Indian-Born nurse death still a mystery
Transcription
Indian-Born nurse death still a mystery
Mr Singh International Turban Pride 2012 pageant US School Shootings - Who was Adam Lanza TEJINDER SINGH, THE WINNER OF THE TITLE OF MR SINGH INTERNATIONAL 2012, POSES WITH FIRST RUNNER-UP DEEPINDER SINGH (RIGHT) AND SECOND RUNNER-UP TARUNDEEP SINGH Adam Lanza shot his mother at her home before driving in her car to the elementary school and shooting dead 26 people before turning the gun on himself Adam Lanza went from 'genius' tech geek who grew up in a $1.6million home to heartless killer The shooter, Adam Lanza, 20, described as a 'ticking time bomb' who suffered from Asperger's syndrome and was painfully shy and awkward Peers remember him as a quiet and extremely intelligent student who kept to himself and carried black briefcase to class Brother Ryan, 24, an accountant at Ernst and Young, said Adam had personality disorder Gunman killed his mother at home they shared in Newtown, then stole her guns and carried out massacre Reporters broke the ADAM LANZA news of the massacre to Adam's father, Peter, who is divorced from the mother and lives in Stamford, Connecticut with new wife Moved to tears, President Obama says 'our hearts are broken today' Flags around America being flown at half staff. Contd. on Page 4 Indian-Born nurse death still a mystery When your DOCTOR ABUSES YOU Jacintha Saldanha, the Indian-born nurse who was found hanged after taking a hoax call from an Australian radio show to the London hospital treating Prince William's pregnant wife Kate Middleton I ndian-born Jacintha Saldanha, 46, apparently committed suicide after answering the prank telephone call from two Australian radio DJs to the hospital where Prince William's wife Kate Middleton was admitted with acute morning sickness. Saldanha's body was flown back from Britain on Sunday and was due be buried at a cemetery in Shirva, 30 miles (50 kilometres) from Mangalore city, after a funeral in the Catholic parish church. Members of the nearby Nativity Convent told media that the community was saddened and confused by the death of Saldanha, who moved to Britain about 12 years ago with her husband Benedict Barboza. The grieving children of an Indian-origin nurse, who was found dead following a hoax call to a London hospital treating Kate Middleton, on Saturday paid an emotional tribute to their mother, saying her death has left an "unfillable void" in their lives. "We will miss your laughter and loving smile and memories we had together. The house is empty," said Jacintha Saldanha's daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16, in a joint tribute read out on their behalf during a mass held at Westminster Cathedral. "We are shattered and there is an unfillable void in our lives. We love you mum," they said. 46-year-old Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza held the hands of his children as they entered the Worst case of a groping Doctor I've seen in 40 years: Judge's attack on doctor who fondled breasts of patient with injured wrist as he jails him for 11 years A church. "They say she was a strong person, why did she take such a drastic step," said Sister Benny D'Souza, describing the family as "very generous and kind". Contd. on Page 6 NRI DOCTOR KILLS SELF AFTER PARENTS REJECT BRITISH FIANCÉE A n India-born doctor in the U.K. has repor tedly committed suicide after his par ents, citing cultural differences, disapproved of his plan to marry his British fiancee and fellow physician, who also did not agree to a Hindu wedding. Bangalore-born anaesthetist Madhu Honnaiah, 33, swallowed drugs from Singleton Hospital in Swansea where he worked after splitting with fiancee Dr. Emma Wrighton. An inquest heard his parents had objected to his engagement to British-born Dr. Wrighton, 32, who had refused to have a Hindu wedding, the Daily Mail repor ted. Dr. Honnaiah was alone when he injected himself with two drugs used in surgery seven months after their split. The inquest heard Dr. Honnaiah had begun a relationship with Dr. Wrighton in 2008 while working in Liverpool. Dr. Wrighton then got a job in Australia but the pair stayed in touch - and moved in together when she returned to Britain. doctor who sexually assaulted women patients during medical examinations over three decades was jaile d f o r 1 1 y e a r s yesterday. Dr Gousul Islam, 70, regularly made inappropriate comments and propositioned patients and staff for sex. In his consulting room at a village surgery, he serially groped teenage girls and young women. Under the pretext of examinations, he fondled their breasts, stroked their thighs and touched them intimately. The doctor asked the women to undress in his presence without a screen and lie on his treatment couch without a blanket or towel to protect their modesty. Judge Simon Lawler said this was the 'worst case of its kind by a professional man' he had encountered in 40 years. S h e f f i e l d C r o w n Court heard that Islam single-handedly Gousul Islam, 70, abused young women under the pretext of examinations ran the Lyndhurst surgery in Stainforth, Doncaster, until 2009. He asked one teenager to 'strip off and go upstairs with him' at his surgery and told her: 'You are fit, you are stunning, you are beautiful.' Islam repeatedly asked her to go on weekends away or watch videos with him at his house and told her he was not interested in his wife. Contd. on Page 7 2 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 page 3 CHAMBER PRESENTS QE-II DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDALS AT ITS ANNUAL WINTER GALA Chamber presents QE-II Diamond Jubilee medals at its annual Winter Gala Ajit Someshwar As the President of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (1991-93) Ajit Someshwar launched the Chamber’s Annual Awards, which two decades later have become an institution. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, social activist. He serves on EDC's board. Anil Shah Suresh Thakrar As the founder director of IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Committee, entrepreneur Anil Shah launched the ICCC’s foray into organized philanthropy. In its 15th year now, the Golf Classic has contributed to various charities in Toronto. Suresh Thakrar has contributed to the financial services industry of Canada for over three decades, & he has served the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce in different capacities. He has served other boards like Greater Toronto Airport Authority & ROM. Douglas Kelly Geetha Ramesh Douglas Kelly is a veteran journalist who has a demonstrable track record of achievements. As publisher of National Post, Douglas has built bridges with ethnic minorities in Canada. He is a recipient of the Asia-Pacific Fellowship for Journalists. Dr. Geetha Ramesh has made sterling contributions to the Indo-Canadian community in Alberta. As the head of the Alberta Council & National Director of the ICCC, she has created a base for the community to participate in the economic fabric of province. Harjit S. Kalsi As an active member of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce for the last 20 years, Harjit S. Kalsi’s has helped the Chamber achieve its mandate of fostering CanadaIndia trade, and creating opportunities for the Indian Diaspora in Canada. Kanta Arora Kanta Arora’s name is synonymous with volunteerism, social work, commitment, integrity and credibility. She is a role model in volunteerism. Her broad vision for the IndoCanadian community's needs has paved the way for its better integration. Naval Bajaj As the 25th President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Naval Bajaj has taken ICCC to a higher level of operations by focusing key bilateral issues like energy security, agriculture, nuclear cooperation, civilian, defense & space technologies. Imtiaz Seyid Imtiaz Seyid has utilised his thorough understanding of the multicultural markets to knit broad alliances of different communities in Canada; he has also helped organizations such as the IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce gain access to the mainstream. Kasi Rao Kasi Rao is Senior Advisor Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. His policy advice especially related to SMEs and Diaspora helped ICCC organise the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Canada 2011, and build economic bridges between Canada and India. Rakesh Goenka Rakesh Goenka pioneered Canada-India collaboration in the IT sector through the IT Group which was later merged with the IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce. His efforts at creating economic synergies led to trade policy formulations in Canada and India. Renu Mehta Sabi Marwah Renu Mehta is a Communications Specialist. She has been actively involved in promoting opportunities and representing immigrant communities to integrate into the Canadian social fabric though extensive involvement in various diversity organizations. Banker Sabi Marwah has tremendous achievements in diverse spheres of activities such as philanthropy and promotion of arts and culture. He has helped Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s grow within the Diaspora and integrate into Canadian mainstream. Soham Ajmera Soham Ajmera is Chairman FGF Brands Inc. He founded D o u g h Delight in 1974 and is today one of North A m e r i c a ’s largest flatbread manufacturers. He holds a patent for continuous tandoor oven, and is a philanthropist, contributing to diverse causes. Srini Iyengar As President of EIPROC (An organization of South Asian Professionals) Srini raised funds for the Stephen Lewis Aids Foundation and CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). Also as President he was responsible f o r providing financial scholarship to many South Asian Students attending first year University/ College. Srini has served for two terms with Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Membership and Finance. He has actively mentored many New Canadians over the last 15 years and recently received recognition from JVS Toronto and TRIEC for completing a mentoring program with the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce’ Terry Papneja While scaling great heights in his profession as a dentist, Terry Papneja has devoted his life to educate underprivileged children in India through 'AIM for SEVA' whose goal is to empower them by creating sustainable solutions to hunger & poverty. Venki Raman A banker by profession, Venki Raman is a motivational speaker who mentors newcomers to Canada. He is passionate about the upliftment of the youth, and constantly contributes his time and energy for the betterment of the underprivileged and hospitals. Bashir Nasir As the official photographer of the IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce, Bashir Nasir has chronicled the history of the Chamber over the last three decades. He has as seen ICCC grow to become the largest Indian Diaspora organisation in Canada. Gopal Bhatnagar Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar is a cardiac surgeon, an expert in beating heart surgery, and chief of staff at Trillium. His philosophy is that every patient would get the operation they deserve using world-class benchmarks as the minimum acceptable standard. Kant Kishore Bhargava Kant Kishore Bhargava is Senior Advisor IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce. His analyses and policy advice helped ICCC build economic bridges between Canada and India, and contribute to Canadian society in conjunction with other diaspora organizations. Kishore Doshi Kishore Doshi is the Founding President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. The organization he started in a garage in 1977 has grown to become the largest and oldest business organisation of IndoCanadians in Canada. Ravi Seethapathy Through his academic research Ravi Seethapathy has contributed to a more 'India-engaged' Canada. He has chaired/ served on many boards such as Ryerson University, Canadian Club, Engineers without Borders, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Salim Yusuf Dr. Salim Yusuf has expanded our understanding of the causes and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. His INTERHEART study of 28,000 individuals in 52 countries demonstrated that 9 modifiable risks predicted over 95% of heart attacks globally. Sampat Poddar Philanthropist Sampat Poddar believes rather than financial assistance, the needy are better served by innovative ideas that result in social and economic uplift of the downtrodden; he has spent a lifetime raising funds for social innovations. 3 4 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 page 4 US SCHOOL SHOOTINGS WHO WAS ADAM LANZA US School Shootings - Who was Adam Lanza (Contd. from page 1) Crazed killer Adam Lanza was a 'ticking time bomb' who suffered from Asperger's syndrome and was painfully shy and awkward, former classmates said yesterday. Last night, a troubling portrait began to emerge of the 'Goth' loner, who dressed all in black and was obsessed with video games. Others say Lanza used to be a mild-mannered student in high school, making the honor roll, and living with his mother, Nancy Lanza, who in turn loved playing dice games and decorating their upscale home for the h o l i d a y s . Wi t n e s s e s s a y Lanza was going from room to room shooting people, after first killing the principal Dawn Hochsprung and the school psychologist Mary Sherlach ADAM LANZA SHOT HIS MOTHER, NANCY LANZA, BEFORE execution-style when they DRIVING TO SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING confronted him in the 26 PEOPLE INCLUDING 20 CHILDREN hallway. The 20-year-old who shot dead 27 people in America's worst-ever school killing - began his rampage by shooting his mother in the face at the family's $1.6?million home in Newtown, Connecticut, dubbed America's 'safest town'. He then then took three of her guns and drove her black Honda Civic to Sandy Hook Elementary School around 9.30am, where he killed 20 young children and six adults before shooting himself in the head. Lanza used two semi-automatic pistols, a Glock and Sig Sauer, and reportedly wiped out an entire classroom of young children, then shot several in a second class before taking his own life. 'NO CONNECTION' While an official has said that the 20-year-old gunman in the Connecticut school shooting had Asperger's syndrome, experts say there is no connection between the disorder a n d v i o l e n c e . A s p e rg e r ' s i s a m i l d f o r m o f a u t i s m o f t e n c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y s o c i a l awkwardness. "There really is no clear association between Asperger's and violent behavior," said psychologist Elizabeth Laugeson, an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Witnesses say Lanza was going from room to room shooting people, after first killing the principal Dawn Hochsprung and the school psychologist Mary Sherlach execution-style when they confronted him in the hallway. Former classmate Olivia DeVivo said she remembered Lanza talking about 'blowing things up', but added: 'I put that down to the usual talk of boys. I think he went so unnoticed people didn't stop to think, "There's something going on here - maybe he needs some kind of help?" 'No one is surprised. He always seemed like he was someone who was capable of that because he didn't really connect with our high school, with our town.' Another former school friend, Jamie Crespo, 19, said: 'He used to hang with the freaks, guys who dressed in trench coats.' Other students remember him walking through school dressed in black, carrying a black briefcase. Newtown High School's 2010 class president Ben Federman is like the rest of his classmates - he can barely remember Adam Lanza. Mr Federman, who was home from attending college at Vanderbilt University, told MailOnline that he had Father: Peter, a wealthy executive for General Electric, who is believed to earn $1million a year, moved out of the family home in 2006 However, he continued to provide well for Nancy and their younger son, giving her the family home as well as nearly $325,000 a year. One of Lanza's former classmates spoke of his 'noticeable decline' after his parents' divorce. 'He was a loner at school and hyper intelligent,' he said. 'But in recent years he disappeared off the radar. 'The word is that he was badly affected when his parents split and that might be what pushed him over the edge. 'He was always weird but the divorce affected him. He was arguing with his mother. He was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.' A relative to the family said that Adam Lanza was 'obviously not well,' adding that he often seemed troubled. They described Nancy as being rigid and at times, overbearing. Dan Holmes, owner of a landscaping firm who worked on the family's home, said she was an avid gun collector: 'She told me she would go target shooting with her kids.' Sources close to the investigation also revealed last night that Nancy had recently stopped hosting monthly get-togethers for neighbors in order to look after her increasingly troubled son. The 50-year-old is thought to have worked as a supply teacher at the elementary school where the shootings took place. Last night it also emerged Nancy was a member of the Doomsday Preppers movement, which believes people should prepare for end of the world. Her former sister-in-law Marsha said she had turned her home 'into a fortress'. She added: 'Nancy had a survivalist philosophy which is why she was stockpiling guns. She had them for defense. 'She was stockpiling food. She grew up on a farm in New Hampshire. She was skilled with guns. We talked about preppers and preparing for the economy collapsing.' Marsha added that her nephew had been raised by 'kind, nurturing' parents'. She said she last seen Adam in June but recalled nothing appeared out of the ordinary. 'Nancy was a good mother, kind-hearted,' she added. 'She wasn't one to deny reality. She would have sought psychiatric help for her son had she felt he needed it.' Lanza's aunt, Marsha Lanza, said her nephew was raised by kind, nurturing parents who would not have hesitated to seek mental help for him if he needed it. The Crystal Lake, Illinois resident told the Associated Press she was close with Adam Lanza's mother and sent her a Facebook message Friday morning asking how she was R yan Lanza is escor ted to a car outside his home in Hoboken by law enforcement. Police said he has been very cooperative during the investigation Ryan, 24, who was originally thought to have been the shooter, was being questioned by police after he was arrested at his home in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was on a bus on his way home from work when he was being named as the gunman and posted on Facebook that it wasn't him. Ryan Lanza had been extremely cooperative and was not under arrest or in custody by Saturday morning, but investigators were still searching his computers and phone records. He told law enforcement he had not been in touch with his brother since about 2010. Brett Wilshe, a friend of Ryan Lanza's, said he sent him a Facebook message Friday asking what was going on and if he was OK. According to Wilshe, Lanza's reply was something along the lines of: 'It was my brother. I think heard from many graduates from the class of 2010 and none of them can think of a single friend Lanza had. 'The only time I ever saw him was in the hallway and he never seemed to engage anyone. He was just focused on walking from one class to another,' Mr Federman said. His only memory of the 20--year-old Lanza was the bizarre way he dressed - always in button-down shirts that were too big for him. He also usually had pens in his shirt pocket and usually carried a black leather briefcase. 'You noticed that because it was different. He carried a briefcase and not a backpack,' Mr Federman said. Lanza appears to have enjoyed a normal childhood, attending Sandy Hook Elementary and then Newtown High School, in the affluent town 60 miles from New York. He graduated high school NANCY LANZA'S HOME IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, WAS in 2010 and refused to pose RAIDED AFTER 2 PM FRIDAY AND SHE WAS FOUND SHOT for the traditional high school DEAD FROM AN APPARENT GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE FACE. yearbook picture - a rite of passage in America. Instead, a note on the page under his name states: 'Camera shy.' In 2007, when he was a freshman, he was pictured along with ten of his classmates for a group photo of the 'Tech Club,' which 'allowed students to explore technology and promote events' on student TV. In two yearbooks from his time in high school - he wasn't even listed in one and his name appeared under 'not pictured' in another. Richard Novia, the school district's head of security until 2008, who also served as adviser for the school technology club, said Lanza clearly 'had some disabilities. 'If that boy would've burned himself, he would not have known it or felt it physically," Novia told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "It was my job to pay close attention to that.' Mr Novia described Lanza as 'a very scared young boy, who was very nervous around people he could trust or he refused to speak with,' Novia said. 'Somewhere along in the last four years, there were significant changes that led to what has happened,' Novia said. 'I could never have foreseen him doing that.' Yesterday reports claimed he had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism where sufferers experience difficulties with communication and social skills, which can lead to isolation and emotional problems. Neighbor Justin Germak, 17, said he knew Lanza 'had a condition'. 'You definitely noticed it. He was needy. He struggled to be social.' 'Everyone just assumed he was a smart kid and that's why he didn't like talking to people all the time,' Peter Lalli, 20, who graduated with Lanza in 2010, told the New York Daily News. 'He hung out with the smart crowd.' Another former classmate said Adam has been 'a weird kid since we were five years old.' Tim Dalton wrote on Twitter: 'As horrible as this was, I can't say I am surprised...' Family friends said Lanza's problems started to escalate when his parents divorced in 2008 after 18 years together. His father Peter, a wealthy executive for General Electric, who is believed to earn $1?million a year, moved out of the family home in 2006, citing 'irreconcilable differences'. The 52-year-old married librarian Shelley Cudiner last year, and the couple moved 40 miles away to Stamford, Connecticut.. doing. Nancy Lanza never responded. Marsha Lanza described Nancy Lanza as a good mother and kind-hearted. If her son had needed counseling, 'Nancy wasn't one to deny reality,' she said. Marsha Lanza said her husband saw Adam as recently as June and recalled nothing out of the ordinary about him. Adam Lanza shot his mother, Nancy, at the upscale suburban home they shared together and then took three of her guns and drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School about 9.30am One neighbor told MailOnline that her daughters had visited the house while trick or treating on Halloween, and that an older woman answered the door. A man several houses down, who said he was friends with the couple, declined to give his name, saying only that they are 'great people' and 'my heart bleeds for them.' Pia Conte, 47, who lives in the neighborhood and has two sons in their 20s, said Lanza and his girlfriend kept to themselves. Ms Conte called the ordeal 'sad' for Lanza and his family, and suggested that the violence is a portion of a much larger situation. 'Guns are easy to point to, but it's really a mental health issue.' Catherine Urso, who was attending a vigil Friday evening in Newtown said her college-age son knew the killer and remembered him for his alternative style. 'He just said he was very thin, very remote and was one of the goths,' she said. Still, several local news clippings from recent years mention Adam Lanza's name among Newtown High School's honor roll students. He belonged to a technology club at Newtown High School that held 'LAN parties' short for local area network - in which students would gather at a member's home, hook up their computers into a small network and play games. Gloria Milas, whose son Joshua was in the club with Lanza, hosted one of the parties once. She recalled a school meeting in 2008 organized by the gunman's mother to try to save the job of the club's adviser. At the meeting, Milas said, Adam Lanza's brother Ryan said a few words in support of the adviser, who he said had taken his brother under his wing. 'My brother has always been a nerd,' Ryan Lanza said then, according to Milas. 'He still wears a pocket protector.' my mother is dead. Oh my God.' 'We heard after Columbine that it was too soon to talk about gun laws. We heard it af ter Virginia Tech. After Tucson and Aurora and Oak Creek. And now we are hearing it again. For every day we wait, 34 more people are murdered with guns. Today, many of them were five-year-olds. President Obama rightly sent his hear tfelt condolences to the families in Newtown. But the country needs him to send a bill to Congress to fix this problem. Calling for "meaningful action" is not enough. We need immediate action.' -Mayor Bloomberg Peter Lanza declined to comment after police per formed a welfare check on him. Mr Lanza learned of the tragic and senseless massacre by repor ters who had flocked to his home. He arrived shor tly after police left and asked what the problem was. The President addressed a stunned nation five hours after the shooting and openly wept as he spoke of the mindless shooting saying: 'Our hearts are broken today.' Seldom has a head of state expressed greater public emotion in modern times. Obama struggled for words, pausing several times as he wiped away tears saying, 'This evening, Michelle and I will...hug our children a little tighter, and we'll tell them that we love them.' MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MidWeek breaking news Delhi gangrape: Main accused reveals shocking details to police The woman, a physiotherapy student, was last night fighting for her life in hospital. She had been travelling home from watching a film at a shopping mall in the south of Delhi when she and a male friend were attacked by a group of drunk men on a largely empty bus. Police say six men attacked the couple and took turns to rape the woman as the bus toured the city's streets on Sunday. Tinted windows and curtains kept them hidden and prolonged the woman's suffering as the rapists attacked her and her friend with an iron bar before throwing them out of the bus unconscious on a city flyover. Television news channels quoted police sources saying the perpetrators had abused the woman for being out at night with a man and said they would "teach her a lesson." Her condition was described as critical amid reports that she is on a ventilator and that her intestines were so severely ruptured surgeons had removed them to prevent gangrene. Thousands of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate outside the Indian parliament, the Delhi chief minister's office and at the police headquarters to demand urgent Egypt braces for protests, prosecutor general quits Egypt braced for oppositionbacked protests against alleged vote rigging in the first stage of a referendum on an Islamist constitution, as the country’s embattled prosecutor general quit, just weeks after being appointed by President Mohamed Morsi. Talaat Ibrahim Abdallah submitted his resignation yesterday to the head of the Supreme Judicial Council after growing demands from hundreds of public prosecutors asking him to quit. The Council will examine Mr Abdallah’s resignation next Sunday, a day af ter a final round of voting in the referendum on Egypt’s draft constitution. The first round of voting on the Islamist draft constitution took place on Saturday. The prosecutor general was appointed by the president by vir tue of a controversial constitutional decree that was issued on November 22. Massive protest has erupted after the Delhi gangrape that has shocked the nation. action to protect women in the "rape capital of India." Campaigners claim there is an ambivalent attitude to sexual violence against women in India and that assaults are often trivialised. Many were afraid to report assaults because lack of sympathy among police officers who instinctively believe the woman "deserved" the assault and the fact that few offenders are convicted. There were calls for the perpetrators to be hung while some commentators said convicted rapists should undergo chemical castration. Sonia Gandhi, India's most powerful political leader, visited the woman in hospital and called for urgent measures to protect women, calling the latest incident a "matter of shame". There was an urgent need to take "whatever steps are necessary to undertake community action, to strengthen law and order, and to step up vigilance to protect women," she added. Despite having two million people fewer than Mumbai, Delhi records considerably more rapes. Last year there were 221 rapes in Mumbai while Delhi suffered 572. This year the number of rapes in Delhi has increased to 635. Last weekend a six year old girl was raped by a neighbour in central Delhi while a 24-year-old woman was raped by a neighbour in the east of the city. Ram Singh, main accused in the gangrape of a 23-year-old girl from Dehradun, has told the police that he had brutally assaulted her because she had resisted his attempt to rape her and bitten him. According to police sources, Singh was drunk and he lost his cool when the girl bit him. After he was bitten he and his friends started beating the girl and her male friend with iron rods. Ram Singh revealed shocking and surprising details to the police during interrogation. According to police sources Ram Singh made the plan to strip the girl and her male friend, and then threw them out of bus after raping the girl. He had also snatched three mobile phones belonging to the girl and her friend so that they could not dial anyone for help. 5 India’s black money loss in 10 years: $123 bn India lost $123 billion in black money during 2001-2010, a U.S.-based research and advocacy organisation said in a repor t. However, India’s loss is far less than that of China, which according to the repor t suffered a loss of $ 2.74 trillion during the same period (2001 to 2010), followed by Mexico ($476 billion), Malaysia ($285 billion), Saudi Arabia ($201 billion), Russia ($152 billion), the Philippines ($138 billion) and Nigeria ($129 billion). India is the eight largest victim of black money loses, said the report ‘Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2001— 2010,’ released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI). India is the only South Asian country to figure in the top 20 list of such nations. In 2010 alone, the Indian economy suffered $1.6 billion in illicit financial outflows. “$123 billion is a massive amount of money for the Indian economy to lose,” said Dev Kar, GFI lead economist and co-author of the report. “It has very real consequences for Indian citizens. This is more than $100 billion which could have been used to invest in education, healthcare, and upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. Perhaps last summer’s electrical blackout would have been avoided if some of this money had remained in India and been used to invest in the nation’s power grid,” he said. While progress has been made in recent years, India continues to lose a large amount of wealth in illicit financial outflows, said GFI director Raymond Baker. Gunmen kill 4 female polio Four arrested, attempt to murder charge workers in Pakistan to be invoked in Delhi gang rape case Four men were arrested for allegedly raping and brutally assaulting a 23—year—old girl in a moving bus with police on Tuesday saying that it will invoke attempt to murder charge against them and seek a fast— track trial for speedy justice. The bus driver Ram Singh, who along with six others, allegedly gang raped the para— medical student on Sunday night, was remanded on Tuesday in police custody for five days in by a Delhi court to allow his custodial interrogation. The police told Metropolitan Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal that the other three arrested culprits, Ram Singh’s brother Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, an assistant gym instructor, and Pawan Gupta, a fruit seller, will be produced in court tomorrow. Doctors at the Safdarjung Hospital, where the victim is being treated, said she had responded to the doctor’s call and raised her hands in the morning and even read something which the doctors wrote on a paper. Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar told reporters that the girl was in a “serious condition” but was doing better than yesterday. Dr B D Athani, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, said, “Her condition is better than yesterday. Her conscious level is much better than yesterday’s. She underwent a surgery on Sunday.” The victim’s male friend, an engineer who objected the men making lewd remarks at the victim, was also beaten up during the incident, which led to widespread outrage in Parliament and outside and demand for death penalty for rapists. Investigators said that they will seek a fast—track trial for speedy justice in the case as well as write a proposal to Union Home Ministry seeking laws for invoking death penalty for rapists. The Police Commissioner said the driver of the chartered bus, which was not legally permitted to run on normal routes, his brother and two more people had been arrested, while a massive manhunt has been launched to nab the remaining two accused. He said the accused were on a “joyride“. “Disturbed” over the gang— rape of a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus here, the Delhi High Court today assured women lawyers that it was looking into the “brazen” incident following a plea for a court monitored probe. SAGHER AHMED, HEALTH MINISTER FOR SURROUNDING SINDH PROVINCE, SAYS THE GUNMEN ON TUESDAY ALSO WOUNDED TWO MEN WHO WERE WITH THE WOMEN. A senior health official says gunmen have killed four women working on a government polio vaccination campaign in the Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi. Sagher Ahmed, health minister for surrounding Sindh province, says the gunmen on Tuesday also wounded two men who were with the women. The Taliban have spoken out against polio vaccination in recent months, claiming the health workers are acting as spies for the U.S. and the vaccine itself causes harm. Ahmed says the shootings took place in a Karachi area populated by ethnic Pashtuns. The Taliban are a Pashtun movement, and many militants are reported to be hiding in these communities in Karachi. On Monday, police said a gunman killed a volunteer for the World Health Organization’s anti-polio campaign in Karachi. MidWeek 6 editorial/opinion MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 Can we control the GUNS? A s we continues to mourn the victims killed in a shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., a debate over gun control is intensifying in the nation's capital. President Barack Obama has reportedly asked his cabinet, led by Vice President Joe Biden, to "formulate a set of proposals that could include reinstating a ban on assault rifles," the Washington Post reports. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., recently said, "we'll engage in a meaningful conversation and proper debate about how to change laws and culture that allow this violence to continue to grow … And every idea should be on the table." But how likely is gun-control legislation, and could it pass? And what does public opinion have to say on the matter? George Washington Today talked with John Sides, a George Washington University associate professor of political science, to answer these and other questions. Q: Historically, what has public opinion said when it comes to gun control? A: On the whole, there is mixed support for stricter gun control in the abstract, and less support now than 10 or 15 years ago. However, many specific guncontrol policies-like an assault weapons ban and background checks but not a handgun banare supported by majorities of people and have been for some time. Some relevant links are here. Q: Do mass shootings like the one in Newtown have an immediate impact on public opinion? What about a longterm impact? A: There was a spike in support for gun control after Columbine, but not after the Virginia Tech, Tucson or Aurora shootings. So these events do not necessarily make a big difference. However, two polls conducted after the Newtown shooting-here and here-suggest a small increase in the percent of people favoring new gun-control laws and a larger increase in the percent who believes that the Newtown shooting reflects a broader societal problem. But whether these shifts continue or have any long-term impact remains to be seen. Q: The way a question is asked can change public opinion, you recently wrote in your blog. Discuss the effect, postNewtown, of framing a question MidWeek Asian World Today Inc. 1310, Midway Blvd, Unit # 31, Mississauga Ontario L5T 2K5 Direct Line - 647-272-8182 Tel: 905-670-3687 Fax: 905-670-5344 E-mail : For Advertising yudhvir@southasiandaily.com ads@midweektoronto.com YUDHVIR JASWAL BASHIR NASIR ALI - NICE PHOTOGRAPHY CHIEF EDITOR & CEO 647-272-8182 yudhvir@southasiandaily.com PHOTOGRAPHERS ANJANA RAI THAPLIYAL & RAI LAW OFFICE BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER LEGAL ADVISOR ANUVEER PARMAR CORPORATE AND PROJECT COORDINATION HARJINDER SINGH MIHIR OZA ( SPORTS ) RK BATRA ( COMMUNITY) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARKETING GENERAL MANAGER RAJESH KAUSHIK SUNIL VERMA MARKETING MANAGER INDIA MARKETING SUNIL VERMA RAJNISH VERMA YADWINDER SINGH AUSTRALIA DIVISON GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT Newspaper MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY Published in English every Tuesday Radio SOUTHASIAN PULSE Mon to Fri - 2 Hours, 2 to 4 PM on AM 530 Television SOUTHASIAN 360 DEGREES On FILMYChannel Right Across North America Canada - (Rogers - Channel-830, Bell fibe TV Channel-798 ), USA - DirecTV - Channel 2008 Timings- Friday6-7 PM,Sun -1-2 PMWed - 6:307:30PM-EST Online WWW.SOUTHASIANDAILY.COM ONLY News Portal for Southasian-Canadians Cricket CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL CRICKET (CPC) 4th Annual CPC Inter-City Cricket Cup Starting June 2011 6 Months of Non-stop cricket action Events 5th Annual Midweek Southasian Awards 2012 All Rights Reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be printed without the written consent of the publisher. DISCLAIMER: Asian World Today Inc. assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for any and all liability from their claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement he may see unfit for publication. The opinions expressed in Midweek may not be those of the publisher. that says guns could be carried onto "school grounds." A: In one study, people appear more opposed to a law allowing concealed weapons when it was framed in terms of security than in terms of individual rights. In particular, the study described security in this way: "laws allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns threaten public safety because they would allow almost anyone to carry a gun almost anywhere, even onto school grounds." This suggests why an event like Newtown could sway opinion: It brings concerns about security, and particularly that of vulnerable populations like children, to the foreground. Q: Can we expect to see gun control at the top of President Obama's agenda this term? A: It is difficult to see how he could not act, even though he made no specific promises in his recent speech in Newtown. There are, for example, things he might do via executive orders or bureaucratic rule making. He could try to limit the capacity of gun magazines or institute more stringent background checks. Q:The gun-control debate always intensifies after a mass shooting event but we haven't yet seen Congress act. Will this time be different? A: The most important thing right now is how congressional Republicans respond. The White House certainly cannot force them to go along with anything. Even public opinion might not be a powerful enough force, particularly if concern fades as Newtown generates fewer headlines. My early sense is that at least some prominent conservatives, rightly or wrongly, do not see the need for new gun-control measures. If their perspective is shared within THE BOTCHED TRANSITION “ In terms of the scale of the challenge, and the preparedness to face it, it’s like the BCCI has sent David to take on Goliath having slyly nicked his slingshot Last week,on the third day of the thirdTest against England, Ishant Sharma dropped a regulation caught-and-bowled off Alastair Cook. It was a ridiculously simplechance;agentle,loopy,ribbonwrapped gift that hit the base of the palm and popped out. It wasacatchthatwouldbetakenninetimes outof10,andthemisscouldbeblamedononeof many things: complacency, misjudgment, Murphy’s Law, the law of averages, a momentary brain-freeze, the positioning of the stars… The commentators blamed Ishant’s hair. They really did.Hislong,unruly tressesgotin his eyes, Commentator A declared emphatically. It’s in his follow-through that it’s a problem, Commentator B added with great gravitas. This exchange marked the exact moment whena) expert commentary died and b) Indian cricket ran out of excuses. Of the last 12 Test matches Dhoni’s team has played against top quality opposition in the last 18 months, they’velostten,wononeanddrawn one. When they traveled to England last year, they were ranked No 1 in the world. Now, they have slipped to No 5, ahead only of Sri Lanka, West Indies, New Zealand and Bangladesh. How did things get this bad? Sift through all the explanations trotted out this week, from spineless selections to self-destructive hairstyles, and a couple of things become clear. One, the bunch of cricketers we’re trying to replace are pretty close to irreplaceable. Andtwo, the Indian board couldn’thavemadea bigger mess of replacing them had they tried. We should have seen this coming. In Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, India lost more than just a pretty offdrive, solid technique and liquid wrists. Despite the caricatures we drew over a decade-and-ahalf (Sourav was all heart, Rahul studious, VVS made the world a happier place), their cricket was built primarily on steel and a fierce ambition to do well in different conditions. Then there’s Anil Kumble, whose the party, then there may not be sufficient incentive to bring Republicans to the table. Republicans might instead try to wait it out, in hopes that there will be less urgency when the new Congress convenes. Q: If gun-control legislation were to be introduced, what might it look like? A: I suspect it will be fairly narrowly tailored. Part of that is to conform to the Supreme Court's rulings. Part of that is to attract the support of the GOP, which would likely balk at a broader measure. Part of that will likely also reflect the circumstances of the Newtown shooting. So you might see focus on those things-assault weapons, large magazines-that helped make the Newtown shooting so deadly. Q: What are its chances of passing? Is stricter control "unwinnable"? A: Personally, I see the odds of it passing as less than 50-50. It's not unwinnable, but it's not necessarily likely either. The past isn't always prologue, but many mass shootings-including of a sitting member of Congress in Tucson-have not led to legislation. The Newtown shooting is different than those shootings in some respects, especially because many of the victims were young children. But the magnitude of this tragedy may not be sufficient to produce stricter gun-control legislation at the federal level. Source - University of South Carolina INDIAN-BORN NURSE DEATH STILL A MYSTERY CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Sister Jyoti, who gave only one name, said Saldanha's mother-in-law was especially close to the nurse and was heartbroken by the news. "It was a shock for us because she was a lovely person to all," the sister said. Barboza and the couple's two children, aged 14 and 16, were due to attend the funeral at 4:00pm (1030 GMT), having arrived from Britain with the body after a memorial mass in London's Westminster Cathedral. Shirva is Barboza's home town, while several of Saldanha's relatives, including her frail mother, live in the port city of Mangalore. John Rodrigues, who returned to Shirva after working in the oil and gas sector in the Middle East, said there was still "a lot of confusion in people's minds over how she died". A few days earlier the nurse put the hoax call through to a This transition was never going to be easy, but India never gave themselves a chance retirement four years agois perhaps the single biggest factor in India’s dip. Ashwin and Ojha can bowl 40 overs a day on placid tracks, but the kind of intensity Kumble and his pursed lips brought to the pitch, delivery after probing delivery, over after prying over, is something that can’t be bought at an auction. We were used to approaching overseas tours hoping not to embarrass ourselves; a feisty generation made us dream of victories. Therewasan infectious arrogance about the team that was born out of sustained success against the best in the world. Now, Indian cricket’s arrogance is built on a good four-over spell, a dashing 12ball 30 and the board’s billion-dollar bank balance. The decline of India’s batting line-up, even before the retirements of Laxman and Dravid, has had a big impact on the team’s collective ability to fight back over long periods. When they occasionally go ahead in a game, they still have the ability to push for a win, but if they fall behind, they almost always lose. Of the last 17 Tests India have played, they’ve been involved in only two draws – one against the West Indies in Mumbai, off the last ball of the match, and the other against England in Nagpur, on a pitch where a stalemate was always the likeliest result. colleague who relayed confidential details about Catherine's health to the Australian DJs. An inquest into her death yesterday heard that Saldanha left three suicide notes, with The Guardian reporting that one of the notes criticised staff at the hospital. It is believed the nurse's suicide note has left her grieving family furious, with husband Barboza wanting an inquiry into the incident. Speaking to the Daily Mirror about Saldanha's suicide notes, a source close to the family said, "one of the letters, which is the longest, deals with the hospital and is critical in its tone. "Needless to say, Ben wants a full inquiry into what happened and he wants to make sure the truth comes out. Within the letter, Jacintha calls into question some of the treatment she received at the hospital". In another note, the mother-of two describes how she struggled to come to terms with the prank call by the two Australian DJs. The third and final letter is practical and deals with her funeral plans. During a five-minute hearing at Westminster Coroner's Court yesterday, it was revealed that attempts were made to revive the nurse but they were "to no avail". "Jacintha Saldanha was found by a colleague and a member of security staff. Sadly she was found hanging. There were also injuries to her wrist. The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. At this time there are no suspicious circumstances," Detective Chief Inspector James Harman said. Scotland Yard detectives are examining the notes, as well as interviewing Saldanha's friends, family and colleagues at the hospital. The hospital has defended itself, saying it offered support to Saldanha and had stressed to her she would not be disciplined for being taken in by what it described as a "cruel trick". Australian police say death threats have been made against Michael Christian and Mel Greig, the DJs from Sydney's 2Day FM radio station who made the call posing as the Queen and William's father Prince Charles. The presenters made tearful apologies last week. MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 community Manchester - 153 languages spoken by a population of 500,000 Rivalled only by New York and Paris for ethnic and linguistic mix Indian and West African languages, Uyghur and Nahuati spoken Study says number will only increase as students flood city DIVERSE: A STUDY HAS FOUND 153 LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN MANCHESTER Its detractors try to portray it as a cold, wet and sometimes insular place. But Manchester is actually one of the most exotic cities in the world, researchers claim. This is due to its cultural diversity, with at least 153 languages spoken. Tw o - t h i r d s of Mancunian school children are bilingual, with the number of languages likely to increase, according to the study by Manchester University. The city is more diverse than London, and rivalled only by New York and Paris for its ethnic and linguistic mix, claims Professor Yaron Matras, who carried out the research. 'Manchester's language diversity is higher than many countries in the world,' Professor Matras said. 'It is very likely to be the top of the list in Europe, certainly when compared to other cities of its size.' Wi t h a p o p u l a t i o n o f 500,000, Manchester is much smaller than London, where more than 300 languages are spoken by eight million inhabitants. Professor Matras said: 'There are certainly a greater number of languages spoken in London but these are by people who are passing through diplomats, businessmen, etc - but in M a n c h e s t e r, t h e f o r e i g n language speakers are residents. 'Around two-thirds of Mancunian school children are bilingual - a huge figure which indicates just how precious its linguistic culture is. As immigration and the arrival of overseas students to the city continues, it's fair to say that this already large list is set to grow.' Manchester's rapid growth began during the Industrial Revolution, with the city's textile trade attracting workers from across the empire, setting the pattern for diversity. The policy of recruiting from abroad for public services, such as the NHS, has helped bring in some of the more obscure languages, the professor says. These include more than a dozen Indian languages, ten f r o m We s t A f r i c a , t h r e e Kurdish dialects, various forms of the Romany language of Eastern European gypsies, Uyghur which is spoken by the Muslims of north-west China - and even Nahuatl, the tongue of the ancient Aztecs of Mexico. Professor Matras said the Census data released last week underestimated the number of multi-lingual households in the UK, as respondents were asked to name their main language. 'Most multi-linguals speak a language other than English at home, but use English at work, in their place of study, so they will answer that English is their main language, even though this is not strictly accurate.' White House Celebrates Guru Nanak's Gurpurab for the third Time amidst applause from US Sikhs WASHINGTON: Birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated by the White House in the presence of 160 Sikhs from across the United States. Senior officials from the Obama Administration turned up to welcome Sikhs who were dressed proudly in their traditional Punjabi attires, colorful turbans and business suites. Paul Monteiro, Associate Director at the Office of Public Engagement, welcomed all the attendees with Sikh greeting, “Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh! This was received enthusiastically from a room packed with Sikh representatives. He further stated, “The White House welcomes the Sikh community and this is our third celebration during President Obama’s presidency and we will continue on this path.” Gautam Raghavan also from the White House Public Engagement office, said, “This seems like a family event for all of us.” All of the speakers especially acknowledged the presence of the families of victims of Oak Creek Gurdwara who were invited to be part of the event. The program started with an opening prayer by Amarpreet Kaur Everest, a young girl from a pioneer family of Yuba City, California. She ended the prayer with a Sikh calling, Bole So Nihal with a thunderous response from all the Sikhs, ‘Sat Sri Akaal.’ Joshua DuBois, Head of the White House's Faith Based Initiative and who counsel Obama on spiritual matters, said, "There is not any week which goes by when we do not think about the Sikh community. Just as we focused on Sikhs weeks immediately after the Wisconsin tragedy. I want to assure you on behalf of President Obama that we have deep commitment for the families of all those were affected." He further stated, "We are so proud of our great relationship with the Sikh community on Job training and environmental issues and we will continue to expand our relationship." This was followed by a hymn celebrating the advent of Guru Nanak by famous Kirtan singer from Punjab, Bhai Niranjan Singh who was accompanied by Tabla Maestro Sucha Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Maryland . He sang ’Mitee Dhund Jag Chanan hoya, Satgur Nanak pargatiya’. The walls of the Old Executive office building of the White House were reverberating with the melodious voices of kirtan. Niranjan Singh sang two other hymns written by Guru Nanak in the Sikh scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib. In addition, a talented 20 year Sikh young man, Raginder Singh from California, presented a musical number on violin in raag Bhairavi. Grande Lum, Director of the Community Relations at the Justice Department, declared, “We are proud of what we have been doing with the Sikh community in the last ten years. I have spent more time on the issues of the Sikhs than any other issue. Guru Nanak ji stood for equality and justice and that is what our department stands for.” Paul Monteiro further stated that “Due to the immense tragedy of Oak Creek Gurdwara, a lot of focus of today’s event is civil rights but we are continuously working on many comprehensive issues. He asked how many of the attendees were Medical professionals and how many were from the field of IT or education. We want your participation and we would like you to spread the word all around the nation and Sikhs should apply to serve the nation through the federal government as White House is seeking new applicants.” Amardeep Singh, who serves on the White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and an official of Sikh Coalition, thanked Obama Administration for their support to the community. He stated, “This administration has provided us an unprecedented access in the aftermath of Oak Creek tragedy.” Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, who played a key role in organizing the event at the White House, said, “This is a proud moment for the entire community to celebrate this great occasion at the White House especially in light of the tragedy of Oak Creek and also while we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our first gurdwara in America. Sikhs ought to be involved in all fields and all areas of the American society." He challenged that Sikhs must resolve to elect a Sikh with full identity to US Congress in the next twenty five years which was received with a resounding Jaikara, a Sikh calling. A book on Golden Temple Pavneet Singh, an official at the National Security Council at the White House, said, “I am extremely proud to see this large presence. It is important that we acknowledge that we are not single issue people and we are not only Sikhs but we are involved in everything. 7 CITY OF BRAMPTON DELEGATION HEADING TO INDIA IN JANUARY 2013 I P8 AMAR KARMA'S 2 YEARS Amar Karma organ donation society held their final event of the year called Coffee & Cookies upon completion of their two years in operation on Saturday, Dec 8, 2012 at Soccer Centre Brampton. The purpose of this event was to review/celebrate projects of 2012, discuss plans for the next year. The event was a great success. Information about organ and tissue donation was discussed in details. Many active members of the community attended the occasion and admired the works done by the youth of GTA. Among the attendees was Federal MP from BramptonSpringdale Mr. Parm Gill, Malton MPP Jagmeet Singh, members from Rationalist society, Members from Canadian Sahit sabha, Malook Singh Kaahlon, Ajaib Singh Sangha, Parmpal Sandhu and Avtar Aujla were also present at this event to celebrate with Team Amar Karma. The group of volunteers has worked tirelessly, with limited resource to highlight the subject of organ donation. Greater Toronto area falls among the lowest organ donor rate areas. The society has great plans in store for the upcoming year, and Loveen Kaur Gill, founder and president of society appealed to the community to involve their families, as their mission belongs to the entire humanity. Amar Karma's upcoming event is third annual "Give Heart 2013" that would take place on February 9, 2013 at Bombay Banquet Hall. This event is society's way to celebrate Valentine's Day by involving youth to advocate the actual giving of heart by donating it. Some speech competitions are also under plans for this event along with volunteer recognitions and dinner/Dance. For more information about participation or sponsorships, call 416-444-4803 or email actions@amarkarma.org or visit www.amarkarma.org Event: Statebank of India holds a Christmas Party on December 2, 2012 Venue: Clairstort Banquet Hall Family's of Clients were invited Participated by 200 people Time: 8:30 - 11:00pm There were raffle tickets, games and prizes There was cultural program to entertain the audience Mr. Tandon thanked all the participants When your DOCTOR ABUSES YOU CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 When she was seven months pregnant he jabbed her in the stomach and said: 'What are you doing with that thing inside you? Get rid! I can't do anything with you with that inside you.' She said she was subjected to more than 30 unwarranted examinations from the age of 14 to 22. Another patient, an attractive blonde, blamed Islam for ruining her sex life and wrecking her marriage, throughout which she remained a virgin. She said she went to the doctor in her 20s over her problems with intercourse and the Doctor told her: 'Silly girl, your partner must be tearing his hair out.' The woman said he made her feel like a 'freak' and he even examined her 'down below' when she complained of a sore throat. She said: 'You knew he was going to have a quick feel. You just knew what was coming. Another victim complained the GP examined her breasts even when she saw him for an injured wrist. He also targeted his staff. Islam told a new practice nurse: 'You will have sex with me.' He propositioned the 27-year-old in his Mercedes car after they went to an educational evening hosted by a pharmaceutical firm. He told the married nurse an affair could 'spice up' a marriage before he slid his hand under her skirt. He said he had 'needs' and offered to take her to medical conferences abroad with him. She rejected his advances and was so shocked that she quit. Michelle Colborne, prosecuting, said Islam 'exploited the naivety' of his patients and 'he succeeded because as the GP in a close-knit community he was in a position of trust and status and power.' Islam was finally caught when one victim went to police in March 2010 and others came forward. He was suspended by the General Medical Council and will now be struck off. The jury found him guilty of indecently assaulting seven women patients between 1970 and 1995. Islam claimed to have acted with 'professionalism and decorum' at all times and said the women were either mistaken or had been lying. His barrister Vanessa Marshall said: 'This is clearly a very sad day for Dr Islam. As a convicted man he knows that the final stage of his life is ruined. 8 MidWeek community MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 City of Brampton delegation heading to India in January 2013 THE TRADE MISSION IS PART OF BRAMPTON'S INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING PLAN BRAMPTON/BUREAU NEWS: The City of The City of Brampton has invited members of the B r a m p t o n i s p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e I n d o - C a n a d a local business community to participate in the mission. Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)-led 15-day trade T h i s w i l l b e a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o m a k e c o n n e c t i o n s mission to India from January 2 to 16, 2013. Mayor through networking with business owners and local Susan Fennell, Regional Councillor and Chair of Indian entrepreneurs; develop business partnerships E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t , G a e l M i l e s , R e g i o n a l and joint ventures; explore investment opportunities; Councillor John Sprovieri, City Councillor Vicky and gain new customers. For information on how to D h i l l o n a n d C o m m i s s i o n e r o f E c o n o m i c participate in the mission, email indiamission@iccc.org. Development and Communications, Dennis Cutajar, The international trade missions, as part of the City Director of Economic Development Sohail Saeed of Brampton's International Business Development and and Mayor's Chief of Staff Ian Newman, will be M a r k e t i n g P l a n , a r e f o c u s e d o n n e w b u s i n e s s participating in the mission. networking opportunities; exchange of new ideas with "We are taking Brampton to the global stage in international government and business leaders; trade order to create growth and long-term prosperity for and investment opportunities for the benefit of the GTA our local businesses. It is our focus to build ties a n d l o c a l m a r k e t s ; a n d b u i l d i n g n e w b u s i n e s s with the world's largest and most dynamic markets," relationships with people in different countries and commented Mayor Susan Fennell. cultures. The India mission will focus on different The six trade missions undertaken by Brampton industry sectors including automotive parts, energy, Economic Development Office in 2012 include: education, food processing, mining, and " Mission led by Ontario government - MIPIM, Real infrastructure and information technology. The Estate and Investment Trade Show, Cannes, France delegation will meet with representatives from " M i s s i o n l e d b y G r e a t e r To r o n t o M a r k e t i n g central and state governments, as well as Canadian A s s o ciation (GTMA) - Food and Beverage, Los and Indian policy makers. Meetings will take place in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar Angeles, California " Mission let by GTMA - SIAL and FISPAL Food and Delhi. Services Show, Sao Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil " T h r o u g h o u r s t r a t e g y, w e w a n t t o b r i n g " M i ssion let by the City of Brampton in together businesses, academics, innovators, Association with Ontario government - Fact Finding investors and the different levels of government to the global marketplace. By making connections Mission, Mumbai, Amritsar and Chandigarh, India " Mission led by GTMA - ICT Futurecom, Sao between our local and the international businesses, we are looking to give our entrepreneurs the edge Paulo, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil " Mission led by Confederation of Greater Toronto necessary to thrive and prosper in a world economy C h i n e s e B u s i n e s s A s s o c i a t i o n - Tr a d e M i s s i o n , that is fiercely competitive," commented Regional Councillor and Chair of Economic Development Gael Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hong Kong, China Miles. About Brampton: The 9th largest city in Canada, Brampton has a successful, well-diversified economy and is home to more than 8,000 businesses. The City continues to retain a Triple 'A' credit rating by Standard & Poor's, reflecting its successful economy and debt-free position. Brampton celebrates its diverse population that represents people from more than 175 distinct ethnic backgrounds who speak more than 70 different languages. Offering more than 6,000 acres of parkland, Brampton takes pride in being known as the Flower City of Canada. Brampton has been designated since 2007 as an International Safe Community by the World Health Organization. For more information visit www.brampton.ca BASHIR NASIR AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER RECEIVED THE QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 DIAMOND JUBILEE AWARD AT ICCC WINTER GALA FOR HIS HARD WORK AS A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR MANY YEARS. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE: AMERICA'S WORST SCHOOL MASSACRES 1. Virginia Tech - 32 dead plus the shooter, 16 April 2007, Blacksburg, Virginia Student Seung Hui Cho, 23, killed two stuidents in a dorm and then went through building of classrooms armed with two handguns, shooting at random before killing himself. 2. University of Texas - 16 dead plus shooter, 1 August 1966, Austin, Texas Former Marine sniper Charles Whitman, 25, armed with an arsenal of weapons shot victims from the observation deck of the campus tower. 3. Columbine High School - 13 dead plus two shooters, 20 April 1999, Littleton, Colorado Students Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, opened fire outside the school killing students and one teacher before shooting themselves in the library. 4. Red Lake High School - 9 dead plus shooter, 21 March 2005, Red Lake, Minnesota Jeffrey Weise, 17, goes on a shooting spree at Red Lake High School killing nine people, including his grandfather, before shooting himself. 5. University of Iowa - five dead plus shooter, 1 November 1991, University of Iowa Gang Lu, 27, a graduate student from China killed five with a .38-caliber revolver. He was apparently angry because his doctoral dissertation had not been nominated for an academic award. 6. Amish schoolhouse massacre six dead plus shooter, 2 October 2, 2006, Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania Charles Carl Roberts IV, 32, executes five girls aged 7 to 13 before killing himself in a small Amish schoolhouse 7. Jonesboro, Arkansas - five dead, 24 March 1998, Jonesboro, Arkansas Mitchell Johnson, 10, and Andrew Golden, 8, took seven guns to school and pulled the fire alarm and shot students as they headed for the exits. Four died plus a teacher. The pair were sent to a juvenile detention center and released in 2005. 8. Cleveland Elementary School - five dead plus shooter, 17 January 1989, in Stockton, California Patrick Edward Purdy entered a schoolyard and opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle at Cleveland Elementary School. Five children died and 30 others were wounded including one teacher. He then shot himself. 9. University of Arizona - three dead plus shooter, 28 October 2002, University of Arizona Robert Flores, 40, a nursing student shot an instructor in her office before entering a classroom and killing two more teachers before committing suicide. 10. Kent State University - four dead, 4 May 1970, Kent State University in Ohio National Guard troops killed four students who took part in anti-war protests on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio. MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 canada 9 MUSKRAT FALLS HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT IN LABRADOR GETS GREEN LIGHT I P10 The Harper Government introduces the Safer Witnesses Act PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER AND DIANE FINLEY, MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, PRESENT TIMEA NAGY, THE OPERATOR OF THE ONLY SAFE HOUSE FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN ONTARIO, WITH A PRIME MINISTER VOLUNTEER AWARD NAMING HER THE YEAR'S EMERGING LEADER. Western scientists use fossils to discover the ancient equator Researchers at Western University have discovered where the equator was "precisely located" 450 million years ago, which is an important breakthrough for paleontologists and planetary scientists, as well as private and public mineral resource companies. The findings have been published in the journal Geology and were highlighted in today's Editor's Choice section of Science. Jisuo Jin and Phil McCausland f r o m We s t e r n ' s D e p a r t m e n t o f E a r t h S c i e n c e s l e d a n international research team that successfully traced a 6,000kilometre stretch of fossils which proved the Ordovician equator ran through Northern Greenland, Manitoba (Canada), Utah and Nevada. The Ordovician geologic period, the second oldest of six of the Paleozoic Era, began 488.3 million years ago, following the Cambrian period, and ended 443.7 million years ago. "If you consider the polar magnetic regions, you would have found those regions located in quite a different place 450 million years ago. And the equator, consequently, was located in quite a different place too," explains Jin. "North America has rotated approximately 90 degrees since the Ordovician. What is North today would have been East." "Because there are no hurricanes, there is no severe disturbance in the sea at moderate depth, so the sediment remains consistent for millions of years," says Jin. "By tracing fossils and fossil records, we were able to locate the precise location of the Ordovician equator." According to Jin, locating past latitudes is vital to understanding anything that's happened historically to the Earth, geologically. "If you want to predict the occurrences of anything from coal deposits to barrier reefs, you need to know the latitude," offers Jin. "By precisely mapping and orienting the ancient Earth, we will have a good starting point to explore and better understand the evolutionary history of the planet, as well as the distribution ABOUT WESTERN Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long oppor tunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. of its various natural resources." Jin says while this is an important finding for scientists, mineral resources companies like Shell Oil will also find this discovery advantageous. "If you can find the ancient equator, you can map all the latitudes, and then you can predict what kind of minerals, rock, or petroleum resources exist and where they are located," says Jin. "For example, the famous Tyndall stone used for so many public buildings in Canada occurs only along the ancient equator from some 450 million years ago." Jin says an all-important factor to the discovery was the fact that today there are no hurricanes within 10 degrees latitude o f t h e e q u a t o r. T h i s e q u a t o r i a l h u r r i c a n e - f r e e z o n e c a n potentially be recognized in the fossil record of undisturbed marine deposits. McCausland adds another determining dynamic is the fact that ancient Ordovician geography is based on permanent magnetic compass directions recorded in rocks of that period. "These frozen-in-time paleomagnetic directions give us a good estimate of where the ancient polar regions were, but only if the Earth's magnetic field behaved then like it does now - as a kind of giant bar magnet." Baird Marks Human Rights Day Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement on the occasion of Human Rights Day: "On this day, we recommit ourselves to working toward the promotion of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world. "The promotion and protection of human rights is a cornerstone of our principled foreign policy. Canadians can be proud of the values we hold and promote around the world. "We have proudly encouraged the role of women and girls in emerging democracies and we stand with those, such as Malala Yousafzai, who have fought for fundamental freedoms and human rights. "Sadly, in North Korea, an estimated 200,000 political prisoners remain in concentration camps where the regime forcibly prevents its own people from finding a better life. "InIran, egregious human rights violations are a daily occurrence. Iran's persecution of religious minorities, including Bahá'ís and Christians, is deeply troubling. Canadawill continue to take a leadership role at the United Nations in condemning the human rights situation in Iran. "On this day, we are reminded of those who promote greater freedoms for all, such as Joseph Zen Zekiun of Hong Kong. "It is our common duty to defend the vulnerable, to challenge the aggressor, and to protect and promote human rights and human dignity abroad. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, Canada will continue to be a principled voice in the world." Gun laws in Canada help counter U.S.-style massacres A firearms expert says Canada's tougher gun laws likely help insulate this country from U.S-style massacres like the one in Connecticut Friday that shocked the world. A gunman shot and killed 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in the community of Newtown, making it one of the worst school massacres in U.S. history. The gunman was also found dead at the school, while his mother was found slain in her home, for a total of 28 lives lost. It’s not yet been revealed exactly how many or what types of weapons the 20-year-old shooter used or how he acquired them. In many U.S. states, weapons of many kinds are readily available for legal purchase with just a driver ’s licence as ID. “I guess you could say part of their problem would be the fact that their constitution allows it, unlike in Canada [where] it's more of a privilege,” said Tony Di Salvatore is a firearms instructor in Surrey, B.C. It takes up to 60 days to obtain a firearm in this country, after registering, taking a course and going through background checks. (Contd. on page 10) OTTAWA/BUREAU NEWS: The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, today introduced amendments to the Witness Protection Program Act. "Our Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. An effective and reliable witness protection program is valuable in the fight against crime, especially organized crime and terrorism," said Minister Toews. "Through the Safer Witnesses Act, our Government is improving the federal Witness Protection Program by making it more effective for those it's designed to protect while being responsive to law enforcement needs." These amendments will ensure better protection for those whom the program is designed to help. This will be accomplished by enhancing the program and providing better service to other witness protection programs, through: improved processes to obtain secure identity changes for witnesses in the provincial program; broadened prohibitions against the disclosure of information; expanded admissions for national security, national defence and public safety sources; and extension of the amount of time emergency protection may be provided. "Our Government is committed to providing law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to protect the safety of our families and communities, including an effective Witness Protection Program," added Senator Dagenais. Protection under the federal Program is currently available to witnesses referred from any law enforcement agency in Canada, as well as from some foreign agencies. With the Safer Witnesses Act, federal departments/agencies with a mandate relating to national security, national defence or public safety will also be able to refer witnesses to the program. The Safer Witnesses Act supports the Government of Canada's Air India Inquiry Action Plan, released in 2010. MP Parm Gill: 2012 House of Commons Year in Review Brampton: Meeting with constituents in his BramptonSpringdale office Friday morning, Member of Parliament Parm Gill expressed a great deal of satisfaction with the progress made for Canadians this year in the House of Commons. “Our Government’s top priority this year was to implement policies that created jobs, grow the economy and ensure longterm prosperity for Canadian families,” said MP Gill. “This year, our Government passed an extension of the Hiring Credit for Small Businesses, completed a number of trade agreements with the world’s fastest growing markets, and experienced jobcreation and e c o n o m i c growth that continues to lead the G7. We are seeing a measurable positive effect from our Economic Action Plan.” In the fall session of the House of Commons, the Government successfully introduced and passed new legislation on a number of key issues, such as doubling and making mandatory the victim surcharge for those convicted of crimes, and changes to EI special benefits. The Government also introduced legislation to decrease wait times for extradition of foreign nationals who commit violent crimes in Canada, and to improve accountability within the RCMP. The Government’s fall budget also drew a great deal of attention, both inside and outside of the House of Commons. The Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 implemented a number of policies laid out in the Government’s Economic Action Plan tabled in March. These included the hiring credit for small businesses, tax credits for green energy production, and a number of measures to improve cross-border trade. “Since June 2009, Canada’s economy has created almost 900,000 net new jobs,” said MP Gill. The Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 will continue on this path of economic growth, job creation and ensuring prosperity for Canadians for years to come.” 2012 also saw the passage of Bill C-19, ending the registration of non-restricted long guns, and the Safe Streets and Communities Act. The act strengthened many existing laws to better protect children and youth from s e x u a l predators, increase penalties f o r organized d r u g crime, e n d h o u s e arrest for s e r i o u s crimes, and enact other changes to keep Canadians safe. MP Gill’s own Private Member’s Bill, Bill C-394, is undergoing study by the Standing Committee on Justice & Human Rights. Mr. Gill hopes the bill will be passed through the House early in the New Year, and given Royal Assent soon thereafter. “Bill C-394 will be a valuable tool in preventing the recruitment of youth into violent street gangs,” said MP Gill. “My hope is that it is passed & given Royal Assent as soon as possible so it can be utilized by law enforcement to combat street gang recruitment and keep our communities safe.” Early in the New Year, MP Gill will begin local budget consultations with community members across the country. “These meetings help us to find the best ways to strengthen Canada’s economy with pro-growth ideas as part of the next federal budget,” said MP Gill. “I am proud of all that our Government has achieved over the past year, and look forward to continuing on this path in 2013.” 10 MidWeek canada Canada Highlights Continuing Women's Rights Battles as It Marks Human Rights Day The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today issued the following statement marking Human Rights Day: "On Human Rights Day, the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, we acknowledge this cornerstone of democracy and stand side by side with women around the world. "Around the world, women and girls continue to experience discrimination as a result of harmful cultural practices and unjust laws. Too often, women and girls are subject to early or forced marriage, are targeted by violence simply for being who they are and are prohibited from going to school, having a job or holding public office. Whatever form this discrimination takes, Canada will continue to speak out against it and work with others to effect real change in the lives of women and girls. "As the Minister for Status of Women, I have made it a priority to advocate for women and girls in Canada and around the world who continue to face violence and discrimination in their daily lives. On behalf of Canada, I led the international community in the establishment of the Day of the Girl. The message of this day is simple: girls' rights are human rights; the sooner in life girls know their rights, the greater the chance they will be able to exercise them and become leaders. "Our government is committed to advocating the participation of women at all levels of society, especially as old regimes fall and new governments emerge in countries striving for progress, freedom and dignity. That is why Canada has provided almost $14 million in support toward ending sexual violence and encouraging the full participation of women in emerging democracies. "The Canadian government will intensify its diplomacy and development work to end early and forced marriage in every corner of the world. We take pride in spearheading the establishment of the Day of the Girl and are committed to ending violence against women and girls. Where the human rights of women are fully respected and women play a vital role in government and civil society, we see more prosperous and pluralistic states. On Human Rights Day, let us redouble our efforts to ensure that the active participation of women and girls in all aspects of society becomes a reality in our lifetime." No conflict in Carney vacation with Liberal: Bank of Canada OTTAWA /BUREAU NEWS : Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney did not breach conflict of interest policy by vacationing at the home of a Liberal Party lawmaker, his chief spokesman said on Monday, following a report that the visit occurred while the opposition party was seeking to recruit him. Carney, who will become the Bank of England governor in July, finds himself at the center of controversy after the Globe and Mail newspaper reported new details on Saturday about the Liberals' efforts earlier this year to woo him into running for leadership of the third-place political party. A Bank of Canada spokesman confirmed the report that Carney and his family stayed at Liberal legislator and finance critic Scott Brison's home in Nova Scotia during part of their summer vacation. The news led some analysts to question Carney's judgment and the central bank's political independence. The spokesman said Carney and Brison had been personal friends for about a decade. "The Bank of Canada's general counsel, who is responsible for enforcing the bank's conflict of interest policy, has assessed that this visit does not breach the bank's conflict of interest guidelines in any way," the spokesman, Jeremy Harrison, said in a statement. "Neither the Bank of Canada, nor Governor Carney, have an actual or potential commercial or business relationship with Mr. Brison," the statement said. "Mr. Carney's acceptance of hospitality provided by a personal friend does not arise out of ‘activities associated with official bank duties'. Nor can it be defined as partisan or political activity." The Globe and Mail newspaper reported that Brison, along with a number of other senior party members, have expressed interest in seeing Carney lead the Liberal Party. The article cited unnamed Liberal officials as saying Carney asked questions about the race. The bank said it would not comment on anonymous citations. Carney, in an interview with the newspaper, declined to answer questions about any political leanings. He said he had been approached over the years by people from across the political spectrum and that he "obviously" did not act on any invitation to seek political office. "Different people, different parties, different approaches, different -- and you can say different levels of seriousness. And so, I mean there's nothing striking about anything in the recent past," he said, according to a transcript provided by the central bank. "Nobody did anything on my behalf. I never asked anybody to do anything. I never made an outgoing phone call ... so take anything you hear with a grain of salt." In public, Carney has repeatedly batted away questions about any political ambitions, at one point saying at a news conference in October: "Why don't I become a circus clown? I appreciate the great concern about my career but I have gainful employment and I intend to continue it. Then in a November 7 television interview, Carney gave his clearest denial of interest, saying "I have no intention of seeking political office." Gun laws in Canada help counter U.S.-style massacres (Contd. from page 9) “It's … just not a five minute process,” Di Salvatore said. Di Salvatore said Canada's gun controls used to be even stronger until the long-gun registry was dismantled this year. He says it provided one extra check and balance to regulate weapons. Prime Minister Stephen Harper signalled last week that his government might not act on recommendations from a federal advisory committee to further loosen gun regulations. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 Muskrat Falls hydroelectric development in Labrador gets green light ST. JOHN'S, N.L. : Official approval in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia has pushed the Muskrat Falls hydro megaproject from an idea three decades in the planning toward a $7.7-billion venture billed as Canada's new energy warehouse. Premier Kathy Dunderdale sanctioned the development late Monday with full ceremony and a choir in the lobby of the St. John's legislature as Nova Scotia private utility Emera (TSX:EMA.TO - News) simultaneously approved it. She called it a turning point in her province's history.1 "Harnessing the vast hydroelectric power of the Lower Churchill is a promise that has been hovering on the horizon for 50 years but has remained just out of reach for successive governments of Newfoundland and Labrador," she told a crowd of supporters. "The most important benefit of this development is that it allows us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to stand tall and proud on the national stage, knowing that as our forebears persevered to etch an existence on the edge of the North Atlantic, so will we with unrelenting focus and steadfast determination overcome all obstacles and transform challenges into success." Muskrat Falls, a joint venture between Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown corporation Nalcor Energy and Emera, is expected to produce power by 2017. Nalcor would build the dam and power station in Labrador as well as transmission lines on the island of Newfoundland. That is expected to cost about $6.2 billion. Emera would build a 180-kilometre subsea link that would transmit the power from Cape Ray in southwestern Newfoundland to Lingan, N.S., in Cape Breton. At a news conference late Monday in Halifax to announce Emera's decision, company CEO Chris Huskilson said the cost of the subsea link has been revised to $1.52 billion. "This is a go," Dunderdale told reporters as the St. John's sanction ceremony wrapped up. Nalcor has already spent $317 million on preliminary engineering and construction work at the Muskrat Falls site near Happy Valley-Goose Bay. With official approval, that work is about to escalate, said Nalcor President and CEO Ed Martin. "We're ready to go and we'll start moving our heavy equipment tomorrow. "We're moving ahead with the project." Critics say Dunderdale has not proven the case for Muskrat Falls, and have accused her of fast-tracking a project without legislative committee scrutiny or debate that could burden future generations if it soars over budget. Foreign affairs minister sends letter asking clemency for death row Canadian CALGARY/BUREAU NEWS : The Canadian government has sent a letter to Montana's governor requesting that he spare the life of death row inmate Ronald Smith. The Dec. 10 letter from Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird to Montana's outgoing Gov. Brian Schweitzer is almost identical to one sent to the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole a year ago prior to the Alberta man's clemency hearing. It makes it clear that the Federal Court ordered the federal government to support Smith's case for clemency. "The government of Canada requests that you grant clemency to Mr. Smith on humanitarian grounds," writes Baird. "The government of Canada does not sympathize with violent crime and this letter should not be construed as reflecting a judgment on Mr. Smith's conduct." Smith has been on death row since admitting he murdered Thomas Running Rabbit and Harvey Madman Jr. near East Glacier, Mont., in 1982. The Harper government initially refused to back Smith's calls for clemency, saying he was convicted in a democratic country. But the Federal Court ruled Ottawa must follow a long-standing practice of lobbying on behalf of Canadians sentenced to death in other countries. One of Smith's lawyers, Don Vernay, wasn't sure why the government sent the second letter to Schweitzer. No one in Braid's office was available for comment. "They just wanted to, I guess, put their two cents in which didn't really say too much, did it? It's the same lukewarm letter," Vernay said in an interview with The Canadian Press on Monday. "I guess they just want to go on the record because they're probably like everybody else wondering what's going on here? 'We should make sure we get on the record just to appease the masses in Canada who are against the death penalty.'" The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole recommended against granting clemency to Smith. The matter is now in the hands of Schweitzer, a two-term Democrat, who is to officially leave office in a matter of weeks. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 india Narendra Modi flashes victory sign, says confident of hat-trick MidWeek NO QUESTION OF CALLING OFF INDO-PAK SERIES: BCCI No question of calling off Indo-Pak series: BCCI NEW DELHI/BUREAU NEWS : The BCCI on Tuesday shot down BJP'sdemand of cancelling the Indo-Pak limitedovers cricket series in the wake of visiting Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik "insulting" India, insisting that the matches would be held as scheduled. "There is no question of calling off the tour. All the arrangements have been made and the tour was planned much earlier. Politics should not be mixed with sports and the tour will go on," senior BCCI official and IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla told . On Monday, in the Parliament, the BJP had accused Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde of remaining silent by not responding appropriately to Malik, who triggered controversy by equating 26/11 Mumbai attack with Babri Masjid demolition and describing LeT terrorist Abu Jundal as an operative of Indian intelligence agency. GUJARAT STATE CHIEF MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, IN ORANGE AT BOTTOM, GREETS HIS SUPPORTERS AFTER CASTING HIS VOTE IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN AHMADABAD. AHMEDABAD/BUREAU NEWS: Exuding confidence and flashing a victory sign, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday said that he was sure that the voters will cast their ballot in favour of the Bhartiya Janata Party. "I thank all the voters. In this election, people of Gujarat will make a hat-trick by giving a third term to us. People of the state will once again vote BJP to power. The sentiments of people here is giving you an clear indication of that," Modi told reporters, after casting his vote at Nishan High School in Ranip locality. He also termed the 2012 Gujarat Assembly elections as a "historic" one as it has been contested on the issues of good governance. "This election will be historic one in India as it has been contested on the issues of good governance and development plank. And has been contested with people's participation," Modi said. "It is a very peaceful election, it was such an election which has been contested by the people of Gujarat themselves. It was an election where youth and women folk had taken up the responsibility on their shoulders," he said. "It will also be a memorable one since for the first time 3D technology was used here, which has never been done in world before.," Modi added, referring to use of 3D Holographic technology to air his poll speeches at different locations simultaneously. "In the field of technology people will have to acknowledge Gujarat's mettle. This is my firm belief," Modi said. “I have always worked for six crore Gujaratis. I feel that working for the people of my state is also serving the nation in way because Gujarat is an integral part of India." Modi said to a query on whether he will be going to Delhi. Modi, who is contesting from Maninagar Assembly constituency, is locked in a direct contest with Congress candidate Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, a new entrant testing political waters for the first time. Rs 600/month enough to feed family of 5: Sheila Dikshit RS 600 PER MONTH ENOUGH TO FEED FAMILY OF 5: SHEILA DIKSHIT NEW DELHI/BUREAU NEWS: They listened to chief minister Sheila Dikshit in silence but couldn't hide their disbelief. Speaking on the occasion of the launch of Delhi government's cash-for-food programme, Annshree Yojana, on Saturday, Dikshit argued that Rs 600 - the cash subsidy - was adequate for buying the monthly "dal, roti and chawal" for a poor family of around five. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was on the stage at Thyagaraja Stadium to launch the scheme. Many of the voiceless beneficiaries - who had been herded into the stadium to witness the launch of the scheme which UPA believes will be a game-changer - couldn't swallow this glib remark. As they trooped out of the venue, long after the applause had died down, the women whom the scheme seeks to empower said they didn't need to do any sums to tell you that rations for families with five to seven members would come for Rs 1000-Rs 3000. Asked if Rs 600 was enough, women from a slum in west Delhi said they were under siege - illness, lack of shelter, inflation. The amount of Rs 600 was nothing but a 'sahara' (support), said Maya Devi. 'Cash will give people choice' "Something is better than nothing,"remarked others. Another woman, Ganga Devi, said she spends Rs 3000 on rations every month for a family of seven. "How can I manage it in Rs 600? This is just a support," she agreed. Radha from Rohini showed a bank passbook of her no-frills account and her Aaadhar-UID card to prove that she was indeed a beneficiary. Her husband, Ravi Singh, a daily wager stood next to her. Asked how the couple would use the money, Radha was candid. "I will spend it on the most urgent needs of the family," she said. Experts involved in the planning for the scheme feel that the Rs 600 subsidy will have to be eventually enhanced if one was to be realistic. The scheme seeks to empower the eldest woman of the beneficiary family with a no-frills account where the subsidy will be delivered every month based on the Aadhar-UID number as identity proof. Announcing that Delhi government had set aside Rs 200 crore for funding the Annshree subsidy, the CM said the scheme will ensured that no one goes hungry. "We got a voluntary organization to carry out a study in the target population to see if people wanted cash or ration. We found that 99% people wanted cash as women felt it would give them the freedom to buy what they need. For instance, some women said they could buy medicines if a family member was ill," Dikshit added. About 13,300 people will benefit from the scheme with immediate effect and the government has a target to register a total of 2 lakh beneficiaries. These are being chosen from a state survey of most vulnerable carried out in 2009. The scheme applies only to those who do not get the benefit of subsidized rations under PDS. All beneficiaries will get the subusidy from April 1, 2012 onwards. Kejriwal writes to PM for release of Indian hostages NEW DELHI: Expressing deep concern over the plight of 17 Indian crew members of MT Royal Grace who have been held hostage by Somali pirates since March 2, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal has written to the PM to resolve the issue soon. Kejriwal also asked the government to reinforce naval presence in the Indian Ocean. "It is regrettable that even after nine months, the government has not taken any steps that could resolve the situation or even offer some ray of hope. The family members of these unfortunate victims have been left with no option but to stage dharna before various ministries in the capital. They cannot but conclude that this indifferent treatment has been meted out to them because they are just aam aadmi,'' Kejriwal said in his letter. He added that this was not an isolated incident and Somali pirates had repeatedly attacked seafarers. "Nearly 150 hostages, Indians disproportionately more than the rest, are still languishing in the captivity of the pirates,'' he said. The party has demanded the government take remedial measures. 11 New Delhi has rubbished Malik's assertions. Senior BJP leader Yashwant Singh said, "The Indo-Pak cricket series (commencing on December 25) should be cancelled. "What kind of goodwill we are creating by playing cricket matches after Malik's visit," he told reporters outside Parliament House. "...our Home Minister has shown weakness by not responding to Rehman Malik in kind. He should have immediately responded, if he (Malik) used hard words, he (Shinde) should have used hard words," Sinha said. "If you (Malik) insulted India, you (Shinde) should have said we don't accept it. He (Shinde) should have contradicted the Pakistani Interior Minister's statement then and there." India are scheduled to play two Twenty20s and three onedayers against Pakistan starting December 25. Digvijaya Singh had patronized SIMI activists, dacoits: Minister INDORE/BUREAU NEWS: Home minister of Madhya Pradesh Umashankar Gupta on Monday alleged that Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh was patronizing SIMI activists and dacoits while he was chief minister. He claimed that it was the BJP government that destroyed the network of SIMI in Malwa and dacoits in Chambal. "We have taken action against the SIMI and wiped out dacoits from state," Gupta said adding that they are confident to come to power in state for the third consecutive time. Gupta was reacting to the statement of Digvijaya Singh in which he had alleged that BJP government of state is not acting against saffron terrorist. After the arrest of Dashrath Chaudharyan accused in Samjhauta blast --from a village in Ujjain district by National Investigating Agency, Digvijay Singh has alleged that Samjhauta blast accused was hiding in state for a long time but the state government failed to trace him. Singh has also said that BJP government is not acting against saffron terrorist. Reacting to this Gupta said SIMI was very active during the Congress rule in state and all the terrorist attacks in country were linked to this region. Despite this no action were taken against SIMI and they were operating freely. It was the BJP government which destroyed the SIMI's network in Malwa and also ended dacoits of Chambal. HSBC accounts of Indians under I-T lens: Chidambaram NEW DELHI: Finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the income tax department was probing the HSBC list of accounts held by Indians abroad, while securing the passage of the Prevention of Money Laundering Bill in the Rajya Sabha. "HSBC list of accounts is being investigated by the income tax department and other departments," Chidambaram said in his reply to the discussion on the money laundering bill. The case of money laundering, he explained, would arise only if there was a predicate offence and the proceeds of that were used for money laundering purposes. The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill was passed by voice vote. It seeks to widen the definition of money laundering to include concealment, acquisition, possession and use of proceeds of crime as criminal activities. The bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha. It provides for removal of the Rs 5 lakh limit for fine laid down in the existing Act. Chidambaram's statement that the I-T department was probing the list of nearly 700 foreign accounts held by Indian individuals/entities came a month after Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the government of not acting adequately on a list of HSBC accounts, including those held by top industrialists, shared by the French government in June 2011. 12 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MidWeek world Car bomb follows airport attack in Pakistan ISLAMABAD/BUREAU NEWS: At least 19 people were killed and 74 injured when a powerful car bomb exploded close to government offices in Jamrud town of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber tribal region on Monday. The explosion follows a deadly Taliban assault on the airport in Peshawar over the weekend which left 15 people dead, 10 of them attackers, underlining the strength of militants in the country's restive tribal regions and adjoining areas. Monday's car bomb attack, according to officials, used an estimated 90 pounds of explosives. Intelligence officials said explosives were packed into a Suzuki Alto car and detonated through a remote device. Bloodied pieces of human flesh littered the blast scene, along with blood-stained clothes, school books, children's shoes and mangled metal. The blast ripped through at least 20 vehicles and 17 shops. "Nineteen people were killed in the blast. Fourteen bodies were brought to this hospital while three people died of their wounds on way to hospital in Peshawar," said Dr Sameen Jan Shinwari at Khyber Agency's hospital in Jamrud. "Four women were among those killed and they were all Afghans," Shinwari said. "At the moment we're not in a position to tell what exactly was the motive behind the attack," said Khyber region's top administrative official Mutahir Zeb. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but security officials believe that a pro-government Zakakhel tribe could have been the target. Members of this tribe have been targeted by Taliban earlier as well. Christians most populous of world's religions: Report WASHINGTON: Christians are the world's biggest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people, according to a study released on Tuesday by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Pew assembled data on the size and geographic distribution of eight major religious groups, including nonbelievers. It found that Christians make up about 32% of the world's population, followed by Muslims, the second largest group, with 1.6 billion adherents. Hindus were the third largest group, numbering about one billion (15%), followed by Buddhists, at 500 million (seven percent) and Jews, who number 14 million (0.2%) The worldwide demographic study of more than 230 countries and territories found that more than eight people in 10 - about 5.8 billion people identify with a religious group. 13 Kate Middleton makes first appearance since hospitalization THE PREGNANT DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE MADE HER FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE ON SUNDAY SINCE HER HOSPITALIZATION FOR ACUTE MORNING SICKNESS. LONDON/BUREAU NEWS: The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance on Sunday night since her hospitalization for acute morning sickness. Looking healthy and strong, the former Kate Middleton presented awards at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year prizes, which were broadcast throughout Britain. She wore a dark green outfit and seemed composed and comfortable, showing no signs of the acute morning sickness that had led to her recent hospitalization. She had not been seen in public since leaving King Edward VII Hospital in London on Dec. 6. At the time, officials said the duchess would be resting. At the conclusion of the gala show, she presented the lifetime achievement award to Sebastian Coe, the newly elected chairman of the British Olympic Association and a two-time Olympic middle-distance champion, and the sports personality of the year award, won by Tour de France and Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins. Palace officials have said the Duchess is in the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy. It would be the first child for her and her husband, Prince William. It was also her first public appearance since the apparent suicide of a nurse at King Edward VII Hospital who was the victim of a prank call by two DJs from an Australian radio show. She and William have said they were deeply saddened by the nurse's death. Security scare for schools in US town NEW YORK/BUREAU NEWS: Schools in a Connecticut town near where a gunman massacred 28 people at another school last week were briefly locked down Monday after security jitters. Public schools in Ridgefield were "put in lockdown" and police were deployed at each building after reports of a "possibly suspicious person who might be armed", the school authorities said. About two hours later, the security blanket was lifted. "The police have given the all clear. After an extensive search, no dangerous activity was discovered," the school system said on its website. Ridgefield is close to Newtown, where a deranged 20year-old resident entered the elementary school on Friday and shot 28 people, including 20 small children. In nearby Redding, schools were locked down as a precaution, police said. Ridgefield is about 30km from Newtown. In Redding, about 16km from Newtown, police gave no indication of whether there was a threat. "Schools are in lockdown as a precautionary measure, that's all I can say," a Redding police dispatcher said. 14 MidWeek property & decor CHOOSING ART FOR YOUR HOME S electing and displaying art is an art in itself. You will be definitely appreciated for the time you invest by finding more satisfaction both in the art and in your home. If you regularly visit galleries and museums, you probably already have a good sense of what kind of art appeals to you. If not, there are many opportunities to browse art in your own city at local exhibitions and art fairs. Visiting art exhibitions will broaden your horizon and will give you an idea of the works of different artists both veterans and young. Nowa-days, you can buy art online by doing your research. Having a clear idea about your art preferences is definitely a boon. Art that is too large will overwhelm and art that is too small will be lost and look out of proportion. Measure the space you want to hang the art and leave enough 'white space' so that the painting will not become a part of the crowd. As a rule, paintings should be hung so that the center of the painting is at eye level. Sculpture may sit on the floor, a table. However, you can always experiment keeping in mind the art work. The art work should become a part of your house. It should not stick out as a sore thumb. Placing art in the wrong place takes away its very essence. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 Create your home gym W hile a common complaint of most people is that they don't find time to go to the gym, there is always the option of utilising a small space in your home for working out. Get equipped When putting your home gym space together, it's important to purchase the right equipment. If you're just starting training, it's best to keep the machines to the minimal. A good exercising mat is needed for push-ups, other stretching exercises and yoga. Buying a small treadmill or a stepper can be good to get some cardio. A fitness ball and dumbbells help as well. Designed to fit Adding mirrors in your gym space can help. It will not only make the space appear larger than it actually is, but also enable you to see what you're doing right or wrong. A music system can also help to keep your mood upbeat. Be careful Always use equipment that is tested. Ask a fitness enthusiast to help you purchase machines for your home gym. Faulty equipment can cause you injury. ADD ROMANCE TO YOUR BEDROOM I nterior architect Nisha Jamvwal tells us about 17 ways to make your bedroom look romantic. This is perhaps the most romantic space in the house, where you spend the maximum time at night and lounge during the day. A little creativity and some ingenuity, and viola - a mundane space can translate into a coffee-table book example of dazzling romantic style. Let me show you how... Private sanctuary Making your bedroom into a cave-like cosseted private sanctuary is treating yourself to intimate moments of recharging your tired batteries in an atmosphere of romance, comfort, passion and that inimitable feeling of being loved and protected. Your bedroom can then become that escape retreat where you would unwind from a rushed, trafficangst day. Large, thick mattress to sink in The most important accoutrement in a bedroom is of course a large king-size bed or a show stopper four-poster antique bed that is grand and luxurious, with an eighteen inch mattress that allows you to sink into the soothing relief of unwinding away from cares. There is a certain romance in a cosseting deep mattress. Soft cosetting bed-head Dramatic shapes for bed-heads artistic, novel, creative, extraordinary, transform this highutility area into a statement of soft romantic mood. The padding and fabric make for a romantic feel. A cosy boudoir Create a private nook by adding furniture usually considered living room pieces. A light armchair, an under-thebed upholstered seater on castors that can be pulled out, a lazy boy, an interesting ottoman, sofas, rocking chairs, matching overstuffed loveseats can prop this room up to have a passionate lounge feel. Window seat A bay window or a cantilevered slab of stone out of the window using brackets beneath, creates an additional window seat or a box window where you could spend time ruminating or even reading a book. Intimate bistro A round breakfast table of 30" diameter, set with two chairs, invites private conversations, is great for secret breakfast away from the rest of the home. That post passion morning cup of tea with your lover opposite you, is an inimitable moment that you hold within you through the day. WAYS TO DO UP YOUR BATHROOM Y ou are having a par ty when you realize that your not-sowell-kept bathroom has spoiled the good impression your living room decor had managed to make on your guests. Here are a few must-haves in your bathroom: - A bottle of mouthwash. -A set of clean hand towels. - Facial tissues (in a decorative dispenser). - A tube of hand-lotion and moisturizer. - A non-skid mat in the tub or shower area. - A night-light so that guests don't have to fumble for the light switch in the dark. - A hair dryer and an assor tment of clean hair brushes. - Apar t from the regular wall mirror, place a mirror with one magnified side and one regular side on the bathroom counter. - Clean unused towels on the towel bar. - A fresh new roll of toilet paper and a back-up roll in the cabinet. - A small supply of feminine hygiene products should be stored out of sight, but in an easy-to-find place. - Extra unused toothbrushes. - At least one wastebasket. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 property & decor MidWeek 15 Give your bedroom a Grow vegetables in your apartment makeover in 5 easy steps W I f you're all for comfort and want to give your bedroom a makeover, but without spending too much money, Shabby chic is a great decorating theme. Here are some simple steps to decorating a Shabby chic bedroom. The Shabby chic style: What is this style? It's one where you find something worthwhile at your flea market trips. It could be distressed furniture, antique pieces, old-fashioned patterns and romantic/feminine touches. Anything that invokes thoughts of comfort and relaxation with elements like faded furnishings defines shabby chic style. It's not sloppy: There's a difference between making your bedroom look cozy or comfortable and undone. If you are choosing Shabby chic furniture pieces, opt for throws that are a bit formal. Also, make sure that your items don't appear too distressed or old otherwise they will cheapen the look of your room. Recycle something old: The advantage of this style is that you get to recyclable and use your old things and give them a new lease of life. So instead of a new bedspread, use one of your grandmother's hand-made quilts. You can also search antique stores for unique items, which can add some history and character to your bedroom! Don't match your stuff: Don't match your dresser, cupboard and nightstands. Instead, find different pieces of antique furniture that complement each other. Same rules apply to the linens. ith the congestion of urban city life, vegetable gardens for apartment dwellers seem like an impossible prospect. However, the concept of kitchen gardens is picking up in India, as more people staying in apartments want their own home-grown vegetables. Gardens can grow on a balcony, along a fence, or even in containers in an apartment window. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables even in your own high-rise building. We talk to Mullaivan, founder of an organisation that donates free saplings to people. Deciding on what to grow: If you stay in an apartment, you will not have the freedom to grow a full-fledged kitchen garden, but you can grow certain veggies in smaller areas. You can grow vegetables like brinjal, tomato, spring onion, radish and capsicum, salad greens like cucumber and lettuce leaf and essential herbs like coriander, mint, curry leaf, green chilly etc. But, it will be difficult to grow onions and potatoes. Selecting containers: You need to consider two factors while selecting containers — the vegetable you want to grow and the space available. Plants like curry leaf or chilly will require a much smaller pot, as compared to vegetables like cucumber and capsicum, which will require a bigger pot. Window boxes are ideal for flats as they look attractive and are convenient. Stone pots or terracotta pots allow plants to breathe freely, but are difficult to shift. Wooden containers shield plants from heat but they might give out a foul smell. Place plastic saucers under the pot as this will prevent water and soil spillage. You can also use old buckets and wire baskets for hanging smaller plants. Try to avoid using containers with a small opening. Make drain holes in all the pots. Seeds: Seedlings are easily available in various nurseries and should be planted carefully, without harming the tender roots. Even seeds from tomatoes or bitter gourd can be used. Soil: It is the most important thing to be considered. Soil should be light, disease-free and have the capacity to hold moisture. Organic manure or compost can make for wonderful growing medium. You can add organic kitchen waste to it. Watering: Plants need constant moisture, with most plants requiring daily watering. But excessive watering is not good either and may lead to diseases. Fertilisers: Most chemical fertilisers are easily available in the market but liquid organic fertilisers are the best option. Another option would be to water the plants with a solution made with neem leaves or flowers. Insects and diseases: Regular checks on the plants is a must. 'Companion gardening' is the best bet to keep insects away. For example, planting garlic between tomatoes will keep pests away. 16 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 LADY IN BLACK! PRIYANKA CHOPRA SIZZLES AT EVENT BOLLYWOOD DIVA PRIYANKA CHOPRA STUNS IN A SHORT BLACK DRESS AS SHE ATTENDS A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR BLENDER'S PRIDE FASHION TOUR IN MUMBAI . T20 KINGS - INDIA, PAKISTAN or ENGLAND? India have a great chance of climbing to the top of the ICC T20I championship table if they manage to win all four matches scheduled to be played against England and Pakistan before the end this year. India are set to play England in a two-match Twenty20 International series, starting in Pune tomorrow, before squaring off against archrivals Pakistan, in another two-match series, commencing in Bangalore on December 25. Victory in all four games for India, currently ranked third on the T20I table with 120 ratings points, will not only propel them to number one position with a gain of 12 rating points but will also open up a five-point lead over current table toppers, Sri Lanka. MS Dhoni celebrates India's victory over Pakistan in the 2007 World T20 final. This will be the first time that India have a chance of making it to the No.1 spot in the T20I championship table since it was launched in October 2011. But if India lose even one of the four matches, the best they can hope to end 2012 is at the number two place, while losing all four could mean slipping down to as low as seventh position with 106 ratings points. England and Pakistan could hope to push up a place if they win their games against India. Meanwhile, South Africa could rise up to number two spot if they win the series against the New Zealand 3-0. But the final positioning for South Africa will be determined by the outcome of India's series against England and Pakistan. India need to put behind the humiliation of losing the Test rubber against England and regroup quickly to take on the confident visitors in the two T20 Internationals and then Pakistan for 2 T20 Games and then 3 ODIs. Pakistan tour will commence with a T20 match in Bangalore on Dec 25 and another T20 on Dec 28TH while the three ODIs will take place in Chennai (December 30), Kolkata (January 3) and Delhi (Jan 6). This is the first time in five years that Pakistan will be visiting India for a bilateral cricket series. Ties between the two countries' were hit after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Under-fire for the first Test series loss to England in 28 years and and with his captaincy under the scanner, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to put these issues on the back burner and motivate his teammates for the shortest format of the game. To the home team's advantage, a younger lot of players - some of who were not part of the Test series like flamboyant all rounder Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu would give India the much-needed edge and enthusiasm. All three are very good T20 players and would also bring the extra zip and verve in the fielding department which was absent in the Tests. They have all been busy playing in the Ranji Trophy for their respective units and will be match fit too. The likes of Suresh Raina will give India fresh legs for the T20 series. Getty Incidentally Sharma, who has been in good form with the bat in the Ranji Trophy recently, had topscored with an unbeaten 55 when the two teams last met in a T20 game, won by India by a whopping margin of 90 runs in Sri Lanka earlier this year during the ICC T20 World Cup. Yuvraj Singh, who f l o p p e d i n t h e Te s t s e r i e s barring a fighting 74 in the opener at Ahmedabad, is back to the format in which he has excelled in the past. Contd. on Page 18 Jeev beats Jimenez as Asia stun Europe to win Royal Trophy BRUNEI/BUREAU NEWS: Jeev Milkha Singh rolled in two massive putts for birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to score a full point over veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez and help Asia clinch the Royal Trophy only for the second time in six editions. Jeev`s effort tied the match at 8-8 and, in the first sudden death play-off, the Korean duo of K T Kim and Y E Yang defeated Ryder Cup hero Nicolas Colsaerts and Francesco Molinari to grab the Royal Trophy for Asia after the end of three exciting days at The Empire Hotel & Country Club. Kim showed no nerves as he drained his 15 footer, and then Colsaerts` putt, which was half that distance, agonisingly slid past the hole giving Asia an amazing win. They had trailed 0.5-3.5 after the first day and then reduced the margin to one point on the second d a y. They won the singles 4.5 to 3.5 to tie match. Jeev, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Saturday, had three birdies in a row from 15th to 17th. Jimenez was 1-up after 15 but Jeev won the 16th to equalise and then won the 17th to go ahead. He held on the lead on 18th to get the point. "It really was a great win for Asian golf. The past three days were really exciting and it feels nice to win the Trophy for the team," said Jeev. The win sparked off scenes of celebrations with `Gangnam` style dance around the 18th green. Individually, Olazabal halved his match with Kiradech Aphinbarnrat as did KT Kim against Gonzalez Fernandez Castano and then Wu Ashun halved his match against Edorado Molinari. The wins for Asia came from Jeev over Jimenez by 1-up, Yoshinori Fujimoto beat Marcel Siem 1-up and Y E Yang 2-up over Francesco Molinari. For Europe, Colaserts beat Bae Sung-moon 1-up and Henrik Stenson beat Ryo Ishikawa 1-up. It was hard to envisage an Asian win after they were routed 3 in the Foursomes matches on day one. But they pulled back to within a point of a European team containing six players with Ryder Cup experience by claiming the Fourball session 3-1. It was still a tall order for Asia against European opponents who have become accustomed to running away with the Singles. Scarlett Johansson nude photo hacker jailed for ten years LOS ANGELES/BUREAU NEWS : A man, who hacked the emailaccounts of stars including Scarlett Johansson and Christina Aguilera has been jailed. Christopher Chaney, who leaked nude pictures of Johansson that were meant for her then-husband Ryan Reynolds, was sentenced to ten years in prison, reported TMZ online. The 35-year-old targeted over 50 people in the entertainment industry, including Mila Kunis. He pleaded guilty to charges including wiretapping and unauthorised access to a computer. Chaney leaked photos of Aguilera after sending an email from the account of her stylist, Simone Harouche, asking for scantily clad images. The singer said ahead of his sentencing, "That feeling of security can never be given back and there is no compensation that can restore the feeling one has from such a large invasion of privacy."US District Judge S James Otero sentenced Chaney in LA following a video statement from Johansson. Aguilera, Kunis and Johansson agreed to have their identities made public to raise awareness about online intrusion. Chaney had also targeted two women he knew. He was originally arrested in October 2011. SRK to sport never-seen-before action hero avatar for Chennai Express O ne is Bollywood's uncrowned king of romance, known to strike a pose on streets while singing for the woman he's wooing. The other is famous for making masala action films, where the hero gets down and dirty, beats up a dozen baddies and makes cars fly. So what can you expect when Shah Rukh Khan (his last release, the Rs. 100 cr grosser, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, reaffirmed his romantic hero status) and director Rohit Shetty come together? It seems, next year, SRK will don a completely new avatar. The actor's next is Rohit Shetty's action film, Chennai Express, in which he stars opposite Deepika Padukone. Rohit, part of whose fame rests on being the director of Ajay Devgnstarrer Singham (2011), is all set to make SRK perform stunts like he never has before. A source close to Chennai Express says, "Rohit's films are popular for the action scenes. Whether they are comedies, like the Golmaal series, or they involve hand-to-hand combat, like Singham did, they have masala action, and Chennai Express will be no different. Audiences would never have imagined SRK performing stunts of this sort." 18 MidWeek sports AIFF appoints former SC judge as independent one-man committee NEW DELHI/BUREAU NEWS: The All India Football Federation has appointed Retd. Justice A K Ganguly, a former Supreme Court Judge, as an independent "one-man committee" to furnish a verdict on the legality of Mohun Bagan`s actions. Mohun Bagan`s fate in the ILeague hangs in balance with the AIFF yet to decide on a punishment for pulling out at the interval during their derby against East Bengal on December 9. Ganguly has been appointed to "hold and undertake as expeditiously as possible, detailed evaluation of all aspects arising out of or related to the match, including the consequential resultant effect in consonance with applicable ILeague regulations 2012-13". According to the AIFF statement, Ganguly will be "giving directions accordingly and is expected to commence hearing on the subject issue from 24th December 2012 in New Delhi". "AIFF and Mohun Bagan`s Syed Rahim Nabi got injured after he was hit by a stone. A day Mohun Bagan shall be given an opportunity to appear in the hearing through their respective authorised/legal representatives," it further said. During the violence, after, Nabi underwent surgery on the cheekbone, which ruled out the India midfielder for at least six weeks. He was hit during the violence that erupted in the gallery after their highest paid striker and captain Okolie Odafa was redcarded for showing dissent. The match was held up for about 15 minutes during the first half added time. Mohun Bagan, who were trailing 0-1, refused to turn up in the second half, forcing the match to be abandoned. According to AIFF`s Clause 22, if a team withdraws in the middle of a match, it stands to be suspended from the ILeague for the current season and the following two seasons unless it is dubbed a force majeure. The FIFA rule states that if a missile of any kind lands on the ground or if a player is injured, then a team has every right to walk off. However, in this case, Mohun Bagan played out the stoppage time in the first half after Nabi was hit. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 Anand hopes for IOCIOA conflict solution before Olympics K O L K ATA / BUREAU NEWS: Five-time world champion chess Grand Master Viswanathan Anand Monday hoped the conflict between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Indi a n O l y m p i c Association (IOA) will be sorted out before the 2016 Olympics. "We still have a couple of years to solve the problem, so I am not too concerned," said Anand, when asked about the IOC deciding to suspend the IOA for not following the IOC charter in conducting its election. "The main thing is to do well at the Olympic Games. We should not lose focus. I hope the situation with the federation is sorted out. Our sportspersons will remain athletes irrespective of whether they take part under the (Indian) flag or not," Anand said on the sidelines of a promotional event here. Unless the suspension is revoked, Indian sportspersons will not be allowed to participate in the Olympics under the national tri-colour. T20 KINGS - INDIA, PAKISTAN OR ENGLAND? Contd. from Pg.17 Dashing opener Virender Sehwag has opted out of the twomatch series, which ends with the last match at Mumbai on December 22, and it has given the chance to Ajinkya Rahane, who warmed the bench right through the Test series, to open the innings with Gautam Gambhir. Rahane had impressed with a 61 when the two teams met in a T20 game last year in England at Manchester and would be eager to get going after playing Ranji Trophy games for Mumbai. Dhoni, himself a superb T20 and 50-over batsman, would be the late-order game changer, and with Virat Kohli, who had rediscovered his touch with a patient 103 in the last Test at Nagpur, will give extra impetus in the batting and fielding sections. The new ball bowling has a fresh look to it in the form of Ashok Dinda, Abhimanyu Mithun , Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Parwinder Awana - with veteran Zaheer Khan opting out. Dinda and Awana had been part of the Test squad in the latter stages but did not get a game while Mithun has been added as a replacement for his injured Karnataka teammate, R Vinay Kumar. Spin bowling department will be manned by R Ashwin, who would be extra keen to impress after a disappointing show with the ball in the Test rubber, Ravindra Jadeja, who made his Test debut at Nagpur, and Piyush Chawla, who too was part of the team in the drawn final game. England have made wholesale changes in their squad with triumphant Test skipper Alastair Cook returning home and replaced at the helm by hard-hitting middle order batsman Eoin Morgan who was part of t h e Te s t t e a m but did not play a single game. Morgan is also the stand-in captain for the injured Stuart Broad, replaced by James Harris, who has returned home along with many other members of the team, notably Kevin Pietersen. The absence of Pietersen, who played a big role in England winning the Test rubber, would be welcomed by India. The star batsman is no longer part of the England Twenty20 team. England have included T20 specialists like Alex Hales, Jos Butler, Jade Dernbach, James Tredwell, Michael Lumb, Luke Wright and Danny Briggs - some of who have been part of the development squad which played a few matches in Navi Mumbai when the Test matches were on. Retained from the Test squad along with captain Morgan are Tim Bresnan, wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, Samit Patel and Joe Root, who made an impressive Test debut in the final match. Bresnan and Patel also had the opportunity to play in two and three Tests while Morgan and Bairstow did not. India have lost three T20 games, all in bilateral series, between the two sides. They had lost bilateral matches played at Lord’s in June 2009 and the next two held at Manchester and Kolkata in August and October last year. The game here would be the first T20 International played at the swanky Sahara Stadium on the city’s outskirts which hosted IPL matches last year. It has a capacity of 43,000. India: Mahendra Sing Dhoni (capt), Gautam Gambhir, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Piyush Chawla, Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar,Abhimanyu Mithun and Parvinder Awana. England: Eoin Morgan (capt), James Harris, Jonny Bairstow, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Jos Butler, Jade Dernbach, Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, Stuart Meaker, Samit Patel, Joe Root, James Tredwell and Luke Wright. PAKISTAN : ODI squad: Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Anwar Ali, Zulfiqar Babar. T20 squad: Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Asad Ali, Zulfiqar Babar, Ahmed Shehzad. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MidWeek bollywood 19 Movie Review Upcoming BOLLYWOOD Movies MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA RELEASE DATE: 11-Jan.-2013 STARING:Imran Khan.... Matru Khan Cast: Salman ha Sonakshi Sin Sonu Sood a Vinod Khann Prakash Raj yal Deepak Dobri ee Nikitin Dh r 'Dabangg 2' Music Director: Sajid-Wajid Producer: Arbaaz Khan , Dhilin H. Mehta Director: Arbaaz Khan Action / Social Hindi Movie Review and Story Dabangg 2 is an Indian masala film directed, written and produced by 10 songs 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Pankaj Kapoor.... Harry Mandola DIRECTOR(S): Vishal Bhardwaj PRODUCER(S): Vishal Bhardwaj Ajay Devgn Kumar Mangat Pathak Arbaaz Khan. It stars Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles, with Prakash Raj playing the role of the main antagonist. It also has Vinod Khanna, Deepak Dobriyal and Nikitan Dheer in supporting roles. It is a sequel to the 2010 film Dabangg and is set in the city of Kanpur. The distribution rights were sold to UTV Motion Pictures for a price of 140 crore, the highest for a Bollywood film till date. 'DHOOM 3' IS 50 PERCENT COMPLETE: ABHISHEK top Anushka Sharma.... Bijlee AKAASH VANI RELEASE DATE: 18-Jan.-2013 STARING: Kar tik Tiwari.... Akaash Nushrat Bharucha.... Vani DIRECTOR(S): Luv Ranjan Producer : Kumar Mangat Pathak Abhishek Pathak DABANGG 2 RELEASE DATE: 21-Dec-2012 STARING: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Vinod Khanna, Prakash Raj DIRECTOR(S): Arbaaz Khan Producer : Arbaaz Khan, Dhillin Mehta Music: Sajid - Wajid Film: Talaash (New) TUKKAA FITT JEE LE ZARAA FILM SONG Jab Tak Hai Jaan Talaash (New) Jab Tak Hai Jaan dabangg 2 1920 - Evil Returns Jab Tak Hai Jaan Dabangg 2 Khiladi 786 Heer Jiya Lage Na Ishq Shava Dagabaaz Re Apnaa Mujhe Tu Lagaa Challa Fevicol Se Talaash (New) Muskaanein Jhooti Hai MOVIE COLLECTIONS HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK OMG! OH MY GOD SUPER HIT STUDENT OF THE YEAR SEMI HIT 1920 - EVIL RETURNS SEMI HIT SON OF SARDAAR HIT CHAKRAVYUH (9 DAYS) FLOP ENGLISH VINGLISH (HINDI) ABOVE AVERAGE RELEASE DATE: 28-Dec.-2012 STARING: Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Rajpal Yadav, Mahesh Manjrekar, Vaishali Desai, Mukul Dev, Hiten Paintal Shawn Arranha Premal Goragandhi DIRECTOR(S): PRODUCER(S): RACE 2 Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is currently working on the third film of the "Dhoom" franchise, reveals that the film is 50 per cent complete. "The status of 'Dhoom 3' is we are currently about 50 per cent through, we have just come back from a marathon schedule in the States (United States). Now we resume our indoor work in Mumbai," the 37year-old said here Sunday at the Big Star Entertainment Awards. Katrina Kaif, the newest entrant into the "Dhoom" group, also talked about her upcoming films here. "At the moment we are shooting for 'Dhoom 3' with Aamir (Khan). Then in February I will start a film with Hrithik Roshan, which is an action film, it's romantic-action kind of a drama film," Katrina said. "Dhoom 3: Back in Action" has Aamir Khan in a negative role while Abhishek and Uday Chopra reprise their characters of Jay and Ali respectively. RELEASE DATE: 25-Jan-2013 STARING: Saif Ali Khan.. Ranvir Singh Anil Kapoor.... John Abraham.... Armaan Mallik Deepika Padukone.... Elena DIRECTOR(S): Mustan Burmawalla PRODUCER(S): Kumar S Taurani Genre :Action,Suspense,Thriller MAIN RONY AUR JONY RELEASE DATE: 2013 STARING: Priyanshu Chatterjee.... Tej Singh Kareena: I can't dance as much as Karisma Awards still make Sandali Sinha.... Priya DIRECTOR(S): Rajesh Ram Singh Producer: Nandita Singha Lyricist : Rahat Indori Rahul B. Seth TABLE NO. 21 RELEASE DATE: 4-Jan-2013 STARING: Rajeev Khandelwal Tena Desae, Paresh Rawal DIRECTOR(S): Aditya Datt PRODUCER(S): Viki Rajani Sunil A Lulla Genre : Thriller SRK EXCITED INKAAR 18-Jan. 2013 RELEASE DATE: STARING: Arjun Rampal Chitrangda Singh Gaurav Dwivedi Sandeep Sanchdev DIRECTOR(S): Sudhir Mishra Producer: Prakash Jha Genre : Romance,Crime Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has won a plethora of trophies in his two-decade career in the Hindi film industry, but the awards still leave him excited as ever. The actor won two awards - Entertainer Of The Year and Best Romantic On-Screen Couple along with co-star Katrina Kaif - for his film "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", at the Big Star Entertainment Awards held here Sunday night. " 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' will always be a special film for me. I will always be thankful to Yash-ji. I get really excited with awards. No matter how many I have got, they have the same affect on me, like they did when I was new in the industry. I almost become like a kid in the candy store," said Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh and Katrina were also named the Best Romantic On-Screen Couple for the same film. "This was the first time I worked with her and see what happened! Katrina is a very hardworking girl and it was a pleasure working with her. And as far as romance is concern, I am the best one here," quipped Shah Rukh. "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" was Yash Chopra's last directorial venture, before he passed away Oct 21. From Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif to newbies like Ayushmann Khurrana, Arjun Kapoor and Yami Gautam - creme da la creme of Bollywood ramped up the glamour quotient at the Big Star Entertainment Awards held here Sunday night. The most deserving entertainers and achievers across 27 categories, including film, television, music, dance and sports were honoured at the ceremony held at the Andheri Sports Complex. Those who graced the glitzy gala with their presence were Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Anurag Basu, Arjun Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Prabhudheva, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan, Sonu Nigam among others. Kareena Kapoor, who also performed at the awards, looked elegant in all-black outfit as she walked the red carpet and posed for the shutterbugs. "I go on awards for performances. I have been called here for performance as well. I like to dance, of course, I can't dance as much as (sister) Karisma (Kapoor). But dance has its own excitement for me. So when people call me to perform, I like it," said Kareena. The actress, who earned rave reviews for her performance in "Heroine", attributes her success to her fans. "I think whatever we are today is because of our loyal fans who go to watch our films. Like I am a director's actor, I am a fans' actor too," she added. MUMBAI MIRROR RELEASE DATE: 18-Jan-2013 STARING: Sachiin Joshi.... Abhijeet Patil Gihani Khan.... Rani Prakash Raj.... Shetty Vimala Raman.... Jia Prashant Narayanan.... Prashant DIRECTOR(S): Ankush Bhatt PRODUCER(S): Raina Sachiin Joshi Genre : Crime,Thriller RAJDHANI EXPRESS RELEASE DATE: 4-Jan. 2013 STARING: Leander Paes.... Keshav Jimmy Sheirgill.... D.Y. Commis DIRECTOR(S): Ashok Kohli Producer: Ritika Kohli 20 MidWeek hollywood Demi Moore's daughters 'cut off contact with her again' following MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 Upcoming HOLLYWOOD Movies recent 'erratic behaviour' MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN RELEASE DATE: 28 Dec. 2012 STARING: Satya Bhabha, Shahana Goswami, Rajat Kapoor... Director : Deepa Mehta Producer : David Hamilton Story : Midnight's Children is a gloriously D emi Moore's daughters have reportedly cut off contact with her once again. The 50-year-old actress is allegedly being given the cold shoulder by Rumer, 24, Scout, 21, and Tallulah, 18, just months after they reconciled following a bitter fallout. The trio, her daughters with ex-husband Bruce Willis, have allegedly tired of her constant partying and erratic behaviour. Heigl's 'fight' with 'Iron Man' director rich, sprawling story, told by a persuasive narrator, who has magical powers and a most inventive grasp of the truth. Our hero Saleem Sinai was born to a wealthy Indian family in Bombay, or so we are led to believe. PROMISED LAND RELEASE DATE: 11 Jan. 2013 STARING: Frances McDormand , Lucas Black , Matt Damon , Rosamund Pike , Rosemarie DeWitt Summary:A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources. JACK REACHER RELEASE DATE: Jan. 04, 2013 STARING: Tom Cr uise, Rosamund Pike, Rober t Duvall... PRODUCER(S): Tom Cruise DIRECTOR(S):Christopher McQuarrie STORY: A city is thrown into chaos following a shooting that leaves five dead. What at first seems like a simple case to solve becomes complicated when the accused requests that Jack Reacher be put on the case. Genre : Crime, Drama Actress Katherine Heigl and " Iron Man" director Jon Favreau knocked off a glass while fighting over a bill here. T hey were out for an official meeting at the Chateau Marmont here. The former "Grey's Anatomy" actress and the director insisted on paying the bill following the meet, but in their eagerness to pay, accidentally knocked over a glass of water as they each attempted to grab the bill, reports contactmusic.com. "When the waiter brought the bill, Jon tried to grab it - but high handed Heigl ripped it right out of his paw and shouted 'It's on me'," a source told the National Enquirer. "But Favreau wouldn't hear of it. Snatching it back quickly, he recoiled in horror as Heigl, making a desperate dive for it, knocked over a glass of water," the source added. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS Garrett Hedlund to return for 'Tron 3' RELEASE DATE: Dec 21, 2012 STARING: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Jude Law... DIRECTOR(S):Peter Ramsey STORY: Rise of the Guardians is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes each with extraordinary abilities. Genre : Adventure, Animation A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD The 28-year-old actor, who plays Sam Flynn in the Disney sci-fi franchise, is set to reprise his role in the follow-up movie and revealed he is ''very excited'' about the project, reports femalefirst. When asked about his return to the film during the press conference of his film "On the Road", Garrett said: ''Yeah. Are we gonna break this now? Disney's very excited. That's about that. You know, yeah, I'm very excited, Disney's very excited.'' In the 2010 installment " Tron Legacy", Hedlund played the son of original actor Jeff Bridges' character Kevin Flynn from the 1982 film "Tron", but his role in the sequel is being kept secret along with the plot. Joseph Kosinski will direct the film. RELEASE DATE: 15 Feb. 2013 STARING: Bruce Willis , Cole Hauser Patrick Stewar t , Jai Courtney Genre: Action, Thriller Summary: A Good Day to Die Hard is the fifth installment of the Die Hard film series, starring Bruce Willis in the lead role. Bruce Willis (John McClane) travels to Moscow. LES MISERABLES Golden Globe nomination ffeels eels surreal: Cooper The 37-year-old is up for Best Actor in the Musical or Comedy category for his role in "Silver Linings Playbook" and he says he couldn't believe it when his name was read out, especially because it's not a big budget film. ''It's a small film and it's a word-of-mouth movie. The fact that it's getting this kind of attention [means] hopefully more people will go see it," contactmusic.com quoted Cooper as saying. ''We loved doing it. We care so much about the film and it's amazing to be recognised. And then on a personal level, it's just surreal... I grew up as the nerd who would wake up to watch the (Golden Globe) announcements. To hear (presenter and 'Hangover' costar) Ed Helms say 'Silver Linings Playbook' was just incredible," she added. The stars who are nominated in the same category are "Bernie" star Jack Black, Hugh Jackman of "Les Miserables", Ewan McGregor for "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and Bill Murray from "Hyde Park on Hudson". The 70th annual Golden Globes will take place in Los Angeles Jan 13. RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18, 2013 STARING: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Car ter... DIRECTOR(S): Tom Hooper PRODUCER : Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner STORY: Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misrables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion. Genre : Drama, Music, Musical LILO 'UP FOR HIRE AS CELEB GUEST' Lindsay Lohan reportedly wants to hire herself out as a celebrity guest for weddings and special occasions to clear her outstanding debt. The 26-year-old actress has accumulated debts of 1.8 million pounds in unpaid taxes and legal fees. "Book one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars now!" the Daily Star quoted the US agency 123Talent as writing in bright pink lettering on their website. According to the New York Post, the website reads, "Not only is Lindsay an Actress but she is also a Fashion Designer, Model and Recording Artist." The website, which also includes a hastily photo shopped composite of the 'Parent Trap' star, goes on to list all of her film and television stints. MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 bollywood Too Hot? Adult 'Inkaar' Promo Gets in Trouble Sudhir Mishra had to re-dub the promo of film starring Arjun Rampal and Chitrangada Singh after it was awarded an 'A' certificate by the Censor Board Poonam Pandey is better than Bipasha: JISM DIRECTOR Amit Saxena, who directed Bipasha Basu in 'Jism' (2003), is also directing Poonam Pandey in her Bollywood debut, 'Nasha'. S axena is very impressed with Poonam's talent and her ability to emote before the camera. " Poonam is a natural when it comes to facing the camera. She grasps the script so well that working with her is a cakewalk," he said, adding, "Poonam is a director's actor. I think she is far more talented than Bipasha. The future looks very bright for Poonam in Bollywood." Apart from Amit, the crew members are also impressed with Poonam. Says a source on the outdoor set, "Just watching Poonam on the sets is amazing. She is very passionate about her work and her concentration shows how focussed she is." So, how does Poonam keep herself so focussed? " I am very passionate about my work. For me, work always comes first," the actress says, adding, "I listen to music to keep me charged up." And which is her current favourite? "I am sexy and I know it," she concludes with a wink and a wicked grin. Sonakshi's wedding gift TO VIDYA A SECRET Sonakshi Sinha was in her element at an event yesterday to announce her as the brand ambassador of a real estate, textile and hospitality conglomerate As it was the day of Vidya Balan's marriage, she was asked what present she would give the newly-wed. And whether she would gift one of the properties that she endorses? Sona replied, `I am the brand ambassador, not the owner that I can gift properties to whosoever I wish. And won't the tax authorities hound me if I do so?` When the question of Vidya's gift persisted, the lady said, `I have decided on what to gift her and that's a secret.` My son still not ready to face camera Yesteryear actress Poonam Dhillon, who is set to don the director's hat, is not launching her son Anmol in the film, as he is personally not ready to face the camera. "I am not launching my son in my first film. In fact, I am launching myself as a director. There are two years or so for him. He himself does not want to face the camera unless and until he is all ready," the 50-year-old said here Sunday at the Big Star Entertainment Awards. "Many offers have come to him but he always rejects, saying 'I want to be fully ready, today's scenario is not such that you come half prepared on camera'. Everyone says he is all ready, has good looks but he says no and I like that attitude," she added. Poonam believes this is the best time for the film industry and even she plans to face the camera yet again. "I think the standard of everything, be it actors or the filmmaking has increased so much that I am waiting now to do good films again and work with good actors. It is the best time for the filmmakers and actors today," Poonam said. MidWeek 21 PRIYANKA CHOPRA TO DJ IN TOP MUMBAI CLUBS Priyanka Chopra will be seen DJing her single, "In My City", and partying with her fans here Friday night. "I will be going to different clubs tonight (friday night) in Mumbai and will be DJing and partying for a few minutes with my fans. We tried the same thing in Delhi and Bangalore and it was a big hit, " an excited Priyanka said at a press conference here. An initiative by Blender's Pride Fashion Tour, the actress will be visiting four clubs - Hard Rock Cafe, F-Bar, Ghost and Hype Friday. The actress also clarified that she will not be performing. "I am not performing tonight, I will just be DJing. I will perform live when the label decides to, " she said. On her album's release, Priyanaka said that she will be releasing one soon once a few singles are liked by her fans. "This is how it is done in the US. They release a single, let it grow and then release another one. So I guess we will be releasing an album during spring, summer next year, " she said. Priyanka also revealed that she will be singing a few lines in Hindi in the rest of her singles. "There are a few Hindi lines in my songs, " she said. Emotional dependence harms a relationship: CHITRANGADA How important is fitness to you It's a visual medium. How you look is very important. I work out four days in a week. What you eat is important. I have never been on a diet. I have been careful of what I eat. Being informed of the kinds of food is more important, instead of shocking your system with a crash diet. Tell us something about your soon to be released film Inkaar The film is about sexual harassment in an ad agency. It's all about power struggle which takes place at all levels and not only in the corporate world. Where there is a power equation, there will be harassment; the sad part is that it's easier to prove rape but not harassment. Do you think enough is being done in India to stop sexual harassment at the work place? Rules are getting better. Government mandates are become stricter after some high profile cases came to light. There is bound to be some collateral damages, when women try to break the ceiling. Coming from Bollywood, did you notice such things taking place? In our industry, things are fair at certain levels. No one is there to force you to do anything, what you get is what you want. There are power equations in this industry also. The bigger the price, the more the power equation. It has always been there but that's also now changing. Your film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi , years after its release, is still being screened at festivals. I am surprised. It's a huge compliment for me. It was my first film and for it to get such reception till now is like a divine coincidence at different levels as I did never wanted to become an actor. You said you never wanted to become an actor...so what was your career aspiration before stepping into films? I wanted to be a newsreader, a TV interviewer, a curator in a museum because I love history and facts. Hope Katrina lives up to ‘Dhoom’ expectations: Esha "I am sad that I am not a part of the whole franchise. But I wish Katrina lives up to the expectations that comes with the Dhoom tag. I am sure she will because she is a brilliant actress," said Esha. The 31-year-old actress delivered one of the major hits of her career with the Aditya Chopra film, where she proved her dancing mettle with the film's title track Dhoom machale. Asked about her plans to return to the silver screen, Esha, who was last seen in mother Hema Malini's Tell Me O Kkhuda, said, "If any decent offer comes my way then I will accept it. Acting is my first love and I am really l o o k i n g forward to it." 22 MidWeek sports MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 daily rues Time for split captaincy? Sunil Pakistani Tendulkar's fall from graces Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli THERE'S A GROWING CHORUS ASKING FOR DHONI'S REPLACEMENT AS TEST CAPTAIN -- AND SOME OF THE VOICES ARE WELL RESPECTED. The last time England won a Test series in India, present England skipper Alastair Cook was barely a month old. On Monday, Cook proudly led his team to a historic victory, even as MS Dhoni stoically contemplated yet another debacle. In a sense, Dhoni can consider himself fortunate to be leading India in this era. Back in the 1970s, Ajit Wadekar won India three Test series in a row; including two historic away triumphs against England and West Indies. But one 0-3 loss against England in 1974 and he was gone. From Bishen Singh Bedi to Kapil Dev to Sunil Gavaskar, nobody has been given a longer rope as Indian skipper than Dhoni. Dhoni has led India to 0-4 drubbings in Australia and England -- and survived. Hard-won victories against lowly ranked teams like New Zealand and West Indies were allowed to lull India into a sense of complacency, even though the alarm bells should have been clanging. The chickens finally came home to roost against England. It is possible that a weakened, transitional team would have lost anyway. But Dhoni's unimaginative field placements, whimsical team choices, ignoring of certain players -- Rahane has been warming the benches for over a year now -- and needless clashes with curators certainly didn't help. If anything, his lack of effective leadership probably cost India the series. Has the time come for a split captaincy? There's a growing chorus asking for Dhoni's replacement as Test captain -- and some of the voices are well respected. As a selector several months ago, Mohinder Amarnath had asked for a change in Test leadership, something that cost him dearly. But even legends like Sunil Gavaskar and former chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth have said that Dhoni needs to go. So has another former great, Abbas Ali Baig. On Monday, Gavaskar told a TV channel, "Till the fourth day of the Nagpur Test, I would have backed Dhoni. Now that Virat has come up with a hundred under trying circumstances where he India paid the price of too much bravado: Nasser Hussain LONDON/BUREAU NEWS : India paid the price of thinking that preparing turning tracks would be enough to beat England in the just-concluded Test series as the visitors had better tweakers to exploit the dustbowls, feels former England captain Nasser Hussain. India lost 1-2 against England in the four-match series that concluded with a draw yesterday in Nagpur, which was dominated by the Alastair Cook's men. "India are not the side they were. If I was putting together a composite side from the two teams I would start by picking the whole England attack. England, for once, had better spinners than India in Indian conditions," Hussain wrote in his column for 'The Daily Mail'. "The tourists were fitter, both physically and mentally, and hungrier for Test cricket. India would not have been able to take four wickets late in a day, after two sessions without a wicket, as England did on Saturday. "India went one up and just thought they could prepare a turning pitch and England would crumble. They showed too much bravado. And England made them pay very heavily indeed for that," he added. Looking back at the series, Hussain said England showed tremendous resolve to bounce back from the crushing nine-wicket loss in Ahmedabad. "...but the second innings there proved a turning point both in this series and in the future of this team. Without it things could look very different now." "...when Alastair Cook scored a big hundred in a losing cause in Ahmedabad in that second innings things changed. It was the moment the captain said to his team: 'Hang on, there are no demons here. The ball is not spinning both ways. If we show some character, application and belief we can do this.' And since then the transformation has been astonishing," Hussain said. "Everything England have done since then has been right. And their business has been conducted in a quite ruthless manner. There has been no dillydallying, no worrying about reputations. This has been anything but a closed shop," he added. He praised spinner Monty Panesar and attacking batsman Kevin Pietersen – both of whom turned it around for England in the second Test in Mumbai. "Tim Bresnan has been a very good cricketer for England but as soon as Cook and Andy Flower realised they had made a mistake in not picking Monty Panesar for the first Test the Yorkshireman was gone. "England basically had to nail everything to win this series after going one down and they did it. Look at Kevin Pietersen. He was a frenetic wreck in the first Test and only had a couple of days to come up with a defensive technique against his old nemesis, left-arm spin. What happened? He went out and smashed 186 in Mumbai," he explained. Sangakkara maintains Sri Lanka's chances of draw HOBART/ AUSTRALIA : Kumar Sangakkara frustrated Australia on the final day of the first test, reaching his half century by lunch Tuesday to maintain Sri Lanka's chances of saving the match. Sri Lanka resumed the day on 65-2, 328 runs short of the winning target, and Sangakkara edged his side closer to the draw with a nerveless 58 not out at Bellerive Oval. The only moment of alarm for Sangakkara came three overs before the interval when he successfully appealed an lbw dismissal by Shane Watson. Replays showed he was struck outside the line of the stumps. Two balls later, Thilan Samaraweera was beaten by a climbing delivery that just clipped his body and sped past wicketkeeper Matthew Wade down the leg-side for four. Samaraweera was on 17 at lunch, leaving Mahela Jayawardene as the only man dismissed so far Tuesday. The captain edged Peter Siddle low to Michael Clarke at slip for a 77-ball 19. Again without the injured Ben Hilfenhaus, Australia's attack toiled on an abrasive fifth-day pitch. Spinner Nathan Lyon probed, the pacemen extracted reverse swing from the old ball and Mitchell Starc got one to climb and hit the swinging Sangakkara on the arm. After dismissing both openers in Monday's final session, Australia's bowlers might have expected to add to their haul early on the final day but Sangakkara and Jayawardene continued to attack only the occasional poor ball and turn down singles. The pace suggested the Sri Lankans, who have never won in 10 tests in Australia, believe they have little chance of making a target of 393, which would be their highest ever winning total. The West Indies made the highest successful run chase against Australia with 417-8 at St. John's in 2003. curbed his natural game, he discovered a good part about himself. He is ready to take on the mantle of Test cricket. That needs to be looked at in a positive manner by everyone concerned as that is where the future lies." Srikkanth said, "Dhoni's become stale and doesn't know what to do when things go out of the way. He shouldn't be the Test captain anymore. Had I been the chairman of selectors, I would have picked Dhoni as a wicket-keeper batsman but it is time to look beyond him as a Test captain." However, one official privy to the developments in the BCCI said a section of the board favours Gautam Gambhir as Test skipper. "Most cricketers in the team and board members feel that Gautam Gambhir should be tried at the top. He is the third highest run-getter in this series for India and in the current circumstances he is the best bet to lead the team," said another official. Gambhir's success as skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders is said to be working in his favour. He has led India to six one-day internationals and won all of them. Besides, he is 31 and has his best years as a batsman ahead of him. "I think Gambhir at the top and Virat Kohli as his deputy is the way to go about," said an official. Even the seniors within the cricket team that Gambhir is the best bet at the moment to lead. "They feel it is too early for Kohli to get the reins," the official said. Of course, ultimately, the decision may not rest with the selectors, as Mohinder Amarnath has pointed out. ISLAMABAD/BUREAU NEWS Sachin Tendulkar must be regretting his "blunder" of not calling it a day in March 2011 when India won the Cricket World Cup, said a leading Pakistani daily on Tuesday. An editorial in the Dawn described Tendulkar's "fall from grace in the ongoing cricket series against England", and said that it has not only dismayed millions of his fans across the world but has also compelled critics to ask him to hang up his boots. "Rated as perhaps the greatest post-war batsman, Tendulkar has been a picture of misery in the four-match series, struggling to put together a decent score against an opposition which by no means can be dubbed as menacing for a player of his class and stature," said the daily. It observed that Tendulkar's rare but continued failure with the bat in 2012, both at home and abroad, has drawn boos and jeers from the crowds, even in places like Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Nagpur where he has been revered as a demigod since making his international debut 24 years ago. "His former colleagues Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and a few others have openly criticised him for not looking the part anymore, mainly due to his slow reflexes and poor shot selection." The daily noted that Tendulkar is certainly not the first Asian batsman to face this unpleasant situation. "A number of great players before him, including compatriots Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, our own Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas, and several others have been forced out of cricket after repeated failures or have simply faded into history after refusing to quit the game at the right moment," it added. The daily cited the example of one of Australia’s most successful captains and batsmen, Ricky Ponting, who retired after realising that he could no longer cope with the rigours of international cricket. "Tendulkar, unfortunately, has not been able to choose his departing moment and must now be ruing the blunder of not having called it a day in March 2011 when India won the ICC Cricket World Cup." MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 MidWeek sports 23 1-3 Manchester City: Yaya Argos add to offence and defence Newcastle Toure seals victory to quell Toon fightback TORONTO: The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today that import DL Adrian Awasom and import WR Tyler Beiler have both signed contracts with the club. Awasom began his career in 2005 when he signed with the New York Giants and spent three years there, earning a SuperBowl championship in 2007. He later signed with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League where he won two UFL championships. Awasom spent 2011 training camp with the Minnesota Vikings. Tyler Beiler played college football at Bridgewater College in Virginia. He attended both San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers training camps in 2011 and 2012 respectively. While at Bridgewater, he was named the Virginia State Player of the Year after recording 17 touchdowns and more than 1,300 receiving yards. LONDON/BUREAU NEWS: The champions took a two-goal lead into the break, but a resurgent second-half performance from the hosts threatened to level things before the Ivorian secured all three points Manchester City boosted their title credentials with a somewhat fortunate 3-1 victory over a struggling Newcastle side at St James’ Park. After dominating the early stages of the match, the Magpies’ defence capitulated for the rest of the first half as City’s attacking players came to life. And the visitors eventually took the lead after some clever play between Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri left Sergio Aguero with a tap-in. The champions found a second courtesy of a Javi Garcia header, but Alan Pardew’s men fought hard in the second period, and soon clawed one back through a Demba Ba header. The hosts pushed for an equaliser, but Yaya Toure sealed three points for the visitors with a goal against the run of play. Pardew was forced to change shape from the side that faced Fulham last weekend, as James Perch stepped in for the injured Hatem Ben Arfa allowing Papiss Cisse to revert to a more familiar role partnering Demba Ba in attack. The visitors made three changes from the Manchester derby, with Kolo Toure, Javi Garcia and Carlos Tevez all coming into the side and Mario Balotelli – who had a poor game against Manchester United last time out – not even named in the squad. Newcastle looked likeliest to take the lead early on, with Cisse forcing Joe Hart into a fantastic save in the opening minutes of the match after a Danny Simpson cross found the Senegal international with space 12 yards from goal. But it was the champions who took the lead, after a fantastic pass from Yaya Toure left Nasri one-on-one with Tim Krul. The Frenchman allowed the keeper to rush out of his goal before squaring the ball to Aguero, who tapped in to an open net. CRICKET SCHEDULES 2012-2013 ICC Test Ranking INDIA VS ENGLAND 2012-13 Team Matches Points Rating South Africa England Australia Pakistan India Sri Lanka West Indies New Zealand Bangladesh 29 41 38 29 37 32 31 27 15 3566 4825 4332 3148 3879 3062 2809 2126 0 123 118 114 109 105 96 91 79 0 INDIA VS PAKISTAN 2012-13 ICC ODI Ranking Team Matches Points Rating England South Africa India Australia Sri Lanka Pakistan West Indies Bangladesh New Zealand Zimbabwe Ireland Netherlands Kenya 25 18 30 28 34 28 25 21 20 14 6 4 4 3016 2170 3598 3164 3717 2907 2206 1636 1434 700 207 63 45 121 121 120 113 109 104 88 78 72 50 35 16 11 ICC T20 Ranking Team Sri Lanka West Indies India England South Africa Pakistan Australia New Zealand Bangladesh Ireland Zimbabwe Matches QFY Matches 12 13 11 14 13 18 15 13 8 8 7 15 17 14 20 18 26 20 18 11 12 10 Points 1524 1585 1322 1647 1526 2088 1615 1261 668 659 306 Rating 127 122 120 118 117 116 108 97 84 82 44 SRI LANKA TOUR OF AUSTRALIA 2012/13 NEW ZEALAND TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA 2012/13 24 MidWeek MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012