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Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Rajab 9, 1441 AH
Doha today 160 - 240
COVER
STORY
That moment
‘Oprah Pick’ woman Sally Lou Loveman’s new book teaches
the power of storytelling and finding your audience. P4-5
BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD
I’ve become a Katrina fan after Netflix to launch major LA
Sooryavanshi: Akshay. Comedy festival this spring.
Page 14 Page 15
2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME
Fajr 4.37am
Shorooq (sunrise) 5.55am
Zuhr (noon) 11.47am
Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm
Maghreb (sunset) 5.39pm
Isha (night) 7.09pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Draupathi accused in killing his wife Draupathi and her sister. He comes
CAST: Karunas, Nishanth, Richard Rishi out on bail after six months only to take revenge from his
Emergency 999 DIRECTION: Mohan G. wife’s murderers.
Worldwide Emergency Number 112 SYNOPSIS: Prabhakar, a martial arts master gets falsely THEATRE: Royal Plaza
Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991
Local Directory 180
International Calls Enquires 150
Hamad International Airport 40106666
Labor Department 44508111, 44406537
Mowasalat Taxi 44588888
Qatar Airways 44496000
Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333
Qatar General Electricity and
Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464
Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333
44593363
Qatar Assistive Technology
Centre 44594050
Qatar News Agency 44450205
44450333
Q-Post – General Postal
Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services 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 Aiyai: Wrathful Soul tragedies when a young man becomes the conduit for an
CAST: Tahlia Jade Holt, Ozzie Devrish, Richard Huggett unknown spirit ‘Aiyai’ which lures victims to their chilling
DIRECTION: Ilanthirayan Alan Arumugam fates.
SYNOPSIS: A neighbourhood is plagued by mysterious THEATRE: Landmark
uote Unquote
Q “Socialism is
a philosophy of failure,
the creed of ignorance, and the
gospel of envy, its inherent virtue
is the equal sharing of misery.”
– Winston Churchill
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
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 3
ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Ballet Lessons information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit
WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier www.SmedleyToastmasters.org
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: 1pm – 6pm
A fun-filled event for the family which
will promote responsible pet ownership. The
objective is to raise community awareness
MIA Park Bazaar 2020 Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure about animal welfare and highlight the plight
WHERE: MIA Park experience for the whole family offering over of pets that have been abandoned by families.
WHEN: Ongoing till April 25 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini- HEC Paris International Executive
TIME: 2pm — 8pm Golf setup. MBA Information Session
MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of WHERE: 15th Floor, Tornado Tower, West
the Old Souq tradition with vibrant mix of Hobby Classes Bay
around 120 stalls. You can browse and buy WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHEN: Today
handicrafts, accessories, paintings, clothing, Centre TIME: 5:30pm — 7pm
food, jewellery, photography and art. WHEN:Wednesday – Monday Learn more about this world-class
Mamangam is an art and performance executive programme. Discover the
centre started with a vision of spreading international diversity of participants,
our knowledge, interests and experience in blended learning and international mobility
various disciplines in arts across different options. Find out how it will help you
countries for children and adults. transform yourself and your career.
We offer regular classes in disciplines like
traditional classical dance, art and craft, Public Speaking Classes for Adults
Bollywood and hip-hop styles, Carnatic WHERE: Sharq Capital, C-Ring Road
music, robotics, percussion instruments, WHEN:Ongoing till July 1
keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts TIME: 6:30pm – 9pm
like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. Get trained by experts to be a good speaker.
For those who wish to register e-mail Smedley Toastmasters is conducting a
at info@mamangamqatar.in or call on six-month speech-craft programme that
33897609/44723680 teaches new members to speak confidently
and develop leadership skills. For more
Qatar National Robotics Challenge
WHERE: Qatar National Library
WHEN: March 31
TIME: 8am — 4pm
Beach Holi Festival at Sealine The Qatar National Robotics Challenge is an advanced robotics competition in which
WHERE: Sealine Beach students of Grade VIII-XI design, build, programme and operate robots to compete in a
WHEN: March 13 head-to-head challenge. The programme is designed to encourage interest in science,
TIME: 2pm onwards technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Get ready to escape the day full of fun and
euphoria with vibrant colours, foot-stomping
Bollywood music, delicious food and more!!
And all this done On the beach and under
sunny skies.Come brace yourselves for one of
the most amazing Holi in Qatar.
Metro Street Food
WHERE: DECC Metro Station
WHEN: Ongoing
TIME: 12:30pm
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: gtlisting@gmail.com, Events and timings subject to change
4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
Warm-up that helped
find ‘my purpose’
Sally Lou Loveman, who worked as an audience producer for
The Oprah Winfrey Show for years, writes about the experience in
her new book Speak: Love Your Story. Your Audience is Waiting
‘
The stories are there (in the book) to
rekindle the idea of your story, and
then help you with how to present
it and tell it to someone who really
needs to hear it
— Sally Lou Loveman, author and host
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 5
COVER STORY COMMUNITY
By Christen A Johnson
S
ally Lou Loveman was just 25 years
old and working her dream job at
The Oprah Winfrey Show when
someone handed her a microphone
to “warm up the audience.” She
didn’t know what that meant, she said, but
she spoke from the heart.
Loveman laughs at having no recollection
of what she said, but she does have a clear
memory of how that moment made her feel.
“I was like, ‘Oh, I found my voice, I’ve
found my purpose,” remembers Loveman,
now 58. “I found my purpose in that
moment and I just wanted to be in the studio
connecting with people.”
Loveman, who worked as an audience
producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show for
years, writes about this experience in her
new book Speak: Love Your Story. Your
Audience is Waiting. She shares tales from
her life of how she found her voice, and
helps readers to do the same. She believes
you don’t have to be in a prominent role, like
a CEO or celebrity, to have an audience.
“The stories are there (in the book) to
rekindle the idea of your story, and then
help you with how to present it and tell it
to someone who really needs to hear it,”
explained Loveman, “and you have no idea
who those people are.”
Each chapter of the book has a lesson for
the reader to explore, and by the end of the
book, readers have a start to their own story,
explained Loveman, who modeled the book
after her “very participatory” Oprah Show
warm-up. CLAIM TO FAME: Sally Lou Loveman with Oprah Winfrey.
“I used the audience to make for a better
warm-up, so I’m using the reader to make she said. said Loveman. “You couldn’t just take “It wasn’t even a choice, I chose me,”
for a better book,” she said. “That’s really In 1987, Loveman started at The Oprah anyone to Oprah, you had to take the person Loveman said. “I told Oprah, ‘I can only
what this book is about: using your story and Winfrey Show as an audience coordinator who stood by you in life, which we called at work for two people: you or me. Right now,
connecting.” and she “loved being in the studio.” Later, the time your ‘Top Oprah Pick.’ This wasn’t I’m going to work for me.”
For Loveman, the journey of connecting she became a producer for the show and just come and see the show and leave and Loveman officially started her own
people began as a teenager when she went to “hated it,” so she left in 1992 and freelanced I’ll never see you again, if you wanted the business, Love Speaks, after her departure.
The Mike Douglas Show in Philadelphia, her for 10 years, had three kids, and only worked relationship to happen, it happened — and it She regularly emcees or keynotes events,
hometown, with her mother. As she sat in on shows when the show needed her, she happened with each other.” and is committed to staying in her purpose
the studio audience, she spotted a girl on set said. By 2014, The Oprah Winfrey Show wasn’t of connecting audiences.
with a clipboard, Loveman said. “I didn’t want that seat,” Loveman said in production anymore, and Loveman’s “I had a front row seat to the stories
“I didn’t know what she did, but I was about the producing role, “I wanted to stay audience team was being used for only a few that were told on The Oprah Winfrey Show
like, it’s 1976, she’s a woman; she’s wearing with the audience.” shows being filmed for OWN, the Oprah and they literally were life-changing,” said
a headset, so she’s automatically cool; she’s She went back full time in 2003 when Winfrey Network, said Loveman, “and then Loveman. “They connected viewers to
carrying a clipboard, so she’s official; and the audience producer and supervisor role there was nothing left to do.” others and they helped people heal. And
she’s really busy,” remembered Loveman. opened. Loveman was given an opportunity to that’s what stories do. And so for me, my
In that moment, Loveman knew what she Warming up the audience was still a part work for the marketing team, but knew book is about using my story to help connect
wanted to do. “The environment just sucked of her job duties. she wanted to continue her message of the reader with their own.”
me in — it pleased every one of my senses,” “I connected the audience to each other,” connection. — Chicago Tribune/TNS
Sally Lou Oaks Loveman: Who is she?
Sally Lou Oaks Loveman, former Readers are invited to join in on the
audience producer for The Oprah lessons shared in each chapter, and Excerpt from the book
Winfrey Show, lives her purpose by by the end of the book, readers have a
connecting with audiences. When she start to their own story. “The unexpected lesson I learned as a
was age 14, she tuned into her passion Blending the genres of memoir and young girl was to not let labels define
for television when she was an audience self-improvement, Speak shares Sally me. I let them inspire me. If someone
member at The Mike Douglas Show. She Lou’s story while offering tips to help tells you that you can’t do something
spotted a girl on the set with a clipboard, readers become better speakers and or be something, prove to yourself
and while she had no idea what this girl storytellers. Filled with humour and that you can. Miss Baker wasn’t sent to
did, she knew she would do it one day truth Speak encourages readers to scare me. She was sent to inspire me.
too. speak, speak up, speak their story, Mrs. Thompson wasn’t sent to label
After her thirty-five-year career in speak their truth, and live a life where me. She was sent to launch me. This
television and having entertained over love always speaks. It doesn’t matter scared little girl grew up to be a speaker
half a million people from the The if you are a CEO, a celebrity, a super who spreads her message without
Oprah Winfrey Show stage, Loveman model, a spin instructor, a student, or fear, which means anyone can do what
shares her do what you love message a stay-at-home mom or dad, speaking they dream of. So welcome whoever
through her business lovespeaks. well in front of others is not only a your Miss Baker or Mrs. Thompson is
In her new book Speak: Love Your career asset, it’s also a life asset. Speak in your life, and let them light a fire in
Story, Your Audience is Waiting, Sally helps readers step up their speaking you to help you grow or go after your
Lou takes on a new audience — an game and their human game by using dream. It’s never about proving yourself
audience of readers. Just like her pre- their voice. The book teaches the to whoever your Miss Baker or Mrs.
show audience warm-up at The Oprah power of storytelling and finding your Thompson is. It’s about proving yourself
Winfrey Show, Speak is participatory. audience. to you.”
6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY
Nepali community organisations hold musical events
Gulmi Welfare Society (GWS) recently organised a musical programme at Al Doshari Zoo is foundation for this kind of genre.” He added, “Folk song is like a literature, and literature
and Park. The event featured a live performance by Bom Bahadur Karki, veteran Nepali folk always reflects the socio-politico consciousness of the society.” Other artistes, including
singer. The event aimed to raise funds to support education of underprivileged children in Dipak Pariyar, Sarita Karki, Laxmi Giri and Ishwor Bhandari also performed at the event.
Nepal. The event kicked off with a welcome note by Kumar Abiral, which was followed by Likewise, Province 1 Co-ordination Council — Qatar also organised a musical programme
speeches by various community leaders, including Buddha Pandey, Adviser of GWS, along ‘Winter Outdoor Festival’. The event featured performances of various Nepali artistes,
with T B Karki, Amina Khan, Ramji Khatri, Thakur Kumar Pariyar, Ishwor Kafle, K B Hamal and including Sunita Katuwal and Shristi Himhag.
Padam Giri. Jhapa Welfare Society (JWS) also organised a musical event featuring a live performance by
Bom Bahadur Karki performed his various hits. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Folk Balram Rajbanshi, Nepali artiste. Balram enthralled the audience with six songs. Speaking on
music is the kind of genre which is derived from the culture itself. Singing a song means the occasion, he said, “If I get such encouragement from the audience, I can sing as much
reflecting its culture. There are so many folk songs which reflect the culture itself So culture as twenty times.” – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam
High school students explore a career in medicine at WCM-Q
Students from high schools across Qatar have explored the possibility of a career in medicine at Along with learning about life at WCM-Q, the students also gained skills like critical thinking that
Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q). they can use in other areas of their lives, whether they choose to pursue medicine as a career or
Thirty-five high school students across Qatar, including 26 girls and nine boys recently took not.
part in Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Qatar Medical Explorer Programme (QMEP), a Students from 10 schools that took part in programme, included Michael E DeBakey High School,
programme specifically designed to manage participants’ expectations about life as a medical Omar Bin Khattab Secondary School for Boys, Al Jazeera Academy, Academic Bridge Program,
student and a career in medicine. Qatar Academy, Doha British School, Park House English School, Gulf English School, Al Khor
Through lectures, laboratory experiments and workshops, the students were able to formulate International School and Al Arqam Academy for Girls.
a clearer idea of whether medicine is the right career for them, and what they can expect if they Noha Saleh, Director of Outreach and Educational Development at WCM-Q, said that QMEP,
are accepted onto WCM-Q’s six-year medical programme. Noof Mubarak al-Khalifa, a student from alongside the college’s other outreach programmes, is a valuable tool for students looking to their
Qatar Academy and one of the attendees of the programme, said, “We participated in this course future careers.
with the goal to learn more about medicine and college life and I think we have achieved those Saleh added, “With so many choices available it is vitally important that teenagers understand the
goals. It has been a fantastic, fun week full of learning and fun activities to do. We have benefited subject options that are open to them, what colleges will expect of them, and whether they will
so much from the program and gained lots of information about medicine and college life. be happy and successful in the careers they eventually choose. This cohort of QMEP participants
However, we are still continuing our journey as medical explorers.” has impressed everyone with their intellectual curiosity and their positive attitudes to learning and
She added, “I would like to thank WCM-Q for providing us with such a beneficial program that will their future ambitions, and I hope that many of them will consider a career in medicine and apply
help us choose what we want to do in medicine.” to join WCM-Q.”
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 7
COMMUNITY
Annual Indian Community Cricket Fiesta held at West End Park Cricket stadium
The Annual Indian Community Cricket Fiesta was recently held at West End Park Cricket best batsman and best all-rounder, respectively. The ambassador was the chief guest and A
stadium. Prior to starting the match P Kumaran, Ambassador of India, released the flyer and R Sanaullah, M D Gulf Lights, the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador
declared to start the match. thanked Indian Sports Centre for organising the event and congratulated all the players. Shivani
The ambassador led the team Embassy XI and won the toss. He decided to bat first against Mishra and Narendra Singh, were the umpires and commentary was done by Habibun Nabi
Community XI Team, led by A R Sanaullah, veteran Indian cricketer. Embassy XI had scored and Jashmeer. Kedar did the scoring. The felicitation ceremony was attended by notable
only 38 runs for 4 wickets in the first 6 overs. However, the team managed to reach 99 in the personalities, including Manzoor, GS at Qatar Cricket Association; Hassan Raza, Technical
mandatory 15 overs. Manager at QCA; Shakeel, Ground Manager at QCA; P N Babu Rajan, President of ICBF; and
Community XI began slowly but crossed the target with 6 balls to spare. The ambassador Sharaf P Hameed, President of ISC. Sharaf P Hameed welcomed the gathering and Abduraiman,
was adjudged as the best bowler. Adnan and Zohaib, of Community XI, bagged the title of Vice President of ISC, proposed a vote of thanks.
GISK marks second Annual Day
Greenwood International School and Kindergarten (GISK) Centre, and Dr Sabu K C, Area Manager of Gulf Times.
recently marked its second Annual Day ‘Beauty of Earth The first session was for the students of Kindergarten
2019-20’ at Qatar National Conventional Centre. The Session. The guests of honour in the first session,
event was divided into two session. The second session included Vinod V Nair, Vice President of ICC; Dr Nishana,
was for the students of Grade I-VI. Hemanth Kumar MDS at Aster Medical Centre; and Gopi, Vice President of
Diwedi, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, along with GISK.
Dr Nasar bin Mansoor al-Dosari, Chairman of GISK, were The students with 100% attendance and academic
the chief guests on the occasion. The guests of honour, proficiency were felicitated on the occasion. Raj Kalesh, a
included A P Manikantan, President of Indian Cultural magician from Kerala, India, also performed at the event.
Compass International School
celebrates Sports Week
Compass International School Paul Holyome, Executive Principal at
recently held Sports Week at its four Compass International School, said,
campuses Gharaffa, Madinat Khalifa, “At Compass International School we
Rayyan and Themaid in support of are committed to encouraging our
Qatar National Sport Day and the students to lead a healthy lifestyle
Qatar National Vision 2030. and supporting the State of Qatar in
The students took part in various National Sport Day. Our Sports Week
sporting activities, including athletics, activities certainly demonstrate
obstacle courses, football, handball that commitment. Our philosophy
and tug-o-war. At Themaid Campus is ‘Be Ambitious’ and every
the students enjoyed Sports Week student displayed that philosophy
in some of the finest school sports throughout Sports Week as they
facilities including an outdoor football faced new challenges, tried their best
pitch and huge multi-purpose sports and enthusiastically supported their
hall. peers.”
8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEW
A flashback to Florida’s past
In 1953, it’s not a standard duty for an English professor to have to deal with a dead body,
explains Sterling Watson in a compelling new novel The Committee. By Colette Bancroft
AUTHOR: Watson, who retired after 20 years as director of the creative
writing programme at Eckerd College and co-founded its Writers in Paradise
conference, came to the University of Florida as a graduate student in 1969.
But when Stall is called in College and co-founded its Writers
for a talk with the university’s in Paradise conference, came to the
president, James Connor, he starts University of Florida as a graduate
to get a different sense of why. The student in 1969 and heard many
charismatic Connor thanks him for stories about the committee’s
handling the situation, then asks if insidious effects. In this sharply
he’s heard of “the Committee.” crafted novel, his seventh, he re-
Stall hasn’t, so Connor creates the era with rich detail and a
explains. “The Florida Legislative creeping sense of dread.
Investigative Committee is Charley Connor wants Stall to continue
Johns’s brainchild, though I doubt dealing with the aftermath of Leaf’s
he has one. A brain, I mean. I don’t death, and he has both a lure for
know what Dan McCarty was Stall – the promise that he’ll be
thinking when he let Charley get the next chairman of the English
this thing up and running. The department – and some startling
Committee has police powers, news. Someone has delivered
subpoena powers, a team of lawyers photos to Connor that make clear
and investigators, and they’re all Leaf was not well, in that time and
hell-bent to root out Communists, place worse than anything.
homosexuals, and other In addition to the increasingly
undesirables in our schools.” aggressive tactics of the committee,
Connor has been working against Stall confronts pushback from the
the committee, he tells Stall, but other direction, from new professor
now McCarty, the Florida governor, Dr Sophie Green, the first woman
has died suddenly – and Johns, as ever hired for the graduate faculty,
Senate president, is his successor. and one of Leaf’s graduate students,
CHILLING: The Committee is the kind of story that makes you hope it can’t happen – but reminds you that it already That means the committee’s power Martin Levy, who share left-wing
has. will be unchecked. politics and more.
Stall and Connor and Leaf are Stall is an honourable man, and
Watson’s fictional creations, but he’s more forward-thinking than
A
t the University of of one of his colleagues on the That night, deep into dinner with Charley Johns and his committee many of the people around him.
Florida in 1953, it’s not sidewalk, surrounded by a small his wife, Maureen, Stall thinks he are not. From 1956 to 1965, in the But as the stain of the committee’s
a standard duty for crowd of stunned students. has an answer. Maureen lets slip depths of the Red Scare, the Johns inquiries creeps out in every
an English professor Jack Leaf, it seems, had jumped that Leaf’s wife had revealed that Committee hounded more than 100 direction, knowing who to trust
to have to deal with from a third-story window shortly he was not a white man. “Jack Leaf professors and administrators in becomes almost impossible, and
a dead body. But as Sterling after receiving a visit from two was a Red Indian,” Stall thinks, Florida universities into resignation his own secrets surface, including
Watson’s compelling new novel The men. That leaves Stall with many “and he was passing. Passing was or dismissal, pursued civil rights some he didn’t know he had.
Committee opens, that’s just what questions, chief among them why. serious business in the South, and advocates and ruined countless The Committee is the kind of
Tom Stall finds himself doing. After What dire news could make a man Gainesville, Florida, was definitely lives. story that makes you hope it can’t
he hears a strange sound from his kill himself, particularly a man who the South. ... To the bigoted mind, Watson, who retired after 20 happen here – but reminds you that
office in Anderson Hall, he runs earned three Purple Hearts in World Negroes and Indians were one and years as director of the creative it already has.
out and discovers the broken body War II? the same, and they were bad.” writing programme at Eckerd – Tampa Bay Times/TNS
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 9
INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY
TAKING FLIGHT: Artist Anna Jacobs’s own painting on the wall is set off perfectly by her bold ARTIST’S HOME: Anna Jacobs in her front room. Most of the furniture is borrowed, inherited
colour scheme. from friends, or from eBay, skips and flea markets.
Making a splash: a rental
that’s awash with colour
For designer Anna Jacobs, colour is an essential mood enhancer – and buoyant
aquatics proved the perfect backdrop for her family, writes Isabelle Lane
I
am very conscious of how event running over two consecutive creative dynamo, she switched of purple, it’s really hard to use,”
much colour affects my mood,” weekends, which Jacobs established from a career in the city in her 40s says Jacobs. She offered him a pre-
says artist and designer Anna for the area. and, despite being a single mum selected limited choice of 12 shades,
Jacobs, sitting on her pink Nevertheless, the green of the with two children, successfully from which he could choose three or
velvet sofa in a zebra-print kitchen walls ‘Little Greene’s Sage & launched her own design business four. “It turned out beautifully and is
T-shirt and shocking pink trousers. Onions’ paired with fresh turquoise in 2015 specialising in home textiles, now almost my favourite room in the
“I need it around me, it really on the window frame (Dulux Trade’s lighting, art and wallpaper. Furniture house,” she says.
improves my wellbeing.” Glancing Marine Splash) looked so outré when store Heal’s snapped up her colourful The rest of the interior was
around her three-bedroom rental he later spotted it on her Instagram cushions and table lamps, featuring completed very much on a
flat in Crystal Palace, south London, feed, that it prompted a visit from bird and leaf motifs, within her shoestring budget. Most furniture
which she shares with her son the property agent. “It just meant first year of business and then gave is borrowed, inherited from friends,
Zach, 13, daughter Coco, 10, and I had to sign an addendum to my her a pop-up concession at their or from eBay, skips and flea markets
Zuchon dog, Duffy, it’s abundantly contract saying I will return anything Tottenham Court Road store in and then upcycled with a lick of
clear Jacobs is no fan of neutrals, to neutral that my landlord doesn’t London, which ran for nine months paint or self-adhesive wallpaper.
preferring to surround herself with like when I leave,” she explains. He in 2018. Even the sofabed in the lounge was
a zinging spectrum of vivacious may want to reconsider this when Not all of Jacobs’s application discovered, abandoned, by her
hues – with an emphasis on aquatic the time comes. The flat has proved of colour theory went according children, who dragged it up the hill
shades for their “healing, calming so popular on social media that a to plan. She decided to paint her and sat on it outside the front door,
properties”. queue of wannabe tenants is already hallway pink to create a warm and pleading to keep it.
She discovered the flat in autumn forming. “I’ve had people messaging welcoming entrance space, but her “It’s a horrid old 1980s grey
2018 and, meeting the landlord me to ask if they can move in after son Zach walked in and shouted: chenille sofa, but it was free and
prior to signing the lease, decided me because they love it so much!” “You’re joking! I refuse to live in huge. So, I bought some pink
to be upfront about her decorating she says. a house with a pink hall!” then velvet Ikea curtains and threw
plans. “It turned out he was already Decorating a rental property stormed upstairs and slammed his them over it. When they get dirty
a fan of my work and loved all the this thoroughly is rare. Most of us door. She compromised by keeping I just shove them in the washing
colour,” says Jacobs. And she knows can’t be bothered to invest so much just the woodwork pink – Floris by machine.” Pragmatic, resourceful
he approves of the majority of what time and effort, preferring instead Mylands – which bounces off the and inspiring, Jacobs has an
she subsequently did to the interior, to inject our own personality by now white walls. infectious positivity that is surely
because he revisited last year, hanging pictures on ubiquitous PRIMARY COLOURS: Green walls Zach reaped his revenge by proof we all need to bring a bit of
during the inaugural Crystal Palace magnolia walls. Jacobs is not, and matching radiators in the dining requesting a green and purple palette colour into our lives.
Artists’ Open House, an annual however, most people. A bit of a room. in his bedroom. “I’m not a big fan – The Guardian
10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC
1 2 3
Akim Bello Boby Foreszt Maci Mira Szaboles Tina Vera Zsemir
Trained dogs and their
Science Matters class rankings
Dogs learn to sniff out citrus-killer
Just as they detect bombs, drugs and pests such as bedbugs and fire ants, dogs have been
taught to use their superb sense of smell to detect a destructive disease of citrus trees.
Well-trained dogs can detect the bacteria over 95%
A handler and two dogs, of the time in commercial groves and over 92%
with dogs each working 30
of the time in citrus trees growing at homes
minutes, then resting for 30,
can sweep 10 acres (4 ha)
of orchard, or about 1,500
Huanglongbin disease
trees, in 1 to 2 hours 2-3 mm (citrus greening disease)
(1/10 inch) long
The bacterium Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus is
carried by a small insect,
the Asian citrus psyllid (left)
Interferes
with citrus tree
growth, causes
USDA fruit with green
USDA ends
Maci, a trained dog, runs through an
orange grove in the Rio Grande Valley Nose out-sniffs lab instruments
of Texas sniffing for infected trees Dogs can detect scents significantly better
On smelling even an infected leaf or than most lab tests, without laborious
twig, Maci “alerts” by sitting or lying sample collection or laboratory processing
A dog can sense an s
e ter
odor floating on the air 5 0m
in 1 part per trillion – 1 Tbsp.
the equivalent of
1 tablespoon of liquid
in two Olympic
swimming pools
Source: Tim Gottwald of US Agriculture Department;
Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California;
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (US)
© 2020 TNS Graphic: Helen Lee McComas, Tribune News ServiceWednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 11
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY
Newborns’ brain hardwired
to see faces, places: Study
A
s young as six days old of adults,” said Kamps who has visual cortex of young children is
baby’s brain appears since graduated from Emory and is differentiated into these face and
hardwired for the now a post-doctoral fellow at MIT. place networks.
specialised tasks Understanding how an infant’s And in a 2017 paper, Dilks and
of seeing faces and brain is typically organised may colleagues found that this neural
seeing places, show brain scans help answer questions when differentiation is in place in babies
of newborns which explains why something goes awry, said Daniel as young as four months.
within hours of birth, a baby’s gaze Dilks, Associate Professor of For the current paper, the average
is drawn to faces. Psychology, and senior author of age of the newborn participants
The findings, published in the the study. was 27 days.
journal Proceedings of the National “For example, if the face network “We needed to get closer to the
Academy of Sciences (PNAS), in a newborn’s visual cortex was date of birth in order to better
provide the earliest peek yet into not well-connected, that might be a understand if we are born with this
the visual cortex of newborns, biomarker for disorders associated differentiation in our brains or if it’s
using harmless functional magnetic with an aversion to eye contact. moulded by experience,” Dilks said.
resonance imaging (fMRI). By diagnosing the problem earlier, Thirty infants, ranging in
“We’ve shown that a baby’s we could intervene earlier and age from six days to 57 days,
brain is more adult-like than many take advantage of the incredible participated in the experiments
people might assume,” said Frederik malleability of the infant brain,” while sleeping. regions of the visual cortex there is room for these networks to
Kamps, who led the study as a PhD Dilks said. To serve as controls, 24 adults associated with face processing keep getting fine-tuned as infants
candidate at Emory University in For decades, scientists have were scanned in a resting state fired in sync in the infants, as did mature into adulthood,” Kamps
the US. known that the adult visual cortex – awake but not stimulated by the two networks associated with said.
“Much of the scaffolding for the contains two regions that work anything in particular. places. “We can see that the face
human visual cortex is already in in concert to process faces and The scanner captured intrinsic The infant patterns were similar networks and the place networks of
place, along with the patterns of another two regions that work fluctuations of the brain for both to those of the adult participants, the brain are hooked up and talking
brain activity, although the patterns together to process places. the infants and adults. although not quite as strong. to each other within days of birth,”
are not as strong compared to those More recent work shows that the The results showed the two “That finding suggests that Dilks said. – IANS
ARIES
March 21 — April 19
TAURUS
April 20 — May 20
GEMINI
May 21 — June 20
Your health has been glowing over the past few weeks, Aries, but You might have planned an exciting evening with friends, but you Upsetting events in the neighbourhood might have family members in
today you’re likely to feel a little under the weather. This is probably have to postpone it due to forces beyond your control. This could a funk. This could be something major like construction crews tearing
due to nothing more exotic than stress. You’ve been working hard prove both disappointing and frustrating, Taurus, but there won’t be up the streets, or something as minor as a bout of bad weather. No
and concentrating on little else, so your body is now rebelling. You much you can do about it. Just reschedule and plan something else matter, Gemini, it’s going to make your lives a bit more difficult for
need some rest. Take time off and relax a little, and don’t feel guilty for tonight. Distracting yourself might be the best way to go. See a a while, but you’ll have to bear with it. In the meantime, try to cheer
about it. Even the President needs alone time occasionally. movie or play on your own. everyone up by throwing an impromptu party. This always works!
CANCER
June 21 — July 22
LEO
July 23 — August 22
VIRGO
August 23 — September 22
Today you might hear a rather distressing rumour about one or Personal or professional projects you’ve been working on might be Today you might feel stifled by your current situation. Perhaps you’re
more people you know or perhaps about your working situation. moving a bit more slowly than you’re comfortable with today, Leo. You thinking of changing jobs or professions, or maybe you’re considering
Don’t be surprised if more than one person phones or e-mails to may wonder if this is because you aren’t doing something right. This moving to a more exotic place. These all might be good ideas, Virgo, but
fill you in on this. However, Cancer, this information might not be probably isn’t the case. It’s no doubt just a normal lag in the energy, today isn’t the day to make any definite decisions or even consider your
dependable. It could be based on innuendo or even outright lies. Try which should pick up again tomorrow. Keep at it, get done what you options. You aren’t in an objective frame of mind. Wait a few days and
to track down the facts before you make yourself crazy over it. have to, and don’t make yourself crazy over it. Go with the flow. then think about this some more. You might change your mind.
LIBRA
September 23 — October 22
SCORPIO
October 23 — November 21
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 — December 21
Attempts to master a new computer programme or other form The rapid level of growth that you’ve probably been experiencing could The energy that has propelled you forward for the past several
of high-tech equipment could seem to be going nowhere, Libra. suddenly prove too much for you today, Scorpio. You might need to weeks might seem to lag a bit today, causing you momentary panic
You might tend to doubt your ability and thus feel very frustrated. take a little breather to grasp what’s happening in your life. New friends, that your progress won’t continue. As a result, you could be feeling
However, keep at it. You aren’t beyond all help! Nothing more than new knowledge, and new opportunities have appeared in profusion, a bit blue. Don’t fall into this trap, Sagittarius. The pace has been so
a little focus, concentration, and dogged persistence is required. It but you could still be feeling a bit down, wondering if you can handle it fast that it had to slow down sometime. It will pick up again, and
might also pay to ask someone’s help who knows more about it. all. Don’t fight these feelings; work through them instead. you’ll have had time to catch your breath. Hang in there!
CAPRICORN
December 22 — January 19
AQUARIUS
January 20 — February 18
PISCES
February 19 — March 20
Today you might experience a slight (and very temporary) dark night A group with which you’re affiliated could be excited about a course of Plans for getting together with friends might have to be postponed
of the soul, Capricorn. You could take a long look at your life and, even action that you might not feel is wise now, Aquarius. You might inform because of professional responsibilities that need attention. This could
though you’re doing well, still feel that you aren’t yet where you want to them of your reservations, but they’re probably too charged up to listen. prove upsetting, Pisces, especially since you have to disappoint others,
be. Spiritually, you might doubt the traditional views you’ve questioned You could begin to have doubts about goals of your own that may be but these things happen. Don’t let it get to you. This will have no lasting
and still wonder about new concepts you’ve adopted. Try to distract taking a long time to manifest. Hang in there. Sometimes things take effect on any of your relationships. Work hard, get it done, and schedule
yourself through reading or perhaps a movie. longer than you’d like, but success is still in the wind. time for some fun a bit later.12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
BASS WELLS FRANKLIN
HAYES DE NELSON
REEVES VAUGHN WINTERS
BROWN KNIGHT GAYE
ISLEY WHITE WITHERS
TEX FLACK GREEN
CHERRY MAYFIELD REDDING
JACKSON WILSON
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.Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 13
PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down
1 Hide stones near people (10) 1 She will shortly show a hard
7 Prophetic leader agrees to alter exterior (5)
forecast (7) 2 A country I controlled (4)
8 Weak father has to suffer (5) 3 The tongue of a World War One
10 Two officers, one gun (4) field marshal (6)
11 No crop is damaged by this 4 Diabolical elfin ran off (8)
insect (8) 5 It may be a strain for a Russian
13 A car, if taken to the empress (7)
continent? (6) 6 For seeing sights? (10)
15 A capital cigar (6) 9 Perhaps I learn about money in
17 Sticky sweet? (8) a northern county (10)
18 Graduates get hard thump (4) 12 In a manner of speaking I’d
21 Country, say (5) see a mishap (8)
22 The real material? (7) 14 Charter again set free? (7)
23 Fruit in trees can change (10) 16 A tree found in part of London
(6)
19 Cricket prize left after fire? (5)
20 Principal sea (4)
Solution
Answers
Wordsearch Codeword14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD
I’ve become a Katrina fan
after Sooryavanshi: Akshay
B
ollywood superstar such a huge crowd at the trailer
Akshay Kumar is back launch of my film. I think Rohit
sharing big screen space (Shetty) saab has made a good and
with Katrina Kaif in huge film. I hope that everyone will
Rohit Shetty’s upcoming like this film. Ajay (Devgn) is an old
cop action feature Sooryavanshi, friend. We both started our career
for the first time since their 2010 together. Both of us were competing
dud Tees Maar Khan. Akshay insists for his first film Phool Aur Kaante.
he has become a big fan of Katrina I was the first choice it but then he
after working together in their new (Ajay Devgn) replaced me. We have
film. done many films together,” he said.
“There is one scene in which Akshay has played a police officer
Katrina has performed so in several films. How does it feel to
beautifully that after the shot I play a new cop avatar in his latest?
have become a big fan of her and “It feels nice. It’s not just about
her acting talent. Earlier, I was the police uniform, but whenever I
admirer of her beauty but after wear any uniform – be it of an Army
this film, I have become admirer of officer, a Navy officer or Air Force
her acting. She has done a brilliant office – it feels very nice. There is
job in this film. When she started dignity attached to every uniform. I
off, she didn’t know a single word feel very fortunate that we (actors)
of Hindi but today she is working get the opportunity to do various
with big stars of this industry,” kinds of roles in our career, so I feel
said Akshay, at the trailer launch very proud about it,” he replied.
of Sooryavanshi also attended by There is a line in the trailer that
Katrina, along with Ajay Devgan Akshay’s utters, which goes: “This
and Ranveer Singh, who have very work will be done by the one and
special cameos in the film as Bajirao only kameena Sangram Bhalerao”.
Singham of the Singham films The reference is to Ranveer Singh’s
and Sangram Bhalerao of Simmba protagonist in Rohit Shetty’s earlier
respectively. Director Rohit Shetty cop action flick Simmba, which went CO-STARS: Akshay Kumar, right, is back sharing the big screen space with Katrina Kaif in the upcoming cop action
and co-producer Karan Johar were onto become a blockbuster upon feature.
also present at the do on Monday in release in December 2018, and which
Mumbai. cast Ranveer as a cop who will go to is not about the film fraternity. It Farhad. It is the fourth instalment Bhatena. Sooryavanshi is scheduled
Akshay Kumar plays the title role any wicked extent to ensure justice. is not correct on your part to ask of Shetty’s cop universe after two to release in India on March 24.
of Deputy Commissioner of Police, When a reporter asked Ranveer a question like this so, I would Singham films and Simmba. The Presented by Reliance
Veer Sooryavanshi, who heads the if he is the real ‘kameena’ (wicked request you not to ask these cast also features Gulshan Grover, Entertainment, the film is produced
Anti-Terrorism Squad in the film. person) of Bollywood, Akshay questions.” Abhimanyu Singh, Niharica by Shetty, Karan Johar, Aruna
“I have worked in almost 135 films answered on Ranveer’s behalf: Sooryavanshi is directed by Raizada, Jackie Shroff, Sikandar Bhatia, Hiroo Yash Johar and
but this is the first time, I am seeing “It is a dialogue in the film and it Rohit Shetty and written by Sajid- Kher, Nikitin Dheer and Vivan Apoorva Mehta. – IANS
Ashwiny celebrates Don’t fall in love with a
selfless spirit of women married man: Neena
with Ghar Ki Murgi
Veteran actress Neena Gupta has warned
Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari says her her fans not to fall in love with married men.
short film Ghar Ki Murgi, which stars She says she has done it in life and suffered.
Sakshi Tanwar, celebrates the selfless In a video shot at Mukteshwar,
spirit of women who dedicate their life to Uttarakhand, Neena is seen giving a piece of
look for their family. advice to her fans.
The film is written by Ashwiny’s She begins by talking about how extra
husband and acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh marital affairs start. “He tells you he doesn’t
Tiwari. like his wife and they are not getting along
“Ghar Ki Murgi (‘Taken for Granted’) for a long time. You fall in love with him, he is
is an emotional narrative close to my a married guy. Then you say ‘why don’t you
heart. Dressed in an artistic backdrop of separate’. But he says ‘no, no there are kids’.”
Old Delhi. This story is about an Indian She says they then start meeting secretly
woman who is wrapped in the societal and go on holidays. That turns to spending
truth and colour of sentiments. I wanted nights together and ultimately “you want to
to organically tell a story that creates marry him”.
empathy with the characters and catalyse Then, the woman wants the man to divorce
an inner change in every individual,” his wife, but he says, “it’s not so easy, there is
Ashwiny said. CANDID: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari says Ghar property, there are bank accounts etc”.
“The film celebrates the selfless spirit Ki Murgi is an emotional narrative close to The woman gets frustrated and thinks of
of a woman who gives her whole life her heart. leaving him. Then comes Neena’s advice:
tendering and caring for every family “Do not get involved in all this, do not fall
member without thinking much about and responsibility’. She gives it all for her in love with a married man. I have done this
her own self. I wish all families watch this family till one day she decides to take an before, I have suffered. That is why I am
story and say a thank you to the woman in ingenious decision for herself and creates telling my friends: try not to do it.”
the lives,” she added. upheaval around. Neena was in a relationship with West
Also starring Anurag Arora, Ghar Ki Ghar Ki Murgi goes live on SonyLIV Indian cricketer Vivian Richards in the
Murgi is a slice of life, emotional journey on March 7. The film will also air on SET eighties. They share a daughter, Masaba
of a wife, mother and daughter in law, post The Kapil Sharma Show on Sunday. Gupta. Later, Neena went on to marry Vivek VETERAN: Neena Gupta has warned her fans
finding her true self in a world of ‘family – IANS Mehra. – IANS not to fall in love with married men.Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 15
HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
Perry hires doctor for expecting the results soon,” Porter was arrested in October
second autopsy on Perry wrote in an Instagram 2016 in the shooting death of his
nephew post. father, Gary Wayne Porter, after
Porter was found dead in a the two allegedly got into a fight,
Atlanta media mogul Tyler cell at Union Parish Detention according to WAFB. He pleaded
Perry announced he has hired Center at Farmerville in guilty to manslaughter.
a doctor to perform a second Louisiana. The 26-year-old Porter is the son of Perry’s
autopsy on his nephew, Gavin reportedly hanged himself. sister Melva Porter.
Porter, who was found dead in He had been placed in the cell Perry wrote he had hoped
his jail cell last Tuesday night. last Saturday night after being Gavin Porter would serve his
“Three days ago, I got the in a fight with several inmates, time and then “come work for
horrible news that he allegedly Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates me. Where he would join all the
committed suicide in prison. told the News-Star. The sheriff other former inmates that work
I say allegedly because, said no foul play is suspected. for me and turn his life around,
unfortunately, our criminal “I want to be clear that we just as they have. But that day
justice system and prisons have are not a family of conspiracy will never come.”
been notorious for cover ups theorists,” Perry wrote in his Perry said he and his family
and/or getting it wrong. post, “and we want to believe will have no further comment on
“With that in mind I have that there was no foul play, the situation at this time. – The
hired Dr Michael Baden to do just as the sheriff has stated Atlanta Journal-Constitution/ GRIEVED: Tyler Perry attends the Netflix premiere for his A Fall From Grace
a second autopsy, and we are publicly.” TNS at Metrograph in New York City.
Netflix to launch major LA
comedy festival this spring around the world.” and the Laugh Factory, among
By Michael Ordoña Netflix Is a Joke Fest, named others.
for the streamer’s comedy brand, During the closing event at the
won’t be the biggest of all comedy Theatre at Ace Hotel, “The Hall:
N
etflix is known for festivals – that title likely belongs Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up,”
going big or going to Montreal’s Just for Laughs, which Chappelle, Crystal, Goldberg, Hart,
home – whether that runs for two weeks and boasts more Rock, Seinfeld, Silverman and
means its original than 2 million attendees each year. Sykes will fete Carlin, Pryor, Rivers
programming slate, But the L.A. event has already and Williams. In addition to the
awards campaigns or subscriber attracted more than 130 artistes, event being recorded as a Netflix
base. Now, the streamer is applying with additional names to come, special, an exhibit of the same name
the principle to an old-school and Netflix projects attendance will have a physical home in a newly
format: the comedy festival. to be around 80,000. Individual designed wing of the National
On Monday, the company tickets will range from about $15 to Comedy Center in Jamestown, N.Y.
announced Netflix Is a Joke Fest, about $500 per event, according Inductees were determined by a
with more than 100 performances to organisers. (There will be no nominating committee composed
from some of comedy’s biggest festival-wide passes.) For those of agents, managers, producers,
names across 20-plus Los Angeles who can’t make it in person, 11 of TV executives and comedy club
venues and culminating in a hall- the live shows will be available to owners.
of-fame tribute to four late legends: stream on Netflix at a later date. “Netflix has become the
George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Joan Among the schedule’s highlights, dominant player in the comedy
Rivers and Robin Williams. Chappelle (and friends) will space, which made them the ideal
Participants in the festival, which appear in “an evening of music and broadcast partner for this long
is set to run from April 27 to May comedy” at the Hollywood Bowl. overdue acknowledgement of
3 and is produced in partnership Letterman will host an event at the the art of stand-up comedy,” The
with Live Nation, are a who’s who Fonda Theatre, mixing stand-up Hall director Marty Callner and
of contemporary comedy – with performances with live interviews. fellow executive producers Randall
an emphasis on the ever-growing The cast of Schitt’s Creek will lead a Gladstein and David Steinberg said
stable of performers with a Netflix “live, interactive” farewell tour that in a statement to the Los Angeles
series or special. The lineup takes fans inside the making of the Times. “The relationship with
includes Dave Chappelle, David Emmy-nominated comedy. Foxx, Netflix and the calibre of our four
Letterman, Amy Schumer, Ali Schumer, Lawrence, and Fonda and beloved inductees have made it
Wong, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Tomlin will all host comedy nights possible for us to bring together, for
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Jamie at the Palladium. Other festival the first time, every leading voice
Foxx, Sarah Silverman, Kevin Hart, headliners include Bill Burr, Pete in stand-up to honour those that
Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Davidson, Chelsea Handler, Jenny paved the way.”
Ken Jeong, and Martin Lawrence. Slate, Whitney Cummings, Marlon The festival’s official charity
“It’s our honour to transform Wayans, Iliza Shlesinger and partner is nonprofit organisation
L.A. for one week into the funniest Michelle Wolf. Comedy Gives Back, which
place on earth,” Ted Sarandos, A number of themed events provides mental health, medical
Netflix chief content officer, said during the festival bring together and financial crisis support to
in a statement. “This festival is a comedians to highlight national comedians in need.
unique celebration of the art of or regional talents – such as Presale tickets are available
comedy, and the role it plays in showcases of Indian and Latin starting Tuesday via a unique
reflecting our lives and defining American performers – or queer code to be published on artiste,
culture. It’s a chance for comedy comedians – as with Stand Out at venue, Ticketmaster, Live Nation
lovers to come together and see the Greek Theatre, featuring Sandra and Netflix Is a Joke social media
their favourite artistes as well as Bernhard, Alan Carr, Margaret Cho, accounts. Tickets go on sale to the
discover new ones, and for us to Hannah Gadsby, Rosie O’Donnell, general public on Friday. The full
be able to share the electricity and Wanda Sykes and others. lineup and ticketing information
COMEDIAN: Ali Wong attends the Premiere of Disney and Pixar’s Onward in excitement of the festival in Los Festival venues also include the are posted at the festival website. –
Hollywood, California. Angeles with Netflix members Wiltern, the Orpheum, the Largo Los Angeles Times/TNS16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 4, 2020
COMMUNITY
Entrepreneurship is a
mindset: young realtor
By Mudassir Raja “I see a big
opportunity in
“
It is all about your
mindset, how you are the property
educated and how
courageous you are. I sector here.
love the freedom that
entrepreneurship offers. I love With 2022 fast
interacting with people and
negotiating with them.” approaching,
This is a firm belief of Serban
Spirea, Romanian expatriate we have started
and young entrepreneur, who
has founded his own real estate feeling a big
brokerage company in Qatar with
the name of FGREALTY. With big wave coming in
dreams for his company, he has
been working very hard in making the real estate
inroads into the Qatari real estate
market. business. There
The 30-year-old entrepreneur
recently spoke to Community is definitely
about his professional journey
in Qatar and what he aims to going to be a
achieve. “I came to Qatar when
I was only 19. My mother came positive impact
to Qatar when I was 14 and has
been working here for 16 years on the market”
now. I was a basketball player in
Romania. When I came here, I — Serban Spirea,
played for Al Sadd Sports Club. I
studied business marketing first Romanian
in Romania and then in the UK.”
Serban founded his real estate entrepreneur
company four and a half year
ago. “I started working as a real
estate agent when I came to an opportunity. I got involved
Qatar. I love the freedom and the with the landlords and the clients
interaction with people. I love using our sale force. We deal in
the fact that you can manage properties in Msheireb, The Pearl,
your own property portfolio and Lusail and Al Dafna.”
you can expose it the way you When asked what he has to offer
want. I also love the feeling that for expatriates as a realtor, Serban
the real estate brokerage activity said: “It really depends on them.
gives and how much it develops We sign corporate agreements
in terms of negotiations and with major companies. We also
sales. educate the customers about what
“I also wanted to leverage they need and what is available
myself after I started my company. in the market. We receive lots of
I wanted to educate young people inquiries.”
in a way that I give them a chance The realtor sees his company’s
to be productive for themselves role as a bumper between
and their families. I hired my team landlords and the clients. “We
consisting of young people not are always intermediating supply
more than 22 or 23. I taught them and demand by creating a healthy
and trained them. Most of them competition. Our aim is to always
are mature now. They are now a have better deals for clients.
solid team and that allows me to “I see a big opportunity in the
move around. property sector here. With 2022
The managing director of fast approaching, we have started
FGREALTY further said: “Quite feeling a big wave coming in the
early in my career I saw an real estate business. There are
opportunity to have a real estate huge projects going on. There is
brokerage company. I still see definitely going to be a positive
it going up in future. My desire impact on the market. Many new
is to see it as the largest real projects are coming that we filter
estate company in luxury sector for our clients.” Serban with his team.
worldwide. We have a complete Serban calls himself blessed
online real estate marketing to be in Qatar when there is all because of the country we are opened its first franchise office in and helping others and group
platform of the company. This lots of development. “I am based in. The company is going to Bucharest, Romania.” people together, you can be an
platform can be franchised slowly blessed to have my work here. I be the first Qatar-based real estate For Serban to be an entrepreneur successfully.
and gradually. always believe that FGREALTY business to have franchises in entrepreneur is to have a certain “To be in Qatar, it has been
“I have ended up doing mainly is a produce of Qatar. All the different countries. The company kind of mindset. “It does not little challenging. However, I like
luxury property business. I saw reputation we have earned and has also managed to expand in matter wherever you are, if you it to be here. I see my opportunity
a slump in the luxury sector as the clients we have gathered is the Eastern European market and have the mindset of guiding in Qatar.”You can also read
