Community Community Indian schools Late celebrate 69th Columbian P8Republic Day P16 drug baron’s of by organising wild hippos are cultural events, flag roaming free hoisting ceremonies and in the village of patriotic speeches. Doradal.

Sunday, January 28, 2018 Jumada I 11, 1439 AH

DOHA 16°C—28°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 14 Fantastic Mystery master James Patterson talks about writing a thriller with COVER STORY Bill Clinton and why watching cable news is so scary. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

The Breadwinner DIRECTION: Nora Twomey CAST: Saara Chaudry, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif SYNOPSIS: A headstrong Afgani girl disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her PRAYER TIME family. Once her father is sent to Fajr 6.00am jail, 11-year-old Shorooq (sunrise) 6.19am Parvana must Zuhr (noon) 11.47am fi nd the courage Asr (afternoon) 2.53pm to break Taliban Maghreb (sunset) 5.17pm law to save her Isha (night) 6.47pm family.

THEATRES: USEFUL NUMBERS The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, Habbet Caramel the eff ects of the caramel that gave her women’s obsession with cosmetic 40253369 DIRECTION: Elie F. Habib the ability to hear men’s thoughts, her surgery? Will Raja fi nd out who’s trying Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 CAST: Maguy Bou Ghosn, Dhaff er mother’s attempt to help results in side to destroy him professionally? And will Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 L’Abidine, Talal Jarday eff ects: she can now hear children’s the two fi nally reunite? Qatar Airways 40253374 SYNOPSIS: As Maya struggles with thoughts. Will Maya succeed in curing THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark

The Mall Cinema (1): Street Lights (2D) 11:30pm. () 2:30pm; Bhaagamathie Royal Plaza Cinema Palace te Unqu (Telugu) 5pm; All The Money In The (2): Nimir (Tamil) 2:15pm; MAZE uo ot World (2D) 7:30pm; Guardians Of RUNNER:Thedeath Cure (2D) Q Happiness e The Tomb (2D) 9:45pm; Dead Awake Landmark Cinema (2): The 4:30pm; Habet Caramel (Arabic) (2D) 11:30pm. Breadwinner (2D) 3pm; The 7pm; Street Lights (Malayalam) cannot be travelled The Mall Cinema (2): The Breadwinner (2D) 4:45pm; MAZE 9pm; All The Money In The World to, owned, earned, worn or Breadwinner (2D) 2:30pm; The RUNNER:Thedeath Cure (2D) (2D) 11:15pm. consumed. Happiness is the spiritual Breadwinner (2D) 4:30pm; 6:30pm; MAZE RUNNER:Thedeath Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): experience of living JUMANJI: Welcome To The Cure (2D) 9pm; Guardians Of The Street Lights (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Jungle (2D) 6:30pm; MAZE Tomb (2D) 11:30pm. Bhaagamathie (Tamil) 5pm; All every minute with love, grace, and RUNNER:Thedeath Cure (2D) Landmark Cinema (3): The Money In The World (2D) gratitude. 8:30pm; MAZE RUNNER:Thedeath Bhaagamathie (Telugu) 2:30pm; 7:30pm; Dead Awake (2D) 9:45pm; — Denis Waitley Cure (2D) 11pm. Habet Caramel (Arabic) 5pm; All Bhaagamathie (Tamil) 11:30pm. The Mall Cinema (3): Nimir (Tamil) The Money In The World (2D) 7pm; Asian Town Cinema: Street Light 3pm; Guardians Of The Tomb (2D) All The Money In The World (2D) (Malayalam) 6pm; Street Light 5:30pm; Habet Caramel (Arabic) 9:15pm; Bhaagamathie (Tamil) (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Street Light 7:15pm; Street Lights (Malayalam) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 11pm; Bhaagmathie 9:15pm; Bhaagamathie (Tamil) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): (Tamil) 6pm; Bhaagmathie (Tamil) Community Editor 11:30pm; Landmark Cinema (1): The Breadwinner (2D) 2:15pm; The 8:45pm; Bhaagmathie (Tamil) Kamran Rehmat JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle Breadwinner (2D) 3:45pm; Habet 11:30pm; Padmaavat (Hindi) e-mail: [email protected] (2D) 3pm; Street Lights (Malayalam) Caramel (Arabic) 5:30pm; MAZE 6pm; Aadu 2 (Malayalam) 9pm; 5:30pm; Guardians Of The Tomb RUNNER:Thedeath Cure (2D) Padmaavat (Hindi) 11:45pm; Nimir Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 8pm; Dead Awake (2D) 9:30pm; 7:30pm; Guardians Of The Tomb (Tamil) 6pm; Bhaagmathie (Telugu) Fax: 44350474 Street Lights (Malayalam) 11:15pm. (2D) 10pm; Guardians Of The Tomb 8:45pm; Nimi (Tamil) 11:30pm. Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Salute Qatar Souq Waqif Spring Festival B.Square Mall Grand Event WHERE: Holiday Inn WHERE: Souq Waqif WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha Winter Festival at Katara WHEN: Feb 9 WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Katara TIME: 6.30pm TIME: Evening TIME: 6:30pm WHEN: Today Farook College Old Students Association Souq Waqif is hosting Spring Festival The only mall in Qatar dedicated to TIME: 4pm Qatar are conducting an event named events until April 25. The festival is entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy Cultural Village Foundation-Katara ‘Salute Qatar’ on Feb 9, 2018. The organised by the Organizing Committee a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car will launch its 2018 edition of the Winter event consists of a live orchestra led by of the Private Engineering Office. This parking spaces, as well as provide a range Festival on January 24 and will continue Muhammed Aslam, a Bollywood singer and year’s festival offers a range of family- of shopping, services, and entertainment til today at Katara esplanade. This year’s member of A R Rahman’s team. For further friendly fun including parades, shows, options. edition draws a significant participation details, call FOSA General Secretary Askar plays, music featuring top stars and of ministries, institutions and private Rahiman at 5550-9834. children’s entertainment. Spring Festival Torba Farmers Market sector centres that are all set to present a will also present fine arts events in the WHERE: Education City wide range of diverse events that include Laugh Out Loud various sections of Souq Waqif Arts Center, WHEN: Ongoing performances, theatrical shows and WHEN: Feb 9 including workshops directed to all visitors. TIME: 9am educational workshops. In this edition of WHERE: Intercontinental Doha The Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered the festival, the Childhood Cultural Center City Foodex Qatar 2018 with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based will organie several children activities TIME: 9am- 1am WHEN: May 3-5 initiative that aims to deliver organic including competitions and games, with Eat, have fun and Laugh Out Loud with WHERE: Doha Exhibition and and locally-grown food and homemade gifts distribution. Qatar Heritage and two of the finest Filipino comedians – Convention Centre products, to host a weekly market in Identity centre is also featuring a unique Wacky Kiray and Boobita. The event will Qatar is the most urbanised nation Education City. Open to the public, the educational theatrical show highlighting start with a brunch meet and greet with among the GCC states. Urban lifestyles market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, the winter season besides numerous Wacky Kiray and Boobita. In the afternoon have raised the standard of living of accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from entertaining activities, organised with an onwards, the activities will be: Komikero/a individuals and changed their eating 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am aim of a acquainting the public and children (a stand-up comedy contest), videoke pattern, resulting in a shift in the diet and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived with the Qatari cultural and national challenge, band performances, a comedy towards protein rich foods as well as from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that identity, and Qatar’s flora. These festivities show with guest artist and dance party. For packaged and fast food. Consumption of feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide are sought to afford the children a glimpse further information call 7777-8542. such premium products has contributed to range of fresh, locally-grown items will on Qatari life style during winter. the growth of the food industry. FOODEX be on offer, including organic fruits and will strengthen the Qatari food industry vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, Asian community sports fest for to meet the standards of rising expatriate and butters, as well as handicrafts and women population, tourism, and developing tastes gardening supplies. WHEN: February 2 of Western foods. TIME: 7am-5pm Breakdance Classes Friends Cultural Centre Vanithavedi Remote-controlled car racing track WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday (Womens’ Wing) is organising an Asian WHERE: Aspire Park Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop community sports festival for women in WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat culture that originated in New York connection with the Qatar National Sport TIME: 4pm-10pm and has since spread all over the world. Day. This is the first time such an event is Aspire Zone Foundation has created a Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic being organised for Asian women in Qatar, custom-made track specially designed style of dancing, which can often appear according to the organisers. Women aged for remote-control car racing, for car to defy the laws of physics. This extreme 18 years and above can participate in the Marketing through Social Media lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport dance-sport uses tremendous upper- competitions that are being organised in Where: 11-12 Feb enthusiasts can try the race track opposite body strength for tricks and poses and a two categories. When: Tornado Tower, West Bay the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on great way to get into shape and have fun. Individual items include: walking 1.5km, HEC Paris In Qatar is offering an Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail running race 100 metres, sac race, thread Executive Short Program in “Marketing [email protected] & beads race, and duck-walk race. Group through Social Media” with Kristine de events include a relay race and tug-of-war. Valck, HEC Paris Associate Professor of There will be separate competitions for Marketing senior citizens aged over 58 years. Each http://www.qatar.exed.hec.edu/ person can participate in 3 individual items executive-short-programs and group events. Programme is scheduled between 7am to 5pm. Upside Down Show For registration and more details. visit WHERE: Mall of Qatar fccvanitavedi.wordpress.com or contact on WHEN: Ongoing till Feb 3 5564-3799/ 6678-7007. TIME: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Kai Leclerc walks upside-down, with his feet stuck to the ceiling and his head pointed to the ground, 9 meters below! In this breath-taking performance, he Outdoor and five-a-side football combines a fine humour with physical pitches Zumba Session virtuosity. He walks, dances, sings and WHERE: Aspire Zone WHERE: Bin Omran juggles, all upside-down. WHEN: Daily WHEN: Sundays TIME: 7pm-11pm TIME: 7pm - 8pm Qatar Running Series Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football Participate in Zumba Sessions (Adults) WHERE: MIA Park outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street every Sunday. For more information call WHEN: ongoing till April 13 are available every day from 7pm until 11pm 33003839 or [email protected] TIME: 7am from Sundays to Thursdays, and on Fridays Get ready for Qatar Running Series at and Saturdays from 7am-11pm. Off -Road biking tour MIA Park. The events will take place in Mia WHERE: Zekreet Park and comprise of distances ranging Mahaseel Festival WHEN: Fridays from 3k to 10k. All events will be run on WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is offering accurately measured short courses with WHERE: Katara the country’s first off-road biking tour. Travel and Street Photography multiple laps and will be restricted to a TIME: 9am-10pm Ride in the desert on a fat bike to explore workshop maximum of 130 participants. Visitors to the festival can expect a the local flora and fauna spot desert WHERE: Holiday Inn Doha - The variety of products from local vegetables, wildlife, hike up jebels, chill in the magic of Business Park Mall of Qatar Fun Fair flowers, honey and meat, poultry and the Richard Serra statues and this unique WHEN: Feb 2 WHERE: Mall Of Qatar diary items. For those of you looking for landscape. Participants will get to cross TIME: 4PM - 8PM WHEN: Until April 15 traditional Qatari food, there will also be the desert riding fat bikes from Zekreet DK Photography Association is pleased The Mall of Qatar has expanded to stalls selling homemade foods such as to the Richard Serra statues, on a route of to present a Travel and Street Photography bring you “Doha’s best outdoor theme Machbous. Farm-grown goods include approximately 13kms. The route is easy to workshop by the most admired park”. Come with your family and friends aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, ride and suitable for people with average photographer in India- Hari Menon. Two to enjoy the new rides and attractions – courgettes, cauliflower, herbs, and chilis. fitness. You must be able to ride. Kids aged lucky winners -tickets by Turkish Airlines Trampoline, Giant Slide, Wind Tunnel, There are also animal products such as 9 and older are also welcome. The fee is QR to Europe. Disco Tagada, Meltdown, Surfing and much chicken, milk, cheese and eggs from Qatari 220 (QR190 for ages 9-14) and includes bike To register for the workshop please more to enjoy with family and friends. companies like Baladna and Al Waha and safety equipment. The activity lasts contact - Mob: 55754742 or 66852322 Come all and enjoy life. Poultry Company. about 2.5 hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Broad range of books is very important in making good readers” — JamesJam Patterson, writer and TV host

We have a president who doesn’t seem to know very much about anything, then we have this guy who knows everything about everything

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

on a forthcoming Oval Office collaborating with Bill Clinton she’s not political, but she said in your new Investigation By Lorraine Ali thriller — all within the first on a fictional thriller. Wow. ‘You know, we have a [current] Discovery series, Murder Is month of 2018? No novel about a president has president who doesn’t seem to Forever. You introduce one Patterson, 70, dropped clues to ever had more authenticity and a know very much about anything, episode with the line, “Be riter James how he does it all in recent phone sense of history. There is a speech then we have this guy who knows honest, you ever want to knock Patterson has a call from his Palm Beach, Florida, at the end of it. Wait, I do not everything about everything. He off your spouse?” mystery for you to home, where the Alex Cross, want to give that away. I have to doesn’t forget anything. Same I haven’t. I love my wife. solve. How does Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder save it for the tour. with Hillary. She forgets nothing. the planet’s top- Club mastermind discussed Both of them are total recall. It Understood. But it does look Wselling novelist churn out several reading, writing and murder. What was it like working must be totally ridiculous to be in like you’re having fun with the books, launch a TV series, host a with him on this book, which the house with them. genre. true-crime show and collaborate Let’s start with The is due out in June? You want to have fun without with former president Bill Clinton President Is Missing. You’re He’s fantastic. My assistant, You’re also playing host making fun of it. You don’t want Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

who could imagine the stuff that’s happened.

If you’d not broken through as a novelist in the 2000s, do you think you’d still be an advertising executive? What a sad a story that would be. My joke about advertising is that I have been clean for 30 years. If I stayed in advertising? I’d be dead by now. I would have shot myself. I never loved it, but I had good instincts. It’s very hard to look at rough little storyboards and understand what the fi lm is going be like, and an awful lot of clients couldn’t make that jump. It was painful.

But that process likely helped you as a novelist, because structure and outline are the devil for most writers. Outline, outline, outline. If you outline, you will have a lot less problem with structure. It’s better to fi nd it out two weeks into the project than nine months in. OMG, it’s not working.

Do you still work like that? Yes. I outline everything. My outlines are 40 to 60 pages, and it’s DREAM UNION: James Patterson, right, is collaborating with former president Bill Clinton for his forthcoming work The President is Missing. just a paragraph per chapter. What’s the core, what’s the heart of thing? someone who’s watching to think, a TV series with CBS coming in Writers are notoriously you know, that I’m supposed to Why am I excited to write that “This person is making fun of March [Killer Instinct], starring awkward on camera. When be this serious guy. I was with the chapter? something I love.” We’re having Alan Cumming, and he’s one of watching yourself, what mother of one of the people he fun with this because we’re fans. the first gay character leads. I love bothers you the most? killed, and she was a wonderful You’ve funded and launched being partly responsible for that For some reason I don’t have lady. I started crying and I several initiatives to get kids to All the attraction to true because it’s [adapted] from a book an issue being in front of a TV or thought … “I’m not supposed to read. crime, I think it’s because I wrote. film camera. But in front of a still do that. I’m crying. She’s crying. I was inspired by our son. He’s a tragic stories make people feel camera, I’m a disaster. It’s weird I’m unprofessional. Reporters bright kid but wasn’t a big reader. better about their own lives. Many of the shows you’re to me. It makes no sense. But don’t do that stuff.” This never One summer we said look, you’re Like “I thought I was crazy, but launching this year are being give me a still camera, all my face happens on 60 Minutes. going to read every day this summer. look at them”? released in tandem with books muscles freeze. I look ridiculous. And he said do I have to? And I said on the same subject. Did you True crime as entertainment yeah, unless you want to live in the Yes. pick the ID stories you’re You host another true-crime often makes us forget there is garage. We went out and got Percy Yeah, that might be a little focusing on? show out this month, 48 Hours, pain and loss underpinning all Jackson and Wrinkle in Time, and by piece of it. But also, people really Yes. I went through their library All-American Murder, about the these stories. the end of the summer, he had read like stories, and these are all and picking out stories that I Aaron Hernandez homicides. That’s true. And you’re limited like a dozen books. really good stories. Mother of All could [also] turn into books. I did a bunch of interviews for by the truth. It reinforces the old A broad range of books is very Murders, the murderer in [that It was a fair amount of work, the CBS show, and I liked that. I cliche that truth is stranger than important in making good readers. episode] is almost as crazy as the actually. did break the cardinal rule though, fiction. And certainly this year, Even more important is getting to killer in Psycho. Then there’s a at-risk kids. If we can’t get them couple [of shows] that are like, reading more competently, then ‘Don’t ever answer your doorbell it’s a huge problem for them, their again.’ They have twists and turns, families and society. the element of “Oh, my God, I can’t believe people are actually How old is your son? doing this stuff!” Jack is now 19, but when he was little, my big thing was just to get Which is what I also find him to think things through. I’d say, myself saying when watching how was school? cable news. “Good.” I’ll go back and forth between No, dude, that was an essay CNN and Fox because it’s question. Then he would have to hilarious. How can they both be explain why he said good, or change true? I remember years ago I went his mind. They should be able to to the doctor for this little thing. do that about everything. And it’s The doctor I went to previously not just about kids being literate had done this small procedure in thinkers. his office. The second guy I went to said, “He should have never What do you mean? done that procedure. That could Well, I recently stopped in this have killed you!” I knew that one little coff ee place when I was going or both of them was crazy, but I to see I, Tonya, because I had didn’t know which one. some time to burn. I was reading the menu and said to the waitress How many books are you ‘This is really weird. Grass-fed working on right now? meatballs?’ I have no idea. She didn’t get it. I said can you imagine little meatballs grazing Really? around a fi eld? She said, “Oh, I never It’s too hard to know. I’d need thought of it that way.” That’s the a calculator. Really, I don’t know kind of thing I’m doing [laughs], … . There’s kids books, a series educating people in coff ee shops. — on Einstein, ah … . We also have PROLIFIC: James Patterson in the company of his books. Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY

Guests at the function. From right, C V M P Ezhil Arasan, Siva V Meyyanathan, Dr Rajamoorthy, P Anand, Milan Arun and Vasuki Sathyababu. Tamil forum holds Pongal celebrations

xpatriate forum Qatar Indian Youth Tamizhar Sangham (QIYTS) recently held Pongal celebrations, the harvest festival and New Year of the people of the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu at a Efunction held in the presence of two legislators from Tamil Nadu. The function was attended among others by legislators from Tamil Nadu Siva V Meyyanathan (Alangudi) and C V M P Ezhil Arasan (Kancheepuram). A variety of colourful cultural items, performed by children of the members were held as part of the celebrations. The organisers gave away a large number of prizes to the participants. While expressing happiness at joining people from his constituency, who were the main stay of the QIYTS, Meyyanathan hoped the members would successfully hold similar events in future also. Ezhil Arasan, who was visiting Qatar for the fi rst Milan Arun and QIYTS women members lighting the traditional lamp. time, said he was looking forward to the support of the forum for some of the developmental works in his constituency, which is globally well-known for handcrafted silk sarees. Dr Rajamoorthy, who is a well-known medical physician from Nagapatanam, appreciated the QIYTS members for their intervention in numerous social issues in his home town. Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) President Milan Arun lauded the group for their regular involvement in community activities. She also recalled her school days in Gudalur in Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. QIYTS President Raju Murugan welcomed the gathering. Senior community member and the forum’s patron P Anand (Teyseer Motor), Balaji T R and A V Swamy spoke. Founder members Raju Ranjan, Thirupathi Dinakaran, S Balasubramanian, R Palanisamy, Shoukkath Ali, R Ranjith Kumar, N P Chitarasu, G Ravichandran and A Senthil Kumar co-ordinated the events. The organisers thanked Doha Bank Group R Seetharaman, Krishna Moorthy, senior community members Ashraf Ali, V Arumugham and Mohamed Imran for their continuous patronage to the programmes of the forum. Goutham compered the event. A view of the gathering. Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Orbital Blue win first semi-final of OIA Cricket Tournament

The first semi-final of the One India Association (OIA) Cricket Tournament was played between were restricted to 84 runs at the loss of six wickets. In response, Orbital lost early wickets to very Orbital Strikers Blue and OIA recently at Al Jaber Ground in Mesaieed. The semi-final was disciplined bowling of Kerala team. But the brilliant batting performance of Vinu Raj and Binu won by Orbital Blue. Joseph in the end overs took the match away from OIA Kerala. Binu Joseph was adjudged as The tournament is being organised by the OIA, aff iliated to the Indian Culture Centre under the man of the match for his overall performance and the award was given by Mohd Taiyab Khan, aegis of the Indian embassy. As many as eight diff erent teams are participating in the tournament. ex-president of Bihar Association. The second semi-final of the tournament will be played between The toss was won by Kerala team and elected to bat first. In the allotted 12 overs, OIA Kerala Mitra Mandal of Maharastra and OIA UP teams next Friday.

ERAM Group launches new e-commerce website for Qatar

ERAM Group, a diversified conglomerate, has recently launched a new online shopping portal www.getit.qa aimed at streamlining the e-commerce potential in Qatar. The new website combines a comprehensive listing of food products, fashion apparels, mobile, electronic products including the variety of industrial products and a directory of industrial service sectors with ‘Request for Quote’ option and many more. The website will be of tremendous value to entrepreneurs, business professionals and SME businesses, those who are looking for online presence. “This is a cutting-edge Internet website far superior to anything in the marketplace,” said Dr Siddeek Ahmed Haji, the founder of getit.qa and the chairman & managing director of ERAM Group. He added, “We hope this will be the one customers have been long waiting for. [It offers a] convenient shopping experience with a user-friendly website and mobile apps on both iOS and Android.” “Getit.qa is planning to be the Qatar’s largest online marketplace, with the widest assortment of diverse product categories from local manufactures – made in Qatar products and International brands with the support of sellers and service providers. Be it a manufacturer, vendor or service providers, simply list all the products and service on getit.qa and extend product presence online,” said Poulose Theppala, the director of getit.qa The company’s mission is to be a permanent service provider in customer’s busy life and stay prominent through offering our quality products and services. Getit.qa extending its delivery service in entire Qatar and providing free shipping for the orders with minimum value and offering cash or card on delivery as the payment option. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY BPS celebrates Indian Republic Day

Birla Public School celebrated 56th Republic Day representatives Chindhu Anthony Rappai, Malvika of India with gaiety and fervour on January 26. Khimji, Nevile Lukose, life member Nilangshu Dey, Patriotic fervour gripped the Birlites, On January Principal A P Sharma, students, staff and parents. 26, 1950, India claimed its position at the pinnacle Chairman Lukose Chacko hoisted the Indian by adopting the world’s finest constitution national flag to the tunes of the Indian national enforcing a democratic system in the country. anthem. Addressing the audience, the chairman Present on the occasion were members of said, “We need to constantly remind and teach the Board of Directors, Chairman Lukose K our children, the rich history of our motherland Chacko, Vice Chairman Gope Shahani, directors so that they take pride to be a part of this great Dr Mohan Thomas, C V Rappai, management nation and contribute to its growth.”

IIS celebrates 69th Republic Day

Ideal Indian School (IIS) on January 26 Kunhi MP called upon the students to celebrated the Republic Day of India with contribute their bit to strengthen the great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. country. “India is the country, best-suited School President Dr Hassan Kunhi MP example of unity in diversity. It is the hoisted the national flag in the school country where people of different castes, premises. The national anthem was creeds, religions, customs, cultures, and presented by the School Choir. Principal practices are living together for years Syed Shoukath Ali, heads of the sections, with proper understanding and respect staff scouts and guides, parents and to each other’s beliefs.” Students in their students joined the celebrations. speeches reiterated their bond with their In his message, President Dr Hassan motherland. DPS-MIS marks Republic Day of India

The 69th Republic Day of India was celebrated at DPS-Modern fraternity. An enlightening speech by Aina Merchant, a student He discussed at length the strong relationship between India and Indian School on January 26. President DPS-MIS Hassan Chougule of Grade VIII, outlined the significance of the day and highlighted Qatar and appealed to the people to remain loyal to their country was the chief guest on the occasion. He unfurled the tricolour flag the role of the youth in nation building. The chief guest shared his of birth, India and the country of their choice, Qatar. Principal Asna of India in the presence of all dignitaries and the entire DPS-MIS views on the esteemed position of India in the global scenario. Nafees also made an inspirational speech on the occasion.

Indian Republic Day celebration at DMIS

Doha Modern Indian School celebrated the 69th Republic Day of India in all its solemnity, sanctity and grandeur. Principal Rakesh Singh Tomar hoisted the national flag. Padmini Venkatesh, Academic Auditor of Taleb schools, was present at occasion. To mark the celebration, a team of students performed a series of cultural programmes like patriotic songs, choir, and dances. Speaking on the occasion, School Cultural Secretary Catherine expressed, “We need to consider all Indians as our brothers and sisters giving them the respect they all truly deserve.” While addressing the audience, the principal said, “As Indians, we all must stay intimately connected to the national goals.” Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

SIS celebrates Republic Day of India

The 69th Republic Day of India was celebrated with great patriotism at Shantiniketan Indian in all its glory was also presented. School. Abdul Kader, General Secretary School Management Committee, hoisted the national flag. Members of SIS Management Committee Rasheed Ahmed, Shahanaz Noorudheen, Sharfraz He delivered the Republic Day message. He also received the salute by scouts and guides and Ismail, and Faris Abdul Kader, guest of honour, students, staff and parents participated in the the marching band. The celebration was marked with a colourful parade by the pre-primary and celebration. primary sections. The SIS co-ordinated the inter-school choir representing 14 Indian schools in Qatar performing A cultural programme consisting of patriotic songs, mime, tableau, and dances representing India patriotic songs in the Embassy of India during the 69th Republic Day celebrations.

Pearl School marks Republic Day of India

The 69th Indian Republic Day was celebrated at Pearl teachers and staff showed their solidarity to the School on January 26. The event was attended by nation by singing the Indian national anthem. Vice President of Pearl School Abdullah Abdulgafoor This was followed by a programme where the and members of the school management. students spoke about the relevance of the The Indian tricolour flag was hoisted by the vice Indian Republic Day, the main focus of the Indian president. He also shared with the gathering the Constitution with emphasis on eminent personalities message of the president of India. Parents, students, like B R Ambedkar.

NIS celebrates Republic Day

The 69th Republic Day of India audience, emphasising that the welfare was celebrated at Noble Indian of the country lies in the hands of Kindergarten school (NIS), Al Hilal students. The other dignitaries present campus on January 26. at the occasion were Mashood VC, Chairman of NIS Hussain Mohammed Secretary NIS and Moideen RS, U was chief guest on the occasion. He Transport Director NIS. hoisted the national flag and felicitated The students took pride in glorifying the gathering. and celebrating the spirit of unity by Vice Principal Jayamon Joy welcomed performing a mesmerising dance. The the gathering by his thought teachers also sang a patriotic fusion provoking speech. General Secretary song as a large number of parents Basheer KP gave a message to the were also present on the occasion.

MES marks 69th Republic Day

MES Indian School commemorated the of oneness should reflect in our words and 69th Republic Day of India on January 26 deeds as we strive for a promising future,” he with traditional gaiety and fervour. Splendid said. patriotic songs were rendered by the students Speaking on the occasion, Principal Hameeda to highlight the importance of the day. Kadar urged the youth to take a more The chief guest of the day was A T Usman, assertive role in upholding the pride of the Joint Secretary IES College of Engineering, nation. She also quoted some excerpts from Chittilappilly and Secretary off iciating MES the address of the President of India Ram Governing Body. He hoisted the Indian flag Nath Kovind delivered to the nation on this on the occasion. “If at all our country is doing Republic Day. exceedingly well in the home as well as at The school scouts and guides, members of the international front it is mainly due to the campus care force and the students of junior, sacrifices of those freedom fighters, who boys’ and girls’ sections carried and waved made ultimate sacrifice for the welfare of free Indian flags as the entire campus came alive India. I also sincerely wish that the feeling with the spirit of patriotism. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY HEALTH New ingestible antibody to prevent allergy, asthma

esearchers have have observed that the antibody in a breakthrough also removes the IgE molecules developed a new even after binding to its receptors. ingestible or inhalable “Once the IgE on immune cells antibody that can can be eliminated, it doesn’t matter Rprevent allergic reactions and that the body produces millions of asthma in adults, a fi nding that allergen-specifi c IgE molecules. could pave way for a far more When we can remove the trigger, eff ective allergy medicine. the allergic reaction and symptoms The antibody has a unique will not occur,” Spillner said. mechanism through which it In the laboratory, it took only 15 blocks the immune eff ect behind minutes to disrupt the interaction allergic reactions. between the allergy molecules and The antibody interacts in a the immune cells. complex biochemical process The researchers have conducted in the human body by which ex vivo experiments with blood it prevents the human allergy cells from patients allergic to birch antibody (IgE) from attaching pollen and insect venom. However, to cells, thus keeping all allergic the method can be transferred to symptoms from occurring, the virtually all other allergies and researchers said. asthma, they said. “We can now describe the Because of its chemical interaction of this antibody with structure, the new antibody might its target and the conformational be inhaled or swallowed, and these changes very accurately. This new consumption methods will allows us to understand, how it make easy, cheap and much and interferes with the IgE and its more comfortable for the patients specifi c receptors on the immune to handle. “It is a so called single cells of the body, which are domain antibody which easily responsible for releasing histamine EFFECTIVE: The antibody has a unique mechanism through which it blocks the immune eff ect behind allergic produced in processes using in an allergic reaction,” said Edzard reactions. only microorganisms. It is also Spillner, Associate Professor at the extremely stable, and this provides Aarhus University. produces high levels of IgE is that it interferes with binding cells, thereby making it impossible new opportunities for how the When exposed to external molecules. of IgE to the two specifi c eff ector for the allergy molecule to bind. antibody can be administered to allergens, an allergic person The function of the antibody (CD23 and FceRI) on the immune Furthermore, the researchers patients,” Spillner said. – IANS

Aerobic exercises may boost the condition, though treatment options are Modified flu virus may hold cognitive skills, delay Alzheimer’s available. promise for pancreatic cancer The fi ndings, led by Gregory A Panza, Engaging in aerobic exercises such as Exercise Physiologist at the University of Researchers have modified a flu virus spinning, running, walking may be three times Connecticut, showed that older adults at risk which could successfully delay the more eff ective than other types of exercise in for or who have Alzheimer’s, who did aerobic growth of pancreatic cancer, promising delaying the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well exercise by itself experienced a three times a new treatment for the aggressive as improving cognitive function in older adults, greater level of improvement in their ability disease. a study has found. to think and make decisions than those who The flu virus could also be combined Alzheimer’s disease – the most common participated in combined aerobic training and with existing chemotherapy to improve form of dementia – is a brain disorder that strength training exercises. chances of survival, which is the lowest destroys memory and thinking skills over time Older adults in the non-exercise group faced in pancreatic cancer, with fewer than in older adults. There is presently no cure for declines in cognitive function. five per cent of patients diagnosed However, those who exercised showed small surviving for five years or more, the MODIFICATION: The team modified improvements in cognitive function no matter researchers said. the flu virus so that they can eventually what type of exercise they did, the researchers “We’ve shown for the first time that removing the tumour mass altogether. said. Geriatrics experts have for long suggested pancreatic cancers can be specifically that exercising can improve brain health in targeted with a modified version of the 6-molecules. older adults. common flu virus,” said lead author Once the virus enters the cancer cell, The World Health Organization (WHO) has Stella Man from the Queen Mary the virus replicates, producing many recommended that older adults perform 150 University of London. copies of itself prior to bursting out of minutes a week of moderate exercise (such as “If we manage to confirm these results the cell and thereby destroying it in the brisk walking), 75 minutes a week of vigorous in human clinical trials, then this may process. aerobic training, or a combination of the two become a promising new treatment for The newly released viral copies can types. pancreatic cancer patients and could be then bind onto neighbouring cancer cells The WHO also suggested older adults combined with existing chemotherapy and eventually removing the tumour perform muscle-strengthening exercises on at drugs to kill persevering cancer cells,” mass altogether. least two or more days a week. Man added. Tests on human pancreatic cancer For the study, published in the Journal of the Pancreatic cancer cells contain a cells, grafted onto mice, showed that the American Geriatrics Society, the team reviewed specific molecule called alpha v beta 6, virus could inhibit cancer growth. 19 studies involving 1,145 older adults that which is found on the surface of many It is also more specific and efficacious examined the eff ect of an exercise training of the cancer cells but, crucially, not on than previous viral versions and has programme on cognitive function in the elderly normal cells. co-operated with the currently used at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In the study, published in the journal chemotherapy drugs, the researchers Of the participants, in their mid-to late 70s, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, the said. BENEFICIAL: Those who exercised showed 65 per cent were at risk for Alzheimer’s and 35 team modified the flu virus to display an However, advancement towards small improvements in cognitive function no per cent had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. additional small protein on its outer coat human clinical trials will require more matter what type of exercise they did. – IANS that recognises and binds to alpha v beta time, they noted. – IANS Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Family Gathering

ANCESTORS FATHER OFFSPRING BROTHER GRANDPARENTS RELATIONS CHILDREN INLAWS RELATIVES CLAN KINFOLK SIBLING COUSIN MOTHER SISTER DAUGHTER NEPHEW SON DYNASTY NIECE UNCLE

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. Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. How one cleansed one’s 1. Having run over the German wounds when badly beaten fellow, a boy (8) (6) 2. Liza Minnelli? (7,4) 4. Notice outside of spanner 3. Trading group’s twist of fate has been cut (8) (4) 10. Argued about being retired 5. Cry out about being ruled by with a boy (7) rogues (8) 11. Judges ill-feeling of politician 6. Being Ernest’s weight (10) in America (7) 7. Paper over the fish (3) 12. Before I entered the country 8. Leave off - some Parisian is in (4) the way (6) 13. Sleights of hand (4,6) 9. Notions about a dangerous 16. It’s no longer wrong to get time of the month for Caesar money by intimidation (6) (5) 17. Decrees Dorian’s to pack up 14. Outcome of a series in (7) support of the Tory brief (11) 20. Supporting female principle 15. Photographic device Answers being held by a male (7) producing transparencies 21. Consulted about credit cover (1-3,6) Wordsearch Codeword (6) 18. I got Anne to play the 24. A man’s about to ban leading daughter of Oedipus (8) touring side of Rugby players 19. Corrupted fashionable court (10) in grip of iron man (8) 25. Invention of Crompton, a 22. The boy, to a degree, stubborn person (4) subsided (6) 27. A shocking fish’s weapon (7) 23. People working at last (5) 29. Noble lawyers appearing on 26. Being a Rugby player, dad’s film (7) out of the side (4) 30. Said journalist, having turned 28. Fabulous bird from Morocco poet, died (8) (3) 31. Hang on to a leading provincial writer figure (6) Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Palaces; 5 Pitfall; 9 Down: 1 Paso doble; 2 Largely; Scrub; 10 Materials; 11 Diesel; 3 Cablegram; 4 Sump; 5 Put 12 Contract; 14 Buyer; 15 forward; 6 Tarot; 7 Adamant; Newcastle; 18 Estimator; 20 8 Liszt; 13 Institutes; 16 Crawl; 22 Graphite; 24 Bowing; Anchorage; 17 Enlighten; 19 26 Appointed; 27 Apart; 28 Trample; 21 Animals; 22 Glass; 23 Sheaths; 29 Stetson. Hoist; 25 Odes. 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Female-dominated workplaces off er less flexible timing: Study

f you work in a female-dominated workplace, chances of having access to fl exible working arrangements could be less and not more as commonly assumed, new research suggests. The study looked at individuals in 27 countries Iacross the European Union. It found that the best workplaces for providing flexibility were gender- neutral — where men and women were equally represented. The research, published in the journal European Journal of Industrial Relations, provides evidence to ‘reject the assumption’ that women have better access to fl exible working arrangements and that female-dominated workplaces are better at providing them, said researcher Heejung Chung of University of Kent in Britain. “Working in female-dominated jobs and/or sectors signifi cantly reduces access to schedule control for both men and women,” the study said. It is commonly assumed that the low wages often found in female-dominated workplaces can be justifi ed through better provision of family-friendly arrangements, but this research provides evidence that low wages are accompanied by worse working conditions for many. The implication for policy makers is that the group of the population that may be in most need of fl exible work arrangements may be unable to gain access to them. — IANS

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

An increased level of irritability and frustration could tempt you to take A conflict between career obligations and home responsibilities could Long-distance phone calls from people living in distant states could it out on friends, children, or your significant other. You’re probably present itself today, Taurus. You’re likely to feel totally powerless in the bring some rather disconcerting news your way. This might arouse feeling especially energetic, with little if any outlet for that energy, Aries. situation, so it could cause you to feel irritable and be more snappish some anger within you, and you might be tempted to take it out on On days like this you might want to consider jogging, going to the gym, than usual. Try to think clearly and find a solution for your conundrum, the caller. Don’t do this! The person is probably only the messenger. or taking an aerobics class. This can both provide an outlet and produce then act on it. Avoid the temptation to quarrel with others. In the Some short trips in your neighbourhood could find you confronted with some endorphins that override the stress and strain. Go to it! evening, go out dancing! Work off some of that frustrated energy. impossible traff ic. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Nightmares that come your way today are likely to cause you to wake A partner, either your life partner or a colleague, is likely to be in an Too many unfinished tasks or chores today might have you feeling up feeling extremely angry for no tangible reason. You might want to irritable mood today, which you could find a bit upsetting. Bear in mind pressured to get them done, creating unnecessary stress and strain. take a close look at your dreams and try to analyze them so that you’ll that this person’s mood probably has little if anything to do with you, Pace yourself and don’t panic if you have to let some of them go for learn the source of your ire and how best to expunge it. Disconcerting Leo, or anything you’ve said or done. Just stay out of their way until today. You’re probably feeling more sensitive than usual, Virgo, so you news about money is likely to prove groundless, Cancer, so don’t fly off they’re over it! This isn’t a good day to give or attend social events or might also pick up some moods from the people around you. Take the handle and get all stressed out when you hear it. even accept invitations. Wait until tomorrow! periodic breaks and go out for a walk. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Emotional levels run high among members of a group you’re aff iliated Pressures to get unfinished tasks completed and new ones begun Frustrated energy resulting from inability to put your plans into action with as disagreements turn into quarrels. Write down your impressions cause emotions to run high. Everyone, yourself included, is likely to feel could have your nerves on edge today, Sagittarius, and you might be and share them with the others at another time when tempers have nervous and stressed out, and quarrels may break out. It might be best tempted to get into petty quarrels with those around you. Try to find cooled down. You might find yourself wanting to make one final push if you keep your eyes and mind focused on the tasks at hand and not on alternative outlets for your energy so as to avoid this trap. There is also toward attaining a personal goal of your own, but you could be blocked the petty squabbles that are going on around you, Scorpio. This keeps the danger that you might take impulsive actions without giving it any by forces beyond your control. Try to remain patient! your blood pressure down and reassures those you want to impress. thought. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Overwork and the resulting stress and nerve strain might result in If you’re involved in a class or if you find yourself in any kind of group Frustration and upset with others in your circle could tempt you to go fevers or headaches today, Capricorn. Therefore, it might be a good activity or social situation, be prepared for quarrels to break out out and get rid of that energy by spending a lot of money. You might idea to start out the day pacing yourself and concentrating on whatever among the people there. You could find this extremely useless and overindulge in food or drink, or you could give in to impulse buying. tasks are the most pressing. Don’t worry if you have to leave some for counterproductive, and you might be tempted to try to break in and put Treat yourself a little, Pisces, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want to later. There is a chance that others around you might get into some a stop to it. It’s best to stay out of it, Aquarius. Get rid of your frustration give yourself an upset stomach, and you won’t want to take unwanted rather heated arguments. Stay out of it. by walking home! You’ll feel better for it. items back to the store. Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

TOP NOTCH: Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Reynolds Woodcock and Vicky Krieps stars as Alma in the film, Phantom Thread. The stories behind a quintet of unexpected Oscar nominees

movie in great enough numbers Director: Paul Thomas and participated in a couple of That’s good company, putting By Glenn Whipp to find favour outside of Daniel Anderson, Phantom Thread delightful Q&A sessions on Reddit him close to Streep’s status as an Day-Lewis’ near-automatic Writers branch members and Twitter that briefl y made the awards season perennial when he nomination. have given Anderson four Oscar Internet a less horrible place to opts for prestige-tinged projects. knew Three Billboards But Oscar balloting didn’t begin nominations over the years (Boogie hang out. An Oscar nomination Outside Ebbing, Missouri until Jan. 5 and, over the holidays, Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be for his eff orts provided a justifi ed Supporting Actress: Lesley would earn nominations academy members turned out in Blood and Inherent Vice), but their reward. Manville, Phantom Thread for its three stars and that huge numbers to see the movie. colleagues in the directors branch Manville’s British Film Academy voters would make way An awards consultant working have been stingier, rewarding him Lead Actor: Denzel nomination earlier this month Ifor Meryl Streep for a record- on the film estimates that around only for There Will Be Blood. Washington, Roman J. Israel, signalled she might fi nd some extending 21st time. 1,000 Oscar voters watched That doesn’t square though Esq. love on this side of the Atlantic But there were some Oscar Phantom Thread in a theatre, with the reverence accorded Roman J. Israel, Esq. premiered too. Playing Day-Lewis’ sister, nominations announced Tuesday many turning out multiple times. Anderson by fi lmmakers. After at the Toronto International business partner and confi dante, that had me doing a double take, If Oscar strategists’ first Moonlight director Barry Jenkins Film Festival in September. The Manville exuded a commanding often with genuine joy. What mandate is to get academy caught Phantom Thread, he took screening did not go well, so much strength, not to mention a divine happened? How did they pull members in theatres, the next is to Twitter, calling it “exquisite, an so that Washington and writer- air of disinterest that launched a it off? Let’s look at the stories to gently persuade them to rank unfi ltered work; a sublime object. director Dan Gilroy reworked host of GIFs on social media. What behind five of the year’s more the movie first on their ballots. Object in the sense that, when the character-based legal drama, was I thinking when I underrated surprising nominees. The Oscars’ preferential balloting viewed from diff erent angles, in cutting 12 minutes, shuffl ing the Oscar chances of this woman? system rewards passion, and varying moods, it reveals more and scenes around, in an eff ort to make Picture: Phantom Thread Phantom Thread’s fans swooned more of itself, other emotions and, it a leaner, more precise piece of Adapted Screenplay: Scott Paul Thomas Anderson’s for the film, obsessing over its for a fi lm overrun with aesthetic storytelling. Frank & James Mangold And strange, spellbinding love story fashion, its music, its characters’ objects, deepened ideas.” Some critics responded, but Michael Green, Logan began screening Thanksgiving breakfast manners and the And that was just the fi rst of a even those frustrated by the fi lm’s One other awards season weekend at the Aero Theatre in alluring mystery of the romance four-tweet thread, a skein that tonal shifts found room to praise maxim: Mail the for-your- Santa Monica and Laemmle’s between Day-Lewis’ prickly ended with the rolling-on-the- Washington’s work as the socially consideration DVD screener out Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre, sporting couturier and the woman (Vicky fl oor-laughing emoji. Anderson inept, idealistic title character. as soon as possible. Academy glorious 35mm prints. The fi lm ran Krieps) who becomes his mistress has that eff ect on people. His The movie bombed commercially members received Logan in at both locations for a week, and and muse. (A nomination for movies are often strange and though, grossing $12 million, mid-September, giving writers Academy of Motion Picture Arts Krieps, adding to the movie’s total puzzling, casting a spell and and most Oscar pundits fi gured branch members plenty of time and Sciences members, as well as haul of six, would have made the holding secrets. They linger in the Washington would be forgotten. to watch the critically acclaimed, those belonging to various guilds, day complete.) mind. But they underestimated his R-rated superhero drama. Logan packed the joints. The screenings The film’s distributor, Focus Anderson doesn’t relish standing within the academy’s ended up becoming the fi rst felt like can’t-miss events. Features, didn’t hesitate to promoting his fi lms. But, in the actors branch, whose members comic book adaptation to earn a Even so, that Thanksgiving spend money, either. That kind absence of Day-Lewis, a man have now nominated him eight writing nomination, making Hugh weekend arrival gave members of confidence can be persuasive, even more resistant to public times. That ties him with Marlon Jackman’s Wolverine swan song all of the producers and actors particularly when you have a film appearances, Anderson attended Brando, Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, the sweeter. – Los Angeles Times/ guilds little time to see the as strong as Phantom Thread. a fair number of screening events Geraldine Page and Peter O’Toole. TNS 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 28, 2018 COMMUNITY Late drug baron’s hippos are roaming free in Colombia

western Antioquia region. waterfalls and museums stand Hippos in the park include But as they keep wandering out By Sinikka Tarvainen This 3,000-hectare estate was alongside Escobar’s concrete Vanessa, who lives in a pond of of the park, “it becomes likelier used as a base by the head of the dinosaurs. her own after having been rejected every year that [an attack] will Medellin drug cartel in the late The zoo has been resurrected, by the herd and comes ashore to occur,” Echeverri says. n the Colombian village of 1970s and 1980s. Back then, it and is now home to animals munch on carrots handed out by Meanwhile, it is unclear what Doradal, it’s not unusual consisted of extravagant Spanish including tigers, elephants, zebras tourists. kind of an impact the hippos, to see a hippopotamus colonial buildings, a bullring, a and ostriches. The management Her apparently tame behaviour some of which have been spotted lumbering down a dirt road. collection of luxury cars and an declined to give DPA information has contributed to an impression dozens of kilometres away from the “We often see them,” says airstrip used by drug planes. on the zoo, saying it would only among local people that hippos are Hacienda Napoles, are having on IMaria Isabel Pamplona, a hotel It even had a private zoo with speak to media that had been harmless, cuddly animals – an idea the environment. receptionist. “They don’t come hundreds of exotic animals, screened by a committee. which could hardly be more wrong. “They could be disturbing to the village centre, where the including four hippos – three Hardly any of the animals in Hippos are one of the most the normal conditions in water motorway passes, but they walk female and one male – that the park still date from the days of aggressive animal species in the bodies and creating environmental the smaller roads. They like to stay Escobar had purchased from a zoo Pablo Escobar, according to guides world, especially when they have impacts typical of invading at a nearby lake and river.” in California. who did not want to be named. young to care for or are males species,” Echeverri says. This could Others have reported seeing After the drug lord – held The “cocaine hippos” are the looking for territory, according to include displacing native otters or hippos on the outskirts of the responsible for at least 5,000 exception. the website HippoWorlds. capybaras, he adds. village, and even eating grass in a killings – was gunned down by Fences have been unable to While there are no exact fi gures A new fence, consisting of stone football fi eld. “We are not afraid security forces in 1993, the estate contain the hippos, which venture on how many people have been blocks and spiky plants, is currently of them, as they have never bitten fell into disrepair. out of the park in search of food, killed by hippos, they are greatly being built to keep the hippos in anyone. They are used to people,” Many of the animals died of larger pastures than the 30 hectares feared in Africa, where they the park. The plan is to combine says Hector Giraldo, a waiter. hunger, and most of the others they have around their lake, and reportedly kill far more people that approach with increasing their The animals – normally found were sold to zoos. But the hippos new territory for young males. than snakes or lions. access to food inside, castrations, in the wild only in Africa – are were left behind and soon began to There are currently estimated to Authorities in charge of and sending some of them away. wandering into the village from multiply. be around 50 of them. “Within two the Doradal area have warned “We are in touch with zoos the Hacienda Napoles, the former After having been abandoned for years, the number could increase residents about the hippos abroad which might want to estate of the late drug lord Pablo more than a decade, the Hacienda to about 70,” says David Echeverri from the Hacienda Napoles, take hippos. There is interest in Escobar, which is located just Napoles is now a privately run from the regional environmental according to reports in the daily El Uruguay and Mexico,” Echeverri outside Doradal in the north- theme park where artifi cial corporation Cornare. Colombiano. says. – DPA

ENTRANCE: The entrance to the Hacienda Napoles in Colombia. UNUSUAL RESIDENT: Hippo Vanessa is a resident of the Hacienda Napoles, Colombia.

ARTIFICIAL: People swim in a pool in front of a artificial waterfall at the Hacienda Napoles, Colombia. WILD: A hippo stands on the street at the Hacienda Napoles, Colombia.