Margaret Atwood Reveals More About Why She Is Following on the Handmaid's Tale. P4-5

Community Community PISQ organises The increase the second in demand of P6edition of P16 avocados is three-day workshop leading to the for the professional indiscriminate development of destruction the teachers. of land.

Monday, December 3, 2018 Rabia I 25, 1440 AH

Doha today: 170 - 280

COVER The sequel STORY Margaret Atwood reveals more about why she is following on The Handmaid’s Tale. P4-5

BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD

Ranveer’s mantra: Say yes Disney’s animated series to everything wife says. inspired by Indian culture. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.42am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.03am Zuhr (noon) 11.23am Asr (afternoon) 2.23pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.45pm Isha (night) 6.15pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Robin Hood commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt DIRECTION: Otto Bathurst English crown in a thrilling action with gritty battlefi eld CAST: Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Mendelsohn exploits, mind-blowing fi ght and a timeless romance. Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish THEATRE: 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 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 The Girl in The Spider’s Web a computer program that can access FireWall work. Now, Lisbeth and an Qatar Airways 40253374 DIRECTION: Fede Alvarez codes for nuclear weapons worldwide. unlikely ally must race against time to CAST: Claire Foy, Sylvia Hoeks, The download soon draws attention from save the boy and recover the codes to Lakeith Stanfi eld an NSA agent who traces the activity avert disaster. SYNOPSIS: Fired from the National to Stockholm. Further problems arise Security Agency, Frans Balder recruits when Russian thugs take Lisbeth’s laptop hacker Lisbeth Salander to steal FireWall, and kidnap a math whiz who can make THEATRE: The Mall ote Unquo Qu te “Good, The Mall Cinema (1): The Enforcer (2D) 3pm; better, best. Never let Thugs Of Hindostan (Hindi) 2.0 (Hindi) 5:15pm; Instant 2:30pm; 2.0 (Tamil) 5:30pm; Family (2D) 8:15pm; Tourab it rest. ‘Til your good is better 2.0 (Tamil) 8:30pm; 2.0 Instant Family (2D) 10:30pm. El Mass (Arabic) 10:30pm. and your better is best.” (Hindi) 11:15pm. Landmark Cinema (1): 2.0 Royal Plaza Cinema Palace The Mall Cinema (2): 2.0 (Telugu) 2:30pm; Creed II (1): 2.0 (Tamil) 3pm; 2.0 (Telugu) 2:15pm; Creed II (2D) (2D) 5:15pm; Creed II (2D) (Hindi) 5:45pm; 2.0 (Tamil) — St Jerome 5pm; The Girl In The Spider’s 7:45pm; 2.0 (Hindi) 10:15pm. 8:30pm; 2.0 (Hindi) 11:15pm. Web (2D) 7:30pm; Robin Landmark Cinema (2): Royal Plaza Cinema Hood: Origins (2D) 9:30pm; Ralph Breaks The Internet: Palace (2): Ralph Breaks Creed II (2D) 11:30pm. Wreck It Ralph 2 (2D) The Internet: Wreck It Ralph The Mall Cinema (3): Ralph 3:30pm; Ralph Breaks The 2 (2D) 2:30pm; Ralph Breaks Community Editor Breaks The Internet: Wreck Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2 The Internet: Wreck It Ralph Kamran Rehmat It Ralph 2 (2D) 3pm; Ralph (2D) 5:30pm; 2.0 (Tamil) 2 (2D) 4:30pm; Creed Ii e-mail: [email protected] Breaks The Internet: Wreck 7:45pm; 2.0 (Tamil) 10:30pm. (2D) 6:45pm; Instant Family Telephone: 44466405 It Ralph 2 (2D) 5pm; Tourab Landmark Cinema (3): (2D) 9:15pm; Creed Ii (2D) Fax: 44350474 El Mass (Arabic) 7:30pm; Detective Conan: Zero 11:30pm. Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

unstoppable. Soar to new heights in the all- new Super Zone and suit up in gear fit for only the most super of heroes as you collect your medal at the Finish Line! 2019 will also include the Foam Zone. Gates will open at 7am on January 26, with our first Color Runners setting off at 8.30am.

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday TIME: 6pm Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club Music and Arts Atelier. WHERE: Losail Circuit The lessons will take place every WHEN: Ongoing Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at TIME: 5pm 6pm. For more information, contact Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association [email protected] with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the floodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

Meditation Retreat EVENTS Acting Classes WHERE: Banana Island Resort WHERE: Retaj Al Rayyan, West Bay WHEN: December 14 – 15 Ajyal Film Festival WHEN: Ongoing till December 19 Imagine waking up with the peaceful WHERE: Katara TIME: 3pm – 7:30pm silence of a paradise beach as your senses WHEN: Today The Talent Factory is having an acting are lured by the smell of essential oils, TIME: 10am – 10pm monthly course for kids and adults. Gentë vegan food and fresh herbal tea. With each Sound, Camera, Action. Qatar Living is Retkoceri Rrahmani, Teaching artist and breath, your whole being feels relaxed and proud to be the official media partner of the actor, will take care to create an amazingly recharged. You can finally release all the sixth edition of Ajyal Film Festival where entertaining and socialising class for tension you’ve been carrying for years. The After School Activities you can have a week-long exposure to the kids and adults. Both programmes are bright sunlight warms your face as you walk WHERE: Atelier art of film. Ajyal Film Festival is Doha Film specifically designed to fit different on the beach to join morning yoga, sound WHEN: Ongoing Institute’s annual celebration of film. The ages with the main purpose to develop healing and mindfulness meditation. Music and arts Activities for students word Ajyal means generations in Arabic and the participant’s self-esteem, especially taking place after they finish their day in the audience for this festival is people from when in front of audiences. Kids course school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- ages 8-21 who are categorised in different fee is QR600 and adult course fee is hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama generations. This festival is all about QR800. For further details, e-mail at Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and watching global cinema, analysing them [email protected] 10 years old after school hours. and discussing afterwards. Hobby Classes Explore Coral Reefs and Discover WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al Diving Hilal Focus Medical Centre WHERE: Doha English Speaking School WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHEN: December 5 Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic TIME: 7pm performing artsinstitution and a one stop Few people know the divable waters of solution for adults as well as children Qatar like Khaled Zaki, Diving Consultant/ looking to explore their talents in various Master Instructor. His talk will provide Heritage Library’s Permanent art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic a brief introduction to coral reefs, with Exhibition Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, some interesting statistics and underwater WHERE: Qatar National Library Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, (UW) footage from Qatar. The history WHEN: Ongoing till December 31 contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. of diving will also be discussed along TIME: 9am – 8pm For details, call 33897609. with the positive effects it has on the Katara Beach - School Students The exhibition displays around 400 items environment and communities in Qatar WHERE: Katara from the QNL Heritage Library collection and worldwide. The talk will also cover how WHEN: Ongoing that illustrate the spread and evolution the UW videography and photography can TIME: 9am – 12pm of ideas throughout the Arab and Islamic positively affect conservation of marine By participating in the programme of world, as well as document interactions life. ‘Our culture is a school’, Katara Beach between Arabs and the West over the past emphasises the Qatari marine tradition several centuries. The exhibition features Katara Dhow festival and introduces to students the meaning of books, manuscripts, historical photographs WHERE: Katara Dasha, Al Qafal and various type of pearls. maps, globes and travellers’ instruments WHEN: Ongoing The students will discover all details of the that tell the story of Qatar, along with the TIME: 3:30pm – 10pm Fath El-Kheir journey. history of science, literature, writing, travel Be there to witness exciting activities in the region, and much more. and events at Katara 8th Traditional Dhow Festival, scheduled to take place at Katara’s The Colour Run beach. During the month of November be WHERE: QNCC there and experience the cultural heritage WHEN: January 26 of Qatar. TIME: 8:30am Celebrate the hero in you in a realm where nothing is impossible and you are

Dance and instrument classes WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Ballet Lessons Learn the movements of dance styles WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the WHEN: Ongoing musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, TIME: 4pm – 8pm Keyboard for adults as well kids and move For more info e-mail at registration@ in the world of music. For details, contact atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I have rules, but I don’t necessarily obey them” — Margaret Atwood, poet, novelist, literary critic

People don’t like being preached to when they’re reading fiction, and avoiding that is manuscript- specific. And with any manuscript, ‘ some people are going to like it, some people are going to hate it and some people are going to be indifferent

rights organisation Equality Now. By Ashley Lee The Make Equality Reality gala will also laud The Hate U Give actress Amandla Stenberg and behavioural argaret Atwood is geneticist Sue Smalley at the writing a sequel to Beverly Hilton hotel. The Handmaid’s Atwood, 79, spoke with The Tale, her prescient Times about penning a Handmaid’s 1985 novel later Tale sequel and writing work that adaptedM for a hit series on Hulu. inspires readers to take action. Announced last Wednesday and expected in September 2019, The Congratulations on being Testaments is set 15 years after the honoured by Equality’ Now. protagonist’s fi nal scene in the Yes, I’m being honoured but original book and is narrated by really, I’m helping them to raise three female characters. money. They fi ght for women’s An informed expert on rights, and that’s the kind of dystopian, patriarchal societies, feminist I am. They’re based on the the prolifi c Canadian author of Universal Declaration of Human Alias Grace, Oryx and Crake and Rights, which everyone should the MaddAddam trilogy will also be go back and read because they’ve honoured today by leading women’s forgotten about it. They are real Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY activists, that’s what they do every day. I’m not a real activist. The diff erence between them and me is that I’m just a person who doesn’t have a job, so people like me have the privilege of getting to mouth off because nobody can fi re them.

The Handmaid’s Tale has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, from the Hulu series adaptation to the use of its signature garb in legislative “You can have demonstrations. Why write a sequel? totalitarianisms That’s easy to answer. Number on the left as one, it’s fun. But that’s a very frivolous answer. Number two, much as you can I’ve been asked these questions by readers for 35 years. “Oh, come on the right. It’s on, Margaret!” So it’s time to address some of the requests. It’s not a question not a continuation that starts fi ve of, this side is minutes after the book ends and then I tell you what happens next. good, this side It takes place 15 years after the book ends. [I’ve had the idea] over the is bad; it’s when past fi ve years or so. I’m almost fi nished with it. things get to an extreme, they Your Wednesday announcement said it’s inspired look much by “the world we’ve been living in.” What did you mean? the same” The news has become so much more extreme. What about these people in Ohio that are saying motherhood should be mandatory? They haven’t done it yet, they’re talking about it. But when people talk about things like that, being the age I am, I’m remembering that Hitler said it all in Mein Kampf and then he did it. If they had the power, they would do it. These ideas have been tried before. What I’m fi xated on now, of meeting about a new development probably have a problem if course, like all Canadians, is we’ve under the umbrella of the Canadian everybody likes it. got our faces jammed up against Women’s Foundation called So it’s then, what is good the plate-glass window, looking AfterMeToo. It will be a web-based writing? The “art for art’s sake” into your country. What kind of initiative available to all that will people will have a diff erent answer shenanigans will they be up to provide people with the things than the Victorian moralists. Look next? What’s gonna happen next? they want and need the most: safe at the trial of Madame Bovary. I’ve never seen anything like it, and reporting, immediate counselling People forget these things and neither has anybody else. On one and third-party investigation. As they forget that Hitler and Stalin hand, it’s just riveting, and on the in, not from within the company and the Inquisition were big book other hand, it’s quite appalling. or educational institution because burners. It’s always gonna be this when it comes from within, is the tug of war between a freedom of What’s the key to any main goal to fi x our PR or to help expression and “in the interest of successful sequel, even if it’s the person? As we know, they tend the public good, we’re not only more than 30 years after a to do what’s best for them. It’s been gonna burn your book but also fry previous instalment? super troubling to watch over the you at the stake.” So how much Who knows? Let’s see if it does years. of a lynch mob do you want to work. The jury is not in. But I did This will help people make inspire? the MaddAddam trilogy, so I think informed decisions, presenting We’re not there yet. We’re not this is true for any world invention: them with their options and seeing big piles of books being You have to be consistent with your chances of success and steps burnt in the streets. Remember, you own axioms. you need to take. If I do this, can have totalitarianisms on the left I’m not going to say more [about what will happen? What sorts as much as you can on the right. It’s The Testaments]. You can’t pry of resources can I depend on? not a question of, this side is good, it out of me. I can tell you that If I’m going to be a witness in this side is bad; it’s when things get [my publishers] do have a cover, a court case, do I get to have a to an extreme, they look much the and they will be releasing it later. lawyer? The knowledge of this is same. And they are going to release almost nonexistent among the a newsletter that people can kinds of people who are the most You’re active on Twitter, subscribe to. It’ll probably be things vulnerable. which can be overwhelming like, “Got up this morning, had with our current news cycle as some coff ee, did some copy-editing What advice do you have for well as reader questions. How … ” Stuff you really need to know. authors aligning their fi ction do you manage? That’s their idea, that it’s sort of with social-justice issues? I can’t read everything. It’s not like a diary. “Now it’s at the printer, People don’t like being preached humanly possible. I have rules, and I got it back, and there were to when they’re reading fi ction, but like everybody else, I don’t 115 typographical errors!” [Laughs] and avoiding that is manuscript- necessarily obey them. “Now I’m Well, that is not going to happen. specifi c. And with any manuscript, going to go to bed” isn’t always some people are going to like it, a self-admonishment to which What women’s rights some people are going to hate it I liveth. I would love to have a initiatives have excited you and some people are going to be schedule that I actually paid any lately? THE PEAK: Margaret Atwood’s prescient 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale indiff erent. You have a problem attention to. Just yesterday, I was having a was adapted for a hit series on Hulu. if everybody hates it, and you —Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY PISQ organises three-day workshop for faculty

As a part of its on-going teacher training programme, Pakistan International School Qatar were arranged simultaneously in the Exam Cell and Library of PISQ. The teachers were (PISQ), in collaboration with Oxford University Press (OUP), recently organised the second divided into two groups. On the second day, PISQ teachers attended the workshop ‘Teaching edition of three-day’ workshop for the professional development of the teachers. The workshops, Methodologies in Mathematics’ and third day focused on ‘Teaching of English, new approaches included ‘Activity based teaching focusing on new approaches and methods’, ‘Teaching of English, and methodologies’. new approaches and methodologies’, and ‘Teaching of Mathematics, new approaches and Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of PISQ, took special interest in all the sessions and observed the methodologies’. The workshops highlighted all the OUP resources available for the subjects. workshops. According to her, the goal of these training workshops is to enable teachers to be Uzma Khan and Shazia Asad, both representatives of OUP, conducted the workshop. On the suff iciently prepared, confident and competent enough in making full use of the benefits of first day, two sessions of ‘Activity based teaching focusing on new approaches and methods’ these wonderful training sessions in and out of the classroom.

KP contributes to Chief Minister of Kerala’s Distress Relief Fund

Kochery & Partners LLP (KP), the Ambassador of Thailand. Other 1st Indian Law Firm licensed by the notable personalities who attended Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), recently the session, included businessmen, contributed Rs20 lakh to the Chief legal consultants, general managers, Minister of Kerala’s Distress Relief Fund hr managers, finance managers, for the flood relief, rebuilding Kerala administrators and contract managers. activities. The cheque was handed over The session was presented by Dr Nizar to Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kochery and Adv Rizwin Kochery, and Kerala, by Dr Nizar Kochery, Managing covered topics, including constitution Partner of KP, in the presence of other and court system of Qatar, law ministers, including Shri K T Jaleel and relating to contracts, companies, Shri VS Sunil Kumar along with K K foreign investment, trade, agencies, Sankaran, former Director of Norka income tax, consumer protection, Roots and Rizwin Kochery. e-commerce, intellectual property, The funds were raised through a one- privacy and data protection, lease, day Seminar on ‘Legal Environment arbitration, employment, immigration, in Qatar’. The seminar was also permanent residency, negotiable attended by Nathapol Khantahiran, instruments, wills and inheritance.

IEI holds technical seminar

The Institution of Engineers India (IEI)- Founding Director and CEO of Privacy Qatar Chapter recently organised a Virtuoso Global Pvt Ltd. Ajay elaborated technical seminar on ‘Quality and ISO on the quality and ISO standards. He said Standards and Privacy Engineering and that these are based on seven quality Assurance’ at Ashoka Hall, Indian Cultural management principles that senior Centre. The seminar was well attended by management can apply for organisational over 100 members of IEI. improvement on, including customer Abdul Sathar, Chairman IEI, welcomed focus, leadership, engagement of the gathering and introduced the people, process approach, improvement, guest speakers to the audience. He evidence-based decision-making, also spoke about the active role of relationship management. IEI-Qatar Chapter in the professional Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh said development of its member engineers, that privacy engineering and assurance is outlining the forthcoming programmes. the engineering methodology to bridge He said that IEI plays a significant role the gap between laws and principles and for the development of agriculture technologies and is intended to foster the and food processing, infrastructure, birth of the new professional. education and healthcare, information Abdul Sathar presented the mementoes and communication technology, critical to Ajay Singh and Rakesh Jha for their technologies and strategic industries such contribution as guest speaker. The event as nuclear, space technology and defence was compered by Dr Abdul Hameed, technology with larger objectives. Secretary of IEI, and Sajeet George, The seminar was conducted by Ajay Treasurer of IEI, proposed a vote of Singh, QA /QC Manager, and Rakesh Jha, thanks. Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Doha College hosts three-day MUN conference

Doha College recently organised Doha College Model United Nation (DCMUN). Some 600 conferences. David Moore, Director of DCMUN and faculty of history and sociology at Doha College, students from 18 schools of Doha, participated in a three day conference of presenting, lobbying said “As well as improving a plethora of skills in leadership, organisation, chairing and public speaking, and deliberating. Apart from polishing students’ public speaking, negotiation, leadership and DCMUN gives its members skills that are usable beyond Doha College, including in further education, communication skills, the conference brought into focus many topical issues of today. volunteering and employment. Not to mention meeting top-level diplomats, ambassadors and global The theme of the conference was ‘Life Without Fear’ and touched upon 41 issues. The issues were activists. I am proud that members of DCMUN research and address issues that need more attention in grouped into 13 categories, including ‘Disarmament and International Security’, ‘Economic and our media and speaks for those who have no voice and little power.” Financial’, ‘Social, Humanitarian and Cultural’, ‘Legal’, ‘Environment Commission’, ‘International Atomic Tajwaar Shafiq, President of DCMUN for 2018-2019, said, “All who have chosen to participate in MUN, Energy Agency’ and others. Issues, including Protection against the acts of cybercrimes towards in any role, will be all the better for it, either by pushing the boundaries of their own thought process multinational corporations, Reducing the eff ects of nuclear waste on natural life, Combating the issue of while opening their minds to others’, or by learning the ‘behind the scenes’ of conferences and event age-based discrimination, and the question of regulating and ensuring the stability of cryptocurrencies planning, to name just a minute fraction of what students will learn throughout their MUN career.” were discussed at the conference. Rajalakshmi Ravinuthala, Director of MUN from guest school Al The participating schools, included Sherborne Qatar, Lycee Bonaparte, Qatar International School, Doha Khor International School, said, “When I was in school, we did not have such opportunities. We gain College, Newton International Academy, DPS – Modern Indian School, International School of London more knowledge working with the students.” Doha College MUN students organised the event along Qatar, Birla Public School, Gulf English School, Al Khor International School, Dukhan English School, with the team of teachers. They also developed a website that detailed the benefits of getting involved, Qatar Academy, Al Jazeera Academy, Parkhouse English School, SEK Qatar International School, Noor the resources and the training the students can get, and information about the past and current Al Khaleej, Doha Academy (Girls), Doha Academy (Boys) and English Modern School.

BPS organises Annual Sports Day

Birla Public School recently organised its Annual Sports relay were also part of the event, Day at Al Wakrah Stadium. Around 700 students of In the Girls Category the winners, included Minha BPS participated in the sports day activities. Samba Fathima, a student of Grad-V, scored 11 points in was the chief guest at the event. Speaking on the Junior 1; Andria Mary, Grade-VI, 15 points in Junior occasion, he emphasised on the importance of sports 2; Nuha Zakiya, Grade-VII, 13 points in Intermediate; in a child’s life. He was happy to observe the untiring Harsha Jackson, Grade-X, 13 points in Senior; and eff orts invested by the school to achieve excellence in all Sindhu Nithyananda, Grade XI, 13 points in Super spheres of education and personality development of the Senior. students. In his address, he congratulated the achievers for In the Girls Category the winners, included Bala their commendable performance in sports and academics Mohan Krishna, a student of Grad-V, first in Junior and urged to equip themselves with versatile talents to take 1; Adhishesh Chitrakumar, Grade-VI, Junior 2; Azam on the challenges of life. Ahamed, Grade-VII, Intermediate; Amil Rajesh, The event kicked off with a melodious Arabic Stick Grade-X, Senior; and Ashvin Viju, Grade-XII, Super Dance, which was followed by thrilling pyramid Senior. formation, flag hoisting, Qatar and India’s National The positions of the houses, include Mars, first Anthem and a march past by the four houses of BPS, position with 252 points; Jupiter, second with 196 including Mars, Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn. The field points; Neptune, third with 172 points; and Saturn, events of 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m inter house fourth with 164 points. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY PIM felicitates successful examinees of SPLE-CPA

The successful examinees of Special Professional Licensure Examination – Certified Public Accountant (SPLE-CPA) recently received their Plaque of Recognition from the Philippine Institute of Management (PIM) Holiday Villa Hotel. The mentors, included Kentry B Ayson, AFAR Mentor; Liezel Santos, Audit Problems Mentor; Emma T Vitor, Tax Mentor; Rolando Matutis, MAS mentor; Atty Daisy B Garcia-Tingzon, LLB- RFBT mentor; Jeff rey Quinto, Theory mentor; and Rodelle Avila, Audit Theory mentor.

Greg Malouf joins forces with Julien Al Khal

Greg Malouf, Michelin Star Chef and acclaimed Author, recently joined forces with Julien Al Khal, Executive Chef of Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, to present a special Modern Middle Eastern menu at Al Sufra restaurant at Students of PISQ excel at Elocution and Marsa Malaz Kempinski. The menu was a combination of Arabic delights with a Holy Qur’an Recitation Competition special twist of new flavours and seasonings from the cuisines of the world. The Students of Pakistan International School Qatar All Rulers’. Master Ahmad Nasir participated in menu included an interesting (PISQ) recently participated in the 27th Inter- junior category and spoke on the topic of ‘Islam selection of servings, School Elocution Competition and 24th Holy Enlightened Human Souls With Divine Wisdom’. including Sultan Delight, a Qur’an Recitation Competition, organised by MES Ahmad was felicitated with a certificate of whipped smoky eggplant, Indian School. A total of 36 candidates from 9 excellence for his performance. Akawi cheese saffron and expatriate schools participated in the competition. Master Saarim Khan and Master Umar took part brick wafers, Stone roasted In the Elocution Competition, Master Muhammad in the Holy Qur’an Recitation Competition in the king prawns with green Subhan, a student of Grade-XII at PISQ, won senior and junior categories, respectively. Saarim Chermoula, fennel and second position in the senior category. The and Umar bagged third position in both the whipped feta, Organic rose topic for senior category elocution competition categories. Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of PISQ, petal ice cream with caramel was ‘Regime of Prophet- an Ideal Regime for felicitated and congratulated the participants. apples, rose jelly and wafers.

QFSSA kicks off with a football tournament

The Qatar Foundation Schools’ Sports Association (QFSSA) was off icially launched recently with a Mark Hughes, Director of Awsaj Academy, said, “The successful launch of the Qatar Foundation football tournament at Awsaj Academy, part of QF’s Pre-University Education. Schools’ Sports Association is a joint eff ort, and I’d like to thank all those involved in organising Open to QF elementary school students, under the age of 11, the competitions were held at the the event, including the teachers from across the diff erent schools. The aim of the program is football field of Awsaj Recreation Centre, and brought together nearly 120 students from Qatar to discover talented young players, refine their talent, and off er training which enables them Academy Al Wakrah, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Sidra, and to maximise their sporting potential training. I believe that it is an important initiative in the Awsaj Academy. development of future generations of sportspeople.” Qatar Academy Al Khor Boys Team and Qatar Academy Msheireb Girls Team were the two Sandijs Baskevics, Lead Physical Education Teacher at Awsaj Academy, said, “Our schools house a tournament champions, with the two Qatar Academy Sidra teams taking second and third place selection of fantastic sports facilities, therefore allowing us to host these events. The competitions for the boys, and the Qatar Academy Al Wakrah and Qatar Academy Sidra teams taking second enable our students to represent their schools, while demonstrating their skills, ability to work and third places, respectively for the girls. within a team, and positive sportsmanship.” Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 BOOK REVIEW COMMUNITY The Best of Us recounts story of love and death Joyce Maynard has built much of her literary career on the subject of her own life. Her most recent memoir, is the most moving chapter of that life yet. By Colette Bancroft

alf fairy-tale romance, half a grim record of devastating grief, The Best of Us recounts how Maynard met and marriedH the man of her dreams decades after she gave up on love, and then, less than two years after their wedding, lost him to pancreatic cancer, one of the most savage varieties of that disease. Maynard’s life has been well- examined. She gained fame early with an essay in the New York Times called ‘An Eighteen-Year- Old Looks Back at Life.’ For years she wrote a popular syndicated newspaper column based on her experiences as a wife, mother, reporter and novelist. In 1998 she published At Home in the World, a hugely controversial account of MEMOIR: Half fairy-tale romance, her brief relationship (she was 18, half a grim record of devastating he was 53) with Catcher in the Rye grief, The Best of Us recounts how author J D Salinger. Maynard met and married the The Best of Us fi nds her in her man of her dreams and lost him in late 50s. She had married in her less than two years of marriage to 20s, raised three children and pancreatic cancer. made a home she loved, but the marriage ended in a bitter divorce. of great experiences has dire Focused on her professional consequences. A climb up a life, she has had a number of mountain in Chile is exhilarating, relationships over the years, but a sip of creek water on the way but she doubts she’ll ever feel back leads to infection with the lightning strike again. bacteria cryptosporidium. For her She meets many of the men it’s a day of stomach upset; for him she dates in that most 21st it’s a life-threatening event that century fashion. Some of them could delay or cancel the Whipple. are disasters (as she comically And it’s just one of multiple severe recounts), but then there’s Jim infections to come. Barringer. A San Francisco estate As the book descends into the lawyer, a long-divorced father of nightmare world of Barringer’s three children he aches to be closer hospitalisations and side eff ects to, a handsome guy who loves fast and physical and mental decline, cars and rock ‘n’ roll, he sweeps Maynard does not spare the her off her feet, and the feeling is reader. She describes it all in mutual. detail, as vividly as she described Early in their relationship, their golden romance. But amid all Maynard writes, they celebrate her that darkness and pain, she shows 58th birthday. “Jim took me out for DETAILED: As the book descends into the nightmare world of Maynard’s husband’s hospitalisations and side eff ects us her husband’s courage and dinner in San Francisco. Driving and physical and mental decline, she does not spare the reader. She describes it all in detail. humour and determination. across the Golden Gate Bridge in Just weeks before his death, his silver Porsche past the palace And then Jim sees a doctor which makes him a candidate for full-time job. She obsessively failing fast and in hospice care, he of the Legion of Honour, the gold about a nagging back pain and is something called the Whipple researches doctors, hospitals, insists on attending a Bob Dylan dome of City Hall, the Opera, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. procedure, a gruelling and medications and clinical trials. concert at the Greek Theatre, I saw our life before us like the Maynard writes, “How does a extremely complex surgery (his She fi nds a pancreatic cancer an outdoor venue in Berkeley. glittering waters on San Francisco person describe the moment her will take 14 hours) that itself survivor group (a pitifully small “I’m taking Joyce on a date,” he Bay, dotted with sailboats. Here world ends? I felt it in my heart, as has a high rate of complications one) for Jim to attend; she fi nds tells friends. He has to watch was the life I had dreamed I real as a knifepoint going in.” and death. But for Maynard herbal treatments and macrobiotic Dylan’s performance from a would know one day, the picture The mostly joyful tone of the and Barringer it becomes their diets; they even take one doctor’s wheelchair, but he dresses to the I’d constructed over my many book’s fi rst half pivots as the greatest hope, even if simply advice to “eat good dirt.” nines and stays for the whole years alone of what a perfect realities of cancer overwhelm getting him well enough to have Barringer, with her help, tries show, monitored by nurses. Then relationship would look like. them. Pancreatic cancer is the surgery requires a regimen to cram as much living as he can Maynard takes him home: “He did Music and dancing, good meals extremely diffi cult to treat; even of chemotherapy and other into what time he has left. They not leave his bed again.” and a drive home with the top when it’s discovered early, which treatments that leaves them travel, they ride his motorcycle, The Best of Us is not a romance down, to climb into bed. We were is rare, the fi ve-year survival rate reeling. they spend time with friends with a fairy-tale happily ever after, tourists in the country of love.” is about 12 percent. Barringer’s For Maynard, fi nding a way and family. But the sicker he but it is a love story, bravely lived They marry, and it’s great. cancer is found relatively early, to beat the cancer becomes a gets, the more often that pursuit and told.– Tampa Bay Times/TNS 10 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Yo-yo dieting can be fatal: Study

o-yo dieting, or weight cycling, or the cyclical loss and gain of weight is associated with a higher death risk, researchers have warned. A study found that this form of dieting leads to adverse health outcomes and 80 per cent of Ypeople who lose weight gradually regain either the same weight or even more than they had before going on a diet. The Endocrine Society’s Scientifi c statement on the causes of obesity found that this was because once an individual loses weight, the body typically reduces the amount of energy expended at rest, during exercises and daily activities. While it increases hunger, thereby creating conditions for weight gain. “This study shows that weight cycling can heighten a person’s risk of death,” said Hak C Jang, Professor from the Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, also showed that weight loss from weight cycling can reduce diabetes risk in people with obesity. The health benefi ts of weight loss overshadowed the adverse eff ects of weight cycling for individuals with obesity looking to lower their diabetes risk. “We also concluded that weight loss as a result of weight cycling can ultimately reduce the risk of developing diabetes in people with obesity,” Jang noted. For the study, the team examined 3,678 men and women. Yo-yo dieting or yo-yo eff ect is a term coined by Kelly D. Brownell at Yale University, in reference to the cyclical loss and gain of weight, resembling the up-down motion of a yo-yo. — IANS

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

Things should go well for you today, Aries. Don’t shy away from the There may be too much fiery energy in the day to make you feel You may find that others are hostile toward you today, Gemini. Try obvious attraction that you have toward one special person. Today is comfortable with the situation, Taurus. Instead of trying to resist this not to take it personally. Realise that there are other people and the day to amplify that feeling instead of hide from it. Show off your powerful force, it would be better if you embraced it. Use this day situations with which you can connect that will help bolster your ego friendship with the brightest, boldest colours and actions possible. to draw out some of your inner flame and let it radiate toward the instead of drag it down. Make deeper connections with your friend There is magic in the attention that you give and receive. people you care about the most. This is a day to take action on your tonight by indulging in some adventure. Shared experiences will be feelings instead of swallow them without a word. extremely rewarding at this time. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Put your incredible sensitivity to work for you today in a way that Things should be going well for you today, so don’t miss the Don’t let other people’s insensitive actions dictate your mood today, inspires action, Cancer. There’s so much within you that needs opportunities that await you, Leo. There’s a sparkle in your eye that’s Virgo. Your state of mind is your responsibility, and you should work expression at this time. Don’t hold back any longer. When it comes unmistakable, and you will find that issues regarding relationships to come to a point at which you have full control over what you feel to issues regarding friendly relation, feel free to make a move. You are especially potent. Love is on your side. Take a trip with the at all times. If something isn’t working out, let it go. This isn’t a good may be attracted to those who tickle your brain cells. Philosophical people you enjoy most. time to try to stick a square peg in a round hole. discussions will be quite rewarding. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You should find that you have an extra amount of creative energy You may have been a bit indecisive lately when it comes to You took off like a bullet a few days ago, making great progress now, Libra, and you should do what you can to make this force work relationship, Scorpio. Perhaps your mind is drawn to one person in a short amount of time. Now you’re grappling with doubts that for you. There’s a time and place for everything, and now is the time while your heart is drawn to another. Perhaps you’re trying to trick are undermining all of your energy. Reflecting on the events of the to work together with your higher self to channel some of the artist your mind into seeing a certain quality in someone while you ignore past few days, it’s obvious that you were somewhat reckless in your within. Don’t let your self-doubt keep you from using the creative parts that you don’t really like. Make sure you accept people for all of headlong pursuit of your goals. Don’t give up, Sagittarius. Rethink force that’s brewing inside you. who they are and not just the individual parts. your strategy. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Feel free to strike out for new territory today, Capricorn. It could be Things regarding relationships may be climactic for you now, You may find that you’re taking a much more daring approach when that you’re so scared of losing what you have that you refuse to take Aquarius, and you may bump heads with someone in a way that it comes to relationships now, Pisces. If you aren’t, than maybe you risks to obtain something better that you want. Realise that you will makes it diff icult for either one of you to be content. More than likely should. You will never know the possibilities until you at least give it never get any further than the rut you’re in until you take a deep there’s an issue of freedom versus control that’s making it diff icult a try. You may find that there’s something spurring you on today. Use breath, aim high, and shoot for your dreams. to find a resolution. Perhaps you need to give a certain issue a break that impulse to initiate a new path toward the object of your desire. and come back to it later. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe More Five-letter Females

JANET KITTY MAEVE NANCY RHODA JENNY KYLIE MANDY NAOMI SALLY JODIE LAURA MARIE OLIVE SUSAN JOSIE LEIGH MEGAN PATSY TAMMY JOYCE LIBBY MERLE PAULA TRACY JULIA LINDA MITZI PEARL WENDY KAREN LORNA MOIRA PEGGY ZELDA KELLY MABEL MOLLY POLLY

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. Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1. Being rather on the dim 1. It’s stubborn of mother, putting a side, it’s too much to put worker out (7) up with (1,3,5) 2. Slight reduction in the hormone (7) 8. I’m taking the seed - it’s a 3. Like the music of a quartet on a long- sudden inclination (7) playing record? (5) 9. Liqueur sloshing around 4. Biblical character contrived lies in baths (7) about the ham being cooked (7) 10. On return, the salesman 5. Deceives the children (4) picks a hundred out for 6. How to get water out of a shoe (4) the captain (7) 7. Where the man turned up with the 13. To everyone it’s obvious new trio in the U.S. (7) it means the danger’s 11. An officer, do we hear, to the core? over (3-5) (6) 14. The kingdom detail is 12. Foreigner seen outside a barber’s quite authentic (4) shop (4) 16. High quality meat for a 15. Wrongly encourage the sailor to pick number at the Red Lion, up the note (4) anyhow (10) 17. Are turning up but taking an age (3) 20. Are too difficult for one 18. A bout of illness, and you might be to defeat (4) given it (4) 22. Plenty of luggage (4) 19. Is the puzzle why it’s got so many 24. It may involve using holes in it? (6) twice as many words, 21. A boring one, but it has its place in Answers but it amounts to the Shaw library (3) nothing (6-4) 22. An undisguised victory for the PM 28. The animals return to (7) Wordsearch Codeword grass (4) 23. The King George alphabet is familiar 29. Horse article I included is to Austrians (4) highly thought of (8) 25. In certain vehicles see women 31. Bobby’s such a bright wearing them (7) one (7) 26. Lowering a silver-coated dish (7) 34. One run by British Rail 27. It would be most considerate were for churchgoers? (7) the tin desk to be shifted (7) 35. Is at home, cooler, 30. She stands, identifying herself as a thanks to the princess man (5) (7) 32. Hazel’s crazy, losing her head with 36. Wrongly informed about such enthusiasm (4) there being anything 33. I leave the New Zealander about to beyond the fog (9) go a-roving (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 3 Metropolis; 8 Monica; Down: 1 Dominate; 2 Dishes; 3 9 Even; 10 Highwayman; 11 Got; Manages; 4 Tramp; 5 Open; 6 13 Bass; 14 Stretch; 15 Shot; 17 Long-stop; 7 Switches; 12 Trot; Tepid; 20 Tapes; 22 Lows; 24 14 Stew; 16 Hold; 17 Thieving; 18 Instead; 25 Cute; 27 Vet; 28 Positive; 19 Drew; 21 Extorted; Broad-sword; 29 Idle; 30 Earned; 23 Studied; 25 Coward; 26 Sonia; 31 Greensward. 28 Bees. 14 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD Ranveer’s mantra: Say yes to everything wife says

ewly wed Ranveer Singh with rapper Divine. knows the secret for a happy But it was Ranveer’s speech which married life: Say ‘yes’ to added a spunk. Though new to married everything your wife says. life, Ranveer already seems to know what He made the remark while it takes to have a happily ever after. Nlooking at his wife Deepika Padukone Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s husband at their wedding reception on Saturday Raj Kundra uploaded a video in which night that brought together a host of Ranveer can be seen sharing words of personalities ranging from Bollywood wisdom. megastar Big B to cricketer M S Dhoni. “The key to success in life is to say Amitabh danced to his song Jumma yes to everything that she says,” he said, Chumma and superstar Shah Rukh Khan pointing at Deepika. hit the dance floor with actress Malaika “So when baby says, ‘Baby, change Arora on their hit track Chaiyya chaiyya at the vibe of the music’, I have to oblige,” the star-studded gala which saw the stars Ranveer said. letting their hair down. The list of attendees also included, Ranveer and Deepika hosted a wedding actor Hrithik Roshan, Sara Ali Khan, reception, a black-tie industry party Ishaan Khatter, Disha Patani, Tiger night at The Grand Hyatt on Saturday in Shroff, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Apte, Mumbai, where well-known personalities Jim Sarbh, Lara Dutta along with husband from Bollywood, sports and political Mahesh Bhupathi, Vidya Balan with background were present. Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Hema Malini From the pictures and videos of the with son-in-law Bharat Takhtani, party circulated on social media, it seems producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and his the celebs had a gala time at the event, wife Anupama Chopra, Vicky Kaushal, which has rounded up days of celebrations Rekha, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Kalki around their nuptials which took place in Koechlin, Nimrat Kaur, R Madhavan and mid-November in Lake Como, Italy. his wife Sarita Birje. Not only Big B and SRK, actors like For the evening, the couple arrived Karisma Kapoor and Varun Dhawan looking nothing short of regal. Ranveer danced their heart out with Ranveer on a wore a classic black piece suit with a bow song from Judwaa. tie designed by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul In one of the videos, the Band Baaja Khanna. Deepika was dressed in a deep red Baaraat actor can be seen rapping along Zuhair Murad ensemble. – IANS CANDID: Ranveer Singh with his wife Deepika Padukone.

Parineeti happy about union waiting to catch a glimpse of the closely guarded between Jonas, Chopra families wedding. Priyanka and Nick exchanged wedding vows Actress Parineeti Chopra penned an emotional in a Christian wedding on Saturday. On Sunday, note as her cousin, actress Priyanka Chopra they will wed as per Hindu traditions at the Royal married American singer Nick Jonas. She is happy Umaid Bhawan Palace. about how the culturally diff erent families of the Hollywood celebs like Mindy Kaling, Gisele bride and groom have united. Bundchen, Julianne Hough and Sofi a Vergara were Sharing a picture from Priyanka’s mehendi on among those who took the social media route to Instagram, Parineeti welcomed Nick to her family wish them a happy married life. – IANS and is all praise for her “jiju” (brother-in-law). ”The job of us bridesmaids was to make sure the bride was happy and comfortable at all times. But we did not have to worry about it because Nick promised to do it all his life. “Welcome to the family Nick jiju! I am so so happy that the Jonas and Chopra family is now united,” she wrote. ALL PRAISE: Shah Rukh Khan says the people of Mumbai are very resilient. The couple also took to Instagram on Saturday to not just share glimpses of their ‘mehendi’ We need to make Mumbai personality. Most of the times, we festivities, but also their thoughts about following magical: Shah Rukh have seen that whether it’s raining, both traditions to get married. traffic jams or another kind of “One of the most special things that our Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh wrongdoings but Mumbai has always relationship has given us is a merging of families Khan has said that people of Mumbai been resilient, has come forth, stood who love and respect each others’ faiths and need to make a magical Mumbai for forth and fought everything of with cultures. “And so, planning our wedding with an themselves. love and kindness plus with a lot of amalgamation of both was so amazing.” Shah Rukh Khan was addressing guts,” he said. Priyanka looked every bit the ‘desi girl’ in a the media at the ‘Mumbai 2.0’ event “I think the other thing that we bright multi-coloured and festive lehenga choli for here on Saturday. It was organised should add to Mumbaikars is to add her mehendi ceremony, which took place on Friday. by the Government of Maharashtra the magical part of Mumbaikar. Our While she looked carefree and joyous, Nick also along with Chief Minister Devendra Mumbai is resilient and beautiful but seemed to be enjoying the customs to the hilt in a Fadnavis. we need to make a magical Mumbai,” kurta-pyjama. Talking about the people of he added. “An important part for the girl in an Indian Mumbai, Shah Rukh lauded the Shah Rukh next will be seen in wedding is the mehendi. Once again we made it resilience and patience of the city of Anand L Rai’s Zero along with Katrina our own, and it was an afternoon that kicked off Mumbai and it’s people. Kaif and Anushka Sharma. the celebrations in the way we both dreamed,” read “I think more than patience, people It is releasing in theatres on the post accompanying the pictures, which drew WELCOMING: Parineeti Chopra has welcomed Nick of Mumbai have resilience in their December 21. – IANS millions of fans across the world who had been to her family and is all praise for her brother-in-law. Monday, December 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Disney’s animated series inspired by Indian culture

CAREFREE: Rita Ora says that she never knows what she is looking for. I don’t have a type: Rita Ora

Pop star Rita Ora, who has been romantically linked to actor Andrew Garfi eld, says she doesn’t have a type. “I never know what I’m looking for. I don’t actually (have a type), at all,” Ora told people.com The singer, who has previously dated personalities like Calvin Harris and Rob Kardashian, has just released the single Let You Love Me, which touches on the struggles of committing to a relationship. The British beauty says she no longer has any trouble letting romantic love interests into her life. “I don’t have that much trouble anymore. I have great friends around me who are very local and we try to keep it small and compact and tight,” she said. Ora said that her past relationship experiences are similar to those of most other people. She said: “Let You Love Me wasn’t that deep. ADVENTURE: Mira, Royal Detective is set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur. “It was just kind of like a moment in time for me that I felt like everyone kind of goes through ira, Royal Detective, her own unique lens to gain diff erent Rooted in India’s vibrant heritage, each when they’re not mentally ready to commit to an animated mystery- perspectives and help others in her episode will weave authentic music, dance something, so it was more about running away adventure series inspired community. and customs into two 11 minutes stories. from something that you didn’t feel like you could by the culture and “We hope that she will encourage In addition to Ladnier, the Mira, Royal handle at that moment. It was more of a sense of customs of India, is slated our audience to actively engage with Detective voice cast includes, Freida Pinto relief.” – IANS Mto debut on Disney Junior channel and the inspiring world around them and as Queen Shanti; Hannah Simone as a programming blocks around the world in appreciate the little details that make life young commoner named Pinky; Jameela 2020. The production has already begun. extraordinary,” Joe D’Ambrosia, Senior Jamil as Mira’s Auntie Pushpa; Kal Penn Poppy Delevingne plays it safe Set in the magical Indian-inspired land Vice President, Original Programming, and Utkarsh Ambudkar as Mikku and of Jalpur, the series follows the brave and Disney Junior, said in a statement. Chikku respectively; Aasif Mandvi as Model-actress resourceful Mira, a commoner who is As a royal detective, Mira travels Mira’s father; Sahil; Sarita Choudhury as Poppy Delevingne appointed to the role of royal detective throughout the kingdom helping royals Prince Neel’s Great-Aunt Rupa; Aparna says that when she’s after solving a mystery that involves and commoners alike. Along with her Nancherla as Mira’s cousin Meena; unsure about a dress saving the kingdom’s young prince. friend Prince Neel, a talented inventor, Kamran Lucas as Prince Neel; Karan code, she doesn’t The role of Mira will be voiced by creative cousin Priya, and comical Brar as Prince Veer; Karan Soni as twins wear anything “too 15-year-old newcomer Leela Ladnier. mongoose sidekicks Mikku and Chikku, Ranjeet and Manjeet; Sarayu Blue as the out-there” as she “We are eager to introduce kids and she will stop at nothing to solve a case, palace tailor; Parvesh Cheena and Sonal doesn’t want to “get their families to the rich, diverse cultures taking young viewers on adventures that Shah as bandits, Manish and Poonam, in trouble”. and customs of India through Mira, highlight critical thinking and encourage respectively; and newcomer Roshni “If I am very unsure a young girl who looks at things with deductive reasoning. Edwards as Mira’s cousin Priya. – IANS of a dress code, I like to keep it very, very simple. I think it’s US going through ‘America First’. always a little scary if grotesque version of “This stands in contrast with you go too out-there. nationalism: De Niro what brings us tonight. The arts For me, what I’ll don’t respect borders... the arts do is maybe a little Actor Robert De Niro made celebrate diversity, origins and black dress with a a stringent criticism of the US ideas. Look at us here tonight we’re statement heel and administration without naming enjoying fi lms from 29 countries; a red lip. Nothing President Donald Trump as he we’re united in our love for fi lms too out-there that’s accepted his honorary award at the and our common humanity,” added going to get me into Marrakech Film Festival. De Niro, drawing repeated ovations trouble,” Delevingne SIMPLE: Poppy Delevingne De Niro was emotional as he and cheers from the audience. told Vogue Australia. says if she is unsure of a received the honour from fi lmmaker Scorsese introduced De Niro’s The Kingsman: dress code, she likes to keep Martin Scorsese, whom he called tribute with a moving, funny and The Golden Circle it very simple. his “friend, lifelong collaborator” vibrant speech in which he paid actress is no stranger and “one of the greatest blessings of homage to the actor’s “amazing to attending prestigious events and was recently (his) life”, reported variety.com body of work” before showing a guest at the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie The Oscar-winning actor said: a sprawling and meticulous and Jack Brooksbank on October 12, at Windsor “Sadly, in my country, we’re going selection of clips – some of which Castle, and thought that the bride was “more through a period of grotesque were entire scenes – from De beautiful than she’d ever seen her”, reports version of nationalism. Not the kind Niro’s films. femalefi rst.co.uk of nationalism where we celebrate The filmmaker said De Niro has She said: “It was beautiful – the whole thing the quality and character of our the “uncanny ability to get the was beautiful, she was more beautiful than I’ve diverse population; but rather viewer to empathise with some ever seen her, just the most glowing bride. It was a diabolic form of nationalism really horrifi c characters” and draw really a weekend to remember.” – IANS marked by greed, xenophobia and the viewer “to the humanity inside CRITIC: Robert De Niro made a stringent criticism of the selfi shness under the banner of the monster.” – IANS US administration at an award ceremony. 16 GULF TIMES Monday, December 3, 2018 COMMUNITY Ever growing popularity and demand of avocados In Mexico and other countries where the fruit is grown, the increase in demand is leading to the indiscriminate destruction of land and the exploitation of growers

LARGEST REGION: Michoacan is one of the largest avocado-growing regions in Mexico. CARE: Avocado requires lots of care to grow properly, especially when it comes to water. Avocado trees are planted in endless uniform rows in the fields around the city.

plantations continue to stretch into to grow about 48.98 per cent from By Amelie Richter forests and mountain ranges. 2017 to 2030. Global consumption It’s estimated that between 600 is expected to increase from 2.84 and 1,000 hectares of forest are million tons to 4.24 million tons he smell of moist earth being destroyed in the region per per year. and fresh resin from year to be turned into agricultural Mexico’s powerful cartels pine and oak trees fi elds. Piles of small woodchips haven’t missed the memo about hangs heavy in the air in remain as traces of the destruction. the avocado’s popularity, organised Michoacan. Nature in In addition, the fruit requires lots crime also has its fi nger in the ‘green thisT western Mexican state comes of care to grow properly, especially gold.’ Producers are often threatened in lush green tones and so does the when it comes to water. and kidnapped by gang members. region’s most lucrative fruit, the There are multiple small-time Some have formed defence groups avocado. avocado growers in the region, and even called on the federal police Michoacan is one of the largest several of them working illegally. In to intervene. The problem has avocado-growing regions in 2018, Mexican authorities caught lessened, but it does still exist. Mexico. And while the fruit’s several producers who were illegally Mexico isn’t the only country boom in worldwide popularity felling pine trees in order to use the with problems due to the huge has brought money to the growing area to grow avocados. growth in demand for the fruit. region, it’s also caused problems for According to a 2012 Mexican In the past few years, more than the environment. study commissioned by the 110,000 tonnes of avocado were According to the United Nations government, increased avocado produced and some 65,000 tonnes Food and Agriculture Organisation production has contributed were exported. The numbers mark a (FAO), the amount of agricultural to a loss in diversity as well as steady rise: In 2016, 101,000 tonnes land dedicated to growing environmental pollution and soil were produced and 47,000 tonnes ON THE RISE: In the past few years, more than 110,000 tonnes of avocado avocado around the world grew erosion. It has also damaged the exported. were produced and some 65,000 tonnes exported. The numbers mark from 381,000 hectares in 2006 to natural water cycle and endemic The fi rst avocado trees in this a steady rise: In 2016, 101,000 tonnes were produced and 47,000 tonnes 564,000 hectares in 2016. species in the area. region were brought to what was exported. A large part of that land is in “We are striving to fi nd a then Palestine roughly 100 years ago. Mexico, where the avocado originates balance that allows us to maintain Today, the green fruit is grown on ecology at Tel Aviv University. used for cultivation has risen from. Avocado trees are planted in the advantages and income, but about 8,500 hectares in, according to One possible problem that he steadily since the turn of the endless uniform rows in the fi elds also develop a more sustainable the local fruit-growing association. foresees, “Avocado trees need lots millennium; about 1,000 hectares around the city of Uruapan. form of production,” says Ramon Avocados are a staple of the diet of water.” A kilogram of avocados are added every year. Nearly 2 million tonnes of Paz Vega, spokesman for the - average consumption is about 5 requires about 600 litres of water. South Africa produced about avocados have been grown on some Mexican association of avocado kilograms per person per year. “In nature, nothing’s free,” he 120,000 tonnes of avocados in 2017, 200,000 hectares over the past producers and exports, APEAM. In light of the high demand warns. according to the local association of year. And the surface area used The group supports a reforestation and large profi ts, more and more The avocado boom has also avocado growers. Ten years earlier, to produce them is still growing. programme, among other growers are increasing the amount reached South Africa, especially that fi gure was only 74,000 tonnes. Mexican biologist Arturo Chacon initiatives. of land avocados are grown on. the north-eastern provinces Without artifi cial irrigation, Torres, founder of the campaign According to estimates by the Often, they replace land used to of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. however, it would not be possible group Academia Mexicana de Mexican Agriculture Ministry, grow citrus fruits, says Marcelo Those regions enjoy a warm and to grow avocados in South Impacto Ambiental, says avocado global demand for avocados is set Sternberg, professor of plant subtropical climate, and the area Africa.– DPA