compete in made it “pretty hard to convince me that the Area Pro Swim Series after serving a six-month suspension for DUI. — AP Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 Pelicans subdue Spurs to snatch playoff berth
NEW ORLEANS: Forward Anthony Davis scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 108-103 and booked the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. By winning eight of their final 11 games, the Pelicans raised their season record to 45-37 and earned a place in the post-sea- son for the first time since 2011. The Pelicans had the same record as Oklahoma City, but earned a playoff spot thanks to a 3-1 regular- season edge over the Thunder. The loss snapped San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak. A win would have given the Spurs the number two seed. Instead the reigning NBA champions will be seeded sixth.
Thunder 138, Timberwolves 113 Guard Russell Westbrook scored 37 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder posted an ultimately hollow 138-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder fin- ished the season with a 45-37 record, the only team with a winning record not in the play- offs.
Rockets 117, Jazz 91 James Harden posted his fourth triple-dou- ble this season as the Houston Rockets turned an explosive second quarter into a 117-91 win over the Utah Jazz and clinched the Southwest Division title. Harden finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Rockets clinched home-court advantage in LOS ANGELES: Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCallum, center, is hit while, trying to shoot, by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis, left, the first round of the playoffs, in which they and center Jordan Hill during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 122-99. — AP will face Texas rival Dallas Mavericks. added 18 points for the Raptors, whose previ- Celtics won their sixth successive game to With nothing left for either team to gain on Nets 101, Magic 88 ous high victory total was 48, accomplished head into the playoffs brimming with confi- the final day of the regular season, both sides The Brooklyn Nets used a second half twice before, including last season. dence. rested most of their regular starters. surge to beat the Orlando Magic 101-88 and make the playoffs for the third successive year Celtics 105, Bucks 100 Cavaliers 113, Wizards 108 (OT) Mavericks 114, Trail Blazers 98 since their move from New Jersey. Rookie Luigi Datome hit three three-pointers and Kevin Love scored 19 points in limited min- Tyson Chandler scored 22 and grabbed 15 guard Bojan Bogdanovic set a career high finished with 22 points as the Boston Celtics utes and guard Matthew Dellavedova had 18 rebounds to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a with 28 points and forward Joe Johnson beat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-100. Datome, points and matched his career high with 12 114-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in capped a crucial 14-2 run with two consecu- in the starting lineup for the first time this sea- assists for Cleveland as the Cavaliers beat the an otherwise glorified scrimmage between tive jump shots. The Magic led by as many as son, hit nine of 15 shots from the field as the Washington Wizards 113-108 in overtime. two teams that came in with their playoffs 12 points in the second half. The victory, com- seeds secure. bined with an Indiana loss, enabled the Nets to clinch the eighth spot in the Eastern NBA results/standings Heat 105, 76ers 101 Conference. Forward Michael Beasley scored a season- high 34 points and forward Henry Walker hit a Grizzlies 95, Pacers 83 Memphis 95, Indiana 83; Brooklyn 101, Orlando 88; Cleveland 113, Washington 108 (OT); go-ahead three-pointer with nine seconds left Center Marc Gasol posted a double-double New York 90, Detroit 112; Philadelphia 101, Miami 105; Golden State 133, Denver 126; LA for Miami as the Heat edged the Philadelphia with a career-high 33 points and 13 rebounds Lakers 99, Sacramento 122; Chicago 91, Atlanta 85; Dallas 114, Portland 98; Houston 117, 76ers 105-101. as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated Indiana 95- Utah 91; Milwaukee 100, Boston 105; Minnesota 113, Oklahoma City 138; New Orleans 108, 83 to prevent the Pacers from claiming a play- San Antonio 103; Toronto 92, Charlotte 87. Pistons 112, Knicks 90 off spot. The Grizzlies (55-27) also helped Eastern Conference Western Conference Detroit ended their season by stopping a themselves, moving up to the fifth seed in the Atlantic Division Northwest Division four-game road losing streak with a 112-90 Western Conference and a first-round W L PCT GB Portland 51 31 .622 - win over the New York Knicks. matchup with the fourth-seeded Portland Toronto 49 33 .598 - Oklahoma City 45 37 .549 6 Trail Blazers. Boston 40 42 .488 9 Warriors 133, Nuggets 126 Utah 38 44 .463 13 Despite sitting their starters the entire sec- Brooklyn 38 44 .463 11 Denver 30 52 .366 21 Bulls 91, Hawks 85 ond half of a close game, the Golden State Philadelphia 18 64 .220 31 Minnesota 16 66 .195 35 Guard Aaron Brooks scored 23 points off New York 17 65 .207 32 Warriors recorded a 67th win, edging the the bench, and the Chicago Bulls rallied for a Pacific Division Denver Nuggets 133-126. The Warriors, who Central Division Golden State 67 15 .817 - 91-85 win against the Atlanta Hawks. Guard Cleveland 53 29 .646 - finished with the best record in the league LA Clippers 56 26 .683 11 Jimmy Butler added 21 points for the Bulls, Chicago 50 32 .610 3 (67-15), will take an 18-game home winning Phoenix 39 43 .476 28 who erased an 18-point deficit in the second Milwaukee 41 41 .500 12 streak into the playoffs. half and secured the third seed in the Eastern Indiana 38 44 .463 15 Sacramento 29 53 .354 38 Conference playoffs. Detroit 32 50 .390 21 LA Lakers 21 61 .256 46 Kings 122, Lakers 99 Southeast Division Southwest Division The Sacramento Kings routed the Lakers Raptors 92, Hornets 87 Atlanta 60 22 .732 - Houston 56 26 .683 - 122-99 as Los Angeles completed the worst Guard Kyle Lowry scored 26 points and Washington 46 36 .561 14 Memphis 55 27 .671 1 season in franchise history. The Lakers wound dished out seven assists as the Toronto Miami 37 45 .451 23 San Antonio 55 27 .671 1 up 21-61 and set a team record for the lowest Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 92-87 Charlotte 33 49 .402 27 Dallas 50 32 .610 6 winning percentage in a season, .256. The to finish the regular season with a franchise- Orlando 25 57 .305 35 New Orleans 45 37 .549 11 1957-58 Minneapolis Lakers compiled a .264 record 49 wins. Center Jonas Valanciunas mark by going 19-53.— Reuters Sports FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Buoyant United looks to stop Chelsea’s march to title
MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s resurgence in the Manchester City - so is playing well enough to MAN CITY’S BLUES Premier League will be given the ultimate test when the cause an upset this weekend, when two of football’s Man City was level on points with Chelsea on Jan. 1 team heads to Stamford Bridge tomorrow bidding to halt great tacticians go head to head. Jose Mourinho was and perfectly placed for a shot at defending its title. Chelsea’s march to the title. given his break in management by United manager Three and a half months later, the champions are stut- The league trophy is looming into view for Chelsea, Louis van Gaal when he worked as an assistant to the tering in fourth place with four losses in its last six which is seven points clear with a game in hand and Dutchman at Barcelona from 1997-2000. league games and doubts growing over whether they needs 12 points from its last seven games. That seemingly If United becomes the first team to beat Chelsea in can even stay in the Champions League places. is a formality given Chelsea is unbeaten since Jan. 1 and the league at Stamford Bridge this season, it would City is four points above fifth-place Liverpool head- has developed a knack of winning games without playing move Van Gaal’s team above Arsenal and into second ing into a home match against West Ham on Sunday. at its best. place. Arsenal is playing in the FA Cup semifinals Another loss - against a side with just one win since Chelsea’s next two games are against United and against second-tier club Reading in a game at mid-January - could have dire consequences for City Arsenal, the nearest challengers to the leaders and the Wembley Stadium that runs concurrently to Chelsea- manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose position is under two in-form teams in the country. For those looking for a Man United. even greater scrutiny following Juergen Klopp’s late twist to the title race, it’s now or never. The other semifinal match sees Liverpool take on announcement on Wednesday that he will be ending United has won its last six games - including victories Aston Villa, also at Wembley on Sunday. Here are some his seven-year spell with Borussia Dortmund at the end against Tottenham, Liverpool and more things to know about this weekend’s games: of the season. —AP
Arsenal won’t be caught napping by Reading: Wenger LONDON COLNEY: Holders Arsenal are unlikely to start slowly against Championship side Reading in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday hav- ing learned the lessons from a year ago at the same stage against Wigan Athletic. Like Reading, Wigan were also in the second tier having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2012-13 when they won the FA Cup. Arsenal were huge favourites but Wigan led 1-0 until defender Per Mertesacker equalised with time running out and Arsenal won on penalties. Arsene Wenger’s side went on to win the FA Cup against Hull City a few weeks later, ending a nine- year trophy drought, and now return to Wembley seeking to beat Reading and stay on course to win the FA Cup for what would be a record-setting 12th time. Wenger, who has won the Cup five times since he became Arsenal manager in 1996, emphasised he was taking nothing for granted against Reading who are struggling at the wrong end of the Championship table. They are without a win in five league games, PARIS: Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) celebrates with Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar have lost all 12 matches they have played against da Silva Santos Junior after scoring during the UEFA Champions league quarter-final first leg football match Arsenal and have not reached this stage of the com- PSG vs FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris yesterday. —AFP petition since 1927. “I think I’m playing my 10th semi-final on Saturday so that means we know how to prepare,” Wenger told reporters at his pre-match briefing at Suarez on hot streak for Arsenal’s training ground. “We know as well that it is always tricky. We have learnt from Wigan last year when we went to penal- treble-chasing Barcelona ties. The urgency level will be quite high in our team. MADRID: Luis Suarez was still in dis- Germain on Wednesday showcased his at the Nou Camp when a Gregory van “I believe, having just spoken about the team, grace after the World Cup biting incident sublime skills and strength on the ball der Wiel shot ricocheted into the net off where we have also improved is that we are starting when Barcelona paid 81 million euros to and the 28-year-old took his tally in the Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu eight matches stronger. buy him from Liverpool last July and a competition to six goals in six games this minutes from time. “We have learned from last season. We were a bit slow start in Spain prompted many to term. However, they face close to an impos- apprehensive in the semi-final and the final and question the wisdom of the deal. Suarez twice made PSG centre back sible mission to make the last four as maybe that experience can help us tomorrow.” Nine months on and Suarez has David Luiz look ridiculous by slipping the based on historic results in first legs of Although Arsenal are the overwhelming favourites, silenced the doubters with a run of scor- ball between the Brazil international’s two-legged European ties Barca’s chance Wenger noted Reading’s strengths. ing in crucial games that has helped legs in the run-up to each goal as Barca of advancing to the semi-finals is 98.5 “They have a good offensive potential, with keep the Catalan giants firmly on course virtually guaranteed themselves a place percent. for a repeat of their 2009 treble of in the last four. “We have seen all sorts of scenarios in (Pavel) Pogrebnyak, (Jamie) Mackie, (Hal) Robson- Champions League and Spanish league “Forwards are always hunting for football so we will not make the mistake Kanu, (Garath) McCleary, they are all dangerous and Cup titles. goals,” Suarez told reporters. “The ‘nut- of thinking it’s over and qualification is a players. They have a very efficient style, who go a The Uruguay forward scored both meg’ on David Luiz was the last option given,” Barca coach Luis Enrique said. lot for crosses and can be a danger going forward,” goals in Barca’s 2-1 win at Manchester open to me for the third goal and thank- “We’ll have the same goal as we do in he said. City in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club fully it went in and helped give the team every match: to win.” “Their manager Steve Clarke has a lot of experi- competition in February and netted a more security,” he added. Barca, who are top of La Liga and ence too so he knows exactly what to do. He has superb winner in the La Liga ‘Clasico’ Suarez’s two goals both came in the through to next month’s King’s Cup final spent a long time at the top and he knows exactly against Real Madrid last month. second half after Neymar’s 18th-minute to play Athletic Bilbao, are next in action what will happen. “I’m sure he will prepare his team His brilliant double in the Champions opener. PSG gave themselves a glimmer on Saturday when they host Valencia in League quarter-final first leg at Paris St of hope before next week’s return game Spain’s top flight. —Reuters FRIDAY, APRIL 17 , 2015 Wednesday. —AP basketball game inNewOrleans, Davis (23)inthefirsthalfofan NBA Orleans PelicansforwardAnthony goes tothebasketagainstNew Antonio SpurscenterBorisDiaw (33) Basketball AnthonyDavis,Boris Diaw NEW ORLEANS: Spurs Pelicans www.kuwaittimes.net PAGE 46