Dhi Youth Movement Youth for Youth, to empower and to lead
DYMag
Dhi Youth Movement Magazine
GOYYE Issue No. 03 JULY 2013
Dhi Youth Movement Youth for Youth, to empower and to lead
DYM core group at the 0th Anniversary photo shoot
Dhi Youth Movement began in early 2012 as a small initiative by a few young inspired individuals in Male', with the vision to bring a positive change to society by empowering young people to actively contribute to society. Our group, with a strong following on Facebook, was used to mobilize volunteers for a flash freeze on 29th March 2012 and since then there has been no turning back. We officially got registered as an NGO on 12th of December 2012 as Dhivehi Youth Movement under the Associations and Societies Act of the Maldives (Act No. 1/2003). Any and all Maldivians between the age of 16 and 27 are welcome to join DYM. And everyone's ideas and thoughts are welcome and appreciated. 02
A letter from the
DesignDirector
Dear Reader As we publish this third edition of DYMag we have none but you, our readers to thank. Your overwhelming support for the past two issues has given us new hope and a reason to continue with the magazine. And god willing, with your support, we will be in print very soon. One of our objectives at DYM is to provide young people a platform to excel at what they do. A platform for singers to sing, for painters to display their art, for authors to get published, because we believe that to succeed in life you have to do what you love. This magazine has been doing just that. Over twenty people have contributed to DYMag in different ways, in writing, in photography and in art. This time we bring to you a very young, yet, one of the most well known artists in Maldives. Goyye. With a strong passion for art Goyye took a brush very recently and since then there has been no turning back. Her imagination has taken her to wonders and let her create her magic in a very own unique way. Goyye, is an inspiration to us all, that anything is possible if we believe in it and work for it. This month we also feature a very young artist who has not let his troubled past ruin his aspiration of becoming an artist one day. And we will also be featuring the young and vibrant Community Based Theatre group of Maldives, who have given theatre a new meaning and made it a cool thing. Don’t be disappointed if you are not interested in arts because there is a lot more in this issue. We have the Girl in Toque bringing to you another mouth watering dish. We will also be starting a new section called DYM recommends, where our brilliant Content Director Shaha will recommend the hottest and the best books, songs and series! And if that didn’t excite you our extensive look into fashion and magazine will definitely get you going! Dream a little bit more every day, cause dreams do come true. Nawaf 03
Sifr, Editor-in-chief
DYM TEAM
Sifr is simultaneously rude, charming and arrogant. His only redeeming quality is that he is proficient. Relentless in his pursuit of knowledge and impartial truth. Self professedly classy and stylish. He enjoys the company of bright and attractive young ladies. He is a basketball player, a stargazer, a gym rack, a philosopher but most of all a mind of science.
FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @sifrsabr
Shaha, Content Director Shaha is a free spirit who enjoys classic literature, tea with lots of milk, good books and hot cocoa, rings, snail mail, twitter and lots of sunshine. She dreams of huge closers and making a mark in the world. She believes in mismatching socks, breaking stereotypes and handwritten letters
FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER @shahaaa
Nawaf, Design Director Nawaf is a fun loving, adventurous bloke who dreams of running for the parliament. He loves travelling and he can be seen instagramming at most times. He thinks of himself as stylish and enjoys being in the company of people who bring the best in him. He loves spontaneity and life, and is dedicated to his work.
FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @ib_nawaf 04
Shuma Stylist
CONTRIBUTORS
Abo @mrabo04
Isham @adamisham
Shiyaz @abooshiyaz
Zueshan @zueshan
Shuu photographer fb.com/Shuugraphy
Navin photographer fb.com/NavinSaeed.Photography
Shifraz @ashifraaz poet
Shanaz
Andhu
The Girl In The Toque 05
JULY July 02 July 11 July 18 July 28 July 30
World UFO Day World Population Day Nelson Mandela International Day, World Hepatitis Day International Day of Friendship 06
image credits: Goyye ( facebook.com/goyyye) 07
Regulars 03 Editor’s Letter 04 DYM team 05 Contributors 06 Calender Specials 36 Interview with Goyye 45 Interview with Athharr
Entertainment 10 The Summer Rom Com 12 Review: Imagine Dragons – Night Visions 14 DYM Recommends Books, Music, Movies & Series
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Issues 48 Society on Fire! 50 On Fashions and Fads 52 Ey Bro 54 Unpopular opinion: Inspirational pictures are inherently uninspiring
Living 58 Recipe: Stuffed Bell pepper 56 Freeing your mind Misc 60 Poem: I feel guilty 62 Poem: Think, Save, Eat
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Movie Review
The Summer Rom Com
Rom-Com.Com – Vol. 1
Romantic comedies are often rolled on people’s tongues as the most clichéd genre among Hollywood films. They are most of the time called “Chick Flicks”, the ones that the boys are forced to watch by their dates on movie date nights. The ones that hipster-chicks swoon over and tough dudes vomit over.
Directed by Marc Webb
Boy meets girl, infatuation, flirting (or not getting along), falling in love, breaking up, and getting back together: this is the overtried-to-death Hollywood romcom formula. It is because (500) Days of Summer doesn’t give a damn about that formula that it becomes instantly refreshing and appealing. Not giving a damn does not, however, mean that they have completely tossed the elements away; the elements are there, just not in the same order, and definitely not presented in the same way as all the other romcoms I’ve seen.
5/5 10
And these labels, more often than not, suits the bucket loads of rom-coms that are made each year in Hollywood. But once in awhile, there comes that rare movie that critics laud (or not) and try to put in another often-acclaimed genre (or they might just not give a damn), but falls right back onto what it truly is: A genuinely good romantic comedy. In Rom-Com.Com, I’m going to review romantic comedies that hold a special place in my heart and have stayed with me throughout the years. This volume is dedicated to an amazing romantic comedy that won me over by messing up the clichéd Hollywood rom-com formula and giving something so surprisingly sweet, touching, innovative, funny and truly unforgettable. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel literally are the perfect Tom and Summer. Chloe Grace Moretz brings a tough-onemeets-therapist act with warmth and humor as Rachel Hansen, Tom’s younger sister and his crying shoulder. In more minor supporting roles, Geoffrey Arend and Matthew Gray Gubler (of Criminal Minds) play Tom’s best friends and a soft-natured-as-ever Clark Gregg plays Tom’s boss, Vance. The nonlinear narration presents the viewers with the usual plot twists of the rom-com formula, but what’s special about this movie is that it offers almost everything in between those twists. That’s why there are plenty of “Movie Moments” in the film, the kind of scenes and oneliners that stick with you and you find yourself quoting in random situations: A musical number that will brighten your day, the black-and-white segments, the split-screen “Expectations VS Reality” scene… The jokes come as genuinely funny without trying too hard to be so. If I started on all those, I could go on for a couple more pages, so I won’t. On a single viewing, you may not notice all the specialties of this film. For me, the more I watch it; the more I grow to love it. Maybe it’s because of the multiple viewings that I have such a deep appreciation of this film. So don’t just take my word for how good it is (it could be biased, for all I know). Watch it and be your own judge. If you want to throw this review back in my face, you’re welcome to do so. But the moment you catch yourself remembering a scene or a line from the film in a random situation, you’ll know that there’s so much more to appreciate about this film. This is a charming, smart romantic comedy that becomes a part of you. by Abo
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Music Review
NIGHT VISION In today’s ever so evolving music industry, there are artists that launch themselves with such crazy names that I can’t even willingly listen to them. The trend is especially common among rappers and rock artists. Such was the name “Imagine Dragons” of a pop-rock band from Las Vegas, which I had seen climb up the Billboard charts slowly for weeks when one day, their song It’s Time (lead single from Night Visions) came on TV and literally made me stop what I was doing and listen. It sounded sad, instantly catchy and weirdly dark: a combination I go crazy over. I listened to a couple more songs of them that I loved before I got this album. And it wasn’t long before I started listening to them on repeat. The album is quite frankly an impressive debut. For someone who was spellbound by the catchy guitardriven sound of It’s Time, the album offers plenty to like. What appealed to me a lot about them is their use of real instruments and bringing out catchy sounds instead of EDM-driven tunes that flood the charts today. The album is, however, tinged with somewhat electro-pop sounds. Opening track Radioactive has a sick dubstep breakdown, and has already become a massive worldwide hit. It is also one of the best tracks on the album. With Top 40
3.5/5
appeal evident all throughout the album, it’s hard to say which track is catchier than the other. Front man Dan Reynolds delivers powerful, appealing vocals, and their sound can be categorized as somewhere between Coldplay, Maroon 5 and Mumford & Sons. That is not to say, however, that this is a perfect album. The varying themes throughout the album are sometimes hard to understand and to relate with. The lyrics are suggestive of revolution, selfempowerment, and guilt and love and heartbreak, but I still have trouble telling which song is about which. But then again this is just merely their start, the initial showcasing of a sound they have made their own through their struggling years and an effort for mainstream success, which they now have achieved. There is still plenty for them to experiment with. Their name was the reason I did not willingly listen to them at first. But later on, I found out that that “Imagine Dragons” is actually an anagram and their real name is disguised within those letters, known only to the 4 band members. Mystery runs through the lyrics of this album, and it is that mystery about them that makes me await their next album. It is the catchy appeal of their sound that makes me want to see what they do next.
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Track List: 1. Radioactive 2. Tiptoe 3. It’s Time 4. Demons 5. On Top of the World 6. Amsterdam 7. Hear Me 8. Every Night 9. Bleeding Out 10. Underdog 11. Nothing Left to Say / Rocks
Commercial Performance The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, with the first week sales exceeding 83000 copies. It peaked at #1 on both Billboard Rock Albums and Alternative Albums. In UK, it debuted and peaked at #2 on the UK Albums Chart. The album has being certified platinum in the US, Canada and UK. The first single, It’s Time was their breakout hit, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first top 40 song. However, it was the second single, Radioactive that launched them to global stardom. The song has so far peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has become a #1 hit in several international markets as well as Billboard’s Rock and Alternative songs charts. Both the songs have won critical acclaim and several accolades, each selling over 2 and 3 million copies respectively, to date. In addition, Demons has also charted on several charts, including the Hot 100 where it holds a peak position of 64. Four of the album’s songs have also become Top 40 hits in the UK. by Abo
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D YM
DYM recommends
D YM - Reading List
The Light in the Ruins Set in the beautiful Rosatis, Florence in the 1940’s and 1950’s, this is a tale of war, romance and tragedy. Two women who found passion, one through love and another through mystery. In 1943, Cristina’s life forever changes when two German soldiers approach her doorstep and one of them begins to court her. Once her sanctuary, her house becomes her prison. In 1955, Serfina a police investigator finds herself trapped in a murder case that makes her dig into her own past. Rating: ⅗ 14
by Shaha
Mother Daughter Me: A Memoir A tale of love and life, Katie Hafner writes about the relationship between her mother and herself in intriguing detail. It covers the complex and binding relationship between daughters and mothers. When Katie invites her mother to stay with her and her teenage daughter Zoe, she realizes that this is a difficult task and she writes about the year they spent resolving emotional bonds. Rating: â…˜
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DYM recommends
D YM - Playlist
Biography of Heartbreak - This Century The second full-length album by Arizona based pop rock band This Century does not disappoint. With songs like Slow Dance Night and Biography of Heartbreak, this album is filled with the kind of songs we love, with brilliant lyrics and amazing beats that just makes us want to dance all day long. With 13 amazing songs, we assure that this is album to be enjoyed for the days to come by. Rating: â…— 16
Halcyon Days - Glass Towers The first studio album by Australian indie rock band, Glass Towers Halcyon Days is promising with 11 songs that covers a wide array of themes such as love, friendship and hope. The title song Halcyon is a beautiful melody of love that makes the heart wander with haunting lyrics, a simple beat that moves into a fast pace and with vocals so good that it lifts your spirits. The rest, is filled with similar songs that is perfect to listen on long nights. Rating: â…˜
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DYM recommends
D YM - Movies we Love
Despicable Me 2 The thrilling sequel to the most adorable and fun animated movie Despicable Me, starring the evil villain Gru, his minions and three very special girls. Get ready to take the journey with Gru, his minions, Edith, Margo and Agnes as they get ready to save the world from a dangerous element that is set to make everything into killing machines. With new love in its way, the ride is more exciting than ever in this amazing movie that will have you squeal in happiness. Rating: â…˜ 18
The Way, Way Back Duncan is a fourteen year old whose life changes for the better when he takes a summer vacation with his mother, her boyfriend and his daughter. Duncan meets an unexpected friend and he begins to share his journey in this epic coming of age movie that is heartwarming and fun for the whole family. Rating: â…—
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DYM recommends
D YM - on the TV
Twisted S1 Danny is a 16 year old with a shady past who has returned home after 5 years in Juvenile Detention in hopes of reconnecting with his family and friends. When a mysterious murder happens in his home, he is the prime suspect and Danny must do everything in his power to prove his innocence. 20
Hot in Cleveland S4 Melanie, Joy, Victoria and Elka are met with new challenges with a baby, new jobs and movie roles along with romance triangles and the three girls find the big secret that Elka has been hiding and now helps her to keep it that way. A joy ride of exciting things are lined for this season and we are just hoping for laughs. 21
Fashion and Beauty
MAXI
LOOK BOOK
PARADE!
Are you noticing many girls wearing full length dresses more and more on the roads of Male’? It’s like a parade of maxi dresses over here, especially in the Ramadan and that is quite simply because the hottest style this monsoon is the MAXI! It’s so simply elegant while suiting nearly all body types, you can wear a maxi dressed up or down, casual or fancy and in so many prints and patterns that is quite mind boggling. So to help you with on how to wear maxi dresses right and how to coordinate your accessories, featured here are four different maxi outfits suitable for any occasion.
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yellow dress with a fitted w i d e e m p i re w a i s t complemented with blue cardigan and matching styled hijab. Pearl necklace and bracelets are used in minimum because of the complementary colors of blue and mustard. Matching blue ankle strap flats to complete the outfit.
stylist: Shuma / model: Rish / Hijab Stylist: Niu / Photographer: Shuu
Elegance in Mustard: Mustard
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Fashion and Beauty
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Grungy and Chic: A magnificently colored dress with a ruched waist. The simplicity of the dress is contrasted by the pink grungy denim jacket with a plain black hijab, because lets face it you don’t want any other color to steal the limelight from the dress. Metal accessories are used with lots of necklaces and a charm bracelet to match the jacket with a brown ankle strap thong sandals.
stylist: Shuma / model: Rish / Hijab Stylist: Niu / Photographer: Shuu 25
Fashion and Beauty
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stylist: Shuma / model: Rish / Hijab Stylist: Niu / Photographer: Shuu 27
Fashion and Beauty
Cool as a Rainbow:
A multi colored
sundress with a complimentary yellow jacket and maroon hijab. With the trickiness of the multi colors the jacket and hijab used are plain and simple. Multi colored bracelets and coral necklace are added to enhance the look. Yellow thong sandals complete the outfit perfectly.
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stylist: Shuma / model: Rish / Hijab Stylist: Niu / Photographer: Shuu 29
Fashion and Beauty
SHOPPING
Shoes are a tricky thing, and a high heel especially is the trickiest. You either love it, want to sleep with it on your bed or despise it so much that you get a pained expression when you even look at them. The shoes or rather the particular style of pumps featured here are definitely for the shoe lovers. Here are Pumps! One of the most coveted and timeless style of shoes. There are classics, elegant ones, sky high high heels and funky pumps. There are pumps of different styles for countless of occasions all available right here from Male’.
Lace brown pumps with a short chunky heel and ankle straps. Suitable both casually and work. Price: 399
Platform pumps with red bottom and pink heel. This is unique and also suitable for work and play. Price: 59
Find Finesse on Facebook at fb.com/Finessemv
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Classic pointed toes pumps with the new age finish of neon orange. Perfect for an evening out. Price: 535
Elegant pointed toe slender pump with scale leather. Perfect for workwear. Price: 635
Multi colored polka dot pumps in linen. Absolutely adorable worn anywhere. Price: 635
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Fashion and Beauty This might very well be the golden version of Cinderella’s slippers. Suitable for parties and weddings this kind of shoes rarely goes out of style.
Patent leather pumps with a comfortable heel and multi colored spaced stripes and bow at the front. Fit for a day at work. Price: 399
The classic red hot pump in patent leather and a 3 inch heel this shoes are perfect for any occasion anywhere. Price: 399
Inspired by reptile skin, this brown patent leather shoes are a brilliant addition to your shoes cabinet.
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This particular color alone is an everlasting classic. If you are a shoe lover, the nude pumps are a must have. These are again suitable for any occasion anywhere. Price: 399
Platform suede pump with intricate detail. This fancy shoes can be worn at functions and events. Price: 499
Simple brown pumps with detailed front in low heels. Suitable for work wear. Price: 399
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GOYYE
Special
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Describe your childhood a little bit It was the best and the worst time of my life. Where have you travelled to and how has it affected your art? Only India, more than 20 or so times. In fact, I was born in India. I adore their rich culture and the different colours and tastes it offers and I believe that India has highly influenced my artwork. Within the Maldives I’ve been to Maamigili, Thulusdhoo, Huraa and Maafushi and as most would agree Maldivian culture and natural beauty has never disappointed me in terms of inspiration and ideas. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Even in five years’ time I would be a struggling artist, involved in the process of experimenting, evolving and learning. Art is my passion and I certainly will not move away from this field. How did you get into arts? I did not draw at all before secondry school. I took arts in Aminiya and that’s how it all got started. Who are your biggest supporters? My sister. My friends and my fans. What challenges do you face as an artist? Firstly Maldivians have a rigid sense in assessing aesthetic beauty and are sometimes rather unwelcoming when it comes to new types of artwork. Fortunately, those attitudes are changing and artists are now able to more freely express themselves in terms of the work they produce. On the other hand, I feel that artists do not get a lot of exposure. There lacks a platform on which new aspiring artists can get exposure and very limited opportunities in terms of training and chances to display their talent. facebook.com/goyyye 39
Special
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Fav food: Chicken Biryani I wish I could... Fly Personal Style: Simple, casual comfortable
and
I collect: Nail polish, shells and candles. 3 things you want to do before you die? - Skydiving - Scuba diving. - Hopefully a Hajj trip. 3 songs in your playlist - Oh My Stars by Andrew Belle - Heeviey by Shiuz - White Winter Trees by The Staves THIS OR THAT Nail art or Mehndi Mehndi Tea or Coffee Tea Pen and Paper or PDA Pen and Paper Sunsets or Sunrise? Sunsets Black and White or Colour? Colour facebook.com/goyyye 41
Special
Your favourite from all your artwork I love all my artworks, but my very first commissioned artwork has always been special which is entitled : goyye What are your inspirations? Inspiration is hard to explain but to put it in simple terms, I get my inspiration from anything and everything. Fellow artists, nature, emotions and culture. Something may just pop into my mind out of the blue and I always make it a point to sketch it on a book before the eureka moment passes. I’m likely to forget it if I don’t. And certainly my fans are the biggest source of my inspiration. Favourite creative people from Maldives? Maahy and Manje. What’s your message to aspiring artists? The world of art in Maldives and anywhere around the world is tough and hard. You may be easily disappointed by the people who view your art. They may not always view your art in the same sense that you do. They may not always ‘get’ your artwork. But remember that it does not matter. What matters is that you’re expressing yourself and doing what you love. Never give up on your talent and yourself. What’s the best criticism you have received? I love all the comments I receive from my fans. How do you see your artistic future? As a striving artist who promises never to give up on her passion.
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facebook.com/goyyye 43
Featured Yotuh
Featured Youth
Athhar
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Describe your childhood a little bit My childhood was filled with fun. Often spent time with friends. Tell us about a life changing event that happened? 2 years back I was sent to “Islahiyya” ,where I gained various skills and learnt to be more responsible. Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? I see myself as a very famous artist. 3 Things you want to do before you die 1. Open an Art centre where I could teach art 2. Start my own business 3. Open my own art gallery 3 songs in your playlist I don’t listen to music that often How did you get into arts? I learned art from “Islahiyya”. Who are your biggest supporters? Parents, trainers at “Islahiyya” and friends What equipment do you use? Normally I use different kinds of brushes and paints. Favorite from all your artwork A beach painting on a wooden plate Favourite artists in Maldives Rappe Message to aspiring artists If you love art, keep on experimenting and one day you will achieve your goals Your biggest accomplishment Discovering my hidden talent in the field of art.. I always loved art… but I never knew I was good at it until I joined Islahiyaa.
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Featured Yotuh
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Your favourite art form Painting What do you want to do in the future? I want to become a professional artist One thing you wish to change in this country Developing more art schools throughout the country 3 words that describe you. Funny Friendly Creative Favourite food: Biriyani I wish I could: Travel to every country in the world. I collect: Coins Choose one from the following Art or Music Art Pen + Paper or technology Technology Sunrise or Sunset Sunrise Black and White or colour? Color Ice cream or chocolate cake? Chocolate cake
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Spot
Society on FIRE! By: Adam Isham Smoking is a vogue amongst Maldivians, regardless of age and place. It is an act exhibited through incongruous behaviour that is claimed as a mean of gaining pleasure and releasing tension. As a matter of fact, parents are the initial clan moulding for their child’s conduct and thinking; however, most parents lack the understanding that they are the first and most influential epitome for the child. In the face of reality, we have to acknowledge that most of the parents and guardians are unfortunately smokers and our society has a protracted fashion of smoking, traditionally well known as “Guduguda�, for now the trend is cigar and varieties of cigarettes. Thus,
inadvertently role modelling iniquity for the children around, influencing their beliefs and selection of behaviour. As children shape up to parents and resemble what they observe and experience by redisplaying it through social learning. Lack of supervision, guidance, and attention towards children would retain them from morality and values, rather become a victim of trends and peer pressure. Consequently, children fail to grow up as healthy and responsible citizens and are likely to end up being coerced into gangs and drugs, which coexist with violence and other disruptive behaviour. Moreover, children would also display
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absence of essential skills in managing income and choosing healthier methods of overcoming stress and anxiety. Since smoking is hazardous to health, sustained smoking habits can lead to health problems and have ill effects on the cycle of growth and education. Sadly, the café’s, streets and coffee shops are all full of people with a burning cigarette. Smoking is an act of self-destruction, mostly unknown or due to lack of parenting and proper modelling within the society. Since it is openly and widely conducted even in public and inside the homes, children in nature imitate those performances. Yet, it is strongly believed that within the schooling system and society, education and awareness of smoking and its lucrative pleasures needs to be explained along with religious, health and with financial annihilation. So that, every cup of coffee we sip need not to have a puff of cigarette, rather it would be replaced with a healthier choice. If our society burns with the fire as we see it today, it would result in families full of smokers, which precede to creating a substandard society with suppressed youth who fall prey to health diseases. Thence, in the battle against smoking the hurdles must be overcome to protect and prevent people from smoking. If we fail in doing so probably the society would be pushed in the direction of gangs, substance abuse, and violence, yet unhealthy and financially and educationally incompetent citizens setting the society on fire! It’s not a trend it’s a passion within, which has other alternatives. 49
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On Fashions and fads
by Shiyaz
It is said that you cannot slip your finger twice in the same river. It underscores the law of change and flux. Fashions are no exception to this law. They come and go and change rapidly with the spirit of time. Fashions come into vogue and then go out because man loves change, variety and novelty. Old, routine, stereotyped, stale and typecast things are not to his liking. With the change in the mood of man, change in styles, manners, conduct and way of life also come about. It adds zest and liveliness to life. Change and variety is the other name of fashion. Fashions are infectious as well and spread rapidly like wildfire, especially among young men and women in big towns and cities. Youth is more fashion-conscious because they represent life in terms of energy, courage, expectations, potentialities, power, and vigour. They want to look smart, up-todate, charming and fresh in their dress, etiquette, styles of shoes, and hairdo, etc. They want enjoy every moment of life and are full of unlimited zeal and appetite for it. By nature, man is fashionable because of his inherent desire to see and to be seen. New and current styles in clothes and manners, etc. help people in becoming more smart, attractive, fascinating and lovable. People never like to be out of fashion. Fashion is not confined to etiquette, manners, dresses alone. It is pervasive and even religion, literature, and arts, etc have their own fads and fashions. For examples, the thirst for
fashion has given rise to a variety of styles in writing and there are as many styles as there are famous writers, authors and poets. Fashions can also be abused as well and becomes harmful when turned into an obsession. Then they come to be a waste of time, energy and money. It is better to be a little out of fashion than to be in fashion at the cost of one’s conscience and discretion. Films and cable TV are great source of fashion and quick changes in trends. Fashions are liquid and changeable like weather. Fashion is unpredictable and keeps on changing according to the moods, fancies and ideas of the people and the influence of the popular films. Therefore, it is not easy to predict what will be fashionable. Fashions are also influenced by glossy, colourful and eye catching textile advertisement, fashion shows, propaganda of fashion and dress designers, articles in the fashion magazines and foreign visitors. Now, people spend a good amount of their pocket money and earnings to keep themselves in fashion. They are very particular about their dress, hair style, cosmetics, shoes, ornaments and manners. Has not Shakespeare declared in Hamlet, “the apparel oft proclaims the man”. Therefore, urbanites, particularly young men and women always keep themselves abreast of modern trends in styles and fashion. Consequently, the tailors, fashion 50
designers, cosmetics manufactures have a booming business. Freedom is man’s most cherished positions and the freedom to choose one’s lifestyle is of fundamental importance. Therefore, there is nothing to be ashamed of in being conscious of fashion. However, excess of everything is bad and should be avoided. Moderation should be the law in fashion as well. To live in style, dress well, colourfully and smartly makes life lively, attractive and zestful. In some mysterious way, it also gets linked to sex and its subtle and suggestive expression. Show and exhibitionism is part of a dynamic life and must be appreciated. Fashion consciousness is a healthy sign as it appeals and pleases people, promotes togetherness, social interaction and enlivens the environment. It is misconceived to link fashion with immorality. But it would be certainly foolish to spend extravagantly on the latest fads and to run after them at the expense of valuable time, energy and resources. It is good to be fashionable but it is better to be simple and dignified because simplicity with dignity is the best and evergreen fashion. Change is the law of nature and so desirable and appreciable, but it does not mean slavish, blind and foolish aping and imitation of ideas, styles, manners and designs in dress, shoes and hairstyles. Our own folk, classical and standardised tradition, customs, manners are so rich varied and unique that we can very well depend upon them to quench our thirst for change, novelty and innovation. Image Credits: www.shoppinggola.com 51
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Photo Credits: Naj (facebook.com/naj123)
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Unpopular opinion: Inspirational pictures are inherently uninspiring Inspirational pictures often greet us when we log in to our preferred social networking sites. Every day countless posts of “It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile” or “Everyone is beautiful… so smile” and "There is no end to the amount of things you can accomplish" try to make our day. They ‘inspire’ people to be happy, to study, be creative, keep a healthy body image, and creates a cloud nine like positive energy within the virtual world. While this maybe so, we ignore the part where we’re giving a free reign to strangers on the internet to dictate how to live our life. Has anyone stopped to wonder the effect these pictures are actually having on your life? You may be having a near perfect day; you’re in your pajamas eating, not necessarily junk food, and reading about famous serial killers. Then you go on Facebook your entire home page is filled with these pictures asking you to smile more, or go out and live your life to the fullest, and exercise. Of course the ‘otherwise’ is never stated, it is left to your overworking imagination to deduce what would happen if you decided to disregard them. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the ‘inspirational’ pictures telling us to work out, keep fit, and that we look beautiful are often accompanied by a picture of what society perceives as beautiful. While telling us that we are all ‘beautiful inside’ it enforces the existing notion of physical beauty, and tells us exactly what beauty is not. This may even inspire people to have a healthy diet, and a workout schedule Jillian Michaels would approve. But really, how many out there actually achieve this highly unrealistic notion of beauty? What all these seemingly inspirational pictures do, in my opinion, is make people feel inadequate. We’re constantly letting strangers on the internet, and your Facebook friends whom we never talk to in actual life tell us how to be happy, beautiful and
by Shanaz
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how to live our life. Honestly, do you appreciate being asked to ‘be a better version of yourself tomorrow’ after a long day of giving everything your best? By all means, inspire, but do we really need to overcome the negative energy that lurks within us. We’re living in a world were negative feelings are dismissed and frowned upon. By “being awesome when you’re sad” you’re forgoing an important emotion you need to undergo to have peace of mind. No one would ever say if being ‘unhappy’ makes you happy then that is what you should be, or be unhappy until you’re ready to be ‘happy’. The number of children on these social networking sites is increasing drastically. What we see every day slowly becomes internalized as the norm, the ‘should be’s’ in our lives. I don’t believe that they should grow up in a world where they experience emotions that are deemed unacceptable when they are in fact inevitable. One would think that these are limited to just the virtual world, and by ignoring the infiltrating posts on your homepage or dashboard you can escape them. But as it turned out this year it has started appearing all over the university I attend. The ATM machine nearby, the library, the toilet mirrors. I suppose it’s a nice change from the usual profanity one stumbles on to in school bathrooms. Although there is only so much of the slogan “faith, hope, love: but the greatest of them all is love” one can take before you’re actually begging for the graffiti stained walls and the ridiculous profanity. Perhaps there are people who seek solace in these potentially disastrous virtual life guides, perhaps this is just the unpopular opinion of one person. But stop, before you dismiss this as a mindless rant, do you not wish there was one instance in your life that you weren’t told how things should be? Maybe ignoring these so called inspirational and motivational things should be the first step in your self-discovery. 55
Life List
Column
by Shaha
One very important thing about making a life list is to include not only things you love, but spiritual things that will make you think and make you a better person. One of my favourite very easy to do goal was to answer 50 questions that will free my mind. The questions were great and it made me think of my life perspective I never had before and that gave me new insight to my life and to make it better. I still read my answers from time to time and see how much I’ve grown and what matters most. Here are the 50 questions and I hope that by answering them you can free your mind and be less stressful and find more meaning in life. Remember: There are no wrong answers. 1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? 2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? 3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? 4.When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? 5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? 6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? 7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? 8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? 9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? 10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? 11.You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? 12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? 56
Art work by Miusam 57
Recipe
Stuffed Bell Peppers Ingredients: - 3 bell peppers - 2 small eggplants (550 ml or 2 ¼ cups when diced) - White oyster mushrooms (250 ml or 1 cup when chopped) - 1 or 2 red chilli peppers (depending on personal taste and tolerance) - 1 average-sized corn cob (250 ml or 1 cup of corn when removed from cob - 1 average-sized red onion (100 ml or ½ cup when chopped) - 1 can tuna in brine - 2-3 cloves of garlic (flattened with knife blade and chopped) - Olive oil - ½ tsp salt (or as desired) - ½ tsp chilli powder (or as desired) - Ground black pepper
Image Credits : www.foodnetwork.com 58
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Poem
I FEEL GUILTY By: Ali Shifraaz
You understand bits and pieces of me You think you know me Unfortunately! My world is not as carefree Look into my eyes and you’ll find A soul much darker than thee. The blood that runs in my veins Will dry up one day And with it all the secrets that I didn’t share Pray that you don’t find me on the dais someday Speaking all that I couldn’t’ have. Dark are tomorrow’s eyes Darker still was my past For me, deceit and lies For you, a man wishing his last. Before I bend upon my knees Put me in my grave Alive, I can’t sleep in peace For its hell, not bliss, that I implore.
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Image Credits: tin-god.com 61
Poem
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Think, Save, Eat There was once a time When in abundance yours was the world. But met with men and their ways Time has left a tale to be told.
by Zueshan
Think. Whatever happened to the green around you? What became of the land and rivers too? The land that once welcomed men with open arms Now withdraws as deserts met with firearms. The trees that once provided men with shade Now in great numbers from the earth doth fade. What of the rivers that provided water? That too became polluted by a son and a daughter. Think. Who is to be blamed but you? For the changes around you by things you do. Save. A little water every day, For the future generations if you may. And if you will please Plant so that the heat will cease. But more so save the land So you may walk with loved ones hand in hand. Eat. Only so much that you require. And others to save do inspire. Give others half of that you eat, So greed may not itself in you seat. Live not as if the world was yours alone. But leave it as a better home for others once you’re gone. Image Credits: thinkeatsave.org 63
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