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Thursday, December 12, 2019 Rabia II 15, 1441 AH

Doha today: 190 - 240

My way

Savitri Grier, a prize winning British violinist, who visited Doha recently, says she feels free while expressing through violin. P4-5

COVER STORY

REVIEW BOLLYWOOD

One-joke movie with some I do get nervous before a fi lm’s charming stars. release: Sonakhshi. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.47am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.11am Zuhr (noon) 11.29am Asr (afternoon) 2.27pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.46pm Isha (night) 6.16pm

USEFUL NUMBERS Unbreakable SYNOPSIS: What are the limits of friendship? A storyof DIRECTION: Mae Czarina Cruz an unconditional bond tested by time.Pain brought two CAST: Angelica Panganiban, Richard Gutierrez, Bea friends together, but what will tear them apart? Alonzo THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza

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) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Panipat which took place on the 14th of January in 1761 between the DIRECTION: Ashutosh Gowariker Marathas and the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali. CAST: Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon SYNOPSIS: The fi lm is based on the third battle of Panipat THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza te Unqu uo ot Q “With the e new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Community Editor For movie timings and Kamran Rehmat further details please scan e-mail: [email protected] the QR code above with your Telephone: 44466405 mobile phone camera or visit qatarcinemas.com Fax: 44350474 Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

college and entrance for students of Ballet Lessons Grade IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier assessments administered for stream WHEN: Ongoing preference, career test, branch preference, TIME: 4pm – 8pm personality, multiple intelligence and For more info e-mail at registration@ learning styles and productivity. For more atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. information, 55448835.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts activities for students Hobby Classes Mughal-e-Azam Grand Musical Gems and Jewels from Royal Indian Courts taking place after they finish their day in WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHERE: Al Mayassa Theatre, QNCC showcases more than 100 pieces from school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- Centre WHEN: December 19 – December 20 across Qatar Museums’ (QM) collections, hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHEN: Saturday – Friday TIME: 7:30pm – 10pm including many masterpieces that have Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and Mamangam is an art and performance With live singing on stage, strong cast never been displayed before. 10 years old after school hours. centre started with a vision of spreading of talents, and fairy tale sets that intensify our knowledge, interests and experience in Mughal imperial opulence, this modern- Al Wakalat Car Market 2019 various disciplines in arts across different day version breathes new life into the WHERE: Parking opposite to Khalifa countries for children and adults. classic story of forbidden love. The magic International Stadium Mamangam has become the favourite continues in this “must-see” musical that WHEN: December 19 – 28 centre for learning. We offer regular enthralls everyone to watch over and over TIME: 4pm – 11:59pm classes in the following disciplines like again. Iconic acts in one unforgettable Al Wakalat Car Market aims to traditional classical and folk dance forms, show, Mughal-E-Azam, takes you back in congregate car enthusiasts, prospective art and craft, drawing and painting, time where two hearts justified that against buyers, and automotive retailers with the personality development and public all odds, love conquers all. Tickets available best deals of the year in a single location. speaking, Bollywood dance, contemporary, through www.q-tickets.com Al Wakalat Car Market will enable visitors hip hop styles, music both vocals to have access to cars at their best offers of and instrumentals. To develop health the year, which ensure to clear out stocks of consciousness, we train them karate, approved cars. yoga with special sessions for kids and adults. Mamangam has also come up with chess and robotics in regular batches in an attempt to give a better learning experience, as they sharpen their minds and brains too. For those who wish to register for more details, visit www.mamangamqatar.in Winter School gor Grade IX-XII Students WHERE: Inspire Training Academy, Najma St. WHEN: December 25 – 29 TIME: 8:30am – 1:30pm Developing the leader within every teen today — for a better world tomorrow. Each student deserves to discover their potential and acquire the skills, confidence and motivation to make things happen and bring about change. The five-day leadership and innovation programme is an exciting series of interactive workshops, energetic activities and fun-filled challenges specifically designed to inspire and enable each and every student to uncover their unique abilities, develop greater confidence and master strategies Gems and Jewels Exhibition for success in the classroom and beyond. WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art Programme leader, Dr Ram B. Ramchandran WHEN: Ongoing till January 18 Career Guidance is Vice Dean and Professor of Strategy and TIME: 9am onwards WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al Planning at the O.P. Jindal Global School, The exhibition comes in celebration Sadd India. The event is organised by Right Track of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture WHEN: Sunday – Thursday Consultants. and presents a look at magnificent gems TIME: 6pm – 8pm For registration details, contact and jewellery from India. Set in Stone: Career guidance for course, country, 55448835.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “The great thing about music is that we never stop learning” — Savitri Grier, prize winning British violinist

people that I do not know how to By Mudassir Raja do in any other way,” Savitri added, further driving home that the string instrument is not an obsession with lassical western music is her. like a special language. The musician, who has a degree It is a whole world to in musicology from Oxford, further be explored. Music is said: “My father is a pianist and always going to be a composer. My mother, originally Clanguage and anyone can relate to an artist, is a child psychotherapist. it. It is a slightly diff erent way of My younger sister plays cello. We expressing it. are a musical family. My father, The classical European music after I insisted, arranged a teacher is a tradition that Savitri Grier, a for me. Since then, I have been British prize winning violinist, enjoying my music. Probably, when grew up with. Savitri, whose father I was 12, I decided that I would is a Briton and mother Indian, make a career as a violinist. I got especially likes the way classical admiration for my work but I think music is structured. it kills if someone tells you to play The young violinist was recently [violin]. One should play when it in Doha and performed with Qatar comes from within. Appreciation Philharmonic Orchestra at Qatar and support defi nitely give National Convention Center during encouragement.” a programme in connection with Savitri, who lives and works in Qatar British Festival. Berlin, is nowadays on trial for a job “I started playing violin when I with the Budapest Philharmonic was only four. I have struggled with Orchestra in Hungary. “It is violin a lot but it has been worth it. an amazing orchestra. I have I feel free while expressing myself performed with the orchestra and through it. This is why I continue have travelled a lot with them. I playing violin and hope I will, for have also been doing solo works and the rest of my life,” Savitri said chamber music in UK, Germany, while talking to Community just Italy, Hungary, France, Holland, before her concert at QNCC. Switzerland and Poland. I have “Violin, for me, is a way of also performed in the US, China, expressing something and means Qatar and will perform in India next of communicating something with March. I hope one day I will make it

Violin, for me, is a way of expressing something and means of communicating something with people that I do not know how to do in any other way Photo by Shemeer Rasheed ‘ — Savitri Grier ’ Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY to Australia.” Speaking about her role models in the classical European music, Savitri said: “I am lucky to have some fantastic teachers. I studied for several years with David Takeno, a Japanese violinist in London. He is and will always be a huge infl uence. I have also played and practised with Nora Chastain, an American violinist in Berlin. The great thing about music is that we never stop learning. “However, my favourite contemporary violinist is Georgia- born German violinist Lisa Batiashvili. She is very inspiring; Lisa has very strong but quiet presence on the stage. While listening to her, you really feel transformed. She takes everyone along. As I said, music is all about communication. She is very good at it. Being in Germany, I have also learnt a lot from other violinists.” For Savitri, the classical European music is a tradition. “There is such a huge amount of diff erent kinds within this classical music. There is huge amount of variety. I would never get bored. It is a whole world to explore. I will always fi nd something new in there. “The most amazing thing that I love about classical western music is its structure. The pieces of the great composers are very long. You really go on a kind of journey while playing a composition. It is like ON SONG: Savitri Grier performing with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at Qatar National Convention Center during a programme in connection with Qatar reading a book and, at the same British Festival. Photos supplied time, managed with the music.” Savitri also has an interest in and that is what I would love to classical eastern music but she is see. “I however, got a chance to “I have performed with the Budapest Philharmonic not sure whether she could go deep visit Souq Waqif. There were lots into it. of people in the area. It is busy Orchestra and have travelled a lot with them. I have “I think I will never be able to and vibrant. All kind of things are go deep into it. It is also a life-long going on out there. The place is also been doing solo works and chamber music in UK, journey. The diff erence between very diff erent from what we have Germany, Italy, Hungary, France, Holland, Switzerland the two classical music forms is in the west. It gave me a refl ection very obvious. Eastern music is of the local culture and that and Poland. I have also performed in the US, China, based around improvisation and the was what I really loved. I would western classical music notation. defi nitely love to come back here.” Qatar and will perform in India next March” It is a huge diff erence. For us, the challenge is learning how to interpret what someone else has written down in diff erent styles. We learn all about it. It makes a big diff erence when something was written and by whom. In the eastern tradition, it is a whole language based on improvisation. It is about knowing really the language and then making it up as you go along. It needs a diff erent kind of skill. I think both forms fi nd it very hard to cross over to the other side. Once I worked with an Indian musician but it was very hard for me to improvise. It is something that I have never done.” Savitri, who was in Qatar for the second time, believes that any kind of cultural exchange is very good. “It is fantastic to note classical western music coming to the Gulf region. It is good to have the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra for the last 12 years. I know that a lot of eastern musicians come to London. It is equally great. Though we all have access to all kinds of music on YouTube, live music is always going to be much more meaningful.” The violinist expressed her interest in exploring Qatar. “My trip was very short, only for three days. One time, I will come only to explore the country. I have heard ALL EARS: The audience being regaled during the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performance at Qatar National Convention Center in connection with Qatar that desert life here is very beautiful British Festival. 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY

NRNA–NCC organises event for members to share suggestions for two-year plan

Non-Resident Nepalese Association — National Co-ordination Council Qatar (NRNA-NCC) recently organised an event for its members to share their suggestions for NRNA–NCC’s next two- year plan. The event also focused on reviewing NRNA-NCC’s work and activities since its establishment in 2003, the issues of Nepali migrant workers, and Visit Nepal Year 2020. Sarita Bhandari Poudel, female Vice President of NRNA – NCC Qatar, said that Nepal is a perfect blend of nature, diverse culture and thrilling adventures. It is an attractive tourist destination for the residents of Qatar. Moreover, Nepal is a single flight away from here. The event was attended by notable personalities and community leaders, including Homnath Sharma, K B Hamal, Rakam Rai, Kedar Bhusal, Deb Pariyar, Bimal Subedi, Samir Khatri, Prem Chalaune and Amina Khan. Mohamed Muktada Musalman, Chairman of NRNA– NCC, thanked all the members for their participation. Padam Giri, General Secretary of NRNA–NCC, proposed a vote of thanks. – Text and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam

NIS organises 13th Annual Sports Day

Noble International School (NIS) recently organised its 13th Annual Sports Day at Aspire Dome. the members of the Physical Education Department at NIS, including Saril Raj, Antony Jerman, Abderrahman Samba and Mohmat Hamdi, Qatari athletes, were the guests of honour. Samba Joyes Manuel and Anju A. Abdul Rahim Kunnummal, Vice Chairman of NIS, also attended was the chief guest on the occasion. He declared the meet open, which was followed by a flag the event. Jayamon Joy and Robin K Jose, Vice Principals at NIS, appreciated the dance hoisting ceremony by Mohmat Hamdi. Shibu Abdul Rasheed, Principal of NIS, welcomed the performances at the event. Saril Raj, Head of Physical Education Department at NIS, proposed a gathering. Speaking on the occasion, Shoukath Ali Taj, Treasurer at NIS, appreciated the eff orts of vote of thanks.

OIS marks sixth Annual Day

Olive International School (OIS) recently organised its sixth Annual Day ‘Olivenite 2019’. OIS India; Drago Lovric, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia; Saleh Abdulla M S Sulaiti, Patron of OIS; campuses across Doha took part in the event. The event featured various dance and musical Devis Edakulathur, Chairman of OIS; Rony Paul, Vice Chairman of OIS; and Jacob K M, Principal of performances, including ‘The Toy Land’, ‘The Circus’, ‘Acceptance’, and ‘The Nava rasas.’ The event OIS, along with the members of board of directors, vice principals and head-mistresses. The event was attended by notable personalities, including Kurien Joseph, former judge of Supreme Court of was attended by over 4,200 people. Over 2,000 students performed at the event. Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

IWA organises beauty Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels sets the tone for pageant ‘Mrs.IWA, 2019’ the best escapade at Souq Waqif

The Indian Women’s Association and Dr Tulika Mehta Agarwal Set amidst the heart of the vibrant historical Souq Waqif, of local experience to admire the beautiful blend of rich (IWA) Qatar recently organised as first and second runners up, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, with its eclectic and elegant heritage. ‘Mrs.IWA, 2019’ at Grand Hyatt respectively. The event featured a eight hotels, is one of the most unique destinations for Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is a collection of eight hotels, Hotel. Twenty-five Indian women special performance by Rahul Gupta, travellers seeking to explore Qatar’s heritage and culture. including Bismillah, Al Mirqab, Arumaila, Al Jasra, Al Bidda, participated in the pageant. Various classical Indian dancer, along with a Adorning the charm of its opulent history and the richness Al Jomrok, Musheireib and Najd. The hotels provide access Indian textiles along with Arabic humorous speech on weight loss by of the present, Souq Waqif is considered as the cultural and to the city’s vibrant cultural, historic and commercial centre. gowns were showcased on the Anupama. The event was hosted by social haven for locals, expats, tourists. shoppers looking to Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels are a perfect sanctuary for occasion, which were followed by a Shweta Bharadwaj. Ritu Kumaran, enjoy its alleys and its special features and characteristics. guests looking to relax and connect to local culture away question and answer session of the Patron of IWA, along with Harish Be it the architectural design or the collection of shops from the hustle and bustle of the city. contestants. Kanjani, Chairman of IWA; Sophia display, all the varied aspects make souq a must visit place Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels also houses a selection of Roshan Sukheja bagged the coveted Bukhari, Adviser to IWA; Meenu when in Doha. renowned restaurants varying between the specialised title of ‘Mrs. IWA, 2019’, which was Prasad, Dean of Institute di moda Due to the location of Souq Waqif at the centre of the restaurants. La Piazza off ers International buff et breakfast, followed by Abhilasha Singh Panwar Burgo Qatar, attended the event. Qatari capital, the liveliness of souq and shops are Al Matbakh brings the best of Indian flavours to Doha, at specialised in diverse commercial businesses varying from Al Terrace guests can indulge in the authentic Lebanese silk to carpets, spices, Arabic oud, fragrances, perfumes and cuisine and the great Arabic music, Al Shurfa is the place others. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels reflects in its design for sports enthusiasts to follow the best matches with tasty the rich heritage of the state, marking it a true authentic bites, Argan is the award winning Moroccan restaurant in Qatari hospitality. Guests staying at Souq Waqif Boutique town, and’La Patisserie is the right place for sweet tooth Hotels get the opportunity to explore a complimentary lovers to relish mouth-watering sweet dishes on the beats souq tour, which is aimed at presenting them with the best of live music.

PS marks 6th Annual Day

Pearl School Doha (PS) recently marked its 6th Annual Day at Al Arabi Volleyball Club. P welcomed the gathering. he also announced the construction of Pearl School’s new Campus at Sreeramakrishnan, Speaker at Kerala Legislative Assembly, was the chief guest on the occasion. Umm Besher in Al Meshaf area. The guests of honour, included Salem al-Nuaimi, from Private School Licensing Department at The event featured various cultural performances that paid a tribute to Mohandas Karamchand Ministry of Education & Higher Education Qatar; Dr Sona Soman, Third Secretary (Labour and Gandhi, an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist. The chief guest along Information) at the embassy of India; and Abdul Rahman Abdullah al-Ansari, Chief Patron of with dignitaries unveiled the foundation stone of the new campus of Pearl School on the Pearl School; along with Sam Mathew, President of PS, and the Board of Directors. Sam Mathew occasion. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY

QU students showcase graduation projects to solve environmental issues

Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences at College of Arts and Sciences Qatar University The session ended with a brief presentation by Elkhansa Elbasheir and Zeineb Thiehmed recently organised Undergraduate Research Presentations and Honouring Ceremony for Qatar regarding the accomplishments by Qatar University American Chemical Society (QUACS) University American Chemical Society (QUACS) Student Chapter for their participation in events Student Chapter, which is supervised by Faculty Adviser, Professor Siham al-Qaradawi. and community services. Professor Yousef Hijji said, “The Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences is committed Professor Yousef Hijji supervised three students on synthesis of Schiff base as chemical sensors to provide high-quality research that contributes to the economy, national security and is well for detection of zinc and cyanide in environmental samples. Heba Hassan synthesised and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Through the research undertaken, students’ develop characterised amino sugar Schiff base as zinc fluorescent chemical sensor and Razen al-Qudah data-analysis, eff ective communication and critical thinking skills.” synthesised and characterised amino sugar salicylidene as cyanide chemical sensor. Mahmoud He added that the Department has maintained the quality of Research Projects off ered to meet Khatib worked on synthesis and characterisation of imines as anion chemical sensors. internationally competitive standard. The outcome is evident by participation of our students Four students supervised by Dr Marwa Elazazy presented their work on recycling of waste in American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meetings where they proudly represent Qatar from various sources as eff icient and novel adsorbents for removal of dyes from wastewater. University. In addition, Professor Yousef stated that the research off ered by the faculty is an Sarra Dimassi worked on Bio-waste Aloe Vera leaves as an eff icient adsorbent for Titan Yellow outcome of their hard work and perseverance. Dye from Wastewaters and Bayan Yousef worked on recycling of Green tea Waste into a novel Two students supervised by Professor Mohammad Mahroof-Tahir presented their work related to adsorbent for Methylene Blue from Wastewaters. the synthesis and characterisation of metal complexes with potential antidiabetic and anticancer Aya Ashraf presented her work on Eco-structured Biosorptive removal of Basic Fuschin using potential. Roqaya al-Kurbi synthesised and characterised complexes with vanadium metal with Pistachio Nutshells and Nuri Akhter presented her work on Watermelon Rinds as cost-eff icient antidiabetic properties and Tahani Alahmad worked on the complexes of titanium metal with Green Adsorbents for Water Purification. anticancer properties.

A Flower Each Spring Programme organises beach clean-up

A Flower Each Spring Programme kicks off its 22nd edition, followed by a Beach Clean-up. The from one station to another. It was important to learn how we can conserve electricity and members of International Walking Football Federation in Qatar, the Tanzanian Community in Qatar, the benefits that are accrued from conservation. Students also learnt the role of beaches to Middle East International School (MIS), Staff ord Sri Lankan School Doha and National Kindergarten ecosystem. Birds, fish and other marine mammals can become entangled in or ingest into plastic took part in the campaign. The beach clean-up aimed at removing harmful debris before it debris causing suff ocation and drowning,” said Elliot Nyamvura, faculty member at Middle East does serious damage to the environment. The cause was to raise local awareness, bring people International School. together to get involved and prevent unnecessary trash from harming the marine life and birds “We need to stop littering plastic, cleaning up what we can, and prevent water pollutants from in that area. Water, soda, and beverage bottles, ropes, light bulbs, cigarette buds, pieces of broken entering our waters and endangering our marine life. It truly touched our hearts to see the glass, picnic trash, other plastic packaging, fishing nets and wires, styrofoams, and a disposed younger generation very much motivated to collect trash and take action. Cleaning up marine plastic drum filled with dripping oil were removed along the mangroves of Al Khor, as part of the debris is truly a team eff ort and we thank everyone who participated in the beach cleanup and drive. worked hard in protecting our environment. We ask everyone in Qatar including companies, “It was a wonderful experience for our school to be part of the opening ceremony of A Flower variety of groups and communities to join together and volunteer their time and eff ort for a Each Spring’s scientific trips followed by a beach clean-up. Students learnt a lot as they moved cause,” said Fatma Hassan, Event/School Co-ordinator at Flower Each Spring Programme. Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

AIRLINES

ARTS & CULTURE

CARGO AND TRAVEL

EE-COMMERCE COMMERCE

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY Astrophotography - III

Milkyway full view from Mazrat Al Turayna. Photos by Ajith Everester (@ajitheverester)

Milkyway from Mazrat Al Turayna. The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System, with the name describing the galaxy’s appearance from Earth: a hazy band of light seen in the Core of Milkyway from Mazrat Al Turayna. The Galactic Center, or Galactic Centre, is the night sky formed from stars that cannot be individually distinguished by the naked eye. rotational centre of the Milky Way. Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Find a meaning in life to stay healthy and live long f you see some people around exhibited an inverted U-shaped issues and some of their friends and you who are always happier relationship, while the search for family begin to pass away. and healthier than others meaning in life showed a U-shaped “They start searching for the despite not being wealthy, relationship with age. meaning in life again because they must have found a The researchers found that age the meaning they once had has Imeaning in their lives. 60 is when the presence of meaning changed,” said the researchers. According to researchers, many in life peaks and the search for The three-year study examined think about the meaning and meaning of life was at its lowest data from 1,042 adults, ages 21 to purpose in life from a philosophical point. 100-plus living in San Diego County. perspective, but meaning in life “When you are young, like in The presence and search for is associated with better health, your twenties, you are unsure meaning in life were assessed with wellness and, perhaps, longevity. about your career, a life partner and interviews, including a meaning Over the last three decades, who you are as a person. You are in life questionnaire where meaning in life has emerged as an searching for meaning in life,” said participants were asked to rate important question in medical Jeste. items, such as, “I am seeking a research, especially in the context “As you start to get into your purpose or mission for my life” and of an ageing population. life, you become more contented, The study, publishing in the thirties, forties and fi fties, you have “I have discovered a satisfying life A study by researchers at whereas if you don’t have purpose Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found more established relationships, purpose.” University of California San in life and are searching for it the presence of meaning in life is maybe you are married and have a “The medical fi eld is beginning Diego’s School of Medicine found unsuccessfully, you will feel associated with better physical family and you’re settled in a career. to recognise that meaning in life is that the presence of and search much more stressed out,” said and mental well-being, while the The search decreases and the a clinically relevant and potentially for meaning in life are important senior author Dilip V Jeste, senior search for meaning in life may be meaning in life increases”. modifi able factor, which can be for health and well-being, though associate dean for the Center of associated with worse mental well- After age 60, things begin to targeted to enhance the well-being the relationships diff er in adults Healthy Aging and Distinguished being and cognitive functioning. change. People retire from their job and functioning of patients,” said younger and older than age 60. Professor of Psychiatry and The results also showed that and start to lose their identity. Awais Aftab, fi rst author of the paper. “When you fi nd more meaning in Neurosciences. the presence of meaning in life They start to develop health – IANS

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

You have a pleasant day ahead. Optimism and creativity prevail. The day ahead looks promising. Your energy is gradually returning, Try to imagine that you’re in your creative workshop and you’ve You can avail yourself of all the freedom necessary to encounter and you’re beginning to feel more enterprising about your domestic given up using all your usual tools in order to find new ways to give happiness. Indeed, that newfound happiness may come in the form life. No doubt today you’ll be called on to settle some financial form to your inspiration. Another completely diff erent creative style of a new person who makes your heart beat faster. Don’t fall in love questions related to your domestic needs. While a substantial gift of will emerge. Your admirers may be surprised, but no one will be too quickly! There are plenty of opportunities now. A deep and money or raise would be welcome, you begin to see other ways of more astonished than you. fulfilling commitment will take time to build. making the cash flow rather than trickle. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Your private life is probably in the throes of great change. This It wouldn’t be surprising if you enrolled in a class that’s very diff erent Some of the planetary movements are currently helping you change is likely related to profound transformations that are taking from your normal activities. For example, a surfer may get a sudden understand that the best place to discover treasure isn’t always place in your behaviour, in particular your nervousness. If your urge to learn about computers, or a technology guru might take up where other people tell you to look. If people are urging you to get daily or family life seems stifling to you, there’s no need to take your flower arranging. Those who think they have you all figured out will interested in activities that don’t interest most people, including you, frustrations out on loved ones. Look for answers inside. be taken off guard by your new spontaneity and sense of adventure. pay them no heed. You’ll discover treasure all on your own provided you follow your own calling. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

No one’s more forward thinking than you now. You’re in tune with You couldn’t be in a better position in your personal life. The Today’s forecast is excellent for you. The celestial bodies can’t help new inventions and trends, and you may have an irresistible desire time is ripe to thumb your nose at your demons for the last time. but smile on the tempestuous energy of your character. You would to join an avant-garde group. The old way of doing things seems Complexes, guilt, and fears of all kinds are gone. It could even be be advised to act on your strong intuition. But be prudent in the old, and you no longer want any part of it. You can’t stand working that the radical “housecleaning” you’ll undertake will aff ect your execution of your actions lest your impulsive spirit stop you from according to the old principles any more. You’re in a heated frame of professional career as you become aware of how much you’ve been taking recommended precautions. mind. Be careful about stirring conflict. underestimating yourself. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Devote your energies to human psychology today. It’s a good day There is some likelihood that you’ll have an electrifying emotional The current astral configuration could be described as a crisis to try to sell your ideas. Concentrate your eff orts on those whose encounter today. Some of life’s more mundane details may phase, although today’s events won’t be unhappy. Communication help you need. If you have faith in your originality, your sales eff orts trigger arguments that, although violent, are cathartic and short. proves diff icult for you. For a long time you’ve been banking on are likely to pay off . In fact, there is some chance you’ll meet an You’ve been thinking that it’s time for more intensity in your life. others noticing and appreciating your talent, but you’re beginning especially dynamic person who can lead you into some fascinating, Whether you know it or not, you’re rethinking all manner of human to feel like a sucker for being so patient. This would be a good day to unexplored territory. relationships. confront the powers that stand in your way. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

ALDEBARAN DENEB TAU CETI CAPELLA SIRIUS CANOPUS REGULUS ARCTURUS PROCYON ALTAIR FOMALHAUT VEGA CASTOR SPICA POLARIS RIGEL BETELGEUSE ANTARES POLLUX

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. Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Unready king making girl 2 Dashing in great confusion (7) embarrassed (8) 3 Dine in The Athenaeum (3) 6 Article I’m to make objective 4 Bunny talk? (6) (3) 5 Mad artist turns playwright 9 Precise old law? (5) (9) 10 Directors and editor got on 6 Check accounts of German (7) car trader first (5) 11 Stumble on crude oil in North 7 Another word for doctor Africa (7) found in some dictionaries (5) 13 “Room at the Top” in Greek 8 Superior gambler (6) (5) 12 Working with gear in top 14 Teased for being badly form (9) dressed (6) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 15 Intensely cold (6) 17 Quit and write one’s name 19 Aimed to reform press, TV, again? (6) etc. (5) 18 Royal pop star (6) 21 Allowances made for 19 Mother has second thoughts disturbance on stair? (7) after contagious disease (5) 22 Just say I may be found in a 20 Needs reform, being stupid French resort (7) (5) 23 New gown about right? No, 23 Be successful for first half of it’s not right (5) season (3) 24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 25 Drink that’s bad for teenager? (5,3) Answers

Solution Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY REVIEWS One-joke movie with charming stars, some light innovation

also hilarious to watch Johnson play you’re in luck (though there’s By Katie Walsh the insecure and jumpy Spencer. another performer who later takes However, the breakout player of on the DeVito drawl who is a bit the Welcome to the Jungle ensemble more naturally inclined to the n 2017, director Jake Kasdan was most defi nitely Jack Black, cadence). rebooted the ’90s family who perfectly inhabited teen queen For a fi lm that features such eye- adventure fi lm Jumanji by Bethany (Iseman) in his portly popping sequences as aggressive plunking John Hughes- cartographer’s bod. In The Next mandrills on fl oating bridges, style teen characters into Level, Kasdan doubles, even triples inexplicable blimps and an ostrich Ia wilderness-set video game. down on this conceit, to rather herd/dune buggy race, this is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle hilarious returns. very much a performance-driven was a critical and commercial The film opens with the pals picture. The second time around, success, anchored by the charms now in college, returning home for there’s even less of a plot, with Rory of megastars Dwayne Johnson, winter break. It’s a bit of a rocky McCann in some impressive post- Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack opening, especially since it feels apocalyptic Night’s Watch gear Black, and the unique pleasure of like Danny DeVito, as Spencer’s snatching the jewel they have to watching them all play against type. grandfather Eddie, and Danny recover to win and escape the game. Kasdan and company (including Glover, as his long-lost friend The pleasures of Jumanji: The co-writers Jeff Pinkner and Scott and business partner Milo, have Next Level are not visual or story- Rosenberg) know a good formula been seemingly shoehorned into based, as they revolve around the when they see it. So the sequel, the dynamic. But the reason for ability of each of our stars and Jumanji: The Next Level, simply their presence all becomes clear their abilities to do impressions. off ers more and more of it: There’s when Martha (Turner), Bethany Hart’s nuanced mimicry of Glover more jaw-droppingly crazy video and Fridge (Blaine), discover that is downright inspired, and the game hijinks, and especially, more Spencer’s gone missing. They story offers up a few chances for stars playing personas vastly once again transport themselves the characters to avatar swap, diff erent from theirs. into the game, accidentally showing off the actors’ abilities The video game setting allowed bringing Eddie and Milo with to embody the different jock/ a motley crew of teens (Alex them. This time, Fridge ends up nerd/cheerleader/cantankerous Wolff , Madison Iseman, Morgan in Black’s avatar, Oberon, while grandpa personas. Once again, Turner and Ser’Darius Blain) to DeVito and Glover find themselves this is a one-joke movie, but for choose their own avatars and see in the form of the strapping the time being, that joke still has what happens to them when they Bravestone and tiny zoologist some tread on the tyres, especially get to be someone else for a little Finbar (Hart), respectively. with such charming stars and while. Self-eff acing nerd Spencer If you’ve ever needed to hear some light innovation. It remains (Wolff ) learned his own strengths Johnson attempt (and somewhat to be seen how much mileage this as the muscle-bound Dr Smolder master) DeVito’s signature franchise can sustain on charm Bravestone (Johnson), but it was northern New Jersey accent, alone, however. – TNS Victorian hot air balloon adventure falls flat

has conscripted Amelia and her Aeronauts beyond such standard By Katie Walsh balloon into his quest for data he fare is Jones’ performance as the can use to predict the weather. Who self-possessed and plucky Amelia. knew learning about dew was such She and Redmayne have an ease t’s been a banner year for Tom dangerous and risky business? together on screen, but the physical Harper, who follows his fi ery She still puts on a show for the limits to which their characters are country music yarn Wild assembled masses who have bought pushed are truly surprising. Rose with the Victorian hot tickets to the liftoff . She’s not just a What’s rather unexpected is air balloon adventure picture showgirl, she’s the pilot, but Amelia how extreme the balloon stunts IThe Aeronauts. One of these movies knows who pays for the balloon and their adventure gets, and is irresistibly infectious with a and its various adventures. She’s The Aeronauts emphasises the big, beating heart, and the other, determined to give her audience physically harrowing nature of well, it’s about Victorian hot air their money’s worth, somersaulting the undertaking. As they ascend balloonists. Felicity Jones and Eddie and fl inging glitter, casting a higher and higher, their journey Redmayne team up once again for a magical spell about what it means becomes closer and closer to tale about a scientist and his muse, to touch the sky. something like climbing Mount with a script written by Harper and This short but potentially Everest with a crash landing. Jack Thorne, inspired by the true monumental fl ight serves as a Some queasily vertiginous events of chronicled in Richard framing device for fl ashbacks sequences are not for the faint of Holmes’ book Falling Upwards. that illustrate how James and heart, but the sheen of CGI always That is not to say The Aeronauts Amelia fi nd themselves together reminds us of the unreality of the doesn’t have a heart. The writers in the balloon in the fi rst place. An whole situation. have taken great pains while underdog and outsider, James is The Aeronauts details an inventing Jones’ character, determined to prove himself in the interesting corner of scientifi c and Amelia Wren, an amalgam of real scientifi c community, while Amelia expedition history in the Victorian pioneering female balloonists, to needs to get back into the balloon era, but the story is laden with too give her a tragic backstory in line to work through the grief of losing much reverse-engineered treacly with the women who took to the her aeronaut husband in a horrifi c fi ction. Although Jones is a joy skies at great risk of life and limb. accident. to watch (as always), honestly, When we fi rst meet Amelia, she’s The character beats the script the real-life stories of the brave steeling herself for a potentially hits all feel so perfunctory and ballooning women are so much record-breaking ascent with predictable, and though the story more compelling, and they didn’t (real-life) aspiring meteorologist is wrapped around a novel idea, deserve to be mashed into a such a James Glaisher (Redmayne), who it’s rather a snooze. What lifts The generic character. – TNS Thursday, December 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY I do get nervous before film’s release: Sonakshi

By Sugandha Rawal

CARING FATHER: Machine Gun Kelly said he wrote a song for his daughter to avoid any regrets. onakshi Sinha understands that the fate of a fi lm is not Rapper Kelly writes song for in one’s hands and audience daughter in case he dies young is the fi nal judge, but that doesn’t deter her from getting Rapper and actor Machine Gun Kelly has penned a Snervous before the release of a new song for his daughter to avoid “any regrets” if he meets project. an untimely end. “Every fi lm has its own journey in The Rap Devil star took to Instagram to share a your life, and holds importance. I do get screenshot of a text exchange he had with 11-year-old nervous before a release, like anyone,” Cassie in the wake of fellow MC Juice WRLD’s passing, Sonakshi said when asked if she has the reports aceshowbiz.com. same amount of anxiety almost a decade In the messages, Kelly tells his little girl he ‘wrote a later, as she had when her fi rst fi lm song’ for her, before sending over the audio fi le upon released. her request. “I learned quite early in my career to “I love you beyond forever,” he added in a follow-up not take it too seriously, since the fate of text. a fi lm is not in your hands. You do your In the accompanying caption, Kelly explained the best and give your 100 per cent and rest reason behind his latest studio session. is up to the audience eventually,” she “Wrote her a song so i won’t have any regrets if my added. time ever comes,” he posted. Sonakshi, daughter of actor-turned- Kelly’s song dedication emerged a day after he paid politician Shatrughan Sinha and tribute to Juice WRLD, who was pronounced dead Poonam Sinha, entered Bollywood with on Sunday after suff ering a medical emergency at a Salman Khan’s Dabangg in 2010. She Chicago, Illinois airport. credits Salman for making her realise “Lotta ppl (people) crying for u,” Kelly wrote her “true calling”. alongside two photos of the pair. “Ur loved 4ever yung “Dabangg is what made me realise rockst*r @juicewrld999.” what my true calling is. I never thought I Juice WRLD was just 21 at the time of his shock would end up being an actor till Salman passing. A cause of death has yet to be determined, told me that I am doing this fi lm. But although authorities have confi rmed reports suggesting from Day one on set I knew this is UNDERSTANDING: Sonakshi Sinha understands the audience is the final judge of a the Lucid Dreams rapper was treated for opioid use on where I belong. So the franchise is like new release. his private jet shortly before his demise. – IANS homecoming for me,” she said. Talking about her bond with Salman, She returns as Rajjo with Dabangg 3. made that kind of an impact on some.” the actress said: “My bond with him Directed by Prabhu Deva, the Salman Sonakshi says she has evolved as an goes beyond a professional relationship Khan-starrer also features Arbaaz artiste with experience. “I have been of co-actors. I knew him before I started Khan, Amole Gupte, Mahie Gill, and lucky enough to have worked on films acting. Our families have known each Tinnu Anand. from different genres enhancing my other for a long time now, and I have Preity Zinta makes a special experience,” she said. known him more as a friend than a co- appearance, and the film marks the She is quite active on social media, star.” debut of actor-filmmaker Mahesh and seems to have mastered the art of After making a successful debut Manjrekar’s daughter Saiee Manjrekar. tackling trolls over the years. However, with Dabangg, she has starred in hits Dabangg 3 is scheduled to open on she admits she used to be affected by such as Rowdy Rathore, Lootera and December 20. the trolls initially. Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. Asked if she fears getting trapped in “I have now grown to let social However, many of her films like Tevar, the Rajjo image, Sonakshi said: “Not at media be a source of communication NEW PERSPECTIVE: Emma Watson is entering the Akira, Noor, Force 2 and Kalank fared all! End of the day it was my first film with me and my fans, conveying what I next decade with a new perspective on her life as a single below expectations, too. and I take it in a positive stride that I want,” she said. – IANS woman. Watson happy with popularity I’m going through a mid-life crisis: Karan of her ‘self-partnered’ comment Filmmaker Karan Johar says he is going through a mid-life Actress Emma Watson says she is happy that people crisis, and that’s why he has added colour and bling to his feel empowered by her “self-partnered” label. personal wardrobe. In an interview with Vogue, the actress said that “Manish Malhotra has a very specifi c sense of his own. He’s she is entering the next decade with a new perspective very fl ashy and fl amboyant as a designer but very sober when on her life as a single woman. She said that instead it comes to his personal sense. I think I’m going through a of letting her relationship status defi ne her, she has mid-life crisis so I’m wearing a lot of colour and bling. So, in decided to live a “self-partnered” lifestyle – hinting our own ways we’re combating the age and stage we are at,” that she is happy being in a relationship with herself. Karan said. The new coined term soon became popular. Karan opened up about his personal style when he appeared “I literally said it as a throwaway comment thinking on chat show Not Just Supper Stars along with fashion it would go no further. And then I woke up the next designer Manish Malhotra. The show is aired in India on Zee morning and my phone’s blowing up and I don’t know Café. why and it’s all my friends messaging me being like, The fi lmmaker then looked at Manish, and joked: “My mid- ‘self-partnered’? This thing’s gone crazy,” she told E!’s life crisis is in my head, yours is possibly in the bed.” The Rundown. Asked if he enjoys stalking on social media, Karan said: “All Watson said that she is “100 percent” committed to the time. I have no problem being on it. I love stalking and it’s being self-partnered even when she is in a relationship. my midnight activity. When I’m lying in bed and right before I “It’s much more about your relationship with sleep, I’m at my stalking optimum best.” BLINGY: Karan Johar says he’s wearing a lot of colour and bling yourself and the feeling of not somehow defi cient Karan also opened up about his plan to lose weight. because he’s going through a mid-life crisis. in some way cause you’re not with someone,” the “I’ve been on some eight thousand diets and that’s ruined 29-year-old explained. – IANS my metabolism. Also, I’ve been one of those silent eaters – I’m that kind of an eater but Manish starts getting into a bad those who don’t eat in front of others but eat silently at night. mood, if you don’t feed him,” the fi lmmaker said. – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMUNITY A Qatari businessman, company receive ‘Friends of Spain’ award

By Mudassir Raja

he seventh edition of ‘Premios Amigos de España’ (Friends of Spain Awards) was recently organised with enthusiasm at W Doha hotel. TThe award celebrates the promotion of the relations between Spain and Qatar. It gives a special recognition to those companies and individuals who have shown great friendship towards Spain over the years and made great eff orts to bring both nations closer. Organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, the recipients of the 2019 awards are HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, as individual awardee, and Agrico represented by Ahmed Hussain al-Khalaf, Chairman and Owner of Agrico in corporate category. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani was reognised for his business acumen as chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association, chairman of Al Faisal Holding, founder of Al Faisal Foundation, chairman of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani centre for Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and founder and chairman of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum. José Vicente, chairman of the chamber of commerce, in his welcome address congratulated the award recipients and GROUP: From left, Belen Alfaro, Ambassador of Spain to Qatar, HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Ahmad Hussain al-Khalaf, chairman and owner highlighted their achievements. He said: of Agrico and José Vicente, chairman of chamber of commerce. “In February this year, we were offi cially recognised as a chamber of commerce. The a great pleasure for me to be here for two Spain is also an attractive destination for appreciated the achievements and purpose of the award is to recognise the reasons. First, because it is the first year investments, since it is the perfect gateway contributions made by Sheikh Faisal bin business achievements, future growth and that the awards take place as an official to Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin- Qassim al-Thani as businessman and having special connection with our country Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, America. Spain is world leader in areas Agrico as a Qatari agricultural development Spain. It is important to give recognition to having replaced the Spanish Business such as renewable energy, fashion retail, company. those companies and individuals who show Council. Second and foremost, this year’s plasma production, marine medicine, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani great friendship towards Spain and make awards have been bestowed upon two thermoelectric energy, production of thanked the ambassador and the chamber of great eff orts to bring two nations closer.” relevant members of the Qatari community, desalinated water, hospital building and commerce for the invitation and the award. He added: “The success story of Sheikh who have a very old and strong connection transplant surgery. “I started business when I was very young. In Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani as a businessman with Spain.” “The bilateral trade between Qatar and 1966, I opened my offi ce in Beirut. My father refl ects the story of Qatar. Agrico has helped She added: “From the economic and Spain grew by 5% in 2018, up to 1.2 billion used to like Spain very much and used to go a lot to achieve food security in Qatar. Since commercial perspective, the relations euros and during the first 8 months of 2019 there very often. its beginning, the company has ties with between Qatar and Spain are increasingly bilateral trade rose by 21% driven by the “I have very strong relationship with Spain.” growing, with the intense activities of more increasing demand of Qatari products from Spanish parties I do business with throughout Speaking on the occasion Belen Alfaro, than 170 companies present in Qatar, from Spain.” year. I once again thank the ambassador and Ambassador of Spain to Qatar, said: “It is the infrastructure to the services sector. The ambassador highlighted and everyone for this opportunity.” “I started business when I was very young. In 1966, I opened my offi ce in Beirut. My father used to like Spain very much and used to go there very oft en. I have very strong relationship with Spanish parties I do business with throughout year” — HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani