Community Community Toastmasters World District renowned DJ P7116-Qatar P16 and American emerges as the electronic music topmost district in the producer world for the 2018-19 to perform at QNCC ranking. today.

Thursday, July 25, 2019 Dhul-Qa’da 22, 1440 AH

Doha today: 320 - 390

SStartar wwarsars

COVER star takes STORY on the media with panache. P4-5

REVIEW SHOWBIZ

Tarnished gold lurking Casting directors in the Hollywood hills. play big part today. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.29am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.58am Zuhr (noon) 11.42am Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.25pm Isha (night) 7.55pm

USEFUL NUMBERS Arsass Karaan opinion about life. understand their families but are given a DIRECTION: Gippy Grewal The elderly men believe spending time week to accomplish this. CAST: Gippy Grewal, Gurpreet with each other and communicating may Will Sehaj and Magic manage to fi nd Ghuggi, Meher Vij help bridge their gap. But each time the a common thread for the three diff ering SYNOPSIS: Ardass Karaan explores family plans to spend time with each generations to live together in harmony? the generation gap faced by families. other they end up arguing. How will they use Ardaas (prayer) to Emergency 999 Three elderly men live in Canada with One day, the elderly gentlemen come convey their message about life? Worldwide Emergency Number 112 their families and realise that each across Sehaj and Magic who are full Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 generation has a diff erent confl icting of positivity and agree to help them THEATRE: Royal Plaza Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 The Kid Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 DIRECTION: Vincent DOnofrio Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 CAST: Chris Pratt, Leila George, Qatar Airways 44496000 Ethan Hawke, Dane DeHaan, Jake Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Schur Qatar General Electricity and SYNOPSIS: A young boy, Rio Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 (Jake Schur), is forced to go on the run Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 across the American Southwest in a 44593363 desperate attempt to save his sister Qatar Assistive Technology (Leila George) from his villainous Centre 44594050 uncle (Chris Pratt). Along the way, Qatar News Agency 44450205 he encounters Sheriff Pat Garrett 44450333 (Ethan Hawke), on the hunt for Q-Post – General Postal the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid Corporation 44464444 (Dane DeHaan). Rio fi nds himself increasingly entwined in the lives of Humanitarian Services Offi ce these two legendary fi gures as the cat (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) and mouse game of Billy the Kid’s fi nal Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, year of life plays out. Ultimately Rio 40253369 is forced to choose which type of man Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 he is going to become, the outlaw or Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 the man of valour, and will use this Qatar Airways 40253374 self-realisation in a fi nal act to save his family. THEATRE: Royal Plaza

ote Unquo Qu te Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change. — Confucius

Community Editor Kamran Rehmat For movie timings and further details please scan the QR code e-mail: [email protected] above with your mobile phone Telephone: 44466405 camera or visit qatarcinemas.com Fax: 44350474 Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

teachers will be working together, running centre started with a vision of spreading individual, peer and group sessions within our knowledge, interests and experience in classes. The children will continue learning various disciplines in arts across diff erent age-appropriate concepts, work on social countries for children and adults. skills, life skills training, arts and crafts, Summer camp at Mamangam has become music, and fun activities such as water play. the children’s favourite centre for learning art and craft, drawing, and learning spoken Career Guidance English. The kids also enjoy Bollywood dance, WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al contemporary and hip hop music. To develop Sadd health consciousness, we teach them kids WHEN: Sunday – Thursday yoga, karate etc. Mamangam has also come TIME: 6pm – 8pm up with chess and robotics in the regular Career guidance for course, country, batches in an attempt to give a better learning college and entrance for students of Grade experience. IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments The fi rst batch of the summer camp began administered for stream preference, career on June 26 continuing until July 25 from test, branch preference, personality, multiple intelligence and learning styles and productivity. For more information, 55448835.

Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm The olympic sport using horizontal bar, rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Sundays to Thursdays. The second batch will commence on July 28 ending on August 25. EVENTS Ballet Lessons Registrations are open to kids between 5 to 16 WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier years. For those who wish to register for more The Comedy of Tango WHEN: Ongoing details, visit www.mamangamqatar.in WHERE: Katara – the Cultural Village TIME: 4pm – 8pm WHEN: August 28 For more info e-mail at registration@ Arabic Calligraphy Workshop TIME: 8pm-9pm atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday With the support of Katara – the Cultural TIME: 6pm Village and embassy of Argentina in Doha Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Tango Pasión Doha presents Los Guardiola Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic – “The Comedy of Tango” on August 28. A handwriting and calligraphy at Music and show consisting of seven scenes is inspired by Arts Atelier. famous tangos. Dancers, mimes and actors, The lessons will take place every Saturday, Marcelo Guardiola and Giorgia Marchiori, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For known artistically as Los Guardiola, will After School Activities more information, contact registration@ project the audience into the fantastic world WHERE: Atelier atelierqatar.com of their danced pantomime where comedy WHEN: Ongoing and tragedy merge into the rhythm of tango. Music and arts activities for students taking place after they fi nish their day in Yoga Class school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- WHERE: Lululemon, Mall of Qatar hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHEN: Every Saturday Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 TIME: 8:30am – 9:30am years old after school hours. Join the complimentary in-store yoga classes. No registration or mat is required. The class runs on fi rst come fi rst served basis.

Dance and Instrument Classes WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Summer Camp for Special Needs Learn the movements of dance styles in WHERE: Step by Step Centre for Special Hobby Classes Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical Needs WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard WHEN: Ongoing till August 1 Centre for adults as well kids and move in the world TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm WHEN:Saturday – Friday of music. For details, contact 66523871/ During this time, all therapists and Mamangam is an art and performance 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Speck in the star dust The fact is the media can neither make nor break a career. It is a fallacy they indulge in that their stand or writing against a star will aff ect him or her professionally, writes Vinod Mirani

NEWSMAKER: For someone who has issues with how (a section of the) media has taken her down, Kangana Ranuat is more in the media than ever before.

here is a new controversy one thing I have observed is that writing against a star will aff ect butter material for the media. them. Especially, in the era when as Kangana Ranaut has in rare cases when a star consents him/her professionally. More so What happened between publications put their content on decided to take the media for a personal interview nowadays, now when the media has spread Kangana and some of the media sale in the name of advertorial! head-on. Kangana has, by there are never any diff erences of itself so much that entertainment guys was an argument during one But what ensued was yelling at now, made a reputation opinion. For, the reporter assigned to and fi lm stars account for their of her press conferences to promote the star, of course, with support Tfor calling a spade a spade. Mainly, interview is, for one, much in awe of following and circulation. a fi lm with her co-star Rajkummar from a subordinate. A ban was she has made a reputation not to the star he meets (fi rst thing he does One such example is that of Rao. She referred to one of the declared on reporting on Kangana! take things lying down anymore. is request for a selfi e, lest it may not Salman Khan. He was never kind reporters from a news agency for Does one really believe it will work There have been earlier instances of happen after the interview!). to the media, ignored them and writing uncomplimentary things or fi nd support? The biggest of diff erences between reporters and The other thing is that the even misbehaved. He did not care about her on a social network. media houses have tried this ban stars, even leading to violence. But, interviewer is too keen to kind of for awards and, in return, the press Now, a news agency guy is not thing. This, here, was one small tiff . those involved big stars, mainly men. develop a rapport with the star so was equally unkind to him. But known to indulge in such activities. And, however small, they become And, all that the targeted reporters as to always have an access to the the media could not even think Even their reports are meant brave when one or two voices come could do was the run away from the star as well as to be recognised by of banning him. Because he was to be non-controversial. Also, in support. scene! the star the next time around! The the happening thing and always these sort of reporters often have Again, when a Sanjay Dutt or a The era of one-to-one interviews fact is, the media can neither make newsworthy. Also, he was always a misgiving that a star’s career Salman Khan or any other macho with stars or the personal nor break a career. It is a fallacy involved in some controversy or will be handicapped if one or two hero gets violent with a reporter interactions are long over. And the they indulge in that their stand or the other. He was sort of bread and reporters or media houses ‘banned’ or a photographer, there is no Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY noise. As if, nothing happened. It was just a week back that One example is Salman’s bodyguards had a scuffl e with a photographer. But, when that of Salman it comes to photographers and Khan. He was video cameramen, they are always overzealous about their job. They never kind get too close for a star’s comfort to the media, and often poke their camera as well as the microphone in an actor’s ignored them face. These TV reporters are not quite prepared for the task. They and even ask standard one or two questions. misbehaved. A routine fi rst question is “Kaisa lagta hai! Aapki fi lm hit ho gayee, He did not care kaisa lagta hai (How do you feel, your fi lm has been a hit, how do for awards you feel)”? Similarly, when Salman and, in return, Khan was granted bail after a few days in custody, a TV reporter asked the press was Saleem Khan (Salman’s father): equally unkind Salman jail se wapas aa gaye hai, aapko kaisa lagta hai? Sir, ek byte to him. But the dijiye (Salman has returned from jail, how do you feel about that. media could Sir, please give a byte).” Saleem not even think Khan was bored of such senseless questions and replied, tongue-in- of banning him. cheek: “I am undergoing a dental treatment so can’t bite!” Because he was This fi lm journalism, feeding the happening on the fi lm stars and their actions, has never been privy to any kind thing and of unity even when it came to valid cause if ever there was one. All always have their own vested interests to newsworthy serve. On the other hand, even stars seem to think they can get away with anything, which they do most of the time and never repent. But, in Nashik for Narsimha that the running around tables chasing the gossip). It was during a fund raising off with the arrangement. By this there was one exception, Anupam editor’s son, Komal Nahta and Sunny fi lm critic, Khalid Mohamed! Again, rally with stars participating that time, some glossy gossip magazines Kher. For whatever reason (reasons came face-to-face. Nahta’s standing third party intervention stopped Dharmendra spotted Devyani and had arrived on the scene but they are usually something written by what his magazine had written the situation from turning ugly. Krishna. While the former is said to never had access to Bachchan. against the actor), Anupam slapped angered Sunny who all but hit him. Dharmendra may have been have escaped safely, Krishna bore Bachchan, meanwhile, merrily went the journalist from a glossy gossip An ugly scene was averted as other the pioneer of chasing journalists the brunt of Dharmendra’s anger. on giving a hit after another hit! magazine. But it is said that he felt journalists, also invited to cover the to vent his anger. There was not Soundly bashed up, he landed up in a He fi nally softened his stand to the guilty about the incident. It dawned shooting, intervened and cooled much of a media devoted to fi lms in hospital for some days! His pictures, media only after his accident on the on him that someday, somebody Sunny down. those days. Those which mattered bandaged up, appeared in the media. sets of Coolie and realising how the may slap him as well. Then, there was a case of Vidhu were , Star & Style, Screen All these stars and all these fi ghts media had stood by him. Sunny Deol’s reputation as a Vinod Chopra who is not prone to and a few vernacular magazines. and assaults, and nobody had banned As for Kangana, the irony is that, muscular hero was good enough for getting any sort of negative media, Dharmendra had an axe to grind anybody yet. But a star did ban the she has been continuously appearing media guys not to cross paths with especially when it comes to his fi lm. with Devyani Chaubal, the queen of media successfully. The star was on TV news as well as reality shows him. However, a trade magazine had It was at a party at Hotel Sea Rock gossip writing and M S Krishna from . He decided very channels giving interviews or making written something about his father, in Bandra (fi lmmakers were known Blitz weekly (though Blitz was not a early in his career that he wanted appearances. Because, she is the Dharmendra, and Sunny thought it to throw a party at the drop of a hat fi lm magazine, it ran a column, Off nothing to do with the fi lm media. newsmaker. She is now more in the was derogatory. It was while shooting in those days) that Chopra was seen Camera, by M S Krishna, devoted to And he was the one who was better media than ever before! — IANS

It was during a fund raising rally with stars participating that Dharmendra spotted M S Krishna, who bore the brunt of Dharmendra’s anger. Soundly bashed up, he landed up in a hospital for some days! His pictures, bandaged up, appeared in the media UGLY SPAT: Dharmendra, left, and journalist M S Krishna. 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY

CELEBRATION: ACS Doha Class of 2019 celebrate their graduation. ACS Doha triumphs with superb IB results

ACS International School Doha has said, “ACS Doha has the goal of helping over 2,400 hours of work to complete, during international schools, off ering a strong achieved excellent exam results for its individuals to fulfi l their academic potential which candidates study six subjects including core curriculum built on the International International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as eff ective learners while developing a a literature course in the student’s best Baccalaureate Middle Years (IBMYP) and programme, a globally-respected confi dent and caring outlook as part of a language, a second language, individuals and Diploma Programme (IBDP), as well as the qualifi cation for entrance into higher supportive community. societies (including history, geography and option of a US High School Diploma, with education. The IB diploma results again show that economics), experimental science (biology, students hailing from over 70 diff erent The results show remarkable performances we are succeeding. We are tremendously chemistry and physics), mathematics and countries. by the prestigious school’s diploma proud of the achievements of our diploma computer sciences, and the arts (including As one of the leading schools in the candidates, with one pupil achieving a candidates who have all worked so hard, and visual arts, music and theatre). country, ACS Doha has a strong College highest-ever score for the school of 41 marks of our teaching staff whose tireless dedication Students are also required to pass in core Counselling Programme, guiding each out of a possible total of 45. Last year’s world and talents in bringing out individual subjects including Theory of Knowledge and student to fi nd exactly what they wish to average was 30 marks, which ACS also beat strengths are also clearly visible in these a 4,000-word extended essay as well as a pursue after graduation. with its own in-house average of 31 across all excellent results. programme of Creativity, Activity and Service The programme evaluates each student, candidates, the equivalent of 180 points in the “The IB diploma is a challenging documented in a refl ective journal. fi nding their interests, inspirations and UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions qualifi cation which puts its successful This is an exciting year ahead for ACS Doha personal strengths. ACS graduates have Service (UCAS). By comparison, three starred students at the top of the league for university as the school moves from its current location been accepted into some of the world’s most A-levels are worth only 168 UCAS points. entrance, and we look forward with pleasure in Al Gharrafa into a larger, cutting-edge prestigious universities, and have taken up ACS walked away with 100% passes in 2019, to witnessing the further achievements of our campus in Umm Salal Mohamed in August places in the UK, USA, Canada, and Egypt, far ahead of the global average of 79%. students as they go on to yet greater things.” 2020 with capacity for 2, 200 students. as well as in Education City universities and Robert Cody, Head of School, ACS Doha, The IB diploma course typically requires ACS Doha is one of the country’s leading Qatar University.

Fun-filled Bollywood, folk dance workshop held at ICC

Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) on morni banke dance and put up a recently conducted ‘Bollywood performance too. ICC will also be & Folk Dance’ workshop at Asoka staging a couple of more workshops hall. The event was attended by 45 in the month of September followed participants. The workshop was by regular classes for in-depth conducted by Bhavna Sagar Naik. learning of different dance forms. The workshop was based more on The classes will be for adults and dance fitness and fun kind of time kids teaching them Bollywood, and introduction to different dance freestyle, folk and fitness dances styles. with special morning batches for The participants performed on women. The workshop and the the fun-filled and energetic songs classes will be conducted by Bhavna and folk dances from different Naik. states and countries. Chogada Rajesh Kamble, ICC Co- tara, dolida, mera wala dance, ordinating Officer and Counsellor rowdy baby, mangalyam (Banglore of Consular & Community Affairs days), kombi palali, bailando, hit at the embassy of , along with on the floor, and slow motion Manikandan AP, ICC President, were the dances that featured on and other ICC managing committee the evening. The participating members felicitated Bhavna with an students also learnt choreography appreciation plaque. Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Toastmasters District 116 – Qatar tops global ranking for 2018-19

Toastmasters International has International announced that just took a leaf out that book and is the highest honour a district can serious toastmaster, to network and recently announced that District Qatar would be an independent carried on the legacy of courage and receive. exchange ideas with people from 116 Qatar is the topmost district provisional district eff ective from conquest” Rajeswar said. Qatar is also placed second diverse cultures and backgrounds. in the world among 116 districts July 1, 2018. Each year, Toastmasters globally in the President’s 20- Everyone’s favourite is the grand spanning across 143 countries. It was a double-edged sword, International recognises leading Plus Awards that celebrates those fi nale of World Championship of “Our district’s success story in coming with recognition of our districts in the achievement of districts that successfully motivate Public Speaking, where we see the the very fi rst year of formation is potential as well as an increased Distinguished District Program their clubs to achieve and maintain best of the best shine. It’s a jewel unique; it is unprecedented. We, magnitude of responsibility. goals in growth and educational charter strength. in the crown of our education the toastmasters of Qatar, have Though unexpected and sudden, achievement that, as a result, Three districts with the highest program.” said Rajeswar. indeed created A history together. this fast forward of Qatar as bolsters the organisation’s percentage of active clubs with 20 “The continued increase in The mood of members is upbeat, a district was received by the reputation as the world leader in or more paid members at year-end membership and clubs around and all are rejoicing by celebrating fraternity with a clear conviction, communication and leadership receive this award and Qatar stood the globe shows the importance in their meetings,” said Rajeswar vibrant vigour, and sanguine spirit training. at 90% which is commendable. As of improving public speaking and Sundaresan, Immediate Past to succeed. There was solidarity The programme is also a on date, Qatar has more than 1,800 communication skills in the digital District Director 116P Region. across all levels of leadership and management tool for district members in 76 clubs, divided into age. We off er our members better As the district director (2018-19), a reinforced faith in our collective leaders to focus on increasing four Divisions and 22 Areas. tools and resources than ever he will have the rare honour in the ability to act and accomplish. membership, forming new clubs, “Toastmasters International 2019 before. As a result, our members Hall of Fame to lead the parade with “The annals of Qatar’s history and ensuring that clubs meet the Convention will be held during develop and apply the skills learned Qatar fl ag and toastmasters’ banner bear testimony to how it faced and needs of their members. August 21–24, 2019 at Gaylord in club meetings, to enhance at the international convention in overcame challenges by converting The newly created Smedley Rockies Resort & Convention their success personally and Denver, Colorado on August 2019. them into strengths with creativity Distinguished District Award is Center, Denver, Colorado. The professionally,” says Toastmasters “In March 2018, Toastmasters and determination. District 116 given to top-achieving districts and convention is a ‘must-do’ for every CEO Daniel Rex.

Kerala Entrepreneurs Club hold workshop

Q Tec Electric Cricket World Cup prediction contest winners honoured

Q Tec Electric recently organised ‘Cricket World Cup Winner Prediction Contest’. The winners of the contest were namely, Mohamed A K, Mohamed Ismail, Shebin Kandoth (staff winners group), Kamal Moklasur, Osman Saab, and Golapna B Mandal (workers group). Kerala Entrepreneurs Club, a group of entrepreneurs The workshop was led by trainers Ruknuddin The cash awards were distributed in a function held at the Q-Tec’s main formed under the auspices of the Cultural Forum, Abdullah, M P Shanavas and Rajai Melattur. Majeedali, offi ce. Mathew Varughese, General Manager, presented the prizes to the recently organised an entrepreneurship workshop. Dr Kerala Entrepreneurs Club Convenor, welcomed the staff winners. Among the workers, the prizes were distributed by Shafeeque Taj Aluva, Cultural Forum President, inaugurated the gathering and Mohamed Sharif Chirakkal delivered the Arakkal, Asst Manager, Employee Welfare; Baburaj, Camp Boss; and Raghu event. vote of thanks. Ananthan Nair, Stores In-charge. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY DIVERSITY Is Raleigh treating half its people like second-class citizens?

advisory council meetings and on By Anna Johnson the digital pages of NextDoor. Long-time homeowners feel squeezed and choked by three- hen a 15-year-old story apartment buildings, which boy was killed in a they argue ’t match the hit-and-run on a character of their ranch-style Southeast Raleigh homes and can add traffi c and street this year, crime. WChalisa Williams thought about the Renters argue they are looking kids in the apartment complex she for aff ordable places to live in manages. an increasing unaff ordable city She sees students and adults or want to live in apartment for walk along Sunnybrook Road a variety of reasons. They are toward their schools and jobs every just as involved and invested as day. She asked a City Council homeowners, they say. member what it would take to get “That is an attitude that is a sidewalk along the road next to prevalent across ... the city,” her apartment complex, and she Engelken said. “That somehow was pointed to the city’s petition ‘those people,’ which can be taken a process. lot of diff erent ways, but somehow But the more than 200 people those people don’t have a long- who live in the aff ordable-housing term interest, or are transient, complex wouldn’t get to vote on or are outsiders. That they don’t adding the sidewalk. belong, they don’t take care of That’s because the city sends things.” a ballot to property owners Wes Tripp said he rents because when deciding whether to install he is still early in his law career and sidewalks on their street. Renters has “six fi gures worth of student who live on the street have no vote. loan debt.” It’s one of the ways, they say, the He sees older residents argue on city ignores renters, who make up Facebook about renters and new 53% of Raleigh’s residents. apartments and said he knows “With them only reaching out to most likely didn’t have the same owners, in my opinion, that creates level of student loan debt and a barrier,” Williams said. “Everyone bought their homes when prices doesn’t have the opportunity nor were lower. That contributes to a desire to own a home. It hinders misconception about renters, he citizen involvement, because if I said. am renting and not included in the Wanda Gilbert-Coker, a community, that is an issue.” community organiser on the city’s Community Investment fair housing board, said Raleigh When city leaders recently struggles to reach renters and debated changing Raleigh’s consistently leaves them out. sidewalk petition process, council When Hurricane Florence was member Nicole Stewart asked if believed to be heading toward renters could also be polled. Raleigh, the city told 26,000 “This is a conversation we need residents in low-lying areas to to have to fi gure out how do we seek higher ground. The city called interact with renters and how do we or texted homeowners who got get their feedback,” she said. “They water bills and trash service but are over 50% of our population. It’s notifi ed some renters through fl yers an important conversation we need delivered by the fi re department to have.” to the property manager, Gilbert- The city uses the Wake County Coker said. courthouse to fi nd property What if those property managers owners, said Gail Smith, clerk to the had already left, she asked, or had council. no leasing offi ce on site? “I don’t know how we would Williams, who is the recent send (ballots) to renters because chair of Central CAC and serves there is no (database) that tells us on the city’s fair housing board, where to send them to,” she said. also currently rents. She pointed Council member Kay Crowder to members of her family who have said the conversation was worth ADVOCATE: Chalisa Williams poses for a portrait in her off ice in Raleigh, N.C. Williams is a property manager of Walnut rented their home for more than 20 having but asked how the city Ridge Apartments. She wants a sidewalk for her residents to walk to school, shopping locations, and work but only years. would track renters who move. property owners can request a sidewalk petition and vote in the process. It is not for the city to decide who There are NC State University is invested in the community and students, she said, that sometimes who stay in a neighbourhood say six Engelken, government aff airs in their community through their who isn’t, she said. move every semester, and some months.” director of the Triangle Apartment work, play, relationships and that “There are a lot of barriers for sidewalk projects take years to Thompson’s comments caused Association. adds value to the community,” she renters,” Williams said. “They complete. an uproar among some renters. After the meeting, Stewart said. are people who are trying to “I understand your point about “I think it is a common said she thought Thompson City Manager Ruffi n Hall agreed accomplish their goals. There are the renters except, please consider perception among many people was making an argument about to see what other cities are doing people who rent like me. I am very this, some of the renters are there of the people who serve on our fi nancial investment but that and report back to the council. invested in my community. I believe for a very short-term period,” said council that, for whatever reason, didn’t outweigh the other kinds Raleigh Renters the idea that renters aren’t invested council member Dickie Thompson. renters don’t matter as much of investments renters make in The tension between renters and is a stereotype.” And she still “And the property owners are as homeowners and as much as Raleigh. homeowners in Raleigh surfaces wants her sidewalk. – The News & certainly more invested than people long-time residents,” said Dustin “I think renters feel very invested during zoning hearings, citizen Observer (Raleigh) /TNS Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENTALIST: Oliver Riedel stands in front of his Biofabrik firm’s WASTX Plastic system, which the environmentalist entrepreneur hopes will revolutionise waste management and energy production. Trash to cash: A German start-up wants to solve our plastic problem

A large grey shipping container in return, paid into their accounts fi shing nets can all be turned into several green technologies, developed technology to extract rumbles and rattles as the via an online payment service like oil by the technology – waste that is including solutions for waste oil crude oil from plastics. machinery inside goes to work, PayPal. Fishermen could also make diffi cult to recycle and is therefore and vegan fertiliser. In the past two years, Maletz crushing detritus and piles of some extra cash by off ering up the often burned. Roman Maletz, a researcher says there has been progress in discarded gadgets. The smell of oil plastic collected in their nets. They The need for solutions has at the Institute for Waste converting plastic back to its is heavy in the air. could even have the machine on never been greater. According Management and Circular original components. “But a The system is a prototype board their boats. to the “Plastikatlas,” developed Economy at the Dresden University magic machine in which you put developed after years of research “Then people will maybe start by Germany’s Heinrich Boell of Technology, supports the in plastic waste and get great oil and a “labour of love” for Oliver to collect more plastic at the Foundation, an environmental movement to repurpose plastic in return in an energy-efficient Riedel, who believes that his project beach or at sea,” the 43-year-old think tank, over 400 million tons waste as fuel. But he warns that way – I struggle to envision that,” will change the way we look at businessman explains. The idea of plastic are produced worldwide past experience has shown that he adds. plastic waste. would not only help clean up each year. Between 1950 and 2015, the idea is hard to implement in Biofabrik boss Riedel is WASTX Plastic, as the project plastic waste but also generate a total of 8.3 billion tons of plastic practice. optimistic, nonetheless. The first is called, has developed a way to fuel that could be used for ships were produced. Less than a tenth of The process only makes WASTX Plastic system is soon to process unwanted plastic – around or electricity generators. “Because that amount is recycled. economic sense when carried out go into operation at a packaging 250 kilograms of the stuff per day – many islands that have a plastic Riedel, a trained carpenter, sees on a large scale, he says. However, plant run by Schur Star Systems and turn it into fuel. waste problem also have an energy himself as the visionary at the head industrial-sized machines can in Flensburg, over 600 kilometres “One kilo of plastic produces problem,” Riedel adds. of his 25-person team of scientists, often break down due to the mix of north-west of Dresden near around one litre of fuel,” says The process upon which Riedel technicians and engineers. He fi rst waste that they process. Germany’s border with Denmark. Riedel, founder and managing has based his vision is in fact not had the idea of turning rubbish into “If this were a price-competitive It claims to be able to process director of the Biofabrik Group, new; during pyrolysis, plastics fuel while travelling through Asia, technology, it would already be 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste based on the edge of the eastern are turned into gas or liquid at where he saw mountains of trash. much more established,” Maletz per day. German city of Dresden, which high temperatures. But Riedel and He spent a year travelling the world adds. Riedel is also in talks with local specialises in green technologies in his team have developed special and looking at diff erent systems The process costs energy as well traders in 35 countries as he seeks the areas of energy, nutrition and reactors that heat chopped-up that aim to solve the problem. as money. For this reason, Maletz to realise his vision of having waste management. pieces of plastic to temperatures The technologies that he believes that the technology would the modules placed for use on He’s optimistic about WASTX of 500 degrees Celsius in a saw were mainly expensive and be of greatest use to major energy ships. He says the company has Plastic’s prospects. In fact, “We’re low-oxygen environment while ineffi cient, he says. “We wanted fi rms that could integrate it into inked contracts with partners sitting on one of the biggest oil substances such as sand and salt are small, decentralised systems their existing systems. in Australia, Japan, the United fi elds in the world,” he says. fi ltered out. that anyone could operate with a German chemical giant BASF, States, South Korea and Turkey. Riedel’s vision is to have the The end result? A dark, viscous tablet PC, that are profi table and for example, wants to turn His goal: to secure partnerships system placed on littered beaches liquid resembling diesel drips out. that meet German environmental plastic into syngas or oils with its with merchants in the world’s 20 by local authorities or hotels, “Royal jelly,” Riedel says with a grin. standards.” He and his team spent “ChemCycling” project, with the biggest industrial nations by the allowing locals and tourists alike Crushed foil, discarded six years developing the proposal goal of replacing fossil fuels used end of the year, with a motto that to chuck their plastic rubbish into packaging with scraps of food and suff ered many setbacks, says in parts of its operations. And an sounds too good to be true for the souped-up skip and get money inside, asphalted cardboard and Riedel, whose company markets Austrian energy firm, OMV, has some: “Trash to cash.” – DPA 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC

Science Matters

Solving the case of the Great Dying Earth’s greatest biological catastrophe, the Great Dying, came 252 million years ago. The Permian period ended, later followed by the Age of Dinosaurs. But why did it happen? Ancient volcanoes in Siberia Earlier studies have pointed to ash and toxins, spread worldwide by eruptions of the vast volcanic “Siberian traps,” as a main cause of the Great Dying

New research found deposits of mercury, lifted into air by the Siberian volcanoes, were laid down in the oceans, part of the environmental destruction at the Deep end of the Permian period layers of lava are Pangaea, the Permian world still visible in the Siberian traps One giant supercontinent of Pangaea was surrounded by a superocean, Panthalassa Siberian Traps Large mammal-like saber-tooth gorgonops North had were top predators intense heat, swinging from Shrimp-like sea wet to dry scorpions as long as Panthalassa a crocodile hunted South was PANGAEA small sea creatures cold and dry, with ice caps What was lost in the Great Dying Source: Jun Shen of China University of Grosciences; Nature Communications 90% of Earth's species. 95% of ocean journal; S. Burgess at Massachusetts Institute animal species. Nearly all the trees, as well of Technology; Henrik Svensen (Siberia photo); National Geographic as two-thirds of large land animal species. Graphic: McComas, Tribune News Service Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Your walking habits may predict future mobility problems

esearchers have found that the Health Aging and Body Composition being able to walk outside for study which enrolled black and white several blocks at a leisurely adults in the US from 1997 to 1998. The 337 pace plays an important role in participants were 70 to 79 years old, and living a vibrant, healthy life and had no diffi culty walking a quarter mile or Rmay also predict future mobility problems. climbing 10 steps without resting. The study, published in the Journal of During the course of the study, American Geriatrics Society, shows that participants walked on several diff erent being able to walk at even a slow speed is paths and were given several diff erent essential for these benefi ts, but walking too challenges to measure their walking speed slowly may foreshadow future problems and their ability to cope with mental and that could prevent a person from being physical tasks at the same time. fully mobile. Researchers then followed up with Researchers from the University of participants every six months to see if they Pittsburgh in the US assessed ways to had any diffi culty walking one-quarter measure complex walking tasks to learn mile due to a health or physical problem. more about early, subtle changes in Participants reported mobility problems walking. or disabilities every year at in-person It was found that slow walking speed visits. By the end of the eight-year follow- under both usual-pace and complex up, more than half of the participants had conditions were associated with greater developed mobility disability, meaning risk for developing mobility disability. they were unable to walk one-quarter mile. Participants who reported having Almost 40 per cent had developed mobility disability were more likely to chronic mobility disability that lasted at be female, have diabetes, be obese, have least two years. knee pain and experience breathing The researchers concluded that diffi culty. They also had more symptoms of measuring your simple walking speed may depression, researchers said. be enough to learn whether you might be at Researchers analysed information from risk for future mobility problems. – IANS

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

Stop being an enabler to someone you care about, Aries. You may let You may have some issues with food, Taurus. Maybe your sense of If there’s an issue with your partner that needs airing, this is a good someone continue a dangerous addictive behaviour simply because self-worth isn’t at its highest, and you’re trying to make up for this time to do it, Gemini. Don’t hold back just to maintain the equilibrium you want to avoid a confrontation. Realise that this behaviour is by sabotaging your relationship with your body. Food is healthy in the relationship. Don’t sacrifice your peace of mind just to keep doing neither of you any good. The more you continue to perpetrate nourishment that you need in order to survive. Your body deserves from rocking the boat. Refusing to face reality just to keep up an the lie, the more it will hurt all parties involved. Be open and honest respect, and you need to give it the proper fuel it needs to be easy facade isn’t doing anyone a bit of good. Be totally honest with with your concerns. healthy. yourself, your feelings, and other people. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The intensity of the day may bring unexpected opposition, Cancer. Give your loved ones the attention they need today, Leo. Don’t let Don’t run away from the tension today, Virgo. Any emotional stress Whether it’s verbalised or not, the confrontations are quite real. another day go by without saying you love them. Life is short and you feel will be compounded if it isn’t dealt with right away. Be in the Don’t underestimate a loved one’s emotions. Stand up to these getting shorter with each passing day. Be confrontational about moment while the moment is here. The more you face the present, issues and be realistic about their solutions. No one expects you to a serious issue that needs addressing. You’re responsible for your the less you will regret in the future. Clear up any sticky situation have all the answers, so don’t pretend to. We’re all human and we all feelings. Don’t play the victim. You’ll only experience more pain and that arises and move forward. People may not understand your make mistakes. resentment later. needs and concerns until you clearly verbalise them. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Stop hiding behind your intellectual barrier, Libra. Playing games will Stop trying to feel everyone else’s emotions and focus on yours, It may seem like neither side of the bed is the right side to wake up get you nowhere. True strength is standing up and demonstrating Scorpio. Being empathetic is certainly laudable, but at some point on today, Sagittarius. The only solution may be is to just go back to that you can say what you feel in any situation, especially regarding you need to face the music and look in the mirror. Make a clear dreamland if you can. If you can’t, focus on your heart, because it’s a close loved one. If you feel the need to say something, say it. Don’t distinction between your needs and those of others. Express trying to tell you it needs some attention. Emotions may be running wait until the situation escalates to an unhealthy argument before your feelings. Ask for help if you need it. Other people aren’t mind high, so be careful how you treat yourself and others. you finally get your feelings out. readers. They probably have no idea what you’re feeling. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You may feel like you’re being double-crossed by a loved one today, You may say one thing one minute and the opposite the next, The tension in the air might be what you need in order to become Capricorn. Maybe your words are being used against you in such a Aquarius. Most of the time you jump from one issue to the next more aware of subconscious issues that aff ect your behaviour, way that makes you look like the bad guy. When it comes to making with no hassle, but today people probably will call you on it. Think Pisces. There’s a great deal that you need to get off your chest. The a rebuttal on your behalf, let the other person know that you’re about what you mean before you say it. Don’t do all your thinking more honest you can be about the pain people have caused you, the confronting them about their behaviour and not their person. aloud so others can hear. Your continuous thought process might be more love will flow in the future. Open the communication channels. mistaken for your final analysis. Confusion could ensue. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe BAGPIPES PIBROCH KILT GAELIC BRAE SASSENACH LOCH HIGHLANDS CROFT BONNET PLAID KIRK GLEN CABER SPORRAN MIST HOGMANAY DIRK BORDER PORRIDGE KYLE HAGGIS CATTLE TARTAN OATMEAL ISLES FIRTH BOTHY REEL LAIRD HEATHER CLAYMORE WHISKY

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Wan publican’s first drink (4) 1 South American rave-up in ruins 3 Circus performers with fleece in a (8) musical (8) 2 Tulip may be illuminated (3,2) 9 Take back religious education 4 Stop copper and solicitor (3,3) pamphlet (7) 5 Old friends providing gems (5) 10 Flower beheaded more quickly 6 New part, new port (7) (5) 7 Son’s beginning to anger father 11 Five plus one for each adder (5) (4) 12 Invisible nun wandering around 8 Material contained in half a brick diocese (6) (6) 14 Tomfoolery? Not for leaders in 13 I mention sound or vision (8) Civil Service (6) 15 Rough terrain for coach (7) 16 Prize required for astrophysicist 17 Quarreling or turning up on side (6) (6) 19 River possibly making a U-bend 18 Time to add salt and pepper? (6) (6) 20 Raised collection when in 21 Glendower’s land heard plaintive distress (5) cries (5) 22 Girl with head of hair like a 24 Frank almost gets sharp (5) leprechaun? (5) 25 Evil ruler going under (7) 23 Youngster devouring hot fish (4) Answers 26 Singer turning into bear (8) 27 Small crudely built house is closed (4) Wordsearch Codeword

Today’s Solutions 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY REVIEW Tarnished gold lurking in the Hollywood hills in the eyes when he’s imploding By Michael Phillips with self-loathing). Pitt, at 55 DiCaprio’s senior by 11 years, keeps things close to the chest, or fi lmmaker Quentin relaxing into a project requiring Tarantino, no truer love mainly what the studio publicists exists than one man’s used to call “It.” And Pitt still has love for the cinema. It, along with It’s frequent co-star, In his new fi lm, Once Abs. UponF a Time … in Hollywood, Cleverly, Tarantino twirls the writer-director establishes the fi ctional material plausibly a platonic bond nearly as strong around the facts and eerie between a fi ctional actor named inhabitants of the Spahn ranch, Rick Dalton, known primarily and the otherworldly, zonked-out for Westerns, and fi ctional stunt denizens of the Manson family. double Cliff Booth, who is also Dakota Fanning makes a scarily Dalton’s driver, assistant and convincing Lynette “Squeaky” handyman. The stunt man resides Fromme. Manson himself, like with his dog in a trailer behind a Roman Polanski, makes only a drive-in Van Nuys, Calif.; Dalton brief cameo. The movie can’t be lives in Benedict Canyon, next bothered to fully characterise any door to director Roman Polanski of the females on screen, including and his pregnant wife, the actress Robbie’s Sharon Tate. Sharon Tate. That’s a serious drawback. So is The year is 1969. Dalton’s the climax, which goes whole hog glory days — he came to stardom with wishful dramatic thinking. on a TV series called Bounty Some will love it; I found it sort Law — have fallen away to of cheap and more than a little insecurity, alcohol and a general, exploitative. It’s “fun,” which multidirectional disdain for hippie tastes wrong. culture and the so-called New On the other hand: I got a lot Hollywood. Where does he fi t in? more out of Tarantino’s latest Like so much in American than several of his recent movies. culture, from All About Eve to The fi lmmaking, and Robert Hamilton, this fi lm is about Richardson’s cinematography, is egocentric power players and STAR-TURN: Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood. infi nitely more fl uid and expressive muscling your way into the room than the static aggravations of the where it happens. At one point in 2015 Western The Hateful Eight. Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, A key inspiration for Once Upon Dalton is on the set of a show (he’s Quentin Tarantino’s enjoyment of period re-creation a Time … in Hollywood comes doing a guest shot in a vaguely from the Sergio Leone canon, humiliating bad-guy mustache). on a grand scale pays some wondrous dividends. notably Once Upon a Time in the He strikes up an unlikely At dusk, in one sweet, quick montage, famous neon West (1968). That fi lm, a fi nancial conversation with an 8-year-old disappointment in its day but now girl (Julia Butters), also an actor, signage all over Hollywood comes to life considered a masterwork, wrote intent on honing her craft. a mournful valentine to a movie Dalton’s reading a Zane Grey- genre as well as a transitional type novel between scenes. What’s Cielo Drive. appreciation of her comic shtick, famous neon signage all over point in American history. it about, she wonders? Well, he Like a loser, more indulgent she becomes worthy in Tarantino’s Hollywood comes to life. (The Tarantino has something similar says, slowly, it’s about a man variation on E L Doctorow’s eyes. reported production budget was in mind here. “coming to terms with becoming Ragtime, Tarantino’s script spins a Similarly, it’s tough guy Booth, $90 million, making it second The real payoff in Hollywood slightly more useless each day.” leisurely fantasy set in a real time kicking the stuffi ng out of fledging only to his Americanised spaghetti is just that: Hollywood, and In other words it’s Dalton’s own and place. Tarantino plunders action star Bruce Lee (Mike western Django Unchained for Tarantino’s sincere adoration saga in a nutshell, and the movie’s real-world movies and TV shows Moh) in one droll sequence, who expense.) I’d see Once Upon a Time of the actors and genres he so heavily underlined thesis. (The Great Escape, Mannix) for represents the quintessence of … in Hollywood simply to listen to admires. His best fi lm, I think, It’s Booth, played by Brad Pitt, background, and the background Hollywood gold. He’s notorious it again: Tarantino and company is Jackie Brown (1997) largely for not Dalton, played by Leonardo often slips into the foreground. for the probable murder of his deploy radio commercials of the the pleasure of seeing Pam Grier DiCaprio, who exudes confi dence Margot Robbie, not exactly wife and getting away with it. (In a period just so, akin to the way and Robert Forster go to town. and skill. Booth exists within a overtaxed in a largely non-verbal brief speculative fl ashback, set on American Graffi ti made its AM Despite some wonderful actors, bubble of old-school glamour as role, plays Tate, who is depicted a boat, the movie rips a page out of radio soundscape as compelling as Hollywood is more about idealised well as freedom from doubt, fear by Tarantino as a mini-skirted the mysterious-death-of-Natalie the characters. If not more so. memory than fully realised or hippies. He’s the real object goddess of sweetness and hope in Wood ledger.) But that killer aura Tarantino’s preoccupations, people. The movie’s best fl eeting of Tarantino’s man-crush in his a commodity universe. With her gives him an edge, in a city on the limitations and strengths are all images are the ones that linger, extravagant, lavishly detailed fairy husband away making a movie in verge of an ultimate death trip. on display in Once Upon a Time such as Tarantino’s re-creations tale that intersects at various key London, Tate slips into a theatre Part trivia contest, part … in Hollywood. At heart, he’s a of Hollywood Boulevard and the points with Charles Manson’s to watch herself in the Matt alternate universe fable and movie-besotted pastiche artist, Valley and the Hollywood hills, “family,” the strung-out sirens Helm spy spoof The Wrecking part triumph of cinematic recycling the movies he fell for in as they might have looked in the wandering around the George Crew. Tarantino is plainly nuts atmosphere, the movie owes a lot his adolescence. He’s a thrill- summer of 1969. Alfonso Cuarón Spahn ranch in rural Chatsworth. about both Tate and Robbie (and to Barbara Ling’s mouth-watering seeking Peter Pan, with no interest accomplished a similar magic trick This is where Booth and Dalton Robbie’s bare feet, but that’s production design. Tarantino’s in growing up. This is a boys’ club in the Mexico City street scenes of worked on Bounty Law. Portents another, well-chronicled story). enjoyment of period re-creation movie starring DiCaprio, who Roma. The results? More evocative of doom, Manson’s wrecking crew But he’s also sweet on Tate’s on a grand scale pays some has worked out a shrewd set of than provocative. But evocative is lies in wait, ready for their close- comic talent. Watching Tate enjoy wondrous dividends. At dusk, character “tells” and details (a not nothing. up, and for a fateful trip to 10050 the movie theatre audience’s in one sweet, quick montage, slight stammer, a glimmer of panic — Chicago Tribune/TNS Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Casting directors play big part

ACTION: Logan Echolis (Jason Dohring) and Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) in Veronica Mars. today: Shabana Why that Veronica Mars fi nale twist wasn’t actually that surprising eteran actress feels that casting For Veronica Mars to live, LoVe had to die. directors are playing The season 4 fi nale of Veronica Mars saw a shocking decision a huge part in today’s by showrunner Rob Thomas: reformed bad boy-turned- fi lmmaking process. unfairly jacked Navy hero Logan (Jason Dohring) was killed by V“I feel Indian cinema is going a bomb left in Veronica’s car by a serial killer (Patton Oswalt), through a phase of change because barely minutes after they tied the knot. It’s the kind of twist people are realising that content is that takes your breath away, but one that, as most of Thomas’ king. Filmmakers are giving a lot decisions save the Kickstarter-funded 2014 movie, served the of attention to writing,” said Azmi, narrative, not the fans. Veronica was never meant to get a happy talking about growth of Indian cinema ending. in recent times at an event along with There’s the old Veronica-Logan quote. You know the one: “I husband in . thought our story was epic, you know. You and me. Spanning Azmi noted that casting directors, in years and continents. Lives ruined and bloodshed. Epic.” We particular, are now playing a huge part all recited it, cried over it. But it’s the last line that makes more in fi lmmaking process. sense now: “No-one writes songs about the ones that come “I feel happy about the fact that the easy.” level of acting has scaled a diff erent Our favourite angsty couple had become too happy. level because people are understanding “Veronica does it best as the underdog,” Dohring told the the importance of casting directors. Daily News. Even if an actor has to deliver only Dohring, who also appeared in Thomas’ iZombie and a two lines in a fi lm, casting directors one-episode appearance in Party Down, said he had plenty of are making sure that the actors look warning about Logan’s fate, long before they even sat down to believable on-screen. Earlier that read a script. never used to happen. “I was trashed for about three days,” he joked. “But, as Rob “There were actors who would be said, we want to shed the teenage drama aspect of this show as typecast in certain roles but now really we move forward.” good actors are being brought in the Dohring wouldn’t write off a return to Neptune in some form ecosystem. So, the main actors also get — after all, Lily Kane (Amanda Seyfried) was dead from the pilot inspiration from them to do their work and she had a starring role in the fi rst season — but for now, honestly,” she said. Azmi’s husband, GLAD: “Now really good actors are being brought in the ecosystem,” says the Logan is gone. The show will move on, if Hulu wants it to, but it poet-lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar was veteran actor. will do so without him. also present at the event. He spoke “We’re telling the story of Veronica, and watching her about the need to look at the good of the eighties and the nineties,” said one quality of Rafi saab. He was really persevere no matter what. She’s always going to pull herself up, work being done in the industry today. Akhtar. the fi rst playback singer of the world. even after this,” Dohring told The News. “I think it gives people “I honestly feel every generation Remembering playback legend There have been many big singers a lot of hope … she’s a superhero without superpowers.” makes good and bad fi lms. There are Mohammed Rafi , whose 39th death in the world but you can’t pinpoint a Veronica Mars was never your typical teenage TV show, in the some really good fi lms being made anniversary will be held on 31st July, singer who used to change his voice best way. She was blond and sarcastic and her boyfriends were today, such as Article 15, Super 30, Akhtar said: “We all are admirers of according to the actors who was hot and troubled but Veronica was more than that. She was Udaan, Andhadhun, Bareilly Ki Barfi Rafi saab. I was yet to start writing acting out the song on the screen. darker, sure — you would be, too, if you’d gone through half of and Gully Boy. Even the dialogues (in songs when he sang, but I have grown He was first singer when it comes to the trauma she had by the time she got her high school diploma these fi lms) are real. We no longer get up listening to him in school and that sort of a skill,” Akhtar pointed — but she was righteous, often too much so. It never felt fake, to hear typical dialogues of the fi lms college. I feel we haven’t appreciated out. — IANS like Olivia Pope’s white hat; Veronica believed in fairness and justice. “Is it weird to want to marry someone because you respect Richa ‘essentially a rebel’ her? Because you want to be like her? Because you want children who will inherit her qualities?” Logan says in a voicemail. “I want to marry Veronica because she’s the toughest The much-feted Masaan won Richa Chadha wide acclaim human being I’ve ever met. Blows that would destroy most but the actress says she does not identify with her character people, she always picks herself back up.” in the fi lm because she is essentially a rebel. Logan’s death won’t ruin Veronica, but that doesn’t mean she In Neeraj Ghaywan’s Masaan, which completed four didn’t love him. Of course she did. She always did, even when years of release yesterday, Richa plays Devi, who struggles she wouldn’t say it out loud. But she’ll be okay, because she has to shake off the smalltown stigma towards pre-marital sex. no other choice. Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi played the fi lm’s other “We’ve been getting calls from everywhere,” Veronica protagonists, Deepak and Shalu, who attempt to transcend tells her therapist (played by Mary McDonnell) a year after the restrictions of their casteist society. the explosion. “Which is good, because I kind off want to be “I don’t identify with my character in Masaan because I anywhere but here.” am somewhat a rebel. I have found my way. I have, despite We’ve heard this before: Veronica left town at the end of the all the challenges in life, fought and created a space for original series, running away from Neptune and restarting her myself. In her own way Devi also fi ghts, but I feel she HOLDING HER OWN: “Masaan gave me a beautiful exposure,” life at Stanford, then in New York. Maybe this one won’t be stumbles a lot more than I ever would. That is where she says Richa Chadha. as permanent; I’m sure she’ll be back if Hulu wants her back, gets stuck in life,” Richa told IANS. and Bell has repeatedly said she’ll come back until “everyone The 32-year-old actress feels had the fi lm released today, Masaan was screened in the Un Certain Regard section of in Neptune is dead.” But if this is the end, it was the right it would have received better distribution and promotional the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. It won two awards. one. Veronica Mars wasn’t about Veronica and Logan, or even facilities. “Masaan gave me a beautiful exposure at Cannes Veronica and Duncan or Veronica and Piz or Veronica and Leo. “The true test of a fi lm is when it becomes memorable. and Marrakech fi lm festival. I developed lots of strong It wasn’t even about Veronica and Keith. It was about Veronica. That’s why we like old songs. Sometimes you don’t get box- relationships with people and I became better friends with Alone. — New York Daily News/TNS offi ce recognition, but nobody was expecting (box-offi ce all the people I worked with in the fi lm – like Neeraj, Vicky success) for this fi lm. For me, the best thing is that people and Shweta. They have become a part of my life,” Richa said. continue to appreciate the fi lm,” she added. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, July 25, 2019 COMMUNITY Marshmello’s electrifying music set to enthrall Doha today

By Mudassir Raja

hough the summer is hot and humid, the excitement and entertainment brought to the residents and visitorsT by Summer in Qatar campaign are cool and refreshing. Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) through Summer in Qatar campaign has introduced a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor experiences, along with entertainment programmes featuring local, regional and international artistes, edutainment, summer and sports camps as well as special promotions on inbound travel, hospitality and shopping. One of the most anticipated and exciting aspect of the Summer in Qatar campaign is kaleidoscope of musical concerts with international singers to Doha. The latest concert is going to take place today (July 25) when the world renowned DJ and American electronic music producer Marshmello will perform live at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The music show that is expected to be sold-out is being organised by the Social Studio, an event company, and sponsored by QNTC. The much-awaited concert is expected to start at 7pm and will last till 11pm. Christopher Comstock, known professionally as Marshmello, first gained international recognition by releasing remixes of songs by American DJ duo Jack Ü and Russian-German DJ Zedd. He is best known for the songs Silence, Wolves, Friends, and Happier, all of which have been Christopher Comstock, known professionally as Marshmello, first certified multi-platinum in several countries and appeared in gained international recognition by releasing remixes of songs by the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. American DJ duo Jack Ü and Russian-German DJ Zedd. He is best His debut studio album, , was released in January known for the songs Silence, Wolves, Friends, and Happier, all of which 2016, which included the lead single and Marshmello’s debut have been certified multi-platinum in several countries and appeared single Keep It Mello. Marshmello’s second song in 2016, a platinum- in the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. certified single titled Alone, was released in May via the Canadian in eight countries. Succeeding titled Happier, a collaboration and cooking videos for his series on a one-of-a-kind journey record label Monstercat. another single, one of his best- with British band Bastille, was Gaming with Marshmello and featuring new music, fresh Having peaked on the US selling singles, a collaboration released in August. He was named Cooking with Marshmello. stories, custom instruments and Billboard Hot 100 at number 60, with American singer Selena by Forbes in eighth place on their The other upcoming music spectacular graphics. it became his first single to be Gomez, titled Wolves was annual ranking of the world’s events by QNTC include, The Lovers of Arabic song are in for certified platinum in the US and released. highest-paid DJs in 2017 as he Blueman Show and Kadim Al a real treat – Kadim Al Saher – Canada with over a million copies His second single of 2018, titled earned $21 million in the twelve Saher. one of the most successful singers of certified units. That year, he Friends, a collaboration with months prior June 2017. The Blueman Show will take in the history of the Arab world, released three subsequent singles. British singer Anne-Marie, was Marshmello is best known for place at QNCC from August 14 to will be taking Doha by storm In 2017, after releasing singles released. his white bucket mask he wears 17. The wildly popular theatrical along with his majestic orchestra such as Chasing Colors, Twinbow Months later, his second studio during shows. phenomenon Blue Man Group will on August 16 and 17. It is a chance and Moving On, Marshmello album, Joytime II, was released His identity was not known be visiting Doha for the first time that should not be missed to collaborated with American R&B with singles Tell Me and Check initially, but was confirmed as part of their latest world tour. see the Caesar of Arabic Song singer Khalid to release Silence This Out. Marshmello’s highest- to be Chris Comstock in April According to the organisers, perform his world-renowned hits, as a single, which was certified charting song on the Billboard Hot 2017 by Forbes. As a YouTuber, expect the unexpected, as Blue romantic ballads and classical platinum and multi-platinum 100 and in the United Kingdom, Marshmello has published gaming Man group will take the audience songs.