Community Community More than Increasingly 400 people fearful of the from 13 destruction, P6countries attend the P16 theft or loss of rare University of Calgary exhibits, museums in ’s 5th annual in Germany are busy International Day. digitising their collections.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Jumada II 22, 1438 AH

DOHA 21°C—28°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Feeling the heat COVER STORY As our planet gets hotter, some mammals may be getting smaller, study reveals. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.21am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.38am Zuhr (noon) 11.41am The Belko Experiment Arjona and Melonie Diaz. In a twisted social experiment, 80 Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm DIRECTION: Greg McLean Americans are locked in their high-rise corporate offi ce in Maghreb (sunset) 5.47pm WRITTEN BY: James Gunn Bogotá, Colombia and ordered by an unknown voice coming Isha (night) 7.17pm CAST: John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona from the company’s intercom system to participate in a deadly SYNOPSIS: The Belko Experiment is an American horror game of kill or be killed. thriller fi lm directed by Greg McLean and written by James LOCATIONS: Royal Plaza, City Centre, The Mall, USEFUL NUMBERS Gunn. The fi lm stars John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Landmark

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Kong: Skull Island Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, DIRECTION: Jordan Vogt-Roberts Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason 40253369 WRITTEN BY: Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary and Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Connolly John C Reilly. In Kong: Skull Island, the Monarch operative Dr Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 CAST: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson Bill Randa leads an expedition team ahead to the uncharted Qatar Airways 40253374 SYNOPSIS: Kong: Skull Island is an American monster island Skull Island, where they fi nd they must face against the fi lm directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and written by Dan dangerous Skullcrawlers with the help of the eccentric Hank Gilroy, Max Borenstein and Derek Connolly, from a story by Marlow and the mighty ape known as Kong. John Gatins. The fi lm is a reboot of the King Kong franchise and serves as the second fi lm in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, LOCATIONS: Roxy, Gulf Mall, Villaggio, Al Khor, Royal following Godzilla. It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Tom Plaza, Landmark, City Centre ote Unquo u te Q Mall Cinema (1): Machine (Hindi) (2D) 11:30pm. From a 2:15pm; Veeram (Malayalam) 5pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): small seed a mighty Kong: Skull Island (2D) 7pm; Hidden Kong: Skull Island (2D) 3pm; Kong: Figures (2D) 9pm; Machine (Hindi) Story (2D) 9:30pm; Hidden Figures Skull Island (2D) 5pm; Trapped trunk may grow. 11:15pm. (2D) 11:30pm. (Hindi) 7pm; Beauty & The Beast Mall Cinema (2): Beauty & The Landmark Cinema (2): Beauty & (2D) 9pm; Veeram (Malayalam) – Aeschylus Beast (2D) 2:30pm; Beauty & The The Beast (2D) 2:15pm; Beauty & The 11:15pm. Beast (2D) 4:45pm; Beauty & The Beast (2D) 4:30pm; Beauty & The Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Beast (2D) 7pm; Beauty & The Beast Beast (2D) 6:45pm; Beauty & The Veeram (Malayalam) 2pm; The (2D) 9:15pm; Sleepless (2D) 11:15pm. Beast (2D) 9pm; Beauty & The Beast Belko Experiment (2D) 4pm; El 3atir Mall Cinema (3): Kong: Skull Island (2D) 11:15pm. (Arabic) 5:30pm; Hidden Figures (2D) 2:15pm; Sleepless (2D) 4:15pm; Landmark Cinema (3): Veeram (2D) 7:15pm; A United Kingdom (2D) El 3atir (Arabic) 6:15pm; The Belko (Malayalam) 3pm; A United 9:30pm; Vengeance: A Love Story Experiment (2D) 8pm; Veeram Kingdom (2D) 5pm; El 3atir (Arabic) (2D) 11:30pm. Community Editor (Malayalam) 9:45pm; Vengeance: A 7pm; Sleepless (2D) 9pm; Veeram Asian Town Cinema: Veeram Love Story (2D) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 11pm. (Malayalam) 5:45, 8:15 & 10:45; Kamran Rehmat Landmark Cinema (1): Kong: Skull Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Badrinath Ki Dulhania (Hindi) e-mail: [email protected] Island (2D) 2:15pm; Vengeance: A Beauty & The Beast (2D) 2:30pm; 5:30pm; Trapped (Hindi) 5:30 Telephone: 44466405 Love Story (2D) 4:15pm; The Belko Beauty & The Beast (2D) 5pm; & 10:15pm; Angamaly Diaries Fax: 44350474 Experiment (2D) 6:15pm; Sleepless Beauty & The Beast (2D) 7:30pm; (Malayalam) 6 & 8:30pm; Machine (2D) 7:30pm; Vengeance: A Love Sleepless (2D) 9:45pm; Sleepless (Hindi) 7:30pm. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Academy will perform with Ymelda Marie Revival of Qatar’s musical heritage and Louise’s . They will take place at the Qatari Folk singing programme Spring Workshop Ritz-Carlton’s garden at 8pm. WHEN: Thursday, Friday until April 28 WHERE: TCA Qatar Finally, cinema afi cionados will have WHERE: Beach 15, Katara WHEN: Until March 30 the opportunity to watch, for the fi rst time TIME: 6pm to 10pm TCA Qatar is organising its Spring in Qatar, the latest Emmanuelle Bercot Residents will have the opportunity to watch Workshop from March 15. The workshop will movie, La Fille de Brest, released in France in and enjoy authentic Qatari musical arts and folk consist of painting (age 5-15), calligraphy (age November 2016. singing every weekend until April 28, 2017 at 5-15) and abacus (age 5-15). It will also have All these events are free. Detailed Katara. sessions on speaking etiquettes, debating and programming is available on the website of The second edition of this cultural show dressing for occasions in diff erent sessions the French Institute of Qatar at the following dubbed as ‘The Revival of Qatar’s Musical targeted at two age groups: 10-14 and 15-18. address: www.institutfrancais-qatar.com Heritage and Qatari Folk Singing Programme’ For further details, please get in touch with is in line with Katara’s continuous eff orts to the organisers at 6652-3871. Off -road biking tour preserve the heritage of Qatar’s ancestors. WHERE: Zekreet Some sideline activities at the event include Beauty and the Beast WHEN: Fridays training sessions, competitions, exhibitions, WHEN: March 30, 31 Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the documentary research, publications, and WHERE: ISL Qatar country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in production, including the development lectures and seminars. The Performing Arts Department of ISL the desert on a fatbike to explore the local of their work as young artists through to Qatar will present the much anticipated fl ora and fauna, spot desert wildlife, hike up their modernist creations, showing the Chamber at MIA: Music of Qatar production of “Beauty and the Beast” on jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard Serra correspondences between their works, the and Germany March 30 and 31. Tickets are QR50 and can statues and this unique landscape. infl uence of the surrealist movement, and the WHEN: April 13 be purchased at the Reception Desk or Admin Participants will get to cross the desert return to realism during the post-war period. TIME: 6pm-7pm offi ce of ISL Qatar. Performance times are: riding fatbikes from Zekreet to the Richard The exhibition will be accompanied by a WHERE: Atrium, Museum of Islamic Art 6pm on March 30, 2pm on March 31 and 6pm Serra statues, on a route of approximately series of lectures and an extensive education The next monthly free chamber music on March 31. Doors open 30 minutes before 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable programme, as well as a self-guided concert by members of the Qatar Philharmonic the start of the play. For further inquiries, for people with average fi tness. You must handbook for the visitors. Orchestra in the atrium of Museum of Islamic please call 4433-8600 or e-mail at mail@ be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are A richly illustrated catalogue published as Art will be on April 13, with the West Bay islqatar.org also welcome. The fee is QR220 (QR190 co-edition with Flammarion will accompany skyline as a backdrop. No tickets or reservations for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety the exhibition, featuring new essays by art required. All ages welcome. Seating will be on a JR Répertoire equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. historians and the curators of the exhibition. fi rst-come fi rst-serve basis. WHERE: Qatar Museums Gallery in For details and booking, please visit Katara (Building 10) the company website on http://www. Nagham Qatar Superstock 600 Championship WHEN: Until May 31 clubbluepearl.com/news-feed/ WHERE: The Backyard at Sheraton Grand Round 3 JR, the celebrated French artist, is the Hotel WHERE: Losail International Circuit subject of a major retrospective show in Qatar Imperial Threads: Motifs and artisans WHEN: Thursdays TIME: 10am being held by Qatar Museums at QM Gallery from Turkey, Iran and India TIME: 8pm onwards WHEN: March 23, 24 and 25 Katara in Doha. WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art After the success of The Backyard, a Qatar SuperStock 600 is a new road racing JR is amongst a handful of world- WHEN: Until to November 4 concept is born to introduce championship organised by Qatar Motor renowned artists that combines art and This exhibition focuses on the exchange adding a twist of International tunes. Live Motorcycle Federation and Losail Circuit Sports engaged actions through large-scale outdoor of artistic and material cultures between band music by Nagham’s offi cial band and Club. installations, fi lms, photographs and videos, the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. guest artists every week. The entrance fee is The championship will have 12 races over 6 using the streetscape as his canvas and his Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece carpets, QR100. For details, call 44853000. rounds at the Losail International Circuit. inspiration, which he claims as the largest art among other artworks, from Turkey, Iran and The riders are competing using one-make gallery in the world. India, these objects will be contextualised Reggae Beachfest Doha bikes that will be used for the rest of the season, JR creates “Pervasive Art” that spreads within the historical circumstances of WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays a stocked 600cc bike. The organisers bill it as uninvited on the buildings and slums around politics and artistic production of their time, WHERE: Oyster Beach at St. Regis “a great chance for every competitor to test Paris, on the walls in the Middle East, on primarily from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Hotel themselves and fi ght for the title in fair racing the broken bridges in Africa or the favelas in TIME: 8pm onwards conditions and in a professional environment”. Brazil. He remains anonymous and doesn’t In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest Grandstand and Paddock area are open for explain his work, allowing the subjects, in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta free to all the spectators. protagonists, spectators and passers-by to nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve raise their own questions. got the setup sorted to get you feeling the Al Gannas The exhibition will feature some of the Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident band (For school students) key series that have made the artist famous Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, we have so Until March 31, 2017 around the world as well as a video lounge many big names in the Reggae scene lined up 9am–Noon where selected video works can be viewed. at this huge beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 Al Gannas Society at the door. For more information, please call Free ( For boys only, requires registration) 44460105 Al Gannas association is participating in the “Our culture is a school” programme, Senorita-Ladies Night by organising many activities for the WHERE: The Club at St. Regis students every Monday and Wednesday of WHEN: Tuesdays the week. TIME: 7pm These activities include explanations on The Club at St. Regis promises the ‘fi nest hunting and related items tools, kinds of falcons weeknight in town with Cuban and Latin and preys, in addition to workshop on how to Picasso-Giacometti rhythms’. The event starts at 7pm. The carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of WHEN: Until May 21 dress code is “strictly fabulous-Latin vibe” goat & camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic WHERE: Fire Station Artist In Residence and there are no entrance fees. For more coff ee and start a fi re. For further details, visit This exhibition brings together more than information, please call 4446-0105. katara.net 120 works by Picasso and Giacometti, drawn from the collections of the Musée national Dia al-Azzawi: A Retrospective (from Qatar Music Academy Francophonie Days in Qatar Picasso-Paris and the Fondation Giacometti 1963 until tomorrow) (For school students) WHEN: Until March 31 in Paris, as well as exceptional loans from WHERE: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Until March 28, 2017 WHERE: Around Qatar French and other international collections, Modern Art and QM Gallery Al Riwaq 11am–2pm The Embassy of France in Qatar and the covering paintings, sculptures, sketches, WHEN: Until April 16 Free (Requires registration) Institut Français du Qatar are celebrating the photographs and interviews with the artists. Qatar Museums presents a monograph of Qatar Music Academy focuses on teaching Francophonie Days in Qatar from March 14 to The exhibition refl ects two years of one of the most renowned modern artists its students the principles of Arab and Western March 31. research undertaken by the Fondation of the Arab world: Dia al-Azzawi. The music. As part of the “Our Culture is a School” Activities during the Francophonie Days Giacometti and the Musée national Picasso- exhibition, showcasing over 500 works programme, Qatar Music Academy has off ered include concerts of Caribbean music, theatre, Paris, which reveals for the fi rst time the across fi fty years and a range of media, aims interested schools the opportunity to attend linguistic and artistic competitions and previously unknown relationship between at mapping an itinerary of modernism and various workshops. These workshops will screenings of French movies. these two artists, who, despite an age gap of profi les the practice of the Iraqi artist. The include an introduction to Arab and Western On Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, twenty years, shared many moments, both exhibition is curated by Catherine David, music and instruments, as well as the teachers March 23, the public will meet Ymelda Marie personal and professional. Deputy Director of Musée National d’Art giving a brief overview of the educational Louise and her , a Caribbean band. It has been organised in six sections, Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou, music programmes at the Academy. For further On March 23, the musicians of Qatar Music evoking diff erent aspects of each artist’s Paris. details, visit katara.net

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Mercury rising is = animals shrinking Scientists describe this (relatively) rapid rise in temperature as a “hyperthermal event.” Over the course of the Earth’s history there have been several hyperthermal events. Most scientists would agree that we are in the midst of one right now

RESEARCH: Abigail D’Ambrosia, a graduate student at the University of New Hampshire, comparing size between ETM2 and non-ETM2 horse teeth.

It got hot. additional 170,000 years before returning Over the course of the Earth’s By Deborah Netburn Really hot. to normal. history there have been other, smaller Hotter than it had ever been since the Scientists describe this (relatively) rapid hyperthermal events as well. Most Earth formed a few billion years earlier. rise in temperature as a “hyperthermal scientists would agree that we are in the ifty-six million years ago, Carbon signatures in the geological event,” and it is not the only one that midst of one right now. about 10 million years after record show that global temperature surged has ever occurred. About 2 million years Abigail D’Ambrosia, a graduate student the dinosaurs went extinct, 5 to 8 degrees Celsius within 10,000 years. later, the Earth experienced another surge at the University of New Hampshire, is something strange happened to They also indicate that the planet’s in temperature that was about half the interested in what happens to living things F our planet. temperature remained elevated for an magnitude of its predecessor. when the global temperature jumps. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Do they go extinct? Do they adapt? Do they change? What happens Her research, published in the journal to living things Science Advances, shows that at least in the case of some mammals, they shrink. when the global And it turns out that the amount they shrink is directly related to how hot the planet gets. temperature jumps. The findings are based on a new analysis Do they go extinct? of fossilised teeth and jaw fragments collected from the Bighorn Basin in Do they adapt? Do northwestern Wyoming, about 80 miles east of Yellowstone National Park. they change? A “For adult mammals, measuring teeth is a great proxy for body size,” D’Ambrosia said. research, published In particular, the first lower molar tends in the journal to exhibit the strongest correlation between crown area and body weight in most Science Advances, animals, she said. By comparing the change in tooth size shows that at least of the same species over time, researchers have already shown that mammal dwarfing in the case of some occurred during the largest ancient mammals, they warming event, approximately 56 million years ago. shrink. And it turns Specifically, they showed that the earliest equid, Sifrhippus, shrank by at out that the amount least 30 percent during the first 130,000 years of the warming event. As the global they shrink is temperature slowly returned to directly related to normal, its body size rebounded by 76 percent. how hot the D’Ambrosia, whose Twitter handle is @ ClimateDentist, wondered whether similar planet gets dwarfi ng had occurred during the smaller warming event roughly 54 million years ago. size because you have a larger surface-area- To find out, she set to work gathering and to-volume ratio,” D’Ambrosia said. measuring teeth of four mammals that lived This ratio allows smaller animals to let before and during it. off more heat, while having a larger body Included in her research was Arenahippus size in a cooler environment helps an pernix (an early horse about the size of animal retain heat. a small dog), Diacodexis metsiacus (a But she added that it is also possible rabbit-sized predecessor of pigs and that animals living through ancient deer), Hyopsodus simplex (a weasel-sized hyperthermal events may have shrunk for herbivore), and Cantius abditus (an early other reasons, including not being able to primate similar to modern lemurs). get enough water or food. D’Ambrosia said that especially for the As the planet continues to warm today, little horse, the difference in tooth size scientists may be able to see for themselves between individuals that lived before the what drives the mammal dwarf response. warming event and those that lived during in higher, cooler latitudes are larger than Bergmann’s Rule. “Unfortunately, today is a really great it was obvious. those that live closer to the equator. This “The idea behind it is that it is more experiment,” D’Ambrosia said. —Los “That was the coolest thing,” she said. phenomenon even has its own name — efficient to cool off if you have a small body Angeles Times/TNS “When I first started taking measurements my adviser started randomly grabbing teeth and guessing which came from the hyperthermal. Just visually, he could pick them out.” A scientific analysis of the data revealed that during the second warming event, Arenahippus shrank in size by an average of 14 percent — the equivalent of going from dog-sized to cat-sized, D’Ambrosia said. This finding suggests that at least for equids, the dwarfing response to an increase in climate change scales proportionately with the magnitude of the warming. During the first warming event, the small horse decreased in size by 30 percent. In the second warming event, which was about half as intense, a different small horse dwarfed by 14 percent. D’Ambrosia had fewer teeth from the other three species included in the study, but she was still able to report that Diacodexis, the deer predecessor, exhibited dwarfing of 15 percent. The change in size of the weasel-sized herbivore Hyopsodus was an insignificant 4 percent, and the primate Cantius bucked the trend by appearing to grow 2 percent. However, neither of these last two findings were significant. “It’s hard to say what is going on in detail without collecting more samples,” D’Ambrosia said. Although shrinking in the face of climate change may seem like a strange response, it is well known in scientific communities that mammals get smaller in warmer climates. For example, red foxes that live FINDING: Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY UCQ celebrates diversity at its fifth International Day

More than 400 people gathered together to connect with other cultures through inspired performances, colourful booths and delicious culinary off erings.

he University of Calgary in in our student body,” said Dr Deborah White, programme. “This experience will prepare me favourite event of the year. There are always Qatar (UCQ) held its 5th annual Dean and CEO of UCQ. “A nursing education for my nursing career to care for the people many exciting activities and always something International Day event recently, goes beyond what happens in the classroom from many diff erent places who call Qatar delicious to eat.” bringing together students, faculty – it is the shared experiences amongst many home.” As Qatar’s sole provider of university-level and staff with the community to diff erent people from diff erent backgrounds Now in its 5th year, International Day allows nursing education, UCQ ensures all students celebrateT diversity on campus. that will prepare them to be the next UCQ an opportunity to share its wealth of receive the highest level of education to With over 13 countries represented, generation of nursing leaders in Qatar.” diversity and allow the local community to prepare them to be active contributors to the more than 400 people gathered together to “The diversity of my fellow students allow come to campus to experience the learning health care system in Qatar. UCQ has prepared connect with other cultures through inspired me to learn about diff erent cultures and and social environment that UCQ off ers its hundreds of students for nursing careers since performances, colourful booths and delicious their perspectives,” says Aisha Almaadeed, students. its establishment in Qatar, with over 450 culinary off erings. a nursing student currently enrolled in Sara al-Qahtani, a master of nursing student students currently enrolled across various “At UCQ we are proud of the diversity found the Bachelor of Nursing, Regular Track at UCQ, added: “International Day is my nursing programmes.

Five hundred Nepalis attend screen of Loot 2

Highlight Concept Vision and QN on February 24. Directed by Nischal Basnet Haku Kale (), believing that he of the film shows the ever-changing lifestyle Khabar jointly organised the screening of and produced by Madhav Wagle and Narendra was the cause of their arrest. The simplistic of Haku Kale, highlighting his shrewdness. Nepali blockbuster movie Loot 2 at the Global Maharjan, Loot 2 tries to create the same magic plot of the film is elevated by its excellent The second-half comes to life with action Cinema Hall in Doha recently. it did with its first instalment with its characters. use of comedy. The actors give A-grade sequences as Haku and his opponents cross The first Loot was made and released before About 500 Nepalis attended the screening. performances. paths. the April 2015 earthquake and the Indian In the movie, Gofle (Dayahang Rai), Nare In Loot 2, Haku Kale seems more fierce, more The organisers said the movie will be also be blockade and was about a bank robbery. Loot (Karma), Deban (Prateek) and Pandey powerful and smarter. His opponents, Gofle, screened in Al Khor on March 31. 2 is set during the time of the Indian blockade, (Sushil) run away from the jail right after the Nare, Khatri, and Pandey are portrayed as after the earthquake of 2015. It was released earthquake. The fugitives are in search of miserable and pitiful characters. The first half Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Al Jazeera Printing Press holds its Annual Day

The Annual Day for the staff of Printing Press was held on March 17 at Al Sharq Village and Doha Marriott Hotel in Doha. All the staff members actively participated in various sports competitions for the staff , followed by cultural programmes in the evening. Senior staff members who have completed 10 years of service with the company were honoured with awards. The prizes to the winners as well as annual performance awards for staff were distributed by Jacob Kannath, director of the company, along with other dignitaries on the dais.

Qatar Leadership Academy celebrates Pi Day

Qatar Leadership Academy’s Mathematics Department celebrated its 6th Annual Pi Day on March 14 with enthusiasm and full support of school administration and other departments. All teachers and student-participants wore a Pi Day T-shirt to celebrate the occasion. The day started with human formation of the Pi symbol and the entire school, including teachers and students, took part in it. The venue of the event was decorated for the occasion displaying information about Pi. One of the main attractions was the display of more than 500 digits of Pi along the entrance of venue. This year, Qatar Leadership Academy welcomed Nord Anglia Al-Khor, QA-Doha, AKIS (BS) and AKIS (CBSE) to be a part of the event. The day started with icebreaker activities for all the participants from QLA and non-QF schools. Opening activities provided all students the opportunity to interact and collaborate with students from other schools. Math Jeopardy and Visual Arts competitions took place after the welcoming ceremony. The Visual Arts competition was conducted where all teams had to design a Pi Day T-shirt. The Math Jeopardy activities ran parallel to Visual Arts competitions. QLA qualified for Grades 9-10 Math Jeopardy and won the competition for the first time. Grades 7-8 Math Jeopardy was won by AKIS (CBSE). They were also the winners in the art competition this year. Apple pies were served to all students, guests and teachers. The activities designed for Pi Day were meant to create a positive environment for everyone involved and generate a curiosity amongst the students about Pi and mathematics. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY

JHJ Foundation makes environmental science learning possible at ASD

The American School of Doha (ASD) Marigold flowers. This is a 3-week project has off icially opened the High School and student analysis of the data will Greenhouse and recognises the include regression analysis and discrete Jassim & Hamad Bin Jassim Charitable variable bar graphing. The greenhouse Foundation (JHJ) for their financial provides a controlled environment for contributions to make this possible. this research. In 2013, the JHJ Foundation made Sheikha Noor al-Subaie, representative a donation of QR700,000 to the for JHJ Foundation, attended the ribbon American School of Doha towards the cutting where she spoke with students construction of a new greenhouse to aid from the High School Environmental in the development of the High School Science class who utilise the facility. Environmental Science and Biology units “We are delighted to have the and provide an exclusive facility to house greenhouse for our programmes and plants for student projects. students,” stated ASD Director, Dr Tom Environmental Science students are Hawkins. “We cannot thank HE Sheikh currently transplanting their vegetable Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, Sheikha seedlings from the Greenhouse to Noor al-Subaie and the Jassim & Hamad their outdoor Gardens, while APES Bin Jassim Charitable Foundation students are using the Greenhouse to enough for this opportunity. Few do their experiments on soil structure schools have such a facility in which to and temperature. AP Biology Students learn and grow and with our instructors’ are investigating the eff ects of various expertise, we feel we can use the environments (wind, hot, humid, facility in the best ways possible for our control) on plant transpiration rate using students.”

DESS student wins at chess competition

Kareem Khan, age 9, has been playing chess since he was 5 years old and recently won a chess competition at his school, Doha English Speaking School (DESS). Kareem then went on to play children, some of them much older than him, in a competition where he won three of the games he competed in. Kareem said about the competition, “It was super challenging and a great experience.” Kareem’s passion for chess started when his nanny introduced him to the game. He now plays chess at ‘Chess Club’ at DESS weekly and also attends a weekly chess practice session at Qatar Chess Federation. Chess was introduced as an activity at DESS in September 2016 and is run by the Qatar Chess Federation. Nicola Murray, who oversees the range of extra-curricular activities the school has on off er, said, “I am delighted that children at DESS have had this amazing opportunity to take part in chess and to compete if they wish. We are really proud of Kareem’s achievements.” Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Two exhibitions open at VCUQatar

irginia Commonwealth year’s theme was “Analogue Living This year’s conference featured realities. The selection of works within the context of our lived University in Qatar’s in a Digital World.” The conference lectures, workshops, exhibitions evokes a circle of mimicry, in which experiences. The exhibit also (VCUQatar) Gallery took place on March 15 and 16. and demonstrations by artists, organic forms are patterned after creates a context for further recently hosted the The exhibitions at VCUQatar’s designers and cultural leaders who technological ones, and where examining the relevance of our opening receptions for Gallery and Orange Hall will run explored the collision, intersection technological forms emulate lived current attitudes, and off ers new V“Form (force)” and “In Transit”, two until April 4 and are free and open and interplay between the experiences in the natural world. ways to grow and evolve creative exhibitions by faculty and students to the public. Amber Esseiva is the traditional and digital worlds. The Form (force) contains paintings, expression in times of rapid change from Virginia Commonwealth Curatorial Assistant at the Institute fi rst Tasmeem Doha took place in sculpture, photography, video and and displacement. University’s School of the Arts for Contemporary Art at VCU. 2004 at VCUQatar. audio installations and much more. The exhibitions will run until (VCUarts) and VCUQatar. Karim Sultan is a curator of modern Form (force), an exhibition “In Transit”, an exhibition by April 4, and are free and open to the The exhibitions, curated by and contemporary art at Barjeel Art by faculty from VCUQatar and students from VCUQatar and public. “Form(force)” is curated by Amber Esseiva and Karim Sultan, Foundation in Sharjah. VCUarts at VCUQatar’s Gallery, VCUarts at VCUQatar’s Orange Amber Esseiva and Karim Sultan, are an extension of Tasmeem Doha, Tasmeem, which is the Arabic explores ways in which artists Hall, uncovers the intersection while “In Transit” is curated by John VCUQatar’s biennial international word for “design”, is a collaboration navigate relationships and tensions between the analogue and digital Freyer, Michael Perrone, and Marco art and design conference. This between VCUQatar and VCUarts. between embodied and virtual realms of human creative practices Bruno – co-chairs of Tasmeem 2017.

The exhibitions will run until April 4, and are free and open to the public.

McDonald’s Qatar celebrates Mother’s Day

McDonald’s Qatar is celebrating Mother’s Day in some of you” through diverse activities for all family members its branches from March 19 to March 24. The celebration specially children and mothers. For more information is to share with its clients a unique experience and to about the branches celebrating the mothers’ day, please convey a message to all moms out there, saying “Thank access Mcdonalds’Qatar Facebook page.

Aigner’s new collection now available at Blue Salon

Aigner has launched its new collection featuring the designer Roones at Blue Salon. Roones gifted a customised handbag doll to all the ladies who bought the new Aigner bag at the launch. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY At-home first-aid tips to manage the stress of caregiving

ith careers, children and prefer to tailor their own kits based on their over the wound and apply light pressure. As infection is important so wounds are properly grandchildren added to the family’s individual needs and preferences. necessary and if possible, elevate the wound cared for and greater health risks are kept at mix, many baby boomers are According to the Mayo Clinic, a basic fi rst-aid above the heart to further reduce heavy bay. These signs can include swelling, redness, feeling the mounting stress kit should include a mix of medical supplies – bleeding. pain and oozing from the site of the wound. You of caring for young, old and including bandages, cold packs and antiseptics should seek medical help if any of these signs themselves!W One way to reduce stress is to have – medications – such as pain relievers, cold Addressing burns and scalds appear. Although everyone should be mindful peace of mind in knowing you’re prepared for medicines and antihistamines – and emergency Children and ageing adults are also at risk of the risks for infection following an injury emergency fi rst-aid situations, such as cuts, items – such as medical consent/history forms, of scalds and burns from kitchen accidents that pierces the skin, caregivers of ageing adults scrapes and burns. In honour of National a fl ashlight and batteries. involving hot objects and liquids. Daily should be extra careful as elderly are often more Family Caregivers Month, we’ve outlined some preventative measures – such as placing hot susceptible to infection, especially those with basic fi rst-aid tips that can prepare you in case Wound treatment objects on sturdy surfaces and setting the concomitant illnesses. an emergency strikes, whether at home or on Everyone is susceptible to minor cuts and temperature of water heaters at a safe level – the go. scrapes, which should be cleaned immediately can lower the risk for external burns and scalds. First-aid education to prevent infections and treated once bleeding In the event of a minor burn, clothing and To ensure that you are adequately prepared Basic supplies has stopped. Antiseptic solutions containing jewellery should be removed from around the to care for wounds or burns at home, you may A properly stocked fi rst-aid kit can ensure povidone-iodine – such as Betadine(R) burn site and the burn should be rinsed with want to consider taking a fi rst-aid training fast and appropriate treatment for loved ones’ Solution – have been a trusted choice by cool water until pain is eased. Burns should course. Lots of free websites, off er online minor injuries. It is important to have a fi rst- hospitals for treating wounds for over four be dressed, as needed, with a non-adhesive fi rst-aid classes to provide you with the aid kit for your home, car and a suitcase with decades. Outside the hospital, Betadine dressing. Aloe vera lotion or gel and over-the- knowledge and skills you need to be a well- which you regularly travel so you’re prepared products are used for fi rst aid to help prevent counter pain relievers can help in providing equipped and eff ective caregiver for yourself no matter when or where an injury occurs. infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. relief and reducing pain. Medical attention and your loved ones. Nevertheless, seeking the First-aid kits should be kept out-of-reach from They are eff ective against a broad range of should be sought for burns that are large and advice of a medical professional should always younger children, as well as children and adults microbes. A range of fi rst-aid antiseptics can blistering, as these can bring greater risk for be considered if you are uncomfortable or with cognitive disorders, to prevent poisoning be found at drug stores for caregivers to tailor to infection. unsure of the correct steps to take following an or misuse of contents. their families’ preferences and needs. emergency. Although you can fi nd pre-packaged fi rst-aid If a wound is more severe and bleeding Understanding the signs of infection kits at drug stores and online, many families heavily, place a clean cloth or sterile bandage Understanding the common signs of ©Brandpoint

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Don’t think that just because someone isn’t responding to your texts, Be open to changes in your relationships and the way you feel Don’t dismiss something or someone today simply because they e-mails and voicemails that anything is wrong. Venus out of phase in around other people – today and through mid–April. Right now we don’t work for you. It might be something you can pick up later on in your sign could have some of you feeling rather paranoid today. are all in the eye of the Venus retrograde storm. the week or month.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

If you aren’t sure about something or someone today, ask questions. Don’t let someone talk you out of doing something you really want If you aren’t sure about something today, ask for a second, third and With so much planetary activity lining up in your professional zone to do today Leos. If your heart is set on it, then go for it. If you fall flat even fourth opinion. You don’t usually cast such a wide net, but right for the next few weeks, being cautiously optimistic about your job is on your face then that’s on you, right? now it’s vital you get it right. a good idea.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Your ruler Venus continues her retrograde activity in your opposite Unless you really want to get involved in other people’s dramas, Unless you have already planned it, now is not the time for you to go sign of Aries today, your one on one relationship zone. Be careful avoid it today Scorpios. You usually do manage to steer clear but if out of your way to do something that requires a lot of time, energy about revealing too much about yourself today. you’re involved in anyway you might have to get involved – but try and money today. to make it a minimal amount.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

The Moon in your sign today will have you more emotionally tuned Don’t even think about trying to repeat an experience you had With the Moon shining in your eleventh house of hopes, wishes and in and connected to the people around you goats. So if someone earlier in the year. Some things lightning doesn’t strike twice and it’s friendship today, it’s a good time for you to reach out to someone needs a hug...you know what to do. important that you savour the memory and not try to make more you haven’t spoken to in a while and reconnect. of it. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

What’s the Point?

BOILING FLASH STRONG BREAKING FOCAL TURNING CRITICAL FREEZING VANISHING DECIMAL GAME VANTAGE DEW HIGH WEST DIAMOND MATCH FIXED POWER

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1. Brought down by a gun-man 1. Try to become a Member inside (8) of Parliament in Lancashire 5. Joined with German left (6) town (6) 9. Steep incline in a dream (8) 2. I tarry around an unusual 10. Bath, perhaps, a boy’s suit (6) object (6) 12. Application for return of the 3. Criminal with a record to first sale item at the front (6) behave acceptably (7) 13. Plot to fix prices on the inside 4. Aims to send schoolboy outside (4) (8) 6. I’m too old to love thick paint 15. Sting, for example, dresses in (7) fashionable gear (5,7) 7. This should put a stop to 18. Old remains or remnants of a your driving (3,5) centurion? (5,7) 8. Red spies to break up and go 23. Siding with a workman on off in all directions (8) the quiet (8) 11. Admit a girl has to act 24. Recall having made submissively (7) to store the 14. Tasty bird seen in Oporto wine (6) languishing about (7) Answers 26. A little speculation, in other 16. Makes suggestion for posse words, to make money (6) to be formed (8) Wordsearch Codeword 27. Times fan needing a change, 17. Join with the last man in film that’s clear (8) that’s coming out (8) 28. Stitch up the body of unions 19. Senior one, getting out of backed by a banker (6) order, making more of a 29. Watch for the gun (8) racket (7) 20. Before a youngster becomes a recluse (7) 21. The customer’s a figure in the money (6) 22. One’s character-forming (6) 25. Bill, caught by soldiers, is to run (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Bald facts; 6 Tessa; Down: 1 Biter; 2 Lie in wait; 9 Therm; 10 Bad intent; 11 3 Family ties; 4 Cabbage; 5 Ringleader; 12Otto ; 14 Seattle; Saddest; 6 Tone; 7 Spent; 8 15 Trestle; 17Letters ; 19 Reverts; Authoress; 13 Leave alone; 14 20 Else; 22 Complained; 25 Silver-fir; 16 Tyrannise; 18 Stops Foretaste; 26 Olive; 27 Rowan; up; 19 Replete; 21 Screw; 23 28 Piecemeal. Dwell; 24 Stun. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Ed Sheeran

Could Ed Sheeran’s phenomenal success sound the death knell for Britain’s singles chart? All 16 from Ed’s new , Divide, are listed in the UK top 20. Nine are in the top ten. Yet only two of these songs are off icially singles. It is farcical to have so many songs dominating the chart which are not actually singles. This has come about through the introduction of digital downloads and listening figures from streaming services now being part of the sales calculation. Any album track can be downloaded and streamed. Many music insiders are calling for changes to be made. Most seem to want recalculations. For example, 150 streams of a counts as one sale. This figure could be increased. Whatever recalculations might be made, there would still be the possibility of chart dominance by album tracks rather than singles. A much easier solution would be to simply rename the singles chart as the Popular Songs chart or the Mainstream Songs chart. The vast majority of entries would still be singles. But album tracks would no longer be regarded as interlopers which create the ludicrous current singles chart listing. Ed is also dominating the UK album chart. Divide registered 672,000 debut week sales. This gave Ed the highest opening week sales for a male artist and the third-highest in UK chart history. Only Adele’s 25, with 800,000, and Oasis’ Be Here Now, with 696,000, sold more copies during their first week of release. HIATUS: Her absence has certainly made the hearts of Alison’s fans grow fonder. His popularity is such that Ed’s first two , 2011’s Plus and 2014’s Multiply, have returned to the top five. Both albums had previously held the number one spot so are now being bought by Ed’s new fans. Away from music, Ed has been announced as a guest star in Alison Krauss makes series seven of the television fantasy drama, Game of Thrones. The producers had apparently been asking him to appear on the show for quite some time. Obviously music fans, they have previously had Coldplay’s Will Champion and Snow Patrol’s Gary a return after 18 years Lightbody make cameo appearances. Steps

tracks were standards which I heard of admirers. The most prominent of British pop quintet Steps are back in a big way and ready to By Geoff rey Rowlands when I was growing up. They are all these is superstar singer/songwriter celebrate their 20th anniversary. about lost love and longing, typical Adele. The group’s fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor, is set for country music subjects. I’ve generally “People had told me Adele was a fan. release on April 21. This is one month short of 20 years since Faye t is 18 years since Alison Krauss tended to sing songs about longing. I took my parents and my son to see her Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and released her last solo album. It’s something the audience can always show in Nashville and got to meet her. Ian ‘H’ Watkins first joined forces. Her absence has certainly made relate to.” She was sweet, kind, funny and so open They enjoyed three UK chart-topping albums, two number one the hearts of Alison’s fans grow Music insiders have certainly related to myself and my family. It was amazing singles and a whole string of other songs which made the top fonder. While 1999’s Forget About to Alison’s music. Despite not featuring to think I knew her really well after just five. But ‘H’ and Claire acrimoniously left the group on December IIt peaked at number 77 in Britain and regularly in the upper reaches of the one meeting.” 22, 2001. It took ten years for the ill feeling to subside enough number 60 on the Billboard 200, Windy charts, the quality of Alison’s work has Plans for Windy City began as far for a reunion which was chronicled in a four-part television City has hit number six in the UK, seen her garner 27 Grammy Awards back as 2013. The album took so long documentary. number nine on the Billboard 200 and from 42 nominations. Only the classical to make because Alison developed Despite 20 successful months of recording, touring and even number one on Billboard’s Top Country conductor Sir Georg Solti has won more problems with her voice. creating their own fragrance, Steps announced they were taking Albums chart. Grammys, 31, and Alison is both the “I’ve never really done anything to another break in May, 2013. Apart from some individual projects, Alison has enjoyed other highly most awarded singer and most awarded look after my voice. I could have paid nothing was heard from them until the news of their latest album popular albums with her band, Union female artist in Grammy history. the price for taking things for granted. I and 20th anniversary concert tour. Station, and a particularly notable “I’ve been very lucky to have my work got a condition called dysphonia which Tears on the Dancefloor has been preceded by the lead single, collaboration with former Led Zeppelin recognised to such a large extent by the is a tightening of the muscles around Scared of the Dark. There is no video as yet but an off icial singer Robert Plant on 2007’s Raising Grammy Awards committee. My fi rst your voicebox. audio posting of the song can be found at www.youtube.com/ Sand. But this is the fi rst occasion Grammy was back in 1991 when I won “I’d never heard of it, I thought it watch?v=qeWTGMMbhjc that the bluegrass-country singer and Best Bluegrass Recording. I’ve won fi ve was just a hoarseness in my voice. But I has achieved such enormous more times in this category as part of found a lot of singers have suff ered from Alok chart success in her own right. Union Station and each one has been dysphonia. There is no actual cure. You “It’s lovely to have such a big hit,” just as thrilling and appreciated as the just have to rest your voice and wait for Apart from those who are heavily into dance music, most pop smiled the 45-year-old Decatur, Illinois, fi rst.” everything to return to normal.” fans have probably never heard of Alok Achkar Peres Petrillo. native. “It’s also hugely rewarding to Alison began studying classical violin Her voice is as pure as ever on Windy Sensibly just using Alok as his stage name, the DJ/producer have people respond so positively to an at the age of fi ve but soon switched to City. has become an icon of Brazilian electronic dance music. He is album which, for me, was a real labour bluegrass. She entered her fi rst talent “I initially tried recording with this the only Brazilian ranked among the world’s top 25 DJs by DJ of love.” contest at eight, had her own band feeling of tightness in my throat but I magazine. Almost every song on Windy City was at ten and joined Union Station, then was very unhappy with the sound. Once Alok’s own musical output has been largely confined to the written years before Alison was born. known as Silver Rail, when she was 12. I knew what the problem was, I just had underground club scene. But Hear Me Now, a song Alok recorded They are her cover versions of tracks Her career has since been a mixture of to wait until all was well. last year with fellow Brazilian DJ Bruno Martini and American which were originally hits from the solo recordings, work as part of Union “The snag was trying to wait singer Marcos Zeeba, has become a mainstream hit throughout 1950s to 80s for artists such as Brenda Station and collaborations with other patiently. It took a frustratingly long much of the world. Lee, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell and artists. time. But I wouldn’t keep any recording The off icial music video has racked up more than 57 million The Osborne Brothers. Apart from her critically acclaimed which had even the slightest sign of this views. It is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVpTp8IHdEg “I’ve wanted to do an album of old, fiddle playing, it is the quality of her dysphonia. I didn’t want to give people Much more of his work, with many tracks off ered for free classic songs for quite some time. These voice which has attracted an army anything less than my best.” download, can be heard at (no www.) soundcloud.com/livealok Tuesday, March 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Priyanka has always been instrumental in my career, says cousin Meera Chopra Meera Chopra will soon be ‘Mentor’ Julie making her foreign debut through a yet-untitled Canadian fantasy series. The actress says her cousin sister Priyanka Chopra, who enjoys international acclaim thanks to her hit American show Quantico, has been a huge Andrews makes it big inspiration for her. “Priyanka has always been instrumental in my career. She always supports me and I look up to her and get inspired. I’m not following her... I cannot! But she is a huge inspiration,” Meera said. in Julie’s Greenroom Giving details about her role, Meera said: “I will be playing the role of an astrologer. My role signifi cantly helps in shaping up the life of the lead pair. The contract has been signed with Canada’s privately-owned network CTV network. The co-stars and the director are still being decided upon.” Meera says she got the role after a long process. “Starting from November to January, I auditioned multiple times where I had to send various video clips. I got the confi rmation only a few days back,” said the actress, who will start shooting for the series by July-end. After working in the southern fi lm industry, Meera made her Bollywood debut with 1920 London last year. She asserts that she is not focusing on making a career in Hollywood as of now. The actress said: “There is no laid plan for Hollywood as of now, I’m more than happy to take it as it comes. My entire focus right now is on Bollywood. For me, my own industry will always be more important and will always come fi rst. It’s a diff erent pleasure and satisfaction altogether when you work with your own people. So Bollywood would always be the priority.” — IANS SPOTLIGHT: Julie Andrews in Julie’s Greenroom.

in the regular cast. When they sing, he takes the friend and sometime performing partner Carol By Robert Lloyd higher parts. (Yes, Andrews, whose voice was Burnett — who drop by to lead “master classes,” ruined in an operation 20 years ago, is singing eat mini-scones and drink white grape juice, which here, in a limited, but most eff ective, way.) The doesn’t stain. Filmed portions take the action out ulie Andrews has a show on Netfl ix, Julie’s current class is all puppets, the work of Jim into the real theatres of Broadway. Greenroom, a theatre-themed show for Henson’s Creature Shop — I guess we can’t call Happiness pours out of Julie’s Greenroom. The small fry. Created by Andrews with Emma them Muppets now that Disney owns that brand. show could easily slop over into preciousness, with Walton Hamilton (her daughter and (Perhaps Gus started as a puppet before becoming all these talking dolls and the bountiful positivity — collaborator on the The Very Fairy Princess a real boy.) Diverse in culture and character, they every crisis is just a brief prelude to a solution and books)J and children’s TV veteran Judy Rothman- include a child who uses a wheelchair and another a reason for Andrews to say “Oh, gosh,” which is its Rofe (The New Adventures of Madeline), it has 13 who seems meant to be “on the spectrum” — “If own small delight. But it stays sharp enough. There episodes. The series divides history into the eons only I could play a robot; that’s a character I can is none of the awful giggling often forced upon before Andrews had a show on Netfl ix and the time relate to,” he says — and who looks a little like animated or puppet children in preschool series, as when she does, and in this small way, at least, our Robbie Rist as Cousin Oliver in The Brady Bunch. if kids went around laughing at everything all the troubled and troubling world has improved. There is also a duck named Hugo who sings and time. As on Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, “Isn’t it a glorious day?” asks Andrews, 81, dances and wants to audition for their play. (“The the interplay between the people and the puppets entering stage left. (Your right.) Yes, one suddenly theatre never discriminates,” says Julie, “so we’ll feels perfectly natural; indeed, real kids, being kid feels, it is. It’s Julie Andrews, people! have to consider this.”) He says one word, and that actors, might have been problematically cute. Andrews plays Julie, sometimes called Jules, is quack. Gus translates for him. (“I studied duck at And the theatre! I am a sucker for watching sometimes called Miss Julie (probably not meant as Wesleyan.”) And there is a puppet dog, who is just gifted people perform, for the artistic reach that a reference to the August Strindberg play, but you a dog. exceeds its grasp — but many of us, big and little, never know), who runs a performing arts workshop A story runs through the series: An intended are susceptible to that particular magic. And just as for kids in a theatre built by her father, who ran production of The Wizard of Oz is sidelined when a it’s good for there to be television shows that play performing arts workshops for kids before her. burst pipe in the basement destroys the props and to or stimulate kids’ interest in science or math, She is not, I don’t think, supposed to be the Julie the costumes, leaving the kids to build their own one that wants to teach them the meaning of terms Andrews; if she is, she is awfully modest in never original musical from the ground up. This provides like “the house,” “the wings” and “the fl ies,” to mentioning My Fair Lady, Camelot, Mary Poppins opportunities for visits from guest artists — Idina know their stage left from their stage right and how or The Sound of Music. Perhaps she is saving it for Menzel, Alec Baldwin and members of the cast of to be heard in the back row without a microphone, later, for a big fi nish. Stomp in the three episodes I’ve seen, with other strikes me as valuable, welcome and, given the Gus (Giullian Yao Gioiello) is her right hand, a visitors to include Ellie Kemper, Josh Groban, political ill will regarding the arts, arriving not a INSPIRED: Meera Chopra. former student and the only other actual human Tituss Burgess, Bill Irwin and Andrews’ longtime moment too soon. —Los Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 COMMUNITY Museums safeguard their treasures with digitisation push

When a German archive building collapsed in 2009, countless objects up to 10,000 years old were destroyed. The loss has spurred museums across Germany to digitise collections and exhibit online. By Peter Zschunke

ncreasingly fearful of the destruction, theft or loss of rare exhibits, museums in Germany are busy digitising their huge collections of Iartworks and old documents. Almost every major museum in the country is working to make collections not only more secure but also more accessible to millions more people via the Internet. The process is spurred on by occasional freak occurrences that remind us that nothing is completely safe: Many treasures of the Cologne city archives, for example, were irretrievably lost in 2009 when the six-story building containing documents dating back as far as 922 AD collapsed in a pile of rubble. “We would still have them if they had been digitised in time,” the deputy vice president of Mainz University, Mechthild Dreyer, says at a recent specialist discussion in the city on digital content in the arts and cultural sciences. In the northern city of Bremen, the world-famous Kunsthalle gallery began the task with its rich repositories of sculptures and paintings. Etchings, drawings and watercolours from its giant print room are being digitised in a project The copper engraving collection of Bremen's Kupferstichkabinett is among countless works across Germany being digitised over fears they may be lost. lasting several years, including works by Duerer, Rembrandt and advisor on museums at the Mainz virtual tour though a selection of But there are still plenty of resources to promote digitisation, Spitzweg. region’s science ministry, enthuses local medieval scenes. obstacles to giving the general there is a lack of a proper legal More than 200,000 pages of about his visions of future virtual “We have also digitised the entire public free access to digital treasure basis, he says. manuscripts from the 14th century museums off ering visitors, say, a museum in co-operation with troves, warns the director of the In practice, this means that to the present are also being stroll through 16th century Venice. Google and hope to achieve a far Reiss-Engelhorn-Museum in although museums are required by added to the Kunsthalle’s online Visitors at the shipping museum wider reach this way,” says museum Mannheim, Alfried Wieczorek. law to ensure open data access to a catalogue. in Bremerhaven can already take a director Ursula Warnke. As well as insuffi cient fi nancial lot of their research, this throws up It seems fair to assume that in the other points of contention during modern age of instant gratifi cation, digitisation. a quick online perusal of artworks, At least for commercial use, which for many people means museums should continue to “been there done that,” would only retain the rights over works in erode visitor numbers. their own stock, the director says, But on the contrary, online and development should not be viewings seem only to whet controlled by large companies. people’s appetite for the real thing, “The museum works for society say curators. and not for the likes of Google,” “As interesting and useful as Wieczorek stresses. digital off erings are, fascination Moreover, the issue is about lies in the original,” says Chantal more than just preserving cultural Eschenfelder from the Staedel heritage, say proponents of Museum in Frankfurt. digitisation. “We haven’t noticed a decline in Works should also off er a basis visitors, but rather an increase in for new artistic and scientifi c interest,” she says. creation, argues the managing The realms of digitisation extend director of the German Digital far beyond just scanning images Library, Ellen Euler. and objects, though. “What is not online, is also not Kai-Michael Sprenger, an available,” she says. -DPA