Community Community Indian Neptune Women grass is P6Association P16 under severe organises two threat from interactive sea traff ic sessions for and climate its members. change.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Safar 1, 1440 AH

Doha today: 300 - 370

DEBUTANT: Reinaldo Marcus Green, maker of Monsters and Men.

COVER Sparking change STORY The filmmaker says, “I hope the movie kind of opens up some perspective and there’s some sort of revelation that happens.” P4-5

GLITZ & GLAM SHOWBIZ

A man for all seasons. How does new A Star Is Born compare with past versions? Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.13am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.30am Zuhr (noon) 11.21am Asr (afternoon) 2.42pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.14pm Isha (night) 6.44pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Exes Baggage over their previous failed relationship. The story begins two DIRECTION: Dan Villegas years after the break up between Pia (Angelica Panganiban) CAST: Angelica Panganiban, Carlo Aquino, Dionne and Nix Cabangon (Carlo Aquino). Monsanto SYNOPSIS: Two strangers instantly hit it off after bonding THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza 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 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Ratsasan collects various tales of psychopaths and are reportedly kidnapped and brutally DIRECTION: Ram Kumar serial killers. Constant rejections in his murdered. Arun intuitively suggests to CAST: Amala Paul, Kaali Venkat, attempts and family constraints force his superior offi cials that this could be the Vishnu Vishal him to abandon his dream and take up wrongdoings of a psycho killer, but they SYNOPSIS: Arun Kumar is an aspiring the job of a police offi cer. Meanwhile in neglect his theories. fi lmmaker. In his pursuit of the craft, he the Chennai city, a number of school girls THEATRE: The Mall ote Unquo u te Q “Failure will The Mall Cinema (1): Love Wall (2D) 3pm; Venom (2D) never overtake me if my Yatri (HIndi) 2:30pm; Venom 5pm; Johnny English Strikes determination to succeed is (2D) 5pm; Venom (2D) 7pm; A Again (2D) 7pm; Exes Baggage Star Is Born (2D) 9pm; A Star Is (Malayalam) 11pm. (Tagalog) 8:45pm; Kayamkulam strong enough.” Born (2D) 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (1): Kochunni (Malayalam) 10:45pm. The Mall Cinema (2): Harvie Smallfoot (2D) 2:15pm; 96 Royal Plaza Cinema Palace — Og Mandino And The Magic Museum (2D) (Tamil) 4pm; Venom (2D) 7pm; (1): Smallfoot (2D) 3pm; Exes 2:15pm; Smallfoot (2D) 4pm; A Star Is Born (2D) 9pm; Venom Baggage (Tagalog) 4:45pm; Johnny English Strikes Again (2D) 11:30pm. Exes Baggage (Tagalog) (2D) 5:45pm; Exes Baggage Landmark Cinema (2): Harvie 6:45pm; Venom (2D) 8:45pm; (Tagalog) 7:30pm; Venom (2D) And The Magic Museum (2D) Kayamkulam Kochunni Community Editor 9:30pm; Venom (2D) 11:30pm. 3pm; Johnny English Strikes (Malayalam) 10:45pm. Kamran Rehmat The Mall Cinema (3): Chekka Again (2D) 5pm; Exes Baggage Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: [email protected] Chivantha Vaanam (Tamil) (Tagalog) 7pm; Kayamkulam (3): Love Yatri (HIndi) 2:30pm; Telephone: 44466405 3pm; Andhadhun (Hindi) 6pm; Kochunni (Malayalam) 9pm. Venom (2D) 5pm; Venom (2D) Fax: 44350474 Andhadhun (Hindi) 8:30pm; Landmark Cinema (3): The 7pm; A Star Is Born (2D) 9pm; Kayamkulam Kochunni House With A Clock in Its Venom (2D) 11:30pm. Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club WHERE: Losail Circuit WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 5pm Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the floodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts Activities for students taking place after they finish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Hobby Classes WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al Hilal Focus Medical Centre WHEN:Wednesday – Monday Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic performing artsinstitution and a one stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic Gymnastics World Championships Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, WHERE: Aspire Dome Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, WHEN: October 25 – November 3 contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. EVENTS lecture on ‘How To Lose Weight’ to be Over 700 male and female gymnasts from For details, call 4723680/ 33897609. conducted by Dr Doaa Farid, Senior over 80 countries, including three Team Breast Cancer Awareness Dietitian. Qatar gymnasts, will compete across 10 WHERE: InterContinental Doha days of competition in Doha’s ionic Aspire WHEN: Ongoing TCA QATAR Music Competition 2018 Dome. Experience the drama, emotions and InterContinental Doha – The City is WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf excitement of gymnastics’ pinnacle event organising several activities (especially Times Building as global superstars go head to head in a bid at its various dining venues) that focus WHEN: Ongoing till October 13 to be crowned the best in the world. on highlighting the importance of early Enroll for music competition in detection. Try the pink afternoon tea, the categories, including Sub Juniors ( Grade Aspire Torch Staircase Run 2018 extravagant pink Bar Squared Brunch at 3-5 ), Juniors (Grade 6 - 8 ), Intermediate WHERE: The Torch Doha Hotel The Square and pink-themed nights at (Grade 9- 12) and Seniors (above 17 years ). WHEN: November 10 Strata Restaurant and Lounge. Registration fee QR30. For further details, TIME: 1pm – 6pm contact 66523871/44373259 Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) announces Kayaking Tour opening registration for the seventh annual WHERE: Al Dhakira Mangroves ‘Aspire Torch Staircase Run’ scheduled WHEN: Ongoing till October 13 to take place on November 10. The 2018 TIME: 3pm – 4pm edition of the Aspire Torch Staircase Run Weather is getting great, migrating birds (ATSR 2018), will offer sports enthusiasts Dance and instrument classes are back to Qatar for most of them, high the ultimate challenge of endurance, as WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf chances to see Flamingos and super great runners will have to make their way to the Times Building fun to paddle through green mangrove top of the 300m tower to the 51st floor, WHEN: Wednesday – Monday channels. Don’t miss your chance. The trip climbing more than 1300 steps. Learn the movements of dance styles is lead by an ecology specialist and Kayak in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the instructors. musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. For details, contact 66523871/ 31326749.

Kufic Beginners WHERE: MIA WHEN: Ongoing till Oct 26 TIME: 10:30am – 12:30pm Katara Beach - School Students The word ‘Kufic’ is related to the city WHERE: Katara of the same name in Iraq, Kufa, and WHEN: Ongoing was developed from Hijazi script. Kufic Qatar Finance and Installment TIME: 9am – 12pm calligraphy is characterised by its bold Exhibition By participating in the programme of and vertical letters which often looks like WHERE: DECC ‘Our culture is a school’, Katara Beach modern design. Join us for this 4-session WHEN: November 3 – Novovember15 emphasises the Qatari marine tradition short course to learn this early and TIME: 7pm – 10pm and introduces to students the meaning of beautiful script! The QFI Exhibition is a 3-day event that Dasha, Al Qafal and various type of pearls. brings together the best of Qatar’s finance The students will discover all details of the Andalusian Music Show community, and local and international Fath El-Kheir journey. WHERE: Katara visitors who are keen to access Qatar’s WHEN: October 23 robust market. We are pleased to present Healthy Weight Loss TIME: 7pm – 8pm this opportunity to local and international WHERE: Al Waab Street, Doha Cultural Village Foundation - Katara investors, banking, finance and government WHEN: Tomorrow and The Algerian Embassy invites you to institutions, along with leading firms in TIME: 6pm – 7pm attend Andalusian Music show by Nassima the real estate, investment and fin-tech Queen Hospital proudly presents a Chaabane, musician and singer. sectors.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Rooting for a cause Navigating America’s current socio-political climate — from the persistent deaths of unarmed Afro-American folks by police to the Time’s Up and #MeToo conversations taking place everywhere from college campuses to Capitol Hill — requires choices to be made

(With just over 2,000 followers on ) if I put out a tweet, nobody’s looking at it. But if I make a film, this is my tweet to the world and I could say something that might be ‘able to build — Reinaldo Marcus Green, filmmaker

By Tre’vell Anderson

mong them, one can remain silent in the hopes the chaos of the world might self-correct in due time. Or one can do something to spark change. Reinaldo Marcus Green, with Ahis feature debut, Monsters and Men, in theatres now, chose the latter. “It’s about people coming out and’ supporting and talking about it and then doing something, however small,” the writer-director said about his film. “And that was me making it, because (with just over 2,000 followers on Twitter) if I put out a tweet, nobody’s looking at it. But if I make a film, this is my tweet to the world and I could say something that might be able to build.” Monsters and Men, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year, is ripped Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Monsters and Men joins recent pictures such as Spike Lee’s BlackkKlansman and Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal’s Blindspotting as well as the Oscar-winning Get Out as reflections on the Afro- American experience

REFLECTION: A scene from BlackkKlansman that is about social issues faced by Afro-Americans. straight from recent headlines and people are like, ‘Oh, you should “It was like one of those things “And what starts as a regular Afro-American artiste.’ The the African American and Latino submit this (to film festivals).’ And where it happened quickly … but conversation started becoming foundation of it was a pure one, lived experience. (Green is half his homework literally got into I didn’t necessarily believe I was a progressively heated,” Green said. and there’s nothing like your first African American and half Puerto Sundance.” director,” he said. “I had directed “What I saw on the tape was a time.” Rican.) As Rashaad made a name for (the short), but I didn’t feel like guy that should be alive. I’m not Ramos agreed, noting Green’s Told in a triptych structure, the himself, Green lived vicariously I was a director. I felt like I was a saying he wasn’t doing what they collaborative approach to picture follows three members through him as his biggest producer directing.” said he was doing. I just think filmmaking. of the Bed-Stuy community in cheerleader. But four years into Though he went through he should be alive. Point blank “It takes a village to make the aftermath of the killing of Green’s Wall Street stint, he had a another “identity crisis” as a period. And his perspective was something happen, to make an unarmed African-American “mini crisis.” result of that experience, in his that it was unfortunate, but anything and anything good,” said man by police. Anthony Ramos “I was 28 and had paid off my third and final year, he decided to (Garner) was resisting arrest.” the She’s Gotta Have It star. “He is a young father who captures $40,000 in student loans and was lean more heavily into writing and They went back and forth for just wants to win, and his way of the death on his cellphone. like, ‘What do I do now? I don’t directing. He made three shorts some time, said Green, “and then winning — which I think is the John David Washington (Afro- know. Why am I here?’” he said. that year. One of them, Stop, was he went off into a little bit of a way to win — is to know that the AmericankKlansman) is an Afro- He figured going back to school about a young man who’s racially tangent about everything that best idea in the room wins and American police officer who must to get an advanced business profiled and stopped by cops wasn’t on the tape.” that’s how we’re going to get the navigate precinct politics. And degree made sense. After a Google on the way home from baseball “It was everything about what best product.” Kelvin Harrison Jr. is a high school search, he stumbled on a joint practice. It was born out of the it’s like being a police officer and Monsters and Men is the latest athlete inspired to take a stand — MBA-MFA programme at NYU, acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s how I don’t understand what he addition to the (unofficial) or knee, as it were. his brother’s alma mater. He read killer, George Zimmerman. faces,” he said. “He broke down Black Lives Matter Cinematic Becoming a filmmaker was the description and found it to be “That could have been me,” and started crying … . Somehow Universe — filmic renderings of never Green’s dream. Until, it the perfect combo for his business Green said. “I could’ve been this conversation triggered contemporary socio-political was. While his brother Rashaad interests and budding creative walking home in my own something and he felt like I was life inspired by and related to the went to film school, he became energy. But the application was neighbourhood and (encounter) pointing the finger at him.” rise and enduring legacy of the an elementary school teacher in due that very day. Green pulled his some random dude who’s not Green said he was “forever Black Lives Matter movement. an affluent New Jersey district. brother out of the editing bay for in a uniform, and I’m defending changed by that conversation.” It joins recent pictures such as He then transitioned to Wall the feature Gun Hill Road (which myself and I end up gone. I “It was a perspective that Spike Lee’s BlackkKlansman Street just long enough to pay off played Sundance in 2011) to share remember feeling like that kid somehow you know but you don’t and Daveed Diggs and Rafael student loans when the movie- the news. literally could have been me. hear,” he said. “And I just heard it Casal’s Blindspotting as well as making bug bit. Reinaldo had been “I wanted to do this programme I made the short out of that … . I also hadn’t seen it (on screen) the Oscar-winning Get Out as the lead in Rashaad’s first short so I could basically produce,” conversation.” and it was what I didn’t have in reflections on the Afro-American film. Green said, “and my brother Stop premiered at Sundance my short film.” experience. “Of course when you’re making would write and direct.” in 2015. While there, Green got From that, the seeds for “I’m rooting for those folks, and shorts, you’ve got no money and Rashaad texted the chair of the the inspiration for what would Monsters and Men were planted, those fi lms need to be here,” Green you asked your family to come film department and got Green an become Monsters and Men. in a way that Green felt would said, “as they’re diff erent ways to help,” Green said. “(Rashaad) extension on the application. Staying with Green in his do more than simply expand on look at (the issue). But my hope is put me in front of the camera Green submitted his application cottage for the Utah festival was a what he had already covered in that Monsters and Men stands out as an actor. He came over to my within the following month. After longtime friend who was by then a Stop. And though it was Green’s and is not what one would expect. apartment and was literally like, a short period on the waitlist, he cop. The friend, who is white, had first time writing and directing a “I hope it kind of opens up some ‘Make love to your girlfriend.’ I was accepted, but only into the played an officer in the short film. feature-length project, his fresh perspective … and there’s some was like, ‘This is really weird.’ … film programme. And because the After its premiere, conversation perspective was a benefit in the sort of revelation that happens My brother doesn’t even tell me programme focused on writing between the two turned to the filming process. that allows people to talk and what it’s about . … He goes back and directing, he was required death-by-chokehold of Eric “Because of the enthusiasm of engage with the subject matter in to his house and then records to create short films throughout. Garner, who was killed in their what comes with the first time, he a way that they did not expect to a voiceover over this thing. He One of his first, Stone Cars, home neighbourhood of Staten wasn’t jaded,” Washington said. do so when walking in the movie.” showed it in film school and premiered at Cannes in 2014. Island. “He wasn’t cynical or an ‘angry – Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY IWA organises interactive sessions

Indian Women Association (IWA) recently organised two interactive sessions for its members. The first session was a ‘Self Defence Programme’ held at Indian Cultural Centre, conducted by Sensei Karim, Owner of Dizaj Sports Centre. The second session was ‘Oral Hygiene Programme’ which was conducted by Dr Nupur Gupta from Apollo Hospital Qatar.

AKIS holds oath taking ceremony of students’ council

Al Khaleej International School (AKIS) recently organised an oath taking ceremony of the students’ council. Naqvi, Principal of AKIS, congratulated the duty holders and spoke about the qualities required to be imbibed in the students to be better human beings and responsible citizens. Sarel Petrus, Head Teacher of AKIS, applauded the newly elected team of prefects on their leadership role. The appointed team, led by the Head Boy, took the oath to perform their duties sincerely and to the best of their abilities, upholding the honour of the school. Daniel, Head Teacher of AKIS, proposed a vote of thanks.

WCM-Q recognises outstanding achievements of students

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) will excel as medical students and future recently recognised the outstanding doctors.” academic achievements of thirty-six Haya al-Taweel, a first-year medical student, students by inducting them on Dean’s said, “When I heard I had made it to the Honour List 2018. Dean’s Honour List, I was so happy and To be included on the Dean’s Honour List, excited. Good time management and students must have achieved an Grade occasionally interacting with my professors Point Average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher. have really been the key for me through Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Javaid the semester. I’m really pleased that my Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, said, “To achieve hard work has paid off .” a GPA of 3.75 across an entire semester The Dean’s Honour List usually only demands not only great talent but also features students on WCM-Q’s Six-Year absolute dedication to one’s studies over Medical Programme, but this year two a prolonged period of time. I hope you students including Maryam al-Quradaghi will each take a moment to enjoy this and Tala Abu Samaan, made it onto the remarkable accomplishment, and also list for their academic performance on the to give thanks to the family members, WCM-Q Foundation Programme. friends, faculty and staff who have The students inducted onto the Weill supported you to help make this moment Cornell Medicine-Qatar Dean’s Honour possible.” List, includes Maryam al-Quradaghi, Tala While addressing the audience, Dr Karima Abu Samaan, Anas Abed, Dana al-Ali, Becetti, Consultant Rheumatologist Nasser al-Kuwari, Muna Almasri, Nada at Hamad Medical Corporation, said, al-Mulla, Kawthar al-Najar, Khalifa al-Sulaiti, “Congratulations to all of you on this Haya al-Taweel, Khalifa Bshesh, Zain incredible achievement. You have worked Burney, Jibrail Cheema, Ashton D Souza, hard, shown a high level of scholarship Ahmed Fares, Mais Ar-Reem Hammoud, and determination, and earned yourself Mohamed Hussine, Maryam Idris, M Fatin the honour of making it onto the Dean’s Ishtiaq, Omar Khalil, Ibrahim Laswi, Safa List. Most importantly, you have proved Khan, Omar Mhaimeed, Nada Mhaimeed, to yourself and everyone else that you Narjis Mhaimeed, Malik Mushannen, have the necessary sturdy foundation for Adeeb Narangoli, Hiba Naveed, Shehroz a successful career in medicine. I have Rana, Shaheen Rizly, Arwa Saed Aldien, no doubt that you are ready to take on Mohammad Salameh, Jasna Chalangal, the challenges of what comes ahead and Ameena Shafiq, Sara Tomerak, Lina Yagan. Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Dr Reza Tafreshi honoured by Texas A&M University Association of Former Students

The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students recently presented ‘2018 Distinguished Achievement College-level Award for Teaching’ to Dr Reza Tafreshi, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Programme at Texas A&M University at Qatar. Tafreshi has been a faculty member at Texas A&M at Qatar for 11 years. Tafreshi is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

ISC organises ‘Inter School Yoga Championship’

Indian Sports Centre (ISC) recently organised and second runners up, respectively. ‘Inter School Yoga Championship’ at In the Individual Championship Category MES Indian School. Around 250 students U18 boys, Jibreel, a student from SIS won from eleven schools participated in the the competition. Devadutt Balakrishnan of competition. Olive International School (OIS) MES Indian School and Mikhael Jophan of bagged the title of ‘Overall Champion’. MES MES Indian School were the first and second Indian School secured the Runners Up title. runners up, respectively. In the Individual The competition was divided into two Championship Category U18 girls, Liyana categories including ‘Team Championship’ shahul of MES Indian school, bagged the of U-12 and U18 boys and girls and ‘Individual winning title. Raksha Prakash and Shreyee Championship’ of U-12 and U-18 boys and girls. Bhowmik of BPS were first and second In U-12 Boys Team Championship, OIS won runners up, respectively. the competition followed by Rajagiri Public Captain Kapil Kaushik, Defense Attaché at the School as second runners up. In U-12 Girls Embassy of India, was the chief guest and Team Championship, OIS bagged the winner Nadia Mohammed Al Saleh, Khalid Fakhroo title and DPS Modern Indian School(DPS-MIS) and Hameeda, Principal of MES Indian school, was the first runners up and Shantiniketan were the guest of honours. Indian School(SIS) as second runners up. Nilangshu Dey , President of ISC, welcomed In U-18 Boys Team Championship, MES Indian the audience during the closing and prize School won the competition with DPS-MIS distribution ceremony. He appreciated the as first runners up and Birla Public School contribution of all participating schools (BPS) as second runners up. In U-18 Girls in encouraging their students. He also Team Championship, BPS bagged the winner highlighted about various initiatives taken title and MES Indian School was the first and by ISC in organizing various inter-school second runners up. tournaments. Captain Kapil Kaushik In the Individual Championship Category U12 applauded the entire team of ISC to reach boys, Abhiram Prakash, a student from BPS to another height of success within such won the competition. Christiano Varghese short span of its inception. Khalid Fakhroo of OIS and Ashwath Karthikeyan of DPS- appreciated the Indian community for MIS were the first and second runners up, promoting Yoga to the children. Hameeda respectively. In the Individual Championship applauded the role of ISC in developing Category U12 girls, Padala Vidyusha, a student a sports culture among the Indians and from MES Indian School won the competition. providing the opportunity to all the students Mitra Karthikeyan of BPS and Lakshmi S for participation. The programme was co- Kumar of MES Indian School were the first ordinated by Nisha Agrawal. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY

HWW all set to organise ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ session

How Women Work (HWW), in association with Dana Ladies Club, as part of this awareness initiative is all set to conduct a ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ event on October 11 at its Tababh Room from 4pm onwards. The programme is a complimentary event, open to all the lady members and friends. The event will include a lecture by the experts from the breast and bowel screening programme, a part of ‘Screen for Life’ initiated by the Ministry of Public Health under Qatar’s National Cancer Programme, which will be followed by a lecture ‘A Healthy mind is a healthy body’ by Evridiki Iliaki, Head of HWW. The event will also feature a 15-minute yoga session by Coach Cecilia.

Ta’allum educators speak at ‘Teaching and Learning Forum’

Three Ta’allum educators spoke at the ‘Teaching and Learning Forum’, sponsored by Qatar primary classrooms from teacher-directed to learner-centred approach. The delegates further Foundation’s Education Development Institute, at the Qatar National Convention Centre. described the ongoing journey in Al-Maha Academy for Girls, Al-Maha Academy for Boys and Al- The forum aimed at motivating teachers to reach at the highest level of student, staff and parent Jazeera Academy to learner-driven classrooms. engagement and achievement. Ta’allum delegates including Jude Ensaff , Samera Kouser, and Mohammed Saefan, Director of Education at Ta’allum, said, “At the three academies, we are Rukshana Begum spoke about the work that has been achieved at Ta’allum academies over the harnessing our resources in training our students to become independent learners. We are past three years. acquiring new technology and instructional materials to promote enquiry-based learning. As Ta’allums contribution, a poster presentation titled ‘Moving learners from passive to engaged: our presentation described it at this important forum, the learner is at the centre of the learning a strategic approach’ outlined the steps taken in the three academies to move early years and process.”

IIS students excel in painting competition

Students of Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently excelled in a painting competition, organised by Kalakshetra Qatar. Mahfooza Hakim stood first in the senior category while Mohammed Meharan bagged the third prize in the Junior category. In the senior category, Ameena Abdulmajid Ibji won the consolation prize. Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS, congratulated the winners. Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Aspire Academy organises ‘8th Annual Aspire Global Citizenship Day’

Aspire Academy recently organised ‘8th Annual Aspire Global Citizenship Day’ at Dormitory Green our community is immense and we learn so much more from each other. You can clearly see it is Area. The event featured culture and colours of sixty-five nationalities under one roof. Aspire Academy thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved and the turnout is huge, especially from students.” organises the event each year to celebrate and introduce student-athletes to cultural and ethnic “This is a fantastic initiative from Aspire, which allows our students to see and experience diff erent diversity that is paramount to the success of the Academy. cultures from around the world. As international athletes, our students should be exposed to these type To mark the event, Aspire Academy staff turned out in outfits and regalia representative of their of initiatives and opportunities, so they can experience these before they travel and as they interact countries of origin while showcasing their country’s heritage, food, historical artefacts and other with people from around the world,” said John Erickson, Education Technology Specialist at Aspire from exhibits. Teachers were joined by parents and staff from diff erent foreign embassies in Qatar at their the US. Aspire students thronged to the Green Area. Hamad Al Amri, a student of Aspire, said, “This respective national stands. initiative helps me learn about other countries and when l travel for competitions to some of these Speaking about the event, Jassim al-Jaber, Principal of Aspire Academy, said, “Aspire Academy is made places the knowledge l already have gathered from Aspire’s Global Citizenship Day comes in handy, so up of staff and students who come from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, which presents it’s a really helpful and enjoyable event.” a unique learning opportunity for students. The Academy’s diverse workforce exposes student-athletes Mohamed Ali Alserooqi, team member of Aspire Academy School Leadership Development, said, to people from all over the world, helping develop well-rounded, adaptable and well-educated sports “There are more than 60 nationalities from around the world at Aspire Academy, which presents a champions.” Salah al-Yafii, Head of Leadership Development at Aspire Academy, added, “Aspire Global unique opportunity for the students and faculty to learn about and interact with diff erent cultures and Citizenship Day is one of the highlights of our academic year and brings an immense amount of traditions, gaining valuable insights. This day plays a critical role in supporting our eff orts to develop enjoyment and satisfaction to all involved. The value and importance of this annual celebration to students who possess a well-rounded global perspective.”

Hyundai Motor achieves top 40 Best Global Brands position

According to the press release, Hyundai Motor has been ranked among the highest valued brands creating the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, NEXO. Hyundai’s eco-car line-up also in the world once again, according to the latest rankings published by global brand specialist includes the All-new Kona Electric, and the IONIQ, which showcases the company’s pioneering Interbrand. Hyundai’s global brand value grows 3% since 2017 to a company record high of US spirit in the field of future mobility. With its progressive models Hyundai off ers the broadest range $13.5 billion. This result successfully places the company in a top 40 Best Global Brands position of eco-powertrains in the industry. for the fourth year in a row. The company is ranked the world’s 36th most valuable brand in Hyundai continues to focus on developing technological innovation to expedite achieving the challenging conditions of many global markets. company’s future mobility vision. This includes advanced research through Project IONIQ and In Qatar, Hyundai vehicles are available at Skyline Automotive WLL, a Jaidah Group company and open-innovation through collaborations with external parties such as Cisco, Baidu Inc., and off icial distribution partner of the Hyundai Motor Company and its luxury brand Genesis in the SoundHound Inc. This is combined with strategic investments in future technologies such as country. electrification, smart cars, robots and artificial intelligence, and future energy. “Hyundai Motor is an innovative and creative brand that continually develops and implements new vehicle functions that our customers want, providing them with seamless automotive experiences, so we are thrilled to see the company’s brand value increase continuously year over year,” said Wonhong Cho, Chief Marketing Off icer at Hyundai Motor Company. “Recent developments in the automotive industry, such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving, present huge opportunities for Hyundai to be a leading force in the future of global mobility.” Hyundai Motor maintains sixth position in the global automotive rankings. This follows a period of exponential growth for the company, which has seen a four-fold increase in brand value since 2005. “The continuous growth of Hyundai’s brand value is the result of Hyundai’s investments in future mobility initiatives, as well as its commitment to continuously enhance the strength of its brand. The launch of NEXO, based on advanced fuel cell technology, as well as its new high performance brand N have showcased Hyundai’s technological credentials and laid the foundations for a more diff erentiated positioning for the Hyundai brand. Brands that truly internalise their values and respond rapidly to market changes always add value for their businesses,” Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation for Interbrand, said. Hyundai has achieved a significant number of major automotive industry milestones, including 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Cover up your bad hair day in style

our hair can be as few examples. Braids hide oily and moody as you are. One frizzy hair and look neat at the day it will be curling same time. Braids, in any form, perfectly, shiny and make for the prettiest of hairstyles frizz free, other days it and that’s exactly what you need Yis a disaster zone so make sure you to turn your bad days into good are dealing with the bad hair day ones. Go for a one side fish-tail smartly. braid/ normal braid. Pinch the Beauty Expert Ankita Maingi hair out a little to make the braid of Palette By Ankita Maingi and appear voluminous. Make-up Artist and Hair Stylist Tanvi Marathe list some tips to Cover up with the head have carefree hair. wrap: Technically this is not a Take it the runway style with hairstyle but more of a cover-up. top knot: Not only is this style a Yet there are ways you can wrap a hot favourite on the runways but scarf that allows some of your hair it’s so easy to create and is ideal to show. The great thing about for medium to long hair. a head wrap is that there are so many different ways to wrap your Bun it up: Yes the top knot is hair. Wraps are perfect for short a bun but there are many other hair. ways to wear a bun. You can wear it tight and low. Or you could Accessorise your hair: Get wear a looser bun to the side. It your best hair accessories out for all depends on the length of your your bad hair day. Hair bandanas hair. are in trend these days. Put your hair up in a messy bun and use Braid your way to a bad hair a floral/printed bandana and tie day: If you don’t know how to do it up a little above your hairline. a basic 3 strand braids, best you That way, you even cover the limp learn how. Once you know the hair and give an instant statement basics you can create all kinds to your hair look making you of styles using braids. French, forget you have a bad hair day. – fishtail and Dutch braids are just a IANS

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

There’s a deep longing to be comforted and reassured, Aries. You may You may feel like you desperately need something, Taurus, yet you’re You may want to remedy every situation by talking things out or taking want nothing more than for someone fix you some warm, homemade unsure as to what it is exactly. Someone close to you may be trying to fit some sort of action, Gemini. Be careful of making any sudden moves soup. If this is the case, feel free to call and ask a good friend to come the missing puzzle piece into place, but this may be next to impossible before you really understand what you’re feeling. One minute you may over. Don’t continue to play the part of the strong, independent one if if it’s unclear which piece is actually missing. This diff icult situation may be full of exuberance and ready to launch into a new project, but once this isn’t the way you feel. If you aren’t honest about your needs, it will lead to frustration if you aren’t careful. Feel free to admit that you feel you start moving forward, you’re suddenly feeling insecure. Take this be impossible for anyone to know how to fulfil them. powerless. Don’t be ashamed to say so. resistance as a sign that maybe this isn’t the best time to move forward. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Compliments are apt to feel like gold to you, Cancer. There’s nothing If you find that there’s tension in a close relationship, you may get the When tension builds, your sense of security is likely to falter, Virgo. You you need more than love and aff ection on a day like this. Beware that feeling that this isn’t the right partner for you, Leo. Don’t automatically may have a hard time dealing with other people. You could be tempted you may end up as putty in the hands of whoever showers you with assume that the problem lies in your partner. Diff icult situations to turn to food or alcohol for inner nourishment. Curing emotional flattery. You may also resent this need for attention and not be willing to involving the need for love and aff ection are likely to emerge regardless needs by indulging this way may temper your ailment for a while, but receive it graciously. This isn’t the right attitude. Receive accolades with of the situation or the company. Instead of running to the next person, it isn’t the solution to the overall problem. Work out the bugs with the open arms and off er an equal amount of aff ection in return. take the time to work things out. people involved, and don’t try to do it on an empty stomach. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You might have diff iculty expressing your needs, Libra. The bottom line Although you may find it hard to express yourself in some ways, You might be feeling rather insecure when it comes to your peace is that there’s no right or wrong way, although it may be diff icult to see Scorpio, the one avenue that’s completely wide open today is art. of mind, Sagittarius. Because of the insecurity, it may seem like your this on a day like today. Deep-seated insecurity may make expressing Diff icult tension is laced with emotional insecurity, making it hard for relationships are on the rocks. At the same time, having problems in yourself diff icult. At a time when you feel like you should politely take you to express your feelings. If you feel that this is the case, find some your relationships is making you less likely to trust these close partners things in, you really may be feeling like you want to run from the people other means of expressing these emotions. A large canvas and some with your insecure feelings. Talking about your emotions in an honest around you. paints will work quite nicely. manner will help you break out of this diff icult situation. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You may feel more reserved than usual, Capricorn, especially when Be careful about being too boisterous and chipper around people who Your mood should be quite good for the most part, Pisces, but there’s it comes to romantic relationships. You may be feeling apprehensive don’t exactly feel the same way, Aquarius. Be sensitive to other people’s apt to be some tension in your relationships. Romantic endeavours about expressing yourself fully, even in the most intimate situations. feelings, and don’t make jokes that are too harsh for the occasion. No aren’t exactly in your favour now, so don’t force an issue that seems too Be careful about sending messages that suggest that you don’t want one appreciates a wise guy. There’s a sombre mood to the day that’s diff icult to resolve. Find comfort in your internal warmth. By taking the to be around others. People are apt to think they’re to blame for your likely to form a dark cloud by late afternoon. Do your best to be the ray time to nurture yourself, you will inevitably have more love to give to reluctance. of sunshine and not the bolt of lightning. the people around you. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe BB

BABBLE GIBBON RABBLE BOBBIN GOBBLE RIBBON BOBBLE HOBBLE ROBBER BUBBLE NIBBLE RUBBER COBBLE NOBBLE RUBBLE DABBLE NUBBIN WOBBLE DYBBUK PEBBLE GIBBET RABBIT

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, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1. Brought down by a gun- 1. Try to become a Member of man inside (8) Parliament in Lancashire town 5. Joined with German left (6) (6) 2. I tarry around an unusual object 9. Steep incline in a dream (6) (8) 3. Criminal with a record to behave 10. Bath, perhaps, a boy’s suit acceptably (7) (6) 4. Aims to send schoolboy outside 12. Application for return of (4) the first sale item at the 6. I’m too old to love thick paint (7) front (6) 7. This should put a stop to your 13. Plot to fix prices on the driving (3,5) inside (8) 8. Red spies to break up and go off 15. Sting, for example, dresses in all directions (8) in fashionable gear (5,7) 11. Admit a girl has to act 18. Old remains or remnants submissively (7) of a centurion? (5,7) 14. Tasty bird seen in Oporto Answers 23. Siding with a workman on languishing about (7) the quiet (8) 16. Makes suggestion for posse to Wordsearch Codeword 24. Recall having made be formed (8) arrangements to store the 17. Join with the last man in film wine (6) that’s coming out (8) 26. A little speculation, in 19. Senior one, getting out of order, other words, to make making more of a racket (7) money (6) 20. Before a youngster becomes a 27. Times fan needing a recluse (7) change, that’s clear (8) 21. The customer’s a figure in the 28. Stitch up the body of money (6) unions backed by a 22. One’s character-forming (6) banker (6) 25. Bill, caught by soldiers, is to run 29. Watch for the gun (8) (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Bald facts; 6 Tessa; Down: 1 Biter; 2 Lie in wait; 9 Therm; 10 Bad intent; 11 3 Family ties; 4 Cabbage; 5 Ringleader; 12Otto ; 14 Seattle; Saddest; 6 Tone; 7 Spent; 8 15 Trestle; 17Letters ; 19 Reverts; Authoress; 13 Leave alone; 14 20 Else; 22 Complained; 25 Silver-fir; 16 Tyrannise; 18 Stops Foretaste; 26 Olive; 27 Rowan; up; 19 Replete; 21 Screw; 23 28 Piecemeal. Dwell; 24 Stun. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY SHOWBIZ A man for all seasons part of the shoot was staying true to the characters.” First we watched him on the Glitz television and then the big screen - reaching mega-star success in & nearly no time. But that wasn’t enough. No, this movie star is Glam turning musician now, wanting By Muhammad Asad Ullah to express himself with a mic and a guitar. is all stipulated for his debut at Coke Studio Season 11. “It’s an honour from us.” He adds, “Something to be a part of Coke Studi. Music we’re doing better here is that we is something I might look into are a fraction of the budget that soon. I can do something myself Indian cinema has and we’re still or maybe collaborate with other making good films. We’re good at people. But for now I like films figuring it out. Imagine if we get but I also love dramas,” says our hands on big budgets.” Ahad Furthermore, Ahad Raza Mir Drawing a parallel between is all set to fl y back to Canada Bollywood and fledgling Pakistani earlier next year to get back to film industry, Mir says, “I don’t theatre, with Shakespeare’s think it’s even fair to compare Hamlet no less. “I am returning to Bollywood to Pakistani cinema Canada. The show will be featured right now. But I think after almost at various places in Canada. I’m thirty years break, I won’t say going back to play Hamlet for The revival but yes we’re finally in the Shakespeare Company, one of revolutionary phase. At the point the most reputable Shakespeare where we are right now, I think companies in North America. A yes in few years we’ll be at par place where I started my career with them. I hope we can learn from, professionally on stage. Pretty from them and they can learn nervous but happy,” says Ahad.

DEBUT: Ahad would be making his singing debut with Coke Studio Season 11.

had Raza Mir has gone Raza Mir’s son but that is not rugged training to glorious flying through many roles what Ahad relies on to become a life of fighter pilots. Talking about since his premier successful actor or what he wants how the film inspired Pakistani entertainment to be his claim to fame. With youth, Ahad says, “Not only it is channel HUM TV’s his good looks and command the first film about the air-force, SammiA (2017) days. From proving over the small screen, the actor it is also the first film about the ones acting prowess in Hum quickly garnered a whole lot of armed forces that took a step TV’s Yaqeen Ka Safar(2017) that love and appreciation from fans, back from all the action and kind earned him New Sensation Male especially females, and critics of looked at the real human side and Best Actor trophy at recent alike. Heavy is the head that of our armed forces. And it kind 2018 to swinging wears the crown – or, in this of shows that our soldiers and and flying in a fighter jet at over case, a pair of sunglasses, black pilots – as much as we try to 50,000 feet in his silver screen T shirt and a trucker cap. For make them seem like superheroes, debut, (2018) Ahad, though, the weight that they’re humans. And we touched We’ve also seen him put his comes with a high profile life in upon that human factor, which acting skills well to use and entertainment industry was the best thing about the film. make audiences sway with him is just the start of it. Despite Hopefully it did inspire youth and as he performed the emotional this, recognition remains a life- make them feel that they want to father-son duo scenes in Yaqeen limiting problem for him, outside, join the air-force and be a part of Ka Safar. Nothing seems to faze in the real world. In terms of armed forces in Pakistan.” the young actor. His on-screen logistics, getting from A to B isn’t The film featured scenes shot in attitude does not translate into simple. extreme cold weather, Ahad Raza his real life. He has not let success From (2013) to Maalik Mir sitting in an igloo with just get to his head. The debonair (2016) and Yalghaar(2017), there enough layering to give a hint of presence and multifaceted have been many Pakistani films warmth, lost in the snow-capped characters he plays on screen to come out as an ode to Pakistan mountains. When I ask him how is surprisingly displayed in his army specifically, but recently difficult shooting those scenes personality too – by nature he is released Parwaaz Hai Junoon is were, he says, “Physically, it diffident, meek and a hospitable the first film to come out and was a challenge. When we were person; virtues that make him the cater the (PAF) shooting, it was either very cold STARDOM: Ahad Raza Mir proved his acting prowess in Hum TV’s Yaqeen towering personality that he is. crowd. The film painted the or very hot. It was never mild or in Ka Safar (2017) that earned him New Sensation Male and Best Actor trophy at Ahad is veteran actor Asif picture of the PAF life – from the between. But I think the toughest recent HUM Awards 2018 Wednesday, October 10, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY How does new A Star Is Born compare

HONOURED: says he is proud with past versions? to represent Pakistan at the 5th Silk Road International Film Festival in China. By Cynthia Dickison Ali Zafar proud to represent Pakistan at fi lm fest in China t must be an unwritten rule that each Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar says he is generation gets its own version of A proud to represent Pakistan at the 5th Silk Road Star Is Born, that timeless tale of a International Film Festival in China, where he young up-and-comer inextricably will also discuss bilateral co-operation between bound to a self-destructive has-been the two countries in cinema. I— of two people who love and, above all, “Proud to represent Pakistan at the Silk Road desperately need each other. With Friday’s International Film Festival to discuss bilateral opening of the latest in the oeuvre, we take cooperation between Pakistan and China in a look at the four fi lms, whose similarities cinema,” Ali tweeted. ultimately outweigh their diff erences. The actor feels honoured to have his latest release for a special screening 1937 Janet Gaynor & Fredric March at the festival amongst other international Him: Norman Maine. fi lms. Her: Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester. The Silk Road Film Festival is a small group Screenplay: Co-written by legendary wit of passionate and dedicated individuals Dorothy Parker. committed to providing an amazing display High point: Vicki’s debut fi lm, after of Middle Eastern, Persian, Arab, African, which the words of the title are whispered Asian and European fi lms each year to Dublin, in her ear. Ireland. Low point: Norman ruins Vicki’s big Teefa In Trouble is about the son of a night on a national stage. gangster, who enlists an enforcer to kidnap a Analysis: The original sets the template. woman for an arranged marriage. – IANS A shy girl from North Dakota (apparently as far as you could get from Hollywood) Sanju is very close to dreams of movie stardom. After a chance my heart: Dia Mirza encounter with her idol, a notorious sot whose “work is interfering with Actress Dia Mirza, who played the role of his drinking” (pure Parker), Esther is actor Sanjay Dutt’s wife Manyata Dutt in Sanju, transformed into Vicki and fi nds herself says it is a fi lm thats very close to her heart. on a meteoric rise to fame. Gaynor is more Dia and Sanjay have been part of movies like convincing as a striving country mouse than Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta and Dus. as a star; we never do see any evidence of They are also friends. So, Sanju, based on the what makes her so popular. March is more life of Sanjay, is naturally special to her. successful as a tortured man destroying “Sanju is a fi lm that’s very close to my everything he loves. heart. Sanju and I have been friends, but there Rating: Three stars were so many things I learnt about his life while shooting for the movie,” Dia said in a 1954 Judy Garland & James Mason statement. Him: Norman Maine. The movie will air on StarPlus on October 14. Her: Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester. “I cannot wait to watch the fi lm again along Screenplay: Adapted by celebrated with my family and friends and I am very playwright Moss Hart. excited for its world television premiere on High point: The gorgeous, if overlong, Screenplay: Adapted by husband/wife 2018 Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper StarPlus,” she said. – IANS movie-within-a-movie that puts Vicki’s authors John Gregory Dunne and Joan Him: Jackson Maine. name in lights. Didion. Her: Ally. Just Ally. Low point: Norman ruins Vicki’s big High point: Esther’s rendition of the Screenplay: Co-adapted by Cooper, who night on a national stage. wedding staple Evergreen, which somehow also directed. Analysis: When you’ve got a star with still manages to sound fresh. High point: Jackson pulls Ally onto the the extravagant talent of Judy Garland, Low point: John Norman ruins Esther’s stage to sing her own composition. you showcase her. Producer Sid Luft big night on a national stage. Low point: Jackson ruins Ally’s big night (Garland’s husband) insisted on the Analysis: This version completes the shift on a national stage. elaborate production numbers that stretch from movies to music, with John Norman as Analysis: Did they fi nally get it right? the run time to almost three hours, but they a rock star who can fi ll a stadium and Esther All the pieces come together in this one, certainly sell the central conceit. Garland’s (no name change here) as a nightclub singer starting with the enormously appealing Esther/Vicki is more confi dent and less with the big voice of, well, Barbra Streisand. Lady Gaga, who channels Gaynor’s pluck, needy than Gaynor’s (she has a singing The hirsute Kristoff erson, strutting sans Garland’s vulnerability and Streisand’s career of sorts when she meets Norman), shirt, looks and sounds the part, but he’s command of the stage. A (movie) star truly which alters the power dynamic. As for just too pretty to ever get truly down and is born. Cooper, meanwhile, is the fi rst of Mason, he just can’t get past that patrician dirty. Yet this is the fi rst of the fi lms to the men to really convince us he’s hit rock exterior to properly wallow in depravity. No show how big a star the male lead is, letting bottom. Sweaty, greasy, needy, dissolute, matter; this is Garland’s fi lm all the way. us feel more acutely his fall from grace. he betrays no vanity and fi ttingly cedes Rating: 3-1/2 stars Producer Jon Peters fi lls the screen with the screen to his co-star. The one line of his ex-sweetheart; indeed, at the end John dialogue that is uttered in all four fi lms 1976 Barbra Streisand & Kris Norman is all but forgotten as Esther belts seems to sum up the plot that never gets EXCITED: Dia Mirza has played the role of actor Kristoff erson out one fi nal song that’s all about Esther, or, old: “I just wanted to take another look at Sanjay Dutt's wife Manyata Dutt in the movie. Him: John Norman Howard. rather, Babs. you.” This one is worth the look. – Star Her: Esther Hoff man. Rating: Two stars Tribune (Minneapolis)/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, October 10, 2018 COMMUNITY Battle to save seagrass Neptune grass improves water quality and provides a crucial home for wildlife across much of the Mediterranean, but is under threat from sea traff ic and climate change. In Mallorca, a government-led initiative has been launched to protect the endangered seagrass

By Patrick Schirmer Sastre

ere Palacio guides his dinghy carefully alongside the motor yacht in Es Calo bay in the north east of Mallorca and peers at a display unit that allows him to Pfollow the path of the anchor. “Is there a problem?” the boat owner asks him. “No, everything’s good,” Palacio says, completing his examination. On behalf of the local government in the Balearic Islands, Palacio checks that boats aren’t anchoring in Neptune grass, also known as posidonia oceanica, which is vital to the health of the Mediterranean Sea. Neptune grass is a sort of underwater forest, Palacio explains. “It fi lters the water and makes sure it’s clear. It also provides a protective home for many creatures.” That includes several species of fi sh. The inspector points to the shore, where clumps of the seagrass have formed small hillocks. At high tide, these weaken the force of the waves and make sure the beach remains intact, he says. While many tourists get annoyed because they think it’s a kind of algae, “the Neptune grass actually ensures that the beach still exists.” Posidonia oceanica only grows in the Mediterranean and is one of the most common seagrasses in the region – it grows from Croatia to Cyprus, from Egypt to Tunisia, from Sardinia to Spain. PROTECTION: Neptune grass, also known as posidonia oceanica, functions as a sort of underwater forest, providing a protective home for many On the IUCN Red List of Threatened creatures. Species, Neptune grass is only on the lowest rung of “last concern” – but the list still of environmental protection at the local notes that it’s decreasing. Environment Ministry. “In the past 50 years, stocks have gone Tackling illegal anchoring was already a down by 34 per cent,” says Maria del Mar priority before the decree was issued, as the Otero, a marine biologist who works for the heavy anchors rip up seagrass in huge clumps IUCN’s Mediterranean programme. when they depart. The dangers to seagrass depend very much Five boats like that of Palacio patrol the on the region, says Otero. Anchors, sewage seas every day in Mallorca. They carried and fi shing, as well as the construction of out more than 17,000 checks on boats and harbour facilities, all threaten the plants. yachts between May and the end of August The introduction of foreign species of algae and boats were told to move on around 2,800 in the Mediterranean has also been a problem. occasions. “You can’t say as a general rule that the On Mallorca, authorities are not just trying seagrass in one region is more threatened to stop the destruction of Neptune grass. than in another,” says Otero. More is known Scientists are also trying to plant it. about the northern Mediterranean, but there “In 2015 we began with a pilot project in are also now projects in the southern parts of the bay of Santa Ponca,” says Jorge Terrados, the sea. who works for the Imedea environmental Climate change is also increasingly institute and is responsible for planting the aff ecting seagrass meadows. grass. “The Mediterranean is warming very “Around 50 per cent of the plants survived, fast,” says Otero. The consequences are still and we were very happy with that.” unpredictable, but they’re likely to aff ect the The project was paid for by electricity grid growth of plants and their prevalence. operator Red Electrica, which had laid cables In order to protect their growth, the through the sea grass and wanted to make FRAGILE: Neptune grass can easily be ripped up by the anchors of boats. Balearic region issued a decree this year, amends for some of the damage. placing 650 square kilometres of seagrass When the results proved hopeful, Red beginning of the year. Divers look for plants breaks very easily and only grows back slowly meadows under increased protection. Electrica and Imedea agreed to a bigger that have been ripped up by the sea, but are – around one to three centimetres per year,” “Of course there were measures in place project in the bay of Pollenca in the north of still intact. he says. beforehand, but none that were so specifi cally the island. “We replant these in groups fi ve metres He hopes that one day the area will be targeted at the situation in the Balearic A seagrass meadow covering an area of apart,” says Terrados. completely covered by sea grass. “But that Islands,” says Miguel Mir, general director 50 by 50 metres has been planted since the Patience is necessary. “Posidonia oceanica could take decades – even centuries.” – DPA