Monday, April 13, 2020 Sha’ban 20, 1441 AH

Doha today 230 - 290

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Hugo Torres holds a picture of himself as a seven-year-old with his mother Maria Luisa Castillo while at home on March 31 in Monrovia, California. Torres was nine when his family went through the Mexico City earthquake of 1985. It was a tough time and he is using the lessons he learned from his mother back then during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cover Story Cold comfort Families confronting coronavirus draw strength from surviving wars and other disasters. P4-5

Hollywood Back Page

Fox & Friends co-host Young singer focuses on creating contracts coronavirus. new music to stay positive. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON NETFLIX

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.53am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.14am Zuhr (noon) 11.36am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.57pm Isha (night) 7.27pm

USEFUL NUMBERS place in a world where people often prove more wicked than DIRECTION: Lauren Schmidt monsters and beasts. But when destiny hurtles him towards CAST: , Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a special SYNOPSIS: The Witcher follows the story of Geralt of gift, the three must learn to navigate independently the Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, who struggles to find his increasingly volatile Continent.

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 Office Altered Carbon ‘Envoy’ soldier Takeshi Kovacs, who is downloaded from an (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) DIRECTION: Laeta Kalogridis off-world prison and into a combat ready sleeve at the behest Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, CAST: Chris Conner, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Will Yun Lee of Laurens Bancroft, a highly influential aristocrat. Bancroft 40253369 SYNOPSIS: The show is set in a future where was killed, and the last automatic backup of his stack was Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 consciousness is digitised and stored in cortical stacks made hours before his death, leaving him with no memory Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 implanted in the spine, allowing humans to survive physical of who killed him and why. While police ruled it a suicide, Qatar Airways 40253374 death by having their memories and consciousness ‘re- Bancroft is convinced he was murdered and wants Kovacs to sleeved’ into new bodies. The story follows specially trained find out the truth.

ote Unquo Qu te “A good laugh is sunshine in the house.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

Community Editor Kamran Rehmat e-mail: [email protected] Russian Doll car and killed, only to find herself alive and well, back at her Telephone: 44466405 DIRECTION: Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne, Amy own birthday party earlier that night. When she dies again and Fax: 44350474 Poehler her timeline resets, Nadia begins to question her own sanity CAST: Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee as she strives to unravel the mystery of why and how this is all SYNOPSIS: On Nadia’s 36th birthday, she is struck by a happening. Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Exercise is important for body, mind If you have symptoms of the common cold, it’s usually fine to keep exercising. It may even help you feel a little better

uestion: Can I continue to exercise even if I don’t feel well, or should I hold off until I start to feel Qbetter? Answer: The answer to that question depends largely on what’s wrong. For example, if you have symptoms of the common cold, it’s usually fine to keep exercising. It may even help you feel a little better. If you have a fever or other more severe symptoms, it’s best to put your exercise routine on hold until those symptoms go away. Exercise is important for your body and mind. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood and blood cholesterol levels in check, increase bone strength and help manage stress, just to name a few benefits. For healthy adults, the recommendation is 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. That includes activities such as running, biking, jogging, swimming, brisk walking and dancing. Many people break up their weekly aerobic activity into 30-minute sessions, five days a week. In addition, your exercise routine should include at least two 20- to 30-minute sessions of strength training a week, which many people have a tendency to forget. Remember, too, that even if you don’t get to the recommended level of HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in check, increase bone exercise sometimes, any amount strength and help manage stress, just to name a few benefits. of exercise, even if it’s just 10 minutes of walking, has benefits. should give your body some time When you’re not feeling well, to rest and recover. A fever is your it’s still fine to exercise in some body’s way of telling you to slow cases. A good rule of thumb to down, and it’s important to listen follow is if you have symptoms to that. As you recover after these above the neck, such as a runny kinds of symptoms, go a bit slower nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and decrease the intensity of or a minor sore throat, you’re your workout when you return to OK to exercise. In those cases, exercising. exercise may even help you feel Due to the current better by opening up your nasal recommendations for social passages. However, you may want distancing during the Covid-19 to reduce the intensity and length outbreak, your fitness centre of your workout, and limit group may be closed. Even if it’s not, activities. you may want consider skipping Instead of running, for example, the gym and take your workout go for a walk. If you work out outdoors instead, or explore new when you’re having some exercise options that you can do symptoms of illness, make sure at home. Regardless of where you stay attuned to your body’s you exercise, don’t forget to wipe need for fluid. Drink to your level off equipment, including bikes, of thirst. Be aware that if it’s warm weights, benches and yoga mats, outside, you may need to take in after you’re done with them. more fluid than usual. If you exercise when you’re If you have symptoms of not feeling well, and then you illness that affect you below the experience additional pain or neck, such as chest congestion, symptoms when you exercise a hacking cough, muscle aches, – or if you have other concerns fatigue or an upset stomach, or questions about exercising it’s best to take a break from when you’re ill – talk with your exercising for a few days. RECOMMENDATION: For healthy adults, the recommendation is 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. That healthcare provider. If you have a fever, you also includes activities such as running, biking, jogging, swimming, brisk walking and dancing. – Mayo Clinic News Network 4 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY These days, he knows how much it calms her to hear the voices of her children

DOWN MEMORY LANE: Hugo Torres looks through a family album in Monrovia, California.

By Esmeralda happening, of losing everything,” Bermudez Tarin said. “I understand her. I’ve inherited the same anxiety.” Every time she left, it was turmoil For families who have he phone rings every few survived untold hardship — war, for me. I thought the earth would fall hours. persecution, natural disasters — “Are you OK, my son? the coronavirus pandemic has apart and swallow her up Are you wearing a mask? provoked a mix of emotions and Please don’t go out. coping methods. There’s a lingering PleaseT don’t touch anything.” trauma, an instinct to protect your — Hugo Torres, now 42, then 7, recalls From his home in Washington, own, to focus on life’s most urgent DC, Haris Tarin, 41, does his needs. In some cases, the elders mom who was rushing out kids when best to answer his mother’s calls. who lived through the worst of These days, he knows how much it times, many of them immigrants, an 8 magnitude earthquake struck, calms her to hear the voices of her have become the greatest source of children, spread across three states. strength. killing 10,000 “She’s been through so much, Tarin’s mother, Latifa Tarin, ‘ ’ she’s constantly afraid of the worst doesn’t linger on lectures or advice. Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

When she calls from Phoenix, she old. wants to know if her son, a senior “Every time she left, it was policy adviser for the federal turmoil for me,” said Torres, now 42 government, has enough money and living in Monrovia. “I thought in his bank account. “I’m going to the earth would fall apart and send you something,” she says. swallow her up.” “You don’t need to,” Tarin tells Over time, the responsibility her. “We’re OK.” Maria Luisa placed on his her Back in Afghanistan, when life son’s shoulders influenced him in was good, the mother of six used countless ways. It prepared him for to manage every detail of her the uncertainty of this pandemic. home while her diplomat husband “This is the biggest thing we’ve travelled. faced since then,” said Torres, a After the Russians invaded in 1979, Realtor. “But I know how to buckle the Tarins, like millions of families, down, how to tighten our belts and lost everything. Latifa forged ahead not add to the paranoia that’s out alone, smuggling three of her kids there.” into Pakistan to reunite with her His mother, now 63, still lives husband. For three weeks, the family in that humble brick house in rode at night on camel and donkey Mexico City. She moved back a over rugged mountains as helicopters few years ago to care for her own rumbled in the sky, threatening to mother. She’s stocked her shelves bomb them. with plenty of food to weather the Tarin was 6 years old. He was outbreak. so terrified, he’d sometimes vomit “She’s mighty and quite from the nerves. He’d watch in resourceful,” Torres said. “I know awe as his mother, barely 5 feet she’s going to be all right.” tall, would scold the gun-toting Yoshio Nakamura was in 11th smugglers if they tried to cheat grade when his family received them out of food — all paid for in EVENING OF LIFE: Yoshio Nakamura on April 1 at his home in Whittier, California. Nakamura was in 11th grade when notice that they had two weeks to advance by Latifa. his Japanese American family was put in an incarceration camp. It was 1942 and his family lost everything — their farm, abandon everything they knew. “If she needed to scream, she equipment, horse and dog — to live for several years in a camp surrounded by barbed wire. It was 1942, Pearl Harbour had would scream at them,” he said. just been attacked, and about “She did everything to keep us When the outbreak began, she A few days ago, the family faced instant. 120,000 people of Japanese decent safe.” worried about her grandmother, another scare as Parodi’s mom, He was a boy, just 7, when Mexico were stripped of their lands and Today, as the Covid-19 death who lives alone in her apartment. Rimma, began to experience City’s 1985 earthquake struck, incarcerated in desolate camps. toll swells by the day, it is Tarin At 84, Fanya is a joyful woman, Covid-19 symptoms. The secretary, killing an estimated 10,000 people “It was demoralising,” and his siblings who do everything constantly focused on the positive. who works at a health centre, and leaving tens of thousands Nakamura, 94, said. “To be blamed to protect Latifa. She lives in an Still, those first few days on the had fatigue, chest pain and was injured or homeless. for something you didn’t do, just apartment attached to her second phone, Parodi said there was a struggling to breathe. When an The morning of the magnitude-8 because of how you look.” eldest son’s home. She used to brief moment, when she could tell ambulance rushed her to the quake, Torres’ mother, Maria Luisa, The retired college administrator see several of her children and that her grandma was struggling to emergency room, Parodi imagined was rushing to get the kids out the has found himself reflecting a lot grandchildren daily. Now, she sees make sense of things. the worst. door for school. When the ground lately on everything his family their faces only in photographs that “How is it that I survived the She couldn’t bring herself to tell began to jolt, his mom and youngest endured as he hears news of Asians decorate her walls. war, but I’m still living through this her grandma. “I worried how she sister were flung across the floor. nationwide being harassed or “Are things getting any better out now?” she told Parodi. “I thought might take it,” she said. “We were so shook up, terrified,” shunned due to the virus pandemic. there?” she often asks by phone. the worst of my life was over.” But Fanya found out anyway. And Torres said. It’s hurtful to hear that Asians, yet “No,” Tarin tells her. “People are During the Siege, about 80 years when she did, Parodi was surprised Moments later, they learned again, are suffering consequences still dying.” ago, Fanya’s family shared a small by her response. “She was totally they’d been fortunate. The city they do not deserve. Recently, Latifa lost a family apartment with five other families. calm,” she said. “She told me we was devastated. Their little, brick Sheltered at home in Whittier, he friend to the virus. She knows about Food was scarce. Fires ignited by need to wait and that everything house was nearly intact. But for the sometimes feels as powerless today 10 others who also got sick. Not German bombs painted the sky was going to be just fine.” next five months, the family would as he did the day the government long ago, she revealed to Tarin that an eternal pink. In the winter, the The next day, they were relieved go without electricity or running forced his Japanese immigrant his great-grandfather and great- pipes froze and the families were to hear that Rimma was released water. They struggled to find the father to surrender his small El uncle died in the 1918 Spanish Flu forced to burn their furniture and from the hospital. She was home most basic necessities. Monte farm and board a train with pandemic. books to keep warm. resting and taking her medication. Maria Luisa had to stand in food his children to a incarceration “I could tell that in her mind “There was always this constant Hugo Torres has learned by lines for hours. She left her son in centre up north. Armed soldiers she was still trying to piece it all fear,” Parodi said. now that life can change in just an charge of his sisters, 5 and 3 years and century towers surrounded the together,” Tarin said. premises. So did barbed wire. Many Afghans like to call Ultimately, the family would themselves resilient, he said. spend several years in captivity. They’re expected to be tough, to They were later relocated to a more move forward. deserted camp in Arizona. “But there’s trauma and pain Looking to prove his allegiance that comes from going through so to the US, Nakamura eventually much.” volunteered to fight in World War Mariya Parodi, who lives in II. He joined the 442nd Infantry City, likes to search for Regiment, a unit composed almost meaning in her family’s history. entirely of second-generation One day, when she has children American soldiers of Japanese of her own, she wonders how she’ll ancestry. explain this pandemic, along with Many days were filled with dread, all the other trials her kin have but Nakamura said he’s grateful endured. for his experiences. Along the way, Her great-grandmother, Etya, he said there were teachers, fellow lost all 10 of her siblings during the soldiers and mentors who looked Holocaust. Her grandmother, Fanya, after him and inspired him. survived the Siege of Leningrad. Her “You learn to have a little more mother, Rimma, lived through the compassion for others,” he said. “To fall of the Soviet Union. appreciate all the things people are At 9 years old, Parodi arrived in willing to do help you.” the US as a refugee, part of a new Today, when he feels generation looking for a fresh start. overwhelmed by the death toll, the Today, she’s 32 and lives in Queens, scarcity of hospital supplies and just 20 minutes from her mother misinformation, he thinks of all the and grandmother. MEMORIES OF ANOTHER DAY: Haris Tarin, senior policy adviser with the Department of Homeland Security health workers risking their lives. “We talk every day and take care Office for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, on April 2 in Chino Hills, California. Tarin’s family fled Afghanistan in the 1980s He hopes that years from now, of each other,” said Parodi, who after Russia invaded. His mom lives with the trauma of their escape, three weeks on camel and donkey through the the world will remember them as works for Amnesty International. mountains. These past few weeks, she’s been filled with anxiety, calling him and her other children every few hours. heroes. — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY ‘Qatar’s blockade strategy: a needed framework to fight climate change’

Dr Anatol Lieven, Professor at Georgetown University – Qatar, authors a major new book on climate change that challenges contemporary wisdom on the issue: Climate Change and the Nation State: The Realist Case

which he lays out in his new book: Climate Change and the Nation State: The Realist Case. In the book, the professor draws on lessons from history to argue that only nation states have the power to enact the kind of dramatic change needed to prevent environmental disaster. “Qatar’s experience made me think about how countries with a very strong state-led effort can respond to crises,” he said. The success of that effort and its contribution to a surge in national patriotism, he says, provides a study on how understanding climate change as a threat to the vital interests of nation states could generate the needed national responses. In his book, Dr Lieven draws on history to demonstrate how appealing to patriotism was a successful response not only to war but to challenges like the need for painful economic and social reforms. In particular, he explores the ‘New Deal’, the expansive relief and reform measures enacted by US President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression in the 1930s. “Successful measures to change societies and economies have always been driven by national states, not international organisations,” he said, pointing to the example of national responses to the global pandemic – a crisis from which international bodies have been almost wholly absent. “When combating the pandemic, what really counts is the ability to close borders, forbid gatherings, close transportation routes. Only individual states can do this.” And for climate change, he says, while international agreements and grassroots efforts are needed, “all of these are ultimately AUTHOR: Professor Dr Anatol Lieven was previously a correspondent in directed towards pressuring state South Asia and the former USSR, and an expert at think tanks in Washington DRAWING HISTORY: In the book, the author draws on history to governments into taking action.” DC. He teaches on Nationalism, International Relations, US Foreign Policy and demonstrate how appealing to patriotism was a successful response not only Lieven calls for states to adopt Comparative Political Systems at Georgetown University in Qatar. to war but to challenges like the need for painful economic and social reforms. different national versions of a In particular, he explores the ‘New Deal’, the expansive relief and reform ‘Green New Deal’, dedicated to State: The Realist Case is published Systems at Georgetown University measures enacted by US President, Franklin Roosevelt, during the Great building alternative energy, public by Penguin in the UK and Oxford in Qatar. He is a member of Depression in the 1930s. transport networks, technological University Press in the USA. An the South Asia Advisory Board innovation, economic growth, updated paperback edition will of the British Foreign and he speed and scale Anatol Lieven, author of a major new jobs and social solidarity. be published in 2021. Professor Commonwealth Office, and has of Qatar’s state- new book on climate change that The huge amounts of money now Dr Anatol Lieven was previously a taken part in numerous panels led response to the challenges contemporary wisdom being poured into economies correspondent in South Asia and to discuss climate change and its blockade is a lesson in on the issue. This observation to combat the economic effects the former USSR, and an expert impact on world politics. He has the national resilience of Qatar’s rapid economic shifts of the pandemic should be at think tanks in Washington also published on the subject in Tand adaptation needed to change and infrastructure development, targeted at these goals, not spent DC. He teaches on Nationalism, journals and newspapers including the devastating course of climate said Dr Lieven, contributed to indiscriminately. International Relations, US Foreign The Observer (UK) and The change around the world, says Dr his thinking on climate change, Climate Change and the Nation Policy and Comparative Political National Interest (USA). Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

HAPPY HOUSE: Vibrant art and colours in the sitting room. INSIDE OUT: The living area with metal-framed windows. When the party starts: a home to lift the spirits Festivities are on hold at this double-fronted home. But zingy colours, playful details and a bubbling hot tub mean it’s still a house of fun, writes Serena Fokschanner

heir friends will tell share a taste for art, colour and Mikic’s brief was to transform dining room was a priority. The not too 1960s or 1970s, but a bit of you that Paul Price and unpredictable juxtapositions. the three-storey interior, which is kitchen has a convivial island for every era,” insists Price. Fletcher Cowan know “I don’t do matchy-matchy, I believed to have operated as a print cooking and chatting: “Paul loves In the sitting room, the how to throw a good prefer things to be on the more factory during the Second World to cook and I love to eat: that’s us in multicoloured sideboard inlaid with party. In summer it’s interesting side,” says Mikic, an War. This may have been when the a nutshell,” says Cowan. Murano glass is a 1980s prototype Tnot unusual to find at least 100 Australian who has lived in the UK first two floors were subdivided To bring light to the lower- by Italian fashion designer Emanuel guests spilling out, brimming for more than 20 years. “Paul and into a warren of small rooms with ground floor, Mikic also installed Ungaro. It was the catalyst for the beverages in hand, from the kitchen Fletcher have more parties than disproportionately wide hallways. floor-to-ceiling metal-framed rug – as colourful as a pointillist of their north London home into anyone I know. This house reflects One of the first things Mikic did windows that span the back wall. painting – which Mikic designed, the garden with its bubbling hot that. It’s them down to a T.” was to reorganise the space by “Before that there was only a picking up the icing-sugar colours tub. Those previral get-togethers In a part of London better opening up the main reception small door and two small windows in the bespoke sofas. The pair of are, of course, on hold for now. But known for slender townhouses, rooms. “The idea was to create overlooking the garden,” says 60s armchairs, with their original even without the people, here’s an the 1870s property is a rarity. relaxed and comfortable spaces for Price. “Now you feel a real sense fabrics intact, were found online interior to lift the spirits. The tutti- Wide and double-fronted, it has entertaining and living,” he says. of connection between the outside at 1stdibs. The pink walls are one frutti carpets and walls bustling a host of unusual features: ornate Original details were also restored. and inside.” By contrast, the of Mikic’s custom-made colours: with modern art add up to a home plasterwork motifs on the walls Layers of paint were scraped off upstairs bedrooms, with their layers “I usually hate pink, too sugary or that’s sociable – and comfortable. downstairs and dashing Moorish- the staircase to reveal the ebonised of muted colours and understated Barbie,” says Price. “But this won Price and Cowan are quick to style arches upstairs where there handrail, and the parquet floors furnishings, were designed as a me over.” credit the interior designer Peter are three bedrooms and a walk-in were sanded back to their golden peaceful retreat. Nearby, the glossy grand piano is Mikic with the exuberant effect. wardrobe. 19th-century colour. Apart from a few artworks by a mechanical one that plays itself. They all met, inevitably, at a dinner “I was the first person to see it “The house now has distinct friends, such as LA artist Jonas The music is the “only issue in our party. Before founding his business when it went on the market six zones; the reception rooms are for Wood or the photographer Alex relationship”, says Price, “I’m fond 10 years ago, Mikic used to run a years ago,” says Price, an American living and entertaining, the lower Prager, most of the furniture of a show tune, which Fletcher fashion label. Price is the CEO of a with strong opinions on how things ground floor for cooking, eating, and objects were bought for the can’t stand.” But they agree on the luxury fashion brand and Cowan, should look. “I walked in, saw the and working,” says Mikic, who house. Parisian flea markets or classics: “Barbra Streisand, Elton who presents a fashion show on wonderful, original staircase and added a gym as well as a library for Alfies antique market in northwest John, Queen, Madonna… Hey, US channel E!, studied fashion at made an offer on the spot. It just Cowan in the lower-ground floor. London are their stamping grounds there’s a theme here.” Central Saint Martins. So the three spoke to me.” For this sociable couple, a new for mid-century design. “A mix, – The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY CUISINE Baker: how to make 10 of the world’s easiest Keen to bake for your family or housemates, but put off by previous attempts? Here are delicious options – including some that don’t require yeast, and one that doesn’t even need an oven, writes Dale Berning Sawa

basic ratio: 500g of any wheat (white, wholemeal, self-raising, plain) to 300g cold water. Add some form of oil to the mix, and you get everything from chapatis and rotis (Meera Sodha fills hers with coconut, raisins and almonds) to tortillas and lavash. Jamie Oliver switches things up a bit, using yoghurt, self-raising flour and a little baking powder, and cooks with griddle pan over a high heat. Elsewhere, his coconut flatbreads are made with just coconut milk and self-raising flour and fried in .

Quick AKA batter bread, this is the base recipe used in such things as apple bread, banana bread and the French savoury cake studded with everything from meat and olives. You mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) with wet ingredients (milk/buttermilk/ yoghurt, oil and eggs) and flavour it any way you like. Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffmann gives you every option thinkable: sweet, savoury, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and without baking powder (she separates the eggs, and whips the whites to get the rise needed). Texture-wise, this is more on the muffin/cake side of things, so if that’s not what you’re after, read on.

Soda bread The original no-kneader, and as Chiles put it last week, a gift Meera Sodha’s coconut yoghurt flatbreads with garlic mushrooms. to the yeastless. The rise comes from bicarb, so that ingredient is a must, but flour-wise it’s flexible: n times of great uncertainty, Adrian Chiles has noted, it appears wholemeal, oatmeal, rolled oats, knowing how to make your to have been stockpiled right off plain, self-raising, rye or whatever own bread and thereby feed all the shelves. So, if you do have mixture you can manage. Liquid- your family, is palpably any, set aside a portion of whatever wise, milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, reassuring. The very act of leavened dough you make to leaven Nigella’s pasta water: they’ll all Ikneading dough is calming, like the next (variously called old work, too. You’ll want a dollop of Play-Doh for adults. So, of course, dough and pâte fermentée; you’ll salt and sweetness (honey, soft newbie bakers are all over social find plenty of instructions for this brown sugar); Chiles flavours media, obsessing about “bubbling online). And, if you don’t, you could his with treacle and Marmite, mothers” (AKA sourdough starters). try making your own yeast. Lisa and nothing has ever endeared a Look a little closer, though, and Bedford, the self-styled Survival columnist to me more. And there’s they’re not very happy. “We are Mom, has written a really thorough nothing to say you can’t jazz it up all baking bread and some of us how-to. I appreciate that making further: Oliver puts dark chocolate are not so good at it,” tweeted one your own yeast somewhat negates and hazelnuts in his. journalist, dejectedly. That’s because the premise of this piece, but you’ve sourdough is high-maintenance got to admit it’s awesome that you No-knead crusty loaf baking. People write memoirs can. The New York Times calls this the about mastering the technique. By Also, reserve any pasta or potato world’s easiest yeasted loaf; a step- contrast, watching Noji Gaylard cooking water for your bread baking. up from the already groundbreaking making South African steamed As Nigella tweeted: “It will help the easy method devised by Jim Lahey bread (see below) is like hugging a bread’s texture and rise.” (if you’re a budding bread person, baby. Three minutes and 30 seconds I recommend his books). You mix of pure calm. His recipe, alongside Flatbreads plain flour with yeast, salt and the others included in our 10 basic At its simplest, a flatbread is flour lukewarm water into a loose dough, breads, is easy enough for even the and water mixed into a dough, rolled cover and let rise for two to five most inexperienced baker. into balls, rested, flattened and hours. Then you shape it and bake it. But first a note about yeast. As Pitta bread griddled. Dan Lepard tweeted the The crustiness comes from having Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 CUISINE COMMUNITY Baker: how to make 10 of the world’s easiest breads

A no-knead crusty loaf.

Focaccia Bagels

a broiling panful of water – or a few with butter and sugar. It takes a possibly the most mesmerising Much like in soda bread, the oats something like a baking stone – a ice cubes – in the bottom of the oven short knead (you want the dough cooking video I’ve ever come impart a welcome bite. As with the heavy cookie sheet will do. to steam the loaf while it cooks. nice and elastic) and a 45-minute across. It’s now my lockdown no-knead crusty loaf, you’ll need rest. You then roll it out flat with backdrop.) Cover with a lid to let it an oven-safe heavy-based pot Bagels Pitta a rolling pin and – to give it that rest, then beat it once more and let with a lid to achieve consistent, Surprisingly easy to make at Putting yeast in a wheaten moist, dense crumb – roll it right it rest again. Pour into a buttered high heat and a good seal so the home, as Jennifer Garner demos flatbread essentially means it can back up again into a tight log, bowl and place in a large pot for moisture doesn’t escape. in episode 15 of her aptly named puff up while baking, to create those tucking the ends in (DaJen Eat’s Jen which you have a lid, with enough Pretend Cooking show. Sure, there soft pockets so perfect for picnics. and her grandmother Cynthia will boiling water to come halfway up Focaccia is the extra step of poaching before Yotam Ottolenghi puts sugar in show you how). Then, after a short the side of your bowl, adding water Nigel Slater once said that he you bake, but you can use plain his dough and seven spices in his rest, it is baked golden brown in a when necessary to keep the steam thought focaccia was the bread flour and honey for the dough (or chicken filling, and, well, what loaf pan. going. It is cooked when, as with a to attempt first, before any trad strong bread flour and malt syrup, more could you want? Although it cake, a knife stuck into the centre white loaf. “A batch rarely fails.” if you want to be fancy). Food52’s is technically possible to make them Steamed bread comes out clean. Now most recipes will ask for Kenzi Wilbur says the hardest completely lean, Felicity Cloake The one loaf you don’t need strong white bread flour and/or 00 part is waiting an excruciating 30 doesn’t recommend it: the fat an oven for. This South African Maple oat breakfast bread flour (used for making pasta). But minutes once you have removed contributes to flavour and shelf-life. beauty involves mixing a very This takes a couple more Marcella Hazan makes hers with them from the oven. But I’ve never sticky batter of plain flour, salt, ingredients (maple syrup and plain flour, and she’s not someone known anyone able to resist freshly Hard dough bread sugar, yeast (no oil) and lukewarm rolled oats) and an overnight rest to mess with. You’ll need a good baked anything, so why would you A Jamaican speciality, this is a water in a bowl with a wooden (eight hours or more), but it makes, amount of olive oil (River Cottage even attempt to do that here? Butter plain-flour yeasted dough, enriched spoon. (Gaylard’s demo is quite as Food52 notes, darn good toast. uses 150ml), some flaky salt and at the ready… – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Try This

You’ll need 1 • Large mug or A tiny storm small cooking pot In this experiment, a whirlpool, or vortex, • Very hot water of spinning water • Food color behaves in a surprising way. • Small ice cube • Spoon Ask your helper to put hot water in container; add a few • Adult drops of coloring helper

Drop ice cube 3 gently into center of whirlpool and watch what 2 happens Stir water slowly with spoon in one direction

What happened? That pulls water inward Cold water (which is across the top of the water The ice turns with more dense than the water, and if warm) flows conditions are just downward from the right, it will start to melting ice spin faster

NOTE: You may Some tornados need to repeat experiment a few and hurricanes times to make it get their power work well from this Water moving Source: University combination toward the of Wisconsin center follows a meteorology of temperature (weather science) difference spiral path, and professor David and rotation pushes the ice Houghton faster

Graphic: Staff, Tribune News Service Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Working from home? Follow these tips to avoid neck, lower back pain

s many people are “As people are not going out Unit Head, Bone & Joint Institute, working from home daily for office now, it has definitely Fortis Memorial Research Institute during the coronavirus broken their physical activity in Gurugram has advised people to lockdown without a schedule including walking, do neck stretching exercises and proper desk, they could gymming and to balance that keep the neck and back muscles Abe sitting in the wrong posture for schedule they should take out strong in this period of lockdown. hours which can lead to pain in at least one hour everyday for “People with cervical issues the neck and lower back. Health routine exercise and other physical should avoid any heavy weights,” experts have suggested that simple activities which can be done at Jangid said. tips like not taking their laptop to home like yoga and other free hand “For people with back problems, bed, taking adequate breaks and exercises,” he said. you can walk in your home. Make having a healthy diet can help you The doctor suggested that while a schedule, fix a time and walk at a avoid these problems. working from home people should length for half-hour to stay active. People should be extra careful use a table and chair, keep their In case you do not have ample space not to fall sick during this period back straight and posture right. for a walk, take out your yoga mat as the work from home mode and They should keep taking or a bedsheet, you can do pilates closure of gyms have disrupted adequate breaks to avoid sitting or soft yoga poses to improve your physical activity schedules of many, for too long in front of a laptop core strength and stability,” he said. the experts said. or any screen for that matter, he Some such exercises are – chair “We should keep in mind said, adding that diet is extremely stand, single leg raise, heel raise, that this lockdown period is for important in these times of front plank on table. our safety from a disease, and restricted activity. People can also do a plank and a exercises. “Stand or walk around people who are working from home doesn’t allow us to be careless and “Avoid snacking, don’t keep child’s pose to gain strength for the while talking over the phone, rather need to be more careful. invite other diseases like cervical munching unhealthy food, add back. than sitting down,” the doctor said. “Do ‘Surya Namaskar’ every pain, backache, arthritis etc.,” more fruits and fibres to your daily The doctor added that dancing According to Viju Thomas morning and walk in your room. If Monu Singh, Senior Consultant meal with plenty of fluids and keep is a great way of staying active and (PT), Head Of Department, one is already on therapy then be in in Orthopaedics at Narayana your calcium intake right,” Singh keeping the family bond strong. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation contact with your physiotherapist Superspeciality Hospital, said. Alternatively, one can do skipping, Department, Sri Balaji Action and keep taking advice to follow,” Gurugram, told IANS. Subhash Jangid, Director and Zumba, yoga or pilates or floor Medical Institute in New Delhi, said Thomas. – IANS

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

You like to feel needed, Aries, but today you might throw up your You could be overwhelmed with information today, Taurus, as Your mind is like a sponge today, Gemini, eager to absorb all sorts hands and say, “Enough!” You’ve given so much of yourself for so you receive more phone calls and e-mail messages than you can of information. Take care that the information you’re absorbing is long that friends and loved ones tend to think of your largesse as a possibly answer. Be clear about your priorities and stick with them. accurate. There’s a high likelihood that the fascinating news you right rather than a privilege. Today, remind them of their error. Take Otherwise, you’re likely to spend the day being batted around the hear is mostly a mix of fantasy and fiction. Go to the source and get a day off from indentured servitude. Go to a fancy restaurant and court like a tennis ball. Take a lot of deep breaths throughout the day the facts before acting on this information. If necessary, do your own enjoy being waited on. Don’t forget to leave a big tip. and make an effort to keep your temper in check. research online or in the library. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

If you aren’t careful, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll overindulge You’re too hard on yourself, Leo. If things haven’t gone exactly You’re especially intuitive today, Virgo. If this is a fairly new today, Cancer. Your career frustrations may manifest in the form of as planned over the last few days, there’s no sense in berating occurrence for you, you could be at a loss as to how to make the overeating or reckless spending. These are just symptoms masking the yourself over it. As long as you did the best that you could, what’s most of this gift. Only you can know for sure, but one suggestion is real problem. If you can take some time to meditate, you’ll calm your the problem? It’s likely you’ve experienced a delay and not a to reflect on changes that you’d like to make at work. Pitch them to nerves and reveal the root of your frustration. Once you have the facts, cancellation. All signs indicate that your goals will come to fruition your boss. With today’s keen insight, you’ll almost be able to read his it will be easier to devise an effective solution. even though it might take longer than you’d anticipated. or her mind and anticipate any objections. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today’s planetary aspects indicate that this is likely to be a day of You should make an effort to be patient and tolerant, especially at This could be a day of inner turmoil, Sagittarius. You’ll rethink some excess, Libra, some of it good, some of it not so good. Take care not the office, even though you might not feel like it, Scorpio. You’ll likely of your fundamental values, unsure if they’re still relevant to your to overindulge in food and drink. You could be merely acting out take a lot of deep breaths as projects get delayed and meetings drag life. It’s clear that some soul searching is needed. There are no right your stress with such behaviour. You’d be better served to meditate on. There isn’t much you can do about it. Stay focused and trust that or wrong answers, only what is in your heart. If your goal is to live and get to the root of the problem. On the other hand, money could everything will be resolved by day’s end. In the meantime, don’t step authentically, then you’ll need to make some big changes in your life. come your way, possibly a lot of it! on anyone’s toes. Your colleagues’ nerves are raw. Don’t act rashly. Think things through before taking steps. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You need to pull yourself up by the bootstraps, Capricorn. Why not A particularly tricky situation could occur at work. If you aren’t Your life seems seriously out of balance, doesn’t it, Pisces? Today take a few steps back and try to look at your life more objectively? careful, you could lose your cool. Make a concerted effort to keep provides an opportunity to rethink what is truly important. Consider Regardless of what you might be thinking at the moment, you do your wits about you, Aquarius. It could be that a colleague is baiting exercise as one way to improve your health and manage your stress have a terrific life. Stop and count your blessings. Make a list and you, but that’s no reason to take it. Keep to yourself as much as level. Once you get started with a healthy regimen, you’ll see how it keep it in your wallet to refer to at low moments. Force yourself to be possible today. Close your office door. At home, go to bed early. helps you gain perspective. It’s likely that the cause of all this stress can festive tonight. It will do you good to get out. Relax with a good book. All will be calmer tomorrow. be eliminated when viewed through a different lens. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

AMMO RAID KHAKI COMBAT DRILL BASE SENTRY MESS PARADE HELMET BOOTS UNIT ARMY RIFLE MARCH CONVOY FIGHT BATTLE TANK OFFICER POST JEEP CAMP WAR ATTACK SALUTE MEDAL GUARD BERET UNIFORM

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. Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Service in US state shortened 1 Metal held by female is (4) deceptive (8) 3 Happiest sort of deadlines? (8) 2 Fish to go on ice? (5) 9 Superficial display takes 4 Two hands required for tropical everyone in (7) fruit (6) 10 Drink that’s a hit (5) 5 Thanks for each slender light 11 Standing up before empty (5) court (5) 6 Payment when one’s finished 12 A doctor with oxygen — it is work in boarding house (7) nifty (6) 7 Part of London that’s not quite 14 Dislike of French examination so warm (4) (6) 8 Second thoughts about former 16 Rod held by gunners dishes (6) somewhere in Africa (6) 13 Sell up, but first look for 19 Journalists’ boss rioted madly antelopes (8) (6) 15 Young Kermit playing old tape 21 River extremely strange? Not (7) so (5) 17 Talk nonsense when given 24 Agreement in Berlin on port something to eat (6) wine (5) 18 Composer getting drunk with 25 Room containing ancient bag Liszt (6) (7) 20 Pamphlet that’s followed, so 26 I, a setter, revised work (8) we hear (5) 27 Consult bishop about busy 22 Don’t take time off (5) workers (4) 23 Courage that may be needed on icy roads (4) Answers

Wordsearch Codeword Solution 14 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

How will film scenes be shot post intimate! So many people all coming coronavirus, wonders Shoojit together to create moment after moment in unity and synchronised effort. Aap What happens to hugs on screen once intimate scene ki baath kar rahe ho, how the Covid-19 storm passes? Will actors will all that change? Will we be masked be confident about their scenes with and gloved as a crew? Only time will other actors, or cautious? tell.” Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar cannot help A user had this witty quip: “Go back to mulling over the matter, in the course of the 60s/70s, show two flowers swaying.” a weekend spent at home doing precious Another pondered over the very future little, amid the ongoing lockdown that of film shoots, and not just intimate looks all set to be extended by two more scenes. “How will the industry shoot at weeks. all, if they ban gatherings of 50 or more “How the cinema world conducts people?” the user wondered. shooting intimate scenarios in the film to Another user suggested performing be seen and planned, after all this is over. a health check-up for actors before Especially the intimate scenes. How shooting intimate scenes: “Probably all close or how far, or cheat story telling in the actors involved would be asked to go those intimate scenes for sometime,” the through a medical test first.” Piku director wrote on Instagram. “I think time has come for virtual Actress Dia Mirza commented: “Guru, intimacy till we find corona vaccine,” the entire process of making a film is opined another user. – IANS CONCERNED: Shoojit Sircar asks if actors will be confident about intimate scenes or cautious. Bringing Mithun, Naseer together was a big deal for me: Agnihotri

By Arundhuti Banerjee

STRESS-FREE: Rohitashv Gour believes irector Vivek Agnihotri’s The watching comedy shows at this time is Tashkent Files released a year ago very helpful because we get to laugh. on April 12, and he recounted the experience of making the film Watching comedy shows now recently. is helpful: Rohitashv DThe story of the film claims to address the mysterious death of late Prime Minister Actor Rohitashv Gour feels that Lal Bahadur Shastri by weaving fiction with watching comedy shows at this time of facts, and it features Mithun Chakraborty, distress, is great. Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta “I agree that corona has taken a toll Basu Prasad, Rajesh Sharma and Vinay Pathak on the whole world, but if in this time among others. we take too much stress and panic, then Agnihotri confesses bringing Naseer and our lives will become a mess. So it would Mithun together in his film was a “big deal” for be better to keep a positive attitude and him. Incidentally, the two veterans had already try to spread positivity around through worked together in four films before The the medium of Facebook, , Tashkent Files – in Khwab (1980), Hum Paanch Instagram,” he said. (1981), Swami Dada (1982), and Ghulami (1985) “Watching comedy shows at this time – but that was 33 years ago. is very helpful because we get to laugh, “Actually, that could have gone against the which is a good thing. We become stress- film if all these huge talents were not utilised free for some period of time and our correctly. Every actor who came on board, minds get diverted,” he added. came with conviction. Of course, bringing His comedy show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai Mithun da and Naseeruddin sir was a big is being telecast now. deal for me. Initially, I was scared. They did “This is a good thing as people who not work together for 30 years for whatever have missed the old episodes will personal reason. But when I went to them with catch up and we are getting very good the script, we were fortunate that they did the responses on Twitter, Facebook and film. Naseer sir smiled when I said that Mithun CANDID: Vivek Agnihotri confesses bringing Mithun Chakraborty and Naseeruddin Shah together Instagram. People are very happy,” he da will be there in the film. Mithun Da did not in The Tashkent Files was a big deal for him. said. say anything when I said that we also cast The actor has also been seeing some of Naseer sir,” Agnihotri recalled. Remembering the first scene both actors a limited number of screens because the the episodes. “After seeing myself in the In the film, the two senior actors played a that he directed, Agnihotri said: “That scene big-budget multistarrer Kalank also released show, I feel that I would have done a little pair of seasoned fictional politicians. did not have much dialogue. I realised that as around the time. Our film was a serious one, better and will try to improvise in the The director added: “Both of them are a director I have to make sure I directed them and many film critics refused to review the coming episodes,” he said. genius and we know that, but their acting in a way to bring out the best from them. film. Surely that affected initially. The bigger On what he is watching now, he said: styles are very different. Naseer would come Once I started talking more, there was fluidity win happened with its digital release. People, “I always try to watch comedy shows. preparing every single dialogue, and he among three of us and that translated in their especially the youth, started talking about the I would recommend shows such as likes rehearsing. Mithun da likes to bring performance. Rest, we can see in the film!” very essence of the story – search for truth Lapataganj, Malgudi Days. Movies spontaneity in his performance. Since their Agnihotri claims his film is being highly and right to truth,” claimed Agnihotri, adding: such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a good approaches are different I was thinking how viewed on OTT during the ongoing lockdown. “Unless you question the system and debate, option. In old shows, you can see Mr. would I match up – what if there was tension “I think it happened because when the film we cannot remain as thinking individual.” Yogi, Wagle Ki Duniya and Yeh Jo Hai between two veterans?” released, it had a difficult release. We got — IANS Zindagi.” – IANS Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Fox & Friends co-host contracts coronavirus

opponents were using against By Stephen Battaglio him. One Fox Business Network host, Trish Regan, was cut from HEALTHY: Tom Hanks returned ox and Friends weekend the prime time lineup after to the small screen for the first co-host Jedediah Bila she delivered a segment that time after he tested positive for is the latest TV news described the unfolding crisis as coronavirus. personality to test an “impeachment hoax.” positive for Covid-19. has also equipped Hanks hosts show at FBila, 41, told her Instagram and the vast majority of its staff to home after Covid-19 Twitter followers last Thursday work from home in an effort to diagnosis in March that she is home recovering from contain the spread of the virus. the disease caused by the novel The channel has also put its Hollywood actor Tom Hanks coronavirus. She said she and her on-air talent in public service returned to the small screen for the husband have both tested positive announcements promoting social first time after he tested positive for but their infant son, born in distancing and made a $1 million the coronavirus in March. He said November, is not sick. joint donation with Facebook to he and his wife are doing great. “I’m very much on the mend, Feeding America’s Covid-19 relief The 63-year-old served as host so please don’t worry,” she said in fund. for the first-ever Saturday Night the post. This week, Fox News Live at Home episode, reports Bila is the first Fox News management distributed people.com personality known to be suffering thermometers and facial coverings Hanks opened the show with a from Covid-19. She last appeared to all essential employees still Tiger King reference, speaking to on Fox & Friends on March 29. reporting to the company the camera from his Los Angeles Bila typically sits alongside headquarters in midtown home. “Hey all you cool cats and co-host Pete Hegseth, who Manhattan. kittens,” he said. was among the network’s early But Fox News prime time “It’s me, your old pal. Don’t be and most vocal sceptics on the hosts Sean and Laura afraid, this shaved head was just seriousness of the coronavirus. Ingraham have continued to for a movie. My hair is growing During a March 8 Fox & clamour for the reopening of back very slowly,” Hanks shared, Friends Weekend segment on the the economy and have pushed referencing the Baz Luhrmann- coronavirus, Hegseth said, “The for wider distribution of directed film about Elvis Presley he more I learn about this, the less hydroxychloroquine to treat the HEALING: Jedediah Bila said that she and her husband have both tested was filming in Australia, where he there is to worry about.” virus, even though evidence of its positive but their infant son is not sick. was self-quarantining. By mid-March, Fox News hosts effectiveness is anecdotal. “Hey, it’s good to be here, though and commentators shifted away Three TV news professionals audio technician, died on March the virus – Chris Cuomo, who is it is also very weird to be here. from doubting the severity of the have died from Covid-19 since 19. Maria Mercader, a veteran continuing to do his prime-time Hosting Saturday Night Live from pandemic, after receiving heavy mid-March, the latest being Tony producer and executive for CBS programme while in isolation at home. It is a strange time to try and criticism for supporting President Greer, a longtime camera operator News, died on March 29. his Long Island, NY, home, and be funny, but trying to be funny is Donald Trump’s claim that it was for ABC’s Good Morning America. CNN has two on-air afternoon anchor Brooke Baldwin. SNL as whole thing. So we thought, a “hoax” his Democratic Party Larry Edgeworth, an NBC News personalities who have contracted – Los Angeles Times/TNS what the heck? Let’s give it a shot,” Hanks said. “But why me as host? Well, for one, I have been the celebrity Comic relief? Saturday Night Live canary of the coal mine for the returns with remote episode coronavirus, and ever since being diagnosed, I have been more like This should be interesting. At a time when America’s dad than ever before the country is greatly in need of a few laughs, since no one wants to be around Saturday Night Live will return this weekend me very long and I make people with a remotely produced instalment. uncomfortable,” he said. NBC’s late-night sketch comedy show His monologue was not one is set to air the installment at 11:30pm without a joke. ET/PT Saturday. SNL, which suspended “Now I was diagnosed back in production amid the novel coronavirus crisis, March with the coronavirus. I was will produce new material remotely while first diagnosed down in Australia. continuing to practice social distancing. Now the folks in Australia are The episode will include the popular fantastic in every way but they use Weekend Update segment as well as other Celsius instead of Fahrenheit when original content from SNL cast members. they take your temperature,” he said. There will not be a host. “So, when they come in and they It appears to be an experiment for now as say, ‘You’re 36,’ which seemed very NBC has yet to establish a weekly schedule for bad to me. But turns out 36 is fine, the show going forward. SNL hasn’t produced ANCHORS: Colin Jost and anchor Michael Che during Weekend Update. turns out 38 is bad. So basically new episodes since the Daniel Craig-hosted it’s how Hollywood treats female March 7 episode because of the spread of the The return of SNL could be a welcome The show’s opening that night featured actors.” coronavirus. The show had been scheduled dose of levity, especially for viewers in the a moving monologue by then-mayor Rudy Speaking about his quarantine to return March 28 with John Krasinski as the show’s home base of , where Giuliani (who had urged executive producer attire as of late, Hanks said he host and Dua Lipa as the musical guest. Covid-19 infections and deaths have ravaged Lorne Michaels not to delay the season’s had some help from his wife Rita The news comes as many late night and the community. launch), and a performance of The Boxer by Wilson. “But now my wife and I syndicated daytime talk shows have returned Since its first season in 1975, SNL has had Paul Simon. are doing fine, doing great. We’re featuring hosts and special guests recording many opportunities to address the nation in After Giuliani’s monologue, Michaels hunkered down, like all of us should from home as the industry continues to times of crisis and/or sombre news. The first stepped on stage to ask him if it was OK be. In fact, this suit, this is the first deploy conferencing technology, like Zoom, episode of SNL‘s 27th season aired 18 days for the show to be funny again. “Why start time I’ve worn anything other than to keep sheltered-in-place audiences after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York now?” Giuliani responded. sweatpants since March 11. My wife entertained. City. – The Mercury News/TNS had to help me put it on,” he said. – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Monday, April 13, 2020 COMMUNITY Young singer focuses on creating new music to stay positive

By Mudassir Raja

hen life gives you lemons, “I previously taught myself make lemonade. This is best being practised by a how to play piano and always young girl during these challenging times where wanted to learn to play guitar, Wwe have to remain inside our homes for safety. and guess what? Now I have Janna Thomson is only 14 but she has already begun making her mark as a the time and I’ve have already young musician and singer. Like millions of other people around the world, she started to practice, and I am along with her family is also forced to stay home in Qatar. She has, however, been getting better all the time. I also trying to make maximum use of this time by rehearsing and learning more about have more time to share my music. A British-Arab, who was born and singing and musical interests bourght up in Qatar, Janna says has her dreams and ambitions to achieve like online with the rest of the many other young girls. She is steadfast as far as her dreams of becoming well versed world. I’ve managed to create with music go, and believes the challenges thrown by the novel coronavirus outbreak several videos and record will not affect her love for music. Sharing about herself further, Janna several new songs and posted told Community, “I participated in the Voice Kids last season and won the Qatar them on YouTube on my Janna national music competition and currently I’m active on social media with over 5 Thomson Page and enhanced million views and hundreds of thousands of lovely people who support me and my Instagram account and encourage me across all social media platforms.” gained many more followers When asked how she is trying to cope with the unusual phenomenon of social and fans” distancing, the talented girl said: “I am fortunate enough to be taught by my — Janna Thomson father that ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ No matter what the circumstances are, you need to stay positive and find ways to productively deal with the situation you are in, whether is of your own making or forced upon you holding Qur’an reading classes with us by nature or circumstances. I am just as and we are very happy about that.” scared as most people with regards to the The young singer is happy because coronavirus, it is unfortunate that young staying at home has allowed her to have people like myself and my sister are faced some extra time for composing new with such a serious global challenge, we music and rehearsing. “Yes, I previously wish that we had not to experience this so taught myself how to play piano and early in our life time. always wanted to learn to play guitar, “However, we have taken positive steps and guess what? Now I have the time towards social distancing, we setup our and I have already started to practice, home environment to suit our needs and and I am getting better all the time. I also we had several family meetings to discuss have more time to share my singing and ideas for study, work, entertainment musical interests online with the rest of and how to protect ourselves from being the world. I managed to create several exposed to this awful virus. We setup a videos and record several new songs small gym at home with basic equipment and posted them on YouTube on my where we hold family and individual Janna Thomson Page and enhanced my fitness classes, we setup a space for movie Instagram account and gained many more nights where we watch movies together followers and fans. I have also managed to and we setup a great space for study times work on my home studio and improve it so and enabled ourselves to study online and that I can finally produce a full art package.” co-operate with friends and teachers to When asked what she has planned for take on our study challenges. My mother future regarding creating new music, Janna is helping us daily with that and doing a said: “I recently completed and shared great job supporting us even when we are four new songs and managed to place my non-co-operative. In addition to this, music on iTunes, apple music, Google myself and my younger sister setup our Music, Amazon and Deezer and I am very hobby space where we practice music and happy about that. After all, I am still just a painting and learning new skills online. In young girl, and hopefully will continue on addition to all of these activities with my my journey of self-discovery and share my family, I spend some of my time talking to music with many more people around the my friends online. My father also started world.” SUBSCRIBE: Scan the QR code above to follow Janna Thomson’s YouTube channel.