Community Community Doha Chapter On of the Institute gardening: P6of Chartered P12 Encore series Accountants of India of azaleas reach organises a musical 31 with Autumn evening to celebrate Bonfire and India’s Republic Day. Autumn Fire.

Monday, February 5, 2018 Jumada I 19, 1439 AH

DOHA 14°C—23°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 8 PUZZLES 9 & 10

COVER Creative weapon STORY Neon advertising signs are returning with a retro glow in a Warsaw museum. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.57am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.15am Zuhr (noon) 11.47am Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.23pm Isha (night) 6.53pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 The Death Of Stalin SYNOPSIS: Follows the Soviet in this uproarious, wickedly irreverent Local Directory 180 DIRECTION: Armando Iannucci dictator’s last days and depicts the chaos satire from Armando Iannucci (Veep, In International Calls Enquires 150 CAST: Steve Buscemi, Olga Kurylenko, of the regime after his death. The one- the Loop). Hamad International Airport 40106666 Jason Isaacs liners fl y as fast as political fortunes fall THEATRES: Landmark, Royal Plaza Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 EVENTS Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Halal Qatar Festival Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 WHERE: Katara Parking Area 01 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 WHEN: March 2 to 10 44593363 The theme of the festival centers Qatar Assistive Technology on a distinct feature of our heritage, Centre 44594050 one that is drawn from deep within Qatar News Agency 44450205 the deserts of Qatar sheep and goat 44450333 breeding. The festival will present Q-Post – General Postal specifi c methods that help in Corporation 44464444 breeding and raising sheep and will also showcase numerous traditional Humanitarian Services Offi ce events along with educational and (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) recreational activities. Here is an Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, opportunity to revive the Qatari 40253369 heritage and relive their simple lives Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 amidst the dunes, at Al-Mazain, Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Al-Mazad Auction, and sheep barns Qatar Airways 40253374 presentation at Katara.

The Mall Cinema (1): Carbon Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Proud Mary Carbon (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Cops e Unq (2D) 5:15pm; Showdown In Manila And Robbers (2D) 5pm; Proud uot uo (2D) 7pm; Cops And Robbers (2D) Mary (2D) 6:30pm; Cops And Q te 8:45pm; Showdown In Manila (2D) (2D) 10pm; Oru Nalla Naal Parthu Robbers (2D) 8:15pm; Proud Mary The real 10:15pm; Cops And Robbers (2D) (Tamil) 11:30pm. (2D) 10pm; Showdown In Manila man smiles in 11:45pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Throne (2D) 11:45pm. The Mall Cinema (2): Throne Of Elves (2D) 2:15pm; Throne Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): trouble, gathers strength Of Elves (2D) 2:15pm; JUMANJI: Of Elves (2D) 4pm; JUMANJI: Oru Nalla Naal Parthu (Tamil) 2pm; from distress, and grows Welcome To The Jungle (2D) 4pm; Welcome To The Jungle (2D) Showdown In Manila (2D) 4:45pm; Throne Of Elves (2D) 6pm; Den Of 5:45pm; Den Of Thieves (2D) Queen (Malayalam) 6:30pm; brave by refl ection. Thieves (2D) 7:45pm; Proud Mary 7:30pm; Proud Mary (2D) 9:45pm; Phantom Thread (2D) 9:15pm; — Thomas Paine (2D) 10pm; Den Of Thieves (2D) Den Of Thieves (2D) 11:30pm. Yemali (Tamil) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (3): Yemali Asian Town Cinema: Queen The Mall Cinema (3): Touch (Tamil) 2:30pm; Touch Chesi (Malayalam) 7pm; Queen Chesi Chudu (Telugu) 2:15pm; Oru Chudu (Telugu) 5pm; The Death (Malayalam) 10pm; Carbon Nalla Naal Parthu (Tamil) 4:45pm; Of Stalin (2D) 7:30pm; Showdown (Malayalam) 6pm; Carbon Chalo (Telugu) 7:30pm; Day Of In Manila (2D) 9:15pm; Queen (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Carbon The Dead: Bloodline (2D) 10pm; (Malayalam) 11pm; February 02- (Malayalam) 11:30pm; Touch Chesi Community Editor Queen (Malayalam) 11:30pm. 07-2018 Chudu (Telugu) 5:30pm; Street Kamran Rehmat Landmark Cinema (1): Carbon Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Light (Malayalam) 8:15pm; Queen e-mail: [email protected] (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Showdown Throne Of Elves (2D) 3pm; Throne (Malayalam) 10:45pm; Oru Nalla Telephone: 44466405 In Manila (2D) 4:45pm; Memory Of Elves (2D) 5pm; Den Of Thieves Naal (Tamil) 6pm; Yemali (Tamil) Card (Arabic) 6:30pm; Proud Mary (2D) 7pm; The Death Of Stalin (2D) 8:45pm; Carbon (Malayalam) Fax: 44350474 (2D) 8:15pm; Cops And Robbers 9:15pm; Den Of Thieves (2D) 11pm. 11:30pm. Monday, February 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based initiative that aims to deliver organic and locally-grown food and homemade products, to host a weekly market in Education City. Open to the public, the market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide range of fresh, locally-grown items will be on offer, including organic fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, and butters, as well as handicrafts and gardening supplies.

Breakdance Classes WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop culture that originated in New York and has since spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which can often appear Bubble Show through Social Media” with Kristine de to defy the laws of physics. This extreme WHERE: Mall of Qatar Valck, HEC Paris Associate Professor of dance-sport uses tremendous upper- WHEN: Ongoing till Feb 10 Marketing. body strength for tricks and poses and a TIME: 5:30 pm http://www.qatar.exed.hec.edu/ great way to get into shape and have fun. Mall of Qatar will hold a show full executive-short-programs Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail of adventure and bubbles for the [email protected] entertainment of whole family. Kids will Qatar Running Series Remote-controlled car racing track see a valiant pirate brave the watery depths WHERE: MIA Park WHERE: Aspire Park after his ship was wrecked in a heavy WHEN: ongoing till April 13 WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat storm and follow him on his journey, as he TIME: 7am TIME: 4pm-10pm befriends different underwater habitants Get ready for Qatar Running Series at Aspire Zone Foundation has created a such as Medusas, Amphibian Man, and the MIA Park. The events will take place in Mia custom-made track specially designed Sea Chameleon. These new friends share Park and comprise of distances ranging for remote-control car racing, for car with the pirate the wonders and treasures from 3k to 10k. All events will be run on lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport of the undersea bubble world, which they accurately measured short courses with enthusiasts can try the race track opposite call home. multiple laps and will be restricted to a the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on maximum of 130 participants. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Fitness with Yoga WHERE: MIA Park, Corniche Mall of Qatar Fun Fair Outdoor and five-a-side football WHEN: Friday, Feb 9 & 23 WHERE: Mall Of Qatar pitches TIME: 8:30am to 10am WHEN: Until April 15 WHERE: Aspire Zone Indian Sports Centre is conducting free The Mall of Qatar has expanded to WHEN: Daily “Fitness with Yoga” sessions at MIA Park as bring you “Doha’s best outdoor theme TIME: 7pm-11pm part of QNSD celebrations. Come and enjoy park”. Come with your family and friends Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football outdoor session of Yoga with your family to enjoy the new rides and attractions – outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street Zumba Session and friends. Entry is free. For any inquiry, Trampoline, Giant Slide, Wind Tunnel, are available every day from 7pm until 11pm WHERE: Bin Omran whatsApp at 55646693. Disco Tagada, Meltdown, Surfing and much from Sundays to Thursdays, and on Fridays WHEN: Sundays more to enjoy with family and friends. and Saturdays from 7am-11pm. TIME: 7pm - 8pm Salute Qatar Come all and enjoy life. Participate in Zumba Sessions (Adults) WHERE: Holiday Inn Mahaseel Festival every Sunday. For more information call WHEN: Feb 9 Souq Waqif Spring Festival WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat 33003839 or [email protected] TIME: 6.30pm WHERE: Souq Waqif WHERE: Katara Farook College Old Students Association WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 9am-10pm Salsa Nights Qatar are conducting an event named TIME: Evening Visitors to the festival can expect a WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton ‘Salute Qatar’ on Feb 9, 2018. The Souq Waqif is hosting Spring Festival variety of products from local vegetables, Grand Doha event consists of a live orchestra led by events until April 25. The festival is flowers, honey and meat, poultry and WHEN: Every Wednesday Muhammed Aslam, a Bollywood singer and organised by the Organizing Committee diary items. For those of you looking for TIME: 9pm member of A R Rahman’s team. For further of the Private Engineering Office. This traditional Qatari food, there will also be Get ready for some Latin beats every details, call FOSA General Secretary Askar year’s festival offers a range of family- stalls selling homemade foods such as Wednesday night, where all the salseros Rahiman at 5550-9834. friendly fun including parades, shows, Machbous. Farm-grown goods include and salseras in town meet and party all plays, music featuring top stars and aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, night. Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter Laugh Out Loud children’s entertainment. Spring Festival courgettes, cauliflower, herbs, and chilies. free. For details call 4485 3000. WHEN: Feb 9 will also present fine arts events in the There are also animal products such as WHERE: Intercontinental Doha The various sections of Souq Waqif Arts Center, chicken, milk, cheese and eggs from Qatari Off -Road biking tour City including workshops directed to all visitors. companies like Baladna and Al Waha WHERE: Zekreet TIME: 9am- 1am Poultry Company. WHEN: Fridays Eat, have fun and Laugh Out Loud with Foodex Qatar 2018 Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is offering two of the finest Filipino comedians – WHEN: May 3-5 B.Square Mall Grand Event the country’s first off-road biking tour. Wacky Kiray and Boobita. The event will WHERE: Doha Exhibition and WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha Ride in the desert on a fat bike to explore start with a brunch meet and greet with Convention Centre WHEN: Ongoing the local flora and fauna spot desert Wacky Kiray and Boobita. In the afternoon Qatar is the most urbanised nation among TIME: 6:30pm wildlife, hike up jebels, chill in the magic of onwards, the activities will be: Komikero/a the GCC states. Urban lifestyles have raised The only mall in Qatar dedicated to the Richard Serra statues and this unique (a stand-up comedy contest), videoke the standard of living of individuals and entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy landscape. Participants will get to cross challenge, band performances, a comedy changed their eating pattern, resulting a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car the desert riding fat bikes from Zekreet show with guest artist and dance party. For in a shift in the diet towards protein rich parking spaces, as well as provide a range to the Richard Serra statues, on a route of further information call 7777-8542. foods as well as packaged and fast food. of shopping, services, and entertainment approximately 13kms. The route is easy to Consumption of such premium products options. ride and suitable for people with average Marketing through Social Media has contributed to the growth of the food fitness. You must be able to ride. Kids aged Where: 11-12 Feb industry. FOODEX will strengthen the Torba Farmers Market 9 and older are also welcome. The fee is QR When: Tornado Tower, West Bay Qatari food industry to meet the standards WHERE: Education City 220 (QR190 for ages 9-14) and includes bike HEC Paris In Qatar is offering an of rising expatriate population, tourism, and WHEN: Ongoing and safety equipment. The activity lasts Executive Short Program in “Marketing developing tastes of Western foods. TIME: 9am about 2.5 hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Poland plucks its communist neon signs from the scrapheap Neon advertising was a creative weapon in Poland’s Cold War struggle with the West until the ubiquitous signs were torn down with the Iron Curtain. Now, they are returning with a retro glow, thanks to Europe’s only museum dedicated to the fluorescent relics. By Natalie Skrzypczak

ON DISPLAY: The Neon Museum in Warsaw features more than 50 examples of neon signs from Poland’s communist era.

t all began with a sign the first of hundreds she has restaurants and businesses, Attracting some 400 visitors a “Our Instagram star,” says that simply read “Berlin.” salvaged. It now hangs between replete with artful scripts and day, the museum still has 200 Michalska. Ilona Karwinska found other ads from the 1950s to 1970s even animal motifs, says her signs in storage. While visually enticing, the the communist-era neon in Europe’s only neon museum, colleague Izabela Michalska. About 50 prime examples glow exhibits also offer a fascinating advertising board in a opened in 2005 and located in the Today, the museum in the on the old factory’s dark walls. snapshot of Polish history. IWarsaw shop that used to sell capital’s Praga district. Soho Factory, a former industrial The favourite piece among visitors Illuminated advertising came Western clothing. At the beginning, Karwinska site that now serves as a giant is a neon incarnation of the into fashion after the 1953 The sign, with its curling used her balcony to store the workshop for the city’s creatives, Warsaw coat of arms, complete death of Soviet leader Joseph tubes full of bright red gas, was bulky signs from train stations, is bursting at the seams. with the “Syrenka” mermaid. Stalin. Poland’s next communist Monday, February 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY government was less repressive and chose to take on the West at its own game: With hefty state funding channelled to artists and manufacturers, Western neon advertising was co-opted to beautify dark communist buildings. “It was supposed to be better than capitalist advertising in the West,” says Michalska. “This was intended to produce works of art.” Hundreds of neon advertisements lit up Warsaw’s main streets, Aleje Jerozolimskie and Ulica Pulawska. Some originals, like the sign of an instrument shop, still shine there today. Other Polish cities also boasted their own distinctive neon culture. Katowice in southern Poland was a riot of colour, earning the nickname “little Vegas.” Even small villages had their own neon ads, so far did the fad grow. Neon was popular in other Soviet Bloc countries too, but it peaked in Poland, reaching staggering production volumes. “About 380 million kilometres of fluorescent tubes were made from 1950 to 1960,” says Michalska. “About the distance from the earth to the moon.” An interesting subplot of the story behind Poland’s neon romance is that the medium was actively promoted by the state, offering more artistic freedom than even literature, which was strictly censored. OLD SIGNS: The signs were often an ostentatious attempt to underline the country’s wealth and modernity. To illustrate the point, Michalska points to a Warsaw restaurant sign that used to stand near the US Embassy. The inscription “ambasador” is in the style of a western saloon and would have been banned in other Soviet Bloc states, she notes. The neon boom fell into decline after the 1970s. Damaged signs were thrown in the trash, while others simply consumed too much electricity for their owners to keep them. In Poland, the medium was also eventually supplanted by advertising from the West after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. Today, the neon ad is a testimony to Polish art, say the museum staff, who run a flourishing nationwide rescue service for endangered illuminated MUSEUM: The Neon Museum in Warsaw. signs. Using the museum’s takings and some external funding, the Warsaw neon sign devotees can restore almost any old signs to life, but at a cost of thousands of euros each. In Katowice and Wroclaw, there are also some private initiatives to save old neon tube ads. Only the Warsaw museum completely reconstructs broken signs. In doing so, it must often refer to the old design sketches kept at the Warsaw Museum of Modern Art. In an ironic twist in the neon sign story, the industry is in fact growing again. Demand for old Polish designs is rising, especially among local firms looking to tap the retro market, and tourists seeking unique souvenirs with stylish lettering and motifs of yesteryear. – DPA 6 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY NIS holds spring sports camp

Noble International School (NIS) recently organised “Spring Sports Camp” in diff erent campuses. The camp was inaugurated by NIS Principal Shibu Abdul Rasheed. About 250 students participated in the camp which organised diff erent games such as cricket, football and badminton. The purpose of the spring camp was to develop speed, strength, agility and flexibility in students, along with the skills required for a healthy lifestyle.

ICAI celebrates Republic Day of India

Doha Chapter of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently organised a gala Harib Hussain, Neetha Subhir and Sapna Saha rocked the stage with superb dance numbers musical evening for members and their families to celebrate India’s Republic Day. blended with some evergreen melodies in a variety of north Indian and south Indian languages. The fun filled musical evening was organised at Giwana Hall, Radisson Blu Hotel and was attended The chapter chairman Gaurav Kakkar in his welcome address emphasised the need for stress by more than 150 people. The programme was conducted by Doha Waves with live orchestra, busters in the hustle and bustle of corporate life and encouraged the members to come out of the music and dance performances. The versatile singers from Doha Waves – Muhammed Thoyyib, comfort zone and enjoy the evening.

Logo of Chaliyar sports festival launched

Talas Mansoor , former Qatari athletics champion, recently launched the Chaliyar sports fest logo. On the occasion of the Qatar National Sports Day, Chaliyar Doha will conduct the sports festival at the Al Wakrah Stadium for expatriates. This will be the fourth edition of the sports fest by Chaliyar Doha. Over 3, 000 participants are expected to join the event. Kareem Graphy, a well-known artist in Doha among Indians has designed the logo. Monday, February 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

SIS organises professional development programme on critical thinking

Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) recently organised an intensive Teachers’ Professional Dudley O’ Connor, ‘Conducting Lessons that Develop Critical Thinking’, by Senior Vice Principal Development Programme on Critical Thinking. Shihabudeen, ‘Developing Learning Materials that Promote Critical Thinking’ by Senior Head The one day training programme included sessions on ‘An Overview Of Critical Thinking’ by SIS Teacher Mehjabeen Hassan, and ‘Formulating Questions to Assess Critical Thinking’ by Head Principal Dr Subhash Nair, ‘Planning Lessons to Develop Critical Thinking’ by SIS Vice Principal Teacher Mathew KC.

OIS conducts workshop for teachers

A three-day workshop on education was recently conducted by Dr Amrita Dass for the teachers of The first day session was on digital literacy and the eff ects of the industrial revolution. The Olive International School (OIS) at the Nuaija campus. Dr Amrita Dass is a leading educationist and second day focused on the topics of enhancing the changes in the education system, multiple- career consultant. intelligence and higher order thinking. The third and the last day was a collaborative interface. She focused on the various dimensions of the teaching-learning process and eff ective teaching as The teachers presented topics related to their subjects followed by a session on stress and time the core arena of the student’s professional and personal development. management.

Zeituna launches new bouquet for Lebanese food lovers

Zeituna – the renowned Lebanese and other mouth-watering starters from the lovers of authentic atmospheres. The restaurant at City Centre Rotana Doha, the Lebanese cuisine. In addition, hot Lebanese night will off er a 20 percent has launched a bouquet of exquisite off ers mezze such as Sawda Djej (chicken liver), discount to all Lebanese nationals living to provide unique dining experience for Beef Soujouk, Lamb Makanek, Batata in Doha. its guests through a wide range of dining Harra and grilled items such as Riyach On this occasion, Martin Kendall, General options that suit all segments of society Ghanam, Lahmeh Chekaf and Taouk, Manager of City Centre Rotana Doha, said, throughout the week days. all served with fresh baked bread off ers “Since day one we have witnessed a great Dedicated for business persons and diners a chance to eat and mingle in a turnout at our latest outlet Zeituna. We early lunch connoisseurs, Zeituna superb musical setting. strive to off er the best Lebanese dishes in has introduced business lunch from To provide customers with a memorable an authentic atmosphere accompanied by Saturday to Thursday between 11am to experience, the restaurant has launched a musical band in addition to the diversity 3pm, providing discerning diners the the “Lebanese Night” on every Saturday, and innovation in the dishes that are opportunity to savour business lunch promising guests the chance to witness served through a varied and rich menu to amid a distinctive Lebanese ambience, the nostalgic sights and sounds of Beirut’s suit all lovers of Lebanese cuisine.” far from the city noise and the burden of culturally charged streets. Guests can “In order to provide a unique experience, off ice. enjoy dinner from 6:30pm till 2:00am we have launched a series of off ers Furthermore, Zeituna has also introduced in pure Lebanese aura and live music that are suitable for all segments of the the Mezze & Grill Nights on every performed by Fadi Kfoury and Cynthia, community – businessmen, families and Saturday and Wednesday from 6:30pm till who will treat diners to a variety of most friends who seek to spend quality time 11:30pm. At a tempting price of QR165 per modern, traditional Lebanese and Arabic in a refreshing atmosphere and enjoy person, diners can choose from a wide songs. This culinary journey is not only the delicious cuisine from Lebanon ” he variety of Hummus, Tabouleh, Fattoush for Lebanese food lovers only, but for added. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Vitamin D3 may heal or prevent damage to your heart: Study

re you suff ering from heart The team, in a paper published in the disease? A treatment with International Journal of Nanomedicine, vitamin D3 might help restrict used nanosensors, which are about 1,000 damage to your cardiovascular times smaller in diameter than a human system, fi nds a study. hair, to track the impact of Vitamin D3 on AVitamin D3 is produced naturally when single endothelial cells — a vital regulatory skin is exposed to the sun or through over- component of the cardiovascular system. the-counter pills. The dysfunction of endothelium Several diseases, including high blood is a common denominator of several pressure, build-up of fats, cholesterol in and cardiovascular diseases, particularly those on the artery walls, and diabetes, can cause associated with ischemic events, the damage to the cardiovascular system thus researchers said. increasing the risk of heart attack. “There are not many, if any, known systems However, taking vitamin D3 — associated which can be used to restore cardiovascular with the bones — at doses higher than those endothelial cells which are already damaged, currently used for the treatment of bone and vitamin D3 can do it,” Malinski said. diseases may be highly benefi cial for the “This is a very inexpensive solution to treatment of the dysfunctional cardiovascular repair the cardiovascular system. We don’t system, the study showed. have to develop a new drug. We already have “Generally, vitamin D3 is associated with it.” the bones. However, in recent years, in clinical Vitamin D3 may also be of clinical settings, people recognise that many patients importance in the restoration of who have a heart attack will have a defi ciency dysfunctional cardiac endothelium after of D3. It doesn’t mean that the defi ciency heart attack, capillary endothelium after caused the heart attack, but it increased the brain ischemia (stroke), hypovolemia, risk of heart attack,” said Tadeusz Malinski, a vasculopathy, diabetes and atherosclerosis. graduate student at Ohio University. — IANS

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

The eff ect from the planetary aspects will bring an end to any lethargy Take charge of your overall health today, Taurus. You’ll likely wake up If there’s something crafty or artsy you’ve had your eye on and would you’ve been feeling, Aries. It’s an excellent day to get up and head into feeling energetic and well. Seize this opportunity to be active in doing really like to get but can’t aff ord, Gemini, consider making it. Even if the open to do something active. Walking, running, or going on a hike things that will help continue your good feelings. Consider all aspects you don’t consider yourself artistic, you may surprise yourself if you can make great use of both your energy and creativity. Fresh air and of your health, including emotional and spiritual. If you can, sit outside give a project half a chance. There are numerous websites that cater to physical exertion will lend much to your health as well, so make the in the sunshine and fresh air to consider the areas of your life that could novices and can give you the support and instruction you need. Don’t most of this. use a workout. dismiss your ability. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

It’s the perfect day to get up and head outside, Cancer. You’ll likely find It won’t be surprising if you find yourself getting frustrated with a close See about using your good relationships with friends and loved ones yourself feeling positive and energetic, and some fresh air, sunshine, friend or partner today who is far less ambitious than you, Leo. The today to get some group activities going, Virgo. Chances are you’ll feel and physical activity may be long overdue. Even if this is a workday energy in the air can really emphasise your “go, go, go” way of reaching pretty good and the idea of socialising will appeal to you. See about for you, make the most of your breaks and lunch hour by walking. This goals and achieving success. Others who are passive or fearful in this inviting people over for supper or a game of cards. If you’re especially evening may be the opportune time to get together with some friends area may be diff icult to understand. Yet each person has to do things in lively, some sports may be just the ticket to get you out and moving. Do for coff ee or a favorite sporting event. ways that are best for him or her. Try to be patient. whatever it takes to have some fun and get some fresh air today. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

If you’re lacking a regular exercise routine, Libra, today’s a great day to Put your ambition into action today, Scorpio. The day’s planetary Don’t hesitate when it comes to taking on a project or making plans turn that around. Exercise doesn’t have to wear you out or hurt. Even aspects should find you feeling energetic and positive. Make the most of today, Sagittarius. Extra energy will complement your organisational relaxing activities like walking or yoga are excellent ways to keep you in this by taking steps toward your goals. As you know, if you don’t actively skills, making the perfect combination to handle almost anything. Be good shape. Participating in a sport that appeals to you like volleyball or pursue things, nothing will happen. The years can pass by so quickly sure to write down your goals and plans to help keep you focused. If bowling combines fun with exercise. Heck, even dancing is a recognised and you wouldn’t want to be sitting on a rocker wondering “what if.” you decide to tackle any cleaning today, get rid of the things you never form of exercise! See about finding something that will work for you. Trust yourself and do what it takes. Everything starts with a single step. use. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today should go well for you, Capricorn. Expect to feel a renewed Today you may notice that you’re feeling very creative and ambitious, Don’t be surprised if you wake up feeling super today, Pisces. Chances energy and perspective on things, especially those that are work Aquarius. You might want to use these strengths to work directly on an are good that you’ll feel a renewed physical strength with energy to related. Make the most of this by working toward finishing projects that artistic project. Or you may choose to channel that energy into activities spare. That said, it might be a good day to tackle any projects that are waiting for you or by cleaning and organising your desk or broom like organising your home or workspace. If you plan it out, there should require you to use some muscle. Perhaps there’s some yard work that closet. Feel confident that you’ll be able to handle most any task in no be plenty of time to get to both if you have a mind to. Make the most of needs to be done or furniture you want to move around. On the fun time. the day! side, you might want to get to the gym for a workout or swim. Monday, February 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 CARTOONS COMMUNITY

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

North Africa

AGADIR CASABLANCA ORAN ALEXANDRIA EGYPT RABAT ALGERIA GIZA SUEZ ALGIERS LIBYA TANGIER ASWAN LUXOR TRIPOLI BENGHAZI MARRAKESH TUNISIA CAIRO MOROCCO

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. 10 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY PUZZLES

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Perfectly, having dispensed 2. Seize the little blighter and with the lift (7,1,5) undo the knot (7) 8. Again I send in the answer (7) 3. Because Cockney, is forced 9. Bats in the kitchen (7) to (3) 11. Such a voice as the peach 4. Old man, turn back (4) has? (6) 5. From which the higher dive is 13. Set about taking the wife out taken, as is fair (5-5) riding (8) 6. The feather’s upside-down in 15. To the left of the border is the it, silly! (5) snow plant (5) 7. The garment I seem to have 16. Love it is I mete out (7) torn going to church (7) 18. He’s nabbed the animal, dear, 8. Don’t take part and don’t imported from France (7) agree to do anything (6,2,3) 19. Hit and break (5) 10. Knots in skeins of pure wool? 21. Signal that means (5-6) consomme for everybody? 12. Betweentimes, are out to (3-5) bargain (5) Answers 23. Don’t leave the note by the 14. Where he hails from, are pipe (6) people always drunk? (10) Wordsearch Codeword 25. Amid the foolish dither, a few 17. The result is certain right did well (7) away (5) 26. Beside the man, draws some 18. The gold lace I wrap around things to eat (7) it for heat (7) 28. Unlike the decrepit rotter? 20. Wanting to have air (4-9) desperately in the cave that’s collapsed (7) 22. Flush up, too (5) 24. As gently the water rises round the animals (4) 27. The height of nonsense, turning back would be (3)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Cranberry; 8 Archaic; Down: 1 Capital; 2 Abating; 3 9 Peanuts; 10 Damosel; 13 Blunt; 4 Rostrum; 5 Yard; 6 Theo; Twisters; 14 Hail; 16 Legitimate; 7 Scolded; 11 Adhere; 12 Sole; 15 20 Vend; 22 Seal; 24 Perpetrate; Ivor; 17 Ewe; 18 Idle; 19 Impost; 28 Reno; 29 Reascend; 31 21 Net; 22 Stumble; 23 Aran; 25 Mandate; 34 Shatter; 35 Leisure; Presses; 26 Abettor; 27 Endorse; 36 Discharge. 30 Slash; 32 Dash; 33 Eyed. Monday, February 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Is Amitabh taking social networking too seriously?

he social networking site Twitter has retweets that he made of his followers glorifying him. been trying to clean up the phenomenon And then there was this cryptic tweet which didn’t of fake followers that assail it and one of really make much sense:‘HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA the unexpected consequences of their HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH measures has been in the mental state of AHAHAHAHA ...social media – you are a delight !! AmitabhT Bachchan. Following Followers & Tweets – you are a delight .. With 32.9 million followers, he has been the most who to follow, you are a delight .. India Trends – you followed Indian celebrity on Twitter but then realised are delight .. Each human in World a delight .. coz’ we that Shah Rukh Khan had narrowly dethroned him. are all TWITTERED’ If that had been because of Shah Rukh getting more What can be made of all this is that, even though followers, it would have been palatable. But Amitabh couching it as humour, Amitabh seems to have taken realised that the number of his own followers had Twitter’s move as a personal insult? But there is no actually come down. This seems to have somewhat real cause for this. A large number of followers are unsettled him going by the tweets he made later bots, software programmes unleashed by commercial on the subject. First there was a direct threat to agencies, and Twitter is only trying to eliminate this. Twitter that he might even leave their site. He If Amitabh’s grouse is that they singled him out, then tweeted: ‘TWITTER .!!!?? you reduced my number it means he takes social networking too seriously and of followers .. !!??HAHAHAHAHAHAHA .. !! thats as a refl ection of his own popularity. He doesn’t really a joke .. time to get off from you .. thank you for the need that affi rmation since his fan base is there for ride .. there are many ‘other’ fi sh in the sea – and all to see. It can sometimes be surprising just how UNSETTLED: The mega star has shown concerns over decrease in the a lot more exciting !!’ Then there were a fl urry of insecure superstars can be about their popularity. number of his followers on Twitter.

Padmaavat gets that is wrong. One would have scathing reviews assumed that in 2018, this is not a Shah Rukh Khan faces legal wrangling point that even needs to be made; The movie critics have been but apparently, it does.’ so-so about but quite Swara got a lot of adverse Shah Rukh Khan found himself in the middle of a legal strangely one of the most scathing reactions for her letter. Some wrangle recently. It had to do with a plot of land in a reviews came from an actress. questioned her own choice of seaside region just on the outskirts of . Swara Bhaskar saw the movie movies. The cast of Padmaavat also Shah Rukh reportedly had a sprawling fi ve-acre and then penned an Open Letter thought that she had overreacted. farmhouse with a huge mansion there. The only to in an , for instance, problem was that the land was allegedly purchased for online magazine. She began by said in a media interview that Swara agricultural use under a private company’s name and recounting her own admiration for had probably been out buying converting it into a farmhouse was illegal. The Income and association with Bhansali. She popcorn when the disclaimers Tax department has therefore attached the property. had a two minute role in Guzaarish of the movie being fi ction were Earlier in life, Shah Rukh had issues with an extension and Bhansali had still asked for her shown in the beginning. Also, she in the Mumbai plot where his present house is located. opinion about her lines and that added that these acts of suicide by But he had managed to fi nish the work then. What is she said had been a great moment the characters should be viewed mystifying is why incredibly rich celebrities would for her. But after homilies, Swara in the context of the time when cut corners when they could easily have paid more in went on to Padmaavat and said that it happened and that it was a a perfectly legal transaction and get a similar property the movie was demeaning to her celebration of the strength of without the accompanying headaches. as a woman because of the manner women. , the anti- in which the women in the movie hero of Padmaavat, when asked IN COURT: The authorities have attached a farm house committed mass suicide in the face to comment said that Swara had owned by the star in outskirts of Mumbai. of the kingdom being taken over by sent him a message saying that she an invader. loved his role in the movie. Shahid She wrote, ‘Practices like Sati, Kapoor, also a main lead, said Jauhar, FGM, Honour Killings that he had not read the letter but should not be glorifi ed because they considering the diffi culties the fi lm don’t merely deny women equality, had gone through, it was perhaps Rumours about they deny women personhood. not the right time for a missive like Ranbir, Alia aff air They deny women humanity. They this. But he thought everyone had a deny women the right to life. And right to their point of view. The hot new rumoured aff air making news in town between two A-list stars is that of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. They are starring together in a superhero fl ick being called Brahmastra and that apparently brought them together. The rumours fl ared up when it became known that they had gone to Tel Aviv but then it was said to be a work visit to do a recce for the movie along with its director. That itself is a little strange because UNCONFIRMED: Rumours suggest that both actors are dating. actors don’t really go for such recces. A gossip webzine also had one would come to know if they now is all speculation. And given more details about the budding are there. There is also a lot of late the fact that they are appearing in relationship. Apparently, the two night partying. What is a little a movie, it might very well be some spend a lot of time at each other’s ironic is that Alia is said to be a good clever publicity mongering. houses and it is done with secrecy friend of Katrina Kaif, who used to to keep the prying media away. be Ranbir’s girlfriend. Of course, Send your feedback to CRITICISM: A female critic says the movie is demeaning for her as a woman. Their cars are sent away so that no none of this is confi rmed and right [email protected] 12 GULF TIMES Monday, February 5, 2018 COMMUNITY Encore series of azaleas reach 31 with Autumn Bonfire and Autumn Fire Though we are still in the grips of a cold winter, I assure you spring is headed our way like a runaway locomotive. Those plans that we thought we would make for improving the landscape somehow got put on the back burner. By Norman Winter

FIRE: Autumn Fire has rich velvety blooms and burgundy red winter foliage.

COLOURFUL: Encore Azaleas will bring in an assortment of butterflies like this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

he Encore series, the best azaleas the same habit, and colour but semi-double Many of the Encore azaleas are cold hardy to ever hit the market now has 31 blossoms that are rich and velvety. The from zones 6a-10b and perform best in varieties. foliage will give extra garden interest however organic-rich, well-drained soil. It’s been With two new riveting red as it ages to a purple-bronze in the winter. said the key to the green thumb is how selections Autumn Bonfi re and The 31 varieties all fall under the Encore brown it gets in soil preparation. Compost TAutumn Fire, you’ll have even more choices brand but there is another name that ties and organic matter improves tight, heavy BLOOMING: These Autumn Embers azalea allowing you to have an encore of spring them all together, and that is Autumn. The soil allowing for best drainage. Add a layer blooms were photographed on New Year’s Eve bloom in the landscape for the long growing reason behind this is that sometime in the fall of mulch after planting and again each year. at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. season ahead. That is why they’re called the depending on the variety chosen there will The azalea keeps the roots near the soil Encore Azaleas. There is no more sadness be another crescendo of bloom. So, consider surface, and this annual decomposition of when spring bloom is over because you can the possibilities, imagine Encore azaleas mulch and organic matter will maintain a rest assured more fl owers are on the way. blooming in sequence with the fall blooming good environment for new roots and help in The name Autumn Bonfi re itself conjures Camellia sasanqua. It can happen with just a moisture retention. up visions of warmth and fi ery fl ames of little planning. Choose a site with 4 to 6 hours of direct colour in the garden. Autumn Bonfi re is I love digital photography, not only sunlight. Partial sun gardens with high dwarf or compact, perfect for today’s garden. because it makes me look like a pro but shifting sunlight will also prove to be an It reaches 3 feet tall with a spread of 3 feet. also because the technology allows the optimal location. Plant curvy informal The blossoms are semi-double and a true photograph to be like a diary. It tells me sweeps or clusters. With 31 varieties you will saturated red. everything I did in that particular photograph fi nd a wide range of colours and sizes from Autumn Bonfi re not only gives you including the date. The last four years the dwarf to intermediate. You’ll fi nd double stimulating colour in the garden, but it is also azalea photographs tell a story. They tell me blooming selections like Autumn Carnation, evergreen retaining the bright green foliage. that the Encore bloom at the Coastal Georgia those that have an almost iridescent shimmer In other words, it will be an excellent choice Botanical Gardens in Savannah looked like the pink Autumn Jewel to the pristine giving you the needed bones and structure in dazzling on March 3 and similarly September white Autumn Angel. the landscape even when not in bloom. 15. But there are stunning photographs on It may be cold now, but spring is just Red is a rousing colour that makes you take New Year’s Eve, October, and late March. around the corner, start planning now and as notice. Stop signs are red, fi re trucks are red, These azaleas were bred to bloom. They the weather allows use the time to get your and Valentine’s chocolates come in bright also show a propensity, if you will, to attract beds prepared for Encore azalea planting at DAZZLING: The garden shows the Encore red boxes. The new Autumn Fire has much butterfl ies. your home. — TNS azalea bloom to be absolutely dazzling.