Community Community Mannai Air -based Travel staff cartoonist P7participated P16 Khalid Albaih’s in a beach works hold a mirror to cleaning the society, initiating programme at conversations on issues Simaisma beach. concerning the Arab world.

Friday, February 5, 2016 Rabia II 26, 1437 AH

DOHA 15°C—24°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 LEISURE 12 & 13

Help in the air COVER STORY There were close to 3,000 air ambulance flights in Montana last year. But it all came at a cost! P2-3 2 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY A lifesaving flight — for $56,000!

PRAYER TIME Last year, Amy Thomson of Butte was curled up Fajr 4.58am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.15am among the medical bags in the back of a fixed-wing Zuhr (noon) 11.48am Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.23pm plane. Her two-month-old daughter, Isla, had a failing Isha (night) 6.53pm

USEFUL NUMBERS heart, and the hospital that could help her was 600 miles away. Corin Cates-Carney reports

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 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 Qatar University 44033333

te Unqu uo ot Q “Every great e dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

— Harriet Tubman

Features Editor Kamran Rehmat e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 44466405 Fax: 44350474 DESPERATE: Amy Thomson holds 2-month-old Isla at Seattle Children’s Hospital. When the Thomson family learned Isla’s heart was failing, they took an air ambulance from Butte, Montana, to Seattle to get medical care. Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

ambulance business, said Rick Sherlock, the president of the Association of Air Medical Services. The costs include specialised labour, training, equipment and fuel. “So those cost drivers are there and (it’s necessary) to maintain readiness to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” Sherlock said. He says some air ambulance companies remain out of insurance networks because they can’t always reach in-network deals that allow them to stay profi table. “I think what you also have to look at is that negotiations between (air ambulance) companies and insurance companies take place when there’s good negotiations on both sides,” Sherlock said. “In situations where there may be only one or two insurance options in an area, it’s harder and harder to negotiate on a level playing fi eld.” For Laslovich, it comes down to one thing: “You want to know what my personal opinion is about what the problem is? It’s money.” There are three health insurance companies operating in Montana, and at least 14 air ambulance providers. At the time of Isla Thomson’s trip to Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Thomsons’ insurer, Pacifi cSource, had no in-network agreements with any air ambulance company in the HOW IT IS: Inside an air ambulance. Illustrative picture. Thomsons’ area. (Pacifi cSource did not return calls seeking comment.) utte is an old mining ambulance company was out of expenses if the companies ask according to a study completed For people with insurance who town tucked in the their network, and they got a bill for patients to pay the bill or any by the Montana legislature. First, think they’re protected against southwest corner $56,000. balance left after the insurance a liftoff fee, which ranges from crippling healthcare bills, the cost of of Montana with a “Coming back and looking at plan’s out-of-network coverage is $8,500 to $15,200 in Montana, an air ambulance ride can be a shock. population of about that bill and thinking you’ve got applied. and then a per-mile charge for the Amy Thomson ended up not B34,000. Locals enjoy many to be kidding me,” Thomson said. “Of all the complaints we fl ight, which ranges from $26 to having to pay, but it took repeated things you can’t fi nd elsewhere — “Here is the fl ight that ultimately have received in our offi ce, not $133 a mile. appeals. According to Thomson, campgrounds a quick drive from saved Isla’s life by getting her to one person was uninsured,” said Some air ambulance companies on the same day her family was downtown and gorgeous mountain where she needs to be. And yet (it) Jesse Laslovich, legal counsel for off er membership programmes as arranging to meet with a lawyer, ranges nearby. But in Butte, as in is going to put us potentially in Montana’s insurance commissioner. protection from big bills. For an she was notifi ed by her insurance much of rural America, advanced fi nancial ruin. Or at least kill our “They’re all insured. And they are annual fee of about $60 to $100, company that it would pay an medical care is absent. future dreams as a family.” frustrated as heck that they’re still patients face no cost beyond what additional amount of about People in Butte who experience When patients need an air getting $50,000 balance bills.” their health insurance pays if they $30,000, on top of the $13,000 out- serious trauma or need specialty ambulance, the fi rst priority is States can regulate some medical use that company’s services. of-network fee, to the air ambulance care rely on fl ights — air getting them the care they need as aspects of air ambulances, but But, Laslovich said, that doesn’t company, and the air ambulance ambulances — to get them the help fast as possible. So, patients don’t federal laws prevent states from always work because a patient can’t would waive the rest of the fee. they need. always know who is going to pick limiting aviation rates, routes and always know who is going to pick Isla Thomson turned 2 in There were close to 3,000 air them up or if the ambulance is an services. them up. November. She’s a healthy child ambulance fl ights in Montana last in-network provider. The cost of an air ambulance There is a lack of understanding with big blue eyes, but at times her year. And Amy Thomson of Butte That can lead to surprise bill is split into two main parts, about the costs of running an air mom still worries. was on one of them. “Nobody takes a lifefl ight for a Last year, she was curled up joy ride. You’re not going on kayak. among the medical bags in the com and booking a lifefl ight,” she back of a fi xed-wing plane. Her said. two-month-old daughter, Isla, had Thomson didn’t think the fl ight a failing heart, and the hospital that should be free, yet the huge bill could help her was 600 miles away. felt wrong, too: “I ethically believe Thomson watched as Isla was this is a part of healthcare. This is placed in a small box strapped to a not some separate entity. There is gurney inside the air ambulance. something ethically wrong that “They did such wonderful care these companies are profi teering off of her, and they tried to take great of people’s worst moments in their care of me, but in that moment I lives.” couldn’t let go,” Thomson said. “I A Montana interim legislative was so afraid that if I closed my committee is investigating air eyes, that would be my last vision ambulance companies’ wide range of her.” in pricing within the state. The Seattle Children’s Hospital state of Maryland has undertaken a saved Isla’s life. Her family’s health similar investigation. insurance took care of all costs In North Dakota, an air beyond her deductible — except for ambulance is suing the state for that critical air ambulance ride to adding regulations on the industry. Seattle. The way the Thomsons read their z This story is part of a reporting insurance plan, they thought any partnership with Montana Public emergency medical transportation Radio, NPR and Kaiser Health News was covered. BACK TO HEALTH: Isla Thomson sits in front of her older sister. After an air ambulance flight to Seattle saved Isla’s life — a national health policy news But it turns out, the air as an infant, she’s now a healthy 2-year-old. service. 4 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY BODY & MIND Healthy skin, even during cold weather

COVER IT UP: Keeping your skin covered with hats, mittens and scarves is a vital part of protecting your skin from the cold and keeping it healthy.

wo big factors aff ect your and the tip of the nose — that are sunscreen, especially if you’re Deodorants alter skin during the winter: located far from core body heat. involved in a snowy activity such bacteria’s life on your skin how our daily habits influence colder temperatures and Other skin problems that can as skiing, sledding or snowshoeing. the life that lives on us, the a lack of moisture in the result from winter weather include If you’re concerned about a lack Wearing an anti-perspirant researchers said. air. Both can damage an increase in dandruff and are-fl of vitamin D — which you can get or deodorant doesn’t affect To learn about the microbial unprotectedT skin. ups of dermatitis, an infl ammation naturally from the sun’s ultraviolet an individual’s social life, and impact of anti-perspirant and By following a few simple self- that can lead to swollen, red, light — talk to your doctor about it substantially cuts down the deodorant, the researchers care steps, though, you can help itchy skin. In addition, the risk ways to include vitamin D in your microbial life that survives on a recruited 17 study participants. ensure healthy skin, even during of sunburn is high during the diet or through a supplement. person, says a new study. They then launched an eight-day the toughest winter weather. winter because ultraviolet light If dandruff is a problem, Thousands of bacteria species experiment in which all of the The weather changes that come from the sun is intensifi ed when it over-the-counter shampoos can have the potential to live on participants had swabs taken of with winter can have a huge eff ect refl ects off snow, making exposed be helpful. Buy more than one human skin, and in particular their armpits. on skin. First, the level of moisture skin extremely vulnerable to sun brand and switch from time to in the armpit, the researchers On day one, participants in the air, or humidity, drops damage. time. Alternating the brands is said, adding that anti-perspirant followed their normal hygiene sharply in winter. There is much you can do to important because after a while and deodorant can significantly routine in regard to deodorant The water that skin makes lower your risk of having these skin dandruff becomes immune to one reduce the influence of both the or anti-perspirant use. On days naturally to protect and seal itself problems in the winter. First, cover medication. If you occasionally use type and quantity of bacterial two through six, participants is more quickly and easily lost into up. Hats, mittens and scarves aren’t a diff erent brand, the medication in life found in the human armpit’s did not use any deodorant or the air. That process causes skin just for kids. the shampoo will be more eff ective. “microbiome”. anti-perspirant. On days seven to become drier and more cracked Using them to protect your skin When you apply dandruff shampoo, “Just which of these species and eight, all participants used than normal, making it painful, from the cold can help keep skin don’t just put it on your hair. Gently live in any particular armpit has antiperspirant. itchy and prone to infection. healthy. If your clothing gets wet rub the shampoo directly on your been hard to predict until now, The researchers then cultured Second, when winter comes when you’re outdoors, change as scalp and leave it there for fi ve to 10 but we’ve discovered that one all the samples to determine the and the humidity drops, the soon as possible because damp minutes, so the medication has a of the biggest determinants of abundance of microbial organisms temperature drops as well. Skin clothing against your skin can cause chance to work. the bacteria in your armpits is growing on each participant and that is exposed to low temperatures it to soften and break down. Finally, using a humidifi er in your use of deodorant and/or how that diff ered day to day. becomes vulnerable to conditions Second, get into the habit of your home during the winter can antiperspirant,” said Rob Dunn, The researchers found that like frostbite and pernio, a painful moisturising your skin every day. help add moisture to the air, easing professor at North Carolina State once all participants began using infl ammation of small blood vessels Look for a hypoallergenic lotion. dry skin problems. Just remember University in the US. anti-perspirant on days seven in skin that happens in response Avoid moisturisers that have strong to change the fi lters and water The study, published in the and eight, very few microbes to sudden warming from cold perfumes, abrasives or glitter. If a according to the directions, because journal the PeerJ, focuses on the were found on any of the temperatures. Frostbite and pernio moisturiser seems to irritate your humidifi ers that aren’t cleaned effect that anti-perspirant and participants, verifying that these can be serious conditions, often skin, stop using it right away and properly can lead to infection and deodorant have on the microbial products dramatically reduce aff ecting parts of the body — such switch to another brand or formula. other illnesses. — Mayo Clinic life that lives on our bodies, and microbial growth. — IANS as ears, chin, lips, fi ngertips, toes Third, when outdoors, wear News Network/TNS Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY

Depression ups stroke and heart disease risk in elderly

Serious depression could be a risk factor for heart disease or stroke among older adults, suggests new research. The researchers from the University of Bordeaux in France, and colleagues studied 7,313 older adults selected from the election rolls of three large French cities between 1999 and 2001. None of the participants had a history of heart disease, stroke or dementia at the start of the study. Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants when the study began and checked them again three times — two years, four years and seven years after their initial interview. In addition, researchers tested the participants’ mental health status, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and asked them questions about medical history and medications. In addition, the researchers determined whether or not the participants had symptoms of depression. At the beginning of the study, nearly 30% of the women and 15% of the men had high levels of depressive symptoms. During all study visits, fewer than 10% of the participants were taking medications for depression. The researchers discovered that adults, 65-years-old and older, who had high levels of depressive symptoms on one, two, three, or four occasions during the study had 15%, 32%, 52% and 75% greater risk, respectively, for experiencing heart disease or stroke events over the 10 years of the study. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. — IANS Even aft er death, spouse impacts your well-being

When one spouse passes away, his or her characteristics continue to be linked with the surviving spouse’s well-being, said a study. “The people we care about continue to infl uence our quality of life even when they are gone,” said lead researcher Kyle Bourassa from the University of Arizona. The study also indicates that this link between the deceased spouse and surviving spouse is as strong as that between partners who are both living. “We found that a person’s quality of life is as interwoven with and dependent on their deceased spouse’s earlier quality of life as it is with a person they may see every day,” Bourassa said in a paper appeared in the journal Psychological Science. In previous work, Bourassa and colleagues had found evidence of synchrony, or interdependence, between partners’ quality of life, fi nding that a person’s cognitive functioning or health infl uences not only their own well-being but also the well-being of their partner. Bourassa and colleagues wondered whether this interdependence continues even when one of the partners passes away. The researchers took data from the multinational Study of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), an ongoing research project with over 80,000 ageing adult participants across 18 European countries and Israel. Specifi cally, they examined data from 546 couples in which one partner had died during the study period and data from 2,566 couples in which both partners were still living. Intriguingly, the results revealed interdependence between partners even when one partner died during the study.“Even though we lose the people we love, they remain with us, at least in part,” Bourassa said. — IANS Embrace ageing with love for super health

lder adults with negative improves cognitive ability, the fi ndings researcher from the Trinity College in Dublin, In the Irish Longitudinal Study on attitudes towards ageing had showed. Ireland. Ageing sample, frail participants with slower walking speed and worse “The way we think, talk, and write about Researchers, policymakers, media and negative attitudes towards ageing had worse cognitive abilities as compared ageing may have direct eff ects on health. society more generally need to work together cognition compared to participants who to their peers with more positive Everyone will grow older and if negative to develop and implement societal-wide were not frail. Oattitudes towards ageing, reveals a study. attitudes towards ageing are carried interventions to target attitudes and fi nd However frail participants with positive Negative attitudes to ageing aff ect both throughout life they can have a detrimental, novel ways of maintaining health in later life, attitudes towards ageing had the same level physical and cognitive health in later years, measurable eff ect on mental, physical and suggested the study published in the journal of cognitive ability as their non-frail peers. whereas a positive attitude towards ageing cognitive health,” said Deirdre Robertson, Personality and Individual Diff erences. – IANS 6 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY CUISINE

Mayonnaise 3tbsp Panko bread crumbs 5 tbsp White pepper powder to taste Nutmeg powder ¼ tsp Chives few sprigs Green onion 2-3 sprigs Green apple 1 no Crushed black pepper to sprinkle Butter 4 tbsp Baby spinach 50g Lime juice 1tsp For Remoulade sauce Red bell pepper 2no Mayonnaise 6tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Lemon juice 1tsp Capers 5-6 no Dijon mustard 1 tsp Salt to taste

Method In a clean and dry bowl whisk egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice. Add crab meat, fi ne chopped chives, green onion, nutmeg powder, bread crumbs and seasoning. Combine with a fork breaking the crab meat to smaller chunks. Divide the crab meat into equal portions for cakes. Shape them on a butter paper as round circular fl at cakes and freeze them for an hour. Thin julienne green apple and soak in ice cold water with lemon Crab cake. Photo by Chef Tarun Kapoor juice. Meanwhile for the red pepper Remoulade sauce, roast the bell pepper in oven for 5-7 minutes. Once the skin is soft keep it covered in a bowl to make the skin peel off easily. Remove the skin and seeds and Warm crab cakes blend to a smooth consistency. Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, chopped capers, Dijon mustard and salt. Whisk together to combine into a smooth sauce. Heat butter on a hot plate or just right in winter nonstick pan and shallow fry the crab cakes over medium heat from ith continued made crab cakes, who would have modern technology for storage and it cool down and take out the meat both sides. chill this season, thought they would still be served better methods to extract crab meat from claws, you can fry them and Once the cakes are cooked we all love to today all over the world in leading out of their shells, they became a serve them whole as garnish on remove from fl ame and keep aside. relish something restaurants and hotels. There favourite ingredient. top of crab cakes too or use them In the same pan, add baby easy to cook and are plenty of restaurants in the One such dish that particularly in making the cakes. Then remove spinach and sauté to just remove Wsomething warm and tasty. The New England region which boast became famous is the crab cake the meat from the body and add the raw fl avour from it. answer to this season’s chill is the for their crab cake recipe to be which is made by lump crab meat. seasoning, binding and bread, and Sprinkle lime juice and remove classic crab cake. When I hear this authentic and most delicious of While many chefs have been using mix well, shape into patty and immediately. dish, it brings me back to my good them all. So let’s read on to know crab in their recipes, combining shallow fry in butter. Serve with Drizzle the prepared red pepper old days in the cruise ship. where and how this classic dish was meat with spices and breadcrumbs, choice of salad and sauce. You can remoulade sauce on the plate and On board, crab cake was one of created and became so popular. the term ‘crab cake’ was fi rst coined also get the fresh or frozen packed place the spinach on it. the hottest selling from the a la Long ago, crabs were only by a book titled The New York’s Fair crab meat to avoid the hassle of Place the crab cakes on spinach carte food menu. As a foodie and a available along the coast but were Cook Book. Since then, crab cakes removing the meat out of a crab and top with prepared green apple culinary professional, I associate not as popular due to logistical have been a staple for the state of yourself. slaw and chive sprig on the side. places with the food, like the crab issues, short shelf life and non- Maryland for its taste and benefi t cakes are associated with Maryland, availability across the US. Thus to economy of the region. Freshly Crab cake a place in the US East Coast where many people did not know about caught blue crabs are best for this z Tarun Kapoor is executive chef this delicacy is considered to have them. Crabs were considered delicious recipe as they are found in Ingredients at Doha’s Horizon Manor Hotel. originated. diffi cult to eat. However, with abundance in the region. Crab meat 400g Send your feedback to: When Native Americans fi rst the passage of time and advent of To start, fi rst boil a large crab, let Egg 1no [email protected] Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

CLEAN-UP: As part of Mannai Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Mannai Air Travel staff participated in a beach cleaning programme at Simaisma beach, in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Beaches and Islands Monitoring Unit recently. “The beach clean-up drive was a part of Mannai Air Travel’s commitment towards Environmental and Marine life protection. By conducting such cleaning activities, we give a positive impact on our environment before the waste contaminates our coastal waters. We see such initiatives beyond beach beautification.” said Farukh Sardar, Mannai Air Travel- General Manager. Mannai Air Travel staff wholeheartedly worked hard for hours to hand-pick trash and other waste materials at the coast of Simaisma. They were supported by the members of Municipality and Environment, Beaches and Islands Monitoring Unit by giving guidance and leading the team to the proper locations where clean-up was much needed.

CELEBRATION: Qatar’s most decorated hockey club, Wanderers, celebrated India’s 67th Republic Day with gusto. A three-a-side quickfire tournament was held at their club house in Wakrah, with teams aptly names Saff ron, White, Orange and Green. Prizes were distributed by their senior members Cyril Fernandes and Fabian Faleiro. The event was sponsored by Gulf Agency Qatar. Bosco Menezes, brand manager for the club, gave a vote of thanks. 8 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY INTER Sky the limit for Hareem Farooq is a rare talent to have success whilst also making grounds into the Pakista

he theatre actress, who made her television debut with 1’s drama serial Mere Humdum Mere Dost and later shot into prominence with premier Hareem also entertainmentT channel Hum TV’s Mausam has a word for — both in 2014 — was recently anointed as a ‘new sensation’ at Hum Awards . Indians watching The awards are an annual aff air to recognise the talent of the television Pakistani TV industry. plays. “Please While there’s no dearth of talent in the industry, it won’t be erroneous to list keep loving Hareem Farooq as one of a select few who have successfully made the transition from and backing us theatre to television whilst also making grounds in Pakistan fi lm industry. and let’s make The 25-year-old’s ethereal beauty and this world a passion for acting paved the way for her to enter the fi lm industry when she burst into better place as limelight with renowned playwright Anwar Maqsood’s critically acclaimed Pawnay 14 undoubtedly August. That play was the scriptwriter’s fi rst theatre play and Hareem’s acting we’re the same prowess was appreciated by the audience people living even though she didn’t have the main role. Nowadays, she is busy with the second on two sides of spell of Mehreen Jabbar’s Dobara Phir Se in which will be the director’s the border!” comeback to fi lms after her debut fl ick Ramchand Pakistani (2008). Penned by Bilal Sami, the fi lm features Hareem with Adeel Hussain and Sanam Hareem Farooq has made a statement with her successful transition Saeed in the lead roles and looks to be a youthful movie, revolving around love, to making it big on television and cinema is coming alive on friendship and growing up. — Hareem is one. Nothing seems to faze And when you get “Parallel cinema, theatre, television or the young actress, who’s humble about her the moment you’v anything, as long as you’re confi dent about versatility. elaborates the you your talent and what you’re doing, you are “For me, theatre is like an addiction, Although her fi r always game to cut it,” says ’s once you’re on stage, you’re getting instant didn’t do well at th Hareem, who is no stranger to the pages of feedback. You have rehearsed for may be fi ve stop the actress fro local Pakistani newspapers in an exclusive to six months and your product of two hours local TV dramas. E interview with Community . Not delving too much into DPS, her forthcoming fi lm after Siyaah, the actress appears confi dent of doing even better at parallel cinema. “It’s all about working hard. Whatever the platform, you have to give your hundred percent to excel, putting all your doubts to rest about how diff erent one medium is from another,” says Hareem. The list of actors joining Bollywood industry is rising with every passing year. From heartthrob Fawad Khan, who won the Filmfare award for the Best Debut Actor Male in 2014 to awaiting his upcoming fi lm Kapoor and Sons opposite Student of the Year stars Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra to Mawra Hocane, Pakistan’s latest export to Bollywood in Sanam Teri Kasam is something Hareem looks at with interest and optimism. “All of us as actors, producers or directors, I think would love to get a chance and work in a bigger industry than ours — it defi nitely broadens your vision. Many actors have been gaining experience and eventually putting that to good use back home,” she adds. Hareem however, thinks the sky is the limit. “Let’s just not restrict ourselves to Bollywood; we have actors who have worked in Hollywood as well.” Her fashion sense is also well recognised as is evident in her endorsement of big When it comes to profi le, only a few actors brand apparels. can boast that they have gone from theatre The young star carries herself with poise in all wear. Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 RVIEW COMMUNITY r ‘new sensation’ sfully made the transition from theatre to television ani film industry. By Muhammad Asad Ullah

The actress was clear from her childhood what she wanted to be. “From the very start, I knew I would be an actor, but couldn’t really fi gure out how it was going to happen. I was doing law when I got an opportunity to do theatre. I still remember the fi rst time I stepped on stage and instinctively knew, this is what I wanted to do.” The Pakistani beauty stands out as a rare female lead who seems to have bucked the trend of appearing in revealing attire. In a highly commercialised industry many would consider that an achievement, but she concedes that the attire doesn’t really count once an actor is giving his or her best onscreen. Despite Pakistanis making their mark in Bollywood in the last few years, there appears to be no real initiative for joint ventures. Hareem is however, pleasantly surprised to know how much people in both the industries want to work together. “They have the resources, but we have an unmatched dedication to work — a refl ection of which is how coveted our television serials are in India,” Hareem says. She heartily concedes to being a big fan of Pakistani star Mahira Khan, the only mother who has featured as the female lead in both Indian and Pakistani fi lms. Hareem thanks all her fans in the Gulf who have been following her still young career. Responding to a question about how aspiring from theatre to TV and films. youngsters could also make the cut, she is unequivocal about the wages of hard work. stage that very moment. strengthened her position, churning out one “Work hard, keep your intentions true and good feedback that’s commendable performance after another. never compare and envy others. Let your work ve worked so hard for,” “Theatre is a very good foundation speak for yourself!” ng star. for any actor to learn skills which are She also has a word for Indians watching rst feature fi lm Siyaah further enhanced when you’re on screen Pakistani TV plays. “Please keep loving and he box offi ce, it didn’t for television or fi lm; in theatre, you have backing us and let’s make this world a better om getting off ers for exaggerated body language than television place as undoubtedly we’re the same people Ever since, she has only or cinema.” living on two sides of the border!”

A publicity still from TV serial Diyar-e-Dil. Hareem with the ‘New Sensation’ award at Hum TV Awards. 10 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY MOTORING A new age — hybrid racing he fi erce roar of powerful engines reverberating through your body. The smell of oil and burning rubber. The excitement Tof drivers battling through corners, fi ghting for position bumper to bumper. There is nothing like high performance racing to get your blood pumping. The sport appears to be in direct contrast with the ecological path that Toyota has chosen. However, a new type of racing has been born: hybrid racing. Many people think of the Prius as a quiet, fuel-friendly, family and youth-oriented car, because it is based on hybrid technology. However, the technology is versatile enough to be used in full-fl edged racecars, which can zoom down a track at over 300 km/h. The fact is that the hybrid system is a winner in all respects, off ering genuine performance advantages Many people think of the Prius as a quiet, fuel-friendly, family and youth-oriented car, because it is based on hybrid technology. However, the technology is as well as environmental benefi ts. versatile enough to be used in full-fledged racecars, which can zoom down a track at over 300km/h. Racing not only proves how sophisticated hybrid technology is, high performance Prius for hybrid fall out of the limelight at Toyota. But 1,000 horsepower and could attain a the race track benefi ting road car but it also represents the fast lane racing since early in the vehicle’s Kinoshita and Murata had actually top speed of 340km per hour on the development since the beginning towards developing ever-better development. The Landspeed Prius set a new target: winning the 24 straightaway. The TS040 went on of the project in 2012. The WEC’s hybrid technology and drives our debuted at Bonneville National Speed Hours of Le Mans. Tucked away to help Toyota Racing win the 2014 revised 2014 regulations put new engineers to attain quantum leaps in Week in 2004, based on the second- behind closed doors, they worked drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles emphasis on energy effi ciency, innovation. We race to win, and to generation Prius. It set a record speed feverishly to develop a brand new, to mark a successful conclusion requiring almost 25% improvement win, we must continue learning. for hybrids at an impressive 130.794 dedicated hybrid racecar that would to the FIA WEC season. The win in fuel economy on each lap. This Before we dive into hybrid racing, miles (210.5 kilometres) per hour. eventually be known as the TS030. was a clear demonstration of the meant that Toyota had to focus on let’s fi rst take a look back at the THS, “Whenever we talk about applying The TS030 and its successor capabilities of a hybrid racecar and reducing fuel usage and improving or Toyota Hybrid System. The fi rst- environmental technologies to were about to change the course its high performance prowess in a recovered energy. generation Prius was released in 1997, racing, hybrid technology comes up. of modern-day motorsports challenging racing environment. In other words, the same things utilising the THS to off er dramatic This is something we have to commit forever. The FIA World Endurance It also endorsed Toyota’s global we focus on for production cars. Of improvements in fuel effi ciency. to as a company,” says Yoshiaki Championship (WEC) series is a leadership and progress in course, better aerodynamics and Unfortunately, while the Prius Kinoshita, President of Toyota gruelling endurance championship developing advanced hybrid lower weight, which are extremely off ered amazing fuel economy, it still Motorsport GmbH. that includes the time-honoured 24 technology. important in racecars, play a massive needed more power. In 2003, Toyota Kinoshita’s visionary concept Hours of Le Mans. Just as the series A hybrid system generates role in creating fuel-effi cient, high- released the fi rst big evolution to came to fruition with Toyota’s kicked off in 2012, Toyota entered the electricity to recharge the batteries performing production cars as well. the hybrid system with the THS II, hybrid racing project in late 2005. Le Mans race with the TS030 Hybrid during deceleration by converting In short, racing is how Toyota tests equipped in the second-generation Kinoshita later became the President equipped with the new THS-R kinetic energy into electrical energy and develops its world-class hybrid Prius. Not only was its fuel economy of Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG), (Toyota Hybrid System-Racing). for storage. Racing cars have to brake technology. better than ever, but it also featured where he would focus on unifying In the qualifying stage, the TS030 violently and repeatedly throughout As Murata says, “The components higher battery voltage and increased Toyota motorsports activities. achieved an impressive speed of the race, so a lot of eff ort must be and technology developed for the electric motor output—resulting in Today, Hisatake Murata, the General 335.2km per hour, the fastest speed of spent ensuring that a large amount TS040 Hybrid will provide the basis far greater acceleration. Manager of the Motorsport Unit any competitor. of energy can be generated over a for Toyota production cars in the The third-generation Prius Development Division, is the driving But that was just the beginning. short time. When this technology future.” debuted in 2009, featuring a plethora force behind Toyota’s hybrid racing In 2014, Toyota debuted their all- is fed back into production cars, A powerful hybrid system from of new innovations. The gasoline development. new TS040 Hybrid racecar, and at it allows for the development of Toyota is thus quietly changing the engine was increased in size from Toyota entered into the Tokachi that time, it was considered a rank extremely effi cient hybrid cars that face of modern motorsports and 1.5 litres to 1.8 litres. The reduction 24-hour race again the following outsider when the series began. This can regenerate electricity at any perceptions about the capabilities of gear was extensively redesigned to be year, this time using a Toyota Supra vehicle had an additional electric speed range. hybrid racing cars. Racing not only extremely compact, and the electric with a specialised hybrid racing motor on the front axle, giving Toyota’s philosophy of utilising brings out the best in our engineers, motor was reworked to not only system and achieving a splendid the racecar four-wheel drive and motorsports as a tool to make ever- but also spurs technological allow for higher output, but to also overall victory. dramatically improving regenerative better road cars has been embraced innovation. The next-generation facilitate higher speeds. In the wake of this impressive braking. by the WEC programme, with Prius is a result of these dedicated Toyota had been planning a 2007 win, hybrid racing seemed to The vehicle delivered around hybrid technology transfer from eff orts.

TSO30 in Le Mans. TS040 Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY The answer to overcoming colour cowardice in home decorating

ave you ever picked a opening blinds and drapes can alter paint colour you loved how colours look in a room. Or, if you in the store, only to want to maximise natural light with hate it when it’s on a tactic that’s also a stunning design the walls at home? Or element, try installing skylights. purchasedH throw pillows that you Skylights like those from Velux thought would be delightful on your America can admit ample natural neutral-hued couch, only to decide light into your home, enhancing they look positively garish there? not only the colours of your home In both cases, you loved the colours decor, but your mood as well. Place when you fi rst saw them, so what a remote-controlled, solar-powered happened between the store and fresh-air skylight in a kitchen home? The problem is simple — the or bath and you may feel more light changed. comfortable taking a bold colour This eff ect is one reason why so risk, plus you can reap the benefi ts many people hesitate to decorate of passive ventilation. The skylights with rich, dark or vibrant colours in carry a no-leak warranty and close their home, opting instead to stick automatically in case of rain. Add with neutrals. While neutral tones solar-powered blinds, and it’s easy can be a wonderful background to give a room a whole new look that allows the beauty of a home’s simply by closing or opening the architectural bones to shine through, accents in the family room? in the visible spectrum, so hues of effi cient, but blue is the dominant blinds. What’s more, light blocking decorating with neutrals atop How can you make the every depth and saturation always shade in most LEDs. Halogens emit or light fi ltering blinds — available neutrals can leave a room looking most of colour in your home look their best in natural light. That’s more light in red wavelengths, while in a variety of designer colours and bland and lifeless. Your neutral while minimising the risk of because the essence of that colour fl uorescent bulbs are heavier with patterns — further enhance the background still needs pops of disappointment? The solution is as is already present in natural light, green light. Energy Star-qualifi ed skylights’ colour, and wouldn’t you secretly simple as the problem — decorate whereas certain colours dominate Bringing more colour-friendly energy effi ciency. love to have a dark plum wall or two your home with natural light. diff erent types of artifi cial light. For natural light into your home can be as in your dining room or hot pink Daylight contains all the colours example, LEDs are highly energy basic or as grand as you wish. Simply © Brandpoint

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

If you have doubts, listen up today Aries. A New Moon next Monday Don’t second guess yourself or your decision today bulls. Mercury Sometimes you have to say what’s on your mind as directly as you in your hopes and wishes zone will be the time to act. Maybe hold off the thinker of the zodiac has only 1 more week left in your higher can, twins. Beating around the busy and not being honest always until then? thinking zone. You know the answer. leads to drama anyway, so why bother?

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

Where’s there’s a will, there’s a way Cancers. Your motto for today. Be honest with yourself today Leos. If something seems impossible Mercury your ruler spends his last week in Capricorn — your Mercury the planet of planning and thinking in your one on one and you are worried about taking it on board, then don’t. Save it for romance and fun zone. If you have been wanting to ask someone relationship zone means you can ask for help and get it too. that proverbial rainy day when you know you can do it. out on a date or a friend to do something with you, today’s the day.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Open your mind to other possibilities to the question before you Don’t let someone else’s doubts and fears creep into your head If you aren’t sure about someone’s intentions, there’s only one way today Librans. Monday’s New Moon in your creative zone will be a today and turn you off doing something you had previously been to find out. Ask them. Your brutal honesty will definitely catch them major boost for you. ready to do Scorpios. off guard and they are sure to be more open with you.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

If you have been passive aggressive about something and you With your New Moon on Monday Feb 8, now is the time you should Don’t allow someone to talk down to you or make fun of you in some realise now that you did make promises to people you had no be reassessing and rethinking everything and making plans for the way today. Trying to keep the peace by laughing it off is one thing, intention of keeping simply to ’lure them in’, be cautious about start of your solar year. but you don’t have to feel belittled by it. making the same mistake again today. 12 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY LEISURE

Colour by numbers

Colour by choice

Maze Connect the dots Picture crossword Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Wordwatch lickspittle (LIK-spit-l) hayseed (HAY-seed) noun: Nonsense; evasive talk; flattery. MEANING: MEANING: ETYMOLOGY: noun: A servile flatterer. noun: An unsophisticated person who Besides the fabric, the word flannel can ETYMOLOGY: comes from a rural area. refer to a washcloth, an undergarment, From lick, from Old English liccian + ETYMOLOGY: or trousers, but here we are interested in spittle, from old English spittan. A term Alluding to a person with straw in his its metaphorical sense which apparently with a similar idea is brown-noser. Earliest clothes or smelling of hayseed and developed from the soft and smooth documented use: 1825. regarded as a country bumpkin. Earliest texture of the fabric. The origin of the USAGE: documented use: 1577. word flannel remains fuzzy. Two possible “Murdoch is one of the greatest USAGE: derivations have been suggested: from lickspittles in history, always prepared to “A hayseed with a Midwestern twang, Welsh gwlanen (woolen article) or from kowtow to power whatever its shape or Carnegie arrived in New York in his 20s Old French flaine (a kind of coarse wool, nature, in order to make more money for with the usual mix of big dreams and blanket). himself.” shallow pockets.” USAGE: Martin Rowson; The Dog Allusion: Pets, How to Succeed; Dale Carnegie; The “Commissioned by the Blair economic Gods, and How to be Human; Vintage; Economist (London, UK); Nov 2, 2013. team, the report is just what the doctor 2008. ordered. No flannel. No spin.” gadabout (GAD-uh-bout) Peter Koenig; Honeymoon With milksop (MILK-sop) MEANING: the Economy is Over For Blair; The MEANING: noun: One who roams around in search of Independent (London, UK); Nov 16, 1997. noun: One who is timid or indecisive. amusement. ETYMOLOGY: ETYMOLOGY: tosspot (TOS-pot) A milksop is, literally, a piece of bread From gad (to go around from one place to MEANING: ACROSS DOWN soaked in milk, a diet considered suitable another aimlessly). Earliest documented noun: 1. A drunkard. 2. An idiot. 7. Costume (6) 1. Nunnery (7) for babies and the sick. A synonym of this use: 1817. ETYMOLOGY: 8. Ice (6) 2. Draw (7) term is milquetoast. Earliest documented 3. Brilliant (5) USAGE: From the phrase to toss off (to drink 10. Judgement (7) use: 1390. “The film charted Zelda Kaplan’s rapidly). Earliest documented use: 1568. 11. Facade (5) 4. Lavish (7) 12. Notch (4) 5. Under (5) USAGE: transformation from homemaker to social USAGE: 13. Raise (5) 6. God (5) “This is for the milksop who does not gadabout flitting from party to party.” “It’s like a cast of tosspots who don’t know 17. Legal (5) 9. Heinous (9) want a mouse in the house but is too Ruth La Ferla; Zelda Kaplan; The New York their limit and then get into a car.” 14. Illness (7) 18. Centre (4) timid or pious to do anything about Times; Feb 18, 2012. Tim Goodman: Television; The San 22. Principle (5) 15. Alien (7) 23. Ointment (7) 16. Discourse (7) it.” Francisco Chronicle; Nov 2, 2007. 24. Quiet (6) 19. Bog (5) Nicholas Lezard; Down and Out; New flannel (FLAN-l) 25. Loiter (6) 20. Inane (5) Statesman (London, UK); Mar 27, 2013. MEANING: — wordsmith.org 21. Once more (5) Cryptic Clues Sudoku Yesterday’s Solutions

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 ACROSS DOWN the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that 7. Selected the Japanese name for Korea 1. In which children are taught every column, every row and every 3x3 (6) swimming? (7) 8. Mineral water may be measured in it, 2. Splendid time for a greeting (4,3) box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none say (6) 3 . A female copper (5) is repeated. 10. Alternatively I land perhaps first or 4 . A slipper from which one drinks? (7) second, say (7) 5. Sketched as tired-looking (5) 11. Shady leafy shelter for a violinist? (5) 6. Colour guide to a river (5) Mall Cinema (1): Alvin & The 9.45pm; Intruders (2D) 11.30pm. 12. He brings back the post (4) 9. He’s a fool to obstruct the principal (9) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): 13. Fastener put on a snooker ball? (5) 14. Sailor taking metal to resort (7) Chipmunks: The Road Chip 17. Girl in a yacht (5) 15. Pilots flying to the south with guns (7) (2D) 2.30pm; My Little Pony: Cinema Land Mark (1): Sanam Teri Kasam (Hindi) 2.15pm; 18. Fur coats, one hears, for a scheming 16. Without stopping to put your Friendship Games (2D) 4.15pm; Bangalore Naatkal (Tamil) 2.15pm; Alvin & The Chipmunks: The woman (4) thoughts into words? (7) Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Ghayal Once Again (Hindi) 5pm; Road Chip (2D) 5pm; Intruders 22. Make amends soon after midnight? (5) 19. Live with a girl, perhaps (5) Road Chip (2D) 5.45pm; (2D) 7pm; The Finest Hours (2D) 23. He flies from Yugoslavia to Romania (7) 20. Discovered nothing in the kitty (5) Alvin & The Chipmunks: The 24. Confection that’s doubly good in Paris 21. Send back an hourglass, for example Ocean 14 (Arabic) 7.30pm; Road Chip (2D) 7.30pm; Adi 9pm; Ghayal Once Again (Hindi) (6) (5) Everything About Her Kapyare (Malayalam) 9.15pm; 11.15pm. 25. Concerning charitable gifts for (Tagalog) 9.15pm; Jane Got A Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): sovereign states (6) Visaranai (Tamil) 11.30pm. Gun (2D) 11.30pm. Cinema Land Mark (2): Alvin My Little Pony: Friendship Games Mall Cinema (2): Capture The & The Chipmunks: The Road (2D) 2.30pm; Capture The Flag Flag (2D) 3pm; The Finest Hours (2D) 4.15pm; The Finest Hours Yesterday’s Solutions Chip (2D) 3pm; Ashby (2D) 5pm; (2D) 5pm; Wild Horses (2D) The Finest Hours (2D) 7pm; Wild (2D) 6pm; Everything About Her QUICK CRYPTIC 7.15pm; The Finest Hours (2D) Horses (2D) 9.15pm; The Finest (Tagalog) 8.30pm; Sanam Teri Across: 1 Idiot; 4 Slumber; 8 Despair; Across: 1 Grain; 4 Persist; 8 Visages; 9 9pm; Intruders (2D) 11.15pm. Hours (2D) 11pm. Kasam (Hindi) 10.45pm. 9 Exalt; 10 Feel; 11 Aversion; 13 Bred; 14 Salve; 10 Nine; 11 Torments; 13 Rank; 14 Irks; Mall Cinema (3): Visaranai Cinema Land Mark (3): Capture Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Snug; 16 Generate; 17 Flee; 20 Bound; 21 16 Hide-away; 17 Epic; 20 Alack; 21 Tribute; (Tamil) 2pm; Bangalore Naatkal Ashby (2D) 2.30pm; Intruders Overdue; 22 Extreme; 23 Dregs. 22 Treadle; 23 Orbit. The Flag (2D) 2.30pm; My Little Down: 1 Indefatigable; 2 Issue; 3 Down: 1 Given new heart; 2 Arson; 3 Nigh; (Tamil) 4.15pm; Ashby (2D) 7pm; Pony: Friendship Games (2D) (2D) 4.15pm; Ashby (2D) 6pm; Tray; 4 Strive; 5 Unerring; 6 Bearing; 7 4 Pistol; 5 Rosemary; 6 Islands; 7 Treasure- Adi Kapyare (Malayalam) 8.45pm; 4.15pm; Jane Got A Gun (2D) Ocean 14 (Arabic) 7.45pm; Jane Retentiveness; 12 Begrudge; 13 Banquet; 15 chest; 12 Unmarked; 13 Radiate; 15 Rattle; Ghayal Once Again (Hindi) Got A Gun (2D) 9.30pm; Wild Stroke; 18 Ledge; 19 Head. 18 Plumb; 19 Fido. 5.45pm; Everything About Her 11.15pm. (Tagalog) 7.30pm; Ashby (2D) Horses (2D) 11.15pm. 14 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD Not getting typecast my greatest advantage: Tabu

the Hindi domain and working in Tamil, Malayalam, By Uma Ramasubramanian Telugu, Bengali and English movies. She explained that it is her plain desire to act that allows her to do every kind of film. Asked if er career has a cohesive mix of content she is open to do smaller budget ‘festival films’, the driven films like Astitva and Cheeni Kum 44-year-old said: “I need a wider audience, but if along with commercial entertainers like you are paying my price, then take it to festivals, Biwi No.1 and Hum Saath-Saath Hain, I am okay! But money matters. I can’t be going to which have proven her versatility as an festivals and become the face of the film and trying actress.H Tabu says it is her choice to say “yes to every to sell it. That’s not my job. I don’t want to become kind of cinema” that has prevented her from getting responsible for a film.” typecast in the Hindi film industry and that, she Nevertheless, if she comes across a “great story feels, gives her an edge. and fantastic script”, she may produce it. Asked how she has managed to evade the typecast “I can either act in a film or be the face of it. I don’t trap during her career, Tabu told IANS: “I think want to do both as it’s too much work,” added the that’s also my greatest advantage! If you look at my actress, who will next be seen in the romantic filmography, you will only see every kind of film drama Fitoor with Aditya Roy Kapoor and Katrina and every genre of cinema ... My kitty is full with all Kaif. kinds of films. She essays the role of Begum in Fitoor and “My kitty has been carefully crafted, though it was describes her character as “overpowering”. not a conscious decision. The only conscious thing “She is such a strong character. Her presence in that I did was I did not say no to any kind of films. the film is so overpowering that I just felt fortunate I choose to say yes to every kind of cinema. I don’t to have got this role. Ask me what I went through to look down upon any kind of films.” get into the skin of the character. I should have taken If she has delivered power-packed performances in double money,” she quipped. films like Maachis and Chandni Bar — both of which Tabu says while she is satisfied with her career won her a National Award — she has even featured in graph so far, there’s room for a lot more work. commercial films like Hera Pheri, Coolie No. 1, Biwi “I should be satisfied. If I am not satisfied now, No.1, Saajan Chale Sasural and Chachi 420. then it’s very bad. There is always room for more Tabu, who stepped into filmdom in early 1990s, and we all feel that we want to do more,” she said. — VERSATILE: Tabu has also worked in regional cinema by stepping out of IANS

Will go broke, but won’t Actress Tabassum to go produce adult comedy: live with virtual talkies at the age of three and after years of experience John Abraham I feel like a baby again with my debut on After exploring the world of radio, television, YouTube with One Digital Entertainment. I Actor-producer John Abraham, stage and fi lms, veteran artiste Tabassum will am very excited about this venture as I can who is known for producing enter the virtual realm on February 8 with reach out to my fans not only in India but also content-driven fi lms, says he Tabassum Talkies. globally,” Tabassum said in a statement. would go broke but will not Tabassum will take a walk down the memory The web series will not only bring back produce an adult comedy through lane with the show, where she will narrate conversations that Tabassum had with some of his production house, John some never-shared-before memories of her the most iconic stars of fi lmdom, but also bring Abraham Entertainment. tryst with tinsel town. to light some of interesting anecdotes. She will “There is a market for adult The series will be launched by One Digital recount her conversations with superstars like fi lms, as they have the potential Entertainment, a multi-channel network in Sunil Dutt, Kishore Kumar, Dilip Kumar and a to do well. But as an actor I would India. “I started my career as Baby Tabassum host of others. – IANS defi nitely not do it. Not because it’s wrong, but I, as a person, will not do it. I don’t stand in a position to pass judgment saying this is Visaaranai bowls over Rajinikanth right or wrong, but I am a very clear person and I want to maintain Superstar Rajinikanth, who is currently that,” John told IANS. shooting for his fi lm Kabali, has lauded “Would I do a ‘Fifty Shades forthcoming Tamil drama Visaaranai. He said of Grey’? Maybe, but would I do it will be one of the best fi lms in world cinema. whatever is coming out? Hell “I have never seen a movie like Visaaranai no! I will go broke, but I will not in Tamil. This will be one of the best movies produce an adult comedy,” the in world cinema,” Rajinikanth posted on his “Force” actor added. Twitter page. The Welcome Back actor has Inspired from real events, the fi lm is based produced fi lms like Vicky Donor, on a Tamil novel called Lock Up, and deals with Madras Cafe among others under police brutality and abuse of power. The book his production banner. was penned by M Chandrakumar, who was an John mentioned that as an actor, auto-rickshaw driver. he enjoys the comedy genre the The fi lm, which is jointly produced by most. Vetrimaaran and Dhanush, releases in cinemas “I concentrate on content as today. an actor and prouder. The genre It stars Dinesh, Samuthirakani, Kishore I enjoy the most is comedy. I love and Murugadoss in important roles. Directed comedy and I have got a grasp of by National Award winning fi lmmaker comic timing now. I can handle Vetrimaaran, the fi lm had its world premiere comedy with ease,” he added. – at Venice International Film Festival last year. IANS SETTING A LIMIT: John Abraham – IANS APPRECIATION: Rajnikanth Friday, February 5, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 MUSIC COMMUNITY Cassettes are back, as ‘dead’ media won’t die several off erings per month, the latter pricing By Dan Hyman product at $5 each. “There were a lot of tape labels six years ago when we started the label but it has teve Stepp likes to tell people grown exponentially to the point where now his company is still around after there’s constantly new tape labels popping 45 years thanks to his stupidity up,” says Already Dead co-founder Joshua and stubbornness. As the owner Tabbia. “Within the last three years it seems of family-run National Audio like it has just exploded.” SCompany, the last business to manufacture As fans clamour for vinyl singles and audio cassette tapes on a massive scale, the cassettes, often only available in limited lifelong Springfi eld, Mo., resident weathered pressings, audio equipment companies and nearly two decades of people telling him his major record labels alike have taken notice: product was obsolete. He didn’t budge: Stepp St. Louis-based DPI, Inc. recently released bought up all his competitors’ equipment, a new mobile cassette player. Amazon continued to produce spoken-word reported that its top-selling home audio audiobooks, Bibles and blank cassettes and product of 2015 was a Jensen three-speed hoped for the best. stereo turntable that plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM Two years ago, something unexpected records, and starting in 2013, Warner Music happened: Musical artists and record Group began releasing limited-edition seven- labels started ramping up their cassette inch vinyl as part of its Side By Side series tape requests in a major way. Today, on which artists cover each other’s music. National Audio’s business is booming; it’s There’s even a cassettes page at the website of manufacturing 250 to 350 titles at any given Urban Outfi tters. time — a 33 percent increase from 2014 — and Side By Side creator and WMG employee working on fi ve to 10 releases a week alone for James Lockwood says seven-inch records major record label conglomerate Universal remain largely “for the completionist and Music Group. the collector,” but he believes the overall Piggybacking off the recent surge in vinyl resurgence has created a marketplace demand for 12-inch vinyl records, music where seven-inch records can fulfi ll a genuine fans and artists alike are gravitating back to consumer desire. What’s perhaps most media formats once considered dead, such as surprising is that the under-35 demographic, cassettes and seven-inch records (commonly for whom these formats were around for at known as 45s). To that end, Chicago-based best a sliver of their youth, is driving the retailers, including Reckless Records and resurgence of cassettes and seven-inch vinyl. Dusty Groove, have seen noticeable increases “It’s defi nitely much more than the niche in cassette and seven-inch vinyl sales — a piece it once might have been,” Lockwood trend longtime Reckless manager Melissa says. “Before the vinyl resurgence there was Grubbs believes is due to repopularised vinyl such a streamlined marketplace that there LPs increasing in price. wasn’t the market for something cool like “New records are very expensive now so this.” you can still get something retro and cool in Many insist seven-inch records and the form of a cassette for, say, $1.99,” she says. cassettes are still more of a promotional Reckless largely stocks cassettes from smaller tool — a way to extend an artiste’s release independent labels, while Dusty Groove campaign — rather than a true driver of owner Rick Wojcik says most of the cassettes revenue. The cost of manufacturing a sold at his store are vintage, with an emphasis seven-inch, says Robb Nansel, co-founder of on soul and hip-hop. Omaha-based Saddle Creek Records, home to “It’s most defi nitely real,” Michael Kurtz, bands such as Bright Eyes and Desaparecidos, co-founder of Record Store Day, an annual often discourages labels and artists from celebration of old-school audio formats, says producing them on a large scale. “We usually of the dead media resurgence, adding the just break even on them,” says Nansel. “It’s two biggest sellers in the history of Record certainly more of a marketing tool to give you Store Day were cassettes — a mixtape for the another talking point about your artist.” Guardians of the Galaxy fi lm and Metallica’s Others like Stepp and Rollins however No Life ‘Til Leather. remain optimistic about the future of Seven-inch records are also starting to media formats that were once given a death sell in large numbers. “When we started sentence. Rollins says he still buys more Record Store Day we thought no one would seven-inch singles than any other form of buy seven-inchers,” says Kurtz, who likens audio. “I think it’s a great format,” he says. the 45 to “a postcard for an artist to send to were not looking for a career, so the short- exclusively on cassette, prefer tapes for “Bands can give you a minute-to-minute fans. “But then they sold out. The fans loved and-to-the-point format of the single was a their compressed sound. “Everything sits view to their development. They sound great it. So we thought, ‘Let’s do some more!’ “ In good way to go,” Rollins singer and frontman in the right place in the mix when recording and when there’s colored vinyl and limited the fi rst half of 2015, according to the most of hardcore punk band Black Flag, Henry to tape,” he off ers. Equally as important pressings that makes it fun to go to the record recent RIAA Shipment and Revenue Statistics Rollins, says, recalling an early deal Black Flag to Harrison is the experience of buying a store. That kind of thing has never lost its report, approximately 400,000 vinyl singles made with Southern California record store physical product, something increasingly appeal to me.” were shipped to retailers, a nearly 30 percent chain Licorice Pizza to distribute its vinyl marginalised in the digital age. “It’s a whole Ask Stepp if he’s surprised by the return increase from the same period the previous singles. “Hopefully when you went to the all-around experience,” he says of obtaining to analogue audio formats and he’ll off er a year. While still largely concentrated around store to get your free record post-show, you a cassette. The album art, he adds, “is just as blunt assessment. “A whole generation has Record Store Day, artists as diverse as David might pick up the ‘Damaged’ album by the much of a worthy product as the music.” been listening to compressed fi les,” he says Bowie, A$AP Rocky, and Fall Out Boy have band as well.” Independent record labels focused on by way of an explanation for his company’s released seven-inch vinyl in recent times. Contemporary musicians such as hip- cassettes are, not surprisingly, also on recent success, “and then you fi nally hear a But what is driving artistes and fans back to hop beatmaker DJ Harrison, who released the rise. Chicago-based labels including good analogue recording. There really is no these vintage formats? “Many of these bands his recent Songs From The Black Water EP Plustapes and Already Dead Tapes release comparison.”—Chicago Tribune/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Friday, February 5, 2016 COMMUNITY Message in a Khartoon! Doha-based cartoonist Khalid Albaih’s works hold a mirror to the society, sparking conversations on issues concerning the Arab world. By Anand Holla

or a Doha-based which exist primarily online, world. As his works began being cartoonist who the repeated motif of the pen shared online across Arabia and globetrots all through which signals an underlying the rest of the world, some turned the year and fuels commitment to the power of his cartoons into stencils and countless conversations free speech and open dialogue is plastered them on the walls; from Fwith his unique brand of work that interspersed with Albaih’s viral Cairo to Beirut. traverses political commentary, images.” One such -trotting contemporary society, technology, Albaih is well-aware of the work was that of ousted Egyptain and the limits of free speech, it need to grab one’s attention and president Hosni Mubarak. Albaih’s was about time that he showed his make the person pause a moment clever twist of the word Misr (the work in the city. to see his cartoon “and try and literary Arabic name of Egypt) Titled @las, Khalid Albaih’s understand what the problem is.” to Musir (persistent) in Arabic, upcoming exhibition will be held In an extensive interview with written next to an illustration of at the Virginia Commonwealth Community in July 2014, Albaih Mubarak, was all the rage during University in Qatar (VCU-Q) from said, “As an artist, you keep the Egyptian uprising. March 2-21 – the entry is free – evolving. As Picasso said, no artist To show how everything is and is curated by Holiday Powers. is original. You derive inspiration rather similar and really simple is While Albaih’s artworks first from things you like. Since we an essential ingredient of Albaih’s garnered recognition during the live in a trend-oriented world, as artistic style. “My cartoons , today, he publishes a cartoonist who works online, I are for everybody. Even if you his cartoons under Creative have to be in with pop culture, in don’t understand the issue, the Commons licensing on social with the times. That’s because I illustration will grasp you visually. media at Khartoon! am at the mercy of a scroll.” I like being straight to the point. A fusion of who he is (Khalid), Dealing with fleeting attention That’s because, today, people where he comes from (), spans wasn’t an issue though don’t want to read,” he said. and what he does (cartoons), when Albaih first emerged as Faith in a bright future and the Khartoon! is Albaih’s fully a virtual revolutionist, as his cynicism over constancy is an customised vehicle to voice his sketches went viral via social interesting contrast that co-exists views on what’s ailing the Arab media. “It came together – the within Albaih, who works a lot on world and his native – and Arab Spring, and me taking my repetition as a theme so as to show what it particularly stands out cartoons to . Like me, that things aren’t changing, all the for is its simplicity, a nuanced there were scores. Graffiti artists, while hopeful of change. economy of expression. writers, cartoonists, filmmakers, “It’s annoying and I want to “This exhibition focuses on bloggers, everybody came out, annoy people. I want people to the ways in which technology is started writing more and in a more think, research, and know more,” activated to provide a platform liberated way. We were a whole he said, “I want people to fight for in Albaih’s work. new generation but we didn’t with words, not with guns. In this If the Arab Spring is a starting know each other. Most of the region, it’s either you are with me point here, 2011 is not highlighted region’s youth was waiting for that or against me. If you are against for its political statements but spark that went off in Tunisia,” me, you are the enemy. In social instead as a way to consider the Albaih said. media though, it starts off all new modalities of internet-based In no time, Albaih’s works heated. They put their arguments THOUGHT-PROVOKING: Doha-based cartoonist Khalid Albaih’s works publics and solidarities,” says a added kindling to the firestorm forward and they don’t always cover political commentary, contemporary society, technology, and the limits note on the soon-to-be-opened of discontent growing among the agree. But they listen to each of free speech, often leading to arguments on social media. exhibition, “In these images, disillusioned youth of the Arab other. I like the dialogue.”

Albaih’s critique on media. One of Albaih’s recent works. One of Khalid Albaih’s cartoons on the Syrian refugee crisis.