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Protests on anti-Islam film spread to Yemen and Iran; US appeals for calm
A protester wielding a gun in front of the US Consulate set afire by a mob in Benghazi Sept 11, in which US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens perished. Washington: The US has deployed warships and surveillance drones in its hunt for killers of four US diplomats in Libya, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who perished Monday as the US Consulate in Benghazi was stormed by a mob and set ablaze. The assault was reportedly preplanned -- note the date it was carried out on, September 11. But the attackers camouflaged it as protest against the online release of the trailer of a film produced in the US that allegedly insulted Muslims and Prophet Mohammed. US has also deployed Marines to secure its interests in the region. Two US destroyers -- USS Laboon and USS McFaul -- equipped with satellite-guided Tomahawk cruise missiles were en route the Libyan coast, US officials told CNN. President Barack Obama said: "We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done." Libya's Prime Minister Mustafa Continued on page 4
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dents, and staff. An exhibition titled Art from the Land of the Peacock will spotlight Indias distinctive and diverse artistic traditions while drawing upon the collections at Queens Colleges Art Library. It will run Nov 1, 2012-June 27, 2013 at the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library n the campus.
During the 2012-13 academic year, the CUNY college will explore India with exhibitions, a film series, performances and student-sponsored activities on culture, sports, and everyday life. The Indian Consulate of New York year the history, art, and culture of a is hosting a reception on September different country. China and Turkey 20 for Queens College celebrating have been featured before. Queens College of CUNY, foundwhat the college calls a vibrant, diverse country with a complex histo- ed in 1937, has on its rolls over ry and globally significant econo- 20,000 students from over 170 namy. tions and gets cited every year by The college, located in Americas The Princeton Review as one of the most diverse county, examines each nations 100 Best Value colleges.
Who is rooting for Obama, who for Romney: Facebook can tell
By Vikas Girdhar New York: As Barack Obama and Mitt Romney gear up for the all-important last stretch of the presidential election and go all out to try to sway the still undecided voters, Facebook is brewing up some interesting details of its own. The social networking behemoths likes and follow options have revealed the types of people the Democratic and Republican rivals have won over as supporters. Some findings are expected; others are eye-opening. Social media platform Compass Labs used some of the data it employs to help marketers target ads to reveal some of the major differences between followers of Obama and those of Romney. As of now, Obama has four times more Facebook followers than Romneys: 28.5 million to just 6.6 million. However, Romneys followers are five times more engaged which means, liking, commenting and sharing content as opposed to simply viewing it. The main reason for this may be because Obama has been in office and his followers are already aware of his views and stances. Romney, on the other hand, is the new guy giving people more new things to discuss. Nevertheless, Romneys content on Facebook is more than just a regurgitation of points on his website. Compass Labs has also collected date on the types of people each nominee has won over. As indicated on Facebook, Romney has attracted churchgoers, gun enthusiasts and active quilters. Obama, on the other hand, has won over meditators, video gamers and fans of jigsaw puzzles. Many fans of Romney also seem to like movies such as Atlas Shrugged and 17 Miracles, while Obama fans like The Blind Side and Fast and Furious. Romney fans also
An infographic by Compass Labs. like Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Starbucks and Fox News while Obama fans prefer Samsung Mobile, Visa, DoubleTree and Nature Made. One similarity: supporters of both Obama and Romney like shopping at Target. The age and gender of the fans are also indicated by Facebook users activity with regard to the presidential election. 53% of the 28.5 million Obama supporters are women while 53% of the 6.6 million Romney supporters are men. Of Obama likers: 20% are aged 18-25, 21% are aged 25-35, 18% are aged 35-45, 17% are aged 45-55 and 24% are aged 55 and over. Of Romney likers: 11% are aged 18-25, 12% are aged 25-35, 13% are aged 35-45, 21% are aged 45-55 and 43% are aged 55 and over.
The campaign is launched by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) laws that affect the daily lives of all Americans," the guide tells the community. "Unfortunately, in past elections, many South Asians have faced challenges at the polls due to voter intimidation and suppression and have encountered difficulties in casting their ballot due to language barriers," SAALT said. Noting that "As a result, many have felt discouraged from participating in the electoral process," it said a guide tiltled "Know Your Rights On Election Day" answers frequently asked questions about protecting one's right to vote on election day and where to turn if they feel their rights are violated. "As we approach the 2012 Elections, it is important for everyone, citizen or not, to become involved in the civic and political process in the US," SAALT said suggesting 10 ways members of the community can make a difference in the 2012 elections!
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Florida-based, Quran-burning pastor, a few weeks ago for help promoting the film. The protests in the Muslim world ensued after the trailer of the film was dubbed in Arabic and released on YouTube. YouTube has since restricted access in Libya and Egypt to the film Steps to stimulate economy story Continued from page 1 at their highest levels (13,540 and 1,460 respectively) since December 2007, while the Nasdaq ended at the highest (at 3,156) since November 2000. But some economists felt the benefit of the new round of stimulus to economy would be slight. "We doubt it will be enough to get the economy on the right track," said Paul Ashworth at Capital Economics. "It's only a matter of time before speculation begins as to when the Fed will raise its purchases from $40 billion a month." The Fed's bond purchases have been intended to lower long-term rates to spur lending. The Fed has previously bought $2 trillion in Treasury bonds and mortgagebacked securities since the 2008 financial crisis. Though the Fed is ostensibly politically independent, the decision comes at a ticklish time with the presidential election less than two months away. Washington conservatives have been critical of the central bank's money creation, which has caused its balance sheet to swell to $2.8 trillion. They worry that the growing money supply will lead to inflation, which has reared its head in food and energy prices but has remained tame through the broader economy.
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US Envoys killers in Libya story Continued from page 1 Abushagu said Thursday at least one person has been arrested -and others were in authorities' sights -- tied to the killing of the US envoys. Protests inspired by the antiIslam film targeted more US facilities in the Muslim world Thursday, raising questions about whether governments there had the will or even the ability to protect Americans abroad from angry demonstrators, Washington Post said. In Yemen, the US Embassy in Sanaa was assaulted by protesters as Yemeni security personnel did little to intervene, witnesses said. In Egypt, clouds of tear gas enveloped the fortified area around the US Embassy in Cairo as security forces clashed with protesters for the third straight day Thursday. The countrys President Mohamed Morsi has vowed to defend the security of US diplomatic buildings even as his Muslim Brotherhood movement and other groups were calling for major, peaceful protests against the US on Friday. President Obama said he will decide whether Egypt is an ally or an enemy of the US in part according to the way the fledgling government in Cairo responds to the violent assault on the American Embassy there on Monday. In Tehran, too, reportedly around 500 Iranians chanting Death to America tried to converge on the Swiss Embassy, which handles US interests in the absence of formal diplomatic relations with Washington. On the home front, Obama waged a pitched political battle with his Republican rival Mitt Romney, who drew fire even from some in his own party for a
President Obama, accompanied by Hillary Clinton, condemns the attack that killed American diplomats in Benghazi, Libya. late-Tuesday statement in which he leveled the inflammatory charge that the Obama administration had sided with those who killed Americans. He was referring to an earlier statement put out by the US mission in Cairo that apologized for the antiMuslim film. But that statement came BEFORE the embassy attacks even began. That prompted Obama to accuse Romney of displaying a "tendency to shoot first, aim later." John McCain, Republican presidential nominee in 2008, has refused to criticize the Obama administration on the issue. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took strong steps Thursday to distance the US government from the anti-Islam movie, calling it disgusting and reprehensible but also condemned the violence in response to it. There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind, she said. The man behind the making of the controversial film is believed to be Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a Coptic Christian with a criminal past who lives in California. To Associated Press, he admitted to providing logistical support for the production of Innocence of Muslims. A 13-minute trailer for the amateurishly made film portrays Mohammad as a pedophileappeasing, bumbling spreader of false doctrine. Nakoula apparently went to Terry Jones, the
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Birva Patel New York: An Indian-origin woman has been arrested on charges of trespassing on
Ayush Chauhan New York: Two Indians are among this year's Yale University 2012 World Fellows. Ayush Chauhan and Ruchi Yadav are two of the 16 honorees considered "global emerging leaders," the university announced in a Sept. 6 press release. Jasmeet Kaur Ahuja, a scholar at Yale, has been named an associate fellow. Chauhan is co-founder and managing director of Quicksand, a multidisciplinary design and innovation consultancy working at the intersection of business, development, and culture. He is also a partner at the Box Collective, where he conceptual- ized and launched UnBox, the first interdisciplinary festival in Delhi that brings together leading voices from across the world for inspiration, debate and reflection, the release said. Yadav is a senior program officer with The Hunger Project, an initiative to empower elected women representatives at the grassroots level
Ruchi Yadav as key change agents across seven states in India. She has a background in advertising, human rights and the women's movement in India. Ahuja is at Yale Law School. She spent six years working in Washington, D.C., on U.S. policy toward South Asia. As the senior adviser for South Asia on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, she helped draft foreign policy legislation on Pakistan, negotiate the civilian nuclear deal with India and lobby for the right of SikhAmericans to wear turbans while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The fellows will learn from Yale experts and join in dialogue with members of the campus community, the university said.During the semester, the fellows are scheduled to discuss important global issues as part of the "Hot Coffee, Hot Issues" series, which will take place at least once a month until December.
IN BRIEF
Nishad Singh sets new world record for Under-17 100-mile ultramarathon
ishad Singh, a teenager gave a worldrecord-breaking performance in the August 18-19 Run-de-Vous 100-mile ultramarathon. Nishads time of 23:33 shaves 18 minutes from the previous world record of 23:51. The 24-hour time is an important psychological and physical barrier for an ultramarathon runner, said Rajeev Patel, Race Director for the Run-de-Vous race. For Nishad to finish, at his age, under 24 hours is clearly impressive. But what is truly stunning is in achieving his record, Nishad shaved over five hours from his 100-mile run time in last years Run-deVous. Nishad uses the attention from his runs to raise thousands of dollars for causes that are near and dear to him. In 2011, for his inaugural 100mile race, he helped fund scholarships for underprivileged high school students. This year, he focused his fundraising efforts on the Asthma and Allergy Association. Last year during my first 100-mile run, I struggled with my asthma, Nishad said. This year, I learned how to better handle it both psychologically and physically. In the past, asthma has been more than just a hassle during a race for
Zee TV was the first South Asian channel available in the U.S., and now it is the first to be offered in HD. With more than 250 international channels in 28 languages, DISH offers the most international programming of any pay-TV provider in the nation, added Chris Kuelling, DISH vice president of International Programming. The launch of Zee TV HD is testament to our continued effort to expand DISHs high-definition options beyond domestic and into the international segment.
awarded for Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short films. IFFLA 2012, the film fests 10th anniversary edition, had over7,500 attendees, screened 33 films and hosted 45 filmmakers from India and around the world. The 10th anniversary celebrations launched with the Opening Night Galaworld premiere presentation of Bedabrata Pains Chittagong, and concluded with the Los Angeles premiere of Prashant Bhargavas Patang starring Seema Biswas who was in attendance.
The father-son duo deep personal and spiritual dissatisfaction, and a decidedly non-spiritual (and boozy) origin. Ultimately what emerges is a picture of a Deepak that while reminiscent of other popularized Indian gurus, is more dad than demigod. Full of flaws, foils, intelligence, and irreverence, the decoded Deepak uncovered by his sons honest scrutiny of him is a symbol of a world searching for answers in the most unlikely places and a deeper plunge into the meaning of identity itself.
OEM First Deputy Commissioner Calvin Drayton (at podium) addresses Borough Board, Wednesday, September 12th, on hurricane preparedness and need for an emergency plan and "Go Bag" prior to a hurricane, tornado or other emergency. The "Go Bag " (at left) should include a radio, flashlight, medications, at least a gallon of water, photo identifications and other personal items. Sated at table is Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik and (standing), OEM Ready New York Program Manager Mitchell Bass.
Lynbrook Village Justice William Gaylor is honored as chief guest at the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Centers fall celebration ceremony for his service to the community. (L to R) Thampi Thalapillil President of the Kerala Center Executive Committee, Gaylor,wife Deborah and Gopalan Nair, Chairman of the Keral Center Board of Directors. A practicing attorney, Justice Gaylor is an active member of the Lynbrook community and a retired Lt.Colonel , US Army.
Washington, DC: California Governor Jerry Brown has signed two bills designed to battle workplace discrimination against Sikhs and Muslim by shunting workers wearing turbans, beards and hijabs to backroom jobs out of public view. "This bill, AB 1964, makes it very clear that wearing any type of religious clothing or hairstyle, particularly such as Sikhs do, that is protected by law and nobody can discriminate against you because of that," Brown told an enthusiastic crowd of 500 Sikhs Saturday, the Sacramento Bee reported. "Breaking down prejudice is something you've got to do every day and to help us do that, I'm going to sign a couple of bills," he said at a rally of the North American Punjabi Association on Governor Brown after signing AB1964 and SB1540 (Photo : Karaminder Ghuman) the steps of the Capitol in the state capital of Sacramento. changing how history and social sciences "Sikhs everywhere can see in are taught in schools so that students California they are a powerful presence," learn about the history, tradition and thehe was quoted as saying. ology of California Sikhs. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act, Education can blunt hatred, prejudice Assembly Bill 1964 by Democrat Mariko and fatal misunderstandings, such as the Yamada, ensures that employees receive massacre of Sikhs outside a Wisconsin equal protection under law, protecting temple, Brown said. workers who wear turbans, hijabs and "Both bills represent landmark achieveyarmulkes. In California, employers ments that will increase protections for faced over 500 cases of religious dis- all religious observers in the workplace crimination in 2011. and expand awareness of the 100-year Brown himself declined to wear a tur- history of Sikhs in California," said ban, saying, "I've worked hard to get my Balbir Dhillon, president of the head cleared," but honored the thousands Sacramento Sikh Temple. of Sikhs who have given their lives in a Calling it "a historic win for civil long history of struggle for religious free- rights," Sikh Coalition said "This dom both in India and the United States, achievement ranks among the most farthe Bee said. reaching victories in the Sikh Coalition's Brown also signed Senate Bill 1540, history. It will protect the civil rights of sponsored by Democrat Loni Hancock millions of Americans."
Republican Joe Walsh Chicago: US Congressman who has mounted a campaign to revoke the ban on an American visa for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi says in the "trying economic times" this country "could learn a great deal from him." "Modi has been recognized across the world for his staunch stance against corruption and for making Gujarat a shining example of the successes that pro-growth, limited government policies can create. In the US's trying economic times, we could learn a great deal from him. Instead of denying him a visa, we should be inviting him to apply," said Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, who represents Illinois' 8th district from the Chicago area in an interview. In recent months at the urging of his particularly vocal Indian American constituents Congressman Walsh has stepped up his cam-
US Elections TheSouthAsianTimes.info
those identified with the founding of the USA, of Anglo-Saxon lineage. When any part of the white population tries to speak up for the needs and desires of white Americans, it is labeled a fruitcake at best and racist at worst by mainstream politicians and media. Gordon Rayner says that whites today in places such as the USA and Britain know that if they say anything which can be interpreted as racist, they run, at best, a grave risk of losing their employment, especially if that employment is in the public service, and at worst, demonization by the media with the possibility of legal action, both civil and criminal, being taken against them. Moreover, the definition of racism used by the politically correct is now so wide that includes any statement by whites which is deemed non-inclusive, that is, it refers
Opinion
By Heera Lal only to white society and culture. Obama cant be called a successful president by objective standards. He couldnt fulfill promises of Change, nor rise to the occasion to push back difficult economic times completely. Yet, he has solid accomplishments. He has navigated the US economy out of the hole. Recovery may be patchy but America is weathering the global slowdown better than some other developed economies. His decision to withdraw US army from Afghanistan was a good political move. Above all, in his four years as head of the nation, no scam or scandal has tainted him personally. Within his own party, there is barely any opposition as was in 2008 with Hillary Clinton giving him a good fight in the primaries. Educated, rich and developed Americans see and evaluate the situation holistically. They know that the countrys major problems - economic woes and war entanglement were inherited by him. Add to that the spillover of the world economic recession. Four years is not good enough time to resolve all these ills. No President could have accomplished that, as Bill Clinton said at the Democratic convention. Hence, Obama deserves another term to complete the task he initiated. It would seem then that Obama
will be able to muster the support of whites, where he is weak. America is a capitalist country. They will not risk on economic front by giving reins of power to Republicans without giving full chance to Obama to finish what he started. Medical care is a contentious issue in the US. All those benefiting from Obamacare (dubbed so by his opponents) are grateful to Obama. A systemic overhaul was long due, something no earlier president could push through. Obama has also accomplished something that Bush failed to do. Osama bin Laden kill has brought back Americans lost pride. 9/11 is an emotional issue for Americans. So, Obama strikes the emotional chord with citizens cutting across party lines. In American politics, many centrists, liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats are considered "swing voters" since their voting patterns cannot be predicted with certainty. Such votes are usually sought after in elections, since they
can play a big role in determining the outcome. Gallup polls show the number of undecided voters hovering between 6 percent and 8 percent compared with 11 percent at this point in 2008. William G. Mayer, in his book about swing voting pattern in American politics, says that in case of re-election, an incumbent on average gets 46 percent as compared to 42 percent for the challenger. Due to Obamas broad acceptability, these swing and undecided voters will lean towards him in the last moment and sail him towards a second term as President of USA. Obama - cool from outside and fiery from inside - has broad acceptance like Atal Behari Vajpayee, former PM of India. He is well read and experienced about his politics. His inside fire to solve chronic problems of the country will make him a winner, more so because the challenger Mitt Romney scores low on likeability, even within his own Republican party.
Romney campaign has played down the latest poll numbers because some voters will feel a bit of a sugar-high from the conventions. jobs report that came out Friday. A week earlier, the same Gallup poll showed Obama with a 47 percent-46 percent advantage after the Republican convention. Romney campaign pollster Neil Newhouse advised against anyone getting "too worked up about latest polling". "While some voters will feel a bit of a sugar-high from the conventions, the basic structure of the race has not changed significantly," Newhouse wrote in the memo made public Monday.In more bad news for Romney, Obama's campaign announced Sunday it raised $114 million in August, topping the challenger's monthly haul for the first time since April.
10
US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Ravi Batra gave an exclusive interview to The SATimes after resigning from New York States ethics commission.
I walked on the peak of Mount Olympus and found it corrupt and corruptible
By Parveen Chopra minent attorney and one of the leading lights of Indian community on the East Coast, Ravi Batra has shown spine in resigning from the prestigious commissioners position on New York States Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), which was instituted last year to restore public trust in government by ensuring compliance with the State's ethics and lobbying laws and regulations. Batra has made public his resignation letter to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo protesting his interference in JCOPE functioning. Batra also resigned from the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA) which helps low income people in the state obtain help with civil legal problems. He was appointed to IOLA by former state Governor David Paterson. Cuomo gave an interview on Patersons radio show last Friday in which, without naming Batra, the two slighted him. Indian community can be proud of Batras defiant actions and integrity because so many would stoop to lick the shoes of their political superiors. Batra gave an extensive interview to The South Asian Times Wednesday on what he calls controlgate, his course of action, and even comparing corruption in the US with that in India. Excerpts:
Ravi Batra (left), with Janet DiFiore (middle), Chair, and other commissioners at a meeting of JCOPE in Albany June 7, 2012. He has resigned from JCOPE in protest. (Photo courtesy: Times Union).
end product as being merit-based. SAT: Cuomo Is Open to Tweaks in Ethics Panelreports New York Times. Is that a fallout from your criticism? Ravi Batra: Its delightful that the statutory and operational defects that I identified during my tenure and in my resignation letter, along with clear remedies, has informed the political process for the need to make serious and significant changes so that the chances of further public deception is reduced and public ethics not be a farce. The recent Suffolk County Ethic Commission experience, documented by a Grand Jury Report released by DA Tom Spota is quite instructive on not permitting an Ethics Commission to become a political tool. SAT: Governor Cuomo was pressuring JCOPE to probe the Vito Lopez case, what is wrong with that? Ravi Batra: Everyone has a right to an opinion and to be able to say it. That is a far cry from taking a gun, the Moreland Act powers, and enslave JCOPE to do his bidding when he himself is subject to the commissions jurisdiction, and by doing so makes himself exempt. Can a person, no matter how powerful, put a gun to a judge's head and ask her to sign an Order and expect society to honor such an order? No, its illegal for lacking the predicate independence, and may be a crime. I, as a JCOPE commissioner read press reports alleging ungentlemanly misconduct, hush money being paid and public money being used to settle private misconduct. Imagine the investigation I would have started. I had already reserved my right to sue JCOPE for illegally changing the effective date of the source funding disclosure law by one month so as to unlawfully cloak six months worth of disclosure by 501C4s. I didn't need any lessons from our great governor on how to do the job of a JCOPE commissioner. Of course, my resignation is a huge benefit to those who are enemies of transparency, even when the law requires it. Disinfectant sunshine isn't sought by those who are about to be disinfected. SAT: Why did Governor Cuomo criticize you on David Patersons radio show? Ravi Batra: You would have to ask the sitting and prior governor why they decided to violate the independence of a JCOPE commissioner, and seek to either enslave or cause a resignation, and in so doing cause me to have the right to file a complaint against them for inter alia, violation of the Public Officers Law with JCOPE. Ironic isn't it. The criminal law of extortion, similarly, is a thing of beauty for it has much irony in it SAT: What issue you have had with David Paterson, that prompted you to also resign from IOLA. Ravi Batra: None prior to September 7. He was always extremely warm and publicly affectionate. But, that was before he became a self-described soldier when Gov. Cuomo appointed him to the MTA Board. His sarcasm on the air required a public rebuke. He got a small taste. However, since he had appointed me (to IOLA) and I wanted to give him a public rebuke, I rejected such appointment by resignation and said so. That he had gotten to serve almost eight months as a governor in 2010 due to my timely and critical intervention to give him due process as my letter-affidavit makes clear, only added to my inability to tolerate
SATimes: So, what impact your resignation from JCOPE has had so far? Ravi Batra: The public knows the truth, and that I would not serve on "bent knee" when I am legally authorized to be independent and impartial. That no one can legally enslave those who sit in judgment without making the ethics regime a farce and a public deception. I have gotten a lot of support not only from my friends and references, but even strangers and society leaders. While I may have felt what Gov. Cuomo felt about the investigation, and perhaps, even more of what needed to be done, he lacked the right to whip JCOPE as he did and still expect the public to accept its
Ravi Batra quits story Continued from page 1 gations againstAssemblyman Vito J. Lopez, and the use of public money by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to settle with two alleged victims. For Batra, Cuomos threat was tantamount to political interference in the commissions work. On Monday, he sent an 8-page letter to the governor in which he stated the commissions functioning was lacking in basic integrity.
Noted for his eloquence and colorful metaphors, Batra compared his experience as a JCOPE commissioner to watching a glorious diamond being crushed by a s l e d g e h a m m e r. I r o n i c a l l y, JCOPE was created by Cuomo himself last year to have oversight over both the Executive and Legislative branches and to restore public trust in government by ensuring compliance with the State's ethics and lobbying laws, regulations, and guidance.
such base and rank behavior, unworthy of a gentleman. That I had publically voted, again alone, against funding Vito Lopez-founded Ridgewood Bushwick due to then pending federal and city investigations was made very difficult because Gov. Cuomo's administration during such time had given almost 3/4 million dollars; so, if its good enough for NYS to give money, why not IOLA. So, I've stood up to Vito Lopez and supported the law long before. To JCOPE and the governor's desire to investigate Lopez. SAT: In essence, you resigned from JCOPE because Gov Cuomo was trying to make it his handmaiden? Ravi Batra: To allow a sitting Governor to sledgehammer JCOPE's essential independence, a body that he is subject to, was beyond the pale. I will not serve on "bent knee." The product of such a smashed body, like an order signed by a judge who had a gun to his head, isn't worth the paper its written on. SAT: So, youd stick to your thriving legal practice? To enter politics? Or something else? Ravi Batra: Idealism can be practiced anywhere, all the time. The status of private citizen, endowed with constitutional rights and the honor of being an Officer of the Court, the Third Branch of government which has the last word in our separation of powers regime, is a pretty cool and lofty place to be. I enjoy maximum freedom and independence, and have the power of the law to invoke when appropriate and just. A lawman; what is better than that? I walked on the peak of Mount Olympus and found it corrupt and corruptible, despite so many good and honorable people trying to do right. Main Street is real and more honest, for you can better tell a piece of glass from a diamond, but it takes longer on the peak of Mount Olympus given the fog, be it by deception or by misrepresentation. The future will be whatever the Almighty decrees a la "man proposes and God laughs." All I can do is walk humbly with my God and stand tall with my fellow man, no matter how powerful. SAT: You have seen American politics and lobbying from close quarters. How widespread is corruption here, and how different from the way it is in India? Ravi Batra: India's corruption is a misnomer, for if India would just pass the necessary laws allowing for political campaign contributions and lobbying, what is now deemed corrupt would become instantly legal, at least 80-90 percent. There is a limited amount of corruption that is based upon an individual's defective
moral compass. All you can do is prosecute and hope its US Attorney Preet Bharara on society's side. Here, where we have all the laws needed, any corruption is unacceptable and ought to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. America has the mantle of being the best nation on earth, and for good reason. No nation has as its root the Declaration of Independence and that unique document of unparalleled genius, the Constitution and its separation of powers regime. It is no accident that the sole goal of separation of powers is to create greater independence, so one may dissent. American exceptionalism is due to its architectural embrace of dissent, knowing that it promotes excellence and greater certainty. I honored the Constitution, and rebuked the illegal abuse of power to achieve political goals rather than an investigation that was fact-driven with due deliberation and independent judgment. A public lynching is really out of fashion, even though a 24 hours news cycle accidentally pushes society towards it. Smart politicians understand that they can ride a tsunami of public attention and collective distaste and wipe out their political enemies or subjugate them, much like tsunami waters wash away civilization's footprint. But, it isn't right. SAT: Earlier you resigned as Special Counsel to Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano over conflict of interest, reportedly without pay Ravi Batra: I never billed, and hence, the taxpayers never had to pay. Whatever discussions I had with CE Mangano, however, are still covered by the confidentiality privilege. SAT: The news reports about your resignation, while calling you outspoken and colorful, also refer to your links earlier to jailed Brooklyn politician Clarence Norman. Ravi Batra: Some of the people we walk life with fall from grace. Unless and until one was involved in the act that causes another to fall from grace, then such falling cannot be used to malign the one uninvolved. So, while Clarence fell from grace and paid his debt to society, it has nothing to do with me other than the sadness to see a friend in such a situation.All one can do is to be lawful and have personal integrity that is unshakeable. SAT: How long it took you to write the over 3400-word resignation letter! Ravi Batra: About 20 hours between Sunday and Monday. One owes the future New Yorkers and historians critical attention to detail, as this will be part of New York States history in our state Archives.
India TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Federal Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal startling allegation that Jaiswal had "cleared allocation of three coal blocks with one hour and seven minutes of taking charge as union coal minister".
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India TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The Samajwadi Party claims to have sown the seeds of Third Front
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi him say (anything) about the coalgate. That's why Brand Rahul does not exist," Rudy said. The BJP spokesperson added that whether Gandhi, 42, should assume a bigger role in the Congress was for the Congress party to decide. "When person is not fit at 42, (based on) what assessment will he be fit at 52? One does not know... Congress has to decide," Rudy said. On what kind of fitness he was referring to, Rudy said: "Political, administrative and mental (fitness)". It has been speculated that Gandhi would assume a larger role in the Congress and the government, or both, in coming days to improve the party's electoral prospects in the 2014 general elections.
India TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Another protest, Current times worse than emergency: now against Advani Kudankulam N-plant
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani has come out in support of Aseem Trivedi, saying the act of jailing the cartoonist for an allegedly seditious work had made him wonder if the current political set up was "worse even than the emergency?" Advani, in a blog post, said he has "always regarded the emergency period 1975-77 as the worst in so far as suppression of civil liberties and freedom of expression were concerned". "But seeing what has happened to political cartoonist and anticorruption crusader Aseem Trivedi, I have started wondering: Is today's political set up worse even than the emergency?" Advani said the "draconian mindset of the present rulers is born out of failure and desperation"."Dictatorships cannot afford laughter because people may laugh at the dictator, and that would not do. In all the years of Hitler, there never was a good comedy, not a good cartoon, not a parody, not a spoof." he said.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Chennai: Hundreds of people from Tamil Nadu's Idinthakarai village, the epicenter of the protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), stood in the sea water to give expression to their anger at moves to load uranium fuel in one of the two reactors. Forming a human chain in the sea, the villagers from around the Kudankulam nuclear plant followed a similar 'jal satyagraha' in Madhya Pradesh against the Omkareshwar Dam on the Narmada. India's atomic power plant operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) is building two 1,000 MW reactors with Russian help at Kudankulam since 2001.Villagers under the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) banner have opposed the project for the past one year, fearing for their safety.
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Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Ideally, the PMO should have treated the Washington Post profile with a sense of dignified detachment and not felt compelled to issue any clarification he attributed to Guha and Baru were, in fact, first published in the Caravan magazine last year. The newspaper has since carried a correction acknowledging that "An earlier version of this article failed to credit the Caravan, an Indian magazine, for two statements that it originally published in 2011. The assertion by Sanjaya Baru, a former media adviser, that Singh had become an object of ridicule and endured the worst period in his life, first appeared in the Caravan, as did an assertion by Ramachandra Guha, a political historian, that Singh was handicapped by his timidity, complacency and intellectual dishonesty. While both men told The Post that the assertions could accurately be attributed to them, the article should have credited the Caravan when it used or paraphrased the remarks." The profile even resorts to cheap
shots such mentioning how Dr. Singh's detractors put their mobile phones on 'Manmohan Singh mode', as in the silent mode. While the joke is clearly funny, its place in a serious profile in a serious newspaper about a serious man is questionable. However, it is not the content of Denyer's article, such as it is, that is the issue but the way some functionaries of the Indian government went about trying to counter it. India's Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni seemed exercised enough to say that she would take up the publication of the profile with the external affairs ministry ostensibly to find ways to correct the misimpressions created by it. But Soni's comments were unfairly conflated by the broadcast media to say that the Indian government was demanding an apology for the piece when that was not the case. Then came a poorly crafted letter from Pankaj Pachauri, the communications adviser to the PMO, to Denyer which accused him of "unethical and unprofessional conduct". On the face of it there was nothing even remotely unethical or unprofessional about Denyer's conduct, at least until it was pointed out that he did not bother to say
that the Baru-Guha comments were dated and taken from another publication. That certainly opened him to criticism but Pachauri did not know about it at the time he sent his rejoinder. In any case, that does not materially change the fact that the PMO handled the whole affair poorly. Ideally, the PMO should have treated the Post profile with a sense of dignified detachment and not felt compelled to issue any clarification. Other than disputing on factual grounds via the finance ministry assertions by the newspaper's that the rupee has "collapsed", it serves no purpose getting into a slanging match with a journalist over such routine stories. The PMO rejoinder is in keeping with how quickly the Indian establishment bristles at slights in the Western media when the more mature response would be to dismiss it as unworthy of their attention. In the end, whether the prime minister is a silent tragic figure who is also "a dithering, ineffectual bureaucrat presiding over a deeply corrupt government" is largely still a matter of opinion. In this particular debate, it needs no stating who has the more difficult job - the prime minister or a journalist?
Interview
n an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna talks about the road ahead in India, Pakistan dialogue process, issues that confront the relationship and how New Delhi intends to deal with them. The minister was in Pakistan to review the dialogue process with his counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar. Excerpts: Q: The resumed India-Pakistan dialogue process was aimed at reducing the trust deficit and normalizing the ties between the two countries? As you prepare for your meeting with your counterpart in Islamabad to take stock of the ongoing talks, in your assessment, how fruitful this exercise has been? S.M. Krishna: Dialogue is the best way to resolve issues between two sides. We have travelled some distance since our bilateral dialogue was resumed in February
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar 2011. There has been some about how to resolve these difficult progress in the area of economic issues. Q: The Pakistan leadership has and commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges, high praise for Prime Minister including people-to-people con- Manmohan Singh-for his vision tacts. In other areas like terrorism, for the region, his innovative much more needs to be done and approach towards dealing with there are challenges that exist but India-Pakistan relationship. Are that shouldn't deter us from talking you hopeful that Prime Minister
would be able to visit Pakistan this year? S.M. Krishna: The Prime Minister has been very clear on this issue. He has accepted the invitation to visit Pakistan at an appropriate time. He would like a well-prepared visit, which may have suitable outcomes. Q: We hear of so much about "suitable outcomes" that would warrant a PM visit to Pakistan? Why New Delhi insisting on big takeaways, considering there have been many Indian PM visits to Pakistan and we are still stuck on all the core issues? Or 26/11 Mumbai attack made things very difficult for when you think of Indian prime minister visiting Pakistan? S.M. Krishna: I don't think Prime Minister is making his visit conditional on any big takeaways as you call it. All he is saying is that for a visit of such importance the time and atmosphere has to be appropriate, and the visit has to be
well prepared keeping outcomes in mind. Q: It seems President Asif Ali Zardari is keen on the urgent resolution of the Siachen issue? Is India game on that considering it would be a great "take away" for him? And are you still following a step-by step approach to the dialogue process or do you think time has to come to address the core issues, which many would say, is necessary for restoring the trust between the two countries? S.M. Krishna: We are committed to resolving all outstanding issues between the two countries through dialogue. We are convinced that for the normalization of relations between our two countries a step-by-step graduated approach is the most realistic one. Given the complexities of the issues involved, we have to move forward by tackling the 'doables' first and at the same time continuing with our sincere efforts to resolve the more intractable issues.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
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he famed Harvard Business School (HBS) has done a case study on Indian film production company Excel Entertainment, the banner behind movies like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Rock On!!" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara". The company, co-owned by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, is the centre of a case study, which will be taught to second year MBA students at HBS in early 2013. Confirming the development, Sidhwani said: "It's a huge honor for any organization." Earlier this year, Sidhwani was invited to speak at the Harvard India Conference 2012, held at the university's campus in Boston. His talk gave them a good insight, and they decided to take it further by doing a case study.Mukti Khaire, associate professor at HBS flew down to Mumbai from Boston for a week and was the faculty lead on the case. Khaire worked closely with Namrata Arora, associate director, Harvard University South Asia Initiative, during the case-writing process on Excel Entertainment.
Samar, as suggested by first look pictures from the film's shooting in Ladakh in the Jammu and Kashmir region.The crew has also shot in London and were shooting in the scenic Kashmir Valley till last week. The film's poster gives a sneak peek into Katrina's feminine look in the film, while it shows Anushka as a rough and tough girl, riding a bike. Shah Rukh sports two looks - a romantic, clean shaven hero look, and another, a grungy, bearded look. "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" has also brought together the award-winning pair of A.R. Rahman and Gulzar, who are said to have created some wonderful and poetic music for this romantic film. The movie is set to release this Diwali.
ollywood actress Halle Berry, who is draped in a bright red sari in her upcoming film 'Cloud Atlas', says she is fascinated with Indian culture and wants to know it better. "India is a fascinating country with myriad layers in it. I want to take a step towards learning more about one of the oldest cultures in the world. I have many Indian friends and it's fascinating to hear their stories of ancient India," Berry said in a statement. For a scene in "Cloud Atlas", an adaptation of the eponymous 2004 novel by David Mitchell, the actress she dressed in a traditional Indian way. Her look is complete in a sari, and she also wears bangles, with henna applied on her palms. "Cloud Atlas" is written and directed by Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski along with Tom Tykwer. It is the story of humankind in which the actions and consequences of everyone's lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future.
oodoo karle saajwill never know. Presiding Review over the ritual of unmitigated na..." If your career starts to slip up, have no fear. Consult evil is Satan in human form living in a slum God. If He lets you down, consult his nearest that would give Danny Boyle an orgasm, wearrival Satan. Shake hands and even bed the ing a suit that has seen better days, sitting on a devil, and you have an ally to work on your forlorn chair parked in ankle-deep water. This, I guess, is apocalypse in the other enemy.So now we know why actresses in Bollywood can't get along. They are too busy world. Hell, director Vikram Bhatt even throws sticking needles into one another's careers to in two seances where our hero - weak vulnerafocus on their own. Shanaya (Bipasha Basu), ble ineffectual and uncertain as only Emraan we are told at the outset without wasting time, Hashmi can be, enters to save Sanjana who is is a top-notch actress on the downslide. Instead under a satanic attack. The jealous Shanaya unleashes what could of drowning her defeat in drinks, she decides to smother her nearest rival, the upcoming comfortably be called an orgy of gory violence Sanjana's (Esha Gupta) career, using her direc- on the other actress. If this is what the fear of tor-lover Aditya as a bait.Writer Shagufta failure does, then success be damned! It's Bipasha who holds together the feverish Rafique's screenplay is more of scream-play. The two actresses between them scream their proceedings. She delivers a full-bodied gutsy lovely lungs out, as hands pop out of graves to performance. Pulling out all stops she plays the lunge at shapely throats. Mirrors are broken devil-woman out to kill competition by hook or and used to pierce satanic casualties and to by crook, pouring her soul into her character, track down ghouls which appear only in mirror making Shanaya's desperation her own.It is a images. Just where Vikram Bhatt gets all this brave and fearless performance conveying the information on the dark side of the moon, we trauma of a floundering career.
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Saif and Kareena may get married on October 16 edding preparations have begun in full swing for Saif Ali Khan's impending marriage with Kareena Kapoor. Sharmila Tagore, who had announced the wedding date as October 16, has started sending out the invites. Sharmila Tagore had disclosed to Mid Day last month that the wedding will be attended by close family members only and the ceremonies will be held in Delhi and Mumbai. Rumours about Copacabana or Maldives being the wedding venue were put to rest. Kareena will be wearing Sharmila's bridal Sharara on her wedding day and is expected to wear Manish Malhotra's creations
crore of rupees was a distant dream for Manoj Kumar Raina, who was uprooted from the Kashmir Valley when militancy broke out in 1989. But the dream has turned into reality with his participation in game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati 6" (KBC-6), and now the Indian Railways employee wants to rebuild his house in his scenic hometown of Chowgam. "I feel I am in seventh heaven," Raina gushed with excitement. He has his reasons - he is the first contestant from Kashmir to be in the hot seat, he has won a Rs.1 crore, met his favourite actor, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and is now capable of re-building his house in the Kashmir Valley,
which he left over two decades back due to the turmoil there. "My house in the Kashmir Valley was destroyed during the militancy. We were forced to leave the place, and since 1990, I've been living in Jammu. Ever since then, I have wanted to make a house in Kashmir, and that's what I want to do with the money I have won," said the Kashmiri pandit, who also wants to also help others of his tribe, in whatever little way he can. In Jammu, the 48-year-old lives with his parents, wife and has a 10-year-old son. His family accompanied him to the sets of KBC, an experience which will remain with him for a lifetime, he says.
for other ceremonies. "We are yet discussing what functions she's going to have. Just the other day I was at her house and I was discussing with her. So it's on the way," the designer had said during Delhi Couture Week last month. Saif and Kareena have been dating for five years now. The couple had officially declared that they will tie the knot in the beginning of 2012 after the release of their film Agent Vinod but that was postponed. The 41-year-old actor has two children, son Ibrahim and daughter Sara, from his previous marriage to actress Amrita Singh. The actress, too, dated Shahid Kapoor for three years before committing to the Nawab of Pataudi.
Interview
the movie not performing well," he added. After wielding the megaphone for iconic films like "Arth", "Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin" and "Murder", Bhatt has moved away from direction to pave way for new and budding directors. "Every filmmaker has his unique style of directing and as easy as it is for audiences to get accustomed to his style, it is equally easy for them to get weary of it. The industry is evolving and we need fresh and young talent who relate to today's fast moving times," he said.
The 63-year-old, who now mostly oversees the production department of his banner Vishesh Films, feels youngsters bring fresh perspectives and ideas in the style of filmmaking. "Youth today has the thirst to sell movies with fresh ideas, technical know-how and they bring their fresh perspectives and ideas in their style of filmmaking. So, we should give newcomers more opportunities to present their ideas," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I will write, only when there is a unique demand. But on the whole, I am handing everything over to the creative director," he added.
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Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto is honored by Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Stephen Bucaria.
Bobby Kumar Kalotee is honored, seen flanked by Supervisor Venditto and Justice Bucaria.
The award for Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was accepted on his behalf by Kamlesh Mehta, Director of Business and Economic Development in the County, as well as a convener of IDPUSA. Singh Taneja. Among the judges from the supreme, district, family and appellate and division courts and candidates for judgeship were Francis Ricigliano, Stephen Bucaria, Sheri Roman, Andrea Phoenix, Robert Spergel, David Sullivan, Hope Zimmerman, William OBrien, Leslie Stein, Anthony Paradiso, Sandy Pardes, Douglas Lerose, Andrew Engel and Rich Porcell. IDP USAs lead sponsors, Harry Singh of Bolla Oil, Patel Brothers and Bolly Arts were recognized for their outstanding support. Dance performances by Bolly Arts rounded off the Gala Dinner as the celebration of success continued and was promised for years to come.
Bobby Kumar posing in a group after he was honored with a gold medal besides the 'Jewel of India in USA' award.
IDPUSA conveners and organizers - some with their spouses - posing for a group picture.
Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee Friday asked the youth of the Indian diaspora to learn about India, its traditions and thought process and to use the knowledge for the betterment of the global community at large. Speaking to a group of Indian youth diaspora attending the 'Know India Program' (KIP) of the ministry of overseas Indian affairs (MOIA) here, Mukherjee said they were fortunate to learn from their Indian ancestors the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is a family). Answering questions from participants at Rastrapati Bhavan, the president emphasized the importance of values for the youth and said: "We are fortunate to have learnt from our ancestors the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." Naming Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi as contemporary exponents of the ancient philosophy, Mukherjee said the same is enshrined in the Indian constitution, which has been described as a 'Magna Carta' for the socio-economic transformation of a large majority of
President Pranab Mukherjee with participants of Know India Program in New Delhi
the human race. Describing the Indian constitution as a living document, which is operationalized every day through statecraft, he pointed out how India has been empowering people through legislations such as the Right to Information, Right to Education and Right to Food, which entrusted a tremendous amount of responsibility on the government. The president asked the youth attending the 21st edition of KIP to "always keep in mind India's unity amidst extraordinary diversity, economic goal of inclusive growth and the fact that the key to attaining inclusive growth is
The president said every modern nation is a product of assimilation and India has led in civilizational interaction with other parts of the world. The 21st edition of three-week KIP has participants of Indian origin from 11 countries such as New Zealand, Surinam, Malaysia, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Iran, Slovak Republic and Israel. All are in the 18-26 age group. KIP's objective is to introduce India to the youth of Indian origin living abroad and to link the youth diaspora with their country of origin. Under the present edition, the participants will visit Tamil Nadu to see and experience historical, cultural, industrial and administrative institutions. They will also interact with the Indian media, visit NGOs and women's movements. The first leg of this edition of KIP began on Aug 29 and ended with the participants' interaction with Mukherjee. The visitors will visit their host state from Sep 8 to 15 and return to the national capital to share their experiences with the MOIA officials from Sep 16 to 18.
Canada's Governor-General David Johnson (left) presented Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal to Sultan Jessa (right) at a ceremony in Ottawa Sep 10 He moved to Canada in 1973 and started working for Standard-Freeholder, a news-
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Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info
In Karachi, there were so many bodies sent to hospitals that there was not enough space for them at the mortuaries
Shakil Afridi the family compound in Abbottabad. Sample analysis confirmed the terror chief was probably there and triggered the deadly mission by US Navy SEALS in May last year. Pakistani officials felt the operation was a violation of the country's sovereignty. After the raid, Afridi was arrested for conspiring against Pakistan, and last month jailed for 33 years. The doctor also pointed out that the ISI helps fund the Haqqani network and spy agency also works against the US by preventing the CIA from interrogating militants captured by Pakistan, who are routinely released to return to Afghanistan to continue attacks on NATO forces there.
Manmohan Singh is keen to go. But if he goes without progress on the 26/11 trial, he will be in trouble at home, say analysts deliverable that could justify the trip. A final decision on the trip will be taken after an assessment by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), based on External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna's report about his three-day visit last week and Pakistan's subsequent actions on the
International TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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President Barack Obama said he strongly condemned the killings media reports. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the attack "in the strongest terms". She said she had called Libyan President Mohamed Yusuf al-Magariaf "to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya". Clinton identified a second victim as Sean Smith, a Foreign Service information management officer who was a 10-year veteran of the State Department, a husband and a father of two. The two other victims have not been named. Libya's Deputy Interior Minister Wanis al-Sharif said an "angry crowd" marched on the US compound Tuesday, furious about an American-produced online film considered offensive to Muslims, CNN reported. Consulate security staff opened fire after they heard gunfire outside the mission, al-Sharif said. "This led to more anger and this is when the consulate was stormed," he said, suggesting that people loyal to Gaddafi were aiming to create chaos among the protesters.
Analysts have forecast sales of 10 million to 12 million of the new iPhones in this month
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Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info
If federal budget negotiations fail, the economy will go back into recession and drive unemployment up presidential elections. A year ago, gling over raising the US debt Moody's cut its outlook on US limit led the nation to the brink of debt to "negative", which acts as a default. warning that it might downgrade Rival agency Standard & Poor's the rating, after partisan wran- took the drastic step of stripping
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UK's Cambridge, which was top last year, stood second and Harvard University ranked third could deter some from applying to UK universities. Just 40% of UK employers agreed visa regulations had helped them hire international graduates - globally the figure was 70% said Sowter. The UK government has been widely criticized by MPs within the past week for tightening the student-visa system. The QS rankings rate the world's top 400 universities.
emittances to India surged to $66.13 billion in 2011-12 as compared to $55.62 billion in the previous year, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said. Remittance flow has risen consistently in the last three years. In 2009-10, total remittance flow to India through private transfers was $53.63 billion, Ravi said in a written reply in parliament. Referring to a study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the minister said Gulf countries accounted for 27 percent of total remittance inflows to India during the first half of
2009-10. Ravi said the government has launched an initiative called "Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana" to help in resettlement of the overseas Indians. "By providing a co-contribution from the government, this scheme encourages and enables overseas Indian workers to save for their return and resettlement and to save for their old age. This also provides a free life insurance cover against natural death during the period of coverage, under the scheme," he said.
Larsen & Toubro is ranked ninth in Forbes' list um. These were: How well companies leverage people, process, and philosophies, differentiates the best in class from the next in class when it comes to keeping innovation alive and delivering an innovation premium year after year. Forbes also featured S.D. Shibulal, cofounder and CEO of Infosys (#19 this year; #15 last), calling him "both observer and experimenter." In his 30 years at Infosys Shibulal says "
Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Chennai: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni says that Yuvraj Singh can draw confidence from his performance against New Zealand in Twenty20 as he made a return to international cricket after a grim battle with rare germ cell cancer. In his first international match in 10 months, Yuvraj bowled two overs for 14 runs and struck an aggressive 34 off 26 balls at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. India though lost the match by one run but Dhoni was happy with the way Yuvraj made his return to international cricket. Dhoni feels the game will give Yuvraj the much needed confi-
Yuvraj bowled two overs for 14 runs and struck an aggressive 34 off 26 balls gives us the right kind of balance we need," he said. Dhoni also said that Yuvraj's left-arm spin brings a variation to
the bowling attack. "Of course he is not someone who will bowl all four overs in a T20 game but I can use his variations. If you see our bowling line up, we have to play with four specialist bowlers and the fifth bowler will be all these part timers," he said. Dhoni said it is time for Yuvraj to forget everything about his ailment. "Once you go onto the field you don't think about all these things. I have always believed that if some of these things happen, you should try to keep it simple. You will get in and play big knocks. We all know his batting is among the best in the world so I am really happy for him," he said.
Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan with Sachin Tendulkar a brilliant record he has. Would he not want to?" Imran said what worries him is whether Tendulkar can perform to the best of his potential. "Again I put myself in that position, my greatest worry was that I would not be able to perform best to my abilities. So people will not remember me for when I was at the peak but when I was leaving my career," he said.
New Delhi: Seven-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Robert Horry said three-a-side is the way to promote the game in India. The 42year-old Horry is here in India to promote NBA 3X presented by Sprite to help the sport grow in the country. "The three-on-three game is fun and fast too. I think it is the way to get individuals to understand the game. It is a more of a competitive way to play the game. "I think this is the basis from where it should be carry forward. Basketball Federation of India has taken an aggressive approach and this is the first step," said Horry, who has played 16 seasons in the NBA for four difference teams and winning with three. "These clinics which are being conducted are not a major ones but small to learn the basics. It is a platform from where you can take it forward," added Horry. Horry said of whatever Indian basketball he has seen he believes that they are competi-
tive. "I recently saw some basketball in Bangalore and I think they are very competitive and play very hard. If they have the passion then they can go forward. "The main problem is they don't put in the time. You need to put in a lot more time to keep getting better and be aggressive and passionate simultaneously about the game," said Horry, who won the NBA championship with Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. "The players here have to put in a lot of time. Not just three-six years. I was seven when I started and was 21 when I made it into the NBA. It is not an overnight sensation. They have not been playing that long competitively. On the topic of when an Indian will make it into the NBA he said: "I can't tell you." Horry, however, said that teenager Satnam Singh Bhamara, who is being tipped to be the first India, who can make it big, has a lot of potential.
Andy Murray is the first British man to win a Grand Slam title in 76 years in 1936. The defeat cost Djokovic heavy. Had he won he would have collected $2.9 million payout instead of the $1.45 million runner-up cheque as he would have pocketed $1 million bonus for leading the US Open series.Murray earned $1.9 million, bringing his career prize money to more than $23 million. Now Murray has a Grand Slam as well, moving past Nadal to become the ATP World Tour's third-ranked player.
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great critic of the Indian bureaucratic system, to get his mission achieved, especially when the situation so warranted, he skilfully used them against their political masters. Whenever he found any obstruction to his proposal from the bureaucratic system, he used his political contacts for its clearance. Managers in the public sector delivery system sometimes faced undue political pressures, which do reflect on their functioning. Dr Kurien, however, ensured that his managers were protected, whenever similar situations arose in NDDB. Though Dr Kurien was known for his authoritative style of functioning, he always delegated greater responsibility to his subordinates and ensured their smoother functioning. The liquid milk marketing in the Indian metro and major cities by the formal sector was initially a big task. These markets used to be commanded by the informal sector, consisting of milk dwellers/khattal owners and private milk traders. Several attempts were made through legislations to remove city milk dwellers/khattal owners in India but they failed due to inadequate milk supply from the formal milk sector - there was also political patronage. Being an ace marketer, Dr Kurien thought of a way to resolve the problem - a market milk intervention program at the nation level would be the better solution. He, therefore, established a national milk grid, under the Operation Flood program. Through the milk
Dr Kurien had started his stint with the co-operative sector from Amul Dairy in 1949. This is the ad Amul released on the occasion of his 90th birthday a few months ago. Now they plan to set up a memorial in his name Operation Flood Programme (OFP). He believed that the rural development process required professional transformation. With this vision in mind, he not only succeeded in establishing the Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) but also created several grassroots institutions especially to provide skill-oriented training. Amongst these, Tribhuvan Das Foundation was a landmark. Dr Kurien had a unique style of public management. Though he was known to be a
grid he ensured that surpluses from higher milk produce areas reached deficit areas. At the demand side, he established Mother Dairy and bulk vending system which could deliver loose hygienic milk at a reasonable price to the urban consumers in competition with the loose milk supplied by city milk dwellers/khattal owners. Dr Kurien was a great believer in innovation. Amongst his several initiatives, the development of the automatic milk bulk vending system to compete with the urban liquid milk dwellers was exemplary! It was re-engineered from a similar loose (pasteurized) liquid milk supply system established by M/s Conosupo, in Mexico. The vending system was invented originally by M/s Rowe International of USA. The re-engineered Indian bulk vending system was established as more functional and economical than the original system! With the development of the automatic milk bulk vending system, the ther Dairy concept was shaped, focusing the perception of supplying the purest form of mother's milk to her children. The whole re-engineering exercise finally led to an innovation of a branded hygienic loose (unpacked) city milk supply system, in India! I met Dr. Kurien last a few months ago during his 90th birthday celebration organized by the Karnataka Milk Federation in Bangalore. Though he was physically not well, his mind still sparkled. Animesh Banerjee is advisor, dairy food sector, former executive director of NDDB and president of the Indian Dairy Industry.
daipur is vying along with Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka as the likely venue for a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) that would cost Rs 1,400 crore ($ 250) million, out of which $150 million will be spent during the 12th five year plan. The US LIGO Laboratory and Indias Indian Initiative in Gravitational Observations (IndIGO) are jointly working on a plan to create a world-class gravitational wave detector in India. The Inter University Centre of Astronomy & Astrophysics at Pune has sent a team to Udaipur. Prof Syed Nissar Ali Jaffery of Mohan Lal Sukhadia Universitys Laser center, who is a visiting associate scientist at the Pune center, took the visiting team to Ogana, Entally, Gogunda and Rashmi, identified as ideal locations for the observatory. The team is led by Sharda Gaokar, former deputy director general of Geological Survey of India. LIGO's mission is to directly observe gravitational waves of cosmic origin. These waves were first predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity in 1916, when the technology necessary for their detection did not yet exist. Direct detection of gravitational waves is the basics of setting up an observatory. Its location is crucial as it has to be free from earthquakes. The site should be far away from airports, railway stations or highways. It should be located in a forest area with almost
Aerial view of LIGO facility in Livingston, Louisiana, in USA. zero noise. The area should be least inhabited by human beings. We showed the places in Udaipur after ascertaining a few basic facts, said Prof Jaffery. The placement of this detector in India will greatly enhance a wide network of detectors in the US, Europe, and Japan to test fundamental physics in the form of Einsteins General Theory of Relativity and to study some of the most unusual astronomical objects in our universe black holes, neutron stars, and supernovas and possibly shed light on the Big Bang theory. The goal of the LIGO Project is to detect and study astrophysical gravitational waves and use data from them for research in physics and astronomy. LIGO will support studies concerning the nature and nonlinear dynamics of gravity, the structures of black holes, and the equation of state of nuclear matter. It will also measure the masses, birth rates, collisions, and distributions of black holes and neutron stars in the universe and probe the cores of supernovae and the very early universe, said Prof
Jaffery. The development of this critical element of a global array of gravitational wave detectors will place India among the nations leading the scientific exploration of this new window to the universe. The advanced interferometer detector located and operated in India will be transformational and rejuvenating for Indian astronomy and gravity research, bringing together the best engineering and physics groups, fostering the research-industry partnership for advanced scientific instrument building and initiating the much needed development of expertise and human resource in many fields relevant to the next generation technology, physics and computation. In July 2011, the IndIGO Consortium became a member of the Gravitational Wave International Committee (GWIC) and in September of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), said Prof Jaffery. Raigarh in Chhattisgarh and two other venues in Andhra Pradesh and in Karnataka are also shortlisted for the observatory. The team would go there also and submit its report. There cannot be any compromise over location as it involves huge investment. I rate the chances of Udaipur getting the observatory 25 percent as I do not know the attributes of the other locations, admitted Prof Jaffery. We wish Udaipur is chosen as a location for LIGO. This would get boost to tourism also as the two LIGI observatories in US attract large number of tourists, said Kamal Bhandari, a hotelier.
Health TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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than $1 billion over the next few years. E cigs, that are widely available in stores and online- are fast catching up as the most popular alternative to traditional ciga-
element responsible for vaporizing the liquid in the cartridge. The vapor resembles smoke. And lastly for the power supply, e- cigarettes have lithium-ion rechargeable battery that powers heating element, airflow sensor and timed cutoff switch to prevent overheating. To date, there are currently 2.5 million
rettes. Ever wondered who invented them? What is in the cigarette? Are they safe? The primitive concept of e cigs can be traced to an idea by Herbert A Gilbert, who in 1963 patented a device which was described as A smokeless non tobacco cigarette by replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air. What we know of today as the modern e cigs was first devised in 2004 by a Chinese pharmacist, Hon Lik. He came up with the idea of using piezoelectric ultrasound emitting element to vaporize a pressurized jet of liquid containing nicotine diluted in a propylene glycol solution, a solvent used in food coloring. This design produces a smoke-like vapor that can be inhaled and provide an effective vehicle for nicotine delivery into the bloodstream via the lungs. He also proposed to use propylene glycol to dilute nicotine in a free base form. The nicotine liquid is placed into a disposable plastic cartridge which serves as a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece. These inventions have laid the basic elements of the present day e cigs. Electronic cigarettes all share three essential components in general- (Nicotine) Cartridge, Atomizer and power supply. Cartridge serves a mouthpiece and usually doubles as a small reservoir holding the liquid nicotine (that is to be vaporized) and propylene glycol. Atomizer, situated in the middle, serves as the heating
e-cigarette users, a figure that is expected to continue to rise considering the past and future projection. Since being introduced to the U.S. in 2007, the e-cig market has been growing at a triple-digit rate. Looking ahead, the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association expects the market to quadruple by the middle of 2014. E cigarette proponents and marketers typically describe the devise as a means to help smokers break their addictions to tobacco. World Health Organization, in response to the e-cigarette marketers who claimed WHO views it as a legitimate nicotine replacement therapy like nicotine gum, lozenges and patches, in September 2008 stated "no rigorous, peer-reviewed studies have been conducted showing that the electronic cigarette is a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy. However WHO does not discount the possibility that the electronic cigarette could be useful as a smoking cessation aid. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) too does not approve the use of e-cigs. According to its 2009 study, known carcinogens were detected into the nicotine-cartridges and there were also concerns it could be mar-
keted to younger people. There are several studies currently in progress on the effects of nicotine vapor both inhaled directly and second hand. However lack of studies on any possible long term health effects caused by ecigs and due to the absence of tobacco content, e-cigs aren't subject to U.S. tobacco laws, which mean they can be purchased without proof of age, especially online. Because e- cigarettes are not regulated, marketers in this relatively new and growing space are benefiting from looser FDA restrictions and are boosting budgets to target their core consumer market which is 30-to-55year-old smokers along with adding a whole new segment youth smokers. Since e-cigs neither produce smoke nor actively utilize fire, they have made their way around the no smoking policy. Instead, marketers use this very policy to promote e-cigs in cities where smoking is banned in outdoor spaces. Marketing veteran Jeffrey Hill, for a leading e-cig company, has gone one step further by selling in bulk to corporations in cities (where smoking in office areas is banned). His pitchemployees who work in tall buildings lose an average 15% of daily efficiency going outside to smoke. The findings are based on his own study. Further, e-cigarettes are not limited like tobacco companies as to where they can advertise. And with the advent of social media, marketers and PR companies are finding it lot easier to reach out to a wider audience. They are getting creative in consumermarketing approach by heightening their online focus with a direct- sales model that incentivizes consumers to promote the brand via outlets such as Facebook and earn commission on sales. Unable to market using search tools from Google, Bing or Yahoo because of anti-tobacco policies are no deterrent for e-cig promoters; instead they are investing in peer to peer marketing, thanks to online forums, blogs, and other social media platforms. Promoters are targeting the non-smokers by communicating product's attributes, such as having U.S. ingredients, which they think could be a huge selling point from the safety perspective.
Whereas so called antioxidants might protect against it. Researchers investigated whether the serum-levels (blood levels) of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene as well as lycopene and coenzyme Q10 are significantly lower in the blood of AD-patients, the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports.
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Interview TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Suraj Sharma, a student in Delhi, with no previous acting experience, plays Pi. after this film. Like, I went there as a 16-yearold boy. Now, sometimes I feel like I am 40 years old and my perception about the world has changed completely. "I have realized that the world is this open place with opportunities. Now I know how to deal with situations in a better way and I can work five times harder without it affecting me because I have already worked like that," he added. Acting was luck by chance for Suraj. It was his younger brother who went to audition for the role and took Suraj along. Little did Suraj
Life of Pi is a novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. The protagonist, Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, an Indian boy explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. He survives 227 days after a shipwreck, while stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. The forthcoming film adaptation is directed by Ang Lee, of Brokeback Mountain fame. know that he would end up auditioning for it himself and bag the role. The story of the film revolves round a teenage boy, who is forced to survive on a lifeboat with a tiger after the ship he was travelling in sinks. Asked how he managed to give the shots with tiger, Suraj said, "...I never acted with a tiger. Ang used to give me an eyeline as in where the tiger would be and how it would move at that point of time; so I used to imagine that in my head and give the shot." The film is complete and is due to hit the screens soon. "I really don't know what to expect. It has not yet sunk in. And the story is such that everybody can come up with their own interpretations because it's open-ended in the end. I just hope that when people leave the hall, they'll feel inspired," Suraj said. Suraj is unsure if he would like to act again, and is now focusing on his studies.
Lifestyle TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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computer is being taught to interpret human emotions based on lip-reading, one which could improve our interaction with these machines and perhaps allow disabled people to use voice synthesizers, more effectively and efficiently. KarthigayanMuthukaruppan of Manipal International University in Selangor, Malaysia, and co-workers have developed a system using a genetic algorithm that gets better and better with each use to match irregular ellipse (lip shapes) fitting equations to the shape of the human mouth displaying different emotions.
They have used photos of individuals from South-East Asia and Japan to train a computer to recognize the six commonly accepted human emotions - happiness, sadness, fear, angry, disgust, surprise - and a neutral expression. The upper and lower lip is each analyzed as two separate ellipses by the algorithm, the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing reported. "In recent years, there has been a growing interest in improving all aspects of interaction between humans and computers especially in the area of human emotion recogni-
Manipal University. Earlier researchers had developed an understanding that allows emotion to be recreated by manipulating a representation of the human face on a computer screen. However, lips remain a crucial part of the outward expression of emotion. The team's algorithm can successfully classify the seven emotions and a neutral expression described. Researchers suggest that initial applications of such an emotion detector might be helping disabled patients lacking speech to interact more effectively with computerbased communication devices, for instance.
er motto is to make Indiainspired fashion popular in the global arena and Indian-American fashion designer ParnaGhose gets another opportunity to do so at at the Couture Fashion Week (CFW), starting Sep 15 in New York, where she will flaunt her bridal collection inspired by "traditional Indian art". "The elegance in traditional Indian arts is timeless and eternal and that is the inspiration behind my collection. Each piece is unique, handcrafted and have meticulous embroideries and embellishments," Ghose, who designs under the label Pure Elegance, said. The 16th season of CFW will take place at Waldorf-Astoria hotel. The three-day event will witness designers from around the world showcasing the latest trend in fashion and accessories. Ghose will showcase her collection on day two of fashion gala. "The collection is soft, elegant and vintage which makes it reminiscent of timeless beauties. It includes a mix of ultra-feminine flowy skirts and dresses in vibrant colors, exquisite fabric, timeless designs that are enhanced with thread, zari and antique zardosi embroidery. I cannot wait to see the girls sashaying down the ramp in lehengas, saris, long anarkali-styled kurtas and churidars," she added.
Parna Ghose The designer, who also showcased at the Dubai Fashion Week and Vancouver Fashion Week, says India's rich fabric is being appreciated around the globe, but 'India Inspired' couture line is yet to get prominence in the world. "India-inspired branded couture is notably absent from the wardrobe of western women today. This is especially remarkable since India's rich fabric, superb artisanship, and century's old tradition is hailed globally. Pure Elegance aspires to bring 'India-inspired' fashion into mainstream," she said. "It also strives to help its clients make a distinct statement about their individuality that is consistent with their values yet contemporary to 'wow' their friends," she added. Known for its traditional ethnic couture and ready-to-wear western designs, Pure Elegance is a SouthAsian fashion brand based in the US.
connections between brain cells and to maintain the blood vessels that supply the brain with blood and oxygen, the journal New Scientist reports. The study suggests that something similar may be happening in Alzheimer's, with a bad diet preventing brain cells from responding properly to insulin. Rats developed Alzheimer's after
being fed a compound that prevented their brains from using insulin, according to the Daily Mail. Suzanne de la Monte, study coauthor from Brown University, US, said: "They were demented. They couldn't learn or remember." When researchers fed healthy men and women fatty and sugary foods for a month, levels of insulin and beta amyloid rose. With rates of diabetes soaring, dementia could be reaching 'epidemic' proportions. The Alzheimer's Society's director of research, professor Clive Ballard said: "One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. Research like this points us in new directions for treatment development."
he is known as textile revivalist and now AnuradhaRamam ventures into silver jewelry designing and says her first ever collection is inspired by ruined monuments of Gujarat and West Bengal."My debut collection is inspired from my travels to lot of ruins and old abandoned havelis, villas and monuments of Jaipur (Rajasthan), Gujarat and West Bengal. I have used old silver to capture the essence of bygone era. By putting a lot of pieces together, I have created one individual piece," Ramam said. Each jewelry item of hers has a story to tell. For instance, one piece is inspired from a 15-year-old tribal girl from Odisha who made a most beautiful flower rangoli. "It was very fascinating to see that show. She created a vibrant rangoli with limited flowers and color. So
every piece tells a story. They are handmade and exclusive," she added. The designer has come up with elegant neck pieces, earrings and rings. "This is my first collection where I am fusing my design and color aesthetic with silver. I have created a couple of neck pieces which are very, very contemporary but steeped in ethnicity. These pieces are very practical and can be worn to work, family function or with daily wear," she said. And no age bar to enjoy her collection as her target buyers are "people who want to make a statement and be different". "My range cuts across all age groups... its timeless! My jewelry is meant for every woman who yearns to be different," she added. The collection begins at the price range of Rs.3,800 and is available at the designer's store.
ing skills and music appreciations classes once in a month over the year," he said. "People can come and enroll their children free of cost. This is also the first interactive education center of Armani anywhere in the world," he added. Armani Junior, a subsidiary of international luxury fashion label Giorgio Armani, has many firsts to offer as it opened doors for the Indian market Sep 1. "A lot of research had to be done before bringing the brand to India. We looked at the fabrics and season in India. As we knew that India is country that has long summer season, so we went for light fabrics. Also the fabrics used are more
durable because I believe that a lot of people in India still hand-wash their clothes rather than machine wash," said Varma. The measurements were also especially taken care of. "We found that the measurement of Indian children is different from those in Europe, so we knew we have to buy slightly larger sizes. But what makes this store different from other stores around the globe, is kids' kurtas," Varma added. Spread in an area of 2,000 sqft, the Delhi store at the DLF EmporioMall, is one of the largest Armani Junior stores in the world and offers everything from shirts, sweatshirts, chinos and jeans to
dresses and skirts for boys and girls. What's new is a range of Armani Junior kurtas. "It was important to create something unique to inspire Indian clientele. I spoke to the design team there and said India is very important market for international brands, so I would like to introduce something new from Armani, specifically for India. So we designed first ever Giorgio Armani kurta," said Varma. "The team has done beautiful black and white children's kurta for kids in the age-group of 6 months to 16 years. Also there is a beautiful Armani logo on it and you would not believe that it's selling like hot cakes," he added.
Suneet Verma has opened the first Armani Junior store in India
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Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info
the wimps among us. The new one, called Morning+ (Morning Plus), detects whether you leave your home on time and, if you do, a sponsor gives you a metaphorical pat on the head by donating one US cent to a charity. The last I heard, from a report on Japanese website erocketnews24, he hadn't found a sponsor yet, so was using his own personal savings, and had donated 320 yen, the equivalent of US$4, to charity. Joke: How do you wake up Lady Gaga? Answer: Po po po poke her face. *-* A shopping mall in China has built a nonmoving escalator. It has glass sides and a black rubber rail but doesn't do anything. People get on the bottom step and just stand there, waiting for the machinery to
clank into action. Even more weird is the fact that it doesn't move makes people feel dizzy and unstable, as if they are about to fall off. I once lived in an ancient apartment block at which you had to pull open the elevator door by yourself. We used to time our friends to see how stupid they were. The record was set by a stockbroker who stood there for three minutes before realising he had to open the door. *-* One evening recently, a snake bit a farmer in a paddy field in Nepal. Mohammed Salmodin went home, got a torch, found the snake and bit it. The snake died, the BBC reported. Of the bite? Or of humiliation? *-* Look! An evil male attacking a poor defenseless woman! A pair of have-a-go heroes stopped their car and leapt out on to the verge. They grabbed the guy to let the woman escape. Which is when they started listening to what he was saying and realized that HE was the innocent victim and SHE was the mugger who had robbed him. This story, which took place in the US state of New Jersey recently, was sent in by a reader to make his point that being male was worse than being female these days. And it arrived as part of a flurry of missives triggered by an earlier assertion by this columnist that being a modern guy sucked. Reader Otis Schindler said men were told to "take it like a man" if they got weepy at women's movies, but he had never heard a women being told to "take it like a woman" at a man's movie. Good point. Christian Fardel said teenage girls were often adorable, but you rarely hear that said about teenage boys. *-* I eventually compiled the notes into a list of:
Clear Advantages Of Being Male: Two pairs of cheap ugly shoes are all you need your whole life. You can say stupid unfeeling things because "he's a guy, what do you expect?" Evil food companies, all run by men, put everything in jars that only males can open. A barber costs a tenth of the price of a hairdresser and does his job in eight minutes. If you get to the age of 30 without being married, no one commiserates. Your name stays the same, however many people you marry. You can buy enough underwear for two years in two minutes from one stall for small change. If your suitcase gets lost, it doesn't matter because you wear the same thing every day anyway. Your entire morning routine takes two minutes, or three if you include a shower. *-* THIS WAS A PRETTY powerful list, so I hoped the guys would have something to match. But scanning all the comments and emails, I found ONLY FIVE items for a list of: Five Clear Advantages Of Being Female 5) You can win a job interview using only your cleavage. 4) You can make infants stop crying by magic. 3) You can change how you look every day. 2) You have a lie detector built into your inner ear. 1) You can get 1,000 hits on YouTube by eating a popsicle. *-* Not bad, guys, but let's face it - the women win this argument, by dint of the simple fact that 6.) Women ultimately win all arguments. (Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller)
President Barack Obama is lifted off the ground by the owner of Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian restaurant during an unannounced stop in Ft. Pierce, Fla.
Astrology
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nother aspect of love is nonviolence. We would never hurt those we love. Similarly, if all creation is one family, how could we be violent to them? We would not want to hurt even the younger brothers and sisters in God, who come in the form of the animals. From Sant Darshan Singh Jis life, we learned the true meaning of being a vegetarian or living on a plant-based diet, a diet based on love for all lower forms of life. Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj himself maintained his vegetarian principles even in the face of working with coworkers who tried to encourage him to eat meat and take alcohol with them. But he lived up to his own principles, and earned not only the respect of his co-workers but inspired many of them to become vegetarian as well. He showed us that vegetarianism was not just a matter of healthy living, but that it was the highest expression of love love for God who created all creatures and love for our younger brothers and sisters in God who also deserved to live out their lives without being killed for their meat. We find that in the past twenty years, the vegetarian principles for which he lived have become acceptable and even recommended by people from all walks of life for their value physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It was due to great Masters such as Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj and Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj that people in the West are slowly accepting vegetarianism as a way of life. The greatest contribution towards a life of love that Sant Darshan Singh Ji made was teaching meditation. From an early age he began meditating under the guidance of his Master, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, and his father, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj. As a young child he had such a high experience at his initiation into the Light and Sound of God that he journeyed to the inner stars. He ultimately attained communion of his soul with God through meditation. As a Master, he then shared the technique for meditation freely with all sincere seekers after Truth so that they, too, could see the inner Light and hear the inner Sound of God, rise above body-consciousness, and traverse the astral, causal, and supracausal realms until finally reaching the
Where can we get the divine wine? The divine wine is spiritual. It is not physical. Because we are accustomed to getting input through our senses, many have not learned to realize the gifts that come to us spiritually because they are subtle. When our inner eye is opened, we can recognize the spiritual wine.
ecstasy and joy can be theirs if they partake of Gods wine. The Cupbearer has opened the Tavern to invite all to drink, free of charge. He does not care whether tipplers are rich or poor, to what religion or country they belong, what color hair, eyes, or skin they have, or what social status they hold. Like any tavern, it is open to all. The Cupbearer does not limit how much anyone wants to drink. They can drink as much as they want, and there is no fee. The Tavern is open twenty-four hours, every day, every week, every month, and every year. The Tavern keeper has no interest in anything but to serve as much of Gods wine as he can to anyone to drink as much as they want. God is eager for all to partake of his store. This is why the ones who have come to earth as Cupbearers to share Gods wine have been tireless, selfless souls who travel the earth ceaselessly to offer this cup to all who want it. We know them as saints, mystics, prophets, or Masters. They pour out without end the divine wine to put the tipplers in ecstasy. Once the tippler is intoxicated, he or she is no longer caught up in the vicissitudes of life. When one is intoxicated, one loses awareness of ones body and surroundings. Unfortunately, worldly wine is such that this loss of awareness can end up hurting others and ones own self because one is no longer fully conscious. But the divine wine makes one super-conscious. Although not aware of our own problems, we are super-aware of the problems and hearts of others. We become even greatest ecstasy. God is the greatest lover. The loves of this world are but reflections. Gods love is so fulfilling, every pore dances in ecstasy. There is so much incredible rapture in Gods love. Our problems melt away in Gods embrace. Where can we get the divine wine? The divine wine is spiritual. It is not physical. Because we are accustomed to getting input through our senses, many have not learned to realize the gifts that come to us spiritually because they are subtle. When our inner eye is opened, we can recognize the spiritual wine. Until then, we need guidance. The Cupbearer, in the form of a Master, teaches us how to drink the spiritual wine. He gives us a taste of it by his divine presence; he is pouring out the wine through his eyes. A peep into the eyes of a Cupbearer draws our soul upwards to the seat of the soul. It provides the soul with an awakening to its own divinity. The magnetic attraction of the Cupbearers eyes pulls the iron filings towards it. This quickening of the soul is uplifting. It gives us our first reminder of the divine Wine on which we once had lived when we were in Gods home, but have since forgotten. He then teaches us how to open the faucet within ourselves so we can drink the divine Wine already within us. The Cupbearer is not the only one with the divine Winewe all have it within us. He just knows how to turn it on. He has come to turn on our own tap so we can drink from that which is already within us. He does this by teaching us meditation at the time of initia-
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