Community Community Keralite Baby seal Engineers Forum robot looks P7is all set to P16 like a cute organise the third season toy that can of Kerala Champions help treat League at Old Ideal Indian diseases like School grounds. Alzheimer’s.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Rabia II 26, 1440 AH

Doha today: 200 - 250

COVER Wonder full! STORY Nine science stories to watch this year. P4-6

GLITZ & GLAM SHOWBIZ

New Year, Farhad feels pressure of New You! Is it? directing 4. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.58am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.20am Zuhr (noon) 11.38am Asr (afternoon) 2.36pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.58pm Isha (night) 6.28pm

USEFUL NUMBERS offi cer’s life is an ideal life which inspires him to become one. DIRECTION: While Simmba enjoys all the perks of being an immoral and CAST: , unethical police offi cer, a twist in the tale transforms him and SYNOPSIS: Simmba is an orphan from Shivgadh from forces him to choose the righteous path. where our beloved was born and raised. Contrary to the philosophies of Singham, Simmba believes that a corrupt THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, 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 Aquaman to the world. Once home to the most Aquaman, Orm’s half-human, half- Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: James Wan advanced civilisation on Earth, the Atlantean brother and true heir to the Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, city of Atlantis is now an underwater throne. With help from royal counsellor Dolph Lundgren kingdom ruled by the power-hungry Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the SYNOPSIS: Arthur Curry learns King Orm. With a vast army at his legendary Trident of Atlan and embrace that he is the heir to the underwater disposal, Orm plans to conquer the his destiny as protector of the deep. kingdom of Atlantis, and must step remaining oceanic people and then the THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, forward to lead his people and be a hero surface world. Standing in his way is Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q The Mall Cinema (1): 3pm; Jack Em Popoy: The “With the Pretham 2 (Malayalam) 2pm; Puliscredibles (Tagalog) new day comes new Aquaman (2D) 4:30pm; Jack 6pm; Pretham 2 (Malayalam) strength and new thoughts.” Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles (Hindi) 11pm. 8:30pm; Pretham 2 (Tagalog) 7pm; Pretham 2 Landmark Cinema (1): (Malayalam) 11pm. (Malayalam) 9pm; Pretham 2 Simmba (Hindi) 2:30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace — Eleanor Roosevelt (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Aquaman (2D) 5:30pm; (1):Simmba (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Mall Cinema (2): Thomas Simmba (Hindi) 8pm; Simmba Aquaman (2D) 5:30pm; And Friends: Big Wolrd! (Hindi) 11pm. Simmba (Hindi) 8pm; Simmba Big Adventure! The Movie Landmark Cinema (2): (Hindi) 11pm. (2D) 2:30pm; Mary Poppins Thomas And Friends: Big Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Returns (2D) 4:15pm; Mary Wolrd! Big Adventure! The (2):Pretham 2 (Malayalam) Community Editor Poppins Returns (2D) 6:45pm; Movie (2D) 3pm; Mary Poppins 2:30pm; Jack Em Popoy: Aquaman (2D) 9pm; Aquaman Returns (2D) 5pm; Mary The Puliscredibles (Tagalog) Kamran Rehmat (2D) 11:30pm. Poppins Returns (2D) 8pm; 5pm; Jack Em Popoy: The e-mail: [email protected] The Mall Cinema (3): Simmba Aquaman (2D) 10:30pm. Puliscredibles (Tagalog) 7pm; Telephone: 44466405 (Hindi) 2pm; Zero (Hindi) 5pm; Landmark Cinema (3): Pretham 2 (Malayalam) 9pm; Fax: 44350474 Simmba (Hindi) 8pm; Simmba Pretham 2 (Malayalam) Aquaman (2D) 11:30pm. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club this year for two age groups 7-9 and 10-12 WHERE: Losail Circuit years old to allow all family members to WHEN: Ongoing enjoy the event. 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.

EVENTS deep into the world of robotics and explore Heritage Library’s Permanent how computer programming and robot Exhibition Pakistan Music Fest design can solve all kinds of problems. WHERE: Qatar National Library Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHERE: QNCC WHEN: Ongoing till tomorrow WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday WHEN: January 9 Children’s Library Winter Book Swap TIME: 9am – 8pm TIME: 6pm TIME: 7pm – 10pm WHERE: Qatar National Library The exhibition displays around 400 items Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Strings are about to rock Doha with WHEN: January 1- January 5 from the QNL Heritage Library collection Come and learn the artistic practice of their nostalgic gigs and all the latest hits. TIME: 4pm – 7pm that illustrate the spread and evolution Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Quratulain Balouch and Ali Sethi will be Bring in the books you do not want any of ideas throughout the Arab and Islamic Music and Arts Atelier. joining the pop band at Qatar National more to the Children’s Library. They can be world, as well as document interactions The lessons will take place every Convention Centre. in any language and type. Books must be between Arabs and the West over the past Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at culturally appropriate and only gently used. several centuries. The exhibition features 6pm. For more information, contact Archives Exhibition Workbooks will not be accepted. books, manuscripts, historical photographs [email protected] WHERE: Qatar National Library maps, globes and travellers’ instruments WHEN: Ongoing till January 31 that tell the story of Qatar, along with the TIME: 8am – 8pm history of science, literature, writing, travel The exhibition explores the history of in the region, and much more. Qatar through several family collections. It presents selected items from previously unseen private archives of photos, artefacts and documents to show the role that individuals within a community can play in building its identity and preserving its heritage and history.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Katara Beach - School Students Music and arts Activities for students WHERE: Katara taking place after they finish their day in WHEN: Ongoing school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- TIME: 9am – 12pm hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama By participating in the programme of The Colour Run Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and ‘Our culture is a school’, Katara Beach WHERE: QNCC 10 years old after school hours. emphasises the Qatari marine tradition WHEN: January 26 and introduces to students the meaning of TIME: 8:30am Hobby Classes Dasha, Al Qafal and various type of pearls. Celebrate the hero in you in a realm WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al The students will discover all details of the where nothing is impossible and you are Hilal Focus Medical Centre Fath Al-Khair journey. unstoppable. Soar to new heights in the all- WHEN:Wednesday – Monday Robotics Junior Course new Super Zone and suit up in gear fit for Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic WHERE: Recreation Centre, Al Rayyan only the most super of heroes as you collect performing arts institution and a one stop WHEN: January 19 your medal at the Finish Line! 2019 will solution for adults as well as children TIME: 1pm – 3pm also include the Foam Zone. Gates will open looking to explore their talents in various Children are invited to build their own at 7am on January 26, with our first Color art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic robot and make it move however they want. Runners setting off at 8.30am. Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, It will be a fun chance for them to delve Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, Doha Triathlon 2019 contemporary and dance forms. WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art For details, call 33897609. WHEN: February 8 Doha Triathlon has opened registration Dance and Instrument Classes for its third edition. Those wishing to WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf participate in the event can visit www. Times Building doha-triathlon.com to register in either the WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Ballet Lessons Olympic or Sprint which offers registration Learn the movements of dance styles WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier for both individuals and team relays. in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the WHEN: Ongoing Another choice is the Super Sprint which musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, TIME: 4pm – 8pm is only for individuals and open for both Keyboard for adults as well kids and move For more info e-mail at registration@ adults and kids aged between 13-15 years in the world of music. For details, contact atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. old. Also, a kids’ duathlon was introduced 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY New Year wonders From the edge of Earth to the frontier of the solar system, there’s plenty of science awaiting us in 2019. They promise to change our view of the world — and inspire new questions no- one previously thought to ask. By Deborah Netburn, Melissa Healy and Julia Rosen

Redefining the metric system.

rom the edge of Earth to Here’s a look at some of the science billion miles beyond Pluto, it is the Redefi ning the metric system Maryland, say the shift represents a the frontier of the solar stories we’ll be following in the new most distant object ever visited by On May 20, the international “turning point for humanity.” system, there’s plenty year. humankind. metrology community will change From that day forward, these four of science awaiting us in Ultima Thule is located in the the defi nitions of four basic units of components of the International 2019. New Horizons pays historic Kuiper Belt, a doughnut-shaped measurement: the kilogram (mass), System of Units, better known as FSome projects have been years in visit to Ultima Thule region of icy bodies encircling the Kelvin (temperature), the mole the metric system, will be based on the making. Others were pushed to While folks were welcoming the sun beyond Neptune’s orbit. (amount) and the ampere (electrical fundamental properties of physics the forefront by the demands of a the New Year’s Eve, a spacecraft 4 Because these worlds are so small current). that are constant throughout the fast-changing world. billion miles from Earth was making and far away, scientists know These changes won’t immediately cosmos. Either way, they promise to change history. virtually nothing about them. aff ect your life — a pound of coff ee The precedent was set in 1967, our view of the world — and inspire Nasa’s New Horizons fl ew past That will all change at the will remain the same — but scientists when the defi nition of a second new questions no-one previously a mysterious object known as beginning of 2019, when data from at the National Institute of Standards was changed to the length of time thought to ask. Ultima Thule. Situated roughly 1 New Horizons reaches Earth. and Technology in Gaithersburg, required for a cesium-133 atom to Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Antarctica gets ready for its close-up. complete 9,192,631,770 oscillations. table is organised. Russian chemist The metre followed in 1983, Dmitri Mendeleev discovered the becoming the distance traveled cyclical pattern — or periodicity by light in one 299,792,458th of a — in how the elements behave as second. Anywhere in the universe, they increase in atomic weight. For these two units of measurement instance, the elements at the end would remain the same. of each row form stubbornly inert The new defi nitions coming in noble gases, while the metals in 2019 are based on similar principles. the middle of the table increase in The kilogram will be defi ned using hardness and melting points from Plank’s constant, and an ampere will left to right. be a measure of how many electrons This way of arranging the periodic pass through a single point in one table predicted the existence second. of elements that had yet to be “The idea is to build a discovered and showed people how measurement system for all groups of elements shared similar civilisations,” said institute physicist chemical properties, says Chris Stephan Schlamminger, “even extra- Ober, a materials chemist at Cornell terrestrial ones.” University. Over time, he said, “it became even more powerful than the Antarctica gets ready for its inventors realised.” close-up The opening ceremony for events It’s summer in Antarctica, which will take place January 29 in Paris, means it’s the season for science. and feature, among other things, In January, two big expeditions will a tribute to 8th century alchemist begin to explore pressing questions Jabir ibn Hayyan, who discovered about how the West Antarctic Ice sulfuric and nitric acids. In February, Sheet is changing — and what that a symposium in Murcia, Spain, will means for the rest of the planet. highlight the contributions of female One expedition is a $25-million scientists to the periodic table. US-UK collaboration to study the This year the Periodic Table turns 150. In addition, the International Thwaites Glacier. In recent years, Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry scientists have issued warnings that They’ll also explore the sea’s rich new alerts for patients fi lling narcotic and other super-powerful synthetic will celebrate its 100th birthday by the Florida-sized river of ice may ecosystem, which some would like pain relief prescriptions that exceed opioids. Federal agencies have honoring rising young chemists and be on the verge of a centuries-long to see protected from commercial certain strengths and durations, and invested millions of dollars in a drug hosting an online Periodic Table collapse that could raise global sea fi shing. in some cases a consultation between called nalmefene, which they hope challenge for students. levels by 10 feet. Now, researchers Time permitting, the researchers the doctor and the pharmacist will be will fi ll this void. Pivotal studies of its One of the organisation’s primary will inspect the glacier up close and will investigate the whereabouts of required. safety and eff ectiveness are planned duties is certifying new elements, personal. They’ll do it with the help the Endurance. Ernest Shackleton In early February, the National for the coming year. but chemists probably won’t fi nd of the Nathaniel B Palmer, a National and his crew abandoned the ice- Institutes of Health will host a major Health offi cials are worried about any new ones in 2019, Ober said. Science Foundation research vessel bound ship before it sank more than meeting on the future of addiction their inability to counter fentanyl’s Scientists fi lled in the seventh row of that can break up heavy ice. They’ll a century ago, and no one has seen it and pain therapies. The goal will be growing stranglehold on people elements in 2015, rounding out the also use an autonomous underwater since. Perhaps that will change this to identify promising targets, fi nd with addiction. And there’s an even Periodic Table as we know it. That vehicle — named Boaty McBoatface year. potential biomarkers and take a hard darker scenario: the use of fentanyl or has helped get people excited for by the good people of the internet — look at what has worked and what similar drugs in a large-scale terrorist year’s festivities, Ober said: “It sort of to peer beneath the glacier’s fl oating New ways to prevent opioid hasn’t. attack. In 2002, Russian forces captured their imagination.” ice shelf and study how the ocean is abuse The US Preventive Services Task pumped a vaporised form of fentanyl eating away at the ice from below. The statistics of opioid Force will be looking for ways to head into a movie theater where Chechen Youth climate lawsuit may In addition, scientists will dependency and death remain grim. off cases of opioid abuse in the fi rst rebels were holding 800 hostages. fi nally go to trial “collaborate” with seals by outfi tting And let’s not sugarcoat this: The place. This independent expert panel, The counterattack killed about 100 A landmark climate lawsuit has them with monitoring equipment data suggest things will likely get which advises the government on hostages and sent hundreds more to been inching closer to trial for four that gathers data as they forage. worse before they get better. In 2019, medical matters, has posted its plan the hospital, making clear fentanyl’s years. And in 2019, it may get its About 1,100 miles away, on the government agencies, health policy for investigating ways to minimise potential as a weapon of mass day in federal court at last — unless other side of the Antarctic Peninsula, experts and medical researchers will the use of opioids, or fi nd alternatives destruction. judges toss the case once and for all. another international team will study be looking for ways to change the so more patients don’t start taking The suit was brought by 21 young the Weddell Sea, the birthplace of a trajectory of this American crisis. them in the fi rst place. The review is The Periodic Table turns 150 people who say the US government is Delaware-sized iceberg that broke off Starting January 1, the Centers expected to get underway after the It’s time to step back and violating their constitutional rights from the Larsen C ice shelf in 2017. for Medicare and Medicaid Services public comment period closes on appreciate one of the great marvels by promoting the use of fossil fuels in The ice shelf, like others that fringe will launch a raft of new policies January 16. of science. That’s why the United spite of the dangers posed by climate Antarctica, helps slow glacial ice’s governing the prescribing and The overdose medication Narcan Nations has designated 2019 the change. The plaintiff s make the novel slide into the sea. dispensing of opioid narcotics to has made a signifi cant dent in International Year of the Periodic argument that federal authorities Scientists will use diff erent patients covered by Medicare Part D preventing fatal overdoses involving Table. are legally obligated to protect the underwater robots to observe the ice insurance — largely people over 65 heroin and most prescription opioids. The choice wasn’t arbitrary: atmosphere as part of the public shelf as it interacts with the ocean and those receiving Social Security But even at higher doses, Narcan is 2019 marks the 150th anniversary trust. and see how much it’s thinning. disability benefi ts. Those will trigger often ineff ective against fentanyl of the theory around which the Continued on Page 6 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

In 2019, China, and Israel are all expected to land unmanned spacecraft on the lunar surface

Youth climate lawsuit may finally go to trial this year.

Continued from Page 6 was passé, think again. in March of 2018, but the SpaceIL editing” — making changes in DNA a generation of public health After years of legal manoeuvring In 2019, China, India and Israel team decided to move forward that can be passed down to future researchers with expertise in these and numerous failed attempts are all expected to land unmanned anyway. generations. subjects. The questions they are by the Obama and Trump spacecraft on the lunar surface, Nasa has no fi rm plans to send a In the meantime, gene-editing probing — What concrete measures administrations to have the case while Nasa steps up its eff orts to spacecraft to the moon this year, but research will continue. Japan work to reduce fi rearms deaths? thrown out, a court date was set for return a human crew to the moon it will start seeking proposals for a recently issued its fi rst-ever How do you identify individuals October 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. by 2028. system that can transport humans national guidelines on the subject, prone to suicide or violence? — are But on the eve of the trial, the China’s mission will land to the lunar surface for the fi rst time allowing — indeed, encouraging — central to getting a handle on gun- federal government requested a fi rst. The Chinese National since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. its researchers to use gene-editing related injuries. But answers don’t stay from the Supreme Court. The Space Administration launched The space agency’s formal request tools on human embryos. The come easy when federal research justices denied the request, but a Chang’e-4 to the far side of the for help from its industry partners is guidelines limit the manipulation of funds (an average of $22 million separate appeal to the 9th Circuit moon in early December, and scheduled to go out on January 7. embryos to be used in reproduction, per year between 2004 and 2015) Court has kept the case in legal the craft is now in lunar orbit. but that restriction isn’t legally are only 1.6% of the amount you’d limbo. Touchdown is expected in early How to move forward with binding. expect for a scourge that claimed If the trial proceeds, it will feature January. If all goes as planned, it gene editing Other uses of gene-editing are 39,773 lives in 2017. dozens of scientists on both sides. will be the fi rst mission to touch Few were expecting that 2018 considered ethically sound. The Meanwhile, with the federal Experts for the plaintiff s will off er down on the side of the moon that would see the birth of twin girls US Food and Drug Administration government still divided over gun evidence linking the government’s never faces Earth — and it could whose DNA had been edited in the has already given its stamp of policy, states are enacting laws and actions to injuries suff ered by the reveal new details about the moon’s lab when they were just days-old approval to Luxturna, a gene testing initiatives to protect schools youth, which include exposure to largest and deepest crater. embryos. But it did, and now the therapy treatment for a rare form and other public places from unhealthy wildfi re smoke, fl ooding The Indian Space Research scientifi c and bioethical questions of blindness caused by a genetic would-be shooters. The eff orts brought on by increasingly extreme Organisation is scheduled to launch raised by gene editing promise to be mutation, and others are on track range widely: Some states are intent weather, and the emotional distress its second mission to the moon on front and center in 2019. to follow suit. These include on countering mass shootings by of facing a future made more January 31. Chandrayaan-2 will The claim by Chinese biophysics additional gene therapies for arming school administrators, while uncertain by global warming. Those include an orbiter, a lander and a researcher He Jiankui that he blindness, as well as ones for spinal others are investing in more mental testifying for the defence will not 6-wheeled rover. Together, these altered the girls’ DNA to protect muscular atrophy, cystic fi brosis health screening and treatment deny that humans are fuelling craft will measure moonquakes, them against HIV prompted and haemophilia. for students. After the shooting at climate change by releasing heat- study the lunar atmosphere China’s ministries overseeing Marjory Stoneman Douglas High trapping greenhouse gases. But they and take the moon’s internal health, science and technology to Will money start pouring in School in Parkland, Florida, a will argue that the US government temperature. denounce his actions as “extremely for gun research? growing number of states adopted is neither fully responsible for Later in the year, Israel will send abominable.” They shut down labs If the trend continues, the “red fl ag” laws. These allow law the eff ects nor fully capable of its fi rst spacecraft to the moon. Built associated with his research, and he coming year will bring more school enforcement, family members or remedying the problem. by the Israeli nonprofi t SpaceIL in has not been seen in public since. shootings and more mass shootings. other concerned parties to ask The young plaintiff s are not after collaboration with the state-funded Even so, researchers and scientifi c And those will keep the complex a judge to order the temporary money. If they win, they want the Israel Aerospace Industries, the regulators will want to track the of related issues — gun access and removal of guns from people who judge to order the government to lander will be lightest ever sent health of the twins and discern storage, mental health, and violence may pose a threat to themselves or slash greenhouse gas emissions to the moon, weighing in at just whether the gene-editing procedure prevention — front and centre. others. Thirteen states now have to help ensure a safe and stable 1,322 pounds (including fuel). The introduced any “off -target” DNA Philanthropies have responded such laws on the books, and two climate. mission was a fi nalist for the Lunar anomalies or other unintended to nearly 20 years of federal funding more are considering them. XPrize, a modern-day race to the errors. They’ll also want to establish limits on fi rearms research with The coming year will see one A traffi c jam on the moon moon sponsored by Google. Google just how many children among new private investments, and federal gun-related initiative If you thought going to the moon pulled funding for the competition us are the products of “germline that money has begun to nurture implemented, and it could limit the carnage of future gun rampages. In the fi rst three months of 2019, those who own “bump stocks” — devices designed to make semi-automatic rifl es capable of rapid, sustained fi ring — will be required to turn them in to the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, or to destroy them. The Trump administration announced the ban on the sale or ownership of the devices in December in response to their use in the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, in which a gunman using a bump stock killed 58 concert-goers and wounded hundreds of others in a matter of Moving forward with gene editing. The focus will be on gun research. minutes. —Chicago Tribune/TNS Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY KEF to organise Kerala Champions League

Keralite Engineers Forum (KEF) is all set to organise the third season of Kerala Champions League at Old Ideal Indian School grounds. Some eight teams would be participating in the league. Zaitoon Restaurant is the main sponsor of the event this year. The matches will be played from 11pm to 11.30pm tomorrow till January 4. The teams participating in the league, includes Norva CC, Vatsun CC, Friday Cricket Club, KSD XI, MRA XI, Doha Rockers, Tuskers and Vison Group. There was a captains’ meet held yesterday where all teams promised to play the league with the spirit of sportsmanship. All teams have been sponsored and supported by various business establishments in Doha. The cricket tournament has been sponsored by Zaitoon Restaurant. “Arrangements for light refreshments and snacks have been made keeping the fans in mind”, said Jashmeer, the convener of the tournament.

Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar organises poetry symposium

Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), the oldest Urdu Literary organisation in Qazi Abdul Malick recited Ghalib’s Ghazal and Shiraz Ahmed recited Qatar, recently organised a poetry symposium at the residence of a humorous ghazal of Asrar Jamai. Other poets who recited Urdu Waseem Ahmad, member of BUQ. ghazals at the event, included Zareef Mehr Bloch, Faiyaz Bukhari The event was compered by Iftekhar Raghib, General Secretary of Kamal, Dr Wasi Bastavi, Vazir Ahmed Vazir, Communications Secretary BUQ. Dr Shakeel Ahmad, Urdu poet, presided over the event. Asif at BUQ, Iftekhar Raghib and Dr Shakeel Ahmad. Hussain was the chief guest and Shamsuddin Rahimi, member of BUQ, The event concluded with a speech by Rahimi. He said that such the guest of honour. programmes are a dire need in today’s time to promote Urdu language The event kicked off with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Ghulam and literature. Mustafa Anjum, Treasurer at BUQ. Iftekhar Raghib welcomed the Asif Husain also spoke on the occasion highlighting the work of BUQ gathering and incited Wasim Ahmed for the narration of his own essay in promoting Urdu language in Qatar. While speaking on the occasion, ‘Benefits of Laziness’. Dr Shakeel Ahmad thanks BUQ’s leadership and team for serving the With welcome speech the audience were geared towards Raghib to cause of Urdu in a foreign country. kick start the programme. Irshad Ahmed, Media Secretary of BUQ, proposed a vote of thanks.

HBKU students participate in ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme

The students from the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University practitioners in the industry are constantly kept abreast of the latest advancements to ensure they (HBKU), recently travelled to Beijing, China, to participate in Huawei’s annual ‘Seeds for the are able to thrive in their careers. We are proud of our students, who were not only able to enhance Future’ programme. The corporate social responsibility initiative by the Chinese multinational their knowledge about the industry, but also learn about China’s rich culture and heritage and telecommunications company aims to develop the information and telecommunication technology represent HBKU and Qatar on a global level.” (ICT) skills of university students from across the globe. Reflecting on his participation in the initiative, Mohammed Ali Abdulla said:, “I am grateful for the The students who participated in the programme, included Hala Abou El Oula, a student of Master of opportunity to take part in Huawei’s programme, which off ered an invaluable opportunity to learn Science in Cybersecurity; and Mohammed Ali Abdulla, a student in Master of Science in Data Science about the latest developments and challenges within the industry. It was a remarkable experience, and Engineering. Some 150 international universities participated in the programme. and I learned a great deal about ICT and Chinese culture throughout the trip.” Talking about her experience, Hala Abou El Oula said, “The ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme was Dr Mohamed Abdullah, Assistant Professor at CSE, said, “The ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that introduced us to Huawei’s incredible journey and China’s rich exposed our students to global ICT from one of the leaders in the industry.” history. In addition to immersing us in the latest technologies, the programme has taught us how to Frank Fan, CEO of Huawei Qatar, commented, “We are proud of the HBKU students and their thrive in a global, competitive environment. Through my participation in the programme, I was able participation, as our vision is to empower this region’s generation and develop the necessary talents to enhance my understanding and knowledge of the ICT field.” and skills that would help them accelerate their country’s digital transformation. Huawei is committed During the two-week programme, participants worked at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China to deploying the most advanced technologies that will help implement Qatar’s 2030 national vision.” where they studied at its cutting-edge ICT training centre, operating and practising in a lab with “Knowledge transfer and nurturing future ICT talent has always been a core pillar of the Huawei the latest equipment, and receiving up-to-date ICT solution demonstrations from the organisation’s way”, added Farhan J Khan, VP, Huawei Qatar. The programme also provided a culturally immersive experts. experience for participants who were introduced to China’s traditions and culture through visits to Dr Mounir Hamdi, Dean of CSE, said, “The ever-changing nature of ICT demands that scholars and national historical sites and lessons to learn the Chinese language. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEW The Lucia revival continues in two new books If you haven’t yet discovered Lucia Berlin, start with A Manual for Cleaning Women. Then, if you love her as much as I and so many others do, go on to these bonus tracks

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL: In Evening in Paradise, the stories are autobiographical, many with protagonists VIGNETTES: The first half of Welcome Home is a having names that recall the author’s, their settings series of autobiographical vignettes from the ungodly drawn from the author’s biography, growing up in SENSATION: In 2015, a hefty, salmon-coloured volume of stories by Lucia Berlin number of places the author lived, starting with Juneau, El Paso, Texas, and Santiago, Chile; college and early who had died unknown 11 years earlier appeared and became a sensation. Alaska, and ending somewhere in Chiapas, Mexico. domestic life in Albuquerque and New Mexico.

in response to the success of the of The Night of the Iguana, out to the lagoon.” Maya had not and acknowledgments) appends By Marion Winik fi rst, which contained 43 of the conveying the ambience of this known Buzz was a heroin addict an amusing list of catastrophes 76 stories Berlin wrote, one has transitional period in the history when she married him, but now written sometime in the 1980s to wonder. Are we scraping the of this once unknown little town he has kicked the habit and they titled The Trouble with All the n 2015, a hefty, salmon- bottom of the barrel, reading less through the eyes of Hernan, a are living in paradise. Then they Houses I’ve Lived In. coloured volume of stories impressive stories and oddments hotel waiter. Hernan is pouring run into Victor. Ultimately, Maya Finding all the connections to by a writer who had died the author had not intended for benerages for John Huston, Ava deals with him in a way that Lucia the stories in the memoir is fun. unknown 11 years earlier publication? Gardner, Richard Burton and Liz Berlin must have been aching to in The letters, the earliest written appeared and became a The answer is no with a tiny Taylor while keeping an eye on real life. at age 11 and most in the author’s sensation.I A Manual for Cleaning bit of well, maybe. Most of the Victor, the local drug dealer, who Readers of the fi rst book will mid-to-late 20s, off er some of that Women by Lucia Berlin was read stories in the new collection are as now seems to be purveying cocaine recognise this marriage; those who same pleasure but more powerfully with astonishment by readers such stellar as those in the fi rst, though along with marijuana and heroin. go on to Welcome Home will fi nd underline the fact that the voice as myself. How had we completely it trails off a bit at the end. Again, Victor reappears in the next story, a great many correspondences that seems so off -the-cuff and missed the eight small-press books the stories are autobiographical, La Barca de la Ilusion. between the life and the stories, natural in the stories is something this virtuoso short-story writer many with protagonists having American expats Maya and including a memoir version of La she consciously created; the had published during her lifetime? names that recall the author’s, Buzz are living with their sons Barca de la Ilusion, with the exact version of her persona and her The collection was chosen as one their settings drawn from the on an isolated beach outside same sentence about the datura life that got into the stories is of the 10 best books of the year author’s biography, growing up Puerto Vallarta. He plays sax at fl owers. clarifi ed and curated. The ubiquity by this newspaper, The New York in El Paso, Texas, and Santiago, the restaurants in town; she is The fi rst half of Welcome Home of ‘groovy’ and ‘I dig it’ and other Times and others, and went on to Chile; college and early domestic absorbed in the domestic rituals of is a series of autobiographical period slang in the letters, most be published and win accolades in life in Albuquerque, New Mexico; primitive living and the exquisite vignettes from the ungodly of them addressed to the poet Ed 28 countries. on to Manhattan; then down to beauty of the setting. “The datura number of places the author lived, Dorn and his wife, Helene, is a Now there are two slimmer Mexico with her third husband, the that bloomed in a profusion of starting with Juneau, Alaska, and funny surprise. volumes to put beside it on the musician/drug addict. Mexico is white fl owers that hung heavy ending somewhere in Chiapas, If you haven’t yet discovered shelf: Evening in Paradise, another the setting for Evening in Paradise clumsily until night, when the Mexico. Abundant family photos Lucia Berlin, start with A Manual collection of stories, and Welcome and La Barca de la Ilusion, among moonlight or starlight gave the reaffi rm Berlin’s Liz Tayloresque for Cleaning Women. Then, if you Home, an unfi nished memoir and my favourites. petals an opalescent shimmer of beauty. After the last vignette, the love her as much as I and so many selected letters. Surmising that the The title story is set in Puerto silver and the intoxicating scent editor (apparently her son, Jeff others do, go on to these bonus additional books were conceived Vallarta during the 1963 shooting wafted everywhere in the house, Berlin, who wrote the introduction tracks. – Newsday/TNS Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 MUSIC COMMUNITY

FAN: Flo Hayler, who runs the world’s only Museum in Berlin, recently published a book about the band and his experiences. German man’s devotion to Ramones unparalleled German Flo Hayler is arguably the world’s biggest Ramones fan. He’s opened a museum dedicated to the 1970s punk rock band in Berlin with all his collectibles, and recently published a comprehensive 640-page tribute book. By Matthias Bossaller

f he’s not THE world’s and are among the at his school. But he would letters up until the musician’s Hayler even had a wall shelf unit biggest fan of the 1970s undisputed classics of rock music. eventually fi nd other fans. “If you death. He got a Christmas card from ’s apartment in punk rock pioneers the Still, the quartet, with their shaggy wore a Ramones shirt, you would every year from Johnny, who New York shipped to Berlin – at a Ramones, then Flo Hayler hair and torn shirts and jeans, were quickly fi nd a pal,” he says. Soon even invited the young German cost of more than 9,000 dollars. must be pretty close to the the ugly duckling of rock ‘n’ roll – he began travelling to Ramones fan to visit him in his house in “Of course this is crazy,” he Itop. The 45-year-old not only revered by fans but never attaining concerts. Los Angeles. Over the years, the admits. “On the other hand, it’s runs a museum devoted to the commercial success. His fi rst one was on November hardcore Ramones fan collected my aim to show people good and band in Berlin, but he recently It was only after the band broke 16, 1990, in Bremen. He went T-shirts and other memorabilia of new things.” issued an opulent volume – 640 up in 1996 and then the early on to attend about 100 more the band, until the point that he Hayler’s huge volume refl ects richly illustrated pages long – that deaths of Joey in 2001, Dee Dee a concerts and got to personally ran out of space in his apartment his 28 years of collector mania and tells not only the history of the year later and Johnny in 2004 that know the musicians, who mixed for all the items. 13 years running the museum, and Ramones but also weaves in how it the mainstream began to grasp the well with their fans and would In 2005, he opened the world’s he worked on it for three years. has infl uenced his own life. signifi cance of the group. Tommy help out some of the younger ones only Ramones Museum in Berlin’s “The book provides a new Hayler swears his new book, Ramone, the original drummer for at times – even the moody and neighbourhood to make perspective about the group,” he Ramones: Eine Lebensgeschichte the group, died in July 2014 at 65. scowling guitarist Johnny. “He all his treasures accessible to the says. (Ramones: A Life Story), is not Hayler fi rst discovered the asked us if we had enough money public. The museum features Hayler adds that even he, who about the money, but rather a way Ramones as a teenager in his to stay somewhere and whether more than 1,000 items from the 22 has read all the books, seen all the “to meet people and just talk about Lower Saxony town of Helmstedt, our parents knew where we were,” years the band existed – posters, fi lms and watched all the YouTube the Ramones” across Germany. when he saw members of German Hayler recalls. fl yers and photographs, as well as interviews with the Ramones In 1974 the Ramones, from New punk group Die Toten Hosen The Ramones accepted the clothing and furnishings that had hundreds of times, still discovers York City’s borough of Queens, wearing Ramones shirts. “I went teenage German fans the way they belonged to the musicians. some new uncharted terrain. launched the punk-rock style and to a record store and bought the were. “Our English was poor and “There is no way to put a price “I have uncovered some would infl uence legions of other album ,” the we looked terrible, but Johnny said tag on all this,” Hayler says of his treasures that I otherwise never groups. lanky blond-haired man recalls. ‘You’re OK,’” says Hayler, who collection. “In ideal terms, all the would have stumble across,” he Hits such as He was alone in his enthusiasm corresponded with Johnny through items are valuable.” says about his research. – DPA 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Layer up smartly this winter

s the winter arrives, with Jeans — Sweatshirts for a long the wardrobe is full of time have been associated with sporty turtleneck sweaters or types, but over the years, it has evolved shirts, cardigans, shawl, as a versatile wardrobe necessity. muffl ers, ankle length or Now sweatshirts are more than comfy Aknee length boots. But teaming the clothing. Pairing a sweatshirt with a right look also demands good amount jeans will give a chic and elegant look. of time, so make sure you are doing it You can alternate the jeans with a mini right. skirt. Ashima Sharma, Owner of Ashima S Couture and Anushka Tugnait, celebrity Make sure the sweatshirt is about the stylist, off er some tips to layer up right size. An oversize may come across smartly this winter. as a lounge wear. A perfect fi t will give a stylish look. To add more glam, wear z Denim jacket with high neck top it with heels. To top the look you can along with the jeans and boots — This also wear a binny which is also a winter winter season layering is becoming a wardrobe essential. trend. So, for a layering combination worthy of few compliments, try to team z Full sleeve t-shirt under a cropped up your denim jacket with a turtleneck sweater with under jacket, skin fi t jeans sweater. with casual shoes-Crop tops are not just for summers, you can still get your crop Let it be thin cotton or chunky wool, top style fi xed for colder months. Crop a highneck shirt will not only keep you sweaters are one of the trending styles. warm, but it will also elegantly elongate your neck. To make it more stylish, pair Pair the crop sweaters with full it with skinny jeans and a boot. You sleeves, button-down shirt and skin fi t wear a mini skirt as an alternative to jeans. To add the sex quotient, wear a skinny jeans. Finish off the look with casual shoe along with it. If you want a some light accessories. Or you may professional look, then instead of jeans simply go with bold red lip colour. wear a formal trouser with heels. Wear minimal accessories with this style. – z Sweatshirt with binny cap paired IANS

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

There’s a warm and friendly feeling to the day that you will find Don’t go where you aren’t invited and don’t take things that aren’t Let your true personality shine, Gemini, for this is your day to agreeable to your boisterous personality, Aries. Find strength off ered, Taurus. Rules and manners are the cornerstones to healthy radiate. There’s an element of fantasy and deception working in and peace with the people around you and work to make solid friendships and strong bonds among new acquaintances on a day the equation, but you will find that this may be just the thing you’re connections among your friends. The people around you are your like today. You will find that a cheery attitude and pleasant smile go looking for. The missing piece may come from a place you least greatest resource, so treat them with honour and respect. Stay in a long way. Before you know it, you will be invited everywhere and expect, but be confident that it will come. Be open to new ideas and balance by recognising the strength in others. off ered all the things you desire. information, regardless of how odd they seem. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Realise that to conquer new ground you may have to make some There’s a great deal of air to fuel your fire today, Leo. Conversations Although you may want to bring things down a bit so you can sacrifices, Cancer. Things may not always go according to your will light up upon your arrival. Dreams, fantasies, and inspired wishes better plan, organise, and rearrange, Virgo, this may not be the best perfect vision, but that’s the natural way of things. Life should be may come to the surface, asking you to digest them with your open, course of action today. You’re better off keeping things light and simple and free flowing. The tangle of voices in your mind is usually adventurous mind. Use this fuel to keep things burning red hot uplifting. Things will fall into place as you need them. Trust in others. the thing that makes issues and situations more complicated than within you. Bring your dreams to the surface and turn them into Realise that some of the best experiences you will have in life are they need to be. Maintain the peace and keep things easy. realities by joining forces with others. spontaneous. Put your to-do list away. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Join others for stimulating conversation and purposeful dreaming, It’s time to come up for air, Scorpio. Come out and take a deep Take a step back today, Sagittarius, and sink into a light and dreamy Libra. You aren’t alone in your thoughts and strong opinions. Now is breath. Experience the lightness and rejuvenation of the energy fantasy world that is pleasing to you. You will find that beautiful the time to be heard. Work towards maintaining peace by exposing present in the air around you. Do some yoga or go for a jog to open objects and sweet fragrances catch your attention. Go shopping or truth. Take the time to create fantasy in your world by diluting the up your channels and get your circulation moving. Use this exercise indulge in a gourmet meal. The time is right to keep things open and fears of reality. Make decisions based on love, co-operation, and to clear your mind and open your consciousness to let new ideas social. Have fun and focus on your partnerships with others instead prosperity instead of neediness, trepidation, and anger. and dreams be born from within. of your tendency to lead or dominate. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Things might be too elusive to actually grab hold of today, Capricorn. This is a terrific day for you, Aquarius. You should find that the There’s a stronger connectedness to dreams and fantasies today, Don’t be so concerned with capturing something and making it your puzzle pieces naturally come together almost eff ortlessly. Important Pisces, but you may need to adjust your thinking in order to link to it. own. See the beauty around you and hold it in your heart. Leave connections can be made today as long as you keep all the lines of Pick a path that includes a few steps on the sunny side of the street the flower unpicked so others who come after you can enjoy its communication open. Information exchange is a key part of bringing where you can see things in a positive light instead of focusing on splendour as well. There’s an airy, uplifting feeling to the day that people and ideas together in a constructive manner. A burst of the gloom in every situation. Communicate your thoughts and think you should enjoy. inspiration can lead to a rewarding journey through time and space. about how you can promote peace in your inner circle. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Poetry

ALLEGORY ELISION METAPHOR SONNET BALLAD EPIC PASTORAL SPONDEE BATHOS FOOT QUATRAIN STANZA CESURA IAMB RHYME STRESS COUPLET IMAGERY SATIRE STYLE DACTYL IRONY SCANSION TROCHEE ELEGY LYRIC SIMILE VERSE

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, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1. Put through the letter-box 1. Resolved, having the when one visited? (7,2) document, to ring the police 8. She’s all set to change key, (7) for a start (7) 2. Say old English was full or 9. Fire breaking out, she and I irregular verbs (7) got trapped in the vehicle (7) 3. It’s a mistake to hold up the 10. With water, call on to be vessels (5) economical (7) 4. There’s an L in ‘bold’, my love 13. Suitable wear for clubs? (4,4) (7) 14. To facilitate it, enunciate the 5. Makes up for the gun (4) letters (4) 6. Take it for the animal (4) 16. Wishing one hadn’t gone by 7. Saucy girl one goes off on sea? (4,6) holiday with (7) 20. A robust he-man at heart (4) 11. Quite fair (6) 22. Do better than, on the round 12. Thought to be a good boss, (4) in turn (4) 24. Unoccupied and vacant? 15. Rounds on mum when you (5,5) drive off (4) 28. Are off side at the end (4) 17. Look drunk, the cockney said 29. Holding in the nurse is (3) ominous (8) 18. The head man takes note (4) 31. Rang off before giving the 19. Come out East and run into name, I concede (7) each other (6) Answers 34. Face one, at the stern (7) 21. Was first prompted (3) 35. Copy it takes a time to churn 22. At the local, a gin sling is Wordsearch Codeword out (7) cheap (7) 36. The pretty Miss Stone is 23. Look up, first, a piece of crooked and a cheat (9) music (4) 25. The pains are shooting, in the outset (7) 26. Go back again and find (7) 27. He painted the sun silver (7) 30. He says he’s going to enter (5) 32. Tender billet doux, perhaps? (4) 33. Coloured but faded, we’re told (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 3 End product 8 Martin Down: 1 Bathroom 2 Starch 3 9 Chad 10 Cherry Ripe 11 Eon Enzymes 4 Debit 5 Race 6 13 Cosh 14 Scratch 15 Step 17 Undertow 7 Trencher 12 Prop Image 20 Power 22 Part 24 14 Spar 16 Type 17 Immodest 18 Miracle 25 Iota 27 Did 28 Abridges 19 Each 21 Extended Delighting 29 Gore 30 Number 23 Tangent 25 In time 26 Sling 31 Test flight. 28 Deal. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY SHOWBIZ New Year, New You! Is it? ew Year’s Resolutions audiences as they want to see me eliminate all the negative things and are almost addicted to it and are tricky. They’re more in drama serials – following vibes”. often happen to miss out on life’s easy to make, but a lot my passion you know. Also it’s precious little things happening Glitz harder to keep. At the always the same for me - to be around them. Since I prefer living start of every year, we happier and healthier than the year in the moment, my resolution for & Nare bombarded with articles and before. Be kind to myself, be happy the coming year is to focus less on adverts that extol the ‘New Year, in my own skin and take more ‘me the digital screen and more on the Glam New You’ mantra, whether this time’, just fi nd time to do enjoyable world and the beauty it beholds in By Muhammad Asad Ullah involves becoming vegan, using less things for myself.” every moment.” plastic, giving up fur or investing in your beauty regimen and a gym membership. The global appetite Hareem Farooq for self-improvement doesn’t “Nothing very extravagant but appear to be crumbling anytime spending more time with my family. soon. Call it the triumph of hope Something that is extremely close over experience: It’s a new year, to my heart.” full of promise and anticipation, and though your brain knows that the resolutions you make might get broken along the way, your heart impels you to list those promises anyway. Because being positive is all that matters and it is one of the only things you’re going to have besides you when everything else seems bleak at some point of time. Which we wish never happens. You outshine always! My New Year resolution is to have a fashionista year – full of surprises, glitter, paparazzi and pizzazz runways. Is it the same for celebrities who actually live such life anyways. We fi nd out! It clearly shows that all of them are very skeptical about making drastic Ayesha Omar resolutions, often seeing them as “I want to make fi tness a priority. Junaid Khan ‘a load of nonsense that is recycled I want to start exercising more and “To be a better version of myself. year after year and quickly left focus on strengthening my body.” Contribute in anyway possible forgotten.’ Instead, they prefer to towards giving awareness about approach the New Year as a time how important human life is.” to realign one’s priorities, starting with the very basics and sometimes Wahaj Ali just about facing what the year “New year is the time to make throws at their face and deal with some new changes and setting Ali Rehman Khan it with an uncanny strength and some goals, my resolution for this “Instead of making a resolution, belief. Sadaf Kanwal year is to accept yourself as you I just plan to get into 2019 full “I always end up breaking my are, as you see self-acceptance is throttle and see what the year New Year resolution. So this time really important. Just live your life, throws my way!” I’ll try hard to keep it. I want to look have as much faith as you can and after my fi tness even more than it’s okay to be afraid, to be depress this year, skip junk food and spend but talking to someone, taking help some more time with my family and and don’t let fear prevent you from friends.” moving forward. Letting go and being there for someone.”

Farhan Saeed “This year I have given myself the goal to make a positive diff erence in the lives of upcoming music artistes who are going through a defi nitive phase of their journey. I Sanam Baloch have been there myself and where I “My resolution is to continue am now, I feel it is my responsibility to have the grace to be thankful to tap into my immensely talented for everything including the Pakistan.” places, things and people you’d sometimes rather just forget. Every Sana Javed single thing happens for a reason. “My New Year’s resolution for Ramsha Khan Keeping up with my acting career 2019 is to make sure I create a more “Nowadays everyone is so and connecting with my fans and positive social circle for myself and hooked to their phones that they Wednesday, January 2, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Farhad feels pressure of directing

COMEDIAN: Pete Davidson Pete Davidson ‘enjoying being single’

Comedian Pete Davidson, who was seen with a mystery woman over the weekend, is “enjoying being single.” The Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, 25, was spotted at the Mandarin Oriental hotel club in Miami on Saturday, dining by the pool with an unknown brunette, according to photographs published by TMZ. In the images, Davidson was dressed casually in a Green Day t-shirt and sunglasses, and had seemingly gone back to his natural hair colour after previously sporting blonde and blue hues. A source tells people.com that Davidson “was there visiting friends and is very much enjoying being single as he is focusing on himself.” Representative for Davidson and SNL did not immediately return People.com’s request for comment. One week earlier, the comedian was seen out and about while supporting his friend Machine Gun Kelly at one of the rapper’s REVELATION: says Rana Daggubati will play a threat in the upcoming film. concerts in Ohio. Davidson concerned friends and fans on creenwriter-director Farhad dialogues of the fi lm. Whenever I narrate, clothes and scale of the fi lm are done on a December 15 by writing on his now-deleted Samji has revealed that the I do it like a stand-up act. All the actors... diff erent level. That’s the challenge. For me, Instagram account, “I really don’t want to be Baahubali star Rana Daggubati even producers make it a point that I am fi lmmaking is passion. on this earth anymore.” will play a threat in their present on sets. I was in Jaisalmer while the “It’s been about 17 years since I joined Hours later, he made a brief appearance upcoming fi lm Housefull 4. shooting was happening there. the industry. I have written for around 40 on the Matt Damon-hosted SNL broadcast, SRana had replaced in the “So, it is not a big jump for me. But fi lms. This is what I have been craving for... appearing in a pre-taped sketch, as well as fi lm after the veteran actor was accused of yeah, as a director, there are so many to get bigger fi lms, good fi lms with a good introducing musical guests Miley Cyrus and misconduct by actress Tanushree Dutta. departments that I have to look up to like cast. I am getting everything on a platter. I Mark Ronson. – IANS Rana started shooting for it in in costumes, timing, actors and all. I had have to do justice to it.” November. worked with (producer) He has also written dialogues for Rohit Camila Cabello fi nds “I think it is too early to talk about his before also in so, he was also Shetty’s latest directorial Simmba. The two skiing challenging role. It’s an important role. He is playing there with me,” said Farhad. will be teaming up again, this time for the the threat in the fi lm,” Farhad said in a But Housefull 3 was co-directed by Sajid fi fth part of series. Singer Camila Cabello, who took some telephonic interview about the movie that Samji and Farhad. “There is one shot in Simmba in which time off from her warm, tropical hometown also stars actors , Riteish Talking about the pressure of directing Kunal Kemmu, and all of Miami and headed to the snowy slopes, Deshmukh and . all by himself, he said: “Had it been three show a fi ve sign with their fi ngers. It’s a has tried out skiing for the fi rst time. Rana is not the only replacement in the directors, then also there would have been direct hint that we are coming out with On Instagram, the 21-year-old shared her fi lm. In October, fi lmmaker had pressure. The same goes for directing Golmaal 5,” said Farhad. skiing videos and said that she is proud of to step down as its director after he was solo. Pressure is there because it is a big “It is in the most important stage – the herself as she learnt skiing, but it was quite accused of harassment. franchise and is releasing on Diwali. concept. That’s getting bounced. We are challenging for her as she hails from the “It would have been diffi cult for me “It is a period comedy... something that wondering whether to do this or that,” he tropical region and she is not used to such had I not written the screenplay and we are doing for the fi rst time. The look, added. – IANS cold climate, reports femalefi rst.co.uk “There’s lots of things happening in this video: Tougher to get break in fi lms “The grandeur of 70mm can never be replaced My fam aka us tropical Miami basies in the than in web shows: Nidhi by anything, but I see no reason for not doing snow for the fi rst time and taking it to the other work while waiting for a good big fi lm next level, skiing for the fi rst time. Actress Nidhi Singh says that for a newcomer, coming my way.” My rendition of ‘I getting an opportunity in a Bollywood fi lm is The actress is popular for her work in web believe I can fl y/ski’. tougher as compared to bagging a digital show. series like Permanent Roommates, Man’s World, My sister at the end “I think when it comes to working harder for Humorously Yours and Apharan. Nidhi also of the video being an grabbing opportunities, we are putting equal acted in the Netfl ix feature fi lm Brij Mohan Amar Olympic skier trying eff ort to everything but for a newcomer, it is Rahe. to push my dad out of much tougher to get a break in a fi lm than digital Asked if the growth of digital entertainment the way (to which she shows,” Nidhi said. is helping to fl ourish new talent like herself, says she did because I “In feature fi lms, stakes are higher and that is Nidhi said: “The digital entertainment has had to get there fi rst) why people invest wisely on stars and popular given opportunities to many talents and the – anyway, I am proud faces over newcomers.” job opportunities have increased, not only for of myself because I left However, the actress is hopeful with the actors but for everyone who is involved in the the slopes in one piece changing scenario in Bollywood. business.” and I usually trip over Citing the example of Badhaai Ho, she “At the same time, big producers, fi lmmakers air so this was very said: “In that fi lm, all the good actors received and Bollywood actors are also working on digital PROUD: Camila cool,” the Havana singer appreciation for their work and the fi lm also did content... whether it is a web series like Sacred Cabello says she is captioned the videos well at the box offi ce. So I think such things will Games or a fi lm like Lust Stories, the digital CANDID: Nidhi Singh says in the proud of herself. and photos. – IANS surely bring a change and open doors for actors entertainment is becoming more legitimate than films people invest wisely on popular like us. earlier,” she added. – IANS faces. 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, January 2, 2019 COMMUNITY Baby seal robot helps treat Alzheimer’s The furry baby seal looks like a cute toy. But the robot can open its eyes, whine and help treat diseases like Alzheimer’s. Its Japanese inventor has big plans for the little pup, including space travel. By Laura del Rio

aro likes to be pet on the head and wag its tail. As the white baby seal follows people’s movements with its big black eyes, it’s hard to believe the pup is actually a therapeuticP robot. Paro is designed to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other conditions. Japanese inventor Takanori Shibata says he was inspired to create the robot seal by therapies using real animals. “Interaction with animals improves the mood of the people, motivates people and also improves depression and anxiety,” he tells DPA in the Spanish capital, Madrid. But some people are allergic to animals, which can also transmit diseases, he says. “At hospitals, nursing homes or other facilities, it is diffi cult to keep and manage animals,” he observes, adding that the upkeep for them also costs a hefty sum. It occurred to him that an animal robot could make such treatments more widely available, and he designed prototype robots in the form of a dog, a cat and a seal. Patients found the seal the easiest to relate to, because unlike with dogs and cats, they had no expectations about how it should behave. “When they [started] to interact with the dog robot or cat robot ... they compared the robot with ... real dogs or cats and they RESEARCH: Elena Gonzalez Ingelmo is part of the State Reference Centre (CRE) in Spain, which is analysing the therapeutic eff ects of a baby seal expected too much of the robot,” Shibata robot in the city of Salamanca. said. “In the case of the seal robot, people ... The seal robot improved patients’ quality just accepted it.” of life by helping them relax, improving The robot’s original name, Paro, means their mood and lowering their blood “stoppage” in Spanish, and it was therefore pressure, says Elena Gonzalez Ingelmo from renamed Nuka for the Spanish market. The CRE. robot learns its new name after hearing it However, the robot did not make a big several times, Shibata explains. diff erence for serious states of anxiety and The furry seal contains sensors that depression, she said. allow it to perceive what is happening in its Patients found a real dog more enjoyable surroundings, to recognise light and to know than Nuka, but both generated “very where a voice is coming from. It looks at the positive emotional aspects” in them, person talking to it, makes whining noises Gonzalez Ingelmo adds. and sucks a dummy. Dementia patients have also been given The robot, which costs about 5,600 dolls, which can make them less agitated, dollars, has been in use since 2003 in more but they do not have the same impact as than 30 countries, including Japan, Denmark Paro/Nuka, according to Gonzalez Ingelmo and the United States. and Shibata. Shibata says that research on people with Patients accompanied by the robot Alzheimer’s or similar diseases has shown have been able to reduce their intake of that the company of Paro/Nuka can reduce psychoactive drugs, which “have a lot of side depression, anxiety and loneliness. eff ects,” Shibata says. “People with dementia tend to have Some people have questioned whether it behavioural problems ... but the interaction is ethical to confi de the care of human beings with Nuka can suppress such negative to robots, but Paro’s inventor stresses that it behaviours [as] agitation, depression, does not replace human caretakers. INVENTOR: Japanese inventor Takanori Shibata says he was inspired to create a robot baby seal wandering, walking around,” he adds. “Robots can assist or help the caregivers” to help Alzheimer’s patients by therapies using real animals. In Spain, the therapeutic eff ects of Nuka by calming the patients and making it easier have been analysed in the city of Salamanca to communicate with them, he says. The seal robot could accompany “Interacting with Paro can improve by the State Reference Centre (CRE), which Paro may also be able to provide company astronauts on longer missions, on which the conditions on a spaceship or at a base is linked to the Institute of Elderly People to not just elderly patients, says Shibata, they are isolated and can get very lonely, he on Mars, so Paro would be a very good and Social Services (Imserso). who now wants to send the robot to space. says. companion for astronauts.” – DPA