Celebrating ramadan
Transcription
Celebrating ramadan
Celebrating Ramadan turn to page 3 for more issue 15 Thursday 26 august 2010 Community Students organizing Iftar to raise money for those affected by floods Pakistan needs you Students in Education City are holding an Iftar to raise money for those affected by the floods in Pakistan. Organizers hope to attract as many as 500 people to the event, which will be held on 31 August. Students and staff, as well as their friends and family, are welcome to purchase tickets, which are priced at QR30 each. “We encourage people to come, but if for some reason they don’t, they can still purchase the ticket,” said Abdalla Abdalla, a Texas A&M University at Qatar senior and organizer of the event. “We want to collect as much money as possible, because we know that Pakistan needs billions and we want to contribute our share,” said Abdalla. Money raised by the event will be given to Qatar Charity, a national charity organization with three branch offices in Pakistan. The Iftar will be held at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and those who wish to will be able to make donations in addition to the purchase of their ticket. “Apart from providing immediate support through donations, we hope to raise awareness about this devastating flood in the student community in Qatar,” said Waleed Ali Khan, a Carnegie Mellon sophomore and one of Hands on n QSTP/ Qatar Scientific Club Summer Camp gives children the chance to get to grips with physics and chemistry. Hashim Al Sada shares his views on the value of early childhood education on page 4 the organizers of the event. Two student organizations, Education City Charity Trust and Human Rights Student Organization, are assisting with the event, which organizers hope will turn out to be Education City’s largest Iftar. Pakistani authorities say as many as 20 million people have been affected by the floods, which have left thousands dead and tens of thousands of villages underwater. “This is yet another opportunity for the Education City students to show the world that we are active, globally involved citizens,” said Khan. Tickets can be purchased from the student lounges at university cam- »I would invent some kind of wireless electricity so that my laptop will never run out of power again or a personal air conditioning device that you can wear and walk around in.« Stephen Stocks, Senior Officer, Marketing and PR, Qatar Music Academy Turn to page 6 to find out more A helping hand n International students can apply for financial help through the Hamad bin Khalifa Financial Aid Program to get a college education at Education City. More details on page 5 puses in Education City. For more information please call Abdalla Abdalla on 66865301. Sidra Ayub, Journalism student, Northwestern University in Qatar 2 Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 News Iftar: Poetry event held by Bloomsbury n Poets were invited to share their work at the Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP) villa on 17 August for a special Iftar event. Mohammed Al-Kubaisi read his poem and an excerpt from his essay “Coming to Doha.” He participated in the Summer Writing Institute and was a contributor to Qatari Voices. Currently, he’s a student at Texas A&M University at Qatar majoring in Petroleum Engineering. Write to us: [email protected] Education Dozens of students learn skills needed for university Summer courses finish A total of 40 students took part in the three-week Summer College Preview Program at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), while the 2010 Georgetown PreCollege Summer (GPS) program drew 37 students from 22 schools across Qatar. Designed to introduce students to the tougher curriculum of universities, subjects such as English, math and SAT exams are taught so that high school students are prepared for the workload they will experience at university, including demanding courses, nightly homework, quizzes, exams and projects. “The Summer College Preview Program gives high school students exposure to a college-level experience,” says Bruce Volstad, Manager of Pre-College programs at CMU-Q. “This program gives students the opportunity to explore an academic area of interest, while learning how to prepare for the highly competitive college admissions process.” The progress of the students is measured throughout the course of the program. “This program is a good experience,” said Mohammed Dauleh, a student at Qatar Leadership Academy who earned the “most improved student” award for improving his SAT total score. “It taught me how to handle pressure and prepare for the next step in high school. In my high school, we learn critical thinking, while here we are given the problem and need to figure out how to apply what we Television Station earns another award for community documentary JCC wins TV award He shared the floor with Fatima Hamour who participated in the Arabic language workshop during the Summer Writing Institute this year. Previously, she also attended the translation conference that was conducted jointly with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. An engineer of Sudanese descent, she contributed to the evening with an original poem with a Sudanese twist. contact us communication Directorate Rima Ismail, [email protected] +974 454 0960 Ghada Saade, [email protected] +974 454 0961 Editorial Publisher Philip Fenton Editor Brigitte Scheffer, [email protected] +974 3343 9744 Deputy Editor Melissa Sleiman +974 6618 5540 Reporter Myriam Chandna +974 5585 2261 Design Creative Director Fred Dittlau Arabic Designer Mohammad Marei ©Qatar Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Qatar Foundation and the Publisher. AlJazeera Children’s Channel (JCC) has been awarded the best short documentary film prize in Anthropology for Written in the Wind at the Jade Kunlun Awards, 2010 World Mountain Documentary Festival of Qinghai China held on 7 August. Written in the Wind introduces ‘Silbo’, the language of whistling, which represents a heritage unique to one of Spain’s Canary Islands, La Gomera. This unique method of communication is under threat of disappearing and has been placed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 26-minute film, one of many JCC productions revolving around world cultures, illustrates the efforts made by the people and government Exuberant, enormously captivat- Book corner ing and exploding with color from the very first page, Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing’s (BQFP’s) gloriously readable translation of Sue Heap and Nick Sharratt’s award-winning Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly is a vibrant riot of color and energy that kids will find instantly uplifting. Using simple language and big, bold illustrations, Al Sawirikh Al Hamra Wa Jili Al Qus Qazah tells the story of two friends, Sawsan and Nader, who like different colors and things, but who don’t let those differences get in the way of their friendship. The winner of the Nestle Smarties Book Prize in 1998 and the Children’s book Award in 2001, Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly has been described as “brilliant and exuberant” by The Guardian, and also as “great to look at with wonderfully ABP welcomes new students n The Academic Bridge Program held its three-day orientation to welcome the class of 2011 as the center enters its 10th academic year. The new students were introduced to the program’s facilities, policies and activities as well as to the staff who will be working with them throughout the upcoming year. A total of 350 students from 17 countries were admitted to the course, 88% of whom are Qataris. of La Gomera to save ‘El Silbo’ by incorporating it into the official primary and secondary school curricula. Al Sawirikh Al Hamra Wa Jili Al Qus Qazah (Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly) By Sue Heap and Nick Sharatt; translated by Mahmoud Gaafar vivid illustrations” by the UK’s National Literacy Association. Translated into Arabic for the first time by Mahmoud Gaafar, Al Sawirikh Al Hamra Wa Jili Al Qus Qazah is remarkable for its playful and spontaneous use of the Arabic language, which is perfectly suited to early readers and those just starting to read on their own. It is also great for those learning Arabic. This is a bouncy and happy book whose vividly drawn illustrations make it accessible to young kids while the simplicity of the language makes learning colors in Arabic a fun and learned to get to the solution. We are learning things here that we will learn to value soon enough.” “We’ve designed this program to sharpen the skills that students will need to gain admission into universities and then succeed once there,” said Liz Kepferle, Director of Admissions and GPS organizer. “GPS is also a great introduction to Georgetown’s major fields of study, in addition to being a powerful tool in preparing for admission and enrollment in a top university.” The program’s field trips, friendly sports matches, and social gatherings also gave students a taste of the lighter side of what the university has to offer through extracurricular activities. The Jade Kunlun Award for best short documentary is a great addition to the various regional, national, and international honors and awards that JCC has received over the years. The festival is a yearly event dedicated to promoting sustainable and community-based development and environmental protection in mountain and upland areas. Recent awards include the Ecumenical Jury Award in Berlinale 2009 for its long documentary Aisheen Still Alive in Gaza and Al Jazeera Golden Award for Baghdad Angel at Al Jazeera International Documentary Film Festival, 2010. easy task. More than anything, this is an utterly charming picture story that will have parents, as much as their kids, smiling with delight. Sue Heap has also won the Smarties Prize for Cowboy Baby, while Nick Sharatt has won many awards, including the Children’s Book award for Eat Your Peas. He is best known for his illustrations of the books of Jacqueline Wilson and Jeremy Strong. Owned by Qatar Foundation and managed by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, BQFP publishes books of excellence and originality in English and Arabic, including Arabic translations of international bestselling children’s fiction so that children in the region can enjoy these books for the first time ever. Available from all major bookstores in Doha. For more information contact: [email protected] Dohaland safety milestone n Dohaland has completed a construction milestone by achieving one million man-hours on its flagship Musheireb project without losing time to injuries. Dohaland Project Director Mohamed Al-Marri said: “This milestone is a reflection of the strict local and international standards that we have applied throughout the project, and underscores our commitment to the highest standards of safety.” Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 News Write to us: [email protected] 3 Community Diabetes awareness campaign Community Several initiatives provide positive impact QF helps needy families Over 100 families in need have re- ceived Ramadan food packages packed and distributed by volunteers from Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) and Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA). The boxes contain information about diabetes aiming to raise awareness about the disease and how to eat healthily, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Qatar has the fifth highest rate of adult diabetes in the world, according to the International Diabetes Federation. “QDA participates in order to raise awareness about diabetes and how to control the blood sugar levels through following a healthy diet and lifestyle. The QDA team will be answering questions of families and also will distribute useful brochures about Ramadan and diabetes,” said Dr Abdullah al Hamaq, executive director of QDA. “QDA’s work directly supports Qatar Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving quality of life through progressive education and health and community services,” he added. The ROTA Ramadan project offers volunteers the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of members of the local community who are in need. ROTA’s Ramadan activities Following a yearly tradition, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) kicked off its series of Ramadan 2010 project by initiating a home makeover for a local Qatari family, in collaboration with THE One Furniture Store. The two-day renovation, performed by ROTA volunteers and staff from THE One, involved painting rooms and installing new furniture and household appliances. “ROTA’s Ramadan events, which we have been actively organizing for the past four years, are geared towards having a positive impact on the community in Qatar,” said Hazem R Idriss, Volunteer Program Specialist, Community Development, ROTA. Other Ramadan activities planned by ROTA include community Iftars and the celebration of Garangao night with child patients at the Hamad General Hospital Leukemia ward and The Rumailah Center’s Pediatric Center. ROTA will work closely with its community partners including the Elderly Institute, Al Noor Institute for The Blind, and Qasr Al Saada, a department of Hamad General Hospital dedicated to men with mental disabilities, to organize community iftars involving ROTA staff, volunteers, patients, and guests of the three partner institutions. “We develop a special relationship with our partners, such as the Elderly Institute. Many individuals there specifically request ROTA’s service during Ramadan because of how personalized the approach of our volunteers is,” said Idriss. ROTA also engages disabled children and those struck by leukemia in Ramadan activities by celebrating Garangao with them in their hospital wards. Garangao is a children’s festival unique to the Gulf during which children go door to door collecting sweets and presents. According to Idriss, ROTA aims to preserve this cultural tradition among children in Qatar. “Within their wards, we provide the children with bags, and then give them toys, instead of candies or nuts, since they have dietary restrictions,” said Idriss. Through its Ramadan 2010 project, ROTA aims to help local and expatriate families in Qatar and encourage the concept of sharing and reaching out to those in need. “This year, our theme is based on a phrase we coined, ‘Ramadan across Asia’, so it is in fact a celebration of diversity of the communities that live in Qatar,” said George Tavola, head of ROTA volunteer program. Ramadan Tips from the HSSE Directorate to help you keep in shape How to keep fit during Ramadan QF staff and their families enjoyed a fun evening on 20 August at the Club House. Community Support Services organized an Arabic tent with majlis, a special dinner buffet at the restaurant, free freshlycooked Qatari food, as well as a free henna corner at Al-Dukhan Hall. Arts and crafts events were held inside and kids had access to the games room and camel rides. Vodafone Qatar Ramadan plans n Vodafone Qatar is offering a range of Ramadan services, such as free daily prayer time information by SMS, in English or Arabic, and pocket-sized Ramadan calendars at stores and partner outlets. To help motorists break their fast, Vodafone Qatar will be distributing free Iftar boxes containing dates and water, and they will also be hosting their Ramadan tent at the W Hotel for the second year running. Ramadan has arrived, which for many people means creating resolutions to improve their lives. Some of the most popular resolutions involve improving their health by starting an exercising routine. Unfortunately, many staffers and students have difficulties sticking to a regular workout routine during Ramadan. But exercises are not limited to working out at a gym. Here are some practical, cost–effective ways to increase your physical activity during Ramadan and allow you to keep up your fitness routine: n Ride a bike around your neighborhood. n Get an exercise partner to help you get going and keep you motivated. n Take a 30-minute walk in a pleasant area in the morning or afternoon before Iftar and join an activity after Iftar. n Take the stairs to your dorm room instead of the elevator. n Plan ahead for busy times and make a workout schedule so that you can keep up your fitness routine during those times. n Identify activities that you like to do and locations that you enjoy. Don’t force yourself to work out in a way or place you dislike. n Write in your planner when you will work out and what you will do, and stick to it as you would any other assignment. Remember: n Don’t get discouraged if you fall behind on your goal or miss a week of exercise. n Change your routine to avoid boredom and create structures of accountability to get back on track. n Above all, have fun and find an activity that you enjoy. The benefits of exercising n Exercising has a positive impact on one’s physical, mental and emotional health in Ramadan. It can reduce stress, improve mood and increase self – esteem, so it’s important to integrate exercise into your lifestyle in a way that fits who you are. Qatar Debate website great success n The website of Qatar Debate’s World Schools Debating Championship 2010 has seen thousands of visitors since the conclusion of the event in Doha earlier this year, indicating that their attempts to spread the culture of debate in the country are experiencing success. The site, www.wsdc2010doha.com , was launched to celebrate the first time the event was hosted in the Arab world. 4 Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 Perspective Write to us: [email protected] column Hashim Al Sada Making a lasting impression As one of the supervising volunteers with this year’s Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)/ Qatar Scientific Club Summer Camp, I could not help but realize the value of early childhood education. While a K-12 school curriculum equips students with the necessary skills they need to proceed to university and become professionals, practical programs specifically targeted at certain young age groups are crucial because they provide children with an extra edge at an age when their minds are most impressionable. What children learn at a tender age, they are likely to remember for a long while to come – imagine the valuable experience they gain for a lifetime when they become actively involved in a real, handson, summer science camp. I work with children between the ages of 6 and 12, engaging them in a variety of creative activities and workshops, such as physics and chemistry, and covering topics like sound, electricity, and power, so that children can understand the mechanisms that run everyday appliances like generators and light bulbs. Brain teasers and scientific riddles encourage children to engage in challenging »I understood that the child’s mind, “young and impressionable” as the cliché goes, is known to be so for a good reason. Early childhood education is such an important facet of a child’s and eventually, a nation’s and the world’s - sustainable growth and development.« »I realized that when given the opportunity to open up and converse with someone older than them, not only were those children quick learners, but also highly sociable in their demeanor.« activities and achieve a sense of accomplishment, which I believe is pertinent to their future growth and confidence levels. With their distinctive personalities and occasional quirks, they make quite a handful! I realized that when given the opportunity to open up and converse with someone older than them, not only were those children quick learners, but also highly sociable in their demeanor. Over time, the children’s carefree attitude allowed me to gain an insight of how their experiences this summer are shaping their thinking. I understood that the child’s mind, “young and impressionable” as the cliché goes, is known to be so for a good reason. Early childhood education is such an important facet of a child’s - and eventually, a nation’s and the world’s - sustainable growth and development. In addition to a school curriculum, children in Qatar need an avenue like this summer camp to keep them active and engaged in learning while having fun, even during summer vacations. columnist Hashim Al Sada is a volunteer with the QSTP/ Qatar Scientific Club summer camp. What do you think? What are your views on childhood education? Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Community Mini mall offers even more services for QF staff First supermarket opens in Education City The first supermarket in Education City is open for business. The new Lulu Express store is located in the new Qatar Foundation Community Shopping Center in Education City Community Housing (ECCH) Lot 4. “LuLu Express is an essential part of a broader range of opportunities and services we hope to make available to the QF community,” said Greg Tighe, Manager Recreation and Community Services, Support Services Directorate. The new double-storied express mart sells fresh fruit, vegetables, hot meals, butchery, and bakery items, as well as a wide selection of organic, gluten-free, diet, and gourmet products. In addition to grocery items, a variety of dry goods such as books, stationary, and electronics are also available. “There are close to 85 different nationalities in the QF community, and we tailored this branch specifically to cater to the diversity in this community,” said Mohamed Althaf, Regional Director – Qatar, LuLu Hypermarket Group. According to Althaf, LuLu Express has adopted several eco-friendly practices, such as the installation of LED lighting and the use of biodegradable bags. The shopping center, which also includes a coffee shop and beauty salon, will be managed by LuLu Hypermarket Group, under a lease from QF. Officially opened earlier this month by representatives from QF and Lulu Hypermarket Group, the store is the retailer’s 81st outlet. “We are excited about the new addition to the QF community,” said Kathleen Bates, Head of Community Support Services. “We believe the quality of life is being improved by giving community members an accessible and nearby full service shopping center. Customers will be able to purchase goods or simply relax with a pastry and a cup of coffee or enjoy a treatment in the beauty salon.” LuLu Hypermarket Group has installed 81 staff members in its ECCH Lot 4 location to assist customers with their shopping needs. “Qatar is a very important market for us. The kind of support and patronage we have been receiving from both locals and the expat community here had been tremendous and we look forward to providing them world class quality and service at our new store at ECCH,” said Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of LuLu Hypermarket Group. The ECCH Lot 4 also houses the American Hospital-run QF Care Clinic and QF Pharmacy. “We wanted to provide the QF family with as complete and satisfactory an experience as possible,” said Tighe. “This shopping complex plays an important role in achieving that goal: it complements the EC Club House, and lives up to fully developing each initiative,” he said. Your Thoughts: “I really like it. It’s a great stop on the way home.” Ralph Pruitt, Director of The Learning Center. “Very clean, beautiful, and convenient!” Paula Grossman, Math Instructor, Academic Bridge Program (ABP). “It is a neat facility with a nice variety of products, and is conveniently close by.” Lindsay Coco, Campus Life Coordinator, Office of Faculty and Student Services, Education Division. Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 QF Spotlight Write to us: [email protected] 5 How do I...? QFTelegraph helps make your life at Education City easier n Where can I get health and wellness tips that will help me maintain a healthy lifestyle? Across Education City (EC) you will find posters and flyers distributed by the Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Directorate that will advise you on keeping healthy. For additional information, contact Dr Eman Mahmud, Staff & Student Health Specialist at HSSE. You can email her at emahmud@ qf.org.qa. n What steps can I take in order to quit smoking? Upsetting your smoking habits by changing some daily routines could help you beat smoking. When you combine this with anti-tobacco medication your chances of success are likely to increase. n How should I deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms? Try to plan activities that help keep your energy level high. Physical activity often helps reduce negative feelings. Drinking water or eating candy is a way to ease the coughing. Financial Aid Helping students to finance their studies Bearing the cost of education As the new academic year begins, the Financial Aid Office at Qatar Foundation (QF) gives international students the chance to acquire a college education with financial help through the Hamad bin Khalifa Financial Aid program, which has been available for almost a decade. “The Hamad bin Khalifa Financial Aid is a need-based loan, designed to assist qualified non-Qatari students attending one of the universities at Education City, who could not otherwise meet the cost of tuition,” said Aljohara bint Saud Al-Thani, Acting Financial Aid Head, Education Division. Eligibility for this loan requires that the applicant has been accepted at one of the university branch campuses based in Education City, is enrolled as a full-time student intending to obtain their degree at the university, and has provided a statement indicating they have not defaulted on loans previously borrowed from QF. Upon graduation, students are expected to either repay the total sum, work in an organization designated by the Financial Aid Committee for no less than one year and no more than six years, or repay the total sum by paying 15% of their total net income in US Dollars on the first day of each month. “Students have a good variety of repayment options, but it is important to know that the Financial Aid Office does not guarantee employment,” said Al Thani. »The Hamad bin Khalifa Financial Aid is a need-based loan, designed to assist qualified non-Qatari students attending one of the universities at Education City, who could not otherwise meet the cost of tuition.« The amount of the given loan – which is paid directly to the university - depends on the cost of the university program the applicant wants to enroll in, their overall ability to pay tuition, and the final amount they are able to contribute towards the tuition. Outside the academic circle at EC, little is known about the facilities provided by the Financial Aid Office, which according to its officials, is often mistaken for the Financial Aid Committee. “We at the Financial Aid Office are the reviewers of the financial aid applications which we receive prior to each academic year,” said Ren Natour, Financial Aid Officer. “The Financial Aid Committee is a separate entity, and is on a higher scale. We merely review and submit the applications to the Committee, who make the final decision and also deal with any appeals made by students who feel they did not receive fair financial aid,” she said. The Financial Aid Office consists of a Financial Aid Head and three officers who explain financial aid options to students and review their applications. The office also manages meritbased scholarships awarded to students by their university or by governmental entities to Qatari citizens. There is no limit to the number of students who can be eligible for QF provided financial aid but students are encouraged to apply between January and May. “There is no quota. We give everyone a fair and equal chance and whoever we feel is deserving will receive financial aid from QF,” said Al Thani. “We treat each case individually. For example, if an applicant also has another sibling enrolled in university, we consider those extra expenses,” said Al Thani. “We plan to enhance the Financial Aid website for potential students, keeping in mind that these students and their parents may come from parts of the world where they are not used to online applications. Future changes will make the application process much smoother,” said Natour. n What can I do to reduce my chances of developing heart problems? Try to develop healthy eating and exercise habits. People aged 30 and above should keep an eye on their numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, and ideal weight. If your numbers are within normal limits, you have a good baseline for comparison as you get older. If your numbers put you at elevated risk for future heart disease, now is the time to work with your health care provider to manage your lifestyle and lower your risk. n How do I keep my body hydrated? Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you want to check if you are well-hydrated, simply look at the color of your urine. Light-colored urine is an indication of a wellhydrated body. n How can I get healthy eating tips? You can get a tailor-made nutrition program by visiting the nutritionist at the EC Club House. The services of the clinic are provided on an appointment only basis. Requests should be sent to [email protected]. Email us your work related questions at [email protected], and we will do our best to help you Focus Stephen Stocks, Senior Officer, Marketing and PR, Qatar Music Academy, on personal air conditioning devices and always looking on the bright side of life. If you were in charge of QF’s research budget, what would you like to invent? Name: Nigel D’Souza Title: Community Support Administrator, Support Services Years at QF: 1 year Either some kind of wireless electricity so that my laptop will never run out of power again when on the move, or a personal air conditioning device that you can wear when walking outside in the summer weather here. Describe your role: My job changes with the demands of every event. You might find me as a ‘guide’ on a farm trip somewhere north of Qatar or MC’ing the Kids Carnival. The last event I organized was the month-long EC World Cup Fever and brought together people from all over QF under one roof. When I’m not thinking up new events, I am in front of my computer completing reports, researching the latest entertainment that we could use, facilitating workshops, or communicating our events to the rest of QF. What kind of tea/coffee do you order every day? What I like about my job is… What’s the last QF event that you have been to? It’s not a routine job. There are always new challenges ahead, and that is a lot of fun. I’m also fortunate enough to cross paths with many interesting people with Community Support and to get to work with a great, supportive team. Strong black coffee with no sugar, and each morning I need as much of it as I can get. At the weekend I grind my own beans, normally from Indonesia. What did you want to be when you were little? I always wanted to be a pilot and I was mad about planes. Recently, I took flying lessons in the UAE. Taking off was easy, although I scared myself so many times landing I thought it best for my safety and those on the ground that I stop. What makes you smile? Watching the things my two-year-old son gets up to. It’s quite amazing the mischief he can get into. QF no t at Stephen Stocks f ta What s My QF Write to us: [email protected] What’s your favourite sport? I am more of an fd ’r armchair participant ow y hen the in sport! I particularly Where do you normally take your lunch break? You can normally find me eating cheese and tomato sandwiches at my desk. What food do you like? e 6 Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 enjoy Formula 1 and of course, the recent football World Cup. What would be your theme tune? Always look on the bright side of life! What book are you reading at the moment? It has to be Chinese food, which I love. Thankfully, my wife is Chinese so I eat Chinese food for every meal. Even breakfast! The seventh and last instalment of Stephen King’s Dark Tower. I’ve read the whole series of books over the past couple of years so I can’t wait to see how it ends up. What is your favourite sweet? My favourite sweet on the other hand is decidedly British – bread and butter pudding, which I can never resist. Where do you like going on holiday and why? Other than the UK and China, where our families live, one of my favourite places is Australia – I like the laid back lifestyle, beaches and big cosmopolitan cities. Qatar Music Academy’s recruitment event for our program of complimentary after school music tuition. The musicians of QPO gave fantastic performances and inspired many children to join our new course. Want to be featured in MY QF? Send us an email at [email protected] Environment Scientists at WCMC-Q believe bacteria could prevent desertification Stabilizing shifting sands Scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMCQ) and Ithaca, US, are working on a method to stabilize dunes to stop desertification. They believe that microbes may live in the dunes, and that they could hold the key to stopping them shifting and reclaiming the areas we inhabit. The team recently won a grant from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) upon presenting evidence that they had found RNA, a molecule that exists in living organisms, between sand grains. In order to continue the research, QNRF awarded the project a $1 million grant through its National Priorities Research Program WCMC-Q’s team comprises of three scientists - Chris Ogden, Senior Lecturer in Biology, Joel Malek, Instructor in Genetic Medicine and Director of the Genomics Lab; and Renee Richer, Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology. The project is led by Michel Louge, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the university in Ithaca. Having studied sand dunes in North Africa, Louge came up with the idea that tiny organisms could be living in the desert. “We tested the hypothesis on socalled ‘marching dunes’ – moving, shifting sand dunes,” recalls Richer. “We identified small, undisturbed dunes out in the desert. A few students helped us. We measured moisture levels, did some extractions, and tested the samples in our labs.” Soon enough, they found evidence of bacteria living in the dunes. They may be partly responsible for the creation of hard sections in dunes that contain moisture, explained Richer. “These bacteria can secrete a bio film, like a sugar coat, which holds sand grains together. This helps them conserve water, needed for their survival.” In turn, that bio film and moisture among the sand grains could prevent them from being blasted away by the wind. The team’s first step will be to collect more samples in the desert as they are trying to get a basic under- standing of the living communities. After that they will look at the applied aspect of the research. Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 Time Off Write to us: [email protected] Ramadan Special Exclusive to QF Radio This year QF Radio brings you n Sports Global: A Ramadan Perspec- several innovative programs to guide you through the Ramadan season. Programs under development include: tive on Activity and Sport. n Ramadan Was Like That: Different Views and Experiences. Plus, Ramadan Music throughout the day… Qatar Foundation in numbers There are close to 85 different nationalities in the QF community. 100 Join us this Ramadan for an exclusive line-up, only on QF Radio 91.4 FM Find us at www.qfradio.org.qa “Enjoying a Healthy Ramadan” in association with Hamad Medical Corporation. The Hamad Medical team explain how to stay healthy during Ramadan. First Show Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30pm. Over families in need received Ramadan food packages from ROTA and QDA. The new 2 storey Lulu Express opposite ECCH 12pm – 1pm Music and the best of Fun & Games QFTelegraph is searching for submission of Arabic-language cartoons to fill this space! Please send artwork to [email protected] Monday 7.30am – 8am Dr Kerr’s Casebook thursday 7.05am – 8am T5 Movie Review with Eman Al-Hadi Friday and Saturday 24-hours A summer “brain-fest” of 5 8 6 7 5 6 2 Puzzle by websudoku.com Puzzle by websudoku.com solution 2 7 5 9 3 8 4 1 6 9 4 Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9. 1 8 3 7 6 4 5 9 2 In winter, I like to go camping in the desert, but in summer I like to camp by the sea. My favorite locations are in the south of the peninsula, near Sea Line and Al Adaid. I go with some friends and we really enjoy ourselves. As for my favorite food, there are two things. I love makbous, it’s simply the best, and I really like pressed dates from Al Hassa in Saudi Arabia but they are hard to find here. The Rules are Simple 9 4 6 5 1 2 3 8 7 Warehouse manager, Procurement 5 4 8 7 2 6 5 6 1 4 1 2 9 su do ku 6 5 2 3 8 1 7 4 9 Mohammed Al Dossari 6 8 7 Puzzle by websudoku.com My Favorite... 4 8 9 4 6 2 7 1 3 5 interviews and music 7 3 1 4 5 9 6 2 8 12am – 7am Music and the best of QFRadio programs 7 – 8am Summer Doha Briefing current affairs and music 8am – 9am Sports Global with Saad Al-Hudaifi – Supporting Bid 2022 9am – 11am Music and the best of QFRadio programs 11am – 12pm Lakom Al Karar – from the TV show 81st outlet. 3 2 9 1 7 5 8 6 4 Sunday – thursday QFRadio programs 1pm – 2pm Sports Global with Saad Al-Hudaifi – Supporting Bid 2022 2pm – 6pm Music and the best of QFRadio programs 6pm – 7pm Sports Global with Saad AlHudaifi – Supporting Bid 2022 7pm – 9pm Music and the best of QFRadio programs 9pm – 10pm Doha Debates alternating with From the Podium 10pm – 11pm Sports Global with Saad Al-Hudaifi – Supporting Bid 2022 11pm – 12am Music and the best of QFRadio programs Requests for inclusion and submissions of material must be made no later than two weeks in advance of publication. Requests and submission of information may be made by email only directly to the relevant QFTelegraph journalist or to [email protected]. Any articles written will be treated as correct and approved by the Sender and his or her Department/Center, as will recorded interviews. Interviews given may not be recalled or changed unless containing substantial errors of fact. Interviews and information received will be treated as confidential until published. The publisher’s decision on all matters of content and style is final. 4 1 7 8 9 6 2 5 3 radio Lot 4 is the retailer’s Conditions of submission 5 6 8 2 4 3 9 7 1 n A Muslim Story: Musa Cerantonio talks to QF Radio’s Saad Al Hudaifi about his journey to embrace Islam. n Ramadan @ Work: How to cope, what’s accepted and expected during this special time. 7 8 Listings Georgetown Volunteer Iftar Drive Tue, 31 Aug, 5.30pm Georgetown will host its first Volunteer Iftar Drive, bringing together volunteers to distribute boxed Iftar meals to the needy throughout local communities. For more information, please call 44578300 or email: [email protected] facilities timings Qatar Foundation Telegraph. Thursday 26 August 2010 Write to us: [email protected] Sun: 5pm – 11pm SOCIAL Basketball Ramadan Hours: Tues: 7pm – 9pm HEALTH & FITNESS Badminton Fitness Center Wed: 6pm – 9pm Fri: 10am – 1pm Sun – Sat: 6am – 12am Squash Ladies Fitness Room Thurs: 5pm – 7pm Ladies: Sat: 4pm – 5pm Sun - Sat: 6am – 12am Indoor football Swimming Pools Wed: 5.30pm – 7pm All pools (EC Members): Sun – Thurs: 11am – 11pm Sat: 1pm – 10pm Ladies Swimming (EC Members) Location for all activities: Recreation Center, call 4454 0805 or email [email protected] events AUG-SEP 2010 Ramadan Soccer Tournament Sun, 29 Aug-Thurs, 2 Sep, 9pm-12am Come watch Education City teams compete this Ramadan at the soccer tournament! EC Club House For more information, please call 44540805 or email [email protected] Ramadan Hours: Club House Sun-Wed: 6am – 12am Thu-Sat: 6am – 1am Mon, 23 August, 9am-1pm, (for EC students and staff) Tue, 24 August, 7.30pm-10pm, (for all QF members) The HSSE Directorate will offer a wide range of information and services to QF members, including SQUASH COURT Pool Sat: 11am – 12am Daily: 6am – 10pm Daily: 9am – 11.30am, 6.30pm – 11.30pm Nutrition services Dining facilities Sun: 1pm – 8pm Mon,Wed: 1pm – 5pm Tue,Thurs: 9am – 1pm Spa Ladies Timings: Sun, Mon: 2.30pm – 7pm Wed-Sat: 5pm – 12am Gents Timings: Sat-Mon, Fri: 3pm – 12am Wed-Thurs: 2.30pm – 7pm Fitness Room Mini-football Pitch Daily: 6am – 12am (Fitness instructor available) Daily: 6am – 12am Aerobics Room Tennis, and Basketball Courts Daily: 6am – 12am Georgetown Monthly Dialogue Series Mon, 30 Aug, 8pm Georgetown’s Center for International and Regional Studies will hold the first session of this year’s Monthly Dialogue Series - a lecture by Daniel Westbrook, Assistant Professor of Economics entitled, “Education and Market Transitions in Vietnam.” LAS Building For more information, please call 44578400 or email cirsevents@ georgetown.edu Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Ramadan Campaign ec club house informative brochures, consultation, and general health check-ups such as sugar monitoring and blood, vision, and hearing tests. Mon, LAS Building and Tue, EC Clubhouse For more information, contact Dr Eman Mahmud at 44541285 or email emahmud@ qf.org.qa Recreation facilities Daily: 6am – 12am The Grill Daily: 8pm – 11pm Meseika Snack Bar Daily: 8pm – 11pm Lebaina Restaurant Breakfast served daily: 6am – 9am Games Room Sun,Tue,Wed: 1pm – 12am Thurs: 1pm – 1am Fri: 11am – 1am Community Support Services Sun: 1pm – 12am Tue – Wed: 1pm – 12am Thurs: 1pm – 1am Fri: 11am – 1am Sat: 11am – 12am LULU EXPRESS HOURS Daily: 11am – 11pm Georgetown Student Activities Fair Wed, 1 Sep, 4pm-7pm Georgetown will host its sixth annual Student Activities Fair, during which students of Georgetown in Qatar will be exposed to the university, Education City, community organizations, clubs, and other social involvement opportunities. The Student Activities Fair is an annual event that allows organizations ranging from the Cricket Club to Qatar Debate and the Doha Film Institute to peddle their wares to students and anyone else with a few spare moments. LAS Building For more information, please call 44578300 or emailsqcomm@ georgetown. Have your event listed. Send us an email at [email protected]