Community Community For its An interview Spring 2017 with Dr Community Bibhakar P6Education Program, the P16 Shakya, Program and VCU-Q has rolled out a Policy Expert with the wide range of art, design Supreme Committee for and craft courses. Delivery and Legacy.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Rabia II 12, 1438 AH

DOHA 18°C—27°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

COVER STORY

Mission accomplished Wilfredo C Santos, outgoing Philippine ambassador, on the cherished memories he is taking with him of an exemplary community. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 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 Assassin’s Creed original story that expands the series’ mythology, taking place Directed by: Justin Kurzel during the Spanish Inquisition. When Callum Lynch explores Written by: Michael Lesslie, Adam Cooper, Bill Collage the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Synopsis: Assassin’s Creed is an action adventure fi lm Assassins society. based on the video game franchise of the same name. The fi lm Emergency 999 is set in the same universe as the video games but features an Locations: The Mall, Landmark, Villaggio, City Centre 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 Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Potter fi lm series, it was produced and written by J K Rowling, Qatar Airways 40253374 Directed by: in her screenwriting debut, and inspired by her book of the Written by: J K Rowling same name. The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New Cast: , , Alison Sudol York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years Synopsis: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a before Harry Potter reads his book in school. 2016 fantasy fi lm directed by David Yates and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. A spin-off and prequel of the Harry Location: Villaggio ote Unquo u te Q Mall Cinema (1): Snow White’s New New Adventure (2D) 5:30pm; Al Maa People Adventure (2D) 2pm; Assassin’s Wa Al Khoudra () 7:30pm; The Creed (2D) 3:30pm; Moana (2D) Great Wall (2D) 9:30pm; The Great won’t have time for 5:30pm; The Founder (2D) 7:30pm; Up (2D) 11:30pm. Wall (2D) 11:30pm. you if you are always angry The Great Wall (2D) 9:30pm; The Landmark Cinema (2): Snow Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Great Wall (2D) 11:30pm. White’s New Adventure (2D) 3pm; Ozzy: Fast & Furry (2D) 3pm; Ozzy: or complaining. Mall Cinema (2): Ozzy: Fast & Snow White’s New Adventure (2D) Fast & Furry (2D) 5:15pm; Level – Stephen Hawking Furry (2D) 2:45pm; Florence Poster 4:30pm; Dangal (Hindi) 6pm; The Up (2D) 7:15pm; The Founder (2D) Jenkins (2D) 4:30pm; Snow White’s Great Wall (2D) 9pm; The Great Wall 8:45pm; Dangal (Hindi) 10:45pm. New Adventure (2D) 6:30pm; Dangal (2D) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): (Hindi) 8pm; Dangal (Hindi) 11pm. Landmark Cinema (3): The The Great Wall (2D) 2:30pm; The Mall Cinema (3): Level Up (2D) Founder (2D) 2:15pm; Level Up (2D) Founder (2D) 4:30pm; Florence 2:30pm; Ozzy: Fast & Furry (2D) 4pm; 4:15pm; Ozzy: Fast & Furry (2D) Poster Jenkins (2D) 6:30pm; Sardar The founder (2D) 5:30pm; Al Maa Wa 5:45pm; Al Maa Wa Al Khoudra Saab (Punjabi) 8:30pm; Al Maa Wa Al Al Khoudra (Arabic) 7:30pm; Al Maa (Arabic) 7:15pm; Sardar Saab Khoudra (Arabic) 11pm. Community Editor Wa Al Khoudra (Arabic) 9:30pm; (Panjabi) 9:15pm; The Founder (2D) Asian Town Cinema: Dangal Kamran Rehmat Sardar Saab (Punjabi) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. (Hindi) 6 & 9:15pm; Oru Muthshi e-mail: [email protected] Landmark Cinema (1): Moana (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Kadha (Malayalam) 6:30 & 9:30; 2:30pm; Ozzy: Fast & Furry (2D) 4pm; Snow White’s New Adventure Ore Mukham (Malayalam) 6pm; Telephone: 44466405 Assassin’s Creed (2D) 5:30pm; Ozzy: (2D) 2:30pm; Snow White’s New Katapana (Malayalam) 8:30pm; 10 Fax: 44350474 Fast & Furry (2D) 7:30pm; Florence Adventure (2D) 4pm; Snow White’s Kalapanakal (Malayalam) 5:30, 8 & Poster Jenkins (2D) 9:30pm; Level 10:30pm. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Ooredoo Marathon 2017 participants under the age of 18 will need WHEN: January 13 signed permission from a legal guardian. For Opening of Book of Condolences on TIME: 6:30am the Mini Moto track, any participant should death of former president of Portugal WHERE: MIA Park bring their own bike and safety equipment. WHEN: Today, Tomorrow Now in its fi fth year, the 2017 Ooredoo WHERE: The Pearl, Tower No 6 Marathon will take place on Friday, January Al Gannas The Embassy of Portugal in has 13. Ooredoo has promised that this year’s (For school students) said that the book of condolences, due marathon will be ‘more professional than Until March 31, 2017 to the passing of former President of the ever’. 9am–Noon Portuguese Republic Dr Mario Soares, will be This year, the Ooredoo Marathon will Al Gannas Society open at The Pearl, Tower No 6, AM fl oor from feature courses for all abilities of runners Free ( For boys only, requires 11am to 2pm, on the 10th and 11th of January. including a 10km run, half-marathon, full Shop Qatar registration) A politician by profession and vocation, marathon and special children’s 1km fun run. WHERE: Across Qatar Al Gannas association is participating in Mario Soares is an inescapable fi gure in The route, which will start at the Museum WHEN: Until February 7 the “Our culture is a school” programme, by contemporary Portuguese history: fi rst for of Islamic Arts Park, will follow the stunning Shop Qatar will be the fi rst edition of organising many activities for the students his fi ght against fascism; second for his part Doha Corniche and prizes will be awarded Qatar’s month-long shopping festival. As every Monday and Wednesday of the week. in the transition process; and fi nally for his to the best runners in a range of categories, part of eff orts to provide visitors with the These activities include explanations on performance as the Prime Minister of the I, II based on age and gender. complete package, Qatar Tourism Authority hunting and related items tools, kinds of and IX constitutional governments. Ooredoo has also confi rmed today that (QTA) has partnered with Qatar Airways to falcons and preys, in addition to workshop He was elected President of the republic 100% of this year’s registration fees for the ensure fl ights to Qatar from within the GCC on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional in 1986. “Uniting the Portuguese, Serve Ooredoo Marathon will be donated to the region booked on the airline for the period tent (made of goat & camel heir), prepare Portugal” was the motto for his presidential charity Reach Out To Asia. between January 7 and February 7 will be traditional Arabic coff ee and start a fire. For term, which was renewed fi ve years later. available with a 25% discount. further details, visit katara.net Auditions for Singers In addition, members of Qatar Airways’ Art exhibition Textures-8 WHEN: January 14 Privilege Club will receive double Q-miles on Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Legend WHEN: January 21 Doha Youth Choir & Junior Choir have their booking during Shop Qatar. DATE: Until February 25, 2017 WHERE: Michael E. DeBakey High “exciting plans for the year 2017,” including Retail outlets around the country will WHERE: Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor, School-Qatar an European tour. If you can sing, love be providing discounts of up to 50% on a Museum of Islamic Art TIME: 3pm to 6pm singing and can commit to the choir’s range of consumer goods including clothes, The temporary exhibition is curated by Toolika Creations a small group of young rehearsal then you may be the right fi t for electronics, cosmetics and accessories for Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports and amateur artists, are going to put up them. For auditions details, please call the men, women and children. Museum and presents a unique collection their yearly exhibition in association with choir at 5578-0355 or e-mail them at info@ To fi nd out more, visit www.shopqatar.qa of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, the Michael E. DeBakey High School-Qatar. dohayouthchoir.com including photography from Ali’s outdoor Hundreds of art and craft pieces prepared by Color Run exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in 1971 artists of various ages will be displayed at the WHERE: QNCC and memorabilia spanning his journey to school hall. Many of the paintings have been WHEN: January 28 the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world title created after the artists observed the Wakrah The 2017 edition of The Color Run returns winning bout against Sonny Liston in 1964 Souq architecture. The exhibition will also on Saturday, January 28 at the Qatar National and his fi nal world title winning fi ght against include a live competition and fun-fi lled Convention Centre (QNCC) as the Tropicolor Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978. activities. The exhibition is open to the public World Tour makes its mark on Doha. and the entry is free. Color Runners are promised a lively island- Qatar Music Academy style experience complete with lots more (For school students) Trevor Noah live at the Doha Comedy fun and colour, as they run, walk, dance, Until March 28, 2017 Festival jog or even skip through the fi ve kilometre 11am–2pm WHEN: Feb 2- Feb 4 course with their family and friends, whilst Free (Requires registration) TIME: 8pm getting covered head to toe in colour at Qatar Music Academy focuses on teaching WHERE: Qatar National Convention The Arabian Horse every kilometre mark. Color Runners are its students the principles of Arab and Center WHEN: Tomorrow encouraged to arrive at the QNCC on the day Western music. As part of the “Our Culture Doha Comedy Festival is returning for a TIME: 7pm by around 7am, with the fi rst wave of runners is a School” programme, Qatar Music third time. The line-up includes the world’s WHERE: Multipurpose hall, Al Shaqab, setting off at 8:30am. Academy has off ered interested schools the top performers from the US, UK, Middle East Main Arena Building (Access through gate 7 Once they have completed the fun run, opportunity to attend various workshops. and the GCC. or gate 8 on Al Shaqab st.) the runners will be able to continue on with These workshops will include an introduction The festival will host world-renowned the festivities at the memorable Finish to Arab and Western music and instruments, standup comedian and international TV host Dr Mats Troedsson, Consultant Director of Festival, a larger than life party, with Rainbow as well as the teachers giving a brief overview of The Daily Show – Trevor Noah and the Al Shaqab Equine Veterinary Medical Center/ beach, an interactive island featuring music, of the educational music programmes at the British comedian, ventriloquist, and winner Professor at the University of Kentucky, MHG dancing, photo opportunities, entertainment, Academy. For further details, visit katara.net of Season 10 of America’s Got Talent – Paul Equine Research Center, will give a talk on the sponsored activities, and massive colour Zerdin. history of the Arabian horse, its importance throws. These talents will join extremely popular in the history of Qatar, and current strategies To learn more and register, please visit the performers from the Middle East and the for horse breeding and equine welfare at event’s offi cial website at www.thecolorrun. GCC including Bader Saleh whose YouTube Al Shaqab. The talk is being organised by qa show garnered over 346 million views, Nemr the Qatar Natural History Group. For more Abou Nassar entitled with ‘Lebanon’s King details, please visit www.qnhg.org of Comedy’, the Jordanian comic critic Rajae Qawas, Syrian social media activist and FCC Vanithavedi’s Women’s Fest comedian Mohanad Al Hattab, Egyptian WHEN: January 12, 13 and 14 standup comedian Mohamed Salem and the WHERE: Friend’s Cultural Centre fl uent Arabic-speaking comedian from South Friends Cultural Centre Vanithavedi will Korea - Wonho Chung to name a few. be organising a variety of programmes on the occasion of World Women’s Day and Qatar National Sports Day. The programmes are to commence with the Cultural Fest to be held at FCC in Hilal on the 12th, 13th and 14th of January. The competitions that will be conducted at the festival include: fl ower making, draw and Fitness Training colour, best out of waste, cartoon drawing, DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday clay modelling, Mappilappattu, light music, Karting and Minimoto @ Losail TIME: 6pm-7pm moniact, poem recitation, extempore speech, WHERE: Losail Circuit Sports Club VENUE: MIA Park composition of poetry, story writing, photo The Karting and Minimoto track at Losail There are fi tness classes in the park on caption, essay writing, kadhaprasangam, International Circuit is open for public on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights collage, debate, nadan pattu, skit, and mime. multiple days in January. The next dates between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of The sports festival will be on January 17. are January 12 and 13, from 5pm to 10pm. fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun For more information, please Price is QR100 per 15 minutes session. Add way to train and also meet new people in the ww.fccvanitavedi.wordpress.com another QR15 for helmet mask (the track will open and friendly group atmosphere. More You can also contact 4466-1213, 5527-1038, provide a helmet if you do not bring your information, from Bootcamp, Qatar or info@ 6647-0400. own). The minimum age for karting is 15 and bootcampqatar.com

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Qatar will always have a special place in my heart” — Wilfredo C Santos, Philippine ambassador

“Qatar will always be memorable to me because this (ACD), a loose membership of Asean By Anand Holla countries which have representation is my first posting as ambassador. My stint in Qatar in Qatar, from August to December of last year; recognition of the elcoming the New has taught me a lot of things for my personal and Filipino community in the State of Year has been Qatar as the “Best Community” at an emotionally professional growth, which will come in handy the Labour Welfare Awards 2016 exacting experience in my future postings” during the Third Annual Labour even if mixed Rights Protection Conference held at Wwith copious amounts of a deeply the St. Regis, Doha, on May 2, 2016; fulfi lling feeling for Wilfredo C As Santos readies himself to which will come in handy in my here, both professionally and and launching of Kulinarya Qatar Santos, the outgoing ambassador of depart next week and take up the future postings. While it is with personally? in 2015, which is one of the fl agship the to Qatar. new challenge as the ambassador of a heavy heart that I leave Qatar I consider the following occasions programmes of the embassy aimed The Manila-born Santos grew up the Philippines in Iran, Community soon, I take with me the wonderful and events as highlights of my at promoting Philippine culture and in the US and studied in Switzerland caught up with the aff able diplomat experiences and excellent memories career in Qatar as ambassador: tourism through Filipino cuisine. before returning home to fi nish his for a chat. one could ever have. For that, Qatar Presentation of credentials to His education. Following his father’s will always have a special place in Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Given the terrifi c feedback, footsteps as a journalist, Santos How do you look back at your my heart. I will certainly miss the Hamad al-Thani, Deputy Emir Kulinarya Qatar appears to have wrote on everything from extensive time here in Qatar and what will family I have in the Embassy and of Qatar, at the Emiri Diwan on become a successful brand or opinion pieces on foreign aff airs to you miss the most about it? friends from the Filipino community August 30, 2015; farewell call on His movement on its own… his experiences in Europe for various Qatar will always be memorable to that I have truly enjoyed working Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Indeed. In just a short period of newspapers such as Philippine Daily me because this is my fi rst posting with. al-Thani, the Emir of the State time, Kulinarya Qatar has grown Inquirer, The Manila Times, and wire as ambassador. My stint in Qatar of Qatar, at the Emir’s palace on to be a household name, especially agencies, before embarking on a has taught me a lot of things for my What were some of the January 4, this year; chairmanship among Filipino migrants in Qatar. As career in Foreign Service. personal and professional growth, highlights of your service of the Asean Committee in Doha a brand, Kulinarya Qatar is simple Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Cutting the cake at the National Day reception in May last year. At the opening of the the Filipino Food Fiesta. but impactful. It speaks for itself, for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). is a unique post in the Middle East, making a ceremonial throw, and embassy, as OFWs in Qatar evolve as it clearly delivers the message. Sentro Rizal is a resource centre as most Filipino expatriates are so a throw I threw. The ball rolled with the host country. It can easily connect to people as with information about works professional, skilled and semi- straight into the bowling pins, and evidenced by the turnout or foot related to the Philippines’ national skilled workers. Various Filipino it was a strike, a lucky strike. A Lastly, what are some life traffi c that it generates whenever hero, Dr Jose Rizal. The Sentro Rizal groups actively organise events good throw to kick off the event! lessons or interesting insights a Kulinarya event is held. As a in Qatar is the second centre to almost on a weekly basis. I have Afterwards, players jokingly off ered you learnt during your time here platform, Kulinarya Qatar is unique be established in the Middle East come to appreciate the various me to play for their teams, as they in Qatar? and fl exible. It complements and after Oman, and the 19th centre Filipino professions in Qatar and the were short of team members. While in Qatar, I have come to adapts to any Filipino community- worldwide. Also, conducting of a cause they promote by attending appreciate more how the Filipino organised event, without losing month-long Overseas Voting for these events. For any ambassador, How do you see the Filipino community can be a true partner focus on Philippine cuisine as the the 2016 National Election, which knowing the Filipino community is community in Qatar moving of the embassy to the many central theme. As an initiative yielded a total of 15,695 votes cast important. Only then can he or she ahead in the coming months? endeavours aimed at promoting or movement, Kulinarya Qatar is representing 35.02 per cent of the be truly eff ective in delivering the What I like about the Filipino the welfare and interest of the community-driven, which makes it 44,810 registered voters in Qatar, services expected of him. community in Qatar is that it is Philippines. The embassy is not a sustainable. It is worth noting that was another highlight of my tenure self-regulating and professional. “Superman” or a “Super Agency” Kulinarya Qatar is the only one of its here. That, along with the adoption Of your many pleasant It runs on its own with minimal that can do all tasks on its own. kind initiative in the GCC and Mena of the automated election system memories here, is there a direction from the embassy. It So partnership is key, especially regions. (AES), which allowed faster counting particularly funny memory that knows its vision and strives to with the Filipino community. of ballots and real time transmittal of you would like to share? achieve this vision with passion. Another thing is the importance of Would you like to talk about the May 2016 election results. Sometime late last year, I was Whoever will head the embassy a One-Country Team Approach. any other standout, community- invited as guest of honour to the is fortunate, as I have been All agencies under the embassy driven features of your tenure How fulfi lling has it been for opening of the GCC All-Filipino fortunate, because of the mutual should get their acts together to here? you to interact closely with the Bowling Tournament held sat the respect and strong partnership better render the required services It would have to be the vibrant Filipino community Qatar Bowling Centre. In haste, I between the embassy and the to stakeholders. We become strong inauguration of the Sentro Rizal in here? went to the event without wearing community. With the new and effi cient when we are united Qatar on September 20, last year, in My engagements with the appropriate bowling shoes. I had ambassador, I am sure that the — all of us working towards a the presence of Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., overseas in Qatar are as only brought my bowling ball. Filipino community will continue common purpose and goal. Chairman of National Commission fulfi lling as they are inspiring. Qatar Part of the ceremony involved me to be an important partner of the

“What I like about the Filipino community in Qatar is that it is self- regulating and professional. It runs on its own with minimal direction from the embassy. It knows its vision and strives to achieve this vision with passion” With the Philippine embassy staff . 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY Learn new skills at Spring 2017 Community Education Program

For its Spring 2017 Community Education Program, VCU-Q has rolled out a wide range of art, design and craft courses.

of course choices across various Photography courses – one for By Anand Holla disciplines such as photography, fi ne children from ages 9 to 14, and art, design, fashion design, creative the other for adults, at IAID, from writing, and craft, Community tells January 30 to February 20. The ell me and I forget, teach you about a few interesting visual- timing for the children’s course me and I may remember, centric ones. is from 4pm to 6pm, and for the involve me and I learn. A compact 101 course, seasoned adults’ course 6pm to 8pm. The Great polymath and photographer Salim Abdulla’s four-lesson class outline covers author-inventor-political Through My Eyes - A Creative introduction to basic concepts theoristT Benjamin Franklin’s wise Photographer’s Perspective will of photography, practical demos, words pretty much sums up how teach you everything from an shooting exercises, and editing important involvement is to learning introduction, basics and history of and sharing your work. The fees is new skills. photography to getting to know your QR600. For its Spring 2017 Community camera, lenses, modes and lighting A more advanced course by Education Program, the Virginia techniques better. The eight-session Jayakumar, also at IAID, is aimed Commonwealth University in course begins on January 30 and at “those who already have a basic Qatar (VCU-Q) has rolled out a ends on February 22. The fees is knowledge of photography, know wide range of art, design and craft QR1,400. how to make single images, but courses at VCU-Q in Education City Good Morning Qatar – A are keen to embark on a larger and at IAID (Academy for Dance, Photo Walk Journey is suitable for body of work, develop their Music & Arts) that seeks to involve promising and serious amateurs visual language and sharpen their String art typography is a cool way to infuse new life into dull corners or walls. the creative side of you. You can with a good level of knowledge practical, technical and conceptual either register online (qatar.vcu. about basic photographic principles. skills”. Titled The Photo Project In a Poster Design course – from Typography course, also by Lemelin. edu) or visit VCU-Q for in-person For some classes, students will be for Adults, the six-part class is an February 2 to March 30; fee QR850 From basic typography terms registration during normal offi ce meeting off site to do hands-on opportunity to learn how to tell your – maverick Canadian art director and concepts, to creation of the hours, from Sunday to Thursday, practical studies outdoors – some stories through images by working Pascale Lemelin will take you templates that involve working with 9am to 12pm, and 1pm to 4pm. occasions call for meeting very early on a long-term photography through a brief overview of poster Arabic or Latin symbols and letters “Learn new skills and deepen your in the morning to catch the light of project under a mentor. In this design in history and Rule of Fives: with the use of a computer, from understanding of art and culture the “golden hours” (dawn). Abdulla course involving everything from interesting to watch from 30cm, 3 exploring diff erent materials for at VCU-Qatar. While registration will take you through everything shooting on the fi eld to critiques of metres and 30 metres away. From the base (wood, foam board), string is open until classes start, we from an introduction to ethics and student work, participants will be aesthetics and ideas and fi nding the (yarn, cotton strips, twine) and nails recommend you sign up as soon trios of photography to people & encouraged to create new bodies of balance between both, to combining (coloured, length, tacks,) to create as possible as seats are limited and portraiture photography. The course work – from conceptualising and type into template and mock-ups layers of meaning in the choice of classes sell out early. Community is on from February 4 to March 25. shooting to editing and sequencing and preprint, the course is sure to letter(s) or words, this course – from classes are also off ered at Education The fees is QR1,220. to create a narrative. The course make a fi ne poster artist out of you. February 4 to April 8; fee QR850 – City by Georgetown University,” Ace photographer Aparna begins on February 1 and ends on Colourful 3D art opportunities presents endless possibilities in this VCU-Q says. While there are plenty Jayakumar will helm two Basic March 8. The fees is QR900. are abound in the String Art medium. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Qatar Academy-Doha gives over QR34,000 in donations to Qatar Cancer Society

Qatar Academy-Doha recently organised an interactive day for its students and teaching staff to inform them about cancer, the means to treat it and prevent it, and the importance of detecting it at an early stage. The proceedings raised from the event, which amounted to QR 34,437, were handed over to Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) to support its programmes and activities for increasing health awareness about cancer. Deputy Qatar Academy Director Maha al- Rumaihi said: “In Qatar Academy-Doha, we feel proud that our students are informed and determined to organise a breast cancer awareness campaign on an annual basis. The students themselves organise the activities and preparations for the awareness day, before donating all funds raised to QCS.” Commenting on the event, Grade 12 student Ahmad al-Hajri said: “Each year in October, the students organise a special event, during which they wear pink-coloured clothes and engage in activities aimed at collecting funds to support cancer patients, and developing awareness, among students, about the disease and the means to prevent it.” For his part, Omar al-Tuwaysi, QCS marketing off icer, extended sincere thanks to Qatar Academy-Doha for its continuous support to QCS activities. Health educator Dr Hadi Abu Rashid said: “We thank Qatar Academy-Doha for its valuable initiative and for hosting this event, where we can reach out to more people to raise awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection of the disease, thus saving many human lives. Such events are also an opportunity to stress the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and exercising in order to prevent diseases, given that individuals leading inactive and unhealthy lifestyles are the most vulnerable to cancer.” MOTORING GMC introduces modern, bold design on 2018 Terrain

MC has introduced the all-new 2018 Terrain and unveiled the next chapter of GMC design via a boldly styled and intelligently engineered successor to the brand’sG popular compact SUV. The Terrain offers greater refinement and versatility to adapt to customers’ unique needs, and it’s packed with more available advanced safety technologies than ever before. GMC offers customers the widest range of choices yet, with two all-new available turbocharged propulsion systems. Two new efficiency-enhancing nine-speed automatic transmissions are matched with the two gas engines — a first application for the GMC lineup. Continuing the momentum of owning 25 percent of GMC’s overall retail sales, Denali returns to the Terrain with greater exclusivity The 2018 GMC Terrain SLT, left, and Denali. than ever, off ering a distinctive range- topping design and uniquely refi ned features. elements such as the grille and lighting driver-controllable Traction Select system, An expanded range of available active “GMC’s strong growth over the past features. Its shape was refined in the wind which has choices for different driving safety technologies is designed to enhance decade is due in large part to Terrain,” said tunnel to help ensure the distinctive profile conditions. Elements such as the throttle driver awareness and even help make it Duncan Aldred, vice president of global cuts through the air with optimal efficiency responses are optimised for the selected easier to park and manoeuvre in low-speed GMC Sales and Marketing. “The all-new and quietness. driving mode. AWD models include a FWD situations. The features include radar- and Terrain builds on that success, leveraging A range of two all-new turbocharged gas mode that disconnects the AWD system to camera-based adaptive technologies that GMC’s proven premium SUV experience to engines, including the new 1.5L and 2.0L minimise drag and optimise fuel economy, can provide alerts to potential crash threats, shake up the largest vehicle segment, with turbocharged gas engines, matched with while the AWD mode offers all the benefits allowing the driver to react and make changes a strong blend of design, functionality and two unique new nine-speed automatic of an active AWD system. to potentially avoid them, including: engineering excellence.” transmissions, with the 2.0L turbo engine Like the exterior, the new Terrain’s z New Surround Vision The 2018 Terrain goes on sale this offering stronger acceleration and a interior makes a statement and serves as a z New Forward Collision Alert with summer in the Middle East in SLE, SLT and higher degree of performance than its 1.5L fundamental component of the vehicle’s Following Distance Indicator Denali models, maintaining the momentum counterpart. heightened emphasis on refinement and z New Low-Speed Forward Automatic created by the first-generation model, of GMC’s new Electronic Precision Shift functionality. Elements such as authentic Braking which more than 700,000 have been sold enables more storage room in the centre aluminium trim, soft-touch materials z New Lane Keep Assist with Lane globally since it went on sale in 2009. console by replacing the conventional on the instrument panel and doors and Departure Warning The new Terrain’s bold exterior signals transmission shifter with electronically standard active noise cancellation are z Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone the next chapter of GMC’s design language, controlled gear selection consisting of premium features seamlessly integrated Alert evolving the brand’s signature cues with intuitive push buttons and pull triggers. into the interior design for a luxurious z Rear Cross Traffi c Alert stronger, sharper and more sculpted The Terrain comes standard with GMC’s customer experience. z New Safety Alert Seat 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY OFFB In real life, most artists struggle to make a living from their work

says Fischer. “They can’t get around exhibiting through dealer galleries.” Hofmann says the self-marketing aspect of an art career is often ignored at many universities. “You’re just thrown into the art market,” she says. Having their own workshop remains a dream for many artists. “Rents are really high everywhere,” says Fischer. Hofmann, who lived in Berlin until 2015, says ateliers were in short supply in the German capital. “In Worpswede it’s even worse, there are no aff ordable workspaces for artists. “Everyone works at home. It’s a shame that’s nothing done about it.” Few Germans are wealthy enough to buy original art for their homes. German governments have been the main patrons of the arts for hundreds of years, but in the view of the BKK, the public purse doesn’t really spend so much on art. “Only a very small number of artists benefi t from the purchase of art by public institutions,” says Priller. “Work is most often bought by local authorities,” he says. Germany’s federal and state governments by contrast buy very little. Banks, insurance companies and Gabi Tausendpfund, a German artist, in her studio at Osterholz-Scharmbeck. foundations have become reluctant to buy art more recently, partly recently evaluated a survey – the about revealing what they’re doing,” Worpswede, an artists’ colony that is because there is such an outcry if By Berit Boehme sixth since 1994 by the German she adds, for fear of having their ideas a tourist attraction in its own right. they try to resell it later. Association of Artists (BKK) – on the stolen. “Otherwise it wouldn’t work.” The KSK is an institution which economic and social state of artists. “Too many artists are being And, perhaps surprisingly, has a government budget line to hen a child fi rst Priller was surprised by the trained,” adds her colleague Manfred the Internet hasn’t really helped provide subsidised health insurance announces they results. Over the past 20 years “very Fischer from the nearby city of artists reach new markets. “Almost and social security to artists, who are want to be an artist, little has changed,” he says. “I had Braunschweig. “The market is everyone has a website but they don’t means-tested to qualify. The average the parents are often expected stronger, more positive fl ooded.” get much business that way,” says yearly income its male clients report aghast – “Why developments.” Many artists have to earn their Schaub. is just 18,121 euros (19,000 dollars), don’tW you learn a profession fi rst?” So what’s going wrong for artists? living in other ways, says BKK “It doesn’t help with sales at all,” while female artists earn even less at they say. “The competition is huge,” says director Werner Schaub. adds Hofmann. “Especially paintings 13,268 euros. And their scepticism is justifi ed. Gabi Tausendpfund, a painter in “I don’t just have one extra you have to see in order to feel the Artists need to prove a The vast majority of artists cannot the arty little town of Osterholz- job, I’ve got at least three or materiality.” minimum of 3,900 euros a year in earn a living income from art and Scharmbeck. four,” says artist and mother-of- “Individual artists can fi nd it hard actual earnings from their work most need a more prosaic second job. “Many artists are very careful two Franziska Hofmann from to enter the market on their own,” to qualify for insurance with the Even in Germany, where modest provider. The KSK doesn’t rate the government subsidies are paid to merits of the sold work, but it has 130,000 registered artists, most are to be art. also masters of the art of scrimping Many artists exhibit their work and living off nearly nothing. for free and get nothing for making The awakening for the country’s it, according to Hofmann. In many aspiring artists is all the ruder Worpswede there is lots of art for perhaps because the dream appears tourists to browse, but the artists are a tangible one – four of the world’s often the ones who “make nothing at top ten artists are German, according all from it” if no one actually buys a to Kunstkompass, a yearly ranking of piece as hoped. the world’s most in-demand artists. Since 1972 there has been Their paintings sell for millions of discussion about inserting a clause dollars. Each. into copyright laws which would And the country also produces ensure that artists receive at least possibly the most academically some remuneration from the dealers trained artists in the world, with for showing art at exhibitions. But 17,000 students graduating every the necessary political majority has year with degrees in art or art history. never been found. “Only a small minority of artists Schraub also warns against having can live from the sale of their work too high expectations of such a or from commissions,” says Eckhard clause. Priller of the Berlin-based Maecenata “But it might bump some up to the Institute. minimum 3,900 euros needed to get The economist and sociologist into the KSK,” says Priller. –DPA Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 BEAT COMMUNITY

Derek Ndinteh, chemist, 40, in his windowless tiny off ice at the University of Johannesburg – ‘UJ’ to its students. “I will be the first black Nobel laureate in chemistry,” says the Cameroon researcher.

study, which found that there were 2.9 million Africans with a Why African academics reject university degree living in OECD countries. Those that remain do so to make a contribution to Africa’s progress. “African academics are in general soft life of American universities doing a good job under very diffi cult circumstances,” Ogude says, data, leaving the prestigious job own countries,” German Chancellor although he adds that they receive of analysis – and publishing the Angela Merkel said while in Africa little recognition for this. results – to Western institutions. in October. Despite strong foundations, In the light of this, it hardly By no means all gifted academics teaching is not always up to the surprising that no black African abandon their home continent. One latest standards, as the student has won a Nobel prize other than in is James Ogude, whose academic numbers rise sharply. Nevertheless, literature and for peace. career has taken him from Nairobi research is improving, and centres Ndinteh has been researching to a professorship, fi rst in African of excellence are being created. indigenous African plants since his literature at Johannesburg’s Like many African parents, favourite cousin died young from University of the Witwatersrand Ogude’s father was strongly diabetes, describing 47 individual and now at the University of in favour of schooling and components that help to counter Pretoria. managed to pay the school fees diabetes in his doctoral thesis. “I believe I have made my for his 22 children growing up in a And at UJ he believes he has contribution to educating the next polygamous family in rural Kenya. found an African seat of learning generation of academics,” says the “We grew up in an environment that could put him on a path to the 60-year-old Kenyan, who is an in which the idea of university was coveted prize awarded in Sweden. authority on the novels of Ngugi wa powerful. It was the best thing you “Most of my school friends went Thiong’o. could do,” Ogude says. off to study in the United States, The number of university Over the years he has turned James Ogude in his off ice at the University of Pretoria. "I believe I have made but I aim to prove to them that students in sub-Saharan Africa is down repeated off ers from US my contribution to educating the next generation of academics," says the good science that has an impact on rising rapidly, although from a low universities, preferring South 60-year-old Kenyan, who is an authority on the novels of Ngugi wa Thiong'o. the world can be done in Africa,” base. The number of enrolments Africa. Ndinteh says. doubled between 2000 and 2010 “My post was well paid, there but this brilliant 40-year-old from Western funding is often helping to 5.2 million. This is equivalent to was money for research and the By Anja Bengelstorff Cameroon is confi dent. even here, with money made just 6 per cent of young people, by cost of living was low, while “I will be the fi rst black Nobel available to help African academics comparison with a global average of my colleagues in the US battled laureate in chemistry,” says the realise their dreams at African 26 per cent. fi nancially,” the professor says. erek Ndinteh may researcher at the University universities rather than take their But there is still a chronic lack But these days the South African be sitting in a of Johannesburg – “UJ” to its expertise abroad. of good libraries, laboratories and economy is struggling, research windowless tiny students. “I think it is extremely important fi nancial support for students and funding has been cut and student offi ce at one of South The role of African scientists in that African countries do not lose researchers. numbers are rising. If he were 20 Africa’s less-well- partnerships with western research their best brains, with the result One in every nine Africans with years younger, Ogude says he might Dknown universities writing out an institutes and universities tends that they are unable to deploy a university education leaves the well fi nd himself considering the application for research funding, to be primarily that of collecting (those talents) for building their continent, according to an OECD United States. –DPA 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY The 8 hottest new devices for 2017

hen it comes to the latest by virtually any Windows 10 PC, this device the Spectre profile and can be pre-ordered Acer Aspire VX 15 technology, you can never plugs seamlessly into software solutions from today. Its bigger battery allows for up to With its crisp videos, smooth games have too many options. And many partners to unleash the creative genius in 12 hours while powering a micro-edge and clear audio, the Aspire will be hot for tech lovers, there is nothing everyone. 4K display and featuring the latest Intel throughout 2017. Available in January, the like the annual Consumer processors, high performance NVIDIA Aspire is equipped with a 7th Generation ElectronicsW Show (CES) which takes place Jan. Samsung Notebook Odyssey GeForce 940MX discrete graphics. It also Intel Core processor, a 15.6-inch Full HD 5-8 in Las Vegas. Built specifi cally for intense and casual offers fast and secure login with Windows IPS screen and dual fans to keep it CES delivered an exciting look at the gamers alike, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey Hello and a nearly borderless display with running at optimal temperature, no newest Windows 10 devices that will make features advanced technology, such as the two new front-facing speakers to round out matter how much you push it during a your life easier by having a battery life long HexaFlow Vent, an advanced cooling and the user experience. gaming session. enough to last through a 15-hour fl ight, ventilation system allowing the device allowing you to log into your computer to remain cool at all times. For optimal Lenovo ThinkPad XI Yoga MSI GS63VR Stealth Pro Gaming with just your face – no need to remember gameplay, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey The latest ThinkPad X1 Yoga is flawlessly Laptop a password and much more. Featuring is equipped with an intelligent and robust flexible and adapts to your needs offering Created with the gamer in mind, the MSI experiences such as Windows Hello, touch, processor. Powered by a 7th Generation true multi-mode capability that delivers GS63VR delivers a faster and smoother VR Windows Ink, Cortana and Continuum, these Intel Core i7 processor, both models of the stunning colours and absolute blacks. experience and is part of the latest lineup of devices will command attention this year. Samsung Notebook Odyssey off er lightning The only 14-inch notebook with an OLED MSI gaming devices powered by Windows From PCs to all-in-ones, gaming solutions fast performance with premium graphic display option, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga also 10. Thanks to the new 7th Generation and portable devices, here are some of the technologies. comes with a redesigned rechargeable pen Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce most amazing unveilings from CES 2017 sure and improved “rise and fall” keyboard. GTX1050 Ti & GTX1050 gaming graphics to enable the creator in everyone. LG Gram The ThinkPad X1 Yoga will be available in cards. Enhanced audio makes the GS63VR Weighing in at only 2 pounds and featuring February. ready to support the finest audio quality Dell Canvas a 60W battery – the highest capacity in the through SABRE HiFi DAC delivered straight Channelling the innovative possibilities industry to-date – for a long battery life Toshiba Portégé X20W to high-end headsets. of Windows 10 and the upcoming Creators between charges, the LG Gram has a near A premium 2-in-1 convertible PC These are just a few of the hottest devices Update into a new category of smart edgeless touch screen and is built to deliver running Windows 10 Pro with a 360-degree shown for the first time at CES, and if you workspace technology, the Dell Canvas superior portability. Complete with a built-in dual-action hinge allow you to use the didn’t get a chance to see them at the show, expands productivity allowing you to create, fi ngerprint scanner that unlocks Windows Portégé as a notebook or digital inking don’t worry. They’ll be available in the communicate and express your ideas as Hello, the LG Gram promises to be this year’s tablet. And with a 7th Generation Intel coming weeks at your nearest Microsoft naturally as you do with pen and paper. hot travel companion. Core processor, the Portégé packs plenty Store, microsoftstore.com or a partner Through the use of touch, digital pen and of power into its thin, 2.5-pound frame retailer, so don’t wait to experience this totems, you can turn drawings into part of the HP Spectre x360 that includes a 16-hour battery. The pre- amazing new tech this year. digital workfl ow with Windows Ink or mark The second generation of HP’s 15.6-inch configured Portégé X20W will be available up webpages in Microsoft Edge. Powered revolutionary x360 is the most powerful in soon in Slate Gray. ©Brandpoint

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

There is no point in trying to convince someone to do something Sometimes you have to simply say “no” and mean it bulls. It’s not so If you aren’t sure about something or someone today, don’t push you want them to do today. Everyone is going to do exactly what easy sometimes to let someone down or say you can’t help out for yourself Gemini’s. Now that Mercury has moved direct you may feel they want to do when they want to do it, Aries. As you should. you but every now and then you have to. inspired to take on the world. Keep in mind that January is a go slow month for the most part for you.

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

If you feel someone is pressuring you to do something or say Not everyone is on the same page today and many of them won’t be Today is a great day for you to figure out your next steps – with something you don’t feel comfortable doing or saying, step away on your page, Leos. Therefore stay on script – your script – and let Mercury your ruler the planet of communication and clear thinking from them and don’t let them put any more pressure on you everyone else work on their script. moving direct in your romance zone and Venus and Mars in your Cancers. relationship zone. You’ve got fabulous planetary aspects Virgos – use them.

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

Unless you really aren’t sure about something, trust your gut and go Avoid being thrown into the middle of someone else’s drama today. Money, how you spend it, save it and value it will definitely be on with what your intuition is advising. Being an air sign, you tend to You tend to shy away from it anyway, but today you should really your mind today Sags. The Sun and Mercury the communicator rely on your intuition more than usual and it usually steers you on steer clear. along with Pluto are all transiting your second house of money. Draw the right path. up a budget today for 2017 or this week.

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

There is nothing like being good at something, is there? Excelling Today’s Moon shining in Gemini, your fellow air sign and creative Standing up for what you believe in is always a vital part of your life at something and having other people asking for your help with zone suggests that stretching your imagination and getting involved Pisces. Ruled by Neptune the planet of dreams and fantasy, your something? Enjoy that feeling today goats. in something that forces you to dig deep is a great idea. imagination can often be wilder than most. That’s okay though. You have a much richer life because of it. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Peace

ACCORD HAVEN SANCTUARY ARMISTICE PACT SECURE CALM PAX SERENE CEASEFIRE PEACE SILENCE CONCORD RELAX TRANQUIL DOVE REPOSE TREATY HARMONY REST

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Unaccountable (12) 1. Unapproachable (12) 7. Muffled (5) 2. Place (3) 8. Swear (5) 3. Deep blue (6) 9. Bed (3) 4. Acquisition (9) 10. Make laws (9) 5. Grub (5) 11. Writer (6) 6. Doggedly (12) 12. Supple (6) 7. Engine (5) 15. Invasion (9) 10. Maze (9) 17. Tavern (3) 13. Gleam (5) 18. Get to know (5) 14. Be restless (6) 19. Small wood (5) 16. Deep fissure (5) 21. Forcibly (12) 20. Killer whale (3)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Head operator? (5,7) 1. Worse than mean (5,7) 7. Close studies on the East (5) 2. She spends her life in an unworldly 8. Put out of sight (5) environment (3) Yesterday’s Solutions 9. I get outpointed but emerge 3. Able to help us with processed fuel (6) victorious (3) 4. He approaches one side then the other (2-7) 10. He experiences initial difficulty in 5. It often goes into a basket (5) QUICK CRYPTIC speech-making (9) 6. Are orators lost and speechless without Across: 4 Presume; 8 Meagre; 9 Durable; 10 Across: 4 Imagine; 8 Ironed; 9 Foreman; 10 11. Six annoy in a masculine way (6) them? (7-5) Length; 11 Deaden; 12 Falsetto; 18 Suffrage; 20 Ernest; 11 Bustle; 12 Moderate; 18 Commerce; 20 12. It’s made by people who count (6) 7. He gives the fellow an alternative (5) Way out; 21 Parole; 22 Signify; 23 Latent; 24 Co-heir; 21 Sketch; 22 Wallaby; 23 Hudson; 24 15. A brave man (3,6) 10. They quieten Len’s cries perhaps (9) Wheedle. Address. 17. In general bishops may wear 13. It will be less than the normal fare (5) one (3) 14. Very good speed for a very bad sailor (6) Down: 1 Amplify; 2 Saintly; 3 Writhe; 5 Round Down: 1 Dilemma; 2 Tornado; 3 Censer; 5 18. Solemn accent (5) 16. American lawyer without force or emotion off; 6 Seaman; 7 Mildew; 13 Tasteful; 14 Moonbeam; 6 Grease; 7 Nearly; 13 Ascribes; 19. Surprised a defender (5) (5) Baronet; 15 Memento; 16 Garish; 17 Bounce; 19 14 Protest; 15 Meshing; 16 Coward; 17 Teller; 19 21. Well-attended church-services? 20. Skill or profession of a painter (3) Fracas. Make up. (4,8) 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Marie Miller

Marie Miller was born in Dallas, Texas, spent the first nine years of her life in California before doing most of her growing up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She is the third of ten children born to Joseph and Roxanne Miller. Music was always part of the Miller household. Marie plays mandolin, guitar, piano and bouzouki joining her family band at the age of 12. Although the Millers played music festivals and were popular on a local level, only Marie has gone on to earn her living as a singer/songwriter. Now 27, her self-titled debut solo EP was released 11 years ago. She was immediately tagged as an artist to watch. But despite considerable critical acclaim and well-received singles such as Cold, 6’2 and You’re Not Alone, Marie has never achieved significant mainstream chart success. Her latest attempt to do so is with her new single, This Side of Paradise. Co-written with Ian Fitchuk and Peter Groenwald, the off icial lyric video can be seen at www. youtube.com/watch?v=yfUqWnmQ4cw An acoustic version of the song is available on Marie’s Brett Eldredge does not hail from one of America’s southern states, the traditional heartland of country musicians. He was born and own YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/ raised in Paris, Illinois. UCH4S88m5gbZtMRaldCfZByQ Also here are a selection of videos for some of her other singles, acoustic performances and interviews. Click on Wanna Be That Song videos to access the complete list. Sundara Karma

Indie-rockers Sundara Karma have been attracting critical acclaim and a solid fan following over the last two years. ‘says everything’ about Tracks such as Diamond Cutter, Loveblood and Flame saw the band touted as rising stars on the UK music scene. The Reading-based quartet have now released their debut , Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect. The band are promoting their LP through not one but two UK concert Brett Eldredge as an artiste tours over the next few months. Lead single, Flame, is a re-release of an older track which many believe to be their best song to date. alone in the outfi eld bleachers with the second album, Illinois. Surprisingly, it is Singer/frontman Oscar Pollock, who initially billed himself By Geoff rey Rowlands iconic Wrigley Field scoreboard in the the third single taken from the LP. as Oscar Lulu, is the only band member to appear in background. “I thought it would probably be the the video for Flame. The visuals were inspired by Plato’s “I really wanted to fi lm the video in lead single but other very wise people Allegory of the Cave. It can be viewed at www.youtube. rett Eldredge is unusual Wrigley Field. Wanna Be That Song have their say on which songs should be com/watch?v=vddTMB8vOt8 among country music says everything about me as an artiste released as singles. I can’t complain, Lose More complete songs, plus excerpts from others, are artistes. The 30-year- and everything I want to be to my fans. My Mind and Drunk On Your Love both posted at (no www.) soundcloud.com/sundara-karma old singer, guitarist and I wanted to link this with the baseball reached number two on the Hot Country Live performances and off icial song videos are available songwriter does not hail team which is the love of my sporting Songs chart and Lose My Mind hit top to watch at www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMi2f__ Bfrom one of America’s southern states, life.” spot on the Country Airplay chart.” yiQPG0GOh35Bj4w the traditional heartland of country The song evolved from a moment just Wanna Be That Song currently holds musicians. He was born and raised in before Brett took the stage to perform a pole position on the Country Airplay Rick Parfi tt Paris, Illinois. concert at the Kansas Speedway. chart. It represents amazing popularity “There aren’t too many of us,” Brett “I was talking to my friend and for a track which was initially made The recent death of superstar singer George Michael smiled. “Almost every country star I frequent songwriting partner Scooter available as an album preview single well overshadowed that of Status Quo legend Rick Parfitt. can think of comes from somewhere in Carusoe at the side of the stage and before Illinois was released in September, Rick died on Christmas Eve, one day before George. No the south or at least from the southern just said to him I wanted to write a song 2015. British newspapers were published on Christmas Day. mid-west. But I’ve always loved country called Wanna Be That Song. My idea “It actually reached number 34 on By the time Rick’s passing would have made headline music. I enjoy other stuff too but country was to make something which said the Hot Country Songs chart despite news, the vast majority of column inches were devoted to was the only kind of music I ever really everything I wanted to say about love just being a preview single rather than George. wanted to play.” and about the artiste I’m trying to be. a proper release. Fans have been able to Unlike George, Rick’s death came as no great surprise. His musical passion might be rooted in “I wanted to be a vital part of my fans hear and download Wanna Be That Song Health issues had forced his retirement from Status Quo. the American south but Brett’s allegiance lives. I wanted to create the song that for about 18 months so for it to still be so He had already suff ered a series of heart attacks and is very much to his home state. He is a means so much to them. The song that enormously popular and sell so well is undergone quadruple heart bypass surgery. Rick had rabid fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball takes them back to a special place or time really incredible.” actually died for several minutes after his latest heart team. The Cubs fi nally won the World in their lives. The song that makes them The parent album, Illinois, proved attack last summer. He collapsed in his hotel room after Series last October, their fi rst triumph in laugh. The song that makes them cry hugely successful. Brett’s 2013 debut performing a concert with the band in Antalya, Turkey. the Fall Classic since 1908. when they need to cry and dance when album, Bring You Back, marked him out How ironic it is that he did not die from heart failure. A fall “I think all us Cubs fans are still they need to dance. as a star. It reached number 11 on the had left Rick with a shoulder injury. Complications arising celebrating. We hadn’t even been in a “Nothing happened for about three Billboard 200 and number two on the from this saw him admitted to hospital while in Marbella, World Series for 71 years. We were always months. Then Scooter told me he’d Top Country chart. But Illinois Spain. He died there two days later having contracted seen as the lovable losers who kept been thinking about what I’d said and topped the latter and peaked at number what was described as a severe infection. He was 68. saying wait until next year. Well, next reckoned he’d come up with a way of three on the Billboard 200. Although Rick was no longer with Status Quo, he had not year fi nally arrived.” encompassing everything I wanted to say “I count myself as very fortunate to quit the music business. A solo acoustic album was lined Brett’s love for the Cubs is clearly in one song. We got together in a writing have such a great relationship with my up for 2017. Rick was also in the process of writing his illustrated in the video and sleeve cover session with Ross Copperman, who was fans. It started during my early days autobiography. for his smash hit single, Wanna Be That producing my album, and created Wanna long before I got my record deal. I think The songs Rick had already recorded may well still be Song. The video was fi lmed in Wrigley Be That Song.” people really appreciate how much I released. But the extent of his autobiographical writing Field, the Cubs home stadium, while the Brett acknowledges the track as his enjoy playing my songs for them and has not been revealed. Sadly, he may not have written cover photograph depicts Brett sitting favourite song on his chart-topping how grateful I am for all their support.” enough for a book. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

I’m sure you often get asked Gone Baby Gone to Alan Ladd Jr., Q & A with Dennis Lehane what you miss about Boston. I who produced Blade Runner. I sold bet it’s not the winters. Shutter Island to Mike Medavoy, a It’s a balmy 73 degrees here right great producer of Apocalypse Now now. and Silence of the Lambs. I sold this book to Leonardo Di Caprio and Nice. This is your second Appian Way. Do that, then get the collaboration with Ben Affl eck. hell out of their way. Because what Do you guys understand each can you do? You’re the novelist. other in some subtle Boston You don’t need to be involved in way? the fi lm. Absolutely. There’s a Boston thing. It’s hard to describe unless You didn’t want to write the you’re … from Boston. It’s like, screenplay? we get each other on an elemental No. I wouldn’t have known where level. to cut. It’s a big book. And what I considered the two most cinematic How do you describe his moments in the novel aren’t even directing style? in this fi lm. I learned this early on. He’s a traditionalist. Ben doesn’t I didn’t write the screenplay for remind me of Quentin Tarantino Mystic River. They gave it to Brian as a director — he reminds me of Helgeland. For me, the fi rst 50 pages Howard Hawks. of Mystic River are probably my favourite 50 pages I ever wrote. It’s all The director of classics like the stuff set in the 1970s, when the Scarface and To Have and Have characters are boys. I thought, “How Not. do you get that onto the screen?” Ben has embraced a wonderfully Brian did it with an image — with rich … traditional storytelling writing their names in wet cement. and directing approach, in which And Dave is halfway through his you really don’t see the director. name when the guys pull up in the Although a Ben Affl eck fi lm always car … and … he never fi nishes. That’s feels like a Ben Affl eck fi lm. That’s where his childhood ends. I would IN THE BIG LEAGUE: Writer Dennis Lehane. why he reminds me of the great never have thought of that. So I classic directors of the studio learned it’s better, most times, not to system. adapt your own work. Now my next A lot of people assume book, Since We Fell — I’m writing the novelists have some creative screenplay for that — but the plot is ‘Live By Night is full control over their book when a clean, straight line. Live By Night is it’s turned into a movie. full of zigs and zags. (He just laughs) OK, truth time. You’re But you just have to trust the obviously a huge Boston lover. fi lmmakers will stay true to What’s something where New of zigs and zags’ your vision. York has Boston beat? And … There’s the key. Trust. OK, one thing where Boston wins, hands down? fondness for turning his books into fl oozy Sienna Miller) to full- Sounds excruciating. It’s the same thing — the fl ip side By Joseph V Amodio fi lms (Clint Eastwood’s Mystic River, fl edged Florida gangster with a No! It’s not. Look, I got lucky of the same coin. New York has 10 Martin Scorcese’s Shutter Island, better appreciation in women early in my career, selling Mystic of everything and Boston has one. Ben Affl eck’s Gone Baby Gone). (Zoe Saldana, an exotic Cuban River to Clint Eastwood. I realised Sometimes you want 10. Sometimes oston and Los Angeles Lehane’s latest page-to-screen expatriate), all set against the then that was the way to do it. Sell you’re just fi ne with one, thank are about as far apart as transfer is Live By Night, with anything-goes heyday of the 1920s. to an auteur director or producer, you very much. It’s like New York two American cities can Affl eck again at the helm. The Lehane, 51, has written for HBO’s not just a studio and — boom — is Boston on crack. I love New get, but Beantown crime tale — the middle story in his The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. here you go, knock yourself out. York. But I like Boston because you novelist Dennis Lehane Joe Coughlin trilogy — follows His 14th novel, Since We Fell, comes Who I sell the rights to — that’s the can turn it off . And our Dunkin’s likesB his new home on That Coast, Coughlin (Affl eck) from scrappy out in May. He spoke by phone with only control I have. So I need to get are better. But the cities are more where he moved about three years Boston cop’s son with fondness Newsday contributor Joseph V. in bed with people I respect. That’s similar than they think. I love them ago. And why not? Hollywood has a for the wrong woman (mob-boss Amodio. what I’ve done ever since. I sold both. — Newsday/TNS Cinema easiest way to communicate with masses: Bhumi

to communicate with the masses and if you role and character are,” Bhumi said. By Durga Chakravarty can put it to good use, then why not,” Bhumi Bhumi, who before entering the world of said. fi lms was a casting director, considers herself The 27-year-old actress says Toilet: Ek to be lucky for bagging realistic roles. er fi rst fi lm, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Prem Katha isn’t preachy. “It is a beautiful “I think I have been really lucky that I have contained the message that love story that taps into a lot of aspects of our been getting roles where I can play the girl- over-sized women are not at a society as well,” she added. next-door or a girl... My roles are not similar disadvantage as long as there While it is quite apparent from the title at all,” she said. is love. Her second, Toilet: Ek that the fi lm is about personal hygiene, the Dum Laga Ke Haisha came in 2015 and HPrem Katha, too has a societal message. producers are keeping the storyline close to Bhumi’s next fi lm is all set to release in June Actress Bhumi Pednekar is more than happy their chests to retain interest in the movie 2017. about Bollywood making message-based that is set to release in June. Will the time gap help her build a new fi lms and says cinema is the easiest way to Fans of Dum Laga Ke Haisha fondly image? communicate with the people. remember Bhumi as the simple plus-sized “The time I took off was planned because I “I feel that today’s people, audiences Sandhya, and in the upcoming fi lm starring had to come back to being Bhumi (my natural and filmmakers, we all have become very Akshay Kumar, her role again seems to be on self) and it took me this much time. I had aware of the problems and the situations similar lines. gained an insane amount of weight for the that we have around us. Earlier, we were “What I did in my fi rst fi lm is nothing like fi lm and I had to drop it off ,” she explained. in a position to ignore them... but I think what I am doing in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. She says she has taken time to choose the we have now reached a point where we What attracts me are real stories about real scripts that she really wants to be a part of. cannot ignore certain things and I think it is Indian girls. It’s not that I only pick those “I have been really lucky and touchwood, fantastic... subjects. I pick characters purely on the basis for me, life has always been on track,” Bhumi “Cinema is the largest and the easiest way on how good the story is and how good my added. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 10, 2017 COMMUNITY ‘Qatar is a fascinating place to work’

phenomenon in Nepal. According to the By Usha Wagle Gautam Department of Foreign Employment, about 2.2 million Nepalis are currently working as migrant workers in the Gulf region and other r Bibhakar Shakya has been countries, and about 500,000 of them are in working as a Program and Qatar alone. Policy Expert at the Program Remittance is thus becoming a dominant Management Offi ce of the economic force in Nepal, particularly with the Supreme Committee for Delivery unprecedented increase in migrant workers Dand Legacy in Doha for about 18 months now. over the last decade or so. This rapid rise His primary job responsibilities are to in migration can be attributed to the high provide technical expertise to develop and demand from job markets in the Gulf and implement systemic research, programme East Asian countries like Malaysia and South management, and to report key economic, Korea. Hence, remittance has been helping environmental and social issues. our economy in a signifi cant way; however, He has received a PhD in Environmental there are several costs associated with this well, and Resource Economics from the Ohio State especially in the infrastructure, agriculture and University, USA and is also currently serving tourism sectors. as a senior distinguished fellow at Nepal Economic Forum (NEF), a think tank based in Many experts in the country are Kathmandu. concerned about the sustainability of Community caught up with Shakya remittance. How can we utilise remittance recently to talk about his stay in Qatar and in good way? other experiences. This is a critical issue. In Nepal’s case, it may seem that remittances are a true blessing during How did you end up working as a high these struggling times, as most of the country’s profi le programme and policy expert in developmental, manufacturing and commercial Doha? activities have been brought down to almost I moved from USA to Qatar after 15 years of a standstill, with low or no employment professional experience. With Qatar National opportunities for growing labour supply in the Vision 2030’s emphasis on sustainable UPBEAT: Bibhakar Shakya country. Hence, most Nepali workers are forced growth and environmental development, this to seek employment abroad. was particularly an exciting opportunity to How are the preparations of 2022 FIFA research and policy-oriented papers in the Majority of these migrant labourers go contribute to national priorities. I was off ered World Cup going on? What are the key areas of economic development, climate change abroad as unskilled labourers. This is what the a position as Senior Economist and Policy issues you are looking at regarding the adaptation and resiliency development at the government needs to target. Expert at the Program Management Offi ce project? community level, sustainable development, It should be clear that remittance cannot in the Supreme Committee for Delivery and As you know, Supreme Committee energy and environmental issues. bring development into Nepal, but it can act as Legacy – this opportunity complemented my for Delivery and Legacy (SC) is primarily a form of temporary relief from unemployment areas of expertise and previous work. I am responsible for ensuring all preparations are Nepal lags far behind in the productivity pressures. In addition, there has been a trend of also involved in modelling the eff ort on the complete for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and sector and is one of the least developed the Nepali economy becoming predominantly transition of urban energy systems toward aligning developmental activities with the countries. How did this happen and what consumption oriented due to such remittances. effi ciency and sustainability under Doha’s National Development Strategy and the Qatar should be done for a prosperous future? The remittances can instead be channelled smart city project. National Vision 2030. Yes, it is sad that Nepal is listed as the fi fth into investments in sectors such as energy, The preparation activities are moving along poorest country in Asia. Over the last two agriculture, tourism and infrastructure – so Can you tell us about your background well with an ambitious timeline to successfully decades, every aspect of the country has that when migrant workers return home from in Nepal and your academic background? deliver all infrastructure needed to host a suff ered signifi cantly as a result of the crippling foreign countries, they will have a solid and My background is the typical story of a historic FIFA World Cup. ten-year civil war, political instability, and lack stable source of income to last for the rest of middle-class Nepali family, moving from I am one of the team members who of strong visionary leadership. their lives. the village to the city in search of better are developing and implementing Project In spite of such distressing statistics, the economic and educational opportunities. Management Systems and Tools, a Quality country has signifi cantly higher prospects How the bilateral relationship between My father is from Baglung, west of Management System, and Business Planning of development as compared to other third Nepal and Qatar can be utilised to attract Kathmandu, and he left his village and and Performance Systems. world nations, as the country is blessed with Qatari investments? came to Kathmandu for higher education. abundant natural resources such as water, Nepal can benefi t from its cordial Both my parents were progressive, instilling You divide your time between Doha and forests and minerals, and whose potential have relationship with Qatar by attracting Qatari in us the value of education. As a child, I Kathmandu. What are the issues you have yet to be fully utilised. Nepal can earn from its investment to its hydropower sector. attended a regular public school. I received raised at the Nepal Economic Forum? hydropower and tourism sectors. A few potential areas of bilateral relationship a USAID scholarship to study Agricultural While it’s not easy to commute and divide The blueprint for Nepal’s prosperous that would be mutually benefi cial would be in Science in India. After my degree, I joined time between two countries, this has been future is fairly clear: the country needs a the tourism sector. Most Qataris love to travel the Ministry of Agriculture in Nepal as absolutely rewarding in terms of professional strong political and economic leadership to around the world to experience new cultures a Planning Officer and worked for about experience in my life. As a state with a strong keep it on the right path of development. and have adventures in exotic locations. Nepal 6 years. I then applied for and received vision in its National Development Strategy Infrastructure development like road, can become an ideal destination for them with the Fulbright scholarship to complete my plan, Qatar is a fascinating place to work. electricity, communication, and drinking water its geographical diversity, with its tropical Master’s and PhD. I received my PhD in There are indeed shared challenges between will help boost the commercial and industrial wildlife resorts to the high Himalayan trekking Environmental and Resource Economics Doha and Kathmandu, particularly in the areas development as well as provide employment in as well as Ayurvedic spas and natural resorts. from the Ohio State University. of energy and environmental priorities, as well the country. There is a need of massive investment to create To extend my professional experience, I as building of infrastructure. the necessary infrastructure, however. started working in the United States starting At Nepal Economic Forum, I currently serve Nepal has a vast surplus of labour force In addition to high-end tourism, Nepal can with the state government agencies and then as Senior Distinguished Fellow. It involves close and sends its youths to Gulf and other also focus on organic farming and export the moved to an international consulting fi rm. collaboration with the ministries, international countries in East Asia. How do you think fi nest quality vegetables, fruits, spices, tea and I’ve now been in Qatar for fi ve years, and development agencies, non-governmental remittance is helping our economy? coff ee to Qatar exclusively. I am very hopeful worked as a lead consultant in a number of organisations, and other relevant public Migration of labour for better jobs to that Qatar and Nepal can become even closer energy and environment related projects. and private agencies to publish high quality improve overall livelihood has been a common and more helpful to each other than ever before.