We Will Be Living with the Coronavirus Pandemic Well Into 2021: Experts

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Dhul-Qa’da 2, 1441 AH

Doha today: 280 - 410

Cover Story Likelihood We will be living with the coronavirus pandemic well into 2021: Experts. P4-5

Bollywood Back Page

Actors ‘sceptical’ to shoot as Shopping is back, but Bollywood reopens shop. not as we know it. Page 14 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.13am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.46am Zuhr (noon) 11.37am Asr (afternoon) 3pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.29pm Isha (night) 7.59pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 The Last Tycoon SYNOPSIS: The series centres on Hollywood’s first Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 DIRECTION: Billy Ray wunderkind studio executive in the 1930s, Monroe Stahr, and Qatar General Electricity and CAST: Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer, Lily Collins the power struggle between him and his mentor. 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 Office (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

te Unqu uo ot Q e “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

James May: Our Man in Japan he’s clueless about Japanese etiquette but at least he CAST: James May, Yujiro Taniyama, Masayo Fujii knows there’s a small tree called a banzai... Not only that, SYNOPSIS: James May has always been intrigued but Japan is one of the most contradictory and confusing and seduced by the idea of Japan, yet this nation and its places on earth. culture remains a complete mystery to him. Now he’s Here, classical art forms and haiku poetry rub shoulders Community Editor on a one-man mission to immerse himself in its society, with Godzilla, Cosplay, and some of the strangest Kamran Rehmat places, and people in a bid to unlock its extraordinary obsessions on the planet, while stunning, peaceful vistas secrets. By taking on an epic journey across all of Japan of gently falling cherry blossom give way to neon lights, e-mail: [email protected] from north to south, James is determined to gain a genuine J-Pop, and frenetic urban environments. Fifteen years Telephone: 44466405 understanding into why this unique land and its people since he first visited as a baffled tourist, James is now Fax: 44350474 are the way they are, what drives their whole culture, and ready to leap into the unknown and embark on a quest to what their approach to life can teach the rest of us. So far reconcile these contradictions and to truly understand so good, but it won’t be easy. He can’t speak the language, what makes Japan tick. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Self-care promotes mental energy Putting time into your appearance, physical well-being, and emotional self-care routine has a payoff. You will feel more ambitious and eager to tackle your goals, writes Judi Light Hopson

Becky believes anyone’s personal energy starts to drop when they neglect their looks and exercise routine. She was napping three times a day until her sister snapped her out of the doldrums. “I’ve been using a YouTube workout video to exercise,” says a chef we’ll call Carl. “I’m not working now, so I’m turning into a couch potato. Exercising keeps me from feeling depressed.”

A couple we’ll call William and Kathy keep themselves revved up by doing the following: 1. They take a drive to a local park three days a week. They have a little picnic in the car and then walk for 30 minutes. 2. They each take a long soak in their old clawfoot bathtub one night each week. They add bath salts and rub themselves down with lotion afterwards. 3. They order clothes online once a month. Both William and Kathy feel that a new outfit, even if it’s something as basic as sweatpants and a simple shirt, makes them feel nurtured. “We’ve tried to eat more fruits and vegetables the past three months,” says Kathy. “We were eating too much fast food and PRIORITISE YOURSELF: Pencilling in self-care into your daily routine will affirm that you’re a priority. way too much meat. Nowadays, we create healthy salads and cook soups with many types of ave you noticed that vegetables.” you feel energised When we’re under stress, we all when you feel loved tend to neglect ourselves. We push and nurtured? to take care of business, our bills, Putting time into our homes, and those we love. Hyour appearance, physical well- Then, when we run out of time, being, and emotional self-care we skip a lot of self-care that routine has a payoff. You will could really do us some good. feel more ambitious and eager to “Sitting at the computer tackle your goals. too much will slow down your We’ve all heard the old adage: metabolism,” says a gym owner “When you look good, you feel we’ll call Rita. “Getting up to good. And, when you feel good, exercise on a treadmill or bike for you do good.” Not necessarily fifteen minutes every two hours sharp grammar, but you get the will help.” point. Rita says she’s had to take her Good self-care infuses energy own advice recently. She’d been into our spirits and helps us stay staying home most of the time. upbeat. Her energy had plummeted and Also, when we’ve put effort she’s gained weight. But, she’s into our health and appearance, gearing up to re-open her gym in we can actually stop focusing the near future. on ourselves. We can place our “My husband puts on music energy and attention on other every day at 5:30, so we can people. exercise for 45 minutes,” Rita “When I have a nice haircut points out. “On weekends, we and style, I smile more and enjoy exercise vigorously for ninety being around other people,” minutes on Saturdays and says a financial adviser we’ll call Sundays. I now feel more alert.” Becky. “These days, when I’m Pencilling in self-care into working from home, no one sees STAY ACTIVE: Sitting at the computer too much will slow down your metabolism. Getting up to exercise on a your daily routine will affirm that me. So, I’ve been looking pretty treadmill or bike for fifteen minutes every two hours will help. you’re a priority. Without that neglected. feeling, you’ll likely feel depressed “A couple of weeks ago,” she give up the faded gray t-shirts I colours instead. She also insisted And, I’ve got to say, she really did and you’ll have much less drive to continues, “my sister told me to was wearing and wear brighter I let her cut my hair and colour it. a good job.” accomplish anything. – TNS 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Writing on the wall If an effective vaccine won’t be ready until well into 2021, we’ll all be co-existing with the coronavirus for the next year or longer without a magic bullet, writes Michelle Cortez

he virus is winning. That and policy flexibility to limit the much is certain more than destructive capacity of an expanding six months into a shape- pandemic, which may result in global shifting pandemic that’s deaths of more than one million killed 450,000 people according to one estimate, until there Tworldwide, is gaining ground globally are medical tools to effectively treat and has disrupted lives from Wuhan and immunise against the virus. People are fatigued. to Sao Paulo. “People are fatigued. They They mistakenly While promising, fast-moving mistakenly feel that things were vaccine projects are underway in going away,” said Cameron Wolfe, feel that things China, Europe and the US, only an infectious-disease doctor and the most optimistic expect an associate professor of medicine at were going away. effective shot to be ready for global Duke University. “We’re going to distribution this year. have to figure out a way to live with We’re going to have If, as most experts believe, an this.” to figure out a way effective vaccine won’t be ready until Complicating matters, the well into 2021, we’ll all be co-existing perceived threat varies from to live with this with the coronavirus for the next neighbourhood to neighbourhood, year or longer without a magic bullet. let alone country to country. Much And this next phase of the crisis may depends on the severity of local — Cameron Wolfe, require us to reset our expectations outbreaks and the effectiveness and awareness and change our of testing, contact tracing, social Associate Professor behaviour, according to public- distancing, hospital systems and health professionals. public-health messaging that is free ‘ of Medicine In their view, success isn’t defined of political shading. as returning to life as it was in 2019. Leaders such as US President Rather, it’s about buying time and Donald Trump, British Prime ’ summoning the staying power Minister Boris Johnson or Brazilian Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

President Jair Bolsonaro have seen of Medicine. If people feel a false their poll numbers crumble at least sense of security, they’re less likely in part because of high infection to wear masks and avoid large rates and deaths from Covid-19, the gatherings. disease spawned by the virus. “The real worrisome time will In many instances, messages be this fall, when we are reopening from the top have seemed to universities and returning to work, conflict with the advice of experts, with more people inside and cooler or drowned out the guidance of temperatures,” Hamer said. “It’s the government agencies. That has perfect storm for a resurgence of created confusion and mistrust disease.” and invited people to view public- The high number of health information through a asymptomatic infections is having partisan lens. a huge impact, according to Topol. Not all the news is grim. In the “This is the worst pandemic in 100 first half of the year, governments years,” he said. “1918 didn’t have worldwide resorted to emergency 30% of people who were infected measures like forced business who didn’t know it. It’s the stealth closures, stay-at-home rules and infection thing that adds to the mix.” bans on large gatherings. The Drug developers are racing to find moves slowed infection, saved lives effective treatments and a vaccine. and gave leaders time to stockpile This week, University of Oxford medical equipment and supplies. researchers reported that a low- Yet that progress came at the cost cost, widely used anti-inflammatory of economic contraction, soaring “This is the worst pandemic in 100 years. 1918 didn’t have drug called dexamethasone unemployment and trillions of improved survival in Covid-19 dollars in fiscal and monetary 30% of people who were infected who didn’t know it. It’s patients, the first treatment to show stimulus measures. Governments life-saving promise months into the are likely to be reluctant to resort the stealth infection thing that adds to the mix” pandemic. to wholesale lockdowns again in US officials and scientists anything short of a catastrophe. have launched an accelerated Instead, the biggest economies — Davidson Hamer, Professor of Global Health and programme that aims to have a seem intent on reopening, even vaccine to prevent Covid-19 by the if the pace varies. That, in turn, Medicine first half of 2021, but White House means more social mobility and health adviser Anthony Fauci has more opportunities for the virus to China and the US shows what can 8.3 million confirmed cases and Metrics and Evaluation to increase cautioned that it could take longer. spread. Already, scientists who track happen when regions start to lift the pace is accelerating. At the its US death-toll forecast for the Promising candidates include virus trends are seeing signs that re- restrictions, according to Seth start of May, the daily tally of new start of October by 18% to 200,000. shots being developed by opening is leading to a spike in cases. Berkley, chief executive officer of confirmed cases was running at As of June 16, Covid-19 has resulted biotechnology company Moderna “I understand there is a Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The about 88,000; now it’s 176,000, in 117,000 lost American lives. Inc; several Chinese programmes; perception of the need to non-profit is part of a global effort according to data compiled by Johns “I’m not sure how you prepare and a partnership of the University balance on these economic to deploy coronavirus vaccines Hopkins University. Some experts for something of this magnitude of Oxford and AstraZeneca Plc considerations,” said Ada Adimora, equitably. say the global death toll will top 1 and severity,” said Carissa Etienne, projecting a vaccine as early as an epidemiologist and professor of “Clearly it isn’t over anywhere,” million. director of the Pan American Health September. medicine in infectious diseases at Berkley said in an interview. “We “We’ll go well over a million,” said Organization. “It’s almost difficult The World Health Organization the University of North Carolina need to have some humility in Eric Topol, director of the Scripps to conceptualise.” hopes there will be about 2 billion School of Medicine. “But to the how we manage this thing going Research Translational Institute in A reprieve from the pandemic doses of a handful of effective extent that we open up society and forward. Obviously if we were to California. “I wouldn’t be surprised that Trump and other experts vaccines available by the end of have people going to restaurants just throw open the gates and try to by 2022 if we go into a couple million had hoped would come with the next year, chief scientist Soumya — you can’t wear a mask while you go completely back to normal, we or more, knowing that there are arrival of warmer weather hasn’t Swaminathan said at a briefing this eat — you are not really working to would see continued spread of the so many people out there who are yet materialised and may not ever, week. But that’s enough for less than control the threat of the virus.” virus.” vulnerable.” according to Davidson Hamer, one-third of the world’s population. The ability to co-exist with While the virus ebbs and flows Reopening campaigns in the US a professor of global health and Future vaccines that do arrive on Sars-CoV-2, as the virus is known, regionally, it’s on the march at have prompted the University of medicine at the Boston University the scene may not provide long- will increasingly ride on how the global level, where there are Washington’s Institute for Health School of Public Health and School term immunity. If Sars-CoV-2 is individuals assess risks and make like other coronaviruses, including decisions. some that cause the common cold, “No activity will be without Leaders such as US President Donald Trump, British Prime individuals may need annual booster the risk of coronavirus,” said shots to ward off subtle changes, Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Minister Boris Johnson or Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Fauci said in a recent interview. Johns Hopkins Center for Health have seen their poll numbers crumble at least in part because Without a vaccine in place, Security in Baltimore. “It’s just how countries are doing the best they much risk people think is worth of high infection rates and deaths from Covid-19 can to contain the virus with contact assuming.” tracing and targeted quarantines. Trouble is, the virus is stealthy. Testing is crucial, and many Countries like China and South countries still haven’t ramped Korea that contained their local up their capability sufficiently to outbreaks have seen secondary identify outbreaks when they’re flare-ups. Beijing this week closed still small enough to bottle up, its school system and limited said David Heymann, professor international flights after a new at the London School of Hygiene outbreak spread to neighbouring & Tropical Medicine, who led the provinces. In Germany, which has WHO’s response to severe acute kept its death toll below that of respiratory syndrome in 2003. other large European countries, “It’s all trial and error but if you new clusters of infection emerged know the epidemiology and where in a slaughterhouse and a Berlin transmission is occurring you can do apartment block. a more tailored response,” he said. In the US, the pandemic has As the pandemic rolls into the made inroads into Sun Belt states summer, this much is clear. The like Florida, Texas and Arizona after virus will not “fade away” even hard-won gains taming it in New without a vaccine, as Trump York. Latin America, spared early predicted this week. on, is now getting walloped. Brazil, “This was never something that home to densely populated urban would be containable or would centres and rural areas with weak disappear,” said Adalja at Johns healthcare systems, has become a Hopkins. “It spreads too efficiently new epicentre. UNDER FIRE: From left, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Jair between humans. That’s all it needs The resurgence in cases in Bolsonaro. to do.” — Bloomberg News 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY

Renowned Urdu scholar, Dr Mazhar Mahmood Shairani, passes away

Renowned Urdu writer lecturer, assistant professor and scholar, Dr Mazhar and associate professor Mahmood Shairani, recently of Persian in various passed away in Lahore. He government colleges in was the recipient of 22nd Muzaffargarh, Sheikhupura Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab and Lahore from October, Award in 2018. This award 1960 to October, 1995 when was instituted by Majlis he retired. e Frogh e Urdu Adab, a From October, 2003 to June, world renowned literary 2017, he was associated organisation based in Qatar with Government College/ since 1991. He was also a University, Lahore as a member of Majlis’ Pakistan research supervisor. He also Award Jury in 2019 and supervised preparation of 2020. Dr Mazhar was the Persian to Urdu dictionary. grandson of Professor He also supervised and Mahmood Shairani, a guided a number of students reputed research scholar in Islamabad and Lahore, and critic and son of Akhtar who were later awarded M Shairani, a well-known poet. Phil and PhD degrees. Dr Mazhar was born During his distinguished on 9th October, 1935 in career, he had written a large Jodhpur, British India. Dr number of research articles, Mazhar passed his matric which were printed in more examination in 1952, FA than 50 books and journals examination in 1954, BA forms. Mohammed Atiq, in 1956, MA (History) in Chairman of Majlis e Frogh 1958, MA (Persian) in 1960 e Urdu Adab, describes Dr and PhD (Urdu) in 1987. Dr Mazhar’s death as a great Mazhar had a very long irreparable loss for Urdu From left, Shabib bin Arar al-Noaimi, Director of Poetry Department at Ministry of Culture and Sports; Maqbool Habib Jaffer Khalfan, teaching and research language, Pakistan and Dr Mazhar Mehmood Shairani receiving the 22nd Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Award, Ashad Ahmed, Ambassador of experience. He served as a Majlis. Bangladesh; Dr Hafiz Junaid Amer Sial, Mohammed Atiq and Dr Fartash Syed.

NIS marks International Yoga Day

Noble International School (NIS) recently Shibu Abdul Rasheed, Principal of NIS, marked International Yoga Day under the congratulated all the participants and said theme of ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with that yoga has a meditative component and Family’. NIS conducted inter house online spiritual core. Robin K Jose and Jaymon Yoga performance competition to enrich the Joy, Vice Principal of NIS, congratulated concept of healthy tomorrow by providing the participants and asked the children to physical, mental and spiritual practice to practise yoga as it is a posture-based physical the children. Speaking on the occasion, fitness, stress relief and relaxation technique.

MESECKA distributes food kits in labour camps

MES Engineering College Kuttipuram Alumni and other officials, including Nishad, Shamjad (MESECKA) – Qatar Chapter, in association Olakara, Fenzeer Mohammed, and Vinod, Afsal with Cultural Forum Qatar, recently distributed Edavanakkad, member of Cultural Forum State food kits in labour camps of the Industrial area. Committee, and Afsal Edavanakkad, General Jamsheer Abubacker Vadakara, President of Secretary of Cultural Forum Trissur District, along MESECKA, handed over the kits to Nisthar with Abdul Wahid, and Sharafudheen M.S were Ernakulum, Captain of Cultural Forum Team also present on the occasion. Almost 200 food Welfare. Ramshad, Vice President of MESECKA, kits were distributed. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY GU-Q introduces virtual Global Leadership Summer programme

Local high school students struggling with the consequences of the pandemic crisis were recently concerns for frustrated students who are home, unable to travel, socialise, or pursue an internship offered with an opportunity to enroll in a new enrichment programme at Georgetown University or other in-person personal development in preparation for college, and for life. This is exactly the in Qatar, (GU-Q) a QF partner institution. The tuition-free Global Leadership Summer (GLS) need we hoped to fill.” programme runs virtually till June 25, 2020, and will help over 70 enrolled local students of Grade The programme features two cohorts of 35 students each taking part in a daily three hour session. IX-XII to develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical leadership skills required to achieve their The interactive classes on social media engagement, critical thinking and communication skills goals and to take on leadership roles in their communities. provide professional development, while sessions on social justice, social responsibility, and human Dr Ahmad Dallal, Dean of GU-Q, said, “Every summer, GU-Q welcomes students from across Qatar rights encourage a commitment to community development. for our traditional intensive summer programme called GPS. But this year, we wanted to expand According to Jibin, “It’s crucial for young people to move away from the idea that leadership is only our reach by extending the expertise and resources of the university to a wider range of students. associated with a position of power in an organisation. Instead, our objective is to mentor young That’s what led to the launch of GLS, and the decision to make it free of charge in order to remove minds to understand oneself, their role in the community, and the intricacies within the world any barriers to students during a time of economic uncertainty for so many.” order enabling them to take actions and inspire change.” Enrolment in the new programme, which is run by GU-Q students and staff, reached its maximum Students enrolled in GLS are also eligible for enrolment in GPS, and in the other enrichment number of enrolment in only two days. Jibin Koshy, GU-Q Educational Enrichment Manager programmes GU-Q offers throughout the year for local high school students. Information about and the Programme’s Director, said “The unprecedented response to GLS really confirmed our both programmes is available on the GU-Q website.

DPS-MIS organises sixth edition of Inter-school Quiz Competition Encuesta-2020 virtually

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) which promotes a temper of discovery, recently hosted the sixth edition of Inter- foster logical reasoning, develop team spirit, school Quiz Competition Encuesta-2020, for and encourage healthy competition. She the students of Grade VI-VIII. This first-ever thanked the management, principals and virtual quiz conducted via Zoom, organised teachers of participating Indian schools for with an aim to keep the tender minds their active involvement and appreciated the engaged and ignited during these difficult diligent efforts of the Quiz team of DPS-MIS in times and provide them a healthy platform making the event a success. for their holistic development, witnessed After a preliminary online written test round, whole-hearted participation from 14 Indian five teams from schools, including Birla Public schools across Qatar. The competition School, Rajgiri Public School, Shantiniketan was also live streamed on Facebook and Indian School, Al Khor International School YouTube. George Thomas, Director DPS-MIS, and DPS-Modern Indian School, comprising was the chief guest on the occasion. Yasir 3 students each, qualified for the final round. Nainar, Director of DPS-MIS, along with Asna Four rounds of the brain battle, including Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS, also joined in Inquizitron, Boggle with Goggle, Guess the the competition. link and Match Time included questions from Speaking on the occasion, George Thomas, various fields. advised the students to take up challenges, DPS-Modern Indian School team consisting be inquisitive, adopt a focused approach, and of Aaryan Sujith, Venkata Sai Surya Kartik move ahead to achieve their goals, adding Basangi and Ankush Ghosh bagged the value to the lives of the people around. Asna championship title, which was followed by Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS, in her address, Rajgiri Public School team, comprising of remarked that this unique virtual quiz would Amey Amol Desai, Nihal Mahamood and be recorded in the records of DPS-MIS as it Sourik Mitra, and Shantiniketan Indian School speaks volume about the school’ relentless team, with Shahma Fatima, Madiha Asraf and will to succeed against all odds. She Shreyansh Maurya, with first and second highlighted the importance of such events runners up, respectively. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY CUISINE How to barbecue every food perfectly – from steak to fish to tender veggies Now that lockdown rules have been relaxed worldwide, here’s how to avoid shredding your salmon, serving half cooked chicken or giving your cauliflower too much crunch, writes Stuart Heritage

the barbecue like an oven, searing a larger cut on the hot side before moving it over to the cooler side and putting the lid on.”

2. Don’t overlook vegetables. It’s 2020, and nobody wants to destroy their mouths eating turbo-heated peppers off lethal metal skewers any more. Genevieve Taylor runs the Bristol Fire School and is the author of Charred, a near-definitive book on barbecuing vegetables. People tend to think that the maillard reaction (of browning and caramelisation) is purely a meat thing. However, “All those lovely root vegetables undergo it, too,” she says, adding that if you’re going to cook vegetables, schedule for it. “They often take longer than you might imagine. Cauliflower or carrots or parsnips are really dense, so they need long, slow cooking,” Taylor says. If you don’t have much time at your disposal, try to blanche your veg in the kitchen before grilling them. “It opens up the cell walls of the vegetable, and then you can hit it with a marinade when it’s hot. It’s very hard to marinate a cold carrot,” Taylor adds. She recommends cooking parsnips on your grill. Put a kilo of peeled and quartered parsnips GRILL TO FILL: Prepare for a feast of faultless food al fresco. into a fireproof roasting tin with some oil, salt and pepper. Throw some smoking wood chips into he sun is out (for now). the barbecue, place the tin on the You’re allowed into barbecue and shut the lid for 45 other peoples’ gardens minutes, tossing the veg once or (for now). This can twice. When they’re tender, sprinkle only mean one thing: over parmesan and cook directly barbecueT season is upon us again. on the grill bars for 7-10 minutes, Usually that can mean joylessly turning regularly. Taylor serves hers navigating a minefield of potential with hazelnuts and fennel butter. food poisoning while surrounded by wasps. 3. Elevate your sides But is there a better way? We asked Treat sides as an opportunity the experts for 10 tips. to offset the richness of the meat. David Carter runs Smokestak in 1. Go two-zone Shoreditch, east London (now The biggest mistake home operating a takeaway and delivery barbecuers make, by common service through lockdown), and consent, is cooking their food says that acidity is the key factor. at too high a temperature. The “We use lots of citrus dressings, lots best way around this is to set of vinegars, anything that tastes up your barbecue for two-zone fresh and clean to counterbalance cooking. Helen Graves, editor of the decadence of the meat.” One of the indispensable Pit magazine, his favourite sides is grilled kale. explains: “It just involves stacking “When you put a bit of oil on a veg the lit coals to one side, creating a like that, it’ll drip on your coals hot zone and a cooler or ‘indirect’ and char the edges, which gives zone. It’s perfect for cooking fattier it a really amazing flavour. But pieces of meat like chicken wings then we’ll cut that with a ponzu [a or lamb kebabs that will otherwise citrus-based soy sauce] with ginger cause flare-ups when the hot fat and lemon juice and honey. You’ve drips onto the coals. You can cook got the charry, smoky kale with safely and for longer without having this super-light, super-refreshing to worry about a raging inferno ponzu that cuts straight through setting fire to next door’s topiary. the richness of the meat.” To If you’ve got a barbecue with a lid, reinforce this notion, his meats are two zones also means you can use TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE: Allow enough space in your schedule to ensure vegetables are thoroughly cooked. all served with pickles. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 CUISINE COMMUNITY How to barbecue every food perfectly – from steak to fish to tender veggies

4. Go low and slow It’s hard to replicate Smokestak’s incredible slow-cooked slabs of meat with a home barbecue, but not impossible. They pick tougher cuts and smoke them under indirect heat for 16 hours, until it takes on the texture of braised meat. If you’re determined to try, Carter advises using the Minion method. This is where you put a few hot coals on a bed of unlit briquettes, then carefully control the air vents to prevent the whole thing going up in flames at once. Master the Minion method and you can keep a fire going for up to 18 hours.

5. Get a chimney Charcoal barbecues are, in general, a slightly cheaper and more versatile choice. But they’re not perfect. If you’ve ever bitten through a crust of blackened chicken skin and ended up with a mouthful of blood, chances are it was cooked on charcoal. If you want to improve the consistency of your charcoal, David Wade from BBQ Barn in Sidcup, Kent, suggests investing in a chimney starter. It’s a cylindrical device that looks like a giant metal tankard; you fill it with charcoal and place it over lit firelighters on your rack. “The chimney effect pushes the flames through the charcoal and in around 15-20 minutes you have a starter full of even-temperature charcoal that you can carefully pour on to your rack. It’s a life saver!”

6. Flavour your smoke As quick and easy as gas barbecues are, it’s often difficult to escape the sensation that you might as well have cooked in your kitchen. If you want to inject any sort of authentic barbecue A PLATTER TO FLATTER: Barbecue bonanza. taste to gas-cooked dishes, Wade suggests buying a smokebox. “These want McDonald’s, dad.’ So I thought: are normally stainless steel boxes with ‘Why don’t I do thin patties but holes or slots in the lid,” he explains. double, triple, quadruple them up like You sit them on top of the flavouriser at McDonald’s, so my kids eat them?’.” bars – the metal zig-zags found on Smashburgers require cooking fast many gas barbecues designed to keep and on the hottest surface possible. burners clean and vaporise fats back Stevenson recommends brushing a into your food. “Fill them with wet little American yellow mustard on flavour wood chips and, with the BBQ one side of the burger, then flipping hood down, the resulting smoke and it over and cooking it in. “The yellow aroma will permeate your food and mustard hack will take your burger to add to the overall cooking.” the upper echelons of tasty town”, says Stevenson. 7. Probe, don’t poison James Palmer-Rosser is the head 10. Don’t waste a steak chef and owner of the Kent Cookery If you’re planning to push the boat School, and runs regular barbecue out and barbecue steak, Stevenson masterclasses. “For as long as I’ve has some choice words for you. been a chef, I’ve never been without a “Everybody pulls their steak out of trusty digital probe thermometer,” he the fridge and puts it straight on the says. “It allows for accurate and, more grill. Don’t. Steak’s a muscle. You importantly, safe cooking by allowing want it to relax. Take it out of the you to see instantly the internal fridge to rest 30 minutes to an hour temperature of food. This is great for before you cook it. And then you getting the right doneness on your only salt the steak. Don’t put pepper steaks but also for ensuring that foods on it. You put a steak on a hot grill, that need to be cooked through – like A SKIN THING: Always oil fish before putting on the grill. that pepper’s going to burn and taste chicken thighs – have reached the bitter. You pepper at the end. What I correct temperature.” Chicken should barbecued food to pull off; its window remove it. The trick is to pick a fish them thick burgers. Christian normally do is, right near the end of reach an internal temperature of 73C of doneness is so tiny that even a with a tougher skin, such as salmon or Stevenson, author of The Burger my cook, I hit the steak with pepper (163F), burgers 71C (160F), sausages momentary lapse in concentration monkfish, and oiling it before cooking. Book, has seen a huge uptick of and a tiny bit more salt, and then I 65C (149F) and steak between 60C can result in its being raw or Alternatively, wrap it in foil with a people cooking his smashburgers: rest it for half the amount of time (140F, rare) and 71C (well done). overcooked. Plus, anyone who has glug of liquid. thin patties squashed down on to the that I cooked it. The juices go back tried to barbecue fish has ruined one heat with a spatula. “I’m so over thick into the muscle and you’ll end up 8. Faultless fish by accidentally searing it to the grill 9. No thick burgers burgers”, he says. “I tried to make thick with a juicy, juicy steak”. Fish is probably the trickiest then tearing it to pieces trying to Don’t insult your guests by serving burgers for my kids, and they’re like: ‘I – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday,June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Why women are less responsible for greenhouse gas emissions than men

omen use more the University of Otago, Wellington diverse modes of in New Zealand. travel and generate Thus, women overall had a more lower greenhouse diverse and lower greenhouse gas gas than men, emission travel profile than men,” Wdespite men being more than Shaw added. twice as likely to travel by bike, say The findings showed that women researchers. also undertook more car trips of For the findings, published in the less than five kilometres each day Journal of Transport & Health, the than men, journeys that could research team studied the transport potentially be done by bike. patterns of almost 50,000 people The research focused on Kiwis between 2002 and 2014 based who cycled for utility or transport on data from the New Zealand reasons. The most common reasons Household Travel Survey. for travel were to accompany According to the researchers, others, go shopping or make social while both men and women mostly visits. travelled by car, there were distinct In general, men took fewer trips patterns of travel linked to gender. for the purpose of accompanying Fewer women regularly cycled others and made fewer shopping (two per cent) compared to men trips. (five per cent) but women travelled We found differences in mode shorter distances, they said. for trips for the same purpose by Women took more trips, but gender. For example, shopping trips travelled between 12 and 17 per cent undertaken by men in New Zealand fewer kilometres per day and were are much more likely to be done flexible and lower carbon do more of this type of travel,” to encourage women to cycle more more likely to walk and use public using a car than those by women,” travellers than men. We need Shaw stressed. The research on routes between their homes and transport than men,” said study Shaw said. to provide them with better shows that specific changes in the shops and to travel safely in the lead researcher Caroline Shaw from Women are already more opportunities and support to cycling infrastructure are needed company of others. – IANS

Aries Taurus Gemini March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

The planets align to make this a great day for you, Aries. You should Try to bring things down to reality today, Taurus. This is a good day Your sensitivity will be greatly appreciated today, Gemini, and you’ll find that your mood is excellent and your mind focused. Romance to consolidate and organise. When it comes to matters of family, try find that there is a great grounding force that will help balance your will thrive in the nice, stabilising atmosphere, and you should feel not to be so fickle. You may be giving someone the runaround just extreme emotions. Try not to be too stubborn, especially with things free to take centre stage. If you’ve been suffering from any doubts to test their devotion. This is an important time for you. You should having to do with beauty. A fixed attitude will most likely run into lately, now is the time to take control of the situation and go for it. probably work to ground and solidify. a great deal of opposition. If a certain someone gets uptight, you’ll have a difficult time getting your point across. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The general atmosphere of the day may seem too slow and stodgy This is a terrific day for you, Leo. You’ll notice a sense of well-being Try not to be too fixed in your attitude today, Virgo. Realise that for your tastes, Cancer. Try not to get bogged down in details. You that makes you feel secure that all your hard work is finally starting you may have to give a little in order to work comfortably with the may find that it’s difficult to get any enthusiasm out of people today. to pay off. It’s as if you’ve reached a comfortable ledge in your people around you. It’s important that you be slow and reserved You might just want to sit back and take it easy. This is a good day trek up the mountain. This is a good resting spot that will let you in your moves, especially in matters of the heart. Be open and to plan and reorganise. Honour your recent achievements and catch your breath for a moment. Take this opportunity to relax and receptive. Try not to scare anyone away with abrasive words or consolidate all that you’ve worked for. regroup. insisting that you’re always right. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

There’s a tenderness in the air that you’ll find very comforting, Libra. You may need to slow down a bit after the hectic pace of the last You should notice a boost of energy today, Sagittarius, and your Ground your sensitive emotions and make room for love to enter couple of days, Scorpio. It’s essential that you take a more reserved self-confidence should be revitalised. In matters of freinds and the picture. It could be that you’re feeling indecisive when it comes and sensitive approach, especially with matters having to do with family, everything is running smoothly. Your emotions are stable and to matters of relationships. The best thing for you to do is stabilise the heart. Try to ground and centre yourself. Instead of thinking grounded. Love and harmony are in the air. your emotions and then make the effort to connect with others. The about conquering someone, try simply sitting back and receiving decisions will flow naturally from there. their appreciation and affection. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Take it easy today, Capricorn, and work to digest some of the See what you can do to ground your fluctuating emotions, Aquarius. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few emotional roadblocks today, input you’ve received over the past couple days. This is a day to Try your best to bring them into balance. Take a practical approach and Pisces. People could be quite stubborn and difficult to deal with. You contemplate and plan. With matters of the heart, you may find that slow down. Communicating with groups of people will be extremely may exacerbate the situation by trying to get a rise out of someone a sensitive, grounded approach works best. This isn’t always your rewarding. Come out of your shell and show your sensitive side to the with your boisterous attitude and dramatic flair. If your efforts don’t favourite mode of operation, but it’s one that will provide you with world. It will be greatly appreciated. yield positive results, back off. Keep your energy to yourself and the balance to counteract your usual frenzied pace. share it another time when people are more in the mood to play. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BATHING BUTTERFLY CRAWL FLIPPERS LIFEGUARD RAFT SNORKEL SWIM WADE BIKINI CHLORINE DEEP FLOAT LOTION SHALLOW SPLASH TOWEL WATER BOARD COLD DIVE LADDER PADDLE SHOWER STROKE TRUNKS WHISTLE

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Left-wing eloquence in 1 Fortunate girl sheltering king scientist’s workplace? (10) (5) 7 Discs that may be broken? (7) 2 Pubs that stop people 8 Tulip may be illuminated (3,2) escaping? (4) 10 An eyesore - seen in nasty 3 Free - and terribly secure! (6) environment (4) 4 Bear gets broken toe later (8) 11 Accommodation in certain 5 Withdraw from a place of parts (8) privacy (7) 13 Metal policeman (6) 6 Writing censored by editor 15 Still convering attics (6) taken to court (10) 17 End of new tramline? (8) 9 Mail is in each new carriage 18 Help with a Verdi opera (4) (4,6) 21 Mouth forming Greek letter (5) 12 Unsure about The Saint (8) 22 Part of a Chinese meal, 14 Talk about small herb (7) perhaps, one sold out (7) 16 Bet about northern composer 23 Yes, tourism may be puzzling (6) (10) 19 Does nothing but slide about (5) 20 Commanding officer has little time to view Italian lake (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions Answers

Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

#BoycottKhans trends, so people can..#CBIEnquiryForSushant does #SupportSelfMadeSRK #BeFairInSSRMurderCase,” tweeted another netizen. Two contradictory hashtags have “#FIRForSushantUnder302 been trending on Twitter all Monday. #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput The first, #BoycottKhans, demands #CBIEnquiryForSushantSinghRajput the Khans be shunned from Bollywood, #BoycottKhans #BoycottNepotism in response to the untimely demise of #BeFairInSSRMurderCase. Real hero and Sushant Singh Rajput who, netizens good heart person Sushant Singh Rajput,” feel was a victim of nepotism and power shared another user. play. The other trending hashtag read “Dear Srk no doubt ur the best bt after #SupportSelfMadeSRK, mostly coming sushant death i hate u ...u dnt have the pic from the fans of Bollywood superstar Shah of sushant in ur phone..y don’t u kept a fan Rukh Khan. moment in ur phone u google it n post it “Bihar, Jharkhand aur UP Main ban kar shame on u #BoycottKhans,” expressed a do Khan’s k movie to kahin Nahi chalega user. tab Pata chalega inko (Khan movies should At the same time, fans of Bollywood be banned in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar superstar Shah Rukh Khan claimed, how CONFLICT: Fans demand that the Khans be shunned from Bollywood, in response to the Pradesh. When their films don’t run the actor, who had no connection with the untimely demise of Sushant Singh Rajput. anywhere, then they will learn a lesson) industry and was a complete outsider, made that talents are not only born in Bollywood it big in Bollywood with sheer hard work. “Rajkumar rao, Sushant Singh, and got rejected movies of Star-Kids. Faced godfathers house. Stupid people specially So they started tweeting with the hashtag Ayushman have always said SRK has been most clashes at BoxOffice to pull him down. ban Yash raj film and all 7 production house #SupportSelfmadeSRK simultaneously. the biggest inspiration for them to enter Due to Nepotism, He didn’t get National films in these 3 states #BoycottKhans,” “#SupportSelfmadeSRK because he is an in Bollywood. Self made stars for a reason Award for Swades. Bwood burnt when he tweeted a user. inspiration to every middle class outsider #SupportSelfMadeSRK,” expressed another opened Mannat, RCE, VFX and KKR. Till “#BoycottKhans. If a corrupt who dreams to become big in Bollywood fan. date SRK suffers. #SupportSelfmadeSRK,” government can’t give him justice, then industry,” tweeted a fan. “He was never a choice of any movies wrote another fan. — IANS Actors ‘sceptical’ to shoot as Bollywood reopens shop BY SIMRAN SETHI

ith lockdown regulations being relaxed and the Maharashtra government giving a go-ahead, a slew of filmmakers in Bollywood Whave decided to resume shooting. However, many celebrities are still sceptical to step out and start work on the sets. Super 30 fame actress Mrunal Thakur is one of them. For her, “health comes first”. “I am not ready yet. I feel if I say yes to a shoot, then I am putting a lot of people’s health at risk. I don’t know. I am really unable to decide. Also, the monsoons have arrived in Mumbai. So, there are more chances of spreading the diseases – especially flu,” Mrunal told IANS. Mrunal also urged people to be responsible YOUNG AND TALENTED: Mrunal Thakur, left, and Tanuj Virwani. if they resume work. “People really need to be responsible. I face the camera, but will take a call only after Gupta said he would start the shoot of the This is just a glimpse of an actor’s life. I understand work is important and if people seeing how safe it is to shoot. remaining portion of his multistarrer next sanitised everything around before I began,” are planning to resume working, they should “I am sure we all have been waiting to month in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. He she shared. maintain proper precautions. Health comes get involved and busy with our individual has assured there will be limited number of Hina in fact tried dubbing with a mask on. first. If someone is not feeling well, he/she professions and, yes, I am eager to go face the people on the set. “I tried to maintain a distance from the mic should stay at home instead of coming to camera – though, only if it is safe to shoot “The people we take from here will be a and dubbed, but it didn’t work, I was told my work. I know delaying work is not the only is when I would opt for it, keeping all safety limited number. This will ensure a sense voice was not clear. I realised it is unsafe to option, so why not take proper measures,” she measures in place,” Varun shared. of security, which was not probable in inhale and exhale so close to the microphone. added. Actor-singer Aparshakti Khurana is not Mumbai, where you have people coming God knows how many have dubbed in the Actor Tanuj Virwani agrees. “As much wholly sure about the situation. from different parts of the city. Even with same studio before me. God knows who as I miss being on a set, I think it would “Well, I don’t know how many actors all precautions, one can’t be 100 percent amongst them is a carrier,” she added. be extremely shortsighted to think about and directors are ready to go out and shoot, sure. It’s not a risk I would like my cast and However, she says the studio was properly resuming shooting soon. The simple reason but whoever is contemplating must keep a technicians to face,” Sanjay had said, whose sanitised. for that is the project I am currently shooting couple of things in mind. Precautions must period crime drama stars John Abraham, “The studio is taking full precautions and for requires a lot of cast and crew, and there be taken and secondly, the number of people Suneil Shetty, Emraan Hashmi, Gulshan sanitising the place regularly. But one careless is simply no way to do it otherwise. I feel on the sets (must be minimum). At the end Grover and Rohit Roy. move can be fatal,” she added. films and shows that require fewer people of the day, only two things matter – health Actress Hina Khan has already experienced Despite the scare, Hina will continue on set should lead the way. Based on how and work. Both have to go hand in hand,” working outdoors amid the pandemic. working. “An actor has no choice. You got they manage and control their sets, a lot of Aparshakti emphasised. She recently ventured out to a studio for a to do what you got to do. Be it dubbing or others will gain confidence as well as insight. Speaking of directors who are keen to dubbing session for an upcoming web show. shooting, we only take risks to entertain you I personally don’t see shoots starting with full resume shooting, Sanjay Gupta’s Mumbai She admits she did not feel “safe”. and will continue to do so,” Hina concluded. force until July-end or early August,” he said. Saga was one of the first films to announce “This was my first outdoor activity post ‘Lights’ and ‘Camera’ are ready. When will Actor Varun Sharma is eagerly waiting to resumption of production after the lockdown. lockdown. Trust me, I just did not feel safe. it be the right time for ‘Action’? — IANS Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Olly Murs: Lockdown Katherine Schwarzenegger on has been harder than ‘understanding’ Chris Pratt my knee rehab Schwarzenegger says her husband, Hollywood Singer Olly Murs struggled to star Chris Pratt, has been “very understanding’ find his purpose amid lockdown and during her pregnancy. found the quarantine period much Schwarzenegger opened up about being harder than his knee rehab last year. pregnant amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic “Lockdown has been so much during an Instagram Live session. She shared that harder than my knee rehab last she found a great support system to help her during year. I was excited about so many the period, reports people.com. things happening in 2020. I had I’m really lucky to be living in very close Soccer Aid, holidays, The Voice, proximity to my family, which has been very projects with my TV company and helpful,” she said, before calling the actor a “very I had a new haircut. Lockdown wonderful husband”. COUPLE: Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris sidetracked it all and I found It’s been amazing having him home and also Pratt. comfort in eating things I love, very understanding about my need to sanitise like chocolate,” Murs told The Sun, PURPOSE: Murs says he struggled everything, having everyone wear masks all the Earlier this year, Pratt and Schwarzenegger reports femalefirst.co.uk. to find his purpose during lockdown. time. That’s been helpful,” she said while talking shared that they are expecting their first baby Murs, who was isolating with his about Pratt. together. The two had exchanged vows on June his girlfriend Amelia Tank, added: where I was thinking, ‘What’s my Schwarzenegger continued: “Also, having people 8 last year and are now gearing up for the next “On the surface it looked like I was purpose?’” A source had earlier like you who I text constantly about everything chapter in their lives. The baby on the way will be having loads of fun with Amelia. shared that Murs is “so happy” in baby because I’m learning as I go, and it’s been an Schwarzenegger’s first child while Pratt already has But I’ve had some really tough days his relationship with Tank. — IANS interesting time to be pregnant.” a son, Jack, with former wife Anna Faris. — IANS Alfred Hitchcock films to stream if you’re in the mood for suspense from that of Michael Myers in the Halloween By Chris Hewitt movies to the mobsters of Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. All of these elements make us participants ame a movie director who in the action. We respond to these made more classics than Alfred scenes because Hitchcock compels us to Hitchcock. Go ahead; I’ll wait. contemplate the awful things that could There are legions of reports happen and who might do them, although that he wasn’t the world’s nicest we wish they wouldn’t. By watching, we are Nperson. But there’s no disputing the track complicit. Since Hitchcock’s death in 1980, record of the Englishman who gave us not just other films have taken these elements further, Vertigo, which the prestigious Sight & Sound including this year’s best picture Oscar poll says is the finest movie ever made, but winner, Parasite (an honour won by only so many other greats that in the list below one Hitchcock film, Rebecca). But there’s no I have to leave off movies I love — North by beating these seven streamable titles from the Northwest, Strangers on a Train, The Birds, master of suspense. The Lady Vanishes, Frenzy – because I want to marry seven other films even more. Shadow of a Doubt (1943) The key thing to remember about It’s often reported that this is Hitchcock’s Hitchcock movies is the difference between favourite of his films, but in the book surprise and suspense, the latter of which he Hitchcock/Truffaut, he says that’s a famously mastered. To illustrate, he always misunderstanding. Anyway, it’s my favourite. used the example of two people sitting at a Its macabre screenplay — by Our Town table, not knowing there’s a bomb under it. playwright Thornton Wilder, Sally Benson If the bomb explodes, surprising us, and Alma Reville (Hitchcock’s wife) — is Hitchcock said it would supply 15 seconds of perfect. Charlie (Teresa Wright) is thrilled moviegoing pleasure. But, if we are shown the when her favourite uncle and namesake bomb and kept cognizant of it while the two (Joseph Cotten) comes for a visit, enlivening unaware people eat brunch and chat about her sleepy town. Then, she realises the guy how great it is to be back in a restaurant, sleeping in her family’s guest room may be a TRADEMARK: The key thing to remember about Hitchcock movies is the difference between Hitchcock would say he could draw the scene serial killer. surprise and suspense, the latter of which he famously mastered. out for 15 escalating minutes of excitement and suspense. Will it go off? Will they Rear Window (1954) by exploring the family relationship in movie to multiple interpretations as a David Lynch discover it? Can our brunchers be saved? Both Hitchcock/Grace Kelly collaborations history. Anthony Perkins’ performance as movie, Vertigo is chilling and unsettling. Essentially, it’s the difference between from 1954 are entertaining, but this Norman Bates is a jittery triumph. violence that comes out of nowhere in a unbearably tense gem is a better movie than Notorious (1946) slasher film and the slower, more satisfying Dial M for Murder. Jimmy Stewart plays a The 39 Steps (1935) Hitch’s most romantic film, showcases experience of a thriller that engages our photographer, laid up with a broken leg, who A vast conspiracy threatens all of England. Ingrid Bergman as a spy recruited by Cary emotions and builds on them. Hitchcock thinks he sees evidence a neighbour across A couple on the run (Robert Donat, Madeleine Grant to infiltrate a den of Nazis, and includes said that was his main duty as a director. the courtyard has murdered his wife. In the Carroll) find hate turning to love when they’re one of the director’s most famous scenes (it One shortcut he used was casting huge stars, pivotal scene, he watches as his girlfriend handcuffed together. A catchy earworm turns involves a key). knowing their immediate appeal would help (Kelly) almost becomes a victim, too, out to be a crucial clue. A magic trick finally us side with their characters. while snooping for evidence in the killer’s reveals all. This comic mystery is 86 minutes To Catch a Thief (1955) Another biggie for Hitchcock was taking apartment. This sadistic masterpiece taunts of pure fun. Hitchcock in comic mode again, in his third advantage of whom we root for. He’s not the us with the knowledge that — like Stewart — of four collaborations with Grant. He plays an first to force us to identify with a bad guy, as we’re powerless to do anything about what’s Vertigo (1958) elegant cat burglar, improbably masquerading we do in Psycho, fearing for Norman Bates as happening on screen, even if we want to. If 39 Steps is Hitchcock in a light mood, as a lumberjack, who may go straight after the authorities close in on him, despite the this is him at his darkest. Stewart plays a San falling for a witty socialite (Kelly). The banter is fact that he just killed the movie’s heroine. Psycho (1960) Franciscan who becomes obsessed with a sparkling, the French Riviera setting is a stunner But Hitchcock trademarked this technique, Maybe Hitchcock’s most devious movie, woman (Kim Novak) who resembles his late and Jessie Royce Landis, as Kelly’s sceptical which has inspired point-of-view shots it kills off its lead early, then messes with us lover. Or maybe she is his late lover? As open mother, almost steals the show. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 23, 2020 COMMUNITY Shopping is back, but not as we know it: a look at the ‘Covid secure’ high street DIY store owner Surinder Josan explains the steps that he has been taking to keep his family and his customers safe

By Ellen Manning

ll non-essential retailers – including clothes, shoe, toy, book and electronics shops, tailors, auction Ahouses, photography studios and indoor markets – in England were able to reopen this week, provided they had followed UK government guidelines to make them “Covid- secure”. That means reopened shops should have carried out a risk assessment using guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Employers also had a duty to consult staff about the safety measures required. Businesses were expected to inform all staff about the findings of their assessments, and those with more than 50 employees should have published the results on their websites. Shops should now have hygiene procedures in place to keep staff and customers safe, for instance by providing hand-washing FAMILY BUSINESS: Surinder Josan outside his family-run business All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, West Midlands. facilities and regularly cleaning surfaces, including self-checkouts, his mother, his father until he decided to carry out a shop refit, The number of customers who’ve people to stay inside them. trolleys, or devices handled by died a few years ago, and even but put notices up saying if anyone come in and complimented us “So the only way I can think staff. Employers will also need to his children when they’re not needed hardware items for repairs is unbelievable. They say that of is that instead of having 200 help those with visual impairments studying. “We like to be right in or urgent work, he would help. It when they come here they feel people you have 60-70, and use or disabilities to navigate these the thick of things so we run them started with a few phone calls, he really safe. We did it because we more of the outdoors as opposed measures. both. With the venue it’s actually says, but soon there was a steady wanted to be safe, but it works for to the indoors. These are some of It’s not only shop owners tasked pretty easy – we just take the stream of people wanting to buy everyone.” my thoughts, but I have got to do it with keeping customers safe. bookings and direct people to our things. “It also dawned on us that While many businesses will be so we are safe and whoever is with Shoppers have also been urged to suppliers like caterers, DJs, the hardware stores were allowed to getting used to new practices and us – the caterers, the guests – are protect each other by, for example, people who do the decorations. remain open, so we thought: ‘If ways of working, Josan and his safe too. The last thing I want is for not trying on clothing or testing The detail is taken off our hands. we’re going to do this, we will have family have few changes planned there to be an outbreak.” goods. Fitting rooms should be Plus, the main use of that is at to do it properly.’” for the immediate future, being In the meantime, he plans to closed wherever possible. If they are the weekend and evenings when That decision prompted Josan happy to continue with the safety offer the space to a local school open, contact between customers the shop isn’t open, so I can jump and his family to put an array of measures they’ve been using for free of charge if it needs more and staff should be limited. They from one to the other.” When measures in place to keep both the past few months. room in order to welcome children should also be cleaned frequently, Josan started hearing about the themselves and their customers “We’re going to carry on doing back. With so much adjustment typically after each use. coronavirus in late December, he safe. “We put lines outside the exactly what we have been doing needed for the “new normal” when For many it is all new. But not admits to being scared. shop. We also barricaded the area up until now,” he says. Despite it comes to our shops and venues, for Surinder Josan who has been “The first thing that came to by the till so customers come that, he remains concerned that Josan acknowledges that it can be implementing safety measures mind was that the banqueting in one by one, tell us what they not everyone is as careful with confusing. But he says there is a for the past few months. Josan venue was not going to work in want, then we go and get it. We their safety as he and his fellow lot of information available, both owns two family-run businesses those circumstances.” So, in late reduced the contactless payments retailers are. from the UK government and other in Smethwick, West Midlands: a January/early February, he took the minimum from £5 to £1 to make it “People have calmed down and organisations, to help business hardware store, All Seasons DIY, decision to close the 200-person easier for people to limit contact. there’s less panic-buying, but they owners put the right measures in started by his parents; and Seasons venue, persuading customers to We also started cleaning the money aren’t observing the 2-metre rule. place to keep themselves, their Palace, a banqueting venue for move their bookings to 2021. While using wipes.” They’re just a bit absent-minded staff and their customers safe. weddings and parties. the loss of income was a hit, he The measures weren’t about it,” he adds. And while he is confident that 55-year-old grew up helping in decided the move was in the best necessarily easy, but were well- And while he plans on keeping he’s been doing his bit to make the DIY shop and appeared to be interests of everyone’s safety. received by customers filled with things as they are for the DIY store, sure his customers aren’t put in heading down a different career He was then faced with deciding confidence that Josan was doing potentially until the end of the harm’s way, he admits the future is path after a degree in electronics what to do about the shop. everything he could to keep them year, Josan admits the future is less uncertain. and studying for a master’s in IT. “The biggest problem is that my safe. “It was hard work – we were clear for the banqueting venue. “This is a new normal – we’re But when his father developed mother’s DNA is part of the shop, constantly going backwards and “If the government says we not going to go back to what we a heart problem while Josan and asking her to step away from it forwards – I think I did 17,000 can open, I have thought about had for some time yet. There are was studying, he took the reins, was a big no-no. The only way to steps in one day and that was just how I would do it and keep people still so many unknowns. At the end streamlining the way the DIY shop get her away was to close. So when in the shop. separate. You could do it with the of the day, this virus is going to ran and developing two thriving they announced that pubs and “It was so tiring that we cut tables, with the toilets, and the take out people who are close to us. businesses. schools were all closed we bit the down our hours, so instead of kitchen and even the stage. But It isn’t good enough to only think The whole family has been bullet and shut it too.” opening from 9am to 7pm we how do you do it on a dance floor? of our businesses and economy.” involved – including his wife, Putting the time to good use, he opened from 10am to 4.30pm. Unless you draw circles and tell — The Guardian