Community Community United Pasho- Martial-Arts speaking P7Academy P16 community International enthralled by ‘Sabaon organises an event da Pashtun’ poetry to mark Qatar symposium organised National Sport Day. in Doha after 17 years.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Jumada II 14, 1440 AH

Doha today: 170 - 230

COVER STORY Are we there? There’s buzz about the so-called ‘fountain of youth’ pill, again. Promising findings in animal studies have stirred much of this enthusiasm. P4-6

POP SPOT HOLLYWOOD

Claire’s debut solo SpongeBob SquarePants album in UK top 10. to celebrate 20 years. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.49am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.06am Zuhr (noon) 11.48am Asr (afternoon) 3.04pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.32pm Isha (night) 7.02pm Happy Death Day 2u themselves. When Tree discovers that Carter’s roommate has DIRECTION: Christopher Landon been altering time, she fi nds herself once again the target of USEFUL NUMBERS CAST: Jessica Rothe, Ruby Modine, Israel Broussard a masked killer. When the psychopath starts to go after her SYNOPSIS: Collegian Tree Gelbman wakes up in horror inner circle, Tree soon realises that she must die over and over to learn that she’s stuck in a parallel universe. Her love again to save everyone. interest Carter is now with someone else, and her friends and fellow students seem to be completely diff erent versions of THEATRE: The Mall

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services 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

The Vanishing SYNOPSIS: Three lighthouse for survival as they are overcome by DIRECTION: Kristoff er Nyholm keepers arrive on an isolated island off greed and paranoia. CAST: Gerard Butler, Peter Mullan, the Scottish coast and fi nd an object Connor Swindells that becomes the catalyst to a struggle THEATRE: The Mall te Unqu uo ot Q “Your success e The Mall Cinema (1): Allu Peranbu (Tamil) 11:15pm. Ramendran (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace and happiness lies in you. 2:15pm; Kumbalangi Night (1): Gully Boy (Hindi) 3pm; Resolve to keep happy, and your (Malayalam) 4:45pm; Happy Peranbu (Tamil) 6pm; Gully Death Day 2U (2D) 7pm; Gully Landmark Cinema (1): Boy (Hindi) 8:30pm; Gully Boy joy and you shall form an Boy (Hindi) 8:45pm; Gully Boy Peranbu (Tamil) 2:15pm; (Hindi) 11:15pm. invincible host against (Hindi) 11:30pm. Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace The Mall Cinema (2): 4:45pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2): Racetime (2D) 2:30pm; diffi culties.” Racetime (2D) 3pm; Alita: The (2D) 7pm; Kumbalangi Night Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) — Helen Keller Battle Angel (2D) 5pm; Alita: (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Oru Adaar 4:30pm; Alita: The Battle Angel The Battle Angel (2D) 7:15pm; Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm. (2D) 7pm; Kumbalangi Night The Quake (2D) 9:30pm; Landmark Cinema (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Oru Adaar Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) (2): Racetime (2D) 3pm; Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema Community Editor The Mall Cinema (3): Dev 5pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 8pm; Palace (3): Oru Adaar Love Kamran Rehmat (Tamil) 2:15pm; Peranbu (Tamil) Gully Boy (Hindi) 11pm. (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Alita: The e-mail: [email protected] 5pm; #Qesat_Hob (Arabic) Landmark Cinema (3): Oru Battle Angel (2D) 5pm; Stan 7:30pm; The Vanishing (2D) Adaar Love (Malayalam) 3pm; And Ollie (2D) 7:15pm; Allu Telephone: 44466405 Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) Fax: 44350474 9:30pm; Peranbu (Tamil) Ramendran (Malayalam) 9pm; 11:30pm. 6pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 8:30pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 11:30pm. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania The lessons will take place every Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at anniversary celebrations. 6pm. For more information, contact [email protected] Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb WHEN: Ongoing till February 28 TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm The olympic sport using horizontal bar, rings and floor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts activities for students EVENTS Mehaseel Festival taking place after they finish their day in WHERE: Katara Cultural Village school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- Baladna Cultural Festival WHEN: Ongoing till March 31 hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHERE: Baladna Park Mehaseel Souq will be open every Ballet Lessons Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and WHEN: Ongoing till March 1 Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier 10 years old after school hours. Baladna Park will embark you on a March. It is a perfect market to get amazing WHEN: Ongoing delicious and rich journey this time of year, local fresh produce. TIME: 4pm – 8pm through the Baladna Culture Festival. The For more info e-mail at registration@ festivities will take place each Friday and atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. Saturday of the month of February and will include food, dance shows, entertainment and cultural handicrafts from across the world. For further information 44246000.

MIA Park Bazaar 2019 WHERE: Museum Of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 12pm – 8pm MIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. Hobby Classes The stalls are going to offer a wide range WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art of gastronomies from all over the world. Centre You can also browse and grab handcrafted WHEN:Wednesday – Monday artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is wears, designer ornaments. a holistic performing arts institution and a one stop solution for adults as well as Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club children looking to explore their talents Grand Prix of Qatar 2019 WHERE: Losail Circuit in various art forms. We offer classes in WHERE: Losail International Circuit WHEN: Ongoing contemporary, Bollywood, hip-hop and WHEN: March 8 – 10 TIME: 5pm Indian classical dance forms, along with TIME: 1pm – 9pm Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association classes for music, art and crafts, karate and The opening race withh again be under with Qatar Sports For All Federation, yoga. Additional services include dance the floodlights. Ticket can be purchased invites all cyclists, runners and walkers education and choreography. For details, on-line. to train under the floodlights of Losail call 33897609. International Circuit every Wednesdays.

Child and Youth Cycle Coaching WHERE: Losail International Circuit Losail WHEN: Tomorrow TIME: 5:15pm – 6:15pm Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association with Qatar Cycling Federation and Qatar Cyclists, has announced the launch of cycling coaching for children. Sessions are run by UCI qualified coaches under the Dance and Instrument Classes supervision of QCF and will be held in a WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf safe environment at Losail International Times Building Circuit. Spaces are limited and priority will Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHEN: Wednesday – Monday be given to those who register. Each child Syria Matters Exhibition WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday Learn the movements of dance styles must provide his/her own bicycle and wear Where: Museum of Islamic Art TIME: 6pm in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the an approved cycling helmet. The coaching When: Ongoing till April 30 Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, is designed to develop skills but are not Time: 9am – 7pm Come and learn the artistic practice of Keyboard for adults as well kids and move suitable for those who are not able to ride a Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at in the world of music. For details, contact bicycle without training wheels. presents a major exhibition, co-curated by Music and Arts Atelier. 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Pills that give chills Discerning hype from reality in the longevity field has become tougher than ever as reputable scientists such as David Sinclair and pre-eminent institutions like Harvard align themselves with promising but unproven interventions — and at times promote and profit from them. By Marisa Taylor

enowned Harvard Despite his enthusiasm, published University geneticist scientifi c research has not yet Until about the early 1990s, it was kind David Sinclair recently demonstrated the molecule works in made a startling humans as it does in mice. Sinclair, of laughable that you could develop assertion: Scientifi c data however, has a considerable fi nancial showsR he has knocked more than two stake in his claims being proven a pill that would slow ageing. It was decades off his biological age. correct, and has lent his scientifi c sort of a science fiction trope. Recent What’s the 49-year-old’s secret? prowess to commercialising possible He says his daily regimen includes life extension products such as research has shown that pessimism ingesting a molecule his own research molecules known as “NAD boosters.” found improved the health and His fi nancial interests include is wrong lengthened the life span of mice. being listed as an inventor on a Sinclair now boasts online that he patent licenced to Elysium Health, has the lung capacity, cholesterol and a supplement company that sells — Richard Miller, biogerontologist blood pressure of a “young adult” a NAD booster in pills for $60 a ‘ ’ and the “heart rate of an athlete.” bottle. He’s also an investor in Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Illinois at Chicago. Yet some scientifi c fi ndings are exaggerated to help commercialise them before clinical trials in humans demonstrate both safety and effi cacy, he said. “It’s a great gig if you can convince people to send money and use it to pay exorbitant salaries and do it for 20 years and make claims for 10,” Olshansky said. “You’ve lived the high life and get investors by whipping up excitement and saying the benefi ts will come sooner than they really are.” Promising fi ndings in animal studies have stirred much of this enthusiasm. Research by Sinclair and others helped spark interest in resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine, for its potential anti-ageing properties. In 2004, Sinclair co- founded a company, Sirtris, to test resveratrol’s potential benefi ts and declared in an interview with the journal Science it was “as close to a miraculous molecule as you can fi nd.” GlaxoSmithKline bought the company in 2008 for $720 million. By the time Glaxo halted the research in 2010 because of underwhelming results with possible side eff ects, Sinclair had already received $8 million from the sale, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents. He also had earned $297,000 a year in consulting fees from the company, according to SPOTLIGHT: A mouse sits atop a contained mouse in Richard Miller’s pathology and geriatrics lab at the University of Michigan. Miller heads one of the three The Wall Street Journal. labs funded by NIH to test anti-ageing substances on mice. At the height of the buzz, Sinclair accepted a paid position with InsideTracker, the company that he Mice given molecules such as Shaklee, which sold a product says measured his age. If you say you’re rapamycin live as much as 20 percent made out of resveratrol. But he Discerning hype from reality in the a terrific scientist longer. Other substances such as 17 resigned after The Wall Street Journal longevity fi eld has become tougher alpha estradiol and the diabetes drug highlighted positive comments he than ever as reputable scientists and you have a Acarbose have been shown to be made about the product that the such as Sinclair and pre-eminent just as eff ective — in mouse studies. company had posted online. He said institutions like Harvard align treatment for Not only do mice live longer, but, he never gave Shaklee permission to themselves with promising but ageing, it gets a depending on the substance, they use his statements for marketing. unproven interventions — and at avoid cancers, heart ailments and Sinclair practices what he preaches times promote and profi t from them. lot of attention. cognitive problems. — or promotes. On his LinkedIn Fuelling the excitement, investors But human metabolism is diff erent bio and in media interviews, he pour billions of dollars into the fi eld There is financial from that of rodents. And our describes how he now regularly even as many of the products already existence is unlike a mouse’s life in a takes resveratrol; the diabetes drug on the market face fewer regulations incentive and cage. What is theoretically possible metformin, which holds promise and therefore a lower threshold of inducement to in the future remains unproven in slowing aging; and nicotinamide proof. in humans and not ready for sale, mononucleotide, a substance known “If you say you’re a terrifi c overpromise experts say. as NMN that his own research scientist and you have a treatment History is replete with examples of showed rejuvenated mice. for ageing, it gets a lot of attention,” before all the cures that worked on mice but not in Of that study, he said in a video said Jeff rey Flier, a former Harvard people. Multiple drugs, for instance, produced by Harvard that it “sets the Medical School dean who has research is in have been eff ective at targeting an stage for new medicines that will be been critical of the hype. “There is — Jeffrey Flier, ex- Alzheimer’s-like disease in mice yet able to restore blood fl ow in organs fi nancial incentive and inducement have failed in humans. that have lost it, either through a to overpromise before all the research Harvard Medical “None of this is ready for prime heart attack, a stroke or even in is in.” time. The bottom line is I don’t try patients with dementia.” Elysium, co-founded in 2014 School dean any of these things,” said Felipe In an interview with KHN, Sinclair by a prominent MIT scientist Sierra, the director of the division said he’s not recommending that to commercialise the molecule Cambridge’s Milner Therapeutics institutions and individuals from of ageing biology at the National others take those substances. nicotinamide riboside, a type of NAD Institute announced in 2017 it would the highest levels of the academy Institute on Aging at NIH. “Why “I’m not claiming I’m actually booster, highlights its “exclusive” receive funding from Elysium, have been co-opted to provide don’t I? Because I’m not a mouse.” younger. I’m just giving people licensing agreement with Harvard cementing a research “partnership.” scientifi c credibility for a product Concerns about whether animal the facts,” he said, adding that and the Mayo Clinic and Sinclair’s But after hearing complaints from whose benefi ts to human health are research could translate into he’s sharing the test results from role as an inventor. According to faculty that the institute was unproven.” human therapy have not stopped InsideTracker’s blood tests, which the company’s press release, the associating itself with an unproven A generation ago, scientists often scientists from racing into the calculate biological age based on agreement is aimed at supplements supplement, it quietly decided not to ignored or debunked claims of a market, launching startups or lining biomarkers in the blood. “They said that slow “ageing and age-related renew the funding or the company’s “fountain of youth” pill. up investors. Some true believers, I was 58, and then one or two blood diseases.” membership to its “innovation” “Until about the early 1990s, including researchers and investors, tests later they said I was 31.4.” Further adding scientifi c gravitas board. it was kind of laughable that you are taking the substances themselves InsideTracker sells an online to its brand, the website lists eight “The sale of nutritional could develop a pill that would while promoting them as the next big age-tracking package to consumers Nobel laureates and 19 other supplements of unproven clinical slow ageing,” said Richard Miller, a thing in ageing. for up to about $600. The company’s prominent scientists who sit on benefi t is commonplace,” said biogerontologist at the University of “While the buzz encourages website highlights Sinclair’s support its scientifi c advisory board. The Stephen O’Rahilly, the director of Michigan who heads one of three labs investment in worthwhile research, for the company as a member of its company also advertises research Cambridge’s Metabolic Research funded by the National Institutes scientists should avoid hyping scientifi c advisory board. It also touts partnerships with Harvard and UK Laboratories who applauded his of Health to test such promising specifi c (substances),” said S a study that describes the benefi ts universities Cambridge and Oxford. university for reassessing the substances on mice. “It was sort of a Jay Olshansky, a professor who of such tracking, which Sinclair co- Some scientists and institutions arrangement. “What is unusual science fi ction trope. Recent research specialises in ageing at the School authored. have grown uneasy with such ties. in this case is the extent to which has shown that pessimism is wrong.” of Public Health at the University of Continued on Page 6 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t categorise ageing as a disease, which means potential medicines aimed at longevity generally can’t undergo traditional clinical trials aimed at testing their effects on human ageing. In addition, the FDA does not require supplements to undergo the same safety or efficacy testing as pharmaceuticals

Continued from page 5 Leonard Guarente, Sinclair’s former infl uence the growth of some Medical School, had earlier heard researchers $5.5 million for their Sinclair is involved either as research adviser and an investor in cancers, but researchers involved in complaints and looked into the startup company after their research a founder, an investor, an equity Sinclair’s Sirtris. the study warned it was too early to relationships between scientists was publicly challenged by several holder, a consultant or a board Echoing his earlier statements know. and Elysium after he stepped down other scientists. member with 28 companies, on resveratrol, Sinclair is quoted Guarente, Elysium’s co-founder as dean. He said he discovered that In its announcement of the seed according to a list of his fi nancial on Elysium’s website as describing and chief scientist, told KHN he isn’t many of the board members who money, the company, Elevian, said its interests. At least 18 are involved in NAD boosters as “one of the most worried about any side eff ects from allowed their names and pictures to goal was to develop “new medicines” anti-ageing in some way, including important molecules for life.” Basis, and he emphasised that his be posted on the company website that increase the activity levels of studying or commercialising The Food and Drug company is dedicated to conducting knew little about the scientifi c the hormone GDF11 “to potentially NAD boosters. The interests range Administration doesn’t categorise solid research. He said his company basis for use of the company’s prevent and treat age-related from longevity research startups ageing as a disease, which means monitors customers’ safety reports supplement. diseases.” aimed at humans and even pets to potential medicines aimed at and advises customers with health Flier recalls that one scientist had It described research by its developing a product for a French longevity generally can’t undergo issues to consult with their doctors no real role in advising the company founders, which include Harvard’s skin care company to advising a traditional clinical trials aimed before using it. and never attended a company Amy Wagers and Richard Lee, as longevity investment fund. He’s at testing their eff ects on human If a substance meets the FDA’s meeting. Even so, Elysium was demonstrating that “replenishing also an inventor named in the patent ageing. In addition, the FDA does defi nition of a supplement and is paying him for his role on the board, a single circulating factor, GDF11, licensed by Harvard and the Mayo not require supplements to undergo advertised that way, then the agency Flier said. in old animals mirrors the eff ects of Clinic to Elysium, and one of his the same safety or effi cacy testing as can’t take action unless it proves a Caroline Perry, director of young blood, repairing the heart, companies, MetroBiotech, has fi led pharmaceuticals. danger, said Alta Charo, a former communications for Harvard’s brain, muscle and other tissues.” a patent related to nicotinamide The banner headline on Elysium’s bioethics policy adviser to the Obama Offi ce of Technology Development, Other respected labs in the fi eld mononucleotide, which he says he website said that “clinical trial results administration. Pharmaceuticals said agreements such as Harvard’s have either failed to replicate or takes himself. prove safety and effi cacy” of its must demonstrate safety and effi cacy acceptance of research funds from contradict key elements of their Sinclair and Harvard declined to supplement, Basis, which contains before being marketed. Elysium comply with university observations. release details on how much money the molecule nicotinamide riboside “A lot of what goes on here is policies and “protect the traditional Elevian’s CEO, Mark Allen, said he — or the university — is generating and pterostilbene. But the company’s really, really careful phrasing for what academic independence of the the early scientifi c data on GDF11 is from these disclosed outside research did not demonstrate the you say the thing is for,” said Charo, researchers.” encouraging, but “drug discovery fi nancial interests. Sinclair estimated supplement was eff ective at anti- a law professor at the University of Harvard “enters into research and development is a time-intensive, in a 2017 interview with Australian ageing in humans, as it may be in Wisconsin. “If they’re marketing it agreements with corporate partners risky, regulated process requiring Financial Review that he raises $3 mice. It simply showed the pill as a cure for a disease, then they get who express a commitment to many years of research, preclinical million a year to fund his Harvard lab. increased the levels of the substance in trouble with the FDA. If they’re advancing science by supporting (animal) studies, and human clinical Liberty Biosecurity, a company he in blood cells. marketing it as a rejuvenator, then research led by Harvard faculty,” trials to successfully bring new drugs co-founded, estimated in Sinclair’s “Elysium is selling pills to people the FDA is hamstrung until a danger Perry added. to market.” online bio that he has been involved online with the assertion that the to the public is proven.” Like Harvard, the Mayo Clinic Flier worries research in in ventures that “have attracted more pills are ‘clinically proven’” said “This is a recipe for some really refused to release details on how the longevity fi eld could be than a billion dollars in investment.” O’Rahilly. “Thus far, however the unfortunate problems down the much money it would make off the compromised, although he When KHN asked him to detail benefi ts and risks of this change in road,” Charo added. “We may be Elysium licensing agreement. Mayo recognises the importance and the characterisation, he said it was chemistry in humans is unknown.” lucky and it may turn out that a lot and Harvard engaged in “substantial promise of the science. He said he’s inaccurate, without elaborating, and “Many interventions that seem of this stuff turns out to be benignly diligence and extended negotiations” concerned that alliances between the comments later disappeared from sensible on the basis of research in useless. But for all we know, it’ll be before entering into the agreement, billionaires and scientists could lead the website. animals turn out to have unexpected dangerous.” said a Mayo spokeswoman. to less skepticism. Sinclair cited confi dentiality eff ects in man,” he added, citing a The debate about the risks and “The company provided “A susceptible billionaire meets agreements for not disclosing his large clinical trial of beta carotene benefi ts of substances that have convincing proof that they are a very good salesman scientist who earnings, but he added that “most of that showed it increased rather than yet to be proven to work in humans committed to developing products looks him deeply in the eyes and this income has been reinvested into decreased the risk of lung cancer in has triggered a debate over whether supported by scientifi c evidence,” says, ‘There’s no reason why we can’t companies developing breakthrough smokers. research institutions are scrutinising said the spokeswoman, Duska have a therapy that will let you live medicines, used to help my lab, or Elysium’s own research the fi nancial interests and Anastasijevic. 400 or 600 years,’” Flier said. “The donated to nonprofi ts.” He said he documented a “small but signifi cant involvement of their faculty — or the Guarente of Elysium refused to say billionaire will look back and see did not know how much he stood to increase in cholesterol,” but added institution itself — closely enough. how much he or Elysium was earning someone who is at MIT or Harvard make off the Elysium patent, saying more studies were needed to It remains to be seen whether off the sale of the supplement Basis. and say, ‘Show me what you can do.’” Harvard negotiated the agreement. determine whether the changes Cambridge’s decision not to renew MIT would not release his confl ict- Despite concerns about the hype, Harvard declined to release were “real or due to chance.” One its partnership will prompt others to of-interest statements. scientists are hopeful of fi nding Sinclair’s confl ict-of-interest independent study has suggested rethink such ties. Private investment funds, a way forward by relying on hard statements, which university policy that a component of NAD may Flier, the former dean of Harvard meanwhile, continue to pour into evidence. The consensus: A pill is on requires faculty at the medical school longevity research despite questions the horizon. It’s just a matter of time to fi le in order to “protect against about whether the substances work — and solid research. any faculty bias that could heighten None of this is ready in people. “If you want to make money, the risk of harm to human research for prime time. The One key Elysium investor is the hiring a sales rep to push something participants or recipients of products Morningside Group, a private equity that hasn’t been tested is a really resulting from such research.” bottom line is I don’t fi rm run by Harvard’s top donor, great strategy,” said Miller, who “We can only be proud of our try any of these things. Gerald Chan, who also gave $350 is testing substances on mice. “If collaborations if we can represent million to the Harvard School of instead you want to fi nd drugs confi dently that such relationships Why don’t I? Because Public Health. that work in people, you take a enhance, and do not detract from, Billionaire and WeWork very diff erent approach. It doesn’t the appropriateness and reliability of I’m not a mouse co-founder Adam Neumann involve sales pitches. It involves the our work,” the policy states. — Felipe Sierra, Director, has invested in Sinclair’s Life long, laborious, slogging process of Elysium advertises both Harvard’s Biosciences. actually doing research.” – Kaiser and Sinclair’s ties to its company. It National Institute on An investment fi rm led by Health News was co-founded by Massachusetts engineer and physician Peter KHN senior correspondent Jay Institute of Technology professor Aging at NIH Diamandis gave a group of Harvard Hancock contributed to this report. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

UMAI marks National Sport Day

United Martial-Arts Academy International (UMAI), in collaboration with Qatar Karate Federation, recently organised an event to mark Qatar National Sport Day at Katara. The event kicked off with a meditation session, led by Noushad Mannoli, Technical Director of UMAI. The event featured a martial arts performance by 350 students including 35 black belt holders. The performance was guided by Nisamudheen VT and Jabir C M in the presence of Faizal CM and Siraj TK, senior instructors. The event was co-ordinated by Faizal Malayil, Chief Co- ordinator at UMAI, with the help of instructors, including Shafeek KTK, Afsal, Haneefa, Shabeer and Rahees RM.

IBS organises Annual Sports Day

International British School (IBS) recently organised its Annual Sports Day. Dr Shamila Ahmed, Principal of IBS, welcomed the gathering. Speaking on the occasion, she highlighted the importance of sports in a student’s life. Shaji Ali, CEO of IBS also attended the event. Addressing the gathering, he encouraged the young athletes. The students of Grade KG1-IX participated in various races, including sprints, relays, sack race, obstacle race and skipping race. The event was concluded with a prize distribution ceremony.

Oxy Qatar celebrates National Sport Day

Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar), in association with Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), recently celebrated Qatar National Sport Day at the Fire Station Artist in Residence. Abdulaziz Hatim, Player of Qatar national football team, joined the Oxy Qatar contingent. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY NMSQ organises blood donation drive

Nepalese Muslim Society Qatar (NMSQ) pancreas. “It is therapeutic exercise which saves recently organised a blood donation drive many lives,” he said. at Hamad Medical Corporation Blood Donor Ramesh Prasad Koirala, Ambassador of Nepal, Centre. also attended and took part in the blood donation Mohammad Ayub Haq, President of NMSQ, drive. The drive was attended by other notable welcomed the gathering. Speaking on the personalities and members of NMSQ, including occasion, Afsar Ali Khan, General Secretary of Tej Katuwal, Vice President of NRNA NCC. Around NMSQ, explained about the health benefits 100 people volunteered for the drive out of which of blood donation. He said that blood 66 donated the blood. HMC also presented a donation reduces obesity, risk of cancer and certificate of appreciation to NMCQ. – Text and hemochromatosis and damage to liver and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam

GSS elects new off ice bearers

Gorkha Service Society (GSS), Nepali Secretary; and Hikmatdin Miya, treasurer. GSS community organisation in Qatar, recently also elected co-ordinators and members. elected its new management committee The event was attended by notable at its 10th general assembly. The new personalities, including TB Karki, Budhabal off ice bearers, include Rajeshwor Dhakal, Gurung, Sudarshan Bhatta, Shree Krishna Chairperson; Ramzi Khatri, Senior Vice- Bhattarai, Bill Bahadur Gurung, Bimal Subedi, Chairperson; Om Raj Gurung and Gyanendra Kumar Karki, Binod Bhattarai, Tej Katuwal and Neupane, Vice-Chairpersons; Purushottam Chanak Pokhrel. Lamichhane, General Secretary; Bikash – Text and photos by Shrestha, Secretary; Gokarna Bhattarai, Sub- Usha Wagle Gautam

PSSC organises sports gala

Pak Shamaa School and Collage (PSSC) recently organised a sports gala to celebrate Qatar welcomed the gathering. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed National Sport Day. Commodore Irfan Taj, Defense Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan was the by a march past and physical training show. chief guest and Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial, Community Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan, the guest Students from Junior and Senior Sections took part in various activities, including athletics, racing, of honour. hurdle race, tug of war and eating competition. The winners of the competition were felicitated M A Shahid, President of school management committee, and Nabila Kaukab, Principal of PSSC, with trophies and prizes.

TRAFFIC AWARENESS: Olive International School Al Kharaitiyat is celebrating February as ‘Traff ic Awareness’ month. The students are practising traff ic and safety rules. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Australian school to organise Toddler Health and Wellness Conference

Australian Starfish Lane Kids (ASLK) is all set to organise Toddler Health and Wellness Conference on these are important because not only do they provide a sense of direction for parents and local March 2 at Marriott Marquis City Center Hotel. The event will feature various bloggers and influencers resources to help them during these integral early years but they are also extremely stressful for sharing their parenting experiences and tips, stated a press release. parents. Many of us here in Doha are parenting in a new way and have few circles that reflect positive Maryanne Sayers and Steph Gouin, International Professional Sleep Consultants for Babies and parenting and educational practices. It is a massive time of growth for the child, the parent, and our Children, will be attending the conference. They will cover various areas of sleep for parents including global understanding of best parenting practices and we all need a little help to make it through!” how to get it right from Day 1 and the importance of sleep for your children. The conference will be Kimberley Sheedy, CEO of Starfish Lane Kid, said, “Whether you are expecting a baby or your little divided into morning and afternoon sessions. one has already hit toddlerhood, having knowledge will equip and facilitate your experience and give The morning session of the conference will cover various topics, including baby and toddler sleep, you greater enjoyment of your children.” travelling with a toddler, importance of one-one time with your toddler, baby and toddler milestones The speakers at the conference, include Steph Gouin, Maryanne Sayers, Wasan Altikriti, Corryn and screen time substitutions. McBean, Dr Adrienne Robek, Polly Byles, Kim Wyatt, Shehar Bano Rizvi, Elisabete Reis, Dr Nina Hafetz, The afternoon session will cover the topics, including toddler nutrition, hectic household Amanda Tinnin and Dr Adriana Rassi. The conference has been sponsored by Al Hilal Pharmacy, management, toddler illnesses, the image of a mum, separation anxiety and toddler tantrums and Bioderma Qatar, My Gym, Doha Drug Store, Just Kidding, Caboodle, Roots, Bait Al Maarifa and Child aggression. Development Centre. Joue Club, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, Mustela, FLIK Cinemas and Venice Yachts Speaking about the event, Amanda Tinnin, certified PCI Parent Coach, said, “Parenting events like are the off icial partners.

Kimberley Sheedy, CEO of Starfish Lane Kid

LIS organises Annual Sports Day

Loyola International School recently organised its Annual Sports Day. Anup Chakravarthy was the chief guest at the event. The event kicked off with a march past, which was followed by an oath taking ceremony. The students participated in various activities, including running race, hopping race, hurdle race and throw ball. The winners were felicitated by PKV Prasad, Principal of LIS.

Barwa Bank celebrates Qatar National Sport Day

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to create awareness about the importance of sports and fitness, Barwa Bank, in collaboration with Al Ahli Sports Club, recently organised an event to mark Qatar National Sport Day. The bank hosted a fun and engaging sports programme for all its employees, in support of the eighth National Sport Day in collaboration with Al Ahli Sports Club. The event was attended by the employees and executive management of Barwa Bank along with their families. The activities, included rope challenge, climbing challenge, golf, yoga session, kids section, and a football match. Kids area was set-up for the children below five years of age. A mobile clinic from Hamad Medical Corporation was also present to off er diff erent health check- ups for the participants, including blood sugar test, weight and blood pressure. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Create healthy work environment with creative workspace

healthy work in-turn enhancing productivity. kinds of spaces will best support range of tasks such as QR-based work culture in a meaningful way environment through z Design by data: Data has their people. visitor management, booking a to the collective identity of the a blend of active urban entered the work environment, z The digital eff ect: Combining conference room etc. to enabling location, community and brand, setting as well as a adding signifi cant value to the aesthetics with algorithms, multiple parking allotments based on an designers are creating authenticity stress-free ecosystem conversation between designers traditional offi ces and co-working organised number plate system in the workplace in the world. Awith sustainable measures can go a and customers. Does everyone spaces are infusing technology and through smart cameras, further aid Additionally, to foster innovation long way in improving employees’ need their own workstation or digital tools to facilitate a conducive in streamlining experiences in offi ce and community building, offi ce productivity, say experts of private offi ce? Or would more environment, ease in day-to-day spaces. spaces are enabling collaboration workspace design. private enclaves and collaboration functioning for businesses and z Celebrate communities: through multi-use grand lobbies Praveen Rawal, Managing spaces better serve the team? employees as well. From smart Designers are explorers searching with activity-based settings to Director of Steelcase, Southeast Sensors in the workplace can help access, smart spaces to smart for inspiration in buildings being encourage networking, informal Asia and India, Shaishav Dharia, organisations learn how often meeting rooms, making use of a renovated into more creative meeting zones etc. Such amenities Regional CEO, Lodha Group and people are at their desks and what dedicated one app solution for a workplaces. By connecting new also culminate in creating Amit Ramani, Founder and CEO of authenticity in the workplace and Awfi s, share a list of tips: boost productivity as well. z Creativity enhanced by z Biophilia 2.0: The innate technology: We’ve reached an desire to connect and bond with era of peak screen time. Right now, nature is experiencing resurgence screen time limits our impact with because of the balance we need from the physical environment, but our digital world and the benefi t that’s changing. Help is coming nature’s restorative qualities provide from our workplace and technology. our wellbeing. Synergising elements Our spaces will become less about like embedded greens, infusing passively consuming what’s on our revitalising exterior elements, screens and more about how we complying with sustainable interact with technology and tools. standards and ensuring use of Incorporate technology to design material and colours that off er calm and create an environment which and comfort, are majorly attracting will enable colleagues to work freely the millennial workforce. – IANS

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

A group with which you’re aff iliated may be temporarily torn Changes in your home could cause temporary frustration that Miscommunication with someone far away could lead to bruised apart by politics and quarrels. If so, Aries, it’s best to stay out of it. creates some tension with family members. Perhaps you’re moving, egos, heightened emotions, and angry phone calls. Don’t get sucked A friend could be having trouble and come to you for advice and cleaning, or refurnishing, and everyone is getting in everyone else’s into a quarrel, Gemini. Try to sort out the problem. Changes in your help. Don’t get too frustrated by his or her weaknesses. This could way. The best way to handle this situation is to try to get the job neighbourhood could cause trouble getting around, so be prepared be a frustrating day for you – one best spent working on your own done as quickly as possible. Once it’s done, Taurus, tempers will for blocked streets and heavy traff ic. Walk, if you can. It will clear projects. All will be better tomorrow. subside and all will be fine. your head and get you where you’re going more quickly. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Your psychoanalytical talents could be put to work today when A person you’re attracted to may seem to be interested in someone Someone is keeping secrets from you. We all have private issues misunderstandings come up. Your friends aren’t likely to be thinking else. This could bring up your insecurities and jealousy. Don’t make we don’t wish to share, Virgo, but this aff ects you. Your intuition will clearly and may not respond to reassurances, Cancer. Use your yourself crazy, Leo. Try to learn the facts before letting the situation probably tell you who this person is. Try to get him or her to open intuition to determine the best way to defuse the situation. Finances get the better of you. Invitations to more than one social event for up without exerting pressure. Unfinished tasks could be driving you might cause some worry now, but your ingenuity and fiscal sense the same night might force you to make an uncomfortable choice. crazy. You may try to run through them quickly, causing too much should put things right. Go out and have a good time tonight. Make the choice that’s best for you. stress. Get the most crucial done and let the others go. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Perhaps you planned to attend a group event but circumstances A visitor who needs a little sympathy could visit you today. Your Some important plans, perhaps for a vacation or involving education beyond your control got in the way. Maybe it was cancelled. This friend probably wants some advice about some problems. He in some way, could be temporarily blocked by circumstances could cause some disappointment for you and others, Libra. Find or she could also bring information involving new scientific or beyond your control, Sagittarius. This can cause considerable upset something else to do. A project of your own is likely to need some metaphysical studies that you find fascinating. This information and might even set your temper on edge. You may be tempted to attention, and this challenge could keep you engrossed for hours. could trigger your own insights. Write down your ideas. You will take your frustrations out on others. It would be far more productive Tonight, treat yourself to dinner out. want to remember them. to find ways to make your plans work, even if there’s a delay. Go to it. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

A letter or phone call could bring upsetting news about money, Jealousy could rear its ugly head today, Aquarius. This may involve Nervous tension could cause a temporary malaise that keeps your Capricorn. Your first reaction may be to blame yourself or someone a romantic relationship. Jealousy is often groundless. If you want to energy low today. Tasks and chores need to be done, Pisces, so you else, but the circumstances are probably beyond anyone’s control. avoid an upset, try a little communicating. This is definitely the time will probably drag yourself up and try to finish them in spite of the Chances are good that it can be set right. Before anyone gets too to make the eff ort to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Strong way you feel. Try not to get overworked, and try not to take your upset, it’s best to investigate and find out what needs to be done. It emotions can work for you under some circumstances. A passionate weariness out on others. It’s better to let work go than make yourself may take some eff ort, but all will be well. reconciliation is better than an angry estrangement. and everyone else more stressed out. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

C-C

CADILLAC CHERUBIC CLERIC CRITIC CAMBRIC CHIC CLINIC CUBIC CATHOLIC CHROMATIC COLIC CYCLIC CAUSTIC CHRONIC COMIC CYCLONIC CELTIC CITRIC CONIC CYNIC CERAMIC CIVIC COSEC CHAOTIC CLASSIC COSMIC

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS 1. One has to be quick to keep DOWN one’s title (4,4) 1. A member took in the 5. Floods making one head into messenger (6) the ship (6) 2. In France I could be a banker, 10. Blown off in a film (4,4,3,4) perhaps (9) 11. Incline to take a man on a 3. Drove the prisoner, now a shoot (7) broken reed (7) 12. Isn’t forced to be such a fool 4. John’s not backing the (7) Spanish head (5) 13. Out of puff (8) 6. Continued the journey, say, 15. It’s not fashionable to be from town (7) seen in silk voile (5) 7. The City Examiner (5) 18. Lacking energy to get 8. Preparing to mount (8) dressed (5) 9. Tolerate wrongdoing when 20. Son is spy out to get a one acts as deputy (6,2) general view (8) 14. See about a flower in the 23. In the end a character shows wind (8) Answers cunning (7) 16. Quiet - not so much row at 25. Serious as a Sterne novel can the front (9) Wordsearch Codeword be (7) 17. Reinforces attacks made 26. In Hull see lawmen drunk as over the marshlands (8) an old lord (7,8) 19. In off-side position, one may 27. Tender, relatively speaking argue (7) (6) 21. Norm cut the vegetable (7) 28. Suggested the money- 22. Pen was over-fashioned (6) making player sat for a 24. Comes close to distracting portrait (8) saner characters (5) 25. It may put you out to find the Queen outside (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Tug-of-war 5 Stolid DOWN: 1 Tickle 2 Gambol 9 Come over 10 Moulds 12 3 Footage 4 Apex 6 Took Loofah 13 Blooming 15 Person off 7 Lollipop 8 Designed 11 of note 18 Over one’s head 23 Blanche 14 Ascetic 16 Collapse Lets slip 24 Scarce 26 Poetry 17 Restless 19 Observe 20 27 To be sure 28 Easter 29 Ancient 21 Grouse 22 Levels Mattress. 25 Lola. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Marina

Marina Diamandis was formerly billed as Marina and The Diamonds. But the Welsh singer and has now decided to abbreviate her stage name to Marina. “There isn’t any particular big reason behind the name change,” said 33-year-old Marina. “It was just something that felt natural and the right thing for me to do.” It is four years since the release of her last album, . Although it peaked at number 10 in Britain, the album did not match the UK chart-topping success of 2012’s or her 2010 debut, The Family Jewels, which hit number five. Yet Froot gave Marina her highest placing on the Billboard 200. The number eight position far surpassed the number 31 spot achieved by Electra Heart and the number 138 reached by her debut album. An as-yet-untitled new album should soon be released but the lead single, Handmade Heaven, is available now. Despite her successful albums, Marina has enjoyed few hit singles. Just four FOCUSED: , the strongest singer in , says her attention is focused on promoting My Wildest Dreams. of her own songs have found a place in the UK top 40. The most successful of these was Primadonna, a track from Electra Heart, which reached number 11 in Britain and did well in other parts of the world. She returned to the charts late last year joining Luis Fonsi as the featured vocalists on ’s single, Baby. This eff ectively became the prelude to Handmade Heaven. Filmed in a snow- covered Estonian forest, the video for her new single can be seen Claire’s debut solo at www..com/watch?v=GiOGlYjKgX8 “I wrote Handmade Heaven at a time when I felt very out of sync and lost in the world,” Marina remarked. “Something that helped me was taking the time to look closely at nature every day. “In some ways, we live in a very unnatural world. Our brains are constantly trying to adjust and adapt to a lot of social and album in UK top 10 technological change. I think this can cause a lot of suff ering. So many people have anxiety whilst the natural world has less of a Steps backing dancer Mark Webb. She the standard edition of My Wildest role in our lives. By Geoff rey Rowlands had taken up with Mark after ending Dreams, 15 on the deluxe version. One “That’s why the song is important to me. It’s about the sadness of an affair with former Steps publicity unexpected name amongst the credits feeling separate from nature. Handmade Heaven is an imagined manager Reece Hill. The marriage was is Claire herself. paradise where we connect with people who are on the same he Steps comeback went doomed to failure. Claire and Mark “I listened to literally hundreds of wavelength and how special it feels when that happens.” pretty well. Dubious were divorced in 2005. song demos before choosing those marketing didn’t help their She had rekindled her romance I wanted to record. Most are about Avril Lavigne / Nicki Minaj singles. Only one of the with Reece before her fi rst marriage love and heartbreak, pretty universal tracks released from their had been dissolved. However, their themes. The song I co-wrote is about Many critics have expressed surprise that rapper Nicki Minaj is album,T Tears On The Dancefloor, relationship proved to be a genuine love my children. I know there will be many the featured performer on Canadian singer / songwriter Avril made any impression on the charts. match. They married and are the proud women who relate to this track.” Lavigne’s latest single, Dumb Blonde. In fact, the two artistes were This was lead single, Scared of the parents of two children. Claire looks to further promote massive fans of each other’s work long before they ever met. Dark, which peaked at number 37. But “I was thinking about doing a solo her album with a concert tour in the “I used to drive to my waitressing job at Red Lobster playing the album reached number two on album when I became pregnant. I summer. Avril’s debut album every day for months,” Nicki stated. “I’d cry the UK chart and the Steps comeback didn’t want to do all the work required “I did some shows before Christmas to I’m With You, and blast out Complicated, Things I’ll Never concert tour proved enormously to promote a record at a time when to give people a taste of my album. They Say, Nobody’s Fool and Sk8ter Boi. Avril is just so unbelievably successful. my baby had to be the top priority so went really well so I’d like to do a tour talented.” It is two months short of two years everything was put on hold. Things later this year. Nothing has been set as Avril is equally eff usive in her praise of Nicki. since Steps released Tears On The happened during the course of my yet apart from supporting Celine Dion “She is my favourite. I’ve been listening to Nicki for so long. I listen Dancefl oor. The fi ve-piece vocal group career and private life which meant I at her London concert in Hyde Park on to Fly, Starships and Bed all the time. As soon as I recorded Dumb might have been expected to build didn’t seriously return to the prospect July 5. I’m unbelievably excited about Blonde, I knew she’d be the perfect artiste to collaborate with on on their comeback with a new album of making a solo album until about that.” the track. It was like a dream come true when she said yes. by now. Instead, it is Claire Richards, three years ago.” When does Claire anticipate “Nicki is such a talented, strong woman and driving force. Having certainly the strongest singer in Steps, Claire was uncertain about the style reuniting with her Steps band mates? her on Dumb Blonde is so special for me. We wrote the song as an who is enjoying a UK top ten hit with of songs she wanted to record for her “The plan is to start working on anthem for anyone who has been stereotyped or talked down to. her debut solo album, My Wildest album. our next album sometime in the Keep your confidence up and don’t let anyone tell you how to be.” Dreams. “Steps make a specifi c type of pop summer. The others are really busy at There is no off icial as yet but an off icial lyric video “I’ve been working on this album for music so I felt it would be expected the moment. None of them are doing is the latest posting at www.youtube.com/user/AvrilLavigne the past three years,” Claire remarked. that I would do something very anything in music. It’s all family or Also available to view here are the videos for the two singles “The others knew all about it and that similar or completely diff erent. I business. previously issued from Avril’s newly released sixth studio album. I would be releasing my solo album found it diffi cult to know what to do. I “Of course, Faye (Tozer) was in the The title-track, Head Above Water, was released last September during the break between Steps albums eventually decided that I didn’t need BBC’s in the last while Tell Me It’s Over was issued this past December. and tours.” to stray too far away from the basic part of 2018 and she’s just fi nished the It is actually more than 10 years since Steps sound but record songs which live tour. I know how much she enjoyed SOAK Claire initially intended to create a solo might be considered as a little more doing all the shows but she might want album. After she and Ian ‘H’ Watkins sophisticated. to put her feet up for a while before we Irish indie-folk singer / songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson, better left Steps in December, 2001, they “I wanted the songs to refl ect myself get back together to do the next Steps known by her stage name SOAK, has just released her latest performed together as H and Claire. as an individual rather than a member album. single. All three of their singles made the UK of the group. I’m 41 now, married and “I’m not sure how much work With Valentine’s Day just having passed, Valentine Schmalentine top ten but their album, Another You the mother of two kids. The songs had I’ll have done before we join forces could be regarded as a kind of antidote to the day for those in Another Me, only reached number 58. to make sense for a woman who has my again. But I love performing so I’ll be love. The track is taken from SOAK’s sophomore album, Grim They were dropped by their circumstances. The lyrics really had to ready and waiting. For now though, Town, which is set for release on April 26. and split up in 2003. mean something.” everything is about my solo work. All Valentine Schmalentine follows Everybody Loves You and Knock At this time, Claire was busy with A wide variety of my attention is focused on promoting Me Off My Feet as the third single from Grim Town. Videos for all the preparations for her marriage to have contributed the 12 tracks on My Wildest Dreams.” three songs can be found at www.youtube.com/user/off icialSOAK Tuesday, February 19, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY SpongeBob SquarePants to celebrate 20 years

PIONEER: Steven Spielberg is considered one of the founding pioneers of the New Hollywood era. Filmmakers should make movies for theatres: Steven Spielberg

Veteran fi lmmaker Steven Spielberg has urged other fi lmmakers to make movies for theatres and not just for television. While accepting the Filmmaker Award at the Cinema Audio Society Awards, Spielberg requested fi lmmakers to focus on giving the audience a theatrical experience, reports variety.com. He said: “I hope all of us really continue to believe that the greatest contributions we can make as fi lmmakers is to give audiences the motion picture theatrical experience. I’m a fi rm believer that movie theatres need to be around forever.” Spielberg said he was not against television, but he feels theatre has far better experience. “I love television. I love the opportunity. Some of the greatest writing being done today is for television, some of the best directing for television, some of the best performances are on television today. “The sound is better in homes more than it ever has been in history but there’s nothing like going to a big dark theatre with people you’ve never met before and having the experience wash over you. That’s something we all truly believe in,” he added. – IANS PILOT: SpongeBob SquarePants off icially premiered on July 17, 1999.

Mike Posner stays silent to preserve voice a statement. “This anniversary special is doppelgangers of their characters. By Tracy Brown a love letter to everyone in the universe New episodes slated to premiere Singer Mike Posner says he loves to stay silent to of SpongeBob, from the fans across the in summer include one in which preserve his singing voice. globe to the incredible creative team, SpongeBob’s personality changes after On Sodajerker podcast, Posner spoke about his way pongeBob sang it best: “It’s crew and talent who continue to bring closing the signature gap between his of rehearsing for concerts and why he likes to observe going to be a good one, just these great characters to life.” front teeth, as well as one in which he silence, reports femalefi rst.co.uk. wait and see.” Kicking off the Best Year Ever is the becomes the boss for the day at the The Be as you are hitmaker said: “I’m weird, some Nickelodeon announced mixed live-action and animated special, Krusty Krab. days if I’ve been singing a lot I won’t speak, I’ll take that it will celebrate the 20th SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout, which Another new episode will see the tiny, days where I’m silent. I’ll just write to people on my Sanniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants will premiere July 12. diabolical Plankton and his computer phone, just to save my voice, I’m always scared I’m with the “Best Year Ever”: a tribute that This anniversary special will see wife Karen somehow have a baby. going to lose it.” will launch this July with a one-hour SpongeBob and Patrick venture to the SpongeBob SquarePants offi cially Posner, who released his new album A Real Good special on TV, leading up to a new movie surface world and stumble upon some premiered on July 17, 1999, and in the Kid last month, revealed that most of the songs were scheduled to hit theatres in summer familiar characters while visiting a years since, the beloved characters have written whilst he was living back at his family home in 2020. restaurant called the Trusty Slab. While been on the big screen, on the Broadway Detroit for two years so he could take care of his father “The tiny residents of Bikini Bottom the best friends are away, the residents of stage, in holiday parades and even in who had been diagnosed with brain cancer. have held the world’s attention for a Bikini Bottom set up a surprise party for some of the Internet’s favorite memes. “When my dad was sick I would go in the basement, remarkable 20 years and we owe it all the birthday sponge. Hillenburg died last year. I would get up really early and I would practice for four to the monumental creator Stephen SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout will The new fi lm set for next year is titled hours before helping out with the family and stuff , for Hillenburg,” Nickelodeon’s executive feature the actors that voice SpongeBob, The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful some reason I found it easier to be productive when I vice president of animation production Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward Sponge. actually had more to do,” he added. – IANS and development, Ramsey Naito, said in and Plankton playing live-action — Los Angeles Times/ TNS

Chris Cornell documentary in works show in Detroit. His death was ruled a suicide. In January, Vicky Cornell and a number of A new documentary fi lm cantered on the the grunge icon’s fellow musicians, including life of Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, Chris Cornell is in the works. threw a benefi t concert, I Am the Highway: A The fi lm will be produced by Cornell’s Tribute to Chris Cornell at the Forum in Los widow, Vicky, along with Hollywood star Angeles. Brad Pitt and Peter Berg’s Film 45 production Guest performers included Miley Cyrus, company, which focuses on non-scripted Foo Fighters, Metallica, Brandi Carlile entertainment and branded content, reports and Chris Stapleton. Pitt also made an variety.com. appearance. Berg will direct the project. Cornell received 16 Grammy nominations Cornell was the lead singer of Soundgarden throughout his career. from the band’s incarnation in 1984 until He won three: best metal performance for they broke up in 1997. He went on to front Spoonman and best hard rock performance Audioslave with members of Rage Against the for Black Hole Sun, both with his Soundgarden SOLITUDE: Mike Posner says he loves silence. Machine before Soundgarden reunited in 2011. bandmates, and a posthumous honour for ROCK LEGEND: Chris Cornell The band was in the middle of touring best rock performance for When bad does received 16 Grammy nominations when, on May 18, 2017, Cornell died after a good. – IANS throughout his career. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 19, 2019 COMMUNITY

GROUP: Syed Ahsan Raza, Ambassador of Pakistan, left, with off icials and dignitaries at the Pashto poetry symposium. Pakistani expatriates get a taste of Pashto poetry platform of Pashtun Professionals By Mudassir Raja “We had a Pashto poetry symposium in Qatar aft er Forum that has 350 members. “In Qatar, professionals and 17 years, and we are very happy to have full support workers are mostly busy in their he enthusiasm of Pashto- routine work activities. There are speaking Pakistani of our embassy. The ambassador also attended very few programmes like this for expatriates was visible the community, especially for the at a recent Pashto the symposium. We would like to increase our working class. We have seen that poetry symposium. The many of them had craze for poetry. communityT members attended the engagement with the community” When they come towards literature, poetic symposium in large numbers it means they are coming to life. It and applauded the poets for their — Arshad Hussain is a big achievement to have such inspiring works. kind of event. We are trying to dispel Pak Pashtun Welfare Society noted personalities from Pakistan literature is. The chief objective Pashtuns. The scholars stressed whatever wrong perception other (PPWS) organised ‘Sabaon da including Pashto TV anchors and of the programme is to have a the need for education. We have a people have about the Pashtuns. Pashtun’ symposium at the journalists. The audience remained get-together and enjoy an evening big Pashtun community in Qatar. “We had a Pashto poetry auditorium of Dalla Driving unmoved for over two hours as the together. The poets have presented If they get enlightened regarding symposium in Qatar after 17 years Academy. Syed Ahsan Raza, visiting and local poets presented romantic, didactic, and humorous education, they will be able to and we are very happy to have ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, the history, traditions, culture and verses. We have invited people from provide necessary education to their full support of our embassy. The presided over the poetic symposium richness of Pashto language. diff erent walks of life in Qatar. Over children in future.” ambassador has also attended where many Pashto poets from Talking to Sheraz Orakzai, 70 percent of Pakistani expatriates Arshad Hussain, who works in the symposium. We would like to Pakistan captivated the audience Chairman of Pak Ashuwand Pashto in Qatar are Pashtuns. We have a government company, said: “I increase our engagement with the with their rhythmic and soulful Adabi Tolana, said: “We have invited prominent personalities have been in Qatar since 2006. I community.” poetry. organised the programme to bring from Pakistan for our community. have worked in other Gulf countries Abdul Haleem Afridi said, “I The poets who attended the our community together through There are multiple opportunities earlier. Though Qatar is a smaller believe such kinds of events are symposium were namely, Abaseen literature and poetry. We are going to in Qatar and we can carry out our country, I have received much very necessary as they bring the Yousafzai, Professor Bakht Zada hold similar events yearly on every cultural activities frequently and more aff ection and love here than disintegrated community together. Danish, Mumtaz Orakzai, and March 23, Pakistan National Day.” freely. We are happy to be in Qatar.” what I got in other countries. I have It is a healthy activity. We get an Sahib Shah Sabir. Many Qatar- Orakzai, who has been a Janan Bangash, Chairman of been an active member of Pakistan opportunity to meet major names based Pashto poets also took part successful businessman in Qatar Pak Pashtun Welfare Society, Engineering Forum and Pakistan in Pashto literature. I have observed in the symposium. The event was since 1992, further said: “Another said: “Besides the mushaira Welfare Forum. I have been trying that the quality of poetry read out by organised in co-operation with Pak purpose of the symposium is to (poetry symposium), there was a to bring Pashtun professionals Doha-based poets is very good. The Pashtun Engineers Forum and Pak highlight soft image of Pashtuns special sitting with the scholarly together at a platform. We have main message of the poetry is to go Ashuwand Pashto Adabi Tolana. showing that how educated they guests from Pakistan and they integrated Pashtun professionals for education. The poetry has been The organisers also invited many are and how rich their culture and had discussion on the future of with other communities on the very inspiring and motivating.”