‘Desierto’: A stark thriller on the border

COMMUNITY | 06 HEALTH | 10 ENTERTAINMENT | 12

Soy protein in childhood may prevent bone loss

in adulthood

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatarEmail: dohatoday@pen.com.qa thepeninsulaqatar

Skills Development Centre celebrates

Dussehra

Ebru is a traditional Turkish art of paper decoration by spreading paints, which do not dissolve in water, with brushes made of horse hair and rose wood on dense water that is thickened by gum-tragacanth.

EBRUPAINTING P | 4-5

| 03SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

CAMPUS

DeBakey organises a ‘Think Pink Day’

In recognition of Breast Cancer

Awareness month, students of

the Senior Class Office at DeBakey

School – Qatar organised a ‘Think

Pink Day’ where nursing students

from University of Calgary arranged

informational activities concerning

cancer awareness and prevention.

DeBakey students distributed

pink ribbons and students were en-

couraged to wear pink tops. Fund-

raising activities were also arranged

through the student-sponsored

bake sale, photo booth sessions, and

hand-crafted accessories.

Georgetown to meet with future students at Qatar International Universities’ Fair

The Georgetown University in Qa-

tar (GU-Q) admissions team will

be showcasing the benefits of

a Georgetown education at the up-

coming 7th annual Qatar Internation-

al Universities’ Fair. The event, which

will run from October 17 to 19 at the

Qatar National Convention Center,

will allow prospective applicants to

find out more about the unique stu-

dent experience at GU-Q.

The annual fair is hosted by the

Qatari Ministry of Education and

Higher Education and aims to con-

nect students and their parents with

the admissions staff of the universi-

ties and colleges around the world. In

addition to morning sessions for local

schools, the Fair will be open to the

public in the evenings from 5:00 pm

to 8:00 pm. “We are pleased to sup-

port the efforts of the Ministry of Ed-

ucation and Higher Education once

again this year and to highlight Qa-

tar’s mission to develop world-class

higher educational options here at

Education City,” said Director of Ad-

missions, Joseph Hernandez.

“We are looking forward to meet-

ing with potential students and their

parents and introduce them to the

opportunities that come with a Geor-

getown education. In addition to an

unparalleled learning experience and

a world class degree, Georgetown of-

fers a long tradition of community

service and the chance to be part of

a diverse student body,” he said.

Interested students can meet at

the GU-Q booth to find out more

about campus life, extracurricular op-

portunities and GU-Q’s Bachelor of

Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) de-

gree. This interdisciplinary program

prepares students to tackle press-

ing global issues by providing them

with training in critical thinking, ana-

lytic and communication skills within

an international context.

Students at GU-Q’s Education City

campus follow the same curriculum

as the Edmund A. Walsh School of

Foreign Service at Georgetown’s Main

Campus in Washington, D.C. and can

major in Culture and Politics, Interna-

tional Economics, International Histo-

ry, or International Politics.

Staff at the Fair will be able to

answer questions from students in-

terested the degree who would

like practical advice on the applica-

tion process. Attendees will also be

able to find out more about GU-Q’s

student clubs and activities, study

abroad options, and campus life.

Bhavan’s Public School cele-

brated Grandparents Day and

Gandhi Jayanti on October2,

in all the three campuses with

great enthusiasm and fervour.

The event began with a welcome

address by Principal MP Philip in Ma-

tar and Headmistress Shailaja Krishna-

kumar in Midmac Campus followed by

the cultural programmes.

Students put up scintillating per-

formances that comprised songs,

dances and drama for their grandpar-

ents.

They also enacted the family tree

of Gandhiji and sang patriotic songs.

Grandparents had great fun with lively

music and games.

The guest of honour in Midmac

Campus was President PN Babura-

jan and in Matar Campus General Sec-

retary KM Anil. In their address they

spoke about the values and impor-

tance of grandparents.

Bhavan’s Public School celebrates Grandparents Day and Gandhi Jayanti

COVER STORY

04 | SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

Exploring Ebru painting in QatarBy Amna Pervaiz Rao

The Peninsula

Art in some form or another

has existed as long as man. It

is a part of our daily lives and

is present in cultures across

the world. Most people have an appre-

ciation for art. They enjoy observing or

creating it. Art is integral in our culture

because it provides us with a deep-

er understanding of emotions, self-

awareness, and more.

“Ebru art is one of the kinds of art in

which only patterns are made in mar-

bling. Ebru is slightly different. You cre-

ate things with the help of ebru, it looks

like a reflection and you can’t create fac-

es with the help of ebru art,” said Sana

Hussan while talking to The Peninsula.

Ebru is a traditional Turkish art of

paper decoration by spreading paints,

which do not dissolve in water, with

brushes made of horse hair and rose

wood on dense water that is thickened

by gum-tragacanth.

The word Ebru origin comes from

Persian language (Ebri-eyebrow or Ab-

ru-face of water) and Ebru in Turkish

which means marbling. It isn’t known

exactly when or where Ebru art start-

ed but the early examples are from the

16th century in the Ottoman-Turkish

era and spread from the east to the

west by way of Silk Road and other

trade routes same as like paper.

The technique is relaxing itself it

is simple but one should be very cau-

tioned, Ebru technique consists of

sprinkling colours containing a few

drops of ox-gall onto the surface of

the bath of water mixed with kitre

(gum tragacanth) in a trough. By care-

fully laying the paper over the bath,

the floating picture on top of it is read-

ily transferred to the paper; thus each

Ebru is a unique print. To obtain beau-

tiful Ebru results, one needs to have a

light hand, refined taste and an open

mind to the unexpected patterns form-

ing on the water, said Ebru expert Sa-

na Hassan explaining the basic tech-

niques of Ebru Art.

After completing her secondary

and higher secondary education from

Doha, Sana pursued a degree in Fash-

ion Designing from ITMF, Pakistan. She

reminisces, “Back then, we would be

taken to art exhibitions. At one event,

I was standing by myself and noticed

an old lady staring at my hands. ‘You

know, you should do something with

art. You will do well,’” she said. “It felt a

little weird but that line stayed with me.

The lady was right.”

Ebru expert Sana Hassan

explaining the basic techniques

of Ebru Art.

Feather Pattern created with rakes

COVER STORY

| 05SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

After returning to Doha, Sana con-

tinued with her studies while working

for a recruitment company. “I had tried

my hand at marbling during my student

years at ITMF, and was exploring eve-

rything I came across — from candle-

making to textile-printing. I would even

create art and gift them to friends and

family,” she says.

Soon Sana got married and moved

to Saudi Arabia, and she somewhat lost

touch with her artistic side. After three

years there, a job opportunity in Qatar

for Sana’s husband meant that the fam-

ily moved to Doha.

“It was nearly two years ago that I

hit restart,” Sana says, “When I would

meet my old friends and acquaintanc-

es here, they would ask me what was I

doing these days and I would be kind of

blank. I sensed restlessness within me. I

knew I had to do return to art.”

While Sana had tried her hand at

ancient art such as Babylonian art and

Egyptian art, Islamic Art captured her

imagination like no other. “That’s be-

cause in Islamic art, you don’t make fac-

es, and also figures are conveyed as

mere reflections. The fact that I had to

follow this rule seemed very interesting,”

said Sana.

Plans of destiny I would say, art was

always my passion. My parents and sib-

lings were supportive throughout, with-

out parents it was never possible. Now

my husband is my backbone,” said Sa-

na.

Sharing a funny incident, she said:

“My art teacher always used to take all

my paintings and drawing I used to

draw in my second grade. She used to

submit it in different competitions her-

self. One day I received an award from

Qafco Flower and Vegetable Show. My

father was overwhelmed looking at that

award, as he used to work for the same

company. Such moments are evergreen

in my life.”

Sana said that she had recently

participated in “World Record of Ebru

Patch Work”. “I was the only Pakistani

participant representing Qatar. This was

one of my biggest achievements,” said

Sana. “Fifth World’s Ebru Day is going to

be marked with an event of seven days,

during which I will be able to showcase

my work and a great opportunity will be

given to work with world famous Ebru

Art artists. I am very much positive to

participate in this event,” added Sana.

“My teaching career will continue

with the classes I bestow in VCU. These

classes are especially designed to make

people relax, as in special medication

for the people who want to take off

from all their worries and stress. I will

make a studio in my home for all those

people who want to learn Ebru Art, reg-

ular classes will be provided,” said Sana

while sharing her future plans.

Apart from working as an artist, she

loves to help others. With housewives

and her friends, she designs plans for

them either they are related to design-

ing a boutique or anything else. “I like

to see people walking with me,” she

says with a streak of satisfaction in her

tune. She says that the motive behind

her art-teaching activity was meant to

save her falling prey to sense of artificial

pride and arrogance. “I simply love so-

cial working and will definitely continue

helping others in all possible ways,” said

Sana Hassan.

Suminangashi technique

Waved Pattern Stoned pattern

Gel-git pattern and waved effect

COMMUNITY

06 | SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

Spoken Arabic

Guide released

Spoken Arabic Guide, the latest book of Aman-

ulla Vadakkangara, a Doha-based Indian au-

thor was released at a function yesterday. Dr

MP Hassan Kunhi, a longtime Doha-resident

and a prominent Indian entrepreneur released the

book by handing over a copy to Muhammedunni

Olakara, global chairman of Anti-Smoking Society.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Hassan Kunhi high-

lighted the importance of initiative to know the lan-

guage and culture of the country we work in and

urged the audience to utilise all opportunities for the

overall development. Familiarising Arabic language

usages will benefit all expatriates to sharpen their

communicative skills and improve efficiency at work

place. It will also strengthen socio cultural relations,

he said.

It is highly relevant in the context of the Minis-

try of Economy and Trade making it mandatory that

all business tools including invoices, product labels,

service lists, and warning about health risks should

be in Arabic, he said. Hotels, shopping malls, car

showrooms, maintenance centres, and other stores

have also been asked to assign at least one Arabic

speaking employee at their reception desk.

It is very important that all expatriates should try

to master at least the basic Arabic communication.

He lauded the efforts to spread the language and

called up on the community to make use of all chanc-

es to learn Arabic language.

Receiving the first copy of the book, Olakara said

it was very important for learning the language of

country for a number of reasons. He said “Arabic lan-

guage, apart from its rich cultural and traditional val-

ues, is the most important language for communica-

tion in Qatar and the region. Knowing the language

will greatly improve the communication skills of the

expatriates with the government departments and

the citizens of the country. Moreover, it will enable

the people to understand the cultural and local tra-

ditions of the country in a better way. Arabic is one

of the most vibrant languages in the world.

Mentioning the importance of learning Arabic, he

said: “Learning Arabic language will help the expatri-

ates in the country to converse and deal with others

more confidently and conveniently. It is important for

every expatriate to know the language of the country

so that they feel integrated with the culture and val-

ues of the country.”

Habeeburahman Kizhissery, executive director of

Friends Cultural Centre, also spoke on the occasion.

It is the twelfth book of Amanulla to teach Spo-

ken Arabic. He has different programmes aimed at

different segments of the society and all his books

are hailed as hot cakes on the topic. His major books

on Spoken Arabic are Spoken Arabic Made Easy, Spo-

ken Arabic for all, Spoken Arabic Tutor, Spoken Ara-

bic Master, A formula to speak Arabic and Spoken Ar-

abic Gurunathan.

He has successfully conducted several batches

Spoken Arabic programmes in Qatar.

Amanulla Vadakkangara proposed a vote of

thanks.

Amanulla, the former head of Arabic and Islam-

ic Studies at Ideal Indian School Doha, is popular

among the expatriate communities for his initiatives

to spread Arabic among the students and elders. He

was responsible for introducing Arabic as a second

language in Indian schools in Qatar. His Arabic for

English Schools is a recommended series for CBSE

schools in India and abroad.

His Arabic lessons as Radio Teacher in UAE based

Radio, VOICE OF KERALA is being followed by thou-

sands of listeners worldwide.

Skills Development Centre celebrates Dussehra

Skills Development Centre, one of the pioneer

institutes in the field Of Fine Arts and Per-

forming Arts has done it again! SDC is known

for its contribution towards Indian Arts, cele-

brated the last day of Dussehra- “Vijayadashami” in a

grand scale, welcoming a new talent to Doha.

The event was inaugurated with the traditional

lighting of the lamp with the dignitaries like the sec-

ond Secretary of the Indian Embassy KS Dhiman, ICBF

President Aravind Patil, Film Producer Chandramo-

han, ICC former Cultural Secretary and cultural activ-

ist Milan Arun, music lovers group head and KPMG

partner Gopal Balasubramanyam, Sanskriti General

Secretary K K Sanakaran, Auditor - Indian Communi-

ty Benevolent Forum Ravi Shankar made the honors.

The event started up with the new talent in Doha,

Carnatic singer from Music Academy Chennai Aish-

warya Vaithyanathan. She presented three of beau-

tiful compositions keeping the audience spell bound.

There were some brilliant dance and musical per-

formances from the talented faculty members and

equally talented young budding students of SDC. The

event was a complete Vijayadashami treat to the

spectators who came to feast at Skills Development

Centre, Qatar.

MARKETPLACE

| 07SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

The Institution of Engineers (India) holds theme seminar

Qatar Chapter of the Institu-

tion of Engineers (India) or-

ganised a theme seminar on

‘Skill Development for Young

Engineers to Reform the Core Sector:

Vision 2025’ on October 7, at Hotel

Radisson Blu

Eminent speaker N V Raghavan,

Operations Manager of Intercol-Dyar-

co, has delivered indepth theme pres-

entation and stressed the importance

of skill development to bridge the gap

in current market scenario.

The session concluded in an in-

teractive way, with questions and an-

swers where 105 Engineers from var-

ious consulting and contracting com-

panies attended the event.

Maheshwaran Thanikaivelu

opened the session and Dipak Da-

hake, secretary, welcomed the audi-

ence and introduced the speaker.

Abhijit Kuwalekar proposed the

vote of thanks.

Aniruddha S Kulkarni, Chairman,

announced that Annual Mega Event-

Engineers’ Day will be celebrated on

October 21 for members and invitees

only.

IEI Qatar Chapter is conducting

various technical seminars and work-

shops for the benefit of engineers in

Qatar and offering free annual mem-

bership to graduate engineers for this

year and urged the engineers to join

the Chapter.

ABP receives 10 years of academic accreditationT

he Academic Bridge Program

(ABP) received its first 5-year

accreditation in August 2011

from the Commission on Eng-

lish Language Program Accreditation

(CEA), the main accrediting organisa-

tion for foundation programmes in the

United States. In October of 2014, the

ABP began the process of re-accredi-

tation with CEA.

The review process was long and

intense. In March of 2016, a three-

member accreditation team from CEA

visited the ABP. While on site, they ob-

served classes, conducted interviews,

reviewed policies and procedures, and

inspected documents to ascertain the

degree to which the ABP meets the in-

ternational standards established by

CEA. After reviewing the visiting team’s

report, the CEA Commissioners vot-

ed to reaccredit the Academic Bridge

Program for a period of 10 years. The

10-year re-accreditation is the highest

form of accreditation granted by CEA

and extends through August of 2026.

CEA Accreditation confirms the

high quality of education provided by

the ABP and recognises the hard work

and dedication of the ABP’s faculty

and staff, as well as the support pro-

vided by the Office of Pre-University

Education, Qatar Foundation, and the

ABP Board of Governors.

Dr Bryan Lewallen, Director of the

ABP, explained that “for students, fac-

ulty, and staff members, this accredi-

tation represents the validation of our

Academic Bridge Program as an exem-

plary model of English language pro-

grams throughout the world.”

Moza A Al Boainain, the ABP’s As-

sistant Director for Student Services,

noted that the“reaccreditation for 10

years sends a positive message to par-

ents, teachers, universities, and gov-

ernments and encourages more stu-

dents to apply to the ABP.”

Hamza Duhaini, the head of the

ABP’s Math and Computer Depart-

ments, explained that the accredita-

tion ensures that “all courses at the

ABP include appropriate learning ob-

jectives and learning outcomes stated

as part of the course description in the

course syllabi and has been strategi-

cally aligned with corresponding stu-

dent learning outcomes and the ap-

propriate means of assessment.”

The ABP self-study was coordinat-

ed by a steering committee chaired

by Asmaa Al Qaysi, Special Assistant

to the Director, and Dr Mark Newmark,

Assistant Director for Academic Affairs.

Bob Campbell, the chair of the ABP’s

EFL Department, explained that the

self-study invited “us to look at facul-

ty qualifications, professional develop-

ment, and how faculty are evaluated.

Some positive changes came out of

the process.”

Marci Brown, the chair of the ABP’s

Academic English Department, noted

that “while we think the ABP curricu-

lum is excellent, the self-assessment

process was an opportunity to ex-

amine the curriculum in detail to see

where we could strengthen our pro-

gramme.”

Dr Avril O’Donoghue, the chair of

the ABP’s Science Department, not-

ed other benefits of the accreditation

process. “Self-evaluation of the length

and structure of our program of study

for reaccreditation required in-depth

reflectivity on practices, identification

of weaknesses and some remedial

action.”

FOOD

08 | SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

The Washington Post

During a recent interview event, “Gefilte

Manifesto” writers Jeffrey Yoskowitz and

Liz Alpern prompted lots of audience head

nodding when they referred to “growing

into” foods. Beets fall into that category of things

a mature palate can appreciate, I think. Their earth-

iness, attributed in part to an organic compound

called geosmin, generally is not something young

folks enjoy.

I grew up with a borscht-loving father and learned

to make the stuff for him yet still never cozied up

to the vegetable served that way or “Harvard” style,

from a jar - until I had them roasted, when I was in

my late 20s.

And at this time of year, when the purplish-red,

candy-striped and golden ones get bundled togeth-

er at the grocery store, roasting them all together is a

fine way to go. This salad shows off their colour; the

crunchy hazelnuts tossed in with them during the fi-

nal minutes of oven time play off the beets’ roasted

texture, as does the pan-crisped paneer cheese. A

dressing of yogurt, dill, horse radish and a touch of

honey provides an unexpected tangy jolt.

Paneer and Roasted Beet SaladYou can peel the beets before you cut the vege-

table into wedges - as instructed below - or you can

scrub the exteriors well and, once roasted, slip off the

skins after they’ve cooled for a bit.

Firm, fresh paneer cheese is available in large su-

permarkets, where you can also sometimes find black

mustard seed, a staple at Indian markets.

Serve with warm focaccia.

Adapted from “The Indian Family Kitchen: Classic

Dishes for a New Generation,” by Anjali Pathak (Clark-

son Potter, 2016).

4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds beets, preferably of different colours

(see headnote)

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon black mustard seed (see headnote;

may substitute brown mustard seed)

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 3/4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) skinned hazelnuts

5 1/2 ounces paneer cheese (may substitute hal-

loumi cheese; see headnote)

Several sprigs fresh dill

1/2 lemon

2 tablespoons plain Greek-style yogurt (regular or

low-fat)

1 tablespoon prepared white horseradish

Pinch fine sea salt, or more as needed

Drizzle of honey

2 cups watercress

Method

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking

sheet with aluminum foil.

Peel the beets, then cut them into wedges and

place on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with half the

oil and toss to coat, then sprinkle the mustard seed

and ginger over them. Roast for 20 minutes, then

add the hazelnuts to the baking sheet and roast for 5

more minutes, so the nuts become fragrant. Let cool

on the baking sheet.

Meanwhile, line a plate with paper towels. Heat

the remaining oil in a wide nonstick skillet over me-

dium heat. Cut the paneer into large bite-size pieces.

Once the oil shimmers, add the cheese and fry for a

few minutes, moving the pieces in the pan so they

become golden brown. Transfer to the plate to drain

while you make the dressing.

Coarsely chop the dill and place a generous pinch

of it in a medium bowl, then squeeze in the juice

from the lemon half, being careful to avoid adding

pits. Whisk in the yogurt, horseradish, salt and hon-

ey (to taste) in a medium bowl until emulsified. Taste,

and add salt as needed.

Combine the watercress, the remaining dill, the

roasted beets, toasted hazelnuts and seared paneer

on a platter. Pour the dressing over the mix and toss

to coat just before serving.

Nutrition | Per serving (using low-fat yogurt): 360 calories, 14 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates, 25 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 210 mg so-dium, 6 g dietary fiber, 17 g sugar

The season’s colourful mix shines in this salad

FASHION

| 09SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

By Robin Givhan The Washington Post

Joy. Is it so hard to come by?

Not contentment, which im-

plies something more enduring,

something that comes from with-

in (although perhaps with the help of a

therapist). Joy comes in a jolt, a sud-

den flush of pleasure. It may be mo-

mentary, but it’s real. This is the busi-

ness of fashion. It should be able to put

a smile on your face.

Lately, though, it has been a strug-

gle. So as Fashion Week came to a close

in Paris on Wednesday, applause goes

to designers such as Dries Van Noten,

Stella McCartney, Chitose Abe of Sacai,

Miu Miu’s Miuccia Prada and Louis Vuit-

ton’s Nicolas Ghesquiere. They made

folks smile.

They sent out great clothes that

were easy to wear, but interesting and

distinctive. There was sharp tailoring

and breathtaking colours and prints.

Breezy caftans, ruffled dresses, men’s

shirting, shades of yellow and pink.

And sparkles.

Fashion let down its guard, at least

in some quarters. It stopped trying to

be fierce and cool. At the finale of Mc-

Cartney’s show, the models danced.

They clapped and howled as they ran

down the runway in a dance that was

choreographed but not awkward, and

their delight in actually being able to

take a deep breath and laugh was ev-

ident. At Vanessa Seward, the mod-

els looked happy. It was not a strained

smile, like a TV pundit who spews vitri-

ol while maintaining some zombie grin.

The models simply looked pleased to

be there.

Like other industries, fashion has its

difficult times. Lately it has struggled

to balance creativity with pragmatism.

Sales are flat in the luxury business or

sliding downward. Designers are grap-

pling with diversity on multiple fronts -

both race and body shape. They have

seen the aesthetics of fine collections

buried under public outrage because

they cast too homogeneous a group of

models in their show or gave them the

wrong hairstyle. Yes, yes, the models

are too thin, too young, too white. But

it’s getting better. Last season, Balen-

ciaga was taken to task for not featur-

ing women of color on the runway. For

spring 2017, it was a far more diverse

group of models.

Things are improving. Too slowly,

but fashion is moving forward.

Yes, yes, the clothes on the runway

are too expensive for the average per-

son. But fashion lovers will save up for

that one perfect indulgence. And rich

folks are still eagerly handing over their

credit cards. Everyone else will bene-

fit from the trickle-down, the spiraling

outward of ideas and trends. They will

find beautiful floral prints, breezy caf-

tan-style dresses and broad-shoul-

der blazers at the mall. Just remem-

ber to give a shout-out of thanks to

Ghesquière, Van Noten, Phoebe Philo

at Céline and Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci,

among others.

But fashion still can’t get a break.

Cynics still take aim at the pure bliss

it may conjure. One more time: Buy-

ing an expensive frock is no better or

worse than the four-figure foodie meal

you just had, the fancy car you keep in

your garage or the exotic vacation you

can’t stop talking about.

Fashion can be political and pro-

vocative, which means that sometimes

it’s disturbing, hard to look at. Espe-

cially right now, because politics, no

matter where one lives in the world,

seems about as ugly as it can get. This

season, fashion here has had to car-

ry on under heightened security - bag

inspections, identification checks and

bomb-sniffing dogs. And then it con-

tended with the unnerving report of

the armed robbery of Kim Kardashi-

an in her guest residence. The assault

gave everyone pause.

But fashion has pressed on, com-

menting on street culture and our state

of being and attempting to show us a

good time. It has been a season of de-

buts, with new designers taking a bow

at Saint Laurent, Dior and Lanvin. And

at Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli flew so-

lo for the first time. This didn’t repre-

sent just a shift in aesthetics but also

a moment of business upheaval. These

companies have billions of dollars in

revenue. And there’s nothing frivolous

about that.

There’s money to be made in silk,

organza and tulle. Indeed, there may

be no more tulle left in the world; there

was so much of it on the runway. It was

embroidered and beaded. It came in

every colour under the sun - a rainbow

seemingly spun from sugar. And like

sugar, best consumed in small doses.

But after 10 days of shows, a few

linger in the imagination. The Dries Van

Noten collection certainly does. He dec-

orated his endless runway with ice in-

stallations. Beautiful bouquets of flow-

ers were frozen inside enormous cubes

of ice that slowly melted on the runway.

If there was a message in the setting,

it was about how time moves forward,

nothing lasts an eternity, beauty fades.

So seek your flowers now.

The clothes were such beauties.

The floral prints - both abstract and re-

alistic - were breathtaking, not too pre-

cious or garish. Dignified.

There were beautiful prints at Gi-

venchy as well. They evoked the swirl-

ing interior of quartz and marble. Slim

dresses in contrasting blocks of colour

skimmed the body. It was a collection

that felt lighter and less brooding than

it has in recent seasons.

And finally, Sarah Burton, whose Al-

exander McQueen collection was in-

spired by the Shetland Islands, sent her

models down a runway covered in tra-

ditional rugs. Lush embroidery distin-

guished the clothes. And several dress-

es looked like they had been assem-

bled patchwork-style.

But the most delight aspect of the

collection was her note that the patch-

work was inspired by a Shetland tradi-

tion: When a couple marries, two Taatit

rugs -- bed coverings given as wed-

ding presents -- are stitched together

as a symbol of love and unity.

A simple gesture, but a beautiful

one. And in fashion, it delivers a spark

of joy.

Breezy caftans, ruffled gowns:

Fashion is ready to make you smile

Like other industries, fashion has its difficult times. Lately it has struggled to balance creativity with pragmatism. Sales are flat in the luxury business or sliding downward.

HEALTH

10 | SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

QNA

People who feel dizzy when they stand up

quickly have a 15 per cent increased risk of

suffering from dementia in later life, new

research suggests.

A 24-year study of more than 6,000 people,

found a stark link between the chances of develop-

ing any form of the neurological disease, including

Alzheimer’s, and experiencing orthastatic hypoten-

sion, which can trigger head rushes or dizzy spells.

Scientists at the Erasmus Medical Centre in the

Netherlands suspect the link could be explained by

brain tissue damage caused by a temporary star-

vation of oxygen during the sudden drop in blood

pressure, reported The Telegraph.

Between 1990 and 1992 they monitored 6,204

men and women, with an average age of 68, who

had no history of dementia or stroke.

After an average follow-up time of 15 years, 19

per cent of the participants had developed demen-

tia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia

and Parkinson’s dementia.

Of the 1,152 who had dizzy spells or head rush-

es when they stood up quickly between 1990 and

1992, there was a 15 per cent relative increase in all

dementia types.

The association was even more pronounced for

those who didn’t have a compensatory increase in heart

rate during the momentary drop in blood pressure, with

a 39 per cent increase in long-term dementia risk.

IANS

Move over milk, soy protein

isolate early in life might

be what’s needed for

strong, healthy bones in

adulthood, researchers say.

The findings showed that giving

children a diet high in soy protein iso-

late can protect against serious bone

loss during adulthood as well as help

ensure overall better bone quality.

“Appropriate early-life nutrition

can optimise peak bone mass,” said

Jin-Ran Chen, researcher at the Uni-

versity of Arkansas for Medical Sci-

ences in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“Consumption of soy foods has

a variety of health benefits, includ-

ing amelioration of bone loss dur-

ing adulthood,” Chen added. For the

study, Chen and colleagues used a

very young female rat model.

One group of rats was fed a soy

protein isolate diet for 30 days (from

postnatal day 24 to 55), and then

was switched to a regular standard

rodent diet until six months of age.

The rats were altered to mimic

postmenopausal bone loss in wom-

en to determine the amount of bone

loss. The second group of rats was

fed a regular standard rodent diet

throughout life.

“The centuries-old mantra that

children need milk to ‘grow strong

bones’ remains true, but the study

shows evidence that the protein com-

ponents of soy ‘milk’ have key osteo-

genic effects,” said Thoru Pederson,

Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal.

“The study could ultimately have ma-

jor pediatric health impacts through-

out various parts of the world,” he said.

The research was published on-

line in The FASEB Journal.

Feeling dizzy when standing up linked to increased risk of dementia

Soy protein in childhood may prevent bone loss in adulthood

The findings showed that giving children a diet high in soy protein isolate can protect against serious bone loss during adulthood as well as help ensure overall better bone quality.

ENTERTAINMENT

| 11SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

By Subhash K Jha IANS

Film: “Motu Patlu: King of Kings”

Writer-Director: Suhas D Kadav

Rating: ***1/2

It gladdens the heart to see a competent well

made animation film from an Indian production

house. And full marks to Ketan and Deepa Me-

hta and their visual effects studio for putting to-

gether a children’s animation film with a strong yet

supple message that’s acceptable to both kids and

grown-ups.

“Motu Patlu” is based on the well loved animation

characters.

The two friends Motu and Patlu (described rather

blatantly by their physicality but drawn with person-

ality strokes that are far more subtle than the name-

calling suggests), this time befriend a lovable but la-

zy and somewhat cowardly circus lion (actor Vinay

Pathak gives endearing voice to the lion), who longs

to escape and live a free life.

But wait. Life for our four-legged friends is not

so simple. Writer-director Suhad D Kadav throws in

the complications without cluttering the quaint can-

vas with unnecessary socio-ecological sermonizing.

Yes, there are some strategically positioned com-

ments on deforestation and animal extinction. But

none of this is done in the spirit of preaching. The fun

element is predominant as our circus-bred lion-he-

ro is coaxed into abandoning his innate timidness to

emerge a true lionheart.

The scenes are written in playfully bantering style.

The dialogues are colloquial and crisp and spoken in

a simple yet intelligent language that is dexterously

communicable to both the young and the older au-

dience.

The script very cleverly uses tropes and stock

characters from age-old conventions of commercial

cinema and transforms them into some kind of virtu-

al magical emblems of continuity and change amidst

terrifying warnings of destruction. The villain who

likes to remind us that he is not zero but a hero, is

accompanied by a moll named Monica who spends

all her time in the wildlife sanctuary swatting mos-

quitoes.

Midway through the amiable briskly trotting nar-

rative, the lion-hero gets a double role and the ani-

mation scenes get progressively ambitious. The film’s

canvas is grand in its own right. The climactic battle

between the villain and the jungle animals skillfully

eschews violence and embraces that feeling of fun

underlining the sombre context of presentation.

“Motu Patlu” remains confidently in the ambit of

non-adult entertainment. While engaging children’s

attention with genuinely served up homilies and inci-

dents, the narrative never gets down to pontifying or

talking down to children.

No small achievement for children’s cinema in our

country.

‘Motu Patlu’: A film that kids

and grown-ups can enjoy

AFP

West Indies’ cricketing star

Dwayne Bravo announced

plans to take his talents to

the dance floor by joining an Indian ce-

lebrity dance competition, months af-

ter making waves with his acclaimed

hip hop anthem “Champion”.

“I am very excited to be a part of this

show and to do something different. I

just want to have fun and enjoy,” Bravo,

33, told reporters on Friday ahead of

his first performance in Jhalak Dikhla

Ja, the Indian version of BBC’s Strictly

Come Dancing.

“These days, cricket and entertain-

ment go together... Dancing is definite-

ly harder than cricket,” said Bravo, who

was a part of the West Indies squad

that played against Pakistan in a Twen-

ty20 series last month.

The all-rounder might well take in-

spiration from former England bowler

Darren Gough who won the third se-

ries of Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.

Bravo launched the track “Cham-

pion” in Mumbai in March during the

World Twenty20 competition which his

side went on to win after beating Eng-

land.

The lyrics of the song mention vari-

ous sporting heroes and political icons,

with a special shoutout to his big-hit-

ting teammate Chris Gayle.

The accompanying music video fea-

turing a shirtless Gayle went viral, hav-

ing clocked 932,573 views on YouTube

to date.

Bravo, who quit Test cricket last

year, plies his trade in T20 leagues

across the world, including in the In-

dian Premier League and the Big Bash

in Australia.

Cricket star Bravo to shake a leg in Indian dance show

ENTERTAINMENT

12 | SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

By Alan Zilberman The Washington Post

“Desierto” is a stark, economical

thriller. Its conflict is elemental and

the characters are defined with

bold strokes.

Director Jonás Cuarón, the son of acclaimed

filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, draws from the primal

motives of “Gravity.” (He wrote that screenplay

with his father.) Instead of science fiction, how-

ever, this earthbound tale has a poignant political

message - and not a subtle one.

A truck passes through the desert. In it, Moises

(Gael García Bernal) and about a dozen other men

and women are trying to cross the border into the

United States. The van breaks down, so they are

forced to continue on foot.

On the American side, Sam (Jeffrey Dean Mor-

gan) hunts rabbits with his dog and a high-pow-

ered rifle. Illegal immigrants frustrate Sam - we

know he reported tracks to the indifferent author-

ities - so when Sam spots the small band of bor-

der crossers, he takes matters into his own hands.

He shoots them dead, one by one, but Moises and

a few others escape.

The film is a sustained cat-and-mouse chase,

with helpless innocents trying to avoid their inhu-

mane pursuer. “Desierto” gives equal time to Moi-

ses and Sam, establishing just enough back story

so we can understand who they are.

Sam is not just a deplorable villain, but a bro-

ken man who uses his victims as an outlet for

misguided rage. Moises is not just an illegal im-

migrant, but a thoughtful father whose empathy

is constantly challenged. The chase is exhaust-

ing, almost as if the desert is a character in the

film, and yet there are dialogue-driven moments

in which the heroes and villain evolve from carica-

tures to people.

Cuarón’s larger point - one that he pursues

with every frame - is that border crossers deserve

our sympathy. They have dreams, flaws and feel-

ings. Sam only sees them from a distance. (There

are many shots of him peering through the scope

of his rifle.)

The act of killing invigorates Sam: In a chill-

ing scene, he laughs to himself after hitting his

targets, shouting that this land is his. His entitle-

ment is a contrast to the desperation of the vic-

tims, who seek only opportunity. All the actors,

including Morgan, find nuance despite the sim-

ple, stripped-down requirements of the script by

Cuarón and Mateo Garcia.

There are no surprises in “Desierto.” Every in-

teraction, no matter how brutal, plays out ex-

actly as you might suspect. Moises proves him-

self resourceful, outsmarting Sam during a pivotal

scene, and the final confrontation is more poign-

ant than vengeful. But the utter lack of surprise is

not a bad thing, exactly, since awaiting the inevi-

table is its own kind of breathless suspense.

Even if a beautiful and impenetrable wall was

built on the border, people like Moises - decent

and frightened - would find a way here because,

sometimes, the promise of a better life is worth it.

Three stars. Rated R. Contains strong lan-guage and violence. In English and Spanish with subtitles. 94 minutes.

Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time.

‘Desierto’: A stark thriller on the border

TECHNOLOGY

| 13SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

By Steven Overly The Washington Post

You meander around the supermarket loading a

basket with goods -- breakfast tea, sugar, milk.

Along the way, though, you become befuddled.

You struggle to recall the items on the shopping

list. When you arrive at check out, you discover sever-

al items in the basket that you do not recall picking up.

Then it comes time to pay the cashier and you can’t

seem to count out the proper sum.

This virtual reality experience, played out using an

Android smartphone, is the work of medical research

nonprofit Alzheimer’s Research UK. The organisation’s

primary mission is to raise money for research into de-

mentia and other memory-related illness, but it also

seeks to raise awareness and empathy for a disease

that its leaders say the public still poorly understands.

“They only think about memory problems. The reali-

ty of dementia is much bigger than that,” said Tim Par-

ry, director of communications and brand. Thus, Alzhe-

imer’s Research UK wanted to “put someone in the

shoes of someone living with the condition.”

As an increasing number of cause-driven organisa-

tions have done, the nonprofit group turned to virtual

reality. Those experimenting with the technology say it

is more accessible than ever before, and offers the best

medium to date for evoking genuine empathy for their

mission, whether it be medical research, global educa-

tion or humanitarian relief.

The initial promise of virtual reality technology cen-

tered largely around entertainment, adding a new di-

mension to movies or video games and creating a di-

version from the everyday. But projects launched by

news outlets and nongovernmental organizations in

recent years have demonstrated the technology’s po-

tential to tell real-life stories in more compelling ways.

Now, nonprofit organisations are taking that a step fur-

ther and using virtual reality to build awareness and

solicit donations.

Oculus, the Facebook-owned maker of virtual re-

ality headsets, debuted a “VR for Good” programme

this year that paired 10 nonprofits with filmmakers and

provided the teams with funding to create virtual re-

ality experiences that are expected to premier at the

Sundance Film Festival in January. The head of the pro-

gram, Lauren Burmaster, said virtual reality has the po-

tential to combat fatigue among donors who feel dis-

connected from the results of their money.

“A lot of times people want to see where their mon-

ey is going but you can’t offer them that,” Burmaster

said. “That’s the first thing we’re really seeing - nonprof-

its using this technology to bring their donors to the

work that’s happening.”

The education nonprofit Pencils of Promise gar-

nered buzz last year when it transported a room of its

wealthiest donors from a Wall Street gala to a school

house in rural Ghana. The organisation not only man-

ufactured a 16-foot-wide replica classroom for donors

to walk through, but also outfitted them with virtual

reality goggles that showed a two-minute video that

placed their mind in the classroom as well.

The organisation raised more than $2 million that

night, and the video has been viewed 8 million times

since then. “If you see anyone try our VR piece for the

first time, immediately their jaw drops,” said Natalie

Ebel, the head of marketing. Usually those who open

their wallets to Pencils of Promise have never been to

the developing countries where the organisation does

its work. Virtual reality creates an “empathetic connec-

tion and presence” more effectively than photos or vid-

eo, she said.

But virtual reality is not without its barriers and lim-

itations. While the cost of production has come down

considerably, the technology required is still more so-

phisticated and expensive than that needed to shoot

regular film or still photography. Production time also

tends to be longer, meaning projects need more time

and money to deliver.

Not all experiences also allow the viewer to be fully

immersed. In the Alzheimer’s Research UK project, for

example, the character has a female voice and Brit-

ish accent, which makes it impossible for all viewers to

fully connect. The supermarket and other characters

were also computer animated, creating another sep-

aration between real-world viewers and the artificial

scenario unfolding before them. The project had other

videos set in real places.

But taking the viewer to a real place and engag-

ing with real people also has its challenges. Am-

nesty International UK launched its “Fear of the Sky”

project as sentiments toward Syrian refugees in Eu-

rope were turning sour. The project places viewers on

the bombed-out streets of Aleppo as a civilian activ-

ist explains the dangers faced by those for whom this

is their actual reality. The project required Amnesty In-

ternational UK to train and coordinate with activists al-

ready on the ground, many of whom took real risks to

capture the images necessary to make the project pos-

sible. “There were some difficulties because of the re-

lentless bombing,” said crisis response manager Kristy-

an Benedict. “It took maybe six or seven times longer

than it was meant to in the project plan.”

Still, organizations believe the result may justify the

challenges. “To actually feel that you’re inside Aleppo

and . . . the sense of abandonment and isolation and

fear of not knowing when the next barrel bomb is go-

ing to drop on you,” Benedict said. “The general con-

sensus was shock.”

“VR is certainly something that’s adding itself to the

menu [of tools] that different campaigners can use to

tell a story,” he said.

How nonprofits use virtual reality to tackle real-world issues

ASIAN TOWN

NOVO

MALL

ROYAL PLAZAVILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER

BABY BLUES

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

Imaginative quiet teenager Rafe Katchadorian is tired of his middle school’s obsession with the rules at the expense of any and all creativity. Desperate to shake things up, Rafe and his best friends have come up with a plan: break every single rule in the school and let the students run wild.

14 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

CINEMA PLUS

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

Laaf Wa Dawaraan (2D/Arabic) 10:00am & 2:40pmThe Duel (2D/Thriller) 12:20, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40pm & 12:00midnightI.T. (2D/Action) 11:00am, 1:00, 2:30, 3:00, 5:00, 5:15, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 10:15, 11:00pm & 12:00midnightStorks (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00 & 4:00pmMiddle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2D/Comedy) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pmThe Riot (2D/Action) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnightJungle Master 2: Candy Planet (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 1:45, 5:30 & 9:15pmDisappointments Room (2D/Horror) 11:45am, 3:30, 7:15 & 11:00pmMiss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children (2D/Family) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pmUSS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2D/Action) 2:30, 6:30 & 11:30pmMasterminds (2D) 11:00am, 3:10, 7:20 & 11:30pmDeep Water Horizon (2D/Action) 1:00, 5:10 & 9:20pm Inferno (2D/Thriller) 11:20am, 12:00noon, 1:40, 4:00, 4:30, 6:20, 7:40, 8:40, 11:00 & 12:15am IMAX 10:00am, 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40pm & 12:00midnight

Jungle Master 2: Candy Planet (2D/Animation) 2:00, 3:30 & 7:30pm Paoulo (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 8:45pmRekka (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 11:00pmMiddle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2D/Comedy) 5:00 & 7:00pm

Inferno (2D/Thriller) 5:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm

The Duel (2D/Drama) 5:00 & 11:30pmUSS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2D/Action) 7:00pmI.T. (2D/Drama) 7:00 & 9:15pm

Oppam (Malayalam) 6:30 & 9:30pm Paoulo (Malayalam) 7:00 & 10:00pmRemo (Tamil) 7:00 & 10:00pm Rekka (Tamil) 6:30 & 9:30pm

Jungle Master 2: Candy Planet (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:30pm Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2D/Comedy) 3:30 & 5:15pm

Paoulo (2D/Malayalam) 1:30 & 8:45pm Remo (Tamil) 2:00pmThe Duel (2D/Drama) 5:00 & 11:30pmOppam (2D/Malayalam) 6:00pmInferno (2D/Thriller) 7:00 & 11:30pm I.T. (2D/Drama) 7:00 & 9:15pm

Eedu Gold Ehe (2D/Telugu) 8:45pm Rekka (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm

MIDDLE SCHOOL

AL KHOROppam (3D/Malayalam) 11:00, 11:30am, 2:00, 2:30, 5:00, 5:30, 8:00, 8:30, 11:00 & 11:30pmInferno (3D/Thriller) 11:30am, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30pm & 12:00midnight

LANDMARKJungle Master 2: Candy Planet (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:00pm Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2D/Comedy) 5:00 & 5:30pm

I.T. (2D/Drama) 7:15, 9:45 & 11:30pm Inferno (2D/Thriller) 7:00, 9:00 & 11:15pmPaoulo (2D/Malayalam) 2:15 & 7:00pmRekka (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 11:15pm The Duel (2D/Drama) 5:00 & 9:15pm

15SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016

Yesterday’s answer

Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is

a number-placing puzzle based on a 9×9

grid. The object is to place the numbers

1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each

row, each column and each 3×3 box

contains the same number only once.

Yesterday’s answer

MEDIUM SUDOKU

ALL IN THE MIND

CROSSWORD

BRAIN TEASERS

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal,vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ASSAIL, ATTACK, BATTLE, CHALLENGE, CHAMPION, CLASH, COMBAT, COMPETITION, CONFLICT, CONQUEST, CONTENDER, CONTEST, DEFEAT, DEFEND, DRAW, ENEMY, FIGHT, GAME, MATCH, OFFENSIVE, OPPOSITION, OUTDO, OUTFLANK, OVERCOME, OVERPOWER, PARRY, PLAYER, PROTECT,REPEL, RESIST, RIVAL, SPORT, STRUGGLE, TRIUMPH, VANQUISH, VICTORY, WARRIOR, WITHSTAND.

07:00 News

07:30 UpFront

08:00 News

08:30 People &

Power

09:00 Living

Beneath The

Drones

10:00 News

10:30 Inside Story

11:00 News

11:30 Talk To Al

Jazeera

12:00 News

12:30 TechKnow

13:00 NEWSHOUR

14:00 News

14:30 Inside Story

15:00 Al Jazeera

World

16:00 NEWSHOUR

17:00 News

17:30 The Listening

Post

18:00 NEWSHOUR

19:00 News

19:30 101 East

20:00 News

20:30 Inside Story

21:00 NEWSHOUR

22:00 News

22:30 Talk To Al

Jazeera

23:00 Hard Earned

01:00 News

01:30 Witness

02:00 NEWSHOUR

13:10 Jessie

14:50 Austin & Ally

15:15 Disney

Cookabout

15:40 Bunk’d

16:05 Descendants

Wicked

World

16:10 Miraculous

Tales Of

Ladybug And

Cat Noir

16:35 Miraculous

Tales Of

Ladybug And

Cat Noir

17:00 Gravity Falls

17:25 Frenemies

18:50 The 7D

19:00 Star Darlings

19:05 Austin & Ally

19:30 Jessie

19:55 Liv And

Maddie

20:20 Best Friends

Whenever

20:45 Good Luck

Charlie

21:35 H2O: Just

Add Water

22:00 Binny And

The Ghost

22:50 Sabrina

Secrets Of

A Teenage

Witch

23:10 Hank Zipzer

TV LISTINGS

11:00 Predators Up

Close With Joel

Lambert

11:55 Ten Deadliest

Snakes

16:30 Wildest Islands

18:20 Treehouse

Masters

19:15 The Vet Life

22:00 Mountain

Monsters

22:55 Lair Of The

Killer Crocs

23:50 9-1-1 Encounters

00:45 Man-Eating

Super Snake

01:40 Attack Of The

Killer Dragons

13:05 How It’s Made:

Dream Cars

14:20 Gold Divers

15:10 Alaskan Bush

People

16:00 Deadliest Catch

16:50 Fast N’ Loud

18:30 How It’s Made:

Dream Cars

19:20 Gold Divers

20:35 Garage Gold

21:00 Extreme Car

Hoarders

21:50 Sonic Sea

23:30 Fast N’ Loud

01:10 Extreme Car

Hoarders

02:00 Sonic Sea

King Features Syndicate, Inc.