FACES Issue No. 125

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Issue 125, July 2017

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note

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ith the joyful conclusion of Ramadan and the grand Eid celebrations, the focus is bound to shift to the nitty-gritties of everyday life, not forgetting the weight gained during the long Eid holidays and the endless festive banquets. Fried snacks, flavoursome dishes and an array of sweetmeats and desserts have a way of showing up in places that make fitting into clothes difficult. Weight, apparently, follows its own dictates and, often, refuses to budge from specific spots in the body.

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Business Director / Sophia Raman Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma

There is, of course, hope. The eternal fount of hope, in this case, emanates from a suitable diet and nutrition programme, complemented by a fitness regimen that is designed to target the excess weight while ensuring overall wellness. Our cover story, featuring nutrition experts, delineates the path to follow for weight loss concerns, while structuring the lifestyle changes needed for the same. Diet and nutrition requirements of children are also tackled to highlight the need for starting a nutrition programme early in life. The underlying importance of nutrition is palpable all through this issue, which has borrowed from the vast subject to bring home truths about physical and emotional ourism problems that could arise from excess weight. T h la la 7 Sa

Operations / M.V.V. Sagar

Published By / Muscat Media Group

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In our Spotlight section, read about Classic Music and Arts Institute’s Drum Circle, which is, literally, rocking the music scene with its tried and tested recipe for stress relief and fun. Come along and enjoy this issue of FACES.

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Copyright 2017 FACES / All material published remains the copyright of FACES. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. FACES cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. 44

July 2017

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FACES Features 12 Cover Story

Giving the clichéd ‘don’t bite off more than you can chew’ idiom a literal rendition, we present the dos and don’ts of not just eating right foods, but, more importantly, eating in right proportions to enjoy healthy weight and fitness levels

18 In Conversation

Presenting Oman’s very own Drum Circle, with beats to keep the rhythm of fun and joy alive among children and adults

20 In The Spotlight

Presenting Oman’s very own Drum Circle, with beats to keep the rhythm of fun and joy alive among children and adults

22 Centre Stage -

‘Coronation’ exhibition at Gallery Sarah offers art lovers and collectors a wider artistic perspective Oman’s leading Olympic hopeful, Waleed Al Kindi, delivered a strong performance in difficult conditions at the Delta Lloyd Regatta, in The Netherlands

24 Feast On

Gustoso Executive chef Eris Di Sannio and Sous chef Lorenzo Favero demonstrate the art of preparing homemade pasta and whipping it together with a scrumptious mushroom sauce

FACES Health 28 Health Check

Whether you eat too little or too much, your eating habits have the potential of affecting your general wellbeing

FACES Travel

32 Explore Oman

The Salalah Tourism Festival kicked-off on June 30, opening an exciting line-up of cultural and entertainment fiesta of events

34 Just Travel

With the Wimbledon scheduled to be held from 3 July to 16 July, the travel focus moves to this popular destination in the sports calendar

FACES Style

FACES Razzmatazz 08 Star Light

At the ‘One Love Manchester’ benefit concert in June, Ariana Grande proved, yet again, how music stays victorious even in the face of adversity

30 In The Luxe Spending big ‘moolah’ to lose some flab…

10 Razzle Dazzle

36 Look Good

11 Tittle Tattle

Summer sweats, summer smells…find out how to stay fresh and fragrant

38 Style File

Inspired by chandeliers and architecture, Endemage sisters create masterpieces that are evocative of the regions’ rich cultural tapestry

FACES Elements

50 Relatively Speaking Find ways to thwart loneliness before it makes home in your life

52 Mandate

Blame it on age or lifestyle, belly fat is a reality that most men have to contend with unless a lifestyle change is adopted

FACES SPECIAL 42 Diet & Nutrition Special

As life turns back to the mundane home-work-home routine, post Ramadan and the Eid festivities, it is time to give your body a wellness break with lifestyle changes that promise to make health a priority and give your weight loss goals a boost

Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood

Heard through the grapevine...

FACES Digest

58 Movies & Books Reviews of upcoming movies and books

60 Gadget Notes Roundup of new gadgets in the market



MRM’s ultimate summer vacation packages Oman residents and citizens looking to escape the sizzling heat can now avail Millennium Resort Mussanah’s exceptional summer promotion, featuring a host of best-in-class leisure and lifestyle amenities, accessible to all visitors. MRM is offering guests reduced room rates and access to a wide range of pool and beach facilities as part of a summer pass, and a fully holistic wellness experience at the Zayna Spa. Perfect for couples, the promotion offers stays in a Deluxe room with breakfast and dinner for two at the Mydan Restaurant for only RO49, with sea view room upgrade available for an added RO10. Guests looking for a fun day trip can purchase a Day Pass for full access to any of the resort’s five swimming pools and the private beach at a price of just RO5 per person. The offer is available until September 30th 2017 (excluding Eid and public holidays).

Asado wins Steakhouse of the Year Award The Sheraton Oman Hotel’s South American Steakhouse, Asado, won the ‘Steakhouse of the Year 2017’ award at the prestigious Luxury Travel Guide Awards, recently. The Luxury Travel Guide Awards are a celebration of excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry worldwide.Asado is best known for serving the freshest spices, techniques and South American flavours, with a selection of Ceviche and the finest available beef cuts from Australia, Ireland, France, USA and Argentina. The elegantly appointed wood-crafted restaurant, which seats up to 100 guests offers world class meat and seafood grill specialties, and delicious steaks along with other grilled meats, expertly paired with beverages.

Mwasalat and Lulu Hypermarkets sign agreements

Mwasalat and Lulu Hypermarkets LLC have signed agreements worth RO150,000 to develop an airconditioned bus station and naming rights for two new bus stops. Mwasalat shall provide the naming rights for the two bus stops located at Lulu Hypermarket Darsait and Lulu Hypermarket Al Bander, in Mawaleh. The bus shelter, which will be air-conditioned, will be developed next to Oman Avenues Mall. The signing of the agreement is set to enhance Mwasalat’s revenue streams due to their selling of naming rights to different bus stops and shelters across the Muscat Governorate. The bus stops and shelter will develop convenient features and facilities designed to enhance passengers’ comfort.

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Capital Store at Markaj Al Bahja Indulge yourself in a world of luxury, elegance and style at the redesigned Capital Store in Markaz Al Bahja. The newly redesigned Store brings the world’s foremost luxury brands in beauty, cosmetics and perfumes, including Dior, Guerlain, Clarins, Shiseido, Elie Saab, Coach, Mont Blanc, Chopard, Roberto Cavalli, Narciso Rodriguez and Thierry Mugler. You could get healthy, flawless skin with the assistance of trained skin care specialists from Clarins. Brand Certified Make-up artist will be at hand to help you to get the latest international make up looks in an enclosed comfortable environment.


Desigual’s ‘Global Traveller’ collection As a sign of the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Oman market, the Desigual Fashion brand, known by its philosophy ‘La Vida es Chula’ (life is cool) and its colourful designs and joyful attitude, celebrated its SS17 ‘Global Traveller’ Collection under the sponsorship of Bank of Beirut and in the presence of SalwaAwan, Layla Al Siyabi and Monique Helou as known fashion influencers. Desigual’s new SS17 collection draws inspiration from the strong, modern women who continually explore the world and celebrate their freedom. Daniel Perez from Desigual said the Spring Summer collection embodies the new creative direction of the brand, while still remaining true to its essence. The colour palette includes many earthy naturals, such as white and khaki green, as well as bold accents like red and yellow.

GUtech’s Beta Team win Microsoft’s Regional Imagine Cup Competition In a contest that saw 17 teams comprising 47 students from the Middle East and Africa, GUtech’s Beta Team came victorious, winning Microsoft’s Regional Imagine Cup Competition, held in Beirut recently. The ‘Beta Team’ won the first prize in the Oman competition to qualify for the regional and will now be in the global final competition to be held in Seattle, USA in July, where more than 50 teams from around the world will participate. Speaking about the project, Alya Al Shanfari from the Beta Team who participated along with the team members Hana Rasheed and Sultan Mohsin Mohammed Al Subhi, said, “Our project ‘Bee’ is an app that is connected with Beacons technology for retail shops. It aims to provide customers with a unique, smart shopping experience while improving the understanding and the context of the world around the app users.”

Mall of Oman and Omantel collaboration Majid Al Futtaim’s Mall of Oman, which will bring to Oman several firsts - the first snow-park, the largest VOX Cinemas and a Little Explorers edu-tainment centre, among others, has signed an agreement with Omantel to build an onsite, leading-edge voice and data network supporting the largest-ever lifestyle destination under construction in the Sultanate.When open in 2020, the estimated RO275 million Mall of Oman will feature services including fixed voice and data services, and mobile voice and high speed broadband connectivity for its more than 350 retail and 20 dining outlets across a 137,000sqm leasable space, all delivered via the dedicated Omantel network.“Omantel’s collaboration with Mall of Oman is part of our pioneering effort to provide optimum connectivity and accessibility for the country’s residents and its growing tourism sector,” said Talal Said Al Mamari, Chief Executive Officer, Omantel.

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Ariana Grande: Music from Victorious At the ‘One Love Manchester’ benefit concert, in early June, Ariana Grande proved, yet again, how music stays victorious even in the face of adversity

“There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you are feeling, or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way… “We will not quit or operate in fear. “We won’t let this divide us. “We won’t let hate win.” That was Ariana Grande’s Twitter post in the wake of the terrorist bombing at the Manchester Arena in Manchester. The suicide bomber had attacked her fans, who were leaving the hall, minutes after her concert got over. In the days following, she released ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’, the ‘Wizard of Oz’ cover, to benefit Manchester bombing victims. And, at the ‘One Love Manchester’ benefit concert, she performed an emotional rendition of the song. The concert featured an all-star line-up, including Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry among others; all who joined Grande to honour the victims of the bombing that killed 22 and injured 59 at her concert. She was on her ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour, but was so traumatised by the turn of events that she was planning on cancelling it. It was, however, her resolve to make things better, in her own musical ways, that saw her gearing stars and her fans to be a part of the Manchester benefit concert. The concert, held at the Old Trafford cricket ground, just miles from where the attack occurred, was a sold-out event, and helped raise more than

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and television roles, and has lent her voice to animated television and films.

$12 million for the ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’. It went on to become the largest live event of the year on television, with an average of 10.9 million people watching it on the BBC in Britain. Continuing her show of solidarity, Grande along with her crew, got tattoos of the Manchester bee, making it a permanent tribute to the city - bee is a symbol of Manchester’s industrial past. 24-year old Ariana Grande-Butera has been savouring steady success in her long career as an American singer and actress. She began her career in the Broadway musical ‘13’ and followed it up with the role of Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon television series ‘Victorious’ in 2009. The show ended after four seasons. She then starred in the spinoff, ‘Sam & Cat’, which ended in 2014. She has also appeared in other theatre

On the musical front, it was the soundtrack of ‘Music from Victorious’ that established her music career. She soon signed a recording contract with Republic Records and released her debut studio album, ‘Yours Truly’, in 2013, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Her second album ‘My Everything’ also debuted at number one in the US and charted in the top 10 in 24 countries around the world. In 2016, she released her third studio album, ‘Dangerous Woman’, and several songs from the album. Life has been beautiful and it will continue to be for Grande, who has her heart and mind in the right places. And to prove it, she is quoted to have said, ‘Music is really driving my whole life.’


GET HOME SAFE

HANDS ON THE WHEEL EYES ON THE ROAD Safe MIND ON DRIVING


Ryan Seacrest’s multi-million dollar ‘A.I.’ deal

Ryan Seacrest is set to make $10 million as the host of the new version of ‘American Idol’, while Katy Perry, as a judge will make a whopping $25 million. The names of the other two judges is yet to be announced, but they are expected to be relatively cheaper, considering these two big deals.

Mark Wahlberg’s all-male Spice Girls (wannabe) video At the ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ press event in London, Mark Wahlberg decided to film and direct a group of journalists in recreating a hilarious Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ music video. The shoot took place on the stairs of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, where the pop group had recorded the original video. The video of the shooting was shared by one of the ‘Spice Boys’, Kevin McCarthy, a film critic and reporter for Fox 5 D.C.

Sean Combs tops the Forbes list Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has topped Forbes’ annual list of the top 100 highest-paid entertainers. He jumped up from 22nd on last year’s list with earnings of $130 million following his Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour, as well as other deals. Alongside him are Beyonce, who took home earnings of $105 million, thanks to her Formation Tour and J.K. Rowling, who earned $95 million off the back of Harry Potter spin-offs Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them and the West End’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Kylie Jenner out-earning her sisters? It was always assumed that Kim Kardashian is the top earner in the family, but in recent times it appears that there is a new claimant to that status. Following the publishing of Forbes annual list of the top-earning celebrities, it appears that Kylie earned an astonishing $41 million in the past 12 months. This places Kylie ahead of Russell Westbrook ($38.6 million) and Amy Schumer ($37.5 million) and just below sister Kim, who is estimated to have made $45.5 million in the past year.

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Beckhams’ new dog trainer

David and Victoria Beckham reportedly pay £30-an-hour for a dog trainer. Celebrity animal trainer Barry Karacostas, who has taken up the job, has to keep their cocker spaniel Olive fit and healthy with 18-mile runs around a park. Olive also undergoes intense interval training, which sees him carry out fast-paced sprints, as well as stair climbs. Olive is also on a strict healthy eating regime, on which he has only allowed to eat vegetables, raw meat and bone, to make sure he lives longer.


Tittle

a

“I think there’s still a love between us, it’s just about finding a resolution and finding that moment where you can make it all come together and be fine.” - Olly Murs expresses his hope that the long-running feud with his estranged twin brother Ben would end.

“The first thing you must do is stop believing the fallacy of you not being important. Because it is completely unacceptable for one to hate themselves so much that anyone that looks like you, you want to kill.” - Stevie Wonder joined several hundred people at a peace conference in Minneapolis to appeal to members of the neighborhood to end violence and create peace between one another.

“I think that everybody gets over everything eventually. That’s what I’ve learned, in the years of doing this; people get over it. And I’m okay with that. I just want to be happy.” - Selena Gomez, who has been dating Canadian pop star Abel of The Weeknd talks about her decision to go public with her relationship.

“I start months in advance giving them lists of things that I want (for Father’s Day). They let me sleep in…and I get breakfast in bed, which is usually pancakes and bacon. The gift I got last year was a mug that says, ‘Coffee makes me poop’.” - Steve Carell shares his Father’s Day experiences.

“With Johnny you can tell there is a very sensitive person there, a man who cares about people. There is the world outside the film studio, and I won›t comment on these things… But the Johnny I know is a gentleman.” - Javier Bardem, who stars alongside Johnny in (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), calls Depp a ‘gentleman’.

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You ARE what you EAT

Giving the clichéd ‘don’t bite off more than you can chew’ idiom a literal rendition, we present the dos and don’ts of not just eating right foods, but, more importantly, eating in right proportions to enjoy healthy weight and fitness levels Are you eating right? Is your diet packed with required nutrients? Does it have any role in your weight loss goals…? The complex world of diet and nutrition is wrought with heavy questions that offer no one-size-fits-all answer. With diet fads changing as fast as fashion, it isn’t easy to keep a track of the new options, nor feasible to try all and measure up against the best. But what if experts told you which foods to eat and which to avoid, taking your body’s metabolism into consideration? What if you learnt to identify the foods that have a direct say on your weight and those that help you stay upbeat…? Going by the tried-and-tested routine, we present tips and guidelines from two expert nutritionists in the capital. While Ruba al Shaikh of Nutrilife presents an overall view of the importance of diet and nutrition in reaching the desired health goals, Samira Rengert of Filfil & Loomi talks about nutritional requirements of children and the dos and don’ts to follow while cooking up for them. Nutrilife is a Nutritional Counseling and Catering Center, offering nutritional counselling and catering nutritionally balanced meals to children and adults, enabling them to conveniently lead healthier lives. Nutrilife dieticians determine individual nutritional requirements, while the chefs prepare personalised meals, and have it delivered to the doorstep. Filfil & Loomi is Samira’s ongoing project. As a nutritionist specialised in children’s food, she has been working in the Gulf region for the past 20 years, having started out as a business consultant in the UAE. She teaches children and adults on how to cook simple and nutritious meals, make better food choices and how to incorporate healthy eating habits into their day-to-day life. Her approach is hands-on and fun.

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Strike a Balance!

Reverse obesity with a lifestyle change, suggests Ruba Al Shaikh*, Nutritionist and Director of Nutrilife, as she chalks out ways and means to go about realising the goals of a healthy lifestyle, in the following interview What exactly does nutrition refer to? The term ‘nutrition’ refers to the process(es) by which humans, as well as animals, take in and use nutrients or food substances. The term itself does not differ for various age groups; however, nutrient requirements do differ across the lifespan as well as by gender and body composition. In general, children require a smaller amount of nutrients as compared to adults; men require greater amount of nutrients than their female counterparts. Body composition is also a determining factor, as individuals with a higher degree of muscle mass require more nutrients and calories. What is the role played by diet and nutrition in overall health and wellness? Diet and nutrition play a key role in maintaining optimal health and preventing non-communicable diseases. As a result of advancements in health care, the rates of communicable diseases (those caused by infectious agents) is generally on the decline. However, with socioeconomic development and with advancements in technology, there is a general rise in non-communicable disease such as obesity, heart disease and hypertension - all of which are rooted in years of poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Obesity is the culprit behind many of the health

concerns seen today amongst both children and adults; it is preventable by practicing healthy eating habits and indulging moderately. At the end of the day, we recommend striking a balance! When nutritionists say eat in moderation, what exactly are they implying? Nutritionally, moderation refers to avoiding excess. This implies consuming the foods that you enjoy, which are, in most cases, high in either fat or sugar - or both, without going overboard. It’s worth noting though that moderation certainly does not imply deprivation! For example, if you enjoy consuming chocolates, moderation would mean that you consume one or two small pieces, rather than consume the entire bar. We do recommend that one consumes the foods that she/ he enjoys regularly, as this prevents binge episodes or episodes of overindulgence. Is there any standard for the ideal quantity of food for different age groups? In general, there is a recommended reference range of nutrients and calories by age and gender; however; these ranges are further adjusted in order to account for an individual’s body composition (fat to muscle ratio) and their level of physical activity.

Ruba Al Shaikh

The higher the muscle mass and level of physical activity, the higher the requirements. Is one’s diet solely responsible for weight gain? Diet plays a significant role in weight gain; however, it is not solely responsible for it. Physical activity plays an important role in weight change, as do certain medical conditions and medications. Examples of this are individuals with thyroid disorders as well as those on corticosteroid use, who often see a direct impact on their weight. How important is nutrition in the various diet fads? We do not recommend following fad diets, since, as their name implies, they are usually unbalanced in nutrients and promote unhealthy, rapid weight loss. They often skip a food or food group or promote a severe caloric restriction, or sometimes even both. If you are provided with a diet plan

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that you are unable to follow for an extended period of time, or to adopt as a lifestyle, then you should not follow it. Temporary change only yields temporary results! Can nutrition help combat obesity? Poor nutrition is at the core of obesity! In order to fully combat obesity, a general lifestyle change is recommended. This entails consuming an adequate amount and balance of nutrients, as well as leading a physically active life. Visiting a nutritionist or dietician is the first step to determining the amount of calories and balance of nutrients one requires. The dietician can also help suggest simple ways to increase physical activity throughout your day, and this does not always mean spending hours at a gym! At Nutrilife, we help our clients improve their eating habits and activity levels within their current lifestyle. For example, if one eats lunch out, we assist in making better food selections. To reiterate, yes nutrition can help combat obesity, but a lifestyle change is required to reverse this epidemic.

How serious is the overweight/ obesity problem in Oman? As in other gulf states, overweight and obesity is also a problem in Oman. As studies have reported, 30 percent of Omani adults are overweight. This is 1/3 of the population, which is quite alarming. This has come about due to socioeconomic development, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. What are the nutrition dos and don’ts to follow to lose and maintain that weight? Eating right isn’t that complicated, all it entails is eating an adequate amount of calories made up of the correct balance of nutrients. This means eating from all the following food groups: 1. Carbohydrates: Bread, pasta, rice and potatoes 2. Proteins: Meat, Fish, Chicken, Beans and eggs 3. Fats: Avocadoes, Nuts, peanut butter 4. Dairy: Milk, cheese, yoghurt 5. Fruits 6. Vegetables A simple way to gauge this is to divide your plate as follows: - Fill half your plate with fruit and vegetable

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¼ with lean protein such as chicken breast, lean beef or fish - ¼ with carbohydrates such as brown rice, brown pasta or potatoes. - Try to accompany at least 2 of your main meals with a source of low fat dairy, such as cheese, yoghurt or milk. Any general nutrition tips to help people cook/prepare healthy food... l Improve your cooking method: bake, grill and boil foods more often and limit frying l Use low fat dairy alternatives such as low fat milk and yoghurt l Incorporate vegetables into your main meals as they promote satiety with minimal calories. If you are not a fan of salads, make soups instead! l Fruits are a great source of fibre and vitamins, yet they do contain simple sugars. For this reason, we recommend that you aim to take in 2-3 fruits per day.

*Ruba earned her Bachelor’s degree in the field of Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut. She worked as a clinical dietician at the Royal Hospital in Muscat where she counselled paediatric patients, adults, and patients with chronic diseases. She was also a part of the Diabetes Management team to help educate individuals about diet and diabetes. As a member of the American Dietetic Association, Ruba has access to the latest scientific research in field of food and nutrition, which she aims to use to benefit the Omani community.

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Eat a RAINBOW Everyday…

Nutritionist Siegrun Samira Rengert* recommends a diet packed with a wide range of colours and types, to help children enjoy their mealtimes and get the right nutrients. In the following interview she explains why she recommends eating a rainbow every day. What are the nutritional requirements of children? Nutritional requirements differ by age group; but looking at schoolchildren aged between 4 and 11 years, the key nutrients are B vitamins, available in meat, poultry, fish, pulses, nuts, wholegrains and green vegetables. Calcium is just as important now as earlier on in life, as your child is still growing. Zinc and vitamin A, C and E boosts a child’s immune system and his/her self-healing power. These

nutrients are found in lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, red, yellow and green fruits and vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. Could you define ‘healthy eating’ for children? Establishing the love for good food is just as important as learning your ABCs, as this will be the foundation to your child’s future health. Having a healthy relationship with food takes out a lot of struggle at mealtimes.

Siegrun Samira Rengert

Children need regular meals and, if possible, around the family table and not on the go or alone in front of the TV. Regular healthy meals keep the energy level balanced and helps the child to concentrate at school. A schoolchild should have three main meals and two healthy snacks per day.

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cover STORY

How can parents ensure a balanced diet? First of all, be a role model! Create family rituals involving foods, such as Friday morning pancake breakfast or, maybe, a day for trying new foods or cuisines. The key to a healthy diet is wholesome food – home cooked meals, lots of vegetables and fruits and plenty of water. How important is a diet rich in fruits and vegetables? My recommendation is to eat a rainbow every day. Food packed with phytonutrients fruit and vegetables are appealing and crucial for health. Eat a wide range of colours and types each day. Each colour gives different nutrients – so, the greater the mix, the more goodness you will get. How can parents protect their children against the growing occurrence of ‘childhood obesity’? The crucial fact is that children these days take in more energy than they release – so, daily exercise and outdoor play have to be encouraged. This can be another daily family ritual – a walk to the playground or an hour at the beach before sunset. Sugar and fast foods should be limited to a minimum, and each family should have strict rules in terms of treats such as sweets, crisps or sodas, whether the child is overweight or not. In order to avoid the daily trip to the corner shop after school, parents should have healthy after school snacks ready to eat, such as cut fruits and vegetables, yoghurts or homemade oat cookies. Another misconception in child nutrition are portion sizes. The measuring tool for your child’s portions are her hands but not yours. So just let your child measure his/her portions with his/her own hands.

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cover STORY What is your recommendation for a family meal? A family meal should consist of the right mix of protein in the form of meat, fish, poultry or pulses, as well as carbs such as brown rice, potatoes or whole grain pasta, plus a good selection of fresh or cooked vegetables in the form of a salad or stew. Each child should be allowed to pick what they want and only the quantity should be restricted by the parents. The kids can help setting the table and serve drinks. The table atmosphere is also very important, as well as showing appreciation for what is available and the people who prepared it. In order

to give your child the best confidence in public, make sure to introduce basic table manners and etiquette.

juicing or even making pancakes or just letting them experiment with different ingredients on their own.

How can parents involve children in the kitchen? It can start by hands-on experiences with certain ingredients and by just exploring textures, smells and flavours through play. My son loves cars, so he would ask for a heap of flour, salt or lentils to play with. While watching me, he wants to join in and help…so it comes very naturally. At an older age you may give them little tasks to do and praise them in front of the family for it. It could be something simple like grating, mixing, blending,

What are the 3 important things to consider when feeding kids? 1. Make food a pleasure not torture, create family rituals revolving around food and eat wholesome foods, not processed. 2. Provide plenty of water or diluted fruit juices to keep the kids hydrated at all times. 3. Stay away from sugar as much as possible and remember that you are their role model.

* Samira Rengert is Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Ambassador to Oman and Member of Slow Food Muscat; her ongoing projects are ‘Kids in the kitchen’, ‘Eat a rainbow’ and ‘Filfil&Loomi’ (based on the nicknames of her two children). Together with her husband, she ran the first cookery school for amateurs in Dubai for a few years before moving to Oman in 2010. She has helped many families in managing their multiple allergies and intolerances with hands on experiences in the kitchen. She delivers food educational programmes for different age groups, including farm visits and mindfulness sessions. She uses social media to spread awareness and inspire parents to try new ingredients and involve children in food preparation.

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in CONVERSATION

BUILDING VISIONS

Hisham Moussa, CEO of Alargan Towell Investment Company, traces his professional growth in the real estate sector, as he reflects on the Company’s growing prospects with a proactive team

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ith nearly three decades of experience in the real estate sector, Hisham Moussa, CEO of Alargan Towell Investment (ATI), is a veteran with extensive knowledge of the architectural development of the country, the region and the world. He is confident of witnessing a spurt of growth in the sector, and is poised to expand the company’s operations within and outside the country with his team. As he puts it: “I am blessed with a great team at ATI, and, together, we are hopeful and optimistic about the general market conditions in Oman.” He is confident of expanding the Company’s operations within Oman and beyond. “Oman is well positioned for further economic prosperity, as it enjoys wise leadership and has a strong will and desire to diversify its economy,” he points out.

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An Architect with 29 years of professional experience and exposure to global real estate development and management, construction and projects, as well as architectural design management, Moussa has mastered the workings of the real estate industry; but he is modest enough to admit that he gets inspired by the ideas emanating from young entrepreneurs. Calling ATI a pioneer in the field of developing affordable housing and communities, he reflects on his long tenure in the sector that has helped him create housing opportunities for clients from different walks of life. Before joining ATI, he was the Development Director of Emaar Misr, the Egyptian subsidiary of the UAE based Emaar PJSC. Explaining his role there, he states, “At Emaar, my primary focus was real estate development management and strategy implementation for Emaar’s mega mixed use, hospitality, commercial and


He was the senior head of engineering of Contrack international, a multinational contracting company and a subsidiary of Orascom Construction industries, before Emaar. Contrack is the Egyptian based construction conglomerate, undertaking large scale construction projects in Egypt. Talking about his early days, Moussa points out that he graduated from Ain Shams University in Cairo and that,

alongside, he completed a Real Estate Executive Development Program from the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of Real Estate. He followed that with an MBA from the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Virginia, USA, and is currently enrolled in an MSc programme in Real Estate Development and Management from Heriot Watt University, UK. He is also a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), an International associate of both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

(RAIC), in addition to being an active member of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation. Moussa is married and has three children. Talking about his children’s diverse interests, he says, “My eldest daughter is currently studying interior and product design in Florence, Italy, with one more year to go; my middle daughter is going to college this year to study Business and Marketing; and my youngest son, who is 12 years old, just finished Year Six in one of the British international schools in Cairo. “They are my joy and pride and I love spending time with them whenever possible...”

in CONVERSATION

residential projects in Egypt, and also participating in corporate development and target setting activities. I actively supported the successful IPO offering for Emaar Misr’s capital increase.”

Up Close & Personal With

Hisham Moussa The home I grew up in... I was born in Cairo, Egypt, brought up in Prague and Vienna as a teenager, before settling down in Egypt for college and the beginning of my career as an architect. When I was a child I wanted to... To become an airline pilot; to travel and to explore different parts of the world. The moment that changed me forever... Having my first child, as it transformed me into a more responsible person. My greatest inspirations... Are the success stories of young entrepreneurs who come up with bright ideas and who make the impossible possible with hard work and dedication; it is a message I try to spread within my team. My hero… Was my late father, who was an intellectual with great passion and appreciation for culture, arts and science, which he passed on to me and, as a result, I became a better person. If I could change one thing about myself... By normal standards, I am considered a workaholic, therefore, I would change my work habits to have more time for myself and for my family. I dream of... First class and five star around-theworld journeys.

What I see when I look in the mirror... A person who is young at heart, and who has led an exciting and interesting life thus far. It’s not fashionable but I like... Listening to old Arabic songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. My greatest regret... I have no regrets yet - a lot to be thankful for. You may not know it, but I’m no good at... Faking to please others. You may not know it, but I’m very good at… Making a juicy cheese and mushroom omelet. If I have time to myself... I would spend it doing more reading and perfecting painting and professional photography. My house is... A cozy apartment with a nice marina view - I love the ocean. My favourite haunt/holiday destination... Continental Europe, specially Prague and Paris, where culture and art come together in a unique blend.

I will not leave my house without… Two mobile phones, my IPad, ID and credit cards, business cards and sunglasses. Five things I like about Oman… Amazing people, nature, food, the culture and heritage, and the relaxed atmosphere. A book that changed me... ‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller which reveals the power of focusing on your ‘one thing’. On top of my wish/bucket list is... To go on a lavish cruise touring different ports. My success mantra is... ‘Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit!’ In 10 years’ time, I hope to be... Happily retired with lots of stories to tell.

My favourite weekend spot in Oman… Damaniyat Islands, where you find abundance of natural beauty above and below the ocean, as well as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar, as I love the outdoors and camping.

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in the SPOTLIGHT

Drum Circle Presenting Oman’s very own Drum Circle, with beats to keep the rhythm of fun and joy alive among children and adults

Drumming. Together. Circle. That, in a capsule, is what a drum circle is all about. For the uninitiated, a drum circle is any group of people playing drums and hand percussion - all in a circle! The stress is on ‘any group’, even complete novices, as the drum circle is an end in itself and not a preparation for a performance. There is no large objective or lofty ideal to gear up for a session of drum circle. It is just a simple need to seek rhythmic avenues for stress relief and experience the joy of beating drums in a group while feeling the rush of the beats resonating the joys of life. Sharing rhythm and getting in tune with others is what drives a drum circle. It has been described as a celebration of life and community. As the name suggests, participants sit in a circle and play drums or hand percussion to create a swelling of group rhythm, with the facilitator guiding them in rhythmbased activities.

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Classic Music and Arts Institute, which initiated this global activity in Muscat, a couple of months ago, calls it a therapeutic exercise. Pointing out that the word rhythm in Greek means to flow, Thanae Pachiyannaki of the Institute, highlights the objective behind the rhythm project as follows: “Drumming is a path of healing that guides us into experiencing the flow of our mind and emotions, so we may grow to experience more about our soul.” With a team of in-house musicians and music facilitators, the Institute has found the right groove among likeminded people in the capital. Participants claim that the experience is uplifting, helping them identify the rhythm of life and the calmness that it reassures. The fact that the hour-long sessions are overbooked is the proof of their success. As Thanae claims, “The sessions are currently over

booked and we have a waiting list for Fridays at 4! We have welcomed yoga teachers and other groups and everyone says they don’t know why, but for some reason after the session, they feel relaxed and happy!” There is evidence to back the thought that teamwork and cooperative skills, needed in businesses and corporations, schools or other group organisations, are established naturally through drum circles. Explaining about the impact of the session, Thanae states: “While participating in a drum circle, the community rhythms that are produced is not dependent on any one member; each contributor has his/her own sound to add, creating a musical picture of the power of collaboration that can translate well into business environments.” An hour-long session of drumming does help to reduce tension, anxiety and stress. It has been proven to be effective in controlling chronic pain,


in the SPOTLIGHT

while boosting the immune system and releasing negative feelings. The focus is on helping participants experience being in harmony with the natural rhythms of life. The key word is together... And while stress relief has been established, it is the joy of creating rhythm together that has found a deep connection among likeminded people.

The Institute will shortly host Drum Circles as part of its Summer Camp programme for 2017; it will be conducted by percussionist Lennon Ruiz and Ernesto Raymat, from Havana, Cuba

The Classic Music and Arts Institute’s Drum Circle is also available for corporate teams with 25 members to community groups of 500. Plans are currently on to do more such sessions at schools and organisations for people to release stress and enjoy. The team at the Institute has already conducted one for a group of over 500 underprivileged students from the government schools of Nakheel and Mutrah.

About Drum Circle:

The first drum circle originated in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s for any group of people who gathered informally. The settings ranged from beaches and parks to concert parking lots and festival grounds. One of the determining criteria for a drum circle is that the music is improvised and jointly created by the participants – that the music comes out as a group expression. In some of the Western countries, drum circles have developed into two main types – community and facilitated or moderated. While the community circle is open to public and improvised on the go, the facilitated circles are directed by a specific person.

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Centre STAGE

‘Coronation’ at Gallery Sarah

‘Coronation’ exhibition is a result of Gallery Sarah’s desire to offer art lovers and collectors a wider artistic perspective

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allery Sarah is a place to experience extraordinary and artistic elements in an environment that encourages discovery and conversation. In an age of virtual reality, Gallery Sarah reasserts the role of the gallery as a space to have dialogue with the community - in person. The ongoing Coronation exhibition at the Gallery marks the opening of an international home for artists. The group show is a celebration of rich diversity and talent, including works by established artists at their peak, as well as those who are beginning to make their mark in the art world. The works on display from contemporary artists around the world - Oman, Syria, Tunisia, India, Lebanon, Russia, and US and UK, include calligraphy, abstract, realistic, landscape and surrealist, among a host of inspired pieces that explore unconventional painting techniques, such as mixed media and multi-patterned paintings. Shapes and lines are driving forces in the extraordinary works of Omani

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artist Bakri and Al Madny whose artwork is well known as ‘Calligrafitti’. Gallery Sarah is also hosting the works of Indian artist Dilip Oinam, who sent his works from India to Oman in record time. Participants of the exhibition include Madny al Bakry, Sana Al Yahmadi, Mohammed Al Hajri, Asma Al Harthi, Saleh Al Alawi, Raya Al Manji, Adnan Al Raisi, Juma Al Harthi, Sultan Al Defaei, Sharifa Al Marhubi, Fakharataj Al Ismaily, Hafsa Al Tamimi, Enaam Ahmad, Issa Al Mafraji, Laila Al Najjar, Nadia Al Balushi, Abdullmajeed Karooh, Naieema Al Maimani, Said Al Alawi, Tahira Fida, Anna Dudchenko and Mohammed Al Mamari - from Oman; resident artists Julian Mullineux from UK, Ayman Humaira and Shatha Ghassan from Syria, Nathalie Dernaika, Lebanon, Alma De Ville, Bosnia, Deborah D’onofrio, US, Dilip Oinam (India), and Amira Khouildi (Tunisia).

Located in the historical part of Old Muscat and part of the Bait Al Zubair Museum complex, Gallery Sarah is a unique contemporary art gallery. The gallery exhibits artworks including, but not limited to paintings, graphics, calligraphy, installations, sculpture and photography. Apart from trying to create a strong connection between established and emerging Omani artists and the international art world, Gallery Sarah also supports and has an appreciation for work by a wide variety of talented Arab artists from around the Gulf and international artists The Coronation exhibition will be on display till the 20th of September.


Centre STAGE

Om ho an pe ’s fu Ol l W ym ale pi ed c Al Ki nd i

Waleed Al Kindi

Oman’s leading Olympic hopeful, Waleed Al Kindi, delivered a strong performance in difficult conditions at the Delta Lloyd Regatta, held in Medemblik, The Netherlands, recently

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ampaigning in the RS:X Men windsurfer class to be part of Oman Sail’s first ever Olympic squad at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Waleed Al Kindi, one of Oman’s Olympic hopefuls, posted two top-20 finishes – including an 11th place – in a highly competitive fleet. A steady competitor in the top half of a world-class fleet on the upwind legs, Al Kindi acknowledged that more work on his technique is needed to maintain his speed and position when racing downwind. “It has been a great two weeks in Medemblik, though at the beginning I had to get used to the strong wind and cold conditions that we don’t get too much of in Oman,” said Al Kindi, who is widely regarded as the Sultanate’s best windsurfer. “Having the chance to race, work and train with bigger groups than I am used to at home will help me with my technique and speed,” he noted.

Racing on the very large Ijsselmeer artificial lake north of Amsterdam, Al Kindi finished the regatta in 28th place. Also with an eye on qualifying for the 2020 Olympics, the 49er dinghy pairing of Musab Al Hadi and Hashim Al Rashdi saw their Medemblik regatta come to a premature end after an injury to Al Rashdi’s ankle meant they were unable to continue. The injury appears to have initially resulted from a capsize, a couple of weeks earlier, when the Omani pair were practicing in the highperformance Olympic class skiff, which requires almost constant work while balanced on ‘wings’ and a trapeze wire. Their regatta started well with a 19th place in the first race, held in conditions that saw the wind gusting up to 20 knots. In the second race they capsized while rounding a mark in 11th place. Further capsizes followed and the duo decided to call a halt before the injury became any worse.

“It is difficult to race a 49er in 18 knots of wind and choppy sea with only one fully operational foot!” said Al Rashdi following their retirement. “It’s a pity because we had a very good performance in the first race, and we had been doing well in light wind training races against the German and Portuguese teams who finished the regatta first, second and third overall.” Both he and Al Hadi are graduates from the innovative Oman Sail initiative that aims to harness the power of sport for social and economic development. They have previously raced together on F18s (14th out of 160 boats in 2013 at F18 World Championship) and the Extreme Sailing Series 2012 winner The Wave, Muscat

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feast ON

Taste Notes from GUSTOSO

Bruschette al Pomodoro

Calling all Italian food addicts… Gustoso, the new Italian landmark in the prime Qurum area, has the perfect dose of Italian flavours to satiate every pasta lovers palate

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he multi-hued food path, on Qurum’s laidback street facing the Funzone, has a little Italian jewel, which has been aptly named Gustoso, or tasty, as Rossella and Luca Maccario, the owners, point out. ‘Tasty’ is a metaphor that transcends the walls of the kitchen to create a homey feel that is reminiscent of popular pasta bars in Italian food courts. Adorned in simple motifs, with bright white and red colours dominating the décor within, the restaurant, which opened doors in December last year, has made warmth and camaraderie its signature style. This is perfectly complemented with fresh pastas and authentic Italian flavours, leaving no room for customisation or fusion stories to dilute the ‘authentic’ mantra.

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Ravioli con ripieno di ricotta e spinaci alla crema di burro e salvia

Suppli

What caught our attention, as we made our way along the vibrant food alley, was the quiet style and approach adopted by the eatery. No loud décor elements or colour splashes to take away the focus from food or undermine a food lover’s need to indulge in authentic flavours without falling for the lure of decor. But there are little creative elements that are sure to make the diner smile with admiration. Like the upturned colanders that act as lampshades on the ceiling; the picture frames of pastas that tell you, in no uncertain terms, that you are, indeed, in for some Italian love of the food kind; the white board listing the day’s specials and the open heart-shape that is formed with the last two letters of Gustoso…

It was early evening as we settled for our long Italian feast, with Rossella treating us to an endless array of dishes with ‘authentic Italian’ labelled on them. She tells us that it was her and Luca’s overriding desire to start an Italian food station in a Middle Parmigiana


At Gustoso, the stress is eternally on authentic. Whether it is the flour for fresh pastas, the herbs or the sauces, the crisp and compact, no-fuss menu, has been crafted with condiments and ingredients sourced from home; Rossella even grows the sage and basil in her home garden here. Fresh pasta is prepared by the experienced Italian chefs that man the kitchen. Plans are on to initiate sale of fresh pasta on order from September this year. Executive chef Eris Di Sannio and Sous chef Lorenzo Favero have several food tricks up their sleeves and we got to enjoy a few of them. The most

interesting was the presentation of freshly made pasta, with prawns, grated cheese and zucchini bites cooked in a creamy sauce. The dish, named ‘Casarecce zucchine e gamberetti’, comes to the table ‘in crosta di pane’, meaning covered in homemade bread. The pan is sealed in the bread dough before putting it in the oven, creating a succulent pasta dish with all the flavours preserved. Our Italian fiesta did begin with a series of starters: We tucked into the ‘Bruschette al Pomodoro’ (toasted bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and basil) with a dash of creamy ‘Tasto’ balsamic vinegar, another Italian product. The ‘Suppli’ (fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and ragu sauce), which came next, was a novelty to our taste buds with the sauce creating the perfect confluence of rice and cheese. ‘Parmigiana’, a dish of grilled aubergine slices, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and basil, is a delight for any eggplant lover. The mains included, besides the seafood pasta, ‘Frittino Con Tonno Fresco’ (mix of fresh tuna (scottata

or seared) with deep fried potatoes and peppers and rocket salad); ‘Risotto alla crema di funghi porcini’ (a large dish filled with scrumptious risotto and porcini mushrooms, which come straight from Italy); and ‘Lasagna con ripieno di carne, besciamella e Pomodoro’ (rich ragu sauce layered between sheets of fresh lasagne, a creamy béchamel sauce and mozzarella). The best of all was the ‘Ravioli con ripieno di ricotta e spinaci alla crema di burro e salvia’, freshly made ravioli filled with spinach, butter and sage. Just divine!

feast ON

Eastern country that saw them making home in Muscat, miles away from their hometown. Interestingly, the duo have no restaurant experience, with Luca relying on his military expertise and Rossella on her fashion career, to work their way to make Gustoso a success story. Although it is a little too early in the day to chart their growth, the restaurant has, apparently, found a food connect with foodies that have honed their palates on authentic Italian fare.

And then the desserts - drool-worthy angels sent from heaven. We had ‘Frollini di mele’, a crispy dough pie with apples crammed in the centre; the blissful Tiramisu (classic Italian dessert made with coffee, cream and a light sponge cake); and the warm and succulent ‘Souffle al cioccolato’, a delicious molten chocolate centre and a light sponge exterior. We topped it all with ‘Crema di caffé or coffee cream. One memorable tasty affair this…

Frittino Con Tonno Fresco

Casarecce zucchine e gamberetti

Risotto alla crema di funghi porcini

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let’s COOK

Pasta

TIME Gustoso Executive Chef Eris Di Sannio (right) and Sous chef Lorenzo Favero demonstrate the art of preparing homemade pasta and whipping it together with a scrumptious mushroom sauce

Tagliatelle with porcini mushroom sauce Ingredients for Tagliatelle (fresh made pasta) – 130gms l 100gms white flour l 2 eggs (only red) l 1tbsp salt l 10gms semolina flour Method: 1. Pour the flour into a bowl and spread it out to accommodate the eggs, salt and semolina. 2. Knead all the ingredients to make a compact dough. 3. Let the dough sit for around 40 minutes covered in cling film. Now divide it into three balls. 4. Stretch out each ball with a wooden roll and flour, as needed, until each dough sheet becomes around 3mm thick.

5. Roll each sheet 3-4 times according to the length, and then cut it in vertical lines with a good knife. 6. Open the tagliatelle and let them dry on a table sprinkled with semolina. Ingredients for the mushroom sauce (for approx. 150gms of tagliatelle) l 2tbsp olive oil l 1tbsp butter l 1 piece garlic l 150gms of (porcini or any other kind) mushroom l 100ml vegetable broth l ½ cup of chopped parsley l Black pepper l Salt Method: 1. In a medium pan, pour olive oil, butter and garlic and start cooking over low heat.

2. When the butter is melted and garlic has become golden, add the mushrooms and salt. 3. Let it cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, adding the vegetable broth* and stirring gently until the broth evaporates. 4. In another medium pan, bring to boil some water and then place the tagliatelle into it. Let it cook for around 4 minutes. 5. Drain the tagliatelle and pour them into the sauce pan; add pepper and parsley and stir for 1 minute over a very low heat. Serve it!

* Vegetable broth: Bring to boil 500ml water and add 45gms vegetable stock in it. Allow the stock to melt. Your vegetable broth is ready.

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Easy recipes to set you on your diet and nutrition programme

let’s COOK

Health on your Plate

Broccoli & Feta Omelette Ingredients: l l l l l

Cooking spray 1 cup chopped broccoli 2 large eggs - beaten 2tbsp feta cheese - crumbled 1/4tsp dried dill

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and coat the pan with cooking spray. Add chopped broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Combine egg, feta, and dill in a small bowl and add the mixture to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the omelette and cook for another two minutes or until cooked through. Serve with toast.

Lemon Herb Chicken Ingredients:

l l l

2 boneless chicken breast halves - skinless l 1 lemon Salt and pepper to taste l 1tbsp olive oil l 1 pinch dried oregano 2 sprigs fresh parsley - for garnish

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Cut lemon in half, and squeeze the juice from 1/2 lemon on the chicken. Season with salt to taste and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet over medium low heat. Now place the chicken in the skillet. Add juice from the other half lemon, along with pepper and oregano. Sauté it for 5 to 10 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Turn off the gas and garnish with parsley.

Grilled Eggplant & Portobello Sandwich Ingredients: l l l l l l

1 small clove garlic - chopped l ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise 1tsp lemon juice l 1 medium eggplant - sliced into ½ inch rounds 2 large or 3 medium Portobello mushroom caps - gills removed Cooking spray l ½tsp salt l ½tsp freshly ground pepper 8 slices whole-wheat sandwich/burger bread - grilled or toasted 2 cups arugula, or spinach - stemmed and chopped l 1 large tomato- sliced

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Preheat grill to medium-high. Mash garlic on a cutting board with the back of a spoon, combine it with mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside. Coat both sides of eggplant rounds and mushroom caps with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper. Grill the vegetables until tender and browned on both sides - 2 to 3 minutes per side for eggplant, 3 to 4 minutes for mushrooms. Slice the mushrooms when cool. Spread 1½ teaspoons of the garlic mayonnaise on each piece of bread. Layer the eggplant, mushrooms, arugula (or spinach) and tomato slices onto 4 slices of bread; top with the remaining bread.

June July 2017

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Health CHECK

When Eating Becomes a Disorder Whether you eat too little or too much, your eating habits have the potential of affecting your general wellbeing

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n our everyday world, with food playing such an important part of our lives, is it any wonder that it can make a difference between our overall wellness and mental health concerns… Not because of what we are consuming, but rather how much. Eating disorders are perpetrated by consumption of either excessive food or insufficient food. Some of the common disorders of the eating kind are anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating. While eating too little may be blamed on body image concepts floated by the media, what is the trigger behind binge eating? All of us are guilty of indulging in binge eating at some time or the other, depending on our hunger level or the food laid out for lunch/dinner. In the face of one’s favourite food it is, sometimes, difficult to stop even when the hunger groan has turned into a loud burp. But binge eating of the ‘disorder’ kind goes beyond the

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occasional binges. It is compulsive overeating or consumption of abnormal amounts of food; it is that unstoppable feeling when food is laid out…a loss of control over oneself. It becomes a disorder if such eating happens a minimum of twice a week, over a six month period. The obvious aftereffect of this is obesity, which is believed to indirectly lead to further compulsive eating. Another, very difficult to overcome effect of binge eating, is the feeling of disgust and guilt it breeds in the person, at times leading to depression and anxiety. Often, this turns into a vicious circle as more food is consumed in a negative coping mechanism. So what exactly causes binge eating? The answer to that could be biological, psychological or social. Biological cause may be attributed to hormonal irregularities or genetic mutations that may be associated with an addiction for food. Psychological causes are more common and are triggered by a variety of factors - psychologists have

found a strong correlation between depression and binge eating. It may also be brought about by body image concepts that lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. Social factors may be attributed if the binge eating disorder is triggered by social pressures or even some past memory, and food is used as a remedy for emotional relief. While the obvious sign of binge eating is overeating, there are tabulated symptoms that signal binge eating disorder.

Some of the symptoms include:

l Continuing to eat even when the stomach is full l Lack of control over eating l Hoarding food to eat while no one is noticing l Eating the right portions in the company of others, but gorging when alone l Using food to relieve stress l A feeling of numbness while bingeing


Treatment options:

Treatment is said to be challenging, as feelings of guilt and shame, often, do not allow the person to admit that he/she has a problem. It is effectively hidden and even people in the family and friends’ circle may be unaware of the problem. This calls for a proper treatment plan and may involve a combination of strategies to help the person gain control over the everyday behaviour of eating. Psychotherapy, medication and even nutrition counselling is suggested to help overcome the disorder. Psychotherapy relies on individual counselling that is aimed at changing the person’s thinking patterns as well as behavior by developing

healthier attitude to food. This could be followed with nutrition counseling to teach the person the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet and restore normal eating habits. Medication is also prescribed, if needed, to reduce the episodes of binge eating. In addition to these, what is important, perhaps more than any other treatment method, is family support. With the help of a psychologist, the person could undergo a group or family therapy to make the treatment effective. This will also help the family members and even close friends understand the disorder and assess the symptoms, so as to provide better support

July2017

Health CHECK

Often, overeating is seen as harmless in the initial days and many may even be indulged by parents and family members, not realising that it could get out of control. Binge eating needs to be stopped at the earliest, as the consequences are not just about excess weight and the associated problems of movement. Some of the complications arising out of binge eating are: l Cardiovascular disease l Type 2 Diabetes l Insomnia or sleep apnoea l Hypertension l Gallbladder disease l Muscle and joint pain l Gastrointestinal difficulties l Depression and/or anxiety

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in the luxe

Spend to Lose Whether results are guaranteed or not, spending big ‘moolah’ to lose some flab is fashionable…

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utritional supplements, diet plans, fitness gear… With manufacturers tapping the never fading need to lose weight, there are innumerable avenues for those who have the money and the required orientation to give that flab a go. In the following feature, take a quick look at some of the supplements, diets and equipment that spell money and, of course, the targeted weight loss.

World Nutrition Vitalzym

The World Nutrition website claims that Vitalzym liquid gels are allnatural, vegetarian systemic enzyme supplements, which can be used to promote muscle recovery, joint function, healthy immune and cardiovascular systems, and more. Every product comprises of a proprietary blend of vegetarian ingredients formulated for optimum absorption and benefit. They state that they are focused on identifying the problems at the source. Price: $164.95

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July 2017

Jenny diet

Craig

Dubbed as one of the most expensive diet programmes, the Jenny Craig method is a threelevel food-mindbody plan to help people lose weight and keep it off. It teaches you how to eat the foods you want, in small frequent portions; how to increase your energy levels through simple activities; and how to maintain the weight loss and enjoy healthy diet. The plan offers prepackaged low-calorie food, a consultant to offer support in person or phone, exercise plan and online tools to plan and track meals. There are two programmes – one that is built around the actual centres and the ‘Jenny Direct’ programme for those who cannot physically access a centre. The latter is done via email and phone. Price range: $525 to $705 per month

Wellness Sky

If working out in an architectural marvel is on your agenda for weight loss, get ready to shell out a whopping $30,000 on membership fee alone. The Wellness Sky, located in Belgrade, Sebria, has its reasons for charging that fee. It has a line-up of exclusive equipment to get your body in shape and also promises views of the city that are breath-taking, to say the least. It is famous for its body balance programme, which is a combination of yoga, Pilates and tai-chi, all packed into one regimen. Price: $30,000


in the luxe

Range of Motions Machines

Is time a constraint in your fitness goals? Opt for the ROM machine, which is designed to give you a full workout in just four minutes. The Range of Motions machine is apt for all those who cannot make time to hit the gym or jog it out to stay fit. Said to be a challenging workout, it promises to increase your metabolism, while helping burn fat and build the muscles. It works both the upper and lower body. Price range: around $14,000

Align-Pilates A2RII Reformer

With three reformers in one, this home gym option, can be easily adapted to your changing circumstances. You could choose your preferred leg height - 28, 42 or 64cm - to suit your requirements and space. And, even if these change in the course of time, you could buy a different set of legs and swap them. It comes with a host of easy adjustments to provide total flexibility. Price: $3700

Power Plate

Metabolic Balance

This is an all-natural nutrition programme aimed at balancing your hormones, optimising your health and, of course, long term weight management. The programme helps develop a completely personalised nutrition plan based on an in-depth analysis of your blood values, medical history and personal likes and dislikes. This will specify which natural foods you should eat in order to induce the biochemical changes needed for reaching your desirable weight and health goals. You will be assigned a personal coach who will guide you through. Price range: $899 and above

Experience the power of a personal trainer with the Power plate, which is equipped with over 250 customised programmes and more than a thousand individual exercises. The Power Plate my7 is a unique whole body vibration technology, featuring an integrated touch screen computer, which is packed with more than a thousand exercise videos and coaching tips to guide you through the training. Power Plate is engineered to activate the body’s natural reflexive response to vibration; its vibrating platform moves 25 to 50 times per second to engage muscles in a consistent, and controlled manner. Price range: $1,500 to 11,500

July 2017

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explore OMAN 32

Salalah Tourism Festival 2017 The Salalah Tourism Festival kicked-off on June 30, opening an exciting line-up of cultural and entertainment fiesta of events

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regional tourists, who are expected to include Salalah in their summer itinerary during the month – as always.

Announcing the Tourism Festival, early this month, Dhofar Municipality emphasised that the addition of new features would make it all the more attractive for domestic visitors as well as

Pointing out that the preparations for the festival were in place, H.E. Sheikh Salim bin Aufit al Shanfari, Head of Dhofar Municipality and chairman of the organising committee, noted that the two months of festivities would showcase cultural splendours from 15 different countries, who would be participating in this festival. And, with road works expected to be complete before the official opening of the khareef season on June 21, there will be better traffic movement

rom June 30 to August 31, Salalah will don its annual festive garb to present its celebratory offering on a platform of culture, heritage, entertainment and shopping. The new edition of the festival will herald a series of new activities and programmes, featuring folklore and traditional handicrafts.

July 2017

and visitors will have convenient options to move around and check out the touristy places in the region. The Municipality has assured that it is ready for the expected rush of tourists during the season. With summer temperatures in other parts of Oman and the region making the cool climes of Dhofar a prime summer destination, visitors have a lot to look forward to, in addition to the festival activities and programmes that will occupy the main festival grounds. The large Dhofar Governorate stretches over an area of one-third of southern Oman, and includes the wilayats of Salalah,


To make the most of the Salalah Tourism Festival, it is best to chalk out an itinerary that includes visits to its popular beaches and mountains. Here are a few attractions to explore, with the focus on Khawrs (lagoons) of the Salalah Coast Reserve:

Khawr Ruri

This is the largest reserve in the Governorate of Dhofar. According to Oman’s Tourism Ministry website, it is one of the most attractive tourist spots, comprising Khawr Ruri port, famously known as Samharam. History buffs have a lot to look forward to, as the area around this place is home to important ruins that date back to prehistoric times. This Khawr is it is not only a nature

reserve, but an important heritage reserve as well, and has been included in the World Heritage List.

Khawr Al Baleed

The Al Baleed Khawr, which hems the Al Baleed city, is important for a variety of reasons. For one, the region is on the World Heritage List, making the Khawr a protected zone, and, for another, the place boasts a combination of archaeology, history and nature. The archaeological park, which is considered to be the first of its kind in the country, seals it as a prime tourist attraction. The park serves to protect natural resources as well as attract tourists.

Khawr Al Maghsayl

This Khawr is on the eastern end of Jabal Al Qamar, or the moon mountain, stretching for about half a square kilometer. It is deemed highly important, as it preserves main species of indigenous and migratory birds that inhabit the lagoon due to the abundance of food all through the year.

Khawr Awqad

Taking its name from the ancient city of Awqad, this lagoon is stretched over 40 acres; it is one of the sites frequented by birds (egrets, herons, Abu Mahgl) nesting throughout the year.

Khawr Ad Dahareez

Similar to Khawr Awqad in its importance, this lagoon is located at the eastern entrance of Salalah city. Its importance can also be attributed to the biodiversity; it is frequented by migratory birds.

Khawr Taqah

Located at the western entrance of Taqah City, the Khawr Taqah lagoon occupies about two square kilometres and has spots in which freshwater varieties of plants grow alongside other plant types that need a high level of salinity. Visitors can look forward to an abundance of marine life, as well as many types of birds.

explore OMAN

Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shalim and Halyaniyat Islands, Dalkoot, Rakhyut, Thamrit, Mokshin and Al Mazuna. The Governorate’s distinction lies in its exciting natural diversity with the long coastal line blending with the mountains and the desert in a symphony orchestrated by the monsoon. All wilayats boast their share of tourist attractions, making the entire Governorate a tourism hotpot, especially during the long summer season elsewhere in the country.

Khawr Sawli

The Khawr Sawli in the Wilayat Taqah is important for the plant life and animals that inhabit it.

Khawr Al Qurm Al Sagheer and Al Qurm Al Kabeer

Dense mangrove trees cover these two lagoons and obscure the waters from the main road, thereby encouraging several birds to build their nests here. The lagoons are considered to be perfect destinations for the bio-cycles of some microorganisms and plants.

Frankincense tree in Dhofar mountain, Oman

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Just TRAVEL

A Tennis Holiday With the Wimbledon scheduled to be held from 3 July to 16 July, our travel focus shifts to this popular destination in the sports calendar

With practice sessions on in the north of the Grounds, you could view players practicing on the Aorangi Park courts. The area is awash with players hitting balls, stretching or just hanging out. This hidden gem allows you to get up close to players in a more relaxed setting.

‘There is a certain beauty and majesty to Wimbledon. The elegance, the way the grass looks on TV…” stated John McEnroe, and we could not agree more. After an up close and personal look at the prestigious tennis destination, we can easily recommend it as a neat tourist destination, even for the nonsporty traveller.

Here are our reasons:

For one, you can dabble in the game, even if you are a novice. At the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Play Tennis Zone near Court 12, you could take part in activities including interactive tennis games and competitions to win prizes, or simply chat to friendly and knowledgeable LTA representatives about how to get more involved in tennis. And, for another, you could avail an opportunity to meet your

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favourite players in person at the Fanzone, located just outside Aorangi Pavilion in the north of the Grounds. Keep a watch on their Twitter page @Wimbledon to check out which tennis celebrity is going to make an appearance. According to the roster, every day, one or two players visit the booth to meet fans and sign autographs.

But if eating and drinking is on your agenda, be ready for a culinary spree. There are many restaurants, cafés and on-the-go eateries throughout the Grounds to suit all tastes and needs. There is ‘Tea Lawn’ for a cup of afternoon tea, Wingfield Restaurant for a leisurely lunch and/ or afternoon tea, Food Court for a selection of refreshments, Court 18 for light refreshments, Conservatory Kitchen for a wide range of contemporary and traditional hot English-inspired dishes, Canyon Coffee & Ice Cream for cold and hot drinks, Food Village for a range of culinary delights, The Bakery for


What to see at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum The Museum: Experience the history and traditions of ‘the Fortnight’ in the Museum. Get up close to the Championships Trophies, feel the fabrics of tennis fashions from the Victorian period, test your skills on the Batak wall and learn about how The Championships has developed since 1877. With clothing and equipment donated by tennis’ top stars, you are certain to see something from your favourite player. Exhibitions: The Museum has run several special exhibitions over the years, including one dedicated to tennis at the Olympic Games, another charting the evolution of the racket from the 1870s to present day, and a showcase of the spectacular tennis posters in the Museum’s collection.

by internationally renowned sculptor William Pye, and was unveiled by HRH The Duke of Kent at The Championships 2016. There is also a Fred Perry sculpture by David Wynne at the north-east corner of Centre Court, and at the front of the Clubhouse (south concourse) there are head and shoulder sculptures by Ian Rank-Broadley of the five British Ladies’ Singles Champions: Kitty Godfree, Dorothy Round, Angela Mortimer, Ann Jones and Virginia Wade. The Tour: Wimbledon’s behind-thescenes tours of the Grounds are the perfect way to see this world-famous site. Expertly led by a friendly Blue Badge Guide, you will learn about how Wimbledon’s distinctive grass is cared for and how the site is improved and developed each year. You will see facilities provided for the press, broadcasters and of course, the world’s best tennis players. Tour highlights include Media Centre, BBC Studio, Players’ Entrance, Main Press Interview Room and Centre Court.

You could even join the Virtual Reality experience, a 360˚ show experienced using the latest Virtual Reality technology. The experience will take you on a fun and informative journey through the history of The Championships at Wimbledon, shrink you down to the size of an ant to learn more about the science behind the famous grass, sit you in the umpire’s chair to watch some magic moments from your favourite players unfold and be voiced by former Wimbledon semi-finalist and British No.1 Tim Henman.

Just TRAVEL

baked goods, Court Buffet for graband-go food, Play Tennis for light refreshments, Cafe Pergola to enjoy a range of salads and handmade sandwiches and Wimbledon Picnics for a perfect picnic at the grounds.

However, if you are visiting Wimbledon to watch the championship, here are a few dos and don’ts to follow when you are on the court - switch off your mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices in the stands and around the courts, and keep any camera flashes suppressed; enter or leave a stand only at a change of ends and never during a tie-break; do not make a noise during a rally; and never applaud a net cord or double fault

Sculptures: There are a number of bespoke sculptures around the Grounds, the latest addition of which is the Alchemilla Sculpture at the top of St Mary’s Walk near Ticket Resale. This sculpture was created

July 2017

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look GOOD

Smell Good, Feel Good Whether you suffer from body odour or not, summer has its way of giving everyone its share of sweats and smells

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s the temperature continues its punishing schedule and the ‘thisis-definitely-the-hottestyear’ dirge reverberates at every gathering, take a moist towelette, wipe your brow and get ready to take stock of your sweaty, clammy body. Summer is cruel in its manifestation and is known to nurse vengeance for all the negative feedback it receives from everyone. Yes, it is relentless in its attack and none is exempt from its wrath – even a short bolt from the parking lot to the building can be a sweaty affair. But with hibernation out of question, rather out of context, the only way to

tackle the sweat issue is with some tender loving care of the deodorant kind. For when you smell good, you naturally feel good about yourself and about others in your contact. So, how do you keep your body fresh and odour-free all day long? How do you get those underarms to emit the fragrance of the deodorant you sprayed in the morning, especially if your job requires you to zip in and out of your car for meetings and appointments? The answer probably lies in understanding your body and picking the right product. For your need is not just to smell right, but also ensure that your underarms are

Here are some guidelines to follow when picking your deodorant… Fragrance: While what you like in the

fragrance quarter may be distinctly different from what your spouse picks, it is important to note that you, as an individual, have your own specific feel-good smell. You probably use this as a guide, albeit unconsciously, even when you pick other consumer products. Go by your instincts.

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not displaying sweat stain maps for all to see. Staying dry is as important as smelling right. What you need to keep those stains at bay and also smell fresh all through the day, is a little understanding of your body type and your experience with different fragrances. As experts note, although sun is the perpetrator of sweat and all things clammy, it has no direct say on the amount of sweat or heat each one feels. How one’s body reacts to heat and unleashes the sweat glands is dependent on a variety of factors – but that is for another time. For the moment, let us simply focus on the ways and means to find the right balance and avoid excessive sweating.


lifestyle mantra

Summer meltdown By Sophia Raman

Skin type: If you have sensitive skin or have a skin

condition, you would have to pay extra attention to read the label well and may be even look for organic products. This is all the more important if you have allergies that could be triggered by certain smells or chemicals incorporated into the deodorant.

your guide to pick the right product: deodorant or antiperspirant: First off, understand

whether you need a deodorant or an antiperspirant. While deodorants mask the underarm odour, they are, usually, sought for the fragrance or perfume they emanate; antidepressants, on the other hand, help to prevent sweat marks that form around the armpit of your shirt/blouse. If you simply want to smell nice without worrying about the sweat accumulating under the arms, your best bet is a deodorant; if your underarms tend to get sweaty without feeling smelly, you might want to opt for an antiperspirant. However, if you have a serious case of both sweat and smell to contend, it is best to find some medical relief by consulting with your dermatologist.

Stick or Spray: Deodorants that are packed in a stick are usually dry and come in solid white colour. This could prove to be an issue when you wear coloured clothes as they leave their mark. Sprays are popular as they are colourless and are easy to apply. However, over and above the products you pick from your cosmetic store, you need to stick to a diet that is suitable for the season and avoid wearing tight clothes and synthetic fibres like rayon, polyester and nylon. Stay cool!

Find wayS to perFect tHe unmake-up look tHiS Summer and keep your Face lookinG FreSH and ready For a caSual outinG or a Formal do Less is more… That’s the dictum to follow when applying makeup during the hot and humid months. With sweat film forming on your face at the faintest feel of heat, your makeup needs to act as an armour - your heat guard, not your blooper canvas. Makeup has a way of melting down, turning your face into a painting gone wrong. It knows just how to join hands with sweat and leave trail marks all over, especially around the eyes, if your eyeliner, mascara and shadow have not been selected with care. Your best face forward for the season would be one that sports an unmade-up look. Whether that trend has lost its hold or not, it is the seasonal dictate that you need to toe. However, ‘unmade’ doesn’t necessarily mean toning down all aspects of your makeup; for, waterproof eye makeup is perfect to give any makeup addict a boost in the right direction. Gel based neon shades are a better option than darker eye shadows; as for mascara, stick to waterproof - that is the first thing that will run at the sign of heat. You could opt for a matte based foundation, as it effectively absorbs the excess oil in your skin. Alternately, simply go for a BB cream, as it solves all your foundation needs for the summer. Pick a crème blush for your cheeks, but don’t hesitate with the colour of your choice on your lips. Go on, rock the season.

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style FILe

Fashion by Endemage

Inspired by chandeliers and architecture, Endemage sisters create masterpieces that are evocative of the region’s rich cultural tapestry The Endemage deign duo took inspiration from the chandeliers and architecture of the Grand Mosque in Oman and the floral prints seen in The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi for the season of Ramadan. Known for their traditional hand-embroidery techniques, the sisters, Lubna and Nadia Al Zakwani, used soft pastel colours embellished with silver and gold embroidery. Featuring light and natural fabrics that would work well in the heat of the Middle East, the cuts were kept loose and simple. Here’s a quick peek…

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Style FILe July 2017

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style FILe 40

July 2017


esque It wIth ALe

London Fashion Week ALE AL ZADJALI OuTLINES WHy FASHION SHOWS SHOuLD HAVE TWISTS AND STuNTS AND DESIGNERS SHOuLD STRIVE TO STAND OuT London Fashion Week certainly didn’t hold back (oh, at all), as Bobby Abley had Dipsy (Teletubbies) close his show. It wasn’t a person on a costume crashing the show, the collection had the show as a theme. However, watching clips of it unravelling just made me think of how much I personally crave fashion show twists. Sure it’s interesting to see a popular personality sitting FROW and I certainly was amazed seeing RPDR’s Valentina looking like Linda Evangelista at the recent Moschino show and Nicki’s PFW antics. However, this was a true game changer. It was on par with shows having props and stunts and I’m here for it. I wish more designers were aware of the fact that buyers and reporters only make up around 15 percent of the attendees. Designers should strive to stand out because people lose focus as the patterns repeat. Make it snow rose petals, give me wig reveals or costume tearaways, celebrity appearances or surprise performances. I mean the Victoria’s Secret fashion show wouldn’t be as celebrated if we didn’t have the likes of Gaga singing ‘Million Reasons’ (one of the saddest songs of all time), as models tried to strut and come off as blithe. The twists are a way for designers to say ‘Bon Appétit’, as the audience pulls out their cameras to capture the moment and quench their thirst. Plus, who can’t benefit from the added social media buzz?

Ale Al Zadjali is a 23 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

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Diet & Nutrition Special

Diet, Nutrition & Health As life turns back to the mundane home-work-home routine, post Ramadan and the Eid festivities, it is time to give your body a wellness break with lifestyle changes that promise to make health a priority and give your weight loss goals a boost 42

July 2017


Diet & Nutrition Special

Be a Smart Food Shopper Healthy eating habits start at home, rather, with your food shopping

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ealthy eating is all about healthy shopping; shopping that is guided by your clear diet and nutrition dictates. Add to that a heavy dose of smart shopper attitude and you are ready to get set on your mission. Here is a little guide to get you started:

Make a list

Whatever be your reason for visiting the supermarket, a list is what you need to shop smartly. This will stop you from indulging in impulse buying or picking items that have no role in your healthy diet plan. Before you venture out on your shopping trip, sit down and make a list, relying on your weight loss menu or the meal planner of your healthy eating strategy. Give it a second look to ensure that the list includes healthy and convenient

snack items. If you are familiar with the supermarket and know exactly where different items are located, organise your list accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays. Also, never go shopping when you are hungry or during the meal times. Hunger might induce you to pick higher calorie snack items.

Read labels

When picking up a new item or product that has been included in your health strategy, take time to read the nutrition label. This will give you details like serving size, calories, fat content, cholesterol and the like, and help you make a better choice. You could compare similar products or different brands to pick the healthier option. Sometimes, even the lowfat and fat-free foods pack a lot of calories.

Focus on fresh

Do not buy vegetables and fruits for more than a week’s requirement. Around six varieties of vegetables and 4 to 5 of fruits should be right, with the portion depending on your family size. Pick greens that will make your salad crisp. When storing them in the fridge, place the ones that will spoil quickly in the front. Most of the root vegetables and even fruits like apples will remain good for a week or more. Let your shopping trolley be filled with the following items‌ 1. Potatoes are not as bad as they are made out to be; they are inexpensive and can be an additional ingredient in many a dish. 2. Vegetables like carrots, celery, capsicum, etc., can all be incorporated into any dish or simply act as starters to your meal. 3. Proteins are important, so stock a couple of them in your kitchen. 4. Seafood is a healthy option for your family, as it is low in calories and fat. You could even say yes to frozen shrimps, as they are a great source of protein and can come in handy when you have run out of fresh proteins. 5. Eggs are the best deal for your family’s protein requirements. 6. If you are looking for rice and pasta substitutes, go for grains like bulgur, quinoa and barley.

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Diet & Nutrition Special

Superfoods to the Rescue You are, indeed, what you eat - whether the issue is on the weight gained or the weight that needs to be shed

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ome foods can bring on the weight in haste. Like fried snacks and junk food that only know to pile on the body as excess weight. But in the seemingly boundless world of foods, there are other, more tamer foods, that know how to keep your weight in check and balance it with your fitness regimen. Check out some of the popular superfoods that have the potential to do the bidding in your weight loss mission.

Avocados: Unlike other fruits that are high in carbs, avocados are packed with healthy fats and also contain a lot of water. As an accompaniment to your salad, it can increase the nutrient level of the vegetables.

Apple Cider Vinegar: With

Beans and legumes: Lentils, black beans and kidney beans are some of the items from the beans and legumes family that can aid your weight loss plan. They are high in protein and fibre and also tend to contain some resistant starch. A cup

studies making this a popular item in weight loss programmes, people have found ways to dilute it and drink it. But there are ways to include it in everyday cooking as a condiment. Studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood sugar spikes after meals.

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July 2017

Bananas: This is a super slimming food. Opt for the slightly green, medium-sized banana to fill you up and boost your metabolism. This contains 12.5 grams of Resistant Starch.

of black beans is said to contain 15 grams of protein without the addition of saturated fat that is found in other protein sources, like red meat.

Boiled potatoes: Nutrientrich potatoes have all your body’s requirements – they are particularly high in potassium. Boiled potatoes are the best to reach a filling stage without indulging in other food items. When boiled potatoes are consumed after cooling, they form a fibre like substance that is healthy to say the least. Chia seeds: This is among the most nutritious foods, despite containing 12 grams of carbohydrates per ounce, as 11 of those grams are fibre. It can absorb up to 11-12 times its weight in water, turning gel-like and expanding in the stomach.


Chili Pepper: Chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which is known to help reduce appetite and increase fat burning. In fact, it is used as a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. Coconut oil: Coconut oil is said to be high in fatty acids, which easily boost satiety and increase the amount of calories burned. However, since coconut oil contains calories, it should be used as a substitute to other cooking fats and not as an addition. Coffee: Coffee has properties to help curb your appetite and also boost your metabolism. It contains the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA) and can actually increase the body’s use of fat for energy. Cottage cheese: It is high in

protein with very little carbohydrate and fat. It can make you feel full easily without giving additional calories. Like

all dairy products, it is high in calcium which can aid in burning fat.

Cruciferous Vegetables:

These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts, which are high in fibre and can make you feel really full. It contains a combination of protein and fibre. Broccoli has less than 30 calories a serving.

Dark chocolate: Contrary to

what you think, all chocolates are not fattening. The darker variety can slow down digestion and make you feel full. Simply nibble a piece or two to rev up your metabolism.

Grapefruit: This fruit is said to play an effective role in weight control. Several studies have proven its benefits on weight loss as well as reductions in insulin resistance. Eating half a grapefruit about half an hour before the meal could help you feel more satiated and thereby reduce the calories consumed. Green tea: It is a hydrating

beverage that can fill you up. The antioxidants in it will increase the calorie burn. A study, in fact, found that five cups a day could help you lose twice as much weight.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, collards and other leafy greens are perfect for a weight loss diet, as they are low in both calories and carbohydrates and high in fibre. They are also nutritious and have several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packed in them. Nuts: What makes nuts so very important in the diet plan is that they are not fattening, despite being high in fat. They have balanced amounts of protein, fibre and healthy fats and are known to improve metabolism and lead to weight loss. Almonds, in particular, can help you shed weight. But like everything else, employ moderation and don’t go on a binge.

Diet & Nutrition Special

Chicken Breast: Surprising as it may sound, meat is a weight-loss friendly food. High in proteins, it can help you burn 80 to 100 calories a day. Opt for chicken breast or lean beef if you are on a moderate-to high carbohydrate diet.

Oranges: It has a high dose of fibre and ranks highest among fruits on a list of 38 filling foods put together by researchers. Pears: Even consuming a single

pear can give you 15 percent of your daily fibre requirement. According to a study, women who ate three pears a day consumed fewer calories and lost more weight than others.

Salmon: Salmon may not be readily available in the local markets, but if they do, include it in the diet, as it

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Diet & Nutrition Special

has relatively few calories and is loaded with high quality protein, healthy fats and important nutrients. It can also keep you feeling full for a long time. Mackerel and sardines, which are easily available here, are also excellent for your weight loss programme.

Tuna: This is a low calorie, high

protein food, which has gained popularity, in recent times among bodybuilders and fitness models.

Whole eggs:With studies

proving that whole eggs are not

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FOODS TO AVOID

responsible for heart attacks and they don’t adversely affect the blood cholesterol, it is time to understand its role in weight loss. Whole eggs are high in protein, healthy fats and can make you feel full with very low amount of calories. Eggs are nutrient dense, giving you all the nutrients you need if you are following a calorie restricted diet.

Whole grains: Whole grains

like oats, brown rice and quinoa are packed with fibre and contain some amounts of protein, are healthy. A half-

cup of brown rice contains 1.7 grams of resistant starch, which is described as a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat. But refined grains, that are packed with the label of ‘whole grains’ could be highly processed foods that are fattening.

Yoghurt: Yoghurt contains probiotic bacteria that can improve the function of your gut. Interestingly, it is the full-fat yoghurt that is prescribed for reducing the risk of obesity as well as type 2 diabetes.

1. French fries and potato chips are very high in calories and are known to abet weight gain. 2. Flavoured yoghurt can pack nearly 30 grams of sugar per 6 oz. serving. 3. Fizzy and sugary drinks like sodas are unhealthy and contain a lot of calories, which don’t make you feel full too. Include in that list diet soda, which is actually packed with sugar and has no nutritional value. 4. Smoothies might appear healthy, but they are loaded in calories, carbs and fat. Check out the ingredients to ensure what you are actually getting in your smoothie. 5. White bread is highly refined and contains added sugar. 6. White rice is stripped off the fibre and healthy antioxidants; its calories come from carbohydrates which makes you feel hungry faster. 7. Coleslaw might have all the salad items, but with mayonnaise giving it the taste it’s famous for, even a small serving can give you over 25 calories and high amounts of fat. 8. Candy bars have a lot of added sugar, added oils and refined flour. 9. Although coffee is said to aid weight loss, the coffee creamer can spoil it completely. 10. Ready fruit juices in the supermarkets are highly processed and packed with sugar. 11. Pastries and cakes contain artificial trans-fats that are harmful. 12. Ice creams are high in calories and most are loaded with sugar. 13. Pizzas that are made commercially contain unhealthy ingredients like refined flour and processed meat. 14. Margarine is not a better alternative to your butter, as it is loaded with trans-fat.

July 2017


Diet & Nutrition Special

Mindful Eating & Weight Loss Mindful eating is about paying complete attention to the experience of eating and drinking for a variety of reasons, including weight loss

Giving complete attention to the food on your plate can help you lose weight, say experts, based on results from studies on the subject. Eating without the distractions of computer, television or the smartphone is believed to be a motivation in weight loss. Even high calorie food, when eaten mindfully, is known to have positive effect on health and the long term goals of weight loss. Best of all, mindfulness is about completely enjoying the meal and categorise it as an experience. This is especially important for people who binge eat or eat when stressed. To get started on the mindful eating route, time your meals – set the timer to 20 minutes for a normal-sized meal. 1. Reflect on your feelings and your emotions and try to assess what your wants and needs are. Follow that by choosing what you want to eat and how you want to eat it. 2. Turn off your television, get away from the computer and your phone. Now sit down for your meal. 3. Even if it is only a snack break,

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do not eat on the go; you will lose track of the food eaten or the calories consumed from it. Do not get tempted to eat straight from the container or the bag. Place the contents in a plate so you know exactly what you are eating and how much. Always opt for a smaller plate to stick to the portion size required. A bigger plate can make it seem as if you are eating too little. Chew every mouthful slowly before you swallow. The idea is to enjoy the texture of the food, the flavours packed in it and thereby stop overeating. To make mindful eating easy, try to act as if you are a food critic who needs to share notes about his/her observation of the food consumed. This will slow your process of eating. After every morsel, keep the spoon or fork down. That itself will help signal your intent to enjoy every bite. Remember to put a stop to your eating when your stomach signals that you are full. Continuing only

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to avoid wasting food will lead you straight to the weight zone. While eating together with family and friends has its own benefits, indulging in silence during meal times, once in a while, could help you experience your food better. As you continue eating, acknowledge your thoughts, feelings and sensations before allowing them to pass from you. This will help you keep your focus on food. To sharpen your focus, eat foods that require you to put in some work – for example, foods like pistachios, oranges or even seafood that are cooked with shells. Contemplate on your food; act as if you are holding a magnifying glass above it to scrutinise the contents carefully. This will force you to think about every single item on your plate. Spread the concept of mindful eating to mindful drinking too; this will make you enjoy your morning cuppa more and also relish the flavours for a longer time.

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Diet & Nutrition Special

Technology to the Aid Get smart, use tech nology to make your weight loss mission a thumping succes s

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echnology has a say in all aspects of our life, weight included. Fitness industry has long realized the importance of accessories and gadgets to build a strong case for our weight loss and fitness requirements. With specific gadgets targeting different aspects of body, weight loss can become a reality when combined with dieting and exercise. Some of the gadgets can even help motivate you, streamline your exercise regimen and also quantify your everyday progress. Check out some of the technological aids to give your growing girth a proper beating.

Scale it down

What you need is a smart scale that connects to your iPhone or Android. Like the Health-O-Meter, which is serious in its approach. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect with the popular ‘Lose It’ app, which is designed to connect

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with others. The scale can connect you to three million other active users in the online community of Lose It, who share similar goals and are ready to make weight loss an engaging and interactive challenge – in fact, members are accountable to a larger group. Lose It can also help you track your exercise goals, your sleep patterns and calorie intake; it can also provide weight information, via the Health-O-Meter scale. Another smart scale you could try is the Fitbit Aria Smart Scale. It connects to your WiFi network so that when you step on the scale it sends the data to your account; this can then be synced to other fitness tracking apps. This scale tracks weight, body fat and BMI and can support up to 8 users. Interestingly, a study found that the more often you weigh in, the more weight you could lose. In fact, the study even specified that you should not go for more than 5.8 days without weighing in, as it could lead to the risk of falling out of habit. If studies are to be believed, you weigh the most on the eve of the new

week and the least before the onset of the weekend.

Play it right

Get a hang of video games to get back in shape. Look out for active video games like ‘Your Shape Fitness Evolved’ from Xbox 360, ‘Zumba Fitness’ from Nintendo Wii, and others. An older study that followed overweight or obese people through a weight-loss programme, found that the group in the study that played a virtual weight loss game had more successful results in their weight loss goals than the group that visited a weight-loss clinic.

Stay on track

For any weight loss programme to be effective, you need to be motivated to seek results. This could be realised by incorporating a fitness tracker that will help you stay active. With smartphones ruling our lives, this is easily achievable, as it comes with a fitness tracker that can deliver what you need. Although the tracker is no guarantee for weight loss, it can help you become


Ring talk

Taking wearable technology a step forward, manufacturers have designed a ring to keep your fitness on track. The Motiv Ring is a titanium ring that can act as a heart rate sensor, track your steps, and monitor your sleep. It is a motivator that prods you to be 150 minutes each week, instead of directing you to walk 10000 steps a day.

Get analysed

Smart Body Analyzer is what you need to track your weight, body fat and the BMI. The WiThings Smart Body Analyzer includes an Athlete mode which gives you the best measurement tool for your body type. It comes with a companion Health Mate app that delivers weekly targets, tips and

reminders; it can also track your heart rate and measure the CO2 level and room temperature when you step on it.

Blaze of glory

When you want more than a fitness tracker, your best bet would be the FitBit Blaze, which combines interesting features of smart watch. But what adds value to it is that it tracks heart rate more often than the Apple Watch and also tracks steps, sleep, the calories burned and has 15 specific types of exercise. It will automatically track your exercise when you start going, without any instruction to do so. It has a five-day battery life and it lets you control music playback and pairs with your phone for GPS tracking of workouts.

Wristband to the aid

Here is a wearable technology of another kind. This one is designed to stop your cravings for energy drinks that are packed with unhealthy

ingredients. Synced with a companion app, the wristband emits a vibration that feels like a heartbeat that can be regulated as per your choice. You could tap it to beat faster and make you feel more alert or opt for a slower one to calm you down. This is said to keep your feeling upbeat for long meetings or the last tiring hours at office.

Diet & Nutrition Special

accountable to yourself or even help develop friendly competition. There are also communities that you can join within a tracker.

Watch it

Go for the Apple Watch if you are looking to receive notifications in addition to other smart watch features. It tracks your steps, your activities and reminds you to stand up and keep moving every hour. There is a ring on the watch face that shows your daily progress. If you require music while working out, pair it with Bluetooth headphones and listen to music without your iPhone

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Relatively SPEAKING

Tackling

Loneliness ‘Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty’ Mother Teresa

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oneliness is definitely not a major concern in Oman, with the society established on the very edifice of family togetherness, and the community geared to champion the cause of its members without reserve. But loneliness is not merely absence of people around you; it is a complex and unpleasant emotional response to isolation caused by social, emotional or the obvious physical factors.

Loneliness could be a malady, even when it is not stemming from physical causes. Prolonged loneliness is, generally, associated with depression and introversion. What makes it difficult to figure out the extent and dangers of loneliness is the fact that it is a highly subjective issue. One could be alone without feeling lonely and could feel lonely even when there are people around. Like most psychological issues, loneliness has no ready answer or quick remedy, but there are ways to temper down the level of loneliness and even incubate seeds of happiness.

Here is a little guide to help thwart loneliness before it makes home in your life: Find the cause: Before you take up any activity to suppress those feelings of loneliness, find out what brought that emotion up. Was it triggered by some incident or situation? Are your friends or family responsible or, perhaps, the work atmosphere…? The reason behind your feelings will help you adopt the right course of action. Take a walk: Being outdoors has its own advantages. Even if summer sun makes outdoors seem unattractive, make time in the early morning or late evening to venture out, inhale the fresh air, imbibe the smells and sounds around and get those limbs to move and send shots of adrenaline up your body. Watch a movie: But not alone in the confines of your room… Book a ticket at one of the cinema houses in the capital and find a friend to go along or go yourself.

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Meetup: Finding a like-minded group or organisation to fill your leisure hours with meaningful activity is a great start to your ‘fight loneliness’ campaign. But in the absence of any local organisations that meet your interests, check if colleagues or friends like the idea of meeting informally for coffee or dinner. This could help you to slowly and steadily erase loneliness lines. Volunteer: There is something very humane about a volunteering

act. It not just helps you to create better opportunities for others, but also infuses you with a distinct feel good sensation. The smallest act of kindness can provoke a host of positive emotions, which will spread to other aspects of life. You could even take up a cause that is close to your heart‌ May be adopt a pet? Take a trip: Trips have a universal appeal. The more exotic the destination the more joys it is bound to provide. But trips need not necessarily be to an international destination, even domestic travel can create an element of freshness in your life. Come to think of it, a long drive without any concern for time or place has a therapeutic value too. And if driving is not palatable in your current state of mind, hop on a bus and simply take the ticket to the last stop. Change is essential to create conditions that can give loneliness a go.

Relatively SPEAKING

Watching a movie at a stretch, in an ambience that forces you to immerse in the story, could act as a diversion from your gloomy mood. Alternately, make reading a part of your life and find a book that could engage your time and mind.

Sing and dance: Go on, crank up the music and belt out the lyrics of your favourite song or simply do your jiggle as you watch the song play out on your television. Singing and dancing are fun ways of working out and, as has been established, exercise can easily push the adrenaline up and spread its feel good charm

Laugh out loud: Switch on the TV and find a channel that churns out comedy serials to get guffaws out of you. Give in to the hints of the laughter track and laugh without inhibition. Laughter, as a therapy, has no competition.

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man date

FAT in the BELLY

Blame it on age or lifestyle, belly fat is a reality that most men have to contend with unless they decide to get a grip on their situation

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aunches come in different sizes and even shapes. Look around you‌ Some are round as an O and may even seem as if a football is loaded inside the T-shirt/shirt. But it is no laughing matter; belly fat can increase the risk for a variety of diseases. Men have a seemingly biological leaning towards paunches as they age, especially as they touch 40s. One of the reasons for this is the reduction in testosterone, which leads the excess calories to get stored as visceral fat. And, with age, there is also the natural loss of muscle mass, which is again reflected in the fat gained, as it causes a decline in metabolism. Unlike women who tend to gain weight in the hips and thighs, especially during child bearing years, men, on an average, gain weight around their waist.

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So, where do YOU stand in the belly fat zone? Are you one of those lucky ones who has never been bothered by fat, in the belly or anywhere? Perhaps, you are not sure if your belly can be classified as fat? Here is a simple way to check it out: stand up and place a measuring tape around your stomach, just above the hipbone; hold it snugly around the stomach without pinching the flesh; relax and measure the tape. If the figure is more than 40 inches, you certainly have an unhealthy concentration of fat in your belly. Another way to go about it is to measure your waist-to-hip ratio. Typically the ratio will be 0.90 in younger men, which could increase to 0.98 in older men.


man date

But whether your overall weight has any bearing on your health or not, belly fat does increase your risk for a variety of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure. While age is a perpetrator, belly fat is also largely determined by how the body strikes a balance between the calories you eat and the energy you burn. Weight gain and belly fat happens if you eat too much and exercise too little. Genetics also plays a role in this belly game, as it directly contributes to your chances of being overweight and also has a say in where the fat is stored. Ways and means to trim the belly The obvious way to trim the belly fat is to lose weight and get on an exercise regimen. However, exercise has to be specific, as toning with crunches and other abdominal exercises cannot simply rid you off your belly weight. Here are some ways to get you started: Healthy diet: A healthy diet for your weight loss plan is one that is focused on consuming fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with lean sources of protein. Reduce the intake of saturated fat found in meat and high-fat dairy products; limit processed meats. Complement this diet by eating moderate portions and cutting down on all sugary beverages. Exercise: Experts recommend moderate aerobic activity for

at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous activity for 75 minutes a week for healthy adults. But when the goal is to lose weight and not just ensure fitness, more exercise is called for. Remember there is no magical spot reduction remedy. You need to find ways to get stronger, as strength training builds muscle mass; it prevents muscle loss and helps you meet your fat loss goal. Gym instructors also recommend the Squat and Deadlift to build strength. Lifestyle changes: The most important lifestyle change you need to incorporate is stop smoking as it present numerous health risks. Eat foods that are right for your body – a little research or consultation with a trained nutritionist will help. Follow that up by getting adequate sleep, as too little or too much can easily lead to more visceral fat. A study has, in fact, found that consistently getting less than six hours or more than nine hours sleep per night led to greater abdominal fat in people younger than 40. Higher motivation: If there is anything that will help you reach your goal of weight loss easily, it is your motivation. Seek motivation by measuring the body fat and your waist, every two weeks. Keep a track of your progress and get motivated with every little milestone that you achieve. Remember to keep stress away, as it can play a punishing role in turning the belly hard and fat. And, after all is said and done, losing that fat in your belly takes effort and patience. Don’t lose hope if it refuses to budge in the initial phase

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Bank Muscat redefines customer-centric Premier banking service

Bank Muscat has redefined benchmark Premier banking service, reflecting the customer-centric vision of the bank. Private banking provides an exceptional breadth and depth of wealth management solutions, including investment, wealth structuring, advisory and banking across multiple jurisdictions around the globe and diverse asset classes. The wealth structuring solutions offered by Private banking includes estate planning and trust services. The investment management solutions include structured products, employing personalised strategies using a diverse set of asset classes, including funds, shares, interest rates, forex, commodities and real estate. The alternate investments include a comprehensive choice of products ranging from hedge funds, real estate investments and private equity. ‘asalah’ Priority banking provides a differentiated and specialised banking experience characterised by a profound understanding of clients’ preferences.

Oman Air sponsors six employees to perform Hajj

Oman Air announced the names of six employees who will be receiving the airline’s assistance to perform this year’s Hajj. This draw, granting staff the opportunity to visit the Holy city of Mecca and to perform Hajj is in recognition of the hard work and dedication of staff, who have assisted Oman Air in achieving its remarkable progress. In the presence of Abdulrahman Al Busaidy, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer, Asma Al Ghabshi, Executive Vice President Human Resources, and a number of staff, the names of the employees to be sponsored by the Company to perform Hajj this year were drawn. Besides the six winners, a further six staff were also drawn for the waiting list. This invitation reflects Oman Air’s appreciation of the efforts of its employees; the airline considers its human resources as its greatest assets.

Oman LNG renews support for Golf Oman

Oman LNG has extended their support to the Oman Golf Committee, the governing body of golf in Oman, for another year. Since the Oman Golf Committee’s inception in 2009, Oman LNG has supported their youth development programme every year. 2017 has already seen the launch of several initiatives with a heavy focus on Junior Development. Following a recent visit by Tony Bennett who was commissioned by the R&A to understand the golfing market of Oman and recommend initiatives, the Oman Committee will soon launch new tee boxes on every course and a school education programme through Oman LNG’s partnership. Speaking the occasion the Chairman of the Oman Golf Committee, Mundhir Al Barwani commented, “Golf in Oman has grown considerably in the last 8 years and this would not be possible without the support from our Partners.”

‘Sufrat A’Saffa’ campaign

A’Saffa Foods’ latest digital media campaign, ‘Sufrat A’Saffa’, is receiving rave reviews on the brand’s digital media platforms. The participating restaurants have shot the videos themselves - in each video, the restaurant’s executive chefs explain the reasons that their restaurants prefer cooking using A’Saffa Chicken, as well as demonstrate the making of their restaurant’s signature recipe using A’Saffa chicken. “Using high-quality ingredients is the single most important way to provide healthier and tastier menus, and we are glad that a growing community of food chefs and experts who focus on health, innovation, creativity and vibrancy, use A’Saffa chicken to make their dishes,” said Sidhartha Lenka, Head of Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods.

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ESO Continues Efforts in Turtle Research and Conservation

The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) has announced the completion of another stage of its Turtle Research and Conservation project on Masirah Island, sponsored by Port of Duqm and Oman Oil Company from 2014 to 2016. The initiative studied three of the four marine turtle species that nest on Masirah Island - loggerhead, olive Ridley and hawksbill. Masirah Island comprises one of the highest densities of loggerhead turtles in the world. However, research has shown that the nesting habitat of this population is compromised, likely due to human activities including beach driving, beach erosion, fishing activities including boat landing and storage of fishing nets, accidental fishing, recreation/picnics, nest poaching, light pollution (from town, roads, hotel and other sources), ingestion of marine litter and pollution, and encroachment of roads.

Jebel Sifah appoints Troon International

Jebel Sifah has appointed world renowned golf management and development experts Troon International to oversee the management of the recently completed 9-hole Harradine golf course. Under the agreement, Troon will leverage its industry-leading expertise to deliver the highest levels of customer service to all prospective golfers visiting Jebel Sifah. The golf course, which is currently in its soft opening, is due to officially launch in September 2017. The 9-hole par 36 championship golf course is industry leaders Harradine Golf’s first seaside course, incorporating timeless views of the Al Hajjar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. It features the built-in environment as well as local flora and fauna, and offers five tee locations at each hole with the option of utilising second pin flags to play as an 18-hole par 72.

OAB’s Markabati Auto Loan Offer

Oman Arab Bank (OAB) will continue its limited time offer on Markabati Auto Loans until July 15. As part of the ongoing offer, customers who choose to finance the purchase of a vehicle during the promotional period through the Markabati Auto Loan facility will be eligible for the special interest rate of only 4.75 percent per annum and comprehensive car insurance rate starting from 1.9 percent with UAE coverage. The OAB Markabati Auto Loan facility offers Omanis and expatriates auto financing solutions and hassle-free quick loan approvals for up to 80 percent of the vehicle value. Finance is available for a maximum tenure of ten years for new and used vehicles for any customer who has their salary transferred to the Bank.

Thawani e-Payments

Thawani, the innovative mobile e-payment start-up, offers a safe and simple alternative payment method to cash, credit and debit cards, by implementing banking standard security controls at application level and at datacentre level. Thawani is also compliant to both Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS), as well as featuring additional level security protocols. Among the key features of these security controls is the linking of the user account to the user’s SIM card and Device serial number. This will ensure that the application will not work if the SIM card is removed but the user still can change his sim card through certain process within the APP. Furthermore, all local cards transactions are secured with an additional PIN shared by a One-time-password (OTP) by the local payment gateway.

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Mitsubishi offers discounts or cash back on Montero Sport

As part of its ongoing Ramadan offer, General Automotive Company (GAC) is offering discounts or cash gifts of as much as 25 percent or up to RO3,195 on its Montero Sport models. Customers who purchase a Mitsubishi Montero Sport before the offer comes to a close on July 21, will enjoy the benefits of a combination of discounts ranging from 19 percent to 25 percent or cash gifts ranging up to RO3,195, depending on the model variant purchased. In addition, the Montero sport also comes with free registration for the first year, six years/unlimited kilometres warranty, and six years free roadside assistance. The Montero Sport is powered by a 3.0L MIVEC V6 gasoline engine that produces 219 hp@6,000rpm and 285Nm@4,000rpm; all the power that one may require of a rugged SUV to accomplish every mission with smooth, efficient ease.

Volkswagen Oman’s Smart Buy

Volkswagen Oman has exclusive offers on the full range of Volkswagen models until July 21. The Smart Buy will also include discounts or cash gifts on all Volkswagen models from Zubair Automotive Group (ZAG). Volkswagen Oman will also offer customers up to 6-years unlimited mileage warranty, roadside assistance, and 6-years or 90,000km free service. During the offer period, customers can also avail preferential financing with rates as low as 2.9 percent. In addition to the offers from Volkswagen, ZAG will include the brand under the Group wide ‘Great Ramadan Offer’. Customers will benefit from a choice between a 10 to 20 percent discount or cash gifts ranging from RO680 to RO4,813, depending on the model, and for those that choose the ‘Cash Gift’ option, they can use it as part of a down-payment for their selected vehicle.

Cadillac Builds on V2V Deployment with V2I Development

Cadillac’s CTS sedan, one of the first production vehicles in the world to contain Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication, has now successfully demonstrated Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) capability in Michigan. Cadillac CTS development vehicles received real-time data from traffic controllers on signal phasing and timing during successful demonstrations. V2I connects the Cadillac development vehicles to its surrounding infrastructure, allowing the vehicle to alert the driver of safety, mobility or environment-related conditions ahead. Cadillac’s V2V solution uses GPS for positioning and DSRC for communication, which can handle 1,000 messages per second from vehicles up to about 1,000 feet away. V2V-equipped vehicles create an ad hoc wireless network that allows for the transfer of information without relying on sight lines, good weather conditions or cellular coverage.

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Tailor-made Audi R8

Each year, Audi sells close to two million vehicles. But some of them are sold only once – as individual vehicles for a unique personality. Emirati National Saif Al Salman embarked on a journey to give his Audi R8 this special personal touch – a tailor-made vehicle that is unique and an experience that was beyond Al Salman’s expectations. The Emirati is a loyal Audi customer for more than twelve years, so when he decided to buy the new Audi R8 he knew he was looking for a bespoke vehicle. “I wanted to explore something beyond the great experience I had with the brand so far and it was clear to me that I wanted to go the bespoke route”, he says. He decided on a distinctive purple color – something unique, elegant but not too loud. Every Audi is intrinsically exclusive. But for customers who want to express their own particular individuality, Audi Sport GmbH offers an exceptionally multifaceted range of choices.

Jaguar celebrates a decade of XF production

Jaguar’s dynamic new estate has been revealed by world tennis number one Andy Murray. The two-time Wimbledon champion pulled the covers off the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake before placing his precious Wimbledon trophy inside and sending it on a UK-wide tour to inspire the next generation of players. Jaguar is the Official Car Partner of The Wimbledon Championships and to celebrate the relationship the premium estate was revealed on a replica Centre Court. The moment was streamed on Facebook Live and can be viewed on: https://www.facebook.com/ JaguarMENA/. The XF Sportbrake joins Jaguar›s award-winning XF saloon in its tenth year of production. The XF was launched in 2007 and has now claimed almost 200 global awards. The saloon’s new Sportbrake sibling delivers equally impressive performance, design and technology, with greater practicality and space.

Renault Oman launches all new Megane

Renault Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), launched the all new Megane saloon at its Qurum showroom. The new Megane is a dynamic and elegant saloon offering the best-level low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the segment. This model completes Renault›s offering in the C-segment and strengthens the brand›s position in markets where compact saloons remain the preferred choice amongst motorists looking for a comfortable and spacious vehicle that reflects their social status. All customers purchasing Renault Megane sedan between May 18 and July 17, 2017 will be eligible to participate in the Ramadan campaign scheme that offers assured cash gift, scratch and win card gifts, free registration, 3 years/ 100,000kms mileage warranty, and AAA/ road assistance card. Manufactured at Renault›s Bursa plant in Turkey and introduced to customers in nearly 30 countries, the new Megane contributes to the brand›s global growth and the extension of its product range.

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Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

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Despacito: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

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That’s What I Like : Bruno Mars

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I’m The One: DJ Khaled

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Humble: Kendrick Lamar

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Shape of You: Ed Sheeran

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Mask Off: Future iSy: Lyle & Lil Yachty

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Something Just Like This: Chainsmokers & Coldplay

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Stay: Zedd & Alessia Cara

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XO Tour Lif3: Lil Uzi Vert

10. Sign Of The Times: Harry Styles

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CHART TOPPERS

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Tom Holland Marisa Tomei Michael Keaton Robert Downey Jr. Jon Favreau Zendaya Logan Marshall-Green Martin Starr Donald Glover Laura Harrier Jacob Batalon Tony Revolori Hannibal Buress Stan Lee

July 2017

Director Jon Watts

Spider-Man: Homecoming Peter Parker tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City while fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man Young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is a high school student who lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) in a high-rise in Queens. He is a bit of a misfit. When he discovers his abilities as Spider-Man, he tries to figure out what do with his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero. He gets advice from Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) on how to become an Avenger. Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. However, when he encounters the ruthless Adrian Toomes, a.k.a. The Vulture (Michael Keaton), everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened. The Vulture threatens Peter, telling the teen that if he interferes with him, he will kill Peter and everyone he loves. With Iron Man’s guidance, Peter discovers he has to be more than just what the Spidey suit can do for him in order to fight to protect his loved ones.

Books


s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

Valerian and The City of a Thousand Planets

Cara Delevingne, Dane Dehaan, Ethan Hawke, Rutger Hauer, Clive Owen, Rihanna, John Goodman, Mathieu Kassovitz Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), the duo embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time, uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not ever yone on Alpha shares these same objectives...

BOOK REVIEW

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Author: Aimee Bender On the eve of her ninth birthday, unassuming Rose Edelstein bites into her mother’s homemade lemonchocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the slice. To her horror, she finds that her cheerful mother tastes of despair. Soon, she is privy to the secret knowledge that most families keep hidden… But there are some family secrets that even her cursed taste buds can’t discern.

Dunkirk

Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles, Kenneth Branagh, James D’arcy, Aneurin Barnard A group of soldiers led by Corporal ‘Tubby’ Bins (John Mills), stranded in France, must make their way to the shores of Dunkirk in hopes of a rescue. Back in Britain, Charles Foreman (Bernard Lee), a newspaper reporter, desperately tries to raise awareness among the public of the horrible reality of the war. When the British navy calls for all civilian ships to aid in a rescue, Foreman takes out his own small boat and attempts to bring Tubby and his men home safely.

The Dark Tower

Idris Elba, Matthew Mcconaughey, Katheryn Winnick, Abbey Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, Claudia Kim, Nicholas Hamilton Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) is a young 11-yearold adventure seeker who discovers clues about another dimension called Mid-World. Upon following the mystery, he is spirited away to the Mid-World where he encounters the lone frontiersman knight Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), who is on a quest to reach the ‘Dark Tower’ that resides in End-World and reach the nexus point between time and space to save Mid-World. But with a vicious sorcerer (Matthew McConaughey) hot on their trail, the unlikely duo find that their quest may be difficult to complete.

The Vegetarian

Author: Han Kang Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeonghye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her.

Pomegranate Soup

Author: Marsha Mehran Things change in the little Irish town of Ballinacroagh, when the beautiful Aminpour sisters - Marjan, Bahar and Layla - arrive, determined to share the magic of their kitchen with the friendly locals. Opening Babylon Cafe, right in the heart of town, they begin serving up traditional Persian dishes and soon the townsfolk is lured to the new premises by the tantalizing aromas of their kitchen. But not everyone welcomes the three women with open arms, especially the women of Ballinacroagh.

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Chill Out

Movies

WEB WORLD

Fit Kids

Start chanting the fitness mantra early to help your children grow into healthy and fit adults The online world has countless sites to teach you the whys and how’s of fitness for specific age, height and weight. While most have clear guidelines to help you get there, we found http://fit. webmd.com/ apt to address the issue of fitness among juniors, kids and teens. It has specific links for each with a separate one for parents, which opens to another tab with a wealth of ideas to keep your wards fit and content. ‘Being fit is not just about what you eat and drink or how you move. It’s about having the right mindset and enough energy to be active and to choose healthy food,’ states the ‘fit’ site, presenting ideas and suggestions to ‘Motivate your mood’, ‘Recharge your energy’, ‘Think your food’ and ‘Move your body’. For parents, the section opens up to an interesting link - Raising fit Kids: Healthy Nutrition, Exercise and Weight. There are separate

Riddle Time

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What dog keeps the best time? What do you call the new girl at the bank? What did the fish say when he swam into the wall? What streets do ghosts haunt? Why did the man with one hand cross the road?

July 2017

links with guidelines for parents to create comfort food makeovers, mood boosting foods and the like. There are videos and games to make it interactive. The ‘Junior’ section will teach you to identify foods that are healthy and provide tips on how to move the body, alongside a ‘fun blocks’ tab that includes printables, activities and recipes. The ‘Kids’ section features videos like ‘feeding your friends’, ‘after school snacks’ and ‘packing a lunch you like’. You

could also take their poll to find out ‘what’s your favourite way to eat vegetables’. The ‘fun blocks’ tab has videos, games, recipes and even a BMI calculator. Teens also get to watch videos, take a poll and enjoy featured videos like ‘easy snacks to try’, ‘what’s in your food’ and ‘fighting food ads with good info’. Here too there are articles, recipes and a BMI calculator.

Riddle Time Answers (June 2017)

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WWhat kind of button won’t unbutton? Answer: A bellybutton! What do you call a group of men waiting for a haircut? Answer: A barbercue What did the penny say to the other penny? Answer: We make perfect cents. What do you call a nervous javelin thrower? Answer: Shakespeare. Who can shave 10 times a day and still have a beard? Answer: A barber.

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Books


s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Toyota is making ‘flying car’

A startup backed by Toyota has developed a test model that is expected to eventually develop into a tiny car, with a driver who will be able to light the Olympic torch in the 2020 Tokyo games. The Japanese automaker has invested $386,000 in startup Cartivator Resource Management to work on ‘Sky Drive’. However, the project is still only a concoction of aluminum framing and eight propellers that barely gets off the ground and crashes after several seconds. Cartivator hopes to deliver a seamless transition from driving to flight.

Battery-less pacemaker

Researchers at Rice University debuted a wireless, battery-less pacemaker that can be implanted directly into a patient’s heart. It was introduced at the IEEE’s (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) International Microwave Symposium (IMS) in Honolulu, recently. The pacemaker harvests energy wirelessly from radio frequency radiation transmitted by an external battery pack. Pacemakers have not been traditionally implanted directly into a patient’s heart; they are placed away from the heart, where surgeons can periodically replace their on-board batteries with minor surgery.

Apple unveils ‘HomePod’ speaker

Apple has notched another high with its new ‘smart’ home speaker and device, featuring virtual reality, online privacy and a form of artificial intelligence called machine learning. The ‘HomePod’ speaker, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, will play music while also helping you to manage your life and home. Siri will be voice activated to respond to requests for information and other help around the house. The speaker will sell for about $350 in December in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Bites Joe, a steward, watched as a middleaged lady boarded the plane holding a dog in a cage. “Excuse me,” said Joe “dogs are not allowed on board, you have to check it in with the baggage.” The lady wasn’t happy, but Joe managed to convince her. On arrival

Get Ahead

‘Ahead’ helmet is all about gaining some smarts. It is one of the smallest devices in the world, but is able to transform your helmet into a smart one, giving you all the power of a smartphone, right in your helmet. All that you need to do to install Ahead is snap it onto any helmet. It will pair with your device, allowing you to listen to music, talk on the phone, obtain directions and also have a chat with Siri, while performing other functions. It operates through an oscillator that will be able to pass sound directly into your helmet, whether it is open or closed, padded or thin. You could even transfer Ahead from one helmet to another when you purchase a new one.

at the airport, Joe took a peek in the cage, and to his great surprise, saw that the dog was dead! Frantic that they may get sued, Joe quickly sent one of his teammates out to town to buy a dog that looked exactly the same. Just in the nick of time he arrived with the dog. The duo quickly switched dogs and breathed a sigh of relief. “This isn’t my dog!” said the lady as soon as she saw it. “I’m sure it is” insisted Joe. “It’s not my dog” argued the lady, “you see, I was bringing my dog to my hometown to have him buried…this dog is alive!”

Four year old Jane had a terrible case of the flu. She was achy, had a high fever, and was terribly hoarse. After waiting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office for over an hour, she and her mom were finally admitted to see the aoctor. Following the usual routine of listening to her breathing and checking her ears, the Doctor asked, “So what would you say is bothering you the most?” Without skipping a beat Jane answered, “Billy, he always breaks my toys!”

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Chill Out July 2017

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

Cancer

(June 21-July 22) It is a happy and successful month ahead. You are at the peak of your personal power. Make the changes that need to be done and have things your way. You know what is best for you, so make the best happen. This is the right time to pamper the body; get the body and image in right shape. Personal appearance will make you shine. Love is good, but there is no reason to rush into it. Your career goals have been almost achieved, so it is now time to concentrate on the home, family and your emotional well-being.

Gemini

Get ready for a prosperous and successful month ahead with a few minor challenges thrown in just so that you don’t get too bored. You are still in the midst of a yearly financial peak. Wait for all the information you need to do good financial decisions come to you. Happiness is ensured and health is good for this month.

Aries

It is time to focus on the home and family and get things in the right order. It is a good time to redecorate, paint and beautify the home; it is also suitable to buy objects of adorn your home. Remember, getting family relations right will help improve your love life and finances. Health needs watching this month, and, as always, the most important thing is to get sufficient rest.

Taurus

Finances are expected to be very fine this month, so put that smile back on your face. There might be a need to do unorthodox things, though. Expect some financial disagreement with the beloved, which might cause more changes and even some unexpected expense. Be more

patient with the beloved one and keep a watch on your health. Avoid worry and anxiety.

challenge is to bridge the separation and your differences. If this can be done, your relationship will become more powerful.

Leo

Sagittarius

Virgo

Capricorn

This is a big month to focus on spiritual studies and practices. Those of you who meditate will have better experiences. Remember, spiritual practice impacts career, finances and even personal appearance. It is a prosperous and happy month. Look forward to happy career opportunities. You will soon obtain the favour of the money people in your life. Your love life is functional but complicated this month.You might get a niggling feeling of lack or deficiency even where none exists – as if you are missing something. But that will have no impact on love and social opportunities. The good news is that you can start creating conditions as you want them to be; you can start to build your own happiness.

Libra

Your personal power is increasing. You don’t need to do things by consensus. If something has to be changed, it is for you to take action and make the change. However, if conditions are uncomfortable, develop new ones that are more comfortable for you. Health still needs attention but you appear to be on the case and focusing on it. You should feel physically stronger and have more energy shortly.

Scorpio

Scorpio, the month ahead looks happy and successful. Expect a few challenges, which will only help to keep things interesting and keep you on your toes. Health is good. You find the energy of ten people and there is much success happening. Love is a little complicated and your

Kevin Hart (July 6, 1979)

Kevin Darnell Hart is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, well known for his stand-up specials ‘I’m a Grown Little Man’, ‘Seriously Funny’, and ‘Laugh at My Pain’. He has starred in films like ‘Ride Along’ and ‘Ride Along 2’ alongside Ice Cube.

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July 2017

The career is going very well and will be even better next month. You may be one of the fellow Sagittarians who is experiencing a lifetime career high. Your personal appearance and overall demeanour are also of great importance. Family might feel a lack of your attention, but career should be at the centre now. A family member might feel a sense of lack or of deprivation and it is for you to help out. You and the spouse or partner might experience financial stress. Although this will resolve itself, it calls for patience. Health still needs watching. There will, however, be substantial improvements, but, in the meantime, eat right and get some fresh air. You could try meditation for relaxation. Remember, it is easy to fall into depression. So get a grip on your life.

Aquarius

You will shortly enter a yearly love and social peak. Your challenge is being popular without being totally selfeffacing and without losing personal independence. Love seems happy this month. If you are in a relationship, look forward to greater harmony with the beloved; but if you are single, you will be meeting good prospects and dating more. There are some fiscal challenges ahead.

Pisces

Personal independence is not absent but it is not as strong as it was in the beginning of the year. There is a need to attain goals through consensus and cooperation rather than through unilateral direct action. It is still possible to create conditions to your liking, but it is now more difficult than it has been. Health is much improved this month. You can enhance it further through proper diet and emotional harmony.

Books


s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Cheese chasers

Competitors at the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling challenge risked injury and also ridicule as they flung themselves down a steep incline after a nine-pound wheel of cheese in the English county of Gloucestershire. The challenge, which dates back to 1826, sees chasers slip and slide down the muddy 200-yard (180-metre) track in pursuit of a large wheel of double Gloucester cheese, which can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Thousands of spectators lined up around the hill in Brockworth to enjoy the chaotic spectacle, which always results in numerous bumps, bruises and concussions.

Diet trends through ages Slimming fads have been there since ages - Lord Byron, in fact, popularised the vinegar and water diet in 1820 l

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Irish nun and a policeman’s football contest video goes viral

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An Irish nun and a policeman have emerged as unlikely sporting stars, after a video of the pair kicking a football in their respective uniforms went viral. The video shows a police officer identified as Garda O’Connell playing ‘keepyuppy’ with an unnamed nun from southwest Ireland. ‘Keepy-uppy’ is a game in which players try and keep a football off the ground without using their hands or arms.

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1930s: The Grapefruit Diet (Hollywood Diet), which involves eating grapefruit with every meal is born. 1950s: The Cabbage Soup Diet promises a weight loss of 10–15 pounds in a week. 1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch. 1970: The Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is said to have been tried by Elvis Presley. 1982: Jane Fonda launches her first exercise video, ‘Workout: Starring Jane Fonda’ taking the aerobics craze higher. 1999: Victoria Beckham starts the blink-andit’s-gone baby weight trend after the birth of her son, Brooklyn. 2006: Beyonce reveals that she used the Master Cleanse, a concoction of hot water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper, to shed 20 pounds.

Bear break…

Police in Vail, Colorado, are warning homeowners to bear-proof their homes after one bear was caught on a security video playing the piano inside an apartment. The tenant called the police to report a burglary after returning to what looked like a ransacked apartment. A police officer determined the culprit was likely a black bear that entered through an open kitchen window looking for food. There was minor damage to the apartment, and food missing from a freezer. But it wasn’t until the resident checked the security camera that the bear was conclusively fingered.

July 2017

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