Will Humans Be Able to Outsmart Covid-19? P4-5

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Dhul-Qa’da 9, 1441 AH

Doha today: 290 - 400

Cover Wily virus Story Will humans be able to outsmart Covid-19? P4-5

Hollywood Back Page

I am as vulnerable as An agent of anybody else: Hemsworth. positive living. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.16am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.48am Zuhr (noon) 11.39am Asr (afternoon) 3.02pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.30pm Isha (night) 8pm QUOTE UNQUOTE USEFUL NUMBERS

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 Downton Abbey cousin Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), a Manchester lawyer, Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 DIRECTION: Julian Fellowes suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast 44593363 CAST: Hugh Bonneville, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, Qatar Assistive Technology McGovern who clashes with his Lordship’s domineering, conservative Centre 44594050 SYNOPSIS: Lord Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham mother, the dowager countess. Marrying off the daughters is Qatar News Agency 44450205 (Hugh Bonneville) sees his family heritage, especially the another concern. Meanwhile, the butler presides over a staff 44450333 grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. which serves the family, but also lead most of their entire lives Q-Post – General Postal The death of his heir aboard R.M.S. Titanic means distant in the servants’ quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Office (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374

ote Unquo Qu te

“Progress was all right. Only it went on too long.” — James Thurber

Four More Shots Please! you’ve probably heard it before. But advice over binge gossip. They’re far DIRECTION: Rangita Pritish have you heard it from the points of from perfect and they have plenty of Community Editor Nandy view of Damini, Umang, Siddhi, and troubles of their own. But that’s the Kamran Rehmat CAST: Sayani Gupta, Maanvi Anjana? Probably not. Men can’t magic of this girl squad. They don’t Gagroo, Kirti Kulhari save the day but maybe a bunch of yearn for perfection. They embrace e-mail: [email protected] SYNOPSIS: Four very different women can. Damini’s girl squad, the their inadequacies and walk out, hand Telephone: 44466405 women in Mumbai, the city that never women who lift her spirits up when in hand, to face the world with their Fax: 44350474 sleeps, get together every week to she’s feeling beaten and bruised by the heads held high. No judgment. No binge talk at their favourite garage world, the women who offer the most moral lessons. No man swooping in to club, Truck. This could be that story, insane conversations and really bad save the day at the very end. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Parks: a place for perfect workout

AFFECTING SKIN: Younger people with less severe Covid-19 might develop painful, itchy lesions on their hands and feet that resemble chilblains, an inflammatory skin condition.

Unusual Covid-19 chilblains, an inflammatory symptoms skin condition. Sometimes called Covid toes, this symptom Coronavirus disease 2019 typically lasts about 12 days. (Covid-19) can cause a wide Covid-19 also has been reported range of signs and symptoms. to cause small, itchy blisters, The most common are fever, more commonly appearing before SPENDING TIME IN NATURE: Parks evolved from a social movement to retain the countryside amid the dry cough and tiredness. Other other symptoms and lasting encroachments of the Industrial Revolution, to give people somewhere to clear their lungs and spend time in nature, symptoms include shortness of about 10 days. Others might far more than a century before there were any studies to this effect. breath or difficulty breathing, develop hives or a rash with muscle aches, chills, sore flat and raised lesions. These have closed their visitor centres and with the inclines on your choice throat, headache, or chest pain. skin changes might last a week, By Zoe Williams landmarks, cancelled their events, of route – it would be a criminal But Covid-19 can also cause appear at the same time as other but the wide open space isn’t going waste of so much space to go the symptoms you might not expect, symptoms and are associated anywhere. same way every time. But it would including: with more severe infections. ational parks spent What you have to work with also be a waste to go too fast, when years trying to depends on where you are. At the this much effort has gone into Gastrointestinal symptoms: Confusion: remind everyone how time of writing, Welsh national the botany and wildlife, so even if Covid-19 might cause mild Covid-19 also has been important natural parks were only open to locals. Some you’re going for short bursts, mix gastrointestinal symptoms, reported to cause confusion in beauty is for the spirit, (the Peaks again) have amazing up the running with a Nordic walk. including a loss of appetite, older people, especially those Nand what an abundance of it they boulders and you can do your own A quarter of all the rarest species nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. with severe infections. have. Then, suddenly, everyone mini-hipster-triathlon, running, in the UK are found in the Norfolk These symptoms might only discovered them at once, in the cycling, bouldering. I went to the Broads. last one day. Some people with Eye problems: middle of a lockdown, and they had South Downs for the track bike There aren’t many rules, and Covid-19 have diarrhoea and Covid-19 might cause eye to do a handbrake turn and persuade paths, which are mainly stone-free those they do have will be written nausea prior to developing fever problems such as enlarged, red us all to enjoy them online instead. enough for a road bike. The national on site (such as “Don’t tread on this and respiratory symptoms. blood vessels, swollen eyelids, However, now you’re allowed to park doesn’t exist that isn’t fun to plant”). But you have to use the dog excessive watering and increased travel for exercise, they are back in run in. Some have mountain bike sense you were born with. Don’t Loss of smell or taste: discharge. The infection also action, with the important rider: trails, others wild ponies who prefer run up to sheep; they don’t like it. Covid-19 might cause a new might cause light sensitivity and check what the rules are before you you not to do that. You can always They don’t mind if you run past loss of smell or taste — without irritation. These symptoms are set off and if it feels too crowded, call ahead. There are places where them. Cattle are a bit more skittish. nasal congestion. This typically more common in people with it is. the wildlife is so stunning (the Parks evolved from a social lasts nine to 14 days. Some severe infections. There are 15 parks in all; if you Pembrokeshire coast has basking movement to retain the countryside research suggests that loss of Signs and symptoms of have been to any, you’ll have a sharks) that you’ll get distracted. amid the encroachments of the smell or taste might be an early coronavirus disease 2019 favourite (mine is the Peak District). Maybe don’t see it as a distraction; Industrial Revolution, to give predictor of Covid-19. (Covid-19) may appear two to You possibly haven’t been to them maybe see it as the point. people somewhere to clear their 14 days after exposure to the all, unless you’re methodically Start by figuring out how much lungs and spend time in nature, far Skin changes: virus and can range from mild ticking them off. Originally, thinking time you have, and when: if it’s a more than a century before there Younger people with less to severe. If you think you might of the health benefits, it was all half day once a week, rambling is were any studies to this effect. severe Covid-19 might develop be experiencing symptoms of about the air quality – a municipal better than running, unless you have They were a gift to one another that painful, itchy lesions on their Covid-19, call your doctor. – park doesn’t compare: there simply stamina. If it’s 20 minutes a day, you money couldn’t touch or buy. hands and feet that resemble Mayo Clinic News Network/TNS are no other Yorkshire Dales. They can still vary your workload simply – The Guardian 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Playing for time? People susceptible to becoming hosts find that infected immune defences “forget” the virus that has made them ill before. Studies suggests that in many who were infected, immunity is either weak or transient, warns Melissa Healy

o prevent a dangerous infection so far seem to be squarely new virus from having its in its sights. way with humankind, you But humankind has a few tricks of might take a page from its own. (From a virus’s point of view, the Chinese warrior king In fits and starts, public health SunT Tzu, and think like the enemy. officials have mustered their citizens the definition of success is) Imagine you are a coronavirus, to shun the kinds of gatherings that in a form never before seen by provide a virus rich opportunities to to become the common cold. humans. Your goal is simple but spread. Scientists have peered into We’re not smart enough to wildly ambitious: invade and hijack the coronavirus’s genome to unlock the cells of a new host and multiply secrets about where it came from, know what they’re going to for as long it takes to establish your how it has evolved and what it will spawn in at least one other new host. take to thwart it. do. And if we think we know, Repeat until there are no humans Now it’s a race to see which side left to infect. gains the upper hand. they’ll just surprise us Since its emergence in Sun Tzu’s Viruses are not as smart as humans, homeland, the coronavirus known but they are much more patient, said to scientists as Sars-CoV-2 has Harvard University epidemiologist — Frederick M Cohan, gone about its task with vigour and William Hanage. And this virus’s success. It has jumped national track record does not bode well for a evolutionary biologist borders with ease, infecting more strategy of ignoring it in hopes it will at Wesleyan University than 9 million people around the burn itself out, he added. ‘ world and killing at least 470,000 “That would be waiting for the in about seven months. The roughly virus to help us,” Hanage said. ’ 7.7 billion people who have evaded “That’s not a good idea.” Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

The imperatives of survival make During an outbreak, those with a successful virus an unpredictable means fled cities for their homes guest — cruel to some, kinder to in the country. Those who stayed others, and capable of evolving new avoided the marketplace. Public strategies as its pool of potential spectacles were cancelled. It targets thins. was the beginning of the public “There’s no reward for a virus health strategy we now call social lineage to be easy on its host,” said distancing. Frederick M Cohan, an evolutionary The coronavirus needs people to biologist at Wesleyan University. jostle close to each other and touch It must not kill him immediately, common surfaces in order to spread as many early forms of the Ebola from person to person. Social virus did to their victims. Such distancing alters the environment outbreaks are destined to fizzle. to mimic the effects of herd But a successful virus is fine immunity. with leaving its victim a depleted The other way to deny a virus shell, Cohan said: As long as it new hosts is to put more people in has succeeded in making him the “recovered category” — a status sick enough to draw others to his that more than 4.6 million people bedside where they’re exposed now have. to his bodily fluids or respiratory You do that by letting the droplets, it will live to infect pandemic run its course, assuming another victim. that immunity will last. Or you can It need not be choosy about its make a vaccine. victims, at least initially. It can Allowing the coronavirus spare the young and healthy and to have its way with humanity go after the weak and infirm first, would be a disaster on a scale as the coronavirus appears to be BLAST FROM THE PAST: Members of the American Red Cross remove Spanish influenza victims from a house at somewhere between disastrous doing. Etzel and Page avenues in 1918. and unimaginable: Harvard But experts believe that a virus epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch that stands the test of time will ease suggests that, in many who were behaviour. But over time, those and transmissible strains are has estimated that with minimal up as its potential hosts dwindle infected, immunity is either weak accumulated errors can change circulating. Those claims have human intervention, Sars-CoV-2 and public health precautions take or transient. the way it looks to an immune been fiercely debated. But Sars- would plausibly infect 20-60% of hold. As a matter of evolutionary system, or how it interacts with CoV-2’s knack for shape-shifting all adults — between 1.5 billion and To continue to spread under such biology, there’s another way to its environment or its hosts. And is what transformed it from a virus 4.5 billion people. Even if it ends circumstances, a virus must leave maintain an inexhaustible supply of every once in a while, a mutation that thrived in bats and possibly up being no more deadly than the many of its victims in good enough potential hosts: If a virus can mutate (or series of them) hands the virus a pangolins into one capable of seasonal flu — a highly optimistic shape to move around. It could fast enough, and in specific ways, it sudden advantage. infecting humans. assumption — between 1.5 million attack younger hosts, who may can elude recognition by an immune The 1918 influenza pandemic Additional mutations could bring and 4.5 million would die. not get as sick but will be better system it has encountered it before. took off after a chance mutation new challenges for humans — or A widely deployed vaccine could spreaders. It could be transmitted The new coronavirus mutates turbocharged its reproductive new opportunities. If we’re lucky, a provide herd immunity, stopping by people who don’t even realise steadily because its genetic machinery. Patients got sicker more mutation could make the virus less the virus in its tracks and resulting they’re infected. The coronavirus instructions are encoded in RNA. quickly, and with their immune infectious, or less lethal. in far fewer deaths. But that will has done all of these, to great effect. Compared to a DNA virus like the systems fully mobilised, they But humans, too, have take time. Dr Anthony Fauci, Many viruses have an inherently one that causes measles, an RNA expelled more virus when they appropriated some tricks to counter director of the National Institute uphill battle to climb: As they make virus is simpler, and less likely to coughed and sneezed — infecting viral strategies like these. for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, their way through a population, the correct the mistakes that accrue more of the people around them. Long before our ancestors has said that parallel efforts to victims they infect will either die each time it replicates. Scientists have watched understood that germs spread design, test and produce many or recover. And those who recover Most of the mutations are the new coronavirus’s genetic disease, they realised that creating vaccines will probably yield at least will typically emerge with some tiny substitutions of nucleotides makeup change, prompting distance between people resulted one by year’s end. immunity. that have no effect on the virus’s some to assert that more virulent in fewer of them getting sick. Until then, this wily foe has time So after its initial romp through on its side and some proven tricks a target-rich environment, a novel Of the seven coronaviruses known to make humans to sustain itself. virus finds its potential victims While the coronavirus may not have dwindled. People vulnerable to sick, at least four have found a way to circumvent herd touch every person on the planet, infection are not so close together it appears to have gained the anymore. That’s a problem for a immunity and sustain themselves for the long haul. foothold it needs to keep trying, respiratory virus like Sars-CoV-2 said Columbia University virologist that can only spread if potential These viruses, all which cause variations on the Angela Rasmussen. Like many flu hosts are clustered together. (Many common cold, leave most of their victims with viruses, it could mutate just enough other viruses spread in water, or in from year to year to seem new to the bellies of mosquitoes, fleas and immunity that wanes in little more than a year our immune systems each time it birds, so social distancing doesn’t comes around. It could also change counter those as well.) in ways that make it more like the An overly aggressive virus may four other coronaviruses that have become a victim of its own success, infected humans for eons: killing infecting so many people so fast few while making most people just that it creates what epidemiologists sick enough to pass it on. call “herd immunity.” In that From a virus’s point of view, the scenario, the uninfected targets definition of success is “to become that remain are just too far apart for the common cold,” Cohan said. the pathogen to keep spreading. Along with many microbiologists, he Of the seven coronaviruses known suspects this virus has what it takes to make humans sick, at least four to go the distance. Humans could have found a way to circumvent herd outsmart it with a good vaccine, immunity and sustain themselves though the immunity it offers may for the long haul. These viruses, be only temporary. And many who all which cause variations on the do not fear catching the virus would common cold, leave most of their probably skip it anyway. victims with immunity that wanes He hopes his suspicions are in little more than a year. The pool wrong. But a career of studying of people who are susceptible to disease-causing microbes has been becoming hosts is continuously chastening, he said. renewed as infected people’s immune “We’re not smart enough to defences “forget” the virus that has know what they’re going to do,” made them ill before. Cohan said. “And if we think we No-one knows if the coronavirus know, they’ll just surprise us.” that causes Covid-19 shares MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Emergency medical technicians move a patient on a gurney from an ambulance into the — Los Angeles Times/TNS that trait. But a welter of studies Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward, California, on April 16, 2020. 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY 84 high school students participate in QU’s Al-Qabas Virtual Programme 2020

atar University’s a session focusing on exploring Foundation hobbies and selecting future Programme (FP), occupations. The centre provided under the Deanship communication channels for more of General Studies, information about the Qatari labour Qin collaboration market. Both sessions included with the Office of the Assistant interactive segment to answer all Undersecretary for Educational students’ queries. At the end of Al- Affairs at the Ministry of Education Qabas Virtual Programme, students and Higher Education (MOE), participated in ‘Succeeding in recently launched Al-Qabas University Studies’ session where Virtual Programme 2020 in students learned about important response to Qatari government and life and study skills such as time Qatar University’s precautionary management and prioritisation measures against the widespread needed for a successful university coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19). experience. 84 female high school students Dr al-Awah said, “The various participated in the programme from sessions of the programme provide June 7 to June 11. Under the theme an opportunity for high school of ‘For a Successful University students to learn about university Experience,’ the programme aimed life and the required skills in a way to educate high school students that simulates studying at the of Grade X-XI about the study university. This enhances student skills required to succeed in their success in their future academic university studies and improve journey and chances of having a their English and math skills to positive university experience.” enhance their successful enrolment Hayat El Samad, FP Assistant in STEM disciplines at Qatar Director for Student Affairs, University. Hayat El Samad, Assistant Director for Student Affairs commented, “Al-Qabas Programme Dr Hezam al-Awa, Director of the Dr Hezam al-Awah, Director of Qatar University Foundation Foundation Programme Deanship of General Studies team selected the sessions’ topics Foundation Programme, welcomed Programme Deanship of General Studies. at Qatar University. carefully to cover important skills the participating students and the and delivered the sessions using presenters. In addition to thanking innovative educational practices to high school students for registering ensure student engagement despite in Al-Qabas Virtual Programme the virtual nature of the sessions. 2020, he wished them to make the We were pleasantly surprised most of its sessions. with the level of engagement and He said, “This programme interaction among students online. enhances the chances of success In the end, our goal is to facilitate in future university life and the smooth transition from high paves the way for those wishing school into university life.” to join scientific (STEM) and The presenters were able to health and medical majors that create an engaging environment Qatar needs. These majors are for the students as evident in the considered as pillars for building high number of student entries, a knowledge-based economy, comments and answers per which promotes innovation and session. Student survey showed increases productivity required to high satisfaction rate among build the country. We hope that students regarding how much you graduate from high school they benefited from the sessions and join the university, and that and how Al-Qabas contributed to Qatar University will be your first their knowledge about different choice. I also thank the Ministry of skills needed. Student feedback Education and Higher Education from anonymous survey featured for the effective co-operation comments, including “Al-Qabas and communication with schools is a very nice programme. We and female students during these have benefited a lot as Grade-XI circumstances, to ensure that students, as there are not many students participate and benefit institutes and centres to go to from the programme.” during this crisis. I learned how Fawzeya al-Malki, Academic to solve math problems quickly and Career Counselling Specialist in different ways, how to improve from the Education Supervision selected colleges successfully. She participation increased by 50% vocabulary form context, and my reading skills in English, and Department at the Office of concluded her speech by advising from the previous Al-Qabas writing skills through different many other things. I advise female the Assistant Undersecretary the participating students to Programme delivered in 2019. programmes such as Quizlet, students to register for Al-Qabas for Educational Affairs in the interact and engage in the sessions The sessions included various Kahoot and EdPuzzle. In addition, programme 2021” Ministry of Education and Higher to achieve the maximum benefit interactive and engaging activities students benefited from two test Another student commented, Education, welcomed high school from the programme. At the end that develop math and English taking strategy sessions targeting “This experience was one of students and explained to them she thanked QU and the FP for this language skills. During the sessions, skills required to successfully pass the nicest experiences that the importance of Al-Qabas diverse introductory programme. students solved various math IELTS and math standardised tests, I benefited from during the Programme. She encouraged Al-Qabas Virtual Programme problems using critical thinking ACT and SAT. summer vacation during Covid-19 students to make the most of the consisted of two virtual sessions and learned about different In addition, QU Enrolment crisis. This programme opened programme and expand their per day delivered via Blackboard study strategies to enhance the Outreach and Engagement many horizons for us and made knowledge regarding admission Collaborate Ultra platform for development of their math skills. Department presented a session us realise many things that requirements at the university and the duration of one week. Over Similarly, sessions targeting English about the admission requirements, we did not care about before. the test taking strategies required 15 FP faculty and staff members skills, like Brainiac Live, provided dates and policies for QU and I hope Qatar University to to pass placement exams and participated in organising and opportunity for students to learn various QU colleges. Career continue offering these effective international tests to join their delivering the programme. Student about reading skills, guessing Development Centre also presented programmes to the community.” Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY

MODERN VICTORIAN: The renovated kitchen with custom-built cabinets ARTSY: Dutch designer Dirk Vander Kooij’s ‘Melting Pot’ table, with a painting by Albert Riera Galceran. and abundant plants. Envogue: Style meets sentiment

A designer’s restoration leaves nothing to chance and creates a home that shows his love of mementos, writes Kate Lawson

ehind the decorative electric heaters on the magnolia rich fabrics and textiles, quirky from recycled plastics. “I had to buy mirrored wall cupboards and a window mouldings walls, woodchip wallpaper and furniture, and bold bright colours, that table,” says Storey, “it’s a piece handmade sink by Lusso Stone, of Robert Storey’s many of the original features had such as the modular sofa by Paustian of sculpture.” electrified by floor-to-ceiling three-bedroom, top- been ripped out. The double glazing (designed by Erik Rasmussen in Other design touches are artful terrazzo shower tiles by Diespeker floor Victorian terrace in the sash windows was rotting 1969), upholstered in a striking and discreet. Appliqué à Volet & Co. Odd flecks of the marble flatB in Dalston, east London, away, but I loved the old details, so blue (Haakon 2 by Raf Simons for Pivotant dimmer lights by Charlotte meticulously match the wall palette, is an unequivocally stylish yet I had them handmade again, and I Kvadrat), which stands opposite Perriand are strategically stationed as does the coloured silicone sealant. unpretentious home, one that stripped back the carpets to reveal two teak midcentury Finn Juhl along the wall of the bright and Detail is everything to Storey. showcases his signature modernist the floorboards underneath, and Japan chairs by France & Søn with airy upper floor where a rooflight There is a restrained mix of tastes. This is no surprise, since also the wooden staircase, which lemon yellow cushions. They were punctuates the raised ceiling, interesting curios and decorative Storey – a sought-after spatial was caked in layers of white gloss.” a housewarming gift from Storey’s bringing in daylight and making memories everywhere, from designer who works with leading What stands now is a considered mother. “I like to bring in colour the place feel bigger and airier. A imperfect pottery vases to a fashion brands – lives and breathes remodel with a sense of modernity through furniture, it makes it concealed wall entrance reveals a hexagonal stoneware incense burner design. that complements and embraces more soulful,” explains Storey. A handy elevated loft-cum-laundry by ceramicist Ben Medansky and Storey was instantly enamoured its past, achieved with the vision clear-glass 70s-style coffee table space that leads to a small guest an oak prototype of Storey’s own of the property, despite its neglected of Storey’s own architects, and with curved chrome legs by Richard room with a cast-iron fireplace Formative floor lamp. This is his interior. He bought it in April work carried out by builders James Young for Merrow Associates sits on Storey found on eBay. first foray into product design for 2018, following his father’s death. Matthew Solutions and carpenter a vibrant patterned rug from Galerie Next is his bedroom, where a Kalmar, created by his late father, a For him, it was a blank canvas in Otis Evans, with whom Storey Jama in Morocco. Storey found it in a shelf in between the neatly bespoke carpenter and hobbyist. “He wanted need of character and a stamp of often collaborates on set-building. house sale in Norfolk. wooden wardrobes and bed is lined to make it for me, and it’s one of my individuality. “I loved the place “I wanted to retain the feeling of He is also a regular browser of with books and collected mementos, most precious possessions,” says immediately,” he says, “and I knew a Victorian house, keeping the internet antique and auction sites. such as pine cones from Cyprus Storey. The disordered lines of an I wanted to renovate it, but not so it beautiful architectural bones of it, “I like finding vintage furniture. (“I always like to bring something azurite malachite gemstone bought felt too design-heavy,” he explains. but implementing a more modern Everybody can own new stuff, but back from my travels to remind me from a crystal shop while on a road “My father always wanted me to buy ‘me’ aesthetic,” he says. it’s more interesting when you of the place”), and a cubic white trip in Marfa, Texas, also add a a place and do it up in my own way, Entry into the split-level property don’t know where it’s from,” he ceramic ashtray left behind in the spiritual spin. and I feel really fortunate that my is on the first floor, where an says. Standouts include a 1950s property by previous tenants. “I Storey’s emotional connection inheritance allowed me to do that. abundance of house plants creeps oval opaline glass chandelier kept it as I just love the unusual to where he lives has resulted in a I see it as his legacy. My home is a into the open-plan kitchen and with pendant lights that float like design,” he says. Bare timber beams serene space with tactile surfaces lovely memory of him.” living space. On one side, there is satellites in the open hallway space, inside the pitched roof are revealed and immersive tones. It is designed Storey reconfigured the layout, recessed ceiling lighting and sleek found on eBay and originally from to soften the space: “That area is to be harmonious and provides demolishing internal walls and custom-built wooden units in a an old building in Amsterdam. usually plasterboarded up in these a calm environment in which adding bespoke elements in a new dark teal green, with hi-tech heat- New purchases include a trio of old Victorian houses, but I opened Storey can do the odd headstand bathroom and kitchen. He also and scratch-resistant laminate three-legged 1950s Hans Wegner it all up to bring more warmth into or downward-facing dog. “I’m restored period features in the worktops by Fenix. Clever design “Heart” chairs for Fritz Hansen in the room. I stayed at a hotel in Lake obsessed with yoga, and having a all-white design scheme, including tricks, including hidden appliance the dining area and a pastel-pink Garda in Italy that had exposed studio near me was really important original pine four-panel doors and cupboards and concealed cabinetry abstract oil painting by Albert beams, and it looked so beautiful.” when I was looking. The one I’ve replica ornate egg-and-dart ceiling inside an old chimney breast, Riera Galceran. It hangs above the Downstairs on the lower level been going to for four years was right cornicing. “The place hadn’t been provide storage, but also maximise kaleidoscopic palette of Dutch is housemate and photographer at the end of this street, so it turned touched since the mid-80s and it space. designer Dirk Vander Kooij’s Jeff Hahn’s bedroom, and a dark out to be the perfect place to live.” was a mess,” he says. “There were The adjoining living area favours “Melting Pot” table, uniquely made burgundy-hued bathroom with – The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY FASHION Glitter and curls: Marc Bolan and the birth of glam rock style The rock-star dandy died almost 43 years ago, aged 29. From Biba to Celine, his androgynous style has been an enduring influence on fashion. By Joobin Bekhrad

rom Gucci to Saint glam rock’s best-known star today, Laurent, fashion has it was his friend, Marc Bolan – they long drawn inspiration met in their late teens in Soho – who from the style of T-Rex’s sparked the movement. They were Marc Bolan. The glam both born in 1947 and, like Bowie, Frock’n’roller – whose music is Bolan was a mod. Towards the end the focus of a forthcoming tribute of the 60s, when he had finished album, AngelHeaded Hipster, which imitating Bob Dylan under the stage is scheduled to be released in early name Toby Tyler and had left the September – knew how to subvert group John’s Children, he could gender norms into fantastical new be seen sporting the beginnings of shapes. his signature corkscrew curls, as “Marc Bolan exploded on to the well as a more bohemian wardrobe. pop scene, strewing it with sequins Visually, the turning point came and sparkling flash”, recalled the in 1971, a year or so after he began former groupie extraordinaire to stray from the psychedelic folk Pamela des Barres in her book, Rock of Tyrannosaurus Rex (later T. Bottom: Dark Moments in Music Rex) towards an electric, more Babylon. “How did this androgynous mainstream, sound Tolkien elf with the rosebud mouth In March, Bolan performed Hot become the Lurex-clad, glitter-god Love on Top of the Pops wearing pioneer of glam rock?” a silver satin sailor suit, his face Of course Bolan knew how to half-shrouded in curls. That same write a tune and was an inveterate month, Bolan sang the song a second lyricist. But his massive success time on TOTP, again dressed in a in Britain in the early 1970s owed satin sailor suit, but also — and most much to his magical, otherworldly importantly — with the glittery gold appearance. teardrops beneath his eyes. This Although David Bowie is perhaps performance is often acknowledged

JUKEBOX DANDY: Bolan in 1973. BOLD: Marc Bolan in leopard print. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 FASHION COMMUNITY Glitter and curls: Marc Bolan and the birth of glam rock style

as the birth of glam, or glitter rock as in Persian gloves, as he described attitude untypical of British male it was known initially. himself in Hot Love, Bolan had rockers. “I think [my use of glitter] Much has been made of exactly become the progenitor – and king – caused a change … especially with how the glitter ended up on Bolan’s of glam. “Oh man, I need TV when cosmetics,” Bolan said in the BBC cheeks. In a 1974 BBC interview, I’ve got T. Rex!” Bowie would later interview “Guys could go out on Bolan said: “There was some of my exclaim in his song All the Young stage … being not effeminate, but wife’s glitter and I just spit on me Dudes. not necessarily having to have Brut fingers and stuck it under me eyes. I For the next couple years or so, T. aftershave on – you know, super- thought it looked cute …” Rextasy was all the rage in Britain. In masculine. You could use makeup In one Bolan biography, his his sparkly lamé and plush, leopard- and you could use [other such] then wife, June Child, claimed the print blazers, feather boas, top hats things to brighten the act.” idea was hers. Numerous sources, and mary-jane shoes not to mention T. Rextasy was all too brief, as however, cite Chelita Secunda, the generous helpings of mascara, was Bolan’s life, which ended in wife of Bolan’s manager at the time, eyeshadow and powder Bolan belted 1977, when girlfriend Gloria Jones as the woman behind the glitter. out hit after catchy hit, looking crashed into a tree exactly two “Chelita was a muse to Marc Bolan,” exquisite. weeks before his 30th birthday. Like remarked artist Duggie Fields in “Satin suits and boas and the his music, the style he pioneered Michael Bracewell’s book Roxy: The Anello and Davide mary janes continues to influence. Alongside Band That Invented an Era. “Indeed, were his look”, says designer Gucci and Saint Laurent, labels being the instigator of Marc’s Anna Sui, who described Bolan such as Hedi Slimane’s Celine addiction to glitter and women’s as a “perennial” style inspiration. and Halpern have at times drawn clothes, she can be held responsible Biba’s founder, Barbara Hulanicki, inspiration from Bolan’s preference for much of the look now referred remembers a sequinned rainbow for chunky platforms, feather boas to as glam rock.” In Paul Trynka’s blazer of hers that Bolan wore in a and snakeskin prints. See also The biography, David Bowie: Starman, number of photographs: “He was Temples frontman James Bagshaw the DJ Jeff Dexter is quoted as saying small. I have a feeling it came off the (a dead ringer for Bolan) and Annie that Chelita gave Bolan some glitter girls’ floor. Oh, he looked so amazing Clark (AKA St Vincent), in whom at her house, in the presence of in that jacket.” echoes of Bolan can sometimes be Bowie and Elton John. “She wore He also looked conspicuously seen, as well as even the “super- glitter herself, and one day she put androgynous for the era, a quality masculine” Slash – who for decades glitter on Marc. David was there and that the writer Simon Reynolds says has mirrored Bolan’s leather top said, ‘I want some’, and [Elton] had was one of the things that defined hat-and-curly mop look on the some too. So the birth of glam rock Bolan. Before Bowie’s sexually cover of his 1972 album The Slider. was definitely at Chelita’s.” ambiguous incarnation as Ziggy As Bolan said of his glittery Top of In any case, rock and popular Stardust or Brian Eno’s colourful the Pops performance: “Look what culture would never be the same. Far gender-bending in Roxy Music, happened to the world after that!” from being a mere twopenny prince Bolan had popularised an image and – The Guardian STYLE QUOTIENT: Bolan in London in the mid 70s.

BOLD: Marc Bolan in leopard print. ELECTRIC WARRIOR: Bolan captured during the filming of Born to Boogie in 1973. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Study links high BP with eye health issues in children

oung children with said study lead author Henner five minutes of rest and were narrow retinal artery Hanssen from the University of categorised based on the diameters are more Basel in Switzerland. American Academy of Pediatrics’ likely to develop higher “The earlier we can provide blood pressure guidelines. blood pressure while treatment and implement lifestyle Results from the analysis indicate Ychildren with higher blood pressure changes to reduce hypertension, that children with narrower levels were more likely to develop the greater the benefit for these retinal vessel diameters at baseline retinal microvascular impairment children,” Hanssen added. developed higher systolic blood during early childhood, claim For the current findings, pressure at follow-up. researchers in a new study. published in the Hypertension: The findings showed that High blood pressure, the main Journal of the American Heart children with higher blood pressure risk factor for the development of Association, researchers sought to levels at baseline developed cardiovascular disease (CVD), can predict the development of high significantly narrower arteriolar manifest as early as childhood, blood pressure in children over four diameters at follow-up, depending and the prevalence of high blood years based on retinal blood vessel on weight and cardiorespiratory pressure among children continues measurements. fitness. to rise. Researchers screened 262 “Early childhood assessments In previous studies, analysis children ages six to eight from 26 of retinal microvascular health of blood vessels in the retina has schools in Basel, Switzerland, in and blood pressure monitoring shown promise as a predictor of 2014, for baseline blood pressure can improve cardiovascular risk CVD risk among adults. and retinal arterial measurements. classification,” said Hanssen. “Primary prevention strategies Both measures were taken again in Researchers noted limitations are needed to focus on screening 2018. of their study include that they retinal microvascular health and Blood pressure measurements could not confirm blood pressure blood pressure in young children in at both baseline and follow- measurements over a single order to identify those at increased up were performed in a sitting 24-hour period, so they would hypertension, a condition where readings when measured in a risk of developing hypertension,” position after a minimum of not account for “white coat” patients have high blood pressure medical setting. – IANS

Aries Taurus Gemini March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today is a day to shine, Aries, so make sure you’re giving it your all. Today is a day of contrasts for you, Taurus. Eat chocolate in the The day doesn’t begin until you clear your head and take stock Get the credit you deserve for all you do. Try not to fall into self-pity. morning and go jogging in the afternoon. Sleep in late and go to bed of some pending personal issues, Gemini. You might be making Be yourself and people will naturally follow your lead. Now is an early. It’s also a day of grounding. If you can, spend time at home and mountains out of molehills. Realise that there is a path for excellent time to make some plans for the future. Stay grounded and make more phone calls than usual. Clean your desk and organise everybody. Put your aggression away today. It’s powerful, but it on target with your goals. Make sure you aren’t thrown off course by a bookshelf. Why not clean the refrigerator while you’re at it? Take won’t do any good. Keep your power under wraps. Concentrate on other people’s whims. care of your pets, too. the mundane tasks that need to be done. Why not make a list? Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today might be a somewhat difficult day for you, Cancer. The world is wide open to you today, Leo. Take advantage of all the Speak your mind today, Virgo, but don’t take offence if it seems like Instinctively, you’ll want to escape the situation and explore your great things on offer. You may not realise it, but you have a loyal fan no one is listening. Don’t push your viewpoint. Concentrate on your freedom, but something will be holding you back. Take care of the club building in the wings. The things you say and do affect others. goals and aspirations, and feel free to push them to the limit. You bills on your desk and deal with the mess in the bedroom. Clearing This is a fantastic day to take charge and lead others who seem might have been doing a lot of talking lately. Getting those ideas out the physical space around you will help clear your mental space, too. to be floundering. Your grounded mind and solid perspective are there is a great thing. Now is the time when you need to lay some You’ll be footloose and fancy free soon enough. incredible assets in any situation. solid groundwork for those ideas to manifest. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Get your head out of the clouds today, Libra, and come back to Earth Bring things down to Earth today, Scorpio. Get grounded and enjoy Today is a fantastic day for you, Sagittarius, so enjoy yourself fully. for just a little bit. There are some things you need to take care of the day. You’ll find that the more you slow down and adopt a caring, Your emotions will be stable, and you’ll find that you have a very here. Mundane tasks and routine jobs won’t be painful after you set sensitive, receptive attitude, the more things will naturally flow your expansive sense of well-being. Your self-confidence is strong, and your mind to getting them done. You’ll be able to accomplish quite way. This isn’t a day to fight. It’s a day to connect with others on a you should use this to your advantage. This energy may be subtle, a bit. Just make sure to keep a level head about the reality of the symbiotic level. Nurture yourself and others. Get/give a massage and but if you tune into it early in the day and set a plan for what you situation. snuggle up close to those you love. want to accomplish, you’ll find you can be quite productive. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today is a good day for you to simply get things done. Take care of Your emotions may seem a bit muddy today and you might not You’re going to get it all today, Pisces. You may not be feeling those annoying tasks that have been building up for a while. You understand the reason why, Aquarius. Share your thoughts with especially powerful, and in fact, some around you may be trying to have a great opportunity to accomplish quite a bit. People are less others, and you should find that talking it out will help you sort make you feel incompetent. Realise that this is a passing trend and concerned with frivolous drivel and gossip than they are with setting through the maelstrom of feelings. If you need to, shift things down you’ll soon bounce back to your true self. Open your aperture up a a plan for meeting an important goal. Contribute to this trend by to second gear for a little more power. Take your time. Don’t let little more than usual and let more light into your life. You can shoot getting serious about the tasks at hand. others rush you into believing something that you know isn’t true. some of the best shots today! 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

ALBACORE MARLIN STARFISH LOBSTER SHARK JELLYFISH SEA HORSE DOLPHIN PORPOISE CORAL NARWHAL WALRUS MANATEE SQUID LIMPET SEAL GRAMPUS SEA BASS CRAB OCTOPUS WHALE

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, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Agree to keep in touch (10) 1 Some meat for hacks (5) 7 Some Northern Ireland actors 2 Right conclusion? That’s get depressed (8) ripping! (7) 8 Myra changes her name (4) 3 Some refused a mouldy cheese 9 Error made by fielder (4) (4) 10 Carry on upsetting priests (7) 4 It’s pitiful when father gets the 12 South American or possibly twitch (8) Nigerian ant (11) 5 Possible means of 14 He goes to work at last (7) identification? (5) 16 Friends hit back (4) 6 Quietly Ron is taken off to jail 19 Girl unaffected by revolution (6) (4) 11 Break arranged in travel (8) 20 Five imps are turning into 12 Sum of money for a steed (6) blood- suckers (8) 13 Fancy a John Lennon song? 21 Teenager given the French (7) perfume after a party (10) 15 Smooth second class country (5) 17 Fish detected by its odour? (5) 18 Birds on display in the museum (4)

Solution Answers

Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

Ranveer Singh shares Gurinder Chadha’s series his ‘Monday mindset’ Seeker is about an Indian guru who courts global fame Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has posted a selfie describing his ‘Monday Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is developing mindset. a multi-season drama series that traces the Ranveer posted a black and white journey of an Indian Guru, from a tiny village to picture of himself on Instagram. In the a global stage. image, he is seen wearing a pensive Titled Seeker, the show navigates the journey expression. of a man who starts with noble intentions, “#mondaymindset,” he wrote traces his rise to global fame and how his once alongside the image. simple ashram gradually turns into an empire, The superstar on Sunday had shared soon too complicated for him to handle. that his 2018 blockbuster hit Simmba With a “colourful cast of characters and dark, will be re-releasing in Australia and Fiji, complex layers”, the series is currently under DRAMA: Gurinder Chadha is currently as the world tries to regain normalcy development and a multi-national writers developing a multi-season drama series. and centres of entertainment re-open NEXT PROJECT: Ranveer currently room has been set up for it. It will feature an amid the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. awaits the release of his next film 83. International and Indian cast, and will be shot to cater to a universal, global sensibility,” said In the Rohit Shetty directorial, at various locations within and outside of India. Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment, who Ranveer is seen as the corrupt police Cup victory in 1983. In the movie, “As an international director and producer, have collaborated to bring out the show with officer Sangram Bhalerao, aka Simmba, Ranveer stars as the team’s captain I have been inspired to witness the strong Chadha’s Bend It Films & TV and Locomotive who has a moral turnaround to become Kapil Dev while Deepika Padukone appetite that both Indian and global audiences Global. the saviour of justice. Also starring Sara plays Kapil’s wife Romi Dev. The film have for original, ambitious, border-crossing “Together, we are already working to bring Ali Khan, the film opened on December also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin, Pankaj drama series,” said Chadha. together a brilliant team of writers and creators 28 in 2018. Tripathi, Saqib Saleem, Harrdy Sandhu, “We are thrilled to announce our who will help us develop high quality scripts Ranveer currently awaits the release Ammy Virk, Jiiva, Sahil Khattar, Chirag collaboration. This is an incredible time to and present this fascinating story to a global of his next film 83, which narrates the Patil and Adinath Kothare in key roles. tell this particular story, about the faith of the audience,” said Sunder Aaron of Locomotive story of India’s first-ever cricket World — IANS human race in a higher power, and in the telling, Global. — IANS Bollywood’s mega star films confirmed for digital release

kshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidyut Jammwal and Kunal Kemmu are among Bollywood Astars lined up for direct-to-OTT releases over the next months, what with cinema halls showing no signs of reopening in near future owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. On the heels of Amazon Prime Covid’s mega splash a while back, it is now the turn of the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar to go all out and announce a star-studded line-up for the next months. Yesterday, the OTT service confirmed that biggies including the Akshay Kumar- starrer Laxmmi Bomb, Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride Of India, Sadak 2 starring Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput’s last film Dil Bechara, The Big Bull which marks the return of Abhishek Bachchan, the Vidyut Jammwal- starrer Khuda Haafiz and Lootcase featuring Kunal Kemmu will go for straight-to-OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex, a platform that the streaming service launched STREAMING SERVICE: Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex has announced a star-studded line-up for the next months. yesterday. The seven films have been lined up for will bring joy and hope for everyone in these Alia is very excited about the digital “We are happy to partner with the best premiering on the platform July 24 onwards, it trying times!” premiere of Sadak 2, which is directed by directors and most talented actors, and was confirmed at a virtual event yesterday that “Having done a hundred films, I definitely Mahesh Bhatt. provide them with a platform to present their was moderated by Varun Dhawan. Participating took it for granted that theatres were where “It was my first time working with my masterpieces,” said Uday Shankar, president, in the event were many of the stars whose films our films were meant to play. However, father, which makes this a dream come true. The Walt Disney Company APAC and are lined up for OTT releases on the platform two things happened suddenly and almost It has a very new but relevant emotional Chairman, Star & Disney India. – Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, and simultaneously. The corona pandemic threw pulse, with an amazing cast. Working with Talking about the initiative and its effect on Abhishek Bachchan. all our comfort worlds into a tizzy. And, at the Aditya Roy Kapur, Sanjay Dutt and Pooja the overall industry, he added: “Theatres are a The first film to be premiered is Dil same time the OTT medium that was a fairly has been magical. These are extraordinary special experience. So, they will always exist Bechara. As a tribute to the late actor the film new phenomenon gained a huge significance and difficult times and all of us are trying and thrive. But the potential of the industry will be available to all subscribers and non- as far as consuming entertainment is to get through it, taking each day at a time. can’t be capped by the number of release subscribers of the platform. concerned,” Ajay said. My father always says that a filmmaker’s windows and theatres available. Our initiative Talking about taking Laxmmi Bomb directly “In the future, theatres and OTT will destination is the audience’s heart,” she said. will dramatically increase the number of films to a digital platform, Akshay said: “The movie move in parallel. Both options offer their About the release of The Big Bull, actor that can be made, giving film-lovers more is extremely dear to me as it is something own strengths. The platform will showcase Abhishek Bachchan said: “There is nothing films to enjoy and the creative community unique I have attempted for the first time! Bhuj: The Pride of India across the length and greater than the joy of being able to entertain more films to make. We firmly believe that It is an entertaining mélange of horror and breadth of the country. I think people will someone through movies and great storytelling. this will generate a massive momentum for humour and it has a strong social message once again start looking forward to new film And that’s exactly what The Big Bull will do – it more and different kinds of films to be made attached to it! I am certain that this movie releases,” he added. will keep audiences hooked till the very end.” in India. It’s a win-win for all.” — IANS Tuesday, June 30, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Ryan Reynolds Reynolds, however, was in no crashes Hugh mood to budge. Rather, the actor, Jackman’s X-Men meet who joined the franchise in his popular avatar of Deadpool in the The star cast of the original 2009 release, X-Men Origins: X-Men film had a virtual meeting Wolverine, told Jackman that he had on Saturday, and actor Ryan actually invited a few others from Reynolds crashed the reunion, various other films of the franchise. with a few other stars who had That was when Sophie Turner appeared in subsequent sequels of and James McAvoy appeared on the franchise. screen. X-Men stars Hugh Jackman, “Oh sorry, I actually thought this Halle Berry, Famke Janssen and was a Game Of Thrones reunion,” Patrick Stewart had reunited via Turner joked, and quickly left. Zoom as part of Global Citizen: Janssen and Berry left next, saying Unite For Our Future benefit they had a James Bond reunion to concert. attend. Soon, McAvoy claimed he “It’s kind of surreal you guys, I had to attend a Split reunion, while can’t believe it’s been 20 years since Stewart cited Star Trek. the first X-Men movie,” Jackman Addressing a hapless Jackman, was saying, according to a report Reynolds then said: Just you and in people.com, when Reynolds me, Logan. You know what that popped on the screen. makes this a reunion for?” Seeing Reynolds, Jackman “X-Men Origins Reunite!” continued: “Ryan, the cast and I declared Liev Schreiber, who were all just reminiscing about the plays Sabretooth in the series, to movie that we’re in together.” Then, Reynolds’ question after suddenly he tried to cordially get Reynolds popping up on the screen for a few FAN MEET: Reynolds invited a few others from various other out of the picture, saying: “See ya, seconds and vanishing instantly. films of the franchise to fan meet. Ryan.” – IANS

POPULAR: Mackie has played Falcon seven times in the MCU. Marvel movies need I am as vulnerable as to do better about diversity: Anthony Mackie

Actor Anthony Mackie, who essayed the role of Falcon in the Marvel anybody else: Hemsworth Cinematic Universe (MCU), says lack of diversity in Marvel movies disturbed him at many levels. BY SUGANDHA RAWAL Mackie has played Falcon seven times in the MCU, starting with 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. ollywood’s Thor Chris He opened about the need for more Hemsworth is as vulnerable diversity in Disney’s Marvel movies as anybody else and grapples during a conversation with Daveed with uncertainties just like Diggs, reports variety.com. everyone. The actor says he looks Asked about the Black Lives Matter Hat vulnerability as an access point for the movement, Mackie said: “When The audience and feels they make the character Falcon And The Winter Soldier comes more relatable. out, I’m the lead. When Snowpiercer “I’m as vulnerable as anybody else,” came out, you’re the lead. We have Hemsworth told IANS when asked about the power and the ability to ask those tapping into vulnerabilities for a character. questions. It really bothered me that I’ve “You know, anything involving children, done seven Marvel movies where every children (being) in jeopardy or if their safety producer, every director, every stunt is threatened, having children myself, it’s person, every costume designer, every certainly easier to sort of draw upon the PA, every single person has been white.” visceral nature of what that the circumstances Mackie continued: “We’ve had one would evoke in you,” he added. Black producer; his name was Nate Picking his recent digital film Extraction Moore. He produced Black Panther. But as an example, he continued: “We shot this then when you do Black Panther, you movie in India, Bangladesh and Thailand, I have a Black director, Black producer, a didn’t have my family with me, so having that Black costume designer, a Black stunt distance, I was certainly missing them more choreographer. And I’m like, that’s more than usual. And so to sort of tap into those racist than anything else. Because if you emotions was a little more accessible.” only can hire the Black people for the “You know, (we all have the) same Black movie, are you saying they’re not uncertainties. Some people are better good enough when you have a mostly at hiding them than others. But I think white cast?” vulnerability is an access point for an DIGITAL MEDIA: Hemsworth made his digital debut with Extraction this year. He went on to address the changes he audience and it shows that you are human. It would like to see in hiring practices. shows that there are qualities that hopefully This year, Hemsworth made his digital working with the streaming platform. They “My big push with Marvel is to hire people can relate to, and uncertainties and debut as an actor with Extraction. have really carved out a space for this type of the best person for the job. Even if it questions (with which) people can identify In Sam Hargrave’s Extraction, Hemsworth film that you may not be able to put on the means we’re going to get the best two with and that was what was so wonderful is seen as a fearless, black market mercenary consumer during this sort of time in cinema women, we’re going to get the best two about the script of ‘Extraction’ that was laid Tyler Rake, who embarks on the most deadly history. men. Fine. I’m cool with those numbers out in front of us and there for us to dive into.” extraction of his career when he is enlisted to “We were able to make a sort of a real for the next 10 years. Because it starts After steering projects like Home And Away rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned throwback to the classic action films where to build a new generation of people who and JJ Abrams’ Star Trek, Hemsworth scored international crime lord. you are not relying on special effects and can put something on their résumé to his big break in 2011 with the film Thor as the Talking about the working experience on visual effects. It is all in camera. It was a pretty get them other jobs. If we’ve got to divvy Norse God of Thunder Thor, embarking on the the Netflix film, he said: “It was just such exhausting, but wonderfully collaborative, out as a percentage, divvy it out. And journey of becoming one of the biggest and an incredibly wonderfully collaborative incredible experience,” he summed up the that’s something as leading men that we bankable movie stars in the world. experience. It was the first time that I was experience. – IANS can go in and push for,” he said. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, June 30, 2020 COMMUNITY An agent of positive living Martha Anyait, secretary of the Uganda Community in Qatar and a motivational speaker, asks people to start giving more of themselves to life

When asked what would be her piece of By Mudassir Raja advice as a motivational speaker for people on how they can stay positive during these uncertain times, she said: “My message is he coronavirus pandemic has been that everyone will occasionally feel negative pushing people to learn how to stay thoughts during these uncertain times. Some positive during uncertain times. people will feel like quitting and ignoring Experts have been coming up with everything or even try to escape from the novel and new suggestions for truth but yes you may allow yourself to take peopleT to maintain a positive attitude during a break while hiding from the problem but these challenging conditions. this is just temporary, learn to face your A time-tested method of reigning in challenges and train yourself to reflect on negativity and inculcating positivity has your life during this time. Start giving more been to indulge in social welfare work and of yourself to life. extend a helping hand to others in the hour of “While we all wonder what is going to need. This is what Martha Anyait, a Ugandan happen next and as we face this unique crisis, expatriate has been doing since the outbreak it is essential to face our own fears and push of the pandemic in Qatar. through them. How we handle our fears A flight attendant by profession, Martha will determine where we go with the rest is not only an active community worker of our lives. So let’s break that shell of fear but also a motivational speaker. She also because it breeds anger, hate, frustration and cherishes her role as an empowerment defeat. Instead gain strength, confidence, expert and a life coach. “I am passionate and courage. Begin asking yourself how I about empowering people using any and all got through my last horrific experience that means within my reach such as social events, means if I got through that, I can get through social media, podcasts, charity activities this too and I can take the next thing that and more. Motivation reminds us to believe comes along.” in our inner strengths to achieve our dreams Regarding her social work and welfare by maintaining a positive self-image and activities that she has been taking part in attitude regardless of what we are going order to support her community in Qatar, through in life.” Martha said: “As a community advocate, When asked how she has been coping with I volunteer as the secretary of the Uganda lockdown and spending her time at home, Community in Qatar (UGACOQ) where I Martha said: “I have been coping up really serve the community with dedication and well because I try to maintain and stay close contribute to its growth. I have supported to my routine. I not only stick to my normal the community in various ways. For example, routine; I keep myself active and less likely to I am an administrator, a PR person, a spiral. It will be easier to readjust again when champion of women empowerment. I have it’s time to get back to work.” been organising social events, charity drives The motivational speaker has also started including our recent campaign of distributing doing something different and special food items that was given to the Uganda while being at home. “I also decided to do community in Qatar with the help from the something special during these days. For Ministry of Administrative Development, example, I began learning a new language Labour and Social affairs, Qatar Charity and –Spanish, improving on my cooking and various other stakeholders. baking skills, maintaining my exercise “My life theme is that all people should live routine and sleeping routine, reading, online to see their God-given abilities fulfilled and learning and I also spend time recording my this zeal drives my aspirations to be an agent motivational videos to keep my social media of positive living in a world that is growing followers inspired. I also spend time with bitter day by day.” my friends on zoom— praying, sharing our IG: @martha_anyait experiences and encouraging each other Facebook: Martha Anyait Inspiration during this crisis.” YouTube: Martha Anyait Inspiration “I am passionate about empowering people using any and all means within my reach such as social events, social media, podcasts, charity activities and more. Motivation reminds us to believe in our inner strengths — to achieve our dreams by maintaining a positive self-image and attitude regardless of what we are going through in life” CHARITY DRIVES: Martha has been organising social events and charity drives, including a recent campaign of distributing food items given to the Uganda community members in Qatar — Martha Anyait with the help of various stakeholders.