DOHA 23°C—30°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11L P

Tuesday, November 21, 2017Rabia I 3, 1439 AH

CommunityASD High School Fine Arts give

it their all bringing Yoor’in Toun: The Musical to the school community.

P8 P16 CommunityItalian celebrity chef Massimo Malantrucco

delivers a two-hour-long masterclass to members of the Qatari Businesswomen Association.

The high roadCOVERSTORY

The story of one socialite finding her Haitian

roots and dedicating life to an orphanage. P4-5

HAITI HOPE: A child at New Hope 4 Haiti, a Les Cayes-based orphanage in Haiti supported by Michelle King Soff er, a South Florida philanthropist whose father was born and raised in Haiti.

Tuesday, November 21, 20172 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: community@gulf-times.comTelephone: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

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

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

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.35amShorooq (sunrise) 5.55amZuhr (noon) 11.20amAsr (afternoon) 2.23pmMaghreb (sunset) 4.46pmIsha (night) 6.16pm

We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

— Khalil Gibran

Monster Island DIRECTION: Leopoldo AguilarCAST: Billy Frolick, Alicia Nunez

Puerto SYNOPSIS: When not-so-popular

Lucas fi nds out he is not really a human, but actually a monster, the news

changes his whole world! Embarking on a quest to Monster Island to discover his real roots, Lucas undergoes a journey he will never forget. He fi nds himself face to face with more tentacles, fangs and far-out situations than he can shake one of his new wings at. Ultimately Lucas

learns that being a freak, isn’t freaky – it means you’re a member of a brand new type of family that you can proudly call your own.

THEATRES: Royal Plaza, The Mall, Landmark

TharangamDIRECTION: Dominic ArunCAST: Tovino Thomas, Balu Varghese, Santhy

Balachandran SYNOPSIS: Tovino Thomas plays the role of Padmanathan

Pillai, a sub-inspector. But, he is under suspension along with

his subordinate for being a part of an unauthorised mission leading to the death of a police offi cer. The story revolves around the two suspended cops, who get involved in a number of misadventures to make some easy money.

THEATRES: Landmark, Royal Plaza, The Mall

The Mall Cinema (1): Tharangam (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 5:30pm; Seven Sundays (Tagalog) 8:30pm; Tharangam (Malayalam) 11pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Monster Island (2D) 2:30pm; Monster Island (2D) 4pm; Justice League (2D) 5:30pm; Justice League (2D) 7:30pm; Justice League (2D) 9:30pm; Justice League (2D) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 2:15pm; Ghost Bride (Tagalog) 5pm; Wonder (2D) 7pm; Tumhari Sulu (Hindi) 9pm; Khair Wa Baraka (Arabic) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Tharangam (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 5:15pm; Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 8pm; Tharangam (Malayalam) 11pm.

Landmark Cinema (2): The Giant King (2D) 3pm; Justice League (2D) 5pm; Justice League (2D) 7pm; Justice League (2D) 9pm; Female Fight Squad (2D) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Monster Island (2D) 3:30pm; Monster Island (2D) 5:30pm; Ghost Bride (Tagalog) 7pm; Khair Wa Baraka (Arabic) 9pm; Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Thor: Ragnarok (2D) 2:30pm; Monster Island (2D) 5pm; Justice League (2D) 7pm; Justice League (2D) 9:15pm; Justice League (2D)

11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Tumhari Sulu (Hindi) 2:30pm;Tharangam (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Tumhari Sulu (Hindi) 8pm; Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Tharangam (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Ghost Bride (Tagalog) 5:15pm; Ghost Bride (Tagalog) 7:30pm; Wonder (2D) 9:30pm; Female Fight Squad (2D) 11:30pm.Asian Town Cinema: Tharangam (Malayalam) 6:30pm; Tharangam (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Tharangam (Malayalam) 9:30pm; Tumhari Sulu (Hindi) 6:45pm; Theeran (Tamil) 6:30pm; Theeran (Tamil) 7:30pm; Theeran (Tamil) 9:30pm; Theeran (Tamil) 10:30pm.

3Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: gtlisting@gmail.com, Events and timings subject to change

EVENTS

Child and Adolescent Anxiety Workshop

WHERE: Qatar National Library auditorium

WHEN: TomorrowTIME: 5pmCommunity Connect Doha is a forum to

help offer support to parents. Whether your child has a learning challenge (academic or social) or you would like to connect with other expat parents embarking on a new adventure in Doha, this group is for you. A family membership of QR50 annually allows you access to their page, where members can respectfully and productively discuss and share ideas that have worked for their kids, as well as free access to their monthly panel workshops on various topics.

Inter Community Table Tennis Tournament

WHEN: Nov 23 and 24WHERE: QTTA Training Centre, Ras bu

AboudQatar Table Tennis Association

(QTTA) and Indian Sports Centre are jointly organising the Inter Community Table Tennis Tournament. More than 20 expatriate communities in Qatar will participate in the tournament. The details of the tournament along with the entry forms can be obtained from 5585-4126, 5580-2490, or 5555-0491.

Nations Football CupWHERE: Qatar FoundationWHEN: Nov 24QSports and Qatar Foundation are

bringing together 16 community football

teams to vie for the Nations Football Cup 2017. The tournament aims to use the power of sport to engage and create positive social change in Qatar. For more information, please call 401706791.

The Ride of ChampionsWHERE: Al Shaqab Arabian horse

breeding areaWHEN: Nov 24TIME: 5amThe Ride of Champions is Qatar’s largest

mass participation event, and the official flagship community event of Qatar Cyclist and Qatar Cycling Federation. The aim is to include the entire cycling community of the country, by offering various route distances for young and old, families as well as novice to experienced cyclists. Riders can complete as much as they would like to until 11am.

Solar Art FestivalWHERE: Fire Station DohaWHEN: Until Nov 25TIME: 9amThe Solar Art Festival offers guided

tours every day at Fire Station-Artist in Residence, where organisers have brought together a collection of exceptional solar art commissions, created by globally-renowned solar artists and Qatar-based students alike. This year, the art exhibits in the public gallery include the works of a wide range of international artisans who have dedicated themselves to recreational uses of solar energy.

Jingle all the Way WHEN: Nov 30WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel Ballroom,

West Bay DohaTIME: 7pmThe Doha Singers will be presenting its

Annual Festive Concert at the Shangri-La Hotel Ballroom. This concert, titled “Jingle all the Way,” will see the Doha Singers showcasing some of the festival’s most favourite songs, featuring also the choral suite from the animated movie Frozen and a wide selection of traditional songs and carols.

The concert features the chorus of more than 120 singers, a violinist and a pianist. Musical Director Claire Daniels conducts the concert. In addition to the pieces performed by the full chorus, the programme includes special performance by the Acapella Group, solo and duet singers. Joining the Doha Singers will be the young and talented group of choir singers from International school of London, Qatar.

The audience can expect well-loved festive music. Tickets are priced at QR120 for adults and QR80 for children aged 11 and under.

Kids Dance Classes for NovemberWHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Bin

Omran near Ahli HospitalWHEN: Until end of NovemberTIME: 5pm-6pmKids dance classes this November at

Music and Arts Atelier promise to teach them Latin, Ballet, Hip Hop and even Tae Kwon Do this November. Call 3300 3839 for more details.

Aspire Park Run ChallengeWHERE: Aspire ParkWHEN: Dec 2TIME: 7:30amAspire Zone Foundation is organising

its first ‘Aspire Park Run Challenge’ to give recreational runners over the age of 12 years a chance to test their speed and stamina in 3-6K races against Aspire Academy’s world-class athletes. The first race has already been held, while the second race will be held on December 2. This event builds on the success of previous professional tournaments in Aspire Zone, such as the IAU 50 KM World Championship and the Aspire International 6:50 Race, which reflects the growing interests in running within the community in Qatar. The races are open for anyone above the age of 12, so friends and family members can make a fun family day out of it.

Torba Farmers MarketWHERE: Education CityWHEN: OngoingTIME: 9amQatar Foundation (QF) has partnered

with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based initiative that aims to deliver organic and locally-grown food and homemade products, to host a weekly market in Education City. Open to the public, the market will be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide range of fresh, locally-grown items will be on offer, including organic fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, and butters, as well as handicrafts and gardening supplies.

Evolution Sports QatarWHERE: Evolution SportsWHEN: OngoingEvolution Sports will mark its

anniversary by hosting a number of exciting events throughout 2017 as well as some amazing promotions, ten years on from when the club was formed on September 1, 2007. The club has been working with a panel of coaches and directors to plan the events which will be announced over the coming months. Members should look forward to a variety of different occasions,

suitable for all ages so the whole family can get involved in the birthday celebrations. To kick-off things off, Evolution Sports recently launched their 10-year anniversary logo. The emblem has been designed by Toyan Greaves, the man behind the original Evolution Sports logo and will be used on all documentation, both online and offline for the next 12 months.

Volunteer for Ajyal Youth Film Festival

WHERE: DFIWHEN: Nov 29-Dec 4Volunteer for the annual Ajyal Youth Film

Festival and gain invaluable experience in the film industry. The festival takes place from November 29 to December 4. It brings audiences of all ages from around the world to discover new stories and hear new voices in a fun and collaborative environment.

Breakdance ClassesWHEN: Sun-WedBreakdancing is part of the Hip Hop

culture that originated in New York and has since spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which can often appear to defy the laws of physics. This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous upper-body strength for tricks and poses and a great way to get into shape and have fun. Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail registration@atelierqatar.com

Reggae Beachfest DohaWHEN: Thursdays and FridaysWHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis

HotelTIME: 8pm onwardsIn collaboration with Reggae Beachfest

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

Dance & Fitness Classes WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57,

Bin OmranWHEN: OngoingAtelier is the newest music and arts

school in Doha that offers dance and fitness classes for kids to adults such as ballet, hiphop, salsa, tango, and other Latin dances, Zumba, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, kickboxing.

Contact at registration@atelierqatar.com or 33003839.

Reggae Nights every SundayWHERE: Sheraton Grand DohaWHEN: Every Sunday TIME: 9pmSpend your summer nights with some

good “irie” reggae music every Sunday. Doors open at 9pm at The Irish Harp. Entrance Fees is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For further information, please call 44853000 or e-mail at F&Breservations.doha@sheraton.com

Salsa NightsWHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton

Grand Doha WHEN: Every WedTIME: 9pmGet ready for some Latin beats every

Wednesday night, where all the salseros and salseras in town meet and party all night. Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For details call 4485 3000

Tuesday, November 21, 20174 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY COVER STORY

The Good SamaritanThe 2010 earthquake brought Michele King Soff er on a journey of discovery that

has evolved into a personal mission as the co-founder and executive director of

New Hope 4 Haiti, a Les Cayes-based orphanage, writes Jacqueline Charles

HOLDING FORTH: Michele King Soff er, centre, listens during a workshop at the Little Haiti Cultural Center with members of the Haitian community. Soff er is married to Donald Soff er, the developer of Aventura and the Turnberry Isle brand, and is of Haitian descent. She supports an orphanage in Haiti and is involved in the Ayiti Community Trust, which is seeking to raise $20 million for grassroots organisations in Haiti.

Growing up in South Florida, Michele King Soff er enjoyed the shock factor that came with telling friends that

despite her blond hair and green eyes, she was Haitian.

“I grew up in Pinecrest. I went to Palmetto and most of my friends were

Americans. They were like, ‘What is all of this stuff ?” Soff er said. “We had all of these Haitian paintings at my house and I remember my friends would come over and ask, ‘Where are you guys from?’”

But even as Soff er, 47, proudly

claimed her Haitian roots, the country itself remained distant, known only by the colourful paintings, her grandmother’s fl avourful cooking, and the rich, unfamiliar Creole vocabulary her father and his brothers spoke when recounting tales of their Haiti upbringing.

That all changed, however, after Haiti’s January 2010 earthquake. The devastating disaster brought Soff er on a journey of discovery that has evolved into a personal mission as the co-founder and executive director of New Hope 4 Haiti, a Les Cayes-based orphanage, and vice chair of The Ayiti Community

Trust, a newly created endowment fund in partnership with the Miami Foundation.

“There is a lot of relief work where you come, you drop off and you leave. It doesn’t do the country any good,” Soff er said of Haiti. “There needs to be some relief after a disaster; I understand that. But there also has to be a way to have some kind of sustainability so that the country can start thriving and not depend on everybody else all of the time.”

Soff er’s evolution on giving and Haiti began in 2011 when she, her sister Jeannette Glber and husband Donald Soff er, developer

of Aventura, visited Haiti for the fi rst time.

For years, Soff er had been quietly supporting an orphanage in Les Cayes, a southwestern Haitian city battered last year by Hurricane Matthew. The home was being run by Josette Baker, who was caring for Michele Soff er’s ailing father, Gordon Robert “Bob” King, Jr., in Miami while taking in children from all over Haiti.

It was only supposed to be a quick visit to satisfy her curiosity, said Soff er, a former model, who as a child was told that Haiti was too dangerous to visit.

“My eyes were opened,” she said

as she recalled being taken aback by the country’s beauty and rawness, and the sense of connection and familiarity she felt in Les Cayes. “I was like, ‘I’m all in.’ It was like a sign because this is where my dad was born and raised.”

Still, Soff er, had no idea how to run an orphanage. Then one day, while attending a friend’s funeral, she met a priest who had orphanages in Vietnam. His advice: “Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can do.”

“And that just clicked in me and I said, ‘You know what? I can get them food. I can get them healthcare. I can buy them beds —

5Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

they were sleeping on the fl oor. I can get them toilet paper because they were wiping their butts with leaves,’” Soff er said. “One Christmas when I went down, we sat all of the kids around and I wanted everybody to talk about what they were grateful for. One little boy said, ‘I’m grateful we don’t have to use the banana leaves anymore.’”

But that’s not all the children are grateful for. They are also grateful for Soff er, whom they call Mimi. Her photo graces a wall in the home’s living room next to the children’s handmade decorations. A photo of King, who passed away in 2014, is also nearby.

Soff er’s grandfather was a US Marine deployed to Haiti during the country’s US occupation, 1915-1934. He married a Haitian woman and made Haiti his home. Soff er’s father, was born and raised in Les Cayes. He eventually move to Miami after meeting his future wife, Soff er’s mom, Jeannette while on a Caribbean vacation.

Though Haiti is mostly a black country, some Haitians trace their heritage to Lebanon, Portugal, Germany and the United States.

“I really wanted to own my Haitian heritage because I never got it in a way when I was a kid,” Soff er said about her decision to partner with Baker and form New Hope 4 Haiti.

Last year, the children moved into a new 14-room home that Soff er had built. When the pickup truck died, brother-in-law Patrick Gleber, former owner of the Miami legendary bar, Tobacco Road, ran a half-marathon to raise $25,000 to buy a new van.

“We are so grateful to God for sending Michele to us,” Baker said, during a tour of the Les Cayes orphanage.

In front of the house, freshly planted trees lined the yard.

“They each planted a tree,” Baker said of the 34 kids. “We have more than 30 trees; several varieties of mangoes, Spanish limes, bananas, coconuts.”

Baker and her husband had struggled to operate the home, which she founded 10 years ago.

She worked multiple jobs as a caretaker in Miami to feed and clothe the children, and pay off menacing gangs. It was Jeannette King, who learned about Baker’s orphanage after asking her why she was working so hard.

After Baker told her, King suggested she tell Michele about her home.

“Writing a check is the easy way out,” Soff er said, explaining her hands-on involvement. “If I am going to invest my time and energy, I want to know what’s going on and I want to be in it.”

Soff er, who is also involved in Donald Soff er’s biomedical stem cell company, Longeveron, visits Les Cayes about four times a year.

“Whenever I come back from Haiti I go on a shopping diet,” she said. “I see something for $250 and I say, ‘I can pay somebody’s salary with that, feed the kids for a few weeks.’”

Baker, meanwhile, sets a tight schedule at the home. The children must be in their beds by 8pm and sleep under adult supervision in their rooms. On the Sundays that they don’t go to church, the children lead each other in Bible study.

“If you are preparing children to live in a society, there are a lot of principles you have to instil in them,” Baker said. “They need to be trained.”

Both women are mindful of the negative reputation of orphanages in Haiti, which lack government supervision and often fi lled with underprivileged kids whose parents can’t aff ord to school and feed them.

Soff er said she would eventually like to replace the model with something similar to a boarding school.

For now, her more immediate goal is to change the view of philanthropy involving Haiti by through The Ayiti Community Trust, which is seeking to raise $20 million to provide grants to Haiti-based grassroots organisations involved in the environment, entrepreneurship and civic education.

David Lawrence Jr., a member of the Ayiti Community Trust and former publisher of the Miami Herald, says of Soff er: “When she speaks up, she always has something valuable to say. She shares great gifts — wisdom, energy and a frequent smile. Her commitment to Haiti energises us all.” — Miami Herald

One day, while attending a friend’s funeral, Michele Soffer met a priest who had orphanages in Vietnam. His advice: “Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can do. And that just clicked in me and I said, ‘You know what? I can get them food. I can get them healthcare. I can buy them beds — they were sleeping on the floor’”DOWN MEMORY LANE: A photo of Gordon Robert “Bob” King Jr., on the wall of the New Hope 4 Haiti home that his daughter Michele King Soff er built in

southwestern Haiti. King’s father, Gordon, was a US Marine deployed to Haiti during the US occupation. He married a Haitian woman and made Haiti his home.

AT HOME: Children at the New Hope 4 Haiti orphanage in Les Cayes, Haiti play in the courtyard of their new home. Michele Soff er bought the unfinished three-bedroom house, and renovated it to include 11 other bedrooms for the orphanage’s 34 kids.

Tuesday, November 21, 20176 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYCuban ambassador visits KataraCultural Village Foundation – Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti met Cuban ambassador Ernesto Daniel Plasencia Escalante recently. Also present was contemporary Cuban artist Juan Arill. The discussion aimed to enhance joint cultural co-operation through the hosting of cultural events and exhibitions that contribute to strengthening of the mutual-relations between Katara and the Cuban embassy.Dr al-Sulaiti also accompanied the dignitaries on a tour at the 7th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival.

The Cuban ambassador praised the cultural relations and expressed his utmost gratitude towards Katara’s eff orts to host traditional events that aim to bring people close together, stressing on the importance of the cultural communication in promoting fraternal relations and co-operation between the two countries.Cuban artist Juan Arill has an artistic collection that is sought for exhibition in international museums in Europe, America and Asia. The artist is considered to be one of the most well-known international artists who excels in authentic drawings and paintings of horses.

Movenpick Hotel Doha celebrates 16th anniversary

CELEBRATIONS: To commemorate its 16th anniversary, the Movenpick Hotel Doha team gathered for a cocktail reception. Amongst the guests were media representatives, bloggers and key business partners.

As one of the first business hotels in Qatar, Movenpick Hotel Doha says it has made every effort to offer the warmest hospitality and the

best accommodation experiences for the past 16 years. For this reason, the hotel has kept its reputation as one of the cosiest hotels in the city, preferred by both business travellers and families.

Amongst the hotel’s main achievements are:

The first hotel to operate under the Movenpick brand in the Gulf region

The first hotel to have its own

Movenpick products The first hotel to organise kids’

cooking classes and celebrate kids’ Christmas in Doha

The first hotel to introduce themed nights in Doha

Best complimentary dessert during its famous Chocolate Hour

The 5th hotel to open in Doha, making it a real Qatari landmark

Welcomed almost one million guestsTo commemorate the anniversary, the

Movenpick Hotel Doha team gathered for a cocktail reception. Amongst the guests were media representatives, bloggers and

key business partners.Movenpick Hotel Doha’s general

manager, Sami Aawar said, “The celebration of our 16th year overlaps with drastic product enhancements as the hotel prepares for a soft refurbishment in 2018, mainly in its public areas and a part of the rooms. As a result, our product will become more attractive to take on new challenges and stay abreast with the ever-changing hospitality market. We look forward to many more successful years ahead and thank all of you for being a part of the Movenpick Hotel Doha family.”

7Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYAmbassador honours Indian singers Vani Jayaram, P SusheelaIndian ambassador to Qatar P Kumaran presented a memento to leading Indian multi-lingual playback singer of yesteryears, Vani Jayaram during a concert held in honour of her and another veteran playback singer P Susheela (also seen in the picture) at Regency Halls recently. A memento was also given to Susheela on the occasion. The concert, the entry to which was

free, was hosted by businessman Mohamed Easa of Ali International Trading Establishment to coincide with the 25th anniversary of their group. Apart from Vani Jayaram and Susheela, playback singers Sudeep Kumar and Mridula Warrier also entertained the full house at the venue.

DICID organises debate competition for Indian schoolsDoha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) organised an interschool debate competition on interfaith values for Indian schools in Qatar recently. The debate competition was held as part of the 22nd edition of interschool competitions organised by Youth Forum on the topic “Does Religious Propagation Promote or Harm Peaceful Coexistence?” Six teams representing diff erent prominent Indian schools in Qatar participated. Birla Public School, MES Indian School and Shanthinikethan Indian School won the first, second and third positions

respectively in the debate. Laura Ramirez, Education Support Specialist at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, was the moderator. DICID organises such competitions with the intention to spread the significance of religious values and to promote creative interfaith dialogues and respect for each other at the early stage of growth in children. Dr Mohammed Ali al-Ghamidi, Member of Board of Director at DICID, inaugurated the programme and he gave away the trophies and certificates to the winners.

Nearly 100 attend Doha Orthodox Residents Association meet-upA gathering of ex-Doha Orthodox Residents Association (DORA) was held at Pampady, Kottayam in the southern Indian state of Kerala recently. About 100 people who stayed in Doha in diff erent periods of time attended the meeting, according to Saji Johnson, a DORA off icial who left the country some eight years ago. DORA consists of members of Doha’s Malankara Orthodox congregation. Every year, the group members meet at least once.

Tuesday, November 21, 20178 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY

Pak Shamaa in QCA U-19 Cricket Tournament finalPak Shamaa School & College U-19 cricket team has qualified for the final in the QCA U-19 Cricket Tournament being played in West Bay. Electing to bat first against the Ideal Indian School, the Pak Shamaa team scored 225/4 in their allotted 25 overs. In response, the Ideal Indian School managed to score just 135 runs. M A Shahid, President of Pak Shamaa School, Principal Nabila Kaukab and Coach Abdul Rehman Chohan has congratulated the team on their win.

GROUP PHOTO: The cast of the musical.

IN ACTION: A scene from the play.

ASD brings Yoor’in Toun: The Musical to life

The American School of Doha (ASD) High School Fine Arts gave it their all bringing Yoor’in Toun: The Musical to the ASD community recently.

Every year in partnership with Music Theater International (MTI), ASD brings to life a new musical. Yoor’in Toun: The Musical is the winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards. According to MTI, Yoor’in Toun is a hilarious musical satire of capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Yoor’in Toun provides a fresh perspective on one of America’s greatest art forms.

Although an unexpected choice for a school musical, Yoor’in Toun is witty and perceptive and also refl ects ASD’s current focus on “Innovating to Sustain ourselves, our school and our community.”

Leah Bramley, the director of the musical, said, “I chose the show because it has such an important message. We cannot ignore the hard science – our way of life is unsustainable.” In the past year, ASD has taken on a “Go Refi llable” Campaign which has been a great success. Together, the school community has managed to eliminate use of disposable bottled water on campus on its quest to become the fi rst Eco School in Qatar within the next two years.

Stephanie Gravelle, who is the musical director at ASD, said, “Each year, we select the musical based on the talent and resources we have. Yoor’in Toun has many lead roles that showcase our solo singers, but the two choruses are also characters that often steal the scene. This year’s chorus is especially strong. Yoor’in Toun is an intelligently written satire commenting on how humans treat the planet and each other. There’s the greedy CEO that saves the world, the naive liberal who thinks love conquers all, and

the typical hero who pays the ultimate price for his socialist agenda. In a time when climate change, science and the economy are lumped together, Yoor’in Toun holds a mirror up to its audience, asking them if our current lifestyle is sustainable. What price are we willing to pay to continuously abuse the Earth?”

It was evident that the students and school felt a sense of responsibility in delivering a poignant message as well as entertaining the community. Arnav, a 12th grade student who played the hilarious villain Caldwell B Cladwell, said, “We all have a responsibility to take care of the planet we share, but sometimes sacrifi ces must be made for the betterment of the masses, not the few.”

The production began rehearsals in the fi rst few weeks of school and rehearsals were fi ve days a week with increasing hours leading up to the opening of the show. Amira, a grade 9th student, who played the role of sweet and insightful Little Sally, said, “The musical preparation was so much fun, but really intense at the same time. We worked for hours every week to make the show perfect, and it most certainly paid off !”

Lisa Saad, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, was delighted after attending the show. “The American School of Doha’s production of Yoor’in Toun was spectacular. The cast, band and production crew does everything right. They hit every mark and every note to perfection,” she said.

The school’s Fine Arts department hopes that through the arts, students and the ASD community can engage in thoughtful conversations on how to become positive active global citizens and lead the world to a better tomorrow. The American school of Doha’s students and staff said they would also like to thank Chevron Phillips Chemical for their commitment of sustainability and support of the programme.

9Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY

Northwestern University students explore Middle East through its Qatar campus

EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Dawei Wang, left, and Brendan O'Rourke at the Northwestern University in Qatar.

Each year, several Northwestern University students studying at the Evanston, USA campus spend a semester at Northwestern University in Qatar. In addition

to attending classes and living on campus in Education City, the students take a trip to a country in the region. This year the students will travel to Morocco.

“Cross-campus learning offers a unique opportunity for students from the US to explore the Middle East region, meet and connect with fellow students, and strengthen the ties between the two campuses,” said Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO.

Brendan O’Rorke, a Northwestern senior majoring in economics with a minor in Middle East studies, and Dawei Wang, a junior majoring in classics and political science, are in Qatar this semester as part of NU-Q’s Semester in Qatar programme.

For O’Rorke – who grew up in Illinois, USA – the decision to study abroad was based on his interest in exploring a new region and enrol in courses that have a Middle East focus. “I found courses offered

by NU-Q really interesting. I also felt that the being in the actual region would give me both a theoretical and practical way to learn about the history, culture, and politics of the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wang, who is originally from China, heard about the Semester in Qatar programme through one of his classmates who had participated last year. “I’ve always been interested in the Middle East – last summer I spent two months studying Middle East politics at a university in Turkey. After that, I became very interested in understanding the complexity of Middle Eastern culture and politics while being in the region – and NU-Q offered me exactly that,” Wang said.

Wang and O’Rorke have enrolled in courses across multiple disciplines including political science, history, ideological studies, and languages.

Though different in many ways, both O’Rorke and Wang found similarities between both campuses especially when it came to education. “First of all, the transition was very smooth because NU-Q is part of Northwestern, so the students

use the same programme to register for classes. This meant that we spent less time adjusting to a new system and more time exploring the culture, history, and ways of learning,” said Wang.

“The classes feel very similar to the ones I’ve taken in the US – there’s no difference in quality, and they’re also similar in terms of structure and content,” said O’Rorke. “They also have the same amount of student-faculty interaction during class.”

The differences were mainly in the student body size and the relationships formed between the faculty and students. “The close relationships you get to build with your professors, and the fact that I’ve met the dean on multiple occasions, makes the experience in Qatar very unique,” said Wang.

Both students felt that the time in Qatar has added value to their personal and professional learning and development, allowing them to immerse themselves in an entirely new culture and make international friends, and they are already considering other opportunities to return to Qatar as full-time employees or to pursue a degree

in higher education.“People here are very focused and very

passionate about what they are doing,” said Wang. “And, being surrounded by driven, passionate, likeminded people creates a great environment for media and communications students to really excel at what they do.”

“I would highly encourage my classmates to consider NU-Q as a study abroad option especially if they are interested in Middle East politics or learning the Arabic language,” said O’Rorke. “I also think any student from Medill or the School of Communication would benefit from the international experience in Qatar, especially given the significant role its media outlets – Al Jazeera, AJ+, and beIN – play in the region and the world.”

The Semester in Qatar programme takes places each fall and is open to students from Northwestern’s Medill School, the School of Communication, and Weinberg. The fall academic term at NU-Q is 15 weeks, with an additional one week for orientation and one week for post-programme travel in the region.

Lecture on ‘Ethical Code of Life’ at PISQThe CEO of Al Midrar Institute Pakistan, Atif Ahmed delivered a lecture on “Ethical Code of Life” at Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) recently. PISQ Principal Nargis Raza Otho, VP Girls Wing, staff members and students attended the session. Ahmed, in his address, focused on the principles of ethics. What is good or bad is apparently determined by the rule of the majority, with little attention given to the principles of morality. Islamic ethics diff er from the Western concept as these are derived from Almighty Allah, directly from the Qur’an, and from the practices of the Holy Prophet (SAW), he said. It is, therefore, a set of beliefs and actions that is divine and transcends the limitations of time, place and tradition. Topics like What is life? What is human resource? What is the process of self-development? How to live a resourceful life? What is Shariah/faith? were also highlighted. The session ended with a Q&A session.

Tuesday, November 21, 201710 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC

11Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

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

Don’t give up on finding the friend of your dreams, because now is

your chance. Talk is spurring you to take action. Don’t be surprised if

a bit of friction keeps you from jumping into the situation with both

feet. Hang in there. Once you get below the surface, you’ll find that

there’s much more to this person than first meets the eye.

You may be drawn to someone because of the things you share

in common. You both appreciate art, music, and dinners, but this

person may not be a good permanent mate for you. He or she is

unwilling to take the first step, or is indecisive about important

issues. If you’re uninvolved now, look for someone who challenges

your quick wit and isn’t afraid to make the first move.

When it comes to topics of friendship, your feelings continue to be

intercepted by words and opinions from others. What you want to

keep private is suddenly made more public by mouths that just don’t

stop talking.

You may be taking a back-seat approach when it comes to love. This

isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this kind of attitude works to

your advantage. By going with the flow and waiting for another to

make the first move, you can spend more time on yourself instead of

sending your energy outward.

Be careful about declaring your love for someone when you haven’t

spent enough time with him or her to make that call. You may base

this impulse on superficial encounters and brief conversations. You

may not have the long history or deep discussions needed to know

if this person is as ideal for you as you think. Don’t be fooled by fast

talk and high fashion.

Relation is in your favour even though roadblocks may keep you

from taking full advantage of the situation. You’re being much too

picky about the type of person you seek. Relation isn’t meant to be

a set of desired qualities on a shopping list. You can’t realistically

create a scenario of how things will work out. Let things proceed

naturally.

Certain areas of your life are expanding rapidly, causing you to lose

touch with the more friendship aspects. The more you reach out in

one direction, the more deprived you feel in the opposite direction.

Perhaps you need more input as to where you put your energy. It’s

time to focus your attention on things that are working well instead

of dwelling on things that are going nowhere.

You should consider new ways in which to pamper your loved one.

There may be gossip associated with your relationship that turns

you off at first, but don’t let that get in the way of expressing your

true feelings. Real communication about this partnership will be

primarily nonverbal.

Issues of relation may be climactic now. You may be in a relationship

phase approaching a major turn in the road. Perhaps there’s a

sudden breakdown in communication. Perhaps you realise that you

rely much more on this person than you first thought.

If things begin to stir, change, or fluctuate in relation, your first

impulse is to overreact. This is probably the opposite of what you

should do. Instead of quickly jumping to conclusions, you should sit

back and let things slowly unfold. Resist the urge to make a move

today just because your emotions are in an uproar.

The time has come for you to take charge in matters of love and

romance. This isn’t often the case for you who normally like to let

others take the lead in this department. A new phase has begun in

your love life. You should think about expanding outward into new

realms with new people and new circumstances, or both. It’s time

you were in charge.

Your mind may be in an expansive mode now. Many things should

be working for you. Your flexibility and ability to juggle many things

at once should make tasks that require these talents a breeze.

Unfortunately, they may not help too much when it comes to love. You

may not have the communication you desire. You could find it easier

to communicate with strangers!

4 useful tips to create a delicious holiday spreadT

his is the season for entertaining, meaning the hustle and bustle of the holidays are already upon us. Fortunately,

being named "hostess (or host) with the mostest" is well within your reach if you follow these tips guaranteed to keep the holiday cheer fl owing throughout this season's festivities.

Get creative with your menuLook beyond the usual roasts and

side dishes toward more original, restaurant-inspired items that you know guests will love. When you opt for entertainer-approved fi nger foods. Let your freezer be your biggest helper.

Frozen foods are a quick-and-easy solution to have on hand, especially when you're cooking for an unexpected crowd. Plus, when your freezer's stocked with

tried-and-true holiday favourites, like seafood, you automatically save time and can get your shopping done weeks in advance. So be sure to shop the frozen aisle for easy-to-make, heat-and-eat options throughout the season to take your entertaining from frozen to festive in minutes.

Keep your guests involvedThe holidays are all about

giving, so why not let each of your party guests bring a dish to help complete your holiday spread? This way, everyone has something they really love as part of the meal and you've saved valuable time (and hassle) by delegating some

of the cooking responsibilities. Bonus: Potluck-style dishes tend to serve as great conversation starters!

Make your list and check it twice

Before the holiday craziness sets in, sit down and create a shopping

list of all the food and supplies you'll need throughout the season. When you can, shop early, so you won't have to be out and about so much during peak holiday times. Staying organised will make for smooth, seamless and stress-free mealtime moments, which you'll be thankful for down the road.

Let the kids pitch inEveryone loves to get in the spirit

of the holiday season any way they can, especially kids! Don't be afraid to off er small jobs to your children to lighten your load and keep them busy.

Planning ahead will help make entertaining a breeze this holiday season. With these simple tips, you can reduce your holiday stress-level and serve up quick-and-easy meals fi lled with holiday cheer.

© Brandpoint

Tuesday, November 21, 201712 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Adam

Pooch Cafe

Garfield

Bound And Gagged

Codeword

Wordsearch

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

Puzz

les

cour

tesy

: Puz

zlec

hoic

e.co

m

Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle based

on a 9x9 grid. The grid is

also divided into nine (3x3)

boxes. You are given a

selection of values and to

complete the puzzle, you

must fill the grid so that

every column, every anone

is repeated.

X Marks the Spot

ANNEX APEX BEESWAX BORAX CALYX CASHBOX CLIMAX CORTEX

CRUX DETOX DUPLEX EQUINOX FLAX FLUX HELIX HOAX

ICEBOX JUKEBOX LATEX LYNX MATRIX MINX ONYX ORYX

REFLEX SPHINX SYNTAX TELEX XEROX

13Tuesday, November 21, 2017 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS3. Complete description of how

the candles were put out? (4,2,4)

8. One of the less sensible foods? (6)

9. French we savvy (4)10. An air of extreme ferocity?

(6,4)11. The man’s shouts (3)13. Snap the boat (4)14. Does it flatter the wearer? (7)15. Give one a hand, which

means a lot (4)17. Be started something, which

results in a brush (5)20. For the one who’s putting, it’s

a problem (5)22. Turn-coats? Nonsense! (4)24. Man I find Tina playing

around with who’s a foreigner (7)

25. Having a name to make as a singer (4)

27. Near the object sought: it’s stolen (3)

28. In every way you can, of course (2,3,5)

29. Have the minister ring back about (4)

30. There’s nothing more active than a boy (6)

31. Away, but only on loan? (3,7)

Super Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Madrid 5 Willow 8 Irish 9 Divers 10 Instil 11 Treat 14 Restrain 16 Nought 18 Slight variation 20 Intent 22 Astonish 25 Utter 27 Ending 28 Entail 29 Humps 30 Direct 31 Tipped.

DOWN: 1 Madder 2 Dove 3 Distract 4 Give one a bad time 5 Whiten 6 Late 7 Wallet 12 Stagger 13 Buttons 15 Ellen 17 Hoots 19 Interest 20 Indeed 21 Taught 23 Hailed 24 Oder 26 Hasp.

DOWN1. Band I played with a long

time (just kidding!) (8)2. Recoil from the psychiatrist

(6)3. A bandit gang captured the

equipment (7)4. A bloomer in Opus forty-one

(5)5. Taboo, you say, in the

company (4)6. Lots of convicts climb in (8)7. The man with the pursed lips

is the artist (8)12. Catch twisting the tail,

perhaps (4)14. Even dull (4)16. Bring home the point to the

listener (4)17. The ship having tied up, then,

you feel happier (8)18. Begin with the beer the man

brought in (5,3)19. Send a bad one through (4)21. Grew bigger once looked

after (8)23. Try everything in it that’s

edible (7)25. Cooked meal I have with a

girl (6)26. Dial right through, but it’s just

a sham (5)28. Be right beside one inside in

the delicatessen (4)

Tuesday, November 21, 201714 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY POP SPOT

Daya

Sit Still, Look Pretty was the 2016 debut album

from Grace Martine Tandon, better known as

Daya.

The 19-year-old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

native enjoyed solid chart success in her

own right peaking at number 36 with her

album and having two singles enter the top

30 on Billboard’s Hot 100. She also earned a

Grammy Award as featured vocalist on The

Chainsmokers’ world-wide smash hit, Don’t Let

Me Down.

Her previous work was issued on the

independent label, Artbeatz. But Daya has

now signed with major label, Inter scope

Records. Her second studio album should soon

be available. In the meantime, fans must be

content with the single, New, as her first release

on Interscope.

“It’s only been a year since my first album came

out,” Daya reflected. “But it feels like it’s been

such a long time because I’ve just grown so

much emotionally and mentally. It’s crazy that

all the changes have been made, all my new

songs have been recorded and I’m signed to a

major label. It feels like I’ve lived ten lives in the

past year.”

The accompanying video for New is posted at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yfMplVU0m0

Lady Gaga

For any doubters, Lady Gaga really does care

about her Little Monsters.

The superstar singer / songwriter was

hospitalised in September suff ering from

fibromyalgia. She was forced to cancel a

number of dates on her world tour.

Having now got her own health in order, Gaga

was concerned about a fan who was injured

during her recent show at the Mohegan Sun

Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. One of her

Little Monsters had somehow been struck in

the face and was bleeding. Having noticed the

injury, Gaga stopped her performance to make

sure the fan received medical treatment.

Once the fan, whose name was Meredith, got

medical help, Gaga resumed the concert. She

dedicated Paparazzi to Meredith, gave the girl a

backstage pass and met her after the show.

Aldous Harding

Getting in early on the Best Albums of 2017

list is the Rough Trade record store and label

organisation.

They recently announced their top 20 albums

of the year. These included Bjork’s Utopia,

which has not yet been released. The Rough

Trade people must have been given a sneak

preview.

Topping the list is Party, the second studio

album from New Zealand-born self-described

gothic folk singer / songwriter Aldous Harding.

Although both Party and her 2014 self-titled

debut album were critically acclaimed, neither

found a place among the top 100 on Britain’s

albums chart.

This may now change if enough of those

reading Rough Trade’s list decide to check

out Aldous’ music. Rough Trade say of Party;

“The lasting spell of this album will leave you

enraptured. It is one you will go back to time

and time again.”

Party is not posted in full on YouTube but a

number of Aldous’ off icial song videos and live

performances can be found on the website.

Also here is every song on her Aldous Harding

album.

By Geoff rey Rowlands

Many people were surprised to learn her UK top ten hit album, Sheridan, is the debut release of Sheridan Smith. The 36-year-old English

actress and singer has become renown for her numerous roles in stage and television musical productions. So much so that most of her admirers simply assumed she must also be a recording artist.

It was acting which proved to be Sheridan’s entry into the world of show business. But music provided her grounding and has always been at the heart of her life.

“My parents performed as a country music duo,” smiled Epworth, Lincolnshire-born Sheridan. “They called themselves The Daltons. They gave me my fi rst taste of the business when I was six. I’d taken dance lessons from when I was very young but my parents were in a production of Annie at the Civic theatre in Doncaster and I played the title character.”

Pleasing her parents has always been Sheridan’s objective. Her attitude stemmed from a family tragedy.

“My eldest brother, Julian, died from cancer at the age of 18. I was only eight at the time. I remember how hard it hit me but I can only imagine what my mum must have felt. Could anything be more terrible than losing her child? From then on, I have always wanted to make my parents proud of me, to somehow distract them from losing Julian.”

Sheridan revisited these emotions while starring in the 2012 television drama, Mrs. Biggs. She played the wife of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. Their ten-year-old son, Nicholas, was killed in a car accident.

“I was a wreck when we were fi lming those scenes. It hit an awfully raw nerve. I thought of my mum and my own reaction to Julian’s death. It made me look at feelings which I

thought I’d pushed away a long time ago.”Sheridan won both the Best Actress BAFTA

and the Women in Film & Television Best Performance award for her role in Mrs. Biggs. This recognition added to numerous other honours, most notably Laurence Olivier Awards for the musical, Legally Blonde, and drama, Flare Path, plus Whatsonstage.com Audience Awards for Legally Blonde and Henrik Ibsen’s acclaimed drama, Hedda Gabler.

She would later add TV Choice and National Television Awards for her starring role in Cilla, the three-part biopic of singer Cilla Black. Not bad for someone who never attended drama school.

“All my training has basically been on the job. People have said very kind things about my performances but I always wonder if I’m good enough whenever I’m off ered a new role.”

Sheridan actually says she built her career on “playing chavs and slappers.” Many of her early roles could perhaps be described in this manner. But the quality of her work always kept Sheridan employed and persuaded casting directors to consider her for more challenging roles. These have now encompassed everything from soap operas to Shakespeare with Sheridan being acknowledged as one of the fi nest actresses of her generation.

Despite all her success in stage musicals, it was her television portrayal of Cilla Black which brought Sheridan’s vocal prowess to the attention of a wider public.

“I was terrifi ed about meeting Cilla for the fi rst time. She was show business royalty and such an icon. I went to dinner with her. Luckily, Paul O’Grady was a mutual friend and he came along. He was hilarious all night and Cilla was lovely. She was so supportive.

“I’m not an impressionist so I didn’t try to actually mimic Cilla. But I did do months of research to pick up her mannerisms and took singing lessons to try to capture her distinctive singing voice.”

Critics and viewers raved about her performance. Her rendition of Cilla’s smash hit, Anyone Who Had a Heart,” was arguably the vocal highlight. It was remarked that any listener would be hard pressed to distinguish between Sheridan and Cilla’s original recording.

Record deals were off ered but she was too busy to accept. A second family tragedy stopped Sheridan in her tracks. Her much loved father, Colin, died from cancer.

“I was totally distraught. My life was falling apart and I didn’t tell anyone. I started drinking far too much. I was playing Fanny Brice in (the stage musical) Funny Girl and had to take a leave of absence from the role while I pulled myself together. I think I’ve actually become stronger from going through the whole experience.”

Her recovery also prompted the signing of a deal with East West Records and the creation of her album. The 12 cuts contain no original songs. The list of covers range in age from Noel Coward’s 1932 song, Mad About The Boy, to City of Stars, a song performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the 2016 fi lm, La La Land. The opening track is Gnarls Barkley’s 2006 smash, Crazy.

“That song is an acknowledgement of my meltdown. I love the song anyway but Crazy seemed like an appropriate number to include. All the tracks are favourites of mine which I love singing.”

The album was launched on a one-hour television special. Sheridan discussed her career with comedian / TV presenter Alexander Armstrong and performed a number of tracks. Although reviews were not universally positive, she was delighted with the show, her album and the response of her fans.

“I don’t regard myself as a good guest on chat shows. I’m far better at playing characters than being myself. But I really enjoyed doing the show and I’m so happy to have a top ten album. I just wish I was able to share everything with my dad.”

Actress Sheridan Smith also shines as a singer

TALENTED: Many people were surprised to learn her UK top ten hit album, Sheridan, is the debut release of Sheridan Smith.

in brief

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

LONGER: The latest instalment of the science fiction franchise has a confirmed run time of 150 minutes.

UNIQUE: Arjun Rihan, who has lent his creative touch to the film, had fun working on it.

The Last Jedi longest Star Wars franchise

Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be the longest fi lm in the Star Wars franchise.

The latest instalment of the science fi ction franchise has a confi rmed run time of 150 minutes, which is 26 minutes longer than Star Wars: The Force Awakens and 10 minutes longer than Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith, reports metro.co.uk.

Director Rian Johnson said: “There was a real freedom in writing. It was something very organic. For me, it was

like when I worked on my old movies.“Walking up the ramp, walking

through the hallway, I get fl ashbacks to when I was a kid with the action fi gures. Suddenly, I had a big lump in my throat. Just so happy. You know it gets you.

“This is the fi rst time shooting with Mark (Hamill), fi rst time shooting with Daisy (Ridley), fi rst time shooting a Star Wars movie and you know it’s some cool stuff ,” Johnson added.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi will also feature John Boyega and Adam Driver. It will be the last outing for late actress Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. – IANS

Zeenat Aman turns 66, recalls a ‘good innings’ with few complaintsBy Subhash K. Jha

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman turned 66 on Sunday and spoke about a ritual that remains unchanged.

How did the diva ring in her birthday this year? “With my two sons,” she said.

“That ritual remains unchanged. When I was younger and a daughter rather than a mother, I had to be with my mother for every birthday no matter where I happened to be. Now that sense of family kinship

has been passed on to my sons. I am the happiest when I am with them. They are good, well brought-up boys. I am very proud of them.”

The past year, says Zeenat, had been tough on her.

“It has been a learning experience. I’ve gone through one of the worst periods in my life. Luckily, I am out of it, thanks to my sons and some very close and supportive friends.”

On the work front, Zeenat remains selective.

“There is not much to choose for actresses of a certain age. But I can’t complain. I think I had good innings in my earlier days. I

worked with the very best directors including the great Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, also Shammi Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Nasir Hussain, Shakti Samanta, Manoj Kumar, Manmohan Desai and Raj Khosla…

“Gosh, that is quite a list. I learnt so much from these masters. I enjoyed every bit of the challenge that was thrown at me when I had to play a disfi gured tribal girl in Satyam Shivam Sundaram or my role in Manoranjan.”

As for the challenges now, “I won’t do ‘faltu’ (useless) roles. I will wait for something that does justice to me. I have learnt the hard way not to rush into things.” – IANS

CHOOSY: The veteran yesteryear star says she will not do ‘useless’ roles now.

Coco a visually complex fi lmsays Indian camera artist

Arjun Rihan, who has lent his creative touch to Coco, says the forthcoming animated fi lm is visually “very complex” but it adds to the movie’s beauty.

Disney-Pixar’s Coco narrates the story of an aspiring musician’s journey into the land of the dead.

“We really have a high bar at Pixar. We want the fi lms to be as beautiful and detail oriented as possible. Coco really had a lot of

challenges which were related to scale and complexity of the world,” Rihan told IANS.

In the movie, aspiring musician Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) teams up with charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) on an extraordinary journey through the Land of the Dead.

“The Land of the Dead is a very complex world and needs very elaborate building, spanned to diff erent centuries, diff erent world and layers. Getting all of that into the computer schemes so that one can shoot it with the virtual camera was very

challenging,” Rihan added. Rihan, who hails from Pune, worked as a

layout artist on the fi lm, which will release in India on Friday.

Elaborating on the challenges, he said: “There were very small things and then very large things. They all needed to be there at the same time, so that was really diffi cult. Then there was the crowd..We had to compose the scenes in such a way that viewers don’t get lost.

“It is a very complex fi lm visually, and that is part (of the reason) why it looks very

beautiful but also part of the reason it was challenging to do.”

Coco showcases the importance of family, honouring one’s ancestors and following dreams. The movie features an original score from Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, a song by Oscar winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director Adrian Molina.

Rihan says he had fun while working on the fi lm. “It was fantastic. It is a really unique fi lm and I really enjoyed it.” – IANS

Tuesday, November 21, 201716 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY

Qatari businesswomen attend masterclass on Italian foodBy Mudassir Raja

The scene was set at Antica Pesa at Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Besides the seaside in the open, Chef Massimo Malantrucco exhibited his expertise in preparing

diff erent Italian dishes for members of Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA).

The guest of honour on the occasion was Aisha Alfardan, vice chairwoman of the QBWA. Also present were Pasquale Salzano, Italian ambassador to Qatar; Palma Libotte, founder and chairperson of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar; and other members of Italian community.

The chef has fl own in especially from Rome to Doha to attend diff erent events related to the ongoing Italian Cultural Day from November 20 to 27. The two-hour-long masterclass saw Chef Malantrucco prepare two dishes, gnocchi glassati and sweet ricotta. The guests took keen interest in the preparation of the Italian dishes, which were also served to them for tasting.

Gnocchi glassati is a dish that contains potatoes, fl our, steamed red turnips, cheese, gorgonzola, goat milk, and salt. Sweet ricotta is made of almonds, cow ricotta, sugar, strugeonn fi sh gelatin, agar and water.

Chef Malantrucco is very well known in Italy. A TV celebrity, he graduated from Rome State Hotel School in 1986. With his years of experience of working with diff erent restaurants, the chef is now a teacher, trainer, and consultant in his fi eld. He has also written many books on Italian cuisine and has been a presenter on TV cooking shows.

Talking to Community, the chef said, “Qatar is a beautiful place. The people here are very nice. The skyline is very beautiful. I have been here only for two days and have not seen much of Doha, [but] I will stay here for a week and will see many places.”

In his opening speech, the Italian ambassador welcomed all guests and the

chef on the occasion. He thanked the QBWA members for sparing time to attend the masterclass.

He said, “This event is part of Italian Week that is taking place in Qatar until November 27 and includes an array of events related to fashion culture and wellbeing. Our week is a spin-off of the Italian Cuisine Week being promoted worldwide by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Development.”

Ambassador Salzano further noted, “The Italian week shall continue with a Supreme Dining Experience at Marsa

Malaz Kempinski. There will be fashion and art exhibitions, and a very interesting seminar on the Mediterranean diet at Katara. Mediterranean diet has been recognised by Unesco’s heritage programme and [world renowned expert] professor Calabrese will illustrate on Wednesday (tomorrow) the benefi ts of the healthy diet.”

“As a grand fi nale, we have scheduled a concert of classical music with soprano singer Silvana Froli, conducted by Jacopo Sipari di Pescasseroli at Qatar National Convention Centre on November 27,” he said.

The ambassador said that the events are being organised in co-operation with I.C.E.–Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

“As Italians, we are passionate and creative. Our cuisine is a pure expression of both of these features that combined generate the sophisticated skills to assemble the generous variety of ingredients that the Mediterranean climate off ers into delicious recipes,” he said.

He added, “Our culture has many common traits with the Qatari one: it is family centred and we share the love for food, fashion and beauty. We talk loud using body language, but mainly we talk from our hearts.”

“I am pleased to meet the QBWA representatives today as I believe that Italy off ers many opportunities for them to develop bilateral business relationships in the fi eld of fashion. Our sophisticated fabrics, leather, jewellery, and skilled craftsmen can be all considered for private labelling joint ventures,” the ambassador said.

“I have learnt that many Qatari emerging designers are successfully conducting or starting businesses in the region and I wish for them to foster connections with the Italian market,” he noted.

He said, “I fi rmly believe that women can really shine in business as they are more understanding and persuasive by nature and have great instincts for making the best use of opportunities. Furthermore, women are good at multitasking. They are expected to be good wives, caring and loving mothers and determined businesswomen at the same time.”

The ambassador said, “The multitasking skills are also a distinctive feature of chefs and that is why we consider them like artists in Italy.”

Palma Libotte of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar told Community, “The QWBA has agreed to organise an evening with Italian and Qatari chefs at the ambassador’s residence to share recipes as a cultural exchange.”

MASTER: Chef Massimo Malantrucco in his element.

APPETISING: Gnocchi glassati was one of the items that was prepared. ATTENTIVE: Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, left, with QBWA vice chairwoman Aisha Alfardan on his right and another guest as Chef Malantrucco delivers his masterclass. Photos by Thajudheen

The event, part of Italian Week in Qatar, was attended by guest of honour, QBWA

vice chairwoman Aisha Alfardan, Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, and

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar chairperson Palma Libotte