Y Magazine #555, January 31, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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JAN 31 - FEB 06 2019 / ISSUE 555 • WEEKLY

Bugging

OUT

PLUS!

IN THE WAKE OF THE RESURGENCE OF MOSQUITO-BORNE DENGUE IN THE SULTANATE, JUST HOW CLOSE DID OMAN HEALTH AUTHORITIES COME TO HAVING AN EPIDEMIC ON THEIR HANDS? FROM THE WADIS TO THE HOSPITAL WARDS, Y HEADS TO THE FRONT LINES OF THE BATTLE AGAINST THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY VIRUS

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.

IN THIS ISSUE…

ust how close has the Sultanate come to having an epidemic on its hands? Malaria-free since 2014 after the scourge held the nation in its grip, with 986 afflicted during the peak of the outbreak; now it’s dengue that’s reared its head in Oman. And news travels fast. As of January 13, 2019, forty-eight cases have been registered across the country, as our nation that once declared itself to be in remission from both dengue and malaria now faces a potential renewed spread of the dengue virus. As Oman’s Ministry of Health works overtime to identify new cases and educate the public in the hope of minimising its spread, we go behind-the-scenes in this week’s cover feature to shadow those medical professionals working on the frontline towards eradication. Also, in this issue, we take you inside one of the region’s top entrepreneurial communities in the capital’s upcoming Startup Grind event on February 3, a new initiative that aims to strengthen the network of SMEs in the Sultanate by helping them learn from the best. Plus, the kick-off to the 2019 edition of ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates is happening now, and we’re putting out the call to all married couples in the Sultanate to take part for a chance to win some incredible prizes this Valentine’s Day by telling us what makes them the perfect couple! Flip to page 28 to find out how to enter. And, finally, we’re rounding the top looks for Spring 2019 from the runways of Fashion Week and bringing you some of Hollywood’s freakiest facial treatments over in our Health and Beauty pages, while Yummy Oman’s got you covered when it comes to snacking healthy and snacking smart. Until next week, happy reading!

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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Team Y PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JAN 31 - FEB 06 / ISSUE 555

contents

JAN 31 - FEB 06 2019

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Dr. Rohil Raghavan 10 News Cirque du Soleil making first visit to Muscat 12 News Rogue cab drivers face fines at airport

This Week 18 A living legend The iconic Placido Domingo returns to the Royal Opera House Muscat on February 7 in ‘La Traviata’.

Features 20

The dengue dilemma With 48 confirmed cases of patients being bitten and infected by dengue- carrying mosquitoes in the Sultanate, that number is still on the rise. Is enough being done to quell the outbreak? We go behind- the-scenes to the medical front lines.

26 The art of business We hone our entrepreneurial spirit at the region’s most 19 Movies prolific hub for SMEs. It’s a tale of survival against all odds in the 28 ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates man vs. nature thriller Y’s annual Valentine’s ‘Arctic’ starring Mads Day celebration is back, Mikkelsen. and we’re on the search for the Sultanate’s top couple!

20 19

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Wadi Adai 34 First Drive Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 38 Y-Fi Quirky gadgets

Health and Beauty

Food and Drink

40 Fashion Spring fling

44 Yummy Oman How to upcycle your snacking

42 Beauty Facial attraction

46 Taste Test Solo Tacos

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Pink gets her star! The ‘What About Us’ songstress is getting her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 5. Pink will be recognised under the Recording category, and her good friend Ellen DeGeneres will be presenting her with the star. The best part? Fans can watch it as it happens, as the ceremony will be available to live stream! Congrats Pink! Will Posh Spice join the posse?

How awesome would a full Spice Girls reunion be? Recently Victoria Beckham said she wouldn’t be joining the ‘girl power’ group on tour due to everything she currently has going on. But it turns out that she may be making an appearance. She’s revealed that she’s open to the idea of making a cameo on the upcoming tour and says that she’s so proud of all the group has achieved and it’s going to be a great show. She also plans on taking her kids to see it. Fashion empowerment

Bebe Rexha is gearing up for the Grammys in February and is nominated for two awards including ‘New Artist’. And if there’s 06

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one thing we know about the Grammys, (other than good music), it’s all about the fashion. So, Bebe Rexha used that as an opportunity to post a video on social media where she let designers know she’s looking for a dress but she’s only interested in working with someone that will empower women. The video was captioned: ‘Empower women to love their bodies instead of making girls and women feel less then by their size!’ Of course, it blew up and went viral, with several designers reaching out to take on the call! K-Pop for McConaughey? It looks like the BTS army just keeps getting bigger and bigger – and it’s getting more famous as well, with A-list Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey revealing that he’s a fan. McConaughey says his son is a huge fan of the K-Pop group and, after taking him to a BTS concert for his birthday where they both had a great time, he’s now a K-Pop convert! The 61st Grammy Awards The nominees and line up for the 61st Grammy Awards have been announced and, now, added to that, will be Miley Cyrus, Brandi Carlile, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and H.E.R also on the roster to perform at next month’s ceremony. They join an already impressive line-up of Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Post Malone, and Shawn Mendes. The Grammys take place on February 10 and will be hosted by Alicia Keys.

Bastille release new music Bastille have teamed up with Norwegian EDM group Seeb on ‘Grip’. The song is featured on the band’s latest mix-tape ‘Other People’s Heartache Part 4’ which they released this past December. Bastille say that Seeb approached them, and they took it as an unmissable opportunity to work with an artist they’ve not collaborated with before and which fits in with the ethos of their mix-tape. Mabel is back with ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ You’ve heard her on tracks like ‘Fine Line’ and ‘Ring Ring’ with Jax Jones, and now the UK’s latest rising star, Mabel, is back with another new song. ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ is a dance-pop track that’s about sending your ex straight to voicemail, and not wanting to deal with the relationship anymore. Alec and Alessia team up on re-mix Alec Benjamin has teamed up with Alessia Cara on the updated version of his single ‘Let Me Down Slowly’. The original version of the song was featured on Alec’s 2018 mixtape ‘Narrated For You’. The song is about being vulnerable and the fear of losing a good relationship. Alec and Alessia’s voices work together quite nicely on the pop tune. Definitely give it a download! Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

DR. ROHIL RAGHAVAN, THE REGIONAL CEO OF VPS HEALTHCARE, ON HOW HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ARE WORKING TO COMBAT AN OUTBREAK OF DENGUE FEVER

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: As government prevention efforts intensify to curb the recent outbreak of dengue fever in the Seeb area, we want to know if such prevention awareness campaigns are enough to help stop its spread and, if not, what more could be done? DIVYA HARIDAS

o understand the core of what we’re dealing with here, one should know that dengue – a viral disease – is transmitted by the aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito that is not found in this

country. And going by what usually happens, once it hits it usually spreads quickly. The reason for this is puddles of stagnant water sitting in exposed tanks, buckets, roads, and the like. These are perfect areas for mosquitoes to breed. But the government has recognised the possibility of an outbreak and is taking every step it can to avert one happening. Dengue is a lifethreatening disease. Its representatives have visited homes, shops, buildings and any places where they can be exposed such as standing water (perfect for mosquito breeding), and have instructed the public about the dangers. They have also taken special care to check overhead tanks for overflows. This would mean there is no scope for breeding there at all. Moreover, all private hospitals in the country have been put on alert to take precautions. So, in short, they are doing all they can to prevent an epidemic. Now, it’s up to us, the residents of the country, to heed the steps and support the government in its efforts. So, early reporting and preventative methods must be taken from the ground level upwards.

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Dengue is a viral disease spread by the aedes mosquito, which prefers biting during the day time. It is spreading rapidly in the Seeb area, so, the Omani government widely take preventive measures to curb the recent outbreak of Dengue.In my opinion, the government measures are enough but the inhabitants in the affected area should consider this as a serious problem.Firstly, the MOH is organising a major two - week campaign to combat the spread of Ades aegypti mosquitoes to control dengue fever cases. It is conducting in collaboration with Muscat Municipality under the theme ‘Your Cooperation Indicates Your Awareness’. Secondly, the MOH published a contact centre phone number for any queries. Thirdly, team members visited homes as a field campaign, where as several houses and farms were found closed. In such a situation, the people of the affected area should bother about the panic situation and workout themselves to stop the epidemic disease. Moreover, each and every person must cover their water tanks and prevent accumulation of water. Also, there is a need to change drinking water left for animals and birds outside on a regular basis to avoid insects from breeding there.

to door campaigns for some houses, taking stock of the situation and creating awareness. There is regular fogging taking place in all areas. The contact centres are announced to for gaining reliable sources of information. Continuous interventions by the government hold the key for achieving the desired outcome. World Health Organisation suggests 40 percent of the world population are at a risk of contracting dengue and thereby this should not be taken lightly. I strongly believe that we cannot expect the government to reach out everywhere and it should be the responsibility of every property owner and individual to also do their bit in preventing any future outbreak of dengue. For example, property owners should assess all their properties weekly for ensuring that there are no breeding grounds for mosquitoes such as any damp areas or sewage water overflows. Owners should also ensure that insect screens are intact for flat or home windows. Partnership is the key to keeping our surroundings and the country safe.

MUTHUMARI PANDIAN

Good health is the greatest blessings in our life. But some of the dangerous diseases are threatening our health. Dengue is one of the dangerous in that. It is also called as break-bone fever. This is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Till now we don’t have any vaccines for this fever. DR. TAMANNA DALWAI Adequate bed rest, paracetamol and well hydrated In response to the debate question of Issue 554 are some advisable steps to be taken in the time of on prevention awareness campaigns for dengue, this fever. kindly find my views below: Oman’s government launched a well intended The ministry of Health and Muscat municipality and backed with actions two week campaign combined and have been continuing the steps called, “Your cooperation indicates your to fight against dengue. Two-week campaign to awareness” to combat the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This campaign involved door combat the breeding of mosquitos with the help

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of 1,000 personnel have conducted recently. This campaign lead with the theme of “your cooperation indicates your awareness”. The team members visited nearly 4,000 houses per day. We must take responsibility to fight against dengue with the municipality. Our primary thing is to keep our surroundings clean to stop breeding these mosquitoes. Cleanliness is the key factor to control this dengue mosquitos. To implement this Muscat municipality has taken many effective steps. Not maintaining drainage lines, leakage of sewage system and improper disposal of buildings have been slapped with severe fine. Secondary, individual care should be taken; we use eucalyptus leaves smoke as an incense to prevent mosquitos in my hometown. By using mosquito net in

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the windows, wearing full dress, using mosquito repellent coils or plug-in devices, covering all water storage tanks and disposing the dustbin daily we can control dengue.

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DR. RAO BHASKARA was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine the recent Al Mouj Muscat Marathon.

VIJAYASRI PARTHASARATHY

The awareness regarding dengue and mosquito control measures was satisfactory to an extent. Programs should focus that this knowledge gets translated into practice. Personal protection and the environmental management of mosquitoes are important in preventingillness. Instead of preventing access of mosquitoes to an infected person with a fever. Protecting ourselves from mosquito bites at all times in dengueareas are more important and would make things better.

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JAN 31 - FEB 06 / ISSUE 555

YOUR

OMAN

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL MAKING FIRST VISIT TO MUSCAT

he greatest show on earth is coming to Muscat. Cirque du Soleil is bringing its legendary ‘BAZZAR’ production to Oman’s capital. Some of the best entertainers in the world will perform under the Big Top at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Acrobats, dancers, and musicians are bringing their artistry and showmanship to the Sultanate for the first time. The spectacular show is on from March 28-April 6, and is a breathtaking homage to the Cirque du Soleil legacy. The Canadian entertainment company is the largest theatrical entertainment producer in the world. Its acts have earned standing ovations night after night in some of the world’s leading auditoriums and theatres. The event is being sponsored by Omantel. Tickets are available from www.TixBox.com.

HOTEL GIANT LOOKING AFTER TURTLE GUESTS

A QUARTER OF OMANIS SLEEPY

AT THE WHEEL, SAYS REPORT

ne of Muscat’s biggest hotel chains has seen in some expected but enigmatic guests for 2019. Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa have welcomed the first turtle nest of the year. The resort’s turtle ranger, Mohammad Al Hassani, found the nest earlier this month. He came across the tracks of a female hawksbill turtle leading on to the private beach cove of Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa. The nest is one of only five in the Sultanate. The protected beaches of Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa and its sister property ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa are two of them. Every year, around 100 female turtles return to the resort’s beaches to lay their eggs, with each nest containing up to 100 eggs. It takes between 90 and 100 days for a nest to incubate, and this first nest is expected to hatch in mid-April. General Manager Sandro Mazza said: “We are fully committed to the care and protection of turtles in the Sultanate of Oman and it is our privilege to provide a sanctuary for mother turtles, care for their hatchlings, and protect these endangered species. “The first nest of the season is heart-warming, and we consider our turtle visitors as repeat guests. Similarly, the hatching and release of these tiny creatures is a very special experience, which we are pleased to share with our guests to create lasting holiday memories.” In 2018, 3,126 turtle hatchlings were produced from 95 nests laid on the beaches of Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, with 51 hawksbill turtle nests and 44 green turtle nests.

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eavy-eyed morning drivers have become a common problem on Oman’s roads, a study has found. A quarter of Omanis reported experiencing daytime sleepiness at least once a month while driving, according to a study published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. In a country in which nearly half of all traffic incidents take place before sunset (49 per cent of all accidents), the study suggests many crashes are caused by day-time drowsiness. Around 492 young Omanis took part in the survey but none was a

commercial driver. Of the respondents, 124 admitted to feeling drowsy while driving in the daytime. Dr. Mohammed Al Abri, Associate Professor of Sleep Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, said sleepiness while driving was common among young, male Omani drivers. He said: “We witnessed a significant association between nocturnal sleep duration of less than six hours and sleepiness while driving.” Dr. Al Abri said a possible cause was lack of sleep and irregular sleeping patterns.

RIGHT ON TIME

GALLERY

KHIMJIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WATCHES RECENTLY UNVEILED THEIR NEW ALPINA AND ATELIER DEMONACO BRANDS IN A SPECIAL RECENT CEREMONY HELD AT THEIR SHOWROOM.

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ROGUE CAB DRIVERS FACE FINES FOR AIRPORT PICK-UPS

axi drivers who pick up fares at the airport without a proper licence are facing hefty fines, Muscat Daily newspaper reports. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) and the ROP say illegal taxi operators at Muscat International Airport will be fined RO235. Police can now impound any offending vehicles. Officials are also cracking down on illegal transport operators in the city. MoTC has put up notice boards on approaching routes near Muscat airport that warn: “RO200 fine for illegal passenger transport by unauthorised taxis”.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, an official in MoTC said: “However, a passenger arriving at the airport is free to be picked by his relatives or friends. “Orange and white taxis and private vehicles are free to drop passengers, but only Mwasalat taxis are allowed to pick up the arriving passengers.” An ROP official said there is RO35 fine for any motorist who runs unauthorised taxi service in the city. He said: “We are usually tipped off about these illegal taxi operators and the patrol cars catch them. We urge everyone to abide by the Traffic Laws. We expect people to report about any such violations.”

RESIDENTS RESCUED FROM FIRE IN BLOCK OF FLATS

esidents of a Muscat block of flats escaped a fire unhurt, the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) said. The blaze happened in the Al Sharadi area in Wilayat Seeb. Firefighters evacuated the building and put it out without incurring any injuries. The PACDA said: “The Department of Civil Defence and ambulance in Muscat responded to a report of a fire that broke out in a commercial, residential building in Al Sharadi area in Wilayat Seeb.”

CHIP-BASED PASSPORTS ON WAY

FOR INDIANS, SAYS PM

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he Indian government is working on a project to issue chip-based passports, the Muscat Daily newspaper reports. It’s working on a centralised system in which all passport services will be provided from Indian embassies and consulates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed. Mr. Modi was addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 in the northern Indian city of Varanasi last week. He said: “Indian embassies and consulates are being connected to the Passport Seva Project worldwide.” Mr. Modi also announced that the government is to simplify the process of issuing visas to PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card-holders. He added that more than 200,000 Indians stranded due to crisis situations abroad have been helped by the government in the last four-and-a-half years. Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the government of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Indian diaspora conclave in Varanasi, which concluded on Wednesday, was attended by nearly 5,000 delegates.

TOPSY-TURVY

GALLERY

ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS AT THE NEW MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS MUSCAT WHICH CELEBRATED ITS RECENT GRAND OPENING AT THE MUSCAT GRAND MALL.

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A DOSE OF CULTURE

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THE 2019 MUSCAT FESTIVAL BRINGS THE VIBRANCY OF OMANI CULTURE TO LIFE AT AMERAT PARK. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI.

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GLOBAL FOCUS

GALLERY

STUDENTS AT THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSCAT TAKE PART IN A RECENT MODEL UNITED NATIONS SIMULATION.

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OMANI RACING HERO AHMAD AL HARTHY MET WITH FANS AT AN NBOSPONSORED EVENT TO UNVEIL HIS NEW AND IMPROVED ASTON MARTIN.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Kbaikab Graveyard Style: Landscape Scrub trees reach for the sky among the rocky outcroppings of Kbaikab, reminding us that even in the most desolate of places life finds a way to persevere. JAN 31 - FEB 06 / ISSUE 555

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Kumar Sharma is coming to Muscat on February 2 at the Indian Social Club’s Charity Wing fundraiser in aid of blue-collar workers in Oman. Kumar and his fusion dance group, Kathak Rockers, will be performing at the auditorium of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Kumar took part in Russia’s Got Talent as a guest performer along with the Russian kathak dancer, Svetlana Tulasi, who will also be part of the function in Muscat. Those wishing to attend the event on February 2, please email charitywingisc@gmail.com.

TYING THE KNOT

LIVE IN CONCERT

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

FEB

01-02

Brides-to-be should start their countdown to the big day with a visit to a tradeshow that aims to help them make it unforgettable. The Oman Bride Show is on at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Brides and their mothers can check out options in apparel and clothing, fashion and accessories, bridesmaid’s dresses and, of course, the allimportant gown. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information log on to www.omanconvention.com.

FEB 02

WEEK

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

F E B R U A R Y

A LIVING LEGEND

THIS

Opera legend Placido Domingo returns to Muscat in a production of ‘La Traviata’ at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Domingo will sing the baritone role of Germont on February 7 and February 9, and will conduct the orchestra on February 10. This production is performed by the Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Massimo di Palermo, and has been staged by Marta Domingo in a dazzlingly updated version of her 1920s Art Deco version. With its unforgettable arias and the profoundly moving love story of Violetta and Alfredo, ‘La Traviata’ is the world’s most frequently performed opera, and not to be missed. For tickets, log on to the ROHM website at www.rohmuscat.org.om, or call 2440-3332.

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 2479-1641

Miniscule – Mandibles from Far Away Cast: Bruno Salomone, Thierry Fremont, Stephane Coulon

The Gandhi Murder

Sarvam Thaala Mayam

Cast: Stephen Lang, Luke Pasqualino, Joseph K. Bevilacqua Any historical figure is likely to have a back-story or one in which their life or death was never what it seemed. So it’s now the turn of the inspirational Mahatma Gandhi, whose murder is being called into question. In this, three police officers in different parts of India get wind of intelligence that suggests that Gandhi is likely to be assassinated. All three men face a race against time to uncover the plot before it’s

Arctic Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smaradottir

too late. But whether they have the ability, and the will, is another matter. Of course, it’s a conspiracy theory movie surrounding Gandhi’s violent end. Filmmakers clearly had to have a new take on his life (and death) as Richard Attenborough’s biopic of 1982 was never going to be repeated, or surpassed. It’s certainly worth a look, for sheer originality if nothing else.

Overgard (Mikkelsen) has crash landed somewhere in the Arctic. The good news is that he’s unhurt and has enough supplies to set up a makeshift camp for a day or two. The bad news is that if he’s to make it out alive, he must head out into the unknown to find the nearest manned station. A rescue helicopter called to airlift him out of there has crashed leaving him with an injured passenger (Smaradottir) and a map. Even the legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton would have a job with this ordeal. But Mikkelsen’s gritty, brooding screen presence is well-suited to a survivalagainst-all-the-odds type movie such as this. It’s a man vs. nature thriller, where behind the majestic beauty of the landscape and the stunning, shimmering snow lies the reality that the elements really can kill you.

Most insects must batten down the hatches for winter and prepare for snowfall. However, when one tiny ladybug ends up getting trapped in a cardboard box, he ends up not having to worry about the impending cold: he ends up on a freight ship bound for the Caribbean. There’s only thing for it, his folks are going to have to follow him there and free him. Will they make it, and can they avoid all the inevitable hazards the journey will bring? Everyone knows how high the bar has been set for animation films these days. And this comedy is causing a ripple or two as the awards seasons is under way, having picked up a Golden Globe (for Best Supporting Actress) and bagging a BAFTA nomination. And rightly so as it’s a delight for all the family.

Cast: GV Prakash Kumar, Aparna Balamulari, Nedumudi Venu

So much of one’s movie choices for a Friday night depends on the mood we’re in. After a taxing week at work, you want a feel-good movie to set you up for the weekend and this is the one. In this, a gifted young drummer Peter (Kumar) has his heart set on learning the mridangam (a percussion instrument) from the leading practitioner. But Peter is from the wrong side of the tracks, and in caste-conscious India, he realises it will take more than sheer talent to scale the greasy pole to success. Meantime, he will have to shrug off the snobby classical connoisseurs and bang a drum for persistence if he wants to fulfil his dream. With plenty of chutzpah, colour, and a great soundtrack; it’s a one to rattle your cartons of popcorn too. See and enjoy.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ‘Miniscule’s ladybug ends up aboard a ship bound for which country? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Asma Kirmani

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Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app JAN 31 - FEB 06 / ISSUE 555

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The

dengue dilemma IT’S THE MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE THAT CAN KILL YOU, AND FOR WHICH THERE’S NO CURE AND NO VACCINE. WHILE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORK OVERTIME TO SPRAY INFECTED AREAS AND SPREAD WORD OF THE DANGERS, MANY OMANIS ARE PAYING LIP SERVICE TO THEIR EFFORTS. TEAM Y REPORTS ON WHY WE SHOULD TAKE THIS SCOURGE ON THE SULTANATE MORE SERIOUSLY, AND THE RISKS WE FACE IF WE DON’T

trip to a park or a wadi can seem like a simple and harmless adventure but can actually turn out to be anything but. At least that has been the case for one patient among 48 diagnosed with a disease hitherto unheard of in the Sultanate: dengue. The patient (name withheld due to privacy concerns), as per his doctor from a government hospital in the Wilayat of Seeb, contracted it during a picnic at the wadi with his friends. Over the course of a week he developed symptoms such as skin rash and severe fever, for which he admitted himself to the hospital. His doctor knew it wasn’t worth taking any chances as the “symptoms were all present” and two cases had already been registered. So, he immediately ordered a dengue test, which turned positive for the viral disease. The 32-year-old Omani man became the third case to be diagnosed with dengue in the span of a mere week, in November. News gets around quickly in Oman: there were eight cases of the disease by the end of November, then 33 in December, and finally, 48 as of January 13 – and it has caused a degree of panic among some, if not all, the country’s residents. The prime area of infection remains in areas around Seeb, Al Hail, and Mabelah. However, it is believed that the areas surrounding Azaiba, Al Khuwair, Ghala, and Bausher are also at risk. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease is one that can cause flu-like symptoms that can quickly progress into more complications that can become life-threatening if left untreated.

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Nearly 2.5 billion people around the globe live in areas where there is a risk of transmission of the disease of which there are 390 million infections and 25,000 deaths every year.

How to protect yourself from dengue

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or travelling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts to keep the mosquito population down.

To protect yourself: Stay away from heavily populated residential areas, if possible. ■ Use mosquito repellents, even indoors. ■ When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks. ■ When indoors, use air conditioning if available. ■ Make sure window and door screens are secure and free of holes. If sleeping areas are not screened or air conditioned, use mosquito nets. ■ If you have symptoms of dengue, speak to your doctor.

The disease is spread by female mosquitoes – from the species Aedes aegypti – that can infect people throughout its lifespan. A tropical disease, by all means; and from 2001 to 2013, Oman only reported 64 cases of dengue and with a mortality rate of 4.6 per cent – a stark contrast when you realise that the cases are more widespread this time around. Nearly 2.5 billion people around the globe live in areas where there is a risk of transmission of the disease of which there are 390 million infections and 25,000 deaths every year. In an interview with Y, Dr. Salim al Ghafri, a doctor with the Ministry of Health (MoH) says: “The word dengue is one that causes people to go into a state of panic. At least that’s what I’ve seen in countries such as Singapore where I’d worked during an outbreak of dengue in 2005. “But there’s a very concerning difference between the way the two countries handled the disease. In Oman, the government took very swift steps with little to no lapse in time to handle the situation and prevent an epidemic from breaking out. “This, coupled with the fact that dengue cannot be spread from person to person, certainly reduced any chance of spreading the disease within the communities. “But, even so, the symptoms of the disease can be a very sudden fever that can span for days: aching eyes, headaches, severe joint and muscle pain, rashes; and in very rare cases, bleeding from gums. People must come forward if they feel they’re experiencing one or more of these at any given moment. “It’s a disease that has no viable vaccine yet even though there are a few controversial variations of the jab available in other markets. We urge people not to opt for them as some variations of the strain can cause more harm than good and they are meant for people who have already been infected with dengue once. “Still, what has shocked me is how aloof some citizens are about this situation. They don’t appear to be worried and are not cooperating with the authorities who are conducting free drives to stop the mosquitoes during its breeding stages itself; by targeting houses, buildings, and public spots.” This is more dangerous than the mosquito itself, says the doctor of 25 years’ experience. He believes that creating awareness about the dangers disease can alleviate part of the problem. The Omani government has made clear its stance of extinguishing the problem from grassroots level – by disinfecting areas invaded by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are known to lay their eggs in pools of water with no flow. So, any stagnant water would be considered an ideal environment for these winged insects to breed.

To reduce the mosquito population, get rid of places where mosquitoes can breed. These include old tyres, cans, or flower pots that collect rain. Regularly change the water in outdoor bird baths and pets’ water dishes. If someone in your home gets dengue fever, be especially vigilant about efforts to protect yourself and other family members from mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that bite the infected family member could spread the infection to others in your home. Source: WebMD

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Effects of dengue on the human body

Symptoms can appear up to 7 days after being bitten by the mosquito that carries the virus.

Mild dengue fever They include: ■ aching muscles and joints ■ body rash that can disappear and then reappear ■ high fever ■ intense headache ■ pain behind the eyes ■ vomiting and feeling nauseous.

Symptoms usually disappear after a week, and mild dengue rarely involves serious or fatal complications.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) At first, symptoms of DHF may be mild, but they gradually worsen within a few days. As well as mild dengue symptoms, there may be signs of internal bleeding. A person with Dengue hemorrhagic fever may experience: ■ bleeding from the mouth, gums, or nose ■ clammy skin ■ damage to lymph and blood vessels ■ internal bleeding, which can lead to black vomit and feces, or stools ■ a lower number of platelets in the blood ■ sensitive stomach ■ small blood spots under the skin ■ weak pulse.

Without prompt treatment, DHF can be fatal.

Dengue shock syndrome DSS is a severe form of dengue. It can be fatal. Apart from symptoms of mild dengue fever, the person may experience: ■ intense stomach pain ■ disorientation ■ sudden hypotension, or a fast drop in blood pressure ■ heavy bleeding ■ regular vomiting ■ blood vessels leaking fluid

Without treatment, this can result in death. Source: Medical News Today

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To combat this, the Ministry of Health and disinfected from the outside display few signs of This dengue the Muscat Municipality have joined forces treatment, and any stagnant water seen on the to launch a campaign to spray the insecticide has been discarded immediately. outbreak is no streets near affected houses, farms, shops and streets. We also come across one shopkeeper, Mahesh, While the overall response to this has largely epidemic by any who rushes in from shopping in Ruwi with his been positive with more than 8,500 facilities family to open the doors of his grocery store to means, but it still has the being “neutralised”, there have been cases of the team of sprayers. He is immediately praised families refusing the free service; according to potential to become one – and by the team leaders. one team that visited Baushar. But the shopkeeper reveals something possibly something more if shocking: “In 2014, my ageing mother was It’s a service that is mostly staffed by around 1,200 health workers who are volunteering these mosquitoes are carrying diagnosed with Zika in India and she lost her life to work extra hours to facilitate it. This team due to complications that arose during treatment. different strains includes doctors, nurses, health educators, It too is caused by these mosquitoes and since health supervisors from the MoH, sprayers then we’ve been very careful. of viruses such from the municipalities, field supervisors, and “What happened to her changed our lives and also members from the Shura and Municipal today we’re going to take every step we can to as Zika and council representatives. They are all out in the not let that happen again.” chikungunya field on weekends and on their own time as Mahesh’s concerns are warranted. A quick they begin at 8am and end at 2pm. research shows us that the Zika virus is spread by But their commendable efforts are being inhibited due to a lack of the same breed of mosquitoes and is also life-threatening for some. This support by some residents. means that if the same mosquito were to carry this strain of the virus, we One member spraying the smoke-like insecticide in the heart of Baushar could be looking at a potentially deadlier outbreak. is clearly frustrated. While we cannot come across anyone who opposes the ministry’s He says: “You can see that there are ticks and crosses that we stick on moves of fumigation, one volunteer, Evangeline, steps in to explain how every house depending on the status of the place. So, if you notice, there one family in Al Hail – the epicentre of the disease – refused to open are a lot more crosses than ticks here in Baushar. their doors and also called the ROP saying they were being harassed. “Most of the times this is because there is no one in the houses or the She tells: “The ROP came to their house and explained the whole places are left shut. But, every now and then we stumble upon someone situation to them – taking our side in the matter – but they still wanted who refuses to comply and asks us to leave the property. us off their property. But the neighbours were all supportive, and even “All of us have our identification cards and are in though we tried to fumigate the areas around their uniform and must present the ID at the request house, we were being watched by them.” of the resident. But even then, we’ve This is exactly why we need to take this come across some issues in gaining situation more seriously, says Dr. Salim. “Our the trust of the some people. healthcare system hasn’t had to deal with “This is bad as someone who an epidemic of large proportions and even may comply with the law will though we’re confident that we can, we still be at risk because their don’t want to take a chance. neighbour didn’t opt for “Take for instance the chikungunya spraying their house.” virus (also a disease carried by the aedes An Omani nurse aegypti) that broke out in Kerala, India in from the Royal 2012. It was handled very efficiently but that Hospital, was because the healthcare system there is Mariyam prepared to take such actions with very short al Zadjali, notice. Even so, some 70-odd people died. accompanying “This dengue outbreak is no epidemic the team by any means, but it still has the potential to clarifies that become one – and possibly something more if the only way these mosquitoes are carrying different strains of the country can viruses such as zika and chikungunya. prevent dengue from “The greatest concern about dengue is that becoming an epidemic there’s no cure for it. So, if you think that there’s is if it “stands and works a chance you have it, you must head to the doctor together”. immediately. There, a blood test will be conducted She tells us: “Every red tick to check for the virus in your blood and an sticker we put in a home is a additional antibody test will be matter of concern. There could done to confirm it. be a source of water in the house “Following this, you that we should have neutralised or will be given mosquitoes that would have been killed by the smoke. “In the end, we do what we can. We fumigate around the house and hope medicines that it gets the mosquitoes in the more and under certain visible parts of the house. Some people circumstances also are even rude to us, asking us to stay isolated for a few days. away from their property and to spray But the best way to deal with around it. this is to comply with the MoH “One of the reasons people say no to this and municipality and allow for your mandatory service is because of the smell of homes to be fumigated. the gas. It isn’t appealing at all – but it’s not “The best precaution one can take meant to be that way. This smoke is meant to with regard to dengue is to not get in kill the insect and nothing else. contact with mosquitoes. And while that can “This makes me wonder whether it’s the come across as a bit vague, there are several mosquitoes and the disease that’s the culprit or the countries in Africa and even in Asia that have been people who act this way.” actively doing this. Our outing with the team is largely positive “Don’t take any chance with dengue. And even if as most buildings in the area have been mostly it may not seem like a concern of great levels now, cooperative, with only a few businesses remaining it’s not worth putting your life at risk. As they say, shut over the weekend. Those that have been prevention is better than cure.” ■

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The Art of Business Enterprise isn’t easy these days, but one group is gearing up for better times in the business world. Team Y meets the minds behind Startup Grind

he economy may be on the volatile side as the nation grapples with a slump set in motion by the oil crisis of 2015 –but the entrepreneurial hopes and dreams of Oman’s young people have not waned. As the saying goes, “Fortune favours the bold”. And that’s the message a group of young and free-thinking minds are trying to put forward with Startup Grind Muscat. Essentially a platform for budding entrepreneurs to network, this group aimed at educating, inspiring and connecting young actual and aspiring businesspeople is now entering its second year. Its members are back for a new

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season of events starting from February 3 – and the brains behind them is the partner of Startup Grind Muscat, Sharifa al Barami. He is the founder of MarkeetEx – an online shopping portal looking after household products and groceries, and a representative for Al Jazeera Consulting Services. Emboldened by the sheer volume of events happening this time around, Sharifa runs us through the many weeks of events planned for young people to participate in. They will be able to gain first-hand experience dealing with established entrepreneurs, investors and business development experts. Here’s an excerpt from our interview:.

Q A

Can you tell us the idea behind initiating Startup Grind Muscat? Simply put, Startup Grind Muscat has become an advocate for the young minds of Oman who are looking to kick start their entrepreneurial goals. It all began when I was approached by the founder (who prefers to remain anonymous) who told me about this idea. It all sat very well with my beliefs. And as a networker myself, I thought it would be a perfect grounding for the youth to come and begin laying the groundwork by networking and interacting with established individuals in the business. In short, it’s a community that comes together to connect

and enlighten each other about what’s currently on the market right now. It’s all about fostering new relationships.

Q A

Has Startup Grind Muscat been able to add value to its visiting speakers, and if so, how? The way we operate is that we host a series of events over the course of a few weeks – in this case, from February 3, 2019 – and we bring in established people from all professional spheres. Last year we organised eight events and featured very high-profile speakers from organisations such as Talabat, Fetchr, Bayt.com, Mumzworld and many more. The same goes for this

a challenging market. It’s now or never – and that opens up a wide variety of opportunities. But yes, perseverance is very necessary and it gives you a better fighting chance in becoming more successful. Over the last five years we’ve been seeing huge leaps with different types of startups in Oman. How has the response been from the public and sponsors so far? It has been great. So, more than 50 entrepreneurs, students and young professionals are expected to join the event at Innovation Factory in Knowledge Oasis Muscat this coming week – and that’s a great start to this year’s events. Moreover, we’ve been receiving immense support from our sponsors. This year, we’re supported by Spur100 – a powerful cloud-based ERP solutions provider, Al Jazeera Global Services & Investments, and Innovation Factory.

Q A

year so we’ll have speakers such as Fares Ghandhour – a partner at Wamda Capital who leads investments in companies – to lead the way this year. We have a line-up of activities planned and will be revealing them over the next few weeks.

Q A

How has your association with Startup Grind helped you achieve your goals? Startup Grind is a global platform that is in partnership with several entities including Google for startups, and has in its bank more than 400,000 entrepreneurs in 200 cities

and 85 countries. The events in Oman offer these young entrepreneurs, students and young professionals a chance to network with some of the best in the business. This time around, we’ll also have investors coming over and we’ll offer the visitors quick-fire rounds for their questions. And given the nature of our platform, you’ll also get an opportunity to interact in person with these investors..

Q A

Do you think these visitors can pitch for their business ideas with the investors? It gives you an opportunity to connect with

them on a casual level. But, my advice to you would be not to seek money but tips and advice. Not only will that give you an opportunity to connect with them by forging bonds, you’ll also be able to have a more professional connection with them in the time to come. And who knows, maybe you can have someone invest in your idea. How challenging is it for a young entrepreneur currently? To be very honest, it’s not very easy to start up something in Oman currently but that only makes it

Q A

What’s next for Startup Grind Muscat? Startup Grind Muscat is now entering its second season and we’re focusing on making that a valuable offering to those in Oman. But, if we continue providing opportunities such as these over the years and keep our network growing, then it will continue as the largest platform of its kind in the whole country.

Q A

*Follow Startup Grind on social media @startupgrindom for more information and updates.

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they know alentine’s Day each other. is just around th If you think you corner and love e know your is husband or wife Y Magazine’s ev in the air, which means that w el l, th is is your chance to show them in er th competition is ba -popular ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates and win some su e most romantic of ways – ck – bigger and itabl bette Are you and your “We’re thrilled to y dreamy prizes. partner more in r for 2019. If you’ve still go lo ve th an ev er? t th you one of the V have the opportunity to bring you as the call fo e spark, then we want to hear from anticipated ev alentine’s season’s most hotlyr contestants be ents gins. It doesn’t matte r whether you’ve says Feroz Khan, in the spirit of love and romance or have been m ju ,” Director of Sale st go t to ge ther arrie s SABCO Media . “It’s always exci and Marketing for tant thing is that d for 20 years; the most importing to see how you’ve got the rig we think we know well ht re some surprises al our spouses and there are alway and all the ingred cipe for love s ong the way – al ients for a long lif l in good fun. If e think you and your together. yo u hu sb an d or wife contender for be Presented by M st couple, then be could be our top itsubishi our competition sure to enter Motors, and in a to find out.” ssoc with the Centara iation M For a chance to Hotel, we’ve got uscat be a total of 10 contestants in come one of our RO750 worth of th e live final at prizes up Centara Musca for grabs. t Hotel on Febr the si ua mply tell us in Couples will have 50 words or le ry 14, a yo ss ur who soulmate is an chance to test th d why. Send yo eir coman sw ur er to editor patibility in front of an by Monday, Fe @y-oman.com audience at the bruary 11. ultimate live quiz show. We’ll choose the Entry is open no be w and an d invite 10 coup st answers we’ll be whittlin le s to be g down part of our exci our pairs to 10 fin tin g fin al to alist find out if they who’ll answer a s really are series soulmates. Goo d luck! of questions abou t their spouses to prove how well

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

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SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A SECLUDED SPOT THAT ONLY WILY DAY-TRIPPERS CAN FIND AND MAKE THE MOST OF 032

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TRAVEL GUIDE

ffering a sense of nirvana within the environs of Muscat, the wadis of Al Amerat have long been touted as the easiest breakaway trips from the clutches of city life. But, much like a hidden gem, there lies one such wadi – lush with greenery and wildlife – that often goes unnoticed… and for good reason. Today, the wadi next to the gas station in the town of Wadi Adai remains closed to the public, with concrete boulders to ward off passersby – and that’s what we stumbled upon during our trip there this week. Unfazed, we tried to find another entry spot into the wadi. And a few kilometres away, closer to the heart of Wadi Adai, that’s exactly what we found too. A small opening fit enough for an off-roader to pass through, the entry point led us under the bridge that connects the town to Al Amerat. From there, it’s a mere 10-minute drive away to the wadi –and you’ll need to cross some muddy paths and gushing wadis before getting to the safer areas.

But the drive is worth it as you’ll drive through thick, tall wadi plants, crystal-clear waters and rocky terrain before you hit the camping spots. There’s something comforting about stopping on tracks and listening to the water lick the pebbles and the birds warble. Let your worries drift away and allow the tingling sensation of inner tranquility fill your mind. While there, it’s best to set up camp in an area secluded from the families that have found their way into the wadi. This way, you can revel in the company you’re with and enjoy the silence. The morning of our journey was perfect as the temperatures hovered around the early 10-degree-Celsius marks, the crowds were thin, and the waters perfect for a quick dip. Oddly, I also realised that this is the only wadi in the locale that largely retains its natural charm by being untainted from much of the detritus that careless campers leave behind. Maybe it’s the boulders that deter such campers, for only the resilient can find another way into the wadi. And that’s also why I commend the municipality’s move to (unofficially) close off the area from the public. It can’t have been more than

six months since we hit this wadi before but there are already signs of improvement: the greenery is now thicker and there’s more wildlife thriving in the cleaner waters. There’s no doubt that in years to come this wadi will be transformed into a wildlife sanctuary or a reserve. Maybe that’s what made me a tad emotional on the day; like this would probably be my last trip to this wadi. It’s a clear case of nature giveth and nature taketh away. It’s the circle of life, and one that we must accept.

HOW TO GET THERE Proceed to Wattayah from the Sultan Qaboos Highway and take the exit towards Wadi Adai from the Shell Petrol station. In about two kilometres, take the left turn towards the open spot on the road that leads to the wadi. Once there, find a safe spot to camp. Keep in mind that

you’ll need a capable off-roader to navigate through the rocks and water, and ensure you avoid the waid during the rains.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

he car that built the core foundation of a whole generation of car lovers globally: that’s what makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse a desirable and formidable sports car. Sleek, powerful and well-engineered; the coupe took over everything from the tuner market to the (then budding) gaming industry by storm. Second only to the Toyota Supra from the same era, the generic four-cylinder howl from the Eclipse stood as a signature from which Mitsubishi built its base. But all good things come to an end. The Eclipse was silently killed by the brand sometime in 2011 due to poor sales and a possible lack of brand loyalty. This, despite all Nissan’s rivals shying away from the sports car market. Last year we’d heard speculation surrounding the Eclipse re-entering the market – but not in the way

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M I TS U B I S H I E C L I P S E C RO S S

Team Y tests a fresh new version of an old favourite and finds it on the sharp side, both inside and out you’d have imagined. Four doors, a tall body frame, four-wheel drive and five seats would be added to the new car to form an Eclipse Cross. Yes, the iconic Eclipse was to be transformed into a small SUV. Fast forward a few months and here we are with the all-new entrant in the ever-growing sphere of utility cars. We won’t lie: the chuffing exterior is quite striking from the front. There are sharp lights packed with LEDs and daytime-running lights, an angular grille broken up by chrome and just the right kind of glossy black panels to keep it elegant-looking. There’s also a footprint larger than the ASX that we tested a while ago. It all combines to give the Eclipse Cross a fresh new look. The posterior may split ends but it harks back to the 1990s, with the dual rear windshield and the light bar that runs from end to end. We grew to like it as we went along – and noted some nods of approval from some passers-by, too. To round things off, then, the new Eclipse is more crossover than an actual Eclipse – but it’s arguably one of the finest-looking SUVs out there. The interior is functional with myriad buttons and knobs that control everything from the safety functions (pre-crash braking, heads-up display, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring) to the AC. There’s none of that touch-activated control nonsense to distract you while driving. Even the 7-inch touchscreen running Mitsubishi’s own user interface software is on point with the perfect mix of simplicity and functionality. Minimal menus and simple fonts make using this a breeze. However, there are some tacky sounds activated by

the push of buttons that you’d want to turn off. Much of the interior is crafted in plush leatherette surfaces with soft-touch plastics comprising much of the dashboard. Everything looks and feels in place: even the seats are at the right height with excellent levels of adjustability. Lumbar support is great but side bolstering is kept to a minimum – perhaps to accommodate drivers of all ages. The attractive exterior – complete with the curves and the sloping roofline – comes at the expense of reduced headroom. But, there’s plenty of space for three grown adults in the back and an additional 341 litres of boot space. While the latter is impressive for the stylish SUV that the Eclipse Cross is, the figures are still a far cry even from its smaller sibling, the ASX. Though, it’s fair to note that levelled 60-

D e s t i n at i o n

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS Specifications: • Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) • Power: 148hp • Torque: 250Nms All-wheel drive Heads-up display 18-inch alloy wheels 7.0-inch infotainment screen Forward collision mitigation Lane departure warning Rockford Fosgate premium sound system Traction and stability controls Parking sensors Reverse camera Cruise control Steering-mounted controls Blind spot monitoring system Sunroof

40 split seats do add an additional 107 litres when folded down. Partly keeping in line with the Eclipse’s tradition is the powertrain, which comprises a turbocharged engine. It’s a little but forcefully-induced 1.5-litre engine producing a respectable 148hp and 250Nms of torque and mated to a continuously variable tranny (CVT). The duo is quite capable too, pulling up to speeds of 100kph and above in under nine seconds. That, coupled with the 1.5 tonne weight and the four-wheel-drive system makes this quite sprightly on its feet. Torque kicks in bountiful at about 3,000rpm but soon runs out of steam, relying on the power to then unravel the rest of the performance from the engine. This should fare well when

you’re heading off-road although we didn’t test it for long enough to head out of the city and into the mountains. Cornering dynamics are respectable with body roll kept to a minimum; it creeps in only if you push past the 60kph mark when taking tighter corners. Still, grip is admirable at all times and we didn’t dare push it hard enough to see if understeer emerges when playing with the wheel like a hooligan. The highway is really where the SUV belongs. It remains unfazed by winds and holds its pace at speeds of above 120kph without breaking past the 3,000rpm mark. It also maintained a steady mileage of 14kms per litre during the length of our drive, which also included constant flooring of the gas pedal to test out the acceleration figures. This could partly be due to the CVT, which tinkers just enough to keep the revs to a minimum while still spiking the revs within the power band when required.

IT’S WELL-SPECCED WITH A FLURRY OF SAFETY FEATURES, RIDES BETTER THAN MOST SUVS, LOOKS GREAT AND ABOVE ALL PLAYS TO ITS STRENGTHS AS A LIGHT OFF-ROADER Its characteristics are in line with the CVTs we’ve tested over the years. The ‘rubber-band effect’ is in plentiful supply but still well-concealed if you make use of the paddle shifters which (minimally) alter ratios when used. On the upside, the first two ratios do offer engine braking if things get a bit out of hand. Owning an Eclipse Cross may not seem much like buying into the heritage of the brand that the Eclipse nameplate has forged in this market. But, changing times require swift action – and there’s no denying that the Eclipse Cross will inevitably pen down sales numbers that its sports car cousin could never do. It’s well-specced with a flurry of safety features, rides better than most SUVs, looks great and above all plays to its strengths as a light off-roader. And if that isn’t the recipe for a successful family vehicle, then we don’t know what is.

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CARS ADVENTURES BEAUTIFUL BATH

One of England’s finest cities inspired Jane Austen and has inspired many visitors since.

1. Visit the Jane Austen Centre for a window on her world. 2. Take afternoon tea at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House. 3. Try on some yesteryear gear at the Fashion Museum. 4. Blow a bauble with glassmakers in the Artisan Quarter. 5. Stroll, and shop along the beautiful Pulteney Bridge.

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Destination

Cars

Y- F i

G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

Chris Gallagher recommends

BATH, ENGLAND, UK W

hen wealthy people in 18 th century England wanted a weekend of R&R, they headed for a spa town. So, instead of wearing themselves out on exercise bikes, drinking carrot juice, and slathering themselves in mud, they kept it simple and went to Bath to “take the water”. Spa water, from a mineral spring, was thought to cure all manner of ills; from simple over-indulgence to more serious health setbacks. And Bath became the go-to spa town of Britain’s Georgian era (between 1714 and 1837), and beyond. The wealth that funnelled into the city made possible the imposing and splendid Palladian architecture for which it’s also renowned. In fact, there are moments you can imagine being ensconced in a plush carriage as you pass by the sublime streetscapes that have stood the test of time and which continue to impress visitors. It’s no wonder that Jane Austen chose to make her home here (from 1801-06), where she could observe and be inspired by fashionable society. But it’s also an ancient city, and one that was commandeered by the Romans in around 65AD. Bath is in the south-west of England, in the county of Somerset, and sits in the valley of the River Avon, about 100 miles west of London. It’s also the only British city to have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an enchanting city, and one that punches well above its weight in cultural and historical treasures. This is the place to come to for going back in time and enjoying a slice of the Britain you’ve seen in countless films and TV dramas.

THE RO MAN

BATHS

My favourite place Royal Crescent, which has been a favourite spot of movie location scouts since film first clicked through a

projector. The 30 terraced houses were built between 1767 and 1774, and the first one to be built, No.1, is now a museum. There’s probably no better place to witness the luxurious lifestyle of 18th century British aristocrats – and the drudgery of their servants. It’s an authentic treasure trove of majestic art, exquisite textiles, lush carpets, and baronial furniture. The dining table has been set for pudding, while afternoon tea beckons in the drawing room. Upstairs are two bedrooms (one for him; the other for her) with original fixtures and fittings. Below stairs is the spartan working environment of the servants: the original kitchen, scullery, coal holes, and living quarters. Enthusiastic guides bring the whole history, warts-and-all; to life.

N L CRESCE T H E R OY A

Highlights The Roman Baths were built when the Romans invaded ‘Britannia’ in around AD65. For some perspective on how Romans kept clean it’s hard to beat. And they were way ahead of their time: the heating systems to the original hot and cold rooms are impressive enough but the Great Bath, naturally heated from the city’s thermal springs, was clearly a hot tub for a former age. You can’t use the baths as the water is too dirty – but, for that Roman experience, head to the Thermae Bath Spa. It offers a thoroughly modern spa experience, and a swim in its open-air roof-top pool offers fantastic views over the city. Some of the best views can also be had from a visit to Bath Abbey, which lies at the city’s heart. It’s a gorgeous, Gothic, honey-coloured edifice that, once again, encapsulates the best of British when it comes to architectural eye-candy. Lowlights None Souvenirs Bath really does both the voracious shopper and the meticulous browser proud; from its SouthGate mall offering all the usual high-street brands to its array of antique shops in the Upper Town along George Street. Here, you can find some wonderful old maps, books, antiquities, and vintage jewellery. For things you definitely won’t find at home, head to the Artisan Quarter, which is packed with an eclectic array of independent shops offering retro clothing, antiques, art, designer homeware, and hand-made furniture.

Getting there

It’s a flight from Muscat to London’s Heathrow. From there, take the Heathrow Express train (a 15-minute ride) to London’s Paddington Station. At Paddington, trains to Bath take two hours on average and run every 45 minutes.

Where to stay You’ll find all the major hotel chains represented here, which you can view online via Trivago, Expedia, Kayak, or Booking.com. But why not seek out one of the boutique hotels that have been converted from one of the grand Georgian houses, such as Duke’s, or The Queensberry Hotel?.

BATH A BBEY

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-FI

THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y- F I

QUIRKY GADGETS

The Y Geek Squad gets a grip on the latest devices for the discerning geek with more money than sense

CHARGE IT UP

ROYAL TOUCH

Coming forward with the vibes of a nasty joke waiting to blow your home up along with your precious phone, the Stower Candle Charger (yes, you heard that right!), is a semi-portable charger that uses a fuel canister to charge your phone. It’s quite simple: you start the fire that heats up water in the pan that’s provided, and the rest is taken care of by the internal heat-to-electricity AC converter. Charging is considerably slower than a comparable battery pack or a wall outlet – but there’s no putting a price on this if it can spell the difference between life or death, especially if you’re in a remote area with no power access. Buy this from amazon.com for RO34.2.

There’s no smartphone out there that can call itself a quirky gadget, unless you begin rounding up devices that sport three or four camera lenses on their backs. But the Caviar Grand Complications Skeleton Black & Gold laughs in the faces of those silly phones – for a phone can’t get more complicated than this one. In fact, describing this as a smartphone is a crime; beneath the iPhone XS (or XS Max) skin and internals lies a full-blown mechanical watch with a skeletal design. If that isn’t enough to bowl you over, you can have the body decorated with blackened titanium and engraved gold decorative gears. The watch alone is a masterpiece built by hand in Switzerland and comes with a manual winding mechanism and 30 hours of power reserve. The phone itself is Apple’s finest. You can order yours from caviar.global, but it will set you back RO3,130.

RECORD PLAYER It comes straight out of the 1970s but with a dash of innovation sprinkled on for good effect. The Mag-Lev Audio – ML1 is, by far, one of the coolest turntables we’ve seen in a long time. While it will spit out your favourite tunes without any hassle unlike most other devices from its time, this one stands out because the vinyl platter levitates from its base. As awe-inspiring as that sounds, we’re particularly blown away by the fact that – despite its mechanism – it spins at a steady rpm to maintain a steady rate and pace. The device achieves this with paper-thin carbon-fibre elements and strong magnets. It’s a fantastic gadget that can be had from maglevaudio.com but costs RO1,100.

PERSONAL CARE

EDITOR’S PICK

A MASSAGER FOR YOUR EYES – YES, IT’S THE THING NOW! THE AURAI WATER-PROPELLED EYE MASSAGER IS ONE OF THE STRANGEST GADGETS WE’VE EVER REVIEWED HERE AT Y. ODDLY, IT’S ALSO ONE OF THE MOST FUNCTIONAL ONES OF THE LOT. IT WRAPS AROUND YOUR EYES LIKE A VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET WOULD BUT INSTEAD OF BLASTING HIGHRESOLUTION IMAGES IN 3D, THIS ONE FORCES YOU TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AS IT PLAYS ITS PARTY PIECE ON YOU; MASSAGING YOUR EYES. TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT USES A PROPELLER TO CIRCULATE WAVES OF WATER ON AND AROUND YOUR EYES AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES, THEREBY HELPING YOU CALM YOUR NERVES AND DE-STRESS, IN THE PROCESS. GET IT FROM TOUCHOFMODERN.COM FOR RO88.5.

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OpenTTD

Info Box

Developer: OPENTTD TEAM Genre: BUSINESS SIMULATION Platforms: PC, MAC, ANDROID, LINUX Latest stable patch: VERSION 1.8 (RELEASED IN APRIL 1, 2018)

The Y Geek Squad gets gallivanting with a game that proves why it’s better to travel

you laying down simple roads, setting up depots for passengers and resources to be transferred to buses or trucks, and then getting to expanding it all as you go along. While all of that sounds easy enough, the real challenges start when you realise that the road system is a slow mode of pun as a sequel or remake to transportation between cities, and that the 1995 hit Transport Tycoon you start with a stout loan of GBP10,000 designed by mastermind Chris that carries annual interest. Sawyer, OpenTTD (released in Soon enough – and once you’re 2005) had all the makings of a game confident to try out rail – you’ll progress unlikely to measure up to the legacy of through cities, finding new routes to ferry its predecessor. Yet, even after 14 years post its release, passengers and raw materials, and simply it stands out as one of our very favourite connecting towns to develop them into vast metropolitan areas. transport business simulations. But the ultimate challenge is in finding Despite its graphical interface, sustainable routes. Simply opening up which is nothing short of rudimentary; routes at plain sight will lead you to run complicated control system; complex into losses from the get-go. That’s where and customisable mapping; and the you need to apply your strategic skills: several thousand elements you need to predict which zones will be profitable and master to take control of the game, this simulator is still miles ahead of any of its prepare to invest in these towns. Buying out exclusive transport rights more modern rivals. is vital if you’re up against opponents It’s the sheer complexity that allows stashed with cash and who can maintain you to spend several years honing your a transport monopoly in a city. However, skills and taking the challenge to the that may set you back some serious brass. opponent. The game lets you focus on And if you cut down trees and relocate the transportation of passengers and houses in a city, the municipality will freight in four different modes: bar you from investing in more road, water, rail and air. infrastructure, thereby resulting So, once you’ve jumped into in an ‘atrocious’ tag to the city a game – which comes with for a while. no tutorial of any kind This can become – you face going up especially daunting against folk or an AI when you’re up against that can work at double the clock and your rivals pace. smoothly begin building The onset of the their tracks or airports in game will start with

a location you spent millions of pounds clearing up. However, don’t lose hope because OpenTTD lets you bribe local authorities to soak up some of the green paper. There’s a heavy penalty if you’re caught doing it. Then there’s the whole industrial gameplay, which can get messy if not planned correctly. With options to work on oil, coal, rubber, diamonds and others; you’re expected to extract these raw materials and present them to their respective industries. These can result in heavy payouts but can often cause a fall in output if you don’t complete the chain. So, while it’s profitable for you to simply head from an oil refinery to a distillation plant with crude oil, you can also complete the whole process by then making use of other trucks or trains to transport goods to cities. At some point, if you have opted for a small map, you’ll have overlapped a single piece of track with several others, causing confusion among your other trains and raising the possibility of accidents. For that, there are the train signals – and they are complex to understand. Perhaps this is what makes OpenTTD a fantastic game for lovers of the simulation gaming genre. Who would have thought that a game made in 2005 would stand the test of time? Much like several games from that era, this one also takes centre-stage as a game with a cult following. It also has enough steam to let this game live on for another decade or so. Live on, OpenTTD. Live on. ■ JANJULY 31 - 03 FEB- 06 09 / ISSUE 555 327

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Fish-net nautical

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

From the runways of Dior to the catwalks of Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, haute couture’s take on nautical chic breathes new life into a classic trend; whipping it into ship-shape. Hop aboard and offset your outfit with this ‘shesells-seashells’ Esparto cross-body bag from Zara. We love that it’s made of all-natural materials and is the perfect accessory for spring. Own it for RO27.9.

Cinch the look:

Anchor your look in this mint-green shift dress from H&M (RO13.4) and a pair of Monica Vinader 18-carat rose-gold and amazonite studs from Selfridges&Co. (RO49.5).

Though still in winter’s grip, January catwalks were blooming as the biggest names in fashion unveiled their top trends for Spring 2019. Here are some of our fave top picks for the season, like this playfullypatterned scarf-print dress from Chloé. eet, the high str to d n -e h k. From the hig helps you get the loo att Ashlee Starr

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Cinch the look: Accentuate the ensemble with neutral add-ons like these bone-white Famille pointy-toe mules from Nine West (RO30.3) and a shabby-chic Salome denim jacket from Miss Sixty (RO176.4) with delicate ivory bead detail.

Photo credit: www.vogue.com

Scarf-print chic

The more boldlypatterned the better, we say. Slip into spring’s hottest look in this button-down shirtdress from Promod. It takes the ultimate accessorystyle and turns it frontand-centre. With a prettily-jumbled print like this, keep your add-ons to a minimum and opt for muted jewellery. Snag it for RO26.2.

Pleasing polka

The Midas Touch Cinch the look:

Cinch the look: With a pair of

leather ankle boots from MANGO (RO576.6) in a jewel-tone teal and a pair of neutral circle drop earrings from M&S (RO3.8) in an iridescent pearl.

Create a silhouette that draws the eye downwards by pairing them with a chunky cable-knit cardigan in an ultraviolet shade of fuchsia from River Island (RO21.3) and a statement ring from Aldo Accessories (RO3.8) for a lemony sucker-punch.

It takes a fearless fashionista to don the dots. If you’re waffling on whether or not to go all out and embrace this pattern-play, we recommend starting small. This set of Hoxton ultra-skinny black denim trousers from Nordstrom have ever-so-subtle white polka dots and are neutral enough to pair with any colours or accessories you throw at them. Buy them for RO82.3.

Go for gold in spring’s hottest shade of heavy metal. For 2019 it’s all about taking that 24-carat glow and upcycling it – and we love how this skater dress from Dorothy Perkins combines the hue with an animal print for and added wild edge. Make it yours for RO16.2.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

The 24-Karat Facial Taking a leaf from the tome of Korean skin-care, this bling-ed out facial treatment is slaying on the beauty trend circuit – mainly because you don’t need to visit a pricey salon or spa to have it done. 24-karat gold face-masks are going like hotcakes on Amazon, with cosmetic manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon left, right and centre. The caveat? According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, its precious metal may just have the opposite effect – with nanoparticles actually speeding up the skin’s ageing process and reducing its wound-healing capabilities. Tame test: For trend junkies who still want to give it a go, Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Mask, claims to do exactly what it says on the tin. You be the judge. Price: RO30.7. (Photo credit: Instagram/@lacriestetica)

Facial Attraction In the beauty industry’s tireless search for the Fountain of Youth, what lengths should we stop at to defy Mother Nature?

erman chemist Justus von Liebig created the first modern mirror in 1835 – and for nearly 200 years, human beings have done their level best to shape, improve, alter and change what they see in it. German chemist Justus von Liebig created the first modern mirror in 1835 – and for nearly 200 years, human beings have done their level best to shape, improve, alter and change what they see in it. And, as medical cosmetology continues to advance, we’ve found some truly wacky (and expensive!) new ways to stall the ageing process, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham jumping on the bandwagon of some of the most extreme trends in facial care. Here are some of the most off-the-wall facials bound to go mainstream in 2019. But do they actually work? The ‘Vampire’ Facial Okay, those with queasy stomachs – you can stop reading from here. Go ahead; skip down to the next one because this Kardashian favourite will leave you feeling light-headed. Capitalising on the rejuvenating properties of your body’s own plateletrich plasma, this extreme facial involves a dermatologist drawing blood from your arm and putting it through a centrifuge. Once the platelets have detached from the red blood cells, a device called a Dermapen is then used to inject the platelets into the skin of your face via thousands of tiny pin-pricks. The goal? To stimulate the production of collagen, which increases elasticity and can help skin appear more youthful. Allegedly. The price-tag to be like Kim? RO307.6. Tame test: We don’t blame you for not jumping at the opportunity shell out your rent payment in the name of (bloody) beauty! Instead try using Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1%, which supports the maintenance of copper tripeptide – a natural substance found in human plasma that aids in collagen production. Price: RO26.9.

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The ‘Snail’ Facial Remember when leeching was a thing? Well, it’s 2019, so of course there’s now a Version 2.0. But if the thought of adorning your face with slimy, live gastropods just isn’t your cup of tea then this is unequivocally not the facial for you. However, with celebs like Katie Holmes and Drew Barrymore lining up for this RO96.1 facial fad, it’s a Hollywood trend that’s bound to stick (if you’ll forgive us the pun…). How does it work? Snail mucus is alleged to contain powerful antioxidants, proteins and hyaluronic acid that rejuvenates the skin by acting like a natural skin peel. Tame test: Leave the snails where they belong – in the garden. Instead, slap on a Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Gold 24K Hydrogel Mask, which couples snail secretions with copper peptides and hyaluronic acid for a similar effect. Price: RO3.8. Dermaplaning Talk about a close shave – this exfoliating treatment literally takes off a layer of (dead) skin. An ultra-effective way to allow new cell growth to run rampant, the procedure involves using a surgical scalpel or dermaplaning razor to remove and scrape away the dead skin cells and small hairs on the surface of your face that can harshen your skin’s complexion and shine. Think of it as straight-razoring for ladies… Tame test: Got steady hands? Try it out at home with one of the safer implements on the market – the DERMAFLASH 2.0 LUXE Device, an electronic version that comes with razor cartridges, cleanser and moisturiser. Price: RO72.6. (Photo credit: www.allure.com)

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Just when you thought you’d left spots behind as a teenager, they can return to haunt you as an adult. Sarah Thomas reports on the problem of acne, and how to solve it

s a teenager I lived in horror of things going bump in the night. Or more accurately, I dreaded waking up to find that a new zit had nestled underneath my nostrils or bang-smack on my cheekbone. Of course, I reached for the Clearasil and cotton wool, and tried to cover up the calamity with a bit of concealer and foundation. However, it was a problem that was a case of ever decreasing circles: I zapped one spot to find another had taken its place. Luckily, they did go away and I have enjoyed a blemish-free existence since; I’m happy to say. Until last week. Now, I’m noticing a couple of zits, and the memories have come flooding back. Those of being called ‘Pizza Face’; the recall of which has run deeper than a dose of TCP into the offending apparition. Of course, my new spot could be an allergic reaction to a new serum or moisturiser. But acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. More than 80 per cent of adult acne sufferers are women, and the problem can take root as a result of pregnancy, periods, and polycystic ovary syndrome (the formation of small cysts inside the ovary). So where did my two new spots come from? According to the UK’s NHS Website, triggers include some medications (such as anti-depressants), wearing items that put pressure on the skin, smoking, or some (I knew it!) cosmetic products. Acne is not caused by poor diet, dirty skin, or prolonged exposure to sun rays. It can be caused by hormone imbalances, stress, pollution, and washing and cleansing too often and too intensely. Well, I’ve given a couple of new face creams a body swerve this week, and simply stuck to soap and water. It looks like I’m on track. The ever-reliable Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, US, says that

washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil is a good start. From there, it’s a matter of talking to your pharmacist and buying an over-the-counter product such as a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you feel like persevering at home before it gets to that stage, then go down the natural route. Home remedies include moisturising with aloe vera or applying diluted tea tree oil to your face twice a day. Other methods include applying green tea, witch hazel, or even apple cider vinegar to your face. While these might take a couple of days for your pimples to recede, you’ll want to cover it up. For this, you can apply a hot washcloth or a warm compress to the spot, put a cold cucumber or a block of ice on it to reduce inflammation, or put on some sunscreen with zinc oxide. Of course, prolonged and extreme acne is a problem that will mean a visit to your doctor, who will prescribe creams or gels, oral medications, or a mild cleanser. He may also refer you to a dermatologist. From there, cosmetic surgery may be required to remove permanent scars caused by the problem. That’s not my purpose here; it’s simply to keep those pimples at bay and ensure that my daughter knows what to do when it’s her turn. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue. (Sources:NHS UK, The Mayo Clinic, Healthline, Self)

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New Restaurant

YUMMY SNACK ATTACK

Upcycle your eating habits with these healthier versions of your favourite snacks that are short on calories but full on flavour.

Stealthy

SNACKING Satisfying doesn’t have to be sinful – but it sure can taste that way. Here are some of our fave ways to trick your taste-buds the next time you feel like reaching for that bag of crisps 044

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Reviews

Eat your fruit,” your mother said. “You don’t need cookies when there are apples, cheese slices and carrot sticks in the fridge.” If this was the constant refrain in your house growing up, or if you’re the one doing the refraining now, we’re here to tell you – we get it. Food is one of life’s ultimate pleasures and our relationship with it one of the most complex. With numerous psychological and emotional factors linked to our eating habits, it can be a love/hate affiliation with a lasting life-long impact for better or worse. As we’ve been conditioned to associate indulgence with feelings of guilt, we must work towards ‘un-conditioning’ ourselves. With the added social and cultural elements of bringing people together, food is a bonding experience meant to be enjoyed. It’s all about making informed choices while not depriving yourself of eating what you want to eat. The cliché of ‘everything in moderation’ still, in fact, rings true. And with the ‘2019 Canadian Food Guide’ shaking things up, divisively eliminating the four food groups as we know them in favour of a less prescriptive approach, it’s safe to say the shift has already begun. So, the next time you want to veg out to Netflix with your significant other, pack the kids a creatively-crafted lunch or just snack for the sake of pleasure, get your hand out of the cookie jar and try these comfort food stalwarts – upcycled for the healthconscious and flavour-savvy, on for size.

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 Sinless Snacks We Love When you just want to grab it off the shelf. Earth Balance Aged White Cheddar Flavor Puffs Vegan, cheesy, crunchy goodness that will have you packing away the Cheetos for good.

ingredient treats that boast no added refined sugar. Vermont Smoke & Cure Minis Craving a salty-spiced protein bunch? These paleo-friendly, antibioticfree hungerbusters aren’t your average beef jerky.

Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Sweet tooth addicts can get their chocolate fix with these all-natural, organic

(All products are available online to order from Amazon)

Spiced Popcorn, Three Ways

Graze guilt-free on these crisp yet fluffy cookies that pack a protein punch with a lower glycemic index. Yields: Batch of 45 Ingredients: § 180 grams white bread flour § 80 grams almond flour § 70 grams rolled oats § 50 grams cornstarch § 170 grams 2% Greek yogurt § 113 grams melted butter § 1 large egg § 90 grams white sugar § 60 grams brown sugar § 1 |Tbsp vanilla sugar § 4 grams baking powder § 1/8 tsp. baking soda § A pinch of salt § 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Method: § Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. § Stir in wet ingredients and mix until combined until a thick

Air-popped, savoury and completey more-ish – handful after handful. Serves: 6 dough forms. § Mould balls of dough. If dough is difficult to handle, wet your hands a bit. § Chill balls of dough in the freezer for 30-45 minutes. § Arrange them on a silicon cookie tray and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand, as they don’t spread much. § Bake at 200ºC (400F) for 15-17 minutes. § Don’t under-bake them or they’ll come out cakey. (Source: www.earthlytaste.com)

Ingredients: § 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels § 2 Tbsp of vegetable or coconut oil Spice Mixes Curry-Paprika Mix § 1/2 tsp curry powder § 1/2 tsp paprika § Sea salt to taste Garlic-Parm Mix § 1/2 tsp garlic powder § 1/2 tsp grated Parmesan cheesee

Spicy Oregano Mix § 1/2 tsp oregano § 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper § Sea salt to taste Method: § Add oil to the pot, put one kernel inside, and place the cover on over medium heat. § When that one kernel pops, it’s time to add the rest of the kernels in – just enough to cover the entire bottom of the pot. § Place the lid on and let heat work its magic. Within minutes, you’ll have a pot filled with warm, fresh popcorn! You can top the popcorn with one of the spice mixes mentioned above. § Each of these mixes is enough for four cups of popped corn. (Source: www.foodheavenmadeeasy.com)

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N e w R e s t a u r a n t REVIEWS Info Box

SOLO TACOS

Al Qurum Complex, Al Wilaj St. Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Sat-Thurs 12 noon till 11:00 p.m. Friday Contact: (+968) 2457-7700 Dinner for two: RO13.65

an R d i

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Mexican street-fare with a focus on freshness and simplicity of ingredients.

SOLO TACOS

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THIS EATERY BRINGS TIJUANA-STYLE STREET FOOD AND BIG MEXICAN FLAVOURS TO THE SULTANATE – WITH LASHINGS OF HOT SAUCE FOR GOOD MEASURE

t the risk of making generalisations, we’re going to go out on a limb and say it – finding good Mexican food in the region is as elusive as finding a needle in the proverbial haystack (or sand dune). Outside of the big-box mall chains a la Chili’s, certainly there are those who have tried and failed, with business models built around the assumption that big chains can be authentic. Enter Solo Tacos. This newly-opened eatery in the Al Qurum Complex is a ripe contender for top spot in an enclave packed cheek-by-jowl with dining options that leave us spoiled for choice. A Kuwaiti export, believe it or not; it’s a vibrantly-outfitted space the colourful interior of which adds a kick of spice to your experience as much as what is on the menu. With an open-plan kitchen and industrial décor that makes the most of its raw materials, the walls are adorned with rainbow splashes of colour with a nod to the graffiti-style street art murals that depict the mighty Mexican luchador wrestlers in all their glory. There’s a cafeteria-style main bar area with stool-top seating where you can grab a bite while watching your order being made, and shelves are stocked high with every species of miniature cacti imaginable that act as funky accent dividers for the rest of the seating space. A pair of saloon-style batwing doors lead to the hand-wash area, while outside ample umbrellaed tables make for shady-cool al fresco dining on their patio terrace. It’s noon on a Friday when we arrive for an early lunch – pleasantly surprised that they were actually open at this time of day. We’re not the

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only ones to venture out either, with several tables already occupied on the terrace. When loyal customers get out of bed on the weekend and make a lunch-time beeline to your outlet, we take that as a good sign. As it’s our first time here, we opt to sit inside and get a feel for the ambience. We’re seated at a table next to the wall of cacti with a prime view of the action in the open kitchen. Scanning the menu, we note that, in comparison to the encyclopaedic tomes of catch-all cuisines that seem to be the norm nowadays, Solo Tacos’ offerings are humbly reserved. Sticking to what they know best – all manner of tacos and their closely-related derivatives, they do one thing and do it well. And, really, it makes ordering simple so you get on to what it is you came for – enjoying some fire in your belly. We start with a sharing portion of their Solo Nachos, followed by hard and soft-shell varieties of their Marinated Chicken Los Tacos (our waitress encouraged us to try both, with a smile), and a Marinated Chicken Burrito. To wash it down we try their signature Jamaica drink – an infusion of hibiscus flowers that arrives at the table in a glass as dark as claret. I opt for the unsweetened version, which is both extremely refreshing and eye-wateringly pucker-y. True to its street-food roots, all orders come served in hand-held cardboard cartons lined with red-and-white checkered paper to sop up the grease. Yet that’s one thing that Solo Tacos’ fare isn’t – greasy. The nachos come crisp and hot, topped with generous dollops of their house-smashed guacamole, fresh pico de gallo that strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity from the freshly-chopped onion and tomato, coupled with

a herbaceous kick of cilantro. A helping of their house-made pinto beans stewed with olive oil and Omani sea salt rounds out the flavour profile along with an ooey-gooey onslaught of fresh mozzarella. Up next are the tacos. As they’re brought to the table the waitress sets down a flotilla of hot sauces – all made in-house – that would make even the staunchest of spice-lovers flinch. Figuring we’d best go for broke or not at all, we daub on lashings of their ‘Essa Demon’ sauce, a toe-curling five-alarm habanero alongside a splash of their sour cream-based ‘Blanco Misterio’ to quell the burn. The hard taco-shell is a satisfying crunch-fest, if not a little messy to manoeuvre, and we both prefer the wrap-it-up ease of their chapati-like soft-shell tortilla – the perfect vehicle to get each bite from plate to mouth with little to no casualties of spillage. The burritos are another winner that can hold their own in the flavour ring. Packed with the same fresh pico and guac coupled with juicy morsels of chicken; a bottom layer of lightly-fried tomato rice adds extra belly-filling oomph while fresh shredded purple cabbage offers an extra textural crunch. All tacos, burritos and bowls come with a choice selection that runs the gamut from chicken and beef, prawn and fish, to vegetarian options. This is guilt-free comfort food at its finest as all ingredients taste wholesome and fresh, with minimal oil throughout. If you’ve not made it out to Qurum to dine in, they’ve also got a popular street-food cart at the Al Mouj Saturday Market every weekend that you’d do well to line up early for. As far as luchadorean tradition is concerned – when it comes to fiery flavour and grab-and-go ease, Solo Tacos punches well above its weight. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com