Ms FEBRUARY 10, 2013 ISSUE NO. 34
Selfdefence, anyone? page
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Colour those peepers bright
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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra Send your feedback to women@tribune.com.pk
inside fashion smashion —
How to rock emerald green
domestic goddess —
Flavoursome fried chicken
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Shehryar’s darling little dents
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Ms
the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
by Nida Ameen
S
adaf and her mother were on their way back home from a shopping spree on Tariq Road when they were mugged at gunpoint. Oblivious to their surroundings, gossiping about family, they were caught off-guard when two men stopped their motorcycle right in front of their car, then took out pistols and aimed at them. “My mind was screaming, Push that accelerator and drive over them!” says Sadaf. “But my body froze and it seemed like there was no point in retaliating.” Sadaf and her mother handed over all their money, cell phones and jewelry and, before they could even grasp their situation, the two men had fled. Does all of this sound painfully familiar? If this hasn’t happened to you, it’s happened to someone you know. Phone snatching, gunpoint robberies, muggings – these are the disadvantages of big city life. We are often sharing stories of how that aunt or friend got mugged, how a person at a nearby roundabout got shot or how crime has risen in general. Mr. Ahmed Chinoy, the Chief of Citiziens-Police Liaison committee PLC, agrees: “There is no doubt that street crime exists extensively in Karachi. Mobile snatching and kidnapping are at their peak and a concentrated effort is needed to eradicate them.” He concedes that greater efficiency on the part of authorities is required but he also puts the onus on citizens, saying that almost all common incidents of mobile and pursesnatching go unreported. While heading out to town with our girlies, we repeatedly check our clothes, accessories and our cell phones but often forget to check on our basic safety. But considering the rising crime rate, knowledge of some basic measures can come in handy.
Prevention is the Best Self-defense Women often present an easy target for criminals out for some quick gains, since they are physically vulnerable and often loaded with jewelry and cash. Some common-sense safety tips that we tend to disregard include: 1. Parking your car in crowded and well-lit areas. You are more likely to be attacked in a desolate spot than in a bustling marketplace where you can shout for help and attract a crowd. 2. Avoiding using cell-phones in public places. According to Chinoy, “Using cell phones at public places – something that women often do – attracts direct attention and can endanger them.” 3. Chinoy adds that it is in the best interest of office-going people and college kids to use different routes. If their route is seen as a routine, it is likely to attract unnecessary attention and cause trouble. 4. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. While most women feel accessorising their outfit is a necessity, tone down your jewelry or wear something you can easily part with if need be. Instead of piling on gold when headed to a wedding, get hold of those equally intricate silver trinkets that can substitute for the charm of gold to complete your wedding attire. Those of a more traditional bent believe bangles and gold are the necessary accoutrements of a married woman. If you’re one of those who simply must wear them, hide that glitz and glitter till you have reached the insides of the wedding hall. Mrs. Samina Ejaz says, “I never take my gold bangles off because they were given to me by my parents in ‘jahez’. When I am going to a wedding, I make sure I cover them up with my dupatta so that they are not visibIe.”
Be Aware and Trust that Inner Voice Despite all these precautions, you might find yourself in a threatening situation. When you are out, be aware of your surroundings and alert to any changes in them. All too often, we are so preoccupied with other thoughts – kids, work, dinner plans – that we barely register what is happening around us, particularly when running routine chores. However, it is imperative to glance around before sitting in your car. Does someone appear suspicious? Does anything feel out of place? Make a note. Once you are inside your car, make sure you immediately lock all your doors before you think of doing that grocery check or counting the shopping bags. SSP Amir Farooqui suggests keeping a mental record of everything you are carrying including the model number and edition of your cell phone. Additionally, he says, “Every cell phone has an IMEI number that is its unique identity number. One must always keep a record of that as you can easily track the whereabouts of the cell phone through it.” As women, we are naturally intuitive and can smell danger but often these instincts are blurred by our emotions which are manipulated by predators. When you are carrying heavy bags or have that punctured tyre, it may be tempting to accept a man’s help. That may not be a good idea and this is where your intuition and judgment come into play. If there is the least hint of suspicion, do not ask a stranger for help. If your car is parked in a secluded or distant area, do not take help. If that helping hand asks for a favour in return such as a lift, either take a moment and walk off to the nearest public place to get help or make up an excuse and drive off.
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
What NOT to say to a woman when she’s PMSing
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MS may be a pain for women, but you often hear the men complain about it louder than the actual sufferers. Strange, since they don’t have to deal with the bloating, the irritability and the abdominal cramps. If you are a guy, you’re likely to make this time of the month a little worse than it needs to be by just bumbling and saying totally inappropriate things. So if you think ‘PMS’ stands for Purely Miserable Spell, here is our guide to making things a little better for her and for you during this trying time of the month.
Never ever blame her mood swings on PMS. You must never make the mistake of saying “Oh, I was wondering why you are acting so crazy! You are PMS-ing.” This statement should be listed in the dictionary under the term “death wish”.
Never refer to her mood swings as mood swings. Women do not like to hear that they are being crazy when they are only being slightly less reasonable than usual. If you are confused about what to do, may I recommend silence? This will at least ensure your safety.
If you are being asked a question, the rule of thumb is to agree with the stance of the woman who is PMSing. Deviating from her view at this delicate time is tantamount to picking a fight, at the end of which she will cry and leave you guilt-ridden for days. Just say “yes”; it’s really very simple.
Use those vocal chords and stiff muscles If you are certain that you are about to be attacked, fight back! Yell as loud as you possibly can and push the attacker back. This will immediately gather attention and signal to the goon that you are not easy prey. An unpublished National Institute of Justice (U.S.) report suggests that physical defensive strategies such as biting, hitting, forcefully escaping and other physical self-defense techniques are more effective in countering attacks than strategies such as crying and pleading. Showing forceful resistance can actually be successful in driving away the victimiser. According to Qasim Sulaiman, the country head of Shotokan Karate Schools as well as the country representative of International Tsunami Karate Federation, even a trained six-year-old girl can disarm a grown man if she attacks one of the nearly 10-12 pressure points in his body. These pressure points include the jaw-line and testicles. He gives an example of one of his students, a working woman who was a regular on cabs. About to be kidnapped by the cab driver, she instantly applied two to three tricks with her fingers and elbow and was able to disable the kidnapper in three seconds. However, proper training and regular practice is necessary for such a move to be successful. These tactics will only work on an unarmed attacker. Most importantly, assess your situation prior to any kind of reaction. If you have a gun pointed at you or you are travelling with a baby, do not act like a Raani of Jhaansi. Sharfuddin
Memon, adviser on law and order to Sindh government, emphasises, “It is best not to resist when facing a gun. Any kind of resistance will only trigger them to take action.” Just hand over your purse or whatever the attackers want. Your belongings are not worth more than your life. However, in the case of an unarmed attacker, it is a good idea to put up some resistance. Do you see a rock lying on the ground, did you carry that nail filer in your purse, can you smash your window? Whatever is it that you can get your hands on, use it as your weapon. Both Memon and Chinoy strongly recommended the use of pepper spray to ward off the attacker. Unfortunately for Pakistani women, pepper sprays are not readily available in our country but luckily for you, we have an easy recipe. 1. Take about 100g hot chili powder, and 200ml ethanol. 2. Mix the two together in a container. 3. Filter off the mixture using a sieve to make sure there is no solid chili powder left. 4. Cook the mixture in a container until the ethanol boils and evaporates and an orange wax-like solution remains 5. Now add 20ml of baby oil, or vary till you have a viscous liquid. 6. Put the solution in a spray bottle and disarm that attacker! It’s only a little preparation and shrewd thinking that can save you from being a victim to that hawk-eyed attacker. The bottom line is, it is only you who can best analyze the level of your situation. Think carefully into what is negotiable and what is not. Make that investment in a selfdefense training class; you will definitely learn something worthwhile. Till then all the best and stay safe!
Don’t ever make the mistake of laughing at her. If you want to snigger because she is crying while watching The Flintstones, do it in the bathroom where she can’t see you. Laughing at her will only serve to make her see you as the most insensitive human being to have ever existed. Bad idea.
If she wants to eat tuna on crackers drowned in maple syrup — just let her! Even better, grab a cracker and join her. Don’t tell her how disgusting it is. Pretend that you are enjoying it, and then throw up later.
Do not snuggle with her. PMS is a time during which body temperatures fluctuate wildly. She might be cold one second and hot the next. It’s best to observe her body language. Does she look cold? If so, extend a hot water bottle her way. If she looks flushed, try an ice pack.
She is bloated and she knows it. Poking her belly is a sure-fire way of getting killed. Simple solution: Tell her she looks beautiful.
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Ms
en vogue
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
! S E Y E X O B T N I PA y smoke d n a s rimson eens of 2013 z Shazi c d i v i v ba a qu y: Shah ens, m e r a r g ograph t d o n h P e o with ne se eyes are th nses: Freshkin t h g i r b Le r eyes lashes becau aria B u o y r u M o ly Girl by son col er those love i Label: M a e s s i t azm Th : Moiz K nd flut a Styling s k c a bl q r Mushta me ation: U Coordin
Fouzia Model:
Aman
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
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fashion smashion
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
This Summer,
by Nida Ameen You can cut those healthy greens out of your diet but this season, you can’t eliminate green from the fashion scene. We tell you how to rock the season’s must-have colour.
Simply go casual or glitz it up for a party. Emerald green has the power to make that much-needed impact at any time of the day. Be it a regular day at your office or a night out with the girlies, emerald green can be the perfect style pick. Upcoming designer Aysha Anees says, “Emerald is casual enough to be worn as prêt wear and at the same time, elegant enough to be worn as formal/luxury wear.”
Go Green! While 2012 was dominated by the warmth and vivacity of tangerine tango, it’s time the world shifted towards the relaxing radiance of emerald green. Pantone, the world’s leading authority on colour, has initiated the green revolution by naming emerald green the colour of 2013. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Colour Institute, says, “Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.” One of the most relaxing colours to the human eye as a result of its direct association with nature, green is said to symbolise growth, harmony, freshness and fertility, and to bring balance and prosperity into life. Renowned fashion houses and designers have already started incorporating the colour in their collections. So what’s the 101 on How to Dazzle in Emerald Green?
For all eastern girlies, a green coloured kurta with gold embellishments paired up with neutral tights or palazzo pants can do the trick. And if you favour prints, a green lawn suit with maroon or muted orange piping and buttons should make bang on trend outfit.
Good news for all you sun-kissed beauties, emerald green complements our natural complexion. Ayesha Jafar, brand communications specialist for SHEEP™, believes, “It is a colour that looks fabulous on every skin tone.” For those of you with a naturally bronze complexion, the original shade of emerald green or one with a hint of python green, would be the best choice to enhance those beautiful features while lighter-toned women can experiment with shades like forest green or pine green with a tinge of blue.
Have you ever thought of painting your face green? Relax, I don’t mean it literally. Pantone has also partnered with Sephora, a leading make-up brand, to launch a limited edition ‘colour of the year’ beauty collection in March. With 2013 bringing back those dramatic, bright eyes, an emerald green eye shadow or nail colour can be a great addition to your beauty collection.
Finally, accessorise it! While Jafar suggests bright pink and corals, Anees sticks to the trendy, metallic gold accessories and embellishments. An eye-catching emerald green plain dress with a chunky metallic gold necklace paired with a pair of black heels is a sure way to make a splash on Glamour Street!
So, What are you waiting for? Make that trip to your nearest mall or make a call to your personal designer and get on board with Green because it’s got the glamour street rolling this season!
domestic goddess 7 recipe
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
Bohri fried chicken Shafia Agha works as a PR consultant and runs a food blog: gobblemywords.wordpress.com. She loves trying out new recipes. Follow her on facebook.com/ GobbleMyWords and @shafiaagha
method Process coriander, chilies, garlic, salt and cumin with water in a blender. Add the mixture into a pan and cook until the chicken is tender. Coat the tenderised meat in bread crumbs so that they are fully covered. Dip in beaten egg and deep fry till golden brown. Place the fried chicken on a bed of French fries. Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve with dinner rolls and a selection of chutneys. Preparation: 30 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 5 people
Bohra food is easy as pie and tasty at the same time. The spotlight recipe, Bohri Fried Chicken, uses basic pantry ingredients to yield delectable results. As you sink your teeth in the golden crust, there is a burst of sharp garlicky flavor in the super moist meat, which is bound to get your taste buds tingling.
ingredients For Chicken: Chicken (Karhai Cut) 1 kg A bunch of fresh coriander Green chilies 5-7 Garlic cloves 8 Salt 1tsp Cumin powder 1tsp Water 1cup For Frying: Oil for deep frying Eggs, beaten 5 Plain/roasted garlic bread crumbs 500g For Serving: Chaat masala 1tsp Chilli garlic sauce Raita Tamarind chutney Green chutney French fries Dinner rolls 10-12
hottie of the week 8
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
Status Born
Single
Karachi, Pakistan
Birthday
Face
80%
1988
Who is he? Move over Fawad Khan, we’re putting another actor on our hottie throne. He’s the brand spanking new face on TV who’s giving the tired faces a run for their money. He’s smart (went to IBA for his bachelor’s degree in Finance), extremely talented (watch him in Kahi Unkahi and Zindagi Gulzar Hay), humble (did not do the typical I’m-too-busy-with-shooting routine when we called him for an interview). And did we mention he’s smoking hot?
Body
75%
Why we’re crushing on him If we went to high school with him, we’re pretty sure he’d be prom king. He was the captain of his debate team, played in the cricket team and didn’t let his grade point average get affected at all. Unlike other actors who live, breathe and dream of acting, Sheheryar just stumbled on it. He was sitting on a job offer from an excellent multinational after completing his bachelors programme. But instead of just going the normal 9-5 route, he thought he’d take a year-long break and do the kind of fun stuff that he’d reminiscence about when he turns 40. Acting turned out to be one of them. When he told his family, including his elder sister who went to Harvard, there was a lot of trepidation. It was only after he’d promised that he’d act only for a year and then head off for a postgraduate degree that his family agreed. Within that year, he managed to not only work on more than a few drama serials, he’s scored a role in an upcoming Pakistani film Kambakht. We’re now hoping his parents will extend that year to forever, maybe?
Ideal woman
Talent
80%
Total Package
78%
Although he’s single right now, he has a pretty tall order for his future significant other. The attributes come in this order: “She has to be smart, witty, a people’s person; should be sensitive, care about animals and you know, the kind who cries at the end of a movie. She doesn’t have to be typically good-looking but the kind who carries herself amazingly well.”
His celebrity crushes Shehryar is koo-koo for Fatima Bhutto. So if you’ve ever been told that you have the remotest resemblance to Fatima Bhutto, holla’ back at our hottie!
Shehryar Munawar Siddiqui