DYMag August 2013 Issue

Dhi Youth Movement Youth for Youth, to empower and to lead

AG DHI YOUTH MOVEMENT MAGAZINE

Issue No. 05 AUGUST 2013 Photo Credits: Mahin Fayaz (facebook.com/mahinfayazphoto)

Dhi Youth Movement Youth for Youth, to empower and to lead

DYM core group at the 0th Anniversary photo shoot

NTRIBUTORS

Shuma Stylist

Shanan / Photographer fb.com/craftedseries

Niu Stylist

Tobi / Photographer fb.com/monkeygraphy

Dholhas Author

Isham / Author @adamisham

Shifraz / Poet @ashifraaz

MH / Author @mhbellaluna

Andhu Author

Shanaz Author

Shaayan Author

Nasif Author

Thihnan Author

Ixmaeal 'Blood' Naaeal Author

Girl in toque Navin /photographer m/NavinSaeed.Photography Author

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08 August 12 August 13 August 19 August

- Fitr Eid - International Youth Day - International Lefthanders Day - World Humanitarian Day

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D YM

DYM recommends

The Reason I Jump

DYM recommends - Books

by Naoki Higashida

A memoir of a thirteen year old with Autism, this book is an eye opening ray of hope and understanding about the daily struggles of Naoki. With disarming honesty and a generous heart, Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. This is a must read for all, for parents with autistic children and the rest of society, for once we must make the first step in getting the answers we do desperately seek.

Rating: â…˜

The Gravity of Birds

by Tracy Guzeman

Natalie and Alice Kessler are two very different sisters who were very close until one incident in their adolescent life made them apart. One summer, Alice finds comfort in a painter named Thomas while Natalie was indifferent about it. Several years later, Thomas tries to bring back the past by finding a broker to sell a painting of the sisters but things take a turn for the wrong when the sisters cannot be found.

A tale of love and mystery, this is a thriller that will keep you turning the pages.

Rating: â…— 10

Necessary Errors

by Shaha

by Caleb Crain Jacob Putnam finds himself in the post revolutionary Czechoslovakia in the early 90’s where he discovers a country struggling between capitalism and communism. As Jacob’s journey through the land of possibility continues, he finds that he is not the same person who set foot in the country. A riveting tale of new hope possibility and adulthood, this book captured the souls of many.

Rating:4/5

Counting by the 7’s

by Holly Goldberg Sloan A twelve year old genius who sees the world differently, and counts by 7’s only connects to her adoptive parents and her life goes on smooth until one day everything is shattered. Her parents get killed in a car accident and Willow suddenly finds herself in new surrounding trying to cope with change and finding the strength she never knew she had. A tale of loss, strength and hope, this is sure to create that warm fuzzy feeling when you read.

Rating: ⅗ 11

DYM recommends

D YM - Playlist

You’re Always on My Mind – A Great Big Pile of Leaves The Indie rock band from Brooklyn just released their second studio album, You’re Always On My Mind which boasts of songs like Snack Attack, Back to School and Fun in the Sun. With titles so fascinating and great music to go along with lyrics that makes sense when you’re eating, this album is to a summer tale to be remembered for ages. Back to School is a melody that brings back nostalgia of school days, of the summer romances, the dates at the beaches and the plans for tomorrow. We have great hopes for this band.

Rating: ⅗ 12

Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke Robin Thicke’s 6th studio album Blurred Lines received mixed reviews from critics and was called sincere and playful. There are 11 great songs including the title song Blurred Lines which was commercially very successful with a number peak at charts in several countries. More songs include Good Life, Give it 2U featuring Kendrick Lamar and Ooh La La. While most songs are more poppy than Thicke’s usual style, it’s also very fun and the dance-pop element is noticeable in all songs.

Rating: ⅗

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DYM recommends

Stars Dance – Selena Gomez The former Disney star Selena’s debut studio album Stars Dance is the fourth overall album from her, this time without the Scene. The 8 tracks in the album follows themes of love and relationships, most notably the relationship with Pop singer Justin Bieber. Come and Get It is the first single that received great commercial success while songs such as Forget Forever and Slow Down are close to the hearts of several twenty somethings all around the globe. The maturing lyrical content in the album has been praised by many while others are not as approving. All along, it’s a nice album to listen to when you’re going through a tough time, a break up or you just want some meaning in life.

Ratng: ⅘

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The Civil Wars – The Civil Wars The second studio album by the duo of Civil Wars is self titled and boasts of great music composition and lyrical content. With songs like Eavesdrop and I Had Me a Girl, the duo that composed Safe and Sound with Taylor Swift shows us yet again why we love them in the first place. Love, life and loss seems to be a common theme among all songs that makes this album a wonderful collection of times to be remembered.

Rating: â…˜

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DYM recommends

D YM - Movies we Love

Jobs The much anticipated movie based on the life of the great inventor and entrepreneur Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple. Ashton Kutcher stars as Jobs depicting his journey to making Apple the company it is today, the relationships with his friends and his personal philosophies.

The film shows the scenes of Silicon Valley in the 70’s, Steve’s biggest accomplishments and his personal battles. The film is to receive mixed reviews among critics, but is definitely a must-watch for everyone!

Release Date: 16 August 2013 16

Blue Jasmine New York Socialite Jasmine moves in with her sister when her life falls apart including her marriage to wealthy businessman Hal. Jasmine now must come to terms with her fall, and learn to put the pieces together and pull herself up in her sister’s modest apartment in San Francisco.

Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin star as Jasmine and Hal in this drama written by the master of the macabre – Woody Allen. Already being called the strongest movie Woody Allen has made in years, the critics have given high ratings for the movie.

Rating: 4/5

The Spectacular Now Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley star as Sutter and Aimee who are worlds apart but meets by an unexpected accident when Sutter gets drunk and wakes up on a lawn with Aimee hovering over him. Sutter is your typical live in the moment guy, the life of the party with no plans for the future and Aimee is the complete opposite. She is the nice girl who reads science fiction and has big dreams for the future. Sutter’s delusion of the spectacular now has no place for Aimee, or does it? This brilliant coming of age movie has breakout hit written all over it, and has been called “the next great teen movie” by Spin magazine.

Rating: ⅘ 17

DYM recommends

D YM - on the TV

Orange is the New Black S1 Piper has a mysterious wild past that comes to haunt her and she gets arrested and put in a federal penitentiary for a crime committed in her youth. She must now join other inmates in orange and leave her fabulous and comfortable New York life. She discovers unexpected occurrences inside the four walls of her new home, including battles in the kitchen, new romances and so much more.

America’s Next Top Model C20 Cycle 20 is a very special cycle for Tyra. All the contestants – America’s Next Top Model goes mix gender! The new cycle has 8 girls and 8 guys who will be competing for the title. With guys and girls in the Top Model house, we can only assume that this cycle would bring a lot more drama, a lot more romances and much intense competition, not to mention amazing photoshoots!

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Burn Notice S7 Michael is faced with new dangers in this new season of Burn Notice.

Michael’s new mission sends him to Dominican Republic to infiltrate a terrorist organization, while Sam and Jesse try to move on, but gets drawn back in due to circumstances. When Michael comes face to face with his enemy, he realizes that in order to protect his future, he must face his past first.

Wilfred S3 Ryan forms a unique friendship with Wilfred who is a dog but Ryan sees him as a man in a dog’s suit. In S3 of Wilfred, Ryan and Wilfred take on a new adventures including a search for Wilfred’s original owner, random friendships with Wilfred’s enemy- the mailman, Ryan’s personal life and changing relationships and becoming a crime fighting duo!

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Story

Over the Shoulder “The air between them was dense with tension and raw sexual energy; so dense that if a fly were to fly betwixt them, I dare not wager that it would appear through the other side. But as the laws of physics describe, such energy cannot hold, and must quaver in the spectrum of the other realm. (name), feeling the dissuading of the taut air between him and (name 2), moved in closer, as a musician tightens a string, to keep the tension unresolved. (name) felt the disturbance in the force alike, and took him amble forward.”

“But to no avail did such efforts manage and like water through a sinking ship’s hull, the air of the most bland medium did seep through the tensious barrier. Once more, the rift between them, now filling up at an ever increasing speed, drew the two further apart. The bubble raised, and swelted, and swelled; the two rose off the ground as the pressure bade them up. (name), feeling that the bubble should pop at any time, extended her hand and grabbed (name 2)'s extremity.”

“And as the bubble exploded with the fervor of a young man's dreams, (name) was able to utter one last word-" “Okay stop, stop good God stop! Where are you going with this? We are supposed to be writing an article with a message, jackass, not Romeo and Juliet 2: The Softcore Erotica Sequel”, interrupted X as Q was reading his paragraph aloud.

"You mean Romeo and Juliet 2: This time it’s personal..."

The chill of the most recent downpour and their combined writer’s block was still fresh in the air. Q and X were quite clearly frustrated at their lack of progress, for the two sought refuge from the ever nearing deadline under the glass house of sarcasm. As can be expected the situation quickly proceeded to stone-throwing

by Dholhas & Sifr

“….”This time it’s personal?””, questioned X. “You’re just jealous ‘cause that was awesome okay X? Just… okay?” Q fired back pathetically.

“This entire thing you wrote reeks of sexual frustration and desperation. Desperation of a raggedy recluse that women avoid at any and all cost.”

“Pfft. Why else would women hang around me, breathing in my man musk, soaking up the warmth cast off by my unshorn genitals, basking in my unbridled virility, if they didn't want to have sex with me? My loins are like a siren's song, luring in any females foolish enough to get too close. And THAT, X, is why women avoid me -- they fear their own lack of self-control.”

“They fear something all right.”

“Hey!! What is that supposed to mea-“ Q was interrupted a second time by a loud bang set off directly above them. The weather, which had been previously unable to make up its mind, decided on heavy downpour again as if on cue.

“This rain is getting old fast.” Comment X without amusement.

He looked out the window. The trees outside were dancing to a dub-step song.

“At least one thing is sure.” Added Q “Yeah?”

“We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Almost as if the cosmos is willing us to write this blasted story.”

It was already a good way into the night and they had barely written anything. It wasn’t supposed to be this hard. The continuous banging of the incoming bullets of rain were undeniably headache-inducing. They looked at their empty laptop screen with despair. X, caved, got up from the bean bag and waded his way across the room. He fell heavily onto the bed.

“Just our luck” Lamented X 20

“I am going for to get something to drink. You why you haven't woken up yet. But you have want something?” Q to wake up. She needs you. She's doomed without your help. I can only give you a few “Yeah. Inspiration. A sign. Maybe a few more hints to help you on your way.

Lamborghinis and a jet too. So kind of you to Otherwise they'll come and take me away ask.” before I finished.

Q recovered from the shock and burst out, With a shake of the head Q headed off to “There is this thing invented quite recently. the kitchen. The old house groaned in the You might’ve heard of it. It’s called a wind and the stairs creaked on more than a “keyboard”. Or did you just ruin my laptop for few steps. [Since it was only the two of them a joke!?” the small home was dimly lit. It gave the u s u a l l y w a r m h o u s e a s o m b r e “If I did that, don’t you think I would appearance.] As Q was rummaging remember?” through the fridge for edibles, he thought he heard a slight whimper in the other room. “No.” Having immediately dismissed it to the angry weather, he made his way back to their “True… I am not a clever man…” conceded X. living room to find a pale, horror-stricken X pointing at the laptop screen.

Just then, Q suddenly felt a slight tingling sensation running up his spine, quickly “You look like you’ve seen a ghost riding a followed by ominous breathing down the bright pink moped with your…. Your…“ Q back of his neck. It was cold. Very cold. faltered to a stop.

“This is some freak weather… it’s actually On the laptop screen, dressed in scarlet red giving me a cold shoulder… hahaha” were words. Words that were either etched t h o u g h t Q s h o r t l y b e f o r e s i l e n t l y onto the screen or painted on… it was too congratulating himself. hard to tell at this distance. It read: “That wasn’t a clever pun or rhyme, Q” a Personally, I enjoy all the clues indicating voice answered back. that this is a dream. No, this. Your life. It's all a dream. You. Yes, you.

They looked at each other. The voice belonged to neither of them.

The one reading this. It's all a dream. You haven't been following the clues, which is To be continued… (Dedicated to II) 21

Fashion and Beauty

LOOK BOOK

Colored Jeans Combo Since the reintroduction of colored jeans in the fashion circuit circa 2009, seems like the style is here to stay and won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon. And what’s most fashionable and “in” the Maldives are colored jeans. Rainbows of colors and the classics in the form of denim jeans or jeggings are the sights you behold on the streets of Male’. Here are some outfits put together to help you to keep it simple and stylish, because often times simplicity is a fashion on its own.

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out the patriotism in you in a modish fashion with the Maldivian flag on a tee shirt styled with white jeans. For accessories a traditional fattaru bai and T strap wedge sandals completes the look.

This might be a combination you might want to consider to wear for the upcoming elections.

by Shuma / Model: Sam / Photographers: Shanan & Toby / Assistance: Luha & Thoopi / Special Thanks: Dapper

Contemporary Faimini This outfit brings

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by Shuma / Model: Sam / Photographers: Shanan & Toby / Assistance: Luha & Thoopi / Special Thanks: Dapper

Fashion and Beauty

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Environmentalist in Style: W h i te environment recycle slogan tee shirt matched with plum j e a n s . Co m p l e m e nt i n g accessories and headband a n d c h o co l a te b ro w n slippers finishes the look.

Wearing these clothes you are chic while sending out an important message to the world.

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Fashion and Beauty

Earthy:

This outfit

focuses on earthy tones and natural colors. Orange jeans styled with funky cut out tee shirt and retro hairstyle. This might just be what the modern day woodland fairies are wearing, if they existed.

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by Shuma / Model: Sam / Photographers: Shanan & Toby / Assistance: Luha & Thoopi / Special Thanks: Dapper

Fashion and Beauty

Classy:

This

s o p h i s t i ca t e d l o o k i s perfect for a night out.

Simple yet you will be standing out with a brilliant blue jeans and plain black V n e c k t e e s h i r t. F o r accessories, statement red necklace and red slippers balances out the look.

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by Shuma / Model: Sam / Photographers: Shanan & Toby / Assistance: Luha & Thoopi / Special Thanks: Dapper

Fashion and Beauty

SHOPPING

FLATS!

Flat shoes or slippers are what is mostly preferred by us Maldivian ladies as the go to for footwear for it gives us comfort and style without compromising the shape of our spine and really, there are so many to choose from, ballet flats, thongs, slippers, flip flops and more, so to help you ladies find the perfect glass slippers that fit you below featured are some very chic and fashionable flats available from the shop Finesse, right here in Male’. Here are styles with comfort.

White diamond flats with ankle straps suitable for casual occasions.

Nude leather ballet flats with a front bow tie suitable for any occasion.

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Nude leather ballet flats with buckled front suitable for any occasion.

Black leather ballet flats with front bow tie suitable for any occasion.

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Fashion and Beauty

Green leather slip ons with leather straps suitable for casual wear.

Funky multi colored slippers perfect for casual occasions.

Blue slip ons with bead T straps suitable for casual occasions.

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Orange leather ballet flats with front bow tie suitable for casual occasions.

Pink leather flats with front bow tie suitable for casual occasions.

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Fashion and Beauty

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Photo Credits: Shuu

Turtle

Theory

Photo Credits: Mahin Fayaz (facebook.com/mahinfayazphoto)

Special

How did you guys get into music?

Faffaan: I would say family influence. All along I knew I would be in it.

Battu: We come from families highly involved in music.

Piko: Most of us have a musical family background.

How’d the old band get started?

Shammu: We were playing out. And Battu was in a band but we met and decided to play together. Battu: We just jammed together. And I think we surprised ourselves. It all fell into place. First it was me, Piko, A alu and Shammu Faffan: I was the last to join somehow. (laughing it off) Why Turtle Theory?

Shammu: It’s an inside joke. You can’t imagine how many times people have asked us that.

Piko: It’s a question we have never really answered. (laughs all around) Faffan: It’s an inside joke.

Why ‘mix acoustic’ genre?

Piko: Mix acoustic genre is the music most in tune and appealing to us. It is what we listen to the most.

Battu: Yeah and it goes with our feel. We express ourselves in that.

Aalu: Even when we are jamming it clicks.

Faffan: Yeah it just clicks.

Do you guys have that one song, that you feel, stands apart from the rest?

Gonna Be Fine

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What is the greatest compliment and the greatest criticism you guys have got?

Aalu: The greatest compliment I would say is that when a fan says that you know the song is by Turtle Theory just by listening to it. So that’s pretty great.

Faffaan:Also, Fujee (Detune band) upon hearing us told us that we did not sound like a bedroom band, which we are at first. T hat was a great motivator for us.

Battu: Someone said that we don’t sound very good. So that’s there too.

Shammu: 3/10 (laughing it off) How is your music inspired? By your own experiences?

Faffan: Hope!

Shammu: Gonna Be Fine. It is all about hope.

Piko: We try to inspire people with what inspires us.

Are there any themes in particular that you like to write about?

Battu: Not really. It’s actually like all of it.

Faffan: We have a song about hope; we have a song about love.

Shammu: We even have a song with no utter meaning but just random words.

Photo Credits: Mahin Fayaz (facebook.com/mahinfayazphoto)

Special

Who inspires you the most as musicians?

Faffaan: John Mayer.

Aalu: Beatles is a general favourite for us.

Shammu: John Frusciante Battu: Blink-182 Piko:?

Who are your favorite Maldivian musicians?

Zero Degree Atoll, One Knight Stand, The whole of Dimba Family Have you ever been moved by just listening to a song?

Faffaan: John Mayer’s Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. And if we think about lyrics it would have to be Stop This Train. It’s about life Piko: Learning to Fly, Pink Floyd.

Aalu: Crack the Shutters, Snow Patrol.

Do you plan to explore other areas of music? Which?

Battu: Yes. Blues, Jazz, country. Anything but metal. Nothing against it though.

Acoustics. It sort of defines us. Its our signature.

Who would you like to be as famous as?

Piko: We don’t really play for the fame.

Shammu: We do it for the love of it.

Faffaan: But I like how John Lenon is famous for peace.

Piko: If we were to be famous we would like to be a band that is famous for inspiring others.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Faffaan: John Mayer Shammu: RHCP Aalu: Green Day. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Piko: We might be in different places in the

world but hopefully, we’d still be playing together.

Faffaan: We are going to be older but we will still be jamming together. This one time we were playing in Seahouse and I was feeling nervous although I’ve been on countless stages. So I turn around to just say something and I see all of these guys standing with me and I think “they are all here”. I chilled right away. Right there.

What is your favorite thing to see in the audience while you are on stage?

Sing along. Wave hands. Just participate.

What would you say is more important?

Fancy equipment or consistent practice?

Consistent practice

Is music a talent or a skill?

Piko: Both.

Battu: Talent and skill actually. Talent that grow into skill. Not something that you can’t acquire.

Shammu: You need to have to have the passion for it.

Faffan: When you have the talent you can do it naturally but when you have the skill you can do it better than the others.

What is your message to aspiring musicians out there?

Go for it!

What would you like to say to your fans?

Piko: Stay tuned.

Faffan: We couldn’t have come this far without you.

Shammu: Hope you never unfan us!

Aalu: We love you!

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Photo Credits: Mahin Fayaz (facebook.com/mahinfayazphoto)

Special

SHAMMU

FAFFAN

What were you like as a child?

Curious.

One unforgettable memory.

Our first gig Three things that you want to do before you die.

- Fly a plane - Go to Venice - Skydive Meeting your favourite musician or getting your favorite instrument?

Meeting my favourite musician; John Frusciante.

Happiness or Fame?

Happiness Fans or critics?

Critics. Not that I value fans any less.

One food you can live on for the rest of your life.

Pasta

What were you like as a child?

I must have been adorable.

One unforgettable memory.

Meeting all these guys.

Three things that you want to do before you die.

-Skydive.

-Perform on a street with an open case and succeed.

- Visit Stamford Bridge.

Meeting your favourite musician or getting your favorite instrument?

I would prefer the instrument. I could do anything with ES175 Happiness or Fame?

Happiness Fans or critics?

Critics, in terms of improving but fans are a big part of us.

One food you can live on for the rest of your life.

Noodles

IF’S: Is there anything you would have done differently in your career?

What?

Not exactly.

If you had to listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Nirvana If you weren't a musician, what would you be?

I would be a painter

IF’S: Is there anything you would have done differently in your career?

What?

I wish I focused on harmonica as a kid before I even got interested in the guitar If you had to listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

John Mayer. I love him If you weren't a musician, what would you be?

I want to help people. I want to give people my opinion.

Something like a counselor but not a political one. Because I think I can blend in with people and understand people.

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PIKO

BATTU

What were you like as a child?

Quiet One unforgettable memory.

First gig that we played Three things that you want to do before you die.

- Skydiving - Visit all seven continents - Attend the world cup Meeting your favourite musician or getting your favorite instrument?

Meeting my favourite musician; Roger Waters.

Happiness or Fame?

Happiness Fans or critics?

Fans.

One food you can live on for the rest of your life.

Nutella. Yes I’m fine with JUST nutella.

What were you like as a child?

I think i must have been retarded One unforgettable memory.

Our first gig.

Three things that you want to do before you die.

-Explore the world -Mountain climbing -Inspire people that there is always room for peace Meeting your favourite musician or getting your favorite instrument?

Getting my favourite instrument Happiness or Fame?

Happiness Fans or critics?

A little bit of both One food you can live on for the rest of your life.

Lasagna

IF’S: Is there anything you would have done differently in your career?

What?

I would have started at a younger age.

If you had to listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Pink Floyd. They’re just good for all moods.

If you weren't a musician, what would you be?

Less interesting.

IF’S: Is there anything you would have done differently in your career?

What?

I wouldn’t do anything differently because I express my thoughts through my guitar If you had to listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Jack Johnson If you weren't a musician, what would you be?

I would be a chef because you know, good food always makes you feel good and cooking is a fun thing to do with friends and all

Photo Credits: Mahin Fayaz (facebook.com/mahinfayazphoto)

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O.M.G., why won’t you love your country?

by Shanaz

The younger generation, our generation, is often accused of not loving our country the way we are supposed to, in other words we are believed to lack patriotism. Then again this isn’t a sentiment that can be generalized. There has been youth movements organized to spread the sense of national unity amongst us regardless of the geographical location. One of them being RaihGaumu 2013; gatherings, music shows, and football matches were organised under this name. It didn’t blatantly claim to reinforce patriotism, yet this was exactly the sentiment that was shared via the flurry of tweets and self-portraits wearing red with the hashtag #Raihgaumu. This article is not on any level criticising ‘Raihgaumu’ or any events in relation to it, after all, it might be just the thing this island nation needs.

You may now ask, so people are taking these opportunities to prove and validate their love for the nation, what is the big deal? Perhaps it is the irrefutable need to constantly validate it. How far would you go with your country, how true you’re your claims of “my country, wrong or right”?

Whenever one claims or questions the integrity of patriotism, there is always that one person who argues that patriotism is bad, and that one person who counters it by saying that there is a clear distinction between nationalism and patriotism. For the sake of argument, here I have lazily copy pasted George Orwell’s definition of

patriotism, "devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people." He had further described nationalism as “the feeling that your way of life, country, or ethnic group is superior to others and warned this feeling can lead a group to impose their way of life on others”.

The more you read more into it, the more you feel the virtual lines blur and bleed over onto each other. If it is as simple as patriotism = good, nationalism = bad, we have a lot of explaining to do to people who lived in Nazi Germany, Stalin-era Russia, and all the people who had to live through wars. And let’s not forget us, one of the many nations which was colonised.

Sure, not all of these are equally atrocious, but the fact that it is atrocious remains to be seen. The worst part is not that these unjustifiable acts were committed, but that they were accepted as acts of patriotism, and as the right thing to do at the time.

Patriotism, along with nationalism, is a huge part of what makes our national identity. It is often a word that incites guilt as we are constantly pressured to validate it. There are occasions where you wonder whether not lifting a finger to stand up for our country, or when we admit to others that we are weak and flawed, are considered as bad patriotism. What we don’t acknowledge, however, is that patriotism comes laced with arrogance, egotism, and conceit.

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From a young age we are taught to respect our culture, the flag, the emblem, and to stand up for our nation. But we are never taught what it means to be a country. We are taught to celebrate independence, but never what it was like to be colonised, or the responsibilities which comes with being independent. We simply don’t understand the implications nor do we try to. We are, however, expected to be blindly patriotic.

If you are thinking how this would affect us, or how this is even relevant to us, you are forgetting a large proportion of our country is immigrant workers. Patriotism creates an ‘us’. We, as Maldivians have found common ground in the shared culture, religion, and language. In the process of creating an ‘us’, we create a ‘them’. And ‘they’ are usually viewed as inferior to ‘us’. When was the last time you looked up to the Bangladeshi worker taking out your trash with respect? When was the last time you intervened when the Sri Lankan construction worker was being beaten up on the road? Here we are, a rising middle class society with the mentality that we love our country, we don’t need some outsider here thinking they can steal the jobs, conveniently forgetting that we feel that we are better than a blue collar job.

It is unlikely that we will go full on ‘Rwanda 1994’, meaning to say that the probability of Maldivians launching an ethnic cleansing campaigning that would result in mass genocide is pretty low. And we might not be a country

with a military force ready to wage war on other countries we believe are wrong, but we do demonstrate how patriotic we are every day, rather negatively. We might not be making an impact on a global level, but really, are we not making an impact on an individual level?

It is entirely possible that patriotism is indeed more than simply another political instrument for manipulation.

The line between nationalism and patriotism are practically non-existent, one cannot exist without the other. Ask yourself, who benefits from patriotism, why does loving your country naturally make you a better person.

This article is not preaching antipatriotism but is simply asking you to not be blindly patriotic. If being patriotic is truly about justifying atrocities and creating “aliens”, we are truly facing a bigger dilemma than mere doubt. This is an increasingly globalizing world; there is no stopping the intertwining of cultures and movement of people in and out of countries. Do we push away everyone who we believe do not fit into our concept of “us” or do we open our minds and welcome “others” even though we might not have a common ground besides, of course, being human.

Wise words from Alfred Pennyworth, fictional character created by Bob Kane, “The past can talk to the future, if the present has ears to hear and eyes to see with”. History does have an odd habit of repeating itself.

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Martha Sliter once said, "A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat." I agree with her.

Why don’t we ever see pretty summer hats here? On that group of friends strolling along artificial beach, on those families going to Hulhumale’ or Villingili, on the people walking on the roads of our beautiful but scorching hot islands or even on that group of young girls who are out shopping? I am pretty sure many people’s answer to this question would have something to do with the fear of being laughed at, or how the majority of our society labels hats as silly. Or maybe, they just don’t like hats. Either way, it’s high time we changed this ridiculous notion that if you wear a hat, you are either a queen-wannabe or a Gaga-wannabe.

Contrary to the popular belief among us Maldivians, hats are NOT goofy.

Firstly, hats are downright fabulous. A hat would be the first thing a person notices about you. Worn right, they could be the epitome of grace and elegance. Women’s hats became fashionable in the late seventeenth century and the trend bloomed in mid 1800’s. Artistic creations

from Tulle, Velvet, Swiss or Italian straws became a necessity. Since then, hats have been used around the world as protective headgear, fashion statements or status symbols. Timeless fashion designer Coco Chanel started her career by designing hats. Over the years, beautiful women like Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn have worn hats with a certain kind of grace and dignity that only confident, sophisticated style icons like them could have pulled off.

Even though hats are indeed, stylish, I have to agree that over the years the world has witnessed some utterly ridiculous hats worn in various fashion shows, by some celebrities and of course, by the British royalty. A great example would be Princess Beatrice’s headpiece at the Royal Wedding 2011, which the Dailymail quoted as “a ludicrous addition, perching on her forehead at an impossible angle.”

The mental image of this hat itself might have scared some of us off the thought of wearing hats. However, hats are more than just a fashion statement. I’m sure nobody could commit any major fashion faux pas with a beautiful fun summer hat.

Considering that Maldives is a country where summer is all year round, hats would be the perfect way to pull off that chic summer look while remaining sunsafe.

In a nutshell, there are a million reasons why we should bring hats back in. They are fun, they are flirty, and they are pretty.

I’d say, do it. Be bold, be gorgeous, be safe, and wear oversized, pretty hats!

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Image Credits: www.morefashionable.com 49

Spot

Celebrating Diversity Live, love, travel.

A boy of the Venda tribe of Zimbabwe sat at the center of the crowd of onlookers. Fluid movements of his fingers along the traditional flute of his nation, the udu, seemed to amaze the spectators. The observers, unable to waver their gazes from the boy who with astonishing dexterity increased his pace. The music was coming alive. This was no ordinary melody, this was a harmony that had been passed down through the generations note for note.

This was music that can never be heard anywhere else on the planet. This was what made this lone boy of the Venda tribe different. This music was one of the many traits that were unique to his people. As the boy ended his final tune with unmatched grace the crowd started to disperse. Every single one of them knew that they had just witnessed something special. Every society, every individual has attributes that make them different, these traits are what defines us as a society and as an individual. Such is the beauty of diversity. Such is the beauty of difference.

Diversity quite simply means difference, whether it be ethnic, cultural or social differences. Diversity has always been the agenda behind tourism, and tourism is responsible for some of the drastic changes in communities in terms of social and economic development and also a key factor in improving relations worldwide.

by Nasif

Tourism has enhanced different cultures around the world. It has helped us foster mutual respect, value differences and promote cross cultural understanding.

Tourism provides the opportunity for residents to interact with other people and cultures and brings new ideas into the community. And diversity brings tourism to life. It is the unique differences of every culture that makes it so desired to be explored. To be experienced.

Difference is part of life. Diversity is huge. Diversity is limitless. it ranges from a nation’s forests or wildlife to a person's ideologies. Everyone has different opinions. Everyone has different beliefs and principles. This is a fact that everyone needs to accept. Tourism is the one industry that has contributed greatly to celebrating these differences, It has also notably helped societies overcome intolerance and accept newer things in both social and cultural aspects of living. When one person stays his entire life in one place and was to never to travel or never meet other people with different social backgrounds he would never truly be able to apprehend diversity. It is by travelling and experiencing with one's own eyes and ears that one will see the different colors of cultures. The many faces of society. The beauty of diversity.

Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. It is something every nation, every society and every 50

individual possesses. It is something worth celebrating every day. In today’s world one way exists to truly celebrate diversity. It is through preservation.

Preservation of what we have, what we've had, and what we've lost. Our history, our language, our cultural practices and our way of living.

Otherwise we may lose our uniqueness and our very own identity.

Tourism truly is an asset in improving international relations and understandings. Tourism is an invitation to experience life. To share in the beauty of uniqueness. Instead of withdrawing into one's own culture, be open, Diversity is real, it is something good. It is not something to fear or to be threatened by. Diversity is what enriches our lives, As a community and as an individual. Celebrate uniqueness.

Celebrate difference. Celebrate life.

Image Credits: changedesktop.com 51

Spot

26 colours of independence

by Isham

It is the celebration of freedom, joy and patriotism with vivid colours and overwhelming rejoice of wholeness. On 26th July, 1965 Maldives was granted its rightful freedom by the British. Leaving July 26th as a colourful and eventful date on the calendar and among all Maldivians nationwide. Since 26th July was the day on which Maldives restored its pride and its worth as a nation and moved away from the cages to free path. Independence day celebrations in Maldives takes place in an euphoric milieu of love and togetherness, symbolizing the prolonged respect and love knitted as a community. This July 26th our island nation, Maldives would fete the 47th Independence day as the nation proceeds toward overcoming several obstacles of achieving democracy and development.

Over the years of our history, we have witnessed our nation laugh and cry as we grew with our country. Our independence has been tested at several occasions, even by the nature herself. Making us go through the agony of natural disasters, making us cry the tears of joy for high achievement in both our educational and sports arena. However, the question is, will our blissful memories fade away with the political and social unrest we face today. We are a nation that is well-known as the sunny side of life with the white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters along with opulent gardens of corals and marine creatures. We have corroborated to the world that, no matter what the situation is we remain united as an example of truly peaceful and harmonious land of natural splendour.

These are the components that we relish and mark during our Independence day. As they are the origins and foundation of our independence, and bringing out the rainbow of the existence of our freedom.

Independence day is marked with processions and performances of fluxing

traditional values and modern themes through vibrant gatherings. On this auspicious occasion of nationalism modern drills and traditional dances are performed by the children and youth of distinctive institutions in colourful attires. As a nation all the 350,000 people who live on these green islands shares a smile of belongingness with the prodigiousness feeling of nationalism. However, today our differences are shadowing over the growth of the magnificent shades of the independence that we revel in. In this manner, the mirthfulness of our national celebration would soon end up as a chapter of history inked with melancholy and we might never get to witness the jubilance of 26th July. As a matter of fact, the fundamentals which sustain and uphold the nation, that of inimitable culture, language and religion we share are presently in a tenuous condition.

Waning the brilliant colours of the light bulbs, the banners of optimism and the hue of the attractive attires and functions we host to honour the toil for freedom we are in.

The scar of immurement has not yet been healed as the nation enters a new era of autonomy and rights. Our nation is an ambitiously growing island community, and preserving its hardly earned gift of independence is upon the hands of the youth and today’s generation. If today, we being in this society of struggles and continued social and political wrangles, get lost in its midst, we might fail to pass the luxuries of independence of the tiny island nation scattered across the Indian ocean and never be able to possess and be able to take the pleasure of the multiple colours of true independence. Rather end up in a black and white world of remorse and guilt as an individual and a nation who lost the priceless o ff e r i n g o f t h e d i v e r s e c o l o u r s o f independence.

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Column

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7TH SEPTEMBER 2013 maves vote laanan!

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Voting

A democracy is a governing system, where eligible citizens of a state, vote to select a representative of their own. In our case, it’s the island and atoll councilors, parliamentarians and the president.

While the concept of putting in a vote for a candidate is a simple concept, it’s implications are vast and powerful; the piece of paper you put in that ballot box represents what you want to see in your country in the future.

You choose what is important to you. That piece of paper you put in, carries a lot more weight than you think.

People often say that ‘every vote counts‘. Do they mean it in a literal sense?

Does one vote really have the chance to change an outcome of an election? Probability and logic tells me that it’s most likely negligible.

I think the saying is based on the fact that in a true democracy, each individual has the right to have a say; the right to express what you want to say. The right to choose what you want to see in this country. You, me and everyone else hold an equal stake in the future of this country.

But the question is, would you call our country a true democratic nation? I have met several individuals who say ‘no’. Some of them are disheartened by the fact that no matter who or what they vote for, they do not see it materialize before them. Others are just frustrated by the incompetence and disappointed in the lack of genuinity of who they voted for. Others just don’t believe in the system altogether.

I understand and agree with most of them in some level. However, I do think that our system of government is all new. A country doesn’t become democratic overnight, after decades of autocratic rule. We need time. We need patience. Most of all, we all need to do our

part in making it a democratic country. … and your part in making this country a democratic nation, is to vote. Why though?

It’s not really easy to go for a vote whenever we have to decide something, is it? It is why we elect representatives, ie; the President, Parliamentarians, Local Councilors.

We lend our voices to them, so they can speak for us, because let’s face it – it would be kind of hard to listen if everyone’s talking, right?

I agree that a democracy has it’s flaws.

But it’s the closest to what we really want. We all want to be heard.

An important factor in a true democratic vote would be it’s inclusivity, and respect for minorities, I think. A vote where everyone gets to say what they want to say. True, by the end of the vote, it’s all about the majority. But the important fact we need to remember is that everyone is heard and that the electee listens.

So you don’t like the candidates who are running in the upcoming elections. What would you do? Do you choose the lesser evil?Choose to not vote?

What we need to remember is that your responsibility as a voter does not end when you drop that piece pf paper into the ballot box. Your true responsibility comes after the election. As much as the electee who was elected, you as a voter have an equal responsibility in making your elected member accountable for his/her actions. This is the bit that most people forget.

Another thing we need to remember is that, in such a polarized situation such as ours, we must be paranoid and watchful enough on how certain individuals could use your unused ballot paper unethically on election day. So, best thing to do is (strictly in my opinion) – to vote anyway, despite your frustration.

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“your responsibility as a voter does not end when you drop that piece pf paper into the ballot box.”

I still have hope for this country. So should you.

I would vote, because I have a stake in this country – I want to be heard. It doesn’t matter if anyone is really and truly listening. My vote matters, because I matter.

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Column

Infirmities in Life PSORIASIS

by Thihnan

In celebration of August being Psoriasis Awareness Month

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The skin is an amazing organ even though studied about quite less compared to other organs in the body such as the heart and the brain.

The skin cells come together and provides overall protection for your body. These important cells live for about 28 to 30 days (roughly a month). When skin cells are dying, they move to the upper surface of the skin and are removed due to showering and other daily routines.

This may seem like a not-soImportant process but just ask someone with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the cell die rapidly in a span of about 3 to 4 days. This causes the rate of dead cells produced to exceed that of the dead cells removed so dead cells end up accumulating on the surface of the skin. This occurs in patches or clumps in certain regions of the skin and the affected person suffers from severe itching.

causes the nail to deform and end up breaking away from the skin.

Sadly, there is no way to get rid of this irritating condition but we can help you ease the symptoms.

Spend more time with water.

Regular prolonged soaking in baths or even swimming can reduce the itching Pick up the thickest moisturizer you can find. Regular moisturizing can prevent the affected areas from drying up and reduces inflammation. This plays a vital role in keeping the condition from getting worse.

Choose soaps carefully. Harsh soaps can lead to further drying of the skin making the condition worse so choose mild soaps for sensitive skin

If you are overweight, slim down.

Being overweight makes psoriasis more uncomfortable and harder to Psoriasis is not contagious. The level control. of seriousness varies from person to person. Some affected people only B e c a r e f u l w h e n t a k i n g have small patches of red. Others medications. Always make the have large areas of their body doctor aware if you have psoriasis. covered in very thick patches. In Some medications can significantly extreme cases, the condition worsen your condition such as those spreads to under the nails which with lithium or beta blockers etc.

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Health

Living

YOU VS. HAIR FALL

by Thihnan

Fall fighting shampoos? More serums and oils? Treatments too?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we and our hair are definitely tired of fighting this endless battle with hair fall. To be honest I am sure some of us have hair brittle from all the ‘treating’ and is ready to give up. While most products and salons try to get us to groom our hair artificially, why not play the one card we still have left? Attack the root cause (no pun intended) of the problem and go full on natural! Here is how!

The right ingredients!

Don’t be too hard on yourself. One of the reasons why you may be having hair fall is because you are simply missing essential vitamins mainly vitamins A, B and E. Going into the science behind it, vitamin A produces anti-oxidants which promotes the growth of sebum for the scalp, vitamin B produces melanin which gives hair a rich color and vitamin E provides a good circulation of blood for your hair follicles.

Bottom line; it’s good for you!

No better weapon than hot oil!

The procedure is very simple. Heat up natural oil, massage gently into scalp, leave for about an hour preferably with a shower cap on and rinse it out. Just remember ‘hot’ in this context is literally comfortably warm, not hot!

Bring on the juices Ginger, onion and garlic juices are proven to help you out in your fight against hair fall. Just try using only one juice at a time. Never mix them all up!

Nature’s tea; Green tea Apply this herbal tea on your hair and rinse off after leaving for an hour and let it work its magic.

Let’s hope at least one of these are effective for you. If not, don’t lose hope! Remember that stress and lack of proteins such as milk can also cause hair loss.

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image credits: newhair.com.au and miracleskinnydrops.com 61

Recipe

So lately I have been craving brownies a lot. Yes, its normal for any chocoholic but what ticks me off is that it just happens to be all over the place yet most of them always have something too much or too little in them. So I wracked around my files of recipes and founds this beauty. And you would be surprised at how easy it actually is to make this chocolaty goodness.

Nutty Chocolate Brownie Ingredients: - 350g Dark Chocolate - 225g butter - 400g Brown Sugar (castor sugar is also ok since its fine. But what are brownies without brown sugar eh?)

- 4 eggs - A dash of Vanilla Extract - 200g Bread Flour ( The usual All purpose flour we use at home is also fine) - 25g Cocoa Powder - 1 tbsp Baking Powder - 100g Raisins - 300g Nuts (Walnuts, Cashews or any other type of nuts you like)

Girl in toque

- So to start it off just melt the dark chocolate by double boiling (which is, simply boil water in a pot and place the bowl of the chopped chocolate on top of the pot) stir the melting chocolate and stare at it in awe as it turns into a puddle of smooth gooey melted chocolate. Leave it aside to cool.

- Second step is to whisk the butter and brown sugar till is puffed up. This is what we call the Creaming Method. Add the eggs one by one and whisk it to get a wonderful creamy mixture. And yes, let us not forget the touch of vanilla.

- Now Mix in both the melted chocolate and the creamy mixture we have prepared just now.

- We are almost done. Sieve the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder and mix it in. Once it has been mixed in with the chocolate and creamy mixture, lets go nutty! Chop up the nuts and raisins and fold it in =)

- Let’s get baking! Spread all of what we have just *This makes quite a lot so you prepared onto a tray and throw it in the oven for might want to half it down. around 20 mins at 180 Degree Celsius ‌ or when you insert a tooth pick and it comes out clean

Image Credits : tramplingrose.com and alittlesaffronwouldmakethisdotcom.files.wordpress.com 62

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Poem

I am “He” and They hold hands walking down the road, They laugh at themselves.

She directs him with her fingers, He knows the feel of her hand, He asks her why she wears bangles, And so many silver rings.

He notices things that others don’t, He loves it when she loudly sings.

They sit by the window, Listening to the pouring rain.

Making plans they never knew, Never do they abstain.

She loves it when he reads poems She loves it when he laughs.

He accepts her the way she isA true friend alas!

They build castles in the air brick by brick And stone by stone.

Plans of someplace else, A place they’ve never known.

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you are “She” By: Shifraz

Image credits: photosof.org 65

Poem

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Portrait

by MH

Beauty so divine, grabbed my hand Knee weakening smile, I couldn't stand Jaw dropping physique, tickled my sense Beat skipping persona, I was in suspense Gazing thoroughly I moved closer Gazing thoroughly you moved closer Skin on skin, we walked together For a longer time without a bother Looking at the silk sky with a blue eye Kissing the blue sky a nightly goodbye I built a thousand shiny days around you In hopes of a castle for me and you Yet, I indulge a heart of stones I walk with aching bones Longing for a hearty dark shade To comfort my ill-full parade And when all the dust settled down You paint me the villain of the town In a portrait where I am disowned By the many people who I crowned

Image Credits: mrwallpaper.com 67

Thank you for reading, see you in September!

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