Community Community Schoolkids Summer from a Entertainment P6socially P16 City adds disadvantaged attractions for kids district in northern ahead of Germany learn ballet Eid al-Adha for confidence. holidays.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018 Dhul-Hijja 10, 1439 AH

Doha today 320 - 420

COVER Gene unplugged STORY A rich scientific harvest is in: Complex bread wheat genome is finally sequenced. P4-5

POP SPOT SHOWBIZ

Radical change works Harshvardhan not here for Deaf Havana. to repackage movies. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.49am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.10am Zuhr (noon) 11.37am Asr (afternoon) 3.06pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.06pm Isha (night) 7.36pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

The Meg bottom of the Pacifi c Ocean. With time running out, rescue DIRECTION: Jon Turteltaub diver Jonas Taylor must save the crew and the ocean itself CAST: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li, Rainn Wilson from an unimaginable threat, a 75-foot long prehistoric shark SYNOPSIS: A massive creature attacks a deep-sea known as the Megalodon. submersible, leaving it disabled and trapping the crew at the THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 The Equalizer 2 International Calls Enquires 150 DIRECTION: Antoine Hamad International Airport 40106666 Fuqua Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 CAST: Denzel Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Washington, Pedro Pascal, Qatar Airways 44496000 Ashton Sanders Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 SYNOPSIS: If you Qatar General Electricity and have a problem and there Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 is nowhere else to turn, Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 the mysterious and elusive 44593363 Robert McCall will deliver Qatar Assistive Technology the vigilante justice you Centre 44594050 seek. This time, however, Qatar News Agency 44450205 McCall’s past cuts especially 44450333 close to home when thugs Q-Post – General Postal kill Susan Plummer, his best Corporation 44464444 friend and former colleague. Now out for revenge, McCall Humanitarian Services Offi ce must take on a crew of (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) highly trained assassins Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, who’ll stop at nothing to 40253369 destroy him. Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 THEATRE: The Mall, Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Landmark, Royal Plaza Qatar Airways 40253374

The Mall Cinema (1): Geetha Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Govindam (Telugu) 10am; Ploey: (1): Gold (Hindi) 11am; Hotel You Will Never Fly Alone (2D) Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation te Unqu 12:30pm; Gold (Hindi) 2:30pm; (2D) 1:45pm; Hotel Transylvania uo ot Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster (Tamil) 1pm; Gold (Hindi) 3:30pm; 3: A Monster Vacation (2D) Q e Vacation (2D) 5:15pm; Nawret Masr Geetha Govindam (Telugu) 6:15pm; 3:30pm; Hotel Transylvania 3: A “Attitude is (Arabic) 7pm; Geetha Govindam Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 8:45pm; Monster Vacation (2D) 5:15pm; (Telugu) 8:45pm; Gold (Hindi) Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 11:15pm. The Equalizer 2 (2D) 7pm; The a little thing that makes 11:15pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Equalizer 2 (2D) 9:15pm; The a big diff erence.” The Mall Cinema (2): Satyameva Kolamavu Kokila (Tamil) 10:30am; Equalizer 2 (2D) 11:30pm;. Jayate (Hindi) 10:30am; Christopher Robin (2D) 1:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Christopher Robin (2D) 1pm; The Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 10:15am; — Winston Churchill Meg (2D) 3pm; Christopher Robin Vacation (2D) 3:15pm; Christopher Ploey: You Will Never Fly Alone (2D) 5pm; The Equalizer 2 (2D) Robin (2D) 5pm; The Equalizer (2D) 12:45pm; Christopher Robin 7pm; The Equalizer 2 (2D) 9:15pm; 2 (2D) 7pm; The Equalizer 2 (2D) (2D) 2:15pm; Christopher Robin The Equalizer 2 (2D) 11:30pm. 9:15pm; Kolamavu Kokila (Tamil) (2D) 4:15pm; Gold (Hindi) 6:15pm; The Mall Cinema (3): Kolamavu 11:30pm. Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 9pm; Kokila (Tamil) 10:15am; Satyameva Landmark Cinema (3): Geetha Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 11:30pm;. Jayate (Hindi) 12:45pm; Ploey: You Govindam (Telugu) 11am; Ploey: Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Community Editor Will Never Fly Alone (2D) 3:15pm; You Will Never Fly Alone (2D) Geetha Govindam (Telugu) 10am; Kamran Rehmat The Meg (2D) 5pm; Christopher 1:30pm; Ploey: You Will Never Satyameva Jayate (Hindi) 12:30pm; Robin (2D) 7pm; Satyameva Jayate Fly Alone (2D) 3pm; Satyameva Geetha Govindam (Telugu) 3pm; e-mail: [email protected] (Hindi) 9pm; Kolamavu Kokila Jayate (Hindi) 4:45pm; The Meg The Meg (Hindi) 5:30pm; The Telephone: 44466405 (Tamil) 11:30pm. (2D) 7:15pm; The Meg (2D) 9:15pm; Meg (Hindi) 7:30pm; The Meg Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (1): Gold Geetha Govindam (Telugu) (Hindi) 9:30pm; Geetha Govindam (Hindi) 10am; Kolamavu Kokila 11:15pm. (Telugu) 11:30pm. Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS and PLAY in between. For ages 5 years and up. Contact [email protected] Summer Sessions with Evolve and and mobile 33003839. Westin WHERE: The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa WHEN: Ongoing till August 25 TIME: 9am – 1pm Enjoy a morning of moving, eating and feeling well with a 60 minutes yoga session balanced with healthy breakfast bites followed by time to revitalise by the pool. Stimulate the rest of your day through culinary experiences with the added 20% discount in all the restaurants and café.

Summer Camp WHERE: Music Lounge WHEN: Ongoing till August 30 TIME: 9am – 12pm This summer camp is designed to give Summer Entertainment City 2018 every camper a skill to create music through WHERE: DECC special training in musical instruments WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 piano, guitar and drums, to visualise Summer Camps branch for all students, ongoing from June TIME: 12pm child’s limitless imagination and bring it to WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art 24. Every two weeks, a new batch will begin An amazing range of local shopping stalls will creative visuals through art and craft. This Centre, Al Hilal for every child to join and learn new forms feature products from all over the world on the camp will develop their communication WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 of art. The summer camps will include Eid. The Summer Shopping Souq has started skills through training in public speaking TIME: 8am – 12:30pm Abacus, Drawing and Painting, Calligraphy, from June 14 till August 31. Colour your summer along with hip hop dance, warm up Mamangam Performing Art Centre keyboard and dance. The camp will run for at Doha Exhibition and Conventional Centre, exercises, karate and yoga. will be holding Summer Camps in its Al 7 days a week from 8:30am – 1pm. You will West Bay during Summer Entertainment City Hilal branch for two batches of age groups be able to see the activities and schedules 2018 with over 75 activities and games, more from 4 -18 yrs. The summer camps will that will be held for every week and register than 40 food and 132 retail outlets and amazing include Yoga, Karate, Art and Craft, Music, your kid. For details, call 44373259. live performances. Get set for an exciting and Hip-hop, Bollywood, Indian Classical eventful summer in 2018. and Contemporary dance. For details, call 33897609. HEC Paris Masterclass WHERE: 15th fl oor, Tornado Tower WHEN: September 9 TIME: 5pm – 7pm HEC Paris is organising ‘The Journey of Innovation: From the Innovator to Eco- systemic Innovation’, an opportunity to learn more about company innovation with HEC Paris Associate Professor Frederic Dalsace, MSc from HEC and an MBA with honors from Harvard Business School and both MSc and a PhD Management from INSEAD.

Choreography Lessons - Brazilian Zouk WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier near MOI Minipolis Summer Camp WHEN: Ongoing till September 15 WHERE: The Pearl-Qatar Brazilian zouk is characterised by the WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 dancers’ undulating bodies and the girls’ TIME: 9am – 5pm fl owing hair. Dancer or not, depending on the An Edutainment Entertainment summer style of Brazilian zouk, you’ll be able to choose camp is now in Qatar where kids can enjoy connection and embrace with long graceful their time by discovering the world of Mad Summer Camps steps. The fi nal performance is scheduled to be Science, and spend a good sharing time in WHERE: TCA on 15 September as a fl ashmob. making new friends while baking, enjoying WHEN: Ongoing Summer Camp for Kids their meals, watching cinema, doing TIME: 8:30am – 1pm WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57 Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football pitches aerobics and so much more. The TCA is holding Summer Camps in its Bin Omran WHERE: Aspire Zone WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 WHEN: Daily TIME: 7:30am – 2:30pm TIME: 7pm – 11pm Doha’s Kids Summer Camp where artists Aspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor are made! The A to Z of kid’s summer camp pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available – from artworks, dance and music lessons every day from 7pm – 11pm.

IAID Summer Workshop workshops in Qatar since 2001. IAID’s WHERE: IAID Summer Workshop features fun and exciting WHEN: July – August activities. It only means more singing, It’s time to set your kids summer activities playing and dancing for the sweet little ones today with IAID, the pioneer in conducting aged 3 years and above.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Food for thought A consortium of more than 200 scientists from 20 countries have published the first fully annotated sequence of the massive wheat genome, a feat they hope will eventually reduce the risk of food scarcity on our planet, writes Deborah Netburn

For the first time, we have co-ordinates for all the genes that tell us where they are on the chromosomes

—Jorge Dubcovsky, ‘ wheat geneticist

SPOTLIGHT: Early wheat plants grow in a field in Clearwater, Kansas.

t has been called the Mount breeders improve the nutritional Davis, who was not involved with and five times longer than the researchers from around the world Everest of the genome world, value and disease resistance the work.” There are “a lot of human genome. formed the International Wheat and it has just been scaled. of the grain, which’ is the most things we can do a lot faster now It is also extraordinarily complex. Genome Consortium in 2005. This week a consortium widely grown crop in the world, that we have this genome.” It consists of three distinct To make the task of sequencing of more than 200 scientists contributing about 20 percent of The wheat genome is the subgenomes and contains many the monster genome more Ifrom 20 countries published the the total calories consumed by most complicated plant genome repetitive sequences. manageable, the group decided first fully annotated sequence of humans across the globe. to be sequenced to date, said “The diff erent subgenomes are to give collaborators just one the massive wheat genome, a feat “For the first time, we have Kellye Eversole, director of the about 97 percent identical, and of wheat’s 21 chromosomes, or they hope will eventually reduce co-ordinates for all the genes International Wheat Genome that was a big part of the problem,” packages of DNA, to sequence. the risk of food scarcity on our that tell us where they are on Consortium, who oversaw the Dubcovsky said. “It is diffi cult to “Generally, diff erent countries planet. the chromosomes,” said Jorge project. put together a puzzle when so many took on a chromosome. So Australia Experts said the new, publicly Dubcovsky, a wheat geneticist It is exceedingly long — 40 of the pieces look the same.” got 7A, Norway got 7B, Japan available research will help at the University of California, times longer than the rice genome To tackle this challenge, wheat had 6B, etc.” said Rudi Appels, a Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY professor of genetics at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, who helped lead the eff ort. In the intervening years since the project launched, other groups have claimed to have assembled the full sequence of the wheat genome. But the recently released genome, published in Science, is far more complete and detailed, the authors said. The new work includes the order of the DNA bases on each chromosome, as well as where diff erent clusters of genes live on each of those chromosomes. “We now know the exact position of the approximately 108,000 wheat genes, and we know their direct genomic sequence context which contains all the information about how genes are regulated in time and space,” said Nils Stein of the Leibniz Institute of plant genetics and crop research in Germany, who worked on the study. Appel equates the new work to having a Google map of the plant’s genome. “We can navigate to any point on the map, so if we want to fi nd EXAMINATION: Jorge Dubcovsky examines one of the wheat plants being raised in an indoor growth chamber. a cluster of genes associated with drought tolerance we can go there,” he said. “We now know the exact position of the approximately 108,000 wheat Wheat is grown on more acres genes, and we know their direct genomic sequence context than any other plant on the planet, in part because it is an especially which contains all the information about how genes are fl exible plant. For example, although bread wheat originated regulated in time and space” in the Middle East, it has also been successful in the cold, damp climates of Europe and Canada. —Nils Stein of the Leibniz Institute of plant genetics Appels said this adaptive quality of the wheat plant suggests that and crop research in Germany with a little help from breeders, it can be altered to create strains with advantages we can get.” rather by a cluster of genes — a what exactly each of wheat’s in limiting food scarcity. bigger grains, or more grains per Even with the new road map of village, as Appels likes to call them. 108,000 known genes code for and “People and wheat have been in stalk, or to provide more protein, or the wheat genome, this will not be It will likely take more than simply how they work together. a relationship … 10,000 years old,” to be more heat resistant. simple work. altering or knocking out one gene to But scientists say that as the Appels said. “It’s something we’d “The capacity of wheat is still As the newly published genome get improved wheat yields. human population continues to like to continue. And now we have inherently greater than is realised,” shows, wheat’s many traits are In addition, members of the grow, making improvements to molecular biology to help us.” —Los he said. “There are still a lot of governed not by a single gene, but consortium are still working out wheat could play an essential role Angeles Times/TNS Making meth in lab for drug-test device

the process by the end of the year. By Stacy Fernandez If the tests are successful, InspectIR can take the device to market. Verbeck estimates that the commercial version of the device University of North Texas will cost $20,000 to $40,000. Over time, he professor and one of his expects the price to fall to about $10,000 as graduate students have spent production becomes more effi cient. the last nine years making meth, Verbeck said that if someone on opioids fentanyl and PCP in a lab. or other drugs was unresponsive and needed AIt’s all legal — the federal government medical treatment, they could breathe into the signed off on it — and they’ve used the device so doctors could diagnose them quickly drugs to test a device they’re developing: a and give them appropriate treatment. breath analyser that can identify marijuana, Public safety uses could also be in the cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs offi ng well. In Texas, it’s illegal to drive under in people’s systems. the infl uence of drugs. While an offi cer can Guido Verbeck, a chemistry professor, BREATHALYSER: University of North Texas chemistry professor Dr Guido Verbeck holding the perform a fi eld sobriety test, they have no created the device with the help of grad sensor of a breathalyser that was tested for drugs while at the University of North Texas College means to confi rm the person is impaired student Tom Kiselak. of Science in Denton. because of drugs other than alcohol. They The device isn’t yet ready for the market. would have to order a blood or urine sample to But Frisco, Texas-based InspectIR has stationary and is about the size of two home 15 seconds, the screen lights up with the verify it. been working with the researchers and sees printers stacked on top of each other. Verbeck results. And as more states legalise marijuana, a law enforcement and medical uses for the has managed to make a smaller spectrometer Verbeck has tested the gadget with the portable test can help offi cers identify when device. that can fi t into the palm of a hand. drugs he’s made and a machine that can people are driving with more THC in their The device is bulkier than an alcohol The device is designed so that when imitate human breath. system than legal limits allow, Verbeck said. Breathalyser. The size is because a mass a person breathes into it, a carbon mesh Once they work out the kinks, Verbeck Verbeck said companies could also use his spectrometer, a device that analyses the captures the organic chemistry, eliminates and Kiselak will need to win approvals and device to test employees who handle heavy chemicals, is contained in the device. the air and water from the breath, and sends put the device through clinical trials with machinery, fl y planes or drive buses and other A mass spectrometer usually remains the rest to the mass spectrometer. Within humans. Verbeck expects to be fi nished with vehicles. —The Dallas Morning News/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY BODY LANGUAGE

DEMANDING: The musical play requires demanding dialogue from the young actors. MAESTRO: Giovanni Zocco is a dancer from Sicily, trained by the ballet genius John Neumeier. Learning confidence through ballet Ballet lessons with a world-renowned dancer are bringing together schoolkids from Honigfabrik community, a socially disadvantaged district in northern Germany

By Ulrike Cordes

ttitude,” Giovanni Zocco calls out to about two dozen young people. “Attitude, that’s the most important thing!” The dancer“A from Sicily, trained by the ballet genius John Neumeier, is standing bolt upright in the practice room of the Honigfabrik community centre in the northern German city of Hamburg. He’s here to teach dance to a group of schoolkids from Nelson Mandela High School. Wearing sweatpants and T-shirts, the boys and girls between ages 13 and 15 are standing in a row at a dance barre that Zocco has made for them. They are practising what all professional dancers know already: To keep their backs straight to get the correct positions for the supporting leg and free leg, to bend their knees, to put their feet on pointe and demi pointe, to turn their heads gracefully to the side. This works better for some than others. But most are giving it their full concentration and, after all, it’s only their fourth class. Their school REHEARSE: The students practise to keep their backs straight to get the correct positions for the supporting leg and free leg, to bend their knees, to is in the socially disadvantaged Kirchdorf- put their feet on pointe and demi pointe and to turn their heads gracefully to the side. Wilhelmsburg district, where 89 percent of the pupils have a migrant background. “The story refl ects the situation of many something that made headlines across the freedom to make her own career choices. The kids in the dance class have one major young people who are supposed to fulfi l Germany. The young people who have now put However, the play gives her the opportunity to goal: They want to perform the musical Billy cliches,” says Hintze. By acting in the play, her on their dancing shoes are obviously feeling really concentrate on a task for a long time. And Elliot, based on the hit fi lm by Stephen Daldry students can learn “to pursue and implement enriched by the project. “I could never have she also likes the fact that it gives classmates from 2000, including self-designed sets and live their own self-defi ned goals in life with imagined a year ago that I would be doing who hadn’t even talked to each other before the music from a band. At fi rst they will just perform ambition and consistency.” The questioning of ballet here. I thought only girls did that,” says chance to interact outside the rehearsals. for their friends and families, but Hannelore gender roles is an essential aspect, as is the idea 14-year-old Valmir, one of three actors playing Project funder Lay is also pleased about Lay has already arranged a possible appearance of fostering understanding between children, Billy in the musical. this. “Enabling emotional integration through in a real theatre. The director of the Hamburg some of them from very diff erent cultural “But I wanted to try it,” Valmir continues, culture, that seems particularly important foundation, Kinderjahre, has provided 5,000 backgrounds. “The best thing for me now is that I feel freer.” to me in a civil society that is being newly euros (5,705 dollars) of funding for the project, “Everyone has the right to be who they are, His Albanian parents would have no problem arranged,” she says. which was the brainchild of Elisabeth Hintze, the but in the end they must respect the rules with that, only his sister sometimes makes a bit Her charitable foundation, which she school’s cultural offi cer. The play, which requires of society,” says Hintze, who often joins the of fun of him. founded with her husband Wolfgang Lay in demanding dialogue from the young actors, students during rehearsals and hopes that the The 15-year-old Selin, whose father was 2004, wants to help disadvantaged young centres on working-class Billy, who, like his male musical will convey that message. born in Turkey, plays the teacher who supports people fi nd their feet. Kinderjahre, which classmates, is supposed to learn boxing. But he This has not always worked at the school in Billy in pursuing his dream. Selin thinks she has an annual budget of 250,000 euros and discovers his love for ballet despite it being seen the past. A few years ago, an unaccompanied doesn’t really need the impetus provided by 50 volunteers, helps these young people gain as ‘girly,’ and in the end, against all the odds, he 17-year-old refugee from Afghanistan killed the play, as her parents, in contrast to her more work experience through company visits and becomes a professional dancer. another pupil with a knife at the school, conservative grandparents, have given her internships.– DPA Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 BOOK REVIEW COMMUNITY Kim’s debut novel explores ravages of Korean War If You Leave Me isn’t perfect by any means, but there’s much to admire in it. It’s a promising debut from a clearly gifted author who explores poverty and mental illness

AUTHOR: Crystal Hana Kim is a gifted storyteller, even if the story she’s telling doesn’t break new ground. She has a great instinct for pacing, and her dialogue mostly rings true to life.

Haemi decides to marry Jisoo. She’s still in By Michael Schaub love with his cousin, but her mother, taken by Jisoo’s social standing and charisma, urges her to compromise, advising: “Aff ection grows n the fi rst page of If You Leave between a husband and a wife after marriage. Me, a teenage girl named Haemi You can’t expect it from the beginning.” sneaks out of the modest home Kyunghwan and Jisoo eventually join the South she shares with her mother and Korean army; both survive the war, but Jisoo ailing younger brother, heading loses the use of an arm. The rest of the novel toO a rendezvous with her long-time friend plays out over the ensuing several years, as Kyunghwan. “He and I were celebrating,” she Haemi and Jisoo raise a family, with the former explains. “We celebrated every night.” battling depression and the latter trying to wash They don’t have much to celebrate. The off his post-war trauma away. Kyunghwan, characters in this debut novel, set after the start meanwhile, works a series of jobs in Seoul, of the Korean War, are refugees, forced out of pining after Haemi the whole time. their town to a village in the southeast edge of Kim’s novel switches points of view among their country by the invading communist army the main and supporting characters. It’s a from the north. If You Leave Me is an uneven technique that can be eff ective in fiction but novel, but one that does a good job exploring doesn’t work here, all the characters narrate the ravages of war, poverty and mental illness. with the same voice, and the only one who feels Author Crystal Hana Kim, 31, was born in fully fl eshed out is Haemi. Queens and grew up in Jericho. That’s a shame, because she’s fascinating. Haemi and Kyunghwan aren’t into love Kim depicts her struggle with depression, and FALLING SHORT: The chapters that take the focus off Haemi seem extraneous, a distraction from relationship, although they have strong feelings her stormy relationship with her husband, the real heart of the story, and they result in a book that’s a bit longer than it needs to be. toward one another. They meet as often as beautifully. In one stark passage, Haemi possible, sneaking into restaurants, Haemi describes coming to terms with the marriage that’s a bit longer than it needs to be. too often. It’s a novel that needs more restraint fl irting with the boy with whom she wants she never really wanted: “So I fell in love with It’s diffi cult to pull off a novel with a love and more editing. to be more than just friends and get married. Jisoo. I didn’t run away. When his nightmares triangle at its centre, it’s a well-worn territory, Still, Kim is a gifted storyteller, even if the Kyunghwan rejects his friend’s advances, but turned him around, I didn’t imagine covering and to keep readers interested, authors have to story she’s telling doesn’t break new ground. is still annoyed when his cosmopolitan cousin, his face with a heavy buckwheat pillow. I bring something new to the table. Kim doesn’t She has a great instinct for pacing, and her Jisoo, starts courting her: “I didn’t understand stopped all that and loved him.” quite do that, Haemi and Kyunghwan are star- dialogue mostly rings true to life. If You Leave him,” Haemi muses. “He acted jealous of Jisoo, But the chapters that take the focus off crossed in familiar ways, and their longing for Me isn’t perfect by any means, but there’s much and still he refused me.” Haemi seem extraneous, a distraction from the each other frequently comes across as maudlin. to admire in it. It’s a promising, if fl awed, debut Frustrated by Kyunghwan’s tentativeness, real heart of the story, and they result in a book Kim’s prose, while often pretty, turns fl orid a bit from a clearly gifted author.–Newsday/TNS 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY OFFB

STATISTICS: Only about 6 percent of children are redshirted, a number that’s been relatively consistent for the last 15 years. Does ‘redshirting’ actually benefit kids or not? The hotly debated practice is most common among parents of kids with summer birthdays because it decides the diff erence between being the youngest in their class or the oldest, with all the advantages that come with age

disadvantages, whether perceived or very real. By Anna Orso The thinking is they’ll always be a year ahead academically, physically, socially. Larney, 44, of Bala Cynwyd, in the end, waited isa Larney started researching college to enrol her daughter, and made sure she was when her daughter was 3. She wanted challenged academically in her second year to know everything she could about of preschool to avoid boredom. The decision, the long-term impacts of delaying ultimately, was because Larney thought her kindergarten enrolment for her daughter could use time to mature, and wanted Ldaughter, born just a week before her school to protect her sensitive child from the impending district’s enrolment cutoff date. ‘girl drama.’ Larney said her now 9-year-old, Would she benefi t from going to college a year who is headed to third grade, still struggles from later? What if she’s too tall for her grade? Would time to time with self-confi dence, but in that she perform better academically if held back? extra year, she learned to better stand up for After two years of studying her daughter’s herself. social interactions and researching her options, “I knew that this would be the best thing for Larney decided to ‘redshirt’ her, the term used her,” Larney said, “and I 100 percent do not for keeping children in prekindergarten instead regret it, and I can’t imagine I ever will.” of enrolling them when they’re fi rst eligible at A handful of studies show that while children age 5. who are redshirted experience academic Redshirting was originally popularised in and social advantages while in kindergarten, college sports: Coaches would keep athletes that can dissipate by middle school. Some out of competition for a year to develop their researchers argue redshirting can harm skills and extend eligibility. When it comes children’s development over the years if they to kindergarten readiness, the hotly debated aren’t challenged enough, and others suggest it’s practice is most common among parents of kids actually the youngest kids who perform better with summer birthdays because it decides the academically over time. diff erence between being the youngest in their But the redshirt-or-not stress remains, class or the oldest, with all the advantages that particularly among highly educated parents in come with age. high-income areas where the conversation has Some parents who redshirt say their child become a point of contention on playgrounds isn’t ready for a classroom setting. Others admit and in preschools. Parents say they’ve lost they want to give their kid a leg up by enrolling sleep over the decision, worried that the wrong CONCERNED: Parents say they’ve lost sleep over the decision, worried that the wrong choice could them in kindergarten at age 6, instead. And even choice could irreparably damage their child’s irreparably damage their child’s development. others do it in an attempt to mitigate existing development. Even after the fact, parents say Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 BEAT COMMUNITY

MALIGN: Some researchers argue redshirting can harm children’s development over the years if they aren’t challenged enough.

they still think about it years later, wondering of the oldest kids in her class once kindergarten what social or academic milestone could have came around. gone diff erently. Her daughter ended up being born on time. “It’s a very tricky and confl icting decision,” But Christy knows what it feels like to always be said Jen Cohen, 41, a mother of two from the youngest kid in the class, having had a close Wynnewood who enrolled both of her summer- to cut-off birthday. So she and her husband have birthday boys, now 13 and 6, in kindergarten already decided they will keep their daughter, when they were fi rst eligible. “As more and more who turned 4 this month, out of kindergarten parents do it, the pressure to do it becomes kind until she’s 6. of bigger.” “We always knew we wanted to put her at an advantage rather than a disadvantage,” said There’s so much pressure to redshirt Christy, a 34-year-old mother of two who lives Only about 6 percent of children are in the Far Northeast. redshirted, a number that’s been relatively But the most recent research isn’t altogether consistent for the last 15 years or so, according consistent. Schanzenbach said her study shows to Diane Schanzenbach, an economist who co- the academic advantages for children who had authored a 2017 study on redshirting. an extra year to prepare for kindergarten often But among boys and those with educated dissipate by middle school. ENDORSEMENT: Redshirting amplified after Malcolm Gladwell seemed to endorse the idea in his parents, the rate is higher. College graduates are However, a separate 2017 paper published 2008 bestseller, Outliers, talking about the relative advantage of being slightly older in competitive almost twice as likely as high school graduates by the National Bureau of Economic Research situations. to redshirt their sons. Schanzenbach’s study concluded children who are older compared showed nearly one in fi ve boys with summer with others in their grade have higher test child who is held back but doesn’t need it may come with its own benefi ts. birthdays and college-educated parents were scores even into high school. That study, become bored and act out. If a child notices all of his or her friends are redshirted in 2010. One reason may be that it’s though, didn’t measure the impacts of Gullo said children who are redshirted tend to moving on to kindergarten, the child’s self- mostly higher-income families who can aff ord to redshirting, but rather compared older have a higher prevalence of behavioural issues confi dence could suff er, said Marcy Safyer, the keep their children in preschool an extra year. children born in August to those born in over time and drop out of high school at a higher director of the Center for Children and Families Dominic Gullo, a professor of early childhood September. The authors of that report have rate. at the Chicago-based Erikson Institute. She said education at Drexel University who studies the warned that its results are not an endorsement this feeling can make kids anxious and aff ect long-range eff ectiveness of pre-kindergarten of redshirting. What to consider before redshirting their ability to cope. and kindergarten programmes, said that for Experts roundly say the practice can be It’s impossible to predict how this “If you feel like you’re not as worthwhile as some parents, it isn’t an academic ‘readiness’ successfully used in unique circumstances, decision might aff ect your child’s long-term other children or you feel that somebody feels issue, but rather they are trying to right like for a child who has experienced trauma development, but studies show there are risks like you’re not smart or you can’t cut it,” she said, personality traits they believe are obstacles to or has been adopted and is adjusting to a new associated with redshirting. At the same time, “it can be very inhibiting.” – The Philadelphia success. culture. But the risk of redshirting is that a being the youngest student in the class could Inquirer/TNS “It’s an ‘I want my child to be older, smarter, more ahead of everybody else,’ and that’s why you see it in that particular demographic,” said Gullo, who added that in most cases, “if they are 5 by the cut-off date, then your child is ready to enter kindergarten.” Gullo said the practice of redshirting has been going on since at least the 1980s as the emphasis on early childhood education increased in public discourse. But things amplifi ed after Malcolm Gladwell seemed to endorse the idea in his 2008 bestseller, Outliers, in which the fi rst chapter is about the relative advantage of being slightly older in competitive situations. “There’s so much pressure to redshirt,” said Schanzenbach, Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University. “The parents feel like everybody is doing it. You kind of feel like, ‘Am I doing the right thing for my kid by not redshirting them?’” Eileen Christy felt so much pressure that she thought about kindergarten enrolment when she was due to give birth in late August. She hoped her daughter would be born late, so she’d be one ASSOCIATED RISK: The risk of redshirting is that a child who is held back but doesn’t need it may become bored and act out. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Cycling can reduce your loneliness and boost mental health: Study

eeling lonely? Riding your conclusive,” she added. bicycles may not only improve The study, published in the journal your general and mental Environment International, was carried health, but also increase social out in seven European cities: Antwerp, interaction, says a study. Barcelona, London, Orebro, Rome, Vienna FThe study showed that cycling is and Zurich and included more than 8,800 the healthiest mode of transport and is people. associated with better self-perceived The transport modes assessed in general health, better mental health, greater the study were car, motorbike, public vitality, lower self-perceived stress and transport, bicycle, electric bicycle and fewer feelings of loneliness. walking. “The fi ndings suggest that active Driving and public-transport use were transport — especially cycling — should be associated with poor self-perceived general encouraged in order to improve health and health, while cars were linked with fewer increase social interaction,” said lead author feelings of loneliness. Avila Palencia from the Barcelona Institute “This result is most likely due to the for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Barcelona, fact that the study population drove very Spain. infrequently and most journeys by car The second most benefi cial transport were probably for social purposes, such as mode, walking, was associated with good visiting a family member or a friend,” the self-perceived general health, greater researchers explained. vitality, and more contact with friends and/ The study stressed on the need for “an or family. integrated approach to urban planning, “Ours is the fi rst study to associate the transport planning and public health is use of multiple urban transport modes needed in order to develop policies that with health eff ects such as mental health promote active transport, such as adding and social contact. It also allowed us to more segregated cycle lanes for a better highlight the positive eff ect of walking, environment for cyclists,” the researchers which in previous studies was not very noted. — IANS

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

If certain projects or tasks have seemed diff icult for you to finish, You might feel more energetic than you have in a long time, Taurus. If there’s something you’ve wanted to take on, Gemini, today’s today’s energy will give you the zip you need, Aries. The energy A powerful energy that increases your mental acuity and physical the day. There’s an increase in your physical and mental strength. indicates that things will go well for you once you get started. strength can really help you finish anything that’s pending. If you Dispose of any insecurity or lack of confidence and take the steps It's a good time to meet with others to discuss business or other managed to accomplish so much already that you have time to to tackle a project or goal. You have an innate ability to make sound arrangements. Your increased communication and co-operative spare, it’s fine to help others with their load. Be sure to put yours judgments and this is what you need to trust. Take steps to get what skills will make decisions easier than usual. first, though. you want. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

If you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, this will be a welcome day for Leo, if there’s something interesting that you’ve wanted to try, this With today’s energy, you can take steps toward getting things you, Cancer. You’ll feel a surge in energy that greatly increases your is a great day for it. Adventure brings excitement, creative flow, and in order, Virgo. Tackle desk drawers, closets, storage rooms, or creativity and physical strength. Seize the opportunity to be outside energy, which are essential to you. You’re highly artistic. Continual filing cabinets. When you create order, you gain a sense of peace for sports or a walk. Such things will direct your energy and give stimulation is required to keep your psyche healthy. Experience and personal control. Mental organisation, such as goal planning, your mind a chance to clear. Don't be surprised if you have more something new today, even if it’s a walk in a new place. You’ll get the brainstorming, or scheduling, will add to this, too. Do what you can focus later. Make the most of this. adrenaline you need. to clean out as many mental and physical corners as possible. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today’s energy can have you feeling ready for anything, Libra. Today might be a good day to take a second shot at something Your ability to find innovative approaches to things may serve Given your more radical approach, you may need to keep in check. that didn’t work out the first time, Scorpio. Falling flat on your you well today, Sagittarius. Strong energy and mental acuity Humanitarianism is part of your being, so if the pursuit of something face can damage your self-esteem and confidence, but such continue today, and you’ll find that most things come easily. When you want hurts others, it would be a serious contradiction. Think things are part of life, and they really do add character. By approaching projects, take extra time to consider possibilities. Try through your actions before following through to ensure that you going back into the ring, you ensure that you build courage and seeing things from every angle. You’ll likely find far more choices remain true to your ethical standards. perseverance. than you originally thought there were. Jot down ideas. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

If long-overdue work has piled up, Capricorn, today is the day to Don’t worry about being productive today, Aquarius. You might still Expect an added boost of physical energy today, Pisces. It’s an dig in. This is especially so for things you weren't able to handle accomplish more than you have in a long time. The cosmic energy excellent day to clean out closets. Exercise like yoga or walking will yesterday. Fortunately, you have added strength and mental acuity. indicates that if you didn't get everything done that you wanted to be most enjoyable. It could also prove to be well worth your while Things will go smoothly. Make the most of this energy by not putting yesterday, you’re sure to do it today. Dig in your heels and go. Things to look at your goals. Are you where you want to be at this stage of off anything. The pile will just grow if you procrastinate. Do what will get done with time to spare. If you’re into a creative hobby, work your life or are there changes that need to be made? Give your brain needs to be done and you’ll feel great. on that, too. You’ll find it rewarding. and body a good workout. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Ancient Weapons BALLISTA DIRK PARTISAN BATTLEAXE FUSIL PIKE BLOWPIPE JAVELIN PONIARD CATAPULT LANCE RAPIER CLAYMORE LONGBOW SCIMITAR CUDGEL MACE SLING CUTLASS MUSKET SPEAR

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 3. Called to help Avis, in a hole 1. Until then, being sentenced to (4,1,5) imprisonment would (8) 8. Patch up and look after the 2. A female in the fighting ring stuff (6) (6) 9. Unable to decide if it’s 3. What the predator did, having damaged (4) before day caught a bird (7) 10. Generally speaking, when to 4. I love going round the funny treat a cavity (2,3,5) log cabin (5) 11. “Heavens, a letter!” you say (3) 5. Bet it’s not the post! (4) 13. He doesn’t win and there’s a 6. How curious one is (8) row (4) 7. “20” set about getting 14. For a little food and drink, something ornamental for everybody goes inside (7) the home (8) 15. Be brave enough to challenge 12. For those dead keen on (4) music? (4) 17. Do help to (5) 14. Withered before, by the sun 20. Gathering it’s not the whole (4) of the year (5) 16. The Cockney had held we 22. Had been seen, I would have were afraid (4) said (4) 17. This rehashed TV programme Answers 24. The notice about the green in it is a great success (5,3) sort of annoyed one (7) 18. Record the man tries to break Wordsearch Codeword 25. Tear and you put a little tuck (8) in it (4) 19. Get out of line! (4) 27. Shouts and gets an answer to 21. Travelled right through in “Whose?” (3) agony (8) 28. Be responsible for only a 23. Knots undone and holding boring arrangement in it (5,5) the key of the prison (7) 29. Induced to return a garment 25. Take back the gentleman to (4) bed? Rubbish! (6) 30. Mr. Gold will make his home 26. A beast doing somersaults in it (6) (5) 31. Not accepted, it subdued (6,4) 28. Not permitted to hear the group (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Turn up; 5 Roller; 8 Down: 1 Tipped; 2 Rare; 3 Palatial; Ample; 9 Parcel; 10 Peewit; 11 4 Opening sentence; 5 Repent; Annie; 14 Division; 16 Titian; 18 6 Lows; 7 Return; 12 Pioneer; 13 Pointless remark; 20 Ascent; 22 Stumble; 15 Irons; 17 Apron; Nestling; 25 Creel; 27 Shrank; 19 Resolute; 20 Amused; 21 28 Unfair; 29 Licit; 30 Dangle; 31 Tackle; 23 Garret; 24 Aran; 26 Expert. Case. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Kenny Chesney

American country music superstar Kenny Chesney won’t be earning a penny in royalties from his smash hit 17th studio album, Songs for the Saints. His share of the proceeds will be donated to Hurricane Irma disaster relief funds. The 2017 hurricane left a trail of destruction as it passed through the islands of the Caribbean. The US Virgin Islands, where Kenny has a home, was hit to such a degree that virtually no building was left undamaged. Kenny was heartbroken by the devastation and poured out those feelings in writing songs for the new album. But he quickly gave practical help by setting up his Love for Love City Fund which has been providing relief to those who were most in need. Although Songs for the Saints stemmed from a disaster, the tracks do not all reflect the sadness invoked by Hurricane Irma. Kenny wanted the album to also encompass the recovery process and hope for the future. “With the way I felt, it would have been very easy for me to make an entire record about the destruction and the devastation,” Kenny remarked. “But I’ve always felt that music is the biggest healer that we have. I’m proud that there is a thread of hope, a thread of love and a sense of moving forward on the album maybe with some strength that we SUCCESSFUL: A debut spot at No. 8 on the UK Albums chart for Deaf Havana suggests their fan base have taken kindly to the more didn’t even know we had. pop-orientated songs on the band’s fifth studio album, Rituals. “When people listen to the album, I hope they get healing out of it in whatever way they need. I hope they get as much healing from hearing the record as I did from making it.” Kenny has posted off icial audios of every track from Songs for the Saints on his YouTube channel. They can all be heard at Radical change works www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1W3WXbDmsEG_hQLxYALgg The off icial video for lead single, Get Along, is also posted here. for Deaf Havana Cloak Atlanta has become synonymous with the hip hop music scene. The city is home to so many of rap’s major names. But hanges of musical direction a set of titles before writing tracks to Pennells replaced Sebastian in 2006. Atlanta also has other less well-known but still thriving music do not always work out for fi t around them. He also worked on a Ryan left in 2010 but was not replaced. cultures. One of these has produced blackened rock-metal the best. Long-term fans will computer rather than his acoustic guitar. Matthew and Max joined in 2013 making quartet, Cloak. frequently search elsewhere “I worked with Phil Gornell, our long- Deaf Havana a sextet for two years before Their debut album, To Venemous Depths, has drawn rave for the type of music they time sound engineer and great friend, Chris decided to leave. reviews from the critics. All nine tracks can be heard in full at Cspecifi cally want to hear rather than at his studio in Sheffi eld. The comfort They self-released six EPs before www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGWcifLk9mQ remain loyal to old favourites who decide of this working relationship meant I had signing with A Wolf At Your Door Two songs, In The Darkness, The Path, and lead single, The to try something new. the freedom to not feel embarrassed Records in 2008. The band’s 2009 debut Hunger, were initially heard on Cloak’s 2016 self-titled EP. But a debut spot at number eight about showing these diff erent song ideas album, Meet Me Halfway, at Least, did Their off icial video for The Hunger is posted at www.youtube. on the UK Albums chart for English to Phil.” not chart but attracted enough industry com/watch?v=rpq05qINVTc alternative rock quintet Deaf Havana Convincing his bandmates was attention for Deaf Havana to be off ered a The band have now released their second single, Beyond The suggests their fan base have taken kindly another matter. major label deal with BMG/Chrysalis. Veil. Singer / guitarist Scott Taysom said of the track: Beyond to the more pop-orientated songs on the “The reaction of my brother (lead 2011’s Fools and Worthless Liars The Veil is a song that’s grown in meaning and importance band’s fi fth studio album, Rituals. guitarist Matthew Veck-Gilodi) was reached number 49 on the UK chart and the longer it’s been with us. It’s a song about both the fear “The change of style was not a typical of all the guys. I sent him a song topped Britain’s Rock chart. 2013’s Old and comfort of knowing there is something much greater in conscious decision,” explained frontman called Holy. He said it was a great song Souls also took pole position on the UK charge here and the empowerment that it can bring.” and songwriter James Veck-Gilodi. “I but we couldn’t use it because it wasn’t Rock chart and became their fi rst major The accompanying video can be seen at www.youtube.com/ wrote Ritual as the fi rst song. It was what the fans would expect from us. A mainstream success peaking at number watch?v=SHXSgMU7Z2U completely natural and not contrived week later, he messaged me saying he’d nine on the Albums chart. in any way. But it was a pop song rather changed his mind. The song was so good Despite clearly being a band on the Passenger than rock. I didn’t realise I had that kind that we should go with it.” rise, Deaf Havana experienced a number of song in me. But I thought it sounded Bassist Lee Wilson, drummer Tom of problems with their record label. The Singer / songwriter Michael Rosenberg, better known as really good so I decided to keep going Ogden and keyboardist Max Britton all confl ict was such that they were dropped Passenger, returns with his latest studio album, Runaway, on and the result was more pop songs.” had their doubts but eventually agreed by BMG/Chrysalis and signed to So August 31. Despite the UK top fi ve success of to the change of style. Recordings. All These Countless Nights Despite his English nationality, Michael believes many of the Deaf Havana’s 2017 album, All These “I completely understood how was eventually released early last year. songs on Runaway have a strong sense of Americana. He Countless Nights, James did not want to they felt. All of our albums have been “That was a very frustrating period also felt they would work well if accompanied by American follow the same songwriting pattern. diff erent to some degree but the basis in our history. We almost broke up. I visuals. To that end, he spent three weeks travelling across “It would have been very easy for us of our music has always been the same did some solo stuff but had a couple America with his video collaborators filming videos for each to make another album which sounded since the band was formed in 2005. The of songs which were too heavy for my track along with extra footage to match acoustic renditions like the last one. We could have may truth is that I was scared about what the solo project. I sent one to the other guys of each song. be changed one or two things here and fans would think. We’d spent 13 years asking what they thought and they all Michael’s idea is to release a song every three weeks sharing there to give the impression that we’d building up our fan base and we might replied saying let’s get back together and both the off icial and acoustic videos plus behind-the-scenes progressed to some degree. But I wasn’t have thrown it all away because I wanted play. footage. Pursuing this pattern, he has now released To Be interested in doing that kind of thing. I to try a radical change of style.” “I think spending the time apart made Free as the fifth single from Runaway. It follows Hell or High knew I wanted to do something radically James, Lee and Tom had formed us realise how much we enjoyed playing Water, Why Can’t I Change, the album title-track and Heart To diff erent. I just didn’t think it would turn Deaf Havana while at The College of our songs and hanging out together. In Love. out to be an album of predominantly pop West Anglia in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. a strange way, I think we needed to fall The off icial song videos, acoustic and behind-the-scenes songs.” They were joined by James and Lee’s apart to make us really appreciate what videos can all be accessed from the Passenger YouTube James initially tried a new method schoolfriend, guitarist Ryan Mellor, and we have together because the band are channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCFHtCB_ of creating the songs. He fi rstly chose lead guitarist Sebastian Spitz. Chris now stronger than we’ve ever been.” FWXQ8GpjgfYcD8-g Tuesday, August 21, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Harshvardhan not here to repackage movies “I always take his advice and talk to By Nivedita him about film choices on a daily basis. However, when you say yes to a film, you have to be on set and believe in it ctor Harshvardhan Kapoor yourself. The belief is very important has his goals set when it and eventually my choices are always comes to choosing fi lms – a mine,” he said. script that reads new to him. He says that he is not here Nowadays, the industry is seeing Ato revamp movies that others have been a great experimentation in the roles doing for long. taken on by female actors. Does he “I feel like doing fi lms basis whatever see something similar happening HAPPY: Priyanka Chopra. inspires me on the page. I am not here to with the male actors? do movies that others have been doing “I would like to see the big, Priyanka thanks all for wishes, blessings for a long time and repackage, revamp mainstream actors experiment with the same and present it to the audience. their roles. I feel I have done that being Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who has “I am here to do new fi lms, and if I a newcomer and of course, have seen solemnised her relationship with American pop singer read something on the page that I have Alia (Bhatt) and Sonam (Kapoor) doing Nick Jonas, has thanked everyone for all the well wishes never read before that gets me going it all the time in their choice of roles. and blessings. to ‘want’ to do it. I want to do new “Once you are a movie star, there Priyanka recently shared a few photographs post her things,” Harshvardhan said in an e-mail is a certain pressure because of a ‘roka’ ceremony with Jonas and captioned: “The only interview. loyal fan base and they want to see way to do this... with Family and God. Thank you all for The actor unveiled the Fall Winter you in a certain way. Luckily, I am a your wishes and blessings.” 2018 collection of the brand Reebok in newcomer and don’t have those kind After months of speculation, the Mary Kom actress Mumbai last week. He and actress Esha of expectations right now and can took to her Instagram account to make it offi cial that Gupta were the muses of stylist Tanya experiment with my roles. she is “taken” with her “heart and soul”, while Jonas Ghavri who conducted a ‘Fashionably “However, if the big stars do this, introduced her as the “Future Mrs Jonas”. Fit’ Masterclass where she picked the AMBITIOUS: Harshvardhan Kapoor says it exposes new films to the audience Priyanka, 36, and Nick, 25, looked every bit ‘desi’ in top looks and styles from the collection he likes to do new things and new movies. and we need to take new genres to a traditional Indian wear for the ceremony, which was giving attendees “must haves” for their wider audience so, I would like to see it attended by their close family members and friends. wardrobe this season. itself makes it a blockbuster, that’s a more,” he said. Nick’s parents – mother Denise and father Kevin The 27-year-old actor, who made bonus that I don’t always account for. In Jonas Sr – who fl ew down from the US with their son his Bollywood debut with Rakeysh such cases, I would count my blessings How “fashionably fit” is he in for the occasion – also dressed in Indian wear for the Omprakash Mehra’s 2016 fi lm Mirzya, and continue to choose fi lms that I truly day-to-day life? celebrations. – IANS was last seen in Bhavesh Joshi Superhero believed in, hoping that my work speaks “Have you met my dad? If that man on the big screen. for itself.” doesn’t give you serious fitness goals, Asked how much box offi ce success He also said that a low budget well no one ever will. Living with him has matter to him, he said: “I have always scripted fi lm will be his fi rst choice. been a constant source of inspiration worn my heart on my sleeve and jumped “I think it is always about the for me. I’ve come to understand, head-fi rst into ideas that excite me. sincerity and honesty with which you do appreciate and respect the importance When I’m choosing fi lms to work on, the something. You should never attempt to of a healthy lifestyle. fi rst question I ask myself is, does this do something average, it can be bad or “If we expect our bodies to perform story stir my passion? good, but at least you know you tried to miracles, we need to nourish them with “And the next question is, can I do something diff erent,” said the son of the right fuel and maintenance. Not do justice to the character and his actor Anil Kapoor. only is this crucial to our performance, contribution to the story? If the answer but it’s key to our peace of mind and to these questions is a yes! I’m all in. So how often does he take his general sense of well-being,” said “If the genre of the fi lm or the story father’s advice while selecting roles? Harshvardhan. – IANS

Kravitz thrilled by Streep’s praise

Actress Zoe Kravitz was down and I looked deep into her thrilled to receive praise from eyes and I was like, ‘I’m your MOVING FORWARD: Matt Lauer is ready to finalise Hollywood veteran Meryl hero?’,” Kravitz said. settlement with wife after separation to move forward. Streep for her bowling skills. She went on to speak a little Kravitz is reprising her role as bit about her famous parents Lauer to pay estranged wife $20mn Bonnie Carlson in the upcoming Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet second series of Big Little Lies, and what it was like to grow up TV anchor Matt Lauer’s divorce with estranged wife with the three-time Oscar in Hollywood circles. Annette Roque is nearing its fi nalisation and with it winner joining the cast as Mary While she is adamant that she comes a multi-million dollar settlement. Louise Wright. had a fairly normal upbringing, According to Page Six, Lauer, 60, has agreed to pay During an appearance on she said she did meet music Roque, 51, up to $20 million in their divorce, which will Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kravitz icon Prince on several occasions soon be fi nal. said the cast had gone on several and actually found him The outlet also reports that the couple, who married excursions during the shoot “annoying” in one instance. 20 years ago, has agreed to share custody of sons Jack, but her favourite event was a “I was 18 and I was at a 17, and Thijs, 11, and daughter Romy, 14. night at a bowling alley, reports club and I was dancing, all of “Lauer fi nally decided it was time to fi nalise aceshowbiz.com. a sudden I feel someone tap everything and move forward and focus on the kids. He “I am okay (at bowling), I got on my shoulder and I turn... has a lot of guilt about how things went down and he a strike. And Meryl, I think, is I’m like, ‘I know I know this wants to make sure Annette is taken care of,” a source very dedicated to everything person,’ and I look and I am like, told Entertainment Tonight. that she does, so she was really ‘Oh my God, it’s Prince,’” the Now, “there is a noticeable diff erence in their into the game and I got a strike 29-year-old remembered of one attitude toward this entire process”, the source said. and she turned to me and said, meeting, adding that she then “They seem happier and their family and friends are ‘You are my hero!’ And I know it invited the star, who died in thrilled to see they are both moving forward.” – IANS was just bowling and I know she 2016, to her music gig the next SKILFUL: Zoe Kravitz is happy to receive praise from did not mean it but time slowed night. – IANS Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep for her bowling skills. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, August 21, 2018 COMMUNITY SEC add more attractions for kids ahead of Eid al-Adha

By Mudassir Raja

id Mubarak on this terrifi c Tuesday! Today Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifi ce. The festival calls for a symbolic animal sacrifiE ce, called qurbani, and encourages families to share the meat with those less fortunate. Well the day always rounds up to spending quality time with your family. For the same, the vibrant city of Doha has lined up nothing but the best for this momentous occasion. The on-going Summer Entertainment City (SEC) has been providing entertainment to residents of Qatar all this summer at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). The organisers have planned many new pop- up fun fi lled activities for Eid al-Adha. Qatar Tourism Authority in collaboration with QSports, a sports event company, has been organising the summer city from June 14 to August 31. They have been off ering fun-fi lled activities such as world’s largest bouncy castle, an indoor mini zoo with exotic animals, virtual reality games, Summer Souq, mini golf course and much more. Talking to Community, Mathew Woodward, QSports Project Director for SEC, said, “We have been running the summer city for over past two months. We are now coming towards the last two weeks of the event. Eid al-Adha is around and we have arranged special programmes for the same.” He added, “From August 21 to 24, we will ACTIVITY: Coco, the famous clown in Doha, will also be performing activities on stage with kids during Eid al-Adha holidays. be running some stage performances. We will also have Coco, the clown for children. The company dealing in pet animals, has set up a and geese, snake and lizards. bringing diff erent breeds of goat, sheep and clown is well known in Doha and the kids will mini zoo at SEC. He has also arranged diff erent About the Eid arrangement, Mohamad deer to attract the families.” defi nitely enjoy his acts.” kind of animals, including Racka sheep, said, “I do not usually bring all my animals at Lucas Noah was around the zoo corner Mathew, who hails from South Africa Cameroon sheep, Jacob sheep (with four horns), the same time in the zoo. For Eid, I will bring with his two young kids. He said, “It is good and has been in Qatar for about a year now, Valley black nose sheep, Muffl on, Emu ostrich, maximum number of animals as we expect to see a lot of activity at one place. My kids further said, “On the weekend of August 25, Bennett wallaby, Fallow deer, Eland deer, Dik- more visitors during the Eid holidays. I will are very keen about the animals and they like we will have a cultural performance arranged dik gazelle, Macaws, Sulcata tortoise, Toucan, replace two ponies with fresh ones as kids the live turtle and feeding him with diff erent by the Embassy of Nigeria. We hope that Shetland horse, Lama, Alpaca, peacocks, ducks take a ride on the horseback. I will also be food items.” the people visiting summer city will enjoy Nigerian cultural performance.” He added, “Qatar Gymnastic Federation is also going to conduct few segments at SEC on August 28 and 29, also featuring free face painting for the kids. They are basically promoting Worlds Gymnastic Championship that is scheduled to take place in Doha in October. They will also be doing some activities on the stage with kids. The activities include gymnastic performances and gymnastic coaching. All of these activities are free for public.” Further explaining the activities for the children, Mathew said, “Coco, the clown, will be conducting balloon shows and dances with the kids on the stage. We also have a character of Iron Man. Along with these two, we will also have other game shows. All these special activities will start at 6pm onwards every day.” Speaking about other activities, he said that there a few new additions in the food corner. “We have got a new stall for Karak chai and special french fries, with a variety of local sauces which is run by a Qatari chef. We have also added a new infl atable Zip Line slide for the kids. It’s 25 metre high.” Mohamad al-Mokdad, a Lebanese expatriate and owner of Mini Zoo Events, a private ADDITION: Summer Entertainment City has added a new 25 metres high inflatable Zip Line slide for kids. Photos supplied