Brilliant Djokovic shatters Nadal to win US Open

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic shrugged off a back scare to defeat defending champion Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-1 to clinch the US Open on Monday, his third Grand Slam title of the year in an epic, brutal final.

The world number one Serb, who had already won the Australian Open before defeating Nadal at Wimbledon, racked up his 64th win against just two losses all year.

But having been just two points from the title in the 12th game of the third set, his dreams were almost shattered when he dropped the set on a tiebreaker and needed a medical time-out on a strained back muscle.

Victory represented the top-seeded, 24-year-old's fourth career Grand Slam trophy after making his breakthrough at the 2008 Australian Open.

Nadal, the second seed, had been hoping to collect his 11th major in his 14th Grand Slam final, but instead slumped to his sixth defeat in six meetings in 2011 against Djokovic.

The red-hot Serb who triumphed in a four-hour, 10-minute final featuring breathtaking shot-making, rock-solid defence, gruelling rallies as well as warnings for both men for taking too long between points.

Victory also allowed Djokovic, now just the sixth man to win three Grand Slams in the same year, to close in further on John McEnroe's 1984 winning record of 82 wins against just three defeats.

Djokovic arrived on court sporting a New York fire department baseball cap, a gesture appreciated by the 23,000 crowd, just a day after the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Despite the tricky, swirling breeze, Nadal was quickly on top, breaking for a 2-0 lead before the Serb hit straight back for 2-1.

Djokovic fought off three more break points in the fourth game and the Spaniard was made to pay when impressive court coverage allowed the Serb to bury a deep forehand to break for a 3-2 advantage.

A hold and another break, aided by two drop shots which left the struggling Nadal stranded at the back of the court, had Djokovic 5-2 ahead.

The Serb comfortably wrapped up the opener in the eighth game -- his six game in succession -- when the second seed netted a backhand as Djokovic again closed in for a volley.

In a carbon copy of the first set, Nadal was 2-0 ahead in the next before a marathon third game, which last just over 17 minutes and two exhausting rallies of 21 and 27 shots, was claimed by Djokovic on a sixth break point.

He did it in real style, too, three times retrieving the ball from the back of the court before Nadal netted a volley.

The Spaniard was becoming increasingly irritated with his inability to sneak away from his opponent as well as constant movement in the stands.

Djokovic held comfortably before breaking a weary Nadal when the Spaniard served a third double fault after a fifth game which featured another punishing rally of 28 shots.

Nadal avoided a double break in the seventh game and his sudden, new injection of confidence pushed him to even the set at 4-4.

But it was another brief respite as back came the Serb with his sixth break of the final for 5-4 which was converted into a two-set lead when Nadal was made to look uncharacteristically heavy-footed as he fruitlessly tried to chase down a blistering Djokovic forehand winner.

In a rollercoaster third set, Djokovic broke for 2-1, Nadal hit back for 2-2, the Serb broke again for 3-2 before Nadal levelled again for 3-3.

Another lengthy rally, this time 31 shots, punctuated the eighth game where Djokovic saved a break point.

The Serb then nipped to 6-5 on his 20th break point of the final and was just two points from the title at 30-30 when Nadal hit back to take the set to the tiebreaker through which he cruised 7/3.

Djokovic then summoned the trainer for treatment on his back strain, but incredibly still managed to break for 2-0 and then 5-1 as Nadal's spirit suddenly wilted under a sustained barrage.

A razor-sharp backhand set-up match point and the title was his with a sweeping, killer forehand

Leila Lopes of Angola is crowned Miss Universe

 SAO PAULO: Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combatting HIV around the globe.

Speaking in a timid voice early Tuesday shortly after taking the crown in South America's largest city, the 25-year-old Lopes said that "as Miss Angola I've already done a lot to help my people."

"I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs," she said. "I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more."

Responding to questions, Lopes said that she has never had cosmetic surgery of any kind and that her three tips for beauty were to get a lot of sleep, use sun block even when it's not sunny and to drink lots of water. She said her smile was her best weapon in the competition.

Asked about racism in light of the fact that she's one of the few blacks ever crowned Miss Universe, Lopes said that "any racist needs to seek help. It's not normal in the 21st century to think in that way."

Lopes is Angola's first winner. She beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the world's biggest beauty pageant. She replaces last year's winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

She deftly handled the interview question that is asked of the remaining top five contestants. She was questioned about what physical trait she would change if she could.

"Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing," Lopes said. "I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."

The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines and the fourth Miss China.

Contestants spent the past three weeks in Sao Paulo, trying to learn samba dance steps, visiting impoverished children and kicking a football around for cameras as the Miss Universe pageant came to Brazil for the first time.

Despite battling against a home country favorite, Lopes won over the audience, speaking in the shared language of Portuguese. Angola, like Brazil, is a former Portuguese colony.

"She captivated the crowd and we were all behind her," said Brazilian Natalie Bursztyn, 20, who was in the crowd inside Credicard Hall where the event took place. "It was great that the judges also saw what the fans saw and gave her the crown. Her dress was beautiful and she knew exactly what to say when they asked her the question about her looks."

Another fan in the audience, Carolina Rocha, said Lopes' win was "well deserved, we were cheering for her all along. Her smile and her friendliness was what set her apart from the others. She also answered her question very well, that likely helped her a lot."

US broadcast journalist Connie Chung was one of the celebrity judges, and said before the competition that she was taking the contest seriously.

"I know my job and I'll be tough, but fair," Chung said. "You have to keep in mind that these women are not objects just to be looked at. They're to be taken seriously. I want to choose somebody I take seriously and the world takes seriously, too."

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization, was hyped for the night.

"It's our 60th anniversary, it's a very big show," she said. "We're anticipating close to a billion viewers from around the world."

Shugart said it was fitting the globe's biggest beauty pageant be held in Brazil at this time, as the nation prepares to host some major events in the coming years.

"I don't think there is any doubt in the rest of the world's mind that Brazil is the place, between hosting the Olympics and hosting the World Cup," she said. "I love the fact we're going to kick it off. I always say we're the 'World Cup' of beauty."

The contestants must never have been married or had children and must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by Feb. 1 of the competition year.

The pageant, hosted by NBC "Today" anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network's Andy Cohen, was broadcastr live on NBC and distributed to about 170 countries. The contest is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, and the celebrity judges included Chung and two prominent Brazilians, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves.

Morales, who is half Brazilian, said that "what's most important is for the women to be beautiful inside and out."

For Cohen, the task of hosting was an easy one.

"It's a fun job. All I have to do is stand there, smile and scream the names of countries," he said.

Sharply dressed women and men jostled for chances to have their photos taken with stars on the red carpet. Some traveled from across the globe to support contestants.

Jehona Dreshaj, 17, arrived from Kosovo to cheer on her sister, Aferdita Dreshaj, who is representing the European country.

"It doesn't really matter the outcome, she is already a winner in our eye and we are so proud of her," she said. "This has been an incredible experience for her and for all of us. It's great for her to be representing our country in an event like this"

There have been no headline-grabbing gaffes going into this year's competition, as opposed to past years that have seen controversies of various stripes. The show itself went off without a hitch.

Some of the contestants have complained to the local news media about the size of bikinis used in some photo shoots, with Miss Mexico Karin Ontiveros saying they were "very small."

That was enough to draw chuckles in Brazil, where women from all walks of life, not just beauty queens, sport barely there swimwear on beaches throughout the country.

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, from California, failed to end a long losing spell for the US in the competition. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.

The pageant started as a local bathing suit revue in Long Beach, California, organized by a swimwear company.

Designer Storage Furniture

Is this courtly sofa, a comfortable seating space or a trunk, or a repository of unused items? A decade ago, such a piece of furniture may have shocked the buyers now it only throws impressive surprises. The current concept in the market is that the beauty of the furniture lies in its discretion and what is more than meets the eye. This multi functional furniture is there to meet the discerning homeowner's need for drawing multiple uses from one piece, especially for more storage other than the regular drawers and cupboards to store items. Here are some of them that defy the conventions: 

The swanky and seemingly innocuous sofas may allow you to sink in deep but hidden beneath their weighty cushions is a trunk to put away those redundant items. Especially those that may not come in your use for the time being.

The doobie armchairs with removable seats can bank the toys and children stuff. And their semi detachable arm pads can hold the stationary items that keep nomading everywhere.

Minimalist stools and seats with their sleekly details and the traditional trestle benches presenting a comfy seating solution, can also store a bunchful of garden gadgets and tools.

Your conversation piece- that skirted coffee table with carrying drawers or sliding baskets beneath the tabletop can case magazines, napkins, towels and culinary stuff.

Similarly, the elegantly curvaceous ottomans with hinged tops that comfort you with the tufted foot room, can also be used to keep the shoe brushes, polishes etc.

The plush, low hung comfy beds having pullout drawers retreated under it can pile up the bed sheets, out of season clothing and in some cases crockery too.

Also, the stylish laminated iron stand with a hinged door that opens up to offer a stunning storage space for your laundry items, can be tucked by the sides to camouflage it and save the interior space.

Even, the T.V armoires can provide an excellent storage space to stash any extra stuff like old CDs and DVDs that may be lying around the home.
Even though, the market is not abound with this furniture, custom made is always a ready option. This furniture, boasting designer looks and catering to your storage needs without screaming out its multiple usage does not dent your budget but is available with the price difference ranging over a few thousands depending on the material used. Sofa sets range from 35000-75000, armchairs from 10,000- 15000, iron stands from 3000-7000, coffee table from 15000- 25000, ottomans around 5000-8000. Hence enjoy the luxury of your designer furniture that allows you to live grand.

Sleep to shed off Pounds!!

People who make an effort to lose weight by reducing the number of calories intake in their food can also, now have another shining (sleeping)amour as their weapon- a sound night sleep. There is a new research at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that shows how sleep deprivation leads to weight gain, not by increasing the appetite, but by slacking the metabolism. Though, few of the American doctors have shown their reservation about this study.

Uppsala University in Sweden report reveals that getting enough slumber can just help implement your wish of shedding off pounds, Reuters report. The researcher, Christian Benedict reported that as small as one night sleep deprivation can seriously reduce the energy levels in a healthy person. This suggests that, sleep is imperative for the daily burning of calories in a body.

Former studies have shown a direct link between the sleep deprivation and weight gain and suggested that less sleep markedly bears upon the stress hormones level and appetite. In order to substantiate the idea that sleep disorder affects the weight of a person, the researchers carried out a test on 14 college age boys. According to this research the boys were divided in to two main groups, those having disturbed sleeping patterns and those having regular one. The metabolic rate and the quantity of food taken were the two parameters to judge on.

It was fully contrived that sleep deprivation for only one night decreased renal metabolism the following morning. This resulted in an energy lapse for different activities from 5 to 20 percent also marred by increased levels of the hormones, which influence hunger along with stress hormones. And since the man is affected by hormonal fluctuations so he eats less during the day.

Despite all these researches, there is a dearth of proof that there is some direct relationship between the two factors. Sleep Disorders Center, Sanford Auerbach,at Boston Medical Center, acknowledged that sleep is a complex phenomenon affected by several elements. He reckoned that sleep disorder may causes physiological changes that apparently lead to obesity but it is short on evidences.

Though the facts may be less to prove it with finalities, but they are enough to suggest at least something. In the lights of the facts compiled over the last 30 years, it is reported by majority of the researchers that there is an inverse relationship between the average sleep and obesity. The less the average sleeps the more the obesity and vice verse.

The recommended number of hours to sleep as suggested by the National Sleep Foundation is 7-9 hours every night, which also keep the weight in a check. Thus catching some nice Z’s at night and good naps in the afternoon can really improve your health and hence life can be a fun ride.

Rain-related incidents claim 11 lives in Sindh

 BADIN: Intermittent rains that started this morning continued across the province throughout the day, adding to the plight of the people already facing severe difficulties in the wake of relentless rains, 

After today's rains more villages came under water in different districts of the province while 11 people were killed in separate rain related incidents.

The low laying areas of Hyderabad were once submerged after today's rain where roads and highways appeared as lakes and nullahs.

Several villages are inundated and flood affectees are awaiting relief in camps. The NDMA states that over 200 people have died during the floods.

Rain continued in calamity stricken Badin and affectees were waiting for help in relief camps. After three days, rain stopped in Dadu but the devastation caused was apparent. There is a severe shortage of food and clean drinking water in relief camps.

Rain started again Monday afternoon in Dadu and according to DCO Jafar Abbasi, a camp has been formed at the district jail for flood affectees. Several acres of crops were destroyed in Tando Muhammad Khan and over in Nawabshah, water had accumulated in several areas.

The rains and floods have caused mass devastation in the province and it affects are expected to last as health experts fear the spread of water borne diseases on a large scale.

Scattered rains across Karachi

 KARACHI: Rain continued to fall across the province of Sindh while several areas of the metropolis once again received rain on Monday, 

Intermittent rain in several parts of the city led to the accumulation of water on major arteries and streets, causing traffic jams. A large number of commuters in private vehicles and public transport were forced to take alternative routes to get to their destinations.

The monsoon spell that began in the city on Saturday submerged most of the streets and thoroughfares and the rainwater continues to remain accumulated in several parts of the metropolis including the posh area of Defence.

At least 100 Kenyans dead after pipeline explosion

 NAIROBI: A leaking gasoline pipeline in Kenya's capital exploded on Monday, turning part of a slum into an inferno in which at least 100 people were killed and more than 100 hurt.

Flames leapt out from the pipeline in a radius of some 300 yards (meters), setting shacks ablaze and incinerating scores of people, leaving charred bodies and blacked bones in the charred homes. Some burned bodies floated in a nearby river filled with sewage. Homes had been built right up to the pipeline, the residents said.

"I've lost count of the number of bodies," said Wilfred Mbithi, the policeman in charge of operations in Nairobi as he stood at the scene. "Many had dived into the river trying to put out their flames."

Nearby, a young woman clawed through smoldering timbers, screaming in grief. Others wandered by the remains of the inferno, frantically dialing phone numbers that didn't go through or staring around in disbelief.

Fires still smoldered among the twisted wreckage of corrugated iron sheets and scattered possessions. Visibility was poor because of rain and smoke.

August trade deficit widens to $1.842bn

 KARACHI: Pakistan's trade deficit widened to $1.842 billion in August from $1.486 billion in July, the Federal Bureau of Statistics said on Monday.

The trade deficit was $1.272 billion in August last year and totalled $3.328 billion in the first two months of the 2011/12 fiscal year, compared with $2.784 billion in the same period a year earlier.

Exports increased to $1.964 billion in August, from $1.738 a year ago, according to the bureau. Imports totalled $3.806 billion in August, up from $3.010 in August last year.

Aleem Dar wins best umpire award for third time in a row

 LONDON: Aleem Dar of Pakistan has won the ICC best umpire award for third consecutive year at a ceremony held here on Monday.

However, Pakistan’s pace bowler Wahab Riaz and middle-order batsman Azhar Ali failed to win the best emerging player of the year award.

Ali Zafar steals the show in MBKD

 MUMBAI: Pakistani pop star Ali Zafar has received praise over his role in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (MBKD). This is Ali Zafar’s second Bollywood movie and with it he has become the hot favourite in India.

Ali Zafar, in MBKD, which was released under the Yash Raj banner on September 9, portrays the role of an individual who assigns his brother (Imran Khan) to search for his bride (Katrina Kaif). The film had a sensational opening at the box office and Zafar earned more praise than co-stars Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Besides acting in the movie, Zafar has also provided his vocals to one of the tracks.

Private hospitals to provide free dengue treatment: CM

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that all resources are being utilized for eradication of dengue virus. He said that provision of best medical facilities to the patients in the hospitals have been ensured and additional staff and machinery have also been provided for this purpose. 

He also ordered immediately signing the duties to Provincial Ministers for reviewing the steps taken for eradication of dengue virus in various districts. He said that private hospitals will also provide free medical facilities to the dengue fever patients whereas laboratories will also provide test facilities at very reasonable rates. He directed that the committee consisting of elected representatives should hold talks with the owners of laboratories and concerned hospitals in this regard and formulate a clear cut policy today.

He said that the private hospitals and laboratories should be made realize that provision of free medical facilities to the people and cooperation with the government in this hour of trial is their responsibility and they will have to play their due role in the service to the ailing humanity.

He was presiding over a meeting of Special Emergency Committee set up for eradication of dengue virus here on Sunday. 

Shanghai Tourism Festival kicks off with grand parade

SHANGHAI: Shanghai Tourism Festival 2011 opened on Saturday in Shanghai International Fashion Center with a grand parade on Huaihai Road, which attracted more than 500,000 tourists. 

A total of 21 floats and 30 perform teams from across the world participated in the parade.

Not only cities of Yangtze River Delta, like Suzhou and Hangzhou, but also Shandong and Macau sent their floats this time. Floats with characteristics of ethnic minorities, sent by Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region, also took part in the parade. Moreover, foreign countries like Japan, South Korea and Indonesia also sent their floats in order to show their tourist attractions and local cuisine.

More than 40 activities will be staged in the following month , including International Music and Firework Festival and Painted Boats Parade

Moreover, over 30 tourist attractions in Shanghai, like the Madame Tussauds, the 88th sightseeing hall of the Jinmao Tower, the sightseeing hall of the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai Oceanarium, will sell tickets at discounted prices during the festival.

New Libya government within 10 days: NTC official

TRIPOLI: A new transitional government will be formed in Libya within 10 days, the deputy chief of the National Transitional Council told reporters on Sunday.

"A new government will be formed within one week to ten days," said Mahmud Jibril, who serves as the "prime minister" of the NTC, the political wing of the rebellion that overthrew strongman Moamer Kadhafi.

"This new government will include representatives from different regions in Libya," Jibril said.

Rebel forces are still "in the process of liberating Libya, and revolutionary combatant are still on the fronts," Jibril added, referring in particular to Bani Walid and Sirte, where regime loyalists are still holding out.

He said that another government will be formed once "Libya is liberated."

Jibril also hailed the "liberation of Tripoli without bloodshed" last month.

"We were expecting a bloodbath, but this was prevented by the maturity of the revolutionaries who were able to secure the capital," he said. 

Americans catch “Contagion"

 LOS ANGELES: Deadly virus thriller "Contagion" caught on with filmgoers and easily took the top spot at the weekend box office in the United States and Canada, according to studio estimates

"Contagion" brought in $23.1 million in ticket sales over its first three days of release, distributor Warner Bros. said. The film tells the story of the race to contain a lethal virus that is quickly circling the globe.

"The Help," a surprise summer hit about black maids in civil rights-era Mississippi, slipped to second place after three straight weeks at No. 1. The film rung up $8.7 million over the weekend.

"Warrior," a new drama about two brothers who battle in a mixed martial arts tournament, pulled in $5.6 million to finish in third place.

Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc, released "Contagion." Lions Gate Entertainment distributed "Warrior." "The Help" was produced by DreamWorks and distributed by Walt Disney Co

Starved dogs eat owner

 JAKARTA: Seven dogs starved of food and water for two weeks are suspected of eating their Indonesian owner after he returned to his hometown in Manado from a holiday, local media reported.

A neighborhood guard was curious when he saw luggage lined up at the front of Andre Lumboga's house, days after the 50-year old arrived back home. He approached the house, smelled something foul and called the police, according to a report.

"His skull was found in the kitchen, and his body was found in the front of his house," Eriyana, a local police chief in Batam, an island off Sumatra, told VIVAnews website.

Lumboga arrived home last Wednesday, but his body was just discovered on Monday.

"We suspect that the dogs were hungry, so they attacked Andre, because they had not been fed for 14 days," he said. Police also found bones of two other dogs, believed to have also been eaten by the hungry canines.

Lumboga was from northern Sulawesi island, a predominantly Christian area, where the local spicy diet is famous in Indonesia for including dogs, bats and forest rats. 

Agaya Hai Dekho Bodyguard!

There comes a time in every actor's life when he becomes as good as invincible ... Dilip Kumar went through such a phase in the 50s, Shammi Kapoor did so in the 60s, Rajesh Khanna followed the pattern in the 70s and Amitabh Bachchan was undefeatable in the 80s. Yet since the arrival of the Khans in Bollywood, actors have had careers that have seen the ups and downs regularly. With the arrival of Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Bodyguard, all that has changed.

Bodyguard is not just a film for die-hard Salman Khan fans ... its a phenomenon. The film may not fall into the category of his all-time successful film “Dabbanng”, but it is a lot better than his last hit “Ready”. What's common between these three movies is that their success has made Sallu the first and only actor to give hits that have grossed over 100 curore rupees. But is the film worth all this? Yes and no.

Yes, because Salman Khan has acted really well in most of the scenes. The actor has a fan following that can only be rivaled by those of the other Khans (Aamir, Shah Rukh and Saif) but he has given more hits in the last 18 months than any of these rivals. In Bodyguard, he has been in nearly every scene and has done well as Lovely Singh, the Bodyguard who brings fear in the eyes of his enemies. Veteran actor Raj Babbar also does well and the two are the only good thing about the film's cast.

And no, because none of the other members of the cast has significant roles, be it the leading lady Kareena Kapoor or the villains Mahesh Manjrekar or Aditya Pancholi. There are hardly six to seven regular cast members in the movie as the rest have been labelled as Guest Appearances. Kareena Kapoor didn't have much to do in the movie except look young (which she is not!) and pretty (which she is!).

The story in the first half revolves around Salman Khan's character Lovely Singh defending Divya (Kareena Kapoor) who is not only the daughter of his Maalik (Raj Babbar) but also on target of the baddies. The second half of the movie is a mixture of many hit flicks of the yesteryears, including Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (which are both hit movies of Salman's current nemesis Shar Rukh Khan). The film may have a happy ending but many points will be raised about the story once the viewer gets through the film.

Teri Meri, the song by Rahat Fateh Ali is the most notable one of the movie whereas the other numbers are below par, composed by Himesh Reshammiya (Yes the same one who sings with a nasal voice). My recommendation - Watch Bodyguard if you are a fan of Salman Khan, otherwise wait for your favorite respective actors' upcoming flicks.

Why 9/11 still Haunts Us!!!

    NINE ELEVEN evokes fearful memories. Each replay of the video footage of commercial liners ramming into the iconic twin towers of the World Trade Centre (WTC) on the morning of Tuesday September 9, 2001 stokes fears of different kinds. Fear among the most advanced countries of the world that they can be hit with impunity by suicide bombers bent upon destroying great monuments of the western civilization. Fears among Muslims, perilously caught up in the crossfire that they are not only subject of indiscriminate racial profiling but that they could any moment become either part of collateral damage caused by a NATO strike or a terrorist attack. Ten years down the line, as the debris of NINE ELEVEN finally settles down, it is a time to reflect on how the element of fear was exploited to seek retribution and hold entire societies hostage. 

Much before the official NINE ELEVEN Report commissioned by the US Government was unveiled, the blame of the attack was squarely placed on the doorsteps of the shadowy Al Qaeda organization headed by the enigmatic Osama bin Laden aka OBL. Once a financier of the Afghan jihad against the occupying Soviet forces, OBL now disenchanted with the presence of US forces in Saudi Arabia, pressed the Al Qaeda to strike against the perceived symbols of American imperialism – the financial, military and political landmarks of USA. His brand of violent warfare attracted tens and dozens of adherents from across the globe. His tactics of using suicide bombers to achieve his political and military aims caused fear among all those who came in his way.
The NINE ELEVEN attacks brewed a psychological tsunami. Bush capitalized on it and used the element of fear to rally the American citizens to destroy Al Qaeda and to capture OBL “dead or alive.” The Taliban regime in Afghanistan was swiftly dislodged. The cadres melted into the countryside to fight another day. Those caught in the dragnet were sent to the infamous Guantanamo prison through a process of extraordinary renditions. The quick defeat of the Taliban encouraged Bush to finish off, where his father had left Iraq. A military campaign was launched on ill founded and unsubstantiated fears that Sadam Hussain possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction. A “shock and awe” offensive pulverized and swiftly removed the Baathist regime but left the entire region bereft of stability. Things are no better in Afghanistan, as the American military operations hastens towards an inevitable drawdown in 2014.

Fear factor has been used shamelessly by all parties involved in the conflicts arising out of the NINE ELEVEN attacks. More than any country in the world fear grips Pakistan the most. The backlash of the invasion of Afghanistan has unleashed militant forces coiled to destroy peace, harmony and tolerance. With OBL out of the way and the American forces planning to leave Afghanistan in three years time, one hopes the climate of fear would be replaced by one of hope and rejuvenation. 

No need for global flood relief appeal right now: Nawaz

 HYDERABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N)’s president, Nawaz Sharif said there was no need for a global appeal for flood relief, except for having developed the habit of begging. He further said Karachi staged show was like the thief blaming the cop.

Speaking with the media at the Hyderabad residence of former provincial minister, Dr. Irfan Gul Magsi, Nawaz Sharif demanded that the flood devastated areas be immediately declared as calamity hit areas.

PML-N president said the flood affected persons must get the relief, but there was no need to appeal for global help right now.

Sharif said that all of us should get united, he has no personal agenda, the political parties including all the concerned quarters should sit together.

Nawaz Sharif said, “This is Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan, but Quaid’s dreams are not coming true. The current situation in Pakistan might be hurting the Quaid’s soul even.”

Replying to a question, Nawaz Sharif said that he would make any comment on the Altaf Hussain’s video conference, but added that Karachi staged show was like a thief blaming the cop. Lacs of people were earning their livelihood in Karachi, all ended in a day, he lamented. 

Twin NASA craft launched to study insides of moon Twin NASA craft launched to study insides of moon

CAPE CANAVERAL: A pair of spacecraft rocketed toward the moon Saturday on the first mission dedicated to measuring lunar gravity and determining what's inside Earth's orbiting companion — all the way down to the core.

"I could hardly be happier," said the lead scientist, Maria Zuber. After two days of delays and almost another, "I was trying to be as calm as I could be."

NASA launched the near identical probes named Grail-A and Grail-B aboard a relatively small Delta II rocket to save money. It will take close to four months for the spacecraft to reach the moon, a long, roundabout journey compared with the zippy three-day trip of the Apollo astronauts four decades ago.

Grail-A popped off the upper stage of the rocket exactly as planned 1½ hours after liftoff, followed eight minutes later by Grail-B. Both releases were seen live on NASA TV thanks to an on-board rocket camera, and generated loud applause in Launch Control.

The pair are traveling independently to the moon, with A arriving on New Year's Eve and B on New Year's Day.

"Grail, simply put, is a journey to the center of the moon," said Ed Weiler, head of NASA's science mission directorate, borrowing from the title of the Jules Verne science fiction classic, "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

The world has launched more than 100 missions to the moon since the Soviet Union's Luna probes in 1959. That includes NASA's six Apollo moon landings that put 12 men on the lunar surface.

NASA's Grail twins each the size of a washing machine won't land on the moon but will conduct their science survey from lunar orbit.

Beginning in March, once the spacecraft are orbiting just 34 miles above the moon's surface, scientists will monitor the slight variations in distance between the two to map the moon's entire gravitational field. The measurements will continue through May.

"It will probe the interior of the moon and map its gravity field 100 to 1,000 times better than ever before. We will learn more about the interior of the moon with Grail than all previous lunar missions combined," Weiler said.

At the same time, four cameras on each spacecraft will offer schoolchildren the opportunity to order up whatever pictures of the moon they want. The educational effort is spearheaded by Sally Ride, America's first spacewoman.

The entire Grail mission costs $496 million.

Russian film 'Faust' wins Golden Lion in Venice

 VENICE: Russian filmmaker Alexander Sokurov won the Golden Lion award at the Venice film festival on Saturday for "Faust," a visceral take on Goethe's play which explores the theme of corrupting power.

"There are films which make you dream, which make you cry, laugh and think, and there are films which change your life forever. This is one of those films," said jury head Darren Aronofki, saying the decision had been unanimous.

Beating 22 other films to the prize, the stomach-turning movie is the final instalment of Sokurov's cinematic tetralogy on the nature of power, following his acclaimed portraits of Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Lenin and Emperor Hirohito.

Sokurov is the second Russian director ever to win the Golden Lion, after it was awarded to Andrei Zviaguintsev for "The Return" in 2003.

"Making auteur cinema is very difficult these days," the St Petersburg-based director said, adding that he was "very happy to live in a Europe where we can understand each other."

The Silver Lion director award went to China's Cai Shangjun for his revenge tale "People Mountain People Sea", this year's surprise addition to the festival line-up, in which a man ceaselessly hunts down his brother's killer.

The film has been censured in China, revealing as it does the appalling conditions in a Chinese mine.

As expected, best actor went to German-born Irishman Michael Fassbender, who plays an emotionally dysfunctional executive addicted to sex in Steve McQueen's powerful "Shame".

Rising star Fassbender -- of "Inglorious Basterds" and "Hunger" fame -- also appeared in another film in the competition this year, David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method," where he played psychoanalyst Carl Jung.

Best actress went to Deanie Yip for her portrayal of an elderly maid in a moving tale of the trials of growing old gracefully, "A Simple Life."

The jury at the world's oldest film festival also included US director Todd Haynes, Finnish Eija-Liisa Ahtila, British David Byrne, Italian Mario Martone and Alba Rohrwacher, and French Andre Techine.

The punted favourites -- Roman Polanski's grotesque comedy of manners "Carnage" and George Clooney's political thriller "The Ides of March" -- went home empty handed, as did Tomas Alfredson's much praised "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy."

"Terraferma," Emanuele Crialese's tale of fishermen from a tiny Italian island who rescue a group of African refugees from drowning at sea, won the special jury prize for "combining social problems with great storytelling."

The theme of immigration inspired several Italian films in this year's programme, and saw Giudo Lombardi win the prize for best film in a parallel section for "La-bas."

For their tale of the struggle for survival in a post-tsunami Japan, Shota Sometani and Fumi Nikaido won the awards for best young actor and actress in Japanese director Sion Sono's "Himizu," which was based on a manga comic strip.

Best screenplay went to "Alps", Yorgos Lanthimos' a tale of actors who try to help people grieve by playing the role of their recently deceased loved ones.

Robbie Ryan was awarded the prize for best photography for "Wuthering Heights" by Britain's Andrea Arnold, a dark adaptation of the tragic love story between Cathy and Heathcliff in Emily Bronte's well-loved novel.

With no musical score, the film is a visual feast for the senses as it portrays the characters' turmoil through the lashing wind and rain, darkness and harshness of elements up on the Yorkshire moors in northern England.

Twenty-three films competed in all in the Mostra, which saw a host of stars arrive by speed boat for the red carpet in the lagoon city, from Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and "The Godfather" star Al Pacino. 

9/11 10th Anniversary: Grief at Ground Zero

NEW YORK: Americans Sunday remembered the horror of September 11, 2001, and the nearly 3,000 people who died in the hijacked plane attacks as authorities worked to ensure the emotional 10th anniversary was peaceful.

Law enforcement authorities in New York and Washington were on high alert against what was described as a "credible but unconfirmed" threat of an al Qaeda plot to attack the United States again a decade after the toppling of the World Trade Center's twin towers by hijacked airliners.

Security was especially tight in Manhattan, where police set up vehicle checks on city streets as well as bridges and tunnels coming into the city.

President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush, who was president at the time of the attacks, also arrived at Ground Zero site in New York.

They joined the victims' families to hear the reading of the names of those who died on September 11. Bells will toll across the city.

In the September 11 attacks, 19 men from the Islamic militant group al Qaeda hijacked airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon outside Washington and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Just weeks after the attacks, U.S. forces invaded Afghanistan to topple that country's Taliban rulers who had harbored the al Qaeda leaders responsible for the September 11 attacks.

In Afghanistan, NATO-led forces said Sunday that on the eve of the 10th anniversary a suicide bomber driving a truck of firewood attacked a NATO base in central Afghanistan in an operation for which the Taliban later claimed responsibility.

NATO said the Saturday afternoon attack killed two Afghan civilians and injured 77 NATO troops, but did not state the nationality of the troops. It said those injuries were not life-threatening.
To mark the 10th anniversary, Obama was set to visit all three attack sites.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of our military personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals, there should be no doubt: today, America is stronger and al Qaeda is on the path to defeat," Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.
U.S. forces killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in May.

Sunday's Ground Zero ceremony was set to include moments of silence marking when planes hit the twin towers as well as when they collapsed. Other moments of silence will mark when a plane hit the Pentagon and another crashed in Shanksville after passengers fought back against the hijackers.

Bush, who has kept a low profile since leaving office, was in Shanksville Saturday. "The memory of that morning is fresh, and so is the pain," Bush told a crowd at the site.

'THEIR LIVES MATTERED'

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spoke Saturday at the opening of a monument to the 746 residents of his state killed in the attacks. The "Empty Sky" memorial in Liberty State Park, across the Hudson River from the World Trade Center, has the names of the dead etched on two 30-foot tall walls, each 208 feet and 10 inches long -- the exact width of the twin towers.

"Their lives mattered," Christie said at the ceremony, which began late because security slowed traffic. "That's why we built this memorial and that's why we come here today."

Security concerns were high in Washington, too. Authorities shut down part of Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia outside the U.S. capital Saturday because of a suspicious object but later said no explosives were found.

New Yorkers, accustomed to heightened security and alerts that have become commonplace over the past decade, appeared to take the increased police presence in stride.

A decade later, after a faltering start, there are signs of rebuilding progress at the World Trade Center site. The new One World Trade Center skyscraper rises more than 80 stories above the ground as it inches to its planned 1,776 foot height -- symbolic of the year of America's independence from Britain.

The memorial plaza is ready and the neighborhood has enjoyed a revival, making it a trendy Manhattan place to live.

The 2001 attacks were followed by U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the latter of which Obama opposed. The United States still has thousands of troops deployed in both countries.
But the weak US economy has become the biggest concern for many Americans. Obama said, "After a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home.

Ch. Nisar’s wife, children are US nationals: WikiLeaks

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s leader of the opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan assured the US in 2008 that he and his party were pro-American, according to a US embassy cable released by WikiLeaks.KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s leader of the opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan assured the US in 2008 that he and his party were pro-American, according to a US embassy cable released by WikiLeaks.

“Saying that his wife and children are in fact Americans, Nisar did admit that he went to the US Embassy in London to renew his daughter’s passport because he wanted to avoid being seen at the US Embassy in Islamabad.”

More telling, however, is Khan’s stance on US military action within Pakistan, and how the PML-N would act to remain “publicly credible”.

Nisar reportedly avoided saying that the PML-N opposed either air attacks or US ground action, contrary to its reaction over the May 2011 raid in Abbottabad by a US Navy SEALs team which killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“What he did say was that the PML-N would have to criticise the Government of Pakistan for allowing US action. Otherwise, said Nisar, the party would have no credibility with the people.”

Nisar said that US policy needed to be more transparent as “confusion bred unhelpful conspiracy theories”. He also told US diplomats that former president Pervez Musharraf was seen as too pro-US and so was “tainted in Pakistani eyes”.

The release of the US embassy and consulate cables in Pakistan has also highlighted how various politicians have lobbied American diplomats for support. From Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) to former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to the late former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, every major politician in Pakistan has looked to the diplomats for help.
“Saying that his wife and children are in fact Americans, Nisar did admit that he went to the US Embassy in London to renew his daughter’s passport because he wanted to avoid being seen at the US Embassy in Islamabad.”

More telling, however, is Khan’s stance on US military action within Pakistan, and how the PML-N would act to remain “publicly credible”.

Nisar reportedly avoided saying that the PML-N opposed either air attacks or US ground action, contrary to its reaction over the May 2011 raid in Abbottabad by a US Navy SEALs team which killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“What he did say was that the PML-N would have to criticise the Government of Pakistan for allowing US action. Otherwise, said Nisar, the party would have no credibility with the people.”

Nisar said that US policy needed to be more transparent as “confusion bred unhelpful conspiracy theories”. He also told US diplomats that former president Pervez Musharraf was seen as too pro-US and so was “tainted in Pakistani eyes”.

The release of the US embassy and consulate cables in Pakistan has also highlighted how various politicians have lobbied American diplomats for support. From Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) to former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to the late former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, every major politician in Pakistan has looked to the diplomats for help.

Karachi rain: Nine die of electrocution

 KARACHI: At least nine people lost their lives when they were electrocuted during rain in the city, . Five members of the same family including a mother and daughter were among those killed. 

Heavy rain lashed Karachi this afternoon and in a brief period of time water accumulated in several areas of the city. As a result, traffic jams are being reported across the city and several vehicles have broken down.

The chairman of the Karachi Traders Itehad adds that several markets in the city have been flooded.

According to the MET office, 52 MM or rain has fallen in Landhi, 40 MM in Saddar, 17.4 MM in the airport area and 16 MM in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Prison should not deter one from fulfilling duties: Nawaz

 NAWABSHAH: Speaking to the media at the circuit house here, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said one (President Zardari) should not be afraid of going to prison when fulfilling their duties,  Saturday.

Responding to President Zardari’s order issued for him to visit Nawabshah, the PML-N chief said he was complying with the president’s order.

Speaking on the situation in Karachi, Sharif said the faces of those behind the destruction of peace in the city should be unmasked.

Sharif called on President Zardari to make some time for the people and ensure their well being.

“It is time to forget politics and save the country,” Sharif said. 

Ajay Devgn's 'Singham' makes Rs100 crores

 MUMBAI: Filmmaker Rohit Shetty's action-packed 'Singham', starring Ajay Devgn as an honest cop fighting to clean up the system, has earned Rs.100 crore net in India in its sixth week.

It is said to be the seventh film of all time to have crossed the mark of Rs.100 crore net in collections. Produced by Reliance Entertainment, the film is still going strong in theatres. It will complete 50 days on September 10.

"A hard-hitting story, the wonderful combination of director Rohit Shetty and star Ajay Devgn and some amazing action sequences have resulted in an extremely successful run for the film," Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance Entertainment said.

"'Singham' is the first mainstream film produced by Reliance Entertainment and we are very pleased with the results," he added.

The cast of the film also includes Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj.