Community Community Pakistan The area International around the P6School Qatar P16 Checkpoint celebrates Charlie, a symbol Pakistan of German division, Defence Day on has become a its premises. touristy spot.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Moharram 9, 1440 AH

Doha today: 320 - 410

COVER SSensationalensational TORY S Did archaeologists find the oldest drawing made by humans? P4-5

SITE: An interior view of the Blombos Cave on the South African coast. 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.04am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.21am Zuhr (noon) 11.28am Asr (afternoon) 2.55pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.36pm Isha (night) 7.06pm Seema Raja and Samantha is just another ordinary girl from the town, not DIRECTION: Ponram so aware of Raja’s existence and his background. When the CAST: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sivakarthikeyan, Yogi heir of the royal family tries to save his land and villagers from USEFUL NUMBERS Babu, Lal, Manobala a greedy man, he meets Samantha on his journey of remorse SYNOPSIS: Seemaraja is a Tamil movie starring and action. What happens next is a love story crafted to detail. Sivakarthikeyan and Samantha. Seema Raja is the prince of the town who travels in helicopters and has money to spare THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

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 UTurn SYNOPSIS: Mysterious events occur decides to investigate the issue. Her quest DIRECTION: Pawan Kumar around a double road fl yover in Bengaluru. for an answer would lead her into a web of CAST: Shraddha Srinath, Dileep Raj, When a fl yover in the city becomes the intrigue, murder and mystery. Roger Narayan hotbed of accidents, a young reporter THEATRE: The Mall

ote Unquo The Mall Cinema (1): Seema Seema Raja (Tamil) 5pm; Qu te Raja (Tamil) 2:15pm; The Hows Manmarziyaan (Hindi) 8pm; Of Us (Tagalog) 5:15pm; Final Ranam (Malayalam) 10:45pm. “Lighten up, just enjoy Score (2D) 7:30pm; The Nun Royal Plaza Cinema Palace life, smile more, laugh more, (2D) 9:30pm; Shailaja Reddy Landmark Cinema (1): (1): Luis And The Aliens (2D) and don’t get so worked up (Telugu) 11:30pm. The Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 3pm; Peter Pan: The Quest Of The Mall Cinema (2): Luis 2:30pm; The Hows Of Us The Never Book (2D) 5pm; The about things.” And The Aliens (2D) 2pm; Peter (Tagalog) 4:30pm; The Hows Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 7pm; The — Kenneth Branagh Pan: The Quest Of The Never Of Us (Tagalog) 6:30pm; Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 9:15pm; Book (2D) 3:30pm; Peter Pan: The Predator (2D) 8:30pm; The Nun (2D) 11:30pm. The Quest Of The Never Book Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2D) 5:15pm; The Hows Of Us 10:30pm. (2): The Hows Of Us (Tagalog) (Tagalog) 7pm; The Hows Of Us Landmark Cinema (2): Luis 2:30pm; The Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 9:15pm; The Predator And The Aliens (2D) 3:30pm; (Tagalog) 5pm; The Predator (2D) 11:30pm. Peter Pan: The Quest Of The (2D) 7:15pm; The Nun (2D) Community Editor The Mall Cinema (3): The Never Book (2D) 5:30pm; The 9:15pm; The Predator (2D) 11pm. Kamran Rehmat Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 2pm; Hows Of Us (Tagalog) 7:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: [email protected] Ranam (Malayalam) 4pm; The Final Score (2D) 9:30pm; The (3): Seema Raja (Tamil) 3:30pm; Telephone: 44466405 Predator (2D) 6:30pm; Jawani Nun (2D) 11:30pm. Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) Fax: 44350474 Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 8:30pm; Landmark Cinema (3): 6:30pm; Manmarziyaan (Hindi) U-Turn (Tamil) 11:30pm. The Predator (2D) 2:30pm; 10pm. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS executive programme. Discover the were engaged in rich monthly debates extravagant pink Bar Squared Brunch at international diversity of participants, with curators and researchers that helped The Square and pink-themed nights at Making Faces with Clay blended learning and international mobility to shape a diverse assemblage of artistic Strata Restaurant and Lounge. WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art, options. Find out how it will help you approaches from inception all the way to Education Centre transform yourself and your career. their final form as artworks. The ultimate TCA QATAR Music Competition 2018 WHEN: Till today identity of the exhibition was formed WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf TIME: 4pm – 5pm Toastmasters SpeechCraft according to these juxtapositions and Times Building Be there and learn clay sculpture using WHERE: North Star Kindergarten, Al similarities among the artists, as well as WHEN: October 5 – October 13 a Seljuk statue head as inspiration. By Khor the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and Enroll for music competition in sketching through observation, Kids will WHEN: Ongoing till September 28 visions. categories, including Sub Juniors ( Grade learn about the Seljuks and the features TIME: 3:30pm – 5:30pm 3-5 ), Juniors (Grade 6 - 8 ), Intermediate that make their figurative art so distinct. Crush your fear of public speaking and Inter-School Yoga Championship (Grade 9- 12) and Seniors (above 17 years ). learn to speak with confidence in stage by WHEN: October 5 Registration fee QR30. For further details, joining the Toastmasters Speechcraft at Al WHERE: MES Indian School, Abu contact 66523871/44373259 Khor. Speechcraft is a 4 session learn-by- Humour doing workshop, designed to increase your TIME: 1pm TCA QATAR Dance Evolution public speaking and leadership skills. Indian Sports Centre is all set to organise Competition 2018 the second edition of ‘Inter-School WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Weekly Knitting and Crochet Circle Yoga Championship’, sponsored by ‘The Times Building WHERE: Qatar National Library Children’s Place’. The championship has WHEN: September 28 – October 5 WHEN: Ongoing till September 27 been expanded to include students of Are you a dancer ? Do you love to dance ? TIME: 9am – 11am all nationalities residing in Qatar. Free If yes, then you can come and tap your foot Join the casual gathering of knitters and training sessions can also be arranged to steps on the your favorite dancing numbers crocheters to work on projects and share help schools prepare their students for and be a part of Qatar Dance Evolution skills in a friendly atmosphere. Participants the championship. Team and Individual Competition 2018. will be welcome to bring their own supplies Championship is classified into two and projects or to borrow QNL needles and categories of under-12 and under-18 for Gymnastics World Championships yarn. All skill levels are welcome including both boys and girls. Rolling trophy will be WHERE: Aspire Dome Acrobat Tech Show beginners who are interested in learning. awarded to the champion school. Last date WHEN: October 25 – November 3 WHEN: Ongoing of entry is September 26. For further details Over 700 male and female gymnasts from WHERE: Mall Of Qatar Doha Women Forum 55646693 /55824194 or email at yoga. over 80 countries, including three Team Enjoy the supreme aerial acrobatics skill WHERE: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa [email protected] Qatar gymnasts, will compete across 10 show with an exceptional laser act and a WHEN: September 26 days of competition in Doha’s ionic Aspire haunting music soundtrack that promises TIME: 8am – 5pm Dome. Experience the drama, emotions and to entertain the whole family. Doha Women Forum 2018: Press for excitement of gymnastics’ pinnacle event Progress is a platform where women can as global superstars go head to head in a bid learn from experts, get inspired by the to be crowned the best in the world. experiences of other women, share ideas, and network. The forum will feature the After School Activities stories of women who took steps to affect WHERE: Atelier positive change in their workplace, their WHEN: Ongoing community and personal lives. The event Music & arts Activities for students will consist of empowering talks, group taking place after they finish their day in discussions and workshops. school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing & Painting, Drama International Wedding Exhibition Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and WHERE: DECC, Westbay 10 years old after school hours. WHEN: September 26 – 30 TIME: 10am – 10pm IWED 2018 is to stage a high-profile Med Food luxury wedding exhibition in order WHERE: DECC to position it in the calendar as a key WHEN: October 1 – 4 appointment for the luxury market in the TIME: 3pm – 9pm Free Activities Middle East. This event also offers women, For international entrepreneurs, traders, WHEN: Ongoing who are interested in fashion and luxury, manufacturers, suppliers, food technology WHERE: Swiss International School the latest styles and trends in the market. companies, and hospitality services on food The Swiss International School is and beverage, MedFood will be an excellent opening its new HUB offering Zumba, platform to open new vistas to foray into Salsa, Yoga, Hip Hop, Football, Spinning, the emerging markets of Qatar While Boxercise, Drama, Piano, Violin and Qatar economy is rapidly progressing, the ABRSM music theory: enjoy a large range of demand and supply of food is inevitable activities for both kids and adults.No need increasing due to the growth of local for registration. population, foreign worker and its tourism. Hobby Classes Kannada Film Screening Breast Cancer Awareness WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al WHEN: September 21 WHERE: InterContinental Doha Hilal Focus Medical Centre WHERE: Asian Town Screen 3 WHEN: October WHEN:Wednesday – Monday TIME: 5:30pm InterContinental Doha – The City is Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic The screening is to reach out to Kannada organising several activities (especially performing artsinstitution and a one stop speaking audience in Qatar providing at its various dining venues) that focus solution for adults as well as children premier family entertainment. Outdoor and five-a-side football on highlighting the importance of early looking to explore their talents in various pitches detection. Try the pink afternoon tea, the art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic Story time for kids WHERE: Aspire Zone Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, WHERE: Virgin Megastore, Doha WHEN: Daily Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, Festival City TIME: 7pm – 11pm contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. WHEN: September 22 Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football For details, call 4723680/ 33897609. TIME: 3pm – 5pm outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street are Experience the magic of getting lost in available every day from 7pm – 11pm. Dance and instrument classes the wonderful world of books with Virgin WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Megastore’s Story Time session happening Dual Inspirations Times Building at Doha Festival City. WHERE: Fire Station Garage Gallery WHEN: Wednesday – Monday WHEN: Ongoing till October1 Learn the movements of dance styles HEC Paris EMBA Session TIME: 9am – 7pm in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the WHERE: Tornado Tower, West Bay Dual Inspirations explores the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, WHEN: September 22 intellectual concepts that revolve around Keyboard for adults as well kids and move TIME: 4:30 pm – 6pm inspiration as a platform. Over a nine in the world of music. For details, contact Learn more about this world-class month residency programme 18 artists 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY 73,000 years old! The ancient piece of art predates any other known abstract or figurative drawings from Africa, Europe and Indonesia by 30,000 years and is on the smooth, concave side of a grindstone tool that’s only 1.5 inches long, writes Deborah Netburn

It adds a new dimension to what these people were doing and reinforces the hypothesis that they had a ‘symbolic culture — Francesco d’Errico, archaeologist

FIND: The Blombos Cave drawing with ochre pencil on silcrete stone. Scientists say it’s the oldest known example of a drawing made by humans.

n an ancient seaside cave years, according to a report this 73,000 years ago. These layers also to his trained eye, so he passed on the South African coast, week in the journal Nature. contained 67 shell beads, including it along to the leaders of the dig archaeologists have found Francesco d’Errico, an some that had been coloured with — Christopher Henshilwood and what may be the earliest archaeologist at the University of ochre. Karen van Niekerk of the University known drawing created by a Bordeaux in France who worked on Archaeologists had also found of Bergen in Norway. Ihuman. the study, said the fi nd came as a evidence that visitors to the cave The researchers’ fi rst step was to This ancient piece of art is about surprise to the research team. were processing ochre to create determine whether the lines were 73,000 years old, its discoverers “It adds a new dimension to a liquid pigment and storing it in just part of the stone tool or if they say. It’s on the smooth, concave what these people were doing and abalone shells as much as 100,000 had been put there by humans. side of a grindstone tool that’s only reinforces the hypothesis that they years ago. Microscopic and chemical analyses 1.5 inches long, and experiments had a symbolic culture,” he said. However, the drawing still came confi rmed that the lines were ’ in a French laboratory suggest it The drawing was discovered as as a surprise. chemically diff erent from the rock, was created with a pointed piece of part of the excavation of Blombos It was fi rst spotted by Luca and that they were made of ochre. ochre. Cave, which lies 190 miles east of Pollarolo, an archaeologist and Next, the researchers wanted The markings are not much Cape Town on the southern coast honorary research fellow at the to know how the ochre lines to look at it. They consist of six of South Africa. Teeth found in University of Witwatersrand in had gotten onto the rock. Was it relatively straight lines that are the cave indicate that it was used Johannesburg. painted? Was it drawn? intersected by three wavy lines to as a temporary residence by early Pollarolo had already examined To answer this question, they form a rough crosshatch pattern. modern humans as far back as thousands of fl akes pulled from the brushed rocks with ochre paint and But the simple red drawing 100,000 years ago. cave as part of his work to better drew on rocks with ochre crayons predates any other known abstract The grindstone was found in understand the technology used to (pieces of ochre that have been or fi gurative drawings from Africa, sedimentary layers that have been produce stone tools. The markings sharpened to a point on one end.) Europe and Indonesia by 30,000 dated to between 77,000 and on this particular fl ake looked odd It was painstaking work. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

EXPLORATION: Scientists at work in the Blombos Cave interior. “It may appear as a fun activity His colleague Maxime Aubert, COUNTERPOINT to an outsider, but in reality it is an archaeologist and geochemist a time-consuming endeavour in at Griffi th University, shared his which you alternate experiments scepticism. Although the study with a lot of time at the authors have shown that the “To make this microscope,” D’Errico said. ochre was applied to the stone on Ultimately, the team determined purpose, the reason for it remains argument that the ochre lines were almost unclear, he said. they would certainly made by drawing, not by “To me, it fails to demonstrate painting. that the crosshatched patterns were need to find Finally, the authors wanted to intentionally made by humans as know whether the pattern was a sign of symbolic representation,” and date more deliberately drawn to convey he said. meaning or it was simply the result However, Pat Shipman, a retired such artifacts, of processing ochre. Previous professor of anthropology at Penn not just one work had shown that these State, said the authors made a ancient people also used ochre as convincing case that the drawing among several a glue additive and perhaps as a was deliberately made. sunscreen. “The hashtag or crosshatched thousand other To test this, they tried grinding shape often appears in rock art ochre in a way that would match and quite similar shapes have been unmarked the pattern on the grindstone, scratched into pieces of ochre from stones. but this produced less than one the same cave,” Shipman said. milligram of ochre powder — “Though they have, so far, only the For example, hardly worth the eff ort. This led one piece, I would not be surprised them to the conclusion that there if more are discovered since the one the red lines was not a utilitarian purpose to the they have recognised so far is part lines. of a larger object.” could simply Reaction to the study has been Indeed, the researchers report be from mixed among the archaeological that each red line ends abruptly community. at the stone’s edge, suggesting sharpening Adam Brumm, an archaeologist that the drawing is a small part at Griffi th University in Australia, of a bigger — and perhaps more an ochre said the authors’ claim was complex — pattern. ‘crayon’ on the premature. This is not the fi rst controversy “To make this argument they to originate from Blombos Cave. grindstone” would need to fi nd and date more Researchers are also divided on such artifacts, not just one among whether several pieces of engraved several thousand other unmarked ochre demonstrate symbolic — Adam Brumm, stones,” he said. thinking by the cave’s ancient archaeologist Brumm added that there are inhabitants. other explanations for how the lines As excavations at the cave at Griffith could have gotten there. continue, future fi nds may shed “For example, the red lines could more light on the murky world of University in simply be from sharpening an ochre ancient art. —Los Angeles Times/ ‘crayon’ on the grindstone,” he said. TNS Australia 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY PISQ celebrates Pakistan Defence Day

Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) recently organised an event as part of the Defence Day Life histories of many eminent martyrs, including M M Alam, Major Shabbir Sharif, Captain Yasir celebrations of Pakistan. The event paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces who Ali, Captain Asfandyar Bukhari, Tahira Qazi, and Aitzaz Hassan were also projected to familiarise rendered supreme sacrifices in the defence of their motherland. the audience with the passion and the deep need to protect and cherish one’s country. The The event kicked off with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an which was followed by the national segment was concluded with the pledge to do whatever it takes to keep the country safe and anthem. The event was compered by Ahsan Rasheed. The chief guest at the event was Murad prosperous. Baseer, Chargé d’ aff aires at the embassy of Pakistan. Commodore Irfan Taj, Defence Attaché, also Muhammad Moosa, a student of Senior Boys Wing PISQ, delivered a speech in the honour of attended the event along with Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of PISQ, vice principals, teachers and Aitzaz Hassan Bangash Shaheed, reiterating the tale of a fearless patriot who prevented a suicide students. bomber from entering a school, saving the lives of numerous innocent children. The event featured national songs including Ay Raah-e-Haq k Shaheedo and Hamain Pyaar Hai Irfan Taj, while addressing the audience, highlighted the necessity to remain steadfast and Pakistan Se by a choir of students from the Senior Girls Wing PISQ. An interactive session, a joint clearheaded and reminded the young students of their duty towards their homeland, and urged session of Senior Girls Wing and Senior Boys Wing, was also part of the event. The participants them to aim high and work hard to reach the heights of success. He expressed his conviction that enlightened the audience about the sacrifices made by both armed workforce and civilian Pakistan can progress only if the future generation is competent enough to take the helm and population to protect their homeland and its residents. steer the country to success and prosperity.

Division B Toastmasters conduct TLI workshop

Division B the largest division in Qatar, comprising of 19 Toastmasters clubs, recently conducted its this term for each member, club and area. The event was attended by over 65 club leaders. first Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) workshop on ‘Moments of Truth’ by Safeer Aziz at the Muthurangan, Mashood, Kanthi and Alar Mel Mangai, Division B Area Directors, presented their Olive International school. plans for the year. Sunita Saini, Division B Director, also presented the Division B progress plan and Surya Narayanan, Committee Chair of Division B Awards, briefed on the awards designed for report at the event. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY P3CC elects new off ice bearers

Province 3 Co-ordination Council - Qatar (P3CC) recently elected its new off ice bearers in its first along with representatives from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Philippine communities. general assembly at Shalimar Restaurant. Samir K C has been elected as the new chairman of 29 Hari Krishna Rimal welcomed the guests. The programme was hosted by Kabindra Kandel and member working committee. Bishnu Bhandari. During the event, Sagar Nepal said that all Nepali should unite to make FIFA The event was attended by Dr Dev Kazi Dangol and Nanda Prasad Dhungana, community leaders, World Cup 2022 a successful aff air. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

IIS celebrates Language Day

Various language departments of Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently celebrated Language Day as Students of Arabic Department projected an infotainment presentation about the development an aim to develop the language skills among the students, bring out their hidden linguistic talents and progress of Qatar, ‘State Rulers of Qatar and their Achievements’. The students studying and promote Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Arabic, French, Tamil, Kannada and Marathi. French performed a skit ‘The Wind and the Sun’ with a moral stating that gentleness and The event featured folk dances, skits, songs and speeches by the students of all the sections. kindness always wins. Hindi students also enacted a skit ‘Pedom ki Panchayath’, insisting on the Speaking on the occasion Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS, said that the mother tongue protection of vegetation. ‘Kuttikalam oru Kusruthikkalam’ was a skit performed by Malayalam education is an important step in language learning for children which facilitates their better students, sharing a message on the importance of playing more interactive games rather learning and connects them to their culture and traditions. He also motivated the students to learn than virtual games. A skit ‘Nandrea Saiga’ with a moral saying always do good to others was more languages. presented by Tamil students. Urdu students displayed their knowledge of the language with a Alby Mathew, Assistant Cultural Secretary Boys’ Section, welcomed the gathering and Sandhra skit ‘Truth Triumphs’. A song ‘Nachre Mora’ was also sung at the event by a group of Marathi Gireeshkumar, Assistant Cultural Secretary Girls’ Section, proposed a vote of thanks. Liya Mariyum students which was followed by ‘State Anthem of Karnataka’ sung by Kannada students. Anagha Deleep and Sandhra Gireeshkumar, students of Grade –IX, anchored the programme. Shobana Menon, Vice Principal IIS, emphasised on the significance of learning diff erent In Junior Section, the programme kicked off with a welcome speech by Sowbaghyalakshmi. languages. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY DNA Skin colour vs identity The survey, conducted by Northwestern University’s Centre for the Study of Diversity and Democracy (CSDD) in collaboration with DNA testing company 23andMe, looked at people’s perceptions and attitudes regarding race and genetics. By Darcel Rockett

ace isn’t a black and white issue. And it seems many Americans know that, according to a recent study by Northwestern University’s Centre for the Study Rof Diversity and Democracy (CSDD). The survey, conducted in collaboration with DNA testing company 23andMe, looked at people’s perceptions and attitudes regarding race and genetics. It found 33.8 percent of Americans think biology totally determines racial identity; 18.8 percent think it somewhat determines race; 30.2 percent believe the two are related but not causal; 17.2 percent see no relation. “I believed the numbers were going to be far worse,” said Alvin Tillery Jr, Director of CSDD. “I expected two-thirds of every population group would believe that science or biology determines your race. That was a huge surprise.” The CSDD data, gathered from 3,000 adults this year, found white people to be the most committed to the idea that biology determines race (37.2 percent), followed by Latinos (27.1 percent), Asian-Americans (26 percent) and African-Americans (24.5 percent). “To some extent, we can’t be too surprised by that,” Tillery said of the last statistic. “Study after study in race relations research show black Americans are the most committed to democratic personal choice, it’s this unwillingness to be defi ned by the system.” Biologically, humans are 99.9 percent genetically identical, according to the Human STATISTICS: According to the survey, 33.8 percent of Americans think biology determines racial identity; 18.8 percent think it determines race; 30.2 Genome Project, completed in April 2003. percent believe the two are related and 17.2 percent see no relation. The CSDD study found that about half of Americans think skin colour is the best way said the modern world is built on the misuse to identify a person’s race; 35 percent think of these racial constructs to justify human culture and history play a role; 18 percent rights violations (like genocide, slavery and believe race is a personal choice. colonialism) and the extraction and transfer of To be clear, CSDD defi nes race as a construct resources from certain populations to others. that human beings use to organise themselves He mentioned scenarios in which white and others into groups. This construct often, people, after discovering they have a 10 but not always, relies on phenotypical or percent African genome, check the ‘person gross characteristics, also known as outward of colour’ box on elite college applications, appearance. believing it’s easier to get accepted if you’re Tillery explores this in his NU classes. black or Latino. He shows students a genomic pie chart “I don’t think we have thought about what representing someone who is 26 percent possibilities there are, but we’ve certainly Scottish/Irish/UK and 74 percent West/ thought of the kind of situational identity Central Africa. He asks who they think the problem in sociology where people choose person is in the class. Most think the person what identity to stress as it suits their strategic must be able to pass for white. When it’s and emotional goals,” Tillery said. “People revealed that the genomic scan is Tillery’s, he getting these scans back may shift races for a said students are visibly shocked. variety of reasons, so that’s something that we “The takeaway is we all got far more genetic defi nitely want to understand.” complexity than we realise,” Tillery said. “Yet Fifty-six percent of those polled said race we still live in a society that demarcates us by relations are getting worse, not better. But race and that tiny, tiny sliver of our genetic whether DNA testing contributes to that code that is visibly diff erent to others.” decline, has not been proved, Tillery said. This is the second study that CSDD has That’s a concept he’d like to research next. conducted since opening 18 months ago, the “When I did my ancestry test on Ancestry. fi rst, in 2017, looked at how black Americans com, they tell you who your closest kin who understand and perceive the Black Lives has also taken the test (is), and my closest kin Matter movement. Both are collaborative is a white woman,” he said. “Genetically she projects that Tillery said follows the mission of and I have almost identical genomic scans. the centre, which is to strengthen a multiracial We’ve known that these things can happen, and gender-equitable democracy. but there’s never been a study to try to account Another goal of this year’s survey was to for how the general population thinks about HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION: According to Tillery, Director of CSDD, the modern world is built gauge whether DNA tests make our existing these issues. That’s what we’re doing with this on the misuse of racial constructs to justify human rights violations and the extraction and transfer perceptions of race better or worse. Tillery project.”– Chicago Tribune/TNS of resources from certain populations to others. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 PROFILE COMMUNITY

MANTRA: “Your story matters. You matter, and you should trust yourself,” says Aly Raisman. Powerful lesson about trusting your gut, voice Aly Raisman’s book is about her family, lifelong dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast and path to getting there, writes Heidi Stevens

’m just now catching up with Aly Nassar occupies very little space in Fierce. diff erent because I’m a woman?” Not Nassar. But I can’t help but place her Raisman’s book, Fierce: How Competing “I am not going into specifi cs about She thought about all the ways girls and epiphany next to what she writes about his for Myself Changed Everything, and what Larry did to me — that information is women are judged for the ways their bodies abuse. there’s a passage I want to tell you private,” Raisman writes. look — too small, too big, too muscular. “There seemed to be so many reasons not about. She shares some basics — the call she “They are taught to dislike what makes to speak up,” she writes. “First of all, what IRaisman is a two-time Olympian with six received from USA Gymnastics telling her them stand out,” she writes. if I was wrong? Maybe what he did was a medals — three of them gold — who served as a private investigator would be visiting her, “I had worked my whole life to look the legitimate medical practice, just like he said captain of the US gymnastics teams in both her yearslong internal confl ict over whether way I did, and I was through letting anyone all along. Maybe people wouldn’t believe London (2012) and Rio (2016). Nassar’s methods were as violating as they make me ashamed of my body,” she writes. me, or would think I was exaggerating and Her book is about her family (she’s one of felt, her hope that her story will inspire “I was now 20 years old, and training for a being dramatic, or they’d hate me. Maybe four kids), her lifelong dream of becoming other abuse survivors to speak up. second Olympics had made me appreciate they would think that I was doing it just to an Olympic gymnast and her path to getting Most of her story, though, is not lived or my body like never before.” get attention. And then there was Larry’s there. told under his shadow. As it should be. Why shouldn’t she be included in a Body family to think of. What if I ruined their Raisman is also one of more than 100 The passage in Fierce I was most struck Issue? lives?” athletes who spoke out about physical abuse by is about her decision to pose for ESPN “I had always weighed decisions by asking In the end, she found the courage to listen they suff ered at the hands of Larry Nassar, a magazine’s Body Issue, which is fi lled with myself, ‘What will everyone else think?’ to her own voice above the others. sports doctor for the US Women’s National artfully shot images of athletes. fi rst and ‘What do I want to do?’ second,” Nassar was sentenced in January to 40 to Team and Michigan State University. Her fi rst instinct was to say no when the she writes. “It was time to listen to my voice 175 years in prison for multiple sex crimes. Raisman’s victim impact statement, which magazine came calling. above the others.” That wouldn’t have happened without her was met with applause in the courtroom, is “I pictured myself typing my name into She called the magazine to accept. voice and the voices of more than 100 other widely credited with crystallising the weight Google, knowing that photos of me had been “When I spoke, my voice was fi rm,” she survivors who came forward. of Nassar’s crimes for the viewing public. published — and there was nothing I could said. “‘I’ll do it.’” “To everyone reading this,” Raisman The New York Times devoted a full page to do if I didn’t like what I saw,” she writes. “I How many of us have spent decades writes. “Your story matters. You matter, reprinting it. also wondered how the people I knew would (a lifetime?) weighing decisions, fi rst, by and you should trust yourself. If something “Larry, you do realize now that we, this react. My coaches, for example.” asking what everyone else will think? How feels off , and you think you may be being group of women you so heartlessly abused She talked it over with her parents and many of us have only recently learned — are manipulated or taken advantage of, speak over such a long period of time, are now a siblings. “Why would you want to?” one still trying to learn — to listen to our own up. You are strong and tough. You are not force and you are nothing,” Raisman said sister asked. voices above others? alone. You deserve to feel safe. It’s as simple in her statement. “The tables have turned, “If I were a man, this would be no big How many of us are raising children to as that.” Larry. We are here, we have our voices, and deal, I told myself,” Raisman writes. “Men listen to and use their own voices? And it starts with listening to your own we are not going anywhere.” pose for these things all the time. Why is it Raisman’s book, as I said, is about her. voice above others. — IANS 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Experts on ways to use ice cubes for an amazing skin ater benefi ts skin in many ways, but it is z The skin under the eyes is very thin and this can result surprising to know that frozen water has in broken capillaries if you apply the ice for longer periods. many uses in beauty care if applied properly. After threading or even waxing, ice applications do help. Shahnaz Husain, founder, Chairperson and Managing Director of The Shahnaz Husain Aashmeen Munjaal of Star Salon and Academy also has WGroup, lists down some ways to use ice cubes: some inputs to share: z It helps to shrink the pores and even stops sweating for a z Rub the cubes over your face properly and leave them while. Yes, rubbing ice on the skin does have benefi ts, but one for 20 minutes and then rinse. It works as a great cleanser should remember not to apply ice directly on the skin because and toner if used twice daily. If you have dry skin, add two it can damage the capillaries. Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth to three almonds to this paste and it will be a boon for your and then apply it on the face gently for a few seconds at a skin. time. This should be done after cleansing. It can refresh the skin and even add glow. z For oily skin, add lime juice odicolon to the cube. It keeps your skin odour-free and well nourished. You can also z To make your foundation last during the hot and humid use it for underarms as it helps controlling the excessive season, fi rst cleanse the skin and then apply an astringent sweat and odour. toner, using cotton wool. After a few minutes, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply it on the skin for a few seconds z If your skin is patchy or is sunburnt, you can use aloe at a time. This helps to close the pores. z If there is any injury with swelling, we have heard how an vera cubes to cure and nourish your skin. You can add ice pack reduces the infl ammation and relieves pain. The same jasmine or neem oil which are very good for skin. Just take z Ice applications are also helpful in dealing with acne principle can be applied to reduce puff y eyes. Again wrap the one cube and rub it over your neck, knuckles and elbows and conditions. If acne eruptions look red and infl amed, ice would ice cube in a clean cloth and apply under the eyes for a few leave for 15-20 minutes to remove dark cells and tanning. — help the condition to subside. seconds at a time. IANS

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

Idealistic romantic notions join with intense sensual passion to Your home could be a busy place today as friends from far away Some fascinating news could come from a friend who’s presently out create powerful desire that stays with you throughout the day, Aries. come by for a long-overdue visit, Taurus. You’ll probably spend of town, Gemini. This might be personal, but it more likely involves If you can schedule some quality time with your love partner, by all as much time as you can getting the place in order, but don’t go new discoveries in a field that interests you both. You’ll probably means do it. If not, you might have to settle for making a date for overboard. Your friends are coming to see you, not your house. want to do some research of your own, so be prepared to spend later in the week. In the meantime, pamper yourself a bit until then Dress the place up with some flowering plants and a few accessories, time in the library or online over the next few weeks. Keep careful and hang in there! then sit back and enjoy the visit. records. You won’t want to forget a thing! CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Friends who are interested in psychic and metaphysical matters A rush of physical energy may hit you this morning, Leo, and you Invaluable help with money or property concerns could come to you could visit you today, Cancer. You may discuss a lot of fascinating could feel like you have no outlet for it. But a sibling or neighbour from an unexpected quarter today, Virgo. Someone you didn’t know material, which could alter your value system in a subtle but may need some help, so you’ll definitely be able to put that energy to possessed the appropriate information could off er it out of the blue, profound way. Don’t be surprised if you do more listening than work. It should be a good day for everyone. Your friend will receive making a big diff erence to the way you handle these matters. The talking on this occasion. It’s important to soak in as much as you can. some valuable help with an important matter, and you’ll be able to situation may not be all that dire to begin with, but all should be well Write it down if you think you’ll forget it. make use of all that vigour. by day’s end. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Are you looking for a particular piece of information, Libra? A friend, The opportunity to fly somewhere might come up today, Scorpio. Have you been having diff iculties with career or money matters, possibly another Libra, has this information but is unaware that Career changes are in the wind, and while they might seem rather Sagittarius? If so, help might come today from a friend who lives you’re searching for it. Don’t be afraid to let all your friends and unsettling at first, they’ll be positive in the long run. This could far away. This person may not do much but off er words that are so acquaintances know that you need to find some specific facts. The involve a raise or promotion, transfer, new job, or even new career. insightful that you know immediately what course of action to take. person who finally comes forward may surprise you. Enjoy your day! Don’t fight it. It might be scary, but it’s a blessing in disguise. Go with What this person says could also be of valuable assistance in the the flow. future. Write it down so you’ll be sure to remember it. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today, a flash of inspiration may resolve an obstacle to your career Are you presently negotiating a contract, Aquarius? If you and the Professional diff iculties could be resolved by outside assistance, advancement that presented itself in the past few days, Capricorn. other party disagree on any points, these diff erences will most likely Pisces. Equipment may have gone haywire, or miscommunications This solution could prove so beneficial that you’ll want to remember be resolved. You’ll probably come up with an idea that creates a win/ could have led to snarls. Perhaps you need to call in a consultant. It’s it for obstacles in any area of your life for the future. You may feel so win situation so both of you feel good about it. This will strengthen possible that you might come up with the right solution at the right good about resolving this that you’ll want to go out and celebrate. your relationship considerably, so expect partnership matters to time and earn some well-deserved respect. Whatever the diff iculty, Go for it! progress smoothly. Enjoy your day. it won’t last. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

O Girl!

OCTAVIA OLWEN OPHRAH ODETTE OLWYN ORIANA ODILE OLYMPIA ORIEL OLGA OONA ORLA OLIVE OPAL OTTOLINE OLIVIA OPHELIA OWENA

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. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. ‘Fish and fruit? Goody!’ said 1. The smallest in the Latin the Spaniard (5,4) Quarter (5) 6. That’s the name, master, of 2. They get fed up with each the game (5) other! (9) 9. Plus being no less hard (5) 3. Quite good, as the car looks 10. He helps the man in, as it’s after you’ve cleaned it? rocking (9) (3,2,5) 11. Clowning on the part of the 4. They’re wise to have a big cat? (10) clear-out in it (7) 12. What the lawyer gave you 5. Guarantees three points: can be given back, too (4) bound to go in (7) 14. Is faster at cracking our nuts 6. He invites one into the (7) blazing sun (4) 15. Check the writing and the 7. Will or will not take (5) plot, in case (7) 8. They work, instead, to 17. Favour the setter frisking counteract poisons (9) round inside (7) 13. Walked off with, lost in Answers 19. Determines to get seats (7) thought (10) 20. Point to the left less than the 14. Loves wandering about: sure Wordsearch Codeword others (4) is different from us (9) 22. Cutting the cast drastically in 16. Delay for a flirtation (9) it, but not minding, now (4,6) 18. Coats the woman’s put round 25. Nobody could make me do it! the boy (7) (9) 19. Deliver to put on the house 26. Try on the brown for the (3,4) dance (5) 21. Only about five finish the 27. The man is, by the way, a puzzle (5) woman (5) 23. The rumbling sound does 28. Rush and, thriving, beside it a increase to one side (5) wild flower (9) 24. Sole will get caught in it no longer (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Dundee; 4 Cobblers; Down: 1 Doggerel; 2 10 Garbage; 11 Titular; 12 Echo; Northumbria; 3 Exam; 5 13 Saxophones; 16 Ermine; 17 Outvoted; 6 Butchering; 7 Ell; 8 Decrial; 20 Arsenal; 21 Income; Stress; 9 Delay; 14 Neapolitans; 24 Charitable; 25 Gist; 27 15 Indecisive; 18 Harassed; 19 Recoils; 29 Explain; 30 Distends; Destined; 22 Scared; 23 Sleek; 26 31 Prised. Spar; 28 Cos. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY SHOWBIZ Defining bridal trends with bling and intricate details

s is widely silhouettes and creativity to binge colours and fabric together. off ering quite well. He showed acknowledged, the for and a few collections that never He’s one of few designers we multi-tiered lehngas, layered saris Pakistan LOréal Bridal should’ve been made. In plethora of have who’ve never been bashful in and ghararas in a rainbow of deep Glitz Week is second to duplication the veterans of Pakistan playing with colours and adding rooted shades, nearly all of them none when it comes fashion industry did hold their own life to bridals. And why not? It’s the sparkly. What separated one from & Ato supporting and developing understated signature that borrowed wedding day! With dresses moulded the next was the vertiginousness of a new talent. The lineup is always the best of tradition and left the in golden wires, neons, powder pink neckline, the presence or absence of Glam represented by a motley crew volume behind. Menswear may have with silver and gold tilla and succha sleeves, the length of a train, draping By Muhammad Asad Ullah of designers mostly diverse, brought PLBW to a close, but the work was exactly what we were silhoettes, saris and the occasional experimental in playing with week’s biggest stories emerged from expecting of a glorious showcase to cape. He included one mint green shape as well as colours but also the womenswear shows. PLBW was a feature. Ijaazat was goaded by the sari, but it looked like an afterthought sometimes almost dirgelike in their rich source of trends as always - and movement of the storm in the desert amid all that pink, peach, yellow, red, models were colleen; His collection grunginess. If Bridal Couture Week this season, it seems, the richer the and the beautiful transformation it rasin, sea weed and ocean blue. From caterwauled perfectly structured gives a commercial appeal to the better. creates in the surroundings. Deep red men’s well-crafted eastern jackets pleating and draping in pastel tones wedding lines, PLBW accords hoopla The fashion desk lists the top 6 lehnga choli here, with gold and hint to womens’ silhouettes, fl owing like with well-fi tted layers and neat, of aesthetics to the modern bridal collections that made an impact on of orange there; green neon tops of million dollar pieces, HSY knows his intricate embroideries. The details wear. If you have what it takes, no the runway season. edgy cuts with heavily embellished game way too well. of the clothes were so obsessively one can take it from you, and if you lehngas – oh how he made it work! conceived and realised, they could unfortunately don’t, no one can Ali Xeeshan Faraz Manan have easily sunk the clothes. But put it on you. The faux-hawks and Ali Xeeshan is a name you hear on HSY If the day ended with HSY’s Faraz has already won kudos for his metallic makeup, sleek ponytails and the red carpet more and more these His dresses are shiny, shaadi wear sorcery, it started with a touch, which has literally lifted the silver lids, boho hair and vivid heavy days. What makes him so popular uncomplicated, and easy to digest. diff erent kind of bridal magic. Faraz collection. The collection was a little jewellery pieces – unforgettable with the crowd? The way he mixes That sums up Sheroo’s collection returned to Lahore after years and his one-dimensional, but these pieces will be pulled a lot by fashion editors, and some of the more circumspect looks, like the layered shirts, full skirts, trailing sleeves, full-length embellished suits, will attract shoppers.

Kamiar Rokni Kami’s collection best exemplifi ed the designers who are on ball with what they’re doing. The chatta patti lining, ruffl es, off shoulder glitzy glam, fl owing silhouettes, traditional pieces, suits that took the breath away, clarity, precision and lightness in the intricate embroideries handcrafted and interlaced with organza, chiff on and tissue– you name it, he showed it- enhanced the feminine appeal of the collection. Va Va Voom!

Saira Shakira Saira Shakira is a specialist in the dramatic silhouette, and had clearly been doing their homework, because the brand recaptured that HSY Ali Xeeshan Saira Shakira drama featuring heavily embroidered wedding formals and traditional silhouettes. Pleated saris, knee length skirts, traditional tunics and shalwars dominated the runway with gold and gota embellishments on handcrafted net, organza and tissue – spotting lavender a lot, the evidence of brilliance with creativity!

Nida Azwer Her showcased collection was proof that she’s used her tenancy to hone her womenswear to a fi ne point. This was a strong, well-made, distinctive collection, commencing with a series of hugely appealing lehngas limbed with gold, gota, mirror-work and kamdani intricate embroideries. Long showed that she can do more than just knits and prets. Her sari pieces were knockouts, and the quilted capes that spoke all about Mughal cultural heritage were beautifully executed and a lot of fun. From metallic to block colours of Faraz Manan Nida Azwer Kamiar Rokni elegance, onward and upward! Wednesday, September 19, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

DELIGHTED: Rasika says it was fun working with Nawazuddin. When Rasika ‘betrayed’ Nawazuddin

Actress Rasika Dugal says that her Manto co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui felt betrayed as she got paid for working in the forthcoming fi lm. Celebrities like Rishi Kapoor, Gurdas Maan and Javed Akhtar didn’t charge a penny for Manto. Asked if she also worked for free, Rasika said: “I got paid for it and Nawazuddin still holds it against me because apparently he got only Re 1 which Nandita (Das) has not paid him yet, according to him. In fact, very recently he found out that I was paid.” “Tahir (Tahir Raj Bhasin) and I were the highest paid actors. Nawaz looked at me with utter disbelief. He was like ‘You betrayed me’. I said ‘I am sorry. Don’t hold it against me’. Nawaz was stunned,” she said followed by laughter. Working with him was a lot of fun for her. “Nandita and Nawaz come across as such serious people. I keep telling people that they must work with them because they are quite fun. Sometimes, when you meet an actor who is more senior and established than you, you always have respect for them. Very often that respect is not reciprocated. “With Nawaz, that was not the case. He is a good enough actor to know that all co-actors are to be respected and I think he responded to me with a lot of warmth and respect which gave me a lot of confi dence. There was an unspoken and silent understanding of each other’s way of working,” CLEAR-HEADED: “What you are is what you are and I don’t think you should ever fight it,” says Aditi Rao said the Qissa actress. Hydari. Manto traces the life of Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, played by Nawazuddin. It has been helmed by actress-director Nandita Das. “This is the fi rst time that I have worked with a director who is also an actor. Nandita had already taken care of being sensitive to an actor’s needs because she has been acting for so long. She had taken care of things that Always wanted to we might have a problem with, before we came on the set. She addressed that up front. “Once that was out of the way, we could focus on nuancing our roles better. Many directors might not understand what an actor’s fi rst issue would be. Nandita totally understood that. It was an absolute delight. She be a Mani Ratnam would always say ‘Read these lines. I know you will have a problem with this line, but don’t worry. When we will play it out, it will be fi ne. “It was like she read my mind.” — IANS heroine, says Aditi Happy to go slow and steady: Sanya

Actress Sanya Malhotra, who is gearing extract a performance out of me. I really enjoy that,” up for the release of her fi lms, says she By Durga Chakravarty added the actress, who made her debut in Tamil in would rather go slow with quality projects 2007 with “Sringaram”. than sign fi lms to maintain visibility. She said she feels blessed. Sanya will be seen in fi lmmaker Vishal diti Rao Hydari, who has collaborated “I feel that I don’t know anything, I don’t know Bhardwaj’s Pataakha which is releasing on with fi lmmaker Mani Ratnam for the how to act, but I can surrender myself to a director I September 28 and Badhaai Ho, which is second time, says she always wanted to respect and love. I feel very lucky to be a part of their slated to hit the screens on October 12. “I be a Mani Ratnam heroine. visions,” Aditi added. am happy to go slow and steady because I The actress, who started her acting The Bhoomi actress has signed her fourth Tamil have got opportunity to work with some Ajourney in 2006 with the fi lm Prajapathi, had fi lm, which will be helmed by renowned fi lmmaker of the brilliant actors and fi lmmakers like previously worked with Ratnam in Kaatru Veliyidai. Mysskin. Vishal Bhardwaj, Ayushmann Khurana, Ever since her debut, she has worked with fi nest Talking about the director, she said: “He has Ritesh Batra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui among fi lmmakers like Ratnam, Omung Kumar and Sanjay a very unique voice and very unique way of others,” Sanya said. Leela Bhansali. Apart from Tamil, she has also storytelling and is an amazing writer. He makes a “Yes, some fi lms are yet to release featured in Malyalam, Telugu and Marathi cinema. lot of thrillers. I have not done too many thrillers and after Dangal, Pataakha is my big Asked how does she look at her fi lmography and I am just very eager to work with a director like release but I do not think I missed out on consisting of work by such great names, Aditi said: that who is very diff erent from the kind of directors anything. It is better to wait for a good fi lm OVERWHELMED: Sanya “I feel really blessed because for somebody who I work with.” to happen than signing fi lms to maintain Malhotra. does not know the industry... I have not grown up The 31-year-old actress hopes Mysskin shows her visibility. I am not insecure on that matter watching too many fi lms, but I just had this dream “very diff erently because of the kind of fi lm that is”. at all,” she added. and in fact that dream was a little girl’s dream when “I am very excited... He is a very interesting and This is the fi rst time Sanya has collaborated with Bhardwaj. She says I saw Mani sir’s fi lm.... I saw Mani sir’s Bombay and I fun kind of a person. He’s full of ideas,” she added. she had a fan-girl moment when they met. wanted to be a Mani sir heroine.” But will Mysskin’s movie help in breaking her “I have grown up watching his movies and these are not (just) fi lms, They will also work together in the upcoming beautiful girl-next-door image? masterpieces that blew my mind! So fi nally when I came on board for the Tamil fi lm Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. “What you are is what you are and I don’t think fi lm, I was pinching myself to believe these things are happening. I am She said her “intentions have always been to work you should ever fi ght it. But as an actor, I feel lucky doing Vishal ji’s fi lm. In my fi rst reading session, I was actually fumbling with directors who inspire me and I respect”. to play diff erent parts. I am looking forward to play and overwhelmed.” — IANS “People who can actually challenge me and a diff erent part, but ultimately I have to make it my push me and almost push me to breaking point and own. So, I have to approach it from my way.” — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, September 19, 2018 COMMUNITY Checkpoint Charlie: Once a war spot, now a tourist trap The area around the checkpoint, a symbol of German division, has become more focused on catering to tourists than properly remembering the Cold War and its eff ects on the country.By Stefan Kruse and Jutta Schuetz

heckpoint Charlie, The extent of the border a symbol of German crossing point is likely to become division, was the clear in the future, and an ‘urban chilling scene of US square with open spaces’ will be and Soviet tanks facing created. The plans also foresee Ceach other when the Berlin Wall setting up a museum in one of was built in 1961. Today, visitors the new buildings as a ‘place of barely understand the significance education and remembrance.’ of the former border control point While the opposition party talks on Friedrichstrasse. about ‘obscure deals’ being Yet 57 years after the wall made, Klausmeier hails the plans was built and nearly 29 since as a ‘great joint effort’ by the its downfall, the place is a Berlin Senate and the investor. tourist magnet. In front of The opportunity to explain the a reconstructed US Army historical dimension of the site control post, men dressed up as adequately is thus within reach, soldiers pose with US flags and he said. charge 3 euros for a snapshot. Checkpoint Charlie was one A sign still warns ‘You are now of three control points of the leaving the American sector’ in Western powers in Berlin. There several languages, but on closer was checkpoint A in Helmstedt inspection, it turns out to be a and checkpoint B in Drewitz. At copy. The original can be found the C - Charlie - checkpoint, in the private Wall Museum a only foreigners,diplomats and few metres away - and where a Allied military personnel could souvenir shop sells everything cross between East and West from Wall remnants to plastic Berlin. models of the tiny East German Today, tourists from around the car, the Trabi. world stand at the display boards Next to a rotunda by the artist or are led around by tour guides Yadegar Asisi with its panorama seeking to conjure up the era. display illustrating a day in the HIGH SEASON SPOT: Thousands of tourists come to Checkpoint Charlie daily during high season. However, many of Many visitors want to see ‘The once-divided Berlin, there is a them don’t get a sense of the border crossing’s importance with the area’s set-up. Wall’ there and are disappointed, stall serving up sausages and finding instead only the erstwhile French fries, while a nearby street boundary line embedded in the vendor is trying to sell gas masks pavement. “The Wall was here? and military caps. Wow, I wouldn’t have thought Across the street, a ‘Black it,” says Amira, 26, a visitor from Box’ that had been set up by the the US state of North Carolina. Berlin Senate as an ‘antithesis to Lucy Gilcres, 32, from England, trivialisation’ does inform visitors says, “It is an impressive place, about the Cold War. But near that but really touristy.” Indeed, it’s is Charlie’s Beach, a spot that difficult to find evidence of the invites people to chill out. city’s division. “For 28 years, the place has In the euphoria after the lacked a clear design concept,” Wall was breeched in late 1989, charges Axel Klausmeier, Director huge sections of the monstrous of the Berlin Wall Foundation. concrete barrier, along with its Berlin’s Senate bemoans the watch towers and signal systems, current state of affairs. “The way were torn down, scrapped or sold. Checkpoint Charlie is used and Property, some of it in the best experienced today, it is a place downtown areas - were sold to that attracts large numbers of private investors. Pondering the visitors, but is highly divisive Wall’s meaning came only later owing to its provisional design on. “What is important is that and mainly touristic use,” said with a museum at a historically Urban Development Senator important site, history will be Katrin Lompscher. made visible and explained,” said It seems “somewhat chaotic Culture Senator Klaus Lederer. and partly overcommercialised,” Klausmeier imagines she says. But improvement may Checkpoint Charlie in the future be on the horizon: Politicians and as a ‘networking place’ where a private investor who is keen to visitors are informed about start construction on the site after other sites of the city’s division. several changes of ownership have Berlin, he says, is “the largest finally agreed on the core of the TOURISTY: Tourists gather near a copy of the original sign at Checkpoint Charlie warning that ‘You are now leaving contemporary history open-air design. the American sector.’ museum in the world.”– DPA