GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Ramadan 20, 1441 AH

Doha today 260 - 350

Cover The comeback Story How a 29-year-old black woman beat the odds to win her battle against the coronavirus. P4-5

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Cinema is richer in a ‘Important to continue essential transformed society: Ali. community work during pandemic’. Page 14 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

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PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.24am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.51am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am Asr (afternoon) 2.59pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.12pm Isha (night) 7.42pm

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Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Downton Abbey cousin Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), a Manchester lawyer, Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 DIRECTION: Julian Fellowes suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 CAST: Hugh Bonneville, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, Qatar Airways 44496000 McGovern who clashes with his Lordship’s domineering, conservative Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 SYNOPSIS: Lord Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham mother, the dowager countess. Marrying off the daughters is Qatar General Electricity and (Hugh Bonneville) sees his family heritage, especially the another concern. Meanwhile, the butler presides over a staff Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. which serves the family, but also lead most of their entire lives Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 The death of his heir aboard R.M.S. Titanic means distant in the servants’ quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal 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 “I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.” — Buddha

Patriot is that his life has been anything but to be noticed. Unfortunately for him Community Editor DIRECTION: Steve Conrad mundane. To prevent another country a European cop is at his heels trying Kamran Rehmat CAST: Michael Dorman, Kurtwood from going nuclear, he has assumed a to discover who he is, his incessantly Smith, Michael Chernus fake persona as an average businessman grim and nervous co-worker Mr Icabod e-mail: [email protected] SYNOPSIS: John Tavner doesn’t when in reality he is actually a highly has figured out that he isn’t who he Telephone: 44466405 really fit in with his quirky colleagues at skilled intelligence officer, who took says, and Steven, a chubby employee Fax: 44350474 the industrial piping corporation where the piping job because of the routine with a recent brain injury, is starting he works. They don’t really know much business trips to Luxembourg, and to remember a horrible act which John about him, but what they don’t realise because the job is secluded and too dull may have inflicted. Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Dealing with shopping anxiety amidst coronavirus pandemic In this age of coronavirus, even everyday tasks such as grocery shopping have changed, with new rules replacing the routine, writes Darrell Smith

loaf of bread and a can manage heightened anxiety gallon of milk, a dozen around shopping trips, particularly eggs and onto the as California begins phased checkout line. “Paper reopening, is to have a plan in place or plastic?” or fill your that helps you feel comfortable, Aown bag, then out the door. secure and as safe as possible.” It used to be so simple, the quick That could mean a quick run to the supermarket. checklist of the things that trigger Now, in this age of coronavirus, anxiety at the store and how to even everyday tasks such as grocery navigate them, Joyner said. shopping have changed, with new “Is it the people around you rules replacing the routine. without face masks? Is it the For people already grappling with crowds? Is it having to touch items anxiety, the shopping experience such as the cart?” she said. can awaken a fresh set of worries as California begins to reopen retail as Her advice: the state emerges from shutdown Be prepared with masks, gloves imposed to slow the spread of and hand sanitiser. Covid-19. Have an easy-to-reach payment “It’s a very common problem,” option to avoid fumbling through a said Peter Yellowlees, chief wellness wallet or purse after handling store director at UC Davis Health. “If items. you were anxious before Covid, this Bring a shopping list to help may make you more so.” shorten your trip through the store. Anxiety swirls around this Shop during low-traffic times virus, touching family, health, and, if, possible, find a store that finances and livelihood, and finding fits your comfort level. its way into everyday life. Your “If you feel more comfortable pre-coronavirus supermarket wearing a mask, choose a store that trip already demanded multiple requires patrons to wear masks,” decisions, with some routine, Joyner said. of where to park, large cart or Understanding the underlying basket, frozen or fresh, sale or EASY PAYMENT: Have an easy-to-reach payment option to avoid fumbling through a wallet or purse after handling trigger for the anxiety, Joyner said, favourite item, debit or cash. A store items. will help to pinpoint those fears, Cornell University study cited in directly address them and re- a Washington Post story about makes this different is how many Joyner, a licensed Sacramento-area combat anxiety: Have a plan to get establish control. shopping noted that we make more people are getting sick from it.” psychotherapist, are unanimous in through it. Forget the reusable plastic bags, than 200 food decisions a day. Takla, Yellowlees and Adriana how to tackle the supermarket and “One of the main ways that you rendered suddenly obsolete by the On top of that now, you’re trying public health crisis. Keep them to figure out where to stand in line in the trunk. Be sure to toss your and why the plastic bags seem so used wipes, gloves and trash in the sealed and how you need to stand proper waste bin. Six feet of social farther away from the shoppers distancing, please. Make room and who just licked their fingers to wear your mask. Most shoppers’ try to pry them open. Add to that faces were covered Thursday, all learning curbside retail. part of a routine quickly becoming A March poll by the American as common as the shoes-laptop- Psychiatric Association on and-belt ritual through airport Covid-19 revealed how much security. anxiety has consumed us. Meantime, a clerk outside the The association’s national poll store’s entrance sprayed down found nearly six in 10 Americans several rows of shopping carts with felt coronavirus seriously disrupted a foamy green sanitising solution their daily lives; 48% were anxious to ready them for the next wave of about contracting coronavirus; customers. while 36% – more than one in every And as department stores and three Americans – said the virus shopping malls prepare to reopen was having a serious effect on their and re-join the economy, they, too, mental health. are offering reassurances of their “There’s no one I’ve seen who is own. not impacted by Covid,” La Tanya Macy’s, Gap and Kohl’s, to name Takla, an educational psychologist three, will install Plexiglas barriers and licensed marriage and family at checkout registers, post hand- therapist based in Sacramento, said sanitiser stations throughout the Wednesday. “The fear of getting it, store, require employees monitor the inundation of it in the news, is their temperatures before the debilitating for some people. Germs report for work and wear masks on have always lived with us. What PLANNED OUT: Bring a shopping list to help shorten your trip through the store. the job. – The Sacramento Bee/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY The great survivor ‘I had people believing me, watching out for me’, Kiara Hearn tells Nic Garcia

Have I cheated death? Why am I alive? It’s the power of prayer and good intentions from all the support team around me — Kiara Hearn, coronavirus surviving engineer who already ‘ has lupus, paralysing shingles and deaf ear

BACK: Hello Kitty is a favourite of Kiara Hearn’s so she bought a face mask with her on it. She was diagnosed with Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Hearnspent more than a week at Parkland Memorial Hospital. She was incubated and needed a ventilator to help breathe. She is photographed at their Irving, Texas apartment complex, last month. ’ iara Hearn stood in her gasped for oxygen the entire walk the body to attack healthy tissues. have been black, according to data asked. “Why am I alive? It’s the kitchen using all of her to the front door. She was out of Earlier this year, she got more bad released by the Dallas County power of prayer and good intentions strength to slice a Gala breath by the time she reached the news: She was suffering from a Health Department on Friday. And from all the support team around apple. lobby. paralysing shingles outbreak. so far, 23% of all Covid-19 deaths me.” The 29-year-old A nurse took Hearn’s vitals and While most infected with the have been among black residents in A native of northeast Dallas, Kcouldn’t do it. swiftly moved her to a makeshift coronavirus suffer only minor a county where they make up a little Hearn attended the School for the Hearn told her mom — with emergency room reserved for symptoms, it is especially cruel less than a quarter of its population. Talented and Gifted at Townview. whom she lives and was awaiting patients believed to be suffering to those living with underlying However, it’s unclear how As a child, she told her mom she’d results from a coronavirus test she from the virus. They ran more tests. medical conditions such as diabetes deep the virus is penetrating attend an Ivy League school — and had taken days earlier — that she Hearn was placed on an IV and and hypertension. And data communities here because in more she did. needed to go to the hospital. breathing machine. suggests it has disproportionately than half of the total confirmed Hearn studied East Asian Struggling to breathe, the She wouldn’t breathe on her own killed black Americans. For cases, no racial or ethnic data is culture — a lifelong interest — at Irving resident dropped her knife for nearly two weeks. instance, one federal report found available. Yale. As part of her coursework, and drove 15 minutes to Parkland Hearn is one of the thousands of that black residents of New York Hearn’s story is both emblematic she spent nearly a year travelling Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Dallas County residents who have City died at twice the rate of their of how the virus is wreaking havoc China, Taiwan, Japan and South Burning with fever, she couldn’t tested positive for Covid-19, the white peers. on Americans and a unique tale of Korea. Along the way, she picked remember when she had last disease caused by the coronavirus Despite a long history of racial how a woman who came close to up a collection of face masks, each combed her hair or brushed her making its way around the world. inequities, it appears the virus dying was brought back, aided by embroidered with Kitty White, a teeth. In 2018, Hearn, who is black, is so far afflicting residents here a cache of medical doctors and an popular Japanese cartoon character She parked her car near the was diagnosed with lupus, an proportionally. About 21% of all experimental treatment. also known as Hello Kitty. emergency room on March 26 and autoimmune disease that causes Covid-19 patients hospitalised “Have I cheated death?” Hearn After graduating in 2013, Hearn Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

moved back to North Texas to live They ran different scenarios by with her mom and pursue a career her, discussed various medicines. in education. For several years, she The nurse staff continued to set up worked in and out of classrooms. Zoom calls so Hinton could see her Unable to find her niche in daughter. education, Hearn made a career “I would tell her to fight and to leap to technology. breathe,” Hinton said. “She’s always Taking the advice of a friend, been a fighter. When she was little, she began working remotely for she told me she was going to Yale, a California-based company, and she made it there.” Outreach Grid, which builds On April 6, doctors removed software for government and Hearn’s breathing tube. nonprofit organisations that help At around midnight the next day, homeless people. Hinton’s phone rang. It was her For the past two years, Hearn has daughter, awake and breathing on had to learn how to live with lupus, her own. a chronic illness that affects people “It was like birthing her again,” differently. Symptoms range from Hinton said. muscle aches to fevers. For Hearn, Hearn was not immediately a common lupus complication is a released. She spent two days in an buildup of fluid around her heart, intensive care unit where she was which must be drained medically. unable to leave her bed. After nearly Even before Covid-19 attacked 30 years of moving, her body was her body, Hearn was usually tired too tired from its two-week battle and her joints ached. with the virus. She lost 50 pounds. “There’s no end,” she said. She was barely strong enough to In January, Hearn was also hold her phone in her hand to talk diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt, a with her mother. She ate broth shingles outbreak that paralysed the THE UPSIDE: Kiara Hearn’s story is both emblematic of how the virus is wreaking havoc on Americans and a unique through a straw. She wondered why left side of her face and impaired tale of how a woman who came close to dying was brought back, aided by a cache of medical doctors and an her life was spared. her hearing in one ear. She went experimental treatment. “People are dying from this,” she on unpaid medical leave from her said. “Why am I not?” job as an engineer, which included on April 2, Hearn’s health took a use an experimental treatment, the experimental treatment, She credits the doctors and account management, training drastic turn. Her breaths became tocilizumab, a drug commonly used Parkland staff called again. nurses at Parkland. and technical support. Doctors shorter, the level of oxygen in her for arthritis. This time they were worried “I had people believing me, told Hearn that most people regain blood dropped dangerously low. On March 23, the US Food and about her daughter’s kidneys. watching out for me,” she said. control of their face and hearing To help her tolerate the breathing Drug Administration approved They were in jeopardy due to a Hearn referred to studies that within five months. tube that would be forced down her clinical trials for tocilizumab to confluence of the virus, unstable have found implicit bias among “It’s been five months, and I throat, doctors prepared to sedate be used as a treatment for Covid. blood pressure and the medication health care professionals can lead haven’t seen any progress,” Hearn the young woman. But first, she Parkland patients are not part of doctors gave her to regulate it. to poorer outcomes for black and said. spoke one more time to her mother. the trial. If the worst happened, the staff Latino patients. The first day at Parkland hospital Hinton recalled her last words, “It’s The decision to use that drug was asked, what should they do? “Doctors and nurses need to is a haze for Hearn, who had been going to be OK, mom.” also influenced by a suspicion that Hinton fell to the floor. believe their patients’ pain and combating a constant fever that at “I could see it in her eyes — she the Covid infection was causing “I just lost it,” she said. investigate it. We have to address times spiked to 104. just knew she was going to be OK,” a flare-up of her lupus, Parkland The day Hearn went on the that divide,” she said. However, after being admitted Hinton said. “But as a mother, you officials said. Fluid was building ventilator, her mother began And yet, Hearn also can’t help to the hospital, she decided to just think, ‘You’re going to lose my up around her heart again, making praying. She wouldn’t stop for five but wonder how her lupus made the keep a date to check in with some baby.’” it hard to function. Tocilizumab days. fight against Covid more difficult. college friends on Zoom, a video- Her mother called every four to is also potentially beneficial in As her daughter fought for “If I didn’t have lupus, who conference platform. She didn’t six hours. One night, nurses set up patients with lupus flares. her life in the hospital, Hinton knows? Would Covid have been want her friends to worry so she a video call so Hinton could see and It was a terrifying conversation, saw national headlines that so bad?” she said. “Sometimes I decided not to turn on the video “pray over” her daughter. Hinton said, made worse by the reported a high death rate among wonder, maybe I know lupus is function — they could only hear her Hearn’s condition did not fact she couldn’t see or touch her Covid-19 patients with preexisting going to be the thing I die from. I voice. immediately improve — while she daughter. conditions and black people. have to keep it regulated. I have to After her friends insisted, she was stable, her fever would not “Do whatever you have to do,” In between talks with God, take my medication.” came clean and told them what break. So, Parkland doctors called Hinton told the doctors. Hinton spoke with a large team of After being moved out of the was going on: Her mother, Rhonda Hinton asking for permission to Shortly after Hinton approved nurses, doctors and specialists. ICU, Hearn began meeting with a Hinton, a Parkland patient financial physical therapist. adviser, was tested for Covid-19, “You have to learn how to breathe and now Hearn was in the hospital again,” she said. “You have to learn confronting much more severe how to walk again.” symptoms. Hinton, 55, suffered She could walk, but not very far. from a mild fever and heavy fatigue. On April 13 — 18 days after she At her worst, she felt tired doing checked herself into the Parkland household chores. emergency room — Hearn was Since the coronavirus outbreak released to her home, where she appeared in Dallas, Parkland has was ordered to isolate for another drastically limited family visits. 10 days. A cough followed her Hearn and her mother spoke most home, and for several days, she still days by phone. She had been in struggled to breathe. the hospital for about a week when “You feel just a little tired,” she she sent her mother, who learned said. that she also had tested positive for Hearn’s younger brother and Covid-19, a video update when she aunt brought the isolated pair didn’t pick up the phone on April 1. food. Hearn has passed the time “Hey, they put me on a new watching Korean dramas such as machine,” she said, taking deep Itaewon Class, texting and video breaths between words. “I was just calling with friends. She has started calling to say ‘Hi.’ I’m probably walking more as she has regained going to go back to sleep because I her strength. slept all day. The fever came back. And on April 23, the day after I’m doing OK for the most part. I her isolation order was lifted, she love you. Bye.” retrieved her car from the Parkland Her thick black hair was up in a Hospital parking lot and drove it bun. Tubes hung out of her nose. home on her own — windows down. The eight-second video would “It was so much fun,” she said, be one of the last times Hinton reflecting on the drive. “You forget would hear her daughter’s voice for ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL: Kiara Hearn, left, and her mother Rhonda Hinton. Both were diagnosed with the little things.” — The Dallas a week. Twenty-four hours later, coronavirus, but have now recovered. Morning News/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY GARDENING Gardens bloom under lockdown with record demand for seeds

Seed firms report huge rise in sales with people worldwide turning to gardening as hobby, writes Nazia Parveen

PLANTING: A woman plants seeds in her vegetable garden in the village of Gorki, Russia.

hile the world may on multi-annual production In the US, Jaime Calder, a feel rather grey at schedules, so it could become a magazine editor, explained how times right now, real issue in a few years, when she all but gave up on gardening lockdown has at seed supply hasn’t had time to after moving from the fertile soils least enabled some replenish,” he added. of Illinois to dusty Texas, but the Wpeople to go green and inject colour In Scotland, the wildflower seed coronavirus changed her mind. into their gardens. specialists Kabloom, popular for Calder and her family of five Britain is blooming – in one sense their “seedboms”, says it has seen planted collard greens, chard, at least – with a record demand for its sales soar tenfold since the onions, blackberries, watermelons seeds, and delphiniums, hollyhocks end of March. Its starch-based, and peppers this year, expanding PICTURESQUE: Delphiniums are having a moment in the sun. and hydrangeas are having their compostable, hand-grenade shaped their garden while buckling down at moment in the sun. plantable containers, which are home during the pandemic. The Seed Co-operative, which designed to burst on impact with “It’s supplementary gardening,” is owned and run by its members, the ground, are full of compost and said Calder. “There’s no way this has reported that orders are up to seeds. would sustain a family of five. But six times higher than a year ago. Meanwhile in the Dyfi Valley, we’re amping it up, so we can try Meanwhile, the Royal Horticultural in mid-Wales, sisters Tala Sutton, and avoid the store a little more in Society has seen a fivefold rise in eight, and Sirena, five, have become the coming months.” queries for advice on its website part of a community-wide scheme Meanwhile Russians are isolating during the lockdown. to grow more flowers. “I quite like in out-of-town cottages with plots David Price, the cooperative’s watching the plants grow,” Tala of land, a traditional source of managing director, said: “We’ve told the BBC. “I can’t wait to see vegetables during tough times since had good levels of stock, but lots of how big my sunflower gets.” Sirena the Soviet era, and rooftop farms others are now running out.” added: “It feels good planting seeds are planned in Singapore, which Due to “exceptional demand” at and waiting for the flowers and relies heavily on food imports. a time when staffing numbers are food.” “Planting a few potatoes can be low due to lockdown, the company People around the world are quite a revelation to a child,” said is limiting customers’ time on its turning to gardening as a soothing, Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist website with online sales only able family-friendly hobby that also at the Royal Horticultural Society, to take place in a two-hour window eases concerns over food security as which has been inundated with every Sunday evening. lockdowns slow the harvesting and queries for advice on its website. Price welcomed the boom but distribution of some crops. Fruit Gardeners without yards are warned that current demand could and vegetable seed sales are not planting potatoes in rubbish bags, mean that supplies are limited only jumping in the UK but have he said. in coming years. “We’re running gone up worldwide. – The Guardian GROWING: Sweetpea seedlings grow in pots. Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 TRAVEL COMMUNITY Travel during the pandemic: 7 things you need to know Some things that can help you navigate these difficult times and plan for the future. By Mary Forgione and Catharine Hamm

ravel has changed since islands will have to quarantine at the global pandemic home or at their hotel for 14 days. began its trip around the world. Don’t despair; 4. Should I travel at all in the travel won’t be off-limits US right now? Tforever. Here are some things that The short answer: It’s up to can help you navigate these difficult you. Of course, the real answer is times and plan for the future. more complicated. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Can I get a travel refund? usually doesn’t give travel advice, There are as many answers to this but several travel agencies’ website question as there are things to do in devotes an entire page to questions the world. and factors to consider. Airlines: Each airline conducts You need to weigh whether you its business differently. Many are putting yourself or others at airlines now are more liberal than risk. Are you sick or do you have usual if you decide to change your underlying health conditions? You flight, sometimes waiving change probably shouldn’t be travelling fees. and increasing your risk of getting If the airline cancels the flight, the disease. Is your travel urgent? under most circumstances it will Every US state has confirmed cases try to accommodate you. If it of Covid-19. “This whole (novel can’t within the time it specifies, coronavirus) problem is evolving. it may give you a voucher or a Look where we were two months refund. Don’t be surprised if the ago,” said Dr Robert Winters, an airline mentions the voucher first infectious disease specialist in or doesn’t mention the refund at Santa Monica, Calif. Bottom line: all. If its website or agent doesn’t We don’t know what we don’t know mention a refund for a flight it about the novel coronavirus. cancelled, ask and ask again. Not all RECOVERING LOSS: There are incredible travel deals right now, from airfares to rafting trips, and that trend probably are forthcoming about refunds. will continue as the tourism industry acts to recover pandemic losses. 5. Should I make plans for a Cruise lines: Cruise lines summer vacation? worldwide suspended sailings 3. Can I go to Hawaii as easing restrictions, Gov. David Ige closed state parks and monuments, Maybe. There are incredible March 13 as the coronavirus planned? went in the opposite direction. To historical sites, recreation areas travel deals right now, from airfares pandemic spread. The Centres for Hawaii doubled down on its stop the spread of coronavirus, and many businesses. Ige’s order to rafting trips, and that trend Disease Control and Prevention on stay-at-home order April 25. With he extended the state’s stay-at- extended mandatory quarantine probably will continue as the April 9 extended the no-sail order Georgia and a few other states home order until May 31. The order rules too. Anyone flying to the tourism industry acts to recover for cruise ships in the US, with pandemic losses. If you book, it’s no firm return date announced. possible you may be financially Carnival, Disney and other cruise protected in a way you have not lines are pushing back their return- been. Refunds are more plentiful, to-service dates and cancelling but so are problems. And the issue more trips. You can get a refund or of refunds continues to evolve, as a future cruise credit, which usually have policies and practices that comes with perks and credits to determine whether you get back keep you on board. your money, a credit or nothing at all. 2. What about my elite status with my airline’s loyalty 6. Can I renew my US programme? passport? Airlines want you back. The US State Department is Really. US carriers have allowed not processing new passports and passengers to change or cancel renewals except for emergency flights without penalty fees during cases because of the coronavirus the coronavirus pandemic. Some pandemic. As of March 20, “we are giving elite members of their are only able to offer service for loyalty programmes automatic customers with a qualified life- extensions of their status – some or-death emergency and who as long as 18 months. For example, need a passport for immediate American Airlines recently international travel within 72 announced it would reward hours,” the agency’s website says. AAdvantage members by granting Americans are being asked to wait an automatic extension of their to apply or renew until the agency status until Jan. 31, 2022. Members resumes “normal operations.” If can expect to see the change you already sent in your passport reflected in their accounts on May for renewal, you can expect 15. The airline also lowered the NOT RECOMMENDED: The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention usually doesn’t give travel advice. You need significant delays. qualifications for elite status. to weigh whether you are putting yourself or others at risk. – Los Angeles Times/TNS 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY INTERVIEW Twiggy’s take on how fashion has evolved over the years As a model, she was the face of the 60s, and went on to have a busy acting career. She discusses her new podcast, and life in swinging London with Emine Saner

o enduring is that image of lovely stories and be funny.” I speak childhood , although one where her Twiggy – side-swept hair, to Twiggy by phone; she’s in the flat mother, Nell, would occasionally be heavy eyes, delicate neck she shares with her husband, the admitted, sometimes for months at – that it’s strange to think actor and director Leigh Lawson. She a time, to a psychiatric hospital. “I she was a model for only is missing her family the most during think today [she would have been] Sfour years. lockdown – her daughter had a baby diagnosed as bipolar,” says Twiggy. “I But Twiggy is an expert at in February, Twiggy’s fifth grandchild had the most amazing dad, Norman, reinvention (or ‘branching out’ as her (her stepson has three). “I got to hold who I loved and adored. He was joke goes). The schoolgirl known as him the day he was born, then I got to from Lancashire, very sensible, very Lesley Hornby became Twiggy, the visit about four days later,” she says. down to earth, very calm. So when face of the 1960s, recognised then “And then by March …” We all know Mum … I think anyone with bipolar, and now by a single name. At 21, she what happened next. She video calls they’re not ill all the time, they became the all-singing, all-dancing her grandchildren, and sends them can go months or even years being star of Ken Russell’s 1971 filmThe the recordings she and her husband absolutely fine and then something Boy Friend, which won her two make of them reading stories. “Apart happens that makes them plummet Golden Globes. She has performed from that, we’re lucky, we’ve got each into depression. But my dad was on Broadway, recorded albums and other, Leigh and I,” she says. there.” Her sister Shirley, who was 15 been a TV presenter. In her 60s, she She is a good talker and generous years older than her, would also step turned fashion designer, with several with her laughter – until a question in, “so I was very protected really. collections for Marks & Spencer. Last displeases her. But you don’t, I It wasn’t until I grew up and looked year, she was given a damehood. suppose, survive for more than five back and thought it must have been What can be next? Podcasts, of decades in the public eye by being a really hard on Dad.” course. At 70, she is about to launch pushover. Twiggy was close to her mother. Tea With Twiggy, in which she will It’s remarkable she never lost “I wouldn’t go anywhere without my interview famous friends including the plot after all these years in mum. It’s amazing what happened Joanna Lumley, Elaine Paige and the spotlight. “I was so straight to me because I was so shy and Christopher Biggins “about their it’s boring,” she says, and laughs. insecure.” She says she “never even careers, their pasts, their childhoods, It was the late 60s when she was thought” of becoming a performer. and things they’re doing at the launched into international fame, But she loved fashion and had moment”, she says. The lockdown but she insists she never took drugs. pictures of the model Jean Shrimpton has been an opportune moment to “The worst thing I did was smoke on her bedroom walls “along with the get started on it. “There are so many cigarettes.” Beatles”, so had vague ambitions to horrible stories on the news,” she Twiggy was the youngest of three become a model or fashion designer. says. “I wanted people who could tell daughters. She remembers a happy Her sister, Vivien, was seven years

ICON OF THE 60’S: The schoolgirl known as Lesley Hornby became Twiggy, PODCAST: At 70, Twiggy about to launch her podcast Tea With Twiggy, in which she will interview famous friends about the face of the 1960s, recognised then and now by a single name. their careers, their pasts, their childhoods, and things they’re doing at the moment. Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 INTERVIEW COMMUNITY Twiggy’s take on how fashion has evolved over the years

older, “and I can still remember in have a goal of what you want to do, detail clothes she made and really but you can’t plan it because you’ve wanting to be like her”. Twiggy was got to be offered parts.” Twiggy was a mod and was allowed out to a club certainly well-connected – there are in Harrow on Saturday nights as great stories in her autobiography long as she was home by 10.30pm. about meeting Fred Astaire, and “We’d look at all the other mods running away from Phil Spector’s and see what they were wearing house. She worked with David Bowie and then try to copy that. I used to and attended Hollywood parties make a lot of the stuff. That was with Elizabeth Taylor. Although she the huge influence on me, fashion- worked fairly steadily throughout wise. Then, by the mid-60s, just the 80s and 90s, she never quite before I was discovered, people like reached the heights of her early Barbara Hulanicki gave us Biba.” career. “I did a couple of films that The boutique for young women in were duds, everyone does. But I think Kensington “became my obsession. I’ve had a brilliant career. And more Because before that, you could either importantly I’ve had a very happy buy clothes from children’s shops or life.” you could buy women’s clothes from The closest there has been to department stores.” Twiggy, in terms of exposure and Twiggy wasn’t allowed to wear era-defining influence, has been makeup, but at the weekends she Kate Moss (they are friends). Both and her friends would practice doing have been blamed in their time for their faces. She made her eyes look pushing an aesthetic of extreme like the ones painted on her rag doll, thinness. It’s not fair to single out the just playing around, but it became model – it’s the industry in which her look. “It used to take me an hour they work that is at fault – but how and a half to do, I had three pairs does she feel about the conversations of false eyelashes on the top. I’m around body image now? Does the amazed I could open my eyes.” She fashion industry still need to change laughs. “Then I used to paint the and focus more on different shapes? lines underneath. So in 1966, when “Well, it has, hasn’t it, there are so I was plucked from anonymity into many more ads now,” she says. “It’s the madness it became, that was my the same with older models, they’re look.” using middle-aged and older women She was discovered when a in commercials. I don’t think the newspaper fashion journalist came high fashion industry will ever go across some photographs of her completely away from slimness but I modelling a new cropped hairstyle think other parts of the industry have for a celebrity hairdressers’. “Within a started to use different shapes and month, I was all over the newspapers, sizes, and I think they should.” Her I was getting offers to go to Paris. I range for M&S, she points out, went can’t say I didn’t like it. I loved it, it from a size eight to a 22. was brilliant.” The following year she In 2009, an advert for an eye went to New York, and became even cream, featuring Twiggy, was more famous. “Sonny and Cher gave banned by the Advertising Standards me a party in Hollywood,” she recalls. Authority for being misleading She remembers being searched at because it had been airbrushed. the airport for drugs. “I think they “That was nothing to do with me. I figured that anyone from swinging can’t stop people …” She trails off. “I London must be …” She doesn’t go and do a job. If they take it away finish the sentence. “But you know, and do the stuff, it’s absolutely it’s probably why I survived, because nothing to do with me.” There’s a I was so straight.” growing number of younger women, The fashion world, like others, I say – I’m thinking of the actor has been rocked by allegations Jameela Jamil – who refuse on of harassment in the wake of the principle to be airbrushed, because #MeToo movement. Twiggy has said of the unrealistic messages it sends before that she never experienced women. “I have no idea, it’s up any harassment, partly because she to them. I don’t have any control had a manager, Justin de Villeneuve over that,” says Twiggy, sounding (an art dealer and photographer who increasingly prickly. We go back changed his name from Nigel), who and forth a bit. Does she mind that travelled everywhere with her. “My she is airbrushed? There is a pause. dad had worked in the film industry, “I think we should get off this so he obviously saw things that went subject because you’re getting really on. And he said: ‘If you’re going to boring,” she says. go to these studios and travel, you HONOURED: Lesley Lawson was made a Dame Commander for her services to fashion, the arts and charity last year So I ask her what she wants to have to have somebody with you.’ by Prince Charles. do next, though the atmosphere So I was never ever hit upon.” A lot doesn’t really recover. She was about of the women who experienced the Paul McCartney was also sitting at and watch old musicals with him and with a film, I was not frightened to go into the studio to record a new worst of it were trying to make their the table. “Every teenage girl had a his wife, Shirley. He cast her as the of cameras, I had worked in the album, which she wants to get back way into the industry and were more favourite Beatle and mine was Paul star of The Boy Friend, an extravagant modelling industry for four years. to at some point. She still loves vulnerable, she points out – Twiggy McCartney,” she says. “Three years musical, for which Twiggy had But to go out on a Broadway stage in fashion design and has been doing had already very definitely made it. before, I’d been one of the screaming singing and dancing lessons for a front of 2,000 people every night and more knitting and sewing during “I didn’t suddenly stop one day girls at one of his concerts. I had to year. It’s an extraordinary first film sing and dance, that’s scary.” It was, these lockdown days, much like in and think: ‘I’m not going to model go and sit at this lunch, opposite the to do. “I’d have been a bit of a fool to however, “the greatest professional her teenage years. “I wonder what any more,’” she says now. But by most famous film director in England turn it down,” she says. She would thing I’ve ever done because it proved she would say to her 16-year-old self then she had met Ken Russell, the and my idol and try and be normal win two Golden Globes for the to me that I could do something that I now. “Oh, just go for it. And enjoy it. film director. She went along to and interesting.” part and later, one of her co-stars, thought I couldn’t.” I think I did most of the time. I don’t lunch with him – it was an informal Russell, she says, “became like my Tommy Tune, would cast her in his Did she have a plan for her career? look back and think ‘I wish I hadn’t audition – and when she turned up, mentor”. She would go to his house 1983 Broadway production. “At least “No. I don’t think you can. You can done that’.” – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC

Ate mostly river fish: sawfish, sharks, Science Matters lungfish and giant coelacanths A swimming dino ... and non-dinos A fossil found in Africa reveals that the fearsome Spinosaurus aegyptiacus – larger than T. rex, with jaws like a crocodile – was the first swimming dinosaur, but weren’t there others? Spinosaurus Spinosaurus (left) lived about 100 million (‘spined lizard’) years ago, before Tyrannosaurus rex (right) Sail with jointed spines could be raised and lowered

Weight was centered forward; New discovery: Its tail was fin-like, used four legs to walk on land not pointed, making it an able swimmer

Familiar swimmers were not dinosaurs What is a dinosaur? Well-known ancient Dinosaurs, an extinct swimmers were Modern reptiles sub-group of reptiles, had reptiles REPTILES distinctive features; the fine details are still controversial DINOSAURS Mososaurs – NOT DINOSAURS Hip joint anatomy was their Bird- Lizard- most prominent difference hipped hipped from other reptiles Ichthiosaurs – NOT DINOSAURS Sauropods OTHER REPTILES Theropods Plesiosaurs – NOT DINOSAURS DINOSAURS and MAMMALS Source: Nizar Ibrahim from the University of Detroit Mercy; Nature magazine; National Geographic © 2020 TNS Graphic: Helen Lee McComas, Tribune News Service Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Working from home? Follow these tips to avoid neck, lower back pain

s many people are “As people are not going out Unit Head, Bone & Joint Institute, working from home daily for office now, it has definitely Fortis Memorial Research Institute during the Covid-19 broken their physical activity in Gurugram has advised people to lockdown without a schedule including walking, do neck stretching exercises and proper desk, they could gymming and to balance that keep the neck and back muscles Abe sitting in the wrong posture for schedule they should take out strong in this period of lockdown. hours which can lead to pain in at least one hour everyday for “People with cervical issues the neck and lower back. Health routine exercise and other physical should avoid any heavy weights,” experts have suggested that simple activities which can be done at Jangid said. tips like not taking their laptop to home like yoga and other free hand For people with back problems, bed, taking adequate breaks and exercises,” he said. you can walk in your home. Make having a healthy diet can help you The doctor suggested that while a schedule, fix a time and walk at a avoid these problems. working from home people should length for half-hour to stay active. People should be extra careful use a table and chair, keep their In case you do not have ample space not to fall sick during this period back straight and posture right. for a walk, take out your yoga mat as the work from home mode and They should keep taking or a bedsheet, you can do pilates closure of gyms have disrupted adequate breaks to avoid sitting or soft yoga poses to improve your physical activity schedules of many, for too long in front of a laptop core strength and stability,”he said. the experts said. or any screen for that matter, he Some such exercises are – chair “We should keep in mind said, adding that diet is extremely stand, single leg raise, heel raise, that this lockdown period is for important in these times of front plank on table. our safety from a disease, and restricted activity. People can also do a plank and doesn’t allow us to be careless and Avoid snacking, don’t keep a child’s pose to gain strength for invite other diseases like cervical munching unhealthy food, add the back. The doctor added that pain, backache, arthritis etc.,” more fruits and fibres to your daily dancing is a great way of staying around while talking over the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Monu Singh, Senior Consultant meal with plenty of fluids and keep active and keeping the family bond phone, rather than sitting down,” Department, Sri Balaji Action in Orthopaedics at Narayana your calcium intake right,” Singh strong. Alternatively, one can do the doctor said. Medical Institute in New Delhi, Superspeciality Hospital, said. skipping, Zumba, yoga or pilates According to Viju Thomas people who are working from home Gurugram, told IANS. Subhash Jangid, Director and or floor exercises. Stand or walk (PT), Head Of Department, need to be more careful. — IANS

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

A group might invite you to participate in a creative project of some Today is filled with socialising, with a strong emphasis on the exchange You might want to make an extra effort to tidy up the house this kind today, Aries. Whatever you do is likely to be stimulating and of information. If you’re attending a party this evening, Taurus, be morning, Gemini. It’s likely that you’ll have some unexpected guests. exciting, even as you all sit at your separate screens around town receptive to anyone you meet. It’s likely that someone new will arrive Some neighbours could drop by unannounced, or an old friend or around the world. You’ll want to channel all your energy and who will have a significant impact on your life. It might be that he or she could call from her car and say she’s on her way over. Take it all in enthusiasm into it. This may be the closest you get to partnership in a tips you off about a professional opportunity at work. stride. Even though you had a lot planned for the day, it will be much socially distanced world. Enjoy the feeling. more enjoyable if you spend it socialising with friends. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

You’ll have to let go of your usual drill-sergeant manner and simply You work hard to reach your goal of financial independence, Leo. All You’re bound to be busy but happy today, Virgo. You’ll likely spend let the day unfold as it will. Try as you might, even you won’t be signs indicate that you’re well on your way. Today you could receive the morning doing chores and generally puttering around the house. able to direct events today, Cancer. You could find your attention some news that makes you realise you aren’t there yet. Perhaps a Don’t be surprised if a friend drops by unexpectedly in the afternoon diverted from one project to another. It isn’t an unpleasant day but a relative calls to say you’re no longer his/her sole beneficiary. Maybe with some important news to share. Your evening could be occupied disjointed one. Stay open to all possibilities. You could be surprised your investment statement shows a poor return. This isn’t what you doing research at the library or on the computer. It seems your by the way things turn out. expected, but you’re still on the right track. friend’s news piqued your curiosity about a particular subject. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Getting out and doing something physical as a group could seem This is one day for you to be as flexible as possible, Scorpio. It may You can overcome the intensity of today’s planetary energies by especially appealing today, although everyone should be masked and be that you begin with a specific list of items that absolutely must be making a conscious effort stay positive, Sagittarius. Distract yourself at least six feet apart. You can always do yoga, aerobics, or tai chi at done, but get distracted by some news from a friend or co-worker. with necessary household chores and errands. Don’t forget to take home, accompanied by a video or an online teacher. You might also What had seemed so important is no longer so, and your day shifts some time out for fun, too. As you work around the house, stop to consider a drive somewhere for a change of scenery. A bit of adventure to accommodate this new piece of information. You’ll be rather indulge yourself every few hours. A cup of hot chocolate or a chat is definitely in the wind for you, Libra. Enjoy it! surprised by but no less satisfied with how the day turns out. on the phone will add a welcome grace note to the day. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Don’t take any information you receive today at face value, Don’t take anything you read or hear today at face value, Aquarius. It’s likely that you’ll receive some unpleasant news today, Pisces. Capricorn. Technical glitches will likely plague you throughout the It’s possible that you’ll receive some rather distressing news, but Perhaps there are changes occurring at work that you read about in day. Your bank statement could be incomprehensible. Bills could before you react in frustration, read the fine print. The news may not the morning newspaper. Or it could be that you get a phone call and show up with an extra zero tacked on. Don’t panic. Make some really be so bad. In fact, it may not even be true! Take a deep breath receive some upsetting news about an old friend. You’ll need to take the phone calls and get all the facts. Whatever you do, don’t let this ruin and heave a sigh of relief, then get back to your normal routine. information in stride and not let it ruin your day. With the intensity of the your day. Everything will get sorted out. Relax, put your feet up. planetary energies at play, you’re at risk of overreacting. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BALLET TALLOW MALLOW FOLLOW BILLOW VALLEY PILLOW HOLLOW FALLOW BELLOW TELLER MELLOW GALLON BULLET VOLLEY SALLOW MALLET FELLOW BILLET TILLER PILLAR HALLOW CALLOW YELLOW

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, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Baseball player reverses cap (8) 2 Shrink any salt shaker? (7) 6 One in prison for fraud? (3) 3 Family taking part (3) 9 Length of series (5) 4 Sleeveless coat provided, 10 Rescue Ali knocked out in thanks to poet (6) fight (4,3) 5 Blunt, to no avail (9) 11 Just seen after month in part 6 Hit on the head with old coin of London (7) (5) 13 Units deployed in an African 7 Small school raised paper capital (5) money (5) 14 Trapper holding broken toy? 8 Copper has last word about Wait for it! (3,3) shrewdness (6) 15 Dancing bear is somewhere in 12 Coats need woven yarns (9) the Balkans (6) 16 Major report reveals theory of 19 Rise for bear (5) origin (3,4) 21 Obscure thing is made visible 17 The man composing a song (2,5) (6) 22 Missionary getting a position 18 In Arctic ice, Roman consul with the French (7) renowned for eloquence (6) 23 Open wide to swallow a bit of 19 Poles suffer under slowcoach ripe fruit (5) (5) 24 Shelter for backward 20 An opening, we hear, for swimmer (3) worship (5) 25 Tea’s gone off - but that was a 23 Letter to order a horse? (3) long time ago (5,3) Answers Solution Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

Anil stresses on importance of Huge deal to be world’s mental health to fight Covid-19 most followed Moroccan artiste: Nora Not just the body, mental health should equally be taken care of if we want to battle the Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi Covid-19 pandemic, feels Anil Kapoor. considers it a “huge deal” to become The veteran actor took to Instagram recently to the most-followed Moroccan artiste in express the importance of immunity of the mind the world. Nora has achieved that feat along with our body. after gaining over 13 million followers “Some mornings are tougher than others. on Insatgram. Some days I would rather hide another hour In the process, Nora beat popular under the covers. But my work out, my fitness Moroccan-American rapper French regime will still be waiting when I do roll back Montana, who has a following of 12.5 the covers. That’s why our mind plays such an million on the photo-sharing website. important part in any health drive. The long- “My Insta(gram) family has been term solution to fighting microbes like Covid-19 growing strong everyday. I’m so is not complete isolation or endless disinfecting, proud that I’ve been able to do this but building immunity of the body and mind to organically! Its a huge deal to be the fight any such external aggravators, because this most followed Moroccan artiste in the is not the first or the last one,” he wrote. world!,” she said. Emphasising on why we should give priority The actress, who is Canadian born to mental health in this situation, he further and Moroccan by descent, calls it a wrote: “Our mind is the one part of the body we huge achievement. have to work the hardest on, and yet the results “It’s a great achievement! Thanks to THANKFUL: Nora Fatehi says she is of this hard work may not always be manifest to all my followers and my loyal fan base! thankful to her loyal fan base. others. There is no mind bicep to flex no brain six They are so important to me and I’m pack to show off. But mind is what will make the so grateful for them and their constant Bollywood, with hits such as Manohari difference to a successful health kick. Every day, DETERMINATION: Anil Kapoor recommends to support!” she said. (Baahubali: The Beginning), Dilbar the first thing I flex is the power of my mind to first start the day by flexing will power and resolve. On the acting front, Nora will next (Satyamev Jayate), O saki saki (Batla get up get rolling , move beyond what obstacles be seen in the Ajay Devgn-starrer House), Kamariya (Stree) and Ek toh it has placed in my way , remove what clouds of way, you will prove yourself right. So embrace Bhuj: The Pride Of India. kam zindagani (Marjaavaan), besides doubt have come over me. If you think you can, the mind and start your day by first flexing your In a short time, Nora has established her recent hit Garmi in Street Dancer you will. If you think you can’t, you won’t. Either will power and your resolve.” – IANS herself as one of the best dancers in 3D. – IANS Cinema is richer in a transformed society: Ali

By Arundhuti Banerjee region, of that era,” said the actor. Lucknow-born Ali had no plan to become an actor, but a sportsman. ctor Ali Fazal is waiting “I wanted to be a sportsman and due for the troubled times to my broken arms then, I couldn’t to be over, as he believes continue. I, in fact, was a studious society post Covid-19 fellow in college, I was studying will go through a economics and used to do theatre transformationA that we have never at Prithvi. But no, I never had a big seen before, and that will be an dream of becoming an actor. I was just interesting time for storytellers in going with the flow,” the actor said. world cinema. He continued: “Now I cannot “I think this is that time when imagine my life without acting. The many writers, who are sitting in only way to live several lives in one home, are brewing stories in their lifetime is to become an actor. So mind. So in the coming two or three yeah, I think the universe always has years, in our cinema we will get to a better plan than what we think we see an interesting range of stories. If are planning. Since I never went to an we look closely, since December last acting school, I always go and sit with year, a lot has happened in our society cinematographer, editor, assistant – politically, economically, and now directors. I am eager to learn!” this global pandemic. As a society we How important is art for an actor are going through a transformation like Ali, who is constantly exploring that will continue. As cinema reflects hugely different formats of visual society, this is going to be so different. entertainment as Bollywood, Our golden era of cinema happened Hollywood, and OTT? in the fifties and the sixties because “Even at this point of time, only art after Independence, our nation went is coming to rescue us by helping us through a huge transformation. Post stay happy and engaged. You listen to Covid-19, the world will see another music, watch a film – so, art plays an transformation. So, I am waiting for equal important role in our life along the change to come and seeing how all with other basic needs,” Ali signed of us embrace it,” Ali said. off. “You know, we recall our history Meanwhile, Ali Fazal recently took through art – cinema, literature, to Instagram to share poetry that fashion, paintings et cetera. These are made girlfriend Richa Chadha go pink. the mediums that reflect and capture Reportedly, the duo has postponed their what is happening in society. wedding due to coronavirus which was “We get to know an insight of any supposed to take place in April. CANDID: Ali Fazal says this is that time when many writers, who are sitting at home, are brewing stories in society by watching a film of that — IANS their mind. Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Ed Sheeran gives music for a very long time. lessons to school kids “I couldn’t do maths, science and English and I was told to be successful Singer Ed Sheeran is using the in life you had to do those things. lockdown time to do various things, “I loved playing music, that’s what including giving music lessons to school made me happiest. My dad always said kids. to me, ‘If you want to be a musician The 29-year-old answered questions work really hard at it’. as well as taught the children to play “I wanted to make music my job but some of his hits, such as Perfect on it was a lot of hard work and struggling; guitar, reports thesun.co.uk essentially the way I got my income and Timothy Spoerer, music director at paid my bills was by playing covers at Ecclesbourne Primary School, Thornton weddings.” Heath, South London, surprised He went on to say he wouldn’t be children in a Zoom call with his star releasing music any time soon, adding: friend. “Not for a while some time next year. Ed told them: “I basically wasn’t very I need a year off not doing anything. smart at school I thought I was an idiot Getting back to normal life.” – IANS TEACHER: Ed Sheeran answered questions and taught children to play some of his hits. Stiller, Seinfeld and The King of Queens actor, dead at 92

times on The Ed Sullivan Show By Larry McShane after meeting as Stiller exited his agent’s Manhattan office back in the summer of 1953. omedian and actor The couple – he Jewish, she Jerry Stiller, who found Irish-Catholic and two inches taller stardom alongside his than her spouse – famously co- wife Anne Meara in the starred with his wife in a series of ’50s before winning co-written ads. Ca new generation of ’90s fans as He appeared solo opposite George Costanza’s explosively Walter Matthau in the hit 1974 unhinged father on Seinfeld, has movie thriller The Taking of Pelham died. He was 92. One Two Three, and landed a The Brooklyn-born Stiller – starring role opposite Divine in the father to comedian/actor/director John Waters’ breakthrough film Ben Stiller and actress/comedian Hairspray. His myriad television Amy Stiller – died of natural spots included everything from causes, the family said. Murder, She Wrote to Law and “He was a great dad and Order. And son Ben cast his dad in grandfather, and the most his 2007 comedy The Heartbreak dedicated husband to Anne for Kid. about 62 years. He will be greatly The elder Stiller even wrote a missed. Love you Dad,” his son 2000 book Married to Laughter: A tweeted. Love Story Featuring Anne Meara, Though a supporting player on a memoir about their shared life. Seinfeld, Stiller produced some of The couple, married in 1954, were the comedy classic’s most hilarious together for six decades before her and indelible moments. His death in May 2015 at the age of 85. abrasive Frank Costanza character, On the day when Stiller met forever walking a tightrope Meara, “I took her out for coffee,” of simmering rage, famously he recalled. “She seemed to sense I introduced the phrase “Serenity had no money, so she just ordered now!” and the holiday festivus to coffee. Then she took all the the Seinfeld universe, along with silverware. the “manzier.” “I picked up her check for 10 His accomplishments came cents and thought, ‘This is a girl I’d without a lot of encouragement on like to hang out with.’” COMEDIAN: Jerry Stiller attends the 2012 Made In NY Awards at Gracie Mansion in New York City. the homefront: “When I told my And so they did, on and on and father I wanted to be an actor, he on. They first joined a St. Louis Boat and Love, American Style. As scripted, the role called for a 1997 Emmy nomination for said, ‘Why not a stagehand? You’ll comedy improv group called the They co-starred on Broadway in a meek Stiller to don a bald wig Outstanding Guest Actor in a work every night.’” Compass Players before working as Meara’s play After-Play about and cower around his loud and Comedy Series. But his bus driver dad a twosome, making their debut in a two couples discussing their domineering wife Estelle. Post-Seinfeld, he joined accidentally imbued his 8-year-old Greenwich Village club. conflicting reviews of a show. And On his fourth day on the set, comedian Kevin James on the new boy with the comedy bug, taking Their first comedy skit both appeared on some marginal Stiller recalled, he told the show’s sitcom The King of Queens to play the boy to see the Marx Brothers in collaboration was a bit titled Jonah, sitcoms: For Stiller, they included co-creator David, “This ain’t as the star’s loud and loony father- the comedy classic A Night At The where Meara played a television Tattinger’s – it ran for 14 episodes working. Can I do it my way?” in-law. Opera. news reporter interviewing an older in 1988 – and Nick and Hillary, a David agreed, with Stiller Stiller, who had planned to retire Years later, Stiller met Groucho Miami man swallowed by a whale. sitcom cancelled in 1989 after two transforming instantly into the after Seinfeld, instead returned as Marx and thanked him. Success followed quickly for the airings. bellowing Frank Costanza. “All the irascible Arthur Spooner. Stiller, who stood two inches pair, either in tandem or alone. Things changed when the call cameramen broke out laughing,” “Any show with Jerry Stiller shorter than his Irish-Catholic wife They were regulars on The came in 1993 from Jerry Seinfeld recalled Stiller — and a star was lending support can’t be all bad,” Meara, was a man of many talents Paul Lynde Show in the 1970s, and Larry David to replace another reborn. read a Variety review of the show across a seven-decade career. The and made a number of guest- actor as George Costanza’s father He stayed on the show through that ran from 1998-2007. – New couple appeared some three dozen starring appearances on The Love on the hit show Seinfeld. its final season in 1998, earning York Daily News/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 13, 2020 COMMUNITY “Important to continue essential community work during pandemic” Sri Lankan community leader Hazim Hamza continues to volunteer for community welfare during coronavirus pandemic

Lankans. “I have been busy in By Mudassir Raja organising monthly lectures for families, sports events and gatherings, educational activities he novel coronavirus and professional guidance. I was pandemic is an issue also engaged in organising Islamic that requires collective lectures by visiting scholars from response at every level Sri Lanka and other countries with of the society. Raising the affiliation to Abdulla Bin Zaid awarenessT about the disease, Centre (FANAR). We organised offering protective items, staying regular professional development at home, reaching out to people and career guidance workshops in need and offering financial targeting potential Sri Lankans co-operation are some of the who are looking for developing steps that need to be carried out their careers or changing jobs. collectively. Another major role was assisting Since there are diverse expatriate the community during the times communities in Qatar, the of emergencies and disasters with community welfare and support the assistance of the embassy and programmes are run by different the community organisations. I people in co-ordination with am also serving in the board of their embassies and the relevant directors of the Stafford Sri Lankan Qatari authorities. The Sri Lankan School, the only Sri Lankan community is no exception when it community school in Qatar.” comes to dedicated response to the The community worker is Covid-19 pandemic. confined to his home with family Hazim Hamza is the general and experiencing Ramadan in “We thank the Government of Qatar for taking secretary of Sri Lankan a unique way like many other Community Benevolent Fund and people. “Since the coronavirus all the required measures to safeguard all the head of community development pandemic started, we have been unit of Sri Lankan Islamic Center confined to home with maximum citizens and residents” Qatar. Since his arrival in Qatar in precautions taken. Working 2005, he has been very active in from home and the children are — Hazim Hamza community welfare and charity occupied with continuous lessons activities in association with from the school. the Sri Lankan embassy. “I have “It being month of Ramadan, actively been working through we are having real family time and workers for their sacrifices to treat Charity in providing volunteers and voluntary contribution by the several Sri Lankan associations having our collective prayers at the patients with risks for them to reach out to various camps community. We are co-ordinating affiliated to the embassy. I was home. It’s a tough time compared and their families. We thank the with sanitising and food packages with the Government of Qatar a past president for Sri Lankan to earlier Ramadan where as a Government of Qatar for taking all they provided. We also arranged and volunteer organisations in Majlis Qatar and presently an family we get to attend prayers in the required measures to safeguard volunteers to help them distribute arranging continuous supply advisory committee member. Masjid and listen to recitation of all the citizens and residents.” Iftar packs to labour camp in of essential food for needy Besides being immediate past Qur’an. However, it’s a different The stay-at-home norm various locations. community members. president of Federation of Sri experience this time to be at home. and Ramadan has not barred “Many have lost jobs in “On top of this, we supported Lankan Muslim Associations This situation has benefited in the community leader from several fields due to the current Ministry of Interior and Ministry Qatar, I was founder president of another way for children as it volunteering to help others. “First pandemic. Worst affected were of Public Health in getting their Sri Lankan Muslim Professional’s gives flexibility in their studies of all I would like to appreciate the daily wage earners like limousine awareness campaigns translated Forum Qatar.” though they too feel the pain initiatives taken by the Embassy drivers. We reached out to needy in the Sinhala and Tamil languages Hazim has been involved in and difficulties of the unending of Sri Lanka to support the needy. community members in providing and disseminating among the different community related pandemic. In addition, we the community dry rations and food packs community through social media activities to serve his fellow Sri “We salute all the front-line organisations, joined Qatar sponsored by Qatar Red Crescent platforms.”

DEDICATED: Hazim, right, during the distribution of dry rations received from Qatar Red COLLECTIVE EFFORT: Sri Lankan community members with the Qatar Red Crescent official. Crescent Society.