THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 • [email protected] • www.thepeninsulaqatar.com • 4455 7741 inside The gems and CAMPUS stars left off • Total and QTF brief students the Oscars list on tennis P | 4

P | 8-9 MARKETPLACE • Turkish Airlines launches new promotions at Doha Travel Agents Meeting

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HEALTH • Steroid shots for tennis elbow may hurt, not help

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HOHOSPITALITY • SSri Lankan flflavours at GGulf Paradise

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TTECHNOLOGYE • MMicrosoft Surface PPro gets tough eearly reviews DOHA GETS READY FOR P | 12 LLEARNE ARABIC • LearnL commonly uused Arabic words aand their meanings P | 2-3 SPORT DAY P | 13 2 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 COVER STORY

Things to do on National Sport Day

By Isabel Ovalle by members of Qatar’s National team between 10 and 11am and 4 and 5pm. ational Sport Day will cel- Qatar’s most successful National ebrate its second edition Team, Men’s Handball, will be in the this Tuesday with a long spotlight at the Sport Zone, as mem- Nlist of events that will take bers of the squad who recently rep- place in various locations distributed resented the country at the World through the city, to reach as many par- Championships in Spain, will reveal ticipants as possible. There are activi- to youngsters the secrets of the sport ties for all tastes, including football, in a two separate one-hour sessions, basketball, cricket, aerobics, swim- between 9 and 10am and 7 and 8pm. ming, canoes and many more. These In association with the National are some of the venues and locations Shooting and Archery Federations, all where you can have a good time while those who are interested to check their exercising. shooting accuracy will have a try out at Corniche will hold the VIP Walk a special designed tent. Laser guns will and the Walk for All. The VIP Walk be installed and will dare shooters to hit will see Officials and Dignitaries from bull’s eye towards targets. The venue Ministries, State institutions and will open from 9am to 9pm, with the Embassies walk between Orry and national team experts show off to be Sheraton at 9am, in an initiative that held from 11 to 12am and from 6 to 7pm. will symbolically open the celebrations A new, countrywide weight los- of National Sport Day. ing competition will get everyone on Interested individuals will be able the way to a fitter and healthier body. to take to the water as well, cour- This initiative, aimed at promoting the tesy of the Qatar Sailing and Rowing health and social benefits of an active Federation which will host canoe- lifestyle and a balanced diet, is open to ing practices between 8am and 4pm. both men and women and will run for For a drier option, they will be able to a whole year and will see the winners choose sports like athletics, for which rewarded with valuable prizes at the the Qatar Federation organises fun 2014 National Sport Day. runs between 10 and noon, and the free The challenge is set and directed to cycling offered by the Qatar Cycling encourage overweight contestants to Federation from 11am to 4pm. lose weight and adopt a better lifestyle, Four mini-tennis courts will be with winners being selected on the base placed at the Sport Zone. The courts of criteria such as weight losing ratio, will be open to public from 9am till 9pm percentage of fat loss and overall fitness with a two-hour exhibition performance and shape. PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 3

Why a Sport Day? • Widen the scope of community participation in sport and physical activities and increase the average of active participation. Participants can register only on National Sport • Provide all members of Qatar society with the oppor- Day, at the sign-up locations within the QOC Sports tunity to participate in entertaining activities. Zone on the Doha Corniche, Katara and Aspire Promote a sport culture in the society in order to Zone. All entrants will be divided in three age increase awareness about the importance of sport groups for each gender, with three winners declared and physical activities. in each one and an overall ‘Winner of Winners’ for • Establish criteria for measuring the level of social each gender, adding up to 20 total prize-achievers and individual participation in sport and physical to be announced next year. activities. On the other hand, the Dolphin Energy Doha • Promote the sporting and recreational activities and Dash will take place at the Losail International make participants enjoy the activities organised dur- Circuit, giving participants the chance to run on the ing the National Sports Day. circuit and follow in the tracks of Motor GP stars. • For more info, go to http://www.sportday.qa. The community event aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle and raise money for charity by donating a percentage of the entrance fee charged, and will feature a 5km run for participants aged 12 and over, a 3km run for all ages, a 1km run for children and a 1km ladies walk. For the first time in Doha, an American football match will be played at the Aspire Zone. Also in this venue, there will be a 4 kilometer run, beginning at Khalifa International Stadium at 10am. While Qatar Cricket Association will host a match at the Sports Clubs on February 12 from 8am to 7pm. Qapco will launch its new sports club, situated in Messaieed on National Sports Day. The grand opening will be followed by the programme of the day with over 43 games and competitions for the company’s employees. The venues are: Corniche, Aspire Zone, QOC Sports Zone, Katara, MIA Park, Sports Clubs/ Federation, Olympic Parks and Firgan Playgrounds, Al Refaa Road and Industrial Areas. The Peninsula 4 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 CAMPUS / COMMUNITY Total and QTF brief students on tennis n the occasion of the Qatar Total Open 2013, Total E&P Qatar, along with Qatar OTennis Federation (QTF), organised a visit to the French- Qatari school Lycee Voltaire on Tuesday. The aim was to give stu- dents insight into tennis as a pro- fessional sport and present to them elements of a successful world class tennis tournament. As part of the visit, a presentation was made by Wahid Alioua, coach at the QTF, and a former tennis player. He briefed the students on WTA Tour and provided them with insight into Total, QTF and school officials with the students. the career of a touring professional player and opportunities presented in and various opportunities offered in like before they go and see these pro- On Wednesday, Total and QTF this sport. the tennis industry.” fessionals compete in the tournament.” will host students of Lycee Voltaire Stephane Michel, Managing Director Saad Al Mohannadi, Tournament Jean-Pierre Debaere, new at Khalifa International Tennis and of Total E&P Qatar, said “We are very Director for the Qatar Total Open Headmaster of Lycée Voltaire, was Squash Complex to live the ‘Qatar happy to be organising this visit to 2013, said: “It is important to host an quoted as saying: “It is a great idea to Total Open’ experience. Lycee Voltaire along with Qatar Tennis event like this before the Qatar Total have at Lycée Voltaire the transcrip- The youngsters will be given a Federation, as it gives students the Open begins. It gives students the tion of Qatar’s ambitions in sport. chance to interact with tennis stars opportunity to fully understand what opportunity to understand the game “We hope this kind of opportunity backstage and attend tennis matches goes into making a great tennis player and what the life of a tennis player is will happen again in the future.” on that day. The Peninsula Reception for Spanish national football team IAID scores 100 percent in LCM exams

The Ambassador of Spain, Carmen de la Peña, and the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Ángel Villar, during a reception hosted in collabo- FROM LEFT: Marianne Indrinal, centre head, Lal Pathmakumara, acoustic guitar ration with the Spanish Business Council on the occasion of a visit to Qatar by instructor, David Saraza, keyboard, piano and vocals instructor, Rebecca Chambers, the Spanish national football team. LCM Examiner, Rajesh Jadhav, IAID Director, Dimple Rajesh, Artistic Director and Elmira Barona, Assistant Center Manager.

usic students of IAID, an Academy for Dance, Music, Arts & Hindustani music concert at SDC Fitness, have achieved 100 percent pass rate for the London College of Music (LCM), University of West London UK, Winter tudents of Skills of Hindustani classical MExamination 2012. Development Centre music. ‘Sangeet Visharad’ The accomplishment marks the fourth consecutive year, covering six S(SDC) will be per- from Prayag Sangeet examinations, in which IAID generated a 100 percent pass rate. A total of 168 forming at a Hindustani Samiti, Allahabad, and candidates took the exams for classical piano, electronic keyboard, acoustic Classical Music Concert ‘Sangeet Bhushan’ from guitar and Western vocals conducted by Rebecca Chambers, a trained pro- under the guidance of Pracheen Kala Kendra, fessional musician and the official examiner from LCM. Barnali Biswas (pic- Chandigarh, to name a “The success of the programme is mainly credited to the hard work of tured), a well-experienced few. She is also a recipi- students and instructors as well as the over-all assistance of the academy teacher and performer in ent of ‘Shilpa Ratna’ from personnel and staff in ensuring to meet the high standard of quality train- Hindustani Classical Music. Sarbabharatiya Sangeet ing that IAID is committed in doing over the years,” according to Marianne The event will be held today Parishad affiliated to West Indrinal, IAID center head. “Moreover, the unwavering support from the from 7pm at SDC. Bengal State Academy of students’ families in encouraging them to excel and follow their dreams sum Biswas is associated with Music and Fine Art, India. up all the factors that complete this important achievement.” SDC as Music and Art Teacher. She is For the past 19 years, the gifted art- The next LCM summer examination is tentatively set for June this year an experienced professional in ‘Kirana ist has been grooming young talents and is accepting applications from IAID and non-IAID students starting Gharana’, one of the most prolific from GCC countries. March 2013. For more information, visit www.iaidonline.org. The Peninsula Hindustani Khyal Gharanas in India. The event is open to the public. She holds multiple titles in the field The Peninsula MARKETPLACE PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 5

Community partners honoured for efforts ExxonMobil Qatar President and General Manager Bart Cahir hosted a dinner in recognition of its com- munity partners for their efforts on behalf of Qatar. “Over the years, ExxonMobil has been proud to stand alongside local businesses and organisations to further enhance the landscape and lives of Qatar’s people,” he said. Representatives from Qatar University, Social Development Center, Injaz Al Arab, Qatar Olympic Committee, Al Jazeera Network, Al Shaqab, Qatar Tennis Federation, Qatar Paralympic Committee, Katara, Unesco, and American School of Doha were honoured, ExxonMobil Qatar officials with guests among others. Turkish Airlines launches new promotions at Doha Travel Agents Meeting

urkish Airlines (THY), the national carrier of Turkey, announced new promotions Tand 2013 travel campaigns at a meeting with Doha’s travel industry professionals, highlighting the airline’s planned expansion of its 217 city global network. The meeting, at Crowne Plaza Hotel, was attended by travel agents who were presented with an overview of Turkey’s destination highlights, competitive fares to beyond desti- nations in Europe and the US and the airline’s upcoming campaigns for Istanbul Shopping Festival in June Turkish Airlines officials with travel industry professionals. and Ramadan in Istanbul Festival. Mehmed Kursad Caymaz, General competitive prices currently avail- magic of Istanbul, the city’s fascinat- benefits of corporate packages and Manager for Turkish Airlines in able out of Doha, providing local ing sites, exquisite cuisine, boutiques membership of The Turkish Corporate Qatar, said: “We are delighted to agents with incredible value for and international shopping, with a Club, which offers exclusive discounts, launch promotions that allow our their clientele. We are encouraging free night’s stopover on their next free luggage allowance, free tickets and customers to benefit from our our customers to take advantage flight from Doha.” flexibility. award-winning services at the most of the latest offer to discover the Travel agents were presented with The Peninsula

ibq becomes strategic partner of How Women Work Conference 2013

nternational Bank of Qatar (ibq) is the “We congratulate the How Women Work team on Strategic Partner of the upcoming How their brilliant efforts to see another edition of their Women Work conference, which will be held in highly acclaimed conference taking place in March Qatar on March 6 and 7, 2013 at Renaissance with growing interest from both attendees and I Jabra Ghandour Carolin Zeitler Hotel, City Centre, Doha. The conference intro- speakers. This has been a very encouraging point duces a stellar line-up of speakers who will touch for us at ibq and it is to that effect that we have upon key topics related to the personal and profes- strengthened our partnership with this community women in Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the sional lifestyles of women in Qatar. ictQatar is also by being a Strategic Partner stemming from our National Development Strategy, we continue to Partner Sponsor in line with their new initiative belief in the growing and significant role ladies are empower women in Qatar to grow and succeed. for Women in IT. playing in our community. This initiative in general Classical male forums, like the majlis, allow men In 2012, ibq and How Women Work community also ties in perfectly with our bespoke banking to have the opportunity to network and promote announced their strategic partnership based on solutions — the ibq Ladies Banking products — themselves and exchange ideas. We take active which the bank will support the conference for the which aim at providing this segment with an all- steps towards moving more women into leadership third year running following the sponsorship of the encompassing and customised service to both their positions and self-determined career paths by giv- How Women Succeed book which was launched in personal and professional needs. We are looking ing them their own forums to network, develop and the fall of 2011 in Doha. forward to an inspiring edition of the conference,” thrive.” says Carolin Zeitler, Founder of HWW. Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director of ibq, said: “Encouraged by the clearly stated aims for The Peninsula 6 PLUS | SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2013 LAW Employer should provide experience certificate when employee ends service

I am an Indian national teaching in an Indian employee who has worked for one year or more school for the past few years. I am under my should be paid end of service benefits, which must husband’s sponsorship. Legal corner not be less than three weeks’ salary for each year 1. Do teaching jobs come under the Labour of service, beside other dues. End of service benefits Law? Also, are employees directly hired and are based on the last basic salary drawn. In case of those locally hired by the school covered by dif- By Abdelaal A Khalil non-payment or unnecessary delay in payment of ferent laws? Legal Consultant dues, the employee has the right to go to the labour 2. Three months prior to the end of each court, where cases related to the labour law are academic year, the school authorities circulate Please send your queries to: considered free of charge. However, such cases are a consent memo to teachers, asking them to [email protected] not considered one year after the end of the work inform if they are willing to continue in service. I contract. informed them of my unwillingness to continue in 4. The employer should provide the employee service, due to personal reasons. When I joined with an experience certificate when they end their the school, my sponsor, my husband, gave a ‘No service, and without any charge. The experience Objection Certificate’ to the school authorities. certificate should mention the dates of employment, Since I have decided to resign, is it mandatory end of service, the type of job, and salary. for my husband to inform the school authori- 5. The job contract has three copies, one for ties about the withdrawal of the ‘No Objection the employer, the second for the employee and the Certificate’? third for the Ministry of Labour. The employee can 3. It is common for the school authorities prove his/her work relationship with the employer not to pay the end of service benefits and last not only through the contract but also through docu- month’s salary to teachers at the time of leaving ments showing the transfer of salary. the job. They pay the dues only after the person makes several visits to the school. Where should I complain to get the dues without delay? I was stopped by the police driving without 4. The school does not issue any service a Qatari driving licence on the first day of Eid certificate to teachers. As per the law, can Al Fitr last year. My car was confiscated and I I get a service certificate as a proof of my was taken to the traffic police department for teaching experience? investigation, and then to prison. After about 5. The school has not given me a copy 17 hours in jail, I was taken to the prosecu- of the employment contract; the only proof tor, and he told me I had two weeks after the I have is bank statements showing my sal- Eid holidays to get a Qatari driving permit ary transfers. if I did not want to face any problems, and Name withheld as soon as I got the permit I would have to go to the traffic prosecutor’s office ANS: and show my permit, and I would 1. The questioner is an employee of one be bailed out. That’s exactly what of the community schools, which come under I did. When I went to the traffic the supervision of the Supreme Education prosecutor’s office, I was told my Council (SEC), which gives these schools case had been sent to court. the licence to function in Qatar. Beside What are the court’s rulings in Independent schools, which have replaced cases such as mine? Will I go to government schools, there are two types of prison or be deported? schools -- private and community schools -- Name withheld and both have existed for long. Independent schools function under the law of Human Traffic Law No. 19/ 2007 stipu- Resources (No. 8/2009) and the executive lates that no one is allowed to drive regulations of SEC. Private and commu- any type of vehicle unless he has nity schools operate under labour law No. a valid driving licence issued by 14/2004. the authorities concerned. The law 2. According to the labour law, women exempts visitors and tourists who hold a valid under the sponsorship of their husband or non-Qatari driver’s licences. The visitors must guardian are required to get permission to produce the licence before the authorities within work from the Ministry of Labour and a no 15 days of their entry into Qatar so that it can objection certificate from their husband or be approved by the authorities. guardian. These documents are required by The law also applies to visitors holding a valid the employer, and are renewable if the work international driver’s licence. relationship continues, and are cancelled with According to the law, violators would be the termination of the work contract. There is sentenced to a prison term of one month to no need for withdrawal of NOC for leaving the three years or a fine ranging from QR10,000 to job since the document is attached to the work QR50,000. permission and loses validity with the expiry of Regarding the issuance of the licence within the permission. 15 days of the incident, as per the order of the 3. Labour law No. 14/2004 says that a woman attorney general, the case will be reserved if it is at doing the same job as a man has equal rights regard- Public Prosecution. However, if the case has been ing salary, promotion and training opportunities. referred to the court, the driver’s licence should Wage here includes the basic salary and all allow- be produced before the court to get acquittal from ances, bonuses and rewards, regardless of how they the charge of driving without a licence. are calculated. The Labour law requires that an The Peninsula HEALTH PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 7

Health Tips Steroid shots for tennis from DOCTOR elbow may hurt, not help By Genevra Pittman pain and functioning among peo- in the Journal of the American ple with tennis elbow any better Medical Association. Aeroplane ear etting a cortisone than saline shots, over a period Symptoms were also more injection won’t cure of three months. likely to come back after a corti- tennis elbow any bet- Researchers at the time cau- sone injection. The research team Continued from yesterday Gter than a drug-free tioned that the study’s follow-up calculated that one more person Risk factors saline shot, according to a new period was short and the results would have a recurrence for every Any condition that blocks the eustachian tube study — and it might actually might look different at six two or three treated with steroids or limits its function can increase the risk of slow recovery. months or a year post-injections. instead of a saline shot. aeroplane ear. Common risk factors include: Researchers found that a few By following patients longer, “This evidence does not sup- • A small eustachian tube, especially in infants weeks after receiving the ster- the new report shines a light on port the clinical practice of and toddlers oid shots, people reported less the possible long-term tendon using corticosteroid injection to • The common cold pain and disability than those damage that can be caused by facilitate active rehabilitation,” • Sinus infection who’d been given placebo injec- cortisone shots, Mishra said. the study team wrote. • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) tions. But a year later, the same Cortisone injections typically • Middle ear infection (otitis media) patients lagged behind the pla- ‘DOES NOT SUPPORT’ start at about $100. • Sleeping on an aeroplane during ascent and cebo group in their likelihood of STEROID SHOTS Mishra said researchers are descent complete recovery. looking for better treatments to “This absolutely confirms that Bill Vicenzino from the address what is causing tendon Treatments and drugs steroid injections are not a good University of Queensland in pain in the first place, such as For most people, aeroplane ear usually heals idea,” said Dr Allan Mishra, an Australia and his colleagues weakening of collagen in the ten- with time. When the symptoms persist, you may orthopedic surgeon at Stanford randomly assigned 165 adults don. One possible option being need treatments to equalise pressure and relieve University in Menlo Park, with tennis elbow to one of four studied by himself and others is symptoms. California. treatment groups: Cortisone so-called platelet-rich plasma “This is important, because shots with physical therapy, pla- injections, but “we’re not quite Medications people think that it’s okay to get cebo shots with physical therapy, there yet,” he said. Your doctor may pre- a cortisone injection (for ten- cortisone shots without physical Many cases of tennis elbow scribe medications or direct nis elbow), and it’s not okay. It therapy and placebo shots with- also go away on their own with you to take over-the-coun- puts you at a disadvantage long out physical therapy. time and basic stretching, ter medications term in terms of getting better,” After one year, there was no Mishra added. • Decongestant nasal Mishra, who has studied ten- difference in people’s improve- “I think home-based exer- sprays nis elbow treatment but wasn’t ment in pain or functioning based cises are probably sufficient for • Oral decongestants involved in the new study said. on whether they’d had the eight treating this,” he said. “You’d be • Oral antihistamines The condition is caused by sessions of prescribed therapy. better off with that than with a Dr Praveen D S Specialist – ENT, Head overuse of tendons in the elbow Among those who’d received cortisone injection. That’s what Surgery & Neck and typically treated with non- a cortisone shot, 83 percent you should start with, because Surgical treatment of Healthspring World Clinic steroidal anti-inflammatory reported they had completely you might not even need physi- aeroplane ear is rarely drugs, physical therapy and recovered from tennis elbow by cal therapy.” necessary. However, your steroid shots. one year. That compared to 96 SOURCE: bit.ly/JjFzqx Journal of doctor may make an incision in your eardrum Last month, a study from percent of those who’d received the American Medical Association, (myringotomy) to equalise air pressure and drain Denmark found neither steroid a placebo injection, according to online February 5, 2013. fluids. nor platelet injections improved findings published on Tuesday Reuters

Prevention Follow these tips to avoid aeroplane ear: • Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent • Valsalva Manoeuvre: Gently blow, as if blow- ing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and Asian plants may keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times • Don’t sleep during takeoffs and landings • Use an over-the-counter decongestant nasal offer remedy for spray • Use oral decongestant pills cautiously (In consultation with your doctor) • Take allergy medication wo plants from South • Use filtered earplugs East Asia may have • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration anti-diabetic proper- • Avoid alcohol and caffeine Tties and could help tackle obesity as well, believe diabetes Helping children prevent aeroplane ear: British researchers. These additional tips can help young children A team of researchers at the avoid aeroplane ear: University of Greenwich plans weight loss to some extent. diabetes treatment. • Encourage swallowing. to investigate Cassia auriculata The group had previously “Our other most interesting • Consider ear drops. and Cassia alata whose extracts hit upon a constituent called finding is that many of the active • Avoid decongestants. could yield active ingredients kaempferol 3-O-rutinosidehe ingredients from the Cassia for a remedy to diabetes which from the extracts of one of the auriculata plant work through exists in two forms — Type 1 and plants which was proven to be a process called ‘synergism’ — in Type 2. eight times more potent than other words, they work together The former normally affects the standard anti-diabetic drug to produce an effect greater children, while Type 2, which is acarbose. than the sum of their individ- most common in adults, (often The researchers have also ual effects,” says Dr Solomon diagnosed later in life) can be identified anti-oxidant proper- Habtemariam of the research managed by diet, exercise and ties of the plants which aids in team. IANS 8 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 MOVIE PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 9

HOLLYWOOD NEWS BOLLYWOOD NEWS Upcoming southern Marriage?ctor Charlie NotSheen again,says he says Sheen will never walk down the The gems remakes in Bollywood Aaisle. The 47-year-old has been mar- ried thrice in the past to actresses Donna Peele, Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller. However, after the failed mar- and stars riages, the actor is now not keen on entering another wedding alliance, reports contactmusic.com. “In baseball when you strike out three times, it is a golden sombrero. the Four times is a platinum sombrero... left off I’m not wearing the platinum som- brero of marriage,” Sheen said. The actor is currently dating Georgia Jones. Oscars list

By Leonard Maltin performance as the movie’s colourfully sin- there a more convincing or persuasive use dodilemma. the math: To With understand the Academy it, one ofneed Motion only ister villain. Both Dench and Bardem are of “movie magic” this year than a teddy Perry to launch her own fashion range f I could remove any word from Picture Arts and Sciences now enabling former winners, so the Academy actors’ bear come to life sharing the screen with inger Katy Perry is reportedly Oscar conversations, it would be nine films to compete for Best Picture — branch clearly appreciates them … just not Mark Wahlberg in Seth MacFarlane’s Ted? By Haricharan Pudipeddi planning to launch her own fash- “snubbed.” It’s catchy and makes in fact, they allow as many as 10 — but enough to make this year’s finals. Even To me, that’s the most amazing kind of Sion range. good headline fodder, but it implies retaining only five slots for Best Director, so, Skyfall earned a record five nomina- trickery, because you’re forced to believe The 28-year-old will launch the range that a cabal of Academy members at least four world-class filmmakers are tions, including one for Thomas Newman’s what your brain tells you can’t be true. ith as many as 10 remakes in the offing and some already for young women in collaboration with satI in a room and consciously decided to guaranteed to be left out in the cold. rousing music score and one for cinema- Yet Ted didn’t even make the Academy’s being made, south Indian movies will again provide fodder for fashion stylist friend Johnny Wujek, ostracise this actor or that moviemaker. How those four happened to be Kathryn tographer Roger Deakins, who has been short list before the final five contenders WBollywood filmmakers this year. reports thesun.co.uk. These ballots are filled out by 6,000 to Bigelow, Ben Affleck, Tom Hooper and nominated 10 times and never taken home were chosen. Okkadu and Kandireega are the most recently announced southern “Katy has been asked about setting up 7,000 voters, ranging from visual effects Quentin Tarantino this year is anybody’s one of those gold statuettes. (It’s the first For my money, there is one 2012 release remakes in Bollywood. In the last two years, six southern remakes — her own fashion line for years. But she’s experts to screenwriters to studio chiefs. guess. time around for Adele, who sang and co- that has truly been robbed. It happens to Bodyguard, Ready, Singham, Housefull 2, Rowdy Rathore and Son of Sardaar started to talk about it seriously with I can’t envision secret meetings to decide Only members of the director’s branch wrote the movie’s theme song.) be a box-office blockbuster, which offers its — have raked in over `6bn at the box-office, fuelling the trend. Johnny now,” a source said. the fate of each candidate. get to nominate directors; that’s an elite Over the course of the year, a hand- creators (and backers) some consolation, Some upcoming southern remakes in Bollywood: “They would use inspiration from the Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) and vet- group of fewer than 400 people. The same ful of other films elicited critical notice I’m sure. Still, The Avengers is the best Thuppakki: The yet-to-be-titled Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster likes of Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani eran French star Jean-Louis Trintignant constituency didn’t cite Affleck for his ter- that might have led to Oscar recogni- comic book superhero movie of this, or Thuppakki stars Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead. A R because they are sophisticated dressers - were both considered serious contenders rific movie The Town a few years ago but tion: Richard Linklater’s Bernie offered possibly, any year, in large part because of Murugadoss, who directed the original, is helming the remake as well. The very bright and vintage-looking stuff,” the for a Best Actor nomination; neither made did support Bigelow and Hooper, who went Jack Black an unusually juicy part as a Joss Whedon’s sensationally smart, funny film went on floors recently. source added. the final cut, even though Trintignant’s on to win for The Hurt Locker and The real-life Texas character who may or screenplay. There is none of the self-seri- Policegiri: Starring Sanjay Dutt and Prachi Desai, Policegiri is the co-star in Amour, Emmanuelle Riva, was King’s Speech, respectively. They were early may not have murdered his older female ousness that mars The Dark Knight Rises Hindi remake of Tamil film Saamy. Tamil director K S Ravi Kumar has nominated for Best Actress. At one point, boosters of Tarantino, who won an Oscar companion. Novelist Stephen Chbosky’s or the hollowness of earlier Marvel efforts wielded the megaphone for the remake, which also features Prakash Raj. the gifted John Hawkes was touted as a for Best Screenplay for Pulp Fiction in 1994 adaptation of his best-selling book The like Thor. It doesn’t run out of steam like Rangrezz: Priyadarshan’s Rangrezz is a Hindi remake of Tamil hit shoo-in for his brilliant performance in and was nominated for Best Director for Perks of Being a Wallflower earned warm Captain America or simply repeat itself film Nadodigal, which has already been remade in Telugu, Malayalam and The Sessions. But I’ve learned never to use his last film, Inglorious Basterds. It may be reviews for its deeply felt look at high like Iron Man 2. Kannada. Jackky Bhagnani and Priya Anand feature in the cast. the word “shoo-in” where the Oscars are true that they’ve undervalued Ben Affleck, school outcasts. Co-star Ezra Miller Whedon pulls off the formidable feat of Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya: It is the Hindi remake of Telugu blockbuster concerned. but there is no logic to the omission of the has been singled out in particular amid assembling an all-star cast of characters Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana starring debutant Girish Kumar and Shruti There were fewer surprises in the Best three other Best Picture directors. a talented young cast. Two of the best and giving each a purpose. He takes a two- Haasan. Prabhudeva, who directed the original, is directing the Hindi Zeta-Jones more beautiful Actress category, although some pundits What’s more, the Academy’s director performances of the year were given by dimensional villain from Thor and makes version as well. had predicted Helen Mirren for Hitchcock, lineup doesn’t coincide with that of the Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña in him truly menacing. He breathes new life Filmy Picture: This spoof featuring Riteish Deshmukh is the Hindi than ever: Douglas Marion Cotillard for the French import Directors Guild of America, which histori- David Ayer’s vibrant LA cop drama End into the lumbering Hulk. He makes us care remake of Tamil comedy Tamizh Padam, which was recently remade in Rust and Bone” and Rachel Weisz, who cally, and almost invariably, has forecast of Watch, but their work has been largely about all these characters and gives them Telugu as Sudigadu. The team is yet to finalise the leading lady. won the New York Film Critics’ award, the Oscar winner. But that was before the overlooked. Fortunately, Peña is in the a cause worth fighting (and rooting) for. Kick: After starring in remakes such as Wanted, Bodyguard and Ready, ctor Michael Douglas believes his for The Deep Blue Sea. As it happens, they Academy opened up the Best Picture cat- running for an Independent Spirit Award On top of that, he infuses his screenplay Salman Khan will be seen in Kick, the Hindi remake of a Telugu film of the wife Catherine Zeta-Jones looks took a collective backseat to the youngest egory beyond its traditional five slots, so as Best Supporting Actor. with a welcome dose of humour, including same name. Sajid Nadiadwala will direct the film, which will also feature Abetter than ever. female ever nominated in this category, now all bets are off. (For the record, this Christopher Nolan loyalists are still some of the funniest moments ever found Deepika Padukone. The 68-year-old is married to Zeta- 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of year’s DGA nominees are Affleck, Bigelow, miffed that the filmmaker has been nomi- in an ostensibly serious superhero saga. Shortcut Romeo: It is the Hindi remake of Tamil film Thiruttu Payale. Jones, 43, for 12 years and he has two the Southern Wild) and the oldest, 82-year- Hooper, Ang Lee and Steven Spielberg.) nated for two of his screenplays (Memento Moviegoers around the world loved the Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta feature in the film, children with her — son Dylan, 12, and old Riva. and Inception) but never recognised as result, and even critics sang its praises. which is being directed by Susi Ganeshan, who made the original. nine-year-old daughter Carys. The always-crowded Supporting Actor WHAT ABOUT ‘TED’? Best Director — and that the finale in his But aside from a nomination for its excel- Ramana: After Rowdy Rathore, Akshay Kumar will play the lead in “Catherine and I are doing well. She is and Actress rosters excluded such promi- Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, did lent visual effects, the movie was shut out. yet-to-be-titled Hindi remake of Tamil film Ramana. The director for the more beautiful than ever inside and out. nent figures as Nicole Kidman, Leonardo Every round of Oscar nominations not earn a Best Picture nod this year. Normally, this wouldn’t be shocking, as the remake is yet to be announced. A R Murugadoss helmed the original in I support her with everything and she DiCaprio, Samuel L Jackson and Maggie brings its share of surprises and disap- Omissions don’t come only in the bold- Academy tends to shun popcorn movies Tamil. is simply the best,” people.com quoted Smith, while admitting Philip Seymour pointments. Many people I know were face categories that attract the lion’s share except in the technical categories, but The Pizza: The Hindi remake rights of Tamil film Pizza were bought by Bejoy Douglas as saying. Hoffman for what is clearly a leading role counting on Judi Dench to be up for Best of attention. It’s understandable that The Avengers is no ordinary popcorn movie. Nambiar recently. The cast and crew of the film are yet to be announced. in The Master. Supporting Actress, which would have Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Life of Pi, Then again, if the Oscars followed a The untitled film will be produced by Bejoy under his home banner Getaway But the biggest buzz concerns this made her the first person to be singled out Marvel’s The Avengers, Prometheus and predictable path — mine or anyone else’s Films. year’s Best Director lineup. Experienced for a performance in a James Bond movie Snow White and the Huntsman are compet- — they wouldn’t be the Oscars. The final IANS Oscar watchers could see this brewing, in that series’ 50-year history. There was ing for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. surprises will be unveiled on February 24. as the current Oscar setup has a built-in also great enthusiasm for Javier Bardem’s But if you stop and think about it, was Reuters 10 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 HOSPITALITY Sri Lankan flavours at Gulf Paradise

By Fazeena Saleem three types of meat, sea food and three desserts. hefs from Sri Lanka are back “We want fellow Sri Lankans to in town to create the most enjoy the flavours out side home and authentic Sri Lankan dishes the non Sri Lankans to experience our Cfor residents of Doha. traditional food,” said Fouzi Mohideen A mouth-watering experience awaits the General Manager of Gulf Paradise you as the fifth edition of ‘Flavours Hotel. from Sri Lanka’ is set to begin today A special feature of the food festi- where the finest Sri Lankan dishes will val will be that guests call contact the From Left: Isidro Lim, Sales Executive, Dilmah Tea, Joanne Lim, rep- be brought to life by experienced Chefs hotel in advance and order the chefs resentative of Dilmah Tea, Fouzi Mohideen the General Manager of at the Al Thoraya restaurant of Gulf for their favourite Sri Lankan dish, Gulf Paradise Hotel, chefs K A A Wijesiri and Nalin Fernando during their preparations for the Flavours from Sri Lanka. Paradise Hotel-Doha. exclusively. Sri Lankan Ambassador Jayantha Chefs will also be able for the guests Pallipane will open the ten day food to meet and know any the recipe for festival at 6pm, to coincide with their Sri Lankan dishes. Chef K A A Wijesiri from Sri Lanka shares country’s 65th Independence Day, cel- “We have flexible menus, if a guest ebrated early this week. calls us one day head and give his pref- one of his special recipes for Plus readers. Two renowned chefs — Nalin erence, even if the dish is not included Fernando and K A A Wijesiri — from in the menu, we will exclusively make Cinnamon Lakeside, a five star hotel in it for them. Also guests can meet our MUTTON POL KIRI BEDUMA Coconut milk: 1 cup Colombo, are in town for the food fes- chefs throughout the food festival,” said (MUTTON FRY WITH Water: 1 cup tival that will be on till February 16 to Leandro, Marcos Cabuena, Executive COCONUT MILK) Cooking oil: 3 table spoons create the most authentic Sri Lankan Chef, Gulf Paradise Hotel. Butter: 20g cuisine. A special trolley will be available Ingredients (5-6 servings) Red Chili pieces: 3 tea spoons “We have brought all needed spices through out the food festival serving Boneless Mutton (cut into pieces): 500g Lemon: 2 tea spoons and traditional ingredients from Sri 12 flavours of ‘Dilmah,’ authentic Sri Chopped onion: 150 g Lanka to make the dishes authentic,” Lankan tea. Chopped Green chilies: 40 g Method said Chef Fernando, on his arrival in Dilmah Tea joins the partner spon- Garlic paste: 25g Heat the oil in a saucepan. Fry onion, garlic, gin- Doha, yesterday. sors of the event Sri Lankan Airlines, Ginger Paste: 25g ger, curry leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, tomato “Different menus will be served on Zamems, Pepsi, Happy Land, Abdul Chopped garlic: 5g until they turn golden brown colour. Add chili all ten days and Ceylon Crab Curry Aziz & Family Food Centre. Also Zam Cardamom clove: 10 powder, turmeric powder and water boil until it with Murunga Leaves (Drum Stick gems and Dilmah tea will have their Cinnamon: 1 inch piece becomes thick as a paste. Then add mutton and leaves) will be a special dish we will stalls at the food festival. Curry leave: Few cook for 25 minutes. Add 25g roasted curry pow- be adding to the menu this year,” he Flavours from Sri Lanka’s dinner Chopped tomato: 100g der, coconut milk and boil. added. buffet will be open between 6pm and Chilipowder: 50g Heat butter in a separate saucepan, little Flavours from Sri Lanka’ will daily 11pm and priced at QR60, with half Roasted curry powder: 25g chopped garlic, 5g roasted curry powder and red serve six types of salads, two soups, price for children less than 12 years. Vinegar: 3-4 teaspoons chili pieces. Roast for three minutes. Add it to the three wheat items, four vegetables, The Peninsula Salt: 2 table spoons cooked mutton, with lemon and stir well. DJ live at InterContinental today

lobal DJs, in association Doha Beachfront, today at 8pm. He with InterContinental Doha will be joined by local favourites Jade Indian Night at and iloveqatar.net, is all set Rox, Steve KZ, Xwolf and Global DJs Gfor the country’s first beach creator Jared McCulloch. Grand Heritage party of the year featuring DJ Ferry Corsten, from the Netherlands, has Corsten, at the InterContinental produced and remixed for the likes of Justin Bieber, U2, Moby, Faithless, The Killers, William Orbit, Duran he Grand Heritage Doha has announced another addition to their Duran, Public Enemy, Nelly Furtado list of special calendar occasions — an authentic Indian Night, to be and many others, including winner held every Thursday, starting today, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Flavours is of the X-Factor, Melanie Amaro. His Tthe all-day dining buffet experience in the luxurious Grand Heritage claim to fame also includes seven full- five-star hotel, famed for its rich Victorian architecture. length studio albums, namely: Looking Rupool Mazumder, Director of Food and Beverage, said: “We will showcase Forward as Ferr; Out Of The Blue and the essence of Indian cuisine with a real contemporary twist, freshly prepared Together as System F; and Right Of by our talented chefs. Way, L.E.F., Twice In A Blue Moon and “The idea is to keep the ethnic Indian flavours intact, while our chefs bake WKND as Ferry Corsten. a variety of fresh breads and kebabs in an authentic tandoori oven, making Tickets are available for QR 350 it a complete Indian experience for everyone.” (VIP) and QR220 (regular) at Virgin “Flavours’ Indian Night menu will feature a contemporary twist of Indian Megastores, InterContinental Doha cuisine, including a variety of delectable curries, biryanis and kebabs. lobby and Crepaway. Entry only for 21 “Flavours’ talented chefs will be using a traditional tandoori oven to make plus with valid Qatari ID or passport. fresh Indian breads and signature dishes, all washed down with tasty Indian The Peninsula tea or mango lassi.” The Peninsula TRAVEL PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 11

Is luxury travel on the move?

By Peter Myers

hat does a luxury holiday mean: Private transfers by Rolls-Royce Wand gold-plated taps on the dou- ble vanity, or an intrepid, individually tai- lored excursion to better understand a new destination? Industry experts think affluent holiday- makers now place more emphasis on service, personalisation, and authentic and enriching travel experiences than the mere physical trappings of luxury. Rather than indulge in over-the-top, escapist holidays cocooned from reality, Perry Lungmus, a Vice President at Travel Leaders Group, says his bookings reflect that people want “small ships, lodges, camps and interaction led by guides who can help facil- itate wildlife, cultural or people-to-people connections”. In the UK luxury market “people don’t care as much about the hotel room,” says Geoffrey Kent, founder, Chairman and CEO of veteran tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K). “The key thing they want today is personal service. The guide has to be real. People love things they can’t Google.” That guests are demanding aspiration and experience over ‘bling’ might be partly in Fold-up maps: A hit with response to the drawn-out economic situ- ation where, as Lorna Walker, Programme Director of the MA Business Management of hip young travellers in Europe International Travel and Tourism at Regent’s College London puts it, “Conspicuous con- sumption is now seen as somewhat tasteless”. By Teddy Nykiel 20 minutes chatting to a young vol- DANISH HIPPIES The recession could also be driving people unteer who circled their map with Each city operates independ- to seek out life-affirming experiences. April n a world of iPads, GPS and a string of extra destinations to ently, but they are all organised Hutchinson, editor of travel trade magazine digital technology at your explore. under USE-IT Europe. If a city ttgluxury says vacationers are looking to their fingertips, one international The couple, bundled up in heavy wants to launch a map, it is respon- travel company to curate a more meaningful Itourism organisation has dis- coats against the cold and wear- sible for lobbying for funding. In trip for them. covered that few things beat the ing near-matching thick-rimmed Belgium, funding comes from the In response, according to Hutchinson, traditional fold-up map. glasses, have plans to travel through- Flemish government and local city brands are trying to forge deeper emotional USE-IT, a non-profit group out Europe during their exchange. authorities. connections; this means “talking about herit- that traces its roots back to 1970s Guides for cities from Vienna to The story began in Copenhagen age and showcasing craftsmanship, offering a Denmark, is an independent maker Porto are scattered around the in 1971, the organisation says. Young multi-platform, inspirational 360 experience of free and funky city guides aimed USE-IT office. hippies were flooding into the city, so for their clients instead of just selling them at students and other young trav- The maps are pre-marked with the mayor created a pop-up hostel a handbag now and again.” ellers, and it’s developing a cult the locations of hostels, restaurants, for wandering travellers. The hos- Of course, there are still exceptions, she following. bars and other unique attractions. tel began offering travel information adds. “Plenty of bling still abounds, but per- Designed and written by local art- On the map for Bruges, in north- and soon enough the first USE-IT haps of more interest to the ‘new money’ of ists and contributors, the colourful, ern Belgium, there are “places to guide was published. the world!” individual maps are now produced in kiss” and on the Ghent one, all of the “You consider the people that How do travel brands, especially the bigger 23 cities across 14 European coun- graffiti-ed walls are marked. are using the maps friends,” said ones, present a personalised, intimate experi- tries, with another two dozen cit- The Brussels map includes a waf- Tine Declerck, a coordinator for ence to their clients? A&K think they have ies lining up to take part in coming fle graphic that points out a “tour- the group in Brussels. “You are just found an effective template in their recently months. ist waffle” — topped with whipped giving them advice.” unveiled concierge-meets-security-and-med- The guides, covered in sharp com- cream and strawberries, and a This year, USE-IT Europe ical assistance scheme Lifestyle Club. mentary and doodle-like markings, “super tourist waffle” — topped received funding from the European Members and their partners are allocated scream youth and endeavour to with a mountain of ice cream, fruit, Commission to expand its network a travel consultant and a lifestyle manager point users to the hidden treats of and more cream. Belgian fries are and there are groups in at least 25 who can help design custom-made trips and otherwise familiar cities. “It shows marked too. cities trying to launch USE-IT maps give 24/7 workaday assistance, from send- places you don’t see in the city guides The guides are written colloqui- of their own. Some of the money ing flowers to securing impossible restaurant you can buy,” said Olivier Bourdon, a ally, just as a friend might speak, so from the Commission will be used to reservations and VIP sporting or entertain- 23-year-old exchange student from the commentary leans towards the create a smartphone app, although ment tickets. Montreal visiting Brussels with sassy. Local artists ensure each one USE-IT editor Marichal thinks A&K, which has been designing top-end his girlfriend, Raphaelle Paquette. has a flavour that reflects the vibe of traditional fold-up paper maps will trips for its affluent guests for 50 years, says “When you travel, you want to see the city. (www.use-it.travel/home) never be obsolete. it will limit the number of members of its what is local.” “We always tell the artists, ‘If your “Where everything is marketed Club to 600, so it can present “exclusive At the USE-IT office in Brussels, grandmother sees it, she shouldn’t or digitalized, sometimes simple offers to a very close group.” where maps can be picked up free of like it,” said Nicolas Marichal, USE- things work better,” he said. Reuters charge, Bourdon and Paquette spent IT’s Editor-in-Chief for Europe. Reuters 12 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 TECHNOLOGY

Apps of the DAY

(For Android users) DREAM HOUSE DAYS (Free) I am one of a growing number of mobile gamers who repeatedly run their batteries into the ground play- ing any new game from Japanese developer Kairosoft. This latest is a freemium title where you play “both architect and landlord”, building your own real estate then attract- ing tenants.

SKETCH O PAINT (Free) This looks good fun: a drawing app for Android smartphones and tablets with an emphasis on ink ‘n’line art, with digital brushes and nibs, and the ability to save and share the sketches you create to your device’s gallery.

EVERCLIP PRO WEB CLIPPER (£1.99) Evernote has its own very- popular Android app, but this is a Microsoft Surface Pro third-party app designed to help you “clip” images, text and websites to your Evernote account through simple touchscreen controls. It’s the gets tough early reviews paid version of an existing free app. SCOOPT (Free) Scoopt is the latest attempt to nail the social-location-recommen- By Bill Rigby dations app genre, promising to compromising quality. But review- impressive hardware specs for such a help you “find the right place fast, ers found the device uncomfortably unique form factor. It can go toe-to-toe at home or abroad”. Shopping, res- S tech writers have given stranded between a tablet and a PC, with any other thin and light laptop,” taurants and cafes are all included, Microsoft Corp’s new with many compromises. he wrote. with integration of Instagram for Surface tablet-laptop hybrid “It ran all the software I threw at it “(But) you can’t rest the Surface visual flair, and Facebook for shar- Ulargely negative reviews, — both the new type and the old desk- Pro comfortably on your lap without ing your discoveries. casting a shadow over the software top type — speedily and well,” wrote it flopping around. You can’t adjust the group’s hopes to take a bite out of sales Walt Mossberg on the All Things D angle of the screen when it’s propped ANGELA’S VALENTINE of Apple Inc’s iPad and MacBook Air. tech blog. on a table with the built-in kickstand,” (Free) The latest Surface runs on an “But the Pro has some significant Kovach added. Millions of people are still going Intel Corp chip and features the full downsides, especially as a tablet ... It’s “You need to spend at least another bonkers for the Talking Friends Windows 8 Pro operating system, too hefty and costly and power-hungry $100 to get the full laptop-like experi- apps, and this Valentine’s spin-off which Microsoft hopes will make the to best the leading tablet, Apple’s full- ence with one of the special keyboard has already topped 500k Android device attractive to people who want to size iPad. It is also too difficult to use covers. At 10 inches, the screen feels downloads in its first week. The app produce as well as consume material. in your lap. It’s something of a tweener a bit small for traditional desktop is a mixture of postcard templates It also hopes to appeal to businesses — a compromised tablet and a compro- computing. to send to loved ones, music videos who want to give employees light- mised laptop.” “The cheapest model only has 23 GB starring feline characters Angela weight, mobile machines that fit eas- Mossberg said the Surface lasted of free storage, so you’ll have to buy a and Talking Tom Cat, and suitably ily into their technology and security less than four hours on his standard separate memory card because you’ll romantic animations. infrastructure. battery test, half the performance of definitely need more than that.” The “Surface with Windows 8 Pro”, an iPad. He also expressed concerns David Pierce, writing on The Verge FEEDME (Free) as it is officially called, is available about the usable memory on the 64 GB tech news site, singled out the high More restaurant-hunting appage from Saturday. Windows co-chief Tami version. quality of the screen, quick startup here, but this time focused on the Reller said earlier this week it is a key time, the USB port on the charging US. This app uses data from Factual. part of revving up interest in Windows NOT AS GOOD hub and pressure-sensitive stylus. com, which pulls in restaurant details 8, launched last October but which has “The Pro is definitely snappier and But he criticised the lack of from 40 sources including Yelp, not gripped consumers’ imaginations. more ‘performant’ (to use a bit of Microsoft’s Office suite of applications Foursquare and Zagat. The idea: The Surface Pro is thicker, heavier Microspeak),” wrote Mary Jo Foley — which have to be purchased sepa- quick recommendations for places and several hundred dollars more on the ZDNet tech blog. rately — and its general awkwardness. to eat, with aggregated reviews. expensive than the first Surface RT, However, she added: “I keep scratch- “Even a well-executed Surface still which runs on an ARM Holdings Plc- ing my head over who Microsoft doesn’t work for me, and I’d bet it DUNGEON QUEST (Free) designed chip and is not compatible expects to buy the Surface Pro. It’s not doesn’t work for most other people You can’t beat a good dungeon- with old Microsoft programs. as good of a tablet, in terms of weight/ either,” Pierce wrote. based action-RPG, which is exactly Available in 64 and 128 gigabyte ver- battery life, as the Surface RT is. But “It’s really tough to use on anything what Dungeon Quest looks like. sions, both with wifi-only connectivity, it’s also not as good of a Windows 8 PC but a desk, and the wide, 16:9 aspect Available in beta, it sees you playing the Surface Pro starts at $899, exclud- as other OEM-produced devices, com- ratio pretty severely limits its useful- a wizard and exploring 100 dungeon ing a $120-plus keyboard. That is $200 ing in at lower price points with better ness as a tablet anyway,” Pierce added. levels battling monsters, collecting more expensive than a comparable battery life and other specs.” “It’s too big, too fat, and too reliant treasure and then upgrading it. The iPad and closer in price to the 64 GB Steve Kovach, writing for Business on its power cable to be a competitive full version of the game is due in the MacBook Air laptop at $999. Insider, praised the specifications on tablet, and it’s too immutable to do next couple of months. Microsoft has said the device is the new Surface, but not the experi- everything a laptop needs to do. In its Prices mentioned are for UK the first to bring a full operating ence as a whole. quest to be both, the Surface is really Suart Dredge / The Guardian system to the tablet format without “The Surface Pro has some neither.” Reuters COMICS & MORE PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 13

Name of hours: LEARN As’sa a Al wahida As’ saa, it Remark: Names of ARABIC means the hours are similar hour is .../ to the names of it is one numbers, we just o’clock put before the number Al, or A, then at the end we put A As’saa Ath’thaniya Two As’saa Ath’thalitha Three Hoy en la Historia As’saa Ar’rabi’a Four As’saa Alkhamisa Five February 7, 2010 As’saa As’sadisa Six Laura Chinchilla became the first woman to be elected Presi- As’saa As’sabi’a seven dent of Costa Rica. She was As’saa Ath’thamina Eight protege of outgoing president As’saa At’tasi’a Nine Oscar Arias As’saa Al ashira Ten 1932: The “neutron”, a neutral particle in the nucleus of atoms, was first reported by James Chadwick Baby Blues Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 1964: The Beatles’ ‘invasion’ of the United States began as thousands of screaming fans met them at the airport 1968: The leaders of all 10 provinces of Canada agreed to give the French language equal status with English 1992: European Community leaders of the 12 member states signed the Maastricht Treaty Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS ALL IN THE MIND Hagar The Horrible Chris Browne Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

ANSWER, APPLAUSE, AUDIENCE, BUZZER, CHALLENGER, CHAMPION, CHOICE, COMPETITOR, CONTESTANT, GUESS, HOST, KNOWLEDGE, MEMORY, PARTICIPANT, PLAYER, POINTS, PRESSURE, PRIZE, QUESTION, QUIZ, RECALL, RESPONSE, RIGHT, RIVAL, SCORE, SHOW, SPEED, SUBJECT, THEME, TIME, TOPIC, TRIVIA, VICTOR, WINNER, WRONG. 14 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 CROSSWORDS

ACROSS 48 Branches of study 5 Tiny bit 39 Make 50 “Told ya!” CROSSWORD 1 Barbers’ aids 51 “Is there something 6 Splitsville resident? 40 Right away 53 Crash site? 12345 6789 10111213 6 Like some batters more?” 7 Bygone muscle car 41 One of the Flying 54 Floss brand

14 15 16 10 Hurry it up 52 Lob’s path 8 [Damn, this is Wallendas 55 Big name in travel 14 Available for mugs 53 Woman’s package? frustrating!] 42 Actress Lamarr guides 17 18 19 15 Added, in 56 You’re being attacked 9 Talk and talk 45 The Clash’s “Rock the 57 Sheepskin holder while under it ___” 20 21 22 commercialese 10 In great supply 60 Dolt 16 Pizarro foe 58 “Vive ___!” 11 Powerless 46 American Leaguer 61 Warm lining 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 Flirty one 59 Man’s plank? 12 Lint catcher since 1954 62 Laundry day brand 18 Man’s labor? 63 Magazine revenue 13 Enmity 47 When mastodons 64 And the like: Abbr. 29 30 31 became extinct 20 Christina of “Sleepy source 19 Have 65 Look over 49 Like some amusement 32 33 34 35 36 Hollow” 66 Sea lettuce, e.g. 21 Fish salted for park passes 22 Barbecue grill brand 67 Something many a bacalao 37 38 39 40 41 42 23 Woman’s flippant celebrity carries in 23 Andean stimulant TWERP SPADE VPS public SANER A I DED AR I 43 44 remark? 24 River to the Rhine 68 Towering PROB I NGQUEST I ON 28 Wrangler rival 25 Iditarod transport PLUME ULM WOVE 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 69 Pay attention to 29 “___ Miss Brooks” 26 River near the SUBSET BOSOX 52 53 54 55 30 Golden, in México 70 Skirmish Leaning Tower CAF SR I SELF 31 Not stay rigid 71 Utah’s ___ Canyon 27 Sound from a pound OSLO AGO ROOMBA 56 57 58 SPANI SHDOUBLOON 32 Sweet-talk 31 Conk DOWN TSKTSK SUP DOWN 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 35 Garden decoration 33 Cambodian money HEAP STU SLO 37 Woman’s journalism? 1 Foldout bed 34 1974 John Wayne film HIREE EATING 66 67 68 43 NutraSweet rival 2 Telephone key with no 36 Advanced deg. for ER IQ DOT V IOLA letters FEATHERONESNEST 69 70 71 44 “___ Hall” musicians 3 Highest peak in Turk. TNT QU I LL ENOTE 45 Spiral shape 38 Bash on a beach 4 Nuts-and-bolts YEA STALE XANAX

HYPER SUDOKU How to play Kakuro: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells - called a run - any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.

YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate How to EASY SUDOKU play Hyper Easy Sudoku Puzzles Sudoku: Place a digit from 1 to 9 in A Hyper Sudoku each empty cell so every Puzzle is solved row, every column and by filling the every 3x3 box contains all numbers from 1 the digits 1 to 9. to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear YESTERDAY’S only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like a normal Sudoku. ANSWER CINEMA / TV LISTINGS PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 15

Rise Of The Guardians SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER TEL: 444933989 444517001 (Animation) – 2.30 & 4.30pm 14:30 English Sports 08:00 News 1 Lucky One (Drama) – 6.30pm News 09:00 Tutu’s Children 15:00 Atp Tennis 10:30 Inside Story Magazine 11:00 News 15:30 Twenty20 11:30 The Stream Jack Reacher – 8.30 & 11.00pm Cricket 12:00 News Bangladesh 12:30 People & Premier League Power The Guilt Trip (2D/Comedy) Sylhet V 13:00 NEWSHOUR – 2.30pm Rangpur 14:30 Inside Story 18:45 The Serie A 15:00 Witness ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) Show 16:00 NEWSHOUR MALL 19:15 Football 17:00 News (Hindi) – 4.15 & 7.00pm Friendly Spain V 17:30 The Stream CINEMA 2 Uruguay 18:00 NEWSHOUR The Final (2D/Horror) – 9.45pm 21:00 Total Itlian 19:00 News Football 19:30 Viewfinder 21:30 Football Friendly Latin America Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters France V 20:00 News (3D/Horror) – 11.30pm Germany 20:30 Inside Story 23:15 Rugby 6 21:00 NEWSHOUR Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) Nations England 22:00 News V Scotland 22:30 The Stream – 2.30 & 7.15pm 01:00 Total Italian 23:00 Revolution Football Through Arab 3 Broken City (2D/Crime) – 5.00pm Eyes Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) – 9.30 & 11.30pm 12:20 Time Warp 13:20 Wildlife SOS Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) 12:45 Mythbusters 15:40 Wildest Africa – 2.30pm 14:35 Border Security 16:30 Animal 15:05 Auction Kings Battlegrounds Broken City (2D/Crime) – 5.00pm 16:00 Desert Car Kings 17:00 Really Wild Show 16:55 Finding Bigfoot 17:30 Dogs 101: 1 Cockneys Vs Zombies 17:50 Mythbusters Specials 18:45 American Guns 18:25 Rescue Vet (2D/Comedy) – 7.15pm 19:40 How Do They 20:40 Safari Vet School Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) Do It? 21:35 Animal 20:05 How It’s Made Battlegrounds – 9.15 & 11.30pm 21:00 Auction Kings 22:05 Wildest Africa Mirror Mirror (Adventure) 21:30 Sons Of Guns 23:00 Wild Things 22:25 First Week In With Dominic ROYAL – 3.00 & 5.00pm 23:20 Outlaw Empires Monaghan PLAZA One For Money (Comedy) 2 – 7.00pm What To Expect When You’re Expecting (Comedy) – 9.00pm 13:00 Restless 13:15 Frankie And Planet Johnny Devil’s Double (Action) – 11.00pm 15:00 The Pack 16:05 The Purple 16:00 Ultimate Rose Of Cairo Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Animal 17:25 Another Pretty (Animation)– 2.30 & 4.30pm Countdown Face 3 18:00 World’s 18:55 Portrait Of An The Bangbang Club (Drama) Deadliest GPU Escort 19:00 Moray Eels: 20:35 Cops And – 6.30, 8.30 & 11.00pm Alien Empire Robbers Special 26 (2D/Hindi) 21:00 The Pack 22:00 Bound For 22:00 Ultimate Animal Glory – 2.30 & 7.00pm Countdown 1 Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) – 5.15 & 9.45pm The Final (2D/Horror) – 11.30pm 13:15 Foster’s Home 13:45 Destination Cockneys Vs Zombies For... Tokyo 14:30 Powerpuff Girls 16:00 Robin And The (2D/Comedy) – 3.00pm 17:00 Ben 10 Seven Hoods- Broken City (2D/Crime) 17:40 Johnny Test FAM 18:00 Level Up 18:05 Please Don’t – 5.00 & 9.15pm 18:50 Adventure Time Eat The Daisies 2 20:30 Total Drama 19:55 Hot Millions LANDMARK Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) Action 21:40 The King’s – 7.15pm 21:45 Bakugan: Thief Mechtanium 23:00 Pink Floyd Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Surge (3D/Horror) – 11.30pm The Guilt Trip (2D/Comedy) – 2.30 & 9.15pm 12:00 Beware The 13:00 Rebound Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) Gonzo 14:30 Rio 3 14:00 Best In Show 16:15 The Fantastic – 4.30 & 7.00pm 16:00 Bad News Bears Adventure Cockneys Vs Zombies 18:00 Just Crazy Of The Ugly Enough Duckling (2D/Comedy) – 11.15pm 20:00 High Fidelity 18:00 Kung Fu Panda 2 22:00 The 40 Year Old 20:00 Fairy Tale Tree Virgin 22:00 Rebound 16 PLUS | THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2013 POTPOURRI

Connecticut couple Events in Qatar A summary of MEDIA SCAN named ‘longest issues of the day discussed by the Message of HOPE 2012-13 Free married’ in US Qatari community Motivational Workshop in the media. When: Feb 7; 6:30pm– 9pm ohn and Ann Betar weren’t Where: Qatar Foundation Education City’s supposed to get married. Her HBKU Student Center Ball Room Jfather had arranged for her What: In a motivational workshop led by to wed another man, but she and five handicapped artists who paint with John fled Bridgeport and eloped their mouth or foot, the audience will be in New York. • People are calling for monitoring car of the Department of Traffic and its challenged to overcome their life’s challenges That was more than 80 years through determination, and motivated to look wash centres to ensure safety stand- efforts to prevent speeding by reduc- ago. The couple is still happily at obstacles as opportunities. The session hitched, a fact that has led to ards, health and hygiene. ing the distance between radars from involves live painting demonstration by the their naming as the “longest mar- • People are complaining about a long 4km to 2km. Mouth and Foot Painting Artists who will also ried couple” in the US for 2013 by delay in getting appointments at the • There is a call to take action against share their life’s stories on how they overcame Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a neurology clinic in Hamad Hospital old cars and some are surprised how their personal challenges to pursue their Christian marriage group based in and say this is causing problems to these cars pass technical tests. dreams and become successful. patients. • People are discussing the visit to free online registration at San Bernardino, California. • There is a demand for finding immedi- Egypt by Iranian President Mahmoud https://MessageOfHOPE. The Betars are scheduled to registertoattend.com/ receive a plaque and other gifts ate solution to the problem of aban- Ahmadinejad, the first by a president from the group at their grand- doned houses outside Doha. since 1979, and its importance. daughter’s home in Fairfield. • Some people are criticising those who • There is permanent traffic jam on the Forever Now They told the New York Daily establish tents in front of their houses road that leads to Woqod Roundabout When: Until March 31, 2013; 11am-6pm News that there are no secrets to and use them as majlis without any and Mesaimar Village, and this is Where: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art a long marriage, only a few simple What: Forever Now proposes new regard to their neighbours who are because of the works continuing for rules. “We just live with content- readings based on the works of five artists complaining that the tents are caus- a long time. ment and we don’t live beyond our from Mathaf’s permanent collection. This ing them disturbance. • There is discussion in the social media means,” John Betar said. “Just go exhibition unpacks new narratives that posit • There are complaints that call cen- about civil organisations, trade unions with the flow.” a unique understanding of five diverse artists: tres in some health centres are not and other professional associations. John’s now 101 years old and Fahrelnissa Zeid, Jewad Selim, Saliba Douaihy, responding to patients’ calls who want Why there are no such associations Ann is 97, and they’re still living Salim Al Dabbagh and Ahmed Cherkaoui. to confirm their appointments. and organisations in Qatar, people are in their home along the Fairfield Free entry • There is talk about the annual report asking. shore. They had five children, 14 Art of Travel grandchildren and 16 great grand- children. Two of their children When: Until Feb 11, 2013 died in their 60s. AP (Sun, Mon, Wed: 10:30-5:30; Tue: closed; Thu, Sat: noon-8pm; Fri: 2pm-8pm) Where: Al Riwaq Hall next to the Museum of Islamic Art IN by Mary Jos What: A watercolour album dated 1590 FOCUS was commissioned by Bartholomäus Schachman, mayor of Gdansk in 1604. It documents what he saw during his travels through the Ottoman Empire in 1588-89, depicting costumes and people, scenes of everyday life, festivals and ceremonies. Pages of the album are on display along with related artworks and documents providing visitors with a fascinating and vivid view back in time to the 16th century. Entry: Children free, adults QR:25

The Family When: Until Feb 28; 10am-10pm Friday: 2pm-10pm Where: Anima Gallery, The Pearl-Qatar What: First Guiragossian family exhibition. Despair, separation, re-union, love... Life in all its forms is portrayed in the works of Paul, Emmanuel, Jean Paul and Manuella Guiragossian. Free entry

Encounter: The Royal Academy in the Middle East Exhibition When: Until March 6; 10am-10pm Where: Gallery 1&2 Building 19 and Katara Gallery Building 22 What: An exhibition featuring over 80 works of art in a wide variety of media by 25 Royal Academicians and 25 prominent artists from across the Middle East. Free entry A photo taken inside the Katara amphitheatre by a Peninsula If you want a photograph taken by you If you want your events featured here Plus featured here mail it to [email protected] mail details to [email protected] reader.

Editor-In-Chief Khalid Al Sayed Acting Managing Editor Hussain Ahmad Editorial Office The Peninsula Tel: 4455 7741, E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]