Friday, February 21, 2020 Jumada II 27, 1441 AH

Doha today 160 - 250

COVER Friends, again STORY Friends is the gift that keeps on giving to WarnerMedia. P2-3

CUISINE SHOWBIZ

Demand for nutritious energy Divyanka bags best bars increasing globally. TV actress award. Page 6 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Friends of influence PRAYER TIME Fajr am Shorooq (sunrise) am Zuhr (noon) am Asr (afternoon) pm Maghreb (sunset) pm Isha (night) pm and affluence USEFUL NUMBERS Whether Friends can replicate its status as a streaming phenomenon on Netflix, where young fans became

Emergency 999 obsessed with it, remains to be seen. But the show’s track Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 record for regenerating its success is one for the TV International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 history books, writes Stephen Battaglio 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

ote Unquo Qu te “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” — Friedrich Nietzsche

There is a lot going on in the world and Friends Community Editor provides escapism Kamran Rehmat e-mail: [email protected] — Lisa Gregorian, president Telephone: 44466405 Fax: 44350474 and chief marketing officer ‘ for Warner Bros Television ’ Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

organ Kolkmeyer, on Friends. The rate for all shows a meteorologist measured in the period, including for Chicago TV other popular sitcoms, was one per station WGN, has 56,000 views. fond childhood AT&T has shown its appreciation memoriesM of curling up next to for Friends as well. It put Central her parents on a couch as they all Perk pop-ups in its AT&T mobile watched episodes of Friends. phone stores in several major cities Two decades later, Kolkmeyer, including Seattle, which already 28, found herself perched on a had a coff ee shop inside. Customers replica of the signature orange were asked to put their phones in sofa from Central Perk, the pouches to fully experience the coffee house hangout of the six programme’s pre-social media 20-something characters on the ethos. series, as she introduced four of Seeing a world where people talk her favourite Friends episodes to to each other instead of looking WGN viewers on a Saturday night down at their phones every few in November. minutes is part of the current “I don’t watch a lot of TV shows, appeal of Friends. Kolkmeyer said and I don’t know a lot of actors and even her fellow millennials can actresses,” Kolkmeyer said. “But I feel nostalgic for that brief period know every line of Friends.” early in their lives when landline Kolkmeyer is among the show’s phones predominated and digital legion of multigenerational fans technology played a less invasive of the Warner Bros. Television role in everyday life. sitcom, and her hosting stint “Friends brings you back to a was part of a massive marketing time when you had to show up at campaign tied into the program’s someone’s house to know what they 25th anniversary. The push were doing,” she said. “You kind precedes the arrival of the beloved of wish it was the way people still series on WarnerMedia’s new interacted.” streaming service HBO Max, GOING STRONG: Friends creators David Crane and Marta Kauff man say have watched in awe as the series they created Friends creators Marta Kauff man which has the faces of the Friends 25 years ago still resonates with viewers. and David Crane say have watched cast members as the opening in awe as the series they created image in its first promotional really don’t want to go to sleep like 357,000 viewers overall, have seen revenue from Friends, up from $258 25 years ago still resonates with spot. that. So they are looking for a palate a 7% increase among women aged million the previous year. viewers. They have heard athletes Whether Friends can replicate its changer. It relaxes them.” 12 to 34. And viewers are paying attention from outside the US say they status as a streaming phenomenon Gregorian’s full court press TBS is airing all 236 episodes of to the ads, according to data. A learned English from watching the on Netfl ix, where young fans for the anniversary included the series in order, off ering 12 each study by TVSquared, an Edinburgh show. They have listened to fans became obsessed with it, remains to Kolkmeyer’s couch at WGN, one day through March 6. (Viewers who and New York-based advertising recount how the characters helped be seen. But the show’s track record of 250 that were custom made and prefer to have Friends curated for measurement fi rm that tracks the them get through diffi cult times in for regenerating its success is one provided to TV stations around the them on traditional outlets such as performance of commercials for their lives. for the TV history books. After country. WPIX, which airs the show TBS, Nick at Nite and their local TV direct-to-consumer marketers “I think people want to spend 10 seasons as a major hit for NBC in New York, used the Central Perk stations will still be able to watch such as Wayfair and Casper, time with them,” Kauff man said. from 1994 to 2004, the programme set on a Friends-themed edition of them after the series goes to HBO showed that viewers are more likely “They’d like to be in that coff ee has earned roughly $5 billion from its morning programme. Overseas Max.) to respond to messages on Friends house drinking coff ee. They’d like showing repeats on stations and networks that carry the show As new mass appeal hits become than other programmes. to be sitting in Monica’s living networks in the US and worldwide. received backdrops of the fountain scarce on traditional TV, the During January through August room and talking to these people. It commanded $100 million in seen in the opening credits along recognisable comfort food provided 2019, TVSquared found that direct- And I think people can really 2018 for its fi nal year on Netfl ix, with grass rugs. by Friends is valued by advertisers. to-consumer advertisers received identify with that time of your refl ecting the ability of classic Warner Bros booked a block of In 2019, Nick at Nite and TBS one customer inquiry for every life, with looking for love, and hit TV shows to capture younger episodes on 1,600 movie screens generated $265 million in ad 4,600 views of their commercials looking for work, and how do you audiences. through Fathom Events, the balance all your friends. I think it’s In 2019, WarnerMedia paid $425 speciality screening company. In identifi able.” million to make it part of its new September, the presentation called Friends has even survived service HBO Max for the next fi ve Friends 25th: The One with The current-day critics who disapprove years. HBO Max, which launches Anniversary took in $2.9 million in of the show’s gay jokes, lack of in May, is also reportedly ready to box offi ce receipts. “I don’t watch racial diversity and fat gags that pay up to $2.5 million to each of the Central Perk pop-ups around the would have trouble meeting current Friends stars — Jennifer Aniston, country and sold 38,000 tickets a lot of TV social standards. David Schwimmer, Courteney in three hours. There was also one shows, and I They’re not wrong,” Crane said. Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow held at the Tribeca Film Festival “Our perspective has changed. The and Matt LeBlanc — to appear in a in New York. Merchandise tie-ins don’t know a only thing I can say is certainly reunion special where they would included a Lego set version of nothing was ever done maliciously. reminisce about their time on the Central Perk that sold out six days lot of actors The last thing we’d want is the show. They would not even have to after its release. A special Friends and actresses. show ever to make anyone feel bad. learn any lines. DVD off er on Amazon was gone in I think we’ve learned a lot, as the Even as streaming thrust a half day, generating $1.1 million But I know world has. And if we’d had a more Friends back into the nation’s in sales. contemporary perspective then, cultural conversation, the series Warner Bros estimates that in the every line of would we have done some things remains a durable performer on four months after the promotional diff erently? Absolutely.” traditional TV, where it continues campaign was launched in August, Friends” But the Friends universe of 1990s to draw viewers who are willing Friends was viewed 1.5 billion Manhattan will never be altered. to sit through commercials. The times across cable networks and While Kauff man and Crane said anniversary has reminded fans streaming services — 17% higher — Morgan they are game for participating in that while they wait for its new over the same period the year a reunion special, they will “never streaming home there are plenty of before. Kolkmeyer, ever” agree to do an actual reboot ways to access the show, including The two cable networks that of the series using the same actors, daily airings on cable networks and carry multiple Friends episodes meteorologist characters or even the children of over-the-air local stations that a day saw a ratings lift in their their characters. show them after their late local annual Thanksgiving episode “We have pushed hard to make news. marathons and during the last six sure it never happens, because we “There is a lot going on in weeks since the series left Netfl ix, feel as though the show is done,” the world and Friends provides according to Nielsen data. On Crane said. “The six actors could escapism,” said Lisa Gregorian, WarnerMedia’s TBS, Friends had certainly do it, but it’s a diff erent president and chief marketing an average audience of 434,000, show. And I don’t think it would be offi cer for Warner Bros Television. up 19% compared to the fourth as good as the show as we did. And “When people watch the news, they quarter of 2019. Viacom’s Nick so then why do it?” are not feeling so great and they at Nite episodes, which averaged — Los Angeles Times/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY BODY & MIND Shuteye and sleep hygiene You eschew caff eine after lunch, but you’re still staring at the ceiling in the small hours. Here’s why, writes Elle Hunt

ou land in your body healthy fats (and limiting processed with a start, or else foods, red meats and alcohol) it slowly comes into has been shown to improve sleep groggy focus: either apnoea. way it’s night-time, but As for exercise, although being Yyou are now awake. Why? Alice active during the day aids sleep, Gregory, a psychology professor at anything strenuous is to be Goldsmiths, University of London avoided before bedtime. A lot of and the author of Nodding Off , says advice for preventing night-time it’s quite normal to wake up during “awakenings” falls under the the night. umbrella of what has come to be After dropping off , we move known as “good sleep hygiene”: through diff erent stages of sleep, a restrict the bedroom to sleep and cycle that takes the average adult sex, ban screens emitting blue light, about 90 minutes to complete and keep to regular bedtimes and so on. speeds up towards morning. Our bedrooms – even our “The night is also punctuated by beds – have come to double as brief awakenings,” says Gregory. home cinemas, offi ces, “a dining “Typically, people return to sleep room, maybe,” says the sleep without realising that they had ever consultant Maryanne Taylor. been awake.” But sometimes we “You would be amazed at how might at least be more aware of it, signifi cant that is for sleep. You’re or pulled entirely awake. Reasons training to associate your bed with range from the fairly obvious wakefulness.” For that reason, (being too hot or cold, needing the if you do struggle to fall back loo, having a nightmare, a crying asleep on waking up during the baby) to the medical (disordered night, the advice is to get up for breathing such as sleep apnoea, a bit. “Don’t just lie there – it’s or nocturia: excessive night-time counterproductive.” urination). So, too, is looking at the clock, Waking up during the night does LACK OF SLEEP: If you find yourself waking regularly during the night, flag it with your GP so they can consider any especially if it doubles as your not necessarily mean you have possible underlying causes. phone. “As soon as your brain insomnia, which, says Gregory, has registered that it’s 2am, you is diagnosed alongside other at caff eine, but people tend to them fall asleep – Fischer says cabbage). convince yourself that that’s your criteria such as the frequency of underestimate how long its eff ects one in 10 use it as a sleep aid – it A “pro-sleep” bedtime snack lot,” says Taylor. Such worry loops this occurrence and how long it can last – Fischer says to stop has a disruptive eff ect beyond is a small amount of complex might be waking you up in the fi rst has been happening. “If you fi nd consuming it by 2pm or 3pm. the initial crash, causing spikes carbohydrates and protein, such place. yourself waking regularly during Water intake during the day is also in blood sugar and cortisol levels. as wholegrain cereal with milk, For many of us, bedtime might the night, certainly fl ag this with a factor: “Even going to bed mildly Diet can function in the same way, or toast with peanut butter, says be our first opportunity of the day your GP so they can consider any dehydrated can disrupt our sleep.” with “anti-sleep foods” that are Fischer. An “anti-infl ammatory” to be alone with our thoughts, she possible underlying causes.” Similarly, although people high in sugar or cause fl atulence diet favouring fruits, vegetables, says. “It’s connected to waking in Still, sleep deprivation takes commonly turn to alcohol to help or heartburn (such as broccoli and lean protein, nuts, seeds and the night because, if we haven’t its own toll, from irritability and had any processing time during reduced focus in the short term, the day, it’s the first time we stop to an increased risk of obesity, and just be.” Managing stress and heart disease and diabetes. If you anxiety during waking hours and do fi nd yourself regularly waking learning how to relax body and up without any apparent reason – mind are key to a good night’s what can you do about it? sleep – but ironically, fixating “It’s a misconception that we on getting your full eight hours sleep the night through – nobody can make it harder to achieve. ever does,” says the sleep coach “You get this awful self-fulfilling Katie Fischer. Waking as much as prophecy that’s quite hard to fi ve or seven times a night is not break,” says Fischer. necessarily a cause for concern – A mindset change may be the most important thing is how what’s needed. “People might you feel when you get up. “In the have this belief that they are morning, do you feel refreshed, or a ‘bad sleeper’ and there is groggy and unable to function, 30 nothing that they can do about minutes after waking?” it. Sometimes it’s about changing If there is nothing to suggest an people’s perceptions of what underlying medical issue, Fischer good sleep looks like.” Taylor says will look at the bigger picture with she “really cannot bear” fitness a patient. “It’s really important to trackers, which monitor sleep, know if they have children. Do they for focusing people’s minds on have a partner who snores, or works often inaccurate data. It is wrong shifts?” she says. “They might not to assume that you must sleep have their own sleep issues but they through the night, every night, might be sleeping next to someone she says. “We all have blips in our who does.” sleep – it’s never going to be that Lifestyle changes can make a big you sleep brilliantly all the time.” diff erence, even for people suff ering But accepting that – even as you from sleep apnoea (although that lie awake, hours before dawn – should be treated by a specialist). might be the fi rst step towards it. It is hackneyed to point the fi nger DIET PLAN: A diet that contains plenty of fruit has been shown to improve sleep apnoea. – The Guardian Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY

Drink tart cherry juice to improve Vaccine misinformation is exercise performance more likely on social media

Tart cherry juice is known for reducing Researchers have found that people strength loss and improving muscle recovery who rely on social media for information after intensive exercise, and now researchers were more likely to be misinformed have found that it also helps in improving about vaccines than those who rely on exercise performance. traditional media. The meta-analysis, published in the The study, based on nationally Journal of the American College of Nutrition, representative surveys of nearly 2,500 revealed that tart cherries improved US adults, found that up to 20 per cent endurance exercise performance among of respondents were at least somewhat study participants. misinformed about vaccines. “The recovery benefi ts of tart cherry Such a high level of misinformation concentrate are well researched, yet evidence is “worrying” because misinformation on performance enhancement is scarce and undermines vaccination rates, and high results have been mixed,” said study co- vaccination rates are required to maintain author Philip Chilibeck from University of Nine of the 10 studies involved longer- community immunity, the researchers somewhat accurate to state that vaccines Saskatchewan in Canada. term tart cherry consumption (around two to said. are full of toxins. “The results of this meta-analysis seven days prior to exercise) and one involved “People who received their The researchers also found that an found that tart cherries did help improve same-day supplementation. information from traditional media individual’s level of trust in medical performance, and we gained greater insight Tart cherry dosages varied across studies were less likely to endorse anti-common experts aff ects the likelihood that a into the potential mechanism responsible for and included 200 to 500mg/day in capsule or vaccination claims,” said study lead person’s beliefs about vaccination will this benefi t,” Chilibeck added. powder form, 60 to 90ml/day of tart cherry author Dominik Stecula from University change. This new meta-analysis examined 10 juice concentrate diluted with 100 to 510ml of Pennsylvania in the US. Low levels of trust in medical previously published studies on tart cherries water and 300 to 473ml/day of tart cherry The fi ndings, published in the Harvard experts coincide with believing vaccine and exercise recovery. The sample sizes juice. Kennedy School Misinformation Review, misinformation, the researchers said. ranged from 8-27, and the average ages of The total amount of anthocyanins was conducted in the spring and fall of The fi ndings come as a number of study participants ranged from 18.6 to 34.6 consumed daily ranged from 66 to 2,760mg. 2019, when the US experienced its largest states have been debating whether years. Pooled results across these 10 studies measles outbreak in a quarter century. to tighten their laws surrounding Most of the participants were endurance- indicated a signifi cant improvement in Between the two survey periods, 19 per vaccination exemptions and social media trained individuals, including cyclists, endurance performance with tart cherry cent of the respondents’ levels of vaccine companies have been wrestling with runners and triathletes. The 10 studies concentrate, with two of the 10 studies misinformation changed in a substantive how to respond to diff erent forms of totalled 127 males and 20 females. reporting signifi cant performance- way – and within that group, almost misinformation. To qualify, studies were required to be enhancing eff ects on their own. two-thirds (64 per cent) were more The result is consistent with research randomised controlled trials conducted The meta-analysis concluded that tart misinformed in the fall than in the spring. suggesting that social media contain a in a healthy adult population and use a cherry concentrate in juice or powdered form The researchers found that 18 per fair amount of misinformation about placebo as a comparison for tart cherry signifi cantly improved endurance exercise cent of respondents mistakenly said vaccination while traditional media supplementation (including tart cherry juice, performance when consumed for seven days that it is very or somewhat accurate to are more likely to refl ect the scientifi c tart cherry concentrate, tart cherry powder to 1.5 hours before cycling, swimming or state that vaccines cause autism; 15 per consensus on its benefi ts and safety, and tart cherry powder capsules). running. – IANS cent mistakenly agreed that it is very or according to the researchers. – IANS Mortality risk higher in IVF babies before one year of age

esearchers have found pregnancies come with an reproductive technique was used, that the children increased risk of low birth weight, and how many days had passed conceived through prematurity and birth defects. since birth. The risk gradually assisted reproductive These risks have partly been declined after the fi rst weeks of life. techniques including linked to the increased probability During the first week of life, RIVF (in vitro fertilisation) had a of twin-births after IVF-treatment. the children conceived after 45 per cent higher risk of death In the current study, the transfer of a frozen embryo had a before 1 year of age than children researchers selected only singleton more than two-fold higher risk of conceived naturally. children and compared mortality death than the children conceived The fi ndings, published in the in children conceived through naturally. journal Fertility and Sterility, link diff erent types of assisted This was, however, based on the increased risk to a higher degree reproductive techniques with only a small sample of children of premature births in IVF children children who were conceived conceived with frozen embryos. and emphasise that the risk of naturally. After one week, the risk dropped infant mortality is still very small They analysed data on 2.8 million to about the same level as the for both groups. children born in Sweden over a naturally conceived children. “Our results indicate that the period of 30 years. Some 43,500 Infants conceived from transfer kind of assisted reproductive of these were the result of assisted of a fresh embryo or with the help technique used may make a reproduction. of an intracytoplasmic sperm diff erence, and therefore it is In total, 7 236 children died injection (ICSI) – where a single important to further investigate before 1 year of age, of whom only sperm is injected into the egg – did what causes or underlying 114 were conceived with assisted not have a higher risk of death mechanisms are behind the risks,” reproductive techniques. than naturally conceived children, said study lead author Anastasia After adjusting for confounding irrespective of how many days had Nyman Iliadou from Karolinska factors such as the mother’s age and passed since birth. Institutet in Sweden. earlier infertility, the researchers According to the researchers, RISK: The study findings link the increased risk to a higher degree of “They also show the need for found that the children conceived one explanation may be that more premature births in IVF children. extra attention and care of children through IVF had a 45 percent higher IVF-children are born prematurely conceived with IVF, especially risk of death before 1 year of age than those conceived naturally, mortality among children lung development, infections and during the fi rst week of life,” Iliadou than children conceived naturally. which in itself could have negative conceived with assisted neonatal haemorrhage, which added. The level of risk varied depending consequences. reproductive techniques included are conditions often linked to Prior studies show that IVF- on which type of assisted The leading causes of infant respiratory distress, incomplete prematurity. – IANS 6 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY CUISINE

Combine the dates, cashews and coconut fl akes, peanut butter and cocoa powder in a bowl and form a ball. Turn the mixture out into an 8 or 9 inch square dish with parchment paper. Use your hands to fi rmly press the mixture into bottom of the dish and fl atten the top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove the bars from the pan and cut into pieces using a sharp knife. Enjoy these bars cold or frozen. Store in an air tight container, serve as required. Baked dates and oats energy bar

Ingredients Serves 4 Mejdool dates, pitted 2 cups Butter 1/3 cup Honey 4 tbsp. Rolled oats 3 cups Cranberries ½ cups Sunfl ower seeds 2 tbsp. Pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp. NATURAL: An energy bar is a healthy form of snack bar, composed of nutritional ingredients to boost energy and endurance. Salt a pinch

Method: Soak the mejdool dates for 10 minutes and chop them in food Demand for nutritious energy processor till they are fi nely chopped and form a ball. Pre heat the oven at 180 degree Celsius. In a heavy bottom pan melt bars increasing globally butter and add honey and stir until combined. Add in oats and stir for 2 minutes, very year during winter Usually, it is high in carbohydrates Dates are healthy, nutritious, and dehydrated fruit. This makes them add dates, cranberries, pumpkin my mother makes and sugar content, contributing easily available and are my favourite easy to take out and eat on the go. seeds and sunfl ower seeds and mix homemade energy bars to its high energy value. It is the natural snack item. I expanded my They are higher in calories than well to combine. for our family. Last year, major trait that distinguishes it dates’ knowledge multiple folds other fruit which is great for picky Once mixed, place in a pan and when she visited us she from other protein and snack bars. while I was in Qatar. Dates contain eaters, as they can pack a lot of press down fi rmly until fl attened madeE a many varieties of energy I will refer to all the type of bars like way more potassium per gram as energy into a small amount of food. uniformly, using an oiled rolling bars. My kids thoroughly enjoyed energy bars, protein bars and snack compared to banana. They are a That’s what makes these bars even pin. every bit of it. This year my wife bars as energy bars as they provide perfect snack to be carried in your better snack. Bake for 15- 20 minutes and allow took charge and made a no-bake some sort of energy and serve a car or stored in offi ce drawer or to cool down at room temperature. energy bar, using the locally similar purpose in an almost similar kitchen shelf and is such a healthier Dates and cashew Cut into desired shape and available ingredients along with package. option as compared to commonly energy bar – No-Bake store in airtight container, serve as dates and fi gs. She serves it to our The various marketing channels available packaged snacks. I am required. son before he leaves for school to of energy bars are convenient sure these no-bake energy bars Ingredients keep him healthy and provide him stores, supermarket/ hypermarket will be your favourite and you can Serves 4 Note: Dates are naturally sweet with the required nutrients, as he shelves, vending machines delight your friends and family with Dates, pitted 2 cups and provide the perfect natural is a picky eater. The fi rst batch she and online sales. United States them. These bars taste a lot like Cashews ¾ cup alternative to added sugars in any made disappeared very quickly dominates the sale of energy bar a peanut butter cup and my kids Peanut butter ¼ cup date recipe. So you can skip the then she made a larger batch next products globally, due to increased love them. You can’t beat how easy, Coconut fl akes ½ cup sugar. You can change the added time. Energy bars have been around consumer preference for energy healthy and simple they are, they Cocoa powder 2 tbsps. ingredients with similar food in India much before the medieval based products, busy life styles also store great. These are a perfect Salt a pinch items to make your own version of age in the form of ladoos and and growing interest in health and lunch box treat. For me they are a energy bar. The above recipes will burfi . Besan ladoo and burfi is my wellness. The growth chart is on an perfect late night carving busters Method: familiarise you with no-bake and personal favourite. upward swing even in the rest of the while I do my media write-ups. Toss the dates into a food baked energy bar. An energy bar is a healthy form of world and the demand is increasing Benefi ts of dates – Dates are one processor and chop until dates are snack bars, composed of nutritional steadily. of the super foods easily available smooth and clump into a ball. ingredients to boost energy and I will be discussing about two around us. They are packed with Toast cashews and coconut fl akes z Chef Tarun Kapoor, endurance and is conveniently versions of energy bar – a no-bake fi bre. They are portable and at 140 degree Fahrenheit for 8-10 Culinary Mastermind, packaged to be carried around and energy bar and baked energy bar delicious. Dates are also low in minutes or until lightly toasted and USA. He may be contacted at easily stored at room temperature. using dates as the core ingredient. moisture and are like a semi- keep aside. [email protected] Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

NRMA celebrates Maghe Sankranti festival

Non-Resident Madhesi Association the Maghe Sankranti festival, where Goit. The guests who spoke on Hridaya Yadav, Birendra Kumar Shah, and painting. The speakers of the (NRMA), a community organisation the organisers served delicacies the occasion were namely; Shiba Binod Kumar Mahato, Indra Jeet programme talked against dowry that aims to bring together Madhesis, and sweets made of sesame seeds. Kumar Paal, Jitendra Kumar Mahato, Mandal, Ram Julum Shah, Saraf Raj practice, a legally banned yet rampant southern people of Nepal, organised The Maghe Sankranti festival is a Bijaya Kumar Yadav, Sanjay Kumar Hussein, Bina Rai, Surendra Narayan practice of giving money and property a cultural programme recently at al harbinger of longer and relatively Shah, Saroj Prasad Shah, Jitendra Yadav and Sambhu Nath Shah. to the groom’s family during marriage. Dana Club Um Salal Garden. More warmer days in comparison to the Kumar Yadav, Jagat Lal Mandal, Ram The programme also hosted poetry NRMA also felicitated its life-time than 1,500 Madhesis participated in cold month of Poush. Nandan Gupta, Hari Narayan Mandal, recitals, live painting, singing and fun members, advisers and sponsors with the programme. The programme was emceed by Saroj Kumar Shah, Ram Narayan games. The programme also asked certificates. The cultural programme also marked Deevakar Kumar Jha and Birendra Mandal, Raj Kumar Mandal, Ram children to participate in dance, writing – By Usha Wagle Gautam

Shastrayaan 2020 ends with annual science gala at BPS

Shastrayaan 2020, an initiative by Science India Forum (SIF) – Qatar, culminated with the annual science gala and award ceremony held at Birla Public School (BPS) auditorium recently. An Inter-school science skit and speech competition was held, in which the students of DPS Modern Indian School bagged the 2nd position with their speech presentation based on the topic of ‘Contribution of India in Science & Technology – Past to Future’. Hemant Dwivedi, First Secretary (Education & Culture), Embassy of India, was the chief guest for the occasion. Dr Arvind Ranade, Scientist from Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, was the keynote speaker. They commended the young achievers for their dedication, perseverance and persistence, and encouraged them to use their success to benefit, inspire and influence other students. An interactive workshop for teachers was also held at ICC Ashoka Hall, where Dr Ranade along with off icials of SIF and teachers from diff erent Indian schools in Doha were present. Teachers of DPS Modern Indian School namely; Yousuf and Noushaja Keloth presented their to science. Priti Modi, the general science The presentation by the teachers was highly Niya Jacob, Sharmila Anantharaman, Qezra models based on diff erent topics related co-ordinator, also attended the workshop. appreciated by all attendees.

‘Leadership Lab for School Principals’ held at BPS

IIM Vishakpatnam and CBSE institution were some of the topics recently conducted ‘Leadership expounded by experts. Lab for School Principals’. Rajesh The role of school leader as Pillai, Vice Principal, Co-Scholastics, mentors and coaches, branding attended the workshop on behalf of in the digital era, experiential the leadership team of Birla Public learning for school, influencing School (BPS) Doha. styles, data driven decision making The psychology of leadership, the for school, customer centric language of leadership, its purpose, leadership, strategising for world strategy and structure, the power class institution and ethics and of emotions in understanding organisation were highly debatable the characteristics of emotionally content explained in easy terms intelligent leaders, managing change and reaffirmed in the minds of all within organisations, building a participants. culture of well- being among all The training established an work force members and financial ambience of positive growth and management for academic entrepreneurship. 8 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGR Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 RAPHIC COMMUNITY 10 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY VCUarts Qatar Dean’s List luncheon celebrates high achieving students

irginia Commonwealth University Painting and Printmaking programme. School of the Arts in Qatar Amir Berbi, the Dean of VCUarts Qatar, (VCUarts Qatar) in Education welcomed the students and their families, City, a Qatar Foundation partner saying: “You are the best and the brightest university, held a special event among our talented and dedicated students. Vto honour the students whose hard work and It is no small honour to be on the Dean’s List excellent academic skills earned them a place – as Dean’s List students you are setting the on the Dean’s List. The families of the students standard for all other students. were also in attendance for the special occasion “As members of the Dean’s List, your names as the students were awarded certifi cates have become part of the history of VCUarts honouring their outstanding academic Qatar. You have set yourselves up to be leaders achievements. at VCUarts Qatar and eventually leaders in in The Dean’s List is a recognition of superior the community. Continue to lead in this way. academic performance and only students with We are looking forward to see what you do next a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher qualify. – both as students here at VCUarts Qatar – and Of the 105 outstanding Dean’s list students, 24 eventually as alumni. are from the Art Foundation programme, 18 are “I also want to congratulate the parents from the Art History programme, six are from and families of our Dean’s List students. Your the Fashion Design programme, 29 are from encouragement and support, from their early the Graphic Design programme, 13 are from the years to today, have played an important role in Interior Design programme, and 15 are from the their academic success.”

Indian film director Chandrashekhar visits Qatar for movie premiere

Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar is an Indian America America and Hoomale won director, actor, screenwriter and a lyricist National Film Award for Best Feature Film who predominantly works in Kannada in Kannada respectively. Cinema. Chandrashekhar is arriving at Doha for He made his film debut as a screenplay participating in the screening of his latest writer in Kadina Benki which won the Kannada movie India versus England. He National Film Award for Best Feature Film will be a part of an informal gathering – and the Karnataka State Award. meet and greet to discuss and share his His directorial debut was Undu Hoda viewpoints of his movie making and obtain Kondu Hoda for which he won the feedback from the audience. Karnataka State Film Award for Best Story. The meet-up will take place in Grand Three of his films, Kotreshi Kanasu, Qatar Palace Hotel at 10am today. Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Colour by choice

Maze Connect the dots Picture crossword 12 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOON Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Wordwatch

gangrel experiencing intense stress, such as reputation for being sharp-tongued, (GANG-ruhl) in a war zone. domineering, and aggressive. MEANING: USAGE: noun: USAGE: “Blair Davis became the most 1. A vagrant or drifter. “Perhaps Canada’s politicians felt entertaining Wheel of Fortune 2. A tall, thin, long-limbed person. a bit shell-shocked after living contestant ever last night. When USAGE: dangerously during these stressful he was introduced by Pat Sajak, “She is an enthusiastic reader and Trumpian moments, but that is no Davis said: ‘I’ve been trapped in a collector of books, provides shelter excuse.” loveless marriage for the last 12 to the gangrels in her tower.” years to an old battle-axe named hatchet job Kim. She cursed my life with three vulgarian (HATCH-it job) stepchildren: Star, RJ, and Ryan, and (vuhl-GAY-ree-uhn) MEANING: I have one rotten grandson.’” MEANING: noun: Malicious criticism meant to noun: A boor, lewd, and crude harm someone’s reputation. smoking gun person who makes a conspicuous (SMOH-king gun) display of wealth. USAGE: MEANING: USAGE: “It’s a hatchet job, they’re out to noun: Something that serves as “Maxie, how can a clean-cut child blacken her name.” incriminating evidence, especially of such as yourself bear to be around a crime. such a vulgarian?” battle-axe or battle-ax USAGE: (BAT-l aks) “John Sauven, an executive director shell-shocked MEANING: at Greenpeace UK, said: ‘The link (SHEL-shockd) noun: between climate change and MEANING: 1. A broadax used as a weapon of extreme weather used to be a adjective: Stunned, confused, war. fingerprint, it now looks more like a and exhausted as a result of 2. A typically older woman with a smoking gun.’” Sudoku Solutions

Across Down 1 Wholly new great hotel (10) 1 Girl having exercises to modify (5) 7 I am a corn producer producing 2 Drink became more expensive? pasta (8) That’s a bloomer! (3,4) 8 A piece from your favourite 3 Proceed to put sticky stuff on magazine? (4) pole (2,2) 9 Norse god with some authority 4 Getting bail, turn round in court (4) (8) 10 Madman involved in a cult (7) 5 Heather makes a rice pudding (5) 12 A pretty cold sort of prehistoric 6 Pleasant tumble in gale (6) reptile (11) 11 Breakfast dish served in prison 14 Packers seen on the moon? (7) (8) 16 A sharp rebuke about cakes (4) 12 Forgive average fellow (6) Sudoku is a puzzle based 19 Either way it’s midday (4) 13 Is one surrounded by fish in this on a 9x9 grid. The 20 People who work backstage country? (7) grid is also divided into making furniture? (8) 15 Singer producing sick note nine (3x3) boxes. You 21 A fight no-one will pay to see? before start of recital (5) are given a selection of (4-3-3) 17 A gemstone for a girl (5) values and to complete 18 A Roman emperor, in a manner the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that of speaking (4) every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none is repeated.

Solutions

For movie timings and further details please scan the QR code above with your mobile phone camera or visit qatarcinemas.com 14 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Using daily moisturisers cannot prevent eczema in babies: Study

esearchers have found that using determine whether such advice had any daily moisturisers on newborn impact on preventing the development of babies cannot prevent eczema as eczema. previously thought. For the fi ndings, published in the journal Eczema is a very common skin The Lancet, the research team looked at 1394 Rproblem aff ecting around one in vefi children newborn babies who were born to families in the UK. It usually starts in infancy, and with eczema, asthma or hayfever. a generally dry skin is often one of the fi rst The babies were randomly split into two symptoms in babies who go on to develop the groups. One group was advised to apply condition. moisturiser all over their babies every day “Much progress has been made in recent until their fi rst birthday. years on the treatment of severe eczema, The other group was asked not to use but the goal of preventing eczema from moisturiser. Both the groups were given developing in the fi rst place remains elusive,” general skin care guidance. said study lead author Hywel Williams from The study found no evidence that the daily University of Nottingham in the UK. use of moisturiser during the fi rst year of life According to the researchers, it is thought could prevent eczema in the studied children. that a faulty skin barrier could be the There was however, a small increase in the fi rst step in the development of eczema. risk of skin infections. Moisturisers improve skin barrier function by The results also showed early indications providing a covering to the outermost layer of that daily use of these creams may increase skin and trapping in water. the risk of food allergy. Some healthcare workers recommend that “Whilst this is disappointing for suff erers parents regularly use moisturisers to prevent who thought that was an option for their eczema in newborn babies. children, we can now recommend that this options there may be,” Williams said. the use of moisturisers for people who have The aim of the Barrier Enhancement for advice is not given to parents and begin “It is important not to confuse our study eczema, where the evidence of benefi t is Eczema Prevention (BEEP) study was to looking at what other possible preventative on moisturisers for eczema prevention with much greater,” Williams added. – IANS

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

A family member could be feeling a little down, Aries, and you may be Too much exposure to books, newspapers, and computers today By nature you’re a master psychologist, Gemini and you don’t need tempted to give him or her a pep talk to get them going again. Don’t. could produce eyestrain headaches, Taurus, so try to exercise a little to know someone well to accurately assess his or her thoughts and They won’t respond to it, and this could create tension in the home. Your caution when working with small print or computer text. Thoughts motives. Today this ability goes far beyond psychology and borders own self-confidence is probably at an all-time low. You tend to be your of love could interfere with your ability to do your work eff ectively. on the psychic. People’s feelings may jump out at you. Reading own worst critic in the best of times, but today you’re a bit confused. Try We all have days like this, so don’t fight it. Just make sure you’re newspaper headlines gives you uncanny ideas about the future. You to be fair to everyone around you, especially yourself. feeling great when the evening rolls around! could also experience some intense and vivid dreams. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

An emotional issue with a family member could have you wanting to Emotional issues rooted in the past could leave you feeling inhibited Friction or other trouble on the job could cause you to want to quit, run away and hide, Cancer. Don’t fight the urge. This may be just what today, Leo. You might also be a bit more touchy than usual and see Virgo, but worries about money might keep you from doing it. You you need in order to clear your mind regarding the problem and heal insult where none is intended. Curb the impulse to take off ense. Try definitely need to reassess your situation. Perhaps a change of position your wounded psyche before you face this person again. You might also to confront and release the old issues or at least promise yourself is just what you need now. You may have untapped talents that could receive some rather disconcerting revelations about yourself and old you’ll deal with them later. Then be very sweet to your entourage. make you more marketable, and you might also want to train those traumas that you’ve long since forgotten. Don’t fight these either. You should be feeling more positive by day’s end. talents. Think about this! If you really think you want a change, go for it. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Your self-confidence could well be in the pits today, Libra. Mistakes from Generally, you tend to be a very physically oriented person, Scorpio, Financial considerations could delay the start of a new project the past could come back to haunt you, and you may be momentarily but today you’re more likely to want to look within, perhaps to that you’ve wanted to begin for a long time, Sagittarius. Perhaps overcome by the fear that you’ll make similar errors again. Force experiment with your own psychic abilities or study spiritual you don’t quite have the funds you need, or maybe the cost is a yourself to be objective before you drive yourself crazy. It could cause concepts. You also might find yourself more interested than usual in bit higher than you expected. Don’t sink into despair. This is only you some unnecessary problems. Try to realize that you’re unique and the arts, particularly that which comes from other cultures. You’ll be another temporary delay. Use your innate ingenuity to work around that you have skills and talents that set you apart from everyone. far more contemplative today than usual. it and the project should be right on schedule. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

The day may be temporarily plagued by scandal of some sort, You’re intuitive by nature, Aquarius, but today you’re likely to have a Social interactions are very much on your mind today, Pisces. You’re Capricorn. Some of your entouragemay gather in conspiratorial gossip. rush of psychic premonitions. Insights into your own character could feeling especially energetic, and your emotions are rich and deep. At Your curiosity will definitely be aroused, but don’t be tempted to join bring old traumas to the surface so you can release them. Your dreams times like this you’re likely to want to concentrate on your own self, them. There is more to the situation than meets the eye, and you’ll want could be especially vivid and rather disconcerting, although not in a yet it’s important to be sensitive to your friends as well. to know all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Concentrate on negative way. Write them down. Your aesthetic sense is also very high. your own interests and worry about the scandal later! Friday, February 21, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Taapsee glad her name ‘wasn’t Divyanka bags best dragged into awards’ Actress , who recently won the Filmfare Critics’ Choice Award TV actress award for Best Actor (Female), has reacted on the controversy that the awards ceremony has generated this year, over Zoya Akhtar’s Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Gully Boy sweeping most of the awards. who had played the lead role Taapsee says she is happy that her name in the long-running TV show wasn’t dragged in the controversy and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, has adds she is glad that critics felt that she won the best television actress was worthy of an award, which she shared award at the Dadasaheb with her Saand Ki Aankh co-actress Phalke International Film for their roles in the film. Festival Awards 2020 here. “It took time but finally I got it and “I was long waiting for this what should I say other than that? I was award. It’s a very prestigious preparing my speech for it since 2016 award show and I am and it was of no use. But this year I didn’t honoured to be a part of it. I prepare a speech and that day I had to think it will be the best gem on deliver the speech!” Taapsee said, while my trophy wall. I am thankful interacting with the media at the Radio to the team of DPIFF,” Mirchi Music Awards. Divyanka said. Reacting on The actress has also controversy, Taapsee said with a laugh: featured in shows such as “It is nice that, for a change, my name Banoo Main Teri Dulhann wasn’t dragged into controversy. I am so and Adaalat. Apart from the used to it. I always get involved in some fi ction space, she has also controversy or the other, but this time participated in reality shows. I wasn’t part of it. It means that most Divyanka and her husband people were in agreement that I deserved Vivek Dahiya had also won the the award, so I am thankful for that.” HONOUR: Divyanka Tripathi. Nach Baliye show. — IANS GRATEFUL: Tapsee Pannu. — IANS Who was Pop Smoke? 7 facts on rapper killed in Hollywood Hills

West Hollywood, plus one at the By Christie D’Zurilla Constellation Room in Santa Ana, as part of a 40-plus-date tour that would have taken him across the op Smoke’s death in US. Also on tap were shows in the the Hollywood Hills UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and shocked many in the Portugal. rap community as well He was free on $250,000 bail as devoted fans of the after being arrested last month in Pup-and-coming performer. But New York on suspicion of stealing a to others, the rapper born Bashar Rolls-Royce that he had borrowed Barakah Jackson was an unknown overnight for a music video quantity. shoot in LA. Jackson was charged Here are a few facts about the with a federal crime, interstate Welcome to the Party mastermind, transportation of a stolen vehicle, who was killed at age 20. after he allegedly arranged for the Pop Smoke was an up-and- car to be shipped cross-country coming star in Brooklyn’s drill rap on a fl atbed truck. He had posted a scene. His debut mixtape, Meet the shot of himself with the $375,000 Woo, came out last July, and Meet car on social media. It was found the Woo, Vol. 2 debuted this week parked in front of Jackson’s in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 mother’s Brooklyn home with albums chart. Dior and a Welcome its plates changed and windows to the Party remix that featured tinted. Previously he took part in Nicki Minaj both made it into the a diversion program for fi rst-time top 50 on Billboard’s list of hot off enders, likely related to weapons R&B/hip-hop songs. Gatti, which possession. featured Pop Smoke along with Pop Smoke was killed Wednesday , broke the top 35 on NO MORE: American rapper Pop Smoke performs during the Astroworld Festival at NRG Stadium last year in , by masked gunmen in a Hollywood that chart last month. . File photo Hills home invasion. A person He played the 2019 Rolling Loud calling from the East Coast told festival in Los Angeles in December, that sounded close to collapse.” event, the New York Times reported slowing down, blocking other authorities that several suspects along with Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi He was one of fi ve rappers the in October. Organisers complied cars from their path,” the New had entered their friend’s home Carter. “What Rolling Loud, now in NYPD asked Rolling Loud to lose with that request. York Times wrote last fall. “It was shortly before 5am. Police its third year as a travelling event, from its New York lineup. Pop Pop Smoke and his crew were the type of behaviour exhibited responding to the call found the represents is the shock of the new: Smoke, 22Gz, Casanova, Sheff aware that their lifestyle brought by those who are mindful that 20-year-old rapper in the house noise over order, charisma over G and Don Q were called out in a risks. “On the Brooklyn-Queens something unexpectedly awful with gunshot wounds. “The Bible lucidity, bad vibes over good. … police letter to organisers as being Expressway … he and his crew could happen at any moment.” tells us that jealousy is as cruel as .,” The Times’ Mikael Wood wrote. “affi liated with recent acts of engaged in what can only be He was about to go out on a the grave,” Minaj wrote Wednesday “You saw it in 20-year-old Pop violence citywide” and therefore, described as defensive driving months-long international tour. on Instagram. “Unbelievable. Rest Smoke, rapping in his throaty the letter claimed, likely to increase formations: rotating order, Pop Smoke had two shows set In Peace, Pop.” bellow over a wobbling bass line the risk of violence during the intermittently speeding up and for next month at the Roxy in — Los Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Friday, February 21, 2020 COMMUNITY High Tides festival to off er folk tribe, live trance music for Doha audience

Patrick Dilley Flavio lopez, left, with violin

By Mudassir Raja

t is commonly said that music is food for human soul. The soothing and therapeutic traits of music have regularly been highlighted world over. With the evolution of human civilisation, music has also evolved, forming diff erent genres. TheI variety of sounds that music off ers has diverse audience as well. Qatar being a cosmopolitan country has got both diverse audience and off ers various kinds of music for them as well. High Tides Music Festival is going to off er music of a diff erent sort altogether. This fi rst-ever music event of its kind brings hand pan, ethnic electronic, tribal Daniel Matallana folk, and live trance music at the Sheraton Backyard on February 27 at 7pm. Organised by And Media, the musical ideas, adding a truly eclectic vibe to his sound. music festival is targeting a particular audience as Shanka Tribe is a tribal band of nine musicians from people at large have been getting the opportunity to India who creates music with elements of nature and attend live concerts of music of their choice. This is an various time signatures, mixing genres with particular opportunity for those who take keen interest in trance inclusion of Indian music. Their music awakens the and tribal folk music. soul of the listener into seeking the higher cause of The music event is going to off er an interesting blend existence. of international singers and musicians. It will feature Daniel Matallana is a Colombian expatriate living globally renowned hang drum players Daniel Waples in Qatar. He is a healer, dance psychotherapist, and and Flavio Lopez (Hang in Balance), Shanka Tribe, one meditation teacher. Patrick Dilley is a master of African of India’s best bands; Daniel Matallana and Patrick drum and leads a drumming community in Qatar. Dilley, two well-known Qatar based artists. The music event is also in support of Qatar Animal British national Daniel Waples is a pioneer of the Welfare Society (QAWS), a non-profi t organisation hand pan (hang drum) instrument and is arguably the dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitation and re-homing of most recognised player in his fi eld. He travels globally animals in Qatar. to share his passion and introduce his music to new “You can expect pure music and incredible vibes listeners. Daniel has played in over 50 countries, and his in harmony with our all-embracing land, Qatar, the music crossed over 40 million views on YouTube. He home of cultural heritage. It is going to be a truly supports himself as an independent musician playing unprecedented experience that will reinvigorate your the hand pan, an instrument associated with energy souls,” said Marie Line Halabi, CEO And Events. work and alternative healing – one which he hopes She added: “We urge you to take a break from your will become a symbol for universal peace and the inner everyday hustle and appreciate the rejuvenating music journeys all people take pursuing their individual paths. around you. All that you spend comes straight back to ‘Hang in Balance’ is the artistic title Daniel has been you in the form of peace and happiness. playing under since 2011. “Nowadays, most of the concerts or music events in Flavio, a Swiss national of Spanish origin, is versatile Qatar concentrate on mainstream music genres like hip and talented, having been playing the violin since he hop, R & B, reggae, etc. We found that there is a larger was just 9. He collaborated with orchestras and bands, audience that enjoys hand pan music and tribal folk performing extensively across the globe in several trance; this event is created for them. An event with capacities. From classical music to electronica, Flavio the said genre has never happened in Qatar before High feels comfortable within many diff erent genres and Tides.” Shanka Tribe