Contents
All That Glitters
8
Interview: Maram Abroo
15
Style spotting with Ammar Belal
18
Fashion: Beauty clicks
19
Massarat’s Makeovers
26
Hair accessories
27
Face matters
28
Interview: Yousaf Beig Mirza
30
AQ Baba: Landscape wizard
33
The Facebook f – enomenon
36
Sure shoes
38
Recipes 40 Stars & starlets
42
Films 44 Restaurant review: The Patio
46
Glamstock 47 Aunt Athena
50
Editor Injila Baqir Zeeshan Sub Editors Fatima Zehra Naqvi Sahar Iqbal Creative Head Babur Saghir Graphic Designers Javeria Mirza Sana Ahmed Mian Nasir Photographer Mohammad Amir Baba
19clicks! Beauty
Hall in held in Nishtar A fashion show all over m fro rs d visito Peshawar attracte in from els were brought the region. Mod . They ow chi for the sh Lahore and Kara esses dr l na tio local tradi exhibited some nk Ta aziristan, Bajaur, worn in South W and Kohistan.
Maram & Abroo
Glamour with a soul
C
By Sahar Iqbal
ontrary to the general perception that the fashion industry in Pakistan is heavily dominated by women, the truth is they have had to face a lot of problems and an equal number of hindrances. No woman was allowed in the world of fashion photography until the year 2000. This is when “Maram and Abroo” made a great show and gave the industry a whole new identity with their advent. They are the country’s most popular female fashion photographers. They have given courage and the inspiration to all the girls out there to break social taboos and reach for their dreams. Their passion and determination has led them to revolutionise the fashion industry. Together, they have won several awards and received several nominations for their make-up and styling. Their work speaks for itself. Q. Tell us briefly about your journey into the industry from the very start. A. Abroo and I were studying together in college. We
graduated with majors in Mathematics, Statistics and Economics and then did post-graduate studies in Public Administration. We started off as amateurs in 1996 when we were in Kinnaird College. We were part of the Kinnaird Dramatics Society’s backstage crew and used to take pictures for it. In those days, the portfolio trend was very in among girls and we started making portfolios for these girls just for the sake of pocket money. We continued it as our hobby and side-by-side, we also continued our studies. The turning point in our lives came when we joined a studio in Abu Dhabi. It was a partnership with an Arab girl at a studio. It was a totally ravishing experience, no one actually cared whether we were girls or not. They were so profession-
‘It’s always a brand new experience; we learn something new every time we do a photo shoot’
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 15
ally equipped which inspired us and gave us a huge boost. Having learnt professional photography, we decided to officially start our professional journey. Then in 2005, my father made a studio for me and called us back to Pakistan. Now we had a platform to exhibit our skills before the world. Q. What role has styling for music videos played in your career? A. We didn’t start our career with muOnce we became a part of the fashion industry itself, we realised that sic videos but eventuif you show them that you have what it takes to be there, you will be ally landed up as stylists more than just welcome for their videos. It has been a great learning experience as well as a Q. How did you contribute to the like Shoaib Mansoor. We are also worklot of fun. ing on other campaigns as well as conQ. And how many musicians you Pakistan Fashion Weeks? A. We were never approached for tinuing with our fashion photography. have done styling for? A: Well, quite a few. We have done anything but we were there during the We have done styling for an upcoming styling for Jal, Shehzad Roy and also did Fashion Weeks, to support our friends, music video for a Zeb and Haniya song. Q. What obstacles have you faced a photo shoot for Josh, Fareeha Pervaiz Ali Xeeshan and Fahad Hussain. Q. Tell us something about your re- in Pakistan’s fashion industry being and Faraz Khosa’s album. It’s always a women? brand new experience; we learn some- cent projects. A. We worked as stylists for a Shoaib A. Well, we faced a lot of them. thing new every time we do a photo Mansoor film. Personally, I have learnt Firstly, we did not even have any supshoot. a lot by working with talented people port from our families when we decided
16 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
‘Our main agenda is to work on international forums because over the years our work has received more appreciation from abroad than here. Our aim is to work harder and try and create a difference through our work’ to go to Abu Dhabi for the photography course as we were unmarried back in 2001. But once we became a part of the fashion industry itself, we realised that if you show them that you have what it takes to be there, you will be more than just welcome. Initially though, we had to face a lot of questions from different sources, which always left us unsure of our choice of career and we saw our passion for photography leaving us. But long hours of self-therapy resulted in a reassurance of our competence and we were ready to face any challenge! Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years? A. We are focused and totally determined for our future plans. Our main agenda is to work on international forums because over the years our work has received more appreciation from abroad than here. Our aim is to work harder and try to create a difference through our work. Q. Any message for all the young girls here in Pakistan who wish to join your profession? A. We believe that everything is possible therefore all you girls out there, never take “No” for an answer. Do whatever you want to do. Persuasion is the key to success while patience is the main way to accomplish success in life.
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 17
18 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
nnie of Alle’nora salon presents some beautiful new looks for 2011. Beauty and styling is not just getting your clothes made to perfection but it’s about developing an entire artistic concept by picking and choosing just that right kind of clothes, makeup looks and accessories to form a perfect combination. This can help to give you the aura with which you can make heads turn! Here are options for brides to choose from as well as other damsels to make anyone look stunning for a special occasion. Concept and styling here is developed entirely by Annie Mansoor.
Makeup & styling Annie of Alle’nora Photography Mansoor@Alle’nora Studio Text Injila Baqir Zeeshan
Massarat’s makeovers
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assarat Misbah is a very talented beautician. She has the ability to transform any face to make it look appealing and charming. Her magical touch can do wonders for any woman belonging to any age group. Lounge brings you makeovers of real women and not just fashion models.
We begin by cleansing Rabia’s face.
Base colour is selected according Pink blush-on is applied on the cheeks. to Rabia’s skin tone. Lighter colour base is applied to enhance her complexion and conceal pimples. After makeover
Light gold eyeshade is applied as base for subsequent eye makeup.
Dark colour eyeshade is merged Light pink lipstick is applied to throroughly with the base contrast and balance the dark colour to enhance eye shape. eye makeup. Kohl, eyeliner and mascara give a finishing touch. After makeover
You are invited!
to send in your picture with a few words about yourself and you can
WIN A FREE MAKEOVER to be featured in this column. Just write to us on: lounge@pakistantoday.com.pk
26 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Let your hair down!
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By Bushra Shehzad
ashion accessories have gone to our heads, literally. Hair ornamentation is everywhere from jewellery encrusted headbands to sparkling butterflies to silky flowers -- the sky’s the limit. The most welcomed is the simpler approach to hair decoration like Hilary Swank’s diamond covered flower pin at this year’s Golden Globes. With that being said, all stylists are also obsessed with Marc Jacob’s giant faceted hair jewels. Here are some of the tips to pull off the hair ornament look: 1. Keep the make-up simple. Let the hair jewel be the star. Nude make-up looks are perfect companions for these dynamic hair accessories. 2. Keep your outfit simple, too. Too much colour or texture on top and bottom will make you look like a clown. Potentially a crazy fashion clown and that’s scary. 3. Pull your hair back. This is not a rule, but whether it’s messy-back, or polished-back... we think it’s a better look. Hair down with a large hair accessory can make you look a little bride’s maid ... if you know what we mean. There is an astounding array of jewelled hair clips and combs that are lovely when used to pull or hold back hair. To go for that glamorous look, use a comb, decorated with pearls, for example, to pull back your hair on one side. A few years back, Paris Hilton was photographed wearing headbands and on her, they looked beautiful. Many high school girls have since then donned tiaras for their prom nights. Most of us probably wouldn’t feel comfortable following these examples, but there are still many hair accessories that may be a nice addition
Hair ornamentataion is everywhere from jewellery encrusted headbands to sparkling butterflies to silky flowers - the sky ‘s the limit
to an outfit if you’re in a mood for fun. Who knows? You may find others copying you... take it as a compliment. Women with short hair can still glam up their do, thanks to hair ornaments specifically designed for this style. Let’s start it off with barrettes. Mostly sold in pairs, these barrettes are beautiful hair ornaments which can style up short hair. It is also suitable for small children especially those with fine hair. It comes in various designs like flowers, ribbons, toy bears, butterflies, hearts and more. Then there are the mini-combs. If you think that they only go for long hair, think again. There are designs made for women with short hair. They have lesser strands and smaller designs which go hand-in-hand with a shorter do. Women with short hair can also opt for French Twists. Hairpins are also popular among women with short hair because they are the most accessible and the easiest to put too. Just choose the best designs. Because of their simplicity, they might be overlooked. But there are hair ornament stores, which sell hairpins having elaborate designs. Some of them even come with pearls and crystals. Bobby pins are like hairpins, only they stick longer. They also come with pearls and crystals. Their elaborate style makes it the number one hair accessory during special occasions. Headbands are also used by women with short hair very frequently. You can style it up by choosing the elegant designs such as those that have rhinestones, crystals and pearls. By wearing these hair accessories, your short hair will not only remain in place, it will also be glammed up.
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 27
Face matters Learn why you need to spare those ten minutes each morning and evening for a CTM Routine!
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adies have you ever wondered why every beauty page you pick starts with this monotonous regime?
your skin and permanently damages its texture. These ten minutes spent every day will help your skin to maintain its charm; in short the only remedy is constant caring.
Cleansing, toning & Choosing the right product moisturising (CTM) most of us it’s a suggestion for your skin
For made too often, seldom followed and mostly forgotten. Why do you need to spare those ten minutes each morning and evening? We all know that healthy skin can boost up confidence and sense of feelgood factor. One’s beauty is incomplete without a fresh and glowing skin. We feel more socially inclined after achieving glowing skin. However, not everybody is blessed with a naturally good skin, and even those who are blessed with a good and charming skin need to take care of it. Others need to work hard on their skin to make it shiny, smooth and beautiful. Dust, smoke, traffic and exposure to sunlight make skin dull, dry and dead. Gradually, it starts taking toll on 28 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
A lot of females tell me that no matter what type of CTM product they use, it either ends into breakouts or uneven skin. Please remember all products are not suitable for all skin types. Get your skin analysis done by a skin care professional or we can give you a simple guideline as to how you can identify your skin type and then select the products accordingly. You can’t use oil based products to remove oil which will result in breakouts and surely if we use gels to make a dry patch oily, it will only end in uneven dry skin.
Determine your skin type
Normal skin tends to be smooth
and velvety, with small pores. Oily skin has enlarged pores with shiny patches. Mostly the face is oily as soon as you wake up. Frequent breakouts may occur on the face. Dry skin has very small, invisible pores with possible dry and itchy patches. Combination skin is dry across the cheeks and oily on the forehead, chin, and nose, i.e. the T-zone. Sensitive skin is either oily or dry with irritated and itchy patches. Skin may also be blotchy and reddened with frequent breakouts.
Cleansing
Cleansing is the most effective way of removing dust, dirt and dead layer of cells from your skin. It is also meant for cleaning the previously applied make up. Cleansing helps to open pores and allow them to breathe. Regular cleaning makes your face fresh and clean. First, splash your face with warm water to open the pores. Use a good quality face wash with water in order to remove dust from your face. Remember, a face wash can help you get rid of the dust but it is not simply enough to
remove all the impurities and makeup from your face. Choose a facial cleansing agent in cream, water-based emulsion, lotion, or gel form that’s formulated for your particular skin type in gentle upward strokes (to avoid stretching the skin and aggravating wrinkles). Those with drier skin should choose cream or lotion products; those with oilier skin may want to use gel or water-based products. Those prone to breakouts may wish to use medicated soaps or lotions designed to reduce breakouts Or if you want to go natural you may dip cotton in fresh milk and properly apply it all over your face. Remove it with wet cotton after few minutes. Finish with a splash or two of cold water to close the pores.
Toning
Follow up your cleansing routine with a facial toner.Toning helps in removing any residual impurities on the face. It also helps in restoring the natural pH level of the skin, making it ready for being hydrated. It closes the pores, stimulates circulation, and gives the skin a porcelain-like quality. There are a variety of toners in the market so try to choose one that’s formulated for your skin type. Apply the toner with a cotton ball, using the same gentle, upward strokes that you used to apply your cleanser. Toners are recommended for almost
all kinds of skin. Natural toning is also a nice way to take care of your skin. For normal and dry skin use a combination of fresh cucumber juice with yoghurt as an astringent. You can use the combination of egg white with honey mixed with few drops of lemon juice as a toner for oily skin. And rose water is an all time favourite. Apply toner with cotton all over your face except the eyes and lips. Wipe the toner in upward and outward direction.
Moisturising
It helps in restoring the natural moisture to your face and making it soft, supple and glowing. Many moisturising creams contain fruit and milk based extracts that help to remove the dull layer of surface skin and expose fresh skin below. They can also reduce the appearance of pores and fine wrinkles. If you have sensitive skin you should look for hypo-allergenic products, which are usually free of perfumes and dyes that can cause skin irritation. If you go out in the sun daily, it’s a good idea to choose a moisturiser containing a sunscreen. Clean your hands before you apply moisturiser to your face. Apply the moisturiser on your face in a circular with upward strokes motion. If your skin is dry specialists recommend keeping the cream on during night, unlike an oily complexion to which a night cream is
contraindicated. Do not over use moisturiser as it will clog your pores and give way to black heads and pimples.
The sun block factor
Sun is the number one factor in external aging process. It is an essential part in your skin care routine everyday even if you are planning to stay indoors. Use on your face and exposed areas of your body. Many moisturisers contain sunscreen, or you can apply a separate product that is specifically a sunscreen with a higher SPF level. Whichever option you choose, make sure you buy a sunscreen suitable for your skin type. Women normally complain of skins getting oilier with the use of sun blocks. Remember there are many available in the market and it’s a matter of choosing the right one in consultaion with your skin specialist. Ladies, it is also very important that you get enough sleep daily, eight hours or so and find at least a little time to exercise. If nothing else walk for 20 minutes daily. Needless to say it improves your blood circulation which improves the complexion. Hifsa Khan is a highly skilled makeup artist, beauty writer and professional trainer. She runs an exclusive salon & studio by the name of GLO. Along with offering salon services in ultra hygienic conditions, she teaches professional make-up classes as well. December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 29
Mirza:
A Media Marketing Icon MUTTAHIR AHMED KHAN talks to Yousaf Beig Mirza about his life and achievements. Yousaf Beig Mirza is serving as PTV’s Managing Director, for the third term. He joined Zee Television as an executive and his association with the media organisation is continuing even now. He has worked with Debas International, Geo TV, Duniya TV and PTV. During his recent visit to Karachi, I had an opportunity to have an exclusive chat session with him.
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uttahir: Are you satisfied with the performance of PTV and its role in promoting patriotism and our sociocultural values? Beig: To a certain extent, I am satisfied but wherever I find something lacking in quality and standards, I immediately take action. I am aware that the responsibilities of the channel are that it must promote indigenous culture and socio-moral values through news, entertainment and documentaries. It has a duty to make our youth aware of what is right and wrong and the sacrifices our forefathers have made to win us our freedom. Muttahir: In the name of change, media is presenting themes and concepts that are
a sheer deviation from our cultural and social values. Do you think this change will have a positive impact on our youth? Beig: We always pay special attention to our socio-moral norms and cultural heritage. Change is, no doubt, a part of evolution and progress, but it should not be in direct confrontation with a society’s traditions and limitations. Entertainment channels and production houses must not convey any wrong messages to the world about our society’s ways of living, thinking and dealing with religious affairs and rituals, especially where marriage and divorce are concerned. Muttahir: Previously, PTV was the only channel telecasting major events. Now, only cable channels buy rights and majority of the population of our country cannot watch cricket matches because these channels don’t reach out to the far flung areas. Isn’t it a sheer injustice to our masses? Beig: I must say it was an injustice to our cricket loving nation. I have started work on getting all the things on the right path and,
30 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
‘I request people to first get to know the facts before spreading gossip and rumours. Media related professionals must adhere to socio-moral principles and norms. They must report news and not try to create news’ very soon, you will see it would be PTV that will telecast major sports events and people living in remote villages will get to enjoy the matches as they did in the past. The marketing sector mishandled things during the recent past and that led to disappointments. The recent Pakistan-South Africa Cricket series have won our viewers back. We have also got the rights of Cricket World Cup 2011. Muttahir: Is media responsible for educating a society or is it only a source of recreation for the masses? Beig: I firmly believe in social education through art and entertainment. People must
learn some positive lessons from not only media but also from literary and creative ventures. Art and society are inter-related and cannot be separated. Media is a robust tool of creating awareness amongst masses about evil, virtue and the concept of resultant punishment and reward. Muttahir: You have always been associated with media and channels. Do you have a specialisation in media marketing? Beig: No, I didn’t have any such special qualification. When you are a person of marketing and your task is to look after the commercial business of an organisation, you can handle it skilfully using your experience. I didn’t have any difficulties in performing my duties during my initial appointment in a leading Indian channel and my subsequent professional association continued to be with media. Muttahir: In your first meeting, after taking charge of your current post, you laid stress on improvement in the organisation. Do you mean improvement in quality of the content or in the revenue generation? Beig: I believe that if the quality of content is improved, the channel will win more viewership and thus, the revenue generation will automatically get a boost. Moreover, it is our foremost duty to provide the society with healthy entertainment and up-to-date, authentic
news. Muttahir: With the emergence of a mushroom growth of media groups and TV channels, do you think that employment opportunities have increased? Beig: Media has created so many vacancies in many fields. Public-private-sector partnership has created an unprecedented competition in this sphere. The concerned people are, now, bound to perform with more devotion.
Muttahir: What message do you want to convey to our countrymen? Beig: I request people to first get to know the facts before spreading gossip and rumours. Media related professionals must adhere to socio-moral principles and norms. They must report news and not try to create news. They should not distort the facts and realities.
Muttahir: It is an age of continuous development and overflowing advancement. Do you send your employees to foreign countries to keep them abreast with latest technology and research? Beig: It is financially not feasible to send a lot of employees abroad for advance courses on government expenditures. Instead, we invite and hire experts from BBC and other major broadcasting organisations to deliver lectures here, and to conduct training workshops.
(I am thankful to Mr Shakeel Ahmed, PRO Karachi Centre and Mr. Ameen, Assisstant PRO, for their cooperation in arranging for this interview.)
Landscape wizard
reunites man with nature I find working with nature very challenging as you have to create equilibrium between what is natural and what is manmade
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By Mariam Qureshi
mir Qureshi is one of the few architects of Lahore who specialise in outdoor landscaping. His clients are an interesting lot ranging from industrialists who have recently acquired wealth and want to display their good taste right down to the cultured who have a refined aesthetic sensibility. The manner in which Amir comprehends and gives tangibility to the ideas of a diverse range of clientele is remarkable. Hence we thought that an interview with this malle-
able and talented architect would be an interesting read. Amir Qureshi, also known as A Q Baba, did his architecture from the National College of Arts in 1985 and he maintains, “As a student I worked for the renowned architect Nayyer Ali Dada and I realised during my early work experience that I was continually being pulled towards natural elements of architecture, from boulders to trees to waterscape. I find working with nature very challenging as you have to create equilibrium between what is natural and what is manmade.’’
‘‘Nature is a gift for us from Allah and we have to mould ourselves according to its behaviour rather than dictate it. I go for minimalistic designs and try as far as possible not to tamper with nature.” He further adds, “A person will only understand the aesthetics and functionality of an environment if he uses it frequently and if you don’t use the space that you own, you will never comprehend its behaviour and its general ethos.” One important tip that A Q Baba gives is, “When given a piece of land the main thing that I focus on, is the body and form of the place. I like to December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 33
‘A contoured lawn has a lot more character than a flat piece of land. Plain lawns will never give a full vision and clarity that a land with different elevations will. It kills monotony’ play with different levels when I am dealing with lawns. Usually in large areas I experiment with rolling lawns and dramatic elevations. Why I find this essential is because a contoured lawn has a lot more character than a flat piece of land. Plain lawns will never give a full vision and clarity that a land with different elevations will. It kills monotony.” In reference to manmade structures in landscapes AQ Baba informs us, “I will include all those structures in the exterior of our homes which we often overlook and take for granted as the characteristics that play a role in making the personality of the space. Examples are: main gates, boundary walls, green belts; all are parts of an exterior of a place. Other manmade structures which designers add on our own are structures like bridges, water
bodies, lighting and boulders.” He talks about the water body, “Humans have a very close relation to water since our bodies are made of 70 % water hence intrinsically we are attracted to water. The sound, fragrance and the visual nature of a water body soothes people. Hence, water is an essential element which should be a part of every landscape for therapeutic reasons.” Talking about light he maintains, “Nightscape or lightscape has a great functional value as in our country most people come and sit outside in their leisure time when the weather is cooler at night. Often people hold parties and barbeques at night hence lighting is essential and it has to be placed strategically so that the source is not visible.” AQ Baba says, “Working with smaller areas is more challenging than that of a bigger area. One
34 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Tips for garden sculptures ‘Most of the time I use plants to make sculptures such as a plant cut in the shape of a basket or any other shape such as round, triangular etc. They are art pieces made of natural elements yet curbed and contained by man. Garden sculptures add focal points to a garden.’
‘The sound, fragrance and the visual nature of a water body soothes people. Hence, water is an essential element which should be a part of every landscape for therapeutic reasons’ has to keep in mind that in smaller areas a breathing space is an essential trait of the area which is more difficult to acquire.” AQ Baba says that to play with plants in your landscape you have to have some knowledge of plants and flowers, such as what kind of roots they have and their height. If your plant survives, the basic in-
frastructure of your garden survives. Since weather in Lahore is extreme, we have to create an optimum environment for the plants. Placing of a tree is a technical point: we have to understand the nature of a tree, for instance if it is a roadside tree it should be high and have dense foliage. Houses in small places should have ornamental trees rather than environmental trees. AQ Baba concludes with a few tips to gardening lovers. He advises that due
to pollution and a severe energy crisis give utmost priority to greenery in your homes. Nature is psychologically very therapeutic, so it will certainly help you in many ways. You have to have the love of nature to build a relationship with it. Once you become close to nature and love it, your garden no matter how small will reflect that love. While designing your garden,he says, always consult a professional and be focused on what you want and require so that the designer knows exactly what he has to do because the designer only gives language to the client’s ideas. December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 35
f-enomenon
The
As TIME magazine bestows founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg with the Person of the Year accolade and names his brainchild the best employer, Lounge takes you through the tumultuous journey of his multimillion-member, multibillion-dollar feat we know as Facebook
By Fatima Zehra Naqvi
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a r k Zuckerberg’s rags-toriches success story is very Bill Gates-like, but Microsoft is no Facebook. It’s the epitome of social networking – nothing connects you to your loved ones, colleagues and the world itself like this website. According to the editors at Time, Zuckerberg and Facebook have fundamentally changed the way people interact with each other and how we define the concept of community. In a span of seven years, facebook has gone from facemash to thefacebook to facebook, garnered a fan base of more than 550 million users, built an empire worth 34 billion dollars, and inspired a bestseller and one of the biggest hits of Hollywood this year. Hard to believe I’d say that such phenomenal success was conceived in a dorm by a livid nineteen-year-old
who had been unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend for expressing his heartfelt desire of moving among the elite clubs of his university. Little did this Harvard sophomore know that the secret algorithm he had elicited from best – and only – friend Eduardo Saverin on a frosty February 2004 night would kick-start an inimitably victorious revolution in the world of online social networking. And before you think it was a smooth ride, let me enlighten you: Zuckerberg landed in hot waters with not one but two lawsuits on his table. The tagline of facebookinspired ‘The Social Network’ aptly puts it this way: “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies”. And enemies he did make. First, fellow Harvard students, the Winklevoss twins, sued him for theft of intellectual property, claiming they had hired him to create harvardconnection.org and he stole that idea and gave birth to facebook. Second, very unfortunately but not wrongly, Saverin sued him for diluting his shares and removing his name as co-founder. He won in getting his name back as co-founder, albeit at the cost of an honest friendship on his part. Zuckerberg’s brainchild wasn’t spared either. Facebook faced much heat for gaping holes in its privacy measures. Not to forget that chaosladen chapter in Pakistan’s history when people took to the streets, burnt property, chanted slogans and even came up with a me-too millatfa-
In a span of seven years, facebook has gone from facemash to thefacebook to facebook, garnered a fan base of more than 550 million users, built an empire worth 34 billion dollars, and inspired a bestseller and one of the biggest hits of Hollywood this year 36 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
cebook in nonsensical retaliation to the product – a contest to draw Prophet Muhammad – of an imbecile mind. But facebook – and Zuckerberg – overcame all hurdles with élan, which he sums up in these words: “I think I’ve just made so many mistakes in running the company so far. Basically, any mistake you think you can make I’ve probably made or will make in the next few years. If anything, the Facebook story is a great story example of how if you are building a product that people love, you can make a lot of mistakes. I just think the lesson to other folks from that is focus on building something that people really like and that’s really valuable.” Facebook’s mind-boggling statistics compel you to wonder what’s so downright miraculous about it that Myspace, Friendster, Orkut and Hi5 can only dream of coming close to paralleling its success. Simply put, it gives people a sense of community, an intrinsic desire of every human being. Facebook knows its customers, and in continually struggling to know them even better, it gives them a portal that is so interactive 24/7, it has got one-twelfth of the world’s population hooked to it. Zuckerberg, the unusual prodigy that he is, capitalised on the loopholes he located in other social networking websites to create a network that has left virtually no part of our lives facebook-free. Today, Zuckerberg and his team eat, sleep and breathe facebook – and so do we.
Zuckerberg ins the California Hall of Fame. He gained fame not only as the youngest billionaire in the world, but also as an outstanding newcomer in the world of philanthropy. This year, he vowed to donate $100 million on the development of public schools in Newark, New Jersey During a conference in San Francisco in 2008 to develop a Facebook f8, Zuckerberg shows option Facebook Connect. This technology allows Facebook users to start using any site on the Internet without additional registration. Zuckerberg launched the first version of Facebook from his dorm room at Harvard. Senior students have filed suit, claiming he stole their idea - a charge which was the main idea of the movie ‘The Social Network’ that released this year to much critical acclaim.
Zuckerberg in the main administration Facebook in Palo Alto, California. He commented on his page on Facebook on receiving the title of Man of the Year: “It’s a real honour and recognition of how our team creates what hundreds of millions of people trying to use to make the world more open and more united. I am happy that I am a part of it.”
Zuckerberg during a press conference in Palo Alto, watching as a software developer Ben Facebook Gertsfild beats the gong to mark start ‘Places’ - a new social networking feature based on location. Facebook, which began as a small network, available only for college students, has grown to the scale of the site, costing billions of dollars, and claims the attendance of 500 million regular users. In the Personal Information page Zuckerberg on Facebook you can read the following words: “I try to make the world more open.”
At a press conference on the donation of $100 million to develop public schools of Newark, Zuckerberg is joined Newark Mayor Cory A Brooker (left) and Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie.
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 37
‘Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’- Bette Midler
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woman is known by the shoes she wears and a good shoe can either bring out or destroy an outfit. Shoes bring out our unique and original personalities. It’s an ever-evolving fashion statement. Man invented fire, and then man invented shoe! Every season, every outing, in fact every step requires a different pair. Our wardrobe might just burst one day with the oh-so-crazy shoe collection, all the ladies would agree. The peculiar thing about our footwear is that it alters with age. Different age groups prefer different styles. The older age band goes for a more classic and sophisticated look with peep toes, medium and pencil heels or coat shoes. As far as the experimentation aspect is concerned the younger generation and celebrities take the lead. The variety in shoes are captivating, it makes one quite indecisive. The hottest pick this season might be useful in solving the wavering problem of what to wear, when. The winners this fall include boots, uggs and heels. Since we like making a declaration when we put on our shoes let’s go for those crazy ideas designers are introducing on the ramps. Boots in leather, suede or mink are making the fashion world go into frenzy. The cherries on top are the laces, buckles, fur, those chunky heels and platform wedges integrated in the boot wear beautifully. Lengths are either high or ankle-low in every colour and print. Cowboy boots might just even qualify as a collector’s item this time round. But the thing to remember is not to wear boots with flared or boot cut jeans/pants instead of skinny jeans, jeggings or tights. The ruffles that appear do not look pleasant. ‘Uggs’ are another must have this season. Originally from New Zealand and Australia, these unisex sheepskin boots will keep you warm and make you look relevantly dressed for the temperatures. These shoes have fleece or fur on the inside and come in a range of materials like suede, wool, sequenced cloth, lace and knitwear also known as slipper boots. The best part about these shoes is the comfort while being ‘fashionable’ and ‘trendy’. Ugg boots also come in a variety of styles and sizes and can generally be incorporated in any kind of apparel you wear. Although a good idea would be to avoid blending them with eastern wear. Now is the time to own boots and uggs because these shoes are winter oriented and you have just one season to flaunt out those styles. The spree is inevitable because after all these boots are made for walking!
Lengths are either high or ankle-low in every colour and print. Cowboy boots might just even qualify as a collector’s item this time round. But the thing to remember is not to wear boots with flared or boot cut jeans/pants instead of skinny jeans, jeggings or tights
38 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Sure Shoes By ShahBano Khan
Boots in leather, suede or mink are making the fashion world go into frenzy. The cherries on top are the laces, buckles, fur, those chunky heels and platform wedges integrated in the boot-wear beautifully
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 39
Recipes
Chef Abdul Manan has worked with Royal Palm, World Fashion Cafe, Hot Wok Cafe, Eye Television Network, ALite, Masala, Style360, APlus, and also runs his own catering business by the name of Urban Gourmets.
Tuna and Caper Tomato Pasta Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion (diced) 2 cloves garlic (chopped) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 cup white wine (optional) 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes (crushed)
2 tablespoons capers (drained) 1/4 cup black olives (pitted and diced) 2 anchovies (minced, optional) 1 can tuna (drained) salt and pepper to taste 1 pound spaghetti 1 handful parsley (chopped)
Method Heat the oil in the pan on medium heat. Add the onion and sautĂŠ until tender: about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and chilli pepper flakes and sautĂŠ until fragrant. Add the white wine, deglaze the pan and then simmer until it has almost evaporated: about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and capers and simmer until the sauce just starts to thicken. Add the olives, anchovies and tuna and simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta as directed. Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the tomato sauce from the heat and mix in the parsley. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.
40 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Thai Lemon Shrimps Ingredients 1 lb shrimp (shelled and de-veined) 1/3 cup sweet chilli sauce 1 lemon (juice and zest) 3 kaffir lime leaves (sliced, substitute lime zest) 1 teaspoon chilli sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 3 cloves garlic (chopped) 1 teaspoon palm sugar (or brown sugar) 1/4 cup coconut milk 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped) Method Marinate the shrimp in the sweet chilli sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, kaffir lime leaves, chilli sauce, fish sauce, garlic and sugar for 10 or more minutes. Heat a pan. Add the shrimp, the marinade and the coconut milk and simmer (not boil) until the shrimp are cooked: about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, mix in the cilantro and serve.
Sugar Plums Ingredients
Method
1 cup whole almonds 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped) 1/2 cup pitted dates (chopped) 1/2 cup dried figs (chopped) 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons icing sugar
Toast the almonds in a preheated 400F oven for 10 minutes. Chop the almonds when they cool down. Mix the almonds, apricots, dates, figs, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg in a bowl. Form small balls out of the mixture. Dust with icing sugar.
Celebrity’s favourite Seemi Raheel likes to enjoy:
Creamy Chocolate Fudge 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme 1 1/2 cup white sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1/4 cup butter 1/4 tsp salt 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 tsp vanilla extract
Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm. December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 41
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1. ‘Dabangg’ 2. ‘Raajneeti’ 3. ‘Housefull’ 4. ‘My Name Is Khan’ 5. ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai’ 6. ‘Kites’ 7. ‘Veer’ 8. ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ 9. ‘Khatta Meetha’ 10. ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ 11. ‘Badmaash Company’ 12. ‘Peepli Live’ 13. ‘Raavan’ 14. ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’ 15. ‘Lafangey Parindey’ 16. ‘We Are Family’ 17. ‘Ishqiya’ 18. ‘Robot’ 19. ‘Prince’ 20. ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’
76.96 crore 47.72 crore 37.31 crore 36.94 crore 29.64 crore 25.83 crore 22.35 crore 22.23 crore 21.03 crore 20.07 crore 15.55 crore 15.10 crore 14.63 crore 13.71 crore 11.25 crore 10.65 crore 10.59 crore 10.11 crore 10.03 crore 8.64 crore
42 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Bolly
2010
s e l u r wood
n i e b u T You
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n a year full of controversies and political drama, watching inspirational videos and Bollywood music remained the first choice among netizens on the video-sharing site YouTube. With songs like ‘Haddipa’ and Atif Aslam’s ‘Tere Liye’, Bollywood music videos ruled the charts among the mostwatched videos of 2010 on YouTube India, the Google-owned site said in a statement. However, a video of Nick Vijicic, an Australian motivational speaker who was born without arms or legs due to a rare disorder known as Tetra-amelia, emerged as the most watched video on YouTube India with more than 15 million hits. The list of most-watched videos on YouTube India compiled till midNovember showcases how Indian users logged on to YouTube to get their daily dose of entertainment watching
inspirational to the latest Bollywood music videos to older classics from the 1980s to news videos. The title song from the Shahid Kapur and Rani Mukherjee starrer ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ took the number two slot with over 4.5 million views. This was followed by the song ‘Tere Liye’, one of the most popular Bollywood songs of the year by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, featuring actor Vivek Oberoi in ‘Prince’. The top 10 video list also included the song ‘Mausam Bada Suhana Hai Achcha Jee Iska’ from the 1984 film ‘Andar Baahar’, ‘Crazy Kiya Re’ from ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Tu Jaane Na’ from ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ and a steamy video of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in ‘Kurbaan’.
“The most-watched YouTube videos of 2010 reflect the people, their choices and reflects how YouTube in India is becoming the leading destination for catching entertaining content online,” Vinay Goel, Head of Products at Google India, said in a release. Among the most-searched for queries on YouTube India during the year were the famous speech by Omi Vaidya in ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Dabangg’, the ‘Sheila ki Jawaani’ song from the upcoming ‘Tees Maar Khan’, Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’ song, Sachin’s doublecentury and IPL matches. December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 43
Christmas evergreens Celebrated film critic Philip French lists down the best ever Christmas films in Hollywood
‘White Christmas’ (1954)
This synoptic musical brings together Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a vaudeville duo helping out their second world war commander at his troubled New England hotel. It’s an Eisenhower-era picture that begins with Crosby and Kaye entertaining their comrades during the Battle of the Bulge. The first film about that winter campaign in the Ardennes, Battleground (1949), began with a nostalgic performance of ‘White Christmas’, and featured Leon Ames, dad in ‘Meet Me in St Louis’, as the besieged GIs’ padre.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ (1946)
Initially received with faint praise, this sentimental story of George Bailey, the decent small-town guy dedicated to family and community, was intended by Capra and his pre-war star James Stewart to celebrate their joint return from service in the Second World War. On the point of suicidal despair on Christmas Eve, Bailey is escorted by probationary angel Clarence around his native Bedford Falls to discover how worthwhile his life has been. 44 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
‘Scrooge’ (1951)
Dickens’s Christmas Carol, next to the four Gospels, has been filmed endlessly over the past century, including a musical starring Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge and a Muppet movie featuring Michael Caine. Arguably, the best is this British version scripted by Noel Langley, co-author of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, with an outstanding cast of character actors headed by the inimitable Alastair Sim, a witty performer with poachedegg eyes, a combination of menace and quizzical lovability.
‘The Holly and the Ivy’ (1952)
This life-enhancing movie engages as few others do with the spiritual, theological and mythological meaning of Christmas; yet it preserves in amber the austere yet hopeful atmosphere of postwar Britain. Ralph Richardson plays a widowed country parson confronting familial and moral truths at his snow-clad Norfolk vicarage over Christmas 1948 and achieving some sort of reconciliation with his three children.
‘Christmas Holiday’ (1944)
‘Will It Snow for Christmas?’ (1996)
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
‘Un Conte de Noël’ (2008)
This masterly melodrama stars Deanna Durbin, then Hollywood’s most popular singing star. A newly commissioned army officer flying to San Francisco is diverted to New Orleans and spends Christmas with a beautiful demimondaine (Durbin). During midnight mass she breaks down and proceeds to recall her marriage to sleazy Gene Kelly, now serving life for murder.
Every Christmas for more than 60 years, Hollywood has attempted to come up with a comic, lovable Santa Claus to exploit the yuletide dollar. None, including a couple of remakes, has equalled this one. The great British character actor Edmund Gwenn stars as twinkling Kris Kringle, who plays Father Christmas in Macy’s annual New York street parade. He brings belief to a mourning child and is put on trial to establish whether Santa exists.
‘Gremlins’ (1984)
Scripted by Chris Columbus, this extremely funny, horrifically scary fairytale from the Spielberg stable is set in an idyllic Capra-esque small town knowingly called Kingston Falls. The plot revolves around the Christmas present of a lovable pet, given by an eccentric inventor to his son that leads to panic in the streets. Christmas Eve is turned into Walpurgisnacht by a horde of malevolent clones before order is happily restored
This grim movie focuses on the exploited mistress of a welloff married farmer raising her seven children on a smallholding in France. An unsentimental tale of love and hope against all the odds leads up over some six or seven months to a warm but frugal Christmas Eve dinner that’s Dickensian in tone until we realise the mother contemplates killing herself and her children.
The century’s only Christmas film of significance to date is this one from a perceptive observer of French haute-bourgeois life and intellectual self-deception. It’s a rambling domestic epic about three generations of a dysfunctional family drawn together to celebrate Christmas and decide whose bonemarrow is compatible with that of cancer-stricken matriarch Catherine Deneuve.
‘Meet Me in St Louis’ (1944)
Minnelli’s wonderful musical covers all the seasons. It’s winter 1903 and the family are getting ready to leave their beloved St Louis for New York. Things get unbearably sad when Judy Garland sings, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and an angry little Margaret O’Brien decapitates the snowmen in the back yard. But paterfamilias Leon Ames calls the family together on Christmas Eve to announce that they’re staying put. December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 45
Experiencing
The Patio By Sumeha Khalid staff who held up a large
I
t was a few days back when my friends and I could not decide on where to eat. Each one of us had a different craving and neither of us could settle on one restaurant. That’s when cruising down the new food street in Clifton’s Block/4, off 26th Street, we saw a homely setting beckoning us with its very inviting sign ‘The Patio’. We found ourselves in a minimalistic setting standing right in the middle of the foyer thinking “what next?” when we were ushered in the dining area by the courteous staff members. We instantly took a liking to the restaurant with its interesting ambience and the cheerful wall and art décor. What’s more, just as we were skimming the menu, we were approached by a sweet and helpful lady who we later found was Wafa, the owner. She called forth one of the
menu board for us to read. Wafa explained this was their recently launched Pan Asian Special comprising Laksa Soup (prawn & noodle soup), papaya & prawn salad, crispy hoppers with prawns, Thai red curry with beef; Mongolian beef, honey chilli chicken, Thai green curry with chicken and fish teriyaki, all served with garlic rice and stir fried vegetables. Having taken our pick of the Pan Asian Special we also decided to try some galawat kay kebab and tawa machhli. While the kebabs were not bad served with piping hot parathas, the tawa machli was passe. And because a meal without dessert is simply not on, we ordered naughty toffee and chocolate crepes which were simply divine. The food at The Patio was good, and it would not be wrong to praise it as a restaurant with a unique dining experience serving a delightfully eclectic menu. This joint has also become famous for hosting private parties as well as offering catering services. Guests are often seen booking the venue for some event or the other. The menu consists of appetisers and entree’s from multiple cuisines and keeps on expanding with special items on certain days.
46 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
The food at The Patio was good, and it would not be wrong to praise it as a restaurant with a unique dining experience serving a delightfully eclectic menu
Laksa soup
Beef curry
Glamstock
Your shirt’s style quotient
Cufflinks without doubt make a perfect choice for a birthday or anniversary gift. They can instantly up the style quotient of any shirt in addition to adding charm to the wearer’s personality. Gone are the times when cufflinks were married only to formal outfits – formal or casual, studded or simple, they are now a stylish man’s must-haves. Lounge brings you some of Angelino Rufolo’s dazzling collection. Sahar Iqbal
These are available at Chesterbernard, Lahore: 23c1, M M Alam road, Gulberg 3 Ph: 042-35757075
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 47
December 26 - 01 Jan, 2011
THE ZODIAC AND EASTERN TAROT By Mariam Aftab AFTAB/CAPRICORN
WISAAL/TAURUS
The ambition card Dec 22 - Jan 21
The physical change card Apr21 - May21
Your spread indicates that your dominating attitude will bring in criticism from your friends. Travelrelated work would bring in pleasure and gains. Health and finances need careful handling. Pressure at work and home might make you shorttempered. Don’t overspend on the renovation of your house. Domestic matters will require your attention. Spiritual gains for some bring mental peace and happiness. Stone of the week is Zircon.
Your spread shows that you may be meeting with unexpected expenses or someone may renege on a financial commitment. You may also sign a contract or reach some other important agreement. A gift or favour will come from a relative. Avoid going overboard when partying this week. Emphasis is on personal belongings and budget matters. You may succeed by developing social ties with relatives.
DUA/AQUARIUS
ASHIQ/GEMINI
The self-card
The love card May 22 - Jun 21
Jan 21 - Feb 19
Your spread in love indicates a pleasant surprise. It also indicates that you want to be idealistic and generous about money and your possessions, which can be wonderful, but it can also mean you are out of touch with reality. Outstation travel will not be comfortable, but will help build important social and career contacts. Friends will be more helpful than you might expect.
The card of the week is Du’a (the self card), which means that emotionally you are ready for some pretty wild changes. You are in a position where you need to contemplate your own needs for changes. This week you will achieve the potential to do the most amazing things in your life. It is wise to focus on your dreams of travel and freedom. Spiritual enlightenment is favourable as it can be highly informative and calming for you.
JAL/PISCES
IRTIQA/CANCER
The sensitivity card Feb 20 - Mar 20
Your spread indicates that it is a good time for builders and commission agents. Your creativity will bring you appreciation and rewards. You will receive important invitations from unexpected sources. Giving donations, charity and helping those in need will bring mental peace and success. Losses are likely if you don’t take care of your belongings. Family life will be satisfactory. Stone of the week is Lapis Lazuli.
FIZA/ARIES
The growth card
Jun 22 - Jul 23
Your spread indicates that some new career opportunities could be available to you right now. Remember to always be aware of the way you conduct yourself in others’ presence. Your actions could be coming to the attention of some important people. Fortunately most people whom you deal with professionally should be well-disposed towards you right now.
QUWAT/LEO
The aura card Mar 21 - Apr 20
The strength card Jul 24 - Aug 23
The card of the week is Wissal (the spiritual card), which indicates that career issues will arise. You will be ready to do some investigative work, but you may find that people are not willing to talk about secrets. You will be much more balanced if you are willing to puzzle things through in a calm manner. Travel and socialisation will pick up. Time is perfect for spiritual activities. Other people will find you charming and intellectual.
Your spread shows that you can make a difference to your reputation if you participate voluntarily at social events. Travel and educational pursuits will enhance your own awareness. Your loved ones will appreciate your talent. Be honest and to the point in your approach. Your determination will get noticed and so will your skills. Your smile will give everything to your friends and all people around you.
48 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
Tel: +92 (42) 35751231, 35710452 Websites: www.mariamhealingcenter.com, www.innerstrengthhome.org
THEHRAO/VIRGO The patience card Aug 24 - Sep 23
Change is in the air for you and it comes at a time when you are ready to accept it. Open up and reach beyond the ordinary especially in your career. Have confidence as this will be a test of courage for you. Health issues will be of much importance right now. Work on finding inner peace. Spiritual activities will continue with more interest.
Celebrity Couples & Compatibility Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
SAHIR/LIBRA The magician card Sep 24 - Oct 23 You may develop an interest in spiritual studies and self-improvement. You feel optimistic, tolerant and secure. You may find travel to be rejuvenating, bringing renewal to your sense of optimism and spiritual growth. You can release outmoded beliefs and discover hidden truths and wisdom. Avoid trying to control and dominate others. You excel at closing deals, reaching mutual agreements, and bringing harmony and beauty into your surroundings.
INTISHAR/SCORPIO The confusion card Oct 24 - Nov 22
Your spread shows that this is not a time to become serious; it is time to have fun and enjoy entertainment and happiness. Be a little conservative here, especially in love, where compromise is best. There are big changes on the horizon; gear yourself up for a little acceleration. Your dreams will get you where you want and creative passion is possible. Your lucky number is 7.
KISMET/SAGITTARIUS The luck card Nov 23 - Dec 21
Your spread indicates that you have the necessary resources to be successful. Your quiet efforts could lead to some rewards for you, and you just might be getting the respect and appreciation that you deserve. You could be laying the ground work for some successful financial dealings for yourself. You will feel a little uneasy about certain issues and many things may seem a bit up in the air. Stone of the week is Sapphire.
Faith Hill September 21, 1967 Jackson, Mississippi Birth time: Unknown Sun Sign: Virgo Moon Sign: Aries or Taurus Tim McGraw May 1, 1967 Delhi, Louisiana Birth time: Unknown Sun Sign: Taurus Moon Sign: Aquarius Hill is quite a focused, hard worker who’s determined to put out the best she’s capable of, confirmed by the fact that all four of her albums have gone multi-platinum. A perfectionist, she puts forth tremendous effort to get everything to sound just right. McGraw’s Taurus is associated with earthiness, quiet determination and peace and quiet. Astrologically, Faith and Tim are classically well matched. Virgo and Taurus share common, down-to-earth values. Each sign reinforces a sense of responsibility and commitment in the other. Air and fire signs often relate well to one another. Partners with such a pattern really “like”, not just love, each other and are easily affectionate.
Ask the Expert: Mariam Aftab is a renowned healer offering self-help courses and counselling services. Readers can send in their questions regarding any problems at mariamhealingcenter@gmail.com
Q: My business is doing very badly since the last two years. My date of birth is April 1, 1976. When will the situation improve? A: You will have a change in business which will be export-based and your financial problems will ab end after August 18, 2011. m Aft Maria
December 26 - January 01, 2011 I 49
Dear AA, I like a boy and I think that he has feelings for me as well. The problem is he has got admission in a foreign university while I am still doing high school. We are dating but not officially committed. When he would join university he will forget me but I can never let him go. What should I do? Scared Dear Scared, What you are going through is a period of infatuation, where the tendency is to fantacise about someone we like. Nowadays it’s not difficult at all to keep up with some one with the blessing of the internet. Remember fear is nothing but the false evidence that appears real. All you need to do is to identify your true feelings for him. And in any case you can always be in touch. Dear AA, I am a 14-year-old girl with three best friends. One of them tells very weird things about herself, like “my cousin got stabbed”, “my sister fell down the stairs”, “my granny had a stroke”, “my other cousin won the lottery”, “my brother tried to kill himself with his school tie”, etc. All of us believe that she is lying. We asked her brother about the lottery. He was shocked and said it never happened. We confronted her but she told us that his brother was lying. Later on she said she was cracking a joke on us. So what else has she been lying about, we wonder. We kept on asking her and she just avoided the question but hanged around with us like normal. All of my friends have stopped talking to her and it’s really awkward as I am caught in the middle. I don’t want to leave either of them. Tell me what to do. Stuck Dear Stuck, You must understand that this world is full of people with different natures. Every one does some thing for some reason. I am sure what ever she says, there must be some 50 I December 26 - January 01, 2011
reason for all that. If you feel she is lying then it’s not a big deal. Before pointing at her, ask yourself and your other friends if they haven’t ever lied in life. If you like her and want to be with her you have to accept her the way she is. I am sure she has some qualities as well due to which you still want to stick to her. Accepting some one with all the good and bad is what friendship is all about. Focus on her positive qualities and your friendship will be beautiful again. Dear AA, Coming from a Muslim family, I was told very clearly that I had to marry a Muslim. However, I fell in love with a non-Muslim guy. I felt he was the one for me. Knowing that I could not be with him I hurt him so much – despite not wanting to – I distanced him to such an extent that he broke up with me. He turned around and said he wanted to be friends, but I refused. My attitude and its result are killing me inside. I love him so much. Now he says he is in love with someone else and I am devastated. I know it is my fault but whatever I did was all in good intention. I just don’t know what to do. He is getting on with his life and I can’t. I need your advice. All-pain-no-gain Dear All-pain-no-gain, In the first place if you were so sure that he was the one for you then there were better solutions than the one you opted for. You two could have tried to sort it out with a cool, wise and rational approach. However, if you know being with him is not possible for you then accept the fact that he has moved on and the best way out for you is to divert your attention. Involve yourself in activities that interest you and keep you busy. You can also take this time as a blessing and connect with Allah and provide yourself with ultimate peace and satisfaction.