Community Community Pakistan Created in the late Association 1800s as a way of Qatar and reducing cultural P7Qatar Velicham P16 tensions, Esperanto had celebrate Eid the noblest of beginnings al-Fitr with two and a large cohort of fans separate events. all around the world.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017 Shawwal 10, 1438 AH

DOHA 33°C—46°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

BBraveheartraveheart Artist Kam Redlawsk on coping with a rare disorder, the threat of total paralysis, and will to beat the odds. P4-5

COVER STORY

DEFIANT: Kam Redlawsk suff ers from a rare genetic disorder that progressively weakens muscles called GNE Myopathy. Here she is seen in Los Angeles, California. 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.19am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.48am Zuhr (noon) 11.38am Asr (afternoon) 3.01pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.30pm Vanamagan well as a lost man and lets his body language do the talking. Isha (night) 8.00pm DIRECTION: A L Vijay As a tribesman, Jayam Ravi’s character tries to communicate CAST: Jayam Ravi, Sayesha Saigal, Varun, Thambi Ramaiah, with sign language then and there. But it is Sayyeshaa’s show Sam Paul and Prakash Raj. all the way; she clearly proves the fact that heroines are not USEFUL NUMBERS SYNOPSIS: A jungle-dweller who escapes from the lost just about being cute or just to show skin. Her character is the kingdom of Kumari Kandam fi nds himself in the city. A man strength of the movie, she blends into the story and is there raised in the deeper parts of a jungle comes to terms with the city almost every other scene, big credits to the director on weighing life, falls in love with a beautiful girl and then heads back to save such a role to a newcomer and not to leave behind her dancing his tribe from the clutches of modern man’s greed. Flat, done and skills, rightly called as “Female Prabhudeva”. As a rich girl dusted storyline, Vijay tries to arouse interest by humour, some who falls in love with the tribesman, she deals with her lover’s VFX action sequences, love and a good social message. Jayam innocence in a subtle yet lovable way. Emergency 999 Ravi has close to nothing in talk portions, he does his portions THEATRES: The Mall Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 DJ (Duvvada Jagannadham) under Sri Venkateswara Creations banner. Devi Sri Prasad Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: Harish Shankar scored the music for this movie. Allu Arjun plays the lead role Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Allu Arjun, Pooja Hedge, Brahmanandam, Tanikella in this Telugu movie. Pooja Hedge plays the female lead. For Bharani And Rao Ramesh the fi rst time, Arjun will be seen in the role of a Brahmin and it SYNOPSIS: DJ is a romantic action entertainer written is touted to be packed high on entertainment quotient. and directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Dil Raju THEATRES: Landmark

ote Unquo THE MALL CINEMA (1): Despicable Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Qu te Me 3 (2D) 3pm; Pirates Of The Tubelight (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Yesterday’s Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (2D) Mummy (2D) 5pm; Pirates Of The just a memory, 5pm; Despicable Me 3 (2D) 7:30pm; Of The Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (2D) Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar’s (2D) 11:15pm. 7pm; Pirates Of The Caribbean: tomorrow is never what it’s Revenge (2D) 9pm; Transformers: Landmark Cinema (2): Tubelight Salazar’s Revenge (2D) 9:15pm; The The Last Knight (2D) 11:30pm. (Hindi) 2:30pm; Transformers: The Last Mummy (2D) 11:30pm. supposed to be. THE MALL CINEMA (2): Despicable Knight (2D) 5pm; Transformers: The Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Me 3 (2D) 2:30pm; Despicable Me Last Knight (2D) 8pm; Transformers: Transformers: The Last Knight (2D) 3 (2D) 4pm; Despicable Me 3 (2D) The Last Knight (2D) 11pm. 3pm; Antar Ibn Shaddad (Arabic) – Bob Dylan 5:30pm; The Mummy (2D) 7:30pm; Landmark Cinema (3): Despicable 6pm; Transformers: The Last Knight Antar Ibn Shaddad (Arabic) 9:30pm; Me 3 (2D) 2:30pm; Despicable Me 3 (2D) 8pm; Pirates Of The Caribbean: Tubelight (Hindi) 11:30pm. (2D) 4:15pm; Despicable Me 3 (2D) Salazar’s Revenge (2D) 11:15pm. THE MALL CINEMA (3): Tubelight 6pm; Despicable Me 3 (2D) 7:45pm; Asian Town Cinema: Dj (Duvvada (Hindi) 2:30pm; Transformers: The The Mummy (2D) 9:30pm; Tubelight Jagannadham) (Telugu) 12:30 & Last Knight (2D) 5pm; Transformers: (Hindi) 11:30pm. 6:30pm; CIA: Comrade In America The Last Knight (2D) 8pm; (Malayalam) 3:30, 9:30pm & 12:30am; Community Editor Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Vanamagan (Tamil) 11pm. Despicable Me 3 (2D) 2:30pm; Tubelight (Hindi) 1, 4, 7, 10pm & 1am; Kamran Rehmat Landmark Cinema (1): The Despicable Me 3 (2D) 4:30pm; Lakshyam (Malyalam) 12:30, 5:30 & e-mail: Mummy (2D) 2:30pm; Pirates Of The Despicable Me 3 (2D) 6:30pm; 10:30pm; Puthan Panam (Malayalam) [email protected] Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (2D) 3, 8pm & 1am; Anbanavan Telephone: 44466405 Tubelight (Hindi) 8:30pm; 4:30pm; Antar Ibn Shaddad (Arabic) Transformers: The Last Knight (2D) Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (Tamil) Fax: 44350474 7pm; Pirates Of The Caribbean: 11am. 12:30 & 6pm; Vanamagan (Tamil) 3:15, Salazar’s Revenge (2D) 9pm; Pirates 8:45 & 11:30pm. Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Summer Camp Qatar Summer Festival WHEN: Until July 27 WHEN: Until Sept 5 Tamim the Glorious WHERE: Wisdom Education Center WHERE: Across Doha WHERE: W Doha TIME: 11am-1pm Summer Festival has just been WHEN: Until Sept 10 Ispeak-ilead is a summer camp public announced and it will run twice as long TIME: 10am- 10pm speaking leadership programme for kids this year. That means more family fun, A new exhibition about His Highness the and teens to personally develop children’s entertainment, activities and promotions Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani by ability to speak free without fear, speak across Qatar this summer. The extended local artist Ahmed bin Majed al-Maadheed will effectively without inhibitions. Qatar Summer Festival will run from Eid open at 5pm on July 1 at the W Doha. al-Fitr to Eid al-Adha. Prepare for more Al-Maadheed is the founder of Notion Media than 100 activities this time round. Best and is a profound, contemporary Qatari artist of all there will be malls full of shopping who has gained nationwide and international discounts across Doha. Discounts of up recognition for his artworks. He has been to 50% are offered and anybody spending involved in many media projects such as more than QR200 at participating outlets animations, TV series, adverts and producing will be entered into a draw to win a stack of artworks on large frames. cash or even a luxury car.

Meet and Greet FC Barcelona Stars Train like a superhero WHERE: Mall of Qatar WHERE: Aspire Zone WHEN: Tomorrow WHEN: Ongoing TIME: All day Train like a superhero at CrossFit Doha! FC Barcelona stars that you’ve come to CrossFit holds a variety of disciplines from love on the pitch will take the stage at Mall weightlifting to calisthenics to gymnastics. of Qatar. Complete an entry form at Mall This will help your kids excel in sports of Qatar’s Customer Service Desk and you and retain the healthy and fit lifestyle! could be one of the lucky fans to join these Support your kids’ natural urge for physical FC Barcelona stars on stage. You wouldn’t #I Am Evo Summer Camp activities and train like a superhero, at want to miss it, make sure to enter latest by WHERE: Al Waab and Doha College CrossFit Doha’s in demand Kids Classes today. West Bay today! CrossFit Doha is located at Aspire WHEN: Ongoing Zone Sports City. For more information, Summer Camp at TCA TIME: 8am to 1pm call 44138484. WHEN: Until August 24 The #IamEvo Camps are designed to WHERE: TCA challenge young athletes to progressively Salsa Beginners Dance Class After a successful camp last year, TCA develop their skills, performance and WHERE: B Attitude Spa, West Bay has planned a more enriched summer camp Summer Camp confidence. The courses are structured WHEN: Every Friday this year. Come and register your kids for WHERE: Ain Khaled to meet the needs of all young players, to Salsa n Candela offers a variety of dance Abacus, Vedic Math, Rubic Cube, Robotics, WHEN: Until Aug 31 have fun, learn new skills and meet new classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower Fun with Science, Connectivate (knowing TIME: 8am-1pm friends in a safe and friendly environment. West Bay B Attitude Spa, such as Salsa your own inner skills), drawing and Summertime is just memories waiting Members have a choice of venue, with every Friday and other Latin dance during painting, and calligraphy. So what are you to happen. The Stem Xplorers Summer camps held at Doha College Al Waab and other days of the week. waiting for, grab your seats at the earliest. Camp is just the place for your kids to make Doha College West Bay. The camps are For more details, please get in touch with lifelong memories to cherish. open to boys and girls aged 4-16 years and Festive time TCA Qatar at [email protected] or 66523871. Our camp will be Stem-based wherein run from 8 am to 1 pm daily at each site. WHEN: Ongoing we will engage the children in Science along Registration Now Open. WHERE: Doha Festival City Pottery workshop with Lego, some exciting Sports, Nutrition, The entertainment offering has been WHEN: Until July 31 Arts, Crafts and Outdoor Field Trips!! Each Davinci Resolve Training Course designed to ensure there are numerous WHERE: Arts and Crafts week will be a different theme covering an WHEN: July 24-25 opportunities for physical activities, from TIME: 7-9pm exciting new Stem project making science TIME: 1pm the running track which features exercise Learn how to handle big-sized vases come to life. Call us now on 33996665 or The course provides an introduction to stations, the bike trail, through to our and glaze them. Learn the art of modern 3120001. colour grading and the popular grading ‘first-of-its-kind’ in Qatar, Snow pottery. For more details, call 44865201 or software, DaVinci Resolve. It is the Dunes theme park. DFC is excited to mail [email protected] ideal course for editors, digital imaging welcome first visitors in April and to technicians, directors of photography, celebrate the best leisure facilities, retail W Doha Hotel: Art 29 gallery visual-effects technicians, aspiring mix and dining options, all with exceptional WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences colourists, and anybody with a desire to service. WHEN: Until July 25 explore colour correction. TIME: 9am-7pm Summer Workshop 2017 for kids W Doha Hotel & Residences are hosting Camera Kids: Make Your Own Short WHERE: IAID the works of local artist Abdulwahed al- Film WHEN: July- Aug Mawlawi at the property’s in-house Art 29 WHEN: Aug 6-24 Summer break is a long-awaited respite gallery. The exhibition commenced on May A well-rounded introduction to the for your kids after months of hitting the 25 following Ramadan timings of 9am to different elements of photography, film and books. This is an opportunity for them to 10pm and from June 25th to July 25th will filmmaking helps young people make their hone their current skills, pick up a new be open for free public viewing from 9am first one-minute short films. Applicants hobby, or simply stay active, whether to 7pm. The expansive Art 29 space has must be between 13 and 17 years old. their interest lies in dance, music or been established to spark inspiration and arts. This summer, get your kids up and nurture creativity by providing a platform going by enrolling them at IAID! Starting to showcase works of both budding and Summer Camp Wakra three years and above, we have courses established artists. WHERE: Music Lounge, Al Wakrah to offer this summer such as Ballet Kids, WHEN: Until July 31 Strum-A-Long, Bolly Thumka, Music Fun, This is a 1 month packaged summer ARTmazing & more. camp programme that brings great fun with learning, creating and exploring. Imperial Threads: Motifs and The camp is designed to bring out a 360 Artisans degree development in the talents and skill WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art level of the students. The camp includes WHEN: Until November 4 training in keyboard, guitar, drums, art, This exhibition focuses on the exchange craft, communication skills, zumba, hip of artistic and material cultures between hop, fun with games, movies, competitions, the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal cultural tour, fun day activities, art Empires. Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece exhibition and fashion show. The camp is carpets, among other artworks, from for ages 5-15. Transportation is available Turkey, Iran and India, these objects will from Doha, Al Wakrah and Mesaieed. For be contextualised within the historical details, please contact the organisers at circumstances of politics and artistic 44219897/555 72429 or e-mail them at production of their time, primarily from [email protected] the 16th to the 18th centuries.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I always think, ‘OK, this stage I can handle, I can do this.’ And then it gets worse” Kam Redlawsk, a victim of hereditary inclusion body myopathy, makes a poignant recall of the struggle to survive, find love, and indulge art. By Corina Knoll

HELPING HAND: Friend Sandra Darvish, right, helps Kam Redlawsk onto a couch. Redlawsk has a rare genetic disorder that progressively weakens muscles called GNE Myopathy.

he night is always broken She also has a rare genetic Some friends and family members lasting way to navigate this steady At 4, she was adopted by a couple by pain. disorder that progressively weakens thought it was all in her head. procession to paralysis. from Chesterfi eld Township, She wakes desperate muscles as it inches throughout her A few years later, Redlawsk had “I always think, ‘OK, this stage I Michigan. She spent her summers to shake the frozen ache body. grown used to scanning her path can handle, I can do this.’ And then riding bikes and playing baseball wrapped around her It is not fatal, but it deals in for rough surfaces. Sidewalk cracks, it gets worse.” with her three older brothers. The limbs.T devastation. Although there is no curbs, small inclines, even grass, So, what does one do when description on her adoption papers Too weak to roll over, turn, loss of sensation, most patients became obstacles. darkness has been folded into your proved true. She was introverted shift, she nudges her husband, eventually experience something By then she was studying design past and now haunts your future? but social. Daring. Independent. who wearily pushes her into a new similar to quadriplegia. at the College for Creative Studies Two decades later and a doctor position. It fi rst revealed itself in high in Detroit and taking calculated You travel was pointing her down a path of The performance plays out up to school, when a sleepiness fl uttered routes across campus. Redlawsk would never know who complete debilitation. a dozen times before sunlight slides in her feet. Redlawsk blamed it The correct diagnosis, when it handed down those fateful genes. “Quit school,” he advised. “You through the shutters. on too much soccer. She was a arrived, was unfathomable: GNE She had been hours old when left at won’t be able to move around much Kam Redlawsk is 38. midfi elder, lithe and swift with a myopathy, also called hereditary a maternity clinic in Daegu, South longer. Buy a wheelchair.” He said it She dyes her hair brilliant colours, ball. inclusion body myopathy, or HIBM. Korea. Born with a cleft palate, she was unlikely Redlawsk would meet dotes on her dog Pippi, throws dinner But then she started to trip on Incredibly rare, it aff ects about battled measles, chicken pox and anyone with the same ailment. parties and dreams up designs for stairs. 7,000 people around the globe. a deadly virus all within the fi rst The words felt like a sentence of product and toy companies. Doctors’ theories proved false. Redlawsk has found there is no months of her life. solitude. Which lit a fi re. Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

“I was like, ‘S---w you,’” As adoptees, the couple had Redlawsk recalled. She vowed to get dreamed of seeing a piece of her degree. She picked out a cane themselves refl ected in their and ankle braces to steady her gait. children. And she did something she had put A friend encouraged Redlawsk off for years. She bought a ticket to to have a baby, to do what she truly her birth country. That day. wanted. The suggestion still makes Seoul, she would learn, burned her weep. “Just because you decide bright and bustled. Redlawsk not to do something doesn’t mean shopped the teeming streets of you don’t want it,” she said, her Myeongdong, slurped bowls of voice brittle. “It’s another thing broth swimming with rice cakes that you can’t do that you want to and dumplings, and hiked a do. But you get used to that. One mountain to marvel at the Wonju day I can never draw anymore. It’s countryside. just the way it is.” Of course, a young woman with That morning, Redlawsk had a cane received stares, curious and gone to physical therapy where she impolite. Casual strolls wound spent time in a swimming pool, up painstaking journeys. And the one place where she can walk Redlawsk relied heavily on friends if she clings to Hazelroth. She also from the area. did exercises to help maintain the Still, when she returned, she felt strength in her hands. uncaged. There were other places The soreness rippling throughout to go. her upper body has been impossible She would see Korea again, to ignore. and take trips to Japan, France, DINE-OUT: Kam Redlawsk gets a ride with her friend Dr Babak Darvish as they go to a neighbourhood restaurant for Thailand, England, Mexico, dinner. You believe Australia. Years ago, Redlawsk became close More manageable adventures unequal partners. Redlawsk got shape, draw, form, write, invent. wheelchair and then quadriplegic.” with two brothers stricken with have come via road trips — some looks of sympathy, while Hazelroth At home, she whipped up Korean Over the years, she has savoured GNE myopathy who isolated the planned, others on a whim. Friends was sent admiring glances. feasts of galbi, japchae and pajeon spare moments when her fi ngers tell gene responsible for their disease. who organised her fundraiser Bike “Wouldn’t you love to just be — manoeuvring with a steady her story through autobiographical Daniel and Babak Darvish, both for Kam have toted her down the able to run across the street with grip on the countertop. She wrote illustrations. doctors, are the founders of ARM. coast in a carriagelike rig. Strangers me?” Redlawsk asked her husband tales about her adventures with a In one, a girl’s arms have They are well-known within the off er to help her over rugged terrain one spring evening as they dined bizarre disorder on her blog and for hardened into branches. Her legs Middle Eastern Jewish community, or snap her photo. at a cafe. “Not have to worry about a column in a Korean-American are vines rooted in the earth. which has reported a higher Redlawsk likes it best when she where to park?” magazine. She drew accompanying In another, a motionless woman frequency of the disorder. feels adrift, when nature rises Hazelroth was quiet. “I guess,” illustrations that were fanciful but lies in a pair of cupped hands The brothers licenced out an oral around her in a never-ending he fi nally said. He never liked such stark. disintegrating in the wind. “Please treatment to Ultragenyx, which led mural. queries. Redlawsk also found herself in don’t leave me,” it reads. to the biopharmaceutical company If you can, she suggests, take in When they left the restaurant, charge of crafting the marketing testing a drug that could slow the a Death Valley sunset that paints a Redlawsk struggled on the walk to materials for ARM, a nonprofi t You yearn rate of muscle atrophy. dozen hues on the sky. Let the rays the car, awkwardly thrusting one dedicated to researching GNE Redlawsk once drew a picture The Darvishes say they are also bake against your back, then wait leg in front of the other. myopathy. of a long-haired woman, her eyes developing gene therapy that has for the coal-coloured canvas that Finally, Hazelroth leaned over, In touch with fellow patients closed while delicately blowing the potential to halt the disease’s arrives, glittered with stars. gathered his wife in his arms and around the world, she saw various bubbles. Inside each sphere were progression altogether. Try a straight shot across Utah carried her down the street. stages of the disorder. Some friends babies that would never be. But the two have been unable to where ragged rock formations rise urged her to continue walking for as She and Hazelroth have decided raise the $5 million needed to start throughout the copper desert. See You create long as possible. Carefully pushing not to have children. Pregnancy clinical trials. Mono Lake in the winter, when the Arms, hands, fi ngers. muscles to perform was a small would be hard on her body. For Redlawsk, who considers sun glints against the snow. Head to Throughout childhood, they were way of staving off deterioration — Surrogacy’s expense is out of the the Darvishes her family and stays Big Sur, Alabama Hills, Joshua Tree. nimble and spirited, capable of although the disorder eventually question. They haven’t entirely informed about their work, it can Just go. See. Move. sketching the images tumbling wins. ruled out adoption, but worry be a strange existence to know that about in her head. She held out until 33, when the about raising a child without family the possibility of an antidote lives You love In college, they were deft with a shooting pain in her hips would not nearby. Hazelroth, a concept artist around the corner from the threat She met Jason Hazelroth in computer, adding delicate touches be ignored. at a video game company, is already of total paralysis. college. He too was adopted from to would-be cars and products for A wheelchair, she learned, was fatigued from work and caring for So she has tried to turn to what Korea, and they had grown up in rigorous design courses. not so bad. It was nice to no longer his wife. is concrete — what she is sure of towns 20 miles apart. At Mattel, they dreamed up worry about falling. And a relief to “I never thought of the typical right now. “Let’s hang out,” he said one day Speed Racer toys and helped shape fi nd that a life led with arms could fairy tale thing,” Redlawsk said on a She knows that the disorder after class. He liked how Redlawsk Mindfl ex, an innovative brainwave be full. recent afternoon at the Long Beach guided her to her birth country, seemed bold but introspective. activity game showered with But she heard a countdown condo where she and Hazelroth to California, into the arms of They sauntered about Detroit’s industry praise. begin. have now settled. her husband. It gave vision to Greektown. He off ered his arm As her lower body became “It’s kind of like the last end,” “But I always envisioned myself her art, gratitude for her mind, when she grew weary. He didn’t ask increasingly stubborn, Redlawsk Redlawsk said. “If you’re looking having kids. I had, like, this weird ignited her need for adventure. It about her careful steps. was grateful to be an artist, able to at it like a timeline, it’s legs, love for my unborn daughter.” deepened friendships and enriched The two reconnected in Los experiences. It made her more Angeles, where Redlawsk landed a refl ective, more compassionate, design job at Mattel. She crashed at more sure of what lies within. Hazelroth’s place. And never left. All of which doesn’t balance out At their fall wedding, she pinned the terribleness of what continues white fl owers in her hair and clung to happen. to her father as she cautiously But it has forced Redlawsk to see moved down the aisle. how perspective can help make a bit Hazelroth learned the best way to of sense out of an unexpected life. assist his wife into the shower, up a Like when she’s ordered up fl ight of stairs, off of the ground. another journey and is being By the time Redlawsk was 30, her driven along the wild curves of the slim frame was leaning heavily on California coast, where the sea is her cane while her hips wobbled. vast and grand and bright. “Just fell,” she texted Hazelroth It’s a moment when the majesty one day. “Some landscape guy and enormity of the world helped me up. Pretty much didn’t overwhelms and she’s allowed avoid the b---s. :)” to be lost in all that glory. And a “Sorry u fell. Did it feel woman whose limbs don’t move is inappropriate?” suddenly diminished into a mere, “Who cares. I’m up! :)”. laughable dot — so tiny and trivial When the two were out together, and inconsequential. In the best of they were sometimes perceived as CONNECTING: Kam Redlawsk, second from left, and her husband Jason Hazelroth, left, have dinner with friends. ways. —Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY SSLSD-funded school successfully rebuilt

Being the only Sri Lankan School in Qatar, Staff ord Sri Lankan School Doha (SSLSD) always tries declared re-established on June 28. This was announced by SSLSD Chairman Kumudu Fonseka. to lend a helping hand to the Sri Lankans living both in Qatar and back home. As part of its eff orts, There were several teachers, parents and students of the SSLSD family who joined the cause. On the school recently joined hands with the students and parents in order to lend a helping hand to this occasion, the students of Welgama School were donated school uniforms, shoes and books. Welgama Primary School located in Mathugama, Kaluthara. Also, SSLSD donated several items such as computers, computer tables, printers, projectors and Welgama Primary School was greatly aff ected by the flood that took place a few months back photo copiers for the school. Furthermore, SSLSD hopes to build a garden pond, herbal garden in Sri Lanka. SSLSD stepped up to provide funds for the rehabilitation of the school, which was and equip the mini-science lab of Welgama Primary School. Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Qatar Velicham organises Eid Meet 2017

Members of the Indian expatriate community gathered for Qatar Velicham’s Eid Meet 2017 at Director Abu Backer Madappat was the special guest. Well-known Mappilappattu songwriter GP Crystal Palace Hotel recently. The event aimed to show solidarity with Qatar, celebrate Eid and Kunhabdulla was also honoured on the occasion. Yatheendran Master delivered the keynote also the 10th anniversary of Qatar Velicham. More than 200 people attended. The ceremony speech. Qatar Velicham advisory board members Mohammed Unni Jinnan, Moidunni Haaji OV, was inaugurated by Milan Arun, the president of Indian Cultural Centre. Safari Group Managing Moinudheen VP, Haneefa Mullakkad and Rasal Rasak also attended.

Pakistan Association Qatar organises Eid Milan Party

The Pakistan Association Qatar (PAQ) organised an Eid Milan Party at Dawah Restaurant recently. PAQ Chairman Syed Faheemuddin talked about the association’s objectives of focusing on A large number of people from the Pakistani, Indian and Nepali communities attended the party. Pakistani students and youth residing in Qatar and giving them career guidance. He also said The chief guest was Commodore Irfan Taj, Defense Attaché of Pakistan Embassy in Doha. Other that every year PAQ will organise an International Mushaira for Urdu poetry lovers. notable guests included PWA Chairperson Rahat Mansoor, Ajmal Choudhry, Arshad Hussain, PAS’s Commodore Irfan Taj said, “These activities boost the participation from the community on Adeel Akber, PPF’s Qaiser Khan, and Radio FM 107 anchor Arshad Hussain. In all, over 200 people a wide scale and also provide a platform to interact with other communities residing in the attended the event. Qatar.” 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY COMPE You don’t just need big g to be a champion armwre Armwrestlers have to be strong, but they must also spend years perfecting their technique. the world, they gather every week to train and prepare for international championships. By S

Armwrestlers in action at the German national armwrestling championships in the Glueck-Auf sports hall in Eisleben, Germany.

t was all John Brzenk’s fault. “He showed me a video [of club’s members are. With only with around 500 spectators weighs in at 108 kilos. Because he And Sylvester Stallone’s. The Brzenk] and said: ‘I want to be modest means but a lot of idealism expected. tore his bicep in January he can’t former became armwrestling like that,’” says Sarembe, who at their disposal, they have been The competition was also set compete, but he wants to be there world champion at the age of lives in the north German town of training since late 2014, working to to serve as the qualifi ers for the for his colleagues. 18, while the latter won the Eisleben. improve their strength, technique, German national team, which Armwrestling is carried out Ititle in the 1987 action film Over Their interest in the sport speed and movement. will compete in the European while standing up, the elbows the Top. quickly grew into an all- In early April, the club was championships in May in resting on a padded mat and hands, To look at him, Jan Sarembe consuming passion, and both are preparing to host the 30th German Poland and later in the world powdered liberally with chalk, could hold his own with either. now regulars at the 1891 Hergisdorf Armwrestling Championships, an championships in Hungary. clasped so fi rmly that the knuckles “My forearm has a circumference sports club in the state of Saxony- event in which, with the help of On the last training day before turn white. of 43 centimetres,” says the Anhalt. sponsors, it had already invested the big event, 12 members of the But armwrestling isn’t just about 48-year-old German with a laugh. Sarembe is head of the club’s 11,500 euros (12,265 dollars). Hergisdorfer team have come brute strength – it’s also about When he began armwrestling armwrestling division, which has “It’s really something for us,” together to train. skill. “Technique is everything,” six years ago, Sarembe knew the 16 members and is one of only 15 says Sarembe. Sarembe folds his arms and grins says Sarembe, who works in a Stallone film, but it was his now armwrestling clubs in the whole of Around 120 men and women as 24-year-old Mirko Oehmichen youth detention centre. “Big biceps 27-year-old son Erik who told him Germany. “One person comes from were due to compete in and 43-year-old Tobias Fitzenreiter aren’t necessary. It’s all about the about Brzenk, an American who Plauen, almost 200 kilometres different weight categories at battle it out at one table. forearms and the wrists.” still competes decades after his away, once a week,” says Sarembe. 104-centimetre-high tables in Both are much less muscly than Oehmichen, bright red in the first victory. It shows just how dedicated the Eisleben’s Glueck-Auf sportshall, Sarembe, who at 1.78 metres tall face, lets out a shout and then Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 ETITION COMMUNITY guns estler In clubs around Sabrina Gorges

Armwrestlers Mirko Oehmichen, left, and Yunis Mirza in action at the German national armwrestling championships in the Glueck-Auf sports hall in Eisleben, German. Some 120 men and women competed in several weight classes in the event.

breathes deeply. “You fi ght with your whole body,” says Fitzenreiter. “The dynamism is enormous.” Nobody knows how long a match will last. “There are people who are fast as lightning,” Fitzenreiter continues. “You haven’t even had time to collect yourself and it’s all over.” “Armwrestling isn’t just a mindless battle of oversized arms. It’s a dynamic fi ght between two opponents,” says Olaf Koeppen, chairman of the German national armwrestling association. It’s a team sport that’s best practised in a club, he adds. “Anybody can do it for decades with no regrets.” -DPA Armwrestlers Alexander Michalov, left, and Daniel Balzer in action at the German national armwrestling championships. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Five aff ordable weekend DIY projects that completely recreate your home

ummer is here, you want trimming around your trees and it comes to improvements. Instead, to spread out, bask in the bushes or pulling weeds can have a pick the project that matches your beautiful weather and big impact on the look of your home needs and your budget. Large- fi nally tackle those home and it costs you nothing. scale improvements could include improvement projects replacing your outdated sink or toilet. Syou were eyeing during those colder An accent wall that truly You could go smaller and simply months. accents replace the hardware on the sink. Now is the perfect time to make You’ve seen hundreds of DIY This is also a great time to look at the a big impact on your home, and you tips suggesting you add an accent smaller aspects of your bathroom can do so without spending a lot. wall to your home with a fresh and see if you want to replace your Below are fi ve do-it-yourself projects coat of paint. However, to add an medicine chest, your towel rack or you can tackle in a single weekend, accent wall that goes above and the handles on your cabinets. and each will still leave you enough beyond, replace the paint project money in your budget to enjoy with Charred Wood Shiplap from The perfect wrap for your everything else summer has to off er. UFP-Edge instead. This wood, kitchen burnt through an ancient Japanese The kitchen is a focal point in any Freshen up your landscaping technique to highlight its beauty home, so improvements made here Your home’s outdoor appearance and character, then sealed with tend to stand out. If you’re looking gets a pass during the winter, but a satin fi nish, off ers the perfect to improve your kitchen with an in the summer the exterior of the contrast to any room for an accent incredibly popular country look, house is all about curb appeal. That you’ll relish every time you see it. you can add your island to the motif makes improving your landscaping with a rustic wrap. a great place to start your summer Update your bathroom on projects, plus the work you do your terms Rethink your window also have plenty of freedom to pick install room-darkening shades. can be completely customisable A full bathroom remodel is treatments and choose your options here as Spend your money and your time to your budget. If you have some hardly DIY, and you’re certainly Like your bathroom, a full- well. If a favourite room feels too on the rooms that matter most to extra money, plant a tree or a bush. not fi nishing it in one weekend. scale replacement of your window dark, replace the existing curtains you and you won’t be disappointed. If your budget is tighter, opt for However, that doesn’t mean this treatments can be pretty expensive. with something light and airy. If potted fl owers. Even an activity like room is completely off -limits when However, like your bathroom, you you want the room to feel darker, ©Brandpoint

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

You shouldn’t try to stay alone today, Aries. Once in a while you need Today you’ve decided to change things around you, Taurus. You’re Gemini, you will have the opportunity to set the record straight with to spend some time alone to ponder your life, to dream and wish for about to make radical changes to your life. You feel that you’re some of your relatives. Sometimes some of them take advantage of better things to come. But today you could meet someone who will almost invulnerable, that nothing can resist you. You’re going to your kindness, and you serve without even a thought for yourself. take you places you aren’t accustomed to going. Try to stay available go beyond your boundaries even if it means that you might be The day will may be stressful and you may be irritable. Try to use the in order to seize this opportunity. forgetting your friends for a while. Carpe diem. day to your advantage and get your life back in order.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Your philanthropic side is fading. You’re used to thinking about Haven’t you wondered how it would feel to be omniscient, Leo? Well, Today could provide an interesting opportunity to show your others before thinking about yourself, but today, things are about to today you’re about to have this experience. You will have the energy assets in a professional setting. People will be impressed by your change. Indeed, you fascinate those around you. You’ve found a new of ten. People will come to you and ask for your guidance. You will personality and may even off er you a new job or exciting business freedom. It seems that you’re liberated from your old self and totally easily find the solutions to their problems. Today the world belongs proposal. You won’t be able to turn down the proposition and you fulfilled. to you. will feel totally free and satisfied.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today you may have to commit to some values close to your heart, You may feel your life is full of uninteresting people. You think You might think you’re the most intelligent person in the world. You Libra. As a child, you were aware of the role you had to play in they’re all alike and fit perfectly within a conservative society. hover over the notions that bind us. You’re transformed into an artist society. You were greatly concerned about others. Today you will You don’t want to be like them and would prefer to meet unusual who’s able to have great ideas. Remember that geniuses always probably be asking yourself if you should get involved and make individuals, people who diff er from the crowd. They aren’t too far think big. Today you’re one of them. Your ideas could help others. decisions in the general interest. away. You just need to make an eff ort to look for them.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Everybody knows that you’re very strong willed. You’ve always Your family life will give you a lot of work today. Some of your You aren’t the kind of person who likes to lead an ordinary life. You had a very active disposition. You have the ability to surmount all relatives may express a desire for independence and some might aren’t afraid of the unknown. You like to open up to new worlds obstacles and soak up all the energy that comes to your aid. It seems even try to rebel. If you don’t want to lose your cool, Aquarius, you and cultures. You sometimes feel willing to change your whole life. that today your strength could be reinforced by some people you should try to step away from all the excitement. It shouldn’t be too Pisces, to your great satisfaction, today you will probably experience meet or by your group of friends, Capricorn. diff icult for you to succeed. unusual events that could lead your life in new directions. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Good...

AFTERNOON FRIDAY NATURE BOOK GRIEF NIGHT CHEER HOPE SPEED CONDUCT LIVING TIME EVENING LOOKS TURN FAITH LUCK WILL FELLOW MORNING

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, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 3. How often the occurrence 1. Serve the people and get a got one into an awful mess? gift (8) (5,5) 2. Be irritated by the note 8. A strong jar will hold a delivered (6) number (6) 3. Open with the line ‘In 9. Clad in white for the absence.....,’ which does take wedding? (4) one aback (7) 10. Miss going to work (6,4) 4. Figure on getting a cover 11. Again covering the ball game that’s effective (5) (3) 5. With nothing inside it, a bag 13. Tip to get the catalogue (4) (4) 14. Quickly giving support in the 6. Very keen to have a girl setting of the oral (7) perform this song (8) 15. The vessel that was removed 7. Others get cross about the from the water (4) reminder (4,4) 17. “They’re biscuits,” one says 12. The allies having been made crossly (5) to retreat is a blow (4) 20. Upturned, the loose rings 14. It took a time to get back the dropped out and the seeds territory (4) Answers (5) 16. Knowing the way (4) 22. Close and stamp (4) 17. She is taking the stewed Wordsearch Codeword 24. Quick! The girl’s coming back lamb into the mess (8) with a friend! (7) 18. Before I lay in drink (8) 25. This is a bore! Get on the 19. Crack up the cricketers (4) monster (4) 21. The recognised and accepted 27. A flying competition (3) colours (8) 28. Not pointed remarks, though 23. Didn’t admit to having they are outspoken (5,5) missed (4,3) 29. Spell it out, myself (4) 25. The dozy son has got in with 30. Irresolute and lacking a rowdy set (6) conviction (6) 26. Regretting having called one 31. Pete got upset a little about in (5) what one said last night (5,5) 28. Outdo on the circuit (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Aweigh 5 Slight DOWN: 1 Attach 2 Earn 3 Hand 8 Avert 9 Thrown 10 Repair across 4 Health and wealth 5 14 Holy Loch 16 Minute 18 Stream 6 Glad 7 Throne 12 Lightening 20 Peanut 22 Pythons 13 Ingrate 15 Olive 17 Wresting 25 Erase 27 Column Taken 19 See sense 20 Parcel 28 Notion 29 Cities 30 Legate 21 Thence 23 Gannet 24 Flog 31 Expert. 26 Vice. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

UK Singles chart

This month sees the introduction of new rules for the UK singles chart which will limit artists to a maximum of three songs in the top 100. The change was prompted by artists such as Drake, Stormzy, Kendrick Lamar, Chainsmokers, Little Mix, The Weeknd and, particularly, Ed Sheeran dominating the chart with album tracks rather than singles. Such situations became possible through the introduction of digital downloads and listening figures from streaming services being part of the sales calculation. Any album track can be downloaded and streamed. There will also be a new streaming ratio for older tracks. The aim of this is to prevent songs from hanging around the lower end of the top 100 for many months, if not years. The overall objective is to support new talent giving songs by lesser known artists the opportunity to climb the chart without being blocked by older tracks which have passed their peak. While the changes are well-intentioned, the end result will be a distorted chart in terms of song sales and popularity. All 16 tracks from Ed Sheeran’s Divide album were listed in the UK top 20. Had the new rules been in place, 13 of the SZA’s move into music was not enthusiastically embraced by her parents. most popular songs in Britain would never have appeared in the charts. Might it not have been better to leave things as they are but rename the singles chart as the Popular Songs chart. Then introduce a new chart which is made up exclusively SZA just wants to speak to of off icially released singles. Ed Sheeran would still have had 16 entries in the top 20 of the Popular Songs chart but just two on the off icially released singles chart. everyone through music Geri Horner Geri Horner may have called off the Spice Girls reunion concert because of the constraints of looking after her new “I got fi red from all of them apart from too sensitive and I had to get over it.” baby. But she has found the time to write a new solo single, By Geoff rey Rowlands my last job at the Sephora cosmetics Her parents have gradually come to Angels in Chains, as a tribute to her late friend, George store. I quit that one. Having the accept SZA’s career choice. Michael. opportunity to quit before someone fi red “I guess there are times when they The song was recorded with George’s ‘music family.’ It ZA’s voice has been described me felt really cool.” feel like they don’t know who I am. was produced by Chris Porter who suggested involving as alternating between a smoky By this time, she had self-released her They spent so much time being super George’s music director, Chris Cameron, guitarist Phil husk and a sky-high falsetto. It debut EP, See SZA Run. conservative that a music artist was Palmer and backing singers Shirley Lewis, Lucy Jules and is a vocal style which is likened “My recording career came about by probably the last thing they expected me Jay Henry. to that of Icelandic singer accident. I was with a friend when we to be. I’m sure the success I’ve had has The lyrics are particularly poignant making numerous SBjork, one of SZA’s acknowledged music took some beats from the Internet and also helped them come to terms with references to George’s songs. infl uences. I freestyled lyrics over them. My friend what I do. They can also see I’m having a “I was nine months pregnant with my son Monty when I “I came across Bjork’s music by insisted it sounded good and we recorded great time.” heard the news of George’s passing,” Geri explained. “My accident,” explained 26-year-old SZA, the song. I then did another song, then SZA’s rise to fame has culminated in emotions were all over the place. I didn’t know what to do real name Solana Imani Rowe. “My another and came to realise the tracks a number three spot on the Billboard with my feelings so I put them into the song which became mother had enrolled me in a gymnastics were good enough to make something out 200 for her debut album, Ctrl. The LP Angels in Chains. camp when I was a child. I heard Bjork of them.” also holds pole position on the Top R&B “I felt blessed to work on the record with Chris Porter and rap artists such as Jay-Z, Common, See SZA Run attracted enormous Albums chart. and the same team George had handpicked for his own OutKast and Nas on an iPod that one of critical acclaim. Containing seven tracks, Her progression was through a further projects. I am first and foremost a George Michael fan so to the other girls had taken to camp. it was more like a mini-album than an EP. two acclaimed EPs, S and Z, a record deal be in the same studio with these amazingly gifted artists “Hearing this stuff changed my life. The number of songs allowed SZA’s range with Top Dawg Entertainment and now a who have put their stamp on so many of my favourite My parents were strict when it came to of styles to be revealed. Her music was major label contract with RCA. records was a real privilege for me. music. They limited me to Brazilian jazz, described as everything from chillwave “Top Dawg signed me after I’d self- “In the process, I found how healing making this record had Lauryn Hill, Miles Davis and soul. Lauryn to cloud rap and ethereal R&B to witch released S. I had a friend to thank for been not only for me but also for everyone involved. This Hill lived on the next street to us in house. hooking me up with the label. She gave is our way of saying goodbye to our friend and music idol. Maplewood, New Jersey. I used to see her “I have so many diff erent infl uences. Top Dawg co-president (Terrence) I hope George’s fans enjoy the song as much as we have all the time at the local Baskin-Robbins Not just music stars such as Jamiroquai, ‘Punch’ Henderson some of my early enjoyed making it.” ice cream shop. She was this pretty voice Billie Holiday, Frank Ocean or Red Hot songs. He thought I had potential and The Angels in Chains video is posted at www.youtube.com/ and face that my father respected.” Chili Peppers but non-musical people kept in touch. I actually became the fi rst watch?v=NmT2aSEayWQ Although hearing the iPod songs may such as gymnasts, ice skaters, painters female and fi rst non-rapper to sign with All proceeds will be donated to Childline, one of George’s have broadened her musical horizon, SZA and fi lmmakers.” them. The deal with RCA was done this favourite charities. (pronounced Sizza) had no thoughts of SZA’s move into music was not past April and they’ve given my album A full interview with Geri on the making of Angels in Chains forging a career in the music business. enthusiastically embraced by her parents. fantastic promotion.” can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpNIR3w-_1E “I was really into the natural sciences. I Born in St. Louis, Missouri, the family The one aspect of her work for which collected National Geographic magazines relocated to New Jersey after her father SZA does not care is being regarded as a Wiz Khalifa and watched everything on Animal became an executive producer at CNN. celebrity. Planet. I majored in marine biology Her mother also held an executive “I don’t much like being thought of Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa will issue his latest album, at college. I didn’t really know what I position at AT&T. Many of her early songs as a public fi gure. Everyone thinks they Rolling Papers 2, later this year. wanted to do but I fi gured I was going to explored the lack of approval she received know you and has an opinion about you. In the meantime, he has released not one but two four- be a scientist and travel the world doing from her parents. I’ve also been labelled as the next Lauryn track EPs, Pre-Rolleds and Bong Rips. Both products are some kind of work with animals.” “I should have been a boy. My dad, with Hill or the next Erykah Badu. I don’t want available to hear online and download for free. SZA was supposedly set for graduate his militant state of mind, talked to me anything like that. I just want to speak to The former is at www.datpiff .com/Wiz-Khalifa-Pre-Rolleds- school. As it transpired, she simply left like I was a boy. I took things really hard. I everyone through my music and be able to mixtape.847118.html while the latter can be found at www. college and did a string of random jobs. was a crybaby. My mom always said I was do what I want to do.” datpiff .com/Wiz-Khalifa-Bong-Rips-EP-mixtape.850296.html Tuesday, July 4, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Gandhiji would have loved Partition: 1947, says Chadha

ilmmaker Gurinder telephoned” to inform that he got Chadha, who has told some new evidence. of the events that led “In India, the whole fi lm relied on to India’s Partition, whether we got Umaid Bhawan as through her forthcoming a location because it is a very busy fiF lm Partition: 1947, says she is hotel and they said that you will confi dent that Mahatma Gandhi not get it. But we got the location. would have loved the fi lm as it is in So, it was like everything just came sync with his philosophies. together.” “When I fi nished the fi lm and I The Indian and Pakistani cast looked at it, I realised that it is a fi lm of the project, which released that Gandhiji would have liked. It internationally as Viceroy’s House, is totally on Gandhiji’s philosophy. is led by Manish Dayal, Huma He was completely sidelined by that Qureshi and the late Om Puri. point (of Partition),” the British The roles of the principal political fi lmmaker of Sikh origin said. leaders are played by Tanveer Ghani It is a story that is deeply (Jawaharlal Nehru), Denzil Smith personal to Gurinder, whose own (Muhammad Ali Jinnah) and Neeraj family was caught up in the tragic Kabi (Mahatma Gandhi). events that unfolded as the British The British cast is led by Hugh Raj came to an end. The fi lm Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten, narrates story of the trauma that Gillian Anderson as his wife Lady people went through due to the Mountbatten, Lily Travers as their division, and how it changed their daughter Pamela, and Michael life. Gambon and Simon Callow as key Gurinder has also brought in civil servants. British side of the story, and showed The fi lm examines the division what role did Lord Mountbatten of the country through the prism of play in all of it. She took lead from a marriage — that of Mountbatten Narendra Singh Sarila’s book The and Edwina Mountbatten — and Shadow of the Great Game for fi lm. TOUGH CALL: “It was very hard (making the film),” says Gurinder Chadha. a romance — that between a Looking back at the whole young Hindu servant, Jeet, and his process that went behind the There were times when I used to get this fi lm’. It is so upsetting.” something came and pushed intended Muslim bride, Aalia. making of the fi lm, Gurinder said: upset, and there were times when She says she would pause for me to the next day. Something It is scheduled to release in India “It was very hard (making the fi lm). I felt like ‘I don’t think I can make some time, but “every time I halted, new happened like when Sarila on August 18. — IANS

because Nanjiani’s real father was keen on Seyfried can’t take her the actor. eyes off new husband For Kher, Big Sick was “Kumail asked his father whom he would like to play him. Apparently, Kumail’s father Actress Amanda Seyfried, who secretly eloped said my name without a second thought. with Thomas Sadoski in March, seems totally But Kumail didn’t know how to get in smitten by him. an opportunity to touch with me and there was no time. The The Veronica Mars star took to Instagram to post shooting was about to begin. Luckily, they some loving words and sweet photos, wishing the got in touch with me through a relative of 41-year-old a happy birthday, reports eonline.com. mine.” In one image, the couple, who welcomed their broaden his horizon On hearing how keen they were to get fi rst child just two weeks after their secret wedding, him for the role, Anupam personally rang is perched on children’s play ponies. isolation and the way Muslims are regarded up Nanjiani. In the photo, Amanda looks admiringly at the By Subhash K. Jha with suspicion and distrust. And it deals “I rang up Kumail and said I was Anupam John Wick star. It is captioned: “Still can’t take my with such serious issues with warmth and Kher. He said, ‘Okay’ and hung up. He eyes off you. Happy Birthday to the man of my life.” laughter. I love it.” thought it was a crank call. I called him The 31-year-old actress also posted a photograph nupam Kher says he saw Anupam got the role of Nanjiani’s father again and this time told him it was actually of the actor giving her a piggyback ride in front of Hollywood’s The Big Sick as me and off ered my services. Within no time a lake while their dog Finn gives the new parents a an opportunity to broaden his it was fi rmed in.” hug. The two had met while acting in Neil LaBute’s horizon as an actor after having The big moment for Kumail’s father play The Way We Get By. — IANS worked with the likes of Woody was when he visited the shooting to meet AAllen and Robert De Niro. Anupam. Directed by Michael Showalter, The Big “It was just two days before we wrapped Sick is about the real life story of comedian up. Since Kumail’s father was so keen that I Kumail Nanjiani, who not just features in play him, it was important that we meet. It the lead role but has also penned the fi lm’s was a very emotional moment.” screenplay with wife Emily Gordon. Interestingly, Kumail made only one “I loved the idea. Though I had never request. seen his work, I immediately warmed up to “Kumail wanted me to grow a French Kumail Nanjiani. And when I got to know Beard since his father has one. I gladly I’d get to work with American legends like complied.” Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, I felt it Once on board Kher fl ew to the US, only was one more opportunity to broaden my to be stranded without permission to join horizon as an actor, having worked earlier the shooting. with the likes of Woody Allen, Ang Lee and “There was an issue with my work Robert de Niro,” Anupam said. permit. For six out of those 27 shooting Anupam is quite delighted by the days of the fi lm, I was stuck in New attention. York without work. We almost thought The Big Sick is a very important fi lm. It I wouldn’t be able to do it. But then the SMITTEN: Amanda Seyfried, right, with husband talks about racism, xenophobia, cultural GLAD: Anupam Kher. permit happened.” — IANS Thomas Sadoski. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, July 4, 2017 COMMUNITY

The German town of Herzberg is a surprising hotspot for Esperanto. The language is currently A bust of the creator of Esperanto, Ludwig Zamenhof, can be seen in the German town of Herzberg. spoken by some two million people around the world. With 2mn speakers, Esperanto language is still going strong Created in the late 1800s as a way of reducing cultural tensions, Esperanto had the noblest of beginnings. And despite the diff iculties of promoting a constructed language, it still has a large cohort of fans all around the world. By Christian Brahmann

n the central German town of “The Esperanto society has worked really Russians and Germans, and Zamenhof Languages don’t become important Herzberg, people speak Esperanto: hard for the language and we support that,” came to believe that the frequent conflicts because they sound nice or they’re easy “Herzberg estas pitoreska urbo,” says the local mayor, Lutz Peters. between the groups were the result of to learn, but because of the power and meaning “Herzberg is a picturesque Herzberg is not the only place in language barriers. attractiveness of the countries to which town,” for example. the world where Esperanto still has a It gave him the idea for an international they belong, she adds. IPeter Zilvar, director of the Interkultura surprisingly strong hold. It’s not known language that would be easy to learn, and he “Esperanto doesn’t have a lobby group Centro Herzberg (Esperanto for how many Esperanto speakers there are, put together his first draft in 1878 at the age and there are no signs that that will “Intercultural Centre of Herzberg”), has though estimates put it at around 2 million of just 19. change,” she says. “The community of been leading a campaign to literally spread worldwide. “In the first Esperanto book in 1887, Esperanto speakers is relatively small.” the word for the past 40 years, and a square Very few people know that around 200 Zamenhof came up with three main aims But it’s big enough that the language still in the town was recently named after the books are published in Esperanto every for his language,” says Louis von Wunsch- has a future. “Esperanto is no failed project. inventor of the international language, year. There are even Esperanto-only Rolshoven of the German Esperanto It’s just not well known enough that we can Ludwik Zamenhof. publishers, distributors and literature Association in Berlin. guess at its potential,” says Fiedler. “The language is significantly easier magazines in which reviews of the books First, it should be easy to learn; second, it “There are Esperanto meetings at local, than any other language. You can learn it in appear. should be internationally useful; and third, national and international levels at around a third of the time,” says Zilvar. The foreign-language app Duolingo it should be available to the masses. which only Esperanto is spoken and Zilvar has around 120 comrades-in-arms has around 800,000 registered Esperanto As a consequence, Esperanto has just one there’s an annual world congress,” says in the region and their campaign has led to learners. article, three tenses and 16 grammatical Fiedler. the introduction of bilingual signs at the Zamenhof was born in the second half of rules, with no exceptions. “Even if Esperanto doesn’t become a city’s station and in some restaurants. the 19th century in the town of Bialystok “The third goal, to make the language an world language in the immediate future, There was already a marble bust of in what is now northern Poland, and international mode of communication in we are carrying on with Zamenhof’s ideas,” Zamenhof at the previously nameless square which was then part of the former Russian addition to people’s native tongues, has not says Zilvar in Herzberg. so it wasn’t a big leap for Herzberg, which calls Empire. happened,” says linguist Sabine Fiedler at Zamenhof would doubtless be pleased – itself “Esperanto city,” to name it after him. Its inhabitants were a mix of Jews, Poles, the University of Leipzig. Esperanto means “A hopeful one.” -DPA