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DOHA 30°C—41°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11L P

Thursday, May 18, 2017Sha’baan 22, 1438 AH

CommunityUrdu literary forum in Doha to

honour Dr Syed Abedi for his lifetime contribution to prose and poetry.

P6 P16 CommunityDoha College ‘Fortes’ is declared

the winner of Qatar Primary School Choir of The Year 2017 competition.

Come to The Dark SideThe Great

American

Eclipse is 100

days away and

scientists are

ready. P4-5

COVERSTORY

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

Thursday, May 18, 20172 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIMEFajr 3.23amShorooq (sunrise) 4.47amZuhr (noon) 11.30amAsr (afternoon) 2.57pmMaghreb (sunset) 6.15pmIsha (night) 7.45pm

Knowledge is power. Information

is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every

society, in every family. - Kofi Annan

The Mall Cinema(1): All Nighter (2D) 2pm; Rakshadhikari Baiju (Malayalam) 3:45pm; Hindi Medium (Hindi) 6:45pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 9:15pm; Sakhavu (Malayalam) 11pm.The Mall Cinema(2): Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 2pm; Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 3:45pm; Don’t Hang Up (2D) 5:30pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 7pm; Colossal (2D) 9:15pm; The Zookeeper’s Wife (2D) 11:15pm.The Mall Cinema(3): The Boss Baby (2D) 2:30pm; Half Girlfriend (Malayalam) 4:15pm; Stratton (2D) 7pm; Alien Covenant (2D) 8:45pm; Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae (Tamil) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (1): The Boss Baby (2D) 2:15pm; Sakhavu (Malayalam) 4pm; Colossal (2D) 7pm; Alien Covenant (2D) 9pm; Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae

(Tamil) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 2:15pm; Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 4pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 6pm; Alien Covenant (2D) 7:45pm; Stratton (2D) 10pm; All Nighter (2D) 11:45pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Half Girlfriend (Hindi) 2:30pm; Don’t Hang Up (2D) 5pm; The Zookeeper’s Wife (2D) 7pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 9:15pm; Rakshadhikari Baiju (Malayalam) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 2:15pm; Yokai Watch The Movie (2D) 4pm; The Boss Baby (2D) 5:45pm; Alien Covenant (2D) 7:30pm; Don’t Hang Up (2D)

9:45pm; Hindi Medium (Hindi) 11:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The Boss Baby (2D) 2:15pm; Rakshadhikari Baiju (Malayalam) 4pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 7pm; The Zookeeper’s Wife (2D) 8:45pm; Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae (Tamil) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Sakhavu (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Colossal (2D) 5:30pm; Stratton (2D) 7:30pm; Everything, Everything (2D) 9:15pm; All Nighter (2D) 11:30pm.Asian Town Cinema: Georgettan (Malayalam) 4, 10pm; Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Hindi) 7pm & 1am; Sakhavu (Malayalam) 12:30, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15, 11pm & 1:45am; Rakshadhikari Baiju (Malayalam) 1, 3:15 9pm, 12, 2am; Keshava (Telugu) 12pm; Sangili Bungili (Tamil) 12:30, 6:15pm & 12am.

Sarkar 3DIRECTION: Ram Gopal VermaWRITTEN BY: P Jaya KumarCAST: Amitabh Bachchan, Yami

Gautam, Manoj BajpayeeSYNOPSIS: Annu Karkare (Yami

Gautam) conspires and attempts to avenge the death of her father, for which she blames “Sarkar” (Amitabh Bachchan). Juxtaposed with the situation is Sarkar’s own personal battles with his volatile grandson Shivaji Nagre or “Cheeku” (Amit Sadh). Parallely the political and corporate diaspora pose threats to Sarkar’s dominance. Assisted by his aide Gokul Satam (Ronit Roy), Sarkar deals with one of his greatest adversaries in the form of Michael Valya (Jackie Shroff ) and the moody and seemingly violent politician Govind Deshpande (Manoj Bajpayee).

THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark

The RezortDIRECTION: Steve BarkerWRITTEN BY: Paul Gerstenberger CAST: Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, Martin MccannSYNOPSIS: After a zombie outbreak, adventure seekers

are invited to a luxury island resort where they can hunt the mindless undead on safari. After humanity wins a war against

zombies, tourists are able to kill zombies for sport at the Rezort. Guests include couple Lewis and Melanie, who want to conquer Melanie’s psychological issues caused by the zombie war; Archer, a quiet veteran; Jack and Alfi e, teenage video gamers; and Sadie, whose ex-fi ance dumped her prior to their wedding.

THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza

3Thursday, May 18, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change

EVENTS

I-WED 2017WHERE: DECCWHEN: Until May 22TIME: 12 to 10pmQatar’s fi rst and leading Wedding Exhibition,

the International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show 2017 marks its 10th edition on its new date May 18– 22 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, the country’s renowned venue for big events

Thousands of soon-to-be-weds, fashion enthusiasts, business individuals, designers and etc from and across Qatar are expected to visit I-WED which is generally regarded as one of the attended event among the numerous wedding exhibitions in the Middle East where best arrangements, off ers, ideas, & inspirations may be found.

Movie Magic: Your Favourite Hollywood Hits

Where: QNCC, Auditorium 3When: TomorrowTime: 4:30pm to 7:30pmThe Doha Singers, Qatar’s oldest and largest

amateur choir present, ‘Movie Magic: Your Favourite Hollywood Hits’, bringing alive your favourite movie moments from such blockbusters as Dirty Dancing, An Offi cer and a Gentleman, Titanic, Love Actually, Skyfall, and many more.

This spring sees the Doha Singers team up with the AFCENT, the US Air Forces Central Command Band, as well as students from the International School of London, Qatar at the QNCC for one their showiest and grandest concerts yet. Tickets are available at FNAC in Lagoona Mall.

‘Flute Butto’: India’s popular bamboo fl autist

WHERE: IAIDWHEN: TomorrowTIME: 6pmAnnada Prasanna Pattanaik (popularly

known as Flute Butto), one of India’s foremost fl autist of North Indian style, is coming to perform exclusively at IAID. The performance will last for an hour, which will start with some classical Raag Alap, followed by some rhythmic phrases (called Jod). Lastly, he will also be performing few selected Bollywood songs, which has some good arrangements work that everyone will appreciate. For reservations, call 44320974, 44411234, 55860644.

Traditional StorytellingWHEN: May 25-27WHERE: Doha Festival City – Centre CourtTIME: 7:30pm – 9:30pmAre you listening carefully? Then we will

begin. For an entire weekend, kids will have the opportunity to listen to beautiful tales shared by a traditional storyteller at Doha Festival City. Families can sit together under the magical Centre Court atrium to enjoy and learn more about the month of Ramadan.

Garangao CelebrationWHERE: Doha Festival CityWHEN: June 9Doha Festival City is honouring the biggest

traditional celebration for children this Ramadan with a fun-packed Garangao event. First, kids will be given their own mall maps that will give them clues to fi nd and collect candy and nuts hidden all over Doha Festival City. Get the map and fi nd them quick! They can then also take part in the Drum Making Workshop – where everyone will have the chance to design and build their own drum, made out of recycled tin containers.

Train like a superhero WHERE: Aspire ZoneWHEN: OngoingTrain like a superhero at CrossFit Doha!

CrossFit holds a variety of disciplines from weightlifting to calisthenics to gymnastics. This will help your kids excel in sports and retain the healthy and fi t lifestyle! Support your kids’ natural urge for physical activities and train like a superhero, at CrossFit Doha’s in demand Kids Classes today! CrossFit Doha is located at Aspire Zone Sports City. For more information, call 44138484

Tulukoota Qatar Annual DayTulukoota Qatar is all set to celebrate

its Annual Day tomorrow (3.45pm) at DPS Auditorium, Al Wakrah. The evening will be fi lled with inspiring and entertaining events. The event will be graced by P Kumaran, Indian ambassador to Qatar, as the chief guest. Dr H S Ballal, a radiologist and the pro-chancellor of Manipal University will be the guest of honour. Other guests will be Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank; Milan Arun, President of ICC. A signifi cant highlight of the event which Tulukoota is proud to be have initiated is ‘Tulunaadu bolpu’ – award for social workers of Tulunaadu. These awards are not only a recognition, but also an inspiration for all to strive to support others around in need of help.

Art ExhibitionWHERE: Doha Fire StationWHEN: Until May 22TIME: 10am-10pmQatar Museums (QM) is proud to open

an exhibition by Qatari contemporary artist Ebtisam al-Saff ar at the Doha Fire Station Artist in Residence space. Open from 10am – 10pm until 22nd May in the Annex Building, the exhibition celebrates the accomplishments of al-Saff ar during her three-month Qatari Art Residency Program in Paris.

Beauty of Islamic CalligraphyWHERE: QM Gallery Al RiwaqWHEN: Until 17 June A new exhibition – Contemporary

Calligraphy – Mehmet Cebi Collection will open at the QM Gallery Al Riwaq, and will bring together a notable selection of intricate and beautiful calligraphic artworks dating from the 1960s to the present day.

Our culture is a schoolWHERE: Katara BeachWHEN: Until May 30TIME: 9am-12pm By participating in the programme of ‘Our

culture is a school’, Katara Beach emphasises the Qatari marine tradition and introduces to students the meaning of Dasha, Al Qafal and various type of pearls. The students will as well discover all details of the Fath El Kheir journey, in addition to many contests and prices presented during this participation.

Karting at Losail Circuit Sports ClubWHEN: Until June 16WHERE: Losail International Circuit, DohaTIME: 5pm onwardsThe Karting track at Losail International

Circuit is open for public. Also it can be opened for private companies (upon request and availability). The registrations will be done directly at the venue, at the VIP Car Park of the Losail International Circuit. The minimum age is 15 years old and any participant under the age of 18 needs permission signed by a legal guardian for the karting activity.

Art 29 Emergeast’s ‘Currents’ ExhibitionWHEN: Until May 20WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences, QatarTIME: 9am – 7pm Who run the world? Girls! Check out the

all-female artist exhibition, ‘Currents’ by Emergeast, which makes its debut in Doha for the very fi rst time. The collection will highlight the fl ow of a cross-cultural dialogue with concrete parallels.

Childhood Cultural CenterWHEN: May 31WHERE: Childhood Cultural Center TIME: 9am–11am Childhood Cultural Center participation

in ‘Schools enrich our Culture’ programme includes a variety of educational and artistic workshops. In addition to personal development skills with a focus on “problem solving skills”, “rectifying inappropriate discipline”, “planning principles” and “voluntary work”, it targets all school academic levels within an interactive entertaining framework.

Community Education ProgrammeWHEN: Until May 25WHERE: VCUQatarTIME: 8am-5pmLearn new skills and deepen your

understanding of arts and culture at VCUQatar. Choose from a wide selection of art, design and craft courses you can take from VCUQatar in Education City or from IAID (Academy for Dance, Music & Arts). Visit VCUQatar for registration, Sunday to Thursday, 9am – 12pm and 1pm to 3.45pm. You may also register online. Seats can only be reserved with full payment. Community classes are also off ered at from Georgetown University, Education City.

Short Documentary LabWHEN: Until May 24TIME: 2–7pmMaking a documentary is much more than

simply fi lming what surrounds us. It can be a way of understanding the world, a tool to make it a better place, an art form where you can fi nd your own voice. This intensive lab is designed to introduce young people to the world of documentary fi lmmaking. Through watching and discussing, they discover the possibilities of the genre.

Salsa Beginners Dance ClassWHEN: Every FridayWHERE: B Attitude Spa, West BayTIME: 8pm-9pmSalsa n Candela off ers variety of dance

classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower such as Salsa every Friday and other Latin dance during other days of the week.

Aqua Park 2017 season WHEN: Until AugustWHERE: Aqua ParkThe Aqua Park 2017 season is fi nally here and

is happening with a big bang and splash.

Imperial Threads: Motifs and ArtisansWHERE: Museum of Islamic ArtWHEN: Until November 4This exhibition focuses on the exchange

of artistic and material cultures between the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece carpets, among other artworks, from Turkey, Iran and India, these objects will be contextualised within the historical circumstances of politics and artistic production of their time, primarily from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

Picasso-GiacomettiWHEN: Until May 21WHERE: Fire Station Artist In ResidenceThis exhibition brings together more than

120 works by Picasso and Giacometti, drawn from the collections of the Musée national Picasso-Paris and the Fondation Giacometti in Paris, as well as exceptional loans from French and other international collections, covering paintings, sculptures, sketches, photographs and interviews with the artists. The exhibition refl ects two years of research undertaken by the Fondation Giacometti and the Musée national Picasso-Paris, which reveals for the fi rst time the previously unknown relationship between these two artists, who, despite an age gap of 20 years, shared many moments, both personal and professional. It has been organised in six sections, evoking diff erent aspects of each artist’s production, including the development of their work as young artists through to their modernist creations, showing the correspondences between their works, the infl uence of the surrealist movement, and the return to realism during the post-war period. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of lectures and an extensive education programme, as well as a self-guided handbook for the visitors.

Reggae Beachfest DohaWHEN: Thursdays and FridaysWHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St Regis HotelTIME: 8pm onwardsIn collaboration with Reggae Beachfest

in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve got the setup sorted to get you feeling the Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident band Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, we have so many big names in the Reggae scene lined up at this huge beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. For more information, please call 44460105.

Senorita-Ladies NightWHERE: The Club at St RegisWHEN: TuesdaysTIME: 7pmThe Club at St Regis promises the ‘fi nest

week-night in town with Cuban and Latin rhythms’. The event starts at 7pm. The dress code is “strictly fabulous-Latin vibe” and there are no entrance fees. For more information, please call 4446-0105.

FOODIE CHOICE

Picnic brunch at LagoonLOCATION: The Ritz-CarltonFaux grass and chequered picnic cloths

are laid out around the entrance to Lagoon restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton. It’s the perfect location for a picnic-themed brunch. It’s spacious, bright, and lush and the ceiling is painted to look like a blue cloudy sky, while towering fake palms are dotted around the room.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

By Deborah Netburn

This summer, darkness will fall across the face of America.

Birds will stop singing.Temperatures will

drop.Stars will become visible in the

daytime sky.In about 100 days, a total solar

eclipse will sweep across the continental United States for the fi rst time since 1918. Astronomers are calling it the Great American Eclipse.

For the amateur sky-watcher, a total eclipse presents a rare opportunity to witness a cosmic hiccup in our day-night cycle.

For solar astronomers, the eclipse off ers something else: three minutes (give or take) to collect as much data as possible about the sun’s usually hidden outer atmosphere.

Researchers have been anticipating the event for years.

Some will take measurements from the sky; others have engaged vast networks of citizen scientists to track the eclipse as its shadow moves across the ground. Ultimately, they hope their fi ndings will tell them more about the sun’s magnetic fi eld, the temperature

of its outer atmosphere and how energy moves through the star and out into space.

Doing science during a total eclipse may be exciting, but it can also put you on edge. No matter how carefully you plan, nature may conspire against you with something as trivial as a cloud momentarily passing through the wrong patch of sky.

“I’ve had those experiences and it’s heartbreaking,” said Shadia Habbal, who studies the solar wind at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.

If you remember donning those paper eclipse glasses to watch as the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun, you may think you have seen a total eclipse. But you haven’t.

What you witnessed was a partial eclipse, a phenomenon as diff erent from a total eclipse as day is from night. Literally.

The sun is so bright that even when 99 percent of it is covered by the moon, the remaining 1 percent is still bright enough to make the sky blue, said Jay Pasachoff , an astronomer at Williams College in Massachusetts who has seen 33 total eclipses and 32 partial eclipses. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely obscures the face of the sun, causing the daytime sky to darken by a factor of 1 million.

This moment of totality lasts only a few minutes. Those who have seen it say it’s unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.

“It’s a really unique feeling, standing in the shadow of the moon,” said Matt Penn, an astronomer at the National Solar Observatory in Tucson who has witnessed two total eclipses. “Crickets start to chirp. Birds start to roost. Chickens do weird things. And it’s all in reaction to the strange light.”

A total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on Earth about once every 18 months, and it can happen absolutely anywhere. That means most eclipse-chasers have to travel far from home to see one for themselves.

On August 21, however, what’s known as the path of totality will cut a 60-mile-wide arc across the United States, beginning in Oregon at 10:15am local time and ending in South Carolina about an hour and a half later.

Experts estimate that 11 million people won’t have to travel at all to observe the total eclipse, and an estimated 76 million more will be within a 200-mile drive of it.

Because of this unusual accessibility, it will probably be the most-viewed eclipse of all time.

Scientists expect it will be the

most-studied eclipse of all time as well.

Most researchers plan to study the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. This is a vast region of superheated gas held in place by the sun’s magnetic fi eld.

Under normal circumstances, we can’t see the corona from the ground because it is overwhelmed by the brightness of the photosphere, the sun’s main disk. But with the photosphere blocked, the corona will become the main event in the sky — a pale, spiky halo of streamers that appears to radiate from the blacked-out solar surface.

Composite images and measurements made during other eclipses reveal that the corona is composed of a complex swirl of gases much hotter than what you’d fi nd on the surface of the sun. The surface is a toasty 6,000 degrees Kelvin (more than 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit), but the temperature of the corona averages 1 million degrees Kelvin (1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit).

“The fundamental question we are asking is, what is causing the atmosphere to heat up like that?” said Habbal. “This is one of the scientifi c mysteries regarding the sun that remains unanswered.”

But not for lack of trying. Habbal has led 14 eclipse expeditions since

1995, travelling as far as the Arctic.This year, she and her colleagues

will make the most of the Great American Eclipse by viewing it from fi ve distinct sites from Oregon to Nebraska.

Each group will wield custom-made cameras with long focal lenses that can capture images of the corona in the spectrum of visible light. The teams will also take spectra measurements to see which elements are in the corona and how hot they are.

Any answers Habbal comes up with would shed light on the processes that shape not only the solar atmosphere, but the atmosphere of other stars that are similar to the sun, she said.

On the other side of the country, researchers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics are planning to study the corona from a plane fl ying at 49,000 feet.

The group, led by solar physicist Ed DeLuca, is building an instrument that will allow them to examine the solar atmosphere in infrared wavelengths. Their ultimate goal is to better understand the magnetic fi elds in this outer region of the sun — in part because this is where coronal mass ejections originate.

“Measuring these magnetic fi elds


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

is really useful for understanding how energy is stored in the corona and when we expect it to be released,” DeLuca said. “Once we understand that, we can make better space weather predictions.”

A coronal mass ejection sends millions of tons of the sun’s material hurtling through space. If a well-aimed one hits Earth, it can mess with the planet’s magnetosphere and infl ict damage on satellites, astronauts and even the power grid.

Water in Earth’s atmosphere can interfere with infrared measurements, but the higher up in the atmosphere you go, the less water you’ll fi nd. At an altitude of nearly 50,000 feet, the researchers say, their instruments will be able to measure 100 times more infrared light coming from the corona than if they were at sea level.

DeLuca is hoping the weather won’t be a problem. The fl ight is happening over Tennessee, where thunderstorms have been known to go quite high, but they usually don’t develop until later in the afternoon.

“The fl ight’s at noon, so we should be OK,” he said.

This isn’t just any plane. The modifi ed Gulfstream GV jet is owned by the National Science Foundation and has been turned into a fl ying laboratory.

On the day of the eclipse, the researchers will have to make sure the light from the solar atmosphere comes through a 6-by-9-inch window on the right side of the plane. Then it will hit a telescope that feeds a spectrograph enclosed in a cryogenic vacuum chamber positioned on the fl oor of the cabin.

The plane will fl y along with the shadow of the moon, giving the scientists an additional minute

of observing time. That may not sound impressive, but every minute counts when you have less than fi ve minutes to collect data.

Pasachoff , who is recognised among eclipse chasers as the person who has seen more eclipses than anyone else on the planet, started planning his Great American Eclipse observations more than four years ago.

After travelling to Ternate in Indonesia, Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago and Gabon in West Africa to observe these cosmic events, he said it’s going to be quite a change to see an eclipse here in the US.

His team of a dozen astronomers will be stationed near Salem, Oregon, a site they selected because the region has an excellent chance of clear skies in August. (Knock on wood.)

On the big day, 70 volunteers will use specially designed telescopes to fi lm the corona for the roughly 2 minutes of totality in their area. Those images will be stitched together into a movie.

Another group from the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory has partnered with Google to collect images from more than 1,000 citizen scientists. By combining them into a “megamovie,” they hope to see how the corona changes over time.

Amidst all this activity, the scientists are budgeting a little time to marvel at the rare intersection of our daily lives and the mechanics of our solar system.

“It’s a cosmic event we are witnessing and a reminder of how puny we are,” Penn said. —Los Angeles Times/TNS

KEEN EYE: Shadia Habbal with a specially designed box used as a platform to support laptops.

No matter how carefully you plan, nature may conspire against you with something as trivial as a cloud momentarily passing through the wrong patch of sky. “I’ve had those experiences and it’s heartbreaking,” says Shadia Habbal, who studies the solar wind at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy


COMMUNITY

Urdu literary forum tohonour Dr Syed Abedi

Dr Syed Taqi Hassan Abedi

Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab, a renowned literary organisation, based in Doha, has decided

to give the Special Frogh-e-Urdu Award to Dr Syed Taqi Hassan Abedi, for his lifetime achievements in the Urdu literary world, in their annual 21st Aalmi Award and 23rd Mushaira functions, to be held in October/ November in Doha this year.

Abedi, born on March 1, 1951, in Hyderabad, India, is an Indian-Canadian physician and literary personality, who is not only a poet but also a journalist and a critic and research scholar of the Urdu language.

After obtaining his MBBS degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India in 1975, he acquired his MSc in Pathology in 1987 from Glasgow University, UK; FCAP degree in 1995 from Diplomat

of the American Board of Pathology, USA and he acquired Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Canada in 2001.

Although Dr Abedi is a physician by profession who has worked in Iran, England, USA and is presently a serving physician in a hospital in Ontario, Canada, he also has written many books on prose, poetry, and criticism. Though most of his literary work is in Urdu and Persian, he has recently started writing in English.

His research work began in the fi eld of Marsia with Rubais of Mirza Dabeer, compiling lost poetic material. He continued his work in this genre and wrote a number of articles which were published in Urdu literary circles and has become a well-appreciated literary personality of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian origin.

With this forum, he extended

his fi eld of study and has written about 40 books released by various publishers. Dr Abedi compiled a two-volume book, Kuliyat-e-Ghalib Farsi, collecting the poetry of

Mirza Ghalib in Persian. He also compiled a book Kulliyat-e-Anis, consisting of 579 Rubais of Mir Anis with a 150-page preface discussing the various aspects of poetry of Anis. He also compiled a book Rubayat-e-Dabeer and presented selected collection of Salams and Rubais from the treasury of Mirza Dabeer’s poetry. He also wrote Faiz Fahmi on the life and thoughts of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

In this book, 162 articles have been written on and about Faiz, collected from all over the world. Dr Abedi himself has written 40 articles. Dr Abedi also compiled two books– Choon Marg Ayed (diseases suff ered by Allama Iqbal) and Iqbal kay Irfani Zaweye, on the life and poetry of Allama Iqbal. In his book

Choon Marg Ayed, he has composed extracts from the various letters written by Allama Iqbal in order to provide a picture of diseases and their impact on the life of Iqbal.

Moreover, Dr Abedi has attended and organised a number of seminars, in addition to his researched lectures at various institutions and universities.

In recognition of his literary works and achievements, Dr Abedi has received several awards: Nishan-e-Imteyaz – Anees-wa-Dabeer Award – TMA of India. (2007); Allama Iqbal Award of Excellence – by the Government of Ontario, Premiere Erine Eves-Canada; Imtiaz-e-Urdu Award – Tamil Nadu Urdu Raabita Committee, India (2010); Urdu Adab Award –UP Sahitya Committee (2010); Adeeb International Award – Sahir Cultural Academy, India (2011); Award of Excellence – Hyderabad Deccan Foundation of Canada and many more.

STUDENT LEADERS APPOINTED: To inculcate the spirit among the students to become good leaders in their future life, Pak Shamaa School has chosen leaders from each class from Grade I to Grade XII from all four wings. This step has been taken to arouse the interest among the students for gradual building up habits of self-control, discipline and co-operation that is accepted by them willingly and carried out not because imposed from above. The selected leaders are best in academic and other activities and prove to help the teachers and Head of Wings keeping general discipline. Each leader has been awarded with colour and Sashes in investiture ceremony held in school Jinnah Hall.


COMMUNITY

IQRA English School celebrates Book WeekIqra English School for Girls celebrated the Annual Book Week recently with a variety of activities. The week got off to a start with the enormous book cake-cutting ceremony. The teachers and the students decorated the doors of their classrooms as giant book covers. Selected students from diff erent classes were given the opportunity to read a book to the principal. Book jackets and book marks were made and book reports were written by the students during the library lessons. One of the highlights of the week was the Career Day with the motto, “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader”. Students dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up and shared their thoughts and aspirations about their future. A Book Fair

was also organised at the school for two days, where the kids bought may books for themselves and for their families. A great success was that mums were called as “The Mystery Reader” to come to their daughters’ class. The week ended with The Play Day which was conducted at Al Rayyan Municipality Theatre. A large number of parents gathered to watch the mesmerising performances by students of all year groups. Some of the plays performed were ‘Fancy Nancy’, ‘The Great Fire of London’, ‘A little Princess’, ‘Many Moons’, ‘The Gruff alo’ and ‘It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny’. The Book Week certainly provided children with the love of reading, varied activities, enjoyment and expansion of knowledge.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATED: The students of Noble International School conducted a special assembly on Mother’s Day in which the students presented a fascinating dance depicting the importance of a mother by expressing solidarity, adulation, gratitude and by appreciating the eff orts taken by mothers all throughout their lives.


COMMUNITY

Mars100 candidate inspires PSI Students

It was an incredibly exciting day for students at Pearling Season International (PSI) School with a special visit from Mikolaj Zielinski, a Mars100 candidate who fl ew in all the way from Dubai just to

talk to PSI students.The Mars One Project is designed to send

astronaut explorers to Mars on a one-way trip to discover, live and thrive on the only known planet that can potentially support life. Part of Mars One’s mission is to successfully see through its Astronaut Selection Programme, which started in 2013. It currently has whittled nearly 200,000 applicants from around the world to the top 100 candidates, of which

Zielinski is proud to have made the ranks. The shortlisted applicants will then be taken

through two more selection rounds, the fi rst of which starts at the end of 2017. The fi nal selection will list 24 individuals, grouped into teams of 4, who will then be converted into Mars One employees and begin their 10-year-long intensive training. The end goal is to send the fi rst team of four, comprising two men and two women, to Mars in the year 2031.

Zielinski, who has a double Masters in Computer Science and Mathematics, is an incredibly passionate believer that humans will become a multi-planetary species before the end of this century. When asked what inspired

him to sign up for a one-way trip to Mars, he responds: “I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t a space enthusiast.

My Polish background limited my ability to access national and regional space programmes around the world because Poland does not have a space programme. However, the Mars One Project is one that transcends national boundaries and racial, social and academic backgrounds. It is one that allows me to strive my hardest towards entering an astronaut programme.”

“Mikolaj is truly an inspirational person,” says PSI School’s Year 6 Teacher, Malcolm Price, who shares an enthusiasm for all things space. “It is incredible to imagine that someone is willing to become a modern-day pioneer, preparing to travel millions of miles across space to push the boundaries of our frontiers to set up a Mars colony. This is both daring and brave. All our students have truly been wowed and challenged by our would-be Mars One astronaut.”

Zielinski made an entire day’s visit out of inspiring the students of PSI School, delivering three presentations for three Key Stage groups. He fascinated Key Stage 1 students with facts about Mars, explaining to them how Mars is a very cold planet, it has seasons and sunrise and sunset like Earth, how one can jump three times higher on Mars’ surface and how Mars could have water

underground. He shared an album of photos of rockets and life in space and on Mars.

Zielinski enlightened Key Stage 2 students on why Mars was the best candidate for human inhabitation, and illustrated the process of how the Mission to Mars will take place. It will involve sending several missions to Mars, with robots like rovers to set up infl atable habitats for future human visitors. Rovers will be used to gather data and analysis over a period of time before it will be deemed safe for astronauts. Once ready, the fi rst team of four astronauts will take seven months to travel to Mars, after which the fi rst arrivals will ready the habitat further for more astronauts in the following years.

With older Key Stage 3 and 4 students, Zielinski shared more technical aspects of the Mars One Project. Zielinski explained the importance of teamwork, and how he will be training with three other members for 10 years to build their team rapport. One of the selection criteria is the ability of the candidate to absorb large amounts of information in a short period of time. In the 10 years, candidates will have to master theory and practical application in many fi elds, including engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and more, as they will be unsupported and remote on Mars. He explained how the reduced gravity on Mars will have a weakening eff ect on human bone and muscle, which means astronauts will have to exercise minimum two hours a day for maintenance. Higher radiation and the lack of a magnetic force on Mars will mean humans will only be able to venture outside for up to three hours maximum.

“As a Mars One candidate,” relates Mikolaj, “I have an interesting story to tell that children apparently like very much. Therefore, I take every opportunity to meet them and share my fascination for space. I want to develop their interest in science and inspire them to consider the future of humanity as multi-planetary civilisation.”

Thus far, Mikolaj has delivered nearly 30 public presentations on his mission to Mars. PSI School’s Key Stage 1 students were one of the youngest audiences he has engaged with yet, he admits, but was impressed how well-informed they were and the calibre of their questions they asked when the fl oor was opened to them.

ISL-Qatar teams prepare for Scholar’s Cup in HanoiAn International School of London (ISL-Qatar) team of 24 secondary students took part in the Doha Round of the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) and 21 qualified to proceed to the Global Round in Hanoi in June and over half will attend. From its very title, the WSC aims to produce “world scholars” through a series of intense, friendly and ultimately rewarding competitions. This experience is precious because it aff ords the opportunities to cross-cultural boundaries, test academic limits, and mix intellectual categories in new and clever ways. Throughout the two-day event, students ask world-changing questions and

challenge paradigms; they look at values and ideas that will aff ect the fate of our world. These students are raising the standard of how to prepare for higher education, and what it means to be a global citizen engaged in civilised discourse. Students of all backgrounds are motivated to discover new strengths, practice new skills and to inspire a global community of future scholars and leaders. These ambitious aims match the philosophy of the International School of London Qatar and its International Baccalaureate programmes, as well as the pillars of the ISL group – passion, understanding, diversity and identity.

Mars Habitat Interior – Courtesy of Mars One

Head Teacher Thompson handing a Token of Appreciation. Zielinski demonstrating rotation movements to students.


COMMUNITYMOTORING

Lincoln Continental epitomises elegance

The 2017 Lincoln Continental.

The Lincoln Continental with Approach Detection technology.

The Lincoln Continental is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something diff erent in the luxury market; those that understand that luxury whispers its

understated elegance rather than roar or garish opulence.

With Continental, the subtle details and welcoming warmth stand it apart from the crowd. And it all begins with the approach. A warm, inviting welcome sets the tone for Lincoln Continental ownership. The vehicle comes to life as the driver, carrying the key fob, comes within a range of up to eight feet, and receives a warm embrace through Approach Detection technology.

Illuminated welcome mats project onto the ground beneath both front doors where the driver and front passenger will step as they approach so they can avoid stepping into a puddle or debris. The door handles also glow in a hue that complements the exterior colour of the vehicle, highlighting their location, while signature LED accent lights on the headlamps and tail-maps add a sense of warmth.

The exclusive to Lincoln E-Latch door handles tuck discreetly in the clean beltline. By way of the simple pressing of a button on the handle that activates a next-world microprocessor-controlled opening of the door, Continental’s clever technology provides for an elegant entry. Available auto-folding pedestal side-view mirrors move into driving position after the driver enters the vehicle and closes the door.

Subtle welcoming cues continue inside, where ambient interior lights on the door panels, instrument panel, and cupholders liven up the cabin without glare. A light pulses softly on the push-to-start button, signalling that Continental is ready to go. The interior also boasts the brand’s most sensual materials ever, including Bridge of weir leather seat and door panels, a satin headliner, and shearling wool carpeting.

Available patented Lincoln-designed Perfect Position front seats are inspired by those used in private aircraft; a patented comfort carrier system conforms to and supports the body, enhancing comfort. The

seats have available heating, cooling and massaging functionality, along with up to 30-way adjustability that conforms to passengers’ shapes and sizes.

In addition to greater adjustability than previously off ered to better tailor and personalise their experience, improved comfort comes from a patented fl exible comfort carrier. This suspension system of plastic and a thin layer of foam fl exes around the body, helping take stress off the shoulders and neck.

Support for the lower body and legs is provided by two extending thigh cushions, each independently adjustable. The cushions can be extended or moved up or down, allowing the driver to further personalise the adjustments and give support as needed to each leg independently, recognising the diff erent needs for each leg – one is at rest while the other engages the pedals.

Additional comfort is provided by massage functions in the back and cushion. The rolling-pattern massage is designed to help reduce muscle fatigue, aches and pains by keeping muscles and blood vessels stimulated in the legs and lower back.

The intuitive technology screams class and luxury, but not as loud and clear as the Revel sound system which off ers a mobile concert quality listening experience comparable to what’s off ered only through very high-

end home audio systems. Point Source Architecture, Field Balancing Shorting Rings, auto-adjusting “Clarif-Fi” that matches source quality with the precise level of audio reconstruction, the beautifully-built and designed 13-speaker Revel audio system and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima system turns the new Continental into a concert hall.

One of the fi rst things a driver does in a car is turn on the audio system, which is why a premium audio experience is more important than ever. Revel audio systems are designed and tested through computer-aided design, three-dimensional models, in presentation rooms and most importantly, in vehicles. Each system is designed specifi cally for that vehicle, with the placement, tuning, calibration and number of speakers customised to ensure superior sound quality and audio accuracy.

Moreover, every Revel audio system is tuned to the trim of the vehicle, because when interior materials are changed, sound changes as well. The passenger-side rear seat, too, can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button. From a panel mounted on the through-centre console, rear passengers also can control the Revel audio system, choosing from one of the three optional surround-sound modes – Stereo, Audience, and On-Stage – as well as regulate climate settings.

Further highlighting rear-seat comfort is

an SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof, which allows passengers to control heat from direct sunlight. With the simple touch of a button, the glass can cool Continental’s interior by as much as around eight degrees Celsius, while also blocking 99 per cent of UV rays.

Lincoln’s fl agship full-size sedan is all-new for 2017, but it’s simultaneously become a rebirth; a reincarnation of an icon. Luxury customers look for three main attributes in their full-sized sedan; technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive. The 2017 Lincoln Continental has all that in spades, emphasised by an understated, quiet luxury.

The interior of Lincoln Continental. Revel Premium audio speaker.


COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC


COMMUNITYLIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

A relaxing evening at home may be just what you need, Aries, but

a colleague might ask you to attend a business-related event. You

may have had a stressful few days. Such a party may be the last

thing you want to do. Don’t be afraid to say no. There will be plenty

of colleagues there. At the most, put in a quick appearance and then

leave. Right now you need rest more than contacts.

A friend may be throwing a party and you might be expected to

attend. You’ve probably had a stressful day and really don’t feel up

to it. Your friend may try to induce you to come by making you feel

guilty. Don’t fall into that trap. Go only if you feel that the value of the

occasion overrides your need to rest. Your friend will forgive you if

you say no.

Today you may be anxious to spend time with your family, Libra,

but there could be some chores you need to do first. This could

stress you out quite a bit if you let it. Roll up your sleeves and handle

whatever needs to be done and then hightail it back to your Earth.

Relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones!

Today you may see that nearly every couple you know is quarrelling,

Capricorn. You may have a few diff erences with a current or

potential partner, but this is nothing to worry about. You’re tense

and edgy because of outside pressure, so your fuse might be a bit

shorter than usual. Try to stretch your patience a little further, just

for today. All should be well by tomorrow.

Today you may try to contact several people, Taurus, none of whom

may be available. You might particularly want to reach a friend or

relative who lives far away. This could prove frustrating, as you have

some interesting news for them. Keep trying. You will eventually

manage to connect, and they will be glad to hear from you. they

might even invite you to visit!

Today you might receive some uncomfortable intuitive signals from

one or more of your friends, Leo. Perhaps someone doesn’t feel well

but came out to play anyway. Sensing the tension in others could

save you some grief, as people may be stressed and likely to lash out

over nothing. It’s best to focus on solitary pursuits if you can.

Today it might be more diff icult than usual for you to deal with

words, Scorpio. Someone might lend you a book on a rather obscure

subject that you can’t understand. In fact, you might find the book –

or anything else you try to read – boring! You don’t want to hurt your

friend’s feelings. Put the book aside and try again later. The words

should be clearer to you then.

Today you may be in a very stressful atmosphere. Your entourage

is likely to be tense and anxious, and you’re no exception. You may

need to stay in the environment until you’ve accomplished your

objectives. You will probably want to spend your evening at home in

front of the TV, doing and thinking absolutely nothing. Relax!

Whether or not you should make a specific expenditure could cause

some tension between you and a partner, Gemini. You may think

that it isn’t feasible now, while your friend is determined to go for it.

This isn’t the day to try to reach an agreement in this matter. Neither

of you is likely to give in. Wait a couple days until you’re both a bit

less tense.

Today you may attain a goal you’ve been hoping to reach for a long

time, Virgo. Oddly enough, friends, family, and even your significant

other may not seem as happy as you expected. They’ve probably

suff ered too many frustrations recently, and your success only

reminds them of this. Give them some time to settle their own aff airs

and they will congratulate you. They’re only human.

Some news that comes to you from a friend or colleague could

shake you up today, Sagittarius. You might find that what you learn

casts doubts on concepts you’ve embraced for most of your life. This

could confuse you. Don’t feel threatened. Everyone has to recreate

some values from time to time. Think about it when you’re more

relaxed and you might find it isn’t so radical after all.

You and a current or potential partner may disagree on whether to

spend some time together alone or go out with friends, Pisces. If

you’ve both had a rough day, you’re likely to be rather tense and apt

to snap at each other. A compromise may be the best answer. Spend

an hour or two with your friends and then come home and relax.

That way, everyone’s happy.

Summer is here and your lawn is a source of pride. However, it can also be a source of hard work, sweat and even frustration. So ask yourself this question: Would

you be interested in maintaining your yard’s beauty with fewer headaches?

If the answer is yes, then you’re in luck, because this article is all about helping you fi nd ways to maintain a beautiful lawn without all the unnecessary eff ort. Apply these fi ve tips today and you’ll have more time to enjoy your well-cared-for yard.

Be smart about seedingThe dog days of summer are not the ideal

time to reseed your lawn, so don’t waste the eff ort. Seed growth is more successful during cooler months, so if you didn’t seed in the early spring, wait until later in the season before doing so. You’ll get the same results without wasting the eff ort on an ineffi cient seeding.

The perfect cutYour lawn is the centrepiece of your yard,

and nothing improves its overall appearance

like the perfect cut, especially when that cut comes easy. Greenworks 60-Volt Mower is a lithium-ion battery-powered mower that eliminates the need to mix and pour gas, letting you put that time back into making your lawn look great. Finding the perfect cutting height is easy with its seven diff erent blade positions, while Patented Smart Cut Technology maximises run-time by keeping the blade speed at an optimal level based on the thickness of the turf.

Water smartJust as with seeding, successfully watering

your lawn is all about timing. And, like seeding, dragging a sprinkler around your yard during the peak hours of the day will result in the water you expend being burned off before it does any good. To make the most of your watering sessions, water your lawn at dawn or dusk when temperatures are cooler. This increases the possibility that the water will stick around long enough for the grass to absorb it.

Trimming made easyA well-cut lawn is perfectly

complemented by manicured bushes and shrubs, and tackling these tasks with the Greenworks 60-Volt Cordless String Trimmer and Hedge Trimmer is easy. Each tool utilises push button start technology, eliminating the need for pull cords, while the battery-powered brushless motor off ers an environmentally friendly, gas-alternative, and neither lacks for power or options. Tackle large projects with the string trimmer’s 16-inch cut path or use the hedge trimmer’s lightweight, rotating handle to reach every angle and you’ll get the perfect trim in no time.

Add mulch to control weedsThe most beautiful planting beds lose

their lustre if their base is crowded with weeds. To eliminate this problem – and to save on the wear and tear of pulling the weeds yourself – add a 4-inch layer of mulch to the top of your beds. This mulch blocks out the sun, making it hard for weeds to grow. It also reduces your need to water these beds by slowing water’s evaporation rate.

©Brandpoint

Easy breezy: Five ways to make summer lawn care projects easier


COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Adam

Pooch Cafe

Garfield

Bound And Gagged

Codeword

Wordsearch

Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Puzz

les

cour

tesy

: Puz

zlec

hoic

e.co

m

BISONCRIMSONDAMSONEDISONFRISSONGARRISONHUDSON

LESSONLIAISONMASONNELSONPARSONPERSONPOISON

PRISONREASONSEASONSTETSONTUCSONVENISON

Sons

Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle based

on a 9x9 grid. The grid is

also divided into nine (3x3)

boxes. You are given a

selection of values and to

complete the puzzle, you

must fill the grid so that

every column, every anone

is repeated.


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

Across 1. Forget where you’d got to in

the telling? (4,5) 6. A very little box (5) 9. It would be madness for the

fellow to take a first-class return (5)

10. Native of a country with a lot of racing circuits? (9)

11. They get set to have drinks (10)

12. Maintained it was a successful catch (4)

14. Started fearfully (7) 15. Makes twice as many runs (7) 17. Crush and, after work, iron

(7) 19. Calls again (7) 20. Love, but try to avoid (4) 22. The pipe music in it is

subdued (10) 25. Stares oddly at one on

making the statement (9) 26. Is right on the inside in the

golf bag (5) 27. What the flowing garments

are made of? (5) 28. They may be round a radio

set, perhaps, in ships (9)

Super Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Stills; 4 Staggers; 10 Ancient; 11 Opaline; 12 Road; 13 The best bit; 16 Crayon; 17 Unhitch; 20 Stopper; 21 Bother; 24 Threadbear; 25 Saga; 27 Antonia; 29 Caution; 30 Steadied; 31 Stayed.

Down: 1 Shamrock; 2 In character; 3 Lied; 5 Trombone; 6 Grass-widow; 7 Eli; 8 Sheets; 9 Itchy; 14 Back heavily; 15 Complained; 18 Membrane; 19 Ordained; 22 Steals; 23 Track; 26 Bust; 28 Toe.

Down 1. Left out the maps and the

lights (5) 2. Putting inside and laughing

at (7,2) 3. The fellow, having taken a

toss, is dejected (10) 4. Lacking any material backing

(7) 5. Measure the shade that had

the wide top and narrow base (7)

6. Residence you can’t stand to occupy (4)

7. From the crest see clear to the bottom of the gorge (5)

8. Having taken a drop, sits drunkenly with the writers (9)

13. Looks away while one produces ideas, anagrammatically (5,5)

14. Does such a play require a wide selection of actors? (9)

16. Result of crossing a fruit with a fish? (5-4)

18. Unique drinks containing ice coming up (7)

19. The sailors one teases about money (7)

21. Drop off before English class (5)

23. Records the number in Norfolk (5)

24. Put one’s foot on the time-switch (4)


COMMUNITY REVIEWS

By Katie Walsh

With Live By Night there’s the sinking feeling that Ben Affleck should perhaps

reconsider his tendency to star in the films he directs. He’s proven to be a gifted filmmaker, but the weaknesses in his oeuvre are more often than not his leading performances, which are usually the least interesting parts of his films. He seems to excel when working with a talented lead actor (his brother Casey, in Gone Baby Gone, for example) or when a director pushes him to give a complex performance (David Fincher in Gone Girl).

In Live By Night, writer, director and star Affleck is wearing too many hats — he literally wears a lot of hats in this Prohibition-era gangster flick — and there’s the sense that maybe he was spread too thin, and therefore the story is spread too thin. As a director, he’s too enamoured of his star to push the character of Joseph Coughlin,

the gangster son of a Boston police captain (Brendan Gleeson), to the uncomfortable places that are demanded by this tale steeped in contradictory moral and ethical extremes.

Young bank robber Joe finds himself mixed up with the Irish and Italian mobs of Boston before he ultimately takes over the rum-running trade in Tampa on behalf of the Italian mob boss. Joe’s hell-bent on enacting revenge on Irish boss Albert White (Robert Glenister), a former romantic rival, whom he blames for the death of their shared lady love, Irish immigrant flapper Emma (Sienna Miller).

That vengeful fi re is what drives him to seek more and more power in Tampa, partnering with a pair of Cuban siblings, one of whom he falls in love with (Zoe Saldana), driving out the Klan, and attempting to secure a hold on the gambling industry while wrestling with a cultural tide of religious conservatism. As a screenwriter, Affl eck takes his source material from Dennis Lehane’s 2012 crime novel, and in the adaptation, it seems he’s bitten off more than he

can chew. Instead of narrowing the focus, Affl eck’s tries to stuff more and more in — more plot twists, more characters, more shootouts.

There are fascinating elements of the story, including the racial tension and a tangle with a hypocritical KKK, but the film doesn’t sink deeply into one issue, merely skipping along the surface. And what a surface — the production and costume design and cinematography by Robert Richardson are impeccable; sumptuous and simply gorgeous to look at. But the hurried pace, multitude of characters and muddled plot developments makes sure that the film is all surface, nothing else.

One of the more compelling characters is Tampa police chief Irving Figgis (Chris Cooper), a straight-arrow sheriff who looks the other way at bootlegging if the crooks follow his rules. His life intertwines tragically with Joe’s, the choices each man makes determining the other’s fate. Cooper is heart-wrenching in his performance, one of the only affecting aspects of Live By Night. One wishes that their intimate

dilemmas had been the real meat of the story, and not a tangential afterthought.

The filmmaking craft on display is laudable, but the story is rote and unfocused. The material would have been better served if expanded for more detail, or

contracted to a smaller scale. The puzzle pieces are there, but without a strong leading performance or cohesive script, it just doesn’t hold together. — TNS

DVDs courtesy: Saqr Entertainment Stores, Doha

By Katie Walsh

From 2010 to 2012, a trilogy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid fi lms were released in rapid succession, starring

Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris and Steve Zahn. Adapted from the web comic turned kids novels by Jeff Kinney, the fi lms featured the kinds of embarrassments and toilet humour that tend to make up most middle school lore. Five years later, a fourth fi lm, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, is hitting theatres, with a completely new cast making up the Heffl ey family. Director David Bowers, who helmed the Rodrick Rules and Dog Days instalments of the franchise, returns to wrangle this particular out-of-control-minivan down the freeway.

This story of a family vacation gone wrong could have just been subtitled Road Trip, but it turns out The Long Haul is an ironically apt descriptor for this fi lm. One hesitates to refer to it as a “comedy,” as the jokes are few and far between. No, “horror” was the word that

popped into mind frequently during these grim ninety minutes.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a deft exploration of the horrors of modern life in the tech-obsessed, neoliberal, advanced capitalist 21st century America; a world where social media rules our brains and behaviour, and constant connectedness means constant work. This family’s road trip illustrates how America has become a polarised nation obsessed

with nostalgia, gripping tight to the construct of a “real” America in light of rapid cultural change. Some fun.

It’s also a terrifying cautionary tale about distracted driving — adults in the audience may cower every time one of the Heffl ey parents behind the wheel takes their eyes off the road or uses their phone while shepherding a teen, tween, toddler, spouse and boat trailer behind the cursed minivan.

Belly laughs? More like stomach lurches. It’s truly more harrowing than Fate of the Furious at times, and more frustrating, since Vin Diesel never texts while driving, and doesn’t bring a brood in the backseat.

Fittingly, the central conflict of the film is about technology and screen time. Mom Susan (Alicia Silverstone) confiscates all electronic devices so the family can enjoy real face time

on their road trip — but dad Frank (Tom Everett Scott) hasn’t taken the days off work, while titular wimpy kid Greg (Jason Drucker) and metalhead brother Rodrick (Charlie Wright) are scheming to get to a video game convention. Greg’s determined to clean up his online reputation after he becomes the star of an embarrassing meme, and thinks a video with his hero, star gamer Mac Digby (Joshua Hoover) will do the trick. Their juvenile and selfish meddling takes the family trip from bad to apocalyptic.

The fi lm seems to be aware of the terrors it infl icts on its audience in the name of a good time (or some kind of time… the intended eff ect is not clear). There are several direct references to Hitchcock’s most iconic horror fi lms, Pyscho and The Birds, for some inexplicable reason. Though ostensibly presented as an hour and a half of raucous family adventure — a Vacation for the PG crowd — Wimpy Kid is instead a dirge of unfunny scatological material, techno-anxiety and child endangerment masquerading as familial bonding. Settle in for the Long Haul, because this is one bumpy, miserable ride. — TNS

Aff leck wears too many hats

Latest film definitely a long haul

ACTION: Charlie Wright in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.

Thursday, May 18, 2017 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

BIG TICKET: All eyes will be on Saba Qamar, Pakistan’s next export to Bollywood, in Hindi Medium.

EXPECTATIONS: Huma Qureshi.

By Greg Kot

Harry Styles is one of the anointed ones from all those sold-out One Direction shows, another air-brushed boy band marketed with perfect hair and hit-factory

choruses outlined in bubblegum pink. Like N’ Sync’s Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber before him, Styles now begins the transition to adult pop star with a concise, 40-minute self-titled solo debut that practically screams Take me seriously!

So is there really something about Harry? The 10 songs edge toward ‘70s revivalism rather than 2017 hip-hop-EDM-urban-contemporary stylishness, a move presaged by One Direction tracks such as Four and Fireproof. Producer Jeff Bhasker specialises in

freshening up retro-leaning sounds with artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Mark Ronson-Bruno Mars (Uptown Funk). In addition, Bhasker co-wrote nine of the 10 songs with Styles, along with a small team of hired guns.

Meet Me in the Hallway provides a low-key opening, with acoustic guitar and reverb-drenched vocals lending a dreaminess designed to make Styles’ fans swoon. Sign of the Times follows, and the single encapsulates Styles’ aspirations and his promise (the song title bows to Prince, the melodrama to Queen). Piano and falsetto contemplation bloom into full-on orchestral bombast. The slow-burn ballad works in large part because Styles keeps his voice intimate, almost conversational, in spite of the strings and voices rising against his back. The lyrics, ostensibly about a woman dying in childbirth, at times verge on nonsensical: what’s all this business about being stuck and running from the bullets?

A few brisker tracks surface — the vaguely Caribbean groover Carolina, the rock fl irtations of Only Angel and Kiwi, the Benny and the Jets neo-glam of Woman, in which Styles compares his jealousy to a howling beast. But the emphasis is on intimacy. Bhasker frames the singer as a 23-year-old child of the playlist era with a soul folkie’s heart.

Forlorn references drop to the Allman Brothers’ Melissa on Two Ghosts and Badfi nger’s Baby Blue on Ever Since New York. Sweet Creature pulls everything back but voice and guitar to make Styles appear older than his years, but that seems to be the entire point: the song itself is a trifl e. A similar approach prevails on From the Dining Table, but at least Styles wrestles with some uncomfortable truths amid cringeworthy lines such as “even my phone misses your call.”

As debuts by boy-group alums go, Harry Styles goes bolder than expected. It establishes that Styles can pull off a more mature sound and style, but it lacks the hooks and pop appeal of One Direction’s big hits. Do fans really want to get to know his deepest thoughts or do they want music that provides escapist stadium-pop pleasure? Styles sounds unsure of the answer. —Chicago Tribune/TNS

Pakistani star Saba amazing in Hindi Medium, says Swati

Actress Swati Das says Pakistani star Saba Qamar did an amazing job playing a Punjabi wife in the forthcoming release Hindi Medium.

Das is herself a part of the film.Talking about the controversies surrounding

Pakistani artistes in India, she said: “Saba Qamar is playing a Punjabi wife from Delhi but if you see her acting, you can’t differentiate that she is a Pakistani.

“She has done an amazing job in the film. I feel artistes do not have any connection with political issues. An actor doesn’t have any religion and their only job is to play characters in their films. Actors coming from Pakistan to act in Indian movies and vice versa is very good gesture of friendship and we should always look at them beyond these controversial political issues.”

Das, who will be seen portraying an important role in Irrfan Khan starrer Hindi Medium, says that working with the actor was a dream come true.

“I had really great time working with Irrfan Khan and Deepak Dobriyal. Deepak was very supportive

throughout the shooting of the film and working with Irrfan Khan was dream come true,” Swati observed.

“The moment, when I was informed about sharing screen space with Irrfan Khan, it was the most thrilling moment for me,” she added.

Swati is playing the wife of actor Deepak Dobriyal in Hindi Medium.

Talking about her character in the film, she said: “Irrfan and Saba’s character in the film try to get admission for their daughter in a reputed English school but they are not able to get it and that’s when they decide to take admission in below poverty line quota for their daughter and for that they end up staying in a slum with another couple which is played by me and Deepak Dobriyal.

“My character’s name in the film is Tulsi. She is a simple housewife but if needed, she can fight for her and her family’s rights.”

Hindi Medium is produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Saket Chaudhary and is releasing on May 19. — IANS

Dobaara... a high concept, low budget horror fi lm, says Huma

Actress Huma Qureshi, who will be seen in upcoming horror fi lm Dobaara: See Your Evil along with her brother Saqib Saleem, says that the horror genre has not been explored properly and hopes this “high-concept, low-budget” fi lm will be an exciting watch.

“I think this is the high time in Indian cinema where collaboration with international market is important as we have audience across the globe. Our fi lm Dobara is a high-concept, low-budget horror fi lm where we attempted to

make a good family entertainer fi lm,” she told the media at the launch of a song from it.

Saqib and Rhea Chakraborty who are playing crucial parts in the story were also present.

Huma said that the fi lm is an offi cial adaption of American Oculus, but they had “changed main characters of the story a little, to Indianise the story for a better audience connect”.

Asked about among two siblings, if anyone of them was scared of watching horror fi lms in childhood, Huma said: “Well my grandfather used to tell us a lot of horror stories so I have a fond memory of that, when it comes to

watching horror fi lms on TV, oh yes, someone used to get scared a lot (indicating her brother).”

Saqib said: “Nobody is born a Baahubali so yes, I was scared and its ok”.

Sharing a childhood memory, he added: “I remember how I used to watch a horror television show wrapping myself in a blanket that had a hole, and I used to watch the show through that hole. But now I am so brave that I am a part of a horror fi lm.”

Directed by Prawaal Raman, the fi lm also features Lisa Ray, Adil Hussain among others and is slated to release on June 2. — IANS

Harry’s solo style derivative, lacks One Direction hook power


COMMUNITY

The evening, hosted by Kamahl Santamaria, was the culmination of two years’ work by the QPSCoY Committee, and was the vision of Alison Keane, Head of Primary Music at Doha College and supported by Doha College and sponsored by Shangri-La, Doha and DNA records.

The Grand Finale of Qatar Primary School Choir of the Year competition (QPSCOY) was held earlier this week at the

Ballroom of the Shangri-La, Doha.Primary choirs from the

International School of London, Doha College ‘Prestos’, Newton British School, Doha English Speaking School, Park House English School and Doha College ‘Fortes’ wowed the audience and the judges with their performances.

The evening, hosted by Kamahl Santamaria, was the culmination of two years’ work by the QPSCoY Committee, and was the vision of Alison Keane, Head of Primary Music at Doha College and supported by Doha College and sponsored by Shangri-La, Doha and DNA records.

The choirs were judged by four independent adjudicators, Greg Beardsell, Alena Pyne, Kees Wieringa and Sonja Park, experts in the musical and choral field.

As well as singing their own pieces, each choir also performed their unique interpretation of a song called Wings of the Falcon which was composed specifically for the final by Dana Alfardan, QPSCOY’s ambassador.

The adjudicators had a very difficult task with all choirs performing to an amazing standard. Eventually, Doha College ‘Fortes’ was declared the Qatar Primary School Choir of The Year 2017 winners. Conducted by Laura Wells and accompanied by Alison Keane, ‘Fortes’ performed I Wish I Knew by Billy Taylor.

‘Fortes’ choir is made up of students from Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 and even some younger Year 3 children who practice weekly.

Second place was awarded by the judges to the ‘Presto’ choir’, also from Doha College, with their performance of Toy Story’s You’ve got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman.

In third place singing Diamonds by Rihanna were the choir from Newton British School, who refer to themselves as a “small school with a big voice.”

As well as trophies and medals, all schools competing in the final won a workshop to hone their skills with choral music specialist Greg Beardsell who is Musical Director and Conductor of the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir and Musical Director of the Cross-Border Orchestra of Ireland.

“I was delighted to be approached by the QPSCOY team,” explained Greg, “in my experience dealing with children of a primary age, you see so much of their imagination coming through in the music and the performances. I was surprised to see how much high-quality choral music was being achieved in Qatar. This competition is a great way of allowing school choirs to see each other perform and to learn how to make their standards of singing even higher. This competition was an incredible shared experience and a celebration of music, and I have been delighted to be a part of it.”

Attending the Grand Finale,

Dana Alfardan, QPSCOY’s Ambassador and composer of the set piece Wings of The Falcon commented, “It has been wonderful to work with the teachers and students throughout this competition; what an incredible inaugural festival. It takes tremendous courage to stand on stage and perform. I have a dream to make Qatar a hub for music and musical talent, this competition certainly encapsulates this for me.”

While the judges deliberated, the audience at the Finale were treated to two incredible performances by the Doha Youth Choir who performed Star by E Esenvalds and Alice by S Quartel conducted by Alena Pyne and accompanied by Sonja Park.

Head of Primary Music at Doha College, Alison Keane who initiated the competition summarised the event, “Shortly after arriving in Doha almost seven years ago; a vision began to evolve. That vision has, today, come to fruition. Music and singing feed my soul, and my passion is to enable children to experience the same deep reassuring warmth of how that manifests itself.

“I would like to thank all the schools for participating with such enthusiasm, the team who helped to organise the event, the independent adjudicators for their expertise, our sponsors for their support, and of course the children. I look forward to the QPSCoY Competition growing year on year and bringing singing to the lives of future generations.”

Second Place Doha College 'Prestos'.

Third Place Newton British School.

Dana Alfardan, right, applauds the winners Doha College 'Fortes'.

Doha College groups sweep choir contest

P6 P16 - img.gulf-times.com

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