OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES
VOL 10 ISSUE 97 / NOVEMBER 23, 2017
DIFFERENT BEATS PG 12
THIS WEEK IN OMAN
QUICK BITES ARE FINE ANY DAY
START LIVING LIFE WITH NO REGRETS
‘AN ORDINARY MAN’ IS IN TOWN
Be it your ever favourite pizzas and pastas or the tempting steaks and grills, you get to taste your choice at Another Fine Day Restaurant and Café. PAGE 8
Often we get overwhelmed with regrets and wish we could go back and change what happened in the past. But not any more. Now it’s time to move on. PAGE 10
Watch Ben Kingsley play a war criminal in this film. Directed by Brad Silberling, the stellar performance of the actor is not to be missed. PAGE 16
04
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor Charles Lavery
charles@timesofoman.com
Features Editor Swati Dasgupta
swati@timesofoman.com
Research Editor Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
gautam@timesofoman.com
salim@timesofoman.com Associate Editors Salem Afifi Shruthi Nair shruthi@timesofoman.com
Copy Editor Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor Christopher Isaac
christopher@timesofoman.com
Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Geri B. Sonny Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham
richard@timesofoman.com
Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Geri B. Sonny For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 214 swati@timesofoman.com
CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com
ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com
SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman
06
HI WEEKLY
23
What are you doing this weekend? Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
THURSDAY 9.00pm Dance by the Beach Enjoy an evening of non-stop partying at the B.A.B. Lounge where you’ll be enjoying views of the beach while global DJ Marcela spins her records to groovy sounds. B.A.B. Lounge, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah +968 2477 6666
24 25 FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5.00pm Party with Nucleya
4.00pm Attend an Exhibition
Party the night away with international mega DJ Nucleya live in Oman at Park Inn’s Rooftop from 5pm to 2am. Call numbers below for ticket prices. Rooftop, Park Inn Hotel Al Khuwair +968 9857 3818 +968 9658 4858
Explore the creative mind of Swiss artist Michaël Lucerne displayed at Stal Gallery, where you’ll find beautiful artworks in neo-expressionist style. The exhibition ends on December 2. Stal Gallery, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat +968 2460 0396
Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend
THE WEEKEND LINEUP
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY IN CASE
077
YO U M I S S E D I T
THERE’S PLENTY OF NEWS THAT MADE WAVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA THIS WEEK. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE WERE TUNING IN TO. COMPILED BY SHRUTHI NAIR & SALEM AFIFI GO TO TIMESOFOMAN.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR VIDEOS AND MORE
LIL PEEP OVERDOSE: A young and promising rapper and singer died of drug abuse. His latest song is titled ‘Gucci Gang’ timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING THIS WEEK GRAND PRIX MESS: Did you see the pile up that happened at FIA GT World Cup 2017 in Macau? timesofoman.com/hiweekend
JAPANESE GAME: The Japanese never fail to entertain, and this time they are here with ‘staircase slippery game’ timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: Are you a fan of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares? Then check this out, the weirdest pizza he’s ever seen. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING MUSIC
JADEN SMITH’S NEW ALBUM Rapper, actor, and son of Will Smith dropped his debut album this week titled ‘SYRE’, which broke the internet.
TRENDING MOVIE
THE INCREDIBLES ARE BACK After many years, the Incredibles family are back for more action. The animated film just released their trailer for part two, and it’s a must-watch.
#popularhashtag
TRENDING FASHION
AMA 2017 RED CARPET Red Carpets season is really kicking in, and this week it’s all about American Music Awards 2017.
#CharlesManson #ThanksgivingWeek #WorldChildrensDay
8 08
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
DINING
STORY SHRUTHI NAIR
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
099
LOCATION Another Fine Day Al Azaiba South Bousher, Muscat +968 9469 6900
I
t was just the other day when I had gone to watch a movie at Azaiba Mall with my family and on our way back we were desperately looking for a restaurant for a quick bite. I had heard about a new restaurant called Another Fine Day, which had opened near Centara Hotel, so at around 11pm we went on a treasure hunt to find it. Pro tip: Follow Google maps when you go. Nestled amongst many residential buildings is Another Fine Day, a spacious restaurant and café that serves all kinds of cuisine. When we entered the first thing I noticed was how the restaurant was split in three sections. The cosy red walled part with wide café had cushioned chairs, little round tables, a book shelf with a good collection of books on one side; the green walled cubicle-like family room on the other side, and a huge open with chairs and tables in the middle that could easily accommodate about 50 people. We chose a comfortable corner and each of us decided to
order individually, because the menu list had a wide range of options to choose from. Because I wasn’t as hungry, thanks to the overdose of nachos, popcorns, and Pepsi at the theatre, I decided to go light and picked the first item that caught my eyes on the menu card —the harmless and simple cheese toast because it looked super tempting in the picture. As I wasn’t in a mood to talk being too tired, I wandered off to the café section, grabbed a Jeffrey Archer, found a window seat and got lost in it until the food finally arrived. I was surprised to see my cheese toast look as tempting as I had imagined. In all my eating out experiences that hardly ever happened before. But this time not only did my order look like what was shown on the menu but most other dishes looked and smelled pretty great. I took a large bite into my toast and the spices and herbs along with mozzarella tasted delicious. Next was the sheesh kebab, which was well-cooked and wellflavoured but probably tasted a little incomplete because of the
absence of a sauce or dip. I moved on to the chicken cordon bleu and it took me a while to take my hands off it. Breaded chicken stuffed with cheese with veggies and mashed potatoes … what’s not to like. What made it better was how each of the elements of this dish was cooked perfectly and with precision to retain its juiciness. My dad enjoyed the creamy and cheesy, Alfredo pasta, just the way I relish it. While I regretted for eating all that finger junk during the three hours in the theatre, I still could not resist the temptation of a sizzling brownie. The brownie was soft, and to watch and hear the sound of the chocolate syrup drizzle on the sizzler tray was a sheer joy. I can actually see my self coming back here, especially for the café and spending hours in the window seat with my favourite novel and lots of food in regular intervals. I think I’ve found my café in Ghala. — shruthi@timesofoman.com
10
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
LIFE SKILLS
21 THINGS YOU SHOULDN We all have things we wish we had done differently, done sooner, or even worse, not done at all – and we only live to regret it years later. Here are 21 things you must start ticking off the ‘I won’t regret later’ list. STORY ANTARA BOSE
1
Travelling It teaches you so much more about cultures, ethnicities, and life as a whole. Explore while you still can.
2
Discovering your own neighbourhood However, in the pursuit to touchdown every valley, jungle and city, we tend to ignore places that are closest to us. Years later, while we brag about all the other countries where we’ve got our passports stamped, we find ourselves clueless about our own. If you’re adventurous enough, you can make memories in your own backyard.
3
Eating heartily Because eventually (though we pray not), we might have the doctors shaking their heads at those candy bars. Not saying resort to junk every day, but it’s alright to give in to temptations sometimes. It’d be plain silly to rule chocolates out of our lives.
4
Keeping fit And that brings us to our next point. Maintain a healthy lifestyle – work-life balance, healthy eating, and adequate exercise. Our bodies will thank us later and probably we wouldn’t have the doctors disapproving those candy bars after all.
5
Commercialising a hobby For those with a 9-5 day job, hobbies sometimes take the back seat. But look at it this way, what if you could turn your passion into a business. Start early in life, capitalise on youthful energy, and start something on the side. It’s a great retirement plan.
6
Learning a language It never goes to waste. Even if you don’t have any Finnish friends, speaking a foreign language is still going to sound exotic when you ramble a few words to your associates.
7
Taking a detour to enjoy the weather No matter how busy your schedule is, it never hurts to stop by for a few minutes to enjoy nature. Step out in the rain, soak some winter sun, and let your hair catch the wind – even if it means arriving at that boring presentation a few minutes late, it’s worth it.
8
Filtering out bad company Most part of the saying, ‘show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are’, is quite true and you shouldn’t let your well-earned name tarnish because of a wrong set of ‘friends’. Being amongst the wrong crowd can hamper progress, be demoralising, and actually defeats the purpose of having friends to start with.
9
Being foolishly in love Shamelessly, selflessly and hopelessly! The sweet sleepless nights, hours of day-dreaming, and absent-minded smiles - there’s no feeling that can replace the one of being in love. Old or young, the feeling is evergreen and teaches so many emotions you can’t define.
10
Networking Yes, cuddling up with your cat, stuffing your face with pizzas and watching your favourite TV series might seem the ideal way to unwind after a tiring work week, but missing out on social events for Game of Thrones isn’t something that you’re going to be proud of in the later years. As much as some of us might cringe on the thought of having to shake hands and rub shoulders at high profile events, these connections pay off (pun intended).
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
11
’T LOOK BACK TO REGRET 11
Performing Not all of us can walk on and off stage effortlessly but taking the initiative and facing a large audience (the limelight, judgemental looks, curious faces – the entire package included), no matter how stage-shy you are, is essential. Those stomach knots are an experience in itself.
12
Hearing all the ‘when we were young’ tales Our folks probably had better stories in their times than we do now. And you wouldn’t want to miss a chance to hear it from the horse’s mouth, would you?
13
Quitting a dreaded job The sooner the better. You do not want to waste your talent in building an empire for a thankless tycoon who takes all the credit.
14
Giving back to those who love you We often take our closest ones for granted. Appreciate their efforts, and if you’ve got something special in mind, don’t keep it for later; do it while they’re still around.
15
Skipping a class Don’t let another class get in your way of doing something fun. Life lessons are as important as those from the book. Well, as long as you don’t decide on taking too many of those ‘life lessons’ and your teacher starts wondering if you ever existed.
16
Not doing something because you were scared It doesn’t mean walking on a rope 50-storey off the ground, unharnessed, but facing your fears is the best way to overcome them; and the adrenaline rush thereafter is truly worth the leap. Won’t it be fun to wriggle a worm in front of your buddy with vermiphobia now that you’re over your own goosebumps?
17
Saying ‘sorry’ Trust me when I say this, apologising takes a lot off the chest. The strongest relations can be built if you drop the ego and learn to accept a mistake.
18
Learning to say ‘no’ Politely but firmly. Lending a helping hand is great, but not at the cost of sabotaging your own interests. When things seem to get a little more demanding than you can handle, put your foot down and refuse before you get swamped with unnecessary commitments and the rest of your life is spent on achieving other people’s ambitions.
19
Accumulating unnecessary loans Though immediate pleasures might seem to justify that ridiculously big loan, once the excitement wears off, all that remains is pretty much just that ridiculously, big loan.
20
Procrastinating Don’t put things off for the next day. Ideas come like the wind and can stir up an uncontrollable fervour to make it happen. Put it off for another day and the enthusiasm fizzles out. Next thing you know, your neighbour is a millionaire for launching that business idea you thought you’d look into one day.
21
Doing something not for the money Volunteer, fight for a cause, or follow a passion! The feeling of making a change is something you can always revere. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook (Antara Bose)
12
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23 , 2017
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NNOOVVEEM MBBEERR 2233 , 2 0 1 7
HI WEEKLY
13
14
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
15
16
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
AN ORDINARY MAN Directed by Brad Silberling this film is about a war criminal in hiding who forms a relationship with his only connection to the outside world - his maid. She is the only person he can trust while the search to find him intensifies. However, when he discovers that she is actually an agent hired to protect him, he makes a decision that will drastically change both of their lives. Cast: Ben Kingsley, Hera Hilmar and Peter Serafinowicz Running At: Vox Oman, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
17
OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK
Verna Cast: Mahira Khan, Haroon Shahid, Zarrar Khan, Naimal Khawar, and Rasheed Naz
Oxygen Cast: Tottempudi Gopichand, Anu Emmanuel, Rashi Khanna, and Shaam
From the acclaimed director of Khuda Kay Liye and Bol, Shoaib Mansoor, comes the story of a married couple whose life falls apart as they face extraordinary circumstances. This Pakistani social-drama film carries a strong social message.
Directed by Jyothi Krishna this is an action entertainer. Oxygen is a Telugu movie with Tottempudi Gopichand and Anu Emmanuel in prominent roles. The cast also includes Raashi Khanna and Jagapati Babu. It is an action romance movie, with Yuvan Shankar Raja as the music director, forming part of the crew.
Breathe Cast: Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy
A Bad Moms Christmas Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn
Killing Gunther Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cobie Smulders, and Hannah Simone
Directed by Andy Serkis this film is the story of Robin Cavendish, who was given only three months to live after being paralysed from the neck down by polio at age 28, becomes a pioneering advocate for the disabled. He and his devoted wife, Diana Blacker, travel the world with the hopes of transforming the lives of others like him.
Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore this film is about under-appreciated and overburdened moms Amy, Kiki and Carla who rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas. As if creating the perfect holiday for their families isn’t hard enough, they’ll have to do it while hosting and entertaining their own respective mothers when they come to visit.
Firangi Cast: Kapil Sharma, Ishita Dutta, and Monica Gil Directed by Rajiv Dhingra this film is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language period action-comedy drama film set in the year 1920. Kapil Sharma plays the role of Monga, the main protagonist and the film is set during the British rule in India. While most Indians are against the British rule Monga believes just the opposite. He feels they are good people but later owing to a turn of events he realises that they aren’t good and go against them.
Directed by Taran Killam this film is a comedy set in the world of contract killers. A group of young, raw and undisciplined assassins hire a docu-crew at gun point, to have undeniable proof that they are the ones who will kill the most infamous hitman of all time, Gunther. But Gunther is on to them before they know it and he makes it his personal mission to make their lives a living hell. It becomes a race against time of kill or be killed as the hunters quickly become the prey.
COMING SOON THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US Cast: Kate Winslet, Idris Elba, Beau Bridges and Dermot Mulroney
DADDY’S HOME 2 Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, John Lithgow, and Mel Gibson
18
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
‘QABOOS’ art exhibition by Omani artist Shaker Jalal was held on the occasion of the 47th National Day at Royal Opera House. — Photos by Shabin E.
Al Injaz Private School celebrated the 47th National Day with pride and festivity at the Oman Avenues Mall.
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
Indian School Salalah celebrated ‘Kerala Piravi’. P. M Jabir, director of Kerala Non Resident Keralites Welfare Fund Board, presided over the function as the chief guest.
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Indian Social Club (ISC) Malayalam Wing organised a blood donation and free medical camp at ISC hall. – Photos by Purushothaman K.
19
20
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
Oman Cancer Association’s Cancer Walk At Qurum Park. — Photos by Talib Al Wahaibi
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Indian Social Club Kerala Wing organised ‘Ente Keralam, Ente Malayalam’, an inter-school quiz competition at Indian School Darsait auditorium. – Photos by Purushothaman K.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
HI WEEKLY
National Day Celebrations of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at TRNC trade and tourism office in Shatti Al Qurum. — Photos by Shabin E.
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Charity initiative by What’s Cooking Oman group, where members and non-members distributed biryani boxes and blessing bags with snack items to 155 workers at a construction site in Muscat.
21
22
HI WEEKLY
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 97 NOVEMBER 23, 2017
SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.
Level | Moderate
Level | Easy
9
2 3
8
5
7
1
3
3
2
6
7
8
4
9
5
1
4
7 9
4
5
6
2
9
8
1
8
9
4
6
3
4
7
9
4
6
6
8
7 3
8
4
1
1 7
7
3 2
8
Easy
1
6
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
Level | Difficult
2
8
5
6
5
5 8
3
3
2
2
9
3
6
8
Medium
8
6
1
4
5
6
5
2 1
6
2
3 Difficult
7
3
5
2
2 4
9 3
5
5
9
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 78 J U LY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7
HI WEEKLY
23