The Pandemic Has Only Served to Amplify Discrimination Against Older Adults

Thursday, May 7, 2020 Ramadan 14, 1441 AH

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Cover Story Ageism The pandemic has only served to amplify discrimination against older adults. P4-5

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Daniel kicks off reading of ‘Wonderfully wicked’ first Harry Potter book. year for coleus. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

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James May: Our Man in Japan he’s clueless about Japanese etiquette but at least he CAST: James May, Yujiro Taniyama, Masayo Fujii knows there’s a small tree called a banzai... Not only that, SYNOPSIS: James May has always been intrigued but Japan is one of the most contradictory and confusing and seduced by the idea of Japan, yet this nation and its places on earth. culture remains a complete mystery to him. Now he’s Here, classical art forms and haiku poetry rub shoulders Community Editor on a one-man mission to immerse himself in its society, with Godzilla, Cosplay, and some of the strangest Kamran Rehmat places, and people in a bid to unlock its extraordinary obsessions on the planet, while stunning, peaceful vistas secrets. By taking on an epic journey across all of Japan of gently falling cherry blossom give way to neon lights, e-mail: [email protected] from north to south, James is determined to gain a genuine J-Pop, and frenetic urban environments. Fifteen years Telephone: 44466405 understanding into why this unique land and its people since he first visited as a baffled tourist, James is now Fax: 44350474 are the way they are, what drives their whole culture, and ready to leap into the unknown and embark on a quest to what their approach to life can teach the rest of us. So far reconcile these contradictions and to truly understand so good, but it won’t be easy. He can’t speak the language, what makes Japan tick. Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Robotic alternative to therapy pets

Humane Society of Greater Miami. By Michelle Marchante Ageless Innovation, the company that has partnered with Florida to provide its “Joy for All” robotic ocial distancing has companion pets (which were changed everything, originally designed and launched by including how to care Hasbro) says its Alkaline battery- for a loved one with powered cats and dogs provide Alzheimer or dementia. similar positive effects. SThere might be an increase of Like real animals, the pets will stress, confusion and behaviour respond to the person’s voice and issues during this time because of touch, have a “lifelike” coat and a their disrupted routine, according “heartbeat” you can feel, according to the Alzheimer Association. to Ageless Innovation. They also There are at-home therapeutic make sounds – cats can purr, dogs activities you can do to help calm can bark – and are able to move them down. their heads, lift their front paws You could get them a free furry and open and close their eyes. robotic friend through Florida’s Florida’s Department of Department of Elder Affairs to keep Elder Affairs says it purchased them company. The robots are a shipment of the robotic cats designed to look, move and act like and dogs – which typically cost cats and dogs. $109.99 and $129.99 respectively The department says it’s – at a discounted rate from planning to deliver more than Ageless Innovation and will be 375 free robotic pets this week to providing the pets free to eligible socially isolated senior citizens residents. and adults living with Alzheimer’s Each robotic pet comes with a disease and related dementia to letter from Florida’s Department “improve their daily mood and LIKE REAL ANIMALS: The robot pets respond to the person’s voice and touch, have a ‘lifelike’ coat and a ‘heartbeat’ of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard give them a greater sense of well- you can feel. They also make sounds cats can purr, dogs can bark, and are able to move their heads, lift their front Prudom along with a guide in being” during Florida’s stay-at- paws and open and close their eyes. English and Spanish that includes home orders and social distancing tips on how to introduce the pet to requirements. your loved one. The interactive robotic pets The robotic pets initiative was are meant to be an alternative to on the mind of Prudom since he traditional pet therapy and can help heard Ageless Innovation founder give a reprieve to caretakers who Ted Fischer speak about the are stressed about caring for a loved robotic pets during an Alzheimer’s one with Alzheimer’s or another Community Care Conference in dementia during the Covid-19 Palm Beach Gardens last year. But, crisis, according to the department. it was the Covid-19 shutdown Researchers say robotic pets can that took it off the back-burner be a good alternative for people and made it possible, according to with dementia who are scared the department. of animals or live in a home or Florida’s Department of Elder healthcare facility that does not Affairs has also partnered with accept animals for fear of infections the Alzheimer’s Association to or other issues, such as allergies, provide free MP3 players pre- bites or scratches. loaded with a resident’s choice of Robotic pets have been used in musical genre, including patriotic, various countries since 2003 and country, Broadway tunes and have previously shown positive gospel. results similar to those of real The Alzheimer Association animals, according to a 2016 says numerous studies have study published in the Journal shown that listening to familiar of Alzheimer’s Disease, which music can help reduce anxiety, looked to assess the effectiveness depression, aggressive behaviour of robotic pet therapy in treating and also help in swallowing and dementia-related symptoms such pain management. as anxiety and depression. A recent study on the The study found that the robots effectiveness of music therapy helped decrease stress and anxiety by The Roth Project, a music- and also caused a reduction in the based intervention program use of psychoactive medications implemented by the Alzheimer’s and pain medications for patients Association of Central and with dementia. Western Kansas, also found that And while the robotic pets are personalised music significantly normally used to treat adults with helped improve the mood of study Alzheimer’s or other dementia, participants who were living with officials hope the pets will also with dementia. help senior citizens who live alone “Music is soothing and calming. and miss seeing their families Music is also one of the very last and friends during the novel things to be forgotten by people coronavirus situation. SUBSTITUTE: Researchers say robotic pets can be a good alternative for people with dementia who are scared of living with Alzheimer’s and Pet assisted therapy programs animals or live in a home or healthcare facility that does not accept animals for fear of infections or other issues, such related dementias,” the Alzheimer use the comfort, joy and love as allergies, bites or scratches. Association said in an e-mailed companion animals can bring to statement. “It has been known to help improve someone’s physical therapy program. decreasing both stress and anxiety courthouses, hospitals and other spark memories and engage loved and emotional health, according Both Humane societies say the levels and promoting social places around the community like ones. ... Although music cannot to the Humane Society of Greater interaction with cats, dogs and interaction. they normally would. Instead, slow or prevent cognitive decline, Miami and the Humane Society of other approved companion animals But, because of the Covid-19 they’ve turned to live video chat it can improve quality of life for Broward County, both which have can provide a variety of benefits pandemic, volunteers haven’t platforms, such as Skype, to offer people with dementia.” a volunteer-driven pet assisted including lower blood pressure, been able to visit nursing homes, virtual pet therapy, according to the – Miami Herald/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Backs against the wall Ageism has been quietly pervasive in American culture for decades, according to those who work with and study the health of seniors. But they fear the discrimination has magnified during the pandemic, writes Laura Newberry

OLD AGE VAGARIES: Gregory Kuhl, 69, returns to his street after shopping at Sprouts in Hollywood last month in Los Angeles, California. Sometimes there are major cracks in the pavement, cars in peoples driveways or levelling issues that make navigating his route difficult.

n the good days, Bonnie Reed believes that, for the first time in a long time, just about everyone is united in a common cause: to protect society’s The stigma is growing. most vulnerable citizens against the coronavirus. Anytime you mention the On the bad days, the Sherman Oaks senior is Ostunned by the carelessness she sees around her. She sees it in virus and risk, immediately the unmasked young people who saunter towards her and her husband, Alton, with little regard for social distancing. She people think of older sees it in the decisions of some governors to reopen economies adults. They think of the despite dire warnings from public health officials. Reed, who did not want to reveal her age, tries to not take it people more likely to be personally. But on those bad days, it can feel as though such actions send a clear message about how little some people care hospitalised, to take up about the well-being of older adults, who make up roughly 80% of those who die from Covid-19 complications. beds in the ICU “Am I the only one feeling like they’re ready to throw us out?” she asks herself. As the debate rages over when or how to resume public — Dilip Jeste, geriatric life, older adults like Reed have increasingly borne witness to behaviour and rhetoric that implies that their lives are not as psychiatrist at UC, San Diego valuable as reviving the economy. Ageism has been quietly pervasive in American culture ‘ Center for Healthy Aging for decades, according to those who work with and study ’ the health of seniors. But they fear that this particular form Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY of discrimination has become “What we are magnified during the pandemic as those who have lost income and seeing in public stability look for someone to blame. “The stigma (against elders) discourse is is growing,” said Dilip Jeste, a geriatric psychiatrist at the an increasing University of California, San Diego portrayal of those Center for Healthy Aging. “Anytime you mention the virus and risk, over the age of 70 immediately people think of older adults. They think of the people as being all alike more likely to be hospitalised, to take up beds in the ICU.” with regard to This rejection of prolonged being helpless, sacrifices made by all for the sake of the old has been voiced from the frail, and unable highest ranks of government. “Let’s get back to living,” Texas to contribute Lt Governor Dan Patrick told Fox’s Tucker Carlson in late March, to society” defending President Donald Trump’s push at the time to reopen businesses by Easter. — 8 top Patrick, who turned 70 in March, said no-one had asked him if he was psychologists in willing to risk his survival in order academic paper to save the American economy for future generations. But, he added, for Gerontological “If that’s the exchange, I’m all in.” HARD TIMES: Gregory Kuhl, 69, in an apartment where he has lived for forty years in Hollywood. He uses a Nationwide anti-lockdown wheelchair outside his home and inside is able to get around short distances on his feet and with a walker. Society of America protests show that many have taken that idea to heart. One woman among weaker immune systems among the that he would need to bag his own expectancy for care during the than younger people predates the the dozens who rallied outside elderly. groceries to prevent viral spread. coronavirus outbreak. Those pandemic. Cass Sunstein, a legal Tennessee’s state capitol on April 20 “It could put them at higher He placed the fruit and nuts in a guidelines were swiftly retracted. scholar who worked for the Obama held a sign that read “Sacrifice the risk of developing Covid bag on his lap, but it was too heavy They were not, however, without administration, once proposed weak, reopen (Tennessee).” complications,” Jeste said. “We are to lift. Usually, the cashier would precedent. focusing government policies on Koshin Paley Ellison, co-founder perpetuating that.” have hung the bag on the back of When doctors are forced to make saving years of life rather than of The New York Zen Center for Gregory Kuhl, a 69-year-old his wheelchair. A security guard gut-wrenching decisions around individual lives. Contemplative Care, said a photo of Hollywood resident, said he eventually noticed Kuhl struggling who will receive scarce medical The Environmental Protection the sign was circulated among the experienced age bias well before the and helped him out. resources such as ventilators, two Agency used a similar calculus community of older adults he leads coronavirus’s siege. Kuhl has severe Kuhl felt similarly disregarded factors are typically considered: the during the George W Bush in spiritual practice. spinal stenosis, a condition that when he learned that most likelihood that a person’s life will administration when it was “What does that do to those who compresses the nerves in his spinal coronavirus testing in Los Angeles be saved, and the estimated years weighing the benefits of power- are feeling weak?” Paley Ellison cord and makes walking painful. occurs at drive-up mobile sites. of life left, said David Magnus, plant emission regulations. The said. “It terrifies them.” He has often felt invisible in public; “Where do seniors who no director of the Stanford Center for agency determined that people over But no-one from the group was many people assume he isn’t longer drive go to get tested?” he Biomedical Ethics. 70 were worth just 67% of the lives surprised. On a Facebook chat, they capable or worthy of conversation, wondered. “If you’ve got strong evidence of younger people. talked about how a subtler disdain he said, because he is older and uses “Somebody somewhere needs to that someone will die in a year, Jeste insists that this way of for older people has been a running a wheelchair. be thinking about the consequences that’s a pretty good reason thinking is short-sighted. Assigning thread in American culture. They That sensation of invisibility (of the shutdown) for older people,” for saying that person should a value to seniors based on their are well aware of the prevailing has reached a fever pitch during Kuhl said in an interview. be a lower priority for scarce economic output ignores the many belief that beauty and productivity the pandemic. Going to the In these unprecedented times, ventilators,” Magnus said. other ways people contribute to — the primary measures of worth grocery store has been especially unfavourable perceptions of older The bioethicist noted that in an society, he said. They travel and in the US — are the domains of frustrating, Kuhl said. adults can be a matter of life and “era of plenty,” healthcare systems volunteer. They are mentors with the young. But this prejudice has Though he receives most of his death, according to advocates for often spend large amounts of decades of hard-earned wisdom. become acute during the pandemic, food through the Meals on Wheels seniors and people with disabilities. money keeping people alive for They take care of grandchildren and they agreed. “It’s open season programme, Kuhl buys dairy and California Governor Gavin weeks or months; a quarter of older family members. for discrimination against older, produce at a Sprouts market near Newsom was roundly criticised Medicare spending occurs in the It’s important for older people to vulnerable people,” one person his apartment. Recently, a cashier recently after his administration last year of life. question negative stereotypes and commented. pushed Kuhl’s groceries to the edge advised hospitals to prioritise The institutional concept of resist them if possible, said Becca Eight prominent psychologists of the checkout counter, indicating younger people with greater life older people being worth less Levy, a professor of epidemiology from across the globe were so at the Yale School of Public Health concerned about mounting ageism who has been researching attitudes that in mid-April they wrote an on aging since the 1990s. academic paper on the issue for the “We’ve found that those Gerontological Society of America. who value and affirm their own “What we are seeing in public meaningful contributions to society discourse is an increasing portrayal can avoid internalising those of those over the age of 70 as stereotypes,” she said. On the flip being all alike with regard to being side, Levy’s research shows that helpless, frail, and unable to older adults with negative attitudes contribute to society,” they said. about aging may live 7.5 years less The negative health effects of than those with positive attitudes. ageism are well-documented. Bonnie Reed knows her worth. When seniors face age-based The retired schoolteacher and discrimination and internalise her 74-year-old husband, Alton, harmful stereotypes, they are more volunteer for political campaigns likely to experience stress and and the Red Cross, and they’ve depression and are at higher risk for been trained by the Community chronic illnesses. Emergency Response Team (CERT) A 2018 study from researchers programme to spring into action at Yale University found that if an earthquake or fire happens in ageism could lead to $63 billion in their community. She checks in on additional annual health care costs neighbours and makes sure her older in the US. cousin’s refrigerator is fully stocked. Jeste, the geriatric psychiatrist DEPENDENT: Carol Liston, 89, says her Studio City neighbours look out for her, even doing her grocery shopping. “We try to help where we can,” at UC San Diego, worries that an The coronavirus pandemic has brought ageism to the forefront implying that their lives are not as valuable as Reed said. increase in ageism could lead to reviving the economy. — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY PARENTING Parenting in a pandemic is hard, but the best thing: looking after a baby

disaster comes to you directly. By Tom Whyman But a baby, by contrast, is that rare sort of human individual who can actually learn new things hen we first went while trapped in a small private into lockdown, home. When lockdown started, I suppose I our son was eight months old. He thought: well this could babble, but he couldn’t say I could deal with any words. He could sort of walk Wperfectly well, if it wasn’t for the if you held his hands, but not very baby. well. He could sit up, but not by Obviously not being able to himself; he couldn’t really stand. leave the house for months except We tried to read him books, to buy groceries and exercise but he was never really very isn’t something I would choose. interested, all he ever wanted But if I didn’t have the baby, this to do was suck the sides. He would be fine. I could rewatch was a terrible sleeper and could all The Sopranos, work my way basically only be coaxed to do it if through that list of Korean films he was in his buggy, or lying on his my friend Camille sent me. Play mother. video games. I could bake more, But now, the baby is nine like everyone else is; brew my own months old. He can say the word beer, spend every evening cooking “cat”, which he typically does elaborate meals. while literally running after I could find myself suddenly the cat, as he loosely clutches in the sort of situation my friend one of our fingers. He can sit David is in: on a temporary up fluently and haul himself teaching contract at Corpus up into a standing position Christi College, Oxford, having using the furniture, which he spent most of the year lodging has also started to use to coast in a small room, but now – with independently about. everyone else away – has been He’s mostly lost interest in gifted full run of a mansion once his train and now much prefers occupied by the archbishop of banging and stacking wooden Canterbury. Life would become bricks. He also has a little Casio one endless rained-off holiday. keyboard, which he has somehow But not for me … because of the figured out how to hack so it can baby. play piano and organ sounds It is not hard to see why, for LEARNING SOMETHING NEW: A baby is that rare sort of human individual who can actually learn new things while simultaneously. He is now so into so many people, lockdown has trapped in a small private home. books that he will literally demand provided ample opportunity to to be read them, and has very start resenting the existence of to sleep. But now I want to say quickly mastered all the flaps in their children. Very few people, something wild, and shocking. both Dear Zoo and Where’s Spot? it turns out, when they decided Something dangerous, even – He’s still an absolute wretched to have kids, considered what it something that I’m sure almost sleeper, but we have at least might be like if they had them everyone reading this is bound to convinced him (albeit after days around while being forced to work hate me for asserting. Actually, of screaming) to do his naps in his from home during a pandemic. the best thing about lockdown is crib. Both my partner and I work – looking after a baby. He becomes more of a little her maternity leave actually ended The reason for this is really very person every day. The world is the literal week lockdown started; simple. For me – and I imagine for opening up for him – even the our son was supposed to start most of you – every lockdown day tiny, restricted world of our home. nursery – so what this means for is fundamentally the same. Every It is now somewhere in which he us is that we now split work and day, the same routine, and so is clearly capable of recognising childcare roughly 50/50 down every day bleeds into one. concepts and categories (such as the middle of the day, minding Last year, a Norwegian “cat”), in which he has an obvious the boy for increasingly frazzled island called Sommarøy which sense of his own agency. Another chunks as we try desperately to is the sort of place where it’s development has been that we stay on top of everything else; perpetual daylight in summer and were forced to get him his own attempting somehow to replace perpetual darkness during winter remote control, to distract him the rich playtime schedule he announced as a sort of publicity from chewing the real ones. He used to enjoy, in the world before stunt that they were going to now diligently points it at the TV, the disaster. abolish time. sure that something might happen The pressure is real, and intense Now, this abolition appears to if he figures out how to press the – and there is every reason to have been extended across the buttons right. suppose that I, as his dad, am whole world. Of course the baby is incredibly getting off relatively lightly. The only difference is that, hard work – and I’m sure if you Consider the trend academic while the Sommarøy Time-Free have kids, they’re absolutely journal editors have noted, that Zone Campaign imagined the end terrible in their own ways too. women under quarantine are of time as a sort of liberation (you But during lockdown, he gives submitting fewer papers. could have a coffee on the beach us back something incalculably The burden of care at 2 am!), we, under lockdown, valuable, in return for our care: a work continues to fall have become slaves to a flat clock, reminder that there might still be disproportionately on women. INCREDIBLE HARD WORK: Of course the baby is incredibly hard work. But living the same day over and some progress, that the endless Even in our relatively egalitarian during lockdown, the baby gives us back something incalculably valuable, in over again. The only exception, sameness we would otherwise household, my partner is the one return for our care: a reminder that there might still be some progress, that the of course, is if things are even exist under might one day give who has to be up in the night with endless sameness we would otherwise exist under might one day give way to worse if you or someone you love way to something else. the lad to feed and rock him back something else. gets sick, or loses their job if the – The Guardian Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 BOOK REVIEW COMMUNITY The pleasures of backpacking Walking proved liberating, Torbjørn Ekelund writes down in his thoughtful new memoir In Praise of Paths. By Laurie Hertzel

e once were nomads, Norwegian journalist Torbjørn Ekelund writes, but nowadays “we live ourW lives sitting down.” This changed for him a few years ago when he was diagnosed with epilepsy and lost his driving privileges. He began to walk everywhere. Two miles to work, four miles to the grocery store – he shoulders his backpack (which now feels like a part of him) and trudges off. Walking proved liberating, Ekelund writes in his thoughtful memoir, In Praise of Paths. “My pace of life slowed, my pulse decreased, and the world opened up to me in a way I had not experienced since I was a child.” Walking gave him a different concept of time and a different understanding of place. It enabled him to “look around and take the world in, to observe the shift that comes with slowing down, to hear sounds, recognise smells, feel the wind, sun and rain.” Like a hillwalker on a ramble, this book meanders pleasantly. Ekelund experiments with walking barefoot, walking with his eyes closed, following ancient paths, and following no path. He notes the subtle differences between walking and ambling, strolling or sauntering. He writes about how much he dislikes running. While walking always triggers a flood of thoughts, “When I run, I don’t have any good ideas,” he says. “I can hardly think about anything other than ... when I can finally stop.” (I’m with him there.) little bit of movement is good for Ekelund – and like so many people – His appreciation of walking leads everyone.” I find remote roads and paths nearly to an examination of the places he Ekelund’s writing – deftly irresistible as they curve through the walks – footpaths and hiking trails translated from the Norwegian by forest. and sidewalks and roads. Of most Becky L. Crook – is direct and clear, Ekelund argues persuasively interest to him are wilderness paths. sprinkled with vivid metaphors. that modern life, with its toxic They exist because they are used, he (When he plunges into the woods to combination of torpid, sedentary says, and if they are no longer used, forge his own path, the forest “shut rest with vehicles that take us too nature simply erases them. like a zipper” behind him. Squirrel swiftly from one point to another “Paths were the first main tracks are “a trail of cones sprinkled without any physical exertion, is thoroughfares, and the way in which across the snow like cinnamon on very bad for us. they meander and wind through the rice pudding.”) What is around that bend? Where landscape tells us something very I am an inveterate walker myself, will this trail take me? fundamental,” he writes. A path “is as was my father. As Ekelund points Ekelund writes, “I walk long not the shortest distance between out, walking clears the mind, distances, but I always wish I could two points; it is the simplest.” refreshes the body and stimulates keep going. I would love to leave The path of his heart – and at the the senses. I used to backpack, I now everything behind me and just walk, heart of this book – is the path he do long-distance hiking and I trudge day after day, for thousands of miles, first trod as a child, the meadow path daily through my neighbourhood on paths I’ve never taken before.” at his grandparents’ farm outside of park with my dog. I am not This lovely book taps into AUTHOR: Torbjørn Ekelund started to walk — everywhere — after an epilepsy Oslo, where his father used to urge interested in walking four urban something primeval in us all. – Star diagnosis affected his ability to drive. him, “Come on. Get off the sofa. A miles to the grocery store, but, like Tribune (Minneapolis)/TNS 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY TV SHOWS/SERIES The 25 greatest overlooked sitcoms – from Lovesick to Younger

thing on terrestrial television at By Stuart Heitage the moment. Spencer Jones plays a down-on-his-luck chancer who drifts in and out of absurd f you really need a laugh right situations. A self-playing piano now – and are tired of all your lets him fake his way into a job as a usual favourites – here are the restaurant pianist. A painting and best shows to seek out. decorating job ends with a visit from the armed response unit. Imagine a I much sillier Only Fools and Horses Free Agents and you’re on the right track. All 4 A six-part Channel 4 comedy Miracle Workers from 2009 about talent agents, the Sky Comedy show starred Stephen Mangan, a A show set in heaven that aired pre-stratospheric Sharon Horgan, at the same time as The Good Place and features Anthony Head’s greatest was never going to come out on ever performance. It made central top. And yet Miracle Workers, in London look as beautiful as it has which Daniel Radcliffe plays a ever looked. And yet it came and celestial worker trying to save Earth went in the space of a single series. from destruction at the hands of an absentee God (played by Steve Better Things Buscemi), is arguably just as smart BBC iPlayer and clever as its more successful My theory is that many more peer. The first season is a self- people know about Better Things contained story with a finite ending. than have actually seen it, thanks in It will take you a day to watch from part to the participation and then start to finish, and your life will be very sudden non-participation better for it. of its co-creator Louis CK. It’s an unvarnished, autobiographical- The Comeback seeming sitcom about a divorced Sky Comedy woman (Pamela Adlon) who single- The only true post-Friends handedly raises three children. It is success; an excruciating faux reality raw, touching and incredibly funny. show starring Lisa Kudrow as Valerie And yet the most remarkable thing Cherish, a former sitcom actor about is Celia Imrie’s exceptional bidding for a second shot at success. performance as Adlon’s mother. The Comeback is so funny that you will ache and so unflinching that you Lovesick COMEDY GOLD: While everything may seem all doom and gloom at the moment as we continue to face the trials of the will chew the flesh from your hands. Netflix current pandemic, it doesn’t mean that we can’t try to cheer ourselves up with the occasional laugh. Nobody watched Lovesick when Future Man it was first on Channel 4, because Amazon back then it was called Scrotal Recall. The third season of Future Man Which is a shame, because Tom came out a month ago, and nobody Edge’s comedy was a thing of true seemed to notice. Co-created by beauty. A man learns that he has a Howard Overman (who co-created transmitted disease and has to revisit Merlin and last year’s War of the his past friends to let them know. Worlds), this swing-for-the-fences The episodes are told in flashback, silly comedy sci-fi is about a gamer as we watch the birth and death of who becomes a time-travelling each individual relationship. Lovesick superhero. There is a huge chance isn’t just funny; it is also exquisitely that you will forget about Future constructed and beautifully Man the second it finishes, but at performed. least you will have a good time while it’s on. Lee and Dean All 4 Loudermilk Mark O’Sullivan and Miles Amazon Chapman’s mockumentary began In some ways, Loudermilk is the as something deceptively broad: archetypal comedy of the decade, a Stath Lets Flats-ish look at two in that it’s a) a sad and vaguely working-class builder brothers redemptive show about an alcoholic from Stevenage. But in this final and b) maybe a fraction of 1% of form, it is much more nuanced and people have heard of it. However, multi-layered than the premise it was created by Peter Farrelly would suggest. It slowly blossoms and features a brilliant central into a sweet, beautifully observed performance by Ron Livingston, so meditation on fraternal friendship. while it isn’t going to make you fall out of your chair laughing, it is at AP Bio least capable of being compelling. Sky Comedy A sitcom about a disgraced Casual Harvard professor forced to teach Amazon high school biology. Dripping with Michaela Watkins should be one talent, it is consistently riotously of the most famous performers in funny and as structurally solid as any the world and Casual is proof of sitcom can be. In a parallel universe, that. Playing a therapist who moves this show is as big as 30 Rock. in with her brother after leaving her husband, Watkins is funny, sad Mister Winner and raw all at once. It’s a revelatory BBC iPlayer STARRING: The only true post-Friends success; an excruciating faux reality show, The Comeback, stars Lisa Kudrow as performance that never quite got the This might be the funniest Valerie Cherish, a former sitcom actor bidding for a second shot at success. response it deserved. Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 TV SHOWS/SERIES COMMUNITY The 25 greatest overlooked sitcoms – from Lovesick to Younger

Pete Versus Life services. It is not something to All 4 sling on to unwind after a hard day. George Jeffrie and Bert Tyler- But if you’re in the mood, it is also Moore’s 2010 sitcom is as so warm and brave that you will undemanding as it gets. Rafe Spall want to clutch it to your chest. plays a slappable man-baby who struggles with the most basic of Detroiters tasks and interactions, and the Now TV whole thing has a running sports- In a way, it is a good thing style commentary, which gets old that Detroiters died, because it within seconds. But underneath all freed Tim Robinson to make the that, you will find a solid hangout untouchable sketch show I Think comedy about a bunch of friends in You Should Leave. But in another their first flush of adulthood. sense, it is unbearably sad, because Detroiters was magnificent. Younger Robinson and Sam Richardson play Now TV best-friend advertising partners Darren Star’s comedy-drama has with no money and barely any an excellent premise; a 40-year- IQ. Each episode is basically just old single mother must pretend to an excuse to watch Robinson and be 26 to make a success of herself Richardson tool around like bozos. in the publishing industry. What’s It will for ever be missed. more impressive, though, is that Younger is somehow able to sustain Mythic Quest: Raven’s this premise for a full series. It is Banquet lightweight and disposable, but Apple TV+ never manages to fall prey to any Like The Morning Show, this of the obstacles that litter its path. is another excellent series that For something that could have nobody watched because Apple fallen flat at the first obstacle, it is overestimated its own popularity tremendously well done. and will go down as a hidden gem. Rob McElhenney from It’s Always Crashing Sunny in Philadelphia plays the All 4 Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver in The Other Two. charismatic lead developer at a A Phoebe Waller-Bridge sitcom videogame studio, and we watch as about twentysomething property comedy that takes place at a cable Black Monday then comes divorce, at which point the effects of his obnoxious whims guardians. The characters are news show. The hook is that a Now TV things really begin to spiral. The ripple out across his overloaded broader than you would expect, middle-aged woman takes a job in A period comedy starring Don genius of Review is how each new workforce. Mythic Quest could and the tone is slightly too twee. a newsroom alongside her high- Cheadle, set in the weeks leading up indignity piles on top of the last, have simply become another tired Nevertheless, if you squint, you achieving daughter, but really this to the stock market crash of 1987, causing MacNeil to quickly lose old workplace comedy, but there can tell who wrote it. is just a relentless screwball of a this is both a whirlwind comedy of his grasp on reality. This show is a is real artistry to be found here. There are moments where show. The script is perfect. The vulgar excesses and a tightly plotted masterpiece. If you only watch one A highlight is the episode A Dark the characters sidle up to big cast is perfect. Every episode fires murder mystery. Almost nobody thing on this list, make it this. Quiet Death, which is basically a realisations and then back away, on cylinders you didn’t know even watches it, which is a crying shame. sweet little indie movie that exists trapped in the words unsaid. But existed. Please Like Me completely outside the universe of also there are ukuleles, so tread Review Amazon the rest of the show. carefully. 18 Amazon This is one of those shows that Champaign ILL Arguably the most underrated only really qualifies as a comedy Kantaro: The Sweet Tooth The Other Two Adam Pally and Sam Richardson comedy of recent years, Andy Daly’s because it is half an hour long. Salaryman All 4 play two members of a rapper’s Review is a thing of total perfection. There is a suicide attempt very Netflix One of the best comedies of posse who find themselves trying Daly plays Forrest MacNeil, a critic early on in the series, which is used This list has been short on recent years, The Other Two is as to adapt to civilian life after the who reviews life experiences chosen to vault to a place that deals with Japanese-language sitcoms, and bright and confident as a sitcom rapper dies. It is an aggressively for him by the public. It starts heavy issues like depression and even shorter on sitcoms about can be. Drew Tarver and Heléne stupid show, and you will love it sensibly enough, with a review of cancer. Reviews came bookended pudding-obsessed men who Yorke play siblings who get left with all your heart. stealing and cocaine addiction. And with the numbers of crisis support sneak out of work during the day behind when their 13-year-old to eat desserts that make them brother is catapulted to Justin hallucinate. Reader, Kantaro: The Bieber levels of fame. Vicious and Sweet Tooth Salaryman is that warm, it might actually be perfect. show. It isn’t consistently funny, but it is consistently weird, which Mrs Fletcher is just as good. Now TV Like Casual, Mrs Fletcher isn’t The Righteous Gemstones exactly laugh out loud. It is a quiet, Now TV slow, contemplative Transparent- Danny McBride is a weird one. esque sadcom about a middle-aged On film, where he often appears as woman rediscovering her herself a side character in Seth Rogen-y after her son leaves for college. comedies, he comes across as However, it is held together crude and obnoxious. And yet the by a towering performance by TV shows he creates are exquisite. Kathryn Hahn. With her ability Eastbound & Down was a classic, to flit between dozens of directly Vice Principals was extremely conflicting emotions in a single good and The Righteous Gemstones take – not to mention the smart, might be his best work yet. As compassionate script by The a sitcom about dysfunctional Leftovers’ Tom Perrotta – Mrs televangelists, it is necessarily Fletcher is absolutely worth your satirical, but at the same time it is time. crude and bleak and – sometimes – surprisingly big-hearted. Great News McBride has stated that he wants Netflix this to run for years. Hopefully he Written by 30 Rock’s Tracey will get his chance. Wigfield, it is a frantic workplace Tina Fey and Nicole Richie in Great News. – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Editing selfies can influence girls’ thoughts about natural looks

pending too much time editing your following the selfie task was based on the selfies? Stop it now. Researchers extent of editing being undertaken. This have urged that girls and young demonstrates that the editing of selfies women shouldn’t spend a lot is not a benign process but has negative of time editing selfies for social consequences, even though participants Smedia because it negatively influences their reported being much happier with their thoughts about their natural looks. edited selfie than their original photo,” said In a study published in the journal Body study researcher Marika Tiggemann. Image, researchers at Flinders University in Many women and girls spend considerable Australia, asked 130 women aged 18 to 30 to time and effort in taking and selecting their view Instagram snaps of thin and average- selfies, for example, finding the best lighting sized women, before analysing their selfie and most flattering angle, which can then be habits. further enhanced by filters or digital editing They found that the longer the women to maximise their appearance and appeal. took to edit and post selfies, the worse their The study researcher Tiggemann said mood and dissatisfaction about their facial teenagers and young women should also be appearance. dissuaded from using software to edit selfies. The women in the study spent about 4 and “Women appear to be motivated by the half minutes editing up to five selfies, to smooth wish to present the best possible version and change skin tone, remove dark eye circles, of themselves and are correspondingly shape their faces and remove flaws. According substantially happier with their edited to the researchers, investing time and effort selfie than the original photo. Yet, at the into taking, selecting, and editing selfies are same time, these activities have detrimental not harmless activities because they have effects in terms of poorer mood and facial detrimental effects on women motivated to dissatisfaction,” Tiggemann said. “These suggestions are respectively thinking about how others will judge you, and present the best possible version of themselves. The results also indicate extensive selfie consistent with the two unique predictors thinking about making yourself look better “We found an increase in dissatisfaction editing leads to feeling disingenuous online. of increased facial dissatisfaction, such as than you do in real life,” she said. — IANS

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

You may feel indecisive, insecure, and stuck in the middle of a difficult Communication with others should be very effective, Taurus, and your Relating to people may be difficult for you since you get the feeling situation, Aries. Your energy could be drawn in one direction while your social calendar will be full. You’re feeling good about yourself, thanks to that others don’t see things as deeply or emotionally as you, Gemini. self-confidence is pulled in another. This dilemma has to do with your a boost in confidence that reminds you that you can do anything. You Perhaps you feel everyone is shallow, making them luckier in one inability to integrate different aspects of your life that you try to keep can juggle many things at once and the physical endurance to keep up sense yet deprived in another. Try not to focus on others so much. separate. Try to look at things in terms of the whole. Notice how your a quick pace. Even though you may tend to be rather lazy, you might Just concentrate on you. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Adopt a actions in one part of your life have a ripple effect everywhere else. get a sudden inspiration to resume a home exercise. more lighthearted approach to life. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

You have a great deal of physical energy, Cancer. At times, you Finding the comfort point may be difficult for you, Leo. You might Your upbeat, lively nature is fuelled by the fast-paced energy at may feel as if you have an endless wellspring of power. You’re at feel as if you aren’t connecting with your ideals or goals. Even hand. You have a great deal of physical strength available to you, a climactic point in your yearly cycle when things are coming to a though you try to put things into motion, they don’t really pan out Virgo, and you can make tremendous strides in your yearly goals dramatic apex. Difficulties that pertain to this climax are likely to the way you’d like. There’s difficult energy making you feel like you with very minimal effort. Take advantage of this time by focusing on make you act out aggressively if things don’t go your way. Find a need to join one camp or the other to feel accepted. The problem is your own needs. There is a great deal of support in place that will constructive outlet for all this physical energy. that neither side looks appealing. Feel free to start your own camp. help you accomplish whatever your goals may be. Go for it. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Your indecisiveness may plague you, Libra. This is one of those times You’re now in a terrific position to make a significant move in your life, You might feel as if you can’t access your physical energy now, when you feel as if one second of hesitation will cost you dearly. Yet you Scorpio. With a great deal of physical energy coupled with incredibly Sagittarius. You may experience frustration when you try to engage in take a while to process and internalise things before you’re ready to act high self-esteem, you have what it takes to make a major push toward an exercise routine. You don’t feel as if things are clicking into place as on them. Others may act and speak before they think. Don’t get upset larger goals. Opportunities are coming at you from all angles, and the easily as they should. This feeling is taking a toll on your sense of self. at yourself for handling things the way you do. More than anything, it’s energy at hand is fast and furious. Your strong, courageous nature is Don’t get down on yourself for feeling this way. Accept the fact that your your lack of self-confidence that’s holding you back. ripe for hopping aboard when that train comes zooming by. physical energy is going to vacillate from day to day. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Your physical vitality should be quite strong, Capricorn, and you’re Things could be moving more quickly than makes you comfortable Your physical strength is topnotch, Pisces. Now is a terrific time to encouraged by greater self-confidence. At the same time, however, right now, Aquarius. You may feel as if your own needs and agenda are either start a home work out routine or take a pre-existing one to the someone seems to be trying to ruffle your feathers by being selfish and getting swept away in the current. You may as well go with the flow, next level. Others will respect your leadership abilities. Your glow as disrespectful. This is likely to lead to conflict that you don’t need. The as fighting against it will prove futile and exhausting. It’s crucial to be a self-confident, constructive being is radiating positive energy. This good news is that it’s likely to open you up to a different perspective, adaptable and roll with the punches. Use the lightning-quick energy of combination of forces is extremely powerful. You have the opportunity one that can ultimately be useful in understanding the situation. the situation at hand to focus your efforts. to be wonderfully productive at this time. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BONNARD MILLET VUILLARD MANET SIGNAC DEGAS RENOIR COURBET POUSSIN BRAQUE MONET WATTEAU MATISSE SISLEY GREUZE SEURAT DAVID REDON COROT MORISOT

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. Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Screws not replaced in 2 Studying in a Berkshire town lookout’s post (5-4) (7) 8 Bit of fun with power line (5) 3 Stop sleeping we must 9 Red motor belonging to me (7) entertain a king (4) 10 Lions, primarily, warm and dry 5 Board game for science crowd in den (4) (8) 11 Spoil girl in Spanish resort (8) 6 Water flowing from river not 13 Places, so we hear, for well (4) spectacles (6) 7 Large dress designed anyhow 14 Calm father’s left inside with (10) police (6) 8 Very different - like those in 17 Flowers upset in a storm (8) Cracow and those in Gdansk? 19 Lake that sounds spooky (4) (5,5) 21 Put on a new coat (7) 12 Substitute with good 22 A single female? Wrong! (5) reputation (8) 23 Courting a disaster in battle 15 Girl with right bag (7) (9) 16 Swiss community against admitting worker (6) 18 Recording time taken by primate (4) 20 Henry has nothing that indicates holiness (4)

Answers

Solution Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY REVIEWS Natalie Wood’s death is still big business

just so ironic (it ended the way it did).” It’s also Side Story. She played opposite Steve McQueen By Lorraine Ali heartbreaking. Gregson Wagner, who was just (Love With the Proper Stranger); Frank Sinatra 11 when her mom died, introduces the film (Kings Go Forth) and Redford (Inside Daisy as her personal journey to redefine Wood’s Clover, This Property Is Condemned). She dated n HBO’s documentary film Natalie legacy outside her sensationalised death Sinatra, Michael Caine and David Niven Jr. She Wood: What Remains Behind, Robert and to confront the suspicion surrounding was married to Wagner – twice. The second Wagner is asked multiple questions her stepfather. The documentary, which she time stuck, and the members of the blended about that terrible night in 1981 when co-produced with Manoah Bowman and family they formed appear in What Remains Wood, his wife, drowned off Catalina the film’s director, Laurent Bouzereau, is Behind. IIsland after an evening of drinking on their scattered but compelling, a fresh narrative Together, they paint a picture of strong yacht with actor Christopher Walken. about Wood’s legacy. (Gregson Wagner and kinship, despite the pressures of fame, speak Wagner, now 90, wearily goes through the Bowman co-wrote the 2016 book Natalie of Wagner with compassion and trust, and details of a tragedy that’s defined his public Wood: Reflections on a Legendary Life; recount the difficulties of growing up under the image for nearly 40 years. Though Wood’s Gregson Wagner also has a new memoir out, tabloid spotlight. Photographers were hanging death was originally ruled an accident, More Than Love: An Intimate Portrait of My in a tree at Wood’s funeral, hiding in the bushes conjecture about it has consistently sold Mother, Natalie Wood.) at gatherings to mourn her memory. tabloids, books and true crime productions. Gregson Wagner shows her mother as a Clearly, the goal of this documentary isn’t to What Remains Behind is not part of that devoted parent, a loving wife to Wagner, a solve the mystery of her death or to ascertain machine. midcentury woman who learned that having whether there was foul play. It’s still unclear Co-produced by Wood’s daughter Natasha it all meant compromising everything when how Wood ended up in the water and why Gregson Wagner, it tenderly chronicles the she was torn between family and career. her body was found floating in the shallows. effect her death had on her family and on the Never-before-shared home and professional Walken, one of the last men she played opposite public by emphasising how much she meant footage, Wood’s own letters and a who’s on-screen (Brainstorm), was one of four people to all of them in life. Far from a true crime who of bygone Hollywood, interviewed by on the boat the night Wood died. Hollywood whodunit, the big bombshells in Gregson Wagner, make the case. Among Gregson Wagner asks her stepdad about this film are emotional. those who participated: Robert Redford, Mia that night. He says they’d all been drinking After Robert Wagner recounts that terrible Farrow, Elliott Gould, Jill St. John and Wood’s on shore at dinner, then drank more on their celebrity crime or quash the idea that he had night, he’s asked if he’s ever gone back to ex-husband, director Richard Gregson, who boat. Wagner argued with Walken. When he a hand in Wood’s undoing. Casting doubt on Catalina, which is also where the couple died in August. finally went to bed, Wood wasn’t there; she him has been a lucrative business. spent their honeymoon. Is it the definitive documentary on the and the dingy were gone. “That night’s gone The film does, however, offer another way “No, I never have gone back to the island,” he actress? No. A comprehensive look at Wood’s through my mind so many times,” he says, to look at the great Natalie Wood. She was a says, tears in his eyes, voice cracking. “I see it life is tricky business given how many aspects crying. “You can imagine. And I … Chris was larger-than-life success story, a commanding once in a while. You know how sometimes it’s there are to explore. there. He, by the way, is a very stand-up guy. actress, a part of Hollywood when it was so clear you can see it? Or when I’m taking off She was a child actor in films such asMiracle A true gentleman.” glamorous. She was also a mother who was from LAX and they turn to the south, and you on 34th Street and a teen love interest in 1955’s Wagner says he doesn’t know exactly what torn from her kids too soon. This film is a love fly by the island. I look down at the Isthmus and Rebel Without a Cause; she dominated the 1961 happened, which of course will never be letter from one of those kids. think all of the great times we had there. It’s box office withSplendor in the Grass and West enough to satisfy the appetite for salacious – Los Angeles Times/TNS Fascinating experiment uniquely documents bravery of Dreamer activists

as himself and also played by actor Maynor is much more exciting than the parts of By Katie Walsh Alvarado), turned himself into border patrol the story that are acted out. The young to infiltrate the detention centre (a for-profit activists, including the real Marco Saavedra operation with a sketchy reputation) to try and Viridiana Martinez, who infiltrate the lex Rivera and Cristina and advocate from inside. women’s section of the detention centre, Ibarra’s film The Infiltrators It’s a scheme cooked up by Abdollahi and are so much more fiery and fascinating is a fascinating experiment in his cohort. They used Marco to identify than their actor counterparts. (That’s no nonfiction storytelling that the right inmates to connect to their fault of Alvarado and Chelsea Rendon, who remains engaging, even when its organisation, to move important documents plays Martinez, just a hazard of blending Aunique style falters, thanks to an unbelievable in and out of the centre, to offer advice documentary and fiction.) The re- true story of impassioned activism. about their rights and counsel to those enactments are filmed in a rather basic and In 2012, during the height of the debate facing deportation and to help organise and tame manner, derivative of other depictions over undocumented immigrants and the galvanise the detainees behind bars. of prison stories we’ve seen in film and political fight over the DACA and DREAM The film is uniquely structured, blending TV. The real people of the story, in all their Act, a few young Dreamers decided to take a interviews and documentary footage of the shaggy, scrappy, determined ways, are so different track, risk it all and make themselves machinations outside with a staged re- much more interesting to watch, especially and their activism bold, aggressive and enactment of the events inside, played by their youthful leader filled with wild ideas, visible. Spearheaded by Mohammed actors. The filmmakers studiously label every Mohammed. Abdollahi, the group, no longer content with real person and every actor (sometimes to Despite its unevenness, it’s impossible sit-ins and petitions, decided to attack the emotional and narrative effect), and often to look away from The Infiltrators, due to Broward County Detention Department in intercut real phone calls on one side with a the sheer audacity of the activists and their Florida from within. re-enacted side of the conversation to build willingness to risk their safe but shadowy It starts with a request for help from a story momentum. We don’t need to see a existence in the United States for this cause. activists in The Infiltrators is a crucial young man, Emiliano, whose father, Claudio, talking head interview to tell us “this is how Although the film only briefly touches on reminder that despite every crisis we face, was detained by ICE and threatened with the conversation went,” because with the re- the 2016 election, we already know that the fighting for the rights of immigrants, asylum- deportation. After, a young undocumented enactment, we can see how it all went down. situation has only become exponentially seekers and undocumented folks is still activist, Marco (seen here in the documentary The issue, of course is the real thing, worse. Witnessing the bravery of the young essential. – TNS Thursday, May 7, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Daniel kicks off reading of first Harry Potter book UNIQUE: Tom Cruise is reportedly in talks with Nasa and Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX for an action adventure movie. Cruise set to shoot movie in space By Christi Carras

With his next movie, Tom Cruise is going out of the world, literally! The Hollywood star is reportedly in talks with urprise! Daniel Radcliffe Nasa and Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX for an action is returning to his roots in adventure movie, which will be shot in space. the Wizarding World. According to deadline.com, Cruise and Musk’s aviation Recently, Radcliffe – company Space X are working on a project with NASA that who captivated audiences would be the “first narrative feature film” to be shot in outer Sas boy wizard Harry Potter for a space. decade on the big screen – kicked Being described as an action adventure, the film will be shot off a star-studded relay-reading of aboard a real SpaceX vessel. The report states that the project is the J.K. Rowling book that started it in its “early stage”, and no studio is attached yet. all: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s The Hollywood star, 57, has carved a reputation for taking Stone. extreme risks to pull off jaw dropping stunt sequences, mostly Stephen Fry, David Beckham and in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Dakota Fanning have also signed on During Mission: Impossible Fallout, he broke his ankle while to recite chapters from Rowling’s jumping from one rooftop to another. He also hung from a seminal work, as have Eddie helicopter in the film. He hung from the side of a jet plane Redmayne and Claudia Kim from the during takeoff in Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation, and for Fantastic Beasts series; and Noma Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol, he climbed up the Burj Dumezweni, who originated the role Khalifa. of Hermione in the popular stage Meanwhile, Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick, the much- production of Harry Potter and the anticipated sequel of the 1986 hit Top Gun, has been delayed Cursed Child. amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The film will now release on Radcliffe, whose final outing as the December 23 instead of original release date June 24. – IANS Boy Who Lived hit theatres in 2011, lent his famous voice to Chapter 1. All 17 chapters of The Sorcerer’s Stone (known as The Philosopher’s TREAT: Daniel Radcliffe is revisiting Harry’s adventure – this time not on a film Stone outside the United States) will set, but through the pages of the first book. be read by “familiar faces” in the coming weeks. in an effort to restore some magic for so many years, we hope you love “We’ve got a treat for you,” read amid the coronavirus crisis. Last watching this incredibly special video a Twitter announcement from the month, the author unveiled a new of Daniel revisiting Harry’s adventure Wizarding World shared by Rowling. Harry Potter website, complete with – this time not on a film set, but “From today, amazing friends of the videos, puzzles, illustrations, quizzes through the pages of the first book.” Wizarding World are going to take and more activities to entertain You can watch Radcliffe read the turns reading Harry Potter book one. quarantined families. entire first chapter of The Sorcerer’s And to start us off with Chapter 1, “Who better to lend their voice Stone at wizardingworld.com/ we think you’ll agree we have the to Chapter One than the prolific chapters/reading-the-boy-who- perfect narrator.” actor who portrayed Harry in all lived and listen on Spotify, which The goodwill stunt is part of eight films?” reads a message from will release audio-only versions of CANDID: Madhuri Dixit says dance has always been her a larger #HarryPotterAtHome the Wizarding World team. “As the the readings as they come out. stressbuster. campaign launched by Rowling figurehead of the Harry Potter films — Los Angeles Times/TNS Madhuri back as judge on Dance Deewane

Madhuri Dixit will be back as a judge on reality TV, when she SRK’s new web series production returns on the new season of Dance Deewane. Betaal to release on May 24 Keeping the quarantine period in mind, she has urged dance enthusiasts to pick any corner of their homes and record a video Betaal, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s new to showcase their dancing talent. web series as producer, is set for a May 24 release. “I’m truly honoured that we have been able to bring back Betaal is a horror-thriller written and directed by another season of Dance Deewane. It’s true that dance has Patrick Graham, who had previously directed Ghoul. The always been my stressbuster. It helps elevate one’s mood and show is co-directed by Nikhil Mahajan. I’m sure it is also keeping millions across the country motivated “The series has been shot extensively in India, during these tough times,” said Madhuri referring to the especially in Mumbai, Lonavala and Khandala as it nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. revolves around a fictional Indian folklore, the series will “But don’t let this lockdown deter you. Keep your spirits definitely be genre bending in terms of horror content high and let dance be the form of expression. If you have the with some incredible VFX and prosthetics work,” said a passion for dance and the determination to succeed, pick a source. corner of your house and send us a video of your dancing talent The project is a collaboration between SRK’s Red as I’m excited and eager to witness India’s ‘deewangi’ (craze) for Chillies entertainment, Netflix, SK Global, and dance, once again,” she added. Blumhouse Productions, the banner that is known for its The auditions have begun virtually. Madhuri recently kick Hollywood horror productions as Paranormal Activity started the audition phase by shooting the season’s first promo and Insidious. from home. The first look of the series has been unveiled. PRODUCER: Shah Rukh Khan’s new web series as The third season of the dance-based reality show will also “Here’s 1st look of #Betaal, our upcoming horror- producer is going to be genre bending in terms of horror have filmmaker Shashank Khaitan and choregrapher Tushar thriller web series, starring @ItsViineetKumar, @ content. Kalia as judges. AahanaKumra & directed by #PatrickGraham, @ Arjun Bijlani returns as the host for the new season. – IANS iamnm. Produced by @RedChilliesEnt @gaurikhan @iamsrk @VenkyMysore @blumhouse SKGlobal,” read a @_GauravVerma, it premieres May 24 on @NetflixIndia tweet by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment. – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 7, 2020 COMMUNITY ‘Wonderfully wicked’ year for coleus Wicked actually refers to two new colours or varieties in the ColourBlaze series of coleus, writes Norman Winter

oodness, it is proving to be a ‘wonderfully wicked’ year for coleus. In this case wicked is great and promisesG to add incredible colour and texture to your garden. Wicked actually refers to two new colours or varieties in the ColourBlaze series of coleus. If you are like me you probably thought we had all of the coleus we could ever want 10 years ago. This is simply not the case. An example is the Mississippi Medallion Award programme, celebrating its 25th year. In this anniversary year of one of the best plant promotion programmes in the country, the experts selected ColourBlaze coleus as award winners. Then this year Proven Winners debuted ColourBlaze Wicked Hot and ColourBlaze Wicked Witch. Both of these new varieties already have dozens of awards based on 2019 University Trials. I am talking awards like Best of the Best, Perfect Score All Summer and Top Performer. ColourBlaze Wicked Hot is simply DEBUT: ColourBlaze Wicked Hot coleus is making its debut at garden centres amazing with an array of orange this spring and summer. and rust intensities. It does remind you of glowing embers in with rusty orange new growth serration, but has stop-you-in- a campfire. This colour reaches – a marriage made in gardening your-tracks lime green. I am one out and grabs you, causing you to heaven. who believes everything looks really take notice. ColourBlaze Wicked Witch is better with lime green. Such is the ColourBlaze Wicked Hot has also the same height and width, case when I put ColourBlaze Lime serrated margins and excels in for sun or shade. It too is serrated Time in between blue flowered sun or shade. It can reach 40 but with deep burgundy to catmint and the riveting tangerine inches in height with a spread to chocolate foliage and lime green coloured Orange You Awesome about 36 inches. In other words, or chartreuse margins. To me this echinacea. There are 14 selections it is vigorous. But don’t let that one screams to be partnered with to choose from in the ColourBlaze scare you – it is easily pinched lime green where the margins series. I promise there will be to maintain your desired shape. serve to echo the colour of the at least one to fit your needs. In It was made to partner with companion plant. In playing fertile organic rich soil these are shades of blue for an amazing around with partners at the home persevering, foolproof plants complementary colour scheme. of my son, James, ColourBlaze that will perform until frost or At The Garden Guy’s house Wicked Witch and Everillo carex whenever you are ready to pull for it seemed to offer a magical created the partnership of dreams. planting pansies. You will find out opportunity to combine with Also at The Gardens Guy’s why ColourBlaze Wicked Hot and Double Play Candy Corn spiraea house, ColourBlaze Lime Time ColourBlaze Wicked Witch, two that I recently wrote about. To stole my heart. It could have been of this year’s introductions, have PICTURESQUE: ColourBlaze Wicked Hot coleus forms a dreamy partnership refresh, this spiraea features named Wicked Wonderful as it won awards from north to south with Double Play Candy Corn spiraea. chartreuse and gold foliage topped is identical in shape, size and and east to west. – TNS