DOHA TODAY

PAGE | 03 SPONSORS PAGE | 08 Islam, COVID-19 A new test for and the global scientist: His moral panic brain illness

THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 Email: [email protected]

Ultra-modern operating theaters

State-of-the-art ambulance fleet

Highly-advanced patient information systems A collective effort Different organisations of expatriate communities in the country are making Cutting-edge treatments for cancer efforts to defeat the threat of COVID-19 and to support the measures being taken by the government of Qatar and authorities concerned. The community At Hamad Medical Corporation we are utilizing advanced technology and organisations and leaders are not only creating awareness among people innovative systems to deliver the highest on how to stay safe from the infection and rumour-mongering, but also quality care to Qatar’s population.

encouraging them to become part of volunteering campaign recently www.hamad.qa launched by the Ministry of Public Health. 4-5

THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 03 DOHA TODAY

Islam, COVID-19 and the global moral panic

rom media reports to private conversations, didn’t happen. COVID-19 is all anyone is talking about at home Similarly, if we continue to strip and abroad. The spread of the virus has created supermarket shelves bare others are panic around the world, prompting the cancel- deprived of essential products, which lationF of flights and events, closures of gyms, restau- in turn creates a problematic sense of rants, theatres, and mosques, as well as the post- individualism. Behaving in such a ponement of weddings and parties. way shows us that it is time to ask the More strict measures include the lock-down of entire question where do we stand in terms cities and the isolation of vulnerable members of society. of raising youths that care about We need to remember that these limitations serve a morality at a global level? Allah purpose “And it may be that you dislike a thing which is (SWT) blessed humans with the gift of good for you” (Quran 2:216). Moreover, it’s not only free choice. We are equipped with Al global affairs and related systems that are being tested ‘Aql (intellect or reason) and human by the pandemic but also our moral values. Whether it is Evren Tok Bayan Khaled dignity (Karamah) to make our food hoarding, sanitiser stocking or corona racism, we choices. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are witnessing various forms of moral anxiety that jeop- indicated that “Nothing worships ardise our conception of fair, just and inclusive societies. Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is not a word to be used lightly (adores) Allah as does Al ‘Aql”. The global moral panic we are living through is or carelessly. Ghebreyesus also warns that, if misused, Accordingly, it is time to take a step back and actively making us forget that “modesty is part of faith” (Sahih Al ‘pandemic’ can also cause unreasonable fear or unjus- think about how we can avoid such conflicts and Bukhari, 8:73:139). Fighting over the last stack of toilet tified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to reduce the moral panic gripping our communities. paper and hoarding hand sanitisers and masks means unnecessary suffering and death. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio that supplies dwindle and prices rise for other people. While COVID-19 has limited and fixed symptoms, Guterres, indicated that the declaration of COVID-19 as a Rumours concerning the spread of COVID-19 from its the moral panic it has caused has many manifesta- pandemic was a call for responsibility and solidarity. In place of origin in Wuhan to the wider world have sparked tions. Health ramifications aside, we are grappling this respect, our youth has a prominent role to play. That incidents of racism against Chinese communities. with a wide array of irrationalities, disproportionate is why the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin With this in mind, the global mayhem and moral reactions, and episodes of anxiety. What we’re seeing Khalifa University (HBKU) is challenging Qatar’s youths to panic caused by COVID-19 provides the ideal oppor- in the media – not to mention the behaviour of the take advantage of the time they are spending at home to tunity to rethink global values and human development general public — should make us all question how we think about how to tackle the issues that arise with the in general. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, tackle this moral panic in order to put everyone at increase of moral panic. This challenge is entitled with symptoms ranging from mild illnesses like the ease and become a fairer, just, and inclusive society in “COVID-19 and the Global Moral Panic: Youth Challenge” common cold to more serious conditions such as pneu- the process. This is particularly reminiscent of events and it invites youths to join in by shedding light on the monia. The virus was recently reclassified by the World three years ago when the blockade of Qatar prompted global moral panic. — The Peninsula Health Organisation (WHO) as a pandemic, which, inhabitants to rush to supermarkets to get as much This article was contributed by Evren Tok and Bayan according to Director-General Tedros food as they can before resources run out. This simply Khaled. 04 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 DOHA TODAY

A collective effort

IRFAN BUKHARI & SANAULLAH ATAULLAH THE PENINSULA community as thousands of people representing different We are running aggressive expatriate communities have campaigns through social he whole world including Qatar is facing a also got themselves registered media and also reaching out to serious challenge in the form of COVID-19 pan- for the noble cause. demic. To beat the challenge, the role of each and In a press conference held workers to educate them every individual of the society is pivotal and on March 24, spokesperson of regarding preventive decisive.T the Supreme Committee for Different organisations of expatriate communities in Crisis Management, H E measures needed to contain the country are making efforts to defeat the threat to Lolwah bint Rashid bin the spread of virus. We are also support the measures being taken by the government of Mohammed Al Khater revealed Qatar and authorities concerned. The community organ- that the number of volunteers in close contact with the isations and leaders are not only creating awareness with the MoPH, Qatar Charity authorities concerned and also among people on how to stay safe from the infection and and Qatar Red Crescent Riyaz Bakali, office rumour-mongering but also encouraging them to reached approximately getting community members bearer of Pakistan become part of volunteering campaign recently launched 35,000, pointing out that registered for volunteering.” Welfare Forum by the Ministry of Public Health. MoPH is now working with the The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has called vol- relevant authorities to dis- unteers to join the National Volunteering Campaign ‘For tribute volunteers according to authorities concerned and also getting community Qatar’ and help fight the coronavirus. Volunteers’ the need and expertise. members registered for volunteering.” responsibilities will include medical practice (clinical), Riyaz Bakali from Pakistan Welfare Forum told The Praising government’s role in provision of all nec- allied health practice, public health awareness, logistics Peninsula that their association was creating awareness essary things including food to workers in the Industrial and others. Selected volunteers will be needed for at least among Pakistani community members particularly Area, Bakali said that PWF was ready to provide 14 days of eight-hour shifts over a 12-week period from among workers about COVID-19 through different assistance to such people but the government itself was the end of March to the end of June, according to the means. “We are running aggressive campaigns through providing all essentials and was just taking input from us. MoPH. social media and also reaching out to workers to educate “We only point out if there is any issue and the author- The call of the MoPH for volunteering has received an them regarding preventive measures needed to contain ities concerned address it swiftly.” overwhelming response from the the spread of virus. We are also in close contact with the He said that the forum was creating awareness videos COVER STORY THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 05 DOHA TODAY

Ramesh Bhata, a leader of Nepalese expatriate community, distributing awareness leaflets in Nepali language among A representative of QRCS during an awareness session on COVID-19 with leaders of expatriate communities. workers in coordination with Qatar Charity. to break the communication citizens and residents. The number of volunteers jumped barrier as many workers were Many members affiliated to 7,460, out of 8,000 volunteers targeted by Qatar not educated enough to read to different organisations Charity, QC announced on March 22. the messages. of Nepalese expatriate To fully utilise the services of volunteers, the Min- Prof Mohammed Ramzan istry of Municipality and Environment (MME) has also Ali Miya, a prominent leader of community are volun- announced launching a nationwide campaign in all Nepalese expatriate com- teering with local charity municipalities with the participation of a number of vol- munity, said that he attended unteers to clean and disinfect the various vital areas of three workshops organised by organisations like Qatar the country. Qatar Red Crescent Society Charity In a meeting held recently at the Ministry, the volun- (QRCS) for leaders of expa- teers were introduced to the volunteering initiative triate communities to provide Prof Mohammed Ramzan Ali Miya, launched by the MME as part of the State’s efforts to curb accurate information on coro- Nepalese community leader. the spread of coronavirus. It was also announced that navirus, so they could pass it to over 30 volunteers from different age groups will partic- their countrymen. ipate in the campaign, who will be further distributed Prof Mohammed Ramzan Ali Miya, who is fluent in Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Qatar Charity and Indian into work-teams covering all the important areas and Arabic language, said: “I translate all updates issued by Embassy; ICBF is constantly engaged in every possible facilities targeted by the campaign in the various the Government Communication Office (GCO) and other effort and action to ensure the reach of food and other municipalities. briefings by the local authorities into Nepali language on basic supplies to quarantined zones. Talking to The Peninsula, Engr. Anwar Hossain Akon, a daily basis and post on my social networking channel With the start of COVID-19 outbreak in Qatar, Twitter President of Bangladesh Community Qatar (BCQ) said for Nepalese expatriate community.” users had launched a hashtag in Arabic #WeAreAllVolun- that from the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the He said that correct information will help them to teersForQatar, announcing their readiness for volun- association was in close contact with all the departments save themselves and others from infection of corona- teering works to implement any plan to counter the of Qatar engaged in preventing the spread of the disease. virus. “QRCS has registered my name in the group of vol- spread of COVID-19 in the country, and assisting the “We are circulating suggestions, advice and restric- unteers, they will call me whenever they need for volun- competent authorities in the State to implement its pre- tions announced by the authorities among our com- teering work,” said Miya. cautionary measures. munity through WhatsApp groups; Facebook; through He said that many members affiliated to different The volunteering initiative launched by Qatar Charity email and other channels. Videos suggesting what “to do” organisations of Nepalese expatriate community are vol- (QC) to contribute to the efforts made by the country to and “not to do” are being posted on community social unteering with local charity organisations like Qatar curb the spread of COVID-19 has also received an over- media accounts on daily basis,” he said, adding that with Charity. “The volunteers in coordination with the charity whelming response from the people in Qatar, both other communities they had attended the coordination/ organisations are creating awareness on how to prevent awareness meetings the infection of coronavirus,” said Miya. organised by the rel- Meanwhile, Indian Community Benevolent Forum We are circulating suggestions, evant ministries. (ICBF) has urged community members to refrain from advice and restrictions “We also did a spreading or assisting in rolling out incorrect, unnec- radio programme on essary and uncalled for information on all social media. announced by the authorities awareness in cooper- “We appeal, remind and make you aware to abide by the among our community through ation with our clear directions from the Supreme Committee for Crisis WhatsApp groups; Facebook; embassy. We also Management and effective regulations put in place by the received training Ministry of Public Health to arrest the spread of COVID- email and other channels. through Qatar Red 19,” ICBF said in a post on its social media account. Crescent Society along It further said that under the directives of Supreme with other commu- Committee for Crisis Management, and supporting rel- Engr. Anwar Hossain Akon, President of nities to know about evant entities including Ministry of Administrative Devel- Bangladesh Community Qatar. COVID-19 and its opment, Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Interior, prevention.” 06 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 DOHA TODAY

alls and hypermarkets across the country are wearing a deserted look as retail stores have been closed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Abiding by the government’s Mdirective, residents are also maintaining social distancing by staying at home to avoid any kind of gathering. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has obligated retail outlets to implement social distancing in its outlets. The Ministry obligated the shops to apply the requirement of a safe distance between customers with a minimum of 1.5 metres by placing signs on the ground to guide the customer, including at waiting queues for the payment and reception. This step is also in pursuant to Article No. 13 of the Consumer Protection Law No. 8 of 2008, which requires suppliers to comply with health and safety requirements. Social distancing is an effort to stop the transmission of coronavirus in large crowds in meetings, movie halls, weddings and pubic transport. THROUGH THE LENS THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 07 DOHA TODAY SALIM MATRAMKOT & BAHER AMIN/ THE PENINSULA 08 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 SCIENCE DOHA TODAY

AMANDA MCCRACKEN THE WASHINGTON POST

ver 30 years ago, Tom Johnson identified a gene that extended the very short life of a tiny A new test for scientist: Oroundworm, propelling him to the forefront of research on ageing and raising the tantalising possibility that aging could someday be slowed down in people, too. His work transformed the mind-set of scientists, His brain illness launching a new field in the science of ageing when he demonstrated that identifying and manipulating genes could lengthen life span. Although Johnson’s research has led to drug devel- opment to slow the effects of age-related diseases, he has yet to find the secret to stop aging. Now the soft-spoken redheaded scientist is running out of time as he confronts his own mortality. Five years ago, at age 66, work got confusing for Johnson, a professor in the Institute for Behavioural Genetics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He found it impossible to keep track of his many projects. He began wondering whether he had Alzheimer’s like his newly diagnosed sister. He spoke to his wife, Vicki Simpson, about the little dogs he frequently saw running around the house (even though he knew they weren’t real). Simpson, a retired Even though Tom Johnson has devoted his career to slowing down aging, he believes in extending the health span (quality anaesthesiologist, later learned such hallucinations are a of life), not necessarily the life span (quantity). trademark sign of Lewy body dementia. At first, she praised his imagination and then after In 1987, Johnson was When he entered the field in the mid-1970s, research several months suggested they visit a memory clinic. garnering attention from on aging wasn’t well supported. Many scientists thought There he was diagnosed with probable Lewy body — a media all over the world anyone who claimed to be able to slow the aging process fatal disease with inescapable dementia that can be diag- for his revolutionary or extend life was a fraud. nosed with certainty only at death. Right now, there is no genetic discovery in a He faced conflicting responses when his paper on the cure, only ways to ease symptoms. nematode known as discovery of age-one was published in 1988 in the journal According to the Mayo Clinic, Lewy body is the second Caenorhabditis elegans of Genetics. The scientific old guard insisted something most common progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s. (named after its elegant was wrong with his experiments. Entrepreneurs called Protein deposits (called Lewy bodies) develop in the brain movements). Johnson wanting to exploit his science, prematurely, to nerve cells responsible for movement, thinking and Together with his make money. memory. Tom Johnson team at the University of “I sought independence over money,” he says, “His foundational knowledge on ageing is still strong, California at Irvine, explaining why he eventually returned to his home state but it’s difficult for him to pick up new techniques on the Johnson identified the to work at the University of Colorado. For someone who computer, for example,” Simpson says. Her husband’s first gene that affects loves the mountains as much as his work, living in motor control is declining and word finding is more of a aging: age-one. Even Colorado with his wife to raise their three redheaded kids struggle. His gait is slow and somewhat similar to Parkin- more important, Johnson says, was that age-one is a part was a worthwhile trade-off. son’s. The occasional tremors in his left arm are wors- of the insulin signalling pathway, common in several He has spent his whole life measuring trade-offs and ening, “but not so bad I’ll quit working,” he insists. No species including humans, responsible for the rate of asking: Nature or nurture? “That’s the question I’ve been longer being able to drive is the most frustrating aging. asking most of my career,” Johnson says, smiling and limitation. By manipulating this one gene, Johnson and his raising bushy eyebrows. “Instead of asking which is more Johnson still speaks daily with colleagues or visits his graduate student, David Friedman, were able to lengthen important, we should ask how they best synergise.” Pur- lab at the university. “It seems more important to make the life of C. elegans from 20 days to about 35 days — a suing that synergy has led science to powerful interven- modest gains within a time frame that can help me,” he life extension of 70 percent. Previous research had only tions to control aging, Johnson says. Drugs have been says. He looks out for his health, taking tennis lessons found roundworms to live longer through caloric developed to slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the with his wife. And he joined her at the vegan table — well restriction. But Johnson’s worm ate well. effects of age-related diseases such as diabetes, Parkin- almost. His face is deadpanned and then breaks into a Johnson hypothesized that if about 80 percent of the son’s, pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. Metformin, a drug grin. “I have a hamburger every couple of weeks,” he genes in the nematode (or roundworm) function similarly used to treat Type 2 diabetics, helps modulate the insulin admits. to those in humans, a mutation of a similar longevity pathway. It is now being tested as a possible anti-aging “I think I have gained health within that [plant-based assurance gene in humans could dramatically lengthen drug in clinical studies approved by the Food and Drug diet] framework,” he says, “even if it can’t retroactively human lives. Administration. change my Lewy body.” And while he considers diet and “Identifying a specific gene is harder than finding a “Thirty years ago, the FDA would never have con- exercise major contributors to our health, he says we also needle in a haystack, it’s a needle in a haystack of needles sidered doing a human clinical trial with potential ‘anti- need modest amounts of stress to build resilience against that aren’t marked,” Johnson, now 71, says jokingly. ageing’ drugs,” Johnson says. People now question if all the factors that chip away at it. Soon after the discovery, Johnson was interviewed on senescent (gradually deteriorating) cells, also known as Johnson, who has a long list of honours and published NBC Nightly News’ special segment on ageing. He was zombie cells, have an important role to play in aging. research, continues to work in his field because he featured in Life Magazine, Newsweek, Men’s Journal and These cells have stopped dividing and instead secrete believes challenge is healthy. He is a founder of a Scientific America. substances harmful to healthy surrounding cells. company, Cirque Cryotech, which was started last fall. Its “It wasn’t until my dad read about my work in Johnson is working on new funding to develop seno- aim is to extend the shelf life of frozen organs before Reader’s Digest that he believed I was doing something genic drugs. These “exfoliating-like” medications transplantation. worthwhile,” Johnson says with a grin. lengthen the life of mice by eliminating dead cells. HEALTH THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 09 DOHA TODAY

PAM MOORE as well as paid ones. No weights? No problem, Harbour says. Household THE WASHINGTON POST items that can double as weights include a 20-pound High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) bag of rice, luggage (packed with anything from he novel coronavirus is increasingly upending If you want to keep doing HIIT workouts with your clothing to textbooks) or a heavy backpack. In place of our rhythms and routines — including our group instructor or personal trainer remotely, your your eight-pound dumbbells, Roser recommends a Tworkout schedules. In response to the pandemic, favorite fitness professionals might have you covered. gallon jug of water. (When completely full, a gallon of some gyms and studios are announcing temporary All you need are an Internet connection and some water weighs 8.34 pounds; use less water for less closures, while others are limiting occupancy and motivation. weight.) If you’re craving fresh air, consider going to ramping up cleaning practices. As the coronavirus Roser is among a growing group of fitness profes- the park with a backpack and wearing it while per- spreads, “the stereotypical ‘gym hack,’ “ the cough that sionals who are turning to technology to keep their forming push-ups, step-ups onto a picnic bench or some people experience after a bout of hard exercise, clients moving, as regional mandates to “shelter in pullups on the monkey bars. (Remember to sanitise “becomes extra scary,” says Adam St. Pierre, a place” keep people out of gyms and fitness studios. your hands.) If you’re looking for an online strength Boulder, Colorado, running coach. But that doesn’t Roser is offering group classes and one-on-one per- workout, Harbour recommends Tony Horton’s P90X mean we need to abandon our workouts — nor should sonal training sessions over Facebook Live, Zoom and program, which requires some equipment. If you’re we. FaceTime. Jeff Watters, a Detroit-based boxing coach looking for a workout that requires zero equipment, Regular exercise supports optimal functioning of and chief executive of Watters Performance, told me Roser suggests bodyweight-only strength-training the immune system and is an excellent stress man- in an email that he’s now waiving the monthly sub- videos from Daily Burn or Peloton. agement tool. “Working out is the best thing you can scription fee to access his online workouts. Instead, possibly do right now,” says Holly Roser, a San Mateo, he’s asking subscribers to make a $5 donation, which Yoga California, fitness studio owner and personal trainer. he’ll use to support local youth who, because of school “Yoga helps us to access calm within the storm,” Here are some resources to help you stay consistent shutdowns, may go hungry without school lunches. Sarada Erickson, co-founder of Om Ananda Yoga in with your fitness routine (or even start one) regardless If your favourite HIIT instructor or personal trainer Fort Collins, Colorado, said in an email. No matter of access to a facility and/or equipment. isn’t offering online workouts, there are plenty of what’s happening around us, she adds, “yoga shows us other resources. Roser recommends streaming the breath is a constant and always in the moment. We Running/Walking services such as Daily Burn and Peloton, both of which can stay more in the present rather than project into If the start of the new year came and went and offer a variety of HIIT classes (and more). Both plat- the world of ‘what-ifs.’ “To practice yoga in your you’re still meaning to begin an exercise plan, this is forms allow you to live-stream classes or choose from home, Erickson suggests finding out whether the the perfect time to lace up your sneakers and start a a library of archived workouts. To easily narrow down studio you normally attend is offering online classes. run-walk program. You can do it outdoors as long as the dizzying array of options, you can take advantage “This way, you get to see your favourite teachers and you keep in mind that the COVID-19 can be spread by of filters, which allow you to search for classes by have some familiarity in your practice in a time of people standing within six feet of each other. duration, preferred instructor, intensity level and change.” If your studio isn’t operating remotely, check For beginners and those coming off a long fitness more. Daily Burn also offers virtual personal training. on other local studios; this is a way to continue to hiatus, St. Pierre recommends starting with walking, For boxing enthusiasts who can’t get into the ring, support your community. If this isn’t an option, either, which he says is “actually one of the best activities you Roser recommends Fight Camp, which she calls “the Erickson recommends Gaia and Glo, which offer sub- can do.” If you want to add intensity, he suggests Peloton of boxing.” Featuring HIIT-style sessions with scription-based paid plans, and DoYogaWithMe, inserting intermittent 30-second bursts of running, three minutes of intensity followed by one minute of which offers a wide selection of free classes. adopting a brisk pace on hills or walking with a recovery, the workout is designed to be used with a When choosing an online class, the most important weighted vest or a backpack. punching bag. If you don’t have one, don’t sweat it, consideration should be finding one that’s aligned For those who have some base fitness, St. Pierre Roser says. You can still get an effective workout by with your skill level, Erickson says. This is of particular suggests starting with 20 to 30 minutes of running shadow boxing or “punching” while holding dumb- importance in a virtual class, because your teacher every other day and gradually increasing as it bells or even water bottles. can’t see you or respond to your needs. Additionally, becomes easier. He notes that someone fit enough to you may not have access to props that help with handle a one-hour spin class is not necessarily pre- Strength training alignment, so Erickson advises people to “be more pared for the impact of a one-hour run. “You’ve got to Karen Harbour credits barbells mindful with your poses.” No matter what type of break into (running) slowly,” he says. Otherwise, you with transforming her body and exercise you prefer, a little creativity and a WiFi signal risk common running injuries such as shin splints and building her confidence. As the co- can help you maintain your fitness and IT band issues. founder of Bella Strength, a strength and alleviate the stress caused by the coro- For those looking for a structured plan, St. Pierre conditioning gym in Boulder, navirus and its attendant recommends programmes from Jeff Galloway, whom Colorado, she’s focused on helping disruptions. he refers to as “the father of the run-walk method,” clients do the same, by teaching skills and Hal Higdon, another well-known running coach. and creating a supportive community. Both offer simple, easy-to-follow training plans for Yet, she says, even if you don’t have everything from completing your first 5K to running access to equipment or workout your fastest marathon, with options for athletes of all buddies right now, there are still lots of ability levels. Both resources offer free training plans great options for strength training. COVID-19 doesn’t have to keep you from your workout 10 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 FOOD DOHA TODAY

author and culinary instructor Andrew Schloss wrote back in 1995. “That is why dried herbs are preferred in long-cooking dishes. By the time an old-style pasta sauce is done simmering, the dried herbs in it will have peaked and mellowed in flavour, whereas the potency of the same herb fresh would have been spent long before.” So consider dried herbs as MVPs in sauces, soups and stews. McVicar thinks dried sage works especially well in meatloaf. To maximise flavour, crush the dried leaves between your fingers before adding them to a recipe.

Other uses If you’re making your own vinaigrette, toss in a pinch of dried herbs. For a Greek-inspired chickpea salad I like to make, I always include oregano in the vinegar- forward dressing. McVicar is a fan of dried basil in vinaigrette. Especially if you have dried your own, take a page from Gregorio. She endorses rehydrating dried herbs in balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil to use in pesto or what she calls a “chimichurri-ish” sauce. Combine them with whatever fresh you might have on hand. If you’re just working with dried herbs, Gregorio sug- gests pairing them with something like citrus to add some dimension. Don’t feel like dried herbs are only for dry rubs. And don’t be afraid to mix and match dried herbs to use together.

Baking Dried herbs are an ideal add-in for mixing up your standard bread. Sprinkle them on top of focaccia or fold them into your favourite no-knead Dutch oven round. Mixed with olive oil and a little Parmigiano-Reggiano, dried herbs can be a sort of magic dust on your pizza crust. Dry herbs get a bad Similarly, shortbread takes well to herbs. McVicar favours lavender. Thyme and rosemary are options, too. Feel free to experiment making flavoured sugars with rap, but they can be your favourite dried herb. Infusing This can be as basic as making a simple herbal tea. flavour powerhouses McVicar makes teas made with sage, rosemary and a mix of thyme and mint or sage. Try 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs per 1 cup of water. Dried herbs are a natural for flavouring custards, BECKY KRYSTAL whether that leads you to a pudding or ice cream. THE WASHINGTON POST per teaspoon than fresh. If you’re swapping dried for McVicar highly recommends bay in ice cream, which she fresh, the guidance varies, often anywhere from a says makes it taste like “really posh white chocolate.” quarter to half of the amount of fresh. McVicar, herb ried herbs have a tendency to collect dust in the lover that she is, leans more toward half. If you’re Consider drying your own pantry. You buy a jar of them, use a little and then unsure, start with a smaller amount and add more as When it comes to dried herbs, you’re not just limited Dforget about them or just dip into them occasionally. you see fit. “It’s much easier to destroy a meal with a to what you can buy at the store. If, like me, you have a But now that home cooks are turning more to their dried herb than a fresh herb,” she says. couple of plants in your backyard that have thrived cabinets out of necessity, it’s time to take a closer look at Angel Gregorio, owner of the SpiceSuite in Wash- despite neglect (or because of your dedication!), think those dried herbs. ington, takes a slightly different view. “I am a person about drying the bounty. A quick and easy method Jekka McVicar, who runs an herb farm in England and who does not believe in rules,” she says. Use whatever involves microwaving them between paper towels. If you has written seven books on the topic, says that for better or amount you think works best. That may depend on how have more time - and don’t we all now? - try the oven. worse, culinary authorities have been successful in indoc- old the herbs are, so take a whiff. “Smell is your best Gregorio first washes and blots the herbs dry with paper trinating us that fresher is better. “I know people think sense,” Gregorio says. “That will help guide you when towels and then transfers them to a sheet pan in the oven fresh is best,” she says, but “with the situation we’re all you’re going through your pantry.” on its lowest setting, ideally less than 200 degrees (try going to be in, dried is going to be essential.” Here are some She does caution against going overboard on mint, using the “warm” setting, if your oven has one). things to keep in mind once you start pulling out those jars. though. “It’s almost like salt. Too much of it can over- Start checking them after about an hour, although it whelm a dish.” may take longer. Once they crumble between your The right amount fingers, they’re done. Or for the super-slow method, Dried herbs are more potent than fresh. As McVicar Where they really shine Gregorio says you can wrap them in paper towels and explains, you’re shrinking and dehydrating the leaves, “Dried herbs need heat, moisture and about twice as parchment and let them dry naturally on a sunny which intensifies the flavour and gives you more herb much cooking time to develop full flavour,” cookbook window sill. BOOK THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 11 DOHA TODAY

The Princess Bride and other fantastical novels to help you escape reality

SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA, LAVIE TIDHAR fantasy The Forgotten Beasts of Eld for the first time, as favourite current series goes, the Rivers of London THE WASHINGTON POST it has been reissued. It follows Sybel, a woman with books by Ben Aaronovitch have already made him a strange powers who collects fabulous beasts, whose No. 1 bestseller in the UK, and with good reason. Some- he world right now feels like an apocalyptic power draws the attention of forces battling each other times pitched as "what if Harry Potter grew up and novel. We're hunkering down on both sides of out in the world. Sybel must use her talent — but will joined the police force," these are delightful, com- the Atlantic to compile this, Silvia isolated in an she win, or lose, herself? The novel won the World pulsive and fresh — with a love of multicultural London attic in Canada and Lavie looking out of his Fantasy Award and the writing is simply beautiful. evident on every page, wonderfully diverse characters, window,T on the outskirts of London, onto a buried the Want to get lost in a good book or four? You couldn't do magic, mystery and mayhem. Once you start, you will Second World War-era air raid shelter. There is much better than these. literally not be able to put them down. His latest, False nowhere to go, there is nothing to do and, in the Silvia: A few years ago, I read Food for the Gods by Value, is out now. immortal words of 1997's As Good As It Gets, it's all a Karen Dudley, a charming take on Greek mythology Silvia: Erica L. Satifka won a British Fantasy Award little too much reality for a Friday night. with the twist that the protagonist, Pelops, is not a for her novel Stay Crazy in 2017. When I read it, I called Especially when this reality was considered impos- heroic man out to save the world, but a celebrity chef. it "They Live" meets Walmart. It involves a woman who sible science fiction only last week. He becomes involved in a mystery while having to also had a me ntal breakdown, is now working at a super- For once, everyone wants an escape. With cinemas, deal with troublesome mythological creatures. In that market and starts speaking to a box of chicken nuggets restaurants and other public venues closing and movies sense, it's a bit like Cassandra Khaw's Rupert Wong that warns her about an alien invasion. Now, she has to and TV shows halting production in response to the urban fantasy novels — also highly recommended — save the world, while making minimum wage. Satifka's novel coronavirus pandemic, perhaps reading will but with an ancient world angle. But I guess my top wry sense of humour is a delight. Folks who liked become the next big thing? escapist fantasy read would be Roger Zelazny's The Charles Stross and his Laundry Files series should We're not sure, but let us help you pick something Chronicles of Amber. As a teenager, I remember finding check this one out, and a major publisher should sign to read just in case. So light up a candle, draw the blinds a volume that compiled the books and powered Satifka up and give her a deserved big break. Finally, I closed and settle in with a good book. through them during a weekend. At the end, I was hal- think in times like these we could all turn to that classic Lavie: My trusted go-to fantasy has to be Patricia lucinating from lack of sleep, but I had to find out the tale of true love, rodents of unusual size and meta com- McKillip's Riddle-Master trilogy — The Riddle-Master fate of Corwin, who wakes up one day in the hospital mentary, The Princess Bride. And if you want to con- of Hed, Heir of Sea and Fire and Harpist in the Wind. with amnesia and then discovers he's a member of a tinue with something romantic but in an epic vein, Why these are not universally known, and why McK- royal family with magical powers. There's parallel there are L Penelope's Earthsinger books, which are illip is not a household name, is a mystery to me. Origi- worlds, adventure and intrigue, and the series would sure to sweep you into a world packed with magic and nally published in the 1970s, and available now in the make an excellent TV show. excitement. convenience of your own home as both e-books and Lavie: I love Amber, and everything by Zelazny. His —The Washington Post audiobooks, the three books chart the life of Morgon, Lord of Light is a masterpiece, but for pure fun you Moreno-Garcia is the author of the novels "Gods of Prince of Hed, a riddle master caught in an impossible might like his final novel, A Night in the Lonesome Jade and Shadow," "Signal to Noise" and, most riddle game that threatens the land he loves. Timeless, October, a charming and macabre tale illustrated by recently, "Untamed Shore." Tidhar is the author of both intimate and epic, beautifully and poetically the great Gahan Wilson and featuring several well- several novels, including "The Violent Century," "A written, I re-read them whenever I can. More recently, known Victorian characters, including a certain great Man Lies Dreaming," "Central Station" and "Unholy I read McKillip's strange, enchanting stand-alone detective and a well-known count. ... As far as my Land." 12 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 DOHA TODAY

ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST

he 73rd annual Travel Goods Show was held in New Orleans on March 4 and 5, which seems like an eternity ago. During the show, I took a tem- porary break from the news amid the comforting rowsT of rolling luggage, racks of neck pillows and com- munity of travellers whose pulses also rise over soap con- tainers and portable coffee presses. In the midst of so much uncertainty, the products were reassuring and hopeful: One day soon, we will be speed-wheeling through international airports and sleeping fitfully at cruising altitude. And when that day comes, we will need to stock up on the latest gear and gadgets — not pasta and antibacterial wipes. Over the two days, I picked through 20,000 products pitched by 130 exhibitors from 20 coun- tries. (The virus prevented 20 Chinese companies from attending.) I inspected contraptions that made me wince, such as sleep aids that resembled instruments of torture, and others that I enthusiastically welcomed into my life - and my luggage. Here are my top discoveries: Keeping insects away: Wearing bug spray is hardly fashionable, but neither is scratching like a dog infested with fleas. To bring some panache to an outdoor imper- ative, Pang Wangle founder Jennifer John infused per- methrin, an insecticide blessed by the World Health Organization, into a line of garments. "Insect Shield was created for the military," she said, "but we're putting it into pretty clothes." The line includes an infinity scarf ($48); the Optimist Pant, which resembles leggings ($64); and a wrap ($58) in four colours: sandshell, rust, faded denim and black. John, a New Orleans resident who fre- quently battles bugs in a steamy environment, plans to introduce a linen pant with more air flow. The repellent lasts for more than 70 washings and deters a host of bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and midges, also known as no-see-ums. The clothes are stylish: Imagine Eileen Fisher dressing a remake of Out of Africa. I also conducted a deep sniff test and inhaled the comforting scent of natural fibres, including organic cotton, silk and fibres made from eucalyptus and beech trees. The scarves won't cover all of your exposed parts, so you will need to loop and layer creatively. No more soggy soap: Soap storage routine is Keep the bugs away in shameful. I usually start the trip with a bar in a plastic bag style with Pang Wangle's and end with a sliver wrapped like a Halloween mummy wrap, which is infused in toilet paper or tissues. So I was beyond excited to find with insecticide Matador's FlatPak Soap Bar Case ($12.99). The lightweight waterproof pouch is constructed out of a fabric called welded Cordura that allows the bar to dry without leaking or creating a slimy mess. After washing, simply BendyWoman ($10) works multiple jobs. For example, slip your wet (!) soap into the sleeve, fold down the roll she can hold a smartphone or tablet in her lap, illuminate Rollink's top and snap the buckle enclosure like a troll-size dry dark surroundings with her button eyes, and use her rolling luggage bag. You can decrease the size of the container as your limbs as hooks for bags, hats and dangling cords. Of collapses to bar diminishes, then expand it when it is time for a full- course, BendyCouple have their limitations. They can't, two inches in size replacement. The company also makes FlatPak Toi- for instance, reliably carry your hot chai or coffee thickness. letry Bottles ($12.99) for more liquidy substances. Simply through the airport. For these moments, the California transfer your toothpaste, shampoo, lotion or other goopy company launched the Trolley Partner ($15). The heather product from the larger bottle or tube to the pouch using gray luggage accessory has three pockets: two spaces can the wide-mouth opening. Then squeeze out your daily hold a cup or water bottle and a third is sized for a smart- amount through the small hole in the cap. The item can phone or documents. The ultralight item wraps around hold up to three ounces, the magic number anointed by the handle of a rolling bag like a cummerbund, and the the Transportation Security Administration. Be sure to Velcro closure prevents jiggling and spills as you race to write the contents on the white label, so you don't end up your gate. However, Tania Rodrigues, the company's brushing your teeth with conditioner. founder and designer, reminds beverage-swilling trav- Hold the phone: BendyMan needed a strong woman ellers to "put a lid on your coffee and a stopper." to help carry his load and light the way. Walter + Ray Squeeze your luggage: TheRollink Flex Vega 21 won complied. Like her rubbery male counterpart, the Innovation Award for best new luggage plus the Buzz TRAVEL THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 13 DOHA TODAY

destine touch-ups. holding the soggy bag. But no more. Lightload Stay safe - in style: Welly starts with a Puer Tea's sampler pack ($6.99) is a tiny peridot stackable metal tin, a reusable, recyclable and box filled with five bricks of Camellia sinensis retro material that puts plastic to shame. Then the that was harvested from the high mountains of At the annual company fills the palm-size container with items China's Yunnan province. The slabs of com- critical for non-911 medical emergencies. The pressed leaf tea are as small as a square of choc- Quick Fix Kit ($6.99), for example, is stocked with olate and can fit in a wallet or pocket. When tea eight colourful fabric bandages in two sizes, plus time rings, break off a piece for a personal-size three single-use antibiotic ointments and three mug or drop the whole five-gram portion into the Travel Goods hand sanitiser packets. If you're more accident- pot for gallon tea party. Disciples of the "leave no prone, upgrade to the Human Repair Kit ($8.99), trace behind" ethos can do exactly that with a big which increases the first-aid supplies to 30 gulp. bandages, two kinds of ointments and six hand Stay untangled: Logan Bailey, founder of sanitisers. When it's time for a refill ($3.49), turn Fuse Reel, found his inspiration inside his uni- Show, plenty your cuts and scratches into a fashion statement versity library in Utah. Not in the stacks but on with decorative bandages featuring such whim- the study tables, amid a spaghetti tangle of sical motifs as monsters, eyeballs, unicorns and chargers. His mission was to tame the cables. rainbows. Two years ago, he came out with the Side Winder Embrace compression socks: At the ($26.99), which organizes a Macbook charger of pack-worthy SockWell booth, which seemed cool enough to with a simple snap of the case and the wheeee! of sponsor a roller derby team, I realized how the wheel. He eventually expanded the line to wrong I had been about compression socks cover the entire Apple oeuvre, including ear buds ($26.99). I learned that everyone, not just folks and chargers for iPhones and iPads, called the products with vascular disease, should don a pair. That I Snap Back (from $9.99), and his latest release, the should wear them not just for long flights but for Watch Side Winder ($11.99). With all of the extended hours of walking, standing and sitting products, you can charge your gadget while it's as well. That they come in different heights, from housed in a Fuse Reel, but the Apple Watch's has Award - deservedly so. As someone who just returned from an expedition knee-high to ankle. And that the style choices are an additional amenity: a docking station. You can cruise to Antarctica with her mother and her rolling bag, I can't overstate no longer "ugly and uglier," in the words of Emily also shorten or lengthen the cable distance the need for collapsible luggage in small spaces. The carry-on, which will Yann, a national sales manager. SockWells are between machine and outlet, so you won't be the become available in June ($89), features a polypropylene hard shell with made of merino wool grown in the Rocky Moun- traveler who trips other passengers with your life fabric sides, up to 11 gallons of storage space, two wheels, a retractable tains and bamboo rayon, which help manage line. handle, a side pocket and several colour choices. Standard stuff, until you moisture and keep your foot and shoe drier. Yann break it down: The bag compresses to two inches in thickness. I am ter- recommended moderate compression for rible at spatial challenges, so I was the perfect guinea pig for this test. After short-haul flights and firm compression on Items from the a quick demo by Eyal Azoulay, the Israeli company's chief executive, I lengthier trips but left the design decision to 73rd annual stepped up to the table. I unzipped the bag, pushed in the soft sides and me. She showed me dozens of patterns and Travel Goods watched it come crashing down like a house of cards. In its slender state, colours, including some that sparkled. I was Show in New the bag could slide under a bed or squeeze into a narrow closet, out of toe drawn to a hot pink pair with a chevron Orleans. harm's way. pattern, proof that I was an enlightened A portable chair: If you suddenly need a seat — maybe you found a compression sock-wearer. perfect patch of lawn in Paris or happened upon an engaging busker in Tea, please: Coffee drinkers seem to Nashville — pull up Standley's Leanbag ($89). The Danish-designed receive all of the attention and inventions backpack transforms into a lounge chair: Attach the padded seat to the from the travel industry (see the AeroPress clips on the bottom edge and pull out the aluminium frame, which fits Go Travel Coffee Press, which won Best Use snugly against the bag's sides when not in use. The bag is sturdy, unlike of Technology and appeared in Travel's 2019 many stadium chairs. At the New Orleans show, I pushed my full weight holiday gift guide), while tea-sippers are left against the frame, and neither seat nor seated toppled over. The backpack, which comes in camel, black or burgundy, shares the same utilitarian chicness as Sweden's Fjallraven Kanken backpack. But all of Standley's products hold a little secret inside: an inscription to "Watch More Sunsets than TV." Whether that sunset is in the sky or on your laptop, which slides into its own padded sleeve, is not specified. Vanity on the go: Trust me, a hotel or cruise bathroom mirror is not a true reflection of yourself. Your skin is not wan; your eyes are not jaun- diced. Blame the lighting, not last night's second martini. To look your best, Riki Loves Riki created Riki Colorful ($80), a miniaturised version of a Hollywood star's bulb-trimmed vanity. The portable mirror closes like a clam shell and pops into action with three dimming settings and a mag- netic tray that allows you to curate your makeup kit, so you don't have to bring your entire toolbox. With the depotting device (heart-shaped, of course), remove your chosen palette of eye shadow, blush, foundation or other cosmetics and place the smaller squares and circles on the magnetic tray. If the individual sections do not have a metal backing, affix one of 20 magnetic stickers. If your cruise ship hits a wave or your travelmate acci- dentally topples your Riki, your makeup will stay put. The mirror also comes with a USB cable, rechargeable battery and velvety case for clan- 14 THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 MUSIC DOHA TODAY

Live music is on an indefinite hiatus - here’s how it’s affecting touring musicians and their crew

Even artistes as successful as David Crosby are fearful of the impact the tour cancellations will have.

ALLISON STEWART England’s Glastonbury Festival, and across-the-board cancelling,” she says. “The expectation is, if you can phys- THE WASHINGTON POST suspensions of North American shows put on by industry ically get onto the stage, you’re doing the shows. There’s a leaders AEG Presents and Live Nation Entertainment. very toughened attitude within touring culture, where laina Moore, one half of husband-and-wife indie Their albums pushed back, their tours postponed or everyone is sick all the time and making sacrifices and pop duo Tennis, didn’t really begin to worry about cancelled, musicians find themselves in a situation iden- you just play the show anyway.” Aher band’s spring tour until March 6, the day the tical to that of civilians: suddenly stuck at home, isolated, Many musicians and their touring crews live pay- city of Austin cancelled the South by Southwest festival stir-crazy and scared, unsure how long their money will check to paycheck, but those below the line — drivers, over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. In the hold out, or if they will have jobs to return to. And, like merch people, guitar techs — are even less financially next 10 days, as the threat from the virus grew, cities and everybody else, they’ve been steadily adjusting their equipped to weather months off the road. Employees at states began to issue individual bans on gatherings, first expectations downward: Maybe things will be OK in a shuttered music venues are also struggling. Audrey Fix of more than 1,000 people, then 250, then 50, each few weeks, then maybe by summer, then maybe by the Schaefer, communications director for IMP, which runs announcement setting off successive tripwires of anxiety fall. Washington, DC’s 9:30 Club and the Anthem, says the among travelling musicians and the people who work for “A lot of your blue-collar-income-level artistes, they company is trying to find temporary jobs within the them. can’t afford not to do the work,” says Nick Storch, an organisation for their hourly workers. They’ve also Moore and her husband, Patrick Riley, self-finance agent with Artist Group International. “Them taking invited them to raid the clubs’ kitchens for perishables. Tennis, paying to record their new album, “Swimmer,” three, six months off, they’re literally living hand to Singer Alice Cooper was in Germany when his tour and set up a tour to support it out of their savings mouth.” “basically collapsed,” he wrote in an email. With his account. Touring is how they pay themselves back. On Cancellation insurance is expensive, and only the top North American spring dates indefinitely postponed, he is Monday, the day after the Centers for Disease Control acts tend to have it. Insurance that would cover pan- now trying to figure out how to best help his crew, who and Prevention issued a recommendation that gatherings demics is even more unusual, and expensive. Even South aren’t full-time employees and not covered under his of more than 50 people be cancelled for the next eight by Southwest, one of the most renowned music festivals insurance. weeks, the duo had come to self-realisation moment. in the world, didn’t carry it, the festival’s founders told “We will be doing something for them,” he said. “It’s “We’re in shock a little bit,” she says. “We were the Austin Chronicle. the right thing to do, a lot of our tour family has been with hoping that some of our tour dates could be salvaged, For virtually any artiste, a cancelled show is usually a us for 10, 15, 20 years, and we are like a family. ... These because we were going to tour all the way into mid-May, rare and seismic event, anyway. Tours are exhausting things affect a lot of people, not just our band and crew, but now it’s very obvious that this is beyond anything we slogs, and tour buses and vans are petri dishes during and not just our fans, but also local venue workers, our could’ve imagined, and we’re going to be home for a long cold and flu season, but the show almost always goes on. bus and truck drivers and companies, sound and lighting time.” On average, an artist might only cancel two or three dates companies and techs, hotels, airlines.” Tennis joins an ever-growing list of bands postponing in a decades-long career. Streaming decimated musicians’ traditional revenue and cancelling concerts: Miami’s Ultra music festival, Moore had the flu for Tennis’s entire 2018 tour, which streams, leaving touring one of the few ways anyone can Coachella and its sister festival Stagecoach, concerts by continued even after she fainted in a Whole Foods and make money. Even pre-pandemic, many established Cher, BTS, Maluma, the Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish, was hospitalised. “People would’ve been mad at me for artistes were holding on by their fingertips. Rock band THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 15 DOHA TODAY

right now.” Veteran musician David Crosby had planned to be on the road most of the year, plans that are now in jeopardy. “I’m not trying to whine about my situation,” he says. “It’s happening to everybody. It’s happening to other people who can handle it even less well than I can, and I can’t handle it very well. I don’t have much in the way of savings or anything.” If he loses the lucrative summer touring season, Crosby worries, he and his family might lose their house. “If I have to sell some guitars, I will. That’s the only thing I’ve got, and I will sell some if I have to, to ke ep it.” In the early weeks of the outbreak, the patchwork nature of the government response, with clubs open in one state and closed in the next, meant that no one was sure when it made sense to pull the plug on their tour. No one wanted to overreact to a situation that hadn’t happened yet, but no one wanted to find themselves trapped on the road on the wrong side of a containment zone, with no shows, and no way to get home. For some artistes, merely making a decision for themselves proved comforting. Baltimore art-rock band Horse Lords cancelled the release show for their new album, “The Common Task,” and their entire tour along with it, hours before it was to begin. “To be the reason for people to come together and potentially spread this virus — we don’t want to be part of the problem,” says saxophonist Andrew Bernstein. “I feel like making the decision to cancel was incredibly difficult, but now that it’s made, it’s somewhat of a weight off of our shoulders. I feel like we made the right Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley of Tennis decision, and now we can move onto making other decisions.” Ally Brooke, a former member of girl group Fifth Harmony, had only made it through the first few dates Drive-By Truckers, who routinely sell out large theaters, and balance out doing the right thing for everyone’s health of her first solo tour when the shutdowns began. As she were in the middle of the soundcheck for their March 12 and our fans, but we’re trying to figure out how we’re made her way along the East Coast, toward what she Indianapolis show when it was cancelled, one of the first going to survive it, too,” says vocalist Patterson Hood. “As hoped would be a triumphant sold-out show at New casualties of Indiana’s ban on gatherings of over 250 a small business that doesn’t exactly have a huge amount York’s Gramercy Theatre, the news reports became people. “We’re trying to be responsible and good citizens, of reserves to fall back on, it’s a very scary, precarious time more grim. “As we started to get closer to New York, literally New York was shutting down,” she recalls. The decision to cancel the rest of the tour, which was all but made for her, was heartbreaking. “We were on an amazing run for a couple of days, and then, bam, you’ve got to go home. It was quite the turn of events.” Like returning astronauts, artistes coming off the road face a period of decompression. To abruptly trade a bustling tour for an infinite stretch in solitary will be difficult. “We go, go, go for 24 hours a day,” says Heather Ryan, tour manager for electro duo Sofi Tukker, which had planned to tour this Spring. “Then when you go home, you kind of have this post-tour depression- relaxation-rejuvenation period, and too much of that disrupts the flow. People getting into funks is my fear.” No one is sure when the funk might lift. Many artistes plan to move their postponed tours to the fall, a touring season already so competitive, Alaina Moore likens it to “Mad Max.” There might be more music than the market can hold, but talent agent Storch, who is already booking his artists for autumn shows, argues that there are worse fates. “We have two choices,” he says. “We can sit in a corner and be terrified of what’s going on, or we have to keep going forward. We’ve got to give everybody hope.” The Pearl-Qatar, where every day brings a reason to smile. The Island of The Pearl-Qatar, an iconic mixed-use urban development retailers and visitors need, in one location. From beachfront Viva ! " #$ Centrale. It’s a world that’s alive with wonderful surprises.

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