Community Community Future 318 Proud organises an mothers P6interactive P12 launch session ‘Forum first company in Qatar 2019’ on to provide professional Gender Gap therapy tools and specialist and Feminism. educational products.

Thursday, March 28, 2019 Rajab 21, 1440 AH

Doha today: 190 - 270

TractionTraction

MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND: Flowers and signs outside the Masjid Al Noor in Christchurch.

COVER STORY Archetypal views about Muslims challenged in the US after New Zealand attacks. P4-5

REVIEW SHOWBIZ

A moody cop thriller Artistes get nostalgic and glib provocation. on World Theatre Day. Page 10 Page 11 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.15am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.31am Zuhr (noon) 11.39am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.50pm Isha (night) 7.20pm

The Snow Queen: Mirrorlands him and keep the fairy-tale in our world is Gerda - as her USEFUL NUMBERS DIRECTION: Robert Lence, Aleksey Tsitsilin own biggest power is not magic but her faith in kindness and SYNOPSIS: A powerful king nearly lost his family due friendship. In Gerda’s new adventures, she will be helped by to the Snow Queen’s evil deeds. He fi nds a way to ban all the trolls, pirates and even the Snow Queen herself. magic from the world - all the possessors of magic powers are now trapped in Mirrorlands. The only one who can stop THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Dumbo that the animal can fl y, it soon becomes the main attraction DIRECTION: Tim Burton -- bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down CAST: Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention SYNOPSIS: Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists of VA Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture. elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza ote Unquo Qu te The Mall Cinema (1): Lucifer Royal Plaza Cinema Palace “Anyone (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Lucifer (1):Lucifer (Malayalam) 2:30pm; who has never made (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Lucifer Dumbo (3D) 5:45pm; Lucifer a mistake has never tried (Malayalam) 8:15pm; Lucifer Junglee (Hindi) 6:30pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 8pm; Lucifer anything new.” (Malayalam) 11:15pm. (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Junglee (Malayalam) 11pm. The Mall Cinema (2): The Snow (Hindi) 11:45pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): — Albert Einstein Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 2pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Lucifer Junglee (Hindi) 2:15pm; Lucifer The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (Malayalam) 2pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 4:30pm; Dumbo (2D) (2D) 3:30pm; Dumbo (2D) 5pm; (Malayalam) 5pm; Lucifer 7:30pm; Lahon W Habs (Arabic) Dumbo (2D) 7:15pm; We Die (Malayalam) 8pm; Lucifer 9:45pm; Junglee (Hindi) 11:30pm. Young (2D) 9:30pm; Junglee (Malayalam) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3) (Hindi) 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (3): The The Snow Queen: Mirrorland The Mall Cinema (3): Notebook Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) (2D) 2:15pm; The Snow Queen: Community Editor (Hini) 2:15pm; Junglee (Hini) 2:15pm; The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 3:45pm; The Kamran Rehmat 4:30pm; Notebook (Hini) 6:45pm; Mirrorland (2D) 3:45pm; The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) e-mail: [email protected] The Professor And The Madman Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 5:15pm; The Professor And The (2D) 9pm; Airaa (Tamil) 11:30pm. 5:15pm; Dumbo (2D) 6:45pm; Madman (2D) 7pm; Notebook Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): Dumbo (Hindi) 9:15pm; Airaa (Tamil) Fax: 44350474 Notebook (Hindi) 9pm; Lucifer (2D) 2pm; Dumbo (2D) 4:15pm; (Malayalam) 11:15pm. 11:30pm. Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts activities for students taking place after they fi nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

EVENTS Mehaseel Souq will be open every Ballet Lessons Hobby Classes Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Qatar International Food Festival March. It is a perfect market to get amazing WHEN: Ongoing Centre WHERE: Oxygen Park Qatar Foundation local fresh produce. TIME: 4pm – 8pm WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHEN: Ongoing till March 30 For more info e-mail at registration@ Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a TIME: 3pm – 12am atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. holistic performing arts institution and a one This edition marks 10 successful years of stop solution for adults as well as children paving the way for opportunities in Qatar’s Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club looking to explore their talents in various F&B sector while welcoming visitors and WHERE: Losail Circuit art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, residents to enjoy the diverse fl avours of the WHEN: Ongoing Bollywood, hip hop, indian classical dance, world at the forefront of Qatar’s picturesque TIME: 5pm music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and venues. Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, MIA Park Bazaar 2019 all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under harmonium, public speaking. WHERE: Museum Of Islamic Art the fl oodlights of Losail International Circuit Additional services include dance WHEN: Ongoing every Wednesdays. education, choreograph music videos and TIME: 12pm – 8pm dance cover albums, choreograph dance MIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant Artistic Gymnastic Classes musical projects, corporate workshops and mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb events, choreograph events for schools, modern version of the old souq tradition. WHEN: Ongoing colleges, alumni meets and corporate The stalls are going to off er a wide range of TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm and choreography events. For details, call gastronomies from all over the world. You can The olympic sport using horizontal bar, 33897609. also browse and grab handcrafted artefacts, rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the accessories, canvases, fashion wears, children from age 4 till 16. designer ornaments.

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday TIME: 6pm Dance and Instrument Classes Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic Building handwriting and calligraphy at Music and WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Arts Atelier. Learn the movements of dance styles in The lessons will take place every Saturday, Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical Syria Matters Exhibition Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art more information, contact registration@ for adults as well kids and move in the world WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 atelierqatar.com of music. For details, contact 66523871/ TIME: 9am – 7pm 31326749. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha presents a major exhibition, co-curated by MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year anniversary celebrations. Teddy Bear Mini Hospital WHERE: Doha Festival City WHEN: Until March 30 TIME: 10am – 8pm The Teddy Bear Mini Hospital at Festival City is a fun and educational experience for children to help them overcome their fear of doctors and health checkups, by simulating the process of visiting a hospital or a medical centre.

Mehaseel Festival WHERE: Katara Cultural Village WHEN: Ongoing till March 31

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY From New Zealand, with compassion Never before have American viewers seen Muslims covered by the media with such a broad range of images and narratives as they have this month, writes Lorraine Ali

Real change appeared to be taking place in New Zealand, where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wore a black head scarf when consoling the Christchurch community inside a mosque and spoke ‘ of tightening gun laws

ifty pairs of empty whose vitriol against Muslims is shoes lined up outside a limited to hate speech. And Muslim New Zealand church to women who cover their heads commemorate 50 Muslim aren’t forbidden by their husbands lives lost. Minnesota from having something to say, as Rep.F Ilhan Omar’s hijab. A prime Donald Trump suggested of Gold minister who wore a head scarf Star mother Ghazala Khan during when consoling the bereaved. A the 2016 Democratic convention. world leader who downplayed white In fact, now he and many others nationalism even after a gunman on the right can’t wait for Omar to stormed two mosques during Friday shut up. prayer. Up until now, the West’s Never before have American exposure to Muslims had been viewers seen Muslims covered cultivated over decades and from by the media with such a broad afar. It arrived via news reports range of images and narratives of Palestinian-Israeli’ fighting, as they have this month. From hijackings, hostage taking, the Fox News host Jeanine Pirro’s Iranian revolution, Muammar shrill proclamations that Omar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, 9/11 honours Shariah law above the and dozens of action movies and US Constitution to the massive TV shows where swarthy men outpouring of grief and support with names like mine hold their for the victims and survivors of twitchy fingers over red detonator the Christchurch attacks, shifting buttons. politics and tragic events have Then came the shady websites forced a long overdue reckoning. with names that made them appear Most everything Americans to be deep fonts of knowledge about thought they knew about Islam and the Middle East. I will Muslims here and abroad has been not list them here, just as the media challenged, on screen, and at an has largely withheld the identity of unprecedented pace. Muslims are the New Zealand shooter, a white not only perpetrators of terror supremacist who subscribed to attacks, they are also victims. White such garbage and livestreamed the separatists are not just an isolated killings with the hope it would go group of the disenfranchised viral. Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

The last few weeks of rhetoric, debate and then tragedy have made it clear that irresponsible words and images have consequences, and we’ve been walking a dangerous road paved with fear and intolerance that inevitably leads to the type of unthinkable violence witnessed on March 15. The Christchurch masjid shootings, which killed 50 people, including a bubbly 3-year-old boy named Mucad, were visceral proof that terrorists and victims come in all colours and faiths. White, right- wing extremists are the latest rising threat, though you’d never know it by listening to President Trump’s reaction to the massacre, or to the deadly terror attack at a 2017 Unite the Right KKK rally when a man ploughed his Dodge Challenger into protesters in Charlottesville. Trump condemned the New Zealand killings yet off ered no direct words of support to Muslims here or abroad. When asked if he thought white nationalism was a growing threat, he said, “I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems.” He also told Fox News to “bring back Judge Jeanine Pirro” after the network publicly rebuked the host and pulled her show over her assertion that ODD ONE OUT: US President Donald Trump condemned the New Zealand killings yet off ered no direct words of support to Muslims here or abroad. When Omar couldn’t wear a head scarf and asked if he thought white nationalism was a growing threat, he said, “I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems.” be a patriotic American. It’s one or the other in Pirro’s world. anti-Semitism, and other forms of “Not only once, but twice, three think to myself ‘is [the blowback] spoke of tightening gun laws. As a woman who covers, Omar hatred, including Islamophobia. times, did we in this nation say to because she’s a black American and She was doing all the things the is the most visible Muslim in the Media outlets apparently didn’t the world, and to everyone in this she’s Muslim?’” Tlaib said. “And leader of a developed, enlightened country right now. The freshman get the message of the resolution, country, that Muslims don’t belong so that’s where I pause and say to nation should do, all the things congresswoman’s name alone because they’ve used equally here,” she said, “from the fact that myself, ‘Is there an issue here?’” American leaders used to do. has become shorthand for those off ensive tropes when covering every time we talk about a [border] The interview set off a second, “We represent diversity, kindness, celebrating progress and those who Omar. New York magazine writer wall, it’s not about a structure, but or was it a third, wave of angry compassion,” she told reporters see her arrival as a sign of worrisome Jonathan Chait suggested the about xenophobia. It’s about racism.” rebuttals and accusations of bigotry. directly after the massacre. “A home change. She’s a de facto lightning Somali-born congresswoman was But it’s a slow learning curve, Pundit Alan Dershowitz was quick for those who share our values. rod for the right and the left and using the Palestinian cause “to and Tapper spent the second to say on Fox & Friends that Tlaib’s Refuge for those who need it … You has set off a wave of Muslim panic smuggle in” ugly stereotypes. half of the interview pressing the accusations claiming Islamophobia may have chosen us,” she said of the among Islamophobes. Had Omar looked less, well, congresswoman to say something played a role in the furore over gunman, “but we utterly reject and A poster recently on display at Muslim, and more like former controversial about the fracas over Omar’s comments are “designed condemn you.” a Republican-sponsored public Illinois Democratic Rep. Paul Omar. Apparently, as Muslims, we all to stifl e debate” and act as a “new POTUS did not step up in the gathering at the West Virginia Findley, a frequent critic of Israel, carry the burden of our brothers and justifi cation for anti-Semitism.” same way, but the images of 50 pairs statehouse featured an image of Omar it’s doubtful we’d even be having sisters’ foibles and even in mourning Meanwhile, real change appeared of shoes that will never be worn superimposed over a photo of the twin this conversation. In fact, there was need to prove our patriotism and to be taking place in New Zealand, again, some as small as the palm of towers burning, “‘Never forget’ — you no widespread public uproar in the commitment to this country. Never where Prime Minister Jacinda your hand, drove that point home. said,” read a caption at the top of the 1980s when Findley, who is white, mind that Tlaib was born in Detroit, Ardern wore a black head scarf And now, America is grappling with poster. “I am the proof — you have regularly spoke out for Palestinian thousands of miles from Omar’s when consoling the Christchurch Islam and Muslims like it never has forgotten,” said a lower caption over rights and against unfettered US birthplace of Somalia. “I pause and community inside a mosque and before. —Los Angeles Times/TNS the congresswoman’s image. support of Israel. It was taken down after House But we are talking now, and of Delegates representative Mike awkward as it may be, we need to. Pushkin tweeted his condemnation It’s ironic given that it’s Muslim of the poster (“In 1933 in Berlin, women, the very fi gures who have they might have had a similar poster widely been pitied in the West as about somebody like me,” he said) silent victims of a patriarchal faith, and after a heated argument in the are at the forefront of this cultural Capitol’s hallway over the image, upheaval. which led to the resignation of the Indeed Trump’s comments state’s sergeant at arms. But little disparaging the parents of slain else in the way of an apology was American Muslim soldier Humayun heard from leaders on the right. Khan and other toxic remarks It’s not just Republicans who inspired an army of women to are dealing with the new reality run for offi ce — and resulted in of Muslim voices and immigrant Congress’ fi rst female Muslim perspectives on Capitol Hill. members, not just Omar but also Democrats were split after Omar’s Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib. controversial comments criticising Mumtaz, Mr. Trump. the state of Israel and its lobbyists The liberal-minded have also had by using language that many felt had to reassess how they portray upheld anti-Semitic stereotypes. Muslims. Omar’s comments touched off Tlaib appeared on CNN’s State a heated debate between older of the Nation with Jake Tapper in House Democrats, who drafted the wake of New Zealand’s mosque a resolution condemning anti- attacks. He gave his condolences Semitism, and their younger, more to her community and asked her liberal colleagues who felt Omar about the impact of the tragedy was being singled out because she and what she thought of the CHANGING FACE OF AMERICA: Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. She became one of the Congress’ first female Muslim is Muslim. In the end, the House president’s comments denying that members in the aftermath of Trump’s disparaging remarks about the parents of slain American Muslim soldier passed a resolution condemning Islamophobia is a national problem. Humayun Khan, which saw a spurt in Muslims vying for electoral politics. 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY Future 318 organises Forum 2019

Future 318 recently organised an interactive of education for women and participation in session ‘Forum 2019’ on Gender Gap and peace process and conflict resolution. “Only a Feminism at Shangri-La Hotel. The forum very few women lead peace negotiations and included prominent speakers who highlighted act as negotiators. This should be changed,” the role of women in peace building and the she said. challenges they face at the workplace. Ambassador Carlos highlighted the need to The session kicked off with a debate on the restructure the workplace to accommodate issue of feminism. Views from both genders more women in every country. Lowla were discussed wherein both Ahmed Almarri, President of Qatar Women’s Sports Shaheen and Ayman Ali al-Rasheed took Committee, announced the eff orts being the proposition while Amira Shohdi and made by Qatar Women’s Sports Committee Ifath Sayed took the opposition side. Amira on opening certain sports not only to Qataris Shohdi, Founder of I Can’t Do it All Movement, but to expats as well. emphasised on the critical role of parents in Speaking on the occasion, Jeff rey Asselstine, raising their children. “There must be equality Founder of Nelson Park Group, stated that it inside the house, amongst family and friends is everyone’s responsibility, either at home or and inside our schools, within our society and at work, to treat women equally in all areas cultural system. We must understand that of their work, and encourage them to pursue men and women are created diff erent, with their goals. their own strengths and weaknesses in certain Other speakers, included Rochelle regards; however they are equal beings with Zonnerberg, an entrepreneur, and Shefa equal chances,” she said. Obaid, a psychologist. The forum was Belen Alfaro, Ambassador of Spain, and Carlos moderated by Zunira Malik, Founder of Hernandez, Ambassador of Argentina, also Whatsup, and Kirsty Walker, a writer. spoke on the occasion. They mentioned about The event was sponsored by Turkish Airlines. the initiatives taken by Qatar Foundation and Other activities at the event included a free its leadership to empower women. medical check-up from Naseem Al Rabeeh Ambassador Alfaro stressed the importance and Mindfulness activity by Evolve Wellness.

Ambassador of India launches Shikar and Biryani Food Festival

P Kumaran, Ambassador of India, along with Gordon Mackenzie, General Manager of Radisson kitchens to be cooked by their Master Chefs. On the other hand, biryani is a mix of the native Blu Hotel, recently inaugurated the first Shikar and Biryani Food Festival at Chingari, Radisson Blu spicy rice dishes of India and the Persian pilaf. It is believed that the dish originated in Persia and Hotel. was brought to India by the Mughals. After the Mughals left, this dish was adopted by the royal The food festival is scheduled to run daily till April 5 from 6pm to 11pm. During the nineteenth and kitchens and since then became a staple all over the continent. In celebration of this rich history, early twentieth century of the British Empire, the rulers of Indian princely states along with the Chingari launched its first Shikar and Biryani Food Festival. During this event, one can get a chance British Army Commanders used to hunt in the wild and bring the game or Shikar to their royal to experience and taste some of the dishes from the royal kitchens of India. Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY VAQ and ISC organise 9th MBM VAQ Football Tournament

Vazhakkad Association Qatar (VAQ), in of Teatime FC won the best player award while association with Indian Sports Centre (ISC), Jaseem T K of United Kerala bagged the best recently organised 9th MBM VAQ Football goalkeeper award. Genius REC Calicut Team Tournament. won the fareplay award. Saleem of Mates Qatar The tournament was inaugurated by Abdullah was adjudged as the best team manager. Durvish Abbas Ashakanani, along with The event was attended by notable Mubarak Sharida al-Muthalakh and Faizal personalities, including Muhammed Naseer, Hudawi. CEO of MBM Trasnsport; Habeeb Un Nabi, Nillams Dey, President of ISC, addressed Secretary at ISC; Sharaf P Hameed, Vice the gathering. M S Bukhari also addressed President of ISC; and Safeer, Director of Zaitun the gathering. Manikantan, President of ICC, Restaurant. released the VAQ Magazine by handing it over Suhail Konnakkod, President of VAQ, presided to Aneesh Gangadharan. over the event. Ashraf T P welcomed the Teatime FC bagged the championship title by gathering. Shajahan T K, Secratery of VAQ, defeating United Kerala with 1-0. Satheeshan proposed a vote of thanks.

Al Khalij Commercial Bank organises 7th Annual Clay Shooting Competition

Al Khalij Commercial Bank (Al Khaliji) PQSC recently organised its seventh Annual Clay Shooting contribute to our overall success as an institution,” said Fahad al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Off icer of Al Competition at the Lusail Shooting Club. Various local international corporate banks and companies Khaliji Group. participated in the competition. All teams made up of five members each participated in the annual event. Audi Bank bagged the “The Seventh annual clay event was yet another opportunity for us to interact with our clients in championship title, which was followed by CCC with second position. a casual environment developing stronger relations with them. Building lasting relationships at Al The competition demonstrates Al Khaliji’s commitment to fostering strong relations with its client and Khaliji is a fundamental component of our business model, and we believe these strong relationships a real passion for team sports, which reiterates the bank’s stance on team building and co-operation. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY TRAVEL Hiking the Grand Canyon is uncomfortably beautiful Those who are prepared to deal with extreme heat, steep climbs and no-frills accommodation can still experience the red-rock landmark in all its barren beauty by hiking it on foot. By Steff i Machnik

TOUGH: Hot and hard: Hiking the Grand Canyon on foot is no walk in the park.

carcely anyone peanuts, energy bars and an travelling the American apple. But by 5:30am it’s getting West will make a detour brighter, and the temperature is past the Grand Canyon, already a sweltering 30 degrees which is celebrating its Celsius. firstS century this year since being The hike to the North Rim is 22 established as a US national park kilometres and is much less busy 100 years ago. than the trails on the southern Every year, more than 6 million side. But instead of 1,400 vertical people visit this enormous canyon metres, this path requires carved out by the water of the overcoming an altitude difference Colorado River over millions of of almost 1,800 metres to reach years. But while most people hop the North Rim, at 2,515 metres. in air-conditioned buses, or even The first 11 kilometres to the rent a helicopter, to take them Cottonwood Campground are around the majestic landmark, pure hiking pleasure. The well- the best way to get away from the paved way features lots of shade crowds is by taking a two-day hike and has a gentle incline. The down into the canyon. narrow canyon slowly widens, From the South Rim, at a height with red rock replacing grey slate. of 2,200 metres, there are two The lookout point just before the routes: the longer, and therefore camp site is Ribbon Falls, draped less steep, Bright Angel Trail like a curtain in front of a mossy still attracts relatively heavy rock face. It’s worth the extra half traffic. Less populated is the kilometre off the main trail. South Kaibab Trail, spanning 11 The camping grounds are a good kilometres to the river, with no place to rest and replenish water water source in between. supplies, which is important If you start the Bright Angel because the second 11-kilometre Trail early, it’s still possible to HIGHLIGHT: Ribbon Falls is one of stretch is much steeper, and goes escape the stream of day hikers. the highlights of hiking the Grand POPULAR: Despite its huge popularity as a tourist attraction, there are still along narrow paths and steep Most people only cover the seven Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail. large parts of the Grand Canyon that are unspoiled and free from crowds of canyon walls in some parts, while kilometres to Indian Garden, a tourists. covering the final 1,300 metres of small oasis on Garden Creek. A It’s sparse on the banks of the altitude. In the final miles out of few might hike a further three Colorado, whose brown water bridge over the river. In the spots each. the Supai Tunnel alone, trekkers kilometres to Plateau Point, a moves at mind-blowing speed midday heat, the last kilometre The hospitality can be must climb 450 metres. Before lookout about 400 metres above through the canyon. is trekked on the other side of described only as rustic. There’s you reach the top it feels like you the Colorado River. Inflatable rafts occasionally the river. The trail goes along the steak, stew or a vegetarian dish, go around 100 bends, all of them From there, it’s a steep downhill appear, and then disappear as Bright Angel Creek, eventually and everything must be reserved exactly the same. Walking on the serpentine trek through what quickly as they came. Finally, ending at the Phantom Ranch. in advance, as mules are used to sandy path is hard. is called the Devil’s Corkscrew. after what feels like an eternity, The four wooden huts where haul in all the groceries. Pleasure and pain. But after There are no shadows here; the the Silver Bridge is sighted, a guests can spend the night feature Breakfast is served at 5am. It more than 10 hours, it’s over. — sun beats down mercilessly. 160-metre-long suspension climate control and 10 sleeping feels a bit early for some salted DPA Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 OFF-BEAT COMMUNITY

HIGHER COSTS: High housing costs make it diff icult for families to aff ord healthy food, medicine, or transportation to work or school. Where you live and how much you pay to live can aff ect your health How fit you are and how much you exercise may not aff ect your health as much as how much you pay in rent or toward a mortgage. By Cindy Krischer Goodman

n Florida’s counties where the cost burden from housing. Add County is ranked 10 out of the majority of people’s incomes transportation costs to housing and 67 counties in Florida for health are going toward housing, the problem is striking. outcomes. residents are suff ering from “If three-quarters of your The least healthy of Florida’s more premature deaths, pay-check is going to housing and 67 counties this year is Union Igreater levels of obesity, more transportation, what do you have County in northern Florida, the hospital stays and lower birth rates, left for healthcare, child care and smallest county in the state and according to a the 2019 County food?” he said. home to Florida State Prison as Health Rankings and Roadmaps, Stone said eff orts are underway well as U-Pick farms. Union has a released today by the Robert to alleviate some of the housing population of about 15,500 people, Wood Johnson Foundation and the cost burden. With county voters but more than double the number University of Wisconsin Population approving the creation of an of premature deaths, adult smokers Health Institute. aff ordable housing trust fund in and alcohol-impaired driving “The more people spend on November, $5 million is going to deaths as the state average. housing, the more it takes away gap fi nancing to make it worthwhile In contrast, the most healthy from money they could be using for developers to build lower-cost county in Florida is St Johns, part to buy fresh food or go to doctor to housing. of the Jacksonville metropolitan tend to a medical need,” said Ericka The county funds are being used area and home to St. Augustine. Burroughs-Girardi, an Action to create more than 600 aff ordable The county has a high percentage Learning Coach with County rental units, and state funds provide of home ownership as well as Health Rankings and Roadmaps, STATISTICS: 18 percent of households spend more than half of their income for another 400, he said, adding that signifi cantly higher access to provider of an annual snapshot of on housing costs. these renters will spend no more exercise opportunities and much how health is aff ected by where we than 30 percent of their income for a fewer children living in poverty, live, learn, work and play. Foundation, a private foundation their earned income on rent or unit. In the last few years, most new according to the rankings report. Across Florida, researchers devoted to improving the nation’s mortgages. residential construction in Broward With low wages in Florida and found a troublesome trend, 18 health. “They are spending most of County has been high end, million- high housing costs in many of the percent of households spend High housing costs make it their money just to keep a roof dollar units, well past the reach of counties, expect to see continually more than half of their income on diffi cult for families to ordaff over their heads and that causes a even middle-income earners. increasing disparities in health, housing costs, something that is healthy food, medicine, or lot of stress,” Burroughs-Girardi In Central Florida’s Orange the ALICE report asserts. This will particularly evident in households transportation to work or school. said. Broward County residents County, with more than a million become particularly evident with headed by African-American “We want to draw communities’ had a higher number of hospital people, the severe housing cost expensive medical advances that residents who are most burdened attention to this because we know stays than the Florida average and burden is a concern, too. About are out of reach of lower-income by severe housing costs at 26 that it is something that can be a higher percentage of poor mental 19 percent of residents are households, the report said. percent compared to other resident changed,” Burroughs-Girardi said. health days. experiencing a severe housing cost “There has always been a households at 14 percent. Broward County is one of the Ralph Stone, Broward County’s burden, a slightly higher fi gure than connection between communities “It’s unacceptable that so many healthier counties in Florida, Director of housing fi nance and the state average of 18 percent. On that work on policies that make individuals and families face ranking 14 out of 67 for overall community redevelopment, said the positive side, health behaviours housing more aff ordable and better barriers to health because of what contributing factors to good South Florida metropolitan area, such as adult smoking, obesity and health outcomes,” Burroughs- they have to spend on housing,” health. Still, there is work to be Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm physical factors such as pollution Girardi said, “but I think we are said Richard Besser, President and done; almost a quarter of the Beach counties, is among the worst are lower in the Orlando area than seeing it more strongly now.” – CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson county spends more than half of in the nation when it comes to state averages. Overall, Orange Sun-Sentinel/TNS 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY REVIEWS A moody cop thriller and glib provocation skipping ahead. Indeed, the story I’ve described be acting when his character snarls, “There’s By Justin Chang so far is just one of many that Dragged Across certainly nothing hypocritical about the media Concrete seems intent on squeezing into its handling every perceived intolerance with 158-minute running time. For most of it, Gibson’s complete and utter intolerance” – one of the more ou might not guess from the title, co-star is not Kittles but , who plays belaboured wink-wink lines in a screenplay that’s but Ridgeman’s partner, Anthony Lurasetti. frequently more taken with its cleverness than is, on one level, the tale of two He’s in the same leaky boat as his colleague, actually clever. long-suff ering families, both in having been suspended just as he’s about to But hey, point taken. Dragged Across Concrete They include a bullet-proof van, a shipment of dire need of salvation, or at least propose to a girlfriend he fears he doesn’t deserve. has been made with enough skill and moody, gold bullion and a ruthless drug dealer named Ya big payday. is Brett Ridgeman, (He’s right.) The movie begins as a buddy-cop meticulous craftsmanship – another Zahler Lorentz Vogelmann (Thomas Kretsch-mann) who a grizzled police detective facing a six-week procedural and a roundelay of working-class signature – to earn its own measure of tolerance, turns out to be both a mastermind and a mark. suspension, the latest bout of bad news for despair, then escalates slowly into a heist-gone- or at least some closer scrutiny. To these eyes, Vogelmann enlists John and his friend Biscuit him; his chronically ill wife, Melanie (Laurie wrong thriller en route to a climactic face-off . the story’s reactionary politics feel less like a (a sympathetic Michael Jai White) to help him Holden); and their teenage daughter. Tory Along the way, it dabbles in the waters of declaration of principles than a sly, disingenuous rob a bank, a carefully timed plot that is fatefully Kittles plays Henry Johns, a thief who returns nose-thumbing provocation, regularly clearing pose. If you’re enraged by this movie – or, for that intercepted by Ridgeman and Lurasetti, who have home from prison, whose mom, a heroin its throat to give voice to some of its characters’ matter, if you fi nd yourself cheering it on – you’ve decided to surrender their scruples along with addict, shares a small apartment with his casual bigotry and brutality. already fallen into its trap. their badges. disabled younger brother. Melanie, who once prided herself on her Qualifi ed admiration feels like the saner Long, talky stakeouts and even longer, talkier auteur S. Craig Zahler (Bone liberalism, laments the state of their run-down response, though you might also call it qualifi ed car rides ensue, during which the actors easily Tomahawk, ) likes to stack neighbourhood, specifi cally the black teenagers disappointment. hold your interest, charging even the slower the decks against his characters with almost who regularly harass their daughter on her way Zahler has reteamed with a lot of familiar faces cadences of their stylised dialogue with rhythmic mathematical rigour, then watch as they slowly home from school. Ridgeman and Lurasetti here – chiefl y Vaughn, who gave a staggering unease. Zahler only really grips you, alas, with his (so slowly) try to wriggle their way out. He draws a take sly pot-shots at minorities and humiliate lead performance in Brawl in Cell Block 99, but trademark ferocious displays of violence, which lot of connections between the disgruntled white a half-naked deaf Latina suspect; upon being also returning players like , Fred felt like a logical endgame in and lawman and the wily black ex-con, sometimes disciplined, they wax nostalgic for a bygone era Melamed and Udo Kier – but few of them are used Brawl in Cell Block 99, but too often smack here of with a hard nudge: In one scene, Ridgeman of political incorrectness. In the good old bad old as eff ectively. Ditto the thick, pooling shadows in pointless sadism. watches a TV show about lion cubs with his days, a veteran cop wouldn’t have had to worry which the director reliably drapes his characters’ One of the most ill-treated characters is Kelly, daughter, while in another, Johns plays a hunting- about roughing up a suspect and having the homes, cars and other gloomy environs, providing a bank employee who might have registered as an safari-themed video game with his brother. There incident turn into a viral embarrassment. a strained, squint-inducing correlative to the afterthought, like most of the women in the story, will be more hunting to come, as both men resolve Back then too it probably wouldn’t have raised darkness that lurks within. but who is made intensely memorable by Jennifer to beat the system that has long been rigged an eyebrow to cast Gibson as an avatar of slow- As always, it takes Zahler a while to get going, Carpenter, another Brawl alum. Like Ridgeman, against them. simmering white male rage – a role he plays here but going he eventually gets. If you are not entirely Johns and all the rest, Kelly has a family to take It’s a given that their paths will intersect, with focused, quietly riveting expertise – or as won over by the long, drawn-out Tarantino-esque care of and a job to do. although the fi lm, unfolding in the leisurely, one-half of a crooked-cop duo. convolutions of his dialogue, you can at least Hers is easily the most compelling story told in loquacious style that has become Zahler’s The other half is Vaughn, an outspoken admire the patience and precision with which the Dragged Across Concrete, and sadly the shortest. – elevated-B-movie signature, has no interest in Hollywood libertarian who may or may not story and its various moving parts come together. Los Angeles Times/TNS A problematic, bloated biopic the fi rst time the Texas Rangers who chased the dehumanisation, the characters refer to them By Katie Walsh down Bonnie and Clyde have been put on fi lm, as “animals” who “aren’t human anymore.” but it’s the fi rst fi lm that tells the tale from their Bonnie and Clyde are an idea, a fashion craze, a perspective. graffi ti message. They become media objects, ohn Lee Hancock’s The Highwaymen Kevin Costner plays the legendary Frank symbols, trophies to be paraded through the takes on an enormously onerous Hamer, a retired Texas Ranger conscripted into streets in a bullet-riddled vehicle. This ghoulish task: fl ipping the tale of two iconic duty as a highway patrolman at the height of fi lm is so preoccupied with their stalking and folk heroes of the 20th century who Bonnie and Clyde’s violence. Because buddy murder it feels like watching a snuff fi lm. also happen to be two of the most cop movies are more fun – and dour Hamer Costner plays the restrained Hamer with the iconicJ fi gures in modern cinema. What’s needs a dose of comic relief – he picks up old kind of midcentury white male repression we’ve worse? We already know how the story ends. pal Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) to join seen before, while Harrelson off ers the only scraps In The Highwaymen, writer John Fusco works him on a road trip from Texas to Oklahoma of empathy and pushback on Hamer’s quest. But overtime to justify what we know is coming: to Louisiana in pursuit of the “cold-blooded by the time Maney illuminates the trauma of one the state-sanctioned murder of beloved killers who are more adored than movie stars.” of their more violent ambushes back in the day, it’s bandits Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in The spiteful Governor Ma Ferguson (Kathy well into the fi lm’s third hour. It’s simply too little an orgy of bullets. But beyond this strained Bates) dispatches a team of investigators to too late to present any viable counterargument eff ort, there isn’t much more to justify the show them up, but the rangers don’t need against the fi lm’s hugely problematic assertion hefty 132-minute running time of this bloated fancy radios or forensic science when they have that brutality is (or was) eff ective policing. biopic about the two Texas law enforcement experience and instinct. Furthermore, while The Highwaymen seeks offi cers who caught the crooks. We almost never see the faces of Bonnie and to interrogate the myth of Bonnie and Clyde Considering the lasting cultural signifi cance Clyde as they ride roughshod over the Texas and wants to rewrite the tale from a new point of (and many fi lms about) the Barrow Gang, borders and back again. We only see them in of view, it uses disproven facts about the events who terrorised the heartland during the Great extreme long shots or out of focus as they blast to ultimately justify – and lionise – the violence Depression with a two-year crime spree, it’s no patrolmen in the face with shotguns. Hancock’s of the “peace offi cers.” Seeing the story from a wonder Fusco went back to the wild well of true aesthetic choice denies their humanisation, our diff erent perspective could have been a worthy ultimately suspenseless fi lm is simply not worth stories for more screenplay fodder. This isn’t possible identifi cation with them. To underline endeavour, but this morally dubious and the time. – TNS Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Artistes get nostalgic on World Theatre Day

s the world celebrated World Theatre Day yesterday, Bollywood LATE: Ranking Roger was diagnosed with two brain actors like Richa Chadha tumours and lung cancer. and Pankaj Tripathi Ashare their fi rst professional theatre The Beat singer Ranking Roger dead at 56 experience and memories associated with that. Ranking Roger, popularly known as the vocalist of The “I remember my fi rst play, when I Beat, has died. He was 56. was in the 11th grade. I was cast in a According to a statement on the band’s website, Roger, professional play with some actors whose original name was Roger Charlery, breathed his last from the NSD repertory. It was not my on Tuesday at his home, reports guardian.com fi rst experience on stage, but was the It is reported that Roger had suff ered a stroke last fi rst professional one. The play was summer and was diagnosed with two brain tumours and titled Aur Kitne Tukde. It was a Hindi lung cancer in recent months. play directed by Kirti Jain,” Richa said “He fought and fought and fought, Roger was a fi ghter. in a statement. Sadly Roger passed away a few hours ago peacefully at his “I was cast as an extra, which home surrounded by family. worked well for me because I got to “Roger’s family would like to thank everyone for their observe amazing actors from the constant support during this tough time. More to follow in National School of Drama (NSD) at the coming days. RIP Roger,” read the statement. close quarters and learn from them. Roger founded The Beat in Birmingham in 1978. The Also, I had braces and it was a period band was behind the hit songs Mirror in the bathroom, Too play,” she recalled. nice to talk to and their cover versions of Can’t get used to Actor Pankaj’s fi rst play was Leela losing you. – IANS Nandlal Ki, based on Bhisham Sahni’s story and directed by Vijay Kumar, an Paul Rudd has a ‘dark heart’ NSD alumnus. “The story is about a scooter that gets lost and the protagonist goes to Actor Paul Rudd has quipped that his secret to staying the police station to fi le a complaint. I youthful is having “darkness” in his heart. He says he is was playing characters of a cop as well actually “80 on the inside”. as thief. It was my fi rst play. For the Asked by people.com at the Chicago Comic and fi rst time, I performed in front of Patna RECOLLECTION: Richa Chadha says: “I remember my first play, when I was in the Entertainment Expo (C2E2), what keeps him so youthful, audiences who didn’t even know me. 11th grade.” he said: “I’m 80 years old on the inside.” “To my surprise, they liked my He then pointed to his chest and joked: “In here, pure performances even though I was just walk past a person making Rangoli end of which was a play. I went late for darkness. And a little moisturiser.” neither a great performer at that time on the fl oor and appreciate it. rehearsals one day and I was thrown Although the Avengers: Endgame actor looks youthful, nor I was trained in diction.” “I had absolutely no clue what I was out of the play after working so hard. he said last year that he used to constantly worry about Talking about his theatre doing, but I was over the moon as I was I did backstage. Then after showing having a mid-life crisis, and said he has been pondering experiences, actor Gulshan Devaiah on the stage and people were watching discipline and commitment, I got a life’s big questions since he was in his 20s. said he was just fi ve years old when it me. That was my fi rst experience of part in the next play Kisi Aur Ka Sapna, He said: “I think that one of the great joys in life all started. stage.” my fi rst play as an actor on stage,” he is knowing that everything’s ahead of you – the big “My mother was a stage actor. She After rejected by the Film and said. questions, such as: ‘I wonder what I’m going to do for a was a very fi ne actor and I travelled Television Institute of India, actor “It was probably the most job when I grow up’; ‘I wonder who I’m going to marry’; with her wherever she performed. It Vijay Varma joined a theatre group exhilarating moment of my life when ‘I wonder if I’ll have kids’; I wonder what their names will was a Malayalam play and I did a guest called Sutradhar. I went up fi rst time on the dark stage be’; I wonder where I’m going to live’. appearance. My mother and I had to “I did a four-month workshop at the with just a spotlight,” Varma said. “When I was younger, if everything got me down it didn’t matter because all that was ahead. I think that it’s sometimes harder in life when those questions have been Kapil Dev’s daughter turns answered and all of a sudden you think, ‘what do I have to assistant director for ‘83 look forward to?’ “In my 20s I often thought I was casually strolling Iconic cricketer Kapil Dev’s daughter towards a mid-life crisis, and it started picking up speed Amiya has turned the assistant director all throughout my late 20s, 30s, 40s ... I joke, but then for ‘83, an upcoming Bollywood there’s truth in that.” entertainer on India’s historical 1983 The Clueless star said he is still trying to work out how Cricket World Cup win. not to be a stupid, while also balancing his ambition to be a Presented by Reliance normal dad with his movie-star status. – IANS Entertainment, ‘83 is directed by Kabir Khan, and will see Ranveer Singh playing Kapil Dev. The cricketer himself has been closely associated with the project by training the actor. His daughter too has been working hard on the fi lm as an assistant director, a source from the production said. “Amiya is just out of college. As of now, it looks like she just wants to explore diff erent things like most NEW PROJECT: Amiya with her father Kapil Dev. bright people do. She is very helpful to us, she knows the subject, she knows Indian cricket team defeated West closely involved with the project, and all the cricketers and she has access to Indies in the fi nal of the World Cup it’s all good for the project.” BALANCED: Paul Rudd is balancing his ambition to be a all of them. She is also very willing to in 1983. It tracks the coming-of-age Apart from Ranveer, the cast also normal dad with his movie-star status. learn,” the source said. of not just a cricketing team but of a includes the likes of Pankaj Tripathi, ‘83 follows how, under newly- young nation in the eyes of the world. Saqib Saleem and Chirag Patil. The appointed captain Kapil Dev, the The source said: “Kapil Dev is fi lm’s shoot begins in May. – IANS 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 28, 2019 COMMUNITY The journey of raising a child with special needs Two proud mothers – each with a child with special needs – launch Sensory Souk, the first company in Qatar to provide professional therapy tools, developmental toys and specialist educational products for the children with special needs

By Mudassir Raja “For me, it has been an emotional aana Smith and Alison Saraf are two proud and brave mothers, journey because I and each of them has a son with special needs. They enjoy the did not understand experience of raising children Rand appreciate every little achievement what he [my son] of their sons in their day to day lives. Now, they have turned into trainers and was undergoing. entrepreneurs providing necessary awareness and equipment to meet the requirements of When you have the children with special needs. Together they have co-founded Sensory information, you see Souk, the fi rst company in Qatar to provide professional therapy tools, developmental a change and a shift toys and specialist educational products for children. The store is located in Royal Plaza. in your whole family Being mothers of children with learning diff erences, they previously found it diffi cult life” to fi nd quality education products in stock in Doha to support their children’s therapy and — Raana Smith learning. Raana, a US citizen, has a degree in Political Science and has been working Alison. The experienced mothers have many professionally as a graphic designer. She has things to share with the parents of children been in Qatar for about 12 years. Her husband with special needs. is an IT expert. Her only child – nine-year- Raana said: “The number one thing old Ayoub – has Sensory Processing Disorder. MOTHERS: Raana Smith, left, and Alison Saraf believe it is important to accept children for who that you need to do is advocate for your A marketing manager by profession, Alison they are. Photos by Ram Chand child. You are the person behind it all. Saraf is from the UK. She has been in Qatar It takes management. For me, it has for 11 years. She has two daughters and a son. hallways, and sensory playgrounds. They Qatar,” shared Raana. been an emotional journey because I did Her eight-year-old son Noah suff ers from also off er a professional consulting service to The response of the people to the facility not understand what he [my son] was autism. advise and source specifi c products from the has been overwhelming and positive. “We undergoing. When you have the information, “Raana and I were taking our boys to US and UK. have been much busier than we anticipated. you see a change and a shift in your whole diff erent therapy centres in Qatar. We met “Founded in Qatar in 2017 as an online We also have online presence – a fully family life.” in one such centre at West Bay. We have lots store, Sensory Souk has been recognised by working website. We have parents and Alison added: “Be positive and accept of common friends, and we began talking. several government agencies and received an experts here. We run a coff ee morning every your child for who they are. To be honest, to She shared with me a book about children award in 2018 from The Ministry of Public month inviting parents to come and share celebrate the achievements of these children with special needs that she got from the US. Health for the work we are doing in the their stories. We also work as a support is our fortune. We need to enjoy the process. That’s when we thought that we should do community. On January 1, 2019, Sensory Souk group. We also bring in experts who can Be in the front and enjoy the journey with something here. opened the doors to its fi rst retail outlet in answer the questions of the parents,” said your children.” “When we received the autism diagnosis in 2012, there wasn’t much information available for parents and fi nding the right tools and therapies to support my son was almost impossible. Sensory Souk is here not only to supply the tools and equipment needed to help implement therapeutic strategies but also to support the SEN (Special Education Needs) community,” said Alison. Sensory Souk will have its offi cial opening on April 1, to coincide with start of autism awareness month. The store off ers educational and therapy products for educators and therapy professionals in the fi elds such as speech therapy tools, physiotherapy tools, occupational therapy tools, all types of behavioural therapy tools, educational concept products, classroom furniture solutions, sensory rooms and LAUNCH: Sensory Souk, located at Royal Plaza, will have its off icial opening on April 1 to coincide with the start of autism awareness month.