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Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Jumada II 10, 1441 AH
Doha today 140 - 220
FIGHTING BACK: Husband Brian Wallach, left, with his wife Sandra Abrevaya. Photo: I Am ALS
COVER
STORY
Second innings
In a race against terminal illness, former Obama staffer
with ALS and his wife find new hope a year later. P4-5
BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD
Horror is a tricky and Simpsons writer freaks out the
technical genre: Vicky. Internet over age of characters.
Page 14 Page 15
2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME
Fajr 4.57am
Shorooq (sunrise) 6.17am
Zuhr (noon) 11.49am
Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm
Maghreb (sunset) 5.21pm
Isha (night) 6.51pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Gretel & Hansel countryside, a young girl leads her little brother into a dark
CAST: Sophia Lillis, Alice Krige, Jessica De Gouw wood in desperate search of food and work, only to stumble
DIRECTION: Oz Perkins upon a nexus of terrifying evil.
SYNOPSIS: A long time ago in a distant fairy tale THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall
Emergency 999
Worldwide Emergency Number 112
Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991
Local Directory 180
International Calls Enquires 150
Hamad International Airport 40106666
Labor Department 44508111, 44406537
Mowasalat Taxi 44588888
Qatar Airways 44496000
Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333
Qatar General Electricity and
Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464
Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333
44593363
Qatar Assistive Technology
Centre 44594050
Qatar News Agency 44450205
44450333
Q-Post – General Postal
Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services Office
(Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)
Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372,
40253369
Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364
Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Bad Boys for Life drug cartel. Newly created elite team AMMO of the Miami
Qatar Airways 40253374 DIRECTION: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah CAST: Will Smith, police department along with Mike and Marcus go up against
Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig the ruthless Armando Armas.
SYNOPSIS: Old-school cops Mike Lowery and Marcus
Burnett team up to take down the vicious leader of a Miami THEATRES: The Mall
uote Unquote
Q “Our
greatest glory is not in
never falling, but in rising
every time we fall.”
– Confucius
Community Editor For movie timings and
Kamran Rehmat further details please scan
e-mail: community@gulf-times.com the QR code above with your
Telephone: 44466405 mobile phone camera or
visit qatarcinemas.com
Fax: 44350474
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 3
ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Keto Diet at Elite Medical Centre
WHERE: Elite Medical Center
WHEN: February 8
TIME: 11am
To register for the seminar WhatsApp on
30771895 with your name and telephone
number. It is a free seminar.
After School Activities
WHERE: Atelier
WHEN: Ongoing
Music and arts activities for students
taking place after they finish their day in
school includes Group Music lessons, Hip-
hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama
Halal Qatar Festival TIME: 12:30pm Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10
WHERE: Katara – the Cultural Village Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure years old after school hours.
WHEN: Ongoing till February 9 experience for the whole family offering over Qatar Food Fest
TIME: 8am onwards 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini- WHERE: Sheraton Hotel Park
The Halal Qatar Festival seeks to Golf setup. WHEN: Ongoing till April 30
strengthen the Qatari and Gulf heritage TIME: 4pm — 1am
with all its rich resources in an entertaining Hobby Classes The festival is currently happening at
atmosphere. The theme of the festival centres WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Sheraton Hotel Park. Qatar Food Fest features
on a distinct feature of Qatari heritage, one Centre 77 stalls, food trucks, and trolleys, bringing
that is drawn from deep within the deserts of WHEN:Wednesday – Monday culinary and cultural experiences from all
Qatar – sheep and goat breeding. Mamangam is an art and performance corners of the globe to visitors and residents
centre started with a vision of spreading in Qatar.
our knowledge, interests and experience in
various disciplines in arts across different Public Speaking Classes for Adults
countries for children and adults. WHERE: Sharq Capital, C-Ring Road
We offer regular classes in disciplines like WHEN:Ongoing till July 1
traditional classical dance, art and craft, TIME: 6:30pm – 9pm
Bollywood and hip-hop styles, Carnatic Get trained by experts to be a good speaker.
music, robotics, percussion instruments, Smedley Toastmasters is conducting a Ballet Lessons
keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts six-month speech-craft programme that WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier
like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. For teaches new members to speak confidently WHEN: Ongoing
those who wish to register e-mail at info@ and develop leadership skills. For more TIME: 4pm – 8pm
mamangamqatar.in information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit For more info e-mail at registration@
www.SmedleyToastmasters.org atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.
Honey Exhibition
WHERE: Souq Waqif
WHEN: Ongoing till February 8
TIME: 10am onwards
The third edition of Souq Waqif Honey Exhibition is ongoing. The exhibition is organised
by the Private Engineering Office (PEO) in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry and with the participation of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
Artistic Gymnastic Classes
WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb
WHEN: Ongoing
TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm
The Olympic sport using horizontal bar,
rings and floor exercises on mats for the
children from age 4 till 16.
Metro Street Food
WHERE: DECC Metro Station
WHEN: Ongoing
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: gtlisting@gmail.com, Events and timings subject to change
4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
Back from the d(r)ead
Diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease with no cure, doctors told him in 2017 that he
might have six months to live. Today, he’s focused on being there for his daughter’s future
firsts: kindergarten drop-off, middle school dance, wedding day, writes Alison Bowen
B
rian Wallach wasn’t
supposed to live to see his
younger daughter’s first
birthday.
Diagnosed with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
a terminal disease with no cure,
doctors told him in 2017 that he
might have six months to live.
Today, he’s focused on being
there for his daughter’s future firsts:
kindergarten drop-off, middle school
dance, wedding day.
More than two years after his
diagnosis, he has been lucky, he
said, to experience relatively limited
progression of his disease. After
some balance issues, the Kenilworth
resident now uses a cane — or, as he
is careful to specify, a “cool walking
stick” — to get around.
When Wallach was diagnosed,
neither he nor his wife, Sandra
Abrevaya, knew much about ALS,
a neurodegenerative disease that
affects nerve cells in the brain and
the spinal cord, eventually paralysing
even the body’s ability to breathe.
In response to Wallach’s diagnosis,
the couple, both 39, launched I
AM ALS in 2019. Former staffers
in the Obama White House,
they marshalled lessons learned
while campaigning — gathering
information, forming consensus,
considering the impossible possible
— to build a force to mobilise hope
and change for those facing a disease
they say can and should be cured.
Rays of hope are beginning to
emerge through an innovative trial
that received FDA approval last week
HAIL OR SHINE, TOGETHER THEY STAND: Husband and wife Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya at their home last month in Kenilworth, Illinois. to test several drugs at the same
Together they created I AM ALS, “A patient-led, patient-centric community that reshapes public understanding of this disease, provides key resources to the time, a bipartisan congressional
community, and creates opportunities for patients to lead the fight against ALS and search for a cure.” caucus, doubled federal funding, and
support from groups like the Chan
Zuckerberg Initiative, which gave
the couple’s organisation a $453,000
‘
grant in September.
“Last year we made hope a word
that was OK to use,” Wallach said.
This is a very exciting time in “This year we have to make hope
real.”
the history of ALS. I think this Audaciousness is the only option,
is going to be the decade when the couple says, in their race against
the clock.
ALS is changed from a rapidly Wallach logged 120,000 miles in
the air last year, including travelling
fatal disease to a more chronic to Washington, DC, in April, where
he testified before Congress and
disease that we can manage asked legislators to amp up funding.
“Last year, every time someone
said, ‘Do you want to speak to us,’
— Sabrina Paganoni, faculty I said, ‘yes.’ Every time someone
said, ‘There’s a meeting,’ I said, ‘I’m
member at Healey Center going.’” he said. “Every time there was
for ALS anything, I said, ‘Great, I’m on the
plane.’”
Until October, when Wallach fell
while exiting a Lyft in Boston after
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 5
COVER STORY COMMUNITY
swinging a heavy backpack onto his They take their daughters to swim
back. Thirteen staples in his head at the neighbourhood pool and
later, and after terrifying Abrevaya on vacation with friends. Wallach
with a phone call, the two agreed wishes he could lift them above his
he wouldn’t travel alone anymore. head to touch the ceiling, like their
He’s maintaining momentum for uncle can. But he can lie on the floor
the cause with more hours in his and play with them; he can listen to
home office and fewer in airports. them belt out songs on their purple
In December, I AM ALS debuted karaoke machine.
billboards around Times Square as They find ways to lighten a
part of its #CuresForAll campaign heavy subject. On New Year’s Eve,
aimed at informing the public about the two danced in a video on the
the impact a cure or better treatment foundation’s Instagram, singing
for a neurodegenerative disease into hairbrushes, and Wallach
can have on other diseases such promised to get an “ALS: You
as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Gone” tattoo if 20,000 people
and Parkinson’s. ALS patients and donated $10 to a Healey Center
their families from states including research fundraiser. It raised
Michigan, Maine and Colorado were $40,000 in 24 hours, Wallach said.
in New York for the launch. No matter the outcome, he plans to
The billboards noted the get the tattoo.
number of people lost to ALS each The couple, who both work
day — 16 — with photographs full-time jobs — Abrevaya is the
of those who died in 2019. Days president of nonprofit Thrive,
earlier, Pete Frates, a founder of Wallach works at law firm Skadden,
the viral fundraiser the Ice Bucket Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom —
Challenge, which raised $115 want more research, to create a
million, had died. He was 34. patient navigation system, and to
The campaign was also shared on gather signatures for a letter asking
social media. The posts expressed new FDA commissioner Stephen
the suffering and loss nationwide: a Hahn to speed ALS patients’ access
mother wrote about her son who was to possible treatments.
diagnosed at 20 and died at 28; a son And they keep looking for light.
posted in honour of his dad; Colorado But it takes work.
Representative Jason Crow posted a Changing life with ALS for
message honouring his cousin. Wallach, and for other patients and
It’s time, the couple said, to their families, requires bold action
switch ALS conversations from from people with the power to make
a diagnosis rooted in darkness to change: politicians, researchers,
the faces of people bravely moving philanthropists.
forward. They want to speed As they meet others with ALS,
development of potential cures they welcome new friends and face
and give patients more access to the pain of losing some.
experimental treatments. “It does make you uniquely
That’s not an unreasonable urgent in what you do,” Wallach
goal, said Sabrina Paganoni, a said. “You push because you have
faculty member at The Sean M to. You push because you know that
Healey & AMG Center for ALS at the time that we have is precious,
Mass General in Boston, which and that you want to see 20 years
plans to test at least five different from now. And know that you can
medications for ALS at the same make that happen.”
time, a first for the disease and Wallach often shares moments
something she said could be a huge about his ALS journey on Twitter
turning point. with his 40,000 followers.
Last Wednesday, the Healey Recently, he shared something he
Center announced it received wasn’t sure he should. It was a time
FDA approval to move forward he was unable to find light.
with testing the first three drugs: On a recent night, he woke up
Zilucoplan, Verdiperstat and to pain he’s had for the past few
CNM-Au8. Similar to how cancer months, radiating from his right hip
drugs are already tested, this gives His wife heard him crying that night. She asked what to his right calf.
He clutched a stuffed llama his
patients access to more treatments
and allows researchers to quickly
was wrong. And he said maybe they would be better off daughter gave him. And he began
collect data and accelerate the pace
toward a cure.
if he left, living instead in an assisted living facility. She to cry.
“I cried because of the pain. I
“This is a very exciting time looked at him in the dark. “You are my light,” she said. cried because I couldn’t be the
in the history of ALS,” Paganoni father to my girls I dreamed of
said. “I think this is going to be “You are their light. The only way you are leaving us being,” he wrote. “I cried because I
the decade when ALS is changed
from a rapidly fatal disease to a
is if you die in my arms, and we aren’t going to let that couldn’t be the husband to my wife
I dream of being. Because I saw the
more chronic disease that we can
manage.”
happen for a long, long, long time” future zooming ahead, and for a
brief moment I wondered if I would
For years, Steve Perrin, the be a part of it.”
chief executive officer at the ALS don’t mean measurable in days,” Nearly every moment feels this pressing sense of, I need to be His wife heard him crying that
Therapy Development Institute, he said. “If I’m a patient, I want like a push-pull for Wallach and working towards a goal of actually night. She asked what was wrong.
has monitored clinical trials for to see something, and I want hope Abrevaya. finding a cure.” And he said maybe they would be
ALS. So far, he said, the two drugs for myself and my family. I want Do they spend more precious “We’re doing that so we have better off if he left, living instead
approved by the FDA, Radicava something that is going to slow the minutes with their two daughters, a shot at a real future together,” in an assisted living facility. Their
and Rilutek, are “a very marginal disease down so I can watch my ages 4 and 2, or do they spend Abrevaya said about their time daughters, he told her, could have
slowing down of disease.” kids growing up, I can watch them time away, among strangers — on spent travelling and advocating. a dad who could do everything he
This year, he said the quality graduate from college, I can watch a plane, in a researcher’s office, At home, when the family heads dreamed of doing.
of drugs going into trials seems them marry.” walking the halls of Congress — for the door, the toddlers reach for She looked at him in the dark.
improved. He is excited about But that takes resources. with the hope that those minutes their father’s shoes, and they get his “You are my light,” she said. “You
several trials, including one “We are in a time when we can will, someday, result in time banked walking stick. are their light. The only way you
studying stem cells and another reasonably say that there’s going to create more family memories. “While that both fills your heart are leaving us is if you die in my
testing a drug to potentially slow to be new treatments available,” “The hardest balance, if I’m with joy and appreciation, it’s also arms, and we aren’t going to let that
progression in some patients. Paganoni said. “But we need more honest, is, I love every minute I painful that your toddlers are being happen for a long, long, long time.”
“As a patient you want to see funding and support, so all of this have with them,” Wallach said put in this position,” Abrevaya said. Finally, he smiled. — Chicago
something measurable, and I can happen, and happen soon.” about his daughters, “but I also feel The parents guard normalcy. Tribune/TNS
6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY
NBA elects new office bearers
Nepali Business Association — Qatar (NBA) recently elected its new working committee networking platform to exchange their views and organise business events, seminars,
led by Mahendra Chamlagai. Kumar Pant, President of Non-Resident Nepalese Association symposia, discussions as well as social events in order to enhance mutual communication
International Co-ordination Committee (NRNA ICC), was the chief guest on the occasion. and co-operation. He added that NBA is planning to promote joint ventures of Qatari and
The meeting was chaired by Mahindra Chamlagai, Chairman of NBA. Dr Dev Kaki Dangol, Nepali businesspersons by focusing on new insights and expertise, better use of resources,
Founder Vice President of NRNA ICC, along with Dev Kaki Dangol, Adviser of Nepali by building a good relationship and network and by involving both the governments. He
Engineer Association Qatar; Arjun Prasad Bhatterai, and Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Secretary added that NBA is also creating a proper environment for the investment in Nepal in various
of NRNA ICC, were the guests of honour. Narendra Bhat welcomed the gathering and called field including hydroelectricity, agriculture health, and education among others.
for the unity among Nepali businessmen and entrepreneurs in order to exchange skills, Dev Kaji Dangol expressed his happiness for the formation of Nepali Business Association.
expertise and knowledge. Arjun Prasad Bhatterai talked about the condition of Nepali professionals and entrepreneurs
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said that he was more than happy to see Nepali in Qatar. He added that many of Nepali engineers do their own businesses in Qatar which is
entrepreneurs united under a single umbrella. He said, “The executive arm of NRNA is a matter of pride for all the Nepali engineers as they are demonstrating professionalism and
ICC which includes patrons, advisers and executive officers headed by the president. ICC competence in an international market.
is programmatically and voluntarily connected with National Co-ordination Committees NBA felicitated Shiba Raj Gautam for his long contributions to the Nepali community in
(NCC) across the globe. NCCs are mostly registered as non-profit entities in their respective Qatar on the occasion. NBA also presented certificates to the founder members of NBA
countries and are subjected to the laws of the host countries. We are planning to join our Qatar, including Prakash Koirala, Ramesh Bhatta Raj Regmi and others.
hands with young Nepali entrepreneurs to promote entrepreneurship in the country. We The new office bearers of NBA, includes Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Narendra Bhat, Raj Regmi,
have created a forum for them so that they can exchange experiences with their foreign Sagar Nepal and Prakash Koirala, Vice-Chairmaen; Ramesh Bhatta, General Secretary; Purna
counterparts.” He also urged everyone to promote Visit Nepal 2020, an ambitious project Pokharia and Sunil Kumar Ghimire, Secretaries, Chudamani Karki, Treasurer; and Abdul
launched by Nepal Government to attract two million tourists in the country for the year Basid, Assistant Treasurer. The members, include Pitamber Chapagai, Ram Kumar Shrestha,
2020. Bal Krishna Sharma, Yubaraj Sharma, Dhan Bhadur, Ramu Regmi, Suraj Budathoki and Nabin
Chamlagai said that NBA promotes business relations between Qatar and Nepal with a Satyeel. – Text and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam
PISQ mourns the demise of its founder
The students and staff of Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) recently organised an live via this school; he will live eternally through the success and services of the students passing
assembly to mourn the death of Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Jahan Zeb Arbab, founder of PISQ. Jahan out from this prestigious institution. We all stand in complete harmony with the bereaved family
Zeb breathed his last on January 29. He was the former ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar from and sincerely pray for the exalted station of the deceased in Jannah in the Hereafter.” Afshan
1980-1986. He catalysed the process of acquiring land for the school in 1980 and played a key role Shahid, Vice Principal Senior Girls’ Wing, paid a befitting homage to the services of Late Jahanzeb
in its establishment in 1985. Arbab by recounting vast array of his noteworthy feats for Pakistani community in Qatar. She
Speaking on the occasion, Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of PISQ, said, “Today, we are all deeply highlighted the challenges and obstacles late Jahanzeb Arbab had to confront in the establishing
saddened and heart broken by the news of the death of Jahanzeb Arbab. His name shall forever of the institution.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 7
BOOK REVIEW COMMUNITY
Allende’s towering saga of war
In A Long Petal of the Sea, Allende imbues the experience of displaced people
trying to find a new home with dignity and idealism, writes Marion Winik
AUTHOR: Though Isabel Allende earned her original fame in the 1980s with
the magical realist bestsellers The House of the Spirits and Eva Luna, her 24th
novel is rooted firmly in historical fact.
a story of war, love and displaced become more Chilean than anyone
persons, 1938 to 1994, moving from born in the country.”
Spain to France, Chile and Venezuela. Roser is the wife of Victor
Make that mostly Chile, the “long Dalmau’s brother, Guillem, and the
petal of the sea,” according to Pablo mother of a child whom he never
Neruda, or that “long worm at the meets as he is among the 30,000
far south of the map” in the mind of killed at the Battle of Ebro. Roser is
a character Allende sends there in never convinced of his death, despite
the aftermath of the war. Some will the charred wallet Victor shows
first make a stop at the notorious her when the two are reunited after
detention camp in Argeles-sur-Mer, internment at Argeles-sur-Mer.
in the French Pyrenees. Onto the stage steps one of the
Though she earned her original historical characters who plays a
fame in the 1980s with the magical role in the book, Pablo Neruda,
realist bestsellers The House of “dressed from head to toe in white.”
the Spirits and Eva Luna, Isabel (Neruda’ poetry also provides an
Allende’s 24th novel is rooted firmly epigraph for each chapter.) Neruda
in historical fact. The author’s has arranged for an old cargo ship, the
versatility is no surprise at this point; SS Winnepeg, to take 2,000 Spanish
highlights of her backlist include refugees to Chile. The Dalmau
Paula, the 1994 memoir of her group will soon cross paths with the
29-year-old daughter’s death, and Del Solar family, members of the
most recently, In the Midst of Winter, Chilean ruling class. Their daughter,
a novel featuring three characters in Ofelia, will be Victor’s first love.
Brooklyn trying to dispose of a body Unfortunately, he is already married
during a snowstorm. to Roser and sworn to make sure that
Though A Long Petal of the Sea she and baby Marcel, his nephew, are
contains no magical realist elements always taken care of. Soon another
– unless you count that DIY cardiac baby will arrive on the scene.
surgery in the first scene – it is Allende has explained that she
full of the magic of storytelling. based the fictional Victor on a real
Sharply drawn, vibrant characters; Victor, a Spaniard who made his
a long-simmering, unlikely love home in Chile after the Civil War.
story; ruthless plot twists, and a long Like his real-life model, the fictional
waited, last-minute development one plays chess with Salvador
– Allende deals the cards with a Allende, the last president of Chile
WELL CONSTRUCTED: A Long Petal of the Sea is full of the magic of storytelling. Sharply drawn, vibrant characters; a practised hand and a narrative poker before the military dictatorship of
long-simmering, unlikely love story; ruthless plot twists, and a long waited, last-minute development. face. The specifics are rooted in Augusto Pinochet. The author is the
events of the last century, but the goddaughter of Salvador Allende;
theme could not be more timeless her father was his first cousin, and
“
This was to be his most inserted three fingers of his right immediately preceding the victory – and timely. This is a book about has lived all her life as a foreigner and
stubborn, persistent hand into the gaping wound, gently of General Francisco Franco, the boy people tossed by fate into a country immigrant in various countries. In A
memory of the war: that grasped the organ, and squeezed it soldiers of what was called “the baby where they are not welcome, with Long Petal of the Sea, Allende imbues
15- or 16-year-old boy, still rhythmically several times.” bottle conscription” were called in. their circumstances reduced and the experience of displaced people
smooth-cheeked, filthy with The bloody Spanish Civil War is Here, med student Victor Dalmau is their gifts unappreciated, yet they trying to find a new home with the
the dirt of battle and dried blood, almost over, as there are “no more about to raise one of them from the replant themselves with open hearts, dignity, idealism and even romance
laid out on a stretcher with his heart men, old or young, to fight the war” dead. tenacity and optimism. “In the 25 it has been stripped of in our cruel
exposed to the air. Victor was never on the side of the Republicans. With this scene, master storyteller years that had elapsed since the times.
able to explain to himself why he To fight the hopeless battles Isabel Allende opens the curtain on arrival of the Winnepeg, Roser had – Newsday/TNS
8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY AR
Restoration dramas: inside the
Naval figureheads, ancient art and even Spitting Image puppets are all being
brought back to life by a team of crack conservators, writes Nell Card
ANCIENT AND MODERN: Maxwell Malden, art conservator, cleaning an initial test panel by Samara Scott.
T
here is a lot of talk about skip-hire companies. Their work closest I’ve come to thinking, this an incongruous gathering of Walsh’s findings raised the
“loss” in the studio of includes the restoration and is just not possible. Every little bit projects. Alongside a conceptual question of how far back in the
Hans Thompson and redisplay of public sculptures of him was crumbling away. He sculpture from the 1980s and a object’s history the restoration
Maxwell Malden. As and monuments, including the was falling apart in our hands.” 17th-century saint are pieces from process should go. “As far as we
art conservators, this Eduardo Paolozzi mosaics at Another, Topaze – a regal female the Parliamentary Art Collection. could see, it was a fact that these
is traditionally what they deal Tottenham Court Road tube bust commissioned in 1856 – was Walsh taps on a wooden freight objects were repeatedly painted
in: missing pieces that range in station in London, and the so badly damaged that water crate. “We’ve got David Steel in in layers of lead white paint,” says
size, shape and form. Today, it’s 5,000-year-old neolithic carved simply poured from the fibreglass here. I’m going to start working on Malden. “But today, figureheads
a small chip of plastic from a Calder Stones in Liverpool. They shell she had been encased in, in him tomorrow. Charles Kennedy’s are recognised as colourful
conceptual sculpture belonging also specialise in the material a misguided effort to preserve her head is over there.” They are, objects – we might have had a bit
to a contemporary art gallery. analysis and restoration of historic in the 1960s. The studio used a of course, latex Spitting Image of explaining to do if the whole
Tomorrow, it’s the gilded oak interiors, contemporary artworks technique called sonic tomography puppets that have started to collection was painted white…”
finger of a 17th-century sculpture – and just about everything in to assess the internal water damage degrade. Walsh devised the colour
of St Catherine. Each “loss” comes between. of the solid, wooden figureheads. Walsh used microscopy scheme for the restored wooden
with a fresh set of practical and The solution they devised “We positioned nails around the to conduct paint analysis of sculptures by referring to a set
ethical challenges. was for the mount-making to circumference of each statue at the figureheads. Under the of 1912 cigarette cards depicting
Thompson and Malden became part of the conservation regular intervals and sent sound microscope, she shows me a navy figureheads. “I remember
founded their studio, Orbis process: the restored pieces of waves between the nails. The speed cross-section of a fragment of us all being quite disappointed
Conservation, in 2013. The pair the sculpture were slowly rebuilt at which the sound waves travel paint taken from King Billy (a when we were told they were all
met at Goldsmiths and both went around a new, integral steel dictates the density of the wood, figurehead of William IV from going to be colourful,” Malden
on to study conservation at City bracket that would connect with a which suggests the degree of rot 1833). She describes how she set admits. “But they were working
& Guilds of London Art School. suspension system on the gallery that has set in,” says Malden. the flake in resin before polishing objects,” he reasons. “They would
“We’d always worked together on ceiling. It was a process that took Having established the stability it and placing it under the lens. have been painted by the sailors
freelance jobs,” says Malden, who two years and called upon a full of each structure, consolidants The results show an undulating or ship builders themselves with
worked as a gallery technician from range of traditional and technical were injected into the pine for up stratum of paints: modern blues fairly heavy-duty household or
the age of 17. “We knew we’d work conservation skills. to five months. While the wood and reds, interrupted by layers industrial paints that would have
together at some point. We just Kirsty Walsh, a conservator was being stabilised, Walsh was of filler and dirt, with layers of had an element of gloss to them, so
didn’t think it would happen quite at Orbis who specialises in conducting microscopic studies historic lead white paint at the they did have these slightly blunt
as quickly.” paint and decorative surfaces, of paint samples in her first-floor bottom. With the use of a scanning colour schemes.”
The pair operate out of a recalls the arrival of one of the lab, which overlooks the workshop electron microscope, Walsh is able The matte, muted scheme
workshop – a cavernous brick first figureheads, Defiance, a below. to read the shapes of the cellular developed by Walsh is anything
building – on an industrial estate bearded, classical warrior that was The lab is where Walsh particles in the paint, which but blunt: should the studio have
in Greenwich, south London, commissioned in 1859. “When he undertakes finer conservation enables her to date the historic replicated this glossy, gaudy
flanked by car mechanics and first came in, I think that was the work. On the day I visit, it contains layers more precisely. aesthetic? “Hmm,” Malden muses,
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 9
RT COMMUNITY
e world of conservation artists
WOOD WORK: Injecting a consolidant into a section of HMS Defiance.
ART WORK: A piece by the contemporary artist Samara Scott who makes sculptures from everyday materials – plastic PROCESS: Mount-making is the part of conservation process: the restored
bags, bleach, glitter and toothpaste. pieces of the art work are slowly rebuilt around a new bracket.
“I guess if you followed my logic To ensure the longevity of
earlier [for not painting them Scott’s work, Orbis is drawing
white], then that means we should up a database of the objects she
have painted them in gloss. But we uses, making it easier for her to be
didn’t, so…” more selective with her material
It’s a lively argument that choices. Malden is quick to point
Malden and Thompson embrace out that the intention is never
head-on in their progressive to “stifle” the artist’s choices –
practice, which is increasingly it’s more a case of working out
looking at the role of conservation at what point in the creative
in contemporary art. “We’ve process conservation become a
always worked with living artists, consideration.
and we’re interested in where The studio are now keen to
contemporary art is going, and forge links with upcoming artists
how conservation is going to fit and have recently announced a
into that,” says Malden. residency programme for spring
Currently in the lab is a piece by 2020. Orbis is offering studio
the contemporary artist Samara space to an artist who is grappling
Scott who makes sculptures from with a particular engineering or
everyday materials – plastic bags, material challenge. The idea is to
bleach, glitter, toothpaste. “Over explore how conservators can fit
time, her pieces start to morph,” “harmoniously” within the artistic
explains Malden. These material process. The intention is to keep
choices can pose problems for art alive for longer.
galleries and collectors. – The Guardian FACING THE FUTURE: Painting and restoring the figurehead of the 36-gun HMS Sybille, originally built in 1847.
10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHICTuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 11
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY
Melodic alarms can improve
alertness levels: Study
F
inding hard to get out of bed? waking, such as shift workers and emergency
Melodic alarms can help you. A new first responders.
study shows that melodic alarms “Although more research is needed to
could improve alertness levels, better understand the precise combination
with harsh alarm tones linked to of melody and rhythm that might work best,
increased levels of morning grogginess or considering that most people use alarms to
sleep inertia. wake up, the sound you choose may have
The study, published in PLoS One journal, important ramifications,” McFarlane said.
involved 50 participants, using a specially “This is particularly important for people
designed online survey that enables them to who might work in dangerous situations
remotely contribute to the study from the shortly after waking, like firefighters or pilots,
comfort of their own home. but also for anyone who has to be rapidly
Each person logged what type of sound alert, such as someone driving to hospital in
they used to wake up, and then rated their an emergency,” McFarlane added.
grogginess and alertness levels against The research could help contribute to the
standardised sleep inertia criteria. design of more efficient interventions for
“Morning grogginess was a serious people to use on their own devices to wake up
problem in our 24-hour world. If you don’t properly.
wake properly, your work performance can “This study is important, as even Nasa
be degraded for periods up to four hours, and astronauts report that sleep inertia affects
that has been linked to major accidents,” said their performance on the International Space
the study’s lead author Stuart McFarlane, Station,” said study’s co-author Adrian Dyer,
doctoral researcher at RMIT University in the Associate Professor at the varsity. The Cure’s Close to Me may help us transition sounds and waking state, there could be
US. “We think that a harsh ‘beep beep beep’ to a waking state in a more effective way,” potential for applications in many fields,
According to the researchers, the finding might work to disrupt or confuse our brain Dyer added. particularly with recent advancements in
could have important implications for anyone activity when waking, while a more melodic “If we can continue to improve our sleep technology and Artificial Intelligence
who needs to perform at their peak soon after sound like the Beach Boys Good Vibrations or understanding of the connection between (AI),” Dyer concluded. – IANS
ARIES
March 21 — April 19
TAURUS
April 20 — May 20
GEMINI
May 21 — June 20
If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, resist An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Gemini? Take heart if this is
feeling self-conscience about it today, Aries. Try to remember that you Taurus. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems.
chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making
point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, feels complicated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends
ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and
make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. making the most of opportunity. focused and follow up with some recreation.
CANCER
June 21 — July 22
LEO
July 23 — August 22
VIRGO
August 23 — September 22
Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Cancer. Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today,
Looking forward to something fun can make even the toughest of days you consider to be OK, Leo. You probably lean toward the traditional, Virgo. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they
far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when yet not everyone feels this way about relationships, working, or need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t
there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the
bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you
special to reward the hard work you do day after day. be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track. in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.
LIBRA
September 23 — October 22
SCORPIO
October 23 — November 21
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 — December 21
Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Sagittarius.
Libra. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive you today, Scorpio. Yours is an independent spirit and your best Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are
and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like feeling less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect
some plans for this evening, such as getting together with friends or it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbours
taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may and extended family can pick up on your spirit without you even
tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it. find more freedom to act independently without consequences. realising it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today.
CAPRICORN
December 22 — January 19
AQUARIUS
January 20 — February 18
PISCES
February 19 — March 20
Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Aquarius. While it’s true Dare to be different, Pisces. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping
to be, Capricorn. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and
required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and going about work the same way day after day. Before you know it, you
places can you access? Who might know where you can find what then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a
you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing decision to break free by doing something unique. Try a new haircut.
instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself. its coming. Wear colours that are unusual for you. Pursue expansion.12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
BELLOW LOWDOWN YELLOW
FLOWER TALLOW FALLOW
SHALLOW CALLOW PILLOW
BELOW MELLOW FELLOW
HOLLOW WILLOW SALLOW
SWALLOW CLOWN
BLOW OVERFLOW
Codeword
Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once.
Squares with the same number in have the same letter
in. Work out which number represents which letter.
Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com
Garfield
Sudoku
Bound And Gagged
Sudoku is a puzzle based
on a 9x9 grid. The grid is
also divided into nine (3x3)
boxes. You are given a
selection of values and to
complete the puzzle, you
must fill the grid so that
every column, every anone
is repeated.Tuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 13
PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down
1 Irregular form of PC’s radio (8) 2 Picture seaside town with fish
6 Use a needle, so we hear (3) (7)
9 Not late, but almost not 3 Bound sound? (5)
beginning (5) 4 Hammerhead in gloomy boat
10 Any number with illness that’s (6)
catching (7) 5 Attorney General, initially in
11 Strident noise made by loose elegant old US city (7)
stones in front of church (7) 6 Speedy old satirist (5)
12 Social worker is behind those 7 Funny fellows holding note for
in opposition (5) payment (5)
13 Doctor gets Conservative 8 Let lad see out (6)
backing to reveal decay (3,3) 14 Sea Lord involved in trials (7)
15 One with dry ground over 16 Go and dance madly in a ten-
there (6) sided figure (7)
19 Pest given assistance outside 17 Going on horseback in part of
public house (5) Yorkshire (6)
21 Seen as plain cake? (7) 18 Capital in the bank a raffle
23 Country backing an American provides (6)
state (7) 19 Getting old silver in front of
24 Bach provided notes for this gold (5)
publication (5) 20 Sunglasses not first in the
25 Fuel required for heating a underworld (5)
stove (3) 22 Folklore monster making
26 Bird gazing round lake (8) Tom’s head go round (5)
Answers
Solution
Wordsearch Codeword14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD
Horror is a tricky and
technical genre: Vicky
A
ctor Vicky Kaushal set. A ladder fell on the set once,
will soon be seen in the and we were gossiping that there
horror flick Bhoot Part is a ghost on the set! On another
One: The Haunted Ship. occasion, a door fell on someone’s
Working in the genre head. A few accidents took place
for the first time, Vicky says he but nothing in particular happened
realised how horror is a tricky and that could be deemed as a ghost
technical deal. encounter.”
“This was something I was not The film is Johar’s first horror
prepared for as an actor. While film production since the 2005
doing comedy, drama or emotional release, Kaal and Vicky credits his
scenes, you can leave it to the director for its making. “Karan
moment between co-actors. You Johar, Shashank Khaitan and I are
can rehearse, and while acting really scared of horror films. The
you leave it to the moment. You only person on the team who is
surrender to the moment and create enthusiastic about horror films is
something. But horror is a genre our director! Bhanu Pratap Singh
where I had to know everything in enjoys horror films. He does watch
advance. The scene was explained them and so he made the film,” said
to me in advance, and I know what’s Vicky.
going to happen next and have Vicky added that with his
to react to it. I cannot just leave coming line-up of releases, some
it to the moment. So, it was very of his dreams have come true. He
technical and detailed, and a very is busy with movies like Udham
tricky space, which I wasn’t really Singh, Takht, Ashwatthama and
exposed to earlier,” said Vicky at Manekshaw. “With my upcoming
the trailer launch of the film in line-up, most of my dreams are
Mumbai. fulfilled. I had never imagined I
Vicky was accompanied by would be able to do a horror film
producers Karan Johar and but I did want to do a film in the
Shashank Khaitan, and director genre. When I read the script, CANDID: Vicky Kaushal says he had never imagined he would be able to do a horror film.
Bhanu Pratap Singh of Bhoot Part I really fell in love with it. I was
One: The Haunted Ship. literally scared and I thought when historical drama Takht, he said: bring alive that era in front of the film is reportedly based on a true
Asked if he ever faced ghost this script will be blended with “It has always been a dream to do audience,” added Vicky. incident that happened in Mumbai.
experiences in real life, Vicky audio and visual effects, it will a historical film, and now I am a Bhoot Part One: The Haunted It tells the story of a couple on
said: “I don’t know about real be quite an experience. So I just part of a film that is set in Mughal Ship is directed by Bhanu Pratap an abandoned ship lying static
life incidents or encounters, but jumped at the offer.” era, which I have only heard of but Singh, and also features Bhumi on a beach. The film releases on
accidents kept happening on the About Karan Johar’s upcoming never seen. I am really excited to Pednekar and Ashutosh Rana. The February 21. – IANS
Awards seem fair when the cake, but if you don’t win, and if you are
you win one: Vidya at least nominated, then you feel good about
it by thinking that at least you are amongst
Actor Vidya Balan, who has won many the best in that particular year,” she said.
accolades in her successful film career, In 2012, when Vidya won for Kahaani,
contradicts the popular notion that award Priyanka Chopra was reportedly miffed for
ceremonies in India are rigged. At an event losing out for her performance in Barfi.
to promote the 2020 edition of a popular Asked for her reaction on that controversy,
Bollywood awards function, she said that Vidya said: “I was glad I won it that year,”
everything seems fair when an artiste wins she laughed, and asserted: “I am not that
an award. kind to think that she (Priyanka) should
“People often say many things about have got the award. I got it and I felt really
award ceremonies but I feel when you get good about it. As long as enough people
that (award) in your hand then everything felt that my work was worthy a Filmfare
is fair,” said Vidya, at a promotional event Award that year, I am happy. I think this
for the upcoming 65th edition of Amazon has happened many times in the history of
Filmfare Awards 2020. Filmfare Awards where two performances
She further said: “It’s a special feeling (to run neck-and-neck and then one person
be an award-winner). Firstly, the statue of gets it.”
Filmfare Award in itself is so beautiful. It In 2019, Vidya garnered praise for her
is a symbol of love and appreciation from performance in Mission Mangal. Asked
the audience and the industry, so it is very which actresses’ performances she liked
special for me.” the most in the year gone by, Vidya said:
“I feel it’s every Indian actor or actress’ “Unfortunately, I have seen very few
dream to win a Filmfare Award. It was SUCCESSFUL: Vidya Balan contradicts the popular notion that award ceremonies in India are performances, but I think Alia (Bhatt) was
my dream as well but I never prepared rigged. lovely in Gully Boy. I believe Taapsee (Pannu)
my acceptance speech, because the more and Bhumi (Pednekar) are lovely in Saand Ki
you want to win an award, the more you stage to receive an award and I asked myself, for her performance in Paa (2010), Ishqiya Aankh and that’s something I want to watch.
feel anxious after winning it. It actually ‘how can this get any better’. When I got (2011), The Dirty Picture (2012) and Kahaani Again, I believe Yami (Gautam) was lovely
happened with me four years in a row. I won Best Actress for the first time, I thought that (2013). in Bala.
Best Actor (Female) award for three year and I would become mad but when I went on to “I also feel happy when I am nominated The 65th Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020
one year in between I won the Best Actor win it for four consecutive years, I didn’t for a Filmfare Award because they honour will be held on February 15. Breaking away
(Female) Critics’ award,” she added. believe it,” the actress said. the best of the year, so just to be there is a from a 64-year-old tradition, this year the
“For four consecutive years, I went on Vidya Balan has won Filmfare Awards good feeling. If you win, then it’s icing on awards will take place in Assam. – IANSTuesday, February 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 15
HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
The Crown will end a season Tomlinson channelled heartache into songs
earlier than expected
Singer Louis
Netflix has crowned its last queen. Tomlinson channelled
The streaming giant announced Friday that the heartache he suffered
Imelda Staunton will succeed Olivia Colman as after double whammy of
Queen Elizabeth II for the fifth and final season of its family tragedies into the
period drama The Crown. song-writing process
Staunton, known for playing Maud Bagshaw in for his debut solo album
Downton Abbey and Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Walls to turn the trauma
Potter franchise, is the third actress to assume the into “something good”.
coveted throne, following Golden Globe-winning Tomlinson was left
turns from Colman and Claire Foy. devastated in March,
The popular series, however, will forgo an 2019 when his 18-year-
expected sixth season, with showrunner Peter old sister Felicite died
Morgan saying in a statement that he’d had a change from an accidental drug
of heart. overdose. This was just
“(N)ow that we have begun work on the stories over two years after
for season five,” he said, “it has become clear to me losing their mother,
that this is the perfect time and place to stop. I’m Johannah Deakin, to
grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in leukaemia in December,
this decision.” PERIOD DRAMA: Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth 2016.
“As an actor it was a joy to see how both Claire II and Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip in the third Tomlinson is the last SHAKEN: Louis Tomlinson has suffered double
Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special season of Netflix’s The Crown. member of One Direction whammy of family tragedies, death of his sister
and unique to Peter Morgan’s scripts,” Staunton said to drop a solo album and mother in a period of just over two years.
in a statement shared to Netflix’s Twitter feed. Charles. The current ensemble, which just collected following the boy band’s
“I am genuinely honoured to be joining such a SAG Award, will reign for one more season before hiatus in early 2016. However, the singer says he needed to take his time to
an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Staunton and her yet-to-be-announced castmates find his own sound, reports aceshowbiz.com
Crown to its conclusion,” she said. take over for Season 5. He said: “It took me a second to get it right, really. I think I had to develop
Staunton’s casting had been denied by Netflix With only two more seasons and one major time for a good 18 months really, and tread water and work out exactly what my
back in November. jump to go, The Crown will come up short of recent sound was, but I feel like I’ve landed there now, and I’m really happy.”
Around the same time, the third and most bombshell events, such as Meghan and Harry’s Walls was released on January 31 and Tomlinson is overwhelmed by the
recent season of The Crown was released, featuring sudden departure from the royal family. huge wave of support he’s already received for the album.
Colman’s royal debut, plus other well-received Next season, however, the series will cover Tomlinson added: “I’m blown away. It’s just another one of those
newcomers Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Helena the highly publicised arrival of Princess Diana, examples where the fanbase show just how strong they are and how loyal
Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Erin Doherty portrayed by Emma Corrin. – Los Angeles Times/ and passionate (they are). It’s been an emotional 12 hours for me, it’s been a
as Princess Anne and Josh O’Connor as Prince TNS long time coming.” – IANS
Simpsons writer freaks out the
Internet over age of characters
One astonished fan realised
By Brian Niemietz Homer is holding back the years,
but he can not.
“How did I get to be older than
D
’oh! Homer Simpson?” asked Tom
The Simpsons writer Williams.
Al Jean blew a lot The official twitter account
of minds this week belonging to The Simpsons
by tweeting that if pondered that question.
the characters on his animated “Honestly, how did you even
comedy aged, the bratty child get older?” that verified account
character Bart would now be the asked.
age his father Homer is on the Chris Spendlove tried to nail
show. down the chronology.
“If Homer is 39 he was born in “(Homer) was 38 the whole
1980 which is when we said Bart time and Bart was 10 but Marge
was born,” Jean, 59, tweeted last got pregnant right after high
Monday. school.?”
Making matter worse, Bart’s Gabby Hayes tweeted “Can’t do
birthday is Feb. 23, meaning that the math, head going to explode.”
in three weeks, technically, he’ll Tweeting at Jean and the show
be older in actual years than his itself, Rocky Buckland offered
dopey dad is on the long-running a couple of theories on how the
comedy. Instead, Bart will turn 10 programme’s characters stay the
on his birthday, as he does every same age.
year. “Ambient radiation from the
Jean’s Twitter followers have Nuclear plant has rendered
spent the week ruminating about most of Springfield functionally
how old that makes them and immortal, or at least stunted
how old it would make the other ageing. Some residents die of
characters on the show. accidents or tumours, or just AGEING: Bart and his father Homer Simpson in The Simpsons.
“When the show premiered move away,” he wrote. “That,
I was 5 years older than Bart,” or Homer is a deity and he’s tweeted that she doesn’t mind turned 39 a month and a half ago, the same age as Grandpa.”
tweeted Simpsons fan Brad C. preserving Springfield in a pocket growing old with the show. so I’m Homers age. My fingers are Grandpa Abraham Simpson is
“Now I’m 5 years older than of time forever.” “When The Simpsons started on crossed that the show lasts long 83, according to Simpsonsfandom.
Homer!” Simpsons fan Rachel Antolovic Fox, I was the same age as Bart. I enough for me to say that I’ll be com. – New York Daily News/TNS16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 4, 2020
COMMUNITY
Khalid al-Jaber Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani Hamida Issa
Four Qatari adventurers
share their inspiring stories
By Mudassir Raja
I
f you have the right kind of attitude,
you will reach the right altitude with
gratitude. This was the crux of the
extraordinarily stories shared by four
exceptional Qatari adventures during a
recent gathering.
The adventurous stories of Sheikh
Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani, the first
Qatari man to summit Mount Everest;
Sheikha Asma al-Thani, the first Qatari to
ski to the North Pole; Hamida Issa, the first
Qatari woman in history to step foot on
Antarctica; and Khalid al-Jaber, Qatari biker
who has travelled around the world; inspired
a gathering at Lusail.
The event was organised by BigB Meetup,
a community activity group, at Altitude
Elite in Lusail to listen to the inspiring and
adventurous stories of the Qataris in their
own words. The interactive session allowed Sheikha Asma al-Thani
the audience to ask questions from the
adventurers and learn from the top Qatari adventures of the four Qatari nationals.
achievers. Al-Shahrani started the talk by asking
Opening the discussion, Bosco Menezes Mohamed bin Abdulla what went through
from BigB Meetup and the host of the event, his mind standing on top of Mount Everest
said that it was the third discussion under with Qatar’s flag in his hand, to which
the theme of ‘Sports and Wellness’ that is Mohamed laughingly said: “The first thing
organised every February to coincide with the I thought about was that I had to go down
National Sport Day of Qatar. [people laugh]. Going up was the half way GROUP: Speakers with the organisers in a group photo.
“Under my community initiative only. Raising the Qatari flag after the long
#bigbmeetup, it is the sixth event in total. I training for five years, was wonderful. I had to go there. It takes longer to reach Antarctica bike adventures. I wanted to do something
run different programmes under four themes to make lots of sacrifices and take on many than to reach moon. I felt the calling. I did it. exciting. I consider myself as a professional
that are namely: ‘This Ability,’ championing challenges.” It is the best thing that I have done in my life. biker. My family is really proud of my
people who are differently abled; Estedamaa, He added: “We started climbing the last It is the most untouched nature in the world. achievements.”
sustainability; Celebrating Artists, and Sports summit at 8 or 9pm. It was pitch dark and When I was there, I felt the insignificance and Sheikha Asma al-Thani, the first Qatari
and Wellness. As far as sports and wellness there was no oxygen. I kept climbing and humility of existence. I felt very humble and to ski to North Pole, said that at an early age
programme goes, I invite people from thought that every step we take brings us grateful for being alive and experiencing such she had made a list of things that she would
different sports who have some achievements closer to the summit. The fastest I walked a beautiful place. The silence was what really do when she grew up. “I wanted to climb a
under their belts from the wellness areas in was two steps every minute. Then I reached struck me. It was a life changing experience. mountain besides doing some other things.
Qatar. This time we have invited four Qatari the summit and raised the flag. I started That is why I made the second trip. I loved outdoor activities. I love to challenge
adventurers who shared their amazing stories screaming. I cannot explain that feelings. We “I think people fear the unknown. My myself.
and inspired the gathering,” said Bosco while spent just 15 minutes at the peak. I made one family was obviously reluctant because it was “It took me and my team two years to train
talking to Community. phone call to my mother when I was at the something that no other woman in Qatar had ourselves for the expedition. We learnt that
The discussion was aptly anchored by summit.” done before.” every single person is a lifeline for the other
Ahmed al-Shahrani, a differently-abled Speaking about her adventures, Hamida Khalid al-Jaber, who travelled around the person in the expedition. We depended on
Qatari and fitness enthusiast. There were two Issa said: “I met an environmentalist in world on his motorbike, said: “I travelled the each other during the trip.”
other speakers who spoke about their works London where I studied. He was looking for Silk Road. I was looking for an adventure to The gathering also asked interesting and
in the areas of social work and wellness. The an Arab woman who can travel with him to find myself. I have done lots of things in my probing questions from the adventurers
talk was however primarily focused on the Antarctica. I think it was written in my fate life but I never felt satisfied until I started the about their expeditions during the session.You can also read
