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COVER Master at work STORY Quentin Tarantino shocks Cannes again with epic Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood. P2-3

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Enjoying scrumptious A British Muslim woman likes zafrani phirni in Ramadan. to connect to self in Ramadan. Page 6 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Shock value Quentin Tarantino’s movies may no longer have quite the same audacity or revelatory power, but the ability to PRAYER TIME shock — and, if you’re lucky, to make you think — remains Fajr 3.17am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.47am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am an important tool in his kit, writes Justin Chang Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.18pm Isha (night) 7.48pm

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ON MESSAGE: Quentin Tarantino delved into this project intent on allaying our worst fears and doing right by his subject, says the ote Unquo author. Qu te “Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for I will do my best to oblige a friendship, and it is far the Monsieur Tarantino best ending for one.” and his collaborators — Oscar Wilde on this richly evocative, conceptually jaw- dropping, excessively foot-fetishising, Community Editor inescapably terrifying Kamran Rehmat and unexpectedly e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 44466405 poignant movie Fax: 44350474 ‘ — Justin Chang, film critic ’ Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

he day before the Cannes Bruce Dern and the late Luke Perry premiere of Once Upon a (in one of his last performances), Time … in Hollywood, his and also of Margaret Qualley, hotly anticipated movie Austin Butler, Mikey Madison and set in Los Angeles during Dakota Fanning as Mansonites. theT tumultuous events of 1969, Most of all, perhaps, you will Quentin Tarantino published an remember Margot Robbie in the open letter online. He addressed it role of Sharon Tate, who pops to audiences at the festival, opening up every so often, hijacking the with the words “I love Cinema,” narrative as she goes about her day, which may be the most redundant her luminous presence working in thing this movie-mad auteur has almost contrapuntal rhythm to the ever written (and given his endless, main story. self-admiring fl urries of dialogue, I am both reluctant and obliged that is saying something). The to say more. When the picture letter then implored us not to reveal was fi rst announced in 2017, many “anything that would prevent later expressed their reservations audiences from experiencing the about Tarantino, not a director fi lm in the same way.” known for his tact or sensitivity, A version of this entreaty was taking on a story that would deal repeated from the stage by a festival with a subject as horrifi c and representative shortly before painful as the Manson murders. the picture screened on Tuesday And that was months before the for members of the press, some #MeToo storm broke, bringing of whom booed and snorted in with it the downfall of Tarantino’s response. I didn’t join in. Even STAR-TURN: From left, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino, at the 72nd international film festival, longtime collaborator Harvey as someone who believes that Cannes. Weinstein, plus Uma Thurman’s excessive spoiler sensitivity is a sign account of having been subjected of an entitled, infantile approach to matter. DiCaprio, his golden-boy It would be a hoot to watch these Bounty Law is a distant cousin of to reckless treatment on the set moviegoing, it’s easy to understand wattage persuasively dimmed, is stars in boozy, cigarette-chomping western serials including Gunsmoke of Kill Bill. A resurfaced 2003 Tarantino’s anxiety, especially after both mockable and sympathetic buddy-comedy mode even if they and Bonanza. One of Rick’s more audio clip of Tarantino defending a leaked script nearly led him to as a handsome has-been actor, weren’t tethered to such a loving successful movies, 14 Fists of Roman Polanski (played by Rafal shelve The Hateful Eight. (Many, of the unwitting star of his own male and persuasive re-creation of McCluskey, might be a callback to Zawierucha in a few scenes) didn’t course, still wish that he had.) midlife-crisis movie. He’s cradled the movie industry at the time. The Dirty Dozen. Barbara Ling’s help matters. Twenty-fi ve years after Pulp beautifully by Pitt as the most loyal Fans of the era may be reminded production design is a wittily In short, Once Upon a Time … Fiction won the Palme d’Or at this of pals, someone who’s always of legendary actor-stuntman intricate treasure trove of fake in Hollywood arrived in Cannes on festival, Tarantino’s movies may there to lend a shoulder — or some pairings such as Burt Reynolds movie memorabilia, though there’s Tuesday saddled with the kind of no longer have quite the same serious muscle — as needed. (The and Hal Needham, and some will some real stuff in the mix too. A foul-smelling baggage that perhaps audacity or revelatory power, but second-billed Pitt may be playing supply their own real-life reference one-sheet for the 1949 Roy Rogers only a fi lmmaker of Tarantino’s the ability to shock — and, if you’re the lower man on the industry points for Rick and Cliff ’s work, western The Golden Stallion is just reputation, an artist still revered as lucky, to make you think — remains totem pole, but this is very much even if they are unable to match one of many decorating the walls of one of the industry’s last true big- an important tool in his kit. This his movie.) Tarantino’s characteristically Rick’s Benedict Canyon home. picture originals, could possibly turns out to be the case even when obsessive scholarship. Yes, Benedict Canyon. The early overcome. he’s dealing with real-life subjects sight of a Cielo Drive street sign Does he overcome it? It’s far such as Sharon Tate, Roman cuts ominously through Tarantino’s too early to tell. But after a fi rst Polanski and members of the Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood fl ood of references and reminds viewing, it seems clear to me that Charles Manson cult, whose well- is both a luxuriant, sometimes you that he does have a very dark Tarantino delved into this project documented stories would, by now, story to tell. That story is slow to intent on allaying our worst fears seem beyond spoiling. lumbering ode to a bygone era of coalesce, however, in a movie that and doing right by his subject. Not quite, apparently. I will doesn’t always draw a distinction And he does this, of course, in the do my best to oblige Monsieur moviemaking and a singularly between period detail and narrative language he speaks best: the love of Tarantino and his collaborators on thrust. Is Mike Moh’s amusingly cinema. this richly evocative, conceptually bold reinterpretation of a violent cocky Bruce Lee impersonation a Where the character of Sharon jaw-dropping, excessively foot- chapter of history gratuitous touch or a key piece of Tate is concerned, that love fetishising, inescapably terrifying foreshadowing? Do the extensive takes the form of a seemingly and unexpectedly poignant movie. scenes of Rick struggling on the unconnected subplot that shows Still, if you wish to preserve set of his latest movie count as her casually walking up to a the purity of a fi rst viewing, it character development or mise- Westwood theatre screening her is probably best if you read no en-scene overkill? (Thanks to Julia 1968 movie The Wrecking Crew. further and that you read nothing Butters’ lovely performance as We see the real Tate light up the big else about the movie before Sony Rick’s preternaturally confi dent screen, and Robbie’s eyes glow with Pictures releases it in US theatres child costar, I didn’t much care joy in the audience, as she watches July 26. either way.) the person she’s playing. It’s a Like Tarantino’s 2009 picture, For most of its 159-minute moving act of homage, and it is not, Inglourious Basterds, Once running time, Once Upon a Time … crucially, the only way in which Upon a Time … in Hollywood in Hollywood both does and doesn’t Tarantino seeks to inspire a fresh is both a luxuriant, sometimes behave the way you might expect and compassionate reconsideration lumbering ode to a bygone era of a Quentin Tarantino picture to of Tate’s memory. moviemaking and a singularly bold behave. The storytelling is entirely The fi nal act of Once Upon a Time reinterpretation of a violent chapter linear. The talk loops and drones … in Hollywood is funny, scary, of history. The title is practically a endlessly, as usual, but it’s also troubling and exhilarating by turns; spoiler in itself: We are not just in slow to gather momentum. The the meandering structure clicks the dream factory, but also within loose hangout vibe achieves some into place as it becomes clear where the realm of fantasy. Our guides of the mellowness and melancholy Tarantino has been taking this story to this cracked-mirror vision of of Jackie Brown (a very good thing). and, given his track record, perhaps Hollywood, which kicks off in A chill enters the picture whenever could only have taken this story. February 1969, are Rick Dalton attention shifts to the Manson This is hardly the fi rst time that (Leonardo DiCaprio), an actor family, especially when we arrive at this director has turned fi ction whose career peaked years ago their temporary digs at the Spahn and reality into blood-slicked with the western TV series Bounty Movie Ranch, but overt acts of bedfellows; nor is it the fi rst Law, and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), a violence are (initially) few and far time he has made the outrageous war veteran who is Rick’s longtime between. suggestion that cinema, as both stunt double and best friend. Given the movie’s lurching stop- an art and an industry, can make The fi rst screen pairing between and-go rhythms, you could blink up for some of life’s most grievous DiCaprio and Pitt proves worth and miss some of the actors listed in imperfections in ways that nothing the wait, even if the practical the huge ensemble cast, including else can. Spoilers or no spoilers, realities of the actor-stuntman Scoot McNairy, Clifton Collins you may not be terribly surprised, relationship don’t seem to interest Jr, Damian Lewis, Rumer Willis which doesn’t mean you won’t be Tarantino all that much. That’s PROTAGONISTS: Brad Pitt, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio star in Columbia and Rebecca Gayheart. You will, astonished. fi ne; the personalities are what Pictures Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood. however, remember the faces of —Los Angeles Times/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY BODY & MIND Treating vocal cord cancer Chemotherapy is not recommended for cancer in early stage because in almost all cases the side eff ects outweigh any benefits a patient may see from that type of treatment

uestion: My brother scrape off , cut out or if a laser is time. Endoscopy is the preferred heal with time after the radiation was diagnosed with used vaporise the aff ected cells. treatment versus radiation therapy therapy is complete, but some stage 0 squamous cell In a case such as your brother’s, for carcinoma in situ that aff ects people continue to have problems carcinoma in situ in where carcinoma in situ recurs, the vocal cords because the surgery swallowing after the treatment is one of his vocal cords. the endoscopy procedure can poses fewer risks. Many people fi nished and the sores are gone. Q He has been through be repeated as many times as who receive radiation therapy in Chemotherapy is not several endoscopic surgeries, but necessary, as long as the cancer the neck and throat develop painful recommended for carcinoma in the carcinoma keeps coming back. continues to be limited to a small sores in the mouth and throat situ because in almost all cases His doctors do not recommend area. that can make eating and drinking the side eff ects outweigh any radiation therapy. Are more If the cancer spreads, radiation diffi cult. This can lead to weight benefi ts a patient may see from surgeries the answer, or are other therapy may be appropriate at that loss and malnutrition. The sores that type of treatment. In addition treatments available? to endoscopy, treatment for Answer: For your brother’s carcinoma in situ also includes condition, surgically removing avoiding anything that could the aff ected tissue is the best irritate the vocal cords and approach. Radiation therapy is not potentially contribute to the likely the answer for carcinoma in development of the carcinoma. situ. That’s because the treatment For example, many throat cancers, carries more lasting side eff ects including glottis cancer, are closely than surgery. And because of those linked to smoking. Not everyone side eff ects, radiation therapy who develops this type of cancer is cannot be used multiple times in a smoker. this sensitive area, so typically But for those who are, quitting radiation is reserved for more smoking is crucial. Not only does invasive cancer that involves more smoking increase the risk of the of the voice box. cancer coming back, it can make The voice box sits just below cancer treatment less eff ective. your throat. It’s made of cartilage Smoking also makes it harder for and contains your vocal cords, the body to heal after treatment. which vibrate to make sound when Excessive alcohol use can you talk. Cancer that begins in contribute to the development the vocal cords is a form of throat of throat cancer, too, especially cancer that’s called ‘glottis/ if it’s combined with smoking or laryngeal cancer.’ ‘Carcinoma in chewing tobacco. People diagnosed situ’ is a term used to describe with throat cancer are strongly cancer at its earliest stage – stage encouraged to avoid drinking any 0. This form of cancer is confi ned form of alcohol. It’s important within the cells and has not spread for individuals diagnosed with beyond them. carcinoma in situ that aff ects a Carcinoma in situ within vocal cord to work closely with the vocal cords often is treated their medical team to develop surgically using endoscopy. The a treatment plan and set up a procedure involves inserting a schedule to regularly monitor their hollow endoscope into the mouth, condition. That way, if the cancer and then passing special surgical recurs or spreads, it can be treated tools or a laser through the scope. promptly. – Mayo Clinic News Using these tools, the surgeon can Network

Daily self-weighing either maintained or lost weight could become more physically may help cut holiday during the holiday season, while active or decide to eat less if a weight gain those who didn’t perform daily weight increase was noticed. self-weighing gained weight. Participants in the control group If you want to avoid adding “Maybe they exercise a little bit were given no instructions. extra kilos during holidays, more the next day (after seeing Researchers then engaged in a engaging in daily self-weighing a weight increase) or they watch 14-week follow-up period after may help, according to a new what they are eating carefully,” the intervention and found that research. said study author Jamie Cooper, daily self-weighing helped people Previous research has shown Associate Professor at the change behaviour. the holiday season can lead to University of Georgia in the US. “People are really sensitive weight gain and that persists The study involved 100 to discrepancies or differences after end of holidays and could adults in the 18-65 age group. between their current selves contribute to annual weight gain. Participants in the intervention and their standard or goal,” said While overweight or obese group were instructed to try Michelle vanDellen from the individuals are susceptible to to maintain baseline weight University of Georgia. gaining the most weight, people throughout the holiday season. “When they see that who regularly exercise are not But no additional instructions discrepancy, it tends to lead to protected from weight gain either on how to achieve that goal were behavioural change. Daily self- during holidays. provided. weighing ends up doing that for According to the study, people This allowed each participant people in a clear way,” she said. who weighed themselves on a to self-select how they would The study is scheduled to be daily basis and received graphical TAKING NOTICE: An individual could become more physically active or modify their behaviour. published in the journal Obesity.– feedback of their weight changes decide to eat less if a weight increase was noticed. For instance, an individual IANS Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY

Google AI can better Google researchers created a predict lung cancer model that can not only generate the overall lung cancer malignancy A team of Google researchers has prediction (viewed in 3D volume) used a deep-learning algorithm to but also identify subtle malignant detect lung cancer accurately from tissue in the lungs (lung nodules). computed scans. In the research, Google AI The work demonstrates the leveraged 45,856 de-identifi ed potential for Artifi cial Intelligence chest CT screening cases (some in (AI) to increase both accuracy and which cancer was found). consistency, which could help “When using a single CT scan accelerate adoption of lung cancer for diagnosis, our model performed screening worldwide. on par or better than the six Lung cancer is the deadliest of radiologists. We detected fi ve all cancers worldwide -- more than per cent more cancer cases while breast, prostate, and colorectal reducing false-positive exams by cancers combined -- and it’s the more than 11 per cent compared sixth most common cause of death to unassisted radiologists in our globally, according to the World study,” said Google. Health Organization. For an asymptomatic patient “Using advances in 3D with no history of cancer, the AI volumetric modeling alongside system reviewed and detected datasets from our partners potential lung cancer that had been (including Northwestern previously called normal. University), we’ve made progress These initial results are in modeling lung cancer prediction encouraging, but further studies as well as laying the groundwork will assess the impact and utility in for future clinical testing,” Shravya clinical practice, said Google. Shetty, M.S. Technical Lead at The research was published in Google explained in a blog post late the journal Nature Medicine. – Monday. IANS

Air pollution raises technique, magnetic resonance anxiety, depression spectroscopy. risks in kids Myo-inositol is a naturally- occurring metabolite, mainly A new evidence suggests air found in specialised brain cells pollution is not just associated known as glial cells, which assists with asthma and respiratory in maintaining cell volume and diseases, but may also impact fl uid balance in brain and serves metabolic and neurological as a regulator for hormones and development of children, putting insulin in the body. them at an increased risk of Rise in myo-inositol levels anxiety and depression, says a correlate with increased study. population of glial cells, “Recent evidence suggests which often occurs in states of the central nervous system is infl ammation. particularly vulnerable to air Among those exposed to BETTER OFF: According to the study, the teenagers, who did an extra hour of workout during the day, fell asleep 18 pollution, suggesting a role in higher levels of traffi c-related air minutes earlier, 10 minutes longer and had about one percent greater sleep experience at night. etiology of mental disorders, pollution, there were signifi cant like anxiety or depression,” said increases of myo-inositol in brain study lead author Kelly Brunst, compared with those with lower Assistant Professor at the pollution exposure, researchers University of Cincinnati in the US. said. Teens who work out “This is the fi rst study to They also observed rise in use neuro-imaging to evaluate myo-inositol to be associated exposure to traffi c-related with more generalised anxiety air pollution, metabolite symptoms. “In the higher, dysregulation in brain and recent exposure group, we saw sleep better, longer generalised anxiety symptoms a 12 per cent increase in anxiety among otherwise healthy symptoms,” said Brunst. children,” Brunst said. Brunst, however, noted that xercise not only helps did an extra hour of workout “...if we can encourage people For the study, published in the the observed increase in reported in promoting strength during the day, fell asleep 18 to engage in more physical activity journal Environmental Research, generalised anxiety symptoms in and endurance but also minutes earlier, 10 minutes longer and better sleep health behaviours the researchers evaluated imaging this cohort of typically developing improves the quality of and had about one percent greater on a more regular basis, it could of 145 children at an average age children was relatively small your sleep at night, say sleep experience at night. improve their health over time,” of 12 years, looking specifi cally and were not likely to result in a researchers.E Moreover, the study also found Buxton affi rmed. at levels of myo-inositol in clinical diagnosis of an anxiety In a new study, the researchers that the teenagers, who slept for For the study, the researchers brain through a specialised MRI disorder. – IANS from Pennsylvania State more minutes during the day, used data of 417 US teenagers. The University, US observed that couldn’t have an adequate sleep participants wore accelerometers teenagers who work out during the at night. on their wrists and hips to day tend to sleep longer than those “You can think of these measure sleep and physical who don’t exercise at all. relationships between physical activity for one week. “Adolescence is a critical period activity and sleep almost like a “One of the strengths of this to obtain adequate sleep, as sleep teeter totter,” noted Orfeu Buxton, study was using the devices to get can aff ect cognitive and classroom Professor at Penn State. precise measurements about sleep performance, stress, and eating “When you’re getting more and activity instead of asking behaviours,” said Lindsay Master, steps, essentially, your sleep participants about their own data scientist at Pennsylvania begins earlier, expands in behaviour, which can sometimes State University, US. duration, and is more effi cient. be skewed,” Master pointed out. “Our research suggests that Whereas if you’re spending more “The hip device measured encouraging adolescents to spend time sedentary, it’s like sitting on activity during the day, and the more time exercising during the your sleep health: sleep length wrist device measured what time day may help their sleep health and quality goes down,” Buxton the participants fell asleep and later that night,” Master added. asserted. woke up, and also how effi ciently VULNERABLE: Central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to air The study’s fi ndings, published The researchers specifi ed that they slept, which means how often pollution, suggesting a role in etiology of mental disorders, like anxiety or in Scientifi c Reports journal, the benefi cial eff ects of exercise they were sleeping versus tossing depression. showed that the teenagers, who and sleep go together. and turning,” she noted. – IANS 6 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY CUISINE

each bowl is served separately. Garnishing plays an important role in serving of this popular sweet dish. It can be done with chopped dry-fruits and raisins. Silver paper also known as ‘chandi wark’ is placed on top of the rice and milk mixture. It is usually eaten with dessert spoon or traditionally with wooden spoon. Zafrani Phirni

Ingredients Rice ½ cup Full cream milk 1.5 ltr Almonds 3 tbsp Sugar ½ cup Cardamom powder ½ tsp Saffron Generous pinch Kewda water few drops

For Garnish Silvered almonds and pistachio Saffron strands Silver leaf

Method: Wash and clean the rice and soak for an hour. Drain the water and spread it on a plate to dry for 2 hours. Grind the dried rice to a coarse powder. Soak saffron in 1/4 cup warm milk and keep it aside. In a heavy bottom pan, add a litre of milk and bring it to boil. Simmer the milk on slow flame for 30 minutes and add the ground rice powder and keep stirring to SOOTHING: Taking zafrani phirni at Suhoor can keep thirst under control throughout the fasting day. Photo by the author avoid lumps. Add dissolved saffron and blanched and silvered almonds. Continue to simmer over slow flame till the consistency is thick Enjoying scrumptious and creamy and pourable. Add sugar and cardamom powder, kewra essence and mix well. Remove from heat and allow to zafrani phirni in Ramadan cool for 15 minutes. Pour the prepared phirni in a serving bowl or individual et’s celebrate the holy pre-dawn meal to keep you fasting palatable. Phirni recipe can be from the pudding and gives it the portioned small bowls. month of Ramadan all day long. You can go ahead and prepared with various common right consistency and enhances Garnish with silvered almonds, on a sweet note with a make it whenever you want for and exotic ingredients and the dish the visual aspect of it. Phirni is pistachios, saffron strands and fragrant scrumptious other festivals or special occasions can be prepared in advance and essentially prepared with rice silver leaf. sweet zafrani phirni. This too. My fi rst interaction with the served as and when required. In and milk. Traditionally broken Refrigerate for few hours and delicacyL can be enjoyed especially delectable dessert was at luxury main cuisines, it is also famous as a rice or coarsely grinded rice is serve chilled. during the fasting days fi lled in resort at Udaipur where I would variant of almond pudding. used. For delectable flavour and Note: You can also serve phirni earthen pots across the country, make and serve them in earthen Like with any other popular palatable aroma, saffron and in small earthen clay bowls the reason being today’s recipe is pots. Phirni was a hot selling dish food item it is difficult to trace its green cardamom is used. Dried and serve them chilled for a the ingredients used to prepare in our menu and almost every table origin. Similarly, phirni is thought fruits like cashews, pistachio and more authentic and traditional phirni are light on stomach and ordered it after their meal in the to be from the Mughal era. This almonds are added to make it experience. sweet on taste buds. The three main restaurant. dish enjoys high status among richer. ingredients used to prepare this are Phirni is a creamy milk-based other sweet dishes and since the Phirni is served as a dessert rice, milk and saff ron, which are dish popular in North Indian beginning this is prepared and after meals. The way of serving high in potassium, keeping your cuisine and even in Pakistani served traditionally in earthen this dish is quite distinctive. z Chef Tarun Kapoor, thirst under control throughout cuisine. The method of preparation bowls. Storing and serving them Traditionally, the rice and milk Culinary Mastermind, the day. Hence, this would serve as of Phirni is quite easy and its in earthen bowls imparts a unique mixture is poured in separate USA. He may be contacted at a perfect energiser as a part of the presentation makes the dish quite taste and absorbs excess moisture earthen bowls. While serving, [email protected] Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

INLS and NLL organise event to release short story collection

International Nepali Literature Society (INLS) Qatar and Nabodit Literary Library (NLL) recently thanked INLS and NLL for organised the event. He said that members of INLS shall strive to attain organised an event to release Tamasuk, a short story collection penned by Padam Bishwokarma, the highest possible standards in all aspects of Nepali language, literature and culture promotion Nepali writer and outgoing President of INLS. and prevention, including publication, education, research, documentation and organising The event was attended by notable personalities, including Prem Prasad Bhattarai, Karim Baks workshops. He suggested the members to maintain a balance between the need in society to use Miya, Nabin Pokharel, Kamala Bishwokarma, Sila Nakarmi, Chanak Pokharel, Ganesh Prasad a cultural property (Nepali Language, Literature and culture), and to ensure the prevention of that Banjade, Binod Khadka, Kumar Karki and Tej Katuwal. cultural property. The event was hosted by Deep Milan, Chairman of NLL. Various writers recited their works on the occasion as well. Speaking on the occasion, Padam – Text and Photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

Prominent community members felicitate long term Qatar resident

Prominent community members recently felicitated Tarun Basu, a long term resident of Qatar During his tenure at the Indian Cultural Centre, he had started and led an important signature on his 70th birthday. A resident of Qatar for 39 years since 1975, Tarun Basu was the President event of Indian Community festival. of Indian Cultural Centre, an apex body under the aegis of Embassy of India in 2012. Tarun Basu Community leaders, including M S Bhukari, M I Farid, Harish Kanjani, Nilangshu Dey, President of was also a founder member of the Bangiya Parishad which is an associate organisation of Indian Indian Sport Centre; P N Baburajan, President of Indian Community Benevolent Forum; and Milan Cultural Centre. Arun, past President of Indian Cultural Centre, attended the event.

ORDQ wins big in 2nd Tbilisi International Dragon Boat Festival

Onslaught Racing Dragons Qatar (ORDQ) recently won the Championship Title in 2nd Tbilisi International Dragon Boat Festival, held at Turtle Lake, Tbilisi Georgia. The team bagged silver for Open 200m and gold for Mixed 200m categories. Teams from various countries, including Iran, Armenia and Georgia had participated in the contest. Doha Dragons also participated in the race and won silver medal in senior women and bronze in senior men categories and Doha Wireless Warriors, claiming the bronze in senior women category. 8 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY INFOGR

Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 RAPHIC COMMUNITY 10 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY

Food for thought

Several days ago, very interesting insights were To disentangle this snarl, various hypothetical nursed a baby antelope and other cubs from diff erent published here regarding a domestic cat caught on questions seem to arise; could these behaviours animal species. In the same country, Kyamwilu Hills camera carrying away its catch at the popular Al be a manifestation of a new generation of modern defy the force of gravity — water fl ows upwards while Wakra fi shing harbour. True to the author’s words, domestic cats that adapt to the environment they cars left on neutral mode roll uphill. domestic cats are barely known to feed on fi sh. It is fi nd themselves in? Is there a relationship between All said and done, the bottom line is that equally astonishing, and incredibly unfathomable these behaviours and human interaction with cats? human beings need to be more human by taking to imagine that a domestic cat would feed on fruits, Is this a case of evolution or exhaustion of available environmental conservation and preservation to a specifi cally a ripe pawpaw up on a tree. One wonders resources of this species? Was classifi cation of cats higher level so that we can have a balanced ecosystem what instincts would push a carnivore to this strange as carnivores a scientifi c mistake? that sustains species across all food chain levels. It’s extreme — could it be curiosity to a new diet, or On the other hand, we get to learn how nature will disastrous to even imagine that human activities and maybe starvation? always be transcendent — the more we try to fi gure it overexploitation of natural resources could be the These observations on the unusual dietary out, the more it continuously intrigues us. To some cause of some of these rare occurrences observed in behaviour of domestic cats kindle a debate that could extent, it has in the past contradicted not only science domestic cats. mark a beginning of a research that biologists could but also the universal order of things. For example, in —Text by Polycarp Maina, help unravel. 2010, a lioness in one of Kenya’s parks adopted and above photos by Janet Muthoni

Could (the change in) these behaviours be a manifestation of a new generation of modern domestic cats that adapt to the environment they find themselves in? Is there a relationship between these behaviours and human interaction with cats? Is this a case of evolution or exhaustion of available resources of this species? Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Portman insists she never dated ‘creepy’ Moby

By Jami Ganz

atalie Portman and Moby remember their time together, if that’s what it was, very diff erently. In his new memoir, ThenN It Fell Apart, Moby, 53, has fond STRONG: Sophie Turner decides her projects based on memories of Portman, 37, alleging the portrayal of women. pair dated when he was 33 and she was 20. The Oscar winner doesn’t recall It’s nice to play empowering meeting under the centuries-old oak women, says Turner trees at her alma mater, Harvard, nor leading the singer “to her dorm room.” Actress Sophie Turner says it is nice to essay roles of In a Harper’s Bazaar article empowering women. published Tuesday, Portman noted She decides her projects based on portrayal of women. that Moby had fudged her age. Turner is popular for her role of Sansa Stark in the His book says they met in early recently concluded Game Of Thrones. Now, she will be September 1999, meaning Portman back as Jean Grey in X-Men Dark Phoenix. “defi nitely wasn’t (20),” she explained. “It was very fun,” Turner said when asked about her “I was a teenager. I had just turned character’s distinctive portrayal on screen. 18. There was no fact-checking from “But I guess I’m just attracted to strong female him or his publisher – it almost feels characters. It’s nice to play empowering women. That’s all deliberate. … There are many factual I currently look for in scripts – strong, powerful women. errors and inventions. I would have But I think that’s what every female actress is looking for liked him or his publisher to reach out in scripts right now,” the actress said in a statement. to fact check.” X-Men Dark Phoenix is said to be a “culmination” of all She adamantly denied the singer’s the movies made under the X-Men franchise. It will see claims that he “tried to be her the mutants including Professor Xavier Charles (James boyfriend.” McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) divided Portman, who enjoyed Moby’s over whether to save or destroy Jean Grey (Turner) as her music at the time, attended one of powers get dangerously out of control. his shows shortly after graduating Fox Star India will release X-Men Dark Phoenix in the high school. When they met after the country in Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu on June 5. – performance, she recalls, “He said, IANS ‘Let’s be friends.’ He was on tour and I was working, shooting a fi lm, so we only hung out a handful of times before IN DENIAL: Natalie Portman attends WE Day California at The Forum on April 25, I realised that this was an older man 2019 in Inglewood, Calif. who was interested in me in a way that felt inappropriate.”In response Moby insists that after their The musician admitted, “I to the article, Moby took to Instagram romance fi zzled, he and Portman completely respect Natalie’s possible Wednesday, posting a photo of the pair “remained friends for years.” regret in dating me (to be fair, I would from back in the day. Though fond of Portman, Moby probably regret dating me, too), but it The photo, which shows a shirtless “can’t fi gure out why she would doesn’t alter the actual factual of our Moby with his arm around a smiling actively misrepresent the truth about brief romantic history.” Portman, is captioned, “I recently read our (albeit brief) involvement.” He Representatives for Portman and a gossip piece wherein Natalie Portman maintains his written portrayal of their Moby did not immediately respond said that we’d never dated. This relationship is “accurate, with lots of to requests for comment. – New York confused me, as we did, in fact, date.” corroborating photo evidence, etc.” Daily News/TNS

CANDID: Kumar Sanu says his father was not happy when Taimur isn’t allowed to eat at birthday he performed for the first time in front of a “mafia gang”. parties and outside, says Kareena Kumar Sanu’s dad once Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan gets hyper paranoid slapped him for singing about her son Taimur Ali Khan’s diet and says he eats home-cooked food. Singer Kumar Sanu says his father was not happy with Kareena, along with her actor-husband Saif Ali Khan him when he performed for the fi rst time on a railway was interacting with dietician Rujuta Diwekar about their track and that too in front of a “mafi a gang”. diet and lifestyle, when the actress was asked about her Sanu spoke about it on comedian Kapil Sharma’s show two-year-old son’s diet. The Kapil Sharma Show, read a statement. She said: “I am hyper paranoid. He (Taimur) goes to “My debut performance was on the railway tracks birthday parties and he is not allowed to eat outside. But where I was asked to sing some Hindi songs in front of a that’s also wrong, but ya...” mafi a gang and around 20,000 more people were present. Saif added: “He eats chips, though.” “I sang in fear and danced too and luckily, they liked Kareena said Taimur has “khichdi, idli dosa and healthy it. But when my father, who comes from an orthodox kind of home-cooked food”. background, got to know about it, he slapped me very hard She ensures having a plan in place. and said that this is not the way to sing.” “Every month I alternate it accordingly. Whatever fruits With hit songs like Ek ladki ko dekha, Jadu hai tera hi and vegetables he should be eating in the month... he jadu, Saanson ki zarurat hai jaise and Jab koi baat bigad quite enjoys it. jaye to his credit, Sanu has completed over 25 years of Today, he actually had saag (spinach) for lunch and he being in Bollywood. normally didn’t like it but I have been shoving it down his PLANNER: Kareena Kapoor Khan ensures having a diet plan He will appear on the upcoming episode of the Sony throat. So now he’s got used to it. So he actually ate the in place for her son. Entertainment Television show along with lyricist Sameer. whole bowl.” – IANS On the acting front, Kareena is currently busy shooting release of his next film titled Laal Kaptaan, which is for Angrezi Medium, while Saif is looking forward to the slated to hit the screens on September 6. – IANS 12 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOON Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Wordwatch

prissy “To get things going, we were served an (literally, heats the bench), from scaldare (PRI-see) amuse-gueule of cauliflower mousse (to heat) + banco (bench). Earliest MEANING: in cups.” documented use: 1670. adjective: Overly prim and precise so as USAGE: to appear prudish or finicky. skitterbrook “A hot scaldabanco ... verjuicing his ETYMOLOGY: (SKIT-uhr-brook) sermon with every fright he could, he Perhaps a blend of prim + sissy. Earliest MEANING: spit his wrath and spanked the vices of documented use: 1894. noun: A coward. his age without a break or breath.” USAGE: ETYMOLOGY: “Lucius Malfoy is the boastful and prissy From Dutch schijtebroek (literally, shits mugwump aristocrat who keeps peacocks in his his pants), from schijten (to shit) + broek (MUG-wump) garden and always sits in the best box at (pants). Earliest documented use: 1652. MEANING: the Quidditch World Cup.” USAGE: noun: An independent, especially in “The royal skitterbrook’s advice to the politics. amuse-gueule remnants of his army, still holding out ETYMOLOGY: (uh-mooz-GUHL) in castles and towns along the borders, From Massachusett mugquomp (leader, MEANING: was terse and characteristic: ‘Let each great man). Massachusett is a language noun: A small item of food served as an man look to himself. Expect no help in the Algonquian language family. appetizer. from me.’” Earliest documented use: 1828. ETYMOLOGY: USAGE: From French amuse-gueule (literally, scaldabanco “This week’s Newspoll confirms rising amuses the mouth), from amuser (to (skal-duh-BAHNG-koh) numbers of mugwumps in Australia. amuse) + gueule (mouth). A synonym, MEANING: They’re darting off in diff erent directions, another tosspot word from French, is noun: A fiery speaker, especially a away from Australia’s once influential amuse-bouche. Earliest documented preacher. and long-governing centre-right political use: 1963. ETYMOLOGY: party.” USAGE: From obsolete Italian scaldabanco — wordsmith.org Sudoku Solution

Across Down 1 Second date for Roman teams 1 Penniless family seen in street (5) (5) 4 Stupid fool going after credit 2 One puts clothes on (5) sideboard (7) 7 Gas that makes sack wet (8) 3 Circus performer close up (4) 8 Move at a fair speed, taking 4 Champ’s first painful moves wrong turning (4) in important match (3,5) 9 Try some private study (4) 5 Old Mexican, first and last 10 Talk about field event before detective (5) start of school (7) 6 Southern post office applies 12 They won’t keep beer I for partners (7) splash all over the place (11) 11 Oldies at dance left alone (8) 14 Is European allowed to 12 Not a lot of money for snack dance round it in spring? (7) food (7) 16 Experts writing, by the 13 Set out to alter girl (7) sound of it (4) 15 Bird seed in tray initially (5) Sudoku is a puzzle based 19 Try to get information from 17 Severely criticise roofing on a 9x9 grid. The shoe? (4) material (5) grid is also divided into 20 Miser getting drunk initially 18 Old French artist not quite nine (3x3) boxes. You wants another drink (8) up (4) are given a selection of 21 Perhaps a teddy bear, values and to complete somewhat fed up? (5) the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 22 Bird for renowned old sailor box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none (5) is repeated.

Yesterday’s Solutions The Mall Cinema (1): 2 (Tamil) 11pm. Chandigarh Amritsar Royal Plaza Cinema Chandigarh (Punjabi) Palace (1): Aladdin 3pm; Aladdin (2D) (1): Muklawa (Punjabi) (2D) 2:30pm; Aladdin 8:30pm; Avengers: 3pm; De De Pyaar (2D) 8:30pm; Aladdin Endgame (2D) 11pm. De (Hindi) 9pm; Ishq (3D) 11pm. The Mall Cinema (2): (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Aladdin (2D) 2:30pm; Landmark Cinema Palace (2): Lisaa Between Maybes (2): Aladdin (2D) (Tamil) 3pm; Neeya (Tagalog) 9pm; Mr. 2:30pm; Aladdin (2D) 2 (Tamil) 8:30pm; Local (Tamil) 11pm. 8:30pm; Aladdin (2D) Muklawa (Punjabi) The Mall Cinema (3): 11pm. 11pm. Sita (Telugu) 2:15pm; Landmark Cinema Royal Plaza Cinema Ishq (Malayalam) (3): Sita (Telugu) Palace (3): Ishq 8:30pm; Aladdin (2D) 2:15pm; Chandigarh (Malayalam) 2:30pm; 11pm. Amritsar Chandigarh Goodland (2D) 9pm; Landmark Cinema (Punjabi) 9pm; Neeya Discarnate (2D) 11pm. 14 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Unhealthy food at work ups risk of lifestyle ailments

f you tend to keep guards Jessica L McCurley from Harvard on unhealthy foods down University in the US. at workplace, you may be at The study involved over 600 an increased risk of diabetes employees of a large urban hospital and cardiovascular diseases, in the US who regularly used Icompared with those who eat the hospital’s cafeterias. Using healthy food, says a study. cafeteria purchasing data, the Employees who purchased the research team developed a healthy least healthy food in the cafeteria purchasing score (HPS) to rate were more likely to have an the dietary quality of employees’ unhealthy diet outside of work, be overall purchases. The researchers overweight and/or obese compared compared participants’ HPS with with employees who made healthier the quality of their overall diet choices, said the study published in as well as to measures of obesity, the American Journal of Preventive diabetes, high blood pressure and Medicine. high cholesterol. The analysis The fi ndings could contribute showed employees with the lowest to a better understanding of the HPS had the lowest overall dietary relationship of eating behaviours quality and the highest risk for at work with overall diet. Besides, obesity, diabetes and high blood they could also help shape worksite pressure, said study. wellness programmes that improve Healthier purchases were long-term health outcomes and associated with higher dietary reduce costs. quality and lower prevalence of “Workplace wellness obesity, hypertension and pre- programmes have the potential to large population of employees, developing eff ective programmes. development of accessible, scalable diabetes/diabetes, said the study. promote lifestyle changes among yet there have been challenges to We hope our fi ndings will help in and aff ordable interventions,” said – IANS

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

Aries, you may have had some confused emotions about your If every day were like today, life would be heaven, Taurus! This is Gemini, you don’t have to be at everyone’s beck and call all the time. relationship or family over the past few days. You may not have potentially a wonderful time for you. You may find the answers to This is exhausting, and you lose contact with yourself. You should been able to fully express your worries to others. But today these problems that have been bothering you for a few weeks. Keep your try to take some time out today. Take a good look at your life to see emotions will find a way to come out. Look around you. There might eyes and ears open in all conversations. You could come across the where you’re going. Go for a walk or take a long bubble bath. Things be someone right next to you who can help with your problems. piece you’ve been waiting for. will be much clearer after a relaxing day of reflection.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Is it possible you’re too demanding, Cancer? Today’s planetary Today’s a day to daydream, although this may not be an activity If you have someone special in your life, Virgo, today is a perfect day aspects may be asking you this question. You’re choosy about the you usually do. You may even feel as if you’re on vacation. Let’s just to stop playing at being your partner’s parent, as you sometimes people you spend time with, and you have a tendency to ask them to hope people don’t ask you a lot of diff icult questions, because your seem to do. Reverse roles, and let other people take care of you. go too far for you. Sometimes you have trouble knowing your limits answers will be anything but clear. But you shouldn’t have to carry The world won’t fall apart if you let go for a while. No matter what where other people are concerned. You might want to think about the weight of the world on your shoulders every day, Leo. happens, a day like today should open your eyes. this. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You won’t be able to fix your indecisiveness, Libra. You just need to You have a strange and wonderful day ahead, Scorpio. Once you’ve You have a nice day in store, Sagittarius. People may seem more give yourself some time. The direction your life is taking isn’t clear at finished your work, you may want to either draw or write something attentive to your needs and generally very pleasant. You may not be the moment. There are great changes going on inside you. So, even that will help you remember today for a long time. You’re beginning used to this kind of treatment! You feel more outgoing and sociable though it may sound like strange advice, don’t do a thing about it! to see the results of recent changes in you, and you’re looking for a than ever. You could take advantage of the day’s tolerant atmosphere Let the situation get clearer before you act. way to express them. It may be diff icult to find just the right words. to meet people you may have been too afraid to introduce yourself to. But aren’t you a natural-born writer? They will surely have some new things to teach you. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today is a day for healing and reconciliation. You may have been You may feel living your life is like crossing a desert, but fortunately, Certain questions about your family life aren’t as cut and dried as feeling abused and mistreated lately by someone (or a few people) Aquarius, today brings your oasis. Take advantage of it! Some people you might think, Pisces. This can be the case when emotions are in your family over the past few weeks. You’re now ready for a you’ve met over the past few weeks could turn out to be more involved. Yet more than anyone else, you need to be careful not to new start, because you were able to work things out and you’ve interesting than you originally thought. It’s up to you to change hurt anyone’s feelings. Today something could happen that will let learned something from what happened. Take the time to savour the those parts of your personality that have been holding you back. you control the situation while controlling your emotions. moment, and spend some time with the people you love. Friday, May 24, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SPIRIT OF RAMADAN COMMUNITY

It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven anandd what ascends therein; and He is with you wherever you are. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing. Qur’an 57:4

The significance of trust in Islam Allah Almighty says (what represented in obedience to Allah and is responsible for his family whom they are due.} [Qur’an 4: 58] those who are to their trusts and means): {O you who have believed, Almighty and His Messenger, members. The woman is a caretaker Furthermore, the Prophet, promises attentive.} [Qur’an 70: 32] fear Allah and speak words of sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. of her husband’s house and children sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Therefore, there is a great appropriate justice. He will [then] These great verses refer to the and is responsible for them.” [Al- threatened whoever betrays the punishment on the Day of amend for you your deeds and magnitude of the trust which was Bukhari] trust. It was narrated that he, Judgment for the one who betrays forgive you your sins. And whoever off ered to the heavens and the Fulfi lling the trust is part of the sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the trust. It was narrated that the obeys Allah and His Messenger earth and the mountains, and they perfection of faith. Anas, may Allah said: “Whoever is in charge of a Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa has certainly attained a great declined to bear it although they be pleased with him, narrated that group of Muslims and appoints an sallam, said: attainment. Indeed, We off ered are among the greatest of creatures. the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa (improper) ruler out of favouritism The servant of Allah will be the trust to the heavens and the Although it is a very heavy burden, sallam, said: “There is no faith for incurs the curse of Allah.” [Al- brought on the Day of Judgment earth and the mountains, and they the weak man undertook to bear whoever does not fulfi l the trust. Hakim] Even more, breaking a and it would be said to him, “Fulfi l declined to bear it and feared it; but it because he did not realise the There is no religion for whoever promise and betraying a trust your trust.” He would say, “O Our man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, nature of the responsibility with does not keep his promises.” are the characteristics of the Lord! How is it possible when the he was unjust and ignorant.} which he burdened himself. [Ahmad] hypocrites. It was narrated that world has ended?” [Qur’an 33: 70-72] Man is really very ignorant about Fulfi lling the trust means to put the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi Then it would be said, “Take him This noble verse is a call to the the burden he has obliged himself everything in its proper place. It wa sallam, said: “The signs of the to the bottom of Hell.” Upon this, believers, i.e. those who are pleased to bear and very unjust to himself was narrated on the authority of hypocrite are three: Whenever the trust will be presented for him with Allah as their Lord, with because of the responsibility he Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased he speaks, he tells lies; whenever (in the bottom of Hell) in the same Islam as their religion and with has volunteered to undertake. It with him, that he said: he makes a promise, he breaks it; form in which it was handed over Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi is a common responsibility that I said, “O Messenger of Allah! and whenever he is entrusted with to him in the world. He would see wa sallam, as their Prophet and should be perceived and shared Why do you not appoint me something, he betrays the trust.” it and recognise it. He would seize Messenger. They are commanded by everyone, each according to his as a governor?” The Prophet, Betraying the trust is considered it and carry it on his shoulders. to fear Allah and then speak words position and status. It was narrated sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, betrayal of Allah and His He would then try to get out till of appropriate justice. This implies on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, may “O Abu Tharr, it is a trust and it Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa he would be under the impression that saying words of appropriate Allah be pleased with them, that will be a cause of disgrace and sallam. Allah says (what means): that he has come out, then the trust justice is a sign of fearing Allah the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa remorse on the Day of Judgment, {O you who have believed, do not would slip from his shoulders. He Almighty. The tongue expresses the sallam, said: except for the one who fulfi ls its betray Allah and the Messenger or would again fall after it, into Hell. content of the heart and indicates Each of you is a caretaker and obligations.” [Muslim] The Noble betray your trusts while you know This act would continue for ever. the righteousness of deeds, which each of you is responsible for Qur’an commands us to render [the consequence].} [Qur’an 8: 27] We seek refuge in Allah from entails the forgiveness of sins (by those under his care. The ruler is trusts to whom they are due. Allah Observing trusts and keeping this! We are in dire need to sense Allah, the Exalted). True success a caretaker and is responsible for says (what means): {Indeed, Allah promises is a sign of truthful faith. the seriousness of the trust. — and the great attainment are his subjects. The man is a caretaker commands you to render trusts to Allah says (what means): {And Islamweb.net 16 GULF TIMES Friday, May 24, 2019 COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF RAMADAN A British Muslim woman likes to connect to self in Ramadan

Titles such as ‘Setting Intentions’, By Mudassir Raja ‘Good Deeds’, ‘Tolerance’ and others are regularly taken up at the workshops.” amadan is not just a “If someone would like to attend month of abstinence. It for free they are welcome: www. also completely changes inspireme.qa / IG: @inspiremeqa the daily life pattern. Workshops are held every Tuesday The holy month is more 9pm at Regal Market Cafe Tower 14, Rprominent in Qatar being a Muslim The Pearl. Regular timings are 6pm country. other than Ramadan).” Since there are expatriates from In response to a question on across the world, they tend to have how she sees the Muslims in Qatar diff erent and distinct experiences celebrating Ramadan, Elizabeth of celebrating and enjoying the said: “That is a hard question to month of Ramadan in Qatar. answer as there are thousands Elizabeth Wood is a British of Muslims in Qatar and they all Muslim living in Qatar. A celebrate Ramadan differently spontaneous and curious person, depending on their lifestyle, she has been living here for about commitment to spirituality, 10 years. The thing she loves the family dynamics and other most about Ramadan is cementing factors. I would be generalising, if her connection with the Creator. I were to answer, based on what I Community recently got in touch see on a daily basis. The one thing with her and asked her views on that I notice vividly as a general experiencing Ramadan in Qatar. observation is that the Ramadan Introducing herself, Elizabeth celebrations here are more and said: “I value connection and more embossed in culture. creativity. I adapt easily and enjoy About the question that what change and new environments, one good thing she has learnt so being an expatriate in Qatar is about Ramadan, the British enjoyable for me. I moved here expatriate said: “If I can choose alone when I was 23 years young to only one good thing? It would begin my career after graduating be connection. I connect to my from university in Leeds, UK. DIVERSITY: Elizabeth Wood believes that there are thousands of Muslims in Qatar and everyone celeberates Creator and in turns to myself and “I have lived in Qatar for 10 years, Ramadan diff erently. everything around me at a more and now have a lovely family of heightened degree. It makes me my own. I am an empowerment “Further, I am hosting weekly on various personal development are related to Ramadan but not happy as connection is one of my coach and founder of Inspire Me workshops every Tuesday night topics. Themes of the workshops limited to talking about Ramadan. core values.” – a coaching practice based in The Pearl-Qatar. When asked how has her understanding of Ramadan changed after she moved to Food Tips: What to eat? Qatar, Elizabeth said: “My understanding of Ramadan has not really changed even after I Caramel Syrup – 2 tablespoons moved to Qatar, especially from Milk – ¼ cup the religious point of view. I think Butter – 25 grams I have just noticed certain things more and have become increasingly Method: aware of diff erent perspectives In a bowl add eggs, sweet condensed and understood some cultural milk, milk and sugar. Then whisk all the diff erences. I can diff erentiate them ingredients together till it becomes a clearly from Islamic practices. smooth mixture. In the UK, I started observing Now add caramel syrup to this solution Ramadan when I was 19 years old, and mix. my fi rst Ramadan as a Muslim, Spread some butter inside the baking and followed closely the spiritual dish and place the croissant slices evenly aspects rather than any cultural or in it. ethnic practices associated with Put the cherries all over the croissant Ramadan.” By Nimmi Afzal slices and pour the egg mixture which we When asked that if she carries prepared on top of it. out some particular activity during Cherry Croissant Pudding Now put small chunks of butter over the Ramadan, Elizabeth said: “Yes of (A quick dessert in less than 30 minutes) croissant-cherry layer, so that the pudding course. One of my most consistent Servings: 6 people would be enriched with the butter flavour. one is the daily activity of Iftar, Bake this in a preheated oven for 15-18 breaking of the fast, with the Ingredients: minutes at 150 degree. family. For me, it occurs at sunset Chocolate Croissant –10 medium sized Serve hot as per your wish. It can be following the Mughrib prayer. ones ( sliced to small pieces) served with a scoop of ice cream or with Yet another activity that I follow Egg – 2 some caramel syrup. persistently is Taraweeh prayers Sweet Condensed milk – 3 tablespoons Note: The baking time depends on the which are held at the mosque only Sugar – 3 tablespoons oven. Once the liquid content gets dry, you during the month of Ramadan, Cherry – 12 nos. (deseeded and cut to can take it outside. @nimmi_afzal every evening until around 9:15pm. half) www.nimmiafzal.com This is something new that I am doing this year consistently.25