MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 • [email protected] • www.thepeninsulaqatar.com • 4455 7741 inside Searching CAMPUS • Winners of Senior sun for Design Contest storms announced P | 4

P | 6 MARKETPLACE • Slew of Ramadan events at Sharq Village and Spa The farm on Maryland’s eastern P | 5 shore is part of a growing “precision agriculture” movement FITNESS that uses high-tech tools to • Fitness programme replace seat-of-the-pants for people with farming. developmental disabilities P | 7

WHEELS • McLaren seeks do-over with $265,000 650S

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TECHNOLOGY • Text-messaging isn’t actually ruining young PRECISION people’s grammar P | 12 FARMING IS LEARN ARABIC • Learn commonly used Arabic words HERE TO STAY and their meanings P | 13 2 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 COVER STORY With new tech tools, precision farming gains traction

BY ROB LEVER field to cut irrigation costs. At Little Bohemia Creek, the tractor’s sensors gauge the health T Little Bohemia Creek Farm of various segments of a field to deliver fer- in Warwick, United States, tilizer and other chemicals more efficiently, the tractor pretty much which has an environmental benefit. drives itself, weaving through “This technology allows for more intricate rows of corn using GPS tech- data collection to make decisions,” says Rich nology as it injects carefully Wildman of the agricultural consulting firm dosedA amounts of fertilizer. Farm employee Agrinetix, which provides technology advice Andrew Isaacson sits in the cab — his main at the farm. job is to monitor computer screens that con- This permits the farmer to “do more ferti- trol the vehicle and sprayer. lization or seed planting to match the needs “I just turn it around at each end,” he of a field within an inch variation,” he said. says. With computers guiding field opera- Various studies suggest farmers can save tions “it makes it easier in some ways but at between 10 to 20 percent on fertilizer and the same time it makes it harder. You have chemicals, while improving yields. to put more information in”. The farm on Maryland’s eastern shore is part of a growing “precision agriculture” movement that uses Farming in the cloud high-tech tools to replace seat-of-the-pants Little Bohemia Creek owner Jon Quinn, farming. 48, is using for the first time this year the GPS auto-steered tractors cut down or system called GreenSeeker, from California eliminate overplowing and overlap that tech firm Trimble. “I don’t know if I’m using wastes fuel and time. Other technologies can less nitrogen, but I’m putting it in the right sense just how much water is needed in a place,” Quinn explained. PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 3

If that holds true, the fertilizer will mainly be absorbed by the corn instead of running off into nearby rivers. Paul Spies of the Chester River Association, an environmental group, said Quinn is one of a handful of farmers in the pilot project, which aims to show the benefits of this technology. “You’re asking farmers to alter what they have been doing for years,” Spies said. “They want to see proof that it will work.” Quinn also participates in a “precision planting” project with Monsanto, using data from his field to determine how seeds fare in different soil types. “I download it to my iPad, and it goes to the cloud so they can see it,” he said. These technologies mean farmers need to crunch big data. “The real power is when you can take that data While corn and other so farmers can see how different parts of the field yielded and think about (crop) management grains have been changes,” said Joe Foresman, a specialist with the the main focus of DuPont precision farming division Pioneer. Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer, a Purdue University agri- precision agriculture, cultural economist, said that in the past 15 years, Florida-based technologies such as GPS and auto-steering have become the norm in mechanised farming in the AgerPoint seeks to United States and other countries, from Australia do the same for fruit to Kazakhstan to Sweden. trees and vineyards. “The economics are incredibly clear,” he said. “You make gains either with higher yield or lower costs, and sometimes with improved quality.” Purdue researchers found more than 80 percent of US farm equipment being sold includes these tech- nologies, which would mean hundreds of thousands Bowman, a University of Illinois crop specialist who the more money they make.” of farms. tests drones for farm use. The advances mean farmers need to consider For newer technologies like soil and crop sensors, But drone use is limited while US authorities study upgrading equipment like tractors and combines, mapping and analytics, Lowenberg-DeBoer said safety issues—an issue clouded by the more promi- which give them real-time data to view on smart- the picture is mixed, because specialised training nent drone applications for military and intelligence phones. “They’re all skeptical at first,” says Bryan is needed to reap benefits. Just seven percent of US purposes. “We would like to see common sense rules Peterman, a sales manager at Atlantic Tractor in farm dealers offered sensor-driven equipment in that look at the situation in agriculture,” Bowman Delaware. 2013, Purdue researchers found. said. “But this is a generational issue. You have the “It will transform agriculture but it’s not clear now While corn and other grains have been the younger generation who use smartphones and iPads exactly how it will do it,” he said. main focus of precision agriculture, Florida-based who are quick to use this. But we have to show the AgerPoint seeks to do the same for fruit trees and farmers that it is user-friendly and that it saves vineyards, using laser scanning to give producers money.” Bring in the drones data on plant health, and early hints on diseases and Dale Blessing, who farms on several thousand Also on the horizon is the use of drones to provide other problems. acres in Milford, Delaware, said he decided to add a real-time data to farmers to pinpoint crop problems “This next generation of growers want real-time harvesting combine with auto-steering which sends in time to fix them. access to all the data on their crops,” said AgerPoint data to the cloud and makes it available to him in “We can detect plant problems before they are president Thomas McPeek. “The more informed the real time. “It’s just more efficient,” he said. “You can detectable through the naked eye,” said Dennis growers become, the better decisions they make and make more with less.” AFP 4 PLUS MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 CAMPUS Winners of Senior Design Contest announced

enior students from under- graduate programmes at Qatar University’s College of SEngineering presented their projects in the Senior Design Contest on June 18 in front of a panel of judges from top companies in Qatar. Student teams from Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Systems, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Architecture and Urban Planning displayed innovative projects on topics ranging from road safety to sleep disorders, m-learning, power systems stability, and many others. The event which was sponsored by Qapco, Dolphin Energy, QChem and OXY Qatar, was attended by CENG Dean Dr Rashid Alammari, Associate Dean for Research and Post-graduate Programmes Prof Abdelmagid Hammuda, Qapco Senior Development Officer Abdulrahman Senior students from undergraduate programmes at Qatar University’s College of Engineering presented their projects in the Sultan Al Darwish, Qchem Training Senior Design Contest recently. and Development Superintendent Robin Ullrich, department heads, fac- engineering category were Fatma Civil engineering winners were followed by Abdelrahman Mossad ulty, and family members. Ahmad Fakhroo, Rawda Majid Al-Ali, Abdulaziz Al Qahoumi and Rashid Shouman, Mohamed Ahmed El Musab Almozieon, Mohammad and Alanood Hussain Al-Obaidly; 2nd Al-Zeyarra, followed by Ahmed Khamisy, and Nazar Salim Salim (2nd) Ebrahem, and Yousif Walid Elhdari place — Sara Abdulrahman Abdulla, Ibrahim Khodier, Hassan Ahmed and Abdulrahman Zayed Al Khayarin, won in the mechanical engineering Zaenab Mohamad Oumer, and Sara Hamad, and Md. Hasibur Rahman Mohammed Jamal, and Peter Ezzat Azer category with Ahmed Rafiq Sammour Shaukri Elthlatiny and 3rd place (2nd), and Firas Ahmed Al-Tweel, (3rd). and Mahmoud Jama Mahmoud plac- — Hanaa Dawoud Dawoud, Mona Mohammed Salah Salem, and Anas Dr Alammari congratulated the ing second, followed by Abdullah Mohd Qablawi, and Fae Sabeeh Alowas. Nasir Fahmi (3rd). winners and praised the creativ- Alnouss, Ahmed Rabie Sakr, and Ahmed The electrical engineering category In computer science, the win- ity and innovative spirit reflected in Emad Abdelmaged in third place. produced winners Ayat Al-Aswad ning teams were Nour Abdelmajid the projects, saying: “This is a clear First-place winners in the chemi- and Nada Hussein with Ihab Jehad Musa, and Waed Adel Hakouz (1st); demonstration of the quality of the cal engineering category were Alreem Aljayyousi, Ebrahim Saleh Alagi and Amena Abulqashem Jabalhoque, Rana academic and research environment Algaal, Noura Dowass, and Fatemeh Saad Abdeati Elasad in second place Noureddin Daas, and Salwa Mohammed at the College.” Thanking the spon- Khodadady, followed by Kousar Bastin and Ali Thaer Abed, Emad Zeyad Talebi (2nd) and Asma Amin Alkakouri, sors, he said: “We are proud to see how Takhti, Elham Salih, and Maryam Al Abou-Deiah, and Ahmad Mahmoud Asma Fuad Al-Dahshan, and Hajer relations between CENG and industry Abdulla in second place and Ruba Ali, Alshiekh in third place. Winners in Almouldi Mzoughi (3rd), while in continue to develop day by day, and are Waad Derar, Nur Elmasri, and Samah architecture and urban planning were computer engineering, Amna Khalid reaching new areas of communication, Mohamed in third place. Hanida Janahi (1st), Sara Al Ansari Al-Kaabi, Latefa Talal Al-Naimi, and cooperation, and partnership.” Winning first place in the industrial (2nd), and Basma Abou Kalloub (3rd). Mariam Ali Ba Hameish placed first, The Peninsula QU signs pact with Maersk Oil Qatar atar University (QU) signed a unique 3-year level. Prof Al Misnad said: “This underlines the spe- agreement with Maersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) cial relationship QU, CAM and Maersk Oil share in Qby which the oil company will be the non- our commitment to ensuring that young students are exclusive Gold Sponsor of the Al-Bairaq high-school provided with the tools and resources to be engaged outreach program which is led by QU’s Center for in science and research with the view to pursuing a Advanced Materials (CAM). university career in these areas, and emerge as the The agreement is in line with QU’s commitment to next leaders of the country’s development.” develop high school students’ scientific, experimen- Sheikh Faisal said: “Maersk Oil Qatar is proud to tal and research skills and to partner with industry partner with Qatar University with our sponsorship companies in this regard. The agreement was signed of Al Bairaq. The scientific and technical education by QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad for students together with a focus on research and and MOQ Deputy Managing Director Sheikh Faisal innovation are closely aligned with our commitment bin Fahad Al Thani in the presence of QU VP for to building the skills and capacity in future genera- Research Dr Hassan Al Derham, CAM director Dr tions equipped to deliver a strong, diversified and Mariam Al Maadeed, Al Bairaq program leader Dr healthy knowledge economy in Qatar.” Noora Al Thani, and faculty. He added that Maersk Oil Qatar is dedicated to The terms of the agreement serve the objectives building capacity and skills in Qatar in STEM (sci- of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the development ence, technology, engineering and mathematics) edu- strategies and the state’s ambitions towards a knowl- cation through a wide range of programmes such as edge-based economy. Maersk Oil Qatar funding will Al Bairaq. Dr Noora said that the agreement will support training activities for high school students ensure sustainable growth and success of Al Bairaq Officials exchanging documents after the signing in inquiry-based science programs, and initiatives to and will contribute to Qatar’s national development ceremony in Doha recently. encourage them to study science at higher-education and Qatarisation strategies. The Peninsula MARKETPLACE PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 5 Special Ramadan offer for Starwood loyal guests

o celebrate Ramadan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced a spe- Tcial offer for members of its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty programme. During Ramadan, SPG members will receive a discount of up to 30 percent on Iftar or Suhoor at 60 participating hotels in the 18 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean as well as in Turkey. SPG members who partake in Iftar or Suhoor at the participating hotels will also earn Star points which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades and flights, or use the reward points to bid for one-of-a-kind experi- New executive committee for Doha Toastmasters ences through SPG Moments. “The Holy Month of Ramadan allows vibrant new Executive Yoosaf Vannarath, Vice-President, The incoming president expressed us to offer our SPG members meaning- Committee for 2014–2015 was Education, TM Nizamuddin, V P gratitude in the membership that ful benefits and enjoyable dining expe- A recently installed to run the Membership, TM Dr Unnikrishnan, has reposed faith in his new role and riences with loved ones,” said Steven affairs of Doha Toastmasters Club, VP PR, MTM Rangamani Ravi, assured to take the club to greater Taylor, Vice President Marketing, the first Toastmasters Club in Qatar. Secretary, MTM Mani Roy, heights. TM Dr Unnikrishnan pro- Starwood Hotels & Resorts – Europe, The installation was conducted Treasurer and TM Sandeep Kinge, posed a vote of thanks and acknowl- Middle East and Africa. “Combining by former President Dr M S Babu, Sergeant at Arms. edged the support of all members this promotion with the opportunity to DTM in a brief ceremony as per DTM Sonny Varghese, founder and sponsors who made the event earn Starpoints without booking into Toastmasters International (TI) member of Doha Club, past Regional successful. a hotel means our members can ben- guidelines. Outgoing President TM Adviser and Brand Ambassador, in MTM Vaishali Mehra anchored efit from SPG even when they are not Subair Pandavath thanked all and his address encouraged and moti- the proceedings. Those present at actively travelling.” recognised some members who vated members to serve others the function were current Division The Ramadan offer will be avail- helped achieve significant awards and help members attain success. Governor Saquib Raza Khan, incum- able in 60 Starwood hotels in Algeria, from TI and district officials during Members’ success alone validates bent Division Governors for Division Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, his term. a leader’s success was the underly- E and Q, TM Nasimuddin and TM Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritius, Morocco, The new executive commit- ing message.Current Vice President Shyam Sundar, past and present Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, tee comprises of TM Rajshekhar (PR) TM Nizamuddin released the Division officials, members, guests South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda Kalyanshetti, President, TM 4th newsletter for the year. and their families. and United Arab Emirates. Slew of Ramadan events at Sharq Village and Spa harq Village and Spa celebrates the Holy Iftar Buffet at Al Liwan Month of Ramadan with festivities that prom- Sunset to 10pm. Sises to delight everyone. From the majestic Chef Ali Hadla showcases exquisitely prepared Seher Al Sharq tent and extravagant buffet spreads traditional hot and cold dishes including freshly to luxurious room stays, festivities at the hotel will made breads together with mezze, classic salads, a provide an authentic Arabian experience. live cooking station, the perennial favourite Ouzzi Qatar Airways is proud to be named the Official and sharwarma along with grilled meats, seafood Airline Sponsor of the exquisitely decorated tents and desserts. during the month-long festivities at Al Dasha, Iftar at Parisa Sharq Village and Spa’s ballroom. Sunset to 10 p.m. Launching for the sixth time; this year will be Young and old alike gather for an elegant, Persian the aptly named Seher Al Sharq Ramadan tent in Iftar, with a family-style set menu for all to enjoy. Al Dasha ballroom. Comfortably accommodating up seafood and desserts. Corporate Special: Corporate hosts who wish to 200 guests seated in traditional majlis settings, Persian cuisine aficionados can look forward to uphold the Arabic traditions of hospitality may guests may look forward to a buffet spread like to Meigoo Kabab from the charcoal grill with treat customers and colleagues to a private Iftar no-other. This feast for the senses includes carving tiger prawns and butter saffron or Khoresht – E event with a bespoke menu served in the elegant stations and over 45 different dishes from cuisines Fesenjan from the simmered clay pot with chicken atmosphere of the Al Sonbok ballroom. of the region as well as a varied array of fresh salads breast, walnuts and pomegranate sauce. To round Taste of Arabia and tempting desserts, live entertainment by orien- off chef Moghadam’s culinary creations, guests may 6pm to 1am at Al Jalsa: Jalsa is the Arabic Café tal musicians coming from Morocco – Al Awtar Al sample desserts such as Falude-Ye Shirazi, frozen perfect sanctuary to unwind and enjoy over 25 vari- Dahabiya. Shisha aficionados may also look forward vermicelli sorbet with rose water or Shole Zard, eties of handpicked teas, which are best comple- to savoring over 25 tobacco varietals. saffron rice pudding with pistachio and almonds. mented by the selection of Arabic sweets. For a more convivial atmosphere, opt to enjoy the Shisha Diwan evenings then with family and friends at Al Liwan LIST OF EVENTS 6pm to 2am at Al Qareb: Guests may enjoy their restaurant. Chef Ali Hadla showcases exquisitely Magic of Sharq Village and Spa Ramadan Tent time after Iftar and enjoy a variety of tea flavours, prepared traditional hot and cold dishes including 8.30pm to 2am at Al Dasha Ballroom along with their favourite shisha flavour. freshly made breads together with mezze, classic For an authentic Arabian experience, enter the For restaurant reservations, please call +974 4425 salads, a live cooking station, the perennial favour- majestic Magic of Sharq Village and Spa tent to 6666. For room reservations, please call +974 4425 ite Ouzzi and sharwarma along with grilled meats, enjoy a lavish buffet 6665. 6 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 SCIENCE

two years, according to a report last year by Lloyd’s of London, the world’s oldest insurance market. Long-term outages risk disrupting financial markets and triggering “major and widespread social unrest,” with estimated economic costs as high as $2.6 trillion, Lloyd’s said. The apocalyptic scenarios have their sceptics. Frank Koza, executive director of infrastructure planning for regional grid oper- ator PJM Interconnection, said he doesn’t think transformers would simultaneously fail A magnetic filament bursts in large numbers and lead to the long-term out from the sun sparked outages described by Kappenman. by a medium-sized flare “I’m struggling with that severe event on August 31, 2012. Searching sun John has proposed,” said Koza. PJM oper- ates a good chunk of the U.S. power grid in a 13-state network in the Midwest and Mid- Atlantic. for storms Federal regulators have forced power companies to develop standards to protect the grid, though serious improvements will only come with “wailing and gnashing of teeth on both sides,” Kappenman said. BY STEPHANIE STOUGHTON Midwest,” John Kappenman, a space weather The Space Weather He said the government has been slow consultant, wrote in a 2010 report for the fed- Prediction Centre in Boulder, to replace older satellites providing space- AMA always told erally funded Oak Ridge National Laboratory. weather data and to bolster the small office, me not to look He has added the Pacific Northwest to that Colorado, sends alerts to which Kappenman calls underfunded and into the sights list. power grids, airlines, oil under-appreciated. of the sun. Oh, The Halloween Storm in October 2003 dis- drillers and even pigeon The office has a staff of fewer than 40 but Mama, rupted oil and gas drilling. Malmo, Sweden, employees and a number of unfilled posi- that’s where suffered a blackout. At the time, some US trainers on the risks of tions. Its budget for the current fiscal year “Mthe fun is.” No one understands that Bruce lawmakers were pushing to eliminate the cen- geomagnetic storms that is an estimated $9.6 million, according to Springsteen song more than William Murtagh. tre’s funding and shift the work elsewhere. can disrupt communications, figures from NOAA, part of the Commerce In a small government office near the foothills A 2008 report published by the National Department. of the Rocky Mountains, Murtagh and other Academy of Sciences drew more attention to electric power, and, yes, “They’ve accomplished a lot with little federal employees monitor the sun 24 hours a the risks. It cited Kappenman’s work, which perhaps the birds’ sense of resources,” Kappenman said. day, waiting for it to erupt and fling a cloud of said a severe storm could zap hundreds of the direction. David Miller, a NOAA spokesman, said the superheated, supercharged gas toward Earth. US grid’s high-voltage transformers, leaving space center’s “operational system” is fully The Space Weather Prediction Centre in more than 130 million people in the dark for funded every year. Boulder, Colorado, sends alerts to power months or longer, with economic costs pos- “Any oscillations in funding are on the grids, airlines, oil drillers and even pigeon sibly reaching several trillion dollars. imminent storms. development side, which can be affected by trainers on the risks of geomagnetic storms “The National Academy report changed Alerts go to grids, airlines, satellite firms, budget constraints, such as sequestration, that can disrupt communications, electric everything,” said Bob Rutledge, who’s in governments and companies using satel- when there is a need to prioritise operations power, and, yes, perhaps the birds’ sense charge of the space center’s forecast office. lite-based, high-precision GPS services for that provide warnings and forecasts to pro- of direction. “There’s a lot of disagreement on this, but it mining, land surveys and deep-sea drilling, tect life and property,” he said in an e-mail. The centre also may provide the first clue put this on the radar.” Murtagh said. NOAA is working with Nasa to resurrect a to the worst- case scenario described in aca- Today, the space-weather office has Some pigeon trainers monitor forecasts mothballed Nasa satellite, the Deep Space demic and government reports: widespread about 40,000 subscribers worldwide for its for geomagnetic storms, suspecting the dis- Climate Observatory, to bolster the aging power outages, food shortages and trillions e-mailed alerts, including watches giving a turbances play a role in “smash” races, when fleet. The Air Force has turned to billionaire of dollars in economic damages. The reinsur- day or more of advance notice of possible birds return later than expected or don’t come Elon Musk’s company, Space Exploration ance industry is increasingly sounding alarms, events and roughly 30-minute warnings for back at all. Technologies Corp., to launch it. calling space weather a potential hazard in On very rare occasions “they’ll com- The launch date, tentatively planned for today’s wired world. pletely disappear off the face of the Earth,” November 2014, was pushed to January While the US government has taken steps said Frank McLaughlin, co-owner of Hanson, 2015 as NOAA absorbed automatic federal to prepare for a mega-storm from space, Massachusetts-based McLaughlin Lofts, spending cuts. The observatory is a gap-filler the centre is often able to provide only an which breeds racing pigeons. “And nobody for Nasa’s Advanced Composition Explorer estimated 30-minute warning of geomag- would really know what happened.” satellite, or ACE, which launched in 1997 and netic disruptions. The government spends Geomagnetic storms are typically associ- is long past its mission life. less than $10m on the facility, which must ated with coronal mass ejections, or violent A developing technology — a solar sail fight annually for funding within the National blasts of hot, magnetized gas from the sun. propelled by the sun’s winds and carry- Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The When those clouds slam into the Earth’s mag- ing space-weather instruments — is being little office relies on data from aging satel- netic field — the fastest in less than a day closely watched by scientists. lites it doesn’t control and that need to be — they may result in geomagnetic storms. The spacecraft may be launched in 2016, replaced. The mother of modern geomagnetic said Charles Chafer, chief executive officer What the public and Washington may have storms is known as the Carrington Event. In of Space Services Inc., a closely held com- forgotten is the long history of geomagnetic August and September of 1859, auroras lit pany based in Houston that is working on storms. “It is in the human nature to assess up the skies from Honolulu to Queensland the project with NASA and Tustin, California- the threat based on your own lifespan,” said in Australia. Telegraph networks around the based L.Garde Inc. Murtagh, a scientist who is the center’s pro- world experienced outages. It’s too early to tell whether the giant gramme coordinator and has a background The storm was about four times larger sail will work. If it does, it may lower costs in forecasting. than the 2003 disturbance, said Jeffrey Love, and double the warning time, Chafer said. In March 1989, the Hydro-Quebec power an adviser for geomagnetic research at the Murtagh, who grew up in Ireland, joked that system in Canada collapsed during a geo- U.S. Geological Survey. It’s hard to say when he was glad to see the sun when he came to magnetic disturbance, leaving 6 million peo- another big one will arrive. If a Carrington- America. Yet he knows better than to stare ple without electricity in a blackout that lasted level storm were to strike again, zapping the directly into its eyes and even tries to curb more than nine hours. Montreal’s subway William Murtagh, programme coordi- North American electric grid, it could be a the enthusiasm of young visitors to the space system was paralysed in morning rush hour. nator with the National Oceanic and disaster. centre who might be tempted to do so. “The The storm may have come close to “top- Atmospheric Administration’s Space It might damage transformers across the last thing I want them to do is run outside and pling power systems from the New England Weather Prediction Centre. grid, leaving as many as 40 million peo- look at the sun,” he said. and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US to the ple in the US without power for 16 days to WP-BLOOMBERG HEALTH/FITNESS PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 7

Spine function test for Fitness programme for people back pain treatment ITH most people suffering from back with developmental disabilities pain at some point of time in their lives, W BY VICKY HALLETT researchers have now developed a digital test to measure the functioning of the spine. With a digital spine analysis (DSA), a muscular ON’T ever challenge Sam Smith to evaluation of the spine, ’s Qi Spine Clinic an enthusiasm contest. The 29-year- generated a spine function graph that led to old fitness instructor has the boom- customised treatment and non-surgical ther- ing voice of a radio announcer, the apy for many spine specialists, Qi claimed. optimistic outlook of a cheerleader “It is really simple. The diabetes doctor and the boundless endurance of a wants to know your blood sugar levels. The Dmarathon runner. (He’s finished four.) So when he cardiologist wants to know your blood pres- starts a warmup by shouting, “Welcome to Spirit Club! sure (BP) and your angiogram,” said Nithij Let’s clap it out,” it’s impossible not to put your hands Arenja, promoter, Qi Spine Clinic. “What can together. be measured, can be managed. We generate a There’s no question the programme Smith is lead- Spine Function Graph which provides a vital ing deserves the applause. Spirit — which stands link to the treatment of your spine function,” for “Social Physical Interactive Respectful Inclusive Nithij added. The spine is the least measured Teamwork” — offers classes that help clients with and most miraculous engineering marvel in developmental disabilities build muscle, increase flex- our body, Nithij noted. ibility and improve their diets. As a population, they “From bankers to housewives, young col- have limited opportunities when it comes to health, lege students to sportsmen, Qi has seen every Smith says. “And a lot need more social interaction,” conceivable patient category,” said Garima he adds. What makes Smith such an expert? He’s a Anandani, head of spine consultants at Qi. certified personal trainer, and he also has autism. “The problems are all different, and hence “Sam gets them engaged more than a typically func- the therapy is different for each person tioning trainer would be able to,” says Jared Ciner, who too,” Anandani added. Traditional scanning launched Spirit in April 2013. Ciner had two jobs at methods such as magnetic resonance imag- the time: as a personal trainer at Sport & Health, a ing (MRI) and X-rays fail to identify a clear DC area gym chain, and as a support counselor with cause for back pain in 85 percent of the cases, the Jubilee Association of Maryland, which provides a statement from the clinic added. residential services to disabled adults. Recognising that many of his Jubilee clients were Anti-inflammatory drugs uncomfortable in typical fitness settings, Ciner devel- oped a curriculum just for them. Each class included may treat tumours partner exercises and group activities, proceeded at N SOME aggressive tumours, patients a pace that left plenty of extra time for answering Sara Sonet. His role model recently has been Jillian Imay benefit from a class of anti-inflamma- questions and ended with a homework assignment Michaels because he loves how the “Biggest Loser” tory drugs called JAK inhibitors, currently that included an exercise to practice and a nutrition trainer motivates people. But despite his enduring prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, a new tip to follow. interest in all things athletic — as well as his fitness research finds. Studying triple-negative breast After two sessions at a branch of Sport & Health, certification — he couldn’t persuade a gym to hire him. cancer, researchers found that some aggres- Ciner spun off Spirit Club as a separate entity that “With Sam, there is no lying back. He’s so deter- sive tumours rely on an antiviral pathway that he now runs full-time. Over the past year, more than mined,” Sonet says. “But I was worried. I thought the appears to drive inflammation. 100 students have participated in its classes at Chevy social component of personal training would be too The tumours that activate this particular Chase Athletic Club, the Arc of Prince George’s challenging.” This past year has altered her perspec- antiviral pathway always have dysfunctional County and — as of this month — Spirit’s own studio. tive on what’s possible. He’s grown more patient with forms of the proteins p53 and ARF, both The space, at the front of the Jubilee headquarters clients — including her. (“Now he says, ‘If you can’t do encoded by genes known for being highly in Kensington, Md., was formerly a used bookstore. this, try this instead,’ “ Sonet marvels.) He recognises mutated in various cancers. The investi- Ciner and his small team of trainers, including Smith, when he needs to explain things again. And he’s con- gators found that the two genes compen- worked to transform it into a welcoming fitness facil- tinued to expand his professional horizons. The latest sate for each other. If both are mutated, the ity on a shoestring budget. With the help of Jubilee’s development? Smith and Ciner just got certified to tumours that form are more aggressive than director of development, Stephen Allen, Spirit scraped teach Zumba, which they’re incorporating into the if only one of these genes is lost. When both together the funds to put in gym flooring, a wall of Spirit program. genes are lost and the antiviral pathway is mirrors, a boxing stand, a weight rack with dumb- With the opening of the Spirit Club studio, Ciner activated, patients may benefit from JAK bells and a sound system — “so we can make it fun,” plans to add specialised offerings to the schedule. So inhibitors, researchers said. Ciner says. students will soon be able to sign up for hour-long “There are JAK inhibitors in use for rheu- But more important than the equipment or location classes devoted to Zumba, yoga or self-defence. matoid arthritis and being tested against are the people. Every Spirit class starts in a circle, “It’s evolving into an environment where people a number of other conditions,” said senior with introductions and exercise suggestions. with and without disabilities can feel comfortable author Jason D. Weber from Washington “I’m singing with my church group,” shared Van working on all aspects of health,” says Ciner, who University, St. Louis. Berg, 25, during a recent Sunday meet-up, before notes that there are several options for clients who “Our data suggest that these anti-inflam- showing the other half-dozen participants a punching think the class format isn’t the right fit or enough of matory drugs may be a way to treat some move. (Ciner demonstrated how to make it harder by a challenge. Sprit Plus is for clients who would ben- patients missing both p53 and ARF,” he added. squatting down and throwing his fists faster.) Next efit from having a family member or counsellor join Until now, even though ARF was known to be came Mary-Jo Wybierala, 52, who proposed, “Let’s do in alongside them. There’s also one-on-one fitness expressed in some tumours with mutated p53, head, shoulders, knees and toes.” While stretching, training, as well as Spirit coaching, which is focused ARF largely was thought to be non-functional she revealed that she’d just “made oodles of friends” on healthful behaviors, such as smart grocery shop- in this scenario. playing bocce. ping, taking a walk or going swimming. But the investigators showed that in the These types of interactions establish connections Romit Mitra, 34, who meets with Ciner twice a absence of p53, ARF actually protects against and empower students, Ciner says. Like every group week in addition to taking classes, had attended even more aggressive tumour formation. The he works with, this class has a mix of mobility issues, another gym prior to Spirit Club. “The exercises there researchers showed that most triple-negative communication limitations and sensitivities. It also were harder to do. I felt sad,” he says. But now, he’s all tumours lacking p53 and ARF turn on a path- helps to be able to turn to Smith, who seems like he smiles about getting to be active and see his friends. way involved in the innate immune response to was born to do this. Wybierala credits the classes with tightening her viral infection. The study was published in the “By the time I was 3 years old, I was kicking around waist, bettering her balance and encouraging her to journal Cell Reports. Agencies soccer balls,” Smith says. A year later, “he rode the drink water. “It works,” she boasts. training wheels right off his bike,” adds his mother, WP-BLOOMBERG 8 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 ENTERTAINMENT PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 9

HOLLYWOOD NEWS NEWS Releases were not planned: Riteish Johnny Depp loves discount vouchers ctor Johnny Depp is reportedly obsessed with discount vouch- They Came ctor-producer , who has two successful films — ers. The Pirates of the Caribbean star, who is worth approximately Humshakals and — to his credit, says he just went with A£200m, has reportedly become a regular user of online discount Athe flow and that the releases were not planned at all. Riteish’s site Groupon, from which he recently bought a discounted barbecue grill, character in comedy film Humshakals and thriller movie Ek Villain are reports contactmusic.com. “Johnny can’t resist a bargain, and he loves it poles apart — the former sees him in the comic role, while for the latter when Groupon’s deal of the day arrives in his email inbox. If he can get Together he turned a serial killer. a good price for something, he’ll go for it. He just bought a new barbecue If Sajid Khan directed Humshakals, which came out on June 20, has for the patio of his house in LA,” said a source. earned over Rs55 crore on the domestic box office, Mohit Suri’s Friday The 51-year-old also uses discount vouchers to buy his fiancee Amber release Ek Villain made an impressive start by minting Rs16.72 crore on Heard gifts, and to get money off their meals at top restaurants. “Once, the opening day. “It’s been a great year so far and I am not complaining at he got so excited at the prospect of a deal, he used it in a restaurant to all,” said the actor who gives credit to the “choices” he made for the success. get 40 percent off his bill. ‘But he felt bad about it afterwards and left a “I have been looking at doing something other than comedy and I decided $200 tip,” said the source. to do these films. All the films were released back to back, but I did not plan that. I am glad the way they were received. It’s great,” he said. Talking about Ek Villain, Riteish said: “The way film is shaping up (at the box office), it’s great and we all are happy.” But the celebrations will happen later, he said. After two Bollywood successes, Riteish is busy with his Marathi home production Lai Bhaari. He has teamed up with , who was Actor Kevin honoured at Chicago festival seen in Shor in the City, in the movie, which is slated for a July 11 release. He said: “Now, I am busy promoting ‘Lai Bhaari’ and my co-star Radhika ctor Kevin Kline was presented with the Career Achievement is supremely talented. She thinks so much about her character and role. Award at the 50th anniversary gala of the Chicago International The way she plays her role is phenomenal.” Directed by AFilm Festival (CIFF). With this award, Kline joins the rank of the and produced by Riteish’s wife and actress Genelia, Lai Bhari also features most influential talents through the decades at CIFF. These include direc- and Aditi Pohankar. tors Orson Welles, George Cukor, Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg, and actors Michael Douglas, Tom Cruise, Sally Fields, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino, Xinhua reported. The actor was honoured on Saturday. Earlier, Kline won an Academy award in the year 1988 for best supporting actor in the film, A Fish Called Wanda. “Kevin Kline is one of the most versatile performers of his gen- ‘3 Idiots’ popular in HK: Boman Irani eration and truly deserving Chicago International Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award,” festival founder Michael Kutza said. This year marks ctor Boman Irani, who played professor Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Virus) CIFF’s 50th anniversary, one of the longest running film festivals in the US. in the 2009 hit film 3 Idiots, says the movie is “a favourite” in places Alike Hong Kong. He stayed at Hong Kong’s Ritz Carlton hotel for a few days and was pleased to meet some of the fans of the Rajkumar Hirani- directorial. “The housekeeping staff of the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. Fans of 3 Idiots. A favourite in these parts. Bless you Raju,” Boman tweeted. The movie, which released in India on December 23, 2009, was a blockbuster. Restaurant bans Shia Labeouf’s entry It also featured Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan and . The film 3 Idiots, which criticised the education system in India ctor Shia LaBeouf has been banned from a restaurant here after without being too preachy, released in Hong Kong in 2011. It also hit other he was allegedly caught urinating on the wall outside last month. Asian countries like Japan and China. AThe troubled actor, who has sparked fears over his mental health in recent months, could face a life-time ban from The Local Peasant, after the manager witnessed him urinating in the car park during his four-hour Not enough pepper in this paprikash visit to the eatery, reports femalefirst.co.uk. BY DANA STEVENS “The manager followed Shia to the parking lot, where he saw the actor unstable camp chef). They Came bald wigs and knee breeches is a high Showalter abandon the pretense of peeing on the wall ... Shia profusely apologised in an odd rant,” said a Together (whose double-entendre title point.) plot entirely to dive down rabbit holes Don’t feel overshadowed by Armaan: Deeksha source. “He (Shia) then went back inside and tried ordering food, but the N “Aeroplane!”-style spoof is one of the dirtier jokes in this gen- He’s a hard-driving exec at the of Dadaist absurdity. manager had had enough and told Shia to get out. The two (of them) had of the Hollywood roman- erally mild R-rated comedy) sends up soulless corporate monopoly Candy A conversation between our ctress is soon going to make her Bollywood debut words, Shia paid his tab and stormed out vowing never to return,” added tic comedy, created by the rom-com clichés any which way it can: Systems and Research; she runs a brokenhearted hero and a literal- with Lekar Hum Deewana Dil and says that despite her co-star being the source. The alleged incident comes just weeks before the 28-year-old director/writer team that by exaggerating them, reversing them neighborhood candy store so ador- minded bartender turns into an AArmaan Jain — the grandson of late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor was arrested at a Broadway theatre June 27 for yelling offensive language sent up the summer-camp or, in its less successful moments, sim- able that 100 percent of the proceeds infinite loop of repeating dialogue. — she feels secure. Deeksha made her acting debut in the Telugu drama and slapping people’s bottoms in New York. He was charged with harass- Agenre in grand, sick, raunchy style with ply holding them up for the audience go to charity. The two establish a A comforting hug from a wisdom- film Vedam in 2010 and went on to feature in quite a few Tamil and Telugu ment, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing, and is set to appear “Wet Hot American Summer.” That to observe. mutual loathing that only later turns dispensing grandmother turns unex- movies like Rajapattai and Wanted. in court July 24. sounds like such a fun movie that We open in a Manhattan restau- to attraction, when a chance meeting pectedly suggestive (this last gag “I don’t feel overshadowed at all because it’s not like I got to know he it’s tempting to build up They Came rant, where two yuppie couples, Molly in a bookstore finds them marvelling fails miserably and leaves an icky is a Kapoor now. If in the movie, I didn’t have a good role then definitely I Together, directed by David Wain (Role and Joel (Poehler and Rudd) and their at the coincidence that they both enjoy aftertaste, but you can’t fault it for would’ve been insecure. When you see the movie you’ll see there is a fair Models, Wanderlust) and co-written by friends (Bill Hader and Ellie Kemper) “fiction books.” Soon they’re falling in not daring to go there). division between my and Armaan’s work,” Deeksha said from . Emma Watson hires illegal maid Wain and Michael Showalter, as the are sharing cloying stories of their love, their happiness threatened only If They Came Together doesn’t pro- Armaan is also the cousin of actors Ranbir, Kareena and Karisma. second, well, coming of a fresh voice meet-cutes. The flashbacks that ensue by jealous exes, eccentric parents. vide a consistently palatable com- Deeksha feels that it is obvious for people to be curious about a star kid. ctress Emma Watson has allegedly been employing an illegal home- in American comedy. are occasionally intercut with scenes They Came Together’s best moments edy product, it could be argued that “I feel it’s normal to have curiosity about someone who comes from a film keeper. The Harry Potter star hired the maid to work in her New But somehow the manic energy and of this foursome at the table, as Joel occur in throwaway visual gags that it’s precisely because this irreverent family. Everyone wants to know what’s happening,” she added. AYork apartment at the beginning of last year but Border Agency sense of improvisatory freedom that and Molly first beg, then order their puncture the glossy surface of rom-com takeoff isn’t one of the mass-produced Lekar Hum Deewana Dil will release on Friday. Co-produced by Eros staff have since launched a probe following a complaint that the woman animated Wet Hot American Summer friends to stay put for the rest of their idealization. As Molly and Joel frolic in entertainments whose conventions it International and , the film is directed by Arif Ali. The was travelling to London on and off to help Watson, 24, in her Islington (known as WHAS to its cult fans) increasingly elaborate tale. a pile of autumn leaves, the camera mocks. In an age of interchangeable former Miss India contestant is also excited about delivering dialogues in home, reports contactmusic.com. never quite translates in the spot- The inevitability of Molly and pulls back to reveal a dead body lying Hollywood love stories, this rough- . “I look at it as my debut because I am working in my mother tongue. It is believed that the housekeeper spent a total of three months tily funny “They Came Together,” Joel’s love is telegraphed by a delib- unnoticed nearby. Joel’s dream of open- edged parody feels both distinctive and The language has made me more confident rather than my prior experi- in Britain between September last year until early February and was despite the presence of many of the erate convergence of overfamiliar ing an independent coffee shop called handmade, and for those reasons alone ence,” said the actress. quizzed on arrival by immigration staff about her ability to pay for her same comic talents, including Amy genre tropes. Set up by friends at a “Cup of Joel” finally comes true — in it’s a hard movie to hate, even when Deeksha, who has already signed a two-movie deal with ’s stay. Although the home office can’t comment on individual cases a source Poehler, Paul Rudd and Christopher Halloween costume party, they both the form of a pathetic sidewalk conces- it temporarily loses its comic footing. Illuminati Films, is also willing to take up television assignments. “TV is from the department told The Mirror newspaper: “An allegation has been Meloni (who, though best known as show up dressed as Ben Franklin sion with a single drip-coffee machine Anyway, as romantic comedies down also okay. TV has some really interesting stuff nowadays… But I am not received and processed and has been allocated for further action.” a tough sex-crimes detective in “Law and dislike each other immediately. and flimsy Sharpie-on-cardboard sign. the ages have taught us, hatred is just made for daily soaps. I can’t do the same character for years,” she said. and Order: SVU,” once memorably (A tense elevator ride with a glow- And in even weirder, if generally a latent form of love. humped a refrigerator as WHAS’ ering Rudd and Poehler in identical less successful, moments, Wain and WP-BLOOMBERG 10 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 WORLD AGENDA

Jul 28, Sarajevo: One hundred years after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, commemorations take place to mark the outbreak of World War I, which left indelible images of trench warfare and slaughter on a vast scale

Jul 9, Jakarta: Indonesia elects a new president with Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (top) and ex-general Prabowo Subianto (left) the frontrunners. biggest economy whose once stellar growth has Jul 20, started to slow Tehran: The deadline for Iran Jul 14-18, London: to reach agreement with global powers mass surveillance of on curbing its nuclear private online messages programme in exchange comes under scrutiny for an end to sanctions at an Investigatory is expected to lapse Powers Tribunal brought without a deal. Each by civil rights groups who side has accused the say the practice is illegal other of making unrealistic demands Jul 15-17, Fortaleza: Brazil, Russia, India, Jul 8, Florida: The launch of Diagon China and South Africa meet for the sixth enormously popular Wizarding World of annual BRICS Harry Potter theme park, is expected to draw meeting of record crowds. The new section recreates major emerging the wizarding business economies. district in The summit will be books the first occasion for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Jacob Zuma and Jul 5-27, UK/ Belgium/ France: The 101st Tour de France begins in Yorkshire, northern England, with the 2013 winner, Kenyan-born Briton , the favourite Jul 13, Rio: Millions of people around the globe will tune into the World Cup Final at Maracana Stadium. The 2010 final in South Africa was broadcast to 204 countries Research: Kate Edgley Pictures: Getty Images, AP © GRAPHIC NEWS WHEELS PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 11

McLaren seeks do-over with

The 2015 McLaren 650S with $265,000 650S a 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8 with 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

BY JASON H HARPER some Ferraris or the outre character of many the car to want to tear its rear wheels away from Lamborghinis. Put it into a valet parking lot with the asphalt and go sideways if you’re silly enough to VERYBODY wants a second chance other exotics, and the 12C faded into the background. stomp on the gas when the steering wheel is turned. at a first impression. Carmakers are Some drivers also complained that the 12C lacked Modern carmakers think that more power always no different, especially when a vehi- a certain anima, a touch of emotion. There was too equals a better car. Not so. The 12C was beautifully cle doesn’t meet expectations. The little sound from the twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 engine. balanced in every way. It was super fast, but not supercar manufacturer McLaren So these were the points McLaren attacked in the frightening. The electronic stability and traction con- Automotive Ltd. recently released the 2.0 version. Most noticeably, the 650s was taken to trols hovered in the background and rarely seemed E650S as a brand-new vehicle. While the name and the rhinoplasty surgeon, who re-sculpted its bland to jump in unless the driver really got things wrong. the looks have changed, 75 percent of the parts are schnoz to ape the styling of McLaren’s $1.15 million On a place like the racetrack, you could go through the same as the model it replaces, the 12C. hypercar, the P1. (Only 375 P1 cars were made, and corners incredibly fast, getting off the brake sooner The 12C started life as a 2012 model, the clumsily they’ve long since sold out.) than most cars and going back to the gas even as you named MP4-12C. It was the first road-going car fully And in this regard, the 650S is a success. The hit the apex of a turn. The 12C felt like a tiny dancer. designed by McLaren in more than a decade, and its front is more dynamic, the revised side styling more The new car has jumbled that formula. The extra lukewarm reception must have stung. (McLaren’s captivating. In total, more exotic looking. torque has necessitated higher levels of interven- 1990s-era supercar, the F1, is still considered one of Fortunately, it isn’t any bigger. The 650S is rela- tion from the electronic controls. And you have to the best exotics ever made.) tively short and narrow, and the driver and passenger maintain more patience coming out of corners before And so the name and much of the exterior design may occasionally rub elbows. The modest footprint getting on the gas. The result is that you rely more have been unceremoniously shunted aside for the helps to keep weight down and also makes the car on the brakes to slow down and then the torque to altered iteration, the 650S, which gets sexier looks easier to navigate around town. return to speed. and a slightly more powerful engine. It comes as The biggest internal change is power. It retains the I tested the McLaren at New York’s Monticello both a coupe and convertible and is more expensive twin- turbo V-8 and seven-speed dual-clutch trans- Motor Club during an event that included other auto than the 12C versions, starting at $265,000 for the mission, and gets a modest bump of 25 horsepower writers. We were told that we weren’t allowed to hardtop. and a sizable kick of 57 more pound-feet of torque. put the car on track settings “because of insurance The 12C convertible I tested in July 2013 had a The result is 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of issues.” Instead, we had to make do with the sport base of $268,000, coming to $292,800 with options. torque that zings the 650S to 60 miles (97 kilometers) setting. This meant that the full potential of the car The 2015 650S I drove last month started at per hour in 2.9 seconds. Speedy indeed. couldn’t be unleashed on the track. $280,225, topping out at $351,605. Progress of a While I couldn’t actually detect the change in The 12C came alive on the racetrack. It was only sort, I suppose. That certainly leads to the ques- horsepower, the bigger dose of torque changes the pushing it as hard as it could go, with a professional tion: Is it a better car? character of the car in a fundamental way. There’s race-car driver in the right seat giving instructions, McLaren, based in Woking, England, is largely greater grunt from a dead stop, and a tendency for that I first learned how brilliant the car was. All of known for its involvement in racing, especially McLaren’s race-car technology became apparent Formula One. It sold about 3,500 12Cs worldwide, At a Glance: on the edge. which isn’t that bad in the supercar strata. Yet The 2015 McLaren 650S Not being able to put the 650S in track settings McLaren’s East Coast sales manager, Robert Rizzo, Spider: was like testing a high-tech running shoe while able said the residual values left some buyers unhappy, Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V-8 with to only speed walk. It seems odd that a company particularly those who turned the cars back after 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. devoted to racing would be so concerned about hav- only a year (standard operating procedure among Transmission: Seven-speed ing its new car tested as it was designed. some Ferrari owners, for instance). dual-clutch automated manual. The 650S is better looking than the 12C, and the Was the 12C a lousy car? Anything but; in fact, I Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. engine sounds livelier. But do I want it far more than called it one of the best sports car I’d driven — ever. It Gas mileage per gallon: 16 city, 22 highway. the 12C? No. In fact, the existence of the 650S means was a monster on the racetrack, as fast and capable Price as tested: $351,605. that the 12C has become an orphan, likely dropping as a race car, and serious fun when pushed hard on Best feature: New sexy looks. residual values even further. So, rather than rushing back roads. And it was still compliant and comfort- Worst feature: Retuned for the marketplace, out for the 650S, I’d be making a beeline for a used able in everyday driving. not the skilled driver. 12C. But it didn’t have the drop-dead looks of WP-BLOOMBERG 12 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 TECHNOLOGY

Japan govt to Text-messaging isn’t aid creation of robot surgery actually ruining young HE Japanese government will team with leading Tmanufacturers and univer- sities on joint development of a people’s grammar robot-assisted operating theatre, aiming for its practical use within 10 years. A domestic team com- prised of leading manufacturers, including Hitachi, Panasonic and Toshiba, and five universities will vie for a leading position in the glo- bal medical equipment race with the United States, where robotic technologies are already being used in the field. The planned technologies in the robot-assisted operating theater will enable doctors to perform opera- tions with precision and simulta- neously check magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) readings to monitor the condition of patients. Developers aim to have robot arms, which can move with far greater accuracy than human hands, be interconnected with BY NENAGH KEMP from primary school, high school and spelling 12 months later. We did see one MRI and other devices, enabling university in the Coventry area. negative link: The tendency to omit capi- them to exchange related data. F YOU think that young peo- At our first time point, these young tals and punctuation predicted poorer MRIs are generally used in pre- ple seem to be spending more of people provided us with copies of all later performance on tasks of spoken operative examinations. In a robot- their time “face-to-screen” than the text messages that they’d sent in and written grammar. However, this assisted operating theater, however, “face-to-face,” you’re probably the last two days. We analyzed these tendency seemed to be mostly explained doctors can perform operations right. And a lot of that screen messages for their violations of stand- simply by individual differences in gen- while using MRI to examine such Itime seems to involve reading or writing ard English grammar. The three most eral ability level, rather than anything details as the spread of tumours, English that duznt look quite lyk it shld. common types of violation were: specific about texting. allowing for a more accurate exami- It’s not surprising that many • Omission of capitalization and These results tie in with most pre- nation of whether a cancer has been teachers, parents, and young people punctuation (hi how are you) vious work on literacy skills and text completely removed. themselves feel concerned about this • Omission of words (common in messaging. In their school years, stu- Having a device that can constant exposure to non-standard casual speech but not standard writing, dents are consolidating their knowl- quickly ascertain the malignancy written English. It seems quite plau- as in am going out now. want to come?) edge of written language. “Playing of tumours will also help doctors sible that frequently seeing to/too • Unconventional punctuation (using around” with language in the informal decide whether they need to be written as 2, or people written as ppl, multiple punctuation marks (??!!!), or setting of texting provides the chance removed. By examining affected might mean that these kinds of spell- emoticons , kisses (xxx) and initialisms to practice alternative ways of linking areas in tandem with test results ings could start to creep into students’ (lol) in place of normal punctuation) sounds and letters (“Hey, I could write shown on the monitor in the envis- formal writing. Less common but also present were thanks as thanx!”), an ability which is aged room, surgeons can carry out Fortunately, in recent years, the word-level grammatical violations, well known to underlie strong reading operations while keeping abreast research has returned a fairly robust including apparently deliberate viola- and spelling skills. of the condition of patients’ con- conclusion. Rather than spoiling chil- tions such as is you and does they, and Further, trying out unconventional stantly changing conditions. dren’s spelling, exposure to “textisms” word reductions such as hafta, tryna ways of combining words (you is the Five universities and 14 compa- (the abbreviated spellings of text mes- for have to, trying to. best), saving space while maintain- nies are to take part in the joint sages) is actually associated with better The participants also completed ing meaning (I going now), or adding development, including Hitachi literacy skills. For adults, there seem to a set of tasks to assess their formal emotion to a message (yay!!! ) encour- Corp., a Toshiba-affiliated medi- be few consistent relationships between grammatical and spelling skills. One ages children to engage with the very cal equipment maker and Tokyo usage of textisms and spelling skill. year later, we asked the same students grammatical conventions that they’re Women’s Medical University. However, there has been less to complete parallel forms of the same transgressing. In the United States, a state- research on textisms that represent grammatical and spelling tasks. In short, the evidence suggests that of-the-art surgery-assisting robot not the re-spelling of individual words Overall, we found no evidence that grammatical violations in the text known as the da Vinci Surgical but violations of grammatical conven- the use of grammatical violations in messages of children, adolescents and System was developed in the 1990s. tions. capitals get ignored, theres no text messages is consistently related to adults do not reflect a decline in gram- About 3,000 units have been sold apostrophes in sight, and sentences get poorer grammatical or spelling skills in matical knowledge. Young people seem around the world, with about 180 separated not by standard punctuation school students. Although omitting capi- well aware that different types of com- introduced in Japan. marks, but by ironical laughter lol or tals and punctuation was associated with munication require different ways of The da Vinci robot opens a hole expressions of emotion poorer later spelling in primary school, writing. As long as young writers can one to two centimeters in diameter If it’s OK to write im coming sarah!!! the other significant relationships were maintain this awareness, then the vio- on a patient’s body and inserts an when texting, how will younger chil- positive. Primary and high school stu- lations of grammar common in digital endoscope or robot arm through dren learn, or older children remember, dents’ use of ungrammatical word forms communication need not be perceived the hole. A surgeon then performs to use the conventions of grammatical (eg, does you), and high school students’ as a reduction in writing skill, but an operation by examining three- English writing? Together with my omission of capitals and punctuation, rather as the addition of an alternative, dimensional imagery. The tech- colleagues at Coventry University in and use of word reductions (eg, gonna) casual style to the writer’s repertoire. nology’s main benefits are precise, Britain, Clare Wood and Sam Waldron, were all associated with better or faster (This article was originally published small surgical cuts and minimal I looked at young people’s text messag- spelling development. on The Conversation: http://theconversa- blood loss. ing and grammar over the course of a In the university group, the use of tion.com/uk.) WP-BLOOMBERG year. We worked with 243 participants word reductions was related to better WP-BLOOMBERG COMICS & MORE PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 13

LEARN ARABIC Reptiles and Insects

Buttery Faraa Bee Nala Worm Dooda

Fly oubaba Hoy en la Historia Wasp Dabboor June 30, 1894 Mosquito Baçoua Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, was officially opened. Silk-worm Doudat alqazz Two sections bearing the roadway are raised to allow tall-masted ç = ‘a’ in ‘agh’ when surprised = ‘th’ as in they ships to pass through 1834: The U.S. Congress created Indian Territory, encompassing lands west of the Mississippi River, for the Baby Blue by Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman use of Native American Indians 1859: Charles Blondin walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope, watched by 25,000 people 1905: Albert Einstein published an article introducing the concept of special relativity for the first time 1908: A huge explosion, caused by a meteorite, rocked eastern Siberia Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS ALL IN THE MIND Hagar The Horrible by Chris Browne Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Zits by Dennis Young and Denis Lebrun

CIRCLE, CONE, CUBE, CUBOID, CYLINDER, DECAGON, DODECAHEDRON, ELLIPSE, HEPTAGON, HEXAGON, NONAGON, OCTAGON, OCTAHEDRON, PARALLELOGRAM, PENTAGON, POLYGON, POLYHEDRON, PRISM, PYRAMID, QUADRILATERAL, RECTANGLE, RHOMBUS, SEMICIRCLE, SPHERE, SQUARE, TETRAHEDRON, TRAPEZIUM, TRIANGLE. 14 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 CROSSWORDS

ACROSS 37 Catered to Windows DOWN 37 Does some outdoor 44 Truncated trunks? CROSSWORD 1 Hall-of-Fame rock band shoppers? 1 Like some milk pitching? 47 Zero times, in Zwickau 1234567 891011121314 or its lead musician 41 Noodle taxers? 2 Sashimi staple 38 “Don’t joke about that 50 Back-pedaler’s words 8 It sends out lots of 45 Observes yet” 15 16 3 Changing place 51 About 7% of it is streams 46 Abbr. after 8-Across 4 Blockbuster? 39 Took away bit by bit American 17 18 15 Very long European link 48 Last band in the Rock 5 Mediums for dummies, 40 Event occasioning 54 Vapor: Prefix 16 Rust or combust and Roll Hall of Fame, say: Abbr. 7-Down 55 Apple assistant 19 20 21 22 17 It flies on demand alphabetically 6 Where it all comes 41 Cryotherapy choice 58 Lib. arts major 18 Skunk, at times 49 “The Hudsucker Proxy” together? 42 Artificially small 23 24 25 26 60 Coral ___ (city near 19 Some P.D. personnel director, 1994 7 Ex amount? 43 What might take up Oakland Pk., Fla.) 50 Columbia and the like residence? 27 28 29 30 20 One who may be on your 8 Appointment case 52 French river or disappointments HULA HOFF SLOTH 31 32 33 34 22 The Spanish I love? department 9 Nationals, at one time OHOS ORAL CANWE 23 What a couple of people 53 “___ mentioned …” 10 Flag SUCKS2BYOU AFTER 35 36 can play 54 Images on some lab 11 Tablet banner, say, briefly slides PHOEN I X 2BALOVER 25 Stand-out performances 12 Reserve 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 56 Lima-to-Bogotá dir. DOT SEDER 26 Chocolate bar with a long 13 Inventory 57 Frankenstein, e.g. TAX I HERE GAEA 45 46 47 48 biscuit and caramel 14 Duped 59 Its passengers were OPENAREA SEEMS2B 27 Subject of the 2003 book 21 Gradual, in some product revolting 49 50 51 52 “Power Failure” names M A N 2B O R N O T 2B I T O 61 Theodore Roosevelt 29 Without hesitation 24 Giant in fantasy BRIDE2B CHESSSET 53 54 55 56 Island setting 30 Subsist on field rations? 26 Bar that’s set very high S T AR EWE S CHE T 62 Destroyer destroyer 57 58 59 60 31 Its flowers are very short- 28 Physicist Bohr YPRES APR lived 63 Colorful cooler 30 Display on a red carpet 2B H O N E S T B R I E F E D 61 62 33 Like a sawhorse’s legs 64 Makeover options 32 Basic solution 35 Critical GOMER BORN2BWI LD 63 64 34 Without hesitation, in UMA S S AR I A I S S A 36 Party staple brief NORSE R I T Z THEY

HYPER SUDOKU How to play Kakuro: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells - called a run - any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.

YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate How to EASY SUDOKU play Hyper Easy Sudoku Puzzles Sudoku: Place a digit from 1 to 9 in A Hyper Sudoku each empty cell so every Puzzle is solved row, every column and by filling the every 3x3 box contains all numbers from 1 the digits 1 to 9. to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear YESTERDAY’S only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like a normal Sudoku. ANSWER CINEMA / TV LISTINGS PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 15

SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Maleficent (3D/Action) – 9.00pm TEL: 444933989 444517001

10:00 Tennis Atp 250 08:00 News 1 Queens 09:00 Head to Head How Old Are You? (2D/Malayalam) – 11.00pm 12:30 Moto Gp 10:30 Inside Story Catalunya 11:00 News 14:00 Omni Sport 11:30 The Cure One Chance (2D/Comedy) – 9.15pm 14:30 Athletics 12:30 Witness Diamond 13:00 NEWSHOUR League New 14:30 Inside Story MALL 2 Cuban Fury (2D/Comedy) – 11.30pm York 15:00 Empire 16:30 Cycing Tour Des 16:00 NEWSHOUR Suisse 17:00 News 18:30 Swimming 17:30 Talk to Al Mea Culpa (2D/Action) – 9.30pm Mare Nostrum Jazeera Barcelona 18:00 NEWSHOUR 3 20:30 Moto Gp 19:00 News Salem Abo Okhto (2D/Arabic) – 11.30pm Catalunya 19:30 Counting the 22:00 Auto Speed Cost 22:30 Fiba Basketball 20:00 News 23:00 NBA Basketball 20:30 Inside Story How To Train Your Dragon-2 (3D/Action) 01:00 Futbol Mundial 21:00 NEWSHOUR 01:30 Rugby Heineken 22:00 News – 9.00pm Cup Final 22:30 The Stream 03:00 Tennis Atp 250 23:00 Immigration 1 Queens Nation Salem Abo Okhto (2D/Arabic) – 11.00pm

Enemy (2D/Thriller) – 9.15pm 14:30 Last Man 12:00 Emmerdale Standing 12:30 Coronation LANDMARK 15:00 Melissa & Joey Street 2 18:00 Community 16:00 Emmerdale One Chance (2D/Comedy) – 11.30pm 19:00 Last Man 16:30 Coronation Standing Street 20:00 The Goldbergs 17:00 The Ellen Cuban Fury (2D/Comedy) – 9.30pm 20:30 The Crazy DeGeneres Ones Show 21:00 The Daily Show 19:00 Drop Dead 3 Stand Off (2D/Drama) – 11.30pm Global Edition Diva 21:30 The Colbert 20:00 Royal Pains Report Global 21:00 Dracula Edition 23:00 Nip/Tuck Maleficent (3D/Action) – 9.00pm 22:30 Veep 03:10 The Hive 23:30 The Goldbergs 03:20 Art Attack 1 Ek Villain (2D/Hindi) – 11.00pm

ROYAL Salem Abo Okhto (2D/Arabic) – 9.15pm 13:45 Max's Big Tracks 12:00 The Incredible 15:05 Shamwari: A Burt 2 Wild Life Wonderstone Escape (2D/Action) – 11.30pm 15:30 Tanked 14:00 Battle Of The 16:30 Wild France Year PLAZA 17:50 Cats Of Claw 16:00 Diary Of A Stand Off (2D/Drama) – 9.30pm Hill Wimpy Kid: 18:20 Must Love Cats Dog Days 19:15 Too Cute! 17:45 Jack Reacher 3 21:35 Shamwari: A 20:00 Gambit Mea Culpa (2D/Action) – 11.30pm Wild Life 22:00 Age Of Heroes- 22:55 My Cat From PG15 Hell

10:00 Grosse Pointe 11:00 Hyde Park On 13:00 Do Dil Bandhe Ek 11:00 Only Fools And 13:00 Austin & Ally 13:00 How Does That 05:00 The Known Blank Hudson Dori Se Horses 13:45 Good Luck Work? Universe 11:45 The Dark 12:45 Scents And 13:30 Ek Mutthi Aasmaan 11:35 The Weakest Link Charlie 13:30 What's That 06:00 Alaska Wing Men Knight Rises Sensibility 14:00 Citrus TV 12:20 Gavin & Stacey 14:10 Good Luck About? 07:00 My Dog Ate 14:30 Shadow 14:45 Mud 14:30 12:50 Big Bear Diary Charlie 14:20 Mythbusters What? Conspiracy 17:00 House At The 15:00 13:15 Keeping Up 14:35 Dog With A Blog 15:10 Unchained 08:00 The Truth Behind 16:15 Deep Rising End Of The 15:30 Appearances 15:25 Liv And Maddie Reaction 09:00 Killer Dragons 18:00 The Dark Street 16:00 Aur Pyaar Hogaya 13:45 Doctors 16:10 Mako Mermaids 16:00 X-Machines 10:00 Animal Mega Knight Rises 18:45 Jobs 16:30 Qubool Hai 14:15 Casualty 16:35 Win, Lose Or 16:50 Meteorite Men Moves 20:45 The Ring Two 21:00 Now You See Me 17:00 Word Match 15:05 Hustle Draw 17:40 Uncovering Aliens 11:00 Wild Untamed 22:45 My Soul To 23:00 Faces In The 17:30 Bollywood Business 16:00 Big Bear Diary 17:00 Austin & Ally 18:30 How The Earth Brazil Take Crowd 18:00 Sapne Suhane 16:25 The Weakest Link 17:45 Jessie Works 12:00 World's Toughest Ladakpan Ke 17:10 Eastenders 18:10 Jessie 19:20 Tech Toys 360 Fixes 18:30 Ek Mutthi Aasmaan 17:40 Doctors 18:30 Liv And Maddie 19:45 How Does That 13:00 The Known 19:00 Do Dil Bandhe Ek 18:10 Hustle 19:20 Violetta Work? Universe Dori Se 19:00 Roger & Val Have 20:30 Good Luck 20:10 Mythbusters 14:00 Alaska Wing Men 14:00 Super Buddies 13:00 Sky Force 19:30 Jodha Akbar Just Got In Charlie 21:00 Ultimate Power 15:00 My Dog Ate 16:00 Dating Coach 15:00 Thunderstruck 20:00 Pavitra Rishta 19:30 The Impressions 20:50 Dog With A Blog Builders What? 18:00 Back To The 16:45 Parental 20:30 Kumkum Bhagya Show With 21:40 Austin & Ally 21:50 Close Encounters 16:00 The Truth Behind Future Guidance 21:00 Qubool Hai Culshaw... 22:00 Shake It Up 22:15 Close Encounters 17:00 Race To The 20:00 Meet The Fockers 18:30 The Lone 21:30 Aur Pyaar Hogaya 20:00 Silent Witness 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 22:40 What's That Bottom of The 22:00 Romy And Ranger 22:00 Doli Armaano Ki 21:40 Spooks 22:50 Good Luck About? Earth Michelle's High 21:00 Star Trek Into 23:30 Sapne Suhane 22:30 Great Expectations Charlie 23:30 Moon Machine 18:00 Animals At The School Reunion Darkness Ladakpan Ke 23:25 Hunderby 23:10 Wolfblood Edge 23:15 Peeples 16 PLUS | MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 POTPOURRI

Poor sleep likely A summary of MEDIA SCAN issues of the day Events in Qatar to affect brain discussed by the function as you age Qatari community Hekayat Khaleejiya (Khaleeji in the media. Stories) - Stories from Kuwait LONDON: Sleep problems are asso- When: July 2-3; 8pm-10pm ciated with worse memory and exec- Where: Museum Of Islamic Art utive functions in older people, says a What: A quarterly screening series study. There is an association between to showcase cinematic voices from both quality and duration of sleep and the Gulf region. Q&A sessions with brain function which changes with age, • There was talk on social media will also help avoid accidents, the filmmakers to gain insight into the findings showed. about the graduation of the they added. their work and process. (www. In adults aged between 50 and 64 first batch of National Service, • Many productive families called dohafilminstitute.com) years of age, short sleep (less than 6 attended by the Emir H H on authorities to allocate areas Ticket: QR 35, students: QR 25 hours per night) and long sleep (more Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al for them to sell products in than 8 hours per night) were associ- Thani. Doha, Al Khor, Al Wakra, Al Building Our Collection: An ated with lower brain function scores. • Authorities were urged to inten- Shamal and Dukhan so that Insight Into Museum Art By contrast, in older adults (65-89 sify efforts to keep areas around their products are available Collecting years), lower brain function scores Iftar tents clean. People said across the country. When: Till August 30 were only observed in long sleep- many participants throw left- • Many citizens urged National Where: Museum Of Islamic Art ers. “6-8 hours of sleep per night is over food and there is a need Health Insurance Company to What: The exhibition looks at why particularly important for optimum for more waste bins. reconsider QR5,000 allocated MIA collects Islamic art, and how brain function in younger adults,” said • People complained about many for dental treatment. They the museum’s collecting practices Michelle Miller from the University of bus stops still without sun- said it is very little compared shape our understanding of Islamic Warwick in Britain. shades and said users suffer, to treatment costs at hospitals art through artistic and cultural “These results are consistent with our standing in the sun as they wait and clinics and will not achieve connections between different regions previous research which showed that 6-8 for buses. the aim of the project. of the Islamic world. The majority of hours of sleep per night was optimal for • Some people asked authorities to • Some nationals called on the featured objects have never before physical health, including lowest risk of deploy more traffic officers near owners of some villas who have been on display. developing obesity, hypertension, diabe- mosques. They said the number palm trees in their compounds Entry Fee tes, heart disease and stroke,” she added. of vehicles increases at night, to utilise the dates. They said The study involved analysis of sleep and particularly for Al Taraweeh fruits are destroyed as people Etel Adnan in All Her cognitive (brain function) data from prayer, and many people hardly are not showing any interest to Dimensions 3,968 men and 4,821 women who took find parking spaces. Monitoring collect them. When: Till July 6 part in the English Longitudinal Study Where: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern of Ageing (ELSA). IANS Art What: Mathaf presents an exhibition of the work of Lebanese-American visual artist, poet, playwright and essayist IN by Shivani Thakur Etel Adnan, that is curated by Hans FOCUS Ulrich Obrist. (for timings www.mathaf. org.qa) Tickets required

Richard Serra: Concurrent Exhibitions When: Till July 6, 8:30am- 5:30pm Where: QMA Gallery Building 10, Katara What: One of Richard Serra’s most ambitious exhibition ever — brings together sculptures and drawings from different periods, ranging from One Ton Prop (House of Cards) of 1969 (on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York) to a new work, Passage of Time, especially created for this occasion. Free entry

Qatar Brazil: A Journey from the Amazon to the Desert When: Till July 1, 10am-10pm Where: Qatar Photographic Society – Building 18, Katara What: Four photographers from two different continents — Qatari and Brazilian photographers Aref Hussein, Abdullah Al Tamimi, Andre Joaquim and Leonardo Wen — document their journey engaging in an inspiring exchange of artistic discovery and cultural dialogue. Free entry

Lights of buildings reflected on the water in Corniche. Send your photos to [email protected]. If you want your events featured here, Mention where the photo was taken. mail details to [email protected]

Editor-In-Chief Khalid Al Sayed Acting Managing Editor Hussain Ahmad Editorial Office The Peninsula Tel: 4455 7741, E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]