Community Community ACS Doha More than celebrates 500 attend P7Qatar P16 the All Qatar National Day by Kabaddi Fest 2017 hosting an eventful in which 16 teams day filled with competed for the festive activities. top spot.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Rabia II 9, 1439 AH

DOHA 17°C—26°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

COVER TORY The fare S this year How tweets, Hollywood abuse and racial divides shook the entertainment industry and beyond. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.56am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.17am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 2.32pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.54pm Isha (night) 6.24pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Velaikkaran upliftment of his fellow beings. He starts a local FM channel Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 DIRECTION: Mohan Raja with the help of the area gangster Kasi (). Once Local Directory 180 CAST: , , he fi nds out about a hazardous product that the company International Calls Enquires 150 SYNOPSIS: A youngster from the slums fi ghts to end food delivers, he takes up a mission to fi ght such malpractices. Hamad International Airport 40106666 adulteration being committed by large food manufacturing Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 companies. Arivu (Sivakarthikeyan) wants to focus on the THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Father Figures Qatar General Electricity and DIRECTION: Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Lawrence Sher Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 CAST: 44593363 Owen Wilson, Qatar Assistive Technology Christopher Centre 44594050 Walken, JK Qatar News Agency 44450205 Simmons 44450333 SYNOPSIS: Q-Post – General Postal Upon learning Corporation 44464444 that their mother has been lying Humanitarian Services Offi ce to them for (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) years about Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, their allegedly 40253369 deceased father, Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 two fraternal Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 twin brothers hit Qatar Airways 40253374 the road in order to fi nd him.

THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q I’ve learned The Mall Cinema (1): Tiger Zinda Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): that people will forget Hai (Hindi) 2pm; Tiger Zinda Hai Ferdinand (2D) 2pm; Ferdinand (2D) (Hindi) 5pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 4pm; Shantet Hamza (Arabic) 6pm; what you said, people will 8pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 11pm. JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle The Mall Cinema (2): Ferdinand (2D) 2:15pm; Ferdinand (2D) 4pm; (2D) 7:30pm; JUMANJI: Welcome forget what you did, but people (2D) 2:15pm; JUMANJI: Welcome To JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle To The Jungle (2D) 9:30pm; Father will never forget how you The Jungle (2D) 4pm; Ferdinand (2D) (2D) 6pm; JUMANJI: Welcome Figures (2D) 11:30pm. 6pm; JUMANJI: Welcome To The To The Jungle (2D) 8pm; Shantet Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): made them feel. — Maya Jungle (2D) 8pm; Shantet Hamza Hamza (Arabic) 10pm; JUMANJI: JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle Angelou (Arabic) 10pm; JUMANJI: Welcome Welcome To The Jungle (2D) (2D) 2:30pm; Hello (Telugu) 4:45pm; To The Jungle (2D) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Vimanam (Malayalam) 7:15pm; The Mall Cinema (3): MCA (Telugu) Landmark Cinema (3): MCA Sweet Virginia (2D) 9:45pm; Sakka 2pm; Father Figures (2D) 4:30pm; (Telugu) 2:30pm; Rangreza (Urdu) Podu Podu Rja (Tamil) 11:30pm. Rangreza (Urdu) 9pm; Vimanam 4:45pm; Sweet Virginia (2D) 7:15pm; Asian Town Cinema: Vimanam (Malayalam) 9pm; Velaikkaran Vimanam (Malayalam) 8:45pm (Malayalam) 7pm; Vimanam Community Editor (Tamil) 11:30pm. Velaikkaran (Tamil) 11:15pm. (Malayalam) 10pm; Velaikkaran Kamran Rehmat Landmark Cinema (1): Tiger Zinda Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): (Tamil) 6:30pm; Sakka Podu Podu e-mail: [email protected] Hai (Hindi) 2:15pm; Tiger Zinda Hai Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 2:30pm; Raja (Tamil) 9:30pm; MCA (Telugu) Telephone: 44466405 (Hindi) 5pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 5:30pm; Tiger 6pm; Vimanam (Malayalam) 8:45pm; 8pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 11pm. Zinda Hai (Hindi) 8:30pm; JUMANJI: Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 7pm; Tiger Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (2): Ferdinand Welcome To The Jungle (2D) 11:15pm. Zinda Hai (Hindi) 10:15pm. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Remote-controlled car racing track be used on all documentation, both online WHERE: Aspire Park and offl ine for the next 12 months. WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat TIME: 4pm-10pm Breakdance Classes Aspire Zone Foundation has created a WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday custom-made track specially designed Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop for remote-control car racing, for car culture that originated in New York lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport and has since spread all over the world. enthusiasts can try the race track opposite Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on style of dancing, which can often appear Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. to defy the laws of physics. This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous upper-body Outdoor and five-a-side football strength for tricks and poses and a great way pitches to get into shape and have fun. Register now WHERE: Aspire Zone by calling 33003839 or e-mail registration@ WHEN: Daily atelierqatar.com TIME: 7pm-11pm Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football Reggae Beachfest Doha outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays are available every day from 7pm until 11pm WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis from Sundays to Thursdays, and on Fridays Hotel and Saturdays from 7am-11pm. TIME: 8pm onwards In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest B.Square Mall Grand Event in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve WHEN: Ongoing got the setup sorted to get you feeling the EVENTS Amazing African Circus TIME: 6:30pm Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident WHERE: Hyatt Plaza The only mall in Qatar dedicated to band Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, Car and Bike Stunt WHEN: Jan 8-21 entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy we have so many big names in the Reggae When: Dec 29 TIME: 5:30pm a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car scene lined up at this huge beachfest!” Where: Aspire Zone From January 8 to 21, the Amazing parking spaces, as well as provide a range Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. For more Time: 8pm African Circus will be at Hyatt Plaza food of shopping, services, and entertainment information, please call 44460105. Friday Club presents the ‘Car and Bike court area starting from 5:30pm. Bring options. Stunt’ in drive-in Doha Aspire Zone this your friends and family and come enjoy the Dance & Fitness Classes Friday. It starts sharp at 8pm. For more show. Entry is free. Torba Farmers Market WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57, details contact Subramanya Hebbagelu at WHERE: Education City Bin Omran 5564-1025. WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 9am Atelier is the newest music and arts school Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered in Doha that off ers dance and fitness classes with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based for kids to adults such as ballet, hiphop, initiative that aims to deliver organic salsa, tango, and other Latin dances, Zumba, and locally-grown food and homemade Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, kickboxing. products, to host a weekly market in Contact at [email protected] Education City. Open to the public, the or 33003839. market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from Reggae Nights every Sunday 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am WHERE: Sheraton Grand Doha and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived WHEN: Every Sunday Art Exhibition from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that TIME: 9pm WHEN: Until Jan 16 feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide Spend your summer nights with some WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residence range of fresh, locally-grown items will good “irie” reggae music every Sunday. TIME: 9am-7pm be on offer, including organic fruits and Doors open at 9pm at The Irish Harp. W Doha Hotel & Residences, the first vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, Entrance Fees is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, is hosting the and butters, as well as handicrafts and free. For further information, please call works of local artist Fahad al-Obaidly at gardening supplies. 44853000 or e-mail at F&Breservations. the property’s in-house Art 29 gallery. The [email protected] exhibition titled “Exploring Expression” is be open to the public until January 16 daily Salsa Nights from 9am to 7pm. WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Grand Doha Gold Workshop For Teachers WHEN: Every Wednesday WHERE: Marriott Marquis TIME: 9pm WHEN: Jan 17 Get ready for some Latin beats every This one-day workshop will be about Wednesday night, where all the salseros and Lecture on Quaid-i-Azam and the English, Math, Science, Social Studies, salseras in town meet and party all night. Ideology of Pakistan History, ICT and new technologies for Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. Guest Speaker: Syed Bilal Qutab your classroom. Part of workshop will For details call 4485 3000 WHEN: Dec 30 include working through a selection of WHERE: Pak Shamaa School new resources and materials relevant Evolution Sports Qatar Off -Road biking tour TIME: 6pm to Early Years up to University teaching WHERE: Evolution Sports WHERE: Zekreet Pakistan Arts Society-Qatar (PAS-Q), environment. WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Fridays as you are aware, is a socio-cultural Evolution Sports will mark its anniversary Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the organization and has been working under Laugh Out Loud by hosting a number of exciting events country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in the patronage of Pakistan Embassy-Doha WHEN: Feb 9 throughout 2017 as well as some amazing the desert on a fat bike to explore the local since 1986. WHERE: Intercontinental Doha The promotions, ten years on from when the club fl ora and fauna spot desert wildlife, hike This year as part of the ongoing City was formed on September 1, 2007. The club up jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard celebrations of Quaid-i-Azam Day, the TIME: 9am- 1am has been working with a panel of coaches Serra statues and this unique landscape. PAS-Q 28th lecture in this series is being Eat, have fun and Laugh Out Loud with and directors to plan the events which will Participants will get to cross the desert organised by inviting Syed Bilal Qutab two of the finest Filipino comedians – be announced over the coming months. riding fat bikes from Zekreet to the Richard (This will be his 2nd lecture in Doha) an Wacky Kiray and Boobita. The event will Members should look forward to a variety Serra statues, on a route of approximately architect by profession, and an intellectual. start with a brunch meet and greet with of diff erent occasions, suitable for all ages 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable Syed Bilal Qutab is an Assistant Professor, Wacky Kiray and Boobita. In the afternoon so the whole family can get involved in the for people with average fi tness. You must Department of Architecture National onwards, the activities will be: Komikero/a birthday celebrations. To kick-off things off , be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are College of Arts, Lahore, renowned (a stand-up comedy contest), videoke Evolution Sports recently launched their 10- also welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 television host/anchor and media challenge, band performances, a comedy year anniversary logo. The emblem has been for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety personality, from Pakistan. For more show with guest artist and dance party. For designed by Toyan Greaves, the man behind equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 details, contact Adeel Akbar at 55815912. further information call 7777-8542. the original Evolution Sports logo and will hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Shaken and stirred It has been a year where facts upended our fictions; transgressions sullied our escapism. And as Trump sharpened the intersection of celebrity and politics, art and film were often bested by an increasingly toxic reality, writes Jeff rey Fleishman

t was a year we couldn’t have especially these days with the press that spoke to a nation now torn by imaginations of our most clever say the “incident” — when Warren fathomed, a year of strife and covering a combative and secretive cultural battles, racial divisions, and inventive screenwriters and Beatty and Faye Dunaway, suaveness weirdness, a time of wild tweets White House. sexual misconduct and gender showrunners. disintegrating into puzzlement, and endless scandal, when The year spun like a prickly edged politics. The 18-hour documentary Facts upended our fi ctions; opened the wrong envelope and movies gave us refl ection, Ken whisper through mind and soul. was partly a reminder that the transgressions sullied our escapism. awarded La La Land the Academy BurnsI jolted us back to Vietnam, The sublime — Greta Gerwig’s Lady upheavals of the 1960s and early ‘70s, Netfl ix rewrote House of Cards after Award for best picture. Drama, and the entertainment industry was Bird and Bruce Springsteen’s solo more lacerating even than the current its star — and president — Kevin shock, a few expletives, a Jimmy shaken by sexual abuse accusations Broadway show — mixed with the US turmoil, marked the advent of a Spacey was accused of sexual Kimmel consolation (“nobody that raised disturbing questions eerie — Hulu’s A Handmaid’s Tale media era that would saturate and misconduct. died”), and things were set right just about what’s behind the art, fi lm and and Jeff Goodell’s book on global reshape us and a half-century later Yearnings for metaphor and before everyone rushed off to the music that shape American culture. warming, The Water Will Come — deliver a reality TV star to the Oval meaning abounded. We found Governor’s Ball. The calendar began with and non-stop Saturday Night Live Offi ce. acceptance of ‘the other’ in Moonlight, a gay coming-of-age arguments in the media over the spoofs as Alec Baldwin channelled As Trump sharpened the Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape tale by a black cast and director, was crowd size at President Trump’s Trump and Melissa McCarthy intersection of celebrity and politics, of Water, glimpsed the working- the real winner. The movie industry inauguration. It will end, at least by summoned former press secretary art and fi lm were often bested by an class in Steven Soderbergh’s Logan appeared to be rising beyond Hollywood’s rubric, with The Post, Sean Spicer. They soothed, alarmed increasingly toxic reality. Around- Lucky and Craig Gillespie’s I, Tonya, #OscarsSoWhite. Years of white, Steven Spielberg’s rendering of the and enthralled, as only mirrors can the-clock news and churning social envisioned female empowerment male dominance gave way to a greater Washington Post’s decision in 1971 do. media — an ether of self-expression in Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman inclusion of people of colour, women to publish the classifi ed Pentagon The masterful PBS series The and selective journalism that further and skewered racists and liberals in and foreigners. Films that arrived Papers that exposed US lies around Vietnam War, directed by Burns eroded the reach of networks and Jordan Peele’s Get Out. later such as, Get Out, a satirical the war in Southeast Asia. There’s and Lynn Novick, reexamined an cable — were more riveting, if less Hollywood started the year horror meditation, and Mudbound, symmetry to those bookends, American tragedy with a freshness redemptive and poetic, than the pleased with itself after — shall we a look at colour barriers in 1940s Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Mississippi, slyly and sensitively dealt with racism and the power of the African American narrative. It was a victory, even if the upcoming list of Oscar nominees is likely again to be mostly white. “It’s certainly been a year of electric shock therapy. The most jolting kind where people’s assumptions and ways of thinking and reacting to the political world have profoundly shifted,” said Robert Greenwald, founder of Brave New Films, which produces socially themed documentaries. “Hollywood is just beginning to come to grips with how white the fi lm and television industries are and how to change it. Hopefully, this will lead to more diversity that will aff ect the entire culture.” At times, when it seemed our better selves had abandoned us, art spoke with redeeming power. Days after neo-Nazis and white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, Hamilton, the hip-hop, immigrant story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, opened (fi nally) in Los Angeles with a multicultural cast and a message of shared promise. The expanse between those two moments is where much of America lies, an anxious land where super heroes glimmer and songs like I’m Not Racist by rapper Joyner Lucas bring incendiary poetry to the black-white divide. Then in an instant that seemed as fore-ordained as it was startling, CONTROVERSY-PERSONIFIED: US president Donald Trump, left, and filmmaker Harvey Weinstein shared the limelight for all the wrong reasons in a Harvey Weinstein burst into turbulent year. headlines, not for his eloquent movies but for rape accusations The accusations spurred deep shifted,” Jane Fonda told MSNBC’s as The Deuce, a piercing look at the In a scene that is at once funny and brought against him. His was the examinations of gender relationships Chris Hayes. “It’s too bad that it’s 1970s sex industry by David Simon sad, Candy, an entrepreneurial New tidal break that spurred similar and power. If it wasn’t quite a happy probably because so many of the and George Pelecanos, aired on HBO. York prostitute played by Maggie allegations against a gallery of men, ending, there was a sense of justice women that were assaulted by Exploited women appeared to be Gyllenhaal, warns other street including Brett Ratner, Louis CK, coming. That was evident this Harvey Weinstein are famous and piling up in real life and in fantasy, and, walkers not to be taken advantage James Toback, Charlie Rose, Matt month when Time magazine named white and everybody knows them. if one were contemplating the nation’s of when acting in peep show fi lms: Lauer and Spacey. The entertainment The Silence Breakers, women and This has been going on a long time Puritan roots, the veneer separating “Every time some guy puts a coin in industry became a Rorschach test for men who shared and responded to to black women and other women of repressed sexuality and unabashed one of those machines, someone’s the wider culture as questions arose accusations of sexual abuse, as its colour, and it doesn’t get out quite salaciousness was shattered with making money off of what you did, around how do we (or should we) Person of the Year. the same.” undeniable reckoning. A diff erent you’re not making another dime.” separate the art from the artist. “It feels like something has The Weinstein scandal arrived math was suddenly in the air. How to navigate that sentiment is one of Hollywood’s enduring traits. As the year came to an end, wildfi res “It’s certainly scorched Bel Air; Trump, with no been a year of sense of irony, tweeted about the sexual claims against Lauer; and electric shock Charles Manson, the twisted son of another age, died, reminding us of therapy. The Helter Skelter and our fascination with the villainous. Manson is a ghost most jolting kind who hasn’t dissolved. Vietnam too. where people’s Even Winston Churchill, played with aplomb by Gary Oldman, assumptions stormed back in our consciousness in Darkest Hour. Churchill — the 20th and ways of century’s paragon of good against evil thinking and and a fi nal vestige of white, colonial power — left his imprint on our reacting to the consciousness through other works as well: The Crown, Dunkirk and political world Finest Hour. Years often splice the old with the have profoundly new. They tick by and leave marks, shifted,” some profound, others not. If we are lucky, our art distils the best and says Robert worst of them and sometimes off ers the escape that Michael Shannon saw Greenwald, in his fi lm, The Shape of Water, about a love aff air between an exotic sh-fi founder of Brave like creature and a cleaning lady. New Films, “It’s an oasis from the ugliness and nastiness that seems to be pervasive which produces during this time,” he said. “I’m not sure the movie can solve anybody’s socially themed problems or make your breakfast in the morning, but it’s so damn documentaries beautiful.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY Bangladesh Writers-Journalists Association – Qatar felicitates TV journalist

Bangladesh Writers-Journalists Association – Qatar (BWJAQ) accorded a felicitation to renowned Bangladesh Airlines’ country manager Ahsan Habib and monthly Bangla newsletter Probasher Bangladeshi journalist and host of popular TV documentary show Mustafa Feroz. The show, under Khobor’s editor M Saiful Alam were present as special guests. the title of Probashi Mukh, goes on air every Monday on Bangla Vision Television. The live show The programme was presided over by BWJAQ President Professor A K M Aminul Hoque and represents nearly 10 million Bangladeshis living abroad. Its guests are mostly expatriates who jointly anchored by Tamim Raihan and M A Salam. narrate their own stories of success and failure. In his keynote speech, BWJAQ general secretary Noor Mohammed emphasised the roles and Mustafa Feroz was attending a discussion session on the role of media and expatriates in responsibilities played by journalists in daily lives. Bangladesh’s freedom struggle. The session was organised by BWJAQ to mark Bangladesh Victory Dr Habibur Rahman mentioned the unpayable debt the country owes to its freedom fighters. Day. He also highlighted the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the emergence of Bangladesh as an Dr Habibur Rahman, the author of The Emergence of Qatar, was the chief guest. Biman independent country.

Festive season at W Doha Hotel & Residences

Doha Hotel & Residences is promising its guests “a spectacular festive season”. The hotel has rolled out an exciting line-up of holiday Wpackages and happenin gs, setting the mood for endless joy and celebration. The “Remix Your Year” package allows guests to partake in a feisty farewell to 2017 with a one-night stay on the 31st of December. The package includes an early check in at noon, off ering ample time to unwind at the Spectacular Room before glamming up for the night’s hottest party “All That Glitters”. Tickets for the sparkling event can be purchased from the hotel, upon which guests can join the glitterati and groove to the beats of an 11-piece world-class party band from London, iPop, while enjoying a 5 course Gala dinner to ring in the New Year at the Great Room. With non-stop entertainment until the wee hours of the New Year, the package comes with a fl exible check out as late as 6pm to ensure a leisurely stay at the hotel. W Doha is keen to pamper guests with a rewarding experience during this jolly season, and hence its “New Year, Your Way” package off ers a fantastic 10% off across a choice of signature rooms and suites between 20th December and 7th January. The package includes an exquisite breakfast at the VVIP lounge, in addition to an early check in at 12 noon and a late check out at 4pm. EXCITING: W Doha is promising its guests a “a spectacular festive season.” The fi ve-star revelry further unfolds with a culinary extravaganza at the hotel’s with live peppy tunes performed by Gigi To mark the fi rst day of 2018, Spice Market East Asian delicacies alongside foot-tapping trend-setting restaurants. Guests seeking McFarlane & The Boys. Additionally, guests also off ers guests the fi rst brunch of the year, entertainment by DJ Gee on the decks. Just a more intimate setting to ring in the New are invited to delight in the fervour of New accompanied by an electrifying performance a fl oor below, Market By Jean-Georges will Year can dine the night away at La Spiga by Year’s Eve with a sumptuous fi ve-course by Megan McConnel. transform into a fl amboyant Cuban carnival. Papermoon. The restaurant’s Capodanno dinner at the Spice Market and entertainment On the 25th of December, Spice Market Guests can feast on their favourite festive fest will welcome the New Year amidst a by Megan McConnell, or the Market by Jean- is off ering its iconic Xmas Day Brunch, dishes while grooving to the tunes of the symphony of soulful Italian fl avours, laced Georges and entertainment by Lexter Smart. featuring an impressive selection of South delightful 2D Cuba band. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Qatar National Day celebrations at ACS Doha

ACS Doha celebrated Qatar National Day by hosting an eventful day filled with festive activities One of the event organisers, Hani al-Refo, Head of Arabic and Islamic studies, commented on that welcomed friends, families and members of the school community. the occasion saying: “The celebration of Qatar National Day is a wonderful occasion for the The celebratory day kicked off with a traditional Qatari sword dance followed by local song and community of ACS Doha to get together and experience the history, rich culture and beautiful poem readings, together with personalised speeches presented by the student body. A ‘Magic heritage of Qatar. It is an opportunity for people of all ethnic backgrounds to celebrate the Carpet’ corner introduced Qatari folklore to the attendees, and a large tent located in the centre remarkable achievements of Qatar. We, as Qatar’s international community, take pride in court of the school featured a falcon show, as well as a Qatari food corner where fresh bread celebrating the successes of our nation’s worldwide achievements.” and other popular items from Qatari cuisine were made on live cooking stations. The main He continued: “ACS International Schools primarily chose Qatar as their first Middle Eastern base administration area of the school was redecorated to recreate Doha’s Souq Waqif, creating a mini because they believe Qatar provides the greatest opportunity for expanding their educational souq with the aim of introducing the Qatari culture to the new members of the community. Lastly, philosophy. On behalf of ACS Schools, we would like to give our warmest congratulations to His the day also featured a live drawing station completely led and managed by the students as well Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his beloved people who have a vision as a henna corner for ladies. for the future of Qatar and our future together.”

International School of Choueifat marks Qatar National Day

The Student Life Organization of the International School of Choueifat organised a large celebration to mark the Qatar National Day. Hundreds of people, including parents, teachers, staff members and students attended many activities and displays organised by the students. Many cultural and artistic activities took place across the school campus, creating an atmosphere of patriotism and pride. The public was off ered a variety of performances that ranged from poetry, traditional dances and army marching to art exhibitions and games. Visitors enjoyed staying at a traditional tent representing Qatari hospitality, tasting delicious cultural Qatari cuisine and viewing art displays presented by students from all levels. These displays served to provide an expression of the students’ aff inity and belonging with the State of Qatar. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY

IIS holds its 33rd Annual Sports Meet

The 33rd Annual Sports Meet of Ideal Indian School concluded with the participation of about 1,200 students. Earlier, some 3,000 students took part in the preliminary heats of various track and field events under sub-junior, junior, senior and super senior categories. The chief guest at the grand finale was Ali Ibrahim Shukri, Expert in Private Schools Off ice, Ministry of Education & Higher Education. Mohammed Eisa al-Fadhala, General Secretary, Qatar Athletics Federation; Lt Khalid Muhammed Kahoura, Off icer, Qatar Police Sports Federation, Ministry of Interior; and Abdullah Haroun, athlete (400m) of international acclaim, were the guests of honour. Faisal al-Hudawi, Community Reach Out Off ice Co- ordinator at Public Relations Department, also attended the function.

Noble International School celebrates its 11th Annual Day

The 11th Annual Day celebration, “Noble Vezeto-2017,” of Noble International School was conducted the chief guest. Other dignitaries also attended. Top performing students and staff members were recently at the Al Arabi Sports Club. A large number of guests and parents attended the event. honoured on the occasion. Following the distribution of prizes and speeches, students performed The guest of honour was Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Soud al-Thani. Hemanth Diwedi was a number of cultural presentations. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Festive season at City Centre Rotana Doha ity Centre Rotana colleagues, guests can enjoy festive Doha has unveiled a melodies performed by Doha Jazz series of bespoke stay band from 12.30pm to 4pm. package, celebratory Exquisite four course set menus dining off ers and fi tness will be arranged for guests to have a &C wellness packages, including memorable count down to the New festive party off ers complete with Year at Teatro, Olive Oil, Zeituna event specialists for private as well and Boston’s. The celebrations will as staff parties. begin from 6.30 pm onwards and Throughout the festive season, will continue well past into the an “exciting array of activities” midnight. have been lined up at the City Throughout the season to sparkle, Center Rotana Doha designed to guests will be invited to indulge keep guests entertained to make in a selection of exclusive festive the celebrations all the more Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club special. packages. Martin Kendall, General Guests can choose from ‘Hot Manager of City Center Rotana Coconut Oil Festive Massage’, the Doha said, “The festive season ‘Bodylines Festive Personalized’ is here again and as we start to package, ‘and the ‘Revitalization’ reconnect with family and friends package, each off ering an during the special time, we invite assortment of beauty treatments you to celebrate with us and to that will leave holidaymakers feeling enjoy a selection of festive dining refreshed and polished following the options off ered a tour several food often-stressful run up to Christmas. and beverage outlets.” Adding an extra celebratory touch to All festive goodies have been the experience, gift cards will also be thoughtfully prepared by CCRD’s ENTICING: Some of the attractions at the hotel during the festive season. available for purchase. master chefs at Caramel lobby The hotel is also off ering bespoke lounge, from special design-your- over a decadent caramel chocolate course set menu. Priced at QR180 Lebanese Restaurant is off ering stay package with exclusive benefi ts. own hampers, cookies, chocolate fondue at Caramel Lobby Lounge! per person, it is also off ering a an Oriental cuisine with authentic The prices start from QR550 per truffl es, logs and cakes. Guests At QR85 per person, it will be beverage package at QR150. fl avours, providing guests a unique room for single or double occupancy. can also pre-order the much- served with strawberries, fresh At Olive Oil, guests can indulge Lebanese dining experience. Guests Besides complimentary breakfast at loved roasted turkey takeaway fruit, brownies, marshmallows, in an enhanced festive buff et can enjoy a distinguished get Olive Oil, the package off ers access and choose amongst traditional, Oreo and cookies. spread at QR195 per person, together this festive eve with friends to the outdoor swimming pool and Arabic or Wellington starting from Guests can celebrate the while enjoying tunes from Doha or family with live performance of check out as late as 6pm. Other QR699. heart-warming magic of festive Jazz band. The restaurant is the famous Lebanese singers Fady benefi ts include 20 percent discount Furthermore, dessert lovers Eve dinner at Teatro, City also off ering unlimited beverage and Cynthia while dining. in all food and beverage menus, can look forward to share the Center Rotana Doha’s signature package starting at QR120. During the Festive Celebration laundry services and international merriment with friends and family restaurant, with a delicious four In addition, Zeituna – the Brunch with friends, family or calls. Anantara Spa wins the World Luxury Spa Award 2017 anana Island Resort 2017/2018’ and the ‘Best Luxury Hotel Spa’ titles at the 2017 World Doha by Anantara’s Family Island Resort Middle-East Spa Awards. Moreover, Anantara LUXURIOUS: The Hammam at the Anantara Spa. Anantara Spa has won 2017’ by the Hotel of the Year Spa earned Ohlala Spa & Wellness the 2017 World Luxury Awards. Banana Island Resort Doha Award’s 2017 ‘Best Resort Spa & Resort Doha by Anantara’s Area refl ects the promise we have made Spa Award, a trophy by Anantara also took home two Weight loss program’ title. General Manager - Qatar, said: to our clientele to provide them Bwidely regarded as the pinnacle highly regarded titles at the World As for its fi ve-star dining venues, “2017 has been an incredible year with superior hospitality and the of achievement for luxury spas Travel Awards; ‘Qatar’s Leading Banana Island Resort Doha by for Banana Island Resort Doha most tranquil and breathtaking worldwide. The coveted title is Villa Resort 2017’, and ‘Qatar’s Anantara’s Al Nahham Restaurant by Anantara in many ways, and resort and spa experience they among the wealth of awards the Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2017’ was named ‘Unique restaurant it defi nitely marked yet another will ever have. More importantly, Resort garnered in 2017, including for its Three-bedroom Over-water of the year’ at the Luxury Travel year of redefi ning luxury in Qatar. the numerous trophies we won four sought-after trophies for Villa. Awards 2017, while the Fact Award What made the year even more throughout the year makes us even Anantara Spa and two accolades for In addition to being crowned the 2017 crowned the Resort’s Azraq all special was the recognition we more driven to continue raising the Island’s fi ne dining venues. ‘World Luxury Spa Award 2017’, the day-dining restaurant. received and the titles we earned the bar in Qatar’s luxury resort One of the year’s highlights for Resort’s renowned Anantara Spa Commenting on the Resort’s from industry experts and at some landscape and bring our guests the Resort was being named a ‘Top walked away with the ‘World’s Best achievements and trophies in 2017, of the world’s most eminent award more unforgettable experiences in 100 Luxury Resort Worldwide Private Island Spa’ and ‘Qatar’s Best Thomas Fehlbier, Banana Island ceremonies. This wealth of awards 2018 and beyond.” 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC

THE GREAT RUSH: Long lines at the world's busiest airport in Atlanta. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Social isolation might raise diabetes risk, says study

en and women who are “As men living alone seem to be at not active socially and a higher risk for the development of remain isolated may be Type 2 diabetes, they should become at an increased risk of recognised as a high risk group in developing diabetes than health care. Social network size and individualsM with larger social networks, a participation in social activities may study has found. eventually be used as indicators of The fi ndings showed that a lack of diabetes risk,” added co-author Miranda social participation was associated with Schram, from the varsity. 60 per cent higher odds of pre-diabetes For the study, published in the journal and 112 per cent higher odds of Type 2 BMC Public Health, the team involved diabetes in women compared to those 2,861 men and women aged 40 to 75 with normal glucose metabolism. years. Men who lack social participation in Early changes in glucose metabolism clubs and groups had a 42 per cent higher may cause non-specifi c complaints such risk of Type 2 diabetes, while those living as tiredness and feeling unwell, which alone had 94 per cent higher risk. may explain why individuals limit their “The study is the fi rst to determine social participation. the association of a broad range of Promoting social integration and social network characteristics — such participation may be a promising target as social support, network size or in prevention strategies for Type 2 type of relationships — with diff erent diabetes, the researchers suggested. stages of Type 2 diabetes,” said lead “Our findings support the idea that author Stephanie Brinkhues, from the resolving social isolation may help Maastricht University Medical Centre, in prevent the development of Type 2 The Netherlands. diabetes,” Brinkhues added. — IANS

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

The mood is oppressive and heavy today. Some disappointments In the past few days, you’ve made a resolution to work steadily, Today you may feel some anxiety about the future. You may feel will crop up here and there if you have to prove yourself in any way, seek stability, and follow your plans to the letter. So the day ahead your strength ebbing, especially if you have a deadline. You need either privately or professionally. There is some likelihood you’ll feel will come as a rude surprise. You can expect to receive news that challenges in order to assert yourself. Now is the time to begin angry with someone important to you. Don’t yield to your negative challenges the rigid programme you’ve set for yourself, or meet getting in shape. Doubt is extremely counterproductive. You’re feelings too quickly. It would be bad for your morale. people who are determined to discourage you. Overcome these completely equipped for success! obstacles or they’ll overcome you. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The idea of expressing yourself will seem like a joke today. Have you Once you stop dreaming about having superpowers, you’ll feel a lot This isn’t the moment to adhere to a particular philosophy, whatever ever stopped to question what expressing yourself really means? better. You’re not a superhero and you never were. For that matter, it may be. You may feel frustrated by your inability to figure out This is the ideal time to think about it, especially if you have artistic no one is. On the other hand, you surely have capacities that you’ve which path to take, but this is very good for you. Continue to search objectives. Do only what you want to do. Don’t force anything. In exploited in the past but now you seem persuaded that they’re of no with your little flashlight, as weak as it may seem, because this is other words, express yourself for your own sake and not for the sake interest. It’s time to rethink this issue. how you’re going to get solid faith back again. Best of all, it will be a of others. faith tailored for you. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You can’t let everything fall apart now, not after you’ve come so Do you have the blues? It happens to everyone. Call a friend or You’ll be in your element today. The stars challenge you to try far. This may be a diff icult moment for you, as it seems the time has go to a movie. Get out and do things that you know can help you something diff erent. When you look at things relatively, rather come to prove yourself once and for all. But this isn’t a reason to give overcome this funk. This isn’t the moment to retreat. You have some than turn into a vague generalist, why not try coming up with up. Sleep, play sports, and eat healthfully. You should be able to win inner work to do, even if it appears to lead nowhere. You may have a philosophy that’s more constructive? What good is the ability this battle provided you give yourself the opportunity to do so. the impression of being abandoned, but you know perfectly well to see all sides of an issue if you can’t channel your insight and that this isn’t true. observations into something specific? CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

It appears that today and for the past several days you’ve been A certain decision means that you’ve reached a turning point. The The horizon is clouded with doubt. You’re feeling the frustrations building up internal tension without an outlet. As a result, your hardest part about making this decision is saying farewell to your brought about by recent decisions about your love life. In other fuse is somewhat short. In fact, if anyone is unfortunate enough to old ways. The past can seem cozy and reassuring, especially when words, you’re getting cold feet! Today you must draw on your provoke your anger by criticising you or your work, you’re liable to the unknown looms. It takes strength and determination to leave willpower and self-control in order to face your problems realistically explode. There’s a storm brewing! Try to weather it as best you can. it behind. But whether it’s your career or your love life, you have while vanquishing your anxieties. personal goals that can’t be sacrificed or denied. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Georgia

ALBANY JONESBORO SAVANNAH ATLANTA LA FAYETTE TOCCOA AUGUSTA LA GRANGE VALDOSTA CANTON LAWRENCEVILLE WINDER COLUMBUS MACON WOODBINE DALTON MARIETTA ZEBULON DECATUR PERRY GREENVILLE ROME

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, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Put a fake in front? That’s a 1. The coin, by the way, is from disgraceful thing to do! (3,5) a foreign country (6) 5. Thought, for a start, it was 2. Take it up from “Again the funny (6) birds return....” (6) 9. He killed the twin animals in 3. He was captured, so he the end (8) tossed the gun back inside 10. Walks back, the bright penny (7) seized (6) 4. The fellow caught one in the 12. Look for and at the end get a sea (4) fight (6) 6. He’s left back the vehicle - 13. In that case, isn’t running in and about time (7) the race all out (8) 7. One day, is late (8) 15. Sees the name “Lake, 8. Being first in line does upset Timothy” entered frequently one (8) (7,5) 11. A model father; and organ- 18. Revealed to be al fresco grinder (7) (3,2,3,4) 14. Instrument for the one-man 23. Having luxury food, throws band from somewhere in Answers the rest out (8) Italy (7) 24. A number inside having 16. Do your best and leave Wordsearch Codeword sustenance (6) exhausted (2,3,3) 26. I put in a vital necessity: a 17. Try to get food and herb (6) accommodation (8) 27. Unconcerned, as you don’t 19. He’s mad to get a head-cover feel such affection for (8) (3-4) 28. Bearing a label, went along 20. It’s important the men and I with one (6) spread the net out (7) 29. Like Mary, or just the 21. She’s a little strange lately (6) opposite (8) 22. Irritable, but hard only on the exterior (6) 25. That’s nothing to the girl in Ireland! (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Most of all; 6 Medoc; Down: 1 Music; 2 Set fire to; 3 On 9 Set-to; 10 Sensation; 11 occasion; 4 Assails; 5 Lanolin; Chinchilla; 12 Rear; 14 Dresses; 15 6 Mean; 7 Drive; 8 Contrasts; Nettles; 17 Promote; 19 Seesaws; 13 Utter tripe; 14 Departure; 20 Road; 22 Devastated; 25 16 Leastwise; 18 Eyelets; 19 Underwent; 26 Idiot; 27 Event; Spartan; 21 Addle; 23 Dotty; 24 28 Sincerely. Fret. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY CINEMA Five moving Indian movies of the year By Gautaman Bhaskaran

omehow, films this year did not excite me as much they had in the past. But, anyway, here are five Indian language movies that moved me for a variety of reasons. SThe Song of Scorpions: Anup Singh’s The Song of Scorpions in Hindi – which I watched at the Dubai International Film Festival early December – fascinated me for its simple story and brilliant performances by Irrfan Khan and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. Set in the golden sands of Rajasthan, the movie is a folktale narrating the life of a woman, Nooran (Farahani), who has this unbelievable power to draw the poison out of one bitten by a deadly scorpion found in the desert. She sings to get the venom flowing out. It is into her life that Aadam (Khan), a camel trader, comes, only to create a web of deceit, jealousy, anger and revenge. I think Singh has this unique ability to fathom the human mind, and, in a way, his plot resembles a Shakespearean drama, minus the dramatics. For, both Aadam and Nooran display a kind of gentleness that will put to shame the loud histrionics of many Indian actors. And in a quite sort of way, they push Singh’s narrative into mesmeric light and shade. Bareilly Ki Barfi: Ashwini Iyer Tiwari (who earlier gave us Nil Battey Sannata) goes to a small town in Uttar Pradesh for her latest outing, Bareilly Ki Barfi (also in Hindi) – where we see Ayushmann Khurrana (as a printing press owner), Rajkummar Rao (a salesman in a sari shop) and Kriti Sanon, who works for the electricity department. Sanon’s Bitti Mishra – a young woman whose cigarette-smoking, boozing and carefree temperament make her most undesirable MESMERISING: Irrfan Khan in a scene. The protagonists push The Song of Scorpions into mesmeric light and shade. for the marriage market – lives in Bareilly, where prospective grooms prefer a bride action, the noose was placed around his criminality of modern times is what makes depends on her pluck and courage to lead who will be content being closeted in the neck on his birthday. He was 39. The film the work sparkle. The narrative is stylishly the nurses to freedom. Two Hindi films – kitchen rolling rotis. Tiwari underlines how narrates how two lawyers argue for the crisp, the craft flies, and the subtlety Airlift and Tiger Zinda Hai – are also about the country’s small town culture is trying to reopening of the case – producing evidence seen through the imaginative choice of rescue missions in West Asia, but Take Off break free of its age-old shackled existence. to show that Dhananjoy might not have colours (white, black and grey and the is miles ahead of them, because Narayanan Bitti is a free-spirited person seeking a committed the crime he was convicted way they change on the costumes of the makes sure his work is firmly rooted to partner who will not insist on keeping his of. Throughout his 14-year-incarceration protagonists) as well as the unbelievable reality. Parvathy is brilliant as the nurse wife within the walls of a home. And when (which by itself could have been a full casualness of Sethupathi as gangster who has to take care of her old parents back she meets Chirag Dubey (Khurrana), the sentence), he had said a million times that Vedha push the picture to the point of home, and her escape – as that of others author of a novel titled Bareilly Ki Barfi – he did not rape and murder 18-year-old perfection. Or almost. Madhavan’s (as with her – becomes singularly imperative. an account of a woman who has an uncanny school-going Hetal Parekh, who lived with the policeman Vikram) method acting Finally, here are my two consolation resemblance to Bitti – Cupid strikes! It is her parents and brother in one of south translates into a power-packed affair. He prizes. Avinash Das’ debut Hindi feature, a wonderful study of changing small town Kolkata’s high-rise residential complexes. does not have to take his shirt off or display Anaarkali of Aarah drills into us a woman’s attitudes. He also said that he was being punished for his biceps; the firmness of his jaws says it right to say no, and it means no. In today’s Dhananjoy: In a world where the debate being poor. all. Also, one should not miss the message: India, with men stalking women and on capital punishment is raging, Arindam Vikram Vedha: Pushkar-Gayathri’s it lambasts without mincing words the trying to force an affirmative answer to Sil’s Bengali film, Dhananjoy, is a powerful Vikram Vedha (Tamil), starring two very horrors of extra-judicial killings in India, their refusal, Das’s work punches you in critique of what I have been calling “State different kinds of actors, tops in script something the nation saw for the first time the face with its moral. Anurag Kashyap’s sponsored murder”. The work, based on and performance. The story of a cat-and- during the Emergency imposed by the Mukkabaaz, also in Hindi, explores a true incident, is immensely disturbing, mouse game played by a ruthless encounter Indira Gandhi government. communal obsessions like caste prejudices and has immense social ramifications. cop and a hardened-by-circumstance Take Off: Mahesh Narayanan’s and cow slaughter in a nicely told plot. Sil’s movie opened on the eve of the 13th don may not be exactly oven fresh, but Malayalam work, Take Off, is crafted with anniversary of Dhananjoy Chatterjee’s the ability of the husband and wife team precision and stays true to what happened z Gautaman Bhaskaran has been hanging in Kolkata on August 14, 2004. The directing the movie to adapt the age-old, in Iraq’s Tikrit – where nurses from writing on Indian and foreign cinema for young man had aged parents, a brother and but timeless folklore of King Vikramadityan Kerala were held hostage in 2014. Sameera close to 40 years, and may be e-mailed at a wife, and in what seemed like a heartless and Vedhalam (Betal) to the crime and (Parvathy) is one among them, and India [email protected] Wednesday, December 27, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Dwayne Johnson to join Golden Globes protest

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson says he will wear all-black at the 2018 Golden Globes, as part of a silent protest. Many actresses reportedly plan to wear black gowns at the annual ceremony as a mark of protest against the injustices that have played a role in Hollywood for decades, but which in recent months have begun to be discussed as part of the ongoing #MeToo movement, reports metro.co.uk. Johnson has confi rmed that he will be in solidarity by wearing all-black. His outfi t choice was known via an Instagram post by stylist Ilaria Urbinati, whose clients include Rami Malek, Donald Glover, Chris Evans, Bradley Cooper and Tom Hiddleston. “Because everyone keeps asking me… Yes, the men will be standing in solidarity with women on this wearing-all-black movement to protest against gender inequality at this year’s Golden Globes,” Urbinati wrote. “At least all my guys will be. Safe WISTFUL: A scene from the movie. The film examines the romantic options of humans reduced to 5 inches tall. to say this may not be the right time to choose to be the odd man out here,” she added. “Yes, we will,” replied Johnson. The #MeToo protest gained traction in the media earlier in the month when Rose McGowan slammed actresses, including Downsizing is a notably Meryl Streep, for the protest, claiming that their silence has long been the problem and that they need to instead speak louder about the problems in the industry. The Golden Globes ceremony will be held here on January 7 and will air in India on Vh1 on January surreal comedy 8. – IANS Friends who have already signed on to the characters’ melancholy while acknowledging By Colin Covert reducing programme visit in 1/10 scale and extol their struggle to be rid of it. Damon is fi ne in this New Mexico’s Disney-esque little Leisureland role, playing a man determined to be as helpful like evangelists. Why not jump down the rabbit as possible despite life’s frequent failures to e’re getting some of our most hole? What could possibly go wrong? reward — or even recognise — his eff orts. genuine love stories out of Downsizing is set in everyday Omaha and He has a rare gift for looking forlorn, just as surreal fantasies these days. Leisureland’s brave new (little) world, and it Christoph Waltz, who plays his hedonistic party Last week, Guillermo del never stumbles as it moves between the two. host neighbour Dusan, is an expert at sardonic Toro’s The Shape of Water built Payne, who has given us deeply grounded half smiles. An eastern European expat who sees Wa wonderfully touching relationship between comedies such as Nebraska, Sideways, and a Wild West of profi table opportunities in tiny a nice lady and a man-fi sh. The animated Election, directly tackles those pesky “could town, Dusan behaves like a courtly pickpocket. masterpiece The Red Turtle told a poetic version this really work” doubts in your head. His fi lm is Waltz hits the screen with a ton of energy, as of a similar story last winter. Now Alexander gonzo but not insane. Dusan tries to get Paul to smile, dammit, smile, Payne’s wistful, ironic, slightly unnerving There’s an ingenious step-by-step logic as gradually turning from an alluring annoyance to Downsizing examines the romantic options of we watch Paul’s pre-op preparation. Medical a valued friend. humans reduced to 5 inches tall. attendants painstakingly go through his checklist It’s when Paul meets hot-tempered Of the three, Downsizing, absurd as it is, off ers just as if he were having a hernia repaired, which Vietnamese labour rights activist Ngoc Lan the most relatable scenario. It plays like real life leads to a solid colon hydrotherapy gag. Like they (Hong Chau) among Leisureland’s cleaning staff viewed through a microscope. say, it’s funny because it’s true. Watching the that he begins exploring ways to make every Set in a slightly alternative universe, Payne’s nurses use spatulas to pick up unconscious little day count. Credit Payne’s subversive sense of story paints a near future when Norwegian patients after the shrinking process is funny humour for imagining a character shrunken researchers have discovered the golden fl eece of because it’s weird. against her will and traffi cked into the country bioengineering. With a few medical procedures, The story doesn’t pivot into science fi ction inside a TV container. When the group travels they can reduce a human adult to a homunculus once Paul is shrunken. Payne sensibly avoids to Norway to consult with the creator of the just 5 inches tall. It’s a win-win situation as the hostile spiders, deluges of raindrops and similar shrinking process and they encounter a cult scientists see it. Smaller humans leave smaller predicaments that harassed The Incredible committed to moving the little people to a new carbon footprints in their path, consume far Shrinking Man and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. path, It’s Ngoc Lan who chides Paul for drinking less and can live like royalty in dollhouse sized It’s the unanticipated nuisances of Paul’s the group’s lemonade. mansions that they could never aff ord at human diminished status that draw the attention here. Chau is a force of nature in the role, sparky scale. Social and personal problems don’t vanish from as fl int and funny as hell. Her contribution A marketing push tells everyday people that his Lilliputian life. There’s still a use for a servant helps Downsizing make valid points and poke this new, hyper-eff ective weight loss program class among the well-to-do. People fall in and fun at our diminishing human interaction. In a is just what they need. Nebbishy occupational out of love. Neighbours are irritating. There world with a decreasing amount of face-to-face therapist Paul (Matt Damon, every man’s are still standard-issue disappointments and time, not unlike our own, Paul and Ngoc Lan’s everyman) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) are reasons to get drunk. Why would it be diff erent? bickering partnership is Payne’s hope for the intrigued by the pitch. Audrey is bored, living in The fi lm is packed full of such real-world human race. It’s a surreal comedy that never goes a house beneath her aspirations. Paul, a nice guy insights. You can shrink, it tells us, but you can’t for easy laughs but works in every scene to reach SHOWING SOLIDARITY: Johnson whose beer buddies off er little of value, might as hide. you on a deeper visceral level. – Star Tribune has confirmed that he will be in well be adrift with the living dead. Payne always honours the truth of his (Minneapolis)/TNS solidarity by wearing all-black. 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017 COMMUNITY

GROUP PHOTO: Notable guests with the winning team at the conclusion of hte tournament. Qatar witnesses its first major kabaddi tournament More than 500 people watch 16 teams battle it out in the All Qatar Kabaddi Fest 2017

The tournament was inaugurated predominantly a South Asian By Mudassir Raja by Mahesh Gowda, general sport. It is good to see the sport secretary of the Indian Community flourishing Qatar. The chief guest Benevolent Forum, and by Anil took keen interest in the sport and team of young like- Boloor, former sports secretary of he already had basic knowledge of minded enthusiasts Karnataka Sangha Qatar. kabaddi. We saw expatriates from for kabaddi have taken The chief guest on the occasion working class, coming mainly steps to promote the was Abdulla Ibrahim A M al-Sada from rural backgrounds, taking sport in Qatar. The from the General Authority of interest in the sport. We arranged Akabaddi players are mostly Indian Customs. The guests of honour sponsors and decided to have a expatriates working as labourers in were Milan Arun, president mega event. Each participating diff erent fi elds over here. of the Indian Culture Centre; team had to pay a nominal entry Seeing an increase in the number Ranjith Reddy, group CEO of MBR fee. It was a good experience as COMPETITIVE: Kabaddi players in action at the tournament. of people interested in the sport Technologies; and Subramanaya over 500 people attended the in the past one year, Qatar Indian Hebbagelu, Vice President of tournament. The semi-finals He added, “The tournament I joined them and now I play Friends hosted their fi rst-ever All Karnataka Sangha Qatar. and the final matches were very provided an opportunity to kabaddi every Friday. I need to do Qatar Kabaddi Fest 2017 to create Al-Sada, speaking on the interesting as the best teams faced unknown players to show their a little bit of exercise every day a platform to promote the sport in occasion, said that he was very each other.” skills and earn appreciation. We to keep myself fi t for the sport. the country. happy to see the sport of kabaddi Anil Boloor said, “It was the fi rst plan to have the event every year. It is good to see a big kabaddi The fi rst mega kabaddi day and grow in Qatar. He congratulated the major kabaddi tournament in Qatar. We will also include kabaddi players tournament in Qatar and I hope night tournament was organised organising committee on the mega We have been seeing some kabaddi from other expatriate communities that more and more such events last Friday from 7am to 9:30pm at show. matches here and there as young from South Asia.” will be held here to promote the the ground of the old Ideal Indian Talking to Community, Mahesh enthusiasts keep playing kabaddi as Anwar Peruvai was one of the sport.” School in Doha. Gowda said, “This was a very good a hobby during their leisure. Some players of the winning team. At the conclusion ceremony of The tournament gave a platform initiative. It is in line with Qatar’s groups of players approached us Talking to Community, he said, the event, Subramanaya Hebbagelu to 16 kabaddi teams of expatriates vision towards supporting and to have a big tournament as there “I hail from Karnataka in India. I was felicitated for his active role mainly from the Indian states encouraging diff erent sports. This were enough kabaddi players. In the come from a village background. and constant contribution towards of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil platform also gave the expatriates tournament, each team had seven I have been driving taxi in Qatar social service for last 10 years. The Nadu. At least 500 kabaddi lovers from the working class to take part players. Overall about 80 percent of for three years. When I was in my event managers also gave away attended the tournament. Black Cat in the tournament and enjoy the the participating players had past village, I used to play kabaddi. In awards to those who played an Merkya became the champions and sport.” experience and knowledge of the Qatar, I also found that some men important role in organising of the ATS Tulu Koota fi nished second. He said, “Kabaddi is sport.” do play kabaddi on weekends. tournament.