Community Community ‘Nour, A Girl of Doctors the Desert’ – a fleeing war- celebration torn countries P6of Qatari identity P16 to work in Europe are with its music – discovering they need a new will be performed kind of perseverance to deal this Friday. with German bureaucracy.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Jumada I 24, 1438 AH
DOHA 14°C—19°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13
Unequal pitch COVER STORY By age 6, girls are less likely than boys to think that they can be brilliant, says research. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.48am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.04am Zuhr (noon) 11.48am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.33pm Isha (night) 7.03pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Fist Fight The fi lm stars Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Christina Hendricks, DIRECTION: Richie Keen Jillian Bell and Tracy Morgan and follows two teachers who WRITTEN BY: Van Robichaux, Evan Susser plan to fi ght each other after one of them gets fi red. CAST: Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Tracy Morgan Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: Fist Fight is an American comedy fi lm directed LOCATIONS: Gulf Mall, Villaggio, Royal Plaza, The Mall, Worldwide Emergency Number 112 by Richie Keen and written by Van Robichaux and Evan Susser. Landmark, City Centre Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Split fi lm written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The fi lm DIRECTED BY: M. Night Shyamalan stars James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley and WRITTEN BY: M. Night Shyamalan follows a man with 23 diff erent personalities who kidnaps CAST: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu three girls. It is a thematic sequel to Shyamalan’s fi lm Richardson Unbreakable. Synopsis: Split is an American psychological horror LOCATIONS: Villaggio ote Unquo u te Q Mall Cinema (1): Running Fight (2D) 9:15pm; Singam 3 (Tamil) It is never Shaadi:Com (Hindi) 2pm; Gold 11pm. too late to be what (2D) 4:15pm; The Last Face (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): 6:15pm; Jolly LLB 2 (Hindi) 8:30pm; Remains (2D) 6:30pm; Fist Fight The Lego Batman Movie (2D) 2pm; you might have been. Munthirivallikal (Malayalam) (2D) 8:15pm; The Lady Bloodfight The Lego Batman Movie (2D) 4pm; 11:15pm. (2D) 9:45pm; Gold (2D) 11:30pm. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2D) 6pm; Mall Cinema (2): The Lego Batman Landmark Cinema (2): The Lego My Ex And Whys (Tagalog) 8:15pm; – George Eliot Movie (2D) 3pm; The Lego Batman Batman Movie (2D) 2:30pm; The Munthirivallikal (Malayalam) Movie (2D) 5pm; My Ex And Whys Lego Batman Movie (2D) 4:30pm; 10:45pm. (Tagalog) 7pm; John Wick: Chapter My Ex And Whys (Tagalog) 6:30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace 2 (2D) 9:15pm; Running Shaadi:Com Jolly LLB 2 (Hindi) 8:45pm; John (3): Fist Fight (2D) 3pm; The Lady (Hindi) 11:15pm. Wick: Chapter 2 (2D) 11:30pm. Bloodfight (2D) 5pm; Gold (2D) Mall Cinema (3): Munthirivallikal Landmark Cinema (3): Irada 7pm; Fein Qalby (Arabic) 9:15pm; (Malayalam) 2pm; Fist Fight (2D) (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Last Face The Last Face (2D) 11:15pm. Community Editor 4:45pm; The Lady Bloodfight (2D) (2D) 4:30pm; Irada (Hindi) Asian Town Cinema: Munthiri Kamran Rehmat 6:15pm; Fein Qalby (Arabic) 8pm; 6:45pm; Fein Qalby (Arabic) 9pm; Vallikal (Malayalam) 4:30, 6, 7, Fist Fight (2D) 10pm; The Remains Munthirivallikal (Malayalam) 11pm. 9, 10:30pm & 12am; Jolly Llb e-mail: [email protected] (2D) 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (Hindi) 5:45pm; Irada (Hindi) Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): (1): Munthirivallikal (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Jomonte Suvisheshangal Fax: 44350474 Munthirivallikal (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Fein Qalby (Arabic) 5:15pm; (Malayalam) 6:30pm; Singam 3 2:15pm; Ballerina (2D) 5pm; The The Remains (2D) 7:30pm; Fist (Tamil) 9:30pm. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Nagham Revival of Qatar’s musical heritage and Qatar Superstock 600 Championship WHERE: The Backyard at Sheraton Grand Qatari Folk singing programme Round 3 Hotel WHEN: Thursday, Friday until April 28 WHERE: Losail International Circuit WHEN: Thursdays WHERE: Beach 15, Katara TIME: 10am TIME: 8pm onwards TIME: 6pm to 10pm WHEN: March 23, 24 and 25 After the success of The Backyard, a Residents will have the opportunity to Qatar SuperStock 600 is a new road racing concept is born to introduce Arabic music watch and enjoy authentic Qatari musical arts championship organised by Qatar Motor adding a twist of International tunes. Live and folk singing every weekend until April 28, Motorcycle Federation and Losail Circuit band music by Nagham’s offi cial band and 2017 at Katara. Sports Club. guest artists every week. The entrance fee is The second edition of this cultural show The championship will have 12 races over 6 QR100. For details, call 44853000. dubbed as ‘The Revival of Qatar’s Musical rounds at the Losail International Circuit. Heritage and Qatari Folk Singing Programme’ The riders are competing using one-make Reggae Beachfest Doha is in line with Katara’s continuous eff orts to bikes that will be used for the rest of the EVENTS WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays preserve the heritage of Qatar’s ancestors. season, a stocked 600cc bike. The organisers WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis Some sideline activities at the event bill it as “a great chance for every competitor Picasso-Giacometti Hotel include training sessions, competitions, to test themselves and fi ght for the title in WHEN: Tomorrow to May 21 TIME: 8pm onwards exhibitions, documentary research, fair racing conditions and in a professional WHERE: Fire Station Artist In Residence In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest publications, and lectures and seminars. environment”. This exhibition brings together more than in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta Grandstand and Paddock area are open for 120 works by Picasso and Giacometti, drawn nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve free to all the spectators. from the collections of the Musée national got the setup sorted to get you feeling the Picasso-Paris and the Fondation Giacometti Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident band Al Gannas in Paris, as well as exceptional loans from Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, we have so (For school students) French and other international collections, many big names in the Reggae scene lined up Until March 31, 2017 covering paintings, sculptures, sketches, at this huge beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 9am–Noon photographs and interviews with the artists. at the door. For more information, please call Al Gannas Society The exhibition refl ects two years of 44460105 Free ( For boys only, requires research undertaken by the Fondation registration) Giacometti and the Musée national Picasso- Senorita- Ladies Night Al Gannas association is participating in Paris, which reveals for the fi rst time the WHERE: The Club at St. Regis the “Our culture is a school” programme, by previously unknown relationship between WHEN: Tuesdays organising many activities for the students these two artists, who, despite an age gap of TIME: 7pm every Monday and Wednesday of the week. twenty years, shared many moments, both The Club at St. Regis promises the ‘fi nest These activities include explanations on personal and professional. weeknight in town with Cuban and Latin hunting and related items tools, kinds of The exhibition is organised in six sections, rhythms’. The event starts at 7pm. The falcons and preys, in addition to workshop evoking diff erent aspects of each artist’s dress code is “strictly fabulous-Latin vibe” on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional production, including the development and there are no entrance fees. For more Chamber Music at MIA: Telemann tent (made of goat & camel heir), prepare of their work as young artists through to information, please call 4446-0105. Concerto for Four Violins traditional Arabic coff ee and start a fire. For their modernist creations, showing the WHEN: March 2 further details, visit katara.net correspondences between their works, the TIME: 6pm infl uence of the surrealist movement, and the WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Legend return to realism during the post-war period. The monthly free chamber music concert DATE: Until February 25, 2017 The exhibition will be accompanied by a by members of the Qatar Philharmonic WHERE: Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor, series of lectures and an extensive education Orchestra in the atrium of Museum of Museum of Islamic Art programme, as well as a self-guided Islamic Art will be on March 2, with the The temporary exhibition is curated by handbook for the visitors. West Bay skyline as a backdrop. No tickets Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports A richly illustrated catalogue published as or reservations required. All ages welcome. Museum and presents a unique collection co-edition with Flammarion will accompany Seating will be on a fi rst-come fi rst-serve of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, the exhibition, featuring new essays by art basis. including photography from Ali’s outdoor historians and the curators of the exhibition. exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in Secrets of the Simpsons 1971 and memorabilia spanning his journey Screening of Kannada fi lm Chowka WHEN: March 5 to the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world WHEN: February 23 TIME: 7:30pm to 9:30pm title winning bout against Sonny Liston WHERE: Westend Park Cinema (Asia WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel in 1964 and his final world title winning Town), Screen 1 In this fun-filled PG13- fight against Leon Spinks in New Orleans TIME: 7pm Dia al-Azzawi: A Retrospective (from rated presentation loaded with cartoon in 1978. A special screening – only one show 1963 until tomorrow) clips, Mike Reiss, a four-time Emmy Award – of new Kannada fi lm Chowka hits WHERE: Mathaf: Arab Museum of winning writer of the Simpsons show, tells Qatar Music Academy Doha this Thursday. Directed by Tharun Modern Art and QM Gallery Al Riwaq you the stories and secrets from behind (For school students) Sudhir, Dwarakish Chitra’s 50th fi lm is an WHEN: Until April 16 the show: dealing with celebrity guests, Until March 28, 2017 entertaining multi-starrer with an underlying Qatar Museums presents a monograph of surprising critics (including George HW 11am–2pm message for the youth to contribute to the one of the most renowned modern artists Bush) and even more surprising fans (Pope Free (Requires registration) society. Four youngsters – Vijay Raghavendra, of the Arab world: Dia al-Azzawi. The Benedict). Qatar Music Academy focuses on Prem Kumar, Diganth Manchale, and Prajwal exhibition, showcasing over 500 works You do not have to love The Simpsons, teaching its students the principles of Arab Devaraj – from four diff erent eras end up in across fi fty years and a range of media, aims or even have seen the show, to enjoy this and Western music. As part of the “Our jail for no mistake of theirs. However, they at mapping an itinerary of modernism and presentation. Culture is a School” programme, Qatar reconcile to their fate until they meet an profi les the practice of the Iraqi artist. The Mike Reiss has won some of the Music Academy has off ered interested old man in jail who, too, is wrongly jailed. exhibition is curated by Catherine David, most prestigious awards in the world of schools the opportunity to attend various He inspires them to not waste their lives Deputy Director of Musée National d’Art entertainment, including four Emmys and a workshops. These workshops will include an any longer. What these four men manage to Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou, Peabody Award, during his twenty-six years introduction to Arab and Western music and do next is the rest of the story. For tickets, Paris. writing for The Simpsons. He ran the show in instruments, as well as the teachers giving contact Subramanya Hebbagelu on 5564- Season 4, which Entertainment Weekly called a brief overview of the educational music 1025. Motocross World Championship “the greatest season of the greatest show programmes at the Academy. For further WHEN: February 24, 25 in history.” In 2006, Mike received a Lifetime details, visit katara.net WHERE: Losail Motocross Track Achievement Award from the Animation The opening round of the 2017 FIM MXGP Writers Caucus. Fitness Training World Championship will take place at the Reiss has written jokes for such comedy DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Losail Motocross Track for fi fth time in a legends as Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers, Garry TIME: 6pm-7pm row. General access is free-of-charge, while Shandling and Pope Francis! VENUE: MIA Park a Paddock ticket costs QR100 for the two He is also an award-winning There are fi tness classes in the park on days. VIP tickets are going for QR1,000 for mystery writer, children’s book author and Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights the two days. For details of what’s included playwright. between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of in the Paddock and VIP tickets, please visit A limited number of tickets are on sale fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun the Losail Circuit Sports Club website. The at the American Chamber of Commerce in way to train and also meet new people in the tickets will be available at the Welcome Qatar offi ces in West Bay. The price is QR280 open and friendly group atmosphere. More Centre of the Losail Circuit Sports Club for adults and QR180 for children under 15, information, from Bootcamp, Qatar or info@ during the week of the event. which includes dinner. bootcampqatar.com
E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Buying the bait Many children assimilate the idea that brilliance is a male quality at a young age. This stereotype begins to shape children’s interests as soon as it is acquired and is thus likely to narrow the range of careers they will one day contemplate, researchers say
GIVING IN: Girls think of themselves as less brilliant than boys from an early age, the study reveals.
intelligence. That’s a serious change these negative consequences on in college-level biology classes cognitive ability,” the study authors By Amina Khan from their attitudes at age 5, when girls’ educational decisions and consistently overestimated the wrote. “It is commonly assumed they’re just as likely as boys to think their future career choices,” said lead performance of their male peers and that high-level cognitive ability their own gender can be brilliant, author Lin Bian, a graduate student underestimated the performance (brilliance, genius, giftedness, etc.) hy do so few and just as willing to take on those in psychology at the University of of their female classmates. (The is present more often in men than women end activities for brilliant children. Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. women, by the way, evaluated their in women. This ‘brilliance (equals) up in physics, The results, described in the The stereotype that men are fellow students far more accurately males’ stereotype has been invoked mathematics journal Science, shows how early better at math and science is a in terms of performance, apparently to explain the gender gaps in many and other fi elds these gender stereotypes begin pervasive one, diffi cult to dislodge without regard to gender.) prestigious occupations.” Wtraditionally associated with to aff ect the self-perception and even at the highest echelons of These ideas aren’t just a These stereotypes may have “brilliance”? Part of the answer may behaviour of girls — which may limit higher education. In 2005, Harvard refl ection of perceived diff erences serious consequences for young lie in what happens to girls by the their aspirations and careers into President Lawrence Summers in gender, according to Bian and her women in college and their future time they’re out of kindergarten. adulthood. stirred up controversy during a colleagues. They are also a refl ection careers. For example, the authors A new study fi nds that 6-year- “If we want to change young speech in which he said that women of perceived intelligence. point out, previous research has old girls are less likely than boys to people’s minds and make things were underrepresented in the “Popular beliefs about ability shown that the idea that men are think members of their own gender more equitable for girls, we really sciences in part because of “issues of associate not only specifi c cognitive better than women at math actually can be brilliant — and they’re more need to know when this problematic intrinsic aptitude.” processes (e.g., mathematical impairs women’s performance and likely than boys to shy away from stereotype fi rst emerges, and then And a study in the journal PLOS reasoning) with a particular gender undermines their interest in math- activities requiring that exceptional we know when to intervene to avoid One last year found that men but also the overall amount of related fi elds. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY
“It is commonly assumed that high- level cognitive ability (brilliance, genius, giftedness, etc.) is present more often in men than in women. This ‘brilliance (equals) males’ stereotype has been invoked to explain the gender gaps in many prestigious occupations,” say researchers
TALL ORDER: By ages 6 and 7, girls were significantly less likely than boys to associate brilliance with their own gender.
But how far back does the they will one day contemplate.” stereotype that men are more likely That this shift occurs around to be “brilliant” start to shape age 5 may have to do with children the behaviours of young men and entering more formal school women? To fi nd out, the scientists scenarios, where they’re exposed to set up a series of experiments to test many other people (both children the gender perceptions of 5-, 6- and adults), said Yarrow Dunham, a and 7-year-olds. developmental psychologist at Yale In one experiment, 96 children University who was not involved in were told a story about a person the study. who was “really, really smart” — a It’s unclear which of the myriad kid-friendly version of the word social infl uences happening at the “brilliant” — but they weren’t told time could be contributing to girls’ the person’s gender. The children shift in self-perception, he added. were then asked to guess which It’s possible, for example, that of four adults, two men and two teachers might be unconsciously women, that person was. They reinforcing stereotypes by how they were also shown pairs of adults respond to boys and girls in the — both women, both men, or a classroom. Or perhaps the exposure man and a woman — and asked to to history books that mostly feature pick which adult in each pair was men causes children to assume that “really, really smart.” Finally, they women are largely absent because completed puzzles in which they they were less intelligent (rather had to associate objects (such as a than because of laws and social hammer) or attributes (including mores that for centuries treated “smart”) with pictures of men and FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Teacher Celia Cendejas leads Pre-K students in the School Readiness Learning Development women as second-class citizens). women. Program at Dorris Place Elementary School in Los Angeles. For now, the complex causes of The scientists found that these stereotypes remain an open between ages 5 and 7, children’s older girls were just as likely as the perceptions of who performs well When the researchers repeated question. perceptions of brilliance go through younger ones to pick girls — and in school.” the study with 96 5- and 6-year- “It is disheartening and it really fairly dramatic changes. At 5, boys in fact, older girls were more likely The authors also tested whether olds, however, they found no calls for some thought about and girls both associated brilliance than older boys to choose their own these beliefs about gender and signifi cant diff erences in the identifying what are the causal with their own gender on roughly gender as getting the best grades. brilliance aff ected girls’ interests. 5-year-old girls’ and boys’ interest. variables,” Dunham said. “Is it the same level. But by 6 and 7, girls This was consistent with the The researchers had 64 6- and (The 6-year-old girls, on the other teachers? Is it the kind of historical were signifi cantly less likely than reality that girls do get better grades 7-year-olds play two games — hand, clearly had begun to lose their materials that they’re exposed to? boys to associate brilliance with than boys at that age, the authors one for “really, really smart” (i.e. enthusiasm for the “smart” games.) Because some of those will be easier their own gender. wrote. “brilliant”) children and one for “The present results suggest a fi xes than others. And so identifying The second experiment “Nevertheless, there was no “children who try really, really sobering conclusion: Many children which is the main causal variable replicated the fi rst one — except signifi cant correlation between hard.” Girls seemed drawn to the assimilate the idea that brilliance is seems pretty important.” with 144 children who were asked to girls’ perceptions of school “hard-working” game about as a male quality at a young age,” the Identifying those variables will also rate kids, not just adults, in the achievement and their perceptions much as boys — but they were authors wrote. “This stereotype be the fi rst step to fi guring out tasks — and the results still held. of brilliance,” the authors wrote. signifi cantly less interested than begins to shape children’s interests how to weed out these stereotypes Strangely, when asked who “Thus, girls’ ideas about who is boys were in the game for brilliant as soon as it is acquired and is thus as soon as they take root. —Los got the best grades in school, the brilliant are not rooted in their kids. likely to narrow the range of careers Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY
From left, Tamara Schaefer, Svetlana Schmitz, MAias Alyamani and Christoph Schmitz. Photo by Georges Yammine ‘Nour, A Girl of the Desert’ – a celebration of Qatari identity with its music The family concert will be performed at the Katara Opera House on Friday
and old alike, we are told. Svetlana Schmitz for this country. So we started to work work and understand Qatari music from By Anand Holla of ACTory has written the story. Along on this project together. Svetlana wrote another perspective, which in turn helped with Tamara Schaefer of ACTory, she a nice libretto and we worked together to me in writing the music of Nour.” will perform with costumes and sets. create Nour with our friends Tamara and How challenging then was it for Alyamani arely do we encounter a Kindergarten and drama teacher Schmitz Christoph.” and his three friends to create a moving concert drama that manages to and drama teacher Schaefer founded the At the heart of the story is Nour, a girl musical story that would also be easily faithfully translate the richness theatre duo ‘ACTory’ in 2014, here in Doha, whose family lives in a village in the desert. accessible for the audience? “Actually, it of Qatari cultural heritage while and since then, they have “enchanted Her grandfather teaches her to play the oud, was very difficult. We are still in the phase spinning a musical narrative for kids as well as adults with a variety of showing Nour how music can tell stories of modifying and changing bits, which will Rall ages. A labour of artistic love of four top theatre such as shadow theatre or scenic about desert life. Though her parents don’t continue until the last moment,” he says. talents, Nour is that special project. plays”. To top it off, the performance will encourage her, Nour practices a lot. One “What is special about this kind of a project Directed by Svetlana Schmitz and MAias be accompanied by Christoph Schmitz as day the family moves to a big city. What is that every performance is different and Alyamani, the family concert ‘Nour, narrator. appears to be an exciting adventure turns unique. We have a great experience with A Girl of the Desert’, is sure to win the Clearly a celebration and a hearty into a big challenge for Nour. But with inner interactive shows, and we will enjoy this appreciation and applause of a prospective exploration of the Qatari identity with its strength and her love of the oud, she finds together with the audience.” full house at the Katara Opera House, music, why was it necessary for Alyamani her way and connects with her new world. As for the current music scene in Qatar, where it premieres this Friday evening – and his friends to present Nour, in the form Alyamani says, “What I like about Alyamani feels it’s moving in the right tickets are priced at QR75. Syrian violinist of a musical show? “I have lived in Doha for traditional Qatari music is how very pure direction. “It’s going great. Musically, QPO and composer Alyamani, the founder of almost 10 years, and as a member of this and honest it sounds. And for me, as plays the most important role in Qatar in MAqam Ensemble, has composed the society, I have always wanted to participate a composer, I find it easy to work with addition to the music group ensembles music, which will be performed by him and in building the cultural scene of this Qatari musical elements since they are in Qatar, established by members of the other musicians of the Qatar Philharmonic country. As a musician, the best way with original and have a unique character to Qatar Philharmonic. We have a wonderful Orchestra (QPO). which I could contribute to Qatar, I feel, them, which only helps while composing. production team in Doha, wonderful Alyamani’s music uses Qatari-oriental was to make a musical which represents me Moreover, I am lucky to forge a wonderful studios, and concert halls. What we miss melodies to celebrate Qatari identity, as a musician,” Alyamani tells Community, musical collaboration with Qatari composer is more music festivals and the support for establishing a dialogue with the audience just four days before the big concert. “I met Dana Alfardan, who is putting in great local music groups. We are lucky to come in a playful manner. His music introduces Svetlana who had the same enthusiasm to efforts to support the culture in Qatar. My together and create the music scene in this the rich world of Arabic sounds to young make something artistic and celebratory collaboration with her helped me to also country which we love,” he says. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY A snapshot of Nepali community organisations working in Qatar
disadvantaged children. By Usha Wagle Gautam Chitwan Youth Group Established in 2001, the Chitwan Youth here are more than 130 Nepali Group (CYG) has time and again initiated community organisations in programmes to support non-resident Qatar, representing the 75 community in many ways. Founding districts and ethnic blocks of president, Sagar Nepal says CYG is Nepal. supporting Nepali workers who suff er TKhotang Youth Society (KYS) was the from failing health, accidents and personal first to be established in Qatar in 1998. tragedies. CYG is registered in Chitwan Its first working committee was led by district, also west of Kathmandu, and Madhav Kirati. The Embassy of Nepal in also with Social Welfare Council (SWC), a Qatar had not been set up back then, and governing body of all non-governmental KYS aimed to assist workers with any organisations of Nepal. problems they were facing pertaining to their documents. Khotang Youth Society Gradually, Nepali community Khotang Youth Society (KYS) was organisations in Qatar proliferated. established in 1998. KYS is run by a Many of these organisations have used 21-member working committee. KYS has their platforms to channel funds to their provided fi nancial and social support to home districts. Some have donated accident survivors and family members of ambulances, others have supported the dead. It provides free air tickets to needy street and orphaned children. They workers, material support to earthquake have built libraries, water taps and have survivors, scholarships to deserving provided clothes to underprivileged Nepali students and organises cultural and President of the Gorkha Welfare Society. President of Kaski Ideal Welfare Society. people and disaster survivors. musical programmes. KYS members collect The organisations also do their monthly savings, and also sell T-shirts bit in Qatar, frequently organising with the name and logo of the society to beach cleaning and blood donation generate funds. KYS is planning to provide programmes. Many also actively ambulance and medical equipment to a participate in and volunteer for Qatari remote hospital in Khotang, eastern hill national events and celebrations. district of Kathmandu. They also assisted the Embassy of Nepal recently as it worked to replace Morang Sunsari Welfare Society handwritten Nepali passports with Morang Sunsari Welfare Society (MSWS) Machine Readable Passports. actively provides rescue and fi nancial Another important contribution of support, and legal and social consultancy these organisations is the active teaching to needy workers. It also co-operates of Qatari traffic rules and laws to the with other organisations to support the large number of new recruits that land in victimised people of Nepal. Established the country. Many of the organisations in 2001 with a working committee led by meet every month in Muntazah Park Tilak Adhikari, MSWS regularly organises to discuss plans for their future social, cultural and sport programmes. programmes. It has provided ambulances, funds for The organisations are also active in orphaned children, scholarships to organising sporting programmes and deserving students. It has also conducted competitions, including volleyball, free eye camps, blood donation drives and football and cricket matches and disaster relief programmes. tournaments. These activities help President of Khotang Youth Society. President of Chitwan Youth Group. rejuvenate workers. Myagdi Non-Resident Nepali Community caught with some of these Association organisations and talked about their Myagdi Non-Resident Nepali activities. Following are the excerpts. Association (MNRNA) was established in 2003 with Prem Rasaili as its leader. Gorkha Welfare Society MNRNA is working on an ambitious The Gorkha Welfare Society (GWS) project to create a free Wi-Fi zone in is a not-for-profi t and non-political the remote Nepali district of Myagdi. organisation. Established in 2003, the The association has also funded medical society aims to keep up the well-being of support for people in need, helped disaster its members and help each other during survivors and needy workers. the times of diffi culty, such as grave injuries, illnesses and loss of life. GWS also Kaski Ideal Welfare Society focuses on promoting Nepali culture and Kaski Ideal Welfare Society (KIWS) tourism. provides support to Nepali migrant workers GWS was recently registered in Nepal in from Kaski district who may be involved the Gorkha district, west of Kathmandu, in serious accidents at their work places and has started social services. GWS and are in need of help. The KIWS has been collect funds through membership helping workers with their documentation fees and other donations, and has used since 2002. The society has supported the the funds to conduct free-of-charge victims of glacier bursts, arsons and fl oods medical check-up programmes in Gorkha in remote locations of Kaski districts, has district, provide medical equipment to provided educational support to kids from hospitals, assistance to kidney patients lower castes and poor backgrounds, and has and air tickets to Nepali workers who face set up drinking water pipes and provided problems with their documentation. GWS ambulances. KIWS chairman Man Bahadur also provides funds to support senior Rana Magar says they will continue with citizens and people with disabilities, their activities, while coming up with a plan Acting President of Myagdi Non-Resident Nepali Former president of Morang Sunsari Welfare disaster survivors and scholarships to to promote tourism in Kaski district. Association. Society. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY
Bhavan’s Public School bids farewell to its Class XII students
The staff and management of Bhavan’s Public School bid farewell to its first batch of outgoing Class XII students at its Al Wakrah campus recently. J K Menon, Acting Chairman, Bhavan’s Public School, was the chief guest. The students were also given their hall tickets at the farewell.
IIS bids farewell to outgoing Class XII students
Ideal Indian School bid farewell to its outgoing students of Class XII recently. Principal Syed Shoukath Ali wished the outgoing students good luck and reminded them of their responsibilities as students and future citizens of the world. Students excelling in curricular and extracurricular activities were acknowledged on the occasion. Seen here are the winners of the Special Awards with the principal and heads of sections. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY
Birla Public School fetes Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman
Birla Public School accorded a warm reception recently to Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank, on his being awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (PBS) 2017. Birla Public School Chairman Lukose K Chacko, Hassan Chougle, Balasubramaniyan Padhmanabhan, Ganesan Ramakrishnan, Radhakrishnan, Jayasankar, and Gopal off ered felicitations. The school’s founding chairman, Dr Mohan Thomas, welcomed and paid tributes to the achievements of Dr Seetharaman. Indian ambassador P Kumaran was the chief guest at the function. Dr Seetharaman thanked the Birla Public School management and said, “India today is poised for a giant leap from the ranks of developing countries to developed countries. Indian citizens living outside India also have a responsibility on this progress and hence should look forward to contributing to the welfare of India. This can be done through remittances, investments, trade and other routes as well. I believe that the Indian diaspora in GCC can play an important role in the above areas and thereby promote bilateral relationships between GCC and India. This award further inspires me to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relationships between GCC and India. Birla Public School has promoted education beyond India borders and in Qatar as Bank and an economic expert, has achieved remarkable Sky News, ABC and Bloomberg to share his views. He is also an well. These kids are in the digital world and believe in adopting success in banking, trade, economics, investment, environment, active promoter of economic co-operation and cross border global citizenship values. These are also vital for promoting cross social responsibility and charity. He is the recipient of multiple investment opportunities between the GCC and the rest of the border relationships between countries.” doctorates from leading universities of the world, including world. An influential environmentalist on the global stage, he PBS is an award instituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian PhD degrees in ‘Green Banking and Sustainability’ and in has proactively created awareness on Global Warming across Aff airs, Government of India and is conferred on Indians serving ‘Global Governance.’ He was also conferred Doctorate of Law the globe through a host of seminars and other initiatives. He is abroad for their meritorious and exceptional contribution in any by Washington College and ‘Doctorate of Honoris Causa’ a philanthropist, who has proactively contributed towards the field of community and public service. by European University, both in 2012. He is a Chartered underprivileged sections of society. This year the 14th award ceremony was held from January 7 to Accountant and holds a certificate in IT systems and Corporate He has received many awards and accolades, including “Green 9 on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) in Management, and also a Gold medallist in Bachelor of Economy Visionary Award” in 2016 by Union of Arab Banks Bengaluru, India. The award was given away by the President of Commerce. (UAB), “Lifetime Achievement Award” by The Banker Middle East, India with Dr Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of the Republic of Dr Seetharaman transformed Doha Bank into one of the best “Best CEO in Middle East”, “World Leader Business Person”, “The Portugal, as the chief guest. performing banks in the Middle East. He is invited on a regular Gullands Excellence Award as a Phenomenal Banker” to name Dr R Seetharaman, the Group Chief Executive Off icer of Doha basis by international media such as BBC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, a few.
Renault-Nissan Alliance InterContinental delivers signifi cant up 2.5 percent. In the USA and more than 250,000 vehicles sold since growth in 2016 China, the company achieved sales its launch in December 2010. growth of 5.4 percent and 8.4 percent In addition to the LEAF, Nissan also Residence donates to The Renault-Nissan Alliance delivered respectively, setting new records sells the e-NV200, a light commercial significant growth in 2016, with global in both markets. Infiniti sold over vehicle sold mainly in Europe and sales of 9.96 million vehicles. The car 230,000 vehicles in 2016, a 7 percent Japan since 2014. Renault has sold Qatar Cancer Society group also reinforced its leadership in increase from the previous year. In more than 112,000 electric vehicles zero-emission vehicles with cumulative December alone, Infiniti sold 27,200 worldwide since 2011, including the sales of nearly 425,000 electric vehicles, an 18 percent increase versus Renault ZOE, Kangoo Z.E., Fluence Z.E., Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has received a donation from InterContinental vehicles since the introduction of the the prior year. the SM3 Z.E. and the Twizy. Residence hotel for cancer patients unable to pay for their treatment Nissan LEAF in 2010, followed by the Mitsubishi Motors sold 934,013 cars Renault was at the top of the European costs. Omar al-Twaissi, the Marketing Co-ordinator of QCS, thanked Renault ZOE. worldwide, down 13 percent. Sales EV market last year, with sales up by InterContinental Residence hotel for the gesture. He pointed to the The Alliance sales figures include grew in the United States and Australia, 11 percent at 25,648 units (excluding importance of community partnerships and said that QCS cannot work in Mitsubishi Motors sales of 934,013 but were off set by lower sales in Brazil, Twizy). ZOE led the EV ranking with isolation. He also added that people need more awareness about cancer. vehicles globally. Mitsubishi Motors Russia, and the Middle East. Japan 21,735 sold. Renault Pro+ recently joined the Alliance last fall with Nissan’s sales were also aff ected by lower announced the addition of two new acquisition of a 34 percent equity stake consumer confidence following the commercial EVs to its lineup: the New in the company. fuel consumption issue. Kangoo Z.E. and Master Z.E. “The combination of Groupe Renault, Through Nissan’s partnership with In 2016, the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan Motors and Mitsubishi Motors Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan expects including Mitsubishi Motors i-Miev creates a new force in the global auto to target synergy benefits worth 24 series, sold 94,265 EVs, up more than 8 industry,” said chairman and CEO billion yen in fiscal year 2017, rising to percent from 2015. Carlos Ghosn. “The strength of this 60 billion yen in fiscal year 2018 and innovative partnership that began 18 beyond. The gains will contribute to Boosting innovation for the years ago has allowed us to improve increased earnings per share worth vehicle of the future our competitiveness, boost our growth an estimated 4 yen per share in fiscal In 2016, the Renault-Nissan Alliance and engage in the race for the vehicle year 2017 and 10 yen per share in fiscal took several steps to advance the of the future.” year 2018 – on top of any earnings development of future vehicles that The Alliance brands accounted for accretion linked to Nissan’s overall will be electric, autonomous and about one in nine cars sold worldwide shareholding in Mitsubishi Motors. connected. last year. Groupe Renault’s sales were AVTOVAZ, which sells cars under the The Alliance plans to launch at least up 13.3 percent to 3,182,625 vehicles in LADA brand, sold 284,807 vehicles. 10 models with autonomous drive 2016 for the last year of the “Drive the Together, the Renault-Nissan Alliance functionality by 2020. Development Change” plan. This marked the fourth and AVTOVAZ sell about one in three and tests of connectivity and consecutive year of sales growth cars in Russia. autonomous drive technologies with a record year-on-year increase of are underway with several partners, 374,000 units. Sustained leadership in electric including Microsoft and Nasa. Both Renault and Dacia brands had a vehicles “We were the first to launch an record year in terms of sales volumes The Renault-Nissan Alliance, with aff ordable electric car back in 2010. and Renault Samsung Motors volumes Mitsubishi Motors, cumulatively sold Other major automakers are now were up by 38.8 percent. Market share 424,797 electric vehicles through 2016, recognising that EVs are the most and sales volumes are up in all regions, making it the undisputed leader in eff ective zero-emission solution,” with the Renault brand becoming No. zero-emission mobility. Ghosn said. “With autonomous drive 2 in Europe. The Nissan LEAF, the first mainstream, and connected cars and services, we Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. sold a record mass-marketed electric vehicle, are firmly engaged in the race for the 5,559,902 cars and trucks worldwide, remains the world’s best-selling EV with vehicle of the future.” 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Buying your first home? Follow this plan to get fiscally fit
current habits and then make a plan Beef up your credit score transfers each month. Even with to replace them with better ones. The The good habits you exercise today $50 a month, you’ll have $600 in same is true for homebuyers. First, will make all the diff erence on your one year, which could bail you out look at the spending choices you’ve interest rate later. Put in the extra of a number of small emergencies. been making, and review three to six work to raise your credit score. Your Eventually, once your debts are paid months’ worth of bank statements. credit score pulls together many off , you can divert those payments Consider what is necessary and what details from your past and current right into savings, which also can needs to cut back. The goal is to trim debts as well as other fi nancial build your down payment for that the fat in your budget so you can use factors, and helps lenders determine new dream home the extra money to reduce your debt your creditworthiness. Making and increase your savings. the eff ort to raise your score is Prepare for the big event worthwhile because shaving off even All these steps lead to one main Crunch your debt one-quarter of a percentage point event: buying a home. Once you Take a look at your debts and from a mortgage loan can potentially meet those smaller goals – following o buying a new home tops making this big investment starts consider the monthly payments you save you thousands of dollars in a budget, eliminating debt, raising your list of New Year’s with a plan. Runners know that if make. Are there any debts standing interest over the life of a 30-year your credit score, and saving for resolutions. As you picture they run a certain distance each day, in the way of making a house mortgage. your down payment – you’re ready the big moment – the one it gets them closer to accomplishing payment aff ordable? Those are the for the fi nal push toward home where you pull up to your their goal. By following a few tips ones you want to knock out with Increase your intake of savings ownership. Following these habits dreamS home in your moving truck, to reach fi nancial fi tness goals, you, an accelerated payment plan, using Even when paying down debt, can be challenging from a motivation sprint up and unlock your front door too can achieve the goal of home the money you freed up by cutting it’s still a good idea to start a small standpoint. It takes patience, but – you probably understand there’s ownership. back on unnecessary expenses. savings plan so you have some cash once you’ve followed the steps to something you need to do fi rst. You Try focusing on one debt at a time, to fall back on if, say, you need to get fi nancially healthy, it is a very need to get your fi nances in shape. Do those daily sprints paying close attention to the ones go to the doctor or get new tires for rewarding experience. Just like those who make People who reach their fi tness with the highest interest rates to pay your car. Start by opening a savings resolutions to run a marathon, goals begin with a look at their off fi rst. account and set up automatic ©Brandpoint
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20
Today the Moon shining in Leo shines on your fellow fire sign and There is nothing better than finding like minded people, is there? You Unless you really feel something has to be done, don’t go out of your fifth house of romance, fun and creativity. What a great way to end often have very strong opinions about things and how wonderful is way to do it Gemini’s. Save your energy for the things and people the work week. Make fun plans for the weekend. it when those opinions are shared? you really want to do and achieve.
CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22
It’s not always right for you to try to help others out when they really Avoid those people who want to mess with you today Leos. The Be optimistic today – even if things look grim or as if they won’t work do need to stand on their own two feet. If you overly mother and Moon in your sign is making things more emotional for you and you out. You of all people know just how much wonderful energy you nurture them, chances are they won’t learn much. should try to stay calm all day long. have in store and how much you keep in reserve.
LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21
Uranus the planet of the unexpected remains standing strong in Don’t put too much emphasis on a rumour or story floating around The Moon in Leo, Venus, Mars and Uranus in Aries and Saturn in your your relationship zone, alongside lovers Venus and Mars. How you today Scorpios. Listeners never hear good of themselves as they say. sign makes this a very fiery time indeed. You have more energy than work with others and play well with others is very important right usual – so you should really tackle all those things that you’ve put in now. the ‘too hard basket’.
CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20
Don’t let a friend talk you out of or into something today when Stop and make sure you know what you’re going to say to someone Money and how you save it, spend it and appreciate it or waste it is you’ve already well and truly made your mind up. You and you alone before you go ahead and say it today. Mercury the communicator in very important to you at this time. There are 3 major players in your know what’s best for you right now goats. your sign is a huge help today. second house of self–worth and cash flow for the month of February. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
San
ANDREAS FERNANDO MIGUEL ANGELO FRANCISCO PEDRO ANTONIO JOSE RAFAEL BERNARDINO JUAN SALVADOR CARLOS LUIS SEBASTIAN CRISTOBAL MARINO SIMEON DIEGO MATEO
Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.
Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles
Sudoku
Bound And Gagged
Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down 1. That’s what you get if you’re a 1. Pull it off in your sleep, say (5) bad worker! (5,2,3) 2. Pays a call on and it proves to 6. Bound to be the whole apple be enough (4,5) core (4) 3. Be an eye-witness and let 10. Allowed to enter, sees the things take their course (3,4,7) holes (7) 4. Hang around so often, 11. Hers, packed, are put into the worriedly (7) cutter (7) 5. Understanding it will be 12. Music you switch on? (5-4) where you can see it (7) 13. Between one thing and 7. The bird you get flying about another, missing the start of again (5) the season (5) 8. Left the two names showing 14. The horse uncaught, the man (9) returns (5) 9. Is it trying hard not to laugh? 15. Got lit, broke in brandishing (7,7) toy gun. What’s the verdict? 14. Force to change position, as a (3,6) temporary measure (9) 17. The lullaby-singing was 16. Like an ass, wanted very Answers successful and one stole much to install an organ (4-5) away (9) 18. The man has a bird with him: 20. When the nun bumps into the a model (7) Wordsearch Codeword man, make nothing of it (5) 19. Drawing the maid out about 21. Deign to return the jars, the rag that got out of hand empty (5) (7) 23. See it again in the stars about 22. Happen to have got double the woman who will deceive figures within forty-five you (9) minutes! (5) 25. Do its fumes annoy you? (7) 24. Though off-colour, you note, 26. The contrition is more odd, docked a day (5) having excluded one from the rise (7) 27. Shot, spin round (4) 28. How the cinemagoers discussed the cartoons? (10)
Yesterday’s Solutions
Across: 1 First aid; 5 Edward; 10 Down: 1 Fleece; 2 Redund-ant; Endless attempts; 11 Connive; 12 3 Teeming; 4 Issue; 6 Dresses; Arsenal; 13 Gangling; 15 Swift; 18 7 Aspen; 8 Desolate; 9 Straight; ‘Otter; 20 Satirist; 23 Sustain; 25 14 Insanity; 16 Institute; 17 Cashier; 26 Down to the ground; Consider; 19 Roaster; 21 Reserve; 27 Riders; 28 Reverend. 22 Eroded; 24 Sawed; 25 Crete. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY POP SPOT
in brief
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber has set a number of UK chart records over the last year or so. But the Canadian heart-throb singer has now lost one of them to Ed Sheeran. The English singer/songwriter became the first artist in UK chart history to hold the top two spots in the singles listings for five successive weeks. This feat, with Shape Of You and Castle On The Hill, surpassed Justin’s previous mark of four weeks which he set during November and December, 2015, with Sorry and Love Yourself. Holding numbers one and two has only been achieved by seven artists in 60 years of the off icial UK singles chart. Of those, Ed is the only one to do so with brand new songs. The Beatles, John Travolta, John Lennon, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Madonna and Justin Bieber all had at least one of their songs previously listed in the charts. The Shadows
There are many music fans who believe eight artists, rather than PRIORITISING MUSIC: Jax could easily have pursued a high academic career. His schoolwork was so good that a place was seven, should be listed as holding the numbers one and two positions on off er at Oxford University. on the same UK singles chart. During the early 1960s, The Shadows were both Cliff Richard’s backing band and an artist in their own right. Cliff ’s records were actually credited to Cliff Richard and The Shadows. So it was that in August, 1960, Please Don’t Tease by Cliff Richard and The Shadows was at number one while Apache by The Shadows held second spot. Talented Jax Jones It happened twice more in 1963. The Next Time by Cliff Richard and The Shadows held pole position with Dance On by The Shadows at number two. The two records swapped places on the following week’s chart. Exactly the same thing occurred later that year with Cliff Richard and The Shadows’ Summer Holiday and The Shadows’ Foot Tapper. finds success with For whatever reason, the Off icial Charts Company does not count The Shadows’ contribution to their joint hits with Cliff Richard. But it seems only fair that the group should at least be mentioned when details are given of those artists who have been off icially credited as simultaneously holding the top two spots on the UK singles chart. You Don’t Know Me Lady Gaga Lady Gaga continues to enjoy a surge in record sales following her education but I always knew music was in the year with Need You (100%). I was spectacular half-time performance at Super Bowl 51. By Geoff rey Rowlands what I wanted to do in my career.” a bit cheeky playing him some of my Her UK sales increased by 1,605% from the previous week while He could have been a classical own songs during a break in rehearsals. her US sales rose by well over 1000%. Gaga’s latest album, Joanne, guitarist. Luckily, he liked my stuff and suggested climbed 64 places to number two on the Billboard 200. Her 2009 ith a real name of “I started learning classical guitar we should work together. We created album, The Fame Monster, also returned to the top ten at number six. Timucin Fabian Kwong when I was about 11. But I began coming tracks such as Won’t Look Back and Gaga performed her most recent single, Million Reasons, during the Wah Aluo, it’s perfectly up with my own riff s. I wanted to be Ocean Drive but our biggest song from Super Bowl show. The second track taken from Joanne, it originally understandable that like Slash from Guns N’ Roses rather the collaboration was I Got U!” peaked at a disappointing number 52 and had fallen out of the Hot the 29-year-old than the great classical guitarist Andres The track proved hugely popular 100. But the song stormed back into the listings at number four London-basedW producer, DJ, musician Segovia.” topping both the UK singles chart and equalling the record for the highest re-entry in the chart’s 58-year and songwriter should select the short His parents recognised their son’s Billboard’s dance Club Songs chart. But history. and simple Jax Jones for his stage talent. “They bought me a little four- after enjoying such great success back Gaga now shares the mark originally set by LL Cool J and Jennifer moniker. track recorder. I used this to record my in 2014, it seems surprising that Jax Lopez with their 2006 single, Control Myself, and matched by Dixie “I suppose I might have gone with own music and was able to programme has taken so long to return to the upper Chicks who re-entered the Hot 100 in 2007 with Not Ready to Make Tim Aluo,” he laughed. “But I wanted drums on to each song. The software reaches of the UK chart with his current Nice. something diff erent for my stage name. became more sophisticated as I top three hit, You Don’t Know Me. There is a saying about being alone developed my ability.” “I’ve been so busy with other things. DJ Khaled / Jay-Z which is being on your Jack Jones. I did He also credits his parents, It’s not like being an artist who writes all my early stuff alone so that gave me particularly his stepfather, for his and records songs, puts them out and DJ Khaled surprised fans with the unheralded release of a new single, the idea of using the name Jack Jones. eclectic musical taste. promotes them. That’s all they do. But Shining. The first track taken from Grateful, his forthcoming tenth “But I found there was already “Mine was a multi-ethnic household. there are so many aspects to my career. studio album, it features vocals from Jay-Z and Beyonce. someone named Jack Jones in the music My mother is Malaysian. She was into I produce other artists, do remixing The song can be heard on the Tidal streaming service but has also business. He’s an American singer who music ranging from Kylie Minogue work, collaborate on songs with other been unoff icially posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD92- had hit records in the 1960s and won to Luther Vandross. My stepfather is producers and DJs, plus perform my DJ vOEUG8 two Grammys. He’s quite elderly now Nigerian. He listened to a lot of blues shows. It doesn’t leave a lot of time to Many of those leaving comments question how long it will be before but still performing so I couldn’t use and R&B plus African stuff .” create my own music.” the threat of legal action forces the removal of this posting. his name. I decided on Jax Jones, which Having gained a following through His single, House Work, was a minor Jay-Z’s contribution to Shining has caused controversy. Fans have I think is actually more appropriate for posting his songs online, he found hit last year. But You Don’t Know Me has pointed to lyrics which appear to make derogatory references to someone who creates dance tracks.” further fame through playing at open become a smash. Jax modestly credits Drake. Tim/Jax could easily have pursued a mic nights and producing grime tracks the vocals of teenage singer Raye for Without ever becoming embroiled in a full-on rap war, the two artists high academic career. His schoolwork for artists such as Roadside Gs and Big much of the song’s popularity. have been involved in numerous disagreements over the years. What was so good that a place was on off er at Narstie. He also performed acclaimed “People might remember her brilliant issues they’ve had have always seemingly been resolved. Indeed, Oxford University. DJ sets in prominent London clubs. An performance on Jonas Blue’s 2016 Jay-Z made a lyrical contribution to Pop Style, a track on Drake’s 2016 “I turned down the interview for engagement to perform at the Capital single, By Your Side. I can’t say enough album, Views. Oxford and attended Brunel University Summertime Ball in 2013 set Jax on the good things about Raye. She came third But after Pop Style achieved singles success, Jay-Z’s vocals, along in Uxbridge which is so much nearer the road to chart stardom. in the BBC’s Sound of 2017 poll. She has with those of Kanye West, were omitted from the album version of studio where I was creating my music. “Duke Dumont was also on the bill. a fabulous voice, writes great songs and the song. It is thought that this may be the reason for his apparent I appreciated the importance of a good He’d had a massive number one earlier is defi nitely going to be a star.” diss of Drake on Shining. Tuesday, February 21, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY How Game of Thrones led actor Pedro Pascal to The Great Wall
know if I’d be able to deliver what By Rene Rodriguez was expected of me. But he turned out to be this incredibly generous, gentle, humble man. His energy edro Pascal had been immediately put me at ease.” working steadily for Most of the crew who worked years — guest spots on on The Great Wall was Chinese. Buff y the Vampire Slayer But Pascal says the language gap and NYPD Blue and became part of the adventure: NurseP Jackie and CSI — before he “I liked the feeling of being an landed the role that kick-started outsider and watching how his career: Oberyn Martell, aka the people from diff erent cultures swaggering Red Viper, during the communicated with each other,” fourth season of HBO’s Game of he says. “Yimou was so clear- Thrones. minded about what he wanted that His traumatic showdown with he almost didn’t need to use an Ser Gregor The Mountain Clegane interpreter.” is what fans of the show remember Pascal is familiar with that most about Pascal’s seven-episode outsider feeling. Born in Santiago, stretch. But it was a quieter scene Chile, and raised in Texas and in the preceding episode — a California, Pascal has used conversation with the imprisoned diff erent stage names throughout Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) his career — variations on his full — that sparked Hollywood’s name of Jose Pedro Balmaceda interest. Pascal — in order to avoid “I was in New York doing Much typecasting. With The Great Wall Ado About Nothing in Central Park and the upcoming Kingsman: The when those episodes aired,” Pascal Golden Circle, in which he appears says. “Fans of the show had started opposite Channing Tatum, Colin to come see me in the play. The Firth, Jeff Bridges and Julianne day after (the Mountain) crushed Moore, Pascal fi nally has a movie my head, someone asked to take a STAR-TURN: Pedro Pascal at the premiere of The Great Wall held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. career to go along with his long selfi e with me while I was riding stint on television. the A train uptown. horde of lizard creatures trying to But with a reported budget of that started when he was a “I had a hard time through my “But it was the week before, break through the country’s Great $150 million, The Great Wall will teenager and saw director Zhang 20s and my early 30s, because when that scene with Peter Wall. need to duplicate that gross in Yimou’s 1991 historical drama I never looked like a ‘Pedro’ to Dinklage aired, that I got the off er The movie, which was directed the US in order to turn a profi t. Raise the Red Lantern. casting directors,” he says. “There to play (DEA agent) Javier Peña on by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House Hollywood, which has been “I never missed one of his was often a bit of a head tilt when Narcos,” he says. “That was the of Flying Daggers), is the fi rst aggressively courting the massive movies after I saw that one,” they met me. Why is your name episode that changed everything.” big-budget Chinese production Chinese movie-going audience, is Pascal, 41, said during a recent Pedro if you’re not brown? I think Opening this weekend is The starring Hollywood actors (Willem watching closely to see how this visit to Miami. “When I was that’s changing slowly for Latinos, Great Wall, in which Pascal co- Dafoe plays another important experiment turns out. getting on a plane to go to Beijing because we represent everyone stars with Matt Damon as two role). The fi lm was released in For Pascal, though, The to start to work on this movie, I on this planet: Asian, European, European mercenaries who end up China in December, where it Great Wall the movie was the was terrifi ed, because I have so African, indigenous and everything helping Chinese soldiers fi ght off a earned $224 million. culmination of a deep admiration much respect for Yimou, I didn’t in between.” —Miami Herald/TNS
Want Alia to sing in reality shows: Varun Divyadarshini performed with ease, confi dence in Actor Varun Dhawan, who is impressed with his Power Paandi: Dhanush Badrinath Ki Dulhania co-star Alia Bhatt’s singing skills, wants the actress to participate in singing reality Actor Dhanush has said he enjoyed shows. working with television anchor- Speaking at the Mirchi Music Awards, Varun said: turned-actress Divyadarshini for his “Alia sings very well and I want Alia to participate in upcoming Tamil directorial debut singing reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Power Paandi. He said she performed Idol. I feel she can be a winner too.” with ease and confi dence. Alia, who has sung for fi lms like Highway, Humpty “Filmed Divyadarshini cameo in Sharma ki Dulhania and Udta Punjab, crooned the NEW ROLE: Sonakshi with Badshah. ‘Power Paandi’. She performed with so reprised version of Tamma tamma again from her much ease and confi dence. Very happy forthcoming movie Sonakshi to collaborate with Badshah? and surprised,” Dhanush tweeted. Badrinath Ki Dulhania at Popular for hosting chat show the event. Are actress Sonakshi Sinha and singer-rapper Koff ee with DD, she has also starred “Music is one of Badshah joining hands for an album or song? It seems in fi lms such as Nala Damayanti and the important parts so, going by the image the Akira star shared on her Saroja. of Bollywood movies. Twitter page. The fi lm, which stars veteran actor Therefore, I feel there “Twinning and winning at the recording studio Raj Kiran, revolves around the lives of a should be more awards with Badhshah,” Sonakshi tweeted. few stuntmen. on music as sometimes Last year, when Sonakshi was promoting Akira in Dhanush will be seen in a cameo, a movie gets a good Delhi, Badshah joined her for an impromptu gig. playing the younger version of Raj opening based on its Popular for his independent albums such as Born Kiran. music. Music increases Star and Terminator, he has also rapped for fi lms The fi lm also stars Prasanna and the excitement of a such as Fugly, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Shivaay and Ok Chaya Singh, and has music by Sean movie,” she said. Jaanu. His latest song is Tamma tamma again from Roldan. Badrinath Ki Dulhania Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt-starrer Badrinath Ki Produced by Wunderbar Films, will hit the screens next Dulhania. — IANS Power Paandi is slated for release on ON A SONG: Alia Bhatt. month. — IANS April 14. — IANS IMPRESSIVE: Divyadarshini. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COMMUNITY Syrian doctors hoping to practise abroad face a long slog Doctors fleeing war-torn countries to work in Europe are discovering they need a new kind of perseverance to deal with German bureaucracy. Studying for exams in two diff erent languages isn’t even the hardest part, refugees say. By Sandra Trauner
Doctors fleeing war-torn countries to work in Europe are discovering they need a new kind of perseverance to deal with German Germany off ers special courses to doctors fleeing war-torn countries who want to adjust their skills to work in Europe. bureaucracy.
fram Shamoun, who for decades complain, “they’re all trained doctors,” he What language certifi cate do you need, which recognises that a foreign qualifi cation practised medicine in Damascus, says. The only problem is the language. what’s in the exam, when are you even is equal to that of a German, and 114 applied is now lying on a doctor’s couch Lila Ghali, a 38-year-old Syrian supposed to take it? Some people get a date for a work permit, which allows the holder to in Frankfurt pretending to be a gynaecologist, remembers her fi rst German within weeks while others have to wait six practise for a limited time, under supervision patient with knee problems. internship in a hospital in Wiesbaden very months. and at a specifi c work place, according to the AThe 59-year-old is taking part in a course well. “They thought I had no experience,” “If just registering is this complicated, Hesse state body which regulates licences. that prepares doctors qualifi ed in other she says in her now fl uent German. “I didn’t what’s the exam going to be like?” he says. But there are no offi cial fi gures on how countries to take the exam to be able to understand anything and couldn’t say Raif Nahhas fi nds the bureaucracy equally many foreign doctors are allowed to practise practise in Germany. anything.” baffl ing. The 32-year-old Syrian lives in the in Germany. Today they’re going over the “bed test”: But even though her every-day German city of Mainz, 40 kilometres from Frankfurt, “Until two years ago most were coming one person plays the patient while the other is now excellent, it’s not enough to get her and works as a “scientifi c assistant” at the from Greece,” says the state body in Hesse. tries to diagnose their problem as a lecturer through the exam. Knowledge of specialist university clinic there. “Now it’s Afghanistan, Syria and Turkey.” looks on and gives comment. terms is also required. He’s been trying for some time to fi nd out Even when foreign doctors have decades of Twenty-seven doctors are taking part “The participants actually have to learn whether the certifi cate in technical language experience, they have to start from scratch in in the current course, which is organised two languages,” says Atilla Vurgun, the he gained in Frankfurt is valid in Mainz, Germany. by Berami, a Frankfurt-based association course’s medical director. which is in a diff erent state. Both of the gynaecologists, who wear which helps migrants with retraining and When talking with patients, it’s a The doctors exam preparation course costs headscarves in today’s seminar, have to professional integration. “kneecap,” when they talk among themselves 10,000 euros (10,600 dollars) if students study dermatology, pulmonary medicine and The doctors began the course in April, with and in offi cial letters, it’s the “patella.” want to take all the modules, and it lasts for orthopaedics again. almost 2,000 teaching units to get through. What makes it more diffi cult is that in the eleven months – eight hours a day, fi ve days And once they have their licence to practise Now they’re almost fi nished and some time Middle East, Arabic is used for specialist a week. general medicine they have to study their this year they’ll take the examination at the terms rather than Latin, as is common in The fees are paid for by the job centre or specialism again. “We’re wasting resources nearest test centre in the town of Marburg. Europe. the local employment agency but demand there,” says Berami’s Vergun. “Contusion, pressure pain, function test,” “I’m afraid of the exam,” says Ammar is bigger than capacity. Berami needs more “Many have humiliating experiences in Bernd Lohmann writes on the blackboard. Haeidar. The 33-year-old already has a lecturers and rooms, and recently introduced clinics,” adds Lohmann, who previously He’s leading today’s course, “Verifi cation certifi cate allowing him to work under selection interviews. worked as a head of department. “They’re case, knee injury.” supervision and for a limited time in a “We certainly need more doctors for treated as trainees. Nobody gets anything out Before he retired, Lohmann was a surgeon, Frankfurt hospital. patient care,” according to the state medical of that.” but the 69-year-old has been working as a Haeidar comes from Syria but studied association of Hesse, of which Frankfurt is Ghali knows the feeling. She loves to help lecturer for two days a week since September. medicine in Iran and worked as an emergency part. But the most important consideration is out more when she sees how overworked her He says the doctors have a “very good” doctor there. The pressure he’s under is patients’ well-being. “So we can’t accept any colleagues are, but she’s not yet allowed to. chance of success in Germany. “There’s a written on his face, and what he fi nds more reduction in quality,” it adds. “The doctors suff er because they’ve got so huge lack of doctors.” stressful than the job, the course and the Last year around 300 people applied for a much to do and we suff er because we have to In terms of qualifi cations he can’t exam is Germany’s infamous bureaucracy. licence to practise medicine (Approbation), sit at home.” – DPA