Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Dhul-Hijjah 22, 1441 AH

Doha today: 330 - 420

A new mission

COVER STORY

CENTRE-STAGE: Tom Cruise helms the adventurous spirit of the Mission: Impossible drama.

For Christopher McQuarrie, it’s not impossible to film a major action movie amid Covid-19. P4-5

REVIEWS BACK PAGE

A riveting documentary How to integrate work, home life introducing teenagers to politics. during the Covid-19 pandemic. Page 14 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.43am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.08am Zuhr (noon) 11.40am Asr (afternoon) 3.09pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.13pm Isha (night) 7.43pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 Transparent when he invites them to dinner en masse to share his news, International Calls Enquires 150 DIRECTION: Joey Soloway somehow, the conversation becomes about them. The secret Hamad International Airport 40106666 CAST: Jeff rey Tambor, Amy Landecker, Gaby Hoff mann unfolds, though, when he comes home and sees his married Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 SYNOPSIS: Mort has a secret that he really wants to daughter getting intimate with her former fi ancé . Now, he Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 tell his three adult children, who are so self-absorbed they knows her secret; she learns his; and the dysfunctional family Qatar Airways 44496000 don’t see that something has changed for divorced dad. Even fi nds one secret after another being exposed. 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 Qatar Airways 40253374

ote Unquo Qu te “Act as if what you do makes a diff erence. It does.” — William James

Patriot realise is that his life has been anything to be noticed. Unfortunately for him Community Editor DIRECTION: Steve Conrad but mundane. To prevent Iran from a European cop is at his heels trying Kamran Rehmat CAST: Michael Dorman, Kurtwood going nuclear, he has assumed a fake to discover who he is, his incessantly Smith, Michael Chernus persona as an average businessman grim and nervous co-worker Mr e-mail: [email protected] SYNOPSIS: John Tavner doesn’t when in reality he is actually a highly Icabod has figured out that he isn’t Telephone: 44466405 really fi t in with his quirky colleagues skilled intelligence offi cer, who took who he says, and Steven, a chubby Fax: 44350474 at the industrial piping corporation the piping job because of the routine employee with a recent brain injury, where he works. They don’t really know business trips to Luxembourg, and is starting to remember a horrible act much about him, but what they don’t because the job is secluded and too dull which John may have inflicted. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Covid-19: Who’s at higher risk of serious symptoms?

Underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, can increase your risk of developing dangerous symptoms if you become infected with Covid-19

ovid-19 symptoms Continue to take your medications can vary widely. exactly as prescribed. If you have Some people have high blood pressure, your risk no symptoms at all, may be higher if you don’t control Cwhile others become your blood pressure and take your so sick that they eventually need medications. Keep your high blood mechanical assistance to breathe. pressure controlled and take your The risk of developing dangerous medications as directed. symptoms of Covid-19 may be increased in people who are older Weakened immune system: and also in people of any age A healthy immune system fi ghts who have other serious health the germs that cause disease. But problems — such as heart or lung many conditions can weaken your conditions, weakened immune immune system. Conditions that systems, severe obesity, or diabetes. aff ect your immune system and This is similar to what is seen with increase your risk of serious illness other respiratory illnesses, such as from Covid-19 include: infl uenza. 1. Organ transplants 2. Cancer treatments Older age: People of any age, even children, Your risk of serious symptoms can catch Covid-19. But it most from Covid-19 may be increased if commonly aff ects middle-aged and you have conditions such as: older adults. The risk of developing 1. Bone marrow transplant dangerous symptoms increases 2. HIV/AIDS with age, with those who are age 85 and older at the highest risk Long-term use of prednisone of serious symptoms. In the US, or similar drugs that weaken your about 80% of deaths from the immune system disease have been in people age 65 LINK: People of any age, even children, can catch Covid-19. But it most commonly aff ects middle-aged and older If you have a weakened immune and older. Risks are even higher adults. The risk of developing dangerous symptoms increases with age, with those who are age 85 and older at the system, you may need to take extra for older people when they have highest risk of serious symptoms. precautions to avoid the virus underlying health conditions that causes Covid-19. Routine Take all your medications as 2. Pulmonary fi brosis doctor appointments may be prescribed. Consider developing a 3. Moderate to severe asthma delayed or happen via phone or care plan that includes information While some medications for video conference. You may want to about your medical conditions, these conditions can weaken your have your medications mailed to medications, doctors’ names and immune system, it’s important you, so you don’t have to go to the emergency contacts. to stay on your maintenance pharmacy. Nursing home residents are medications to keep symptoms as at high risk because they often controlled as possible. You may Chronic kidney or liver have multiple underlying health want to talk to your doctor about disease: problems, combined with advanced obtaining an emergency supply If you have chronic kidney age. And germs can spread very of prescription medications, such disease, you’re at higher risk easily between people who live in as asthma inhalers. It may also of becoming seriously ill with close proximity to each other. If help to avoid the things that make Covid-19. You may have a higher you live in a nursing home, follow your asthma worse. These asthma risk of being ill with serious the guidelines to prevent infection. triggers can vary from person to Covid-19 symptoms if you have Ask about protection measures for person. Examples include pollen, chronic liver disease. residents and visitor restrictions. dust mites, tobacco smoke and cold If you’re on dialysis for chronic Let staff know if you feel ill. air. Strong emotions and stress kidney disease, go to every dialysis can trigger asthma attacks in some INHIBITING IMMUNE SYSTEM: In addition to being an asthma trigger, appointment. Let your healthcare Lung problems: people. Others are bothered by smoking or vaping can harm your lungs and inhibit your immune system, provider know if you feel ill. You Covid-19 targets the lungs, so strong odours, so make sure the which increases the risk of serious complications with Covid-19. may have a weakened immune you’re more likely to develop severe disinfectant you’re using isn’t an system if you have chronic kidney symptoms if you have preexisting asthma trigger for you. conditions are more likely to of infections in general. The risk of disease and are having dialysis. lung problems. Your risk of serious In addition to being an asthma experience dangerous symptoms infections, including Covid-19, can If you have chronic liver disease, symptoms is higher if you have trigger, smoking or vaping can if infected with Covid-19. These be reduced by keeping blood sugar your risk of being seriously ill these conditions: harm your lungs and inhibit your include type 2 diabetes, severe levels controlled and continuing with Covid-19 may be higher 1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary immune system, which increases obesity and serious heart diseases. your diabetes medications and because you may have a weakened disease (COPD) the risk of serious complications High blood pressure and type 1 insulin. Your risk of serious immune system. Also, having 2. Lung cancer with Covid-19. diabetes may increase your risk of illness is higher if you have heart serious Covid-19 symptoms and Some lung conditions may serious Covid-19 symptoms. diseases such as cardiomyopathy, taking medications to treat the increase your risk of serious illness Heart disease, diabetes and Obesity and diabetes both reduce pulmonary hypertension, disease may have negative eff ects from Covid-19, including: obesity: the effi ciency of a person’s immune congenital heart disease, heart on the liver. — Mayo Clinic News 1. Cystic fi brosis People with several chronic system. Diabetes increases the risk failure or coronary artery disease. Network/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Making it possible ‘I had a very strong idea of what the beginning of this movie would be and I had a very strong idea of what the end of this movie would be, then a global pandemic came and that has changed the way we make movies,’ writer-director Christopher McQuarrie tells Josh Rottenberg on the verge of completing the seventh instalment of Mission: Impossible

HIGHEST GROSSER: The highest-grossing film in the Mission series — and, for that matter, of Cruise’s entire career — Fallout earned $791 million worldwide. The film drew raves for its elaborately choreographed action sequences, including a motorcycle chase through the streets of Paris and a helicopter dogfight filmed in a remote and rugged part of New Zealand.

We have a saying on this franchise that disaster is an opportunity to excel. Any time we run into any sort of setback we immediately look for ways that we can improve based on whatever time that setback affords us ‘ — Christopher McQuarrie, writer-director ’ Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

n each successive outing of that sense of humour meant he’d be the long-running Mission: a great villain. People ask me, ‘What Impossible franchise, star is the secret to a great villain?’ And I Tom Cruise and the rest of the always say it’s casting.” Icreative team have looked for McQuarrie, who is set to direct the ever more daring ways to live up to next two instalments in the series, the title, whether having Cruise’s said that same level of thought and superspy Ethan Hunt scale the planning is now being applied to the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s Burj challenge of mounting a big-budget Khalifa, in 2011’s Ghost Protocol or action tentpole in the middle of a staging a death-defying helicopter pandemic. chase in 2018’s Fallout. “You have to put in place But of all the challenges the series protocols so that the crew is has taken on, nothing quite tops a working in smaller groups so that pandemic. if someone gets sick … they can be In an interview from London, taken out and not have to isolate where he is in pre-production on the the entire crew,” the director as-yet-untitled seventh instalment, explained. “It’s masks on set, writer-director Christopher social distancing, frequent hand- McQuarrie said the fi lm had been two washing, frequent Covid testing, days away from shooting in Venice, everybody has their temperature Italy, in March when the coronavirus checked before they come in and outbreak forced the evacuation of the contact tracing. … We’ve been very city. Still, despite the mother of all fortunate so far.” production snafus, McQuarrie said With such measures in place, the Mission team has been pressing McQuarrie is hoping to ramp up ahead. production again “very soon,” though “We have a saying on this franchise don’t try to pin him down to an exact that disaster is an opportunity to date. “I’m only not saying when excel,” said McQuarrie, 51, who because my fi ngers are crossed,” he has helmed the last two entries in said. “I don’t want to jinx it.” the series, 2015’s Rogue Nation and Even as it has been beset by Fallout. “Any time we run into any delays, Mission: Impossible 7 drew sort of setback we immediately controversy recently over reports look for ways that we can improve of plans to blow up a historic 1908 based on whatever time that setback railway bridge over Lake Pilchowickie aff ords us. … Within 72 hours (of in southern Poland for one of the the shutdown) we had developed a fi lm’s action set pieces. Speaking to new plan in terms of keeping pre- Chang, McQuarrie said the public production going and keeping people backlash to the idea, which led to a employed and keeping the studio petition defending the bridge being moving as much as we could.” sent to Poland’s minister of Culture McQuarrie joined fi lm critic Justin and National Heritage, was based on Chang for a live virtual conversation a misunderstanding. about the critically acclaimed “There was never a plan for us to blockbuster Fallout. demolish a 111-year-old protected The highest-grossing fi lm in the monument,” said McQuarrie, Mission series — and, for that matter, who issued a lengthy statement of Cruise’s entire career — Fallout on the kerfuffl e. “Very early in earned $791 million worldwide. The pre-production there was a rough fi lm drew raves for its elaborately concept of this sequence involving choreographed action sequences, a bridge that would be partially including a motorcycle chase through demolished. We put out feelers the streets of Paris and a helicopter globally in every territory we could dogfi ght fi lmed in a remote and think of … (asking) if they had a rugged part of New Zealand. But bridge that they wanted to get rid of. McQuarrie said that he and Cruise … The conversation took on a life of were ultimately less concerned its own and became politicised and a with such eye-popping spectacle lot of misinformation was published. than with delivering emotional “What was very clear was that it pyrotechnics. upset a lot of people in Poland. And “People think we obsess about we wanted to set the record straight. stunts and all of the showing off ,” We really do take enormous care with said McQuarrie, who made his the locations that we go to and the breakthrough 25 years ago as the historical monuments we feature writer of the twisty 1995 crime in our movies. So we just wanted thriller The Usual Suspects. “That’s everybody to know that there was no the contract we signed with you. disrespect intended.” That’s the stuff we owe you when This being a Mission: Impossible you show up to Mission: Impossible. fi lm, more hurdles are certain to But that’s actually not the stuff that come. But with all of Hollywood we worry about. The stuff we worry currently grappling with how to move about the most is: ‘Do I care about forward amid a pandemic that shows DEALING WITH COVID-19 this character? Do I feel stakes in no sign of ending, McQuarrie said this situation? Am I invested in this that he is doing his best to roll with “You have to put in place protocols so that the crew is journey?’” whatever happens. To that end, McQuarrie said, “I had a very strong idea of what working in smaller groups so that if someone gets sick … a great deal of care went into the beginning of this movie would be developing fully fl eshed-out and I had a very strong idea of what they can be taken out and not have to isolate the entire characters for Fallout, including the end of this movie would be, then crew. It’s masks on set, social distancing, frequent hand- casting Henry Cavill, best known a global pandemic came and that for his turns as Superman in movies global pandemic has changed the washing, frequent Covid testing, everybody has their like Justice League, against type way we make movies,” he said. “So I as the fi lm’s baddie, CIA assassin know now that whatever I thought temperature checked before they come in and contact August Walker. “I had met with the movie was is not the movie. That tracing. … We’ve been very fortunate so far” Henry and had a really lovely lunch doesn’t panic me. That excites me. I with him here in London and he’s go into it knowing every day I will be got a phenomenal sense of humour,” challenged.” McQuarrie recalled. “I knew that — Los Angeles Times/TNS — Christopher McQuarrie 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY WCM-Q Virtual Summer Programme reaches out to global talent

Talented high school students from eight countries were recently welcomed to the new Virtual WCM-Q off ers a fully integrated Six-Year Medical Programme, which comprises a two-year pre- Summer Programme (VSP) of Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), a week-long online initiative medical curriculum and a four-year medical curriculum. Students who successfully complete the that off ers a glimpse of life as a medical student at an elite university. programme receive the same Cornell University MD degree awarded to graduates of Weill Cornell A total of 76 high school students in Qatar, Morocco, Kuwait, Canada, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman Medicine in New York. and UAE logged in for the five-day programme, which featured online learning classes in biology, Student Lujin al-Mesri of the Swiss International School in Qatar said that the VSP provided useful chemistry, anatomy and disease investigation led by WCM-Q’s world-class teaching faculty. advice about the application process and pursuing a career in medicine, and had also been very The VSP, which was off ered by WCM-Q’s Off ice of Student Outreach and Educational Development, inspiring. “The professors were amazing and they kept giving us advice which made me feel that also included sessions delivering information on careers in medicine, advice on how to write if I were to join WCM-Q I would be in very good hands,” she added. “What I liked most about this a personal statement for college applications, a meeting with admissions professionals and programme was the enthusiasm of the professors and the patient case we worked on, which was an introduction to the WCM-Q Student Research Association. There were also free-form live like a big puzzle in which you had to use your critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve chat sessions at the end of each day to allow the students to get to know one another and ask the patient’s case – for a second I really felt like a doctor.” questions. She added, “This programme will turn anyone’s slight interest in medicine into complete love and The event began with an online welcome and introduction by Noha Saleh, Director of Premedical passion for the profession – I highly advise anyone to join it.” Administration, Student Outreach, and Educational Development. Speaking about the event, Dr Rachid Bendriss, Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment, Outreach and Foundation Saleh said, “Our newly launched VSP, which is part of our Enrichment Programme series, gives Programmes, said, “It is very pleasing to see how we at WCM-Q were able to leverage technology us an extremely eff ective tool for reaching out to the very brightest minds from schools all over to off er prospective students a Virtual Summer Programme that excites them and helps promote Qatar, the Mena region and beyond to show them just how exciting and rewarding studying and their interest in science and medicine in an engaging and stimulating manner. I am tremendously pursuing careers in medicine through WCM-Q can be. The students and faculty engaged with impressed with the creativity of our faculty and staff in creating such a highly successful program great enthusiasm and energy and created a real buzz online, which made the inaugural VSP a and turning the challenges of the current situation into opportunities. I wish all of the students who remarkable success. We are looking forward to receiving many high-quality applications to study participated in this exciting new version of our Summer Enrichment Programme great success as at WCM-Q as a result.” they seek to realise their potential by pursuing careers in medicine and science.”

ISL Qatar welcomes Interim Head of School

The International School of London (ISL) recently welcomed Dr Sergio Pawel, Interim Head of School. Dr Pawel has been involved with the development of ISL Qatar since its inception 11 years ago as the Chief Academic Off icer of the ISL Group. Dr Sergio Pawel has over 30 years of experience in the field of education in the UK, South America and the Middle East. He holds an MSc in Nuclear Physics, MPhil in Philosophy of Science and PhD in Sc Education. He participated in the development of the Science English National Curriculum, the IB Science in the Middle Years and the IB Diploma Physics Programmes. Dr Sergio held various roles, including of IB co-ordinator, IB DP Physics examiner, IB workshop leader, IB evaluator visitor, Chair of CIS and NEASC accreditation, and Head of school. He has also worked as a consultant for setting up new international schools and lectures courses at Western University for a Master’s programme in school leadership. Sergio has been involved with the development of the ISL London for a long time and has been one of the key players in establishing the ISL Group. His research interests range from authentic laboratory-based learning practices to the study of cultural diversity as a learning resource, and he is a member of the review board for the Science Education Review journal. Dr Sergio is a regular presenter at conferences on the themes of international academic leadership, Mother Tongue and EAL programmes and school inspections and accreditations. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY To the lighthouse: an illuminating home conversion Contemporary meets historic in a towering design achievement on the Norfolk coast, writes Becky Sunshine

necessary warmth. Everywhere you look there are pleasing glimpses of the outdoors: a gallery window behind the kitchen sofa and a wall of Crittal bifold doors open on to a beautifully landscaped garden by Chris Moss. “The idea was to create a series of outdoor rooms,” explains Vogel. There are constant reminders, too, of the lighthouse’s imposing round walls that taper as the tower rises and narrows. The living room at the foot of the stairs, which bears the original stone fl oor, is a calming space with a curved sofa, GUIDING LIGHT: The lighthouse, with magnificent lantern room at the top plenty of cushions and a pair of off ering views of the surrounding countryside. canvas butterfl y chairs. One fl ight up to the kids’ room and there’s a bespoke curved bunk bed built fl ush AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Bespoke units in the kitchen follow the shape of the to the wall and additional built-in lighthouse, while large glass doors open on to the garden. benches for friends to sleep in. Up another fl oor to the main bedroom, remember the fi rst time we its reassuringly sturdy metre-thick and a curved wooden door that saw this place, it looked brick walls painted bright white hangs on a rail slides around for terrible,” says Julian Vogel, and its winding cantilever stone privacy at night. The moody library, owner of a restored 18th- stairs and metal balustrade, is an painted in chocolate brown, sits Icentury lighthouse in unexpectedly cosy family home, on a higher level, fl oor-to-ceiling Winterton-on-Sea, near Great an eff ortless blend of pared-back shelving and a folding bed part of Yarmouth, Norfolk, “but it had contemporary design and delicious this invitingly cocoon-like space. such incredible potential.” That was English eccentricity, with enough The real magic of this place lies almost 15 years ago and now what of its utilitarian past still intact. in the spectacular lantern room stands proud at the end of a pebbly “Sally is particularly great at on the top fl oor, also designed drive in a small seaside village, just historical research when she starts by Mackereth. This is where the metres from rolling sand dunes and a project, and found that this place original light once shone. Now, the North Sea, is a glorious, light- had been mentioned in Robinson thanks to its glass and steel dome, fi lled space. Crusoe,” Vogel explains. “We’d it’s like a sitting-room in the sky. The lighthouse had been also found a map showing that The original slate fl oor remains converted into a residence by a something would have been here while a custom-made banquette previous owner who’d bought it during the Elizabethan age, too.” off ers a place in which to admire in the late 1970s, but there was Mackereth, says Vogel, is also the panoramic views of the coast. much work needed to give it new adept at keeping a respectful One section of wall, facing inland, life. Aside from poor wiring and separation between old and is lined with grey felt panels, to very tired decor, the lighthouse new. “She’s so good at restoring further focus attention on the no longer had its original lantern, what needs to be restored, but beach and sea. The wall is adorned sold in the 1920s and sent to the maintaining the integrity of the with mirrors to refl ect the seascape Bahamas. In in its place was a original by making new parts very back into the room. This is the concrete slab, installed during clearly new.” place to pause in for hours, taking the Second World War when the The colour palette is nicely in the entirety of the dramatic tower was used as a lookout post. edited, too, mostly white and landscape. When Vogel, CEO of PR agency natural shades throughout. Vogel “The kids now come up here ModusBPCM and co-founder of has wisely dodged making it either with their friends to stay. They Maison Margaux, a tableware hire too twee or too utilitarian and cold. love it. You can really take in company, and his family found it, It’s the carefully selected artwork the weather; those big Norfolk the place had been unoccupied for and plentiful textiles, such as skies. For me the winter is just as years. the Missoni rug and Josef Frank wonderful as summer, with the With the vision of award- cushions in the living room and wind and the rain. The walls are so winning architect Sally Mackereth wooden pieces including an Ercol thick so you really feel safe. It’s a SLEEP WELL: Bunk beds built to follow the curve of the lighthouse’s of Studio Mackereth, this place is dining table and chairs and a Cees very special place.” ancient walls. now magnifi cent. The tower, with Braakman sideboard, that lend the — The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY ANIM Love you to death: how we h

Something has gone badly wrong with the way we keep pets. Our casual cruelties are a symptom of our unhealthy relationship with other species. By Esther Woolfson

must have been about four just for dogs, the way a creature when we drove to buy a dog. looks seems a major determinant of The day is now only a haze of their fate. Beginning with an already Sunday afternoon impressions narrow gene pool, selective breeding Iof rain and green, of the muddy has greatly increased the incidence track somewhere in the Stirlingshire of disease in these animals, many countryside, a room, a log fi re, and of whom, as a result of our choices, the two chosen puppies who would be suff er from life-limiting or chronic, the confi dants of my growing up. The painful conditions. black dog died when I was in my early I stand at the traffi c lights waiting teens, and the brown one, the last to cross. A young man beside me holds dog I knew well, shortly before I left a lead – at the end of it is a puppy school. Our buying them must have standing patiently between us. In the been part of the growing tendency for moments before the crossing signal, I post-second world war pet-keeping, listen to the dog breathe. The sound is which had been increasing since old and bronchitic, a dissonant issuing Victorian times, and was about to from this neat little body, the laboured expand into the vast pet trade of today. wheezing of a young dog’s breath. But what makes us choose one The man is fashionably dressed, and creature over another? Many studies the dog most probably loved and have evaluated the importance of a precious. I’m not sure if the dog is a species’ appearance in determining its French bulldog or a pug, but he’s one popularity, commercial potential or of those that now form a widespread, conservation status. The conclusions snuffl ing, breathless band of canine are dismaying: “An animal’s respiratory distress. The lights attractiveness substantially increases change, and man and dog walk off , support for its protection,” one study the dog carrying his possibly malign says, while another concludes: “A few ENSURING SURVIVAL: According to a theory in evolutionary psychology, Kindchenschema, also known as neoteny, genetic destiny, his future skin-fold charismatic and cute species … tend a positive response to the appeal of babylike or cute faces is an evolutionary way of ensuring the survival and pyoderma, the corneal ulceration to receive most of the conservation nurturing of off spring. that may aff ect his protruding eyes, funds and policy attention.” Creatures the upper airway obstruction that are ranked – “the 20 most charismatic but Charles Darwin himself, in Praise Song for the Unloved Animals, of returning fl esh to life. She reminds is probably already causing him to species” – or described as “powerful his monograph The Formation of the American writer Margaret Renki us that perhaps, had our love been wheeze. It’s not the fi rst time I’ve commercial icons” or “the world’s Vegetable Mould Through the Action of pays tribute to the role played in the diff erent, the world might have been, wondered – what made this man and cutest animals”. Even the birds Worms, With Observations on Their complex systems of life and renewal too. others seek out and pay for creatures in our gardens are subject to our Habits, writes with enthusiasm and by some of the reviled creatures of If an emphasis on appearance has who may live shortened, suff ering caprices. The results of a study on even warmth of his discoveries of their the Earth, among them opossum, had vastly damaging eff ects on all lives? the “likeability” of garden birds show likes and dislikes, of their intelligence vulture, spider, wasp, bat and snake, species, it has exercised a cruelly Deliberate selection for short that we like songbirds (even though and their unexpected abilities. That and their place in the cardinal cycles malign infl uence over those we keep limbs and long backs has caused we may not be able to defi ne correctly the vast majority of the world’s of consumption and continuity. as pets. Once bred for their qualities as dachshunds, shih-tzus, basset what a songbird is), preferring robins species, 95% of them invertebrate, She writes beautifully of the red working or hunting animals, for speed hounds and other breeds to suff er and blackbirds to corvids, gulls, will fail all the common tests and bat’s “canny wings”, of mosquitoes and strength, the “selective” breeding from a painful bone condition called pigeons and starlings. We consider judgments we construct, belies providing food for the “chittering of dogs over centuries created diverse chondrodystrophy. Larger dogs the former attractive but the latter their overwhelming importance and chimney swifts” and of the “glossy breeds from the single canine line, such as rottweilers, St Bernards argumentative, competitive and noisy signifi cance. The organisation Buglife vulture” – often mistaken in fl ight for but in more recent years criteria for and retrievers experience hip – all necessary, natural behaviours of suggests that for life to continue on eagles, ospreys or hawks, “creatures selection have changed in response to dysplasia, arthritis, osteosarcomas wild birds. “Charismatic”, “iconic”, a healthy planet, invertebrates play a we thoughtlessly love much more” the demand for “pedigree” animals and degeneration of the joints. Eye “cute” – in a time of devastating and more important role than we do. – whose eating of the bodies of dead who conform to particular standards problems are common in many irreversible species loss, can these In an astute and moving essay, creatures is a vital stage in the process of behaviour and appearance. Not breeds, as is deafness. Skin diseases really be the measures of our love? and infl ammation are caused by What about invertebrates? In any breeding for wrinkled skin in basset measure of love, we do not include hounds, bloodhounds and shar peis. thoughts of ecological niches, of Blood, kidney, gastrointestinal and trophic cascades, of the unseen, neurological ailments are common unknown benefi ts that we gain from – many King Charles spaniels, other species in ways we might not griff ons and chihuahuas suff er understand. Species we regard as from the spinal-cord destroying malign – the ubiquitous Highland syringomyelia, caused by having midge, or winter moths – may be skulls too small to accommodate problematic simply because they are their brains. It is a condition that inimical to the interests of humans. has increased greatly over the past Parasitoid wasps are effi cient 20 years, and continues to do so. controllers of common garden pests. Cavalier King Charles spaniels also Parasitiformes and acariformes, suff er from mitral valve disease, the mites and ticks, more than a while other heart conditions affl ict million species of them – most as boxers, rottweilers and dobermanns. yet undescribed – have important Very small “teacup” dogs suff er from and complex roles in ecology, but fall increased bone fragility while “fl at- very far outside the boundaries of our faced” or brachycephalic dogs – such interest or concern. as pugs, bulldogs and Pekingese – Earthworms, who we tolerate frequently suff er from brachycephalic because we know of their benefi ts DILEMMA: In an endless cycle of concern and responsibility, we have to decide on the treatments and insurance, which obstructive airway syndrome (Boas), to our gardens, are never likely to be may be too expensive for many pet owners, creating yet another division of privilege, an irreconcilable dilemma for those which causes breathing diffi culties regarded as “charismatic” species, who cannot pay for treatments they know to be available for their beloved animals. and shortens their lives. Many dogs Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 MALS COMMUNITY hurt the animals we cherish

are artifi cially inseminated, and as a involves similar questions to the ones power we exercise over the lives of the result of selection for large heads and we ask about feeding ourselves – what animals we choose as companions. narrow pelvises, are unable to give is healthy, aff ordable, necessary, Writing in the poem Another Dog’s birth without a caesarean section. ethical and environmentally Death of the early spaying of his dog, Cats, too, suff er the results of sustainable? A 2017 study assessed the John Updike describes her as knowing breeding for “desirable” traits, environmental impact of companion “no nonhuman word for love”. most often those associated with animals in the US. The fi ndings were We expect so much from other colour and appearance. Pedigree that dogs and cats were responsible species. For our purposes, they must cats suff er disproportionately from for 25-30% of the environmental be suffi ciently like us for us to want dystocia – diffi culty in giving birth, impact of all meat consumption, that to understand their behaviour and and subsequent high death rates for they created 64mn tonnes of carbon believe it very much like our own, but pedigree kittens. Manx cats may suff er dioxide and methane, and produced suffi ciently unlike ourselves for us to from a number of ailments related to 5.1mn tonnes of faeces annually, the be free of our concerns. They have selection for short or no tails including same as 90 million humans. The to be easily sent to kennels when we spinal deformities, spina bifi da and study suggested that, in the light wish to go on holiday, and content digestive problems. of these fi gures, increasing pet- to be left on their own all day, often Scottish fold cats are subject keeping worldwide will make a hugely confi ned in places much too small, to cartilage problems, leading to signifi cant contribution to our current or in conditions utterly unlike their arthritic conditions, while Burmese ecological crisis. (The suggestion that natural habitats. cats are prone to diabetes mellitus, the food fed to animals is a byproduct In 1943, the Nobel prize winning cranial deformities, glaucoma and of human food production is refuted author Elias Canetti wrote: “It is not kidney stones. Both Burmese and by the same study that points out good that animals are so cheap.” He Siamese cats may also suff er from that, increasingly, pets are being fed might have been writing about the Boas, diabetes, asthma, lymphomas, higher-quality meat and much of hamsters, mice, rats, guinea pigs and strabismus, hip dysplasia and small what is regarded as unfi t for human gerbils frequently bought as suitable intestinal adenocarcinomas. Rabbits consumption is deemed so more on pets for children, some of whom such as the English “lop” have aesthetic than other grounds.) will be loved, tended and eventually signifi cant health problems caused by As pet numbers increase, so mourned, others of whom will be their overlong ears. Selectively bred do our purchases. Browsing pet neglected or worse. Solitary creatures rats are subject to a number of health product websites is like entering an will be kept in pairs or groups, or social problems, including greatly increased anthropomorphised nightmare of ones alone. Crepuscular or nocturnal risk of tumours. overextended consumerism. One site creatures, as many of them are, will The small dog at the traffi c lights off ers 698 varieties of dog “treats”. be expected to provide entertainment is just one of many. Their popularity Another sells pet herbal tonics for pet for diurnal children. Reluctantly, I has increased to the point where, anxiety. There are the luxurious beds, remember school-gate conversations despite widespread publicity about the electronic toys, the whimsical about unfortunate fates: the school their health problems, demand for clothing. There are socks and shoes, rabbit forgotten over a summer when them greatly exceeds supply, which hats, bowties and dresses. There the parent who was to look after him has brought about not only the are shampoos, conditioners, dog- went on holiday, the escaped mice, irresponsible breeding that produces nail polish, fur dyes and whirlpool the hamsters who fell, disappeared, unhealthy animals, but has also led tubs. There are extensive ranges of were drowned or squashed or found to a huge increase in the hazardous veterinary psycho-pharmaceuticals burned at the back of a gas fi re. The and cruel “farming” of dogs, and to treat anxiety and behavioural incidents were invariably presented their illegal trade and importation problems, aromatherapy candles, as amusing, told in a tone of mocking across borders. At least one danger colognes and fragranced sprays to self-exculpation. I see a succession of this trade is the possibility of the mask the creature’s natural odours. of online adverts selling unwanted reintroduction of rabies, as a result of There are the fancy-dress costumes hamsters and guinea pigs. The child faked certifi cates and the importation – sharks, spiders, sumo wrestlers, for whom they were bought “lost of aff ected creatures. Images from light-up Halloween pumpkins and interest”, the family is moving house, puppy farms look remarkably similar hundreds more. there was an accidental mating. to those from fur farms, showing the Looking after the health of our (“Oops!”) What they are being sold dirty, caged, abused and suff ering pets may once have been simpler, for, the cost of a cup of coff ee, is the creatures we still continue to buy. when treatments were limited and cost of another creature’s life. What is What makes us do it? Why do they had fewer complex problems. the Umwelt of a puppy-farmed dog, we encourage a trade that exploits Now, in an endless cycle of concern a lone rat, a desert gerbil, a Syrian the suff erings of others? One and responsibility, we have to decide hamster in a small plastic box? suggestion is that the “childlike” on the treatments and insurance, What do we really know of the appearance of dogs such as pugs and which may be too expensive for many animals we buy? Our perceptions of bulldogs attracts us – according to a pet owners, creating yet another their behaviour tell us that often they theory in evolutionary psychology, division of privilege, an irreconcilable experience things in a similar way to Kindchenschema, also known as dilemma for those who cannot pay for ourselves, and that we may describe neoteny, a positive response to the treatments they know to be available their behaviour as love, anger, appeal of babylike or cute faces is an for their beloved animals. jealousy, delight, embarrassment, joy evolutionary way of ensuring the Another decision is whether or or grief, because we have no other survival and nurturing of off spring. not to have a newly acquired pet way to explain it. We all know what The theory may be correct (if you neutered. It may be a responsible another creature’s happiness or really think that bulldogs look like action in limiting the future numbers distress looks like, because they look babies), but it does not prevent us of free-roaming animals such as cats, very much like our own. from making an ethical decision about but while it may be convenient for When we force explanations of who and what we buy. I watch at the owners, there may be future health their behaviour on them – “She likes traffi c lights as the man leads the dog consequences for the animal, such as it!”, when possibly she does not, or away, a lifelong victim of our desire obesity, cancers or joint disease. We “He doesn’t mind”, when clearly he for “cute”. are embarrassed by the manifestations does – we skew the relationship by No longer simply a matter of small, of our pet animal’s sexuality, the manipulating an animal into being personal decisions, our animal owning subject usually being referred to what we want. Other species possess has implications far wider than the through jokes or awkwardness – “intelligence”, but too often we want privacy of our homes. It is increasingly refl ections of our reluctance to accept it to be a mirror of our own. Assessing subject to the moral, fi nancial and CAT CONDITIONS: Scottish fold cats are subject to cartilage problems, leading that, however sensible the decision intelligence in our own species is political questions raised by our to arthritic conditions, while Burmese cats are prone to diabetes mellitus, cranial may seem, in terms of our own or hard enough, and the attempt to knowledge of animal cognition, and deformities, glaucoma and kidney stones. Both Burmese and Siamese cats may their benefi t, neutering is a denial of understand cognitive ability in other urgent considerations of consumption also suff er from Boas, diabetes, asthma, lymphomas, strabismus, hip dysplasia the natural right of another being. species is an unfi nished and never- and resource. Feeding our pets and small intestinal adenocarcinomas. It is just another aspect of the total ending quest. — The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Driving with car windows open means more foul air for you

ext time when you roll down car The research team investigated PM2.5 and windows for some fresh air, think PM10 exposure levels inside vehicles during again. According to researchers, peak hours in the morning and evening, as including one of Indian-origin, well as off -peak hours in the middle of the Ncar users from the world’s least day. affl uent cities are exposed to at least 80 per The scientists measured how exposure cent more in-car air pollution because they levels changed when drivers used rely heavily on opening their windows for recirculation systems, fans and simply ventilation. opened the windows. For the study, published in the journal The study discovered that drivers in some Science of The Total Environment, the of the world’s poorest cities experienced research team investigated air pollution higher levels of in-car pollution. exposure levels for commuters in 10 diff erent Irrespective of the city and car model global cities across the world, including used, a windows-open setting showed the Chennai. highest exposure, followed by fan-on and “To be blunt, we need as many cars as recirculation. possible off the road, or more green vehicles Pollution exposure for windows-open to reduce air pollution exposure,” said during off -peak hours was 91 per cent and 40 study researcher Prashant Kumar from the per cent less than morning and evening peak University of Surrey in the UK. hours, respectively. “Air-conditioned cars are unattainable for The study also found that the windows- many poor and vulnerable commuters across open setting exposed car passengers to the world, but our data is clear and coherent hotspots of air pollution for up to a third of removing pollution than fi ne particles, their health,” said study researcher Abdus for all 10 participating cities,” Kumar added. the total travel length. suggesting that if new cars had more effi cient Salam from the University of Dhaka in According to the World Health The fi ndings also showed that commuters fi lters, it could reduce the overall exposure of Bangladesh. Organisation (WHO), air pollution kills an who turn on the recirculation are exposed car commuters. “Simple choices, like travelling during estimated seven million people worldwide to around 80 per cent less harmful particles “The study has drawn important off -peak hours, can go a long way in reducing every year and nine out of 10 people breathe than those who open their car windows. conclusions that can help commuters make their exposure to air pollution,” Salam said. air with high levels of pollutants. Car cabin fi lters were more eff ective in decisions in their day-to-day lives to protect — IANS

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

Relationships take on a fairy-tale aura, Aries, bringing up passion Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, and a sense of unity. Therefore, this should be a wonderful day to involving spiritual or metaphysical matters. Your sense of intuition Gemini. Your level of inspiration is high, and you’re apt to be full of schedule an evening with a friend. You could feel so much in tune is very high, Taurus, and your level of understanding is especially ideas that others would find beneficial. You’re also likely to sense the with your friend that you may come with the same words at the acute. Therefore, concepts that could be confusing at other times thoughts and feelings of those around you before they themselves same time. Enjoy this wonderful feeling, but don’t lose sight of could seem as clear as a bell today. You might form strong bonds are consciously aware of them. Enjoy your day! reality. with others who are also present. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Study of religion and spiritual matters could well be of particular Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather Inspiration drawn from recent religious or spiritual occurrences interest for you today, Cancer. You’re likely to discuss your than verbal level, Leo. When the phone rings, you might already know could have you writing down accounts of your experiences, knowledge and beliefs regarding such matters with a close friend, who’s on the other end of the line before you pick it up. You could also Virgo, perhaps with the idea of someday publishing them. Your which could prove rather enlightening for both of you. Whatever you pick up telepathically on the thoughts of others. Books and articles concentration could well be intense, as writing for you today may learn will prove to be artistically inspiring, so don’t be surprised if about people who have had similar experiences could increase your not be only creative but therapeutic as well. It will also help to attend you find yourself spending some time writing down your thoughts. understanding of them. Don’t fight it! Go with the flow. classes or workshops or simply to discuss the subject with a friend. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Libra. The Today, Scorpio, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic Creative inspiration flows freely today, Sagittarius, enabling you to drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to messages from a friend who lives some distance from you. A telephone channel it in more than one way. An opportunity to earn a sizeable get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high, which could call might reveal that this person has just received some good news, fee doing something artistic could come your way. Spiritual or lead to an increased level of inspiration and intuition. After you finish, and that they were just thinking of calling you! This probably won’t be metaphysical studies may be involved. This might represent the it might be a good idea to sit in a park, preferably near water, to allow the only ESP experience you have today. Your level of intuition is very attainment of a long-term goal you’ve been striving to reach, and yourself to come down. high, so be prepared for some unusually strong psychic messages. therefore you’re apt to be rather excited about it. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific If you’ve been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark on attitude, Capricorn, but today you’re feeling especially intuitive and numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Pisces. more aware of the other worlds, so it might be diff icult to hang on to to get started, Aquarius. Scientific adherence to facts and rules This could involve the arts, philosophy, or metaphysics. Travel plans your usual mindset. Some uncomfortable feelings you’ve had about combines with enhanced telepathic abilities to bring about a to one of the world’s great spiritual centres, such as Glastonbury or events in the news could prove to be accurate, which might be a bit burgeoning skill in such fields. Look up some friends who share your Vrindavana, might be on your mind as a result. Your level of intuition is disconcerting. Remember that there is so much in the interest and arrange to attend a class or workshop. very high today. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BARBIROLLI BUNYAN CHEEVER DENVER GALSWORTHY HANCOCK MARQUAND RUSKIN UPDIKE BETJEMAN CAGE CONSTABLE DONNE GLENN LANDIS MILTON SYNGE WAYNE

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. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Principal nut (4) 1 Book that’s difficult to endorse? 3 New chap sure to buy (8) something (8) 2 Capital invested in Joan of Arc 9 Judges playing conkers? (7) casually returned? (5) 10 Bar returns from riotous feast 4 Invisible nun wandering (5) around diocese (6) 11 Smooth learner enters the ring 5 Song arranged by Carlo (5) (5) 6 Did save, somehow, as 12 Silent characters sign up (6) recommended (7) 14 Money we got back for nut (6) 7 They wriggle in a creel 16 Tools needed for a quarter of sometimes (4) the deck (6) 8 Pet for Dorset leader in Dorset 19 Capital city taking back a resort (6) famous inventor with love (6) 13 Ladies to gather round, being 21 Majestic and terribly large (5) cut off (8) 24 Wild dog kept in a building 15 Showing taste in unusual overseas (5) material (7) 25 A sign that visitors aren’t 17 Someone who carries drink? welcome (4,3) (6) 26 Ship’s officer with many 18 Jill’s partner gets alien sailors (8) garment (6) 27 Feat unaffected by revolution 20 A payment for a coral island (4) (5) 22 Geoff’s beginning to wander in a small wood (5) 23 The first man a woman Answers married (4) Wordsearch Codeword Solution 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY REVIEWS A riveting documentary introducing teenagers to politics

and Moss take the audience along on this the boys’ rowdy antics and get straight By Katie Walsh decidedly unexpected journey. to the heart of the matter: connection, Boys State (there’s also a Girls State) is communication, co-operation. a camp put on by the American Legion to The journey that is Boys State is constantly oys State, the Sundance award- introduce teens to the election process and surprising. At fi rst the boys are tribal and winning documentary about civil discourse. The fi lm follows the Texas somewhat terrifying, play-acting and a weeklong political camp for group, where over the course of a week, posturing at “politics” and “masculinity.” teenage boys sponsored by the 1,100 teenage Texans, gathered in Austin, They scream intense rhetoric as a way BAmerican Legion, is one of the are randomly divided into two parties, the of conveying power, but then try to pass most thrilling and harrowing cinematic Federalists and the Nationalists, where legislation about aliens and pizza. They’re experiences of the year. It is potentially they are to create a leadership system and not quite boys, not yet men. But when they the most culturally relevant fi lm of the ultimately elect a single governor. You start to let their guard down and actually fall, masterfully made and one heck of an will not be at all surprised that rowdy listen to each other (and some of them are emotional roller coaster. From moment to electioneering, rampant partisanship, viral such compelling speakers that it’s impossible moment Boys State veers from exciting to misinformation campaigns and sometimes not to), one starts to feel a fondness toward troubling to amusing, and it’s never anything total chaos ensues. But there are also a few them, as they fumble toward earnestness and less than utterly riveting. surprising glimmers of hope as well. true connection. It’s a perfect match of subject and At fi rst, things seem stressful for any kid The Boys State programme is a microcosm fi lmmakers. Directors Amanda McBaine who isn’t a white good ol’ boy hooting and of our government and our country, and and Jesse Moss previously collaborated hollering about the Second Amendment. Boys State the fi lm allows us to witness the on the Sundance award-winning doc The But a few surprising stars start to emerge, refl ection. As the Federalists and Nationalists Overnighters, a shocking, twist-laden fi lm including Rene, a Chicago transplant descend into a campaign of unabashedly about oil workers fl ocking to North Dakota, who leads by his grandmother’s example dirty politicking and rah-rah sports-like and the pastor who takes them all in. Moss (complete with tiny reading glasses perched competition, the viewer is impelled to refl ect also recently directed the Netfl ix miniseries on his nose), and Ben, an inspiring speaker, upon the George Washington quote that The Family, about the secretive Washington, survivor of childhood meningitis, and double opens the fi lm, about the destructiveness DC, organisation behind the National Prayer amputee, who turns to steering the party of the two-party system. Boys State doesn’t Breakfast that grooms young men for political leadership when his dreams of securing the off er any easy or pat resolutions as to our offi ce. His fi lms are unfl inching and keenly gubernatorial bid dissipate. Then there’s future as a nation. It’s at once bleak and observant, doggedly determined to root out Steven, the son of Mexican immigrants who optimistic, off ering up the nuanced notion truth. Boys State is similarly sharp-eyed, and arrives wearing a Beto T-shirt, and whose that even if the kids are alright, it’s the system as the events of the camp unfold, McBaine humble, heartfelt speeches cut through that needs an overhaul. — TNS Mark Rylance brings nuance to a stolid anti-colonialist epic partly inspired by the apartheid regime under thin and secondhand; they’re basically there By Justin Chang which Coetzee grew up, the Empire could be to embody an oppressive authoritarian any sprawling Western civilization bent on menace, rather than to prove a more domination and conquest. distinctive brand of villainy. ark Rylance is one of the great But the Magistrate, stationed for years Rylance fares better as the star of the chameleons of the stage; his at an isolated frontier outpost, is clearly a show; naturally gifted at fi lling silences recent fi lm work, remarkable gentler breed of coloniser. He knows that he with meaningful ambiguity, he teases in its own right, has hewed and his fellow fortress dwellers are interlopers out the Magistrate’s inner confl ict and at Mto a narrower path. That may here, and he maintains a peaceful coexistence times fi nds an emotional equivalent to the be an odd thing to say about an actor whose with the indigenous nomads who roam the book’s introspective fi rst-person narration. characters include a jaded Soviet spy, a Steve surrounding deserts and mountains. (The Coetzee has lifted a fair amount of the Jobsian tech visionary and the BFG, but it’s nomads are played by Mongolian actors; the dialogue directly from the page, including a true nonetheless: In each of these roles, fi lm was shot primarily in Morocco.) Crucial memorably contemptuous line in which the whether wearing motion-capture markers to that peace are the Magistrate’s deep colonel explains how he is able to suss out or a shaggy blond wig, Rylance distils the knowledge of their language and traditions liars: “A certain tone enters the voice of a man essence of a man fascinatingly out of step and his general abhorrence of violence. That who is telling the truth.” That the colonel is with his moment. He’s brilliant at conveying puts him almost immediately at odds with himself a cold-blooded liar is scarcely the disorientation and disillusionment while still a high-ranking Empire offi cial, Col. Joll least of the story’s ironies. Another is that the retaining a core of unwavering decency – a (Johnny Depp), who arrives at this remote Magistrate’s honesty, his own transparent quality suited to the humanist inclinations settlement convinced that these “barbarians” lack of guile, will ultimately prove to be of his most frequent director of late, Steven pose a threat to the Empire’s supremacy his undoing. Well, that and his instinctive Spielberg. and determines to crush them by any means sympathy for the persecuted nomads, one There is nothing especially Spielbergian necessary. of whom (played by Gana Bayarsaikhan) he about Rylance’s latest, Waiting for the That means brutally interrogating and takes in after she is grievously abused by the Barbarians, a dramatically stolid, sun-blasted torturing a few nomads in prison, then colonel’s men. epic from the Colombian director Ciro Guerra sending out a garrison to round up more The Girl, as she is credited in the movie’s (Birds of Passage). But the fi lm, meticulously of their kin and jailing them for crimes defi nite-article-heavy parlance, is not the locals, the character, already the benefi ciary adapted by the South African writer J.M. unknown. Depp, emitting a death-ray glare fi rst indigenous woman we’ve seen the of Rylance’s naturally empathetic screen Coetzee from his own 1980 novel, takes from behind dark spectacles, brings a nice Magistrate invite into his quarters. Still, the presence, could have withstood some similarly expert advantage of its star’s world- chill to the proceedings; so does an unusually overly polite depiction of their relationship, tougher moral scrutiny. And the movie as a weary humanity. Rylance plays a man known vicious Robert Pattinson in the role of Joll’s despite some faintly amorous foot washing whole might have benefi ted from some of simply as the Magistrate, a civil servant of attack dog. But while both actors are awfully by fi relight, feels like a tasteful snooze and the scalding comic fury of a fi lm like Zama, what is known simply as the Empire. As in good at playing bad (check out Pattinson’s even a failure of nerve. While Waiting for the another recent adaptation of an anti- the book, the indeterminate time and place louche comic swagger in the recent medieval Barbarians doesn’t sanitise the Magistrate or colonialist novel. encourage an allegorical reading: Although drama The King), their presence here feels shy away from his own role in exploiting the — Los Angeles Times/ TNS Wednesday, August 12, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Simon Cowell opens up on Billie Piper fi nds social breaking back in e-bike mishap media ‘terrifying’

Music mogul Simon Cowell has thanked British actress Billie Piper feels social everyone for wishing him speedy recovery, media is terrifying. after his surgery following his electric bike In an interview with The Sunday Times accident. Culture magazine, Piper spoke about her Cowell took to Twitter to thank his well- fame and how she deals with social media, wishers, and share some advice with fans reports femalefi rst.co.uk. after breaking his back, reports etonline. “Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t have com. wanted to be a famous pop star now. The “Some good advice… If you buy an social media element of it all is terrifying electric trail bike, read the manual before because it’s continuous, it’s in your bed, next you ride it for the fi rst time. I have broken to your bedside table every night. In my pop part of my back. Thank you to everyone for career here were moments that were horrible your kind messages,” he wrote. to experience as a teenager, but they came “And a massive thank you to all and went. But the thought of having that CANDID: Piper recently spoke about her fame the nurses and doctors. Some of the INJURED: Cowell broke his back while constantly on your person – I wear my phone and how she deals with social media. nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe testriding his electric bicycle in Malibu. round my neck like some weird slave – and everyone,” he added. with one simple click you’re able to see what pictures stolen), but I certainly know what it Cowell broke his back on Saturday spokesperson for Cowell, adding: “He hurt millions of people think about you or other means to live your life publicly. I’ve done that afternoon while testriding his electric his back and was taken to the hospital. people, or just about anything. I would argue since I was 14. What’s really interesting and bicycle in Malibu. He’s doing fi ne, he’s under observation that it’s got worse,” she said. slightly depressing is on some level we all do “Simon had a fall from his bike on and is in the best possible hands.” Piper, who started career as a teenager, that now – everybody has an online profi le Saturday afternoon whilst testing his In a follow-up statement, the believes it is “slightly depressing” to see and everything you do on some level could be new electric bike in the courtyard at his spokesperson said: “Simon has broken his people living their lives so “publicly”. seen to be incriminating, even if it’s actually house in Malibu with his family,” said a back and will be having surgery.” — IANS “I don’t know what that’s like (having quite innocent,” she added. – IANS Locked and hitched: Star couples who got married amid lockdown

or many stars, the new normal has been all about new beginnings. Despite lockdown, several among Fthe gitterati have tied the knot in an intimate aff air. IANS brings a list of star couples, who sealed their ‘forever together’ in the time of Covid-19.

Rana Daggubati and Miheeka Bajaj The Baahubali star got married to Miheeka Bajaj on August 8 in the presence of close family and friends. The close-knit yet glamourous aff air was hosted at the Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad. In May, Rana made his relationship with Miheeka public. Sharing a photo of the couple, the actor wrote on Instagram: “And she said yes! #MiheekaBajaj.” He used a red heart emoji along with his caption.

Prachi Tehlan and Rohit Saroha Actress Prachi Tehlan A CLOSE-KNIT AFFAIR: Rana Daggubati and Miheeka Bajaj got married in the presence of close family and friends. got married to Delhi-based businessman Rohit Saroha on Raisinghani tied the knot with and Kunal Verma had planned for a and restrictions imposed by the Hyderabad in May. The couple August 7 in New Delhi. Prachi said his lady love Sangeita Chauhaan grand wedding in April, but had to government due to the pandemic. were earlier planning to get married every safety measure was ensured on June 30. They got married in stall due to the pandemic. On the in April but had to postpone the at the celebrations. a gurudwara in Mumbai in the same day, Puja took to her Instagram Sujeeth Reddy and Pravallika wedding owing to the lockdown. The “Health and safety of each and presence of their immediate family account to reveal that the couple had Saaho director Sujeeth Reddy got wedding was attended by only a few every human at the wedding is of members. already had a court marriage one- married to Pravallika on August 2 family members of the bride and the utmost importance to me. That is “Ek haath mein Sword...Doosre and-half month back. They donated in Hyderabad. It was a close-knit groom. why we have booked a venue that haath mein Sanitizer.... and face the amount they had set aside for ceremony with only family members has a huge space. The idea is to make pe mask...Hmmm...What do their wedding. in attendance. On June 10, the couple Nikhil Gowda and Revathi sure that guests do not come in close we call it shadi or kidnapping? got engaged in an intimate ceremony. Nikhil Gowda, Kannada actor proximity to each other. Besides, we Hmm.Congratulations @ Nithiin Reddy and Shalini They were in a relationship for the and son of former Karnataka have invited them at an interval of 30 sangeitachauhaan Ur kidnapped Kandukari past few years. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, minutes to avoid crowding,” she had (for life),” Manish wrote on his Telugu actor Nithiin tied the got married to Revathi in April said about her wedding. Instagram after his wedding. knot with Shalini at a fi ve star hotel Nikhil Siddhartha and Pallavi at a farmhouse near Bidadi in in Hyderabad in July. Despite the Varma Ramanagara district amid the Manish Raisinghan and Puja Banerjee and Kunal lockdown and the pandemic, the Telugu actor Nikhil Siddhartha got lockdown. It was said that the Sangeita Chauhaan Verma couple managed to host a grand married to his long-time girlfriend “wedding was simple without frills”. Sasural Simar Ka actor Manish Television stars Puja Banerjee wedding, while following the rules Pallavi Varma at a farmhouse in — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COMMUNITY

NEW BALANCE: Experts say that instead of separating your professional and personal lives, focus on ways to effectively integrate them. How to integrate work, home life during the Covid-19 pandemic

ecause of the Covid-19 work-life integration is to create pandemic, more people and maintain a routine, according are working from home to Dr Perlman. than ever before. As “One of the things that is Bphysical boundaries critically important in this between work and personal life moment is to keep a routine. blur, it can become difficult to Whereas you might have gotten manage the two worlds. up in the morning and maybe Dr Adam Perlman, director of you went to the gym first thing Integrative Health and Well- and showered, and went to work. Being at Mayo Clinic in Florida, It’s easy to now to get up and says instead of separating your immediately start working from professional and personal lives, home. So how do we create a focus on ways to effectively routine that allows us to know integrate them. when work begins, when we “I’m going to say work-life can integrate activities that balance is not necessarily what are important to us, and find we should focus on, but work- that right sort of mix or right life integration is. The concept integration of all that we want has been out there now in the to do in our home and personal literature. lives, as well as our work lives? This concept of work-life A routine can be really critical to integration and that’s always that,” says Dr Perlman. “One of the things that is critically important in this resonated more with me. Part of the argument is that balance Delegate, delete and do moment is to keep a routine. Whereas you might have implies this sort of 50-50 Another strategy that can (balance), and even prior to this help someone better achieve gotten up in the morning and maybe you went to the moment, most of us weren’t good work-life integration is to typically working 50% of the adopt a concept Dr Perlman calls gym fi rst thing and showered, and went to work. It’s time, not being with our family, “delegate, delete and do.” and then spending the other 50% If feelings of anxiousness or easy to now to get up and immediately start working focused on our home lives,” says being overwhelmed start to set Dr Perlman. in, Dr Perlman says to try pausing from home” Dr Perlman says those who and taking inventory of all the don’t effectively integrate, or things on your plate, whether they — Dr Adam Perlman, director of Integrative find the right blend of work and are work-related or not. Often, he personal life, tend to sacrifice says, people find there are things Health and Well-Being at Mayo Clinic self-care, which can lead to that could be delegated. Other burnout. Dr Perlman offers these things can simply be deleted or ‘All right, let’s just take that off “That can be tricky when we’re things done first thing.’ That can tips on integrating work and home taken off of the priority list, he the list so we don’t have to think working from home because be a very helpful strategy to help lives during the pandemic: says. about it now. I can always bring it there’s a number of other manage being overwhelmed, and “Sometimes when we look at back later,’” Dr Perlman says. distractions going on. This idea allow a better integration of our Create and maintain a that list, simply keeping things Finally, there’s “do,” which is of looking at that list and saying, work and our personal lives,” says routine on the list can build anxiety for really about understanding what ‘All right, no matter what’s going Dr Perlman. — Mayo Clinic News A crucial step in achieving good us, and sometimes we can say, has to get done, Dr Perlman says. on, let me get these one or two Network/ TNS