Against The Odds - Gulf Times

Tuesday, December 29, 2015Aspire Park CinemaDATE: Dec 24-Feb 5TIME: 6pm-8pmVENUE: Aspire ParkAspire Zone Foundation, in collaborationwith Jeem TV, is presenting for the first timechildren movies on its giant screen behindHayat Plaza, every Thursday and Friday from6pm to 8pm.Qatari Agricultural Product YardsDATE: Until June 30VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al Khor,Al WakrahThe Ministry of Environment will openthe 4th season of Qatari agricultural productyards for selling locally produced fruits,vegetables, poultry, fish and livestock. Workin these yards will continue for 7 months.The yards will operate three days a week onThursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7amto 5pm, with livestock vendors in Al Mazrooaoperating at the same times throughout theweek.Pink Shadows ExhibitionDATE: Ongoing until tomorrowTIME: 10am-10pmVENUE: KataraThe Cultural Village Foundation – Katarais organising Pink Shadows Exhibition bythe Qatari artist Dana al-Safar from 10am to10pm.Luc Tuymans: IntoleranceDATE: Until Jan 30VENUE: Qatar Museums Gallery AlriwaqQatar Museums will present a retrospectiveof the work of Luc Tuymans, the first soloshow of the artist in the Gulf region. Theexhibition, Intolerance, a comprehensivesurvey of the artist’s work, will include aseries of wall paintings and a new body ofwork, ‘The Arena’, created specifically forthe show. Curated by Lynne Cooke, SeniorCurator of Special Projects in Modern Art atthe National Gallery of Art Washington.QBX EXPODATE: Jan 10-12Time: 10am-9pmVENUE: Doha Exhibition CenterThis exhibition is the first of its kind, asit will gather every single business activitystarting from start-ups to the most advancedbusiness establishment. It is for everyonewho wants to keep up with the latest andmost advanced support services and businesssolution to improve productivity.VCU Qatar Spring 2016DATE: Jan 25VENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Doha CityLearn new skills and deepen yourunderstanding of art and culture atVCUQatar. Choose from a large selection ofart, design and craft courses at VCUQatarin Education City or at IAID (Academy forDance, Music & Arts). Register online now,visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/community. Formore details you can call IAID at 44320974/ 44411234 / 66710589 or e-mail us atenquire@iaidonline.org.Reflection eventBetter Connections is one of the largestpublic-private partnerships in Qatar focusedon building the skills of low-income workersand providing them with access to theinternet and other technologies that wouldfacilitate their needs while living in Qatar.Reach Out To Asia (Rota) cordially invitesyou to attend The Better ConnectionProgram Reflection Event to celebrate 2015achievements, held on December 30 in Doha.3COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUTEVENTSGULF TIMESWHEN: Tomorrow at 7pm.WHERE: Ballroom 2, Student Center –Qatar Foundation (KBHU)2016 Ooredoo MarathonDATE: Jan 8, 2016TIME: 10amOoredoo officially opened registration forthe 2016 Ooredoo Marathon, as the companyaimed to make next year’s race the biggest andbest-ever. Now in its fourth year, the OoredooMarathon will take place on Friday, January 8.Ooredoo is working with a range of partnersacross Qatar to encourage more people toparticipate. In particular, the company islooking to encourage more kids to run in thechildren’s races and more people from allwalks of life to get involved in their first race.Harem Al Sultan ExhibitionDATE: Until Jan 10VENUE: Katara Bldg 10The Magnificent Century series hasbecome a television legend, a historicalsoap opera on the life of the Ottoman SultanSuleiman the Magnificent that has now beenwatched by 300mn viewers in 54 countries.This unique exhibition brings the costumes,sets and ambience of the series to Doha,revealing the stories behind the life of theTurkish conqueror and his love for the humbleand beautiful Harem Sultan. Exhibitionvisitors will be transported back to theglorious world of Suleiman the Magnificentand see the artistry and craftsmanship thatwent into creating the iconic props and decorsof the series.Career development workshopDATE: TomorrowTIME: 5pm-8pmVENUE: KataraThe Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurshipand Career Development is a partnershipbetween the Qatar Development Bank andSilatech that is closely aligned to theirrespective visions. Activities are designedto address the needs of youth (aged 18 - 30)wishing to develop their skills and capabilitiesas entrepreneurs, or their employability andwork-based skills.The Color Run QatarDATE: Jan 9, 2016VENUE: Qatar National ConventionCenterYou can join the Color Run this yearand enjoy the time of your life. For teamrunners (4 or more friends): registration willcost QR160 per runner. For solo runners:registration will cost QR170. Kids under theage of 4 years run for free. The Color Run is a5km, un-timed fun run in which thousandsof runners are doused from head to toe indifferent colors at the end of each kilometre.It is open to all of Doha’s residents regardlessof age and ability.Harrods DohaDATE: Until Jan 24TIME: 4pm-1:55pmVENUE: Katara Cultural VillageHarrods celebrates their inaugural launchof the Harrods Doha Village. Be there andexperience luxury in style.Circus Of SoundDATE: Dec 31TIME: 8pmVENUE: Al Majlis BallroomBehold the greatest show on earth: Circus OfSound! Join our ringmasters and circus partyanimals for an immersive experience underthe big top this New Years Eve! Witness ourspectacular circus performers and take part intraditional carnival games whilst bringing in theNew Year in style with the original superstar DJJudge Jules and Defected’s leading lady DJ RAE.Salsa BeginnersDATE: Tuesday, FridayTIME: 8-9pmVENUE: Hilton HotelWhether you’ve danced salsa before or not,you will find what you want. Different salsaclasses with different levels at your service,taught by the best instructors in Doha at EforeaSpa, Hilton Hotel. No need for a partner, noneed for reservation, come as you are. Pricesare QR60 per person per lesson. Visit: www.salsancandela.comIAID Winter WorkshopDATE: Until Dec 31TIME: 8amVENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Al Hilal StreetIAID Winter Workshop 2015 offers anexciting range of courses for Dance, Music,Arts and Fitness for ages 3-18 years. Your kidswill surely enjoy each class with our highlyprofessional Instructors and facilities. Classeswill run from 19-31 December 2015, so hurryand enrol now.Ladies day at BeachDATE: Every MondayTIME: 9am-7pmVENUE: Sheraton DohaFor all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel liketaking some time off for yourself? Come joinus at the Sheraton Resort for an all-day-accessto the beach and pool, along with aqua gymaerobics for free. Nestled on the edge of Qatar’sWest Bay with an unbeatable and uninterruptedviews of the blue sea. Our pool and beach addsa tempting and exciting experience to enhanceyour senses of relaxation. Enjoy only for QR100per person.Contemporary TraditionalDATE: Until Jan 5TIME: 7pmVENUE: KataraThis exhibition is the result of JohnatanMachado’s experience in Qatar, who hasproduced a series of works inspired by Qataritraditional art forms. In this production, theartist utilises traditional local materials suchas Sedu — Bedouin’s fabrics — and transformsthem into great contemporary pieces, creatingnew patterns and building a bridge betweenpast and modern times.Operation Keep Syrian Children WarmDATE: Until Dec 31TIME: All dayVENUE: Al Suhail St, Al MansouraAll For One, a community serviceorganization, gives you the motivation youneed to clean out your closets for a goodcause. Participate anytime throughout theyear by donating any items for winter inthe aid of Syrian children refugees! Thiscampaign runs year round so anytime youfancy a clear out, bring in a bagful and helpbeat the cold of the winter for our Syrianchildren sooner.Pottery workshop for kidsDATE: Every MondayTIME: 5pm-6pmKids will learn a new hand building techniquefor creating and finishing artworks in clay. Formore, call 44865201.Sketching with pencil and charcoalDATE: Sunday and WednesdayTIME: 5pm-6:30pmIf you can hold a pencil, you can draw Discover techniques to make your drawing morerealistic. Every Saturday and Wednesday from5pm-6:30pm. For reservation: arts-crafts@live.com.Works from Mathaf CollectionDATE: Until February 14, 2016TIME: 11am to 6pmVENUE: Arab Museum of Modern ArtThe artworks collection to be exhibitedwill reflect a number of important definingmoments in Arab history and artisticinnovations in the region.Hip Hop for kidsDATE: Every SundayTIME: 5-6pmVENUE: HiltonJoin our Hip Hop classes instructed by Beatsand Bytes every Sunday at 5pm @ Hilton Hotel,Efora Spa. For more info, call on 33003839www.salsancandela.comSwimming lessons for kidsDATE: Saturday to ThursdayTIME: 10am-6pmVENUE: H2O Swim clubThe Swim Club’s goal offers a variety ofswimming programmes for adults and kids.They run the following programmes fromcompetitive squads, leisure swimming forkids, up to adult swimming. Operating hours:Saturday to Thursday between 10am and 6pmTo find out more, please visit their website:http://www.h2oswimclub.com.Fitness TrainingDATE: Sunday, Tuesday, ThursdayTIME: 6pm-7pmVENUE: MIA ParkThere are fitness classes in the park onSunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of fitness,Bootcamp is an intensive and fun way to trainand also meet new people in the open andfriendly group atmosphere. More informationfrom Bootcamp Qatar or info@bootcampqatar.comThe Hunt: Princely Pursuits In IslamicLandsDATE: Until January 9, 2016VENUE: MIAThe act of hunting, rich with symbolism andpageantry, was — and in some places continuesto be — an essential element in the lifestyleof rulers throughout the Islamic world. Assuch, images of the hunt are commonly foundin Islamic art, whether in lavishly illustratedmanuscripts, inlaid metalwork or colourfulceramics.Join in our Walk-in WeekendsDATE: Every SaturdayVENUE: MIA AtriumMIA art education and calligraphy teamsoffer walk-in workshops in MIA’s atrium everySaturday. These walk-in workshops are for openfor all family members.FOODIE CHOICERESTAURANT: Nonna ZannonLOCATION: Sara Tower, West BayNonna Zannon Doha is an authentic Italianrestaurant with floor-to-ceiling windowsall around, a fantastic terrace, its glorioussunlight only matched by its food. Delicious,authentic, home cooked, comforting food,just like Nonna (grandmother) used to make!Reasonably priced.Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: gtlisting@gmail.com, Events and timings subject to change

4GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 29, 2015COMMUNITYCOVER STORYJust not what thedoctor orderedMany patients are turning to nonprescription insulin becauseit’s cheaper and all they can afford, writes Sarah Jane TribbleAs anyone who needsinsulin to treatdiabetes can tellyou, that usuallymeans regularcheckups at the doctor’s officeto fine-tune the dosage, monitorblood-sugar levels and checkfor complications. But here’s alittle known fact: Some forms ofinsulin can be bought without aprescription.Carmen Smith did that for sixyears when she didn’t have healthinsurance, and didn’t have aprimary-care doctor. She boughther insulin without a prescriptionat Walmart.“It’s not like we go in our trenchcoat and a top hat, saying, ‘Uh Ineed the insulin,’” said Smith, wholives in Cleveland. “The clerksusually don’t know it’s a big secret.They’ll just go, ‘Do we sell overthe-counter insulin?’”Once the pharmacist said yes, theclerk just goes to get it, Smith said.“And you purchase it and go aboutyour business.”But it’s still a pretty uncommonpurchase. Smith didn’t learnfrom a doctor that she could buyinsulin that way. Many doctorsdon’t know it’s possible. When sheno longer had insurance to helppay for doctors’ appointments ormedicine, Smith happened to ask atWalmart if she could get vials of themedicine without a prescription.To figure out the dose, she just usedthe same amount a doctor had givenher years before.It was a way to survive, she said,but no way to live. It was horriblewhen she didn’t get the size of thedose or the timing quite right.“It’s a quick high and then, it’s adown,” Smith said. “The down partis, you feel icky. You feel lifeless.You feel pain. And the cramps areso intense — till you can’t walk, youcan’t sit, you can’t stand.”Smith’s guesswork put her in theemergency room of MetroHealth,Cleveland’s public hospital, severaltimes across six years.The availability of insulin overthe counter presents a conundrum.As Smith’s experience shows,without training or guidance froma healthcare provider, it can bedangerous for a patient to guessthe best dosage and timing fromversion to version of insulin.On the other hand, being able toafford and easily buy some whenshe needed it may have saved herlife. There are two types of humaninsulin available over the counter:one made by Eli Lilly and the otherby Novo Nordisk. These versionsof the medicine are older, and takelonger to metabolise than some ofthe newer prescription versions.They were created in the early1980s, and the prices range frommore than 200 a vial to as little as 25, depending on where you buythem.Dr Jorge Calles, anendocrinologist at MetroHealth, isalarmed to think that some peopleare self-medicating with any sortof insulin.“It’s a very serious situation ifthey are selling it over the counter— without any control with aprescription, specifically,” Callessaid.According to the medicalconsulting firm IMS Health,about 15 percent of people whobuy insulin in the growing USdiabetes market do so without aprescription.The US Food and DrugAdministration declined multiplerequests for an interview onthis topic. But, in an email, anFDA representative said that theversions of insulin now availableover the counter were approvedfor sale that way because they arebased on a less concentrated, olderformulation, “that did not require

Tuesday, December 29, 20155COMMUNITYCOVER STORYa licenced medical practitioner’ssupervision for safe use.”The broader availabilityof this form of insulin allowspatients with diabetes to obtainit “quickly in urgent situations,without delays,” the FDA said,and is intended to increase patientsafety.Still, some people with diabetes,as well as some doctors, doubtthat the benefits of that greateravailability outweigh the risks,especially for patients who switchfrom one type of insulin to anotherwithout telling their doctor.“This is not something thatshould be done without the helpof a professional,” said David Kliff,who has Type 1 diabetes and writesthe Diabetic Investors blog. Kliffhas followed and written about theexpanding business of diabetes foryears.FDA officials are “basicallysticking their heads in the sand” onthis issue, Kliff said, and making alot of assumptions.“They look at insulin as a drug,”he said, “and say, ‘There’s thisenormous body of evidence thatshows that the drug is safe.’ But,you know, there’s a little asteriskat the end there. What the littleasterisk basically said is: ‘You know,that’s assuming that the patient istrained on it.’”When asked about safetyconcerns, the FDA said the agencywelcomes more research into thesafety of over-the-counter insulin.One state does requireprescriptions for all insulin. DrKevin Burke, a health officer forClark County, Indiana, led theeffort to require prescriptions in hisstate.“I didn’t realise that insulinwas over the counter in Indianauntil two of my patients, who werein good control, suddenly hadincreased glucoses,” Burke said.He asked them if they had changedtheir diet, lost weight, altered theirworkout routines. They had not.“They both admitted that theyhad decided to switch to over-thecounter insulin, which was differentfrom what I had prescribed,” Burkesaid.Over time, taking the wrongdosages destroys your body, Burkesaid. Poorly managed diabetes cancause complications such as highblood pressure, kidney disease,nerve damage, loss of eyesight andstroke.Burke said he took his concernsto the American MedicalAssociation. But the doctors’group told him there are no datashowing that the drug’s over-thecounter availability is a publichealth hazard. The AMA’s boardnoted that getting insulin withouta doctor’s prescription may be animportant way for some insulindependent patients to get access tothe medicine they need.Dr Todd Hobbs is chief medicalofficer of Novo Nordisk in NorthAmerica, which makes Novolin,one of the two versions of insulinsold over the counter. His companypartners with Walmart to sell itsversion under the brand nameReliOn. (WalMart declined to beinterviewed for this story.)Hobbs said Novo Nordisk’sGULF TIMESversion of insulin is for peoplewho don’t have insurance, or whohave to pay a lot for their otherprescriptions — “people who just,for whatever, reason have fallenthrough the cracks and either don’thave insurance coverage at thetime, or are without coverage.”With rising co-payments andpremiums, he said, many patientsare turning to nonprescriptioninsulin because it’s cheaper and allthey can afford.“But we hope to try to helpthem to not have to do that,”Hobbs said. “We clearly think thenewer versions are more close towhat the body would do on itsOver time, taking the wrongdosages destroys your body,Dr Kevin Burke, a health officer,says. Poorly managed diabetescan cause complications suchas high blood pressure, kidneydisease, nerve damage, loss ofeyesight and strokeown.” The prescription versionsare better and safer, he agreed,because they make it easier forpatients to avoid wild fluctuationsin blood sugar.Carmen Smith doesn’t blamethe insulin she was taking for heremergency room visits.“Insulin is not the problem,” shesaid. “It is getting the insulin that isthe problem. Once I got connectedwith my physician, life as a diabeticgot a lot less complicated for me.”Smith is now on Medicaid. Shehas a doctor — and a prescriptionfor one of the newer generation ofinsulins. — Kaiser Health News/TNS

6GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 29, 2015COMMUNITYAl Qannas Society all set for 2nd InternationalFalcons Veterinary ConferenceAl Qannas Society iscollaborating with theSouq Waqif FalconHospital to organiseQatar’s secondInternational Falcons VeterinaryConference from January 26 to28. This was announced by AlQannas Society’s Vice-PresidentMohammed bin Abdulatif alMissned in a statement yesterday.Al-Missned said: “The secondedition of the conference willdiscuss methods in falconsveterinary. The types of diseasesthat affect falcons specifically inthe Gulf region and appropriateveterinary solutions will be alsodiscussed. The conference willalso shed light on the outcomesof researches carried out by eliteglobal veterinarians, and scientistsand researchers. The conference isunique scientific meeting place inthe field of falcon veterinary.”Al-Missned thanked Katarafor sponsoring the conferenceand helping them with thearrangements.The vice-president of Al QannasSociety pointed out that theholding of the conference stemsfrom importance accorded tofalcons in the traditions of Qatarand GCC countries.He said, “We look forward tocontributing at coming up withvital results in terms of falconstreatments and medication.Holding the conference indicatesthe keenness of Al Qannas Societyto spread awareness about falconveterinary worldwide, to ensuresustainable hunting and maximumbenefits for falcons and falconers.”Al-Missned added, “[TheAl Qannas Society’s Vice-President Mohammed bin Abdulatif al-Missned.conference] provides an exceptionalopportunity to all veterinarians,scientists, researchers, falconersand decision-makers in governmentand private institutions involved infalconry to come together to discussproviding the best care to falcons.”The conference will becomposed of lectures on birds ofprey (mainly falcons), endoscopy,orthopaedic, ophthalmology andsoft tissue surgery master classes,practical lab, and excursionsincluding “Marmi, the challenge”(falcons’ competitions) and a visitto Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation.A captive Saker Falcon used in falconry in Qatar. Photo by Qatari/WikipediaBangladeshi expats celebrate country’s Victory DayThe Qatar chapter of the Awami League Shamsuddin Mondal organised an event to mark the country’s Victory Day recently. The people paid tributes to the martyrs of 1971’s independence war atthe gathering. Ferdous Alam Chow, Abul Kashim, Shed Ullah Haidar, MD Alangir, Rahim Parbez, Muneer U Jaman, Biplob Sharma, Riyaz, KM Julhas, and Mafizur Rahman were some of the prominentmembers of the Bangladeshi community who attended.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015GULF TIMES7COMMUNITYStudents attend Balavelicham programme at MESMES Indian School Principal Mohammed Haroon Khan inaugurated the opening session of Balavelicham recently. Balavelicham, orthe light for youngsters, is a programme that teaches the Qur’an to young people, especially from Kerala. Sulaiman Melpathoor, arenowned educational counsellor from Kerala, attended the programme and delivered the keynote speech in the closing session.Dr Mohammed Shaker, manager IT skills development at Qatar Airways, also interacted with the children, encouraging them toplan ahead for their future.La Villa Restaurantoffers set menu forNew Year’s EveExecutive Chef Lasaad at the La Villa Restaurant of MercureHotel has prepared a special menu to reel in 2016. The setmenu, which will be available to guests starting 7pm onwards,can be checked at the hotel’s Facebook page.MOTORINGInfiniti introduces its most advanced V6 engineAt a special media previewahead of the North AmericanInternational Auto Show inDetroit next month, Infiniti hasshowcased an all-new engine:the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo from the newand exclusive ‘VR’ powertrain family.The new compact and lightweight 3.0-litreV6 twin-turbo engine is the most advancedV6 engine that Infiniti has ever offered,striking an ideal balance between drivability,efficiency, and performance.The engine’s reduced weight andcontained size is credited, in part, to lighterand more compact cylinder blocks. Theresult is greater mechanical efficiency,while a series of new features and in-houseinnovations secure superior performance.“The all-new engine from Infinitireaffirms our commitment to expandingour powertrain and product portfolio,” saidJuergen Schmitz, Managing Director, InfinitiMiddle East. “Both versions of the all-newengine will make its Middle East debut in theInfiniti Q50 later in 2016. Since launch theInfiniti Q50 has performed exceptionally well– with a sales growth of 124% for the firsteleven months of 2015. We are confident thatwith the addition of the new powertrains,it will help Infiniti to further increase itsfootprint in the region.”The all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turboengine has been developed to deliver optimalpower and torque for an engine of its size,together with optimised fuel efficiency.The high-output version of the power unitdelivers 400hp (298kW) at 6400 rpm and475Nm (350lb-ft) maximum torque at 16005200 rpm; while the 300hp (224kW) version(at 6400 rpm) produces 400Nm (295lb-ft)torque at 1600-5200 rpm.These outputs have been achieved whileensuring an improvement in fuel efficiencyof up to 6.7% and this represents a bestin-class power-to-efficiency ratio for the400hp power unit, says Infiniti.This power-to-efficiency performancewas made possible thanks to a set of newlydeveloped features. Advanced timing controlensures improved responsiveness, enablingquicker reactions to driver inputs. Powerdelivery is enhanced through an advancednew twin-turbo system enabling smooth andimmediate responses under acceleration,while aiding efficiency.An optimised turbine blade designhelps the engine generate greater overallperformance, with faster turbine revolutionspeeds allowing for an immediate responsefrom the twin-turbo system. In addition,the V6 engine features a new turbine speedsensor, which allows for the twin-turbosystem to perform at up to 220,000 rpm– at steady condition and 240,000 rpm attransient condition – higher than ever beforefor a V6 power unit, says Infiniti.Selected Infiniti models, among themthe upgraded Q50, will be equipped withthe new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo from2016 onwards, with the engine beingmanufactured at the powertrain plant inIwaki, Fukushima, Japan.The new engine.

8GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 29, 2015COMMUNITYFEATUREIn spooky world of the salt mineAT WORK: A wheeled excavator picks up rock salt inside the Stetten Salt Mine in Germany.By Lena MuessigmannSalt mines are supposed to beterrifying underground hells, butdown in one of Germany’s maincommercial salt deposits, it’sstrangely calm.The off-white salt walls gleam like thesnow on a clear winter night. Salt dustglistens in the light and covers everything,including the skin and lips of the minersat work. When the machinery stops, totalsilence reigns.The Stetten Salt Mine near Haigerloch inthe German state of Baden Wuerttemburghas been in operation for 160 years,extracting salt from under the Swabian Albmountains.A vast labyrinth of cool, dry tunnels havebeen created during this period to extract thevast reserves of salt located 100 to 150 metresbelow the surface.The mine’s operating manager MichaelSchulz has worked in the mining industry for35 years — 20 of those at Stettin — and givesa tour of the underground complex he knowslike the back of his hand.“It’s a world of its own down here,” he says.“Everyone has to be able to rely on everyoneelse.”The underground tunnel networkcombines to a length of 200 kilometresand resembles a fish skeleton. It has abroad central road criss-crossed by smallertunnels to the left and right where the salt isextracted with the help of explosives.The visiting group has lost totalorientation in the tunnel complex by the time

Tuesday, December 29, 2015GULF TIMES9COMMUNITYFEATUREA wheeled digger dumps a shovelful of salt onto a conveyer inside t

Dec 29, 2015 · CAST: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers DIRECTION: Lenny Abrahamson SYNOPSIS: Both highly suspenseful and deeply emotional, Room is a unique and touching exploration of the boundless love between a mother and her child. After 5-year-old Jack (Jacob Tremblay) and his Ma (Brie Larson) escape from the enclosed surroundings