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YOUR PAGE, YOUR STAGE!

There’s probably a photographer hidden in each of us, looking out for a platform. Community invites you to grab your chance and send your contributions with contact details and complete description of the images to [email protected] — PHOTO ESSAY, Page 10

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Ramadan 10, 1440 AH

Doha today 280 - 390

Second innings Why Diane Keaton cares more about Instagram than Hollywood. P4-5

COVER STORY

SHOWBIZ BACK PAGE

Tara is not upset with mixed Psychological eff ects reviews for SOTY 2. of fasting. Page 11 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.23am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.51am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am Asr (afternoon) 2.59pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.13pm Isha (night) 7.43pm

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Aengers:Endgame Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the DIRECTION: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo remaining Avengers, Thor, Black Widow, Captain America CAST: Brie Larson, Winston Duke, Karen Gillan and Bruce Banner, must fi gure out a way to bring back their Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: With the help of remaining allies, the vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos, the evil Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ who decimated the planet and the universe. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 actions and restore order to the universe. Adrift in space Local Directory 180 with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374

Uyare always aspired to become a pilot. How she gets back on her DIRECTION: Manu Ashokan feet through sheer resilience after being beset by a series of CAST: Parvathy, Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali personal crises forms the crux of the fi lm. SYNOPSIS: Pallavi, a strong-willed woman who has THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q “All you need The Mall Cinema (1): Palace (1): Student of the is the plan, the road (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Year 2 (Hindi) 2:30pm; map, and the courage to press Maharshi (Telugu) 8:15pm; Maharshi (Telugu) 8:15pm; on to your destination.” Kee (Tamil) 11:30pm. 8:15pm; Uyare (Malayalam) Student of the Year 2 (Hindi) The Mall Cinema (2): — Earl Nightingale 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Student of the Year 2 (Hindi) Landmark Cinema (2): Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): 2:30pm; Student of the Year Maharshi (Telugu) 2:15pm; Avengers: 2 (Hindi) 8:15pm; Ayogya Uyare (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Endgame (2D) 2:15pm; (Tamil) 11pm. Maharshi (Telugu) 11pm. Uyare (Malayalam) 9pm; The Mall Cinema (3): 100 Landmark Cinema (3): Ayogya (Tamil) 11:15pm. (Tamil) 2:30pm; Avengers: Royal Plaza Cinema Community Editor Student of the Year 2 (Hindi) Palace (3): Kamran Rehmat Endgame (2D) 8:30pm; 2:30pm; Student of the Year 100 (Tamil) e-mail: [email protected] Uyare (Malayalam) 11:30pm. 2 (Hindi) 8:15pm; Ayogya 2:15pm; Avengers: Landmark Cinema (1): Telephone: 44466405 (Tamil) 11pm. Endgame (2D) 8:15pm; Fax: 44350474 Uyare (Malayalam) 3pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Uyare (Malayalam) Avengers: Endgame (2D) 11:30pm. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

WHEN: June 30 – August 1 (Includes Iftar boxes for fasting participants). TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm For further details, contact 55448835 During this time, all therapists and teachers will be working together, running Artistic Gymnastic Classes individual, peer and group sessions within WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb classes. The children will continue learning WHEN: Ongoing age-appropriate concepts, work on social TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm skills, life skills training, arts and crafts, The olympic sport using horizontal bar, music, and fun activities such as water play. rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

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Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY The problem — and fun — that is Instagram At 73, Diane Keaton has become an Instagram fashion influencer. She has 939,000 followers, but wants 1 million. She’s obsessed with it, writes Amy Kaufman

iane Keaton doesn’t really track the box offi ce of the fi lms she’s in anymore. The numbers she’s obsessed withD are on Instagram. “Instagram. Here’s the problem. Let me just tell you what the problem is,” she says, speaking excitedly. “It’s about checking in to see how many people liked it or are following you. It becomes a problem.” At age 73 — alongside the likes of ad-sponsored millennials like Chiara Ferragni and Aimee Song — Keaton has become an Instagram fashion infl uencer. She has 939,000 followers, but wants 1 million. She’s been on the platform since 2015. At fi rst, she used it like Pinterest, sharing her favourite sepia-toned images of dilapidated barns, her golden retriever or a young Matt Dillon. In December, she started posting photos of her outfi ts. Oft-menswear inspired, of course, and almost always black or white. Wide- brimmed hats by Nick Fouquet. A Commes des Garçons skirt. A pair of Maison Margiela denim gauchos that she received “MORE COMPLIMENTS ON [THAN] ANYTHING I’VE EVER WORN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.” (All of Keaton’s captions are written in capital letters, not because she wants to convey enthusiasm, but because she fi nds all-caps more aesthetically pleasing.) And at the same time as her feed has reasserted her cultural We all see ourselves in relevance — inspiring headlines in Vogue and InStyle — Keaton a certain way, and that has been starring in movies that examine how isolating it can be to might not be how the be a septuagenarian. In her latest, Poms, she plays a woman who world sees us. I think starts a cheerleading squad at her it’s private for her. She retirement home in a quest to fi nd meaning after being diagnosed with definitely has a way cancer. The fi lm, out Friday, follows last year’s Book Club, in which her that she works. I think character’s daughters are so worried her need is to be in about their mother living alone in LA that they try to force her to move the moment to their community in Arizona. It can be diffi cult to see Keaton in these roles, given the reality of her ‘ own life. She is an active patron of — Zara Hayes, the arts, recently turning up at an LA documentary filmmaker County meeting alongside Brad Pitt to endorse the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s $650-million redesign. Last year, she purchased ’ an 1880s-era adobe house in the Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Barrio Viejo neighbourhood of Tucson, Arizona, that she’s now renovating. And then, of course, there’s Instagram, where A-listers like Kate Hudson, Nancy Meyers and Michelle Pfeiff er follow her every “I know what move. “I FEEL THAT I NEED TO my limitations BE IN THAT CLOSET WITH YOU,” Gwyneth Paltrow commented on are and what I one of her posts last month. Keaton responded by telling Paltrow to can and can’t do. “come over any time!,” even though So if something she doesn’t actually know her IRL. (“Right near where I live, she has a appeals to me, store. Goop. Amazing, wouldn’t you say? It’s pretty astonishing. She’s I’m definitely been great online. Probably we will see each other at some point. But going to go for it” I’m really impressed by her skills — Diane Keaton and her visuals in that Goop. I mean, hello?”) Despite it all, though — usually when she’s trying to fall asleep, or when she’s at the start of a new day — Keaton has been quietly contemplating her own mortality. “Of course, you think about it. How can you not?” she says. “I Oscar and two Golden Globes, she “I think she’s a wonderful actor. was a mediocre movie star at best.” month made a not-so-veiled jab mean, I’m 73. How long do you live? repeatedly insists that she is not a I never had a moment with Diane “Maybe I didn’t think about what at Keaton in an interview when It’s really important what those “professional” actress. She says that where she wasn’t being truthful and I was saying, because that’s not fair,” she said she wanted to do movies years are like. Those years from 73 she is diffi cult to edit because she has authentic. She just might have a she says now, refl ecting on the line. “that aren’t apologetically humble to what, you know? A lot of people continuity issues, that she’s unable to diff erent way of getting there.” And yet, when looking for projects, or humiliating, like ‘band of get sick, a lot of people don’t make do something exactly the same way On set, Hayes says Keaton was she says that she does not seek cheerleaders gets back together for it. It’s harder to reach out as you get twice. She recalls going to see Jessica constantly insisting: “I’m not Meryl female collaborators “more than one last hurrah.’” older. I think that people don’t really Lange in a 1992 Broadway production Streep, Zara.” anyone else” and that she has not “Maybe she doesn’t like light consort with older people as much, of A Streetcar Named Desire and “We all see ourselves in a certain experienced a diff erence in working — well, maybe she thinks a movie or embrace them, because it’s a being perplexed by the drive her peer way, and that might not be how with women versus men on set. like — I don’t know. It’s too cute?” diff erent time of life.” expressed for the craft. the world sees us,” the director Keaton faced criticism for not Keaton says, searching for the right Not surprisingly, Keaton is still “She’d be onstage and she’d be says. “I think it’s private for her. supporting women as she remained words. “Oh well, whatever. I mean, very interested in working. When crying — crying real tears onstage. She defi nitely has a way that she a steadfast defender of her longtime please. It’s fi ne. What do I expect? she was fi rst invited to meet with OK?” Keaton says. “So I went back works. I think her need is to be in friend and Annie Hall director I mean, you know, hey. Everybody’s documentary fi lmmaker Zara Hayes, to see her and I said, ‘Oh, God, I the moment. Every actor needs Woody Allen. When child sex entitled to how they feel about who also directed Poms, she says don’t know how you do this. I mean, that, but I think she needs that even allegations made by Allen’s adopted certain kinds of things. Maybe she that “of course” she went, because how do you do this?’ (She said) ‘I more — to not be in her head. I think daughter Dylan Farrow resurfaced in doesn’t like that kind of genre.” she is no longer as in-demand as love it so much.’ I’m going, ‘You do?’ anything that over-intellectualises wake of the #MeToo scandal, Keaton Keaton feels proud of Poms, she once was. Hayes surmises that Not me. You couldn’t get me to do the process is like death to her.” tweeted in January 2018: “Woody though, especially because it raises that may just be Keaton’s modesty that day after day. I don’t want to do In recent years, Keaton has Allen is my friend and I continue to issues about loneliness in older age. at play, noting that she knows of at it day after day. Not only do I want to increasingly begun to work with believe him.” It’s something she’s been thinking least three recent projects that were do something diff erent, I don’t want female directors, namely Meyers, Today, she refuses to address the about a lot since her brother, Randy, sent to the actress’ team and that to go there day after day and do the whom she credits with “saving situation further. two years her junior, was diagnosed “got a fl at-out ‘no.’” same thing and feel those feelings (her) fi lm life” when she cast her “I don’t talk about it all,” she says, with dementia. He stays at a Sunrise “People are scared of her,” Hayes like that. She’s an actress. It’s like in 2003’s Something’s Gotta Give starting to fi dget in her seat. “I think living facility in Culver City, where says, wondering aloud why her Glenn Close. I mean, these people (which earned her a fourth Oscar I’ve said what I have to say about Keaton visits him every Sunday. Poms star may be approached less often are really actresses.” nomination for lead actress). Still, in Woody and his situation.” was also shot at a Sunrise facility — by Hollywood types. “She doesn’t One of Keaton’s costars in Poms, 2011, she wrote in her memoir, Then In fact, she seems wary of this one outside Atlanta — and so internalise the idea of herself as an Jacki Weaver, laughs at this notion. Again, that in her career, she has entering into any further public Randy was often called to mind. icon, which is what makes her so “She thinks she’s a performer,” sometimes felt that “without a great disputes. She refuses to clap back “Look, being older is being endearing and real. She wants to Weaver says with a knowing smile. man writing and directing for me, I at Anjelica Huston, who this rejected much more than when e-mail you and for you to e-mail her you’re a younger age,” she says. back. She doesn’t have all of these “Even in your 60s, you can get by layers of people around her.” with people taking you seriously. Indeed, Keaton does not employ a But everybody’s afraid to be old. formal publicist, using her assistant Because what it means is they’re to fi eld press requests. And she too gonna die. The reminder of it is obviously serves as her own stylist. unpleasant, and the appearance of Sitting for an interview earlier it is unpleasant for a lot of people. this month, she’d chosen to wear It’s like a homeless person. You’re a signature black turtleneck with frequently seen as a toss-away.” sleeves that grazed her knuckles Keaton acknowledges that she has underneath a white coat cinched not been treated that way, calling with a big leather belt. She had herself “lucky” because she has chunky silver rings on almost every earned money and can sustain her fi nger and her gray hair had been lifestyle. Acting is still primarily immaculately blown out. how she makes her living, but her “I know what I am by now,” she interest is more in her hobbies these says. “I know how old I am. I know days. If she had enough money, she what my limitations are and what says, she’d like to buy old factory I can and can’t do. So if something buildings, “maybe do them up better appeals to me, I’m defi nitely going to and sell them. Take care of them.” go for it.” “It’s up to you to make something Still, her feelings about acting of it yourself,” she says of older age. remain complicated. She says she “I mean, what about retirement? sometimes worries that audiences To me, when people talk about have grown tired of her, joking: retirement, it just seems like, “Well, I mean, really, how much ‘What? Don’t do that.’ You can get can you take? If you’re the audience lost without the patterns of your life. member, how much of that person It’s about opening up new patterns.” can you take?” And despite her THE UNLIKELY INSTAGRAM STAR: A screenshot of Diane Keaton’s Instagram page. — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY

Four students win WCM-Q essay competition

Four students, including Aisha Rashid al-Marri, a student at Al Eman Independent School for Girls; prevent them. She said, “It is the most common disease in Arabic society and at the root of Dalal Khalid al-Fadli, Academic Bridge Programme; Dyana Hamad Alblooshi, Qatar Academy; and preventing it is convincing people to take care of themselves. I’m interested in being a doctor in Haya Khalid Rahimi, Newton International Academy Barwa City, are all set to fly to US on a two- the future. You are able to help many people but it is also your job so you can make a career and week research experience at Weill Cornell Medicine’s biomedical research laboratories in New a living from it.” York, as well as attending lectures with faculty and meeting students after winning Weill Cornell The Healing Hands essay contest is held annually and is designed to encourage high school Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Healing Hands essay contest. The students will also move to Cornell students to think critically about relevant healthcare and scientific topics and to consider a career University in Ithaca where they will stay at the campus and tour the wide-ranging facilities that in medicine. the Ivy League university off ers. Noha Saleh, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at WCM-Q, said, “The quality of entries The annual essay competition challenges local high school students to write the best for the Healing Hands contest improves every year; this year the judges had a particularly diff icult composition on a given topic. This year, the subject was ‘Lifestyle Medicine Practice in Qatar’. The time in selecting the winners, such was the high standard. It was obvious that everyone who students were asked to write an eight-hundred-word essay with consideration to the health of the submitted an essay had conducted their own research and given a serious amount of thought to community and exploring the challenges and benefits of integrating lifestyle medicine into the the topic, and I hope that the passion and interest they displayed for the subject will continue and Qatari healthcare system. that they opt for a career in medicine. In doing so, they will increase local capacity in healthcare Haya Khalid Rahimi said her essay discussed consumption in Qatar and the need for balanced and help the nation meet the challenges of Qatar National Vision 2030.” diets, suff icient sleep, and a reduction in stress. She also talked about how the Qatari climate, Students from various schools in Qatar, including Al Eman Independent School for Girls, particularly in summer, can demotivate people from exercising. She added, “I entered the Academic Bridge Program, Newton International Academy - Barwa City, Qatar Academy – Doha, competition because I wanted to see the Weill Cornell campus in New York and learn how the Gulf English School, Al Bayan Independent School for Girls, Middle East International School, medical college system works in the US.” Amna bint Wahab Independent School for Girls, Rabaa Al Adweya Independent School for Girls, Aisha Rashid al-Marri said her essay examined cardiovascular diseases and how lifestyle Hayat Universal Bilingual School and Rawda bint Jassim Independent School for Girls participated medicine – a balanced diet, increased exercise, reduced stress, and smoking cessation – can in the competition.

RUNNERS UP: Team of MES Indian School recently bagged second position in Malayalam Folk Song Competition organised by Kanal Qatar. A team of 10 included boys and girls of Grade VII-IX. The team was trained by the faculty members of MES, including Anwar V P, Mini V, and Kavitha. The team was guided by Sheela Ravindra Kumar, Co-ordinator of Malayalam at MES, and Kavitha Rajan. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY DPS-MIS conducts mock fire and evacuation drill

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently conducted a mock fire and evacuation drill to taken for evacuation and the teachers explained the same to the students. As soon as the alarm create awareness and equip the students of Nursery till Grade XII and faculty members with safety rang, all the students under the guidance of their teachers briskly moved out in an orderly way measures to be adopted in case of an emergency. Prior to the commencement of the exercise, and assembled in the ground where space was allotted for each class. They were briefed about various exits were chalked out and the teachers were briefed about the objectives and steps to be the safety measures there and advised not to panic in case of any disaster.

ISC organises graduation ceremony

The International School of Choueifat (ISC) recently organised its tree planting ceremony for administrative staff and students for their eff orts. Omar Mourad, the valedictorian, and Yusef Alamy, the Grade 12 graduation class of 2019 at the Qatar National Convention Centre theatre. Joseph Student Life Head Prefect, also spoke on the occasion. A tree was then planted to symbolise the Salemeh, Director of ISC, congratulated the graduates on their achievement. He also thanked roots of education and to mark the occasion. Parents and teachers attended the event to honour SABIS Educational Services for providing the tools for success. He appreciated all the teachers, the accomplishments of the students.

CIHT Qatar Group organises technical seminar

Chartered Institution of the innovative testing systems Highways and Transportation was the GPR where it uses high (CIHT) Qatar Group recently frequency radio signal that organised a technical measures various parameters seminar for Highways and of pavements properties very Transportation professionals quickly and with high-level on ‘Innovative Testing and of accuracy. Unlike nuclear Monitoring Techniques in density gauges or radioactive Pavement Construction and alternatives, these innovative Geotechnical Investigations testing systems do not have in Qatar’. The guest speakers, any site hazards or require included Dr Pejman Dehdezi, closing off work areas. Pejman Senior Pavement Specialist, and provided an example of Al Khor Anna Villamor, Geotechnical Expressway where the 25 km Engineering Manager from of non-stop wearing course Fugro Qatar. paving completed by Tekfen In the first session, Dr is in the process of being Pejman Dehdezi introduced submitted for a new Guinness road pavement testing World Records. equipment built with advanced In the second session of technologies that are new in the seminar, Anna Villamor the road pavement testing described the innovative testing sector in Qatar. The equipment, and monitoring systems of include Ground Penetrating geotechnical investigations. She Radar (GPR), Light Weight presented some key challenges Deflectomete (LWD), Falling encountered by professions in Weight Deflectometer the field and how these can be (FWD), Automated Road overcome by using the latest Analyser (ARAN), and also systems. The seminar was other advanced laboratory sponsored by AECOM, BG&E, equipment for asphalt mix DCE, Egis, Fugro, Muhel, PAF, design. For example, one of Salfo, Seero and WSP. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY

PSSC organises career counselling session

Pak Shamaa School and Collage (PSSC) recently organised a career counselling session for the Department from Cyprus International University. The session aimed at making the audience students of Grade XI-XII. Speaking on the occasion, Nabila Kaukab, Principal of PSSC, highlighted aware of the multiple career options available. He also shared information regarding leading the importance of knowing one’s potential and subject of interest before making a decision. She universities and various courses available. He also urged the students not to make decisions based also laid stress on the right combination of subjects as per their aptitude which should be reflected on family expectations and peer pressure. He guided the students to identify their interests and in their academic performance. She emphasized on the importance of making informed decisions. what they are good at. He also advised them to plan multiple activities during their vacations to The session was conducted by Assistant Professor Dr Muhammad Abid, Faculty of Engineering hone their skills.

MES organises felicitation ceremony

MES Indian School recently organised a felicitation ceremony to honour the students for competing The students who received trophies and certificates, included Adnan UN, Hashim Hamas, seven years course in Madrassa. MES is conducting Qur’an coaching classes on every Thursdays Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Rihan, Muhammad Shamil, Omar Jassim,Shiyas Mohammad K, Aaida and Saturdays. Around 200 students gets enrolled in the class each year. In addition to teaching the Abdul Kader, Alina Maharoof, Feda Rahim, Fathima Nidha, Afreen Azeem, Huda Afreen, Khadeeja Holy Qur’an, various subjects are taught, including History of Islam, Akhlaq, Aquaid, Fiqh, Hadith and and Niya Fathima. Hameeda Kadar, Principal of MES, congratulated the students. The event was co- Hifz. Separate classes are also conducted for Malayalam and Urdu speaking students. ordinated by the Department of Islamic Studies at MES.

APPRECIATION DAY: DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently marked Labour Day and Appreciation Day to thank the support staff at DPS-MIS Nursery. The tiny tots expressed their gratitude to the support staff by presenting gifts and colourful cards. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Maserati celebrates the victory of the Tipo 6CM in the 1939 Targa Florio

Maserati has recently announced to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Luigi ‘Gigi’ which provided a major advantage over English and French competitors. The suspensions Villoresi›s impressive win at the 1939 Targa Florio at the wheel of the Maserati Tipo 6CM, consisted of torsion bar springs mounted so that the spring tension could be adjusted to stated a press release. The Milan-born driver achieved victory at the Parco della Favorita suit the characteristics of the circuit. Like the rest of the car, the bodywork was updated in a circuit in Palermo, Sicily on May 14th 1939 by covering the race›s 40 laps, totalling 228 km, variety of ways, especially with regard to its aerodynamics. The extremely rounded shapes, in 1:40.15.4. Luigi Villoresi also recorded the fastest lap in the race with the time of 0:02.24.6, the succession of diff erent side panel forms and the more slanted front clearly reflected the averaging 141.908 km/h. Piero Taruff i and Guido Franco Barbieri finished second and third, research into aerodynamics ongoing throughout the years of its construction. This car›s also in Maserati Tipo 6CM cars. It was a historic result for Maserati, confirming its undisputed racing supremacy reached its peak in 1938, when it triumphed over the formidable British leadership in the prestigious Sicilian race. Maserati had also dominated the 1937 and 1938 ERA cars that had always been the Italian constructors› most dreaded rivals. The same year editions, taking the first three places in both years. Luigi Villoresi also finished first in the 1940 also saw the debut of Alfa Romeo›s famous Alfetta, created for the Vetturette Grand Prix edition, driving a Maserati Tipo 4CL. competitions. However, to the Maserati Brothers› great satisfaction, that year the Tipo 6CM The Targa Florio, one of the world›s oldest and most famous automotive races, is named also defeated the Alfetta at the Pescara GP. after Vincenzo Florio. Florio, a wealthy Palermo businessman already well known in the The Maserati Tipo 6CM proved to be a highly successful car: 27 were built, from 1936 to 1939, racing world, created, funded, and first organised it in 1906. In total 62 editions of the Targa and the model won races on Europe›s leading circuits, both with the off icial team and with Florio took place from 1906 to 1977 (it was not held during the two World Wars). The race gentlemen drivers at the wheel. The Maserati Tipo 6CM holds the record for the most edition was held every year, normally in May, on the roads of Palermo. Sicilian roads, especially the wins at the Targa Florio, with three victories in 1937, 1938 and 1939. narrow, winding roads through the Madonie mountain range, always played a central part in The Maserati Tipo 6CM, perfectly restored to its original livery, is held in Modena and this race. It was only in the years from 1937 to 1940 that the event was held at the Parco della belongs to the Panini Collection. Favorita circuit in Palermo. The Maserati Tipo 6CM, an amazing single-seater racer, was designed by Ernesto Maserati Key technical features of the Tipo 6CM: and began to take shape in 1935. The car was fairly conventional in looks but its contents 1- Engine: vertical straight six were extremely advanced. Even more ground-breaking than the new engine (a straight six 2- Displacement: 1,493.2 cc with the cylinders cast in the same block as the head and arranged in pairs on the same 3- Power: 155-175 hp at 6,200-6,600 rpm elektron crankcase, twin overhead camshafts driven by a rising gear chain, 2 valves per 4- Transmission: Four speeds + reverse cylinder and a Roots volumetric supercharger, providing a maximum power of 175 HP), the 5- Chassis: 2 chassis beams with steel cross-members, aluminium bodywork car›s most distinctive feature was its chassis, which marked a major step forward in vehicle 6- Weight: 650 kg design. The basic structure was still the ladder frame, but with innovative front suspensions Top speed: 210-230 km/h

Experience Ramadan delights at Alwadi Hotel Doha

To showcase the delectable Ramadan captures the charm of the Middle East with delight, Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery by live music and high quality food, which is AccorHotels, promises to make this Ramadan another core attribute of the month.” truly memorable for diners with an array of He added, “This Holy Month of Ramadan, our irresistible flavours and promotions, stated Executive Chef has brought in a plethora of a press release. The hotel’s beautiful ‘Alwadi global cuisines to satiate our guest’s quench tent’ will welcome the guests, their family and for a soul-satisfying gourmet meal. We are friends to enjoy a variety of authentic Arabic confident that guests who will visit ‘Alwadi delicacies and delicious International flavours Tent’ will relish in the true essence of Qatari all through the holy month. The entire Alwaha hospitality while enjoying the rich flavors and Ballroom has been adorned with elegant Ramadan spirit with their friends and family”. décor reflecting opulent Arabian culture. Furthermore, guests can also enjoy savory ‘Alwadi tent’ has been thoughtfully created Arabic sweets from the display and à la carte to provide an essence of togetherness while menu at AtTEAtude located at the lobby off ering the finest Arabian hospitality. Guests lounge and set in a charming and cozy will be pleasantly surprised with live cooking setting. stations, which will serve them the flavorsome Besides, throughout the holy month, M|SPA cuisines from around the world. Adding to will be off ering a complimentary Radiance the true spirit of Ramadan, guests can enjoy Facial to boost guests’ skin during fasting, ambient entertainment from a traditional Oud with every purchase of 60 min Soul Revival player and live music to set the mood and the Massage. Guests purchasing the limited setting of Alwadi tent. edition Shifa oud, along with Aromatherapy Dominic Arel, General Manager of Al Wadi scented candle and diff user, will enjoy a Hotel Doha, said, “Ramadan is a special complimentary access to the steam room, time that brings people together, so we sauna and M|FIT gymnasium, rejuvenating are creating the perfect atmosphere that mind, body and soul. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY

Being grateful for sunsets

There is something magical about Sunsets have always inspired connect to it. Indeed, blessed are make my kids really see a sunset, I sunsets — an air of tranquillity and artists and enthusiasts alike. From a those, who can take out time to take hear my mother’s voice and smile.” a certain calmness that soothes child to a connoisseur, it has always in the beauty of nature. Hollywood Even more famously, Mahatma the soul. Just like the rising sun is held the beholder spellbound. actress Jennifer Garner is on cue Gandhi, felt grateful. Said he, a window of new opportunity, the While waking up at the break of with her inspiration: “My mother is “When I admire the wonders of a sun going down provides a much dawn may not be up everyone’s a big believer in being responsible sunset or the beauty of the moon, needed closure to the day and lends alley, sunsets off er greater vistas for for your own happiness. She always my soul expands in the worship of itself to an evening of welcome the consideration of one and all. If talked about fi nding joy in small the Creator.” Presenting glimpses unwinding. In a nutshell, regardless embracing the rising sun is about moments and insisted that we from a few sites across Doha! of what we make of our days, it is drawing fresh energy, being drawn stop and take in the beauty of an — Text by Kamran Rehmat, just how Nature has designed. to a sunset has an almost spiritual ordinary day. When I stop the car to photos by Jayan Orma Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Tatum shows his drawing talent on social media

Actor Channing Tatum acts, dances and also indulges in art. He took to social media to show off his sketches. The 39-year-old actor took to Instagram on Saturday to show his followers some detailed sketches he had drawn during a fl ight, reports dailymail.co.uk The fi rst sketch the Kingsman: The Golden Circle actor showed was of a male fi gure positioned sideways. “Saw this pic today and decided to try and draw it while sitting on a plane,” Tatum wrote in the caption. “Plus I’m about to get my train on this month.” In a second sketch, Tatum showed a face etched in green facing sideways. He wrote: “This is one of my own. I’m gonna train next few months. Let’s go.” The Logan Lucky actor, who is dating singer Jessie J, has been especially creative of late, both in artistic endeavours and home improvement. He later took to the social media site with a black and white shot of himself sitting on a porch with swinging chairs. – IANS

HAPPY: Tara Sutaria says that she is feeling really happy that the film has been accepted so well. Tara is not upset with mixed reviews for SOTY 2

ctress Tara Sutaria is not script and unreal situations have collection here. On the big screen, disappointed with the drawn criticism. Asked if she was the actress will next be seen in Milan mixed reviews that her disappointed, Tara told the media: Lutheria’s film RX 100 along with maiden Bollywood film “I am not feeling disappointed, but Ahan Shetty, the son of actor Suniel Student Of The Year 2 I am feeling really happy that it has Shetty. ARTIST: Channing Tatum shared some sketches that he (ASOTY) has received from the critics been accepted so well. I think what They are still training for the film. made during a flight. and audience. we envisioned for the film, according “I am very excited to start shooting SOTY 2, directed by Punit to that, we feel lucky and thankful for it. I think Ahan is fantastic and so Malhotra and starring Tiger Shroff that it has opened so well at the box is Tiger. Therefore, I feel very lucky Manley joins Bella Thorne’s Southland and Ananya Panday apart from Tara, office. The entire team of SOTY 2 is that I am getting an opportunity to released on last Friday. It made very happy and I would like to make work with such talented actors from Actor Jake Manley will star opposite actress Bella Rs12.06 crore on its opening day and an appeal to the audience that keep the ,” she said. Thorne in Southland. Rs14.02 crore on Saturday. giving us the love that you have been ‘RX 100 is the offi cial remake of According to variety.com, the fi lm is about a diner The story is about a hardworking giving us.” the Telugu action thriller fi lm of the employee named Arielle who dreams of a better life college student (Tiger) who Tara spoke on the sidelines of an same name. The fi lm is slated to go on outside of her small Florida town. After falling for a overcomes his personal challenges event when fashion designer Ritu the fl oors in July and will be shot in young parolee named Dean, she convinces him to return and faces his competitors to win Kumar announced her as the face Mussoorie, apart from a brief schedule to his criminal ways. the Student of the Year Cup. Its of her new spring summer 2019 at a studio in Mumbai. – IANS With the goal of becoming famous, Arielle and Dean start to promote their law-breaking exploits on social media. Things escalate into robbery and lead to a Excited to work with Janhvi in Rooh-Afza: murder. Rajkummar The movie is written and directed by Joshua Caldwell. Its production will start in September. Rajkummar Rao is looking forward to collaborate with Manley currently appears on the Netfl ix horror series Janhvi Kapoor for the fi rst time in Rooh-Afza, a horror The Order and is part of the ensemble cast of Roland comedy. Emmerich’s Midway. He will also be seen in A Dog’s Rajkummar spoke on the sidelines of a shoot for Bhamla Journey with Dennis Quaid and Josh Gad. – IANS Foundation’s anti-air pollution song Hawa aane de here on Saturday. Janhvi has expressed her admiration for Rajkummar’s work many times. Asked if he is excited to work with Janhvi in the fi lm, he said: “Yes, of course... I am also very excited to work with her. I think Janhvi is a great girl, a wonderful actress and a good friend. So, I think we will have a lot fun while shooting for the fi lm. It is a very quirky script and I am looking forward to be with her.” Rajkummar will also be seen in Ekta Kapoor’s Mental Hai Kya, which also stars Kangana Ranaut. The fi lm will release on July 26 and it was going to clash with Hrithik Roshan- starrer Super 30. But Hrithik urged the producers to change CANDID: Rajkummar Rao says that Janhvi Kapoor is a great his movie’s release date to avoid a ‘media circus’ due to his girl and a wonderful actress. public feud with Kangana. Commenting on the development, Rajkummar said: “The have any idea what has happened. Ekta madam has given decision of releasing the fi lm is not in my hand as it is in an offi cial statement and Hrithik Sir has given an cialoffi the makers’ hands, so they have decided release date of the statement, so what can I say about it? It’s their decision.” fi lm.” Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, Rajkummar said that he didn’t have any knowledge about Rooh-Afza will be directed by debutant Hardik Mehta. the issue as he was shooting for a fi lm in Haryana. The shooting will start in Uttar Pradesh in June and the NEW PROJECT: The production of Jake Manley’s next “I have just returned from Haryana where I was shooting fi lm is slated to release on March 20, 2020. This will be project will start in September. under 44 degree Celsius and there was no mobile network Rajkummar’s third collaboration with Vijan after Stree and connectivity and time for me to read the news. So, I don’t Made in China. – IANS 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

AMBITION GUSTO ZEST EXCITED WILLING EAGER PASSION DASH LIVEWIRE ANIMATED INTEREST ELAN EXHILARATION ZEAL MOTIVATION THRILLED DELIGHT APPLAUSE KEEN

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. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Celebration outside 1 Turning up, upper-class gent Leatherhead? Not entirely (6) is discouraged (3,3) 4 Service provided in 2 Engineers, worn out, went to mountainous area (6) bed (7) 8 Carry minute emblem that’s 3 Essayist’s woolly jumpers? (5) venerated (5) 5 Quite an odd arrangement - 9 Terrace rebuilt for provider of and quite an old thing (7) food (7) 6 Start playing tennis to be of 10 Anticipate deposits being use (5) taken in payment (7) 7 An animal Her Majesty has to 11 People waiting in line for a worry about (6) letter, we hear (5) 9 Dear singer - one joining cast 12 A diet seen to be wrong for (9) people held in custody (9) 13 Hi-fi component required for 17 Time to follow American one posting messages (7) custom (5) 14 Small animal went ahead - 19 Last offer (4,3) and looked displeased (7) 21 Given name of boy with 15 They try an Old Testament elederly relative (7) book (6) 22 Chap with Italian article in 16 Saint in Kansas is very bad Italian city (5) (6) 23 Retiring, slip inside for a 18 Stagger from a labyrinth (5) drink (6) 20 Bishop going in car to dance 24 Hidden stores, we hear, for (5) crowds (6) Answers

Yesterday’s Solution Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Kids learn new words best from their peers

he best way to help children develop a strong vocabulary is to allow them to have conversations with other children as toddlers learn new words best from other kids, says a new study. TThe researchers believe that toddlers are interested in the development of their own speech patterns and may be more attuned to the sound of other child speakers that resemble their own. “Much of what we know about the world is learned from other people,” said Yuanyuan Wang from Ohio State University in the US. “This is especially true for young children.” The research team wanted to determine what age group was most influential to two-year-old toddlers based on how they pick up new words. To evaluate this, they set up two experiments. In the first experiment, toddlers watched side-by-side video clips of two speakers reciting a nursery rhyme while listening to a speech that matched either the age or gender of one of the two speakers. In the second experiment, toddlers were taught new words during a learning task using speakers of different ages. The researchers found the toddlers learned new words more effectively from their peers. “It is fascinating to learn children showed selected learning from other child talkers. This has implications for social cognition and selective social learning,” said Wang. The study suggests that this ability to learn selectively from a particular social group may serve as a foundation for developing preferences among social groups later in life. The study is scheduled to be presented at a meeting of the Acoustical Society of America being held from May 13- 17 in Kentucky, US. – IANS

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

You could receive some sort of windfall today, Aries. Use it wisely. It’s likely that you will succeed at whatever you set out to accomplish Your energy may flag a bit today, Gemini. There’s nothing to worry Consider buying some time to figure out what you want to do with today, Taurus. If you’ve been held back by worries over the integrity about, though you could take better care of your health. What your life. It’s likely that your career isn’t exactly ringing your bells of a relationship or the long-term prospects of a partnership, you can happened to that exercise regimen you vowed to start? It’s never these days. You’re ready for new challenges and opportunities. dispel concerns by confronting the person directly. You may find he too late to improve your eating habits and begin working out. Even Meditate on what would make you happy and then take a systematic or she has the same feelings about you! Honesty is important today. if you only walk three times a week, you will notice a dramatic approach to achieving it. diff erence in your appearance and outlook. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today is meant for socialising and connecting, Cancer. Your You can’t help but notice that your home looks a bit drab, Leo. Today You have a to-do list a mile long today, Virgo. You may spend a lot of creativity is at an all-time high, so also try to work in some quiet time you could plan to do something about it. It won’t take much money, your day running errands. It certainly takes a lot to run a household, where you can do some writing or painting. If friends invite you out just time and a little creativity. Paint some samples on the walls. Your as you no doubt realise. Try not to get overwhelmed with all that you in the evening, by all means, take them up on the off er. You may spirits will improve. You can make big changes to the mood of the feel needs to be done. Most of the deadlines are self-imposed. No meet someone who could be pivotal to your career. Be open to all place simply by introducing more colour. one will know if you don’t meet them. possibilities. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You’re ready for a career change, Libra, or at least a change of venue. What is your dream, Scorpio? Answer that question as specifically as This may seem odd, Sagittarius, but you may not be the person you Have you considered telecommuting one day per week? That might possible today, then set about attaining that goal. All signs indicate think you are. There are indications that you have hidden talents. If give you the variety you seek without needing to find a new job. that whatever you begin today will pay off big time. Even though you they come out today, no one will be more shocked than you! This You may meet someone today or in the near future who will have a may feel that your dreams are too ambitious, there’s no need to feel could take your career in an entirely new direction. Strategise ways dramatic influence on your career decisions. Listen carefully. overwhelmed. Vow to take things one step at a time. Keep in mind to incorporate this talent into your career. Your work will take on a the old adage, “Once begun is half done.” new dynamic, and you will take a major leap forward. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You’re about to experience a major change in your life’s direction, You’re unstoppable today, Aquarius. It seems you can do anything. It’s likely that you’re being held back by certain traumatic past Capricorn, and it may occur today. Keep your mind open to all sorts Your confidence and energy are high. There’s no question that you’re events. Before you can make further progress in your life, Pisces, of possibilities. You’re likely to receive some important information. ready to take the world by storm. Is the world ready for you? Think you must address these painful memories for the last time. If it feels Of course, you may not realise its importance right away. It’s only carefully as you formulate plans for your new project. Whatever you too frightening to do alone, seek professional help. You will find that with the passage of time that you will look back on this event as do will succeed, but be sure you’re doing what you really want to do mustering the courage to do this diff icult, emotional housecleaning pivotal. Make sure you don’t miss it. rather than what others expect of you. is more than half the battle. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SPIRIT OF RAMADAN COMMUNITY

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers. Qur’an 42:40, Sahih International

Lying: an Islamic perspective What is Lying? the constant covering of the mouth, mix the truth with falsehood or continues to lie until he is listed as his minister, who understood the Lying is the complete opposite touching of the nose, rubbing of conceal the truth while you know a high ranking liar before Allah.” man’s language, to tell him what the of truth. So, anything that is the eye, scratching the side of the [it].” [Qur’an 2:42] [Al-Bukhari] man was saying. The wise minister, untrue and deliberately intended neck, rubbing the ear, etc. One of Hypocrites are liars too, because Yoosuf Ibn ‘Abdullaah, may instead of telling the truth, told to mislead another person is a lie. the clearest signs is that the liar they lie to themselves. Allah Says Allah be pleased with him, said the king that the man was sorry A lie, therefore, can be anything keeps his palms closed and his eyes about them (what means): “In that he asked Prophet Muhammad for his conduct and was praising spoken or written that is totally or in another direction to the person their hearts is disease, so Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( his greatness and pleading for his partially baseless, unreal, made- he is lying to, in an attempt to avoid has increased their disease; and may Allah exalt his mention ): mercy. The king was aff ected and up, distorted or exaggerated; eye to eye contact. A liar is aware for them is a painful punishment “O Messenger of Allah! What do therefore spared the life of the for example, if someone were to of his body’s signals and fi nds lying because they [habitually] used you think is the most dreadful innocent villager.” Shaykh As-Sa’di deliberately state that a fi ve foot easier when nobody can see him, to lie.” [Qur’an 2:10] Allah thing for me?” Yoosuf, may Allah called this: “A lie with wisdom.” pole was a ten foot pole, then this such as when he is on the phone or also addressed His Messenger be pleased with him, continued: – To promote harmony between would be a lie. Similarly praising writing. Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi “The Messenger caught hold of spouses. For example, if one’s wife someone out of proportion is a form What are the motives of a wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his his tongue and said: “This.” [At- asks him if she is beautiful or if of a lie. liar? mention ) Saying (what means): Tirmithi] he loves her, there is no harm in Lying: A Disease of the Heart A liar tells a lie for the purpose of: “…Allah knows that you are His Sufyaan Ibn Usayd, may Allah answering in the affi rmative, even if Lying and falsehood are a) Concealing the truth, as he Messenger, and Allah testifi es that be pleased with him, reported that this is not the case. widespread problems and are roots may be afraid of the truth or its the hypocrites are liars.” [Qur’an the Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi – While making peace between of other problems that occur on an punitive consequences by the law 63: 1] wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his two quarrelling parties, so that individual and public level. Lies are or certain individuals. mention ) said: “The biggest breach the ordeal would not ignite into spoken and written in the media b) Cheating and deceiving others The Qur’an on Liars of trust is that you tell a thing to something worse. The mediator and in politics, in business and in and enjoying their misery, as Satan Allah Says (what means): “… your brother who believes it to be in such a case may falsely tell one personal dealings, by Muslims and did with Aadam. Indeed Allah does not guide one true, whereas you have lied to him.” party that the other is speaking non-Muslims alike, although the c) Short-term worldly gains, such who is a transgressor and a liar.” [Abu Daawood] highly of them. degree, magnitude and frequency as gaining the favours of others or [Qur’an 40:28] – To make the unbelievers may vary. monetary gains. And (what means): “…Indeed, Is Lying Ever Justifi ed? realise the truth. When Prophet Lying is against human nature Allah does not guide he who is a There are very few justifi cations Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his and physiology, and like any other Forms of Lying liar and [confi rmed] disbeliever.” for lying in Islam. The Prophet mention, broke all the idols disease, it has its own unique The worst form of lying is to do [Qur’an 39:3] sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may except the largest of them, the signs and symptoms. The act of so upon Allah and His Messenger Almighty Allah also Says (what Allah exalt his mention ) directed unbelievers entered the temple lying produces inner confl icts sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may means): “…The curse of Allah be us to tell the truth, even under and saw the smashed idols. between various control centres Allah exalt his mention ) which is upon him if he should be among the the harshest circumstances of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his of the brain. The moment one to falsely attribute things to them. liars.” [Qur’an 24:7] oppression. However, one may mention, had placed the axe in begins to lie, his body sends out Allah Almighty Says in the Qur’an The Messenger sallallaahu choose not to tell the truth when: the hand of the chief idol. The contradictory signals to cause facial (what means): “And if he [i.e., `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt – He is being oppressed and disbelievers asked: “Who broke muscle twitching, expansion and Muhammad] had made up about Us his mention ) on Lying and Liars there is a real danger to his life if he our gods?” He, may Allah exalt contraction of pupils, perspiration, some [false] sayings, We would have Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu speaks the truth. Shaykh As-Sa’di his mention, said: “Ask the chief fl ushing of cheeks, increased seized by the right hand; then We `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt may Allah have mercy upon him idol, he has the axe.” They replied: blinking of the eye, tremors of the would have cut from him the aorta “ his mention ) said: narrated the following story: “A “Do you not know that he cannot hand, and an increased heart rate. [Qur’an 69:44-46] “Indeed, truth leads to virtue cruel king ordered an innocent speak or act?” Ibraaheem, may These constitute the basis of lie And (what means): “…And do and virtue leads to Paradise, and a villager present in his court to Allah exalt his mention, replied: detector instruments. not conceal testimony, for whoever truthful person continues to speak be executed due to the villager’s “This is what I have been telling In addition, certain conceals it – his heart is indeed the truth until he becomes the lack of manners. Hearing this, the you, so worship Allah rather than unconsciously made movements sinful….” [Qur’an 2:283] most truthful person. Lies lead to villager began cursing the king in these stones that cannot harm or are noticeable in those who lie, like And (what means): “And do not evil and evil leads to Hell, and a liar his native language. The king asked profit you.” – Islamweb.net 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 15, 2019 COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF RAMADAN Psychological eff ects of fasting

Neuroscience at John Hopkins University, By Dr Amber Haque wrote in his article, “Challenging Oneself Intermittently to Improve Health” in Dose Response (2014) that we should encourage he Muslim month of Ramadan is “…society wide eff ort to re-introduce here and over a billion Muslims intermittent fasting… to save humanity around the world will fast in this from epidemic of diseases.” Likewise, many month. Muslims fast because ongoing researches continue to show positive there is an injunction in the eff ects of fasting on the human brain. Qur’anT telling them to do so. The Qur’an reminds Muslims that many prophets and Eff ects of fasting on psychological their followers before Muhammad (Peace be well-being upon him) were also ordained fasting. The Research in psychology has also Jewish Passover and Christian Lent are also demonstrated positive outcomes of fasting examples of fasting, although the nature and on cognition and memory. For all those who duration of their fasting may be diff erent fast, patience is learned to withstand the than Muslim fasting. The verse that ordains temptation of food and other environmental Muslims to fast ends with the sentence, “… stimuli and the ability to hold off which in and fasting is good for you only if you knew” turn, enhances the virtue of self-sacrifi ce, (Q2:184). This article attempts to explore enabling a person to be humbled and attain some recent fi ndings on the changes that maturity. Fasting becomes a training in occurs in the human brain and their eff ects self-control and self-regulation as a fasting on human mind and behaviours during person learns to regulate his or her daily fasting. In today’s time and age, we normally routine in a prescribed manner thus teaching eat three meals a day but never ask why. discipline. Fasting makes us realise our There is no biological rule requiring us to strengths and weaknesses and we learn to eat so frequently except that we have been tame ourselves in ways that can lead to self- conditioned to become hungry if we don’t eat improvement. This learning of being able to for a few hours. The homo sapiens came to do things that can otherwise be quite diffi cult exist about 250,000 years ago but agriculture for many people, develops confi dence and developed just over 10,000 years ago. This a sense of self-effi cacy. A fasting person means that for about 240,000 years, humans may say to oneself, “If I can fast, I can did not eat three meals a day. They killed a do other diffi cult things in life.” Another gazelle or other animals, ate it with their clan psychological benefi t for many people is an over a couple of days, and then went hungry increase in a sense of belongingness with for the next few days. They did not die from a group or community. During Ramadan, not eating three times a day. However, the Muslim families and friends eat and share modern times are diff erent as we have all food with others, especially with the less the food we want, and we live in a culture fortunate. This practice of sharing and caring of eating that has made our bodies lazy and encourages altruistic qualities and a sense of turned off their abilities to run on their own gratitude for what one has that one can give energy sources. Overeating has led to many to others or receive. biological illnesses and medical research has It is important to realise that when fasting confi rmed clear advantages of fasting for the starts, the brain is deprived of immediate human body. Research is now starting to grow glucose intake and may experience weakness, on the eff ects of fasting on human brain and hunger and headaches for the fi rst few days, overall mental health. It should be clear that but just in a few days, the brain eases up by fasting we mean intermittent fast (IF) from and the body fi nds a new set point making dawn to dusk and a practice that ends after us feel less hungry. Not only our body and thirty days. The dietary objective in fasting is brain adapt to the new set point, we also calorie restriction, otherwise the physical and feel comfortable with lower weight. With all psychological benefi ts will not manifest. these obvious benefi ts of fasting, medical researchers have introduced a 5:2 diet plan Eff ects of fasting on the brain IFTAR: People break their fast in a street of Kadikoy district in Istanbul during Ramadan. in which the participants eat regular meals An average human brain has 100 billion fi ve days a week and fast or follow strict diet cells and consumes 22% or more of our total motor skills and spatial memory and restore These hormones and neurotransmitters are regimen two days a week. body’s energy but the unique thing is that mental capacity. During fasting, the number produced as a result of fi ght or fl ight response the brain becomes more active during food of mitochondria in the nerve cells increase preparing the body for exertion and they Eff ects of fasting on spirituality deprivation. Normally, the brain gets its to enhance the ability of neurons to form act as mood enhancers. For people with Fasting is prescribed not only for the energy from glucose (blood sugar) between and maintain connections, which result in depression, doctors prescribe medication body and mind but also for elevating one’s meals by breaking down glycogen that is improved learning and memory. An extremely that augment these feel-good chemicals level of spirituality as the person fasting is stored in the liver and muscles. As glycogen interesting phenomena discovered during produced naturally through fasting. Some encouraged to expel from within oneself energy depletes from fasting, humans are fasting is known as autophagy as the brain studies have shown improvement of the impurities of thought and character. In endowed with a mechanism to create new breaks down old and damaged cells and depression and anxiety symptom scores in a way, this practice releases oneself from bits of glucose through a process called recycles them into new ones. Through this 80% of the patients just after a few days earthly bonds and joins the person with the gluconeogenesis that adversely aff ects the self-eating process, the toxins are removed of fasting. This is because of the increased sacred. The time spent otherwise in eating muscles. But when we fast, after about 3-4 from the brain delaying the development of amount of endorphin release that begins and drinking can now be spent on refl ecting days, the liver starts to convert our body neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, after fasting. Studies have also demonstrated about the purpose of being and making fat to create chemicals called ketones. One Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Most of these improved sleep patterns in patients with eff orts toward attaining the ultimate goals in of these ketones (beta-HBA) is a highly fi ndings have been confi rmed on lab animals insomnia compared to pre-fasting levels life leading to self-actualisation in this world effi cient fuel source for the brain, allowing it because controlled studies on human brain is and a possible decrease in migraine due to and the hereafter. The metaphysical belief to function during extended hours of fasting diffi cult. Experiments with rats have shown serotonin levels going up. Studies have shown that the ego component of soul drags oneself and at the same time, decrease dependence clear link of autophagy soon after food also that children suff ering from epileptic to earthly desires while fasting restrains the on gluconeogenesis, providing relief to the restriction and improved mental functioning seizures had fewer incidences of seizures ego and elevates the status of soul is held by muscles from which they are derived. This in ageing animals. Behavioural Psychologists when placed on calorie restriction diet or IF followers of many faiths and consequently process of the brain also makes itself more experimenting with lab rats have shown as fasting may counteract the over-excited fasting is encouraged and practiced by cognitively alert than when it acts from the that fasting animals had better balance and signals exhibited in epileptic brain. These people around the world. A word of caution source of body glucose. learned skilled behaviour faster than those fi ndings are evident from studies done is necessary for those advanced in age or As fasting increases production of the that were free to eat as much as they want. It mostly in the last twenty years and published suff ering from medical conditions to seek protein called Brain Derived Neurotrophic has been observed also by the scientists that in some of the top international research advice from a physician before fasting. Factor (BDNF), the brain also builds more after a few days of fasting, the body adapts to journals. Having observed so many benefi ts —Dr Haque is a Professor in Clinical neurons (brain cells) to help itself work starvation and starts to release high amounts of fasting on both body and brain, Mark Psychology at the School of Psychology effi ciently. Studies show that building of catecholamines including adrenalin, Mattson, Chief of Neurosciences Lab at the and Social Work, Doha Institute for neurons delay the onset of decline in both norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain. National Institute of Aging and Professor of Graduate Studies.