Friday, May 8, 2020 Ramadan 15, 1441 AH

Doha today 270 - 360

With laboratories shut, coronavirus Cover Story forces scientists to ‘stop cold’. P2-3

Cuisine Back Page

Namoura is delicious, Greek agronomist sees Ramadan addictive dessert. as a time for recollection. Page 6 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Future imperfect Halted research has left scientists wondering about the discoveries that may never be made, the sick people PRAYER TIME who will miss the chance at a breakthrough cure Fajr 3.28am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.54am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am and the careers that may never be launched, Asr (afternoon) 3pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.10pm Isha (night) 7.40pm write Joel Rubin and Amina Khan

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 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 Office (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 IN LIMBO: Dr Nader Pouratian, an associate professor of Neurosurgery Brain Research at UCLA, peers out the window of his home in Beverly Hills last month. He developed a device that gives a type of artificial sight to the visually impaired and had implanted the device in the brains of four people. The participants were part of a small clinical trial at UCLA that has been suspended.

ote Unquo Our first concern obviously has to be the well- Qu te “You, being of the people we work with. But as a yourself, as much as scientist, it is hard to just stop cold like this anybody in the entire universe, deserve your — Dr Nader Pouratian, neurosurgeon love and affection.” — Buddha r Nader Pouratian treatment available to the visually more than lost income and social implanted matchbook- impaired everywhere. isolation. sized devices into the brains Then the coronavirus came along. The abrupt stoppage of a vast array of four visually impaired Now seven years of work have ground of exploration and experimentation volunteers more than two to a sudden halt. Regular life will resume at universities and other research Dyears ago. someday, but Pouratian’s project may not. institutions has left scientists Community Editor Since then, the participants in the “Our first concern obviously has to wondering about the discoveries that Kamran Rehmat neurosurgeon’s pioneering study have be the well-being of the people we work may never be made, the sick people who visited his UCLA lab each week to let with,” he said. “But as a scientist, it is will miss the chance at a breakthrough e-mail: [email protected] him‘ hone a system that could give them hard to just stop cold like this.” cure and the careers that may never be Telephone: 44466405 a rudimentary form of vision. Pouratian Hardly a facet of life remains launched. Fax: 44350474 hoped to expand his experiment next untouched by the sweeping effort The longer the emergency measures year to include dozens of people around to slow the coronavirus’ spread. remain in place, the more scientists the country, and eventually make the Researchers like Pouratian are facing stand to lose. Cell lines ’specially Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

engineered for particular implants. The implants then experiments get older every day. translate the video footage into Distant stars cycle out of view patterns of stimulation that the of even the largest telescopes. brain interprets as flashes of light, Valuable data is lost before it can be allowing the person to discern collected. motion such as whether someone When the orders came down is approaching them or walking to close their laboratories, away. Much work remains to fully scientists scrambled to mothball understand how a brain’s visual their experiments in ways that cortex and the device interact. would maximise their chances of After being designated a being revived. Those who need “breakthrough device” by the only a computer and an Internet Food and Drug Administration, connection to run simulations the invention had been on an or crunch complex numbers expedited track toward regulatory continued their work from home. approval for widespread use. But Now almost everyone is barred now everything is on hold, and the from their labs. Exceptions have company that produced the device been granted to the relatively few is shutting down, an economic scientists who could show they’d casualty of the pandemic. lose irreplaceable work if their There is confusion about research couldn’t continue and other sources of funding as well. those running clinical trials that Government agencies and private provided critical care to patients. groups dole out billions of dollars The rest have relied on skeletal in grant money each year — but it staffs to tend to the animals, cells CAUGHT UNAWARES: Caltech geobiologist Victoria Orphan had just collected rare deep-sea microbes when the usually has to be spent during a and expensive equipment that were coronavirus forced her lab to close. She worries about whether they’ll survive without her. Orphan is seen here at limited period of time and requires suddenly abandoned. Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory, Corona Del Mar, California. researchers to finish projects on a People who were investigating strict schedule. the new coronavirus or possible Orphan had recently returned things left behind. Some of the What tissues could they harvest? Matthew Fenton, director of the treatments for Covid-19, the from a research cruise with a trove high-pressure experiments she Which ones could be preserved, and extramural activities division for disease it causes, were exempt from of deep-sea microbes when word had in mind were moved to the which would have to be discarded? the National Institute of Allergy the shutdown orders. came down that nonessential back burner since they couldn’t be “It was just this overwhelming and Infectious Diseases, said his A hiatus of several weeks isn’t experiments would have to stop. monitored from home, but if the feeling because you’re not sure how agency has been fielding urgent likely to result in irreparable Orphan’s work with microbes are still hearty when the you’re going to make it work,” said questions from anxious researchers harm, said Randy Katz, vice extremophiles — organisms that stay-at-home order ends, she’ll Villeda, who managed to freeze his who fear their end-of-year reports chancellor for research at the survive under extreme conditions give them a try then, she said. most precious samples.” And then, won’t show enough progress. University of California, Berkeley. like high pressure or a complete And Saul Villeda, a of course, you make it work.” “We assure them that that is not If the restrictions stay in place lack of sunlight — could shed neuroscientist and stem cell Researchers running trials on the case at all,” Fenton said. “We’re for months, however, losses will light on the origins of life on Earth biologist at UC San Francisco, said experimental medical treatments there to support them as much as become increasingly difficult to and the potential for life on other his “head is still kind of spinning” have been granted reprieves if we can to get through this.” avoid. worlds, among other things. And after he was told in March that participants in their studies are Perhaps the most vulnerable For example, mice that have been because these microbes live in these all nonessential work would be dependent on the treatments. researchers are those just starting bred to have a particular genetic extreme environments, they’re not suspended within about 72 hours. Pouratian’s work at UCLA did not out in their careers who don’t have condition or disease must begin easy to collect. Orphan didn’t want “It was incredibly fast,” he said. meet this high bar, so it had to shut a track record of success to fall back an experiment at a particular age, to lose them. Villeda’s research on ageing has down. on. For newly minted doctorates, giving scientists a narrow window Handling the delicate microbes turned up compounds in the blood The system to create a type of advancing up the scientific ranks for conducting their experiments. in the oxygen-free conditions of young mice that may help reverse artificial vision, which he helped is a challenge in normal times. “Animals don’t live forever,” Katz they’re used to can be tricky, she cognitive decline in older animals. a medical technology company Now many fear it will be all but said. said, so one of her grad students When the shutdown order came, develop, requires subjects to impossible as their laboratory California’s stay-at-home wrote out detailed instructions for he gathered his team on a video wear special glasses with small work — and the coveted academic order has complicated efforts by a lab manager who is still going on conference to make quick decisions embedded video cameras that publications that should follow — Berkeley scientists to measure the campus to take care of the living no scientist ever wants to consider: connect wirelessly to the brain enters a sort of purgatory it may state’s snowpack at field stations never escape. in the Sierra Nevada, Katz said. UC Berkeley astronomer Alex Filippenko settled in at a Karla Satchell, a microbiologist State officials rely on that data to studying cholera and cancers at determine how much water will remote observing room on campus that connected to one Northwestern University Feinberg be available for drinking and for School of Medicine, said she was irrigating crops. of the 10-metre telescopes at the WM Keck Observatory particularly concerned for three of “We obviously need to go when on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea (below) in the hope of a last look at the graduate students working in there is snow,” Katz said. “If we her lab. One of them was set to get wait too long, the opportunity is several celestial objects, including a group of supernovas his doctorate this summer but can’t lost.” complete experiments he needs for UC Berkeley astronomer Alex that could help scientists determine the current expansion his thesis. Filippenko figured he was in rate of the universe. But on the first night of his observing “It’s really tough on these the clear when he got special trainees,” Satchell said. “You sort of dispensation for a last look at run, he got the news: the telescope was shutting down get a momentum in graduate school several celestial objects, including a and you keep that momentum group of supernovas that could help going.” scientists determine the current To be sure, many scientists expansion rate of the universe. whose work is primarily computer- He settled in at a remote based have been able to continue observing room on campus that analysing their data and running connected to one of the 10-metre simulations as they shelter at home, telescopes at the WM Keck albeit with more distractions than Observatory on Hawaii’s Mauna usual. Kea. But on the first night of his That’s little consolation for observing run, he got the news: The people like Pouratian, who sees a telescope was shutting down. promising breakthrough possibly Filippenko scrambled to slip away. reprioritise. He dropped plans to His thoughts keep returning to watch another type of supernova the four volunteers who agreed to that could reveal more about how have brain surgery for the sake of stars explode and the chemical his experiment. elements they forge. By the time “They did it not only for he’s able to look again, these stellar themselves, but because it might phenomena will have long since help others down the road,” he said. faded away, he said. “And, now, they’re just sitting at Caltech geobiologist Victoria home.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY BODY & MIND For introverts, lockdown is a chance to play to their strengths Time to think and be creative, and without too much socialising, is an introvert’s ideal environment, writes Jess Denham

esterday morning I social – though overlap is normal. spent an hour doing a Anxious introverts struggle with jigsaw puzzle, followed shyness, often avoiding other by a game of Scrabble, people. Restrained introverts fortified by tea and can enjoy socialising, but will Yscones. For once, there was no one stay in their shell until they feel I had to see and nowhere I had to comfortable. Thinking introverts be. The way we live now has split are happy around others but are us in two. For introverts, it’s largely prone to daydreaming, and social business as usual. But for my introverts enjoy meeting friends more extroverted friends, who are but prefer to do so in intimate clamouring for Zoom calls to fill the groups. gaping hole the pub has left in their I fall mostly into the last camp lives, it’s a deeply testing time. and always have done. I socialise I’m an introvert, which means I one-on-one where possible. I need time alone to recharge. This relish a deep and meaningful doesn’t mean I hate socialising, but conversation, but find the small- it may well mean I will feel stressed talk element of big gatherings and fatigued if I’m not left on my tedious. You’ll find me on the own for a while afterwards. dancefloor, but I won’t be asking On the flipside, extroverts are 20 different people, “How’s work?” energised by time spent with other Being a social introvert means I am people and are often, though not missing the injections of real-life always, more outgoing. In the connection that I carefully thread 1960s the German psychologist through my diary every few days. Hans Eysenck suggested the Technology isn’t quite doing it for reason behind this difference lies me; it feels too frenetic. in our environmental sensitivity. I’m living with my extroverted Introverts need lower levels of mum who has been enjoying regular stimulation to reach their “set “prosecco hours” on Zoom, the point” of social arousal than soundtrack to which goes like this: extroverts, leading them to seek an “Where are you? Turn your camera escape into quiet solitude sooner. on! Oh, there you are! Cheers So it makes sense that we darling! Oh, you’ve gone again! introverts are finding lockdown Unmute! Unmute!” easier than our extroverted I downloaded the Houseparty counterparts. They are struggling app, opened it up and immediately to reverse their behaviour, which a friend’s face popped up to say hi, I sympathise with – I can’t entirely unannounced. The horror imagine what it would feel like to has stayed with me. suddenly have to live life the other Cat Archer Underwood, 36, a way round, with the government brand consultant from Hampshire forcing me to socialise relentlessly. and an introvert, is learning The thought of having to meet more about herself. “I’ve had and talk to new people day and moments of utter peace, watching night without the possibility of my husband and four-year-old withdrawing alone to recharge my TYPES: There are four main types of introvert: anxious, restrained, thinking and social – though overlap is normal. daughter pottering about in the batteries makes me feel nauseous. garden,” she says. “But I have Natasha Tiwari, a psychologist been surprised at how I am feeling with a practice in London, agrees about the prospect of more weeks that self-isolation plays to an of this. I am dreaming of hosting introvert’s strengths, but notes barbecues, having a house full the importance of recognising that of laughing children and seeing introversion and extroversion exist people who aren’t quite friends but on a fluid scale. It’s natural to find are more than strangers. I may be things tough, however you identify. choosier about the events I force “Introversion and extroversion upon myself in the future, but I’ve are not binary concepts,” she learned that this introvert needs to says. “Many of us flick between party sometimes, too.” them depending on our mood, Others further along the environment and the people introversion scale are finding surrounding us. The key is to work their daily life has barely changed. out how to attain the right balance English teacher Ellie Grout, 29, in your lifestyle to support your from Bristol, is one of them. mental health.” “Self-isolation is similar to my In his 2011 paper on introversion, normal experience,” she says. “The the American psychologist difference is that, for once, there is Jonathan Cheek argued that there no pressure to arrange social events are four main types of introvert: BOOST IN PRODUCTIVITY: The lockdown is proving that working from home and being in one’s own space is not to anxious, restrained, thinking and the detriment of wider business interests and can, in fact, lead to a boost in productivity and well-being. Continued to Page 5 Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Is 6 feet of social distancing enough?

By Catherine Marfin

y now, Americans are familiar with the rule: Stay six feet away from other people for your best chance Bof preventing the spread of Covid-19. Even as Texas begins to reopen more businesses, social distancing is still being emphasised. But some officials’ guidelines for how much space to keep between yourself and others has varied. STRUGGLE: Introverts struggle to make themselves seen and maintain their The US Centres for Disease energy reserves. Control and Prevention has recommended at least a six- Continued from Page 4 taking part in daily meetings, public foot gap. The World Health speaking and networking are all Organisation has recommended and no guilt about cancelling plans activities that are geared towards half that distance – and only when I realise I want to stay at home.” the extrovert’s need for stimulation, when people are coughing or SPREADING: Covid-19 is believed to be spread mainly through large Hardcore introvert Jessica Pan, 34, while introverts struggle to make sneezing. respiratory droplets produced when people cough or sneeze. The droplets spent a year living like an extrovert themselves seen and maintain their However, other health experts typically travel three to six feet. while writing her 2019 book, Sorry energy reserves. have said even more space may I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come. She Our response to the coronavirus be needed in some situations. contracted the virus,. droplets up to 15 feet. lives with her husband Ian, a “solid pandemic means that society has So how much social distancing A study published in the The study hasn’t been peer- ambivert”. Both are working from changed overnight, reshaped to suit a is enough? Here’s what you need Journal of the American Medical reviewed or published, and it home and appreciating the slower more introverted way of being – one to know. Association in late March found has significant limitations. For pace of lockdown life. “I don’t believe that is rarely permitted – of thriving that droplets that were produced example, it didn’t focus on the any introvert actively enjoys being in a quiet setting, having time to Where does the six-foot when someone coughs or sneezes risk of infection or the Covid-19 locked in their home at this time of think and be creative, and having rule come from? can travel up to 27 feet. The virus specifically. anxiety,” she says. “But I am finding control over how much socialising Health experts have said the study wasn’t conducted on the “The results look reasonable,” pleasure in the small things, such as you do. No social experiment could recommendation for six feet of Covid-19 virus specifically, Linsey Marr, a professor at reading more, cooking slowly and have gone this far in modelling a way social distancing comes from and droplets survive and fall at Virginia Tech who studies air doing pilates. I’m trying to embrace of living designed almost exclusively studies of diseases in the 1930s different rates depending on flow, told The New York Times. this new normal and live in the for introverts. It may just show and 1940s, mainly the work of their size and factors such as “Common sense and this study moment.” employers that, as Cain says in her William F. Wells, who studied temperature, humidity and air suggest that if someone is Jemma Broadstock, 24, a virtual 2012 Ted talk, “when it comes to tuberculosis. currents. walking or running, we need assistant from Derbyshire, is hopeful creativity and leadership, we need Covid-19 is believed to be to allow for more space around this lockdown will reveal the often introverts doing what they do best.” spread mainly through large What about social them.” Other health experts overlooked strengths of introverts “There is zero correlation between respiratory droplets produced distancing when you say allowing more space makes and help erode what Susan Cain, being the best talker and having the when people cough or sneeze. exercise? sense because people breathe author of the 2012 bestseller Quiet: best ideas,” she says. “And I mean The droplets typically travel Because of the varying theories heavier and harder when they’re The Power of Introverts in a World zero. We could all stand to unplug three to six feet. about aerosol transmission, exercising. That Can’t Stop Talking, dubs “the and get inside our own heads a little Health experts say that questions have been raised about extroverted ideal”. more often.” because the droplets are larger safe social distances outdoors. So, is six feet enough? “Business is thriving for me,” Tiwari hopes that this episode and can usually be seen with Some experts say the risk Many health experts say she says. “The idea of networking of upheaval will cause a long-term the naked eye, gravity will cause of transmission outside is low six feet of distance is a good events has always felt overwhelming, shift in working culture that could them to fall to the ground within because air flow dilutes any air minimum to aim for, based on but now people are holding them not come soon enough for introverts. that distance. expelled air. Generally, health what is known about the virus’s online and I’ve been finding new “Introverts often enjoy having their experts say you’re safer engaging main method of transmission. clients. When everything goes own space to process ideas and Why are some health in outdoor activities than Health experts also back to normal, I hope employers work undistracted,” she says. “The experts concerned about the indoor ones, where air flow can recommend taking personal will offer more remote-working lockdown is proving that working six-foot rule? be restricted, people are close factors into account, such as how opportunities, as I feel much more from home and being in one’s own There are questions about together and frequently touched vulnerable an individual is and confident in my own space. I am able space is not to the detriment of wider whether the virus can be items are abundant. how well air is flowing. to make valuable input when I would business interests and can, in fact, transmitted through microscopic “Usually there’s a lot more “Everything is about normally stay quiet.” Cain, a former lead to a boost in productivity and droplets, called aerosols, which social distancing outside,” Dr probability,” Dr Harvey Fineberg, Wall Street lawyer, went some way well-being.” Tiwari believes that linger in the air. Kevin Winthrop, a professor the head of the Standing in challenging misconceptions that extroverts and introverts can cope Health experts have pointed of infectious diseases in Committee on Emerging introverts are always shy, serious with this strange time together, so to studies and incidents that epidemiology and public health Infectious Diseases and 21st and aloof with nothing much to long as they respect their differences. suggest there’s a risk the virus at Oregon Health & Science Century Health Threats at the offer. In her book she extols “the “Being one or the other doesn’t can linger. One study in the New University in Portland, told National Academies of Sciences, man of contemplation” in a society preclude you from sharing interests England Journal of Medicine National Public Radio. “And Engineering and Medicine, told that has “always favoured the man and being cosy together,” she says. “It suggested Covid-19 can live in environmental factors like The New York Times. “Three of action”. Yet nearly a decade after just means that you may need to be the air as long as three hours in wind and UV (radiation, which feet is better than nothing. Six its publication, extroversion is still extra conscious of each other’s needs. the right conditions. degrades most viruses) make it feet is better than three feet. At considered a model of success, Extroverts may be surprised at how Experts also expressed less likely you’re going to come in that point, the larger drops have especially in the workplace where much they enjoy this quieter time, concerned about aerosol contact with viral particles.” pretty much fallen down. Maybe what Cain describes as “the while introverts may find themselves transmission After about 60 But one recent study found if you’re out of spitting range, omnipresent belief that the ideal self craving the company of others. Don’t choir members gathered for that when people walk briskly or that could be even safer, but six is gregarious, alpha and comfortable overthink how you label yourself. a practice in Mount Vernon, run, their bodies creates wakes feet is a pretty good number.” – in the spotlight” prevails. Follow your intuitive sense for what Wash., and dozens of them of air that can carry respiratory The Dallas Morning News/TNS Working in an open-plan office, you need right now.” — The Guardian 6 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY CUISINE

Cardamom pods 2-3 nos. Rosewater 2 tbsps. For the Namoura Semolina flour 3 cup Melted butter 1/5 cup Baking powder 1 ½ tbsp. Sugar 1 cup Plain yogurt ½ cup Unsweetened condensed milk 1 cup Desiccated coconut 3 tbsp. Tahini paste 4 tbsps.

For topping Almond 1/2 cup

Method: For the sugar syrup, in a heavy bottom pan combine all the ingredients and simmer over medium flame. TRADITIONAL: Namoura is a traditional dessert made from semolina. Photo by the author Remove the impurities that collect on surface, reduce till the mixture is reduced to half, and is sugar syrup consistency, keep aside. For the Namoura, in a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, semolina, and butter. Namoura is delicious, Add in the milk, orange, water, baking powder, yogurt, and mix well to obtain a thick sticky batter. Grease a baking tray with tahini paste and butter and spread evenly. addictive dessert Place the batter in the baking tray and with a moist spatula spread to guess by now you all can say friends are invited for the evening don’t typically eat dessert can enjoy instead of butter and poured into even it out that I am in love with food meal known as iftar, at which the a small sweet bite. The medium moulds while still liquidly and Let it sit for 30 minutes in the from different cultures and fast is broken. A second, light meal grind semolina is preferable for allowed to set. Once the dessert refrigerator and cut out the batter always inquisitive to learn called Suhoor is eaten just before texture, it is not difficult to find has set it is then inverted out of into square patterns or diamonds, more. I started my culinary dawn when the fast begins, and this in supermarkets. You can use the moulds during service and place almond on each piece. Ijourney spanning almost two usually includes custard. semolina flour, like that is used for plated. This stovetop version is Bake the Namoura cake in decades ago, this has been my This week’s dish is one of my pasta but the texture will be a bit also found in Indian cuisine and is preheated oven at 200 degree goal each and every day to learn favourite which I can eat at any different, a little denser but not bad. known as ‘Sooji halva’. Aside from Celsius for 40 minutes until brown more and explore new horizons. time of the year. Namoura or It is a subtle difference that may not being baked, Namoura uses coarse and toothpick comes out clean One of the very first desserts that Basbousa is a traditional dessert be that noticeable. Additionally, semolina whereas the stovetop when pricked. I came across while I was working made from semolina. It is a simple when you pull the Namoura from version uses the finely milled You can turn the broiler on for in Qatar is Namoura or Basbousa. dessert with only a few ingredients the oven, it might look slightly version. This is something that last 5-8 minutes to get a darker It is a golden baked pastry drizzled and can be easily produced in large pale, still don’t worry, once you add most recipes will not tell you but is golden brown colour and give it a with syrup topped with dry fruits, quantities using the commonly your syrup you’ll notice it changes important to get the right product crust. crumbly homemade halvah with available ingredients. The name colour. This is one of the favourite texture. Some recipes even call for Remove from oven and pour 1 ¼ roasted pine nuts, or almonds originates from the Arabic word desserts on the buffet as it tastes eggs, flour, and yeast or all of them, cup of sugar syrup evenly over the served hot or cold. Iftar dessert “bas” meaning to “blend” since it great and the ingredients are easily but they are not really necessary. Namoura while it’s hot. selection is my favourite part – is prepared by blending flour with available and always on hands in The only leavening you will use will Let it stand at room temperature an array of custards sprinkled butter. You can prepare Namoura the kitchen pantry, it is so good for be baking soda, which will help to settle down and absorb all the with rose water and groundnuts, all year round and can serve it at a last-minute dessert that looks in developing the golden colour sugar syrup. strings of walnuts coated in grape any time for friends and family. it came straight from a Middle for the top and not used for the Cut again on the precut marks molasses, dates filled with nuts The dessert is soaked in fragrance Eastern bakery. leavening purposes. I recommend and serve warm or cold. and chocolates, variety of local with rose water and includes a To make the vegan version, to serve this traditionally with cheesecake, sweets and desserts hint of shredded coconut, which replace the clarified butter with a the syrup or try it with a light Note: Please note that the hot range from familiar syrup- adds another dimension to the half and half mixture of coconut bittersweet chocolate glaze for a sugar syrup may flash and spill soaked pastries to exotic allure existing rice flavour. The texture oil and vegan butter and instead more glorious experience. This is when you drizzle it over the baked made of wheat berries, pulses, of Namoura is a crisp exterior with of honey use golden syrup or corn a simple but always delicious and Namoura, exercise caution while and a cornucopia of dried fruits. a creamy, syrup-soaked interior, syrup or agave nectar. To replace very addictive dessert. you drench the dessert with sugar Sugar and sweet foods symbolise some are more like cake, whereas the milk, use any non-dairy milk, syrup. If you are not a coconut happiness and goodwill, and this recipe is more soft and creamy I suggest coconut or almond milk, Namoura person, you can skip the coconut no special occasion is complete at its core. It is also egg-free which you can even replace it with water and make the recipe without it. without sweets and candies. This means it is super easy to make as it won’t alter the recipe too Ingredients is especially true of Ramadan vegan dessert. Namoura is also a much. For sugar syrup when desserts and candies are an perfect companion with Arabic Namoura is made with butter Honey 1 cup essential part of every meal. The coffee or Turkish coffee. Namoura and baked, there is another similar Water 2 cup l Chef Tarun Kapoor, month-long Ramadan fast lasts is certainly not healthy food, but version of this dish called ‘Halva Sugar 1 cup Culinary Mastermind, from dawn to dusk, when nothing it is typically portioned into small Tou’ meaning spoon halva and is Lemon Juice 1 tbsp. USA. He may be contacted at can be consumed. Relatives and slices, meaning even those who cooked on the stovetop with oil Cinnamon stick 1-2 no. [email protected] Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY A fashion stylist’s palace of glamour

Floral wallpaper, luxurious textures and jewel-toned accents rule in Leith Clark’s romantic home, writes Elizabeth Lynch

Zoe Kazan. She and Hatt stripped out the interiors, and reconfigured the layout, reducing five bedrooms to four: a former dining room on the lower ground floor was converted into a study, and they moved the dining room to the ground floor, next to the living room. The couple laid parquet flooring throughout and added a kitchen extension, with pale green Shaker cabinets. Liberty London’s tropical leaf wallpaper, the most modest paper in the house, lines one wall. Black painted stairs sweep up the house, with a blush pink runner, and family portraits (including one of Astrid wearing a vintage Dior coat) form a gallery along one wall. In the dining room, Queen Anne Ebony paper from riflepaperco. com (now out of stock) provides a dramatic backdrop to gilt-framed oil paintings, black skirting boards and picture rails. Old- fashioned flourishes include a turntable and a drinks trolley. The brass-fronted cupboards are designed by Hatt, as are the built- in wardrobes upstairs. The living room is painted mid-grey, which contrasts with a pair of velvet green sofas, and an armchair upholstered in purple velvet. A jukebox stands in one corner, and art books and pictures sit either side of a Victorian fireplace. In the master bedroom, a RICH PICKINGS: A jukebox sits in one corner of the living room. panel of De Gournay’s romantic Chinoiserie Portobello wallpaper rom gold-patterned lines the wall opposite the bed and wallpaper and velvet the back of the door. “I became upholstery to peacock obsessed with it when I worked feather fabric, there on a Chanel ad,” Clark says. “It’s is barely a corner of one of my favourite things in the FLeith Clark’s glamorous Victorian house.” Another wall is painted house that isn’t filled with rich, dark grey, and a “floating” dramatic shades. The hallway is bookcase sits by the bed, housing papered in dark floral blooms, a column of books. Off the master inspired by the cracked canvases bedroom is a dressing room with of Dutch masters; the dining floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, the room has bold gold-and-black doors upholstered in iridescent wallpaper and shimmering brass vintage Liberty Hera peacock cupboards, giving the room the feather fabric, which Clark feel of a jewellery box; and the found at Kempton market (held master bedroom has a decadent at Kempton Park racecourse, in De Gournay decorative wallpaper. Surrey). A shoe cupboard with a A pale grey living space – the glazed door displays the footwear most “calming” room – is the as if in a gallery. Antique french closest this house comes to doors from a salvage yard open on neutral. to a bathroom, painted dusky pink Canadian-born Clark, a fashion and with a mirror-tiled wall. stylist, and her partner James Clark is inspired by nature. “I Hatt, a production designer who feel very at home among it,” she did a lot of the carpentry in the says. “I live near woods, where house, moved in five years ago; I walk all the time, and a nature they have a daughter, Astrid, reserve, which is filled with four. A style director-at-large overgrown vegetation and moss. on Harper’s Bazaar UK, Clark From feathers to birds, flowers founded the fashion magazines to foliage, she has brought the Lula and Violet Book; private drama and beauty of nature inside clients include actors Keira and made it sing. Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and FLORAL: House of Hackney’s Midnight Garden wallpaper in the hallway. – The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGES Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGES COMMUNITY 10 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY GAMING Streets of Rage 4: the return of the beat ‘em up Scrolling beat ’em ups went out of fashion years ago, but this lovingly created sequel offers all the action and fun of a 90s arcade game

By Simon Parkin

n the Netflix animated series Hi Score Girl, a romantic comedy set in early-90s Japan, Haruo Yaguchi, a low-achieving high-school Iloner is whiling away his time in the local video game arcades when he meets Akira Ono, a popular wunderkind from a wealthy family. Ono, it turns out, is an unusually talented player of coin-operated games. She nightly sneaks away from home in order to tap her initials on to various leaderboards. As he witnesses Ono’s dazzling prowess, Yaguchi’s envy soon turns to respect then, finally, obsession. A tale of love seeded through rivalry, and frustrated by class and status, Hi Score Girl – currently in its second season – also charts, in precise detail, changes in taste and fortune within the popular arcade game scene of the era. As the series progresses we see the industry lose ground to home consoles and, as a result, entire genres vanish. The scrolling beat ’em up, a style of video game most resembling comic-book heroics, where players biff ! and kapow! their way through packs of street thugs, was one such casualty. Popularised by 1989’s Final Fight (the game that first VISCERAL THRILLS: Streets of Rage 4. awakens Yaguchi to Ono’s skill) the genre, once one of the most popular on-screen action. Composer Yuzo a contemporary reinterpretation. ditch attempt to alter his life’s grim in its exploration of adolescence, styles of video game, has long been Koshiro’s scores have influenced It would be too much to expect it trajectory. Designed by a literary- loneliness and the loss that defunct. grime, dubstep and electronica to revive a dead genre – one whose minded Russian programmer who accompanies all choice. Notable, Enter Streets of Rage 4, a sequel artists from Labrinth to Childish passing was, principally, the result claims to have grown up in similarly too, for having a button dedicated to perhaps the best-loved beat Gambino. Koshiro, accompanied of the video game’s migration from violent circumstances, the game to lighting and flicking cigarettes. ’em up series, one that has lain by his contemporaries, including the arcade, where short bursts achieves a singular atmosphere — The Guardian dormant for 26 years. As with its Olivier Deriviere and Yoko of play did not expose its relative 90s predecessors, in Streets of Shimomura, returns to Streets of flimsiness, into the home – but as Rage 4 you return to a city beset by Rage 4, not only with an all-new a joyous celebration of a style of civil unrest and police brutality – soundtrack, but also the option to game whose thrills are visceral, not something akin to the insalubrious switch, at any time, to his original cerebral, it’s a triumph. districts of 1980s New York City. scores. It’s a generous option You punch, kick and jump your reflecting the level of care that If you like Streets of Rage, try.. way through the unwashed streets, has been lavished on this passion The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa fighting off a rogues’ gallery of project. The game’s artists, from The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa attackers en route to a showdown Paris-based developer Lizardcube, (2018) opens in much the same with the area’s crime boss. The have also painstakingly transposed way as any other street-brawling action is exaggerated and stylised: every pixel and animation frame beat ’em up: your character trades your health is restored by cooked from the source material to ensure blows with local thugs, this chickens punched from trash cans, that the original’s feel has been time on a suburban train. Soon and apples booted from phone maintained. Almost all characters enough, however, the game reveals booths. And while your palette of from the older games can be unexpected tonal qualities. You moves is repetitive and restricted unlocked and used in their original play as Ringo, leader of a school (part of the reason these games pixelated form, alongside today’s gang who, a few months before fell from fashion), this modern pristine, cartoonish versions. his final exams, realises he is at a interpretation adds sufficient crossroads in his life. With rock- complexity and capacity for Like Lizardcube’s previous bottom grades, he must choose showboating to maintain interest. project, Wonderboy: The Dragon’s whether to continue truanting The Streets of Rage series is as Trap, this game works both as a around town with his deadbeat celebrated for its soundtracks as it’s celebration of a vintage style and friends or apply himself in a last- The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Colour by choice

Maze Connect the dots Picture crossword 12 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOON Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Wordwatch

murdrum unbirthday adjective: Shaped like a combination (MUR-drum) (uhn-BUHRTH-day) fork and spoon. MEANING: MEANING: USAGE: noun: noun: A day other than one’s birthday. “Hello, we said, to the beautiful dark 1. A murder, especially in secret. ETYMOLOGY: starlit bar and the luxury therein: the 2. A fine paid for a murder. Coined by Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) runcible spoons with their slippery ETYMOLOGY: in Through the Looking-Glass (1871). cargo: the snarled silk of tinned bean From Latin murdrum (murder), from Earliest documented use: 1871. sprout, the wrinkled flame of the dried Old French murdre (murder). Earliest NOTES: lily.” documented use: 1290. Today is a very special day. Most of NOTES: our readers (about 99.7% of you) chirality Before England went around have their unbirthday today. A very (ky-RAL-i-tee) colonizing the world, they were happy unbirthday to you! How are you MEANING: colonized/conquered by Romans, celebrating your unbirthday? noun: The property of not being Angles/Saxons/Jutes, Vikings, and And if you happen to have your superimposable on its mirror image: Normans. The locals vented by killing birthday today, well, a happy birthday dissymmetry. their new lords. So the law came to you! USAGE: down that any murder of a Norman USAGE: “Hands, feet, and shoes, [Richard was to result in a heavy fine for the “Steve Irwin won’t be at his son’s 14th Dawkins] explains, have chirality, i.e., whole village. On the other hand, if the birthday, or his unbirthday.” ‘there’s a left one and a right one and person killed was an Englishman or a you can’t rotate either to make the Englishwoman: pas de probleme. This runcible other’. Socks, on the other hand, are fine was known as murdrum. PRONUNCIATION: interchangeable. So, he suggests, USAGE: (RUHN-suh-buhl) embrace the diversity and wear your “The coroner knew that the smith MEANING: odd socks with pride. was doing what he could to avoid the noun: A utensil that is a combination of murdrum fine.” a fork and spoon. Also known as a spork. — wordsmith.org Sudoku Solution

Across Down 1 Stiff young man hoarding 1 Marine crustacean, a sort of diamonds (4) lean crab (8) 3 In the morning wild boar is 2 Wild dog hiding out? Not heavenly food (8) entirely (5) 9 Joint in road caused 4 Fielder I’m about to remove annoyance (7) (3-3) 10 Rotter requiring small drink 5 Some ignore site for further (5) examination (5) 11 A boxing match, more or less 6 Extend trip away from home (5) (4,3) 12 Comprehend six feet (6) 7 Be an accomplice in Lincoln, 14 Companion introduced to ending in court (4) right sort of plant (6) 13 Does this take the boredom 16 Outlaw taking shelter in out of saving? (8) mountain kingdom (6) 15 Many stir drink excessively (7) 19 Cave reached when going 17 He hugs tree — time for Sudoku is a puzzle based over river (6) protection on top (6) on a 9x9 grid. The 21 French city scroll, illegible in 18 Child’s beginning to get grid is also divided into part (5) tender chest (6) nine (3x3) boxes. You 24 Completely vertical (5) 20 Expressions of gratitude and are given a selection of 25 Spot new clerk clad in iron (7) disapproval are forbidden (5) values and to complete 26 Neglected matters go by this 22 Popular as starter for dinner the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 governing body (3,5) (5) box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none 27 Prepare to publish current 23 Second postman in a row (4) is repeated. returns (4)

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME: Solution 14 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Spend some time in garden for good health, mental well-being

eople who spend lead author Sian de Bell from the time in the garden are University of Exeter in the UK. significantly more The research team found the likely to report general benefits of gardening to health good health, higher and well-being were similar to the Ppsychological well-being and difference in health between people greater physical activity levels than living in the wealthiest parts of the those who do not spend time in the country, compared to the poorest. garden, say researchers. The benefits applied to whether Published in the journal people spent their time gardening Landscape and Urban Planning, the or simply relaxing. People who study analysed data from nearly regularly spend time in their garden 8,000 people collected by Natural were also more likely to visit nature England between 2009 and 2016. elsewhere once a week. The current research used data The findings also showed that collected by Natural England’s people with access to a private garden Monitor of Engagement with the had higher psychological well-being Natural Environment Survey, the and those with an outdoor space such world’s largest survey collecting as a yard were more likely to meet data on people’s weekly contact physical activity guidelines. with the natural world. These benefits were in “Our findings suggest that whilst comparison to people who did not being able to access an outdoor have a garden or outdoor space. space such as a garden or yard “Gardens are a crucial way for is important, using that space is people to access and experience may have a role as a public health equally,” said study researcher the increasing body of scientific what really leads to benefits for the natural environment. Our new resource and that we need to Becca Lovell. According to the evidence on the health benefits of health and well-being,” said study evidence highlights that gardens ensure that their benefit is available researchers, this work adds to gardens and gardening. — IANS

Aries Taurus Gemini March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today you could feel full of energy and eager to get out for some Your energy is probably pretty low today, Taurus. You won’t feel like Career and financial goals could seem completely stalled, Gemini, exercise, Aries, but other responsibilities might threaten to keep you socialising, nor will you feel like staying in and reading or watching and this could have you depressed, frustrated, and in something of a from doing it. The resulting frustration could zap all your energy and TV. Chances are you won’t know what to do with yourself all day. panic. Don’t fall into this trap. This isn’t a permanent condition. You’ll put you in a lethargic mood. Don’t fall into this trap! Get the most Under these circumstances, the best thing to do is find a distraction. be back on track in a few days. In the meantime, be good to yourself. urgent tasks done and then get the exercise you need. This way, you Go work out, read a thrilling book, go to a funny movie. Get your Go to your favourite restaurant, buy yourself a present, or spend the can recoup both your physical and mental energy. mind off your lethargy and it could well disappear. afternoon in a bookstore. If nothing else, you’ll feel better. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

A colleague could be in a very bad mood, Cancer, and therefore not Plans to go away on vacation or perhaps a business trip could be This isn’t a good day to visit the racetrack, Las Vegas, or any store the easiest person in the world to deal with. In fact, today he or she put on hold today, Leo. Events you might have been scheduled to that sells lottery tickets. Stay away from the stock market, too, Virgo. could resist working at all, and you might feel obligated to take up attend could be temporarily postponed. This could leave you feeling Speculation of any kind now could be risky at best and disastrous at the slack. Only do it if the tasks are urgent. It isn’t fair to you to have somewhat at a loss because you’d planned to be away and now you worst. You’re probably feeling a bit lethargic and not very sociable. to do someone else’s job. Don’t feel guilty if you leave it unfinished. don’t know what to do with yourself in the meantime. Be your usual Read a good book. That’s the most productive thing you could do ingenious self and you’ll find something! Go to it! today! Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but your This might prove to be one of those days in which it’s very hard You might have planned to make a particular purchase today, inner world is likely to be in a rush of activity. Today you wish you to get anything related to work or communication off the ground, Sagittarius, but a quick check of your financial situation could reveal could find the solution to your heartaches as well as your career Scorpio. You could find excuses to stop working more often than that it would be better if you waited until your next payday. This predicaments. You’d like to achieve some supreme understanding of usual, particularly if it involves calling people on the phone. Don’t could prove disappointing and frustrating, but look at it this way – the events that took place over the past month. First, you must force fight it. Take care of the most urgent tasks. The world won’t come to you’ve waited this long for this item. It isn’t urgent, so waiting a little your brain to slow down. Haste makes waste, as you know! an end if you put the rest off a while. longer certainly won’t hurt. Do something else today. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

A lack of physical and mental energy as well as motivation could Usually you enjoy talking with others, Aquarius, but today you won’t A group of friends might want you to go out with them today, Pisces, have you in a lethargic mood today, Capricorn. You won’t feel like even want to answer the phone. Your physical stamina and mental but you probably won’t feel up to it. Your financial situation could doing much of anything. You might get extremely irritated at the energy are low, and you could feel out of sorts. It might help if you also require a little belt-tightening now, so you may not feel you can thought of having to work in any way. It might be a good idea to go go for a walk sometime in the afternoon. You won’t want to waste justify the expense. In any case, you aren’t going to want to spend to a movie in the evening, preferably a thriller or action movie. This your evening lying around the house. Get the endorphins going and the evening alone. Invite a friend over to watch a movie with you. will get your juices flowing again. then go to a movie. You’ll soon be your old self again! Friday, May 8, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Michael Jackson estate wins appeal in tussle with producer Jones

CANDID: Richa Chadha says there is nothing you can do, if you made a bad decision or did a bad film. Regrets are pointless: Richa

She has been in the industry for over a decade and has impressed in films like Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, the Gangs Of Wasseypur franchise, the Fukrey franchise, Masaan and Section 375. Actress Richa Chadha says she has no regrets as she finds them pointless. “I don’t have any regrets. Regrets are just so pointless. There is nothing you can do. If you made a bad decision or did a bad film at a time it wasn’t because you were trying to self sabotage,” Richa said. She added: “Like in my case I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have any advisers or friends in the industry.” Recently, Richa along with actors like Kalki Koechlin, Amyra Dastur, Pulkit Samrat and Adil Hussain, was seen spreading the message of peace and gender parity during the ongoing lockdown. In a video put together by Women in Films and Television India, the campaign, supported by these celebrities, spoke about issues borne out of vulnerable mental health caused by the lockdown. FAIR: Michael Jackson, left, with Quincy Jones while holding an armful of Grammys at the award show in 1984. In the lockdown period due to the pandemic, Richa has been indulging in a lot of creative stuff including cooking, “master use” fees related to the movie the jury to perform that function and developing a new script and dancing. – IANS By Nancy Dillon This Is It. ultimately misinterpret the relevant Jones, 87, began pursuing his claim terms,” the 45-page appeals court a few years after Jackson died from an ruling obtained by the Daily News said. ichael Jackson’s estate accidental overdose of the surgery- Lawyers for Jones did not is off the hook when it strength anaesthetic propofol in June immediately respond to a request for comes to most of the 2009. comment from the New York Daily $9.4 million awarded Among his grievances, Jones said News. to Off The Wall the singer’s estate reworked music he “Quincy Jones was the last producerM Quincy Jones in a dispute produced on Jackson’s hit albums Off person we thought would try to take over unpaid royalties, an appeals court The Wall, Thriller and Bad and then advantage of Michael Jackson by filing ruled recently. used it in This Is It and two Cirque du a lawsuit three years after he died California’s 2nd District Court Soleil shows without awarding him asking for tens of millions of dollars of Appeal said a lower court erred appropriate compensation. he wasn’t entitled to,” estate lawyer when it allowed a jury to calculate A jury returned a special verdict in Howard Weitzman said in a statement. the whopping sum after it found MJJ Jones’ favour in 2017. It found he was “We knew the verdict was wrong Productions breached agreements entitled to the $9.4million, including when we heard it, and the court of with Jones. the $1.6 million for MJJP’s alleged appeal has completely vindicated CLARIFICATION: Madonna says that she was infected with A three-judge panel overturned the failure to provide him with the right of us. From the beginning this was an Covid-19 but she is healthy now. $1.6 million awarded for remix fees first opportunity to remix masters. attempt to take advantage of Michael and the $5.3 million awarded for joint “Interpretation of the Producer knowing he wasn’t here to defend I am not currently sick: Madonna venture profits. It upheld three other Agreements was solely a judicial himself,” Weitzman said. awards including nearly $2 million for function, yet the trial court allowed – New York Daily News/TNS Pop superstar Madonna says she caught the novel coronavirus in France towards the end of her famous tour Madam Xtour, adding that she is currently not sick. Dia’s tenure as UN a difference towards improving Madonna, who has tested positive for antibodies to the environment emissary environmental consciousness. Now coronavirus but is not sick, has debunked rumours that extended more than ever before we need to make she is gravely ill, reports aceshowbiz.com. every effort possible to act on climate, “I’m grateful that I can be a part of supporting research Actress-producer Dia Mirza’s protect wildlife, biodiversity, and to find the cure for Covid-19! And just to clear things term as United Nations Environment secure our natural resources.” up for people who would rather believe sensationalist Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Underlining the role Dia has headlines than do their research about the nature of this Ambassador has been extended. She played, Dechen Tsering, Regional virus, I am not currently sick,” she said. will now be serving till the end of 2022. Director and Representative for Asia Madonna said that she was sick at the end of her tour in Dia, who is also a United Nations and the Pacific, UNEP, said: “Your Paris. Sustainability Development Goals support to UNEP as our Goodwill She added: “When you test positive for anti-bodies it Advocate, feels the extension is Ambassador since 2017 has been means you HAD the virus which I clearly did as I was sick another opportunity to work towards greatly valued. Your contributions to at the end of my tour in Paris over seven weeks ago along changing things for nature. World Environment Day, Beat Plastic with many other artistes in my show, but at the time we “I am grateful for the opportunity Pollution, Circular Fashion and other all thought we had a very bad flu. Thank God we are all to continue to serve as UNEP UNEP campaigns and initiatives have healthy and well now. Hope that clears things up for the ambassador. My association with helped broaden the scope and impact band wagon jumpers!! Knowledge is power!” the United Nations Environment of our outreach. We look to you to Madonna was bombarded with health issues and Programme has been an extraordinary continue to assist us in our advocacy THANKFUL: Dia Mirza says her injuries on her last tour, and had to cancel and postpone a learning curve,” she said, adding: efforts and communicate to the public association with the United Nations series of dates. – IANS “It has defined my purpose and I the vision and values that guide our Environment Programme has been an hope to continue to learn and make work”. – IANS extraordinary learning curve. 16 GULF TIMES Friday, May 8, 2020 COMMUNITY Greek agronomist sees Ramadan as a time for recollection

courses and building my website.” By Mudassir Raja The agronomist, like other people, is homebound during the virus outbreak. “I have also “After so many or the Muslims, Ramadan been spending most of my time is a time of test, with my daughter, doing home years in Qatar, now patience, forgiveness and schooling, playing, cooking, doing generosity. This Ramadan gardening and chores, chatting I know that fasting has become more of a test and working out. My husband is ofF patience for some because of the also working mostly from home, is something very novel coronavirus pandemic. so we spend much more time than The holy month has always before as a family. We try to have personal and people been an interesting and awakening some routine during our days, experience for the non-Muslim like having breakfast all together, follow it because expatriates in Qatar as they observe attending the Zoom classes for how people conduct themselves my daughter, while I am doing it makes them feel and how religious activity mixes some housekeeping, then doing with cultural values of the country the school activities, cooking, better, physically while fasting. working out via an online class at Greek expatriate Vicky Damalou 3pm and after 6pm going for a walk, and mentally. It is a is an agronomist by profession with or watching a movie, theatre or more than 15 years of experience dance. There is a very wide variety time for recollection, in various agricultural businesses. of online shows at the moment that She has been living and working in we can choose from! This routine prayers and Qatar since 2009. helps us a lot to be more productive “This January I established and to avoid frustrations.” decisions for a better my own business, providing Vicky has been experiencing agricultural and gardening Ramadan in Qatar for many years way of living” education and advice. I believe but says it is different this year. that there is a big gap of organised “I have spent Ramadan in Qatar — Vicky Damalou knowledge related to gardening for many years, and I can say that in the Middle East. In the large this is the first year that I cannot scale agriculture, that has grown notice any difference in our daily rapidly in past four years in Qatar, activities, related to Ramadan there are growers and agronomists activities. It is unchanged because out there, with a huge amount of the stay-at-home orders. of experience about growing Usually our schedules change, and, food in the local conditions. especially during the first days, we However, this knowledge is not should always check the shop or gathered and available to people restaurant timings before heading that would like to start a farm or somewhere. This year this doesn’t grow their own food in a garden. apply, as we don’t go to any shops So, I decided to organise all the or restaurants. experience I have gained over the “My first Ramadan in Qatar was years that I have worked here, back in 2009. On the first day of and make it available through my Ramadan back then, we went to website.” the desert with friends and then “During the past two months we went to a restaurant for dinner, in front of me, but having to wait better, physically and mentally. It is my Muslim friends out there a very (since the schools closed), I very close to Iftar time. The waiter before I eat. a time for recollection, prayers and blessed Ramadan! This year it is have cancelled my workshops served us the food, but we had in “After so many years in Qatar, decisions for a better way of living. definitely a very different Ramadan and any work meetings and I mind that we had to wait for the now I know that fasting is Personally I have never tried it – I for all of us and may these times am only working from home. I Iftar announcement. I remember something very personal and people find it too hard but I might do so in bring only positive changes to the have focused on developing new it felt so awkward, having the food follow it because it makes them feel the future. I would like to wish to all entire world.”

WORKSHOP: Vicky seen during a workshop. FIELD TRIP: Vicky has more than 15 years of experience in various agricultural businesses.