Sunday, December 17, 2017Rabia I 29, 1439 AH
CommunityFirst-year medical students at
WCM-Q take their first steps towards attaining the core practical skills of doctors.
P6 P16 CommunityThe ‘Colours of Desert’ exhibition
features the works of 26 artists from diff erent backgrounds in Qatar.
In chargeCOVERSTORY
Meet Frank Grillo,
Hollywood’s
new action
ambassador. P4-5
DOHA 17°C—23°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 14LP
Sunday, December 17, 20172 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
Community EditorKamran Rehmat
e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405
Fax: 44350474
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
USEFUL NUMBERS
Quote Unquote
PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.51amShorooq (sunrise) 6.13amZuhr (noon) 11.30amAsr (afternoon) 2.27pmMaghreb (sunset) 4.49pmIsha (night) 6.19pm
What a man takes in by
contemplation, that he pours out in love.
— Meister Eckhart
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
DIRECTION: Yorgos Lanthimos
CAST: Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Alicia Silverstone
SYNOPSIS: Dr Steven Murphy is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his wife and two children. Lurking at the margins of his idyllic suburban existence is Martin, a fatherless teen who insinuates himself into the doctor’s life in gradually unsettling ways. Soon, the full scope of Martin’s intent becomes menacingly clear when he confronts Steven with a long-forgotten transgression that will shatter his domestic bliss forever.
THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark
Star Wars: The Last JediDIRECTION: Rian JohnsonCAST: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark HamillSYNOPSIS: Having taken her fi rst steps into the Jedi world,
Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn, and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past.
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
THEATRES: Landmark, Royal Plaza, The Mall
The Mall Cinema (1): Fukrey Returns (Hindi) 3pm; Aman Ya Sahby (Arabic) 5:30pm; Unexpectedly Yours (Tagalog) 7pm; Unexpectedly Yours (Tagalog) 9:15pm; Jeepers Creepers 3 (2D) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Paddington 2 (2D) 2:15pm; Coco (2D) 4pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 6pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 8:45pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Sheikh Jackson (Arabic) 2:15pm; The Bachelors (2D) 4pm; Punyalan Private Limited (Malayalam)5:45pm; Jeepers Creepers 3 (2D) 7:30pm; The Killing Of Sacred Deer (2D) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Coco (2D) 2:30pm; Coco (2D) 4:15pm; Paddington 2 (2D) 6:15pm; Jeepers Creepers 3 (2D) 8pm; Aman Ya Sahaby (Arabic) 9:45pm; Sheikh
Jackson (Arabic) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 3pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 5pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 8pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (3): The Bachelors (2D) 2:30pm; Jeepers Creepers 3 (2D) 4:15pm; Unexpectedly Yours (Tagalog) 6pm; Punyalan Privae Limited (2D) 8:30pm; The Killing Of Sacred Deer (2D) 11:00pm.Royal Palza Cinema Palace (1): Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 2:30pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 5pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 8pm; Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2D) 11pm.
Royal Palza Cinema Palace (2): The Bachelors (2D) 2:45pm; Paddington 2 (2D) 4:45pm; Unexpectedly Yours (Tagalog) 6:30pm; Unexpectedly Yours (Tagalog) 8:45pm; Punyalan Private Limited (Malayalam) 11pm.Royal Palza Cinema Palace (3): Coco (2D) 2:30pm; Coco (2D) 4:15pm; Jeepers Creepers 3 (2D) 6pm; The Killing Of Sacred Deer (2D) 7:45pm; Sheikh Jackson (Arabic) 9:45pm; Aman Ya Sahby (Arabic) 11:30pm.Asian Town Cinema: Punyalan (Malayalam) 6pm; Punyalan (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Punyalan (Malayalam) 11:30pm; Richie (Tamil) 5pm; Richie (Tamil) 7:15pm; Richie (Tamil) 9:30pm; Richie (Tamil) 11:45pm; Kodiveeran (Tamil) 6pm; Richie (Tamil) 8:45pm; Furkey Returns (Hindi) 6:30pm; Punyalan (Malayalam) 9:15pm.
3Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change
EVENTS
PAW Patrol WHEN: Ends TomorrowTIME: 4-4:30pm; 6:45-7:15pm;
9-9:30pmWHERE: Doha Festival CityIn celebration of Qatar National Day,
tech savvy Ryder and his heroic puppies will welcome everyone to Adventure Bay at Doha Festival City. The plucky rescue pups are set to have the whole family entertained at the Middle Eastern premiere of “PAW Patrol - The Big Show Rescue!” But that’s not all, visit the whole PAW Patrol town on the first floor, with games, activities and photo opportunities. PAW Patrol is an action-adventure preschool series, with a unique blend of problem solving skills, cool vehicles and physical humour, as they work together on high-stakes rescue missions to protect the Adventure Bay community. Each pup brings a unique personality and skill to the team, modelling the importance of teamwork and good citizenship. Entry is free.
See fireworks from the seaWHERE: 32 Al Khaleej St.WHEN: TomorrowTIME: 7pm-9pmSee the colourful skies of Qatar and
enjoy the National Day. Be there with your family and be a part of the rich heritage and culture of the country. Limited seats and space. Book yours now at: +974 5000 8830 or +974 5000 8820.
Qatar National Day mangroves and flamingo kayaking
WHERE: Al ThakiraWHEN: Ends TomorrowTIME: 10am-2pmAquasports Qatar will take you
through the network of channels that have been carved out by tidal action. The area supports a lot of birdlife including flamingos. This tour is aimed at spending some time with the flamingos in a beautiful setting next to a mangrove beach island.
Wakrah Sports ClubWHERE: Wakrah ClubWHEN: TomorrowThe Wakrah Sports Club will host shows,
march-pasts and cultural performances by students of MES Indian School, Pakistan International School Qatar, Bhavan’s Public School, DPS-Modern Indian School, Pak Shamaa School, and SIS. A musical concert by famous Pakistani artists will be staged from 6pm until 9pm. Musicians and performers include Rauf Lala, Karan Khan, Nilo, Deeba Kiran, Laila Nihal, Shama Adil, Soukat Mehmood, Kashmal, Shahid Ali Khan, Bul Bul, Attaullah, Gullai and Khan Zeb. The Harley Davidson Riders will also display their shows at the venue.
Cricket MatchWHERE: Cricket Stadium Asian TownWHEN: TomorrowThe cricket stadium in Asian Town will host
a mega cricket tournament with participation of international players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. The players include Misbah-ul-Haq, Umer Gul, Wahab Riaz, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Butt, Abdul Razzaq and Fawad Alam from Pakistan; Dilhara Fernando and Jeevan Mendis from Sri Lanka; Elias Sunny, Inam-ul-Haq and Ashraful from Bangladesh; and Lakshmipathy Balaji and Badrinath from India.
Secret Village at the SealineWHERE: Sealine BeachWHEN: Dec 22TIME: 2pm365 Adventures-have announced their
special event for families, individuals, expats, children and friends. Inclusions in the event: Pick-up and Drop-off facility from Doha, one-hour dune bashing, camel riding for additional QR20 per person, camping at the Inland Sea, sunset experience at the Inland Sea, secret Santa gifts distribution, meet and greet with Santa, BBQ dinner with Mediterranean appetisers, camping tents with LED lights and music.
Amazing African CircusWHERE: Hyatt PlazaWHEN: Jan 8-21TIME: 5:30pmFrom January 8 to 21, the Amazing African
Circus will be at Hyatt Plaza food court area starting from 5:30pm. Bring your friends and family and come enjoy the show. Entry is free.
Gold Workshop For Teachers WHERE: Marriott MarquisWHEN: Jan 17This one-day workshop will be about
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, History, ICT and new technologies for your classroom. Part of workshop will include working through a selection of new resources and materials relevant to Early Years up to University teaching environment.
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.
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 26,000 sq.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.
Evolution Sports QatarWHERE: Evolution SportsWHEN: OngoingEvolution Sports will mark its anniversary
by hosting a number of exciting events throughout 2017 as well as some amazing promotions, ten years on from when the club was formed on September 1, 2007. The club has been working with a panel of coaches and directors to plan the events which will be announced over the coming months. Members should look forward to a variety of diff erent occasions, suitable for all ages so the whole family can get involved in the birthday celebrations. To kick-off things off , Evolution Sports recently launched their 10-
year anniversary logo. The emblem has been designed by Toyan Greaves, the man behind the original Evolution Sports logo and will be used on all documentation, both online and offl ine for the next 12 months.
Breakdance ClassesWHEN: Sunday-WednesdayBreakdancing is part of the Hip Hop culture
that originated in New York and has since spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which can often appear to defy the laws of physics. This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous upper-body strength for tricks and poses and a great way to get into shape and have fun. Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail [email protected]
Reggae Beachfest DohaWHEN: Thursdays and FridaysWHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis
HotelTIME: 8pm onwardsIn collaboration with Reggae Beachfest in
Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve got the setup sorted to get you feeling the Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident band Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, we have so many big names in the Reggae scene lined up at this huge beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. For more information, please call 44460105.
Dance & Fitness Classes WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57,
Bin OmranWHEN: OngoingAtelier is the newest music and arts school
in Doha that off ers dance and fi tness classes for kids to adults such as ballet, hiphop, salsa, tango, and other Latin dances, Zumba, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, kickboxing.
Contact at [email protected] or 33003839.
Reggae Nights every SundayWHERE: Sheraton Grand DohaWHEN: Every Sunday TIME: 9pmSpend your summer nights with some good
“irie” reggae music every Sunday. Doors open at 9pm at The Irish Harp. Entrance Fees is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For further information, please call 44853000 or e-mail at F&[email protected]
Salsa NightsWHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Grand
Doha WHEN: Every WednesdayTIME: 9pmGet ready for some Latin beats every
Wednesday night, where all the salseros and salseras in town meet and party all night. Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For details call 4485 3000
Off -Road biking tourWHERE: ZekreetWHEN: FridaysBlue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the
country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in the desert on a fat bike to explore the local fl ora and fauna spot desert wildlife, hike up jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard Serra statues and this unique landscape. Participants will get to cross the desert riding fat bikes from Zekreet to the Richard Serra statues, on a route of approximately 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable for people with average fi tness. You must be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are also welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 hours.
Sunday, December 17, 20174 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
“It’s funny, because I’m 117 years old!”
It’s hard to be a fi ghter;
most fi ghters don’t make money. What’s
more painful than getting punched in the face is the preparation, the training. It’s almost
sadistic
SUNDAY CONVERSATION
—Frank Grillo, actor-producer, on his surplus of good fortune
By Jen Yamato
It’s taken two decades for Hollywood to zero in on Bronx-born actor-producer Frank Grillo, whose latest fi lms include the hard-boiled Netfl ix thriller Wheelman and China’s blockbuster foreign-language Oscar contender Wolf Warrior 2. Action’s newest star doesn’t seem to mind the wait.
“I fi nd in LA that you ask people how they’re doing and the immediate answer is, ‘Oh, I’m very busy,’ as if busy is the goal,” a very busy Grillo, 52, told The Times over Tex-Mex in Austin, Texas, ahead of trips to Brazil, and a return to the States to fi lm bare-knuckle brawl pic Donnybrook — all before Christmas. “It’s like I’ve been starving for 20 years and all of a sudden I’m in the best restaurant in the world, but you’ve still got to control what you eat.
5Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYCOVER STORY
Because I’m a working guy, it’s been tough saying no.”
Saying no has, however, freed Grillo to take control of his own path. At 52, the New York native who got his start toiling in TV and soaps is fi nally leading action vehicles of his own with a new production shingle, a new starring fi lm, a globetrotting docuseries about fi ght cultures around the world, and more on the horizon.
Dark-haired and chisel-jawed, with the leonine build of a fi ghter and a New York City charisma that can veer from approachable to menacing in his screen roles, he carries the appreciation of a hustler who hasn’t forgotten the dues he’s paid. At a time when work and real life seem to be syncing up in holistic convergence, the father of three sons who moved to Los Angeles two years ago is grateful to be on the verge of his moment.
“It’s funny, because I’m 117 years old!” quipped Grillo, musing over what he describes as a surplus of good fortune. “I’m a blue-collar guy, self-educated. Something happens where the thing that you are and the thing that you do somehow align, and it’s real, and it touches somebody who thinks, ‘I can connect to that guy.’ I don’t look like Hollywood Guy. I’m a regular guy.”
Actual regular guys might disagree. On a fall afternoon at a sidewalk cafe in Texas, he orders shrimp fajitas but apologetically skips the tortillas thanks to a semi-strict regimen for an upcoming role, perhaps the most actorly thing about him. “Doesn’t that sound stupid?” he laughs with a self-deprecating smile.
A wrestler in his youth, Grillo started boxing at age 18 and trained in Brazilian jiujitsu under Rickson
Gracie. Between movie shoots and press tours this year, he’s been travelling the world fi lming a Netfl ix docuseries, tentatively titled Fight World, in which he visits with fi ghters from disparate cultures from Thailand to Myanmar to Mexico.
“I am so curious about fi ghting, in a holistic sense: What makes a man or a woman (fi ght)?” off ered Grillo, who trains locally everywhere he goes. “It’s hard to be a fi ghter; most fi ghters don’t make money. What’s more painful than getting punched in the face is the preparation, the training. It’s almost sadistic. These are some of the most beautiful people, and I’m fascinated by what drives them.”
In Myanmar, for example, he was introduced to lethwei — “the art of the nine limbs,” Grillo enthused. “Basically it’s elbows, fi sts, knees, legs, head. No gloves, bare-fi sted. Thousands of people go to the arenas. And what you learn is, as violent as it is, all of these fi ghters are searching
for humility and connectedness.”Mining the emotional depths
beneath the traditionally masculine terrain of combat, genre and action stories has allowed Grillo to carve out his own niche in an industry overfl owing with actors waiting for their moment. Coming off of last year’s action-packed Captain America: Civil War and The Purge: Election Year, he concluded in August a three-season starring run on the MMA drama series Kingdom, in which he played the patriarchal owner of a Venice, California, MMA gym. He can currently be seen leading the Netfl ix original fi lm Wheelman as a getaway driver stalking the streets of Boston with hot cargo after a heist gone awry. More star turns are on the horizon, including Beyond Skyline, a sci-fi action sequel in which he shares the screen with Indonesian actor and stunt choreographer Iko Uwais of The Raid. Both roles add family dynamics to the drama, pitting Grillo
as everyman heroes driven toward danger by deeper responsibilities.
“I don’t think I’m going to be doing the ‘math teacher who wants to become a woman in Idaho’ stories,” he smiled, sipping a Dos Equis in the warm Texas midday sun. “I think this is my trajectory, these action movies.”
He began his career with a two-year stint on Guiding Light, where he met his wife, actress Wendy Moniz. But the heightened melodrama of soap acting wasn’t for him.
It was his work as a dirty NYPD cop in Gavin O’Connor’s 2008’s Pride and Glory that fi rst sparked his friendship with fi lmmaker Joe Carnahan, who would later cast him as an oil worker facing down his mortality and toxic masculinity opposite Liam Neeson in 2012’s The Grey.
A memorable performance in O’Connor’s 2011 MMA fi lm Warrior also made Hollywood start to take notice: Those roles landed Grillo on the radar of fi lmmakers Joe and
Anthony Russo, who brought him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe playing the villainous Crossbones in their Captain America movies.
“We were looking for an (actor) who had a charm that made the audience like him and feel like he’d be a potentially be an asset to Captain America, but who could also make a real turn, where you shock the audience: It turns out he’s a villain,” said Joe Russo, from the set of Avengers: Infi nity War.
“It’s hard to fi nd actors with that level of charm who feel relatable and real,” he added. “Frank is an incredibly unique actor with a very gifted naturalism; he can convey a skewed morality that makes him relatable, even on the smallest level.”
Wheelman, written and directed by Jeremy Rush, marks a notable reteam for Grillo and Carnahan — this time as producing partners, guiding the contained $6-million genre-thriller from start to fi nish under the banner of their newly launched production company, WarParty. Among their upcoming projects is a remake of The Raid, set in Caracas, Venezuela, with Grillo set to star as an ex-Special Forces soldier fi ghting his way through a building full of hostiles to get to his brother.
“Robert Mitchum, Lee Marvin, Steve McQueen, those kinds of icons — they looked like guys that were your dad’s friends, guys that didn’t have the traditional perfectly manicured, hair-gel pixie vibe of today,” said Carnahan. “I think what’s wonderful about him is that he’s not an overnight sensation; it’s been a long time coming for him.”
Grillo unexpectedly found himself big in China this year, where summer audiences made a record-breaking hit out of homegrown action epic Wolf Warrior 2. Introduced to fi lmmaker-star Jing Wu by the Russo brothers, who consulted on the military action fi lm, Grillo plays a merciless American supervillain dubbed Big Daddy who faces off against Wu’s patriotic hero.
“What’s crazy is that I did this movie by accident and it makes all this money, and now I have a little bit of juice in China,” he marvelled.
The fi lm earned a whopping $851 million at the Chinese box offi ce, becoming the country’s highest-grossing fi lm of all time. In October, China made it the country’s offi cial foreign fi lm Oscar selection.
“There is something about my life — there is a symbiosis,” said Grillo. “I’m way past an age of thinking, ‘Maybe the next thing is going to get me the next thing. … ‘All the things that I’m doing now I truly enjoy doing.’” — Los Angeles Times/TNS
Because II’m tough saaying
Sayinng noGrillo tto takAt 52,, tthe Nhis sttaart toifi naallly leadowwn with aa a new stardocuseriearound thhorizon.
Dark-with thea New Yveer froin his sc
i
“I’m way past an age of thinking, ‘Maybe the next thing is going to get me the next thing. … ‘All the things that I’m doing now I truly enjoy doing’”
NEXT ATTRACTION: Frank Grillo in a scene from Wolf Warrior 2.
Sunday, December 17, 20176 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
First-year WCM-Q students learn vital first responder skills
First-year medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) took their first steps towards attaining the core practical skills of doctors as they completed a day of
First Responder training at the college.Guided by visiting Emergency Medicine
professionals from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the students received training in key practical First Responder skills, such as delivering artificial respiration, immobilising a patient, applying dressings, slings and splints, and using artificial external defibrillator (AED) machines.
The Emergency First Responder Course is something of a milestone for WCM-Q first-year medical students as it presents one of the first opportunities for putting into practice the theoretical knowledge of medicine they have learned thus far.
On the course, students rotated through five stations. At the airway bag station, Dr Ram Kumar, HMC Emergency Medicine Fellow, used medical mannequins to demonstrate how to open a patients’ airway and then keep it open using an instrument called an airway adjunct. They also learned how to use a bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilator and to clear an airway using a portable suction device.
At the immobilisation station, Dr Ashwin D Silvia, HMC Associate Consultant in Emergency Medicine, worked with a standardised patient – an actor playing the role of a patient – to train the students to apply a pelvic binder and to safely transfer a patient onto a scoop stretcher for evacuation. Meanwhile, Dr Omar al-Baroodi, HMC Emergency Medicine Resident, used standardised patients to show students how to apply splints, bandages and arm slings and
to demonstrate the use of a spinal board. Dr Hany Kamel, HMC Associate Consultant in Emergency Medicine, led the case scenarios station, in which students brainstormed responses to medical emergencies such as a seizure or a patient going into anaphylactic shock. Dr Zahra Makki, who completed the Pre-medical Program at WCM-Q, used her station to show students how to use the AED machine.
Dr Makki, who then went on to graduate from a medical programme in Bahrain, is now a Resident in the Emergency Department at HMC. She said: “It has been great to return to WCM-Q to pass on some of the knowledge I have gained. The students were extremely bright, enthusiastic and accomplished so it has been a great day of learning.”
First-year WCM-Q student Basem Ali said: “It has been great to move from lectures and textbooks to getting hands-on and learning some practical skills. All of us are studying medicine because we want to help people and in emergency situations you get to do that in a very immediate way, so this course has been very gratifying.”
Dr Stella Major, WCM-Q’s Associate Professor of Family Medicine in Clinical Medicine and Director of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab, said: “It was impressive seeing how eager the students were to engage and learn from the emergency medicine physicians from HMC. They valued learning many new skills, under expert guidance and appreciated having access to all the best teaching aids, task trainers, simulators and simulated patients, which are provided to them through the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab at WCM-Q. This course provides them with the basic foundations of how to respond safely to medical emergencies outside the hospital setting.”
IN ACTION: First-year WCM-Q medical students learn to apply a splint on the Emergency First Responder Course.
HANDS-ON: The Emergency First Responder Course at the college uses medical mannequins to teach an array of practical skills. LEARNING: WCM-Q first-year students get to grips with a bag-valve mask ventilator.
7Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Doha College goes full Qatari to celebrate the National Day
CELEBRATIONS: The build-up to the celebration started weeks before and it culminated with a day dedicated entirely to everything Qatari.
Students and staff at Doha College enjoyed an immersive Qatari experience, complete with the most diverse
aspects of the Qatari culture and heritage. The build-up to the
celebration started weeks before and it culminated with a day dedicated entirely to everything Qatari.
The day kicked off in Primary with a visit from Jon Dolan, Project Director at Astad Project
Management, who spoke to the students about the Qatar Rail Stations, and set them the task of completing classroom activities that will enable them to design elements, or indeed the entirety of a Qatar Rail Station. The children rose to the challenge and came up with a multitude of designs.
The Doha College ‘Fortes’ choir had the privilege of recording the Qatar National Anthem at the Aspire Zone. Seventy children representing 50 nationalities came together to sing the song most dear to Qatar, in an experience that they will remember forever.
In the Secondary School, the timetable included a Qatar quiz, a calligraphy workshop, a performance of Arabic music by DC students, a Qatari memorabilia sale, an Arab dress competition, a display of Arabesque art, henna, signing of His Highness the Emir’s portrait, an Arabic Food Festival, a Turkish ice-cream stand, a Falcon corner, and a surprise visit from a troupe of Qatari traditional sword
dancers who performed the Al Ardha for a spellbound audience.
The West Bay children and parents arrived to a campus transformed overnight by the presence of a magnifi cent Majlis tent. Inside, there was traditional bread being baked for the hungry little visitors, while a henna artist skilfully embellished the hands of hundreds.
Chawki Nacef, Head of Arabic at Doha College, said about the importance of the day: ‘’Qatar National Day is a celebration of what this country encompasses as Qatari and Arab heritage. The community of Doha College, with its hundreds of students and staff from various nationalities, unite in embracing the rich cultural life this country off ers. Dari Qatar is a recognition of how we feel about Qatar. As guests, we are grateful for the generosity of our host country.’’
Here is what Qatar National Day means to Eman al-Sulaiti, an exceptional Qatari student in
Year 13 at Doha College: “Qatar National Day symbolises the spirit of pride and belonging to the country, feelings that have been heightened within nationals and internationals alike over recent months. It is a representation of our appreciation of Qatar’s history and a celebration of all that is to come.”
Year 12 Qatari student Lulwa Ateeq al-Nasser said: “National day, for me, is by far the best day of the year, and I’m sure this year it’ll be better than ever. It’s amazing to see the many nationalities in Doha College supporting and celebrating our beloved Qatar.”
Dr Steff en Sommer, Principal of Doha College, expressed his gratitude to the host country and added: “The students have done so well to bring Qatar into the college. I am proud to see how incredibly extensive their knowledge of Qatar is, and how much they enjoy taking part in the Qatari traditions.”
Sunday, December 17, 20178 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Qatar National Day celebrations at Sharq Village & SpaSharq Village & Spa is celebrating the Qatar National Day with local festivities and an authentic Qatari brunch and dinner buff et at Al Liwan restaurant, including homegrown traditional recipes and a celebratory ambiance. The brunch will begin tomorrow from 12:30pm to 4pm. The dinner will be from 6:30pm to 11pm.
51 East, Bang & Olufsen launch BeoSound ShapeF
ifty One East and Bang & Olufsen have launched the new BeoSound Shape, a wall-mounted wireless speaker system for design conscious music lovers – delivering immersive
sound staging, a customisable design and integrated noise dampers for improved room acoustics. The launch was held at the Anima Gallery at The Pearl-Qatar, and attended by prestigious guests, design experts and esteemed members of the media.
BeoSound Shape is a wall-mounted, modular speaker system made of hexagonal tiles that can be placed creatively on the wall in every imaginable size and pattern. The system consists of a combination of speakers, amplifi ers and acoustic damper tiles that scale
the sound performance and visual design. As a real-life wall of sound, BeoSound Shape
off ers immersive music staging as the perfect mood setter, while at the same time off ering unique resonance dampening features, ideal for large multipurpose rooms.
Not only is the layout of BeoSound Shape completely customisable, the speaker system also off ers an array of colours and textiles to choose from. The colour palette includes Parisian Night Blue, Purple Heart, Infantry Green, Brazilian Clay, Wild Dove Grey and the classic Black.
This unique piece is designed to create a crisp and precise soundscape with the vocal performer in the centre and the instruments to the sides. It is called the ‘Band on the wall’.
The BeoSound Core connectivity hub, hidden behind a hexagonal tile, enables wireless streaming of high quality music from your mobile device via streaming technologies such as AirPlay, Chromecast built-in or Bluetooth, playing diff erent music in diff erent rooms or letting one tune fl ow throughout the house.
During the event as well, and for the fi rst time in the gulf, Fifty One East and Bang & Olufsen revealed the BeoVision Eclipse, “The ultimate TV experience”.
Trained professionals are available to assist with every facet of BeoSound Shape, from design to installation. The team can explain the technology, demonstrate the advantages, and guide the customer to the right solution
needed. The launch event was held during the same time Anima Gallery is hosting the artistic work for the international Chinese artist Zheng Lu.
Zheng Lu’s work is a symphony of shapes and characters, spaces, light and shadows, one can easily imagine the tremendous workload among the characters’ transcriptions, trans-printing and re-grouping, as well as the cutting, welding and polishing of metals. His characters appear in textual form and the meanings surface after the regrouping, providing us with an opportunity and space of imagination.
All Bang & Olufsen products are available at the Bang & Olufsen store in Lagoona Mall on the fi rst fl oor.
ATTENDANCE: The launch was held at the Anima Gallery at The Pearl-Qatar, and attended by prestigious guests, design experts and members of the media.
ARTISTIC: BeoSound Shape is a wall-mounted, modular speaker system made of hexagonal tiles that can be placed creatively on the wall in every imaginable size and pattern.
9Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYMOTORING
Toyota GAZOO Racing takes record-breaking victoryT
oyota GAZOO Racing has won for the fi fth time in the nine-race 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
season with an impressive victory in the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain. The #8 TS050 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) of Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson, and Kazuki Nakajima won by more than a lap in a race which marked one of the competitor’s fi nal LMP1 appearance in WEC.
Victory for the #8 drivers marked the fi rst time since 1990 that a car crew has won fi ve races during a season of WEC or its predecessor, the World Sportscar Championship.
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Offi ce, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “There is no better reason to rejoice than our region witnessing Toyota GAZOO Racing’s historic achievement with fi ve wins in a season. Our experienced and dedicated teams of drivers, engineers, pit crew and all other support staff have showcased a phenomenal performance to manifest and emphasise Toyota cars’ unmatched endurance and reliability. The remarkable victory of our teams gives us extra motivation to innovate and create ‘ever-better cars’ to surpass expectations of our loyal customers. I cannot thank our fans enough for their amazing support throughout the series, which helped tremendously in achieving this decisive victory.”
Commenting on the team’s achievement, Hisatake Murata, Team President, said: “It is fantastic to fi nish the season with a victory. I am proud of the team for their work to prepare a competitive car for this race and then to fi nish the job in the race. At the end of a long season, I want to say thank you to all the competitors, offi cials, and fans who are part of our WEC family. I also would like to thank our competitors for being strong. We have enjoyed fi ghting with them over the last four seasons, and I hope the fans have enjoyed it too.”
An unfortunate contact with a competitor car took the #7 TS050 hybrid electric vehicle of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López out of the victory fi ght and they fi nished fourth.
The race began in daylight, and Sébastien led the Toyota challenge after moving into third on the fi rst lap in the #8, with Mike running fourth in the #7 and both cars putting pressure on other competitor cars.
After 30 minutes, Sébastien took the lead from the #1 competitor car,
and Mike also got past to establish a Toyota one-two.
At the fi rst pit stops, the two TS050 hybrid electric vehicles chose diff erent strategies; José María took the wheel of the #7 on new tires while Sébastien stayed in the cockpit of the #8 and only refuelled, retaining his lead.
After an hour, darkness fell, and the diff ering tire strategies began to play out. Just before one-third distance, Kazuki took over the #8 with fresh tires and dropped to second, although within a few laps he overtook José, on used rubber, for the lead.
The team was pushing for a one-two fi nish until the #7 car, with Kamui at the wheel, fell out of contention with three hours completed. Kamui and the #92 rival car made contact at turn one, causing a right rear puncture and bodywork damage to the #7.
During the resulting safety car, the mechanics worked quickly to repair the #7 and return it to the race, having lost six minutes. It dropped to fourth place, two laps off the lead held by Kazuki.
With the four-hour mark approaching, an alternative pit
strategy gave the #1 rival car a temporary advantage, but Anthony, now at the wheel of the #8, was in hot pursuit and his pressure paid off when the leader hit a competitor car and pitted for repairs. That left the #8 car with a lead of more than
one minute going into the fi nal two hours, and Anthony recorded impressive lap times to extend the advantage, lapping competitor cars in the process.
At the fi nal driver change, the #8 car was comfortably in the
lead, so Sébastien took over with a no-risk approach and safely took the chequered fl ag for Toyota’s 16th win in its 48th WEC race. Mike brought the #7 home, after a stop-go penalty for the earlier collision, in fourth, three laps behind.
FEAT: Victory for the #8 drivers marked the first time since 1990 that a car crew has won five races during a season of WEC or its predecessor, the World Sportscar Championship.
Sunday, December 17, 201710 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY HEALTH
MEDICINAL: Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective chemicals, the research notes.
Healthy diet may boost self-esteem among children
Children following a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, while limiting intake of refi ned sugars and fat, may have better self-esteem and fewer emotional and strong peer relationships, according to a study.
The fi ndings showed that better well-being was associated with consumption of fruit and vegetables, sugar and fat in accordance with dietary guidelines.
Moreover, fi sh intake 2-3 times per week was also associated with better self-esteem and no emotional and peer problems. Intake of whole meal products was also associated with no peer problems.
“We found that in young children there is an association between adherence to healthy dietary guidelines and better psychological well-being, which includes fewer emotional problems, better relationships with other children and higher self-esteem,” said Louise
Arvidsson, from The Sahlgrenska Academy, at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
“Our fi ndings suggest that a healthy diet can improve well-being in children,” Arvidsson added.
For the study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, the team examined 7,675 children two to nine years of age from eight European countries — Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
The children were given a healthy dietary adherence score (HDAS) based on how closely they followed fi ve guidelines: limiting sugar, limiting fat, preferencing whole meal over refi ned grains, eating 400-500gm of fruits and vegetables a day, and fi sh 2-3 times a week.
A higher Healthy Dietary Adherence Score (HDAS) was associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional and peer problems such as having fewer friends or being picked on or bullied, in children regardless of body weight, two years later. – IANS
A cup of hot tea every day may keep glaucoma awayY
our morning cup of tea may have more power than you thought. Researchers have found that drinking a
cup of hot tea at least once a day may lower the risk of developing glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Glaucoma causes fluid pressure to build up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. It currently affects 57.5 million people worldwide, and is expected to increase to 65.5 million by 2020.
The study, published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that compared with those who did not drink hot tea every day, those who did, had a lower glaucoma risk.
The new findings show that lifestyle changes could help prevent vision loss from glaucoma, lead study author Anne Coleman of the University
of California, Los Angeles, was quoted as saying by Live Science.
However, the researchers noted that this was an observational study, and therefore, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect.
“Further research is needed to establish the importance of these findings,” the researchers said.
The researchers looked at data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US.
This is a nationally representative annual survey of around 10,000 people that includes interviews, physical examinations and blood samples, designed to gauge the health and nutritional status of US adults and children.
The survey also included eye tests for glaucoma. Among the 1,678 participants who had full eye test results, including photos, 84 (five per cent) adults had
developed the condition.They were asked how often
and how much they had drunk of caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks, including soft drinks and iced tea, over the preceding 12 months, using a validated questionnaire.
The researchers found that hot tea drinkers were 74 per cent less likely to have glaucoma.
But no such associations were found for coffee — caffeinated or decaffeinated — decaffeinated tea, iced tea or soft drinks.
Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective chemicals, which have been associated with a lowered risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, the researchers said.
And previous research has suggested that oxidation and neurodegeneration may be involved in the development of glaucoma, they added. – IANS
Colouring books for adults can help reduce stress
Spending some time with colouring books after a tough day at work can help you feel better, although it may not leave as lasting impact on your mood as actual art therapy can, new research suggests.
“The main takeaway is that colouring has some limited benefi ts like reducing stress and negative mental states,” said one of the researchers Girija Kaimal, Assistant Professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, US.
“But it does not shift anything else of substance, develop relationships, nor result in any personal development,” Kaimal added.
The study, published in the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal, showed that colouring alone does have some positive eff ect, even though it not be as potent as art therapy.
The researchers ran two, separate 40-minute exercises, one consisting of pure colouring and the other involving direct input from an art therapist, to see if one of the other led to signifi cant diff erences in mood and stress levels.
Every participant — ranging in age from 19 to 67 — took part in each exercise.
In the pure colouring exercise, the participants coloured in a pattern or design. Although an art therapist was in the room, they did not interact
with the person colouring.In the other exercise, participants
were put in an “open studio” situation, where an art therapist was present and able to facilitate the session, as well as provide guidance and support to process the experience and artwork.
The participants were able to make any type of art they wished, whether it involved colouring, sketching, doodling, or working with modeling clay.
As the participants worked on their piece, the art therapists created art as well, and were available to assist the participants if they asked for it.
Each person took standardised surveys before and after their sessions that ranked their stress levels and feelings.
Perceived stress levels went down by at roughly the same levels for both exercises – 10 per cent for colouring; 14 per cent for open studio.
Negative mental states also showed similar decreases in levels – roughly a seven per cent decrease for colouring; six per cent for open studio, the study said.
But the art therapists’ open studio sessions resulted in “more empowerment, creativity and improved mood, which are signifi cant for individuals striving to improve their quality of life and make lasting change”, Kaimal said.
Often, the now-ubiquitous adult colouring books advertise themselves as “art therapy.” But actual art therapists contend that such a claim is misleading, that true art therapy is about growth and relationships and not simply about “feeling better.” – IANS
NATURAL: The findings show that better well-being is associated with consumption of fruit and vegetables.
SOOTHING: The study says spending some time with colouring books after a tough day at work can help one feel better.
11Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHIC
Sunday, December 17, 201712 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.
Insects
APHIS BEETLE BUG BUTTERFLY CICADA CRICKET DRAGONFLY EARWIG GNAT
GREENFLY HORNET HORNTAIL LACEWING LOCUST MANTIS MAYFLY MIDGE MOSQUITO
MOTH SAWFLY SPRINGTAIL TERMITE THRIPS WASP WEEVIL
13Sunday, December 17, 2017 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYPUZZLES
Colouring
Answers
Wordsearch Codeword
ACROSS1. Disregard it as a price
reduction (8)5. Penny got dressed and
investigated (6)9. The flower, figure out, is
flatter (6,2)10. A king from Borneo (6)12. Light Oriental money the
soldier returned (6)13. Writer from Port Said (8)15. Fear of arrest (12)18. Behaving like the adulterer
rather than the letter writer? (12)
23. I am upset by form of snail seen in an old vessel (8)
24. South African holding a type of shirt and hat (6)
26. Show signs of being cold in break (6)
27. Abandoned one mother and boy outside (8)
28. Strike out ‘allowed in the river’ (6)
29. They have appeared without her underwear, the beasts (8)
Super Cryptic Clues
Yesterday’s Solutions
ACROSS: 1 Goes in for 6 Stamp 9 Omaha 10 Obstinate 11 Stood up for 12 Mere 14 Started 15 Encored 17 Cheroot 19 Dragged 20 Core 22 Apparently 25 Off course 26 Orate 27 Haste 28 Distended.
DOWN: 1 Gross 2 Elaborate 3 In addition 4 Flopped 5 Restore 6 Slip 7 Aware 8 Pretended 13 Scrape home 14 Sackcloth 16 Right-hand 18 Tapered 19 Drawers 21 Rufus 23 Yield 24 Love.
DOWN1. Nothing swelling up in the
capital (6)2. About metal, for instance,
that’s smooth and glossy (6)3. The shortest possible
movement in a dance? (7)4. The sense to give a refusal to
the Americans (4)6. Some sandpapering needed
after strenuous exercise? (3-4)
7. Rubs out ‘it is an inflammation’ (8)
8. Indicating that one’s withdrawing paper currency? (8)
11. Around Holyhead, was out to create a fiasco (4-3)
14. New chair, in the current environment, seems primitive (7)
16. Guessed Reims would be relocated in the South of France? (8)
17. He has some responsibility authorised (8)
19. Have the look of a police officer (7)
20. Be careful - it’s your own concern (4,3)
21. Attitude of man going to church (6)
22. Marks for classes (6)25. Celebration a convict turned
up for (4)
Sunday, December 17, 201714 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/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
Don’t take anything too seriously today. People may be careless with
their words and end up hurting feelings or even breaking hearts.
Don’t read too deeply into what’s said. Your overanalysing of the
situation could lead you to suspect scenarios that have no basis in
reality.
You may be talking a lot today, but that’s natural. You have a great
deal to say, so why not say it? You’ll have your way with very little
eff ort. Enjoy yourself and feel free to treat yourself in the way you
deserve to be treated. Respect yourself and others will respect you.
Sit up straight and be proud of who you are.
Get some of your thoughts on paper today. Communicate your
feelings in a journal or write letters or e-mails to people you haven’t
seen in a while. Keep the tone light. You have a lot of information to
share whether you realise it or not. This is a good day to dress up, go
out, and have fun. Share a meal with friends and save your worries
for another day.
If you don’t express yourself today, people might get the impression
that something is wrong. The person you’re talking to may think that
he or she is boring you. Contribute something to the conversation.
Strong opinions are flying, and yours is as valid as anyone else’s.
Keep it lively and witty.
Yes, it’s your turn now. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for something,
but the timing hasn’t been right. Perhaps there has been a mental or
physical roadblock in the way. Wait no longer. The time is here. Step
up and say your peace. Don’t make excuses and don’t hold back. The
more you contribute, the more richly you’ll be rewarded.
You may find it hard to stick to a task today. Your mind may feel
fragmented. It may be hard to focus. If this is the case, don’t worry
too much about it. Perhaps it’s the Universe telling you that it’s OK
not to focus. Keep things light and carefree. There’s no need to stress
out about something that only exists in your mind.
You’re the certified expert on many topics, so spread your
knowledge around. Others will attend to your words. Use them
carefully. You may jump from subject to subject, but that’s OK. The
unexpected adventures you encounter will keep you entertained.
Don’t worry about the consequences. Go out and have fun. The
energy of the day is electric!
This is a great day to shop. Join friends and hit the stores to add
more beauty and pleasurable items to your life. Stay away from the
cheap and shoddy. You deserve quality. Turn the expedition into a
social event and have fun. You’ll have a great time with your friends
even if you don’t buy anything.
Don’t get too bogged down in details today. If you keep trying to
perfect every aspect of the package before you send it out, you’ll
end up missing the boat and the package won’t go at all. Keep things
moving quickly. Don’t worry so much about insignificant matters.
Go out and play today. Escape your work mode and have fun. Drive
someplace new and take a long walk outside with friends. You have
a lot of energy, so share your enthusiasm with others. There’s an
exciting buzz in the air that you should tap into and contribute to.
Take a break from the mundane and have an adventure.
Don’t worry so much about others today. Your job is to have fun.
Keep things balanced by not delving too deeply into one specific
topic or project. The aspects indicate variety, so spend some time on
many things. You may discover an untapped talent or a new interest.
Enjoy the exploration.
You may feel like you’re slowly plowing through mud, but things
are starting to look up. A weight has been lifted and you’re ready to
take flight. You might soon be back to your old self again. At the very
least, it somehow feels easier to be you. The time is right to throw a
party or hang out with a large group of friends.
What people want technology to do in 2018 and beyondI
f you want a robot to earn an income for you in the future so that you can spend the winters holidaying in sun-soaked beaches and the
summers in a cool hill station, you are not alone. Nearly half of the people in the world have similar expectations, according to a new survey.
While 32 per cent working people do not think they need a job to develop a meaningful life, 40 per cent would like a robot that works and earns income for them, freeing up leisure time, according to the Ericsson consumer trends report for 2018 and beyond.
The report compiled “10 hot consumer trends” on the basis of an online survey of 5,141 Internet users across the globe. The survey was carried out in October 2017.
The results point to a paradigm shift as consumers expect digital technology to increasingly operate on human terms.
“Today, you have to know all the intricacies of the devices you use. But in the future, the devices will know you instead,” said Michael
Bjorn, Head of Research, Ericsson ConsumerLab.
“For this to become a reality, devices must be able to relay
complex human interaction data to cloud-based processing, and respond intuitively within milliseconds, increasing
requirements on next generation connectivity,” Bjorn said.
More than half of the current users of intelligent voice assistants believe that we will use body language, expression, intonation and touch to interact with tech devices as if they were fellow humans. About two out of three people think this will happen within just three years, the report said.
More than 60 per cent of consumers would like earphones that translate languages in real time. About half want the technology to block out a family member’s snoring.
Half of the consumers surveyed said Artifi cial Intelligence would be useful to check facts posted on social networks.
More than 80 per cent believe that in only fi ve years, long-lasting batteries will put an end to charging concerns, according to the report. — IANS
Sunday, December 17, 2017 15GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ
Will watch Padmavati no matter when it releases: Anurag Basu
Director Anurag Basu, who fi nds it bizarre that the whole controversy around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati is based merely on perception and assumption, says he will watch the period drama whenever it releases.
Basu was at an event where he met 40 children — who are fi ghting cancer — from the Tata Memorial Centre. He was asked to comment on the Padmavati controversy.
“I think this is bizarre and funny. When the fi rst time the attack (against the makers) happened, the fi rst thing that came to my mind was ‘Do they know the script? Have they read it?’ The entire controversy is based on perception and assumption and what could be more funny than this? The whole thing is based on ‘Maybe’ and I fi nd it really bizarre. How can they
create such a ruckus on a ‘maybe’?”He believes it is a “win-win
for everybody” as “all of them are getting the benefi t of the controversy”.
“I don’t think Sanjay Leela Bhansali should be worried because his fi lm is delayed, as he has many fans, like myself, who will watch the fi lm no matter when it releases,” Basu added.
Known for movies like Life in a... Metro, Gangster and Barfi !, Basu said he is currently working on a few projects simultaneously.
“But I will announce the schedule very soon as to when which project will come out.”
On the trend of biopics, he said: “It’s a good thing that people are getting inspired by biographies. Nowadays, people don’t read, so all they grasp about life is from fi lms.”
Basu’s last fi lm as a director and writer was Jagga Jasoos, featuring Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor. – IANS
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s (American actress) wedding will be held on May 19 next year, Kensington Palace announced on Friday.
The couple confi rmed their engagement last month and said the wedding ceremony would take place on a Saturday at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The date breaks with tradition as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday, the BBC reported. The royal family will pay for the wedding, including the service, music, fl owers and reception.
Earlier this week, Kensington Palace announced the couple will be spending Christmas together at Sandringham with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family.
Prince Harry and Markle have been dating since July 2016 and made their fi rst public appearance as a couple in September.
The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of London’s Kensington Palace, the offi cial residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
They opened up for the fi rst time about their relationship in an interview last month when Prince Harry told the BBC that his late mother, Princess Diana, would have been “over the moon” about the pair’s engagement.
Prince Harry designed the engagement ring himself. It features a diamond from Botswana accompanied by two smaller diamonds from Diana’s jewellery collection, which the Prince said he wanted to include “to make sure she’s with us on this crazy journey together”. – IANS
CANDID: The director finds the whole controversy bizarre.
ROYAL WEDDING: Kensington Palace announced the date of the wedding on Friday.
Prince Harry to wedActress Meghan Markle on May 19
Newton from Indiaout of Oscar race, team still proud
India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2018, Newton, is out of the race for the honour. But the movie’s team is feeling far from defeated.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced that nine features out of 92 will advance to the next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 90th Academy Awards, according to the official website of the Oscars.
Newton, directed by Amit V Masurkar and starring the stellar Rajkummar Rao in a story set against the backdrop of elections in the world’s largest democracy, was not a part of it.
Masurkar said: “The Foreign Film Category is like the Olympics. We are competing with the best in the world, so it’s extremely tough. The response from Academy members to Newton was very positive and we are grateful to everyone who supported us on this journey.
“The experience has enriched us and has encouraged me to push my limits each time I make a new film.”
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who has always lent unrelenting support his blue-eyed boy Rajkummar and Newton — even when it was caught in a plagiarism row, also said that missing the Oscar bus changes nothing for this film’s credentials.
Mehta, claimed he was trolled after Newton was ousted from the competition, tweeted: “Oscars or no Oscars, it remains one of the finest films made in our country in a long time.”
When the film was chosen as India’s Oscar entry by the Film Federation of India, there was buzz that it was inspired by a 2001 Iranian movie titled Secret Ballot.
At that time, Mehta, who has worked closely with Rajkummar on award-winning films like Shahid and City Lights, had spoken out in favour of the Newton team.
Mehta’s latest Twitter post on Friday also found support from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who was at the forefront of slamming the plagiarism claims against the film’s makers. He had contacted Secret Ballot producer Marco Mueller to take his feedback on the similarities.
“There is not even a hint of plagiarisation,” Mueller had told him.
The shortlisted films for the
Foreign Language Film category for Oscars this time include: A Fantastic Woman (Chile), In the Fade (Germany), On Body and Soul (Hungary), Foxtrot (Israel), The Insult (Lebanon), Loveless (Russia), Felicite (Senegal), The Wound (South Africa) and The Square (Sweden).
Final nominations for all categories of the 90th Academy Awards will be announced on January 23. The Oscars ceremony will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre.
So far, Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India are the only Indian films that made it to the top five in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards, but none have won the honour. – IANS
PROUD: Director Amit V Masurkar says The Foreign Film Category is like the Olympics.
Sunday, December 17, 201716 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
An amalgamation of the new and the experienced
The ‘Colours of Desert’ exhibition at Qatar Foundation’s Recreation Centre features
the works of 26 artists from diff erent backgrounds in Qatar. By Mudassir Raja
The ‘Colours of Desert’ exhibition was inaugurated at Qatar Foundation’s Recreation Centre hall on Thursday
evening. The exhibition is being organised by the Qatar-based art community, Middle-East Art and Silk Painters (MAPS).
As many as 26 artists from diff erent backgrounds living in Qatar are taking part in the exhibition that is the fi fth edition of the Art and Painting Group Exhibition by MAPS. The month-long exhibition is displaying some very beautiful artworks by talented new artists and by experienced seasoned painters.
A good number of people from diff erent cultures were present at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The visitors took great interest in the works of new and budding artists. The artists, on the other hand, were also very happy over getting recognition and appreciation. The hosts gave certifi cates and medals to the artists taking part in the exhibition.
The chief guest on the occasion was P Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar. After cutting the ribbon and opening the exhibition, the ambassador went around the exhibit to study the works on show. He talked to the artists, discussed their work, and appreciated their talents.
In his speech as the chief guest,
the ambassador said, “This is the second time I am visiting the artwork exhibition. Each one (artwork) tells a story. I am happy to see Indian artists doing so well. I thank the MAPS for providing an opportunity and platform to new and young artists to express themselves and to improve their works.”
Appreciating the organisers, the ambassador added, “I would also appreciate the Qatar Foundation in terms of extending logistic support and providing them the platform to bring the artists together so that people like us can appreciate these artworks in Qatar.”
Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Louise Cutajar, director of Events, Strategy and Planning Division at Qatar Museum, said, “MAPS provides a good opportunity [to young artists] to express themselves. Some people have natural skills of creation and others have more of technical skills. One can learn skills but creation and design are within you. The artists here have the skill of creativity. There is so much diversity at display here. I am very impressed. I encourage everybody. I appreciate MAPS and they should keep going.”
While talking to Community, Rashmi Agarwal, founding president of MAPS Qatar, said, “I always believe that exhibitions serve as stepping stones for aspiring
artists. The opportunities allow the artists to shine in the real world as practicing artists.”
She noted, “From the MAPS platform, I always try to bridge gap between institutions and artists. I encourage young artists to come forward. For this exhibition, I have included many new artists showing their works for the fi rst time. None of the new entries are full-time artists. Some of them are working ladies and other are housewives.”
The visitors showed keen interest in almost all artworks. However a painting showing a young Qatari girl in traditional dress and jewellery outside her house got immediate attention. The work is a creation of Karen Sinclair from the Caribbean. She has been working in Qatar for over six years.
Talking to Community, Karen said, “I love to do art. I have been doing artworks on tropical islands and on Arabic life. I try to blend both things. I wanted to capture the emotion, motion, and passion of colour in my painting. I was inspired by a photo of a Qatari friend of my daughter, but I have changed her face in my painting.”
Another painting that captured attention of the visitors was an old Arab man shown as a pearl trader. The painting is the work of Parveena A Khan, a young Pakistani woman born and brought up in Qatar.
Talking to Community, Khan said, “I am a self-taught artist. My love for colours comes naturally to me. I have been teaching art to children. I think art is one way for children to
express themselves. I started in 2007. This is my first exhibition. I have painted an old Qatari pearl trader busy in his work. I wanted to show how people before used to work in Qatar.”
COLOURS: The painting by Karen Sinclair.
TRADITION: The painting by Parveena Khan.RIBBON-CUTTING: Indian Ambassador P Kumaran inaugurates the exhibition along with Louise Cutajar, the guest of honour. Photos by Jayaram
