Hard hit Women bear brunt of the social, economic crisis caused by Covid-19, Gulf Times
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Monday, May 4, 2020
Ramadan 11, 1441 AH
Doha today 230 - 360
Hard hit
Women bear brunt of the
social, economic
crisis caused by Covid-19,
say experts. P4-5
Cover
Story
Hollywood Back Page
Coronavirus postpones Game ‘Make exercise a fun part
Developers Conference. of your everyday life.’
Page 15 Page 16
2 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME
PRAYER TIME
Fajr 3.32am
Shorooq (sunrise) 4.57am
Zuhr (noon) 11.32am
Asr (afternoon) 3pm
Maghreb (sunset) 6.08pm
Isha (night) 7.38pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Lore leads her siblings on a journey that exposes them to the truth
DIRECTION: Cate Shortland of their parents’ beliefs. An encounter with a mysterious
CAST: Saskia Rosendahl, Kai-Peter Malina, Nele Trebs refugee forces Lore to rely on a person she has always been
SYNOPSIS: As the Allies sweep across Germany, Lore taught to hate.
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 Mind the Malhotras fear that their marriage too can be a ticking time bomb. They
Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: Sahil Sangha, Ajay Bhuyan seek professional help from a puzzling therapist who dredges
Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Jason D’Souza, Asheesh Kapur, Mini Mathur up the most bizarre moments in the Malhotras’ family life be
SYNOPSIS: When yet another married couple within their it the quality of their life, the quirks of their three kids or the
friend circle files for divorce, Rishabh and Shefali Malhotra antics of Rishabh’s annoying mother.
uote Unquote
Q “The
quality, not the
longevity, of one’s life
is what is important.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Editor
Kamran Rehmat
e-mail: community@gulf-times.com Salvage Hunters constantly on the road, crisscrossing the country in search of
Telephone: 44466405 CAST: Drew Pritchard, Lady Colin Campbell, Ralph Ineson derelict gems and forgotten remnants. Drew loves the thrill
Fax: 44350474 SYNOPSIS: Meet modern-day treasure hunter Drew of the hunt and while he gets his hands dirty in the country’s
Pritchard. With demanding customers, high turnover, and architectural backwaters, his crack team of restorers is back at
one of the biggest decorative salvage yards in the UK, Drew is the shop giving old and rare finds a new lease on life.
Monday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 3
BODY & MIND COMMUNITY
Higher step counts could lower
risk of early death, study finds
Monitoring of adults aged 40 or over shows any activity is good and doing more is better
Further analysing showed
By Nicola Davis higher step counts were also
associated with a lower risk of
I
death from cardiovascular disease
t may be worth dusting off the and cancer.
fitness tracker when you head
out on your government- By contrast the team found no
approved stroll: researchers link between mortality and the
have found higher step counts intensity of steps – explored by
are associated with a lower risk of looking at steps per minute – once
early death. the total number of steps taken
While the figure of 10,000 steps was considered.
a day is a popular goal, researchers However, the study has
have long criticised the fact it has limitations, including that it
its roots in a Japanese marketing cannot prove that the increased
campaign, rather than scientific walking is the cause of a reduced
research. risk of death, while participants’
Now researchers say step data on their health and lifestyle
monitoring in more than 4,800 was only collected at one point
adults aged 40 or over has shown in time and by self-report, and
that higher step counts are activity was only monitored over
associated with a lower chance one week.
of death from any cause over a Prof Emmanuel Stamatakis of
10-year period. What is more, it the University of Sydney, who
seems individuals do not need to hit was not involved in the research,
10,000 steps a day to start seeing a said: “This study confirms that
benefit. the largest population-wide
Dr Charles Matthews of the benefits will [be realised] if the
US National Cancer Institute, a least physically active people who
co-author of the study, said the do under 2,000 or even 4,000
findings chimed with NHS advice steps per day are encouraged and
that any type of activity is good and supported to increase their step
that doing more is better. count to 6,000 to 8,000 steps per
“[For] individuals that are day.”
recording around 4,000 or 5,000 NON-COMPULSORY: Individuals do not need to hit 10,000 steps a day to start seeing a benefit. He added, “For those who can
steps a day on average, a fairly low comfortably fit 6,000 to 8,000
number, from our data it appears 12,000 steps per day was associated per day was linked to a 50% greater 1,000 adults per year compared with steps into their daily routine, the
that they can get substantial benefit with a 65% lower risk of death. risk of death than hitting 4,000 14.4 deaths per 1,000 adults per year good old ‘10,000 steps per day’ is
from increasing to 8,000 steps a By contrast, taking 2,000 steps steps per day, with 21.7 deaths per respectively. a great target.”
day,” he said, adding that those Stamatakis added that despite
already reaching 8,000 steps a day the study’s findings, increasing
benefit from doing even more steps. pace may bring additional
Writing in the Journal of the benefits. Among his concerns,
American Medical Association, the he noted the activity trackers
team describe how between 2003 could not pick up brief spurts of
and 2006, thousands of participants walking, did not separate walking
in the US were asked to fill out from running, and could not take
questionnaires about their health, into account that the effort to
diet, education and other factors, take a given number of steps could
and were given an activity tracker to differ from person to person.
wear during waking hours for seven Dr Charlie Foster from the
days. University of Bristol, the chair
Of the 4,840 participants with of the UK chief medical officer’s
sufficient data, individuals took expert committee for physical
an average of 9,124 steps per day. activity, also welcomed the
Among these participants there findings.
were 1,165 deaths in total, including “This study shows that any
406 from cardiovascular disease activity will be good for your
and 283 from cancer, over an average physical and mental health with
of 10 years following the data benefits at lower levels of total
collection. steps, and more mortality benefits
When the team analysed the data, seen at higher levels,” he said.
taking into account factors including While he noted that walking
age, sex, health, smoking and can be done by those of all ages,
education, they found higher step he said physical distancing was
counts were linked to a lower risk of paramount to reduce the spread
death during the follow-up period. of Covid-19. “So walk and keep at
In particular, the team found least two metres away from others
that compared with taking 4,000 (except those in your house)
steps per day, taking 8,000 steps once a day for your health and
per day was associated with about a PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING: Any activity will be good for your physical and mental health with benefits wellbeing,” he said.
50% lower risk of death and taking at lower levels of total steps, and more mortality benefits seen at higher levels. – The Guardian
4 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
An unequal burden
Concern for the family, the education of children, the instability
of the economy, and especially unemployment is causing an
excessive burden for women, writes Sarah Moreno
‘ When women return to the work force
after the recession, they will be expected
to accept reduced levels of pay
— Deanne Butchey, professor, Department of
Finance of Florida International University
Monday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 5
COVER STORY COMMUNITY
I
ngrid Londono feels that the Before the pandemic hit, Vania
coronavirus affects her on Bredy, a 41-year-old health care
all fronts. The 40-year-old professional, was used to working
nurse started a new job on long hours.
April 1 and it has been hard She combined the administration
for her to learn from a distance and of the business she co-owns with
to prove herself as a professional, her husband, a physical therapy
especially in English, her second consultation in Miramar, with the
language. care of her two children, 8 and 12
With her 10-year-old son at years old.
home taking remote classes, she Now the uncertainty and the
worries as much about the gaps level of stress are sometimes
that may remain in his education, “overwhelming,” she admits.
at a moment that the help of a “I don’t stop from 8 to 4pm.
tutor cannot be used, as the times In the mornings, I play my son’s
that the child interrupts her and ‘teacher.’ Then I worry about the
does not allow her to focus on restrictions, the health of the
work. family, the danger of contagion,
“The work has doubled, you are buying food and exercising with
managing the stress of everyone children so as not to gain much
and yourself,” said Londono. weight,” said Bredy.
She is worried about her mother She acknowledges that, without
who is alone in Colombia, her losing optimism, she is very
in-laws, and her brother, who is concerned that “if the situation
in quarantine in Spain, one of the continues like this, in the coming
countries most affected by the months we will not be able to
coronavirus. survive.”
“I have the financial burden on “At least 55% of our business
the family,” said Londono. is lost,” said Bredy, whose office,
Her husband, who recently Bredy Physical Therapy & Sports
immigrated legally to the United Rehabilitation, is still open with her
States, does not yet have a work and the closure of entertainment the age of 18, who is in charge of She also said that a trend began husband and two other employees
permit, a situation that will not centres. supporting the family, sometimes in 2014 where women started up front.
change immediately because his And while she still has singing with various jobs, according to earning more four-year college However, income has been kept
appointment with immigration lessons on Zoom, she doesn’t think figures published by the Institute degrees than men, and that trend to a minimum because many of his
authorities was cancelled at the end she can survive on this income for Women’s Policy Research on continues. patients were people over the age of
of March. and the federal stimulus money, April 6. However, even though women 65, who avoid leaving their homes,
Women are bearing the brunt which she estimates will last her In the case of African American have come a long way in attaining even if they need therapy.
of the social and economic crisis two months without incurring women, the percentage is 74, and in higher levels of education, their “We need to get more help
caused by Covid-19, experts say. any expenses that are not strictly the case of white women, 45.4%. salary levels and the levels of to small businesses, which are
Concern for the family, the necessary. In Florida, the largest responsibility still lag those of men the ones that support so many
education of children, the “A single mother has three or demographic living in poverty are in most industries. families,” said Bredy, who cannot
instability of the economy, and four jobs, generally, because she females 25-34, followed by females The current wage gap and lower apply for unemployment benefits
especially unemployment is has a lot of expenses and nobody to 35-44 and then females 18-24. levels of advancement during the because her business is open.
causing an excessive burden for help her,” she said. “There is still a perception that Covid-19 catastrophe persist, she For her part, Londono is already
women, who outnumber men in She has already paid the rent for men are the breadwinners in the said. worried about the difficulties she
job loss in almost all sectors, and her room in a shared house, but she family, and that is why they keep Butchey also anticipates that will face when the economy returns
to a greater extent in hospitality, does not know if she will be able to their jobs more than women in the wage gap will continue after to business and many businesses
services, health and education jobs. do it in coming months. the same industry and at the same the coronavirus pandemic because demand that their employees go to
Data on employment in the “I have worked very hard to professional level,” explained women generally work in lower- work.
United States released in early April achieve these savings, which I Deanne Butchey, professor in the paying jobs in the hospitality and “Where do I leave my son if
indicates that women were the had planned to move. Obviously Department of Finance of Florida service industry, in banks, and the schools are closed? Will the
most affected initially by losses in I do need help,” she said of International University. often in positions and jobs that are sanitary measures be adequate
the labour market due to Covid-19. the importance of receiving At the same time, Butchey noted about to disappear. where I send him? And when the
In February, women accounted unemployment benefits. that women often have to take “When women return to the summer holidays arrive, what will
for 50% of the payroll and in March In the United States, 46.9% of time to dedicate to their children, work force after the recession, they we do?” said Londono.
they accounted for 58.8% of lost Hispanic households are headed by preventing them from advancing at will be expected to accept reduced “I say this as a nurse and a health
jobs, according to the Economic a single mother with children under the same rate as men. levels of pay,” said Butchey. professional, the coronavirus has
Policy Institute, a Washington- affected us a lot emotionally. I think
based nonprofit organisation that that the number of psychiatric
provides economic statistics and problems that will develop are
analysis. many,” said Londono.
These figures are expected to The emotional burden has
increase for the next release of already caused her to feel some
unemployment data on May 8. physical ailments that she thought
The responsibility is even greater “The work were cured.
for the women who are the main
breadwinner in their family. has doubled, She points out that many
patients complain of anxiety and
“I haven’t been working for a
month. I haven’t been able to ask
you are depression, and that children, even
if they sometimes do not manifest
for unemployment help, because managing it openly, are very affected by the
situation.
the page won’t let me, when I’m
near the end I have to start over,” the stress of “My son has had nights that he
said a divorced mother from
Pembroke Pines, who asked not to everyone has not been able to sleep,” she said.
As a nurse she offers some tips
give her name.
Like her, more than a million
and yourself” for dealing with stress:
— Women must create a support
Floridians have been unable to network, and know who is available
get their unemployment benefits to help.
because the Florida website was in — Ingrid — Set up a relaxation activity
serious trouble. On April 20, a new
page was launched that reports that Londono, every day, watch a personal growth
video, take dance classes or exercise
until April 24, only 153,788 people
had received the unemployment
nurse online, do crafts.
— Limit the consumption of
payment. sweets, because they weaken
A music teacher and professional the immune system, and also
singer, this Pembroke Pines mother contribute to weight gain and that
has lost most of her income due to causes more depression.
the cancellation of shows, parties — Miami Herald/TNS
6 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY
Doha College receives ‘outstanding’ grades in
British School Overseas organisation inspection
Doha College recently underwent an school, which elicited this observation: The
inspection from the British School Overseas quality of teaching, learning and assessment
(BSO) organisation. The accrediting body is outstanding. High-quality teaching based
ensures that schools meet all the rigorous on in-depth subject knowledge ensures that
standards required to be recognised by pupils make excellent progress. Teachers
the British Department for Education. are passionate about their work and do
Celebrating its 40th year of existence, Doha their utmost to help pupils to succeed
College excelled in every category tested, academically and in all areas of their life. They
and received ‘outstanding’ grades across the know their pupils extremely well and set high
board. Assessment areas included quality expectations for them.”
of education (curriculum, teaching and Dr Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College,
assessment); the spiritual, moral, social and said, “Having received the final report from
cultural development of pupils; the welfare, the Education Development Trust (EDT,
health and safety of pupils; the suitability of mandated by Ofsted), our BSO inspectorate,
the staff; the handling of complaints; and the I am delighted with this most outstanding
leadership and management of the school. achievement. Our students are exceptionally
The inspectors visited 73 lessons and held 38 well looked after, and they make outstanding
meetings with governors, senior leaders, staff progress in all areas. They are socially aware
and parents. Observations were completed on and well skilled in intercultural communication
pupils’ arrival and departure from the school, and, what is more, they are open-minded, can-
assemblies, tutor times and break times, in do people who solve problems resourcefully
addition to all phases of the school at work. and with alacrity. They love being challenged,
About Doha College’s Early Years Foundation and they know that they are being rewarded
Stage, the final report stated, “Outstanding for their efforts and that they are fairly treated,
provision ensures that all of the children both when things go well and when they do
get off to a flying start. Teachers plan not. Receiving the verdict ‘Outstanding’ rating
imaginative and vibrant activities which in every category of the inspection is a true
motivate children and enable them to learn testament of the veracity of Excellence for
successfully. They successfully develop All, Excellence from All, the motto at the very
children’s early skills, enabling them to think heart of our educational triangle within which
critically and solve problems. The inspectors parents, students and staff of Doha College
were equally impressed by the secondary play their distinctive part.” Dr Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College.
DPS-MIS organises online orientation session
DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently organised an online orientation session for the terms of grooming and mentoring their wards. Gurpreet Kour gave an insight to how Nursery
students of Nursery. This session was held online keeping in mind the currently prevailing can play an important role in child’s life. Dipti Dixit shared her views about positive parenting and
circumstances of Covid-19. Shabana Parkar opened the session, which was followed by a welcome presented on positive and effective parenting. Harish Buhari, Head of IT at DPS-MIS, briefed the
speech by Najla Mohamed Bukhari, Nursery Co-ordinator at DPS-MIS. Asna Nafees, Principal of parents about e-learning portal of the school and how to use the Aoom app for remote learning.
DPS-MIS, addressed the parents and highlighted the nurturing that the school would provide in Ramalahsmi Balaji and Rihana Sheikh Farid proposed a vote of thanks.
Monday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 7
INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY
Framing the horizon: dwellings
that blend with the desert perfectly
Part fantasy escape and part futuristic vision, these desirable desert designs
are a stunning blend of structure and landscape, writes Rachel Giles
B
eloved by artists, The Glass Pavilion
mystics and hermits, In Andalusia’s remote Gorafe
the desert is a place desert, a simple, crystalline
for contemplation and structure teeters on a plateau
coming face-to-face high above a valley pocked with
with oneself; a place to fully detox scrubby grass and rocks. Dwarfed
from the outside world and enjoy by a gigantic landscape, visitors
the purifying nothingness of a vast, can lie back to watch shooting
barren, empty space. The desert stars streak through a night sky
retreats featured on these pages unspoiled by light pollution.
– the Glass Pavilion in Granada, Designed by Slovenian studio
Spain, and the Desert Courtyard OFIS Arhitekti, the Glass Pavilion
House, the Desert Nomad House began as a project that aimed to
and the Levin Residence, all in prove that glass can be used as
Arizona – are an invitation to do a fully structural element. The
just that. glazing features a near-invisible
These desert retreats are coating that prevents the interior
designed to help their inhabitants from overheating. The Y-shaped
feel a sense of peace through structure rests on a mirrored
connection to nature. Situation and wooden platform.
design combine to turn the poetic
idea of the idyll into reality. The Desert Courtyard House
Architects designing homes Designed by Wendell Burnette
or retreats in remote locations, Architects, this luxurious,
whether mountain, coast, lake, monolithic courtyard house is
forest, river, plains or desert, may located in the Sonoran Desert. The
choose to evoke the sculptural and house is built from rammed earth,
make their dwellings stand out concrete, glass and weathered
against a canvas of land, sea or steel, merging land, house and
sky. But sometimes, in the desert, ANDALUSIAN RETREAT: The Glass Pavilion. sky. A glass-floored bridge
as elsewhere, the dwellings are gallery hovers over the earth so
carefully camouflaged, often at the point of being there is to escape solar power and passive heating and reddens as the evening sun slides inhabitants get a sense of the
the owner’s behest in order to give it all? These are not retreats for cooling, and the remoteness of some over it, or the first rays of dawn natural world. Steps lead down on
nature its due supremacy, and they long stays, but are designed around locations means that prefabrication – many retreats here function as to a terrace and a narrow infinity
sometimes recycle earth, gravel or sleeping, resting, meditating, is essential. Aesthetic intentions viewing apertures. The invitation is pool that draws the eye towards
turf from the excavation of their cloud-watching and, of course, range from careful camouflage to to arrive, switch off all distraction, a mountain peak beyond. The
plots. Many use local, natural star-gazing. experiments in industrial homage. and simply be, allowing your gaze to alchemy of water, rocks and cacti
materials, not only to reduce With scant resources, desert Positioned to capture poetic wander unchecked over the sublime appeals to mind and senses.
transportation costs and carbon retreats must be sustainable, using moments – the way a mountainside emptiness.
footprint, but also to provide an The Desert Nomad House
organic sense of belonging to the Concealed within a forest of
terrain. saguaro cacti in Arizona’s Tucson
In these unique desert dwellings, Mountains, the Desert Nomad
the watchword is not abundance House (Studio Rick Joy) is a cluster
but lack, and this lack is embraced of three cuboid dwellings, each
by those who want total escape. with its own function: sleeping,
A stay in the desert is a chance working, and relaxing. The
to experience a wilderness that rusted-steel boxes huddle within
is sometimes brutal – only the a natural bowl-like formation at
hardiest plants and animals can the foot of the Tucson Mountains.
survive here. Not for the faint- Each one is arranged perfectly to
hearted, a desert retreat is the give a ‘single aperture’ view of the
diametric opposite of a cosy rural desert landscape. The steel-plate
escape. exteriors glow burnt sienna in the
The retreats featured here tap setting sun and pick up rust-hued
into the desert’s mythic status and tones in the desert earth. Inside,
possess an enigmatic quality. The the home is clad in warm, natural
vast blankness of the landscape maple veneer and dotted with
provides an opportunity to practise objets d’art.
serious abstraction: it is the perfect
backdrop for bold, sculptural forms. Levin Residence
Experiencing (and sometimes Designed by Ibarra Rosano
mitigating) the intense stimuli of Design Architects, the Levin
desert immersion is the central idea Residence in Marana, Arizona,
behind many designs. The desert is cantilevers over a sloping terrain,
harsh, and sometimes inhabitants providing shelter for desert
need to withdraw into a protective animals beneath the house. The
shell. Interiors in these homes are home surrounds a courtyard with a
cocooning, cave-like and cool – pool and a deck with a freestanding
devoid of much fuss. Why bring black framework, which further
endless stuff into the desert when BARREN LAND: Desert Nomad House in Arizona. focuses the views. – The Guardian
8 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY PET CARE
Don’t be too worried about
your pet getting Covid-19
Veterinarians say there isn’t too much for owners to worry about when
it comes to the family pet and coronavirus. By Meredith Spelbring
A
s coronavirus case and veterinary offices are limiting
numbers climb, pets they can see to those who are
another Covid-19- ill. If you need to take your pet to
related concern has the vet, call ahead to schedule an
come to light: What appointment.
about my pets? When you arrive, call the vet to
A pug in North Carolina let them know you are there and
tested positive for the virus after they will ask questions about the
several of its owners did as well. pets history and reason for visit
It is potentially the first dog to be over the phone, before coming out
confirmed positive with the virus. to pick up the pet and bring them
But veterinarians say there isn’t in. The owner stays in the car for
too much for owners to worry about the duration of the appointment to
when it comes to the family pet and limit themselves and those in the
coronavirus. office.
Jessica Romine, DVM specialist “It’s a change in routine, but it’s
in small animal internal medicine allowing us to continue to provide
at Specialty and Emergency Pet all of the level of care that we need
Hospital in Southfield, Mich., said to for our animals, while trying
if any household pets are at higher to minimise our risk and theirs,”
risk of exposure, it is cats due to the Romine said.
similarity in lung enzymes between
humans and felines. What should I do with my pet
But even then, the risk of any pet if I am sick?
having a severe case of coronavirus, Treat your pet as you would
the way humans are experiencing, anyone else in your household and
is low, Romine said. “The cats that social distance.
they’ve seen, and this includes the TESTING: There is a Covid-19 test for pets that uses similar technology to the test used in humans. If there is serious “If you’ve been diagnosed with
tigers that they’ve found at the zoo, concern that the pet has been exposed and is showing symptoms, the test can be administered. coronavirus, don’t cuddle and hug
other cats in New York City that your pet, don’t possibly expose
have come back positive and shown confirmed with it, let the vet know she said. “If anything, it would be surface. The virus can live on their them,” Cook said. “In some cases,
mild signs, seem to be much, much upfront before bringing them in. the other way around, that a sick fur, like it would a countertop, but they’re even recommending social
more mild than people,” she said. person could give it to their own cat likely does not survive for very long. distancing on a walk – just like
Think of it numerically: To Can my pet get me sick? or dog potentially.” you are social distancing, the same
date, there have been more than The good news? No. The bad There is no evidence to date that Can I still take my animal to thing with your pets.”
981,000 confirmed cases in the US, news? You could give it to your pet, pets can infect their owners, so the vet right now? Before anyone in the household
yet just one dog and a few cats are Romine said. there is no concern about animals Veterinary services are even gets sick, Michigan Humane
confirmed to have the virus. “There seems to be no evidence being asymptotic and transmitting considered essential under Gov. Society recommends having a plan
“The likelihood your pet is going that pets can be giving it to people, it the way humans do. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay at in place for where the pet could go
to get sick or come down with so they shouldn’t be a risk for them Owners should think of their home order, but there are some and an emergency kit of supplies
coronavirus is so small,” said Keith licking us or getting it from them,” animal as they would any other changes. Most animal hospitals prepared.
Cook, co-owner of Southgate
Animal Hospital. “Right now, If I have coronavirus, can my
fortunately, that doesn’t need to be pet get tested?
one of our worries, there are much There is a Covid-19 test for pets
more important things to worry that uses similar technology to the
about.” test used in humans, Romine said.
If there is serious concern that
Here’s what you should know the pet has been exposed and is
about pet health in the age of showing symptoms, the test can be
coronavirus: administered.
What symptoms should I look However, Cook said other
for in my pet? causes will likely be checked before
Romine said Covid-19 symptoms moving to a pet coronavirus test.
in pets closely resemble the well- Overall, the risk and concern
known symptoms in humans: with pets and coronavirus is
cough, fever and runny nose. All currently low.
symptoms are likely to be relatively “Certainly keep an eye on your
recognisable and mild, she said. pet, but I think the risk is very low,”
There are a variety of respiratory Cook said. “The major concern
diseases that could cause similar should really be the health of
symptoms that are more common, themselves and their families. We
which a vet would likely check are here for their pets when they
before testing for coronavirus, need us, but the risk of coronavirus
Cook said. is very low and should not be
If you believe your pet is showing something that they need to be
symptoms and may have been SYMPTOMS: Covid-19 symptoms in pets closely resemble the well-known symptoms in humans: cough, fever and really worried about.”
exposed to coronavirus by someone runny nose. All symptoms are likely to be relatively recognisable and mild. – Detroit Free Press/TNS
Monday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 9
BOOK REVIEWS COMMUNITY
Refresh your reading list
with six new paperbacks
Buy one of these, or any book, from a shuttered local bookstore
to support the local business, writes Moira Macdonald
N
eed more stay-at-home noisy domestic disputes that turn very Miracle Creek by Angie Kim:
reading? Here are six new ugly very quickly,” wrote a New York Times Kim is a former lawyer who set much
paperbacks, just like that. reviewer, noting that “Connelly is pretty of her fascinating debut novel in a
(And, should you need an much the current dean of procedural courtroom; it’s a setting she understands
excuse: Buy one of these, or writers.” and richly evokes. The story centres on a
any book, from a shuttered local bookstore City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert: Korean immigrant couple, Pak and Young
– many of them are still operating The Eat Pray Love memoirist here turns Woo, who operate a hyperbaric oxygen
remotely – and help a local business stay in a novel of nostalgic, happy lightness – chamber in their Virginia backyard; when
afloat.) which we just might all be needing at the something goes terribly wrong there one
moment. Set in 1940s Manhattan, City day, a mother ends up on trial for her son’s
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy of Girls is the story of Vivian Morris, who death.
and the Great Space Race by Douglas arrives in the city at 19 to live with her Reading it last spring, I wrote, “Kim
Brinkley: theatrical Aunt Peg and finds a hard- combines a taut whodunit with vivid
Published in conjunction with the 50th partying life among showgirls, social observations on the immigrant experience
anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, awakening, and a budding career as a (‘it was inevitable,’ Pak muses, ‘for
Brinkley’s book describes how America’s costume designer. I devoured this book immigrants to become child versions
space programme ramped up during the last spring, writing at the time that “the of themselves, stripped of their verbal
Kennedy presidency. “With a mixture descriptions along the way – of outfits, fluency and, with it, a layer of their
of granular detail from a gigantic body of drinks, of faces – are delicious, and the competence and maturity’), parenting
of works on the subject and analyses of smart, snappy dialogue races along like a a child with disabilities, and the often
Kennedy’s decision-making and political screwball movie.” thwarted dreams that come with both.”
savvy,” wrote a Washington Post reviewer,
“American Moonshot transcends mere Serving the Servant: Remembering Spring by Ali Smith:
narrative to help the rest of us understand Kurt Cobain by Danny Goldberg: The third volume in the Scottish
how America geared up for the astonishing Goldberg, co-manager of Nirvana novelist’s quartet named for the seasons,
feat of landing a man on the moon.” from 1990 until Cobain’s death in 1994, Spring combines several stories: a
waited 25 years to write this book. The filmmaker mourning the loss of his
The Night Fire by Michael Connelly: result, wrote a Rolling Stone reviewer, is best friend, an immigration worker on
This novel from veteran crime-fiction “a warmly told, richly detailed memoir an impromptu road trip, the climate of
writer Connelly combines three of his that focuses solely on the three and a half October 2018, with Brexit and Trump
most beloved characters: longtime LAPD years Goldberg worked with the band. ... dominating the news. A New York Times
detective Harry Bosch; Bosch’s half- Goldberg accomplishes the goal he strives reviewer wrote of the series, “These
brother, the deliciously questionable for: admirably, he’s more interested in novels, in straddling immediacy and
“Lincoln Lawyer” Mickey Haller; and delving into Cobain’s music and creativity permanence, the personal as well as the
newcomer Renee Ballard, a late-shift than relitigating the causes of his tragic scope of a world tilting toward disaster, are
LAPD detective introduced just a couple of suicide. the ones we might well be looking back on
books ago. If anything, he’s added a fascinating years from now as the defining, if baffling,
“There’s something for everyone in perspective to one of rock’s most literature of an indefinable and baffling
this jam-packed plot: murder, arson, harrowing stories, one that will certainly era.”
professional rivalry, salty cop talk and enhance the late icon’s legacy.” – The Seattle Times/TNS
10 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC
Science Matters
Standard
rescue
stretcher
911$ Rescue Drone
How one rescuer can outrun a team
A new system lets one rescue worker – aided by a hovering stretcher drone – can
outperform a rescue group in reaching and moving an accident victim over rough terrain.
Battery pack Eight compact propellers lift Lights show location
moves with rescuer, drone, fit through narrow spaces as patent is moved
contains sensors
Patient carried
fast and stably on
Safety belts dry or wet ground
secure patient
Cable supplies
power to motors, Gyroscope keeps
Rescuer can run steers drone stretcher horizontal
on rough ground
‘Follow-me’ Speed is Rotors pivot;
feature crucial drone folds
1
Drone senses
motions of the Medical care
power cable delivered in the 2
from the battery first 24 hours
pack and follows after trauma is
3
the human’s most likely to save
movements a person’s life Changes shape for
4 storage or putting
Source: Yunwoo Jeong of Ulsan National Institute
of Science and Technology (South Korea) patient into an
Graphic: Helen Lee McComas, Tribune News Service ambulanceMonday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 11
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY
Pets may relieve stress for
parents of kids with autism
R
esearchers have found Network’ on the benefits and
that a family pet can burdens of having a dog or cat in
lead to strong bonds the family.
and reduced stress for They found that despite the
both children with responsibility of pet care, both
autism and their parents. children with autism and their
According to the study, parents parents reported strong bonds with
of children with autism report their pets. Pet ownership was not
higher levels of stress on average related to parent stress, and parents
than parents of typically developing with multiple pets reported more
kids. benefits.
“Some kids with autism have “Given that the characteristics
specific sensitivities, so a big, of autism spectrum disorder are so
loud dog that is highly active broad, it can be difficult to identify
might cause sensory overload for interventions that are widely
a particular child, while a quiet beneficial,” Carlisle said.
cat may be a better fit,” said study Some of the core challenges
researcher Gretchen Carlisle from that children with autism face
the University of Missouri in the include anxiety and difficulty
US. communicating.
“My goal is to provide parents “As pets can help increase social
with evidence-based information interaction and decrease anxiety,
so they can make informed choices we found that they are not only
for their families,” Carlisle added. helpful in providing comfort and
For the results, the research team support to children with autism,
surveyed more than 700 families but to their parents as well,” she For parents considering adding recommends including the child in pet’s activity level is a good match
from the ‘Interactive Autism said. a pet into their family, Carlisle the decision and making sure the with the child’s. — IANS
Aries
March 21 — April 19
Taurus
April 20 — May 20
Gemini
May 21 — June 20
Today you could feel full of energy and eager to get out for some Your energy is probably pretty low today, Taurus. You won’t feel like Career and financial goals could seem completely stalled, Gemini,
exercise, Aries, but other responsibilities might threaten to keep you socialising, nor will you feel like staying in and reading or watching and this could have you depressed, frustrated, and in something of a
from doing it. The resulting frustration could zap all your energy and TV. Chances are you won’t know what to do with yourself all day. panic. Don’t fall into this trap. This isn’t a permanent condition. You’ll
put you in a lethargic mood. Don’t fall into this trap! Get the most Under these circumstances, the best thing to do is find a distraction. be back on track in a few days. In the meantime, be good to yourself.
urgent tasks done and then get the exercise you need. This way, you Go work out, read a thrilling book, go to a funny movie. Get your Go to your favourite restaurant, buy yourself a present, or spend the
can recoup both your physical and mental energy. mind off your lethargy and it could well disappear. afternoon in a bookstore. If nothing else, you’ll feel better.
Cancer
June 21 — July 22
Leo
July 23 — August 22
Virgo
August 23 — September 22
A colleague could be in a very bad mood, Cancer, and therefore not Plans to go away on vacation or perhaps a business trip could be This isn’t a good day to visit the racetrack, Las Vegas, or any store
the easiest person in the world to deal with. In fact, today he or she put on hold today, Leo. Events you might have been scheduled to that sells lottery tickets. Stay away from the stock market, too, Virgo.
could resist working at all, and you might feel obligated to take up attend could be temporarily postponed. This could leave you feeling Speculation of any kind now could be risky at best and disastrous
the slack. Only do it if the tasks are urgent. It isn’t fair to you to have somewhat at a loss because you’d planned to be away and now you at worst. Read a good book. That’s the most productive thing you
to do someone else’s job. Don’t feel guilty if you leave it unfinished. don’t know what to do with yourself in the meantime. Be your usual could do today!
ingenious self and you’ll find something! Go to it!
Libra
September 23 — October 22
Scorpio
October 23 — November 21
Sagittarius
November 22 — December 21
Your natural compassion may have led you to choose a profession This might prove to be one of those days in which it’s very hard You might have planned to make a particular purchase today,
in which healing or helping other people is your primary duty. to get anything related to work or communication off the ground, Sagittarius, but a quick check of your financial situation could reveal
Even if this isn’t the case, Libra, the people around you may seem Scorpio. You could find excuses to stop working more often than that it would be better if you waited until your next payday. This
particularly demanding today. But be careful not to go beyond usual, particularly if it involves calling people on the phone. Don’t could prove disappointing and frustrating, but look at it this way –
your personal limits or else you could be the one who needs other fight it. Take care of the most urgent tasks. The world won’t come to you’ve waited this long for this item. It isn’t urgent, so waiting a little
people’s help! an end if you put the rest off a while. longer certainly won’t hurt. Do something else today.
Capricorn
December 22 — January 19
Aquarius
January 20 — February 18
Pisces
February 19 — March 20
A lack of physical and mental energy as well as motivation could Usually you enjoy talking with others, Aquarius, but today you won’t A group of friends might want you to go out with them today, Pisces,
have you in a lethargic mood today, Capricorn. You won’t feel like even want to answer the phone. Your physical stamina and mental but you probably won’t feel up to it. Your financial situation could
doing much of anything. You might get extremely irritated at the energy are low, and you could feel out of sorts. It might help if you also require a little belt-tightening now, so you may not feel you can
thought of having to work in any way. It might be a good idea to go go for a walk sometime in the afternoon. You won’t want to waste justify the expense. In any case, you aren’t going to want to spend
to a movie in the evening, preferably a thriller or action movie. This your evening lying around the house. Get the endorphins going and the evening alone. Invite a friend or love partner over to watch a
will get your juices flowing again. then go to a movie. You’ll soon be your old self again! movie with you.12 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
AUDIENCE CROWN ENVOY
FLUNKY KNIGHT MAJESTY
PALACE QUEEN VISCOUNT
BARON DUKE EQUERRY
FOOTMAN LIVERY NOBLE
PRINCE ROYALTY ERMINE
COURTIER EARL ORB
KING LORD
PROTOCOL THRONE
Codeword
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.
Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com
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.Monday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 13
PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down
1 Cocktail drunk before dance (8) 2 Poorly person at home, OK? (7)
6 Bread roll baked and presented 3 In Uttar Pradesh, indigenous
for starters (3) language (5)
9 Harbour with own pole (5) 4 Initially awesome? Excellent,
10 Cross words in castle (7) too (2,4)
11 Shakespeare suffering from 5 Crazy person involved in a cult
animosity? (3,4) (7)
12 Fish amidst rotten chips (5) 6 Buffalo Bill’s beginning with
13 Demure fashions - start of one child (5)
trend (6) 7 Resting place for fish (5)
15 Cake I clear off (6) 8 Religious belief set him off (6)
19 Caged bird one lost in move 14 Directed a horse without
(5) hesitation (7)
21 Explain in detail former 16 Separated, as below (7)
currency (7) 17 Salad ingredient, possibly, is
23 Setback for the other side (7) hard (6)
24 Selection from Parisian 18 Uncover most of red meat (6)
designer range (5) 19 Seize revolutionary eastern
25 It’s required in hearing! (3) boat (5)
26 Slow Tory laid out (8) 20 Start to drink too much port
(5)
22 Factory to design aircraft’s
tail (5)
Solution Answers
Wordsearch Codeword14 GULF TIMES Monday, May 4, 2020
COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD
I’m choosy when it Covid-19: Soha urges people
comes to films: Adah to help migrant workers
Actress Adah Sharma says she is picky Actress Soha Ali Khan has asked people
when it comes to signing films and that to join her in providing rations to 50,000
she tries to pick something that is different migrant workers without income and food
from what she has done before. during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
“Yes, I am picky when it comes to “Covid 19 has struck Dharavi, Asia’s
choosing films. I try to be part of films that largest slum in Mumbai. The only way to
I would want to watch. I also try to pick stop it spreading is if people stay home.
different roles from what I have done. I Please support us to provide rations to
started with 1920. I am very fortunate, the 50,000 migrant workers without income and
actresses in our industry for years don’t food during the lockdown. Click on the link
get a chance to do what I got to do in my to donate,” she tweeted on Saturday.
debut,” Adah said. DIFFERENT: Adah Sharma says she tries to On the personal front, Soha recently said
Adah made her Bollywood debut 2008 do something different with each film. the lockdown has brought her closer to her
with the film 1920. She was later seen family than ever.
in films like Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke, the even if it is a short film like I just did The actress asserted that she tries to do
Commando franchise, Bypass Road and Tindey, moh or a music video. I try to pick interesting activities with husband, actor CALL FOR AID: Soha Ali Khan asks people to
Phhir. She also worked in the southern film something that is different from what I Kunal Kemmu, and daughter Inaaya. join her in providing rations to 50,000 migrant
industry. have done and others have done as well,” “Family to me always comes first! In the workers without income and food.
Adah says she likes to surprise the she said. times of lockdown, your family is what is
audience. She will next be seen in Man To Man. going to keep you together by supporting you “We try to indulge Inaaya in various
“I try with each film to do something The film revolves around actor Naveen and making you laugh or be your partners activities such as drawing, puzzles,
different because the audience also waits Kasturia’s character falling in love with in fun. The lockdown has brought us closer colouring, learning the alphabet or numbers,
to see ‘what different is Adah Sharma and marrying Sharma’s character, only than ever. Kunal and I make sure that we and sometimes we gaze out of windows and
going to do’ and if I do the same then they to realise she was biologically a man who engage ourselves with some or the other play the ‘I spot’ game from the balcony,” she
are like ‘anyone can do that!’ So nowadays became a woman after surgery. – IANS interesting activity,” she said. added. – IANS
Aditya says singers not being paid
is a ‘ pandemic in music industry’
actors to shoot a scene and keep one actor’s
By Durga Chakravarty scene,” said the son of veteran singer Udit
Narayan.
A
“So why this behaviour for singers? Just
fter Neha Kakkar made a because humari bechari our laachari hai (it
shocking revelation about is our compulsion)? Just because we have
singers not being paid, Aditya to make ends meet it doesn’t mean that
Narayan, who has belted out they would do anything. At least give us
hits like Main dooba rahoon Rs1,000 for a song? In a nutshell There are
and Tattad tattad among many others, has a lot of issues I hope we resolve, which is
seconded her saying that singers don’t get a why I encourage my own generation and
“single penny” in Bollywood and that there forthcoming generation to make their own
is a “pandemic in the music industry”. music,” he said.
Neha had earlier said: “We don’t get He said he will help and welcome
paid for singing in Bollywood at all. What aspiring artistes who want to get noticed
happens is they feel that if we give a for their talent.
superhit song, the singer will earn through “I am told that I am a legend and born
shows. I get a good amount from live with a silver spoon. But I know when I have
concerts and everything, but Bollywood to promote my own music, and how much I
doesn’t have this scene. To make us sing a have to do to make a name in the industry.
song, they don’t pay.” It has taken 25 years to be recognised by
Aditya couldn’t agree more. “We the country and the industry. I still feel
don’t get a single penny. It’s like they are I am starting off. I call it the end of the
gratifying us by calling us to sing a song beginning for me at 31-32 years old,” he
and it’s as if a deity has touched us, and we said.
have been blessed by the holy spirit. I have Aditya, however, feels that even artistes
a problem with anyone doing anything in the country are “a little stuck up”.
for free. Let’s not just target the music “When I ask them for collaborations
industry. I am saying don’t make anyone they say ‘paisa paisa’. When they are
do anything for free. Leave this goodwill. called by composers, they go for free. But
Now this new thing has come up that ‘you when another artiste calls you, suddenly
would get exposure’. What will I do with you want money. I think we need to curb
the exposure? Put the exposure between the problem with unity, compassion and
my bread and eat? What will I do with love. I urge all my musician friends and
exposure when I do not have money to run aspiring musicians to collaborate with
my house and basic necessities? So please each other and to be there for each other.
stop exploiting,” the young singer said If you can sing for composers and films
while discussing the reality. for free, I think you can collaborate with
He shared the reason why singers are not other musician friends for free, too. Let’s
paid. empower each other,” he said.
“Why singers are not paid is because 20 “There are a lot of issues, and the only
singers are made to sing one song and then way we can come out of it is by being brave
one company, one producer and actor will and doing this together like the pandemic
decide ‘iska version rakhte hain’ (let’s keep we are fighting. I think there is a pandemic
CANDID: Aditya Narayan believes that the only way music industry can resolves issues is by this version). I never see that happening in the music industry, too, one which we
working together. in any other profession. You don’t call 20 need to unite and fight together.” – IANSMonday, May 4, 2020 GULF TIMES 15
HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
Coronavirus postpones Game
Developers Conference South by Southwest in Austin,
By Todd Martens Texas, and Southern California’s
Coachella Valley Music and Arts
O
Festival, would follow the GDC’s
rganisers behind San lead and cancel or postpone.
Francisco’s Game GDC instead made do with a
Developers Conference week of online programming,
said they were hosting a number of talks that
being “optimistic” had been planned for its March
when they cancelled their March conference, which was expected to
gathering and instead set one for draw close to 30,000 professionals.
August. Now, the continued effects Those conversations were
of the Covid-19 pandemic have quickly prerecorded, allowing
derailed plans for an in-person speakers to interact with viewers in
summer conference. GDC will chat rooms while the presentations
instead stage a three-day digital streamed on Twitch. Many of the
event beginning Aug. 4 as the talks emphasised various forms
ongoing effects of the current of accessibility, in turn creating
health crisis continue to wreak a virtual festival that somewhat
havoc on public meet-ups. accidentally reflected a time when
“While we very much look a new audience might be looking to
forward to meeting again in person games for entertainment.
as soon as possible, we are moving Themes for GDC Summer have
forward with a plan to transform yet to be announced, although
GDC Summer into an all-digital during a conversation in March,
event in order to best serve our conference general manager Katie
community,” read a statement Stern said the current climate
emailed to media and posted on the would no doubt figure heavily into
group’s official website. any programming.
The March gathering, cancelled “I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t
on Feb 28, just two weeks before be addressed,” she said at the
it was supposed to begin, made time. “We have a pretty strong
the Game Developers Conference record of discussing and having
one of the first major events to conversations and talks around
be aborted due to coronavirus topics in the industry that would
concerns after a number of top otherwise be considered taboo. DERAILED: The continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have derailed plans for an in-person summer conference.
gaming companies, including Things like health and wellness
Microsoft, Sony Interactive within studios and handling not yet respond to a request for arrangements and online Internet connection, and will
Entertainment and Electronic harassment in the community and clarification on how GDC Summer collaboration,” said the work hard to deliver the high-
Arts, had already pulled their things around unionisation. Other would be rolled out or what it might conference statement, “we’re quality content and networking
participation. conferences may potentially shy cost to attend virtually. inspired to adapt and deliver opportunities GDC attendees have
Soon, a number of major away from that, but we lean into it.” “As so many game developers GDC in a digital format that will come to expect.”– Los Angeles
conferences and events, including A representative for GDC did embrace remote working be available to everyone with an Times/TNS
DJ Harris sued by neighbour Bieber, Grande’s duet to aid
Covid-19 frontliners’ kids
Popular Scottish DJ Calvin
Harris has been sued by his Pop stars Justin Bieber and Ariana
neighbour for not fixing a Grande will be soon dropping
leaking pipe. their duet song Stuck with U. The
The neighbour Julie proceeds from streams and sales
Opperman says that Harris of the song will help the children
did not fix a damaged pipe, of healthcare workers, emergency
which leads to a flow of dirty medical technicians, paramedics,
water into her property in police officers and firefighters
Bel-Air, reports aceshowbiz. serving on the frontlines during the
com Covid-19 pandemic.
In a suit acquired by portal The song will be released on
TMZ, Opperman professed May 8, and the net proceeds will
that the problem has existed be donated to First Responders POP STARS: Justin Bieber, right, and Ariana Grande.
for a year. According to Children’s Foundation, to fund
the claims made by the grants and scholarships for the “We’re very excited about this for and give much-needed support for
neighbour, Harris has denied children. so many reasons. We hope we make a them and their families.”
to do anything about it even It is the first of a compilation big difference with this and we hope Braun said the project is aimed
though officials have spoken of singles benefiting charitable it uplifts you and makes you feel at showing gratitude to the men
to the deejay twice about NEGLIGENT: DJ Calvin Harris organisations from the singers’ happy and that you love it as much as and women on the front lines who
issue. has been sued by his neighbour manager Scooter Braun’s SB Projects we do. We’ve had a really great time are working to keep people safe
Opperman also claimed for not fixing a leaking pipe. that will be released over the course working on this and we’re so excited and healthy during the Covid-19
that Harris has not fixed his of the year, reports billboard.com. for you to hear it.” pandemic.
cracked walls directly above her house, and she says that she is “I’m so excited to announce that Bieber shared: “More than ever we “They are the everyday heroes and
terrified a part could fall and harm her home below. my friend Justin Bieber and I have are seeing the selfless, tireless and now more than ever they and their
She has also asked the judge to force Harris to fix the water partnered with SB Projects and First amazing work that doctors, nurses families deserve our support,” said
leakage and cracked walls. Responders Children’s Foundation and healthcare providers give to the Braun. Grande and Bieber previously
Opperman is also suing for him for mental and emotional on this little project here,” said world every day. It is our hope we can teamed up for What do you mean
torment, and loss of property value. – IANS Grande. lend our voices to raise awareness (Remix) in 2015. – IANSYou can also read
