Painters hold off Bolts in OT, secure top spot
Christopher Tolkien, son of Lord of the Rings author, dies aged 95 “Another overtime game for us. I think this is our fourth overtime game this conference and we won all four and it just shows the test of character of this team,” said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia.“I’m happy about it but it’s still a long way to go for us. We can still get better,” he added. “As long as the locals step up and do their jobs, we’ll be okay.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownMaverick Ahanmisi added 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Chris Tiu and Ed Daquioag chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively for the Painters, who hiked their record to 9-1.The Bolts rallied from 18 points down in the third quarter but just couldn’t get over the hump. Meralco playmaker Baser Amer tied the game at 96 with 2:25 remaining in regulation but his contested floater that would’ve won it went way short paving the way for extra time.With the Bolts down three, Chris Newsome misfired on an open triple from the corner before getting called for an unsportsmanlike foul on the other end that led to a free throw by Tiu and a crucial 3-pointer by Daquioag with 12.7 ticks left.Meralco, which shot itself in the foot with 18 missed free throws, stayed in fourth place with a 7-4 card.Newsome led his team with 21 points that went with seven rebounds and 11 assists while import Arinze Onuaku had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Onuaku had another miserable night at the free throw line where he went 4-of-13.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Taal victims get help from Kalayaan town Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netRain or Shine held off Meralco, 106-99, in overtime to clinch the top spot in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.Reggie Johnson powered the Elasto Painters with 21 points, including a triple that put his team ahead for good, 99-96, with 3:46 remaining, and a game-high 18 rebounds on top of three blocks.ADVERTISEMENT In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Geje Eustaquio far from done after ONE title win Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Bicol riders extend help to Taal evacuees Cloudy skies over Luzon due to amihan Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Harvey Weinstein rape trial LATEST STORIES Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding View comments
Deplorable Govt housingA motion was passed by the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the temporary cessation of rental deductible payments for teachers and nurses occupying Government quarters in Linden.This decision came on the heels of numerous complaints regarding deplorable living conditions at these facilities. Councillor Charles Sampson, who put forward the motion, said the complaints were “embarrassing” as he pointed out that enough attention is not being paid to the upkeep of the quarters though rent is equivalent to a percentage of occupants’ salaries.Councillor Charles Sampson addressing the RDCThe motion received full support from all Councillors present at the statutory meeting.“What we have found is that even though the Regional Democratic Council does work on buildings owned by the region, including teacher’s quarters… in recent times there has been many complaints… enough attention is not being paid to teacher’s quarters,” Sampson said. He requested for temporary measures to be put in place.Regional Chairman Renis Morian also said he has received numerous complaints on the state of nurses and teachers houses. “Some of them have septic tanks overflowing and a whole lot of issues,” he stated. According to Morian, inspections revealed that the issues were no fault of the RDC, adding that based on budgetary allocation the administration is doing the best it could.He said the Administration has looked at temporary measures to put in place and will seek proper funding for improved work to be conducted. He added that the quarters were slated to be sold for $1 in 2012, based on face value.“Because when they looked at the amount of money we’re spending, a lot of money to repair it’s not enough…Nevertheless these houses weren’t sold, so we’re faced with a situation here where there are complaints from nurses and primarily teachers…” the Regional Chairman said. He also stated that the Council will make a budgetary appeal for necessary upgrade in funding to repair the quarters since it has received insufficient funding for repairs over the years.“So we’re saying ‘stop, no rent for nobody. Send the money to us and let’s bring these houses up to proper living standards for the people. There will be no rent with immediate effect for all the teachers and nurses that occupy houses that fall under the Regional Democratic Council,” he stated.Sampson also pointed out a similar situation affecting employees who occupy RDC homes, noting that many have not been maintained, but Morian said the Council will first move to have houses occupied by persons not employed by the RDC taken back before a decision is made. Until then, he noted the cessation will only apply for teachers and nurses.The cessation for nurses and teachers, he said, will run until all situations relating to housing conditions are corrected.Housing cost for teachersOnly recently, in light of reports that teachers who are seconded to the hinterland have to pay for their own accommodation, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has rubbished such reports, claiming that once a teacher is sent in the hinterland to perform duties, the Government takes care of housing.In a letter published by Guyana Times, it is alleged that the head teacher of Saxacalli Primary School was required to pay 10 per cent of his salary as rent for the teacher’s living quarters that he is temporarily occupying.It was also highlighted that hinterland teachers would use their own computers and printers to complete tasks for the school without getting a stipend from the Government for using same. In some instances, the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) is concerned that the situation could lead to some teachers returning to the coastland.Despite Minister of State Joseph Harmon claiming otherwise, teachers in some parts of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and the Hinterland are still being forced to pay 10 per cent of their salaries for housing.According to information reaching this publication, monies were deducted earlier this year from the salaries of head teachers at several schools in Region Three, particularly at the Upper Bonasika Primary, Sandhill Primary, Santa Mission Primary, Great Trollie Primary, Caria Caria Primary and San Souci Primary.A source close to the teachers indicated that since the year started, monies were deducted from them for housing despite them being told otherwise.
The race was difficult for me. I finished about an hour later than I wanted to. My lungs were out of sync with my will to press hard. It was a hot day. I heard that you “hit the wall” around Mile 20. This is a myth. I hit the wall at Mile 3 and kept on slapping, punching and kicking it for the next 23.2 miles. Now I am wrestling between being really proud that I made it to the finish line and a little humiliated that, with a time of 5:45:10, the racewalkers beat me there. If you have never run the marathon or been out there to cheer, it’s a sight worth seeing. I have never seen people in L.A. – average people who are strangers to each other – coming together, encouraging each other, gleefully helping each other out … without being in the wake of a natural disaster. But that’s how it was at the marathon. There were people helping me out. I was helping out other people. I was seeing Angelenos be nice to one another – kind, even. There I was with my fellow human beings of all races, creeds, ethnicities, and nationalities, knowing that we were going to get through this together. The good will, spirit and determination were flowing like Gatorade. You could say that the citywide marathon has all the good attributes of an earthquake (the community coming together, heroes, getting to check out LAFD), with half the cleanup and just a fraction of the fatalities! See you out there next year! Tina Dupuy is a stand-up comic and a writer living in Los Angeles. She’s the author of the blog www.sardonicsideshow.com.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! And that’s just the actual race. Now I have blisters, I think I may lose a toenail and all my leg muscles are ridiculously stiff. I’ve been walking like the lead zombie in “Return of the Living Dead.” “Grains!” “Grains!” It was so brutal. It was so challenging. I so can’t wait to do it again! The race we know today as a marathon started out as an elective distance around 25 miles. In the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the exact stretch between Windsor Castle – the official starting line of the long race – and the Royal Family viewing box at the Olympic arena was 26.2 miles. I’m sure there have been a lot of committee meetings since then to sort this issue out. Nonetheless, it’s a weird number in miles and kilometers (42.19) and that’s not easily accomplished. I got to Mile 25 and started grumbling something about King Edward VII. It’s not like anyone could look at me and think I was crazy; I was running a marathon – I am crazy. “Stupid royal family – my feet hurt!” LOS Angeles holds a special place in modern marathon history. It was during the 1984 Olympics that women first officially competed as marathon runners. Joan Benoit of the United States won the gold with a time of 2:24:52. And then, for the sake of this piece, nothing interesting happened in the sport for the next 23 years – until I picked up my bib. I’m a finisher! I ran the entire length of the 22nd annual Los Angeles Marathon. It was my first marathon ever. I had a decades-long, 30-cigarette-a-day habit. After I quit, I needed a new way to abuse myself. So I trained, and I finished. Do I feel good? No. Marathon running is more painful than “Basic Instinct 2” in a slow-mo, 3D loop. 
brent.hopkins@dailynews.com 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! A deep-pocketed backer has its eyes on the San Fernando Valley, aiming to bring money and jobs along with its interest. Genesis LA Economic Growth Corp., a private, nonprofit group based downtown, announced Thursday that it will partner with the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley and the Valley Economic Development Corp. Genesis brings with it access to tens of millions of dollars in funds, with an aim to distribute at least $5 million within the next two years. Targeting developers planning difficult-to-finance projects, the partnership will look to provide loans, offer business counseling and connect interested parties. “It’s harder in the Valley,” said Brad Rosenberg, president and chief executive officer of Genesis. “The infrastructure hasn’t been set up here, because people have always focused on the denser areas of poverty like South L.A. But there’s a lot of businesses that need help here, lots of businesses moving out. We hope we can change that.” AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORECasino Insider: Here’s a look at San Manuel’s new high limit rooms, Asian restaurant With job cuts or relocations announced at Washington Mutual, Ronco Corp. and Superior Industries International Inc. in the Valley just in recent weeks, the groups will have plenty of issues to deal with. Genesis already has some experience in the area, providing loans for an industrial park in Van Nuys and the SunQuest Business Park in Arleta. Though Rosenberg said the group does not keep figures on the percentage of loan requests that it ultimately approves, he said he aspires to offer some service to each business that approaches Genesis, whether it’s in the form of money, advice or referrals. Bruce Ackerman, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance, welcomed the partnership, saying it would help bring employment to under-represented areas. “Our focus is jobs, jobs, jobs,” he said. “Whatever it takes to keep businesses here, we want to do it.” Brent Hopkins, (818) 713-3738 
Fashio courses are on offer at the LYIT.The LYIT has just announced the launch of four new courses to their current suite of 49 courses both at Level 6, 7 and 8.These courses are in up and coming areas and are titled: Bachelor of Science LY818, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health & Social Care (LY978), Bachelor of Arts in Fashion with Promotion (LY447) and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (LY877).This news is timely considering that the important CAO deadline of 1 July at 17:15 is looming for all CAO applicants. The LYIT campusAfter the pressure surrounding the Leaving Certificate exams, now is an important time for students to sit back and reconsider factors such as what their aptitude and abilities are, what job prospects and where they see themselves living in the future and if cost is a factor for them in relation to going to college.There is still time to take these factors into consideration and to change your mind through the CAO free of charge.Before making your final decision, also consider the four new courses recently launched at LYIT:BA Fashion with Promotion (LY447) Have you a flair for fashion? Are you creative, innovative and business minded? Do you want to bring innovation and business acumen to the fashion industry? Do you want to develop fashion products and use photography and film to promote your business idea on-line?Nollaig Crombie (Head of Department of Design and Creative Media) remarked “We view this programme as a contemporary response to an ever-changing industry. Successful graduates will be equipped with a versatile and unique blend of design and promotional skills”. Students of this course will study subjects such as drawing, mark-making methods and photography. The visual identity, branding and packaging of the product along with expertise in retailing and marketing, will ensure that the student takes their product to market in the most professional, cost effective and contemporary manner. Nollaig points out that an important component of the course is that students are taught the “essential skills in business management including how to cost and source a fashion product, compliment the design process and strengthen the student’s business acumen”.Graduates from this programme may work in areas such as fashion photographer, fashion shoot and production assistant, illustrator, trends forecaster, fashion PR, fashion advertising assistant or buyer. Students may wish to set up their own small business or engage with larger organisations.For further information on this course please visit www.lyit.ie/full-timecourses/designcreativemedia/ly447BSc in Agriculture (LY877)Are you an outdoor person? Do you have a family farm and intend to take it over? Or is the agriculture sector an area that in the future you could see yourself working in?The BSc in Agriculture at LYIT offers graduates a combination of skills and knowledge of key areas in agricultures such as Soil and Plant Science, Ruminant Husbandry and Agriculture business management. This is combined with work place learning in semester two of year two were students will gain valuable experience. When explaining the work placement element, Joanne Gallagher (Head of Department of Science) mentioned “students will undertake a mandatory work placement for 12 weeks in the second semester of year 2 of the programme. This will give students operational experience of a working farm and also enhance their employability and future career prospects”. Year three of the programme expands and build upon knowledge in years one and two of the programme with the study of modules such as Farm Waste and Environmental Science Livestock production and Animal Science. Career prospects appear to be very good at present and for the foreseeable future in agriculture and allied industries. Careers that graduates from this course may access include farm management, working within the agriculture industry, sales and marketingFor further information on this course please visit www.lyit.ie/full-timecourses/science/ly877/Bachelor of Science Honours (common entry) incorporating degree award options (LY818): BSc Honours in Bioanalytical Science; BSc Honours in Food Science and Nutrition and the BSc Honours in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ScienceAre you interested in Science, but at this point do not know which area of Science interests you most? This could be of interest to you.This course is designed to allow for broader entry to the undergraduate ab initio Level 8 Science courses. This new course will give a student the opportunity to have a year to decide which area of science appeals to them and to then pursue this in years 2, 3 and 4. At the end of year 1, (subject to the availability of places) a student can decide which course to choose from i.e Bioanalytical Science, Food Science and Nutrition or Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science.Depending on which stream is chosen, graduates of this programme will find employment in multiple areas including analysis, quality assurance, research and development, and in innovation and product development in the pharmaceutical, medicinal science, environmental and chemical industries. The larger employers include, Allergan, Abbott Ireland, Randox, Pfizer Ireland, MSD, Genzyme Ireland, Norbrook Laboratories and Megazyme. The BSc in Bioanalytical Science is also recognised by the teaching council of Ireland as a suitable programme for teaching Biology at second level.For further information on this course please visit http://www.lyit.ie/full-timecourses/science/ly818/BSc in Health and Social Care (LY978) Would you like to take care of the elderly? Would you like to learn more about working with the disabled? Or would child protection and safeguarding vulnerable persons be something that intrigues you?These are just some of the areas that this course touches upon. Students develop the necessary skills to understand the complex and diverse nature of the health and social care sector, including general or specialised skills which are widely transferable.Louise McBride (Head of Department of Nursing and Health Studies) explains that in response to feedback from current and past graduates and career guidance teachers this course was developed. She points out “that a specialist streaming approach will consolidate learners knowledge, skills & expertise in a specialist field and enhance employability and career pathway after graduation”. Students on this course complete foundation subjects for the first two years, and then are given a choice of elective specialist strands from Year 3 onwards i.e. General Health and Social Care, Disability Studies or Ageing and Care. Students undertake contrasting and varied experiences of health and social care including practice placements in Year 2, 3 and 4. Garda vetting is required for this programme.On successful completion students will be able to work independently with knowledge and skills acquisition on an ongoing basis in one of the three elective three strands chosen (General Health and social care, Disability Studies or Ageing and Care).For further information on this course please visit http://www.lyit.ie/full-timecourses/nursinghealthstudies/ly978/CAO Change of Mind Applications are now being accepted for these programme and for all courses offered by LYIT. To change your mind please check out www.cao.ieEDUCATION FOCUS: RANGE OF NEW COURSES LAUNCHED BY LYIT was last modified: June 25th, 2015 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:coursesLYIT
FINE Gael councillor Terence Slowey told a meeting of Donegal County Council that he would not stand down from the body despite being found guilty of making a double expenses claim.Cllr Slowey faced pressure from Sinn Fein at the meeting at County House in Lifford to resign from the council.However the Glenties Electoral Area representative repeated that the expenses claim was a genuine mistake for which he had apologised. He said he had the support of the electorate and wished to continue to represent them.Cllr Slowey received support from Fianna Fail who accepted he had made a mistake.The south Donegal councillor was caught claiming double-expenses for travelling to conferences in Cork and Kerry which took place on the same day in 2008.Cllr Slowey had claimed more than €1,000 which he later returned when contacted describing the incident as “a genuine mistake.” He appeared at a Standards in Public Office commission hearing last month, Cllr Slowey’s actions were described as “reckless”.He was deemed to have breached ethical guidelines, and the case was described as a serious matter.The commission has now referred the issue to the Ministers for the Finance and the Environment, and also to Donegal County Council. Fine Gale said it would only say that the outcome of a meeting with Cllr Slowey is being considered, and decisions will be taken later.CLLR SLOWEY: ‘I WON’T QUIT MY COUNCIL SEAT’ was last modified: April 26th, 2011 by gregShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:expenses rowFine GaelGlentiesslowey
McElhinney’s of Ballybofey has been shortlisted for another prestigious international e-Commerce award.The department store’s website www.mcelhinneys.com will contest this year’s finals of the Landy Awards which will be held at a glitzy ceremony in New York City tomorrow night.McElhinney’s has been nominated along with its agency, Wolfgang Digital, for Best Overall Search Engine Management (SEM) Initiative in the small business category. More than 200 entries were received from across the globe for the awards which recognise excellence in search marketing. The nomination comes just five months after McElhinney’s beat off some of the biggest companies on the planet to receive a Commendation at the Drum Search Awards in London.Ms Roisin Woods, Senior Manager for eCommerce and Marketing at McElhinney’s, said everyone at the store is delighted with the nomination.“The nomination for Best Small Business SEM award at the Landy is so exciting for all the team. To be recognised amongst the best search marketing campaigns, individuals and agencies from all over the world really is exceptional,” she said.“As a family owned independent business we must work harder, be more creative and innovative to compete with the larger global brands, proving with the right people anything is possible. We have an amazing team working instore and we are simply delighted with the nomination.” McElhinney’s have won numerous eCommerce awards in the past four years, the latest in February for Best Search Marketing Campaign 2015.The company has shipped to over 63 countries since launching their online business, creating up to ten new positions. More jobs are expected later this year when work is completed on a €2.2 million, four-storey extension to their landmark store. The massive new development will be used primarily for their internet sales business.Founded by John McElhinney in 1971, the store now employs more than 190 full and part-time staff and is a major draw to the Twin Towns. Over the years, it has grown and now operates from a 90,000 sq ft building, and has more than 1,500 suppliers, many of which are Irish. While his son, Martin, is the General Manager, John McElhinney is still actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business.McElhinney’s nominated in top New York digital awards was last modified: September 27th, 2016 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
While the Punjab State Election Commission on Thursday ordered re-polling for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samitis in 53 polling booths of eight districts across the State, the Shiromani Akali Dal termed the elections as “murder of democracy”, alleging that the government machinery functioned as extension counters of the ruling Congress party during the entire poll process.‘Murder of democracy’Veteran Akali leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that the way the Zila Parishad and Panchayat polls held on September 19 were rigged in Punjab, it was “a daylight murder of democracy”.“September 19, 2018 will be remembered as one of the darkest days for democracy in Punjab when the state machinery functioned as extension counters of the Congress party during the entire poll process,” alleged Mr. Badal.According to the spokesperson of the State Election Commission, re-polling has been ordered in 36 polling booths of Muktsar Sahib, 8 polling booths in Amritsar, one booth each in Moga, Fazilka and Faridkot districts and two booths each in Patiala and Bathinda and Ludhiana districts. Repolling todayVoters can recast their votes on September 21 in these polling stations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Shiromani Akali Dal leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Daljeet Cheema alleged that the State government had decided to register a case against party president Sukhbir Badal as part of the political vendetta drive unleashed by it against political opponents.“Mr. Sukhbir Badal would not file for anticipatory bail in the political vendetta case registered against him. We, on our part, will not be cowed down by such tactics and will continue to fight for peace and communal harmony in Punjab,” said Mr. Majithia.The police had registered a case against Mr. Sukhbir Badal and few party workers on Wednesday for allegedly thrashing a Congress worker at Killianwali village in Muktsar district during the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls. A case under Sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) under the IPC was registered.
LATEST STORIES Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa The Malaysia-based fighter spent the next three minutes trying to escape Lepont’s mount before the French fighter choked him out with an arm triangle at the 3:16 mark.Lepont, who fought for the first time after a two year absence, immediately ran out of the cage to thank ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutout“When you go away for two years, you miss the momentum. I missed you guys,” said an emotional Lepont, who was also moved to tears while thanking his son.Corminal, meanwhile, could only slam the canvas in frustration as he lost his second straight assignment in Asia’s top mixed martial arts promotion. Japan ex-PM Nakasone who boosted ties with US dies at 101 Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles01:54ONE: PH’s Corminal wary of ‘new’ Lepont02:18Alvarez ready to take risk vs Folayang, looks to end clash by ‘knockout or submission’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City Stronger peso trims PH debt value to P7.9 trillion Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Kris Aquino ‘pretty chill about becoming irrelevant’ QC cops nab robbery gang leader, cohort France’s Arnaud Lepont vs Philippines’ Richard Corminal during their ONE: Immortal Pursuit bout at Singapore Indoor Stadium. INQUIRER/Sherwin VardeleonSINGAPORE—Filipino bet Richard Corminal absorbed a first-round submission loss to the returning Arnaud Lepont in ONE: Immortal Pursuit prelims at SIngapore Indoor Stadium here.Corminal barely connected against Lepont, who managed to take the fight to the ground just 30 seconds into the fight in front of a big crowd.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Read Next CPP denies ‘Ka Diego’ arrest caused ‘mass panic’ among S. Tagalog NPA Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH MOST READ Gilas shakes off Japan to start World Cup qualifiers campaign View comments
Having declared of being assured a place for the Indian Grand Prix, Narain Karthikeyan got a shot in the arm from his team Hispania Racing on Saturday, who confirmed that he would be not only driving in India, but also be back in the cockpit during Friday’s first practice session at the September 25 Singapore Grand Prix.In a statement, Hispania said: “Karthikeyan will be back in the thick of the action as he gets behind the wheel of the HRT F111 F1 car during Friday’s first free practice session at the challenging 5.073-km Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore – the only night race on the F1 calendar. He will be driving at the inaugural Indian GP scheduled for 28- 30 October.” This has definitely been music to the ears of Karthikeyan.”I was told at the European Grand Prix that I would be driving in India.But now I have also been told I will get a chance in every race leading up to the Indian GP. I was hoping for some practice before the Indian GP, but this news is very good indeed,” the Coimbatore driver told Mail Today on Saturday.”We have a few updates in Singapore and I hope that eventually I will get to catch up with our competitors – Virgin.” When asked which circuit, apart from the Indian GP, did he look forward to driving at, the 34- year- old said: “I think the one in Japan is where I look forward to driving. I am most familiar with it and it is a challenging track.advertisement”For now, I am taking it one race at a time. The Singapore circuit will definitely be a challenge as it is new to me so I’ll have to get to grips with it fairly quickly. From what I know, it is a very demanding race physically, not only because of the temperatures and humidity but also being a high- speed street circuit it is extremely bumpy.” “Like any other street circuit, grip builds up through the weekend and car- setup will have to be constantly evolved to get the best out of it,” he said.Looking beyond the Indian GP, Karthikeyan said that he has now proved to everyone that there is still a lot of racing left in him. “I am confident that my current performances will help me in the 2012 season. There is still a lot of top level racing left in me.” HRT principal Colin Kolles commented: “It is great to have Narain back in the car as it will give him critical seat time before he drives at the Indian GP. He is the best driver to come out of the region and is undoubtedly extremely talented as he has proved through his progress this season”.With Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes also saying that there is a strong possibility of the other Indian driver – Karun Chandhok – getting a chance to drive at the Indian Grand Prix, it seems that the inaugural F1 race might actually see two Indians behind the wheels when the lights go green on October 30.