Contents
All that glitters - Events & more 6 Interview: Mehreen Syed 8 Bored, broke & bound 11 Homes & Living: Wasif Khan 12 Culture: Dance in Pakistan 15 Aunty Athena 16 Legally Speaking: Khula 17 Art & creativity: Usman Saeed 18 Books reviews 20 Music lab 23 Take to the road: Thailand 24 Worth a thousand words 28 HSY: Dreams woven into regal attires 31 Fashion Global 40 Bloopers 41 Massarat’s makeovers 42 Talent Niche: Zavi Fatima 43 Careers: Babysitting 44 Scitech 45 Fitness Files: Shape up your arms 46 Health & Wellness: Heart to heart 47 Recipes 48 Food, hangouts & more 51 Movies 52 Stars & starlets 54 Taroscope 56 Glamstock: Shoes & bags 58 Editor Injila Baqir Zeeshan Sub Editors S. Fatima Zehra Naqvi Bushra Shahzad Sahar Iqbal Creative Head Babur Saghir Graphic Designer Javeria Mirza Photographer Mohammad Amir Baba
31 HSY
Dreams woven into regal attires Cover Mehreen Syed has just been placed at Number 16 on the “Top 50 Sexiest Women in Asia” list. She has won Face of the Year title in 2007 and is our only model to have been selected twice for Bridal Asia. Photography: Ather Shahzad, makeup & styling: Shahzad Raza, Designer: HSY.
All that glitters A participant wins a laptop by Dell
GIKI’s play was blackness personified
SICAS performing ‘Bandeya’ amid eye-catching red
SICAS bags Dramafest award Dramaline, the dramatics society at LUMS, presented the Dramafest, an event in which educational institutions from all over the country participated and competed for the Best Drama Award. Held at LUMS the festival was attended by a swarming crowd of enthusiastic young individuals. A large number of schools, colleges and universities took part in the event which started on October 1st and closed on October 3rd. The award was bagged by SICAS.
SICAS’ ‘Bandeya’ revolved around four individuals made paranoid by the growing political turmoil in the country
A performer from GIKI
Dramafest is a wonderful opportunity for youth to showcase their talents and hone them. The diverse themes of the plays presented were a reflection of the immense creativity and originality that the young generation of Pakistan is endowed with. The commendable efforts put in by the organisers and participants is what led to the enormous success of the event. A standing ovation is deserved by all those who participated in the event. Beenish Mehmood Indus Valley presenting ‘Anji’
Saad & Zainab
Fashion’s latest venture
School SICAS’ ‘Bandeya’ was a satire on the political turmoil prevailing in Pakistan
Anushay Asad
Mahnam Ansar
06 I October 10 - 16, 2010
Abeera & Seher Tareen
Tajwar & Marvie
Opera House held its inaugural exhibition of casual, formal and pret wear at The PFDC Boulevard.
Shahbano
Amina Naeem
Taha & Anam Azar
Sultana & Tajdaar Ch
Shehryar Tahir
Minna Mohsin
Tabinda Omar
Sarah Imran
Osama Khan
Undergrads unleash inner self at ‘Overflow’ Gallery 39K presented ‘Overflow’, an exhibition that showcased the activities of Summer 2010. This year saw eight new individuals join the guild and work in collaboration with 39K’s Rakshanda Atawar and Abdullah Qureshi. The exhibition, that showcased the works of undergraduates Haider Ali, Uzair Amjad, Dur-e-Nayab, Sarah Imran, Julius John, Osama Khan, Minaa Mohsin and Tabinda Omar, encouraged the young lot to challenge the definition of art and express their inner self. The multiplicity of ideas and institutional independence allowed them to explore untrodden artistic territory. The result was a splendidly fresh display of flamboyant colour and distinct tones embedded with simple yet powerful messages. The beauty of ‘Overflow’, however, lay in its message of integration: despite being unique, the paintings collectively mirrored the spirit of unity and understanding among the artists.
Asmaa challenges stereotypes with The Dresser The multi-talented Asmaa Mumtaz launched her brainchild The Dresser at 140-Ferozepur Road on October 3. The brand name captures the unique aspect of the salon-studio – a closet brimming with contemporary and stylish clothes and accessories. So not only does Asmaa and her team do your makeup, hair and photography, but they also let you “be anyone you want, and yourself, all at once”. Says Asmaa, “We understand that what you want and what you don’t want are of equal importance. It’s all about you; we just help you look brilliant.” With The Dresser, the visual artist in Asmaa has dared to challenge and break stereotypes. The Dresser, located at the backside of a factory, is shockingly distinct in its love for the rustic: Asmaa’s office boasts of an array of chemical bottles and the entrance of the salon has large chemical drums. So go check out The Dresser and experience the prep-pimp-polish-prime-snap session yourself! Fatima Zehra
Asmaa Mumtaz Guests
Guests
The Closet
Rukaiya with Models
Feeha Jamshaid,Rukaiya,Faiza Ansari and Shumayl
Rukaiya,Umar Saeed Shahila and Zara Abbas
Rukaiya’s comeback Karachi-based beautician Rukaiya recently inaugurated her salon amidst much fanfare. An informal bridal show had been conjured up featuring ramp queens Iraj, Nadia Hussain, Amna Ilyas and Ayyan who could be seen hobnobbing with the guests. The launch event was organised by Catwalk Productions. Speaking on the occasion, Rukaiya said, “I have finally succumbed to the wishes of my fans. It’s a dream come true for me.” Rukaiya had been on a long sabbatical taking care of her family, but is now back in action. Prominent fashion and showbiz personalities were present at the launch including Amean J, Faiza Ansari, Sonya Battla, Umar Saeed, Shahernaz, Feeha Jamshed and Fareshteh Aslam. Sumeha Khalid
Rukaiya and Shumayl
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 07
Talent Niche
Mehreen Syed:
Soaring to new heights “There’s no success without failure,” she expounds. “And when you are successful, you can’t expect it to last forever.”
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08 I October 10 - 16, 2010
By Yasir Nisar
he spring in her walk is unmistakable. Her career is in high tide and the surge has her soaring higher and higher. She’s one of those few models who have got what they aimed for. She truly is a diva. She may not flaunt it, but she won’t hide it either. Mehreen Syed, the fashion model from Lahore has just been placed at Number 16 on the “Top 50 Sexiest Women in Asia” list. Barely five years in the industry, Mehreen, is well on her way to the top. That’s probably because her no-nonsense attitude spells professionalism. There’s more to her than just her pretty face. She talks to Lounge about her achievements, her projects and future plans. Mehreen Syed is a gogetter truly casual about her successful career in modelling. She is known today as one of the top models on ramp and in print. The doe-eyed girl is roaring in the fashion scene. Her international shows have undoubtedly brought her in the top slot. She had also won the title of Face of the Year (FOTY) in 2007. She states, “I am quite content with the way my career has shaped up and I’m just happy that I did
well.” After doing innumerable fashion shows in UK, USA, Malaysia, Turkey Brunei, Karachi and Lahore, Mehreen feels, “I am basically a ramp model and I love to be a part of it. It is so much fun. I have been able to make my mark, I believe.” Despite the fact that the fashion scene has been badly affected by terrorism, Mehreen is proud to have been a part of the Karachi and Lahore Fashion weeks. “I love my
work. I want to present a “I loved the feeling of representing my different picture of Pakistan country in Bridal Asia. The Indian fashion in front of the world. It was world is very professional and I enjoyed a very different experience working there. Also they projected us very doing the fashion weeks in well.” such circumstances but I am glad to have been a part of it.” In contrast to other models, she has been selected twice for Bridal Asia in India. “I loved the feeling of representing my denied having signed a project like that. Now, country in Bridal Asia. The Indian fashion she affirms that there is something which she is world is very professional and I enjoyed going to do this year, in India. She is all praise for Ather and Shahzad, working there. Also they projected us who have guided her and brought the best out very well.” Though Mehreen did a few of her. “The credit of my success goes to Ather plays and telefilms in her initial Shehzad, as they have taught me and launched career, she has stopped now, as me. They are my mentors and I feel lucky to she has been busy with her have worked for them.” I want to know her modus operandi for modeling assignments. “I am focusing my attention taking up projects. Does she sign some for towards modeling and money, and some for commercial success? She fashion and plan chuckles, “Most people who know me, know to continue. I am that I only take very few commercial projects, not doing any TV because I do what I can handle and not just projects because of for the sake of work. I like to do selective work my busy schedule and that is why I don’t sign up everything that and shows in foreign comes my way.” She then talks about the ephemeral nature countries.” Lately, of success, especially in this profession. “There’s no success without failure,” she expounds. “And when you are successful, you can’t expect it to last forever.” Mehreen clears the she was in misconception that most of the news for having signed up an people have, about models. “People should Indian movie, change their minds regarding fashion; it is not and it made great the exposure or display of bodies but of attires. waves on the local Parents must acknowledge modeling as a scene, but she always profession and give it the respect it deserves.”
I 09
Nickname: Mona My biggest success: everything that I do Success to me is: whatever you achieve in your life Modelling for me is: my passion In three words, I am: humble, hard working, honest My worst fear: to lose loved ones What cheers me up: my mother’s smile What puts me off: liars My philosophy of life: I don’t let anything make me tense My favourite fragrance: Nina Ricci Fragrance for men: Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme My favourite type of dress is: jeans and shirt... casual The movie I enjoyed the most was: By Yasir Nisar Salt Favourite actors: Madhuri, Angelina Jolie, Bruce Willis What I hate to do: waiting for some one As a kid I was: very obedient What I always put off until tomorrow: checking emails Three characteristics that attract me most in a person: good nature, sense of dressing, intelligence My best friend must have this quality: sincerity My man should be: educated My most prized possession is: my father’s ring that I always wear Three things I always carry while travelling: my bag, my phone and my water bottle If I were shipwrecked on a deserted island, the one thing I wish I could have carried with me would be: my phone One thing I would change about myself is: nothing A thing I love and hate both is: human nature A song I often hum: it depends on my mood, but mostly it is one of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s songs An unfulfilled wish is: to perform Hajj I would like to be reborn as: Mehreen Syed The storybook/cartoon character I like: Tom & Jerry A movie title for the story of my life: Happiness Personified My fitness routine: healthy food and gym, lots of water and fruit My favourite travel destination: Switzerland What I do for relaxation: if I have time, I go abroad and relax on a beach If no one was listening I would shout out: I don’t shout 10 I October 10 - 16, 2010
Bored, Broke & Bound
A
couple of years ago when recession and ready to wear couture hit the Pakistani housewives, all in one go, a new breed of career woman was created. The woman who lands herself a career because she needs some extra cash for shopping! So at one end of our career woman dichotomy, there is the woman with high ambitions, and on the other end of the same dichotomy there is the woman with high maintenance. The first type is generally passionate about what she does, hence is professional and ambitious. The high maintenance type, on the other hand, is generally a wee bit deviant in the work ethic department, and thus creates a reason for this particular column. Before I digress and forget to mention, somewhere outside this spectrum, there is the third type as well. This is the triple B type i.e. bored, broke and bound. The woman who wants to make it big overnight, and do it all without getting up early in the morning. So this woman just like everybody else and their aunts, bribes her best friend’s tailor, buys the latest Gul Ahmad magazine, and voila, calls herself a designer. Armed with her camera phone ready to snap every time she window shops at her favourite brand store, our triple B career lady ceremoniously embarks on the proverbial corporate quest. She dedicates those hours between school time and home time to buying laces, fulfills her shopping cravings by shopping at other people’s expense, and proves her identity from time to time by holding fancy exhibitions in her drawing room. If you go to her design garage, the only novelty you are likely to encounter is the price tag. An 8000 rupees jora, for instance, that you could easily make yourself in Rs. 1000, only if your camera phone works and your tailor is not such an unreliable sleaze ball. And if, God forbid, the designer business doesn’t take off as expected, then of course the corporate world has long been a willing victim, cajoling and encouraging women and minorities of all varieties to please come and apply. So whenever anyone with the right amount of estrogen levels, the right length of trousers, and a reasonable tendency to code switch to English walks in that door, she is considered a package made in heaven. Whether this package, once delivered, delivers things other than babies every now and then, is a question that they
Career for shopping often choose to deal with at the It is no surprise that a work place later stages of the first maternity leave. stereotype is fast emerging of a groomed It is no surprise that a work place stereotype is fast emerging to the teeth, unprofessional, untrained of a groomed to the teeth, career woman whose only claim to fame unprofessional, untrained career woman whose only claim to fame is that she is the boss’s niece’s neighbour’s is that she is the boss’s niece’s neighbour’s cat’s best friend’s cat’s best friend’s owner owner. She is a thorn in many people’s flesh on the wrong side of their anatomies, not because people have anything against personal grooming, but ADHD beyond a googled definition, became the saving because the combination of class and klutz ceases to grace of the situation. The principal was reluctant to go be amusing once the introductions are over. The sector ahead with the labeling and I was unwilling to believe a that has taken the maximum amounts of hits due to word of what she said. “All I know is that my son is very this ‘I am untrained but I need a job’ syndrome is the docile, and always gets the best behaved boy certificates education sector. Private schools in particular, which that YOUR school gives to him.” I reasoned, “And I also already suffer from the complete package disease, are know that since the day he perfected his 1s and moved easy targets. A teacher at a private school needs to be on to 2s your annual play rehearsals began. Which well versed in English, should know how to dress up, means that my son’s pretty as a picture young teacher and be reasonably qualified. Whether she is trained to is a replacement for the actual teacher who is busy with teach, is generally an afterthought and not the primary the play. And I also know that Miss your-son-is-slow concern. is a newlywed who colours her nails in class! Bottom Having worked in the education sector for more line: untrained teacher, untrained teacher, untrained than a decade, I am pretty familiar with this dilemma teacher!” Enough said, hearing a thunderous applause and its after effects. But, how this problem is no in my head for a life time performance, I walked out. laughing matter, is something you discover only when Two things happened after that. A) My son learnt to you are at the receiving end as a parent of children write his 2s. B) The principal never looked me in the eye being taught by these complete packages. A few years or said hi in the corridor for the entire two years that my ago I discovered that my three year old was unable to son stayed in that school. Having read up on learning write the digit 2. His class work consistently showed a disabilities and ADHD in the subsequent years, I perfectly formed elegant 2 on every page, whereas at shudder at the thought of what would have happened home he could not go beyond the first curve. Always if I had chosen to believe the ‘diagnosis’ made by the edgy to assert my rights owing to the exorbitant fee I teacher who obviously didn’t know what she was talking pay, I rushed to the school with a page full of twisted about. 2’s. Lo and behold! My child, I was told, was a slow Oh yes! There are two types of career women in the learner who suffered from attention deficit syndrome. market; ones with high ambitions and ones with high “Hyper activity”, I said. “What?” the principal obviously maintenance. These women in turn produce two types not fond of being interrupted, let alone contradicted, of clients in the market; ones with high expectations, raised a penciled brow. “Attention deficit meaning and ones with extremely and exorbitantly high blood ADHD meaning hyper, meaning my son is hyper that pressures. Cheers! is why he doesn’t pay attention?” I asked. Fortunately, The writer is a freelance journalist. She also teaches for both of us a lack of knowledge we both had on writing and literature.
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 11
Homes & Living
W a s i f K h a n ’s
Aesthetic equilibrium By Mariam Qureshi
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he first thing that strikes one about Wasif Khan’s house is that it is not garishly ostentatious. Although the house comprises of priceless ornaments and paintings, the architect has managed to give the whole ambiance a low key, muted effect. He has managed to create a tasteful equilibrium in such a way that although he has displayed priceless paintings, antique pieces and silver ware, they do not make the place look impersonal. The essence of a house being a home is very much there. The space does not intimidate but welcomes you. Wasif Khan is one of the pioneer architects of Pakistan and his home explains why his aesthetic sensibility is so keenly sought after by his clients. Wasif begins by saying, “I was initially a painter, but my parents did not think that being an artist was a respectable profession hence I became an architect and since then there has been no stopping.” One can notice the shrewd manoeuvring of space as he tells us, “I used to live with my parents. When I had children I decided we needed our own personal space as a family. Hence, I turned the servant quarters in the back of the house into our new house.” One can see that the key challenge lies in utilising the space. The entire outlook of the house is a combination of a neat, compact and clever distribution of space. Wasif explains, “I have often appropriated Islamic geometry and pattern work in my designs and I
12 I October 10 - 16, 2010
The most interesting inculcate this corner was the fireplace indigenous principal in in the lounge filled with modern designs.” pine cones and the He adds “What mantelpiece adorned is different about with antique pottery my house is the pieces from Mehergarh inverse plan of the infrastructure. The private space way. The most interesting corner was the is inside the fireplace in the lounge filled with pine cones house rather than and the mantelpiece adorned with antique outside.” Wasif has allocated the back of the house as pottery pieces from Mehergarh. Above it was a portrait the garden so that it remains a private space away from of a lady in pastels. It’s no surprise this sketch is by the the likes of guests, gardeners, servants etc. He also adds, famous artist Iqbal Hussain. Speaking of paintings Wasif “The most common mistake that people make, is that maintains, “When I have the opportunity I buy art - my they spend the maximum amount of money on the biggest investment is my art collection.” He adds, “My spaces which have minimal use, such as their drawing favourite painting is by Sadequain,” as he points to a room. That is not very intelligent. If you notice a large painting of a man and cacti in calligraphy. It is a series part of my study and dining comprises of windows, yet from Sadiquan’s “Holy Sinners”. I have no curtains. The idea is that one can look out Another nook that I was enamored by, was a mantel into my private space – my garden.” He further states, piece which had a plethora of pictures on them. What “I have always prioritised function over form. When was so interesting about it was that the pictures were very you have determined the function of a space, form will old and gave one a poignant glimpse of the times when automatically follow. It is important to create equilibrium photographs needed retouching with manual painting. between the space and its function.” Wasif points to a picture of a stately gentleman sitting like As Wasif takes us around the house one finds various a Gora Sahib. “This is a picture of my great grandfather.” nooks and corners which are tasteful in a very distinct Hence with all the Chughtais, Allah Bukshs and Iqbal
Expert’s tips Light source: · Light source should never be visible · Never throw direct light on a painting · If you intend to use direct lighting, use the one in which you can dim or increase the intensity of the light manually. · Light should fall from left shoulder · Make sure your windows are larger on the south part of the house which is where your garden should be; hence the light will be reflected from the leaves into your window
Wasif’s dining room with a painting by R M Naeem in the background Hussains Wasif has added a personal touch, a glimpse of his ancestors which will always remind him of his roots. The house is replete with a collection of silverware. Wasif adds, “The collection of Chaandi ornaments is my wife’s domain- she is the one who has a real understanding of silver.” On asking about Wasif’s favourite part of the house he replies, “My study room; this is where I sit and listen to music. He points towards a massive
A hearth in the drawing room, lending a cozy and inviting ambiance
Space allocation: · Managing smaller places requires more calculation than larger ones · Space and time context should be compatible: the space should remain functional even with passing time · Spaces should flow into each other: there should be no obstruction while moving from one place to another. Easy access to each room should be coupled with a sense of rhythm in smooth movement Colour Scheming: · Focus on mute and light colours which are optimum for the hot weather of our region · The colours should be tastefully contrasted and should merge into each other well, depending on the colour scheme of a room October 10 - 16, 2010 I 13
sound system and a handsome closet which comprises of his music collection. He adds that this closet has marquetry on it. Marquetry is a use of different woods composed to make a design. This is also the room where Wasif sits and socializes with his friends. Wasif certainly justifies the principal that the room you use the most is the one which should be the most beautifully adorned. This stands true since Wasif’s study is the most aesthetically appealing room in the house. Then Wasif leads us to a window in the drawing room, which overlooks a water body. It is a beautiful marble edifice. It reminds one of the water bodies at Shalimar. Wasif explains, “I bought this piece of marble from Jhang and it is about a hundred years old.” The piece is very tastefully and strategically placed amidst baskets hanging from the ceiling with plants in them. Finally, Wasif shows us his most prized possession, a jharoka in sand stone, adorned with shelves of silverware. He maintains, “I bought this literally a dime from an old house being demolished in the interior of the city. It had been painted upon so I hired a worker to remove the lamination from it. It took him six months to clean it and bring it back to its original shape. A man is known by the manner in which he maintains his house. And Wasif’s house is a blend of the ethnic and modern, probably an expression of a man who is deeply rooted yet does not fear to venture into modern realms.”
Wasif shows us his most prized possession, a jharoka in sand stone, adorned with shelves of silverware
A collection of antique clay pottery from Mehergarh
14 I October 10 - 16, 2010
A scenic view of the drawing room. A muted but tasteful blend of colours with a view of a spacious well-kept garden in the background
A Jharoka in sandstone adorned with shelves of silverware placed in one end of the drawing room
Culture
Dance in Pakistan
By Roshan Ara Bokhari
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ance in Pakistan has been considered a sensitive subject taboo for some and infra dig for others. A large majority of conservative people had no hesitation to look askance at the mention of dance and go to the extent of condemning it and relegating it to just the ‘kotha’ and the ‘nautch girls’. However many others had mixed feelings, recognising that dance had cultural and aesthetic values, but were not really sure how to react to ‘dance’. Social pressures prevail and not wanting to offend the majority, specially when religion is brought in as a reason to condemn dance, they mostly have a negative attitude. In spite of these prejudices there were some committed people who were able to keep up the tradition of classical dance alive. In the early years of Pakistan Karachi had two dedicated teachers who taught classical dance, Rafi Anwer and Ghanshyam. Lahore students were taught by Ghulam Hussain Kathak, popularly know as Maharaj. These teachers were able to impart their knowledge of classical dance
In the early years of Pakistan Karachi had to eager students thus preserving the tradition of classical dance. two dedicated teachers who taught classical In 1965 Naeem Tahir took the dance, Rafi Anwer and Ghanshyam. Lahore initiative to promote dance in a students were taught by Ghulam Hussain big way and got together a number of dancers from East and West Kathak, popularly know as Maharaj Pakistan. He prepared a Dance Troupe for performances in China. The outlook had begun to change and a major breakthrough came about when PIA set up its Art Academy, and apart from individual performances and overcome this vacuum. folk dances Mehr Nigar Masroor choreographed and In recent years The Pakistan National Council directed a long ballet ‘Sons of the River’. This show was of the Arts gave official patronage to the National primarily taken to London along with President Ayub’s Performing Arts Group (NPAG) and today we have official visit to the UK and was a thundering success an active Dance Group in the three cities of Karachi, with rave reviews. This show later toured many other Lahore and Islamabad. These groups give frequent countries. This further encouraged the advent of dance performances for the public and state functions and performances. have also represented Pakistan in a number of countries. Mehr Nigar Masroor did a series of ballets for TV They have in their repertoire classical dances, ballets presenting contemporary and revolutionary themes. that tell stories in dance, folk dances as well as dances Arts Council, Lahore also became active and presented set to Sufi music and Fusion. It is with pride that I relate Dance Shows. Also from Lahore emerged the great artist that NPAG, Lahore taking part in Pan-Asian Youth Nahid Siddiqui, a dedicated and devoted exponent of Dance Competition held in China in 2007 presented Kathak. She also presented her dances in the popular a brand new item to to the Fusion music composed TV programme ‘Payal’. by the Raga Boyz and choreographed by the writer, in Unfortunately all this was short lived as the dark competition with 28 other countries, was the recipient days of General Zia’s rule proved a dire setback for dance. of the Golden Category Award. Prohibited on TV, virtually no dance performances The tradition of dance should be encouraged, only could be held and artists like Nahid Siddiqui left the then will more dancers emerge to preserve the great country in those bleak times. It took a long time to tradition which must not be lost through neglect. October 10 - 16, 2010 I 15
Dear AA, I am in my university years. I am very shy towards new acquaintances due to my appearance. I am fat and I have pimples and rough skin. I have joined the gym as well and taken many medicines for my skin but to no avail. It shatters my confidence and I hate it. Now I am even afraid to go out in public. Please help me, how can I overcome this issue. Phat not fat Dear Phat, You are facing the problem of low self esteem and lack of self confidence. It’s not at all a big issue. The best thing is that you are trying to come out of it. But I want to tell you that it is not necessary that if you become slim and skinny, people will start liking you. Remember one thing: you are liked because of what you are as a person. And everyone has some unique quality that others don’t have in their personalities. All you need to do is to find it out and highlight your traits. What you can do is to write down all your positive qualities and start appreciating yourself, because no one will like you unless you like yourself and those who think you are fat might be lacking in something that you have. All you need to do is to find out the qualities you have and you will be amazed how many good qualities you have, once you start searching for them. Secondly, the problem regarding your skin and weight issue: it can be very easily managed by releasing all toxins from your body. And that can be 16 I October 10 - 16, 2010
done by simple breathing exercises and drinking lots of water and green tea. These breathing exercises are extremely easy and the results are amazing as it will help you to lose weight as well as clear your skin and give you a glow. Best of luck. Dear AA, I am a chain smoker since I was doing A levels. Now I want to get rid of this habit, as it is a social stigma. I tried but I can’t quit no matter how much chewing gum I take. Kindly suggest me a good way in which I can control this habit. Chain Smoker Dear Chain, At least you are willing to leave smoking, so the good news is that you have already taken the first step. Now what you need to do is that first of all make a one hundred percent commitment to yourself that no matter what you have to get rid of it. Then the next step is to start reducing it slowly and gradually. You need to strengthen your will power and determination, so in the first stage just smoke half a cigarette and then throw it. After this just start reducing the quantity. Get yourself involved in any physical activity. Another very effective thing that can help you to get rid of cigarette is Reiki. Learn this wonderful art of healing and apply it on yourself. It will help you get rid of smoking in no time. Take care.
Legally Speaking
Wash the stigma of Khula
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ariam, like all young girls, had wished for a perfect marriage. She had spent most of her life preparing to be a good, obedient wife. On 11th April, 2008 her wish was granted and she was wed to Syed. The marital relationship between the couple remained cordial for the first six months. But as the time passed, Mariam could gradually see her dreams of marital bliss shatter. Soon Mariam became a victim of domestic violence. Syed had previously snatched all gifts that Mariam had received from various relatives on the day of the wedding. Now, having run out, he resorted to threats of divorce unless she pressed her parents for money to satisfy his personal needs. Like many women in Pakistan, Mariam could not digest the idea of ‘talaaq’, as that would mean admitting that she had been a disobedient wife. She could not bear the idea of living with the
taboo of divorce. She aqueisced. Not long after, Mariam became pregnant. Syed dared not miss the opportunity to put her through further anguish. Upon delivery, Syed and his family made little effort to hide their disgust with Mariam for not blessing them with a baby boy; an heir for the family. Such atrocities continued and, one fine day, Syed decided that Mariam and their 5-month-old daughter had become too much of a burden for his fragile shoulders. In October, 2009 he left the two of them at the nearest railway station. Mariam had no choice but to find her way to her parents’ home. For days, Mariam’s parents spoke of reconciliation without any success. Divorce was the only option left for Mariam. Knowing he would have to abide by law, and return what was rightfully Mariam’s, Syed refused to give her a divorce. Having exhausted all her options, Mariam sought help at a local NGO. She was advised to take a hold of her legal rights as a citizen of Pakistan and claim for dissolution of marriage on the grounds of Khula or Khula. Options available to a woman in Mariam’s position in Pakistan would be to obtain Dissolution of Marriage on the ground of Khula, stated above, which is laid down in the Family Courts (Amendment) Ordinance 2002, or on grounds of cruelty, desertion, polygamy, failure to perform marital obligations, impotence, insanity etc. laid down in the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 (‘DMMA’). In Pakistan, Khula is the most common form of dissolution accessed by women through the courts, mainly because a woman may seek divorce from her husband (without having to prove fault on his part) by offering him some form of compensation. This concept of offering compensation has been interpreted to mean that the wife has to forego her right to dower i.e. Haq Mahr. Although, precedence set before the right of Khula, made statutory, held that it was not necessary for a wife to return or give up her mahr to obtain the same, but it is now a prerequisite
An existing flaw in the system is highlighted where the husband, by refusing to unilaterally divorce her, forces the wife to seek Khula to avoid having to give her Mahr upon divorce
and the wife has to undergo a financial loss. To obtain dissolution on any ground laid down in the DMMA, 1939, the wife is not required to forego her mahr but is expected to satisfy stringent evidence requirements and a case may take years to come to a close. Divorce under the DMMA, 1939, is therefore the form of divorce least chosen by women. In Pakistan, a court is to asses a wife’s plea for Khula and she has to prove that she cannot live with her husband ‘within the limits prescribed by God’. The court plays a central role because it both determines whether or not the petition for ‘khula’ will be granted and it determines the issue of compensation the wife has to pay. An existing flaw in the system is highlighted where the husband, by refusing to unilaterally divorce her, forces the wife to seek Khula to avoid having to give her Mahr upon divorce (as is seen in Mariam’s case). To counter such practices, Morocco introduced divorce for ‘irreconcilable differences’ which would leave open the possibility of compensation to the wife. Pakistan’s legal system could make good use of such examples of reform to better implement the existing laws. Although women in many communities in Pakistan are unaware of their legal rights to dissolution and equally unaware of the tiresome procedures that are required, there is the will to fight for a better future, for themselves and their children. Courtesy Shirkat Gah Material
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 17
Art & creativity
Usman Saeed’s strokes of ingenuity
W
ith his slight frame and a gentle demeanour Usman Saeed’s talent is larger than life. He is not aware of his idiosyncratic artistic charm because he hasn’t seen life any different. He is the son of Saeed Akhtar, one of the few nationalist painters that Pakistan can claim proudly as its own. All of Usman Saeed’s siblings followed in their father’s footsteps. Hence, art and the baggage of sensitivity, creativity, eccentricity and most importantly, a unique perception of the surrounding environment, are the traits which hold true for Usman Saeed. Usman Saeed graduated from the National College of Arts in 1999. He majored in miniature and then he pursued a master’s degree from Royal College of Arts London in 2004. In NCA his concepts for his miniatures revolved around being human, human foibles and human relationships. When one compares his NCA and Royal College of Arts work, one notices a widening perspective and horizon. His work is about time, ornamentation, colonial and local aesthetics and becomes a nostalgic retrospective travelogue. He breaks the fetters of a personal commentary scope. Covering these domains in a few years time, points to a personality highly sensate and malleable enough to carry out a social commentary in an artistic manner. Usman Saeed’s first project at Royal College of Arts was one in which he was given a vinyl figurine manufactured by a robot company and distributed to sixty artists globally. They had to develop its personality
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Wordplay “Dalna”
His work is about time, ornamentation, colonial and local aesthetics and becomes a nostalgic retrospective travelogue
according to their own perception. Usman Saeed carried out a self portrait. His perception of himself was interesting with his thick mane of hair covering half of his face giving him a shy demeanour, and a stitched mouth, probably a comment on silent observation that artists are prone to and how they use a paint brush to express themselves rather than their voice. Then he began talking about an installation he created in a rundown public office in London. This work was very contemporary and expressive through innuendos. The installation was about loss and wastage shown through plastic product packaging being scattered in the environment. The feeling of loss and incompleteness is expressed with an empty phone charger package which becomes an allusion the fact that life goes on and regenerates even with a deep sense of loss and emptiness. This work has a profound and an almost abject undertone to it with its grim usage of material and spaces. He talks about his favourite work in his first year at Royal College of Arts. He begins by saying, “I was commissioned to illustrate a book in collaboration with an Indian writer on Muslim vernacular in the west. In this project I used symbols that I associated with different regions I had visited. It had a nostalgic stance to it.” He represents Lahore through the act of hatching - symbolising his birthplace and
He painted faces of his friends and class mates as a makeup artist, mapping their personalities on their faces with paint. He represented one of his friends as a Lotus Goddess, another as a fiery Bengali girl and wrote his sentiments on yet another one’s face
Detail from installation “Un pont”
Queen from the installation “Un pont “
London is represented through a paisley and yin and yang symbol. Paris was represented through stained glass cathedral windows. A very strong intimacy and association of the experience with the regions is evident in this piece. He then shifts conversation to another project. He painted faces of his friends and class mates as a makeup artist, mapping their personalities on their faces with paint. He represented one of his friends as a Lotus Goddess, another as a fiery Bengali girl and wrote his sentiments on yet another one’s face in French. He pasted these photographs on acrylic boxes and placed them next to each other. He made fleeting moments, permanent by capturing their personalities. The most revolutionary project by Usman was displayed in his most recent work at the Ijaz Gallery Lahore in December 2004. This work dealt with how the artist interprets colloquial verbs in artistic expression. For instance the verb “Rehna” (To stay) depicts queen Victoria with a book above her head. This is an emblem of the west which colonised us, and came to stay. They are still influencing us. The book above her head represents the superior level of knowledge which makes the west far more superior to the east, hence they have also empowered the east. One can say that Usman is burdened with a gift because it is sensitive souls like him that are responsible for creating visions of society and life for ordinary people like us. The duty befalls on artists like Usman to show us the world in an aesthetic manner, be it celebrating beauty or commenting on the bitter aspects of life. By Mariam Qureshi
Rahna III from the exhibition ”Wordplay”
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Book Reviews
The story of tortured love
A
udrey Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry is a story of tortured and near impossible love. The book explores the impossible element of afterlife, and how one ghost’s action affects many lives. ‘Her Fearful Symmetry’ is set in London and what better place for a ghost story than right next door to Highgate Cemetery. The story opens with the death of a woman, leaving her apartment to her estranged twin sister’s twin daughters. There are many dark secrets lurking here and there and many mysteries that go unexplained. The bulk of the story is about the twin girls, who are twenty, but don’t seem to have escaped childhood yet. They still do that whole twin thing of dressing alike. As part of the dead aunt’s will, the twins have to live in her London apartment for one year. While there, they meet a couple of eccentric neighbours and the ghost of the dead aunt. All in all, they handle being haunted fairly well. With the help of the ghost’s old
Title: Decoding the Language of God Author: George Cunningham M.D. Publisher: Prometheus Books
boyfriend, who lives downstairs, they are able to communicate via Ouija board and automatic writing. Soon they spend a lot of time talking to the ghost. The ghost is the star of the show, but she gets some serious competition from the OCD upstairs neighbour and the old boyfriend’s umpteen-thousand page dissertation on Highgate Cemetery. There are elements of the author’s own life interwoven into the story. Niffenegger is from Chicago, and so are the twins. Niffenegger’s own love of Highgate Cemetery compelled her to become a guide, and she uses details of her experiences to colour the story with details like the foxes, rundown walls, and interesting tombs. There is also a good deal of talk about how the American twins have a hard time adjusting to life in London and the way the British speak and act. ‘Her Fearful Symmetry juggles’ many balls, and the characters must deal with multiple changes in their lives. The ending, however, would not satisfy many readers. The reader would rather expect a couple of more twists towards the end. But overall it is definitely worth a read.
‘You can’t win an argument’
D
ale Carnegie, one of the greatest thinkers on human behaviour of the last century, once said, “you can’t win an argument”, and in my experience this has been one of the most profound truisms. This is why I always reach for books written with the aim of “debunking” another book with a sense of dread. In a sense, these books seem to say, “Hey you, sit down and let me tell you all the ways that you’re wrong!” before the first page. That’s a turn-off. Thankfully, George C Cunningham, MD, MPH makes a clear and specific case against the book in its cross hairs, Francis Collins’ ‘The Language of God’, and is remarkably convincing. ‘Decoding the Language of God’ succeeds in every facet of its undertaking, and yet I feel confident that it won’t convert a single believer. You just can’t win an argument.
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Title: Her Fearful Symmetry Author: Audrey Niffenegger Publisher: Random House
Just like the countless books that expound on the philosophies of faith and the ways that you can better serve the lord, Cunningham’s book is written for a particular audience. Namely those atheists who were unconvinced by Francis S Collins’ look at Christianity from a scientific perspective in the first place. After all, Collins’ has made a lot of money and gained a significant amount of fame by supposedly bridging the gap between science and religion. Cunningham decries Collins’ analysis of the evidence for belief point by point in succinct readable fashion that clearly points out the errors in Collins’ case. For instance, there is a problem with some of Collins’ more esoteric arguments concerning man’s basic need for a God-like figure. Clearly, Cunningham doesn’t have this need. The job of bridging two seemingly unbridgeable philosophies dwarfs Cunningham’s larger argument, which is that religion is dangerous.
A captivating account of evolution and endurance
‘T
Desai’s story is not just based on the struggle of the protagonists against the odds of life but also presents a stark comparison between modernity and tradition
By Beenish Mahmood
he Village by the Sea’, Anita Desai’s novella, is an excellent read for all. An all time classic read, it offers a wide variety of themes interwoven with the detailed descriptions of the beauty of nature. The winner of the Guardian Fiction Prize, the book aims to bring together the life in the village and life in the city in a manner that is exquisite and delicate. The story unfolds in a small fishing village in India called Thul. Untouched by the advancements of the twentieth century, the village is still governed by traditional methods of life. The people of Thul hunt fish for their survival. Set in the midst of coconut fronds, footprints on wet sand, the frolicking waves of the sea, the swooping eagles and mud thatched houses, the village is literally like a scene out of a painting – so unreal and serene.But in the midst of this tranquility lie the unsettled futures of Lila and Hari. In the presence of a drinking father, an ill mother and two young siblings (Bela and Kamal) to support, Lila and Hari are set to face the family’s predicament. Desai’s gentle and probing story moves like the sea’s tide that recedes and then goes forward. It traces the evolution of Lila and Hari from children into adults. Lila learns to manage on her own without any help. Hari who works in the field becomes mature enough to realise that as the man of the family he needs to step out into the world and face the scathing light. Desai brilliantly contrasts the city and the village. Whilst on one side is the calm and enchanting village, on the other hand we have the city of Bombay bustling with the noise and din of the vehicles. Tall buildings, littered roads, smell of urine, beggars on pavements, the racket of traffic and the rowdy public are all features that set the city apart from the village. Desai’s story is not just based on the struggle of the protagonists against the odds of life but also presents a stark comparison between modernity and tradition. The novel takes a number of twists and turns before reaching the end. There is the entry of the De Silva’s (a family from Bombay that owns a house in Thul), and the news that a factory is going to be built in Thul as well as all that happens to Hari in Bombay. The novel’s basic theme is that of adaptation and survival. And this is what Hari learns in the city. He learns to cope and change with time and varying circumstances. Desai in telling the story of Hari never for once forgets those that have been left behind, i.e. Lila and her family. She keeps the reader in constant touch with the village and the city simultaneously. And this is where her expertise lies – she is able to portray two opposing worlds without doing injustice to either. On the whole, the novella is a captivating account of evolution and endurance. However, the tenderness with which these rough themes have been handled is something only someone as crafty as Desai can do. The novella is a must read for all those who want to sit back and reflect on life, for Desai is able to pierce the inner conscience of each human being by describing the poverty of Lila and Hari and revealing their tenacity in the face of adverse circumstances.
Title: The Village by the Sea Publisher: Puffin Books Author: Anita Desai
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Ti m e l e s s c l a s s i c s
From comrades to dictators
TOP TEN FICTION
PAPERBACKS
Title: Animal Farm Author: George Orwell
‘P
o w e r corrupts, b u t absolute p ow e r corrupts
absolutely’, and this is vividly and eloquently proved in Orwell’s short novel, ‘Animal Farm’. It is a simple fable of great symbolic value. It tells a good story that aims to prove that human nature and diversity prevent people from being equal and happy, or at least equally happy. Orwell’s mastery lies in his presentation of the horrors of totalitarian regimes, and his analysis of communism put to practice, through satire and simple story-telling. The structure of the novel is skillfully organised and the reader may detect the causes of the unworkability of communism even from the first chapter. The revolution was doomed from the beginning, even though it began in idealistic optimism as expressed by the motto, “No animal must ever tyrannise over his own kind. Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers”. When the animals drive out Mr Jones, the owner of the farm, they create their “Seven Commandments” which ensure equality and prosperity for all the animals. The pigs, however, being the natural leaders, managed to reverse the commandments, and through terror and propaganda establish the rule of an elite of pigs. ‘Animal Farm’ successfully presents how the mechanism of propaganda and brainwashing works in totalitarian regimes, by showing how the pigs could make the other animals believe practically anything. In ‘Animal Farm’, Orwell describes how power turned the pigs from simple “comrades” to ruthless dictators who managed to walk on two legs, and carry whips. The story ends with a hair-raising warning to all humankind:” The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again: but already it was impossible “All animals are equal, but some to say which was animals are more equal than which.”
others.”
Quote of the Week
1 -Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell 2 -The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris 3 -Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult 4 -The Quest by Wilbur Smith 5 - An Absolute Scandal by Penny Vincenzi 6 - Gold Diggers by Tasmina Perry 7 - A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.”
8 - Friend of the Devil by Peter Robinson
Claudius, Scene V, ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare
10 - 31 Dream Street by Lisa Jewell
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9 -Engleby by Sebastian Faulks
The Music Lab
Jamey Johnson’s ‘The Guitar Song’
J
amey Johnson’s music is hard, like a metal slide on a pedal steel guitar; it’s real, like the kernel of truth. It’s a consummate blend of artifice and selfrevelation, an intricately crafted container for elemental stuff – the dirt of work and the sweat of love. Anointed as Nashville’s new official outlaw after 2008’s breakthrough album “That Lonesome Song,” Johnson, with his motorcycle man demeanor and don’t-mess-with-me baritone, fits neatly into the role. Whatever this admitted partier does in his personal life, like his hero Willie Nelson, Johnson makes great music by being attentive to the rules, customizing time-tested musical structures and lyrical themes so they fit him like a custom leather jacket. “The Guitar Song” is an homage to the clichés, craft and gut instinct involved in writing great country songs. “That’s Why I Write Songs,” is an ode to Johnson’s role models: songsmiths like Whitey Shafer and Bob McDill, who laboured in the Music City trenches for decades and, as Johnson sings, “Make you laugh or make you cry, might help you make it through a bad goodbye.” That art of expressing sentiments that people can grasp, not reaching either too high or two low, is what makes Johnson, so shaggy on the surface, special. What makes Johnson important isn’t authenticity. It’s his dogged pursuit of the heart and soul of country music’s clichés, the deep vein of elegance within them. Divided into two discs (one “black,” one “white”) meant to give structure to its sprawl, “The Guitar Song” doesn’t really require that conceit. The songs on the former seem more akin to outlaw types like Steve Earle and David Allan Coe, while the latter, with broader humor and more macho swaggering, connects to country patriarchs (like Porter Wagoner,
The playing throughout the album is exquisite; even when Johnson’s mostly co-written lyrics get into dicey territory
Johnson loves a good recitation) and pals such as Trace Adkins and Gretchen Wilson. Best are those, like the rock-tinged “Heartache” and the easy-rolling “Playing the Part,” that tell their stories without much fuss, demonstrating the inventiveness of seasoned players working comfortably within their chosen form. The playing throughout the album is exquisite; even when Johnson’s mostly co-written lyrics get into
dicey territory, as on the ode to birch-rod parenting “By the Seat of Your Pants,” it’s just a joy to listen to him and his band work through their changes. Johnson doesn’t have a huge vocal range, but he knows how to modulate. With “The Guitar Song,” he’s made an ambitious work that goes down easy. Johnson may masquerade as a throwback but what he really aims for is timelessness, and he usually hits his mark.
What are you listening to? Top 10 East!
Top 10 West!
1) Munni Badnaam - Dabangg
1) Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
2) Tujhe Bhula Diya - Anjaana Anjaani
2) Dynamite - Taio Cruz
3) Tere Mast Mast Do Nain - Dabaang
3) Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
4) Pee Loon - Once Upon A Time in Mumbai
4) Love The Way You Lie - Eminem Feat Rihanna
5) Dilkash Dildaar Duniya - Aashayein
5) I Like It - Enrique Iglesias Feat Pitbull
6) Hamesha And Forever - We Are Family
6) DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love - Usher Feat Pitbull
7) Dhundo - Gumshuda
7) Just A Dream - Nelly
8) Pagal Anukan - Robot
8) Take It Off - Ke$ha
9) Mere Bina - Crook
9) California Gurls - Katy Perry Feat Snoop Dogg
10) Hairat - AnjaanaAnjaani
10) Mine - Taylor Swift
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 23
Take to the Road
Thailand: A tropical heaven
By Injila Baqir Zeeshan
T
hailand offers a vast variety of many wonderful experiences. The food tastes divine and the mouthwatering pineapple attracts you to the roadside stalls. Being tropical, the weather is almost the same, all the year round. If you are a beach person, there are white sand beaches to be enjoyed in plenty, and if you are all about trees and greenery, there are beautiful roads which take you winding up into mountains covered with thick tropical forest. There are many beautiful parts of Thailand and you need to choose which ones you wish to visit. You cannot miss Bangkok as that is where the flight will land. It would be advisable to break the journey here and take your fill of the city. Pattaya, the beach near Bangkok, would be buzzing with tourists but if
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you wish to experience the serenity of the seas and mountains, then Phuket is the place. Following is a brief list of attractions, a first time visitor might not want to miss.
Bangkok:
Surrounded on all sides with the mountainous cave wall, we saw monkeys skipping from the vines, and crabs scuttling along the surfaces. In the intermittent moments of sheer silence, we felt ourselves in the grip of the pure energy of nature, daunting and soothing at the same time
Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Budha: Although the royalty stopped residing in the Palace at the turn of the century, yet it remains the heart of the administrative and spiritual power of Thailand. The temple of the Emerald Budha takes up a corner of the Grand Palace. This is perhaps the most sacred place in the country. You must be properly dressed if you want entry. Men must be in pants and women, modestly dressed. Bare feet are not allowed, so remember to wear socks. While you are there, also visit Wat Pho, the Reclining Budha Temple, located behind the Grand Palace. Crocodile Park and Siam World are major tourist attractions.
Pattaya:
This is a huge beach with lots of thrilling water sports
such as paragliding, riding the banana boat, water scooter and more. You can easily find good Thai food at a reasonable cost. Jomtien Beach is another beach located nearby and it is less crowded and more family friendly.
Chonburi
About 80 kilometers from Bangkok is Chonburi, where one of the most exhilarating attractions of Thailand can be found. ‘Flight of the Gibbon’, is literally a flight through the tree tops of the jungle. You fly from one platform to the other, in the canopy of rainforest. You walk right into the open zoo and then you zip slide through the trees. The guides have you under their strict watchful eyes and the equipment is very safe. They told us that the youngest child who has done it was only 2 years old. It can be scary to start with but it would be the best flight you may ever experience. I suppose it’s as close to being Tarzan as I will ever get. The diverse wildlife population includes giant squirrels, deer, macaques, and storks. It is also home to the gibbons, wild boar, deer and hornbills.
Chiang Mai:
Patara Elephant Farm is a farm where special elephants are bred and taken care of. Some of the elephants here are simply beautiful creatures. In Chiang Mai as well as other places in Thailand you can always find interesting Thai cooking schools where you can learn and cook something for yourself and your family.
Phuket:
You will have to take a flight to Phuket from Bangkok, which will be at very affordable rates. The best thing to do in Phuket is to take one of the sea cruises. The famous Islands include Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don. They offer excellent snorkeling and tropical beaches. Phi Phi Le
‘Flight of the Gibbon’, is literally a flight through the tree tops of the jungle. You fly from one platform to the other, in the canopy of rainforest. You walk right into the open zoo and then you zip-slide through the trees. The guides have you under their strict watchful eyes and the equipment is very safe. It can be scary to start with but it would be the best flight you may ever experience
is also known as James Bond Island for the 007 film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Patong Beach is one of the most well developed beaches of Phuket. A market runs parallel to the beach. Lined with a large number of stores, you can find all sorts of restaurants and handicraft shops. Remember to haggle before you pay. During the night the beachside market comes alive with exotic food aromas and enticing music. Here you may spot amazingly beautiful, tall women, only to be surprised that they aren’t women at all. They are men but I could not tell the difference, and neither can most of the tourists. They are known as lady men. With the help of an inexpensive operation, they turn themselves into lady men in order to earn a better living mostly through prostitution. Their song and dance routines will entrance you completely. And during the day you can see tourists enjoying the famous Thai massages lying on the beach in the sun.
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Here is some useful information:
VISA: Thai visa can be obtained free of cost from Islamabad or if you are in another city you can ask any travel agent to get you a visa. It will cost you approximately PKR. 5000.
AIR TICKETS: If you are traveling from Lahore, the return air ticket for Thai Air will cost you approximately PKR 50,000/person for economy and PKR 85,000 for business class. PIA will cost you PKR 53,000 for economy and PKR 95,000 for business class. I recommend Thai. The plane will land in Bangkok and getting to Phuket or Chiang Mai is an additional $100.
TEMPERATURE: Temperatures in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket range from 30 C – 34 C. The weather remains moderate all the year round with plenty of tropical rain showers.
CURRENCY: 1 Thai Baht is approximately equal to PKR. 2.8. It is advisable to carry dollars as you get a better rate in Thailand.
HOTELS & STAY: Budget:
Sea Cave Canoe Daytrip is a must if you ask me, this is one experience you cannot easily forget. We boarded a motor boat from the beach. A scrumptious meal was prepared on the boat, while going deeper into the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. Reaching close to the caves, we sat into canoes and ventured forth into deep pitch black tunnels to reach the sea caves. The entrance was so narrow that we had to lie down flat in the canoe, to avoid getting cut by the razor sharp surface of the cave entrance covered with coral and shells. Once inside the secret circular room, we sat up straight and looked up at the ceiling of the cave which was nothing but open skies. Surrounded on all sides with the mountainous cave wall, we saw monkeys skipping from the vines, and crabs scuttling along the surfaces. In the intermittent moments of sheer silence, we felt ourselves in the grip of the pure energy of nature, daunting and soothing at the same time.
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A market runs parallel to the beach. Lined with a large number of stores, you can find all sorts of restaurants and handicraft shops. Remember to haggle before you pay. During the night the beachside market comes alive with exotic food aromas and enticing music Words fail me, when I try to recapture the feeling. An inexplicable calm suffused through us, combined with utter awe for the Almighty’s wondrous creations. Our tour guide managed to shake us out of our reverie by telling us that if a tidal wave comes the entrance to the cave will be sealed. And once, not long ago, a canoe remained trapped inside the cave for ten days before the water surface was low enough to exit. After that, we couldn’t wait to get out of there fast enough! Other exciting things are the cabaret performances and night-time cultural, theme park called Phuket Fantasea. I thoroughly enjoyed the elephant ride through the mountains on the safari as well.
The top 3 budget hotels are the following. You can check prices, availability of rooms and make bookings on their websites provided below: 1- All Seasons Bangkok Siam. Website: http://www.bangkok.com/all-seasonssiam/ Branches of this hotel can be found in Pattaya as well as Phuket. 2- Unico Leela Website: http://www. bangkok.com/unico-leela 3- Take a Nap http://www.bangkok. com/take-a-nap/
Splurge: If you desire luxury while traveling check out the following five star hotels: 1- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Website: http://www.bangkok.com/ orientalbangkok/ It can be found in Chiang Mai as well. Website: http://www. mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/ 2- The Peninsula, Bangkok. Website: http://www.bangkok.com/peninsula/ 3- The Sukhothai Bangkok. Website: http://www.bangkok.com/sukhothai/ In Phuket try out the Trisara. Website: http://www.phuket.com/trisara/.
Worth a Thousand Words
Mesmerising faces Photography: Yasir Nisar
Religious Fervour
Madhulal’s Urs or Mela Chiraghan invites curiously decked up dervaishes from all over the country. With black makeup lines, this man pays homage and asks for forgiveness on this revered annual occasion.
Risking with a wide angle A snake charmer performs his show at Makli Graveyard in Thatta.
Bloodshot
Just outside Bhong Masjid, this wrinkled old man’s bloodshot eyes enamoured the photographer, gluing him in his place till he locked the sadness in them, in his camera forever. 28 I October 10 - 16, 2010
Enough protection from all evils?
In Skardu, this beautiful child encapsulates the ludicrous use of hijab at this young age.
Unveiled by chance
Near the shrine of Abdul Latif Bhitai, in Bhitsha, a young woman’s face is captured just by a sheer stroke of luck as she fixes her veil that almost never lets her face be seen by the world.
Compassion & love comes in many forms Enroute from Bhong to Sadiqabad, a kid is captured, walking his herd back home. He lovingly lifted one of his goats and decided to give it a piggy-back ride.
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Photography & Coordination Ather Shahzad Hair, Make up & Styling Shahzad Raza@Ather Shahzad Studio Label HSY Model Mehreen Syed Text Bushra Shehzad
Fashion Global
Masculine chic!
By Zainab Khalid
W
hile the summer heat drills on in our part of the world, global fashion is already marching off in anticipation of the coming chills of winter, and despite the fact that we are nowhere near ready to don the woolens, the windswept runways are bustling with jackets and shrouded with sober colours to herald the end of 2010. Fall trends in the past couple of years have proven to be a steady evolution of a single look; the words ‘minimalist’ and ‘androgynous’ come to mind. Designers ranging from Rag&Bone and Chloe to Alexander Wang are spearheading the menswear-for-women movement. Dapper three piece suits hailed the runways of the world fashion capitals this year, complete with masculine oxfords and high-heeled brogues. This look is not for the meek, reminiscent of the power suit of the booming ‘80s (sans crazy shoulder pads). The gamine chic way of life screams of balance -- a subtle marriage of traditionally masculine apparel and cuts with feminine contours. Well-cut blazers, pinstriped pants, classic waistcoats and crisp, fully buttoned men’s shirts in silks, chiffons and cottons complete this look. For those of a less adventurous nature, and desirous of a less severe outfit that allows for a certain amount of feminine softness, picking a few key pieces and balancing those with a softer outfit will keep your wardrobe up-to-date and edgy. The easiest way to do this is
40 I October 10 - 16, 2010
the convenience of layering in winters. Invest in a useful coat or jacket in a basic colour -- monochrome is the way to go this coming winter, building on the military trend that took the world by storm a couple of years ago. While the trend was initially inspired by the glamour and pomp of military uniforms in the 18th and 19th centuries, military takes a more contemporary turn this year with the introduction of a subtler, utilitarian element. Double-breasted jackets with brass buttons remain a central focus in winter 2010; Burberry Prorsum has a wonderful collection of military-inspired coats, as seen on Kate Moss in the September issue of Vogue UK. Classic camel coats are the latest rage in outerwear trends. The flattering yet androgynous boyfriend blazer still reigns supreme, and is a great way to add a twist of edgy sophistication to your wardrobe. Blazers for this year, however, have more definition than the longer, looser boyfriend blazer of yesteryear. The classic leather jacket saw a revival earlier in the year, with black bomber jackets paraded by models and celebrities on catwalks and red carpets alike. This winter, the slimmer, brown aviator jacket is fast replacing its motorcycle black counterpart. In line with the 20th century military uniform, army green and navy blue are the season’s top colours. With international runways flooding with looks for the coming winter, now is the time to put a little thought into how to change your wardrobe from the bright cheer of summer to the somber chill of winter. Androgynous menswear is perfect for the winter, when a certain amount of layering is more than welcome, and the strong, structured cuts emanate Designers ranging from Rag & a pronounced inner Bone and Chloe to Alexander strength that any woman Wang are spearheading would welcome. The minimalist spirit of trends the menswear-for-women for the winter echoes a movement. Dapper three piece certain Soviet simplicity, suits hailed the runways of the so just remember that world fashion capitals this year, ‘understated’, ‘subtle’ and ‘monochrome’ are the complete with masculine oxfords key words for the coming and high-heeled brogues season.
Bloopers
For the love of art!
I
t wasn’t as if we had no idea what things would be like, while we were on the monumental task of getting a fashion photo shoot done at the Lahore Fort, but how bad it could actually get, was definitely not what we were prepared for. Working for a fashion magazine was a job I loved for the creative challenges it presented. Numerous sessions of brainstorming and meticulous planning, resulted in me and my colleague finding ourselves driving off to Lahore Fort, one fine day, for getting the shoot done. We had a truckload of designer dresses, the photographer’s team, their equipment, the models, their makeup, jewellery, accessories, and two armed guards. Fidgeting mid the dabkas digging into our skins, for we were buried in the outfits, we finally reached there. When our models stepped out sleekly, one and all of the occasional wanderer of the place, reacted in the most uncanny way. Open-mouthed, frozen in place, gaping and drooling, every passerby in unwashed shalwar kameez, probably thought that this was his luckiest day. As the stunned faces gradually took the shape of full ear-to-ear grins, I looked helplessly around. Coming to the rescue, my colleague sprang up, and started loudly demanding an explanation for this unwieldy behaviour from the gathering crowd. I was quite clueless as to what purpose that could serve. She also tried to make way for our team to pass. The onlookers only found the tirade even more entertaining, and stuck to continuous gawking and chuckling. When the models were finally ready; they posed against a picturesque wall. Suddenly, the photographer realised that it was winter and we were losing the sunlight rapidly. This realization had the effect of a hundred bees having been unleashed from a hive, upon the rest of the team. Total panic ensued. Everywhere I looked, I saw someone running, trying to do something he had no business doing. We did, though, fail to realize that no matter what we did, we could possibly not find a way to harness the dying
The writer runs one of the largest fashion quarterly magazines of the country. Following are tidbits from her life as a disasterprone fashion editor, whose job becomes more comic than glamourous at times!
sun. We rushed to change from one outfit to another. It was during this frenzy when one blue dupatta (veil) went missing. The model was wearing the A heart gripping image went through my head: a dress and standing to be programme running on national television, with me pictured, but there was no and my very glamourous job as a fashion editor, sign of the veil, anywhere. that I was supposed to be, hopping about in highly After having searched the unfashionable clothes, that would haunt even the entire place, the cars, the light and camera bags, the worst of fashion designers in a nightmare purses, shoes, wallets and pockets of all present, my colleague decided to call the designer. The fashion designer was totally obnoxious. great time, thinking it was not every day they would have While yelling, she said that she had definitely handed the rare chance of seeing their bajis having gone berserk. over the dupatta with the outfit. Racing against the dying As we were scurrying around headlessly, carrying sunlight, with the photo shoot having come to a complete clothes, jewellery, shoes etc., fixing things upon the standstill, my colleague called her own house to check. models making sure the edge of the dress was visible, Yes, the dupatta was definitely lying forgotten at her place. making sure every little detail was in place, I noticed a We made yet another call to the designer, informing her peculiar looking man with a video camera filming us. how wonderful her design sense was, how absolutely When I asked him what he was doing, our very own gorgeous her dress was looking without the veil, and in photographer came to his rescue saying that he had the end even offered to give her free placement if only allowed the shoot to be filmed for a television network. she would let us off the hook. But she was hysterical. She And that too without my permission! A heart gripping informed us, how critically important the dupatta was. image went through my head: a programme running on The driver was sent all the way from the Qila to Model national television, with me and my very glamourous job Town to go get the duppatta, knowing in our hearts as a fashion editor, that I was supposed to be, hopping how futile the effort was. It would be quite dark by the about in highly unfashionable clothes, that would haunt time he got back, if he ever did, that is, considering the even the worst of fashion designers in a nightmare, in my traffic jams and our luck. The shoot resumed with the ‘very manly’ all purpose boots, with my hair scattered as remaining outfits. The model said that since her pictures though I had come fresh out of a life threatening electric had been taken without the veil, now when the veil will shock. Anyone who had ever known me would disown arrive, she will once again have to model it, she would me. I nearly passed out. After that, I lost all interest in charge more. I pursed my lips and it took all my effort to the shoot. The entire crowd of the Lahore Fort that day ensure I didn’t try to strangle her there and then, while must have heard me yelling. My colleague tried her best my colleague’s jaw dropped. For those few seconds when to pacify me by telling me that at this point we could not we glared at the model and she looked back at us, perhaps afford to upset the photographer. I let the photographer she gauged the agony of our poor souls, for quickly she be, with a promise to be given the complete footage of the said, “I’m joking ok. Will you guys relax!” We slumped comedy shoot later and many threats to the cameraman down onto the pavement, our breathing being restored that if he ever released the video to any channel, I would to normalcy. There had been rumours earlier on, of a hunt him down and chop him into tiny pieces. After rally of maulvis being held in the area that day. As luck millions of hours the darned duppatta arrived, and would have it, the rally ended just as we were closing the finally the shoot was completed. shoot. After that, all hell broke lose. We found ourselves Tired and exhausted, after this very long day, I swore surrounded by men with long beards, in ankle high to myself that I will never get so adventurous again, for shalwars and ankle length kameezes. They kept following the sake of bringing style solutions for the fashionistas every movement of ours. They passed nasty comments, so of my country. But it’s been many years now, since that there was not much the armed guards could do to help. I day, and I haven’t stopped. Ah! The things one does for also suspected that our own guards were actually having a the love of art!
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 41
Massarat’s makeovers
M
assarat Misbah is one of the most respected names of the fashion industry. Upon entering this field, she brought about a revolution in the makeup scene. She completely changed the way makeup was being done before her time. She introduced the soft, subtle makeup philosophy, which made women look more natural and human, rather than the previously made-up, lifeless dolls. Lounge brings you some miraculously performed makeovers by this maestro!
We clean the face with the a cleanser and moisturiser
We apply fashion streaks on her hair next
Then we apply different bases according to the skin tone
After this we apply blush on according to her skin tone
Then we apply a neutral eye shadow and blend in well to maintain a soft look
Let’s we enhance the shape of the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil
We select a natural lip colour that enhances the eyes and then apply mascara
Now we use a black eye pencil to line the eyes. Smudge with fingers to achieve smokey eyes
To finish we stylise the hair according to her face size
You are invited!
Come and participate in an exciting venture! Want to be featured in our Makeover Column? You can be the next woman to get a free makeover from Massarat Misbah. If you are between 18 - 40, send us your photo with a brief introduction of yourself on email: lounge@pakistantoday.com.pk, and you could be the one!
42 I October 10 - 16, 2010
Talent Niche
Budding womanhood
By Sahar Iqbal
Z
avi Fatima, a talented teenaged girl, is new in the media Industry, yet she is popular for her cheerful demeanour and dazzling smile. Currently, she is anchoring different shows on Royal as well as on Value TV. Bold and beautiful, charming and amiable, Zavi is not only a pride for her family but also she is an icon for those girls who want to pursue a career in this field. Explain your personality in three words? “I can be defined as, workaholic, dedicated and passionate.” What influenced you to make a foray into the world of media? “My sister is a source of inspiration for me. She is into media and she always encourages me to utilise my capabilities. She urged me to exhibit my talent through electronic media. Moreover, my passion for exploring different facets in my personality has actually enabled me
to plunge into something which I haven’t done before.” How do you manage singing and anchoring along with your studies? “I have highly supportive family, friends and teacher so managing my work is not that difficult. They understand the hurdles that I face while juggling two career lines along with academics.”
I’d say the word ‘hindrance’ is a jargon which is unable to encapsulate the problems, which a young artist faces in media industry. I am not saying that people in media are appalling but majority of them exploit you
consent I am through with such unprofessional mishaps.”
As you are new to the industry, how do you react to criticism? “I am not afraid of criticism. Valid criticism makes one realise that there is someone out there who is actually watching your work with a keen eye. I do pay heed to what people suggest to me and am never taken aback with their critical remarks.”
What are you currently engaged in? “I am presently working on my album which will be launched by the end of this year. I’ll continue with anchoring as well but it’s a tough job. Therefore, I want to explore and harness my passion for singing.”
As an emerging talent in this industry, did you face any hindrance as a young artist? “I would say the word ‘hindrance’ is unable to encapsulate the problems which a young artist faces in the media industry. I am not saying that people in media are appalling, but majority of them exploit you. Therefore, you have to be careful about the steps you take. People take your innocence for granted and try to manipulate you; I have suffered from the same problem but due to my parents’
What message would you want to give to our readers? “I want to acquire excellence in the field of singing but through honest intentions and hard work. And this is what you should do as well, no matter what your field or passion! I would suggest young girls not to work in a field in which they are uncomfortable and to always heed to advice from their parents; parental wisdom is something we all can bank upon.
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 43
Careers & Professions
Babysitting:
be a professional without stepping out!
T
By Shoa E Bina
his is the first column in a series, which will focus on career options available to both men and women, including the less sought ones. This career advice will benefit youngsters as well as those who wish to change their profession. It is for people who can work but have never done so and will give a boost to those who think work for earning is something they will never accomplish. I find it appropriate to begin with the members of the least appreciated segment of our population - women - who spend their married lives at home, looking after domestic chores and children. While plenty of women enjoy their lives doing just that, there are some who wish they could also get a slice of life which is just about them, their dreams, their independence. Many women give up their jobs to concentrate on their family, and tend to suffer depression at times. Women who like to interact with others, keep their minds fresh and also earn some money will find the idea of babysitting useful. Young women who do not intend, or are not allowed, to work away from home, can also
44 I October 10 - 16, 2010
In time you will earn back the cost of your venture benefit from it. and also make some decent profits, apart from The status quo is about to change in Pakistan, earning the goodwill of your clients and you can be one of the pioneers of this yet not too common a profession. A childminder is a person who takes care of children of working parents. The parents pay the babysitter by the hour, and it is possible to than they expect. This will build up your reputation, and enter a long-term contract with a fixed monthly amount. when you have enough customers, you can expand into Childminding is a job ideal for housewives who do not a proper day care centre as well as an after-school club want to step out of their houses and who are friendly with for older children with working parents - the choices are children. They can look after their own children at the unlimited. same time easily. Why would people choose you as a childminder? You can choose the age groups you want to work Putting children in a day care centre is expensive, with. From infants to school-going children, you can and it lacks the personal care that many parents desire. choose what works best for you. All you need is one room A childminder should not undertake to look after more or part of a room that you can set up as the children’s than three or four kids, and no more than two infants area. Make it colourful with toys, books and games. You at the same time. So whoever a babysitter looks after is can ask the parents to send lunch or a snack, or might in good hands without costing too much. In developed want to provide these yourselves according to the rates countries like the USA and UK, there are a lot of you set. Just make sure your house is a safe place, with rules and regulations that babysitters have to follow. In no dangerous equipment or areas where children can get Pakistan, there aren’t any rules but you can be a brilliant hurt. If you start with even a single child, you can check babysitter by offering parents peace of mind so that they out your capacity and can expand to a manageable size. will not only bring their own children to you but also Give your business an attractive name, one that recommend you to others. You can also benefit from free people would like and remember. To advertise your babysitting courses online. Just search on the Internet business you will need to print business cards. Flyers are and you will find plenty of material, which will give you a good idea which can be dropped into houses in your more information and confidence about your job. area. A local newspaper agent can have them delivered to In the beginning, keep your rates reasonable, and houses inside the newspapers in return for a commission. with time you can raise them a little. Also remember Have someone stand outside nearby schools and hand to keep an account of your earnings as well as your these out to the parents and guardians there. Place them expenditures. In time you will earn back the cost of your in popular stores with the permission of the owners. Do venture and also make some decent profits, apart from not make false promises, and make sure you give more earning the goodwill of your clients.
SciTech
Inventions across the globe
Tsunami-generating machine Researchers from the University College London’s Earthquake and People Interaction Centre (EPI Centre) together with a team of engineers from HR Wallingford One, developed this wavegenerating machine that can replicate the way tsunamis behave. It could help raise structures able to resist powerful tsunamis, and help improve evacuation techniques. 200-page scan in seconds Japanese scientists have developed an ultra-fast scanner that can easily scan a 200-page book in just a matter of seconds. Solar road panels Solar Roadways is the company that has created Solar Road Panels which can produce electricity using solar power. The device features solar cells and glass and it could be used to build new type of roads that would serve as alternatives for asphalt roads.
developed the Smart Energy Glasses for windows. Its invention uses the Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) technology, developed by the company as well. With this technology glasses are able to generate renewable energy.
of Technology (KIT) is called “silent sounds” and it is able to convert lip movement of a person on one end of the phone into an electronic voice generated by a computer and transferred to the person on the other end.
See-through walls! Scientists from the University of South Australia teamed up with specialists from Nokia to work on an application that would allow cell phone users to see through walls. The invention utilises augmented reality (AR) to overlay graphics on top of structures seen on the screen.
Technology turning arms into touch screen Dubbed Skinput, the device was developed by Chris Harrison from Carnegie Mellon University and Dan Morris and Desney Tan from Microsoft’s research lab. The invention generates a skin-based interface that allows using the arm as a touch screen.
ePassport featuring fexible AMOLED display Bundesdruckerei is a German firm that creates passports and identity cards. The company managed to come up with the world’s first ePassport that boasts a flexible AMOLED display.
Delivering drugs painlessly Developed by Kanji Takada, a Professor from the Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, the invention uses micro needles to painlessly deliver the necessary drugs. These needles do not break the epidermis, being made Converting lip motion into from a water-soluble polymer Windows generating power using computer-generated voice that dissolves right after being sunlight The technology developed by introduced into the outer layer of A Dutch company called Peer+, engineers from Karlsruhe Institute the skin.
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 45
Fit as a Fiddle
Shape up your arms
Biceps and triceps are show muscles. Girls and boys can tone up their arms using different exercises. Middle aged women can use these exercises to remove slackness in their upper arms, especially triceps. Some of the exercises given below may help you with your goal. without moving elbow. You don’t have to touch your shoulder with dumbbell. Lower all the way down keeping a very Biceps slight bend in the elbow to keep tension in the bicep. Repeat with your left side. Do three sets Barbell Bicep Curls: of 8-10 reps on each side. Bicep curls can be done with dumbbells as well as barbell. With barbell Triceps you use both arms at the same time thus can lift more weight. Both are almost the same exercises. Kickbacks: Stand with feet about shoulder-width The kickback is a common triceps exercise which involves extending apart; tighten your abs as you hold barbell the arm while the torso is in a bent position. (palms facing upwards) in front of the Put your left hand and left knee on a flat bench. Hold a dumbbell in thighs with arms hanging straight down. your right hand. Bend your arms, curling the weight up Bend your back and bring towards shoulders. your torso parallel to the floor. Keep the elbows stationary and bring the weight as high as you Keep your upper arm tucked can without moving elbows. in the rib cage and hang your Slowly lower the weight, keeping a slight bend in the elbows at the forearm towards floor. bottom, don’t lock elbow joint and try to keep tension on the muscle. Begin the movement by Repeat for three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions (reps). curling your forearm arm backwards until it is in line to the torso or parallel to floor. Bicep Curls - Alternating Arms: Slowly bring forearm at starting position. Repeat on the other side. If you’re looking for a simple way Do three sets of 8 to 10 reps. to change your bicep exercises, try alternating your arms with dumbbells. By alternating the arms, you change the Triceps Extension: exercise just a bit and may be able to The triceps extension involves holding one weight in both hands and use heavier weights than you use with extending the arms over the head. barbell curls because one arm gets a bit Sit on edge of a bench and hold a dumbbell at one end with both of a rest while the other one works. hands overlapping one another Stand with feet about shoulderTake the weight straight up overhead with the arms fully extended width apart or whatever is comfortable and biceps next to the ears. and hold dumbbells in front of thighs, Lower the weight behind your head until elbows are at about 90 palms facing up. degree angles. Bend the right elbow and curl Slowly raise your arms back to starting position. This exercise can the weight up towards the shoulder, also be done with one arm at a time with lighter weight. keeping elbow static. Repeat for three sets of 8- 10 reps. Lower the weight, keeping a slight bend at the bottom to keep tension on the muscle. Dips Repeat the move with left arm. Avoid using momentum. Keep the move slow and controlled and Dips are an advanced exercise targeting don’t swing weights in order to lift heavier weights. the triceps. This is a compound move, Continue alternating arms for three sets of 8-10 reps. involving both the elbow and the shoulder joint and it doesn’t require any equipment, Concentration Curls: making it a great travel exercise. People with Concentration curls, as the name shoulder problem should avoid this exercise. implies, work specifically on your bicep Sit on a bench or chair. alone. This is a great exercise to put at the Place your hands at the edge of the bench end of your biceps workout. next to your hips. Lift your torso up and bring Sit on a stool or edge of a bench and the hips forward. hold a dumbbell in your right hand. Bend elbows (no lower than 90 degrees) Bend forward, keeping the abs tight and and lower your hips, keeping them very close prop the right elbow against the inside of to the chair. Keep the shoulders down, do the right thigh. not shrug them. Push yourself back up without locking the elbows and Curl your hand towards shoulder repeat for 10-12 reps or as much as you comfortably can.
46 I October 10 - 16, 2010
Health & Wellness
Heart to heart
D
ear readers, I welcome you to my column. As many of you are probably aware that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is increasing worldwide, despite sophisticated advances in cardiac investigations and treatment strategies. Where the introduction of life-saving drugs, state-of-the-art imaging modalities and a quantum leap in cardiovascular intervention has probably saved countless lives and influenced many more, there is still much more to be done. Over the years I have learnt (through shared experience and patient feedback) that patient education is a key factor which is not well-addressed during medical consultations. This might include the possible symptoms that one can experience during a heart attack, importance of cardiac medications or the relevance of key modifications in one’s daily activities. I feel as doctors, practitioners and healthcare providers it is the single-most important duty that we can perhaps never fulfil completely. We conveniently forget that the ‘treatment’ of patients does not stop within hospitals, theatres, catheter labs or coronary care units but also extends into the realms of their homes and day-to-day lives. It is with this thought that I begin my column and sincerely hope that you and your loved ones will find it useful. My sole aim is patient education.
What is angina?
Angina is an uncomfortable sensation, ache or pain in the chest. Some people describe it as indigestion or ‘heart-burn’. Most patients will experience this in the central part of
Mechanism of Angina atheroma or plaque (Figure 1). When this narrowing is severe enough to restrict blood supply, it can lead to a demand and supply mismatch resulting in pain which is known as angina.
What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
A heart attack may occur if the narrowed artery becomes completely blocked due to a blood clot. This causes a complete cessation of blood supply to the heart muscle and hence leads to permanent tissue damage if not treated quickly. The pain usually does not go away at rest and the symptoms can be much more severe in comparison to angina. Normal unobstructed blood supply (A), Atherosclerosis leading to plaque formation and decreased blood supply causing angina (B).
their chest. The pain can stay in the chest or spread across to either of the arms (more commonly the left arm), lower jaw or teeth. It is commonly brought on by physical exertion; however, patients can experience this at rest, during emotional stress or even cold weather. It can occur during sleep and may wake people up. Typically, the symptoms fade away within 10-15 minutes of resting.
What causes angina?
The heart comprises of muscle which requires its own blood supply to provide nutrients and oxygen. There are two main coronary arteries which divide into several branches to allow a balanced blood supply to all parts of the heart’s muscular wall. The coronary arteries can become gradually narrowed due to a build-up of fatty material within the walls of the blood vessels. This process is known as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposit is called
What do I do if I get angina? • Stop what you are doing • Sit down and rest • Chew 300 milligrams of aspirin once only (if you are not allergic to aspirin) • Use a nitrate spray under your tongue (if you have been prescribed one) • Spray once and wait for 5 minutes • Spray again and wait for 5 minutes • Spray for the third time and if the pain persists for another 5 minutes then call the ambulance • If you do not have a nitrate spray then call the ambulance if the pain persists for more than 15 minutes I hope this will prove helpful for a better understanding of heart problems. Dr Omar A Rana MBBS (Pak), MRCP (UK), Specialist Registrar in Cardiology (UK) is a visiting Cardiologist at Omar Hospital, Lahore and can be reached at: omarrana@hotmail.com
October 10 - 16, 2010 I 47
Live to Eat
T-bone steak
with roasted tomato butter, spinach and chips
Preparation time: 2 hours Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour Serves: 4
For the chips: • •
3 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5cm/½in thick chips vegetable oil, for deep frying
Ingredients
For the spinach
For the roasted tomato butter:
• • • •
• • • • •
6 tomatoes, halved and de-seeded 3 sprigs thyme, leaves only 2 tbsp olive oil 250g/9oz butter, softened salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the T-bone steaks • •
4 T-bone steaks salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 25g/1oz butter 48 I October 10 - 16, 2010
1 tbsp olive oil 25g/1oz butter 250g/9oz spinach leaves salt and freshly ground black pepper
How to prepare 1.
Preheat the oven to 180C/355F/Gas 4.
2. For the roasted tomato butter, place the tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle over the thyme leaves and drizzle with the olive oil. 3. Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the
tomatoes in the oven for 4-5 hours, or overnight, until semi-dried but still soft. 4. Place the butter into a food processor and blend to soften. Add the roasted tomatoes and pulse until combined. Check the seasoning and add more salt and freshly ground black pepper, if necessary. 5. Spoon the tomato butter along a piece of cling film. Wrap the cling film around the butter and roll up tightly to form a sausage shape, twisting at both ends to seal. Place in the fridge for at least an hour, until chilled and firm. 6. For the steaks, season the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large frying pan until hot, add the oil, butter and the steaks. 7. Fry the steaks for 4-5 minutes on both sides, depending on the thickness of the steaks, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and leave to rest on a warm plate for 5-10 minutes.
“The only time to eat diet food is while you are waiting for the steak to cook.” Julia Child, American chef and writer
Celebrity’s favourite
Abroo
8. Meanwhile, for the chips, heat a deep fat fryer to 150°C. Cook the chips in batches for 2-3 minutes, until softened but not coloured. Remove with and drain on kitchen paper. 9. Increase the temperature of the deep fat fryer to 190°C. Return the chips to the fryer, in batches, and cook until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove, drain on kitchen paper and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 10. For the spinach, heat a frying pan until hot. Add the butter, oil and spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 11. To serve, divide the chips between each of four serving plates. Spoon the spinach alongside and top with a steak. Unwrap the tomato butter and cut into thick slices. Place a slice on top of each steak and serve immediately. 12. Roast Potato Chilli Chips taste superb on their own or as a side dish with steaks! Recipe is the same if you prefer sweet potatoes. Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins Serves: 2
Ingredients • • • • •
350g/12oz potatoes, peeled and cut into chips 2 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp salt 1 tsp crushed dried chilli flakes freshly ground black pepper
Jumbo shrimps Ingredients: 2 large sweet onions, sliced 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest Juice of 1 orange 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary Pinch of crushed red pepper 12 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup sliced scallion greens
How to make Jumbo shrimps: • •
•
How to prepare
•
• •
•
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Place the potato chips into a roasting tin, drizzle over the olive oil and season with the salt, crushed dried chilli flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat, then roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chips are crisp and golden-brown. Pile on a plate and serve immediately.
• •
Preheat oven to 400°F Toss onions, oil and salt in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan until coated. Cover with foil. Bake until softened and juicy. For about 45 minutes at least Remove foil, stir and continue baking, uncovered, until the onions around the edges of the pan are lightly golden. Takes about 25 to 30 minutes Stir in orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, rosemary and crushed red pepper Bake until most of the liquid has evaporated. This should take about 30 minutes Stir in shrimp and bake until cooked through, for 20 to 25 minutes Stir in scallion greens and serve October 10 - 16, 2010 I 49
Eat to Live
Healthy options:
15-minute broiled chicken salad
T
his quick and easy chicken salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It is an easy way to enjoying a great tasting and healthy food. It is replete with benefits of chicken and green salads. Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 4 boneless chicken breasts • ½ lb mixed salad greens • ¼ cup sliced fresh basil leaves* • 2 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves* • 2 oz blue cheese • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Dressing
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste Since the herbs are being used in a salad, there is no conversion for dry herbs. If you don’t have these fresh herbs on hand, you can enjoy this equally without them.
Directions
1. Preheat broiler on high 50 I October 10 - 16, 2010
heat with rack in the middle part of the oven which should be about 7 inches from the heat source. Place a shallow metal ovenproof pan under the heat until it gets very hot for about 10 minutes. 2. While the pan is getting hot, rinse and mix dry salad greens along with basil and oregano leaves. For oregano, simply run your fingers down the stem to remove leaves and place the whole bunch in salad. 3. When pan is hot, reduce heat to a lower temperature. Season the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper and place on hot pan with skin side up. Return to broiler and cook for about 15 minutes- or until done, depending on the thickness of the breasts. The breasts cook fast because they are cooking on both sides at the same time. When chicken is just about done, remove skin and top breasts with a little gorgonzola cheese and put it back in the broiler to melt. (If you’re not sure if chicken is done, make a little slice with a small sharp knife to check. 4. Toss greens with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Distribute greens onto 4 plates. Place chicken breasts on top of greens. Serve. Serves 4
Healthy Cooking Tips
Chicken breasts can easily dry out. Leaving the skin on until done and making sure you do not overcook it helps a great deal. The broiler in which the breasts are placed should read 160 degrees F (72 degrees C) on an instant reading thermometer and the juices should run clear. Leaving the skin on while broiling keeps the breast moist and it doesn’t reduce the quality of its flavour. It is important to broil the chicken breasts no closer than the 7 inches from the heat as recommended. This will give the breasts a
chance to cook throughout without burning on top or drying out. Placing it in a very hot pan seals the bottom and retains moisture more. How to make diet shakes? Weight loss is a priority for many individuals. If you are wondering how to make diet shakes, fret not! Instead of diet shakes from the stores, you can try some of the easy ways to make diet shakes at home.
Diet Mango Shake
A quick and an easy way to enjoy the taste of mangoes this summer without increasing your weight. Prep Time: 7 Mins. Ingredients: 2 Ripe peeled mangoes. Pitted dates A cup of orange juice Method: Put the dates and mangoes into a blender, pour the orange juice on them and blend them into a smooth liquid. Pour into glasses and serve.
Food, Hangouts and More
Calling all steak lovers!
By Bushra Shehzad
F
rom Karachi to Lahore, the Copper Kettle Café has been around for many years now. Although, it has lost the sheen and clientele of its initial years, the food is still great. Known best for its Caked Alaska, it is still one of the best steak houses. If a mouth-watering, juicy steak, with perfectly done yet tender meat is what you are looking for, then this is the place. CK offers a wide range of succulent steaks: The Prime Minister’s Prime Steak is called the King of Steaks by this restaurant. The meat cut is available by individual choice from fillet mignon, porterhouse, sirloin, rib steak or t-bone. This chicken or beef steak sautéed till tender yet juicy is topped with black pepper sauce and served
with a mountain of fresh stir fried All these steaks and many others are vegetables. served with soup and a side order of Another major delicacy French fries, mashed potatoes, baked among CK’s steaks is the French potatoes, onion rings or rice Connection. This remains the most wanted at this eatery. The steak, available in chicken or beef, is flawlessly done and topped with French mushroom sauce and served with seasonal veggies. Texas Torpedo, as the restaurant puts it, stuffed with mushroom and cheese, served with a is “only fit for serious steak lovers”. Succulent heap of vegetables. chicken or beef steak, crowned in a delicious All these steaks and many others are served barbeque sauce, served with fresh garden veggies. with soup and a side order of French fries, The Gun Slinger also tops the culinary mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, onion rings or fancies of food lovers. It is a sliced beef steak filled rice. with CK special pickle and melted cheese, topped The price range is also very reasonable from with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, served with Rs 500-600. So dining in at the CK would cost garden fresh vegetables. you not more than a Rs600-1200 per head Fancy a little Mexican flavour? Then the depending on what you eat. High Stakes is what you should definitely try. The outlets are located in Zamzama and Moist and tender chicken or beef steak, it is filled Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi and at the Empire with a spicy salsa sauce, then grilled and topped Centre, Gulberg in Lahore. The food is hearty with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This steak is and filling, the servings very generous. However, also served with veggies. an overall revamping of the interiors will do A must taste at the CK is the Americano much to improve the ambiance of the restaurant Steak. Thick and luscious chicken or beef steak and help it regain its former clientele. October 10 - 16, 2010 I 51
Movies
In cinemas now
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October 10 - 16, 2010 I 53
Gossip & Entertainment
Stars & starlets Did Britney get new tattoos? Global pop music icon and Glee guest star Britney Spears made her way out of a local Toys-R-Us on Saturday with loads of merchandise and BF Jason Trawick in tow. In addition to the toys she got for Sean Preston and Jayden James and their nannies to play with, Britney showed off some hot new tattoos (maybe) on her neck. Perhaps they’re stickers of some kind, or tats of the temporary variety. Honestly, you never know what to expect from a girl who supposedly fears all strangers.
Why does Oksana Grigorieva need $20K a month? Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva are at odds over everything. Child support for their daughter Lucia is no exception. She just got a huge pay raise, too. The amount of $20,000 a month (she sought double that) is four times the amount Mel was paying. But why does an 11-month-old possibly need that? Team Oksana says it’s more than fair especially as Lucia needs “round-the-clock security”. Oksana added that they got “accustomed to the (lavish) lifestyle” Mel provided them.
Salman grooves with Akki-Kat for ‘Walla Walla’ The song ‘Walla Walla’ from ‘Tees Maar Khan’ has Salman Khan and the movie’s lead pair Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif dancing to a fun qawwali number where they are engaged in a mock fight. Director-choreographer Farah Khan has directed some cool moves for the song including the memorable towel dance step from the film ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’. Katrina gets into a ‘Pakeezah’ look a la Meena Kumari, wearing a peach coloured traditional dress, while Salman and Akshay are flaunting red shirts like typical taporis.
Bebo, Saif watch Priyanka’s movie Talk of Bollywood and competition between the top actresses. Kareena recently checked out on competition in Priyanka’s upcoming movie ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ when she went out to watch its special screening with beau Saif and his kids. Kareena played a perfect stepmom when she bonded big time with Saifoo’s kids Sara and Ibrahim. She chose to sit with the kids on the back seat of the car when they were done with watching the movie.
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Post-recession Bollywood star fees touch the sky Bollywood’s upbeat mood is showing in its star remuneration packages. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirms that prices, which hit rock bottom during the recession, have skyrocketed, thanks to revenue increase. Salman Khan is reportedly leading the pack with Indian Rs 210 million for his ‘Bodyguard’ and will also get a stake in profits. Kareena Kapoor, with a price tag of reportedly Indian Rs 40 million for ‘Agent Vinod’ and ‘Bodyguard’, is the reigning diva. Katrina Kaif, who has reportedly been paid Indian Rs 30 million for ‘My Brother Ki Dulhan’, comes next. Back to the men. Saif will reportedly get Indian Rs 130 million for his next film after ‘Agent Vinod’ and Shahid Kapur will also get around Indian Rs 80-90 million for his next after ‘Mausam’. Imran Khan has reportedly been paid Indian Rs 70 million for his film ‘My Brother Ki Dulhan’ and is expected to up the ante for Karan Johar’s ‘Short Term Shaadi’. Ranbir Kapoor has crossed the Indian Rs 100-million mark. A-list directors are also demanding astronomical sums.
Jab Ali met Katrina Pakistan’s pop icon Ali Zafar, who is ready to make his Bollywood debut, failed to recognise Katrina Kaif at a party. Katrina, who is Ali’s co-star in the Yash Raj film that he has signed, spotted him at a party and enthusiastically approached him only to be greeted with a polite but blank smile. He greeted her with a quizzical who-areyou look, though he was polite. The Bollywood beauty was certainly not expecting this response but she handled it with aplomb. She introduced herself as his co-star, welcomed him to Mumbai and walked off. And the next day when Katrina saw him at Yash Raj’s office and said to him, “I hope you recognise me today,” Ali didn’t know where to look!
‘I’d want to be Shah Rukh Khan’ Bong bombshell Bipasha Basu, who has just completed a successful decade in Bollywood, is quite unhappy the way her career has shaped up. The sultry actress expressed her desire to be a hero rather than heroine as she said, “If given a chance to be a man, I’d choose to be a hero. A hero’s life is so much easier than a heroine’s. I would want to be Shah Rukh Khan. He is intelligent, a creative actor and a business man. He is making pot loads of money and at the same time living a good life. I believe if you achieve so much fame and money in life, you should also translate that and live a good life. I see SRK having fun.”
Nadia Khan no more with Geo TV Popular morning host Nadia Khan has been fired by Geo TV, but the reason is still unknown. Nadia left ARY’s morning show, ‘Breakfast with Nadia’, in 2006 and joined Geo; the show became a big success. According to sources, many candidates are available for this slot left empty by Nadia - Sahir Lodhi, Shaista Wahidi and Kiran and George - but it has been confirmed that Shaista will be the new host for the morning show on Geo TV.
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October 03-09, 2010
THE ZODIAC AND EASTERN TAROT By Mariam Aftab AFTAB/CAPRICORN
WISAAL/TAURUS
The ambition card Dec 22 - Jan 21
The physical change card Apr21 - May21
Your spread indicates that delayed payments are recovered bringing a little respite from the acute financial pressure that you feel today. A close friend will be supportive and very helpful. Traveling would bring moments of joy and pleasure. Servants and subordinates may cause some worries. Health seems perfect despite a busy week. There are spiritual gains for some as they seek divine knowledge. Being innovative is the key to success.
Your spread shows that this week will give you extra energy to achieve spiritual and charitable goals. Clarity will come on health and job issues. Balancing out the stressful situation -- rest and relax more until the end of the week. You can achieve educational and communicational goals easily if you try with the help of an older person of the family. This week could bring sudden love or sudden meeting or sudden change of affections. The best day of the week is Saturday.
DUA/AQUARIUS
ASHIQ/GEMINI
The self-card
The love card May 22 - Jun 21
Jan 21 - Feb 19
Your spread indicates that you need to learn to stop burying issues that really bother you and instead start working to constructively resolve them. Don’t let any longstanding problems undercut your progress right now. You should expect the general quality of your life to start steadily improving and you can probably expect a few new financial opportunities soon. The lucky number for this week is seven and the lucky colour of the week is black.
Even though your energy level should be very high and you’ll probably feel like you can accomplish a great deal, you’re bound to be tested all along the way today. Be careful that your temper doesn’t get you into too many arguments, particularly where your relationships are concerned. Compromise will be necessary every step of the way. Try to make sure that you keep the lines of communication open between you and everyone around you.
JAL/PISCES
IRTIQA/CANCER
The sensitivity card Feb 20 - Mar 20
The growth card
Your spread indicates that this is an important and significant week for you; happy but hectic. This week, there is a strong change, which will announce career changes. You may feel an immediate boost in personal confidence, energy and health. Time is in your favour, you will be clearer as to what your path ahead is. Financial opportunities are close to home. Be careful of overspending and general disorganisation. The best day of the week is Sunday.
Jun 22 - Jul 23
Your spread shows that a misunderstanding with your spouse may leave you irritated and stressed. Children are expected to bring in some good news. It’s a good week for social as well as religious events. Travel, trips and outings are likely for some. Avoid making major investments just on the recommendations of others. Don’t jump to conclusions until you have verified the facts. Do not indulge in speculation based on rumours. The stone of the week is Turquoise.
FIZA/ARIES
QUWAT/LEO
The aura card Mar 21 - Apr 20
The strength card Jul 24 - Aug 23
Real estate investment would be lucrative. Your enthusiasm will have no limits this week, so make an effort to interact with strangers. It is also a good day to get yourself acquainted to new skills. Try to get out of your office early and do things that you really enjoy. Make some changes that could enhance your appearance and attract potential partners. Communication will be your strongest key for success this week.
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Spread indicates that this is a good week for traders and businessmen. Attending a seminar will help improve your business contacts. You would be the centre of attraction at a social gathering. New ventures start on a promising note. Avoid making investment decisions in haste. Open communication would be necessary for strengthening partnerships. Time is for cautious moves, it will be convenient for you to pay your longstanding dues.
Tel: +92 (42) 35751231, 35710452 Websites: www.mariamhealingcenter.com, www.innerstrengthhome.org
THEHRAO/VIRGO The patience card Aug 24 - Sep 23 Spread shows that this is the time to make your mark professionally and to show others your immense capabilities. Educational pursuits and creative activities will yield excellent results. Children will cause some dissatisfaction, as they tend to be spendthrifts. A friend will seek advice on his financial matters. Travel plans if any might get postponed, due to health problems or otherwise. The stone of the week is TigerEye.
SAHIR/LIBRA The magician card Sep 24 - Oct 23 Your desire for both romance and adventure should be clear to everyone. Just be careful that you don’t get carried away and end up throwing common sense to the wind. Your creative energies should also be at their peak. Be careful not to make any unwise decisions about your finances this week. If you have any problems with an existing relationship, now is the time to resolve them. Care is the key for this week.
INTISHAR/SCORPIO The confusion card Oct 24 - Nov 22 Your spread shows that you could make a few mistakes this week, but if you’re smart, you will learn some important lessons from those. You should really be able to resolve many issues and your biggest asset is likely to be the force of your own personality. Just try to remain flexible and don’t always expect things to come out as you would like them to. You should find yourself starting to feel a little more attractive and magnetic than usual. Lucky number for this week is two and the colour of the week is pink.
KISMET/SAGITTARIUS The luck card Nov 23 - Dec 21 This week, morning hours could bring an extra responsibility, or perhaps you’ll be busy with a selfappointed task. There may be a tendency to quarrel about money early in the week. Hold patience and act with wisdom. Mental work will go well. You will receive timely favours from a close relative. Emphasis is in your fondest hopes and aims this week. A travel will be probable but make sure you take care of all your duties before you go.
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Product Watch
Glamstock
These are some of the international designer picks; check them out on your next trip abroad. Some of them are also available at Men’s Store, Mall of Lahore and Be Smart.
Shoes are an expression of your personality. Add a glimmer to your style by wearing these glamourous shoes. Simple yet smooth and sophisticated with a graceful look, these numbers will bring you in the limelight.
1. These jet black Jimmy Choo shoes are a pure class statement 2. These Gucci platform sandals come with bamboo detail, a silver metal buckle, and leather insoles. Something to fall in love with 3. This high heel flashy maroon colour Christian Dior shoe has a zip closure behind the ankle. This eight inch high heel is perfect for a party night out 4. These Dolce and Gabbana pumps have pointed toes with a metal buckle on the top. The covered heels consist of leather soles with rubber heel pads. 5. Hermè’s “Braise Crocodile” Birkin bag has gilt metal hardware, with padlock, keyfob, raincovers and comes with a dustbag 6. This high heel t-strap sandal from Boutique 9 has a buckle closure at ankle. These four inch heels on luxe leather sole will be a treat! 7. Leopard printed hair calf makes this one a rich suede frame closure, featuring a wide detachable shoulder strap and gold tone hardware 8.The Gucci Galaxy Medium Shoulder Bag is sizzling in hot pink, almost burning. It will make any outfit warmer. The leather is ultra-soft and the chain makes the bag only hotter 9. Everyone’s eyes will be on you when you step out wearing the Boom Boom cross body. Utilitarian details embody this bag. Top zipper closure. Metal chain strap. Inside zipper pocket and two slip pockets will leave no room for wanting 10. Anikka Rucci’s stunning handcrafted jewellery antique clutch has intricate flowers encrusted with the best quality of topaz Austrian crystals. Definitely a statement clutch for any special occasion!
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