Community Community Filipiknows Swiss organises ‘Fili- International P6Choice Awards’ P16 School Qatar to honour and recognise celebrates Qatar a number of outstanding National Day with Doha-based Filipino an event featuring workers and organisations. various activities.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Rabia II 11, 1440 AH
Doha today: 180 - 260
REDISCOVERY: There is now greater sympathy for the travails of Monica Lewinsky, who suff ered disproportionately as a result of the infamous Clinton aff air.
COVER The comeback STORY Rethinking the ‘infamous’ — Monica Lewinsky, Lorena Bobbitt and other wronged women. P4-5
POP SPOT SHOWBIZ
X Factor triumph makes Say no when Dalton famous in Jamaica. required: Malaika. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.51am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.13am Zuhr (noon) 11.30am Asr (afternoon) 2.28pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.49pm Isha (night) 6.19pm
USEFUL NUMBERS Elliot The Littlest Reindeer Hazel learns that Christmas, as we know it, may be headed for DIRECTION: Jennifer Westcott disaster. Meanwhile, back at the farm, a sinister lady threatens CAST: Morena Baccarin, Josh Hutcherson, John Cleese the lives of their friends, and Elliot is faced with the biggest SYNOPSIS:. Against all odds, Elliot and his best friend, decision of his life. Hazel, set out to prove that he is the horse for the job. As Elliot and Hazel take on the North Pole reindeer try-outs, THEATRES: Royal Plaza, 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) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374
Johnny he sets out to rob a huge sum. He is forced to indulge in more DIRECTION: Vetri Selvan crimes to hide the fi rst murder he had committed. CAST: Prashanth, Prabhu, Sanchita Shetty, Aathma SYNOPSIS: An ambitious man becomes a murderer when THEATRE: Landmark ote Unquo u te Q The Mall Cinema (1): Landmark Cinema (3): “Always do your best. Aquaman (2D) 2:15pm; Spider- Johnny (Tamil) 3pm; Aquaman What you plant now, you Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) 6:15pm; Johnny (Tamil) will harvest later.” (2D) 4:45pm; Spider-Man: Into Kedarnath (Hindi) 11:15pm. 8:45pm; Johnny (Tamil) 11pm. The Spider-Verse (2D) 7pm; Landmark Cinema (1): Spider- Royal Plaza Cinema The Bombing (2D) 9:15pm; Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) Palace (1): Spider-Man: Into — Og Mandino Oru Kupra Sidha Payyan 2:30pm; Spider-Man: Into The The Spider-Verse (Arabic) (Malayalam) 11pm. Spider-Verse (Arabic) 4:45pm; 3pm; Aquaman (3D) 5:15pm; The Mall Cinema (2): Spider- Spider-Man: Into The Spider- Aquaman (3D) 8:15pm; Man: Into The Spider-Verse Verse (2D) 6:15pm; Joseph Aquaman (2D) 11pm. (2D) 3pm; Aquaman (2D) (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Joseph Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Community Editor 5:30pm; Aquaman (2D) 8:15pm; (Malayalam) 11pm. (2): Elliot The Littlest Reindeer Kamran Rehmat Aquaman (2D) 11pm. Landmark Cinema (2): (2D) 2:30pm; Aquaman (2D) e-mail: [email protected] The Mall Cinema (3):Joseph Aquaman (2D) 2:30pm; 4:15pm; Spider-Man: Into The Telephone: 44466405 (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Cats (2D) Aquaman (2D) 5:15pm; Spider-Verse (2D) 6:45pm; Fax: 44350474 5pm; Aquaman (2D) 6:45pm; Aquaman (2D) 8pm; Aquaman Fahrenheit 11/9 (2D) 9pm; Second Act (2D) 9:15pm; (2D) 10:45pm. Joseph (Malayalam) 11:15pm. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Cycling: Losail Circuit every Saturday, Monday well as children looking to explore Sports Club and Wednesday at 6pm. For their talents in various art forms. WHERE: Losail Circuit more information, contact We offer classes in Carnatic WHEN: Ongoing [email protected] Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, TIME: 5pm Yoga, Zumba, Classical Dance, Losail Circuit Sports Club, in Salsa, Hip Hop, contemporary association with Qatar Sports and Bollywood dance forms. For For All Federation, invites all details, call 33897609. cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the floodlights of Dance and Instrument Losail International Circuit every Classes Wednesdays. WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Learn the movements of dance styles in Bollywood, Hip Hop After School Activities and also the musical instruments WHERE: Atelier such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard WHEN: Ongoing for adults as well kids and move Music and arts Activities for in the world of music. For details, EVENTS Career Development Centre is students taking place after they contact 66523871/ 31326749. hosting games to help children finish their day in school includes Katara Fireworks Display learn about different careers. The Group Music lessons, Hip-hop, Cruise event is open to public. Ballet, Drawing and Painting, WHERE: Museum of Islamic Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Art Ages between 5 and 10 years old WHEN: Ongoing till tomorrow Heritage Library’s after school hours. TIME: 7pm – 9pm Permanent Exhibition Watch Katara Cultural Village WHERE: Qatar National Fireworks display from the decks Library of a premium dhow during this WHEN: Ongoing till December 2-hour cruise. Be mesmerised by 31 the festivities and unobstructed TIME: 9am – 8pm views of Doha on board with The exhibition displays around National Cruise. For further Acting Classes 400 items from the QNL Heritage information, 77 999 666. WHERE: Retaj Al Rayyan, West Library collection that illustrate Bay the spread and evolution of ideas WHEN: Ongoing till tomorrow throughout the Arab and Islamic TIME: 3pm – 7:30pm world, as well as document The Talent Factory is having interactions between Arabs and Hobby Classes an acting monthly course for the West over the past several WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre kids and adults. Gentë Retkoceri centuries. The exhibition features behind Al Hilal Focus Medical Rrahmani, Teaching artist and books, manuscripts, historical Centre actor, will take care to create photographs maps, globes and WHEN:Wednesday – Monday an amazingly entertaining travellers’ instruments that tell Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic and socialising class for kids the story of Qatar, along with performing artsinstitution and and adults. Both programmes the history of science, literature, a one stop solution for adults as are specifically designed to writing, travel in the region, and fit different ages with the much more. Qatar National Day main purpose to develop the Celebrations participant’s self-esteem, WHERE: Mall Of Qatar especially when in front of WHEN: Today audiences. Kids course fee is Mall of Qatar has prepared QR600 and adult course fee is dazzling and captivating family QR800. For further details, e-mail entertainment until Qatar at [email protected] National Day. The festive programme includes daily adha Katara Beach - School shows at the Ooredoo stage, a Students henna booth at West Gate 2 and a WHERE: Katara traditional kids area for families to WHEN: Ongoing The Colour Run enjoy an array of activities at East TIME: 9am – 12pm WHERE: QNCC Gate 1. By participating in the WHEN: January 26 programme of ‘Our culture is a TIME: 8:30am Qatar National Day 2018 school’, Katara Beach emphasises Celebrate the hero in you in a airshow the Qatari marine tradition realm where nothing is impossible WHERE: Katara and introduces to students the and you are unstoppable. Soar to WHEN: Ongoing till tomorrow meaning of Dasha, Al Qafal new heights in the all-new Super TIME: Evening and various type of pearls. The Zone and suit up in gear fit for As part of Qatar National Day students will discover all details only the most super of heroes celebrations 500 drones will take of the Fath Al-Khair journey. as you collect your medal at the to the sky to put up a unique air Finish Line! 2019 will also include show on December 17 and 19. Ballet Lessons the Foam Zone. Gates will open The airshow will be held at the WHERE: Music and Arts at 7am on January 26, with our waterfront of Katara. Atelier first Color Runners setting off at WHEN: Ongoing 8.30am. Darb Al Saai TIME: 4pm – 8pm WHERE: Darb Al Saai For more info e-mail at Arabic Calligraphy WHEN: Ongoing till December [email protected] or Workshop 20 call on 33003839. WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday TIME: 9am – 11pm TIME: 6pm Qatar Foundation have a tent Arabic Calligraphy workshop is set up with many activities for back. Come and learn the artistic the kids and adults. Al Shaqab practice of Arabic handwriting offers a horse-riding simulator, and calligraphy at Music and Arts Qatar Biobank provides free Atelier. health checks to visitors and Qatar The lessons will take place
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY A cultural mea culpa Tonya Harding and Lorena Bobbitt were allegedly beaten by their husbands; Marcia Clark was trying a case against a beloved athlete accused of horrific domestic violence; and the power diff erential with Bill Clinton cost Monica Lewinsky her career, writes Meredith Blake
f you were anywhere near a when the Emmy-nominated anti- Tonya Harding, Marcia Clark, television in 1998, chances bullying advocate and Vanity Fair Lorena Bobbitt, Anita Hill: other are you heard a joke — or a contributor sat recently for a rare women reviled and ridiculed in the The ’90s was hundred — about Monica interview in The Clinton Aff air, 1990s have been recast as unlikely an era where Lewinsky. Whether it was an A&E docuseries about the pop culture heroines and seen their IDavid Letterman rattling off the impeachment scandal. lives, once fodder for tawdry tabloid men were “Top Ten Possible First Lines for While the sordid details of the sagas, deemed worthy of prestige Lewinsky’s Book” on The Late Show relationship are nothing new, it TV series and Oscar-baiting automatically or Molly Shannon as a junk-food- is a revelation to hear Lewinsky’s biopics. loving Lewinsky on Saturday Night perspective on the “devastating Donna Rice (now Donna Rice believed and Live, the ridicule was ubiquitous — humiliation” of her turn in the Hughes), who was scorned as women were especially after 11pm. media spotlight — especially since, a “bimbo” and “sleaze” when Then just 25 and legally bound as she notes poignantly, the fi rst she was thrust into the media automatically from speaking up in defence of time most Americans heard her spotlight slightly earlier than the herself, the former White House voice was on the tapes secretly other women, during Gary Hart’s questioned intern had been reduced to a beret- recorded by her supposed friend, presidential campaign in 1987, wearing caricature by the country’s Linda Tripp. has also seen a recent shift in (overwhelmingly male) political The woman once vilifi ed as a public perception thanks in part — Blair Foster, journalists, cable news pundits and “young tramp” by Rep. Charles to Jason Reitman’s new fi lm The late-night personalities. Rangel, a “little twerp” by Betty Front Runner, which as Times critic The Clinton Affair While the news cycle eventually Friedan and a “homewrecker” by Kenneth Turan wrote, “treats Rice moved on, Lewinsky languished Bill Maher is now being treated with respect.” director in what she has called “infamous sympathetically — even celebrated ‘ person prison” for nearly two — by the culture that gleefully Careless caricatures decades. But she has staged an trashed her. The reappraisals began in earnest ’ unlikely comeback that culminated And she’s not alone. with Sarah Paulson’s Emmy- Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY winning depiction of Clark in American Crime Story: The People v OJ Simpson. The acclaimed 2016 miniseries from executive producer Ryan Murphy lionised the prosecutor as a tireless feminist crusader who faced brutally sexist criticism of her looks, personal life and parenting skills. (Murphy seems to have a soft spot for misunderstood women: He developed a limited series about the Clinton scandal but has said he decided not to pursue it without Lewinsky’s participation. And this year, in the second instalment of his American Crime Story anthology, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Penelope Cruz brought some humanity to Donatella Versace, a woman often rendered as a campy cartoon character.) RAW DEAL: Monica Lewinsky Lorena Bobbitt Onstage at the Emmys, Paulson apologised for being “superfi cial and careless” in her judgment of Clark who was, she said, “not the two-dimensional cardboard cutout I saw in the news” but a complicated woman dedicated to “righting an unconscionable wrong.” Similarly, last year’s Oscar- nominated dark comedy I, Tonya reimagined disgraced fi gure skater Harding as a once-in-a-generation talent from a hardscrabble background whose promising career was derailed by domestic abuse, classism, archaic ideas about female athletes and their bodies. (And, yes, her catastrophically bad judgment.) “It’s showing a female character who isn’t a victim or a villain or a hero but something else entirely,” Margot Robbie — who earned Oscar, Tonya Harding Marcia Clark Golden Globe and SAG nominations for her portrayal of Harding — told Lorena couldn’t have been raped us licence to dwell on scandals but got the reverential biographical the heroes and the villains of our The Times last year. “I think that’s by her husband because “she’s not as opposed to war and peace and treatment in the 2016 HBO fi lm stories, both real and fi ctional, and more truthful and refl ects more that great-looking. She’s got a lot of economic dislocation. The world Confi rmation (even if the recent to reconsider touchstones from women that I know.” pimples.” looked pretty good.” showdown between Christine Sixteen Candles to Mad Men as At January’s Golden Globes, “That was a moment where Older millennials and young Blasey Ford and Brett M. Kavanaugh potential #problematicfavorites. It Harding walked the red carpet in you’re like, my God,” Rofe says of Gen-Xers are naturally interested felt to many like an unwelcome has encouraged us to see the value a beaded evening gown, posing the Stern clip, which he included in in revisiting this era and reboot of the Thomas-Hill in stories that were once dismissed for pictures with the glamorous the documentary at the insistence contemplating how it illuminates controversy). as “soap operas” because they Robbie. It represented a stunning of a female editor, Azin Samari. “It the current cultural moment; it’s We are now more likely to take involved the private lives of women. turnaround for someone who was beyond cruel.” the same impulse that’s brought allegations — and the women who It has demanded that we question had been treated, quite literally, In his telling, Lorena, who us shows about the Waco siege, make them — seriously. who ends up the butt of the joke as a pop culture punching bag: In participated in the documentary, the Unabomber and the Menendez “The ‘90s was an era where and why, that we recognise — and 2002, she faced off against Clinton is not the “crazy knife-wielding brothers in the past two years. men were automatically believed in some cases, reject — the power accuser Paula Jones — a woman lunatic” or fi ery Latina stereotype of But what Clark, Bobbitt, and women were automatically structures undergirding these who endured a similar level of tabloid fantasy but a brave survivor Lewinsky and Harding have in questioned,” says The Clinton Aff air narratives. classist scorn in the ‘90s — in the who brought attention to the common, other than their ‘90s director Blair Foster. “I think we’re And while formerly disgraced infamously sleazy Fox reality show epidemic of domestic abuse — even infamy, is the gendered nature of starting to re-examine the way that men seem to rebound with relative Celebrity Boxing. if the public was less interested in the ridicule they faced — about we think about these things. It’s a ease — George W Bush nearly made Like Monica Lewinsky, the name this side of the story. As he re- their hair, their looks, their sex little shocking to go back. It seems Americans forget the Iraq war, Lorena Bobbitt has for many years examined the case, Rofe found that lives. And they were all involved, so fresh and so far away at the same Katrina and the economic crisis by been synonymous with ridicule. many people even misremembered in some way, in stories of abuse. time.” passing Michelle Obama a cough But the docuseries Lorena may the basics of Lorena’s biography, Harding and Bobbitt were allegedly drop — women are more likely to change this perception when it recalling her as a middle-aged white beaten by their husbands; Clark Pivotal stand-up be “discovered” because they’re so arrives on Amazon early next year. women rather than an Ecuadorean was trying a case against a beloved The reckoning that began in 1991 often left out of history. (See the In the four-part investigation, immigrant in her mid-20s. athlete accused of horrifi c domestic entered a revolutionary new chapter box-offi ce hit Hidden Figures or the executive produced by Oscar winner “She was on TV every night. The violence. Lewinsky’s aff air with with, appropriately enough, a joke. New York Times’ series of obituaries Jordan Peele, director Joshua footage of her clearly having a panic Clinton was consensual, but the In 2014, Hannibal Buress brought on remarkable, overlooked women.) Rofe revisits the notorious case attack was on CNN, was on Court power diff erential between them up the long-ignored rape charges Redemption is harder to fi nd if of Bobbitt, who chopped off her TV,” he said. “Obviously, things are was vast and her career suff ered against Bill Cosby in a stand-up set you’re a woman. As a newscaster husband’s reproductive organ as he starting to change.” as a result of the relationship — that was recorded and widely shared notes matter-of-factly in The slept in what she claimed was an But why now? circumstances widely considered online. Clinton Aff air, “men in sex scandals “irresistible impulse” brought about The collective mea culpa is abusive by current standards. Four years later, the man once often get second chances, women by his repeated rapes and beatings. driven in part by nostalgia. Many If baby boomers have never known as America’s Dad is legally rarely do.” The lurid trials that followed of the writers, directors, producers gotten over the culture clashes of classifi ed as a sexually violent “Clinton is always allowed to were broadcast live on cable, and editors responsible for these the 1960s, their children are still predator, and numerous other be portrayed in this dimensional, inspiring countless double entendre reappraisals came of age in the fi ghting a battle of the sexes that powerful men who immeasurably nuanced way and he can be this headlines, juvenile late-night ‘90s, “an incredibly prosperous ignited in 1991 when law professor shaped the culture over the past fl awed character. I wanted to bring jokes and breathtakingly sexist and peaceful time in the US,” said Anita Hill accused then-Supreme three decades, like Roger Ailes, that to Monica,” says Foster. “She’s commentary. Then at the height of Jeff rey Toobin, who wrote The Run Court nominee Clarence Thomas of Bill O’Reilly, Harvey Weinstein, very open and honest about the his infl uence, Howard Stern raised of His Life: The People v OJ Simpson, sexual harassment. Charlie Rose and Les Moonves, have mistakes she made, but what she money for John Wayne Bobbitt’s the basis of the FX miniseries, as At the time, Hill was smeared also been toppled by allegations of suff ered is very disproportionate to medical bills with a New Year’s Eve well as a book about the Clinton as a “little bit nutty and a little bit misconduct. what the ‘crime’ was.” telethon and once suggested that impeachment. “Perhaps that gave slutty” by journalist David Brock, This shift has forced us to reassess —Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY Filipiknows organises Fili-Choice Awards
Filipiknows, a social media platform created to connect Filipinos in Qatar and around the globe, Ismail, Country Operations Manager in Kuwait and Qatar Landmark Group; Zulfikar Alzadjali, in association with Future 318 and Trinity Talent Qatar, recently organised ‘Filipiknows Fili-Choice Country Manager of Oman Air in Qatar; and David Bache, Operations Manager at LuLu Awards’ at sailing dhow in nearby coast at The Pearl, to honour and recognise a number of Hypermarket. outstanding Doha-based Filipino workers and organisations. Carlo Yan, Founder of Filipiknows’ said, “Big things start from small and humble beginnings”. The Each winner was presented with a plaque and certificate of appreciation along with giveaways award ceremony featured 300 nominations from various organisations and individuals in Qatar provided by the sponsors. The event was attended by notable personalities, including Mohamad divided into three categories and total 45 awards.
QITC organises blood donation drive
Qatar Indian Thowheed Centre (QITC), in association with Hamad Medical Corporation Blood Bank, Community Centre. Around 350 members of QITC registered for the drive and 111 members recently organised a blood donation drive as part of Qatar National Day celebrations at Thumama donated the blood. All the donors were served with breakfast, lunch and tea.
WTC conducts 100th meeting
Wakrah Toastmasters Club recently conducted their 100th meeting ‘Qatar and Me’ at Time Rako Hotel, Al Wakrah. The meeting was attended by notable personalities of the toastmasters’ fraternity, including Rajeswar Sundaresan, District 116 Director; Raghavan Menon, Programme Quality Director; Sudhir Gujar, Division C Director; Mustafa Ali, Area 9 Director amd Rauf, Wakrah Toastmasters Club Founder and President. While speaking on the occasion, Asfia Salim Wagle, President of Wakrah Club, emphasised on quality meetings and elaborated on how to enhance the educational value and member experience. Raghavan said that Wakrah Toastmasters has the potential to cater to and benefit many more people in Al Wakrah and Al Wukair. The meeting was concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and dinner. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY MES commemorates Qatar National Day
MES Indian School recently celebrated Qatar National Day. Each section of the school conducted special assemblies featuring various performances, including patriotic songs, traditional sword dance, yoga performance and speeches on the significance of the Qatar National Day as well as the country’s tradition and heritage. A march past by the students of MES was also part of the event. The campus was decorated with balloons, streamers and flags. Hameeda Kadar, Principal of MES, addressed the gathering and urged the students to follow the path of the great Qatari visionaries.
Doha College celebrates Qatar National Day
Doha College recently celebrated Qatar National Day as part of the ‘International Week’ with freshly baked and henna artist. The students also created Arabic-inspired art. everything dedicated to Qatar. The Doha College Primary Choir also had the opportunity to record Dr Steff en Sommer, Principal of Doha College, said, “The students have done so well to bring Qatar the Qatar National Anthem in the Khalifa International Stadium for Aspire Zone, as part of the into the college. I am proud to see how extensive their knowledge of Qatar is, and how much they nation-wide celebrations. The celebrations featured a Majlis tent and included traditional bread enjoy taking part in the Qatari traditions.”
DTC marks Qatar National Day
Doha Toastmasters Club (DTC) recently celebrated Qatar National Day with a special meeting ‘Qatar- Nisamudheen S A, Past President of DTC, was also honoured at the meeting for achieving the title the Present and Future’ at Holiday Villa Hotel. The event was anchored by Faisal al-Hudawi. Niloufer of ‘Toastmasters Educational Programme-Distinguished Toastmaster’. Manzoor Moideen, District Samal, President of DTC, highlighted the importance of Qatar as a second home for residents and Administration Manager, presented a memento to Nisamudheen. The meeting was attended by expatriates. The meeting also included a cake cutting ceremony in celebration of DTC achieving full notable personalities of toastmasters’ fraternity, including Rajesh V C, Division Director; Dinesh Kumar 10 on 10 Distinguished Club Programme Goals and bagging the title of ‘President Distinguished Club’. A K, Programme Quality Director; and Sunil Kumar Menon, past Area Director. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY Nepali community participates in Friendship Parade
The off icers from the Embassy of Nepal along with Nepali expatriates recently participated in the Another participant, TB Karki, a Nepali community leader said, “The country is all set to host the Friendship Parade at Aspire Zone. All the participants were dressed in traditional Nepali dresses prestigious FIFA World Cup 2022. The country currently has the highest GDP growth rate. The waving Qatar flag in one hand and Nepal flag in the other hand. country is taking critical and creative steps for further self-suff iciency and development projects.” Tej Katuwal, Vice President of Non Resident Nepali Association, said, “We have been working and Nabin Pokheral, President of Non Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council Qatar, living here in Qatar for a long time now. We consider this country as our second home and we said, “The parade reflects the strong relationship between Nepal and Qatar.” have an emotional attachment towards it. We are all happy that Qatar has been hosting thousands Other countries which participated in the friendship parade include Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, Su, of workers here. The relentless development, including infrastructures for mega projects like FIFA Algeria, Somalia, Mali, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Japan among others. World Cup 2022 and Qatar Vision 2030 is gratifying”. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam
Oryx Rotana welcomes QSRSN
In celebration of Qatar National Day General Manager of Oryx Rotana, said, Festivities, Oryx Rotana recently hosted “Qatar National Day is a precious occasion Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special in the hearts of all living on this beloved Needs (QSRSN) along with their parents land. To celebrate this occasion along and the management. According to a with the entire community, we carefully press release, the hotel will be launching a thought of an array of off ers in all our bundle of off ers specially curated for QND outlets by providing the highest levels of today. upscale and unmatched services to our During the event, the members of Oryx guests in a special National Day themed Rotana created a distinctive atmosphere atmosphere. for the children of QSRSN. The kids “It was a delight to host the children from engaged in decorating special cookies Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special with the colours of the Qatari flag. The Needs as they are an important part of visit was concluded with a lunch buff et the society. To see the children enjoy their at Choices and exciting giveaways for day at the hotel was a very satisfying the children. Moreover, to celebrate the experience for all of us,” he added. WARM WELCOME: The Punjab Musical Group warmly received Assad Abbas, a Pakistani singer, and 140th year Qatar National Day today, Amir al-Mulla, Managing Director of Shahida Murtaza, Pakistani host, for their upcoming programme as part of the Qatar National Day Oryx Rotana will be off ering 40% discount QSRSN, praised the eff orts by the celebrations at GRC, Saniya, New Industrial Area today. on breakfast, lunch and dinner buff ets management and staff of Oryx Rotana at Choices restaurant, QR40 pastry and and said, “Children with special needs coff ee combo at Sky lounge, a special are an integral part of the social fabric, rate of QR140 on Tuesday Tapas Galore at and today’s initiative is in line with our MES conducts Junior Day Camp The Cellar and QR140 for a mixed grilled objectives to involve our kids in various platter at Al Nafourah Garden. occasions, events and initiatives taking On this occasion, Mr Ghassan Dalal, place in town.” The Junior Section of MES Indian School recently which was followed by an address by Hameeda conducted Junior Day Camp featuring activities Kadar, Principal of MES. She said, “The session is for the students and teachers, including salad organised with a prime objective of harnessing and dressing, singing songs, dance performance, craft nurturing young children’s talents and potential so and other literary activities. The students of Grade that their social and life skills will be fine-tuned in I-IV participated in the camp. order to be useful citizens of tomorrow.” The camp kicked off with a flag hoisting ceremony, The day concluded with a Zumba dance session. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 BOOK REVIEW COMMUNITY Your travelling books
bright-eyed ermine that killed her favourite By Laurie Hertzel chicken. “You’d think I’d have been overwhelmed with anger, out for vengeance,” she says. But instead, she is fascinated. “With dazzling white f you’re heading out of town anytime over fur, a hammering pulse and a bottomless appetite, the holidays, these two books would be the the ermine was ablaze with life.” The creature perfect airplane read. reminds her, oddly, of her mother. But anyone who loves an animal knows that One Day in December heartbreak is inevitable. “Most of the animals we IFirst of all, to enjoy this book, you have to set love die so long before we do,” she writes. aside your scepticism and common sense. You What shakes her out of this dangerous have to embrace your inner romantic, and you have depression is a trip to Papua, New Guinea, where to believe, just for a few hours, that love at first she helps track, study and band the elusive tree sight is a reasonable thing and that we all have a kangaroo. This work pulls her out of her funk, soul mate. reminding her of everything she holds most dear. If you can do that, then you will find Josie These creatures “carried within them the wild Silver’s One Day in December a sweet, entertaining heart that beats inside all creatures the wildness read. If you can’t, then you will spend a lot of time we honour in our breath and our blood, that rolling your eyes. wildness that keeps us on this spinning planet.” The main character and narrator, Laurie (not This lovely, wise book is illustrated with black me), makes eye contact with a handsome stranger and white paintings that are childlike in their one afternoon as she boards a bus. He is sitting on simplicity making this appear to be a book for a park bench, wearing a peacoat and a scarf and children. It could be. But it could also be a book for reading a thick hardback book, the epitome of the anyone who has ever been entranced by another perfect man. Their eyes meet, the bus pulls away, living creature. but by then Laurie is in love. She is certain the handsome stranger feels the same way. Everything Lost Is Found Again: Four She tells her best friend, Sarah, about him. She Seasons in Lesotho spends a lot of time looking for him, to no avail. There were so many places where Will McGrath And then, after she has given up, he shows up as could have gone wrong with his memoir, Everything Sarah’s new love interest. Lost Is Found Again: Four Seasons in Lesotho. After What follows is a touching story about a all, it’s the story of how he and his wife, a young woman trying to do the right thing, trying to be white couple from the United States lived for a year a true friend and get over a man she loves even in a small African nation. His narrative could easily as he becomes a huge part of her life. One Day in have devolved into a do-gooder story of the Great December follows the three characters for 10 years, White Hope type; or a navel-gazing coming-of- and while it has a happy ending for all, the book age-in-an-exotic-locale confession. isn’t just empty romance fiction: The fully formed But Everything Lost Is Found Again is neither of SERIES: The book is written as a series of essays grouped by season and drawn characters grow and change, and over time they those. It is a wonderful book, keenly observed, a primarily from 2008-09. each learn they have to leave their comfort zone breezy, thought-provoking read in which McGrath and one another in order to grow up. and his wife, Ellen Block, live and work in this small country that hardly anyone has heard of. How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in They throw themselves wholeheartedly into life Thirteen Animals in Lesotho they make friends, work at their jobs, It was animals that sent Sy Montgomery into take hikes, play with children and mourn the a deep, nearly suicidal depression and animals deaths of people they have grown to love. It is all that rescued her and pulled her back. In How so wonderfully normal. And it is all so wonderfully to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen fascinating. Animals, Montgomery writes about her profound Lesotho is a small mountainous country, connection with animals, all animals, and how this entirely surrounded by South Africa. It has the became the focus of her life. second-highest rate of Aids in the world, which Rather than a traditional chronological is what brought them there. Block is a cultural narrative, the memoir is structured in 13 stand- anthropologist (currently teaching at St. John’s alone chapters, each centring on a different University in Collegeville, Minn.), studying animal. Some are pets, but most are wild Aids and orphan care. She went to Lesotho to tarantulas, octopuses, kangaroos. Not animals that do research, and McGrath (currently a freelance most people fall in love with, but Montgomery is writer and MFA candidate at Hamline University in not most people. St Paul) went with her, landing work as a teacher. Animals, she writes, taught her to be a better, The book is written as a series of essays grouped more compassionate human being. “Knowing by season and drawn primarily from 2008-09, someone who belongs to another species can when they were there for 12 months, living in enlarge your soul in surprising ways,” she writes. a thatched-roof hut. It’s a joyous, surprising, Over the course of the book, the reader comes sometimes funny book, although the cloud of Aids to understand Montgomery’s lonely upbringing. hangs over many chapters. He is scrupulously She was the only child of a tough military father careful not to make judgments of the people or and a Southern steel magnolia mother who was their culture, and when terrible things happen, almost certainly abusive, a mother who wanted her he recounts them but does not condemn. The daughter to be frilly and girlie. people he writes about, other teachers, students, When her parents got her a Scottie dog, elderly mountain people who sell bootleg alcohol, everything improved. “I remember spending hours shepherds, random children, are sharply and lying on the floor, my head resting on my arm, affectionately drawn. inches from her face, watching her sleep, trying to McGrath is a likable, curious guide, embracing absorb her scent, her breath, her dreams.” whatever adventures come along, such as chopping That enormous curiosity about animals is the wood for a funeral and trekking off into the hills thread of Montgomery’s life and this book. She (guided by children) to find dinosaur footprints. spends weeks in Australia, studying three young Since 2009, McGrath and Block have been back emus. At the New England Aquarium, she makes to Lesotho twice, for months each time. But that friends with an octopus. (When they turn white, first extended visit was magical, for them and for they are calm, and Montgomery has a knack for readers. “We did not know how joyful it all would TOUCHING STORY: One Day in December is touching story about a woman turning them white.) be,” he writes. “We could not have guessed.”– Star trying to do the right thing, trying to be a true friend and getting over a man Back home, she finds herself admiring the Tribune (Minneapolis)/TNS she loves. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Winter care for your little ones
he winter season can bring some Bath duration should not exceed 5 minutes in key challenges for new parents as order to prevent over hydration of skin which newborns are a little more sensitive may lead to easy fragility of skin and decrease and need extra care in the cold threshold of injury. season. Ensure their skin is well moisturisedT and protected, say experts. Give a quick bath: As baby skin is very Rajesh Vohra, CEO, Artsana India (Chicco), thin and fragile you should dab rather than in assistance with Chicco Osservatorio, vigorously rubbing which results in damage suggests: to superfi cial layers of skin. Finish bath quickly. Must-have body lotions for winter: To fi ght dryness of baby skin in winters, selecting Include fresh fruits and vegetables the perfect baby lotion can be a task for in the diet to keep skin healthy: Fresh parents as babies have thin skin which loses vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables its moisture faster in comparison to adults. and fresh fruits like apples, bananas and Body lotion with Parabens-free formula and oranges, should be given to increase immunity richness of sweet almond milk are ideal for and health of the skin. protection and moisturising baby’s delicate skin. special care each day. Massaging the baby baby’s health — from nasal infection to sore Keep the child warm: Make sure the baby with special baby oil that is parabens-free and throat — which they can’t even let you know, is warm inside the home. Your baby should be Moisturising rich cream: In winter, enriched with high nourishing properties of and from dry skin and cracked lips to breathing well covered while you take him/her out in the parents should always make sure that baby rice bran oil is very benefi cial for the baby’s issues in some cases. A humidifi er in the baby’s winter and must be covered in woollen clothes, is being moisturised properly, especially the delicate skin. room adds much-needed moisture to the air socks and mittens (if there’s any allergy or most exposed areas like face, hands and legs and creates favourable breathing conditions, irritation, use cotton). The child should not be after bath to keep the baby’s skin soft and Winter apparels, for keeping your baby allowing your baby to sleep comfortably. exposed to cold winds which cause can cause supple throughout the day. Good quality warm with comfort: While shopping for cold, cough and pneumonia. cream with the richness of Omega-3 and babies, parents must look for certifi ed and C. Suresh Kumar, Head Of Department – Vitamin E helps in deeply nourishing skin’s high quality natural fabrics which are soft and Pediatrics and Neonatology, Apollo Cradle, Keep the skin moist: Always try to keep driest areas keeping it nourished all along the comfortable so that it does not cause rashes suggests: the baby skin moist. Apply moisturiser within day. and discomfort to the baby. a few minutes after the bath. Since the skin is Take care of the skin: Do not apply too very delicate, use moisturisers that contain Nourishment through massage oil: The Protection from dry air: In winter, the much of soap and leave it on the body for coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil. This will skin of a newborn is very gentle and requires humidity level drops and dry air can aff ect long as it dries up the skin causing irritation. also nourish the skin. — IANS
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20
Your energy and spunk should finally return after a couple days Get out of the mud, Taurus. Have fun and don’t worry too much Your emotions may be volatile right now, Gemini. There’s passion of feeling slightly down, Aries. You should enjoy a good mood all about the consequences. Put your to-do list aside for a while and behind your words. You have the power to instigate major changes day. Your powers of persuasion are strong. There’s an extra boost focus on enjoying yourself. People are going to need some extra in your life. If you’re wise, you will consider multiple ways to make of energy behind your emotions. You will find that this could lead attention today, so be generous with your hugs. Your emotions are them. Find the part of you that needs a boost, the area that lacks to some sort of transformation deep within. Whatever you do, do it powerful and dynamic. The intensity behind your words reflects passion. Jump-start the battery that rules this aspect of your being, with passion. Let your courageous nature shine through. your passion. and make sure all your cylinders are firing. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22
If you aren’t careful about the energy you dish out today, Cancer, you Today is a fantastic day for you, Leo. You should enjoy a good mood Other people may be demanding of you, Virgo, so do what you can will find that it all comes back to smack you in the face. Other people and positive experiences with others. There’s most likely a slow- to please the crowd. Don’t go overboard in thinking you need to be are likely to be as stubborn as you, so proceed cautiously. The more moving, transforming energy in your life right now that’s touching someone you’re not, and certainly don’t do anything that makes you you try to control and manipulate others, the more friction will build. off your emotions. You will find that there is a great deal of fire and feel uncomfortable. Be generous with your aff ection, but make sure Things are likely to explode. Adopt a friendly attitude and try not to passion fuelling your heart, so be generous with your kind spirit and you receive emotional support in return. There are likely to be some take anything too seriously. follow through with your promises. imbalances that need minor adjustments. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21
People may be somewhat selfish and self-centred today, but this It may not be the easiest day to relate to others, Scorpio, but as Things should flow extremely well for you, Sagittarius. Load your doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit, Libra. Remind others usual, if you just go with the flow, you will find that you can have engine with extra fuel, because you will be burning red hot. Don’t of the importance of the collective. We all need to pitch in and do fun. Try not to get caught up in anyone else’s drama. There are likely let anything stand in your way. By all means, fight for what you our part to be happy. You have the ability to off er balance to the to be soap operas playing all around you, and you would do well to need. There’s a great deal of power behind your emotions, and you situation, and you should definitely put this to the test. Do what you steer clear of them. Maintain a lighthearted attitude today and try will find that the intensity of your feelings is real and courageous can to make the scales tip back to centre. not to read into anything too deeply. whether you’re laughing or crying. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20
You need bigger and longer hugs than usual today, Capricorn. A Act with courage today, Aquarius. Dress as if you were going to meet Be conscious of your own needs, Pisces, and feel free to be a little powerful force is moving through your life and trying to shake things an important statesman. See yourself in the mirror and be proud to selfish. Give yourself the credit you deserve, and don’t let other up. Don’t stoop to the level of petty argument and verbal sparring. say you look good. Take action with confidence and feel free to strut people bully you into feeling like you aren’t worthy of the attention The more you resist the opposition, the more stubborn and unwieldy your stuff . Be up-front with your accomplishments, and let people you receive. You have a great number of gifts to off er the world, and the situation becomes. Make sure you have a good hold on your know you’re strong and trustworthy. Make sure you give many you shouldn’t be afraid to show them off . Lighten up and be proud. emotions before you leave the house. compliments, credit, and thanks to the people around you. Other people are lucky to know you. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
Pots and pans
ASHPAN FLOWERPOT SALTPAN BEDPAN HARDPAN SAMPAN BRAINPAN HONEYPOT TAIPAN CRACKPOT HOTPOT TEAPOT DEADPAN INKSPOT TREPAN DESPOT JACKPOT DUSTPAN MARZIPAN
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, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down 1. She shows how the heat is 1. Lower by degrees into the fanned by the swing-door (8) river (6) 5. Mercifully, was frugal with it? 2. They manage to get some (6) smooth-edged pieces of 9. Were properly classified wood (6) under the heading ‘Former 3. Figures I have got over the Assets’ (8) nervousness (7) 10. Hide in the bureau (6) 4. Flush when the girl comes to 12. Filter, by the way, the water the point (4) (6) 6. Be ahead of, but go back to 13. The tart you leave in the the page before (7) oven a long time? (8) 7. Arrived, but not flat out (6,2) 15. Result of the income-tax 8. Get rid of the fish and have inspector’s child getting an something solid to eat (8) unwanted book? 11. Rolls are great successes; (6,6) everybody tucks in to them (7) 18. What the demonstrators at 14. In The Cat Woman, they sell Answers the Spring Exhibition can drugs (7) expect? (5,7) 16. A chap and a lady going out Wordsearch Codeword 23. For the records, the one with to Burma (8) the sleeping tramps outside 17. A German parking beside (8) another foreigner (8) 24. Continue to shorten 19. What does one do at it? Lie Adulthood for the Male (6) about, of course! (7) 26. With the boy astir, I am 20. Gets as far as a hundred in inside, in bed (4,2) sheer chaos (7) 27. The sharp-tongued Mrs 21. Put a number in a row? That’s Sprat? (8) easy! (6) 28. Dry one out over there (6) 22. Be sorry to have given the 29. Chance there is of getting a agent the wrong number (6) view? (8) 25. Row back again to it (4)
Yesterday’s Solutions
Across: 1 Pipe-dream; 6 Bucks; 9 Down: 1 Petal; 2 Pastorale; Tessa; 10 Gladstone; 11 Looking 3 Drawing ink; 4 Engaged; 5 out; 12 Heed; 14 Bragged; 15 Measure; 6 Bust; 7 Clove; 8 Eritrea; 17 Gleaned; 19 Big shot; Steadfast; 13 Ring-leader; 14 20 Each; 22 Handlebars; 25 All Big demand; 16 Rehearses; 18 at once; 26 Dosed; 27 Donor; 28 Drained; 19 Badgers; 21 Colin; 23 Distrusts. Sides; 24 Stir. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY POP SPOT
in brief
Sam Fender
Sam Fender was named among the long list of nominees in the BBC Sound of 2018 poll. The English singer/songwriter was delighted to receive the recognition and not in the least bit surprised that he didn’t win. After 12 months during which his career has progressed steadily if unspectacularly, Sam’s work has again been recognised by British music insiders. On this occasion though, he is not simply a nominee but has emerged as the winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice for 2019. The 24-year-old North Shields native beat out Mahalia and Lewis Capaldi to win the 12th edition of the award. He follows in the footsteps of some hugely successful previous winners such as Adele, Sam Smith, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Florence + The Machine. “I am truly humbled to win the BRITs Critics’ Choice award,” Sam stated. “Being nominated was crazy enough, never mind winning it. I’m so grateful to everyone back home for believing, and to my band and team for all their hard work. To everyone who’s taken a punt on me so far, thank you.” Sam’s songs and videos can be accessed at www.youtube.com/user/ samfendermusic HRVY
Sam Fender may have won the BRITs Critics’ Choice award but many EXCITED: Dalton Harris is expected to receive a hero’s welcome when he returns to Jamaica. music insiders are tipping 19-year-old HRVY as an artiste to watch in 2019. Full name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, HRVY’s activities range across music, acting and TV presenting. The latter is on the BBC children’s television series, Friday Download, while his acting is in the web series, Chicken Girls, on the Brat YouTube channel. X Factor triumph makes HRVY’s first single, Thank You, was released as long ago as 2013. He was a support artiste for Little Mix on their Salute Tour in 2014. But it is over the last 18 months that HRVY’s music career has really begun to take off . He has released two EPs and a number of singles, three of Dalton famous in Jamaica which found a place among the UK top 75. HRVY was a support artiste for The Vamps earlier this year on their Night Dalton had been the bookmakers company profi ts and government and Day Tour and was nominated in the International New Artist category By Geoff rey Rowlands favourite to win the show since his taxes will be donated to charity. at Brazil’s BreakTudo Awards. This came about from his 2018 single, Hasta audition performance of Elton John’s The benefi ciaries this time are the Luego, which featured additional vocals from Cuban-American singer classic song, Sorry Seems To Be The children’s charities Together For Short Malu Trevejo. The track registered seven million YouTube views within a s UK television’s The X Factor Hardest Word. His rendition wowed Lives and Shooting Star Chase. week of release. supposed to unearth new British the audience and judges earning him a “Simon (Cowell) took us to an I Don’t Think About You is HRVY’s recently released new single. The vocal talent or give a second big hug from judge Ayda Williams. event for Together For Short Lives accompanying video, along with those for his earlier songs, can be opportunity to those who have “I knew that was the most and people were donating thousands viewed at www.youtube.com/user/Off icialCantwell made it elsewhere but faded from important performance of my life. If of pounds. I never felt so broke “The new song is one for the fans,” HRVY remarked. “It’s an acoustic track Ithe spotlight? I had not sung well and been rejected in my life because I couldn’t give which I thought was a good way to round off the year. A lot of people are The 2018 triumph of 25-year-old by the judges, all my preparation and money and I hoped one day I could. on their Christmas break now so I wanted to bridge the gap and give my Jamaican singer and songwriter Dalton the money spent on coming to England I so much wanted to help them with fans something to hear.” Harris suggests all things are possible. would have been wasted.” the wonderful work they do so it’s Dalton needed a UK government visa After receiving a yes from all four awesome that they’ll receive the Mariah Carey allowing him to remain in Britain for judges, Dalton revealed his personal money from my song.” the duration of the show. But he is far history of growing up in an extremely The Power of Love debuted at Traditional Christmas favourites have again made their return to the from being unknown in his native land. large and very poor family with 22 number four on the offi cial UK singles singles charts. Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?, The Pogues In 2010, Dalton became the youngest brothers and sisters. He had dropped chart. It may yet climb higher but the and Kirsty MacColl’s Fairytale of New York and Last Christmas by winner of an X Factor style show on out of school in the 10th grade and days seem to have gone when The X Wham! all hold high places in the UK chart. Michael Buble, Elton John, Jamaican television called Digicel lived alone in a one-room dwelling, Factor winner’s single shot straight to Leona Lewis, Shakin’ Stevens, Brenda Lee and Wizzard are a little lower Rising Stars. which had no electricity or running number one. The last X Factor winner in the listings. Like X Factor, Rising Stars has water. to top the UK chart was Ben Haenow in As so often though, it is Mariah Carey who heads the roster of Christmas launched the careers of some of “I don’t think of my early life as 2014 with Something I Need. songs with her perennial classic, All I Want For Christmas Is You. The track Jamaica’s most popular artistes. being a sad story. It’s just the way Dalton’s visa expired at the is in the UK singles chart for a 12th successive year. Following his victory, Dalton signed it was. I have been blessed with conclusion of The X Factor. Although It has even reached its highest ever position on Billboard’s Hot 100. The with Penthouse Records, recorded an my vocal ability. I’m not going to the Syco Records people are hoping to new peak of number seven surpasses the number nine spot it achieved album and reached number one on the complain about not having a privileged work something out, Dalton should last year. Some chart watchers have even suggested All I Want For Jamaican dancehall chart in 2014 with childhood.” actually leave Britain before acquiring Christmas Is You could become Mariah’s 19th number one on the Hot 100. a song called Pauper. Dalton’s stellar performances saw a new visa allowing him to return to But Dalton was aff ected by the him sail through each round of The X record an album and perform on The Blossoms / Sir Paul McCartney ephemeral nature of so many careers Factor. Only on week one, when he X Factor concert tour. If he does go in pop. His popularity faded all too was placed third, did he not come fi rst home to Jamaica, he can be assured of Most observers would not have expected to hear a Christmas song from quickly. Competing on The X Factor or second in the voting. He eventually a hero’s welcome. English indie band Blossoms. was seen as the perfect opportunity to won with a clear 10 percent majority “Television Jamaica bought The Stockport quintet topped Britain’s albums chart in 2016 with their not only relaunch his career but do so over English singer/songwriter broadcast rights to the show. I received self-titled debut LP and reached number four earlier this year with the on the international music market. Scarlett Lee. so many messages from my fellow follow-up, Cool Like You. “I’ve watched The X Factor ever since His winner’s single is a cover of Jamaicans all wishing me well and Releasing a Christmas song would not initially seem like a particularly I saw a clip on the Internet seven years Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s 1984 UK off ering support. I am so grateful for cool move. But the fact that Wonderful Christmastime is a Paul ago,” said Clarendon-born Dalton. “I chart-topper, The Power of Love. The their good wishes and can’t thank McCartney cover rather than the band’s own original song should pacify prepared for the show knowing what it track also features additional vocals them enough. The same is true for all at least a few of the hardcore indie aficionados. could do for me if I won or even if I just from 2012 X Factor winner James those X Factor viewers who believed in Paul’s track was originally released in 1979 and peaked at number six on did well. I know many of the artistes Arthur. me and voted for me. I hope everyone the UK chart. The Blossoms cover can be heard at www.youtube.com/ who didn’t win have been much more As with numerous other X Factor feels proud of what their help has watch?v=kTUYdCmbM1o Paul’s original recording is at www.youtube. successful than those who did.” winner’s singles, all UK record enabled me to achieve.” com/watch?v=V9BZDpni56Y Tuesday, December 18, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY When required, say no: Malaika
By Nivedita
he is one of the fi ttest celebrities in Bollywood and is currently in the news more for her personal relationship, but Malaika Arora says that COUPLE: Ashlee Simpson, right, with husband Evan Ross. Sit comes with the territory. She feels one needs to strike the right balance Ashlee, husband Ross share why and say “no” when required. daughter is best addition to tour “It comes with the territory. You have to be able to strike the right Singer Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross, an actor balance and say ‘no’ when required. It and a musician, are gearing up to go on a tour together. The comes with the business,” the actress couple is looking forward to bring their three-year-old said in an e-mail interview, when daughter, Jagger, along for the adventure. asked how more focus on her personal “We’ve been in rehearsal, actually, (and) Jagger was at life over professional life aff ects her as our rehearsal dancing it up!” Simpson said, referring to the a person. couple’s upcoming Ashlee+Evan Tour, reports etonline.com The grapevine has been abuzz that Ross added: “So we had the best background dancer ever Malaika is currently dating actor Arjun today! We just left rehearsal today, (and) we’ve got some Kapoor and that they may soon tie the rehearsals to do, but we’re excited.” knot. However, neither of them have The couple doesn’t have a whole lot of time before their either confi rmed or denied this. ADVICE: Malaika Arora says one has to strike the right balance between one’s North American tour offi cially kicks off on January 7, 2019 at In 2016, Malaika split from actor personal and professional lives. the Bowery Ballroom in New York, and continues for a total of Arbaaz Khan, whom she got married to eight announced stops before wrapping up on January 18. in 1998. They have a son together. qualities she looked for? interest of seeing a new model on- “We are bringing the (whole) family on the road,” Ross Asked about how she handles the “I think it is very important to screen. Models are being beautifully shared. “Everybody’s coming!” lows in her life, Malaika said: “At the express your individuality at such accepted on-screen and in the The couple has been busy with their reality show, also titled risk of sounding cliched, my friends, platforms. I don’t like the clone, business,” said Malaika. Ashlee+Evan, as well as releasing new music together. – IANS family and yoga really keep me going.” cookie-cutter vibe. I like girls to have The actress is known for her moves She comes across as someone who their own individuality. They should in the songs like Chaiyya Chaiyya, Akon to launch streaming app is very calm and balanced deep down, be diff erent — whether she is tall, dark Gur naalo ishq mitha, Maahi ve, Kaal and explaining that, she said: “Like I or slightly heavy, it is important to be dhamaal and Munni Badnaam Hui. Popular American singer-rapper Akon will be launching a said earlier, it’s all a part and parcel of diff erent, to be able to stand out. She turned a fi lm producer in 2008 streaming app featuring classic Hollywood fi lms. the business. You have to accept that “She must off er something new and with Arbaaz. The entrepreneur, 45, is teaming up with Samsung to it is a part of the profession you’re in. refreshing... or else they are all clones Their company Arbaaz Khan launch the Cinémoi Channel app, a subscription-based video You must learn to strike a balance.” of each other,” said Malaika. Productions has released fi lms like streaming app available 24 hours a day. Malaika was one of the judges She has been a model herself earlier, Dabanggand Dabangg 2. “We’re always looking for new ways to engage our for the auditions of models for the so does she think that gone are the On the career front, Malaika is customers,” Akon said in a statement to people.com forthcoming edition of Lakme Fashion days when models were not considered nowadays primarily seen judging “With the Cinémoi Channel app, we’re responding to Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2019. apt to portray powerful roles because reality shows on the small screen and consumer demand, helping deliver content through a new The platform has previously of their limitations as actors? her visibility on the big screen is not experience that makes fi nding entertainment easy for our given stars like Deepika Padukone “Times have changed. Some of much. Is that intentional? customers,” he added. and Katrina Kaif. So, how much of a the biggest names in the business “Maybe people just think I am a Featuring classic fi lms like A Star Is Born and modern- pressure did she feel while selecting currently have come from a modelling great judge,” she replied with a smile day movies like Wreckers, as well as specials including The the faces this time and what were the background. There is always an emoticon. – IANS Jonathan Ross Show and more, the app will reach more than 39 million smart TVs and 95 million smartphones worldwide. Earlier this year, Akon announced his plans to launch a new Winning award motivates “I never picked those fi lms. I feel cryptocurrency called Akon geared towards helping people in me to work harder: Radhika that when I plan stuff , it doesn’t work Africa. – IANS for me, but when universe plans it Actress Radhika Madan, who for me, it works the best,” said the has bagged the Most Promising actress, who has done TV shows as Newcomer award, says she feels well. motivated to work harder to entertain While she had to go for a few people through her work. rounds of audition to get the role of Radhika won the trophy at Star Badki in Pataakha, the story of how Screen Awards on Sunday for her she got Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is debut act in Vishal Bhardwaj’s slightly diff erent. Pataakha. “I went to audition for Laila Majnu. “I didn’t expect it. It just Somebody saw me there and asked happened. It motivates me to work me ‘Can you kick?’ I was a dancer even harder to entertain more and before. I did a few kicks,” she said. more people, and give my 200 per And soon, she joined the cast of cent. I gave my heart and soul to Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Pataakha,” Radhika said. For her, budget of a fi lm doesn’t “It didn’t do commercially well, matter. but to be acknowledged for that... it “I am not thinking about the speaks a lot,” added the actress about budget of the fi lm that much. I am the fi lm on two warring sisters. just waiting for something to come up The Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi and excite me. Be it a commercial fi lm ENTREPRENEUR: Akon is teaming up with Samsung to actress has also acted in Vasan Bala’s or an indie one, anything that makes RECOGNITION: Radhika Madan has launch the Cinémoi Channel app. fi lm Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, which me want to just jump on my bed and bagged the Most Promising Newcomer is expected to release next year. go for it,” she said. – IANS award for Pataakha. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 18, 2018 COMMUNITY
PERFORMANCE: The students during their performance at the event. Photos by Nasar Kodungallur SISQ marks Qatar National Day
Talking to Community, Sadeem Atais “We have students from 66 diff erent By Mudassir Raja al-Marri, student of Grade-VI, said, “I really countries. Qatar is more than a country. It is a liked the dance performances especially the family. On this day, we also have families of the sword performance and other presentations students attending the event.” wiss International School Qatar as well. It was a great experience to be a Gaber Hamed, Arabic and Islamic Studies (SISQ) recently celebrated Qatar part of the celebrations and talk to fellow Co-ordinator, said, “Through diff erent National Day with an event featuring students about Qatar. I also enjoyed henna activities, we have tried to explain our ideas various activities whilst highlighting application and falcons. I am a Qatari student about the National Day. This year, we are trying culture, traditions and ‘Made in and its absolutely great to see other expatriate to give an insight to our students about diff erent Qatar’S products. students learning about our culture and sides of Qatar, including local products, food, The fun-fi lled activities and enthusiasm of traditions. I’m happy that they’re getting an culture and traditions. the gathering showed no signs of the fact that insight into our culture.” “We have tried to explain everything the school was founded only two years ago in Philip Bradley, Head of SISQ, said, “We are about Qatar on the stage through various Qatar. The highlight of the event was ‘Made a kind of guest here in Qatar and for us, it is an performances. We involved our students and in Qatar @ SISQ Exhibition’ that featured opportunity to thank the people of Qatar and they led the whole event. The audience took diff erent Qatar-based companies exhibiting celebrate the national day with them. Qatar has special interest in Al Ardah dance. We also had their homemade products. a history. Our school was recently founded but, a short play that was performed by non-Arabic The school conducted an assembly in the like Qatar, is also growing very rapidly. We had speaking students and they had their dialogues main hall which was attended by the students 85 percent growth this year. Last year, we had a in Arabic. We’ve got a very good feedback from of SISQ along with their parents and faculty smaller event on the eve of the National Day. our students and their families.” members, all dressed in Qatari wardrobes. “This year, we wanted to celebrate Qatar’s Luliana Lonita, Librarian at SIS and organiser The assembly featured diff erent dance achievements. Qatar has become more self- of the exhibition, said, “I was in-charge of performances and short plays. A traditional suffi cient and independent than ever. We have Made in Qatar exhibition. Five companies took Qatari tent ‘Majlis’ was also set up at the corner a ‘Made-In-Qatar Exhibition’ here as well, part in the exhibition with their products. The of the hall. The falcons were also arranged for featuring cultural things, henna painting and companies manufacture, pack and sell their the students. dances. We also organised ‘We Stand With products in Qatar. The exhibition featured The young students of SISQ, dressed in Qatar’ where many non-Arabic speaking ‘Made in Qatar’ LED lights, bags, food items. traditional Qatari dresses, performed Al Ardah, students expressed their love for Qatar in Arabic We wanted the students to get an insight for a Qatari folkloric dance. Each of them was language. Some of the students from diff erent how much self-suffi cient Qatar has become. wielding a sword, accompanied by drums and countries also spoke Arabic for the very fi rst The students loved the exhibitions and they TRADITIONAL: The students of SISQ were songs in the background. time. were very excited.” dressed in traditional Qatari dresses.
GATHERING: The event was attended by the students of SISQ along with their parents and faculty members. FOLK DANCE: The young students of SISQ performed Al Ardah, a Qatari folkloric dance.