Community Community The Embassy Hundreds of of India and dollars for a Indian Sports melon? It’s not P6Centre conduct a session P16 uncommon for Japanese on yoga and wellness for to fork out seemingly the Indian community in exorbitant prices just for Al Khor. one perfect fruit.

Monday, June 19, 2017 Ramadan 24, 1438 AH

DOHA 39°C—47°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Feet of clay, too COVER STORY Mogul, celebrity, philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has insecurities of her own. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.14am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.44am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.29pm Isha (night) 7.59pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Bodom generation. Now, a group of teenagers arrives at the same DIRECTION: Taneli Mustonen campsite, hoping to solve the murder by reconstructing it CAST: Mimosa Willamo, Nelly Hirst-Gee Santeri minute by minute. As night falls, turns out not all of them Helinheimo, Mikael Gabriel are there to play… Tonight… it’s girls against boys. Let the Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: Every camper’s worst nightmare came true killing games begin. Taking a real multiple homicide case as Worldwide Emergency Number 112 at Lake Bodom in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to its inspiration, Bodom is a Finnish slasher movie with enough Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 death while sleeping in their tent. As the years passed and the production gloss and narrative ingenuity to secure a UK Local Directory 180 case grew cold, the unsolved mystery turned into an urban premiere at the London Film Festival. International Calls Enquires 150 legend, a creepy campfi re story passed from generation to THEATRES: City Center, Villaggio, Novo Cinema 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

te Unqu Raabta form an inseparable connection. Until, Saira crosses paths uo ot DIRECTION: Dinesh Vijan with a reincarnated lover from a previous lifetime, who is Q Darkness e CAST: , , Sushant Singh determined to make her his lover again. cannot drive out Rajput darkness; only light can do SYNOPSIS: In 2017, Shiv and Saira fall for each other and THEATRES: Royal Plaza, The Mall that. Hate cannot drive out The Mall Cinema (1): Raabta Royal Plaza Cinema Palace hate; only love can do that. (Hindi) 9pm; Outlaws And (2): The Mummy (2D) 9:30pm; -Martin Luther King, Jr. Angels (2D) 12pm. Puthan Panam (Malayalam) The Mall Cinema (2): The The Mummy (2D) 9:30pm; 11:30pm. Mummy (2D) 9:30pm; The Outlaws And Angels (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Mummy (2D) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Palace (3): Puthan Panam The Mall Cinema (3): Landmark Cinema (3): (Malayalam) 9pm; Outlaws Puthan Panam (Malayalam) Voice From The Stone (2D) And Angels (2D) 11:30pm. Community Editor 9pm; Voice From The Stone 9:30pm; Puthan Panam Asian Town Cinema: Kamran Rehmat (2D) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Godha (Malayalam) 10:30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: Landmark Cinema (1): CIA: Comrade In America [email protected] (1): Raabta (Hindi) 9pm; Telephone: 44466405 Raabta (Hindi) 9pm; Bodom (Malayalam) 8, 10:30pm; (2D) 11:45pm. Voice From The Stone (2D) Puthan Panam (Malayalam) 8 Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (2): 12pm. & 11pm. Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS exciting new Stem project making science come to life. Call us now on 33996665 or A Sculpture of your Baby’s Feet 33120001. WHEN: June 22 WHERE: Katara Art Studio B19, Doha Summer Camp Wakrah TIME: 9:30pm WHERE: Music Lounge, Al Wakrah Cultural Village Foundation-Katara WHEN: July 2-31 presents A Sculpture of your Baby’s feet This is a 1 month packaged summer Workshop by the artist Rita. Only five camp programme that brings great fun students (ladies only). Workshop will be with learning, creating and exploring. conducted in English. The camp is designed to bring out a 360 Camera Kids: Make Your Own Short degree development in the talents and skill Film International Yoga Day Meerat Ramadan level of the students. The camp includes WHEN: Aug 6-24 WHERE: Al Wakrah Sports Club Indoor WHERE: Katara training in keyboard, guitar, drums, art, A well-rounded introduction to the Stadium WHEN: Until end of Ramadan craft, communication skills, zumba, hip different elements of photography, film and WHEN: June 21 TIME: 5pm-9pm hop, fun with games, movies, competitions, filmmaking helps young people make their TIME: 9pm-10:30pm The Ramadan Market is open to the cultural tour, fun day activities, art first one-minute short films. Applicants Indian Sports Centre, under the public, and scheduled to run until the exhibition and fashion show. The camp is must be between 13 and 17 years old. patronage of Embassy of India, is end of Ramadan. According to the Katara for ages 5-15. Transportation is available celebrating the 3rd International Day of website, the current hours (until June from Doha, Al Wakrah and Mesaieed. For Train like a superhero Yoga. Come and participate in the guided 17) are 5pm until 9pm, although we details, please contact the organisers at WHERE: Aspire Zone Therapeutic Yogasana, Pranayama and recommend that you check it is open before 44219897/555 72429 or e-mail them at WHEN: Ongoing Meditation session with the experts from making a special journey as timings may [email protected] Train like a superhero at CrossFit Doha! the field of Yoga. Registration is free and change during Ramadan. There will be kids CrossFit holds a variety of disciplines from open for all residents of Qatar. Kindly bring area with bouncy castle, and it is expected weightlifting to calisthenics to gymnastics. your yoga mat. that the Ramadan market will be popular This will help your kids excel in sports with families as they enjoy their Ramadan and retain the healthy and fit lifestyle! How to Tell a Story evenings at Katara. Support your kids’ natural urge for physical WHEN: Until June 22 activities and train like a superhero, at WHERE: DFI Ramadan Nights at Aqua Park Qatar CrossFit Doha’s in demand Kids Classes TIME: 2pm – 3:30pm WHEN: Entire Ramadan today! CrossFit Doha is located at Aspire During this workshop, participants WHERE: Aqua Park Zone Sports City. For more information, are introduced to the Pixar storytelling TIME: 8pm-2am call 44138484. formula, and engage in interactive Have fun with your family and friends in exercises to help them generate ideas, write style! World class attractions and a thrilling Salsa Beginners Dance Class characters, and create interesting plots water park experience! From the coolest #I Am Evo Summer Camp WHEN: Every Friday and narratives. Using concrete examples rides to the extreme ones, Aqua Park has it WHERE: Al Waab and Doha College WHERE: B Attitude Spa, West Bay and working in groups, at the end of the all at 50% discount this Ramadan! Don’t West Bay TIME: 8pm-9pm workshop all participants will have found miss out! WHEN: July 2 onwards Salsa n Candela offers variety of dance their own voices and will be able to write TIME: 8am to 1pm classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower and develop their stories. Some of the The #IamEvo Camps are designed to such as Salsa every Friday and other Latin work written during the workshop may be challenge young athletes to progressively dance during other days of the week. nominated to be developed and produced develop their skills, performance and during DFI’s Camera Kids workshop, which confidence. The courses are structured Festive time will take place in August. to meet the needs of all young players, to WHEN: Ongoing have fun, learn new skills and meet new WHERE: Doha Festival City friends in a safe and friendly environment. The entertainment offering has been Members have a choice of venue, with designed to ensure there are numerous camps held at Doha College Al Waab and opportunities for physical activities, from Doha College West Bay. The camps are the running track which features exercise open to boys and girls aged 4-16 years and stations, the bike trail, through to our run from 8am to 1pm daily at each site. ‘first-of-its-kind’ in Qatar, Snow Dunes Registration Now Open. theme park. DFC is excited to welcome first visitors in April and to celebrate the best leisure facilities, retail mix and dining options, all with exceptional service.

W Doha Hotel: Art 29 gallery Summer Workshop 2017 for kids WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences WHERE: IAID WHEN: Until July 25 WHEN: July-Aug TIME: 9am-7pm Summer break is a long-awaited respite Henna Painting W Doha Hotel & Residences are hosting for your kids after months of hitting the WHERE: Doha Festival City the works of local artist Abdulwahed al- books. This is an opportunity for them to WHEN: June 22-25 Mawlawi at the property’s in-house Art 29 hone their current skills, pick up a new TIME: 9pm gallery. The exhibition commenced on May hobby, or simply stay active, whether For the last five days of Ramadan, and 25 following Ramadan timings of 9am to their interest lies in dance, music or in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, there will 10pm and from June 25th to July 25th will arts. This summer, get your kids up and be professional henna artists designing be open for free public viewing from 9am going by enrolling them at IAID! Starting beautiful henna art on guests. Children will to 7pm. The expansive Art 29 space has three years and above, we have courses also have the opportunity to handcraft their been established to spark inspiration and to offer this summer such as Ballet Kids, own henna designs on printed paper. Being nurture creativity by providing a platform Strum-A-Long, Bolly Thumka, Music Fun, the national bird and symbol of culture in to showcase works of both budding and ARTmazing & more. the Middle East, guests will also have the established artists. chance to have their photo taken with a Imperial Threads: Motifs and falcon at Doha Festival City. Summer Camp Artisans WHERE: Ain Khaled WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art Aspire Active Ladies Fitness Classes WHEN: July 2-Aug 31 Davinci Resolve Training Course WHEN: Until November 4 WHEN: Ramadan TIME: 8am-1pm WHEN: July 24-25 This exhibition focuses on the exchange WHERE: Hamad Aqauatic Center Summertime is just memories waiting TIME: 1pm of artistic and material cultures between Ramadan offer! FREE Aspire Active to happen. The Stem Xplorers Summer The course provides an introduction to the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Ladies Only Fitness Classes when you Camp is just the place for your kids to make colour grading and the popular grading Empires. Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece sign up for your swimming membership lifelong memories to cherish. software, DaVinci Resolve. It is the carpets, among other artworks, from at Hamad Aquatic Center Today! Hamad Our camp will be Stem-based wherein ideal course for editors, digital imaging Turkey, Iran and India, these objects will Aquatic Center is located at Aspire Zone we will engage the children in Science along technicians, directors of photography, be contextualised within the historical Sports City. For more information, call with Lego, some exciting Sports, Nutrition, visual-effects technicians, aspiring circumstances of politics and artistic 44138484 or e-mail hacreception@ Arts, Crafts and Outdoor Field Trips!! Each colourists, and anybody with a desire to production of their time, primarily from mtmqatar.com week will be a different theme covering an explore colour correction. the 16th to the 18th centuries.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY „ THE OPRAH WINFREY INTERVIEW Give people the Oprah they know

CANDID: “The coming of me has been in the making for a long time,” Oprah says, of her idea of belonging.

The spacious West Hollywood him, confused. “I’m already here,” plays Deborah, the daughter of the where Deborah says, “The only By Glenn Whipp offi ce contains scores of Emmys she told him. “I’m Oprah.” title character, an African American thing I care about is my mother and (not all of them), shelves and The mayor looked at her. “You? woman whose cancer cells became my sister.” I know that my sister has shelves of books, many dotted with You look like a girl from the village. crucial to medical research. We said those words. prah Winfrey guides framed photos of Winfrey with the Where is the Oprah we know?” also talked about her next movie, you into her offi ce likes of Barack Obama and Nelson Winfrey laughs, but it’s not A Wrinkle in Time, made with her Her longing for family and, after a welcoming Mandela. Everything here has a enough to stir her beloved cocker friend, Ava DuVernay, who created informed your work? hug (Winfrey’s a story, and Winfrey, a consummate spaniel, Sadie, sprawled out on the beautiful, character-driven Defi nitely. That was part of hugger, but you teller of tales, her own and others’, the sofa next to her. It’s a good drama Queen Sugar for OWN. And my process. Because I don’t probablyO already knew that), she will happily share them with gusto. story. And, of course, for Winfrey other movies too, ones that Winfrey have that longing. I’m the exact immediately anticipates where your “You see that photograph of me it’s not just a story but a lesson has made, might one day make, as opposite. Like, probably when I eye is going to land fi rst. Over in and Madiba over there?” Winfrey because Winfrey fi nds lessons well as fi lms dear to heart. was 20-something, I was told by the corner, overlooking her Oprah says, pointing to a picture of her everywhere, and she absorbs them a cousin that my father wasn’t my Winfrey Network studio lot, there’s and Mandela, telling of the time she and then passes them on because Deborah is searching for her father. And I said, “The only father artist Whitfi eld Lovell’s Having, a went to South Africa to help Aids- she loves, to use a word she adores, identity through fi nding out I have is Vernon Winfrey and he’s in charcoal on wood panel image of stricken children for a project called “pontifi cating.” about her mother. Did playing a barber shop in Nashville, Tenn.” two African American women that Christmas Kindness. Once there, The town mayor’s lesson: Rise for her make you think about your And if somebody who said they has three wood boxes of pennies Winfrey, her hair braided, waited the moment. Give people the Oprah half-sister, Patricia, and what were my father came to my front placed in front of it. with a town mayor for Mandela to they know. it was like for her to fi nd you door, it would not matter to me. “These women were early arrive via helicopter. Over a long, discursive and your mother after so many I don’t have any of that longing to entrepreneurs,” Winfrey says. “I “I am so excited,” the mayor told conversation, Winfrey, 63, did just years? know. Partly because I just do have looked at this every day from my her. “Nelson Mandela is coming that, touching on the movie she just You’re the only person who’s ever this deeper sense of belonging to desk in Chicago to remind me and and he’s bringing Oprah Winfrey made for HBO, The Immortal Life brought that up! But you are right. something bigger than my parents. inspire me that, yes, it can be done.” from America.” Winfrey looked at of Henrietta Lacks, in which she I thought of her a lot. There’s a line Because my parents were together Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY only one time. So it wasn’t like, over the past three decades. She’s “Oh, gee, we wanted this daughter.” looked into people’s eyes and (Laughs) heard their stories face to face. I’m glad my father did lay claim The triumphs. The tragedies. And to me when he didn’t have to. And everything in between. She’s heard I’m glad my mother didn’t abort me and seen it all. And she brings because it would have been easier to that to her acting. Because she’s do as a poor coloured woman with achieved excellence in her career in no education in Mississippi. So I’m other areas, it’s easy to overlook her grateful for that, but I don’t feel this acting work. But when you really deep sense of belonging to them. I look closely, it’s quite clear. She’s think I belong to something bigger. a real actor with real gifts. A force. The coming of me has been in the And I consider myself fortunate to making for a long time. have worked with her in this way.”)

You’re talking generations. What about this talk of you I never read it thoroughly when it playing the Shirley MacLaine was done, but I just recently looked role in Lee Daniels’ remake of at Henry Louis Gates’ book, Finding Terms of Endearment? Is that Oprah’s Roots. Looking at it, I am a going to happen? descendant of not just slaves, but It’s just a rumour. I spoke to Lee slaves who loved land, which I now actually this morning who told have a thing about land. I like it me that somebody is writing it. better than shoes. I’d rather have a And I go, “Lee, you’re not doing a nice piece of land than a great pair thing until you have a script.” And of shoes! I don’t think it should be called The fact that my great-great- Terms of Endearment, that’s for grandfather could come out of sure, especially if you’re doing a slavery and end up a land owner, my whole other script. It’s about an great-great-grandmother would African American family and the come out of slavery and end up a girl gets Aids from the husband. teacher and built a little school on a That’s not Terms of Endearment. property … and I had this yearning It’s something else. to build a school for girls. That’s what I mean: It all comes from So you’re not stepping into something bigger. Deeper. Shirley MacLaine’s shoes? What I am saying for sure is Going back to Deborah and that I am not going to try to step the movie … if you made that into Shirley MacLaine’s shoes. connection with your half It’s unnecessary to do that. She’s sister, why did you have so already done it as well as it could be many reservations about taking done for that role. the part? I just watched Terms of I always have reservations about Endearment recently with my girls acting. I don’t want to embarrass (students at the Oprah Winfrey myself. Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa). I sit down with them, But you’ve acted in movies telling them all the movies you need directed by Steven Spielberg to know. (She pounds her hands) and Jonathan Demme and Ava Movies you … need … to … know. DuVernay… Terms might be my favourite movie I started with Spielberg. So I of all time other than … well, (One started pretty high in the food Flew Over the) Cuckoo’s Nest is one chain. of my favourites. When I fi rst opened my school, I And you’ve said that you were made everyone watch The Wizard terrifi ed every day he was going “I am so excited,” the (town) mayor (in South Africa) of Oz, and they were like, “Mom to fi re you on The Color Purple. told her. “Nelson Mandela is coming and he’s bringing O, why are we watching this white I was terrifi ed. There was another girl run up some yellow bricks?” movie — was it Mask? — where Oprah Winfrey from America.” Winfrey looked at him, That’s when they were 12 or 13. Now somebody had recently been fi red, they get it. Because I teach, “You’ve and it had never occurred to me confused. “I’m already here,” she told him. “I’m Oprah.” always had the power. You spend that you could be fi red from a The mayor looked at her. “You? You look like a girl from your whole life running around, movie. But I did know that if there looking for the perfect yellow brick was anybody who could be fi red, it the village. Where is the Oprah we know?” road and it’s always right here.” would be me, because I didn’t know Now they’re college graduates. We what I was doing. Period. is what Maya felt about me. That’s the stars and she’s a wise woman “This is my second time working were just talking about this the My fi rst day on set and I am in the what it means when you feel enlarged coming from another cosmos. So, with Oprah as an actress. The fi rst other day. “Remember when you fi rst scene and I walk in and look by someone else’s successes.” Her c’mon! And she loves pontifi cating. was with her poignant portrayal of made us watch The Wizard of Oz? “ directly into the camera and say growth makes me feel broader. the real-life civil rights legend Annie What was that all about? my line. “Cut! Cut!” Steven asked, Next thing you’re going to say Lee Cooper in Selma. This time “Why are looking into the camera?” Tell me about Mrs. Witch, is that she loves desserts and around we worked together on her Same thing when I fi rst I had been on TV since I was 19 and your character in A Wrinkle in Toni Morrison. portrayal of an all-knowing, all-wise showed To Kill a Mockingbird that’s what you do. You look at the Time. She probably does! Anyway, it celestial being who brings good to my kids. “It’s in black and camera. Anyway, I learned. But I’ve She’s a cross between Glinda the was done out of friendship in the and light to the Universe. Tall order white? Nooooo!” never stopped being intimidated. Good Witch and Maya Angelou. beginning and turned into a great for most. But she dazzled me and What’s your favourite line in that (Laughs) experience. I just saw it in its rough everyone on set with the ease and movie? Come on. Tell me! What about acting for Ava in You know, it all started because stages the other day, just a piece of eff ortlessness of her performance. A Wrinkle in Time? I love New Zealand so much. So it, and I started to cry. She’s put her It’s saying a lot when you can make Uuummm… Well, that was diff erent. That was when Ava went there to scout and soul into it. And Disney has given all-knowing and all-wise look easy! “Stand up. Your father’s passing.” just a fun thing to do. I’m so proud she’s telling me about the ice caves her the luxury of time, which she But she did just that. Still gets me every time! of her. You know why? Because it and glaciers and mountains and has never had before. It’s going to “Oprah is a lot of things. Leader. I normally don’t watch movies mirrors my relationship with Maya turquoise lakes, I told her, “I am pay off in ways you can’t imagine. Legend. Mogul. But we should more than once. That one I Angelou. She used to tell me she was coming to visit.” And she said, “If “It’s going to pay off in ways you really add a formidable actress to probably saw three or four times proud of me, but I couldn’t hear it. you’re going to visit, why don’t you can’t imagine,” Oprah Winfrey says that list. She has a tremendous as a little girl. Scout. Why didn’t I couldn’t receive it. I didn’t really work? Would you mind reading the of the time Disney gave her friend toolbox. I believe her work as an someone name me Scout? I just know what that meant until my script?” and director Ava DuVernay to make actor is imbued with the knowledge love the idea of being a Scout. You friendship with Ava. Every time she So I did. And I believe I am Mrs. A Wrinkle in Time. of all her hundreds of thousands of can never be mad at a Scout, you does something, I think, “Oh. This Witch! You know, she’s born of (In an e-mail, DuVernay writes: human interactions and interviews know. —Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY Indian embassy, ISC conduct yoga session at Al Khor

As part of celebrations to commemorate the Third International Day of Yoga on June 21, the “Guided Meditation” for keeping the mind quiet by Padmini Sundar, a Volunteer of Heartfulness. Embassy of India and Indian Sports Centre conducted a session on yoga and wellness for Al Ambassador Kumaran and ISC off icials also participated in the activities. Khor’s Indian community at Al Waha Club’s ballroom recently. While inaugurating the session, ambassador Kumaran talked about the benefits of yoga for a The session was inaugurated by Indian ambassador P Kumaran and attended by more than 150 healthy body and mind and urged people to adopt yoga to eliminate the eff ect of stress in our adults and children of Al Khor community. Various types of guided and therapeutic asanas were daily life. ISC President Nilangshu Dey highlighted the role of Indian Sports Centre in promoting narrated and demonstrated by Nisha Agrawal and Sujata Fernandes. These were followed by yoga among the Indian community in Qatar and the recently conducted yoga championship for more yoga asanas by a ‘Yoga in Doha’ instructor. The session concluded with a demonstration of school students in order to inculcate the culture of yoga among children.

350 people attend Iftar hosted by Qatar Indian Youth Tamil Sangam

The Qatar Indian Youth Tamil Sangam hosted an Iftar at the Indian Culture Centre recently. About 350 people attended the event. Notable guests at the event were ex-MP Abdul Rahman, Paranthamen Indiran, Aranthai Raju Murugan, Ashraf Ali, Dinakaran, Ranjithkumar, Abdulla Ghani, Balaji, Rajaraman, Ramachandran, Goutham Mano, Balu Kbssc and Alikhan.

Ettikkulam Muslim Jumaat Committee organises Iftar meet

The Ettikkulam Muslim Jumaat Committee organised an Iftar meeting for its members recently. V V Abdulla presided over the meeting. N M C Khasim, Anwar NP, Sahdar and Musthafa NT addressed the audience.

Pearl School’s students visit Kahramaa Park

The students of Pearl School’s Thumama Campus got a chance to participate in the conservation and energy eff iciency- focused Tarsheed Program at Kahramaa Park recently. After a brief introduction, the students were divided into two groups to take a guided tour of the exhibition. They enjoyed various activities, games, quizzes, colouring and small experiments, all related to conservation of water and electricity. All the students also received gifts in recycled cloth bags. Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

The ISL Qatar graduates toss hats in the air to celebrate. Fifth graduating class of ISL Qatar take to the stage

he Graduation ceremony 2,000 friends and family attended Valedictorian awards in recognition z The prestigious Educational marked the end of one part of of International School the three celebrations, in addition to of attaining the highest academic Collaborative for International the graduates’ stories and all of London Qatar’s (ISL the students and staff . The live-feed standards, making outstanding Schools (ECIS) Award for are looking forward to the next Qatar) fi fth cohort of the Grade 12 ceremony boasted a contributions to the school and for International Understanding chapter as they move on to some of graduates was the following of another 30,000 during being exemplary representatives of was awarded to Ali Kraishan who of the world’s top universities. pinnacleT of the school’s two-day the Graduation event. the Class of 2017. shows, “a positive attitude toward Valedictorian Laila Saifeldeen Celebrations of Learning. Of the 50 The culturally diverse class of z Illya Myshakov was honoured the life and culture of others, is a summarised these next steps with Grade 12 graduates, nine had been 2017 are truly internationally- with the Global Citizenship and contributing force in the life of the the following comments in her part of the school since it opened minded, with 18 diff erent Community Action award as school, and has the ability to bring address, “Our lives are about to in 2008. This ceremony proved nationalities from across the globe, the student who demonstrated diff ering people together in a sense change. We are going to have to to be an emotional, vibrant and speaking 13 diff erent languages. leadership and responsibility of community and international embrace change, without letting unforgettable event as the graduates This exceptional class exemplifi es and took action in a range of understanding.” our own nerves and fears hold began the procession with the gift of the values of camaraderie, warmth, humanitarian and environmental z The ECIS adult award for us back. I urge you all to do the a rose from the pre-school children. humour, creativity, intelligence matters, both locally and the Promotion of International following: Get out there and do In addition to the Grade 12 and compassion and they have internationally. Education was awarded to Dr what you want with your life. Do Graduation, celebrations also contributed much to ISL Qatar. z Saleh al-Naimi received the Pilar Fernandez in recognition of something SO extraordinary that took place for Grade 5 students Some of Graduation ceremony coveted Learner Award as the her exemplary contributions to if I ever accidentally meet you in transitioning from Primary into highlights recognised achievements student who had shown outstanding the promotion of international an airport, I can brag to my family the Middle Years Programme and of students and staff . educational growth, improvement, education and to the understanding about how I was in the same grade the Grade 10 students transitioning commitment and intellectual of world cultures. as someone who ended world from the Middle Years into the z Fatima al-Naimi and Laila development in his academic hunger or who developed an app two-year Diploma Programme. Over Saifeldeen were honoured with studies. The graduation ceremony that outdid Facebook.”

The ISL Qatar 2017 cohort. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY DESS receives highest grade in recent inspection

oha English Speaking provides the framework School (DESS) has for teaching and learning received the highest supplemented with host country grade in its recent requirements. The curriculum inspection which was is enriched by a range of extra Dconducted by Penta International. curricular activities. Penta International is approved “The school’s thoughtful and by the British government wide ranging promotion of for the purpose of inspecting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and schools overseas. As one of the cultural development and their leading inspection providers, physical well being enables pupils Penta International reports to to thrive. Parents interviewed are the Department for Education happy with their choice of school (DFE) in the United Kingdom on and value the family atmosphere the extent to which schools meet of this primary school. Parents the standards for British Schools and staff value the British nature Overseas. of the curriculum and are highly The purpose of the inspection committed to the school. Pupils at DESS was to provide feel valued and display highly information to parents, teachers, positive attitudes towards their senior managers and the school’s learning and relationships with management on the overall each other.” effectiveness of the school, the Sean Sibley, Headteacher, standard of education it provides said of the inspection result, and its compatibility with “We are extremely pleased with independent schools in the United this Outstanding grading. It is a Kingdom. result of a lot of hard work by the An extract from the resulting children, the staff, the governors, report reads: “Children/pupils our sponsors and parents who are well supported through highly have all played a major role in effective pastoral care and the achieving such an accolade. The implementation of excellent report identifies many strengths welfare, health and safety policies which we will continue to embed and procedures. The school has a and we will now work on the fully embedded ethos of care and identified developments points. guidance and strives to meet the This school is a happy place to needs of all its pupils. The quality be part of and I feel the children of teaching is outstanding. From benefit from the outstanding each different starting point, the teaching and opportunities they proportion of pupils making and are provided with. I would like exceeding expected progress are to thank everyone involved with high compared to UK national the school on achieving this figures. Nearly all children make Outstanding grading which now progress at least in line with their helps us to be properly compared ability, many do better. with the top schools in the United Children/pupils are well supported through highly eff ective pastoral care and the implementation of excellent welfare, “The national curriculum Kingdom.” health and safety policies and procedures, according to the report.

IIS KG kids celebrate Father’s Day

The tiny tots of Ideal Indian School celebrated Father’s Day yesterday. The KG Section wore a festive look as the students in colourful clothes dressed as ‘fathers’ from various nationalities. Colouring sheets were given to the students to paint and present to their fathers. Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Holiday Villa Doha hosts thanksgiving Suhoor

In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan and the coming 8th Year Anniversary of Holiday Villa The attendees were treated to a gastronomic fair of unforgettable fine mix of signature delicacies. Hotel & Residence Doha, the management recently hosted a thanksgiving Suhoor for its clients, The buff et off ered a mouthwatering array of Asian, Arabic, Indian, Oriental and Western cuisines. partners, suppliers and the media. With the Southeast Asian serene ambiance of the Emerald The evening was filled with bursting flavours of delightful treats and good conversations. Ballroom, the gathering brought a fusion of Asian Ramadan experience and international dining to Chen said, “Ramadan has always given us the opportunity to share our banquets with the people its delighted guests. who have supported Holiday Villa Doha all these years and this Suhoor enabled us to thank them General Manager Joey Chen and the management interacted with the travel trade, corporate for always believing in our services. The management and the staff are pleased and grateful to our clients, media, embassies and partners to thank them for their support. partners for being part of the hotel’s each and every milestone.”

Meeting of Toastmasters International Qatar Chapter Area 53 Division S

Toastmasters International Qatar Chapter Area 53 Division S recently conducted a confluence small token of appreciation. Speeches by Khorshed, Sheeba, Anshu, Subair and Sebastian, and meeting with its five clubs – Dukhan Toastmasters Club, Qatar Malayalam Toastmasters Club, recognition of D20 award achievers added value and colour to the meeting, which was led BC Club, FCC Vanitha Club and Qatar Advanced Club. More than 60 members gathered at the by Nufaisa and managed by Aparna. Division S Director Philip and all the 5 club presidents – Modern Education Centre. Sameer, Shaji, Salauddin, Aparna and Nizamudheen – attended the meeting along with other Area 53 Director Shainy Kabeer thanked the clubs for their support and awarded them with a senior members. The meeting concluded with an Iftar. 10 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Cool deck time fun in the summer sun: three tips to beat the heat

uring the winter porches. The ultrafine droplets months, many people of water created by these systems eagerly anticipate can cool the air as much as 35 the sunny days of degrees. In addition to providing summer. But, when cool and refreshing moisture Dsummer rolls around, these same on hot summer days, some people are often busy looking for manufacturers report the systems ways to cool off. help repel flying insects and clear Getting outside on the deck or the air of smoke and pollen. porch is an ideal way to relax and escape stifling indoor heat for Don’t forget the deck surface many Americans. To make sure Many deck surfaces become your outdoor living retreat is a uncomfortably hot in direct sun. cool oasis, consider these three The problem is especially acute tips to beat the heat: for dark-coloured deck boards, which absorb heat throughout Create stylish shade the day, as well as some dense While an umbrella or a roll-up composite boards that hold sunshade provides a fast and easy heat. As a result, rather than way to block direct sun, they can a comfortable stroll to your quickly fade or become a dingy favourite chair, you might end up eyesore. A stylish alternative is hot-footing it across a scorching to cast refreshing shade with a deck. An overly hot deck is gazebo or arbour. With either especially problematic for young option, you also can create a lush children and pets, whose feet are and fragrant grotto using climbing Spritz yourself with a mister misters installed at popular hot days. Now, homeowners more heat sensitive. vines such as roses, clematis, Sunbelt residents and visitors outdoor cafes, theme parks and throughout the US are installing wisteria or honeysuckle. are familiar with outdoor cooling other places people gather on these systems on their decks or ©Brandpoint

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

You may feel like your resources are depleted and you want to throw Your energy is running high, Taurus, and you have a great deal of Every time you bring up a sensitive, important, or deep subject, in the towel, Aries. Don’t give up yet. Today may not be the best day fire that you can use to transform anything. You have a wonderful does someone squash it? You may feel like you aren’t relating well to of your life, but that doesn’t mean you should write everyone off and capacity to turn a bad situation into a good one. You know exactly other people today, Gemini. You may want to dive deeper into issues become a hermit. You may be moodier than usual, but you will snap how to lift others’ spirits when they’re down. Today certain issues while others prefer to skim the surface. There are many ways to see out of it. You may need to be a bit more adaptable in order to roll may be a bit too emotional for you to handle comfortably. There’s an the same things and deal with the same problems. Find people who with the punches today. aggressive, combative tone to some people. Keep your guard up. see things your way rather than fight those who don’t. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

This is a wonderful day. You feel emotionally strong, Cancer. You have Nothing seems to be clicking the way you want, Leo. Your rational You’re emotionally much stronger than usual. You will be surprised all of your energy available for use. Don’t miss this opportunity by mind tells you that things are fine and you have the green light to at the events, thoughts, and conversations you command with your feigning a headache and staying at home doing nothing. Instead of proceed with your plans. But there’s a small voice inside you that’s words, Virgo. Most of the time, you follow others. You go with the analysing everything and criticising everyone else’s life, look at your suggesting otherwise. Perhaps you have an inkling that your plan is flow. You’re laid-back and happy with just about anything. Today, own and see what choices you can make right now. Take the best flawed in some way. Perhaps you’re ignoring a certain pain in your however, you want to take the lead and show others how things course of action based on the resources you have at your fingertips. heart by keeping it secret when in reality you need to let it out. should be done. People would be foolish not to follow you today. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

While this may be a day when all you want to do is to relax, you This may feel like a day made just for you, Scorpio. You’re Your energy may be a bit scattered, Sagittarius. Although your days may not feel like you can, Libra. A little voice is telling you to work. emotionally strong. You feel like you’re able to leap tall buildings in are jam-packed with activities, you still go to bed every night feeling Perhaps you’re inspired to clean out your closet, change the a single bound. Tackle all those projects you love but have been too like you didn’t get anything done. It’s time to prioritise. Examine all landscaping, or wash your windows. Put these tasks aside. Forced scared to start. You have a great deal of energy and confidence in the things you do for others and those you do for yourself. You may manual labour isn’t the way to go today. If you’re going to put that your favour. You will succeed in almost anything you try, so don’t be surprised at the imbalance you’ve created in your world. Use this much energy into something, put it into having fun. waste this moment by just watching TV. day to do things for yourself instead of others. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Your emotions and actions are well aligned, Capricorn, meaning You may feel emotionally stuck, Aquarius. Perhaps you feel your It feels like you have more emotional armour on, Pisces, which will that you’re likely to do things that are more in tune with your true sensitive, loving nature isn’t fully appreciated. Today is energetic and help you deal with a looming battle. Somewhere in your world a beliefs. This wonderful alignment of energies will keep you busy and lively, but you’d rather sit home and relax. Your best strategy is to do conflict is brewing. It may not be obvious, it may not be large, but out of trouble. As long as you’re true to yourself, no one can argue just that. Why is it so hard for some people to see that doing nothing it’s there. Today you’re more prepared to deal with things out in with what you do or who you are. There is no reason for you to make is really doing something – relaxing? Don’t let anyone talk you into the open. You have a larger arsenal of weapons, and your witty, excuses about anything. something you don’t want to do. aggressive banter is at a peak. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Be Bold

ABILITY ENERGY HEROISM STRENGTH AUDACITY FIRE METTLE TENACITY BACKBONE FORCE NERVE VERVE BOLDNESS GRIT PLUCK WILL BRAVERY GUTS POWER ZEAL COURAGE HARDINESS SPIRIT ZEST DARING HEART STAMINA

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. Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. The word ‘sly’ I slurred, in a 1. Show to have wrongly cited sleepy way (8) the president in it (6) 5. It’s difficult to hide the 2. A failure to notice the clear directory and it’s dangerous indication of unhappiness in (6) it (9) 10. One almost as lovely as the 3. Prepared to oust in some other? (6,4,5) way, embarks on it (4,3) 11. The sot bashed in the 4. Bring back half a pound of vehicle’s wheels (7) fruit (5) 12. Not knowing the girl has 6. Insistent the man meant me something to sell (7) to leave (7) 13. The stones outside, it shakes 7. Doubly a fool to enter her (8) name (5) 15. Try to get time to repair the 8. Made the bed lower (8) seat (5) 9. With the blinking dog 18. Chuck something black at? unleashed, cased the exterior (5) (8) 20. Stand while a chum catches 14. Having a rear light? (3-5) Answers the runaway steed (8) 16. Trying to find in the burning 23. Made runs and gets run out, church (9) which is unusual (7) 17. Send tea out to a renegade Wordsearch Codeword 25. He plays ball and gets rid of (8) the undesirables (7) 19. The killers that took one’s 26. With all below, particularly clothes (7) (5,10) 21. The rest fluttered round the 27. Pass round and see in trouble cabin in the shade (7) outside (6) 22. Being right in the melee 28. An agreement there’s gives one a scare (6) nothing wrong with? (3,5) 24. Bother! The hour is up, miss! (5) 25. The girl with the instrument has the key raised (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Strapped 5 Adults 9 DOWN: 1 Swarms 2 Reruns 3 Acrostic 10 Letter 12 Minims 13 Postman 4 Eric 6 Dresser 7 Prospect 15 On the warpath 18 Lutheran 8 Scratchy Sigmund Freud 23 Outgrown 11 Drawers 14 Shadows 16 24 Marian 26 Satrap 27 Prodigal Espouses 17 Agitator 19 28 Strays 29 Heedless Unready 20 Unaided 21 Single 22 Angles 25 Cree. 14 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

The return

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have done a number of movies together and some of them, under the eye of good directors, have even been noteworthy. Guru, the Mani Ratnam movie based on the life of the industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, was one such. Ratnam also cast them in Raavan but that one didn’t do very well at the box offi ce. There have been a scattering of hits like Sarkar Raj and Dhoom 2 which featured the two but these all go back a decade. Both have careers that have more Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya or less ended as leading actors and Rai are hoping for a comeback with while Abhishek is trying to stay afl oat an upcoming project. by being second leads to other actors, Aishwarya’s comeback has been a series of fl ops. But that has not stopped them from once again coming together in a movie. Reportedly, they are in talks with Anurag Kashyap for it. Recently, Abhishek was asked about it at an event and he confi rmed the news. But Kashyap, he clarifi ed, will be producing the project and not directing it. What has worked for Abhishek throughout his career is being the son of Amitabh Bachchan. He inevitably gets top fi lmmakers to cast him despite his run of fl ops. The Abhishek-Aishwarya combination might have some curiosity value to viewers. But that won’t necessarily translate into large footfalls to theatres unless the movie is exceptional.

Jail talk

In 1993, Mumbai, following communal riots, was rocked by a series of bomb blasts. Since the law goes really slow in India, it is only now that some of those who were behind the blasts have been convicted. One of those, a gangster named Abu Salem, was the one who had supplied illegal arms to Sanjay Dutt at the time. Dutt has however paid for his sins. He has done his time in jail and walked out a free man, presumably immune from A public interest litigation filed in any more punishment. the high court has accused the But it is not so easy to put your past government of allowing Sanjay Dutt behind you. A public interest litigation to be released eight months before fi led in the high court has accused his allotted time. the government of allowing Dutt to be released eight months before his allotted time. In between he was also out on parole for many days citing medical and other reasons. The judge who was hearing the PIL has asked the government to explain all this. The reason cited for his early release was ostensibly ‘good conduct’ and they have now to show what exactly was The poster for Salman Khan’s next film. Dutt’s conduct. The government however is planning to justify its decision as being within the rules and so Dutt might not be under any threat of having to return to jail. Reluctant to talk A father’s doubt is an actor. here is never a dull was that reviewers had no right of someone who bridges those His mother, Sharmila Tagore, moment when Salman to review movies because they differences. was an actress. His fi rst wife, Khan makes his just pass opinion while all the Meanwhile, there was another Amrita Singh, is an actress. appearances before the hard work is done by those who strange news connected to Salman His present wife, Kareena media for interviews, work on the movie! Then when which got many all agog. There Kapoor, is also one. And yet aT ritual that he is forced to go the questions started to be on the was a rumour doing the rounds being entirely involved in this through every time one of his court cases against him, he got that Rohit Shetty had managed to profession, he seems to be movies is set for release. rattled. He said that there was a rope in Salman and the Bahubali somewhat ambivalent about Normally contemptuous of the deliberate campaign against him hero Prabhas for a movie. This his daughter Sara joining the Sara will be seen in an upcoming movie. media, he reluctantly has to court just because he was a superstar would have been a huge casting industry. them to promote the movie. This and if he had been an ordinary coup by any reckoning since She has a movie with . In an interview to a time Tubelight is going to be the person none of these cases both actors are pan-Indian newspaper, Saif spoke about how he had known that she would be an next release and it is important would be there. When pressed on sensations given the extraordinary actor ever since her childhood. But now when that dream is coming true, to him for various reasons. He is whether he was using his charity performance of their movies. he seems unsure about her choice. He said in that interview that he was producing the movie and it is a foundation as a public relation And Shetty could certainly do tense because the industry can be cruel and make everyone fearful. And role which might further establish ploy to build his image, Salman with a mega blockbuster since his his daughter had had the option of settling down in a place like New York him as an actor, instead of just a got up and walked out. reputation has lost some its sheen instead of testing her luck in a place where despite very good work there is superstar. In another interview, he spoke after the poor showing of Dilwale. no guarantee of results. But Salman being Salman, against war and said that people As it turned out, the news was Though it must be said that the situation is really not as bad as Saif puts there is no telling how will behave who ordered it should be the first not true. He put a statement on it for children from star families. They get lots of breaks and even if there is during interviews. In one such to fight. This is more comfortable Twitter which said, ‘It is fake a slight amount of talent in them, it is possible to fi nd a footing. interaction, the interviewer territory to speak on given that news, I’ve been in Spain since the questioned him on how he Tubelight itself is connected to last 3 weeks, I don’t know how Send your feedback to perceives criticism and his answer war and his character is a symbol this rumour started.’ [email protected] Monday, June 19, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY How Pixar put fresh tyres on its franchise

SPOTLIGHT: Disney Pixar's Cars 3 Tour kicked off at Disney Springs.

fi lms, of course, whether it’s the fear of evidenced by the merchandising bonanza are young boys that really love Lightning By Josh Rottenberg mortality in Toy Story 3, parental anxiety in it has spawned over the years, which rivals McQueen, but there are a lot of girls that Finding Nemo or environmental destruction those of juggernauts like Harry Potter, Star love him too. It was a conscious decision to in Wall-E. Wars and Pixar’s own Toy Story. make him red — it’s not the typically quote- n Hollywood, as it is everywhere, no- Indeed, the animation studio plumbed Though the fi rst two Cars fi lms are unquote ‘boy colour.’” one escapes from the ravages of time. the indignities of middle age once before in only the 10th- and 15th-highest-grossing With the introduction of Cruz Ramirez, Not the beautiful people who walk the its 2004 film The Incredibles, which centres Pixar movies at the domestic box offi ce, Pixar is clearly hoping to rev up the series’ red carpets. Not the power players who on a pair of married superheroes in the respectively, and have not been as widely appeal to girls a few more notches. In advance pull the strings in the executive suites. suburbs trying to adjust to the sometimes embraced by critics as many of the animation of the movie’s release, Disney’s online store IAnd evidently not even the animated spirit-crushing struggles of work and studio’s other fi lms, they have powered a has been stocked with T-shirts for girls and talking cars. parenting. booming industry in everything from Cars- women emblazoned with the character’s In Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3, in theatres “We really don’t make our movies for a branded toys to school supplies to apparel to name and the words “My Way or the Friday, the hard-charging race car Lightning particular age group or gender — we truly bedding to video games. Highway.” McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) fi nds make them for everybody,” says John Lasseter, In just the fi rst fi ve years after the release Fee says he hopes the character — who set himself grappling with the automotive chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios of Cars, the franchise generated $10 billion aside her racing ambitions because she didn’t version of a midlife crisis as a younger, faster and Walt Disney Animation Studios, who in global retail sales. In 2012, Disney opened see any other female cars on the track — will car named Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) directed the fi rst two Cars fi lms. “If someone Cars Land at its California Adventure theme inspire young girls like his own two daughters emerges on the racing scene and threatens to is breathing, they’re our target. That’s my park to further capitalise on the appetite for to not hold themselves back from pursuing force him into involuntary retirement. With philosophy.” all things Cars. their dreams. the help of a plucky, tech-savvy young trainer Lasseter says the initial inspiration for But while a beast of that size clearly needs “I’m really hoping kids see themselves in named Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), McQueen’s emotional journey in Cars 3 to be continually fed, Fee says he did his best Cruz,” Fee says. “My daughters didn’t want Lightning tries to get his mojo back. — which sees him transition from hotshot to tune it out while making the fi lm. to learn to play guitar because they decided Middle-age angst may seem like an racing champion to elder statesman and “I don’t think or care about merchandise,” guitar is just a boys’ thing. That broke my unusual plot driver for a kids’ movie whose mentor — came from his friendship with he says. “The thing is, if we make a good fi lm, heart for them to say that. I’d sometimes core audience is still in elementary school. NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon, who announced that machine will have whatever it needs to watch them be afraid to try things because Even Wilson admits it took him by surprise his retirement from the sport in 2015 at age keep going. But it’s all about the movie for they didn’t want to fail. We hope Cruz speaks at fi rst. 43. me. If any kid is carrying around a backpack for people that have felt out of place, because “I was like, ‘Wow, even my animated “In the last few years of his racing career, or holding a toy, that’s hopefully because they I think that’s everybody more often than characters — they’re making them get Jeff would talk to me a lot about the young like the story and the characters — not the they’d probably admit.” older?’” the actor, 49, says with a laugh. “I’m drivers coming in,” Lasseter says. “There other way around.” With an Incredibles sequel and a fourth aware that, as an actor, you’re probably not was this energy they had and he realised, “John Lasseter loves all the toys, all the Toy Story fi lm already in the Pixar pipeline, doing romantic comedies or buddy comedies ‘That’s the way I was when I was younger.’ I merchandise — he’s such a perfectionist Lasseter suggests that the Cars franchise as much in your late 40s as you would in your started thinking, ‘Well, that could be where about making sure they’re the best and could have more gas in its tank. But for now early 30s. But I thought this one was kind of Lightning McQueen is at.’” coolest products possible,” says Cars 3 he isn’t getting ahead of himself. safe.” That said, Cars has proven a particularly producer Kevin Reher. “But it’s Brian’s job to “I love these characters and I love the With the Cars franchise itself now over a potent series with very young kids and, as tell the story.” world, and there are so many other stories decade old, though, this grown-up-oriented Cars 3 director Brian Fee acknowledges, kids Though Lasseter himself has had a deep that you could tell,” he says. “But we don’t story line off ers a way for the series to appeal don’t, as a general rule, suff er from midlife passion for cars since boyhood, he says that decide that we’re going to do it until we have to both parents and to the kids who fell in crises. from the earliest days of the Cars franchise he a story that we think would make a great love with the fi rst Cars movie in 2006, many “Hopefully they don’t,” Fee, making his tried to make something that could appeal to movie.” of whom are now approaching adulthood feature directorial debut, says with a laugh. anyone, regardless of their level of interest in On some level, of course, the future of themselves. At the same time, Pixar and “But while kids don’t understand midlife cars or their gender. the Cars franchise is not entirely up to Pixar Disney are working hard to cultivate a new crisis, they do understand that McQueen “When I was working on the fi rst one, my and Disney — the audience will ultimately generation of Cars fans — and, in particular, can’t race anymore. They do understand the wife, Nancy, said, ‘You can’t make this movie determine how many miles end up on the bring more young girls into the fold with the thing they want to see, the thing that makes just for yourself and your car-geek buddies — odometer. To the question of how one introduction of a major female character in their favourite character happy, is something you’ve got to make it for me and your nieces knows when it’s time to stop and retire, one Cruz. that he can’t do anymore.” and people who aren’t into cars,’” he recalls. character in Cars 3 off ers a blunt answer: Pixar has never shied away from The power of the franchise’s appeal to “Through the whole fi rst movie, it became “The youngsters will tell you.” —Los Angeles incorporating grown-up themes into its young kids — and especially boys — is what was known as ‘the Nancy factor.’ There Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017 COMMUNITY Fruit as luxury: the Japanese shop where melons cost 250 dollars Nowhere is fruit savoured more than in Japan, where farmers put huge resources into creating the ideal growing conditions. It’s not uncommon for Japanese to fork out seemingly exorbitant prices just for one perfect strawberry. By Lars Nicolaysen

In the Senbikiya fruit shop in Tokyo, run by Naoto Hiraishi, one melon is sold for 27,000 Yen, or around 350 dollars. Luxury fruit is a lucrative and prestigious business.

aoto Hiraishi regards than what people in the West are immediately drops. his melon with an used to. “The fruit has to have an even earnest expression, But what Hiraishi and other pattern, be nice and heavy and have In the Senbikiya fruit shop in Tokyo, one package of uniform tomatoes is sold turning it carefully in similar fruit shop owners supply is a lovely round shape,” says Hiraishi. for 30,240 yen, or around 275 dollars. his hands as if it were a in a class of its own. There are other farmers who Ndiamond and examining at it from What makes it possible is Japan’s specialise in luxury strawberries. katsuobushi (dried and fermented every angle. culture of gift-giving. “Eighty per Strawberries from Ichigo Co in tuna) who began selling fruit as a “Look at that, the pattern on the cent of our customers buy fruit as a the province of Niigata cost 1,000 luxury product. surface is perfectly even,” says the gift,” says Hiraishi. yen (9 dollars) each. They are grown The shop’s main outlet can manager of the Senbikiya fruit shop The Japanese love food in general under LED lights in a special high- be found at one of Tokyo’s best with a beaming smile. and particularly fruit, meaning that tech, one-of-a-kind lab, in which addresses, surrounded by big In some respects the round they will often give it to business the temperature, humidity and banks. fruit is indeed a jewel, though the partners, friends and relations as a oxygen levels are all controlled. More than half of their customers layman might only recognise that sign of their appreciation. That means the harvest is are business clients, Hiraishi says, when he sees the price tag – 27,000 Japanese food producers not weather-dependent and is as he lays his melon carefully back yen or around 250 dollars. therefore take a lot of care with unaff ected by pests, meaning on the shelf. “We sell the best melons in their products, as well as its the farmer doesn’t have to use Just a few days earlier, at the Japan,” says Hiraishi. “In other packaging. chemicals. fi rst auction for this year’s harvest words, the best melons in the Take the example of a melon. “A You can buy Ichigo’s hand- in Hokkaido, the northernmost world.” melon plant normally bears about picked strawberries online in sets of Japan’s islands, a pair of Yubari Fruit is a luxury industry in six fruit,” says Hiraishi. “But with of six, and they arrive beautifully melons sold for 1.5 million yen Japan, and it’s very lucrative. That’s our melons the farmer cuts half off .” packed in a box not unlike those (13,700 dollars). not to say that fruit is a rarity in After a time he cuts off another two used for expensive chocolates. The trader who purchased them the world’s third largest economy. and the one that’s left is the one Senbikiya, which was founded announced that he would donate The fruit Hiraishi sells is grown in that grows “best.” 183 years ago, also sells its fruit in them to a primary school. Japan, it’s not imported. That fruit gets all the plant’s elaborate boxes and cartons. Although he didn’t get a taste At any good supermarket you can nutrients to itself for around 100 Back then, when the shop was himself, it was still a clever public buy melons as well as strawberries, days. But what does “best” mean is fi rst set up, the produce it sold relations investment. After all, cherries, peaches, grapes and all this scenario? was nothing special, says Hiraishi. Japan’s media dedicates huge sorts of other fruits – though the If the melon is just a tiny bit It was the wife of the second coverage to stories about fruit. – prices are perhaps a little higher “lopsided” or “bumpy” it’s value owner, the daughter of a trader in DPA