Seussical,” Based the Cultural Event on the Works Organised As Part of Dr Seuss, to Life

Community Community American Praveen School Sharma, P6of Doha P16 president, students bring NIA, speaks about “Seussical,” based the cultural event on the works organised as part of Dr Seuss, to life. Diwali celebrations.

Thursday, November 10, 2016 Safar 10, 1438 AH

DOHA 22°C—31°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

COVER TORY Not so kosher S Calcium supplements could lead to increased risk of heart disease, say new findings. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.28am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.48am Zuhr (noon) 11.18am Asr (afternoon) 2.26pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.50pm Isha (night) 6.20pm

USEFUL NUMBERS EVENTS foster ideas worth sharing and inculcate The training programme, held once a the spirit of initiative and collaboration week, involves football-based activities World Diabetes in its students, DPS Modern Indian and drills to educate, train and develop Day Walkathon School is hosting the second edition of the social, behavioural and lifestyle DATE: Tomorrow TEDxYouth@DPSMIS. The fi rst edition patterns of the recipients. This, in turn, TIME: 2:30pm was held in 2015 with the theme ‘Embrace leaves a positive legacy on the society VENUE: MIA Park Uncertainty’. This year, the event will be and the world at large. The concept is Emergency 999 The Qatar Diabetes Association in held today at the school itself and will for each participant to absorb the values Worldwide Emergency Number 112 collaboration with Landmark Group feature fi ve speakers with backgrounds of inclusion, health, well-being and Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 organises an awareness walkathon as diverse as doctors, photographers, and awareness of the environment around us. Local Directory 180 in addition to blood sugar tests, and stand-up comedians. This year’s theme Under the accomplished supervision International Calls Enquires 150 nutrition counselling in a huge event is Transcend and Include, celebrating the of Naas and the SC, this 10-week Hamad International Airport 40106666 every year in Doha. spirit of TEDxYouth, the speakers and the programme is an excellent platform to Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 event itself. use the power of football as a catalyst Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 IAU 50km World Championships for social change, empower the next Qatar Airways 44496000 DATE: Tomorrow Football for Development generation and allow Qatar to leave a Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 TIME: 3:30pm DATE: Until December 16 lasting legacy as a result of hosting World Qatar General Electricity and VENUE: Aspire Zone TIME: 5pm-9pm Cup 2022. Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Aspire Zone Foundation announces the VENUE: Messaimeer Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 IAU 50km World Championship 2016. With the success of the pilot The Backyard 44593363 The world championship is an offi cially training conducted jointly by the DATE: Every Friday Qatar Assistive Technology sanctioned event of the International Supreme Committee for Delivery TIME: 6pm Centre 44594050 Association of Ultra runners. Elite IAU & Legacy (SC) and Naaas Group for VENUE: Sheraton Grand Doha Qatar News Agency 44450205 athletes’ registration will be co-ordinated Real Estate Project Management & The Backyard is a fi rst-of-its-kind 44450333 by the IAU and the race will host the best Development, in July and August this venue in Doha and brought to you by Q-Post – General Postal 150 international ultra-runners who will year, the first in a series of Generation Candela entertainment. Live music Corporation 44464444 compete for this year’s second World Amazing’s Football for Development every Friday with a variety of your Championship title alongside with about Programme was inaugurated on favourite local bands and occasional Humanitarian Services Offi ce 200 participants competing for the Aspire October 14. surprises of bigger performers! (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) International 6:50 Race. The programme continues every Entrance: QR100 for gents including Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, Friday from 5pm until 9pm at Labor one beverage/ladies free entrance until 40253369 TEDx Talk City, Mesaimeer with a look of festivity, 8:30pm, after it will be QR65 for ladies Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 In one of its many endeavours to grandeur and boundless energy. including one beverage. Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Mall Cinema (1): Puli Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Murugan (Malayalam) (2): Andron (2D) 2pm; Trolls 2:30pm; Assal Abyad (Arabic) (2D) 4pm; Trenk, The Little 5:30pm; Puli Murugan (Arabic) 9pm; Andron (2D) Knight (2D) 6pm; Operation ote Unquo (Malayalam) 8pm ; Rock On 2 11pm. Chromite (2D) 7:30pm; Assal Qu te (Hindi) 11pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Abyad (Arabic) 9:30pm; Having a Mall Cinema (2): Trenk, The Trenk, The Little Knight (2D) Operation Chromite (2D) baby is a life-changer. Little Knight (2D) 2:30pm; 2:30pm; Trolls (2D) 4pm; 11:30pm. It gives you a whole other Trenk, The Little Knight (2D) Trenk, The Little Knight (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema 4pm; Trolls (2D) 5:30pm; 5:45pm; Shut –In (2D) 7:15pm; Palace (3): Trenk, The Little perspective on why you wake up Assal Abyad (Arabic) 7:30 Operation Chromite (2D) Knight (2D) 2pm; Shut –In every day. pm; Operation Chromite (2D) 9pm; Operation Chromite (2D) 3:30pm; Assal Abyad – Taylor Hanson 9:30pm; Operation Chromite (2D) 11pm. (Arabic) 5:30pm; Doctor (2D) 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (3): Rock Strange (2D) 7:30pm; Mall Cinema (3): Rock On 2 On 2 (Hindi) 2:30pm; Puli Andron (2D) 9:30pm; Shut – (Hindi) 2pm; Doctor Strange Murugan (Malayalam) 5pm; In (2D) 11:30pm. (2D) 5pm; Shut –In (2D) Andron (2D) 8pm; Rock On 2 Asian Town Cinema: 7:15pm; Lahore Se Aagaye (Hindi) 10:30pm. Achcham Yambadh (Talim) Community Editor (Urdu) 9pm; Andron (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace 1, 4, 7, 10pm & 1am; Sahasam Kamran Rehmat 11:30pm. (1): Rock On 2 (Hindi) 2:30pm; Swasaga Sagipo (Telegu) e-mail: [email protected] Landmark Cinema (1): Shut Puli Murugan (Malayalam) 12:30 & 4:30pm; Puli Murugan Telephone: 44466405 –In (2D) 3pm; Assal Abyad 5:15pm; Rock On 2 (Hindi) (Malayalam) 12:30, 1:30, Fax: 44350474 (Arabic) 5pm; Doctor Strange 8:15pm; Puli Murugan 3:30, 4:30, 6:30, 7:30, 9:30, (2D) 7pm; Assal Abyad (Malayalam) 11pm. 10:30pm, 12:30 & 1:30am. Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

BOOKS TV-SERIES. 1.Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by JK Rowling 1.Modern Family S6 2.Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom 2.Bones S8 Riggs 3.Greek S1 3.The World’s Worst Children by David Walliams and Tony 4.Moonlighting S3 Ross 5.Suits S5 top 4.Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins 6.Stargate Atlantis S4 5.Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty 7.Unit S2 10 6. The Art of Eating Well by Jasmine & Melissa Hemsley 8.Prison Break S2 7.Lean In 15 by Joe Wicks 9. Scrubs S3 8.When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 10.Brothers & Sisters S2 9.Scrapbook Of My Life by Alﬁ e Deyes 10.Furthermore by Tahereh Maﬁ MUSIC

MOVIES 1.Various Artists: Now 94 Db 2.Maher Zain: One 1.Warcraft 3.Bee Gees: Ultimate Db 2.Deadpool 4.Sam Smith: In The Lonely Hour Drowning Shadows 3.Curse Of Chucky 5.Various Artists: Love Summer Bx3 4.Dad’s Army 6. Beatles: 1+ +2DVD 5.Huntsman Winter’s War 7.Doors: Morrison Hotel 6.5th Wave 8.Beck: Morning Phase 7.In The Heart of The Sea 9.Diana Krall: Very Best Of 8.Big Short 10. Enya: Dark Sky Island 9.Kingsman The Secret Service Courtesy: Virgin Megastores, 10.If I Stay Landmark and Villaggio Mall

The Sandstorm Concert Padi Open Water Diver Course Fitness Training FOODIE CHOICE DATE: November 20 DATE: Ongoing DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday VENUE: Katara Opera House If you’ve always wanted to take scuba TIME: 6pm-7pm RESTAURANT: Amwage Grill Dana Alfardan, distinguished Qatari diving lessons, experience unparalleled VENUE: MIA Park LOCATION: Marsa Malaz Kempinski composer and songwriter, has confi rmed that adventure and see the world beneath the There are fi tness classes in the park on For an unforgettable al fresco experience, 17 of her songs, including several from her waves, this is where it starts. Get your scuba Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6 visit Amwage, the beach grill restaurant latest album, Sandstorm, in addition to the diving certifi cation with the Padi Open Water and 7pm. Open to all levels of fi tness, Bootcamp and lounge of Marsa Malaz Kempinski. The debut of two new songs, will be performed Diver course – the world’s most popular and is an intensive and fun way to train and also restaurant off ers a selection of fresh and by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) widely recognised scuba course. Millions of meet new people in the open and friendly group fl avoursome seafood and BBQ options for the and leading soprano vocalist, Daisy Chute, at people have learned to scuba dive and gone on atmosphere. More information, from Bootcamp, diners to choose from, in a casual setting next Sandstorm at the Katara Opera House, Katara to discover the wonders of the aquatic world Qatar or info@ bootcampqatar.com to the sea. Cultural Village. through this course. For more information, call Ahmed S Abd al-Aty, Padi Open water Fragments instructor. Mob: 55727527. DATE: Until January 30 VENUE: Katara In this exhibition, Mahmoud Obaidi retraces the ‘organised chaos’ that led to the destruction of Iraq, and presents a response to witnessing the city of Baghdad fall piece by piece. Obaidi recreates what has been stolen or destroyed to try to piece the city back together again.

Family Fun DATE: November 26 TIME: 11am-3pm VENUE: International School of London, Qatar Arts and Craft fair. There will be over 40 vendors for holiday shopping with diff erent Tumbao Latin Nights handmade and creative stuff . Games for all DATE: Every Sunday ages, bouncy castle, face painting, musical VENUE: Grand Hyatt Hotel performances and do not miss delicious food Tumbao is not only a salsa rhythm, it stalls. enables you to share in the creative ﬂ ow of life and get connected to the beat and What Gandhi Says dance. Join us every Sunday at Dunes with DATE: Until November 19 the fellow Latin dancers in town and nightly VENUE: InterContinental Doha, The City competitions with valuable prizes brought An art exhibition by Jacinthe Lamontagne- to you by Salsa n Candela. For more info & Lecomte according to Gandhi’s Maxim – See reservation, contact 44481280. no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Cake Decoration Classes Treasures of China DATE: Morning and evening DATE: Until January 7, 2017 VENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Saad VENUE: Museum of Islamic Art Street Terracotta soldiers from the First Tavola off ers a range of cake decorating Emperor’s Terracotta Army will be on show and kitchen skills classes. It is the only at the Museum of Islamic Art where visitors authorised Wilton method provider in the will get the chance to meet the warriors who Middle East. It is authorised by Wilton guarded a hidden empire. The exhibition will enterprises to conduct classes in the display 116 pieces dating from the Neolithic Wilton Method cake decorating and the period to the Qing Dynasty, spanning over Wilton Method Instructors (WMI) training 5,000 years of China’s history. Potteries, programmes by Knightsbridge PME (UK). bronzes, jades, porcelains, gold, silver, Tavola conducts sugar-crafting programmes enamel and many other Chinese treasures and also off ers programmes in baking and will be on show. chocolate making.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Drawing a line Findings give patients reason to use caution when taking the supplements. Researchers say it is better to get calcium from food such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereal and juices, writes Andrea K McDaniels

alcium supplements When calcium plaque builds up The group pointed to evidence accumulate in soft tissue and weight, blood sugar and family that many women take in the arteries, it inhibits blood fl ow, in the study that people who get a muscles, such as the heart. medical history. to boost bone health increasing heart attack risk. high dose of calcium from a mix of The researchers, who worked The research did fi nd that those increase their risk for About 43 percent of men and foods and dietary supplements had with scientists from several who consumed the highest levels heart disease, a new women take a supplement that the lowest risk of calcifi cation in the other universities, looked at data of calcium – from foods and studyC by researchers at Johns includes calcium, according to the coronary artery. from the Multi-Ethnic Study of supplements – were 27 percent Hopkins Medicine and other National Institutes of Health. “This confi rms the safety of Atherosclerosis. The study, funded less likely to develop heart disease. institutions has found. “We think the body metabolises calcium supplementation for by the National Heart, Lung, and It reached that conclusion by The results show calcium supplements and dietary calcium heart health, which has been the Blood Institute, collected medical comparing the 20 percent of supplements make people more diff erently,” said Dr Erin Michos, conclusion of several large studies information from more than 6,000 participants with the highest prone to plaque buildup in arteries, associate director of preventive in recent years,” said Duff y MacKay, patients over time to look at the calcium intake, from diet and which contributes to the risk of a cardiology and associate professor the council’s senior vice president risk factors and characteristics of supplements, to the 20 percent heart attack. of medicine at the Ciccarone Center of scientifi c and regulatory cardiovascular disease. with the lowest calcium intake. The study, published in the for the Prevention of Heart Disease aff airs. “Consumers should have Michos and the team of Michos called the study limited Journal of the American Heart at the Johns Hopkins University confi dence in the safety of calcium researchers focused on 2,742 because it was observational and Association, is the latest salvo in a School of Medicine. “If you are supplements, and women in participants who completed looked at patient data. A larger, nearly decade-long debate about worried about your bones, then get particular should be aiming to dietary questionnaires and had CT more extensive clinical trial needs whether the supplements do more your calcium through food.” get the targeted daily amount of scans taken at the beginning of the to be done, she said. harm than good. Michos said the study adds to calcium through a combination of study and 10 years later. Dr Michael Miller, professor The researchers said their fi ndings growing evidence that calcium diet and supplementation.” They found that people who of cardiovascular medicine, give patients reason to use caution supplements are bad for the heart. The study was prompted in large used supplements showed a 22 epidemiology and public health at when taking the supplements. It is But the Council for Responsible part because the scientists wanted percent increased likelihood of the University of Maryland School better for people to get calcium from Nutrition, which represents to build on previous research developing heart disease over of Medicine, said that the study food such as dairy products, leafy manufacturers of dietary by others that found calcium the decade. This was after taking provides further evidence that green vegetables, and fortifi ed cereal supplements, said just as many supplements never actually make into account demographic factors most supplements in general are and juices, they said. studies show the opposite. it to a patient’s bones and instead such as exercise habits, smoking, not the best way to fi ght disease. Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Your phone may be smart, but your doctor still knows more than an app By Karen Kaplan

f you’re feeling sick and you want to know what’s wrong with you, there’s an app for that. But the diagnosis won’t be as accurate as the one you’d get from a doctor – not by a long shot. In a head-to-head comparison, real human physicians outperformed Supplements are not regulated by between calcium supplements and out to our patients that they need to a collection of 23 symptom-checker apps and websites by a margin of the Food and Drug Administration heart disease. She believes that take caution with the supplements moreI than 2 to 1, according to a report published in the journal JAMA Internal like other drugs. many patients are taking calcium they take into their bodies.” Medicine. “We have known this for years supplements without consulting Researchers from the Even when the contestants got three chances to fi gure out what ailed from Vitamin A, Vitamin C and their doctor and that there are University of Washington, a hypothetical patient, the diagnostic software lagged far behind actual other supplements,” said Miller, better medications on the market Indiana University, Wake Forest doctors. Indeed, the apps and websites suggested the right diagnosis only who writes about supplements in even for women with weak bones, University, Emory University, slightly more than half of the time, the report says. his book Heal Your Heart. “They just she said. the Patient-Centered Outcomes The research team – from Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s don’t work. But if you eat the foods “I think that a lot of women are Research Institute, the University Hospital in Boston and the Human Diagnosis Project in Washington, DC – that contain these vitamins, the taking calcium supplements because of North Carolina, Chapel Hill asked 234 physicians to read through a selection of 45 “clinical vignettes” body will absorb them better.” they think it is good for their body,” and other universities and the to see how they would handle these hypothetical patients. Each vignette Michos said she realises past Michos said. “People think that University of California, Los included the medical history of the “patient” but no results from a physical studies have been mixed, but said because you get things over the Angeles Medical Center also exam, blood test or other kind of lab work. there were weaknesses in some of counter they are automatically safe. participated in the study. –The Most of the doctors were trained in internal medicine, though the group the research that showed no link I think we need to get the message Baltimore Sun/TNS included some paediatricians and family practice physicians too. About half of them were in residency or fellowship, so their training was not yet complete. Even so, of the 1,105 vignettes they considered, they listed the correct diagnosis fi rst 72 percent of the time, according to the study. The 23 symptom checkers evaluated a total of 770 vignettes in an earlier study by some of the same researchers. The apps and websites (including several from professional medical organisations, such as the American Academy of Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Dutch College of General Practitioners) listed the correct diagnosis fi rst just 34 percent of the time. Both the doctors and the computer programs were able to include more than one ailment in their diff erential diagnosis. So the researchers also compared how often the correct diagnosis was among the top three responses. For the doctors, that happened 84 percent of the time. For the symptom checkers, it was 51 percent of the time. Though the humans trounced the computers across the board, there were situations in which did a particularly good job of naming the correct diagnosis fi rst. For instance, their margin in cases with common conditions was 70 percent to 38 percent. In cases with uncommon conditions, it grew to 76 percent to 28 percent. The seriousness of the malady made a diff erence too. In cases with low acuity, doctors bested software by 65 percent to 41 percent. But in cases with high acuity, that gap widened to 79 percent to 24 percent. “Physicians vastly outperformed computer algorithms in diagnostic accuracy,” the researchers concluded. Full disclosure: Three of the study authors are doctors, and none are apps. –Los Angeles Times/TNS

Most supplements in general are not the best way to fight disease. “We have known this for years from Vitamin A, Vitamin C and other supplements,” says Dr Michael Miller, professor of cardiovascular medicine, epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in his book Heal Your Heart. “They just don’t STILL THE BEST OPTION: If you have a medical problem, you’re better work. But if you eat the foods that contain these vitamins, off seeing a real doctor than relying on the diagnosis of a program on the body will absorb them better” your computer or smartphone, according to a new study. 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY ASD students bring ‘Seussical’ to life

The Cat in the Hat at the play. The entire cast of ‘Seussical’. Omar Mardini is in the centre, sitting.

Hatches the Egg and Miss Gertrude McFuzz, with a rush of appreciation and love, he told and hopefully life-changing. Living with By Anand Holla “Seussical”, which debuted on Broadway Community, “It was really hard for me. I’m ‘Seussical’ for the last six months has been an 16 years ago, got the cheery, high-energy a very open, excited, not afraid to be myself honour and a pleasure. I believe in this show treatment that this delightful mishmash of a kind of a person, and Horton is the complete and the extraordinary cast bringing it to life,” f you never did you should. These things play of Seuss’ most famous books deserves. opposite of that. He is very shy and keeps things Gravelle says, in a note accompanying the are fun and fun is good. These simple The entire production and creative team, to himself, and wants to put everyone before musical. words of wisdom penned by Dr Seuss, music band, and crew, did a cool job of setting himself – not that I don’t! – but it’s a diff erent Like most Dr Seuss fans, Gravelle seeks the beloved American writer-cartoonist up an expansive, fantastical atmosphere that momentum altogether.” comfort in the words of Dr Seuss, JoJo, Horton, Theodor Seuss Geisel, found fresh could rival the production quality and heft of a Within his 12 years at ASD, Mardini has and the Cat in the Hat. “Instead of building perspectiveI in the dark of the theatre as the seasoned theatre company. performed in every musical play, most music walls and strengthening borders, Horton American School of Doha’s (ASD) High School Leah Bramley, the director of the play, told festivals and was a double-medallist in chooses to believe that a ‘person’s a person no Fine Arts seemed to have fun giving it their all Community, “This was a challenging play to Forensics’ interpretation events. “I have been matter how small.’ He gives all he has to protect and then some more in the fi rst show of the direct as it was so musically driven but we had doing theatre ever since I was in elementary the Whos in Whoville, and when he fi nds his utterly impressive “Seussical” on Tuesday a great cast and crew who put in many, many school, in fourth grade, and now I am in friend Mayzie in a sticky situation, Horton evening. hours. Also, we have such an amazing team of eleventh grade. I have done every play and chooses integrity over ease,” says Gravelle. “His Based on the works of Dr Seuss, “Seussical” people here at ASD that they all made it much musical. I’ve been to choir festivals and I’m in actions inspire the entire Jungle of Nool to be is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen easier. Dr Seuss’s work is timeless because honour society,” he said. more open to those who might ‘think diff erent Flaherty that has turned into a big favourite his message is so important – especially Ever since the show was announced in than us.’” across schools, communities, and regional after recent international events. We must all May, a lot of students began working towards Of all the moments, Mardini fi nds the song theatres across the US and beyond. ASD is remember ‘A person’s a person no matter how preparing for auditions. “The auditions Solla Sollew in the second act of the show to presenting three shows, the other two are small’.” were right after we came back from summer be the most special one for how the whole cast on Thursday (today) and Saturday evenings, For a school play, the cast was as phenomenal vacation. Ever since then, after they casted and crew bonds over it. Mardini said, “This is through special arrangement with Music as the rest of the departments. From measured the show, we have been working two to three the song each one of us have been connected Theatre International (MTI). acting to pitch-perfect singing, from mouthing hours a day, fi ve days a week. And we have done to – from the orchestra to the crew. Because According to the MTI, “Seussical” is a their lines loud and clear to clockwork co- that every week until today,” Mardini said. Solla Sollew is like heaven. We have considered fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza. ordination, the kids showed just how much of “It’s so amazing. It’s been a blast. It’s so great all the confl icts that have been happening in the “Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen hard work and talent had gone into realising to see all of us because we, the cast, are such a world, and we pray and we acknowledge those Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our this musical. Perhaps the most important thing close, tight family, and we know we have been kids who dream of a heaven like Solla Sollew.” favourite Dr Seuss characters, including Horton of all was that each of them seemed to have working so hard on this. It’s so overwhelming Gravelle feels the same. “As a cast, we talked the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude fun while up there. The music band, with a to see everything fi nally come together and to at length of the many people in the world - large McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big soaring score that faithfully relayed much of perform.” and small – who are searching for a beautiful imagination – Jojo. The colourful characters the narrative, complemented the young verve Choosing a show for the hard-working land that may never be seen,” Gravelle says. “We transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the of the cast. students and discerning audience is always a as artists and humans refuse to give up on this Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Omar Mardini, who is delightful as Horton, daunting challenge, says Stephanie Gravelle, heavenly place where we all can fi nd ourselves Whos. Seussical is fun for the whole family!” was greeted with hugs, chocolates, and fl ower Musical Director of “Seussical”, about the home. It is our solemn hope and mission that And that, it sure was. Based on the books of bouquets, when he stepped out into the hallway whole process of it. “The show must be of we as a civilisation will get there. ‘If it takes us Dr Seuss such as Horton Hears a Who!, Horton after the show. Catching his breath swollen quality, entertaining, diff erent from last year, miles. If it takes us years.’” Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Nitin Mirani is all set to enthral the Doha audience once again. Hamad al-Amari, The Qatari Guy, is one of the most popular local comedians. Get ready for an evening of laughter Dubai-based Nitin Mirani and The Qatari Guy will perform in Doha on November 17

loved in Dubai. He has travelled himself says, is a rare commodity performances. comedian makes full use of his By Umer Nangiana all over the globe, performing in this region or anywhere else. In fact, it is one of his favourite wide repertoire in anecdotes to at various venues including the Having grown up in Qatar, tricks to surprise the audience. catch everyone’s interest. This Funniest Person in the World Southern Ireland and the US, He would appear in a traditional is one of the reasons why he has ne of the most finals. He has also performed he has had unusual exposure to dress and address the room in been successful at this very young popular stand-up in Chicago, at Laugh Factory experience and diversity, which broken English with a heavy Gulf age. comedians from Mumbai, Carolines on Broadway no doubt helped form his identity accent, before switching to his He always has a broad range of the region, Nitin in New York, the Comedy Store and approach to comedy. natural voice, leaving unwary jokes during his performances Mirani will be joining in India, Yuk Yuk›s & Absolute Besides stand-up comedy gigs, audience members stunned. and he is good at engaging the Ohands with Qatar’ s very own The Comedy in Canada, and at the you must have seen him hosting Al-Amari says he prefers to audience in an interactive session Qatari Guy, Hamad al-Mari for an Edinburgh Fringe Festival with social gatherings and events, perform in English as Qatar is of comedy with his spontaneous evening of comedy, much to the top acts such as Maz Jobrani, Max enlivening the audiences with a multi-cultural country with witty responses. He is also a very delight of local comedy fans. Amini, Azhar Usman, Mo Anwer, his jokes. Al-Amari recently people from all over the world and keen ambassador for charities and The two comedians will partner Ava Vidal, Patrick Monahan, conducted workshops for English helps him communicate children, and does hosting for VIP up on November 17 at Doha and Vidur Kapur, to name a inspiring stand-up comedians, with a larger audience. However, corporate events and conferences Marriot in what is going to be a few. Mirani was handpicked to helping them turn simple jokes as a Qatari, he speaks perfect and film festivals besides creating perfect starter for the season. perform as the opening act for into a set that they can perform Arabic. Brought up in Ireland, his own online shows such as “Mirani has come to Doha Eddie Griffin when he was in anywhere. al-Amari returned to Qatar more Q-Tips and Kilmatraas. before and is well-known to the Dubai. Al-Amari once made headlines than a decade ago. Al-Amari is a perfect case for local audience. He is one the most With a growing reputation as when he was spotted riding into a The Qatari Guy, when on stage, the world, particularly Western promising emerging stars in the «the one to book,» Mirani has burger joint’s drive-in on the back connects with everyone in the world, to see the funny side of the world of stand-up comedy from entertained crowds in London, of a camel and ordered a burger. audience. His jokes are not just Arabs who are often portrayed as India and Middle East,” Jassim USA, India, Middle East, Hong He had left the staff and the one-directional and he does not angry, stiff and dull characters. Mohamed, the organiser of the Kong, Singapore, and even people around stunned. During only work around making fun of Besides being a comedian, event, told Community. Maldives. his shows, you may initially Qatari stereotypes, which is easy he often displays an intense An Indian Middle Eastern, ‘The Qatari Guy’ is the popular find it odd when you hear him for him being a Qatari. character with a very serious side Mirani has been on the comedy name for Qatari-Irish stand-up speaking a thick Irish accent in Realising that the audience and has shown a strong desire to circuit for the last eight years comedian Hamad al-Amari. his Arabic thobe and headgear comprises people from different teach, help, assist and educate with his own brand and is much A Qatari-Irish comedian, as he that he prefers to wear at all parts of the world, the stand-up others. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY

Students showed their gratitude for the teachers’ sacrifice in teaching them the Thai language and culture every Friday. Thai students pay respect to teachers at embassy says about the event. schools in Doha. However, in order According to a story by Bangkok wit; Cynodon Dactylon, the rapid By Anand Holla On this occasion, more than to keep them aware of their own Post, the ceremony usually begins growth and resilience of which 40 people including Soonthorn Thai culture and language, a special with a Buddhist prayer ritual in symbolise perseverance and the Chaiyindeepum, ambassador of class on Friday morning was fi rst institutions where Buddhism is ability to learn; Ropped rice, owards the beginning of Thailand to Qatar, his spouse, initiated seven years ago by the observed as the offi cial religion, which symbolises discipline; the school year in most embassy’s offi cials with family, Thai community with the support followed by the students’ and Eggplant Flowers, which schools in Thailand, and Kongkan Chitratanachinda, of the Royal Thai Embassy. This recitation of the Wai Khru chant, bow low when nearing fruition, students pay respects Principal of Thai Language and has now become a formal Thai which expresses respect for and thereby symbolising respect and to their teachers in Culture School in Qatar, along Language and Cultural School gratitude to the teachers, and asks humility. Wai Khru has long been Torder to express their gratitude with the school’s teachers, parents with its premises at the Royal Thai for the teachers’ blessing of their an important rite in the traditional and formalise the student-teacher and Thai students, attended the Embassy. The objective is to teach studies. “Following this, a select martial and performing arts, as well relationship. Known as the Wai ceremony. The students are mostly the children about their own Thai number of students, usually the as in astrology, Thai massage and Khru Ceremony, this Thai ritual studying at international schools in culture and language. All teachers representatives of each class, will other traditional arts. speaks of the deep sense of Qatar and living in a multi-national are volunteers from the Thai expats present the teachers with off erings Meanwhile, on October appreciation for educators in Thai and multi-cultural environment. who have the passion to teach of fl owers, candles and joss sticks 21, the Thai embassy, led by culture and is a key element of Hence, they do not have much students. The Wai Khru Ceremony arranged on phan (traditional Thai Chaiyindeepum, organised prayer the traditional Thai educational opportunity to practice Thai was held for the students to show trays). This is usually followed by a and meditation as a homage system. properly, the Thai embassy says in respect and gratitude to their speech by the headteacher off ering to mark the seventh day of the The Thai Language and Cultural a note on the event. Attending the dedicated teachers. This is part of the students guidance in their passing away of His Majesty King School in Qatar recently organised Thai language and culture class the Thai tradition to developing academic career. Many institutions Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. the Wai Kru ceremony for Thai every Friday is a good opportunity closer bonds between children also present student awards and More than 90 Thai nationals students studying here to pay for them to practice at a young age. and the teachers beyond regular honours during the ceremony.” and friends of Thailand in Qatar respects to their teachers. This Chaiyindeepum told Community, classroom interaction.” For Wai Khru, the traditional attended the ceremony. On this is to show their gratitude for the “About 4,000 Thai nationals live The Wai Khru ceremonies that off erings stand for symbolism of occasion, a book of condolences teachers’ sacrifi ce in teaching them in Qatar now. Many of them are take place in most educational student qualities, such as Ixora was opened for the Thai nationals the Thai language and culture every families with children at diff erent institutions in Thailand today fl owers, which when closed form and friends of Thailand, the Friday, the Thai embassy in Qatar ages. Their children attend regular generally follow the same form. pointed buds, symbolising sharp embassy points out. Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 REVIEWS COMMUNITY A retread Purge: Election Year can off er. It group of young women show up to By Rick Bentley ends up little more than a retread of avenge an incident from earlier in the fi rst two movies. the day. The blood-covered young James DeMonaco, who wrote and women, driven to violence by an FILM: The Purge: Election Year directed all three Purge fi lms, tries insignifi cant situation, are the best CAST: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth to mine some personal connections representation of the insanity of Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, through Joe (Mykelti Williamson), Purge Night in the fi lm. Joseph Julian Soria the owner of a small deli. He’s a Where DeMonaco stumbles DIRECTION: James DeMonaco man with a checkered past but is with the increase of social and a big heart when it comes to his political themes. In an eff ort to he Purge franchise community. make those behind the Purge as evil began in 2013 with an Joe and a few of his buddies come as possible, DeMonaco paints them intimate story of a family to the aid of Senator Charlie Roan as being a blend of psychopaths, fi ghting for survival (Elizabeth Mitchell), a presidential Nazis, racists and zealots. in a world where the candidate running on the platform This takes away the potential governmentT has declared nothing of abolishing Purge Night. She gets threats being more generalised is illegal for one night. One man’s to experience the carnage on the and scarier. Part of the strength of act of compassion puts his family ground level when she becomes the original Purge was that those in danger. the target of the political party attacking could be your next door The story got bigger with Purge: opposing her. neighbour. It’s the kind of situation Anarchy, where the focus shifted to Despite the predictability of the that feels relatable. The third fi lm the city streets. Social issues were story, DeMonaco does an impressive loses that personal touch because of pushed to the forefront as it was job of building the intensity. He the grander themes. revealed the night was just a way of banks even heavier on the story The Purge: Election Year has masking how the government was being set in a world where anyone its moments. And the tension the using the legalised killing to reduce can be a killer and often is. Watching director has infused in the story is the homeless and poor population. his movies is like walking through relentless. It’s just the unnecessary This mix of violence and morality a Halloween haunted house: You eff orts to make the story bigger, made for a nice blend. know the scares are coming, but coupled with a predictable plot, Both fi lms off ered such they still catch you off guard. that leave it the least compelling of interesting looks at the same The high point of the violence the Purge movies. – Tribune News theme. But there is little new The comes outside Joe’s deli when a Service Dance battles A creepy classic FILM: Honey 3: Dare to Dance everyone together in order to save the CAST: Cassie Ventura and Kenny community. generation eager to get freaked out by this thing that Wormald. Honey 3 is, at its core, all about By Michael Phillips seemed to be some sort of snuff fi lm that snuck into the DIRECTION: Bille Woodruff hip-hop dance sequences. The multiplex. fi lm opens up with an elaborate The fi lm The Witch is the opposite of The Blair Witch Directed by renowned hip- dance battle at a large club in Cape FILM: The Witch Project, visually, tonally, every way. hop/R&B community member Bille Town, and with all of the intense CAST: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Writer-director Robert Eggers’ “New England folk Woodruff , Honey 3: Dare to Dance, beats player in the scene, and the Harvey Scrimshaw tale” fi lm isn’t likely to go bonkers in the popular the third instalment in the Honey wonderful choreography, it’s hard DIRECTION: Robert Eggers culture the way Blair Witch did. But it’s an infi nitely fi lm series, is the story of Melea to not get into what’s been laid richer, more meticulous, more elegant and more Martin who wants to pursue a career before you. Woodruff cut his teeth n 1999, when the Internet was young and our unnerving horror fi lm – the best since The Babadook, in professional dance. The story is set on music videos in the 1990s, and hearts were blithe and bonny, the found-footage and very likely a 21st century classic in its hardy yet in Cape Town, South Africa. it shows. Throughout the fi lm, horror fi lm The Blair Witch Project was brought malleable genre. After she runs out of money and is characters constantly break into to market on a production budget of well under The time is 1630, a few decades before the Salem kicked out of her school, she decides dance, whether they’re practicing $1mn. It went on to make nearly a quarter- witch trials. Relatively new arrivals from England, to take her most personal project, for Melea’s show, or expressing Ibillion worldwide. Its aesthetic seemed novel back farmer William (Ralph Ineson), his wife Katherine a hip-hop dance adaptation of their frustration over relationship then, before all the “Paranormal Activitys” and visual (Kate Dickie) and their fi ve children are banished by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, to a drama in a small work space at their copycats. the church leaders in their community for shadowy failing local theatre, in hopes to revive apartment. Where the fi lm falls fl at With its shrieky, hand-held, shaky-cam approach reasons. They relocate to a remote edge of a forest, with her community, the theatre, and her in terms of adequate storytelling, to fright, the scruff y li’l movie connected with a new their goat, Black Phillip, and the hope of a decent if career as a hip-hop choreographer, it makes up for it with a number isolated new life. while still maintaining a fruitful of well-choreographed hip-dance But the eldest child, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), is relationship with her boyfriend and sequences, which could easily be watching her youngest sibling one day, and the child’s building a lasting friendship with her separated out on their own and used disappearance is sudden and defi nitive. Thus begins arch rival Ishanti. to create a music video. – CH a steadily enveloping story of dread, recrimination, The fi lm’s plot is one we’ve bone-deep misogyny, Puritan ideals and rampant seen a million times, in which an DVDs courtesy: scapegoating, in addition to the presence of a real, not outsider shows up and tries to band Saqr Entertainment Stores, Doha metaphorical, goat, the aforementioned Black Phillip. Like the wobbly domestic unit at the heart of The Shining (a key infl uence on The Witch), the family here turns on itself in the face of demonic forces. I don’t want to give any more away regarding what happens in The Witch, because for once in a modern horror fi lm, the tactics and developments are simple yet surprising, and the fi lmmaking captures its chosen time, place and dark corners beautifully. Eggers conducted years of research, drawing on all sorts of 17th century material ranging from witch pamphlets to Puritan diaries to court documents. The language sounds authentic, neither too slavishly devoted to the argot of the day, nor too contemporary- sounding in its texture. The actors are all terrifi c. – Chicago Tribune/TNS 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Home improvement tips for your car that can save you money

o you tend to put off some tasks, can be found on a placard on the inside of the especially mundane ones like car door and/or in the owner’s manual. those pesky home improvement Placing your tyres on your “home chores? While procrastination improvement check list” can save you cash is not uncommon, staying on in the long run. Expert off ers some other tyre Dtop of the chores not only can help keep you tips that will help you this winter season: organised, it can save you money. Take cleaning your garage, for z Check your tread depth by placing a example. With the winter season rapidly penny upside down into a tread groove. If you approaching, now is a good time to take can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tyre’s tread stock on just how cluttered it is. More than has worn down to the legal limit and you need likely you’ll see there’s too much stuff to buy new tyres. around, and possibly not even enough space for one of the most important items in your z Tyres must be replaced when the tread garage: your car. is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest Start cleaning now because you really don’t legal limit). It’s best to replace them before want to keep your car or truck outside during they reach 2/32 depending on your drive the rainy/snowy season. In short, winter (geographically and type of streets). can wreak havoc on your vehicle, including the tyres. The colder climate defi nitely can z Rotating your tyres regularly promotes alter your tyre pressure. Maintaining your even wearing of tread. Tyres should be tyre pressure is extremely important because rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. tyres aff ect everything from braking to steering to fuel effi ciency. As the season turns z Checking your alignment at least once to winter, tyres can lose up to 10 percent of a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle their pressure. A tyre that is under-infl ated a month to check your tyre’s air pressure is all when everyone’s driving more and spending is pulling to one side. This will help avoid by only 8 psi can reduce fuel economy up to 2 it takes to maintain proper infl ation and save more. The correct tyre pressure is specifi ed uneven wear on tyre tread. Tyre balance percent, which will aff ect your drive and can money. And who couldn’t use extra money by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the should also be monitored. cost you money at the gas pump. Five minutes these holidays? The cash can come handy tyre manufacturer. The proper infl ation levels ©Brandpoint

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

Be honest with yourself today Aries. Honesty really is the best If you feel as if you don’t have options today, think again Taureans. Sometimes you have to make up your mind once and for all and policy when it comes to living a pure and enriching life. It also helps You do have options and it’s up to you to exercise them now or lose stick to the decision you make Twins. You can’t always pick and stress levels tremendously when we own up and realise our part in them forever. choose your battles either as you will find out today. whatever has happened.

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

There is more to life than always being the one who nurtures Be wary of someone who promises a lot today Leos. They might There are some things that are better left unsaid and you know everyone else Cancers. You are a very giving and nurturing person not be able to deliver what they are saying they can and it will leave exactly what one of them is today, don’t you? As much as a part of but sometimes you have to turn that nurturing attitude onto you feeling very disappointed. Don’t get your hopes up if you can you might want to let someone know the real deal, the other part yourself. possibly help it. realises that it’s probably not the best move right now.

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

There are some things that are better left unsaid and you know Unless you really have your Scorpio heart set on something or Be open to a change of plans today – a change that you aren’t exactly what one of them is today, don’t you? As much as a part of someone, it’s best to leave well enough alone today Scorpios. If you necessarily thrilled about but that you know you have to go along you might want to let someone know the real deal, the other part push yourself or others too much today you might get more than a with anyway. realises that it’s probably not the best move right now. little backlash.

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

Now’s the time to shake the tree – the tree of your life Goats. If things As independent as you are, there are times when you do need help There’s a big wide world out there for you to explore and for those have been rather uneventful lately and you know it’s time for you to from friends and family. Don’t hesitate to ask for it either – today or of you who haven’t done a lot of travelling or sightseeing, this is the shake things up, today’s the day. anyday. perfect time to plan a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Music Makers Pooch Cafe

BACH DUKAS MAHLER BARBER DVORAK MOZART BARTOK ELGAR ORFF BEETHOVEN GLUCK RAVEL BIZET GRIEG ROSSINI BRAHMS HANDEL SATIE CHOPIN HAYDN VERDI COPLAND HOLST WAGNER DELIUS LISZT

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 3. Renown (9) 1. Difference (9) 8. Image (4) 2. Important (9) 9. Magnificence (9) 4. Spot (4) 10. Abundance (6) 5. Foe (5) 11. Round (5) 6. Conundrum (6) 14. Proportion (5) 7. Faithful (4) 15. Rim (4) 9. Condescend (5) 16. Squeeze (5) 11. Rid (5) 18. So (4) 12. Training (9) 20. Understood (5) 13. Relevant (9) 21. Sweeten (5) 17. Purloin (5) 24. Fix (6) 19. Abrupt (6) 25. Marvellous (9) 22. Pinafore (5) 26. Robe (4) 23. Unfriendly (4) 27. Candour (9) 24. Ado (4) Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 3. Persistent, the French make a record 1. Impartial aim (9) of events (9) 2. In summing up, counsel first exposes 8. Tries to get 24 down in initial drug dependence (9) bargains in department stores (4) 4. It’s not easy to be really rigid (4) 9. Fat baker’s meal (9) 5. Hold forth in horror at election meeting 10. Eastern team scored first, but were (5) banished (6) 6. Ailing as member of company? (6) 11. Debar whiskers (5) 7. Produce a thought of a sort? (4) Yesterday’s Solutions 14. Just claim to noble name (5) 9. Headgear taken from wardrobe returned 15. Low average? (4) later (5) QUICK CRYPTIC 16. Military containers? (5) 11. Additional payment for way bus is 18. Inviolable legal instrument constructed? (5) Across: 1 Cafe; 3 Validate; 8 Leap; 9 Commerce; Across: 1 Rail; 3 Deflated; 8 Cuff; 9 Speaking; 11 included (4) 12. He puts money into creating poor diets 11 Intermittent; 13 Renown; 14 Brutal; 17 Unreasonable; 13 Shears; 14 Studio; 17 Great- 20. A flower came to notice (5) (9) Manipulation; 20 Universe; 21 Skua; 22 hearted; 20 Opposite; 21 Both; 22 Fortress; 23 21. Are they hard to hammer home? (5) 13. A catalogue of creative imagination? (9) Gangster; 23 Once. Stet. 24. Only half stir unfortunate poet (6) 17. Stray woodland deity (5) 25. Trail a log made to look like a 19. Females sailed erratically (6) Down: 1 Colliery; 2 Flatten; 4 Atomic; 5 Down: 1 Recourse; 2 In force; 4 Employ; 5 Lead reptile (9) 22. Incline to include right to study (5) Immaterial; 6 Apron; 7 Ewer; 10 Drowsiness; astray; 6 Trial; 7 Dogs; 10 Hair-raiser; 12 Good 26. Excursion ending up at ancient 23. Some internal sorting out needed, too 12 Elongate; 15 Thicken; 16 Tussle; 18 Alien; 19 shot; 15 Detroit; 16 Photos; 18 Riper; 19 Goof. city (4) (4) Bung. 27. One’s sin is making an awful row (9) 24. Much may come under the hammer (4) 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY

An aff ordableordable sports smartwatch

Depending on your needs, the Alcatel OneTouch Go Watch could be an aff ordable alternative to more expensive smartwatches. Photo by the author

devices disrupt the connection between your phone with some concerted eff orts, exercise app is limited, letting you choose Go Watch and the phone. The connection and also skip or rewind a track, but that’s between just walking or running. Once you techknow beat restores automatically if dropped, and all the about it. One would expect this to be an easy choose an activity, it starts monitoring your by Bilal Iqbal data syncing is done in the background. All feature to implement, but the horribly slow heart rate. In my usage, I found its measured this works as it should. interface makes it all but unusable. The song heart rate to be almost spot on. This lets The watch supports push notifi cations – it information on the screen is also frequently you keep within your target exercise zone. he Alcatel OneTouch Go Watch vibrates to alert you of an incoming message, wrong, with it being unable to tell which of Raising your hand fl icks the watch screen promises an interesting mix of giving you a preview of the message (there the many music apps is currently in use. on, giving you a real time snapshot of your features at a very aff ordable price is no way to read long messages in entirety). The camera control app, thankfully works heart rate. Surprisingly, the exercise app also for a smartwatch. Even though it You also get notifi ed of incoming calls, much better, even if it is very basic. One tap comes with a lap functionality. was announced internationally though you can only reject them using the will open the camera app (the phone needs It would have been nice for the watch to aboutT a year back, the watch can be seen phone, as it does not have a built-in speaker to be unlocked fi rst), defaulting to the last sync with popular exercise apps such as around in Qatar now for a discounted price or microphone. Live notifi cations work camera you used (front or back). The second Runtastic, but it doesn’t. You will have to of QR300. reasonably well. tap takes a picture. You do not get a preview get your heart rate data after the exercise Though technically a smartwatch, the Go That said, the watch’s integration of the shot on the watch, or access to any from the OneTouch Move app and enter it Watch runs a proprietary Alcatel OS and is with Google Maps can only be described camera settings. Think of it as remote to manually into your preferred exercise app. thus limited to the built-in features. You as “broken”. You do get turn-by-turn activate the camera, good for when you need Save for the heart rate, the exercise app will not see Android or iOS apps expanding notifi cations, but as it happens they are to take group photographs. again seems to vary in its accuracy of your the feature set. For that matter, there is also completely useless. The notifi cations do not The stopwatch is basic but functional. You distance travelled. It appeared to me that it no word on OTA updates for the watch. The update you on what direction to take as you do not get any lap functionality, however. is pretty accurate if you take small steps, but feature set, therefore, is fi xed. approach a roundabout or a signal, rendering The weather app was troublesome in the tends to underestimate distance travelled if The exterior of the watch is a mixed bag it useless in its entirety. What’s worse is that beginning, unable to get location from the you take big steps. So keep that in mind. – the design is chunky and reminiscent of you cannot turn this feature off . So the watch phone. But it has worked fl awlessly once Alcatel advertises a battery life of 2-5 days. a Casio G-Shock. It also comes with shock, vibrates continuously, but tells you nothing. it got the location, also giving the weather I easily get 2 days on a single charge, and dust and waterproofi ng (IP67, which means The only solution I found to this problem forecast for the next few days. maybe even 3 days with minimal usage. you can’t take it swimming) to match the was to switch the watch to silent when This leaves us with the apps centred All in all, the Alcatel OneTouch Go Watch rugged looks. The materials though give using Google Maps – the notifi cations kept around activities. I found the watch to seems to be typical of a budget off ering, away the price of the watch. There is nothing coming, but they did not distract me. underestimate the number of steps. The doing well in some areas and bad in others. wrong with them per se, except that plastic The watch also promises a host of other other numbers, such as calories burnt and The interface overall is not the smoothest, used feels cheap. Even the strap felt rigid in features: live weather update, step counter distance walked, are based on the number but is fast enough for daily usage. Your the beginning, though it has become more and activity monitor, a heart rate sensor, of steps it records and will thus also be decision to get it will ultimately depend pliable over time with use. A good thing is exercise mode, stop watch, remote music underestimated. on your needs. If you need a heart rate that the straps and the shell are changeable, control, remote camera control, and a The Go Watch also comes with sleep monitoring device on a budget for your runs and you get white-coloured extras in the compass. monitoring. I found it to signifi cantly or walks, with the added functionality of box. Some of these features work as advertised, underestimate the sleep fi gures. It would live notifi cations, this could fi t the bill quite The functionality of Go Watch is a others do not do so well. Load up the frequently record 5-6 hours, even when I nicely. If you need a complete smartwatch mixed bag. You need to download Alcatel’s compass app and it prompts you to start got a good eight hours of sleep. This also led experience, however, you may want to OneTouch Move app to connect the watch to moving the watch around in the shape of a me to believe that its estimation of light and look at its signifi cantly more expensive your phone. The two are linked together via horizontal 8 to orient it. During a month- deep sleep would also be way off from the alternatives. Bluetooth, but this does not prevent other long of use, I got it to work just once. actual numbers. The author may be contacted at devices from being connected to your phone, Music controls are also glitchy. You can One feature that works really well, [email protected] nor does the connection of other Bluetooth get the watch to play or pause a song on however, is the heart rate monitor. The or followed on Twitter at @tknobeat

Tech News brings with it some serious improvements over which has proven itself to be a benchmark features dual-curved screens, more RAM and Huawei Fit the previous generation, including a built-in champion). The 5.9-inch phone also sports storage, and a sleeker body. It also charges a The Honor-branded smartwatch that leaked GPS, water resistance of up to 50 metres, faster 4GB of RAM, 64GB storage and expandable signiﬁ cant premium over the regular version. earlier last week will be called the Huawei speeds, and better battery life. Internationally, storage. An improved version of the Leica Fit in its world-release incarnation. Focused the pricing start at $369. So expect similar branded dual-camera setup that was ﬁ rst seen Vine on health, the Huawei Fit promises 5 days of prices in Qatar. on Huawei P9 also makes an appearance. The Twitter announced last week that it will battery life with 50-metres water resistance phone will launch with Android 7 Nougat be shutting done Vine, its short-form video and continuous heart-rate monitoring. Huawei Mate 9 out of the box and will be skinned with the sharing service. But the service may not be Last week Huawei unveiled the follow up to well-received EMUI 5. Huawei also announced completely doomed as there are rumours of a Apple Watch Series 2 last year’s Mate 8, off ering a slightly smaller a premium model of the phone. The Porche possible buyer emerging for Vine. Nothing is The second generation of Apple Watch, the screen of still-FHD resolution with a much Design-branded premium device ups the offi cial yet, but we should know more in the Series 2, is now available in Qatar. The Series 2 faster processor (Huawei’s own Kirin 960, resolution to QHD on a smaller 5.5inch screen, near future. Thursday, November 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Action standards in India not up to mark: John Abraham

despite complete safety and important part of his life and By Durga Chakravarty security, but it is a department career. “For people like me, action which needs increased attention is a very important part of our in the Indian film industry. lives and it impacts our careers ollywood star John “It is sad this has happened and directly. So, we have to be very Abraham, who often coincidentally, in my case, with sure that we are safe. That is very performs daredevil all the precautions, I still hurt my important for us,” he added. stunts in ﬁ lms, says the knee. I’ve always gone about town The actor has been a part of action standards in the saying that the action standards Bollywood for over a decade and Bcountry are not up to the mark. in the country are not up to the has performed action scenes in His comment came a day mark and you cannot blame the movies like Dhoom, Kaal, Force, after two actors drowned in a action director (for it),” added the Race 2, and Rocky Handsome. water reservoir after leaping 43-year-old actor and producer He credits it all to stunt men, off a helicopter while shooting who had gone through a knee who he feels, are “the most a crucial climax scene for a surgery during the shoot of his ignored people” in showbiz. “I’m Kannada film near Bengaluru. The forthcoming film Force 2. totally in support of stunt men news is “devastating”, John said. John rued how “no stress is paid getting recognition and their “I am absolutely devastated with on action and safety gear”. due. I think they are the most the fact that those two Kannada Is it the cost factor that keeps ignored people. My solidarity is actors lost their lives. I saw the producers away from ensuring with them. Even when I am doing clip. It is absolutely ridiculous and 100% safety for the crew? an action film, I have always the film’s producer should be put “Partly true. I think we need gone and checked the stunt man behind bars for this,” John told to take care and we need to make and seen if he is well padded IANS over phone from Mumbai. sure that all safety measures are or protected before he does his The incident involved popular in place because there is no false stunt, because for me, they are actor Duniya Vijay, who swam to sense of bravado in getting hurt. responsible for where I am,” said safety and even had a life jacket, It’s finally our life that is on the John. and two others – identified as Anil line. So you have got be very smart “They make me who I am and and Uday – who drowned after and safe about it,” he said. if I don’t look after or take care of jumping off the helicopter. Having said that, the Dishoom them, I don’t deserve to be here.” John agrees that injuries happen star, considers action an – IANS SPEAKING HIS MIND: John Abraham

Dwayne Johnson was apt choice for Moana: director Moana also marks the singing debut of Johnson, who will soon be seen on Moana co-director Ron Clements the silver screen with Indian actress says actor Dwayne Johnson was the Priyanka Chopra in Baywatch. perfect choice to lend voice to the Directed by Clements and John character of Maui in the Disney fi lm. Musker, the feature fi lm is about an He said only Johnson, who started adventurous teenager who, with help out as The Rock – a popular fi gure in from demigod Maui, sails out on a professional wrestling who then made daring mission to prove herself a master a transition to Hollywood, could have way fi nder and save her people. Talking done justice to the larger-than-life about Maui, Clements said: “He has an character. all-encompassing drive to succeed that “He is very connected to his gets him into trouble, but facing the Samoan roots. Maui is a charismatic reason behind it isn’t easy.” character and Dwayne is nothing if Johnson is also super excited to be not charismatic. He has great comedic part of Moana, which will release in timing, nails the action scenes and is India on December 2. “To tell a story so likeable. And he can sing,” Clements inspired by the South Pacifi c is a great said in a statement. MANY FACES: Dwayne Johnson honour,” Johnson said. – IANS

WAY WITH WORDS: Shraddha Kapoor I’ve always enjoyed thriller genre: Naomi

Shraddha Kapoor writes songs, too Actress Naomi Watts says she loves to explore the thriller genre and likes to play with fear in her projects. Actress Shraddha Kapoor says along with singing, she Watts will be seen in another thriller Shut In, which will writes songs as well. Shraddha told IANS: “Apart from be released in India by PVR Pictures on November 18. singing, I also write my own songs. I have never said this “I’ve always enjoyed the thriller genre. So many before, but I have been writing for a while now. I have diff erent emotions come with fear, and I like playing been writing my own lyrics.” fear,” Watts said in a statement. Directed by Farren The actress, who has sung tracks like Galliyan and Udja Blackburn, Shut In tells the story of a widowed child re in her own fi lms, isn’t sure about lending her voice to psychologist who lives an isolated existence in rural New other actresses. “I think I am happy singing for myself. England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must fi nd But never say never for anything.” a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever. She will next be seen on the big screen with actor- The actress was attracted to the challenges of fi lmmaker Farhan Akhtar in Rock On 2. She says she capturing Mary’s fragmented state of mind. “She is would like to be directed by him. “Dil Chahta Hai is one completely consumed with taking care of one person, of my favourite fi lms. I also loved Lakshya. As a co-star, and not really relating to anybody in the outside world,” he is so passionate on sets. When he is an actor, he is only she said. that. So, it’s nice to see that. He is so talented,” Shraddha The actress added: “Shut In is fi lled with mysteries said. around every corner. Uncovering those mysteries is part Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, the fi lm is set to release of the thrill of the fi lm. It’ a good, fun ride with some tomorrow. – IANS great scares.” – IANS FOR THE CHIILLS: Naomi Watts in a still from Shut In. 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, November 10, 2016 COMMUNITY ‘NIA dedicated to goal of promoting Indian culture’

By Anand Holla

n entertaining annual family get-together to celebrate Diwali saw members of North Indians’ Association (NIA) turn up in large numbers and have a grand party. For ‘Deepotsava 2016’, more than 250 family members attended the event held recently in Hotel Radisson Blu and organised by Trans Media AInternational. From singing stars to the choicest of Bollywood dances, the evening was packed with a fun set of programmes. All NIA members received goody bags, gifts and sweets as a token of love. The event was co- ordinated by managing committee members Harish Kanjani, M K Singh, Praveen Sharma, Sanjay Arora, Durgesh Gupta, Kuldeep Kaur Bahl, Abhijit Sarkar, Anil Mehta, Punit Jain, Chandra Gururani and Shivani Mishra. Community spoke to Praveen Sharma, President, NIA, to know more.

What was the signifi cance of this event for the NIA members? There is a signifi cance and an importance of each festival in India but Diwali is especially close to the heart of every Indian. The importance of Diwali in Indian culture and its celebration is a passageway to the most profound aspects of life. We recognise that it is very unfortunate for the today’s generation to have little knowledge about their culture, traditions and their roots and these type of events are very important to teach our children about our traditions, culture, love, togetherness and respect for others, and to bring back our culture in people, especially to our children, who are staying away from their homeland. North Indians’ Association fi lls this gap by organising this event every year in a families get together COLOURS OF DIWALI: For Deepotsava 2016, more than 250 families attended the event held recently in Hotel and to make life as celebration. Radisson Blu.

What were some of the highlights of the show? The star attraction of the show was a performance by a young energetic singer Diljaan who was invited specially for this show from India. He enthralled the audience with his melodious and energetic songs, dance numbers that made the audience ask for an encore. Diljaan has been a runner-up of a TV music reality show Sur Khetra in 2013 which was telecasted on Colors and Sahara One TV channel. In addition, all audience were mesmerised by the classical dance performance by our member’s children Bhavya Prasad and Samridhi Bharadwas. A tribute was given by a dance performance on patriotic songs by Kriesha Sharma, Ridhima Lalwani, Prachi Bhagchandani and Aarav Lalwani to our soldiers that thrilled the audience. Later Avisha Sharma, Sneha Chandnani, Juhi Gabra, Mohak Vasvani and Ritik Gabra presented various Indian festivals in dance form. Swapnil Garg, Aditya Gupta, Vivek Gururani and Naman Jolly entertained all by their humorous dance performance. Kids Akshin Gupta, Ahhan Gupta and Shoubit too did a great job on stage on Bollywood dance numbers. In the end, DJ Shammeem rocked the show such that the audience couldn’t keep themselves away from the dance ﬂ oor. The main sponsors for the event were JP Infra and Prime Wealth Creators while gold sponsors were Gulf Light Electrical Engineering, Shoprite & Mega Mart Supermarket and support sponsors were Al Maya International, LTC Distribution, Homes r us, Al Muftah Group, Qatari Canadian Trading Contracting Services, Zaff ran Café and Golden Ocean Hotel.

How is the NIA helping the community connect with each other? The NIA-Doha is a unique socio-cultural organisation which is promoting Indian culture and community spirit in Qatar and is dedicated to the goal of preserving, promoting and enhancing an understanding of Indian culture and its values among our children and other communities by conducting a number of events and programmes for its members throughout the year. The NIA is known for its vision, dedication of its committee members and volunteers, and unquestionable integrity. The goal is to highlight our Indian tradition and provide more activities of interest for our children and citizens of our community thereby catering to the growing needs of the Indian community of Qatar in cultural, educational and community service areas. Voluntary participation is the hallmark of our association. We value honesty, integrity, dedication and commitment. Accountability and responsibility are our watchwords and our tradition. Recognising and meeting the cultural and educational needs of our children and the community is our direction.