eye on singapore

CommunityPunjab Music Group all set to celebrate

Defence Day of Pakistan with a musical programme.

P6 P16 CommunityParrine Fages, a resident of Doha

and lawyer, breaks record in world’s toughest triathlon.

Eye on SingaporeCOVERSTORY

Post-Crazy Rich Asians, Singaporeans would like you to know

that in reality, things here can get even richer and crazier. P4-5

Thursday, September 6, 2018Dhul-Hijja 26, 1439 AH

Doha today: 330 - 380

REVIEW BOLLYWOOD

Reeves, Ryder are the

perfect Wedding couple.

4

Not sure what quintessential

Bollywood heroine is: Lisa.

Page 15

BURNING BRIGHT: Skyline Financial district at dusk, Singapore, City Skyline.

Thursday, September 6, 20182 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

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

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

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 3.58amShorooq (sunrise) 5.16amZuhr (noon) 11.32amAsr (afternoon) 3.01pmMaghreb (sunset) 5.50pmIsha (night) 7.20pm

“Friends show their love in

times of trouble, not in happiness.”

— Euripides

Miss GrannyDIRECTION: Joyce BernalCAST: Sarah Geronimo, Xian Lim, James ReidSYNOPSIS: The plot follows the story of Fely, an elderly

woman, who fi nds second chance at youth after a visit to a mysterious photo studio.

THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaze

Peppermint DIRECTION: Pierre MorelCAST: Jennifer Garner, John Gallagher Jr, John OrtizSYNOPSIS: Riley North awakens from a coma after

surviving a brutal attack that killed her husband and daughter. When the system shields the murderers from justice, Riley sets out to transform herself from citizen to urban guerrilla.

Channelling frustration into motivation, the young widow spends years in hiding, honing her mind, body and spirit to become an unstoppable force. Eluding the underworld, the police and the FBI, Riley embarks on a deadly quest to deliver her own personal brand of punishment.

THEATRE: Landmark

The Mall Cinema (1): Maradona (Malayalam) 2pm; Al Khourouj An Al Nas (Arabic) 4:45pm; Alpha (2D) 6:30pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 8:15pm; Paltan (Hindi) 11:15pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Enchanted Princess (2D) 2:30pm; Enchanted Princess (2D) 4pm; Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (2D) 5:30pm; The Nun (2D) 7:30pm; The Mercy (2D) 9:30pm; The Nun (2D) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Paltan (Hindi) 2:15pm; Laila Majnu (Hindi) 5pm; Peppermint (2D) 7:30pm; Peppermint (2D) 9:30pm; Maradona (Malayalam) 11:15pm.

Landmark Cinema (1): Paltan (Hindi) 2:15pm; Maradona (Malayalam) 5pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 7:45pm; Paltan (Hindi) 10:45pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Enchanted Princess (2D) 3pm; Enchanted Princess (2D) 4:30pm; Alpha (2D) 6pm; The Nun (2D) 7:45pm; Alpha (2D) 9:30pm; The Nun (2D) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (2D) 2:15pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 4pm; Peppermint (2D) 7pm; Al

Khourouj An Al Nas (Arabic) 9pm; Maradona (Malayalam) 10:45pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Enchanted Princess (2D) 2:30pm; Enchanted Princess (2D) 4pm; Alpha (2D) 5:30pm; Alpha (2D) 7:15pm; The Nun (2D) 9:15pm; The Nun (2D) 11:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Maradona (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Paltan (Hindi) 5pm; Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 7:45pm; Maradona (Malayalam) 10:45pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Urdu) 2:30pm; Enchanted Princess (2D) 5:30pm; The Nun (2D) 7pm; The Mercy (2D) 8:45pm; Paltan (Hindi) 10:45pm.

3Thursday, September 6, 2018 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

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

EVENTS

International Literacy Day WHERE: Qatar National LibraryWHEN: September 8TIME: 10:30 am – 12 pmIn celebration of International Literacy

Day by Unesco, QNL is off ering a lecture to parents about early childhood development and children’s natural attraction towards print. They will learn how to evaluate books, understand the diff erent types, and be able to appropriately support their children in picking books. QNL librarians will also give simple but eff ective ideas on how to build home libraries and encourage reading throughout a family’s daily life.

Choir AuditionWHEN: September 8Qatar Youth and Junior Choir (formerly

known as Doha Youth Choir) are preparing for an exciting new season of choral singing and projects. Auditions are open this week for singers aged 8 – 13 and 14 – 15 years. For further details, www.qyj-choir.com

Katara Art Studio: Workshops for children

WHERE: Katara Art StudioWHEN: Ongoing till 15 SeptemberTIME: 3pm – 8pmAs part of its rich educational programme,

Katara Art Studio continues to off er a number of technical workshops ongoing till September 15, aimed at enhancing artistic talents and creative abilities. The workshops will include the art of paper cutting and design, the art of the design of felt and gouache by Jaya Elizabeth Jacob, the art of painting the line brush (a course for beginners) off ered by trainer Grace Castrodes, silk screen and art drawing on the glass.

Weekly Knitting and Crochet CircleWHERE: Qatar National LibraryWHEN: September 9 – September 27TIME: 9am – 11amJoin the casual gathering of knitters and

crocheters to work on projects and share skills in a friendly atmosphere. Participants will be welcome to bring their own supplies and projects or to borrow QNL needles and yarn. All skill levels are welcome including beginners who are interested in learning.

HEC Paris MasterclassWHERE: 15th fl oor, Tornado TowerWHEN: September 9TIME: 5pm – 7pm HEC Paris is organising ‘The Journey of

Innovation: From the Innovator to Eco-systemic Innovation’, an opportunity to learn more about company innovation with HEC Paris Associate Professor Frederic Dalsace, MSc from HEC and an MBA with honors from Harvard Business School and both MSc and a PhD Management from INSEAD.

Choreography Lessons - Brazilian Zouk

WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier near MOI WHEN: Ongoing till September 15Brazilian zouk is characterised by the

dancers’ undulating bodies and the girls’ fl owing 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 fi nal performance is scheduled to be on 15 September as a fl ashmob.

Doha Women ForumWHERE: The Westin Doha Hotel & SpaWHEN: September 26TIME: 8am – 5pmDoha Women Forum 2018: Press for

Progress is a platform where women can learn from experts, get inspired by the experiences of other women, share ideas, and network. The forum will feature the stories of women who took steps to aff ect positive change in their workplace, their community and personal lives. The event will consist of empowering talks, group discussions and workshops.

Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football pitches

WHERE: Aspire ZoneWHEN: DailyTIME: 7pm – 11pmAspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor

pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available every day from 7pm – 11pm.

Med FoodWHERE: DECCWHEN: October 1 – 4TIME: 3pm – 9pmFor international entrepreneurs, traders,

manufacturers, suppliers, food technology companies, and hospitality services on food and beverage, MedFood will be an excellent platform to open new vistas to foray into the emerging markets of Qatar While Qatar economy is rapidly progressing, the demand and supply of food is inevitable increasing due to the growth of local population, foreign worker and its tourism.

Breast Cancer AwarenessWHERE: InterContinental DohaWHEN: OctoberInterContinental Doha – The City is

organising several activities (especially at its various dining venues) that focus on highlighting the importance of early detection. Try the pink afternoon tea, the extravagant pink Bar Squared Brunch at The Square and pink-themed nights at Strata Restaurant and Lounge.

After School ActivitiesWHERE: AtelierWHEN: OngoingMusic & arts Activities for students taking

place after they fi nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip-hop, Ballet, Drawing & Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Hobby ClassesWHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al

Hilal Focus Medical CentreWHEN:Wednesday – MondayMystic Art Centre, is a holistic performing

artsinstitution and a one stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various art forms. We off er classes in Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, Karate, Yoga, Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, Hip Hop, contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. For details, call 4723680/ 33897609.

Dance and instrument classesWHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times

BuildingWHEN: Wednesday – MondayLearn the movements of dance styles in

Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. For details, contact 66523871/ 31326749.

International Wedding ExhibitionWHERE: DECC, WestbayWHEN: September 26 – 30TIME: 10am – 10pm IWED 2018 is to stage a high-profi le luxury wedding exhibition in order to position it in the

calendar as a key appointment for the luxury market in the Middle East. This event also off ers women, who are interested in fashion and luxury, the latest styles and trends in the market.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Singapore songEven as many Singaporeans revel in Hollywood’s sumptuous portrayal, Crazy Rich

Asians has renewed questions about inequality and privilege in a society that has long

prized hard work, equal opportunity and social order, writes Shashank Bengali

The movie has lit a spark because it seems to be celebrating wealth that 99 percent of the country can’t access

—Aun Koh, entrepreneur

‘’

MAKING WAVES: The recent release Crazy Rich Asians has brought sharp focus back on Singapore and its polarising wealth.


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

While movie audiences worldwide relish the million-dollar earrings and

private jets of Crazy Rich Asians, Singaporeans would like you to know that in reality, things here can get even richer and even crazier.

One described a wedding reception where Diana Ross performed. An heir to a business fortune admitted — no, more like bragged — to a newspaper that he’d once walked into a designer shoe store and said: “I’ll take one pair of everything you have, in every colour.”

“The movie is just a really nice romantic comedy,” said Juliana Chan, a scientist and magazine editor. “It didn’t feel over-the-top.”

The real-life stories of Singapore’s ultra-rich illustrate this tiny city-state’s remarkable transformation from a sleepy colonial trading post with no natural resources into a global fi nancial capital and playground for the 1 percent.

But the tales of excess hardly square with the obsessively disciplined, authoritarian ethos that propelled the island to prosperity over the last half-century. Even as many Singaporeans revel in Hollywood’s sumptuous portrayal, Crazy Rich Asians has renewed questions about inequality and privilege in a society that has long prized hard work, equal opportunity and social order.

“The movie has lit a spark because it seems to be celebrating wealth that 99 percent of the country can’t access,” said Aun Koh, an entrepreneur. “And in the last 10 years that gap has gotten worse.”

The signs of Singapore’s success are everywhere — the Instagram-ready pool parties atop fi ve-star hotels, the designer boutiques shimmering along tree-lined boulevards, the oceanfront mansions on the resort island that hosted President Donald Trump’s summit in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

One out of every 34 Singaporeans is a millionaire, the highest density of any Asian city, according to the research company WealthInsight. With a population of about 5.5 million, Singapore has a $57,000 per capita income — nearly that of the United States.

It got this way under the guidance of the late Lee Kuan Yew, who was prime minister when the former British colony separated from Malaysia and became independent in 1965. Lee built a ruthlessly effi cient government that paid handsome salaries to recruit top-notch Cabinet ministers and drew investors from around the world to the island’s strategic location along one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.

Disdainful of democracy and famously abstemious — he reportedly wore the same exercise shorts for 17 years — Lee led a one-party state that enforced strict notions of public behaviour. Graffi ti, feeding pigeons and the sale of chewing gum were banned.

But he also created an enviable system of schools, hospitals and public housing that was meant

to guarantee everyone in the multiethnic country — mainly Chinese, but with sizable groups of Indians and Malay — an equal chance at success.

Singapore was to be a meritocracy, in Lee’s vision, and those who succeed shouldn’t fl aunt their advantages. His son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said recently that Singaporeans “should frown upon those who go for ostentatious displays of wealth and status, or worse, look down on others less well-off and privileged.”

But the younger Lee earns more than $1.7 million. And last month, just before Crazy Rich Asians premiered in Singapore, a controversial comment by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong laid bare a growing social divide.

Goh was asked whether government ministers’ million-dollar salaries should be reduced to increase entitlements for the elderly. Rejecting the idea, he said that in

that case the government would only be able to attract “very, very mediocre people who can’t even earn a million” Singaporean dollars, or about $730,000, in the private sector.

Many Singaporeans were appalled.

“What was worse is that not a single political leader spoke up to criticise the comment,” Koh said. “There’s a huge problem if this whole layer of government has this snobbish attitude. … There’s a lot of resentment building up, and the movie didn’t do any favours to the people in authority.”

Even the vaunted public schools, long the pathway for working-class students into top business and government jobs, are becoming more stratifi ed as generations go on. The best high schools award some spots to the sons and daughters of alumni and others to those who live in surrounding neighborhoods — where housing prices have naturally soared into the millions of dollars.

The principal of one of the top schools, Raffl es Institution, which counts Lee Kuan Yew and many Cabinet members as alumni, recently said he was struggling to recruit students from diverse backgrounds because some were worried about not fi tting in with wealthier classmates.

“The divide is entrenched very early in life,” said Chan, the scientist and magazine editor.

Some experts say the very policies that have made Singapore an attractive investment destination — low corporate and personal income tax rates, and no capital gains or estate tax — have made it more unequal.

Chinese businessmen have fl ocked to the island since 2008, bringing a fl ood of new money and gaudy spending that Singapore’s original ethnic Chinese business families — like the relatively low-key Young clan at the centre of Crazy Rich Asians — regard as gauche.

But the government has courted

the new arrivals with tax breaks and other inducements — including building two luxurious casinos despite Lee Kuan Yew’s longtime opposition to gambling. At the casino at the Marina Bay Sands hotel complex — the three curved towers topped by a shiplike terrace — Singaporeans must pay a $70 entry fee while admission is free to foreigners.

“The red carpet is rolled out for foreigners, especially the wealthy,” said Linda Lim, a Singapore-born professor of international business at the University of Michigan.

“The whole society is now based on making money. … It is at odds with our founding values.”

Still, many Singaporeans see inequality as the cost of a relentlessly capitalistic system that rewards certain types of skills. In offi cial terms, Singapore has no poverty — because it has not defi ned a poverty line — and no pension system, in keeping with the founding ethos that everyone must work.

Many struggling elderly Singaporeans, often without families to support them, bus tables at the city’s ubiquitous outdoor food stalls or collect cardboard boxes to recycle for money.

“We accept some inequality in order that we can have the kind of economic prosperity that has brought us this far,” said Irene Ng Yue Hoong, associate professor of social work at the National University of Singapore.

But the government has been sensitive to criticism over inequality and responded with additional subsidies — expanding access to early childhood education for low-income families and announcing welfare packages for seniors born in the 1940s and 1950s, before the economic boom.

“The need to maintain upward mobility is really important for the government’s legitimacy,” said sociologist Chua Beng Huat. “But the government’s idea is to keep raising the bottom of the economic ladder, rather than restrict the top.” —Los Angeles Times/TNS

ICON: The late Lee Kuan Yew created an enviable system of schools, hospitals and public housing that was meant to guarantee everyone in the multiethnic country — mainly Chinese, but with sizable groups of Indians and Malay — an equal chance at success.

One out of every 34 Singaporeans is a millionaire, the highest density of any Asian city, according to the research company WealthInsight. With a population of about 5.5 million, Singapore has a $57,000 per capita income — nearly that of the United States


COMMUNITY

IIS observes Teachers’ Day

Aspire Academy kicks off the new academic year

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently observed Teachers’ Day in the memory of Dr S Radhakrishnan, the former president of India. Radhakrishnan was a philosopher and thinker and spent most of his life teaching Indian philosophy. As part of the celebration, the teachers from

various sections presented a cultural programme. While greeting the teaching fraternity, Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS, appreciated the teachers for their altruistic devotion to their profession and said that teachers are like beacon of light who guide the students in their formative years.

The Aspire Academy has kicked off the new academic year with 286 student-athletes from Grade VII – XII, including 79 new-joiners selected by the Academy’s talent identification process or referred by Qatari sports federations. The new academic year provides students with new facilities including the electronic curriculum.“I would like to welcome staff , teachers, students and parents to the new academic year. I also would like to express a special welcome to the new students that have joined us this year. Seventy-nine of them have completed the registration procedures, while 11 are still in process. You are beginning a new chapter in your life and I encourage you to work hard, be determined, be disciplined and make the most of the opportunities Aspire Academy has to off er. Then you will have the chance to become one of the country’s future elite athletes,” said Jassem al-Jaber, Principal of Asipire Academy.He added, “The success achieved in Indonesia is the fruit of the excellent collaboration between several government institutions and Aspire Academy is proud to be one of them. The medals won by athletes that have graduated from Aspire Academy serves as

motivation to the current student athletes. They know that if they put in all the eff ort possible and believe in what we are doing at Aspire Academy they too will be equally successful.”The new school year also marks the introduction of the new school facilities located in the extension of Aspire Academy, that includes new building which contains 8 classrooms, 2 languages labs, a library and the ‘Educational Resources Center’.The special focus in 2018-19 academic year is the introduction of electronic curriculum, instead of using conventional school books, students will work exclusively on tablets. “In the current academic year, we have shifted to electronic content through e-learning, e-content and e-assessment which is a huge transformational step,” explained Ali Fawaz al-Dwairi, Master Teacher of Aspire Academy.Mohammed Jabir Afifa, a student who has recently joined the Academy’s football programme, says, “I am very excited and happy to be here today. It has always been my dream to enrol at Aspire Academy and now that I am here, I am very grateful and motivated to become one of the best players the Academy has ever had.” PMG to celebrate Pakistan Defence Day

Nazakat Ali Khan, PMG Chief OrganiserShahzad Hameed, Pakistani singer and Naat Khuwan

Punjab Music Group (PMG) is all set to organise a musical programme as part of the Defence Day celebrations of Pakistan today at Sohna House, Al Hilal from 9pm onwards. The event aims to pay a tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces who rendered supreme sacrifices in the defence of their

motherland. The event will feature Shahzad Hameed, a Pakistani singer and Naat Khuwan, performing live for the audience which will be followed by dinner. Nazakat Ali Khan, PMG Chief Organiser, expressed his gratitude towards the Pakistani community in Qatar for its support.


COMMUNITYTRAVEL

Most visitors to North Africa spend their time touring the royal cities of Morocco or

exploring the ancient temples along the Nile, perhaps on a bus tour, or inspired by classic sightseeing itineraries in travel catalogues.

But others prefer to venture off the beaten track. For them, German travel company Hauser Exkursionen has an alternative: A tour through the Algerian desert guided by real Tuareg. “This is not a hired team. They don’t do this every week or every month, and they only do it with us because we know the elders in the region,” says Ovid Jacota, CEO of Hauser.

“The tour guide is usually either a Tuareg or someone with good links to the locals who acts as a bridge-builder. This is an extremely authentic exchange between cultures.”

A desert tour with the Tuareg is perhaps towards the extreme end of the scale, but more and more travel companies are incorporating contact with locals into their itineraries, along with the usual old towns and markets.

Algeria is not the only destination off ered by Hauser. The company also runs tours led by locals in Italy, “We found a fi sherman, Pino, from the Aeolian Islands, who shows our guests ‘his’ Italy,” says Jacota.

Pino takes holidaymakers from island to island in his boat. “It is a way of glimpsing the Italian soul.” And that is exactly what many travellers want nowadays, at least as a supplement to the standard itinerary.

Authenticity is the magic word, according to Ulrich Reinhardt, a professor and tourism researcher with the Foundation for Future Studies in Hamburg.

“Tourists want to get to know real life. It’s about providing a contrast to everyday life at home, but also an unusual and special experience, which not everyone has. Visiting an old town can’t provide that.”

Another provider, Munich-based Marco Polo Reisen, focuses on authentic experiences, not just the usual tourist attractions. “Such experiences are lasting and emotional,” says Holger Baldus, Managing Director of Marco Polo Reisen.

“In Beijing, for instance, everyone wants to see the

Forbidden City. But they already know what it looks like.” Sensory experiences leave a far longer-

lasting impression in people’s minds, he says. “How did something smell? How did it

taste?” He continues, “People know from the outset that standard sights are going to be great. Expectations

are high from the start.” That’s why the company likes to take its customers to unexpected places, for example, on a morning bike tour of Shanghai, bang in the middle of city traffi c. “You can see people doing tai chi in the park in the morning or having breakfast in their kitchens,” says Baldus, everyday life as the main attraction. “It just blows you away.”

Yet why are such experiences so in demand? Firstly, many countries have become more accessible. Twenty to 30 years ago, visitors to Nepal would have been happy to simply travel safely from one end of the country to the other. Today, that’s nothing special. Secondly, tourists are staying fi tter and more adventurous for longer, so demands on organisers have risen.

Travellers want unrehearsed experiences, says Baldus, “People have become very choosy in that respect and don’t go for kitsch any more. If our guests believe the off er smacks of a promotional event, they become really angry. Our tour guide will incur their wrath if expectations are not met.”

However, the experience must not be too demanding. According to Baldus, everyday life in the host country must be brought to travellers in a measured manner.

“You have to know your limits. The pace in China is faster than in Portugal or Greece.” Moreover, travel off ers that put people in touch with locals are still something for a niche target group, at least if you look at the holiday market in general.

“People who don’t want a deeper experience won’t ask for it. They don’t expect it and might not like it either,” Baldus says. And the usual sights won’t be disappearing from itineraries any time soon. “Only when the must-sees have been checked off does immersion into every day, local life begin. Every fi rst-time visitor comes to see the highlights, it’s in the traveller’s psyche.”

The same applies at Hauser, “Authentic encounters still only play a small role,” says Jacota. “We describe 90 per cent of the trip to the customer, and 10 percent is a surprise. We’re counting on the guests to trust us.”

Planning and security are therefore top priorities. But Jacota is certain, “The need for authenticity will continue to grow.”– DPA

The latest trend of everyday life as a tourist attraction

A bus tour around all the major sights is no longer enough for some tourists. Tour

operators are satisfying travellers’ growing appetite for unique experiences by off ering

excursions off the beaten track, including contact with locals. By Philipp Laage

A REAL EXPERIENCE: German travel company have started off ering its customers a tour through the Algerian desert guided by real Tuareg.

LOCALE: During a morning bike tour of Shanghai, bang in the middle of city traff ic, you might get to see people doing tai chi in the park or having breakfast in their kitchens as part of a daily routine.


COMMUNITY BODY &

After a week with a dry cough, 16-year-old Ian McCracken started experiencing middle-of-the-night coughing

fi ts so severe, he couldn’t talk. He returned home from his fi rst trip to the urgent care clinic in mid-July with an inhaler and a fi ve-day course of steroids.

The coughing fi ts didn’t abate, and after a few days, Ian jumped out of bed and got his mom’s attention by

clapping his hands, unable to get any words out. The Decatur, Ga, teenager gasped for air, tears running down his face. His mother, Karen Andes, took her son to another doctor, who suggested Ian may have refl ux.

But a combination of Andes’ medical background (she’s an assistant professor of global health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University) and a mother’s intuition told her something else was tormenting her so, pertussis, also

known as whooping cough.Whooping cough, a potentially

life-threatening childhood illness, all but disappeared in the 1940s after a vaccine was developed. But in recent decades, the illness has been making a comeback. Changes in the vaccine and waning immunity are likely contributing to the resurgence of the illness, according to experts.

In recent years, there have been outbreaks not seen since the 1950s.

In 2012, the United States had the

highest number of whooping cough cases in more than 50 years with 48,277 reported cases and 20 deaths. Most of the deaths occurred among infants, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. In Georgia, there were 318 cases in 2012, which included no deaths. Since then, there have been three whooping cough-related deaths (two in 2013 and one in 2016) in Georgia, and all of the deaths involved babies.

Last year, there was a total of 163

reported cases of whooping cough in Georgia, according to the CDC. And this year through August 21, there have been a total of 102 cases, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The highly contagious respiratory illness is not always on the radar of doctors and can be mistaken for a cold, bronchitis, refl ux. The Georgia Department of Health said it’s not uncommon for someone to see two, even three doctors before getting a

STATISTICS: In 2012, the United States had the highest number of whooping cough cases in more than 50 years with 48,277 reported cases and 20 deaths.

Why whooping cougmaking a comebac

Whooping cough, a potentially life-threatening childhood illness, all but disappeared i

after a vaccine was developed. But changes in the vaccine and waning immunity a

contributing to the resurgence of the illness, according to experts, writes Helena O

9GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYThursday, September 6, 2018

& MIND

proper diagnosis. Andes insisted on getting her son tested for whooping cough. Results from a nose culture came back positive.

“At fi rst, I felt relieved, and even a bit proud of myself,” said Andes, “but then the reality sunk in that we may be in for more diffi cult nights.”

The older vaccine for whooping cough was phased out in the late 1990s. It carried a high risk of serious but temporary side eff ects like pain and swelling at the site of injection, as

well as serious complications such as febrile convulsions, which are fi ts or seizures caused by a sudden change in a child’s body temperature, and loss of consciousness. One study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente’s Vaccine Study Centre in Oakland, Calif, found the newer pertussis vaccine, while safer and with fewer side eff ects than the older version, is not as eff ective.

The 2016 study from Kaiser Permanente’s Vaccine Study Centre found that the booster vaccine known as Tdap provides moderate protection against whooping cough during the fi rst year after vaccination, but its eff ectiveness wanes to less than 9 percent after four years among teenagers who have received only a newer form of the whooping cough vaccine (known as acellular pertussis vaccine) as infants and children.

Pertussis can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can even be life-threatening, especially in babies. About half of babies under 1 year of age who get pertussis need treatment in a hospital, according to the CDC. The illness can have a lasting eff ect on lung function, leaving people with shortness of breath.

Meanwhile, a team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Georgia, found in a new study while some people lose immunity relatively quickly, the vaccine can be protective for many decades. The study, published in a March issue of Science Translational Medicine, also found the dwindling number of people still alive who survived pertussis infections in the days before vaccination and therefore gained lifelong immunity, is also playing a role in the resurgence. When the vaccine was fi rst introduced in the 1940s, there were very high rates of vaccination, which led to an overall decrease in transmission.

Senior author Pejman Rohani, who has a joint appointment in the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and the Odum School of Ecology, said the number of people who are susceptible to contracting pertussis is slowly rising, setting the stage for an increase in the number of new cases, especially in older individuals. This is known as the ‘end of the honeymoon’ period, he said.

And even though the eff ectiveness of vaccines may wane over time, experts say people should still make sure to get them. Skipping the vaccines, Rohani said, “would be a

terrible idea, especially the routine scheduled and maternal vaccination.”

He added that researchers are still working on deciding whether people should get more frequent booster vaccinations. Meanwhile, Ian, who was fully vaccinated against whooping cough, completed a round of antibiotics and is doing better. But he still has a lingering cough, and a full recovery could take months.

After Ian’s diagnosis, Andes notifi ed City of Decatur schools about her son’s illness. It was over summer break, but Ian was participating in a high school band camp and was around other high school students. City of Decatur Schools spokesperson Courtney Burnett said a letter was sent to parents of students at Decatur High School informing them of the illness. Burnett said the school system is not aware of any other whooping cough cases.

Andes, who also got whooping cough (likely from her son) but was treated early before symptoms got severe, is sharing her family’s story to help raise awareness about whooping cough.

She wants families to know the following: don’t assume you can’t get whooping cough because you’ve been vaccinated; whooping cough not only aff ects babies; early treatment is key (not only may it help reduce the

severity or the length of the illness, it prevents spreading the illness to others); and whooping cough ‘doesn’t always whoop,’ particularly in adolescents and adults. Her son burped for air after each attack. She checked his fi ngernails and they were purplish-blue near the cuticles because he wasn’t getting enough oxygen.

“Each episode was very scary. It was absolutely terrifying,” she said. “Our journey is not over yet, but I have learned a lot.”

Vaccination recommendationsThe CDC recommends pertussis

(also called whooping cough) vaccines for people of all ages. Babies and children should get fi ve doses of DTaP for maximum protection. DTaP is a vaccine that helps children younger than age 7 develop immunity to three deadly diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).

Healthcare professionals give a dose of DTaP at 2, 4 and 6 months, at 15 through 18 months, and again at 4 through 6 years. They give children a booster dose known as Tdap to preteens at 11 or 12 years old.

Teens or adults who didn’t get Tdap as a preteen should get one dose. Getting Tdap is especially important for pregnant women during the third

trimester of each pregnancy. It’s also important that those who care for babies are up-to-date with pertussis vaccination.

The impact of Anti-Vaxxers on the comeback of Whooping Cough

Even though children who haven’t received DTaP vaccines are at least eight times more likely to get whooping cough than children who received all fi ve recommended doses of DTaP, they are not the driving force behind the large-scale outbreaks or epidemics, according to the CDC. Even so, their parents are putting their children at greater risk of getting whooping cough and possibly spreading the illness to others.

Whooping Cough, know the signs

Whooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after one to two weeks, severe coughing can begin and can include many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched ‘whoop’ sound. It’s important to note not everyone with pertussis will cough and many who cough will not ‘whoop.’ Babies may not cough at all though. Instead, they have trouble breathing.– The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS

VACCINATION: DTaP is a vaccine that helps children younger than age 7 develop immunity to three deadly diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.h is

kn the 1940s

are likely

Oliviero

SERIOUS ILLNESS: Pertussis can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can even be life-threatening, especially in babies.

SYMPTOMS: Whooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after one to two weeks, severe coughing can begin.


COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC


COMMUNITYLIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

Upsets in the home or neighbourhood could lead to a sudden

decision to move, causing a great deal of activity. You might not yet

be sure where you’re going. Organisation and discipline are vital at

times like this, Aries. It might be helpful to make lists and cross off

each task as you finish it. Don’t panic. This could turn out to be the

best thing that ever happened to you.

The wonders of technology may come to your home today, Cancer.

You might purchase some new equipment like a computer or phone,

or decide to go for a state-of-the-art home entertainment centre.

Whichever it is, expect a lot of activity in and around your home as

friends come to see your new toys and family members learn how to

use them. It will be exciting for everyone!

Bizarre, unexpected developments might turn your life upside down

today, Libra. Money could be involved. New people could arrive who

open doors that eventually lead to a new life. It isn’t easy to make

predictions for a strange day like this. Rest assured that when you go

to bed you won’t be the same person you were when you woke up.

An unexpected career break could come your way, Capricorn. It

should be exciting and encouraging – and a little scary! Don’t let

apprehension get to you. You won’t want to let this opportunity

pass you by. Your good fortune could arouse envy in some of your

co-workers, but don’t let this bother you either. Simply do what you

need to do to get the ball rolling and then go ahead with it.

You could get upsetting news regarding your job, Taurus. There

could be a shakeup in the hierarchy or someone in a position of

authority could abruptly leave. You and your co-workers could have

some momentary fears about job security, but they’re probably

unwarranted. Your security will survive these events, and you’ll

probably be better off than you were before.

Valuable and interesting information could come your way through

modern technology. You might discover new information online

that awakens an exciting new interest in you, perhaps related to the

sciences, occult, or metaphysics. You could even discover a talent for

astrology. Group activities may also be appealing now, particularly

those regarding humanitarian pursuits.

Today you might be fascinated with movies, music, and video. You

could discover a new interest in filmmaking, sound engineering,

or videography that you want to pursue. You might decide to read

about these fields and apply what you learn to the movies you see

and the music you hear. If you’re serious about learning these skills,

this is the time to go for it. You’ll enjoy it!

A trip by air may be in the off ing, Aquarius. You may be planning to

tour distant states or foreign lands. You could be going with friends

or a group you’re associated with. Unusual new interests could

capture your attention, enticing you to further study. You might

enrol in a workshop. You’re looking toward expanding your horizons.

Take care not to spread yourself too thin.

Keep your mind open to any and all possibilities today, Gemini.

It’s likely that you’ll encounter someone who imparts valuable

information. You may not realise right away just how important this

information is, but it could have a dramatic impact on your life. Be

prepared for anything. This is likely to be a most interesting day.

Finances could take on a new dimension as you look to technology

to help you increase your bank balance. You could decide to invest

online or try some new means of recordkeeping. Whatever you try

will bode well for your financial future. Expect a lucky break or two

as well.

You could have a strong urge to seek adventure, Sagittarius. You

might want to take a spontaneous trip to an exotic place, meet new

people in exciting fields, or try new pastimes, perhaps as outrageous

as skydiving. Go for it if you want, but this urge could indicate

boredom in some part of your life. What can you change about your

lifestyle to avoid future stagnation?

Unusual experiences may give rise to a new interest in the sciences

or occult practices like magic or alchemy. This is an excellent time to

start perusing such subjects, Pisces, or embark on a formal study of

astrology. A lucky money break could come your way today. It might

be a gift or a repaid loan. Your inclination might be to go out and

spend it all. Take care!

Take vacations to boost longevity, suggests studyW

ant to have a long life? Besides leading a healthy lifestyle, taking at least three

vacation a year between your work schedule seems to be the key, especially for men, suggested a study.

People with shorter vacations worked more and slept lesser than those who took longer vacations, which took a toll on their health and aff ected their life span.

Compared with those who took more than three weeks, men who took three weeks or less annual leave from their regular work schedule were found to be 37 per cent more likely to die early, the study showed.

“Don’t think having an otherwise healthy lifestyle will compensate for working too hard and not taking holidays,” said Timo Strandberg,

Professor at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

“Vacations can be a good way to relieve stress,” he added.

The study, presented at the annual conference of the European

Society of Cardiology in Germany, included 1,222 middle-aged male executives, and were randomised into a control group or an intervention group.

The intervention group received oral and written advice every four months to do aerobic physical activity, eat a healthy diet, achieve a healthy weight and stop smoking.

Men in the control group received usual healthcare and were not seen by the investigators.

Shorter vacations were associated with excess deaths in the intervention group.

Vacation time had no impact on risk of death in the control group.

“However, our results do not indicate that health education is harmful. Rather, they suggest that stress reduction is an essential part of programmes aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Strandberg cautioned. — IANS


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.

Herbs and Spices

BASILBAYBOARGECARAWAYCAYENNECHERVILCHILICOIVESCINNAMON

CLOVESCORIANDERCUMINDILLFENNELFENUGREEKGARLICGINGERHYSSOP

LOVAGEMACEMINTMUSTARDNUTMEGOREGANOPAPRIKAPARSLEYPEPPER

ROSEMARYSAGESESAMESORRELTARRAGONTHYME


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS1. Unhappy when given an

inferior role? (8)

5. Fasts, but they eat insects (6)

9. Makes the facade look better

when the material is not bad

(8)

10. Flying carpenter? (6)

12. At jail, the beast gets very

little to eat (6)

13. Orders a chap to get himself

some girl-friends (8)

15. Not water-music! (8,4)

18. Words much used by the

boxing commentator - or the

dressmaker (5,3,4)

23. They grow food to give to

insects (8)

24. Are pouring out a drink in

Canada (6)

26. One gets up while they’re in

bed (6)

27. Various things need watering

in summer because it does

(8)

28. They’re secretive, but

probing may yield facts

about them (6)

29. Like the tennis tournament

sponsored by the raisin

company? (8)

Super Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Transport; 6 Rodeo; 9 Magic; 10 Turned out; 11 Delineated; 12 Beth; 14 Slashes; 15 Stilton; 17 Cleaned; 19 Rafters; 20 Even; 22 First round; 25 Digitalis; 26 Naomi; 27 Ditto; 28 Dispenser.

Down: 1 Timed; 2 Angel cake; 3 Second-hand; 4 Outlaws; 5 Turners; 6 Reel; 7 Drove; 8 Outshines; 13 Difference; 14 Succeeded; 16 Tremulous; 18 Drilled; 19 Resists; 21 Eight; 23 Drier; 24 Otto.

DOWN1. Not beating about the bush,

tell you where to go (6)

2. Cleaning the hair-pin in it (6)

3. It’s not the driver who’s so

brisk and cheerful (7)

4. Position one, in the outset (4)

6. Did glow strangely,

disappearing when

approached (4-3)

7. Work for the official party (8)

8. Definite indication to us to

back “Wandering Singer”

(4,4)

11. Inside, sticks in the teeth (7)

14. For the girl to take a tiny cut

would be sheer foolishness

(7)

16. Punishment for stealing? (8)

17. Doctor, there’s a snail

crawling on the picture (4,4)

19. What Neptune’s gardener is

pulling up? (7)

20. Stopped me going in to have

it altered (7)

21. Guess the two little girls will

get half of mine (6)

22. Gathers there are lots and

lots (6)

25. A quarter, only, come up by

train (4)


COMMUNITY REVIEWS

By Rafer Guzmán

The medium is the movie in Searching, a missing-daughter mystery in high-tech garb. If it didn’t unfold entirely

on laptop and smartphone screens, there wouldn’t be a whole lot to recommend Searching, whose plot is about as contrived and corny as an old TV detective show. Still, this Sundance Audience Award winner pushes its all-online concept as far as it can go, and sometimes further, often with entertaining results. Searching also holds on to its humanity thanks to John Cho in a warm, empathetic performance as a desperate dad.

Cho plays David Kim, a single father in San Jose, California, whose life story we learn in an opening montage of computer photos and videos — a jpeg version

of Pixar’s Up. David’s wife died of lymphoma, leaving an emotional gap in the household. David’s daughter, Margot (Michelle La), is now 16 and has her own life: study group, camping trips, a roster of online “friends.” When Margot fails to come home one night, however,

David realises just how little he knows about her. So he goes to the one place where a teenager would truly bare her soul: her laptop.

It’s a sudden and telling segue from David’s computer, which is all appointment calendars and family keepsakes, to Margot’s, a

foreign and intimidating land of avatars, trolls and randoms who speak in cyber-signifi ers. Hacking passwords and scouring search histories, David snoops through the modern-day equivalent of a locked diary. Helping via Skype is police detective Rosemary Vick (Debra

Messing), a mother herself. “You don’t always know your kid,” she tells him.

Writer-director Aneesh Chaganty, a former Google content creator, and co-writer Sev Ohanian (Chaganty’s mentor at USC’s fi lm school) segue fairly smoothly from screen to screen, and even the clumsier transitions have a certain charm. When David takes a late-night drive to a mysterious location, for instance, he’s represented by a moving arrow on a map app — not unlike what old adventure fi lms used to do with dotted lines. If some of these screen ploys feel forced, the fi lmmakers’ determination to never stray from their concept is impressive.

Despite the many corny moments in Searching, Cho keeps earning our sympathy as a father who refuses to believe the worst about his child. Searching may be mostly a cyber-gimmick, but it still has a human heart. — Newsday/TNS

By Rick Bentley

Victor Levin (Mad About You) should either buy a lottery ticket or plan a trip to Las Vegas. The writer/director of

Destination Wedding took a major gamble with the way his feature fi lm is written and performed. The result is a winner.

It starts with a smart and witty script detailing the meet-not-so-

cute of Frank (Keanu Reeves) and Lindsay (Winona Ryder) when they are headed to Paso Robles for a destination wedding. Frank is the half-brother of the groom who has been forced by his mother to attend the event, while Lindsay was the former fi ancée of the groom. The only thing they have in common is they are both unhappy with having to make the long trip to watch the couple get married against a perfect sunset.

Levin’s script is structured like a two-person play or in a similar

style to the 1995 Ethan Hawke/Julie Delpy feature fi lm Before Sunrise. Having every line of dialogue delivered by either Reeves or Ryder establishes this is a movie with a laser focus on one man and one woman. It is as if Frank and Lindsay have become the only two people on Earth, and that forces them to share time together.

The dialogue they deliver is crisp, witty and occasionally biting. Levin’s script has the style and rhythms of the kind of romantic comedies of the ’40s and ’50s

when actors like Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn used verbal banter like boxing gloves.

Granted, the way the characters speak is far cleverer than how real people talk, but if you want to listen to a mundane conversation delivered by everyday people, stay outside the theater after you have purchased a ticket. The fanciful and funny writing is a well-crafted reminder of a time when a well-placed adjective had as much impact as a massive explosion in the movie world.

It’s one thing to write a smart script, but it is another matter to fi nd the right people to deliver the words. The performers need to bring a bit of attitude, but not so much that the audience turns against them before the couple check into the hotel.

Reeves plays a penny-pinching cynic who has long given up on the idea of love, and he fi nds intimacy a necessary evil that is more about biology than chemistry. It is nice to see Reeves in a light romantic comedy after he has been leaning more toward hard action movies in recent years. His lack of recent exposure in the genre plays to his favour because it doesn’t look like Levin was just casting the hunk of the month as his lead actor.

Reeves is also a perfect fi t for Ryder. It is obvious from the opening sequence in the airport as they wait for an eight-passenger plane to whisk them away that these are two actors comfortable working with each other. They have been friends for more than three decades and appeared in three fi lms together (Bram Stroker’s Dracula, A Scanner Darkly, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee).

It is a treat for movie fans that Stranger Things has helped bring Ryder back to the attention of fi lmmakers. Her ability to play a character who is strong enough to trade quips with her co-star but vulnerable enough to need some protection is the exact quality required to balance the character played by Reeves.

Had either not been up to the challenge or the writing been hackneyed and cloying, Destination Wedding would have left viewers saying “I don’t” instead of “I do (like this movie).”

All three parts work, making this a prime destination for anyone who appreciates productions that touch the heart and funny bone at the same time. — TNS

Cho brightens high-tech thriller

CHEMISTRY: Winona Ryder, right, and Keanu Reeves in Destination Wedding.

Reeves, Ryder are the perfect Wedding couple

ABSORBING: John Cho, who plays the single dad in the film, goes through her missing daughter's laptop.

Thursday, September 6, 2018 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYBOLLYWOOD

MOTHERHOOD: “I don't think you can escape evolution. When you become a mother, so many things change,” says Lisa Haydon.

KEEN: Jaya Prada.

SRK owes it to Salman’s dad

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who marked his presence at the grand fi nale of Salman Khan-hosted game show Dus Ka Dum 3, says he owes his success and fame to Salman’s father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan.

The 52-year-old actor, Shah Rukh said in a statement: “The fi rst time I came to Mumbai as a struggling actor, I had my meals at Salman’s place where Salim Khanji supported me a lot. It is because of them I have become

‘Shah Rukh Khan’. I have come on the show only because of Salman and I will go wherever he tells me to go.”

Shah Rukh participated in the show with actress Rani Mukerji. They relived memories of their fi lm Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with Salman, who had done a cameo role in the fi lm.

The Raees star will next be seen in Aanand L Rai’s Zero, alongside Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. Salman is currently shooting for fi lm Bharat. — IANS

By Durga Chakravarty

Actress Lisa Haydon, who has featured in fi lms like Aisha, Queen and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, wonders what the typical Bollywood heroine is as the world of Hindi fi lms has opened up to a whole variety of

narratives and portrayals.Asked if she fi nds it diffi cult to fi t in as the

quintessential Bollywood heroine, Lisa, who has mostly portrayed atypical roles, said: “I am not sure what the quintessential Bollywood heroine is because there are such varied fi lms and roles that are coming out these days.

“I am really happy with the fi lms that I have done and I really hope I get to do a lot more in the future.”

Lisa fi nds herself lucky to have played a Paris-based Indian in Queen and a stylish, over-the-top woman in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

“I feel very blessed that I got to do a role like Queen and then comedy like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, those two characters for me were totally opposite and I really feel like it was such a pleasure to be able to play two characters that were on opposite ends of the spectrum,” she added.

Lisa made her acting debut with a supporting role in the 2010 fi lm Aisha, and has also featured in Housefull 3.

While she believes there has always been scope for

growth, she says she is “very happy and blessed with what I have been able to do so far”.

On the personal front, Lisa in 2017 welcomed her fi rst child, a son named Zack, with husband Dino Lalvani. They had got married in 2016.

Asked about how motherhood has helped her evolve, Lisa said: “I don’t think you can escape evolution. When you become a mother, so many things change. For one, your priorities change in a major way, and then you have to learn how to juggle things a lot better while still being true to yourself and being the best parent you possibly can.

“But it certainly has given me a diff erent perspective on things. It really brings into focus what’s truly important in life and that is love, of course.”

How is she balancing her personal and professional life?

“I think it balances itself quite evenly with the fact that once I got married and had my baby, I automatically took up diff erent responsibilities and my priorities shifted slightly. Of course, I still love my job and I still love to go to work. It is something I never want to give up,” said the actress, whose fi rst tryst with showbiz was through the modelling world.

In fact, trying to work out her time between home and work gives her joy.

“It brings me a lot of happiness to be a working-professional mom. I think it’s just about making the most wherever you are and picking the best jobs and sticking with it and not doing fi ller jobs,” she added. — IANS

Not sure what quintessential Bollywood heroine is: Lisa

Sonam on The Zoya Factor inspiration

Actress Sonam K. Ahuja, who is playing the lead role in The Zoya Factor, says she has taken quite a bit of reference from Anuja Chauhan’s similarly titled novel for her character in the film.

“I have read the book several times and have taken quite a bit

of references for my character in the film,” Sonam said on the sidelines of the third edition of Word to Screen Market — an initiative by Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star — held last week.

With Sonam as the festival champion of the two-day event, ‘Word to Screen’ is a platform where the literary world engages directly

with the creators of fi lm, TV, and digital content.

The actress, who is currently fi lming The Zoya Factor along with Sikandar Kher and Dulquer Salmaan, says Chauhan is a part of fi lm’s writing and screenplay too.

“Anuja is a part of the writing and screenplay. She is writing the dialogues and it’s all her vision,” said the actress.

Literature has always been a vital part of the Indian entertainment Industry, Sonam said.

“I think it has been done for many years. In fact, Oscars has a category for adapted fi lms. It should be a category in itself and it should be something that we should be recognising in India more. I think internationally, people buy books before they are published,” said the actress, who wants the classic Rebecca to be adapted in a fi lm.

Word to Screen platform this year had books in English, Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, which were optioned by authors and publishers to directors and production houses.

The MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) Recommends List has 36 titles — 25 fi ction and 11 non-fi ction titles — and the Publishers list with 174 titles for optioning.

Talking about the initiative, Sonam said: “I have been associated with Word to Screen since its onset. It has been something that I have been very excited to be part of. I feel the stories of books are amazing and great. Sometimes when a writer is writing just for a book and not just for a fi lm, it is not corrupt.” — IANS

Would be happy to work with Amitabh again: Jaya

Actress Jaya Prada says she would love to work with the megastar again if there’s an opportunity and a suitable role.

“Amitji and I go a long way back thanks to our fi lm careers and I treasure all the movies we have done together. He is such a fi ne actor and working with an actor of his calibre is always a wonderful experience. I wish him the best always,” Jaya said in a statement.

“I would be happy to work with him again if a good opportunity comes my way in the future, but it completely depends on the subject of what is off ered to me,” added the actress, who has worked with Big B in fi lms like Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi, Aakhree Raasta, Indrajeet, Kohram and Aaj Ka Arjun. — IANS

INSPIRED: Sonam Kapoor.


COMMUNITY

Perrine Fages, a resident of Doha and a lawyer, has recently returned to Qatar from Europe after breaking the women’s record in one of the world’s toughest

endurance challenges, the Enduroman Arch to Arc. It’s a challenge which sees competitors to run 140km from London’s Marble Arch to Dover on the English coast, swim the English Channel and then bike 288km from Calais to the Arc De Triumphe in Paris.

Fifty solo athletes participated this year, with only 32 having fully completed the challenge. This was Perrine’s second attempt at the challenge. During June 2018 challenge she could not reach the land safely because of the tidal conditions in the channel. But, nothing seemed to faze the young athlete. She regrouped with her coach and team and set about a plan to return and break the record this very time.

During the competition, running the route to Dover in 18h 33min, Perrine and her support crew learnt that one of the vehicles

carrying their passports and bags have broken down, resulting in the misplacement of their luggage. Even this did not hold her back. Many fans and past competitors drove out to the course with bags of sports clothing and equipment as a support to the young athlete.

Following the run, there was a short break in Dover and then she dived into the channel, completing the challenging swim with large waves all night in 20h 31min. At this point Perrine knew the record was a real possibility but unlike other athletes she would not be able to rest for 6-8 hours before starting to bike to Paris.

With the support of one of the organiser’s French team members, she biked 288km to Paris in a mere 19h 44min, setting a new record of 67h 21m.

On talking about her success, she said, “The fi rst time, things did not really turn out the way we had planned. But that’s part of the adventure.” She added, “The run was much tougher this time, fi rstly because of the stress caused when we heard that the support car was broken and our luggage got

missing. Secondly, because this time we had to do it overnight, in order to make the tide for swimming, the darkness made it much worse to stay motivated and get into a fast stride. After the swim part, I had a feeling I could break the record and it was just about pushing myself all the way to Paris. I have learnt a lot about myself by achieving this success and I feel blessed to have been surrounded by such a team of professionals with whom I shared some really special memories.”

For the challenge, Perrine’s Head Coach was Ryan Bowd of RnR Sports, with assistance from Tim Denyer, a specialist channel swimming coach. Mat O’Halloran, Swim Coach, and Bobby, Personal Trainer at Grand Hyatt, were also part of her crew. She was supported by Ryan and fellow RnR Sports Coach, Ralph Hydes, during the challenge. Edgar comments “It is fantastic feat by Perrine to have set the record. The Enduroman Arch to Arc is a challenge that takes full dedication from an athlete in its preparation and few people have the

drive and commitment needed to attempt the event.” Perrine’s next big challenge is competing in this year’s Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

Perrine’s Results (UK timing)Run - 140kmStarted Run on August 19th, 2018 at 3:30pmFinished Run August 19th, 2018 at 10:03 amTotal Run 18h33m run

Transition 1 in Dover - 5h16mSwim – English ChannelStarted Swim on August 20th, 2018 at

3:19pmFinished Swim on August 21st, 2018 at

11:50am Total Swim Time 20h31m

Transition 2 in Calais 3h17mBike – 288kmStarted Bike on August 21st, 2018 at 3:07pmFinished Bike at 10:58am next day

Total Bike Time 19h44mTotal Time – 67h21m

Qatar resident breaks recordin world’s toughest triathlon

RECORD HOLDER: Perrine Fages, right, with Edgar Ette, founder of Enduroman Arch to Arc competition at Marble Arch.ALMOST THERE: Perrine Fages swimming last few stokes to land on beaches near Calais during the competition.

Frenchwoman ran 140km from London to Dover on English coast, swam

along the English Channel and biked 288km in 67 hours and 21 minutes from

Paris to London to break the Enduroman Arch to Arc women’s world record

eye on singapore

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