Community Community Nepali Decades ambassador after his P5 Ramesh P12 imprisonment, Prasad Koirala and a Nguyen Van Loc has things large number of women come full circle, wooing attend a Teej programme audiences with the same organised by the NWS. music that got him in trouble.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Dhul-Hijja 8, 1438 AH

DOHA 32°C—40°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 8 PUZZLES 9 & 10 Low key, COVER high profile STORY Lois Smith has been quietly stealing scenes in American film classics. Now she takes on one of the strongest of an actor of any age this year in Marjorie Prime. P6-7 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.55am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.13am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 3.04pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.57pm Isha (night) 7.27pm

USEFUL NUMBERS Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie sensation and bestselling book series, and boasting an A-list DIRECTION: David Soren cast of comedy superstars headed by Kevin Hart and Ed CAST: Kevin Hart, Thomas Middleditch, Ed Helms Helms, DreamWorks Animation brings audiences the long- SYNOPSIS: Two overly imaginative pranksters named awaited global movie event, Captain Underpants: The First George and Harold hypnotise their principal into thinking he’s Epic Movie. a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero Emergency 999 named Captain Underpants. Based on the worldwide THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 The Recall International Calls Enquires 150 DIRECTION: Mauro Hamad International Airport 40106666 Borrelli Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 CAST: Wesley Snipes, Rj Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Mitte, Jedidiah Goodacre Qatar Airways 44496000 SYNOPSIS: Charlie Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 joins his friends on a Qatar General Electricity and weekend trip to a remote Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 cabin on the lake. They Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 turn on the TV and discover 44593363 hundreds of unnatural Qatar Assistive Technology cloudlike clusters are Centre 44594050 hovering over Earth. The Qatar News Agency 44450205 friends notice a similar eerie 44450333 cloud fl oating high above Q-Post – General Postal their cabin. That night Corporation 44464444 a beam of otherworldly light shoots down from Humanitarian Services Offi ce the sky. They try to defend (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) themselves, but aliens Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, abduct a number of them 40253369 and whisk them away to the Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 mother ship. The remaining Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 two of the group, Charlie Qatar Airways 40253374 and Annie must now rely on an eccentric and mysterious local hunter who seems to have special knowledge of the attack. THEATRES: Royal Plaza, te Unqu The Mall, Landmark uo ot Q Nobody e is bored when he is The Mall Cinema (1): A Comes At Night (2D) 5:15pm; Gentleman (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Captain Underpants (2D) 7pm; trying to make something Beguiled (2D) 5pm; Vivegam The Hitsman’s Bodyguard (2D) that is beautiful, or to discover (Tamil) 6:45pm; Bushwick Gentleman (Hindi) 11:30pm. 9pm; A Gentleman (Hindi) (2D) 9:30pm; Vivegam (Tamil) Landmark Cinema (1): A 11:15pm. something that is true. 11:15pm. Gentleman (Hindi) 2:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace – William Ralph Inge The Mall Cinema (2): Captain Vivegam (Tamil) 4:45pm; The (1): Captain Underpants (2D) Underpants (2D) 2:15pm; Beguiled (2D) 7:30pm; Bushwick 2:30pm; Captain Underpants Captain Underpants (2D) (2D) 9:15pm; Vivegam (Tamil) (2D) 4:15pm; The Beguiled (2D) 4pm; Captain Underpants (2D) 11pm. 6pm; The Recall (2D) 7:45pm; 5:45pm; The Recall (2D) 7:30pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Captain The Hitsman’s Bodyguard Logan Lucky (2D) 9:15pm; The Underpants (2D) 2pm; Captain (2D) 9:30pm; Vivegam (Tamil) Hitsman’s Bodyguard (2D) Underpants (2D) 3:30pm; 11:30pm. Community Editor 11:30pm. Vivegam (Tamil) 5:15pm; Logan Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Kamran Rehmat The Mall Cinema (3): Vivegam Lucky (2D) 8pm; The Recall (2D) (2): Vivegam (Tamil) 2:15pm; It e-mail: [email protected] (Tamil) 2:30pm; Logan Lucky 10pm; The Hitsman’s Bodyguard Comes At Night (2D) 5pm; Logan Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 5:15pm; The Hitsman’s (2D) 11:30pm. Lucky (2D) 7pm; A Gentleman Bodyguard (2D) 7:30pm; It (Hindi) 9:15pm; Bushwick (2D) Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (3): Comes At Night (2D) 9:45pm; A Vivegam (Tamil) 2:30pm; It 11:45pm. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

contemporary fi lms that connect to the main theme of the museum’s current exhibition, Imperial Threads: Motifs and artisans from Turkey, Iran and India. All screenings take place at the MIA Auditorium. Screenings are free, but a ticket is required for admission.

Skate Girls of Kabul Exhibition WHERE: Katara WHEN: Until Oct 20 Award winning photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson will present her critically- acclaimed series of portraits, Skate Girls of Kabul in her fi rst show in the Middle East. Presented by Qatar Museums, the exhibition will be at the QM Gallery Katara. The portraits tell the extraordinary story of Afghan girls who took up skateboarding, thanks to Skateistan, an Afghan charity that provides skate parks as a hook to get your kids after months of hitting the books. children from disadvantaged families back This is an opportunity for them to hone EVENTS into the educational system. The striking their current skills, pick up a new hobby, or Summer Camp images bring to life the hopeful spirit of these simply stay active, whether their interest lies WHERE: Ain Khaled young girls that show a new perspective and in dance, music or arts. This summer, get Aqua Park Ladies Day WHEN: Until Aug 31 dimension to skateboarding culture – one your kids up and going by enrolling them at WHERE: Aqua Park TIME: 8am-1pm that shows strength in the face of adversity. IAID! Starting three years and above, we have TIME: 1pm- 9pm Summertime is just memories waiting to courses to off er this summer such as Ballet Aqua Park is bringing Ladies Day back happen. The Stem Xplorers Summer Camp Kids, Strum-A-Long, Bolly Thumka, Music every Sunday and Wednesday until August is just the place for your kids to make lifelong Fun, ARTmazing & more. 30. Enjoy the excitement at Aqua Park from memories to cherish. 1pm to 9pm on these days. Our camp will be Stem-based wherein we Evolution Sports Qatar will engage the children in Science along with WHERE: Evolution Sports Made in Qatar Workshop Lego, some exciting Sports, Nutrition, Arts, WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Katara Art Studio Crafts and Outdoor Field Trips!! Each week Evolution Sports will mark its anniversary WHEN: Until August 30 will be a diff erent theme covering an exciting by hosting a number of exciting events TIME: 4pm new Stem project making science come to throughout 2017 as well as some amazing “Made in Qatar” Workshop will be held in life. Call us now on 33996665 or 33120001. promotions, ten years on from when the club “Katara Art Studios”, building 19 by a group was formed on September 1, 2007. The club of Qatari artists. has been working with a panel of coaches Blood Donation Campaign and directors to plan the events which will Splash & Dash 3rd Edition WHERE: Hamad General Hospital (Blood be announced over the coming months. WHERE: Aspire Dome Doha Donation Unit) Members should look forward to a variety WHEN: Until August 30 WHEN: September 3 of diff erent occasions, suitable for all ages TIME: 7pm TIME: 9am to 8pm so the whole family can get involved in the Aspire Dome is opening its doors for you The Qatar Awami League is going to birthday celebrations. To kick-off things off , in the summer to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. conduct a Blood Donation Campaign on Evolution Sports recently launched their 10- Swimming and running sessions will be the occasion of National Mourning Day of year anniversary logo. The emblem has been available for all community members Bangladesh and 42nd Death Anniversary of designed by Toyan Greaves, the man behind throughout August in the Aspire Dome father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh the original Evolution Sports logo and will Swimming Pool and Indoor Athletics Track. Mujibur Rahman. For further information, be used on all documentation, both online Registration will be available online and please contact the organisers at 5572-6940 or Qatar Summer Festival and offl ine for the next 12 months. onsite at the Dome’s main entrance. 33332272. WHEN: Until Sept 5 WHERE: Across Doha Imperial Threads: Motifs and Artisans Tom and Jerry Show Summer Festival has just been announced WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHERE: Doha Festival City and it will run twice as long this year. That WHEN: Until November 4 WHEN: Sept 1-5 means more family fun, entertainment, This exhibition focuses on the exchange TIME: 4pm, 7:45pm and 9:15pm activities and promotions across Qatar of artistic and material cultures between Everyone’s childhood favourites Tom & this summer. The extended Qatar Summer the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. Jerry take the stage in a 30-minute musical Festival will run from Eid al-Fitr to Eid al- Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece carpets, tale with their merry bunch of buddies Adha. Prepare for more than 100 activities among other artworks, from Turkey, Iran and Toodles, Butch and Spike. Featuring a dance- this time round. Best of all there will be India, these objects will be contextualised off , classic melodies from the 40s and many a malls full of shopping discounts across within the historical circumstances of slapstick chase, you’re in for a fun adventure Doha. Discounts of up to 50% are off ered politics and artistic production of their time, for the whole family this Eid at Doha Festival and anybody spending more than QR200 at primarily from the 16th to the 18th centuries. City. participating outlets will be entered into a draw to win a stack of cash or even a luxury Salsa Beginners Dance Class Ice Age Course Collision Age car. WHERE: B Attitude Spa, West Bay WHERE: Doha Festival City WHEN: Every Friday WHEN: Day 1-5 Eid al-Adha Salsa n Candela off ers a variety of dance TIME: 4pm onwards classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower West Ice Age, the must-see show of the season Bay B Attitude Spa, such as Salsa every Friday will be held at Doha Festival City’s main stage and other Latin dance during other days of this year. The 30-minute-long show will be the week. held three times daily at 3pm, 5pm and again at 8:30pm. Visitors around the mall will be Festive time treated to ongoing roaming shows such as WHEN: Ongoing Ardha and guitar performances, and the WHERE: Doha Festival City magician Ambush Man. The entertainment off ering has been Summer Entertainment City designed to ensure there are numerous WHERE: Exhibition and Convention DFI Presents MIA Exhibition Series opportunities for physical activities, from Center WHERE: MIA Park the running track which features exercise WHEN: During August WHEN: Sept 14-15 stations, the bike trail, through to our ‘fi rst- TIME: 5pm TIME: 7:30pm of-its-kind’ in Qatar, Snow Dunes theme Come and enjoy your summer at the Doha Film Institute is inviting people to Summer Workshop 2017 for kids park. DFC is excited to welcome fi rst visitors festival city. Meet your favourite cartoon their second round of screenings as part of WHERE: IAID in April and to celebrate the best leisure characters and click a selfi e with them. Enjoy the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Exhibition WHEN: July-Aug facilities, retail mix and dining options, all and cherish each moment. series. The series is dedicated to showcasing Summer break is a long-awaited respite for with exceptional service.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY Nepali ambassador inaugurates Kantipur Medical Center

Kantipur Medical Center – established by Nepali entrepreneurs Bikash Prasai and RK Sharma – was that Kantipur Medical Center is for all Nepalis staying in Qatar. We will continuously need your inaugurated by Nepali ambassador Prof. Ramesh Koirala recently. The entrepreneurs are hoping support, advice and guidance to keep improving our services and off er best healthcare services that the clinic will benefit Qatar-based Nepalis. The clinic promises to address the communication within reasonable cost.” The sponsor of the clinic is Mohamad Abdulla M K al-Khatter and Essa problems that many Nepalis with weak Arabic and English face in hospitals. General Manager AlKuwari Community leaders were present during the inauguration function. Parsai said the clinic will set up branches in other Gulf countries as well. Sharma said, “We aff irm – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

Grand Finale of Nepal Idol to be held in Doha

Nepal Idol 2017 – a singing reality show from Nepal Idol 2017 is the first installment Nepal – has scheduled its grand finale in of a Nepalese reality television singing Qatar. Aired by AP1, the country’s only HD competition that is part of the Idols franchise television, Nepal Idol, a part of Idols franchise, created by Simon Fuller. Auditions for the finale will be jointly organised by On Action show were held in seven Nepali cities, with International and Everest Nepal Youth contestants aged 16 to 30 participating. Association at Asian Town Industrial Area The winner of the singing contest will get Ground on Friday, September 22. Mahindra KUV 100 car, Nepali Rs2 million This was revealed by the organisers in a and a record deal valued at Nepali Rs1.5 recent press meet at the Shalimar Palace million. The programme in Doha will be restaurant in Najma. The press meet was shot by 17 cameras and drones and will be attended by association chairperson Uttam live telecasted by AP1 TV. An 85-member Gurung, community leader Sagar Nepal, is coming from Kathmandu for the show, event partner Prabin Gurung, event manager which will see performances by top 12 Prakash Gurung and advisor Bill Gurung. contestants and India TV dance reality show Sagar Nepal said the hosting of the event is winner Teria Magar, singer Hemanta Rana “a proud moment for Qatar-based Nepalis.” and standup comedian Kedar Ghimire. The venue has 16,500 seats and the tickets will be priced between QR35 and QR200. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam Wednesday, August 30, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COMMUNITY Nepali women celebrate Teej

beads), ‘Tilahari’ and ‘Sindur’ (crimson By Usha Wagle Gautam powder) – considered the symbols of good luck. Speaking at the programme, ambassador he Nepali Women Society Koirala applauded the organisers for (NWS) recently organised a Teej celebrating Teej. He also expressed his best programme at the Gulf Paradise wishes to all Nepali women in Qatar. He also hotel. said that anyone can approach the embassy if The celebration was chaired by they are facing any issues. TNWS president Susmita Bhusal. The chief The 10-hour-long NWS programme also guest was Nepali ambassador Ramesh Prasad featured live performances from Qatar-based Koirala. Other notable guests included at artistes. Women danced along to the folk Nepali embassy fi nancial secretary Gayetri tunes, as artistes showcased their talents on Paudel, labour consular Girija Sharma, stage. and community leaders Hansaraj Dhakal, Dancer Pramila Khanal performed a folk- Rajendra Kumar Sharma and Binesh Tamang. pop dance about a typical Nepali lady. Singer Teej is the biggest festival of Nepali Hindu Amrita Limbu performed a popular song women celebrated during monsoon season. of hers. Qatar-based folk singer Devika KC During the festival, married women fast and performed a popular song of hers. Artistes pray for good health and long lives of their including Binita KC demonstrated their best husbands, while unmarried women pray for steps. Folk singer Chanda Aryal performed a getting healthy and handsome spouses. Teej song during the programme. Sita Thapa Women rejoice with various delicious danced to her own song, which dealt with dishes known as Dar a day before Teej and gender equality. fast on the next day as per tradition. The The programme was hosted by folk singer three-day festivities begin with Dar on the Devika KC and general secretary of Nepali second day of the fortnight in the month women society Ambika Khatri. Participants of Bhadau and is marked with fasting and were served Teej-specifi c cuisine at the end cultural programmes the next day. of programme. Women in the NWS programme came NWS channels all of its profi ts from ticket dressed up in traditional red saris, with sales to the children of Chepang, one of the Singer Devika KC performing at the Amrita Limbu's performance at the programme. bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass most marginalised communities of Nepal. programme.

The special guests who attended the programme.

Ambassador Ramesh Prasad Koirala appreciated NWS for organising the event. Women attended the event dressed up in traditional Teej attire. 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER Marjorie Prime’s Lois S on stage and screen in

In Michael Almereyda’s speculative drama Marjorie Prime, based on Jordan Harrison’s play, Smith plays a widow who grapples with the death of her husband by interacting with his younger digital avatar (Jon Hamm).

dominating stage productions of future by remembering the past. Smith was giving the lie to that fi lm, was on the phone making By Steven Zeitchik “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Like much of what Smith statement was one of the most dramatic-sounding evening plans Trip to Bountiful.” does, the performance is cool but perilous days in the history of the as he scooped up a greenroom And she has continued hurtling indelible; it suggests the pain and Sundance Film Festival. But Smith snack with one hand. Smith had alking through a forward even in the more veteran melancholy of long ago without ever gamely trudged up and down a just gotten situated on a couch as driving blizzard last phase of her career, bringing, at feeling a need to telegraph or remind slippery and snow-buried Main the group waited its turn in front of January, the actress 86, her brand of what might be of it. Street, visiting half a dozen media the cameras when director Kevin Lois Smith took the described as genteel formidability to “When I read the play, I thought it studios so she could talk about her Smith walked up. He rattled off her arm of an agent and a dazzling number of parts. was about people and humanity and movie; play the straight woman with roles as if he were listing forwards Wposed a directional question. The latest such role, and one of relationships and memory. Artifi cial the constantly kibitzing Hamm; for his beloved New Jersey Devils. “So is this where I should step?” the strongest of an actor of any intelligence is never the substance and, for the benefi ts of the camera, “National treasure,” he said to her Smith asked as her foot hovered age this year, comes via Marjorie of the piece,” Smith said last week in politely engage in a ring toss on a and to anyone who would listen. above a treacherous curb in the old Prime. In Michael Almereyda’s an interview in New York, where she moose antler. The sheer number of people she’s town of Park City, Utah, during the speculative drama, based on Jordan lives. (She performed the “Marjorie “Oh, that was a little crazy,” worked with, and held her own Sundance Film Festival. “It seems Harrison’s play, Smith plays a Prime” role on stage too, including she said last week in her carefully against, makes the head spin. “How like the most direct way to go.” widow who grapples with the death at the Mark Taper Forum in Los controlled cadence, assessing the many people now can send out a reel Smith has been following that of her husband by interacting with Angeles three years ago.) “Some health-endangering walk that day with James Dean in it?” the agent, credo for most of her career. She his younger digital avatar (Jon people are appalled and some are the way someone describes a dessert Gregg Klein, said. has plunged ahead through changes Hamm). Her character is warned by scared by that, and that’s what with bold fl avours. The distributor of Marjorie Prime, in the entertainment industry family members of the dangers of makes it so interesting. As Smith walked into one the micro-indie Film Rise, plans to and the rises and falls of more resurrecting, even technologically, “But I’m not sure I would ever studio that January day, she found conduct an awards campaign for boldfaced names, quietly stealing a person she should be putting want a hologram of someone I herself in a swirl of contemporary Smith. (Amazingly, she has never scenes in American fi lm classics like behind her. But she fi nds herself lost,” she added. “I don’t think I’m Hollywood. Hamm was sitting on been nominated for an Oscar.) And East of Eden, Five Easy Pieces and propelled forward by both curiosity adventurous enough.” the fl oor checking his text messages. though the movie is likely to fi nd Fried Green Tomatoes and subtly and emotional need, embracing her The January afternoon when Tim Robbins, who also stars in the only niche success, Smith’s appeal Wednesday, August 30, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 STORY COMMUNITY Smith makes a mark n her own low-key way within the industry as someone who with a part in Greta Gerwig’s makes not so big a deal about being upcoming directorial eff ort, Lady so good suggests it’s not such a far- Bird, which will debut at next fetched idea. month’s Toronto International Film Asked what he thinks is the key Festival, and she’s signed on for a to Smith’s appeal and longevity, pair of new plays. And why just take Hamm said, “I don’t know that it’s on a part without studying a new a formula, but I really think there’s language? Smith has begun learning something about the way she to sign for one of the works, in which doesn’t make a big deal of it. She she will play opposite deaf actors. doesn’t present a diva aura – she’s Smith has a tendency not to just there and ready to do the work.” look back; unlike her character Of how that unfl appability helped in Marjorie Prime, she believes her in Marjorie Prime, Hamm said: retrospection off ers little reward. It’s “The last thing you want to do is one reason, perhaps, she has been turn this into a sad meditation on able to keep working so steadily in death. And Lois didn’t do that at an industry seized by such chaotic all. She tapped into a real sense of change. wonder at this new, weird thing.” But she allows herself a moment Born Lois Humbert in Kansas of refl ection about the technological in 1930, Smith began acting and other shifts of entertainment professionally shortly after World promotion. War II, arriving in New York (after “I remember I did a play on an adolescence in Seattle) to a host Broadway years ago, and I was doing of television and stage roles. She a breakfast at Sardi’s – it was a radio achieved fame so quickly that by interview. And it seemed rather 1955, she was on the cover of Life exciting, and exciting to my mother, magazine. who was visiting from Seattle. Press She continued working in a way wasn’t a commonplace thing back that would do her Midwestern roots then,” she said ruefully. proud, at times taking on as many as At Sundance she stopped at the half a dozen parts in a year. fourth studio in the space of fi ve Onstage she would consistently snow-fi lled hours. leave a mark, catching Tony “Would you like any gifts?” a nominators’ attention for parts well-scrubbed female assistant, in “Grapes of Wrath” and Sam about college-age, asked, bounding Shepard’s “Buried Child.” up to her. Fittingly given her character-actor “Maybe I’ll try on the boots,” Born Lois Humbert in Kansas in 1930, Smith began acting professionally shortly after World War II. legend, both were in the featured she said of one piece of swag. Then (supporting) category. a moment later, she changed her What’s notable on the movie front mind. “I don’t need them,” she said “I don’t know why I’m able to keep doing it. I really is how her roles have spanned eras. and stepped back into the snow- think the fact that I’m fortunate plays a role – I’m in good Nearly every generation currently swept street in her well-worn shoes alive, from boomers to Gen-Xers to to move to the next stop. -TNS health, I’m mobile, I have most of my marbles.” millennials, probably has a favourite movie with Lois Smith in it, whether Eden, Five Easy Pieces, Fatal Attraction or Minority Report. Though Smith studied at Lee Strasberg’s acting school, she does not attribute her continued go-to status among fi lmmakers and casting directors as anything more than a desire to keep grinding away. “I don’t know why I’m able to keep doing it,” she said. “I really think the fact that I’m fortunate plays a role – I’m in good health, I’m mobile, I have most of my marbles.” At one of the Sundance studios, a sponsor-minded moderator fi nished a video interview by asking what snack the actors like to consume when watching movies. The cast, which also includes Geena Davis, all answered with genial tolerance. One mentioned Peanut M&M’s, another popcorn. Then Smith’s turn came. “I like Jack Daniels,” she said, matter of factly. More interviews are in her future. Smith continues her prolifi c ways Lois Smith in East of Eden, which was released in 1955. Smith with Tom Cruise in Minority Report. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Five tips to make family mealtimes more mindful

he hectic workday is over. What you’ll want to do is shake off meal, put the devices out of reach – As you pull into your any lingering “fi ght or fl ight” stress or in another room, if that’s practical. driveway, you feel relief response that’s making you feel tense because you’ve fi nally and on edge. With deep breathing Include the kids escaped the cranky co- techniques – the kind that get your With devices out of the way, it’s Tworkers, the deadlines and traffi c belly moving – you’ll lower your also much easier and more pleasant jams. Now you can spend the next heart rate and feel much calmer. Sit to focus on the people in the room. few hours relaxing at home with your in your favourite chair, soften your If your kids are hanging around family. What better way to enjoy gaze and start those long, drawn-out the kitchen, take it as a sign they this time than with a delicious meal inhales and exhales, counting your want to be with you, so use this together? breath if needed. Just by transitioning time to connect. A great way to do Sometimes, the lingering stress into this calmer state, you’ll set the this is to include kids with the meal can be hard to shake, especially if right mood and standard for the rest preparation. The youngest ones can you’re in a rush to get dinner on of the evening. rinse fruits and vegetables, cut soft example, this recipe for Easy Shrimp for mindful eating. Before earnest the table. You can shed your stress foods with a butter knife and tear Kabobs will allow you to get the conversation begins, put your focus and make this time together more Give the devices a timeout lettuce. Older kids can help measure entrée ready in minutes, plus the on the food you’ve taken the time to meaningful. Consciously ease into Being mindful is all about staying ingredients, stir and whisk, and skewers and easy dips will make this a prepare. Put down your fork, and pay the transition from work mode to in the present and following each eventually peel foods with a paring fun favourite with the kids. For more attention to the fl avours, the textures family mode, and use these tips action with intention and awareness. knife. ideas and inspiration to make the and how you respond to them. No to make your evening meal more But when your mobile device is weeknight meals more mindful and matter how hungry you are, don’t relaxing and mindful. pinging from the latest Facebook Simplify your menu relaxing, visit seapak.com/recipes. rush. Mindful eating is all about update, text message or news alert, Eliminate the stress of getting pacing yourself and staying in the Take a breath that can distract us from this calm weeknight meals on the table, and Slow down and savour the moment. As soon as you get home, just and aware state of mind. For now, build a list of delicious go-to meals food take a few minutes and chill out. while you’re preparing and eating the that you can prepare with ease. For Give yourself a few moments ©Brandpoint

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

Delays in accomplishing certain goals could have you feeling Today it looks like you might not be able to attend a group activity A delay in completing an important project could have you feeling down today, Pisces. You could wonder if you did something wrong. that you’ve been anticipating, Taurus. Other pressing matters may irritated, frustrated, and inadequate, Gemini, even though you’ve Chances are you didn’t. The delays probably stem from poor demand your immediate attention. This could prove frustrating. done your best. The problem is probably beyond your control. There communication. Letters, e-mails, and other messages might not However, if you work quickly and eff iciently, you might be able to isn’t much you can do about this but wait. There are probably a lot of have been delivered in a timely manner. Hang in there and continue make it after all. Budget your time carefully and get to it! other important tasks waiting. Take care of them and get your mind to believe in yourself. off the other. It’ll get done eventually. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Some pressing matters might have you worried that you may have If you’ve been thinking about investing, Leo, this isn’t the day to Attempts to reach a potential or current business partner could go to postpone a much-needed vacation, Cancer. You could be tempted start. Not only would there be delays in processing your investment awry today, Virgo. Phone messages may not get delivered, emails to go into a funk over it, but don’t. It could create the very situation but it also probably won’t pay off the way you hope. Read about the could get lost, and letters remain unopened. This person is having you don’t want. If you budget your time and work eff iciently, you’ll options open to you and then consult with someone knowledgeable a hectic day. Don’t think he or she is upset with you. If you really probably be able to go on your trip as planned and have a wonderful in a few days. Think about it and then if you’re so inclined, go ahead. need to reach this person now, you might have to go over there. time. Don’t do it now! Technology isn’t going to do it for you today. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today you might feel a little out of sorts, Libra, perhaps because of Today you might be eagerly awaiting a phone call that never seems A member of your household could be depressed over their job, overindulgence from last night. You might be tempted to stay home to come from a current or potential romantic partner, Scorpio. This Sagittarius. Something may have gone wrong that wasn’t their fault. in spite of other commitments. This actually might be a wise course could awaken your insecurity and cause you to think the worst. You might be called upon to distract this person and get him or her of action, though you may feel better by midafternoon. Spend the You should be relieved when the call finally comes, probably in going again. You won’t be alone in this. More than one visitor could morning relaxing and taking care of yourself. See what the rest of midafternoon. Relax, hang in there, and keep busy! drop by to bring good news and information, thereby improving the the day brings. mood. You’ll enjoy this, too! CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Some letters, checks, or phone calls you may have been expecting Some news about money, perhaps a check in the mail you’ve been Delays in accomplishing certain goals could have you feeling for a long time could still be delayed, Capricorn. There’s no reason waiting for still might not come. This could be frustrating, Aquarius, down today, Pisces. You could wonder if you did something wrong. to get too frustrated, as the delays are beyond your control. The especially since there isn’t much you can do about it. It will come, so Chances are you didn’t. The delays probably stem from poor best course is to find something else to do and let whatever you’re the best thing to do is distract yourself and get your mind off it. Find communication. Letters, emails, and other messages might not have waiting for come when it will. It hasn’t been lost - it will come! a good book and catch up on your reading! been delivered in a timely manner. Hang in there and continue to believe in yourself. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 CARTOONS COMMUNITY

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Mesdames et Messieurs

ANTOINE ETIENNE JULES NICOLE ARMAND GEORGES LOUIS ODETTE BRIGETTE GUSTAVE MADELEINE PHILIPPE CAMILLE HENRI MARCEL PIERRE CLAUDETTE JACQUES MARIE SERGE EMIL JEANNE MICHEL THIERRY

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. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY PUZZLES

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. The lawyers were furious 1. Railman’s spirit (6) when under attack (8) 2. Strengthen curb put on the 5. Summer’s creatures (6) police (9) 10. Quick to put the boot in? 3. Insights into a country’s (5,3,7) Conservative leadership (7) 11. Vandalises some French 4. Some members in nearby cafes, which will need town given backing (5) refitting (7) 6. Refuse to go across (7) 12. Nice to have dined with the 7. Rice prepared by a girl (5) archbishop (7) 8. Calls to mind jokes 13. Here state: ‘Quiet screen schoolmaster first told (8) performance by English lead’ 9. The captain’s got butterflies (8) (8) 15. Figure it’s a rowing boat (5) 14. Ron’s tum’s settled by 18. A fair chance the first woman medicines (8) has to get quarters (5) 16. Lie about Gordon having Answers 20. Supports wrongs thanks to trained as a boatman (9) American intervention (8) 17. It’s indeed base to have run 23. I marred performance for a off (8) Wordsearch Codeword fan (7) 19. Afterthought about 25. Miles dances about - so ceremonies performed to supple (7) conjure up spirits (7) 26. Fairly similar rule chatty Mike 21. Jack’s got Tina dressed to bent on the quiet (6,4,5) keep dry (7) 27. Man, one’s put on weight. 22. Rely on some Parisian writer Leave off! (6) figure (6) 28. Gathered Her Majesty’s 24. Comes Across backward to break up the garden character in writing (5) assembly (8) 25. Girl agents at London University (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Straw-hat 5 Hamper DOWN: 1 Sachet 2 Runner 3 9 Condones 10 Astern 12 Whopper 4 Apex 6 Assumes Exempt 13 Let me see 15 Grain 7 Pleasant 8 Rendered 11 of sense 18 Official view 23 Revolve 14 Pirates 16 Bowl Look over 24 Recall 26 Verbal over 17 Of course 19 Chorale 27 Makes out 28 Reeled 29 20 Everest 21 Salome 22 Slates Mattress. 25 Saga. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 CINEMA COMMUNITY

A scene from Downsizing. The film imagines what might happen if, as a solution to over-population, Norwegian scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall and propose a 200-year global transition from big to small. Miniature men in Downsizing to herald Venice Film Fest

on a shutdown mode. So, it is easy to get – how big their houses could be in such little a terrifying poster – on Mother’s Day – of By Gautaman Bhaskaran inexpensive accommodation on the mainland space, how cheap food would be, and so on. Lawrence holding her “bloodied heart”. with almost round the clock boat service When I proposed to Jim that we treat the idea Also to be taken note of will be Guillermo between a couple of points there and the as a panacea for over-population and climate del Toro – whose movie on the Cold War, The he 74th edition of the Venice Film Lido. The boats in fact arrive just behind the change, the premise soon revealed itself as Shape of Water (with Sally Hawkins), will Festival opens today, August Palazzo del Cinema, the main venue where a marvellous prism through which we could compete with 20 others for the prestigious 30, with Alexander Payne’s all the action happens – the Red Carpet look at many things that interest, amuse and Golden Lion. Downsizing. Set to roll 11 days galas, the stars in attendance and the movies, disgust us about the modern world. Now I’ve Britain’s Lean on Pete (adapted from Willy of cinema from many many invariably a delightful selection. said too much!” Vlautin’s novel) will also vie for the Golden Tcountries, the Festival is the oldest in Downsizing is also a science fi ction like Sounds fascinating and with Payne’s drama Lion – narrating a story about a young boy the world, predating its more illustrious Gravity – which heralded the Festival a having on its cast such fabulous actors as and his aff ection for an incapacitated race compatriot at Cannes, and is located on the few years ago and which spoke about two Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau horse. Some of the others in this top category quaint little island of Lido, which overlooks astronauts (George Clooney and Sandra and Kristen Wiig, the movie is bound to grip will be the Japanese helmer, Hirokazu mainland Venice’s stunning San Marco Bullock) getting lost in the dark, dark space. us. Koreeda, with his crime adventure, The Third Square with its tall spire and churches rising Here is what the Festival says about And, it is quite, quite possible that Murder, French auteur Abdellatif Kechiche’s majestically from the ground. Downsizing in its brochure: “Downsizing Downsizing would be part of next year’s (who gave us Blue is the Warmest Colour) The Italian Fascist leader, Benito Mussolini, imagines what might happen if, as a solution Oscars race. In fact, it is not the Cannes Mektoub My Love, Three Billboards Outside who founded the Festival, had two reasons to to over-population, Norwegian scientists Film Festival, but Venice which has in Ebbing, Missouri (Frances McDormand and get cinema going in Venice. One, the medium discover how to shrink humans to fi ve inches recent years become the most important directed by Martin McDonagh), and Paulo would serve as an excellent platform for tall and propose a 200-year global transition launchpad for every Oscar aspirant. This Virzi’s comedy, The Leisure Seeker, starring his politically-charged documentaries that from big to small. People soon realise how year, George Clooney with his Suburbicon, Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland. propagated his ideology and also that of his much further money goes in a miniaturised Darren Aronofsky with Mother and Payne are Outside the Competition, the Festival will ally, Adolf Hitler. Two, the Festival coming at world, and with the promise of a better life, some who are tipped to get into the Academy off er fi lms like The Lunchbox, Ritesh Batra’s the end of the summer holiday season would everyman Paul Safranek and wife Audrey Awards. Our Souls at Night (with Robert Redford and boost falling tourism and hotel occupancy. decide to abandon their stressed lives in In fact, Damon has scored a double Jane Fonda), Stephen Frears’ Victoria and The Festival for many years managed to Omaha in order to get small and move to a whammy this year by also appearing in Abdul (which will have Judi Dench reprising fulfi l both of Mussolini’s aspirations – in fact, new downsized community—a choice that Clooney’s Suburbicon – which is written her role as Queen Victoria two decades after angering, at one point, the French, who left triggers life-changing adventures.” by brothers Ethan and Joel Coen, who gave starring as the monarch in Mrs Brown along the Festival midway in a huff because of its In a note Payne writes: “The last thing us gems like Fargo, No Country for Old Men with Ali Fazal) and Loving Pablo, a biopic brazen leaning towards Italian political fare. I want to write is a ‘director’s statement. and Inside llewn Davis. Suburbicon is a of Pablo Escobar starring Javier Bardem as The French later opened their own festival at Antonioni used to protest, ‘Don’t you realise period piece set in the 1950s and talks about a drug kingpin. The Festival will close with Cannes. that anything I say will diminish, rather than a peaceful suburban community which is Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage Coda, a Yakuza However, today with 3,000 journalists and enhance, your experience of the fi lm?’ So shattered by a home invasion. thriller from Japan. many more thousands of others thronging I’ll keep it brief. I make comedies, and this Aronofsky’s (who chaired the Venice Venice, hotels fi nd patronage all right. But idea came from my co-writer Jim Taylor and Competition jury in 2011) Mother has Jennifer z Gautaman Bhaskaran has covered the this is normally confi ned to Lido, with his brother musing about how much better Lawrence in a psychological thriller. The work Venice Film Festival for 18 years and may be the tourist fl ow to main Venice already people could live if they were able to shrink created a scandal of sorts when it released e-mailed at [email protected] 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 30, 2017 COMMUNITY The band plays on for one-time Vietnamese political prisoner

By Bennett Murray

n a smoke-fi lled cafe near Hanoi’s West Lake, the elderly Nguyen Van Loc sings old love songs to a well- dressed crowd. IThe lyrics – whose English translations would not be out of place in a Frank Sinatra song – once earned him nearly a decade of hard labour during the Vietnam War on charges of subversion. While Vietnam’s single-party communist state has since come to accept what it once pejoratively called “yellow music,” the traditional love songs from the pre- war era previously were banned for decades. The genre, named in contrast to the offi cially sanctioned revolutionary “red music,” was deemed “counter-revolutionary” at a time when pre-war culture was shunned. Love songs, with their tender sentimentality standing in stark contrast to revolutionary fi ght songs, were particularly reviled. Now 72, Loc says that all he wants is his honour back. “I’ve sacrifi ced everything to regain my old honour and to defend my music. I’ve paid a high price for my passion and my love,” the musician says. Ngoc Dai, a famed contemporary Nguyen Van Loc, singer and former political prisoner, sings at his small Hanoi cafe to a crowd of mostly elderly Vietnamese. Vietnamese musician, calls Loc a “rare and talented” legacy of a the ancient regime,” says Loc. past era. “Yellow music has a very Loc and his friends managed important position, a bright point to maintain their secretive act for in our musical history, transmitted three years until they were found to this generation from others out in 1968 for reasons not entirely despite the fact that it used to be clear. considered ‘hostile music,’ “ he All three were convicted says. for “attacks on the culture of Born in 1945 during the twilight socialism,” with Loc receiving a 10- years of French colonialism, Loc year sentence consisting of solitary came of age in communist North confi nement and forced labour. Vietnam during the war. But his luck began to turn in 1973 At age 20, in the year of the fi rst with the signing of the Paris Peace major land battle between US and Accords. North Vietnamese forces, Loc While it would be another began a cover band with two friends two years before Vietnam’s that played pre-war love ballads. reunifi cation, Hanoi’s tide towards “We were very young and didn’t victory resulted in a sentence have any opinion about politics, we reduction for Loc. only had passion for music,” says He was released in 1976, got Nguyen Van Loc, singer and former political prisoner, sings at his small Hanoi cafe. Loc. married and had a son, who Using old guitars they bought at inherited his father’s love of music while another gave up singing and subversive symbolism Loc had received an apology from the a fl ea market, the three performed and today teaches guitar at the lives anonymously in Hanoi. come to represent. government. at their Hanoi homes late into the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. Loc tried throughout the 1990s “I love him for his stand against A show in Ho Chi Minh City – his night over tea and cigarettes. In 1986, Vietnam initiated its to establish a venue where he could the power of communism, which fi rst ever scheduled in the former Only close friends were invited. fi rst series of reforms, and Loc saw sing but was thrice thwarted by outlawed and imprisoned him South Vietnam – was forcibly The doors were kept shut, lest an opening back into performing. authorities. He was fi nally allowed for singing songs, even though cancelled by authorities in March neighbours report them for playing With Vietnamese totalitarianism to open his cafe in 2008. Its name, [they’re] just purely about love,” 2017. yellow music. becoming more lax, songs Loc Vang, means “Yellow Loc.” says Anh. “One question I have for the While the lyrics sang only of previously shunned as yellow were He now attracts a mostly elderly “He could not stand the songs government is, why do all the young love, the regime considered rebranded as “pre-war” music, to crowd, although Loc said younger that were made for the ‘revolution,’ composers who wrote such music them decadent throwbacks tainted be celebrated as cultural artefacts. “intellectuals” also come to his that had no true love, true romance, get honoured, and why did I, who with capitalism. But Loc’s status as a former thrice-weekly performances. but to inspire war,” he adds. only sings their music, lose my “All the old masterpieces political prisoner continues to Cuong Anh, a 45-year-old But even though the songs’ honour and get nothing?” of literature, the arts – they haunt him and his bandmates. One electrical engineer and regular composers are now offi cially “I only want to get back my considered them bad products from of them died homeless in 2004, at Loc’s shows, says he loves the celebrated, Loc says he has never honour,” he says. -DPA