T weekly april 5

VOL 11 ISSUE 16 / APRIL 5, 2018

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 16 APRIL 5, 2018 Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Associate Editors: Salim Al Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac

Let’s pledge to embark on a healthy lifestyle Our modern day lifestyles come with enormous burdens. The prevalence of lifestyle diseases has risen substantially over the last few decades as we replaced fresh and natural foods with processed and quick alternatives - the easy option.

That decision has left all of us more vulnerable to illness.

While our lives have dramatically changed with lifestyle diseases gradually creeping in, these can be controlled and even countered by making changes in our lifestyles, diets, and inculcating healthy habits.

Keeping all these factors in mind as we gear up to commemorate World Health Day on April 7, we realise it is now time to redefine our lives and embark on a healthy way of living. So, how to make a healthy lifestyle a habit? Health experts in Oman have shared their wisdom and given us a host of practical solutions to follow. From simple solutions such as eating clean food and drinking enough water in a day to keep the body hydrated to making important lifestyle changes, help is just round the corner.

We take health care a notch further by discussing women’s health concerns and ways to facilitate better health care for them.

On the global front, this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is dedicating the day to the fight for universal health care for all. It hopes for a world where everyone has access to health care services without worrying about the financial burden.

Health is also affected when parents have too much on their hands, especially with regard to raising their children the right way. Among the innumerable issues that keep worrying parents, is when to step aside and let their children take over and be independent youngsters.

While most parents think their children are too young to be independent, it’s important to allow them to learn to live in a realistic world and hone some essential life skills.

Taking a break from health, we move onto the glitz and glamour of fashion, with the new fashion brand Greta Tulipani, a combination of Italian designs enriched with prints and colours from Africa, which is now making waves in the Omani market too.

— Swati Dasgupta

Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Gregory Fernandez Designer: Geri B. Sonny Photography: MMG Photographers

On The Cover: Design by Gregory Fernandez For general enquiries or comments: swati@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 ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 Ext 432 ajayraj@timesofoman.com

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 14 MARCH 22, 2018

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 16 APRIL 5, 2018

30 WHAT’S ON 06 THIS WEEK

FRIDAY 02.30pm Play Chess Have you ever played chess? Well this is your chance to give it a try. Muscat Chess April 2018 Tournament for all categories is taking place. Participants are requested to bring their own standard tournament size chess boards. Registration starts at 2.30pm.

Markaz Al Bahja Al Hail, Seeb chessmuscat@gmail.com

02.00pm Cook Like a Pro Learn how to dish up delicious food alongside professional cooking masters. Registration required.

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Vantage International Muscat Mumtaz Residence, Muscat +968 9343 5226

05.00pm Watch a Cricket Game Enjoy a cricket tournament organised by the Indian School Muscat Alumni who are bringing alumni, students, teachers and their families together to cheer and support their teams.

Oman Cricket Al Amerat Turf Ground isma@ismoman.com

THURSDAY

08.00pm Enjoy Traditional African Music Dance to the beat of African traditional music called ‘Tharab’ with teen sensation Aslay who will make sure you groove with every beat.

Ramee Hotel Seeb Corniche, Seeb +968 9365 4151

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07.00pm It’s Quiz Time!

How about a fun quiz with friends?

Register with your team of up to 10 people.

Entry is priced at OMR 10 inclusive of a fish & chip dinner, or vegetarian and gluten free dishes.

Note that participants must be over 18 years old.

05:00pm Shop and Get Tested Visit Spar on World Health Day and get yourself a free health check-up, between 5pm and 9pm. Any shopper who takes this test during the event, will be entitled for a privilege card from Apollo Hospital Muscat. Online registration required.

Dolphin Village Muscat Bousher womensguildoman.com

Liwan Mall, Ghubra & MBD +968 9074 0555; +968 9040 1743

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STREAM YOUR FAVOURITE SHOWS

10 TUESDAY 05:00pm Listen to Delicate Sounds Participate in a free-ticketed event where you can learn and hear the different sound effects of various members of the largest instrument family.

Royal Opera House Muscat Qurum, Muscat +968 2440 3300

Mr. Robot (Season 3) Genre: Crime, Drama Cast: Rami Malek, Christian Slater Synopsis: Follows Elliot, a young programmer working as a cyber-security engineer by day, and a vigilante hacker by night.

The Americans (Season 5) Genre: Crime, Drama Cast: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys Synopsis: At the height of the Cold War two Russian agents pose as your average American couple, complete with family.

Last Men in Aleppo (Film) Genre: Documentary Cast: Khaled Umar Harah Synopsis: Khaled, Mahmoud, and Subhi volunteered at the white helmets trying to save lives of hundreds of victims at besieged city during the Syrian civil war.

Legion (Season 1) Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama Cast: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller Synopsis: David Haller is a troubled young man diagnosed as schizophrenic, but after a strange encounter, he discovers special powers that will change his life forever.

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EAT YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY LIFE STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

Adopting a healthy lifestyle has become a societal phenomenon in many parts of the world, including Oman. People have started realising the importance of eating healthy and how it contributes to a better and overall balanced life. With the widespread availability of health blogs and video channels on the web, information is now more accessible, making it easier for the majority to become more knowledgeable on what to eat and how to eat it. As World Health Day is just around the corner, we discuss some of the best ways to abandon our binge-eating habits and cross the bridge to a healthier way of living.

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ating good comfort food that’s loaded with sugar and carbs, and full of saturated fats is somewhat a tradition in most local households in Oman. However, the young generation is ditching the calorieladen biryanis and opting for colourful vegetables and fruits, an idea that was redundant a few years ago. You now see both genders flooding gyms in the hope of not only getting in shape, but to also be part of a new trend that will hopefully last forever.

Neela Sampat, who is a weight plan consultant based in Oman, says that the concept of having a healthier lifestyle should not be confused with just weight loss goals.

“The essential steps are to eat mostly foods derived from plants, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, and limit highly processed foods,” said Neela, while adding that one should eat a wellproportioned amount of all the food groups to ensure one gets all the levels of macronutrients and micronutrients the body needs to function at its best.

For people based in Oman, cleaneating lifestyle is a huge step. “Change in lifestyle over the last three decades in Oman, influenced by globalisation and open trade policies, resulted in a dramatic change in the diet of people.

“Being at 14th place in a league table of the most obese nations in the world in a recently published survey is certainly not something to be proud of. Fortunately now people here are becoming more aware of the risks of obesity and getting more engaged,” said Neela.

Sharing similar thoughts, Hussein Al Zadjali, a personal trainer in Muscat said, “Most of the time people here don’t follow a well-balanced lifestyle and their eating habits are unhealthy as well. They are casual about their health but we have to ensure that there is a change on these habits.”

Why is it crucial to start eating clean?

Well, the answer is simple. Opting for a lifestyle full of fats and carbs is most likely to result in a variety of health issues. From obesity to heart-related issues, such habits come together with a bunch of problems that can decrease life expectancy.

“One in four Omani adults have high blood pressure. The prevalence of diabetes has increased by almost 50% since 1991. It maps a clear path for decreasing the use of harmful products, and improving diets,” said Neela.

Eating healthy also affects confidence. Studies have proven that eating good food has a positive impact on your physical and mental health. It’s not just about having the perfect body; it is much more involved than that. Those who are suffering from bad eating habits tend to accumulate and store fat, which leads to obesity. And if you happen to be unsatisfied with your looks, you are likely to become isolated. So, eating fruits and vegetables helps strengthen self-esteem and overall mental health, while leaving us with a great physique, too.

“One important aspect of managing

switch without over-thinking it. First things first, find a diet that works best for you, meaning one that you can stick to.

If you have a sweet tooth, include more fruits instead of processed and refined snacks. If you enjoy fatty meats, cook them with healthy fats. You can even make a diary and log in every item that goes into your stomach; that way, you will keep a track of your diet and probably be surprised at the positive changes that will take place in just a few weeks.

Remember to take it slow, as change takes time.

“You don’t need to make huge changes to eat healthier, and you don’t have to change your habits all at the same time.

It’s best to set small goals and change your habits a little bit at a time,” Neela explained, adding, “over time, small changes can make a big difference in your health.”

stress is practising good nutrition,” said Neela, adding that it aids in providing our system with energy, mental concentration, and emotional stability.

“Some great healthy foods that can reduce stress are fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain stress-busting antioxidants, especially berries and green, and leafy veggies,” she added.

Another reason, and probably a critical one, is that eating clean works as a stress-reliever. Yes, when you eat clean and get a good night’s sleep, it feeds your physiological needs with two major components of a healthy living. It is widely believed that sports relax the mind and take it to a stress-free zone, but food has the same effect. Binge on calorie-dense foods for a week and you’ll get an idea of how bad food affects your mood.

Now that we know the reasons to adopt this way of living today, how are we going to dive into it? Are we going to crash-diet? Perhaps throw all the cookies and fried chips from our cabinets and replace them with broccoli and bland cauliflowers? No, we take it slow and try our best to make the transition smoothly.

Here’s a list of tips on how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, slowly but surely.

1. Plan ahead Start off by making a simple schedule that will work as a guide to help you

2. Make healthier choices We cannot stress enough on how important your choices are; they determine your success in this mission. I will skip the usual and most obvious reason for eating greens and colourful vegetables and jump right into more serious advice: Cook your own food. Yes, it’s good to know exactly what goes into your system. Besides, healthy eating habits can be hard to maintain if you constantly eat out; especially, when you are in a rush, you won’t go for a healthy steak and a side of leafy greens, you will grab the fastest and most convenient item that’s nearby, and there goes your diet.

If you are not a fan of the culinary art, and you have no option but to eat out, choose wisely. We all know how menus can be tempting when we’re hungry, so ensure that you are making a healthier choice, be it a salad, a burger, or any item off a restaurant menu. Avoid appetisers if the portion is huge, opt for pan seared or grilled dishes rather than deep fried stuff, and forget about carbonated drinks.

You don’t have to eat chicken breasts and bland broccoli that are boring; eat what you enjoy, but again, choose wisely.

And it goes without saying that you must dump the sugars and processed junk that come in cans (except for tuna of course, that’s delicious and full of omega-3). Stay clear of refined carbohydrates such as those found in white bread, regular pasta, and most snack foods, as they have little or no dietary fibre that’s nutritious.

3. Prep your meals Another technique we recommend for busy folks is meal prepping. Perhaps you work late, or reach home feeling lazy and tired to start dishing up something in the kitchen. Go for a quick shopping session on your day off, grab healthy items, and chop, cut, and sauté them right way, then put them in containers that will last you for a whole week. That way, you won’t have to deviate from your new eating habit. Cook stuff such as rice and meats in batches, it will make your life easier.

Make sure to pick the right foods that will last in your fridge longer. You wouldn’t want soggy lettuce and watery tomatoes; savour these while fresh.

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4. Check your portions Sure, you can eat all the broccoli and spinach you want, but for higher-calorie foods, portion control is the key. If you enjoy huge portions, then you’re in trouble. Make sure you eat moderately without consuming a tonne of empty and hidden calories. If you are dining at a restaurant, ask a friend to share the food; if you are making your own food, then make sure that the biggest portion is the greens, followed by a palm-sized helping of a protein of your choice, and a tiny bit of carbohydrates. Here in Oman, the portions are massive, especially when dining at local restaurants; so keep that in mind.

5. Avoid drinking calories Beverages are the devil. It’s best to avoid consuming calorie-packed drinks such as milkshakes and sodas as these are rich in calories, which are considered empty and less nutritious, and will keep you hungry, while packing on the extra calories. Keep a bottle of water in sight; there’s nothing quite like our favourite and hydrating good old water.

You may choose to go for soups and healthy balanced shakes from reputable and trusted brands and centres in Oman.

Plain milk gets a pass as well, but if you feel like having a flavoured drink then go for healthy, freshly squeezed juices that will pump you with essential vitamins and minerals. But, consume wisely; at the end of the day, fruit juices are fructose, which means sugar and loads of calories.

As the culture continues to grow in Oman, many restaurateurs are becoming more conscious on healthy eating habits and opening restaurants that serve nothing but clean food. Two of the popular places are Sidewalk Cafe in Qurum, and Eat Smart, which has more than four branches across Muscat. Both specialise in calorie-controlled healthy food. And, they serve desserts too.

—salim@timesofoman.com

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Caring for women’s well-being While people across the globe celebrate the 70th anniversary

of World Health Day, which goes by the theme #HealthForAll, irrespective of class, caste, creed, colour, race or gender, we need to know that men’s and women’s health cannot be considered as the same with regard to issues, solutions, treatments, vulnerability, and more, although both men and women should have equal access to a healthy livelihood.

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iven the difference in anatomy, it comes as no surprise that men and women will have different issues and need to be treated differently. Just because women enjoy higher life expectancy than men, it would be wrong to assume that they lead healthier lives than men. Women are prone to a whole range of health problems and in many cases are at a greater risk of contracting certain diseases than men. However, Dr Kanchana Rajan from Muscat Private Hospital says, “Women in general could be healthier than men because of their lifestyle. It looks as though women are healthier than men as they keep themselves more busy and active, mainly because they have children, house work and jobs,” she said. The main health issues that women face globally include: Cancer: Breast cancer and cervical cancer are very common health problems among women. In fact, according to research conducted by WHO, around half a million women die from cervical cancer and half a million from breast cancer each year. Early detection is the key to survival in such cases. Regular check-ups, leading a healthy lifestyle, and general awareness are important to prevent and cure such lethal diseases.

HIV: This sexually transmitted disease has taken many young women’s lives over the last three decades. There are new HIV infections that are infecting young women each year and it is imperative to protect yourself from the virus. Other transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis are also common among women.

Maternal Health: Women across the globe die from complications in pregnancy due to inaccessibility to health care facilities and treatment. In Oman, too, high-risk pregnancy is one of the major problems faced by women. “High risk pregnancy is common among expatriates. They can’t be admitted to ministry hospitals unless there is an emergency and private hospitals don’t have great infrastructure,” said Dr Kanchana.

Non-communicable diseases: According to World Health Organisation, in 2012, some 4.7 million women died from noncommunicable diseases before they reached the age of 70. Road accidents, substance abuse, and obesity were some of the issues.

In Oman, gestational diabetes is a major health concern. “Diabetes is a problem, which is present in many of the cities. Incidents of gestational diabetes are also quiet high among women because of their lifestyle,” she said.

Dr Kanchana has urged the women in Oman to avoid certain common mistakes that could have an effect on their lives. “With the mushrooming number of polyclinics and hospitals, women try jumping from one clinic to another. It would be best if they stay in one clinic and finish their treatment there,” she said, adding, “If they have been prescribed medicines by doctors, they should complete the course and not discontinue the medication. For better health, pre-pregnancy nutrition is a must. They should try not to put on more weight before pregnancy. They then become prone to gestational diabetes because nutrition equals health.”

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE: EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE The World Health Organisation was founded on the principle that all people should be able to realise their right to the highest possible level of health.

“Health for all” has therefore been the guiding vision of WHO for more than seven decades. It’s also the impetus behind the current organisation-wide drive to support countries in moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

So WHO is calling on world leaders to live up to the pledges they made when they agreed the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, and commit to concrete steps to advance the health of all people. This means ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access essential quality health services without facing financial hardship.

The organisation will maintain a high-profile focus on UHC via a series of events through 2018, starting on World Health Day on April 7 with global and local conversations about ways to achieve health for all.

Why universal health coverage matters?

In recent decades, UHC has emerged as a key strategy to make progress towards other health-related and broader development goals. Access to essential quality care and financial protection not only enhances people’s health and life expectancy, it also protects countries from epidemics, reduces poverty and the risk of hunger, creates jobs, drives economic growth and enhances gender equality.

What World Health Day can do?

Some countries have already made significant progress towards universal health coverage. But half the world’s population is still unable to obtain the health services they need. If countries are to achieve the target, one billion more people need to benefit from UHC by 2023.

World Health Day will shine a spotlight on the need for UHC — and the advantages it can bring. WHO and its partners will share examples of steps to take to get there through a series of events and conversations held at multiple levels. (Courtesy: World Health Organisation)

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STORY ANTARA BOSE

Fashion – a word described in so many beautiful ways by different designers.

Every designer label has its own story to tell, an inspiration from where it blossoms, and a distinct statement that it makes when it captures the limelight.

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alking about designer labels, an AfricaItalian brand has recently created a stir in Oman’s market through their online presence. Drawing inspiration from the communities it serves, supporting women tailors in Africa, and showcasing a range of clothes that are as vibrant in designs as they are in spirit, there was so much to discover about Greta Tulipani that we just had to get talking with the brand’s co-founder, Valeria Cepi.

“For Greta Tulipani, fashion translates to being bold, unique and distinct. In a broader sense, Greta Tulipani envisions fashion to represent a sorority that shares, supports and encourages women,” said Valeria.

Greta Tulipani was born in and inspired by the African culture. It draws inspiration from the bold and vibrant patterns and designs that are unique

to African culture and tradition which we aesthetically transform into bespoke fashion pieces with Italian cuts and curves that any modern woman would love to wear. Each piece of Greta Tulipani is handcrafted and comes to life from the hardworking, nimble hands of women tailors in Africa.

“The brand provides these women, not only a job, but a sustainable livelihood to look after their families. Thus, Greta Tulipani is not just a fashion brand, but also an empathic entity that thinks and acts beyond fabrics, threads, and designs. It is vibrant and truly distinctive, just like the brand philosophy,” she added.

Born from the etymology of two words, ‘Greta’ meaning pearl and ‘Tulipani’ the Italian name for tulip flower, Greta Tulipani is the brainchild of two fashion-loving entrepreneurs Emanuela Mura and Valeria Cepi, and they wanted to see

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WHEN AFRICAN CULTURE MEETS THE DESIGNS OF ITALY

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their creative dreams become a reality.

The brand was born in 2014 in the idyllic African town of Cape Verde. Today, Greta Tulipani not only creates dresses, tee-shirts, and other apparels, but also comes out with exclusive bags, beach accessories, and shoes. The brand is currently working on an elite men’s collection too.

Talking about the biggest concern when launching the brand, Valeria said that the thought of having to compete and come face-to-face with other already established designers was undoubtedly a little terrifying.

“The market was competitive, and the concept of fast-fashion was growing rapidly. It is only because of our deep passion and belief in this project that we were able to overcome these fears.

Throughout our journey, we stood by the “Fair Trade” philosophy, learned from our mistakes, and drew courage from our achievements. We can now proudly share with clients our “green” vision which forms the foundation of our brand.

We maintain utmost transparency in our dealings with our clients and maintain an eco-friendly, sustainable and humble outlook in all our endeavours, she said.

Having expanded into the Omani market, Valerie says that they are enjoying the Sultanate’s culture. “It’s modern; yet it has very strong, traditional, and colourful cultural roots. This has inspired us a lot and we will bring that out in our designs soon. When I moved to Oman to explore the market, I found that the Omani youth had a flair for mixing different styles in their fashion.

They are always in search of the next new trend in fashion and some even have a knack for setting their own trend,” she added.

With social media, they were able to reach out to such fashionistas, and at the same time, use it as a platform to introduce their brand to the market. The Omani market had been really amazing to them and they keep getting enquiries about the brand.

“There are many youngsters who are keen to explore our brand. We are also equally enthusiastic to work with them. We love learning about new cultures. We want to delve deeper into the local culture to get a real feel of the customs of Omani people. This will help us to create unique pieces that will reflect Oman’s true sense of style. We are also open to collaborating with local designers as we believe this will give us a chance to create a one-of-a-kind collection,” said Valerie.

Instagram: greta_tulipani Facebook: Greta Tulipani

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.

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RAISING INDEPENDENT YOUNGSTERS STORY FARZEEN ASHIK

As parents, we believe it is our mission to keep our children safe in this world, and more often than not we tend to smother them with our affections and concerns.

What we need to remember is that our children need us differently at different stages in their lives. It is only natural that the control we exert over them during infancy should slowly dwindle over the years, as they eventually take control over their lives. Granted they are your children, but that doesn’t mean you own their lives, does it?

A Farzeen Ashik is the author of the prize-winning novel ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries-The Yellow Dorm’.

s parents, we need to know when to let go and have some faith in our children. Let them make decisions, make mistakes, explore opportunities and get their fingertips burned; it’s all a part of growing up and building character.

Infancy

Right from this stage, our children are trying to establish their independence and personality. Sometimes, when we stimulate them too much, they look away. This is called gaze aversion, and it’s their way of saying, ‘Ok. Mom, that’s enough for now.’ Infants break eye contact when they feel overstimulated, says paediatrician Bill Sammons, M.D., author of I Wanna Do It Myself: From Baby to Toddler -A Radical Three-Tiered Approach to Helping Your Child Achieve Independence.

So allow your child to take control and don’t pursue her gaze until she decides she wants to look at you again.

Toddlerhood

I still remember how excited my little one was when she learned to say ‘No’.

She would just go around saying ‘No’ to almost everything, and it drove me crazy for a few weeks. That’s another sign they are taking control. So what can you do?

“Toddlerhood is truly a child’s first adolescence,” says Arlene Eisenberg, co-author of What to Expect- the Toddler Years. “It’s a period when kids desperately want to separate from their parents, which is why they’re constantly insisting, ‘No!’ and ‘Me do it!’”

Embrace their resistance and let them make simple choices. It won’t kill them if they wear odd clothes or comb their hair in funny ways, will it? By allowing them to take little decisions, you are encouraging them to think for themselves and building confidence in themselves that they can do things. Let them feed themselves ( even if it means that half the food is going on the floor), don’t rush them when they’re trying to put on their socks and shoes (don’t do it for them, let them learn!), let them tell you what they want for dinner or lunch? Let them pick the toys they want to play with… you get my drift now?

The Middle Years

By this age your children can easily understand rules and how to abide by them. Rather than forcing boundaries on them for screen time, homework/ study time, parties, etc., involve them in rule-making. Let them know why you are setting certain boundaries, why it’s not okay to sleep-over or why you don’t want them roaming around unaccompanied in a mall, or why you don’t want them to watch a particular movie. By communicating to them, you make them feel acknowledged and respected.

Make them understand the consequences if they break rules, too. Teach them responsibility. Let them know what their household contributions are, in terms of tidying up or making tea or setting the table. Make them accountable for what they take responsibility for. If you’ve asked them to clean up their

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shelves and they haven’t done it, then you should take away some privileges. Don’t let them go scot-free. Build capabilities by letting them explore, don’t take that away from them. Show them love and respect from a young age.

High School

These can be tough times for both parents and adolescents alike. These are years where you need to tread lightly.

Anything you say or do could be misinterpreted in a hundred different ways.

Also, this is when your child is developing into a young adult, both mentally and physically. There is a lot of pressure on them at school, and from their peers, too.

They want to have it all, to be cool, popular, do well in class, and more. So,what’s your role here? Be there to always listen, guide and support. Know what’s going on in their lives. Encourage conversation, don’t be quick to judge or give your opinions. That will make them clamp down.

Also, encourage them to explore their emotions and ideas. Let them make a mistake or two and learn from it.

Support them if they are having a hard time, but don’t step in and take control.

Remember that in a few years they are going away to university and mummy and daddy are not going to be around every time they get a low grade or have a bad week. Let them know you love them no matter what. Understand their interests and encourage them. You need to show them that you have confidence in their decisions, and this, in turn, will boost their self-confidence.

Independence is the best gift you can give your children; making them believe that they can take care of themselves and do not need constant coddling.

These children will be intrinsically motivated and will experience life more fully, and will become good decision makers. As parents have a collaborative, rather than controlling relationship with your children. Taylor’s Law of Family Responsibilities states that if family members fulfil their own responsibilities and do not assume others’, then children develop into independent people and everyone will be happy.

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A QUIET PLACE Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Noah Jupe A family lives an isolated existence in utter silence, for fear of an unknown threat that follows and attacks at any sound.

I KILL GIANTS Cast: Zoe Saldana, Madison Wolfe and Imogen Poots

BLACKMAIL Cast: Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari and Urmila Matondkar

Barbara escapes the realities of life by retreating into a fantasy world to ďŹ ght evil giants. With help from a new friend and a school counselor, Barbara soon learns to face her fears and battle the giants that pose a threat to her.

A man decides to blackmail his wife’s lover, will he succeed?

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YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov and Alessandro Nivola A tormented but brutal hired contract killer sets out to rescue a young girl, only to find himself weathering a storm of violent vengeance when matters go awry.

Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas

A faithful wife (Taraji P. Henson) tired of standing by her devious husband (Lyriq Bent) is enraged when it becomes clear she has been betrayed.

SUDANI FROM NIGERIA Cast: Aneesh Menon, Soubin Shahir and Samuel Abiola Robinson Story of an African football player and a local football club manager from Malappuram, Kerala.

COMING SOON

ACRIMONY Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Lyriq Bent and Crystle Stewart

OCTOBER Cast: Varun Dhawan, Gitanjali Rao and Banita Sandhu

SUBMERGENCE Cast: James McAvoy and Alicia Vikander

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BODY OF WORK: SALIM AL AFIFI PLAYING AROUND with colour palettes to evoke certain emotions or deliver a concept or an idea, while still giving you a beautiful photograph is kind of my shtick. For me, colour sets the mood more than anything. And in this particular image the model posed in a very innocent, sad fashion that required to be painted in warm shades of red.

Perhaps she was sad in the narrative, or maybe just wandering in her own mind; either way you get a feel of what I call a beautiful trauma.

The model was rocking a flashy red pants and a transparent jacket with golden trims. The ensemble choice was quite bold in colour, so it needed a shade lighter to brighten up photo, so I opted for a dreamy, pink sky that fades into the rocks, which were slightly blurred. Giving way to more presence for the superstar: the subject. Finally, I bronzed her skin with a gold finish to match the dreamy environment she’s in.

I used a Canon 5D Mark III, and used mainly ambient light and gold reflector (to achieve that perfect golden shimmer). The rest was done in Adobe Lightroom software.

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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 | Easy

4

6

7

1 5

2 8

4

1

9 8

1

6

9

2

5 4

7

7

2

3 6

8

3

5

9

1

Level | Moderate

3

4

6

9

8 7

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THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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9

“WHAT’S A MANGO?” It’s one of many the coin, the queen – an excellent judge of pertinent questions Victoria, Queen of character – sees something in him that the Britain and Empress of India asks aloud, sycophants around her seem to lack, and as she learns about the exotic world that asks him to be her attendant for the rest of lies beyond her little island. Few of her the jubilee celebrations. fellow Brits are able to answer it, given the After presenting the royal dessert to attitudes they have towards their colony of the queen, in a show of admiration and India and its subjects, but one person is. respect, Abdul kisses her feet in front of Her munshi, or personal teacher, the everyone, a move which shocks those very intelligent Abdul, is one of the few around him (not because he’s kissed her people who can tell her about the delicious feet, but because he’s Indian). While those fruit, much to the disappointment and who are seated beside the queen splutter shock of those around them. with anger and rage, she is quite charmed The year is 1887. 30 years after the revolt by his devotion, and asks him to be her of 1857, India is now ruled directly under personal footman. the Crown. To mark three decades of BritWhat happens after that date with ish rule and to celebrate destiny is a journey that the Queen’s jubilee, Abdul changes both Queen Vic– a prison clerk in the city toria, Empress of India, of Agra, home to the Taj THE SHORT AND SKINNY and Abdul, a lowly prison Name: Victoria and Abdul Mahal – is asked to present clerk, forever. Abdul initially Genre: History/comedy/drama a specially minted gold instructs her in the ways of Produced by: BBC Films, Perfect World coin to Queen Victoria. the Holy Quran, being fully Pictures, Working Title Films, Cross The reason he’s been seversed in the Holy Book, Street Films lected for this very special before going on to teach her What it’s about: With Britain’s colonial journey? He possesses the Urdu, the courtly language power at its peak, Queen Victoria’s excellent qualification of of the Mughals, the dynasty power knows no limits, and her courtiers being…tall. that ruled India before the go to no end to appease her. At her Victoria & Abdul is a British became the primary latest jubilee celebration, an Indian man story that is set around Abpower in the Indian subconis unwittingly thrown into the intricacies dul’s amazing adventures tinent. of the Royal Court… in the royal household, and Abdul serves as her conStarring: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Michael the supremely powerful duit into understanding the Gambon, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar, Paul woman who made it all largest of Britain’s colonies, Higgins, Olivia Williams, Tim Pigotthappen. and provides her with an Smith, Fenella Woolgar Queen Victoria – played education far richer than Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, SBS, by the excellent Dame Judi one she could ever receive. various streaming sites Dench (M from the James While Queen Victoria moves Runtime: 111 minutes Bond series of movies, quickly to appoint him his IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 Barbara Covett from Notes personal teacher, and even on A Scandal, and Armande brings over his family from Voizin from Chocolat, to India, that an Indian is now a mention just a few of her amazing works) most loved member of the Royal household – is now in her twilight years. Overweight, is one that rubs almost everyone in the hard of hearing and arthritic, she’s grown palace the wrong way. Everyone associated weary of ruling and is now just going with the queen, from the prime minister, to through the motions of doing whatever her seamstress, to her personal physician needs to be done to ensure the British and even her cook, plots to shame Abdul, Empire, which covers one quarter of the who, truth be told, has done nothing wrong, world’s surface, runs itself. a fact Victoria can clearly see.

Her courtiers and prime minister plot With some brilliant acting, amazing behind her back, using her for their own scenes and jaw-droppingly stunning campersonal gain, and into this world of backera work, Victoria and Abdul, based on the stabbing, political games and subterfuge, novel by Indian author Shrabani Basu, is is thrown Abdul, a breath of fresh air in a movie that will take you down a memory her otherwise stuffy courtroom. Initially lane many of us thought never even extasked with merely presenting her with isted, until very, very recently.

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VICTORIA AND ABDUL

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 16 APRIL 5, 2018

Closing ceremony of Muscat International Film Festival at the PACA auditorium. - Photos by Shabin E.

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 16 APRIL 5, 2018

Pakistan National Day celebration at Crowne Plaza Qurum. - Photos by Shabin E.

Maitra Muscat Group in Association with Indian Social Club, Marathi Wing, organised a special musical programme “Healing Harmony” on the occasion of International Women’s Day at the Indian Embassy Auditorium.

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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 16 APRIL 5, 2018

4HOME OPENS FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM IN OMAN

F

urniture and home furnishing brand 4Home has opened its first grand showroom in Oman at Madinat Sultan Qaboos. Strategically located in the heart of Muscat, the 60,200-sq-ft showroom spread across three floors, features a comprehensive selection of designer sofas, dining and bedroom furniture in addition to a stunning selection of furnishing items and home accessories. It will be the first showroom in Oman to display over 85-bedroom sets. The management said,“4Home was launched with an intention to give a boost to the furniture and furnishing market in the Sultanate.”

Speaking about the opening of the showroom, R.K. Abdul Majeed, Managing Director said, “We are delighted to have opened our first flagship showroom in Oman. Our store will act as a space for anyone to experience and choose from the exquisite choices available.

Whether customers are looking to furnish their entire home or are searching for a showpiece or a carpet or a curtain, 4Home is the place where they will find everything they want. We welcome all to our state-of-the-art showroom to know more and experience the best the world has to offer on furniture and home decor.”

The 4Home showroom has furnishing solutions for every segment displaying collections sourced from across the globe.

Affirming that 4Home will accommodate all tastes, Majeed added, “People in Oman, especially the young generation, are looking for wide-ranging home solutions under one roof. From an outstanding range of upholstery, bed and bath linen, carpets to mattresses, lampshades to wall décor, drapery rods and blinds, 4Home showroom has something for everyone.

The dining, living and bedroom concepts

are displayed in a milieu of an appealing interior design.”

The brand’s ‘Curtain galleria’ will include both ready-made and custom-made curtains. ‘Mylinen’ section will have a range of comforters, bedsheets, and fitted sheets made of 100% cotton and high thread count material. It’s ‘Carpet Galleria’ will encompass contemporary, shaggy and classic Persian carpets.

The showroom has high-end classic

furniture, bedroom sets, dining tables, sofa sets, kids’ furniture, rattan furniture and outdoor furniture. It also has a wide range of home decor items, such as classic grandpa clocks, wall decor, metal art, paintings, wooden carvings, hand-made vases, hand painted ceramic vases, resin vases, wooden vases, and brass metal vases.

4Home products have been sourced from across the globe. There are items on

display from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, and from Oman too.

4Home proposes to explore the enormous world of design, comprising exclusive style and innovation. The idea is to create great places to live, learn and enjoy by researching, manufacturing and distributing interior solutions designed to make homes more practical and pleasant.