Abdul Nassar, an Indian CA, Athlete, Author and Motivational Speaker, on How He Fought Adversity to Become an Inspiration for Others

Community Community 400 students Hyderabadis of DPS- in Qatar holds P6Modern P16 the opening Indian School participate ceremony in Qatar National Day for Cric Qatar celebrations at Lusail Champions indoor Stadium. League.

Sunday, December 23, 2018 Rabia II 15, 1440 AH

Doha today: 190 - 230

Turning the page

Abdul Nassar, an Indian CA, athlete, author and motivational speaker, on how he fought adversity to become an inspiration for others. P4-5

COVER STORY

FROM RAGS TO RICHES: Doha-based expatriate Abdul Nassar. Photo by Jayaram

QUIZ SHOWBIZ

It’s Christmas time! Best songwriters, singers of 2018. Page 10 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.53am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.15am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am Asr (afternoon) 2.30pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.51pm Isha (night) 6.21pm

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Zero Bauua was never failed by Meerut or its people. But when DIRECTION: Peter Segal he meets two women (Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma), his CAST: Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma experiences with these women take him on a journey to SYNOPSIS: The story revolves around Bauua Singh (Shah complete his ‘incompleteness’ and broaden his horizons to Rukh Khan), a vertically challenged man, who is full of charm ﬁ nd a purpose he never knew he had. Emergency 999 and wit, with a pinch of arrogance. Born to a wealthy family Worldwide Emergency Number 112 and raised in an environment of affl uence and indulgence, THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza 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

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse that there are many others who share his special, high-ﬂ ying DIRECTION: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey talents. Miles must now use his newfound skills to battle the CAST: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld evil Kingpin, a hulking madman who can open portals to other SYNOPSIS: Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, universes and pull diff erent versions of Spider-Man into our te Unqu Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops world. uo ot mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Q e Spider-Man. When he meets Peter Parker, he soon realises THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark “Love yourself. It is important to stay positive The Mall Cinema (1): (Hindi) 11pm. Zero (Hindi) 2pm; Zero (Hindi) Landmark Cinema (3): because beauty comes from the 5pm; Zero (Hindi) 8pm; Zero Zero (Hindi) 3pm; Aquaman (2D) inside out.” (Hindi) 11pm. 6:30pm; Aquaman (2D) 9pm; 6pm; Maari 2 (Tamil) 8:30pm; — Jenn Proske The Mall Cinema (2): Maari 2 (Tamil) 11:30pm. Maari 2 (Tamil) 11pm. Spider-Man: Into The Spider- Landmark Cinema (1): Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Verse (2D) 2:15pm; Maari 2 Spider-Man: Into The Spider- (1): Bumblebee (3D) 2:30pm; (Tamil) 4:30pm; Bumblebee (2D) VersE (2D) 2:15pm; Bumblebee Zero (Hindi) 5pm; Zero (2D) 8pm; 7pm; Bumblebee (2D) 9:15pm; (2D) 4:15pm; Bumblebee (2D) Zero (Hindi) 11pm. Community Editor Aquaman (2D) 11:30pm. 6:30pm; Aquaman (2D) 8:45pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Kamran Rehmat The Mall Cinema (3): Bumblebee (2D) 11:15pm. (2): Maari 2 (Tamil) 3pm; e-mail: [email protected] Padi Padi Leche Manasu Landmark Cinema (2): Maari Aquaman (2D) 5:30pm; Telephone: 44466405 (Telugu) 2:15pm; Anchor’s 2 (Tamil) 2:30pm; Zero (Hindi) Bumblebee (2D) 8pm; Maari 2 Fax: 44350474 Up (2D) 5pm; Aquaman (2D) 5pm; Zero (Hindi) 8pm; Zero (Tamil) 11pm. Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday TIME: 6pm Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier. The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact [email protected]

EVENTS Heritage Library’s Permanent Exhibition Katara Beach - School Students WHERE: Qatar National Library WHERE: Katara WHEN: Ongoing till December 31 WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 9am – 8pm Doha Triathlon 2019 Hobby Classes TIME: 9am – 12pm The exhibition displays around 400 items WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al By participating in the programme of ‘Our from the QNL Heritage Library collection WHEN: February 8 Hilal Focus Medical Centre culture is a school’, Katara Beach emphasises that illustrate the spread and evolution of Doha Triathlon has opened registration WHEN:Wednesday – Monday the Qatari marine tradition and introduces ideas throughout the Arab and Islamic world, for its third edition. Those wishing to Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic performing to students the meaning of Dasha, Al Qafal as well as document interactions between participate in the event can visit www. artsinstitution and a one stop solution for and various type of pearls. The students Arabs and the West over the past several doha-triathlon.com to register in either the adults as well as children looking to explore will discover all details of the Fath Al-Khair centuries. The exhibition features books, Olympic or Sprint which off ers registration their talents in various art forms. We off er journey. manuscripts, historical photographs maps, for both individuals and team relays. Another classes in Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, globes and travellers’ instruments that tell choice is the Super Sprint which is only for Karate, Yoga, Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Ballet Lessons the story of Qatar, along with the history individuals and open for both adults and kids Hip Hop, contemporary and Bollywood dance WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier of science, literature, writing, travel in the aged between 13-15 years old. Also, a kids’ forms. For details, call 33897609. WHEN: Ongoing region, and much more. duathlon was introduced this year for two age TIME: 4pm – 8pm groups 7-9 and 10-12 years old to allow all For more info e-mail at registration@ family members to enjoy the event. atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Dance and Instrument Classes The Colour Run WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times WHERE: QNCC Building WHEN: January 26 WHEN: Wednesday – Monday TIME: 8:30am Learn the movements of dance styles in Celebrate the hero in you in a realm Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical where nothing is impossible and you are instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard unstoppable. Soar to new heights in the for adults as well kids and move in the world all-new Super Zone and suit up in gear fi t for of music. For details, contact 66523871/ Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club only the most super of heroes as you collect 31326749. WHERE: Losail Circuit your medal at the Finish Line! 2019 will WHEN: Ongoing also include the Foam Zone. Gates will open TIME: 5pm at 7am on January 26, with our fi rst Color Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association Runners setting off at 8.30am. with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the fl oodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts Activities for students taking place after they ﬁ nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I want to leave behind a legacy” — Abdul Nassar, CA, athlete, author, motivational speaker

I will advise the youth that life and time both are very limited. Make maximum ‘ use of your life

SUNDAY CONVERSATION’

writer, and a motivational speaker. By Mudassir Raja Nassar, who currently works with Qatar Petroleum as a chartered accountant, in an interview with t is a story about a journey Community shares his struggle and from abject poverty, through accomplishments at length. desolate orphanage to Sharing his background, Nassar educational excellence, said: “I have three daughters. My enviable career path and wife is a homeopath. I have been in inspirationalI achievements. Qatar since 2007. Abdul Nassar, a 42-year-old I was born into abject poverty. expatriate from Kerala, has not only My father was a religious teacher become an inspiration in his native in a mosque. When I was about 12, area but also in Qatar among well my parents sent me to an orphanage qualifi ed and successful people. to ease their fi nancial burdens. In Born and brought up in a family the time spent in the orphanage, I always struggling to keep the wolf learnt that education was the only from the door, Nassar has made way forward. I felt very lonely and signifi cant achievements through urged my father that I would live his resolve, determination and hard with him in the mosque, where he work. He is a marathon runner, a used to teach and go to a nearby INSPIRATION: Abdul Nassar at the Ironman Race in Malaysia in November this year. Photos supplied Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY village school. When I realised that my father put me in the orphanage because of poverty, I committed myself to getting good education. “In my 10th grade examination, I barely got passing marks because I had not attended a good school. However, I passed 12th grade with excellent marks and did my BCom [Bachelor of Commerce] with distinction. During my college days, I learnt kung fu and worked as an instructor to support my education expenses. Later, I completed Chartered Accountancy in three and a half years with the support of some welfare organisations. “After joining the Indian Oil Corporation through a campus interview, there was no looking back. I have worked with Cairns Energy in India, Sabic in Saudi Arabia, Tasweeq in Qatar and am now working with Qatar Petroleum. I have supported my two younger brothers and a sister. One of my younger brothers is also a chartered accountant. My nephews and nieces are all inspired by me and doing well in studies. After obtaining good education and prosperous career, Nassar started working hard. The challenging career brought both affl uence and bad health at the same time. TOASTMASTER: With World Champions of Public Speaking 2017, at Vancouver, Canada, Toastmasters International Convention. He said: “My health started deteriorating; I had high blood For swimming, I got proper training and my friends advised me to note pressure and high cholesterol. I went to be a professional swimmer. down my personal experiences. on medication. I got worried when “In Ironman Race, I did eight I got my book published very one of cousins, in his mid-40s died kilometre open sea swimming, recently. I have started paying back in his sleep in the UAE where he was cycling for 180 kilometres, and to my people. I got good help from working. running for 42 kilometres. It is diff erent people in my childhood It was six years ago that I got considered the toughest one-day and now I can pay it forward. inspired by the words of a visiting endurance challenge. I did all this in “I have learnt that if you want motivational speaker from Canada. less than 15 hours. I may be the only to achieve some big goal, you need I turned to a healthy lifestyle where chartered account completing the to break it into short targets. I I started regular walk, then jogging race so far. did it while I was doing chartered and fi nally, running. After two Meeting the challenges accountancy. I would always years practice, I started attending successfully, Nassar turned to concentrate on my subject or one diff erent marathons. I covered be a motivational fi gure. He has paper instead of thinking how I 42-kilometre-long marathons in also penned a book The Road Less would pass the whole course. Qatar, Kuwait, and France. Travelled. He has shared his story “In Qatar, I also see many people Nassar recently took part in to inspire others. He is also a very looking for some kind of motivation. Ironman Race in Malaysia. He good toastmaster. “I thought about Both my successful career and prepared for the race only after he sharing my story and motivating athleticism are a sort of motivation got knee problem and was suggested others a few years ago when I visited for many people here. One needs to to go for cross fi tness training. my village and some schools. I come out of one’s comfort zone. He said: “I started thinking about always tell the students in my native Nassar’s book has been receiving preparing myself for triathlon, area that they can get everything a good response both in Qatar and running, swimming and cycling. My in life only through education. The in India. “It is an international knees improved by doing cycling. students got interested in my life publication and its publisher

DISTINCTION: Abdul Nassar with the ISC, Sports Excellence Award 2018.

“I got my book The is from Australia. The book is “I plan to work and raise Road Less Travelled available online. It is basically a awareness against the dowry speech from me. The readers feel system. I also plan to raise awareness published very that I am talking to them. They feel about how important it is to support connected.” and educate a girl child. I will work recently. I have started People in Qatar see him more as for gender equality. paying back to my a fi tness inspiration. They come to “I also focus on a particular area him for advice on physical fi tness. where I will work to support the people. I got good help “Currently, I am having sessions people. I want to support the people on how to improve physical fi tness facing false and frivolous litigation. from different people while doing a regular job or a I want to discourage misuse of law business,” he said. especially in India.” in my childhood Sharing his future plans and goals, In his advice to the young and now I can pay it the marathon runner said: “I have people, Nassar said: “What I have bigger dreams. My book speaks realised throughout my life is that forward” about what is the real purpose of life. the time is an invaluable thing. We I have been switching my goals in all have very limited time. I want to do these years. I have learnt a lot. I want diff erent things. I will advise the to share what I have learnt and see youth that life and time both are people happy. I want to leave behind very limited. Make maximum use a legacy. of your life.” 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY DPS-MIS marks Qatar National Day

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently celebrated Qatar National Day at Lusail Indoor various fields of development, including Qatar’s preparation for 2022, its mega projects, world class Stadium. Some 400 students participated in various activities, including thematic parade, tradition stadiums, athlete villages, dairy revolution, and Qatar’s role in organising sports events. sword dance, dance performances and songs. The event kicked off with the National Anthem of The junior as well as senior choir students rendered songs for the general song category. The Qatar. The thematic parade highlighted Qatar’s culturally diverse society and its qualitative leaps in students also performed contemporary and Kathak dance.

ISC marks Qatar National Day celebrations

International School of Choueifat (ISC) recently organised an event to mark Qatar National Day celebrations. The event was attended by the students of ISC, faculty members and parents. The event featured various cultural activities, including dance performances, traditional Qatari ‘Majlis’, and Qatari cuisine. The event kicked off with Qatar National Anthem, which was followed by a dance performance by the students of ISC on national songs. The performances included, poetry recitation, traditional dances and march past.

SIS organises ‘SIS Trendz’

The English Department of Shaniniketan Indian School (SIS) recently organised ‘SIS Trendz’, a talk show for the students of the Middle section to promote and develop the art of public speaking. Diccha Khadka, Pooja and Mrithika, students of Grade-VII, express their ideas and inspired a multitude of students to take initiative in developing their communication skills. Shihabudeen Pulath, Senior Vice Principal of SIS, along with Dudley O’Connor, Vice Principal, appreciated the speakers and congratulated the English department. Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Qatar Chapter of NEA celebrates 56th Engineers’ Day

Qatar chapter of Nepal Engineers’ established in 1962. NEA-Qatar has Association (NEA) recently celebrated become a good platform for all Nepali 56th Engineers’ Day at Marriott Hotel. engineers to share knowledge and The programme was chaired by information.” Padam Narayan Sah, President of NEA- CK Krishna announced that Doha Qatar. Hare Ram Shrestha, President of Bank has established a new branch in NEA Kathmandu, was the chief guest Nepal. at the event. The guest of honours Ahmed Jassim al-Jolo, said, “There are at the event, included Ahmed Jassim many Nepali engineers in preparation al-Jolo, President of Federation of Arab of FIFA World Cup 2022 and Qatar Engineers; Dinesh Chandra Panthi, Vision 2030.” Former Deputy General Secretary Mohammad Nurain presented an of NEA Katmandu; CK Krishna, activity report of NEA-Qatar at the Chief Wholesale Banking Off icer at event. A short documentary about Doha Bank; Dr Shaligram Pokhrel, the organisation was also part of the Professor of Mechanical And Industrial programme. Engineering at Qatar University; On the occasion, Professor Shaligram and Arjun Prasad Bhatterai, former Pokharel presented a paper entitled president of NEA-Qatar. The event ‘Hydropower as a potential venture was attended by over 150 engineers in Nepal’. In his presentation, he from various expatriate communities, mentioned that there are over 6,000 including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, rivers and rivulets in Nepal with Sri Lanka and the Philippines. technically viable electricity generation The event kicked off with Qatar and of 44GW. Nepal national anthem, which was The event was concluded with followed by one-minute silence as a an award ceremony. Life Time tribute to late Babukaji Rajthala, past Achievement Awards for Senior Adviser to NEA Qatar. Engineers, including Rajiv Dangol, Rakesh Krishna Chaudhary, Vice Arjun Prasad Bhatterai, Pradip Jha President of NEA, welcomed the and Ravi Kanta Lal were presented at gathering. the event. The event was hosted by While speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Nurain, General Secretary Arjun Prasad Bhattarai, said, “In Nepal, of NEA-Qatar. the day is celebrated as a tribute to – Text and photos by the NEA Formation Day which was Usha Wagle Gautam

LIS celebrates ‘Mathematics Day’

Loyola International School (LIS) recently celebrated ‘Mathematics Day’ to commemorate the 131st shortcut method and speed maths were also explained during the event. Talent tests were birthday of Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar, famous Indian mathematician. conducted for the students of Grade I-VI. The event included various segments, including skits, stories of numbers and tricks for PKV Prasad, Principal of LIS, appreciated the eff orts of students and teachers on the occasion. He calculations. The students also presented mathematical tables with music. Japanese technique said, “We all are students and we should continue with the spirit of learning. The day may come, to calculate the numbers in short span along several other methods of calculations, including when one from some of you present here, can be a genius Mathematician”. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY Palakkadan Nattarangu – Qatar to celebrate its Annual Day

Palakkadan Nattarangu – Qatar is all set to celebrate its Annual Day on December 27 at Asoka Hall, Indian Cultural Centre, from 6:30pm onwards. The event will include various cultural performances.

Students of MES excel in various competitions

The students of MES Indian third position. Abdullah P got third School recently excelled in various position in the junior category of competitions organised by Friends write and win, while Aakash Paul Cultural Centre, including write and Alias and Amal Fathima shared third win contest, sum up your summer position in the pre-senior category. vacation and photography-catchy In Catchy Clicks Contest, the first clicks contest, for junior, pre-senior prize was bagged by Nadeem and senior categories of students. P M in the pre-senior category. In the senior category of write In the Senior Category, the first and win contest, the winners, position was shared by Pranay included GadhaVinu Kumar and Jiljith and Fathima Meharin, RithuvanVazhayil, first position; and while MahithaManaf received a Shaheem and Jayashankar K S, consolation prize.

BDKQC organises blood donation drive

Blood Donors Kerala Qatar Chapter (BDKQC) and Radio Malayalam 98.6FM, in association donation drive at LuLu Hyper Market D Ring Road. Some 130 volunteers participated in with Hamad Medical Corporation, AKDF and LuLu Exchange, recently organised a blood the drive. Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY Forensic archaeologist treats Arctic region like a crime scene There are always traces of evidence left at a crime scene – in this case, the hunting ground of Arctic animals over more than four centuries in Norway. Forensic archaeologist Frigga Kruse leads the investigation. By Wolfgang Runge

here’s no ‘CSI: Spitsbergen’ investigative team. But if there were, Frigga Kruse would certainly Tbe its leader. For her new project, the researcher is investigating “in an almost forensic way” the hunting of Arctic animals in the 420 years since the discovery of the archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. “I look at the sites as if they were a crime scene,” explains the forensic archaeologist. “I’m trying to get ‘evidence’ on site and take samples.” These samples can then be examined further by other scientists in laboratories back home, the scientist explains. ‘Svalbard’ is what the locals call the region; it’s the Norwegian word for ‘cool coast.’ Svalbard is better known as Spitsbergen: a group of more than 400 islands and archipelagos in the North Atlantic. It belongs to the Arctic and is today inhabited by just 2,500 people, says Kruse. “There were never indigenous peoples here.” It’s not known if the Vikings knew of the archipelago or hunters from northern Russia hunted there. The “offi cial” date of discovery is 1596. That was the year the archipelago was mapped for the fi rst time by Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz. His journey marked the beginning of the hunt for the Arctic “Big Five,” Kruse says: The arctic whale, the polar bear, the RESEARCHER: Forensic archaeologist Frigga Kruse stands in a crack created by the underground melting of an ice wedge in Norway. walrus, the Svalbard reindeer and the arctic fox. abandoned villages and search for She says that language skills are “Until 1920, Spitsbergen was bones. “The archaeological fi nds an important key to being able to a kind of no man’s land. It was are just lying around in the area. read the original historical books. In repeatedly settled by Norwegians, The way people left them.” addition to German, Kruse speaks Dutch, Russians, Germans, French, Sometimes the fi nds are covered English, Dutch and Norwegian. She Spaniards and Americans who with a little grass or moss. It’s only needs a Russian translator, could hunt or mine there almost only very rarely necessary to dig, who searches the archives for her. unhindered – despite recurring and even then not very deeply. French and Spanish were probably territorial disputes,” Kruse explains. “Not even half a metre, due to the not used much in this region, she “As a result, there are still many permafrost,” she explains. explains. visible traces of European cultures In addition, Kruse wants to “The Arctic is a very sensitive and customs from the last 420 record, measure and date the ecosystem,” says the polar years,” she explains. bone collections already stored researcher. “It has been undergoing Kruse now wants to explore what in museum archives. “The change for 420 years.” traces whaling, walrus hunting, older research into hunting on Kruse comes across a lot of mining and the fur trade have left Spitsbergen has unfortunately only negative things in the course of her in the Arctic – and what pressure been carried out selectively and not work. For example, the pressure PROJECT: Researchers collect samples of earth in Norway. Forensic this has put on the ecosystem extensively,” she says. that climate change and pollution archaeologist Frigga Kruse is leading a project in the Spitsbergen region to to this day. “It’s exciting to see Kruse also has to delve into the exert on the animals. But she also look into how animals were hunted over centuries. what changes are taking place in archives: whalers’ logbooks and sees rays of hope. For example, the ecosystems,” she explains, “and commercial ledgers, as well as fact that animal populations are to lobby – not for politicians, and systematically written down. I want to help us understand our diaries and travel reports by the recovering from hunting. not for industry or environmental I know where to fi nd data and history and learn from it.” ship doctors, which recorded what But she doesn’t want to judge. protection groups,” she says. how to read and analyse it. My To do so, she plans to examine animals were hunted when and how Kruse only wants to describe what “I have access to data research forms the basis for further latrines and dung heaps in often. she sees objectively. “I don’t want records that have not yet been research,” she adds. – DPA 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY QUIZ It’s Christmas time!

oyeux Noel, Frohe Weinachten, Feliz NOVELLA: A Christmas Carol is Navidad, Buon Natale or a novella by Charles Dickens first Merry Christmas. Call it published in London by Chapman & whatever you may. We all Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John loveJ Christmas! Leech. Are you looking for some conversational ammunition this June 21, 2018? holiday season? Well, you are in 3 hours and 9 minutes the right company. Welcome to ‘Nutty’s Infortainment. YAYS!’ What does ‘da capo’ means in Although Christmas is all about music terminology? traditions, there are plenty of very To be repeated from the interesting and sometimes even beginning. weird things about this holiday. The legend of Santa Claus can On December 23, 1986, an be traced back hundreds of years experimental airplane Voyager, to a monk named St Nicholas. It piloted by Dick Rutan and is believed that Nicholas was born Jeana Yeager, created a fi rst as sometime around 280 AD in Patara it landed safely at Edwards Air in modern Turkey. Force Base in California. What Santa has diff erent names was it? around the world – Kris Kringle in The fi rst non-stop, around-the- Germany, Le Befana in Italy, Pere DECOR: Spiders and spider webs are also often used as Christmas tree decorations to bring luck and prosperity. world fl ight without refuelling. Noel in France, DeushkaMoroz (Grandfather Frost) in Russia and of the most powerful fi nanciers of Georgia, and Indiana. A mailing address has been Who was the fi rst person of Kanakaloka in Hawaii. the Gilded Age. And your time starts NOW! assigned to Santa Claus by colour to win a Grand Slam title In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas The best-selling Christmas Canada Post. What is the zip in Tennis? (the Dutch version of Santa Claus) singles ever is Bing Crosby’s White What is common to code? Athea Gibson. She won the arrives from Spain, not from the Christmas, shifting over 50 million ‘Midwinter’, ‘Nativity’ and H0H 0H0. The postal service French Championships in 1956. North Pole. Sinterklaas has his copies worldwide since 1942. Over ‘Yule’? responds each year to tens of little helpers, but not like adorable 500 covers have been recorded These are names given to thousands of children’s letters The Russian general below hard-working elves. They are by various artistes in diff erent Christmas from the old times. from around the world addressed to was also an inventor, military black-faced boys and girls who can languages. Paul McCartney still Christmas is also called Navidad in Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, engineer and small arms steal your kids if they misbehave, earns $400,000 a year from his Spanish, Natale in Italian and Noel Canada designer. He is most famous for and bring them back to Spain which Wonderful Christmas time which is in French. developing an assault rifl e. He is, according to the Dutch, a severe widely regarded as the worst singles The fi rst ever musical died this day (December 23) in punishment. he has ever recorded. At which QSRs do Japanese recording in space was 2013. Identify him? In Germany, Poland and Ukraine, There are two islands named people traditionally go for performed in 2012 on the fi nding a spider or a spider’s web after Christmas. One is the Christmas dinner? Internatinal Space Station by (Answer next week. Answer to on a Christmas tree is believed Christmas Island, formerly KFC. To enjoy some fried chicken Col. Chris Hadfi eld. It was the last week’s photo-quiz: Shirley to be a harbinger of prosperity known as Kiritimati in the Pacific – the closest food to turkey that Christmas Carol, Jewel in The Temple.) and goodness. In fact, spiders Ocean, and Christmas Island in they can get in Japan. Night. Which was the fi rst song and spider webs are often used as the Indian Ocean. In addition, ever broadcast from the space? Christmas tree decorations to bring there are three towns in the Who authored the novella A Jingle Bells. Tom Staff ord and luck and prosperity. United States that are named after Christmas Carol? Wally Schirra sang it on December Rudolph, the Reindeer was Santa Claus. They are in Arizona, Charles Dickens 16, 1965. actually conceived by a department store, Montgomery Ward, as a Yesterday (December 22, marketing gimmick to get kids 2018) was winter solstice in to buy holiday colouring books. Qatar. In terms of daylight, by Rudolph was almost named Rollo Tribe NI.yays what duration was this shorter or Reginald. The original Rudolph than the summer solstice on did not have a red nose. In that day and age, red noses were seen as an What’s the Good Word? (d) journey indicator of chronic alcoholism. 1. Telesphobia is a fear of? 6. Onerous: (a) burdensome (b) Rudolph’s now red nose is probably Being Last 1. Voracious: (a) magnanimous (b) harmony (c) antagonistic (d) enemy the “result of a parasitic infection (Quamrul Farid, Retd. Professional, India) gigantic (c) volatile (d) greedy 7. Supercilious: (a) modest (b) of his respiratory system”. 2. Aphorism: (a) adage (b) superficial (c) haughty (d) bogus Jingle Bells wasn’t originally 2. Name the king of England who was killed by an arrow in the sensationalism (c) intransigent (d) 8. Macrosmatic: (a) idiotic (b) having written as a Christmas song. It eye at the Battle of Hastings while trying to repel the Norman metabolism a good sense of smell (c) gigantic (d) doesn’t even mention Christmas. invasion in 1066 AD? 3. Precocious: (a) dicey (b) attribute That’s because it was actually Harold Godwinson, often called Harold II advanced (c) benevolent (d) stupid 9. Gauche: (a) elegant (b) enormous written for Thanksgiving. When (Samantha Webster, Doha) 4. Noctambulist: (a) moths (b) (c) awkward (d) rattled the holiday ditty was fi rst printed dreamer (c) sleepwalker (d) Person 10. Impecunious: (a) poor (b) witty in 1857, it was released under the Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does yourvibe who studies bats (c) moist (d) porous title ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’. The attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions 5. Peregrination: (a) rejuvenation Answer: 1 (d); 2 (a); 3 (b); 4 (c); 5 (d); 6 song was written by James Lord will be featured here. Please do write to us at [email protected]. (b) prediction (c) premonition (a); 7 (c); 8 (b); 9 (c); 10 (a) Pierpont, uncle of J P Morgan, one Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

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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. Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1. Don’t have to make an exit? 1. Silly song that’s captivated (2,7) everybody - or a whole lot (7) 8. Around five to four it’s true 2. A room we let out in Australia there’s a recovery (7) (7) 9. Find and tell to be careful 3. See the drunk outside, (4,3) standing in the shed (5) 10. Transmitted earlier now (7) 4. It flies in from Ecuador to land 13. Make ridiculous claims about here (7) the Spanish lovers: ridiculous 5. Net that should be raised a bit (8) (4) 14. Hitch the horse to the pole 6. The girl let it slip (4) (4) 7. Talk about a figure that’s an 16. And the pug isn’t frisking American record (7) about, though not lying 11. Angry, caught the creature down (8,2) and spoke harshly to it (6) 20. About six months getting 12. Move the row of shrubs for the back (4) Cockney (4) 22. Getting Art to begin again 15. Shouldn’t it be ‘is a zone’? (4) with the others (4) 17. Said it’s a drink stand (3) 24. Picture wearing a dress, in 18. A few lines or less than that of the garden (10) music (4) 28. After which, we’re told, it’s all 19. Put in with the sun still out (6) Answers downhill, pet (4) 21. ‘A bash’ in the past (3) 29. That’s nothing to the love 22. Ask about Queer Street (7) Wordsearch Codeword light when about to woo (8) 23. Does better than in the return, 31. Romance Daffy Hunt’s you see (4) written about the depression 25. Bounds and capers wildly (7) round the central point (7) 34. After the talk, allow to return 26. Leave on the date I arranged, to the property (7) from the plant (7) 35. He acts oddly: the pupil with 27. Annoyed, had wanted a litre the bag (7) put in (7) 36. When the red is flickering, 30. Talk to and are worried by (5) pull back or pay no attention 32. It’s very hard, which does (9) surprise you (4) 33. Claimed to have been captured (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 3 Paid a visit 8 Repair Down: 1 Meantime 2 Washer 9 Torn 10 On the whole 11 Gee 3 Prowled 4 Igloo 5 Ante 6 13 Tier 14 Shallot 15 Dare 17 Singular 7 Tapestry 12 Harp 14 Serve 20 Party 22 Eyed 24 Sere 16 Awed 17 Smash hit 18 Angered 25 Dart 27 His 28 Register 19 Earn 21 Tortured 23 Bring about 29 Toga 30 Oliver Dungeon 25 Debris 26 Dingo 31 Turned down. 28 Band. 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE This plant can clean indoor air

esearchers have genetically modifi ed a common indoor plant — pothos ivy — to remove pollutants inside the house including chloroform and benzene that have been linked to cancer, according to a new Rstudy. The modifi ed plants express a protein, called P450 2E1 or 2E1, that transforms these compounds into molecules that the plants can then use to support their own growth. “People have not really been talking about these hazardous organic compounds in homes, and I think that is because we could not do anything about them,” said Stuart Strand, Professor at the University of Washington. For the study, the team tested how well their modifi ed plants could remove the pollutants from air compared to normal pothos ivy. They put both types of plants in glass tubes and then added either benzene or chloroform gas into each tube. Over 11 days, they tracked how the concentration of each pollutant changed in each tube. Findings, published in Environmental Science and Technology, showed that for the unmodifi ed plants, the concentration of either gas did not change over time. However, for the modifi ed plants, the concentration of chloroform dropped by 82 per cent after three days, and it was almost undetectable by day six. In addition, the concentration of benzene also decreased in the modifi ed plant vials by about 75 per cent. “If you had a plant growing in the corner of a room, it will have some eff ect in that room. But without air flow, it will take a long time for a molecule on the other end of the house to reach the plant,” Strand noted. — IANS

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

The world probably isn’t going to revolve around you today, Aries, Initiate a deep, meaningful conversation with someone you’ve Your transmission may be stuck in reverse today, Gemini. This so get used to it. Even though this may not be the news you want lost touch with, Taurus. It could be that a long and ugly point of doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. You may need to change your to hear, it’s probably the news you most need to hear. Use your contention is on the brink of resolution. All you need to do is make approach. Carefully assess a situation before you proceed. Someone incredible passion to nurture others. Think less about yourself and the first move. There’s a great deal of heartfelt, loving energy in may be trying to cross you. Be smart about your rebuttal. Head-on more about the people around you, especially your family. Stick the air that will help you foster a sensitive, tender approach. Find a combat isn’t the best approach. Try reasoning. You may discover close to home and take care of chores. connection with someone that you didn’t know was there. that there are pieces of the puzzle you didn’t know about. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Things should go well for you today, Cancer. There’s an added It might seem like someone has dumped a bucket of water on your Tension may run high today as things come to a great emotional serenity in the air that will help calm your nerves. There’s no need head today, Leo. It seems like your fire is out. Keep in mind that this is climax. It might seem as if everyone is out to get you, Virgo, but to make things more complicated than necessary. The answers to only temporary and that your internal flame will be rekindled soon. more than likely this paranoia is a figment of your imagination. Don’t things are actually quite simple. Everything you want is probably For now, you may want to take this time to slow down and relax. Use get carried away with crazy scenarios that have no basis in reality. right at your fingertips. You don’t need to go far to find what you this as an opportunity to reflect and tune in to your sensitive, caring People may be acting irrationally, so don’t be surprised if reason and seek. nature. Let someone else take the reins. logic are nowhere to be found. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

More than likely you will be caught up in a wildly intense emotional You will find strength in your inner reserves today, Scorpio. Don’t You may feel a bit sluggish today, Sagittarius. Your warrior spirit drama if you aren’t careful, Libra. Try to stay calm and collected. Find hesitate to let your deepest thoughts shine through. Keep your would rather stay home on the couch than get up and fight. This a quiet, solitary place where you can relax. Your energy is there, but antenna up. You will find that there’s an electricity in the air that is fine. You may simply need a break from your quest for world it may be more reserved and subtle on a day like this. Be the stable keeps people’s emotions at peak level. Follow your instincts and domination. Remember that a good leader also takes the time to sit oasis in the raging turmoil. Make peace with the people around you. keep in mind that this is probably your best defence against the back and reflect on recent events in order to make better plans for challenges of the day. Rational thinking is overrated. the future. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Your sensitivity is strong today, Capricorn. You will find that your You may feel a bit confused today. It might seem as if the wind has Today is an excellent day for you, Pisces. You will be a welcome perception of situations is right on target with the truth of the suddenly been taken out of your sails. Don’t get discouraged by addition to any crowd. Your delightful nature is at its most active. matter. Keep in mind that in order to be successful, you won’t the slow weightiness of the day. Take the opportunity to relax and You have the unique capability to be aggressive about getting what need to strong-arm anyone into doing what you want. More than recharge your batteries. Do a bit of inward reflection as opposed you want without disturbing the flow of the energy around you. likely you will be able to accomplish more just by tuning in to your to outer-directed movement. The most valuable lesson to learn is People respect and honour your sensitive, nurturing qualities. This receptive, gentle nature. patience. Remind yourself of this throughout the day. will win the game for you. Sunday, December 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Best songwriters, singers of 2018

By Randy Lewis NEW PROJECT: Sunny Deol’s Bhaiaji Superhit will premiere on December 25. t was a good year for the Sunny Deol rues lack of troubadours — the modern-day comedy fi lms in Bollywood equivalent to the town criers of old, and those who take it Actor Sunny Deol says people in Bollywood don’t make on themselves to inform and comedy fi lms like Bhaiaji Superhit anymore. Ienlighten those within earshot to the “The decision to take up the movie was based on my dangers and the virtues of the world instinct. I have acted in comedy movies previously, but around them. this was quite an experience. I truly feel that the role I The modes of expression of today’s play in Bhaiaji Superhit is almost on the lines of the roles bards extend well beyond the solo I used to play in the 1990s – where men are vendetta- voice with an acoustic guitar of yore, driven and love to stomp feet, fl ex biceps, uproot water a genre broad enough to encompass pumps and roar like lions,” Sunny said in a statement. elements of rock, blues, folk, country, Set in Varanasi, Bhaiaji Superhit revolves around gospel and R&B. The subjects they ‘bhaiaji’ who wants to be an actor in Hindi cinema. It also address are equally wide-ranging, from features Preity Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and the haunting experiences of combat Ameesha Patel. The fi lm will premiere on Zee Cinema on veterans and their families and social December 25. ills resulting from neighbourhood “Bollywood doesn’t make such movies anymore and gentrification to the simple joys of hence it becomes really important for today’s millennials new love and the rewards of sticking to to watch movies like this,” he added. one’s guns against all odds. Sunny is known for his performance in iconic fi lms like Here are my favourite singer/ Border, Gadar - Ek Prem Katha, The Hero: Love Story of a songwriter albums of 2018: Spy, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Ghayal. – IANS 1. Mary Gauthier, Rifles & Rosary Beads (In the Black) Turned into singer to A collaboration between esteemed promote happiness: Sara Khan Louisiana-bred singer-songwriter Gauthier and US military combat Actress Sara Khan, who has lent her voice to the song veterans — male and female — is more Black heart, says she took a break from acting and turned than emotionally potent and more than into a singer to promote happiness. lyrically insightful. “Acting has given me a successful career and I will By also taking in observations from do it whenever I’m approached for any challenging and the spouses and family members of promising role. Meanwhile, I want to sing and promote veterans, all in conjunction with the BEST: Rifles and Rosary Beads by Mary Gauthier makes it on the Best of 2018. happiness. That’s why I took a break and launched my Songwriting With Soldiers programme, music,” she said in a statement. this stands as the too-rare example horizons as she is in keeping her fans as far inward as outward at someone Earlier this year, Sara made her debut in singing with of music that is genuinely important. entertained. who’s in jeopardy of losing faith. the song Lekin woh mera ishq hai. For her, singing is These songs matter, as they express, 5. Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale 8. Rosanne Cash, She Remembers important for “happiness” with uncommon power, the harrowing Gilmore, Downey to Lubbock Everything (Blue Note) “I feel the main advantage of being a singer is that you experiences of the people who go to An Americana odd couple, at least Cash writes songs of exquisite beauty are providing happiness to others. People listen to music war. that’s how it might have looked on and reassurance amid exceedingly when they are sad and it relaxes their minds. People 2. Ry Cooder, The Prodigal Son paper. troubled times. She never flinches listen to music when they are extremely happy like in (Fantasy) But the Southern California roots rocker from those troubles, but also refuses occasions, gatherings and parties and enjoy it. Music fi lls The revered roots music guitarist and the West Texas Zen cowboy fi nd plenty to give into them. She understands colours of happiness in their life,” added the Sapna Babul gets back to what he’s long done so of common ground for their sensibilities. the comfort found in shared struggle, Ka...Bidaai actress. well: playing guitar with expressive The album’s high point is arguably Alvin’s which she seems to outline in My Least On her idea of music, she said: “The singer’s passion power and nuance and singing of imagined conversation between two iconic Favorite Life: The whisper of two broken is to create music which touches the hearts of people and matters personal and political. fi gures from the American West, Billy the wings/Maybe they’re yours, maybe they get addicted to it. There are very few singers who Here he uses a combination of Kid and Geronimo. they’re mine. know the art of creating music which plays with people’s original songs and blues, gospel and 6. David Byrne, American Utopia 9. Ashley McBryde, Girl Going feelings and emotions.” – IANS folk chestnuts that reiterate Nick (Nonesuch) Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) Lowe’s timeless question: What Playful as always, brilliant as ever, Yet another take-no-prisoners is so funny about peace, love and Byrne applies his disarming, alien-in- addition to contemporary country understanding? his-own-backyard perspective across music, McBryde weds impeccable craft 3. John Prine, Tree of Forgiveness (Oh 10 captivating songs, from the proud- with acute vision that place her in the Boy) to-be-nerdy opening track I Dance Like estimable country of such firebrands His wit remains inordinately This to Bullet, an intricate play-by- as Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, piercing, and his ability to turn a play of violence and destruction. Margo Price and Brandy Clark. phrase that can melt hearts is as strong He assembled one of the most 10. I’m With Her, See You Around as ever, one manifestation being that inventive rock tours ever to bring these (Rounder) not one but two of the new songs — songs to live in concert halls. Scintillating three-part harmonies Summer’s End and Knockin’ On Your 7. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night from accomplished solo singer- Screen Door — just earned Prine and Sweats, Tearing at the Seams (Stax) songwriters Sara Watkins, Aoife songwriting partner Pat McLaughlin The follow-up to the neo-soul O’Donovan and Sarah Jarosz are a Grammy nominations for best band’s 2015 debut keeps the good key part of the motivating force that American roots song. vibrations flowing, as Rateliff injects brought them together in this new 4. Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour unusually elliptical ideas into visceral configuration. Her latest songs often state their case vintage R&B musical settings. That The fact that all three are ace in more ambiguous but still compelling music allows the band to convey a songwriters as well brings a lyrical CANDID: Sara Khan says people listen to music when they ways, less in-your-face than on her multiplicity of emotions in a song like gravitas that lends intellectual and are extremely happy. previous two albums, showing she’s the irresistible You Worry Me, in which emotional depth to the vocal beauty. – as curious about expanding her Rateliff’s unflinching gaze extends Los Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, December 23, 2018 COMMUNITY Cric Qatar Champions League: The biggest cricket tournament Hyderabadis in Qatar held the opening ceremony for its upcoming cricket tournament

By Mudassir Raja

t is a season of sports in Qatar. The majority of expatriates in Qatar come from fi ve South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, ISri Lanka and Nepal, and they love playing cricket. There are many community organisations and groups that organise cricket tournaments every year. The players, mostly blue collar workers, take part in the tournaments for the sake of physical activity, mental satisfaction and community appreciation. Hyderabadis in Qatar (HIQ) is a community group of Indian expatriates from Hyderabad. The group is more known for its cricket- related activities than community activities. Recently, HIQ held the opening ceremony for its upcoming cricket tournament ‘Cric Qatar Champions League’ at Gulf Horizon Hotel. It is one of the biggest community cricket tournaments in Qatar. The event included various cultural activities. GROUP: Captains and team members in a photo. The event was attended by notable personalities, including matches will be played.” Srinivas Gadde, Managing Director Sharing that how diff erent this of Dana World Contracting tournament is diff erent from other Company; Syed Hussaini, such leagues, he said, “Usually, Commercial Manager of Al Rayan; the entry fee is very high in other and Mukarram Hussain from cricket tournaments. For this Medgulf. tournament, each team has to pay Speaking on the occasion, QR300. Further, we will be having Srinivas Gadde urged the expatriate live streaming session of the last workers and children to shun three matches on our YouTube electronic gadgets and take up channel and Facebook page. For cricket as a sport and to take part in this tournament, we have also other physical activities. launched our mobile app for digital Syed Rafi , Chairman of HIQ, scorecard.” shared the details of one of the “Cricket has taught me biggest community cricket discipline, fairness and tournament with Community. He commitment and I want to pay said, “This is the third edition of back to the game by organising such the tournament that will continue tournaments. Qatar will witness for nine weeks. Last year, we had 22 more of such tournaments in the teams and this year we have about coming days,” he said. 40 teams participating. Each team Abdul Rehman, Captain of Team has players from the fi ve South Emad, said, “I work as a transport Asian countries. The tournament supervisor with DPS-Modern will be played on league basis. The Indian School. I have been in teams have been divided into eight Qatar for over 10 years now. I am groups. Every team has to play four very excited because this year the matches at the league level. The tournament is much bigger and top two teams from each group will longer. I am playing for a diff erent INAUGURATION: Unveiling the trophy of the tournament. proceed to the pre-quarter fi nals team this year.” and the knock-out stage.” He added, “I am an all-rounder. of physical activity. I get to socialise said, “I have been living in Qatar “Cricket is a part time activity. I Rafi said, “The matches will be Cricket is my passion. I have taken and meet up other player members. for over 20 years. I work as a project fi nd it very relaxing when it comes played from 6:30am to 9:00am part in diff erent tournaments but It is a very healthy and productive manager with a catering company. to my mental and physical health. and then from 1:30pm to 4:30pm Cric Qatar is diff erent because of activity. I see a bright future of the I am crazy about cricket. In my Majority of the players are blue every Friday. We have two grounds the organisers as they continue to sport in Qatar.” team, there are players from India, collar workers. Cricket gives them at Barwa City, four at Al Wukair, bring in and introduce technical Vijitha Kusumasiri is a Sri Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh an opportunity to meet others and two in Al Wakrah and two each in Al innovations to the sport. I play Lankan expatriate and Captain and Nepal. It is very good to have do some physical activity every Gharafa and Ain Khaled, where the cricket as a passion and for the sake of United Asian Cricket Club. He such variety of players in one team.” Friday.”