ROUTE 66: THE MOTHER ROAD

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1 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 CAMPUS 3 HEALTH 8 BOLLYWOOD 12 DeBakey students win Weill Cornell Competition Smoking may cause bone degeneration in youngsters dohatoday@pen.com.qa John Abraham starts shooting for Parmanu The two-lane highway established in 1926 and coined the Mother Road by John Steinbeck seemed to encompass the essence of America, threading through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica. P 4-5 ROUTE 66: THE MOTHER ROAD

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3 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 CAMPUS 03 DeBakey students win Weill Cornell Competition Two students from DeBakey High School - Qatar were among the four winners in the Healing Hands Essay Competition 2017 sponsored by Weill Cornell Medicine -Qatar. Alia Ashkanani and Ghalia Ashkanani won The Qatar Doctor of the Future Scholarships, a fully funded two-week experience of a lifetime at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Additionally, Shouq Al Thani and Mohammad Al-Sharif, received honorable mentions for their outstanding essays and were among twenty finalists from high schools across Qatar. Bhavanites 2nd runner-up at Traquest-2017 Bhavan s Public School students Allan Mathew and Ananth Krishna won the second runner-up title at the Traquest-2017 Inter School Quiz finale which was held on May 25, at Birla Auditorium. The quiz, was conducted by Gopinath Muthukad, Quiz Master (MediaOne Malarwadi Quiz Fame) escapologist, life coach, and motivational speaker from India. Principal MPPhilip, congratulated them for their hard work and success in a special assembly at Wakra Campus. MES student tops in English MES pupil Hiba K S performed remarkably well and topped in English with 98% in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Grade XII Examination held in March She is one among the three students who secured highest marks in English.

4 04 COVER STORY THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 America s Mother Road Route 66 revs back to life AFPFor decades, Route 66 captured the imagination of travellers the world over, offering a glimpse of a bygone era of American history, when people hit the road in search of adventure and a better life. The two-lane highway established in 1926 and coined the Mother Road by John Steinbeck seemed to encompass the essence of America, threading through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica. But after it was decommissioned in the 1980s in favour of larger and faster thoroughfares, Route 66 appeared headed for the dustbin of history as the mom and pop stores, kitschy motels, diners and petrol stations that lined the road gradually shut down. Entire towns folded up and what had been a 4,000km carnival became to a large extent a 4,000km ghost town, explained David Knudson, founder and Driving today along stretches of the fabled highway 85 percent of which can still be travelled one can see renovated motels with blazing neon signs, newly opened museums, quirky sights and souvenir shops galore. executive director of the non-profit National Historic Route 66 Federation. In recent years, however, the iconic road that has been immortalised in countless books, movies, music ( Get your kicks on Route 66 ), and a TV series has been experiencing a nostalgia-driven revival that is attracting tourists from around the globe. Ultimate road trip Foreigners come to travel the road because it gives them a chance to experience America before we became generic, said Michael Wallis, a historian and author of Route 66: The Mother Road. It s still the road of adventure because nothing on Route 66 is predictable, he added. I often say, You know what you are going to get at McDonald s... but if you are on an old two-lane such as Route 66, you could go into a cafe, a greasy spoon, a pie place, a diner and you don t know what you re going to get.

5 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 COVER STORY 05 Wallis said the fastest growing groups of tourists on Route 66 are Chinese and Brazilians, as well as Europeans drawn by the idea of the open space and the road trip of a lifetime. I have clients in their 20s and 70s who are fascinated by this road and everyone is looking for convertible Mustangs and Harley Davidsons to experience it, said Zsolt Nagy, who twice a year organizes Route 66 road trips that cost up to $8,000 per person. Business is booming, the roads are better, the signs are better, it s coming back to life, said Zsolt, who is from Hungary and who fell in love with the open road about 10 years ago when he traveled it. I think the legend is growing like crazy. Bob Russell, the mayor of Pontiac, about two hours southwest of Chicago, said his small community of about 12,000 people is a prime example of the resurgent interest in the road. It has been an amazing transformation, he said of the town which boasts four museums, 27 large murals and is considered one of the jewels of Route 66. There is a special aura for Route 66 to the overseas people because it represents freedom, the open road, your scarf around your neck and your hair blowing in the wind. Sundown towns Driving today along stretches of the fabled highway 85 percent of which can still be travelled one can see renovated motels with blazing neon signs, newly opened museums, quirky sights and souvenir shops galore. There are also half-abandoned communities and crumbling ghost towns that echo Steinbeck s epic 1930s novel of the great depression, The Grapes of Wrath, the story of a family that embarks on a journey along Route 66, fleeing the Oklahoma dustbowl for California. And while the road for many may evoke images of a more innocent America, as encapsulated in Norman Rockwell s paintings, Route 66 had a more sinister side for black travellers. Half of the 89 counties that lined the highway were known as sundown towns where African Americans were banned after dark. The author Candacy Taylor was researching a travel guide on Route 66 when she stumbled on The Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed safe places along the road and notably revealed that the Ku Klux Klan ran Fantastic Caverns, a popular tourist attraction in Springfield, Missouri, and held cross burnings inside. All of the American narratives around what it means to hit the open road and the freedom and the symbolism that comes along with that was a dramatically different story for black people, said Taylor, who encourages people to look beyond the bobby socks, the Chevys and the chrome to experience the real Route 66. It s an American icon, just like Marilyn Monroe or Elvis, she said. But Route 66 is not perfect and shiny, there are a lot of cracks in that metaphor, in that illusion of what America is.

6 06 MARKETPLACE THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 Aster launches information book on Migraine Aster Medical Centre, a division of Aster DM Healthcare, the leading healthcare conglomerate in the Middle East and India has launched an information book on migraine. The releasing ceremony was held at Oryx Rotana recently. The booklet titled For Better Management of Migraine Regain your normal life officially released by Milan Arun, President of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). Susmita Pattnaik, President of Indian Women s Association - Qatar received first copy. The book on migraine was written by Dr Harsha Bhatia, Neurologist at Aster Medical Centre, Al Hilal. It details all aspects of migraine constituting what are headaches, different type headaches, migraine, different types of migraines, signs and symptoms, risk factors, how well migraine can be managed and migraine diary. Addressing the ceremony, Milan Arun, President of ICC said, I congratulate Dr Harsha and Aster for this endeavour. I m really happy to say that Aster is concentrating in community activities as well. This is a good effort to educate people on migraine and headaches. Educating the mass on healthcare is extremely important and goes a long way in ensuring the overall wellbeing of individuals as well as the society at large Susmita, President of IWA said, I also take this opportunity to congratulate Dr Harsha on her efforts to educate the mass on Migraine through her well written book that details every aspect that one needs to necessarily know about Migraine. Commenting on the initiative, Dr Harsha Bhatia said, Migraine headaches are among the world s most debilitating medical disorders, according to the World Health Organization. Living with migraines can be a difficult challenge. Almost one-third of migraine sufferers experience moderate to severe disability. The head pain and other migraine symptoms make it difficult for many to function during attacks. I tried to add all areas of migraine in this book. I m really thankful to Aster Family for supports. I also thankful to Milan Arun, Susmita, Office bearers of IWA and my colleagues for their support and presence for this book launch Sharq Village & Spa offers Sihr Al Sharq experience Sharq Village and Spa, a Ritz- Carlton Hotel, welcomes the holy month of Ramadan with a festive ambiance themed Sihr Al Sharq or magic of the orient with hearty offerings for Iftar and Suhour. Located in Al Dasha and Al Sonbok Ballrooms, Sihr Al Sharq Ramadan Tent invites friends and families to experience unforgettable evenings filled with Arabian tradition. As dusk falls each evening, guests may enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring an array of Ramadan favourites, the best of Middle Eastern specialities, authentic Qatari dishes, and a variety of International choices. The culinary team will entertain through interactive live stations serving juicy shawarmas, tender grilled meats, fresh seafood, hearty pasta, and other delectable offerings. For the perfect ending, guests may indulge on the decadent spread of traditional and contemporary sweets accompanied with Ramadan authentic beverages. As a local tradition, Oud players and an oriental live band will entertain guests at the majestic Sihr Al Sharq Ramadan experience. Al Dasha and Al Sonbok Ballrooms comfortably accommodate approximately 400 guests in an elegant and enchanting atmosphere. Corporate hosts who wish to uphold the Arabic traditions of hospitality may treat customers and colleagues to a private Iftar event with a bespoke menu served in the elegant atmosphere of the Al Dasha and Al Sonbok ballrooms. Dining choices during the Holy Month of Ramadan at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel: Sihr Al Sharq Ramadan Tent at Al Dasha Ballroom and Al Sonbok Ballroom Iftar: Daily, Sunset 8:00 p.m. at QR225 per person buffet. Suhour: Daily, 8:30 p.m. 2:00 a.m. at QR250 per person buffet. Al Jalsa Lobby Lounge Daily, Sunset 1:00 a.m. Iftar and Suhour a la carte menu available. Al Liwan Restaurant Breakfast set menu /a la carte (for non-fasting guests): 6:30 am 10:30 am. Lunch a la carte (for non-fasting guests): 12:00 noon 3:30 p.m.

7 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 MARKETPLACE 07 Ramadan at InterContinental Doha The City Al Jawhara Ramadan Oasis Inspired by the traditional heritage of Qatar, the elegant and spacious Al Jawhara Ballroom is your Ramadan Oasis. Sample our carefully crafted selection of vibrant and authentic culinary creations offered for Iftar and Sohour. Dine inside the luxurious tent where you can choose to relax inside the private or social majlis. Iftar Sunset 20:00 For QR195 including Ramadan beverages, enjoy traditional cuisine served with an ambiance influenced by Qatari heritage, and delight in our live cooking stations and mouthwatering displays. Try our specialty traditional desserts such as katayef, kunafa, and a whole range of signature dishes Sohour 21:00 02:00 21:00 03:00 on weekends. For QR195 including Ramadan beverages, feast on traditional delights and try exotic dishes from around the region as you enjoy the soft melodies from our live band and watch a vibrant and captivating tanoura show. For QR115 for a dessert buffet including Ramadan Beverages, indulge all you want in the delightful dessert buffet with sweet treats, traditional favourites such as Katayef and Kunefa and our signature Chocolate Bar. All of which are best enjoyed in the relaxing ambiance of our Al Jawhara Ramadan Oasis. Private Majlis Social Majlis Experience Ramadan with friends and famiily with an enhanced offering and choose between an intimate private majlis, or our relaxing and leisurely social majlis during Iftar and Sohour. A minimum of four people per tent. Early Bird and Group Offers InterContinental Doha The City is offering all groups an early bird offer of up to 25% off on Iftar and Sohour packages if they had booked before May 15. Corporate packages and group rates are also available for those who wish to enrich their Iftar or Sohour experience. For those who would like to gift partners, family and friends with a delightful Iftar or Sohour experience, advanced vouchers are available for purchase. Iftar Ramadan Room Package If you re looking to rest before you break your fast, room and Iftar packages are also available at InterContinental Doha The City. Take a break and relax in our spacious and inviting rooms before Iftar, starting from QR590 per night inclusive of a room for two from 3:00PM 10:00pm and Iftar for two in the Al Jawhara Ramadan Oasis. Room extensions are also available with an additional QR150. Relax before you break your fast Take a break and relax in our spacious and inviting rooms before you break your fast. Starting from QR590 per night. The package includes: Deluxe room for 2 adults from 15:00-22:00 Iftar for two in our Al Jawhara Ramadan Oasis Complimentary high-speed wireless internet Complimentary access to the Health & Fitness Club Prefer to relax longer? Extend your stay with us until 12:00 noon The next day with an additional QR150 Rates are subject to availability and may change without prior notice Breakfast or Sohour is not included in the offer Children s meals and accommodation are chargeable based on hotel policy Offer is valid only during the holy month of Ramadan Restaurant opening hours during Ramadan The Lobby Lounge Open daily after sunset until 01:00 am Prime Daily from 18:00 23:00 Al Jalsa Garden Lounge Closed during Ramadan Re-opening on first day of Eid Al-Fitr Strata closed during Ramadan Re-opening on first day of Eid Al-Fitr The Square closed during Ramadan Re-opening on first day of Eid Al Fitr. Hive Closed during Ramadan Re-opening on first day of Eid Al-Fitr Hwang Closed during Ramadan Re-opening on first day of Eid Al-Fitr Rejoice in the celebration of Eid and dine at The Square for lunch or dinner with your beloved friends and family. A wide array of international favourites and culinary delights await you. On the three days of Eid: Lunch 12:00-16:00 International Buffet at QR155 Dinner 18:00-23:00 International Buffet at QR180 Have a festive eid holiday in the heart of west bay Enjoy a lavish stay and book our Eid package starting from QR860 per night for a premium room. Inclusive of: Premium room for two Eid lunch for two at The Square Complimentary high-speed wireless internet Complimentary early checkin at 12:00 noon Complimentary late check-out at 17:00 Complimentary access to the Health & Fitness club 20% discount on laundry 20% discount on food and beverage Additional person charge will apply at QR200 on extra bed including Eid lunch at The Square Valid from June 25-28, 2017.

8 08 HEALTH THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 Smoking may cause bone degeneration in youngsters Youngsters who smoke may be at risk of developing low bone density a condition that may lead to an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, experts say. Smoking has a negative effect on the bones, causing loss of bone mass and, eventually, premature osteoporosis when young people take up smoking, Raju Vaishya, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said. Smoking as a habit typically begins in high school or the college years, when bones are still developing. It also interferes with calcium and vitamin D absorption in the body. Besides, in case of a bone injury, a person who smokes is more likely to have a longer period of recovery and greater risk of complication, doctors noted. Smoking during the years of bone-building puts you at risk of osteoporosis in later stage. Smoking after 30 will speed up loss of bone mass almost twice as faster, Vaishya added. Smoking kills over one million people in the India annually, according to The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India report. The economic burden of tobacco consumption is around Rs104,500 crore per annum. In a study, recently published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society, smoking was found to be an independent risk factors for low bone density among both men and women. Each additional pack-year of smoking raised the odds of having low bone density by 0.4 per cent. The participants with normal bone density had an average of 36.6 pack-year of smoking, while those with low bone density had an average of 46.9 pack-years of smoking history. Seasonal flu may increase risk of Parkinson s disease Researchers have found evidence that environmental factors, including infection with influenza, may increase risk of developing Parkinson s disease. Most cases of Parkinson s have no known cause, and researchers continue to debate and study possible factors that may contribute to the disease. The new study published in the journal npj Parkinson s Disease showed that a certain strain of influenza virus predisposes mice to developing pathologies that mimic those seen in Parkinson s disease. Here we demonstrate that even mice who fully recover from the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the previous pandemic (also called swine flu ) are later more susceptible to chemical toxins known to trigger Parkinson s in the lab, said Richard Smeyne, Professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, US. Previously, the researchers showed that a deadly H5N1 strain of influenza (socalled Bird Flu) that has a high mortality rate was able to infect nerve cells, travel to the brain, and cause inflammation that, the researchers showed, would later result in Parkinson s-like symptoms in mice. Inflammation in the brain that does not resolve appropriately, such as after traumatic injury to head, has also been linked to Parkinson s. Building on that work, the current paper looked at a less lethal strain, the H1N1 swine flu, that does not infect neurons, but which, the researchers showed, still caused inflammation in the brain via inflammatory chemicals or cytokines released by immune cells involved in fighting the infection. Using a model of Parkinson s disease in which the toxin MPTP induces Parkinson s-like symptoms in humans and mice, Smeyne showed that mice infected with H1N1, even long after the initial infection, had more severe Parkinson s symptoms than those who had not been infected with the flu. Importantly, when mice were vaccinated against the H1N1, or were given antiviral medications such as Tamiflu at the time of flu infection, the increased sensitivity to MPTP was eliminated. The H1N1 virus that we studied belongs to the family of Type A influenzas, which we are exposed to on a yearly basis, Smeyne said. Although the work presented here has yet to be replicated in humans, we believe it provides good reason to investigate this relationship further in light of the simple and potentially powerful impact that seasonal flu vaccination could have on long-term brain health, Smeyne added. Smoking during pregnancy may damage babies liver Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is likely to cause damage to foetal organs, especially to the liver, and may do lasting harm, revealed a study. The findings, led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh, showed that the potent cocktail of 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes was particularly harmful to the prenatal developing liver cells. The liver plays a major role in regulating metabolism by clearing toxic substances from the body. The study also showed that these chemicals damage livers of male and female foetuses differently. While the male tissue showed liver scarring, the female tissue showed more damage to cell metabolism, the researchers said. For the study, published in the journal Archives of Toxicology, the team developed a novel way to analyse the effects of maternal smoking on liver tissue using embryonic stem cells. Cigarette smoke is known to have damaging effects on the foetus, yet we lack appropriate tools to study this in a very detailed way. This new approach means that we now have sources of renewable tissue that will enable us to understand the cellular effect of cigarettes on the unborn foetus, said David Hay from the University of Edinburgh. Scientists used pluripotent stem cells non-specialised cells that have the distinctive ability to be able to transform into other cell types to build foetal liver tissue. Liver cells were exposed to harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, including specific substances known to circulate in foetuses when mothers smoke. The results revealed that a chemical cocktail similar to that found in cigarettes harmed foetal liver health more than individual components.

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10 10 FOOD THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 Sara Moulton The Washington Post Serve with shredded sauteed carrots with crushed red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon, or with peperonata - slowcooked sweet bell peppers with onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes and capers. A lasagna recipe that puts asparagus in spotlight 6 servings Ingredients 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pans 1 3/4 pounds asparagus, tough ends discarded and stalks peeled when thicker than 1/3 inch Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 3/4 cups part-skim ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 18 square wonton wrappers 10 ounces Italian fontina cheese, coarsely grated Directions Position an oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element; preheat the broiler. Use a little oil to lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet and a 9-by-13-inch lasagna pan or jellyroll pan. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet; drizzle 1 tablespoon of the oil over it and toss to coat, then season it lightly with salt and pepper. Broil the asparagus for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan several times, until the edges just begin to brown. Let cool; reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Cook the onion in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Transfer the onion mixture to a blender, along with the ricotta, flour, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the center knob of the blender lid (so steam can escape); puree until fairly smooth. Cut the cooled asparagus in half crosswise. Arrange 6 wonton wrappers on the bottom of the lasagna pan, leaving a little space between each one. Arrange half the asparagus on top of the wrappers and top the asparagus with one-third of the ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly, and one-third of the fontina. Put another wonton wrapper on top of each mound (edges lined up or turned to create a diamond shape), and top with the remaining asparagus, half of the remaining ricotta mixture and half of the fontina. Finally, top with the remaining wonton wrappers, ricotta mixture and fontina. (You can also split the remaining asparagus to create a third layer.) Roast (upper rack) for about 20 minutes, or until the fontina has melted and the wontons wrappers are golden brown at the edges. Increase the temperature to broil (with the pan still in the oven); broil the lasagnas for 1 minute, or just until nicely browned on top. Serve right away. TIP You can broil the asparagus and prepare the cheese mixture a day or two in advance, then layer them with the wonton wrappers right before you pop the lasagnas in the oven.

11 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 FOOD 11 Carrot coconut cake Bonnie S Benwick The Washington Post 4 servings There s not much of a rise in this cake, but its texture does approximate that of a baked carrot cake with a moist, dense crumb. And it couldn t be easier to make.you ll need a 6-inch round cake pan. Ingredients 1/4 cup liquefied coconut oil 1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup packed peeled, grated carrots, plus a few shavings for optional garnish 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, plus more, toasted, for optional garnish 1/2 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup chopped pecans Cream cheese frosting Steps Whisk together the oil, sugar (to taste), egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, carrots, flaked coconut, flour, baking powder and pecans in a medium bowl; do not over-mix. Pour a cup of water into the Instant Pot and then set a trivet in it; place the mix in the cake pan and place the pan atop the trivet. The water should not come up higher than the bottom of the cake pan. Lock the Instant Pot lid. Press the manual button and set the timer to 20 minutes. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Carefully quick-release any additional pressure until the float valve drops, then unlock the lid. Transfer the cake pan to a wire rack to cool. (Drain the Instant Pot.) To serve, invert onto a platter. Spread the frosting on top, if using, then garnish with the optional toasted coconut flakes or optional carrot shavings. NOTE: To make just enough cream cheese frosting for this cake, whisk together 4 ounces room-temperature cream cheese, 8 tablespoons (1 stick) room-temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 8 tablespoons confectioners sugar and a pinch of kosher salt in a mixing bowl, until smooth. Nutrition: Per serving: 300 calories, 3 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 23 g fat, 17 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 25 mg sodium, 2 g dietary fiber, 17 g sugar.

12 12 BOLLYWOOD THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 Shooting Sanjay Dutt s biopic was fun: Karishma Tanna Actress Karishma Tanna, who has a cameo in the biopic on Sanjay Dutt, says the experience of working with director Rajkumar Hirani and actors Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal was a lot of fun, courtesy their jokes and pranks. Ranbir, Raju Sir and Vicky used to crack jokes and pulled my leg with a poker face. I don t know them that well to know whether they were lying or making a story up. I used to happily listen to those stories and after some days, I would realise that was all made up. I really like light-hearted and humourous people. Ranbir, Raju Sir and Vicky were a lot of fun on set, Karishma said from Bengaluru where she launched the apparel collection of Skechers Performance apparel range. The 34-year-old actress, who first featured in the television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, later went on to do other projects on the small screen. She ventured into Bollywood in 2005 with Dosti: Friends Forever. She also did a Kannada movie titled I Am Sorry Mathe Banni Preethsona. In 2013, came yet another Bollywood outing for her Grand Masti. While the audience has been seeing Karishma for years altogether, she feels her appearance on reality TV show Bigg Boss 8 in 2014 gave them a chance to know her better. Asked if the show gave a boost to her career, Karishma said: I wouldn t say it boosted my career, but people have known me better after Bigg Boss. People knew who Karishma Tanna is always, but through Bigg Boss, they know me very well -- what kind of a personality I have, what do I do in the morning and what do I do in the evening, what type of clothes I wear, how do I do my hair, how do I do make-up. Since she was promoting an apparel line, she was asked about the importance of fashion in her life. She said: Fashion for me is reviving different things I like to stand out everytime I dress up and what I m comfortable in. I need to be extremely confident and comfortable in the attire I wear. As actors, it is our job to stay up to the mark and we were prepared for it before entering this industry. In my mind, it is there that I am an actress and I have to be good and these are the things I have to keep in mind to have a great career. I like keeping myself hydrated and taking care of my body, skin, hair... I feel it s good to maintain yourself, she added. Priyanka Chopra in talks for two new Hollywood films Actress Priyanka Chopra, whose Hollywood debut film Baywatch is yet to hit screens in India, is in talks to join two projects indie drama A Kid Like Jake, starring Jim Parsons and Claire Danes; and Rebel Wilson starrer Isnt It Romantic. According to variety.com, Priyanka will shoot A Kid Like Jake in June and then immediately begin production on Isn t It Romantic in July before returning to television series Quantico. A Kid Like Jake, which will be directed by Silas Howard, follows two parents who are in the process of filling out kindergarten applications for their four-year-old boy who is gender variant. After realising that they can t afford private school tuition, the director of Jake s preschool encourages them to emphasise Jake s gender variance to help him stand out and earn a scholarship. Meanwhile, Todd Strauss-Schulson s Isn t It Romantic will also feature Adam Devine and Liam Hemsworth. The romantic comedy follows a young woman (Wilson) who gives up on love only to mysteriously find herself trapped inside a romantic comedy. Priyanka became popular in the West through her lead role in Quantico, which has had two seasons so far. John Abraham starts shooting for Parmanu Actor John Abraham has started shooting for his upcoming production Parmanu The Story Of Pokhran, based on the successful nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan in John took to Twitter, where he shared a photograph of the film s clap-board and captioned: Day 1.. Parmanu. The Story of Pokhran. Our biggest test ever! Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran also stars Diana Penty and Boman Irani. John has also written the film along with Saiwyn Quadros and Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh (writers of Neerja ). The music of the film is helmed by Sachin-Jigar. The road to Pokhran has been paved. It s time to embark Actress Vidya Balan is set to dance to Sridevis chartbuster Hawa hawai from the 1987 blockbuster Mr. India in the forthcoming film Tumhari Sulu. For Tumhari Sulu, produced by T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment, the iconic number is being recreated by Tanishk Bagchi, known for giving contemporary touch to 1990s hit songs like Humma humma and Tamma tamma. The makers felt that instead of getting the track re-sung by a new voice, it would be wise to retain Kavita Krishnamurthy s voice, on a journey to revisit the mission that changed the place of India on the world map and turning the course of modern India s position in the world as a strong nuclear state, John said in a statement. The film is slated to release on December 8. For us, this is not just a film. It s a dedication from our side to all our soldiers of our country from all the forces. Also to all the scientists to dedicate their lives for the country. We are just sharing their story with the world and we are very proud of it. It s a film that every fellow Indian will surely be proud of, said the film s producers Prernaa Arora and Ajay Kappor. Vidya Balan to do a Sridevi in Hawa Hawai as the track was synonymous with her unique vocals. Rajeev Surti will choreograph the track in June. The film s director Suresh Triveni said in a statement: I am elated to have such a cult number in the film. It plays a key role in the film and is not just a remix for the end credits. Our intention is to pay a true tribute to the original and revive it in its full glory. I am looking forward to the flower power team of Vidya and Neha (Dhupia) to break a leg. Tumhari Sulu, a slice-of-life family film, will release worldwide on December 1.

13 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 TECHNOLOGY 13 Android software creator unveils Essential phone AFP A creator of the Android software powering smartphones around the world steps into the hardware market with a handset that promises to tackle the clutter, complexity and rapid obsolescence of current devices. Andy Rubin said in an online post that he is issuing a high-quality phone called Essential that includes accessories such as a 360-camera that can be attached magnetically. For all the good Android has done to help bring technology to nearly everyone, it has also helped create this weird new world where people are forced to fight with the very technology that was supposed to simplify their lives, he said. The Essential smartphones will first be released in the United States, where they can be reserved at the website for $699. The 360-camera can be ordered for an additional $50. Rubin expects Essential phones, which are powered by Android software, to begin shipping in about 30 days. Rubin said he created the company behind Essential to use 21st-century methods to build products for the way people want to live in the 21st century. That mission includes letting people decide what features they want on phones, keeping products simple, using premium materials and enabling devices to evolve so they don t become outdated every year. Google s abandoned Project Ara dabbled with the idea that smartphones users could customize their devices with modular components. Motorola however recently began to sell its own Android-powered modular smartphone. Rubin was a co-founder of Android, which Google bought in Google makes Android software which powers most of the world s smartphones available free to device makers. But Rubin left the company about three years ago to launch a fund devoted to cultivating hardware technology startups. The Essential will have to compete in a crowded field. Andy Rubin has quite a reputation and anything he launches will be accorded a fair measure of respect, Jackdaw Research analyst Jan Dawson said. But the pitch here feels so much like almost every other new entrant in the market, he added. I m extremely skeptical that this phone will do any better than any other recent attempt to change the smartphone market. Rubin showed off the Essential phone during an on-stage interview at a Code Conference in California. He said that his company is also working on a digital assistant device along the lines of Google Home or Amazon Echo. Essential is creating a new Ambient operating system to power the home assistant. Rubin said the goal is to make it capable of interacting with the broad array of smart appliances or household gadgets no matter which company makes them. Building bridges is the way we are thinking about this home device. The Essential home assistant will have a touch screen as well as voice-command capabilities. Rubin wants the device to be able to synch with digital assistant software made by Amazon, Apple, Google and others. I want to be inclusive, Rubin said at Code. The premise is that consumers don t want just one company s products in the living room. We have to inter-operate. Rubin is chief executive of Essential, which is the first company spun out of a design studio at the venture fund he founded after leaving Google. More youngsters sharing personal data online with strangers In the age of social media, a worrying trend of sharing private and sensitive content with strangers is fast growing among youngsters, Moscow-based cyber security firm Kaspersky Lab said. Almost 93 percent of Internet users share their information digitally, with 45 percent of them sharing their private and sensitive videos and photos with others. Seventy percent of them share photos and videos of their children online with strangers. But the trend is worse among members of the younger generation who make large amounts of their personal information accessible to strangers. By disclosing important and sensitive information with other people, you relinquish control over it, because you can t be sure where that data is going, and how it will be used, said Andrei Mochola, Head of Consumer Business, Kaspersky Lab, in a statement. Almost 44 percent of Internet users make their information public, but once data has gone into the public domain, it can travel far beyond the control of its owners. The findings further showed that one in five people admitted that they share sensitive data with people they don t know well. Nearly 37 percent people shared their financial and payment details online, thus inviting a financial attack and over 40 percent had shared scans of their passports, driving licences and other personal documents. Almost 30 percent Internet users shared their passwords with others online. Ten percent have shared the PIN for accessing their device with a stranger and 22 percent have left their devices unlocked and unsupervised among a group of people. Furthermore, nearly 23 percent have given their device to another person to use for some time, the report noted. The study revealed that young people are the most likely to share private and sensitive photos of themselves with others. While it s completely unrealistic to expect Internet users to stop sharing photos, personal details and other information with each other, we do urge people to think twice before they share important information publicly online, Mochola suggested.

14 14 CINEMA PLUS THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 NOVO Pearl Winter s Dream (2D/Action) 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Deep (Animation) 3D 11:00am, 3:00, 7:00 & 11:00pm 2D 1:00, 5:00 & 9:00pm The Exception (2D/Drama)11:00am, 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50 & 12:00midnight Fireman Sam: Alien Alert (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:20, 1:40, 3:00, 4:20 & 5:40pm Dear Other Self (2D/Tagalog) 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm Gifted (2D/Drama) 11:15am, 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 & 11:15pm Guardians of The Galaxy 2 (2D/Action) 12:00noon, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15 & 11:00pm Stratton (2D/Action) 11:30am, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm King Arthur:Legend of The Sword (2D/Action) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Alien Covenant (2D / IMAX/Thriller) 11:30am, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30pm & 12:00midnight Winter s Dream (2D/Action) 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00pm MALL Dobaara (2D/Hindi) 1:30 & 8:30pm Deep (2D/Animation) 1:30pm Fireman Sam: Alien Alert (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:30pm The Boss Baby (2D/Animation) 3:30pm A Family Man (2D/Drama) 3:30pm Dear Other Self (2D/Tagalog) 8:30 & 11:00pm The Exception (2D/Drama) 8:30 & 11:00pm Winter s Dream (2D/Action) 11:00pm LANDMARK Deep (2D/Animation) 1:30 & 3:30pm The Boss Baby (2D/Animation) 1:30pm Fireman Sam: Alien Alert (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:30pm The Exception (2D/Drama) 3:30 & 8:30pm A Family Man (2D/Drama) 8:30 & 11:00pm Dear Other Self (2D/Tagalog) 8:30 & 11:00pm Winter s Dream (2D/Action) 11:00pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. ROYAL PLAZA Hindi Medium (2D/Hindi) 1:30 & 8:30pm Deep (2D/Animation) 1:30pm Fireman Sam: Alien Alert (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:00pm A Family Man (2D/Drama) 3:30pm Winter s Dream (2D/Action) 3:30 & 11:00pm The Exception (2D/Drama) 8:30 & 11:00pm Dear Other Self (2D/Tagalog) 8:30 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN Godha (Malayalam) 8:30 & 11:30pm Sakhavu (2D/Malayalam) 11:00pm Sachin: A Billion Dreams 11:00pm Rakshadhikari Baiju (Malayalam) 8:00pm Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam (Telugu) 8:00pm & 02:00am Thondan (Tamil) 8:30pm AL KHOR Sachin: A Billion Dreams (Hindi) 12:00noon, 3:00, 9:00pm & 12:00midnight Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam (Telugu) 10:30am & 9:15pm Sakhavu (2D/Malayalam) 11:45am & 11:45pm Godha (Malayalam) 1:15pm & 12:15am Thondan 2:45& 8:45pm SAKHAVU A student political leader who fights for his left-wing ideals. When some people try to use him in order to fulfill their intentions he is forced to fight for his ideals. VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER BABY BLUES HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

15 THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017 BRAIN TEASERS 15 CROSSWORD CONCEPTIS SUDOKU Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9 9 grid. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3 3 box contains the same number only once. ALL IN THE MIND Yesterday s answer AL PACINO, BRAD PITT, BRITNEY SPEARS, BRUCE WILLIS, CAMERON DIAZ, CHER, DOLLY PARTON, DREW BARRYMORE, ELIJAH WOOD, EWAN MCGREGOR, GEORGE CLOONEY, HALLE BERRY, HARRISON FORD, HUGH GRANT, JENNIFER LOPEZ, JODIE FOSTER, JOHN CUSACK, JOHNNY DEPP, JOHN TRAVOLTA, KEANU REEVES, KEVIN SPACEY, KURT RUSSELL, LIV TYLER, MADONNA, MEL GIBSON, TOM HANKS. King Features Syndicate, Inc. 10:10 American Pickers 11:00 Alone 11:50 Duck Dynasty 12:40 Swamp People 13:30 Ax Men 14:20 Mountain Men 15:10 Lost In Transmission 16:00 Storage Wars 16:50 Pawn Stars 18:30 Big Easy Motors 20:10 American Pickers 21:50 Gold Hunters: Legend Of The Superstition... 22:40 Time Team 23:30 American Pickers 13:05 How Do They Do It? 13:30 Garage Gold 14:20 Gold Rush 15:10 What On Earth? 16:00 Gold Divers 16:50 Misfit Garage 17:40 Street Outlaws 18:30 How Do They Do It? 19:20 What On Earth? 20:35 Garage Gold 21:00 What On Earth? 21:50 Salvage Hunters 22:40 Todd Sampson s Body Hack 13:45 Monster Hammerhead 14:40 Wildest Islands 16:30 River Monsters: Lair Of Giants 17:25 The Lion Queen 18:45 Wild Ones 19:15 Tanked 20:10 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 21:05 The Lion Queen 22:00 Wild Ones 22:25 Wild Ones 22:55 Wildest Islands 23:50 River Monsters: Lair Of Giants 13:05 Star Darlings 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 14:55 The Zhuzhus 17:30 Bunk d 18:50 Best Friends Whenever 19:15 Star Darlings 19:20 Liv And Maddie 20:35 Cracke 21:05 Bizaardvark 21:30 That s So Raven 21:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 22:00 Shake It Up 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch

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