THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

MARKETPLACEMARKET | 6 | 11 HOLLYWOODD | 12 Widian by AJ Arabia ‘Sultan’, ‘Kabali’ take top Star Wars fans launches latest spots among trending will enjoy collection at Blue Salon movies: Google ‘Rogue One’ Email: [email protected]

A group of parents and teachers of Pearling Season International School meet on a regular basis to bring awareness about seat belt safety among children. P | 4-5

A NOBLE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 CAMPUS 03

Students take part in Engineering Explorers Program

early 30 middle school and enrichment in addition to students from nine events for Qatar’s school children local schools across in grades 5 through 12. Through Qatar recently partic- Dhia: Engineering Leaders, more ipated in Engineering than hundreds of Qatari students NExplorers Program hosted by Texas have benefited from more than A&M University at Qatar and Mae- 10,000 hours of educational rsk Oil Qatar. outreach. The four-day event aimed to Jassim Al Khori, Deputy Head familiarise young students with of Subsurface at Maersk Oil Qatar, engineering and the science behind said: “Maersk Oil Qatar is proud to it. The programme included science be Texas A&M University Qatar’s activities, hands-on engineering strongest partner in education and projects and contests to challenge outreach, and to support Engineer- students’ math and science skills. ing Explorers and more broadly the Students learned about science con- Dhia programme.” cepts, design, teamwork and Dr. César O. Malavé, dean of creativity through interactive activ- Du’a Fahim, math coordinator technology, engineering and math) Texas A&M at Qatar, said, “Texas ities conducted in Texas A&M at at Amna Preparatory School and workshops offered through the A&M at Qatar is dedicated to help- Qatar’s state-of-the-art labs. Maryam Al Obaidan’s mother, said, Dhia: Engineering Leaders partner- ing Qatar meet its need for new Maryam Abdullah Al Obaidan, “It was a really nice opportunity and ship between Texas A&M at Qatar engineers that will move the coun- who participated in the programme, the girls enjoyed it a lot. The most and Maersk Oil Qatar designed to try toward its goals. Through said she enjoyed the chemistry and important thing is they learned interest bright, young Qataris in engaging STEM programmes such robotics parts of the workshop, as what is happening in the university. pursuing engineering and science as Engineering Explorers, we and well as learning about engineering I really love the programme, and I career paths to develop the scien- Maersk Oil Qatar are inspiring a as a career and 3-D printing tech- hope it continues with another tific workforce Qatar needs to reach new generation of engineering nologies. “I’m thinking about group of students so that they all the goals of Qatar National Vision leaders by encouraging Qatar’s medical engineering because I want get to have this chance.” 2030. brightest young students to pursue to help people and animals, and I Engineering Explorers is the lat- The partnership began in 2013 careers in science and want also to be an engineer.” est in a series of STEM (science, and has included teacher training engineering.”

SIS holds farewell to Class XII students

IS class XI organised a farewell for its class XII students recently. Students and teach- Sers felicitated the outgoing students. The farewell was graced by SIS President K C Abdul Latheef, Principal Dr Subhash Nair, General Secretary Abdul Kadar, Vice principals and Management committee members. Outgoing students took a pledge to retain the values that they have imbibed at SIS and promise to pass on to the next generation, the legacy of human values and virtues. 04 COVER STORY THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 A noble sense of responsibility

then spread this message in the com- munity by talking to their parents, relatives, friends and neighbours,” says Ansay. The PTA is not just relying on verbal communication to teach the importance of wearing seat belts to students; they are giving them life- like experiences through the use of simulators. The day The Peninsula visited the school, younger students were being given demonstrations with a dummy on two simulators: a roll over simulator and a seat belt convincer; while older students physically expe- rienced them. “It is a kind of life-changing expe- rience for kids and they are getting a life-lesson,” said Ansay. Irfan Bukhari School — a group of parents and for all. A study conducted last year “We have long since realised that The Peninsula teachers that meet on a bi-weekly notes: “Despite road traffic crashes there is an incredible gap in the sim- basis to bring together ideas, being one of the leading causes of ple implementation of the seat belt hey say a good heart is bet- thoughts and concerns; and work death in Qatar, three out of 10 driv- rule in Qatar, and children are one ter than all the heads in towards enhancing the student expe- ers in Doha, do not use a seat belt of the most vulnerable groups prone the world. When parents rience,” says Hershey Ansay, an and about one in 12 use a mobile to death due to such lack in care.” and teachers from Pearl- Australian expat who represents both phone while driving. More efforts, in Helping hands: A number of ing Season International teachers and parents and is co-lead- the form of awareness campaigns national organisations are standing T(PSI) School decided to run a cam- ing the campaign. and increased law enforcement, are shoulder-to-shoulder with PSI paign, a common good of all good She said that the campaign will needed to improve compliance with School to make its campaign result- initiatives — serving the humanity — continue in January and February. laws requiring seat belt use and pro- oriented. “We have names like was at the bottom of their hearts and Meanwhile this month they have hibiting mobile phone use while Weill-Cornell Medical College, at the top of their minds. designed in-class talks to create an driving.” Hamad Trauma Center and Karwa “Wearing seat belts saves lives,” awareness on the importance of fas- PSI School has designed a Driving School involved in our cam- is the attitude being instilled into tening seat belts. “Our first focus number of attractive and engaging paign, all interspersed by the efforts school students and their parents as remains on children.” activities to educate children on the of our teachers in holding in-class well. “The Seat Belt Safety Campaign A challenge for all: The fatalities importance of seat belt use includ- activities and playing awareness vid- is being organised by the Parent- and injuries in road traffic accidents ing age-appropriate poster, video eos throughout the campaign Teacher Association (PTA) of PSI have been an issue of great concern and slogan contests. “These children months,” said Ansay. THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 COVER STORY 05

The school has also designed with prizes; age-appropriate and was trying to inculcate in kids. Her or obeying traffic rules is not a sub- stickers and bumper stickers to quite fun information packs for all demonstration on seat belt had eve- ject of social concern; for others, it spread the message. “We will dis- students and parents; and a Safety rything needed to make the might simply be plain ignorance,” tribute them among children, Awareness Night with a ‘Stories campaign fruitful; motivation, she noted. “We simply lack educa- parents and community once we from the Trauma Room’ feature encouragement, training and tion of car-seating etiquette — and get permission from concerned conducted by a senior trauma sur- persuasion. that is what this campaign is set- quarters,” said Ansay, further say- geon from Hamad Trauma Center. Embedded for good: Another ting out to counter.” ing that they would love to spread Pauline Keogh is a teacher at parent, Sabika Shaban, has also vol- Sabika said that road safety- the word of their efforts to inspire PSI School who not only teaches unteered her time for the cause to related information was also being other schools in the region to take business, but also has taken the role co-organise the campaign. She shared with the parents of school up the cause in a lasting, culturally of helping organise the high school thinks that with right tools, strate- children. “It’s a two-way stream: embedding way. students’ road safety activities. gies and motivation, the importance teach children to reach parents; and The school has also designed a “When I came to Qatar, I was of seat belt wearing can be embed- educate parents to re-enforce their Seat Belt Police exercise, where shocked to see the low level of seat ded in the school culture. children’s behaviour. Parents must teams of older students would per- belt wearing. It’s a dangerous prac- Being a Pakistani-Canadian understand that without a simple form duties of traffic police and tice,” she said. expat, she believes that this train- seat belt, they are placing their child would dummy-fine parents for not Terming the oblivious attitude ing is important on many grounds in a potential death-trap.” properly strapping in their children. ‘highly risky’, she said that being an including the fact that most people One can argue with anything The PTA has some other ideas to occupational first-aider, safety had in Qatar belong to various social except stats: Citing stats, Sabika says execute like a poster competition always been her subject of interest. backgrounds and cultures. “Non- that the risk of injury or casualty for the younger ones and a video “Wearing seat belts saves lives”, was practising expats come from multiplies when someone neglects competition for the older students the lesson she countries where wearing seat belts using seat belts in the back seats. “The passengers without seat belts turn into missiles in case of car col- lisions for the driver and passenger sitting on the front seats,” she said. “Through the use of an ‘unbelted’ dummy in the roll over simulator while the student was belted, stu- dents realised that even if they were belted themselves, the unbelted passenger would pose a death threat for them in a collision.” Students were more than excited over their experiences in the simulators. “Earlier we were not aware of the extent of the dangers associated with non-fastening of seat belts. It has really made a strong impression on us. We will for sure pass on the message of the importance of using seat belts to friends and family,” they said. 06 MARKETPLACE/COMMUNITY THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 Widian by AJ Arabia launches latest collection at Blue Salon

lue Salon hosted the launch of Widian by AJ Arabia, UAE perfume house’s, latest collection launch. The latest collec- Btion, Gold Collection, draws the bridge between the East and West, French perfumery and the Arabian deserts. The collection, which is Oud and Amber-based, makes you experience all the charm Arabia has to offer. Similar to the Black collection, the Gold Collection consist of five unique fragrances. Gold I, an Amber attraction, is powerful, sensual and sweet. It is a timeless fragrance that allows its lovers to fill in the blanks with their imagination, fantasies and dreams. Like the gold rush, it becomes the treasure to be found radiant. The touch of warm amber, plays up the fragrance’s velvety sweetness. Gold II is a powdery oriental fragrance. With the mix of its dark Pic: Baher Amin / gold gem, a thousand of soft and The Peninsula sensual reflections will make you float with the clouds. A spray of its satin mist caressers your skin, like Dhabi. Original fragrances which adventure and finding the unknown, of contemporary Arab spirit, mod- a second peel, making you bloom say a lot about a person who wants history of discovery, strong desire ern, but at the same time, traditional. and glow. to be different, while remaining and the belief that all roads lead Carefully handled to perfection and AJ ARABIA is a perfumery house anchored in traditional roots and home. is a reflection of the ultra-modern founded by Ali Aljaberi in Abu heritage. It has the charm of AJ Arabia is a splendid example style of the region.

top of the range amenities designed to host world class inter- national events. Live in Doha will be the first big major south Asian concert in the venue. The tickets will be out from December 15 and will be availa- ble online on www.aynatickets. com and all the major restaurants and coffee shops in Qatar. The event is sponsored by City ed Apple Events and Media sings. She will be accompanied by Exchange Western Union, Kerala Shreya Ghoshal will present a mega musi- her group of 13 musicians and is Jewellery, 7 Street by musical night Rcal journey on January 13 promising Doha a night of soulful Spices. Voice of Kerala and NRI at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena. melody and music. The event is café are the official media on January 13 The fist one in the series will fea- being hosted at the Ali Bin Hamad partners. ture the versatile Shreya Ghoshal. Al Attiah Arena. The venue hosted The event is powered by She has a reputation of winning the world handball champion- Dubai Based Milestone awards in all the languages she ships and it boasts of world class Entertainment. THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 MARKETPLACE 07 No. 39 Lexus RC FDenso Kobelco Sard clinches victory

strong and consistent run by the No. 39 Lexus RC FDenso Kobelco Sard, driven by Heikki Kovalainen Aand Kohei Hirate, in Round 8 of the 2016 Autobacs Super GT series kept the Lexus camp in the driv- er’s seat throughout the final leg of the GT500 class race. The final round was held at the Twin Ring Motegi inTochigi Prefecture, Japan, where other Lexus racers too put up a strong fight for the big prize. Pole positions in the final race were dominated by Lexus cars asNo. 6 Lexus RC Fwako’s 4CR and No. 19 Lexus RC FWedsSport Advan took the second and third spots. No. 36 Lexus RC Fau Tom’s and No. 37 Lexus RC FKeePer Tom’s battled fiercely to take the fourth and fifth positions. The cel- ebrations were special for Heikki happy that goal was realised.” 3),where five Lexus teams domi- like to take this opportunity to Kovalainen who recorded his first Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief nated the top positions, from the thank our fans for their constant win after he started competing in Representative, Middle East and sixth all the way up to the runners- support. Motorsport events are an the previous season of Super GT. North Africa Representative Office, up spot. Throughout the final race, important training ground, where Adding to this, the victory also Toyota Motor Corporation, said: our Lexus teams were a force to our engineers work closely with handed the pair of Heikki “We are beaming with pride and reckon with as the winning pair racers to process their feedback Kovalainen and Kohei Hirate the happiness after having witnessed gave their competitors few and incorporate the on-field expe- season’s Drivers Championship a decisive win by the No. 39 Lexus chances to dislodge them from the rience into the cars. This title. Kohei Hirate expressed his RC FDenso Kobelco Sard. What leading position. We congratulate dedication and collaborations with emotions: “I am happy to have makes this victory special is the the racers and support staff for sports personalities, car enthusi- won the championship, but more strong and consistent perform- their tireless efforts throughout asts and valued customers inspire than anything, I wanted to end the ance that the team carried from the competitive season.” us on a quest for creating ‘ever- season with a win, and I am very the previous round (Round Yoshitsugu added: “We would better’ cars.” Mix Max Group to open several outlets in Qatar

ix Max Group, a leading busi- Supplies Company. A MiniMart will ness firm in Qatar, also be opened, opposite of Hamad Mannounced that they are Bone and Joint Hospital in Doha. opening many business firms in Qatar The company official today and tomorrow, respectively. announced that they have got some The new business firms which include exclusive distribution channels of two branches of “Auto-mech” light many automotive products which and heavy spare parts outlets with include DEPO, a famous body parts whole sale division located, Waka- and spare parts manufactures from lath Street 13 and 23 at Industrial Area. Taiwan, Speed Mate batterys — manufactures from . one umbrella, which includes and The outlet for hydraulic, stain- Korea’s No 1 battery manufactures, Al Jazeera Technical and Oil to promote whole sale and retails less steel and lifting accessories will GCI, a premium quality automotive Field Supply Company is a newly marketing of with wide range of be opened under the name of Al paints manufactures from Jordan established business concept to hydraulics, stainless steel and lift- Jazeera Technical and Oilfield and Autoform, a quality seat cover meet all industrial requirement is ing accessories products. 08 HEALTH THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

Fasting can kill cancer cells of common childhood leukemia

age. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) followed by one day of feeding is more common in adults. completely inhibited cancer devel- The two types of leukemia arise opment,” he said. from different bone marrow- At the end of seven weeks, the derived blood cells, he explained. fasted mice had virtually no detect- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia ible cancerous cells compared to affects B cells and T cells, two types an average of nearly 68 per cent of of the immune system’s disease- cells found to be cancerous in the fighting white blood cells. test areas of the non-fasted mice, AML targets other types of white showed the findings published blood cells such as macrophages online in the journal Nature and granulocytes, among other cells. Medicine. In both ALL and AML, the can- “Mice in the ALL model group cerous cells remain immature yet that ate normally died within 59 proliferate uncontrollably. days, while 75 percent of the fasted Those cells fail to work well and mice survived more than 120 days displace healthy blood cells, lead- without signs of leukemia,” Zhang ing to anemia and infection. They said. IANS type-dependent and provides a may also infiltrate into tissues and Fasting is known to reduce the platform for identifying new tar- thus cause problems. level of leptin, a cell signalling mol- esearchers have found gets for leukemia treatments,” said The researchers created several ecule created by fat tissue. that intermittent fasting senior author of the study mouse models of acute leukemia “We found that fasting decreased inhibits the develop- Chengcheng (Alec) Zhang, Associ- and tried various dietary restric- the levels of leptin circulating in the ment and progression of ate Professor at University of Texas tion plans. bloodstream as well as decreased the most common type Southwestern Medical Center in the They used green or yellow flo- the leptin levels in the bone mar- Rof childhood leukemia. US. rescent proteins to mark the cancer row,” he added. This strategy was not effective, “We also identified a mechanism cells so they could trace them and Interestingly, acute myeloid however, in another type of blood responsible for the differing determine if their levels rose or fell leukemia was associated with cancer that commonly strikes response to the fasting treatment,” in response to the fasting treatment, higher levels of leptin receptors that adults. he added. Zhang explained. were unaffected by fasting, which “This study using mouse mod- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, “Strikingly, we found that in could help explain why the fasting els indicates that the effects of the most common type of leukemia models of ALL, a regimen consist- treatment was ineffective against fasting on blood cancers are found in children, can occur at any ing of six cycles of one day of fasting that form of leukemia.

Do you brush your erode the teeth and lead to sensitivity. * If you’ve been sipping on teeth for long? Avoid cider or opting for spicy treats during the holidays, canker sores IANS just like the rest of the body and can actually set in and ruin your shares tips to take care of your fun. If you’re already suffering, try he mouth is the mirror of the teeth. * Brushing teeth is brilliant swishing your mouth with warm body and thus it becomes but not for too long. ADA (Amer- salt water as it helps clean the Tmandatory to take care of ican Dental Association) sores and faster healing. Alcohol our teeth always. Not spending recommends brushing for not free sore mouth rinses will also too much time brushing your more than two-three minutes. help relieve the pain in such a sit- teeth and avoiding carbonated Over brushing teeth can cause uation. * In winters one more drinks can work wonders in win- sensitivity. thing to take care of is to cut down ters, says an expert. * Yes, we all are a little hun- on the sugar intake as this along Sagrika Shukla, a visiting con- grier in winters, but say yes to hot with decreased water intake in the sultant at Clove Dental, says that beverages rather than acidic car- season increases chances of teeth need extra care in winters bonated drinks which tend to cavities.

10 FOOD THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

Joe Yonan The Washington Post

nything chicken can do, chickpeas can do better. At least I think so, but I am admittedly biased. I don’t know With chickpeas around, if it’s just the possibility for word- play, but I am drawn to every recipe AI have ever seen that uses the beans in place of the poultry in a classic, or at least well-known, who needs chickens? treatment. I’m talking about kung pao chickpeas, butter chickpeas, chickpea a la king and the like. An early favorite was chickpea salad. And why not? Garbanzo beans take well to the mashed-with-mayo technique, and if you spice up the mix with curry powder and add some sour, crunchy bits, all the better. Jessica Prescott has an excellent version in her book “Vegan Goodness” (Hardie Grant Books, 2016). Prescott, creator of the Wholy Goodness blog, was inspired not by chicken salad but by her dad’s curried egg sandwiches. And rather than mayo, she uses a ripe avocado (plus a little olive oil) as the fatty binder. Because I’m a pickle fanatic, especially when it comes to sandwiches, my favorite part is her use of baby dills as little punctuation marks. I aimed to make four full-size sandwiches with the filling, but the best-looking rolls at the supermarket were minis, so sliders were born. In the midst of holiday-potluck season, it was a message from the universe that these were born to be party food, not just dinner.

Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Adapted from “Vegan Goodness,” by Jessica Prescott (Hardie Grant Books, 2016). 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or more as in the red onion, pickles, parsley, curry powder, needed salt and pepper. Taste, and add more lemon, salt Ingredients: 4 servings 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, or and/or pepper as needed. 1 1/2 cups (one 15-ounce can) no-salt-added more as needed To build the sandwiches, place a few baby chickpeas, rinsed and drained About 1/2 cup lightly packed baby spinach spinach leaves on the bottom halves of the Flesh of 1 large ripe avocado, chopped leaves toasted rolls and top with the chickpea salad 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 hamburger-bun-size rolls (or 8 mini rolls), (about 1/2 cup each if the rolls are hamburger- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or more as split and toasted bun-size and 1/4 cup if they’re minis). Top with needed the remaining halves of the rolls. 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion Method: Nutrition | Per serving (using kosher salt): 4 baby dill pickles, finely chopped (1/2 cup) Combine the chickpeas, avocado, oil and 300 calories, 12 g protein, 45 g carbohydrates, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork 10 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 610 1 tablespoon curry powder until well combined but still a little chunky. Stir mg sodium, 9 g dietary fiber, 7 g sugar 11 THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 BOLLYWOOD

‘Sultan’, ‘Kabali’ take top spots among trending movies: Google IANS

ollywood actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Patani - who starred together in “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold BStory”, and superstar ’s “Sultan” were amongst the top searches on Google in 2016. Google India on Wednesday issued a statement of the 2016 recap of trending sto- ries -- biggest moments, major events and Among the female actors, Urvashi Rau- In terms of movies, Salman’s blockbuster user interests based on the searches made tela, Pooja Hegde and Mandana Karimi were film “Sultan” peaked among the top trending by Indians on Google in 2016, and the names also part of the searches. titles, followed closely by Rajinikanth’s block- of the personalities who dominated Google. After Sushant, Kabir Bedi was the Top buster film “Kabali”. starrer Among the Bollywood leads, Sushant and Trending Bollywood Actor (Male), followed “Udta Punjab”, ’s “Airlift” and Disha emerged on the top trending charts of by Harshvardhan Kapoor, Pulkit Samrat and Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma starrer male and female stars. Salman Khan. “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” also made it to the list.

Anupam Kher celebrates 20th Raj Kapoor’s contribution to cinema film with Akshay Kumar is evergreen: Rakesh Roshan

oilet - Ek Prem Katha” is Anupam ilmmaker Rakesh Roshan Kher and Akshay Kumar’s 20th has remembered legendary “Tfilm together. The “Khiladi” star Factor Raj Kapoor on his 92nd thanked the veteran actor for babysitting birth anniversary and says his him through his career. contribution to Hindi cinema is Anupam on Wednesday tweeted a video evergreen. of him cutting a cake with Akshay and “The greatest filmaker Mr Raj actress Bhumi Pednekar. Kapoor on his birth anniversary, “’Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ is my 20th film saw Shree 420 more than 400 with superstar Akshay Kumar. Here is a times. Your contribution is ever- glimpse of how we celebrated this landmark on the sets,” Anupam green,” Roshan tweeted on captioned the video. Wednesday morning. Akshay tweeted a heart-warming photograph in which they are Raj Kapoor is regarded as one seen engrossed in a fun conversation, and wrote: “A man who has of the greatest and most influen- nurtured so many and taken it upon himself to baby-sit me through- tial filmmakers and actors in the out my career. Love and prayers always ji, ur Baby AK.” history of Indian cinema. He was The two have been seen in films like “The Shaukeens”, “Baby”, the winner of several awards including three National Film Awards. “Special 26”, “Desi Boyz” and “Aflatoon” among many others. He was a two-time nominee for the Palme d’Or grand prize at “Toilet- Ek Prem Katha” is slated to release worldwide on June 2, the Cannes Film Festival for his films “Awaara” and “Boot Polish”. 2017. The film is a love story with a satirical flavour and is directed The Government of India feted him with Padma Bhushan in 1971 by Shree Narayan Singh. for his contributions to the arts and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award It is produced by Aruna Bhatia, Plan C Studios and Abundantia, was bestowed him in 1987 by the Government of India. and presented by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and KariArj Entertain- The late actor, who has also contributed to films like “Shree 420” ment. It will be the first time that Akshay will be in the same frame and “Teesri Kasam”, suffered from asthma in his later years. He died with the “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” famed star Bhumi for a movie. of complications related to asthma in 1988 at the age of 63. 12 HOLLYWOOD THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

once in a production. That reassuring callback, as well as several Star Wars fans will others, is present and accounted for in “Rogue One,” which centers on the story of Jyn (Felicity Jones), a young woman pressed into service by a militant splinter group of the Rebel Alliance to enjoy ‘Rogue One’ perform crucial espionage against the tyranni- cal Galactic Empire, which is in the process of inventing a superweapon called the Death Star. Because this is “Star Wars,” you know that Jyn’s efforts ultimately will involve some kind of ragtag team of plucky misfits. In “Rogue One,” that merry band consists of a rebel intelligence officer named Cassian (Diego Luna), a disaffected Empire pilot named Bodhi (Riz Ahmed) and a snippily sarcastic droid named K-2SO. Voiced by Alan Tudyk, this angular, spider-like crea- ture provides precious comic relief in a film that is otherwise grim and unsmiling, as Jyn and her brothers in arms do battle with the Empire’s dia- bolical weapons director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Sturdily executed by Edwards, whose pre- vious credits include “Monsters” and “Godzilla,” “Rogue One” is nonetheless a relatively rote affair, enlivened by some impressive visuals and Michael Giacchino’s stirring musical score, but lacking the warmth and humor of the previous films. By no stretch is this a disaster on a par with Lucas’ misbegotten prequel trilogy. Still, at least until its final section, “Rogue One” lacks the zip, zing and exhilarating sense of return to form that “The Force Awakens” conveyed so lightly. Jones presents a convincing, if monotonously self-serious, heroine in “Rogue One,” and her uncanny physical resemblance to Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey in the new installments, invites intriguing speculation as to whether and how they may be related. But few of her fellow actors Ann Hornaday - that it’s easy to forget that it was that first “Star make as vivid an impression, and the fey, soft- The Washington Post Wars” installment, back in 1977, that started it spoken Luna is particularly ill-suited to play a all. rakish man of adventure. Chinese actor Donnie movie has been made for “Star Wars” To its credit, and like last year’s “The Force Yen, as a mystical warrior, is underused in a role fans that finally answers many of Awakens,” “Rogue One” pays homage to the that feels perfunctory and shoehorned in. the questions they’ve long been ask- imaginative and physical world that George Too often, “Rogue One” seems to be check- ing, having to do with the tensile Lucas and his collaborators built four decades ing boxes as it goes about its plotty business, strength of a franchise that has expe- ago. Hewed from the same “used future” aes- which ultimately has to do with the retrieval of Arienced its share of strain over 40 years, and the thetic Lucas so cleverly perfected, the movie has documents, the closing of a shield gate and locat- ability of artists with new, perhaps iconoclastic a scruffy, tarnished patina, staging that harks ing the master switch on a communications visions to bring a faraway galaxy from long ago back to wartime classics from the World War II control tower. It’s simplistic stuff, and bluntly into a bold new future. and Vietnam eras, and video-game-like visual effective at ginning up the idea of action and That movie is “Star Wars: Episode VIII” and flourishes. It fits neatly with the “Star Wars” stakes, which take on increased heft as “Rogue will be in theaters roughly a year from now. mythos, especially during its rousing third act One” finally reaches its busy, startlingly apoca- In the meantime, we have “Rogue One: A and immensely satisfying final moment. lyptic conclusion. (At two hours and 13 minutes, Star Wars Story,” Gareth Edwards’s perfectly What “Rogue One” doesn’t have is much joy, the film is at least 15 minutes too long). serviceable, if undistinguished, placeholder. This although viewers can’t say they weren’t warned. Graced with the first appearance of some of is a movie that, technically, doesn’t need to exist, Edwards and Disney executives have made much the “Star Wars” series’ most iconic characters - apart from abject fan service, the minting of some of the fact that they wanted this stand-alone ven- at least in the chronological sense - “Rogue One” easy money and mindshare maintenance at a ture to be “dark,” and is it ever: As “Star Wars” represents an unobjectionable exercise in fran- time when attention spans ping from one sci-fi movies go, this one may have the highest body chise extension. It’s fine. It’ll do. For now. spectacle to the next with brazen promiscuity. count of them all, above and beyond the Impe- Two and one-half stars. Rated PG-13. Con- So many images in “Rogue One” conjure recent rial stormtroopers who can be relied on to go tains extended sequences of sci-fi action and films - from “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Arrival” out with a desperate Wilhelm scream at least violence. 133 minutes.3 THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 SCIENCE & TECH 13

Tom Ham The Washington Post

e sorted through dozens Year’s top video games satisfy of this year’s new titles Wfor kids and picked our fans of sports, ‘Star Wars’ five favorites. There are options for fans of sports, racing and the ever- popular “Star Wars” movies. Read on for the lowdown.

“Skylanders: Imaginators”

Publisher: Activision Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U Rating: Everyone 10+ Details: Skylanders is back, and this latest iteration is the coolest one yet. Fans of the series will be famil- iar with the gameplay: solving puzzles, platforming and fighting enemies with toy-to-life charac- ters that come from figurines placed on the Portal of Power. But what makes this release so cool is that players can create their own char- acters, known as Imaginators. Almost every aspect of your char- acter can be customized: class, fighting style, name, voice, powers, appearance, etc. These custom Imaginator creations can then be shared with other players via Cre- ation Crystals (which you can carry with you). The Crash Starter Pack “Destiny: The Collection” comes with the game, four Sky- Lamborghinis to all-wheel-drive Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, landers figures, one Creation Crystal cruisers. No question: Forza Hori- Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, 3DS, Play- Publisher: Activision and the Portal of Power. zon 3 is the year’s best racing game. Station Vita, Wii U and PC Platform: Xbox One and PlaySta- “Forza Horizon 3” Rating: Everyone 10 and older tion 4 “Super Mario Maker” Details: We’re not gonna lie: We Rating: Teen (for animated blood Publisher: Microsoft Studios love “Star Wars.” We also love Lego and violence) Platform: Xbox One and Windows 10 Publisher: Nintendo games, and the latest game does not Details: Feel like saving the Rating: Everyone Platform: 3DS disappoint. Following story lines of universe and all of humanity? Details: We’re big fans of the Rating: Everyone “The Force Awakens,” players are Choose one of three classes - Forza Horizon series, and the lat- Details: Super Mario Maker for on an amazing adventure in which Titan, Warlock or Hunter - each est game is something special. This the Wii U was one of our top games they take on roles of their favorite with special abilities and powers. time, the Horizon Festival takes last year. As of December, you’ll be “Star Wars” characters as they fight Then team up with two friends place in Australia, where players able to experience the same magic the First Order and its quest for and venture out to planets across will race not only on regular paved on 3DS. The game will feature more galactic domination. What makes our solar system trying to stop roads but also off-road. As the new than 100 built-in courses, and play- this game great is that players are alien threats. The Collection is a director of the festival, you have to ers will have access to courses that able to visit locations and interact great value because it’s like get- make it the biggest one in the world. were originally designed on the Wii with characters that were shown ting five games for the price of To do that, players will take part in U. Can’t finish a course? No wor- only briefly in the movie. After play- one. You get the original game events throughout Australia, seek- ries: With the game’s new share ing through it, we had a better and all downloadable content ing out racing talent and hiring feature, players will be able to col- understanding of the movie and the released till now. The single- them to be a part of the festival. You laborate with others and then events that transpired in it. To give player campaign has enough can even hire and fire your friends! release it to the world. the game an added level of authen- challenges for even the most sea- As you win races and events, more ticity, the movie actors - including soned gamer. And once you feel areas of Australia open up. Players “Lego Star Wars: The Force Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy up to the task, you can try com- can collect, customize and race with Awakens” Ridley and John Boyega - lent their petitive multiplayer modes, in more than 350 of the world’s voices to the characters. The Force which winners get rewarded with coolest cars, from sleek Publisher: WB Games is strong with this one. ultimate loot. 14 CINEMA PLUS THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

NOVO ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 12:45, 2:45, 3:30, 5:30, 6:15, Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 11:00pm 8:15, 9:00, 11:00 & 11:45pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, Moana (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:30pm 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10;00pm Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:15, 6:30, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm & 12:00midnight Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 4:30 & 8:30pm Moana (2D/Animation) 10:00, 11:15am, 12:15, 1:30, 2:30, 3:45, 4:45, 6:00, 8:15 & 10:30pm Eshtebak (Drama) 4:45 & 11:30pm Yom Lel Settat (2D/Arabic) 7:00, 9:30pm & 12:00midnight Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 6:45 & 9:15pm Trolls (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30pm Allied (2D/Action) 6:30, 9:00 & 11:25pm Underworld 5: Blood War (2D/Action) 10:15am, 3:00, 7:35pm & 12:10am Fantastic Beast And Where To Find Them (3D/Adventure) 12:15, 5:00 & 9:35pm ASIAN TOWN The Girl With All The Gifts (2D/Thriller) 10:45am, 3:00, 7:15 & 11:30pm Dhruva (Telugu) 12:30 & 3:30pm Meelo Evaru Koteeswaradu (Telugu) 12:30pm Eshtebak (2D/Arabic) 1:00, 5:15 & 9:30pm Katapana (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (3D IMAX/Adventure) 10:30am, 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, Nanna Nenu Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 3:30pm 9:30pm & 12:15am Chennai 600825 II (Tamil) 12:30pm Ore Mukam (Malayalam) 3:15, 5:45, 6:15, 8:15, 8:45, 10:45, 11:15, 01:15am & 01:45am Wajah Tum Ho (Hindi) 6:30 & 10:30pm Befikre (Hindi) 9:00pm MALL WAJAH TUM HO Wajah Tum Ho 2:00 & 11:00pm Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:30, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 9:00pm Moana (2D/Animation) 4:30 & 7:30pm Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 5:00pm Eshtebak (Drama) 5:00 & 11:15pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 7:00 & 9:30pm

LANDMARK Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 11:15pm Moana (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:00pm Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:30 & 11:00pm Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 4:30 & 8:45pm Eshtebak (Drama) 4:30 & 11:15pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 6:45 & 9:30pm Wajah Tum Ho is an upcoming 2016 Indian Hindi crime Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. directed by . It features , Sharman Joshi, and in lead roles. The film revolves around a live murder committed on television.

BABY BLUES

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 BRAIN TEASERS 15

CROSSWORD CONCEPTIS SUDOKU

Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3×3 box contains the same number only once.

Yesterday’s answer

ALL IN THE MIND

ANTARCTIC, ARCTIC, ARCTIC CIRCLE, ARCTIC FOX, BLIZZARD, FREEZING, FROSTY, FROZEN, GELID, GLACIER, HUSKY, ICE, ICEBERG, ICEBREAKER, ICE FIELD, ICE FLOE, ICE SHELF, ICICLE, IGLOO, NORTH POLE, PENGUIN, PERMAFROST, POLAR BEAR, SLED, SLEET, SNOW, SNOWSHOE, SNOWSTORM, SOUTH POLE, WHITEOUT.

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