Amanda Regrets Some of Her Career Choices. Playing a Murderer Isn't

Monday, June 29, 2020 Dhul-Qa’da 8, 1441 AH

Doha today: 290 - 420

Cover The range Story Amanda regrets some of her career choices. Playing a murderer isn’t one of them. P4-5

Hollywood Back Page

Here are seven of the best Pixar The slipper movies to rewatch this summer. surge. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.15am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.48am Zuhr (noon) 11.39am Asr (afternoon) 3.02pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.30pm Isha (night) 8pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

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 Tales from the Loop scientific research facility. The townspeople end up experiencing Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 DIRECTION: Nathaniel Halpern an altered version of reality, where impossible things become Qatar General Electricity and CAST: Daniel Zolghadri, Paul Schneider, Rebecca Hall possible. Each episode follows one townsperson, or a particular Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 SYNOPSIS: Beneath a small town exists The Loop, a group of townspeople, and their experiences with The Loop. Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Office (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

ote Unquo Qu te “The home is the chief school of human virtues.” — William Ellery Channing

Community Editor Kamran Rehmat Fleabag while trying to cope with tragedy. The angry, grief-riddled e-mail: [email protected] DIRECTION: Phoebe Waller-Bridge woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help Telephone: 44466405 CAST: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia her, but Fleabag continues to keep up her bravado through it Fax: 44350474 Colman all. Comic actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars as the titular SYNOPSIS: A dry-witted woman, known only as character on the series, which is based on Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, has no filter as she navigates life and love in London 2013 one-woman show of the same name. Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY Everything you need to know about dry drowning Dry drowning refers to delayed illness that is caused by aspiration of water into the lungs, which may cause the vocal cords to spasm and the airway to close up

you don’t see a struggle. When people are drowning, they typically do not wave their arms because their arms instinctively push down to try and get their heads above water. A child may not have the ability to keep his or her head up out of the water. There are two primary causes for drowning, which occurs when you can’t get oxygen into your lungs because you are in or below water. The first occurs when someone is under water for too long and the body begins to experience reflexes of panic, agitation and air hunger. When you can’t avoid taking a breath underwater, fluid will rush into the lungs. This is what occurs in about half of all drowning cases. The other type of drowning occurs when the voice box closes off. Known as a laryngospasm, it is a reflex that happens to prevent fluid from getting into the lungs. This could happen if you are below water and holding your breath to the point where you pass out. When any degree of water inadvertently goes “down the wrong pipe” and into the airway whether from swimming or drinking a glass of water, cough is the body’s natural defence mechanism to try to remove fluid. In many cases, when there is a small amount of water aspirated into UNDER THE WATCH: Small children should not be left alone near any body of water, including a bathtub. the lungs, coughing will clear it. In the event that a lot of water gets into the lungs and is not expelled, uestion: Last summer, it can irritate the lining of the lungs there were many reports and cause fluid buildup a condition about “dry drowning” called pulmonary edema. You’d likely where children became notice your child having trouble extremely sick and in breathing right away or it might Qsome cases died days worsen over time. or weeks after swimming. I have Small children may have two children, ages 3 and 8, so I’m difficulty communicating if they hoping to understand what this are experiencing trouble breathing phenomenon is and how I can protect so it is important to be familiar my children from drowning. with symptoms of respiratory Answer: While devastating to the dysfunction, such as prolonged families and communities affected, cough, unusually rapid breathing or dry drowning is a misnomer. There change in mental status — whether are no medically accepted conditions 30 minutes after you’ve been in the known as “near-drowning,” water or a week. “dry drowning” and “secondary If your child seems to be in distress drowning.” Rather, the terms refer at any time, you should call for to delayed illness that is caused by medical assistance. Given the age aspiration of water into the lungs, of your children, the best thing you which may cause the vocal cords to can do to prevent any water injury is spasm and the airway to close up. to be aware, and maintain close and This acute lung injury can develop SYMPTOMS: Small children may have difficulty communicating if they are experiencing trouble breathing so it is constant adult supervision that is over minutes to hours after exposure, important to be familiar with symptoms of respiratory dysfunction, such as prolonged cough, unusually rapid breathing not distracted by cooking, cleaning, though, despite news reports, it is or change in mental status — whether 30 minutes after you’ve been in the water or a week. reading or using a cellphone. Most quite rare. instances of paediatric drownings Drowning when you can’t get for children under 14, according drowning or about 10 people a day body of water, including a bathtub. occur in a setting with inadequate oxygen into your lungs remains a to the Centres for Disease Control who die from drowning. Children can drown quickly and supervision, so being vigilant is the leading cause of unintentional death and Prevention. On average, there Your children are of an age where quietly. It can take less than a minute best prevention. – Mayo Clinic News for people of all ages, especially are 3,500 fatalities annually from they should not be left alone near any for a child to drown. In most cases, Network/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Playing Betty The portrayal of Betty Broderick allowed Amanda Peet to confront and sink into the complexity of that archetype and find depth in a woman who had been reduced to tabloid fodder, writes Yvonne Villarreal

I can understand the feeling of wanting to keep up with the Joneses, wanting to appear to be just flawlessly sane when things inside are not ‘… the discrepancy between the way things appear and the way things are — Amanda Peet, actress

I was really scared to play a murderer,” says Amanda Peet. But the 48-year-old actress came to embrace the psychological gymnastics required to take on one of the toughest roles of her career: Betty Broderick, the suburban housewife“ convicted of the 1989 murders of her ex- husband and his new wife. “I was really scared to play someone who did that to their children’s father and to their children,” she adds, with the tone of someone still grappling with it. “And behaved in a way that is morally repellent. Yes, that definitely scared me.” The fear resulted in a layered performance that fans and critics have called the best’ of Peet’s career. Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story, which also stars Christian Slater as Betty’s ex-husband Daniel Broderick, follows the seemingly ideal romance and marriage of the San Diego couple and their combative split, which preceded the brutal double murder that gripped national headlines. (The anthology series, whose first season was based on a Los Angeles Times podcast, is produced in association with Los Angeles Times Studios.) Once again helmed by Alexandra Cunningham, the second season joins other recent dramas, such as Little Fires Everywhere and Mrs. America, in offering STAR-TURN: Amanda Peet attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, a complicated portrait of a woman whose identity California. is defined by her role as a wife and mother as well as Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

societal expectations. The portrayal of Betty Cunningham jokes that the questions Broderick allowed Peet to confront and sink would usually reach her only if Peet had into the complexity of that archetype and find already asked Benioff and Paulson, and their depth in a woman who had been reduced to answers were not in agreement. tabloid fodder. “She always was like, ‘I don’t want to “From outside the situation, she was a bother you,’” Cunningham says. “And I’m murderer to me,” Peet says. “Once I was on like, ‘You’re the only person that I want to the inside, she was a person in dire straits bother me.’ But, so, she would say, ‘I asked who had all her eggs in one basket, had no David and he said X and I asked Paulson and psycho-therapeutic resources, and had the she said Y. What do you think?’ … When I rug pulled out from under her in the most would see her name on the phone it would fundamental, visceral way.” give me joy because we’re going to discuss Curled up in a pillow-filled nook inside what we’re doing together. And she’s gonna her Los Angeles home, which she shares with maybe give me insight into something, and her husband, Game of Thrones writer David I’m gonna help her. It really was like a dream Benioff, and their three children, Peet has her that I never wanted to stop having. I think it hand outstretched, holding her phone at a comes from the writer in her.” distance to participate in our video interview. Peet wrote while a student at Columbia She’s back in town after a recent trip to University, where she studied American New York to visit her mom, who lives with history, but it wasn’t until she turned 40 Parkinson’s disease, on her 79th birthday. and experienced Hollywood’s inhospitable (“The airport did remind me of a zombie attitude toward women of a certain age that movie,” she says.) she began to take writing more seriously. The role had Peet thinking a lot about her “I hadn’t reached a certain echelon in mom, Penny, and the social mores she had ACTION: Amanda Peet in a scene from Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story. my industry,” she says. “There were other to navigate as a woman who grew up in the 40-year-old women who were getting the 1950s and was starting a family in the 1970s which that was going to blow the character But, as in most projects Peet takes on, she type of writing that I wanted to be getting, while balancing a career. But it also had Peet outward in so many ways,” Cunningham says, did have questions. She would often make and I just wasn’t on those lists. Maybe it reflecting on her own points of connection to “because Betty was a very funny person. Even the short trek to the home of her best friend, sounds lame for me to complain because it’s Broderick. in super inappropriate times and, especially Sarah Paulson, and run scenes out loud with fun to just be employed as an actor.” “I’m a very jealous person,” she says. “I after she was in custody, she was still trying Paulson and her partner, Holland Taylor, to Peet made her debut as a playwright in certainly care about airs, what people think … to make jokes and trying to make people get their input and guidance on the emotional 2013 with The Commons of Pensacola, a not all the time, but I can relate. I’m not, like, laugh because it was so important for her that beats of her character. (Paulson points out Bernie Madoff-inspired off-Broadway play immune to that. I can understand the feeling everyone like her. For Amanda, the humour that Peet returns the favour as a sounding that starred Sarah Jessica Parker and Blythe of wanting to keep up with the Joneses, and the rage were right next to each other all board when she needs it.) Danner. In 2018, she premiered her second wanting to appear to be just flawlessly sane the time. And the intelligence. I just would “It’s just a testament to her dedication that play, Our Very Own Carlin McCullough, at the when things inside are not … the discrepancy watch her on set with my mouth open.” she would have worked an insane day and Geffen Playhouse. Both productions received between the way things appear and the way For Peet, who has appeared in films such then still come over afterwards to run the solid reviews from critics. things are.” as The Whole Nine Yards and Igby Goes Down lines or we would get on FaceTime and parse “I feel a lot of regret about it,” she says And then there’s the matter of watching and in TV shows like HBO’s Togetherness things out,” says Paulson, whose nickname of not writing seriously sooner. “And when your partner rise to success. Dan developed and IFC’s Brockmire, Dirty John: The Betty for Peet is Bird. “She certainly didn’t need my children show little bits of interest in a lucrative career as a medical malpractice Broderick Story put the spotlight directly on me for any of this, but I think it’s part of becoming actresses, I always say, ‘You’ll attorney in San Diego, while Betty tended to her. And she worked hard to earn its keep Amanda’s way of moving through the world, have to write that! You have to be like their home and their four children. Betty, as there. in general. It’s like — and I’m not trying to Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Write your own the show tells it, began to feel insecure about “My entire life was Betty Broderick,” Peet infantilise her — but it’s like being a kid at the material. Don’t wait by the phone. … I their marriage as his professional life took says. “It was definitely all-encompassing. park and you keep turning around to make guess I feel like if I had been serious about off. Peet’s husband, along with his writing Not like in a Daniel Day-Lewis way — God sure that the person is still standing there and it earlier, I could have been better by now. partner D.B. Weiss, have been in high demand bless him. I didn’t come home and make then you do the big, brave, bold thing because I also feel like I wouldn’t have done some due to the meteoric success of HBO’s Game of everyone call me Betty.” you know the people you trust are watching.” of the lousy stuff that I did because I Thrones. Peet is well acquainted with bouts of would have realised that there were other insecurity and wondering how one partner’s resources at my disposal. I didn’t have success might impact a marriage. “I tried really hard not to look at footage of to play that wife role or that role in the “It definitely crossed my mind at certain unnameable movie that I won’t name. I points when he’d been away on location for Betty because I didn’t want to be disappointed could have been writing instead of doing many months and Game of Thrones was taking that. I think there was a period of time in off in a way that none of us could have possibly or, I don’t know, be misled by seeing some tiny my 20s where I was definitely chasing the imagined,” Peet says. “But we’re pretty good clip when really I had to try to create a more hype instead of doing my work.” communicators, and I’m the daughter of a Her writing will next be seen on Netflix. shrink. And so we had a lot of advantages that, whole picture” She’ll make her debut as a TV series writer obviously, (Betty and Dan) didn’t have. And and showrunner with the upcoming six- also, I think we’re both big fans of dance with episode dramedy The Chair, about the head of the gal that brought you here.” — Amanda Peet a university’s English department. The series, To prepare for the role, Peet opted not to which will star Sandra Oh and Jay Duplass, review footage or read stories related to the counts Benioff and fellow Game of Thrones case. She also didn’t read Bella Stumbo’s 1993 creator Weiss as executive producers as part book Until the Twelfth of Never: The Deadly of their blockbuster $200 million overall deal Divorce of Dan & Betty Broderick, which with the streamer. (Peet co-wrote the pilot serves as the primary source material for the with Annie Julia Wyman.) It’s unclear when series. Instead, she chose to let the scripts production will begin on the series. inform her. One of her first questions before “It’s lampooning academia and dealing shooting was whether she was going to be with overprivileged, desperate people and made to look like Betty. making fun of them but also digging out the “Once Alexandra said, ‘I’m not interested heart and the comedy and the soul of what it in you doing an imitation of Betty Broderick. means to be alive and trying to figure out how This is not what this is about. I just want you to do your life,” says Duplass, who reunites to try to capture this person’s psyche,’ then I with Peet after their work on Togetherness. felt very liberated,” Peet says. “I tried really “Amanda is an incredible writer. She’s just so hard not to look at footage of Betty because funny and so sharp and very, very … rigorous. I didn’t want to be disappointed or, I don’t To be in Amanda’s hands and to know how know, be misled by seeing some tiny clip rigorous she is and how hard she’s working on when really I had to try to create a more whole it and to see these scripts go through drafts picture.” because she’s dogged, is awesome.” After Peet was cast, Cunningham Despite her dedication to the page, Peet is e-mailed one of their mutual friends, actor convinced there’s one story she would have David Duchovny. Cunningham says the mishandled as a writer: Betty Broderick’s. actor, unaware of the premise of the series, “I don’t think I would have been able to do it. suggested the writer-producer find ways to The time period and the story. Also to write a tap into Peet’s comedic side. real person. I couldn’t do it. I don’t mind saying “I actually did not realise the extent to that. It’s too hard.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY QatarDebate Centre organises summer camp

Based on the approach of QatarDebate Centre, a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to achieve its mission and objectives in increasing the capacity of youth on the skills of advanced argumentation, is organising a summer camp remotely with the participation of students locally and from countries, including Oman and Kuwait. The camp is a new founded platform for youth to develop advanced argumentation skills and their knowledge of the issues that can help them argue well by providing a learning environment encouraging discussion with the argumentation practice in 10 different tours between the teams and the use of the stimulating system. In its methodology, the camp also adopts interactive workshops and discussions aiming at enriching dialogue and deepening the knowledge content through a course on dialogue management skills and seminars in cooperation with the Al Jazeera Media Institute. The camp was preceded by an introductory meeting that included all the participants who got acquainted with the programme of the camp and the organisers’ full explanation of the tasks of each of the centre’s ambassadors and trainers on selecting issues, determining grades and results. This was along with knowledge content, selecting arbitrators, allocating halls, answering the inquiries of the participants in addition to sending feedback in the end of each day and the announcement of enrichment material containing articles and videos to understand the workshops and raise the level of discussion. Thirty debaters are taking part in the camp from three countries. They are supported by 30 trainers who use their expertise and experience to develop students’ skills in how to build position and formulate the argument and refute the evidence. For his part, Abdulrahman al- Subaie, Head of Outreach Programmes at QatarDebate, said, “QatarDebate is keen on organising high-quality programmes in presentation and content and this is what we seek through the summer camp in which includes the best debaters at the Gulf level and the best trainers on the level of the Arab world. Therefore, the activities of the training camp include programmes of a variety of workshops, debates and sessions of arbitration through which trainees get support He also pointed out that the camp is an educational way, aiming to train students and provide and guidance in multiple issues such as law and justice, and ethics in medicine and internet, as them with social skills that enable them to address some of the situations facing communities well as on the economic issues that concern countries of the participants and the region”. and world development. Also, it aims at helping them document human relations and how to “Students will be evaluated at the end of the camp by short tests and making proposals for find creative and innovative solutions to the problems using the experiences of patriotic youth, projects of students. Each team will be asked according to what was taught in the camp, with enhancing the spirit of cooperation and teamwork among the three countries through sharing creative solutions of the issues raised in the camp,” he added. experiences.

ISL Qatar hosts first virtual graduation

The International School of London (ISL) Qatar recently hosted its first virtual graduation of Australia, South Africa and Qatar. The students recognised for their high achievements, included students of Grade-XII celebrate the success of 57 graduates, the eighth batch of students to Reem Saifeldeen and Pablo Egger Prieto, honoured with Valedictorian awards in recognition graduate from ISL Qatar since its opening in 2008. of attaining the highest academic standards, making outstanding contributions to the school Students, parents and staff enjoyed a virtual celebration that highlighted the graduates’ and for being exemplary representatives of the Class of 2020; Arkan De Lomas, honoured achievements and completion of the IB Diploma. David Monk, Head of School, said, “You will be with the Creativity Activity Service Award as the student who demonstrated excellence in all the generation that emerged from Covid-19 and I hope that what you have will have learnt from three strands of the CAS programme; Alejandra De Leon and Silvia Poyales, honoured with this crisis will eventually bring about the changes that we all need to see. I would like to take this Learner Award for showing had outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment opportunity to wish you success. I hope that you live a life that matters and that you make your and intellectual development in their academic studies in Grade XI and Grade XII, respectively; dreams come true.” and Laith al-Rahmani, honoured with Nadim Makarem Award for personifying the values of The Class of 2020 graduates have been accepted into some of the world’s most prestigious the International School of London Qatar with a positive attitude towards the life and culture of universities in the UK, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, others. Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 FASHION COMMUNITY Summer’s smash hit look for all There has been a resurgence in the classic white sporty look this summer. By Ellie Violet Bramley and Jo Jones

imbledon might for looking not professional”. be cancelled But, she says, “when another, for the first maybe white, woman with a time since the similar figure has worn something second world similar you don’t see that kind of Wwar, but that hasn’t stopped backlash.” tennis style from taking over There’s a rebellion in breaking parks and Instagram this summer. the inherited rules when it comes Influencers are wearing pleated to stuffy tennis style “Right now white miniskirts to the shops, people are saying I’m going to while brands from Gucci to enter any space I want to, I’m Paris-based Casablanca are going to wear what I want and championing a retro tennis look you’re going to accept me,” says harking back to the 70s. Forbes-Bell. Searches for tennis-inspired “Everyone’s included now – the outfits have risen since the idea of exclusivity is a bit archaic beginning of June, according to and people want to belong and global fashion search platform belong on their own terms.” Lyst, with demand for white pleated tennis skirts up 33%. How to get the look Interest for tennis court shoes has increased, too, and searches Tennis skirts for visors are up 32% since May, If you are brave enough to with Dior, Gucci, Prada and Nike wear a miniskirt look off-court, amongst the most viewed brands. sports outlets have a multitude The fact that Wimbledon has of affordable options. But not all been cancelled may, paradoxically, tennis skirts must come inches have fuelled the trend. With the above the knee try a pleated knee- pandemic causing many aspects length skirt instead. Reiss at John of ordinary life to be put on hold, Lewis has a pleated gem, with the idea of dressing vicariously, navy detailing, in the sale at £75. whether for Glastonbury or Centre Court, has seen the Shorts sartorial principle of wearing your Go for tailored with an athletic cut; Worthy Farm finest to sit at home think old school PE kit. If exposing and muddle through. your thighs isn’t an option then opt Fashion psychologist Shakaila for a longer structured Bermuda Forbes-Bell thinks this idea of style. & Other Stories have a tailored dressing for the occasions maybe high-waisted linen blend pair, £55. an attempt to regain control at a time when we have little power. Polo shirts “There is that collective desire to Works for both men or women, a get back to our normal lives given neatly tucked-in classic polo shirt this feeling that we’re missing out screams strawberries and cream. on so many things… ‘I can’t go but Uniqlo has pique ones for £14.90, I can still look the part’.” while Lacoste’s sportier breathable Enthusiasm for the tennis polo from the Roland Garros aesthetic is also a response to the collection add a graphic pattern. nation’s current uptick in exercise in general. Whites “With everyone spending For those brave enough and more time at home, we are confident enough around coffee becoming more into sportswear whites are the Lawn Tennis and athleisure,” says influencer Association-approved option. For Lauren Crowe, who has 135k a relaxed version, go for a white followers and recently posted a midi-dress with a vintage tennis picture of herself teaming a tennis jumper Etsy has a good selection. skirt with a Dolce and Gabbana For men, Slazenger heritage sports-style bra. For Forbes-Bell. TENNIS AESTHETICS: Enthusiasm for the tennis aesthetic is also a response to the nation’s current uptick in exercise jumpers, £160, will ace it. “Because we’re locked in, people in general. are turning their attention more Tennis shoes towards their body image and for many years has been seen as with cowboy boots and tights certain spaces.” She looks to White plimsolls will nod to general health.” She also points to an exclusive sport, embodied by – as “among the progressive Venus and Serena Williams, who Murray mound or for old-school research that says “when we wear the rarefied world of Wimbledon vanguard” democratising tennis have often fallen foul of tennis fans, a brilliantly white pair these sporty outfits you feel more whites and strawberries and style. dress codes, from Venus’s flash of Adidas Stan Smiths would inclined to be active.” cream. As Vogue reports in the “Right now a lot of people are of fuchsia bra strap in 2017, about obviously work a treat. It is telling that those context of rigid dress codes, thinking about their identity and which the All England Tennis channelling the look aren’t “it’s not entirely surprising that the spaces that have had so many Club was quick to express its Trousers necessarily players themselves. conventional tennis whites have gatekeepers in the past,” says displeasure, to Serena Williams Kitri’s Aretha wide-leg The caption of influencer Alicia resurfaced for summer 2020, Forbes-Bell. “Wakanda-inspired” catsuit trousers, £59; Marks and Spencers Roddy, posting a pic of herself on appropriated by a generation of “Conversations in fashion are which she was banned from cotton belted wide-leg pair, £28; a court in tennis whites, runs: “All younger thought leaders”. They about taking down barriers … wearing at the French Open in or ME+Em’s tapered style, £160, the gear but absolutely no idea”. cite model Imani Randolph – There’s no longer that exclusivity 2018. are perfect with a cotton shirt, But the summer’s look runs who recently shared a picture keeping a lot of people, and As Forbes-Bell puts it, they finished with a straw hat. Game even deeper than fitness. Tennis of herself teaming a tennis skirt certain types of people, out of “have been chastised in the past set and match. – The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEWS 10 of the best Latin American novels – that will take you there

frond, every ripple of skulking in the Time of Cholera, published without washing his hands (Hudson was born in Argentina By Chris Moss alligator. The novel, somewhat in 1985, taps this romanticism in between jobs. The novel’s local to US settlers of English and forgotten but a classic, inspired its story of a late-requited love, colour is not the standard Cuban Irish origin). Richard Lamb is an many of the later magic realists. In its fictional location evoking cliche of vintage cars and salsa, but Englishman who marries a young sense of place often 1948 its author became president Cartagena’s pastel-painted the hurricane-damaged reality of Argentinian woman without her has a political edge in what is widely regarded as facades, as well as sections of the ruinous old mansions where the father’s permission before crossing in Latin American Venezuela’s first legitimate nearby city of Barranquilla on the lifts stopped working decades ago the river to Uruguay, where he writing. Even magic election. Some critics have said Magdalena River. With its aromatic and the staircases are deathtraps. gets mixed up with some messy realism – which the character of Doña Bárbara mangos, riverboats and loquacious The novel, first published in 1998, gaucho wars and some messy takesA fantastic liberties with the anticipated Eva Perón, while parrot, it’s an archetypal South remains largely unavailable in local women. Full of action and contours of cities and pueblos, Hugo Chávez was wont to call American tale, but it’s also highly Cuba, though it wasn’t formally drama, it captures the historical jungles and rivers – is rooted in George W Bush ‘Señor Peligro’, inventive, laced with delicious banned. tumult of the Río de la Plata region the living, breathing, dying and or ‘Mr Danger’, after the novel’s irony while riffing on multiple during the mid-19th century warring world of its characters. imperialist villain. literary genres. The Green House by Mario and works as a kind of allegory Over five centuries, Hispanic Vargas Llosa of civilisation and barbarism. authors have loaned from and Tierra del Fuego by Sylvia The House of the Spirits by In prose as tangled as a tropical Hudson, a fine naturalist and contested European ideas about Iparraguirre Isabel Allende rainforest, this intricate, ambitious superb ornithologist, brings the their world, adapting imported This accomplished historical The Chilean author’s 1966 novel by the Peruvian landscape of estancias and rolling traditions (from naturalism to novel, published in 1998, retells extraordinary 1982 debut novel Nobel laureate tells a story of plains, rheas and deer, cattle and crime fiction to stream-of- the story of the abduction of sweeps across three generations tinpot politicos, soldiers, cops, horses fully to life. Jorge Luis consciousness) and reworking Jemmy Button and three other of the Valle-Trueba family in nuns, priests, river pilots, rubber Borges likened the book to Homer’s them to bring to life the vibrancy indigenous Fuegians by Captain an unnamed country (blatantly merchants, gold prospectors Odyssey for its ‘elemental’ power. and vicissitudes of their youthful Robert Fitzroy of HMS Beagle. The Chile), and tempers its political and other outback characters – continent. story moves from the large island sloganeering and supernatural indigenous, mestizo and white – in Captains of the Sands by The best novels are as alluring and at the southern tip of Argentina flights with keen psychological a great arc of plots and subplots Jorge Amado stimulating as the most atmospheric (and South America) to England observations. that link the remote riverine city The six ‘Bahian Novels’ of places. To choose just 10 was only – where an attempt is made to The story of class struggles of Iquitos with the coastal desert Brazil’s best-known writer mix possible by imagining I was packing civilise Button – and, finally, to is still relevant and Clara (who of north-west Peru. The green a kind of social realism with for a long road trip with limited the Falkland Islands. Iparraguirre’s possesses paranormal powers), house of the title is the Amazon, as elements of fable, but are free of baggage. I would take these, a portrait of London is convincingly Blanca and Alba Trueba – well as a brothel outside the city of the sentimentalism and exoticism comfortable hammock and a sturdy Dickensian, but even more stirring the mother, daughter and Piura. It’s not an easy read – Vargas of his later works. This story, the pillow. are the ‘dark forests’ and rocky granddaughter who preside over Llosa was a “high modernist” in final work in the cycle published in shores of Tierra del Fuego, the the titular house – are always his early works – but if you let the 1937, follows the pursuits of a gang Doña Bárbara by Rómulo lonely home of the “oldest winter engaging company, as they flit long, impressionistic sentences of homeless orphans and urchins Gallegos in the world”. between the sprawl of Santiago wrap themselves around you, around the cobbled squares and In literature, before the Latin and surrounding agricultural you’ll enjoy the journey. slums of Salvador, a ‘city black and American Boom of the 1960s Love in the Time of Cholera by heartland. old’. While rich in local colour no and 70s there was a fashion for Gabriel García Márquez The Purple Land by WH one knows a city like a street kid regionalist writing books that The Colombian city of Dirty Havana Trilogy by Hudson the novel, as Colm Tóibín writes treated their setting almost as Cartagena, once a major Spanish Pedro Juan Gutiérrez Admired by Ernest Hemingway in the introduction to the Penguin a character. Venezuela’s steamy garrison and key port of Spain’s This is a raw, rude, angry novel. for its depictions of local scenery, Classics edition, is not written llanos (plains) are the backdrop Caribbean fleet, is now often Its main character, Pedro Juan, is this English-language novel, for tourists; it is written to give to this 1929 novel about a strong swamped by cruise ship passengers a slightly nasty, very funny, self- published in 1885 (the original substance to shadows, to recreate woman in a world of rough and, in the modern parlance, is confessed man, who scratches a title was The Purple Land that the underlife of the city, to offer ranchers and cowboys. Gallegos possibly Latin America’s most living flogging knock-off lobsters England Lost), narrates a Victorian the dispossessed and reviled an details every tremble of palm Instagrammable location. Love and fixing sewage pipes – probably expat’s South American fantasy inner life. Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 BOOK REVIEWS COMMUNITY 10 of the best Latin American novels – that will take you there

This is How You Lose Her by linked stories works as a loose kind punchy, streetwise prose; through novel unfolds in the Cascade fantasy is punctured. The Junot Díaz of novel, with the chief character, all the stories, the Island exerts a Heights Country Club, a gated figurative “widows” of the title are I loved Mario Vargas Llosa’s Yunior de las Casas, divulging his powerful pull on body as well as estate outside the Argentinian the wives whose husbands spend The Feast of the Goat about the many infidelities from his late mind. capital where wealthy families Thursday nights playing cards and last days of Dominican Republic teens well into adulthood, on trips live like Europeans – while drinking. A great thriller, Thursday dictator Rafael Trujillo but for a home as well as in his adopted New Thursday Night Widows by beyond the walls society is riven Night Widows is also a dark more upbeat and contemporary Jersey. Claudia Piñeiro by crime and poverty, and the parable about systemic violence mental trip to the country , it’s got The joys and pains of the If you want to visit the Buenos economy is tanking. When three and the criminality that underpins to be one of Junot Díaz’s books. immigrant experience and Latino Aires of guidebook cliche, don’t men are murdered in mysterious keeping up appearances. This 2012 collection of inter- family life are skilfully wrought in read this. Published in 2005, the circumstances, the suburban – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Regulate your breathing and four other ways to sleep when you’re anxious

s worrying about coronavirus keeping reducing the mental toll of your worries. you awake? From staying busy to preparing a ‘nest’, here is a guide to help Ready your ‘nest’ you drift off. If you struggle to get to sleep, or often wake up in the night, don’t lie there for long: it ILimit news – especially before bed builds an association between your bed and Winding down without screens has always wakefulness. Taylor suggests having a “nest” been key to getting a good night’s sleep – and set up in another room with a book, a podcast it is more important than ever, says the sleep or restful music (no TV or phones), to retreat consultant Maryanne Taylor. More of an issue to if sleep doesn’t come. “When you start to than the stimulating effects of blue light is feel a bit more drowsy, take yourself off to the sense of being overwhelmed by the news. bed.” It is important to keep up with the coverage “within reason”, says Taylor; however, “for Regulate your breathing sleep, that means evenings without it”. Fischer says deep abdominal breathing Reading the news before bed may cause a can alleviate symptoms of anxiety – a busy spike in adrenaline that will impede sleep. mind, tensed muscles, a quickened heart rate or shallow breathing. One simple technique Clear your mind is “sama vritti”, or “equal breathing”. Lie If you do watch TV in the evenings, on your back with one hand on the top of the sleep coach Katie Fischer suggests your belly and one hand on your heart, your comedy shows as “a helpful distraction shoulders heavy and your hips open and from anxious thoughts”. Taylor suggests relaxed. Inhale deeply through your nose for minutes or until you feel ready to sleep. time.” With many people working less or not spending some time (although not right a count of four to six, filling your belly, then at all for the foreseeable future, it won’t take before bed) writing by hand to clear your ribcage, then upper chest, as if expanding Fill your day long for mental health to suffer. Structuring mind: “Thoughts, anxieties, worries – get it a balloon. When your lungs are full, pause Previously, Taylor says, the biggest your days with waking and wind-down down on paper.” Studies have shown a link – then exhale through your nose in a long, impediment to sleep was the unrelenting routines and regular times for work, meals between the practice of writing, seeing your smooth motion. Pause again when your stress of our daily lives. “Now we’re facing a and exercise will help you stay focused. concerns written down before you, and lungs are emptied. Repeat this for five to 10 different challenge: the possibility of excess — The Guardian

Aries Taurus Gemini March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, All your relationships could be enhanced today by your increased Expect to find yourself ministering to the needs of colleagues and Aries, either through your current employment, a new job, or sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Taurus. You may family members today, Gemini. People around you might need to perhaps a project of your own. You’re likely to channel a great deal provide a sympathetic ear to melancholy friends, help someone draw upon your insights into human nature in order to understand of energy and inspiration to this end. Others may want to pitch in resolve problems, or both. Whatever it is, rest assured that your themselves and others. Your common sense could prove valuable to and help you. You’re liable to feel energetic and optimistic. This, in efforts won’t go unappreciated. You’ll probably grow closer to the them. In the process of sharing your wisdom with others, you might turn, can help you attract more opportunities. Go for it! ones who mean the most to you now, including a significant other. also shed some light on emotional situations of your own. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today you might feel especially intellectually and creatively inspired, A close friend or member of your household could be having money Heightened intuition and ESP could lead to some interesting and you could discuss your ideas with others. The process of problems, Leo, and want to draw on your good business sense in conversations with others who are blown away by your insights into communication could open new doors in your mind and result in order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right. As their thoughts, feelings, and desires. You could also be feeling more some fascinating insights concerning whatever you’re pursuing at this you’re likely to be feeling especially sensitive to the needs of others expressive than usual, Virgo. You might want to channel some of time. Sometime in the course of your conversations, Cancer, don’t be today, you could be of valuable help to this person and anyone else that inspiration into writing, speaking, or some other form of self- surprised if you find that one of your friends needs a sympathetic ear. who might need some insights. expression. Reading may also prove especially valuable at this time. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

A higher level of intuition and inspiration than is usual for you could Moving ahead is today’s key phrase, Scorpio. You should be feeling Inspiration is the keyword for the day, Sagittarius. You may be feeling enhance your artistic talents, Libra. A powerful drive to express the very optimistic and excited about goals that you’ve set for yourself. highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible stories, pictures, or music that may be flooding your mind could You’re probably confident that you’ll reach them, and all will go well. dreams. “Impossible” has never stopped you before, and you aren’t result in your spending as much of the day as possible in seclusion, This positive attitude spills over into your relationships. You should likely to let it stop you today. You’re more likely to consider all jotting down thoughts and ideas. By day’s end, you might have spent be in just the right frame of mind to encourage friends to go for their contingencies carefully in order to make them work. Friends could be most of your free time alone yet be very satisfied with the results. dreams and give them any assistance they need. inspired by your vision and determination and follow your example. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

An increased understanding of distant cultures as well as curiosity The opportunity to increase your income could spur you to channel The desire for travel might hit you today, perhaps to visit a friend who about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning more energy and inspiration into career and business matters, lives far away, and you could set the wheels in motion to make it happen about those places, Capricorn. Friends or groups with which you’re Aquarius. Some vivid, intense dreams might reveal a lot about you and at some point in the future. Socialising could take up your evening, affiliated could be involved in some way. You’re likely to channel a lot your motivations, which could increase your self-awareness and make if possible, and you might talk to some interesting people. As you’re of energy into intellectual activities today and inspire others to do the everything easier for you. The drive to succeed in material and spiritual especially sensitive to others right now, you’re prepared to hear a sad same. Take a walk at some point during the day to clear your head. matters is likely to play a powerful role in everything you do today. story. Otherwise, your day should go well, Pisces. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

AFTERNOON HOPE TURN FRIDAY SPEED FAITH NATURE CONDUCT LUCK BOOK LIVING WILL GRIEF TIME FELLOW NIGHT EVENING MORNING CHEER LOOKS

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, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 7 Include real arrangement of 1 Ace detectives may be bitter (4) work by Debussy (5,2,4) 2 A hunting expedition, as far as I 8 King taking part in animated can make out (6) war dance (6) 3 Extravagant pair with gold 9 Distant sort of meteor (6) braid (8) 10 Giant production taking a 4 Woman’s right to a title in hundred in the drama profession Germany (4) (6) 5 Time to get a calculator? (6) 12 Vehicle seen by people in 6 Table set out to display safety opera (6) device (4,4) 13 Titled Turk featured in 11 Metallic sound made by magazine (3) monarch of some Scots? (8) 14 Delicate colour of father’s little 12 New car is not impregnable telephone (6) (4-4) 16 Pole getting spiteful or hare- 15 Sharp stab of pain - one of a brained (6) pair, for example, coming back 18 Mad king is engaged in winter (6) sports (6) 17 Sharp form of statue (6) 20 Engrossed as a camper? (6) 19 An old barbarian acquired 22 Hotel worker putting halibut’s heroin (4) tail in sort of herring pot (5,6) 21 Standard portion or medium selection (4)

Solution Answers

Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

TV star Khushboo says Dia Mirza: Playing Maanayata actors are very insecure Dutt in Sanju was surreal

The entertainment industry is full of Putting oneself in another’s shoes is never uncertainties and so actors are insecure, easy. A considerable amount of empathy feels and TV star Khushboo Kamal. is expected, and that is the one experience “Actors are very insecure because there actress Dia Mirza hasn’t forgotten, from her is no certainty in the business. Like today role as Maanayata Dutt in the 2018 biopic we are doing a show and we sign a one Sanju. year contract but suddenly we get to know Sanju, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as actor that after three months our character is Sanjay Dutt, had released on June 29, 2018. dying which means you are no more part Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film of the show,” she said. traces Sanjay Dutt’s real-life as a star kid, his “As actors we give auditions, look HOPEFUL: Khushboo Kamal feels she love affairs, encounter with drugs, the 1993 tests and mock shoots, and then we hasn’t received her due in the industry yet, Mumbai blasts, and his imprisonment. get selected for a major role and sign a but is full of positivity and hope. “Having worked with Raju Sir before, contract, but after a few months we get to the comfort level was already established. know we are out of the show. Won’t that will get that break which will give me This significantly helped me imbibe the make you feel insecure?” she added. recognition,” she added. character he had written with Abhijat Joshi The Jijaji Chhat Per Hain actress shared The Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai actress (the scriptwriter), which truly did justice CANDID: Dia says Sanjay Dutt has always been that she hasn’t received her due in the also feels that the creativity in this to the strong presence Maanayata had in wonderful to her during their films together, industry yet, but is full of positivity and business has no bounds and so does the Sanjay Sir’s life. For me, it was an opportunity Sanju being a special film among them. hope that things will change for her. competition. to empathise with everything she had “In my career I have struggled a lot and “Competition exists in every field but experienced in her real life, and I hope I did surreal. Sanjay sir was always wonderful to I am still struggling just to get my dues, the entertainment industry is all about justice to the role,” Dia said. me through all our projects together. I owe for a break in TV and films both. I am a creativity so one needs to come up with While Hirani’s association with the project him some of the most special films in my life, theatre actor. I have done lots of plays, so new ideas and new forms to keep the was a big factor in the actress’ eagerness to Sanju being one of them,” she said. I know my capabilities, but I still haven’t audience busy. These days everyone do the role, another special factor was her “Working on a biopic like Sanju two years got any opportunity or platform where wants to be an actor because the industry personal connection with Sanjay Dutt himself. ago has shaped so much of my present life. I’m I can get the recognition I deserve,” she looks so glamorous, it gives you fame and Dia has shared screen space with Dutt in grateful to each person in that team and for all said. attention so everybody wants to come films like Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai the encouragement I received while preparing “I still go for auditions the way I used in the industry. The competition has and Dus. She found that her role as Maanayata for the role. I hope for many more such to go. But I have faith that my destiny also increased with so many newcomers brought things to full circle. experiences as an actor and as a producer,” she has brought me here and one day, I coming in,” she said. – IANS “The entire experience at the time was added. – IANS Indian TV show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai actors resume filming

fter three months of break due to and resorting to individual breaks to avoid the coronavirus outbreak, actors gathering. The entire experience was quite Aasif Sheikh, Shubhangi Atre different, but with time, we all will get used and Rohitashv Gour resumed to it,” added the actress, who plays the role of shooting for popular comedy Angoori Bhabi. Ashow Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai with limited crew “We ensured that we continued wearing and several safety measures. masks after every shot, sanitised our hands The shooting started on Sunday. at regular intervals and maintained social “It felt good to be on sets after such a distancing. I am excited about the new long gap. I had been waiting so long for the episodes, and I am sure the viewers are shoots to start and I am glad to be back on the looking forward to their favourite show set. We all met and greeted each other with making a comeback soon,” said Rohitashv distant hellos and namastes, keeping social Gour aka Manmohan Tiwari of Bhabiji Ghar distancing norms in mind,” said Aasif Sheikh, Par Hai. who essays the role of Vibhuti Narayan in the Shooting of &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan show. also resumed on Sunday. “On reaching the set, our body temperature On resuming the shoot, Happu Ki Ultan and oxygen levels were monitored. We all Paltan star Yogesh Tripathi said: aceI am wore masks which we took off only while delighted to be back as Daroga Happu Singh. facing the camera. The day started with a I missed my show, my characters and crew small Ganapati Ji’s aarti followed by getting big time. The first day was a little different into our character look. All of us took the from what we were used to earlier. We were utmost care to abide by the safety and sanitised and screened, wore masks and sanitation guidelines and followed social maintained social distancing.” distancing at all times,” he added. Earlier, shooting of Gudiya Humari Sabhi To this, Shubhagi added “I am excited to Pe Bharia started on June 26, Santoshi be back on the sets and looking forward to Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein on June 25, Ek our show to be back with fresh episodes as Mahanayak Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on June 26. well soon. Earlier our set used to be buzzing Sarika Bahroliya, from Gudiya Humari Sabhi with technicians, spot dadas and the rest Pe Bhari, said: “On arriving, our temperatures of the crew every morning but now with were checked, followed by meeting the other limited people, the modern colony looks very crew members. Wearing masks and following different.” social distancing norms, we started our day “After clearing the sanitation and with Lord Ganesh’s aarti. I had carried my screening process, we all assembled for a bag consisting of my make-up and sanitation short Ganesh aarti for an auspicious start, kit, alongside my tiffin box. We sanitised our followed by rehearsals wearing masks. As I hands at regular intervals. We have some live nearby, I did my make-up and wore my exciting episodes in the pipeline, and I am costume to the set for minimal touch-ups. eagerly looking forward to it to go on air.” BACK ON SET: The popular comedy show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai started with limited crew and Also, we are limiting our group lunches — IANS several safety measures in place. Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Rolling Stones Jagger, said that “further steps The same song was used by the warn Trump not to to exclude” Trump from using Trump campaign during the 2016 use their songs Rolling Stones material in future US election. presidential campaigning was “The Rolling Stones do not Legendary British rockband, necessary after previous “cease endorse Donald Trump,” the band the Rolling Stones have warned and desist directives” had been had tweeted in 2016. US President Donald Trump that ignored. In a similar incident, the family he could face legal action if he The BMI has reportedly notified of later rock musician Tom Petty continues using their songs at the Trump campaign on behalf issued a cease and desist letter his campaign rallies, the media of the Stones that the use of their to the Trump campaign over the reported said on Sunday. songs without permission will unauthorised use of his song I A statement on Saturday from constitute a breach of its licensing Won’t Back Down at the Tulsa the band’s legal team said it was agreement, and would be subject rally, the BBC reported. working with the performing to legal action. In a statement posted on rights organisation, the BMI, to The statement comes after the Twitter earlier this month, the stop the unauthorised use of their Trump campaign used the Rolling family said that the late artist music, reports the BBC. Stones’ song You Can’t Always Get would “never want a song of his Representatives for the group, What You Want at last week’s re- used for a campaign of hate”. fronted by 76-year-old Mick election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. — IANS CANDID: The Rolling Stones say they do not endorse Donald Trump. Here are seven of the best Pixar movies to rewatch this summer

overprotective parents whose By Chris Hewitt worries kick off both Inside Out and Finding Nemo, the nostalgic portrait of marriage in Up, the heir movies have been career concerns of Ratatouille or the most consistent the fragile family dynamics of The in the biz, creatively Incredibles. and commercially, but No matter how bright and wacky creators from trailblazing the cartoon characters look, Pixar animationT studio Pixar nearly creators clearly care most about always talk about a moment during the emotions of their stories – I’ve production when they realised they been in interviews where they were doing everything wrong. cried about their childhood toys Initially, WALL-E had an alien – which translates into films that invasion. Woody used to be the make viewers cry, too. From the villain in Toy Story. The lead of final goodbye of Nemo’s mom in the Mexico-set Coco was going Finding Nemo to the stars of Toy to be white. The emotion of Fear Story saying “hello” to a new owner dominated early versions of Inside in Toy Story 3, these emotions have Out until creators realised Sadness led writers to produce think pieces. was a better fit. Instead of a girl Lots of them. fretting that there were monsters in Despite its impeccable box office her bedroom closet, Monsters, Inc. record, Pixar has not been perfect. started out being about an adult Founder John Lasseter departed the man. company because his behaviour All bad ideas, and none made it made employees uncomfortable. UNDERWATER ADVENTURE: Finding Nemo has all of the usual pleasures of the Pixar animation style. to the screen because Pixar movies Representation has been an issue, are conceived with a “brain trust” largely because the early stories that’s also about parenting skills. would be higher on my list if the dimensions of his personality. But of artists. Members of the collective sprang from the personal experiences second half were as good as the the stunning Paris “locations” tell each other when they’re headed of the middle-aged white guys who Toy Story 3 (2010) first. But its two main characters are and the talented rodent who defies down the wrong path and must launched the studio. I love all four Toy Story movies indelible: Russell, an ebullient kid, typecasting to become a Michelin scrap completed work because Still, Pixar has become a familiar and it’s tough to choose “3” over odd-couples it with Carl, a crabby star-worthy chef are the frosting on the movie they’re making isn’t part of summer moviegoing. This is “2” but the former gets a slight edge old man. The poignant, four- Bird’s delicious cake. the movie they hoped they were the first summer since 2015 that we because of its pitch-perfect ending, minute sequence that encapsulates making. aren’t getting a new one, now that which deepens a theme from “2”: Carl’s life with his late wife, Ellie, Toy Story 2 (1999) The Monsters mistake is Soul, conceived by Bloomington, All toys want is to please the kids is one of my favourite scenes in any The premise of the initial Toy particularly revealing. Animated Minnesota, native Pete Docter, was who play with them. movie, ever. Story was “what toys do when movies have gone in and out of moved from June to November. their owners are not around,” but fashion in the past hundred years While we wait for the movie (which Coco (2017) The Incredibles (2004) “2” ups the emotional stakes by (in the late ’70s and early ’80s, even is about an adult jazz musician), I’ll Miguel longs to be a musician, The masterminds at Pixar have showing us how deeply invested Disney barely made them). When be streaming my favourite titles to but to make that happen he must created dozens of memorable Slinky, Buzz Lightyear and the they succeed at the box office, it’s tide me over. All are on Disney+ and break a curse and weather the characters but none is more others are in the children who usually because they offer a story other platforms. disapproval of his titular great- distinctive than Edna Mode, the give them a reason for existing. for kids that adults are willing to sit grandmother. The Day of the stylish, demanding, secretly-a- Randy Newman earned an Oscar through, too. Finding Nemo (2003) Dead-inspired story is lovely, the sweetie-pie who designs the titular nomination for the elegiac When I’d argue that Pixar has flipped Really funny and really sad is a exploration of what it means to superheroes’ capes and tights. She Loved Me, in which cowgirl that script, making movies for winning combination. Nemo gets grieve is sensitive and the mariachi Director/writer Brad Bird supplies Jessie dreams about a time before adults that, because they happen the tears over almost immediately, and ranchero-influenced music her distinctive, German-accented her child owner grew up – one to be animated, kids are willing to when little Nemo’s mom dies, then includes performances by stars voice. of those numbers that is on a lot check out. ploughs into a story about growing Gael Garcia Bernal and Benjamin of people’s songs-that-make- Although the adult scaredy- up as the title fish and pal Dory Bratt (the song Remember Me won Ratatouille (2007) me-cry-every-time list. Says cat vanished from Monsters, learn about life while searching an Oscar). It was practically designed to heartsick Jessie, “You never Inc., grown-up concerns form for Nemo’s dad (voiced by Albert be loved by critics, what with forget kids like Emily or Andy. But the backbone of just about every Brooks). Dad, by the way, has to Up (2009) a surly food writer (voiced by they forget you.” — Star Tribune Pixar movie, whether it’s the learn when to let go in a movie This Docter-directed adventure Peter O’Toole) revealing hidden (Minneapolis)/ TNS 16 GULF TIMES Monday, June 29, 2020 COMMUNITY The slipper surge They’re very important in terms of helping us cope emotionally – but what’s good for the soul is not always good for the sole

Rainbouu, that she used in their By Alyx Gorman fashion week show in 2017. The shoes, bear a striking resemblance to The Iconic’s hen the first bestselling pair of the season tendrils of autumn – equally fluffy, equally candy- crept their way coloured slides from Los Angeles into our poorly brand Roam. “You’re going to be insulated homes, staring at them a long time if you’re Wthe messages started. Friends and sitting on the sofa,” she says. “So it co-workers started asking me might as well be something that’s something I’d never been asked uplifting.” before: “What slippers should I Starkey also dismisses the old- buy?” It was something I’d been fashioned idea that one shouldn’t wondering too, researching the wear slides with socks. In her work perfect pair on consumer review for brands, and fashion magazines, websites. “it’s a common thread that I use I settled on Glerups – boiled socks with slides”. As well as being wool slippers, made in Denmark “someone who doesn’t really like from New Zealand merino – looking at toes,” she notes, “it’s lavishly praised by The Wirecutter, more comfortable as well. If I’m in The Strategist and Afar. I had my the house I’ll always wear socks and credit card cancelled twice while slippers”. attempting to procure them. A Starkey is hopeful this newfound month after my third – successful fondness for house shoes, and – try at a purchase, they finally a little germophobia, will lead arrived. They’re as cushiony, hygge Australians to adopt the Asian and breathable as promised – practice of never wearing outdoor though they make me look more shoes indoors, and vice versa. “It like an elf on a shelf than a chic should just be a thing everywhere,” Scandi minimalist. Meanwhile, the she says. requests for slipper suggestions Sherlock isn’t surprised we’re kept coming. more drawn to slippers now. This anecdote is backed by “I think because we have such data – Australia is in the midst of a IN DEMAND: Slippers and socks on the runway, Retailers say they have sold three times as many pairs as they did this significant associations between “slipper surge”, as a representative time last year as more Australians are looking for slippers than ever before. our slippers and that feeling of of online shop The Iconic put it. relaxation we get at the end of They have sold three times as many boots,” she suggests, to see if your might be an important driver for the soul. Richards cautions against the day … they can become quite pairs as they did this time last foot is properly held in and you’re people. wearing “shoes that have been evocative in their power to help us year. Google search trends reveal a “walking perfectly straight on the Her research has found that, worn to death”; but Sherlock says, feel that way, when we need to.” similar pattern – more Australians sole of the shoe”. In most instances, when it comes to our choice in “what’s interesting is what happens “People crave that tactility and are looking for slippers than ever she suspects, the Ugg will buckle, footwear, “it’s got a lot to do with between a wearer and a shoe after comfort, in times of crisis. There’s before. causing you to tread on the upper. who those shoes are associated we buy them”. Slippers, “because something very reassuring about In early winter, there were Regardless of their limited with. We employ them in terms of they’re worn in such an intimate it. I think they’re very important reports of slipper-related injuries, orthotic support, Uggs still retain thinking about our identity”. With environment … become really in terms of helping us cope nicknamed “Ugg boot foot” an emotional appeal. Alexandra Uggs, she cautions, “Ugg Australia’s evocative.” Ultimately, “the more emotionally.” – though Australian Podiatry Sherlock, a lecturer in fashion actually an American brand ... and we wear them, the more we become As for whether our need to feel Association president Katrina design at RMIT, who wrote her PhD there have been battles over the inseparable, they become us and we relaxed should outweigh our need Richards says that the biggest on footwear and social belonging, years about whether it’s possible to almost become them”. to look after our feet, Richards has problems she’s seen have been suggests, “it’s interesting with trademark a type of shoe. So if [an Lately, fashion stylist Sarah some simple words of wisdom: “If caused by the transition from house Uggs, because they’re an iconic Australian product] is important, Starkey has found herself coming your feet hurt in the shoes you’re shoes to hard training, rather than Australian shoe”. She wonders if, that’s a consideration.” back to one pair of slippers over and wearing, stop wearing those shoes.” slippers alone. “People just go in a time of crisis and uncertainty, When it comes to slippers, what’s over, a candy pink pair of shearling The sociologist’s slipper of too hard, too soon and you end up that connection to national identity bad for the sole might be good for slides by beachwear label Double choice: The ones you already own. getting a lot of overuse injuries,” “Because they become so symbolic she says. and so powerful in terms of their Richards was not impressed by associations with relaxation and my Glerup slip-ons, since their lack comfort, we employ them when we of a heel counter to hold my foot in need to feel that way.” is likely to lead to “clawing”, as my The podiatrist’s slipper of toes attempt to grip for purchase. choice: A sturdy, supportive pair “Your foot shouldn’t have to do of sneakers. “You underestimate anything to try and keep in a shoe,” how much incidental exercise she explains. Slides cause similar you do when you’re working issues, even Birkenstocks, if they from home, even just walking don’t have a back strap. Grip socks from your desk to the kitchen. also won’t cut it – “there’s not a lot The main thing with slippers is of evidence to support their use”. there’s not a lot of support around Richards says Uggs aren’t a great the heel counter, and that holds pick either, since – especially with your foot into the shoe. Your foot older pairs – your foot tends to doesn’t get a lot of support, it’s “flop around”. “I give everyone just flopping around. A good shoe the challenge of actually looking will have it so your foot is held in at themselves walking in the Ugg POPULAR: Cloud slippers from Roam, currently the best selling style in Australia. nicely.” –The Guardian