Community Community The American Embracing a School of completely new P7 Doha is all idea, Magical set to present P20 Festival Village “13”, a musical in Katara comes wrapped theatre in a suburban European production. architecture style.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 Jumada I 26, 1437 AH

DOHA 20°C—27°C TODAY PUZZLES 14 & 15 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 16

COVER STORY Taking flight Ornithologist Neil G Morris on his love of birds — and birdwatching in Qatar. P4-5 OUT AND ABOUT: Neil Morris. 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.37am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.53am Zuhr (noon) 11.45am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.40pm Isha (night) 7.10pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Jai Gangaajal Gangaajal is about a female cop, who takes on some powerful GENRE: Crime, Drama and infl uential men in her district. Movie is about today’s Emergency 999 CAST: , Rahul Bhat, Ayush Mahesh dictum of society-police relationship. The movie has all Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Khedekar the bizarre things happening around the society in reality. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 DIRECTION: The fi lm is not made on a big scale and also has very less Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 SYNOPSIS: A newly appointed Senior Inspector fi nds characters. It is a concentrated story. Priyanka Chopra played Local Directory 180 herself against very powerful goons and having people the role as SP Abha Mathur, who fi ghts for corruption in the International Calls Enquires 150 from her own department against her. It is a sequel of the hinterlands. Time 141, 140 2003 crime fi lm Gangaajal, and starring Priyanka Chopra in Doha International Airport 40106666 the lead role with Jha appearing in a supporting role. Jai THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444 Qatar University 44033333

Pokkiri Raja Jiiva and Hansika play IT professionals. Sibi plays a youngster ote Unquo GENRE: Action, Comedy, Romance who does nothing in particular. The story primarily revolves u te CAST: Jiiva, Hansika, Matwani, Sibiraj, Ramdoss around these three characters. Q Failure is DIRECTION: Ramprakash Rayappa SYNOPSIS: Pokkiri Raja is a fun fi lled entertainer where THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall the key to success;

each mistake teaches us Mall Cinema (1): Zootropolis: Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 4pm; Zootopia (2D) 2.30pm; Action Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 6pm; Jai something. Hero Biju (Malayalam) 4.30pm; Gangaajal () 8pm; Jai Gangaajal Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 7pm; Jai (Hindi) 11pm. — Morihei Ueshiba Gangaajal (Hindi) 8.45pm; London Has Pokkiri Raja (Tamil) 11.15pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Race Fallen (2D) 11.30pm. Cinema Land Mark (2): (2D) 2.30pm; London Has Fallen (2D) Mall Cinema (2): Jai Gangaajal (Hindi) Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 2.30pm; 5pm; Bachaana (Urdu) 7pm; Always Be My 2.15pm; Zootropolis: Zootopia (2D) 5pm; Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 4.30pm; Maybe (2D) 9pm; London Has Fallen (2D) London Has Fallen (2D) 7pm; Race (2D) Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 6.30pm; 13 11pm. 9pm; 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): 13 Benghazi (2D) 11.15pm. (2D) 8.30pm; 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi Mall Cinema (3): Kalyana Vaibhogame Of Benghazi (2D) 11pm. (2D) 2pm; Bachaana (Urdu) 4.30pm; The Community Editor (Telugu) 2.15pm; Kings Of Egypt (2D) 5pm; Cinema Land Mark (3): Kalyana Revenant (2D) 6.30pm; 13 Hours: The Kamran Rehmat Always Be My Maybe (2D) 7pm; London Has Vaibhogame (Telugu) 2.30pm; Race (2D) Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi (2D) 9pm; Fallen (2D) 9pm; Pokkiri Raja (Tamil) 11pm. 5pm; Always Be My Maybe (2D) 7.30pm; Race (2D) 11.30pm. e-mail: [email protected] Cinema Land Mark (1): Pokkiri Raja London Has Fallen (2D) 9.30pm; London Asian Town Cinema: Action Hero Biju Telephone: 44466405 (Tamil) 2.30pm; London Has Fallen (2D) Has Fallen (2D) 11.15pm. (Malayalam) 5.30, 7, 8.15, 9.45 & 11pm; Fax: 44350474 5pm; Action Hero Biju (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Jai Gangaajal (Hindi) 6, 8.45 & 11.30pm; 6.45pm; Kings Of Egypt (2D) 9.15pm; Zootropolis:Zootopia (2D) 2pm; Pokkiri Raja (Tamil) 6, 8.45 & 11.30pm. Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS marking 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by and Bariatric Surgery Summit with the the best of Shakespeare will be celebrated organising many activities for the students participation of distinguished keynote speakers Spring Exhibition MIA through a number of fi lm, music and theatre every Monday and Wednesday of the week. and panelists who will share their experiences DATE: March 14-July 16 events. For more details, please visit: https:// These activities include explanations on through lectures and discussions on bariatric TIME: 10:30am- 5:00pm www.facebook.com/britfestqa/ hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons and and metabolic surgery techniques. The summit VENUE: QM Gallery Al Riwaq preys, in addition to workshop on how to carry will feature live sessions to provide technical An exhibition of 15 contemporary Chinese 01 Mall Novo Cinemas 3×3 Basketball a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of goat & knowledge from experts around the world and artists, curated by internationally acclaimed Tour camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic coff ee, support specialists to adopt new techniques in New York-based Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, DATE: March 10-12 etc. their practice for revisional and complicated will be on view at the QM Gallery Al Riwaq. VENUE: Ain Khalid bariatric surgeries. The exhibition will be the major highlight QSports and Qatar Basketball Federation Qatar International Food Festival presented in the context of the Qatar China invite you to participate in the eagerly awaited DATE: March 22-28 Economic Development Forum 2016 Year of Culture. Artworks exemplifying 01 Mall Novo Cinemas 3×3 Basketball Tour VENUE: MIA Park DATE: March 7-8 each and every artist’s unique artistic language 2016 to be held inside the 01 Mall in Ain Khalid. Qatar Tourism Authority will organise the VENUE: Sheraton Doha Hotel and methodology will be displayed in individual As part of QSports Mall Jam programme, seventh edition of Qatar International Food The Entrepreneurship in Economic galleries. exciting cash prizes of over QR22,000 will be Festival under the theme “a diff erent side of Development Forum forum aims to further awarded to top three teams in each division. food”. This year’s festival will be extended to highlight the importance of entrepreneurship Chinese Silk Art The venue is a specially constructed FIBA seven days and expanded to other landmarks as a vital element in economic development DATE: March 24-May 9 approved court inside the 01 Mall! and eateries, including: the Pearl-Qatar and and an engine for private sector growth and VENUE: QM Gallery in Katara Katara Cultural Village. Chinese food lovers diversity. It will bring together offi cials, policy The second major exhibition of the Qatar Spring Fest will also have plenty to look forward to, with makers, academics, educational institutions, China 2016 Year of Culture, ‘Silks from the DATE: March 11 Chinese cuisine featuring as part of “Qatar- universities, businessmen, bank leaders, Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk’, presents silk TIME: 1pm-6pm China 2016 Year of Culture” celebrations. fi nancial institutions and economists from all as a theme, and as a special local product of VENUE: Gems American Academy over the world. Zhejiang that played an important role in trade Delicious food, weekend bazar, art display Winter Weekends at Aspire Zone along the Silk Road. The exhibition highlights and much more. Come one, come all and be DATE: Until March 24 Childhood Cultural Center ancient and modern Chinese silk works, with a part of this exciting spring festival at Gems TIME: 4pm-9pm DATE: Until March 31 around 100 pieces due to be showcased at the American Academy. To top it up you can also VENUE: Aspire Park TIME: 9am-10:30am QM Gallery in Katara over a period of 6 weeks. enjoy outdoor cinema under the twinkling Aspire Zone Foundation invites you to come VENUE: Katara stars, at 6in the evening. Please get Qatari Id for along with your family and friends, and to bring Childhood Cultural Center participation Lighting Tech Qatar 2016 adults and children over 12 years. your kids every Thursday for outdoor sport in ‘Schools Enrich our Culture’ programme DATE: May 9-10 fun activities, including football, volleyball, includes a variety of educational and artistic VENUE: Intercontinental Hotel Symbols of Latin America and competitions and games for boys and girls, workshops. The third annual Lighting Tech Qatar will Caribbean from 4pm to 9pm. provide a platform for interacting, exchanging DATE: Until March 15 Art Exhibition ideas and learning about the challenges and TIME: 7pm-10pm Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery DATE: Until April 18 opportunities of Qatar’s rapidly developing VENUE: Katara Art Studio Bldg 19 Summit VENUE: Porto Arabia, Pearl lighting industry. The event will feature a high Documentary photographs that represent DATE: March 10-12 Diff usion by Peter Zimmermann — A level advisory board with representatives from 11 Latin American countries in fi ve categories VENUE: Hajar Auditorium mesmerising solo exhibition of colourful, Ashghal (Public Works Authority), Amey and which are the capital of the country, the Hamad Medical Corporation will organise futuristic works. Anima Gallery, Parcel 17, Porto Parsons Brinckerhoff . It will address the latest national animal, the national plant or the Third Qatar International Metabolic Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Contact: 40027437 government regulations, industry standards fl ower, the national dish; and the historical and certifi cations, the impending needs and monument. requirements of the lighting industry in Qatar, and how they can be addressed. Aspire Tennis Cup – Men DATE: March 11-19 Reduced Shakespeare Company VENUE: Aspire zone DATE: March 11 Aspire Zone will organise the fi rst edition TIME: 1-8pm of Aspire Tennis Cup - Men for four days (two VENUE: Katara Drama Theatre weekends) on March 11, 12, 18, 19, 2016 from Join and enjoy the fun and laughter and see 37 4pm to 8pm. Registration fees: QR100 per Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced participant (paid during technical meeting). romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete The tournament is open for men aged 18 years Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was and above and will include two categories: London’s longest-running comedy having First category: doubles match for 12 teams of clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s participants aged 18 to 39. West End at the Criterion Theatre! Join these madcap men as they weave their wicked Pakistan Cultural Festival way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, DATE: March 31-April 3 Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that VENUE: Katara Cultural Village will leave you breathless and helpless with Biggest made in Pakistan expo, ethnic food laughter. street, huge kids zone, live musical concert by Pakistani singers, folk dancers, performances Baby & Kids World Qatar 2016 and more. DATE: March 21-23 VENUE: Doha Convention Center Shrek the Musical! Elan Events and Fira Barcelona announce DATE: March 9-19 the very fi rst Baby & Kids World exhibition TIME: 7:30pm taking place in Doha from the March 21-23 VENUE: QNCC Theatre at Doha Exhibition & Convention Center Shrek the Musical! tells the touching story of (DECC). Baby & Kids World Qatar will be held a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked, as a business-to-business platform with a full feared his entire life by anything that crosses range of children’s needs: child care, maternity, his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to children’s fashion, toys, education and food, exist in happy isolation. in addition to a festival dedicated to families giving companies an opportunity to interact Cultural Diversity festival with end consumers directly. DATE: Until May 31 TIME: 7:30-9:00pm The Great British Festival Qatar VENUE: Katara Beach DATE: Until March 19 Over 20 countries from all over the world are The Great British Festival Qatar 2016 will showcasing their traditions and heritage. celebrate UK culture, education, tourism and business. The festival will feature a number of Al Gannas events organised by the British Council, the DATE: Until Oct 30 British Embassy and others, including an inter- TIME: 9am - 11:30 am school football competition, an education fair VENUE: Al Gannas Society and a pop-up science event. Also, as the UK is Al Gannas Association is participating in

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “(Birdwatching) is a hugely spiritual thing” — NeilNeil G Morris, ornithologist Coming to Qatar was one of the most rewarding experiences. I was to discover nine species of bird that had never been seen in the country before

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

PASSIONATE: Neil Morris on the field in Doha, last week.

desert, Morris reminisces about ‘fi rsts’ in a day anywhere in the birdwatching. The thrill of seeing the window, too. I also remember By Anand Holla one particular weekend back when world,” he says. new birds in the countryside in and endless hours cycling with my he lived in Doha, while talking Over an extended conversation, around my village was bettered only pal Ian to our nearby reservoirs to Community. Morris shares all about his passion by the thrill of travelling to exciting in freezing weather and summer hen one listens “I vividly remember having to and why he loves birds the way he faraway destinations to fi nd and heat to go birdwatching at every to Neil G Morris persuade my companions to come does. watch birds I could not see at home. opportunity. speak about out birdwatching with me during a birds, the British violent storm,” he recalls. What is it about ornithology What are your earliest How did you keep up with ornithologist’s To make it worse, Morris wanted that got you interested at such a memories of birdwatching? your passion, and when your Wfascination seems as tenacious as them to travel with him to Al young age as 11? My earliest birdwatching memory career eventually took you in the tireless fl ight of millions of his Ruwais where the winds were I have always been fascinated by is of my German teacher (called Mr another direction, did you miss winged friends. particularly violent on that day. “At the natural world. As a kid, I would Brittan!) telling me to stop staring birdwatching? Invited by the Qatar Natural the end of long day, they were glad pour over wildlife magazines and out the classroom window. When I I had always imagined that I History Group (QNHG) to give I had been so persistent. We saw encyclopaedias, making lists of the explained that I was looking at fl ocks would end up working in wildlife a talk at Doha English Speaking the very fi rst Long-tailed Shrike animals I wanted to see when I was of wild thrushes — Redwings and conservation, and dreamed of School on the common, and and Little Gull for Qatar — two grown up! As birds are everywhere, Fieldfares — that were arriving from working on a beautiful Indian not-so-common, birds of Qatar’s ‘fi rsts’ in a day! It’s not often that easy to see and often very colourful, Scandinavia to spend the winter Ocean desert island looking after cities, coasts, farmlands and any birdwatcher fi nds two national I quickly developed a passion for in England, he took a look out of the seabirds and wildlife. One Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Eurasian Hoopoe.

“If you know when and where to look, then the coasts, deserts, farms and even cities and towns of Qatar offer excellent birdwatching opportunities”

Lilith Owlet. White-throated Robin. particular ambition was to work for know when and where to look, you to some pretty extreme places. world around us be like without Corniche Park near the Sheraton the Royal Society for the Protection then the coasts, deserts, farms You must be prepared for some bird song? How would it feel to Hotel are worth checking regularly. of Birds (RSPB), and I was very and even cities and towns of unexpected problems! I shall always wander along the coasts, in the Al Wakrah Park, Al Shamal Park lucky to fulfi l this ambition early on Qatar off er excellent birdwatching remember the kindness shown to deserts or around our towns and and many of the tree-lined, lawned in my career. But instead of being opportunities. me by the Qataris when I got stuck cities without seeing the colour parks around Qatar are also well sent out as a trainee warden to one in the mud, stuck in the sand, or and business of all the birds we worth a visit. of the RSPB’s nature reserve, I took Briefl y tell us about your suff ered multiple punctures. No take for granted? The world would on a short-term marketing role. I experience of observing and matter where I got into trouble, be a much less uplifting place As a birdwatcher, you loved the job and decided to pursue photographing birds in Qatar. there was a friendly villager or without birds. I like to think of have made some interesting marketing as a career, knowing that Also, what sort of peculiar policeman who came to my rescue. birdwatching as hunting without a discoveries in the UK as you I would always have birdwatching trends did you notice about I think it’s something to do with gun. I can see gloriously colourful have in Qatar. Which one is as my ‘hinterland’. Working at the birds in Qatar? living in the desert and the kinship and characterful birds, even take most special? RSPB gave me a chance to be at the Some 325 species of wild bird in always being prepared to help their photographs, and then leave I cut my birdwatching teeth epicentre of birdwatching in the have been recorded in Qatar to date. your fellow travellers. Every year, them for the next person to enjoy. in the UK and was lucky enough UK, while building my career in a Of these, 82 per cent are migratory species of bird are being recorded Whether it’s enjoyment of birds, to fi nd the second ever Red- fascinating professional discipline. and winter visitors. So, for many in Qatar for the fi rst time and new wildlife or any other aspect of fl anked Bluetail on the mainland. species, there are specifi c windows breeding species are being found. the natural environment, I think I found the Bluetail late on How did moving to Qatar in the calendar when they can But the populations of nearly every the enjoyment goes right to the a Saturday evening. The next help you reconnect with be seen. Some spend the winter species of wild bird are rapidly heart. It’s simply a deep, innate morning dawned with more than ornithology? here, while others pass through in declining. Qatar provides winter appreciation of the living world. 2,000 birdwatchers from all After 18 busy and intense years spring and autumn on their way and migration refuge to several over the UK queuing on a small as Deputy Managing Director of from Africa to breeding grounds species that are gravely endangered. Could you share some basic country track to catch a glimpse the Institute of Direct and Digital in Asia and vice versa. A few, such Without active conservation tips on when and where to of the bird. During the ensuing Marketing, I needed a change. as the Northern Wheatear and measures, these species will quickly fi nd birds in Qatar and how to week, birdwatchers came from all Coming to Qatar with my family WillowWarbler, travel from the very disappear from Qatar forever and identify them? over Europe to see this enigmatic was one of the most rewarding southern tip of Africa where they even become globally extinct. March marks the offi cial start visitor from Siberia. In Qatar, I was experiences of my life. With my have spent the winter all the way to of spring — and the start of bird fortunate to discover nine species wife securing a contract in the Alaska and Northwestern Canada How would you describe the migration in earnest, which of bird that had never been seen in health service in Doha, I took up the to nest; and they do the reverse joy of indulging in the world of continues until the end of April. It’s the country before. In addition, I role of house husband — though journey again in the autumn. It’s birds? a wonderful time to look for birds. observed nine sub-species that had to be fair it was more like absentee amazing to see these incredible As a conservationist, I could The coastal fl ats around Al Ruwais never been documented in Qatar husband as I spent all the daylight travellers stopping off in Qatar to make the scientifi c and pragmatic and Al Khor host thousands of birds before. I shall always look back hours possible out ‘in the fi eld’. rest and feed midway through this case for the necessity for species of many diff erent species. Many are fondly on my birdwatching jaunts With the help and companionship epic annual migration. conservation and for the protection starting to acquire their colourful in Qatar, to the companionship of of a number of other birdwatchers of the precious and increasingly summer dress before departing for those who birdwatched with me, and wildlife photographers in That must certainly be fragile environment in which we northern Europe, Asia, Siberia and and to the Qataris who were always Qatar, I explored every corner of exciting. live. But I think it’s also a hugely the Arctic. But you don’t have to go ready to smile and come to my this fascinating country. If you Yes, birdwatching in Qatar takes spiritual thing. What would the far. Parks such as MIA Park and Al assistance. 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY WEATHER ADDICT

SKYLINE: Spring in Doha means that the weather is getting steadily hotter, and we’re leaving behind the pleasantly cool temperatures of winter. Photo by Francisco Anzola/Wikipedia Spring is in the air appearing on many trees, it is little wonder air from the Gulf of Mexico starts to gain numerous trees and triggering power outages. By Steff Gaulter that spring is associated with rebirth and intensity. The warm air makes regular surges Hundreds of thousands of people were left renewal. northwards, forcing the cold air to retreat. without power. Having said all this, spring isn’t always Where these two airmasses meet, is the As the east coast grappled with the storms, t’s March, which means that it’s spring a smooth and gradual transition from the setting for some of the most destructive further west winter weather dominated the here in Qatar. Arguably, however, in this weather of winter to that of summer. It is weather that we see anywhere in the world. region. Parts of Canada and much of the country it is a less joyous time of year often more of a fi ght between the diff erent Huge thunderstorms develop that can bring US Midwest was pounded by heavy snow. than it is elsewhere in the globe. Spring types of weather, with winter winning on torrential rain, damaging hail and devastating This forced the cancellation of thousands of for us means that the weather is getting some days, but summer triumphing others. tornadoes. fl ights, including about 40 percent of those Isteadily hotter, and we’re leaving behind the In Sarajevo, Bosnia, the temperature on It was these fi ghting airmasses that that were scheduled at Chicago O’Hare’s pleasantly cool temperatures of winter. March 3 last year was 10C, but just 2 days triggered the outbreak of severe weather that International Airport. Elsewhere in the world, spring is a time later, the air never made it above freezing. In struck North America on February 23 and 24. Tornadoes can occur in North America of year which is fi lled with great optimism. Chicago, USA, the temperature climbed to a The storms initially pummelled the southern in any month of the year, but they are most In places like northern Europe, Japan balmy 23C on March 16, 2015, but 24 hours states of the US, before slamming into the common in spring. This is when the contrast and Canada, much of the land has been later, it failed to get above 7C. In Beijing it was east coast. At least sixty tornadoes touched between the frigid northern air and the smothered by snow and ice for the preceding a similar story, with 14C being the maximum down in ten diff erent states. The twisters tropical southern air is most pronounced. few months. Finally, in spring, the weather on March 8, but only 5C the next day. raged from Texas to Pennsylvania, bringing It’s also the time of year when the ground is begins to turn milder, the snow starts Not only does this changing in weather panic and destruction. heating up quickly, giving extra energy to the retreating, and green shoots begin to appear. keep meteorologists on our toes, but it also One tornado slammed into Tappahannock atmosphere and the weather. More energy As the days wear on, the length of daylight makes sure everyone keeps their eye on the in Virginia. The ferocious storm carved produces more severe weather. rapidly increases and the sun climbs steadily weather. Otherwise, there would be a few a 45-kilometre (28 mile) path and left 20 With the sun climbing higher in the sky, it higher in the sky. Having lived in England ‘wardrobe malfunctions’ with people wearing people injured. Another tornado struck an will continue to get warmer in the northern for many years, I can tell you that going to heavy coats on a balmy day, or shivering in a apartment building in Pensacola, Florida. hemisphere. It’s almost guaranteed that work before the sun has risen and returning t-shirt while it is snowing. Witnesses described the aftermath as a North America will see more tornadoes home when it had already set, is no fun. The The fi ghting weather types don’t only ‘war zone’, with trees being shredded, cars ripping across the landscape. In Qatar, the few hours of daylight were always at a time I result in yo-yoing temperatures, but it tossed around and debris strewn across the temperature is also climbing, but at least the was tucked away in an offi ce, which usually also leads to some rather dramatic weather landscape. weather here is generally benign. had no windows. It’s not really a wonder that as well. North America is one of the best Even those people who dodged the many people suff er from Season Aff ective examples of this. For the majority of the tornadoes weren’t necessarily unscathed by (The author is Senior Weather Presenter Disorder, and felt rather depressed in winter. winter, much of the continent is dominated the weather. The storm brought torrential at Al Jazeera English channel. She can be Spring was a brighter time of year, and by the cold air that digs south from Canada. rain and damaging winds. The winds spread contacted on steff [email protected] with shoots emerging from the soil and buds However, during spring, warm, humid as far north as New England, knocking down or on Twitter at @WeatherSteff ) Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

FINE TUNING: Stills from the rehearsals. ASD brings the ‘lamest place in the world’ to life in ‘13’

and double crossing way that By Anand Holla quickly makes you forget that she played loveable Tiger Lily less than a year ago. Loría somehow makes t signals the start of teens, these transformations appear and it’s also a number seamless. associated with mystery and Dan Quayle Junior High, the ominousness. But the number setting for “13”, contains every 13, in this case, is all about person from your own school: The Iteens. cool kids, the preps, the skate punks This month, the American School the jocks… and then there’s you. of Doha (ASD), fresh from wrapping And just like school, this show is a up another edition of its annual rite of passage, one that shouldn’t Friendship Festival, will present be missed because whether you “13”, a musical theatre production are in Appleton, New York City or set in fi ctitious Appleton, Indiana. Doha, we eventually all fi t in. Appleton is likened to the “In the Broadway production, “lamest place in the world” until even the band was made up of protagonist Evan Goldman arrives teens, which is a fantastic way to from New York City to start a new involve a diverse group of artists. life. “13”, however, an original The cast is comprised entirely musical by Jason Robert Brown, of teenagers, but the stories that is far from the lamest place in the dystrophy. The trio become close and lonely. This coming of age boy who is more optimistic about come to life here are ageless, the world. It is a place where everyone and seemingly perfect for one musical, much like life, portrays living with a terminal illness than emotions they explore timeless, goes to great lengths to try and another until Evan decides to invite this important stage of life in both most students are about dealing the laughter and the memories fi t in, and for better or for worse the “popular” kids to his 13th funny and heart-warming ways. with acne. You will almost feel they provide priceless,” says a note eventually fi nds their niche. birthday party. That’s when the Returning actor Quincy Loria guilty for enjoying Terminal Illness, on the “hilarious, coming-of-age Debuting on Broadway in 2008, problems begin. plays Patrice with the simplicity which Archie sings together with musical about discovering that and featuring a then-unknown The beauty of “13” is that its and kindness of a small town girl Evan in a bantering, Jerry Lewis/ ‘cool’ is sometimes where we least Ariana Grande, “13” follows Evan, premise could take place anywhere. wanting to connect with someone Dean Martin kind of way. expect it.” played by newcomer Qori Irawan, Every 13-year-old, past and present new, and shows her disappointment Director Jen Loría once again The original musical opened a preteen who is forced to move has dealt with the anxieties of and sadness through an incredibly has taken a relatively new cast of on Broadway at the Bernard B. from the “Big Apple” to plain being accepted and feeling like sincere rendition of What it actors and has transformed them Jacobs Theatre on September 16, old Appleton. Once there, Evan they belong. We often remember Means to be a Friend, when this into a credible bunch of American 2008, in previews, with an offi cial befriends his slightly eccentric the positive aspects of growing up, connection stumbles. suburbanites. Middle school opening on October 5, 2008 and neighbour Patrice and Archie, but tend to forget that growing up Veteran actor, Garett Woolley, newcomer Erikka Ocampo plays closed on January 4, 2009 after 105 a boy struggling with muscular can also be painful, embarrassing also returns, this time as Archie, a Lucy, the “mean girl”, in a conniving performances and 22 previews. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY

DeBakey students celebrate World Book Day

The DeBakey High School-Qatar students celebrated World Book Day with group activities. Students in grades seven and eight dressed as their favourite book character, presented persuasive essays, and devised a list about the pros and cons of reading. High school students participated in a literacy scavenger hunt with a focus on information text reading. World Book Day is an internationally recognised occurrence with the intent to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and overall celebration of reading. This is the 19th anniversary that World Book Day has been celebrated. Its main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with an opportunity to recognise why reading is such a wonderful experience. At the close of each school year, DeBakey students are provided with a Summer Reading List that identifies books students must read during their summer break. Once school is back in session, students are involved in group discussions and comprehensive testing. “World Book Day is the perfect opportunity for our students to be further involved and encouraged to read beyond their daily school work assignments,” said Linda Mabrie, DeBakey Director. Come for a taste of Turkey at ‘Gozleme’

he Grand Heritage Hotel Doha has fresh sheets of ‘yufka’ dough that are rolled partnered with the Turkish Cultural out by hand, and then spread with delicious, Center to launch what it describes spicy fi llings of cheese, spinach or seasonal as “one of the most exciting vegetables. culinary festivals in the city,” the Everything will be set to recreate the magic TurkishT food festival “Gozleme”. of Turkish culture, visitors will be off ered a The event is taking place at the hotel’s ‘mystical nostalgic ambiance’ that is enhanced signature restaurant Agora, starting from by live traditional Ottoman music and tomorrow. The fi rst day of the festival will complete with rich aroma of Turkish tea and its be open to the press and invited guests only. delicious sweets, said the hotel. The opening ceremony will be attended “Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse by ambassador of Turkey to Qatar Ahmet and most delicious culinary cultures of Demirok. the world. The idea behind the event is to A special à la carte menu with an array of showcase the rich culinary heritage of Turkey, mouth-watering authentic Turkish dishes generate better awareness of traditional will be prepared by the culinary team of Agora Turkish food and encourage local residents and restaurant, promising to bring in the real guests to try it out,” said Durmus Budak, Head fl avours of Turkey. Guests visiting the festival Chef of Agora Restaurant. “All guests of the will be able to experience traditional Turkish festival are guaranteed a fascinating journey delights, including its famous national treat through the history of Turkish gastronomy.” and the main feature of the festival “gozleme” The Turkish food festival will continue (traditional savoury Turkish fl atbread and until March 22. Those wanting to explore pastry dish). The “Gozleme Lady” is fl ying and experience the cultural roots and all the way from Turkey to Doha specifi cally contemporary infl uences of Turkey will be to treat visitors of the festival to its authentic able to dine at Agora restaurant every day freshly-baked delicacy. from 1pm to 11pm during the festival. For more Gozleme (GOES’-leh-meh) is a traditional information or reservations please call 4445- Turkish snack and street food made with 5540. Traditional Turkish Gozleme. Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

QTS honours two prominent Indian expats in Qatar

Doha Bank CEO Dr Seetharaman was honoured by Qatar Tamizhar Sangam (QTS) recently at the Indian Cultural Centre. He was also congratulated for having received multiple awards honouring his lifetime achievements and business acumen. RSN Group CMD N Gowrishankar was also honoured for his humanitarian eff orts and services, especially in the Chennai flood relief operations.

Bio-Oil, an ideal gift for Mother’s Day

he award-winning Bio-Oil — a specialist skincare product that promises to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, signs of skin ageing, skin dehydration and pregnancy stretch marks — could be an ideal Mother’s DayT gift. Its makers say: “Leave all your skin worries behind if you are planning to treat your mom for a brunch by the beachside or enjoy some fun outdoor activities together as Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone that can be triggered by external causes, such as excessive exposure to the sun and helps to enhance the skin’s texture.” Bio-Oil’s advanced formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, makes it highly eff ective and gives visible results, says the company. The skin lipid layer is often unable to cope with the very dry Middle Eastern climate, and too much moisture is drawn out of the skin. Bio-Oil increases quality of the natural invisible oil layer on the skin that then acts as a barrier to stop moisture from escaping. Ageing skin study conducted by Thomas J. Stephens & Associates in USA in 2011 showed that Bio-Oil is eff ective in improving the overall appearance of ageing skin on the face and neck. After 8 weeks, a statistically signifi cant result was achieved. After 12 weeks, 94% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a signifi cant improvement of the face skin and 80% of the neck skin, according to the company. Bio-Oil was given the Best Maternity Skincare Product award by the UK Loved by Parents Awards in 2012 and named as the Best Secret Weapon by the South African Women’s Health magazine readers in 2012. Bio-Oil has won multiple awards. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY Showcasing the symbo The exhibition, featuring representative photographs of 11 Latin American countries and the Caribbean will be on display at Katara until March 15. By Umer Nangiana

Chiapas from Mexico. Photos by Umer Nangiana

n a fi rst of its kind exhibition, will remain open to public until watching. Three months of the year, She said the Argentinian many people from there are coming eleven Latin American March 15. these whales come to Argentina community in Doha is not very big here. Qatar is also very famous in countries and the Caribbean “It is a very good opportunity to the South Patagonia to this but it is very active. There are about Argentina,” said the ambassador. have put together a dazzling for us to show our country, all its special site called Porto Parana and 200 people here. Most of them are Ambassador of Peru to Qatar showcase of all that is beauty and our culture. And with thousands of people go there to professionals. Julio Florian said the exhibition was Ibeautiful about the continent. 11 Latin countries doing it together, especially see this show of whales,” “We have many pilots and staff ers like a cornerstone, because it is the Bringing together documentary I think it is a good opportunity for said the Argentinian ambassador, [working for] Qatar Airways. We fi rst time that Latin America and photographs that represent 11 Qatari people to know us more,” referring to a picture showing the have engineers and architects the Caribbean are doing something Latin American countries in fi ve Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar site of whale watching. involved in multiple projects in collectively and the object is to categories, the capital of the Rossana Cecilia Surballe told The exhibition also features Qatar; and many chefs, which is why strengthen the relations with Qatar country, the national animal, the Community in a chat at the opening another national park from the you get the opportunity here to taste by showing their most basic symbols. national plant or fl ower, the national ceremony. province of Rio Negro, with its our fl avours and our meat,” added “By symbols I mean the capitals dish and the historical monument, Argentina is contributing portraits many lakes of diff erent colours. ambassador Rossana. of the countries, their wildlife and the exhibition “Symbols of Latin to the exhibition; especially those And there is also the famous There are many Argentinian gastronomy because people may America” offi cially opened at featuring national parks, most of fl oral sculpture from the capital restaurants in town. For the last know that countries like Argentina Katara Cultural Village, building 18, which are part of world heritage like of Argentina, Buenos Aires. “We three to four years, the number of and Peru are in South America but recently. the Talampaya National Park that is did not bring our national fl ower tourists visiting Argentina from they would not know basic things The ambassadors of almost all a Mesozoic park. In food, the typical which is Ceibo, but this sculpture Qatar has been increasing, she said. such as their animals, plants and the the represented countries along Argentinian meat, Empanadas is on is very famous in Buenos Aires and “Our understating is that more and overall picture of their capitals,” said with the government offi cials from display in all its juicy fl avours. represents diff erent fl owers,” said more people are getting interested Julio. Qatar opened the exhibit, which “In Patagonia, there is whale the ambassador. in going to Argentina and also The objective of this exhibition, Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY ols of Latin America

Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar Francisco Niembro.

Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar Rossana Cecilia Surballe, second from right, with ambassador Jamal Nasser al-Bader, right, and others at the exhibition.

he added, was to keep on building Julio said the tourism from culture and a good way of showing bridges between a group of countries Qatar to Peru is also increasing what we are and where we come and Qatar, which geographically year by year. “It might not be in from,” said the ambassador, talking speaking are very far away but in high numbers but it is now in the to Community. many-a-sense are close. hundreds, going by [the number In the pictures on display, the “If you look at the food in our of people asking for visas at the] Mexican embassy is promoting countries, many of them descend embassy. I am very happy about it. Mexico City with all its perspectives from this part of the world. For me, it It is a slow process we are aware showcasing its greener areas with has been fantastic. I am very happy. of that, but little by little it is like the Chapultepec Park in one of the The attendance has been fantastic,” climbing the mountain,” said the many states of the country. “It is Ambassador of Peru to Qatar Julio Florian at the opening of the exhibition. Julio told Community. Peruvian ambassador. full of jungle, full of green waters Showing the same symbols as the Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar and cascades, and of course the really feel in contact with the nature of nature there. The place in the others, Peru has put on display the Francisco Niembro also appreciated gastronomy and the cultural heritage and all the symbolism that the picture is in the South and probably national fruit, the national plants the concept of the exhibition. that we have from the Mayans, Mayans used to have and they still not that well-known as people and animal, the capital of the city “It is a great concept. The shown here in the pyramids. We have have it in this part of Mexico,” said mostly head to beaches. But it is and the historical monument Machu attendance here was great and we are tried to give a snapshot of what we the ambassador pointing to a picture in the middle of the jungle and the Picchu. Peru has held a separate solo very happy because this is the fi rst have in Mexico,” said ambassador from the valley. ambassador said it was “beautiful exhibition for the pictures of famous time that all the 12 countries have Niembro. The picture was taken during the and a must-visit place.” It also has Peruvian horses, the Paso, back in organised this exhibition together, “Chiapas is probably my personal spring season, he added, when you what they call, the ambassador 2012 in Katara. which is really colourful, full of favourite state in Mexico. There, you can actually see the true colours added, the magic towns.

Whale watching in Patagonia, Argentina. Symbols from Brazil at the show. 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY OFFBEAT

Jonathan Yeo, left, and actor , right, with an oil painting portraying fictional President Francis J Underwood as played by Spacey. At centre is chief curator Brandon Fortune of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington where it is hanging. Underwood is the lead character in the popular Netflix video series House of Cards.

He describes Frank Underwood’s the offi cial portrait painter of the pose in the portrait as “larger than 2001 British general election. Yeo life” and notes that the fi gure is went on to paint a portrait of Tony “bearing down at you.” Blair in 2008. Work with other Yeo said when painting actors politicians and actors followed. A likeness of an in their roles, it is important to Since Yeo’s fi rst major project, celebrate and enjoy the pantomime his work has been exhibited widely and yet to get to know the actor as across the world, especially in a person. Europe, North America and East A previous collaboration Asia. between Yeo and Spacey was Along with painting portraits a portrayal of Spacey in his of politicians, cultural fi gures impersonation Shakespearean role as King Richard and actors, Yeo paints portraits of III of England. The portrait is on people who have undergone plastic display in the National Portrait surgery. Gallery in London. In a 2011-12 exhibition in the Yeo visited the House of Cards Lazarides Gallery in London set and was inspired by the impact entitled “You’re Only Young the character of Frank Underwood Twice”, Yeo portrayed patients of a fiction had on the audience. both before and after their plastic “Kevin Spacey and I have been surgeries. The exhibits featured Washington to paint Spacey in portrayal and some of their actual collaborating for several years cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts. By Rachel Spacek his role as the fi ctional President character on the canvas,” said Yeo. around the idea of life and art For Yeo, the most important Francis J Underwood in the popular The Spacey portrait displays crossing over. What an actor does part of portraying a politician or Netfl ix video series House of Cards. Frank Underwood in his chair in when they inhabit a role in many actor in their character’s role is to ritish artist Jonathan Yeo has previously worked with the Oval Offi ce in a strong pose, ways parallels what happens when fi nd elements in the person and Yeo makes a specialty actors including , with his legs crossed and fi sts you make a piece of artwork based character that create a story. Yeo of painting actors who politicians such as British ex- clenched on the desk. on a living subject,” Yeo said. said he thinks that it is “always an are playing characters, prime minister and In an uncanny moment, Spacey Born in 1970 in London, Yeo interesting part of a portrait when as well as portraits US former president George W attended the unveiling as his began as a self-taught painter. In you can’t quite work out what is Bof politicians. His latest work Bush, and peace activist Malala aff able self, posing for pictures an interview with , he going to happen next.” perfectly combines those two Yousafzai. next to the sterner character recalled in the 1990s after he began Yeo’s portrait of Spacey as genres. “As a portrait painter, depicting portrait. painting that portraits had become Frank Underwood went on He has just collaborated with a brilliant actor doing their job Yeo explained that a portrait of outdated and unpopular. display February 24 in the lobby actor Kevin Spacey and the US presents a particular challenge, as an actor in role is meant to make Yeo’s fi rst major project began of the National Portrait Gallery in National Portrait Gallery in you are trying to capture both their the audience feel uncomfortable. in 2001 when he was appointed Washington. —DPA Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

European Tour Pooch Cafe

ALBANIA GERMANY POLAND AUSTRIA GREECE PORTUGAL BELGIUM HOLLAND ROMANIA BRITAIN HUNGARY SLOVAKIA BULGARIA IRELAND SLOVENIA CROATIA ITALY SPAIN DENMARK LUXEMBOURG SWEDEN FINLAND MONACO SWITZERLAND FRANCE NORWAY UKRAINE Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 4. Enlarge (7) 1. Preamble (7) 8. Comment (6) 2. Threatening (7) 9. Thrive (7) 3. Trial (6) 10. Chimney (6) 5. Long run (8) 11. Coma (6) 6. Native sailor (6) 12. Surly (8) 7. Savage (6) 18. Impeach (8) 13. Owing (8) 20. Spirit (6) 14. Bill (7) 21. Energy (6) 15. Go back (7) 22. Assortment (7) 16. Respect (6) 23. Travelling show (6) 17. Price-list (6) 24. Treachery (7) 19. Source (6)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 4. Shocking threats make one a nervous 1. Train me to change gear (7) wreck (7) 2. This bird pecked another one (7) 8. Means to rebuild around one town on 3. To cause an entanglement, she gets the Somme (6) involved with men (6) 9. Price paid for stocking (7) 5. Impetuous types with fevered brows? (8) 10. In the storm, it tends to be on hand (6) 6. He goes round as a painter (6) 11. In English, you and I making an 7. Gradually moving towards the border (6) observation (6) 13. They cut out a ballet movement (8) Yesterday’s Solutions 12. By which one may reach The Hook of 14. Wild enough to daunt me, maybe (7) Holland - or Athens, maybe (5,3) 15. Back a revolution by the Irish (7) QUICK CRYPTIC 18. For example, the cane isn’t to be used 16. A loud onslaught will make you Across: 1 Misanthrope; 9 Ore; 10 Provident; Across: 1 Ides of March; 9 Mum; 10 Directive; (8) apprehensive (6) 20. In search of the first of the sweets for 17. Cashier the informer (6) 11 Dusky; 13 Noisier; 14 Shoddy; 16 Egoist; 18 11 Levee; 13 Spin out; 14 Carter; 16 Senior; 18 dessert (6) 19. Try to get the ball from the rigging (6) Recluse; 19 Shell; 20 Prankster; 21 Axe; 22 Tea-rose; 19 Steam; 20 Originate; 21 Ass; 22 Rent 21. Used by the hatchet-man in the polar Thunderbolt. asunder. expedition? (3-3) Down: 2 Ire; 3 Apply; 4 Thorny; 5 Raining; 6 Down: 2 Dom; 3 Sedge; 4 Forest; 5 Ascribe; 22. Everybody in favour of party novelty (7) Precipice; 7 Nondescript; 8 Story-teller; 12 6 Crinoline; 7 Implication; 8 Westernmost; 12 23. They are found in the air rifles when Slowcoach; 15 Drunken; 17 Gentle; 19 Scrub; 21 Versatile; 15 Egotist; 17 Sedans; 19 Stern; 21 dismantled (6) Ail. Ace. 24. Speech will show where one lives (7) 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Four things to consider when choosing siding electing new siding is one of care and maintenance required. Vinyl typically the most important decisions requires just soap and water for periodic homeowners face when building cleaning. Wood and fi bre cement can require new or remodelling an existing repainting every fi ve to seven years. Stucco will home. With so many options — both need to be repainted and sealed. Brick and stone classicS and modern materials — there’s a lot to require re-pointing of mortar. The earlier point consider. about durability plays a part here too, ensuring Many manufacturers are now combining the option you select is free from potential traditional styles and materials with high-tech time-consuming — even costly repairs — due to fi nishes, delivering a product homeowners can storm damage such as wind and moisture. love for years to come. Aff ordability Durability Lastly, set a budget. Do your homework Siding selection is typically an once-in- on the options and secure estimates, then a-lifetime decision, making durability a key compare them with your budget. Don’t forget factor for many. Homeowners should look for a that sometimes investing a little more into siding option that is resistant to every element, cement, stucco, and stone — and countless weigh in on accent pieces like trim and shutters, the project up front may reduce issues and including rain, wind and even the sun. colour and style options within each material which can help bring out your style. maintenance costs down the road. type. To guide you in determining what would As you look to select new exterior siding, Design look best, it is recommended to ask a siding Maintenance be sure to keep in mind these important Perhaps the most-overwhelming decision specialist like a contractor, builder or architect Beyond style and colour, homeowners are factors — durability, design, maintenance and for most when considering siding options is for help. They can educate you on colour co- also seeking siding that is low-maintenance, aff ordability — to make the best choice possible deciding on a style and colour. There are seven ordination and what would go well with the which reduces or eliminates the cost and for your home and lifestyle. primary siding material options available to neighbourhood, while still giving personalised personal time expended for proper upkeep. homeowners — vinyl, metal, wood, brick, fi bre options for your home. They will also be able to Each siding material type has a diff erent level of ©Brandpoint

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

Be open to some good advice today Aries. Even if you feel the advice If you’re unsure about something, ask for help and advice today Venus in your fellow air sign of Aquarius and passionate Mars in is slightly misplaced or unwarranted, it’s still a good idea to listen, bulls. There’s nothing worse than doing something which you aren’t your relationship zone make this a very sexy time for you indeed. learn and use the advice or not. sure about and making a mess of it. If you and your partner feel like staying in bed today...that’s just the thing to do.

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

Mercury, the planet of communication and planning moves into Don’t backtrack today Leos. If you feel as if you can’t do something Mercury your ruler, the planet of chit chat and planning moves into Pisces today, your ninth house of spirituality, higher education and you said you would do, then you need to come clean and admit that Pisces today — your one on one relationship zone. The next few vision. Tuesday March 8 is the day of the Pisces Super Moon and will you can’t fulfil your promises. weeks will be a time for you to calmly and carefully deal with people. be in the same part of your chart. Think big and think future Cancers.

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

Venus your ruler and the planet of beauty and love remains in There is nothing you can do if you feel that all your bills seem to be Be careful that you don’t over share today Sags. Maybe you’re out Aquarius, your romance zone (through March 12). Make the most of piling up all at the same time. That happens sometimes and all you for brunch and find yourself telling all sorts of tall tales which in her visit and if you’re single, get out there and mix and mingle. can do is prioritize what bills are the most important and go from hindsight you will wish you hadn’t shared. there.

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

Mercury the communication moves into your chit chat zone today. Mars the planet of passion and energy transiting your friendship The world is yours Pisces — right now you have Mercury, the Sun and You’ll be more talkative than usual and some of you may feel as if zone makes this a wonderful time to make fun plans with friends Neptune in your sign. Make sure you are making the most of this by you are saying too much at times. and if you’ve been talking about some sort of business venture, it’s a working out what you want to see happen once your New Moon/ good time for that too. Super Moon lights up the sky next Tuesday. Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 COMMUNITY

English has become “When they are not exposed to too important for us: poetry and have not been taught Javed Akhtar importance of language, the language will shrink, and it Bollywood’s wizard of words will reflect in dialogues and Javed Akhtar feels the quality songs.” of language in dialogues and He said that “because of songs in present-day Hindi films liberalisation and corporatisation, reflects the lack of command English has become too important that most youngsters have on for us”, but was quick to add vernacular literature, and said that he does not undermine the that sometimes, the society gives importance of English. too much importance to learning “What is wrong is that we are English. learning that language at the A balance should be cost of (not knowing) our mother maintained, he said, pointing out tongue. This should not happen,” that the solution lies in parents stressed the 71-year-old, who inculcating healthy reading habits has penned films like Zanjeer in their children. It is something and Sholay and is adept at Urdu, that comes naturally to his own Hindi and English. The problem, children — filmmakers Zoya he feels, lies in the fact that while Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, he the upper middle class section of said. the society is sending children to At the launch of Zee Classic’s English speaking school, it is the new show The Golden Years “deprived classes” who are going 1950 - 1975, A musical journey to vernacular schools. with Javed Akhtar, the veteran “Language is getting nurtured writer-lyricist, asked about the in harsh and deprived socio- deteriorating quality of lyrics in economic conditions. And Bollywood, said: “It is simple to privileged class is learning accuse a lyricist or music director, English. In every society, it is but if you see carefully, it is a very the middle class that nurtures complicated situation. language, but our middle class has “Vocabulary itself has shrunk nothing to do with our language in the society ... One reason is (nowadays).” our education system, in which Delving upon the state of literature is not on the list of the film industry, he said that priority. For the last 30 to 40 young filmmakers who are below RED LINES: Balachandra Menon years, we are not exposing our 30 “haven’t really read their children to literature and poetry.” language”. Expressing dissent over the “He does not know Hindi limited use of proverbs in speech, or Urdu well ... He dreams Akhtar said: “Knowledge of also in English. So how will he Freedom being vernacular language is limited ... understand?” In this scenario, How many children are there who Akhtar feels “children should would have read a poetry book or be bilingual” as they become misused in India: seen their parents read one? smarter. — IANS Balachandra Menon

the censor board, which has been “Hence, I believe the law of By Sanu George mired in controversies, Menon the land should be adhered to,” said: “Over the years I have always added the fi lmmaker, whose debut said what I wanted to say through directorial Uthrada Rathri had an reedom is being my fi lms. I have ensured that I will A-certifi cate. misused in India, says not allow anyone to question what Commenting on the emergence veteran Malayalam fi lm I tell through my fi lms. of fi lm festivals across the country, personality Balachandra “I have expressed it well too, and Menon said: “The concept is good, Menon who feels have at times argued for the right but it should not be hijacked by Fstrongly that “the law of the land to express my creative freedom people with an agenda. If that should be adhered to”. with the censor board offi cials, and happens, then the concept of Asked about his concept of they have allowed me to express it holding festivals would be lost.” “creative freedom” for fi lmmakers, the way I want it.” While he appreciates the Menon, who has directed more Menon, who entered fi lmdom proliferation of digital media than 40 fi lms and acted in close to in the 1970s and has a distinctive for the fi lm world, Menon 100, told IANS: “There is a strong style, also pointed out that there stressed that a fi lm’s success is social premise in our country are numerous clubs in the country not dependent on digital media and I feel today freedom is being which insist on a dress code. because people come in huge misused and not used. There is “Please don’t misunderstand numbers to theatres if a fi lm is a right to protest in our country, that I am batting for the censor good. “The success depends on but at times the manner in which board. But I say the truth from the the way the fi lm is made and not the protest is done breaks all bottom of my heart. whether it’s promoted through the permissible levels. I don’t agree “It was in 2001 that in a leading digital media.” with it at all.” vernacular newspaper I wrote an About his future projects, The 62-year-old will be in New open letter to then Kerala chief Menon, who has introduced hugely Delhi to screen his latest fi lm Njan minister A K Antony saying that popular actresses like Shobana, Samidhanam Cheyyum to a select some sort of benchmark should Parvathy, Karthika, Annie and audience. He will also interact with be set for TV programmes. There Nandini, said he was soon going them. The fi lm released last year. are rules and regulations, and to don the greasepaint in the Talking about the information we live in a country where the fi lm Oozham. He will act in the and broadcasting ministry’s Constitution gives us rights and at movie along with upcoming star decision to set up a new committee the same time there are things that Prithviraj. The fi lm’s shooting will to look into the functioning of have to be restricted. begin in April. — IANS MAKING A POINT: Javed Akhtar 18 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD ‘We must go back’

t age 81, Capt Eugene Cernan is, in a sense, Last Man on the Moon subject and former astronaut Gene Cernan the living embodiment of the US space programme. Recruited hopes US develops a new interest in space. By Soren Andersen Aby Nasa in 1963, he voyaged into space three times: aboard Gemini 9A in 1966, on Apollo 10 in 1969 and for the fi nal time in 1972, aboard Apollo 17. On that mission, he became the last man to leave his boot prints on the moon — so far. That fl ight is memorialised in the documentary The Last Man on the Moon. Cernan wants to set the record straight about that whole “last man” business. In a phone interview from the Houston area, he acknowledged being “the last man to have left my footprints on the moon. The last man of Apollo. The last man of the 20th century. But I can assure you, I am not the last man.” Astronauts, he said, will go back — must go back, and not just to the moon. “We can’t aff ord not to go back to the moon, and on to Mars,” he said. “There’s no bigger challenge than outer space,” he said. “Except for the depths of the ocean, it’s really the greatest frontier that surrounds us.” What’s needed, he thinks, is an inspirational leader to motivate young people to take up that challenge. President John F Kennedy — who went before Congress in 1961 to say “this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely” — was such a fi gure. “He was a visionary, a dreamer and politically astute,” Cernan said. “All we’ve got to do is reinspire the passion in their hearts and minds. And that’s what I hope NEW AGE: Gene Cernan at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas; Below right: Gene Cernan aboard the lunar module after his final EVA; Gene this movie is going to do.” Cernan test drives the lunar rover on the moon. Cernan said his goal is to “get the kids off those games they’re playing and put that bright mind of theirs to do something signifi cant in their generation.” These days, he travels around the US speaking about the importance of manned spacefl ight. Kennedy issued his challenge at the height of the Cold War, when the race into space was a contest with the Soviet Union for technological and political superiority. Once the US beat the Russians to the moon in 1969, the impetus to continue quickly faded. After Cernan’s 1972 mission, the Apollo moon-landing programme was discontinued. Now, with the space-shuttle programme also discontinued and the US working with Russia to carry American astronauts to the International bel ieves, that the next human to set impatient nation.” But Cernan is Space Station atop Russian rockets, foot on the moon could be speaking certain that someday a manned manned missions to the moon and Chinese. mission to Mars will be launched — Mars seem indefi nitely on hold “When the Chinese set forward and that when it is, no single nation — at least for the US. “Kennedy to do something, they don’t have will be launching it. “We can’t would be rolling over in his grave,” a four-year plan, they have a aff ord it,” Cernan said. “We have to Cernan said. Other nations — 15-year plan, and their plan is not share it.” primarily China, but also India canceled with every administration And, he added, “the rewards are — are developing their own space change like ours,” Cernan said. going to be spread out all over the capabilities. It’s possible, Cernan He described the US as “a very world.” — The Seattle Times/TNS Sunday, March 6, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Tina Fey mocks Oscars Gwyneth Paltrow feels she has ‘earned’ her wrinkles Actress-comedian Tina Fey thinks that the Academy Awards Actress Gwyneth Paltrow are “Hollywood bull****”. The believes that she has “earned” her 45-year-old thought there were wrinkles as they are a sign of all the too many social and political hardships she has gone through messages being pushed during in life. The 43-year-old actress the annual ceremony and joked feels also believes that she aged that she can’t understand why gracefully, reports etonline.com. any of the Hollywood stars “I feel like I’ve earned my involved in the event would slam wrinkles, and I’m very proud of “corporate greed” when they are everything that I’ve gone through so wealthy themselves, reports in life, both good and bad. The femalefi rst.co.uk. mistakes I’ve made and learned “I would say being at the from, the wonderful things that Oscars, and I don’t know if you have happened, the successes, the guys feel this way when you go not-so-wonderful things,” Paltrow out there, but I am so glad I live said. here. Because half ways through “I don’t want to be 26. I would I was like, ‘This is some real never want to go back there ever Hollywood bull%%**’. for a million years. I think what we “Everyone is telling me what want to do is look our best as we age to do and it was like, people gracefully,” the Iron Man 3 actress are yelling at me about rape added. — IANS and telling me about corporate greed, but really it’s climate change. I was like, ‘Guys, pick a lane. Too much coming at me. Also, you are all rich, why are you yelling at me about corporate greed?’,” she added. — IANS

ROPED IN: David Hasselhoff

CYCLE OF LIFE: Gwyneth Paltrow Will Smith, David Ayer Hasselhoff to star may reunite for Bright

Director David Ayer and actor Will Smith, who worked together for American superhero fi lm Suicide Squad, are reportedly teaming up in Baywatch flick again for the upcoming thriller Bright. They are in talks to join ctor David Hasselhoff , captioned his Instagram post. In greatest supporter,” Johnson added the fi lm, which is scripted by Max with the help of Dwayne the clip, the wrestler-turned-actor in the caption. However, it is not yet Landis, reports variety.com. Ayer is The Rock Johnson, has asked Hasselhoff : “I don’t know if known about Hasselhoff ’s role in eyed to direct the fi lm with Smith as announced that he’s the world is ready for both of us. Are the fi lm. the lead actor. going to feature in the you ready?” Filming is currently underway Actor Joel Edgerton is also BaywatchA movie. Johnson took Hasselhoff responded: “C’mon in Boca Raton, Florida. Besides in talks to feature as a co-star. to Instagram last week to share man, Rocking the Hoff , I was born Johnson, the fi lm stars Priyanka Although plot details are not a clip of their video call, reports ready!” “Baywatch is the most Chopra, Zac Efron, Alexandra known, sources suggest the project aceshowbiz.com. “Pleasure to successful TV show of all time and Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and will be in the vein of End of Watch DADDY COOL: Ben Aff leck offi cially welcome the original from the day we announced we Ilfenesh Hadera. Baywatch is set for (which was directed by Ayer) but set Baywatch gangsta himself David were turning it into a movie, ‘The a May 19, 2017 release in the US. — in a world where fairies live among Affl eck’s ‘best dad moment’ Hasselhoff to our movie!” Johnson Hoff ’ (Hasselhoff ) has been our IANS humans. — IANS

Actress Jennifer Garner says that it was the “best dad moment Why Kutcher went ‘under the radar’ for wedding to Kunis? in history” when her ex-husband and actor Ben Affl eck dressed Actor Ashton Kutcher, in an ‘Forever! ‘Did you say never?’ We up as Batman for their son’s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres didn’t want to do that thing, so we birthday party. For their son Sam’s Show, says one reason why he went really under the radar with it,” superhero-themed birthday wanted to keep his July 2015 he said. party last weekend, Affl eck nuptials with Mila Kunis as private In addition to talking about his delighted the four-year-old by as possible, was because they were summer wedding, Kutcher also appearing in a Batman costume concerned about helicopters trying spoke about his 17-month-old from his upcoming fi lm, Batman v to capture images of their intimate daughter, Wyatt Kutcher. Superman: Dawn of Justice, reports ceremony “She loves dancing. She’s down people.com. When DeGeneres commented with dancing. I mean, if I sing The “We all dressed up, I dressed up that the wedding was “sneaky”, the Wheels on the Bus Go Round and as a ninja and Ben dressed up as 38-year-old actor said they had “a Round, she loses it. That’s her thing. Batman for Sam. It was the best dad legitimate concern”, reports eonline. She just loves it when the wheels go moment in history,” she said. com. “I was, like, posting things on round. We go to the playground and Asked if her son is excited about social media that were in diff erent she gets on the little steering wheel his dad playing Batman, Garner locations to avoid that, because on the playground thing, and the gushed, “He kind of is losing it, it’s we didn’t want to be screaming wheels go round. She gets excited,” really sweet.” — IANS CONFESSION: Ashton Kutcher, left, and Mila Kunis our vows at each other and be like, the actor said. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 6, 2016 COMMUNITY

Ali al-Obaidli, the CEO of Ezdan Holding Group.

include, the Smart Science Festival that encourages the innovation mindset in kids and Fantasy and Laughter Festival designed for families. There will be a Chocolate Cupcake Festival around cakes and sweets focusing on not promoting products, but only fun and enjoyment. In addition, there will Master Chef Arabia Festival with major chefs in Qatar competing directly. It will feature chefs from all around the GCC in its next year’s edition. There are women only events planned such as Fashion Week, ALL IN ONE: The Magical Festival Village will host a number of events and entertainment activities. The facility will also have various discount seasons on which will host leading designers famous global brands. from the Arab World and beyond. “Magical Festival Village is the fi rst project of its kind in the region characterised by an open nature that makes its visitors enjoy the winter weather. We are working on the annual form, where it will Shopping redefined be held every year, eff ective from October of each year to the end of May,” says al-Mohannadi. CEO of Ezdan Holding Group Ali al-Obaidli said that their partnership in the project stems from the desire to create a at Magical Festival stronger communication with the community. “We seek this through destinations dedicated to families bound to take visitors to a whole Walkways and narrow streets of projects that would provide an By Umer Nangiana and kids with games that have other world of fun. the Village are not only enjoyable exclusive family shopping and been brought to Qatar for the In addition to that, a VR studio and beautifully designed but will entertainment outlet over a large first time, such as the outdoors (Virtual Reality) that teleports kids also serve as an open art gallery, area,” said al-Obaidli. He added major entertainment skiing court, the giant trampoline, to where their favourite cartoons displaying handmade artworks of that the Group’s decision to enter and shopping cart race, special effects cinema, have been drawn and formed, the most important international this strategic partnership is derived festival, Magical as well as a riddles room,” says using the same eff ects used in the artists. They will turn into an from its approach towards investing Festival Village, Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi, renowned international studios. museum, especially at night with in the entertainment sector, completely designed Operations Manager, Magical The completion of the project the Lantern Garden softly lighting especially malls. Aand implemented by Qatari Festival Village. took 50 days relying on Qatari every corner. The streets will host The Group has been very companies, just kicked off last The Fort Castle, the Village’s companies on all design and free entertainment activities such successful, in a relatively short weekend. Embracing a completely main attraction, has been built implementation aspects, where as daily carnivals, musical corners, period of time, in building and new idea, the Village, located to morph into a giant screen Qatari cadres oversaw this whole and a plethora of other shows that managing malls. Ezdan owns three at Katara, comes wrapped in a displaying exciting movies in 3D process with the direct support and will pop up to surprise visitors. malls with a total area of about suburban European architecture Mapping technology, along with co-operation of Katara Cultural A number of festivals have been 195,000sq m. style. It off ers a combination of technical and mechanical eff ects Village management. already scheduled. Some of these Al-Obaidli stressed that Ezdan entertainment and shopping in a Holding Group is in the works to joyful and happy atmosphere that inaugurate Ezdan Mall in Al Wakrah spreads on 40,000 sq m area. The during this year. This is the largest festival will run for three months. mall the Group owns, with an area It is going to host many fi rsts. of 75,600 sq m, it is expected to be The Village proposes a number of a quantum leap in the malls sector events and entertainment activities, for being the biggest commercial such as 400 shopping boutiques centre in the vital and population introducing products from 20 dense area of Al Wakrah. countries, for the fi rst time in Qatar. Al-Obaidli explained that this It will also host various discount strategic partnership is the result seasons on the most famous global of the Group’s distinct stake in brands. The facility off ers about 20 the company that oversee the restaurants and cafes in its centre festival and organises its events and corners, expected to increase on an annual basis. This company and reach 40 by mid-march, in also plans to organise a number order to provide visitors with more of events aimed at stimulating tables and culinary options. hospitality in the state and “We have been eager at the contributing to make Qatar one Magical Festival Village to furnish of the best regional tourism modern entertainment facilities. destinations, especially for citizens We have built two entertainment The completion of the project took 50 days relying on Qatari companies on all design and implementation aspects. of the GCC.