Community

P6
Community
The Academic
Bridge Program
organised an
orientation event for
250 new students at
the Learning Resource
Center.
P16
Community
DJs Alexandre
Destrez and
Yass will
perform at the newly
revamped WAHM
Lounge at W Doha
Hotel next week.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Dhul-Qa’da 15, 1437 AH
DOHA
34°C—42°C TODAY
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11
Emirati poet Afra Atiq
tugged at the
heartstrings of poetry
lovers in Doha
recently. Here’s how
she finds inspiration
for her beautiful
lines. P4-5
EXPRESSIONS: Afra Atiq at the Words & Strings event in Doha.
Photo courtesy: Words & Strings
PUZZLES 12 & 13
Verse
beyond
words
COVER
STORY
2
GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME
Fajr
Shorooq (sunrise)
Zuhr (noon)
Asr (afternoon)
Maghreb (sunset)
Isha (night)
3.48am
5.08am
11.38am
3.07pm
6.09pm
7.39pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Emergency
999
Worldwide Emergency Number
112
Kahramaa – Electricity and Water
991
Local Directory
180
International Calls Enquires
150
Hamad International Airport
40106666
Labor Department
44508111, 44406537
Mowasalat Taxi
44588888
Qatar Airways
44496000
Hamad Medical Corporation
44392222, 44393333
Qatar General Electricity and
Water Corporation
44845555, 44845464
Primary Health Care Corporation
44593333
44593363
Qatar Assistive Technology
Centre
44594050
Qatar News Agency
44450205
44450333
Q-Post – General Postal
Corporation
44464444
Humanitarian Services Office
(Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)
Ministry of Interior
40253371, 40253372,
40253369
Ministry of Health
40253370, 40253364
Hamad Medical Corporation
40253368, 40253365
Qatar Airways
40253374
ote Unquote
u
Q Love is the
only force capable of
transforming an enemy
into friend.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Editor
Kamran Rehmat
e-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 44466405
Fax: 44350474
EVENTS
Qatar Summer Festival at The Pearl
DATE: Until August 27
TIME: 6:30pm
VENUE: The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is hosting several entertainment activities
and roaming musical acts and parades at dedicated locations
in Porto Arabia as well as Medina Centrale from 6.30pm to
9.30pm on August 19, 20, 26 and 27.
Qur’an Memorisation Course
DATE: Until August 31
TIME: 8am-12pm
VENUE: Eid Charity Female Center
Qur’an memorisation unit at Eid Charity Female Center
will organise Al Shafea Qur’an Memorisation Course for
those above 15 years at the three branches of the unit (Dafna,
Wakrah and Al Khor). The course starts from 8am to 12pm.
Registration fees: QR400.
Aspire Splash and Dash
DATE: Every Sunday and Wednesday
TIME: 7pm-9pm
VENUE: Aspire Dome
The athletics track and swimming pool will be open for 50
participants aged seven years and above per session and facility.
Swimming skills are mandatory for registering at the swimming
sessions with a limited number of 50 participants per session.
The event is open to public registration on-site from 6 to 7:45pm.
Doha Toastmasters Meet
DATE: August 20
TIME: 7pm-9:30pm
VENUE: Holiday VillaDoha Toastmasters, the pioneer club
Mall Cinema (1): Cell (2D)
11.30am; Equals (2D) 2pm;
Skiptrace (2D) 3.45pm; War Dogs
(2D) 5.30pm; Cell (2D) 7.45pm;
IDI: Inspector Dawood Ibrahim
(Malayalam) 9.30pm; Cell (2D)
11.45pm.
Mall Cinema (2): The Secret Life
Of Pets (2D) 11.30am; Ice Age:
Collision Course (2D) 1pm; The
Secret Life Of Pets (2D) 2.30pm;
The Secret Life Of Pets (2D) 4pm;
The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D)
5.30pm; Skiptrace (2D) 7.30pm;
Skiptrace (2D) 9.30PM; Neon
Demon (2D) 11.30pm.
Mall Cinema (3): War Dogs (2D)
of Qatar, trains individuals in communication and leadership
skills. Transform yourself into a confident public speaker and a
strong leader. Acquire this vital skill in a friendly and supportive
environment. For more details, call 77036696.
Doha Sightseeing
DATE: Until September
TIME: 9am-9pm
VENUE: Around Doha
Doha Bus is Qatar’s first Hop-on Hop-off sight-seeing bus
tour, providing both local residents and visiting tourists a flexible
way to discover the country’s vibrant past, present and future.
Each Doha Bus tour highlights a variety of interesting locations
throughout this fast changing landscape including Souq Waqif,
The Pearl, Villaggio as well as The Museum of Islamic Art. Doha
Bus enhances the sightseeing experience with seven different
language options to choose from as well as group discounts,
private coach tours and corporate outings. Doha Bus is a fun,
interactive and highly education experience for every traveller.
Barzan Girls Center’s Summer Programme
DATE: Until August 25
TIME: 6pm
VENUE: Barzan Girls Center
Barzan Girls Center is organising its summer programme,
which continues for a month and targets girls aged 15
years and above. For registration, you can visit the centre’s
headquarter at 6pm.
The programme aims to exchange experiences and
information between the girls, establish the spirit of cooperation between them, and to advance their characters
through learning.
It features several educational programmes, workshops,
courses, camps, festivals, skills, and trips. For enquiries, please
call at: 44789392.
Demon (2D) 11pm
Royal Plaza Cinema Palace
(2): Cell (2D) 11.30am; Happy
11am; Happy Bhaag Jayegi (Hindi) Bhaag Jayegi (Hindi) 1.30pm;
1pm; Ice Age: Collision Course
War Dogs (2D) 4pm; Life On The
(2D) 3.30pm; Happy Bhaag
Line (2D) 6pm; Cell (2D) 8pm;
Jayegi (Hindi) 5.15pm; Manhattan Cell (2D) 10pm; Life On The Line
Nocturne (2D) 7.30pm; Life On
(2D) 11.45pm.
The Line (2D) 9.30pm; Life On
Royal Plaza Cinema Palace
The Line (2D) 11.15pm.
(3): Skiptrace (2D) 11.30am; The
Royal Plaza Cinema Palace
BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D)
(1): The Secret Life Of Pets (2D)
1.30pm; Equals (2D) 3.30pm;
11.30am; Ice Age: Collision Course The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D)
(2D) 1.30pm; The Secret Life Of
5.30pm; War Dogs (2D) 7.30pm;
Pets (2D) 3.15pm; The Secret Life Manhattan Nocturne (2D)
Of Pets (2D) 5pm; Skiptrace (2D) 9.30pm; Happy Bhaag Jayegi
7pm; Skiptrace (2D) 9pm; Neon
(Hindi) 11.30pm.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
BOOKS
10
MOVIES
1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
2. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
3. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom
Riggs
4. Selp-Helf by Miranda Sings
5. The Bamboo Stalk by Saud Al Sanousi
6. The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire by Dan Howell and Phil
Lester
7. Animal Kingdom by Millie Marotta
8. Querkles Masterpieces by Thomas Pavitte
9. Diary of Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney
10. Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg
TV-SERIES
1. Private Practice S5
2. New Girl S1
3. Cougar Town S3
4. Happy Endings S1
5. Burn Notice S4
6. Bones S1-6
7. Glee S2
8. Raising Hope S1
9. Doll House S2
10. Footballers’ Wives S3
10.My Name Is Earl S4
Summer Programme for
School Students
DATE: Until August 21
VENUE: Virginia Commonwealth
University
Virginia Commonwealth
University in Qatar is organising its
summer programme for all school
students aged six years and above.
They can choose from a variety of
programmes designed for various age
groups, with the aim of learning new
skills and making new friends during
the summer holidays.
Combination of Sun, Sand and
Surfing
DATE: Ongoing
VENUE: Aqua ParkFor the first
time ever in Qatar, it will be possible
to ride up curved sidewalls at 90
degrees to the direction of the water
flow. Giving visitors and especially
surfing fanatics an amazing
experience available at only one place
in Qatar Aqua Park.
Come join us and also take
advantage of the extra free ticket you
get anytime you buy two Stingray
Tickets.
Garage Gallery
DATE: Until Nov 1
TIME: 8pm
VENUE: Spaces at the Fire Station
The Artists in Residence exhibition
is a culmination of an intensive ninemonth programme, featuring works
by 18 local contemporary artists who
have been working in the artist’s
studios and spaces at the Fire Station
1. The Way Way Back
2. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies
3. The Descendants
4. Mad Max: Fury Road
5. Gambit
6. Love, Rosie
7. DOA: Dead Or Alive
8. Fright Night
9. Avengers: Age Of Ultron
10. Whiplash
MUSIC
1. Various Artists: Now 94 Db
2. Maher Zain: One
3. Adele: 25
4. Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman
5. Radiohead: Moon Shaped Pool
6. Enrique Iglesias: Insomniac
7. Led Zeppelin: Houses Of The Holy
8. Rogers Kenny: 21 Number Ones/The Ultimate
Collection
9. Bob Marley: Legend Bo
10. 30 Seconds To Mars: Beautiful Lie
Courtesy: Virgin Megastores, Landmark and Villaggio Mall
since September 2015. The exhibition
showcases new work and projects
created by the artists during their
residency period, shedding light on
the development of their innovative
ideas and diverse studio practices.
Photographic, sculptural, and
installation based artworks fill the
Garage Gallery and showcase these
talented artists.
Muay Thai Roadshow
DATE: August 20
TIME: 1:30pm-5pm
VENUE: Grand Hyatt Doha
The event is completely free of
charge and open to the public – both
workshop participants and spectators
are free to come on what promises
to be a spectacular day. The event
will take place at the Grand Hyatt
Doha on Saturday from 1:30pm5pm. Information on how to register
either as an attendee or workshop
participant can be sought via 5040
3234 or info@evolvemindbodysoul.
com
3
COMMUNITY
ROUND & ABOUT
top
GULF TIMES
Vacation Competition
DATE: Until September 21
VENUE: FCC Office
Women’s forum of Friends
Cultural Centre has announced
competitions for Qatar-based
Malayalee students of grades IV–
XII. There are two competitions
including Avadhikkalath an
article on vacation experiences
and Avadhikkalakazhchakal, on
photography. Article on vacation
experiences should be prepared
in Malayalam or in English with a
minimum of 500 words. Photographs
for the competition should be
printed on A4 size art paper or photo
paper. Pictures should not have
been published before and should
not be downloaded from Internet.
Entries for competitions need to be
submitted to FCC Office on or before
21 September 2016. More details can
be obtained by contacting telephone
number 44661213.
QSports Summer Camp
DATE: Until September 1
TIME: 8am-1pm
VENUE: Al Jazeera Academy
Registration for QSports Summer
Camp 2016 is now open. QSports
summer camps are committed to
providing a safe, fun and skillbased experience for kids between
the ages of four and 14. We have a
dedicated team of specialist kid’s
coaches and classes and activities
are safe, planned, progressive,
active, creative, inclusive and
designed to maximise participation
of all children by offering a variety
of activities.
Yamativo Salsa Classes
DATE: Every Monday
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Radisson Blu
It’s always fun and always
challenging. Let’s meet and learn
some moves every Monday night.
You don’t need to do anything, just
join us. Level 1 (intermediate level)
7pm and for beginner level 8pm. Be
there at Raddison Blu Hotel Cabana
Club.
Qatar Summer Festival 2016
DATE: Until August 31
VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
Enjoy with your family the Qatar Summer Festival, organised by Qatar
Tourism Authority throughout the month of August under the theme ‘Color
Your Summer’. It will include a wide range of summer entertaining events
and activities, art zones, shopping promotions, in addition to a unique
entertainment city.
Cake Decoration Classes
DATE: Morning and evening
VENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al
Saad Street
Tavola offers a range of cake
decorating and kitchen skills
classes. Tavola is the only
authorised Wilton method provider
in the Middle East.
New Bootcamp Abu Hamour
DATE: Sunday, Tuesday,
Thursday
TIME: 6pm
VENUE: Doha British School
Located just minutes from
Villaggio and a walk away from Ain
Khalid Gate the Doha British School
campus is our newest Bootcamp
location. The training takes place
on the main grass playing field
surrounded by an athletics track.
There are showers available and
changing rooms.
Pottery workshop for kids
DATE: Every Monday
TIME: 5pm-6pm
Kids will learn a new hand
building technique for creating and
finishing artworks in clay. For more,
call 44865201.
Sketching with pencil and
charcoal
DATE: Sunday and Wednesday
TIME: 5pm- 6:30pm
If you can hold a pencil, you can
draw…Discover techniques to make
your drawing more realistic. Every
Saturday and Wednesday from
5pm-6:30pm.
Fitness Training
DATE: Sunday, Tue, Thu
TIME: 6pm-7pm
VENUE: MIA Park
There are fitness classes in
the park on Sunday, Tuesday
and Thursday nights at 6 and
7pm. Open to all levels of fitness.
Bootcamp is an intensive and
fun way to train and also meet
new people in the open and
friendly group atmosphere. More
information, from Bootcamp, Qatar
or [email protected]
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change
4
GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
COVER STORY
‘What do we have
if not our words?’
Well-versed in English and Arabic, Dubai-based poet Afra Atiq speaks
about her love affair with words and how they express her deep thoughts
and observations through spoken word poetry. By Anand Holla
BETWEEN THE LINES: Afra Atiq penning a poem. Atiq prefers to lose herself in rhymes when she isn’t busy studying for her PhD in Mass Communication at UAE University.
A
s a spoken word
poet, Afra Atiq
doesn’t like to see her
contemplations and
curiosities forged in
the visual boundaries of the written
word. The feisty young talent
would rather have her verses heard,
wholesome and aloud, just as they
are meant to be.
Last weekend, Doha got a taste
of Atiq, “the first female Emirati
spoken word artiste and slam poet”,
at Words & Strings, an evening of
spoken word poetry and music at
Katara Art Centre (KAC) where 17
performers delighted an audience
of around 100. Atiq’s poems drew
hearty applause and heaps of
praises, most of which went well
beyond the venue and even past the
transient rounds of wonderment on
social media.
What’s gone into making a poet
out of Atiq? Born in Dubai to an
Emirati father and a JapaneseAmerican mother, Atiq prefers to
lose herself in rhymes when she
isn’t busy studying for her PhD
in Mass Communication at UAE
University. She performs in Arabic
and English, and admits to being
“blessed to have this privilege” of
being a female Emirati poet and
getting to share her work via her
performances at venues such as
Abu Dhabi’s Rooftop Rhythms –
where she has been named best
performer of this year – or over
YouTube. Community caught up
with Atiq for a long chat.
When did your fascination
with poetry begin, and how?
Spoken word is a calling. From
an early age, I was drawn to
the rhythm of words, how they
sounded, and the rush of being on
stage. I don’t think I know exactly
where the journey began but
there were significant events that
happened at different times that
sort of catapulted me into this. I am
mostly self-taught. But a couple
years ago, in 2008, I was attending
a leadership conference in Boston
and one of the participants, now
a friend, got up and did a spoken
word piece while we were sitting
in the lounge one evening. I was so
mesmerised. I just wanted to do it,
too. Then a few years later in Abu
Dhabi, I went to a spoken word
workshop by Dorian Paul Rogers,
the founder of Rooftop Rhythms
(Abu Dhabi’s now-iconic open-mic
poetry platform) and also a friend,
and that was that. Dorian is one of
the first people who ever heard me
read something I had written and I
have never looked back ever since.
What sort of themes or
emotions do you usually explore
in your poems?
I like to explore social
issues through my poems and
performances. Performing is as
much about the audience as it is
about the performer, so I always
try to talk about topics that the
audience can relate to. As far as
poetry goes, I like to infuse my
poetry with comedy but still
address serious issues. I like to
make my poems accessible and
reltable and yet very personal.
I think the trick is to find a happy
medium. For instance, one of my
signature poems is about food and
it’s really funny and crowds love
it. So I start off talking about how
much I love good food and then the
talk progresses to delving more into
food, and it ends up consuming
Thursday, August 18, 2016
GULF TIMES
5
COMMUNITY
COVER STORY
Atiq reciting her poem at the Doha event, last weekend. Photo courtesy: Words & Strings.
lift people up. I have heard them
change minds and hearts. I live the
power of words every time I’m on
stage and I have felt them move an
audience to tears and laughter. So I
know how much words are worth.
Words are the powerful tools we
have in our arsenal. Word play is
equally important.
I often use it to make points
through synonyms and cultural
context. I use word play to really
engage with the audience and keep
things interesting.
Atiq takes the stage to recite one of her compositions.
you instead of you consuming it.
It gets quite deep and emotional
towards the end. And I love to
watch the crowd laughing along
until we get to that moment in the
poem where there is stark silence in
the room because they realise that
I’m actually talking about a serious
issue.
Can you elaborate some
more?
Generally, I am either really
funny or really dramatic; I don’t
think I do anything midway. I also
like being versatile and not sticking
to one specific type of issue. So
one poem could be about body
positivity, the next could be about
the social stigma of being single,
and another could be about the
context of language or words we
casually use without understanding
where they come from.
I try to talk about a broad range
of things while having a deeper
message, which I think is key to
staying on top of your game – you
need to have a point in what you
create.
For me, poetry expresses a
personal story in an intensely
personal style. It’s the medium I
choose to tell my story. I always
say that when I perform I leave a
little piece of myself back on the
stage and sometimes it’s incredibly
difficult emotionally, but I wouldn’t
have it any other way.
How challenging or
privileged a feeling is it to be
the first female Emirati spoken
word poet?
The poetry, spoken word, and
poetry slam scene, are relatively
new to the region. Therefore, a lot
of people have not yet been exposed
to this art. I am very proud to be
the first female Emirati spoken
word artiste and slam poet. I live
my life on stage because it is what
I love doing and what I know I was
meant to do. I am proud to have
performed locally, regionally and
internationally.
I have also competed and won
poetry slams at home and abroad. I
am aware that this is an enormous
responsibility and a huge privilege.
I don’t take this honour for granted.
I know that I don’t just represent
myself but my country, the UAE,
and my family, and I do it to the
best of my abilities. I think this
knowledge also pushes me to do
my absolute best and continuously
inspires me to take it one step
further with every performance.
Why do words or word play
mean so much to you?
What do we have if not our
words? I have seen words crush and
How does poetry work for
you – do words or their power
to convey feelings interest you
more, or the need to express
yourself via words?
It is a little bit of both. Again,
since I know the value of words, I
never take their power for granted.
I use my words and voice to express
myself but also to shed light on
social issues and different topics
through performance and poetry.
Is there a big-picture plan
on what you want to achieve
through your poetry?
Definitely. As with all things
in my life, I think big on this,
too. I hope to go on and compete
in many more national and
international competitions and
poetry slams.
I hope to hold regular
workshops, mentorships and
performances to expose people
to the beauty of spoken word and
encourage them to try it out. And
most of all, I want to make the
UAE proud and put the country on
the spoken word map.
What’s the best part about
going up on stage and getting to
share your poems?
It’s hard to pick just one aspect.
I love being on stage. I always say
that I consider myself a performer
more than a poet. But if I had to
pick one thing, I would say it is
watching the crowd’s reaction to
my words and seeing them engaged
and having a good time. I also love
meeting people in the audience
after my performance. That
interaction is priceless.
Sugar Rush
We tell sugar-coated lies in a
world
With a sugar addiction
Then complain about the side
effect
It’s no wonder reality tastes
bittersweet
Desensitized to the lies
We’ve become immune to fake
Confused by the truth
I prefer the savoury of reality
I’ve never had much of a sweet
tooth
— By Afra Atiq
Atiq says she feels privileged to be the first female Emirati spoken word artiste and slam poet.
6
GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
Academic Bridge Program
welcomes new students
ORIENTATION: During the meeting, the 2016-17 class students were introduced to the programme facilities, policies and activities, as well as the officers, faculty, and staff members, with whom they
will work during the upcoming academic year.
T
he Academic Bridge Program (ABP)
organised an orientation event for
250 new students at the Learning
Resource Center, located at the ABP
building on the campus of the Qatar
Foundation.
During the meeting, the 2016-17 class
students were introduced to the programme
facilities, policies and activities, as well as
the officers, faculty, and staff members, with
whom they will work during the upcoming
academic year. The orientation included
an introductory speech delivered by ABP
Director, Dr Bryan Lewallen, in which he
welcomed the new students. After that, the
students were walked around the building to
be familiarised with its facilities and services.
Dr Bryan said: “Our faculty and staff
members work hard for everything to run
smoothly on the very first day of the new
academic year. We look forward to a very
successful and rewarding academic year.” He
added: “I am very proud of ABP students and
the accomplishments they achieve.”
Speaking on the first day of orientation, Dr
Bryan welcomed the students and provided
them with important information about the
programme. Then a short film was presented
summarising the life of ABP students during
their one-year-long study prepared by lastyear students. Subsequently, the students
were divided into groups so that they could
be introduced to the programme’s excellent
facilities. They were taken in a tour around
the Science and English sections, Student
Services, Administration offices and labs,
in addition to other dining and recreational
facilities. Lunch with new students was the
last activity of the first day of orientation.
As for the second day of orientation, Dr
Bryan started by giving a simple presentation
on the events and activities that the students
would be engaging in. They were then divided
into groups, and were taken to classrooms led
by the faculty, who gave them short session
about study skills such as time management
and note-taking, which would make the
future studies easier for them. After this,
they were taken in shuttle buses on a tour
across Education City, where they were able
to learn more about the facilities and services
of the City’s Recreation Center. Later, they
went on an outdoor tour and visited the seven
universities located on the campus before
they visited the Student Center, ending up
their tour with lunch together.
All new students had taken the Accuplacer
test. The ABP administrators and department
supervisors use the results to place each
student at the appropriate level in English,
mathematics, science, and computer skills.
Since its inception in 2001, the programme
has graduated about 2,650 students, more
than 85% of them enrolled at English-
speaking universities in Qatar, USA, UK,
or other countries abroad. In addition, the
entire ABP faculty has experience ranging
from 7 to 25 years – 15 years in average. Most
of them have at least one master’s degree, and
some hold doctoral degrees.
The mission of the Academic Bridge
Program (ABP), a centre of Qatar Foundation
that operates under pre-university education
office, is to provide high school students
graduated from Qatar schools and other
similar schools with the academic and
personal skills for success in reputable
English-language universities, with special
emphasis on preparing students for the
universities in Qatar Foundation’s Education
City. Since its launch in 2001, the programme
has adapted model approach in teaching
English, math, science, and computer skills,
along with holding a broad range of activities
including debates, a Model United Nations,
school clubs and newspaper, sports teams,
and students’ union.
The ABP is accredited by the Commission
on English Language Accreditation (CEA) in
the United States.
This makes it easier to fast-track ABP
graduates into universities in the United
States without the need for them to complete
a university foundation year.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Bangladesh school marks death anniversary of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
T
he Bangladesh MHM
School & College observed
the 41st death anniversary
of Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman on
Monday and Tuesday. School
Chairman and Ambassador of
Bangladesh to Qatar Ashud Ahmed
hoisted the Bangladesh flag at half
mast, followed by the rendering of the
country’s national anthem in a special
assembly.
The school organised an elaborate
programme that included recitation
from the Qur’an, prayers, and quiz
and essay writing competitions. More
than a hundred students participated
in the competitions. The school also
organised a discussion on the life of
the Father of the Nation, in which
in addition to the principal and the
ambassador, multiple faculty members
spoke. The school also organised an
exhibition featuring the photographs of
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Qatar Cool volunteers perform
maintenance work at HOPE Qatar
H
OPE Qatar recently
opened its doors to
Qatar Cool volunteers,
who came and offered
their services and time
in carrying out maintenance work
and painting of the exterior of the
building and compound walls.
Operational since 10 years,
HOPE Qatar “has established
itself as a pioneer in the field of
educational and interventional
services to the differently abled
children in Qatar. It has become a
reputed source of solace to parents
who seek meaningful, impactful,
and affordable support for their
special child.”
It is a private, non-profit
training centre that promises
meaningful and affordable training
in a caring atmosphere that focus
on bringing out the best in each
child.
Yasser al-Jaidah, Chief
Executive Officer of Qatar Cool,
said, “We are delighted to have
worked with HOPE Qatar, the
service they provide to differently
abled children in Qatar is
exceptional. We strive to be a
part of the community and lend
our services where we can. Our
corporate social responsibility
is of the utmost importance to
us as it forms part of our DNA
as an organisation as well as
individuals.”
7
8
GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
Pak Shamaa School &
College does well in
HSSC-II
1st position Sana Wakil
4th Position Mariam Saqib
5th position Munaza Ashfaq
10th Position Khadija Ijaz
United Bank
staff members
celebrate
Pakistan’s
Independence
Day
S
taff members of the
United Bank in Qatar
celebrated Pakistan’s
Independence Day
recently. Seen here is
Shahid Amin Sheikh, the bank’s
general manager, cutting the cake.
T
he Federal Board of Intermediate &
Secondary Education Islamabad, Pakistan
has declared HSSC–II Exam results. The
exams were held in April 2016, and the Pak
Shamaa School and & College students
performed well. Sana Wakil secured the first position
in the school with 875 marks, followed by Fatima
2nd Position Fatima Nadeem
6th Position Sadia Aslam
11th Position Rumaisa Afzal
3rd Position Uzma
7th Position Rabia Arshad
12th Position Bibi Afia
Nadeem with 867 marks and Lareeb Fatima with 853
marks. Principal Nabila Kaukab congratulated the
students for their “excellent performance.” Pak Shamaa
Management Committee President M A Shahid also
praised the staff members for the results and said he
expected even better results going forward. Seen here
are the top position holders in the school.
3rd Position Laraib Fatima
8th Position Umer Shahzad
13th Position Vardah Majeed
9th Position Mukhtar Abbas
14th Position Aisha Attiq
Thursday, August 18, 2016
GULF TIMES
9
COMMUNITY
OFFBEAT
Serbian archaeologists unearth mysterious
messages in Roman graves
THE LOCATION: Archaeologist Ilija Dankovic shows the family tomb where the magic amulets
were found in the necropolis of the Roman-era Viminacium garrison, near Kostolac in eastern
Serbia.
Chief Archaeologist Miomir Korac holds golden foil with magic spells found in the necropolis of the
Roman-era Viminacium garrison, near Kostolac in eastern Serbia.
By Boris Babic
A
large Roman-era necropolis
in eastern Serbia has yielded
a spectacular find for
archaeologists: gold and silver
foils asking favours of deities and
demons via deceased couriers.
These rare amulets were found in early
August in a freshly exposed family tomb at
Viminacium, a first-century Roman outpost
near a power plant at the small town of
Kostolac.
Experts are still trying to understand the
messages etched on the small plates, says
Miomir Korac, the chief archaeologist.
“Dobrebao. Seneseilam.
Sesengemfaranges. We don’t recognise these
magic words, written in Aramaic using the
Greek alphabet,” he says. “For all we know,
they may have tried to turn stone into gold.”
“We’re trying, but we may never decipher
it.”
Messages like these are not rare
phenomenon in Viminacium or elsewhere,
but are typically found written on lead
leaflets, whereas gold and silver were not
often used and are found extremely rarely.
“Appeals to otherworldly forces, called
katedesmos in Greek and defixiones in
Roman, were common. But today we almost
exclusively find amulets made of lead,”
archaeologist Ilija Dankovic says.
They carried spells, written on tablets
roughly half the size of a post-it note, then
scrolled and sealed within lead capsules.
The amulets were buried in soil or thrown
into a river, but also slipped into graves so
that the deceased could hand the note to the
right deity or demon on the other side.
It was believed that children and murder
victims were best messengers, their souls
supposedly taking longer before finding find
rest and with more time to deliver, Dankovic
said.
A golden amulet with Greek lettering was
Golden and silver foils with magic spells and one of the lead capsules found in the necropolis of a Roman-era garrison in eastern Serbia.
found alongside a child’s remains in a recently
exposed family tomb holding 11 bodies, while
another, with a still unexamined silver and gold
leaflets, was buried alongside a young woman.
The content of the Viminacium amulets
still baffles experts, but previously uncovered
tablets carried a wide range of wishes, from
the good, to the very evil.
“‘Make this man love me’ or ‘make his
body as heavy and dead as this lead’ were as
common as appeals to some force for luck
with their bets on chariot races,” Dankovic
said.
Roman authorities occasionally banned the
spells, worrying that they were dangerous.
Viminacium, 60 kilometres east of Belgrade,
was a military outpost started in 1st century,
though the area had been settled millennia
before, as neolithic artefacts indicate.
A military place, laid out for functionality,
the garrison and the town that sprang up
alongside it were the site of many graves for
over 17 centuries, providing great insight into
the life of soldiery and civilians of the era.
Particularly precious is the largest-known
necropolis from the Roman era, Korac added.
“So far we explored 14,000 graves. That’s the
largest number of Roman Empire graves ever
explored and we estimate that there are another
10,000 still under the soil,” he explained.
In the early days, unearthed graves were
emptied, artefacts stored and the bones
perfunctorily examined to determine the sex
and age of the deceased.
At Viminacium today, there are around
30 experts, from archaeologists to
palaeographers to physical anthropologists,
all puzzling together a picture of the past.
“Science advances quickly and now we
plan to set up a DNA laboratory and learn ever
more from the remains, cremated and buried,
as we can,” Korac said. —DPA
10 GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
INFOGRAPHIC
Courtesy: dailyinfographic.com
Thursday, August 18, 2016
GULF TIMES
11
COMMUNITY
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE
3 simple ways men can
improve their health
M
en don't have the best track record
when it comes to taking care of
themselves. It's safe to say we all
know someone who is just plain
stubborn about going to the doctor.
Even if they exhibit clear symptoms that should be
checked out, say wheezing, chronic fatigue or worse,
it can be a challenge to get them to seek medical help.
Of course, not all men are like this. In fact, as a whole,
men have been getting better about taking care of
themselves.
With this encouraging news, it's important to
remember that men's health is still a big concern. By
keeping the following three points in mind, you can help
yourself, or a loved one, lead a longer and healthier life.
z Healthcare is preventive, too.
It's a common misconception that you go to the
doctor only when you're sick or not feeling well.
So, what's the most common barrier that prevents
men from seeing a doctor?
Answer: themselves. 31 percent of men wait until
they feel extremely sick before seeing a doctor, and 21
percent say they have no reason to go to a doctor when
feeling healthy.
z Step away from the screen.
On average, about 20 hours each week working at a
computer and 19 hours in front of a television.
While it's nearly impossible to avoid screens in this
day and age, men should be motivated to take on more
physical and active hobbies that can reduce stress and
improve their physical health.
z Develop a relationship with a family
physician.
An important step men can take to ensure they
receive regular checkups and preventive care is to
regularly visit a family physician. Nearly eight in 10
men (79 percent) have a regular doctor or healthcare
professional they see when they are sick or want
medical advice, however, a family physician not only
treats the whole person, but the whole family. This is
because an individual's health should be a concern for
the entire family.
The value of a family physician is that they perform
routine checkups, immunisations and screenings.
They can also treat chronic illnesses such as high blood
pressure, asthma, arthritis and depression.
ARIES
March 21 — April 19
The Full Moon effects remains in Aquarius today, your eleventh
house of hopes, wishes and friendship and it’s influence will be
felt for some time to come. You have those friends who are more
frenemies than friends, right? Might be time to do a little spring
cleaning...
CANCER
June 21 — July 22
Don’t think there’s anything wrong about asking someone about
money — your money if that’s the case. Joint resources and financial
investments are going to be a topic of conversation for you and your
other half or business partner with the Full Moon beaming on your
eighth house.
LIBRA
September 23 — October 22
For those of you who are single and looking for love, it’s a time for
you to know what it is you don’t want out of a partenr to be. The Full
Moon in your romance zone lingers and is reminding you of past
relationships and why they didn’t last.
CAPRICORN
December 22 — January 19
Be optimistic that a money/cash flow issue you have had recently
will be resolved. A Full Moon yesterday continues to act on your
behalf and make sure that whatever you need to do is done. Just
know that you might have to go out of your usual way to make sure
you stick to a budget.
© Brandpoint
TAURUS
April 20 — May 20
Don’t let a work matter slide through your fingers today bulls. Use
the energy of the Full Moon in your tenth house of career and
ambition to push forward with those projects that you should be
putting your time and focus on.
LEO
July 23 — August 22
Avoid getting into silly tiffs with people over things that really, in
the grand scheme of things, aren’t worth arguing over Leos. Focus
instead on all the good things you have in common and your
friendship — if you can’t do that it might be time for you to cut ties
with those people that irritate you.
SCORPIO
October 23 — November 21
Unless you are completely sure about something today, save it for
another day Scorpios. There is wisdom in not straying too far out
of your own 'lane’ right now and feeling comfortable with the way
things are.
AQUARIUS
January 20 — February 18
It’s decision time for you right now — major decision time in fact
Aquarius. Your Full Moon and its 180 degree effects remains in full
on mode for the next 2–3 weeks. What do you need to put a lid on
and snap that lid on tight.
GEMINI
May 21 — June 20
If you believe in something or someone strongly enough, then your
dreams will indeed come true. A Full Moon circulating in your hopes
and wishes zone is granting you an opportunity to finally get to do
something you’ve wanted to do for some time.
VIRGO
August 23 — September 22
You are the only person who can let yourself down today Virgos.
Your fate is in your own hands. So don’t try to place the blame on
ohters. It’s up to you and you only. Be the master of your domain!
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 — December 21
Now that motivator Mars is well and truly back in full throttle in your
sign Sags, it’s the perfect time for you to do something that you need
a lot of energy for. Whether it’s going out on two dates a day, week
or month or going on job interviews...the time is now!
PISCES
February 19 — March 20
Avoid people from your past who keep trying to hit you up on
facebook or some other social media site today. Why go backwards
Pisces? It should be all forward moves right now. Virgos are great
friends/advisers/mentors for you right now.
12 GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
Wordsearch
Adam
Pooch Cafe
Togetherness
ACCORD
ADHERE
AGREE
BIND
BLEND
CEMENT
CLEAVE
COALESCE
COHERE
COINCIDE
CONCUR
CONFORM
DOVETAIL
FUSE
HARMONIZE
JOIN
SPLICE
STICK
TWINE
UNITE
WED
Codeword
Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com
Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once.
Squares with the same number in have the same letter
in. Work out which number represents which letter.
Garfield
Sudoku
Bound And Gagged
Sudoku is a puzzle based
on a 9x9 grid. The grid is
also divided into nine (3x3)
boxes. You are given a
selection of values and to
complete the puzzle, you
must fill the grid so that
every column, every anone
is repeated.
PUZZLES/CARTOONS
Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
PUZZLES
Quick Clues
ACROSS
1. Not pertinent (10)
7. Distress (5)
8. Extend (7)
10. Duress (8)
11. Too (4)
13. Mad (6)
15. Trouble (6)
17. Invalid (4)
18. Adventure (8)
21. Reprimand (7)
22. Command (5)
23. Facts and figures (10)
GULF TIMES
Colouring
DOWN
1. Edition (5)
2. Taciturn (8)
3. Fawning person (3,3)
4. Old stringed instrument
(4)
5. Chinese food item (7)
6. Practical (10)
9. Fruit (10)
12. Pasta tubes (8)
14. Canvass (7)
16. Evaluate (6)
19. Assistants (5)
20. Flat-bottomed boat (4)
Cryptic Clues
Answers
Wordsearch
ACROSS
1. Criminal who could be scared
by a guard dog (3,7)
7. A way back for the animal (5)
8. Not the laciest material (7)
10. It's a customs document that's obvious (8)
11. Like one article on a
continent (4)
13. Drawing of a boat on the
sea (6)
15. A vegetable container found
in rubbish dump (6)
17. Birds in the musical (4)
18. Possibly blame guy for
garden pest (5,3)
21. Gravel is peculiarly English
(7)
22. Sign that it's right to leave
after six (5)
23. Long-term bonds ensure
debt somehow (10)
Codeword
DOWN
1. Many links with China, perhaps (5)
2. Deals with all the vehicles at
Gravesend (8)
3. Anxious to use any? (6)
4. She's quite pleased (4)
5. Possibly train as a skilled worker
(7)
6. Great paintings of star models?
(3,7)
9. Flying saucer? (4,6)
12. What the motorway police might
tell you to wear? (8)
14. Vile Sue plays hard-to-get (7)
16. Bond putting me in the money (6)
19. Exposes the Sabre Dance (5)
20. Gore-spilling man-eating
monster (4)
Yesterday’s Solutions
QUICK:
Across: 6 Glacial; 7 Ashen; 9 Hit; 10 Miserable;
12 Contemplate; 15 Fascinating; 17 Ludicrous; 19
Wed; 21 Cured; 22 Fissure.
Down: 1 Fluid; 2 Ace; 3 Taxi; 4 Assailant; 5
Deflate; 8 Permit; 11 Conceited; 13 Tenure; 14
Vacuous; 16 Weird; 18 Unit; 20 Ask.
CRYPTIC:
Across: 6 Briefly; 7 Miles; 9 Inn; 10 Reprobate;
12 Orson Welles; 15 Broadcaster; 17 Efficient; 19
Tun; 21 Cello; 22 Auction.
Down: 1 Prank; 2 Met; 3 Glee; 4 Disbelief; 5
Leather; 8 Brawls; 11 Armadillo; 13 Orchid; 14
Grafter; 16 Tutor; 18 Nous; 20 Ate.
13
14 GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
REVIEWS
Jason Bourne reminds us that it is possible for a few
minutes in a long movie to get close to the real deal.
Jason Bourne gets close to the chaos
and danger of real-life protest
By Jeffrey Fleishman
H
ell-bent and mercurial
as ever, the latest Jason
Bourne film is a news
clip on amphetamines.
Fictional intrigue is
woven into real-world drama so
that riots in Athens pulse with
both Hollywood escapism and the
kind of gritty, detailed images that
flash on CNN in the hours before a
government collapses or a dictator
scurries away on a helicopter.
The cleverness and conceit of
Jason Bourne is how in one scene it
uses the Greek financial crisis to suit
its visceral whims. In a sustained
panorama of nearly seamless editing,
Bourne (Matt Damon) appears like
a mythological shape-shifter as the
stirrings of revolt rattle the ancient
capital. The momentum spirals from
whisper to roar: placards, pumped
fists, Molotov cocktails, police, tear
gas, wounded protesters, water
cannons, sirens, helicopter spotlights
and pitched battles spreading
through a city on the brink.
In a case of art imitating life, the
scene took me back to 2011, when
I covered the Egyptian revolution
that erupted in Cairo’s Tahrir Square
and engulfed the country. The sky
popped with gunfire, songs and
fireworks. Riot police moved in.
Snipers perched on rooftops. The
celebratory turned ominous as a
Matt Damon and Julia Stiles in a scene from the film.
crowd of tens of thousands — a
fascinating and beguiling organism
— bristled and swirled with the
disparate agendas of revolutionaries,
Islamists, soldiers, parents, students
and government-hired thugs.
A protest is an arcing narrative
broken into subplots. It can surge
into stunning moments of violence
and then go hushed. It is scented
with sweat, blood, burning tires
and vinegar-soaked rags to cut the
sting of tear gas. Images and scenes
are swift and fierce: bandaged men
carried into mosques, boys cursing
and hurling stones, barbed wire,
barrels, tanks, palm trees aflame,
bullet wisps, chanted slogans, the
dead dragged to sidewalks and
countless footsteps echoing down
boulevards and alleys.
Recent documentaries, including
Evgeny Afineevsky’s Winter on
Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom
and Jehane Noujaim’s The Square,
about the Egyptian uprising, swept
audiences into the smoke, fear, rage
and danger of street protests. The
movies resonated with the drama
of a feature but rang with the air of
authenticity; there were no actors,
and real lives were at stake.
By infusing documentary-style
realism, Jason Bourne captured with
multiple vantage points a crowd’s
fury unleashed beneath the lights of
the Acropolis. One senses the kings
looking down with amused alarm.
Director Paul Greengrass, centred
by Damon’s train-like doggedness,
summoned chaos with balletic
restraint. (Unfortunately, the Las
Vegas car chase toward the end is
the overdone opposite, an endless
screeching scourge.)
But the revolt in Athens — one
can recall the not-too-distant past
when Greeks protested for months
as their prospects tumbled and their
debt widened — was closer to the
genuine thing than Hollywood often
gets. Studios increasingly prefer
the comic book to the complicated,
careening light years from reality into
parallel fantasy worlds and characters
sheathed in titanium, Spandex and
urethane. But Jason Bourne, which
was No. 1 at the US box office when
it was released, suggests that an
unadorned man battling earthly
forces can still be riveting.
It is hard for a feature film to sketch
true the intricacies of wars, rebellions
and other nation-altering moments.
Something happens when the real is
transposed through the dramatic. A
bit of the soul and intimacy get lost.
The lens can only distil so much;
something needed lingers beyond
the frame. The world’s traumas and
conflicts are stubborn to the designs
of art and are more powerful than
a director’s vision or special effects
gimmickry.
Jason Bourne reminds us, however,
that it is possible for a few minutes
in a long movie to get close to the
authentic, whether it’s the Arab
Spring, the anguish in Greece, the
failed coup in Turkey, terrorism in
North Africa or the withering war in
Syria. —Los Angeles Times/TNS
Thursday, August 18, 2016
GULF TIMES
15
COMMUNITY
SHOWBIZ
Being an actress, I can be
anybody: Priyanka Chopra
B
ollywood actress Priyanka Chopra
says her favourite part about her
profession is that it gives her the
liberty to play myriad characters.
Priyanka, who was at the Twitter
headquarters in San Francisco, did a video chat
with her fans who asked her several questions.
When a user asked her about her favourite
thing of being an actress, she replied in a
video: “My most favourite thing of being
an actress is being able to play so many
different characters and the fact that I can be
anybody. Scary huh?”
Another user asked what’s the one thing
she always needs on the sets. She said: “One
thing I always need on set is my phone,
otherwise how will I tweet you guys... That’s
very essential.”
The actress was also asked about her
American drama TV series Quantico, which
helped her gain international recognition. A
fan asked about how much of the storyline
is revealed to her at the beginning of each
session.
So, Priyanka who plays Alex Parrish in the
show, shared: “Not really too much. As I just
really want to find out when Alex finds out. So
I insist on finding out too much, but I find out
like two episodes before the one we are going
to shoot.”
In the new season of Quantico, Priyanka
will portray CIA agent Alex Parrish. In the
first season, she played an FBI recruit. The
former beauty queen will also be seen as a
guest judge for season 15 of American TV
series Project Runway, hosted by supermodel
Heidi Klum.
Priyanka will join the series as one of the
few guest judges on the show, which will air
from September. The show focuses on budding
designers who are given an opportunity to
create a collection for New York Fashion Week.
She has essayed a negative role in Baywatch
— the big screen version of the globally popular
TV series featuring Dwayne Johnson and Zac
Efron. — IANS
ROPED IN: Malaika Arora
Malaika Arora to endorse Satya Paul’s fashion line
Fashion brand Satya Paul has
roped in actress and style icon
Malaika Arora as the face of their
autumn-winter 2016 collection
Star Struck.
Talking about coming on board
for the brand, Malaika said in a
statement: “Satya Paul is such an
iconic brand and some of their
classic saris make for some of my
personal favourites.
“Their contemporary stance on
traditional Indian clothing adds
a fresh appeal to the garments
which works well with the
younger generations too. I have
been very fond of the label and
look forward to representing the
brand this season.”
Inspired by the 12 signs of the
Zodiac, Satya Paul’s new line is
divided into three looks — The
Constellation, Zodiac Traits and
Elements of the Zodiac. The range
pays homage to traditional weaves
and techniques such as Shibori
prints and Benarasi woven fabrics
while trying to revive them in a
present-day context.
Nikhil Mehra, CEO, Genesis
Group, said in a statement: “At
Satya Paul, it is our endeavour
to redefine and push creative
boundaries. We are constantly
trying to reinvent and explore
interesting collaborations that
accentuate our design philosophy
and sensibility.
“Malaika Arora’s feminine,
contemporary and bold take on
style echoes the brand’s aesthetics
and we are happy to have her on
board for our autumn-winter 2016
collection.”
This is not the first time that
the brand has partnered with a
celebrity woman. In the past, it
associated with author Shobhaa
De and actress Lisa Ray, as well
as with creative minds such as
Masaba Gupta who designed some
of the most popular prints for two
years as part of the brand.
Satya Paul also collaborated with
Disney in 2014 to create a capsule
collection. This was followed by
Gauri Khan co-designing her
signature collection for the brand
as part of the 30th anniversary
celebrations. — IANS
TWITTERSPEAK: Priyanka Chopra
Kylie Jenner gets weekly manicures
Sonu Nigam records song
for Nagarjun-Ek Yoddha
Singer Sonu Nigam has recorded a song for fictional TV show
Nagarjun-Ek Yoddha. The song for the Life OK show has been
composed by Jeet Gannguli and written by his wife Chandrani
Gannguli.
Nagarjun-Ek Yoddha, which was launched in May, has already
released songs which have been composed by Jeet Gannguli
and sung by Siddharth Mahadevan, Jubin Nautiyal and Palak
Mucchal.
The song sung by the Abhi mujh mein kahin singer revolves
around the pain Arjun (essayed by Anshuman Malhotra) feels to
let go of his leading lady Noorie (essayed by Pooja Banerjee) as
she is set to marry someone else in the show.
“The song I sang for Nagarjun-Ek Yoddha is Kaise ye
paheli kya paata. The song has only one ‘antara’ (stranza),
but I have requested Chandrani to write
another ‘antara’ and I will come and sing the
song again as I am in love with it and would
love to add another ‘antara’ to it,” Nigam said
in a statement.
“The song is eternal as the audience
can listen and enjoy the music and the
lyrics anytime. I love to sing Jeet dada’s
compositions as they are so melodic,” he
added. — IANS
ON SONG: Sonu Nigam
Reality TV personality Kylie
Jenner has shared that she makes
sure she gets a manicure every
week because her mother told
her that it is very important to
have great nails. “I get my nails
done every week. My mom always
drilled it in my head to have
nice, pretty nails. It’s just really
important to her.
“Anytime she meets someone,
she’ll look at your fingernails. I
never cared when I was younger
and I hated getting my nails done.
It just took up my play time. But
she likes pretty nails, so that’s
where I got my nail obsession,”
Kylie told people.com
Kylie used to spend hours
painting her own nails and loved
experimenting with different
designs. She added: “I used to
spend so much time doing the
craziest artwork.”
Kylie has built up her own
successful beauty brand Kylie
Cosmetics over the past two
years, with Lip Kits proving to be
extremely popular. The brunette
beauty launched a SinfulColors
nail polish collaboration with
NAILED IT: Kylie Jenner
King Kylie Collection this year
and also the Trend Matters
range which features 27 matte
shades such as Taupe Is Chic and
Konstellation. — IANS
16 GULF TIMES Thursday, August 18, 2016
COMMUNITY
DOHA-BOUND: DJ Alexandre Destrez has collaborated with numerous artistes on the French electro scene such as
Shazz, Dimitri From Paris, Oscar, DJ Yass and with pop artist Overhead.
DJ Yass
Top DJs to power
Doha music scene
Alexandre Destrez and DJ Yass to perform at the
newly revamped WAHM Lounge at W Doha Hotel &
Residences next week. By Anand Holla
A
s the fiery Doha summer
begins to make its way
out by the end of this
month, DJs from all
parts of the world are set
to descend in droves and get the party
re-started. Of the many gigs on the
anvil, the one by guest DJs Alexandre
Destrez and DJ Yass at the newly
revamped WAHM Lounge at W Doha
Hotel & Residences is sure to pack a
punch.
On Friday, August 26, starting
10pm, guest DJs Destrez and Yass
promise to thrill Doha. The year
1995 was the first time Alexandre
Destrez’s keyboards were heard
on the album Boulevard with St
Germain (Label F COM) that was
selected Best Dance Album of the
year by the UK press. His album
Tourist (Blue Note) sold 3mn copies
throughout the world, was rated
No.1 in jazz sales when it came out
in the US and was awarded three
Victoires de la Musique in France.
Influenced by his grandmother’s
colourful stories while she was
running the mythical St Germaindes-Près Jazz clubs Le Tabou and
the Whisky à GoGo in the 1960s,
Destrez familiarised himself with
the electro scene in 1994, when his
personal jazz rendering contributed
to the fame of the St Germain
albums Boulevard and Tourist.
Alexandre has collaborated with
numerous artistes on the French
electro scene such as Shazz, Dimitri
From Paris, Oscar, DJ Yass and
with pop artist Overhead. He has
released more than 20 singles and
remixes as a pianist, composer,
and producer. Today, Destrez is
carrying on with this Electro Jazz
adventure with the creation of Rive
Gauche. He is backed up by the DJ
producer, David H for composition,
beats and samples, as well as by
jazz musicians, each with their own
talents.
Regarded as one of the most
talented up-and-coming artistes
in the contemporary French
electronic music scene, DJ Yass
played recently at Pacha Ibiza,
Ministry of Sound (London),
Club Air (Tokyo), Deep LA/
Vanguard club (Hollywood-USA),
Southport weekender (UK) and
Mad (Switzerland). Producer and
artist on Defected, Loulou, Urbana,
Guesthouse, Sleezy G, Strictly
Rhythm, Kingstreet, Ministry, and
many more.
Yass has a few titles under his
name such as Producer, Parisian
remixer, FG radio DJ resident and
Defected label artist ex-resident
of the Queen club (Paris). He
has over 25 years of experience
mixing current club-style music,
“pumping house” and seven
years of experience in Hip Hop
that has captivated everyone. He
works nonstop, with his numerous
successes on the most famous
house music labels, and has reached
top international DJ and producer
levels.
At the age of 19, Yass was one
of the youngest resident DJs in
Paris and with the influence of the
great DJs of the world of the Rave
party phenomenon, he gradually
developed a passion for Techno
and House sound. His flycases
were slowly filled with vinyls
from Detroit, Chicago, New York,
Germany or England (Axis, Trax,
Relief, F-Com, Tresor).
From 1997, at the end of his
sound engineering studies, he
started working in clubs where
he developed his own House
music sound. His distinctive style
combines his teenage groove with
Funk, Disco, Jazz and even Techno.
At the time, he mixed five days a
week, in the biggest clubs of Paris,
playing side-by-side with many
well-known DJs.
As for the DJ event to watch out
for next month, there’s the album
launch party of Alex Finkin on
September 16 – the opening set
will be played by Bruno Rochard
and Steve Paris. A music producerDJ based in Paris, and resident
of legendary club Djoon, Finkin
produces music for various artistes
including Aloe Blacc, Dimitri from
Paris, Louie Vega, Anané, Barbara
Tucker, DJ Spinna, Sebastien
Grand, Greg Gauthier, DJ Fudge,
Rocco, Manoo, Djeff Afrozila,
Kenny Bobien, Djoon Experience
and others.