Community Community Singaporean QBX-Expo ambassador in Doha is P7 Wong Kwok expected to Pun becomes P20 bring together new chairman leading Qatari businesses of ASEAN Group and associations on a single Qatar. platform.

Sunday, January 3, 2016 Rabia I 23, 1437 AH

DOHA 17°C—20°C TODAY PUZZLES 14 & 15 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 16 Fervent

COVER pitch STORY Sri Lankan duo, Bachi and Evans, find fertile ground in Doha to push music passion. P4-5 DUO: Bachi Sittamige, left, and Evans De Fonseka. Photo by Umer Nangiana 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Santa Claws GENRE: Family, Fantasy CAST: Ezra James Colbert, Nicola Lambo, John P Fowler DIRECTION: Glenn Miller SYNOPSIS: Santa is allergic to cats, so he has a policy against delivering them as gifts, but little Tommy has been so good, and PRAYER TIME all he wants is one small kitty. Santa Fajr 4.59am says okay, but instead Shorooq (sunrise) 6.20am of one, the whole Zuhr (noon) 11.38am litter climbs into the Asr (afternoon) 2.27pm sack. When Santa Maghreb (sunset) 4.58pm has a major allergic Isha (night) 6.28pm reaction, the kittens have to take over and USEFUL NUMBERS deliver the presents on time.

THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444 Qatar University 44033333

Joy the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and GENRE: Comedy, Drama human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and CAST: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies DIRECTION: David O Russell become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both te Unqu SYNOPSIS: Joy is the wild story of a family across four inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fi erce uo ot generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman imagination carry her through the storm she faces. Q e who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in A teacher her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza aff ects eternity; he can never tell where his Mall Cinema (1): Santa Claws (2D) Short (2D) 11.15pm. 2.30pm; The Big Short (2D) 4.30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Santa infl uence stops. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Claws (2D) 2pm; Snowtime (2D) 3.45pm; Awakens (2D) 6.45pm; Extraction (2D) Extraction (2D) 5.15pm; The Big Short 9pm; Ho Mann Jahaan (Urdu) 10.30pm. Force Awakens (2D) 4.45pm; The Big (2D) 7pm; Bone Tomahawk (2D) 9.15pm; — Henry Adams Mall Cinema (2): Snowtime (2D) Short (2D) 7pm; Joy (2D) 9.15pm; The Big Short (2D) 11.30pm. 3pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 4.45pm; The Good, The Bad, & The Dead (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Savva, Joy (2D) 6:30pm; The Big Short (2D) 11.30pm. Heart Of The Warrior (2D) 2.30pm; 8.45pm; Bone Tomahawk (2D) 11.15pm. Cinema Land Mark (2): The Peanuts The Good Dinosaur (2D) 4.15pm; The Mall Cinema (3): The Peanuts Movie Movie (2D) 3pm; Savva, Heart Of The Good, The Bad, & The Dead (2D) 6pm; (2D) 2.30pm; Savva, Heart Of The Warrior (2D) 5pm; Extraction (2D) 7pm; Joy (2D) 7.45pm; Extraction (2D) 10pm; Warrior (2D) 4.15pm; Bleeding Heart Bone Tomahawk (2D) 9pm; Extraction Bleeding Heart (2D) 11.30pm. Features Editor (2D) 5.45pm; The Good, The Bad, & The (2D) 11.15pm. Asian Town Cinema: Dilwale () Kamran Rehmat Dead (2D) 7.15pm; Su Sudhi Vatmeekam Cinema Land Mark (3): The Good 4pm; Pasanga 2 (Tamil) 5.45 & 10.45pm; e-mail: [email protected] (Malayalam) 9pm; Extraction (2D) Dinosaur (2D) 2.15pm; Snowtime (2D) Thanga Magan (Tamil) 8.15; Bajirao 11.30pm. 3.45pm; Santa Claws (2D) 5.15pm; Mastani (Hindi) 6.15; Su Su Sudhi Telephone: 44466405 Cinema Land Mark (1): Joy (2D) Bleeding Heart (2D) 7pm; Su Sudhi Vatmeekam () 5.45, 7, 8.15, 9.15 Fax: 44350474 2.30pm; Star Wars: Episode VII – The Vatmeekam (Malayalam) 8.45pm; The Big & 10.45pm. Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS human rights in the Arab region in light Dance, Music & Arts). Register online now, Machado’s experience in Qatar, who has of the current situation; how to improve visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/community. For produced a series of works inspired by Qatari Jewellery and Watches Exhibition States’ engagement with UN treaty bodies’ more details you can call IAID at 44320974 traditional art forms. In this production, DATE: Feb 23-27 mechanisms, and to follow-up eff ectively / 44411234 / 66710589 or e-mail us at the artist utilises traditional local materials VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Convention on the Universal Periodic Review’s [email protected]. such as Sedu — Bedouin’s fabrics — and Center recommendations. transforms them into great contemporary Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2016 Ooredoo Marathon pieces, creating new patterns and building a (DJWE) is being held once a year in Qatar. Exhibition for Business Solutions DATE: Jan 8 bridge between past and modern times. This show is one of the most exclusive in DATE: Jan 10-12 TIME: 10am the world for high level wealthy individuals TIME: 10am-9pm Ooredoo offi cially opened registration for Pottery workshop for kids interested in fi ne jewellery and unique VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Conference the 2016 Ooredoo Marathon, as the company DATE: Every Monday pieces, watches, gemstones, and diamonds, Center aimed to make next year’s race the biggest TIME: 5pm-6pm all represented by more than 500 exclusive Under the patronage of Qatar’s Ministry and best-ever. Now in its fourth year, the Kids will learn a new hand building international brands. Additionally, a number of Economy and Commerce, and for the Ooredoo Marathon will take place on Friday, technique for creating and fi nishing of educational seminars will be delivered on fi rst time in Middle East, the International January 8. Ooredoo is working with a range artworks in clay. For more, call 44865201. jewellery and watches throughout the week. Exhibition for Support Services and Business of partners across Qatar to encourage more Solutions will be held for three days. people to participate. In particular, the Sketching with pencil and charcoal MIA Park Bazar company is looking to encourage more kids DATE: Sunday and Wednesday DATE: January 9 Seeing Through my Paint Brush to run in the children’s races and more people TIME: 5pm-6:30pm TIME: 12pm- 8pm DATE: Jan 7-9 from all walks of life to get involved in their If you can hold a pencil, you can draw VENUE: MIA park TIME: 10am-10pm fi rst race. … Discover techniques to make your With a vibrant mix of around 150 stalls, VENUE: Katara Art studio drawing more realistic. Every Saturday MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara Harem Al Sultan Exhibition and Wednesday from 5pm-6:30pm. For old souq tradition. and Al-Noor Institute for the Blind invite DATE: Until Jan 10 reservation: [email protected]. You can browse and buy food, homemade you to explore the talents of the institute’s VENUE: Katara Bldg 10 and handmade products such as jewellery, students by visiting ‘Seeing Through my The Magnifi cent Century series has Works from Mathaf Collection arts, crafts and clothing as well as books and Paint Brush’. become a television legend, a historical DATE: Until February 14 souvenirs. soap opera on the life of the Ottoman TIME: 11am to 6pm So if you’re looking for interesting or Aspire Park Cinema Sultan Suleiman the Magnifi cent that has VENUE: Arab Museum of Modern Art unusual gifts, the bazaar off ers a wealth of DATE: Ongoing until Feb 5 now been watched by 300mn viewers in 54 The artworks collection to be exhibited options for both young and old. TIME: 6pm-8pm countries. This unique exhibition brings the will refl ect a number of important defi ning VENUE: Aspire Park costumes, sets and ambience of the series moments in Arab history and artistic Aspire Run the Park Aspire Zone Foundation, in collaboration to Doha, revealing the stories behind the innovations in the region. DATE: Until Feb 13 with Jeem TV, is presenting for the fi rst time life of the Turkish conqueror and his love VENUE: Aspire Park children movies on its giant screen behind for the humble and beautiful Harem Sultan. Hip Hop for kids Aspire Zone Foundation will organise a Hayat Plaza, every Thursday and Friday from Exhibition visitors will be transported DATE: Every Sunday series of four races on Saturday once a month 6pm to 8pm. back to the glorious world of Suleiman TIME: 5-6pm on January 16 and February 13. Participants the Magnifi cent and see the artistry and VENUE: Hilton should compete in at least three out the four Qatari Agricultural Product Yards craftsmanship that went into creating the Join our Hip Hop classes instructed by races to win a medal and prize. They have to DATE: Until June 30 iconic props and decors of the series. Beats and Bytes every Sunday at 5pm @ be there an hour before the race. VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al Hilton Hotel, Efora Spa. For more info, call Khor, Al Wakrah on 33003839 The Ministry of Environment will open www.salsancandela.com the 4th season of Qatari agricultural product yards for selling locally produced fruits, Salsa Beginners vegetables, poultry, fi sh and livestock. Work DATE: Tuesday, Friday in these yards will continue for 7 months. TIME: 8-9pm The yards will operate three days a week on VENUE: Hilton Hotel Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7am Whether you’ve danced salsa before or to 5pm, with livestock vendors in Al Mazrooa not, you will fi nd what you want. Diff erent Sports Meet operating at the same times throughout the salsa classes with diff erent levels at your The fourth Indian expatriate sports meet week. service, taught by the best instructors in organised by Youth Forum, in collaboration Doha at Eforea Spa, Hilton Hotel. No need with Al Arabi Sports Club, will be held on Luc Tuymans: Intolerance for a partner, no need for reservation, come February 9 and 12, 2016. The event, organised DATE: Until Jan 30 as you are. Prices are QR60 per person per in solidarity with Qatar National Sport Day VENUE: Qatar Museums Gallery Alriwaq lesson. Visit: www.salsancandela.com for various Indian expatriate organisations Qatar Museums will present a retrospective in Qatar, aims at creating a healthy sporting of the work of Luc Tuymans, the fi rst solo Ladies day at Beach culture and fostering co-operation among show of the artist in the Gulf region. The The Color Run Qatar DATE: Every Monday community members. exhibition, Intolerance, a comprehensive DATE: Jan 9, 2016 TIME: 9am-7pm The offi cial inauguration of the meet survey of the artist’s work, will include a VENUE: Qatar National Convention VENUE: Sheraton Doha will be held on Qatar National Sport Day — series of wall paintings and a new body of Center For all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel February 9. The inaugural ceremony will be work, ‘The Arena’, created specifi cally for You can join the Color Run this year like taking some time off for yourself? attended by eminent sports personalities of the show. Curated by Lynne Cooke, Senior and enjoy the time of your life. For team Come join us at the Sheraton Resort for India and Qatar, as well as the representatives Curator of Special Projects in Modern Art at runners (4 or more friends): registration will an all-day-access to the beach and pool, of various government and non-government the National Gallery of Art Washington. cost QR160 per runner. For solo runners: along with aqua gym aerobics for free. authorities. The competitions will be held in registration will cost QR170. Kids under the Nestled on the edge of Qatar’s West Bay 8 individual items (100, 200 and 1500m Race, QBX EXPO age of 4 years run for free. The Color Run is a with an unbeatable and uninterrupted Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin Throw, Shot DATE: Jan 10-12 5km, un-timed fun run in which thousands views of the blue sea. Our pool and beach Put and Arm Wrestling) and 03 group events Time: 10am-9pm of runners are doused from head to toe in adds a tempting and exciting experience to (4 X 100 Relay, Shuttle Badminton and Tug- VENUE: Doha Exhibition Center diff erent colors at the end of each kilometre. enhance your senses of relaxation. Enjoy of-War). The last date of registration will This exhibition is the fi rst of its kind, as It is open to all of Doha’s residents regardless only for QR100 per person. be January 8 and will be limited to the fi rst it will gather every single business activity of age and ability. registered 18 organisations. starting from start-ups to the most advanced For more details and registration, please business establishment. It is for everyone Harrods Doha FOODIE CHOICE e-mail : [email protected] or who wants to keep up with the latest and DATE: Until Jan 24 contact 55091659/66612969/33549050/44 most advanced support services and business TIME: 4pm-1:55pm RESTAURA NT: Melia 439319. solution to improve productivity. VENUE: Katara Cultural Village LOCATION: West Bay Harrods celebrates their inaugural launch The Friday Fusion brunch takes place Conference on Human Rights in Arab VCU Qatar Spring 2016 of the Harrods Doha Village. Be there and from 12-4pm at the Melia Hotel, West Bay Region DATE: Jan 25 experience luxury in style. and highlights the best dishes from two of DATE: Jan 13-14 VENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Doha City the hotels restaurants. The fusion brunch VENUE: The Ritz Carlton Learn new skills and deepen your Contemporary Traditional features a wide range of Indian dishes from The conference aims to highlight understanding of art and culture at DATE: Until Jan 5 Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor along with appropriate and necessary approaches of VCUQatar. Choose from a large selection of TIME: 7pm Spanish inspired dishes from Aceite and other the United Nations human rights system, art, design and craft courses at VCUQatar VENUE: Katara international cuisine. It is very competitively particularly the role of OHCHR in protecting in Education City or at IAID (Academy for This exhibition is the result of Johnatan priced at QR 190.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I’ve set a standard for us, I don’t compromise on it” — Bachi Sittamige,amige, bbandand lleadereader of dduouo BBachiachi aandnd EEvansvans

People are happy to spend money on everything else but they want music bands at a bare minimum (cost)

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

By Umer Nangiana

usic has been his passion since childhood. Starting humbly from a remote town, he formed his fi rst amateur music band in hisM village school. His craving to learn music took him as far as Australia and he went on to perform with more than fi ve of the leading music bands in his country. This guitar-wielding musician has been a prominent member of Sri Lanka’s leading ‘rockstar’ bands and pursued his passion for music with utmost devotion. However, doing so has not always been a cakewalk for Bachi Sittamige. His country was ravaged by three decades of civil war. With other things, it aff ected the music scene as well. At one point, it went so bad, Bachi was left penniless. He survived. But he was forced to leave his island nation in search of work. All along, the passion for music PASSIONATE: Bachi Sittamige loves Western music but can play Oriental equally well. Photos by Umer Nangiana always remained alive in him. So when Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

“I am a music lover and design my music according to the audience’s mood. I do sentimentals, pop, reggae and a few languages including Hindi and Malayalam,” Evans adds. He has also sung in Spanish, Bolivian and Japanese and he loves Elvis Presley and

NEW WAVE: Bachi, right, and Evans have formed a new band, Bachi and Evans. Eagles AS A GROUP: Bachi with the members of Bachi and the Clan after a performance. he landed in Doha fi ve years ago, he teacher and mentor Mani Lal, lead of about 15 prominent bands in performance is high and some company at Crowne Plaza hotel gathered like-minded musicians of a popular band in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka during the course of 15 people cannot aff ord it. comprising Filipino, Indian, UK and from his community and formed “Mani Lal was also a Western years before he landed in Doha and “I have seen that people Sri Lankan staff . his fi rst professional band, Bachi style music singer. I followed his formed his fi rst professional band. are happy to spend money on His most memorable and the Clan, which made quite an style. He introduced me to some “I managed to fi nd some really everything else for their parties performance, however, remains impact. musicians from whom I learnt a exciting musicians. In the fi ve but they want music bands at a to be a concert in Sri Lanka where Today, Bachi is well-off , both lot,” recalls Bachi. years, some members left Qatar bare minimum (cost). But I have they performed with a band called fi nancially and musically. Recently, He then went to Australia to learn for good but then we found equally set a standard for us and I do not ‘Blue Shadows’ before an audience he met Evans De Fonseka, his music at an institute, however, he good replacements. They all do jobs compromise on it,” says Bachi. But of 35,000 people. Bachi and the countryman and a die-hard could not complete his degree. Into and then perform with Bachi and then they were losing on events this Clan also enjoyed performing a musician like him, here in Doha. his fourth year there, he heard of his the Clan part time,” elaborates the way as there were other bands in dinner party at Diplomatic Club The two quickly formed alliance father’s death one day and sought band leader. the market, who would be willing to by Konkani-speaking members of and Evans is now a member of the leave from the institute in order to For the Western style music, they perform for less. Indian community held a few years 6-piece Bachi and the Clan. make it to his father’s funeral. perform with the full 6-piece band. “So I came up with this idea of ago. Bachi and Evans also perform in According to the institute’s However, Bachi recruits Indian forming a two-piece band with Evans, on the other hand, before their new two-piece band, catering rules, it could not be granted before musicians living in Qatar for their Evans. We perform at all small joining Bachi and the Clan, has to all small and large audiences with the completion of degree, so he Oriental music events. or big events catering to a large performed solo and as in-house varying tastes in languages and decided to quit and went back The idea of forming a two-piece audience, with songs even in Tamil musician at multiple venues in music styles. home. Soon, he started practicing band with experienced Evans language besides our Western and Doha. However, he says he is lucky Community sat the two talented and performing music in Sri Lanka. struck Bachi when he realised they Oriental songs,” says musician. to have met Bachi. musicians for a chat about their Music took him to countries in were losing events from clients He says they mostly perform “I did not have someone who respective musical journeys and Western Europe besides Australia who could not aff ord the full for Sri Lankan community but could match my style of music and how the Doha audience has been and almost all of Middle East. strength Bachi and the Clan. The occasionally go outside of it like understand me. He (Bachi) is like a treating them. Bachi went on to become a part fee for the complete 6-piece band a performance they staged for a brother to me,” Evans says. “Back in Sri Lanka I was only Unlike Bachi, Evans benefi ted doing music and it was enough. from the love of music in the There was a lot of work. But family. “My father was crazy about then we had a 30-year war in our music. I got it from him. I started country. Things changed and our it part time with a regular job back music scene was aff ected badly. in Colombo in 1978. But then, I There were bombings in the hotel decided to quit my regular job and I used to perform at,” says Bachi, do music full time after the initial sitting in his apartment fi lled with success,” says Evans. musical instruments of all sorts. He formed a 4-piece band called “We had a really bad time then. ‘Paradians’ and went on to perform At one point I did not have any outside of Sri Lanka in places like money at all but thankfully I was Amsterdam, Brussels, Houston and single then and survived. Then London. I decided to go abroad to fi nd “I am a music lover and design work,” Bachi recalls. He is a Sales my music according to the Supervisor and does music only audience’s mood. I do sentimentals, part-time here. pop, reggae and a few languages The guitarist says he started including Hindi and Malayalam. learning music when he was in I am strongly connected to India. school. It was then that he formed It is like my second home,” Evans his fi rst amateur music band, adds. He has also sung in Spanish, Flash, comprising school fellows Bolivian and Japanese and he loves and village friends. They started Elvis Presley and Eagles. off humbly but went on to perform Besides Bachi on guitar and outside their village. Evans on keyboard, the Bachi and They mostly do Western music as the Clan comprises Tuan Rawlins there was a large audience for it in Assan (Bass guitar/vocals), Rumesh Sri Lanka. Years later, Bachi says he Nissanka (Drums), Nalin Silva switched to Sri Lankan music. (Rhythm guitar/vocals) and Mary His initial inspiration was his DOWN MEMORY LANE: Bachi Sittamige has played with at least five leading bands in Sri Lanka in 15 years. Grace (Vocals). 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY WEATHER ADDICT

There wasn’t much of a change in Qatar, but globally the temperatures were higher than ever. Photo by Gregory Hawken Kramer 2015, the warmest year on record

The capitals of Sweden, Finland The weather was similarly odd York was so mild that the average which is horrifying given that they Steff Gaulter and Latvia all set new December over the other side of the Atlantic; temperature for December was over normally touch down for only about records, with temperatures of the east coast of North America 7C above the norm, smashing the 5 kilometres (3 miles). No wonder 13.2C, 10.8C and 11.8C respectively. was also experiencing a winter previous record set in 1871 by more the storms were so destructive. appy New Year and In many locations, however, it heatwave. A number of cities than 4C. The exceptional warmth can be welcome to 2016! wasn’t one particular day that was recorded record high temperatures If it were just the temperature partly blamed on El Nino, the slight Before we forget hot, but whole weeks that were for December, including Albany in that was aff ected, the mild weather warming of the surface waters of about 2015, it’s worth far warmer than usual. When the New York which reached 22C (72F), would have simply been a talking the Pacifi c Ocean. This is known mentioning how warm average temperatures for the whole and Burlington in Vermont, which point. The trouble is that unusual to have a dramatic eff ect on the Hit was. We didn’t really notice much month are calculated, it is expected climbed to 20C (68F). Albany’s conditions in one part of the weather around the world, and of a change in Qatar, but globally that there will be reams of new December average is 2C, and world often impacts the weather the current El Nino is one of the the temperatures were higher than records. Burlington’s is 0.7C. elsewhere. strongest on record. The change in ever. Many parts of the world saw Even Moscow, which would New York City’s weather was In Europe, the mild weather the ocean is believed to be having the temperatures a few fractions of expect to be in the grip of a deep equally balmy. I’ve been to New brought a succession of storms to a large infl uence on the strange a degree warmer than average, but freeze with an average daytime York in December with a group of the northwest. The British Isles weather that is being seen in in some places the weather went high of -3.5C, was snow free. This friends and it was bitterly cold. To were repeatedly been lashed by various parts of the globe. positively bonkers: winter seemed didn’t only confuse the locals, this day, my friend swears he got storms, with one storm delivering El Nino is also known to pump to forget about Europe and eastern but also nature, with snowdrops frostbite on his legs through his the highest ever 24 hour rainfall extra heat into the atmosphere. parts of the US. in full bloom and buds appearing jeans. While I don’t entirely believe total of 341.4mm (13.4 inches). This means that the global At this time of year, people in on the rhododendrons. Now the him, it does give you an idea of how Parts of Cumbria were fl ooded temperature is often higher during many parts of Europe would expect deep freeze has fi nally arrived, it’s cold it was. In 2015, however, the three times in less than three weeks. an El Nino event. However, ocean to be wearing their warmest clothes worried that the sudden change in city climbed to 22C (72F), and you Meanwhile in North America, circulations cannot be used to and traipsing through thick snow weather could kill the plants. certainly wouldn’t get frostbite in the mild air in the east reacted explain away all the warmth of the to get to work. If they have a spare The warmth was welcomed that weather! Joggers were spotted violently with the cold air across year. 2015 was the warmest year weekend, they may take a trip to by some people in Europe, who around the city in shorts and the rest of the continent. This led on record, and the climate is still the slopes to enjoy a spot of skiing. tire of the endless winter snow, t-shirts. It certainly wasn’t feeling to several rounds of severe weather, changing. Except at the end of 2015, it felt but the skiers were certainly not like winter. which battered the Mississippi more like spring. too impressed. In many of the ski Just like Europe, it’s wasn’t just Valley with torrential rain, gusty (The author is Senior Weather Many places saw surprisingly resorts the only snow available was the individual high temperatures winds, damaging hail and even Presenter at Al Jazeera English mild weather, with a number of artifi cial snow on the runs. The rest which were surprising in North some tornadoes. One of these channel. She can be contacted on locations reporting their highest of the mountains were still bright America, but the length of time tornadoes was on the ground for steff [email protected] ever December temperatures. green. that the warmth has lasted. New over 160 kilometres (100 miles), or on Twitter at @WeatherSteff ) Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Singaporean ambassador becomes new chairman of ASEAN Group Qatar

The chairmanship of ASEAN Group Qatar was handed over by Indonesian ambassador Deddy bringing their communities closer together. Saiful Hadi to the Singaporean ambassador Wong Kwok Pun in a simple ceremony recently. Ambassador Hadi said that the Gulf states and especially Qatar can benefit from the “unlimited Ambassador Pun will be the chairman of the group through 2016. Present on the occasion resources available in Asean states. Since the change in tariff policy, the region is very attractive to were ambassadors of Asean member states: Philippines, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, along traders.” with their spouses. Other distinguished guests at the event included ambassadors of Palestine, Ambassador Pun, in his speech, thanked his fellow ambassadors for their confidence and trust in Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom, The event was organised at the residence of the him, by handing over responsibilities of the group to him for 2016. “Going forward, we are going to ambassador of Indonesia, where the guests were served with traditional Indonesian cuisine. build close economic relations with the local business community. We have already decided and In his speech, ambassador Hadi thanked his fellow ambassadors for their support and full signed to build Asean Economic Community. It will improve gradually, and we will watch how our co-operation during his tenure. Ambassador Hadi praised the role that their spouses played in trade relations develop with the Qatari business community,” he said.

MES Indian School wins CBSE National Athletic Meet

The athletic team of MES Indian School won the overall championship at the 20th CBSE National 16 and 19. They won a total of 17 medals — six gold, 10 silver and 1 bronze — and finished at the top Athletic Meet held at N.H. Goel World School, Raipur, India December 26 to 30. About 2,400 of the table with 57 points. Ahmed Khalid set a new meet record in the Under 16 High Jump by athletes went through the qualification process to compete in the tournament. MES says it has clearing 1.95 metres (the previous record was set in 2010). Other notable members of the squad become the first Indian school in the Gulf region to win the national championship for the second were Farhan Ottakath, Ahmed Hashir Farraz, Mohd Arshad, Owaiz Nasrulla, Nayaf Rahman, Mohd time. The MES team consisted of 18 boys, who participated in various events under categories 14, Azam, Avinash P, Misnad Muneer, and Mohd Harshad. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY

SIS holds its 16th Annual Sports Day

The Shantiniketan Indian School celebrated its 16th Annual Sports Day at Al Arabi Stadium Ahmed Abdul Rahman (Sub Junior Boys), Sadia Anwar (Junior Girls), Mohammad Ashraf reently. K C Abdul Lateef, the president of the SIS management committee, was the chief (Junior Boys), Fathima Sana (Intermediate Girls), Ziyaullah Ashfaq (Intermediate Boys), guest. Red House emerged the overall winners. Noor Mohammed (Kiddies Montessori Rahana Mohammed (Pre-Senior Girls), Touseef Ahmed (Pre-Senior Boys), Shana Arif (Senior Girls), Ahmed Eshar (Kiddies Montessori Boys), Juweria (Kiddies Girls), Rifaz (Kiddies Boys), Girls) and Fayis Musthafa (Senior Boys) emerged as individual champions in their respective Hawazeen (Mini Junior Girls), Ahmed Saber (Mini Junior Boys), Iqra Fowzia (Sub Junior Girls), categories.

DPS-Modern Indian School holds its second alumni meet

DPS-Modern Indian School recently organised its 2nd Alumni Meet, with about 120 people attending. Members of the management and the principal interacted with the alumni. The alumni also shared their experiences with the existing Grade XII students at the meet. Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 OFFBEAT COMMUNITY Cutting hair with sabres

By Emilio Rappold

lberto Olmedo is not a hairdresser for the faint of heart: he likes to use a sword to cut his customers’ hair. ASometimes two at once. Olga, who’s come to his salon for the fi rst time, gives a nervous little sigh as she spies the 80-centimetre-long blade fl ash past her head a little too close for comfort. But when Olmedo’s fi nished she looks very happy with her refl ection in the mirror. “That looks great!” she says, as onlookers give a round of applause. Olmedo has been perfecting his martial-hairdressing technique at his salon in the southwest working-class Madrid district of Carabanchel for the past 11 years. As well as sabres and swords, he also uses fi re, six pairs of scissors at a time, and a set of claw-like scissors which fi t on his fi ngers and are somewhat reminiscent of the title role in Tim Burton’s cult fi lm Edward Scissorhands. Until now his fame has been limited to Madrid, and possibly neighbouring cities, thanks to word of mouth and the passers-by who often stop to stare speechless through the salon window. But recently the 51-year-old became famous almost overnight, after a video by AJ+, Al Jazeera’s digital channel, was posted to Facebook. It was clicked on 100 million times in the fi rst 24 hours. A German TV channel then fl ew the long-haired hairdresser to THE ARTIST: Alberto Olmedo, 51, layers customer Olga’s hair with a sword in his Madrid salon. The Spanish stylist prefers swords to scissors to cut hair — Germany to test out his unusual sometimes one, sometimes two at once, kneeling on the ground as he brandishes them. methods. His guinea pig for the broadcast showing off the 29-year-old’s open to new experiences. on both sides and give fi ne hair “I had a fl ash of inspiration at was a model, Sarah Knappik. business card. Journalists from all over the volume, he declares. the end of the 1980s. You have to “She was ‘sceptical’ at fi rst, The Germans are perhaps more world are still beating a path to Olmedo also uses a blowtorch as always use your head at work and but by the end she was really reserved than the Spanish, he Olmedo’s salon. part of his repertoire — he says it try new things,” he says. enthusiastic,” says Olmedo, thinks, but also perhaps more “It’s crazy,” says Olmedo, who makes the hair stronger. But as with so many things, the was born in France to Spanish “What do you think my new start wasn’t easy. Before Olmedo parents. customers’ faces look like when had his own salon, no one wanted The list of news organisations I say that after my haircut with to give him a chance. who have come to interview him a fl ame heated to 1,300 degrees “Colleagues criticised me, would make a Hollywood star Celsius they won’t need to laughed at me as a ‘madman,’ and envious. brush or style their hair for four cursed me,” he says. “I’ve already spoken to the BBC months?” he asks. They also shut the door in his and newspaper reporters from all The women in his salon face at hairdressing competitions over the world. Tomorrow there’s listening to the interview voice and seminars. a team coming from the Brazilian their approval loudly. And some of his fellow television station Globo, the US Olmedo loves the attention he’s hairdressers remain sceptical. One channel Univision has invited me been receiving. hairdresser working in central to Miami and [US television host] “I’m getting calls from all over Madrid wrinkles his nose as he Conan O’Brien wants to talk to me the world, and not just from the watches the video of Olmedo at too.” media but also from colleagues work. “Back to the roots:” that’s who want to try something “I don’t know,” he says with a Olmedo’s motto. “I use quite diff erent.” laugh. primitive, almost medieval tools,” The Spaniard also has some “Of course my colleagues who he says. trainees, and one former employee use traditional techniques are As for his cutting technique, it’s has now opened another salon in worried that they’ll lose business,” rather 17th century. Carabanchel. says Olmedo. “But nobody can “Scissors aren’t bad. The “That was a few weeks ago and stop us now!” problem is that there’s a lot of she’s already really successful,” he He’s not keen to move to things you can’t do with scissors,” says. Hollywood, Paris or New York he says. But how did he get started in the however. “I’m a boy from Olmedo trims a customer’s hair with two sabres. Only swords can cut hair evenly fi rst place? Carabanchel,” he says. —DPA 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY OFFB Hen-house shelters world Star Wars memorabilia co

THE COLLECTOR: Seventy-year-old Steve Sansweet, centre, describes his collection in a warehouse at the Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, California. The world’s largest Star Wars collection, it is located on a converted chicken farm.

Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. all around the world, made by fans A Jawa action fi gure dating to 1978 Room and a hall with artworks and By Barbara Munker Sansweet — who greets his fans or the George Lucas empire, fi shed bought back then for 45 dollars is props. wearing a T-shirt with the word out of rubbish bins or acquired at now worth thousands of dollars. And all of it housed in a gigantic “Trööpermeister” written on it, collectors’ auctions for eye-watering There are also Star Wars school former hen-house. s you approach the a combination of Stormtrooper sums. bags sporting the words “Made It was 1977 and Sansweet was 31 former chicken farm in and the German schnapps brand The Force is with the master in Germany,” an R2D2 fridge from when he was fi rst gripped by Star Petaluma, California, Jägermeister — cheerfully admits collector when he takes small fan Japan, Jar Jar Binks lollipops, Darth Wars fever. there’s no indication that he’s completely obsessed with groups on three- to four-hour-long Vader costumes, light sabres and “It’s not just a movie. It has a it’s home to the world’s Star Wars. tours of his not-for-profi t museum. Yoda porcelain dolls. special meaning. It’s a major part of Alargest Star War memorabilia The Guinness Book of Records He tells anecdotes and insider The tour continues through popular culture. You can criticise collection. backed that up in 2013. With more stories and recounts facts without a bathroom with Star Wars the movies and you can criticise The Promised Land for Star Wars than 90,000 catalogued items of pausing for breath. toothbrushes, and “Storm Pooper” the acting and the dialogues, but fans, run by 70-year-old Steve memorabilia, Sansweet has the Stopping at one glass display case, toilet paper and a library with obviously it has something that has Sansweet, lies just an hour’s drive largest collection on this planet, he points out something “extremely thousands of books in 34 languages resonated with millions and millions north of San Francisco. they certifi ed. rare.” including Mongolian and the braille of men and women,” he says. There’s no sign at the entrance But that’s a huge underestimation “Here is a piece of the actual alphabet. Sansweet himself has His fi rst collectors’ item was an to Rancho Obi-Wan, but fans know protests Sansweet, who reckons Millennium Falcon from the set of written 17 of the Star Wars books. advertising fl ier for the fi lm, which immediately they’re in the right he’s got around 350,000 objects on The Empire Strikes Back,” he says, The next door leads into an he picked out of a rubbish bin at the place: the metal gates at the entrance his shelves: action fi gurines, props, adding that there’s only ten bits left enormous storeroom with groaning Los Angeles offi ce of the Wall Street are adorned with the face of Jedi posters, costumes and toys from of the legendary starship. shelves. Then there’s a Treasure Journal. Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 BEAT COMMUNITY d’s largest ollection

PICTURE TIME: Connor Brooks, 11, and his parents Amy and Craig Brooks, line up for a selfie with a Jabba the Hutt statue at the Rancho Obi-Wan. ON DISPLAY: Merchandise figures shelved at the Rancho Obi-Wan.

BRIEFING: Sansweet describes his collection to four visitors.

Sansweet holds up original Star Wars cover art.

Sansweet worked for the release, including becoming the in line with others and to sharing newspaper for years before making fastest movie to rake in 1 billion their experience with the next his hobby his profession. dollars — in just 12 days. generation.” In 1996 he moved to north Connor Brooks, 11, has come to see He believes the fi lms have an California and was hired as the museum with his parents — it’s almost mythical attraction for most marketing director and head of fan “totally cool,” he says, adding that he fans. “It’s about the characters, relations for Lucasfi lm, working fi rst got into the fi lms when he was the good versus evil, the confl ict closely for 15 years with Star Wars just 3 years old. between father and son, the humour creator George Lucas. His favourite character is Darth and the visual eff ects,” he adds. And naturally he already has a Vader and he has already decided to And there’s no end in sight to “the piece of memorabilia from the latest name his next dog Vader. Force” and the fi lms’ legions of fans, addition to the Star Wars franchise, “It’s amazing, there are so many who fl ood to Sansweet’s museum. The Force Awakens — a peaked cap hardcore fans,” says Sansweet. “It’s His private tours, two a month from the set signed by director J J the fi rst movie that they saw or on average, get booked out quickly, Abrams and actors Harrison Ford remember seeing in the theatres though he’s still waiting for one and Mark Hamill. with their parents.” particular special guest. The seventh fi lm in the series “That sense of community is “George [Lucas] has been invited. A collection of Star Wars toothbrushes at the Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, broke all kinds of records on its vital. They look forward to waiting He will come one day.” —DPA California. 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY LITERATURE Booktubers use YouTube to laud favourite reads

ALL SET: Andrea Kossmann ready to talk books in front of a video-camera at her home in Marl, Germany.

channels, many of them aimed at purchases to the world. winners, but who’s to judge what’s vendor that pays a commission By Sandra Trauner young-adult readers. Big names Or the vlogger, usually not old top or a fl op in the reading fare of for every book ordered. Plus they include Christine Riccio of the enough to vote, will point the the masses — history tomes, fantasy get a share of the revenues from United States (a quarter million camera at her bedroom bookshelf fi ction, pulp page-turners, etc.? advertising on the channel. hen Andrea subscribers) and Catriona “Little and say something like, “I haven’t This niche is occupied — not with “It won’t make you rich, but that Kossmann does a Book Owl” of Australia. read this yet, but it’s got such a astute analysis but with gut feeling was never my intention,” Kossmann video blog about The proud land of Gutenberg pretty pink cover. It’s a really cute — by BookTubers, whose onscreen remarked. a sad book she’s doesn’t yet have anyone boasting book.” likeability and head-waving trumps She said she spent about 10 hours just read, she often their scale of fame. A critique on the order of “super their academic qualifi cations. a month on her videos and usually Wstarts crying. Industry insiders put the current funny” is comparatively profound. Frank Krings, the Frankfurt shot them for books she really liked. The 46-year-old clerk — whose number of German BookTubers A German BookTuber called Book Fair’s spokesman for social Some of her reviews are video-less. big black-rimmed eyeglasses and at “over three fi gures.” German- Christelle recently defended her media, said publishers were keenly “In a video I can better get across punky quiff give her the look of a language “stars” like Peachgalore colleagues against accusations of interested in YouTube because it my enthusiasm and show more librarian you could have fun with — have around 70,000 subscribers. superfi ciality. “immediately has high penetration emotion. BookTube shouldn’t be talks on YouTube about books that Most BookTubers don’t hold No one should expect lofty and reaches target groups stiff as a poker. Who wants to see grab her. forth solely on books, but revolve literary criticism on YouTube, she inaccessible through conventional prim and proper YouTube people She has already uploaded about the conversation around the three said, noting that she didn’t turn marketing instruments.” on the screen at home and maybe 250 book reviews on the US-based C’s: cosmetics, cooking and cats. to book-review sections of august Penguin Random House, the be bored to death by them?” video-sharing website, attracting a Books are often an afterthought. weekly or daily newspapers when New York City-based and Anglo- Kossmann said, adding that she total of some 2.5 million views. Some of the vlogs are she wanted a book tip — she asked German-owned giant of global neither edited her videos nor reshot When she started her channel just embarrassing to watch. her best girlfriend. trade publishing, has set up an them, because, as she put it, “I Kossis Welt (“Kossi’s World”) Occasionally a teen will brightly The kind of books discussed internet portal at its German unit want to be authentic.” in 2009, she was one of the fi rst hold a newly acquired book up to by professional critics are too to attract people who blog about She’s not averse to a personal Germans to BookTube, joining a the camera — still sealed in plastic demanding for her, said Christelle, books or audio-books. makeover, though. vibrant community of people on wrapping and unread. This kind who professed, “When I read, I “(YouTube) has defi nitely got to Older videos show her with ho- YouTube who “vlog,” or video- of literary presentation is known want to relax and have fun.” be taken seriously,” Krings said. hum eyeglasses, a fl eshy face and blog, about books. as a “book haul,” a subform of the Newspapers of record review Some BookTubers earn money by droopy hairdo. Like a librarian you Search YouTube for “BookTube” haul video in which young women the works of Nobel Literature Prize reviewing. Their channel has a “buy couldn’t have had any fun with. and you’ll be off ered nearly 6,000 exhibit their latest fashion or food contenders and Pulitzer Prize button” hyperlinked to an online —DPA Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Land Ahoy!

COPLAND IRELAND OVERLAND ENGLAND ISLAND POLAND FINLAND JUTLAND PORTLAND GARLAND LAPLAND SCOTLAND GREENLAND LOWLAND THAILAND HOLLAND MARYLAND WETLAND HOMELAND MIDLAND ZETLAND ICELAND OAKLAND Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

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

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 3. Infancy (9) 1. Quirk (9) 8. Similar (4) 2. Tiny (9) 9. Bewilder (9) 4. Principal (4) 10. Tacked (6) 5. The Scales (5) 11. Tag (5) 6. Horn (6) 14. Proportion (5) 7. Leer (4) 15. Frost (4) 9. Broom (5) 16. Less (5) 11. Spear (5) 18. Foam (4) 12. Large car (9) 20. Lax (5) 13. Accused (9) 21. Eat away (5) 17. Mire (5) 24. Entertained (6) 19. Economic (6) 25. Ridiculous (9) 22. Midget (5) 26. Soon (4) 23. Diminish (4) 27. Sea creature (9) 24. Charity (4) Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 3. Head-hunt Raquel, possibly, in being a 1. Smart Den, a properly organised business clown (9) person (9) 8. Tie up on return to dwelling (4) 2. Commas, sir, are official in Russia (9) 9. I’d check a possible eastern singer (9) 4. Long one outside the hotel (4) 10. Bird in red, confused and coy (6) 5. Handy place to get a drink? (5) 11. Record backing out of order on this 6. Liquid measurements, we hear, used to planet (5) make mineral (6) Yesterday’s Solutions 14. She’s from South America, where the sun 7. Teams losing direction in the middle of the comes out (5) month (4) QUICK CRYPTIC 15. African toilet for animals, by the sound 9. On entering, weep for a friend (5) Across: 1 Soft; 3 Academic; 8 Awry; 9 Across: 1 Word; 3 Stranger; 8 Toga; 9 Merchant; of it (4) 11. Make cuts where fruit is concerned (5) Surmount; 11 Bloodthirsty; 13 Rescue; 14 Elapse; 11 Humanitarian; 13 Lentil; 14 Stupor; 17 16. Second person no good for baby (5) 12. But our men appear to exceed quantity (9) 18. Don’t allow a come-back for a horse (4) 13. House Rita built with permit (9) 17 Brainwashing; 20 Massacre; 21 Lair; 22 Smallholding; 20 Retrieve; 21 Gaga; 22 Struggle; 20. Send off without a meal (5) 17. Look angry when lager is spilt (5) Wanderer; 23 Levy. 23 Kent. 21. Wake up to an alcoholic drink (5) 19. Robert, head bandsman at the French Down: 1 Scabbard; 2 Furious; 4 Caught; 5 Down: 1 Withhold; 2 Regimen; 4 Treaty; 5 24. Have the edge in each base (6) ball (6) Demoralise; 6 Mount; 7 Cute; 10 Adjudicate; Accurately; 6 Ghana; 7 Rota; 10 Unyielding; 12 25. Being first to blame zoo characters and 22. Cry when it’s one’s turn to buy a drink? (5) cheat (9) 23. Force me to embrace a royal (4) 12 Beggarly; 15 Private; 16 Swerve; 18 Risen; 19 Braggart; 15 Private; 16 Shovel; 18 Motor; 19 26. Pickle found in officers’ quarters (4) 24. Not difficult for one to leave scheme (4) Smew. Urns. 27. Salesman taking in for a second time? (9) 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Winter tree trimming: why the season of white is a great time to think green

s your winter tree maintenance thanks to their lack of foliage. Branches should limited to trimming the Christmas be cut just above the branch collar — the space tree? If so, you’re missing out on where the limb and the tree come together. one of the season’s most important This area of the tree is rich in anti-microbial home projects. Many homeowners chemicals to help the tree heal from the Ipay little attention to their trees and bushes pruning without suff ering decay. Clippers can once colder weather arrives, but seasonal be used to trim smaller branches, but for larger maintenance done during these months can sections or dying plants. be incredibly beneficial, not only for the plant but for you as well. Fruit trees So grab your tools and your gloves Similar to their hardwood cousin, winter because it’s time to get started on your is also a great time to prune fruit trees. Each winter tree pruning. species of fruit tree has special considerations you must take into account, however, so Why is winter tree pruning important? research your species before pruning. Once Think of winter tree pruning as a head you’re fi nished, your eff orts will be rewarded start. Pruning trees and shrubs during the in the spring with larger, more delicious fruit. dormant cycle ensures they will have a full growing season when spring arrives. When do you start pruning? In addition to the longer growing season, Branches that pose a falling risk should winter is also a good time to prune because be handled immediately, but if you want to colder temperatures reduce the maximise the spring growing season, late risk of disease or pests attacking winter is the time to prune. Start your project the plant. with the right tools and you’ll support fuller, Finally, pruning your trees during winter What trees or shrubs should you prune them into three easy-to-remember healthier plant growth during the spring, is also an easy way to protect your home during the winter? groups: giving you another great reason to say goodbye from dying or diseased branches that may There are several species of trees or to winter. pose a falling risk. This is especially true in shrubs that can be pruned during the Hardwood trees regions where heavy snowfall is common. winter months, but you can categoride Pruning hardwood trees in the winter is easy ©Brandpoint

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

Uranus the planet of the unexpected has moved direct in your sign If you don’t want to do something, say so today bulls. Unfortunately, There isn’t much you can do about something that doesn’t seem to and with it comes a lot of fun things and opportunities to do diff erent being a people pleaser is something many of you strive for. Right want to go right for you at this time Gemini’s. Mercury your ruler is a things. With Venus in Sagittarius, there is no stopping you today. now however, it’s every man/woman for herself or himself. day away from going out of phase in Aquarius for 4 days. You have to sit January out pretty much.

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

There is no harm in being a bit self–centered today and going after Are you sure you want to gone down that road again today Leos? If you don’t want something to happen, then get to work on stopping something you really want. Over the next few weeks Mercury the Sometimes the safest route is the easiest but it’s not going to get you it ASAP Virgos. Mercury the communicator and your ruler is getting planet of clear thinking and communication goes out of phase and anywhere diff erent. ready to go out of phase January 4 — Jan 25. things won’t go right at all.

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

Be aware of what you say and do today Librans. You’re known for Money and how you spend it, share it and save it is on your mind Jupiter your ruler and the planet of lucky breaks and opportunity is being the sign of balance and harmony and right now that’s exactly with Venus the planet of money and love in your second house of going out of phase as well this week — hot on the heels of Mercury what’s needed. self–esteem and cash flow. Whatever you do, don’t get online and retrograde. In your tenth house of career, you won’t have as much start ordering! luck as you have had in the past few months.

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

Mars, the planet of energy and passion spends time in your 11th Getting your wires crossed will be easier than ever with Mercury Don’t let someone down today — even if it means you have to go house of hopes, wishes and friendship and through March 7. If you going out of phase tomorrow in your sign. Do whatever you need to out of your way and do something you don’t particularly want to do meet someone energertic and fun, great! You need to spice things do to get ahead of Mercury retrograde and then sit it out until later Pisces. up abit. in the month. Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 COMMUNITY I have not faced any problem with censor board: Bhansali

ilmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who made kind with me. I have had a good experience with his directorial debut with Khamoshi: The them,” he added. Musical in 1996, says his experience with Bhansali, who is enjoying the success of his latest the Central Board of Film Certifi cation has fi lm Bajirao Masatani, said many people thought that been great so far. the fi lm is “jinxed”. F“No, I have not faced any problem with the censor “They said it will never happen. But the script was board. When they see your intention and purity of so powerful that I said to myself that I have to make work, they understand. I never had a bad experience,” this fi lm. In these 12 years, I have been reviving this Bhansali told IANS. project. I kept praying that it should happen. I knew “Certain norms are being followed which takes that at some point of time I would make the fi lm,” he away the cinematic purity of the moment, but I have said about the , Deepika Padukone and GOOD EXPERIENCE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali been very fortunate that the censor board has been Priyanka Chopra-starrer. — IANS

Someday, I’ll make Madhur Bhandarkar, who directed Kumar Sanu to enthrall Madamji: Chopra Priyanka for her National Award fans with live show winning role in Fashion. Actress Priyanka Chopra, who As of now, she is riding high on Singer Kumar Sanu, who has was excited to turn producer with the plaudits earned for Bajirao regaled music lovers for over her ambitious project Madamji, Mastani, in which she has played three decades with his distinct says she will make the movie Kashibai, Bajirao’s wife. style of singing, will perform live someday. Priyanka says she fi nds no in next month. He will Asked about the status of competition in the fi lm industry. take to stage at the Dublin Square, Madamji, she said: “Madamji is “I don’t have time to see Phoenix Marketcity Kurla, on the on hold and this fi lm is very close others’ career. I’m setting my evening of January 9 next year. to my heart. For this fi lm, I have to own milestone. I am thankful to At the concert, Sanu promises give 70 days for shoot but since my fi lmmakers who write characters to mesmerise the audience with show (Quantico) got extended, I for me,” said the actress, for whom several popular Bollywood hits, couldn’t do it. Hopefully, someday I 2015 turned out to be immensely read a statement. The singer will make it. But right now I am not successful with an international has won Filmfare Awards for doing it.” project like Quantico coming her five consecutive years and has The project is to be directed by way. — IANS also been bestowed with the Padma Shri in recognition of his achievements. Tickets to the show begin at Rs.300 onwards. Sanu has given voice to songs like Tum dil ki, Dil ne yeh kaha hai dil se, Jeeye toh jeeya kaise, Dil kya kare, Is tarah aashiqui ka, Dil COMIC TOUCH: Kapil Sharma mera churaya kyun and more. His last Bollywood track was for the Kapil Sharma to host 22nd meetings and has been going film Dum Laga ke Haisha, starring Star Screen Awards through a lot of scripts of late. The Ayushmann Khurana and Bhumi comedian is not leaving anything Pednekar. — IANS Kapil Sharma will infuse a untouched to make his act as the comical element into the upcoming host one of the most memorable 22nd Annual Star Screen Awards as one. In fact, Kapil is trying to re- Jaya, Shweta its host. For the past three years, the tune his patent style of comedy and applaud Big B’s Wazir event was anchored by superstar is working on something new and . fresh,” said a source. Megastar , Viewers will get to see Kapil The 22nd Annual Star Screen who will be seen as a paralysed stepping into the shoes of the Awards, which will honour the chess grandmaster in the Dilwale actor while bringing in best of fi lms and fi lm talent from forthcoming action thriller Wazir, his own “fresh” style to increase Bollywood, will take place in the has received a thumbs up from his the entertainment quotient of the fi rst week of the New Year. The wife Jaya and his daughter Shweta event. show will be aired in the last week for the fi lm. DREAM PROJECT: Priyanka Chopra “He (Kapil) has been attending of January on Star Plus. – IANS While fi lmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who is co-producing the Bejoy Nambiar directorial, along to recreate with Rajkumar Hirani hosted a 's O Kadhal ... screening of the fi lm for the entire cast, another special screening Filmmaker Karan Johar has joined hands with Mani was held for Bachchans on Ratnam to present the yet-untitled Hindi remake of Thursday. Tamil hit . Amitabh attended the screening “Honoured to collaborate with Mani Ratnam on the along with Jaya and Shweta. recreation of his labour of love....directed by Shaad Later on, he sent a text message Ali,” Karan posted on his Twitter page last week. to Chopra saying his family “Mani Ratnam ...Gulzar saab ... A R Rahman ... has applauded the fi lm, read a Shaad and us present and Shraddha statement. Kapoor in the offi cial recreation of #okkanmani,” he “Sir ji, family was clapping after added. the fi lm ended. Such things don’t The remake will be directed by , an happen much from their side,” erstwhile assistant of Ratnam, who had previously read the message. remade his in Hindi as Saathiya. Wazir, which is slated to release The fi lm will have music by A R Rahman, who had on January 8, also stars Farhan also worked on the original and will feature lyrics by Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Neil Gulzar. O Kadhal Kanmani, which marked Ratnam’s Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham. comeback to romance genre after a decade, was a — IANS fresh take on modern-day relationships. — IANS GRAND VENTURE: Karan Johar, left, and Mani Ratnam. 18 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD The man & his cinema Touring Martin Scorsese retrospective mixes the personal and the professional

By David Ng

ith its picturesque boulevards and scenic views of the Seine River, this city’s 12th arrondissement feels like Wa universe away from the grungy mean streets of New York where Travis Bickle, Jake LaMotta and Henry Hill waged their earthly and spiritual battles. But it’s here at the Cinematheque Francaise where the films of Martin Scorsese have taken up residence in an unprecedented scholarly exhibition of the director’s work. Occupying an entire floor of the Cinematheque’s Frank Gehry-designed headquarters, the exhibition — simply titled ‘Scorsese’ — is a curated cornucopia designed to satisfy the director’s die-hard admirers and casual fans alike. The exhibition has been hard to miss in Paris, where heavy promotion throughout the city has included gargantuan ads in certain subway and train stations. Rather than taking a chronological approach, the show unfolds through a series of broadly themed chapters such as Italian American family life, brotherhood and New York. The exhibition mixes the personal and professional, creating a space where Scorsese’s filmography and biography merge into one. A sampling of personal effects includes the dining table from the Scorsese family’s apartment in Little Italy; storyboards for the climactic blood bath in Taxi Driver; intimate snapshots showing the filmmaker with his daughters on the sets of movies; and a silver automaton from Hugo. But capturing the restless, confrontational energy of Scorsese’s movies MAKING AN APPEARANCE: Director Martin Scorsese arrives to a public press event at the French Cinematheque to promote the Martin Scorcese required more than just assembling static Retrospective in Paris, France. items from the filmmaker’s archives. “It’s difficult to do an exhibition on pursuit between Leonardo DiCaprio and would ask if “we could put this storyboard the Scorsese show, which ends in mid- Martin Scorsese,” said Serge Toubiana, Matt Damon with the punishing fight in into that chapter of the show or if this February. the Cinematheque ‘s director, in his office Raging Bull between De Niro’s LaMotta and photo would fit on that wall,” said Jaspers Its record holder is the Tim Burton overlooking the city. That’s because Johnny Barnes’ Sugar Ray Robinson. via email. exhibition from New York’s Museum of the essence of his films resides in his “The editing is in his mind before he The Paris version features a substantially Modern Art that drew about 350,000 compositions and kinetic editing style, he shoots,” said Matthieu Orlean, an artistic different layout, with an emphasis on visitors during a five-month run in 2012. explained. collaborator at the Cinematheque, who low lighting and neon signs to evoke the For fans, the Scorsese exhibition can be a “In order to understand these personal helped to organise the show. He said urban world of the director’s most notable trove of unexpected revelations, especially items, you first have to have the jolt of Scorsese’s body of work is marked by “the movies. when it comes to his short films. cinema. ... He’s a truly visual artist.” reoccurrence of different themes.” The Scorsese, who wasn’t available for His early short The Big Shave, in which a The Cinematheque ‘s exhibition is Cinematheque devotes an entire section comment, attended the Paris opening of the man’s morning ritual devolves into a bloody populated with screens of varying sizes, to the image of crucifixions in Scorsese’s exhibition in October, a glitzy event that mess, is on view, as is his more recent The each rolling clips that range from the iconic movies. (The director was raised a Catholic drew French President Francois Hollande. Key to Reserva, a commercial that takes the (Bickle’s You talkin to me?) to the more and once aspired to the priesthood.) The show’s organisers in Paris and Berlin form of a multilayered homage to Alfred obscure (the ethereal climax to Kundun). The retrospective originated in said the US debut will take place in New Hitchcock. One screen explores the way Scorsese a different format at the Deutsche York at the Museum of the Moving Image, Many items are easy to overlook: the depicts women in a masculine world. A Kinemathek in Berlin, where it debuted in located in the borough of Queens, where Palme d’Or that Scorsese won for Taxi vicious, fight between Sharon Stone and 2013 before travelling to Turin, Italy, and Scorsese was born in 1942. They said the Driver at the Cannes Film Festival; a letter Robert De Niro in Casino is contrasted with Ghent, Belgium, before coming to Paris. opening is set for December 2016, although from a Baptist clergyman praising The Last a clandestine kiss between Daniel Day- Organisers in Berlin initially approached a spokeswoman for the museum said she Temptation of Christ; and a fan letter from Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer in The Age of Scorsese about doing an exhibition devoted could not confirm details at this time. filmmaker Alain Resnais extolling Kundun. Innocence. to storyboards and later widened their Attendance for ‘Scorsese’ in Paris has The retrospective also provides a peek An area near the end of the exhibition request to other items in his personal been strong, organisers said, but the ahead: Spread throughout the exhibition delves into Scorsese’s innovative use of collection. “That took him a while to come exhibition suffered a setback following are a few photos from the set of Silence, his pop music, with clips spotlighting his to a decision,” recalled Kristina Jaspers, the Nov 13 terrorist attacks. Like virtually long-planned adaptation of the Shusaku long association with the Rolling Stones. a curator at the Deutsche Kinemathek, all of the cultural institutions in Paris, the Endo novel about Catholic priests facing The Departed — Scorsese’s sole Academy who created the exhibition along with Nils Cinematheque closed for a few days. It said persecution in 17th century Japan. Award win — gets prominent placement in Warnecke. attendance still hasn’t returned to pre-Nov Silence, starring Andrew Garfield and a section devoted to his collaboration with After he agreed, the director became 13 levels. Liam Neeson, is in post-production and longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker. involved in choosing items for the show, The Cinematheque said it hopes to is expected to be released next year. — Los The installation alternates the Chinatown through his assistant Marianne Bower. He see close to 100,000 admissions for Angeles Times/TNS Sunday, January 3, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Model Kendall reveals she was hospitalised for exhaustion odel Kendall Jenner that I need to take better care of images were blurry, it seems that has revealed that myself,” she added. the two fi gures there were Kendall she was hospitalised The 20-year-old model also said and Styles. The Keeping Up with due to her tight that she is not a “big fan” of New the Kardashians star could be seen work schedule. Year resolutions. “I don’t write a wearing a black T-shirt while the InM the note titled “Not Quite list down or anything, it’s defi nitely One Direction singer appeared in a Resolutions, But...”, which she more of an in-my-head kind of white T-shirt and put his glasses on shared on her website, the “Keeping thing,” Kendall noted, before his head. Up with the Kardashians” reality jokingly adding, “I set random goals Some fans managed to take a star candidly revealed that the like ‘fi nd a boyfriend’ but it’s not photograph with the British singer. hospitalisation served as a “wake legit at all, lol.” They were all smiles striking a up call” for her, reports aceshowbiz. Jenner and British singer Harry pose next to Styles. com. Styles have reignited dating Twitter user @lilhaaiin “I just got so tired from work and rumours as they were photographed excitedly informed her followers life and everything that it freaked having dinner together at a that she sat next to the rumoured me out at the end of this year,” restaurant in the British island of couple at the restaurant. “I’m at Kendall shared in the note. Anguilla. a dinner with Kendall Jenner and “I actually had to go to the In some photographs obtained by Harry Styles are eating dinner hospital because I was so exhausted eonline.com, both of them sat side next to me this is not a drill,” read TIME TO SLOW DOWN? Kendall Jenner — it was defi nitely a wake up call by side at the restaurant. While the the tweet. — IANS

Duff doesn’t find marriage next day (in the tabloids) it was Dwayne Johnson important anymore like, ‘Hilary debuts post-baby ‘passed out’ aft er training bod!’ And I was like, ‘That’s not a Following her failed marriage to debut! That’s an errand!’,” she said. Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has jokingly estranged husband Mike Comrie, Back then, Duff didn’t think admitted that he “passed out” after striking a singer Hilary Duff has confessed the news reports were rude as pose for a post-workout photograph he shared that marriage is no longer she didn’t really pay attention to on Instagram. “Tonight we trained ‘the beefs’ important to her. them. aka legs. I passed out after we took this pic from “I don’t want to say I wouldn’t “It was such a happy time that holding my breath and trying to look cool #Iro get married again, but it’s not honestly I didn’t care; it wasn’t nParadise#ABeefyKindaJoint,” Johnson wrote important to me. I don’t feel I until later that I realised how alongside a photograph of him fl aunting his would need to be married to have mean and invasive it was,” she muscular thighs in a gym, reports aceshowbiz. another child,” Duff was quoted added. com. as saying by Redbook magazine, On another note, the actress- The Hercules actor wore a black workout gear reports aceshowbiz.com. singer also admits that she is and put a white towel on his shoulder. He gasped “If I felt strongly enough always faced with the dilemma as he looked at the camera. The post-workout toward someone or if someone of choosing between work and image came just a day after Johnson announced felt strongly about it, I might say family commitments. on the social media that he would make okay. But it’s not essential,” she “It’s hard to say that you really appearance at WWE fl agship event WrestleMania added. can have it all. I think you can to 32 in April. The So yesterday hitmaker also a certain degree, but fully loaded, The 43-year-old was seemingly very excited addressed “mean” reports about pedal-all-the-way-down is about his upcoming appearance at the wrestling her post-baby body after she gave tough,” Duff admitted. event. He also shared the good news to his fans on birth to her son Luca in 2012. “You’re missing out on Twitter. “After I had Luca, I went out to, something, either on the career “I can’t wait. We have a big and history making like, the breast-pump store — I or on the family. When I’m really night planned. And a fi stful of fun,” so he tweeted, was still huge — and I just had a busy with work, I feel extremely adding the hashtag “Electrifying.” – IANS comfortable outfi t on. And the guilty.” — IANS ONCE BITTEN: Hilary Duff

Tarantino sued over and antebellum South, the fi lm has Price has ‘healthy Django Unchained elements of spaghetti Westerns living’ plans for the and serves as a tribute to Sergio new year Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino Corbucci’s 1966 fi lm Django. and production banners the According to the lawsuit, the Former model Katie Price Weinstein Company and Corbins registered “Freedom” says in the new year, she will Columbia Pictures have been with the Writers Guild of focus on living in a healthy accused of copyright infringement America in 2004 and took it way. “I don’t exercise, but over their 2012 film Django into Creative Artists Agency in the New Year, I want to Unchained. and the William Morris Agency. turn over a new leaf. Kieran Tarantino and the distributors The Corbins also placed the (husband Kieran Hayler) were named as defendants in a script on Triggerstreet’s script is obviously a qualifi ed lawsuit filed on December 24 website. “There are a plethora of nutritionist and as a couple in federal court in Washington, similarities between ‘Freedom’ we want to get more into by Oscar Colvin, Jr and his son and Django Unchained, the suit healthy living,” femalefi rst. Torrrance J Colvin. asserts. “Defendants would call co.uk quoted Price as saying. The Colvins assert that the them coincidences, however, For New Year’s Eve, she’s defendants have infringed on the intentional use of our work planning a karaoke party. the copyright of their screenplay is neither an accident nor Asked about her New Year Freedom, citing what they allege coincidence,” the suit further plans, Price said: “We are extensive similarities to read. might have karaoke at the Tarantino’s Oscar-winning script Referring to the “Freedom” house, you know I like that. I for Django Unchained, reports script, the suit said, “Before might even have a couple of variety.com. Django Freeman, there was an martinis!” Price has children The fi lm starred Jamie Foxx, escaped slave named Jackson Harvey, 13, Junior, 10, and Christoph Waltz, Leonardo Freeman who desired to purchase Princess, eight, from previous DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and his family’s freedom from a relationships and Jett, two, Samuel L Jackson in lead roles. Set malevolent plantation owner.” — and Bunny, 16 months, with LEGAL TANGLE: Quentin Tarantino in the late 1850s in the Old West IANS Hayler. — IANS TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF: Katie Price 20 GULF TIMES Sunday, January 3, 2016 COMMUNITY QBX-Expo to provide unique forum for diverse businesses Slated to be held between January 10-12, the Doha event will facilitate engagement between private sector and industry leaders and is expected to bring together leading Qatari organisations. By Anand Holla

n the New Year, Qatar’s journey at emerging as the region’s premier destination for hosting top events seems to be getting only Ibetter. Opening the fl oodgates of an exciting calendar is a promising networking event for any organisation that’s interested in doing business in Qatar – the fi rst International Exhibition for Support Services and Business Solutions (QBX-Expo). From January 10 to 12 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, QBX-Expo, hosted by event organiser Sedeer Media, will be on from 10am to 9pm. By presenting an opportunity to connect ambitious companies with operators who can aid their development, the event seeks to play a key role “in establishing direct communication channels between supply and demand companies, and provide a unique PAVING THE WAY: Sedeer Media senior management team at the press conference in June 2015, when they announced the launch of the 1st Qatar meeting place – at a specifi c time, International Exhibition for Support Services and Business Solutions (QBX-EXPO). in a specifi c place – for these companies.” taking you through everything from of the most challenging aspects Business Modeling and Business attract talent. Ibrahim Badreddeen, Supported by the Ministry of advertising now and then, and how that he has faced and how he was Delivery in the Connected World. Country Manger, bayt.com, will Economy and Commerce, the event advertising has changed with the able to overcome them. Taking you through Business give a lowdown on how to prepare a will facilitate engagement between arrival of smart phones and tabs, Alexandru Christian, Assistant Model Innovation is Yasmeen CV to shine in 2016. private sector and industry leaders to mobile application development Director, Business Segmentation, Hasan, Entrepreneurship Manager While the above conferences and is expected to bring together and promoting your app. Ooredoo Qatar, will disprove the Bedaya Center, who will discuss and seminars would be held on more than 10,000 leading Qatari On the same day, Ivan Horniak, myths of business infrastructure in diff erent examples of winning January 11, January 12 boasts of an businesses and associations. Expert Solutions, ICT Business this conference, while highlighting business models and disruptive equally interesting schedule. In Recently, Khalifa al-Attiyah, Development, Ooredoo Qatar, some of the main benefi ts of the models in this workshop that his workshop for entrepreneurs, Managing Director, Sedeer Media, will hold an interactive seminar readily available ICT (Information promises to help you identify how Khader Ibrahim Sulyman, CEO – told Gulf Times, “QBX-Expo is Smart Life needs Smart Business and Communications Technology) innovative you are and how to Founder, The Changers, will equip the meeting place where Qatari Solutions to discuss and answer solutions on the market. increase your creativity to help your them with practical concepts companies can research, learn some of the crucial questions In Game On – New Business business. for using business solutions about, and invest in the latest about effi cient ways to utilise the Models for Reinventing your Nabeel Ashraf, Senior Regional in establishing pilot business business technologies. With latest technology to drive and build Enterprise, Michal Suchocki, VP Managing Partner of Prestige projects. prominent speakers, blue chip business. Sales of Connectivity Solutions Wealth Solutions, will talk on How Arch. Hamoda Youssff , Head exhibitors and a host of networking Khalifa Saleh al-Haroon, Cybercom, will help people to Make Money in a Falling Market, of Communications, Qatar Green opportunities, QBX-Expo’s primary founder, ILoveQatar, will share understand why they should while Ruya Tatli, HR Director, Building Council, will helm a aim is to enable local companies to his experience on setting up and connect their products/services Talent Acquisition Specialist, conference on an overview on the maintain their upward trajectory running a company in Qatar – from a business perspective. CHRO, will helm a seminar on world trending movement toward by linking them up with businesses within the digital and information Cybercom provides Advisory Social Recruiting; which is basically a more sustainability-responsible that off er support services and industry, while highlighting some Services and IoT Ecosystem for how to use social media to hire and business model, with a highlight business solutions, from advanced on the main guidelines and administrative methods to the recommendations for such market latest technologies.” transformation in Qatar. Attendees and exhibitors at QBX- While Nader Henein, Regional Expo will be drawn from sectors Director, Advanced Security such as government, marketing, Solutions – Advisory Division, human resources, technology, BlackBerry, will hold a session fi nance solutions, real estate, on The State of Communications telecommunications and tourism. Security in the Gulf, Shanmuga Here’s a quick look through Sundaram, BDM (Retail), Care N the conferences and seminars Cure, will speak on why is now the programme, just so you know what time to start using everything you you can’t aff ord to miss. know about each customer in order Shashi Parab, Director Media to deliver the perfect customer NX Pty Ltd, will talk about the experience. For registration details importance of mobile advertising and more information, check out and engaging your customers, Khalifa Saleh al-Haroon, founder, ILoveQatar Nader Henein Yasmeen Hasan www.qbx-expo.com.