Community Community Surfers from Indian Sports Germany Centre P7hope to P16 organises a bring love for felicitation function the waves for national to war-torn volleyball team Afghanistan. of .

Thursday, July 5, 2018 Shawwal 21, 1439 AH

DOHA 31°C—43°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Lurking fear COVER STORY The koalas are threatened. Can their genome help humans save the cute and iconic creature? P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.19am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.48am Zuhr (noon) 11.38am Asr (afternoon) 3.02pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.30pm Isha (night) 8.00pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Incredibles 2 Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day DIRECTION: Brad Bird heroics of ‘normal’ life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, CAST: : Holly Hunter, Craig T Nelson, Sarah Vowell, Huck made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of Milnen, Samuel L. Jackson baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain SYNOPSIS: Everyone’s favourite family of superheroes hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone Emergency 999 is back in Incredibles 2 but this time Helen (voice of Holly must fi nd a way to work together again, which is easier said Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T than done, even when they’re all Incredible. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 SGT. Stubby: An American Hero Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 DIRECTION: Richard Lanni Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 CAST: Helena Bonham Carter, Qatar Airways 44496000 Logan Lerman, Gérard Depardieu Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 SYNOPSIS: The true story of a Qatar General Electricity and stray dog who joins his new master Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 on the battlefi elds of the First Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 World War. For his valorous actions, 44593363 Sgt. Stubby is still recognized Qatar Assistive Technology as the most decorated dog in Centre 44594050 American history. With World Qatar News Agency 44450205 War I looming, Robert Conroy, 44450333 a young Army private, adopts a Q-Post – General Postal stray, stump-tailed terrier. Conroy Corporation 44464444 names his new friend Stubby and gives him a home, a family, and a Humanitarian Services Offi ce chance to embark on the adventure (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) that would defi ne a century. The Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, two quickly fi nd themselves in the 40253369 trenches of France and on a path Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 to history. French soldier Gaston Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Baptiste befriends the man and Qatar Airways 40253374 dog and accompanies them on their epic journey through harsh conditions and incredible acts of courage. THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall ote Unquo u te Q You’re only The Mall Cinema (1): Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Asuravadham (Tamil) 2:30pm; The Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero here for a short visit. Incredibles 2 (2D) 4:45pm; Karma (2D) 3pm; The Incredibles 2 (2D) Don’t hurry, don’t worry. (Arabic) 7pm; Sicario 2: Day Of 5:15pm; Ocean’s Eight (2D) 7:30pm; The Soldado (2D) 9:30pm; Kuttan Hades (2D) 8:15pm; Abraham’s Escape Plan 2: Hades (2D) 9:30pm; And be sure to smell the Pillayude Sivarathri (Malayalam) Santhathikal (Malayalam) Ocean’s Eight (2D) 11:30pm. fl owers along the way. 11:30pm. 10:15pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The Mall Cinema (2): Sgt. Stubby: Landmark Cinema (2):.Sanju Sanju () 2pm; Switzerland — Walter Hagen An American Hero (2D) 2:30pm; (Hindi) 3pm; Sgt. Stubby: An Vs Sweden World Cup – Russia Sanju (Hindi) 4pm; Sanju (Hindi) American Hero (2D) 5:45pm; Sanju 2018 (Live) 5pm; A Woman In 6:45pm; Escape Plan 2: Hades (2D) (Hindi) 7:30pm; Sanju (Hindi) The Time Of Blockade (Qatari) 9:30pm; Sanju (Hindi) 11:30pm. 10:30pm. 7:15pm; Colombia Vs England The Mall Cinema (3): Sanju Landmark Cinema (3): World Cup – Russia 2018 (Live) (Hindi) 2pm; Ocean’s Eight (2D) Abraham’s Santha Thaikal 9pm; Abraham’s Santha Thaikal Community Editor 4:45pm; The Incredibles 2 (2D) (Malayalam) 2:15pm; The (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Kamran Rehmat 6:45pm; Sanju (Hindi) 9pm; Incredibles 2 (2D) 4:45pm; The Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: [email protected] Ocean’s Eight (2D) 11:45pm. Incredibles 2 (2D) 7pm; Ocean’s (3): The Incredibles 2 (2D) 2pm; Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): The Eight (2D) 9:15pm; Kuttan Karma (Arabic) 3pm; Sanju (Hindi) Incredibles 2 (2D) 3pm; Sanju Pillayude Sivarathri (Malayalam) 5.30pm; Sanju (Hindi) 8.15pm; Fax: 44350474 (Hindi) 5:30pm; Escape Plan 2: 11:15pm. Sanju (Hindi) 11pm. Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

piano, guitar and drums, to visualise Hobby Classes child’s limitless imagination and bring it to WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al creative visuals through art and craft. This Hilal Focus Medical Centre camp will develop their communication WHEN: Wednesday – Monday skills through training in public speaking Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic along with hip hop dance, warm up performing arts institution and a one stop exercises, karate and yoga. solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various Summer Camps art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, Centre, Al Hilal Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 contemporary and dance forms. TIME: 8am – 12:30pm Personalised lessons, efficient mentoring Mamangam Performing Art Centre and exposure to stage helps our learner will be holding Summer Camps in its Al to walk out as a confident performer at Hilal branch for two batches of age groups the end of their course. For details, call from 4 -18 yrs. The summer camps will 44723680/33897609. include Yoga, Karate, Art and Craft , Music, Hip-hop, Bollywood, Indian Classical Dance and instrument classes and Contemporary dance. For details, call WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf 33897609. Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Summer Camps Learn the movements of dance styles WHERE: TCA in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the WHEN: Ongoing musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, TIME: 8:30am – 1pm Keyboard for adults as well kids and move The TCA is holding Summer Camps in its in the world of music. For details, contact branch for all students, ongoing from June 66523871/ 31326749. 24. Every two weeks, a new batch will begin for every child to join and learn new forms Summer Entertainment City 2018 of art. The summer camps will include WHERE: DECC EVENTS the style of Brazilian zouk, you’ll be able Abacus, Drawing and Painting, Calligraphy, WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 to choose connection and embrace with keyboard and dance. The camp will run for TIME: 12pm Cheer at Sharq Arena long graceful steps. The final performance 7 days a week from, 8:30am – 1pm. You will An amazing range of local shopping WHERE: Al Qareb Ballroom is scheduled to be on 15 Septemeber as a be able to see the activities and schedules stalls will feature products from all over the WHEN: Ongoing till July 16 flashmob. that will be held for every week and register world on the Eid. The Summer Shopping TIME: 11am – 1am your kid. For details, call 44373259. Souq has started from June 14 till August Sharq Arena is hosting unforgettable Special Needs Summer Camp 31. Colour your summer at Doha Exhibition moments for football lovers this season. WHERE: HOPE Qatar Center for Special and Conventional Centre, West Bay during The matches will air live, daily. Fans can Needs Summer Entertainment City 2018 with enjoy a menu that perfectly pairs with the WHEN: July 16 – August 15 over 75 activities and games, more than 40 lively atmosphere. TIME: 8:30am – 12:30pm food and 132 retail outlets and amazing live HOPE Qatar Center for Special Needs performances. Get set for an exciting and Population Growth in Qatar: An open is organising a very unique summer eventful summer in 2018. discussion camp bringing together children with WHERE: QNL and without special needs in a fun and Outdoor and five-a-side football WHEN: July 11 entertainment filled programme from pitches TIME: 12pm – 01pm July 16 – August 15. This camp led by a WHERE: Aspire Zone On the occasion of World Population Day, multinational team will enhance empathy, WHEN: Daily Qatar National Library in association with teamwork, and friendships between TIME: 7pm – 11pm the Ministry of Development Planning and the differently abled children and other Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football Statistics is organising an open discussion children aged 4 – 18. The camp will run outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street are on population growth in Qatar and its for 5 days a week from 8:30am – 12:30pm available every day from 7pm – 11pm. impact on various aspects and viable for one month and include various solutions to its ensuing challenges. edutainment activities. For details, call Arab and German Tales Exhibition 55751754 / 55385687 WHERE: Qatar National Library Choreography Lessons - Brazilian WHEN: Ongoing till August 18 Zouk Summer Camp The exhibition is organised within the WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier near WHERE: Music Lounge framework of Qatar–Germany Year of MOI WHEN: Ongoing till August 30 Culture and provides an insight into the WHEN: July 7 – September 15 TIME: 9am – 12pm history of Arabic and German fairy and Brazilian zouk is characterised by the This summer camp is designed to give Summer Camp for Kids folk tales, and how the two traditions dancers’ undulating bodies and the girls’ every camper a skill to create music through WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57 influenced each other. It aims to show the flowing hair. Dancer or not, depending on special training in musical instruments Bin Omran transcultural value of narrative traditions WHEN: Ongoing till Aug 31 as a shared intangible cultural heritage and TIME: 7:30am – 2:30pm highlight mutual influences, shared ideas Doha’s Kids Summer Camp where artists and cultural transfer between the Arab are made! The A to Z of kid’s summer camp world and Germany through storytelling – from artworks, dance and music lessons and tales. and PLAY in between. For ages 5 years and up. Contact [email protected] and mobile 33003839.

Soccer Festival WHERE: The St. Regis Doha WHEN: Ongoing till July 15 TIME: 2pm – 12am The St. Regis Doha has announced plans to celebrate the month-long soccer festival and screen all matches to the delight of football lovers, to be held till Sunday July 15. Sarab Lounge and Vine Restaurant will transform their terraces into football lounges for football lovers to enjoy watching every angle of their favourite game, with giant screens to broadcast the games daily from 2pm – 12am.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Existential crisis The unique lifestyle of the koala has helped it thrive for 350,000 years, but today the cute and iconic creature is facing threats from habitat loss, disease and a changing climate. Koala populations are expected to decline by 50 percent in the next 20 years Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

took a consortium of 54 scientists amount of toxins, while the nasal By Deborah Netburn from 29 institutions fi ve years to receptor expansion might help assemble it. them sniff out which leaves have a “It was not hard to get people higher water content. Since koalas he koala is an unusual involved,” Johnson said. “Not get most of their water from their creature. Native to only are koalas super cute, but diet of leaves, this would be a useful Australia and a bit bigger they have an interesting lifestyle adaptation. than a raccoon, it spends and scientists were curious how it These genes could have relevance most of its time in would translate to their genes.” for a conservation strategy as eucalyptusT trees, gorging on leaves A preliminary analysis of the well, Johnson said. As more koala that are toxic to nearly every other koala’s genome, published in genomes are sequenced, scientists animal on the planet. Nature Genetics, has already yielded could see if koalas in diff erent The koala sleeps about 22 hours some intriguing fi ndings. regions of the country have a day and spends the remainder of For example, the authors found variations in their bitter genes that its time eating and resting. It might that compared to other mammals, might make them better adapted spend 10 minutes a day moving, the koala’s DNA includes an to eating their local eucalyptus experts say, usually from one tree to expansion in the number of genes leaves. If that’s the case, then another. that encode for enzymes involved moving animals to diff erent parts It spends so much of its life in detoxifi cation. That allows them of the country to improve their sitting around in trees that it has to have a diet that depends almost survival rates could be trickier than evolved a cartilaginous pad at the entirely of eucalyptus leaves, anticipated. end of its spine and extra thick which are unusually high in toxins. The authors also found evidence fur on its rear end to make the However, it also means that koalas that koalas in the north have more endeavour more comfortable. metabolise medications like anti- genetic diversity than those in the Its life cycle is strange as well. chlamydia antibiotics faster than south, which are largely inbred. Koala babies, called joeys, are born other animals. This suggests that the protection after just 35 days of gestation, This is a meaningful discovery of koalas in the north is of primary when they are about the size of a for koala conservationists, since importance in order to maintain a jellybean. chlamydia has proved to be a robust gene pool, the authors said. Pink, hairless and blind, the signifi cant challenge for the koala This fi nding is also signifi cant, newborn koala uses its tiny claws population, especially in northern especially since northern koalas are and highly developed sense of smell Australia. declining faster than those in the to make the harrowing journey The researchers conclude that south. from its mother’s birth canal to her while a single dose of chlamydia Other discoveries include a set pouch. medicine might work for humans, of genes that indicate that koala Once it arrives, it attaches itself koalas, because of their genetic mothers provide their babies to one of two teats, and subsists on code, will need a daily dose for up to immunity from diseases in the fi rst her milk for six to seven months. 30 to 45 days. months of their life through their The unique lifestyle of the koala The koala genome also revealed milk, and that the composition of has helped it thrive for 350,000 why koalas are such notoriously that milk changes over the course of years, but today the cute and iconic picky eaters. They are known to the joey’s development. creature is facing threats from consume leaves from just 20 of Johnson said that the habitat loss, disease and a changing Australia’s 600 known eucalyptus information encoded in the koala’s climate. Koala populations are species. And even when they are in DNA is already being included expected to decline by 50 percent in one of their preferred trees, koalas in management strategies by the next 20 years, according to the take leaf selection very seriously. conservation groups. However, Australian Museum. “They kind of stick their nose she said the fi ndings described in To help protect these animals, right in a bunch of leaves and then the new paper represent the early which bring in an estimated $1.1 pick out two leaves they really want stages of what can be gleaned from billion to Australia each year to eat,” Johnson said. the marsupial’s genome. through koala-related tourism, an This behaviour can be explained “The data is public and I would international team of researchers won’t have to use ‘emergency room of the koala genome, and we are by an expansion in the number of love for anyone to start mining it has published the fi rst complete conservation’ and rescue them in a fantastic position to use that genes involved in their ability to and see what other amazing things genome of the koala. Their hope from the brink of extinction,” said knowledge to help us manage discern a bitter taste and their nasal they can fi nd,” she said. “Once you is that the keys to the marsupials’ Rebecca Johnson of the Australian them.” receptors, she said. have a genome of this quality, the long-term survival might be Museum Research Institute in The koala genome has 26,000 The research team thinks that sky’s the limit with what you can embedded in its genetic code. Sydney, who led the work. “Now we genes, which makes it slightly the bitter genes allow the koalas do with it.” — Los Angeles Times/ “The ultimate goal is that we have a really good understanding larger than the human genome. It to pick out leaves with the least TNS “Now we have a really good understanding of the koala genome, and we are in a fantastic position to use that knowledge to help us manage them. Once you have a genome of this quality, the sky’s the limit with what you can do with it” — Rebecca Johnson, Australian Museum Research Institute director 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY TRAVEL

LANDING: A seaplane lands on Lake Dora in central Florida, where flight-seeing is a fun way to take in the views from up above. Jitters of ‘flight-seeing’ thrills in central Florida thin ribbon of water appears and, By Nancy Moreland like threading a needle, we swoop between trees before splashing down and gliding across the water’s ho wants surface. to be the Soon, we are airborne again and, co-pilot?” all too soon, back at the dock. Our Evan fl ight lasted just 15 minutes, but like Frostman every experience that commands “Wasks. total attention, each moment Minutes earlier, Frostman, a pilot transcended ordinary time. It also for Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane left me pondering two questions. Adventures in the central Florida How often do I achieve this in daily city of Tavares, had expertly landed life, and when can I book a longer his plane on Lake Dora. He now tour – perhaps fl ying beneath waits as my friend Dennis and I size the trees 10 feet above the dark up the Cessna four-seater. We are mysteries of the Ocklawaha River? standing on the dock of the historic That bucket list just keeps Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, getting longer. preparing to fl y over and splash Flight-seeing: Depending down on one of the region’s 1,000- on the number of passengers and plus lakes. route, Jones Brothers “fl ight- Dennis gallantly concedes, and I seeing” tour prices vary, from step into the cockpit. $49 to $700 per person. The The irony of this is not lost on outfi tter runs tours in Tavares and me. A member of the fainthearted A BIRD’S EYE VIEW: The view from the cockpit on a flight-seeing tour. neighbouring Mount Dora. fl yers club, I have white-knuckled Lakeside Inn: This genteel my way through fl ights on major since then. Jones Brothers books picturesque at 1,000 feet, its white water there is in Lake County until enclave in Mount Dora’s artsy airliners. To my wary eyes, this craft another 2,500-3,000 fl ights per church steeples peeking through an you see it from the air.” downtown is Florida’s oldest appears just slightly larger than year, including plane-boat-train emerald-green tree canopy. It’s an appropriate comment to continuously operated hotel. Ask a Florida mosquito. So why am I excursions. The tour operator Frostman’s confi dent navigation introduce the highlight of our tour. for the Coolidge Suite, and you can boarding a single-engine seaplane? also off ers newly-weds a unique and narration calm my fears. The “We’ll prepare for our splash and stay where the former president Blame it on my bucket list, an sendoff . After getting married view captivates me, and I take in dash next,” Frostman says, banking spent a month after leaving offi ce. ever-lengthening compendium of at Tavares’ Pavilion on the Lake, details I would never have seen the plane left and grinning at my A self-contained destination with inexplicable desires. many couples do a fl yover of their from an Airbus. Several uninhabited exhilarated “Whee!” I’m equally a restaurant, and pool, the inn is When I learned that Tavares wedding party before heading to a islands dot celadon-green lakes amused. For once, I’m not clutching walking distance to several scenic had reinvented itself as America’s honeymoon destination. rimmed by wooded shorelines. an armrest. The nimble Cessna tours – by seaplane, trolley, boat, Seaplane City, I decided it was time Back in the cockpit, I watch as “Some people are apprehensive seems built for such moves, and I Segway or vintage train. to cross another item off my list. our plane skims the water. With the at fi rst, but once you’re up here, it’s revel in the reprieve from gravity. Getting There: Tavares and Hoping to shed its “Anytown, quick grace of a dragonfl y, we are so serene, you forget about being Frostman says he will make his Mount Dora are roughly an hour’s USA” status, Tavares built a airborne. The Gatsbyesque grounds nervous,” Frostman says, echoing approach over a canal, then splash drive from Orlando International seaplane base in 2010. The city of the Lakeside Inn recede. Mount my own thoughts. As we soar over down onto Lake Harris. Surveying Airport or Daytona Beach has logged more than 20,000 Dora, a town often compared to the Harris Chain of Lakes, he adds, the tangle of trees below, I wonder International Airport. – Chicago commercial and private landings a New England village, is equally “You’d never know how much how he’ll pull this off . Finally, a Tribune/TNS Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 SPORT COMMUNITY Surfers hope to bring love for the waves to war-torn Afghanistan Surfing has arrived in Afghanistan, according to three wave-riding adventurers hoping to establish a surf camp and get youth in the war-torn country involved. Their dream of sending a surf team from Afghanistan to the 2024 Olympics seems less and less far-fetched. By Christine-Felice Roehrs

he fi rst wave that the Bene Di-Qual one evening, speaking surfers saw in Afghanistan via a poor phone line from the valley. broke under a bridge in the For him, the journey was a “double Panjshir Valley, north of revelation.” For one thing, there Kabul. were the waves. As a hobby, Di-Qual T“We had already spotted it from helps develop artifi cial river waves. 300 metres away,” says Afridun He is now looking at how to set up a Amu. “The water shot down a smaller safe wave in the river to allow slope. It wasn’t a perfect wave, and the young people to practice. the current was dangerous, but we “There’s incredible potential,” he wanted to try it at least.” says. “The Panjshir Valley is very long An audience appeared and has a steep slope. There are lots immediately. In the end, around 50 of white water rolls, steps and waves Afghans had a go, wearing a safety once the ice melts. Great white water rope. The country is at war and one conditions! Very interesting in terms of the adventurers permanently had of sport.” diarrhoea - but after three years of At the same time, the trip preparation, surfi ng has arrived in made him change his mind about Afghanistan. Afghanistan. “In Germany there The trio - Afridun Amu, a is so much talk of a safe country of 30-year-old lawyer from Berlin origin and that refugees can be sent with Afghan roots; Bene Di-Qual, back there, but every conversation a 34-year-old Bavarian engineer; has shown me: Nobody here has and Jacob Kelly, a 34-year-old from that feeling of security. Some were Canada - were here to surf. After all, ashamed to carry weapons. That you don’t need the sea to hop on a SURFER: Afridun Amu, left, poses with his board and an Afghan fan in Panjshir Valley. really aff ected me.” surfboard - a river will also do. In the end, the surfers rode three Arriving by truck, the three had other things to worry about. a Surf Camp Afghanistan - the three dignitary’s house at night and then Afghan waves. “There would have brought fi ve river boards, which Nevertheless, things like sport surfers wanted to see whether there during the day drove along the river been more, but we didn’t have the are shorter and stronger than the off er young people something are enough safe places and good to explore the waves. time,” says Amu. Still, they have surfboards used in the sea, as well as diff erent. “Sport is very important waves to keep with the plan. Panjshir, which is ethnically taken the fi rst steps to establish two men with weapons; while they to Afghans. Sport provides joy and It went better than expected – homogeneous and closed off the sport in the country. And as for were in the area, the three kept their strength – and people need that too,” largely thanks to their full-body by narrow passes, is considered the idea of Afghanistan sending its trip a secret for security reasons. says Amu. wetsuits - to avoid showing any reasonably safe. “And most of the fi rst surfers to compete in the 2024 The journey was about more than The Panjshir Valley trip was an skin in the conservative country - reactions were great. But some Olympic Games – “That idea doesn’t just sport and adventure. exploratory step ahead of setting up and tact. They stayed at a friendly people were very suspicious,” said sound so crazy anymore.” – DPA Amu, whose parents fl ed to Germany in 1992 to escape another Afghan war, is a lawyer for the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law and has worked on a number of Afghanistan projects, so he knows the country well. “I don’t want to sugarcoat what’s going on,” he says. “But to me, Afghanistan is about more than war. There are unique landscapes, centuries of hospitality for travellers and adventurers, and I wanted to have this experience and allow others to have it too.” Last year, Amu was the fi rst surfer to represent Afghanistan at the World Championships in Biarritz, France. At that time, he told DPA that he and his club, the Wave Riders Association of Afghanistan, wanted to build up a youth team in the country at some point. He is still ambitious today. “In 2020, surfi ng will be an Olympic sport for the fi rst time, and it would be amazing if we managed to train surfers from Afghanistan for 2024.” Of course, Afghanistan has a lot of SURFING: One of three surfers, who came to Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan to catch waves, goes under a bridge, as an audience watches intently. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY READ Book clubs are havin

DEMONSTRATION: Ruth Fingerson demonstrates a time travel concept by folding a piece of paper during the discussion of A Wrinkle in Time at a book club gathering.

Fingerson, 78, volunteered. “Because By Allie Shah in 1962 and in 2017, girls need to get the message that they can be agents in their own lives.” rmed with books and The others nodded solemnly in an intellectual appetite, agreement. about a dozen residents As they continued comparing notes of Summit Place Senior about the book’s characters, themes Campus in Eden Prairie, and plot, the women also told stories Minn.,A arrived in the great room on about their own lives. a recent evening, eager to feed their Fingerson, a retired elementary hungry minds. school teacher, talked of her For the next hour, they snacked on experience fi rst reading A Wrinkle brownies and sipped pink lemonade in Time years ago. Others shared and coff ee while chewing over their anecdotes about their children and latest book club selection, A Wrinkle grandchildren. in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. “This does give them a chance to Hennepin County associate get to know their neighbours,” said librarian Julia Sjoberg kept the Susan Woodwick, service manager conversation going, prompting the for outreach for Hennepin County women with questions such as: What Library. makes a book a classic? And, is this The county library system is particular children’s book worthy of helping to launch book clubs like the DISCUSSION: Two members discussing about a book while waiting for a session to get going in the Great Room at The the distinction? one at Summit Place in an eff ort to Summit in Eden Prairie, Minn. “To me, it is a classic,” Ruth foster more social interaction among Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 DING COMMUNITY ng a ‘senior’ moment

MENTALLY ACTIVE: The book clubs foster more social interaction among the older adults and HELPING HAND: Hennepin County Library system is helping to launch book clubs like the one at help keep their minds active. Summit Place.

older adults and to help keep their continually hear from our readers minds active. The senior book clubs have emerged as a way to get books that they want more nonfi ction,” The senior book clubs have emerged and other library materials to people who have trouble Woodwick said. as a way to get books and other library More than 200 people have been materials to people who have trouble getting to the libraries. So far, there are nine retirement served by the senior book clubs since getting to the libraries. So far, there are 2015, when a grant from the Friends of nine retirement communities, senior communities, senior centres and libraries with clubs Hennepin County Library and Allianz centres and libraries with clubs. Life made it possible for the library to “This can really be transformative buy the book club kits. in these settings, where sometimes Back at Summit Place, Sjoberg it can be a tough setting to break into asked the women about time travel – a socially,” Woodwick said. “Sometimes concept explored in A Wrinkle in Time. the most active reader may not be out “If you had the opportunity to there socially.” time-travel, would you?” she asked. Older adults are especially “If you have to go through the vulnerable to social isolation, studies airports, then no,” said Bev Folkestad, have shown. 83, whose answer elicited laughter Prolonged social isolation has from around the room. been linked to depression, high Connie Magoffi n was up for it. “I blood pressure and dementia, among defi nitely would time-travel,” she other conditions. Health risks of said, “but I don’t know which time social isolation are akin to smoking period I’d visit ... maybe the future?” 15 cigarettes a day, according to the Members of the Summit Place AARP Foundation’s Connect2Aff ect book club said participating in the programme. every-other-month discussions gives Meanwhile, research shows that them something enjoyable to do, and learning new things and connecting something to look forward to. socially may help to keep the mind “The kinds of people who would sharp. In fact, joining a book club is want to join a book club are my kind one of the activities recommended by GATHERING: Barb Link makes a point during the discussion about A Wrinkle in Time at a book club gathering. of people,” said Fingerson, for whom the Global Council for Brain Health to this is the fi rst time belonging to a help strengthen the ageing brain. can become isolated easily. The clubs Having friends or a community of it’s one that challenges the mind – formal book club, although she’s been Doing an activity with others makes give them an opportunity to socialise colleagues is a strong defence against another key to ageing well. Taking an avid reader all her life. “I like to it more likely that you’ll continue to and to exercise their minds, through depression and anxiety, particularly part in group discussions, in which be challenged, to have new things to do it, according to the council. That reading and through listening to as we age, said Alison Romstad, participants are listening to other think about and new books to read.” evidence resonated with Woodwick, others’ perspectives. a geriatric nurse practitioner for people’s thoughts and ideas, also She stays active in other ways, who said that the seniors who A recent survey of participants in Fairview Health Services. sharpens the mind. doing swimming pool exercises a participated in the county libraries’ the Hennepin County Library senior Maintaining strong social “It’s that stretching of the brain couple of times a week and attending book clubs reported that they are now book clubs revealed that 19 percent connections also can lower that keeps it young,” Romstad said. the communal dinners. But the book reading more. reported that they changed their hypertension (abnormally high blood The senior book clubs have featured club off ers rigorous intellectual The libraries off er book club kits, opinion about something after the pressure), which is often the precursor all kinds of books, including a few, stimulation. including large-print books, and discussion. to heart disease, she said. such as A Wrinkle in Time, that “You never know what ideas are discussion questions, as well as a “That’s a reminder that people Making the transition from living were once widely banned. The most going to come popping out of the professional librarian who can lead the are continuing to think about what’s in one’s own home with known popular book titles have included: I minds of these people – they are all discussions. going on in the world,” Woodwick neighbours to senior housing with Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, The smart people,” she said. “We wanted to make them more said. new people can be diffi cult. Wright Brothers by David McCullough The club provides another friendly,” Woodwick said, noting that It’s not only the senior residents “Just the whole concept of meeting and A Man Called Ove by Fredrik benefi t for Fingerson, who is a the conversations were not meant to who are getting something out of the new friends can be tough,” Romstad Backman. care-giver for her husband, who be stuff y. “We’re mindful that this is book clubs. said. “It’s tough for us in kindergarten, And while the libraries off er fi ction has Parkinson’s disease. “It gets me not English Literature 101. That’s not “The librarians say it’s the and that same struggle continues for and nonfi ction books to the clubs, thinking about other things. It’s the purpose of these discussions.” most rewarding part of their job,” us when we’re in our 80s and 90s.” they have noticed a clear preference a stress reliever.” – Star Tribune People living in senior residences Woodwick said. While reading is a solitary activity, from the group members. “We (Minneapolis)/TNS 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY How piano lessons can improve your child’s language skills

f your kid is slow in language journal Proceedings of the National or fi ve years, who were divided into times a week; one that received received neither intervention. skills, then sending him or her Academy of Sciences, included data three groups — one that received extra reading instruction for the After six months, the researchers for piano lessons can improve from nearly 100 children aged four 45-minute piano lessons three same period of time; and one that tested the children on their ability word discrimination as well to discriminate words based on as language profi ciency, says diff erences in vowels, consonants, Ia study. or tone. The fi ndings suggested that The results showed that, children piano lessons may have specifi c who had piano lessons showed a eff ect on the children’s ability to signifi cant advantage over children distinguish diff erent pitches, which in the extra reading group in helped them to better distinguish discriminating between words that diff erent words. diff er by one consonant. However it did not appear to Children in both the piano group confer any benefi t for overall and extra reading group performed cognitive ability, as measured by better than children who received IQ, attention span, and working neither intervention when it came memory, the researchers said. to discriminating words based on “The children didn’t diff er in the vowel diff erences. more broad cognitive measures, but “That’s a big thing for kids in they did show some improvements learning language: being able to in word discrimination, particularly hear the diff erences between words. for consonants. The piano group They really did benefi t from that,” showed the best improvement Desimone added. there,” said Robert Desimone from The researchers hope their The Massachusetts Institute of fi ndings could encourage other Technology (MIT). schools to keep or enhance their The study, published in the music off erings. — IANS

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

Stop being an enabler to someone you care deeply about, Aries. You may have found yourself having some issues with food lately, If there’s an issue that needs to be brought to the table now, feel free It could be that you’re helping to continue dangerous addictive Taurus. It could be that your sense of self-worth isn’t at its highest to do so, Gemini. Don’t hold back just to maintain a relationship’s behaviour simply because you want to avoid a nasty confrontation. and you’re trying to make up for it by sabotaging your relationship equilibrium. Don’t sacrifice your own peace of mind just to keep Realise that this is doing neither party any good. The more you with your body. Food is healthy nourishment that you need to from rocking the boat. Contributing unhealthy lies to maintain a perpetuate the lie, the more it will continue to hurt all parties survive. Your body deserves respect. You need to always give it the healthy facade doesn’t do anyone any good. Be totally honest with involved. Be open and honest with your concerns. proper fuel that it requires to be healthy. yourself, your feelings, and the people around you. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The intensity of the day is apt to bring opposition that you aren’t Give your loved ones the attention they need today, Leo. Don’t let Don’t run away from tension today, Virgo. Any sort of emotional stress necessarily expecting, Cancer. Whether it’s being verbalised or another day go by without saying you love them. Life is short and you feel will be compounded tremendously if it isn’t dealt with right not, the confrontations are quite real. Don’t underestimate a loved getting shorter with each passing day. Feel free to be confrontational away. Be in the moment while the moment is here. The more you face one’s emotions. Stand up to these issues and be realistic about their about a serious issue that needs to be addressed. You’re responsible in the present, the less you’ll regret in the future. Clear up any sticky solutions. No one expects you to have all the right answers, so don’t for your own feelings. Don’t play the role of the victim. You’ll only situation that arises and move forward. People may not understand pretend that you do. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. experience more pain and resentment later. your needs and concerns until you verbalise them clearly. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Stop hiding behind the intellectual barrier that you may have put up, Stop trying to feel everyone else’s emotions and really feel your own, It may seem like neither side of the bed is the right side to wake up Libra. Playing games will get you nowhere. True strength is being Scorpio. Being empathetic to others’ needs is charitable, but you on, Sagittarius. The only solution you might be able to come up with able to demonstrate that you have the courage to say what you feel need to face the music and look at yourself. Make a clear distinction today is to go back to bed. Focus on your heart, because it’s trying to in any situation, especially regarding a close loved one. If you need between your needs and those of others. Express your feelings to tell you that it needs some attention. Emotions may be running quite to say something, say it. Don’t wait until the situation escalates to an those around you. Ask for help if you need it. Other people aren’t high, so be extra careful of how you treat yourself and others. unhealthy argument before you finally get your feelings out. mind readers. They probably have no idea what you feel. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You could feel like you’re being double-crossed by a loved one You may say one thing one minute and the opposite the next, The subtle tension in the air today might be just what you need today, Capricorn. It could be that your own words are being used Aquarius. Usually you can jump from one issue to another with no to make you more aware of subconscious issues that aff ect your against you in a way that makes you look like the bad guy. When it problem, but today people are likely going to call you on it. Think behaviour, Pisces. You’ll find that you need to get a lot off your chest. comes time to make a rebuttal on your behalf, make sure you let the about what you really mean before you say it. Don’t do all your The more honest you can be about the pain people have caused other person know that you’re confronting their behaviour and not thinking aloud where other people can hear. Your continuous thought you, the more loving words will be able to flow in the future. Open attacking them as a person. process might be mistaken for a final analysis. Confusion could ensue. the channels of communication and let it flow. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

India Pooch Cafe

AGRA HYDERABAD NAGPUR AHMADABAD IMPHAL PONDICHERRY BANGALORE INDORE PUNE BHOPAL SHILLONG CHANDIGARH KANPUR SIMLA CHENNAI SRINAGAR COCHIN LUCKNOW SURAT DELHI VADODARA GWALIOR MYSORE

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, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Sailor and assistant left to 1. Royal form of Roman return (7) elegance (9) 5. The wrong way to beat some 2. Sort of rum work-out leading fat flier (7) to trouble (7) 9. Annoys the informers (5) 3. Became an aggressively big 10. Dress for the dance (9) spender? (6,3) 11. Unruly editor behaved in a 4. Useful hints about when to lawless way (6) give them? (4) 12. Promontory where the 5. Had a long think about tractor driver has his turn (8) linking island to East Channel 14. The man will ring with a port (6,4) greeting (5) 6. The curtains may be left to 15. Such a succession is so Enid, perhaps (5) topical, anyhow (9) 7. Georgia made up an alibi 18. Policeman made to study about another girl (7) firm (9) 8. Note, the old man is without 20. Back from the Edinburgh fear (5) Festival, a virtuoso 13. Old soldier would be competitor (5) healthier without new bride Answers 22. Somehow heard about (10) conflict in the computer 16. Such things may be Wordsearch Codeword world (8) described in a lack-lustre way 24. The poet can become a (9) lot different within thirty 17. One is to exercise in the cold seconds (6) and that’s settled (9) 26. Fetching and grasping (9) 19. Tell the story about deserter 27. Hearing of fast runners in near disaster (7) ahead? (5) 21. Caustic criticism of work 28. The Surgeon’s assistant may among village leaders (7) be Welsh (7) 22. In a wild herd one can be got 29. Ready for one to take a back for a price (5) seat (7) 23. Subpoenas the said hotel (5) 25. Encourages the omelette makers (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 What do you know; Down: 2 Hearten; 3 Tot; 4 8 Chasten; 9 Omitted; 11 Owns; 5 On one’s toes; 6 Knits; Letter; 13 Lets down; 15 Tonic; 7 Outworn; 8 Call to order; 10 16 Ottoman; 18 Salable; 19 Dense forest; 12 Excel; 14 Double Lotto; 21 Directed; 23 Inside; date; 17 Melon; 18 Scratch; 20 25 Rotunda; 26 Occiput; 28 Tripper; 22 Canon; 24 Wolf; 27 Change of heart. Cue. 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY REVIEWS Reed’s squall of buoyant details and witty asides

to be, as long as we hire the wrong adversaries covet the schmaltzy ant By Michael Phillips directors and take all the fun out of it, and wasp suit technology for their we’ll be fi ne.) own interests. Walton Goggins slimes The tone of Ant-Man and the around as a ‘quantum energy’ dealer, he unlimited breadsticks Wasp is in the title. Nobody’s in bed with bad people from other approach of the Marvel threatening a war without end here. countries, Hannah John-Kamen Cinematic Universe The screenplay continues the story (Black Mirror) is the pale, smoky- ensures that we remain of genial ex-con Scott Lang (Paul eyed Ghost, who phases her way full of carbs, all year, as Rudd, also one of the fi ve credited through solid matter and searches Teach franchise rolls out another writers), who stumbled onto the for a cure to relieve her constant metaphorical Olive Garden. Some of subatomic-particle spandex invented pain. Laurence Fishburne plays the movies off er veritable superhero by former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Hank Hank’s former S.H.I.E.L.D cohort conventions, most recently the Pym (Michael Douglas). For 30 long and rival. Scott’s fellow security ensemble blowout Avengers: Infi nity years Hank’s wife and partner Janet expert business partners pop in for War, which managed to make $2.3 (Michelle Pfeiff er) has been lost in comic relief. But that’s not really billion worldwide without any the quantum realm, which resembles accurate, for a change. Director Reed interesting action sequences, mainly a polyp-ridden aquarium, daughter looks for the buoyant details and on the strength of that ridiculously Hope (Evangeline Lilly) yearns for witty asides in most every scene. dire cliff hanger ending. her, as does Hank. They have the The script provides plenty. “Do you But other Marvel breadstick technology, the wasp getup originally guys just put ‘quantum’ in front of platters are a little lighter, a little worn by Janet. Now it’s Hope’s turn everything?’ Scott says, interrupting less apocalyptically threatening, to try it on and, like Lang/Ant-Man, another realm of scientifi c hooey. such as Ant-Man (2015) and the new radically shift her size and dazzle her Rudd is such a friendly, likable Ant-Man and the Wasp. I’m fond enemies with the click of a remote presence. He sets this movie’s pace, of these movies. They’re more my and a kick to the head. while Lilly’s fi ercely committed speed. It wouldn’t be Marvel without Hank builds a tunnel for quantum Hope/Wasp acts as the perfect an action climax twice as long as it realm spousal extraction, and Scott/ counterweight. Rudd’s scenes with is compelling, but returning director Ant-Man’s the man for the plan. Lilly and with Fortson make the Peyton Reed is a nimble, clever Meantime, though, he has child movie matter in human terms. company man, not a miracle worker. care responsibilities. Abby Ryder Visually here’s the crucial thing The sheer volume of Marvel Fortson returns as young Cassie, Judy with Ant-Man and the Wasp, the movies has a way of wiping your Greer is back as her mom, Scott’s sequel has upped the instances and whatever size he’s about to transform outings distinctive. One late scene memory clean, so that you forget ex - Bobby Cannavale again provides exploits of the rapidly changing into, which makes his dilemma between Rudd and Randall Park how pretty good many of these have unexpected sweetness as Cassie’s superheroes, and every time the relatable to anyone who never really (as continually hoodwinked agent been previously. Marvel studio head stepdad. Everybody gets along, which movie cuts to a shot of the heroes’ knows if hitting send will actually Jimmy Woo) exists entirely to let two Kevin Feige has fi gured out how to is nice to see in a movie like this. miniaturised car, scooting around send something to someone. masters of droll hesitation do what let each franchise take its own shape Scott has three days to go on a the streets of San Francisco, it’s good The action fi nale follows the they do best. Does it “forward the and establish its own tones within a house arrest stint for world saving for a laugh. Similarly, the fi rst time Marvel rule of leave ‘em overstuff ed plot”? Does it kill you with digital prescribed scale. (Patty Jenkins and activities depicted, briefl y, in Hank’s secret laboratory gets shrunk with breadsticks, yet somehow ready seizures we’ve all experienced Wonder Woman accepted the DC Captain America: Civil War. But down to a suitcase size, it’s an adroit for more. The byplay, more than before? No, and no. It’s just funny.– Comics strategy, by contrast, seems the Pymfolk need him, stat. Many visual gag. Scott can’t quite control the mayhem, makes the Ant-Man Chicago Tribune/TNS A riveting account of identical triplets separated at birth this documentary, a scientifi c and philosophical undertaken in secret that arranged for identical By Justin Chang inquiry by way of a detective story, suggests twins and triplets to be separated, adopted and a joyous earthquake followed by a series of scrutinised for years afterward. unsettling aftershocks dragging a trail of Working with the editor Michael Harte, he intensely compelling intense, contradictory emotions in its wake. Wardle whips the story along at a breakneck documentary Three Identical The story’s happier early moments were well speed, stoking our sympathy with the brothers’ Strangers begins by reconstructing documented. Much is made of the brothers’ mounting sense of outrage and betrayal. The a fateful autumn day in 1980, shared physical, emotional and temperamental ironies are mind-boggling, not least the fact when Robert Shafran, a 19-year- attributes, the similarities in their gait and that the study, which Kellman likens to a Nazi Told freshman at Sullivan County College in posture and their preference for cigarettes. experiment, was spearheaded by the late child upstate New York, walked onto campus for the Above all, there is the nearly uniform quality of psychiatrist, Peter Neubauer. fi rst time and found himself warmly greeted the boys’ gregarious charm, which would have A many-sided rumination on psychiatric by several people he didn’t know, all of them made them ideal camera subjects even under ethics, mental health and diff erent schools calling him ‘Eddy.’ After much confusion and less emotionally fraught circumstances. One of parenting, Three Identical Strangers is some quick detective work, Shafran soon of the pleasures of Three Identical Strangers eff ortlessly riveting, if a bit too slick for its own found himself staring into a face identical to his is that you soon fall in love with those goofy, good. There is something ingenious about own, Eddy was his long-lost brother Edward toothy grins reminding us that even the most the way Wardle uses repetition in a movie Galland, from whom he had been separated galvanising visual evidence can be deceiving. about identicality, reframing the same footage soon after birth. Through careful reiterations of footage through diff erent prisms of meaning. But there The story made national headlines that grew and voiceover as well as sometimes sinister is also something self-satisfi ed and too clever only more startling. Seeing what appeared dramatic re-creations, the movie misdirects our about all this narrative duplicity. to be two versions of himself in a newspaper attention at every turn, an appropriate strategy The documentary hides its most haunting photo, a Queens College freshman named for a story that turns out to be rooted not in truths in plain sight, in Wardle’s extensive David Kellman, realised that he was the third coincidence but in conspiracy. conversations with Shafran and Kellman. The brother. After 19 years apart, the bonds of blood The question that strucks the Shafran, two are interviewed separately, a decision that reasserted themselves immediately. Kellner’s Galland and Kellman families is why were the gives the picture its distinctly melancholy aunt recalls that when the young men fi rst met, boys not told about their brothers? The fi lm undertow. It’s a privilege to see them in solitude they started wrestling on the fl oor. As they soon unlikely as three long lost siblings stumbling traces the inquiry to the now-closed doors of and in togetherness, individuals bound by realised, the triplets had been adopted by three upon each other in a state as populous as Louise Wise Services, formerly a prominent something as ordinary as kinship and as families, none of whom had been told that their New York. But if Strangers drops its biggest adoption agency specialising in fi nding families extraordinary as circumstance, fi nding sorrow son was one of a matching set. bombshell early, director Tim Wardle holds for Jewish orphans. Documents and interviews as well as joy in the realisation that they are Identical triplets are rare to begin with, as plenty more in reserve. The tricky structure of point to the existence of a mysterious study, strangers no longer. – Los Angeles Times/TNS Thursday, July 5, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY From Bollywood styling to Oscar Academy, Manish’s busy year The designer has played with feminine appeal to vivid hues for Jahnvi Kapoor’s upcoming , featuring no tiredness in silhouettes. By Nivedita

anish Malhotra, who has completed 28 years in the fi lm industry, is not only excited about styling Bollywood’s new generation actors in fiM lms like Dhadak, 2, and Loveratri, but has also been invited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to be a member. The ace designer says that the year 2018 has been very interesting for his career and he feels lucky to have had survived this long. “This year has been very interesting for my career. I have complete 28 years in the fi lm industry and I feel very privileged to have survived this long,” Malhotra said. He is thrilled about working with Bollywood’s new generation. “I am now excited to work with third generation actors like Ananya Pandey, and . This year I’m starting with a youth-centric fi lm where I’m styling , FASHION STATEMENT: , right, with DIFFERENT: Actress Janhvi Kapoor with Ishaan Khattar in a scene from Dhadak. Ananya Pandey and , then Kareena Kapoor, centre, and . Janhvi’s dress was designed by Manish Malhotra. moving totally towards a contrast period movie like . “Whether it’s Janhvi (Kapoor) for as I have seen Janhvi growing up. Having contemporary girl in the fi lm. I’ve used very kalidars, taking over the presence on the Dhadak, Sara (Ali Khan) for Simmba, worked with her mother from the very interesting styles for her look. You will see her screen. My aim for Janhvi’s character was to Ananya and Tara for Student of the Year 2 beginning of my career, it brings me great joy donning printed kurtas with harem shalwar, make her look diff erent than any other actress or Warina (Hussain) for Loveratri, it brings to see her on the silver screen. I have full faith a waist coat, malmal ghagras to kalidars who has played a similar role set in a similar me great excitement to work with all these in her talent. She is extremely hardworking in vibrant hues such as red and ivory with theme or story,” said the designer. young actresses. I like working on diverse and focused individual. She’s going to be an fabrics that are inspired by the vivid culture It’s not just Bollywood projects that are projects that are challenging and helps me incredible actress, making her mother and all of the city of ,” he said. keeping him busy. He is one among 20 Indian showcase my creativity. This year is going of us very proud.” Since this is Janhvi’s fi rst fi lm, he wanted talents invited for Oscar Academy’s Class of to be very busy and I’m excited to work with Talking about the aspects he has kept in to make sure that her look diff erent and 2018. young actors, matching their energy,” he mind while making costumes for the young prominent enough to catch the audience’s “Having been part of the industry for 28 said. actress, Malhotra said the fi lm’s setting in applause. years, it’s a privilege to see Bollywood being From styling late actress to now and Janhvi’s role as a rich minister’s “I wanted to move away from the typical recognised on a global platform such as this. designing and styling her daughter for her daughter, steered his designs. silhouettes like kurtas and shalwars. You will I am really looking forward to my association upcoming Dhadak, Was it an emotional “While her character hails from a notice that I have mixed multiple colours, with them and being on the panel with journey? conservative household where her father textures and prints, making the look more stalwarts from the international and Indian “Dhadak holds a very special place for me is very protective of her, yet she plays a young and vibrant. You’ll see fl ared and fi tted fi lm industry.” – IANS

Sonali Bendre suff ering from high grade cancer Timberlake releases new track Soulmate Actress Sonali Bendre says she has been diagnosed with a ‘high-grade cancer’ and she is undergoing treatment in New Singer Justin Timberlake released York. his new song titled Soulmate. The actress on took to Twitter and Instagram to share the news The actor, singer, and songwriter about her health. She has thanked her family and friends for made that announcement alongside supporting her. the release of a new track, reports In a long post, Sonali said, “Sometimes, when you least expect entertainment weekly.com. it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with Titled SoulMate, the song marks a high grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not a departure from the more country see coming. vibes of Man of the Woods and a “A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected return to Timberlake’s star-making diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, dance bangers. The song has a lively providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am dance beat to it and the track is the very blessed and thankful for each of them,” she added. fi rst new track from Timberlake The actress is undergoing treatment in New York. since his fi fth solo album Man of the “There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift Woods back in January. and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am Timberlake is currently on his currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We Man of the Woods tour, which remain optimistic and I am determined to fi ght every step of the is scheduled to end by January way. 2019. Amidst of the world tour, “What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love he is still finding time to produce and support I’ve received over the past few days, for which I am new music, including the new very grateful. I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the track which could be a contender FIGHTER: Sonali Bendre says that she has the strength of my family and friends behind me,” she added. to be the perfect soulmate for UPBEAT: Soulmate is the first new strength of her family and friends behind her in On the work front, she stepped down from judging a reality TV the popular title of song of the track from Timberlake since his fifth the fight against cancer. show India’s Best Dramebaaz. – IANS summer.– IANS solo album. 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 5, 2018 COMMUNITY ISC felicitates Indian national volleyball team ndian Sports Centre (ISC), an apex body of the Indian embassy, recently organised a felicitation function for Indian national volleyball Iteam. The team is in Doha to play exhibition matches with Qatar and take part in 5th VoliQ Cup Volleyball Tournament. The felicitation was given to the fi ve offi cials and 18 players of the visiting team that came from national camp, Patiala. Jagir Singh, Team Manager, is leading the team. Nilangshu Dey, ISC President, welcomed the team and players. He highlighted the role of ISC in promoting diff erent sports among the Indian community and supporting various sport federations in Qatar for organising tournaments. M S Bukhari, Chairman of Corporate relations at ISC, applauded the players for their visit to Qatar. Ashik Mohammed, Head of Volleyball at ISC, and Mohd Essa, Chief Patron of VoliQ, also spoke on the occasion. GROUP: ISC representatives and the volleyball team players and off icials in a group photo. Jagir Singh, Birsingh Yadav, Chief Coach, and Ukkarapandian Mohan, the embassy of India. He applauded presentation was conducted by Ravi given to the players namely, Prabagaran Pattani, Vaishnav Captain of Indian Volleyball the team and emphasised the role Shankar, Head of Finance at ISC. Ukkarapandian Mohan, Govindrajan, Rahul Garak, Rohith team, thanked the organisers for of ISC in promoting the sports The mementos were presented to Akhin Gopal Krishnan, Amit Puthenkovilekathupadinjare, Rohit providing the opportunity to play in activities among the Indian Jagir Singh, Birsingh Yadav, Harilal Balwan Singh, Deepesh Kumar, Hardeep Singh, Pankaj Qatar just before the forthcoming community. He also presented a Thankappan and Gurjot Singh, Kumar Sinha, Jerome Vinith, Sharma and Muthusamy Appavu. Asian Games. memento plaque, on behalf of the assistant coaches, and Digvijay Ajithlal Chandran, Karthick The programme was compered The chief guest of the event was Indian community, to the team Singh Rathore, Team Physiologist. Ashok, Prabagaran Sinnadhu, by Habibun Nabi, ISC General Rajesh Kamble, chargé d’aff aires at offi cials. The individual memento The mementoes were also Vinit Kumar, Ranjit Singh, Secretary.

IIEE toastmasters celebrate 8th anniversary

Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Incorporated (IIEE) Toastmaster Club recently conducted an oath-taking ceremony for newly elected off ice-bearers as they celebrated the 8th anniversary at City Center Rotana. The club has been a recipient of various awards, including a President’s Distinguished Award, the highest award reserved by Toastmasters International to any deserving club attaining a minimum nine out of 10 annual DCP (distinguished club performance) goals. Bernard Anduyon, outgoing President of IEE, thanked the club members and guests for their support. Robert U Mabulay, IIEE Middle East Regional Governor, assisted by Marlito Dela Cruz, former club president, administered the oath- taking of new off ice-bearers. The new president outlined his future plans. The club meeting also featured a table topic session, where the participants enjoyed in impromptu public speaking and the evaluation session. The new off ice-bearers are namely, Roderick R Pajes, President; Jimmy Michael Y Bugay, Vice President for Education; Marie Ann G Anduyon, Vice President for Membership; Marlon L Manantan, Vice President for Public Relations; Danio G Sanchez, Secretary; Lyndon Ellevera, Treasurer; Carlos Arnel G Bautista and Melmar P Pascua, Sergeant-at-Arms. The event was concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony. NEWLY ELECTED: New off ice-bearers of the club in a group photo.