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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 24 M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 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
Of hard work and beating the odds
Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik
NOVELIST Amelia Barr had once said: “It’s always the simple that produces the marvellous.” And as we celebrate the successful final exam results of the CBSE, the national board of education of India, we truly understand the meaning of Barr’s words. The simple thing that has written the success stories of these toppers, whom we met this week for our cover feature, is nothing but their sheer hard work. They had challenges, they faced setbacks and heartbreaks as well, but with hard work, they could cross all hurdles and beat the odds. Considered to be one of the biggest examinations in a student’s life, it wasn’t easy for these students, who secured a brilliant result in their Grade 12 exams. Studying round-the-clock, sacrificing their social lives, and keeping their cool in times of pressure and stress, are some of the secrets of their success. And as we celebrate their success, let’s gently remind ourselves that exams and grades are not the end of the beautiful journey of learning. So, those students who aren’t happy with their grades must not get disheartened by trying to measure up to the high scorers. As Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” So don’t ruin your happiness by comparing your marks. After all, grades always do not decide our future; it’s the effort that matters the most. And speaking about efforts, we dig deeper into how Ahmed Farid and Sheikha Sarah Al Aulaqi have initiated the “Handmade for Ramadan” event. Starting today, the three-day event, to be held at Grand Hyatt Muscat, is meant for those who love authenticity and will showcase products such as jalabiyas, abayas, handbags, and more. — Swati Dasgupta
Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez Photography: MMG Photographers On The Cover: Design by Geri B. Sonny 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
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WHAT’S ON 01 THIS WEEK FRIDAY 01.00pm
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Hone your Photography Skills
Photography is becoming a popular hobby among residents of Oman, and quite a fun profession. If you want to sharpen your skills then this workshop is for you. Vantage International Muscat Al Khuwair, Bousher +968 9343 5226
THURSDAY
08.00pm Celebrate Qaranqasho Fun activities, storytelling, fashion show, giveaways and loads more are all on offer for your kids at this Qaranqasho celebration. Put your children in their best outfit, as there will be prizes for the best dressed. For rates information, dial the number below.
04.00pm Meditate with Yoga How about a meditation and yoga session with some of the best trainers and experts? Sounds like fun. Come with a friend to experience the different styles of yoga.
My Gym Muscat, Panorama Mall, Bousher +968 9320 3322
Yoga Shaala Al Assala Towers, Azaiba +968 9575 3154
06.30pm Enjoy a Traditional Iftar Are you on the lookout for a succulent Iftar session? Check out Ginger and Khaymat Sundus Rotana, where they host a traditional Iftar in a tent for large groups, serving lip-smacking dishes and Ramadan favourites. Sundus Rotana, Seeb +968 2451 1800
10.00am Dance to Zumba If you love to dance then Zumba fitness is the best option. Join the free class at Park Inn Muscat’s Sky Club with Zumba licensed instructor Nisha. Space is limited, so RSVP in advance. Park Inn by Radisson Muscat, Al Khuwair, Bousher +968 9241 0430
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06.00pm Join a Game Show One of India’s famous musical game show, Antakshari, will take place at the Embassy of India, and it is not to be missed. You must form a team of three and register, or sign-up as a single entry and be paired with others. Embassy of India, Muscat +968 9988 2735
08.00am Have an Adventure Enjoy a fun day outdoor at Bandar Al Khayyran where you’ll get to paddle and snorkel amid turquoise waters. The trip costs OMR 25 per person. Call the number below for meeting point and location. +968 9269 4962
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BHAVESH JOSHI - SUPERHERO Cast: Vikramaditya Motwane, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Nishikant Kamat, Priyanshu Painyuli This is an action film about a young man who wants to continue doing the right and challenge the wrong. And on this journey, he discovers that he is destined to do bigger things, which will transform him from a common man into a Superhero.
VEERE DI WEDDING Cast: Swara Bhaskar, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan It is a high spirited and upbeat coming of age story revolving around the lives of four childhood friends Kalindi, Avni, Meera and Sakshi. Ten years later when these four best friends reunite, they don’t realise how much life has changed from what they expected. Your friend’s wedding is supposed to be extra special, right? Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas
ARMED RESPONSE Cast: John Stockwell, Wesley Snipes, Anne Heche A team of trained operatives find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. There, they begin to experience strange and horrific phenomena as they attempt to uncover what killed the previous team.
T SHOW DOGS Cast: Will Arnett, Natasha Lyonne, Shaquille O’Neal Max, a macho, solitary Rottweiler police dog is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog in a prestigious Dog Show, along with his human partner, to avert a disaster from happening. DISTORTED Cast: Christina Ricci, John Cusack A 32-year-old woman suffering from bipolar disorder comes to suspect the proprietor of the state-of-the-art ‘smart apartment’ she and her husband just moved into is using the building’s residents as unwitting guinea pigs for a ‘synthetic telepathy’ brainwashing plot with dire global ramifications. COMING SOON Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Cast: J.A Bayona, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Pratt Kaala Cast: Easwari Rao, Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Dhanush
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MEET THE TOPPERS OF GRADE XII CBSE BOARD EXAMINATIONS IN OMAN WHO TALK ABOUT THEIR SUCCESS, AND THE STORIES BEHIND IT.
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am happy that the hard work that I have put in along with my parents and my teachers has paid off. I think you must enjoy what you are doing because then studies don’t become a chore,” said Aliva Das, a science stream student of Indian School Muscat, when asked about the secret of her success in the recently declared CBSE Grade 12 results. CBSE or the Central Board of Secondary Education is a national level board of education in India and Aliva Das has topped in Oman in the Grade 12 CBSE board examination. Along with Aliva there are few other students who have equally worked hard to reach to the top ranks thus proving the oft-repeated words of Thomas Edison right. ‘There is no substitute for hard work.” It is a lesson some of Oman’s finest students seemed to have picked up quite quickly: Aliva Das and Sneha Sarkar have both made their alma mater, Indian School Muscat (ISM), very proud, by topping not just the school’s list, but scoring the highest marks in the science and humanities streams for the Grade 12 CBSE exams across all of Oman, the results for which were announced recently. While science buff Aliva scored an amazing 98.6%, Sneha, who has always gravitated towards the humanities, posted an exemplary 96.4%, marks matched by Indian School Wadi Kabir’s (ISWK) Jobin Jacob, the Oman topper for the commerce stream. Achieving the best grades in an examination that is touted as the toughest in a student’s life isn’t easy by any means. Years of hard work, sticking to disciplined study routine, and eliminating all possible distractions are some of the secrets of their success. For a student there’s always this sense of trying to do too much in too little time in school. Along with those bulky schoolbags crammed with books or as may be the case among others, a locker so crammed with books, that if you were to stack them one on top of the other, they would actually rival a small skyscraper. And that’s only the physical burden. Let’s not forget the mental pressure these children are under. There’s a constant bombardment of stress from more than one corner. Whether it’s parents, tutors or teachers, everyone’s breathing down these young students’ necks and constantly looking over their shoulders in the fervent hope that they will succeed. You can expect the pressure to ratchet up significantly during the exams, which are more than just a trying time for everyone. What matters, though is how you deal with it, and to not let it get to you. Banish the ghosts of that pressure, though, and
Aliva Das
Jobin Jacob
you will always be successful. And while we rejoice the success stories of the toppers, there are many parents and students who feel that the current curriculum followed by CBSE depends more on rote learning that does more harm than good. Speaking on this a parent said that the current trend of inflated grades have also created unrealistic goals in the minds of students. “Getting 90 per cent and above has become so common. I feel that’s not the right way. Also it is not possible to assess a student and his educational skills through the same gradation system,” he said. Raising concerns on this issue a teacher from one of the Indian Schools said that unfortunately the current system followed by the CBSE curriculum teaches students to cram more and learn less.
“What many people do is study for quite a long time, but they are not really focused on what they are learning. I think that one hour of studying is much better than just sitting with your books for seven or eight hours,” said Aliva. “I advise children to take up subjects they are passionate about, because then you are doing what you care for, and if you do that, it’ll be much easier to do well,” she added. Sneha added: “Before my exams, I cut myself off from social media. I did not go anywhere and I sat at home to study. I also completed my SAT entrance exams side by side. I finished all of that and ensured I had nothing to do after my exams. It was really difficult to juggle all of these, but I think it paid off in the end. Many people think that because you have taken humanities, you don’t have many career options,
Shravani Garmella
but you have a lot of openings now, if you are creative. Keep studying and it’ll take you somewhere.” Shravani Garmella wasn’t far behind her schoolmates. She topped ISM’s commerce stream with 95.6%. “It feels quite overwhelming, but I also feel there’s scope for improvement. We put so much pressure on ourselves for our board exams, but I don’t think I had to make many sacrifices, because my friends were as motivated as I was. Since then, I’ve been doing whatever I’ve been meaning to but have been unable to for the past two years.” While it was only understandable for these students to be nervous with their impending board exam results on the horizon, ISWK’s Jobin, who emerged as the Oman topper for the commerce stream, was worried about two other
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TOPPERS FROM ACROSS SCHOOLS Indian School Muscat Science Aliva Das (98.6%) Tanvi Shekhar (96.6%) Rochelle Fernandez (96.2%) Commerce Shravani Garmella (95.6%) Drashtee Mistry (94.8%) Nagaramy Sedimbi and Rhea Bhatia (94%) Humanities Sneha Sarkar (96.4%) Akshaya Pavanje (96.2%) Zeta Pereira (94.6%)
Indian School Ghubra Science KS Suraaj (97.2%) Prerna Ravi (96.6%) Vyshnav Nair and Ananya Ananthan (96.4%) Commerce Vidhika Shah (94.8%) Aditya Kamath and Unnati Ashar (94.6%) Brian Thadikaran (93.8%)
Indian School Wadi Kabir Science Vaidehee Thakur (96.8%) Aswin Muraleedharan (96.6%) Nikitha Alex (96.4%) Commerce Jobin Jacob (96.4%) Arya Sudheer and Suhana Mohammed (95.6%) Shreya Nair, Sandhra Tomley and Sredha Suresh (95%)
Indian School Muladha K. S. Suraaj
Sneha Sarkar
Aashna Fareen
things that were very close to his heart. “The results were being announced on Saturday, but before that I kept wondering if my parents would let me watch the Champions League final that night, if I didn’t get good marks. Real Madrid is my favourite team, but how could I support them if I didn’t do well in my exams? The Indian Premier League final was also on Sunday, and I really wanted to watch Chennai Super Kings play. I kept wondering how I could have done so well after studying for just two hours every day, but I was once told, ‘you may be a snake without a rattle, you may be a duck without a waddle, you may be a horse without a saddle, but in the end, you have to fight your own battle’ and I am glad that I did so well in the end.” As expected, many of these students
have already begun preparations for the next step of their lives in earnest. K. S. Suraaj, who led Indian School Ghubra’s Grade 12 results with 97.2% in the science stream, has already returned to India to sit for his entrance exams. “Suraaj was always more concerned about the entrance exam, because that was his priority,” said his father, Suresh Kannan. “He has already given the exam for BITS Pilani, and his results mean he can get into any stream of his choice over there, but his plan has always been to enter the Indian Institute of Technology. He has already written the Joint Entrance Exam and he is waiting for the results. I have to say that my wife is the one who has guided him, because she is always there to provide support when he needs it, and I just offer advice.”
Away from the capital city of Muscat, Indian School Mabela were sending their first batch of senior students to write their Grade XII exams. Aashna Fareen, with 84.2%, led the way. “Because it was our first batch of students, I am very proud and very honoured to have topped, but this would not have happened without the prayers of my teachers and parents, because they did a lot to help us study,” she explained. “My teacher told us to dedicate one hour for every subject, half an hour for English and Computer Studies, and that is what helped us in the end. They were always on hand to answer any doubts, whatever time of the day we called them, and were also willing to offer advice, if the pressure of the exams was too much; so, this is something all of us are grateful for.”
Science Saif Alam (94.6%) Rohan Ullas (94%) Maham Asif (92.6%) Commerce Mohsina Firdous (93.4%) Devika Chandra (92.6%) Althaf Mohammed (92.6%)
Indian School Sohar Science Manas Vegi (98.4%) Tanya Kumar (96%) Amal Jaleel (95.2%) Commerce Nabheen Sobhan (86.6%) Aakanksha Reu (84.2%) Sohail Ahmed (84%)
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‘Handmade For Ramadan’ This three-day exhibition at Grand Hyatt Muscat is for the lovers of authenticity who want to feel special and get things customised and personalised. It is also meant for those designers who can let the world know how they get to the final product.
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t is true when people say that with time, old habits, trends, and ways make their way into the present. Phrases such as “Old is gold”, “Back to basics”, and “Reviving the past” stand true at this point across all fields. But one industry that is tremendously affected by this phenomenon is the fashion industry, where all the old trends including polka dots, bell-bottoms, and vibrant colours are all coming back and with a loud bang. While technology has made life convenient and in many ways appealing and attractive, to get the authenticity and aesthetics right, you need human involvement. That’s probably why the word
“handmade” has been a very popularly searched term on Google. While handmade doesn’t necessarily have to mean that the whole item has been made by hand from scratch, it still needs to have elements that are specialised and individualised by a pair of skilled hands. From computerised hi-tech designs, which were thought to be cool, we have reached a stage where designers are using terms such as craftsmanship, artisanship, hand-printed and handmade to gain a competitive advantage over the other brands in the market. Keeping in line with this trend that is taking the world by storm, “Handmade For Ramadan” is being brought to Oman for all those authenticity lovers who
want wan to feel special and get things customised tomi and personalised, and for those designers desi who can showcase not just their final products but also let the world know how they get to the final product. The Th brainchild of Ahmed Farid and Sheikha Shei Sarah Ahmed Farid Al Aulaqi who own and run Qansar Couture, which is a store s where every piece of clothing is real, re given a lot of time, thought, and is hand handmade, their aim is to bring together peop who appreciate handicrafts and people fash fashion and arts during the Holy Month R of Ramadan. “It is nice to have that preference beca because something handmade feels like it is tailored to you. I think everybody
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likes something that is personalised. My mom’s brand is about that. It is focused on embroidery and it feels special to know that it was made for me and I was a part of the making process. It takes years of training and there are so many different aspects to it. There’s threading, beading, the effects that one wants from it,” said Sheikha Sarah. The different products that will be showcased include the usual jalabiyas, abayas, handbags, etc. “Organisations such as the Omani Heritage Association who try to keep our culture and tradition alive will also be there. This is important because I feel that to move into the future successfully, we need to learn and take elements from the past,” she explained. There are a number of talented designers who will be participating in this oneof-a-kind event, grabbing the opportunity to promote their talent and handwork that results in creating sheer art. “People have been taking old traditional outfits and fusing them with contemporary patterns and designs. For example, there is an Emirati girl who uses solar powered abayas to charge her phone. There is a designer who only uses camel hide to make different products including clothing, bags, shoes, etc,” said Sheikha Sarah. There are people who work with intricate embroidery, some who make intricate designs using their hands but print them out on computers, and various other hardworking women and men attending the three-day event. However, the most delightful part about this is that it gives people a peak into all the behind-the-scenes action. While some designers will bring their tailors along to show people how it’s done, there will also be a whole dress made live during the event. “During the three-day event, our dressmaker will be ‘hand making’ a dress live, which will be auctioned at the closing of the exhibition on June 2 at 10pm,” she said. People from different GCC countries will be participating in the event. Although all countries are in the same region, the fashion in each of these places varies hugely. “I think Kuwaitis are bolder and a lot more colourful and always looking for something new. With the UAE and Qatar, they are a lot safer and calmer. Saudis are very classy and simple. Oman is finding its way. But I’m just glad that people are accepting the evolution of abayas.” Speaking of western labels and brands creating branded abayas that have been doing the rounds lately, Sheikha Sarah said, “I think those designers are being smart and know where the money is. They are catering to our needs but we know what we want better than the international brands. So, we need to take things in our hands. In that way, they are making it theirs when it’s not. And we need to evolve it at our pace”. The opening ceremony of the event is on May 31 and will be attended by Her Highness Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi, along with Ahmed Farid and Sheikha Sarah. “I hope people see and appreciate this event for its uniqueness and use it as a platform to showcase their talent and products,” she concluded.
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AN IFTAR THAT FEELS HOMEMADE PHOTOS BY SALIM AL AFIFI
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amadan is the perfect time for people of different faiths and cultures to mingle, while exploring appetising dishes that serve every palate. That very atmosphere brings about a lovely spirit of togetherness over a nice homemade meal, and that is exactly what an Iftar at Bar.B.Q. Tonight attempts to do. Bar.B.Q. Tonight is a renowned Pakistani franchise that serves a variety of dishes from Pakistan, alongside Afghani, Chinese, and Middle Eastern delicacies. The restaurant offers a vibrant, family-oriented ambience that hits you the moment you set foot into the diner, especially during the Holy Month. As we entered the place, the friendly
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waiters escorted us to our seats and served us dates, which were the kick-starter to our evening. We started our Iftar with dates, and glasses of thirst-quenching drinks such as the floral and citrusy Rooh Afzah (a popular drink in Pakistan, traditionally consumed for Iftar), and lemon and mint water to break our fast. It was followed by samosa chaat, a fusion of traditional samosa mixed with a chickpea salad in a yoghurt-based dish; dahi bhalla, dumplings in sweet and spicy yoghurt; fruit salad; and pakoras as Iftar starters. As you’d guess, they tasted amazing. Aside from the Pakistani staples, a medley of Arabic and international cold mezze such as hummus, tabouleh, fattoush, and Russian salad
were also on offer. For the mains, we went straight to the grill section, which was the most tempting. We had Malai Tikka as our first choice, boneless chicken cubes marinated in yoghurt and mint; the pieces serve a beautiful, melt-in-the-mouth experience. If you are a meat lover, then you must try the Irani Chullu Kebab, beef pieces marinated with special herbs and ingredients. Other meaty offerings include Chicken Reshmi Kebabs, Chicken Bihari, and their famous mutton ribs. With almost no room for more food, we still could not turn down the Mutton Qabuli Rice, as its aroma permeated the air. This Afghan delicacy is a big hit with the locals. We also had Peshawari Charcoal Karahi, which is a dish prepared on charcoal with chicken, tomato sauce, and special herbs. There was Lahori fish, tempura prawns, as well as Sindhi biryani. Chinese dishes such as sizzling chicken, chowmein, and fried rice were available in the buffet for those who don’t like spicy food. Our meal ended with a variety of desserts that were spread before us. There was Matka Kheer, which is a rice pudding served in a clay pot that enhances its traditional taste. We also enjoyed hot and soft, spongy gulab jamuns, carrot-based sweet gajar ka halwa, cream caramel, and double ka meetha, which is a creamy fried bread soaked in saffron milk. To wash away the heavy food, we had karak chai and a couple of other drinks. It was indeed a delicious Iftar packed with great taste and we cannot wait to pay them a visit again before the Holy Month ends. Location Bar.B.Q Tonight Qurum and Seeb
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5 EASY STEPS TO TAME YOUR TEMPER Anger can be exhausting. It puts your brain into overdrive, kicks your pressure up, and the last thing you’d want to be doing is stressing your vocal cords to achieve a higher decibel to make a stronger point. Rather an unpleasant situation, don’t you think? Though anger is a common emotion which we all experience, there are several ways to tackle it smartly, and calmly as well. STORY ANTARA BOSE
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Establish if you really have a problem Just because someone, at some point, called you the ‘angry young man/ woman’, doesn’t mean you necessarily have anger management issues (remember Adam Sandler in Anger Management?), because honestly, anger management is a real issue, not something that is ‘cool’ to have or justifies your low-level of patience. Understand if this is something that you’re really dealing with or something you’ve decided to bring upon yourself. You don’t need to throw a fit to maintain your ‘angry’ image — it isn’t something to be proud of. In either case, acknowledge it. The first step to dealing with anything is acceptance.
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Identify your triggers Maintain a log of when you’re getting angry. And we mean the noteworthy times. If you’re turning green like Hulk just because your trash missed the basket, you have issues. Identify what caused you to lose your temper. It varies from person-to-person. Some people have the most basic triggers like food, sleep or, considering the modern era, coffee. Others have more complex but very definite triggers (like Anne Hathaway’s dislike towards people who didn’t blink in The Intern). The key is to know what sets off your annoyance radar. You can then either avoid those situations or be consciously ready to tackle them.
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Hold back the impulsive reactions Remember coming back from an argument and then regretting all the things you could have said but didn’t. The list of ‘I wish I had said that’ keeps growing the more you think about it, doesn’t it? The trick is to actually not react when you’re angry because you simply end up missing half of those important points. Instead, take a strategic timeout when you feel confronted with something unpleasant. Make an excuse, go somewhere you can be alone and think it through. Then get back and address the problem calmly.
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Release Sometimes, however, there is no fighting back and we’re left to deal with the anger on our own. Traditionally, they’d tell you take 10-20 deep breaths until you calm down. Though it’s supposed to be a good way to de-stress, it seldom works on me. Instead of the exhale-inhale strategy, vent out your anger elsewhere. Go for a run, call your best friend and scream, or even punch a bag — the idea is to release the anger and move on. Bottling it only aggravates the feeling.
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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.
Find humour Ease the tension by taking a more light-hearted approach to things. Try thinking of something funny. If you feel the tension rising, without sounding offensive or sarcastic, crack a small joke. Not only does it break the flow, but usually even makes the other person realise it’s a petty argument. You can also calm yourself down by seeing the situation in a more humorous light. For example, if your boss is in a rotten mood and decides to pick on you, instead of beating yourself up about it, imagine a series of funny things that could have possibly messed up her morning — from tripping over her cat and landing in the litter tray to locking herself out of her own car. It can be hard to empathise with someone you’re mad at, so try this fun alternate instead.
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Rapide S: Aston Martin’s N fastest four-door sports car
early seven years since the Rapide was introduced, Aston Martin has been able to successfully combine the looks of a DB9, the practicality of a sedan, and a V12 engine to create the new Rapide S. The external design is a work of art; iconic Aston Martin design signatures such as the side strakes and bold grille underline the Rapide S. Even though it is longer and has four doors, the headlights are very familiar, with lots of aluminium used in the construction, and the massive wheels give it a great design. Looking at the interiors, the stitching on
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the seats is superb. The control panel is traditional but is backed up by Aston Martin’s modern infotainment system. It may be hard for back-seat passengers to get in, but once inside, the seats are so comfortable that you may not want to leave. One of the first things you notice while driving the Rapide S is the noise, because of the 6-litre V12 engine, with 552 horsepower. The engine is supported by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which took this to another level compared with the older version of the Rapide, which had a six-speed two gearbox. The new Rapide S can get to 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 203mph,
making it the fastest four-door car ever produced by Aston Martin. No other four-door car performs quite like the Rapide S, it benefits from Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers three distinct settings: “Normal”, “Sport” and “Track”. While driving, it is very easy to forget that you are, in fact, driving a four-door car. Aston Martin’s President and Chief Executive Office Dr Andy Palmer said: “Right from its inception, the Rapide set out to do something different: To offer the essence of Aston Martin in a more spacious but no less sporting or beautiful package. It’s a testament to
the original concept that the Rapide S has matured into something even more compelling. Hugely desirable and immensely capable, it juxtaposes incredible performance with space, style, and luxury. Our customers love the fact that its four-door, four-seat design enables them to share the Aston Martin experience with their friends and family. That it continues to do so with such panache and personality underlines its rare combination of qualities.” When confronted with a sports car, practicality is not a quality normally considered, especially not with a 200+mph car, but the Rapide S does exactly that,
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it offers exceptional flexibility. The rear seats can be easily folded at the touch of a button, giving the driver almost triple the available space. The ability for the car to handle at corners is exceptional, especially at high speeds. For a sedan, the Rapide S handles it very well: The steering is light, making it a very enjoyable car to drive, visibility is slightly limited as the windshield and the windscreen are tight but the side mirrors and the windows give the driver enough overview of the surroundings; besides, once you hear the howl of the V12 engine, nothing else will matter.
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REVERED TRADITION Among the most celebrated and treasured festivities in the country, and across the Gulf, is the Qaranqasho, which falls on the night before the 14th day of the Holy Month, where children hit the streets, door-to-door, chanting, singing, and collecting candies. This lovely and time-honoured tradition carries a great deal of excitement that brings out the best in children. It is a day dedicated to reward a child who has successfully fasted half of Ramadan, and it is meant to encourage them to continue the second half. On this day, children put on their favourite traditional costumes and carry baskets before heading outside, in their neighbourhood, to knock on doors and ask for treats and halwa. Qaranqasho remains a revered tradition among locals, and a celebrated one for expatriates. As you prepare your little ones to immerse themselves into the festivity spirit, here are some photographs for you to enjoy. — Photos by Shabin E.
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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
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TIMES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
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STAR WARS – KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC
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THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
BEFORE THERE WAS OBI-WAN and unease wherever they go. AND YODA, before there was Luke and It takes a less-tangible inner strength, Leia, before there was Han and Chewtherefore, to commit to the light side, a bacca, Palpatine and Vader, there was the character some of the strongest warriors Old Republic. in the galaxy sometimes lack. With the Old Wait, you didn’t know Star Wars existed Republic locked in a seemingly never-endbefore whatever it is you saw in the moving war with the Mandalorian Empire, who ies? That’s actually kind of, sort of, underwish to conquer the galaxy to fuel their lust standable. Although there are hundreds for expansion, the Republic, a confederaof comic books and graphic tion of worlds with very disnovels covering the Old Retinct and different cultures, THE SHORT AND SKINNY public, which existed 4,000 united by a common currenyears before the events in cy and trade laws, decides to Star Wars: Knights of the Old the movies, George Lucas’ send its greatest generals to Republic films remain the most stop the Mandalorians once Genre: RPG/Fantasy iconic representation of all and for all. Produced by: BioWare things Star Wars. But war changes people. It What it’s about: In the days of Star And that’s where BioWare is hard to go into battle and Wars’ Old Republic, millennia before came in. The Canadian not just return unscathed, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader company has always been but also unchanged. It’s a were born, a very different war is recognised as one of the feeling that is not easy to raging across the galaxy, and only best creators of Role Playing describe, but one that is best you have the power to stop it. Games, and what sets them observed in the way people Where to buy: Origin, G2A Games, apart is not just the excelinteract with those around Microsoft Store, Amazon, Humble lent RPGs they release, but them. Bundle, Xbox Marketplace the need to create a game When the Jedi council Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Android, that explores areas left and the Grand Order of the Mac, iOS relatively untouched in the Republic decided to send IGN Rating: 9.5/10 world of gaming. Revan and Malak to fight Before this group of intelthe Mandalorians, a last, ligent gamers from Canada desperate throw of the dice, brought us Mass Effect and Dragon Age, hope once again rose in the hearts of the they realised that there was an area in people of the Republic. Revan and Malak the Star Wars universe that people didn’t did win the war, but the Republic didn’t. really know about. Bioware developed Forever changed from their war, which the idea for Star Wars: Knights of the Old had claimed millions of lives across the Republic, or KOTOR for short, a game that swathes of the galaxy, through their experidespite being released in 2003 remains a ences leading the Republic’s troops, they favourite among video game enthusiasts stumbled across an ancient Sith monastery the world over. and began to take in the ways of the dark The ideal of this game seems to reflect side of the force. Soon afterwards, in his the ways of the Force – that unseen, hungry quest for power, Malak would fire all-influencing power that gives both the on Revan’s own star ship, taking for himJedi and the Sith the means to manipuself the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith. late the galaxy for their own ideals. While Little was known of Revan’s whereathe Jedi have always striven to restore bouts, until one day, a Republic cruiser balance to the universe, the Sith use it for came under attack from Malak’s fleet, their own selfish means, leaving a path carrying a person of great importance on of death and destruction and sowing fear board – you.
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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 24 M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 8
T FM RAMADAN WINNERS PLAN TO SHARE WINNINGS WITH OTHERS
O
man’s first winners of the T FM Ramadan campaign are over the moon with their surprise success, and plan on donating some of the money they have earned to the less fortunate. Baburaj Nair, Jaya Chabbi, Melvin Sebastin D’souza, V. Karthikeyan, and Marcio Migueis were among the first winners of the OMR100 cash prize, which was awarded by T FM 95.4 in collaboration with Dar Al Atta’a as part of their Spread More Smiles SMS campaign to raise funds for those who are underprivileged in the Sultanate. When asked about what they would do with the prize money, an overwhelmed Jaya said: “My mother is visiting us here in Muscat and I would like to give it to her to spend it.” Karthikeyan who came in all the way from Ibra added, “I came to know about the campaign in the papers and I thank T FM for reaching out to all of us across the Sultanate, I am extremely happy.” While true to the spirit of spreading joy and making a difference, Baburaj said he would like to donate a certain amount of the prize money to the less fortu-
nate and spread smiles in his own little way. Marcio excitedly said he was going to share his prize money with his beautiful wife and of course, pamper himself. “It’s been an exhilarating first week in the studios of TFM 95.4 Spread More Smiles,” said Garima Bhandari, Station Manager for T FM. “The Ramadan charity initiative is well into its first week of completion and 5 lucky winners walked away with a cash prize of OMR100 each.” “T FM 95.4 launched the campaign in association with Dar Al Atta’a supported by Mitsubishi and Omantel giving a chance to its listeners to win a daily cash prize of OMR100 and a Mitsubishi Pajero every week. The best part of the initiative is that a substantial portion of the money generated by the SMSs sent, will be contributed towards Dar Al Atta’a at the end of the Holy Month,” she added. T FM’s radio studios have seen many happy faces over the past week and the team now want to continue to spread more smiles. To participate and win, SMS TFM to 90018.