Community Community Skills Berlin Development companies P6Centre P16 compete organises 15th to create the Summer Camp most attractive grand finale gardens for “SWAS 2018”. employees.

Monday, September 3, 2018 Dhul-Hijja 23, 1439 AH

Doha today: 330 - 400

RESEARCH: Mote Marine Lab researchers sample water off Sarasota as part of an investigation into the red ride hitting Southwest Florida.

COVER Be warned! STORY Red tide may be ‘natural’ but scientists in the US believe coastal pollution is making it worse. P4-5

BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD

Producer claims Kangana hasn’t Five lessons from summer hijacked upcoming Manikarnika. box offi ce hits and misses. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.57am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.15am Zuhr (noon) 11.33am Asr (afternoon) 3.03pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.53pm Yamla Pagala Deewana: Phir Se for his interest in money. Parmar, an erstwhile Casanova and a Isha (night) 7.23pm DIRECTION: Navaniat Singh colourful character who is also a sharp and intelligent lawyer CAST: Dharmendra, Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, Kriti of repute, is the paying guest in the brothers’ house. He is a Kharbanda thorn in Kaala’s side, as he is paying the same rent for the last USEFUL NUMBERS SYNOPSIS: Inheriting from our ancestors, the legacy of 35 years. Adding to the Punjabi mix, Chikoo is a pretty Gujarati the Ayurveda panacea ‘Vajrakavach’, a famed and eff ective girl, who steals Kaala’s heart and brings a sinister twist to the remedy for all ills, the brother duo Pooran and Kaala use the tale. kavach with varied intentions. While Pooran who is good- hearted puts in use his heritage to help people, Kaala looks out THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark

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

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi Aziz and produced by Anand L Rai and at the same time. Gangsters who’ve DIRECTION: Mudassar Aziz Krishika Lulla. Horticulture professor come to kidnap Happy and her husband, CAST: Jimmy Sheirgill, Sonakshi Happy (Sonakshi Sinha) arrives in pick up the wrong Happy, while Guddu Sinha, Diana Penty Shanghai and the other Happy (Diana and his wife Happy are escorted to a SYNOPSIS: Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi Penty) along with husband Guddu (Ali university to deliver a lecture. is a comedy fi lm directed by Mudassar Fazal) also lands up in the Chinese city THEATRES: Landmark, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q The Mall Cinema (1): Imaikka 7:30pm; Imaikka Nodigal (Tamil) Nodigal (Tamil) 2pm; Mazinger 10:30pm. “But man is not made Z: Infinity (2D) 5pm; Jawani Royal Plaza Cinema Palace for defeat. A man can be Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 6:45pm; (1): The Little Mermaid (2D) Reprisal (2D) 9:45pm; Jawani Phir 2:30pm; Nartanasala (Telugu) 2:30pm; Maringer Z (2D) 4:15pm; destroyed but not defeated.” Nahi Ani 2 (2D) 11:30pm. 5:30pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 The Little Mermaid (2D) 6pm; — Ernest Hemingway The Mall Cinema (2): Jawani (Urdu) 8pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani Reprisal (2D) 7:45pm; Slender Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 2:45pm; 2 (Urdu) 11pm. Man (2D) 9:30pm; Reprisal (2D) The Little Mermaid (2D) 5:45pm; Landmark Cinema (2): 11:15pm. Miss Granny (Tagalog) 7:30pm; Mazinger Z: Infinity (2D) 2:30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Kin (2D) 9:30pm; Slender Man The Little Mermaid (2D) 4:15pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) (2D) 11:30pm. Slender Man (2D) 5:45pm; Miss 3pm; Miss Granny (Tagalog) 6pm; The Mall Cinema (3): The Little Granny (Tagalog) 7:30pm; Happy Phir Bhag Jayegi (Hindi) Mermaid (2D) 2pm; Stree (Hindi) Reprisal (2D) 9:30pm; Yamla 8pm; Annanukku Jai (2D) 11pm. Community Editor 3:45pm; Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi Pagla Deewana Phir Se (Hindi) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Kamran Rehmat (Hindi) 6:15pm; Yamla Pagla 11:15pm. Happy Phir Bhag Jayegi (Hindi) e-mail: [email protected] Deewana Phir Se (Hindi) 8:45pm; Landmark Cinema (3): Jawani 2:30pm; Stree (Hindi) 5pm; Telephone: 44466405 Imaikka Nodigal (Tamil) 11:30pm. Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 2:30pm; Kin (2D) 7:15pm; Miss Granny Landmark Cinema (1): Yamla Souq Al Jumma (Arabic) 5:30pm; (Tagalog) 9:15pm; Happy Phir Fax: 44350474 Pagla Deewana Phir Se (Hindi) Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) Bhag Jayegi (Hindi) 11:15pm. Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Outdoor and five-a-side football pitches WHERE: Aspire Zone WHEN: Daily TIME: 7pm – 11pm Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available every day from 7pm – 11pm.

EVENTS honors from Harvard Business School and Med Food Hobby Classes both MSc and a PhD Management from WHERE: DECC WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al Katara Art Studio: Workshops for INSEAD. WHEN: October 1 – 4 Hilal Focus Medical Centre children TIME: 3pm – 9pm WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHERE: Katara Art Studio Choreography Lessons - Brazilian For international entrepreneurs, traders, Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic WHEN: Ongoing till September 15 Zouk manufacturers, suppliers, food technology performing artsinstitution and a one stop TIME: 3pm - 8pm WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier near companies, and hospitality services on food solution for adults as well as children As part of its rich educational programme, MOI and beverage, MedFood will be an excellent looking to explore their talents in various Katara Art Studio continues to offer WHEN: Ongoing till September 15 platform to open new vistas to foray into art forms. We offer classes in Carnatic a number of technical workshops till Brazilian zouk is characterised by the the emerging markets of Qatar While Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, September 15, aimed at enhancing dancers’ undulating bodies and the girls’ Qatar economy is rapidly progressing, the Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, artistic talents and creative abilities. The flowing hair. Dancer or not, depending on demand and supply of food is inevitable contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. workshops will include the art of paper the style of Brazilian zouk, you’ll be able increasing due to the growth of local For details, call 4723680/ 33897609. cutting and design, the art of the design of to choose connection and embrace with population, foreign worker and its tourism. felt and gouache by Jaya Elizabeth Jacob, long graceful steps. The final performance the art of painting the line brush (a course is scheduled to be on 15 September as a Breast Cancer Awareness for beginners) offered by trainer Grace flashmob. WHERE: InterContinental Doha Castrodes, silk screen and art drawing WHEN: October on the glass. According to Katara, these Doha Women Forum InterContinental Doha – The City is workshops attract children between age 4 WHERE: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa organising several activities (especially and over 11 years old. WHEN: September 26 at its various dining venues) that focus TIME: 8am – 5pm on highlighting the importance of early HEC Paris Masterclass Doha Women Forum 2018: Press for detection. Try the pink afternoon tea, the WHERE: 15th floor, Tornado Tower Progress is a platform where women can extravagant pink Bar Squared Brunch at WHEN: September 9 learn from experts, get inspired by the The Square and pink-themed nights at TIME: 5pm – 7pm experiences of other women, share ideas, Strata Restaurant and Lounge. HEC Paris is organising ‘The Journey of and network. The forum will feature the Innovation: From the Innovator to Eco- stories of women who took steps to affect systemic Innovation’, an opportunity to positive change in their workplace, their learn more about company innovation with community and personal lives. The event Dance and instrument classes HEC Paris Associate Professor Frederic will consist of empowering talks, group WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Dalsace, MSc from HEC and an MBA with discussions and workshops. Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Learn the movements of dance styles in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. For details, contact 66523871/ 31326749.

After School Activities International Wedding Exhibition WHERE: Atelier WHERE: DECC, Westbay WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: September 26 – 30 Music & arts Activities for students TIME: 10am – 10pm taking place after they finish their day in IWED 2018 is to stage a high-profile luxury wedding exhibition in order to position it in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- the calendar as a key appointment for the luxury market in the Middle East. This event also hop, Ballet, Drawing & Painting, Drama offers women, who are interested in fashion and luxury, the latest styles and trends in the Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and market. 10 years old after school hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Fighting the odds The scientists trying to referee a complicated and contentious political fight amid a heated election year where their research is getting twisted by competing interests, writes Jenny Staletovich

It’s a natural thing. You can go back 500 years. What I argue is that it’s much worse today and that’s the result of human-generated ‘nutrients — Larry Brand, ecologist

CONCERN: Thousands of dead fish sit in a canal behind a home in Coral Shores, rotting and smelling.

ince Lovko, a looked like it was fl ushed from a sometimes leaving the public But a federal study going back recurring problems, the state has phytoplantkon ecologist toilet. confused. Just after Lake Okeechobee more than a decade concluded focused mostly on tracking red tides at Mote Marine Lab, Lovko is part of a team tracking exploded with a massive blue-green man-made pollution worsens red once they arrive, not on the pollution crisscrossed the waters the tide and trying to fi ne-tune algae bloom and water managers tide. That makes the lake, laced with that’s driving them. Over the last off Longboat Key in his widely circulated satellite maps began fl ushing it to the coast, the high levels of the fertiliser nutrients decade, the state gutted water quality lab’sV Yellowfi n fi shing boat with a that show much of the state’s Gulf red tide that started months earlier phosphorus and nitrogen, a likely monitoring that might help scientists crew of researchers, sampling sea coast glowing bright red with toxic deepened, with the worst of the source. What’s not clear, since the understand red tide dynamics while water from a red tide that has slushed tide. But as Florida’s summer of fi sh kills appearing in coastal waters same nutrients get fl ushed from shrinking agencies that investigate around Southwest Florida for nearly slime winds into fall, scientists like fed by the vast lake’s western relief the coast, is whether it’s defi nitely a water and regulate pollution. a year and littered beaches with dead Lovko have also found themselves outlet, the Caloosahatchee River. source. Even those satellite maps Lovko is manatees, sea turtles and rotting caught in an uncomfortable position: The agriculture industry and “That’s some of the work that working on contain a fair amount of marine life. trying to referee a complicated some state regulators pushed back still needs to be done to conclusively inaccuracy when toxic waters wash Every few yards, dead herring, and contentious political fi ght on any connection, calling red tide answer, or at least somewhat ashore. grass eels and pinfi sh fl oated by, amid a heated election year where “naturally occurring.” That’s true. conclusively answer,” Lovko said. “We think we understand this but peppering the water like a toxic stew. ’their research is getting twisted Outbreaks have been reported for One reason for that continuing we’re fl ying blind,” said University The water, cloudy and yellowish, by competing interests — and centuries. uncertainty: Despite decades of of South Florida oceanographer Bob Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Weisberg, echoing the frustration felt it’s much worse today and that’s by University of Florida blue-green the result of human-generated algae expert Karl Havens last month. nutrients,” he said. “Obviously, it’s “We’ve never been able to get the political. There’s no one source and state of Florida to commit and it’s obviously some sources are more further hampering our ability to important than others.” predict red tide.” But Lovko, the Mote ecologist, Too much money gets spent on isn’t convinced and said Brand bureaucracy, he said, and too little on reached his conclusion based on actual investigation. records that included inconsistent “That’s been the problem in sampling. Florida as long as I’ve lived here,” said “One of the things we don’t know Weisberg, whose lab issues annual because there’s not measurements, red tide forecasts. “It’s all political.” or suffi cient measurements of it, is That’s because some of the state’s how much, for example, nutrients biggest political players have also fl owing through the Caloosahatchee been blamed for some of its worst from Lake Okeechobee actually make pollution. it out to the coastal system,” he said. US Sugar issued a press release “It’s easy to make the assumption. last month insisting lake water had … That’s what the public has been nothing to do with the red tide. assuming. But we can’t. That’s not “The Florida Fish and Wildlife how science works.” Conservation Commission(FWC) But in his study, Brand said he states in its frequently asked accounted for diff erences in sampling questions that red tide is not caused methods and potential increase by nutrient pollution (urban or in monitoring that might skew agricultural) and additionally, is numbers. And he still found that not made worse by it, either,” the between 1954 and 1963 and 1994 and release said. It also quoted Mote 2002, algae amounts increased by 13 scientists from a Palm Beach Post to 18 times. story saying lake water did not What’s not well understood, “initiate” the tide. Brand said, is why red tide explodes In fact, FWC’s web page clearly some years and not other years, states that once red tides near shore, and whether other species of “they are capable of using man-made phytoplankton are beating the red nutrients for their growth.” And tide to the nutrient soup. two days later, Mote environmental Ocean water is fi lled with a host engineer Tracy Fanara tweeted a of phytoplankton that can consume clarifi cation saying lake releases nutrients and battle each other could help sustain a bloom. for dominance. Karenia brevis, “If you have a (freshwater) named for retired algae expert cyanobacteria bloom, you know Karen Steidinger who spearheaded you have excess nutrients but (the research at the state’s St. Petersburg cyanobacteria) might be lessening marine lab, exists throughout Gulf it as it gets out,” she said. “But it’s waters, not just on the bottom still a sign. That’s an environmental off shore. Scientists routinely fi nd it ecological response to high at background concentrations near nutrients.” shore in years where there are no fi sh Scientists widely agree red tide, kills. made up of Karenia brevis algae, gets “We don’t have a good seeded off shore at the bottom of the understanding of what exactly is Florida shelf, then carried inshore by controlling the outcome of that bottom currents. As the algae gets competition, so that explains the close to coastal waters polluted by a year to year variability,” Brand said. host of sources, from farm and lawn “There’s no consensus at this point.” fertiliser to leaky septic tanks, it can But understanding why is not what grow more intensely and create toxic the state of Florida is paying Mote blooms. to do. “Once it’s blooming, it does RED ALERT: Mote Marine Lab researchers collected this 5-gallon jug of sea water containing high levels of red tide “What we’re funded to do is require nutrients to sustain a bloom,” last month off Longboat Key. monitor. We’re not funded to answer Weisberg said. Rotting fi sh can specifi c questions,” Fanara said. help feed it, but algae can also use Lovko says there are also nutrients fl owing off land, he said. unanswered questions about the “So the lake run-off will not cause relationship between off shore and the red tide, but it can help sustain a inshore populations of red tide red tide.” phytoplankton. After a 2005 red tide exploded and “What we don’t know is how persisted for 17 months, spreading the off shore population is any fi sh kills across three states including diff erent, the supposed seed Florida, the National Oceanic population that initiates and starts and Atmospheric Administration moving toward shore as opposed launched a six-year research project. to the cells we already have Researchers concluded the sources increasing,” he said. of nutrients that feed red tides are Which is exactly the kind of “multiple, diverse and complex,” and information could help Weisberg, included run-off s from estuaries like who bases his yearly forecast on the the one fed by the Caloosahatchee. pattern of currents that carry algae What’s not well understood is ashore. When the Gulf’s shifting why and how much those coastal Loop Current crosses the West nutrients infl uence outbreaks, Florida Shelf, it pushes nutrients Weisberg said. from the deeper bottom onto the In a 2007 study, Larry Brand, a shelf to fuel the Karenia algae, he University of Miami Rosentstiel said. School of Marine and Atmospheric “What is terribly missing is the Science phytoplankton ecologist ability to go off shore on a regular argued that increasing pollution has basis where we believe the red tide worsened red tide. forms and sample the organism itself “It’s a natural thing. You can go EXAMINATION: An intern from the University of South Florida adds iodine to a sample of sea water to study red tide as well as the nutrients,” he said. — back 500 years. What I argue is that in Sarasota, Florida. Miami Herald/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY SDC organises 15th Summer Camp grand finale

Skills Development Centre (SDC) recently organised 15th Summer Camp grand finale “SWAS 2018” featuring colourful performance by the students. Over 150 students participated in the activities including dance, music, karate, yoga, drawing and painting. PN Baburajan, Managing Director SDC, AK Jaleel, Director SDC, along with parents and SDC team members, attended the gathering. Certificates were distributed to all the students who completed the two months summer camp.

BUQ organises ‘Tarahi and Ghair Tarahi Mushaira’

One of the oldest literary community organisations in town, Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ) recently Kamal Akmal, Wasi Bastavi, Rowais Mumtaz, Faiyaz Bukhari Kamal, Vazir Ahmed Vazir, organised its regular poetic symposium titled ‘Tarahi and Ghair Tarahi Mushaira’ at Khayal Communications Secretary BUQ, Muzaff ar Nayab, Iftekhar Raghib, Yusuf Kamal and Shaad Khaima. Muhammad Shaad Akolvi, President of BUQ, presided over and Iftekhar Raghib, Akolvi. General Secretary of BUQ and poet, compered the programme and welcomed the audience. Munir Ahmed, while addressing the gathering, thanked BUQ members for honouring him at Maulana Mohammed Ishtiyaq Qasmi was the chief guest at the event and Munir Ahmed, an the event and highlighted the importance of holding such programmes as an eff ort to promote architect in Doha, was the guest of honour. Urdu language and literature. Ishtiyaq Qasmi also spoke at the event. He appreciated BUQ team The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Abdul Salam, and recounted BUQ’s eff orts in promoting Urdu language and literature. followed with a Na’at by Qazi Abdul Mallick. Shaad Akolavi, addressed the gathering and appreciated the poets present at the event. Irshad The prominent local poets who presented the Urdu Ghazals at the event, included Abdullah Ahmed, Media Secretary BUQ, proposed the vote of thanks. Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 TRAVEL COMMUNITY

EXTENSIVE: It takes more than 2 weeks to complete the Annapurna Trek as it elevates parallel to the Marshyangdi River into 5416m and falls back onto Kali Gandaki Valley. Trekking through Nepal with breathtaking views Opened in 1977, Annapurna trek can be gently stated as an epitome of Nepal’s rugged terrains, lush green meadows and snowcapped mountains extending all the way to Tibet. By Usha Wagle Gautam

edged between world, starts from Besi Bazaar point, meets Chame and further to worship at Muktinath. From cultures, Gurungs, Manangis and colossal China and ends on Jomsom. It takes goes to Tal. On the way from Tal to Muktinath, trail comes to an end Thakalis. and India, Nepal more than 2 weeks to complete Chame, the majestic Annapurna at Jomsom with Kagbeni in the There is vast climatic diversity is the rock stage the trek as it elevates parallel II is pretty visible with stunning middle. Kagbeni is beautiful trans- within Nepal, from Gangetic plains for tourism. to the Marshyangdi River into views of nature and snowcapped Himalayan barren alike Tibet. From on south to the arresting mountains WNepalis generally make two points 5416m and falls back onto Kali mountains. If you’re on the way high altitude city of Jomsom, you on the north. The north of Nepal to introduce their country, fi rst Gandaki Valley. Tourists generally from Chame to Pisang, do not can get back to Pokhara through is the fi nal destination for the Mount Everest, the highest snow fly to Pokhara, a city west of forget to have a look at the rare relic Naya Pul. mountain lovers from all over the peak and, second, the birthplace Kathmandu, and from there they of glacier erosion. The trail from The alternative to Annapurna world. On north, tourists love the of Lord Buddha. Tourists generally take bus or jeep to Besi Bazaar. Pisang thereafter moves to Manang. Trek, or Sanctuary Trek, starts rush of adrenaline in their veins look at the medieval architectures From Besi Bazaar, one can go to Tourists have to acclimatise, adjust from warmer paddy meadows enjoying paragliding, climbing, in three of the Durbar Squares Bhulbhule by jeep or hike. to high altitude climate in Manang and penetrates deep onto snowy mountain biking, bungee in the Kathmandu Valley, the Bhulbhule off ers some before gasping up further 2000m Machhapuchhare Base Camp jumping and rafting. On deep country’s capital, before rushing picturesque views of elegant to Thorung La at 5416m. After (3700m) and Annapurna Base north, it is about walking and into mountains, what the country Himalchuli and Mansalu II leaving Marshyangdi River, the Camp (4130m). climbing. is famous for. Amidst several mountains. Passing Bhulbhule, the trail comes to Yak Kharka through The spectacular journey Opened in 1977, Annapurna trek mountainous route options trek moves from Ngadi to Ghermu where one comes to Thorung of Annapurna Trek is widely can be gently stated as an epitome available, tourists frequently opt through Bahundanda, Lili Bhir Phedi. From Thorung Phedi, it recommended by travel magazines of Nepal’s rugged terrains, lush for Everest Base Camp Trek or and Kanigaon. The high waterfall takes a day to reach Muktinath, a and blogs. The trek blends hill green meadows and snowcapped Annapurna Treks. at Bahundanda is a hotspot for famous Hindu temple. and mountain cultures with mountains extending all the The first of the two Annapurna tourists to relax before getting back One can see Buddhist monks and the spectacular beauty of the way to Tibet. The best season to Treks, or Circuit Trek, known as on feet and taking the trek. The Hindu devotees wearing saff ron landscape. One comes across walk around Annapurna is from one of the best trek routes in the trail from Ghermu, once a salt trade coming from as far as South India three specific people and their October to November.

PICTURESQUE: On the way from Tal to Chame, the majestic Annapurna II is pretty visible with stunning UNWIND: The high waterfall at Bahundanda is a spot for tourists to relax before getting views of nature and snowcapped mountains. back on feet and taking the trek. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY OFFB The Englewood chef is coo empower disadvantaged Cliff ord Rome Jr views the culinary arts as the answer to transforming the palates of inner city diners and helping young African-Americans overcome chronic unemployment

EXPANSION: Now an Evergreen Park resident, Rome has opened several businesses in Bronzeville, including Rome’s Joy Catering, Peaches Restaurant, Blanc Gallery and Parkway Ballroom.

pulling into Antigua in one of darling’ in a Southern drawl, something wrong. I can still hear area lights up with Kennedy King By Tina Jenkins Bell the largest boats in the harbour,” Rome views the culinary arts as the gates clicking when the street College, Washburne Culinary and he recalled. When he emerged the answer to transforming the lights came on, a sign we had to be Hospitality Institute, Starbucks from the galley, he said, he was palates of inner city diners and on the porch or inside.” and Whole Foods. But then, as you ore than 18 years immediately taken by the scenery. helping young African-Americans From his mother requiring that travel from there to 55th Street, all ago, Cliff ord Rome Clear blue waters rushed to meet overcome chronic unemployment. he pay for his senior year tuition you see are vacant lots, raggedy cars Jr was living the the white sand beach, behind it a Now an Evergreen Park resident at St Rita High School by working, and torn-down buildings. How can life, travelling backdrop of palm trees and green married with two boys, his to community stalwarts, like we expect these kids to succeed if throughout France brush hills. He also remembers grandmother still maintains their brothers Tim and Everett Rand of this is all they have to go by?” Mworking as a chef and culinary getting a lot of stares. The islanders family’s Englewood two-fl at, Rome Midway Wholesalers and real estate Rome committed himself to trainer at the Cannes Film Festival seemed shocked to see a black and another investor opened several developer, Elzie Higginbottom, hiring and training people who and working with celebrity chefs person of authority, especially one businesses in Bronzeville. Rome’s teaching him how to create and seemed unemployable, he said. like Wolfgang Puck. The Englewood sporting dreadlocks. “They thought Joy Catering, Peaches Restaurant, operate successful businesses, Off ering on-the-job coaching, native was walking through doors I was a football player or a rapper,” Blanc Gallery and Parkway Rome was grateful for the people he cross-trained his employees that were closed to others who Rome said. Ballroom are within minutes of who helped him ascend personally on etiquettes, customer service, looked like him. For a while, he was Antiguans began lining up daily one another between 44th and and professionally. serving and proper food handling ok with that, he said, until he was to bring Rome fresh fi sh, berries 47th streets on King Drive, not far “Not everyone has those role and preparation. He knew teaching reminded otherwise after accepting and herbs, befuddling chefs on from where he grew up at 57th and models,” he said. “I drive through his employees how to assume a job to build a kitchen on a yacht. other boats. “It was beautiful,” he Bishop streets. Englewood every day, and there is various roles would expand “I fi gured I could do that, said. “Growing up, I watched my a constant reminder of where I’m their culinary and hospitality never mind the need for a marine Rome was encouraged by the mother go to work every day while from and what holds others back. job experiences, as well as their architect and other stuff ,” said ‘light in the eyes’ of the people my grandmother took care of the I’ll see a group of women strolling ability to choose how they navigate Rome, 47, who eventually took on who celebrated him. He decided to house and made the meals. I sat on between 73rd and 75th streets on their careers, whether working at additional responsibilities as chef return home to Chicago to build a the stool and watched her cook,” Halsted. A drug rehab centre is not one of Rome’s businesses, or as aboard the yacht. “They made the brand that would empower people he said, adding that she passed on too far from there at about 68th independent contractors, or with off er. I jumped right in. I was young from his community, he said. a love of cooking to him. “Sure, my and Halsted, where about 50 people another employer. and single with no kids. The pay Known for his neatly coiff ed neighbourhood was tough, but we are milling about at the gas station “His trickle-down eff ect of was good. All my expenses were greying locks, easy smile had folks who cared about us, like or at the White Castle at a time of rebuilding people who seemed to paid.” and tendency to punctuate Ms Gordy who told on you before day when most of us are on our way have no redeeming job skills have Then, one day, “I remember conversations with ‘all right, you even thought about doing to work. Around 63rd Street, the worked,” said Tiff any Merrills, the Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 BEAT COMMUNITY king up ways to Chicago youth

PER-EMINENT: Cliff ord Rome Jr has been travelling throughout France working as a chef and culinary trainer at the ASSOCIATION: Cliff ord Rome Jr has also worked with celebrity chefs like Cannes Film Festival. Wolfgang Puck in the past.

COACH: Off ering on-the-job coaching, the chef, cross-trains his employees on etiquettes, customer service, serving and proper food handling and preparation. executive manager at Marquette reach and teamed with Centers Park Pavilion in Gary. Merrills for New Horizons to offer on- worked until recently, leaving to network and hard work can take knowledge gaps they need to grow worked for Rome as a server before the-job culinary and hospitality attend a summer bridge programme you any place you want to go in the and do well in their lives, he said. advancing to bartender and later training as part of a year-round, at the University of Wisconsin at industry.” Worrill and Amanda Williams, event planner as a result of his subsidised youth-employment Milwaukee. Rome is also working to launch an architect and cultural visual in-house training and mentoring, programme called Before the This past spring, Rome ‘Deeply Curious,’ quarterly artist, are among the hosts she said. Plate. completed a similar collaboration ‘conversations around the dinner who will facilitate discussions “My mission is to break the Ronald Moore, 18, who says with Alternative Schools Network, table’ led by social and cultural designed to evoke change, stigma, reverse the bad habits that he’s ‘motivated and driven, like a body of 20 non-traditional high community activists. collaboration and solutions for hold our young people back, and Chef,’ recently graduated from schools. “We share in Chef Cliff ’s “What interests me most is urban issues through Deeply give them something that no one Perspectives High School of goals to collectively impact positive Cliff ’s interest in intergenerational Curious. can take away,” he said. Rome said Technology. He participated in the change in the communities where continuity,” said Conrad Worrill, Rome hopes these discussions he found many of his employees Centres for New Horizons initial we live,” said Martrice Manuel, ASN former Director of Northeastern help young people rewrite their by looking beyond the exterior and cohort when he was 16. After associate director. Illinois University’s Jacob H narratives ‘to become earners and connecting and then empathising Moore completed the programme, “The wonderful thing about Carruthers Centre for Inner City contributors for themselves, their with them. Rome offered him a job at the culinary training,” Rome said, “is Studies. Rome connects elders families and their communities.’– In 2016, Rome expanded his Parkway Ballroom, where he there is no ceiling. Your experience, with younger generations to fi ll Chicago Tribune/TNS 10 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Even low exposure to arsenic, lead may up heart disease risk

ven low levels of exposure The study “reinforces the (often to toxic chemicals in the under-recognised) importance environment like arsenic, of environmental toxic metals in lead, copper and cadmium enhancing global cardiovascular pose a signifi cant risk to risk, beyond the roles of cardiovascularE health, fi nds a study. conventional behavioural risk Although often naturally factors, such as smoking, poor diet occurring, these contaminants have and inactivity,” the researchers said. made their way into water supplies For the study, the team and, via irrigation, into the food conducted a meta-analysis of 37 chain. studies involving almost 350,000 Concern has often focused on the participants. toxicity or carcinogenic properties Chowdhury noted that the study of the metals, particularly at high highlighted the potential need doses. for additional worldwide eff orts However, the fi ndings, published and strategies “to reduce human by The BMJ, showed there is exposures even in settings where increasing evidence to suggest there is a relatively lower average that heavy metals may have level of exposure.” other adverse eff ects on health — Since metals are associated with including cardiovascular disease cardiovascular disease even at such as heart disease and stroke — relatively low levels of exposure, even at lower levels of exposure, the “population-wide strategies to researchers said. metalloids and risk of conditions lead author Rajiv Chowdhury, from immediate health risk, it should minimise exposure will further “It’s clear from our analysis that such as heart disease, even at Britain’s University of Cambridge. send a message to policymakers contribute to overall cardiovascular there’s a possible link between low doses — and the greater the “While people shouldn’t that we need to take action to prevention eff orts,” the researchers exposure to heavy metals or exposure, the greater the risk,” said be overly worried about any reduce people’s exposure.” concluded. — IANS

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

Emotional turmoil on the job could stress you out way too much. This should be a fortunate day for you, Taurus. Everything you try A couple you’ve known for a long time could visit you at your home Headaches or temporary hypertension could plague you if you to do should go fairly smoothly. Relations with others are warm, today, Gemini. Don’t be surprised if they tell you how wonderful aren’t careful. Don’t push too hard. Remember to take breaks, friendly, and congenial. Any chores or other pending work should be the place looks. Conversation should be lively and entertaining, Aries, and go for walk on your lunch hour. Don’t be afraid to put off completed quickly and eff iciently. If you’ve been planning to start a though you should sidestep any discussion of controversial subjects. nonessential tasks. You’ll be all right. Why make a day’s work any new project, this is the day to get going. Romance should be intense Debates on such matters could get rather heated. It might be wise to more diff icult than it needs to be? and passionate now, so make the most of it! treat your guests to food rather than alcohol! CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today, Cancer, you might spend a great deal of time in the car Money that you’ve been earning for a long time may finally come The special someone in your life may be having some trouble with running errands in the neighbourhood. You’re likely to see people your way today, Leo, but don’t be surprised if you have to do a lot colleagues. Don’t just comfort him or her, Virgo. It’s unlikely that your you know who have interesting news. New businesses may open of running around in order to get it. Plans for future moneymaking sweetie wants sympathy. Solutions are needed. If you don’t have any, nearby. Doctors, dentists, and other professionals could open new projects could come up, although it’s important to consider just be a good listener. It’s important for you to get out and exercise. off ices, making your daily routine more convenient. Some of them everything carefully and not jump in too quickly. This is an excellent If the weather is good, take a walk. If not, attend an exercise class. might be your neighbours or relatives. time to learn a new moneymaking skill. You’ll feel better. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today you’re likely to be working hard behind the scenes, perhaps Friends could entice you to join them for a short day trip, perhaps Emotions could be intense at work today as important projects preparing a project for others to make public or coaching people to the country. This is a great day to go on such an outing, Scorpio. approach their deadlines, Sagittarius. You may put in more time for some kind of performance. You’ll expend a lot of energy in the You’ve probably been working hard and need to get away for a than usual. Tempers might flare and co-workers clash, so stay calm course of completing this chore, yet you’ll probably feel it was all while. Don’t be surprised if there’s a delay, however. You or one of and keep going. On the positive side, the financial and recognition worth it. Don’t expect to go home early, Libra. You’ll probably go your friends could be waiting to meet with someone. payoff s for whatever you accomplish today should prove well worth above and beyond the call of duty. the eff ort. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today you should feel especially sexy and relationships with Money is probably on your mind now, Aquarius. A desire for increased Don’t expect to spend a lot of time at home today, Pisces. You’re romantic partners should go well, Capricorn. Your passions are financial security could force you to look for work or investments that more likely to be in the car and away from home. There may be intense, the lines of communication are open, and appreciation of would pay off big. Opportunities for one or both of these are likely to errands and social obligations to fulfil. Try to pace yourself in one another is running high. There might be talk of taking a long trip come through friends, perhaps someone with whom you’ve worked whatever you do or else you might be exhausted by day’s end. Take together in the future. Plan a cozy evening for two. You’ll want to do before. You’re likely to accomplish what you want for now, but it’s the time to stop and enjoy yourself. This will ensure a fun rather than a lot of talking – and more! uncertain whether you’ll continue on this path in the future. tiring day. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Go Now

AMIGO DINGO LARGO ARCHIPELAGO DOGGO LINGO BINGO EMBARGO MANGO BONGO FANDANGO SANTIAGO CARGO FARRAGO TANGO CHICAGO FLAMINGO VERTIGO CONGO INDIGO VIRAGO

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Remains outside in the 1. Arriving with the barrel from street, being Gallic (7) across below? (7,2) 5. Understood the note was 2. A person of importance, but harsh (7) not all the time (7) 9. Misleads one about the 3. Belittle the girl’s father and number of trees (5) throw a tantrum (9) 10. Gloomy, and with good 4. “Half each”, by the way, reason, about Act One (9) should be “a quarter” (4) 11. Say unhappily there’s 5. Acquire by means of, to finish turbulent air about on the (3,7) weather map (6) 6. Say you will note, to enter, 12. Chase the animals off (8) the time (5) 14. She caught the ringleader in 7. Confidential talk I figure in (7) the gate, somehow (5) 8. Line up from habit (5) 15. Where to have a picnic, or 13. Job allocation (10) what to take on it (4,2,3) 16. Will try to get at the chaps 18. Thinking the grip non-slip, Ed coming in (9) Answers reversed into it (9) 17. Be like a grasping member of 20. Not busy, lay off the novice the family? (4,5) Wordsearch Codeword taken in (5) 19. Jack up and, in near hysteria, 22. The bell sound is impressive tell you what happened (7) (8) 21. A large (with a very good 24. She went off with an airman figure ) girl (7) (6) 22. Chuck it out a bit (5) 26. With a sneer said “Ridiculous 23. Have a stab at the ink spilled preparation” (9) on the notes (5) 27. Insist on having it right (5) 25. They crawl right over the 28. Won’t let one get the minister tools (4) in close up (7) 29. New resident popular with the local tradesmen? (7)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Scrap merchant; Down: 2 Concord; 3 Ado; 4 8 Winsome; 9 Species; 11 Meet; 5 Restraints; 6 Hyena; Rioted; 13 Breather; 15 Sides; 16 7 Neither; 8 Words fail me; 10 Evictor; 18 Consort; 19 Lucre; Service flat; 12 Essen; 14 Second- 21 Landlady; 23 Vernal; 25 hand; 17 Tulle; 18 Connive; 20 Eritrea; 26 Consent; 28 Second Concern; 22 Largo; 24 Ache; 27 helping. Nip. 14 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD Producer claims Kangana hasn’t hijacked upcoming Manikarnika

ctress Kangana Ranaut was Asrani has, via a cryptic social media post, considered the best person taken a dig at Kangana for “hijacking a fi lm” to take over the mantle to and called it the worst form of “hara-kiri”. complete patchwork and to Asrani, who took to Twitter to take a jibe direct a few additional scenes at Kangana on Saturday, had earlier spoken Afor Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, when about how the Queen actress took over the director Krish moved on to his new fi lm, says entire fi lming and the script of Simran, which producer Kamal Jain. released in 2017. The movie has been in the midst of a “A star hijacking a fi lm and running down controversy ever since the news of Kangana the hard work of crew member/s is the worst stepping in behind the camera for it emerged. form of hara-kiri there is. When aff ected Clearing speculations about the fi lm, Jain fi lmmakers cannot control this and instead said in a statement: “The additional shoot put on a facade of a ‘dignifi ed silence’, they of the fi lm is presently underway at ND allow a monstrous ego to go on a rampage and Studios at Karjat, near Mumbai. After the eventually kill the fi lm,” he tweeted. last schedule was over, we saw the line-up of A user then asked: “But what is the the fi lm. On seeing it, we decided that apart choice?” from the patchwork, we also needed a few “Zero tolerance. From day one. If the actor additional scenes. refuses to abide by the contract, threaten/ “Once the scenes were written, we get legal intervention. I know many directors approached Kangana for additional dates. who have replaced tantrum throwing stars But Krish had moved on to his next project early on. And the studios have supported the by then. Given how driven and creatively courage and conviction of the maker,” Asrani involved Kangana has been on this project tweeted. since its inception, we realised she would be The writer then said that “if someone else the best person to take over the mantle. is directing your fi lm and you are unable to “Hence, there is no hijacking of the project. stop him/her, then just quit!” Whatever decisions are being taken are with “Before your self-esteem is eroded. Unless the full support of the producer and the of course you are greedy for a commercial studio.” ‘hit’ and are prepared to sacrifi ce your team. I Jain said they have an aggressive think in the current hijacked fi lm the director production schedule planned as they are has bowed out,” he added. committed to releasing the fi lm on January As Manikarnika... director Krish became 25, 2019. busy with another fi lm, Kangana has stepped Jain explained: “While we managed to get in to direct the patchwork of her movie, which matching dates from Danny Denzongpa, Jishu tells the story of Rani Laxmibai. Sengupta, Ankita Lokhande and others, we The fi lm is currently in news as actor got stuck on Sonu’s combination dates and Sonu Sood has walked out of it owing to his continuity look as he has grown a beard for professional commitment towards Simmba. Simmba. However, Kangana hit back at him, claiming “Hence, we had to let him go. Zeeshan he left the movie as he “refused to work under Ayub now plays the character of Sadashiv”. a woman director”. CONTROVERSY’S CHILD: Kangana Ranaut stepping in to direct the patchwork of her movie Meanwhile, fi lm writer-editor Apurva On his part, Sonu has denied this. — IANS has created issues.

Atif’s rendition O Meri Laila culture I was not aware of, the story was a perfect, says composer bit alien to me. But it just meant I had to dive deeper into what I didn’t understand. Joi Barua wanted the song O Meri Laila to “As Kashmiris are, we people from be carried forward with heroism which was the northeast India are also far from the innocent, and its singer Atif Aslam delivered central perspective of most things ‘Indian’. I that perfectly, says the composer. understood the importance of representing “I think it was very easy working with him a culture and people. And I think they (Atif). He had been travelling for a while, but understood this,” he said. once he got down to it, it just came together The Assamese artiste, who had worked in so beautifully. Even though this was a title the 2014 Bollywood film Margarita with a track, I wanted this to be carried forward with Straw and Sanjay Suri’s My birthday song last heroism which was innocent. year, does not frequently compose or sing “Because the context of love here is songs for Hindi movies. timeless, beyond life or death...beyond “I wanted to do other things and also wanted feelings of sadness, cynicism or even mere my music to find more meaning within and contentment. Just to celebrate the fact that without. My time in Mumbai, all the work love existed, that it could all be love. To with advertising, movie backgrounds, songs, celebrate the fact that one could be completely my own personal music, there was a time I felt immersed in it. That feeling. That is what Atif that the music I was doing, needed another delivered perfectly,” Barua said in an interview. direction. The song is from the forthcoming film Laila “I wanted to break away and explore things Majnu. which were completely different from the “(Filmmaker) Imtiaz Ali and his brother route I had taken so far. Certain things do Sajid Ali have been cognizant and appreciative come to happen to your life, and you feel like of my music for a while now. We’ve worked the sky going grey, but only briefly, before new together in the recent past. They loved my horizons clear up for you. Assamese music. About three years ago when “I wanted to learn other things, explore they were working on the script of Laila other music, other cultures, get back into Majnu, they got me involved in it,” he said. reading and redefine my core passion again. It came as a surprise to him. And this, in ways explains absence from “Considering it was set in contemporary certain sections, but journeys into others.” — RESPECT: Atif Aslam. Kashmir, a place I had never experienced, a IANS Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Five lessons from summer box off iceice hitshits andand missesmisses

all sequels: Incredibles 2, Jurassic the genre has been enjoying a boom August needn’t be a dumping Avengers: Infi nity War, Disney faced By Sonaiya Kelley World: Fallen Kingdom, Deadpool on the small screen. And as humour ground a high-profi le misstep when Solo: A 2, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Mission: has stealthily infi ltrated big-budget The dog days of summer are often Star Wars Story failed to live up to the Impossible — Fallout, Hotel spectacles in fi lms like Jumanji, Ant- the slowest at the box offi ce. lofty expectations of its franchise. s Hollywood’s summer Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Man and the Wasp and Deadpool 2, By the fi nal week of August 2017, Though the fi lm debuted at No. movie season winds Oceans 8, Mamma Mia! Here We Go studios may have to reconsider the wide-release newcomers were 1 (and maintained the position for down over Labour Day Again and Solo: A Star Wars Story. bankability of purely comedic fi lms slumping into theatres with opening two weeks), it was quickly declared weekend, the box offi ce during the summer season. grosses of less than $6 million each. a fl op when it fl ew far below analyst results can be summed Pure comedies no laughing As studios simply failed to produce predictions for its opening weekend Aup in one word every studio executive matter Docus having a moment fi lms that audiences wanted to see, gross. wants to hear: up. But a season that Summer box offi ce season is As big-budget superhero fi lms Warner Bros.’ Annabelle: Creation Initially expected to earn between saw more than its share of surprise generally reliable for producing have (predictably) continued to and Lionsgate’s The Hitman’s $140 million and $150 million over hits also had a handful of surprise at least one highly successful fl ourish, smaller fi lms about real- Bodyguard were the only fi lms to the four-day Memorial Day weekend, misses — and proved the only reliable mainstream comedy: in 2009 it life heroes have also performed perform. Solo banked $103 million through the trend is the bankability of superhero was The Hangover, with a domestic well, becoming some of the biggest This summer, Warner Bros.’ holiday, including $84.4 million in its blockbusters. gross of $277 million. In 2011, success stories of the summer. Crazy Rich Asians has enjoyed a fi rst three days. Below, a look at fi ve lessons learned Bridesmaids earned $169 million and Magnolia Pictures’ RBG, a late August dominion over the box Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures’ from the biggest fl ubs and triumphs forced the industry to reckon with documentary about Supreme Court offi ce (and remarkable 6 percent Mission: Impossible — Fallout was of the season. the potentiality of female-driven Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life second weekend drop), proving widely hailed as one of the biggest comedies. The following year, Ted and career, grossed $6 million in four that if studios produce good successes of the summer when the Sequels pay made $219 million. And last year’s weeks despite a limited-release run fi lms, moviegoers will head to the fi lm opened in fi rst place with a Though Disney’s Avengers: Girls Trip rained in a cool $115 of fewer than 415 theatres. The fi lm multiplex. (And suggesting comedies series-best $61.5 million three-day Infi nity War opened a week before million. opened with an impressive $560,000 can still perform, at least when mixed weekend. the offi cial start of the summer box But this summer is the fi rst in more in just 34 locations, a per-screen with a healthy dose of romance and Despite spending the same offi ce season, the movie’s mammoth than 20 years in which no traditional average of $16,471, and went on to melodrama too.) length of time at No. 1 as Solo, the success established early on that this comedy has managed to gross more gross $13.9 million domestically The studio’s The Meg has also $178-million Fallout opened within would be a summer of sequels. than $100 million at the domestic during its theatrical run. emerged as a late-summer success. range of analysts’ $50 million to $65 By the fi rst weekend in May, the box offi ce. In fact, many studio Focus Features’ Mister Rogers Doubling analyst predictions, the million predictions. fi lm (released April 27) remained comedies released this summer fell documentary Won’t You Be My fi lm opened with $44.5 million Perhaps the biggest diff erence at No. 1 and, with $112.5 million in fl at, quickly slipping out of the top Neighbor? was another surprise hit. and continues to perform, quickly between Mission: Impossible and Star ticket sales, earned the second- fi ve. The fi lm grossed $12.4 million in fi ve amassing $105.3 million after three Wars is the breathing room between biggest domestic gross of all time Comedies like Tag, Life of the weeks, making it the year’s biggest weekends in theatres. new installments: Fallout was for a fi lm in its second weekend. It Party, Book Club, Show Dogs, documentary. It went on to earn And Disney saw decent returns for released three years after the previous went on to bring in $678.7 million in Action Point, Uncle Drew, The Spy $22.3 million over the course of its Christopher Robin, an expansion of entry, Mission: Impossible — Rogue North America and over $2 billion Who Dumped Me, Dog Days and domestic run. the Winnie the Pooh universe that Nation, while Solo came out just six worldwide during its run in theatres. Overboard failed to leave much Neon’s Three Identical Strangers, has hooked family audiences to a months after Star Wars: The Last Franchise fever continued into July, impression on moviegoers, either about triplets separated at birth domestic gross of over $80 million. Jedi. The fi lm’s underperformance when the month’s sole original wide garnering bad reviews, lackluster and later reunited, opened in fi ve Meanwhile the rest of the month can likely be attributed to fatigue release — Skyscraper — took a box- ticket sales or both. Last week, theatres with $171,503 (or $34,301 generally lived down to the usual among longtime fans of the franchise offi ce beating despite star Dwayne the $40-million budgeted The per screen) before going on to gross low expectations: The Happytime as well as stiff competition over the Johnson. By the end of the month, Happytime Murders, starring $11.1 million. Murders, A.X.L., Mile 22, Alpha weekend from relatively new releases every fi lm in the top fi ve (and eight of Melissa McCarthy and a cadre of Other documentaries including and Slender Man all came up short like Deadpool 2 and Disney’s own the top 10) was a sequel. crass puppets from the Jim Henson Focus Features’ Pope Francis — of projections and were poorly Avengers. In fact, the lion’s share of this Creature Shop, opened below A Man of His Word, Roadside reviewed. By the end of the summer, Solo summer’s box offi ce went to sequels expectations and earned negative Attractions’ Whitney, Bleecker grossed $213.6 million while Fallout and franchise reboots. According reviews from critics and audiences Street’s McQueen and Quality Flix’s Everything is relative earned $196 million (and counting), to fi gures from measurement fi rm alike. Death of a Nation all managed to Despite producing two of the proving that when it comes to box ComScore, the top 10 fi lms of the Big-screen summer comedies gross over $1 million, a positive result highest-grossing fi lms of the offi ce success, everything is relative. summer, including Avengers, were have faced a slump in recent years as for fi lms in limited release. summer with Incredibles 2 and —Los Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Monday, September 3, 2018 COMMUNITY

GREEN IDENTITY: Berlin is one of the greenest cities in the world, with 44 percent of its surface area either green, undeveloped or water. Berlin companies compete to create attractive gardens Companies are adding even more green to the city by creating their own gardens for employees to relax in and enjoy a bit of nature. By Jutta Schuetz

the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Wuerttemberg now also have their own competitions. Today’s companies are looking for ways to attract and keep skilled staff , and a pleasant working environment is an important factor, says Gruene Stadt’s Peter Menke. Landscape architect Philipp Sattler, who sat on the jury of last year’s Berlin competition, says company gardens are a double win for the city as well as individual businesses. He’s pleased that in many places, employees help look after the gardens, or helped create them. “Then you see that one trip to the DIY centre isn’t enough,” he says. The cost of building and maintaining a garden is usually manageable for a business, he adds, and a green space MAINTENANCE: Various companies in Berlin employ professionals HOTSPOT: In the company maintained urban gardens, employees enjoy tea after is also a worthwhile investment. At to care for the gardens. work, and also hold barbecues and meetings with clients. diff erent companies, professionals are employed to care for the garden, mployees at Berlin place to sit with her laptop in the 2018), which she says provides an supporting the awards, says there are while at the property management business consultancy enjoy 120-square-metre idyll, which incentive for businesses to create dozens. company, Wohnungsbaugesellschaft an unusual perk of the job: has a view of the water and the more green spaces in the urban Baker Maerkisches Landbrot, Berlin-Mitte, employees look after Fresh peppermint tea on picturesque Oberbaum Bridge. environment, which ultimately Vattenfall, Springer, Bayer Pharma the garden themselves. tap, made with mint grown “It’s not so stressful up here,” she contributes to a better quality of life. and the Berlin city cleaning At the latter, an ugly car park was Eon a roof terrace. The company’s says. Employees enjoy tea up here Berlin is already one of the department are among those with transformed into a garden with raised terrace overlooking the Spree river is after work, and they also hold greenest cities in the world, with gardens. beds, spokesman, Martin Pueschel also being used to grow lettuce, sage, barbecues and meetings with 44 percent of its surface area either IHK spokeswoman Claudia says. Employees use it for meetings beans and lavender. A duck has made clients, which include Ikea and green, undeveloped or water. Award Engfeld says they improve the and sometimes barbecues. Colourful a nest for itself between the plant national train operator Deutsche winners are chosen for ‘being typical health of employees, as well bird houses hang on the vine-covered pots. Bahn. of Berlin - urban, varied, social,’ as the company’s image. The walls. The business has also covered “This is the ultimate,” says Attractive offi ces and green spaces Guenther says. Diff ferent was one of national Gruene Stadt (Green City) its roof with grass and a collection 37-year-old Communications are an ecological contribution to the the 2017 winners. foundation came up with the idea, of beehives. “People garden in the Manager Johanna Bruecker. “I growing city which works out well for There are no exact fi gures on with the fi rst competition taking breaks or after work,” says Pueschel. couldn’t believe that a company both businesses and employees, says how many businesses have made place in the northern city of Hanover But the garden was originally would off er this. People enjoy Berlin City Environment Senator, gardens for and with employees in in 2002. The foundation then planted by specialists, he adds, as he working here.” Regine Guenther. Guenther is patron the German capital. The Chamber developed the concept and made it tends to the beds in the 200-square- As she speaks, her colleague of the competition, Firmengaerten of Industry and Commerce (IHK), available to diff erent communities metre area. “You get a better feel for Franziska Landgraf is looking for a Berlin 2018 (Company Gardens Berlin which belongs to an association around Germany. As well as Berlin, nature,” he says.– DPA