Community Community Qatari People of singer Ali multiple P6Abdul Sattar P16 nationalities will perform attend Korean National a concert Day 2017 celebrations at GU-Q at the drama theatre tomorrow. of Katara.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Safar 26, 1439 AH

DOHA 23°C—31°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13 On song COVER STORY Taylor Swift’s talent remains intact on Reputation, her most focused and cohesive album yet. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.31am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.50am Zuhr (noon) 11.18am Asr (afternoon) 2.24pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.48pm Isha (night) 6.18pm

An Ordinary Man relationship with the maid who looks after him. But, when he USEFUL NUMBERS DIRECTION: Brad Silberling discovers that she is actually an agent hired to protect him, CAST: Ben Kingsley, Hera Hilmar, Peter Serafi nowicz he makes a decision that will drastically change both of their SYNOPSIS: An infamous war criminal and former general lives. spending his life on the run from international authorities is suddenly moved to a new hideout, where he develops a THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 The Battleship Island 400 Korean people, who were forced onto Battleship Island Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: Seung-wan Ryoo (Hashima Island) to mine for coal, attempt to escape. Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Jung-min Hwang, Su-an Kim, Jung-hyun Lee SYNOPSIS: During the Japanese colonial era, roughly THEATRE: Royal Plaza

The Mall Cinema (1): Sherlock Of Eagle (2D) 11:30pm. Toms (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Thank Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): ote Unquo You For Your Service (2D) 5pm; Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (Hindi) u te Seven Sundays (Tagalog) 7:15pm; 2:30pm; Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana Q Murder On The Orient Express (Hindi) 5pm; Murder On The Orient The best way (2D) 9:30pm; Thor: Ragnarok (2D) Thank You For Your Service (2D) Express (2D) 7:15pm; The Battleship 11:30pm. 11:45pm. Island (2D) 9:15pm; Secret Superstar to make your dreams The Mall Cinema (2): Qarib Qarib Landmark Cinema (2): The Giant (Hindi) 11:30pm. come true is to wake up. Singlle (Hindi) 2pm; The Giant King King (2D) 2:30pm; The Giant King Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): (2D) 4:15pm; Thor: Ragnarok (2D) (2D) 4:30pm; The Giant King (2D) Sherlock Toms (Malayalam) 2:15pm; 6pm; Thor: Ragnarok (2D) 8:15pm; 6:15pm; Darkness Rising (2D) Seven Sundays (Tagalog) 5pm; — Paul Valery Darkness Rising (2D) 10:30pm; 8pm; Thor: Ragnarok (2D) 9:15pm; Thor: Ragnarok (2D) 7:15pm; Thank Qarib Qarib Singlle (Hindi) 11:45pm. Ippadai Vellum (Tamil) 11:30pm. You For Your Service (2D) 9:30pm; The Mall Cinema (3): C/O Surya Landmark Cinema (3): Sherlock Ippadai Vellum (Tamil) 11:30pm. (Telugu) 2:30pm; Secret Superstar Toms (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Asian Town Cinema: Aramm (Hindi) 4:45pm; Murder On The Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (Hindi) (Tamil) 5:30pm; Ippadi Vellum Orient Express (2D) 7:30pm; Omar 4:45pm; Omar El Azrak (Arabic) (Tamil) 8pm; Aramm (Tamil) El Azrak (Arabic) 9:30pm; Aramm 7pm; Sherlock Toms (Malayalam) 10:30pm; Sherlock Toms Community Editor (Tamil) 11:30pm. 9pm; Sherlock Toms (Malayalam) (Malayalam) 6:30pm; Sherlock Landmark Cinema (1): C/O Surya 11:30pm. Toms (Malayalam) 9:15pm; C/O Kamran Rehmat (Telugu) 2:15pm; An Ordinary Man Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Surya (Telugu) 6:30pm; Villain e-mail: [email protected] (2D) 4:30pm; Escape Room (2D) The Giant King (2D) 2:30pm; Escape (Malayalam) 9am; Qarib Qarib Telephone: 44466405 6:15pm; Murder On The Orient Room (2D) 4:30pm; Sherlock Singlle (Hindi) 5:30pm; Shadi Fax: 44350474 Express (2D) 7:45pm; Murder On Toms (Malayalam) 6:30pm; Thor: Mein Zaroor Aana (Hindi) 8pm; The Orient Express (2D) 9:45pm; Ragnarok (2D) 9pm; On The Wings Ramaleela (Malayalam) 10:30pm. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

12 years a chance to test their speed and get involved in the birthday celebrations. stamina in 3-6K races against Aspire To kick-off things off, Evolution Sports Academy’s world-class athletes. The recently launched their 10-year anniversary first race has already been held, while logo. The emblem has been designed by the second race will be held on December Toyan Greaves, the man behind the original 2. This event builds on the success of Evolution Sports logo and will be used on previous professional tournaments in all documentation, both online and offline Aspire Zone, such as the IAU 50 KM World for the next 12 months. Championship and the Aspire International 6:50 Race, which reflects the growing Train like a superhero interests in running within the community WHERE: Aspire Zone in Qatar. The races are open for anyone WHEN: Ongoing above the age of 12, so friends and family Kids Classes Now Open! Train like a members can make a fun family day out of superhero at CrossFit Doha! CrossFit holds it. a variety of disciplines from weightlifting to calisthenics to gymnastics. This will help your kids excel in sports & retain the healthy & fit lifestyle! Support your kids’ natural urge for physical activities & train like a superhero, at CrossFit Doha’s in demand Kids Classes today! CrossFit Doha is located at Aspire Zone Sports City. For more information, call 44138484. Nations Football Cup WHERE: Qatar Foundation Breakdance Classes WHEN: Nov 24 WHEN: Sun-Wed QSports and Qatar Foundation are Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop bringing together 16 community football culture that originated in New York teams to vie for the Nations Football Cup and has since spread all over the world. 2017. The tournament aims to use the power Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic of sport to engage and create positive social style of dancing, which can often appear change in Qatar. For more information, to defy the laws of physics. This extreme please call 401706791. dance-sport uses tremendous upper- body strength for tricks and poses and a EVENTS Evolution Sports Qatar great way to get into shape and have fun. WHERE: Evolution Sports Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail Art 29 presents REM by Lulu M WHEN: Ongoing [email protected] WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences, Volunteer for Ajyal Youth Film Evolution Sports will mark its Qatar Festival anniversary by hosting a number of exciting Reggae Beachfest Doha WHEN: Ends Tomorrow WHERE: DFI events throughout 2017 as well as some WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays TIME: 9am WHEN: Nov 29-Dec 4 amazing promotions, ten years on from WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis An emotionally driven artist, Lulu M Volunteer for the annual Ajyal Youth Film when the club was formed on September Hotel finds herself quite literally dreaming about Festival and gain invaluable experience in 1, 2007. The club has been working with TIME: 8pm onwards her work. Guided, inspired or merely the film industry. The festival takes place a panel of coaches and directors to plan In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest experimenting with new materials and from November 29 to December 4. It brings the events which will be announced over in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta techniques, the results are astonishing. audiences of all ages from around the world the coming months. Members should look nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve Lulu M wants to share her passion with the to discover new stories and hear new voices forward to a variety of different occasions, got the setup sorted to get you feeling the world and take the viewers on a journey in a fun and collaborative environment. suitable for all ages so the whole family can Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident of her vivid dreams through her art. With band Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, depth and dimension often present in her we have so many big names in the Reggae work, she wants her viewers to look deeply scene lined up at this huge beachfest!” into her pieces and experience them. Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. For more information, please call 44460105. The Ride of Champions WHERE: Al Shaqab Arabian horse Dance & Fitness Classes breeding area WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57, WHEN: Nov 24 Bin Omran TIME: 5am WHEN: Ongoing The Ride of Champions is Qatar’s largest Atelier is the newest music and arts mass participation event, and the official school in Doha that offers dance and flagship community event of Qatar Cyclist fitness classes for kids to adults such as and Qatar Cycling Federation. The aim is ballet, hiphop, salsa, tango, and other to include the entire cycling community Latin dances, Zumba, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, of the country, by offering various route kickboxing. distances for young and old, families as well Contact at [email protected] as novice to experienced cyclists. Riders or 33003839. can complete as much as they would like to until 11am. Reggae Nights every Sunday WHERE: Sheraton Grand Doha Kids Dance Classes for November WHEN: Every Sunday WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Bin TIME: 9pm Omran near Ahli Hospital Spend your summer nights with some WHEN: Until end of November good “irie” reggae music every Sunday. TIME: 5pm-6pm Jingle all the Way The concert features the chorus of Doors open at 9pm at The Irish Harp. Kids dance classes this November at WHEN: Nov 30 more than 120 singers, a violinist and a Entrance Fees is QR50 for gents. Ladies Music and Arts Atelier promise to teach WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel Ballroom, pianist. Musical Director Claire Daniels enter free. For further information, them Latin, Ballet, Hip Hop and even Tae West Bay Doha conducts the concert. In addition to the please call 44853000 or e-mail at Kwon Do this November. Call 3300 3839 for TIME: 7pm pieces performed by the full chorus, the [email protected] more details. The Doha Singers will be presenting its programme includes special performance Annual Festive Concert at the Shangri-La by the Acapella Group, solo and duet Salsa Beginners Dance Class Aspire Park Run Challenge Hotel Ballroom. This concert, titled “Jingle singers. Joining the Doha Singers will be the WHERE: B Attitude Spa, West Bay WHERE: Aspire Park all the Way,” will see the Doha Singers young and talented group of choir singers WHEN: Every Friday WHEN: Dec 2 showcasing some of the festival’s most from International school of London, Qatar. Salsa n Candela offers a variety of dance TIME: 7:30am favourite songs, featuring also the choral The audience can expect well-loved classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower Aspire Zone Foundation is organising suite from the animated movie Frozen and festive music. Tickets are priced at QR120 West Bay B Attitude Spa, such as Salsa its first ‘Aspire Park Run Challenge’ to a wide selection of traditional songs and for adults and QR80 for children aged 11 every Friday and other Latin dance during give recreational runners over the age of carols. and under. other days of the week.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

The Swift chronicles

‘I think it’s important for the people who keep you going and support you and have your back out there in the world to know that you’re thinking of them all the time,’ Taylor Swift tells Randy Lewis about her coveted fan interaction

iary entries, as a rule, The double-edged sword of celebrating new love and new handful of music critics were themselves off as preternaturally don’t constitute art. success — and the fame and maturity in her outlook, most invited to hear this album in mature, often singing of Songs do. fortune that have accompanied framed in dance-floor-conscious advance (The Times’ pop music experiences well beyond their That what drew it to stratospheric levels for her beats and employing inventive critic Mikael Wood was not). years. me in to Taylor Swift — inform many of the songs on sonic textures that expand on She did once again hold several That initially sparked my Dand her music upon the release Reputation, possibly the most or outright defy conventions of playback sessions for fans in respect for her as a young artiste of her 2006 debut album, Taylor anticipated album of the always- contemporary pop-R&B music recent months, as she did when — not just a pretty face and perky Swift, and that’s what has kept me intensive fall season. production. 1989 was being readied for release personality who’d been handed a closely tracking the remarkable arc As one of a small handful of I’d also say that in many ways three years ago. But no reporters batch of songs written by others of her career since then, up to and music writers offered an early Reputation echoes one of Bob were allowed to look in on those as and instructed by her handlers including Friday’s release of her listen to the new collection, Dylan’s greatest lines of the last a few did for 1989. on what to say, how to dress and sixth album, Reputation. I’ll venture to call it her most two decades: “I used to care … but Things have changed, indeed. where to stand. From the beginning, Swift — then focused, most cohesive album yet. things have changed.” What struck me initially about Clearly that resonated with a precocious, uncommonly smart, In large part that reflects I say that based on many hours Swift’s music was the refreshing a lot of listeners as well, and gifted and ambitious teenager — her dramatic narrowing of I’ve spent with her since first viewpoint she brought to her launched her on a meteoric rise: has written deeply personal songs collaborators compared with travelling to Nashville to interview songs, which sounded, for a first in country music, and then that often sound ripped directly her previous two outings: Nine her early in 2007, not long after change, like what real teenagers to her place today as arguably the from the pages of a diary. of the 15 new songs written and her debut album put her on the might think, feel and say. biggest pop star on the planet. That hallmark of her songwriting produced for the most part by map in country music circles. That was a big part of what Along the way she has held has nurtured an especially close Swift with superstar producers prompted me to single her out tight to the innate understanding bond between Swift and her fans, Max Martin and Shellback, the Taking control at the end of 2006 as one of the of social media platforms she along with her savvy use of social other six in tandem with indie Case in point: Reputation is the artistes most worth watching expressed to me in 2008, shortly media from the outset. It’s also rock band Fun front man Jack first album for which she’s given in the year ahead and to travel before her sophomore album, given her detractors no shortage Antonoff. no interviews in advance. (I had to Nashville a few months later Fearless, was released. of ammunition with which to They conjure a sense of sat down with her for extended to interview her about her “Blogging has been really fun attack her for everything from a foreboding to illuminate her talks about each of her previous ambitions. because I like to let people into new hairdo to her choices of dates songs of betrayal, heartbreak four albums, 1989, Red, Speak So many other young pop my life as much as possible,” she to the logistics of selling tickets to and disappointment. There Now and Fearless.) and country acts spent most of said back when MySpace was still concerts. also are plenty of bright spots Additionally, only a small their time attempting to pass the dominant social media outlet Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY for most musicians, well before Twitter, Facebook and Instagram took over. “I think it’s important for the people who keep you going and support you and have your back out there in the world to know that you’re thinking of them all the time.” She quickly learned, however, that it’s not a big leap from having someone’s back to stabbing it, a harsh reality Swift has faced through intensely public Twitter feuds in recent years with Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, among others. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms magnify vulnerability and hypersensitivity with snarky comments and images, making adolescence and young adulthood seem more perilous than ever. She acknowledged the vipers in the room directly on her third album, Speak Now, with Mean, a song in which she transformed one blogger’s nasty comments about her into a hit song. That’s one tool with which she’s avoided the Don’t get mad; get even path of revenge, instead MESSAGE: Look What You Made Me Do in the album Reputation isn’t an exercise in the blame game; it’s an acknowledgement of loss over defences one has drawing illumination and creative been forced to erect out of self-preservation. inspiration out of the many barbs tossed her way. manifested is her personal enthusiastically click away to she had scored multiple hit singles how it that has played out for her, donation of $500,000 to disaster watch her latest videos or place and sold millions of albums well emotionally and psychologically. Taking their shots relief efforts when Nashville, and advance orders for the album was before that incident. “I don’t trust nobody and Yet the more famous she’s much of Tennessee, was flooded blasted as exploitative. She kept a relatively low profile nobody trusts me” is how the become and the more followers in 2010 — before she reached her She’s also come under fire for last year when West and his sadder-but-wiser Swift portrays she’s cultivated, the more the 21st birthday. She ponied up an not being vocal enough about wife, Kim Kardashian, spoke and herself in this scenario. Look world at large apparently feels additional $1 million last year for alt-right demonstrators who tweeted ad infinitum that she had What You Made Me Do isn’t an entitled to pass judgment not only flood victims in Louisiana after have attempted to co-opt her given him her consent about the exercise in the blame game; it’s on her art but on her life, topics launching her “1989” tour there. music into endorsements of way he portrayed her in Famous, an acknowledgement of loss over she takes on in several of the new their positions, reminiscent offering only a terse denial that defences one has been forced to songs on Reputation. Taking on Apple of Charles Manson’s bizarre had been the case. erect out of self-preservation. That’s a fact of contemporary She wielded her industry clout misinterpretation nearly 50 years When she released Look What In a broader sense, the payoff I’m life Swift recognises in This Is to politely but firmly chastise ago of the Beatles’ Helter Skelter, You Made Me Do as the leadoff after in Reputation has nothing to Why We Can’t Have Nice Things. Apple for initially placing which he insisted was a coded single from Reputation, she do with any shade she’s throwing In fact, it may well become some of the financial burden message to him to start a race war. took flak in many quarters for a at West and Kardashian or whether an anthem for the Twitter of a free trial period for its new Then there was the much perceived belated response and in other songs she’s leaving any generation, for whom every streaming service in 2015 on publicised dissing of her last for keeping a feud going long past clues on her breakups with Tom fleeting thought seems worthy of songwriters with a plan that year from Kanye West in his song its natural shelf life. Hiddleston or Calvin Harris. sharing with the world at large: would have withheld their royalty Famous in which he rapped that But based on how I’ve watched Many eyes, of course, also will Did you think I wouldn’t hear all payments — an idea the tech giant she owed him physical contact her process other life events, what be focused on whether Reputation the things you said about me? And abandoned in response to her because he made her famous by I hear in the song is a woman who extends her streak of albums that here’s to you … ‘cause forgiveness open letter. snatching the spotlight from her recognises the hurt an ugly life have sold more than 1 million is a nice thing to do/ (laughter) I Even when she briefly at the infamous MTV Video Music situation has thrust upon her and copies in the first week. She’s the can’t even say it with a straight succumbed to the temptation to Awards in 2009 — even though who owns the consequences of only artiste to do so with three face! respond to a perceived diss from consecutive releases. I’ll go as far as to suggest that Nicki Minaj over yet another The only thing that matters in the whole Reputation theme VMA Awards show in 2015, Swift the long run is how she’s evolving of the album isn’t solely about quickly apologised and held as a songwriter, a singer and a Taylor Swift and her place in the out an olive branch rather than record producer. world but examines the extent continuing to ratchet up a war of Will anyone care in 10, 20 or to which most of us now live out tweets. 50 years — heck, in five, even — our lives in public thanks to the As recently as August, she who the “him” is in Getaway Car, omnipresence of social media and turned the tables on a lawsuit when she confesses, I wanted the multiplicity of ways that plays filed against her by a Denver radio to leave him/ I needed a reason? out. host who claimed he was unfairly What’s much more likely to stand Indeed, in each of two elaborate dismissed from his job after she the test of time is the whip-smart 72-page magazines she has complained that he had groped form the song’s expression of created for an exclusive deluxe her during a post-concert meet- romantic betrayal delivers: It was edition of the album (available and-greet. She filed a countersuit the best of times/ The worst of in the US at Target stores), she in which she asked for, and won, crimes/ The ties were black/ the includes an open letter noting, a token $1 jury award after she lies were white/ In shades of gray “This is the first generation that took to the witness stand to speak and candlelight. will be able to look back on their out not only in her own defence Her commitment to growth as entire life story documented in but on behalf of other sexual an artiste is something I sensed pictures on the Internet, and harassment victims. more than a decade ago, when together we will all discover the Yet bloggers galore still seem we first met in the bunker-like after-effects of that.” determined to take her down for basement of her then-fledgling Another facet of Swift’s career any number of issues, lately many record company, Big Machine. that’s impressed me is the way she of them revolving around the way And it’s still why I fully expect has respected her place as a role she has set the stage for Friday’s to be as interested at what Swift model for young women in general release of Reputation. writes at 37 and 47 as what she’s and other female musicians in A plan to create an incentive delivered at 27. In my book, that’s particular. that would give priority for buying the only reputation that matters. Among the many ways that’s concert tickets to fans who most MAKING WAVES: Taylor Swift's new album Reputation. — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY Qatari singer Ali Abdul Sattar to perform at GU-Q

s part of its endeavour to foster awareness of the most renowned lead singers in Gulf music in of Gulf heritage, Arabic culture, and current times,” said Abbas al-Tonsi, the director of the language activities in the community, Arabic Language Program at GU-Q. “He is a well- Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) educated artiste with pan-Arab roots and a sense of will host an Arabic music concert featuring belonging, who gained his fame because he is a serious AQatari singer Ali Abdul Sattar. artiste who places his music above commercial or Abdul Sattar will perform a number of his most material considerations. He represents a role model for popular songs at the event, which will be held at GU- the new generation of artistes.” Q’s Education City campus tomorrow at 7pm. There is “I fi rmly believe that hosting such events and no entrance fee, but tickets (which are limited to two bringing in renowned artists gives us the opportunity per person) should be collected prior to the concert at to relate their creative works to the in-depth cultural the GU-Q bookstore. and linguistic issues that we focus on in our academic The musician is one of the pioneers in modern Gulf fi eld,” said al-Tonsi. music, and is well known for his mastery in performing Abdul Sattar was born in Qatar in 1952 and began his heritage songs and adapting them to employ modern musical career in the late 1970s. Continuing successes music techniques and instruments. These adaptations, saw him become one of the strongest artists on the Gulf along with his notable wide scale vocal capabilities and musical scene throughout the 1990s. Today, he remains ability to perform classical Gulf songs, contributed to widely popular with Gulf audiences and is known his popularity. for reaching out to support the newest generation of “Ali Abdul Sattar is a high calibre artiste and one musicians and singers in the region. ARTISTE: Ali Abdul Sattar.

PIANIST: Prama Yudhistra on piano at the opening concert. FBQ Amphitheatre — a new stage in Qatar

he Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Naimi (Oud); Mia Park Torchinsky and William Museum recently inaugurated the McChesney (Piano duet); Prama Yudhistra FBQ Amphitheatre as a brand new (Piano); Khalifa al-Sada (Tenor); Per-Niklas stage in Qatar for performing arts. Barth (Percussion); Fares Dehbi (Vocal); Arab The premiere concert was held last Music Ensemble: Luna Echtay (Qanun), Lubna Friday.T Hassanain (Nay),Tim Salman (Oud); Tricia and The concert featured winners of the Nicole Ng (Violin, Piano duet); and Maharlikans First Edition of the Qatar National Music (Vocal ensemble). Competition that took place between October The winter season concert series continues 15 and 17 at Katara Drama Theater, revealing the with “To Doha With Love” on December best of Qatar’s musical talents. The concert was 9, which will feature a performance by the organised in collaboration with Moving Young renowned MAias Alyamani and the MAqam Artists and was sponsored by Fifty One East. Ensemble. The concert was diverse and included Arab It is being organised in collaboration with the as well as Western music performances by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The one-hour- talented young artists, including The Doha long concert at FBQ Amphitheatre will start at Youth Choir; Hala al-Emadi (Piano); Farhan 6pm and is being organised in celebration of Feroz (Piano); Mohammed Ibrahim (Arabic Qatar National Day. The entrance is free and vocal); Aoife Galvin (Soprano); Abdulla al- subject to fi rst-come fi rst-serve. ENTHRALLING: The vocal ensemble Maharlikans. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Informative, interactive programme at Nepali embassy

The Embassy of Nepal organised an informative and interactive programme at its premises last Koirala said that Qatari government is being proactive and is implementing suff icient measures to weekend. Representatives of Nepali community organisations in Qatar attended the programme solve the problems faced by Nepali workers. Koirala stressed on the importance of such interactive in large numbers. The embassy presented its new and updated measures to verify demands of programmes to brainstorm the ideas to solve problems and to strengthen the bilateral relationship Nepali workers and on how these measures are more appropriate than the existing one. They between the two countries. also discussed the frequent documentation problems faced by Nepali workers and the possible solutions to these problems. Speaking at the programme, Ambassador Prof. Ramesh Prasad — Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

Curtains go down at the 4th European jazz festival

CLOSING: At the closing ceremony, Austrian Ambassador Willy Kempel presented an artistic painting to the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti

ith the an Austrian and a Dutch band. Throughout the festival, participation The fi ve days of the festival saw audiences enjoyed performances of 11 European Jazz lovers from all nationalities that originated from the European countries – and various age groups throng continent. The concerts were Austria, Bulgaria, to Katara to enjoy an irresistible performed by renowned and France,W Germany, Italy, Poland, music-like ambience. qualifi ed European artists and Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, At the closing ceremony, bands. Within the activities of the Romania and Switzerland – Austrian Ambassador Willy festival, some artistic workshops Cultural Village Foundation- Kempel presented an artistic were conducted by well-known Katara brought an end to the painting to the General Manager of artists from Germany, France, fourth Katara European Jazz the Cultural Village Foundation- Austria and the Netherlands. Festival on Monday. Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim These workshops were organised The conclusion of the festival al-Sulaiti, for his eff orts in making in co-operation with the Qatar PERFORMANCE: The concerts were performed by renowned and qualified saw marvellous performances by the festival a success. Music Academy. European artists and bands. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY Indonesian women organise ‘Bakiak Race’ for students

Indonesian women in Qatar organised a “Bakiak Race” at Pearling Season International School in are made of wood and are typically the length of ice skates. The material is polished and made Doha’s (PSISD) Family Day recently. About 800 students and parents from around 54 countries slippery so that it can be moved along the ground. attended the colourful event. Indonesian ambassador Air Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi praised the group for their Siti, a co-ordinator for the race, said that the Indonesian embassy promotes and encourages the initiative in promoting good ties between Indonesia and Qatar, particularly in the socio-cultural organisation of such traditional games. Parents also provided the prizes that were given to the sphere. winning students. Indonesian Embassy’s Minister Counsellor Boy Dharmawan, also the parent of a student at the Yani, parent of a PSISD student, said that ‘Bakiak Race’ is usually played in groups or teams, where school, said that the family day served not only as a learning opportunity for the students but was each team tries to get to the finish line first. The skates that the team members wear on their feet also a “perfect” way to showcase Indonesian traditional culture.

QNB-ISC T-20 Cricket Challenger Trophy 2017 kicks off

The Indian Sports Centre (ISC) recently inaugurated the first-ever all-Indian hardball cricket Finance; Azim Abbas, Chairman Promotion & Head of Cricket ISC; and others. Team captains and tournament titled QNB-ISC T-20 Cricket Challenger Trophy at Asian Town Cricket Stadium recently. managers also attended. The first match of the tournament was held between Malabar XI and Red Gul Mohammad Khan, Head of Domestic Cricket at Qatar Cricket Association (QCA), was the chief Wing Al Khor Team. Al Khor won the toss and elected to bat first, managing to score just 94 runs guest. Other notable guests present at the stadium included Hassan Raza, Head of Technical, QCA; in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. In response, Malabar XI managed to reach the Nilngshu Dey, ISC President; Mohd Habibun Nabi ISC general secretary; Ravi Shankar, ISC Head of target in the 13th over, losing just 1 wicket in the process.

Scientia 2017 exhibition at Bhavan’s Public School

Bhavan’s Public School organised its annual science exhibition titled ‘Scientia’ recently. The chief guest at the opening was Saiju Aravind, defence scientist and the founder and CEO of EduBrisk Knowledge Solutions. Audience and guests enjoyed the mime and robotic dance in which the students portrayed the journey of science through the ages. The simulation of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ in which a robot was brought to life, earned everybody’s commendation and set the creative ambience for the day. The exhibition saw the young scientists putting up exhibits consisting of innovative working and still models that spanned science, maths and Computer Science. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Setting up the base of a knowledge-based economy

INSTRUCTIVE: Dr Rajeev Thomas leading a session at MES Indian School.

ission20 Knowledge, a Community Development’s Strategic positive vibes after the session and were move on. [Dr Thomas] made us realise that Doha-based international Planning Directorate, has embarked on excited to relook into their purpose of life the life is full of challenges and we should youth platform supporting a personal mission of unlocking human and strategies to defeat and overcome overcome fear considering each challenge as the building of a knowledge- potential among the youth in Qatar and all types of fear, not just the fear of the an opportunity to grow.” based economy in Qatar, internationally, with a target of transforming examinations.” Noor, student of Grade 11 at DMIS, said, recentlyM launched Tour of Qatar, a youth a million lives. His programmes are aimed Hameeda Kadar, Principal of MES Indian “I’m not the best student in the class but empowerment programme aimed at at empowering the next generation to be the School, said, “Dr Rajeev’s motivational after attending the session, I know what students of 10th, 11th and 12th standards of change that they want to see in this world. approach will mark a positive impact more I have to do to become the best.” the leading schools in Doha. Speaking about the seminar, Dr Thomas on the students in facing many more Amanat Solanki, the Founder and In its fi rst phase, across two events, over said, “This seminar helps these students such challenges in their future life. The Chairman of Mission20 Knowledge, said 1,300 students from the MES Indian School by enhancing their power of focus, and topics related to overcoming the fear of that this was just the beginning and that (MES) and Doha Modern Indian School connecting them to the larger purpose of examinations discussed during the session his team were already working on various (DMIS) attended the highly interactive life. Once the students realise that studying and will assist students in facing the board such workshops, seminars, talks, summits, seminars titled ‘Defeating the Fear of Exams’. well and passing exams are stepping stones exams with confi dence and ease.” engaging regional and international speakers The sessions were led by Dr Rajeev to achieving their larger purpose, they will Asma M Naik, a student of grade 12 in and subject-matter experts with a special Thomas, who is an international become fearless, and nothing can stop them DMIS, said, “He made us realise that there focus on promoting entrepreneurship and motivational speaker and management from becoming their best.” is much more in life than exams and that supporting the building of a knowledge- expert based in Qatar. Dr Rajeev, who is Commenting on the programme, Rakesh we should not just study for passing exams based economy in Qatar. More details about also Head of Business Planning at Qatar Singh Tomar, Principal of Doha Modern but to become something more important the organisation can be found on www. Foundation for Education Science and Indian School, said, “Students were full of in life that empowers self and others as we m20knowledge.org

Charles & Keith introduces Winter ’17 collection

Following through with Fall’s retro modern stylised settings, Charles & Keith’s Winter ’17 unfolds of liberation, passion and ambition. Winter 2017 collection encompasses a diversified range of as a series, capturing the journey of a budding actress and a stage hand as they make their way captivating styles ranging from the minimalist, the functional, the sports-inspired and to the across town to a theatre, in anticipation of putting on “the biggest show of their lives”. revamped vintage. With innovative constructions and key embellishments, noteworthy styles Delving into the notion of chasing dreams in pursuit of one’s big break, Winter ’17 is infused include heeled mules, slip-on loafers, low angular block heels, block heel oxfords and ruched with a coming-of-age quality that is both naive and spirited at the same time, paralleling the knee high boots. Bags and accessories are a juxtaposition of occasion wear embellished with protagonists’ chase of their greatest aspirations. In their head full of day dreams exists an velvet, glitter, satin and fur, against functional classics modernised with new constructions to idealised vision of success, as the journey of achieving creative pursuits unfolds in a whirlwind create sophisticated looks. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Interactive technology’s benefits for you and child

nteracting with your children is one of responsive, back-and-forth social and creative the best parts of being a parent and it’s interactions. Children also will laugh aloud no surprise that many people report when they fi nd out their best friend plush is looking for toys this holiday season that mimicking them.” incorporate interactive technology. Are The Chappet speaker button can be sewn on youI one of them? If you are, then you know or attached with a string to loop it around the you’re looking for the kind of technology that stuff ed animal’s neck like a necklace. It does involves you and engages, motivates, teaches, not need a battery since it is rechargeable, and surprises and sparks the imagination of your because of its size, is safe for little children. child. The benefi ts of this interaction are considerable. Learning more about new options to interact with your child Interaction key to helping develop With a successful launch in Japan last year, children’s minds Chappet is launching a project on Kickstarter Responsive interactions are the key to a video chat, both of which involve responsive support more than 1,000 prerecorded phrases, to fund the development of the English version toddler’s ability to increase their vocabulary social interactions. These fi ndings highlight the features 20 prerecorded songs and stories and of the app and introduce Chappet to kids in the and a baby’s ability to learn language, according importance of a more interactive and responsive its auto chat function can mimic the words a US The campaign will last three weeks, ending to a study by the Society for Research in Child approach to learning language. child shares with it in conversation, allowing Dec 3. Search for Chappet or click here where Development. Researchers at the University One creative, technology “toy” that’s being children to interact with their toys in an Chappet will be off ered at up to 30 percent off of Washington, Temple University and the introduced this year to support these fi ndings entirely new way. retail price. Take the time to learn more about University of Delaware studied 2-year-olds who is Chappet, a 2-inch, round yellow speaker “You can be in another room or right next to this and other interactive solutions available eff ectively learned new verbs, either through button that’s controlled by a smartphone them on the couch,” said Naoki Ono, Chappet for your child this holiday season. Because, as training face-to-face with a person or via live app. Chappet allows parents or caregivers to Development Team Leader. “They won’t know the research shows, a little interaction can go a video chat technology such as Skype. The interact with a child through a stuff ed animal it’s you unless you tell them because Chappet long, long way. study found children learned new words only that adorns the button by supplying their own allows parents or loved ones to become the when conversing with a person live or in the voice via voice or text chat. Chappet can also voice of the child’s plush toy that involves fun, © Brandpoint

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

You may feel emotionally good but the more you express yourself Tap into your internal resources. Listen to your deepest, strongest Things should come together nicely as long as you’ve done the the more critical others become of your sensitivity. Unfortunately, feelings and take things slowly. Plan your actions and consider the necessary prep work to make it successful. The burners are hot and you may clam up under such circumstances. Hang onto the fact that emotions of others before you take the first step. Take advantage of it’s time to add the ingredients. If you’ve done the preliminaries, you have something valuable to teach, but other people aren’t ready the pauses in your day. Enjoy the rest and use the time to plan ahead the next step will be easy. If you’ve neglected to take care of these to learn. Try not to take it personally. instead of acting rashly and running full throttle to the next task. details, you’ll scramble to do many diff erent things at once.

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

Your witty, social attitude may not be appreciated, given the Your emotions might be raw today, and you may act rashly because You may feel out of your league today. The good news is that thanks emotional and sober mood of the day. You adjust your outfit to of the way you feel. Realise that some people may not appreciate to your flexible, adaptable nature, any league can always become reflect current weather patterns. If you dress in silk, you won’t be too this behaviour. Let your emotions be an asset that helps fuel your yours after you take the steps to work the crowd. Have patience and happy when it rains and you have no umbrella. Consider such things passion, but don’t let them rule you entirely. Temper your actions understanding as you learn a new set of rules and a new group of when you walk into a room full of people today. What is the mood? with self-restraint and you’ll get through the day. people with their own habits and behaviours. How can you fit in with it and lift it? LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

All of a sudden you may experience a burst of emotional energy that Sit back and receive instead of trying to make things happen by There’s a unique combination of energies in the air urging you to throws a monkey wrench into your plans. Don’t be surprised if you imposing your will. You’re always taking action and directing your combine your psychic powers with your ability to organise. Your suddenly burst into tears over something that normally wouldn’t energy outward. Think about ways you can direct your energy business sense is keen, and you understand people and their general even faze you. Sometimes it’s important to let the emotions flow. inward and watch how this draws people to you. If nothing else, tendencies. You instinctively know motives behind actions, so use Feel free to share your feelings. Don’t try to hide them. you’ll learn something about yourself by being more attentive to this to your advantage to make things work eff ectively for you. your thoughts and emotions. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Everyone around you may be taking the initiative to start something Your masculine and feminine sides may be saying completely Turn one part of the project over to someone you feel is more new, and you get the feeling that you want to join the cause. Be diff erent things today, but this situation isn’t necessarily bad. You qualified to handle it. There’s no sense trying to do everything careful about getting something going just because everyone else can learn a lot from both sides of your being. Take the most useful yourself when you know someone out there is better suited to the is. You have a tendency to act hastily in an eff ort to prove that you’re aspects of each and put them toward achieving your goals. A task. Today calls for a steady and patient hand. If you don’t think you on top of the situation. Life isn’t a popularity contest or race to the delicate balance of give and take needs to happen. have the skills, admit it. You’ll gain more respect by delegating than finish line. Take your time. by trying to muddle through. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Law and Order

ALIBI FELONY PLEA ATTORNEY FINE POLICE BAILIFF JAIL PRISON COURT JUDGE SENTENCE CRIME JURY SHERIFF CUSTODY MAGISTRATE WARRANT DEPUTY MARSHAL WITNESS EVIDENCE PENALTY WRIT

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Get across to it and shut up! 1. Intrinsically, not the work of (6) man (2,6) 4. Says there are beds for about 2. The final say as to who should a thousand people (8) play whom? (7,4) 10. Turned on to play something 3. As a flier, fool about (4) restorative (7) 5. The above expense (8) 11. Put forcibly into the Reed 6. Tongue? (5-5) Organisation, it all broke out 7. When the barrel overturns, (7) he’s mad (3) 12. The account, we’re told, will 8. The South of France home is follow (4) a surprise (6) 13. The roof is paid for by the 9. Notice people going in to landlord (2,3,5) change (5) 16. Man first appeared back in 14. Waiting to be picked up, this neck of the woods (6) though it’s not necessary (8,3) 17. He’ll tell you what Santa Claus 15. Doing it for the money? (10) really is! (7) 18. Flood from which I and the 20. Walked back to catch the girl-friend protect the sister fellow sleeping (7) (8) Answers 21. Dropped the lot into the 19. Meant it stopped when the marsh (6) point penetrated (8) Wordsearch Codeword 24. “Nice railway,” said to make 22. Has got on with the games (6) conversation (10) 23. A dear item in the builder’s 25. In fact, such wolves never yard (5) have been! (4) 26. Bit the gentleman (4) 27. Isn’t mistaken. Are pouring 28. Rightwards from the hill (3) out wine (7) 29. The tea the fellow scoffed and laughed at (7) 30. It’s more surprising to see a forestry official on the way (8) 31. Kept for the little son to colour (6)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Bustles 5 Mustard DOWN: 1 Blowing up 2 Siamese 9 Opals 10 Collected 11 Iceman 3 Las Palmas 4 Sack 5 Melba 12 Massacre 14 Gleam 15 Above toast 6 Seeds 7 Article 8 zero 18 Priestess 20 Staff 22 Dodge 13 Late autumn 16 Easy Washed-up 24 Starch 26 Awe- to see 17 Off chance 19 Insteps struck 27 Sedan 28 Disdain 29 21 Abridge 22 Weald 23 Extra Precede. 25 Skip. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY CINEMA Qarib Qarib Singlle is a weak story with wasted talent

By Gautaman Bhaskaran

et me admit this. I am a huge fan of Irrfan Khan. And as much as I would hate to admit, the actor’s presence on the screen invariably overwhelms me, and Lthe film critic in me struggles to fight off this feeling of awe and admiration. As one movie critic wrote after seeing the just released Qarib Qarib Singlle by Tanuja Chandra, there is a tendency to praise any film which has Khan in it. Or, at least gloss over it. In the case of Qarib Qarib Singlle, we have two very good performers: South Indian Actress Parvathy apart from Irrfan. I still remember her in Bangalore Days, where as a wheelchair-bound radio jockey she was extraordinary. I am sure she has far to go, and Qarib Qarib Singlle, which was her Bollywood debut, revealed that she could be impressive in any language. In Chandra’s latest outing, she is captivating as a young widow (whose single existence is frowned upon by her friends. She performs with exemplary conviction and stands shoulder to shoulder with one of IMMATURE: Irfan Khan and Parvathy in a scene from Qarib Qarib Singlle. The movie is a juvenile drama played out by two mature adults in their the finest actors I have seen in this world, thirties, not teenagers. Mr Khan of course. But regrettably, Chandra despite being for a living? Where does he get all the Nayanthara as a no-nonsense District Dhansika, having fallen into such a pit, armed with such wonderful artists, has money he spends so lavishly on his journey Collector in the just-opened Gopi Nainar’s about 90 feet deep. The officer rushes to a weak story on hand that is written by with Parvathy to the three cities. He buys Aramm. The movie is all about her, and the spot to be confronted by what looks Kamna Chandra. We see Jaya (Parvathy), business class air tickets, and manages Aramm deals with a huge present-day like insurmountable problems: a broken- pushed by her friend and social pressure, to miss his flight, but remains totally problem, that of deep, unused bore-wells, down fire engine blocking the only narrow stepping into a virtual dating site – where unconcerned. He buys seats on one of which are bone-dry and left uncovered by road to the village, hysterical parents of the after a few vulgar responses, she finds Yogi those fancy Palace-on-Wheels trains, but callous contractors. The openings of these girl, angry villagers baying for the blood (Irrfan), a chemical engineer, a foodie and here again misses boarding it on a wayside wells are at ground level, and that is what of the guilty, ruthless politicians and an a poet all rolled into one. The two meet in a station when he gets off to buy pakoras! makes them so dangerous. insensitive media. coffee shop (yawn, where else), and Yogi’s Finally, he cabs it, and catches up with One fine morning, Nayanthara’s We have seen such journalists before. casualness and wit first unnerve Jaya, but Parvathy in Rishikesh if I am right, and Madhivadhini (an IAS officer) gets a phone Remember the way some photographers later disarm her. She begins to warm up to the two embark on an inspection tour call about a four-year-old village girl, behaved in the Paris underpass when him letting down her guard. It is at this of his exes. She tags along, watching all Princess Diana was dying after a car crash. point that I found the film veering off the those reunions, sometimes passionate, In Aramm too, we see several television track like a crazy car whose driver has lost sometimes not so passionate. Really, I crews shooting a volley of questions — complete control of the steering wheel. cannot think of any modern, educated distracting and wearing out the patience of I could never understand the logic behind woman doing this. Madhivadhini and the others desperately Yogi’s invitation to Jaya to go along with And in one final moment at Yogi- trying to rescue the girl. him to three different cities, Rishikesh, Parvathy’s last stop in Gangtok, she takes What is most remarkable about Aramm Jaipur and Gangtok to meet – of all people off to meet her former boyfriend, whom she is its ability to stay on track for those 10 or his former girlfriends. Now why would any dated in college before getting married to 12 hours when Dhansika lay trapped in the man do that, and why would any woman her late husband, Manav. Yogi chases her, dark well – although I did at times feel the accept such an offer – with both being near and sees her in a cable-car that has stopped background score a little too disturbing. No strangers to each other. at a station. He rushes out of the cable- costume change for Nayanthara, who was A perennial problem with Indian cinema car he is travelling by, and manages to seen throughout the film (except for brief is that it either gets its plot all wrong or its squeeze himself into her car, and then asks periods when she is answering to a charge script all messed up. In some cases, both her whether she would share his drinking sheet in a Chennai office) in the same sari. turn out to be unconvincing. In the case water. She smiles and says yes. What a Subtle and subdued, she goes about taking of Qarib Qarib Singlle, Chandra has been juvenile drama played out by two mature one risky decision after another (in the end, given a weak story, and I am not surprised adults in their thirties, not teenagers. Dhansika’s brother is lowered into the well that she could do precious little with the Tell you, Qarib Qarib Singlle – to me to get her out) most stoically, and I am sure screenplay she wrote. But the tragedy of it – seemed like a half-hearted attempt to the actress has certainly carved a fine niche all is that two exceptional actors agreed to narrate a love story between two mature for herself with this movie. play, and in the process got wasted. people, who displayed little maturity in a And who knows, Aramm may be just Though we are allowed to peep into plot that appeared half-baked or hurriedly about the beginning of a series of Tamil Parvathy’s life, both professional and baked. And Khan’s character was all skin films that will transform heroines into personal, there is very, very little we know and bones, the most disappointing part of heroes. In short, Nayanthara has been given about Yogi. Parvathy is a designer, a busy the whole show. a chance to step into a man’s shoes, and she one at that, and she has a mother and a has done this with style and substance. curiosity-personified younger brother, who is alarmed to see Yogi on his sister’s laptop ADMINISTRATOR: Actress Nayanthara Gautaman Bhaskaran has been screen. We also see some of her friends and Aramm is a Tamil movie on present appears as a district collector in the movie. She writing on Indian and world customers. day problems oversees eff orts to bring out a four-year-old girl cinema for close to 40 years, and may be But who is this Yogi? What does he do I was impressed to see actress from a 90-feet deep open well. e-mailed at [email protected] Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Ruth Negga loves working with Dominic Cooper

Actress Ruth Negga loves working with her partner Dominic Cooper because she thinks the entertainment business can be “lonely” without someone to support her. “It can be so lonely fi lming, so it’s like your buddy and your back up. He’s got my back and I’ve got his. Very much so,” Negga told Harper’s Bazaar magazine, reports femalefi rst.co.uk. Earlier this year, Negga was nominated for an Oscar in Loving, in which she played Mildred Loving, one half of a mixed-race couple who challenged the US legal system for the right to marry and live together in Virginia in the 1960s. She misses the character so much that she often re-watches a documentary about the late activist and her husband Richard. Negga says that even if she never works again, she’ll always be thankful for that movie. She said: “Honestly, if I never do anything again, I got to be in the orbit of really special people.” Ruth even worries she’ll never fi nd another role that matches her experience on Loving. Asked if she worries nothing else could compare, she said: “Oh! of course. And sometimes I don’t think I’ve got anything else in me. But I think that’s a natural place to be.” – IANS IN RECKONING: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. The other key contenders are Blade Runner 2049, Dunkirk and The Lego Batman Movie. Wonder Woman is vying for superhero movies at Oscars

But Wonder Woman, one of the And the picture snub is thought to Directors Guild of America award By Jen Yamato best-reviewed fi lms of 2017 with have prompted the expansion of for her work on the pilot of AMC’s a 92 percent Rotten Tomatoes the academy’s top honour from fi ve The Killing and won the Spirit rating, boasts a zeitgeist-fuelled to 10 nominees the following year. award for her debut fi lm, Monster, irst she won over critics, momentum that could help it In a banner year for rallying which nabbed Charlize Theron an stirred up audiences punch through the fi lm academy’s around women within and outside Oscar for lead actress. and vanquished the box spandex ceiling, where only four of the industry, June’s female- The one-two punch of Gadot offi ce. Now Wonder women have ever been nominated led, female-fronted Wonder and Jenkins is a potent weapon Woman is hoping to do for best director and only one Woman became emblematic of in Warner Bros. For Your Fwhat no superhero before her has woman, Kathryn Bigelow, has ever hope: Feminists in a post-Trump Consideration arsenal. It was done: Crack the Oscars. won (for 2009’s The Hurt Locker). America embraced Gadot’s Diana on display at Variety’s Power of Charging into awards season like Recent infusions of diversity Prince/Wonder Woman as a strong Women luncheon last month, Princess Diana of Themyscira into and youth into the academy’s and overdue screen champion. where Gadot honoured her No Man’s Land, Warner Bros. $821 membership might also help And comic book fans got the fi rst “superhuman” director. million-grossing Wonder Woman the Wonder Woman odds. The superhero movie since Nolan’s “Patty represents everything — the highest-grossing live- numbers don’t hurt, either: Last Batman saga with a serious shot at that is good in Hollywood,” said action fi lm directed by a woman week Warner Bros. and DC’s fi rst the big show. Gadot, who will hit screens again — is swinging its sword for major female-fronted superhero tale Warner Bros. offi cially debuted a this month in WB’s Justice League, nominations including best picture, scored another major milestone, For Your Consideration campaign keeping her Wonder Woman fresh best director for Patty Jenkins, and surpassing 2002’s Spider-Man in October, pushing Wonder in the minds of moviegoers, critics lead actress for star Gal Gadot. to become the highest-grossing Woman in 15 categories alongside — and awards voters. In 2009 Christopher Nolan’s superhero origin movie of all time. its other key contenders Blade Jenkins, set to be feted Monday artsy The Dark Knight was widely Superhero movies have been Runner 2049, Dunkirk and The Lego as one of Glamour magazine’s perceived as a best picture banging at Oscar’s door since Batman Movie. Screenings have Women of the Year alongside and director contender, before Nolan reinvented the genre as been set for awards voters in Los fellow honourees Rep. Maxine nominations morning crushed the legitimate art and caught the Angeles, New York, San Francisco Waters, Solange Knowles, the Bat’s aspirations. Last year 20th attention of awards voting bodies. and London, with screener organisers of the Women’s March Century Fox’s R-rated Deadpool Even though it failed to break into mailings expected to land soon in on Washington and more, returned got fan hopes up again, armed the best picture race, The Dark voters’ mailboxes. Both Gadot and the love. “It takes a special person BACK UP: Ruth Negga, left, thinks with Golden Globe, DGA, PGA and Knight was nominated for eight Jenkins — who will return for the to go on-screen and embody the entertainment business can be WGA nods. Alas: The Merc with Oscars and won two, including sequel — have hit the glitzy awards something for us, but (Gadot) “lonely” without someone to support a Mouth failed to secure a single a posthumous nod for Heath trail. embodies it every day.” her. Oscar nomination. Ledger’s performance as the Joker. Jenkins previously won the – Los Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, November 15, 2017 COMMUNITY

BREAK DANCE: Jinjo Crew in action. Taekwondo, breakdance enthral people at Katara People of multiple nationalities attend Korean National Day 2017 celebrations

ATTENDANCE: A view of the audience at the show. MESMERISING: The Kukkwon Taekwondo Demonstration.

friendly bilateral ties with Qatar. holding demonstration performances Ministry of Culture, Sports and performances. Rijo Mathew, an By Mudassir Raja The brief introductory opening regularly and as a tourism product, Tourism at the 2014 Korea Hiphop India expatriate living in Qatar, highlighted the achievements of both we are determined to making Award and serves as honorary attended the show with his family. South Korea and Qatar in diff erent Taekwondo as the No. 1 content [for] ambassador of Bucheon city. Jinjo He said, “It was a very nice event. raditional Korean dances sports. cultural tourism in Korea as well as Crew is also an honorary ambassador Everyone seems to have enjoyed and a Taekwondo show The fi rst performance was promoting Taekwondo and Korea on for the prevention of child abuse. it. The kids especially liked the performed by agile artistes Taekwondo, which lasted for about the global stage.” “Through the successful hosting show very much. We really enjoyed caught the attention of all 20 minutes. A group of young The second performance of the 2016 Bucheon B-boy the Taekwondo show. I have seen eyes and ears for over an performers showed diff erent was called B-boy Dance. The International Championship, Jinjo karate shows earlier, but this was Thour at Katara’s Drama Theatre on acrobatic stunts, captivating the performance included diff erent Crew has proven its planning and diff erent.” Monday evening. audience with their almost inhuman kinds of breakdances done by a operational capacities. By developing Robekah from Korea, who has The audience enjoyed the moves. group of young artistes called the street dances and complex lived in Qatar for six years now, said, atmosphere and cheered the high- The Taekwondo performers Jinjo Crew. The performances contents in various genres, it has “The show was really amazing. It energy acrobatic performances by highlighted the diff erent acrobatics coupled with colourful lights and contributed to the popularisation was fantastic how the crew cheered young Korean artistes, accompanied that are involved in the sport, rather high-pitched music turned the and development of the street dance up the crowd. We were all one in by loud music. than its fi ghting skills. In a stunt, a mood up. Throughout the hour-long genre.” heart and mind. We really enjoyed it. The performance was to celebrate young boy broke two wooden pieces performance, the audience remained The b-boys presented diff erent I am really proud to see that Korean the Korean National Day 2017 and that were placed as high as eight glued to their seats. dances. One of their displays, culture is being spread all across the was organised by the Embassy of feet, with fl ying kicks. Other stunts The message from the embassy on called the Mask, was a storytelling world, especially here. I hope such South Korea in co-operation with included breaking of wooden pieces the dance performance and the group performance. It showcased humour shows will help improve bilateral Katara. The entry was free to the with fl ying kicks in groups and said, “Jinjo Crew is a leading Korean and satire through the use of ties.” public, with the seats fi lling up fast. A demonstrations of gymnastic agility. b-boy group that has won numerous traditional Korean masks. Their Yemi Mohinde from Nigeria said, good number of diplomats and their A message from the embassy on titles in international contests. second performance was called Tah, “It was amazing. I especially liked the families were present in the theatre to the performance – called Kukkwon The group is thus far the only one which has already won the group enthusiasm of the entire crew. I liked enjoy the performances. Taekwondo Demonstration – said, to achieve sweeping victory in fi ve many international prizes. the performances and the culture of The programme began with an “[The] team is changing the paradigm major world b-boy contests.” People from diff erent countries Korea. Taekwondo was fantastic. I introduction of South Korea, its of Taekwondo demonstration “In addition, in 2014, the group and cultures attended the Korean am going to visit South Korea soon to history, its rich culture, and its while maintaining its legitimacy. By won the ministerial prize from the show and they appreciated the see more of its culture.”