Glocal music Pakistani singer and musician Emu talks about the nuances of his genre. P4-5 - Gulf Times
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Sunday, March 1, 2020
Rajab 5, 1441 AH
Doha today 180 - 250
COVER
STORY
Glocal music
Pakistani singer and musician Emu talks
about the nuances of his genre. P4-5
QUIZ SHOWBIZ
Post four years: Shruti opens up
a leap year. on plastic surgery.
Page 10 Page 15
2 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME
Fajr 4.39am
Shorooq (sunrise) 6.58am
Zuhr (noon) 11.46am
Asr (afternoon) 3.06pm
Maghreb (sunset) 5.35pm
Isha (night) 7.05pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Emma Woodhouse, who lives in Georgian- and Regency-era England
CAST: Josh O’Connor, Bill Nighy, Anya Taylor-Joy and occupies herself with matchmaking - in sometimes
DIRECTION: Autumn de Wilde misguided, often meddlesome fashion.
SYNOPSIS: Following the antics of a young woman, Emma THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza
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
Qatar Airways 40253374
Bhoot: Part 1: The Haunted Ship SYNOPSIS: Based on a true accident, the film tells the
DIRECTION:Bhanu Pratap Singh story of a couple on an abandoned ship lying static on a beach.
CAST: Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashutosh Rana THEATRES: Royal Plaza
uote Unquote
Q
“A friend to all is a
friend to none”
– Aristotle
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
Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 3
ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Ballet Lessons
WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier
WHEN: Ongoing
TIME: 4pm – 8pm
For more info e-mail at registration@
atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.
Whiskers & Purrs
WHERE: Tennis Courts, The Pearl-Qatar
WHEN: March 7
Time: 1:00pm-6:00pm
A fun-filled event for the family which
will promote responsible pet ownership. The
objective is to raise community awareness
MIA Park Bazaar 2020 TIME: 12:30pm about animal welfare and highlight the plight
WHERE: MIA Park Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure Qatar Food Fest of pets that have been abandoned by families.
WHEN: Ongoing till April 25 experience for the whole family offering over WHERE: Sheraton Hotel Park
TIME: 2pm — 8pm 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini- WHEN: Ongoing till April 30
MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of Golf setup. TIME: 4pm — 1am
the Old Souq tradition with vibrant mix of The festival is currently happening at
around 120 stalls. You can browse and buy Hobby Classes Sheraton Hotel Park. Qatar Food Fest features
handicrafts, accessories, paintings, clothing, WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art 77 stalls, food trucks, and trolleys, bringing
food, jewellery, photography and art. Centre culinary and cultural experiences from all
WHEN:Wednesday – Monday corners of the globe to visitors and residents
Mamangam is an art and performance in Qatar.
centre started with a vision of spreading
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
keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts six-month speech-craft programme that
like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. teaches new members to speak confidently
For those who wish to register e-mail and develop leadership skills. For more
at info@mamangamqatar.in or call on information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit
33897609/44723680 www.SmedleyToastmasters.org
2020 Grand Prix – Test and Race
WHERE: Losail International Circuit
WHEN: March 6–8
2020 Grand Prix is set to take place from March 6 till March 8 at the Losail International
Circuit. Built-in just under a year, the circuit has been a regular venue of the MotoGP
calendar ever since. You can watch the races with friends or family in an open-air setting
where you will be surrounded by the uproar of larger crowds.
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 Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
“I will not call it fusion
music but glocal music”
— Emu, Pakistani singer and musician
SUNDAY
CONVERSATION
‘ The world is connected
in real time nowadays. I
can ask some of my friends
sitting in an African
country to play something
traditional for me that I
will fuse with some
Pakistani music
’
— Emu
By Mudassir Raja Emu, a Pakistani singer and
musician, is a staunch supporter
and producer of fusion music.
F
usion (in music) is a His enthusiasm in composing
global phenomenon. new fusion music has been so
The world has actually strong that he co-founded a
become a global band in 2001 naming it Fuzon.
village and music is He along with Shallum Asher
no exception. The fusion music Xavier and Shafqat Amanat
is going to be a sustainable and Ali founded the band. The pop
long lasting genre. rock band from Karachi has
“You are not meeting just been described as a fusion of
east or west [in music]. You are Hindustani classical and modern
actually evolving together as a soft rock music blended with the
culture. I will not call it fusion Sufi style of singing. Emu is a
music but glocal music. I mix my multi-dimensional pianist and a
local music with global music.” composer, who has been playing
Syed Imran Momina aka since the age of 19.
Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 5
COVER STORY COMMUNITY
Emu’s style for arranging his
own music and testing with
melodies made him set up his own
recording and mixing studio and it
is where Fuzon’s recording sessions
occurred. The band touched the
“We have done lots of
heights of popularity with their first
album Saagar, which featured 12
collaborative works
tracks, with a common strain of pop in India, Bangladesh
melodies blended with Pakistani
classical and folk vocals. The and China. We sang
opening track Aakhon Kay Saagar
gave rise to their popularity within
the Chinese national
Pakistan.
Following songs, Akhiyaan,
anthem entertaining a
Tere Bina and Khamaaj were gathering. On the 70th
played in heavy circulation on the
TV and FM stations of Pakistan Independence Day of
and India. Fuzon was the first
band to release their debut album
Pakistan, I performed
Saagar in 2002 concurrently in
Pakistan and India.
in London. I have also
“I grew up listening to composed music for
Pakistani classical music and
western pop music. Since the some movies in India.
beginning, I have been interested
in creating fusion. I set up a
Our work is best known
music studio and joined hands for playback songs for
with the other two founders and
formed the band,” Emu said while many Pakistani
talking to Community last week in
Doha as the brand ambassador of TV dramas”
Pakistan Souq, an online shopping
platform.
Emu is also connected to Karachi
Arts Council. He is a member of the
governing body and chairman of Photos supplied
the music committee of the council.
“I look after a music school run
by the art council. There are 25 but people now listen more to fusion is a genre that can be give an example, I recorded a “Music fusion will develop more.
teachers and numerous students. I online music. However, whenever, more creative and innovative. It composition for the members of It is a genre now. You are not only
am preparing an archive of Sindhi some new platforms appear is going to last for a long time. Ballet Beyond Borders, a US- making east or west meet. You
folk music for the provincial in the market, there is always “The world is connected in real based ballet dance group, on their are actually meeting with other
government. I am also working pilferage of music. It worries the time nowadays. I can ask some of recent visit to Pakistan. They cultures — evolving together as a
with a private channel to nourish musicians. But online platforms my friends sitting in an African enjoyed my composition so much culture. If I use one word for fusion,
the singing talent of young such as YouTube are becoming a country to play something that they invited me to the US it is glocal. I have mixed Pakistani
children to sing Sufi music. I also lot securer.” traditional for me that I will fuse where they again performed on folk music with western pop
organise programmes to hunt Emu believes that music with some Pakistani music. To my compositions. music.”
for talented young singers,” he Emu notes that there are a
disclosed. few families who are keeping
Emu and his band have done
collaborative music with different
“I have found Qatar very peaceful. I have met many the eastern classical music alive
in Pakistan. “There are Sham
musicians across the world. “So people who are very friendly and cooperative. Chaurasia gharana [family], Delhi
far, we have collaborated with gharana and Gwalior gharana.
Norwegian and Italian musicians. Pakistanis living here are doing very well for their They keep the music in its purest
We also have worked with New
York- based jazz musicians that
country and for Qatar as well. I am also in discussion classical form. There are very
good classical singers in Pakistan.
included Muslim jazz musicians
as well. We have done lots of
with some people to set up a studio here. I want to I also keep encouraging the young
classical singers to stay in touch
collaborative works in India, have a platform for Qatar-based singers” with their roots.”
Bangladesh and China. We sang Emu was invited by Pakistan
the Chinese national anthem Souq as its brand ambassador
entertaining a gathering. On to Doha. “The love for music
the 70th Independence Day of has brought me to Qatar. I am
Pakistan, I performed in London. I thankful to Pakistan Souq. This
have also composed music for some was my first ever visit to the
movies in India. Our work is best country. Surprisingly, I met one
known for playback songs for many of my very old friends — Shoaib
Pakistani TV dramas.” Baloch, who has been living and
The musician wants to see more working here. We have plans to
creative and innovative music bring our music to Doha in near
produced in Pakistan. “Currently, future. I also met the Pakistani
there are many private TV channels ambassador here and found
and companies paying much him very candid. He is very
attention on the music production. keen to work for the expatriate
I want to see the government take community in Qatar.
more interest in music production. “I have found Qatar very
There should be new material peaceful. I have met many
injected in the national music people who are very friendly and
scene. Earlier, musicians used to cooperative. Pakistanis living
produce music for Radio Pakistan. here are doing very well for their
We need to have more national country and for Qatar as well. I
heroes in the music market.” would love to come here again. I
The enthusiastic composer is would like to bring young talented
however, happy with the digital singers here in the near future. I
platforms available nowadays for am also in discussion with some
music. “Many music platforms people to set up a studio here. I
have gone obsolete such as CDs. QATAR ROUND: From left, Amir Saeed Khan from Pakistan Souq, Emu, Pakistani ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, want to have a platform for Qatar-
Radio and TV is still available and Commercial Attache Salman Ali. based singers.”
6 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY
Nepali organisations elect new office bearers
Morang Sunsari Welfare Society (MSWS), a Nepali community organisation established in 2001, by different presentations by Uddav Kumar Magar, Nirmal Khadgi and Nar Ghising Tamang.
recently organised its 15th general assembly. MSWS elected its new office bearers under the Uttam Gurung and Amina Khan, Nepali community leaders, also spoke on the occasion. The
leadership of Dilip Parajuli. Prof Dr Narad Nath Bhardwaj, Ambassador of Nepal, was the chief new office bearers of RWS, include Nir Magar, First Vice President; Rabi Chandra Karki, Second
guest on the occasion. Laxman Khanal, Prabin Bhattarai and Jina Adhikari, officials from the Vice President; Nar Ghising Tamang, General Secretary; Nirmal Newa, Secretary; Ashish Moktang
embassy of Nepal, also attended the event. Shristi Hingmang, local Nepali singer, performed at Tamang, Treasurer; and Suba Raj Sunuwar, Co –Treasurer. Others members, include Binda Khatri,
the event. The new office bearers of MSWS, include Bhim Bishwokarma and Lilanath Ghimire, Renuka Lama, Binita Ghising Tamang, Anju Moktang Tamang, Ashok Bal Tamang and Ajaya
Vice Chairman; Bhola Basnet, Secretary; Yojana Sharma and Gopal Bastola, Assistant Secretaries; lama Tamang
Sushma Khatiwoda, Treasurer; and Kiran Thapa and Parshuram Banjara, Assistant Treasurers. Pyuthan Sewa Samaj (PSS) Qatar recently held its 6th General Convention and elected its office
The new members, include Bharat Shrestha, Sabin Baral, Prem Bahadur Rai, Birgung Thapa, bearers under the leadership of Dharma Singh Biswakarma, President of PSS. The new office
Biran Kathayat, Sunita Koirala Acharya, Achyat Bhatterai, Sabita Dahal Bhatterai, Gamala Basnet bearers of PSS, include Keshar Bahadur K C, First Vice President; Basanta B K, Second Vice
Khatiwada, Hari Bahadur Khadka, Pasuram Pokheral, Gamesh Adhikari, Gobinda Biswokarma president; Dipendra Thapa, Third Vice President; Amrit Bahadur Sunuwa, General Secretary;
and Jeevan Yakha Rai. The event was compered by Dilip Parajuli. Samundra Khadka, Secretary; Bhim Bahadur Sunar, Treasurer; Ramesh K C, Co-Treasurer; and
Likewise, Ramechhap Welfare Society (RWS), another Nepali community organisation, also Rabilal Sunar, Sitaram Sunar, Bishnu Sunar, Saraswati Kawar, Ekraj Puri, Bhoj Pun, Bhim Bahadur
elected its new office bearers. The convention reelected Lalit Kumar Tamang as the Chairman of G M, Arjun Khadka, Om Prakash K C, Bikash Sunar, Nim Bahadur Pariyar, committee members.
RWS. The event kicked off with a welcomed note by Ashish Moktan Tamang, which was followed – Text and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam
GTM holds 11th Annual Speech Contest
Galfar Toastmasters Club (GTM) recently conducted its 11th Annual Speech Contest at the Oryx initiative to develop Leadership and Communication Skills amongst staff members. Through
Rotana Hotel. The members of the Corporate Club comprised entirely of Galfar Al Misnad this programme, the company has seen a large number of employees upgrading themselves to
staff, who competed in four different categories, including International Speech, Table Topics, perform better in their functional roles as good speakers and effective leaders.
Evaluation Speech, and Humorous Speech. The event was attended by over 40 members and Within three years of its existence, members of GTM started participating in area contests, and
guests. by 2016, they were participating in division level contests. GTM has ensured its representation
Kingsley Okoro bagged first position in both International Speech and Table Topics categories. right up to the District level in the speech contests. Over the past decade, the club has won the
Rajeshwar Rao bagged the title in Evaluation Speech category. Shashi Prakash Singh won the best Corporate Club award a numerous times, and is considered one of the most sustainable
Humorous Speech category. The first and second place winners of each category recently and successful Corporate Clubs in Toastmasters.
went on to represent GTM at the Area Speech Contest, where Kingsley Okoro topped the GTM was also designated as a ‘President’s Distinguished Club’ in the 2018-19 term. This is the
International Speech and Table Topics category. He will now represent Area 03 at the upcoming highest recognition possible for any Toastmasters’ Club, and makes it the first club in Area 03
Division A Contest. of District 116 to achieve this feat, and the second club in Division A. GTM conducts its regular
Galfar Al Misnad, one of the leading construction company which has been operating in Qatar meeting every first and third Saturday of the month at the Toastmasters Hall, a place exclusively
for nearly 25 years, instituted its own Corporate Toastmasters Club in 2009 as a management provided by the company as their meeting and activity venue.
Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 7
INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY
Tips on redecorating a rental
property efficiently on a budget
the gigantic banana plant and
By Nell Card dining table.) The hallway has
been papered in a busy bamboo
print that reminded Daley-Clarke
I
n the middle of the wall of the set in Only Fools and
in Africa Daley-Clarke’s Horses. The master bedroom is
living room is a print still a work in progress.
illustrating the passengers The couple invested two-years’
disembarking from the of savings in the renovation
Empire Windrush. Before moving of the bathroom and kitchen,
into her flat last June, she sold both of which were dilapidated,
all of the art on her gallery wall cold and clinical. The work was
to fund the purchase of this new undertaken concurrently in just
print. Three of Daley-Clarke’s 10 days. “If you’re living in the
grandparents took a similar space at the same time with two
journey from the West Indies in small children, you’ve got to do
the early 1960s: it’s a journey she it quickly,” says Daley-Clarke. In
is reminded of every time she sees the kitchen, Jermel built the work
the print, and an image she hopes surface and open shelving from
her daughters will remember reclaimed scaffolding boards. The
growing up with. bathroom has been turned into
Daley-Clarke, 29, lives with a cosseting, tactile space with
her husband, Jermel, 33, and two irregular teal tiles and a patterned
young daughters – Israel, 4, and THE LIVING-DINING ROOM: Earthy tones, second-hand furniture, natural fabrics and abundant plant life fill the space terracotta floor that wraps over
Ezra, 2 – in a social housing flat with warmth and character. the side of the bath, creating the
in Islington, north London. The illusion of a built-in tub.
street they live on comprises “Even if we have to leave this
mostly detached Victorian villas. flat after five years, we took the
The property they live in has decision to invest in our home
been split into three apartments. from the outset – to treat it like
Here, on the first floor, in a two- our forever home,” she says.
bedroom flat with a front room, (She makes the point that their
kitchen, bathroom and small renovation costs equated to about
balcony, Daley-Carke has created 10% of what they’d need to pay
what she describes as a “natural, for a deposit on a similar two-
nourishing home” for her young bedroom flat.)
family. “I never want my family For Daley-Clarke and her
to go without because we can’t family, their home is a safe place
afford to live in a bigger home,” for memories to be made and
she says. “But really, we don’t savoured. “Paying fair, affordable
need any more.” rent has given us the freedom to
Through her social media plan financially,” she says. “It’s
channel, @thevitamindproject, enabled us to both work full-time
she talks openly about home and support our family without
ownership and the stigma of relying on housing benefits. It’s
living in social housing. “When given us breathing space.”
I was growing up, I genuinely
didn’t know that people rented Top tips:
privately,” she recalls. “I thought Contact your council:
you either owned your home or If you are planning to do any
you lived in social housing.” It structural work on a social
wasn’t until her early 20s that housing property, it will need to
she realised the opposite was also be pre-approved by your council
true: friends and colleagues who or housing association. Social
rented privately had very little housing tenants are subject to
understanding of social housing. SPACE SAVERS: Repurposed theatre seats fold away when not in use. yearly inspections and must
“There is nothing to prevent provide safety certificates for any
anyone from applying for social nationwide shortage of social another three years before the design is apparent throughout. structural works carried out.
housing,” she says, before going housing has lead to the highest next two-bedroom property Having moved in, the couple Buying for the future: When
on to explain the “very fair” levels of overcrowding since became available. prioritised the girls’ bedroom. buying furniture or appliances,
points-based system housing records began 24 years ago. Daley- “It was in such a bad state of They painted the walls white and make sure you buy with intention.
associations use to allocate Clarke recalls her own experience disrepair that six other families set up a second-hand Ikea bed and Save up and buy the best you can
properties. The rent – which is of leaving home at 16 and living had already turned it down,” cot, draping the frame in natural afford, not the first thing you see.
non-subsidised and non-profit in temporary accommodation she recalls. While the housing fabrics in shades of turmeric, Space-saving solutions:
– is pegged to local salaries for seven years before her name association has a duty to ensure terracotta and grey. Their toys We have hardly any floor space
and their tenancy is secure for eventually made its way to the top its properties are safe, anything (mostly wooden, mostly second- in our kitchen, but we also have
five years. “All of that is rarely of the waiting list. Her first rented deemed cosmetic is left to the hand) are corralled in easy-to- beautiful 3m-high ceilings, so
talked about,” says Daley-Clarke, home was a one-bedroom flat in tenants. reach baskets and drawers and we’ve stacked our open shelving
“and I think that is where the King’s Cross. While living there The home Daley-Clarke has their books are displayed in an high to maximise storage. We’ve
stigma comes from – from not she met her husband and started a created bears little resemblance alcove created by removing the also maximised floorspace in the
understanding that not everyone family. It was another three years to the flat she first saw last June. bedroom door, freeing up the dead living room by fixing two shelving
has the same start in life, and from before a two-bedroom property Earthy tones, second-hand space behind. systems to the wall and using a
not understanding that privilege became available. furniture, natural fabrics and By week three, they had also row of vintage theatre seats in
comes in so many different shapes When the call finally came to abundant plant life fill the space decorated the main living and place of a second sofa. They fold
and forms.” view their current flat, Daley- with warmth and character. dining area, filling it with plants up when not in use, which frees
According to a 2019 report by Clarke agreed to the tenancy on Daley-Clarke manages an interior and furniture from their previous up more precious floor space.
the English Housing Survey, the the spot, knowing it could be design showroom: her eye for flat. (The only new additions are – The Guardian
8 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY TRAV
6 best off-the-beaten-path sp
Many Americans head to the Yucatan, peninsula at the southern tip of Mexico
that splits the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, where the sunshine is
abundant and relaxation rolls in with each wave, writes Elizabeth Flores
PERFORMANCE: Dancers performed during a show documenting the history of Mexico through dance at Xcaret Park.
L
ounging on a beach an hour or two of Merida – can be Mexico. We cut our hour-long boat – but the scene is worth the drive uxmal - ingles.html).
with a tropical beverage easily experienced during a day trip ride short because of an impending (thetravelblog.at/pink-lagoon-las-
at a resort in Cancun from the Yucatan’s Caribbean side. storm, so we didn’t make it to coloradas/). Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche
or Tulum makes for a As for the beach chair back at the the flamingos’ nesting site. We One of the most unusual natural
great escape from the resort with your name on it, well, were, however, mesmerised by Choco-Story Museum wonders in the Yucatan Peninsula
frozen tundra. That’s why so many it’ll be waiting for you. the number of beautiful birds we About 40 miles south of are its cenotes, sinkholes created by
Americans – myself included – encountered. In the end we spotted Merida, Joel and I hiked through the collapse of limestone. There are
head to the Yucatan, that peninsula Ria Lagartos one alligator and a handful of the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, 6,000 of these pools in the Yucatan.
at the southern tip of Mexico As my friend Joel and I climbed visitors with white clay smeared on where archaeological finds include They were once used as religious
that splits the Caribbean Sea and onto a small boat, a fisherman their bodies for its alleged healing a pyramid, palaces and other places for the Mayan people, who
the Gulf of Mexico. Sunshine is approached us. He showed us his benefits. A beautiful sunset greeted buildings that are among the best considered them sacred wells.
abundant. Thoughts of snow melt day’s catch of a not-so-ordinary- us as we made our watery way back preserved Mayan ruins in the Today, many offer rappelling
with the warmth. Relaxation rolls in looking fish. Then he wished us to our car. country. So after exploring Uxmal, activities, diving equipment and
with each wave. luck in capturing an alligator. Find information on the Unesco a popular tourist site, we didn’t rope courses.
But I’ve also ventured beyond the I wondered about that comment, Biosphere Reserve at tinyurl.com/ expect much in comparison when Among my favourites are Cenote
popular Yucatan beaches. During even though the small fishing vvhrlwf. we dropped in at the Choco-Story Hubiku in Valladolid, and Cenote
my last trip, I stayed in Merida, a village of Rio Lagartos translates Museum across the street. But Hacienda Mucuyche in Abala.
landlocked city with a rich Mayan to Alligator River. But we weren’t Las Coloradas the museum offered far more than One day, we set out from Merida
and colonial history. On day trips here after a 2 hour ride from Merida After our adventure along the anticipated. to find Mucuyche. After an hour’s
from there, I found places with to catch anything, least of all a river, we took a short drive to We learned about the history drive, we came to a village where
more locals than tourists, I searched scaly reptile. We’d come to explore ‘the pink sea of Yucatan’ known of cocoa and its importance to thatch-roofed palapas lined dirt
for alligators and flamingos, swam the bird-rich tangle of nature on as Las Coloradas. These saline the Mayan people. I was even roads, their inhabitants sleeping
in caves and bumped down remote the town’s edge known as the Ria lakes appear in otherworldly hues more surprised by the museum in hammocks. A wooden sign with
roads that led to shockingly pink Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. of rose and pink, a result of high grounds, where paths cut through ‘cenote’ carved into it seemed like
waters, where river and the Gulf of The 233-square-mile reserve concentrations of algae, shrimp lush vegetation, past an array a good omen. Horses were tied
Mexico meet. holds mangrove forest, saltwater and other organisms. Flamingos, of parakeets and to a visit with to a tree. The crowing of roosters
Each of these off-the-beaten- estuaries and sand dunes – and which are gray early in life, become rescued spider monkeys. We also penetrated the air. At the entrance
path places is alluring in its about 400 species of birds, pink after feeding on the organisms saw a re-enactment of a Mayan to a deep cave, life jackets dangled
own way, and visiting them is including snowy white ibis and in the coloured saltwater. It is shaman cleansing. And then there from a rope. We were invited to visit
surprisingly easy. In fact, some of brown pelicans. It’s most known, prohibited to go into the water. was the gift shop: Let’s not forget the small family cenote for a small
the locations I’ve explored – all though, for its vast population of There isn’t much infrastructure about the amount of chocolate I fee, but it wasn’t Cenote Hacienda
hidden oases of the Yucatan, within flamingos, said to be the largest in for travellers – bring your lunch coveted (choco-storymexico.com/ Mucuyche.
Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 9
VEL COMMUNITY
pots on the Yucatan Peninsula
ENCLOSURE: A jaguar made its way through its enclosure at the Choco-Story Museum and Eco-Park in Uxmal, Yucatan.
The park has a Mayan chocolate museum, but it is also filled with plants, flowers, and animals native to the area.
NATIVE: A flower native to the Yucatan, the Maya Gold, (Heliconia
champneiana) lined the area in and around the Choco-Story Museum at Uxmal,
Yucatan.
“Down the street, two blocks Celestun
to the left,” a man instructed. We The small fishing village of
soon came upon a large stone gate Celestun, about 60 miles from BEACH SPOTTING: A starfish sun bathed on the white sandy beaches in the fishing town of Celestun in Yucatan,
– and our destination. We waited Merida, is near the Celestun Mexico.
to buy tickets behind a handful of Biosphere Reserve, a main
mostly Mexican tourists. Inside, courtship area for greater pink
we were led on a brief tour through flamingos who flock there during
what remained of a beautiful, fall and winter. Tour guides on the
historic hacienda that once housed beach wait under palapas to take
a wealthy family. Then we followed visitors on small-boat excursions
a winding path lined by trees that to see the flamingos and freshwater
led to a cave with turquoise water. It springs. We opted to lounge on the
was magical, peaceful and tranquil. secluded white-sand beach, which
A guide led us, wading, through we shared with locals, cold beers in
the pools into a dark cave. I put our hands. It was just another day
on the goggles the site provided, on the Yucatan.
dipped my head into the water
and saw a wonder of the world. Xcaret
That may be an exaggeration, The only tourist trap we
but it looked like New Mexico’s encountered was Xcaret, a park
Carlsbad Caverns, only underwater. with a $100 entrance fee, in Playa
Stalactites seemed to go on forever. del Carmen. It felt like a zoo by the
Back into the light, we floated ocean, but there was one part that
down a long green stream lined we found phenomenal: the cultural
by pothos vines to a subterranean area that included a maze through
waterfall.Like most cenotes a makeshift Mexican cemetery, a
today, Hacienda Mucuyche has Mexican rodeo and a big cultural
locker rooms and a restaurant show at the end of the evening that
where local Mayan women was worth the price of admission
make homemade corn tortillas alone. HOME TO FLAMINGOS: A pelican found a spot to watch fishermen and their daily catch in the fishing town of Celestun
(cenoteshaciendamucuyche.com/ – Star Tribune (Minneapolis)/ in Yucatan, Mexico. Surrounding the town is the 147,500-acre Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano, a wetland reserve
en). TNS that is the winter home to vast flocks of flamingos, as well as many herons and other bird species.
10 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY QUIZ
Post four years: a leap year The original Yahoo! company
was founded by Jerry Yang and
David Filo in January 1994 and
incorporated on March 2, 1995.
The word “yahoo” is actually a
backronym. What does it stand
for?
Yet Another Hierarchically
Organized Oracle.
He is the youngest artist to
have five number-one albums
in the US. He has a fair number
of tattoos for a 26-year-old,
including an owl and the word
O
ur year just became one
day longer. Yesterday, “Believe” on his left arm, a crown
February 29 was a leap and Roman numerals on his
day, the calendar oddity chest, a bird on his hip and Jesus
that occurs almost every tattoos on ribcage and his left
four years. For all of us with ‘Not calf. Identify the pop sensation
enough time!’ an all-too-common and today’s birthday boy whose
reason for not following dreams, middle-name is Drew.
it was a bonus. Those living on a Justin Bieber.
fixed monthly rent had one free day
of living. Prisoners with one-year It is an ancient Indian
sentences served an extra day. And collection of interrelated animal
for all of us on fixed annual salary, we fables in Sanskrit, narrated
worked for free. by a wise scholar to educate
For centuries, humans struggled to the three dim-witted sons of
sync civil, religious, and agricultural GENERAL RULE: If the last two digits of the year are divisible by four then it’s a leap year. Century years are the a powerful king, to help them
calendars with the solar year. It exception to this rule. They must be divisible by 400 to be leap years – so, 2000 and 2400 are leap years, but 2100 will become powerful rulers. The
takes the Earth approximately not be one. earliest known translation into a
365.242189 days – or 365 days, 5 non-Indian language is in Middle
hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds Karin Henriksen gave birth to says history. The custom has been to ‘Nutty’s Infotainment.YAYS!’ Your Persian by Burzoe. This became
– to circle once around the Sun. The three children on February 29; her attributed to St Bridget, who is said time starts NOW! the basis for a Syriac translation
full rotation – decimals included – daughter Heidi in 1960 and her sons to have complained to St. Patrick as Kalilag and Damnag and a
is called a tropical year, solar year, Olav and Leif-Martin in 1964 and about women having to wait for According to the World translation into Arabic in 750
astronomical year, or an equinoctial 1968. men to propose marriage. Patrick Heritage Encyclopedia, which CE by Persian scholar Abdullah
year. That extra five-or-so hours There is an Honor Society of Leap supposedly gave women one day to extremely rare feat related to Ibn al-Muqaffa as Kal lah wa
nobody likes to talk about are Year Day Babies for people born propose. The tradition – now called birth and death was achieved Dimnah. The book is also known
precisely why we have leap years. on February 29. Launched in 1997, Bachelor’s Day or Sadie Hawkins by James Milne Wilson, the 8th as The Fables of Bidpai (or Pilpai
Without an extra day on February 29 the HSLYDB now boasts more than Day – peaked in the early 1900s and Premier of Tasmania? He was in various European languages)
nearly every four years, we would lose 11,000 members worldwide. continues today in the UK, where born in 1812 and died in 1880. or The Morall Philosophie of
almost six hours every year. February 30th? This even rarer some retailers even offer discount Of being the only notable person Doni (English, 1570). What is its
How do we remember if it’s a leap date occurred in Sweden and Finland packages to women popping the known to have been born and died on original Sanskrit name?
year? Simple: If the last two digits in 1712, when they added an extra question. Feb. 29. Panchtantra
of the year are divisible by four then Leap Day to February to help catch If the man should refuse, he must
it’s a leap year. Century years are the up their outdated Julian calendar give a gift to soften the blow, such as Which animal is the symbol At 634 metres , below is the
exception to this rule. They must be with the new Gregorian calendar. a kiss, a dress, or a piece of fabric. In associated with February image of the tallest tower in the
divisible by 400 to be leap years – so, There is, however, one race of people Denmark, the tradition varies a little 29, perhaps because of its world and the second tallest
2000 and 2400 are leap years, but who celebrate February 30th every and demands that, should a man remarkable leaping abilities? structure in the world. It was
2100 will not be one. year: Hobbits. The wee folk of JRR refuse, he give his suitor 12 pairs of Frog. The Australian rocket frog completed on Leap Day, 29
All other months in the Julian Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings universe gloves! Of course, this tradition is can leap over two meters. February 2012, with the tower
calendar have 30 or 31 days, but observe twelve 30-day months every pretty old fashioned; nowadays, it’s opening to the public on 22 May
February lost out to the ego of Roman year. no big deal for a woman to propose to What is so special about the 2012. What is it called?
Emperor Caesar Augustus. Under his What’s crazier than February a man! You’re not the only one who twin cities of Anthony, Texas, and
predecessor Julius Caesar, February 29th? A woman proposing to a man, thinks leap years are silly. Welcome Anthony, New Mexico?
had 30 days and the month named They are the self-proclaimed Leap
after him – July – had 31. August had Year Capital of the World.
only 29 days. When Caesar Augustus
became Emperor he added two days
to ‘his’ month to make August the
same as July. So February lost out to
August in the battle of the extra days.
Tribe NI.yays
1. This person was only 12 when he learnt that the French army
La Bougie du Sapeur is a
humorous French newspaper
launched in 1980 and is probably
the world’s least frequently
People born on leap day are often used a certain communication system. By the age of 15 he came published newspaper. When is it
called leapers, leaplings, twenty- up with his own tactile system of reading and writing which printed?
niners, and leap day babies (LDBs). helped him get over a certain impediment caused by a childhood It prints only on Leap Days.
Most of them don’t wait every four accident. Till a few years after his death it was not much in use.
years to celebrate their birthdays. Today it is universal and remains essentially unchanged from how According to the Guinness
The civil code in China takes the legal he developed it. Who was this young man who saw that people Book of Records, what is special
birthday of a leapling to be February like him could use the written word? about Peter Anthony, his son
28. In Hong Kong the legal birthday Louis Braille. Peter Eric and Peter Eric’s
of a leap day baby is on March 1. (Maricel Belen, Qalco, Doha) daughter, Bethany Wealth?
According to History.com, about The only verified example of a
4.1 million people around the world 2. Who says this in the movie Casablanca: “I think this is the family producing three consecutive
have been born on February. 29, beginning of a beautiful friendship”? generations born on February 29.
and the odds of being born on this Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine.
date are 1 in 1,461. Rarer still is the (Hamid Patel, Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, Muscat) On February 29, 1944 Karol
possibility that three children in Wojtyla was run down and (Answer next week. Answer to last
the same family would be born on Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does yourvibe injured by a Nazi truck in Krakow, week’s photo-quiz: United States
three consecutive Leap Days, but attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions Poland. How is he most popularly Marines raise the US flag atop Mount
that’s exactly what happened with will be featured here. Please do write to us at ni.yays@zoho.com. known as? Suribachi, during the Battle of Iwo
the Henriksen family of Norway. Pope John Paul II. Jima on February 23, 1945.)Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 11
INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY
Healthy Living Healthy Living
When licorice is bad for you Nutritious and refreshing
The flesh and edible seeds of papaya fruit
are a delicious source of vitamin C.
Some black licorice, easily identified by
its sharp taste, contains harmful
ammonium chloride, or sal-ammoniac.
Nutrient count
Side effects In 1/2 cup fresh papaya, cubed
If you eat large amounts of licorice
containing more than 5 percent Calories 30
sal-ammoniac ... Carbohydrate 8g
Bones lose calcium Sal-ammoniac Protein 1g
changes acidity of blood, causing Vitamin C 50 mg
bones to release calcium to correct
the acid imbalance
Not for some salads
Blood pressure rises Avoid using papaya in
Glycyrrhetinic acid in fruit-and-gelatin salad;
licorice interferes with an enzyme in papaya
hormones that help breaks down protein,
regulate blood which will keep the
pressure gelatin from thickening
Source: Danish Center
for Human Nutrition, Source: The Wellness
TNS Photo Service Encyclopedia of Food and
Nutrition, TNS Photo Service12 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
SOAK SOURCE SORBET
SOLID SOCIETY SOWER
SORTIE SONATA SODIUM
SOAPBOX SOUTH SORREL
SOLO SOCKET SOLACE
SOUND SONNET SORROW
SOCCER SOVIET
SOLVER SOCKS
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.Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 13
PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down
1 Search thoroughly for groom 1 How mince is cooked for a
(4) Chinese dish (4,4)
3 Viking calls man back (8) 2 Criminals held back by Thai
9 Unconventional — like a family (5)
retired policeman? (7) 4 Animals ordered to rest (6)
10 Girl showing some honest 5 Egyptian peninsula or some
affection (5) Egyptian islands seen from the
11 Substance agency has in mind south (5)
(5) 6 Old woman with unyielding
12 Growin’ dried fruit (6) dog (7)
14 One grows flowers (6) 7 New nosh not in a mess (4)
16 Stick with a Scottish island (6) 8 Reputed monster is seen to be
19 Tight header in beautiful ridiculous (6)
game (6) 13 Islanders queue in HQ (8)
21 Africans, as in Mali, left out (5) 15 Sick bird, we hear, is unlawful
24 Enchanted soldier in raincoat (7)
(5) 17 Wood or metal initially placed
25 Hairstyle from which combs in river (6)
may be taken (7) 18 Storage unit in South African
26 Royalist wandering without aircraft? (6)
companions (8) 20 One should be engaged in
27 Ringleader put in charge is diplomacy, it’s implied (5)
unrestricted (4) 22 A riskier finish for a winter
sportsman (5)
23 Audio equipment in
Hampstead (4) Answers
Wordsearch Codeword
Solution14 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE
Want to live longer? Eat less
I
f you want to live longer, reduce levels the 56 rats from starting as well as during the
of inflammation throughout your conclusion of the diet. The cells came from
body and delay the onset of age- fat tissues, liver, kidney, aorta, skin, bone
related diseases — eat less food, say marrow, brain and muscle.
researchers. In each isolated cell, the researchers used
According to a study, published in the single-cell genetic-sequencing technology to
journal Cell, researchers from the US and measure the activity levels of genes.
China provided the most detailed report of They also looked at the overall composition
the cellular effects of a calorie-restricted diet of cell types within any given tissue. Then,
in rats. they compared old and young mice on each
While the benefits of caloric restriction diet.
have long been known, the new results show Many of the changes that occurred as rats
how this restriction can protect against on the normal diet grew older didn’t occur in
ageing in cellular pathways. rats on a restricted diet; even in old age, many
“We already knew that calorie restriction of the tissues and cells of animals on the diet
increases life span, but now we’ve shown closely resembled those of young rats.
all the changes that occur at a single-cell Overall, 57 per cent of the age-related
level to cause that,” said study senior author changes in cell composition seen in the
Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte from the Salk tissues of rats on a normal diet were not
Institute in the US. present in the rats on the calorie restricted
“This gives us targets that we may diet, the study said.
eventually be able to act on with drugs to “This approach not only told us the effect
treat ageing in humans,” Belmonte added. of calorie restriction on these cell types, but
For the findings, the research team also provided the most complete and detailed
compared rats who ate 30% fewer calories study of what happens at a single-cell level
with rats on normal diets. during aging,” said study researcher Guang-
The diet of animals in the age group of Hui Liu from Chinese Academy of Sciences
18-27 months was controlled. (In humans, in China.
this would be roughly equivalent to someone According to the study, some of the
following a calorie-restricted diet from the cells and genes most affected by the diet every tissue studied dramatically increased as tissue--a calorie-restricted diet reverted the
age of 50 to 70.) related to immunity, inflammation and lipid control rats aged but was not affected by age expression levels of many anti-inflammatory
The research team isolated and analysed metabolism. in rats with restricted calories. genes to those seen in young animals, the
a total of 168,703 cells from 40 cell types in The number of immune cells in nearly In brown adipose tissue—one type of fat research said. – IANS
ARIES
March 21 — April 19
TAURUS
April 20 — May 20
GEMINI
May 21 — June 20
The day is likely to be somewhat challenging, and it contains Taurus, you can expect the day to be a bit bumpy. If you were A planetary configuration like today’s often makes people afraid to
some disappointments. You’re liable to feel dejected if you receive an Olympic athlete, today you’d be standing at the starting line, start anything that challenges the status quo. This is true for you in
a lacklustre response from the world. Apparently, Aries, your wondering if you had trained enough for a topnotch performance. your professional life. You should dare to take on more responsibility.
performance has lost some of its ability to captivate an audience. Have you had enough practice? Will you make the grade? Issues The aspects speak of fear only, not of being incapable of succeeding.
Whether you accept this or try to shine up your act is the question related to your material resources will certainly be on the agenda. The saying about fear being the only thing to fear is something you
of the day! should take to heart right now, Gemini.
CANCER
June 21 — July 22
LEO
July 23 — August 22
VIRGO
August 23 — September 22
Cancer, today’s your chance to stand up to family members who It’s up to you to strut your stuff, Leo. As long as you’re bashful about You don’t have to answer to society’s cultural values, Virgo. If most
want to exert too much control over your love life. It’s time to bang showcasing your innate gifts, it will be difficult to find meaning in of your work is organised around an activity that’s considered
your fist on the table and say, “Enough’s enough, I’ll love who I your life. Today’s planetary alignment gives you the challenge to fashionable, you will never succeed in feeling good about yourself
want to.” When you insist that well-meaning relatives respect your take your talents more seriously. You could easily profit from them, or your creations. You’re too motivated by meaningful activities to
choices, you’ll tap into a new well of self-respect. provided you look deep inside to discover how. spend your time with frivolous ones. Today’s aspects will push you
to cut yourself off from all that doesn’t resonate deeply.
LIBRA
September 23 — October 22
SCORPIO
October 23 — November 21
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 — December 21
You may have noticed for some time now to what an extent your Are you hesitating, Scorpio? Do you feel caught between the desire You can expect to have to make a choice today related to your
ambitions wear you out and to what point they have become to participate fully in the world and the equally strong desire to intimate relationships. You may have become aware that something
outdated. If you aspire to live an ambitious life, but also one that remain in your dream world, even at the risk of feeling a little out is missing, either in your partner or yourself. Today you will act on
is calmer and more balanced, the celestial energy is indicating the of it? Who says that these two worlds are incompatible? If you look that awareness, but it may not be easy. The root of the problem
moment has come to make some important decisions, Libra. closely, you will see that you don’t need to choose one or the other. could be an issue of independence and self-sufficiency. Try to figure
out the source of the problem before acting on it, Sagittarius.
CAPRICORN
December 22 — January 19
AQUARIUS
January 20 — February 18
PISCES
February 19 — March 20
You’re being called upon to make a commitment or promise, most There are times in your love life when you may feel somewhat The forecast today is stormy. You may have sensed that there was
likely relating to your love life. Will you take that decisive step? That’s inhibited, as though something is holding you back from total some tension clouding the conversation at home. Resentments were
the question today. Over the next few days you will doubtless have fulfilment. Perhaps the emotions overwhelm you or the idea of left unsaid and subtle power games were played without resolution.
to prove what you’re made of. The challenge most likely emanates commitment frightens you. In any case, Aquarius, you’re well aware Today, Pisces, it all becomes too unbearable for you. Regardless of
from your romantic relationships. There is no running away this that your reluctance to take the plunge is detrimental to your the risks involved, you will take measures to clear things up.
time, Capricorn. It’s time to take a stand. relationship. The day will call on you to take a few more risks.Sunday, March 1, 2020 GULF TIMES 15
SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY
Vikram dons seven looks in upcoming film Cobra
Tamil superstar Vikram dons seven includes former Indian cricketer Irfan wraps, it is reported that Vikram’s character The music of Cobra is composed by AR
different looks in his upcoming film Cobra. Pathan in his Tamil debut as an actor. resembles a Cobra. We now hear that the Rahman, while the film is produced by Lalit
This was revealed in the first look poster of KGF fame Srinidhi Shetty also makes her cast and crew of the film are shooting in Kumar of Seven Screen Studio.
the film. Tamil debut in the film, which also features Russia, and this is the final leg of the shoot. Cobra is set for a summer 2020 release.
Dressed as a politician and an old man filmmaker KS Ravikumar. This isn’t the first time Vikram is Meanwhile, Vikram is also busy with Mani
among his various garbs in the film, Vikram Ever since director Ajay Gnanmuthu experimenting with looks. His Wolverine- Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan, which also stars
shows off unrecognisable avatars in the announced Cobra, the buzz has been like look and hunch-back look in Shankar’s Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha and Aditi
poster. consistently high on the project. While I also became tremendously popular in the Rao, Jayam Ravi and Karthi.
Interestingly, the cast of the film also the genre of the film is still remains under past. — IANS
Viewers don’t
differentiate
between star,
Shruti opens up Amanda
Bynes on her
‘terrifying
actor: Sarika
Actress Sarika Singh plays a
pivotal role in the upcoming film
on plastic surgery experience’
Former child star Amanda Bynes says
seeing the paparazzi photographs of
A
Kaamyaab, which is about the ctress Shruti Haasan recently took to her herself is a “terrifying experience”.
struggles of character actors in the Instagram page to slam body shaming Bynes has accused paparazzi of
film industry. She says the audience while admitting that she had gone under intentionally editing the photos they
does not discriminate while the knife. Having undergone plastic take of her to appear unflattering,
remembering an actor, if a role is surgery, she says she neither advocates it reports eonline.com.
memorable. nor is against it, adding that she chooses to live that Bynes said she wants to discuss
“I believe that as an innocent way. “self-worth” in a video posted to her
audience, every memorable role — In a long yet brave post, Kamal Haasan’s daughter Instagram, explaining: “Whenever I
whether it is the hero or a one-line said: “I’m not one driven by other people’s opinions see a paparazzi photo, the majority of
character actor — holds a special of me but the constant commenting and she’s too fat the time I look nothing like myself.
place in people’s mind, because now she’s too thin is so avoidable. These two pictures I’m talking 16 chins, face looks
for an audience both the actors have been taken three days apart. I’m sure there are completely different and it’s an all
are inaccessible to them. When I women out there who relate to what I’m going to around terrifying experience to look
started working in the industry, say. Most often I’m at the mercy of my hormones myself up online, quite honestly.
I realised they are just working mentally and physically and over the years I work Like, I’m about to cry just thinking
individuals who try to get up, go to hard to try and have a healthy relationship with it. It about it.”
work every day and do their best. isn’t easy. The pain isn’t easy the physical changes The 33-year-old and fiancé Paul
For their love of the industry and aren’t easy but what’s become easier to me is to share Michael were recently photographed
their families. The audience sees my journey. No one famous or not is in a position to kissing while running errands here.
the stardom, the reality is harsh for judge another person. Ever. That’s just not cool. I’m In the images, Bynes is seen smoking
everyone,” Sarika said. happy to say this is my life my face and yes I’ve had a cigarette and drinking a can of
“The man who catches the local plastic surgery which I’m not ashamed to admit. Do Pepsi as Michael wraps his arm
train at the age of 50 and rushes I promote it? No am I against it? No -- it’s just how around her.
to the office every day to earn, and I choose to live. The biggest favour we can do for She continued in the video: “But,
the old actor who is going door to ourselves and others is just be and learn to accept the I wanted to post this video so people
door of every production house changes and the movement of our bodies and minds.” know that I’m just like you, I want to
and reminding people that he is an She ended the note saying she is learning to love look my best. Of course, I can take an
actor who acted in these films and herself a little more everyday “because the greatest unflattering shot, but the amount of
seeking for more opportunities — love story of my life is with myself and I hope yours COMING CLEAN: “I stopped caring about what people unflattering shots that I see online,
everyone is living a life behind the is too”. were saying,” says Shruti Haasan. I know that my photos are being
image that they have created for A few weeks ago in an interview with actress photoshopped. I don’t look like that
themselves,” said the actress who Lakshmi Manchu, Shruti Haasan opened up on her took a one year break,” Shruti said. in the photos that I take or when I
earlier appeared in films like OK battle with depression, and overcoming alcoholism. Shruti Haasan will soon be seen in the Telugu film look at myself in the mirror.”
Jaanu, Jagga Jasoos, Bombay Velvet. “I was trying to heal myself. I stopped caring about Krack opposite Ravi Teja, and the Tamil film Laabam Just two weeks ago, she had
— IANS what people were saying. I had to figure it all out. I opposite Vijay Sethupathi. — IANS announced her engagement. — IANS16 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 1, 2020
COMMUNITY
QCDC opens registration for career programme
Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC) at Qatar Foundation recently opened its “The programme will offer students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a
registration for the second edition of ‘My Career - My Future,’ a programme for secondary professional field of their choice. They will learn about a working environment, as well as the
school students that will offer participants the opportunity to experience real work concepts of autonomy and responsibility, enabling them to gain practical experience that
environments across several industries. will help them draw a clear picture of their academic and professional future. This will reflect
The five-day programme is delivered in Arabic in two stages, with the first stage taking place positively on their performance and productivity,” he said.
from 15-19 March, while the second stage will be held during from 21-25 July. Students who join The first day of the programme at Multaqa Building (formerly known as Education City
the programme will be able to experience a wide variety of professional specialities, including Student Centre) will offer students an overview of general rules and instructions. Students
business and finance, management, energy and industry, agricultural engineering, career will also meet representatives of participating institutions, with a visit to the headquarters
guidance, tourism, media, and law and aviation. of participating institutions to experience the work environment on the second, third, and
QCDC, a Qatar Foundation (QF) member, is also co-ordinating and inviting entities from fourth days of the programme. Students will be introduced to universities across Qatar on the
various industries, including QF-affiliated organisations, to participate in the programme. last day of the programme that will be followed by a review of the outcomes that students
Participating entities will train at least six secondary school students – three boys and three achieved during the closing ceremony.
girls – offering them the opportunity to experience working at these institutions. Participating Representatives from various universities will provide students with an overview of the
entities can choose to welcome more than six students. departments and academic specialisations that these universities offer. Students will learn
Inviting students to register for the programme, Abdulla al-Mansoori, Director of QCDC, said about the academic programmes and admission requirements, in a bid to help them make
the experience will inspire creativity in participants and provide them with clarity about their informed academic choices and prepare for university life. Interested students can register at
future. visit www.qcdc.org.qa, call 44546815, or send an e-mail to qcdc@qf.org.qa.
Students of NU-Q intern in London, New York and Washington, DC
Students of Journalism and Strategic Today in Washington DC, where she will be
Communication programme at Northwestern working on stories that include the upcoming
University in Qatar (NU-Q) are spending the next US presidential elections, added, “Getting to learn
10 weeks working for international news outlets from experienced editors and reporters from
and strategic communication firms in major such diverse career backgrounds and news
cities around the world – from London to New beats in the same room is so enriching and is
York City and Washington, DC to Nairobi. giving me the chance to improve my journalistic
As part of NU-Q’s Journalism and Strategic skills to match what the current news ecosystem
Communication programme, students in their is like.”
third year participate in a residency programme The students participating in this year’s
where they work as full-time interns for major residency programme and their assignments,
international news outlets and public relations include Abdelmagid Huda, Time Out magazine,
firms. Doha; Aldana al-Jaidah and Haya Abu Ajeeneh,
“NU-Q’s residency programme, which is Portland Communications, Doha; Amadou O
modelled on the programme at Medill on Jallow, Widmeyer Communications, New York;
Northwestern’s home campus, offers our Asmaa al-Sulaiti, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha;
students a unique opportunity to hone their Ayman al-Rachid, International Press Institute,
skills in journalism and strategic communication Vienna; Danna Takriti, Dylan Finol and Farah
at some of the finest and most respected media AlSharif, VOX, Washington, DC; Fatima al-Khater,
organisations in the world,” said Mary Dedinsky, Ministry of Interior, Doha; Hanmin Kim, Voice
Director of the programme. “The students are of America, Washington, DC; Inaara Gangji,
mentored by professionals in the industry and USA Today, Washington, DC; Khadija Islow,
have the opportunity to build networks with Medill News Service, Washington, DC; Manan
media professionals.” Bhavnani, Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting,
This year, NU-Q students are interning at more Washington, DC; Maryam al-Badr, Hamad
than 20 organisations, including Ogilvy & Mather Medical Corporation, Doha; Mohamed Eltayeb,
in London, The Guardian newspaper in New York Africa Uncensored, Nairobi; Mohamed Mohsen
City, VOX and USA Today in Washington, DC, Eledrisi, Cosette Solutions, Doha; Saad Ejaz,
Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, and Africa The Guardian, New York; Mohamed Sikandar
Uncensored in Nairobi. Chaudary, Ogilvy & Mather Group, London; Nada
Saad Ejaz, student of NU-Q who is interning Ahmed Qaddourah and Rahma El-Deeb, AJ+,
with The Guardian, said, “The first days have Washington, DC; Nadine Abulnasr, Doha Debates,
already been rewarding. I’ve learned so much Washington, DC; Razan Ghadban, AJ+, Qatar;
by working with my editor and listening to Shafaq Zia, STAT, Boston; Shaikha AlDosari, Al
NU-Q student Inaara Gangji is interning with USA Today in Washington, DC as part of the school’s the conversations in the newsroom and pitch Jazeera, Doha; and Yahya Salem and Zhouwei
residency programme. meetings.” Inaara Gangji, interning with USA Zai, Fortune, New York.You can also read
