Deft hands - Gulf Times

CommunitySohni Dharti organises a programme

‘Colours of Pakistan’ to mark the National Day.

P6 P12 CommunityJohnny Lever and daughter Jamie

entertain Doha audience with caricatures and satirical jokes.

Sunday, March 31, 2019Rajab 24, 1440 AH

Doha today: 250 - 280

Deft hands

QUIZ SHOWBIZ

Apple strong as

ever at 43.

Page 10

Nihalani hits out at Kangana

Ranaut after her allegations.

Page 11

Argentine ambassador Carlos Hernandez on his life

and times, and the finer points of diplomacy. P4-5

Deft handsCOVERSTORY

Sunday, March 31, 20192 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 4.08amShorooq (sunrise) 5.27amZuhr (noon) 11.38amAsr (afternoon) 3.07pmMaghreb (sunset) 5.50pmIsha (night) 7.20pm

“Miracles are not contrary to

nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.”

— Saint Augustine

JungleeDIRECTION: Chuck Russell CAST: Vidyut Jammwal, Akshay Oberoi, Atul Kulkarni SYNOPSIS: The story revolves around a vet, who on his

homecoming to his father’s elephant reserve, encounters and fi ghts an international poacher’s racket.

THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza

LuciferDIRECTION: Prithviraj SukumaranCAST: Mohanlal, Vivek Oberoi, Tovino ThomasSYNOPSIS: Lucifer delves deep into that unexplored abyss

of what appears to be normal to those eyes that refuse to see beyond the seen. The supreme leader of the ruling party dies, leaving a huge vacuum in not only the electoral and leadership

sphere of the party but also that of the state. In the inevitable succession squabble and the power struggle that ensues, the thin line that separates good and bad becomes irrecoverably blurred and out of this seemingly endless mayhem, emerging forces that are hitherto unheard of.

THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall

The Mall Cinema (1): Lucifer (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 8:15pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 11:15pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Dumbo (2D) 2pm; The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 4pm; Dumbo (2D) 5:30pm; Dumbo (2D) 7:30pm; We Die Young (2D) 9:30pm; Junglee (Hindi) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Notebook (Hindi) 2pm; Junglee (Hindi) 4pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 6pm; The Professor And The Madman (2D) 9:15pm; Airaa (Tamil)

11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Dumbo (2D) 2:30pm; The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 5pm; Dumbo (2D) 6:45pm; Junglee (Hindi) 9pm; Airaa (Tamil) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Lucifer (Malayalam) 2pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 5pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 8pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Junglee (Hindi) 2:30pm;

Dumbo (2D) 4:45pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 7pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 10:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Dumbo (2D) 2:30pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 4:45pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 8pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Lucifer (Malayalam) 3pm; Dumbo (2D) 6pm; Dumbo (2D) 8:30pm; Junglee (Hindi) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Airaa (Tamil) 2:30pm; The Snow Queen: Mirrorland (2D) 5:15pm; Junglee (Hindi) 7pm; Junglee (Hindi) 9:15pm; Airaa (Tamil) 11:30pm..

3Sunday, March 31, 2019 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

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

EVENTS

MIA Park Bazaar 2019WHERE: Museum Of Islamic ArtWHEN: OngoingTIME: 12pm – 8pmMIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant

mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. The stalls are going to off er a wide range of gastronomies from all over the world. You can also browse and grab handcrafted artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion wears, designer ornaments.

QISH Autism WalkathonWHERE: Al Bidda ParkWHEN: April 5TIME: 3:30pm – 5:00pmIn support of World Autism Awareness

initiative, Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing conducts ‘04th Autism Walkathon – to ‘Help Increase Understanding and Acceptance’near the Theatre in Al Bidda Park.

It’s My RightWHERE: Qatar National LibraryWHEN: April 4

TIME: 4:30pm – 6:30pmYoung adults have rights just like everyone

else. Come hear what your rights are and how you can stand up for them.

Artistic Gymnastic ClassesWHERE: Qatar Academy MsheirebWHEN: OngoingTIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pmThe olympic sport using horizontal bar,

rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Syria Matters ExhibitionWHERE: Museum of Islamic ArtWHEN: Ongoing till April 30TIME: 9am – 7pmMuseum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha

presents a major exhibition, co-curated by MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year anniversary celebrations.

Ballet LessonsWHERE: Music and Arts AtelierWHEN: OngoingTIME: 4pm – 8pmFor more info e-mail at registration@

atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports ClubWHERE: Losail CircuitWHEN: OngoingTIME: 5pmLosail Circuit Sports Club, in association

with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the fl oodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

After School ActivitiesWHERE: AtelierWHEN: OngoingMusic and arts activities for students

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

Arabic Calligraphy WorkshopWHEN: Saturday – WednesdayTIME: 6pmArabic Calligraphy workshop is back.

Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier.

The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact [email protected]

Hobby ClassesWHERE: Mamangam Performing Art

CentreWHEN:Wednesday – MondayMamangam Performing Art Centre, is a

holistic performing arts institution 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 contemporary, Bollywood, hip hop, indian classical dance, music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, harmonium, public speaking.

Additional services include dance education, choreograph music videos and dance cover albums, choreograph dance musical projects, corporate workshops and events, choreograph events for schools, colleges, alumni meets and corporate and choreography events. For details, call 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.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Diplomats should always be patient to enjoy the good side of it. They should be open-minded in all aspects and open to all cultures and religions‘ ’

Carlos Hernandez, Ambassador of Argentina, is an experienced diplomat. He was appointed in Qatar in July last year. He is very keen to take bilateral ties to the

next level.Community recently approached him for an

interview via e-mail. Excerpts:

Your Excellency, please tell us briefl y about your journey so far.

I am a sort of self-made man, hailing from the country that is rich and beautiful with diverse landscapes and has a unique mixture of integrated cultures and religions.

I lost my father at an early age. I had to work hard when I was in the university. I remember being able to sleep only four to fi ve hours a day having no weekend off . I did my PhD in International Relations and also graduated as professor in Social Sciences from Catholic Jesuit University in Buenos Aires.

After my university education, I managed to join the Argentine School of Diplomacy after going through a challenging and competitive process. I am a career diplomat. The profession allows you to apply your experience in multiple areas. I am also at home in diff erent languages. Nowadays, I am learning Arabic.

“Much more active diplomacy should be applied to end

unjustified blockade of Qatar”

CHALLENGING SELF: “Based on my long experience in multilateralism and in bilateral relations, I have decided to make this current posting as the most challenging one of my career,” says the Argentine ambassador. Photo by Ram Chand

—Carlos Hernandez, Ambassador of Argentina

SUNDAY CONVERSATION


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

I am in Doha with my wife Noelia. She is a lawyer by profession. Currently, she is on leave to be with me here. I have a son, Marcel, who lives in Vienna, Austria. He recently visited us here and fell in love with Qatar.

During my diplomatic career, I have been posted to Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand and Romania before coming to this lovely country.

How do you best defi ne diplomacy? What are its basic tenets?

Diplomacy is the art and science for practising and conducting negotiations, maintaining and promoting good relations among nations, and the skill in handling aff airs without arousing hostilities. The goal is to develop countries and peoples with peace. This is precisely what I have been professionally trying to do during the last 37 years and I will be always thankful for such an opportunity.

What has been your most challenging career assignment?

Usually, the most challenging career assignment is the fi rst one. That is the time when you actually have to bring theory into practice — you are confronted by reality and have to show the best of your skills to achieve your goals in due course of time.

Now after so many years and based on my long experience in multilateralism and in bilateral relations, I have decided to make this current posting as the most challenging one of my career. I will challenge myself and try my best to bring the two countries closer.

What are the other highlights of your career?

My career off ered me a wide range of experience in diff erent fi elds, especially during my almost 10 years of being a delegate to the United Nations, the Conference on Disarmament, the International Atomic Energy Agency among other assignments. My being the fi rst Director of Public Information of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty for three years was also a very good experience.

In this position, I actively took part in negotiations for an international agreement in Geneva

leading to the establishment of a new UN organisation. It was an amazing opportunity which you are rarely able to have.

What is your take on Qatar-Argentina relations? How many expats from your country are living here and what professions they are in?

Regarding bilateral relations, I can confi rm the ties are at the top level. I am dedicated to achieve a solid strategic partnership with Qatar.

His Highness the Amir visited my country two times in last three years and President Macri was also here. The two leaders enjoy very good friendship.

Our community here is still not that large as I would like to have. Around 350 Argentines are so far registered. The number keeps increasing from time to time. A relevant number of them are working in hospitality, aviation, and with diff erent private companies.

Where does the bilateral trade currently stand and what are the potential areas for investment? In which areas Qatar can benefi t from your country and vice versa? What is the tourism potential?

The bilateral trade and investment relations are steadily growing, covering diff erent areas like energy, food, and agro industry. Recently, there have been remarkable developments. We signed numerous bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding since I took charge in July last year. Currently, there are many other agreements under negotiation.

Qatar is also our main supplier of LNG and has strong investments in the energy and agro industry sectors.

Anyway, I think that everything is not related to trade and investment. I am also working on developing cultural, art and sports exchanges. It will further strengthen the friendship of our peoples in the years to come.

I have also been trying to highlight the Islamic art and culture. In Argentina, we have at least 3.5 million people, who are direct descendants of Muslim immigrants, many mosques and several Islamic centres plus the

largest mosque in Latin America.Apart from that, our First Lady

Juliana Awada, wife of President Mauricio Macri, is of Lebanese origin. We also had a Muslim president in the 90s’ — Carlos Saul Menem of Syrian origin.

We are also working on enhancing tourism and hospitality areas. Last December, the tourism authorities from Argentina were in Qatar and held several meetings in order to boost this area. The direct fl ights between Doha and Buenos Aires by Qatar Airways will be crucial. I believe that this will be made possible this year.

What do you do in your leisure? What kind of books do you read, fi lms you watch, and music you listen to?

I have little time to relax. However, I enjoy going out with my wife. We go to gym, beach, swimming, and kayaking. I sometimes watch action fi lms or football on TV. I listen to all sorts of music — from classic to the Latin American Reggaeton. I also like reading books but only in German, probably due to my memories of Vienna, a city where we loved to live.

I am also a big fan of the music

composed by our friend Dana Al Fardan. She has created this special touch of a blend of Arab-infl uenced contemporary classical music which in many cases makes you feel the spirit of Qatar. We are working towards taking Dana to Opera House Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, which was elected by the specialised media this year as the best Opera House in the world.

How would you describe your experience of living in Qatar? What places do you venture out the most?

I feel more than happy to be in Qatar. When I was off ered this wonderful opportunity, I did not have a minute of doubt in accepting it. We have so far visited some farms, the Sealine and the desert several times. We really love the Sealine and the special feeling of sea, desert and sky being so close to each other.

What piece of advice will you give a budding diplomat?

The diplomatic career allows you to have wonderful experiences. At the same time, it aff ects your normal family life. Not everything is shiny. There are also some odd times.

Diplomats should always be

patient to enjoy the good side of it. They should be open-minded in all aspects and open to all cultures and religions. They need to be able to profi t from their experiences. It helps them in executing their professional obligations such as solving problems and addressing issues like human rights, social development and peace.

For example, diplomacy should be much more active and should be applied to fi nally end completely the unjustifi ed blockade of Qatar. Not doing it represents a failure of diplomacy.

What is that one lesson in life that has always held you in good stead?

We go through important stages in life and we have to learn from the past to have better future. Something that I have learnt is to work hard to get what you want and never be discouraged if you do not succeed. Just double your eff orts and persist with it. Enjoy at the same time what you are doing.

What are your future plans, especially after retirement?

My future plans are to continue working and enjoying family life and avoiding retirement as long as I can.

KEEN: Ambassador Carlos Hernandez watching a football match involving Qatar with wife Noelia. Photo supplied

APPRECIATION: The ambassador and his wife with Qatar’s pre-eminent music composer Dana Al Fardan.

“I am a big fan of the music composed by Dana Al Fardan. She has created this special touch of a blend of Arab-influenced contemporary classical music which in many cases makes you feel the spirit of Qatar. We are working towards taking Dana to Opera House Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires”

— Ambassador Carlos Hernandez


COMMUNITYPakistani community in Al Khor celebrates National DaySohni Dharti, a social forum which epitomises the largest Pakistani community residing in Al Khor, recently organised a programme ‘Colours of Pakistan’ on the eve of Pakistan National Day.The event was held under the patronage of Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan. The programme kicked off with the national anthems of Qatar and Pakistan. Over 150 children sung the national anthems of both the countries, which was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony by the ambassador of Pakistan and Chang-mo Kim, Ambassador of Korea. The Korean ambassador was the guest of honour.The event highlighted diff erent culture and traditions of Pakistan. Children represented four provinces of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan and its autonomous states of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As many as eight

performances were presented by the children. Apart from the performances, specifically crafted costumes were well appreciated by the audience, including Kashmiri, Pashto and Sindhi dresses for the girls. Sindji ajrak and topi, Balouchi turbans with loose kurta, Punjabi khussa and Jinnah cap for the boys.The performances and the tableaus were prepared by the wife of Rana Anwar Ali, Chairman of Sohni Dharti; alonf with Qazi Naeem Anwar, Abid Hussain, Ghulam Mujtaba Balouch and Ghulam Murtaza, all members of the community organisation.The event was attended by over 300 families and notable personalities, including Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial, Community Welfare Attaché at the embassy of Pakistan; Muhammad Idress Anwar, President of Pak-Qatar Business Forum; Rashid Rafeeq Batt, an active social worker; and Ahmad Hassan, President of Pakistan Welfare Forum.

DPS-MIS takes part in MUN Training ConferenceDPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently attended the one-day MUN Training Conference ‘Securing an ever-evolving world’ at Doha College.DPS-MIS MUN delegates represented divergent nations and gained an insight into the relevant

issues by carrying out extensive investigation and presenting potential solutions for the issues. The team of DPS-MIS, included Aaryan Gulia, Jaefar Shameem and Aidan Roche. The team also received Honourable Mention Awards.


COMMUNITYMES organises five-day long pedagogical planning sessionMES Indian School recently organised a five-day long pedagogical planning session for faculty members. The session aimed empowering teachers to be more futuristic about the planning of scholastic and co-scholastic activities for the academic year. The closing ceremony featured various outdoor and indoor sports and games activities, including football, throwball, badminton, volleyball and tug-of-war contest, besides performing cultural events. A series of cultural programmes, including the medley of songs, group dance, oppana, kolkali, dandiya dance and orchestra, were part of the event. The teachers of various sections showcased their talents.The pedagogical planning session also included the modalities of the preparation of assignments and worksheets, review and restructure of the year plan, strategic planning for making the teaching-learning process more joyful and eff ective, dealing diversity, preparation of digital lesson plan and school resource and planning remedial coaching sessions. Training session by the e-mentor trainers of the school was also a part of the event. The workshop featured various topics,

including activity planning session, cultural activities both external and internal, literary activities-external and internal, GK and quiz programmes, Qatar history/MOE/Islamic studies, moral science and personality development programme. A counselling session ‘Behavioural Disorders and Behavioural Problems Among Students’ by Manoj Kumar, Department of Counselling at MES, was also conducted.Speaking on the occasion, Hameeda Kadar, Principal of MES, said, “These lighthearted, confidence-boosting icebreakers in the form of get-together activities at the threshold of a new academic session, not only encourage teachers to relive their moments of joy but essentially enable them to revive their level of enthusiasm and equip to welcome the new session with renewed energy. The winners of the various competitions were also felicitated on the occasion. Sajitha Faisal, Staff Secretary of Junior Section, welcomed the gathering and Pauly C J, Staff Secretary of Boys’ Section, proposed a vote of thanks.

IIS holds orientation session

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently organised an orientation session for the students of Grade X-XII. Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS, addressed the gathering. Speaking on the occasion, he dwelt upon the need of facing the challenges

to emerge victorious in the present competitive world. He also emphasised the need to find a career that is aimed at the betterment of the society along with giving peace and joy. He advised the students to be goal oriented.

SIS organises professional development programmeShantiniketan Indian School (SIS) recently organised a three-day professional development programme for its faculty members. Dr Subhash B Nair, Principal of SIS, spoke on ‘SIS-learn, active learning pedagogy, a brand crafted through the 3Gs approach’. Syam Krishna

and Nihala presented on ‘Personalised Guidance Counselling Programme’. Vasavi Ayyanan and Miraj spoke about the introspection of the academic standards which leads to quality improvement based on the ‘SIS Active Learn’.


COMMUNITY

Galeries Lafayette Doha hosts meet and greet session with Victoria BeckhamGaleries Lafayette Doha recently invited Victoria Beckham, fashion designer, to visit the newly opened iconic French department store at 21 High st and also showcase her collection, stated a press release.The two big fashion labels, Galeries Lafayette and Victoria Beckhamm have entered into a collaboration and Beckham’s RTW collection will be exclusively available at Galeries Lafayette Doha.Victoria Beckham was at the Galeries Lafayette Doha store for a meet-and-greet session with her fans, and the fashion lovers of Doha also had the privilege of having a photo opportunity with her. The fashion designer exhibited the Victoria Beckham lines, developed at Victoria’s studio in London, showcasing finest craftsmanship and materials. Victoria took a tour of the 14,000sqm exquisitely designed retail space and admired the architectural stunner, which houses the best of fashion, accessories, leather goods, shoes, watches and jewellery, beauty and food and beverages outlets.A private lunch was also organised for the designer at

Cafe Pushkin, where she was accompanied by some selected dignitaries. “This is my first visit to the market and I was delighted to be able to visit my exclusive stockist as they open this beautiful new space. It was great to see their vision for the brand and to meet my customers,” said Victoria Beckham.David Miller, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette, said, “We are delighted to be able to host Beckham at Galeries Lafayette Doha. Galeries Lafayette is much more than a department store, it is a trendsetter and we are honoured by the presence of the style icon in our premises. Very strategically, we fuse the experience of shopping with events and all celebrity visits and other entertainments are planned to bring out the true spirit of the brand.”In the past decade, Beckham has become an internationally recognised style icon and fashion designer. Stocked in more than 400 stores across over 50 countries, the brand has won critical acclaim alongside multiple industry awards, including Best Designer Brand and Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.

PICPA organises technical seminarsPhilippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha recently conducted seminars on various topics, including ‘Blockchain and Big Data Overview’ and ‘IFRS Update: IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ at La Cigale Hotel.The speakers during the first seminar, included Richard B Ali and Froilan O Chua. Speaking on the occasion, Ali and Chua said that blockchain and big data are the next big things in finance and the rapid growing of these two emerging new technologies are part of the new industrial revolution. The seminar focused on the basics of blockchain technology. The advantages of big data were also discussed on the occasion. Ali said, “Blockchain and big data open new

investment opportunities and may help everyone to discover possible life-changing career.”Clint Daniel S Fadera, Director in Assurance Service line of Ernst and Young Qatar, conducted a seminar on IFRS Update: IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. He spoke about IFRS 15 and Five Step Model in revenue recognition. He also discussed the required disclosures on the financial statements and the common challenges that finance professionals encounter during the implementation.Elmer H Espiritu, Senior Vice President of PICPA, and Sharon C Dela Cruz, President of PICPA, also spoke on the occasion.


COMMUNITYENTERTAINMENT

100-year-old Circus Knie knows how to entertain“When people forget about their daily lives, we’ve reached our goal,” says

Fredy Knie, whose circus is celebrating its 100th anniversary. With a jubilee

tour, Circus Knie is showing no sign of slowing down. By Christiane Oelrich

It’s a stormy day outside, and the tent walls are fl apping. But inside, Maycol and Guido Errani don’t bat an eye as they get on with their

dress rehearsal against a backdrop of lights.

Every minute counts, as there are only a few days left until the opening of the big jubilee tour: The Circus Knie, based in Switzerland, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Over the coming months, it will give 320 performances in more than 30 locations across Switzerland.

The story of the Knie family goes back even further: The fi rst records of the Knie family date back more than 200 years, to a tightrope walker named Friedrich Knie.

According to family legend, he kidnapped a young lady named Antonia, who had been hidden

from travellers by her father in a monastery, in a clandestine operation in 1807 and founded the Knie dynasty with her.

Today, the eighth generation of the Knies is running the show, including Geraldine, who is married to one of the performers, Maycol. Together with his brother Guido, he is practising a routine in the ring that involves plenty of precarious lifting, balancing and somersaults.

The circus director is Geraldine’s father, Fredy Knie Junior, 72.

“The ninth generation is also really good,” he says, sitting in a circus wagon between rehearsals in Rapperswil on Lake Zurich. “I work with my grandchildren to pass on my knowledge.”

He is known as the horse whisperer, because animals always obey his commands, sometimes

without him even uttering a word. He can make them run in formation, and stop on command. “Movements they would also do in the wild,” he points out.

There have been no big cats or elephants in the circus since 2014. “Fifty or 100 years ago people didn’t know any better, but today they know how to keep animals in a species-appropriate way, so we don’t do that,” Knie says.

However, the circus still has horses, pigs and parrots. The elephants that used to be in the team are currently enjoying their retirement in a children’s zoo in Rapperswil that’s also owned by the family.

The zoo also breeds elephants for other zoos. Knie is convinced that close encounters with real animals help children learn to respect the creatures and the environment.

The fi rst performers in the Knie family were tightrope walkers who performed in the open air. They bought their fi rst tent 100 years ago. They celebrate their 100th birth day, the family launched a crowd funding campaign to buy a brand-new tent.

It’s now accompanying 230 acrobats, artists, clowns, animal keepers and helpers who are part of the circus entourage are they go on tour.

Knie believes that a good circus performance is on par with going to see a show at the theatre or opera, or a concert. “We have a very diverse audience, aged from 4 to 80, including opera fans.”

The ingredients of a good circus? “Entertainment, quality, amazement, laughter, thrills and a touch of the exotic.”

It’s a mix that has impressed, among others, the royal family of Monaco. It has been organising circus festivals for years and has close ties with the Knie family.

Princess Stephanie, 54, was in a relationship with Franco Knie at the beginning of the 2000s, when he was an elephant tamer. She even moved into a circus wagon with her children.

The relationship didn’t last, but the friendship between the two families did: Stephanie came to Switzerland recently with her brother Prince Albert for the premiere of a musical created to celebrate the 100th anniversary. It was created by Fredy’s brother Rolf Knie, who went into business on his

own in 1984. Fredy Knie says it’s a shame that circus is seen in some countries as something for children, or old-fashioned. His tent is always full, he says. “We have a lot to off er.

Today’s public have an array of entertainment options to choose from, so circuses have to have top-quality lighting, music, sound and choreography.” – DPA

ACROBATICS: Maycol and Guido Errani don’t bat an eye as they get on with their act for the Circus Knie.

OPENING: An opening performance of the Swiss Circus Knie is seen in this photograph from June 4, 1919.


COMMUNITY QUIZ

Apple is a household name, with a rich and storied history. Apple may be best known as the inventor of the

iPhone and iPad, but there is more to this tech giant than meets the eye.

Apple Computer Company was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Jobs and Woz were in their early twenties when they decided to found Apple. Since neither one of them had any money, Jobs sold his VW Microbus and Wozniak sold his Hewlett-Packard calculator. The company’s fi rst product was the Apple I, a computer single-handedly designed and hand-built by Wozniak, and fi rst shown to the public at the Homebrew Computer Club. Apple I was sold as a motherboard (with CPU, RAM, and basic textual-video chips). Purchasers would still need to buy components, including a case, keyboard and video monitor/TV set. The Apple I went on sale in July 1976 and was market-priced at $666.66.

Ronald Wayne left the company only 12 days after it was founded. While he owned only 10 percent of the company at the time, in today’s world this would be worth tens of billions of dollars. He has noted that he does not regret this decision.

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak incorporated the company on January 3, 1977, in Cupertino, California. With the help of angel investor Mike Markkula, who invested $ 92,000 and arranged quarter of a million credits with Bank of America, sales of its computers, including the Apple II, grew quickly.

With the introduction of the successful iPod music player in 2001 and iTunes Music Store in 2003, Apple established itself as a leader in the consumer electronics and media sales industries. On January 9, 2007, at the Macworld Expo Jobs announced that Apple Computer Inc. will henceforth will be called ‘Apple Inc.’ The Expo also saw the introduction ‘iPhone’ and ‘Apple TV.’ There was a record sale of 270,000 iPhone units within fi rst 30 hours of sales, marking it ‘a game changing for the industry.’

It can be argued that no consumer electronics company has captured the public’s fascination the way Apple has. Over the years it has become a representation

of a lifestyle and culture, and a status symbol complete with an astronomical fan base. With 2018 fi scal revenue of $265 billion, Apple is the world’s largest information technology company by revenue and the world’s third-largest mobile phone manufacturer after Samsung and Huawei. In August 2018, Apple became the fi rst public company to be valued at over US$1 trillion. As of January 2018, more than 1.3 billion Apple products are actively in use worldwide, upending the apple carts of technology, politics, social events, and more.

Apple has a high level of brand loyalty. In 2012, Apple overtook Google as the most valuable brand in the world. It retained its top spot for 5 years, dropping to second below Google in 2017.

The Apple slogan ‘Think Diff erent’ was fi rst used in a 1997 commercial Here’s to the Crazy Ones, Think Diff erent. The commercial was an acknowledgment of every visionary who ever dared to challenge the norm and to innovate.

Apple has several fl agship stores

which are both architectural wonders and tourist attractions. The most famous one at New York City’s Fifth Avenue is actually underground. Visitors are drawn to the giant glass cube at street level. The store reportedly cost $10 million to build, and is one of the most visited and most photographed spots in New York.

Welcome to ‘Nutty’s Infotainment. YAYS!’ And your time starts NOW!

The fi rst Apple logo was designed by co-founder Ronald Wayne, featuring a man who revolutionised science and a quotation by Wordsworth describing him as “... a mind forever voyaging through strange seas of thought”. Name him.

Isaac Newton

Most offi cial photographs of Apple products that are used in advertisements always show the time as 9.41 AM. What is the signifi cance of this time?

This was the time that the fi rst

iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs.

The Apple-1 computer went on sale in July, 1976 and retailed for $666.66. What was the reason, as explained by co-founder Steve Wozniak?

The wholesale cost to stores was $500, and adding a third to get the retail price made it around $667, which Woz changed to all one repeating digit — $666.66. “I was into repeating digits,” he said, and explained that — “was just easier to type.”

What is the “No Smoking” ban on Apple computers?

If you have an Apple computer, smoking anywhere around it can invalidate your warranty- even if you have the extended Apple Care insurance. Apple repair staff s have refused to work on smoker’s machines, due to the noted dangers of second-hand smoke.

During the very agonising period Steve Jobs experienced after being fi red by the board of Apple, he changed his style of glasses to match the style of which of his inspiration?

Steve Jobs round glasses are a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. In 1999 Time Magazine asked Steve his choice for the person of the

century, and he replied: “Mohandas Gandhi is my choice for the Person of the Century because he showed us the way out of the destructive side of our human nature”. On returning from one of his visit to India Steve announced: “There is no one that embodies better what I want to become, other than Gandhi, he changed the world.”

March 31 marks the 60th anniversary of entry of Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso into what his people call ‘Gyagar Phagpay Yul’. How is he popularly known? Name the country he entered.

Dalai Lama, India.

Which element in the Mendeleev’s Periodic Table has the shortest name?

Tin (Sn)

‘Laundry bag’ is an air-force slang. What does it mean?

Parachute

How did Ian Fleming come up with the name ‘James Bond’?

Fleming took the name for his character from that of an American ornithologist and expert on the birds of the Caribbean.

Identify the below French philosopher, mathematician, scientist and today’s birthday boy. He often introduced himself as “Poitevin” and signed letters as “du Perron.” His best known philosophical statement is “I think, therefore I am” or “Ego cogito, ergo sum” in Latin.)

(Answer next week. Answer to last week’s photo-quiz: Kuwait)

What’s the Good Word?

1. Natter: (a) wither (b) half-hearted (c)

talk casually (d) brief aff air

2. Tsuris: (a) coward (b) comic (c)

problems (d) coalesce

3. Heebie-jeebies: (a) extreme

nervousness (b) conspicuous (c)

senseless (d) things wanted

4. Humdinger: (a) unnecessary (b)

remarkable person/ thing (c) stoic (d)

fastidious

5. Kittle: (a) decorous (b) moonstruck

(c) savvy (d) diff icult to deal with

6. Sibylline: (a) mysterious

(b) cynosure (c) harbinger (d)

inappropriate

7. Bucolic: (a) noisome (b) arbitrary (c)

obduracy (d) rural

8. Hotsy-totsy: (a) riant (b) perfect (c)

deadwood (d) humane

9. Stolid: (a) noxious (b) insurgent (c)

potentate (d) showing less emotion

10. Dabster: (a) miserable (b) vitriolic

(c) expert (d) absconder

Answers: 1 (c); 2 (c); 3 (a); 4 (b); 5 (d); 6

(a); 7 (d); 8 (b); 9 (d); 10 (c)

Apple strong as ever at 43

1. What is kaleidoscope a group of?Butterfl ies(Yvette Gallardo, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha)

2. Which 1990s movie gave quotes like “You had me at hello” and “Show me the money”?

Jerry Maguire(Jayanta, Doha Modern Indian School, Doha)

Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does yourvibe attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions will be featured here. Please do write to us at [email protected].

Tribe NI.yays

CREATING HISTORY: Apple Computer Company was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Jobs and Woz were in their early twenties when they decided to found Apple.

Sunday, March 31, 2019 11GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

Kidman amazed by the way women are judged in fi lms

Actress Nicole Kidman says she is astounded by the ‘harsh way women are judged’ in fi lms.

The 51-year-old actress plays Erin Bell – a police detective who is drawn back into an old case that left her traumatised – in Destroyer.

In an interview to The Guardian, the actress says the action movie off ers a gritty and raw and totally authentic look at her character, who doesn’t adhere to traditional beauty ideals, reports dailymail.co.uk

“A lot of times if you are going to be a female in an action fi lm, they want you to look gorgeous, be capable of fi ring guns and doing high kicks and still having lipstick and being svelte and being in a whole diff erent class of action hero,” Kidman said.

“I’m always astounded at the harsh way in which women are judged, and I shouldn’t be,” added the wife of Keith Urban who are raising two daughters together.

The actress, who is excited about the second season of Big Little Lies, aired in India on Star World, went on to explain how she hopes to help change things.

“Maybe in 20 years time, for the next generation of women, it will be diff erent but by God, I want to be one of those women who’s helping carve a path for the next generation.

“I’m the recipient of those that have come before me to even be in this position.” – IANS

Nihalani hits out at Kangana Ranaut after her allegationsBy Subhash K Jha

Producer Pahlaj Nihalani says actress Kangana Ranaut has forgotten how much he helped her when she was in trouble.

His views come as a reaction to Kangana’s remarks claiming she was asked to dress in just a robe for a photo-shoot for Nihalani’s fi lm I Love You Boss. In the interview, she criticised her role.

But Nihalani has a very diff erent story to tell.

“First of all, I wasn’t even there when the photo-shoot for the fi lm happened. She had gone for the shoot with her then-secretary Rakesh Nath who also looked after Madhuri Dixit. So what she wore for the photo-shoot or didn’t wear was not my lookout,” Nihalani said.

“Secondly does Kangana remember how desperately she needed this role in my fi lm I Love You Boss, which she is now calling bad, and how much she requested me to cast her? Kangana had gone around the entire fi lm industry with Aditya Pancholi knocking on every producer’s door for work. But it didn’t happen. No one signed her. Only I ventured to sign her, although I was advised against it,” he added.

Nihalani wonders how the fi lm has suddenly come back into Kangana’s consciousness.

“For ten years she has acknowledged Anurag Basu as her mentor and discoverer. She seemed to have completely forgotten that long before Anurag Basu, I cast her in I Love You Boss. And she seemed most happy about it. The story was about a young girl and her crush for her boss. I approached Amitabh Bachchanji for the boss’ part. When he declined the part, I approached Rishi Kapoor. He loved the script. But couldn’t

do the fi lm. I fi nally asked my dear friend Shatrughan Sinha and he agreed.”

This was when Kanagana dropped the fi rst hot brick on the project.

Nihalani recalled: “Kangana said she won’t work with Shatruji. She told me Zarina Wahabji had advised her not to. She didn’t take Aditya Pancholi’s name. She took his wife’s name. I was livid. Was Kangana in a position to turn down a fi lm with a legend like Shatrughan Sinha? That was the end of the project.”

She apparently broke her contract with Nihalani.

He said: “Kangana was contract-bound for three fi lms with me. But when she asked me if she could do Anurag’s fi lm

I released her from the contract. Does she talk about this ever? Or does she talk about the time when she was in big trouble for giving the wrong Mumbai address on her passport when she had to fl y out to shoot for Ritesh Sidhwani’s fi lm? Misinformation on the passport is a serious criminal matter. I ran from pillar to post to bail her out of trouble. And this is how she repays me? By accusing me of exploiting her?

“Actors like Kangana Ranaut bring a bad name to all the eff orts by strugglers who are given a chance by producers. With success the struggle is forgotten and so are those who helped you get where you are.” – IANS

PRODUCER: Pahlaj Nihalani says Kangana Ranaut has forgotten how much he helped her when she was in trouble.

People must respect each other’sprivacy: Jacqueline

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez is against the idea of being clicked by paparazzi everywhere. She urged people to respect each other’s privacy.

“There is recent trend in the Indian media since last few years where fi lm and sports celebrities are being clicked by the media outside airports, restaurants, salons and even outside their houses every day,” Jacqueline told the media on Thursday.

The Roy actress fi nds the constant media glare on celebrities “annoying”.

“It’s so annoying. No one likes to get clicked at odd times. Even if you are clicking pictures with your friends and if you are not looking great, you haven’t got your makeup on and your hair is not looking amazing.

“It’s not something that anyone would welcome with open arms because it’s there all of a sudden for public discrimination and judgement. I personally don’t agree with being papped everywhere.

“I think that people should respect each other’s privacy and when we need to come on occasions like this on a work base then, its fi ne because everyone is invited to be part of a public event but on off days when we are not working then people should respect our privacy,” she added.

She also spoke about having a “positive” outlook in life and how actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas inspires her.

“I do believe in maintaining a very positive attitude no matter what. I think the more you practice being positive even when things seems to be going completely downhill... That’s the time

nothing will be able to aff ect you and that actually gives you a lot of energy.”

“I was spending some time with Priyanka the other night ... she told me that if you want to be alive and if you want to be full of energy then its a state of mind and you just have to tell that to yourself again and again.”

On the work front, Jacqueline will next be seen in Drive along with Sushant Singh Rajput. She has also been appointed a global brand ambassador of Colorbar - one of the leading makeup brands of India. – IANS

ANNOYED: Jacqueline Fernandez finds the constant media glare on celebrities annoying.

Murphy might star in A Quiet Place sequel

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is in talks to join John Krasinskis A Quiet Place sequel.

The sequel will also star Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, reports variety.com

Krasinski is returning to direct the untitled sequel for Paramount. A Quiet Place grossed $340 million at the global box offi ce last year. Since then, the fi lm has won several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Blunt in the supporting actress category.

Krasinski also wrote the screenplay with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, and the trio received a Writers Guild nomination in the original category. Paramount studio announced in August that it had dated the sequel to A Quiet Place for May 15, 2020.

Krasinski directed and starred in the story of an isolated family of four that must live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound. He has been working on the script for the sequel with Woods and Beck and announced last month that he was directing the project.

It’s not yet known what role Murphy will play if his deal goes through. – IANS

NEW PROJECT: Cillian Murphy’s role in the movie is not yet known.

ASTOUNDED: Nicole Kidman says she is astounded by the ‘harsh way women are judged’ in films.


COMMUNITY

By Mudassir Raja

It was a night of immense laughter and fun. A constant series of clean jokes incited laughter and giggles for nearly two hours as one

of the top Indian comedian amused Doha audience with his caricatures, tickling jokes and satirical commentary on social issues.

The gathering at Al Mayassa Theatre, Qatar National Convention Centre remained on the edge of their seats as Johnny Lever, a seasoned comedian and film actor, kept entertaining them. He was accompanied by his talented daughter, Jamie, as well as comedian Gaurav Sharma.

The laughter programme named ‘Johnny Lever Live’ was organised on Thursday night as part of Desi Comedy Nights 2019 and was hosted by Millennium Entertainment.

Johnny Lever is one of the first stand-up comedians in India. He has received 13 Filmfare Awards nominations for Best Performance in a Comic Role, and has won the award twice, for his work in Deewana Mastana (1997) and Dulhe Raja (1998). He began his career in 1984 and has acted in more than 300 Bollywood films.

Subramanya Hebbagelu, Joint Secretary, Indian Community Benevolent Forum, said: “It was superb. It was all laughter. It was a great experience to be there. For me, it was one of the best comedy shows I have ever attended.

“I liked how he mimicked different Bollywood actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. He also highlighted the working environment of the film industry through his jokes. Everyone in the auditorium appreciated the comedian for one of his acts that shed light on how children need to take care of their parents after they get old.”

The comedian, who visited Qatar after about 32 years, shared his thoughts and views on comedy and acting during a press meet in Fraser Suites West Bay.

On the unique father-daughter combination, Johnny said: “I have never thought that one day my daughter will perform with me on the stage. Suddenly, she decided to do stand-up comedy. I know that performing on the stage is not easy. I challenged her and she

proved her talent. I think talent finds its way out. In her first ever 10-minute-long performance in London, she received a standing ovation.”

Jamie said: “People used to see Johnny Lever in me whenever I caricatured someone. They used to catch my facial expression since my childhood. It was natural for me to imitate others.”

Johnny sees a lot of change in the current style of comedy when compared to the old days. “Many new things have been added to the art of comedy. There are many words used in the comedy today but we did not use to use the slang words.

“A lot of time is spent to produce quality comedy. There are too many double meaning comments used today. We used to follow our seniors. The writers used to take a lot of time to pen the comedy. Now, the writers do not have time. When enough time is not given, you cannot produce quality comedy.”

Johnny says it is very difficult to get hold of the audience. The stand-up comedy is not an easy job. “We should cover all sorts of audience during our performances. We need to take care of all generations. Future of the stand-up comedy heavily depends on what the audience wants or expects. In my shows, mostly families turn up. I will continue entertaining the families.”

For the star comedian, comedy is the art of observation. “Observation is a key for the stand-up comedians. The comedian has to observe continuously and constantly. It is like going out for hunting. I used to sit among drug addicts just to

observe how they behave. Life is full of wonderful things. You can pick whatever you want as a comedian. Minute observation rules the comedy.”

Comedy has become an addiction to Johnny. “I become restless, if I do not make people laugh. I have been addicted for many years now but I am happy that people like whatever I do.” The comedian likes to remain humble no matter what he achieves. “Our elders have told us to keep our feet on the ground despite having a lot of success.”

Speaking about his ideas, he added: “I started comedy while watching Aman Ullah, a world renowned comedian from Pakistan. I have also been impressed by Umer Sharif and Moin Akhtar, two other star comedians from Pakistan.”

FAMILY: Johnny Lever and his daughter Jamie entertained Doha audience with their caricatures, jokes and satirical commentary on social issues.

Photos by Nassar TK

Future of stand-up comedy depends on what people want or expect: Lever

“I started comedy while watching Aman Ullah, a world renowned comedian from Pakistan. I have also been impressed by Umer Sharif and Moin Akhtar” — Johnny Lever

One of the first stand-up comics of India says he is addicted to

comedy and becomes restless if he doesn’t make people laugh

Documents

Deft hands - Gulf Times