Monday, February 24, 2020 Jumada II 30, 1441 AH

Doha today 210 - 270

COVER Brilliant idea! STORY American professors propose a new calendar starting Monday, Jan. 1 for every year and everything will fall into place. Or will it? P4-5

HOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

Ford on Call of The Wild, Shekhar mulls legal action surviving digital revolution. against Mr India remake. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.44am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.03am Zuhr (noon) 11.47am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.32pm Isha (night) 7.02pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Sonic The Hedgehog on Earth with his newfound best friend — Tom Wachowski. DIRECTION: Jeff Fowler They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr Robotnik from CAST: Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Ben Schwartz capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination. SYNOPSIS: Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, 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 Bhoot: Part 1: The Haunted Ship SYNOPSIS: Based on a true accident, the fi lm tells the DIRECTION:Bhanu Pratap Singh story of a couple on an abandoned ship lying static on a beach. CAST: Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashutosh Rana THEATRE: Royal Plaza

ote Unquo Qu te “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative”

– Oscar Wilde

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 Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Ballet Lessons WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 4pm – 8pm For more info e-mail at registration@ atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Whiskers & Purrs WHERE: Tennis Courts, The Pearl-Qatar WHEN: March 7 Time: 1:00pm-6:00pm A fun-fi lled event for the family which will promote responsible pet ownership. The objective is to raise community awareness MIA Park Bazaar 2020 TIME: 12:30pm about animal welfare and highlight the plight WHERE: MIA Park Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure Qatar Food Fest of pets that have been abandoned by families. WHEN: Ongoing till April 25 experience for the whole family off ering over WHERE: Sheraton Hotel Park TIME: 2pm — 8pm 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini- WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of Golf setup. TIME: 4pm — 1am the Old Souq tradition with vibrant mix of The festival is currently happening at around 120 stalls. You can browse and buy Hobby Classes Sheraton Hotel Park. Qatar Food Fest features handicrafts, accessories, paintings, clothing, WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art 77 stalls, food trucks, and trolleys, bringing food, jewellery, photography and art. Centre culinary and cultural experiences from all WHEN:Wednesday – Monday corners of the globe to visitors and residents Mamangam is an art and performance in Qatar. centre started with a vision of spreading our knowledge, interests and experience in various disciplines in arts across different Public Speaking Classes for Adults countries for children and adults. WHERE: Sharq Capital, C-Ring Road We offer regular classes in disciplines like WHEN:Ongoing till July 1 traditional classical dance, art and craft, TIME: 6:30pm – 9pm Bollywood and hip-hop styles, Carnatic Get trained by experts to be a good speaker. music, robotics, percussion instruments, Smedley Toastmasters is conducting a keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts six-month speech-craft programme that like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. teaches new members to speak confi dently For those who wish to register e-mail and develop leadership skills. For more at [email protected] or call on information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit 33897609/44723680 www.SmedleyToastmasters.org

2020 Grand Prix – Test and Race WHERE: Losail International Circuit WHEN: March 6–8 2020 Grand Prix is set to take place from March 6 till March 8 at the Losail International Circuit. Built-in just under a year, the circuit has been a regular venue of the MotoGP calendar ever since. You can watch the races with friends or family in an open-air setting where you will be surrounded by the uproar of larger crowds.

Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm The Olympic sport using horizontal bar, rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Metro Street Food WHERE: DECC Metro Station WHEN: Ongoing

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Time for change, change for time A pair of Johns Hopkins professors believe it’s time to turn the page on the Gregorian calendar in favour of one to really last the ages, including how to settle the leap year conundrum. But will the stakeholders free themselves from the yoke of tradition, asks Meredith Cohn

You don’t ever have to buy a new calendar. How much needless work do institutions, such as companies and universities, put into arranging their calendars for every coming year? From now on, they could do it once, and it is done forevermore

— Steve H Hanke, ‘ Johns Hopkins University economist ’ Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

n 1582, Pope Gregory began a campaign to replace Julius Caesar’s widely used calendar with a slightly more accurate one that was named for him. Most of the modern world eventually agreed, Iand the rest is history. Now a pair of Johns Hopkins professors believe it’s time to turn the page on the Gregorian calendar in favour of one to really last the ages. “You don’t ever have to buy a new calendar,” said Steve H Hanke, a Johns Hopkins University economist who partnered with Hopkins astrophysicist Richard Conn Henry on the Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar, which would not change from year to year. “How much needless work do institutions, such as companies and universities, put into arranging their calendars for every coming year? From now on, they could do it once, and it is done forevermore.” The idea is simple: Start every year on Monday, January 1. Every other day would fall on the same day every year. Change would be “no problem,” he said, just like Canada’s switch to the metric system. (No comment on the failed US moves to go metric.) The benefi ts would be many: Holidays except for the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving would be observed on a Monday, creating regular long weekends and fewer mid-week disruptions. There would be no battles over the start to the school year or sports seasons and less fretting at corporations over bookkeeping and planning. There would never be another Friday the 13th. (Sorry, Jason.) the commandment about resting on the Care Shelter. No, said Brent Goldfarb, associate Every year would just repeat in a Sabbath. The League of Nations came close Bailey Deacon, a BARCS spokeswoman, professor of management and Groundhog Day movie kind of way, only over but rejected a permanent calendar in 1937 said she still sees new puppies and kitties entrepreneurship in the University of a year, which would be 364 days rather than because of this. getting their month — as well as new Orioles. Maryland Smith School of Business. 365. Most also were a little off , time-wise, even “Those who truly use paper calendars “Whatever the merits of this calendar, it But how? Hanke said President Donald more so than the Gregorian that requires a are marking them up each year with their is not practically important,” said Goldfarb, Trump could issue an executive order. The US leap year every four years. That adds an extra appointments, meetings and occasions, so co-author of the 2019 book Bubbles and government would switch, and the states and day to February — as it does this year — to I would think they would eventually need a Crashes: The Boom and Bust of Technological other countries would follow. keep the seasons in sync. clean slate each January,” she said. Innovation. The White House did not respond to a The Hanke-Henry calendar would make The corporate world that yearns for “It is extraordinarily diffi cult to change request for comment. But Hanke is confi dent 2020 the last of those leaps. But they would stability and effi ciency also could hugely these sorts of conventions without some sort that Trump, known for branding, would come add a week to their calendar every fi ve or six benefi t, according to Hanke’s research. of government coercion, and even then, it around to having his name on a calendar for years to keep up with the 365.24 days it take Observing holidays on Mondays would is hard,” Goldfarb said. “Just as the United the next four centuries or longer. He could the Earth to orbit the sun. save an estimated $575 per person a year in States was unable to shift to the metric bump a pope and Caesar. It’s unclear what would happen to the productivity costs. There would be fewer system, I see little chance that we’d change It’s the latest bet for the rather dated idea paper calendar and planner industry, with bookkeeping issues, including reduction in all our calendars, computer programs, and from the professors, who came up with it sales remaining in the hundreds of millions of errors related to something called the “day intuitive thinking to get rid of leap years and years ago. Using new calendars year after year dollars annually despite the digital age. count,” which calculates interest on bonds have a constant calendar.” to redo the syllabus became a drag. An annual $15 calendar featuring Orioles and other investments, and are now a $130 Hanke and Henry are not to be deterred. Others have pitched permanent calendars, baseball team members with their pets has billion problem. Next they want to eliminate time zones and though most failed for proposing to drop the helped raise more than $370,000 over eight So, would business types make a date for put everyone on the same clock. seven-day week, which would mean violating years for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and change? — The Baltimore Sun/TNS

COUNTERPOINT “It is extraordinarily difficult to change these sorts of conventions without some sort of government coercion, and even then, it is hard. Just as the US was unable to shift to the metric system, I see little chance that we’d have a constant calendar”

— Brent Goldfarb, associate professor of management The Hanke-Henry calendar would make 2020 the last of those leaps. But they would add a week to their calendar every five or six years to keep up with the 365.24 days it take the Earth to orbit and entrepreneurship the sun. 6 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY

KMCC Malappuram District Committee enrolled with ICBF insurance scheme

The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) has launched an insurance scheme for the Indian community in Qatar in association with Bema Takaful Insurance Company. The Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Malappuram District Committee and Ali International Company added around 250 members E T Mohamed Basheer MP, Muslim League National Organising Secretary, handed over the applications to P N Babu Raj, ICBF President, at the KMCC off ice. For the first time since its inception, the community organisation are planning to add more members. ICBF president said that the KMCC Malappuram District Committee and Ali International Company Management would be congratulated for the opportunity. The meeting was chaired by K Mohamed Eassa, KMCC Malappuram District President. Salim Nakkalakam, state KMCC advisory board member, inaugurated the event and Ali Morayoor, treasurer, explained the project. Avinash Gaikwad, ICBF General Secretary; Mahesh Gowda, Vice President; Munas, Shafiq, Gireesh, Zubair, Sharafu and Nishad, Ali International District councillors including, Rafeeq Vengara, and Mandalam along with Vengasheri, District General Secretary, enrolled in the scheme are eligible to Company representatives; were also Kondotty, Salam Wandoor, Layis other off ice bearers and members welcomed and Basheer Chelebra get up to QR100,000 in benefits upon present on the occasion. Kuniyil, Majeed Thavanoor, Yunus attended the function. Akbar thanked guests. The members claim in two years’ time.

BCQ observes International Mother Language Day

Bangladesh Community – Qatar K M Muniruzzaman Choudhury, keynote speech, expressing the of the mother tongue as well as Organisation (Unesco) General (BCQ) paid tributes to the martyrs Third Secretary, were also present connotations of the day. Rezaul protecting self-entity, culture, and Conference in 1999. The day has of the 1952 language movement, as special guests. The programme Ahsan, country manager of national heritage. Some brave students been observed throughout the marking ‘Amar Ekushey’ and was chaired by Engineer Anwar carrier Biman Bangladesh, and Nurul were killed in police firing on this world since 2000. This year the observing the Language Martyrs’ Hossain Akon, president of BCQ, Kabir Chowdhury, CEO of Arabian day in 1952, when students came theme for International Mother Day and International Mother and compered by Noor Mohamed, Exchange Company, were among out in a procession from the Dhaka Language Day was ‘Languages Language Day in a discussion a member of general secretariat. the special guests. Scores of social, University campus breaching without borders’. UNESCO says that meeting held at the ballroom of The meeting was also attended by professional and cultural leaders Section 144, to press home their local and cross-border languages Shalimar Palace Hotel recently. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd) Anwar from Bangladesh community demand for the recognition of can promote peaceful dialogue Dr Mohamed Mustafizur Khurshid, director; Mohamed Jassim were present and spoken on the Bangla as a state language. and help to preserve indigenous Rahman, Labour Counsellor Uddin, principal; Mohamed Zulfikar occasion. The notion to celebrate this day as heritage. A cultural programme of the Bangladesh embassy Azad, vice-principal and faculty of The speakers spoke on the International Mother Language Day comprising of patriotic songs in Qatar, was the chief guest. Bangladesh MHM School & College. language movement, a significant was initiated by Bangladesh and was hosted by Amin Rasul Saiful, Mohammed Mahbur Rahman, Professor Abu Shama, lecturer of event in the nation’s history, which approved by the United Nations general secretary of BCQ, and his First Secretary (Political), and A Bangla literature, presented the was aimed at establishing the right Educational, Scientific and Cultural team. Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

NAD organises Harvest Festival 2020

Nammude Adukkala Thottam Doha Wukair. and a stall which was dedicated Agbizz and Al Dar Exchange – RJ Neenu of Malayalam Radio (NAD), affiliated with Indian Cultural Play back singers Najim Arshad to the sale of organic vegetables along with the celebrity guests 98.6 FM. Najim Arshad and Sumi Centre under the aegis of the and Sumi Aravind were the which were harvested in homes of Najim Arshad and Sumi Aravind. Aravind enthralled the audiences Indian Embassy in Qatar, recently celebrity guests leading the the NAD members. The ICBF representative gave by variety of songs including hosted an event ‘Harvest Festival entertainment session and local Sobhana Pavithran, president, the awareness speech about romantic songs. There were dance 2020’, a seminar on organic artistes from Doha also performed welcomed the chief guest the benefits of the insurance and a comedy performances which farming combined with music, cultural programmes. The event Manikantan A P, ICC president, policy launched exclusively for added flavour to the show. comedy and cultural programme at also showcased variety of food and representatives of the the Indian community. The show Jawahar Bharathan, secretary, DPS Monarch International School, stalls with delicious Kerala cuisine sponsors – Marhaba Toursim, was anchored by RJ Shifin and delivered the vote of thanks.

Knowledge School holds Annual Science Fair

Knowledge School recently of the student very real and models from students of Grade-1 organised Annual Science Fair (AY meaningful. The students displayed to 9. 2019-20). The objective was not many self-designed working scientific Dr Harry, school principal, said: only to inculcate a scientific attitude models and projects. “This exhibition is a platform for and research-mindedness but also The exhibits included eco-friendly the students to develop a scientific creating teaching aids. houses, magnetic mixer, anti-gravity fervour and an attitude of research The exhibition was inaugurated by device, innovative tube squeezer, so that they develop the qualities Shaji Ali, School CEO. The student robots, intelligent street light etc. of analytical and critical thinking. It and teachers from the science Exhibits on human anatomy and is an opportunity for us to find the group of all grades of the school advancements in technology scientists and mathematicians of participated in this activity and made were presented with the help of tomorrow.” models which could be used as augmented reality. There were also Surya, science co-ordinator, took the teaching aids. some still models, working models, initiative of encouraging the students They had chosen topics from and projects. The students gave to put up such a wonderful and science books from Grade-1 to 9. A a detailed explanation of their enlightening exhibition. Dr Shamila teaching aid is a very eff ective tool projects to the parents and guests. Ahmed, School Director, announced to make the classroom experience The event saw more than 150 the winners.

Nepalese expats enjoy cultural programme

Kushal Belbase, Kathmandu-based comforts of faraway to aff ection back popular Nepalese singer, recently home, still it’s a compulsion to work entertained a large crowd of over abroad,” Belbase said in one of his 700 people at a cultural programme songs. The singer praised the eff orts organised by Arghakhachi Welfare of non-resident Nepalese community Society (AWS), a Nepali community in Qatar for contributing a lot to organisation in Al Doshari Zoo and promote their folk music and art. Park. Belbase said: “Last programme I The event was organised for a social performed at was about supporting cause. Born in Arghakhachi, a district street children and this time financial in west of Nepal, Belbase is one supports of the orphan children of of most popular folk singers who Arghakhachi district and I am more usually sings duet songs. Belbase than happy.” started with his folk hit and amassed Artists including Dipendra Sunar, praise from the audience. The Ram Krishna Pariyar, Sandip Rai, Puja singer presented six songs, and also Gajurel, Urmila Lama and the dance performed an additional duet song group of Nepal Magar Association with singer Indira Shahi. (NMA) also performed during the His songs dealt with the melancholy event. NMA also performed folk of those Nepalese migrant workers Salaiju dance. Likewise, 10-member who work overseas and do not get dance group of Nepali cultural Family a chance to celebrate the festivals (NCF) performed a spectacular dance of Nepal. Thereafter, audience saw a the remixed beats. Tek Raj Thapa, AWS participating in the programme. with their families. “One can’t prefer sequence portraying cultural mosaic long glimpse of 15 dancers moving in chairman, thanked the audience for — By Usha Wagle Gautam 8 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY OFF B The wealth gap: how changing f It’s not uncommon for friendships to end because of finances – whether a sudden salary rise or fall. But with care and forethought it is often possible to prevent the rupture, writes Sirin Kale

COMPASSION: A rule of thumb when it comes to navigating the friendship wealth gap is to start with what the person with the least amount of money in the group can afford to do, and work with that.

hen David Matcham stopped returning his away, never to be recovered. to split a bill for a bunch of food Declan’s experience isn’t Matcham and his friends’ calls, and stopped being Matcham is not the only person and drink he didn’t order. The uncommon: the wealth gap wife adopted a invited to things. When Matcham to lose friendships because of his 28-year-old youth worker from typically becomes noticeable baby boy in 2013, had to socialise with his wife’s finances. The so-called friendship south London was at his former in your late 20s and early 30s, their fi nancial family, he would dread it. “They’re wealth gap was most memorably school friend Olly’s birthday. He when friends who were once your Wsituation promptly hit rock bottom. lovely people, but they’re all very depicted in the episode of Friends had felt pressured to attend, even financial equals begin to pull away Matcham, 44, from Norfolk, had just successful,” he says. “I would use in which Phoebe, Rachel and though he was in between jobs and from you in income. University completed a PhD, and was looking every possible excuse to avoid Joey order side salads and tap down to his last £100. “I ordered peers you shared noodles with in for work. They were broke; poorer going. I wanted to withdraw from water in an upmarket restaurant, a starter, and the rest of the table dingy flat-shares start frequenting than either of them had been at any the aura of their success, which I before being asked by the rest of were ordering all sorts of food and expensive restaurants with their point in their lives, even when they wasn’t exuding.” He found a job the group to split the bill equally. champagne,” he remembers. “I was colleagues; school friends go on were students. stacking shelves, and then work The award-winning 2006 film freaking out.” lavish holidays you cannot afford. For more than a year, Matcham as a delivery driver. The family Friends With Money chronicled the When the bill came, everyone As the wealth gap widens, once- became a social recluse. In part, clawed their way out of their efforts of a maid, Olivia (played decided to split it. Declan didn’t solid relationships begin to buckle this was out of necessity – he had financial pit. by Jennifer Aniston), to keep up feel he could say no. Fortunately, and cave under the pressure of no money for socialising – but it Years later, when his family’s with her high-rolling friends. More a showboating member of the all that is unsaid. Many find it was more than that. His sense of financial situation had improved, recently, the friendship wealth party decided to pay for the whole easier to let the relationship go, self-worth was in the red. “I felt as Matcham started having panic gap is a plotline in the schlocky thing. “The sense of relief was than confront the reality of the if I didn’t matter anymore, I had attacks. “At the time, I had to keep Netflix drama You, as an aspiring huge,” Declan recalls. But, despite situation: that money is affecting made such a mess of things,” he going for the sake of my son,” he writer Guinevere Beck amasses his near miss, the evening left a their friendships. remembers. The anxiety around says. “But when things got better, credit card debt buying expensive sour taste in his mouth. “I felt “People don’t like talking his finances was all-consuming. everything I hadn’t dealt with presents and rounds of cocktails as if everyone at the table had about money,” says the financial Matcham didn’t feel he could at the time started to emerge.” in Manhattan bars for her wealthy, been trying to prove something,” therapist Simonne Gnessen. “So confide in his friends because he As well as the panic attacks, the dissolute girlfriends. he says. “The whole experience rather than tackle a situation was ashamed. “My main fear was social implications of Matcham’s Just like in Friends, Declan showed that they were living on that is difficult, they say nothing, that they would think I was asking period of isolation continue to be has experienced the choking a different planet from me. Since which can create conflict and break them for money,” he says. “I was felt. Many of his friendships from anxiety of being in a restaurant when was spending £1,000 on up friendships down the line.” The just too embarrassed.” university or school simply fell he can’t afford, about to be asked dinner for eight people normal?” wealth gap also affects romantic Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 BEAT COMMUNITY ortunes tear close friends apart

relationships. “I’ve worked with A culture of manners emerged, much more than that. “Money groups comes an escalating sense mindful of people’s affordability couples where one flies first class, as the upwardly mobile middle isn’t just money,” says Prof Mark of estrangement from former when choosing holidays, and the other flies economy,” classes approximated aristocratic Fenton-O’Creevy, a professor of friends. “Evidence shows that restaurants or weekends away,” Gnessen says. values by appearing uninterested in organisational behaviour, at the the richer you are, the more likely suggests Gnessen. “That will help Attempting to keep up with her money – superfi cially, at least. “As Open University. “It stands for all you are to believe that success avoid conflict.” wealthier friends put the student money becomes more powerful, kinds of stuff.” He explains that comes from hard work and talent Be sensitive if a friend tells you Poppie Platt, 23, from Sheffield, it becomes good not to talk about people typically view money in rather than luck or privilege,” that something is too expensive, in £7,000 of debt. “When you’re money,” Michie says. “It’s a denial one of several ways: as security, says Fenton-O’Creevy. “If those and find alternatives. Gnessen is at uni, you feel as if you’re missing of what is happening socially. freedom, power and status or a attitudes harden, it’s easy to be working with a client who is in out on meaningful experiences Although we have become a money way to show love. judgmental about friends who are debt and lives in a cramped flat. with your friends if you can’t do culture, maybe if we don’t talk about It is more difficult to maintain less successful, and attribute their The client will often volunteer to the things they do,” she says. Platt money, we can resurrect medieval friendships across the wealth gap if lack of success to the fact they cook a meal at a friend’s house, put a holiday to Ibiza on her credit chivalric gentlemanly values.” Over your friend is someone who views aren’t trying very hard.” Declan so they can socialise together in a card, and bought new clothes for the Victorian period, this manners- money as a source of power and has felt judged by his wealthier more comfortable environment, the trip using store credit. When based culture became as rigid and status. “Money will be something peers for taking a low-paying job. without spending much money. she maxed out all her credit, Platt enclosing as a whalebone corset. they flaunt,” Fenton-O’Creevy “I know they think I’m tight with As she is the one cooking, she turned to payday loans. Her friends “Vulgarity solidifi es in the Victorian says. “That may make them seem money,” he says. “But I’m just doesn’t feel as if she is imposing. have no idea about Platt’s financial era as a concept to describe people less likable to someone who has trying to do a job that benefits “It’s about trying to find creative situation because she is too who want to talk about their money,” less money.” This is how Declan people.” solutions to accommodate the embarrassed to tell them. Platt’s Michie says. feels when he hangs out with Being the one excluded from wealth gap,” Gnessen says. “Work experience isn’t uncommon: one We have not come so very Olly, who works in finance. “All a higher-earning social group with each other, rather than of Gnessen’s clients even had to far since then. “It’s the things he usually wants to talk about is a can feel deeply alienating. When creating a distinction.” sell their property to pay off a debt that aren’t said,” says James, a deal that he has just cut,” he sighs. Katrina Johnson, 34, changed her As with so much in life, the incurred trying to keep up with a 27-year-old software salesman “Conversation is usually about career from finance to advertising, solution is to talk about it. This high-rolling friendship set. from Montreal. He earns 250,000 spending money or materialism in she knew she would have a lot can feel uncomfortable at first. Why do we find it so hard to talk Canadian dollars (£145,000) a year, general.” less money. (Her income dropped “It takes one brave person in a about our finances? We squirm more than any of his friends, and Wealthier people may prefer to by two-thirds.) But she didn’t friendship group to say: ‘I can’t when asked how much we earn; we he feels they impose upon him. socialise with people on similar expect to be shut out of her former afford to do that,’” says Holder. agree to split bills equally rather “When we go somewhere and the incomes. Logistically, it’s easier, circle. “I’ve stopped being invited She recently shared her salary on than endure the discomfort of bill comes, and I mention splitting as they can afford to do the same to things,” Johnson says. “People Instagram because she believes admitting we would rather pay for it, there’s this atmosphere that, things. “We like to be in tribes of think: ‘Oh, if we invited her, she’d in the transformative power of what we had. “Our society does because I’m better off than them, I people like us,” says Alex Holder, have to say no as she can’t afford speaking about money openly. not know how to talk about money should pay for it.” a journalist specialising in money it.’ It sucks. Just because I don’t “Money isn’t inherently hard to in non-judgmental, nonemotional James finds these situations issues and the author of Open Up: have money, doesn’t mean I have to talk about,” Holder argues. “It’s a terms,” says Prof Elsie Michie of uncomfortable, and normally just Why Talking About Money Will be a social pariah.” social taboo. It’s a construct we’ve Louisiana State University, the pays. On the occasions he has Change Your Life. “There’s so much Johnson doesn’t believe her created.” author of The Vulgar Question asked friends to reimburse him, comfort in being in places with friends are being unkind – they Because, when it comes to money, of Money, a study of our cultural it has been awkward. “I get looks, people who like the same clothes think they’re sparing her blushes. it is never just about the numbers in relationship with money through or people make jokes about how and read the same newspapers and But she wishes they would your bank account. Our relationship the lens of the 19th-century I don’t need the money.” James eat in the same restaurants.” This consider suggesting affordable with money is about as complicated English novel. doesn’t want to appear miserly, but is the case for James, who recently options to hang out instead. “They as an off shore investment fund, and Our squeamishness about money he also doesn’t want to create the attended a concert in Montreal. could say: ‘Hey, do you want to even more secretive. But it doesn’t can be traced back to the Industrial expectation that he’ll always be the As the tickets cost £90, James go for a coffee on Saturday?’” have to be that way. Revolution, as Britain shifted from person to pick up the tab. “I don’t didn’t bother inviting his lower- Johnson says. “That way, you can “It’s not inevitable that people a land-based system of wealth want to be that guy who always earning friends — he knew they still spend time connecting.” with diff erent amounts of wealth to an economy run on movable pays for everyone,” James says. “I couldn’t afford it. “I don’t want A rule of thumb when it comes will drift apart,” says Fenton- capital. “Previously, money was don’t want people to hang out with to only hang out with people who to navigating the friendship wealth O’Creevy. “It depends on whether held by aristocrats in land,” Michie me for that.” earn the same as me,” James says, gap is to start with what the person both parties care enough to keep the says. “Suddenly, people started Part of the reason that it’s sounding guilty. “But it’s already with the least amount of money friendship alive. In friendship, very building fortunes from money.” difficult to talk about money happening.” in the group can afford to do, and little is insurmountable.” This cash nexus swept away the old with friends is that it’s about With this shifting of social work with that. “It’s good to be — The Guardian social order, which was governed by land, titles and ancient values of chivalry.

Why do we find it so hard to talk about our finances? We squirm when asked how much we earn; we agree to split bills equally rather than endure the discomfort of admitting we would rather pay for what we had 10 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC

Science Matters Simple, efficient seawater purifier A completely passive, solar-powered water desalination system has achieved new level of efficiency as it harnesses sunlight to make fresh, drinkable water from seawater.

Light enters 4 Salt water absorbs heat and solar still evaporates from porous wick

Water vapor condenses Sunlight 5 1 on a solid panel passes through 1 a transparent Condenser insulating layer passes on heat Insulator to recycle back 2 HEAT 2 It warms holds in into system a black heat- heat 4 Condensed absorbing 3 water drops material Black 5 HEAT material Water 3 Heat radiates 6 from black layer to drips off to be a panel of porous Wick draws collected as wicking material water upward drinkable water 6 Output: More than 1.5 gallons (6 liters) of fresh drinking water per hour Salt water Fresh for every square meter water of solar collecting area

Key to its efficiency: Recycling energy At each stage, heat released by the previous A large-scale stage is captured and reused instead HEAT version of this of being vented away and wasted proof-of-concept system could The device can reach an overall efficiency – potentially serve solar energy taken in compared to work done arid, off-grid converting water to vapor – of 385 percent coastal areas Source: Lenan Zhang, Lin Zhao, Zhenyuan Xu, to provide an Evelyn Wang and others at Massachusetts Institute HEAT efficient, low-cost of Technology; Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China); Energy and Environmental Science journal water source Graphic: Helen Lee McComas, Tribune News Service Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Olive oil in Mediterranean diet may help you live longer

he Mediterranean diet, which is Doug Mashek from University of Minnesota. commonly referred to as a heart- According to the researchers, merely healthy way of eating, has been consuming olive oil is not enough to elicit all linked to a number of potential of the health benefi ts. health benefi ts, now researchers The study suggested that when coupled haveT found that olive oil in this diet may hold with fasting, limiting caloric intake and the key to improving lifespan and mitigating exercising, the eff ects of consuming olive oil ageing-related diseases. will be most pronounced. Early studies on the diet suggested red The next steps for their research are wine was a major contributor to the health to translate it to humans with the goal of benefi ts of the Mediterranean diet because discovering new drugs or to further tailor it contains a compound called resveratrol, dietary regimens that improve health, both which activated a certain pathway in cells short-term and long-term. known to increase lifespan and prevent “We want to understand the biology, ageing-related diseases. and then translate it to humans, hopefully However, the study, published in the changing the paradigm of healthcare from journal Molecular Cell, suggests that it is the someone going to eight diff erent doctors to fat in olive oil, another component of the treat his or her eight diff erent disorders,” Mediterranean diet that is actually activating Mashek said. this pathway. “These are all ageing-related diseases, so “We found that the way this fat works let’s treat ageing,” Mashek added. is it fi rst has to get stored in microscopic Another study, published in the journal things called lipid droplets, which is how ‘Gut’, showed that following a Mediterranean our cells store fat. And then, when the fat is diet boosts the types of gut bacteria linked broken down during exercising or fasting, for to ‘healthy’ ageing, while reducing those example, is when the signalling and benefi cial associated with harmful infl ammation in The study found that following a the mind sharp and reduce frailty in old age. eff ects are realised,” said study researcher older people. Mediterranean diet for a year could help keep – IANS

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

You may desire freedom today, Aries. Projects involving partnerships You may have been working on projects that make you feel good A surge of passion could move you to meeting with a friend no could get a strong push forward because you’re feeling especially over the past few weeks, Taurus, particularly projects that relate to matter what obstacles bar your way. Take care to notice what your motivated to get things done. Your partners could be inspired to get attaining more independence in your career. In the process, you’ve friend wants! Enterprises that you may have been pursuing with the ball rolling, and all of you may feel courageous enough to try the probably developed some new skills and now feel confident enough business colleagues could take a giant step forward, as both you impossible. Don’t confuse courage with foolhardiness. Caution is to use them. Today’s one last burst of determination and inner and your partners are feeling especially strong and motivated. Move always called for in tricky situations. power could complete the process and reach the goals you want. forward with caution, Gemini, but move forward. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Minor ailments may awaken a new determination to improve your The desire to bring important personal projects to a close might The desire for independence may have some family members health. You feel especially energetic today, Cancer, so you might have you focusing a lot of energy on them, Leo. You might need to thinking about breaking out on their own. Others could desire to go to the gym. Just don’t overdo it. You might also be considering run several errands before you can finish. Your energy is high, so make some extra money for their own projects. Your house could be several changes you’d like to make in your home or workplace. Give consider playing some sports or getting a good workout at the gym. busy today, if you’re in it at all. Don’t be surprised if everyone spends them careful thought before moving ahead. Push yourself, but not beyond your limits, Leo. “No pain, no gain” is most of the day somewhere else. a fallacy! LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Your mind is especially acute today, Libra. You may come up with Strong intuition concerning ways to generate extra income might Group activities or projects you’re working on with friends could ideas for new projects. You’re feeling especially motivated and pop into your head all day. Some of them may seem off the wall, but prove inspiring today. Your enthusiasm is high, Sagittarius, as is your courageous. Don’t be surprised if you try to achieve the impossible. don’t let that stop you. Look into the possibilities. They might not energy, so you’re likely to want to channel your personal power Friends or groups could play a strong role in whatever you try. Move be that outrageous. This is definitely a day to move your interests into whatever goals you have. Today you have the courage to focus ahead cautiously, but move ahead. Don’t let the day’s advantages forward, Scorpio. You have the energy and motivation to do on matters that others wouldn’t even attempt. Move forward with pass you by. wonders. Make the most of today! caution, but go to it! CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

A surge of inner power and intuition could have you thinking about Today you might channel one final, powerful burst of energy into Determination could advance career and money matters today. If embracing an unusual profession. Your desire for independence is completing a goal that means a great deal to you. Your courage and you’ve been thinking about striking out on your own, Pisces, this strong now, Capricorn, so you might be thinking about working on determination are high, and you have the ability to accomplish a is the day to start. Some in-depth research might be required. Your your own, perhaps in an artistic field or a service profession. You lot at this time, Aquarius. If you’ve been considering projects that need for independence in career matters is high, as well as the have the power to do wonders today. Be practical and move forward others think are impossible, this is the day to act. Move forward with courage to go for what you want. Use caution and discretion, but with caution, but follow your heart! caution, but go for the gold! move ahead anyway. Don’t let the day’s advantages pass you by! 12 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

ABSTRACTION IDEA VISION FANTASY THEORY DREAM REVERIE CONCEIT NOTION ASPIRATION IMAGE FANCY HUNCH THOUGHT PERCEPTION SCHEME CONCEPT BRAINWAVE INTUITION

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. Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 I’m amused about cold area in 1 Drink made Noel tipsy (8) pub (5) 2 A tree that’s cared about (5) 4 Pig accepting messy home in a 3 Old soldiers dance (7) way (7) 4 Bashful about a couple of 8 Pop star having celebration with bishops? That’s contemptible (6) heavenly food brought round (7) 5 An insect, say, not very bright, 9 Traced, tied, and taken out (5) ascending (5) 10 Bottle never cracked (5) 6 Cheer for revolution in Teheran 11 If possible, attend to some animal (7) sound (5) 7 Pale old penny that’s used by a 13 Block request for woven material magician (4) (6) 12 Hypocrite taking pence before 15 Tool found by architect in front he accepts a pay increase (8) of church (6) 14 Horrible bra came undone (7) 18 In the centre of San Francisco 16 Staff going round gallery, Michael Palin’s amusing (5) showing what Turner did? (7) 20 Row about head of government 17 Man with cue, getting break, being an aggressive type (5) displays keen perception (6) 23 Warning when first couple have 19 Roman god penning English left room (5) horses (5) 24 Expressions of discontent, say, in 21 Inexperienced environmentalist manuscript (7) (5) 25 Turncoat’s first motive for 22 Disney characters seen from Answers disloyalty (7) low altitude (4) 26 Thick poles in river (5) Wordsearch Codeword

Solution 14 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD

ACTION: Harrison Ford in Call of the Wild. Ford on Call of the Wild, surviving digital revolution

My biggest problem with CGI isn’t motion-capture makeover) in a world to life. to work on the Amish aspects By Gary Thompson an ethical issue. It’s that with a vast, unspoiled frontier, framed “I love working for that of the story, while Ford stayed keystroke you can multiply a bad in a way that accentuates their audience, because I know what in town and rode around with a guy or a good guy until you’ve got isolation and amplifi es their it can mean to a kid to discover homicide detective, compiling arrison Ford’s scene an army of them that stretches to removal from civilisation. nature, the majesty of it,” he said. research for material that in many partner in The Call the horizon.” “That’s called art,” Ford said. The Call of the Wild plays to cases ended up in the movie. of the Wild, which Too many directors, he said, “That’s called design, and that’s a slightly younger demographic “It was an … interesting opened on Friday, is are overcrowding the screen with storytelling. There’s a lot of CGI, than most of his movies, but he’s experience. We drove past this the fi gment of some digital multitudes that overwhelm but the job is real, and the job is unabashedly proud of making place and I said, ‘What’s that?’ Hanimator’s imagination, a “dog” the eye and underwhelm the heart. still storytelling.” what he called “family” movies and he said, ‘Oh, that’s a rough that isn’t really there. “You can employ gravity- The story that Ford wanted to throughout his career. place, we don’t want to go in Lately there’s been a lot of that defying kinetics and you can do tell here was a throwback to the “My career has really been built there,’ and I said, ‘Yes, I do,’ and in Ford’s career. all kinds of things that people kind of outdoorsy adventure that on family fi lms. It’s a fact that he said, ‘OK, we’ll do it the way it In Blade Runner 2049, his obviously can’t actually do, and Hollywood used to routinely crank Star Wars and Indiana Jones have would normally be done. You go character hangs out in Vegas if you don’t maintain human out for a younger audience, a genre become staples of family life, in the front, and I’ll go in the side with credible facsimiles of Frank scale, and you just get absorbed that, he said, “got steamrolled by passed down from generation to door,’ “Ford recalls. Sinatra and Elvis Presley. In Star in the spectacle of it, you lose the machinery of commerce.” generation. And that’s extended So Ford, in his I’m A Detective Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the potential of giving the viewer He and Sanders wanted to the life of my career,” said Ford, sport jacket, pushes through the leftover footage of the late Carrie something to relate to. That recapture the matinee magic of who’s now 77. front door, and gets glared at by Fisher (as Leia) was digitally happens occasionally, and it’s those movies, using CGI. Yep, 77. an extremely unfriendly crowd of integrated into the movie, making bad,” Ford said. “I was amazed at the capacity “It’s not like it hasn’t been folks who didn’t recognise him as an immortal character even more He and animator Chris Sanders that is available to generate extended enough and I need to Indy, or Han, or Rick Deckard. so. (How to Train Your Dragon) something that has such an make another one, but I just love “I was not as recognisable in Ford has made more than 50 tried to do just the opposite in emotional impact — you really feel working for that audience.” that context as you might want,” movies and been photographed The Call of the Wild, a mixture the power of nature that comes He also loved working in he said. from every angle, so he exists as of live-action (Ford is defi nitely across. The ruggedness of nature, Philadelphia, back in 1984, when To boot, the side door turned data that could be reconstituted real) and animation deployed in you feel the environment as a he came here to research his role out to be locked, and Ford saw and repurposed by animators an adaptation of Jack London’s character in the fi lm,” he said. in Witness as police detective John the handle rattle uselessly as he (much as the very late James Dean classic story of man and dog All of the “wilderness” scenes Book, who protects an Amish child contemplated the premature end will be in Finding Jack). bonding and surviving in the 19th are painted on by digital artists. (Lukas Haas) targeted by a corrupt of his career. How does the legendary actor century Yukon of the gold rush Ford got no closer to the Yukon cop (Danny Glover) who’s killed He survived, of course, and the feel about the fact that in the years. than Santa Clarita, California, 45 another offi cer. experience ended up in slightly coming world of necro-cinema The animation is used to place minutes from Los Angeles, but Ford remembers convening in diff erent form as a scene in the and reanimation, there may always Ford and his “dog” (actually a no matter, thanks to the Sanders town with director Peter Weir, movie (the Happy Valley bar). be a Ford in our future? human acrobat with a digital team, the movie brings the natural who went off to Lancaster County Ford went on to give a career-best “I do believe in intellectual performance — the only time he’s property rights, and the right to been nominated for an Oscar. a persona and an identity,” said All of the “wilderness” scenes are painted on by digital So far. He’s working as hard as Ford, in a tone suggesting no ever. He’s making another Indy, animator should try it while he’s artists. Ford got no closer to the Yukon than Santa for Steven Spielberg, later this alive. year, and he is super pumped. “But I don’t know the answers Clarita, California, 45 minutes from Los Angeles, but no “Absolutely. It’s great, making to all of the ethical questions we’re those movies.” — The Philadelphia going to deal with in the future. matter, the movie brings the natural world to life Inquirer/TNS Monday, February 24, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY How the dead ship in Bhoot came alive on screen

icky Kaushal’s Bhoot the characters are like, what their Part One: The Haunted back stories are, what are their Ship brings horror infl uences in life to be able to create back on the Bollywood the world they live in. On Bhoot, screen, and the overall apart from doing this, we also had Vproduction design of the fi lm aimed to look at the larger picture of how at delivering a sense of unease and to generate fear in the audience by fear. showing an ordinary corridor or an “The most challenging and empty room. The approach has to exciting aspect of Bhoot was the be diff erent because one of the main ship. So getting the ship to look characters in the fi lm is actually the and feel authentic was the key,” cargo ship. We spent a considerable production head Aditya Kanwar amount of time on cargo ships to said. experience what it feels like. If you “We spent a lot of time on ever get the chance to witness a research, referencing and scouting dead ship from the inside, it’s quite real ships to get the right vibe. an experience. It’s actually very Anybody who hasn’t worked or scary. It’s pitch black inside as there been on a cargo ship does not is no power and no working lights know what it’s like to experience and the sounds are very creepy!” the enormous size and the Kanwar points out the claustrophobia. I wanted everyone importance of looking for real who saw this fi lm to actually feel locations while working on a fi lm. like they are present and trapped He said: “I actually prefer there,” he added. to shoot on real locations. Real The production head for the fi lm locations bring a fl avour and elaborated: “We were very careful character that sets sometimes in how we designed the interiors cannot bring to the screen. of the cargo ship. Keeping it as real However, the balance of knowing as possible while being shooting what needs to be a set as opposed friendly as well. The overall to a real location is at times a very production design for Bhoot had thin line. For a fi lm like Bhoot, the to deliver a sense of unease and homes and offi ces we used were fear throughout the fi lm. So as the THE FEEL: “I wanted everyone who saw this film to actually feel like they are present and trapped there,” Aditya all real locations. When it comes designer, I had to even start looking Kanwar, production head of the film. to something like the ship it was a at a regular space, for example balance of both set build and the a home or an offi ce, from that Bhai kya set banaya hai (Bro, what by Dharma Productions. a part of the ship I need to know real ship. To show the grand scale perspective. One way to do that is an amazing set you’ve made)! Talking about the production how will the sound and lighting of the ship we did actually go and by creating a colour palette which The director Bhanu Pratap Singh process of Bhoot Part One: The play a role in creating the fear — shoot on an actual cargo ship for would set the mood for the scene couldn’t believe the size of the Haunted Ship, Kanwar said: simple things like maybe by adding the exteriors. Some parts of the you are shooting. Even though the entire thing!” “The process for this fi lm was a steady drip of water from the interiors were also shot on the scene didn’t necessarily have a In the horror fi lm, Vicky plays a diff erent from the get-go. It wasn’t ceiling. Similarly, we had to fi gure real ship. This was very diffi cult scare, but the underlying feeling of bereaved shipping offi cer. The fi lm something I have done before. out how to bring light into the though.” fear had to always be present.” also features Bhumi Pednekar in Authentic horror is a genre every interiors of a dead ship but not too “The interiors are so cramped The outcome, he said was a special role. The story revolves production designer would dream much of light! Keeping all of these there is barely any space for the satisfactory. “Eventually, the best around an abandoned ship named of working on.” factors in mind the process was camera let alone the actors also, feeling is when your director, actor Sea Bird that lies abandoned along “Firstly, the vision for the fi lm very satisfying creatively.” getting the crew on and off the ship and the crew walk into the set and the coast. The fi lm is directed by has to be absolutely clear for all Kanwar continued: “Usually itself was a task and a logistical love it. I remember Vicky saying Bhanu Pratap Singh and produced the departments. If I am designing as a designer I understand what nightmare.” — IANS

Shekhar mulls legal action against makers of Mr India remake

After actress Sonam Kapoor, took to social media and posted visual language of fi lm. Slave hours fi lmmaker Shehkar Kapur, who late actor Amrish Puri’s still from over editing consoles. Directors is known for helming the iconic Mr India, in which Puri played the lead and inspire every aspect of a fi lm Mr India, has expressed his popular villain Mogambo. fi lm and have no creative rights? disappointment over the news of a Reacting on how Mogambo #MrIndia,” Shekhar added. remake of the movie by director Ali would have reacted to the news of Earlier this week Ali Abbas Zafar Abbas Zafar. the fi lm’s remake if he was alive, had announced the remake of the Shekhar also hinted that he Shekhar tweeted: “Kya Kaha? Mr iconic Hindi fi lm. may take a legal action against the India 2? Is duniya mein koi aur Zafar had tweeted: “Excited to makers of the remake. Mogambo bhi hai? (Say what? Mr partner with @ZeeStudios_ for an Director Kunal Kohli on India 2? Is there another Mogambo epic trilogy #MrIndia! It is a huge Saturday took to Twitter and in this world as well?) “ responsibility to carry forward an wrote: “Javed Akhtar won a hard Shekhar also found it iconic character loved by everyone. fought battle for the rights of disrespectful for the new makers Currently, working on the script, lyricists and writers. It’s time we for not giving him the “creative no actor has been locked till now. did the same?” rights” for the remake. Once we lock the fi rst draft of the Responding to Kohli’s tweet, “We sit with writers from day script, casting begins!” Shekhar tweeted: “Yes. It’s time to one, but are not the writers. Help Released in 1987, Mr India test this legally... Let’s do it.” actors hone performances but are featured Anil Kapoor and late Not only this, Shekhar yesterday not actors. Develop and create Sridevi in the lead roles. — IANS MIFFED: Shekhar Kapur. 16 GULF TIMES Monday, February 24, 2020 COMMUNITY

CONCERT: Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 underway at Opera House of Katara- the Cultural Village. Photo by Shemeer Rasheed Noted German pianist enthrals audience at Opera House of Katara

compositions included Maestoso, Beethoven’s 32 Sonatas, all the solo By Mudassir Raja Adagio: Very solemnly, Scherzo: works by Schubert and Brahms’ Not fast — Trio: Slowly, and With complete piano works. motion, but not too fast. Gerhard’s discography comprises atar Philharmonic Gerhard was born in Frauenau over 70 titles. Future plans include Orchestra (QPO) (in the Bavarian Forest) in 1953. performances of all Mozart piano continues to entertain At the age of fi ve, he began to concertos, the main piano works those who are play piano and debuted with a of Liszt and the complete solo enthusiastic about performance of Mozart’s Piano works of Debussy and Ravel. In Qwestern classical Concerto in D Minor when he was 2014 he was awarded the Bavarian music by bringing in world 11. Along with his great enthusiasm Maximilian Order for Science and renowned conductors, composers for school, especially for science Art. and instrumentalists. and mathematics, he continued In addition to his busy playing, The recent performance by the his musical education in Stuttgart the pianist also has a broad orchestra captivated the audience and Munich starting in 1966 with spectrum of other interests: he is with a wonderfully melodious professors Paul Buck and Hugo a qualifi ed professional air pilot piano music. In the ongoing Steurer, and later with Wilhelm and frequently pilots himself to orchestral music season, the QPO Kempff , concentrating on the works his concert engagements across has been inviting outstanding of Beethoven. Europe. He is an informed gourmet. pianists from across the world. In 1977, he was awarded fi rst He speaks seven languages and The concert ‘Brahms Piano prize at the Artur Rubinstein lives with his Japanese wife near Gerhard Oppitz Concerto No. 2’ at Opera House of Competition, after convincing Munich. Katara- the Cultural Village saw an international jury, with Artur Conductor Marcus Bosch is one the tantalising performance by ace Rubinstein himself as its head, of the most prominent fi gures in German pianist Gerhard Oppitz. by performing the fi fth Piano the German conducting scene The orchestra was conducted by concerto by Beethoven and the First and a much-sought-after guest classy Marcus Bosch, a conductor Piano Concerto by Brahms. This conductor across the world. This from Germany. event marked the beginning of his German artiste of Brazilian-Italian The performance started worldwide concert activities – descent decided early on to embark with Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat recitals in the major music centres on the kapellmeister career path Major for (1833-1897) Piano and of Europe, America and East Asia, followed by many conductors in Orchestra, Op. 83, a composition as well as collaborations with the Germany. by Johannes Brahms, a romantic most renowned conductors and After positions at the state era German composer and orchestras. theatres in Wiesbaden and conductor. The pianist also played His main interest is the classical- Saarbrücken and with the other compositions of Johannes romantic repertoire, although Staatsorchester Halle, he was including Allegro non troppo, he has always devoted himself to general music director of the Allegro appassionato, Andante, and music of the 20th century, as well, City of Aachen from 2002 to Allegretto grazioso. playing premier performances of 2012 and at the Staatstheater and After the intermission, the several piano concertos. Again and Staatsphilharmonie in Nuremberg Marcus Bosch orchestra presented Symphony again, he has demonstrated his from 2011 to 2018. No. 6 in A Major (Nowak Edition) particular fondness for presenting His operatic repertoire now cycle and Berlioz’s Les Troyens. von Karajan and Wolfgang Sawallisch by Anton Bruckner, who was an major groups of work cycles, includes more than 90 works of He succeeded in putting the – back on the international classical Austrian composer, organist, such as Bach’s Wohltemperiertes music theatre, among them large- Sinfonieorchester Aachen – once led music map with live CD recordings of and music theorist. The other Klavier, Mozart’s eighteen Sonatas, scale projects such as Wagner’s Ring by conducting greats such as Herbert symphonies by Anton Bruckner.