Community Community Celebrated Pinoy TV stars Belgian artist James Reid P7 Luc Tuymans and Nadine will be down at P20 Lustre to visit the VCU-Q for the city in March as part of a talk tomorrow their world tour organised noon. by The Filipino Channel.

Sunday, January 10, 2016 Rabia I 30, 1437 AH

DOHA 16°C—23°C TODAY PUZZLES 14 & 15 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 16

COVER Page STORY turner Indian expatriate Sheeba Ameer on finding her calling — serving humanity through pain, loss. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 5.00am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.21am Zuhr (noon) 11.41am Asr (afternoon) 2.41pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.03pm Isha (night) 6.33pm

USEFUL NUMBERS Wazir chess grandmaster and a grief stricken Rao Hydari plays a pivotal character GENRE: Crime, Drama, Mystery ATS officer, brought together by in the film. And there’s a mysterious, CAST: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan a peculiar twist of fate as part of a dangerous opponent lurking in the Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari wider conspiracy that has cast a dark shadows, who is all set to checkmate DIRECTION: Bejoy Nambiar shadow over their lives. Farhan Akhtar them. SYNOPSIS: The film tells the story has once again donned the tough look, Emergency 999 of two unusual friends, a paralysed where he plays the ATS officer. Aditi THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 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 Qatar University 44033333

Charlie in a cat-and-mouse chase in the by-lanes of Kerala. She is te Unqu GENRE: Thriller looking for a mysterious artist who previously lived in her uo ot CAST: Dulquer Salmaan, Parvathy, Aparna Gopinath apartment. Q e DIRECTION: Martin Prakkat Life is the art SYNOPSIS: A young, woman named Tessa gets entangled THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall of drawing without an Mall Cinema (1): Charlie (Malayalam) Revenant (2D) 5.30pm; The Revenant eraser. 2pm; Get Squirrely (2D) 4.30pm; The (2D) 8.15pm; The Revenant (2D) 11pm. Revenant (2D) 6.15pm; Echo Eff ect (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The — John W Gardner 9pm; The Revenant (2D) 10.45pm. Good Dinosaur (2D) 3pm; Daddy’s Home Mall Cinema (2): The Danish Girl (2D) (Malayalam) 11pm. (2D) 5pm; The Danish Girl (2D) 7pm; 2.45pm; Fathers & Daughters (2D) Cinema Land Mark (2): Get Squirrely Daddy’s Home (2D) 9.15pm; Wazir (Hindi) 5pm; Daddy’s Home (2D) 7pm; Charlie (2D) 2.30pm; The Peanuts Movie (2D) 11pm. (Malayalam) 8.45pm; Lost In The Sun (2D) 4pm; The Revenant (2D) 5.30pm; The Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Get 11.15pm. Danish Girl (2D) 8.15pm; The Revenant Squirrely (2D) 2.15pm; Lost In The Mall Cinema (3): The Good Dinosaur (2D) 10.30pm. Sun (2D) 3.45pm; Star Wars: Episode (2D) 2.30pm; Star Wars: Episode VII – The Cinema Land Mark (3): Star Wars: VII – The Force Awakens (2D) 5.30pm; Force Awakens (2D) 4.15pm; Wazir (Hindi) Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2D) Fathers & Daughters (2D) 7.45pm; Echo Features Editor 6.30pm; The Revenant (2D) 8.30pm; 3pm; Daddy’s Home (2D) 5.30pm; Effect (2D) 9.45pm; Lost In The Sun Kamran Rehmat Wazir (Hindi) 11.15pm. The Danish Girl (2D) 7.30pm; Charlie (2D) 11.30pm. e-mail: [email protected] Cinema Land Mark (1): Charlie (Malayalam) 9.15pm; Echo Eff ect (2D) Asian Town Cinema: Charlie (Malayalam) (Malayalam) 2.30pm; The Good Dinosaur 11.30pm. 5.45, 6.30, 8.15, 8.30, 9.15, 10.15 & 11,pm; Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 5pm; Fathers & Daughters (2D) 7pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Wazir Wazir (Hindi) 5.45 & 11.15pm; Su Su Sudhi Fax: 44350474 Lost In The Sun (2D) 9.15pm; Charlie (Hindi) 2pm; Get Squirrely (2D) 4pm; The Vatmeekam (Malayalam) 7.45pm. Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Open Morning for prospective families Conference on Human Rights in Arab Salsa Beginners interested in visiting the school and fi nding Region DATE: Tuesday, Friday Global Organization III Conference out how the IB can enable pupils to gain places DATE: Jan 13-14 TIME: 8-9pm DATE: Jan 16-17 at the best universities. Come along and meet VENUE: The Ritz Carlton VENUE: Hilton Hotel VENUE: Qatar National Convention Center current families and students, as well as the The conference aims to highlight appropriate Whether you’ve danced salsa before or not, Qilaa for Training and Consulting will Head of School. To reserve your place please and necessary approaches of the United you will fi nd what you want. Diff erent salsa organise the third Training Conference towards register via our website: http://bit.ly/1meKTSq Nations human rights system, particularly the classes with diff erent levels at your service, Global Organisation, with the participation of or to fi nd out more please visit: http://www. role of OHCHR in protecting human rights in taught by the best instructors in Doha at Eforea a group of experts and leaders of prominent acs-schools.com/open-mornings-acs-doha. the Arab region in light of the current situation; Spa, Hilton Hotel. No need for a partner, no institutions in Qatar and GCC, as well as a how to improve States’ engagement with UN need for reservation, come as you are. Prices signifi cant number of scholars and researchers Neuroscience Conference treaty bodies’ mechanisms, and to follow-up are QR60 per person per lesson. Visit: www. interested in management. DATE: Feb 18-20 eff ectively on the Universal Periodic Review’s salsancandela.com VENUE: Sheraton Hotel recommendations. Katara QatART Handmade Market The 1st Qatar Annual Neuroscience Ladies day at Beach DATE: January 15 Conference, organised by the Neurological Aspire Park Cinema DATE: Every Monday TIME: 3pm Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation, off ers DATE: Ongoing until Feb 5 TIME: 9am-7pm VENUE: Katara, Bld 19 a comprehensive educational programme TIME: 6pm-8pm VENUE: Sheraton Doha Handmade Market with a wide variety of specifi cally designed for the Mena region VENUE: Aspire Park For all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel like handcrafts from Qatar-based makers of art, that will have signifi cant emphasis on Aspire Zone Foundation, in collaboration with taking some time off for yourself? Come join craft and design. Come support our creative practical aspects of common neurological Jeem TV, is presenting for the fi rst time children us at the Sheraton Resort for an all-day-access community, pick up unique products and and neurosurgical disorders. The scientifi c movies on its giant screen behind Hayat Plaza, to the beach and pool, along with aqua gym get inspired! Come and support creative programme committee has invited world every Thursday and Friday from 6pm to 8pm. aerobics for free. Nestled on the edge of Qatar’s endeavour! Entrance is free and everyone is leaders in their fi elds to share their knowledge West Bay with an unbeatable and uninterrupted welcome. with the attendees. Qatari Agricultural Product Yards views of the blue sea. Our pool and beach adds DATE: Until June 30 a tempting and exciting experience to enhance Jewellery and Watches Exhibition VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al Khor, your senses of relaxation. Enjoy only for QR100 DATE: Feb 23-27 Al Wakrah per person. VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Convention The Ministry of Environment will open the Center 4th season of Qatari agricultural product yards Swimming lessons for kids Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition for selling locally produced fruits, vegetables, DATE: Saturday to Thursday (DJWE) is being held once a year in Qatar. This poultry, fi sh and livestock. Work in these yards TIME: 10am-6pm show is one of the most exclusive in the world will continue for 7 months. The yards will VENUE: H2O Swim club for high level wealthy individuals interested operate three days a week on Thursdays, Fridays The Swim Club’s goal off ers a variety of in fi ne jewellery and unique pieces, watches, and Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, with livestock swimming programmes for adults and kids. gemstones, and diamonds, all represented by vendors in Al Mazrooa operating at the same They run the following programmes from more than 500 exclusive international brands. times throughout the week. competitive squads, leisure swimming for Additionally, a number of educational seminars kids, up to adult swimming. Operating hours: will be delivered on jewellery and watches Luc Tuymans: Intolerance Saturday to Thursday between 10am and 6pm Arabian Drag Racing League throughout the week. DATE: Until Jan 30 To fi nd out more, please visit their website: DATE: Jan 15 VENUE: Qatar Museums Gallery Alriwaq http://www.h2oswimclub.com. TIME: 4pm Aspire Run the Park Qatar Museums will present a retrospective VENUE: Qatar Racing Club DATE: Until Feb 13 of the work of Luc Tuymans, the fi rst solo show Fitness Training Join us at Qatar Racing Club for all 5 rounds VENUE: Aspire Park of the artist in the Gulf region. The exhibition, DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday of the Arabian Drag Racing League. Food and Aspire Zone Foundation will organise a series Intolerance, a comprehensive survey of the TIME: 6pm-7pm drinks are available. Children will enjoy the of four races on Saturday once a month on artist’s work, will include a series of wall VENUE: MIA Park children’s play areas on each side of the track January 16 and February 13. Participants should paintings and a new body of work, ‘The Arena’, There are fi tness classes in the park on with giant infl atable slides and bounce houses compete in at least three out the four races to created specifi cally for the show. Curated by Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6 and eat cotton candy. Everyone will enjoy win a medal and prize. They have to be there an Lynne Cooke, Senior Curator of Special Projects and 7pm. Open to all levels of fi tness, Bootcamp seeing the world’s fastest cars zoom down hour before the race. in Modern Art at the National Gallery of Art is an intensive and fun way to train and also the track, from 0 to 360km per hour in just 4 Washington. meet new people in the open and friendly group seconds! atmosphere. More information from Bootcamp VCUQatar Spring 2016 Qatar or [email protected] Workers Sports 2016 DATE: Jan 25 DATE: Jan-Nov VENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Doha City Join in our Walk-in Weekends TIME: Thursday- Friday Learn new skills and deepen your DATE: Every Saturday VENUE: QSports understanding of art and culture at VCUQatar. VENUE: MIA Atrium QSports is pleased to announce that Choose from a large selection of art, design and MIA art education and calligraphy teams registrations are now open for the most exciting craft courses at VCUQatar in Education City off er walk in workshops in MIA’s atrium every sports programme for blue collar workers of or at IAID (Academy for Dance, Music & Arts). Saturday. These walk in workshops are for Qatar. It comprises outdoor football league, Sports Meet Register online now, visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/ open for all family members. cricket (T-16), indoor volleyball, futsal and The fourth Indian expatriate sports meet community. For more details you can call IAID basketball. The event kicks off in late January organised by Youth Forum, in collaboration at 44320974 / 44411234 / 66710589 or e-mail Qajar Women and will continue throughout 2016. with Al Arabi Sports Club, will be held on us at [email protected]. DATE: Until January 30 February 9 and 12, 2016. The event, organised VENUE: MIA ICEP-Q 2016 in solidarity with Qatar National Sport Day Harrods Doha This exhibition demonstrates the centrality DATE: Jan 14-18 for various Indian expatriate organisations DATE: Until Jan 24 of women in the artistic expression of 19th- VENUE: Qatar National Convention Center in Qatar, aims at creating a healthy sporting TIME: 4pm-1:55pm century Iran and how it continues to inspire Emergency medicine plays an important culture and fostering co-operation among VENUE: Katara Cultural Village contemporary artists. The most popular public health role in the management of chronic community members. Harrods celebrates their inaugural launch representations of the Qajar era have been conditions, injuries and health risks and the The offi cial inauguration of the meet of the Harrods Doha Village. Be there and of male sovereigns, whose life-size portraits delivery of clinical and preventive services. This will be held on Qatar National Sport Day — experience luxury in style. exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this fi ve-day conference is designed to celebrate February 9. The inaugural ceremony will be era also saw a period of artistic modernisation and encourage discourse, learning, research and attended by eminent sports personalities of Pottery workshop for kids in Iran, particularly in paintings and quality improvement in the areas of emergency India and Qatar, as well as the representatives DATE: Every Monday photography, in which depictions of women medicine and public health. Organised in of various government and non-government TIME: 5pm-6pm became essential elements of the scenes. This collaboration by Hamad Medical Corporation authorities. The competitions will be held in Kids will learn a new hand building technique exhibition explores rarely told narratives of the (HMC) and the Supreme Council of Health 8 individual items (100, 200 and 1500m Race, for creating and fi nishing artworks in clay. For Qajar artistic tradition. (SCH), this exciting conference will provide Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin Throw, Shot more, call 44865201. attendees with information about the most Put and Arm Wrestling) and 03 group events recent clinical developments in emergency (4 X 100 Relay, Shuttle Badminton and Tug- Sketching with pencil and charcoal FOODIE CHOICE medicine and public health. of-War). The last date of registration will DATE: Sunday and Wednesday be January 8 and will be limited to the fi rst TIME: 5pm-6:30pm RESTAURA NT: Isaan Restaurant ACS Doha Open Day registered 18 organisations. If you can hold a pencil, you can draw … LOCATION: Grand Hyatt Hotel, West Bay DATE: January 16 For more details and registration, please Discover techniques to make your drawing Isaan is a perfect place for a special TIME: 9am-11am e-mail : [email protected] or more realistic. Every Saturday and Wednesday occasion — the sharing plates and platters VENUE: Al Gharaff a contact 55091659/66612969/33549050/444 from 5pm-6:30pm. For reservation: arts- make it great for an intimate, less formal ACS Doha invites you to attend an informal 39319. [email protected]. dining experience.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Solace has become my daughter” — Sheeba Ameer, philanthropist and founder of Solace, a charitable trust

I saw many children and their parents suff ering from poverty. Many weren’t able to aff ord even the food their ailing child needed

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

COMMITMENT OF A LIFETIME: Sheeba Ameer says she can neither leave her family here in Doha nor Solace. Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

WHERE IT ALL STARTED: Ameer with her daughter Nilofar, who passed away two years ago after fighting cancer to the last. NO SMALL SOLACE: Ameer with young patients at Solace.

every day after tending to my could off er support of about Rs 1.14 Soon, Solace began registering Ameer has been unable to keep away By Anand Holla daughter’s needs. I would spend crores,” points out Ameer, “Basically, patients, mainly those referred from from all the accolades her exceptional time with patients of terminal we provide children with life-saving medical college, so as to support their work has drawn. “I think I have got illnesses and their families. I learnt medicines on a monthly basis for as medicine and chemotherapy costs. as many awards as it is possible, from early 18 years ago, to take complete care of a person many years as required. For cancer “Our fi rst objective is supporting the my state,” she says, smiling. Vanitha Sheeba Ameer left diagnosed with cancer or any patients, we also provide funds for patients’ life-saving drugs. Second Woman of the Year Award 2011, and Qatar for India to tend other life-threatening disease. I chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and is to provide psychosocial support to KV Surendranath Award 2012, are to her ailing daughter. learnt to provide symptom relief, so on.” the sick children and their families, two of the many such honours, apart Following a prolonged psychological support, moral Interestingly, the work that mainly by regular home visits, from the CNN/IBN Real Hero Award illness,N young Nilofar had been support, and social help, so as to anybody involved with Solace does providing rice-and-pulse kits to 2011, which she mentions, with a diagnosed with Leukaemia. address all facets of the treatment is totally voluntary. “As a policy, families who can’t aff ord food, and grin, was awarded by batting maestro Ameer rushed her to Mumbai’s process, apart from learning about we don’t even foot the volunteer’s conduct maintenance work such as Sachin Tendulkar. Tata Memorial, Asia’s largest cancer the administrative challenges of travel expenses. That’s because many repairing roofs of their homes during Although the Indian expat has treatment centre. There, on the running such a system,” Ameer might make exaggerated travel cost rains,” says Ameer. been splitting her time between hospital’s paediatric patients’ fl oor, recalls, “That experience made me claims. So they must decide on their Recently, the Thrissur-based Kerala and Qatar, it has become Ameer spent almost all her time, stronger.” own, whether they want to really Solace opened two satellite centres in tougher to stay with her husband three years straight. In fact, so strong that the do something for these children. Kochi and Kozhikode to strengthen and her son here in Doha with work “I saw many children and their 50-something social worker- We have created a great platform. its reach across Kerala, and the beckoning her all the more of late. “I parents suff ering from poverty. Many philanthropist then felt she was Whoever wishes can join us.” healing wave of benevolence has can’t leave my family here in Doha, parents weren’t able to aff ord even ready to start a charitable trust for What perhaps also distinguishes distant shores in sight. “We are and I can’t leave Solace,” Ameer says. the food their ailing child needed. children suff ering from long-term Solace is the purity of purpose driven gradually expanding our operations Nilofar, unfortunately, passed They wouldn’t be sure whether their illnesses. “I started Solace nearly by a reason most benign. “I am not but it takes time because we believe away two years ago. “Solace, to child would live or not and yet they nine years ago with a dedicated team someone who has just seen others in visiting homes and providing me, is like my daughter. Earlier, I couldn’t stay by their child’s side — of trustees and volunteers,” Ameer suff ering around her. I am someone on-ground care and support,” Ameer had to manage my daughter and they had to go to work so as to earn a says, “My only intention was to do who has actually gone through it all says. Solace. Now, Solace has become my livelihood,” says Ameer. something for kids. At fi rst, I thought for 16 years. So I know how to care In the midst of all this, Ameer daughter. So, I must fi nd a person Fortunately for Nilofar, her family if I could support 15 children, it’s well. When a mother sits before me in has also found a way to inculcate who can give not just some time, but was fi nancially equipped to facilitate good enough.” my offi ce and starts talking about her the good in the coming generations. all his or her life to Solace and take her treatment. “While we had my Then that number grew in child, I can understand her before she “In Malappuram, there are many charge of it. As diffi cult as it is to fi nd son’s bone marrow transplanted to hundreds and now Solace (www. completes her sentence,” Ameer says. young patients from extremely this person, I know I must spend time her, the child on the bed adjacent solace.org.in) supports 1200 children For Solace, it all began with poor families. For Solace, the with my family too. Also, I am getting to ours wasn’t getting access to suff ering from cancer, thalassemia, opening a play therapy unit alongside voluntary work there is done by older,” she says. the desired treatment. Such sights cerebral palsy, nephrotic syndrome, the leukemia ward of Medical students between the ages of 15 and Ask Ameer about one story that bothered me no ends,” Ameer says, “I haemophilia, heart disease, etc. College, Thrissur. “That was because 20. They relay us the exact needs reaffi rmed her work and she would decided I must lend some support to with the Rs 9 lakh a month (approx. children were missing from the of the patients. This way, around shake her head saying there are such children.” QR50,000) that it gets as donations playgrounds at their schools and 400 youngsters get to learn the numerous such instances. “Once, Tragedy, as former American every month. homes. They were confi ned for nearly importance of helping others as they a woman brought her 11-year-old senator Robert F Kennedy had “In 2014, we could off er support six to seven months in these glass grow older,” she points out. son who was suff ering from juvenile accurately assessed, is a tool for the of Rs 78 lakh to the kids. In 2015, we rooms,” Ameer says. Despite keeping a low profi le, rheumatoid arthritis, placed him on living to gain wisdom, not a guide a bed and asked us whether we could by which to live. Out of Ameer’s register his case. This is an extremely misery of living through her girl’s painful, long-term chronic disease, unrelenting fi ght with cancer, and one look at the boy would tell emerged something profound — a you the agony he was in,” Ameer resolve that would heal the lives of recounts. hundreds in the years to come. “I looked at his eyes and saw an Upon returning to Kerala, Nilofar intense pain in them. He was looking was still suff ering from the side- at me with immense anxiety whether eff ects of the treatment. While he would get the medicines and the Nilofar underwent chemotherapy, fi nancial support or not,” Ameer Ameer, a homemaker with no continues, “I held his hand and tangible exposure to the outside said: Don’t worry my child, we will world, suddenly found herself support you.” Two years later, the boy spending endless hours at the came to Ameer’s offi ce, sprinting and Pain and Palliative Care Society in smiling. Thrissur, Kerala. “It’s these instances that make me “That was my homework. For IN AUGUST COMPANY: Ameer with Sachin Tendulkar, Nita Ambani and Rajdeep Sardesai after receiving the feel certain that I am the right person seven years, I went there almost CNN/IBN Real Hero Award 2011 award. to do this work,” Ameer says. 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY WEATHER ADDICT

Despite the mild reading of the thermometer, it can be diff icult to feel warm in a cold snap in Doha. Photo by Jayan Orma The short-lived winters in Doha

seems surprisingly cold. In a large northern Europe, such as carpets didn’t drop below 11C (52F) at Statistically, February is the Steff Gaulter part, this is due to the amount of and wood. Our thick walls retain night, but in 2012 a strong blast of wettest month of the year, but the moisture in the air. In the UK, the the summer heat for a while, but cold air brought the temperature rain can make an appearance later air would be humid, which helps once they have cooled, it’s almost down to 9C (48F). Outside the city, in the year than most people realise. f you’re wondering why the you feel warm. In Qatar, however, impossible to heat them back up the temperatures dropped even There are usually even a few days weather got cold, it’s because the air is incredibly dry. This again. A fan or an oil heater will further, with Al Udeid recording of rain in April, when the weather my dad complained that it encourages any moisture on our have little eff ect, because as soon a temperature as low as 4C (39F). is changing from its winter set up was too warm to wear any of skin to evaporate, which requires as they are turned off , the indoor This is properly cold, but elsewhere to its summer regime. This rain the jumpers that he’d brought a lot of energy. The energy used temperature plummets. it was even colder. In Kuwait and can sometimes spill over into May, Iwith him on holiday. He’s in Doha for this is from our bodies, which All of this ensures that Riyadh the temperature tumbled but as soon as it stops the heat visiting us at the moment, and leaves us feeling colder. despite the mild reading of the to -1C (30F), and in Baghdad, the starts in earnest. Between May and apparently the jumpers took up a The persistent wind in Qatar thermometer, it can be diffi cult to temperature dropped even lower, mid-July, the weather is extremely lot of room in his suitcase! also makes it feel cooler than it feel warm in a cold snap. Having reaching -4C (25F). hot, but dry. The humidity kicks in Whilst the cold snap may be actually is. The country is generally said that, there are many places in You’ll probably be relieved in the middle of July. This ensures making my dad happy, there are quite fl at, and surrounded on three the region that are usually much to hear that in the decades that that the most diffi cult time of the plenty of people here who are sides by the sea. This means there cooler than Doha. For example, we’ve been recording weather year is between mid-July and mid- grumbling. Typically January is is precious little on the landscape the average daytime temperature in Doha, the temperatures have September, and after that the heat the coldest month of the year; the to slow down the keen Shamal in Baghdad in December is 17C never dropped below freezing. The gradually subsides. temperature in Doha usually climbs wind. The wind can therefore (63F) and the average night-time coldest temperature recorded in the All this goes to show that if to 22C (72F) during the day, with a blow happily across the country minimum is 5C (41F); in Kuwait, capital was 3.6C (38F), recorded you’re wishing it wasn’t so cold, be night time minimum of 13C (55F). unhindered, and as it bumps into the average high temperature is 22C back in 1964. Fortunately, this is careful what you wish for! The cool Of course this is only the average us, it increases the rate at which (72F) and the low temperature is something of an anomaly and it weather won’t last for long and by and most years have a cold snap heat leaves your bodies. 10C (50F). normally doesn’t get anywhere near the end of May, the heater and your when the temperatures are much The buildings don’t help either. Luckily, in Qatar the cold wind this cold. jumpers will be a distant memory in lower than this, and it certainly can In Doha, our homes are designed to from the north is altered by the However the temperatures vary the back of your wardrobe. feel chilly. release heat, unlike those further waters of the Gulf. The Gulf is over the next few weeks, remember The weather here often feels away from the equator that need generally fairly mild, so it warms that the cool weather in Doha is (The author is Senior Weather colder than you might imagine to retain as much heat as possible. the air. This ensures that the usually short-lived. By the second Presenter at Al Jazeera English looking at the thermometer. A Qatar’s hard tiled fl oors feel weather is usually not as cold in half of February, it will be feeling channel. She can be contacted on temperature of 16C in the UK decidedly cold underfoot, unlike Doha as it is in Kuwait. much warmer, although it can often steff [email protected] feels warm, but 16C in Doha the ‘warmer’ furnishings used in Last year, temperatures in Doha be quite soggy. or on Twitter at @WeatherSteff ) Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Luc Tuymans in conversation at VCU-Q The Belgian artist is often referred to as one of the world’s most influential painters working today. By Anand Holla

n what promises to be an enlightening discussion, celebrated Belgian artist Luc Tuymans will be down at the Virginia Commonwealth UniversityI in Qatar (VCU-Q), in association with Qatar Museums, for a talk, tomorrow (Monday) noon. Tuymans in conversation with curator Philippe Pirotte will be held at the VCU-Q Atrium at 12pm. The entry is free. Tuymans, who is often referred to as one of the world’s most infl uential painters working today, has been a leader amongst a new generation of fi gurative painters, widely credited with having contributed to the revival of the painting in the 1990s. Entering the wonderland of Tuymans’ massive retrospective at Al Riwaq here in Doha – it is on till January 30 – is as enlightening as it is enthralling. Beyond the wash of apparent beauty and calmness, lurk hideous realities bursting with tales of violence, oppression and aggression. Defi antly titled Intolerance, the Gulf’s fi rst solo exhibition of the artist’s work, helmed by Qatar Museums, is an artistic tour de force that encompasses 30 years of the “painter of modern life”. Luc Tuymans at Al Riwaq. Photo by Anand Holla All through his career, Tuymans has addressed diffi cult topics such as colonialism, post-colonialism, and the propaganda symbols of Nazi Germany, and his signature painting style often references the techniques and visual qualities of fi lm, reusing and refocusing images in ways that can simultaneously compel and distance the viewer. His work has been presented as the focus of several retrospectives, including at the Tate Modern, 2004, the Wexner Center for the Arts, 2009, and BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels in 2011. In a recent interview with Community, Tuymans explained why he chose to embrace technology, given how his more recent paintings have been based on digital images found on the Internet or shot using his camera phone. “I don’t see any point in fi ghting new media because you are never Die Wiedergutmachung, 1989, Diptych. Oil on canvas, oil on cardboard mounted on wood. going to win it. So I just include it in the tool-box,” Tuymans said, slow medium. But it’s also quite a which are all what painting is about whole process of arriving at an image, I really want to concentrate. I don’t “The funny thing is the end product physical medium. There’s also the for me. So, it is actually an execution, the most painful one is the process of feel heat or cold when I am painting. I is something like an antique – it’s point about intensity. Every painting it’s a kill. Art for me, in a certain conceptualising the imagery; to fi nd am completely into it. The fi rst three a painting. But paintings have a in this show you see is made in one sense, has some relationship with it. When I paint, I actually shift my hours are horrible – it’s like hell. You specifi c element. They have their day. That may be the end of my war.” When asked about which part brain to my hands because you can don’t know what you are doing. But own rhetoric, which goes over time, attention span but it’s also my idea of the process he fi nds to be the also be intelligent with your hands. once it starts to fall together, it’s an through time, with time. It’s a very of intensity, timing, and precision, toughest, Tuymans said, “Within the When I paint, I don’t want to think. incredible pleasure.” 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY Nepalese Tamu community in Qatar celebrates Loshar

Tamu artists perform a Tamu cultural dance at Shamal Park. A Tamu cultural dance at the Shamal Park programme organised by the Tamu Society Qatar.

The two programmes were attended in an opportunity to travellers to witness the performed traditional and cultural dance. By Usha Wagle Gautam total by more than 500 Tamus living in cultural heritage of the Gurung community. The warm hospitality at the Losar celebration Qatar. Gurungs, who call themselves Tamu, Losar also heralds the change in ‘Lho’. was evident from the plates fi lled with sel roti are indigenous inhabitants of west-central According to the oriental astrological system, (rice fl our donuts) and achaar (spicy pickles). he Tamu Society Qatar (TSQ) parts of Nepal. Some also live east of there are 12 lhos — garuda, serpent, horse, In both programmes, the Tamu men wore and Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Qatar Kathmandu. There are numerous clans of sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, Bhangra — a white shirt-like cloth tied across (TPLSQ) recently celebrated Gurung, the members of which are all well tiger and cat. Therefore, each year is marked the chest and open like a bag at the back for the festival of Loshar at Shamal known for their valour, humour, singing and by a particular animal and they are arranged carrying things — and Kachhad, a short kilt. Park and Shalimar Restaurant, dancing skills. in a single circle (on paper), closely following Tamu women, both girls and teenagers, were respectively.T Tamu Losar is celebrated on the 15th day the Tibetan calendar with its 12 animals. seen in their maroon velvet Ghalek (blouses), The TSQ programme was chaired by of Poush in Nepali calendar and marks the In early days, when there was no calendar enhanced by large gold earrings and semi- its president, Krishna Tamu, while Nepal beginning of the Tamu Sambat or Gurung system in Nepal, the 12 rotation system was precious stone necklaces. embassy’s Second Secretary Gayatri Poudel Calendar Year. Losar is a time for family used to calculate peoples’ ages. Losar it The cultural shows at both events were was the chief guest. The TPLSQ programme members to get together. traditionally celebrated for three days with a the pivotal attraction, with the Tamu people was chaired by its president, Yudha Jang Gurungs all across the world celebrate banbhoj (picnic). showcasing their rich tradition and culture. Pahachyu Tamu and Deb Bahadur Pahchyu Tamu Losar by organising rallies and At the Shamal Park event, people in Some of the dances they performed at the Tamu — president of Tamu Pye Lhu Sansa cultural programmes. They also visit small and large groups sat on the ground events were Rodhighar, Chudka, Sorathi, Kaski Nepal — was the chief guest. Buddhist shrines. The events in Nepal off er enjoying delicious Gurung delicacies. People Ghantu and Dhori.

The audience at the Shalimar Restaurant. The guests at Tamu Pye Lhu Sangh Qatar programme at Shalimar Restaurant. Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

DeBakey students visit Qatar Prime Dental Center

DeBakey High School students visited the Qatar Prime Dental Center for hands-on instructional learning activities. This visit was an extension from the classroom learning for the health and science courses.

Tulukoota Qatar organises beach cleaning activity

Tulukoota Qatar organised a beach cleaning activity at Simaisma Beach recently. A large number of Tulukoota members and volunteers participated in the campaign.

Guinness record holder to join students on Eco-Kayaking Lewis to Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire, As an award-winning author, Lewis appeared on numerous television and talk Expedition the French international school in West Bay, will conduct a workshop with Grade 10 shows. Doha. students entering a short story contest for Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire is a British-born explorer Jason Lewis, Lewis, who attended the same school international French schools in the Middle French international school in West Bay, credited by Guinness World Records as the in England as HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim East and the Indian Peninsula. Doha, Qatar, in proximity to the Institut fi rst person to circumnavigation the world bin Hamad al-Thani, will also draw from Jason Lewis is an adventurer, author, and français du Qatar and the University of using only human power, will join Qatari his experiences exploring the planet to voice for global sustainability. He has been Qatar. As of 2015 it had 518 students. students on a kayaking expedition to explore engage and motivate Grade 8-11 students nominated The Times in Gear Man of the The school was established on 15 January the local mangroves for their biology in a wide variety of curriculum areas Year, the Land Rover Toughest Sportsperson 2008. It originated from an international studies. The expedition team will also visit and international topics. Students will of the Year, and featured as one of Sport convention agreed upon between the French Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage interview Lewis for their school magazine, Magazine’s Athletes of the Year. A Fellow of and Qatari governments on May 3, 2007 site. write articles, and conduct video and radio London University, the Royal Geographical which stipulates the establishment of the The event is part of a week-long visit by interviews. Society, and The Explorers Club, he has school. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY MU Sheet-music publishers miss the

AT WORK: Andreas Krause edits sheet music in his off ice at Schott Music.

cent is considered good, according By Jens Albes to Christiane Krautscheid, a spokeswoman for Schott Music, which has branches in 10 nations and heet-music publishing has distributes 130,000 musical products worked the same way for worldwide. centuries, but is now the “Most publishers are small latest industry to be roiled businesses with annual revenues of up by competition from the to 50,000 euros. Only nine German Internet.S music publishers have revenues of Because it can be universally read, more than 10 million euros,” she says. musicians around the world — from The industry faces the twin pianists to trombonists — use printed problems of illegal online music musical scores from Germany, sharing and the dying-off of its birthplace of many of the great traditional retail partners. classical composers. The market “The number of owner-run, leader, Schott Music, has been in medium-sized music shops is business since 1770. dropping by up to 10 per cent a year,” Sheet-music publishing is far she says. smaller than book publishing. Particularly young customers Heinz Stroh, head of the almost who’ve grown up in the digital age 200-year-old German Music have an expectation that everything Publishers Association (DMV) in should be given to them for free, she Berlin, says the market in Germany adds. alone was worth around 75 million The Germans would like to shut euros (81 million dollars) in 2014. By down the servers that amateur contrast, the national book market musicians use to illegally download was worth 9.3 billion euros. “pirated” sheet music, but most of But Stroh says sales have been them are abroad, adds Stroh. shrinking over the past few years. “It’s diffi cult for us to get to them. The palatial headquarters of Schott Music, built in 1792 in the city of Mainz, Germany. Schott is rapidly digitising its stock The market has always been a The International Confederation of of sheet music. tight one — a profi t margin of 3 per Music Publishers is trying to clamp Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 USIC COMMUNITY bus as websites off er free scores

Andreas Krause edits sheet music in his off ice at Schott Music in The Wagner Room in the palatial headquarters of Schott Music, built in 1792 in the city of Mainz, Germany. the city of Mainz, Germany.

down on it, with mixed success.” Schott, which still operates from The publishers are angry that scores the palatial headquarters it built in to pop, jazz and 20th-century 1792 in the city of Mainz, is one of highbrow music are easily found those rapidly digitising publishers, online. as is Germany’s Baerenreiter Verlag, “Copyright expires 70 years after founded in 1923. the death of the composer,” explains “We’ve got an app with Stroh. Many of Europe’s most almost 200 works, which are noted composers have been dead more intended for studying than far longer, so their music is already playing,” spokesman Johannes free, and thus legal to off er online to Mundry said. download. “The profi ts are still quite small The website imslp.org has but they’re increasing steadily.” hundreds of thousands of free A single work costs between 6 and sheet-music scores, which are more 14 euros (up to 16 dollars) on the app. than adequate for children and On its website www.notafi na. people just playing the pieces at de, Schott has a range of pay-per- home. download works, as well as pieces But the website also hosts from other publishers. contemporary arrangements of “Lots of music only costs 99 those classical pieces, and the cents, of which the composer gets a industry insists such editing work percentage — that means you have is still protected by intellectual to sell a lot of pieces in order to property laws. get any substantial revenues,” says “Those works are protected by Krautzcheid. copyright again,” insists Stroh. Could digital music stands be Schott and others want those scores the future? Pop and jazz musicians to be taken down from the servers. already often play using music So far, professionals generally downloaded onto tablet computers prefer to use music printed on paper. and propped up in front of them. Printing machinery produces sheet music in a workshop of Schott Music. “Printed music has a better That way they can store contrast, it’s easier to read and takes thousands of pieces and fi nd them account of the latest developments again at the touch of a button. in musical research,” says a German But classical musicians are professional cellist, Tobias Fischer. more reluctant to embrace modern It is carefully edited, for example displays, with many still preferring to allow musicians to turn the the printed versions. pages at convenient places without They fi nd tablets too small and stopping playing. glaring to the eyes. But what about going digital? Krautscheid is confi dent the “Lots of music publishers don’t market will change for the better in even seem to have noticed the the near future. technical developments in that “When a company puts the area,” says Krautzcheid. “They’ve perfect technical solution on the missed the bus.” market, it’ll all go really quickly. I The industry hasn’t developed reckon that could happen within anything similar to e-books, and fi ve years. Until then we have to be only a few publishers produce well prepared and stock all the sheet digital sheet music that can be music that’s in demand as a digital REGAL: A piano dominates the Wagner Room in the palatial OLD SCHOOL: Print specialist Thomas Weller produces downloaded. download.” —DPA headquarters of Schott Music, built in 1792. sheet music in a workshop of Schott Music. 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY

German singer Trong Hieu, centre, in performance at the final of Vietnam Idol on August 2, 2015 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo by Uylam Photographies/DPA ‘Hot Boy from Germany’ climbs music charts in Vietnam

mood, laugh a lot and always do is also the new face of a cosmetics By Bac Pham and Christiane Oelrich their best in spite of poverty.” company, according to his manager Hieu grew up in Bad Kissingen, in Trinh Phuong Uyen. southern Germany, before moving “He’s a bit childlike in a way and iding a motorbike isn’t old schoolgirl. to Hanover, a city in the north, I think that’s kind of cute and one actually one of Trong “The other thing that makes him to pursue a career as a singer and of his attractions,” he says. “I think Hieu’s many talents. successful is his self-confi dence. dancer. he’ll go far.” “Especially not with a He says, ‘I believe I can fl y’.” His father, 62-year-old Nguyen Aside from his performances in girl on the back and on Nguyen Thu Trang, 25, is Chi Trung, freely admits that Hieu Vietnam, Hieu is also working on Ra windy road,” says the singer with also crazy about the country’s didn’t get his talents from him. his career in Germany. a laugh. new favourite singer. “He’s a “I played football, my family His Vietnam Idol-winning song Despite that, the 23-year-old phenomenon,” she says. “He can wasn’t at all musical,” he says. has also appeared in German, German is the new face of a big conquer any stage with his voice He moved his family to Germany entitled Wie ich bin (as I am). motorbike manufacturer and can and his dancing.” in 1991, a year before Hieu was A sample of the lyrics runs like be seen across Vietnam on giant Hieu likes to start his songs born. this: “A fi re burns bright in my billboards advertising its bikes. sitting thoughtfully on a bar stool Of course his son is talented, he heart. Now it’s time for my heart to Trong Hieu laughs a lot and or next to a piano. Slightly corny — says. “But his success is down to sing out loud.” well he might — in August he won then he gets going. hard work.” Even the politicians have Vietnam Idol, the nation’s televised His hip-swinging dance Hieu’s family were always in the discovered Hieu. When singing competition and since then performances are very reminiscent audience during his Vietnam Idol the Vietnamese president visited has had a string of hits in the top of Justin Bieber — jumps, performances, cheering him on. Berlin in November, Hieu was ten as well as a nomination as “best pirouettes, he can even do the splits At the moment Hieu is travelling invite to dine with him at the state newcomer” from one radio station. and likes showing off his muscles. back and forth between the lands of banquet held in his honour by his “They call me the ‘Hot “He dances like a foreigner, but his dual heritage, though he spends German counterpart. Boy from Germany’,” he says he sounds Vietnamese,” says Pham larger part of his time in Vietnam. “The (German) president is very with a mischievous, slightly Quynh Anh. “You can’t get rich here by kind,” said Hieu afterwards. “I don’t embarrassed, look. Hieu naturally That’s music to Hieu’s ears. “I selling singles, there’s hardly any have a problem with being a ‘model Trong Hieu in Berlin. moves as people do in Germany, think I’m a good mixture, I try to copyright protection,” he says. Vietnamese’ [in Germany].” where he was born and raised. take the best from both cultures,” Pirate copies immediately become And what does he hope for the come true.” Pham Quynh from Hanoi is a big he says. available on the black market. future? “To represent Vietnam He has already auditioned for fan. “I think he’s so cute ... The way “We Germans are direct, well But his new-found Idol fame around the world, to represent Eurovision once before, but was he dances and sings is so diff erent organised and ambitious. The means he has a lot of marketability Germany in the Eurovision Song knocked out at the initial screening from the others,” says the 16-year- Vietnamese are always in a good — hence the motorbike ads. Hieu Contest — that would be my dream stage. —DPA Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Garden Flowers Pooch Cafe

ALYSSUM GLADIOLUS PETUNIA BEGONIA HOLLYHOCK PRIMROSE CAMOMILE HYACINTH PYRETHRUM CANNA IRIS STOCK CROCUS LILY TULIP DAHLIA LOBELIA VERBENA FOXGLOVE MARIGOLD VIOLET FUCHSIA NASTURTIUM WALLFLOWER GERANIUM PANSY ZINNIA 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. Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Toss (5) 1. Terrified (5-8) 4. Favour (7) 2. Shy (5) 8. Digital (7) 3. Lease (4) 9. Search (5) 4. Renounce (6) 10. Cipher (4) 5. Series (8) 11. Forefather (8) 6. Handled (7) 13. Fate (4) 7. Destruction (13) 14. Tart (4) 12. Firm (8) 16. Unsafe (8) 13. Despondency (7) 17. Region (4) 15. Dull (6) 20. Rogue (5) 18. Correct (5) 21. African spear (7) 19. Island (4) 22. Kindergarten (7) 23. Consumed (5)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Bird only seen undercover? (5) 1. It just goes round in circles (13) 4. Giant moth flying round a military medal 2. Part of flower, soft and late developing (7) (5) 8. Rest in a different position for keeps (7) 3. He steps out of line (4) 9. Suspend doctor taking in unusual fee (5) 4. Have to meet the queen, I gather (6) 10. Fruit, we hear, is not nice to look at (4) 5. Might be a horrible din inside when it’s 11. Get me in fine shape as a lady (8) late (8) Yesterday’s Solutions 13. Run off with some of the raffle entries (4) 6. Unable to score when away? Could be 14. It goes on foot to push Victor out (4) right (7) QUICK CRYPTIC 16. Rear tile fixed by shopkeeper (8) 7. Churns the toes when chopping tree (5,8) Across: 3 Ostracise; 8 Next; 9 Behaviour; 10 Across: 3 Haphazard; 8 Drub; 9 Rainmaker; 10 17. Prophet seen in a Moscow side-street (4) 12. Ridicule live student with strange title Emblem; 11 Shied; 14 Large; 15 Deft; 16 Truss; Pecker; 11 Chaos; 14 Aisle; 15 Thin; 16 Llama; 18 20. Gin cocktail taken with high tension (8) when it’s dark (5) 13. Military punishment causing tiredness? 18 Deny; 20 Cheer; 21 Tempt; 24 Brutal; 25 Ling; 20 Piper; 21 Duchy; 24 Glared; 25 Ginger 21. Malinger for a change, but not with a (7) Burlesque; 26 Oven; 27 Knowledge. ale; 26 Ecru; 27 Colonnade. trouble-maker (7) 15. Hang on, say, to power (6) Down: 1 Interlude; 2 Exuberant; 4 Stem; 5 Down: 1 Adaptable; 2 Quicksand; 4 Ajar; 5 22. Sort out melee at National Trust unit (7) 18. He may have a long way to go (5) Reach; 6 Chided; 7 Snub; 9 Beret; 11 Stunt; 12 Hunch; 6 Zealot; 7 Reel; 9 Rebel; 11 Crazy; 12 23. Small picture I sent round (5) 19. When it’s still, I see the snowman (4) Detective; 13 Startling; 17 Scare; 19 Yellow; 22 Shipwreck; 13 Snare drum; 17 Apple; 19 Gung ho; Paste; 23 Turn; 24 Bung. 22 Huron; 23 Giro; 24 Glad. 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Transform your home today, stay safe tomorrow

hile many can only handles from traditional knobs to lever dream of the day handles for an easier grip. they’ll retire, for baby boomers, that dream Boost the bath is quickly becoming If you can only update one place in Wa reality. Here are a few ways to add your home, make it the bathroom. The extra convenience today — and ensure bathroom typically off ers the most a safe home in the future. opportunities for injury. An easy way to incorporate safety is to install grab bars. Change up common areas Today’s grab bars are stylish, fi tting in When thinking about the long- seamlessly with your space, rather than term, start with the layout. In a perfect seeming obtrusive and sterile. Install world, it’s ideal to have all the key them near the toilet, (make sure you living spaces — bathroom, kitchen have a comfort-height commode for and bedroom on the fi rst fl oor. If your easy sitting and standing) as well as home wasn’t built with a fi rst-fl oor in the shower. Some models, like the bedroom or bath, and stairs have to corner shelf with grab bar from Moen, be a part of your plan, install no-slip pull double duty adding an element strips on the edge of each stair to help of additional storage you can take limit trips and falls. advantage of immediately, providing Next, make sure there’s plenty of room to store your shampoo, and will room to move. Aim for doorways that help keep you safe while entering and are at least 32 inches wide, though exiting the bath. Check out retailers like 36 inches is ideal. Tight corners and Lowes for a wide array of options that doorways are a challenge for those are fashionable as well as functional. with walkers or canes. For stress-free opening and closing, change out door ©Brandpoint

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

Uranus, the planet of the unexpected and shock value, continues For those of you who have been feeling rather indiff erent about their Librans and Aquarians are great matches for you and good people to on in your sign for 2016. Just when you think you’ve seen it all Aries, partnership of late and feeling as if they have been doing most of the go to for advice and for a calming session as well. Librans especially something or someone else comes along and you’re gobsmacked all heavy lifting, it might be time for you to explore those feelings a little aren’t prone to pulling the trigger as much as you are, so if you need over again. more. Keep in mind that Mercury the communicator is out of phase. a good person to balance your mood, seek one or more out.

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

For those of you involved in a long distance romance or friendship – Open up to someone you trust today Leos. You’ve got a few things Don’t be caught out with nothing to do today or tonight because some of you will start to feel the pull and hardship of all those miles on your mind that you can only tell a certain few people and it you’ve rejected pretty much everything and everyone around you between you and wish for something closer to home. Blame it on basically comes down to who is around and available to talk to and now wish you agreed to something. It might not be too late but Mercury retrograde and see how you feel in a few weeks. and give you good advice. Librans and Aquarians are always good next time, don’t be so eager to find out what the next bigger better rational go to people for you fyi. deal is.

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

This is a very good day to get something done that requires more You really have to think before you speak and or act today, Scorpios. With logical, planning Mercury out of phase, don’t do anything that than a little bit of eff ort and hard work. And if you need help and or It’s not easy knowing which direction to take or whom to trust either. involves a lot of driving with directions and complicated out of the advice, don’t be ashamed to ask for it. With Jupiter the planet of good The only person you can really trust is YOU. Remember that. way places. Just a simple day with lots of laughs and good friends luck and good fortune out of phase in your past karma zone, you may around you. be able to pick up where you left off somewhere along the way today.

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

If you feel as if you can’t catch a break, don’t worry about it. You’re Sometimes you have to do some diff icult things and make some Mercury continues to be retrograde in your 11th house of hopes, wishes not supposed to be catching breaks right now. Mercury is out of diff icult decisions, Aquarians. And with Mercury out of phase in your and friendship (through January 25). Now is not the time to start anything phase in your first house of ego and personality. Trying to push past karma and self–renewal zone, you may find yourself regretting new Pisces but to work on those things you’ve already got up and forward with your plans is a ‘no go’ zone right now, so don’t even a few things that happened last year. running. So rework, reevaluate, relax, rethink and redo — all those words bother. starting with ‘re’ are things to do today and for the next few weeks. Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Not afraid of injuries After making debut in 2003 during action with erotic thriller Jism, John went scenes: John Abraham through several surgeries in his 12- year career so far, but the actor says John Abraham, who will be seen these injuries failed to divert him performing some daring stunts in from doing the action stuff . three action fi lms this year titled “I had three knee surgeries Rocky Handsome, Dishoom and recently but it’s OK ... I have had Force 2, says he loves performing foot surgeries ...I have broken both action scenes as he is not afraid of my hands but I am sitting in front injuries. of you. And I am fi ttest, stronger “I love action. I believe I am an and faster,” he added. action hero and injuries are a part of As of now, John is waiting for the it”, said John during the press meet release of his thriller fi lm Wazir, of Standard Chartered Mumbai which is set to release this Friday. Marathon 2016 last week. — IANS

It’s fun to be surrounded with kids: Vivek Oberoi

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who is currently judging the second season of India’s Best Dramebaaz says that he enjoys being surrounded by kids. “I enjoy judging this show and it’s fun to be surrounded by kids. Also when it comes to taking fi nal GOING STRONG: Irrfan Khan decision on their performance, I fi nd it very diffi cult to do. As a judge I try to handle it sensitively with love and care,” Vivek told IANS. IN THE HOT SEAT: Vivek Oberoi “Even if you are criticising them Irrfan Khan turns 49, or telling something for their children in the age range of fi ve-13 benefi t, I do it positively so that years through a series of tasks and they don’t lose their confi dence,” challenges that will groom them added the actor, who is also a father as actors and test their creativity, of two kids. spontaneity and acting capabilities. has big films in kitty The talent hunt show puts — IANS

nternationally acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan, got more visibility after a stint in London-based Vidhu Chopra has ‘many who has carved a niche in Bollywood as well as director Asif Kapadia’s The Warrior, which was scripts’ for Sanjay Dutt “We will be more than happy Hollywood with his versatility, intense looks screened at various international film festivals. when he returns from his jail and effortless acting, turned 49 last week. In Bollywood, Irrfan came into prominence with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who term. He committed a mistake With big films like Inferno, The Wicked Path 2003 film Haasil, for which he received Filmfare shares a close bond with actor and paid for that. Now it’s his new Iand The Song of Scorpions in his kitty, the actor looks Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role. Sanjay Dutt and also cast him in birth and we are with him,” said forward to a bright year ahead. After that, he started getting more meaty roles and the highly successful Munnabhai Chopra at the special screening of The actor has been busy shooting in Jaisalmer for appeared in films like Maqbool, Aan: Men at Work, franchise, is “more than happy” to his fi lm Wazir. Qissa director Anup Singh’s The Song of Scorpions Chocolate: Deep Dark Secrets and Life in a... Metro. hear about the news regarding the “We have been writing scripts for the past few days, and if a source is to be believed, His role in Paan Singh Tomar won him a National actor’s expected release date from for him for the last few years and they had a celebration on the sets to bring in Irrfan’s Film Award. jail. The fi lmmaker says he has right now we have many scripts for birthday. He also featured in the widely acclaimed film The many scripts for him. him,” he added and hinted on many Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, into a Muslim Nawab Lunchbox. The 56-year-old actor was collaborations with the actor in the family, Irrfan started his journey in showbiz after What made Irrfan more popular in the West jailed for fi ve years in the March near future. a professional acting course from the prestigious were his roles in big films like A Mighty Heart, The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts for He also shared that the pre- National School of Drama in New Delhi. Namesake, Partition, New York, I Love You, The illegally keeping an AK-47 assault production of the third part of In his earlier days in the entertainment industry, Amazing Spider-Man and Jurassic World. rifl e. Munnabhai franchise is in full the actor was seen in TV shows like Chanakya, Irrfan has also played pivotal roles in multiple While Sanjay’s lawyer Hitesh swing and added that Munnabhai.. Bharat Ek Khoj, Sara Jahan Hamara, Banegi Apni Oscar-winning films like Slumdog Millionaire and Jain claimed the actor will walk will defi nitely happen. “As of now Baat, Chandrakanta, AnooGoonj and Sparsh. Life of Pi. Interestingly, his Piku, Jurassic World free on February 27, Maharashtra’s we are in the writing stage.” During the 1990s, he appeared in the critically (Hollywood), Talvar and Jazbaa, all of which released Minister of State for Home Ranjit “In fact, Abhijat Joshi and I were acclaimed films like Ek Doctor Ki Maut and Such a in 2015, received appreciation both commercially as Patil said “no decision has been writing the script for Munnabhai Long Journey which, however, went unnoticed. He well as critically. — IANS taken in the matter so far”. on the fl ight.” – IANS

Anurag Kashyap not to The movie is set in the 1960s and When asked if beauty alone was reimburse is a large screen adaptation of Gyan enough to pull someone through in Prakash’s Mumbai Fables. The story the industry, Navneet said: “Talent Bombay Velvet production cost is about a man with big dreams and is necessary because acting is a Anurag Kashyap might have the extent to which he is willing to totally diff erent fi eld as compared confessed that the failure of Bombay go to be successful. It also marked to beauty pageants or ramp walks. Velvet at the box-offi ce gave him Karan Johar’s big acting debut with a They are two diff erent lines so nightmares, but the director is villainous role. talent is needed but I always not planning to reimburse the When asked about Bombay Velvet, thought I was a born actress and my production cost of the fi lm. Kashyap had last year said: “Money father is aware about this fact.” Kashyap refuted reports which is the biggest nightmare. The more The actress was present at the suggested that he will be returning CLARIFICATION: Anurag Kashyap you minimise the cost of the fi lm, it SELF CONFIDENT: Navneet Kaur trailer launch of Loveshhuda. The the production cost of his most- works. Dhillon fi lm directed by Vaibhav Mishra ambitious project, which featured read that Kashyap along with “I just made an expensive fi lm depicts the story about love and Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Phantom Films co-founders which is probably the biggest Navneet Dhillon friendship. It will release on Sharma. and close friends Vikramaditya loss-making fi lm in the history of always considered February 5. He tweeted: “Mumbai Mirror Motwane, Madhu Mantena and cinema. You cannot understand herself a ‘born actress’ She is paired opposite Girish report about the money refund is Vikas Bahl was thinking of returning the nightmare I go through every Kumar in the fi lm, who’ll be seen totally baseless. It is factually wrong the entire production cost of day knowing about all the money Former Miss India Navneet Kaur after his debut Ramaiya Vastavaiya. and no eff ort was made to reach out Bombay Velvet to Fox Star Studios, lost. I will never do that again but Dhillon, who makes her debut with Navneet says that “he is very to any of us.” the producers and distributors of it teaches you a lesson and weighs the romantic fi lm Loveshhuda, says supportive and hardworking”. — There were some reports which the fi lm. down on you.” — IANS that she was a “born actress”. IANS 18 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Jennifer Lopez gladly sacrifices the glamour

By Meredith Blake

mid all the hustle and bustle on the corner of 150th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, Ahardly anyone notices the woman checking her refl ection in a car window. Only when the paparazzi arrive do passersby begin to realise that Jennifer Lopez — yes, JLo herself — is in their midst, looking surprisingly approachable in jeans, tousled bob and a white T-shirt with a troubling brown stain. The actress-dancer-singer- producer whose name has become synonymous with blinged-out glamour is fi lming a scene for her new series, Shades of Blue, and has just wrestled a perp to the ground, rolling in (simulated) dog poop in the process. Much has been made of Lopez’s make-under in the new NBC Lopez on the set of the new TV show Shades of Blue in New York City. Lopez drama. As she says later in her plush slapped handcuff s on the male co-star while making an arrest during the trailer, “I wanted to change my look REALITY BYTES: Jennifer Lopez show. completely and be like the antithesis of what people are used to seeing me Wozniak (Ray Liotta), who uses “I have to approach this like I’m years ago and was struck by “how it after 15 aired. Meanwhile, it as.” Getting dirty on a muggy August the mantra “the greater good” to going into the biggest marathon complicated the characters were,” sold Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, morning is just one more way she’s justify a wide array of malfeasance. race of my life and I’m going to she says. “I couldn’t decide if they co-created by Tina Fey, to Netfl ix bringing verisimilitude to Harlee But when Harlee is caught win. That’s the mentality that I were good or bad, and I realised where it earned seven Emmy Santos, the mildly corrupt Brooklyn soliciting a bribe, the FBI pressures have to have, I can’t get nervous what they were was human.” nominations for its fi rst season. cop she plays. her into becoming an informant, or scared,” Lopez says of her Lopez was at fi rst involved only Shades of Blue gets a pedigree “We knew from the very pitting her against her work family. intense schedule, adding, “but I’m as a producer, and it took some boost from the involvement of beginning she was only interested Opening with a scene in which overwhelmed most of the time.” eff ort to get her to play Harlee. “I Liotta and Drea de Matteo, who in playing this character Harlee’s partner accidentally As if on cue, Lopez’s 7-year-old said, ‘Don’t look at the medium plays a fellow cop. Both actors authentically,” says NBC shoots and kills an unarmed man, twins bound noisily into the trailer — look at the role,’” Goldsmith- are best known for their work in Entertainment President Jennifer Shades of Blue also asks diffi cult and enthusiastically greet their Thomas recalls. “The best acclaimed mob dramas — Liotta Salke. “The kind of glamorous but timely questions about police mother. movies are on television, the best as the gangster turned “average thing was never really part of misconduct. NBC is betting that Bypassing the traditional pilot characters, the best writers.” nobody” Henry Hill in Martin her defi nition of the character, a glossy megastar — albeit one process, NBC ordered Shades Despite the show’s cable-ish Scorsese’s Goodfellas, De Matteo although she can’t avoid being sporting sneakers and the odd of Blue directly to series in themes, the team brought it to as the ill-fated Adriana in The sexy and beautiful.” dog-doo stain — will help attract February 2014, but fi lming did NBC fi rst. Sopranos. In many ways, Shades of Blue viewers to this darker fare. not commence until mid-2015 in “The truth is, if you’re going “They wanted somebody who isn’t so much a departure for the “You’re competing with cable, order to accommodate Lopez’s to do it, why not take it to a place could bring a legitimate edginess actress, raised just a few stops and cable is so gritty. There’s jampacked schedule. where you can get the widest to the thing,” Liotta says. The away on the 6 Train in the Bronx, great stuff on network television, This created minor setbacks audience?” says Goldsmith- actor says he was excited by the as it is a return to form. It’s easy to but TV has such a high bar right — for instance, the network had Thomas, noting the “very cable opportunity to reach a broader forget the former Fly Girl and star now,” Lopez says in her trailer no clips to show advertisers at its mentality” of the network’s audience after years starring in of frothy romantic comedies Maid as the fourth hour of Today upfront presentation in May — but chairman, Bob Greenblatt. “independent movies that nobody in Manhattan and The Wedding plays silently on a fl at-screen it allowed show runner Jack Orman The series works on network got to see” but admits to some Planner made her name playing TV. “It’s a character piece about and his staff time to write most television because of its high- initial apprehension about Lopez. tough girls in stylish crime capers human nature. Good people do of the 13 episodes before fi lming stakes plot and thriller pacing, “She was the question mark. All such as Steven Soderbergh’s Out of questionable things. We’re all began, a luxury rarely aff orded in Salke says. I really knew about her of late was Sight and Oliver Stone’s U-Turn. trying to do our best, but we all broadcast television. “It’s not a slow burn, which her singing ... . My biggest fear For NBC, Shades of Blue, whose make dumb choices at times.” “It was worth it in the end to be sometimes you can indulge in was I’m just going to be in the JLo two-hour premiere was directed The show is the fi rst regular able to let the show have a process in cable without the pressure of show. She’s just going to be the by Oscar-winner Barry Levinson, series role for Lopez, who had that was more thoughtful,” Salke ratings. There is an urgency and a main person, and I’m just going allows the broadcast network guest spots on such dramas as says. In a show of confi dence, the tension to the show.” to give her orders from behind the to dabble in the kind of morally South Central early in her career network has given Shades of Blue Of course, it also helps to have a desk.” ambiguous tales more often found before moving into fi lm and music. a spot following The Blacklist on major star at the centre. Assured the drama would play on cable. A struggling single mom It’s also just one of three major Thursday nights, where it will Still, going directly to series like a genuine two-hander, Liotta with a teenage daughter, Lopez’s projects she’s launching this settle into its regular 10 pm time is risky for NBC, which like its said yes and has been impressed by character is perfectly willing to month, in addition to her judging slot January 14. broadcast rivals, hasn’t had great Lopez’s work ethic and unfl inching accept kickbacks to supplement gig on American Idol, which began Lopez’s producing partner, luck with shows developed with commitment to the gritty material. her income. She and her fellow its fi nal season last week, and a Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, fi rst this model. The network bought “She’s a frigging machine,” detectives are enabled by their residency at Planet Hollywood in read the pilot script written by 22 episodes of The Michael J Fox he says. “I was the diva.” — Los boss, the quietly terrifying Matt Las Vegas beginning January 20. Adi Hasak (3 Days to Kill) three Show sight unseen only to cancel Angeles Times/TNS Sunday, January 10, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘life plan’

Actress Jennifer Lawrence’s “life plan” is to grow old with close friend and stand-up comedian Amy Schumer on an urbanised island. The Oscar-winning actress has praised her close A-list friends, Schumer, singer Adele and actress Emma Stone, and says she feels more “normal” when they’re around, reports femalefi rst.co.uk. “I love Emma. She cracks me up; she’s so ‘theatre’. She’s so adorable. And Adele and I met, like, a year or so ago. Adele and I are a bit harsher; Emma’s never had a bad thought about anybody in her life,” Lawrence told Glamour magazine. FRIENDS FOREVER: Jennifer “It’s so weird; I don’t like new Lawrence people. But these two women — and Amy — they’re really lovely. Martha’s Vineyard, and we saw And they’re so normal. this house, and we’re like, ‘This is “I feel like I’m hanging out with where we’re gonna Grey Gardens, my friends — my friends that don’t and we’re gonna grow old and crazy give a #### about what I do ... together.’ That’s our life plan,” she Amy’s always wanted to live on added. — IANS

Lambert’s boyfriend was there and helped him, took injured in ski accident him to get treated,” a source told Us Weekly. “So it wasn’t quite the Country music singer Miranda fun holiday trip they wanted, but OLD’S NOT GOLD: Sylvester Stallone Lambert’s new relationship went they were still happy to be together downhill after her boyfriend was and he’s really happy she was there injured in a ski accident. nursing him by his side and making Anderson East, a 27-year-old sure he was okay,” the source Nothing good about getting sound engineer-turned-musician, added. was skiing with the country crooner The two have reportedly been in Aspen over New Year’s when the dating for about a month, helping incident occurred. Lambert get over her recent split older, says Sylvester Stallone “It was a nasty fall but Miranda from singer Blake Shelton. — IANS

ctor Sylvester Stallone says there’s He further explained: “I like that every day I forget “nothing” good about getting older. The something new. You do benefi t from wisdom and I 69-year-old has not enjoyed achieving think your soul grows a little bit, and you become a bit senior citizen status and would rather have more tolerant, and more forgiving. his youth than the wisdom that comes with “I remember my father, who was a very tough Aage, even though he accepts he is more wise these days, man, on his deathbed. His fi nal words to me were: reports deadline.com. ‘Just learn to forgive. Just don’t be angry. Just learn to Asked the best and worst things about getting older, forgive.’ I went, ‘Wow, OK.’ So there is wisdom, and you Stallone said: “The best thing about getting older is understand that you should try to really enjoy the ride ...nothing. There’s zero good in getting older. while it’s still spinning.” — IANS

Miley Cyrus misses Perry herself announced that Pregnant Emma Willis’s performance her collaborator couldn’t show cake cravings up because she’s still in Australia, Singer Miley Cyrus, who was reports eonline.com. TV presenter Emma Willis, who scheduled to perform at singer- Despite Cyrus’ absence, the is expecting her third child with songwriter Linda Perry’s party, show continued as planned with husband Matt Willis, has been PERFECT MATCH: Harry Styles, left, Kendall Jenner ended up giving it a miss as performances from Perry, Courtney craving “a lot of” cake. she continued to spend time in Love, Juliette Lewis, The Cult’s Ian The 39-year-old has developed Harry Styles ‘serious’ femalefi rst.co.uk. Australia with ex-fi ance Liam Asbury and Christina Aguilera. an obsession with cake and can’t about Kendall Jenner An insider said: “He’d love to Hemsworth. The Wrecking ball hitmaker was stop scoffi ng it down, reports have a proper girlfriend. If she’s The party was held in honour of reportedly spotted with Hemsworth femalefi rst.co.uk. One Direction star Harry Styles (Kendall) keen to take it to a serious Hands of love, the written by Perry at the Falls Festival in Byron Bay, “You can’t make a cake out of reportedly wants to get serious with level, he would be too.” and recorded by Cyrus for the fi lm New South Wales in Australia just fl our it takes a lot of things. model Kendall Jenner and hopes And the feeling appears to be Freeheld. earlier this week. — IANS I say cake because I eat a lot of it they can make their relationship mutual with an insider saying she at the minute,” Willis told BANG offi cial. has been smitten with Styles ever Showbiz. The singer rekindled his romance since their brief romance. Willis, who is currently hosting with the model a few weeks back “They’ve sneaked around to meet The Voice, will be just weeks following a brief fl ing in 2013 in private. She really cares for him. away from her due date when the and sources close to Styles insist He’s the only guy for her,” said a singing reality show concludes in Kendall is perfect for him, reports source. — IANS April. She’s hoping her co-star Marvin Humes, will be able to take on most of the hard work Hudson sparks dating rumours with Nick Jonas when the competition hits the live shows. Actress Kate Hudson and singer Nick Jonas have sparked a fresh round of She explained: “I will probably dating rumours after being photographed on a holiday together. The two, be relying heavily on Marv who were fi rst romantically linked last year although neither has confi rmed because I’ll be about eight months a romance, were spotted at Mammoth Mountain ski resort in California by then. So, yeah, Marv is going this week, reports mirror.co.uk. “She makes him laugh. They have fun to have the weight of two human together,” said a source. beings on his back.” — IANS Hudson, 36, and 23-year-old Jonas were fi rst linked when they were NO SHOW: Miley Cyrus spotted on a vacation together in Florida in September. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 10, 2016 COMMUNITY Filipino TV stars Jadine set for stopover in Doha Celebrities James Reid and Nadine Lustre to visit the city in March as part of their world tour organised by The Filipino Channel. By Umer Nangiana

Nadine Lustre started as a TV host in RPNG’s children oriented show entitled Storyland when she was just nine.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Singer, actor and dancer James Reid will be the centre of attraction among his fans. The audience will get a chance to witness the stars rehearsing.

n yet another treat for the performance at Doha Exhibition and music album charts behind Taylor Filipino expatriate community Convention Centre on March 18. Swift’s 1989. living in Qatar, the lead duo The audience will have the In July, 2011, Reid, together from the hugely popular TV opportunity to get up and close with with Bret Jackson, launched their series, On The Wings of Love the celebrities during a rehearsal fi rst digital album entitled We Are (IOTWOL), are stopping by in Doha session by winning the passes Whatever on ASAP Rocks. Reid and during their world tour by The through upload of promo on phone Jackson featured four original songs Filipino Channel (TFC) in March this competition. including Can’t dance featuring their year. Reid is a Filipino- co-housemates Ann Li and Fretzie The duo’s first primtime TV series On the Wings of Love proved to be a huge Singers, actors and dancers — Australian singer, actor, dancer Bercede. success. James Reid and Nadine Lustre, or and songwriter with dual Filipino In 2013, Reid launched his self- ‘Jadine’ — featured as leads in the and Australian citizenship. He rose titled debut album that is composed with Nadine Lustre, Yassi Pressman oftentimes lead vocalist of the 2015 sensataion, On the Wings of to fame after being named as the of two covers and four original songs, and Andre Paras. The movie was all-female group called Pop Girls. Love, a romantic comedy television Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother: two of which is composed by Reid released on April 2, 2014 and became Eventually she left the group and series, in their fi rst primetime series. Teen Clash 2010. himself. a box-offi ce hit earning at least became a solo singer. Lustre started The show premiered on ABS- He is also known for his roles as He also lent his voice to 119.5mn pesos during its 4-week as a TV host in RPN’s children CBN and worldwide on The Filipino Spencer Ziff in Good Vibes, Cross the Diary ng Panget: The Movie run. oriented show entitled Storyland, Channel (TFC) on August 10, last Sandford in Diary ng Panget: The Soundtrack and Talk Back and In 2014, the duo featured in when she was nine years old. year, replacing Bridges of Love. Movie, Timothy Odelle Pendleton You’re Dead Soundtrack, the offi cial another movie, Talk Back and You’re She became one of the members The rom-com centres around in Talk Back and You’re Dead, Nikko soundtracks of his two movies. Dead and during its 4-week run the of the cast in TV5’s youth-oriented two diff erent people, Leah, a simple John Borja in Para sa Hopeless In January 2015, the music video movie has grossed 79.8mn pesos programme Bagets, being a talent girl with an American dream; and Romantic besides Clark Medina in On of the song entitled Hanap Hanap according to Box Offi ce Mojo. of Viva Entertainment. Lustre Clark, a boy living in America, who the Wings of Love. premiered in MTV Pinoy. The Lustre is also appeared in the fi lm Petrang are forced to marry in order to legally As a singer, his debut album James song was his fourth collaboration a Filipina singer, actress, television Kabayo with Vice Ganda on the lead stay and continue working in the Reid was released digitally on iTunes with OTWOL co-star Nadine host, and choreographer. She is role, and starred in P S I Love You, a United States. and physically in September, 2013. Lustre after No Erase, Rocketeer and best known for her role as Eya drama series in TV5. It is the fi rst primetime drama Reid’s second album Reid Alert was Bahala Na. Rodriguez in the fi lm adaptation She starred again with Reid series for Reid and Lustre after the released digitally on iTunes and In 2012, Reid becomes a talent of Diary ng Panget and as Georgina in Para sa Hopeless Romantic, a fi lm success of their movie collaborations physically on Valentine’s Day of 2015 of Viva Artists Agency after signing Evangelista in the television remake adaptation of the best-selling novel in 2014. The World Tour show by TFC by Viva Records which debuted at a contract with Viva. His launching of the Bagets fi lm series. with the same name written by will feature Jadine at an exclusive number 2 in Philippine iTunes pop movie was Diary ng Panget together Lustre was a member and Marcelo Santos III in 2015.