Beit Al-Othman Beards and niqab Neymar rescues Museum - Keeping become liability Barca as injured the past alive4 in troubled18 Egypt Messi47 limps off

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www.kuwaittimes.net NO: 15906- Friday, August 23, 2013 MubarakMubarak ‘released’‘released’

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CAIRO: Egyptian medics and military policemen escort former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak into an ambu- lance after he was flown by a helicopter ambulance to the Maadi Military Hospital from Torah prison yesterday. (Inset) Mubarak’s supporter kisses his poster out- side the Tora prison. — Agencies Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Zookeeper Goner is feeding giraffe at Kuwait Zoo A day in the life of a zookeeper Challenging, yet rewarding By Nawara Fattahova wrong. For instance, they tend to look tired or move sluggishly. Usually watery eyes, lack of KUWAIT: Taking care of animals is a passion appetite, weight and hair loss are sure signs for some people, while it’s a job for others. of illness. We take them to the veterinarian This profession requires employees to have a who has the final say in medicines and form lot of patience and genuine love for animals of treatment, he said. to do a good job. Sometimes this job brings injuries. “We Goner, is one of the zookeepers working at have been hurt by animals many times, espe- the Kuwait Zoo since 1992. At the zoo, each cially by gazelles which can be very aggres- zookeeper is responsible for a certain kind of sive sometimes. When we try to catch them animal. “I’m responsible for the herbivores, for treatment, they attack us instead of trying including giraffes, hippos, gazelles, and other to run away. Over time, we have learnt to deal animals. My work starts early in the morning with them,” said Goner. and observing animals is the most important However, this isn’t a problem. The greater part of our job,” he told the Kuwait Times. challenge which the zoo-keepers face is a Cleaning is done on a daily basis at the horde of uncivilized visitors. “Many visitors zoo. “We clean the grass, the water contain- throw sweets or food covered in plastic bags ers, and feeding boxes. The most important to the animals and the poor animals consume place to keep clean is the food area. This hot it. The plastic will obviously not be digested weather attracts a lot of germs and bacteria. and will cause more problems, including sud- We do this work every day so that the animals den death sometimes. When there are more are always kept in a clean environment. We visitors, we keep a close watch on the cages. Goner and his colleagues nursing a wounded animal feed them the required quantity of food after We have signs everywhere in the zoo warning that,” said Goner. visitors against feeding the animals or beat- Strict observation includes the animals ing them, but they break all the rules and and their babies. “When a mother has a new some even light cigarettes and give it to the “Many visitors throw sweets or food covered baby, we have to take care of the baby and monkeys. Some horrible boys use their slings move it to a different enclosure, especially if to kill birds, and we discovered this only after in plastic bags to the animals and the poor it’s not well. Different animals have different we saw some birds with bleeding heads. In temperaments and we’re trained to deal with fact, many visitors are aggressive and don’t animals consume it. The plastic will obvi- them in special ways. Some animals are even respect the guards,” Goner admitted. aggressive and may hurt themselves with The zookeepers are sometimes injured by ously not be digested and will cause more pins, so we have to place them in special the animals. “Many times my colleagues and I enclosures. Some animals like giraffes, hippos, were beaten up by monkeys or hit by gazelles problems, including sudden death some- and lions need to be tranquilized before we when we tried to move from them from one can treat them for any kind of illness,” he enclosure to another. A lot of people breed explained. them on farms and when they realize they times. When there are more visitors, we Observation is a continuous daily process. can’t take care of them anymore, they give “The animal can’t tell us when it’s sick but we the zoo a call and tell us to take them away,” keep a close watch on the cages.” always get to know when something is he said. Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Local Spotlight Stop this senseless killing of strays

By Muna Al-Fuzai

KUWAIT: Fish feeding is a ritual that attracts tourists around the world. This is the Kuwait version of the sight- seeing activity. —-Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat [email protected]

don’t have a dog, not that I don’t like dogs but I can’t afford the responsibility of taking care of a living soul. To me, an animal Idoesn’t require lesser than a human in terms of safety and securi- ty. It’s a basic need for all creatures on earth after all. This is why I believe this article should be a wake-up call for all of us to stand up against this wild killing campaign in Kuwait where the goal is to shoot all stray dogs at once. The team was formed after a 4-year-old Kuwaiti girl called Aisha was attacked by six stray dogs in Kheiran, a weekend resort destina- tion in Kuwait. Yes, I agree we need to get rid of the dangerous stray dogs but in the most humane and sensible way possible and not in this brutal and random manner - under the guise of protecting the community from possible threat of attack. One of the solutions I think is to catch these dogs and place them in a shelter or put them up for adoption. I understand the wild and dangerous ones should be administered lethal injections to end their lives peacefully but it’s not fair to generalize that all strays are dangerous. Some of them might just be hungry and scared too. I know some may argue that they deserve to be killed for attack- ing a small child. But if this is the argument, then we will have to kill all animals on earth, including lions and birds and since there’s a possibility of them attacking humans at any given time. I hear that the shooters will be starting a fresh round of attacks next month. I know some will say that many people get killed every day and there’s meaningless bloodshed, so why are we making a fuss about animals? These are the same narrow-minded people who believe that killing animals is a noble cause. They are wrong because according to them, animals are a waste in this universe but nothing on this planet is without a reason. Allah the Almighty has gifted wis- dom to all creatures: men, animals and even small insects. If we truly understand and believe this, we’ll know that all have a right to live. What do I want? I want people to stop thinking animals are not more important than man. I really do and just for the record, this applies even to cats being killed on the roads by speeding cars. I think the more we discuss this in the media, the more attention it will get. I also hope the shooting club won’t support this campaign. Just simply stop the killing.

KUWAIT: A man is trying to seek refuge from the hot sunrays under a newspaper. — Photo by Joseph Shagra Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Beit Al-Othman Museum Keeping the past alive

By Ben Garcia and its artifacts. “Abdullah Al-Othman was an important part of history and his work house originally built in the 1940s by and contribution to the country’s national Abdullah Al-Othman has been turned heritage is really worth-remembering and Ainto a national museum. Al-Othman praising,” said Al-Qattan. He said Abdullah Museum houses historical artifacts, art and Othman was one of Kuwait’s many famous documents which were collected by people philanthropists way back in his era, when he who wanted to see their rich cultural her- amassed wealth after entering the trade and itage under one roof where it is protected contracting business. “He used to distribute and treasured. money to the poor people who flocked to his The museum serves as a reminder of the house or in places he visited at that time. past events which instills a great sense of Truly, he was a remarkable man worth nationalism, patriotism and responsibility remembering,” he said. “This person was a among the younger generations. real philanthropist and he used to give his The museum that opened to the public Surrounded by an elevated wall, in a total ‘zakat’ annually. He loved to give and that is area of 9,454 square meters, Abdullah why he was known as the ‘Great two years ago serves as a reminder of Othman Museum houses numerous rooms Philanthropist’ and was later called ‘Al- dedicated to the history and culture of Othman Zakat’. He died in 1965 and even the past instilling a great sense of Kuwait from the pre-oil era to present time. then, he allocated a third of his wealth to Housh (courtyard), diwaniyas, muqallatt, charity,” Al-Qattan mentioned. “The place is nationalism, patriotism kitchen, living room, master’s bedroom and exactly what we want in the museum. We and responsibility among visitors’ room can all be seen. There are want the traditional touch, so we did not rooms dedicated to ministries such as remodel it but just re-touched the original the younger generations. Ministry of Information, Interior and the place. The place is huge; there are rooms Culture and Arts, along with the Kuwaiti dedicated to the family members, to visitors, House Museum, Heritage Hall, Drama and that is why you can see separate Museum, Kuwaiti Souq, Journey of Life diwaniyas for men and women. So here, we Museum. They are all housed in the well- decorated it according to the tradition,” he organized Othman Museum, located just added. The museum became a reality when along the intersection of Abdullah Al- a group ‘Kuwait Heritage Team’ came Othman Street and Ibn Khaldoun Street at together, under Sheikha Amthal Al-Sabah, Nugrat Al-Othman in Hawally. and renovated the old house to preserve its value and identity. Witnessing the past One of the features inside the museum The building witnessed various political was a maritime room, a place dedicated to and cultural changes in the history of Kuwait. the maritime industry and probably the most Hussein Al-Qattan, a researcher in the Kuwait important and significant section in the Heritage Team, a non-governmental organi- museum. “This place is a very important part zation running the museum, was very help- of the museum because this where many of ful and explained the story of the museum us were able to live and survive at that time Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

before the discovery of oil. So it is a very important reminder to our own people. What you see here are important tools and utensils used on the boats during that time. People of today should know that we used all these tools during those days to survive,” he said. The Ministry of Information was featured in the ‘drama room’. The drama room has various artistic costumes used by actors/actresses during those days in their various drama productions. The costumes used by actors/actresses were displayed together with video and actual footage of the artistes. This is a room dedicated to all rulers of Kuwait starting from Sheikh Mubarak (The Great) to the present Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Annals of history Another room was also dedicated to his- toric and mostly original manuscripts/docu- ments/transcriptions from various ministries. An important place that you can see inside the museum is a press room, dedicated to the press of their first publication. “All the first issues of Arabic newspapers in Kuwait are displayed here. We haven’t got the copy of Kuwait Times (first issue) as yet, but if we get it, we are going to display that here as well,” Al-Qattan said. There are corners dedi- cated to ceramics, old baqalas and life inside a tent. In the housh (courtyard), various tents and life-sized stuffed (domestic and wild) animals are also displayed. The museum opened to the public two years ago and offers a daytime getaway cul- ture tour during summer. Beit Al-Othman Museum houses numerous rooms dedicated to the history and culture of Kuwait from the pre-oil era to present time.— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Local7 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

All the world is a stage Art lovers find expat life fertile for their creativity

By Sunil Cherian took the initiative to start Future Eye Bobby Avagama and Somu Mathew - Theatre, Kuwait, an organization that went on with their usual lives in D Poulose, an Indian carpenter conducts stage performances and dis- Kuwait while their feature films were and a theatre artiste in Kuwait cussions on theater. shot back home. Both films won the Pfor the past 12 years, had a Babu Chakkola, a businessman state and national awards in their crush on theater when he was young. based in Mangaf has a glittering story respective years. Bobby’s film, ‘I’m Not But he could not materialize his the- of making Kuwait his cultural home. Alone’, was about a depressed Hindu atrical dreams ‘because of life’s The businessman-actor spent KD woman who was rescued and shel- greater roles’. As a son he had to take 8,000 last year to stage an epic drama tered by a Muslim woman against all care of his, now deceased, parents; as in Kuwait. He brought the famous art odds. Somu’s film, ‘Train on the 10th a husband he had to earn for his wife; director Sujathan to Kuwait to create Floor’, unearthed a psychologically and as the father of two children, his the sets and stage properties. “I do a ‘unhealthy’ man and society’s treat- responsibilities only multiplied. All is stage performance every year with ment towards the elderly. well, thanks to Kuwait; Poulose has my group KALPAK (Kerala Arts and Both Bobby and Somu agree called an end to his expat life. He is Literature Promoting Association of Kuwait has helped with funds, time leaving Kuwait with the experience of Kuwait)”, said Chakkola who has a and energy needed for full-length fea- being an actor in two short films and record of telecasting one of his stage ture films they have produced. many stage plays. His swan song, a dramas on TV. “If I weren’t in Kuwait I Bobby’s film was said to have a solo drama, will be performed next would have become an actor perhaps ‘Kuwait touch’ when Philipose Mar Friday at Pravasi Auditorium, Jleeb. without a proper family life. In Kuwait, Chrysostom, Mar Thoma Metropolitan “If I wasn’t in Kuwait, my life may my business, creative work and family Bishop watched the movie on coming not have turned this way”, said life perfectly blend”. to Kuwait. “The bishop was immedi- Poulose in-between rehearsals for his Chakkola also has the credit of pre- ately drawn to the movie because of last performance in Kuwait. “If I were senting King Mahabali, the legendary its communal harmony message and back home I wouldn’t have had the figure who is said to be visiting made it a part of his peace mission”, confidence I gained in Kuwait. I come Keralites during the Onam festival, as said Bobby who later received the from a place where the Kerala state a family man. Enacting the Asura king Best National Integration Film Award, School of Drama is located and I have two years ago, Chakkola also brought 2012, from the Indian president. a lot of friends who studied there. I to the stage his wife and children, all could have become like them but my clad in royal attire. Chakkola’s new family responsibilities swung over my venture is a tele-drama on P D Poulose in head like the sword of Damocles. You Perumthachan (The Great Carpenter), his solo drama know you need to fulfill the basic where the entire stage play will be ‘What the Cloud needs. Once that’s done, you’ll have recorded and telecast on TV channels. said to the Sand’ time for creativity”, said Poulose who Kuwait-based film producers - Local8 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Kuwait’s My Business Leaders who encourage teamwork enjoy more success

Every time I give my students a teamwork assignment, Governments rely on people who are capable of leading By John P Hayes at the end of it I say: “I’ll never do that again!” Teamwork teams. Families and organizations - and the whole of soci- assignments often create arguments and confusion ety - depend on people who understand how to work among students, most of whom do not know how to work with teams. In a word, these are leaders! on a team, which, of course, is the reason for the assign- Critiques lead to improvements ment. Many students also are not academically capable of Some people are born leaders, but most are not. [email protected] contributing to a team, or they simply don’t want to, and Leadership is a skill that can be learned. But how do you that creates ill will. Instead of gelling and working together learn if your peers are afraid to critique your performance? eaders depend on their teams to succeed. This is my to reach a common goal (which would include an A grade), If you won’t tell me how I can improve, or what I can do fourth column in a series about leadership, and this student teams too often deteriorate with the students next time to meet the team’s expectations, how can I pos- Lweek I’m focusing on the importance of teamwork. In pointing fingers at each other. “You didn’t do your part,” sibly learn? A student critiquing the performance of a country that values family and tribes, the challenge in one will accuse another, while someone else will claim, another student seems to be unacceptable in Kuwait. It’s Kuwait isn’t finding or attracting a team, but rather it is the “You didn’t give me a chance to contribute.” at least uncomfortable. However, it’s necessary to help ability of the leader to nurture the team, and the ability of How does an instructor make sense of that? Who gets people grow... it’s necessary to help people develop lead- individual team members to meet the team’s expectations. an A and who gets something less? This is when I tell ership skills. Improving teamwork skills myself that teamwork projects are messy in Kuwait, and I Leaders must learn how to evaluate the performance Local employers tell us that Kuwait’s college graduates want to avoid them (even though I can’t because we have of peers. This evaluation process helps leaders know who need to improve their ability to work with teams. Among an obligation to teach students how to work on teams). to select for their teams. However, the process also helps multinational companies, teamwork is a high priority. If Who did the work? peers improve, and the betterment of people is another you can’t lead or work with a team, you’re not a good can- Many of my students would applaud the decision to mark of a leader. Nurturing team members, critiquing didate for employment or promotion. But then, if you can’t cancel teamwork projects. These are always the more them effectively (usually privately), and ultimately lead or work with a team, you’re not a good candidate for capable students; they want to be evaluated for all of their depending on them is necessary for leaders to succeed. leadership, either. Even if you are independently employed work, not just a part of it. “Sir, I did most of the team’s Leaders: Today, encourage someone to improve their per- and work alone, you soon discover that it’s not possible to work, and it’s not right that everyone gets an A because formance for their own good, and the good of the team. achieve your goals (and leaders must have goals) without a most of them did nothing.” But if I ask the student to take You’ll enjoy more success if you do. team of other people. Leaders want to get things done, names, that’s where our discussion ends, unfortunately. I usually big things for the good of the company or the have no way of knowing who did what on a team project country, and getting things done depends on teamwork. unless the team members tell me. But most won’t do that. Dr. John P Hayes heads the Business Administration depart- Can you think of any valued project completed in Kuwait It’s not taking names that’s important to this assignment; ment at GUST and he taught leadership skills to 60 youth at that was accomplished by one person instead of a team? rather it’s the evaluation of performance. Employers want the Kuwait Leadership Mastery. Contact Dr. Hayes at ques- What we can’t overlook is that a leader nurtured that team. to hire young people who can perform in teams. [email protected], or via Twitter @drjohnhayes. News in brief

Speaker Al-Ghanem slams Syrian genocide KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem con- demned the regretful ugly genocide which took place in East Ghota town, claiming 1,360 lives. The speaker, in a statement yes- terday, denounced this ugly crime in strong terms which targeted innocent children and women and called on the United Nations to intervene and stop this massacre. He also proposed international investigations into the uninhibited use of chemical substance in KUWAIT: The fatal car crash on the Seventh Ring Road in KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti lady in her twenties was rescued from the the ongoing conflict in Syria. Speaker Al-Ghanem urged the inter- which a Kuwaiti was killed. Rescue officials from Mubarak Al- wreckage of a car yesterday following a car collision near national community to intervene in Syria, halt the bloodshed and Kabeer rushed to the scene to assess the damage. Shedadiya University project site. compel the regime to allow medical relief teams to help those in need. “This is the least that must be offered to our brotherly Syrian people who have been suffering this tragedy on a daily basis,” he Citizen arrested with narcotics said. Kuwait parliament determines Man killed in car crash priorities’ next session KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti parliament identified its foreign diplomacy By Hanan Al-Saadoun Citizen dies in accident with another near Shedadiya University priorities on Wednesday, ahead of their referral to the National A citizen was killed in a car crash on project site. Firemen had to pry the door Assembly speaker. The priorities include the GCC security pact, and KUWAIT: A citizen was recently arrested the Seventh Ring Road and rescue offi- open before admitting her to a local another agreement between Kuwait and Jordan, Saleh Ashour, with 20 grams of heroin, 200 psy- cials from Mubarak Al-Kabeer rushed to hospital. Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Chief told reporters after chotropic pills and a kilo of ICE by secu- the scene to assess the damage. the meeting. Others include discussing amendments to a rity sources. Case papers indicate that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kuwait and the narcotics officials acted on a tip-off Mentally unstable man rescued International Monetary Fund (IMF), on establishing headquarters about the suspect and on raiding his A citizen who was enjoying a quiet for the organization in Kuwait. The committee had previously house with a search warrant, they found day fishing reported seeing a man refused the MoU draft in accordance with a constitutional court rul- him hiding in the basement with the drowning and tried to rescue him. ing that annulled the December 2012 parliament, Ashour said. stash. A case was filed. Security sources said that Salmiya offi- Kuwaitis warned against concealing number plates cials rushed to save the man who was ATM robbed ABU DHABI: The Kuwaiti Embassy in the United Arab Emirates A security guard at a gas station in alive though completely naked. The warned Kuwaiti citizens traveling to the country by road against Ardhiya reported that six unidentified sources added that the man was sus- hiding their vehicles’ registration number plate to avoid unneces- robbers made off with the ATM at the pected to be mentally unstable. He was sary legal hassles by the UAE authorities. In a statement, the station. According to the guard, the rob- clothed and fed before the police embassy said that according to UAE laws, anybody who covers the bers raided the station, tied him up and informed his folks. number plate with special ‘Paint Protection Film’ will be subjected threw him in the toilet, and tied the to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of AED 20,000 AED. The ATM to a truck before pulling it away. Accident embassy advised all visiting Kuwaitis to abide by UAE’s traffic laws They fled the scene immediately. A case A citizen in her twenties was left and regulations and said that many motorists faced the conse- has been filed and investigations are trapped inside her vehicle and sustained quences for hiding their number plates over the past few days. underway. several injuries when her car collided Officials inspect the wreckage Local9 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Al-Ghunaim delivers Amir’s message to League chief

CAIRO: Kuwait’s ambassador to the Arab League response to a question about what will be hoped Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim delivered yester- of this summit, Al-Ghunaim said that the African day a message from His Highness the Amir countries highly appreciate the role played by Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Kuwait and HH the Amir in the political, econom- Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, ic, development, investment and cultural arenas Dr Nabil El-Araby. in Africa. He added that this summit will be a Al-Ghunaim said in a statement that the mes- qualitative leap in the path of Arab-African coop- sage contains an official invitation from His eration after the Cairo and Sirte summits. Highness the Amir to the Secretary-General to He stressed Kuwait’s keenness on the success attend the 3rd Arab-African summit, to be held in of this summit and build bridges of Arab-African Kuwait next November 19-20. He added that he relations, saying that this summit will create discussed with the Secretary-General a number strong bridges of economic, trade and invest- of issues and arrangements for the convening of ment ties between the Arab and African sides. Al- the summit by the State of Kuwait to make it a Ghunaim pointed out that an Arab-Afro success. He stressed that the preparations are Economic Forum would be held on the sidelines going as planned in terms of arrangements and of the summit to discuss the prominent appointments whether by the Arab League, the prospects of cooperation between Arab and African Union or Kuwait, the host State. In African sides. —KUNA

Shrimp fishing season starts KUWAIT: Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah receives French Ambassador to Kuwait Nada Yafi yesterday. —KUNA KUWAIT: Shrimp fishing sea- son will kick-off in Kuwaiti local waters tomorrow, Public Defense minister Authority for Agricultureal Affairs and Fish Resources announced yesterday. It called receives diplomats on the fishermen to abide by the local fishing laws and regu- KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense accompanied by her country’s new appointed lations, in order to protect fish Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah yes- military attache at the French embassy here. resources, and avoid being sub- terday received Ambassador Sheikh Ali Al- The French envoy discussed, at the meeting, jected to penalties. The authori- Jaber Al-Sabah and congratulated him on his issues of common interest. Sheikh Khalid Al- new post as Kuwaiti ambassador to Italy. Jarrah, on the other hand, expressed his deep ty banned shrimp fishing in Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah also received appreciation to the solid ties between Kuwait KUWAIT: This file photo shows containers filled with shrimps Kuwaiti local waters, starting French envoy to Kuwait Nada Yafi who was and France. —KUNA at Kuwait fish market. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat mid-June 2013. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Opposition protesters stage a sit-in at the Determination Square Wednesday night. (Right) A child displays a flag during the sit-in. Kuwait protestors call Recording of Friday sermons restored for negotiating with Sisi KUWAIT: The Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Shareeda Abdullah Al-Muosherji is to bring back the record- ing of Friday sermons in all mosques in order to achieve public unity, Hayef urges GCC clerics, politicians to join improve performance of preaching and protect the Imams’ rights. This move came in response to a memorandum that unani- KUWAIT: A number of opposition leaders protested at the initiatives”, he said, urging Muslim leaders to accept responsibil- mously recommended re-adopting of the Friday sermons recording, Iradha Square on Wednesday night and launched an initiative ity. He also said that the incidents in Egypt have been manipu- Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs of to negotiate with the Egyptian Defense Minister, Abdul Fattah lated by the media. “But those attempts do not beguile people the ministry, Fareed Asad Emadi said in a statement yesterday. This Al-Sisi, to stop what they called “blood-shedding” in Egypt. with intellect. I myself heard Egyptian scholars talk about injus- decision would help evaluating the sermons and the Imams’ per- Speaking at the protest which was attended by 200 citizens, tice,” he said, warning Muslim leaders that Muslims will not formance in future stages. The purpose of recording the sermons is former MP Mohammed Hayef said that GCC clerics, scholars and “bury their heads in the sand”. “It was the people who support- to create an environment of competition where the best sermon will political icons were ready to negotiate with Al-Sisi to find a solu- ed the Syrians and we will never stay silent. We will reveal the be featured in a publication that will also features the competence tion to resolve the current crisis in Egypt. “It is now time for GCC oppressors and those who assisted them”, he warned. of each Imam, the minister added. He said “recording Friday ser- people to take the initiative as the leaders aren’t doing any- Osama Al-Shaheen said that the protest was organized to mons protects the rights of the Imam, especially if complaints were thing,” he said urging Al-Sisi to “be reasonable” and “listen to show support to the Syrian and Egyptian people. He also to be made against him.” It also ensures that mosques will not vio- advice and take initiatives”. accused GCC governments of plotting against the people from late any regulations. —KUNA “We heard you have been rejecting Egyptian and European both these countries. —Al-Watan FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Mugabe, 89, ‘I was framed,’ US admits sworn in for Bo Xilai mounts spying on 5 more12 years feisty14 defense Americans17

CAIRO: An Egyptian soldier stands guard as a helicopter carrying former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, 85, lands at Maadi Military Hospital from Torah Prison yesterday. (Inset) Mubarak’s supporter raises up his portrait outside the Tora prison. — AFP Mubarak leaves prison for house arrest Army-backed government, Brotherhood in standoff CAIRO: Egypt’s former autocrat Hosni Mubarak and other sources said earlier that his first desti- leaving Tora, where her brother is an inmate. To foot and in cars came and went from the white- was flown from jail yesterday in a symbolic victo- nation would be an upscale hospital northeast of outsiders who watch Egypt, the symbolism was and green-painted medical complex which ry for an army-dominated old order that has Cairo. The prime minister’s office has said powerful. “This is the end. Mubarak will never be resembles a beach hotel, with palm trees and overthrown and imprisoned his freely elected Mubarak will be placed under house arrest. That an important political player, but symbolically, landscaped gardens. At the prison he left behind, Islamist successor. A blue-and-white helicopter decision was made under a month-long state of it’s a victory dance by the reconstituted old state Mohamed Hussein, a 36-year-old jobless man took Mubarak from Cairo’s Tora prison, where emergency declared last week when police under the leadership of the Supreme Council of waiting outside to visit a jailed relative, said: “We scores of his supporters had gathered to hail his stormed protest camps set up in Cairo by the Armed Forces,” said Joshua Stacher, an Egypt love Mubarak.” His sister Fatheya chimed in: “Isn’t release. He was flown to a military hospital in the deposed leader Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood to expert at Kent State University in the United it enough that for 30 years he did not drag us nearby southern suburb of Maadi, officials said. call for his reinstatement. States. Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison into a war, and let us live in dignity?” “He protected the country,” said Lobna According to official sources, about 900 peo- last year for failing to prevent the killing of A brief commotion occurred when the Mohamed, a housewife in the crowd of Mubarak ple, including some 100 soldiers and police, have demonstrators. But a court accepted his appeal daughter of a jailed Brotherhood leader, Khairat well-wishers. “He is a good man, but we want been killed in violence across Egypt since then, earlier this year and ordered a retrial in the case, Al-Shater, berated journalists awaiting Mubarak’s (Abdel Fattah) Sisi now,” she said, referring to the making it the bloodiest bout of internal strife in for which he has already served the maximum release. “Why are you waiting for Mubarak?” army commander who overthrew Islamist the country’s modern history as a republic. The amount of pretrial detention. Mubarak was Khadija Al-Shater asked. “We Islamists are in jail Mohamed Morsi on July 3. For Mubarak’s ene- Brotherhood says the toll is even higher. Most of arrested in April, 2011. This week, two court rul- in there.” As several Egyptian journalists shouted mies, the moment marked a reversal of the Jan. the victims were gunned down by security ings in separate corruption cases removed the at her to answer for the deaths of police officers 2011 pro-democracy uprising that brought him forces. In the latest violence, gunmen in a car last legal grounds for his continued detention, in the unrest, she said she had been denied down after three decades in power as one of the killed an army major and a soldier near the Suez although he will not be allowed to leave Egypt access to her imprisoned father. Asked if he had pillars of authoritarian rule in the Middle East. Canal city of Ismailia, security sources said. Two and his assets remain frozen. seen a lawyer, she told Reuters: “His lawyer is in But some Egyptians, many of whom have ral- soldiers were wounded. The assailants escaped. At the Maadi hospital where he was taken, jail.” Mubarak’s release plays into the lied behind the army’s decision to depose Morsi, Mubarak’s release dismayed some Egyptians. there were few signs of extra security for Brotherhood’s argument that the military is try- expressed fondness for the 85-year-old former “He should stay in prison. The country is facing Mubarak apart from three police cars parked ing to rehabilitate the old order. The army- air force commander whose tight grip on power obstacles so people are turning back to around the corner. Soldiers guarded the main installed government casts its conflict with the brought stability. Judicial authorities had Mubarak. They don’t know what they are doing,” gate, across a tree-lined boulevard from a Nile Islamist movement as a life-or-death struggle ordered Mubarak’s release from Tora. His lawyer said Hoda Saleh, a fully veiled woman who was restaurant and boat club. Patients and visitors on against terrorism. — Reuters International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Syria crosses ‘red line’ Assad’s troops bombard Damascus suburbs

GHOUTA: A handout image shows bodies of children wrapped in shrouds. Syrian rebels claim they were killed in a toxic gas attack by pro-government forces in eastern Ghouta. — AFP

BERLIN: Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Assad. The Syrian opposition said President forces have moved closer to loyalist lines, partly the floor of a clinic with no visible signs of injury. Davutoglu said yesterday a “red line was Bashar Al-Assad’s forces fired rockets that to be in safer positions in case of another chemi- Some showed people with foam around their crossed” in Syria and called for international released deadly fumes over rebel-held eastern cal attack. Syrian Information Minister Omran mouths. The United States and others said it had action following reports of a massacre involving Damascus suburbs, which are part of what is Zoabi said the allegations were “illogical and no independent confirmation that chemical chemical weapons. “We call on the international known as the Ghouta. The area is an expanse of fabricated.” Assad’s officials have said they weapons had been used. The UN chief, Ban, said community in this situation where the red line old farmland dotted with large built up areas would never use poison gas against Syrians. The the head of the inspection team in Damascus was crossed long ago to intervene as soon as inhabited mostly by members of Syria’s Sunni United States and European allies believe was already discussing the latest claims with the possible,” he said in Berlin after talks with his Muslim majority that have been at the forefront Assad’s forces have used small amounts of sarin government. German counterpart Guido Westerwelle. of the uprising against Assad’s Alawite rule. before, hence the current UN visit. Davutoglu said the United Nations Security Assad’s Shiite backer Iran said the Syrian gov- ‘SLEEPING DEAD’ Council had been too hesitant in the face of the ernment could not have been behind the possi- LIMITED RESPONSE Opposition activists cited death tolls ranging bloodletting in Syria. “If we don’t manage to ble chemical weapon attack as Assad had the Immediate international action is likely to be from about 500 to - by one account - some 1,300 pass sanctions, we will lose the power to create upper hand in the fighting. A report by the limited, with the divisions among major powers after shells and rockets fell around 3 am on a deterrent,” he said, speaking through an inter- opposition al-Sham Research Centre said the that have crippled efforts to quell 2-1/2 years of Wednesday. In 1988, 3,000 to 5,000 Iraqi Kurds preter. “If we don’t act decisively, even worse use of chemical weapons on a scale unseen civil war still much in evidence. Russia backed were gassed by Saddam Hussein’s forces at massacres will follow.” Westerwelle said the since their use was first reported last year is “a up Syrian government denials by saying it Halabja. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, reports of the use of chemical weapons by the message” from Assad to Turkey and the Arab looked like a rebel “provocation” to discredit an opposition monitoring group, said that 587 Syrian regime were still unverified. Sunni backers of the revolt. Assad. Britain voiced the opposite view: “I hope people were killed by chemical weapons and 78 They appeared to have increased their sup- this will wake up some who have supported the by conventional shelling, but the organisation SUBURBS BOMBARDED port for the armed opposition, and the attack Assad regime to realize its murderous and bar- warned that the death toll was still “initial”. Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar Al- showed that Assad was not afraid of escalating baric nature,” Foreign Secretary William Hague The opposition Syrian National Coalition said Assad’s forces bombarded rebel-held suburbs of the conflict, unleashing a new wave or refugees said on a visit to Paris. 650 people died. One man who said he had Damascus yesterday, activists said, keeping up and destabilizing the region, the centre said. In France, Britain, the United States and others retrieved victims in the suburb of Erbin told pressure on the besieged region a day after the Ghouta yesterday, rockets fired from multiple called for an immediate on-site investigation by Reuters: “We would go into a house and every- opposition accused the army of gassing hun- launchers and heavy mortar rounds hit the UN chemical weapons inspectors who arrived in thing was in its place. Every person was in their dreds in a chemical weapons attack. With neighborhoods of Jobar and Zamalka, which are the Syrian capital only this week. Moscow, urg- place. They were lying where they had been. Wednesday’s death toll estimated between 500 on the eastern outskirts of the capital, the ing an “objective” inquiry, said the very pres- They looked like they were asleep.” Doctors and 1,300, what would be the world’s most activists said. ence of that team suggested government forces interviewed described symptoms they believe lethal chemical weapons attack since the 1980s Rockets also hit the nearby district of were not to blame. US President Barack Obama point to sarin gas, one of the agents Western prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Qaboun to the north, where rebel fighters have has made the use of chemical weapons by powers accuse Damascus of having in an unde- Security Council in New York. repelled attempts by loyalist forces to overrun Assad’s forces a “red line” that in June triggered clared chemical weapons stockpile. Opposition activists said men, women and the area, and the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee more US aid to the rebels. Activists said rockets with chemical agents children were killed as they slept. The council camp area to the south, the activists added. But previous, smaller and disputed cases of hit the Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka did not explicitly demand a UN investigation of Speaking from Ghouta, activist Khaled Amer their deployment have not brought the all-out and Jobar during a fierce pre-dawn bombard- the incident, although it said “clarity” was need- said explosions from rockets hitting Zamalka military intervention rebel leaders have sought ment by government forces. ed and welcomed UN chief Ban Ki-moon’s calls were being heard. In Jobar, a Damascus neigh- to break a stalemate. US Senator John McCain, a The Damascus Media Office said 150 bodies for a prompt investigation by the UN inspection borhood only 3 km from the historic centre of Republican critic of Obama’s Syria policy, said on were counted in Hammouriya, 100 in Kfar team in Syria, led by Ake Sellstrom. An earlier the ancient capital, explosions were heard at an Twitter that failure to penalize previous gas Batna, 67 in Saqba, 61 in Douma, 76 in Western-drafted statement submitted to the army fortification and another compound hous- attacks had emboldened Assad: “No conse- Mouadamiya and 40 in Erbin. A nurse at Douma council, seen by Reuters, was not approved. The ing tanks, apparently from a rebel attack on the quence for Assad using chemical weapons & Emergency Collection facility, Bayan Baker, said: final version of the statement was watered facilities. crossing red line,” he said. “We shouldn’t be sur- “Many of the casualties are women and chil- down to accommodate objections from Russia Fadi Al-Shami of the Tarhrir Al-Sham Brigade, prised he’s using them again.” dren. They arrived with their pupils constricted, and China, diplomats said. which operates in the eastern Ghouta region, Images, including some by freelance photog- cold limbs and foam in their mouths. The doc- Moscow and Beijing have vetoed previous said scattered fighting was taking place along raphers supplied to Reuters, showed scores of tors say these are typical symptoms of nerve Western efforts to impose UN penalties on the Jobar-Zamalka axis and that opposition bodies - some of them small children - laid on gas victims.” — Agencies International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

News Mugabe, 89, sworn in brief

in for 5 more years Three ‘Moonies’ set themselves ablaze SEOUL: Three Japanese Unification Church members set Africa’s oldest leader extends 33-year-rule themselves on fire in South Korea yesterday before the first anniversary of the death of the controversial church founder HARARE: Zimbabwean President election as a “huge fraud” and a “coup plans to loosen sanctions until there Sun Myung Moon, a report said. The two women and one Robert Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at by ballot”, alleging massive rigging by were signs of change in the country. man had doused themselves with paint thinner and set 89, was sworn in yesterday for a new Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party. Mugabe and The European Union will review rela- themselves alight in a village at the church’s global head- five-year term in the face of criticism his ruling party have rejected these alle- tions with Zimbabwe given its “serious quarters in Gapyeong east of Seoul, Yonhap news agency from opponents and the West that his gations. concerns” about the election, EU for- said. They suffered severe burns and two of them were in re-election in a July vote was not credi- This will be Mugabe’s fifth term as eign policy chief Catherine Ashton said serious condition, it added. Church officials were not avail- ble. Mugabe, who has ruled since inde- president of the southern African state. yesterday. The EU’s verdict on the fair- able for comment. Moon died at the age of 92 on September pendence from Britain in 1980, has told He had also served two terms as prime ness of the elections will be crucial to a 3 last year, but followers observe August 23 as the first critics of his re-election to “go hang” minister after 1980 independence end- decision on whether it continues to anniversary of his passing according to the lunar calendar. and has vowed to press ahead with ed white minority rule in the country ease sanctions. Soon after the July 31 Moon, revered by his followers but described by critics as a nationalist policies forcing foreign firms previously known as Rhodesia. Mugabe vote, which went ahead peacefully in charlatan who brainwashed church members, was a deeply to turn over majority stakes to black and senior officials from his ruling contrast to 2008 election violence, divisive figure whose shadowy business dealings once saw Zimbabweans. ZANU-PF party are the target of sanc- domestic monitors from the Zimbabwe him jailed in the United States. He took his new oath of office before tions imposed by governments in the Election Support Network said registra- bewigged Chief Justice Godfrey West, which has accused them of stay- tion flaws may have disenfranchised up Gunmen kill 5 in Iraq Chidyausiku at a ceremony held in a ing in power through massive human to a million people out of 6.4 million MOSUL: Gunmen killed five people, including two soldiers, 60,000-seat football stadium in Harare rights violations and vote rigging. registered voters. But observer missions in Iraq yesterday, officials said, the latest in a spike in vio- witnessed by thousands of cheering Britain said yesterday Mugabe’s re- from the regional 15-nation Southern lence that the government has so far failed to stem. Security supporters, diplomats and delegations election could not be deemed credible African Development Community forces have in recent weeks carried out some of their biggest from the region. His longtime rival and without an independent investigation (SADC) and the African Union broadly operations since the 2011 withdrawal of US forces, but ana- opponent in the last three elections, into allegations of voting irregularities. endorsed the vote as free and peaceful lysts and diplomats have said authorities have not addressed Morgan Tsvangirai, boycotted the cere- US officials this week said the election and called on all parties to accept its the root causes of the violence. In the northern province of mony. He has denounced the July 31 was flawed and Washington had no results.— Reuters Nineveh, gunmen killed four people, including two soldiers, and wounded another in two separate attacks, one of them targeting a checkpoint, an army officer and a doctor said. In the northern city of Kirkuk, gunmen kidnapped and execut- Thai court jails Iranian pair ed a lawyer, while a car bomb in a government car park wounded four people, police and a doctor said.

over Bangkok’s bomb plot Ammonia leak kills 9 OAXACA: At least nine people died and 40 others were hurt BANGKOK: Two Iranian men were sen- found guilty on charges including year jail term for possession of explosives. when road workers accidentally punctured an ammonia tenced to between 15 years and life yes- attempted murder and handed a life term The blasts on February 14 last year pipeline in southern Mexico, officials said Wednesday. Some terday for their parts in a botched bomb by the Bangkok Southern Criminal court. occurred a day after bombs attacks on 1,500 people were evacuated from surrounding towns fol- plot last year in Bangkok that ended with A judge said the court found him Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia. A lowing Tuesday’s incident near the rural municipalities of one of them having his legs blown off. The “guilty of carrying explosives in public, huge explosion tore the roof off a house in Matias Romero and Barrio Soledad. State-run energy firm pair, who had denied the charges, were using explosives to attempt to kill officials suburban Bangkok when bombs detonat- Pemex and the Oaxaca government confirmed the death among five Iranians suspected of involve- and using explosives which caused the ed inside, apparently accidentally. toll. The pipeline broke when it was hit by a backhoe used by ment in blasts that Israel has linked to a destruction of property”. “Because Moradi tried to “escape by carrying two construction workers widening a road. The police and army 2012 spate of attacks on its diplomats attempted murder displays serious intent bombs with him... throwing the first to have blocked the road. It is the latest accident to hit Pemex, a across the world. Saeid Moradi, 29, who the court sentenced him to life in prison,” stop people following... throwing the sec- state-owned monopoly that has suffered deadly blasts at lost his limbs as he hurled an explosive he added. A second defendant, ond when police tried to stop and arrest several facilities and pipelines in recent years, including a gas device at police in the Thai capital, was Mohammad Khazaei, 43, was given a 15- him”, the judge said as he sentenced the leak explosion that killed 37 people at its Mexico City head- pair yesterday, adding that an expert wit- quarters earlier this year. ness said five C-4 explosives had been hid- den in radios in the house. Prosecutors Storm lashes China said Moradi hurled one of the bombs at a BEIJING: Southern China was hit by fresh flooding yesterday taxi, then threw the second at two police as the second storm in a week lashed the region after killing officers as they approached him on the 17 people in the Philippines. Typhoon Trami skirted Taiwan street, but it instead detonated near him. before landing in China’s Fujian province yesterday morning The court heard that Khazaei ran out of and weakening into a tropical storm. It was heading north- the house after the first explosion and west, bringing heavy rain to a region still feeling the effects headed to the airport where police arrest- of Typhoon Utor, which ground across Guangxi, Guangdong ed him at the boarding gate. and Hunan provinces over the weekend. Minor damage from A third man is thought to have fled to Trami was reported in coastal areas, but no deaths or injuries Malaysia, where he is in custody and fight- had been reported as a result of the storm yesterday after- ing extradition to Thailand. Two other sus- noon. Flooding around China over the past week has left pects are believed to have returned to about 250 people dead or missing, including 21 who were Iran. Israel has accused Tehran of waging a killed Tuesday when a construction site in remote Qinghai terror campaign over the Bangkok bomb province was struck by a flash flood. plot. “This sentence proves once again that Iran is engaged and in proliferation of Malaysia’s ‘Allah’ case terror all around the world,” Israeli ambas- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government yesterday won the sador Simon Roded told reporters after right to appeal a court ruling that allows the country’s non- attending the court hearing. Muslim minority to use the word “Allah” to refer to God. He thanked the Thai government for its Appeal hearings are scheduled to start Sept 10 to resolve the response to the blasts. “I hope that other politically sensitive dispute that triggered attacks on countries will join Thailand in fighting this Malaysian churches and other places of worship more than terror and bringing terrorists to justice,” three years ago. “Allah” is the Arabic word for God and is said the diplomat, who was flanked by commonly used in the Malay language to refer to God. The bodyguards as he watched proceedings. government, however, insists “Allah” is an Islamic word and Moradi, who appeared in court in a wheel- that its use by others would confuse Muslims. Roman chair, had argued in his defense that he Catholic representatives say the government’s curb on their accidentally found bombs in the Bangkok use of “Allah” is unreasonable because Christians who speak BANGKOK: Saeid Moradi, 29, (left), an Iranian suspected of involvement in property and was trying to dispose of the Malay language had long also used the word to refer to February 2012 bomb blasts in Bangkok, gestures to the media next to compa- them safely when they detonated. The God in their Bibles, literature and songs before authorities triot Mohammad Khazaei, 43, during an appearance at the southern criminal court also found him guilty of possession sought to enforce the ban in recent years. court in Bangkok yesterday. —AFP of explosives.—AFP

International14 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Bo and Heywood’s French Connection

BEIJING: A luxurious, bougainvillea-clad man- In later years, Xu repeatedly discussed with Gu “It’s next to billionaires’ row.” Cannes villa. The first manager was Patrick sion in one of the most exclusive neighbor- nominees to own the Fontaine Saint Georges Despite its neoclassical entrance, colonnad- Devillers, a French architect who maintained a hoods in the French Riviera resort of Cannes property on her behalf, the prosecution said, ed balconies and shaded terrace with accom- business relationship with both Bo and Gu emerged as a key exhibit in Chinese prosecu- according to transcripts of the proceedings panying pool, the villa itself appears modest forged when the politician ran the industrial tors’ corruption case against fallen political released by the court. Neither Bo nor his family compared to its nearest neighbors, many of port town of Dalian. Devillers was detained in heavyweight Bo Xilai yesterday. Nestled on a appear on official French records as owners of which sell for upwards of 50 million euros ($67 June 2012 at his home in Cambodia at Beijing’s hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, the six- the property. Bo told the court: “I was complete- million). The case has cast a spotlight on how request and spent several weeks in custody in bedroom villa was once managed by close ly unaware of the Nice property and the whole disconnected many of China’s Communist par- China before being released. The second man- associates of Bo, including British murder victim process was made up.” The politician was one of ty leaders are from ordinary citizens, squirrelling ager of the luxury villa was Neil Heywood, Neil Heywood, French court documents China’s highest-flying Communist Party mem- fortunes away in overseas investments and another friend and business partner of Bo and obtained by AFP show. bers until his downfall last year following sending their children abroad to study. Gu before their relationship deteriorated. According to French court filings seen by Heywood’s death, for which Gu was later con- Bo’s family is said to have amassed Heywood was found dead in November AFP, the villa in Cannes, near Nice, is owned by a victed. He faces charges of bribery totaling $3.6 immense wealth, owning property in France, 2011 and Gu Kailai was convicted last year of French-registered company called Residences million, embezzlement and abuse of power. The Britain and the United States. According to poisoning him after a business deal went sour. Fontaine Saint Georges, founded in 2001. Shide Cannes property stands on the winding French records, Residences Fontaine Saint Documents show that six months earlier, Group chairman Xu Ming testified in court that Boulevard des Pins, in a suburb favored by Georges received payments from several cor- Residences Fontaine Saint George was entrust- Bo’s wife Gu Kailai told him in 2000 that she wealthy foreigners, according to property porate entities, one of them a limited company ed to Feng Jiang Dolby, a prominent former wanted to buy a villa in France and Xu provided agents who specialize in high net worth clients. registered in Luxembourg called “Russel state television presenter reportedly close to $3.23 million. Prosecutors said they had evi- “It’s a quiet boulevard with views of the sea and International Resorts”. Documents detailing the Bo. Court filings say the company made the dence to show Bo was present when Gu numerous villas that are owned by emirs and complex payment structures show that three change because of “very significant difficulties” showed the businessman pictures of the villa international companies,” Patrick Montavon of people have run Residences Fontaine Saint as Heywood was based far away, and thanked and the politician knew he was buying it for her. property firm Agence de la Californie told AFP. George in the last decade, and therefore the him for his service. —AFP

Defiant Bo denies bribery China flight delays show military charge; China trial opens grip on airspace ‘I was framed,’ Bo Xilai mounts feisty defense HONG KONG: China’s fast growing air travel market is the world’s second biggest. But when it comes to flight delays, it’s No 1. Shanghai resident Chen Chen learned the hard way on a JINAN: Fallen politician Bo Xilai put up a feisty said Nicholas Bequelin, a researcher for New court’s official microblog, so are likely to have recent business trip when she flew out of Inner Mongolia defense yesterday as he faced China’s most York-based Human Rights Watch. “The out- been highly edited. Still, the transcripts provid- about 24 hours later than scheduled. Her evening flight to political trial in decades, saying he was framed come has been already decided. There’s proba- ed by the court mark a level of openness that is Beijing was delayed until the next day and when staff couldn’t in one of the bribery charges against him and bly an agreement already between Bo and the unprecedented for a trial in China. “Regarding give her a departure time, she bought a ticket on another air- had admitted to it against his will during inter- party as to what the outcome will be.” Bo’s the matter of Tang Xiaolin giving me money line. That flight left late too. rogation. The 64-year-old former Communist downfall has pitted supporters of his Maoist- three times, I once admitted it against my will “That’s the worst experience I’ve ever had,” said Chen, a Party chief of the southwestern city of themed egalitarian social programs against the during the Central Discipline Inspection modeling agent. “I was numb when I reached Beijing. No Chongqing has been charged with illegally tak- capitalist-leaning economic road taken by the Commission’s investigation against me,” Bo words. I just wanted to kiss the ground.” Chen’s ordeal was ing almost 27 million yuan ($4.41 million), cor- leadership in Beijing, exposing divisions within said, referring to the party’s top anti-graft body. typical of the problems faced by many air travelers in China. ruption and abuse of power and will almost cer- the ruling party as well as Chinese society. “(I’m) willing to bear the legal responsibilities, Delays are so frequent and lengthy that scenes of travelers tainly be found guilty. Bo was one of China’s rising political stars but at that time I did not know the circum- smashing up check-in desks, brawling with staff or storming Bo’s denial of one of the charges and strong and his trial in the eastern city of Jinan marks stances of these matters: my mind was a blank,” the tarmac have verged on the commonplace. According to language as he made his first public appear- the culmination of the country’s biggest politi- he added. official figures, 75 percent of China’s flights left on time last ance since being ousted early last year were cal scandal since the 1976 downfall of the Gang year. But private surveys paint a different picture. A recent unexpected. But observers said he could have of Four at the end of the Cultural Revolution. “MAD DOG” report by travel industry monitor FlighStat Inc. found that just struck a deal with authorities to show he was Appearing sombre, a clean-shaven Bo, whose Bo was charged with receiving about 21.8 18 percent of flights at Beijing’s airport left on time in June, getting a fair trial in exchange for a pre- hair looked like it was still dyed black, stood in million yuan ($3.56 million) in bribes from Xu the lowest proportion among 35 airports worldwide, with arranged sentence. President Xi Jinping is seek- the dock without handcuffs, according to televi- Ming, a plastics-to-property entrepreneur who Shanghai second at 29 percent. Eight of the 10 worst perform- ing unstinted support from the party as he sion pictures. He was dressed in a long-sleeved is a close friend and is in custody, and Tang, the ing airlines were mainland Chinese carriers. seeks to push reforms that will rebalance the white shirt and stood with his hands crossed in general manager of Hong Kong-based export The chronic delays underscore the challenges for China’s economy, and will want Bo’s trial to be finished front of him, flanked by two policemen. company Dalian International Development domestic carriers as they strive to meet booming passenger quickly and with a minimum of fuss. Foreign media were not allowed to attend Ltd, the court said. Bo called Tang “a mad dog” demand. They face two longstanding problems that won’t be “He (Bo) is clearly going along with this trial,” the trial and Bo’s remarks were carried on the who wanted to “frame me out of consideration easy to fix. The first and biggest is the powerful military’s tight for his own interests”. “This evidence has little to control of airspace, which analysts say leaves as little as 20 per- do with my criminality,” Bo said. “I was just cent of the country’s airspace for civilian traffic. Congestion is hoodwinked. I thought it was all official busi- inevitable as jetliners are forced into narrow air corridors that ness.” snake through restricted military airspace. Those airways will Bo also denied receiving bribes from Xu. become even bigger bottlenecks, with demand for domestic “The entire process is fabricated, I have never air travel forecast by IATA to grow 10 percent a year in China, admitted to this 20 million yuan from the adding nearly 160 million new passengers by 2016. “You start beginning to the end,” Bo said. Bo received the to have a pressure cooker of flights growing faster than there bribes from Tang through his wife, Gu Kailai, is space available to accommodate them,” said Will Horton, an and his son, Bo Guagua, the court said, citing analyst at CAPA The Center for Aviation. “Until there is reform the indictment. It was the first time that authori- of air traffic, growth will be stunted.” In the U.S. and many oth- ties had named the younger Bo in the case er countries, most airspace is given over to civilian traffic while against his father. Guagua is now in the United military zones are typically small and in remote areas far from States, pursuing a law degree at Columbia busy airports. University. In China, planes are routinely delayed when the military Bo Guagua was not immediately available shuts down civilian airspace at short notice for air drills. Delays for comment. Tang’s whereabouts are unclear. also happen when large thunderstorms sweep in, as is com- A secretary at Dalian International’s office in mon in summer. Pilots say they’re routinely denied permission Hong Kong said she had not seen Tang since to detour around storms into restricted military areas in order May or June last year. There was also no one at to avoid severe turbulence. So planes typically sit on the his last known residential address in Hong ground waiting for clearance. “Those delays build up and it Kong. Written evidence from Gu was provided cascades through the rest of the system, so by the evening, SHANDONG: This screen grab taken from CCTV footage shows the pre- to the court in which she said she had seen a the system is clogged,” said Todd Siena, partner at Shanghai- siding judge (top center) reading a document during the trial of ousted large amount of cash in safes at two of their res- based consultancy Avia-Tek. Sometimes, no reasons are given Chinese political star Bo Xilai in the Intermediate People’s Court in idences, money which matched the amount for are delays. —AP Jinan. —AFP alleged given to Bo from Tang. —Reuters 15 International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Study seeks super agers’ secrets to brain health School employee helped CHICAGO: They’re called “super agers” - men and women who are in avert tragedy in standoff their 80s and 90s, but with brains and memories that seem far younger. Researchers are looking at this rare group in the hope that they may find ways to help protect others from memory loss. And Brave clerk talked gunman out of bloodbath they’ve had some tantalizing findings: Imaging tests have found unusually low amounts of age-related plaques along with more brain mass related to attention and memory in these elite seniors. DECATUR: The 911 tapes from a and losing her husband. The book- assault on a police officer, terroristic today,” the statement said. “We are all “We’re living long but we’re not necessarily living well in our older frightening standoff and shooting at keeper reassures him by saying he threats and possession of a firearm by very thankful that no one was hurt in years and so we hope that the SuperAging study can find factors that an Atlanta-area school show how a didn’t hurt anyone, hadn’t harmed a convicted felon. Police declined to this incident and that all of the chil- are modifiable and that we’ll be able to use those to help people live school employee’s calm demeanor her and could still surrender peaceful- discuss what he told them when dren are safe.” One of the office’s long and live well,” said study leader Emily Rogalski, a neuroscientist at and kind approach helped end the ly. “We’re not gonna hate you, baby. questioned. “We have to make a rea- attorneys, Claudia Saari, wrote in an Northwestern University’s cognitive neurology and Alzheimer’s dis- ordeal without any injuries. Police said It’s a good thing that you’re giving sonable assumption he was there to email that a preliminary hearing is ease center in Chicago. Wednesday that school bookkeeper up,” Tuff says after having Hill put his do harm to someone,” DeKalb County scheduled for Sept 5. The study is still seeking volunteers, but chances are you don’t Antoinette Tuff was heroic in how she weapons and ammunition on the Police Chief Cedric L. Alexander said. Police said Hill got the gun from qualify: Fewer than 10 percent of would-be participants have met responded after being taken hostage an acquaintance, but it’s not clear if study criteria. “We’ve screened over 400 people at this point and only a day earlier by Michael Brandon Hill, a he stole it or had permission to take it. about 35 of them have been eligible for this study, so it really repre- 20-year-old man with a history of His motive is still unclear. Law sents a rare portion of the population,” Rogalski said. They include an mental health issues. Hill went to the enforcement officers praised Tuff for octogenarian attorney, a 96-year-old retired neuroscientist, a 92-year- school armed with an AK 47-style rifle helping to avert a potential tragedy. old Holocaust survivor and an 81-year-old pack-a-day smoker who and nearly 500 rounds of ammunition, “She was a real ally,” Alexander said. drinks a nightly martini. police said. “She was a real hero in all of this. She To qualify, would-be participants have to undergo a battery of On a recording of a 911 call just did a stellar job. She was cool, she mental tests. Once enrolled, they undergo periodic imaging scans and released Wednesday, Tuff can be was calm, very collected in all of this, other medical tests. They also must be willing to donate their brains heard relaying messages from Hill to maintained her wherewithal.” Tuff after death. The memory tests include lists of about 15 words. “Super DeKalb County emergency dispatch- told WSB-TV in Atlanta that she tried agers can remember at least nine of them 30 minutes later, which is ers before convincing him to surren- to keep Hill talking to prevent him really impressive because often older adults in their 80s can only der. She tells the dispatcher that Hill from walking into the hallway or remember just a couple,” Rogalski said. said he wasn’t there to hurt the chil- through the school building. Special MRI scans have yielded other remarkable clues, Rogalski dren but wanted to talk to an “He had a look on him that he said. They show that in super agers, the brain’s cortex, or outer layer, unarmed officer. “He said, ‘Call the was willing to kill - matter of fact he responsible for many mental functions including memory, is thicker probation office in DeKalb County said it. He said that he didn’t have any than in typical 80- and 90-year-olds. And deep within the brain, a small and let them know what’s going reason to live and that he knew he region called the anterior cingulate, important for attention, is bigger on,’” Tuff is heard telling the dis- was going to die today,” Tuff said. Hill than even in many 50- and 60-year-olds. The super agers aren’t just dif- patcher. “He said he should have just was arrested in mid-March for making ferent on the inside; they have more energy than most people their age went to the mental hospital instead terroristic threats in Henry County, and share a positive, inquisitive outlook. Rogalski said the researchers of doing this, because he’s not on his DeKalb and Henry County sheriff’s are looking into whether those traits contribute to brain health. medication.” officials have said. He was sentenced Other research has linked a positive attitude with overall health. No one was injured, but police to probation. A woman who said she And some studies have suggested that people who are “cognitively said the suspect shot into the floor served as a mother-like figure to him active and socially engaged” have a reduced chance of developing and exchanged gunfire with officers said he didn’t seem to have any Alzheimer’s disease, but which comes first - a healthy brain or a great who had surrounded Ronald E. friends and rarely talked about his attitude - isn’t known, said Heather Snyder, director of medical and sci- McNair Discovery Learning Academy family or past during the months he entific operations for the Alzheimer’s Association. Snyder said the in Decatur, a suburb east of Atlanta. lived with her and her husband sever- SuperAging study is an important effort that may help provide some The school has 870 students in pre- al years ago. answers. Edith Stern is among the super agers. The petite woman kindergarten through fifth grade. DECATUR: In this undated photo provided by the He was quiet and didn’t display looks far younger than her 92 years, and is a vibrant presence at her Dramatic television footage showed Dekalb County Police Department, Michael anger or violent tendencies, said Chicago retirement home, where she acts as a sort of room mother, lines of young students racing out of Brandon Hill poses with an AK 47-style rifle that Natasha Knotts, the woman who took volunteering in the gift shop, helping residents settle in and making the building with police and teachers authorities believed is the one he had when he was him in after he started coming to the sure their needs are met. escorting them to safety. They sat out- arrested at a Decatur, Ga., elementary school. —AP small church where her husband is Stern lost most of her family in the Holocaust and takes her work side in a field for a time until school pastor and she is an assistant pastor. seriously. “What I couldn’t do for my parents, I try to do for the resi- buses came to take them to their par- counter. Tuff tells Hill she loves him The DeKalb County Public Knotts told The Associated Press on dents in the home,” she said, her voice still thick with the accent of her ents at a nearby Wal-Mart. and will pray for him. Defender’s office said in a statement Wednesday that Hill lived with them native Czechoslovakia. Stern acknowledges she’s different from most The exchange between Tuff and Before he surrendered, Tuff took that it was representing Hill, calling for about six months in his late teens. people at the home, even many younger residents. “I am young - the suspect was captured on a to the school’s public address system him “a young man with a long history “He was part of our family,” Knotts inside. And I think that’s the difference,” she said. “I grasp fast,” she recording of a 911 call made by to say Hill was sorry for what he’d of mental health issues.” “Mr Hill is said, though they were not related. adds. “If people say something, they don’t have to tell me twice. I don’t school officials to dispatchers. Tuff done and didn’t want to hurt anyone - being represented by members of She said her family was aware that forget it.” —AP begins by telling Hill of her own strug- although the lockdown remained in our Mental Health Division and he has “he had a mental disorder” before he gles, including raising a disabled child effect. Hill is charged with aggravated decided to waive his first appearance moved in. —AP Captures bring fear than relief at Mexico border

MEXICO CITY: Instead of bringing relief, the severely weakened by major arrests, inter- stashed in vehicles. Pablo, a teenager who journalist based in Reynosa, who like most recent capture of drug lords in northern nal divisions and its violent split with the admits working as a lookout for the Zetas, people in the region asked to remain Mexico has raised fears of new turf wars in Zetas, its former paramilitary wing, in 2010. said the gang “says that things will continue anonymous. border cities that are major US trafficking But residents of Nuevo Laredo, a city as before, that nothing has changed and Analysts say it is unclear whether routes. The violence between the Zetas and considered a Zetas fiefdom, and Reynosa, that Z-42 is now in control.” Security experts Mexico’s most wanted drug kingpin, Gulf cartels has been so great in the state of home to the Gulf cartel, are holding their believe that Trevino’s brother Omar, known Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Tamaulipas, which borders Texas, that breath for potential internal wars of succes- as Z-42, has taken over the Zetas and that Guzman, will make a new bid for Nuevo newspapers no longer report on drug-relat- sion or incursions by rivals such as the the cartel appears to still be holding togeth- Laredo despite his defeat there in 2005. ed crime and residents are afraid of openly Sinaloa cartel. The government says it has er despite its top leader’s arrest. “Nuevo Laredo is the crown jewel, so if peo- talking about gangs. ramped up security in Tamaulipas to pre- Nuevo Laredo has witnessed horrific ple perceived the Zetas as being weak, they Last month, the government detained vent any new violence following the cap- scenes in recent years. In May last year, 14 would have pushed to take it. But we Zetas leader Miguel Angel Trevino, alias “Z- tures. The state’s murder rate rose from 10 bodies were dumped in front of City Hall haven’t seen that at all,” Scott Stewart, ana- 40,” capturing a man whose cartel is per 100,000 inhabitants in 2009 to 46 per and nine others were hung from a bridge. lyst at the US intelligence consultancy accused of some of the most gruesome 100,000 last year. The Gulf Cartel run by Ramirez, alias “X-20,” Stratfor said. While it is considered the crimes in Mexico, including massacres of “Now we’re waiting to see what hap- controls the drug trade in Reynosa, a city of most powerful cartel in Mexico, the Sinaloa scores of migrants and beheadings of rivals. pens,” said Carlos Alberto Renteria, a shop 600,000 people, but his arrest may prompt crime syndicate “is not immune or Then last weekend, troops nabbed Gulf owner in Nuevo Laredo, a city of 370,000 the Zetas to launch a raid. “People are very untouchable,” Stewart said, adding that the Cartel boss Mario Ramirez Trevino, dealing a people through which one-third of Mexican afraid. They don’t know what will happen, takedowns of drug lords may lead to a blow to a criminal organization already land exports travel-along with drugs but nobody wants to talk about it,” said a “Balkanization” of drug cartels. —AFP International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 16 What’s making floods worse in Manila?

MANILA: Lashed each year by city’s ability to cope with flooding. including Manila. “There’s no exit for “It has not been concluded if this Manila and typically overflows. typhoons and stuck with outdated The capital’s flood control system water,” Palafox said. is caused by global warming and cli- drainage systems, the Philippine cap- is outdated, incomplete and poorly mate change, but we’ve been seeing POLITICS, CORRUPTION ital has been hit by ever-worsening designed, said Felino Palafox, Jr, TYPHOONS PACKING more powerful tropical cyclones with AND TRASH floods. Population growth, inade- another urban architect who has MORE POWER: winds of 150 kph and above in the Several proposals to dredge Lake quate infrastructure, corruption, closely studied flooding in Manila. He Each year, about 20 typhoons hit last decade,” Juanillo said. Four of the Laguna failed to materialize. One deforestation and even trash build- said that starting in the 1970s, he and the country, and they have become strongest typhoons that hit between such $430 million contract was up combine to exacerbate the international development agencies stronger over the past decade, said 2008 and 2012 caused damage of signed by former President Gloria impact. It’s a trend experts expect to had unsuccessfully called for the con- Edna Juanillo, head of the Philippine $2.2 billion compared to $828 million Macapagal Arroyo’s government continue. Here’s why: struction of a major spillway that government weather agency’s clima- for the four of the most devastating and a Belgian company but was would drain excess water during the tology division. That prompted the typhoons between 1990-1998. The shelved by her successor, Benigno NO EXIT FOR WATER typhoon season from Lake Laguna to agency about a decade ago to add a most ferocious storm to ever hit Aquino III, on suspicion of corruption Manila is located in a catch basin Manila Bay. The lake has become fourth category to public storm Manila was Typhoon Ketsana in and irregularities. Aquino has author- sandwiched between Manila Bay heavily silted, decreasing its capacity warning system for typhoons with 2009, which dumped more than a ized a plan to relocate slums from and Lake Laguna to the southeast. to hold water and often overflows sustained winds of more than 185 month’s worth of rain in 12 hours the city’s waterways to ease flooding. The city was built on waterways, and floods outlying towns and cities, kilometers per hour (115 mph). with floodwaters reaching 7 meters Public Works Secretary Rogelio canals and creeks that have for cen- (23 feet). That and a second typhoon Singson revealed in June that local turies channeled floodwaters into on its heels killed about 1,000 people politicians sought the delay of the the sea. But half the 40 kilometers of and caused more than $1 billion in operation ahead of the May congres- narrow waterways and canals that damage. Last year, the annual mon- sional elections, making it too late for would drain rainwater - constructed soon and thunderstorms unleashed the onset of this year’s rainy season. and modified during the Spanish nonstop rains over eight days, flood- The governing structure of Metro colonial period - have been lost, ing the same areas again, destroying Manila also makes it difficult to get cemented or paved over, said archi- thousands of homes, roads and sub- decisions covering the whole area. tect and urban planner Paulo merging about 90 percent of Manila. The metropolis is made up of 16 Alcazaren. This week’s deluge, brought by cities and one municipality, each Many of the remaining ones are a monsoon and a tropical storm, headed by a separately elected may- clogged with garbage and ill-main- dumped about the same amount or and city councilors. The increasing tained, teeming with squatter rain as Ketsana but over 24 hours volume of trash is also a problem. colonies occupying riverbanks and and wider area, submerging half of Most of the garbage ends up in land- coastal areas. Much of Manila, once the city and shutting it down for fills, but a substantial amount is dis- known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” two days. About a million people carded into drainage. One estimate was lost in heavy bombardment at were affected. Excessive logging by Metro Manila Development the end of World War II. The haphaz- on the Sierra Madre mountains Authority is that the city dumps daily ard, poorly planned urban recon- MANILA: Residents wade through floodwaters along north of the city has also made 3,000 cubic meters (equivalent to struction coupled with the 10-fold McArthur Highway at Malolos township, Bulacan things worse. The rainwater rushes 600 trucks) of garbage and other sol- jump in population to nearly 12 mil- province, north of Manila, Philippines yesterday. —AP down the denuded slopes into the id materials in rivers, drains and lion today has severely strained the Pasig River, which runs through waterways. —AP Life and death on the Maldives court quashes flogging of rape victim MALE: A Maldivian court has overturned a public flogging sentence margin in North Korea for a 15-year-old rape victim whose conviction sparked international outrage and focused attention on the holiday isle’s treatment of women. The High Court issued a statement on Wednesday saying North Koreans ‘treated like sub-humans’ the girl, whose step-father is on trial for raping her, had been wrong- ly convicted by a juvenile court of having pre-marital sex with SEOUL: North Korea’s famine in the not fend for themselves-the very young, who beg, scavenge and steal to survive. another man. 1990s unleashed a Darwinian struggle the elderly, the disabled-were at particu- “When I started that life, people were The court said the sentence was handed down based on a con- for survival that swiftly eliminated many lar risk. “We had disabled people in our willing to give us food, but obviously fession that the child made while she was suffering from post-trau- of the most vulnerable in an already town, but by the time the food situation that changed when the famine came,” matic stress disorder, adding she had been “unfit for trial”. The sharply stratified society, a UN panel had begun to improve slightly in the late Kim said. As children began to die in the Maldivian government appealed on behalf of the teenager follow- heard yesterday. “People are treated 1990s, we didn’t see them any more, streets, Kim said special police units ing an international outcry over the February sentence to punish without dignity in North Korea-and in meaning they must have died,” Ji said. were set up to round up all the ggotjebi her with 100 lashes when she reached the age of 18. The girl, who some cases like sub-humans,” said Ji In March 1996 he was attempting to and send them to shelters and orphan- cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged after police investi- Seong-Ho, who was 14 when he lost his steal coal from a train to sell for food ages, where many still died of starva- gating a complaint that she was raped by her step-father found that hand and left leg trying to steal coal when he fell under the wheels, severing tion. “There was no food at all,” Kim said she had also been having consensual sex with another man. from a moving train during the famine his left hand and leg. “It was only then I of the orphanage where he spent three Premarital sex is illegal in the Maldives, a popular honeymoon years. Ji, now 31, was one of a number of realized how loud I could scream,” said years. “Just powdered corn husk which destination in the Indian Ocean, which observes elements of Islamic North Korean defectors called to testify Ji, who was taken to hospital and oper- left you constipated. I caught and ate Sharia law as well as English common law. Maldivian President before a UN Commission of Inquiry into ated on without morphine or general lizards, snakes, rats and grass.” Of the 75 Mohamed Waheed was “overjoyed” with the High Court decision, human rights in North Korea that is cur- anaesthetic. Unable to walk without children in the orphanage, 24 died. his spokesman said yesterday. “It is the government’s policy to pro- rently holding hearings in Seoul. crutches and with no job prospects, Ji “The officials said it was due to dis- tect victims, but we had to do it within the framework of the law,” The North, which strongly denies alle- managed to cross the border illegally ease, but it was malnourishment. They spokesman Masood Imad said. Imad said the girl would remain in gations of rights abuses, has refused to into China in 2000 in an effort to find became too weak to walk. Their bodies state care, adding that government authorities had done everything recognize the commission and barred its food for his family. were buried in the backyard,” Kim said. they could to ensure she received proper care and protection. He members from visiting the country. Ji Police caught him on his return, held Kim ran away but was then arrested for also lashed out at the international outcry over the case, saying the said mentally and physically disabled him for a week and, Ji said, beat him making smuggling runs across the bor- government had been unfairly targeted. “Since the new govern- people faced widespread social and offi- severely. “They shouted at me, calling der with China and served 20 months in ment came to power (in February 2012), not a single flogging has cial discrimination in North Korea, where me a cripple and saying that I brought a re-education camp where the condi- been carried out in this country,” Imad said. they are judged as being of “no use” to shame on North Korea by looking the tions were as bad as the orphanage. “We have been unfairly treated over this issue. Some have called society. “When I was young, before my way I did,” he said. Ji finally escaped for “There were 24 of us who entered the for a boycott of the Maldives. There are so many horrible rapes in accident, I admit I used to make fun of good in 2006 and settled down in South camp on the same day. Only two sur- India, but they don’t say boycott the Indian economy. We are doing adults with disabilities,” he said. Korea, where he now studies law and vived,” he said. Released from prison, everything within the law to ensure that women and children are During the 1994-98 famine, which speaks publicly about life in the North. Kim sneaked across the Tumen River protected.” The London-based rights group Amnesty International, saw hundreds of thousands starve to Also testifying to the commission on into China in December 2000 and which campaigned to spare the victim, said she should never have death, ordinary North Koreans had to Thursday was Kim Hyuk, 32, who at the arrived the following year in Seoul, been put on trial in the first place. “Annulling this sentence was of focus all their energies on scavenging to age of seven after his mother’s death where he now lectures on his experi- course the right thing to do,” Polly Truscott, Amnesty International’s stay alive. Food was so scarce that there became a “ggotjebi”-the North Korean ences on behalf of the Unification Deputy Asia-Pacific Director, said in a statement. —AFP was little to share and those who could term for street children, mostly orphans, Ministry. —AFP International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Manning wants to live as a woman Manning seeks hormone therapy WASHINGTON: Bradley Manning, the US sol- pardoned in seven years. py or sex-reassignment surgery.” Military and to be the person that she’s never had an dier sentenced to 35 years in military prison Coombs said Manning was seeking hor- inmates have access to mental health profes- opportunity to be,” he said. Coombs said he for the biggest breach of classified docu- mone therapy and not a sex-change opera- sionals, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, was not worried about Manning’s safety in a ments in the nation’s history, said yesterday tion. “I’m hoping that Fort Leavenworth will social workers and behavioral science special- military prison since inmates there were first- he is female and wants to live as a woman do the right thing and provide that. If Fort ists, she said. time offenders who wanted to complete named Chelsea. Manning received the sen- Leavenworth does not, then I’m going to do their sentences and get out. tence on Wednesday for giving more than everything in my power to make sure that ‘Comfortable in her skin’ Experts generally view military prisons as 700,000 secret files, videos and diplomatic they are forced to do so,” he said. An Army Asked if Manning wanted to be sent to a safer than civilian prisons since the inmates cables to WikiLeaks. His lawyers had argued spokeswoman said in an emailed statement, women’s prison, Coombs said no. “I think the are accustomed to hierarchy and discipline. the former Army intelligence analyst suffered “The Army does not provide hormone thera- ultimate goal is to be comfortable in her skin Manning had not wanted his sexual identity a sexual identity crisis when he leaked the issues to become public, but they did after files while serving in Iraq in 2009 and 2010. his arrest in 2010, Coombs said. “As I transition into this next phase of my “Now that it is (public), unfortunately you life, I want everyone to know the real me. I have to deal with it in a public manner,” he am Chelsea Manning, I am a female,” said. A psychiatrist, Navy Reserve Captain David Manning, 25, said in the statement read by Moulton, testified during Manning’s trial that anchorwoman Savannah Guthrie on NBC he suffered from gender dysphoria, or wanting News’ “Today” show. “Given the way that I to be the opposite sex, as well as narcissism feel and have felt since childhood, I want to and obsessive-compulsive disorder. begin hormone therapy as soon as possible,” Defense lawyers had argued that Manning said. “I also request that starting Manning had been increasingly isolated and today you refer to me by my new name and under intense stress when he leaked the files, use the feminine pronoun.” and that his superiors had ignored warning An Army spokeswoman said the Army signs. They cited erratic behavior, including does not provide hormone therapy or sex- sending a picture of himself dressed as a change surgery. Manning’s lawyer David woman to a superior and punching another Coombs said on the TV program he expected soldier. In a related case involving sexual- his client to get a pardon from US President identity issues in prisons, a federal judge last Barack Obama. Manning was convicted last year ordered Massachusetts officials to pay month on 20 charges, including espionage for a convicted murderer’s sex-change opera- and theft. He will serve his sentence at the US tion. The judge ruled the state had violated Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, WASHINGTON: Protesters demonstrate the conviction of Wikileaker Bradley the inmate’s constitutional rights in denying Kansas. Coombs has said Manning could be Manning late August 21, 2013 in front of the White House in Washington, DC. — AFP the procedure. — Reuters US town mulls drone US admits electronic hunts to decry spying DEER TRAIL: This tiny plains town an hour east of Denver spying on Americans doesn’t have much to offer visitors - a gas station, a bar and a small-time rodeo one weekend a year. But Deer Trail, population 500, is considering a proposal to make itself a national attraction for gun enthusiasts and people NSA collected 56,000 emails by Americans a year skeptical of government surveillance. Citizens on Oct 8 will vote on whether to issue permits to hunt drones. WASHINGTON: The National Security Agency may have unintentional- Americans. This is a technological problem that resulted in an inadver- Yes, those drones. Shoot ‘em down for $25. With a $100 ly collected as many as 56,000 emails of Americans per year between tent collection of a relatively small number of US person communica- bounty reward for shooters who bring in debris from an 2008 and 2011 in a program that a secret US court subsequently said tions,” a senior intelligence official told reporters. unmanned aircraft “known to be owned or operated by may have violated US law and the Constitution, according to docu- In the newly declassified ruling of the FISA Court, the court in a foot- the United States federal government.” The initiative’s ments released on Wednesday. The once-classified documents were note estimates that, based on data supplied by the NSA, between 2008 architect insists it’s a symbolic stand against government released by US intelligence agencies as part of an unprecedented and 2011, the agency might have unintentionally collected as many as surveillance. “These are not big drones you see on TV that White House effort to smooth the uproar following revelations by for- 56,000 emailed communications of Americans annually. US intelligence look like airplanes. These are little 55-pound things that mer contractor Edward Snowden about the extent of secret govern- officials told reporters that the domestic emails were collected under a can come right down into your land,” said Phillip Steel, a ment surveillance programs. program designed to target the emails of foreign terrorism suspects. traveling structural inspector. US officials say the documents show that intelligence collection The program does not collect emails because of flagged words such as Steel got the idea after seeing news reports about the programs that inadvertently intrude on Americans’ privacy are found “bomb.” Instead it takes in those mentioning specific addresses, or National Security Agency’s domestic spying efforts. “Do and fixed. But they also appear to raise new questions about opera- going to or from particular addresses, one official said. we really want to become a surveillance society? That’s tions by the eavesdropping National Security Agency and its oversight One way that emails of American citizens can get caught in the net what I find really repugnant,” Steel said. The measure by the secret US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC). “The is because the program captures the screenshot of the person’s web- drew a stern warning from Washington, which is consider- court is troubled that the government’s revelations regarding the NSA’s mail account that shows a page of emails received or sent, rather than ing several regions - most of them in Colorado and other acquisition of Internet transactions mark the third instance in less than just the one targeted email, he said. “For technological reasons NSA Western states - where civilians can use drones on an three years in which the government has disclosed a substantial mis- was not capable ... and still is not capable of breaking those down into experimental basis. “Shooting at an unmanned aircraft representation regarding the scope of a major collection program,” their individual components,” the official said. could result in criminal or civil liability, just as would firing Judge John Bates of the surveillance court wrote in one of the declassi- at a manned airplane,” the Federal Aviation fied documents. More specifically, Bates said in an October 2011 ruling ‘SELF-POLICING’ that the court had concluded that the process that resulted in improp- According to the officials and a court document which the adminis- Administration warned. er collections of the tens of thousands of emails was “in some respects, tration released, the NSA decided to “purge” the material after discov- The proposal has sharply divided this tiny burg that deficient on statutory and constitutional grounds.” The newly declassi- ering it was inadvertently collected. “When you look at these docu- lays claim to the world’s oldest rodeo and not much else. fied documents can be found at www.icontherecord.tumblr.com ments taken as a whole, you’ll get a sense for the really effective self- (Some historians credit Deer Trail’s 1869 rodeo as the first, policing that goes on at NSA,” an intelligence official said. “Any time though Deer Trail is just one of many claimants to the ‘NOT AN EGREGIOUS OVERREACHING’ you have a large technologically complex operation that involves thou- title.) Taking a break from dishing up beef plates at the The emails in question represent only a small slice of the electronic sands of people, there will mistakes, there will be errors.” The historical- rodeo recently, Libby Mickaliger said it could be a great communications scooped up around the world by the NSA. It targets ly ultra-secretive NSA has recently taken rare steps to openly discuss low-cost fundraiser for this dusty outpost. “If it raises mon- about 250 million email communications for collection each year and, classified surveillance programs after the Snowden disclosures put the ey for the town, why not? It’s not like people are going to under a separate program, has captured and kept records of millions of Obama administration on the spot to try and explain that US intelli- go and shoot one down,” she said. phone calls by Americans. According to the documents, only about 9 gence agencies were not deliberately spying on Americans and foreign Harry Venter, editor of the weekly Tri-County Tribune, percent of the emails - or less than 25 million - are collected from allies. A handful of lawmakers, most notably Senator Ron Wyden, a worries the proposal sends the message that Deer Trail “upstream” sources, which officials familiar with intelligence operations Democratic member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, had begun disapproves of the military, not domestic surveillance. “It’s said are cable links belonging to telecommunications companies. complaining months ago that the NSA was eavesdropping on embarrassing to most of us, to be honest with you,” The rest are acquired by the NSA from Internet service providers at Americans’ communications in ways that were excessive and not trans- Venter said. Drone hunting has become the dominant the point where they are sent or received. The roughly 56,000 annual parent. Wyden, in a statement, said the declassification of the court rul- topic at the Brown Derby, Deer Trail’s only bar. “I try to emails in question were from “upstream” sources. Intelligence officials, ing was “long overdue” and made clear that the law as written was play pretty impartial with it. —AP speaking on condition of anonymity, defended their practices. “This is “insufficient to adequately protect the civil liberties and privacy rights not an egregious overreaching by a greedy agency seeking to spy on of law-abiding Americans and should be reformed.” —Reuters International FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Salafists warn against trying to wipe out Islamism Nour Party followers beaten, detained because of beards

CAIRO: While security forces round up Muammar Gaddafi two years ago. the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s sec- “Enormous quantities of weapons” ond largest religious party has warned had entered Egypt from Libya since the state against trying to wipe out 2011, he said. A compromise solution political Islam entirely during its was now more complicated than ever toughest crackdown in decades. The but the only way out of the crisis, he Nour Party, a Salafist group that added. “If Egypt sinks, it will sink with backed the military’s removal of everyone aboard.” President Mohamed Morsi last month, The Nour Party, the most successful is now also feeling the heat, its leader political newcomer after Mubarak’s Younes Makhyoun told Reuters. downfall, tried to take the middle Members of his pacifist party - which ground in the last months of Morsi’s follows an austere interpretation of rule. It tabled proposals for defusing Islam - have been beaten, harassed political tensions and boycotted pro- and turned over to the police in recent Morsi rallies. That reduced Morsi’s days, simply because they wear allies to smaller Islamist parties includ- beards as a sign of their religious ing the Gamaa Islamiya, a once armed observance, he said. Salafist movement. After Morsi’s With at least 900 people killed in a downfall, Nour exercised major influ- week, Makhyoun cautioned against an ence in shaping the interim govern- arbitrary campaign targeting Islamists, ment, vetoing two candidates for saying this would drive some under- prime minister. Analysts say the party ground. “This will be a dangerous path has paid a price as its approach erod- and make many disavow the tools of ed its standing among some Islamists. democracy, and perhaps resort to oth- Makhyoun said the party had faced er methods,” he said in an interview. “enormous pressure” from its youth Political Islam could not be “uproot- base to take part in the Brotherhood- ed”, he added. “If anyone is thinking led protests. It had been difficult to about excluding it, that is of the keep them in check as Morsi’s allies CAIRO: This file photo shows a fully-veiled Egyptian supporter of the deposed president utmost stupidity.” The Brotherhood’s used religious rhetoric to rally young Mohammed Morsi performing the evening prayer at Rabaa Al-Adawiya square. — AFP main rival, the Nour Party turned Islamists. “There was great difficulty in strongly against the much older convincing them in this charged, emo- Islamist group earlier this year, joining tional atmosphere,” Makhyoun said. Beards and niqab become liberals who accused Morsi of staging “There are some people who broke a power grab. When Morsi was over- away - this is something natural,” he thrown on July 3, Nour endorsed an said. “I am confident that when mat- liability in troubled Egypt army-backed transition plan, lending ters become clear, they will return.” Islamist support to the new order as Makhyoun traced the crisis to the CAIRO: Abdul Salam Badr had no choice but to turbulent year-long presidency. But now such reli- the government promised an inclu- violent language he said the shave his beard to save himself from becoming a gious symbols have become a liability. “People sive process. But the party began to Brotherhood and its allies had used on target in Egypt’s crackdown on supporters of who wear a beard are paying the price for those distance itself from the government the eve of Morsi’s downfall. Leaders of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. In members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other after dozens of Brotherhood support- Gamaa Islamiya, which waged an recent days, overt signs of piety have become all it Islamist groups who have resorted to violence” in ers were gunned down by security insurrection in the 1990s against the takes to attract suspicion from security forces at recent days, said May Moujib, professor of political forces. state before joining the political Cairo checkpoints and vigilantes looking to attack science at Cairo University. Those affected range Makhyoun, a dentist who took over process, had said Morsi’s opponents Islamists. from actual Brotherhood members to those who the party leadership last year, said the should be crushed. “I was in a shared taxi headed to the morgue, have no affiliation with the group but happen to government had to assure Egyptians “We were accused of treachery: transporting the body of my friend who was killed sport a beard. that freedoms won by the uprising everyone who was against them was a in the demonstrations,” said Badr. “I was stopped One Western news photographer decided to that toppled Hosni Mubarak in 2011 traitor. This is difficult language and by members of a vigilante group because I had a shave his beard after being repeatedly accosted in would not be rolled back following could take the youth to the path of beard,” added the 29-year-old, who said he was the street and even threatened by Egyptians who the bloodiest week in Egypt’s modern violence, no doubt,” he said. not loyal to any political organization. “The only mistook him for a member of the Muslim history. “We need guarantees from the Brotherhood activists involved in thing that saved me was the fact that I was trans- Brotherhood. A bearded taxi driver, meanwhile, authorities to the Egyptian people: violence should be put on trial, he porting a dead body.” And so in a small, dusty admitted customers were increasingly reluctant that the gains of the Jan. 25 revolution said. But “random arrests of all salon, he shaved his facial hair, “because life has to use his services. “This is possibly the beginning cannot be violated, especially in the Brotherhood members is a mistake”, become safer without a beard.” of a campaign to boycott bearded taxi drivers,” he field of freedoms, human rights and he said. Since Morsi’s downfall, the The ouster of Morsi, a member of the Muslim said. Mohammed Ibrahim, a pharmacist who also freedom of expression,” he said. Head Interior Minister has announced the Brotherhood, has set off something of a witch has a beard, has changed his route to work and of a party born out of the uprising, revival of a political security appara- Makhyoun described threats to free- tus, stirring fears that agencies used in hunt against those perceived as being his sup- the hours he keeps in order to avoid “tension with dom including a revival of the Mubarak’s days to suppress the oppo- porters. The campaign has been fed by domestic the popular committees.” Mubarak-era political security appara- sition would be used against the media, which has broadcast around-the-clock As the crackdown continues, reports have sug- tus as the state fights the Islamists. Makhyoun listed that as one images of bearded gunmen allegedly firing at gested that some preachers have even offered Brotherhood, which ruled for a year of his main concerns, together with security forces during demonstrations. One video, religious dispensation to the faithful who want to until Morsi’s fall. Some Nour members, the reimposition of the state of emer- showing a bearded man with a jihadist flag attack- shave their beards to avoid being targeted. “The angered by events and agitated by gency, the closure of Islamist TV sta- ing young men after they were thrown off the hostility of the people is even worse than police Brotherhood rhetoric, had broken par- tions the day Morsi was toppled, and roof of an apartment block in Alexandria has exac- harassment,” said Mohamed Tolba, a Salafist ty ranks, he said, adding to indications the mobilization of “thugs” by the erbated the frenzy. Muslim. that Egypt’s established Islamist state. “There are checkpoints manned Local media and the government have also “We are observing a tenet of Islam, but we face groups may be losing their grip on by thugs who specifically harass loudly labeled the Muslim Brotherhood wholesale the hatred of the population,” said Tolba, who has supporters. those with beards,” Makhyoun said. as “terrorists”. So-called “popular committees”- recently launched an online comic to try to break Since the crackdown began, more “This has happened a lot to members neighborhood militias-have made life even worse, frequently-held stereotypes of Salafist Muslims. than 1,000 Brotherhood activists of the Nour Party.” “People are ask- giving vigilantes the chance to wreak havoc, par- “The targeting of those with beards is deplorable including its leaders have been arrest- ing us every day: ‘What do you think? ticularly in Cairo after a night-time curfew was behavior which threatens peaceful coexistence ed while 100 members of the security Has State Security returned again?” implemented. The beard and women’s full-face between Egyptians,” warned Nivine Messad, forces have also died in the last week. said Makhyoun. “We don’t know their veil, or niqab, are often characteristics of religious another political science professor at Cairo Makhyoun warned against violence intentions - only God knows them - Muslims, but have become conflated with support University. “It is a bad sign for the future, and an and counter-violence at a time when but what we can say is there are for the Muslim Brotherhood. indication of the divisions between Egyptians,” arms have been freely available in steps and signs that cause con- Certain Brotherhood leaders sought to pro- she said. “Cooler heads must step in to put an end neighboring Libya since the fall of cern.”— Reuters mote the wearing of the face veil during Morsi’s to the violence and incitement.”—AFP Business FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

From China to euro-zone, Two Qatari LNG tankers to head to Egypt world economy rebounds

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BANGALORE: An employee at a foreign currency exchange shop counts US dollar notes in Bangalore yesterday. The Indian economy, Asia’s third largest, grew 5 percent in the financial year ended March, its slowest in a decade and well off the 8 percent pace it had averaged over those 10 years. — AP Fed uncertainty hits Asia, rupee sinks Chidambaram says currency panic ‘unwarranted’

HONG KONG: India’s rupee sank to another currency market is unwarranted,” P Chidambaram picked up bargains after recent losses. are in control of the situation. Chidambaram said record low yesterday as emerging Asian curren- told a press conference. “It is almost universally Manila slumped 5.96 percent as the market there was no plan to resort to capital controls and cies retreated after US Federal Reserve minutes accepted that the devaluation has overshot the played catch-up with the rest of the region after that reviving growth, which has slumped to a failed to provide clarity about the future of its reasonable and appropriate level,” he said, being closed for four days owing to severe flood- decade low of five percent in the year to March, stimulus program. describing the volatility in the currency market as ing and a public holiday. The composite index would remain the focus of government. “We are While traders remain in sell mode on expecta- “unacceptable”. “Virtually every emerging market gave up 389.22 points to 6,136.73. exploring structural measures to reduce the cur- tions the bank will soon pull the plug on its bond- seems to be facing the same problem,” he added. Investors were left none the wiser about the rent account deficit and improve foreign capital buying, they were given a fillip by HSBC data Indonesia’s rupiah was at 10,825 to the dollar-a Fed’s plans for its $85 billion a month stimulus inflows,” he said, adding that the current account showing Chinese manufacturing expanded for four-year low but a slight improvement on the known as quantitative easing (QE), which has deficit would be contained at $70 billion this fiscal the first time in four years this month. The rupee 10,945 seen Wednesday-while the Thai baht fuelled an investment splurge in emerging Asia year. India has a large current account deficit dived to 65.56 against the dollar at one point as slipped to 32.01 from Thursday’s 31.77. over the past year. which must be funded with foreign capital and worries about the Fed cash were compounded by In share trading Jakarta ended down 1.11 per- The Indian rupee, which has hit record lows for the country is seen as one of the most vulnerable growing fears about the state of the Indian econo- cent, or 47.04 points, at 4,171.41. Kuala Lumpur five straight trading days, slumped to 65.56 to the among emerging markets whose currencies are my. However it retraced slightly to 64.87 later. lost 1.40 percent, or 24.48 points, to close at dollar on Thursday as uncertainty about the future under pressure globally. Economists are con- Meanwhile, India’s finance minister said yester- 1,720.37 while Bangkok lost 0.25 percent, or 3.33 of the US stimulus program added to growing cerned that the US Federal Reserve will begin day that intense selling pressure on the rupee was points, to 1,351.81. Mumbai however closed 2.27 fears about the state of the Indian economy. The winding down its bond-buying scheme, which exaggerated and that the currency market “panic” percent up, or 407.03 points to 18,312.94, snap- rupee has lost about a fifth of its value this year has helped fuel an investment splurge in Asia’s was unnecessary. “The panic that has gripped the ping four straight days of declines as dealers and there are doubts over whether policymakers emerging markets. — Agencies Business FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Two Qatari LNG US unemployment tankers to head to Egypt claims edge higher

DUBAI: A third shipment of liquefied natural gas donated by Qatar to Egypt to help alleviate its energy crisis set sail 336,000 seek aid, but firms lay off lesser workers early yesterday, and a fourth is expected to leave in the evening, Qatar’s state news agency (QNA) said. Citing an WASHINGTON: The number of unidentified official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, QNA Americans applying for unemployment said a fifth and final gift shipment was expected to be benefits rose last week after reaching loaded next month. the lowest level in nearly six years. But QNA said late on Monday the second tanker left Qatar’s the broader trend suggests companies Ras Laffan gas export terminal on Aug. 9, a week after the are laying off fewer workers and could first cargo. Before the Egyptian army removed Doha- step up hiring in the months ahead. backed Islamist President Mohammed Morsi from power The Labor Department said yesterday in July, Qatar had agreed to supply Egypt with five ship- that applications for first-time benefits ments to help alleviate fuel shortages which cause fre- rose 13,000 in the week ending Aug. 17 quent power cuts in summer. Qatar’s foreign ministry has asked for the release of to a seasonally adjusted 336,000. jailed Muslim Brotherhood leaders and condemned the The four-week average, which Egyptian security forces’ clearing of pro-Morsi protests smoothes week to week fluctuations, fell which has left hundreds dead across the country over the to 330,500. That’s the sixth straight last few weeks. Because Egypt lacks the facilities to unload decline and the lowest for the average the LNG, the cargoes are expected to be handed to for- since November 2007. At the depths of eign firms GDF Suez and BG Group which have not the recession in March 2009, applica- received agreed Egyptian gas supplies. The cargoes will tions numbered 670,000. help Cairo channel more of its own gas to the domestic Applications for unemployment ben- market. — Reuters efits generally reflect layoffs. The four- week average has fallen 5 percent in the past month. The drop in applications MIAMI: Job seekers check out companies offering more than 2,000 job oppor- over the past month suggests employ- tunities at a job fair in Miami Lakes, Florida. — AP ers added 200,000 or more jobs in Net job gains show the number of an annual rate of roughly 2.5 percent. August. That would be an improvement people hired minus those who lose or They expect consumer spending to pick from the 162,000 added in July. quit their jobs. And when companies cut up as the effects of the tax increases and The unemployment rate fell to a fewer jobs, it doesn’t take many new spending cuts diminish. 41/2-year low of 7.4 percent last month, hires to create a high net gain. There have been some recent signs from 7.6 percent in June. That’s still well The weak economy has made of improvement. Sales of previously above the 5 percent to 6 percent range employers hesitant to hire freely. The occupied homes surged in July to a sea- associated with a normal economy. economy grew at a sluggish 1.4 percent sonally adjusted annual rate of 5.4 mil- The drop in layoffs helps explain why annual rate in the first half of the year, lion. That was the most in 3 1/2 years job growth has increased this year to an hobbled by tax increases, federal spend- and a sign the housing recovery should average of 192,000 net jobs a month, ing cuts and global economic weakness. continue to spur economic growth. Last even while overall economic growth has Many economists foresee growth accel- week, the government said US retail stayed sluggish. erating in the second half of the year to sales grew at a solid pace in July. — AP India’s Iranian oil JAKARTA: Indonesian customers queue up to change their currencies at a money changer in Jakarta yesterday. The Indonesian currency, the rupiah, on August 20 hit a four- imports drop 75% year low of 10,419 to the US dollar as foreign investors flee Indonesia and other emerging markets as expecta- tions grow that the US Federal Reserve will announce a NEW DELHI: India’s imports of Iranian crude plunged by three have reduced its oil exports more than half from pre-sanction draw-down of its $85-billion-a-month bond-buying quarters in July from June, tanker arrival data obtained by levels of about 2.2 million bpd. scheme at a policy meeting next month. — AFP Reuters showed, as the country’s only active importer in the In the first half of 2013, imports of Iranian oil from its four past two months curbed buying. The cut in Essar Oil’s Iran vol- biggest buyers - China, India, Japan and South Korea - fell more umes were likely due to New Delhi’s delay in extending than a fifth from a year ago to around 960,000 bpd. MRPL, Iraq PM flies to India approvals for Iranian insurers covering shipments into India, a which used to be Iran’s top Indian client, and Hindustan trade source said. Petroleum Corp Ltd halted Iranian oil imports in April due to to sell more oil Indian imports of Iranian crude are expected to rise from difficulties in getting insurance for refineries processing Iranian August, however, with refiner Mangalore Refinery and oil. That forced New Delhi to look at providing its own reinsur- BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki expects to finalize a Petrochemicals Ltd resuming shipments after a gap of four ance after European firms backed out over sanctions. deal to sell India more crude oil during a visit to New Delhi over the months because of a separate insurance issue. MRPL’s return as MRPL has already started taking Iran oil again, while HPCL next few days, Maliki said yesterday. Iraq was India’s biggest supplier a buyer could give some relieve to Iran, which has seen its has said it wants more adequate coverage for refineries run- of crude in June, pipping Saudi Arabia to the top slot, while imports exports more than halved by sanctions imposed in 2012 by the ning the sanctions-hit crude. The Indian government also from Iran, which used to be India’s second-biggest supplier, have United States and the European Union, costing Tehran billions wants to boost imports from Tehran to prop up the rupee, slumped due to sanctions. of dollars a month in lost oil revenue. which fell past 65 to the dollar to a record low on Thursday. Indian energy companies are also interested in Iraqi oil explo- India on July 17 granted a three-month approval to Iranian The US and European Union sanctions have pushed Tehran ration and refinery projects and Maliki’s four-day visit may see in shipping underwriters Kish P&I Club and Moallem Insurance Co into accepting payment in rupees for some of its oil, and higher some preliminary agreements on Indian investments in the increas- with effect from June 28, the date of lapse. Essar Oil has volumes could support the currency. ingly important OPEC oil producer.“Iraq welcomed this desire by declined to comment on whether the issue over the shipping “Within the UN sanctions and fully complying with the sanc- India to initiate this cooperation in the energy area which includes a insurers resulted in its lower imports for July or if the resolution tions, there may be more space for imports from Iran,” Finance deal ... to supply India with oil,” Maliki said at a press conference in Baghdad before leaving for India. means its imports would rebound in August. Essar Oil imported Minister P. Chidambaram said earlier this month. India’s imports of crude oil from Iran have more than halved from 35,500 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from Iran in July, compared Overall in the first seven months of this year India’s a year ago, hitting just 140,800 bpd in June, with Essar Oil the only with 140,800 bpd in June, tanker arrival data made available to imports from Iran have declined 46 percent from the same remaining Indian client of the sanctions-hit country. Reuters shows. period last year to about 185,700 bpd, the trade data showed. Tensions between Iran and Iraq have simmered for decades, The cuts dropped India’s Iranian oil imports 82 percent from India imported nearly 58 percent more oil from Latin America spilling into outright war during the 1980s, but they are now focused 201,900 bpd in the same month a year ago, when state-backed in the January to July period as its Iranian shipments on the battle for market share as Iran struggles with the impact of refiners were also taking shipments. Iran dropped in July to dropped. Overall, Asia’s third-largest economy shipped in western sanctions on its sales. The United States and European Union 15th place on the list of India’s crude suppliers for the month, 14.1 percent more oil in July than a year ago, while imports have made it increasingly difficult for Iran to sell oil by imposing down from eighth place in June and fourth for all of 2012. The for the January-July period rose about 10.3 percent, the data sanctions on finance and insurance as they target funding for US and EU sanctions placed on Iran over its nuclear program showed. — Reuters Tehran’s controversial nuclear program. — Reuters Business21 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 From China to euro-zone, world economy rebounds US factories to show further expansion

LONDON: Evidence is growing that the world 50 line. The Chinese government has announced zone escape from its longest recession on record economy is on the mend. Business surveys yester- a series of targeted measures to support the econ- last quarter, expanding at a better-than-expected day showed better-than-expected growth in the omy, including scrapping taxes for small firms, but still modest 0.3 percent. Markit said yester- HONG KONG: PetroChina President Wang Dongjin euro zone and a rebound in China’s vast manufac- offering more help for ailing exporters and boost- day’s composite PMI, which surveys thousands of attends the company’s interim results announce- turing sector. Figures later in the day are similarly ing investment in urban infrastructure and rail- companies across the region and is used as an ment in Hong Kong yesterday. State-owned expected to confirm a continued strengthening of ways. indicator of growth, pointed to a 0.2-0.3 percent PetroChina’s half-year profit rose to nearly $11 bil- US factory output, probably clearing the way for lion as Asia’s biggest oil producer increased output the Federal Reserve to start ending its immense of crude and natural gas. —AP bond purchase program next month. Markets are struggling to adjust to the idea that the Fed will ease off its stimulus program and PetroChina H1 pare back the $85 billion of bonds it has been snapping up every month. But at its most basic level, the move would signal that the world’s profit up 5.6% largest economy is firmly on the road to recovery. “Tapering would be a sign that the Fed believes HONG KONG: PetroChina yesterday said first-half net profit increased the US economy is gaining some traction. It sig- 5.6 percent for 2013, citing a boost from policy reforms, which helped nals that the recovery is more solid,” said Philip narrow losses for its refining and chemical businesses. Shaw, chief economist at Investec. China, one of the world’s largest oil consumers, brought in fuel “There are signs that momentum is building, pricing mechanisms in March that are more in line with international albeit slowly, in the pace of the euro-zone recov- market standards, giving more room for oil companies to set prices ery, and in China too.” The world economy has closer to market rates. PetroChina, the country’s largest listed oil com- struggled for momentum, hobbled by debt prob- pany, said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday it lems ravaging Europe while China grapples with recorded a net profit of 65.52 billion yuan ($10.70 billion) for the first waning foreign and domestic demand for its six months ending June 30, compared to 62.02 billion yuan for the first goods. But Markit’s Flash Composite Purchasing half of 2012. Managers’ Index (PMI) yesterday showed business Revenue rose 5.2 percent to 1.10 trillion yuan, compared with 1.05 activity across the euro zone picked up this month trillion yuan in the same period last year. “The group successfully at a faster pace than expected, bouncing to 51.7 ATHENS: People look at goods at a shop in central Athens yesterday. reduced losses of the refining and chemicals segment,” company from last month’s 50.5. Anything above 50 indi- ECB board member Joerg Asmussen said that Europe would consider chairman Zhou Jiping said in the statement. cates expansion. additional aid to Greece if Athens makes progress on cutting its budg- The refining segment saw a 45 percent drop in operating losses to It was the highest reading since June 2011 and et deficit and meets all the terms of its bailout deal. —AFP beat all predictions in a Reuters poll whose medi- 15.86 billion yuan, compared with 28.88 billion yuan from the same an forecast was for 50.9. Readings above 50 signify “It confirms that the economy has stabilized economic expansion in the current quarter. period last year. In March, Beijing authorities brought domestic fuel expansion in activity. An flash composite PMI from in the short term and downside risks for (the sec- That is similar to a Reuters poll taken earlier price setting a closer in line with international standards, swaying from Germany, the bloc’s largest economy, showed the ond half of the year) have declined,” said Zhiwei this month that predicted a third-quarter an old practice where domestic prices were often fixed lower than growth rate was the fastest in seven months. In Zhang, China economist at Nomura in Hong growth of 0.2 percent. “It’s looking good. If the market prices, squeezing the profits for refiners. France, however, activity declined across the Kong said of the PMI. The flash reading for US euro zone is picking up then that bodes well for However, PetroChina said global economic uncertainties, China’s board. factories, due at 1258 GMT, is expected to come the global economy. The wobble in France is a slowdown in growth, and oversupply of oil globally are challenges A sister survey from China rose to a four- in at 54.0 compared to July’s 53.7. bit of a worry, but hopefully that will be correct- that the company has to face for the rest of the year. “The recovery of month high of 50.1 from July’s final reading of Growth data last week showed support from ed,” said Chris Williamson, Markit’s chief econo- the global economy will remain highly uncertain in the second half of 47.7, although only barely passing the watershed Germany and France helped the 17-nation euro mist. —Reuters 2013,” Zhou said. —AFP India’s Tata rebrands Indian tycoon Ambani in ‘world’s cheapest car’ MUMBAI: India’s top vehicle maker Tata Motors says it plans court for telecom trial to reposition the Nano as a “smart city car” after its marketing pitch as the world’s cheapest auto resulted in disappointing sales. The Nano was launched in 2009 as a budget solution for NEW DELHI: One of India’s richest men, figure is disputed by the government and millions of aspirational lower-middle class Indian families Anil Ambani, appeared in court yesterday some analysts. wanting to change from two- to four-wheel vehicles. But sta- to answer questions about his company’s Three telecom firms-Reliance Telecom, tus-conscious consumers largely shunned the “cheap” tag. role in the allegedly fraudulent allocation Unitech Wireless and Swan-have been “We are now focusing on increasing the features and the of telecom licenses in 2008. charged with corruption, as well as more perceived value of the Nano with every subsequent model The tycoon, who heads the Reliance than a dozen individuals. They have plead- launch,” Tata chairman Cyrus Mistry told shareholders at its ADA Group, lost a legal bid to postpone ed not guilty. annual meeting on Wednesday in Mumbai. “We are now his appearance and answered questions Ambani was frequently asked about focusing on making it a smart city car and targeting the young from the witness stand. Three of his links between Reliance and Swan, which customers,” he said, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency Reliance Telecom executives have been prosecutors allege was a front for his busi- reported. charged in the case, one of the biggest ness. “I am not aware,” he responded The jellybean-shaped Nano, which sold for around $2,200 corruption scandals in India’s history, but when asked if Reliance had invested in when its first edition went on the market, saw sales drop by he was called as a prosecution witness. Swan. When asked about the minutes of more than 27 percent in the year to March, and Tata’s former Asked about various meetings and meetings at which he was allegedly pres- chairman Ratan Tata admitted the car had an image problem. links between his company and others ent to discuss Swan’s finances, he replied: New boss Mistry said added features will include power accused of wrongdoing, he replied fre- “I attend a large number of meetings, I steering options, an improved interior and exterior and better quently that he did “not recall” or “was not don’t recall (each one).” fuel efficiency. He also said the company would launch the aware”. The small courtroom was packed with much-delayed compressed natural gas -fuelled variant of the Prosecutors allege that the then-tele- lawyers and media, with most of them Nano this year. com minister A. Raja, who is also on trial, forced to stand. Ambani’s wife Tina has Tata’s dedicated Nano plant in the western state of Gujarat sold telecom licences in 2008 at giveaway been summoned to give evidence on NEW DELHI: Reliance Dhirubhai is currently running at less than half its capacity, according to prices to favored companies that paid Friday. The so-called “2G scam” in India has bribes to secure sought-after second- been immensely damaging for the ruling Group Chairman Anil Ambani the PTI report. Tata, which owns Jaguar and Land Rover, (right) walks with officials as he reported a 23 percent dive in net profit in the April to June generation (2G) bandwidth. The national coalition led by the Congress party, which auditor calculated that the losses to the has been ensnared in a series of corruption leaves the Supreme Court in quarter as higher sales for its British luxury brands failed to New Delhi. —AFP offset weak domestic demand. —AFP state were as high as $40 billion, but this scandals since its re-election in 2009. —AFP Business FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

British banks face £1.3bn bill over new mis-selling

LONDON: Britain’s troubled banking Among these was Barclays, HSBC, CPP had already been slapped with £80 per year. Both were widely mis- sector faces a bill of up to £1.3 billion to Royal Bank of Scotland and a division of a £10.5-million fine in November 2012 sold. “We have been encouraged that, compensate millions of customers who Lloyds Banking Group. “The FCA has over the issue. working closely with the FCA and were mis-sold credit card insurance and reached an agreement with CPP and 13 “Customers were given misleading despite their different business needs, a identity protection policies, regulators high street banks and credit card and unclear information about the poli- large number of firms have voluntarily said yesterday. issuers that will pave the way for cies so that they bought cover that come together to create a redress Card holders were mis-led into redress to be paid to customers who either was not needed, or to cover risks scheme that will provide a fair outcome spending about £30-£80 pounds a year were mis-sold CPP’s Card Protection that had been greatly exaggerated,” the for customers,” added FCA chief execu- on insurance, the watchdog said, spot- and Identity Protection policies,” the FCA added yesterday. “As well as CPP tive Martin Wheatley. “This kind of col- lighting another case of sharp practice regulator said in a statement. selling directly to customers, high street laborative and responsible approach is in the British financial sector which has “Seven million customers, who banks and credit card issuers intro- a good example of how firms are taking been damaged by a number of scan- between them bought and renewed duced millions of customers to CPP.” more responsibility and helping-step by dals in recent years. The cost of the about 23 million policies, will soon The watchdog added: “The involve- step-to rebuild trust.” compensation works out at up to the receive a letter from CPP giving more ment of the banks and credit card Britain’s troubled banks are still reel- equivalent of $2.0 billion or 1.5 billion information on the process. The redress issuers reflects the fact that they intro- ing from a series of scandals, including euros. The Financial Conduct Authority bill could be up to £1.3 billion,” it duced customers to CPP’s products and the Libor rate-rigging crisis and the mis- (FCA) said in a statement that it had added. The amount of compensation so must share responsibility for putting selling of payment protection insurance agreed a compensation package with will depend on the type of policy and things right.” The insurance policies (PPI) on credit products. The sector has policy provider Card Protection Plan the length of time it was held, while were called ‘Card Protection’, which already paid out more than £11 billion Limited (CPP), as well as 13 banks and CPP will contact affected customers cost approximately £30 per year, and to compensate customers who were credit card issuers. from the end of August. ‘Identity Protection’, which cost about mis-sold PPI. — AFP Gas, power hub to trump London’s airport project National Grid plans to expand the facility LONDON: The London mayor’s preferred plan for a new airport is likely to fall flat, because it would force relocation of one of Europe’s biggest liquefied natural gas ter- minals at a time when Britain relies ever more on overseas gas. Mayor Boris BEIJING: A woman uses her iPhone as she walks past an Johnson in July gave his backing to three advertisement featuring iPhone cases at the Macworld plans for a new airport, which he said were iWorld expo in Beijing yesterday. —AP deliverable by 2029, and favoured a 68 bil- lion pound ($106.6 billion) project on the China manufacturing Isle of Grain in Kent, 30 miles east of London. rebounds in August “The Isle of Grain has the space to BEIJING: Chinese manufacturing activity expanded for the accommodate a world-class, efficient hub first time in four months in August, according to a closely airport,” Johnson said in a submission to watched indicator yesterday, pointing to renewed strength in the Airport Commission, which is assessing the world’s second-largest economy. HSBC said the prelimi- the options and will make recommenda- nary reading of its purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in tions in a final report by summer 2015. But at 50.1 for the month, up from July’s 47.7, which was an 11- building an airport there would require the The plan for a new airport on the Thames Estuary. month low. dismantling and relocation of one of “The UK faces a significant energy chal- But National Grid says it is in talks over a The PMI tracks activity at China’s factories and workshops Britain’s most important energy hubs lenge over the coming years, and the 300 million pound Isle of Grain expansion, and is a closely watched gauge of the health of the economy. including the LNG terminal, gas storage developments taking place at the Isle of which would include a massive new stor- A reading above 50 indicates expansions, while anything sites and a big power station in a complex Grain will ensure meeting that challenge,” age tank, a second cryogenic pipeline and below signals contraction. The tally was the highest since that dominates the eastern end of the it said. a new jetty that would allow two LNG April’s 50.4 and ended three straight months of contraction. peninsula. LNG tankers bring supercooled (minus tankers to unload at the same time. Lu Ting, China economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in The mayor’s office did not identify an 160 degrees Celsius), pressurized gas from The grid company has applied to regu- Hong Kong, described the result in a report as “a nice big sur- alternate location for the energy hub, and overseas suppliers such as Qatar. Once in lator Ofgem for an expansion of 8.4 bcm prise to the markets”. The figure brings HSBC’s measurement analysts say another site is not likely to be Britain, the gas is pumped through cryo- per year over 27 years starting from more in line with the country’s official figures. The National found close to London that can take the genic pipelines into massive gas storage October 2016. Ofgem has said it is likely to Bureau of Statistics this month said its PMI rose to 50.3 in July 350 metre-long LNG tankers that arrive at tanks before it is regasified to 600 times its grant 24 years, extending the terminal’s life from 50.1 in June. China is expected to announce the official the terminal. “There are so many things liquid volume and fed into the grid. into the 2040s. August PMI on September 1, while HSBC’s final figure will be that don’t make sense with the Isle of The mayor’s submission backs a plan by “Grain would enhance UK security of released the following day. Grain as an airport, and energy is certainly architect Norman Foster for a new Thames supply ... and we agree that the additional “China’s manufacturing growth has started to stabilize on a huge factor in this,” Zoe Metcalfe, avia- Hub Airport with four runways that could 8.4 bcm will increase flexibility as the the back of modest improvements of new business and out- tion director at Buro Happold Consulting, handle up to 150 million passengers a year. demand for LNG increases,” an Ofgem put,” Qu Hongbin, HSBC’s chief economist for China based in said. The 35-page submission includes only one report says. Even before National Grid’s Hong Kong, said in the bank’s statement announcing the fig- “Where else close to London will you paragraph on the existing use of the Isle of expansion plan, the Isle of Grain now has ure. He attributed the improvement to “initial filtering- find a space to build another deep-water Grain as an LNG and power hub. enough storage capacity to meet three through” effects of recent policy measures to boost the econ- port for LNG tankers that’s accepted by the It calls for the LNG terminal to be days’ worth of UK gas demand, important omy as well as restocking of inventories. public? It just doesn’t work,” she added. moved. “National Grid’s LNG facility is too for safeguarding security of supply. “We expect further filtering-through, which is likely to Britain relies increasingly on gas tall and too close to the proposed airport As for other facilities, the Isle of Grain is deliver some upside surprises to China’s growth in the coming imports because its own North Sea site and would need to be relocated,” the the connection point for the 1,000 months,” he added. Fears over China’s economic outlook were reserves are dwindling fast. The Grain LNG submission said. megawatt (MW) BritNed undersea power rampant during the first six months of the year as growth terminal, Europe’s biggest in terms of tank Analysts say relocation of the Grain cable between Britain and continental slowed. The government has avoided large-scale stimulus capacity, is able to import over 20 billion energy infrastructure, including company Europe. German utility E.ON also opened a measures, but in late July announced limited steps to boost cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year, around compensation, would cost around 3 billion 500 million pound, 1,300 MW gas-fired growth, including reducing taxes on small companies. 20 percent of Britain’s needs. pounds. The 39-page Foster plan, which power station there in 2010, which can Positive data for July, including an acceleration in industrial National Grid has planned to expand it. devotes several paragraphs to the power supply around 1 million households. The production to a five-month high, have helped improve senti- “By 2020, over 60 percent of UK Gas is and gas hub, says the LNG terminal will be mayor’s submission says the 244-metre ment that China’s downtrend may have hit a bottom for the expected to be imported,” National Grid approaching the end of its life cycle by the chimney of the Grain power station “would time being. — AFP said in a report on the Grain terminal. late 2020s. require special consideration”. — Reuters Health FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Disconnect seen between two key brain regions LONDON: The delusions and other psy- Palaniyappan, of Nottingham University’s Researchers also think underdevelopment between the insula and frontal cortex chotic symptoms experienced by people psychiatry department, who co-led the of the brain in the womb and in early child- regions, the patients with schizophrenia with schizophrenia may be caused by a study. “This switching action is enabled by hood could play a role in schizophrenia. were less likely to shift to using their frontal faulty brain “switch” that blurs their ability the connections between the insula and Side-effects cortex. “This could explain why internal to distinguish inner thoughts from objec- frontal cortex. (But) this switch process Previous studies have found that schizo- thoughts sometime appear as external tive reality, scientists said on Wednesday. In appears to be disrupted in patients with phrenia patients have unusually smooth objective reality, experienced (by schizo- a study published in the journal Neuron, schizophrenia.” “folding” patterns of the brain over the phrenia patients) as voices or hallucina- researchers found the severity of symptoms Schizophrenia is one of the most com- insula region - suggesting this brain area tions,” Palaniyappan said. such as hearing voices and delusions was mon serious psychiatric disorders affecting may not have developed normally. In this She said it could also explain why peo- due to a disconnection between two key around 1 in 100 people worldwide. latest study, Palaniyappan’s team used ple with schizophrenia find it hard to take regions of the brain - the insula and the lat- Scientists are not yet clear what causes it, functional magnetic resonance imaging in external material pleasures - for example eral frontal cortex. The finding, they said, but believe it could be a combination of a (fMRI) scans to compare the brains of 35 to enjoy a social event or listening to music. could in future lead to the development of genetic predisposition to the condition healthy volunteers with those of 38 schizo- Palaniyappan said that normally, the insular better, more targeted treatments for schiz- combined with environmental factors. phrenic patients. and frontal cortex form a loop in the brain - ophrenia, with fewer side effects. Drug use is known to be a key trigger - peo- The results showed that whereas the with the insular stimulating the frontal cor- “In our daily life, we constantly switch ple who use cannabis, or stimulant drugs, majority of healthy people were able to tex while it in turn inhibits the insula - but between our inner, private world and the are three to four times more likely to go on make the switch from inner thoughts to in patients with schizophrenia this system outer, objective world,” said Lena to develop recurrent psychotic symptoms. external reality using the connections was found to be flawed. — - Reuters A force known as ... the 99! Ramzi brings these gem - bearers together to form a new force for good in the world. and with them a special type of human who can unlock the gem’s mystical power. life. Now, his luck is about to change - the first of stones have been rediscovered His name is Dr. Ramzi Razem and he has searched fruitlessly for the Noor Stones all his more than a legend. One man has made it his life’s mission to seek out what was lost. civilization of Baghdad. But the Noor Stones lie scattered across the globe - now little 99 Mystical Noor Stones carry all that is left of the wisdom and knowledge of the lost THEY ARE THE 99! are beating them soundly… the “home team’s” captain—Zoran Kryzneski—storms off the field. Now the “visitors” When the 99’s first-ever all-team charity cricket match is interrupted by a prank, THE FASCINATING STORY OF THE 99 H9Fnae@H9Cmc THE99Comics @THE99Comics THE99FanPage www.the99.org Visit the99kids.com for free games featuring THE 99!

The 99 ® and all related characters ® and © 2013, Teshkeel Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Opinion26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Flamboyant Chinese princeling faces indignity

By Ben Blanchard crime is for the sake of letting the peo- ple enjoy peace and creating a clean he writing was perhaps already on social environment in Chongqing,” Bo the wall for Bo Xilai, the controver- said at his parliamentary news briefing, Tsial former top official of China’s defending his record. southwestern city of Chongqing, when “We are sure of ourselves and free of he appeared at last year’s parliamentary regrets.” Bo, a former China commerce meeting, alternately chastened and minister and mayor of the northeastern combative. In earlier annual sessions of port city of Dalian where he wooed for- parliament, Bo had swept in, all smiles eign investors, once had a flair for the and lanky grace, preceded by a wave of dramatic. His directness and independ- TV cameras and popping flashbulbs. ent streak impressed foreigners but This time he was uncharacteristically annoyed peers, who prefer to rule restrained. through backdoor consensus and often Bo rolled his eyes at repeated ques- stilted slogans. Analysts have noted that tions from foreign reporters about a no one in the top leadership had pub- scandal involving then-vice mayor licly praised Bo or the crackdown on Wang Lijun, and the normally effusive organized crime. state media and parliament delegates Then-Premier Wen Jiabao told his kept their distance. Wang, who doubled annual news conference last year that as the city’s police chief before his Chongqing’s leadership should reflect downfall, went to ground in the US on the Wang Lijun incident, and also Consulate in nearby Chengdu in obliquely criticized Bo’s drive to revive February last year until he was coaxed songs and culture from the heyday of out and placed under investigation. Mao’s Communist revolution. Bo is a son “I certainly never expected this,” Bo of late vice-premier Bo Yibo, making the said of Wang’s flight. “I felt that it hap- younger Bo a “princeling” - a child of an pened extremely suddenly.” News of his incumbent, retired or late national own change of fortune came just as leader. His wife was a lawyer and their suddenly. A few days after his news con- son, Bo Guagua, was educated at an ference in March last year, a terse report expensive, elite British private school SHANDONG: This screen grab taken from CCTV footage yesterday shows ousted Chinese political from the official Xinhua news agency and then Oxford University. The younger star Bo Xilai (left) being escorted by policemen as he enters the courtroom to stand on trial in the announced that Beijing had sacked Bo Bo’s Facebook photos from parties Intermediate People’s Court in Jinan, in eastern China’s Shandong province. —AFP from his post, all but snuffing out his caused their own Internet stir in China. chances of rising to the top echelons of While wooing investors, Bo also envi- goal of creating a “harmonious society”. revolutionary songs by civil servants, off the suspicion of some critics, both the Communist Party. Now the end sioned low-cost housing for rural poor He called his vision “Peaceful who also had to adopt poor families and inside and outside the country, that he appears imminent for Bo, 64, whose and migrant labourers, designed to Chongqing.” It included text messages staff petition offices where citizens can was more concerned with his own rise long-awaited trial on charges of corrup- appeal to then-President Hu Jintao’s with Maoist slogans, singing old-style complain. But Bo had difficulty shaking than that of China. —Reuters tion, accepting bribes and abuse of power opened on Thursday, when he is certain to be found guilty by the Communist Party-controlled court. Obama faces distasteful Bo’s wife, Gu Kailai, and Wang were jailed last year over China’s biggest political scandal in years, which stems from the murder of British businessman choice in troubled Egypt Neil Heywood in November 2011, a crime for which Gu was convicted. After By Stephen Collinson, Nicolas Revise not confined to Egypt-it has been a theme in US for- startling message. “For 60 years, my country, the first helping Gu evade suspicion of poi- eign policy since the 1970s. “There has always been United States, pursued stability at the expense of soning Heywood, Wang hushed up evi- he United States again faces the unpalatable this tension. It has generally been decided in favor of democracy in this region, here in the Middle East-and dence of the murder, according to the policy dilemma that has shaped decades of short term national interests, strategic interests and we achieved neither,” Rice said. America got a swift official account of Wang’s trial. In late Trelations with Egypt. Should it swallow its val- not human rights and democratic issues,” said response: Mubarak opponent Ayman Nour was soon January 2012, Wang confronted Bo with ues on human rights and democracy and sup with Gregory Gause, a political science professor at the jailed. But US aid still flowed and Mubarak kept his the allegation that Gu was suspected of Egyptian generals who plotted a coup but are vital to University of Vermont. As guarantor of the 1978 seat at the Middle East peacemaking table. killing Heywood. But Wang was “angrily US strategic and security interests? The White House Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt, Obama also bought into the bargain, praising rebuked and had his ears boxed”. has struggled for two years to keep pace with Arab Washington has fed Egyptian generals top US hard- Mubarak in the Oval Office in 2009 as a “leader and After Bo was sacked, he disappeared revolutions. ware, including battle tanks, F-16 warplanes and heli- counselor and friend,” though the State Department from public view and has not had a But the ouster of democratically-elected president copters. Since 1987, the annual price tag has been said Egypt was stained by torture, abuse and arbitrary chance to respond publicly to the accu- Mohamed Morsi and a bloody crackdown on Islamist $1.3 billion plus several hundred million in economic arrests. Apparently without noticing the irony, sations against him. Sources told protesters have revived uncomfortable questions and development help. Only Israel enjoys more US Obama drove the same year through Cairo streets Reuters in February that Bo was refusing which dogged the alliance with strongman Hosni largesse. But Obama said last week “our traditional cleared by Mubarak’s iron-fisted security forces, and to cooperate with the government Mubarak. For years, Washington bought a cold peace cooperation cannot continue as usual when civilians then made a case for Arab political freedom in a sem- investigation, had staged hunger strikes between Israel and Egypt, priority access to the Suez are being killed in the streets.” He called for an end to inal speech. Two years later, the US president helped and had refused to shave to protest Canal, a partner in Middle East peace brokering and martial law and support for universal rights while push the aged Egyptian leader from power. Critics of against what he saw as his unfair treat- checked the spread of Islamic extremism with billions cancelling a planned military exercise with Egypt. He the US pact with Cairo’s generals argue it fomented ment. But he later began cooperating of dollars in mostly military aid. Now, President did not however turn off military aid, though will anti-Americanism and bred extremism. Egypt is fertile with authorities, the sources said last Barack Obama must decide whether to renew that assess the price and return of US assistance and US ground for jihadi recruiters: Al-Qaeda chief Ayman Al- month. pragmatic bargain with a government again accused capacity to influence events in Cairo, in a policy Zawahiri is Egyptian as was Mohammed Atta, top As the outspoken Chongqing party of crushing bedrock freedoms. review. The remaining nearly $600 million of military hijacker on September 11, 2001. So, as officials admit chief, Bo had mounted a daring bid for “This is a balancing act between how to best pro- aid due this year remains pending. Officials however that US influence in Cairo is not what it was, what will the nation’s top political body, the par- mote our interests and our values and our principles,” privately say an order of 10 Apache attack helicopters Obama do? Previous form suggests he will plot a ty’s Politburo Standing Committee. said Marie Harf, a State Department spokeswoman. to Cairo could be held off. middle course after what an official told AFP would He captured national attention with Early signs suggest national interests will be decisive. A fight meanwhile is brewing on Capitol Hill over be the most comprehensive rethink of US policy a crackdown on organized crime and With rare candor, the White House will not call Morsi’s next year’s package. Obama’s moral exposure on towards Egypt in years. corrupt police officers in Chongqing, ouster a coup-to avoid being forced to cut aid to Egypt may be more acute than that of previous presi- One option might be to reorient military aid to China’s teeming wartime capital, and Egypt under US law. But with protesters gunned dents. A Nobel laureate, he argues that long-term, equipment suitable to fighting jihadism in the Sinai brought about stronger economic down in the streets, some question whether US credi- democratic transitions in the Arab world are vital to peninsula. Hussein Ibish, of the American Task Force growth. But he also alienated political bility on human rights is undercut by a relationship US security. And after calling for a “new beginning” on Palestine, predicted Obama would opt for peers. with Egypt’s junta. with the Islamic world in Cairo in 2009, cozying up to watered-down foreign policy realism. Washington The anti-mafia campaign netted “We can no longer conduct business as usual,” the generals slaughtering the Muslim Brotherhood will “go as far as it can without putting into danger thousands of people and tapped into said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, an Obama ally, would spark hypocrisy charges. the fundamentals of the strategic relationship with popular anger over the corruption and calling for a halt to aid to Egypt pending a return to American guilt over the pact with Egypt has sur- Egypt: the peace treaty with Israel ... preferential ship- collusion that has accompanied China’s democracy and political freedoms. The tussle faced periodically. In 2005, George W Bush sent his ping treatment in the canal, military cooperation, economic boom. “Fighting organized between US values and national security priorities is secretary of state Condoleezza Rice to Cairo with a intelligence cooperation,” Ibish said.—AFP FOOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Necessity, meet invention soon,” he wrote, “I thought I would see if I on their Facebook page, AngelFoodMN. could replicate them at home, and you Gregory’s Foods in Eagan, Minn, which know what? They are pretty damn good!” manufactures doughs, mixes and batters He’s the first to say that he doesn’t use for local bakeries, quickly developed their “proper croissant dough.” Instead, he take. They call it a (yawn) “croissant-cut tweaks recipes for quick puff pastry into a donut,” knowing that individual bakeries croissant dough that needs only 20 min- will come up with their own names. Mike utes of actual labor, and an overnight rest Reineck, director of sales, said that interest in the refrigerator. The results aren’t quite is strong. “You hardly ever see a whole new as tender or lofty as what comes from a category emerge,” he said, predicting that truly laminated dough - or what emerges within the next few weeks, 250 bakeries in from Monsieur Ansel’s bakery - but for the metro area will be proofing and frying what the New York Times called a Gregory’s base dough, likely putting their Frankenpastry, it’s good enough. own spin on it. “No one I’ve spoken to says, After converting Kimber’s recipe from ‘Nah, we’re going to pass on this fad.’” metric, we tweaked a few things, making Be forewarned: The shelf life of these them a bit smaller (thus reducing the treats is comparable to a hummingbird’s Cronuts

Whatever you call it, the world is agog at the Cronut, a deep-fried croissant-like doughnut. The originals are made in New York, but here’s an option for your own kitchen. Once upon a month ago, a New York City bakery unleashed upon the world a New Thing. They called it a Cronut - a deep-fried doughnut made with croissant dough, plumped with pastry cream, then glazed. The bakery also trademarked the name, betting that Cronut Fever would lead to all sorts of knockoffs passing

through sugar-glazed lips. degree of indulgence), the pastry cream a wingbeat. This pastry wants to be con- bit creamier, and shifting the frosting to a sumed as soon as possible after frying, Thus, we are calling our take on this del- (theboywhobakes.co.uk), is no slouch glaze. We considered a garnish of ground- absolutely on the same day, which gives icacy the Crodo. Or maybe the Fauxnut. Or around sugar. He won the BBC Two series up Lipitor tablets, but decided that would the home baker the freshness advantage. ... really, what’s in a name? Just don’t call “The Great British Bake Off” in 2010, and send the wrong message. Twin Cities resi- Some knockoffs omit the pastry cream, them “gone.” You’ll never have to, once has a new cookbook, “Say It With Cake,” dents already have some options for com- which helps them last a bit longer, and also you know how to make a version at home. coming out in August. He wrote that he parison-tasting, with more in the wings. forestalls the need to chill them should And you can, thanks to a blogger in Britain, was intrigued when the Dominique Ansel Angel Food Bakery and Coffee Bar in they not be served within a few hours. if you’re up to the challenge. They’re not Bakery (dominiqueansel.com) debuted the Minneapolis began selling their take on the None of the recipe’s steps is difficult, difficult, but they are putzy. And you’ll be Cronut on May 10. Lines formed. Within craze a few weeks ago. Further experimen- but there are several. The good news is the coolest kid at the office/brunch/pic- days, scalpers were holding the pastries tation led to a twisted knot that looks that the dough and pastry cream need to nic/party when you prance in with a platter hostage for $20. $30? $40! nothing like the original Cronut “because be made the day before you plan to serve, of ... whatever you want to call them. That’s partly because the bakery makes we decided to take the idea even one step which spreads out the work. In the morn- (Whoop Loops? - because people may only 300 each day. Supply, meet demand. further toward traditional French pastries,” ing, roll out the dough, cut the doughnut whoop.) On June 3, Kimber posted his version. said baker/owner Cynthia Gerdes. Cro- shapes, let them rest until they begin to Edd Kimber, who blogs from London “Since I won’t be in New York anytime knots? They’re running a naming contest puff a bit, then fry them. Roll them while FOOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

warm in a lemony sugar, then inject the pastry smaller. Once the ingredients are roughly Using your doughnut cutter as a guide, the time, a couple of minutes on each side, until cream in four quick jabs. Drizzle with a lemon combined, turn the mixture out onto a work rectangle should enable you to cut 2 columns golden brown. Remove with a metal slotted glaze, and serve them with a flourish. When surface and lightly knead together to form a of 5 doughnuts. (If you don’t have a doughnut spoon to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. people ask, “What are these things?” there’s ball of dough. Return the dough to the bowl cutter, use a cookie-cutter, then cut the “hole” Gently roll in the lemon sugar, then set aside only one response: “You tell me.” and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 with a frosting tip). Cut additional doughnut to cool completely. Continue until all dough- hours. Remove the dough from the refrigera- holes from the scraps. nuts are fried and sugared. HOMEMADE ‘CRONUTS’ tor and place on a well-floured work surface. Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet Place the pastry cream into a piping bag fit- Makes 10, plus doughnut holes. Roll out the dough into a roughly 8-by-16-inch covered with parchment paper and allow to ted with a bismarck tip (long and needle-like). Note: This recipe is adapted from Edd rectangle. (It will look quite shaggy.) Fold in rest until they puff a bit, about 20 minutes. In Press the tip into each quarter of the pastries Kimber, a London baker who blogs at theboy- thirds, like a business letter, brushing off the meantime, pour enough canola or veg- and pipe in a small amount of the custard until it whobakes.co.uk. He calls these Lemon and excess flour. This is the first turn. Give the etable oil into a thick-bottomed saucepan to backs up in the hole. (You will be doing 4 squirts Vanilla Fauxnuts. You’ll have to start the recipe dough a quarter-turn and repeat the rolling make it two-thirds full. of pastry cream in each doughnut.) Just before the day before you want to fry these as the and folding process 2 more times, giving the Heat over medium heat to 340 degrees. serving, drizzle with lemon glaze. If desired, gar- dough needs resting time. Instant yeast also is dough a total of 3 turns. (It will get increasing- Begin frying the doughnuts two or three at a nish with fresh lemon zest. — MCT called bread machine or rapid-rise yeast. ly smoother.) Wrap in plastic wrap and refrig- erate overnight. Croissant dough: To make the lemon sugar: In a small bowl, 1\2 c. milk rub the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and lemon 1\2 c. water zest together for a few minutes with your fin- 1 c. all-purpose flour gers. Set aside. 1 c. bread flour To make the glaze: Stir in lemon juice, a 2 tsp. instant yeast teaspoon at a time, to the powdered sugar to 2 tbsp. granulated sugar make a thin glaze. 1\2 tsp. salt To make the pastry cream: In a bowl, whisk 10 tbsp. (1 1\2 sticks) unsalted butter, diced together the egg yolks, flour and granulated and chilled sugar (1\2 cup plus 1 tablespoon). Lemon sugar: 1/3 c. granulated sugar Zest of 1 lemon Glaze: Lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 c. powdered sugar Pastry cream filling: 4 egg yolks 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1\2 c. plus 1 tbsp. granulated sugar 1\2 c. half-and-half 1 tbsp. vanilla extract

Directions: To make the croissant dough: Combine milk and 1\2 cup water in a small bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, In a medium saucepan, bring half-and-half instant yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar just to a boil over medium heat. Whisking con- and salt. With a pastry blender, cut in the stantly, slowly pour the half-and-half over the chilled butter until it is in bits no smaller than egg mixture, then pour this back into the the size of a pea. This is the important stage. saucepan and cook until thickened, continu- You are not making a bread or a pastry so ing to whisk. Whisk in the vanilla. Pour the don’t overwork the mixture; you need to see thickened custard into a clean bowl, cover individual pieces of butter. with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Add the liquid ingredients and gently fold To make the pastries: Place the chilled dough into the dry ingredients, trying to moisten on a floured surface and roll to about 1/3 inch everything without making the butter any thick - much thicker than if making a croissant. Travel FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Italy is much more than pizzas and pizzazz

Best places to visit in Italy

acation travel in Italy is about as good as Sant’Angelo. The city’s many piazzas (Piazza noon visiting a few of Rome’s many churches, as Lateran Treaties of 1929 (see our section on it gets and the best places to visit in Italy Navona, Piazza di Spagna (and the Spanish they often are incredibly beautiful and endowed country facts on the Vatican for more informa- Vare spectacular. For the art buff Italy is the Steps), Piazza Venezia) and the city’s fabulous with stunning art and architecture. tion). home to the major works of Michelangelo, fountains (the Trevi Fountain, the Fountain of Anyone who visits Rome should reserve time Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and other notables; the Four Rivers and others) are popular places to experience the Best Places to Visit in the Venice (Venezia) for the architecture aficionado there’s the for good reason. In addition to the masterpieces Vatican, which we cover in our destination Travel in Venice oozes romance and history. Colosseum in Rome, St Mark’s Square in Venice they contain, these areas usually are surrounded guide for the Holy See. Take time to see the Canals, beautiful buildings, world famous land- and the Duomo in Florence; and for those of you by good quality restaurants, fine shopping, and Vatican Museums, as they contain unimaginable marks - Venice is an experience unique in the who like chic, it’s shopping in Milan. Those look- gelato shops (gelaterias) are usually easy to find. treasures of civilization, as well those of the world of travel. Whether taking a gondola down ing for the countryside will revel in Tuscany, Museums are the city’s strong suite, but the Catholic faith. In addition, be sure to see St the Grand Canal or gazing at this romantic city’s Umbria, Liguria, Campania or Sicily. We cover museums dedicated to the history of Ancient Peter’s Basilica and its famous Square. Although unique setting and architecture, Venice is a the all of the below, but recommend you see Rome, as well as to the arts are the most surrounded by Rome, the Vatican is an inde- vision that you will never forget. Be sure to see our detailed travel guides for the cities and acclaimed. You might want to spend an after- pendent state that was established under the the Piazza San Marco, including the Basilica (St regions of Italy for details on what to see and do, Mark’s) and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). as well as some stunning photos of your chosen The Grand Canal is another must, as are its destination. palazzos, bridges and gondolas. Venice has delightful art museums such as the Rome (Roma) Guggenheim, the Galleria dell’Academia and the The “Eternal City” is one of the most popular Museo Corer, incredibly beautiful churches, and tourist destinations in the world. Once the capi- if that were not enough, you can take a boat trip tal of western civilization, Rome has an incredi- the colorful islands of Murano (center for glass- ble number of world-class attractions, including making) and Burano (center for lace). the Colosseum, the Forums of the Roman Empire, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, Florence (Firenze) and fabulous museums. The saying “All roads From the point of view of art and architec- lead to Rome” was a truism during the Roman ture, Florence rivals Rome. During the renais- Empire and the city displays its heritage in a sance, Florence was the art center of western spectacular fashion. Rome is a fantastic destina- civilization. A list of past residents of the city tion; you will run out of time before you run out represents the “Who’s Who” of the Masters, of worthwhile things to see and do. Rome is a including: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, tourist friendly city - see our recommendations Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. on the best places to visit in Rome and, then, Culture is the strong suite of Florence; perhaps book your vacation. that is why its museums are so popular. Be sure to see Ancient Rome, including the However, this is not a one-stop town, as shop- Colosseum, the Capitoline Hill, the Roman and ping and restaurants in Florence tend to be Imperial Forums, the Pantheon, and Castel incredibly attractive to tourists. If you have an Travel FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 interest in cooking, this may be the place to find Naples and the Amalfi Coast (Campania) a cooking school. Campania is one of the most popular regions Be sure to see the Duomo (cathedral) and its of Italy, and its attractiveness is largely manifest- impressive Piazza and the adjacent Piazza San ed along its spectacular scenic coast. If you like Giovanni, containing the famous Baptistery, the hairpin turns, this is a great coast to drive (unless Museo of the Duomo and the famous Bell Tower you are stuck behind a string of tour buses). For by Giotto. For art, it is the Uffizi Gallery and the mariners there are numerous boating adven- Galleria Dell’Accademia, which contains tures that let you view this elegant coastline Michelangelo’s world-famous sculpture of David from the sea, where its beauty is close to over- While museums abound, you may find yourself whelming, especially near dusk. lured to the Ponte Vecchio, the famous shop- Campania is on most traveler’s wish list due lined bridge across the Arno River. to the magnetic attraction of the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Ravello, Tuscany (Toscana) Positano) and nearby Sorrento. These colorful Florence is the crown jewel of Tuscany resort towns, all with winding, narrow streets, (Toscana), although the region is known for its colorful buildings, and fine restaurants crawl scenic, rural hill towns, agricultural setting from the waters edge up and into the nearby interesting culture and unique architecture. imposing mountains. Campania is, also, famous While the region’s quaint hill towns are popular as the site of Pompeii, the Roman town that was with all travelers, Tuscany and its people are the encapsulated by lava and gases from an erup- main attraction. The countryside is beautiful and tion of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. varied, including coastal plains and mountains. Now excavated and in remarkable condition, In turn, the magic of Tuscany’s landscapes has Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular attrac- been used to establish the setting of many won- tions. If you have want to get away from it all for derful works of literature. a relaxing vacation, consider the lure of the sce- Tuscany is a region to be savored and it has become the region of Italy most favored for spending a night or two in one of the hill towns lengthy vacations by visitors. Its hill towns are to understand the lure of Umbria. known for their scenic settings, interesting histo- Sicily is the largest island in the ry, good food and pleasant quality of life. An Mediterranean and was long considered a increasing number of vacationers who visit strategic stepping stone for those interested in Tuscany do so in hopes of savoring the pace and invading southern Europe. The earliest coloniza- quality of Tuscan life, rather than flitting from tion of the island was by the Phoenicians, fol- one eye-popping attraction to the next, as is lowed by invasions by almost every empire that common when visiting Rome, Venice, or developed along the shores of the Tuscany’s own Florence. Leading destinations in Mediterranean. The Greeks, Romans, Muslims Tuscany include Florence, Siena, Pisa and these and Normans had the greatest historical influ- famous hill towns: San Gimignano, Cortona, and ence, although modern Sicily is a mix of numer- the Chianti Hills between Florence and Siena. ous cultures. Visit Palermo for its spectacular mix of architectures inspired by the Muslim and Liguria and the Cinque Terre (Ligurian Coast) Norman conquests. The Ligurian Coast is home to the Italian Segesta is another must-see location that is Riviera, one of the most scenic and appealing known for its large collection of well-preserved sections of the Italian coast, although the Amalfi Greek temples. More temples and excavations in Campania is preferred by some. There are can be found at Selinunte, although Agrigento three sections to the Ligurian Coast and each (known as the Valley of the Temples) is world- has a distinctly different flavor. The Riviera di famous for its unusual collection of excavated Ponente is to the west of Genoa and includes Greek Temples. Visit the Roman Villa at Casale to the wonderful, popular, and pricey resorts view some of the finest mosaics to be found towns as San Remo and Ventimiglia. The central section of the Italian Riviera nic Isle of Capri and its luxury resorts and spas. includes and surrounds Genoa, a working port Most visitors are day trippers, but the lure of that celebrates its history of navigation and its staying on this enchanting island appeals to amazing explorers. many. Of course, there are other attractions to The Riviera Levante to the east of Genoa fill your time, such as the wonderful museums in includes the five scenic villages nestled within Naples (where you will find most of the treas- dramatic craggy hillsides and coastline of the ures from Pompeii), the well-preserved Greek Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Temple at Paestum and the island of Ischia, a This is an area that invites you to hike between lower cost alternative to Capri, although it is the towns and visiting is a treat, although the somewhat less attractive. villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) can be quite crowd- Italy’s Lake Country (The Italian Lakes) ed at the peak of summer. Along Italy’s scenic border with the Swiss Note that Vernazza and Monterosso were Alps are several large glacial lakes nestled into seriously damaged during mud slides during the the rolling hills leading to the mountains. The floods of October 2011. Rehabilitation contin- landscape is beautiful, the shoreline serene and ues in some outlying areas surrounding these the combination creates an area that is pure towns. Further north on the Riviera Levante, you delight. The Italian Lakes are a place to savor. will find the storied resort towns of Portofino, Driving through the area and slowing for a view Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo that are a will allow you to see a lot, yet miss the best parts popular spots for yachting, luxury vacations and of this peaceful, serene and amazing corner of fun in the sun. Italy. Lake Como is considered by many to have the most beautiful setting of all the lakes, Milan (Milano) although Lake Maggiori attracts many visitors to Be sure to see the Cathedral (Duomo) and its its Borromean Islands and the gardens of Isola its residents leisurely approach to life. anywhere in the Mediterranean. For a little vari- museum, as well as La Scala (the world-famous Bella. Lake Garda is a recreation center and the Popular towns include Perugia, Assisi, Spello ety plan on touring the active volcano Mount opera house), the impressive Castello Sforzesco most popular of the lakes with locals. Although and Orvieto. These are smallish hill towns with Etna, although this is usually a side-visit from and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for fine most of the shoreline of Lake Lugano is in interesting architecture, mysterious winding the nearby Taormina, a beautiful town that is shopping and dramatic architecture.. Budget Switzerland, it can easily be accessed from Italy streets, amazing town halls, wonderful piazzas one of the most popular resort areas of Sicily. If time to see the city’s many interesting art muse- and benefits from the mix of cultures. and amazing churches. However, the attrac- you need more reasons to visit Sicily, then plan ums, such as the Brera Art Museum and the tions are limited, as are the museums, although to exploring Siracusa, once the largest city in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. If you plan on seeing Umbria (Regione Umbria) we find them delightful to visit. Greek Empire, to see its impressive collection of DaVinci’s famous painting The Last Supper at Often thought of as an alternative to Perhaps it is the pace life, the beauty of the Greek ruins. Those wanting a water adventure the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you will Tuscany, Umbria, which is graced with beautiful countryside or the marvelous food, but the and willing to travel a little further afield might need to reserve tickets several weeks in advance countryside and interesting, fortified hill towns, ambiance of Umbria will grow on you, if you find the scenic Aeolian Isles, just the place for a to guarantee admission.Milan is the perfect represents some of the best travel in Italy. While give it the chance. Note that the area can be summer vacation. place to begin on a tour of the majestic and each town has its artistic and architectural treas- very crowded during the high travel season and —www.thereareplaces.com charming Italian Lakes. ure, the beauty of Umbria is in its simplicity and for that reason, we recommend you consider Health FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

ils produced by the body help keep skin healthy, but Medicated pads worrying that they’ll make their skin look even shinier,” Kazin there can be too much of a good thing. Excess oil can Pads medicated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other says. That’s a bad idea. “Even oily skin needs to be moisturized Olead to blemishes and acne flare-ups. “Fortunately, oil-cutting acid ingredients are another beauty routine to look its best,” she says. To avoid an oily sheen, choose an there are plenty of ways to cut down on oiliness,” Andrea option. “Medicated pads are a favorite among my patients oil-free moisturizer. Vary the amount you apply depending on Cambio, MD, medical director of Cambio Dermatology in with oily skin,” Marmur says. “You can carry them in your whether the area tends to be dry or oily. Cape Coral, Florida, says. Clear complexion strategies range purse and use them on the run to freshen up your skin and from over-the-counter cleansers to prescription lotions and remove excess oil.” Oil-free Sunscreen cosmetic treatments. “Traditional sunscreens can pose a problem for people Blotting paper with oily skin since they tend to go on pretty thick and can Cleansers Cosmetic blotting papers offer a great option for removing block pores,” Armstrong says. Even so, protecting skin from Dermatologists agree that the most effective way to man- oil because they don’t dry out your skin. “Patients with oily ultraviolet radiation is absolutely essential. Sunscreen gels are age oily skin is to cleanse your face both morning and night. skin really love blotting paper because it’s convenient and less likely than creams and lotions to make your skin look oily, “Always use a gentle cleanser since harsh soaps can trigger easy to use,” Armstrong says. Apply it to oily areas, such as and there are a variety of new oil-free products for oily skin. the skin to increase oil production,” April Armstrong, MD, Some of the newest products, including facial powders, offer assistant professor of dermatology at the University of enough protection to ward off sun damage in most situations. California, Davis, says. Also, beware of the buff. A washcloth or Get more glow and less buff puff can actually stimulate more oil secretion. Adapt your facial regimen If a basic facial cleanser doesn’t cut oiliness, try a product How oily your skin appears can vary season by season, that includes an acid such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, shine with skin-clearing week by week, even day by day. “Oil production is influ- glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid. “Many products contain- enced by hormones, by mood, even by the weather,” ing these acids are marketed as acne facial care products. Cambio says. “For example, some people have problems They’re great for people with acne, but they’re also fine for with oily skin only in the summer when they’re sweating.” people whose problem is just oily skin,” Armstrong says. solutions from leading It’s important to be aware of how your skin varies so that you “Since some of these ingredients can be irritating, buy a small can adjust your regimen accordingly. “You may need size to see how your skin responds. People often have to try cleanser with glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acid every day several products before they find the one that works best for dermatologists them.” Wash with warm water, not hot, because temperature during the summer but only now and then during the win- extremes can irritate skin. forehead, nose, and chin. Don’t scrub your skin with the sheet ter,” Kazin says. “That’s important to know since overusing of blotting paper. Instead, simply press it against the oily area these products can cause skin to dry out.” Toners long enough to absorb oil, usually 15 to 20 seconds. Some Dermatologists are divided on whether the oil-reducing blotting papers are lightly powdered, which further reduces Talk to your dermatologist properties of toner are legitimate. “I’m not a big fan of astrin- shine. If over-the-counter products aren’t enough to help you man- gent toners because they tend to irritate the skin and can lead age oily skin, talk to your dermatologist. Lasers and chemical to more oil production,” Cambio says. “Still, if people like using Masks and Clays peels can help reduce oiliness and improve the overall look of them, I recommend applying toners only on oily areas of the Applying masks and clays to the skin helps draw out oils your skin. Creams laced with tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene skin, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid using them and cleanses pores, but there is also concern for over drying. can also help by altering pores and reducing oiliness. “Since on areas that tend to be dry or you’re likely to create dry “My advice is to apply them only to problem areas and use these products can be irritating, it’s best to use them only on patches on your skin.” them only occasionally,” Rebecca Kazin, MD, director of Johns oily areas and only as often as you really need it,” Kazin says. That’s advice worth remembering for all your skin care regi- Hopkins Cosmetic Center, says. She suggests limiting masks It’s worth remembering that oil production is a normal part mens. “There’s a myth that some people have dry skin, some and clays to really big events such as a wedding, a birthday of healthy skin. “People with naturally oily skin tend to have people have oily skin. In fact, most people have combination dinner, or a big presentation. fewer wrinkles and healthier looking skin,” Marmur says. So skin, oily in some places, dry in others,” Ellen Marmur, MD, don’t go overboard in your efforts. Remove excess oiliness associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Moisturizers when you need to look your best, but be careful to preserve Medicine in New York, says. “People who have oily skin often steer clear of moisturizers, your skin’s natural anti-aging mechanism. —www.webmd.com Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

The place where former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were executed is pictured in Targoviste, Romania. (Right) A sculpture representing the mother of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, Alexandra Ceausescu is pictured inside the house where Nicolae Ceausescu was born in 1918 in Scornicesti vil- lage (150km southwest from Bucharest) Romania. — AFP photos Ceausescu execution spot to become tourist attraction

he grim barracks where to the public in the latest bid to 110,000 of them foreigners. Romania’s brutal commu- boost “dictator tourism”. The for- But Lucia Morariu, head of the Tnist despot Nicolae mer military unit at Targoviste, local tour operators’ association, Ceausescu and his wife Elena 100 kilometers (60 miles) north- felt turning Ceausescu into a were executed are to be opened west of Bucharest, is to be turned tourist brand was not a good into a museum and is due to wel- idea. “Why encourage those who come its first visitors in early mourn him? Romania boasts oth- September. “Many Romanians er highlights,” she said, citing the Metallica to and foreigners said they wanted Danube delta, part of UNESCO’s to see the wall against which heritage, or the picturesque natu- Ceausescu and his wife Elena ral reserve of the Retezat moun- headline at were shot on December 25, tains, home to Europe’s biggest 1989,” Ovidiu Carstina, director of bear and wolves populations. the Apollo the museum, told AFP. However, in the southern town The death of the Ceausescus of Scornicesti, the small, tradition- became one of the defining al house where Ceausescu was images of the revolutions which born in 1918 is a major draw for convulsed eastern and central tourists. The perfectly preserved Europe in 1989. On December 22, abode, dating from around 1900, as angry crowds gathered in front with no running water or electrici- of the Communist Party head- ty, is sporadically opened to visi- quarters, they fled the capital tors by Ceausescu’s nephew Emil Bucharest in a helicopter. It was to Nephew of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, Emil Barbulescu, who lives next door. be their final journey. They were Barbulescu speaks inside the house where Nicolae Ceausescu was The 55-year-old former head of stopped by the army, detained in born in 1918 in Scornicesti village (150km southwest from the local communist militia does Targoviste, and shot after a Bucharest) Romania. not hide his nostalgia for the makeshift trial. It brought to a “good old days” and says steps grisly end more than 20 years of and Elena, dressed in their winter AFP. A group of Swedish tourists have been taken recently to repressive rule aided by a huge coats, sat listening to the charges has already booked tickets for the “restore the truth” about his security apparatus, where any against them will be put back in museum, Carstina said. uncle. free speech was ruthlessly sup- the very place where the couple Confronting Romania’s past “History will put him back pressed. were tried and sentenced to Also on their must-see list is where he belongs,” he told AFP. here will be a different type of The population suffered from death. Outside, the wall against the grandiose Palace of Two smartly-dressed women in Sandman featured at the Apollo next food and power shortages and on which they were shot just a few Parliament in the heart of their fifties, who declined to give Tmonth. Metallica is set to rock the top of that, Ceascescu’s rule was minutes later still carries bullet Bucharest. To erect the building, their names, stepped down from legendary Harlem venue on Sept 21. They marked by nepotism, paranoia holes. Footage of the trial and the initially called “House of the their SUV, pleased that they could will promote their 3D concert-action film and a deeply ingrained personali- execution, broadcast all over the People”, Ceausescu ordered the enter Ceausescu’s house. “We are “Metallica Through the Never,” released in ty cult. Wife Elena was seen as the world in December 1989 and razing of much of the city’s his- here out of respect, because we IMAX on Sept 27 and other theaters a regime’s ‘number two’. “Our aim is drawing criticism over the sum- toric district, forcing the reloca- wanted to be closer” to the late week later. It will also air live on a special to present events as they unfold- mary judicial proceedings, will tion of some 40,000 people who “Conducator”, they said. A man temporary Metallica channel on SiriusXM. ed, without making comments on run on a black and white TV set. lost their homes. State coffers, and his wife also stopped their car The Apollo, revered for its place in the trial, the Ceausescus’ life or the “We do not wish to stir a con- meanwhile, foot the bill for the in front of the house. “There were black entertainment and historic perform- cult of personality,” said Carstina. troversy but only to speak of a 350,000 square-meter (3.7 million a lot of restrictions at the time,” ances from the likes of James Brown to In the barracks, built in 1907, time landmark in Romania’s history,” square-foot) structure that was Ioan Donga, 58, said, adding how- Michael Jackson, has become a venue for seems to have stood still since the Carstina stressed. Sociologist fitted out with enough marble to ever that his family “lacked noth- rock legends in recent years, including execution. Vasile Dancu said “every nation fill 400 Olympic swimming pools- ing” under the communist Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney. The walls are painted a greyish must acknowledge its history, at a time when Romanians suf- regime. But he insisted that the And while the Apollo is known for its yellow and the iron beds com- without trying to hide certain fered from severe food shortages execution remained an open “Sandman” character who boots weak plete with dirty mattresses where events”. “No matter what we do, and regular power cuts. The wound in Romania. “Of course he contestants during its famous amateur the Ceausescus slept have we cannot erase the image of that palace is now one of Romania’s deserved to be shot but this is not show, “Enter Sandman” is one of remained there ever since. The sham trial which only speaks of top attractions. More than the way they (the authorities) Metallica’s famous songs. — AP makeshift dock where Nicolae the collapse of a system,” he told 144,000 tourists visited it in 2012, should have acted.” — AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Buffett returns with lackluster new album

Jimmy Buffett, traveler, but the tunes lack the hooks that made “Songs From St Somewhere” (Mailboat) Buffett’s famous songs of long ago so memorable. There are positive exceptions, especially when

Review n Jimmy Buffett’s first album in four years, the guests Mark Knopfler (on “Oldest Surfer on the mayor of Margaritaville returns to mixing soft- Beach”) and Latin singer Fanny Lu (on a Spanish ver- Oly swaying beach tunes with pirate tales of sion of “I Want to Go Back to Cartagena”) stir up the foreign intrigue and social commentary. The prob- proceedings. Best of all is a duet with country star lem, however, is Buffett’s voice doesn’t sound nearly Toby Keith. “Too Drunk to Karaoke” bobs along with as engaged as his imaginative songwriting and a few common-man humor and vivid writing and perform- turns with inspired guests. The 66-year-old veteran ing. It’s the one song from the new album sure to sounds bored on the island songs, snapping off each become a favorite during Buffett’s ever-popular live word with a clipped tone and a bland sense of phras- shows. — AP ing - an about-face from the performances that made Buffett such an enjoyable performer in the This CD cover image released by Mailboat past. He sounds livelier on a series of ambitious Records shows ‘Songs from St Somewhere,’ by songs about the mysterious adventures of a world Jimmy Buffett. — AP Disney’s ‘Lone Ranger’ Lands China Release in October he Lone Ranger” will open in China this October after its “Tinitial debut in the country was postponed by three months, according to two individuals with knowledge of the film’s plans. That Marian McParland delay left Disney no choice but to abruptly postpone a promotional trip to China by stars Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, director Gore Verbinski and Jazz legend Marian producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Chinese authorities have now approved October 6 as the premiere date for the western. McParland dead at 95 That said, in China, delays and alter- ations are a frequent occurrence when it arian McPartland, a jazz pianist who was a glittering fixture in comes to scheduling a film’s debut, so her musical genre over a career spanning six decades, has that date may be change. Mdied at the age of 95, her record label said. English-born “The Lone Ranger” was one of the McPartland also hosted a program on National Public Radio called summer’s biggest flops. The film cost “Piano Jazz,” which at more than 30 years was the longest running cul- $215 million to produce and has only tural program on the popular US radio station, Concord Music Group calendar year ends, so the competition could add tens of millions of dollars to said. McPartland died of natural causes at her home in Long Island, earned $217 million worldwide. Currently 30 foreign films have been for the remaining berths may be fierce. its box office haul. China, which recent- New York on Tuesday night, NPR said. She recorded over 50 albums China has a strict quota on the num- ly surpassed Japan as the second and the honors she received included the George Foster Peabody approved to be released in China since the beginning of 2012. That leaves four ber of foreign pictures it allows to largest market for films, contributed Award, the National Music Council’s American Eagle Award and a screen in the country, capping it at 34. more than $120 million to the global GRAMMY Trustee’s Award for lifetime achievement. available slots open for big-budget films Getting into China is a big deal for a take of another Disney release, “Iron On her radio program, she interviewed practically every major jazz like “Gravity” or “The Hunger Games: musician of the post World War-II era, NPR said. She told the station in Catching Fire” to try to grab before the film like “The Lone Ranger.” The film Man 3.” — Reuters 2005 that her interest in music started when she was a young girl, after hearing her mother play piano. “From that moment on, I don’t remem- ber ever not playing piano, day and night, wherever I was,” she said. “At my aunt’s house, at kindergarten-wherever they had a piano, I played it. Of course, on the BBC they played all the hits from over here revises ‘Essential’ [in the US]. They played them, I heard them and I learned them,” Spike Lee McPartland said. — AFP films list to include 7 by women Photographer sues Kanye pike Lee realizes he made a few omissions when he posted West over LAX scuffle his “Essential List of Films for Filmmakers”: It didn’t contain Sany films directed by women. He’s improved the situation, photographer who adding seven films to the list, which now contains 94 films in all. claims he was One omission was apparently especially egregious: Italian filmmak- Aattacked by Kanye er Lena Wertmuller went from not appearing on the list at all to West at Los Angeles appearing on it four times - more than any other director, including International Airport is suing Alfred Hitchcock, John Huston, Federico Fellini, and Stanley the rapper. Daniel Ramos is Kubrick, who appear three times each. alleging assault, battery, Lee notes in his revised list that “many of you informed me” negligence and violation of about the omission of female directors. “Thank you for that coat his civil rights in the lawsuit pulling,” he wrote. Lee, who is also teaching at New York University, filed Wednesday. Ramos was a member of the paparazzi who posted the list as part of the successful Kickstarter campaign for his staked out at the airport July 19 to snap celebrity photos. He was next film, which he’s described as being about “Human beings who talking to West, who stopped and addressed him. are addicted to Blood. Funny, Sexy and Bloody. A new kind of love “The Piano,” Jane Campion (1993) Ramos claimed the rapper then suddenly punched him in an story (and not a remake of “Blacula”).” “Daughters of the Dust,” Julie Dash (1991) unprovoked attack and wrestled his camera to the ground. Last As Indie wire noted, woman still directed only 6.44 percent of “The Hurt Locker,” Kathryn Bigelow (2008) week, the district attorney’s office declined to prosecute West, the films on Lee’s list. Nine percent of the top 250 movies at the “The Seduction of Mimi,” Lina Wertmuller (1972) saying Ramos didn’t have a significant injury. The city attorney’s domestic box office last year came from female directors, and that “Love and Anarchy,” Lina Wertmuller (1973) office was considering whether to file misdemeanor charges. An number has historically been much lower. Here are the seven new “Swept Away,” Lina Wertmuller (1974) attorney for West couldn’t immediately be located. — AP films on the list: “Seven Beauties,” Lina Wertmuller (1975) —Reuters Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 ‘The World’s End’ a toast for 3 filmmaking friends t’s not the end of the world, but “The World’s End” marks a creative con- Iclusion for Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright. For the British trio behind “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” Friday’s release of “The World’s End” completes a trilogy. The longtime friends have no future collaborations planned as each heads into new proj- ects that match their growing profiles. Wright is writing and directing Marvel’s “Ant-Man.” Pegg will star in “Hector and the Search for Happiness,” while Frost is starring (and dancing) in the upcoming comedy “Cuban Fury.” It’s fitting, then, that their final film togeth- er (for now) is a toast - 12 times over. In “The World’s End,” Pegg and Frost play former friends among a group reunited to take on “The Golden Mile”: A dozen pubs in their old UK hometown, down- This film publicity image released by Focus Features shows, from left, Nick ing a pint at each. The real-life friends Frost as Andy, Eddie Marsan as Peter, Simon Pegg as Gary, Paddy Considine Katy Perry gathered at a Sunset Strip hotel (over as Steven, and Martin Freeman as Oliver in ‘The World’s End.’ — AP ice-waters) to talk about movies, friendship and beer. Frost: It was like a sugared water: A Pegg: I don’t drink at all now. I gave to close iTunes water colored with burnt sugar with it up completely. AP: Is it bittersweet to complete cream soda on top for the head. But Frost: I try not to drink. Because this trilogy? the shots were Sambuca. what if I woke up and he’d eaten a music festival Pegg: It feels like we’ve done some- Pegg: It had to be water because knife? thing we set out to do... We know we’ll we had to drink so much of it. It could- AP: What would Ant Man drink? aty Perry seems to be closing a lot these probably work together again. Highly n’t have been anything else. It couldn’t Wright: I think he’s probably a days. Shortly after she was announced as a likely, in fact. be apple juice or tea... It tasted a little lightweight because he’s so tiny, but performer at the upcoming 2013 MTV Video K Frost: At the heart of what we do is bit like weak-tasting lemonade, I guess, then so am I. Music Awards, reports surfaced that she would that we’re all best mates, so it’s not like and we put away pints of the stuff. Pegg: He could probably still drink close the show. Now, Perry is also confirmed for a that’s that, we’ll never see each other. AP: What is the beer that you name more than you. Sept 30 headlining gig at the month-long iTunes We’re friends first and foremost. in the movie? AP: Will you all work on “Ant- Festival. The music fest returns this September Wright: I feel the sense of satisfac- Wright: Crowning Glory... We Man?” with a 30-day long run of free shows at The tion that we made good on a promise. named it in the script, and then we Wright: I like our collaborations Roadhouse in London. We made a promise to ourselves as found this local brewery that said together to be ones that we write. Not Fans can watch the concerts for free on iTunes much as we did the fans of making (they’d) make a beer and call it that I haven’t written “Ant-Man,” but or via the festival app. More than 60 artists are three movies, so to actually finish the Crowning Glory. So they have actually it’s an adaptation. So I think when we schedule to perform, including Lady Gaga, Robin movies and have a film that we’re real- released it. It’s like an ale. The one reconvene it should be for (a) com- Thicke, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Justin ly proud of - three films that we’re real- that’s named in the movie ... is now pletely original screenplay. Timberlake and many more. Ironically, Gaga, who ly proud of - British films and pretty real, which is hilarious. Frost: So in five years’ time, when opens the MTV VMAs is also opening the iTunes uncompromised, is huge for us. AP: How did the two of you (Pegg we get back together to do “Rhino Festival. AP: What was really in the glasses and Frost) becoming fathers change Man and the Abs,” people will enjoy it Perry is closing both. Gaga’s set kicks the month during filming? your drinking habits? more.” — AP off at 4 pm on Sep 1, Perry’s wraps it all up at the same time on Sep 30. The “Roar” singer tweeted Tuesday, “PUMPED to announce I will be closing the month-long @iTunesFestival on 9/30 with my friends @IGGYAZALEA & @iconapop opening! Click Rapper DMX arrested on HERE...” — Reuters marijuana charge in S Carolina Police: Intruder found apper DMX, whose real name is Earl Inc, which represents DMX. “No drugs Simmons, was arrested on Tuesday were found on DMX or the other passen- at Jennifer Lopez estate Rin South Carolina and charged with gers and the alleged bags of marijuana possession of marijuana, two days before were never shown to DMX or the other he was due in court on a drunk driving passengers,” Nati added. Simmons, 42, is olice say an intruder had charge. Police stopped a truck in which due to appear in court on Thursday in been living for a week on Simmons was a passenger for making an Greenville on separate charges stemming PJennifer Lopez’s property in improper lane change shortly before mid- from a July 26 arrest for drunk driving, and the Hamptons while she was away. night, according to a police report. On failing to have a valid drivers license, Bob Southampton police said inspecting the car, police found three bags Beres of the South Carolina Highway Wednesday the entertainer had an of marijuana, the report said. Patrol said on Wednesday. order of protection against 49- Simmons complained of a medical con- After his July arrest, the rapper paid year-old John Dubis. Information on dition and was aggressive, police said. $1,235 in bail and left Greenville County why the order was obtained was Emergency medical services were called to Detention Center after being booked on not immediately available. check his condition and cleared him, the the charges, jail officials said. But a repre- According to Newsday, workers found Dubis on the prop- report said. Simmons was booked into sentative for the New York-born rapper, the movies “Romeo Must Die” and “Cradle erty on Aug. 8 and called police. He was arraigned on charges Greer City Jail on charges of possession of who lives in South Carolina, said the DUI 2 The Grave.” Simmons’ arrest record of burglary, criminal contempt, stalking and possession of marijuana and failure to appear on a previ- charge was never officially filed because includes charges of: animal cruelty, reck- burglar tools. He’s due in court Aug 28. Dubis is being held on ous warrant, police said. Simmons passed a breathalyzer test in the less driving, drug possession, weapons $100,000 bail. Newsday says the publicist for the singer- Officers “claimed that they found bags jail. The rapper, whose albums include “It’s charges and probation violations. He has actress couldn’t be reached for comment, and it was unclear of marijuana in the floorboard,” said Dark and Hell is Hot” and “Flesh of My had several felony convictions and has whether Dubis had a lawyer. — AP Domenick Nati of Nati Celebrity Services, Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” also starred in served prison time in Arizona. — Reuters Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 PilgrimsPilgrims flockflock toto BulgarianBulgarian mountainsmountains toto cleansecleanse spiritspirit

Members of an international religious movement called the White Brotherhood perform ritual dances on the top of the Rila Mountain, near Babreka lake.

came to Rila even if it was officially banned,” said 68-year- old Hristo Madjarov, one of the movement’s lecturers and a long-time follower. “Things got worse after 1957, when the authorities confiscated and burned our books and many brothers and sisters were sacked from their jobs.” Authorities closely monitored meetings in Sofia, and the secret police often questioned members, Madjarov added. Even now, the Universal White Brotherhood remains at Members of an international religious movement called the odds with the Christian Orthodox Church, which has dis- White Brotherhood perform ritual dances. missed it as a sect. After the fall of communism in 1989, however, the brotherhood was officially registered as a reli- he sounds of women singing to the strains of violins gious movement, and by 2007 Deunov had gained so fill the clear air of Bulgaria’s Rila mountains as 2,000 much stature that he ranked second among the greatest Twhite-clad pilgrims move gracefully in a series of Bulgarians in a 2007 state television poll. His movement rhythmic meditation exercises. Every August, followers of has also grown abroad: from France-where Deunov’s disci- the Universal White Brotherhood converge from across the nearby plateau to practise paneurhythmy. They also attend ple Mihail Ivanov, better known as Omraam Mikhael world on the Rila lakes, at an altitude of 2,100 meters (6,900 lectures to open their souls and fill them with positive Aivanhov, first spread his teachings-to Belgium and feet), to celebrate the beginning of their new year at the energy. The spiritual school, founded by Bulgarian theolo- Switzerland, and as far as Canada, Mexico, Iceland and the height of summer. The highlight of the day is “paneurhyth- gian Peter Deunov in 1897, emphasises brotherly love, Democratic Republic of Congo. my”, a dance-like ritual that pilgrims perform in large con- healthy habits, positive thinking and living in harmony “This is my second time in Rila, and I would like to keep centric circles, creating a striking image on the verdant with nature. coming, as dancing paneurhythmy in the mountains here mountain plain. It does not keep track of its numbers but is believed to is a lot different from practising it back in Switzerland,” The esoteric society combining Christianity and Indian have tens of thousands of followers worldwide, possibly David Gerard, who joined the brotherhood 37 years ago, mysticism believes that positive cosmic energy is at its more. Deunov-also known as Master Beinsa Douno-began told AFP. strongest here around August 19 and that paneurhythmy developing Maria Jesus, a 43-year-old economist from Granada, said will help them channel it and spread it around the world. paneurhythmy and taking his followers camping to Rila she had practised paneurhythmy in Spain for eight years “We come to Rila before the feast to cleanse ourselves from in the 1930s, by which time they numbered around 40,000. and that it gave her “spiritual harmony and vitality”. In a the mud of everyday big-city life with the energy of this The Bulgarian government later recognized the positive new study published this month, Bulgarian Sports place and with positive thinking,” Alexandrina Stoilova, 80, health effects of his “cosmic rhythm” exercises, and Academy professor Lyudmila Chervenkova noted the ben- told AFP, adjusting her wide-brimmed white hat before paneurhythmy was experimentally taught in a Sofia school efits of attending just a six-month beginners’ course in joining in the rituals. as a physical education option. paneurhythmy, whatever the learner’s age. Deunov’s sim- The pilgrims, who address each other as “brother” and But World War II and the installation of communist rule ple exercises improve balance and physical endurance “sister”, camp near the Seven Rila Lakes, greeting the sun- in Bulgaria in 1944 drove the movement underground. while lowering aggression levels, boosting optimism and rise with prayers and meditation before hiking up to the “Paneurhythmy was practised in secret and people still battling depression, she found. — AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Ghosts of German history haunt fabled Berlin dance hall

Photo shows people as they sit in an outdoor restaurant of Claerchens Ballhaus in Berlin. — AFP photos

t’s survived two world wars, communist spies and a Quentin venue afloat. Schulz took over the venue in 2005 and changed as little as Tarantino movie production and at the ripe age of 100, Under the Third Reich, “un-German” dance styles such as possible, apart from reopening a “Sleeping Beauty” upstairs IBerlin’s most legendary dance hall is also among its most tango were outlawed, but the parties went on, often drawing ballroom for the first time since the war. unlikely success stories. As Claerchens Ballhaus (Claerchen’s the Nazi brass. Propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels briefly They say it would be “crazy” to renovate the pockmarked Ballroom) prepares to fete its centenary next month, the fabled banned public dancing during the war, and Claerchen’s finally exterior, which wears its war damage and the patina of the last venue still sees hordes of party-goers young and old queue up closed in 1944. Life behind the Berlin Wall turned the place into century like a badge of honor. Claerchen’s has parlayed that in front of its crumbling facade. something of a dive, where cheap beer drew rowdy soldiers, flair into use as a film set for “Valkyrie” with Tom Cruise and White-haired ladies in tiaras and dancing shoes wait to gain factory workers and travelling salesmen, some coming from Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” with Brad Pitt. Lotta entry with hipsters in skinny jeans in a courtyard under a West Berlin for the bargain and the dance hall’s reputation for Weigl, 39, leads swing dance classes in the once-opulent canopy of mature trees, strings of lights and a giant mirrored “loose women”. upstairs banquet hall, with its cracked mirrors and chipping disco ball. “Under the kaisers, the chancellors and the chiefs of The snappily dressed cloakroom attendant since the 1960s, paint. “It’s a little like ‘Harry Potter’-you think there are ghosts the (communist) state council, in times of upheaval and social Guenter Schmidtke whose mother and late wife also worked at experiments, divided and united again everybody on one and Claerchen’s-said there were fist fights several times a week the same dance floor of history-every political system left its between revelers. And as it attracted West Germans, it also traces,” Marion Kiesow writes in her new book timed for the became a den of Stasi spies, and more-or-less discreet prosti- anniversary, “Berlin Dances at Claerchen’s Ballroom”. tutes. When her stepdaughter Elfriede Wolff took over in 1967, Kiesow argues that in a city that has seen a century of tur- the severe-looking Claerchen still sat at a reserved table at the moil and reinvention, Claerchen’s is a remarkable constant. end of the buffet to keep an eagle eye on her livelihood. Combing through the building from the basement to the attic, Wolff held the reins until the year the Wall fell in 1989. she uncovered decades of relics including love letters, sepia Reunification brought soaring rents and an influx of boutiques photos and even ripped military maps left behind by Nazi offi- and galleries along Auguststrasse, the street where Claerchen’s cers during World War II to help her tell Claerchen’s unique sto- is situated. Theatre impresarios David Regehr and Christian ry. In the heyday of German ballrooms around the turn of the last century, Berlin alone had about 900 venues like Claerchen’s, fixtures of every neighborhood. Many were destroyed during World War II air raids and those remaining fell out of favour in the 1970s and 1980s as revellers flocked to dis- cos and later the techno clubs that cropped up in the city’s abandoned industrial spaces. Only three of the imperial-era ballrooms in the city centre remain and Claerchen’s is seen as People dance during a Swing night in the hall of the most authentic, with nightly dancing. Claerchens Ballhaus in Berlin. who are having some fun and dancing along with us,” she said. Nazis banned ‘un-German’ dance styles “The thing I love most about this place is its spirit-it’s a spirit The venue opened on September 13, 1913, named Buehler’s you find not only in the building itself but also in the people Ballroom after its first owner, but later became known as who have worked here for so long. It’s part of the Berlin tradi- Claerchen’s after the nickname of his widow Clara. Clara tion and about survival.” Ulrich Linser, 58, from East Frisia in Buehler was a tough Prussian farmer’s daughter who became northern Germany, expertly twirls his wife Beate, 60, around one of the first women in Berlin to earn a driving licence. When Claerchen’s dance floor every time they are in Berlin visiting business suffered after World War I, she rented the building out their son. “It’s very international here, you can speak Spanish or for then-banned sabre duels popular among students and English and it’s such a broad mix of ages too-there’s a 15-year- staged widows’ balls. After she herself lost her husband, People dance during a Swing night in the hall of old here and a 90-year-old there,” Ulrich said. “You feel like Claerchen remarried, took the name Habermann and kept the Claerchens Ballhaus in Berlin. you’re part of a long tradition and it’s wonderful.” — AFP FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 in Kuwait. Looking for a suit- Kuwait SITUATION VACANT able accounts job. (Can join KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO immediately). Contact: For a family of two adults, a 65173606/67668929. live-in house boy and home (C4486) WEDNESDAY (22/08/2013 TO 28/08/2013) care. Good English and Arabic 20-8-2013 is preferred, transferable visa. SHARQIA-1 THE CONJURING 10:00 PM THE CONJURING (DIG) 2:45 PM Contact: 99060969. 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orm Lopez is a feline celebrity. Mention his name in central city Nneighborhoods, and people gush about him. He has his own Facebook page - and now has more than 500 friends. Commuters frequently stop by his 14th Street house just to get a glimpse of him. A local band has put his image on its posters. Now his image is on T-shirts promoting a fundraising pub crawl. “He really just gained popularity by doing what he does best, lying in the middle of the sidewalk and letting everyone love him,” said owner Tyler Lopez of the celebrity cat who weighs between 26 and 31 pounds. “He kind of just became known as that huge, lov- ing, affectionate cat on 14th Street.” Norm’s fame likely saved his life. Last weekend, a well-meaning passer-by mistook Norm for a pregnant cat in distress and dropped him off at the city of Sacramento’s Front Street animal shelter. A worker told the shelter’s manager Gina Knepp about a cat who was the largest she had ever seen, and it suddenly “dawned on” Knepp that she knew this animal. She posted Norm’s Facebook photo on the shelter’s online site to see if anyone rec- ognized the cat. Facebook followers quickly identified Norm. And when Lopez returned from her camping trip on Sunday, she dis- covered countless messages on social media accounts about Norm being found at the Tyler Lopez of Sacramento, California, rescued Norm, orange cat at her feet, about two years ago. — MCT animal shelter. According to Knepp, social media worked so well that Norm was picked up within Sacramento feline’s social media fame a life saver hours and brought back to his porch on dogs, and as if he were a dog himself, and after-work visitors.” She said she decid- Friday, the same day he had been turned started smelling them,” Lopez said. “They ed to start throwing annual “Friends of into the shelter. Lopez said she had him all got along just fine, so I knew that they Norm” barbecues during summer to unite microchipped on Monday. Knepp said about would be fine living together.” This week the community and give them a chance to 1 percent of lost cats are reconnected with Norm was back to his usual haunts. Early spend time with Norm. their owners each year nationally. She attrib- Tuesday, he lay belly-up - his favorite pose - At one of the events, an attendee sug- uted Norm’s recovery “100 percent” to his in the shade of a staircase leading up to gested launching a Facebook page for social media popularity. the front entrance of a Victorian-style Norm. “I thought it was silly, but then, I said, This was not, however, Norm’s first brush residence. ‘Oh, what the heck, I’ll create the page,’ “ with potential doom. Norm is a rescue cat. Lopez said her cat has brought Lopez said. All posts on the page are written Two years ago, Lopez heard that a relative’s the neighborhood together. “I in first person from Norm’s point of view. neighbor was going to take the cat to a work from home some- And he gets comments. pound if he wasn’t adopted, she said. times, and around In response to an Aug 1 post, which After hearing this story, Lopez took her lunchtime, I hear peo- included a photo of Norm in his younger two dogs - Gracie, a Maltese, and ple out there talking days, a user proceeded to call him “the June Bug, a Chihuahua mix - to visit to him,” Lopez said. George Clooney of cats.” Because of his the cat. According to Lopez, it was “He gets a lot of growing fame, Lopez said that this year she “love at first sniff.” lunchtime visitors couldn’t accommodate all his fans in a front “Norm ran right up to my yard barbecue. Instead, she decided to organize a pub crawl for Aug 31. Lopez will sell shirts with Norm’s image for $25 as a fundraiser for the Front Street Animal Shelter. Local graphic artist John Conley came up with the design for the T-shirt. According to Conley, he didn’t even know Norm was famous when he first saw the cat sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk last summer, and took a picture that would be used on promotional materials for his sister’s band. “I just couldn’t believe how enormous he was,” Conley said. Knepp hopes Norm’s story will inspire others to have their pets microchipped. She said residents can get their pets microchipped at the city shelter for $20. — MCT Stars FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

COUNTRY CODES Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Afghanistan 0093 Kuwait 00965 Albania 00355 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Your steady nature will be greatly appreciated today, Aries. A well Algeria 00213 Laos 00856 Just when you thought you had everything figured out and planned Andorra 00376 Latvia 00371 thought out plan of attack is the one that wins approval from the Angola 00244 Lebanon 00961 higher-ups. You know the best way to proceed and now all you correctly, another obstacle appears, Libra. Your first reaction may be to get upset. Rage won't help. You can't always control everything. Anguilla 001264 Liberia 00231 need is the confidence to follow through with your ideas. Getting Antiga 001268 Libya 00218 things started should be easier for you today since your mind is There are bound to be surprises. Plan for what you can, but know Argentina 0054 Lithuania 00370 working in harmony with your heart. that there are often unknown forces working against your aims. 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Work with those who also have something to contribute to Costa Rica 00506 Norfolk Island 00672 that you have in mind. Take the opportunity to pursue tasks that Croatia 00385 Northern Ireland (UK)0044 the situation at hand. A quiet, disciplined approach is exactly Cuba 0053 North Korea 00850 require you to be reserved and collected. what's needed to plow through any problem that needs fixing. Cyprus 00357 Norway 0047 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Oman 00968 Czech Republic 00420 Pakistan 0092 Denmark 0045 Palau 00680 Diego Garcia 00246 Panama 00507 Djibouti 00253 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dominica 001767 Paraguay 00595 Dominican Republic 001809 Peru 0051 Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Ecuador 00593 Philippines 0063 Egypt 0020 Poland 0048 El Salvador 00503 Portugal 00351 England (UK) 0044 Puerto Rico 001787 Your flamboyant approach may not get as much attention today By jumping around from place to place, Capricorn, you may end up Equatorial Guinea 00240 Qatar 00974 as you'd like, Cancer. Don't push yourself to achieve something feeling like you're getting nowhere. Instead of tackling many differ- Eritrea 00291 Romania 0040 that isn't working. By insisting that something should be done your ent tasks, today is better spent focusing your energy on one. Start Estonia 00372 Russian Federation 007 way, you'll only create enemies and bottlenecks in whatever task from ground level and work up. Get to the root of the problem and Ethiopia 00251 Rwanda 00250 Falkland Islands 00500 Saint Helena 00290 you're trying to accomplish. A thoughtful, conscious, reserved many of the related issues will simply dissolve as you work. Faroe Islands 00298 Saint Kitts 001869 approach is going to win today. Fiji 00679 Saint Lucia 001758 Finland 00358 Saint Pierre 00508 France 0033 Saint Vincent 001784 French Guiana 00594 Samoa US 00684 French Polynesia 00689 Samoa West 00685 Gabon 00241 San Marino 00378 Gambia 00220 Sao Tone 00239 Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Georgia 00995 Saudi Arabia 00966 Leo (July 23-August 22) Germany 0049 Scotland (UK) 0044 Ghana 00233 Senegal 00221 Gibraltar 00350 Seychelles 00284 Greece 0030 Sierra Leone 00232 You may be considering taking a trip or planning a party with Greenland 00299 Singapore 0065 some friends, Leo. You may find out today that it's up to you to do Make a plan at the beginning of the day for what you want to Grenada 001473 Slovakia 00421 all the organizing. This won't bother you too much because you accomplish by sundown, Aquarius. This is a good time to tackle Guadeloupe 00590 Slovenia 00386 know you'll do it right. Why don't you think about really trying to many of the nitpicky tasks that require your attention. Be con- Guam 001671 Solomon Islands 00677 scious of the fact that there are time limits and restrictions on Guatemala 00502 Somalia 00252 outdo yourself and plan something special that your friends will Guinea 00224 South Africa 0027 never forget? some of the things you're working on. Keep on task and try not to get distracted by other people. Guyana 00592 South Korea 0082 Haiti 00509 Spain 0034 Holland (Netherlands)0031 Sri Lanka 0094 Honduras 00504 Sudan 00249 Hong Kong 00852 Suriname 00597 Hungary 0036 Swaziland 00268 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sweden 0046 Iceland 00354 Switzerland 0041 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) India 0091 Syria 00963 Indian Ocean 00873 Taiwan 00886 Indonesia 0062 Tanzania 00255 Iran 0098 Thailand 0066 Trying to talk your way out of tasks and obligations probably isn't You might have to adjust your way of thinking in order to match Iraq 00964 Toga 00228 the best way to win friends today, Virgo. In fact, this is a time to get the energy of the situations around you. While you may feel a Ireland 00353 Tonga 00676 yourself in gear and take responsibility for your actions. The time Italy 0039 Tokelau 00690 desire to strike out into some new, adventurous activity, there's a Ivory Coast 00225 Trinidad 001868 you spend trying to weasel your way out of something is better strong resistance asking you to be more cautious and stable. Jamaica 001876 Tunisia 00216 spent just doing the thing that you need to do. Be understanding Don't lose touch with your pioneering attitude, but don't fall prey Japan 0081 Turkey 0090 and receptive of other people's objectives. to reckless behavior, either. Jordan 00962 Tuvalu 00688 Kazakhstan 007 Uganda 00256 Kenya 00254 Ukraine 00380 Kiribati 00686 United Arab Emirates00976 Stars FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Word Search 83. A chronic skin disease occurring primarily in women between the ages of 20 CROSSWORD288 and 40. DOWN 1. Block consisting of a thick piece of something. 2. A river in northern England that flows southeast through West Yorkshire. 3. English economist noted for his studies of international trade and finance (born in 1907). 4. Canna grown especially for its edible rootstock from which arrowroot starch is obtained. 5. Wild goose having white adult plumage. 6. 4-wheeled motor vehicle. 7. Antibacterial agent (trade names Mandelamine and Urex) that is contained in many products that are used to treat urinary infections. 8. The airforce of Great Britain. 9. Islands in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal. 10. (Greek mythology) The blind prophet of Thebes who revealed to Oedipus that Oedipus had murdered his father and married his mother. 11. Any ameba of the genus Endamoeba. 12. Any of various small plant-sucking insects. 13. The imperial dynasty ruling China from about the 18th to the 12th centuries BC. 14. A joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other. 22. A member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and neighboring areas. 24. Wheat with hard dark-colored kernels high in gluten and used for bread and pas- ta. 26. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper. 27. Taking place over public roads. 29. The upper house of the parliament of the Republic of Ireland. 31. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology. 34. A crown-like jewelled headdress worn by women on formal occasions. 36. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers. 38. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with gray furry ears and coat. 39. Muslims collectively and their civilization. 40. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices. ACROSS 42. Viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often considered inedible by 1. A guided missile fired from shipboard against an airborne target. humans. 4. Conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with 47. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group. total accuracy. 48. Botswanan statesman who was the first president of Botswana (1921-1980). 12. The residue that remains when something is burned. 51. Type genus of the Anatidae. 15. A statement that deviates from or perverts the truth. 54. An assertion of a right (as to money or property). 16. Any freshwater fish of the family Characinidae. 57. One of the Aesir having a strong and beautiful body but a dull mind. 17. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet. 58. An oral cephalosporin (trade names Keflex and Keflin and Keftab) commonly pre- 18. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma. scribe for mild to moderately severe infections of the skin or ears or throat or lungs or 19. Hardy English breed of dairy cattle raised extensively in United States. urinary tract. 20. Imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time) from 206 BC to 221 and 61. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy. 64. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos. 21. A member of the a nomadic tribe of Arabs. 65. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa. 23. The cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message. 66. An informal term for a father. 25. The rate at which red blood cells settle out in a tube of blood under standardized 68. In bed. conditions. 69. A British peer ranking below a Marquess and above a Viscount. 28. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms. 70. An inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin. 30. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic 73. (Irish) The sea personified. peoples. 75. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 32. Flexible twig of a willow tree. 77. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily. 33. A network of intersecting blood vessels or intersecting nerves or intersecting 79. Being one more than one hundred. lymph vessels. 35. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann. 37. A bay on the Mediterranean Sea in northern Egypt. Yesterdayʼs Solution 41. South American plant cultivated for its large fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers. 43. A public promotion of some product or service. 44. Small turnover of Indian origin filled with vegetables or meat and fried and served hot. 45. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. Yesterdayʼs Solution 46. A form of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain that registers blood flow to functioning areas of the brain. 49. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942). 50. A unit of elastance equal to the reciprocal of a farad. 52. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 53. Enthusiastic approval. 55. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River. 56. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a yellow dye. 59. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism. 60. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. 62. The ending of a series or sequence. 63. By bad luck. 67. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy. 71. Primitive predaceous North American fish covered with hard scales and having long jaws with needle-like teeth. 72. A drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine. 74. An alloy of copper and zinc (and sometimes arsenic) used to imitate gold in cheap jewelry and for gilding. 76. Rounded like an egg. 78. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 80. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a short wedge-shaped white tail. 81. An amino acid that is found in the central nervous system. 82. Brazilian tree with handsomely marked wood.

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Sports FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

AL CAPSULES Suzuki gets 4,000th hit

NEW YORK: Alfonso Soriano hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning and Ichiro Suzuki got his 4,000th hit between the major leagues and Japan, as the Yankees handed the Toronto Blue Jays their 12th straight loss in New York, 4-2 on Wednesday. David Huff (1-0) pitched one-hit ball in five innings of relief to shut down the Blue Jays before New York final- ly got to Toronto’s R.A. Dickey. The 39-year-old Suzuki hit a liner off Dickey (9-12) that bounced just beyond diving third baseman Brett Lawrie for the milestone hit in the first inning. Suzuki broke a tie with Lou Gehrig when he got his 2,722nd major league hit in his 13th season. The speedy outfielder amassed 1,278 hits in nine seasons with Orix of Japan’s Pacific League. Adam Warren started for New York and gave up two runs in three-plus innings, includ- ing Josh Thole’s tying homer in the fourth. It was Thole’s first homer with the Blue Jays. Huff relieved and didn’t allow a hit until Lawrie led off the eighth with an infield single. Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth and earned his 37th save.

TIGERS 7, TWINS 1 Torii Hunter hit a go-ahead, two-run double in the seventh CINCINNATI: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds makes a bad throw allowing a run to score during the game at inning and scored from second base on a passed ball to help Great American Ball Park on August 21, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. — AFP Detroit beat Minnesota. Drew Smyly (5-0) struck out two in a per- fect inning in relief of Anibal Sanchez. Jose Veras entered with NL CAPSULES two outs in the eighth inning and closed the game for his first save with the Tigers. Kevin Correia (8-10) allowed four runs - two earned - and nine hits over 6 2-3 innings. The Twins let Detroit Heyward hit in jaw as score four runs with two outs in the seventh. The Tigers gave up a 16th straight stolen base, extending the longest active streak in the major leagues, according to STATS. RANGERS 5, ASTROS 4 Braves beat Mets 4-1 Elvis Andrus hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Texas its major league-leading 40th comeback win of the season with a victory over Houston. During a wild eighth inning, NEW YORK: Chris Johnson hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning as DODGERS 4, MARLINS 1 Rangers reliever Tanner Scheppers gave up three hits, one walk, Atlanta beat the New York Mets 4-1 on Wednesday after Braves out- Zack Greinke allowed one run in eight innings to win his fourth hit two batters and threw two wild pitches to surrender the lead. fielder Jason Heyward sustained a broken jaw when he was hit by a start in a row as the Los Angeles Dodgers took advantage of sloppy But closer Joe Nathan (4-2) shut down the Astros in the ninth to pitch. Atlanta got an RBI single from Freddie Freeman and another defense by Miami for the second consecutive night. Greinke (12-3) get the win. Craig Gentry homered and scored three times for impressive start by rookie Alex Wood in splitting the two-game series allowed six hits, walked none and lowered his ERA to 2.91. The Texas, one on a perfect squeeze bunt by Andrus in the seventh for its 20th victory in 24 games. The Braves also benefited from a dis- Marlins’ lone run came on a first-inning homer by Giancarlo Stanton, that gave Texas a 4-2 lead. Lo Chia-jen (0-1) took the loss for puted call in the 10th. Andrelton Simmons singled off Scott Atchison and they had only one hit after the fourth inning. Miami committed a Houston. (3-2) with two outs and Freeman hit a two-strike grounder back season-high three errors, including two in the Dodgers’ three-run ORIOLES 4, RAYS 2 toward the box that ticked off the bottom of Scott Rice’s glove and fourth inning. The Dodgers improved to 27-5 since the All-Star break, Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 46th home run and rolled behind him. The reliever retrieved the ball and fired to first, and they have won 21 of their past 24 road games. They are unbeaten Adam Jones also homered as Baltimore beat Tampa Bay to avoid where Freeman was called safe. Greg Burke allowed Johnson’s homer. in their past 18 series since mid-June. a three-game sweep. Davis connected against Jeremy Hellickson Luis Avilan (5-0) pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth and (10-7) leading off the fifth inning. The drive landed on Eutaw Craig Kimbrel reached 40 saves for the third straight season. He has REDS 10, DIAMONDBACKS 7 Street beyond the 25-foot wall in right field and gave the Orioles a converted 30 chances in a row. Choo Shin-soo went 4 for 5 with a homer and three RBIs to spark 4-2 lead. Chen Wei-yin (7-6) gave up two runs and six hits in seven Cincinnati’s offensive outburst in a win over Arizona. The Reds innings to help the Orioles win for only the third time in their last CARDINALS 8, BREWERS 6 opened a six-game lead over Arizona in the race for the National nine games. Darren O’Day worked a perfect eighth and Tommy Carlos Beltran and Allen Craig hit towering home runs in St Louis’ League’s second wild-card spot. Cincinnati remained third in the NL Hunter got his fourth save. Hellickson allowed four runs and sev- six-run second inning as the Cardinals held off Milwaukee. Matt Central, but moved to 21/2 games behind first-place Pittsburgh. Mike en hits in 4 1-3 innings. Holliday also homered and Shane Robinson had three hits for the Leake allowed four runs in the fifth inning, but was dominant in his Cardinals, who are one game behind Pittsburgh in the NL Central race. other five innings for first win in his past five starts. Leake (11-5) MARINERS 5, ATHLETICS 3 After taking a one-run lead in the first inning on a double by Craig, the allowed six hits and four runs with no walks and three strikeouts Brendan Ryan hit a two-run double in the sixth and added an Cardinals went ahead 7-0 in the second off Brewers starter Tom while the Reds were building an 8-0 lead. Aroldis Chapman pitched RBI single in the eighth to help Seattle past Oakland. Michael Gorzelanny (3-5). Starting pitcher Jake Westbrook hit a bases-loaded the final two innings for his 32nd save - his first career two-inning Morse and Brad Miller homered for the Mariners, who overcame double into the left-center field gap that scored two runs. The Brewers save. an uneven start by Hisashi Iwakuma to beat the A’s for the fourth cut into the lead in the third on a three-run homer by Aramis Ramirez, time in the past five games. Iwakuma (12-6) gave up a pair of home runs but limited the damage to win his second straight. The and then added two runs in the fifth. Kevin Siegrist (2-1) recorded two NATIONALS 11, CUBS 6 Mariners right-hander struck out four and walked two in seven outs to notch the victory. Edward Mujica earned his 33rd save in 35 Jayson Werth and Scott Hairston hit three-run homers to lead innings. Coco Crisp and Brandon Moss hit home runs for the A’s, attempts despite giving up a home run to Logan Schafer in the ninth. Washington over Chicago. Werth’s three-run homer in the third who are 15-16 since the All-Star break. Oakland starter AJ Griffin inning off Jake Arrieta gave the Nationals a 6-1 lead and was his (10-9) struck out seven in six innings. He walked four. PADRES 2, PIRATES 1 eighth since the All-Star break. Hairston, who was traded by the Cubs Ian Kennedy pitched seven strong innings, combining with two on July 8, was pinch-hitting for Tanner Roark and hit his off James INDIANS 3, ANGELS 1 relievers on a four-hitter, and Yonder Alonso drove in two runs as San Russell (1-4) with two outs in the seventh to give the Nationals a 9-6 Justin Masterson pitched effectively into the seventh inning Diego beat Pittsburgh to avoid a three-game sweep. Kennedy (5-9) lead after they had given up a 6-1 lead. Anthony Rizzo hit his first two and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer as Cleveland completed a won for the second time in four starts since being obtained from the homers since Aug 6 and had three RBIs, but couldn’t stop the Cubs three-game sweep of Los Angeles. The Indians, who came in 5 1/2 NL West-rival Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31. He held Pittsburgh to from losing their 15th in their past 18 at home. Ross Ohlendorf was games behind Detroit in the AL Central and 3 1/2 behind Oakland four hits, struck out eight and walked three. Luke Gregerson pitched activated off the disabled list before Wednesday’s game by in the race for the second wild card spot, surpassed last season’s the eighth, walking Felix Pie and allowing Andrew McCutcheon’s sacri- Washington and allowed four runs and six hits and 4 1-3 innings. win total with 35 games to spare. Masterson (14-9) allowed a run fice fly, and Huston Street worked the ninth for his 24th save in 25 Roark (3-0) allowed two runs in the fifth, but pitched 1 2-3 innings for and five hits over 6 2-3 innings, tied a season high with five walks chances. Gerrit Cole (6-6) allowed two runs and 10 hits in six innings, the win. and struck out seven. Cody Allen pitched a scoreless eighth for struck out five and walked none. Cleveland and Chris Perez got three outs for his 20th save in 24 INTERLEAGUE attempts. Jerome Williams (5-10) yielded two runs and six hits in 6 PHILLIES 4, ROCKIES 3 RED SOX 12, GIANTS 1 1-3 innings with six strikeouts. Michael Young hit the winning single with one out in the ninth Stephen Drew and Will Middlebrooks each hit a home run, and WHITE SOX 5, ROYALS 2 inning after Carlos Ruiz tied the game with a double, pushing Jonny Gomes and Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in two runs apiece, as Dayan Viciedo hit his second career grand slam to highlight a Philadelphia past Colorado. Erik Kratz opened the ninth with a double Boston beat San Francisco. Felix Doubront (9-6) rebounded from a five-run inning, and Andre Rienzo picked up his first career win as off closer Rafael Betancourt (2-4). Pinch runner Casper Wells advanced tough outing to pitch eight strong innings for the Red Sox, who have Chicago beat Kansas City. Rienzo (1-0) allowed only a sacrifice fly to third on a grounder and scored the tying run on Ruiz’s pinch-hit won three of five. Doubront gave up one run on five hits. He walked to Mike Moustakas while cruising through six innings to win for double to left. Jimmy Rollins was walked intentionally and Young fol- one and struck out three. Joaquin Arias homered among his two hits the first time in five starts. The Brazilian right-hander allowed just lowed with the winning single to left. Jake Diekman (1-3) tossed a for the Giants, who have lost three of four. Barry Zito (4-9) lasted 3 2-3 five hits and two walks in helping the White Sox win their season- scoreless ninth for the win. Wilin Rosario homered for Colorado. Chase innings in his first start since July 30. He allowed six runs on seven best fifth straight game. —AP Utley went deep for the Phillies. Phillies starter Cliff Lee remained win- hits, walked two and struck out three. Jacoby Ellsbery and Shane less since July 5 and is 0-4 with two no-decisions since beating Atlanta. Victorino each had three hits for Boston. — AP Sports43 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Eritrean cyclists pedal country onto world stage

ASMARA: When Eritrean cyclist Natnael der 26-year-old, a former winner of the Tour of Mazzola. “Before independence it was bad. December Eritrea’s football team disappeared Berhane crossed the finish line of the Tour of Eritrea, a race modeled on the more famous Because the war continued, the people could in Uganda, and at least two more cyclists have Turkey in May, he made history not only for his Tour de France. Eritrea’s competitive cyclists not go out,” said Eritrean-born Mazzola, who defected so far this year. country but for his continent. Natnael, 22, who have zoomed forward in recent years, boosted competed for Ethiopia in the 1960 Rome “We have had one or two who have come is expected to take first place after the winner by a training centre set up in South Africa by Olympics. and disappeared, which doesn’t help the ones was disqualified for doping, was the first per- the International Cycling Union (UCI) in 2005. who are trying to get in after that,” McQuaid son from sub-Saharan Africa to win a race of “They’ve never had the opportunity...in trying TERRAIN IDEAL FOR TRAINING said. Yet the mood remains optimistic that the that class. to move them into the higher arena of cycling, Today, the country boasts six professional sport will continue to grow here. Many of the But he is only one of several Eritreans in this until the UCI set up a satellite training centre in riders who compete internationally, and more country’s professional cyclists, Meron included, cycling-mad Horn of Africa state making his South Africa,” said UCI President Pat McQuaid. than 650 cyclists in the national cycling federa- prefer to return home to train in the country’s mark on the sport, showing another side of a The tradition of cycling in Eritrea dates back tion. But the sport is hampered by lack of high altitude , temperate weather and varied nation that makes headlines more for brutal more than a century, when Italian colonizers funding for equipment and limited local train- terrain good for both mountain biking and repression than world-class athletes. Eritrea introduced the sport. Though international ing programs. “Funding is a problem, it is not road racing - which some feel gives Eritreans a offers ideal training ground for serious cyclists, races were hosted in Eritrea, it was not until the enough,” said Eritrean Cycling Federation pres- competitive edge over other African riders. with its breathtaking, cliff-hugging roads that late 1940s that Eritreans were permitted to ride ident Asmerom Habte, sitting in his office next National pride is anther push for Meron. swoop from the highland capital Asmara, ele- competitively alongside their Italian occupiers. to a handful of cycling trophies. While Kenyan-born Chris Froome won this vation 2,325 metres (7,628 foot), in a 100-kilo- Today, cycling is an integral part of life as cars The government helps buy some profes- year’s Tour de France, he carried a British flag. metre (60-mile) stretch down to the Red Sea. compete with bikes-the day-to-day transport sional bicycles, while top riders are supported Meron hopes that one day there will be an “When I race in Europe, the aim is to intro- for many-on the capital’s roads. by sponsors. But obtaining travel visas to com- African-and specifically an Eritrean-winning duce our country to the world,” professional The groups of youths who take to the high- pete abroad adds another challenge since the that most famous of cycle races. “Here in cyclist Meron Russom told AFP, sporting the altitude routes alongside professional racers hardline regime restricts travel, even for nation- Eritrea, everybody knows us, when we pass in bright yellow gear of his South African-based each weekend, however, continue to grow.The al athletes. And the fact that some national ath- the road, they call us by our name, so they MTN Qhubeka team ahead of a training ses- sport suffered during the three decades of war letes have defected has not helped matters. give us a big boost,” said Meron. “That’s why sion. “We are still fighting to push Eritrea to the that won Eritrea independence from neigh- Olympic runner Weynay Ghebresilasie defect- we are still racing and riding, because of our top in sport, especially cycling,” added the slen- bouring Ethiopia in 1991, said cyclist Giovanni ed after the 2012 London Games. Last people.” —AFP Sagan dashes to second Colorado stage victory

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: Tour de France dash to the finish Wednesday. Cannondale’s was topped off with a bunch sprint. “I am sprint jersey winner Peter Sagan claimed the Sagan, of Slovakia, earned his second stage very happy,” said Sagan. “Thank you to my third stage of the USA Pro Challenge, edging victory in the 170-kilometer ride from teammates. They did very good work.” out runner-up Luka Mezgec by a wheel in a Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs, which Mezgec (Argos-Shimano) was second and Canada’s Ryan Anderson placed third. Lachlan Morton (Garmin-Sharp) held onto MICHIGAN: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell- the overall leader’s jersey and will wear it dur- Red-hot Marquez eyes ing Thursday’s stage four from Steamboat Pennzoil Ford, and Kurt Busch, driver of the #78 Springs to the winter ski resort of Beaver Furniture Row / Serta Chevrolet, lead the field dur- 4th straight win at Brno Creek. The Australian will have a two-second ing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 44th Annual Pure cushion over Mathias Frank (BMC Racing). Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway PRAGUE: Spanish rookie Marc Marquez teammate Valentino Rossi, fourth overall, Sagan is third overall, at 11 seconds. Two- in Brooklyn, Michigan. —AFP will seek to extend his three-race winning to be serious contenders for him on the time Tour de France stage winner Jens Voigt streak and widen his lead of the MotoGP 5.4-kilometre (3.4-mile) circuit in the had the solo lead with just over five kilome- standings when the world champi- southern Czech city of Brno. “We will see ters to go before the peloton caught him. Busch wins onships continue with the Czech Grand when we get there, historically Yamaha “I attacked because I saw the group falling Prix in Brno on Sunday. The 20-year-old have been very strong so I’m sure they apart, due to different interests,” said Spaniard leads the MotoGP pack after 10 will be very fast again this year, also con- Germany’s Voigt. “I was angry, disappointed. I thought it would work out today, and it did- Truck race of 18 races with 188 points, 21 ahead of sidering they tested there a few weeks his Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa and ago.” n’t, and I was a little bit mad with the world in general. Then I heard a crash happened, so it BRISTOL: Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Truck Series race 35 ahead of Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo. Earlier this month, Lorenzo and Rossi Wednesday night at Bristol Motor Speedway for his record With his impressive win at spent two days on the Brno circuit test- could have been worse.” Voigt managed to avoid a crash with two kilometers to go 14th overall victory on the high-banked, 0.533-mile oval. The Indianapolis on Sunday, Marquez ing a new seamless shift gearbox already Sprint Cup driver took fresh tires with 16 laps to go, passed became the first rookie to win three con- used by Honda, which their team hopes which took down several competitors, including Mike Friedman (Optum), George Ryan Blaney for the lead with six laps left and held off Timothy secutive premier-class races since to use at Brno. “I don’t think the points Peters in a race to the finish that ended with Peters crashing American Kenny Roberts in 1978. In that situation makes a big difference about Bennett, Kiel Reijnen, Alex Candelario and Jesse Anthony. on the frontstretch. “He wrecked a pretty good race truck and same year, Roberts also won the champi- this decision for Yamaha [to race debut I hate it for him,” Busch said. “But, we had a pretty good race onships as a rookie-a feat unrivalled to the new gearbox]. But I will hope to have Friedman stayed down for a long time but managed to climb back on his bike and fin- truck. We got behind with a penalty on pit road, but we just the present day, and a challenge for the it in Brno,” Lorenzo told crash.net. “We stuck in there and persevered to get back to the front.” red-hot Marquez. need some push now, some pieces ish, his jersey ripped and flapping in the breeze. Reijnen also finished, but had to be Busch broke a tie with Darrell Waltrip for the NASCAR track “Now we go back to Europe and we maybe, some evolution to be more com- victory record. Busch has four victories at the track in the will try to continue in the same way,” petitive. Because now it’s difficult to fight taken to hospital for treatment. Sprint special- ist Sagan pounced in the final 200 meters as Truck Series, five in Sprint Cup and five in the Nationwide Marquez told motogp.com after winning with” Marquez and Pedrosa, he added. Series. “Some might say you’re not breaking anything until the Indy title on Sunday. “I had a perfect Lorenzo, the reigning world champi- he charged up the middle for the victory after Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet tried to get the you win 12 Cup races,” Busch said. “I’ve been fortunate in my weekend and I will try to repeat that in on who missed July’s German GP over a career to have a lot of great vehicles here to race. I’ve won the future but it will be difficult. There are broken collarbone, said after Indy that early jump on the pack. Anderson (Optum) decided to try his luck from the outside posi- here with a lot of different vehicles, a lot of different crew still a lot of races to go and Jorge and “from this moment we can only be better chiefs. I’d like to be able to win 13 Cup races and break that Dani have a lot more experience,” he and better”. Recovering from the same tion while Sagan threaded the needle between them. record, too.” said. Pedrosa won at Brno ahead of injury, Pedrosa was equally upbeat. “It’s The victory was his third in eight Truck starts this season Lorenzo last year, while Marquez took important I can recover in time for Brno Tour de France champion Chris Froome of Britain placed 72nd on Wednesday. He is and pushed his career total to 33. Busch also has three victo- the Moto2 victory before replacing just a few days from now,” Pedrosa said ries this year in Sprint Cup and eight in Nationwide. He has Australia’s Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda after finishing second at Indianapolis now 73rd in the overall general classification, 16.08 minutes adrift of Port Macquarie’s 119 victories in NASCAR’s top three series - 27 in Cup, and a for this season. despite problems caused by the injury. record 59 in Nationwide. Busch started 10th in the No 51 “Brno isn’t one of my favourite tracks “Brno is a fast track, with high speed cor- Morton. The third USA Pro Challenge contin- ues with the 165-kilometer fourth stage Toyota and worked his way up to second early in the race. but I won there last year so I still have a ners and in the past the Honda has per- He was given a penalty for speeding on pit road on lap 85 good feeling there,” the crash.net web- formed well there. Last year we had a which features 3,545 meters of climbing, including the category one Bachelors Gulch and fell back to 26th. He was 12th, nearly a lap down with 20 site quoted Marquez as saying. He added strong race there and I hope we can laps to go before the caution came out for a wreck by Jeff he expected Lorenzo and his Yamaha repeat the same this year.” —AFP ascent. The course also has a finishing climb from Avon to the ski resort. —AFP Agnew. —AP Sports44 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

China’s Li faces scrutiny over fiery temper

BEIJING: China’s fiery tennis superstar Li trained as a journalist herself in her 20s. Her ly overreacted”. Li was such a prominent She defied Chinese convention by get- Na heads into next week’s US Open eyeing reaction prompted widespread denuncia- figure in China and so important to most ting a tattoo-a red rose-on her chest and a second Grand Slam crown but with ques- tions on China’s hugely popular microblog- media outlets that she could often choose earlier this year graced the cover of Time tions over her temperament mounting in ging sites. “Losing the game is OK, you can which questions to answer, he added. magazine, in which US tennis legend Chris Chinese media after two furious outbursts. win it next time. What you really need to “Many can only ask questions which Evert praised her as a “maverick”. But her Winning the 2011 French Open title sealed improve is your courtesy and behavior,” please her, and this allows Li Na to con- outspoken views have sparked controver- Li’s place as the country’s tennis darling as said a poster with the username Dibayin. front the media and gives her a feeling of sy before, most notably when she claimed 116 million people at home tuned in to Li, who reached the final of this year’s looking down on them,” he said. “Li Na has she was not “here for the country” in a watch her become Asia’s first Grand Slam Australian Open, has developed an individ- been spoiled in this media environment. tournament last year. The “self v country” singles champion. ualistic style not common in China since When she answers to the media, she is not row played out on Chinese social media But the world number six, now a veter- she opted out of government control in professional, she really is childish. “And resulted in a widely reposted Internet an at 31, has developed a reputation as a 2008, enabling her to choose her own being faced with direct questions from rumor that authorities in her hometown of prickly character in a nation where sports coaches and keep most of her winnings. Xinhua-whose purpose is not to gain Wuhan were to remove a bronze statue of stars typically keep their emotions strictly in Her supporters have spoken before of the attention and improve newspaper sales- her from the local “Walk of Fame”. check after years in the rigid state sports intense pressure she faces as China’s only her sensitive self-esteem cannot cope.” But some Chinese reporters say the training system. After her second-round top tennis player, and her performance at Zhang Rongfeng, one of Xinhua’s top media should respect Li’s personality. exit at the French Open and her quarter- tournaments is closely monitored by sports commentary writers, said Li had a “Both sides need to step back a little bit to final defeat at Wimbledon, Li turned on Chinese media, who are largely unfamiliar “weakness of character”. “When she wins a see the picture here because Li Na is the Wang Zijiang of official news agency with dealing with athletes who confront game, she has a better attitude and is nice one player we have who is capable of Xinhua when he asked if she had a mes- aggressive questioning. to the media. But if she loses, she transfers doing great in tournaments,” said Liu sage for fans back home. “I lost a game and Nonetheless her comments would be her bad temper from the tennis court,” he Renjie, who covers tennis for Sina, one of that’s it. Do I need to get on my knees and unusual for Western sports stars, who are said. It is a far cry from the heroine-worship China’s top Internet news portals, and has kowtow to them? Apologise to them?” she often mindful of their image and the com- of 2011, when Li was praised as a pioneer interviewed her on many occasions. snapped in Paris. mercial endorsements that depend on it. for Chinese tennis after her victory at “Sometimes we need to maybe take it A month later at Wimbledon, he asked Wang, a London-based sports reporter for Roland Garros, widely considered to have easy, and not put so much pressure or the same question again. “How dare he? Xinhua said that her response had helped the sport become the third most criticism on her so we can ease the ten- Doesn’t he have any shame?” said Li, who “shocked” him, and that she had “definite- watched in the country. sion.” —AFP

Roger, over and out? Serena favored; Azarenka threatens Make-or-break time for Federer at the US Open NEW YORK: Plagued by back trouble and defeat for a decade and ended a run of 36 his fifth and final US Open in 2002 when NEW YORK: World number one Serena Williams enters the US Open as the declining influence brought on by successive quarter-final appearances at he was 31 and promptly quit the sport, a a heavy favorite to defend her title, but second-ranked Victoria advancing years, Roger Federer heads for the majors. Then followed the bizarre punch-drunk second round exit at Azarenka leads a host of rivals looking to dethrone her. Williams is seek- the US Open with his game and legacy, if decision to play low-profile claycourt Wimbledon having already warned him ing her 17th Grand Slam singles crown and fifth US Open title, which not his famed confidence, in crisis. The events in Hamburg and Gstaad which of the dangers of over-staying his wel- would move her one shy of Chris Evert’s Open-era record for most titles 17-time Grand Slam title winner is at a ended in shattering losses to unheralded come. at the year’s final major event on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts. crossroads as he prepares for his 14th US Federico Delbonis and Daniel Brands, Meanwhile, Federer’s great rivals- “I’m definitely prepared. I’m definitely ready for New York,” Williams Open. A five-time champion at Flushing both outside the top 50. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy said. “I definitely had more matches than I could want, but I’m definitely Meadows from 2004 to 2008, the 32-year- There was even a brief flirtation with a Murray-all seem comfortably to have the prepared for the US Open.” The 31-year-old American has been on an old Swiss finds himself at seven in the larger racquet as Federer scrambled for a measure of him. World number one amazing run over the past 14 months, going 77-4 and capturing last world-his lowest ranking since October recovery. The statistics are conspiring Djokovic trails 16-13 in their career match- year’s Wimbledon, London Olympic and US Open titles, plus this year’s 2002 — after a tortuous summer. against the former world number one ups but the Serb, who was the 2011 French Open crown. But two of those defeats came at the hands of His second round loss to Ukraine’s whose last US Open final appearance champion in New York and runner-up in Azarenka, in last February’s Doha final and last Sunday at the WTA final world number 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky at ended in defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro 2010 and 2012, has won seven of their in Cincinnati by a score of 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6). Wimbledon was his worst Grand Slam in 2009. His great hero Pete Sampras won last 10 meetings. Nadal leads 21-10 and It was only the third victory for the 24-year-old from Belarus over has also won seven of their last 10 clashes, Williams but with the two having won seven of the past nine Grand including all three in 2013. Slam titles, it sets the stage for a potential rematch of last year’s US Murray, the defending US Open cham- Open final. “It would be totally different circumstances,” said Williams, pion, leads Federer 11-9 and have split who also beat Azarenka in this year’s Rome final. “It’s just a new event. their last 10 clashes. Federer, however, You just got to go in there with a fresh mind.” Williams will go into the insists he is unconcerned about his Open without a win streak such as she had the past few Grand Slam predicament, shrugging off his lowly events. “It makes me more relaxed and almost happy that I lost because ranking and preferring to accentuate the now I don’t have to worry about every day someone asking me about positives gleaned from taking a set off some silly winning streak,” Williams said. “So maybe it was for the best.” Nadal in their Cincinnati quarter-final last Williams also finds herself in a cordial rivalry, appreciating Azarenka off week. “It doesn’t change anything for the the court as a friend and on the court as an adversary. “She’s so compet- US Open. As long as you’re either in the itive on the court, like an animal, and I’m the same exact way, like my top 4 or the top 8, I think at this point dad described me as a pitbull,” Williams said. Williams is looking for her that’s what matters,” said Federer. ninth title of the year after triumphs at Brisbane, Miami, Charleston, “Rankings are not what lead me. It’s about Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Bastad and Toronto. But she has proven getting my game back on track, and that’s vulnerable in Grand Slams, falling to compatriot Sloane Stephens in the what I’m doing well. So that’s what’s Australian Open quarter-finals and Germany’s Sabine Lisicki in the exciting right now.” fourth round at Wimbledon, but completing her title run on Paris clay The Swiss will discover how tricky his with a victory over Russia’s Maria Sharapova. Sharapova would have New York path will be when the draw is been the third seed at the US Open but she withdrew from the tourna- made later Thursday, but his humble ment on Wednesday, citing right shoulder bursitis. As a result, Poland’s seeding means he could face any of the Agnieszka Radwanska becomes the third seed, followed in order by top three as early as the quarter-finals. He Italy’s Sara Errani, China’s Li Na, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, Czech insists his back problem is not the restric- Petra Kvitova and Germany’s Angelique Kerber. tion that it has been in recent weeks, even Azarenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, says she has if, deep down, he remains to be totally learned from past losses to Williams. “Every time we play, I face a big convinced. “I believe when I can walk and challenge, my biggest opponent, and that’s what I want to go through,” I can hit decent, you never know. Azarenka said. “I had tough losses before against her, but I feel like I Sometimes miracles happen, like last year learned from those losses, and it helps me improve. I feel like I’m play- at Wimbledon (when he beat Murray to ing better and better. I’m reaching for the new level that I want to be at, win his most recent Grand Slam title). You physically, mentally, tennis-wise and that’s the progression that I’m real- get a bit lucky or you heal well, get the ly the most excited about.” —AFP Roger Federer of Switzerland extra day off, and all that stuff.” —AFP Sports FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

McIlroy hopes Photo of the day for a late start

JERSEY CITY: Rory McIlroy knew the rules going into last year’s FedEx Cup playoffs, which didn’t make it any easier to digest. He won the Deutsche Bank Championship after a duel with Louis Oosthuizen. The next week at Crooked Stick, he blew away a powerful leaderboard that featured Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Dustin Johnson and Adam Scott to win the BMW Championship. He closed out his great run with a tie for 10th at the Tour Championship. All that got him was second place in the FedEx Cup (along with a $3 million bonus). “Maybe it will be the other way around this year,” he said Wednesday at The Barclays, the first of four FedEx Cup playoff events. McIlroy has no complaints about this postseason bonanza on the PGA Tour. The objective is to be among the top 30 players who reach the final event at East Lake for the Tour Championship, preferably in the top five to have a guaran- teed shot at the $10 million. A year ago, McIlroy was the No 1 seed at East Lake by nearly double the amount of points over Tiger Woods. That wasn’t enough to win the FedEx Cup, however, because the points are reset for the final event to give everyone a chance at the $10 million prize and inject some excitement. This year, the 24-year-old from Northern Ireland is No. 48 in the standings, not even guaranteed getting to the third playoff event outside Chicago. He doesn’t seem terribly worried, despite having such a Adam Xu performs during the Red Bull King of The Rock at King’s Park Centenary Centre in Hong Kong. poor year. “I feel like my game is in good shape,” McIlroy —www.redbull.com said. “I’m coming off a nice weekend at the PGA Championship - that was probably the worst I could have finished. I feel like I’m in a good place. I’m just playing golf and focusing on my targets. I’ve still got events this year - All Blacks turn to rookie and four big ones, the playoffs. And I’m really looking for- ward to the last four months.” as Wallabies keep faith The running joke with caddie JP Fitzgerald is that McIlroy has taken the last six months off. There’s no better time to WELLINGTON: The All Blacks are under pressure, has made this an start than now. Even though the majors are over, McIlroy gambling on novice playmaker easy selection.” Taylor, a son of Wallaby Beale could find a big payoff waiting for him if he can start pro- Tom Taylor to stamp their authori- 1987 World Cup-winning centre ducing the results that made him No 1 in the world at this ty on the Rugby Championship Warwick Taylor, has played for the returns to New time a year ago. He finally sorted out his driver issues in when they confront a wounded Canterbury Crusaders this year at July, and he was swinging freely during Wednesday’s pro- Wallaby side tomorrow in centre, wing and fullback, but not South Wales am round at Liberty National. Wellington. The Wallabies, humili- flyhalf. He was nevertheless Yes, he found the water with his tee shot on the drivable ated 47-29 in the first Test in unfazed, saying he was “treating it SYDNEY: Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale has drawn a line under his troubled two years with the par-4 16th, but only because his high fade fell about a yard Sydney last week, meanwhile as just a normal game”. Melbourne Rebels and re-signed with the New too far to the right. His next shot was on the edge of the made only one injury-enforced The Wallabies haven’t beaten change as coach Ewen McKenzie the All Blacks in New Zealand South Wales Waratahs, the Super Rugby team said green, and he pounded his drives down the middle of the yesterday. The richly-talented 24-year-old’s unhappy 17th and 18th fairways. His game looks sharp. His mood is gives his new-look squad a second since 2001 but McKenzie was in no chance. An All Blacks win will see mood to dwell on the past. “The time in Melbourne culminated with a drunken upbeat. And he laughed at the idea that he could still walk assault on captain Gareth Delve and team mate away with a FedEx Cup trophy and $10 million prize after all them wrap up the Bledisloe Cup job is to come over here and for an 11th straight year and have change that,” he said. The one Cooper Vuna in South Africa in March. he’s been through this year. Another infraction of the team’s disciplinary code “I think it would be great,” he said. “That’s the beauty of them well placed to defend their change to the Wallabies sees Rugby Championship crown with siderower Scott Fardy promoted saw Beale stood down indefinitely by the Rebels and the FedEx Cup. You look at basketball, baseball, football. home and away Tests to be played to replace Hugh McMeniman, who return to his home city of Sydney to undergo coun- Teams squeeze in and make a great playoff run and win. I’m against South Africa and is to undergo shoulder reconstruc- seling for issues relating to alcohol abuse. Beale did, in that position. I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to Argentina. tion. McKenzie had hinted at pos- however, play a part in all three of Australia’s tests gain.” There is still plenty up for grabs - for Woods, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen sible backline changes after the against the British and Irish Lions before deciding to Mickelson, Adam Scott and so many others. Even though is in no doubt the Wallabies will be first Test, where Israel Folau saw have surgery on his shoulder in a move that has Woods has five wins this year - no one else has more than fired up to exact revenge for last little action, James O’Connor was sidelined him for the rest of the year. “I feel at home two - Mickelson could make a case for PGA Tour player of week’s hiding, which was a demor- out of position for two of the All in Sydney, it’s where my family are,” Beale said in a the year if he were to win a playoff event (or two), particu- alizing first outing for new coach Blacks’ six tries and debutants statement after signing the one-year deal with the larly the FedEx Cup and its $10 million prize to go along McKenzie. “They are obviously Matt Toomua and Jesse Mogg Waratahs and Australian Rugby Union (ARU). with his claret jug from the British Open. going to be more dangerous. The were unconvincing. “The Waratahs are a team going places and I’m Despite two decades of greatness and a spot in the first sign of that is that they’re not But after reviewing the match really looking forward to playing some good, consis- World Golf Hall of Fame, Mickelson has never won player of talking as much this week,” he tapes, the coach said he was back- tent rugby. “I’ve made the decision to get my shoul- the year, a money title or the Vardon Trophy. Would that be said. “They will be looking to play ing his squad to improve. “You der right, I hope this next year will be a big one for enough? Bill Haas didn’t hesitate when asked who had the with more accuracy and intensity can’t fudge experience and I know me. “I’m excited by the World Cup on the horizon best year - Woods. Neither did Scott, despite his green jack- so, therefore, we will need to this group learned a great deal and I’m just looking forward to getting back to play- et for winning the Masters. “It’s hard to pass up looking at meet-or better that-with a higher from last week and will be much ing really good rugby, having a big year for the five wins,” Scott said. “I think the next best guy might have level of execution right across the better for the experience on Waratahs and hopefully getting selected for the Wallabies.” His long anticipated return to the two, is that right? That’s a great year to win that many board if we are to be successful.” Saturday night,” he said. Apart from Waratahs, who he first signed for as a 16-year-old times. With his leading flyhalf choices- the inclusion of Taylor, the All Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden and Blacks have a second-row change schoolboy, has been a protracted process and Beale It’s all personal opinion. If you think winning a major is was linked with a move to rugby league this week. what you base success on, then if you haven’t (won), you Beauden Barrett-all injured, with Brodie Retallick in for injured Hansen has put his faith in the lock Luke Romano. While this will “Kurtley is an extremely talented player and we haven’t had a great year. But winning ... I’ve always based it can’t wait to see him back in a sky blue jersey and around winning events, and I don’t think one major makes uncapped Taylor to step up as the be Taylor’s first Test, for prop Tony All Blacks helmsman. “He is men- Woodcock it will be his 100th, playing our style of game,” said Waratahs coach up for five tournaments.” That led to another question: Michael Cheika. “Kurtley is just coming into his Would Scott trade seasons with Woods? “I’d rather have tally tough and plays the game becoming the fourth All Black to with a lot of confidence and matu- reach a century behind Richie prime playing years and over this period, we want to mine, that’s for sure,” said Scott, who collected his first rity,” Hansen said. “These factors, McCaw (117), Keven Mealamu (105) ensure that he maximizes his potential as a rugby major at Augusta National. —AP along with his assured goalkicking and Mils Muliaina (100).—AFP player.” —Reuters Sports FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

United, Chelsea meet in battle of heavyweights

MANCHESTER: Lingering uncertainty over new force in English football following the And he’ll be given no respite from title back,” City right back Pablo Zabaleta Wayne Rooney’s future hovers over much-heralded return of Mourinho and Mourinho, who isn’t giving up in the chase said. “We know how difficult it is. It is still a Monday’s Premier League match between their perfect start to the campaign, which for Rooney in the remaining days of the long way to go but we are very positive. We title contenders Manchester United and has seen them record wins over Hull and transfer window. The Portuguese coach have a very strong squad.” Cardiff and fel- Chelsea, with the two clubs still fighting to Aston Villa to go to the top of the early insisted Wednesday, though, that a new low promoted clubs Hull and Crystal Palace secure the striker’s services. United has standings. United also began well, beating offer won’t be made before Monday’s failed to score a goal between them on the stuck to its “not for sale” stance over the Swansea 4-1 away in David Moyes’ first match. “We did (bid for Rooney) before and opening weekend, showing how tough the unsettled Rooney following two bids from competitive match in charge of the Premier we will do later, but I think this period - from step-up will be from the second-tier League the London club, but Chelsea manager Jose League champions. the ethical point of view - is a period when Championship. Mourinho’s declaration that he will lodge a “In Mourinho’s first spell at Chelsea, they we are going to be quiet and just thinking While it gets no easier for Cardiff this third offer for the England international has obviously got off to a few good starts and about that game,” Mourinho said. The title weekend, Hull will fancy its chances of pick- added further intrigue around the game at we didn’t manage to catch them,” veteran race this season is expected to be fought ing up its first points of the season in a Old Trafford. United midfielder Ryan Giggs said. “It has out by United, Chelsea and City, and all home match against Norwich and Palace Rooney, who indicated toward the end obviously been well documented that we three looked in sharp form in the opening travels to Stoke tomorrow after opening up of last season that he wanted to leave have got a tough start, but we started well days of the season. with a 1-0 loss at home to Tottenham. Also United, isn’t guaranteed to start Monday as with a good win at Swansea on Saturday City, with its new and improved forward yesterday, it’s: Fulham vs Arsenal; Aston he remains short of full match fitness but his and hopefully we can carry that on.” After line, appeared to be able to score at will in Villa vs Liverpool; Everton vs West body language will be scrutinized if he plays Chelsea, United plays Liverpool and its 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle on Monday Bromwich Albion; Newcastle vs. West Ham; any part in the first major showdown of the Manchester City across its next three games and a visit to promoted Cardiff on Sunday and Southampton vs Sunderland. new season. The visitors will be looking to so a loss on Monday will pile the pressure shouldn’t pose too many problems. “One of Tottenham hosts Swansea in Sunday’s other demonstrate to Rooney that they are the on Moyes. our main targets for this season is to win the game.— AP

Tevez, Higuain, Rooney saga hangs over Gomez top Serie Chelsea-Man Utd clash

A transfers LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s pursuit of to improve our team by bringing in one more player and we Manchester United’s unsettled striker Wayne Rooney has are going to try that till the end.” MILAN: Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Gomez have added spice to the first big Premier League match of the sea- The Blues are keen to add to their striking options of given some lustre back to Italy’s Serie A ahead of the new sea- son when the title rivals clash at Old Trafford on Monday. The Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba but United do son after joining Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina respectively. west London club have already tabled two bids for the not want to sell to a Premier League title challenger despite Argentine international striker Tevez joined the defending England forward and have not ruled out making a third, the form of Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck, who each champions from Manchester City in June and, along with Spain despite new United boss David Moyes’s steadfast refusal to scored twice in an opening 4-1 win at Swansea City on international Fernando Llorente, should give Juve the extra sell. Saturday. Monday’s match between two of the Premier edge as they aim for a rare third consecutive scudetto as well “We have Plans B and C,” Mourinho said ahead of League’s biggest rivals sees David Moyes in charge of United as Champions League glory. Wednesday’s home game against Aston Villa, which they won at home in the league for the first time since replacing Alex It is a deal which should suit both parties. Ahead of the 2014 2-1 thanks to a second-half header from Serbian Branislav Ferguson, a man whose absence the returning Mourinho said World Cup in Brazil, where both the hosts and Argentina will be Ivanovic. “Don’t ask me names because it’s difficult to speak would be strange. expected to shine, Tevez has one eye on snatching a place in about players from other clubs. We have the conditions to try “It will be difficult for me, and I think all managers, to go to Alejandro Sabella’s side. Juve are desperate to boost their Old Trafford and play against Manchester United without this chances of advancing to the final stages of the Champions mythical figure waiting for us,” he recently told Sky Sports. The League following a 4-0 aggregate humbling by eventual cham- match (kickoff 1900 GMT) is part of another busy start to the season for Europa League holders Chelsea, who take on pions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the competition European champions Bayern Munich for the Super Cup in earlier this year. Prague, a repeat of the 2012 Champions League final. It is also Conte is hoping Tevez, who scored 73 goals in 148 appear- the first in a tough run of fixtures for former Everton boss ances during a torrid spell with City, will prove a useful addition Moyes’ side, who also play Liverpool and Manchester City in to his already impressive squad. “He’s a true professional, a coming weeks, and the Scot will be desperate to make an ear- good person, and is willing to work,” said Conte, who also ly mark in front of his new fans at Old Trafford. secured up and coming defender Angelo Ogbonna from city rivals Torino. Whether the capture of Tevez and Llorente are UNDER FIRE enough to take Juve further in a competition they last won in Arsenal will look to put their off-pitch woes to one side 1996 remains to be seen. when they make the short trip to Fulham on Saturday (1145). While Llorente is already on the sidelines having struggled Manager Arsene Wenger has been under fire for a lack of to adapt to Conte’s rigid tactical system ahead of their season transfer activity, especially after a shock 3-1 home defeat by opener at Sampdoria on Saturday, Tevez opened his account Aston Villa on Saturday, though he maintains reinforcements with a goal in a 4-0 Italian Super Cup rout of Lazio last Sunday. will be brought in before the transfer window shuts on Sept 2. Napoli, meanwhile, could have have their work cut in the One player ruled out of the game is winger Alex Oxlade- Champions League this season having sold Uruguayan interna- Chamberlain, who injured his knee against Villa and could be tional striker Edinson Cavani to big-spending Paris Saint out for three months or at least six weeks, according to Germain for a Ligue 1 record 64 million euros ($84 million). Wenger. “Gutted I’m injured so early in the season. But I’m Cavani topped the Serie A scoring charts last season with 29 going to be working hard to hopefully be back playing in 3 goals. But while replacement Higuain has a commendable months,” the player tweeted on Tuesday. record of 107 league goals for Real Madrid, his record in Europe Newcastle United will hope for a significant improvement leaves a lot to be desired. The Argentine international, who on their 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City when they host West scored once in a 2-1 friendly win over Italy last week, scored Ham United on Saturday (1400), a match which sees Sam just eight goals in 48 Champions League appearances with Allardyce return to St James’ Park where he briefly managed in Real and none of those came against big-name opposition. 2007-8. Cardiff City host their first top-flight match since 1962 Having often suffered due to Real president Florentino when Manchester City travel to South Wales on Sunday (1500) Perez’s preference for Frenchman Karim Benzema during a and are confident Danish striker Andreas Cornelius will make rather turbulent spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, it was no sur- his Premier League debut after missing the 2-0 defeat at West prise that Higuain claimed he was going somewhere “he would Ham. The Welsh side’s chances of gaining their first Premier be loved” when he announced his departure from Real at the League points could be slim, however, despite the likely end of the season. Ironically, Higuain looked to be headed to absence of captain Vincent Kompany with Manuel Juventus until Rafael Benitez, who has replaced new Inter Pellegrini’s expensively assembled side looking ominous in SWANSEA: Manchester United’s English striker Wayne their opener. Having splashed out over 50 million pounds Milan coach Walter Mazzarri at the helm of Napoli, stepped up Rooney runs with the ball in front of Swansea City’s the chase. “He’s a great player and it was an easy choice for me ($78.39 million)to date on new players, Tottenham Hotspur Spanish midfielder Miguel Michu during the English will be keen to impress against Swansea City at White Hart to sign him,” said the Spaniard, who also signed goalkeeper Premier League football match on August 17, 2013. Pepe Reina on loan from Liverpool.—AFP Lane on Sunday (1500)after their opening 1-0 victory at Manchester United won 4-1.—AFP Crystal Palace.—Reuters Sports FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013

Dortmund’s Klopp Neymar rescues Barcelona wary of slumbering Injured Messi limps off giants Bremen MADRID: Neymar’s first competitive BERLIN: Coach Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is wary goal for Barcelona and an injury worry of today’s opponents Werder Bremen as Borussia for Lionel Messi puts the Brazil for- Dortmund aim to maintain their 100 percent record to ward in the running for a place in the stay top of the Bundesliga. Bremen and Dortmund are starting line up at Malaga in La Liga this weekend. The 21-year-old, who two of the five German league teams to have won both cost Barca 57 million euros, came on of their opening games leaving Borussia top of the as a second-half substitute and nod- table only on goal difference. ded in at the back post as the champi- Defending champions Bayern Munich, Champions ons came from behind to draw 1-1 at League side Bayer Leverkusen, who host Borussia King’s Cup winners Atletico Madrid in Moenchengladbach tomorrow, and Mainz 05, who are the Spanish Super Cup first leg on home to VfL Wolfsburg the same day, are the other Wednesday. three Bundesliga times with 100 percent records. Barca coach Gerardo Martino has Bremen have won both their matches under new tried to keep the pressure off the coach Robin Dutt by with 1-0 victories away against youngster, calling for patience from promoted Eintracht Braunschweig and home to fans, and has only used him as a sub- Augbsurg respectively having flirted with relegation stitute in last Sunday’s La Liga open- last season. ing 7-0 rout of Levante and against Bremen last lifted some silverware when they won Atletico. The Argentine brought the German Cup in 2009, but Klopp said their is too Neymar on in the 59th minute at the much talent in the Bremen team to take them lightly at Calderon with the side trailing against MADRID: Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos celebrates after scoring during the Spanish Super Cup first leg football match Atletico Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion. “There is a lot of attack- an abrasive and well-organised Madrid vs Barcelona at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on August 21, ing potential slumbering in this Bremen squad, so we Atletico, and he shrugged off the ani- 2013. — AFP have to be very careful,” said Klopp with Bremen mosity of the home crowd to head the expected to give Argentinean striker Franco di Santo equalizer. on Sunday (1900 GMT) or rested er Mario Suarez told reporters. “He his debut after signing from Wigan Athletic a week ago. “I score very few goals with my ahead of the Super Cup second leg had other chances too and I am sure head so for this reason I value them Champions League finalists Dortmund have had just next Wednesday. he will score a lot more for us.” Carlo more,” Neymar told reporters. “I’m four days to prepare for Bremen’s visit since their 2-1 While Neymar could be said to Ancelotti’s Real Madrid have to wait pleased with the goal because it have helped Barca forget about Messi, until Monday (1900) for their next out- home win over promoted Braunschweig last Sunday. helped my colleagues. The important Borussia needed 75 minutes before rising star Jonas it was Cesc Fabregas who actually ing, when they visit Granada and a thing is to help the team.” Neymar replaced the Argentine, and the in- ground where they slipped to a sur- Hofmann broke the deadlock with a super strike before arrived at the Nou Camp with a repu- form former Arsenal captain, along prise 1-0 defeat under Jose Mourinho Germany’s Marco Reus netted a penalty to claim the tation as a flashy dribbler, and touted with Neymar, helped turn the game. last season. Real will be without mid- three points. as a player who would help divert “It’s good news he (Neymar) has fielder Xabi Alonso, who has broken a Klopp expects Bremen to have a similar game plan attention and defenders away from scored. It will be the first of many,” bone in his foot, and all eyes will be to Braunchweig to defend hard and hit Dortmund on World Player of the Year Messi. Fabregas said. Barca visit a Malaga on Ancelotti’s choice of goalkeeper. the break whenever possible. “Bremen have showed However, his first few performanc- side rebuilding under Bernd Schuster Diego Lopez, made number one by they are very patient, it might be that Bremen will have es have been relatively subdued as he and who lost their opening fixture 1-0 Mourinho toward the end of last sea- similar match plan as Braunschweig,” said the 46-year- has appeared keen to show himself to at Valencia, while Atletico are at home son, was preferred for their league old. Dortmund’s Australian reserve goalkeeper be a team player rather than a show to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday (1700). opener at home to Real Betis last Mitchell Langerak could be set to play with Roman pony. By scoring an important goal in Diego Simeone’s side were impressive weekend, when they scraped a 2-1 Weidenfeller suffering from gastroenteritis, while testing circumstances - Atletico had 3-1 winners at Sevilla last Sunday and victory, leaving fan favorite and cap- Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan sits out again with bettered Barca for best part of an hour caused Barca plenty of problems in tain Iker Casillas on the bench. a back injury he aggravated on international duty last - Neymar also displayed a predator’s the Super Cup, taking the lead though Ancelotti hinted that the first-choice week. eye for goal. Messi was withdrawn at Spain striker David Villa, who netted keeping slot was still up for grabs, but Defending champions Bayern host Nuremberg halftime in the Calderon, more as a his first competitive goal for the club if Lopez is chosen again it could be a tomorrow with Germany midfield star Mario Goetze set precautionary measure because of against his former team mates. major blow to Spain’s number one as to make his league debut since joining from Borussia bruising Martino said, and is to under- “David was really motivated and he the countdown to the World Cup go further tests. He could be sidelined Dortmund for 37 million euros ($49.5m). “Obviously it’s scored a great goal,” Atletico midfield- finals in Brazil gathers pace.—Reuters going to take a little longer before I recover my rhythm and really get back to 100 percent,” said the 21-year- old Goetze who has not played since tearing his ham- Injury-hit Schalke face string in April’s Champions League semi-final at Real Madrid for Dortmund. France winger Franck Ribery is out with an ankle crisis as Hanover await injury he suffered in last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Eintracht BERLIN: With just one point and a string among Schalke fans and police after the last year but given a new deal after the Frankfurt. Javi Martinez, who has yet to lose a league of injuries to key players, Schalke 04 Greeks equalized and Schalke’s misery team’s good finish to the season, the game for Bayern, is in contention for selection again have their backs to the wall as they des- was complete when Jefferson Farfan early pressure is nothing new. having been left out of the match day squad at perately try to turn their poor was taken off on a stretcher with an “Obviously we are not satisfied with the Frankfurt after a long flight back from Ecuador after Bundesliga start around and appease ankle injury. results but we had that kind of pressure playing for Spain. Hamburg travel to Hertha Berlin angry fans. Schalke, who grabbed fourth The Peruvian midfielder will undergo last season as well so nothing unusual tomorrow looking for an improved performance after place last season after imploding mid- medical tests later on Thursday to deter- there,” Keller told reporters. “What we they were hammered 5-1 at home to Hoffenheim last way through the campaign only to bat- mine the extent of the injury. Last week, will have to see is whether we will have Saturday. tle back in the final weeks, had hoped top striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was enough fit players for the weekend and Coach Thorsten Fink was so furious with his team for a confidence-boosting start this time ruled out for several weeks with a knee for next week’s (return leg at PAOK),” that he gave them two days off, but both midfielder round but have so far failed to deliver. injury along with defender Sead Keller said. Hanover could not have Tomas Rincon and defender Dennis Aogo have been They followed up a 3-3 opening draw Kolasinac, who is nursing a muscle prob- hoped for better timing as they look to thrown out of the squad for using the time to fly to with Hamburg SV by suffering a 4-0 lem. Central defender Kyriakos bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca. “The two days off had been meant to think demolition at the hands of VfL Papadopoulos, who is still recovering Borussia Moenchengladbach. about what they could do better in future, not to go Wolfsburg last week. With the club from an injury of his own, has yet to play “We know that Schalke will be com- partying. They couldn’t have made a worse decision,” drawing 1-1 against Greece’s PAOK in this season. New signing Adam Szalai is ing to us with a lot of ambitions and their Champions League qualifying first under pressure to hit the ground run- they will want to shake off that 4-0 said Hamburg CEO Carl Jarchow, with the north leg on Wednesday, fans are quickly run- ning and make up for the loss of defeat from last week,” said Hanover German team having leaked eight goals in just two ning out of patience and their jeers and Huntelaar up front. midfielder Leon Andreasen, back after a games.— AFP whistles in the European tie did not go For coach Jens Keller, initially year out with a cruciate ligament rup- unnoticed. Even brief scuffles broke out brought in as a temporary solution late ture. — Reuters Rooney saga hangs over Chelsea-Man Utd clash

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www.kuwaittimes.net FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013 Neymar rescues Barca

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MADRID: Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos (left) vies with Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Juanfran during the Spanish Super Cup first leg football match Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on August 21, 2013. — AFP