DOHA 26°C—34°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13 D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 L P Monday, April 30, 2018 Sha’baan 14, 1439 AH Community Qatar and Nepal chambers of commerce sign MoU to boost mutual co-operation. P7 P16 Community Best Buddies Qatar holds football tournament for social integration of members. In the lab COVER STORY Brainstorming the ethics of neuroscience research in the age of organoids. P4-5 ASSEMBLOID: A 3D human-brain assembloid derived from stem cells. Photo: Pasca Lab Stanford University
Transcript
DOHA 26°C—34°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11L P
Monday, April 30, 2018Sha’baan 14, 1439 AH
CommunityQatar and Nepal chambers
of commerce sign MoU to boost mutual co-operation.
P7 P16 CommunityBest Buddies Qatar holds football
tournament for social integration of members.
In the lab
COVERSTORY
Brainstorming
the ethics of
neuroscience
research in
the age of
organoids. P4-5
ASSEMBLOID: A 3D human-brain assembloid derived from stem cells. Photo: Pasca Lab Stanford University
Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374
Finding Your FeetDIRECTION: Richard LoncraineCAST: Joanna Lumley, Imelda
Staunton, Timothy SpallSYNOPSIS: When Lady Sandra
Abbott discovers that her husband of
40 years is having an aff air with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif. The two could not be more diff erent - Sandra is a fi sh out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But
diff erent is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where she starts fi nding her feet.
THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza
Avengers: Infi nity WarDIRECTION: Anthony Russo, Joe RussoCAST: Karen Gillan, Josh Brolin, Letitia Wright, Chris
EvansSYNOPSIS: An unprecedented cinematic journey 10 years
in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infi nity War brings to
the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifi ce all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark
The Mall Cinema (1): Finding Your Feet (2D) 12pm; Here Comes The Grump (2D) 2pm; Here Comes The Grump (2D) 3:45pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 5:30pm; Mohanlal (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Here Comes The Grump (2D) 12:15pm; The Big Bad Fox And The Other Tales (2D) 2pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 3:30pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 6:15pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 9pm; Diya (Tamil) 11:45pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 11:30am; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 2pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 4:45pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 7:30pm; Backstabbing For Beginners (2D) 10:15pm; Finding Your Feet (2D)
12am.Landmark Cinema (1): Diya (Tamil) 2:15pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 4:15pm; Here Comes The Grump (2D) 7pm; Mohanlal (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Diya (Tamil) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Here Comes The Grump (2D) 2:15pm; Here Comes The Grump (2D) 4pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 5:45pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 8:30pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Mohanlal (Malayalam) 2:15pm; The Big Bad Fox And The Other Tales (2D) 5pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 6:45pm; Truth Or Dare (2D) 9:30pm; Truth Or
Dare (2D) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Here Comes The Grump (2D) 2:15pm; Masha And The Bear (2D) 4pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 5:30pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 8:15pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The Big Bad Fox And The Other Tales (2D) 2pm; Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 3:45pm; Here Comes The Grump (2D) 6:30pm; Diya (Tamil) 8:15pm; Mohanlal (Malayalam) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Avengers: Infinity War (2D) 2pm; Mohanlal (Malayalam) 4:30pm; Backstabbing For Beginners (2D) 7:30pm; Finding Your Feet (2D) 9:30pm; Truth Or Dare (2D) 11:30pm.
3Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change
EVENTS
We are the Daughters of QatarWHERE: Company House, Msheireb
MuseumsWHEN: Ongoing till May 9The exhibition tells the stories of Qatari
women, whose lives were transformed as a result of the discovery of oil. ‘We are the Daughters of Qatar’ showcases the perspectives of grandmothers, mothers and daughters of Qatar, and what has changed and remained in their lives. At the heart of this exhibition are the personal encounters of three generations of Qatari women as they share their memories and ideas concerning education, career, fashion, crafts and art.
Qatar Natural History Group May TalkWhere : Doha English Speaking School,
Madinat Khalifa SouthWHEN: : May 2Time : 7 pmDiscussion will be on Lions: Winners who
lost everything by Dr. Nobby Yamaguchi. Throughout their evolutionary history in the last 2 million years, lions nearly conquered the world. Then, in the last 10,000 years, they suddenly lost everything. In the last 200 years they have become increasingly threatened. Eff ective conservation is needed to help this charismatic species to continue surviving. The talk will also refer to the distribution of one phylogeographic group of the modern lion that is overlapping with that of the Islamic cultural area. Finally, the talk will cover several other big cats, including leopards, which still occur in the Arabian Peninsula.
Dr Yamaguchi studied endocrinology using Japanese quails for his MSc at the Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. Then, he studied behaviour and ecology of feral American mink for his DPhil at the Oxford University, Oxford, UK. He has been working on cats, especially lions, tigers, and wildcats, for the last 20 years.
Refreshments from 6.30pm. Q and A afterwards
TCA Abacus Challenge WHERE: TCA CampusWHEN: TomorrowTIME: 10amThe challenge is not only to encourage the
development of skills, but also to create a sense of community and goes a long way in building lasting friendships and memories - which a healthy competition should always be about. TCA has organised ‘Abacus Challenge 2018’, for all dynamic students of Qatar opened for all nationalities.
HEC Paris MasterclassWHEN: May 2Time: 5:45pm – 7:30pmWHERE: 14th Floor, Tornado Tower, West
BayLearn more about the diff erence between
intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as levers for employee engagement with HEC Paris
Professor Matthew Mulford. He teaches in various HEC Executive Education programmes, such as the HEC Executive MBA.
The 2nd Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament
WHERE: Aspire Zone WHEN: Untill May 12TIME: 5pm-8pmSixteen teams are taking part in the 2nd
Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament. The teams represent Algeria, Djibouti, Ethiopia, France, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Qatar, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria and the United Kingdom. AZF has also lined up its own team to participate. The Qatari team will include members from the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, and two diplomats from each embassy will take part in the competitions. Matches will be held every Friday and Saturday starting from April 13 until May 12.
Doha Islamic Convention Where: Katara AmphitheatreWhen: May 4 – 5Time: 6.30pm to 10pmFor the 3rd time in Doha, renowned
Islamic scholars from around the world will be back on the stage at the Katara Amphitheatre for the Doha Islamic Convention 2018. This time the theme of the event will be on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exploring the precious, inspirational and treasured moments of his life. The lectures will be delivered in English by prominent scholars such as Mufti Ismail Menk, Abdur Raheem McCarthy, Ustad Wahaj Tarin , Abdur Raheem Green in addition to Qirath by Qaari Muhammed Makki with Nasheeds by renowned artist Omar Esa. This is a free event open to all.
Katara’s Traditional Handicrafts Programs
WHEN: TodayWHERE: KataraTIME: 3pm to 7pmCultural Village Foundation – Katara
presents ‘Katara’s Traditional Handicrafts Programmes’ featuring Sadu, Embroidery and Gypsum Decoration. Training is free and open to male and female, 18-years-old and above. The training course will be in Arabic. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 5545 1321.
Times WHEN: May 4TIME: 9am – 11;30amAll true artists, whether they know it or
not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness. Come and Learn the art of colour your canvas.
Victorious Teenagers WorkshopWHERE: Hilton Hotel, DohaWHEN: On May 5 and May 12Mission20 Knowledge brings to
Qatar for the very fi rst time a series of transformational youth empowerment workshops for teenagers by a renowned international trainer, life coach, and motivational speaker, that will snap them out of uncertainty, confusion, low self esteem, fear of failure, stress, and lack of confi dence; and turn them into Victorious Teenagers. Three sessions for separate age groups of limited size.
Fitness with Zumba WHEN: May 5TIME: 5:30 - 6:30pmIndian Sports Centre is organising ‘Fitness
with Zumba’ session for the women. Dance to the great music and burn tons of calories. Reporting time is 5pm.
For inquiries and registration Whatsapp / SMS at 55824194, 55956008.
Explore your talent with usWHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al
Hilal Focus Medical CentreWHEN: Wednesday to MondayMystic Art Centre, is a holistic performing
arts institution and a one-stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various art forms. We off er classes in Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. Personalised lessons, effi cient mentoring and exposure to stage helps our learner to walk out as a confi dent performer at the end of their course. For further details, call 44723680 | 33897609.
Dance and instrument classesWHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf
Times BuildingWHEN: Wednesday-MondayCome and learn the movements of dance
styles in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. Classes will run on a regular basis on weekends and weekdays. For details contact 66523871/ 31326749.
Al Bidda Park Spring BazaarWHERE: Al Bidda Park WHEN: Ongoing till May 8Al Bidda Park, in collaboration with
Qsports, offi cially opened the fi rst “Al Bidda Park Spring Bazaar” on March 15, 2018. The Spring Bazaar is the fi rst public event to be held at the newly opened park where over 60 exhibition booths have been set up along with 15 food court kiosks and a variety of children’s games that include a 1,000 square metre outdoor trampoline park, bike rentals, trackless train and a 15-metre-high giant infl atable slide. The event will run for seven weeks until May 8, 2018.
Foodex Qatar 2018WHEN: May 3-5WHERE: Doha Exhibition and Convention
CentreQatar is the most urbanised nation among
the GCC states. Urban lifestyles have raised the standard of living of individuals and changed their eating pattern, resulting in a shift in the diet towards protein rich foods as well as packaged and fast food. Consumption of such premium products has contributed to the growth of the food industry. Foodex will strengthen the Qatari food industry to meet the standards of rising expatriate population, tourism, and developing tastes of Western foods.
Remote-controlled car racing trackWHERE: Aspire ParkWHEN: Thu, Fri, SatTIME: 4pm-10pmAspire Zone Foundation has created a
custom-made track specially designed for remote-control car racing, for car lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport enthusiasts can try the race track opposite the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football pitches
WHERE: Aspire ZoneWHEN: DailyTIME: 7pm-11pmAspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor
pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available every day from 7pm until 11pm from Sundays to Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7am-11pm.
Mahaseel FestivalWHEN: Thu, Fri, SatWHERE: KataraTIME: 9am-10pmVisitors to the festival can expect a variety of
products from local vegetables, fl owers, honey and meat, poultry and diary items. For those of you looking for traditional Qatari food, there will also be stalls selling homemade foods such as Machbous. Farm-grown goods include aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, caulifl ower, herbs, and chilies. There are also animal products such as chicken, milk, cheese and eggs from Qatari companies like Baladna and Al Waha Poultry Company.
B.Square Mall Grand EventWHERE: Al Thumama, DohaWHEN: OngoingTIME: 6:30pmThe only mall in Qatar dedicated to
entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy a total space of 26,000sq m and 250 car parking spaces, as well as provide a range of shopping, services, and entertainment options.
Torba Farmers MarketWHERE: Education CityWHEN: OngoingTIME: 9amQatar Foundation (QF) has partnered
with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based initiative that aims to deliver organic and locally-grown food and homemade products, to host a weekly market in Education City. Open to the public, the market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide range of fresh, locally-grown items will be on off er, including organic fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, and butters, as well as handicrafts and gardening supplies.
Monday, April 30, 20184 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
Ethical posersIn labs across the world, scientists have used stem cells to grow multicellular
structures that resemble human organs, including the eye, gut, liver and
kidney. Now the same techniques are being used to grow brain “organoids”
— miniaturised, simplified versions of living brain tissue. By Melissa Healy
FIND: Comparing Neanderthal brains with the average human brain is providing new clues as to what caused the rise of humans and fall of Neanderthals.
Most brain organoids live in growth medium in a lab dish and lack the blood supply and specialised cells needed for basic housekeeping functions. They consist of somewhere between 2 and 3 million cells (a mature human brain has about 170 billion) and are no bigger than, say, an adult fruit fly
Could a clump of interlocking brain cells in a Petri dish ever experience self-awareness? Can you
make a mouse or a monkey partly human by implanting human stem cells in its brain? If pieces of a dead person’s brain are reanimated in a lab, is the patient still completely dead?
Questions like these are being raised by advancing techniques at the cutting edge of neuroscience. Far-fetched though they may
seem, they are forcing scientists to wrap their heads around what it takes to be a human brain.
Neuroscientists may not yet be
creating conscious mini-brains in their labs. But that prospect, while distant, is real. And as things stand now, scientists may
not truly recognise when they have crossed that indistinct boundary. So it’s not too early to ponder scenarios that seem to
have more in common with sci-fi thrillers than real life, according to a group of 17 neuroscientists and medical ethicists who made their case last week in an essay published in the journal Nature.
In labs across the world, scientists have used stem cells to grow multicellular structures that resemble human organs, including the eye, gut, liver and kidney. Now the same techniques are being used to grow brain “organoids” — miniaturised, simplified versions of living brain tissue.
5Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYCOVER STORY
Brain scientists are transplanting these organoids, or the human stem cells from which they are grown, into other animals. Elsewhere, they are probing the function of brain tissue excised from people who have just died, or from patients who have had brain tissue removed to treat diseases such as epilepsy.
The knowledge gleaned from this research will help brain scientists understand at a very basic level how this complex organ develops, how its components work individually and together, and what goes wrong in certain psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Those diseases are a universal cause of suffering. So abandoning this research would arguably be unethical, the authors of the new essay wrote. But going forward has its ethical perils, too.
“To ensure the success and social acceptance of this research long term, an ethical framework must be forged now,” wrote the experts, who met last May at Duke University’s Initiative for Science and Society to hammer out a list of concerns.
Most of these brain organoids live in growth medium in a lab dish and lack the blood supply and specialised cells needed for basic housekeeping functions. They consist of somewhere between 2 and 3 million cells (a mature human brain has about 170 billion) and are no bigger than, say, an adult fruit fly.
Yet these organoids are tiny facsimiles of part of a
human brain. Already, they are being grown and fused into “assemblages” of brain structures. It is hardly beyond imagining that one day researchers could create a miniaturised model of the exquisitely complex organ that can create, store and retrieve memories, love and hate other creatures, and contemplate its own place in the universe.
Scientists have already transplanted human brain organoids into rodents. In short order, the cluster of human brain cells lashed themselves to their
hosts’ neurons, and the rodents’ neurons appeared to return the embrace. Indeed, the researchers discerned evidence of crosstalk between the human organoid and the rodent brain that had become its host, according to a study published this month in Nature Biotechnology.
In related work, neuroscientists already have used human stem cells to grow glial cells (a type of brain cell involved in cerebral housekeeping) and transplanted them into the brains of mice. In certain learning tasks, the hybrid
mice performed better than their counterparts that were 100 percent mouse.
Meanwhile, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine (among them neuroscientist and essay coauthor Dr Nenad Sestan) have reportedly, restored circulation to the brains of decapitated animals and kept the reanimated organs “alive” for up to 36 hours. Though the brains showed no signs of consciousness, the experiment suggested that, with sufficient tending, brain cells might be capable of normal activity after
their host’s death.And at Harvard, stem cell
biologist Paola Arlotta (also one of the essay’s authors) grew 31 human brain organoids over periods as long as nine months and watched as pluripotent stem cells gave rise to human retinal cells alongside other brain cells. When her team shined a light on the retinal cells growing in a lab dish, they effectively saw the brain cells “blink” in response — evidence that “an external stimulus can result in an organoid response,” the team reported last year in Nature.
Add time, academic ambition and scientific progress to these instances and you begin to appreciate the questions raised in the essay:
Should brain organoids, or non-human creatures bearing human brain cells, be protected by regulations that acknowledge the possibility of their greater awareness?
Should that possibility preclude the creation of chimeras that involve our close evolutionary relatives, such as chimps or monkeys?
Who owns the organoids or animals created by these processes, and what say should the human owners of stem cells or brain tissue have in their subsequent use? Should there be limits on the ability of human tissues to “live” outside of their original owner?
“There are so many issues we need to think about,” said Henry T. Greely, who drafted the essay along with Duke bioethicist Nita Farahany.
One other bit of outstanding business: how to define consciousness, an attribute that would certainly justify stronger protections for the organoids and other organisms believed to have it.
“The signals for consciousness or unconsciousness detected in a living adult — using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, for example — don’t necessarily translate to infants, animals or experimental brain surrogates,” the group wrote. “Without knowing more about what consciousness is and what building blocks it requires, it might be hard to know what signals to look for in an experimental brain model.”
Greely, a lawyer who directs Stanford University’s Program in Neurosciences and Society, said the thorniest ethical problems are not immediate. “But I do think in 5 to 10 years, there’s a really good chance we’ll have to ask, ‘Are we there yet?’”
The best evidence that the time has come to discuss these matters is the active engagement of scientists at the front lines of such work, Greely said. Usually, “it’s a reflex” to resist discussions that might place strictures on their work.
“They’re all convinced that these ethical concerns are really important,” Greely said. “That, to me, is a pretty powerful signal.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS
DISHING MATERIAL: Simplified 3D brain organoids can be grown in a dish using human stem cells as the starting material. Photo: Genome Institute of Singapore
Henry T Greely, a lawyer who directs Stanford University’s Program in Neurosciences and Society, right, says the thorniest ethical problems are not immediate. “But I do think in 5 to 10 years, there’s a really good chance we’ll have to ask, ‘Are we there yet?’”
Monday, April 30, 20186 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYMES girls win athletic meet in SOPMES Indian School clinched the overall championship in the girls’ athletic meet with a total of 16 medals. The girls obtained 12 gold, three silver and one bronze medals in the School Olympic Programme (SOP) held recently under the aegis of Supreme Education Council at Qatar Sports Club for all the independent and expatriate schools. In the volleyball tournament,
MES team won the first runner-up position in both primary and preparatory categories. In the football tournament, the school team was the second runner-up. In fencing competition, the school team won a silver and two bronze medals. In lawn tennis, MES won a bronze medal. Naznin, S Nadaf, Gigi P Abraham and Sinju were the coaches who trained the teams.
DPS-MIS boys win school debate championshipDPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) teams of debaters recently proved their excellence in Qatar School Debate National Championship 2018. DPS-MIS boys’ team comprising Fahad Ahmad Khan, Farhan Sakkir and Pradipta Paul remained invincible and won the championship in the battle of words against DeBakey High School for Health Professions at Qatar.DPS-MIS boys even bagged The Qatar School Debate League Championship 2018 by winning 14 rounds out of 16. In the individual boys category, Sarthak was declared the fifth best speaker followed by Farhan Sakkir, who secured the sixth position.The championship gave the students an opportunity to exhibit various arts of public speaking and debating including, wordplay, time management, critical thinking and persuasive capacity. Asna Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS, congratulated the boys for the win.
PSI celebrates ‘International Day’Pearling Season International (PSI) School recently celebrated its annual ‘International Day’. Led by the parents and staff , the ‘International Day’ is an opportunity to celebrate cultures and traditions that are part of PSI. The celebrations for the day started with a school parade welcoming the 54 diff erent nationalities. Then, the children visited diff erent international stalls run by the parents
celebrating arts, crafts, traditions and food of their home countries. The students were delighted to learn about other cultures and celebrated the day with musical performances from around the world. PSI recognises the need for a truly global approach to education and ‘International Day’ is one way of showcasing the international identity of the school.
7Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Kozhikode committee of KMCC elects new off ice-bearers
Qatar, Nepal chambers of commerce sign MoUBhashkar Raj Rajkarnicar, honorary vice president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Khalid Jabar Sultan Tawar al-Kuwari, a board member of Qatar Chamber, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen mutual co-operation between the two chambers during a recent function in Qatar. Speaking at the programme, Bhashakar Raj Rajkarnicar said that Nepal
had immense opportunities for the investment in the areas like tourism, agriculture and hydro-power. Al-Kuwari said that Qatar chamber was ready to play a role to promote investment in Nepal. He also showed interest in and asked about the investment potential in Nepal.
— Text and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam
Kozhikode district committee of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), consisting of over 8,000 members, recently elected new off ice-bearers for the next three years. Basheer Khan Koduvally was elected as the president. The other off ice-bearers are namely, Ilyas M P, General Secretary; P A Thalayi, Treasurer; Abdulrahman N P Perambra, Mohammed Ali T Thiruvampadi, Mohammed Ali KKV Koyilandi, Hameed Vykkilassery, Vice Presidents; and Faisal Keloth Narippatta, Mahamood Punnakkal Chekkiad, Shareef Mambayil Kuttiadi, and Shabeer Shamras Balussery: Joint Secretaries.
DPS students excel at Hajikka Essay ContestDPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) bagged coveted positions in the fifth ‘Hajikka Memorial Essay Writing Contest’ held recently at Olive International School. Srija Bhandary, a student of X/C, and Nuzha Fathima, a student of X/I, won the first and the third positions respectively in the senior category. Fatima Kazi, a student of VIII/D, secured the third position in the junior category.
The competition was organised by Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), an organisation under the aegis of Embassy of India. About 200 students from nine prominent Indian schools in Qatar participated in the contest. The competition is conducted every year with an aim to inculcate the need of benevolence in young minds.
PRESIDENT: Basheer Khan Koduvally.
GENERAL SERETARY: Ilyas M P. TREASURER: P A Thalayi.
Monday, April 30, 20188 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY MARKETING
Oryx Rotana collaborates with Ehsan, MIA for social workAs part of a joint alliance bringing together Oryx Rotana, one of the leading hotels in Doha; Ehsan, the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care, and Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), the elders of Ehsan were hosted under the programme ‘Our Landmarks’. The programme aims to introduce the old members of the community to the urban development and modern landmarks being developed in the country, by off ering them a guided tour about the architectural prowess and heritage that the MIA possesses.The programme also witnessed workshops and training sessions for participants spanning over a period of three days. Through the programme, Ehsan intends to empower the elder people of the community. During the three-day schedule, the Oryx Rotana team distributed 175 meals for the
attendees, which were specially prepared to suit the guests’ dietary and health requirements.On this occasion, Leani van Tonder, Assistant Director Marketing & Communications, Oryx Rotana, said, “This valuable partnership with the MIA yet another extension of our investment in and relationship with the community. Once again, we are collaborating with Ehsan however this time we join forces with MIA to provide a memorable experience for the elderly during their visit to this heritage and state-of-the-art facility not only in the Middle East but across the globe.”“This programme forms part of Oryx Rotana’s drive to connect with the local community by extending compassion and aff ection whilst savouring a meal and leaving a smile on the faces of elderly,” she added.
Miriade store opens at Gulf MallMiriade recently announced the opening of their second store at Gulf Mall in Qatar. The store is located in the ground floor, and is the sixth store in the GCC, stated a press release. The sophisticated chic Italian brand showcases a range of styled luxury accessories for ladies, featuring collections from Valentino, Roccobarocco, Rb by Roccobarocco & Yamamay. The premise of the brand is to make premium accessories accessible to a wider audience, which are
trend right, innovative and stylish. With a premium ambience, the store provides an exquisite shopping experience showcasing collections that will appeal to all ladies looking to add an elegant finesse to their appearance for any occasion, and we look forward to welcoming all customers with the very best service and choice. The store was inaugurated in the presence of Ramesh Bulchandani, General Manager LTC Doha Qatar.
9Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYDoha College celebrates BritishnessDoha College, having marked ‘International Week’ alongside many educational establishments around the world, finished off the festival of celebration by dedicating the last day to Britishness.This year’s theme was ‘British Sporting Heroes’, and the entire school delved into inspiring stories of great self-sacrifice and hard work that brought achievements, success and recognition.Two outstanding British athletes visited Doha College for the occasion and held assemblies with all primary children. John Nuttall, former Olympian and coach to Sir Mo Farah, shared his inspirational recount of how he got to achieve all that he has, as well as Liz McColgan, former Olympian and World Champion,
who spoke about the determination and grit required to make it to the top. The sports theme of the day was reinforced by the involvement of Evolution Sports Qatar, an academy that works in close association with Doha College to bring the highest standards of sports coaching to children. They organised relay and obstacle courses for all children in primary, who were delighted to take part and try their hardest for their teams.The students and staff in both primary and secondary school donned red, white and blue for the day, and shared stories of their favourite British sporting heroes, and the values and attributes that steered them on their paths to greatness.
ISL’s ‘Stimulus’ exhibition to begin at Katara from May 6The International School of London (ISL) Qatar is celebrating the creativity of its students through the presentation of the annual art exhibition in the Katara Arts Center from May 6 till May 16.The off icial opening will take place on May 6 at 6pm in the Katara Arts Center, No 5 Gallery. The exhibit will remain open till May 16 and the opening times are 10am-9pm daily.The works exhibited are selected from our International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme and represent a wide range of ages and stages of artistic development.Through sensory exploration and interaction, the students learn to explore their feelings and confirm their understanding of the world through the senses. The Visual Arts provide a means through which the
student can explore alternative ways of communicating, understanding and interacting. This exhibition is a visual celebration of works that have developed from a wide range of artistic inquiry and stimulus.ISL Qatar appreciates Katara Art Center for their support and encouragement. The exhibition fulfils the centre’s goal as a community oriented programme that engages enthusiasts, students, institutions and professionals to foster the sharing of skills, knowledge, and experience.ISL Qatar has an outstanding reputation for high academic standards, prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and an impressive record of admission to the best universities worldwide. The student body of 1,000 are aged from 3 to 18.
Monday, April 30, 201810 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC
11Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYLIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE
ARIESMarch 21 — April 19
CANCERJune 21 — July 22
LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22
CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19
TAURUSApril 20 — May 20
LEOJuly 23 — August 22
SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21
AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18
GEMINIMay 21 — June 20
VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22
SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21
PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20
A contract of some kind, perhaps involving the home, might need some
careful consideration today, Aries. You could find it a little diff icult to
understand, as it could be full of fine print and legalese. Don’t be afraid to
ask someone with a little more savvy to explain what you’re trying to read.
It’s important that you know all the ins and outs before signing anything,
for your own peace of mind, if nothing else.
Today you might find yourself the centre of attention, Cancer. Friends
could ask for some information they know you have. It might involve
telling a story or giving practical advice. Whatever it is, you might find it
diff icult to explain without going into some pretty heavy detail. You can
do it! Talk slowly and let what you have to say unfold on its own. Your
audience will probably be rapt.
A friend or partner might need your advice, Libra, and want to discuss
a few things that you don’t really understand. This could concern this
person’s job, which involves a lot of technicalities with which you’re
unfamiliar. Don’t be afraid to stop occasionally and ask for an explanation.
If you’re going to be of any help, you have to have some idea of what this
person is talking about.
A subject you’re researching, perhaps for a class or workshop, might prove
more diff icult than you expected, Capricorn. The resources you consult
might be very scholarly and thus diff icult to read. If you can’t find anything
comprehensible, try to rent or buy a video on the subject. It’s more
important to understand the material than force yourself to approach it in
the accepted scholarly manner. It’s also important that you enjoy it.
You might pick up some rather disturbing thoughts from a friend,
neighbour, or relative, Taurus. This person could be upset over something
and not communicating his or her feelings. It isn’t appropriate to try to
coax this person into sharing with you now. They aren’t upset with you, but
they might be if you push! Back off and let this person come to terms with
the problem. Your friend will talk the time is right.
Today you might take up some sort of occult study, such as astrology,
numerology, or alchemy that seems like Greek to you at first, Leo. As a
result, you could be tempted to abandon it. Don’t! Once you get past the
jargon, you’ll probably find it fascinating. Keep a dictionary handy, and
don’t worry if you have to go over something several times. You have the
brains to do it. Now just put in the time.
Today you might read a book on exercise or nutrition that seems a bit
unsettling, Scorpio. According to the book, you’re doing everything wrong!
Remember that what the author is probably outlining is a certain practice
that worked for him or her. Everyone is diff erent. Don’t change your habits
for practices that don’t feel right. Consult a professional if you’re still
concerned.
A neighbour or relative might volunteer to help you with some chores
around the house, Aquarius, but you could sense that his or her heart isn’t
in it. This person is probably thinking about things and just needs some
kind words and a little advice. Just accept that even though you have help,
you’ll probably end up doing most of the work yourself. Off er what support
you can, and think of it as a good deed.
Some gossip about a friend could reach your ears today, Gemini, and it
might seem a bit shocking at first. Money could be involved. However,
don’t accept what you hear at face value. Whoever got the rumour going
is apt to be less concerned with the truth than serving a personal agenda.
Call your friend and try to learn the facts without prying. They’re probably
far less dire than the gossip implies.
A friend might be in such a dour mood that you wonder if this is the same
person you know and love, Virgo. During the day you might be tempted to
try to analyse what’s going on, but this is apt to raise more questions than
answers. Probably this is a case of too many problems hitting your friend
at once. Don’t pry, but make sure your friend knows you’re there if needed.
Memories and emotions welling up from the past might excite your
creative impulses today, Sagittarius. You may not quite be able to
understand what all of this means, but the pictures should keep coming to
you nonetheless. It might be a good idea to take some notes, even though
you might not comprehend all you write.
Paperwork involving money could be a real drag for you today, Pisces.
You’ll have to get it done, but you’d rather be elsewhere. It might also seem
a little confusing. If you get to it early and concentrate, you should finish it
quickly and then get on to what you want to do. After a morning of intense,
tedious work, you’ll probably be ready for some entertainment like a movie
or sports event. Have fun!
How to get perfect dose of blissful sleep in smart waysW
ith summer comes the struggle of getting some blissful sleep amidst growing power cuts and soaring temperatures. Try out some
smart ways like opting for lightweight cotton sheets or revamping your curtain, suggest experts.
Ankit Garg, Co-founder and CEO, Wakefi t.co and Devrath Vijay, Founder of the functional training studio, The Outfi t, provide a few quick-fi x ways to guarantee you great sleep inexpensively, with or without a home AC.
The curtain ‘calls’, for a revamp: Remember those beautiful, string drawn khus curtains, a familiar sight in old ancestral properties? Well, it’s time we look back to history for some ‘chilling’ innovation. Khus is a native Indian grass traditionally used as a coolant, commonly seen in mats and screens. Just nail the curtain to the windows, soak them with water and feel the dry hot air around you cool down signifi cantly, with a sweet aroma diff using in the air.
When sheet beats the heat away: While silk or satin sheets have been popularised by
Bollywood and popular media, traditional lightweight cotton sheets are an ideal choice for summers. Opt for light-coloured sheets with a thread count of 400-800, which are comfortable, while also boosting airfl ow.
Mattress matters: A tag-team of searing heat and an uncomfortable mattress is the most potent combination to rob you of your hard earned sleep.
Amp up the fans: An ice-fi lled bowl
in front of a fan (table fans) that’s aiming towards your bed is probably one of the most popular tricks with hostel students or bachelors. If you have table fans, experiment with its positioning to give you ultimate relaxation and ensure ideal air circulation in your room.
‘In-vent’ing innovation: Here’s an innovative way that can keep your room cool while you sleep without burning a hole in your pockets. Install a large industrial cooler at your rooftop and then construct vents that lead to various rooms in your house. Add a pump mechanism that can cut off the water supply to the cooler as soon as the tank gets fi lled. A one-time investment, it is an extremely cost eff ective solution in the long-run.
Tuck in light: Lastly, it’s important to regulate the amount of fried and fat rich food intake as it messes with your digestive system, especially in the summers. Stay hydrated and include water-rich fruits such as watermelon, grapes etc. in your diet. Also, it’s best advised to have at least 1-2 hours between your dinner and the time you fi nally hit the bed. — IANS
Monday, April 30, 201812 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Adam
Pooch Cafe
Garfield
Bound And Gagged
Codeword
Wordsearch
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.
Puzz
les
cour
tesy
: Puz
zlec
hoic
e.co
m
Sudoku
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.
English Rivers
AVON BLACKWATER DART DERWENT DOVE EVENLODE EXE GRETA HUMBER
SPOTLIGHT: Ranbir Kapoor. PEAK: Deepika Padukone is riding a crest of wave.
Ms Mafi a Don After the stupendous success of Padmaavat, the
question on many people’s minds is what would be next for Deepika Padukone. She was already at the top of the list among heroines, with no-one in sight for second place. Sure, there is Priyanka Chopra, whose movies are doing well, but she has decided to focus her attention to Hollywood and is something of a part-timer in the Hindi fi lm industry now. Katrina Kaif has had just one big hit in recent times in Tiger Zinda Hai and the credit for that goes entirely to Salman Khan.
But being the uncontested number one also means that Deepika has to compete against herself in outdoing her past performance. And while it might not be necessary to clock ever greater box offi ce numbers, at least the quality of the movies remaining constant or better would be a big consideration.
Her recent run of superhits is also not mindless entertainment fl icks, but projects in which she had shown considerable acting prowess, something that critics have also appreciated. So what next?
Apparently, it might be a role in which she plays an underworld gangster, a biopic on a real lady mafi a don who had carved a criminal empire a quarter century ago. The movie is said to be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which would certainly mean that it will have substance and story. But Bhardwaj doesn’t have a good record of delivering commercial hits in recent times, so Deepika might just have to forego box offi ce success for critical acclaim. Her very presence however, might lead to the movie becoming a hit, given that she can manage to draw an audience on her own.
aroj Khan, the choreographer, raked a can of worms when during the course of a press conference she made comments that seemed to suggest that the casting couch phenomenon in Bollywood, where sexual
favours are demanded and given in return for meaty roles in movies, might actually not be a bad thing.
Saroj’s argument was that it was, after all, not rape and that if women did fall for it, then they also got a livelihood in return. She said that it had always been happening here and that many women experience it. On the other hand, it also happens everywhere else and not just in the film industry and so why target only Bollywood?
The furore against the remarks was immediate with people railing against her for endorsing such an
ugly practice. She was, in fact, not really encouraging the practice as her critics were insinuating, instead it was just a realistic appraisal. The actress Richa Chadha pointed this out saying that a mountain was being made out of a molehill when Saroj clearly was only making a case for not blaming Bollywood alone. But then Richa herself became a target of online criticism.
There is, of course, a history of sexual exploitation in Bollywood by those who wield power in a film production and it has been a long-standing issue. However, it also is assumed that only women are subject to it, which is untrue. An infamous rumour is that the casting director of one of Bollywood’s biggest production houses, who is a female, made the career of numerous male stars after they slept with her.
Playing Sanju
The trailer of Sanju, the biopic on Sanjay Dutt, has come out and it immediately went viral online getting millions of hits. The movie is being directed by Rajkumar Hirani, who promises that it won’t be a hagiography or paper over the controversial events in his life. And the trailer does seem to suggest that they will be there. It had Ranbir Kapoor, who is essaying the lead role in the movie, in a number of diff erent get-ups showing diff erent points of Sanjay’s life. In it, he talks about both Sanjay’s problem with drug addiction and the AK 56 gun whose possession had led to him being convicted and sentenced to jail. But obviously, the movie is not going to paint Sanjay in a bad light given that Hirani and Sanjay are close friends. They are also responsible for
the Munnabhai movie series which took their careers to great heights. Ranbir apparently has put in enormous work to get the role correct. Since Sanjay’s life is being shown in all stages and ages, from when he was lean to bulky to fl abby, Ranbir had to also get his body to match the looks. As Rishi Kapoor revealed in interviews to the media, his son took two months to get each of the look correct and that needed intense exercising, diff erent diets, eating a lot and starving too. At a media meet, Ranbir, speaking about whether his own biopic would make for interesting viewing, gave an insight to his life and said that it was boring and that there was nothing in it besides work and going home to sleep. Of course, Sanjay’s life is many times more colourful, but then Ranbir’s own love life has plenty of masala. So it might not be all that boring either.
Man on a mission
Aamir Khan has always been more than just your regular superstar and has had a subtle social activist side. His television talk show Satyamev Jayate had done a lot to throw light on some of the pressing issues that society was facing. But it went off air four years ago and Aamir had not been focusing much on his other persona. But that changed recently, when a social service organisation of his which promotes water conservation and rain water harvesting began to gear up its activities. Aamir is now campaigning for people to volunteer with the organisation in order to help drought stricken rural villages be self-suffi cient in water. This is an apt time for such a venture because of the impending monsoon.
While other Bollywood stars also support various causes, often it is cursory. With Aamir you can expect it to be a serious initiative. He also made news on another front when he was slated to be appointed as a brand ambassador to China by the Indian government. This is obviously because of the enormous popularity he has developed in that country, where his movies have been doing astonishing business.
The Chinese government, too, professed to be very pleased with the move, saying it would encourage trade and cultural relations between the two countries.
LAURELS: Amir Khan.
Monday, April 30, 2018 15GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYTELEVISION
By Rick Bentley
Once upon a time, Andrew J. West landed what would have been a great role for any actor if it only provided
half the amount of material to play. But the Indiana native feels doubly blessed because not only has he had the modern elements to play in ABC’s Once Upon a Time, he’s also had the opportunity to deal with events in a magical fairy tale world.
“It’s a dream come true for an actor,” West says. “A lot of the actors on the show essentially get to play two diff erent characters or three or four. I feel like I get to do that with Henry because we see such a diff erent version of Henry in Fairytale Land than we do in the real world.
“It’s fun to get to step into that. In Fairytale Land there is this optimistic confi dence we often get to see with Henry that is fun to play. In the real world there’s a cynical vibe to him. He’s a little more down and out. To get to tap into those two diff erent aspects of the character — in the two diff erent worlds he is in — is a dream.”
That’s the world West has been living in this season after Once Upon a Time went through a major overhaul going into this year. During the fi rst six seasons, Henry Mills was only a youngster as played by Jared Gilmore. The reset this season made Mills an adult with no knowledge of his family or former friends. How all that will play out will be revealed through the fi nal episodes leading up to the series fi nale of Once Upon a Time, scheduled to air at 8pm/7pm Central May 18 on ABC.
Once Upon a Time creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz released an offi cial statement in regards to the show coming to an end. They thanked the fans for their support through all seven seasons. Those fans came back despite most of the original cast — including Jennifer
Morrison, Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin — having left. The series shifted from Storybrooke, Maine, to the cursed Seattle neighbourhood of Hyperion Heights. Original cast members who returned included Lana Parrilla as Regina/Roni, Robert Carlyle as Rumpelstiltskin/Weaver and Colin O’Donoghue as Hook/Rogers.
The character of Henry remained, but in the older form, creating the need to recast. Taking on a role that had been played for several years by another actor is challenging because there must be enough in the performance to keep continuity with the character, but leave room for the new actor to put a new spin on the role.
“I was concerned about it and a little intimidated because this actor had played the role for six years,” West says. “But, the writers and
producers have done an amazing job re-creating this character. I can bring my own spin, but it is really them who have taken the show in a new direction.”
Unlike the beginning of this season, there will be no reset. West will no longer get to work in a world where there have been days that have given him some of the best acting experiences of his career.
“There are days when I have the costume and the cape on and I am running through the woods where I feel like a little kid again. This is the fantasy of what my 8-year-old self would believe my professional life would be,” West said.
Once Upon a Time is just the latest television work for West, who started his onscreen career playing the young Christian Troy in the FX show Nip/Tuck. That was followed by simultaneous recurring roles on
Greek and Privileged, plus guest-starring spots on Bones, CSI:NY, Ghost Whisperer, Castle and Body of Proof. He also landed the lead in the web series Rockville, CA. His fi lm credits include Antiques and The Middle Man.
Out of all his credits, Once Upon a Time felt the closest to West because when he was growing up, everything from Greek mythology to fairy tales to comic books spoke to him. The Disney animated fi lm Sword in the Stone was one of his favourites.
“I remember when I got this job, I realised I was about to take part in something that is storytelling in its purest form. Which is something I’ve always wanted to do,” West says. “As an actor, wanting to be an actor since I was a young child, I have always wanted to be involved in the storytelling.
“Once Upon a Time is just pure storytelling. It’s pure magic. It’s the type of storytelling that speaks to the kid in all of us.”
There are only a few more stories to be told. How the fairy tale and real-world lives of the characters played by West and the others will be played out in a fi nale that may or may not leave everyone living happily ever after. — TNS
For West, a dream come true “There are days when I have the costume and the cape on and I am running through the woods where I feel like a little kid again. This is the fantasy of what my 8-year-old self would believe my professional life would be”
— Andrew J. West
Monday, April 30, 201816 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Best Buddies holds football tournament for social integrationB
est Buddies Qatar, under umbrella of Shafallah Center of Persons with Disabilities, recently
concluded football tournament of its members with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities in Qatar Sports Club.
Best Buddies Qatar members of the age 12 to 21-year-old participated from 14 preparatory and secondary schools and centres for persons with disabilities namely, Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Attiya School, Ibn Taimiyah School, Al-Sailiya School, Hamad Bin Jassim School, Ahmed Bin Henbal School, Tariq Bin Ziad School, Ahmed Bin Mohammed School, Shafallah Center for
Persons with Disabilities, Al-Ahnaf Bin Qais School, Abu Bakr Saddiq School, Doha School, Abu Ubaida School and Amal Center for Special Needs.
The fi nal tournament witnessed enthusiastic competition among all teams. The fi rst place among secondary schools was taken by Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Attiya School, and among the preparatory schools, Al-Ahnaf Bin Qais School was the winner.
The event started with reading of Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthem of Qatar and the greeting speech by Ahmad Isam Mahmoud, Best Buddies Qatar Ambassador.
The aim of the tournament was to improve the quality of
life of people with intellectual disabilities by promoting social integration and developing social opportunities to enhance their social interaction and communication during the game.
It also developed the basic sports skills and enhanced health of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which encouraged their self-confi dence and advances behaviour and attitude.
Best Buddies Qatar selected football tournament for its members with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, as the most popular sport among young people and adults around the world.
Laalei Abu Alfain, Executive
Director of Best Buddies Qatar, said, “Integration of people with disabilities into society is one of the most important objectives of the organisation. We strongly believe that sport activities encourage persons with disabilities to be integral part of Qatar community.”
“Sport contributes to the development of people with physical and social disabilities, as well as, the development of motor skills, it improves the sense of team work, thus sports raises public awareness of the potential of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030,” said the executive director.
Dr Gamal Abdel Nasser, Management Consultant of Qatar Sports Club, welcomed Best Buddies Qatar members and said, “Qatar Sports Club is always open for any sports activities for children and adults. Being related to the Ministry of Culture and Sports we intend to contribute to Qatar community disregarding the age and abilities of the players. We are happy to support the mission of Best Buddies Qatar to enhance life of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through social integration, especially sports activities. And it is our pleasure to host football tournaments in Qatar Sports Club facilities for its members at any time.”
