Rise and shine 11 PUZZLES P 12 & 13

Transcription

1 P7 Community Pakistan International School, Qatar students show excellent results in Grade -X examinations. International School of P16Community London Qatar hosts annual Grade-12 graduation ceremony to celebrate the success of 55 graduates. Monday, July 9, 2018 Shawwal 25, 1439 AH DOHAD 34 C 46 C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE L 11 PUZZLES P 12 & 13 COVER STORY Rise and shine Screenwriter and producer Robin Swicord explains why it s the perfect time for Greta Gerwig s version of Little Women. P4-5

2 2 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 ROUND & ABOUT PRAYER TIME Fajr Shorooq (sunrise) Zuhr (noon) Asr (afternoon) Maghreb (sunset) Isha (night) 3.21am 4.50am 11.39am 3.03pm 6.30pm 8.00pm USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport Labor Department , Mowasalat Taxi Qatar Airways Hamad Medical Corporation , Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation , Primary Health Care Corporation Qatar Assistive Technology Centre Qatar News Agency Q-Post General Postal Corporation Humanitarian Services Office (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior , , Ministry of Health , Hamad Medical Corporation , Qatar Airways TAG DIRECTION: Jeff Tomsic CAST: Isla Fisher, Annabelle Wallis, Jeremy Renner SYNOPSIS: A small group of former classmates organises an elaborate, annual game of tag that requires some to travel all over the country. One month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running for a no-holds-barred game of tag risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take one another down. This time, the game coincides with the wedding of the only undefeated player. What should be an easy target soon becomes an all-out war as he knows they re coming to get him. THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza Quote Unquote Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs. Susan Sontag Community Editor Kamran Rehmat community@gulf-times.com Telephone: Fax: The First Purge DIRECTION: Gerard McMurray CAST: Y lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade SYNOPSIS: The film is a prequel that focuses on the events that lead up to the very first Purge event. To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, The Mall Cinema (1): Sanju (Hindi) 2:15pm; The Incredibles 2 (2D) 5pm; The Little Witch (2D) 7:15pm; Qalb Omnah (Arabic) 9:15pm; Mr. Chandramaouli (Tamil) 11:15pm. The Mall Cinema (2): The Little Witch (2D) 3pm; Ant-Man And The Wasp (2D) 5pm,7:15pm, & 9:30pm; Taxi 5 (2D) 11:45pm. The Mall Cinema (3): Pantham (Telugu) 2pm; Tej, I Love You (Telugu) 4:30pm; Sanju (Hindi) 7pm; The First Purge (2D) 9:45pm; Tag (2D) 11:30pm. Land Mark Cinema (1): Doby & Disy s Dream Town (2D) 2:15pm; The Little Witch (2D) 4pm; Taxi 5 (2D) 6pm; Sanju (Hindi) 8pm; Mr. Chandramaouli (Tamil) 11pm. Land Mark Cinema (2): Pantham (Telugu) 2:15pm; The Incredibles 2 (2D) 4:45pm; Ant- Man And The Wasp (2D) 7pm & 9:15pm; The First Purge (2D) 11:30pm. Land Mark Cinema (3): Ant- Man And The Wasp (2D) 2:15pm; Sanju (Hindi) 4:30pm; Qalb Omnah (Arabic) 7:15pm; Tag (2D) 9:15pm; Tej, I Love You (Telugu) 11:15pm. the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation. THEATRES: Royal Plaza, The Mall Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Ant-Man And The Wasp (2D) 2:30pm; The Incredibles 2 (2D) 4:45pm; Ant-Man And The Wasp (2D) 7pm & 9:15pm; Taxi 5 (2D) 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Pantham (Telugu) 3pm; Doby & Disy s Dream Town (2D) 5:30pm; Tag (2D) 7pm; Sanju (Hindi) 8:45pm; The First Purge (2D) 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Doby & Disy s Dream Town (2D) 2:15pm; The Little Witch (2D) 4pm; Sanju (Hindi) 6pm; Loving Pablo (2D) 9pm; Sanju (Hindi) 11pm.

3 ROUND & ABOUT Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 EVENTS Desert Rose Exhibition WHERE: Katara Art Studio B19 WHEN: Ongoing till July 25 TIME: 10am 10pm The exhibition features the nature and architecture of Qatar, continues till July 25. The exhibition includes 34 pictures as a selection of the works of the British photographer who took tens of thousands of photos during his five years in Qatar as a filmmaker and photographer. He captured the country s land and sea, and highlighted the beauty of its impressive architecture and its unique museums. Cheer at Sharq Arena WHERE: Al Qareb Ballroom WHEN: Ongoing till July 16 TIME: 11:am 1am Sharq Arena is hosting unforgettable moments for football lovers this season. The matches will air live, daily. Fans can enjoy a menu that perfectly pairs with the lively atmosphere. Population Growth in Qatar: An open discussion WHERE: QNL WHEN: July 11 TIME: 12pm 1pm On the occasion of World Population Day, Qatar National Library in association with the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics is organising an open discussion on population growth in Qatar and its impact on various aspects and viable solutions to its ensuing challenges. special needs in a fun and entertainment filled programme from July 16 August 15. This camp led by a multinational team will enhance empathy, teamwork, and friendships between the differently abled children and other children aged The camp will run for 5 days a week from 8:30am 12:30pm for one month and include various edutainment activities. For details, call / Summer Camps WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Centre, Al Hilal WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 TIME: 8am 12:30pm Mamangam Performing Art Centre will be holding Summer Camps in its Al Hilal branch for two batches of age groups from 4-18 yrs. The summer camps will include Yoga, Karate, Art and Craft, Music, Hip-hop, Bollywood, Indian Classical and Contemporary dance. For details, call Summer Camp WHERE: Music Lounge WHEN: Ongoing till August 30 TIME: 9am 12pm This summer camp is designed to give every camper a skill to create music through special training in musical instruments piano, guitar and drums, to visualise child s limitless imagination and bring it to creative visuals through art and craft. This camp will develop their communication skills through training in public speaking along with hip hop dance, warm up exercises, karate and yoga. Choreography Lessons - Brazilian Zouk WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier near MOI WHEN: Ongoing till September 15 Brazilian zouk is characterised by the dancers undulating bodies and the girls flowing hair. Dancer or not, depending on the style of Brazilian zouk, you ll be able to choose connection and embrace with long graceful steps. The final performance is scheduled to be on 15 Septemeber as a flashmob. Special Needs Summer Camp WHERE: HOPE Qatar Center for Special Needs WHEN: July 16 August 15 TIME: 8:30am 12:30pm HOPE Qatar Center for Special Needs is organising a very unique summer camp bringing together children with and without Summer Camps WHERE: TCA WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 8:30am 1pm The TCA is holding Summer Camps in its branch for all students, ongoing from June 24. Every two weeks, a new batch will begin for every child to join and learn new forms of art. The summer camps will include Abacus, Drawing and Painting, Calligraphy, keyboard and dance. The camp will run for 7 days a week from 8:30am 1pm. You will be able to see the activities and schedules that will be held for every week and register your kid. For details, call Summer Camp for Kids WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57 Bin Omran WHEN: Ongoing till Aug 31 TIME: 7:30am 2:30pm Doha s Kids Summer Camp where artists are made! The A to Z of kid s summer camp from artworks, dance and music lessons and PLAY in between. For ages 5 years and up. For registration, contact registration@ atelierqatar.com and mobile Soccer Festival WHERE: The St. Regis Doha WHEN: Ongoing till July 15 TIME: 2pm 12am The St. Regis Doha has announced plans to celebrate the month-long soccer festival and screen all matches to the delight of football lovers, to be held till Sunday July 15. Sarab Lounge and Vine Restaurant will transform their terraces into football lounges for football lovers to enjoy watching every angle of their favourite game, with giant screens to broadcast the games daily from 2pm 12am. Summer Entertainment City 2018 WHERE: DECC WHEN: Ongoing till August 31 TIME: 12pm An amazing range of local shopping stalls will feature products from all over the world on the Eid. The Summer Shopping Souq has started from June 14 till August 31. Colour your summer at Doha Exhibition and Conventional Centre, West Bay during Summer Entertainment City 2018 with over 75 activities and games, more than 40 food and 132 retail outlets and amazing live performances. Get set for an exciting and eventful summer in Outdoor and five-a-side football pitches WHERE: Aspire Zone WHEN: Daily TIME: 7pm 11pm Aspire Zone s five-a-side football outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available every day from 7pm 11pm. Arab and German Tales Exhibition WHERE: Qatar National Library WHEN: Ongoing till August 18 The exhibition is organised within the framework of Qatar Germany Year of Culture and provides an insight into the history of Arabic and German fairy and folk tales, and how the two traditions influenced each other. It aims to show the transcultural value of narrative traditions as a shared intangible cultural heritage and highlight mutual influences, shared ideas and cultural transfer between the Arab world and Germany through storytelling and tales. Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. gtlisting@gmail.com, Events and timings subject to change

4 4 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 COVER STORY Little Women once more It s really taking a look at what it is for a young woman to enter the adult world. It s a clear-eyed approach to the challenges women face as they try to bravely move into new situations, screenwriter Robin Swicord and producer of the latest planned version of Little Women, tells Glenn Whipp SPOTLIGHT: Robin Swicord and Greta Gerwig, below. CAST OF 1994: From top left: Winona Ryder as Josephine Jo March; Trini Alvarado as Margaret Meg March; Claire Danes as Elizabeth Beth March; Susan Sarandon as Abigail Marmee March; Kirsten Dunst as younger Amy; Samantha Mathis as Amy March; Eric Stoltz as John Brooke; Gabriel Byrne as Friedrich Bhaer; and Christian Bale as Theodore Laurie Laurence. Screenwriter Robin Swicord remembers the questions: Why make another movie out of Little Women? It s been done before, right? And quite well. What could another version possibly have to offer? Swicord heard those queries in 1994 while promoting the last film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott s classic novel about the smart, strong and independent-minded March sisters. And she s hearing echoes of those same complaints-framed-as-questions today as a producer on Greta Gerwig s recently announced new version of Little Women. And, yes, she finds the logic behind the questioning rather interesting.

5 COVER STORY Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 NEW VERSION CAST: Saoirse Ronan will play Jo. Meryl Streep will essay Aunt March. Emma Stone will portray Meg. I remember right after our Little Women came out, there was another movie about King Arthur (1995 s First Knight), and yet I don t remember hearing anyone wondering why we needed another film about the Knights of the Round Table, Swicord says. It did feel kind of funny that it was just Little Women that fielded those sorts of questions. A quarter century will have passed between the 1994 Little Women, a critical and commercial hit beautifully brought to life by Australian director Gillian Armstrong, and the version that Gerwig will begin filming in Boston with Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep, Emma Stone and Timothee Chalamet this October. During the intervening years, there have been three Spider Man franchise reboots, a dozen Madea movies, 13 X-Men entries and a constant cultural churning of Batmen and Supermen and 007s. But the first movie version of Little Women in a generation? That s where some people judging from the comments on websites that reported the news of Gerwig s adaptation want to draw the line? To those objectors, it s worth pointing out that the themes and characters of Little Women are so sturdy and timeless that not even William Shatner s wild stab at a German accent by way of Hogan s Heroes he played Professor Bhaer, Jo s love interest and a problematic figure among many Little Women devotees, in a 1978 miniseries adaptation can derail its impact. Swicord says she gets the grumbling and, in a way, she s flattered by people saying that no-one could improve on the Little Women movie she wrote, the movie that sported a superbly cast ensemble featuring Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Trini Alvarado, Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Burrows as the March sisters (Dunst and Burrows played Amy at different ages); Christian Bale as the crush-worthy boy next door, Laurie; and Susan Sarandon as the strong, understanding mother, Marmee. When Swicord and Amy Pascal and Denise Di Novi began thinking about making another version of Little Women a few years ago, they had to clear that initial hurdle of finding an approach that would speak to a new set of moviegoers who might not know Alcott s book. They met with a number of people, including Sarah Polley, though Swicord says that, contrary to reports, Polley s involvement never went beyond initial talks. Gerwig came in two years ago. She had pretty much finished writing Lady Bird, another movie about young women finding and asserting themselves (although Lady Bird s relationship with her mother is a tad more complicated). Having graduated from Barnard College where she studied English and philosophy, Gerwig arrived full of ideas for a new version of Little Women. Greta has a wonderfully associative, well-furnished mind, Swicord says. Her take on the novel more than convinced us that we could bring something new to the screen. Gerwig s version will focus more on the March sisters lives as young adults after Meg, Jo and Amy leave home. (Poor, sweet, doomed Beth is content to remain with Marmie.) Scenes from the girls childhood will be seen as well, with the story jumping back and forth in time, past memories illuminating themes of identity, the search for self-esteem and the deep, complex bonds among sisters. (Alcott wrote two sequels, Little Men and Jo s Timothee Chalamat will star as Laurie. Boys, but Gerwig s movie will focus on the first book.) It s really taking a look at what it is for a young woman to enter the adult world, Swicord says. It s a clear-eyed approach to the challenges women face as they try to bravely move into new situations. Previous film versions of Little Women George Cukor s 1933 adaptation starring Katharine Hepburn; a 1949 Technicolor take directed by Mervyn LeRoy and starring, among others, a young Elizabeth Taylor; and the 1994 movie Swicord wrote have followed a linear approach to Alcott s novel to varying degrees of success. The novel was originally published in two volumes. The first, arriving in 1868, followed the impoverished March women as they persevered through the father s absence during the Civil War. Alcott delivered the second part in Titled Good Wives in some markets, it jumps ahead three years, looking at Meg s marriage and motherhood; Jo s move to New York, where she tries to establish herself as a writer; and Amy s European tour with the family s wealthy, widowed Aunt March. Gerwig s movie will focus primarily on this second section, Swicord says. I think at this point in her life Greta has a real feel for stories about women coming into their own, she adds. Swicord confirms the casting: Ronan will play the fiercely independent Jo; Stone will portray sensible eldest sister Meg; and Florence Pugh is cast as the confident youngest sister, Amy. Chalamet makes for a natural Laurie, the charming and rich neighbour who falls in love with the March family and ends up proposing to two of the sisters. And Streep will play the acerbic Aunt March. Chalamet, Pugh and Ronan are Lady Bird alums, leading one to wonder if perhaps Laurie Metcalf, who earned an Oscar nomination playing Lady Bird s combative mother, might Florence Pugh will feature as Amy. slide into the Little Women cast, taking the Marmie role. ( No comment, Swicord says with a laugh.) However the cast rounds out, it s no small thing that families who weren t around when Bill Clinton was president will be able to watch the March sisters story gracefully unfold in theatres. The BBC produced a faithful, sun-dappled miniseries adaptation of Little Women that aired on PBS television stations this year. It felt like a missed opportunity, careful to a fault and awkward in its attempts to offer a little modern insight into the story. The 1994 film, on the other hand, could be seen as a corrective to earlier versions, focusing not on who the March sisters might marry but rather what kind of women they might become. Both Swicord and Armstrong read Little Women numerous times in their young lives and delved into research about Alcott s life and the ways her journey mirrored and departed from her fictional stand-in, Jo. Alcott never married, saying she d rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe. And she really didn t want to marry off Jo, either, writing in her journal: Girls write to ask who the little women marry, as if that was the only aim and end of a woman s life. I won t marry Jo to Laurie to please anyone. Her decision to pair Jo with Professor Bhaer instead still divides fans. That book was a lifeline for me as a young reader because Jo March was the only writer I knew, Swicord says. Reading her story showed me that a small-town, tomboyish girl could leave home for the big city and become a writer and maintain her family ties. Alcott saw her ambition as admirable, showing how it didn t cause the family to disintegrate. That idea was one thing I wanted to convey in my adaptation, Swicord adds. Greta has another take, and 25 years from now another writer will come up with another fresh way into the book. That s the beauty of Little Women. It s not going anywhere. Los Angeles Times/TNS

6 6 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 BCTC installs new executive body, holds joint meeting with QATC A joint meeting of Qatar Advanced Toastmasters Club (QATC)) and BC Toastmasters Club (BCTC) was recently held at the ballroom of Shalimar Dharbar Restaurant. The joint session was started with a laughter yoga activity, conducted by Nisamudeen S A, followed by the opening remarks of Hameed M T, President of QATC, and Mohammad Salauddin, outgoing president of BCTC. Noor Mohammed, Niloufer Samal, Shainy Kabeer, all toastmasters, also spoke on the occasion. At the sideline of the meeting, a new executive body of BCTC was installed for The new office-bearers are namely, Mohammad Alimuddin, President; Noor Mohammed, Vice President (Education); Mohammad Khorsed, Vice President (Public Relations); and Mohammad Salauddin, Vice President (Membership). The outgoing president was praised by the attendees for his outstanding performances and contributions to the club. The session was attended by Rajeswar Sundaresan, District Director; Thayalan, Club Growth Director; Sunita Saini, Division B Director; and V C Mashood, Area 5 Director. BPS organises Summer Camp 2018 The summer camp-2018 of Birla Public School (BPS) called Chill the BPS recently began with a colourful inauguration ceremony. Gope Shahani, Vice Chairman of the school, attended the inaugural ceremony. A P Sharma, BPS Principal, addressed the gathering and extended warm wishes to the campers. Shirley Rappai, Senior Vice Principal; Radhika Rele, Vice Principal (Academics); Joseph K, Administrative Manager; and Divya Mary Vincent, Anu Thomas, Shruti Chauhan, Head Mistresses; were also present on the occasion. The camp is open to the children studying in cass KG-I to VIII and are slated to undergo skill development in a variety of ways. The activities include art, craft, dance, painting, public speaking, sports, games, swimming lessons, yoga, math activities, personal grooming and value instruction. The students are grouped into two categories, which are further divided into groups namely, Sunshine, Rainbow, Starlight, Rising Stars, Superheroes and Explorers. Lissy Mathew and Shiju P R are the co-ordinators of the camp. The six weeks programme will conclude on August 16 with intervening presentations on two occasions, one at the middle of the camp and the other at the end. DPS-MIS conducts Rendezvous-2018 DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently conducted Rendezvous-2018, an inter house activity fest for the middle school. It was a funfilled day with excitement, joy and enthusiasm in the air. Asna Nafees, DPS-MIS Principal, made an inspiring inaugural speech. The exquisite show, which underpins the vision and mission of the school, featured an eclectic mélange of individual and group activities. It was delightful to watch the children exhibiting their extraordinary talents with confidence and commitment. The four houses namely, Lily, Rose, Lotus and Tulip presented a show of talent, camaraderie and healthy competition.

7 Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 PISQ students excel in SSC exams Grade-X students of Pakistan International School, Qatar (PISQ), excelled in SSC- II (Secondary School Certificate) examinations held by Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Islamabad. FBISE recently announced the results for the SSC examinations held in March. As many as 143 students of PISQ appeared in the examination with 100 percent results. In total, 53 students secured A1 grade, 41 students obtained A, 32 students got B and 17 students passed in C. In Science Group, Sumaiya Rizwan got first position in the school with 1,036 out of 1,100 marks; Eiman Amir Latif, second with 1,033; and Najwa Siraj, third with 1,026. The top position holders in Humanities Group are namely, Muskan Noor, first position with 872 marks; Sakwa Mir, second with 847; and Hamna Saeed Ahmed Butt, third with 812. Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of PISQ, expressed her happiness on the achievement of the students and congratulated the students, staff and parents on outstanding result. She said, I am really proud of my teachers and students and hope they will continue delivering their best to bring more laurels for the school. Murad Baseer, charge d affairs at the Embassy of Pakistan, also congratulated the students, staff and parents hoped that the journey of achievements would continue. Other students, who showed excellent results, with A1 grades are namely, Muhammad Moosa, Filzah Fatima, Daniyal Asif, Umar Farooq, Aamna Manzoor, Dania Imshad, Asmaa Tahir, Said Ali, Maryam Ali, Mariya Nasser Khan, Fatima Gul Zeb, Maira Naz, Alveena Imshad, Marya Taj Muhammad Khan, Hamna Mubashir, Isha Gilani, Muhammad Munyb Jamal, Muhammad Zeeshan Iqbal, Eman Akhtar, Hamda Qadeer, Maha Masood Khan, Mah-i-Noor Gul, Hafsa Zahid Mirza, Sana Atta ur Rehman, Saliha Nasser Khan, Javedullah, Rameesha Asim, Saad Arshad Pervez Mughal, Saba Anwar Farooqi, Yousaf Zia ur Rehman, Ahmad Hassan, Muhammad Owais Raza, Zaineb Latif Awan, Mujeeb Ahmad Khan, Maryam Tahir, Habib-ur-Rehman, Saif ur Rehman, Waqas Khan, Aaima Shahid Baig, Muhammad Rabid, Maryem Mallick, Muhammad Adnan, Syed Muhammad Ali, Ghanem, Aisha Mehrban, Farhana Ramzan, Noman Sajid Amin, Muniba Kayani, and Urooj Aziz. Saba Anwar Farooqi Maryam Tahir Rameesha Asim Asmaa Tahir Dania Imshad Alveena Imshad Maira Naz Eman Akhtar Marya Taj Muhammad Khan Zaineb Latif Awan Maryam Ali Hamda Qadeer Najwa Siraj Habib-ur-Rehman Isha Gilani Ghanem Yousaf Zia ur Rehman Muhammad Owais Raza Maryem Mallick Sumaiya Rizwan Muhammad Rabid Saliha Nasser Khan Saif ur Rehman Noman Sajid Amin Fatima Gul Zeb Filzah Fatima Ansa Bibi Sana Atta ur Rehman Saad Arshad Pervez Mughal Muhammad Adnan Syed Muhammad Ali Umar Farooq Aaima Shahid Baig Hamna Mubashir Mah-i-Noor Gul Daniyal Asif Salwa Mir Farhana Ramzan Eiman Amir Latif Muhammad Moosa Muhammad Zeeshan Iqbal Mujeeb Ahmad Khan Waqas Khan Javedullah Muhammad Munyb Jamal Muniba Kayani Aamna Manzoor Maha Masood Khan Hafsa Zahid Mirza Ahmad Hassan Muskan Noor Hamna Saeed Ahmed Butt Aisha Mehrban Said Ali Mariya Nasser Khan Urooj Aziz

8 8 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 MOTORING New Mercedes-Benz G-Class reaches the Middle East in style The arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class was recently celebrated in the Middle East region. The event introduced to the region the legendary flagship model taking a leap into a new era in terms of technology while staying true to its unrivalled legacy. Having undergone its greatest change in history, the new G-Class maintains its iconic design and remains a benchmark for originality, ruggedness and luxury - with regards to comfort and safety. Beneath its classic rugged exterior lies the latest cutting-edge technology, giving its drivers a much better performance than ever before. The new model presents itself in top form whether on or off the road and whatever the operating conditions, the off-road vehicle impresses with its performance, advanced assistance systems, outstanding handling and safety. At the same time, the new suspension, the Dynamic Select driving modes including the Desert driving mode designed specifically for the G 500 in the Middle East, the G-Mode - an intelligent off-road control system - and the three 100 percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility on any surface. Commenting on the launch, Lennart Mueller- Teut, Head of Marketing and Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, said: The Middle East has eagerly awaited the launch of the latest G-Class. Being one of the first markets around the world to welcome this model, we believe our customers will be immensely satisfied with its new developments, especially innovations made specifically for the region - alongside its unparalleled performance, comfort and world-class safety systems. The G-Class remains an icon, only better and stronger - but at the same time stayed true to itself and kept its character. Reinterpreted for today The luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes- Benz has long been considered a design icon. In as much as the new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than the previous model, its external appearance has not changed significantly since It follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and at the same time remains true to the character of the original. Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. All these are still found in the new model: the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. Extraordinary features like these in concert with the off-roader s angular lines define its special look giving it an even greater presence, on the road as well as in terrain. More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a tauter design and have more tension, while the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level. This results in narrower, more precise gaps and more harmonious transitions. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body and thus look less like add-on features. Interior: authentic icon While the exterior maintains the iconic classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern redesign. With its off-road character and top-class luxury appointments, the model has always combined two extremes into a harmonious symbiosis. Unmistakable at first glance and from the first touch, only high-quality materials are used. Every detail is finished by hand with the utmost care. Getting in the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior: the shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the side air vents and the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers. Hallmarks of the model include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chromehighlighted switches for the three differential locks; both have been meticulously optimised and retained as characteristic features. The very clearly arranged and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue round dials as standard - with two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G Class. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays Classic, Sport and Progressive and also select relevant information and views according to their individual needs. Off-road: the legend surpasses itself The primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of the handling both on and off the road. This goal has been achieved: The new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor - thanks to its standard ladder-type frame, the three 100-percent differential locks and Low Range off-road gear reduction. The new suspension emerged from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The result is an independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle. The new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are maintained and partly even surpassed. On-road: agile, comfortable, superior The specification for the G-Class not only included solidness and superiority in terrain, but also greater driving dynamics and comfort on paved roads. Thanks to the new front axle design, the on-road performance has therefore been enhanced at the same time. On the road, the G is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with a better steering feel. Using a digital prototype, the developers simulated the service life of individual components and closed systems to find out in which places it would be possible to make use of lighter raw materials. The diet worked, as the G-Class has shed around 170 kg. The recipe for success: a new mix of materials comprising strong, high-strength, ultrahigh-strength steels and aluminium, as well as improved production processes at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria. The rigid body shell is now made of a variety of steel grades, while the wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium. However, less mass in no way translates into less stability on the contrary, it was possible to increase the torsional rigidity of the frame, body shell and body mounts by around 55 percent, from 6,537 to 10,162 Nm/deg.

9 MARKETING Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 ASA presents new kit for junior teams for Armenia tour Absolute Sports Academy (ASA) recently presented a new kit for its junior teams that had travelled to Armenia for a week-long summer exposure trip, stated a press release. The U-10 and U-15 teams are playing at the Vanadzor Summer Cup in Yerevan, Armenia, from July 7 till July 13. The tournament is being held in co-operation with Football Federation of Armenia. Nilangshu Dey, President of Indian Sports Centre, unveiled the new kit on the eve of the teams departure in the presence of Ahmed Fakhroo, Patron of Qatar Indian Association for Football (QIA); Safeer Rahman, QIA General Secretary; and Jenny Antony, QIA Head of BD. Speaking on the occasion, Dey praised ASA for their work in ensuring proper sporting opportunities for expatriate children. He also laid stress on the vital role Qatar has been playing in promoting sports for all in the country. Ahmed Fakhroo, Safeer and Jenny Antony also addressed the gathering. The two teams feature 18 budding talents supervised by Hayk Hakobyan, a UEFA licenced coach, during the trip. The kids will also see the sights of Yerevan, in addition to meeting with members of the Indian community in Armenia. LG launches new AI-powered premium G7 ThinQ+ in GCC Following a successful rollout of the latest LG G7 ThinQ+ smartphone in South Korea, the Americas and Europe, LG has now launched its premium flagship smartphone in the GCC, noted a press release. The LG G7 ThinQ+ marks LG s first G-series flagship phone with AI capabilities built-in, redefining how smart a smartphone can be. The latest smartphone also comes with a host of new features and upgrades. Qualcomm s fastest Snapdragon 845 mobile platform gives the LG G7 ThinQ+ the computing power for its advanced AI functions, which starts with its innovative AI CAM. The new LG G7 ThinQ+ comes with a redesigned wide-angle 16MP rear dual camera set-up, and an 8MP front camera, that harness the power of AI for the most impressive images. The AI CAM allows users to automatically optimise shots based on subject matter. In other words, the AI can not only identify different subjects in the frame, but optimise images based on the type of subjects you are trying to capture. Additionally, the Super Bright Camera technology automatically brightens dimly-lit objects by a magnitude of four without additional noise or grain, ensuring you always have the sharpest, clearest images. The LG G7 ThinQ+ s also features LG s brilliant Super Bright Display technology. With a brightness of 1000nits, the display can render vivid colours even under the brightest lighting conditions. The 6.1-inch QHD+ (3120 x 1440) display with a 19.5:9 FullVision screen ratio is housed in a form factor that is perfectly designed for use with one hand. To help consumers take advantage of helpful voice commands and the AI features of Google Assistant, the LG G7 ThinQ+ offers a dedicated Google Assistant Key that provides quick and easy access to Google Assistant a first for a smartphone. Faster and less obtrusive in public than saying, OK Google, the Google Assistant Key provides a convenient way to get more things done with voice than ever before. LG has also incorporated Super Far Field Voice Recognition (SFFVR) that can recognise voice commands from up to five metres away, making the G7 as effective as a home smart speaker listening for and responding to requests from across the room as a smartphone that is close at hand. For consumers looking for the best all-round premium smartphone that will remain relevant and current for years to come, the LG G7 ThinQ+ has few parallels. We are very proud to be able to bring the LG G7 ThinQ+ to reality after intensive R&D, and we are equally excited to bring this premium smartphone to our GCC customers, said Kevin Cha, President, LG Electronics Middle East & Africa. The builtin AI capabilities of the LG G7 ThinQ+ will change the way people interact, not just with their phones, but with everyday appliances around them, and also affect the way they plan their days and routines. For audiophiles looking to get the most out of their audio collections, the onboard Hi-Fi Quad DAC, DTS:X and earphone jack make the LG G7 ThinQ+ the perfect choice. The LG G7 ThinQ+ also boasts the Boombox Speaker that generates twice the bass of typical smartphones via its large resonance chamber that amplifies audio when placed on a solid wood or metal surface. The LG G7 ThinQ+ smartphone is now available across the GCC at all major stores, online retailers and the LG Brand Shops starting at AED 3,359 (Incl. VAT). For more information on the LG G7 ThinQ+ and its AI capabilities, please visit

10 10 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 INFOGRAPHIC

11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 Expert tips and tricks on how to plate like a chef Plating food is considered a form of art across the world and the French take great pride in it and are considered one of the pioneers. Each Chef has their own style and comfort in plating food to make the appetisers look delicious so make sure you know the skill well too. Chef Sudhir Nair, Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott, Bengaluru and Kasiviswanathan Muthuraman, Executive Chef of Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru list some ways to plate like a chef. Plate: The choice of the plate is determined by the kind of dish we are plating. Everything from the colour, texture, ethnicity, size, shape needs to be considered before selection. Some chefs prefer dark plates to present colourful and bright dishes while some choose white or light coloured ones. Food is also presented on slates, stone or carved plates, it gives a rustic feel to the dish. The only unbreakable rule is that warm plates for hot food and chilled plated for cold. Sauce: This component not only enhances the flavour and taste of the dish, it also gives an opportunity to improve appearance. Most preferred is a smooth and fine texture with a thick consistency to be spread in different styles on the plate. It is usually a spread while the other components are placed, but there could be more than one sauce used on a plate. A light drizzle or dash of sauce at the end just before service also helps. Main meal: This is the lead singer in the orchestra with whom each component has to resonate with. It could be a protein or carb portion depending on what the dish is. There are principally two schools of thought which exist on its position. One traditional approach teaches us to place it right in the centre of the plate and the rest of the components sprinkled around it. While the modern approach speaks about distributing the mains as smaller pieces in a line or arc or random position but keeping in mind that each piece is treated with equal attention as the central one in the traditional approach. The modern approach is more time consuming but brings out the skill of the chef. Accompaniment/sides: This component completes the meal and gives the chef a chance to provide different texture and colour to the dish. The quality has to be adequate enough to be visible on the plate and at the same time not enough to steal the show of the main meal component. It could be a salad, salsa, vegetable or starch which compliments the meal and adds value to the plate. Garnish: This adds the last sparkle and concludes the plating process. It could be an artistically hand crafted edible mini item or could just be a sprig of fresh herb or micro greens, something that adds a dash of freshness on the plate. It could be the simplest part of the plate but remember this is the first component the diner lays his eyes on before eating. IANS ARIES March 21 April 19 Unfortunately, this isn t a day for fun and games, Aries. In fact, you might feel an annoying emotional weightiness, making you feel less energetic than usual. There s a sober tone that s asking you to take a hard-nosed look at reality and make some decisions regarding goals and plans. You could feel like the timer buzzer is about to go off. The minute hand is ticking away and there are many more adventures. CANCER June 21 July 22 There s a damper on your emotions today that could leave you feeling like a pot of simmering water, Cancer. Just by knowing there s a lid on things you re likely to heat up more quickly than usual. Try to hold your temper. A furious rage will get you nowhere. Concentrate your energy on getting your material affairs in order. Deal with finances, investments, and long-term security planning. LIBRA September 23 October 22 Find comfort in your work today, Libra. Although it may sound ridiculous, you ll find that getting things checked off your list is the most rewarding activity of the day. Try not to be too critical of others. Focus on your own tasks at hand. Mountains that seem too daunting will continue to grow bigger until you take the first step. Your perseverance will be an inspiration to others. CAPRICORN December 22 January 19 Put aside frivolity for a day, Capricorn. This is an important time to prepare for the future. Don t take another step forward before you know you re on solid ground. This is a good time to secure your goals on a piece of paper. Writing them down in ink will help you manifest them in your life. Think about the long-term harvest. Security and grounding are key themes of the day. TAURUS April 20 May 20 You ll find little comfort in your emotions today, Taurus. You may want to simply stick to business. Concentrate on getting things done in your regular routine. Create a plan and stick to it. This isn t a day to deviate from the norm, nor is it a time in which you ll find sympathy from others. Stick close to home and take care of your personal business. Time is precious don t waste it. LEO July 23 August 22 It could be hard for you to feel connected to anyone today, Leo. You re probably better off keeping to yourself. If you re feeling sad or depressed, it s best to work through these feelings on your own. Other people aren t apt to be too sympathetic to your situation. You re better off sticking to your work in order to keep the demons out of your head. SCORPIO October 23 November 21 Get your head out of the clouds, Scorpio. You ll find out that nitpicky details you failed to attend to earlier are now coming back to haunt you. Don t postpone your work any further. The time to take care of the job is now. Balance your checkbook and do your laundry. Clean your bathtub and go shopping. The more you accomplish today, the better you ll feel about yourself tomorrow. AQUARIUS January 20 February 18 People may be a bit critical of you today, Aquarius, and you would do well to hear what they have to say. Be receptive of feedback from others so that you may establish a healthy ego. It s important to keep your sense of humility in check. You might find that you re feeling rather critical as you see people moving like sloths compared to your lightning quick mind. Be patient with others. GEMINI May 21 June 20 Try not to be smothering today, Gemini. You may want to seek comfort in the company of others but find that this only produces grouchiness on the part of all involved. Curb your tendency to find fault in loved ones. Your best bet is to focus your energy on tasks you ve had on the back burner for some time. Tackle projects that need special attention and the most discipline. VIRGO August 23 September 22 You may feel a sense of restriction to the day, but in truth, this is for your own good, Virgo. You ll find that your acute sense of discipline comes in handy today as you tackle work with incredible enthusiasm. Your goals aren't far from your grasp. Stay focused, and don t let the ticking clock pressure you. Hastiness will lead to careless mistakes. If you re going to do a job, do it right. SAGITTARIUS November 22 December 21 Today you need to finish whatever you didn t get done yesterday, Sagittarius. Themes of the journey include discipline and paying attention to the sand slipping through the hourglass. The more you re able to accomplish, the better you ll feel about yourself. Stagnant energy in your life signals that it s time to get things moving. PISCES February 19 March 20 Maintain your psychic shield today, Pisces, because you ll need it. People s comments may seem harsh even if they mean well. Your best defence against the critical tone of the day is to use other people s criticisms as constructively as you can in order to build a stronger foundation from which to work. Process this energy in a positive frame of mind and use it to get things done.

12 12 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 CARTOONS/PUZZLES Wordsearch Adam Counting Pooch Cafe BILLION DECIMAL DIVISOR DOUBLE DOZEN EIGHT ELEVEN FACTOR Codeword FIFTY FIVE FORTY FOUR FRACTION GOOGOL HALF HUNDRED MILLION MULTIPLE PRIME SEVEN SIXTY THOUSAND THREE ZERO Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter. Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com Garfield Sudoku Bound And Gagged Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated.

13 PUZZLES Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 Super Cryptic Clues Colouring ACROSS 1. Harbinger of spring that strikes a gloomy note? (8) 5. Garment that doesn t do much for its wearer? (6) 10. Without getting up, nevertheless (15) 11. Say nothing, then say Screen (7) 12. Can I do it to be genial? (7) 13. The fish (Chinese) is delightful (8) 15. Put a slug into something a slug finds desirable (5) 18. Salamander a man s shaken out of the tree (5) 20. Shortens to a wild bird a long time caged (8) 23. She s rented it and I have the key (7) 25. Besides having tea out in London (7) 26. Heavens, why do people become health food addicts? (3,8,4) 27. Enjoy seeing her squirm when the number is slotted in (6) 28. Is their job all go? (8) DOWN 1. Dismiss with a rising catch, to his consternation (6) 2. All there will be quite safe (9) 3. The British surgeon will tell you how bad the burn is (7) 4. Hear, playing the number prior to it, the composer (5) 6. Making the L silent in pulse (7) 7. Caught on a branch as you go up (5) 8. Puts American agents into the sectors (8) 9. One of the less ordinary visitors to our country? (8) 14. Two names that get one raging (2,1,5) 16. In charge of the country? You do exaggerate! (9) 17. Requires and pages (5,3) 19. Up around the first light to get the quotas (7) 21. Possibly a Welsh liner (7) 22. Can t make up one s mind about hairdressers? (6) 24. Anyway, try to look up a region in the holiday brochure (5) 25. What the doctor was examining in the furniture shop? (5) Answers Wordsearch Codeword Yesterday s Solutions Across: 1 Tomahawk; 5 Sprung; 9 Mistaken; 10 Teaser; 12 Leaves; 13 Accurate; 15 For amusement; 18 Past one s best; 23 Amassing; 24 Praise; 26 Hasten; 27 Patience; 28 Dinner; 29 Intended. Down: 1 Tumble; 2 Missal; 3 Heave to; 4 Wren; 6 Presume; 7 Unseated; 8 Garments; 11 Scrubby; 14 Ravenna; 16 Splashed; 17 Assassin; 19 Obscene; 20 Service; 21 Sinned; 22 Behead; 25 Pawn.

14 14 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 BOLLYWOOD Feel more liberated than ever as actor in late 40s: Manisha PASSION: Manisha Koirala admits that although being a woman she wants to look pretty every time but she loves acting and has no issues compromising her vanity for passion. By Arundhuti Banerjee Her 40s have been eventful and enlightening. Actress Manisha Koirala, a cancer survivor, says contrary to common perception that middleaged female actors get less work in Bollywood, she feels liberated more than ever. I think I am more liberated as an artiste in my late 40s. I was having a conversation with Shabana Azmiji where she was saying, As an actress and as a woman, we always want to look good. How did you become so carefree? I think the greedy actor in me takes over at times. Being a woman, I want to look pretty in every phase of my life but I also love acting. If I have to sacrifice my vanity for a character that I am excited to play, I am ready, Manisha said. Having said that, Manisha pointed out that tomorrow if she is offered a role that demands glamour, she will again start working on her looks. Basically, my priority is the character first. I have done my share of looking glamorous on-screen in many films, said the actress, who mesmerised audiences with her performance in 1942: A Love Story. Of late, Manisha has fetched praise for her performance in Rajkumar Hirani s Sanju in which she has played the iconic Nargis Dutt and in a web film Lust Stories. On Sanju, Manisha said, I was quite nervous about how people will receive me in the film where I am playing the role of such an icon, Nargis Dutt. I was more worried because I knew how great the rest of the actors were in the film. They were brilliant and I was worried for whether people would notice my performance or not I am still one of those actresses who need people s appreciation to know that I have done the right thing. Even after spending a substantial time in the entertainment business, before the release of the film, I am nervous, laughed the Khamoshi actress, adding that such nervousness also occurs on the first day of the shoot. According to her, from her first film till today, a journey of 27 years, she has treated every film like her first film. It is never just another film for me. It is a new opportunity to act, tell a story, said the Bombay actress, who has her roots in Nepal. In Lust Stories, an anthology of four films, Manisha plays a complex woman in a relationship with her on-screen husband s best friend. She says it was the first time she has worn a swimsuit for a film. That was the idea of director Dibakar Banejee. He came saying this is how he wants the scene to be, and my first reaction was like, Why? I mean in my youth, I never wore a swimsuit in films. Manisha said she was initially reluctant to play the role as it was difficult for her to comprehend certain aspects of the character. That is where I had to trust the director, she said. Did she judge the character for her difficult relationship with her husband and for having an affair with his best friend? Well, I went through the dilemma in my head while playing Reena. It is not easy to be non-judgmental about the character I play, said Manisha as she recounted a conversation with the actor who played the villain in Clockwork Orange. I met him after I finished shooting Lust Stories and I had a conversation with him regarding the same. I agreed with what he said. We, as actors, should be non-judgmental about the characters we play on-screen, otherwise we are limiting ourselves. Will she accept the role of mother that usually middle-aged women get in Bollywood film? I will wait for the right role instead of the typical ones. But I think now cinema is changing and filmmakers, audiences and critics have started appreciating all kinds of cinema. IANS Johny Lever all praises for Back To Dad Veteran comedian Johny Lever is all praise for the youth-oriented film Back To Dad. This is one of the best youth-oriented movies I ve watched so far. The script of the film is very beautifully done. Back To Dad gives a message that every youngster should learn and this is surely going to leave a very strong impact on the masses, Johny said in a statement. Directed by Prabhat Kumar, the film is produced by Anup Gadal under Annora films. Talking about the film, Johny said, This film talks about a guy named Joel who along with his friends Samuel and Peter goes astray, falls in love with a chic woman named Abhiya, runs away with her and gets cheated. The second half emphasises on his struggle and how he gets back to his father. IANS Alia Bhatt wraps up Kalank schedule Actress Alia Bhatt has wrapped up the schedule for her upcoming film Kalank. Alia recently posted to her Instagram stories and shared a photograph of herself. She captioned the image, And that s a schedule wrap for me on Kalank. The actress also mentioned that she will start working on her upcoming film Brahmastra, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan as well. Kalank also features Sanjay Dutt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Aditya Roy Kapur. Abhishek Varman is directing the epic drama, which will hit the screens on April 19, The film is being produced by Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Hiroo Yash Johar and Apoorva Mehta and co-produced by Fox Star Studios. IANS IN THE FRAME: Three of the Kalank stars, including Varun Dhawan, left, and Alia Bhatt, right, with Madhuri Dixit-Nene. ADHERENT: Akshay Kumar says people should be encouraged towards hockey by promoting facts and history of the game that gave India its first ever gold medal after independence. Akshay on Gold, promoting hockey Actor Akshay Kumar, who is playing the lead role in his multi-starrer upcoming film Gold, based on hockey, says the game should get more spotlight and encouragement from people as it holds a strong value of history and pride of the country. Considering the fact that Bollywood has thrown spotlight on hockey with films like Chak De India, upcoming Soorma and Gold, Akshay said making such films will give the sport the attention it deserves. Apart from cricket, people should know more about other sports like hockey, kabaddi, football. The audience should know more about Hockey, and it should be encouraged. People should know what happened in How we won the first Olympic gold medal in hockey after the independence of India. I think things also have changed because the government is supporting the sport a lot, I am happy seeing the encouragement, Akshay said. Akshay is playing a Bengali character named Tapan Das who had a dream to win the gold medal in hockey. I hope after this film, hockey gets the respect that it commands. It is an important game that gave our country the first ever gold medal after independence. So I hope things change after our film, Akshay said. Gold is scheduled to release on August 15.

15 HOLLYWOOD Monday, July 9, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 Ant-Man and the Wasp offers small pleasures By Colin Covert For a decade now, I have enjoyed films from Marvel Studios categorically. They know what they re about, play equally well for thrills and laughs and present fantasy worlds with amazing authenticity. I m sadly conflicted about the droll Ant-Man and the Wasp. The problem isn t that it feels a wee bit insignificant following the grandiose spectacles of Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War. That s fine. Not every entry in a comic book franchise could or should be an apocalyptic extravaganza. Shifting to an unpretentious, small-scale story is a welcome change of pace from the usual formula. The problem is that the third movie that Marvel released this year feels much too understated to have a cutting edge as action or comedy. Either way, it s mild stuff. Paul Rudd plays Scott Lang, the flawed John Doe of Marvel s superhuman cosmos. A good guy with a bad luck, he stumbled out of a nice marriage and into prison for small-time burglary. He returned to civilian life with one key goal to be a good parttime dad to his adorable daughter (lovably played by Abby Ryder Fortson). Then he accidentally found that a high-tech suit he stole enabled him to battle evil as it shrank and supersized him. As this chapter of his story begins, he s under house arrest for his role in the Captain America: Civil War fight among opposing Avengers, with no science fiction uniform to size-adjust him out of his electronic ankle monitor. The costume was created by gruff, glowering physicist Hank Pym, Lang s reluctant mentor, whom Michael Douglas plays like Tony Stark s crotchety dad. There s a pleasant level of comic friction between know-it-all Hank and Scott, an amiable but semi-incompetent knight in shrinking armour. Douglas, who always seems to be just short of blowing a gasket, is as funny here as he has ever been in a movie. Unfortunately, Peyton Reed s Honey, I Shrunk the Performers directing cuts the star off too quickly. While Rudd has the superpower of being affable whenever he is on-screen, much of the cast would be more effective if they had room to breathe. That s true even for Evangeline Lilly in one of the title roles. As poker-faced Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp, Hank s daughter and Scott s newly shrink-wrapped colleague, Lilly is even more rigid than the whiz kid she plays. The stakes here are low, centring on possession of Pym s office ACTION: A scene from the film. building, a skyscraper shrinkable to the size of an under-seat suitcase. There isn t a villainous evildoer at the centre of things, but a cryptic newcomer named Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who wants technology from Pym s lab to control her own abilities. It s her special power to shift abruptly from place to place, with no attempt at any real continuity as might be said for the film itself, which is edited in a style that is hardly seamless. The wonderfully eccentric character actor Walton Goggins is short changed in a supporting part as an oily con artist also wanting to seize Pym s portable research centre. Michael Pena returns to his role as Scott s prison pal turned solid citizen Luis, and Randall Park introduces Jimmy Woo, a suspicious FBI agent eternally on Scott s case. Both demonstrate the magic of turning inconsequential lines into a comic platinum. Ants boosted to human size show up and act like teenagers which, given their limited life spans, makes a sort of sense. And there is much attention paid to rescuing, rebuilding and retaining families, a theme explored far better in the vastly more entertaining Incredibles 2. The film s foremost accomplishments come in the light heartedly surrealist action scenes. They are repetitive, each and every one based on gags of proportion with big items becoming small and vice versa. Yet, there s something that keeps the endlessly repeated punch lines strangely delightful. In a fight in a UPSHOT: Light heartedly surrealist action scenes don t make the film inventive all the way, but it certainly has its moments. restaurant kitchen, for instance, we see a bad man beaned with a salt shaker that suddenly grows to the size of a telephone booth. I won t say that Ant-Man and the Wasp feel fresh and inventive all the way through, but it certainly has its moments. Star Tribune/TNS Jennifer Lawrence s divergent method of acting Actress Jennifer Lawrence says she was mortified when director Francis Lawrence urged her to keep the Russian accent she adopted for her role as ballerina-turned-spy in Red Sparrow outside of filming because she knew her friends would not be impressed. For two weeks before the movie, Francis would say, You should talk in the accent at home. Stay in the accent and talk to your friends in the accent. I said, Francis, I don t have those kinds of friends. They would never call me again, Lawrence told Star magazine. Lawrence spent several months working on the accent and though it was tough, it was an essential part of her preparations, reports femalefirst.co.uk. She said: I had never done a foreign accent before so I spent four months before the movie figuring out what kind of dialect she would have. Once you get there and you have the costume on, you become the character and it s easier. The Oscar-winning actress also struggled with the dance training she had to do and the experience left her amazed that people choose to put them through so much mental and physical discipline. IANS TOUGH CALL: Jennifer Lawrence was advised to use Russian accent at home and with friends as part of her preparations for Red Sparrow. Zac Efron s dreadlocks cause a stir Actor Zac Efron s dreadlock look has made him face the heat on social media. Efron, 30, who has mostly been seen in his signature slicked-back do hairstyle, posted a picture of himself in his new dreadlock hairstyle. He captioned it, Just for fun on Instagram. However, his fans gave a mixed reaction, reports people.com. While a few people liked his experiment, there were some who accused him of cultural appropriation. One comment read, If he would ve gotten dreads and appreciated the culture behind it, it would ve been okay, but I don t even think he knows the culture behind it, plus the caption; just for fun, so now culture is something to do for fun now? Dreadlocks are associated most closely with the Rastafari movement, but people from many ethnic groups have worn dreadlocks, Semitic people of West Asia, Indo-European people of Europe and South Asia. Notably, the ancient Spartan warriors UNDER FIRE: The actor has been criticised on social media for captioning the photograph as Just for fun. Many accused him of cultural appropriation. of Greece and the Sadhus of India and Nepal have also been wearing it. From the age of slavery to South Africa s Black Consciousness Movement, the dreadlocks have had a vast history behind it, making it more than just a trendy hairstyle, people. com reported. IANS

16 16 GULF TIMES Monday, July 9, 2018 ISL Qatar celebrates graduation of Class 2018 GRADUATION: The graduating students. The International School of London (ISL) Qatar recently hosted its annual Grade 12 graduation to celebrate the success of 55 graduates. The graduation is the school s sixth since its opening in The ceremony was unforgettable for the graduates as it marked their achievement and completion the IB Diploma. The students, parents and teachers enjoyed a memorable afternoon with photos and videos from throughout the year, noted a press release. David Monk, Head of School, gave an inspiring speech to say goodbye to the graduates. This accomplishment is a result of your hard work and you have made your parents and teachers very proud today. I hope that you achieve all in your lives that you wish to, that you live your life well, and that your dreams come true. Congratulations Class of 2018! ISL Qatar has an outstanding reputation for high academic standards, prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and an impressive record of admission to the world s best universities. The Class of 2018 graduates have been accepted into some of the world s most prestigious universities in the UK, Canada, USA, Spain, Germany and Qatar. The culturally diverse class of 2018 are truly internationally-minded, with 26 different nationalities from across the globe. The exceptional class exemplifies the values of camaraderie, warmth, humour, creativity, intelligence and compassion and they have AWARD: Jan Sedlacek receiving the award from David Monk, Head of School. contributed much to ISL Qatar. Some of the graduation ceremony highlights recognised the achievements of the students. Jan Sedlacek and Amatallah al-maliki were honoured with Valedictorian awards in recognition of attaining the highest academic standards, making outstanding contributions to the school and for being exemplary representatives of the Class of Noorin Iqbal was honoured with the Creativity Activity Service Award as the student, who demonstrated excellence in all three strands of the CAS programme. Lalitphat Phunchuan received the coveted Learner Award as the student, who had shown outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment and intellectual development in his academic studies. Marzia Foglietti received the Nadim Makarem Award as the student, who personifies the values of the International School of London Qatar, and who is an outstanding representative of the school with a positive attitude towards the life and culture of others. The graduation ceremony marked the end of one part of the graduates stories and all are looking forward to the next exciting chapter as they move on to some of the world s top universities. Valedictorian Jan Sedlacek summarised these next steps with the following comments in his address, Fellow graduates, whatever we do in life, let it be done honestly, VALEDICTORIAN: Amatallah al-maliki getting the award. so we may settle down peacefully at the end of the day, knowing we have done nothing to compromise our moral integrity. Let us set an example, one that future generations may follow. I have known some of you personally for more than seven years, and I know each and every one of us is more than capable of this feat, in our own, unique and individual ways. Also Valedictorian Amat Allah Aqlan wished her fellow graduates the best in their upcoming journeys: I have no doubt in my mind that all of us here are capable of achieving what we desire, and are smart enough to know that it won t be easy. So, I would like to wish you all the best of luck as we move into the next phase of our lives.