dymag september 2013
DESCRIPTION
This issue features the cool gals and guys of Space Parade and a lot of other cool stuff.TRANSCRIPT
AGD H I Y O U T H M O V E M E N T M A G A Z I N E
I s s u e # 0 5S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 3
Dhi Youth MovementYouth for Youth, to empower and to lead
2
Dhi Youth MovementYouth for Youth, to empower and to lead
Dhi Youth Movement began in early 2012 as a small initiative by a few young inspired individuals
in Male', with the vision to bring a positive change to society by empowering young people to
actively contribute to society.
Our group, with a strong following on Facebook, was used to mobilize volunteers for a flash freeze
on 29th March 2012 and since then there has been no turning back.
We officially got registered as an NGO on 12th of December 2012 as Dhivehi Youth Movement
under the Associations and Societies Act of the Maldives (Act No. 1/2003).
Any and all Maldivians between the age of 16 and 27 are welcome to join DYM. And everyone's
ideas and thoughts are welcome and appreciated.
D Y M c o r e g r o u p a t t h e 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y p h o t o s h o o t
3
Dear Reader,
I am overwhelmed by the positive response we have received so far for this magazine and that inspires me to carry on . Every issue requires so much work organizing everything, carrying out photo-shoots and such, but once we start to see it all come together, the feeling is amazing. It’s that warm fuzzy feeling that just makes me very happy.
I am sad to see our design director Nawaf leave (but don’t worry, he will always be a part of our team! We don’t let people go that easy, ha) but I am also extremely excited to introduce our new design director Imy who is one of the nicest people I know and he is extremely talented and I hope that this magazine will become a lot more fun and happening with him on the team.
This issue, we feature one of our favourite bunch of people, the ladies and gents from Space Parade! We have been huge fans of them since forever and meeting and interviewing them was definitely a great experience. I hope that you have as much fun reading about them and their adventures as we did talking to them. I can honestly say it has been the most fun cover photo-shoot yet.
Apart from it, we also have a lot of fun new segments, especially Sharky’s new column Literalyrics which will make you laugh and our Wonder Woman segment where we highlight one woman who is just wonderful in what she does. A lot more articles about life, health, movies, poetry and music follows making this issue rich in content and a fun read. Don’t forget to click share and download as a PDF so you can read it anytime you want!
September is one of my favourite months. Hogwarts starting its school year, so many people we know having birthdays and this year, elections and the SAFF championship bringing a lot of excitement our way. We have tried to include a lot of fun things for you to read this month, in the hopes that it will inspire you, and make you think inside the box (because it’s bigger on the inside!).
So get a cup of tea, curl up with your phone/laptop and have a great time reading!
Cheers,
4
THE
DYMagTEAM
Sifr is simultaneously rude, charming and
arrogant. His only redeeming quality is that he is
proficient. Relentless in his pursuit of knowledge
and impartial truth. Self professedly classy and
stylish. He enjoys the company of bright and
attractive young ladies. He is a basketball player, a
stargazer, a gym rack, a philosopher but most of
all a mind of science.
Shaha is a free spirit who enjoys classic literature,
tea with lots of milk, good books and lots of
sunshine. She dreams of huge closets and making
a mark in the world. She believes in mismatching
socks, breaking stereotypes and handwritten
letters.
Imy is just a dreaming, believing, photographing,
graphic designing, video gaming, good food
consuming, tv series watching, constantly ranting
everyday teenager. Loves his friends and making
new ones. Often dreams of traveling the world
someday due to suffering from a terminal case of
wanderlust.
SifrEditor-in-Chief
ShahaContent Director
ImyDesign Director
fb.c
om
/imy
.11
7@
sh
ah
aa
a@
sifrs
ab
r
5
THE
CONTRIBUTORS
ShifrazPoet
Ixmael Blood Nael Ish MoonyPoet Writer Writer
Fazu
Jin
Poet
Writer
Thihnan
Shaam
Sharky
Toby
AboWriter
Writer
Comic Artist
Photographer
Writer
f b . c o m / m o n k e y g r a p h y@ s c u b e s h a a m@ j i n e x i l i r
@ s h a a a a r k i e
@ i s h t a s y@ I x m a e l N a a i l@ a s h i f r a a z
@ m r a b o 0 4
6
Editor’s ChoiceEditor’s ChoiceIntriguing and thought provoking articles from
around the web handpicked for you,
Ever wonder what’s inside a spacesuit? Now you can see for yourself.
MaldivesYour Human Rights
One Lesson To Teach The Young
Where mind-mindednesscomes from
A.I:Articial Intelligence 6
7
Editor’s ChoiceEditor’s ChoiceThe people never give up their liberties but
under some delusion.-Edmund Burke
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
-Confucius
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
-Magaret Mead
I am not concerned that you have fallen - I am concerned that you arise.
-Abraham Lincoln
Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer.
-Harriet Stowe
Amat Victoria Curam - 'Victory loves preparation'
-Unknown
Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow.
-Maeve Greyson
If you torture data sufficiently, it will confess to almost anything.
-Fred Menger
Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.
-Abraham Lincoln
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.-Babe Ruth
Cogito, ergo sum -‘I think, therefore I exist’
-Rene Descartes
Ipsa scientia potestas est -‘Knowledge itself is power’
-Sir Francis BaconHappy Read ing !
1913: When Hitler, Trotsky, Tito, Freud and Stalin all lived in the same place
Electoral Violence
7
8
CONTENTSRegulars0304050609
Letter from the Content DirectorThe DYMag TeamThe ContributorsEditor’s ChoiceCalendar
Specials3034
Wonder Woman: Shamma MuhammadInterview with Space Parade
Spots20222428
This one is for youNoblesse Oblige300000 People, 11 Men, 1 Ball‘Faahaga’ Campaign
111226
Music ReviewDYM RecommendsLiterallyric - Demons
Entertainment
424648
Random Acts of KindnessArthritisCholestrol
Living
445052
Bloodwritings - The TerroristAs they pass by...Till the end, and then no more.
Misc
8
9
September04th
08th
15th
16th
19th
21st
24th
27th
28th
Eat an Extra Dessert Day
International Literacy Day
International Day of Democracy
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Day of Peace
World Gratitude Day
National Punctuation Day
World Tourism Day
Hug a Vegetarian Day
World Heart Day
CONTENTS
9
10
Do you like Ellie Goulding’s voice? If not, don’t read this review; you’ll not like
this album. If you do (or you’re not sure), read this and listen to the album to
get obsessed with it. Because this stellar sophomore effort by the British
folkie-turned-pop-star is headlined by her voice, which shines on songs that
could have otherwise passed as electro-pop trash, and glitters on the best
tracks on the album.
The best word to describe her vocals throughout the album might be
Ethereal. It’s so soft and vulnerable, yet so powerful and emotion-inducing.
If nothing else, you’ll at least be moved by her vocals. Or creeped out, if you
hate her voice. Either way, that voice is really quite something and you’d
know it when you listen to this album. On songs like Atlantis and Anything
Could Happen, she’s cooing more than singing. But she does it with such
vulnerability that it’s almost otherworldly. At times, she’s just an
unbelievably beautiful voice accompanying a simple piano melody (Joy, I
Know You Care), but in most tracks, she’s a fragile, multi-layered one-
woman-choir that brings out harmonies that upstage the songs’
productions. As one critic from a review of this album I read pointed out, she
takes the phrase “Singing like a Bird” to new heights here.
Her voice is mostly in a marriage with heavy electro-pop productions on this
album. And it’s a marriage that works on so many levels. Goulding chose
this artistic direction because she knows the stuff. It’s evident when you
listen to her. But the best part is she doesn’t let the synths and beats take
away the spotlight: her vocals shine through them all. It’s a welcome change
when compared to other electro-pop giants like Skrillex and David Guetta. I
mean, you don’t always listen to their tracks ‘cause their featured artists
deliver center-stage vocal performances, right? You listen to them because
their beats are sick club-bangers that you can dance yourself away to. But
Goulding knows her voice is her greatest strength and do not let it be just a
“featured” element in the songs. That said, the productions are light and
beautiful when needed, chaotic and flashy where it’s best suited. Props to
Jim Eliot who produced most of the tracks on the album, with Goulding
herself.
As for the lyrical content, this is a break-up album through and through.
Goulding herself co-wrote all the songs on the record except Hanging On (a
brilliant cover of the original song by Active Child.) And she paints a troubled love affair
here as two people playing it wild and dangerous on the thinning ice of a frozen lake in
winter, and she does it pretty well. It’d be easier for someone who has been through a
damaging relationship to know the phases of relationship deterioration portrayed
here: the broken promises, the ignorance, the agony of waiting, the realization of the
inevitable, the calm before the storm, the storm itself and finally, knowing when to let
go. And the bitter pain in between.
But with the varied production styles, some really good love songs take on the disguise
MUSIC
11
REVIEWof being club music with lyrics that don’t
make sense. For anyone looking to
parody it, the lyrical content could come
off as about skinny dipping or having
monthly period! Moreover, songs like Only
You and I Need Your Love have jovial,
banging beats that makes it seem like
happy songs, whilst closer examination of
the lyrics would suggest otherwise.
Furthermore, heavy repetitions of the
same line occur in many songs in the
album. But with her beautiful voice singing
them, I didn’t have any problem with the
exquisite harmonies she created with the
repetitions. In fact, these tracks I just
mentioned are some of my favorites on the
album. On listening to songs like Joy and I
Know You Care, some might say that her
talent is better showcased with the simple
piano-driven ballads and that more
upbeat tracks and digital tweaks feel a bit
too weird and over-the-top, but frankly, I
think that’s what makes this album unique
and artistic.
Goulding said that she named the album
Halcyon (which is an African kingfisher
E l l i e G o u l d i n g - H a l c y o n - b y A b o
bird that brings calm to rough waters in winter to lay eggs on) because a lot of
the songs here are about the ocean and water, but I don’t get the “calm” part,
‘cause there’s nothing calm about the situations laid out in the songs. Maybe
making this album, the artistic process was what brought calm to her. So
maybe she means to say that the music here could also help you let go of a
chaotic, encaging relationship. Even if it doesn’t, this is great music here: you
can dance to it, break your heart to it, heal your heart to it, and might even be
inspired because of it. It’s ambitious, it’s devastating, it’s refreshing, but most
of all, it takes you on a quiet unforgettable ride (at least it did for me! :P).
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
Don’t Say a Word
My Blood
Anything Could Happen
Only You
Halcyon
Figure 8
JOY
Hanging On
Explosions
I Know You Care
Atlantis
Dead in the Water
I Need Your Love ft. Calvin Harris (Bonus Track) TRAC
KLIS
TR a t i n g :
⅘
11
12
b y : S h a h a
DYM RECOMMENDS
From the author of The Kite Runner
and A Thousand Splendid Suns
comes another great tale about love
and the choices that make us. A tale of
families and how they nurture values
and care for each other that takes us
from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to
the Green islands of Tinos. Every
chapter more powerful than the last,
this is a tale that will be remembered
for generations.
And the
Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
rating:
5 STARS
13
Jaycee and Rachel were best friends before Jaycee chose Skyler over
Rachel. Now Rachel is dead and Jaycee must follow the clues that Rachel
sent before her death to find who killed her. A tale of romance, friendship,
betrayal and murder set against the backdrop of a small town with a growing
gang problem, this book is page turning, heart shattering and full of secrets.
Dead Girls Don't Lieby Jennifer Shaw Wolf
rating:
3 STARS
Mathéo Walsh has everything. He’s Britain’s most promising diving
champion, a heartthrob, straight A student who lives a wealthy life in London
and he has the perfect life and the perfect girlfriend Lola. But one weekend
changes Mathéo into something different. Something terrible, violent and
twisted happened that weekend that leaves Mathéo trusting no one and on
the brink of self-destruction. A changed life, Mathéo now finds himself at
crossroads, whether to keep his secret and put Lola in danger or to confess
and lose Lola.
Hurtby Tabitha Suzuma
A book that is written with intimacy and piercing emotion, this tells a story of
obsession and artistic fulfillment. Nora Aldridge is a 37 year old elementary
teacher who has become “the woman upstairs”, a friendly neighbor but her
life takes a turn when one of her students, Reza gets attacked and called a
“terrorist”. Nora learns more about Reza and his family, learning some truths
that might just shatter not only the Reza’s world, but hers as well.
The Woman Upstairsby Claire Messud
rating:
3 STARS
rating:
4 STARS
BOOKS
14
Bay and Daphne are sisters
who were switched at birth
and after a lot of hardships of
getting to know each other
and their families, the girls
n o w f i n d t h e m s e l v e s
entangled in a lot of drama in
new surroundings. School
trouble, romances gone
wrong and family politics
keeps the girls busy day
and night and often in so
much trouble.
Switched at Birth, Season 02
DYM RECOMMENDS
Castle and Beckett tries keeping
their relationship a secret while
battling some of the toughest
cases yet. Murder at their
vacation house, kidnapping of
someone close to Castle and
Castle himself arrested for
murder, season five is filled with
cases that will shock you. The
season f inale leaves un
hanging yet again with a
question that could make or
break Caskett.
Castle, Season 06
15
TV
Stephen, normal boy up until one day
finds himself teleporting into places in
his sleep and hearing voices in his
head. When he is on the brink of
insanity, he follows the voice in his
head that leads him to find out more
about himself and find people like him
– The Tomorrow People who are a
genetically advanced race of super-
humans. Stephen also learns that
they are being hunted down and he
must run to escape from his reality.
The Tomorrow
Project Runway, Season 12
Sixteen enthusiastic fashion designers face off each other in a new season of
Project Runway. With challenges that takes them to Coney Island, and guest
judges including Kaley Cuoco, this season brings out the best in the
participants and also the best in fashions.
People, Season 01
16
DYM RECOMMENDS
Nominated for Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, Touchy Feely is the story of a brother and sister who discovers new things about themselves that transforms their lives. Abby, a sought after massage therapist suddenly discovers an uncontrollable aversion to bodily contact and her brother Paul who is a dentist finds himself with a “healing touch”. A film about living in one’s own skin starring Rosemary DeWitt and Josh Pais, this is a self-improved comedy that will touch many hearts.
TouchyFeely
Grace is a twenty something supervisor who works at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. She lives a fulfilling life, passionate about her work and in love with her boyfriend Mason but when Grace’s past comes back haunting her, Grace must do everything in her power to help herself and the kids under her care. A movie about finding truth in unexpected places, this has been given highly positive reviews calling it “a roller coaster of every emotion, managing to be both heartwarming and heartrending at once”.
ShortTerm 12
rating:4 STARS
rating:3 STARS
17
MOVIES
Rahul, a forty year old Bachelor is asked by his granny to drop his granddad’s ashes in a river in south but he and his friends made plans to go to Goa. When Rahul’s granny decides to see him off at the train station it forces Rahul to take a ticket on the Chennai Express. His life takes a turn for the crazy, when he meets a gir l names Meenamma who was running to catch the train. With forced marriages, duels and more in his way Rahul is mixed up in a whole lot of crazy in this commercial success that has broken several records including the record previously held by 3 Idiots, doing amazingly well both in India and overseas.
ChennaiExpress
rating:4 STARS
Following the food storm in the preceding Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Flint and his friends are forced out of Swallow Falls but an invitation from Chester V brings him back to the town. He discovers his machine now creates something even more evil and once again it’s up to him to save the town and the world! A movie that is amusing and fun for the whole family!
a chanceof Meatballs 2
Cloudy with
Release date: September 27th.
18
DYM RECOMMENDS
The experimental rock band from Chicago comes with a new album that stays true to their rock genre with songs that talk about death, destruction and mending. With songs such as Stitches and Frosted Tips that see great use of instrumental music and the old rock vocal feel with lyrics that make the song come to life, this album is sure to generate critical acclaim. Ten songs each with a title more interesting than the other, this album could very well be our sanctuary away from reality!
Stichesby Califone
Yours Trulyby Ariana Grande
Nickelodeon star Ariana Grande makes her
music debut in this album with singles such as
The Way, and Popular Song. An album filed
with songs inspired from 90’s urban pop that
showcases Ariana’s amazing vocal talent, it
has generated positive reviews. Songs such as
Almost Never Enough featuring her boyfriend
Nathan Sykes talks themes of love and
hardships. Thirteen super fun songs are
featured in this album that we love playing while
working.
rating:
4 STARS
rating:3 STARS
19
PLAYLIST
With Loveby Christina Grimmie
The YouTube sensation Christina Grimmie brings out her first studio Album, With Love which boasts of 11 brand new songs that talk about life, love and loss. With songs such as Get Yourself Together and Absolutely Final Goodbye, the theme of heartbreak is seen. Dance-pop beats, catchy lyrics and great vocal talent make this an album that is a must have for every pop fan. Even if you aren’t a pop fan, songs such as My Anthem and With Love will bring a smile to your face.
The Third
by Belle and SebastianEye CentreThe Third Eye Centre is Bel le and
Sebastian’s second compilation album that
includes some of their songs released
between 2006 till now. In true B&S fashion,
all the songs have their signature style, their
old time classic beats mixed with great
timeless vocals that make this compilation a
must have for every indie fan. Our particular
favourites are Love on the March, Long
Black Scarf and Your Cover’s Blown all of
which just touches our hearts!rating:
4 STARS
rating:4 STARS
20
B Y : I S HPeople make mistakes. Every action in your
life can’t be the perfect one to a fairy tale life.
You’re never the same person throughout
your life, giving up old personality traits as you
age. What doesn’t change throughout your
lifetime is the essence of who you are. Now, sometimes, the person you become
might dislike the person you were, to the point
where you berate yourself because you hate
yourself. Even if people are looking at you
with admiring eyes, you’ll keep wondering
when your flaws will drive even your closest
friends away, because you’re acquainted with
your faults better than anybody else. You strip
yourself down to nothing but your bare, ugly
truths and convince yourself that it’s your sum
of a whole. It becomes easy to convince
yourself that you’re not going to matter to
someone, that people would be better off
without you, because you see yourself as the
lowest of the low in your eyes. Because of
what you’ve seen and because of what you’ve
been through. They don’t know, but even if
they did could they understand you? Would
they sympathize, or would your heavy past
bring them down with you?
20
21
Eventually you can’t even meet your reflection
in the eyes because of the shame.
When that happens, forgive yourself. Make
compassion a strength rather than a
weakness. Draw from yourself and show
yourself the kindness you deserve above all
else. Everybody is fighting their own battles
and everyone has been wounded in some
way or another. Your wounds don’t make you
ugly, or a lesser human being. Even if yours
run deeper than the rest, it doesn’t make you
tainted, it just makes you a human struggling
to find a better place in life. Maybe you’ve
been places you didn’t want to be – never
mind that, you live and you learn. Never again,
now that you know better. Show yourself a little
kindness. Allow yourself to be treated with the
same courtesy you would to a friend. Leave
behind your past and come to terms with your
present so that you can have a better future.
The road ahead is long, but you can only go
there if you learn to love and accept yourself.
Fight everyday till you finish your journey. But
start with the little steps.
So forgive yourself, today.
22
NoblesseObligeHave you ever heard of the French phrase, “noblesse
oblige”? Literally, it means “nobility obliges”. A more
elaborate definition would be, “whoever claims to be
noble must conduct himself nobly [i.e.: act with honor,
kindliness, generosity, etc]. To put it in simple and general terms, it can mean
something like “act in ways that fit who you are.” This is an idea that can be applied to every part of life for
any person, ever. The idea that we should do what we are
able to do. That we should not hold back from our true
potential for reasons such as fear, doubts or insecurities. Some people are good at art, some are good with
numbers, some are good with writing words, some are
good at speaking them, some people make the best food
and some people have funny personalities that are
begging for a YouTube show. But more often than not, these people hold back and not
show off their talents. Sometimes they are shy, sometimes
they fear judgment from others and some even have
insecurities about whether they have these talents or not. Whatever the reason, it eventually results in them living
half-lives, not being all they could be. This is seen at the most basic level, where people with
talents for practical things like cooking or accounting or
art don’t express it, and on more advanced levels where
people with the potential to be leaders and politicians and
CEOs choose to sit on the sidelines and express their
discontent instead. How many times have you seen the most amazingly
talented person just flat out deny their talent or refuse to
even try? How many times have YOU been told you were
great at something, only to disagree and refuse to give it a
go? Maybe it’s fear or doubt or insecurities. But you must
realize one very important thing: when you are choosing
not to be all you could be, you are failing yourself in the
worst way. You are failing every shred of potential you
have. You are failing all the amazing things you could do
and be. You are living only half your life. [And the less
interesting half at that.] There’s this John F. Kennedy quote that people like to
throw around when they want you to do something, “Ask
not what your country can do for you – ask what you can
do for your country.” Let’s take that saying and chop it up a little to make it more
relevant to the ideas being expressed here and to life in
general: “What can you do?” Sounds simple right? “What can you do?” Ask yourself
that. What are your skills? What abilities do you have?
b y : M o o n y
23
NoblesseObligeWhat are you good at? What do people say you’re good
at? Now ask yourself this. “ARE you doing it?” Are you doing
what you’re best at? Are you living up to your highest
potential? Are you the best version of yourself? Perhaps one reason why our society has so many issues
and so many discontented people is because everyone is
holding back without expressing their true potential.
Everyone has things they could be doing really well but for
whatever reason, live their lives doing other things
instead. We all have things we COULD do and some of us say that
we SHOULD do it and some say we WOULD do it if certain
conditions are met. But the truth is that these fantastical
conditions are almost never met. And we never end up
doing these things. Which is where the phrase ‘noblesse oblige’ comes in
again. As we now know, this phrase means that those who
are a certain way must act accordingly. So we can take it
one step further and say that those who have certain skills
must use them. We can say that it is their obligation, not only to the people
who stand to benefit from their skills but also to
themselves. We all live just the one life, except for the cats
among us [reportedly]. So we must do everything we can
do in that limited time because there’s not going to be a
do-over. We must also be the best we can be. We must
take on the responsibilities we know we can bear, simply
because if we don’t do it, no one else would. If everyone out there stopped holding back and started
doing everything they could do and living up to their true
potential, the world might be a better place. It would
certainly be a happier place. So next time you’re holding back, take a deep breath and
think to yourself, “noblesse oblige.”
I can, therefore I must.{
}
2424
From the next period forward, I will assume that you have
already seen the very colorful banners that shade the roads
of Male city’ and know that the ball for the SAFF
championship 2013 has seen the back of the net.
But it took me a crowd of not less than 75 people screaming
on top of their lungs to realize that SAFF championship has
already begun.
With all the posters, the banners, the debates and the music
booming out of the base on every street, the very event of
Football where Maldivians go all red was not very much
flowing in the atmosphere. (Not for me anyway). But there
were people who always marked their calendars with big red
markers, and waited desperately to see the Maldivian squad
do wonders on a foreign green pitch.
It was one very boring evening for me and I decided to take a
walk around the city when I ran into a friend of mine who was
an activist of one these political parties. (Seemed that we
both were in the dark about the SAFF championship) We
walked around, talking about the random stuff; Syria, Miley
Cyrus, Elections and to whom I am voting for. After a long
exhausting exchange of unrelated news we decided that
heading home would be the best for the rest of the evening.
On the way back home, we heard more than occasional
chanting, screaming and cheering around the corners of
every street. And these screams of cheers stole our attention
from the dubstep music booming from our shared
headphones. We headed towards the noise and found
ourselves in a base set up by one of the political parties, with
an oversized screen and projector showing Ali Ashfaag
running with the ball. I would’ve missed it if I blinked, as the
ball flew past the goalie and hit the net like a snitch. And then
again, a jump, a cry and scream, all mixed together took
over the whole quiet atmosphere again. The guy standing
next to me was jumping with his hands raised as high as the
national flag, screaming like a girl. The veins on his neck
were pretty visible too.
After the ball went to the middle for kick-off I nudged him and
asked a question, to which I got an answer that actually
made me go speechless. “Dude, aren’t you sitting in the
300,000 PEOPLE,11 MEN,1 BALL!
24
2525
300,000 PEOPLE,1 BALL!
opposition party’s base? Don’t you hate this place and the
people to guts?” He replied with rage in his eyes “Its football
idiot! Who cares which party it is!!! I won’t move an inch from
here until the match ends, and no one is going to come and
make me either!” And the crowd rose with another cheer and
scream. It was another goal.
This guy I am writing about is a way more stubborn person
than the average activists you see around the city. He is 5 or
6 years older than me and he never changed his political
view ever since democracy was introduced to Maldives.
And now, that same person is sitting there in an opposition
base, as if he forgot his views, his principles and his beliefs.
He screamed and chanted and patted on my back as if
nothing happened. He was like a freeman, with no reason to
stare at another fellow Maldivian with a red face and yell why
the nation is still in debt and why people are being killed like
mosquitoes.
I understood a fundamental law that applies to all Maldivians
that day; No matter who you are, where you come from,
whether you are dark or fair, educated or uneducated, dumb
or smart, who you support in the presidential race, when it
comes to football, you are just a red-blooded Maldivian
same as the one who is cheering next to you. The same red-
blooded Maldivian, who took the nation from the
Portuguese, the same Maldivian who are caring and
sharing, well dressed and creative. Just a ball and 11
players on a pitch running around can bring 300,000 people
into a synchronized heartbeat. Just like Turtle Theory sang:
Though the political views differ (Siyaasee, Fikuru thafaathakas)whatever the color they maybe
(Komme kulayakas)though they dislike each other
(Kithammey nuruhunas)Say,
(Bunaashey)we are one
(Mee ebbayekay)this is one force
(Mee Ebbaarekay)we are Maldivian children
(Dhivehi Dharinney)
[ Maakanayoa / Turtle Theory ]
b y :J i nb y :J i n
25
26
27Follow me for more!@shaaaarkie
28
The elections are upon us and we, at Dhi Youth
Movement (DYM) believe in the power of youth
engagement during this crucial time. What better
time is there to let our leaders know that we hold a
huge stake in the future of this country?
We recognized and understood the need for
advocating for informed decision making by the
general public, especially the youth population,
in the current polarized situation in the Maldives.
Hence, DYM has been heavily involved in the
elections this year, by partnering with UNDP to
distribute voter education material throughout
the country. We managed to cover all 20 atolls, and
all 192 inhabited islands in the country – which is a
huge feat.
The purpose of this huge effort was to emphasize on
the importance of everyone’s right to vote, and to
ensure that everyone makes an informed decision,
based on the candidates’ manifestos and their
insights on various policies that affect citizens. We
also strive to create awareness within public on the
procedures that would take place prior, during and
after Election Day.
We are also picking up an online social media
campaign named ‘Faahaga’, in partnership with
UNDP and the Elections Commission of the Maldives,
where pictures of mainly new eligible voters are
uploaded with what they want out of this election ie;
you th deve lopmen t , soc ia l secur i t y , j ob
opportunities, etc.
With heavy integration of multiple social media
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
FAAHAGA CAMPAIGN B Y S H A A M
29
FAAHAGA CAMPAIGN B Y S H A A M
we aim to reach a large audience through this
campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness
on political tolerance, provide latest news on the
elections and provide a platform for youth to
express what they want out of the election in a non-
partisan and youth-friendly online platform.
Our teams will be actively approaching newly
eligible voters and would request them to upload
their pictures to the campaign. We have also been
going out on the streets with professional
been going out on the streets with professional
photographers, who would be snapping pictures for the
campaign – so keep an eye out for our team!
While we are happy to see that young people are actively
involved in independent observation efforts and working
alongside the Elections Commission, we cannot stress
further on how important it is for youth to be engaged in this
election. As the youth population accounts for roughly 60%
of our country, we have the largest say in this election.
We, Dhi Youth Movement, are doing our part in this
election… will you join us?
Click here to go to our facebook page.
29
30
S h a m m a M u h a m m a dW O N D E R W O M A N :
Shamma Muhammad, the founder of Shumsie’s
Bridal Hijabs and Rings and Things is one woman
who inspires us. She is an entrepreneur, and an
innovator and a mind of modest fashion. She grew up
in Colombo, Sri Lanka attending an all-girls Muslim
international school which she believed was a great
influence on her. Having a strict uniform code that
involved the hijab encouraged her to experiment with
new hijab styles while being modest. She started
wearing the hijab at a young age along with her many
friends. As kids wearing hijab, there wasn’t much
inspiration to look for, no tutorials and such and so
they had a lot of time experimenting creative styles
with the little resources they had. The experience was
something that interested her in creating hijab styles
and becoming a Hijab stylist.
She never regretted her decision to wear the hijab, it
defines who she is. Like every young girl she wanted
to feel special, and confident, the hijab was her way
of showing the world that she was a special,
confident young woman who was not only defined by
her outer appearance but also appreciated for her
intellect.
Shumsie’s Bridal Hijabs started as an album in
Facebook where she often uploaded hijab styles that
she tries out. Family and friends gave her a lot of good
responses to the pictures that she eventually started
a Hijabi fashion blog at hijabiii.blogspot.com. A year
of blogging at this address got her many followers
and fans all around the globe and a year later she got
a domain at hijabiii.com and has been blogging
since.
31
S h a m m a M u h a m m a dW O N D E R W O M A N :
During mid to late 2011’s, she started experimenting
with different Turkish hijab styles especially with
brides’ in mind and practicing the styles every day
and after a few months, Shumshie’s Bridal Hijabs was
born. She started doing bridal hijabs on clients and
also making accessories to style with the hijabs
which interested her in crafting and designing
headpieces which eventually led into creating
accessories such as rings and bracelets leading to
her second online endeavor Rings and Things.
Shamma is inspired by many things. She is an avid
reader of historical fiction, especially the regency
romances, their ball gowns full of tulle, lace, silk and
pearls which was what made her interested in
fashion. A lot of her signature pieces are inspired
from that era. Magazines and TV shows also play a
big part in inspiring her. Some of her favourite TV
shows for fashion inspiration include Ugly Betty,
Downtown Abbey and Pretty Little Liars.
Shumsie’s Bridal Hijabs provides live styling and
consultation of bridal hijabs and hijabs for dress
occasions. She works alongside her business
partner Niuma taking live styling clients’ separately.
In addition, they also make ready to wear hijabs for
brides living outside Male’ or Maldives. They have
clients in all corners of Maldives, in UK, US, New
Zealand, Malaysia and parts of Europe.
Rings and Things consists of all hand-picked and
some handmade jewelry and other accessories
which can be summarized as a collection of cute,
whimsical and personalized jewelry to suit the
customer’s tastes. When choosing accessories, she
tried to choose pieces that a person could easily
3232
33
She tries to make the services she provides as unique as possible by keeping up to date with fashion
blogs and magazines about the latest hijab styles. She believes that hijab is not just a garment but a
whole lifestyle and an expression of an individual. And that no two people express themselves in the
same way, the same going for how they'd like to wear their hijabs.
A challenge is something that Shamma looks forward to, and when a client requires something different
or a customized accessory, it’s something that she puts her heart into to give the client just what she
needs.
Shamma mentions her fans as the biggest supporters who include her former clients, and those who
have been following her blogs and pages. Without the encouragement and support of her beloved
family and sweet friends, she would not be where she is today.
Looking upon the future, she wishes to expand all her ventures, to create new ideas, involve more
people and to develop more styles and accessories. Shamma and Niuma have already created a
hundred ready to wear hijab orders from all around the country and have successfully completed a
style shoot just a few months back. Their line of ready to wear, pre-styled hijab caps are the first in the
country and their signature design. Shamma also plans to expand the line of business to include more
items that make a hijabi’s outfit complete.
Related Links
34
Space Parade is a Maldivian group that makes short movies and videos for YouTube. The founders of Space
Parade are Ahmed Iyash and Ahmed Karam. Mohamed Hursheed (AzMyst) joined them sometime later and
the three of them now form the core of a larger group of close friends who work and help out in the making of all
Space Parade videos. Space Parade is strictly a non-profit group and all their videos are created on very low
budgets and uploaded to YouTube for everyone to freely enjoy. In the last few years their popularity has
increased rapidly among Maldivians and they currently have over 800 Subscribers on their YouTube channel
and the dozen or so videos they have uploaded have been viewed over 90,000 times. This year Space Parade
participated in a short film contest called “Focus” held by TVM and won first place for their short video called
“Dhuveli”.
We at DYM have been fans of Space Parade since we saw their “Mirus Lee” video on YouTube a year or so
back. They are absolutely fantastic and a fun group to hang out with. The interview with AzMyst, Karam and Iya
was great, talking about all the things that made Space Parade what it is now. Later, during the photoshoot, we
got to see just how fun the entire team was as fifteen people went about doing their own thing and being all
Space Parade-y, making the whole experience of working with them really fun and entertaining. After that we
knew exactly what they meant by their “Entertainment Upgraded” slogan.
Here’s what they had to say.
35
Interview by Shaha & AreenPhotography: TobyAssistance: Shanan & Ahusam
youtube.com/user/spaceparadepro
fb.com/spaceparade
36
How did you guys get started in making short movies?Iya: Videography is actually my profession, and I have always been
interested in making movies so going into short movies was a very
small step for me. Karam and I always believed that we could make
something better if we actually tried, because we love movies and
were always interested in the techniques and direction styles of
great filmmakers. Space Parade was formed out of boredom, that’s
the simple truth. We were bored and one day we decided to do
something about it. The opportunity presented itself while we were
at Karam’s grandma’s place one night during the “circumcision
season”. We made a short video to entertain everyone who visited
the house every night and called it “Dhen Vaany Kihineiy?”
(meaning “What will happen next?”). The idea was, as the title
implies, for the audience to guess what will happen at the end of the
short film. We got a great response for the video from everyone, so
we decided to upload it on YouTube so that our friends who were
abroad could also enjoy it. And that’s how Space Parade took off.
Where and how did the team meet?Iya: Karam and I were classmates and friends since childhood.
AzMyst: I met Iya and Karam through blogs. It was some years back,
before Twitter and Facebook became popular. Back then almost
everyone had a blog and we used to comment on each other’s blogs
and that’s how we became friends. And then I found out that they
were making fun short videos and I had always been interested in
that. So I hung out with them and since I had started dabbling in VFX
at the time, I offered to help them out and they were more than happy
to have me in the team.
Iya: We actually met AzMyst for the first time during a blogger meet-
up and found that he was also interested in short movies. He is
“insanely talented”.
AzMyst: I’d just like to make sure that you got the part where Iya said
that I am “insanely talented” on record. You got that part on the
recorder, right?
Why the name Space Parade?AzMyst: Iya once explained to me how he came up with the name…
but it didn’t make any sense to me. Maybe he should try explaining it
again.
Iya: Let’s just say that Space is infinite and Parade is very
flamboyant.
AzMyst : That’s not what you said before. There was this huge
elaborate story involving clouds and space that made no sense, I
remember.
Karam: Why didn’t you say that before? That one actually kind of
makes sense.
AzMyst: All these years, you could have just said that!
Iya: Hey, I just made it up, ok!
Greatest Compliment:A guy once said that our videos will be talked about in the future like
how we talk about “Bakhabaru” and “Floak the International”. That
was great! Also, Tedry once said that Space Parade is a very familiar
name which is a great compliment for us because he’s among the
few directors here in Maldives that we actually look up to.
Greatest criticism: There was once a comment on Speed Walker video on YouTube that
said: “What is this gay bullshit?”. We found it hilarious. But seriously,
there hasn’ t been much real cr i t ic ism. Maybe some
misunderstandings, where people took offence at some of the
scenes in some of our videos, but nothing really critical. Actually,
we’re our harshest critics. I don’t think anyone else can criticize our
work as much as we criticize it ourselves. Most of the feedback
we’ve received so far have been overwhelmingly positive.
Inspiration behind:SPTV Episode 1 : Bakhabaru, Floak The International and Robot
Chicken. It’s a mixture of a lot of things. We believe that
“Bakhabaru” sets the bar in Dhivehi comedy and we wanted to
emulate and give tribute to the great work they had done.
Speed Walker: Atheek was clearly the inspiration. When we planned
out the video, we decided that it would be Karam who would be
chasing Ammadey but on the day of the shoot Karam got delayed
and Atheek was already there with us on location. So we decided to
use him instead and then when we asked him to do a “slow to
medium jog” he said he’ll try speed walking instead. I don’t know if
you’ve seen actual speed walkers in a race or not but their walk
looks pretty ridiculous to begin with. But what Atheek did that day
was so hilarious we just had to use it. Nothing else would have
sufficed.
Dhuveli: This was a tough one. When we heard about the contest we
all got together and brainstormed but couldn’t come up with
36
37
anything that we could shoot, edit and finish within the short
timeframe we had been given. Since we’re all very busy with our jobs
and only work on Space Parade stuff during our free time, we didn’t
think it would be possible to make something that had any chance of
winning in that short a time. However, we did go to TVM to meet with
the producers of the show and found out that we had only seven
days to submit a finished video. There was no way we could finish a
video in seven days so we decided to give up before we had even
begun.
Then, three days before the deadline, Karam comes up with an idea
that we figured could be shot and edited together in two days.
AzMyst was against it because we really didn’t have the time to do a
good job on it but agreed since the others wanted to go ahead. We
managed to shoot it in one day and despite several delays and
accidents we managed to put together something decent. Even
though none of us were happy with the final result, we decided to
submit it anyway since we had worked on it and didn’t want all the
hard work to go to waste. We really had no expectations of winning.
How was the reaction when you won Focus competition?At first we thought it was a prank. When TVM called and asked us to
drop by for a final interview the next morning we actually forgot and
overslept. By the time we managed to go to TVM, it was almost an
37
youtube.com/user/spaceparadepro
fb.com/spaceparade
38
hour late! When we were told that we had won it took a while before
we even realized what was happening. In fact, when we watched
the final interview on TV we realized that we actually looked half
asleep during the entire interview… and mumbled our way through
the whole thing.
Are there any particular recurring themes in your videos?There are a few things. Karam appearing from behind a pole or
something obviously too small and narrow for him to hide behind is a
running gag that we started in Project Montage. That scene got the
most laughs from everyone and so we did something similar, but
with VFX, in Express Delivery. We did that again in SPTV: Episode 1.
Another recurring theme… that only we know about (since the
audience will never see this part) has to do with stabilizing the shots
when shooting VFX scenes. When doing VFX, it is important to keep
the camera on a tripod to stabilize the shot. Otherwise you’d have to
do motion tracking before adding any VFX to the footage. And since
we’re lazy and try to do everything in the fastest and laziest way
possible, AzMyst always insists on using a tripod for all the shots that
require VFX. However, Iya, who usually handles the camera, will
always say that we can stabilize the shot in post or that his handheld
shots will be steadier than using a tripod. We’ve had to throw away a
lot of VFX shots because of the shaky handheld video footage.
Another thing we do is put references to movies and other things we
love in our short movies, sort of like a tribute. In SPTV: Episode 1, we
threw in a TARDIS for no other reason than because we are all fans
of Doctor Who. We’ve also put references to “Die Hard” and our
favourite Hindi movie “Andaz Apna Apna” in some of our short
movies.
Do you have plans to go commercial?We actually do commercial projects too, like ads. But we always try
to add the Space Parade humor into it. We only do commercial stuff
if we find it fun and think the concept is different from the usual stuff
you see on local channels.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?All together: Seezan! And Amjay!
How do you see Space Parade in 5 years’ time?We hope to become an evil conglomerate in the future. Our agenda
would be to dominate the world, although we’re not sure how we’d
do that but that’s our goal. Actually, we already have our super-
villain names all figured out. We even use them in our business
cards. No, seriously! We have business cards! Iya is the Supreme
Overlord, Karam’s title is Villainous Sky Captain and AzMyst is the
Nefarious Battlemage. We did that because we thought Assistant
Manager and Managing Director were too boring and mundane. We
spiced up our business cards!
What is your message to young people?One of the main goals of Space Parade is to inspire the enormously
talented younger generation of Maldives to stop saying “We’re
bored!” and actually go out and do something fun and creative. Go
crazy! Find your limits and then break free of it! Don’t whine about
how boring your life is and that there’s nothing here in Male’ to do;
there’s so much to do if you just put your mind to it. Find something
you are passionate about and do it. Practice and experience makes
everything better. It’s extremely rewarding when fans come up to us
and say that we inspired them or when we get messages on our
Facebook page dedicating some awesome and creative project to
us. Seeing other people do awesome stuff because we inspired
them, that’s just an unbeatable feeling.
What would you say to your fans?Ah, our fans. What would we do without them… well, actually we’d
still be making videos even if we had no fans but seeing them get all
excited about our videos is unbelievably fantastic! One of the Space
Parade crew, Bugs, once referred to Space Parade’s fan as “our
batteries”. That’s actually perfect! Our fans keep us charged! They
really are our batteries now. We owe a lot to their love and support.
When we began Space Parade, we never even imagined we’d ever
get more than a thousand fans on our Facebook page. We were
expecting to get about a hundred Likes and we’d have been more
than happy with that. We are rather lazy and our fans motivate us to
finish our work. And even other popular local pages on Facebook,
like MVTrolls, have been promoting us so I guess it’s safe to assume
we have a huge fan there too.
38
39
Do your fans contribute ideas and things?Yes, they do. Some of them send really weird ideas too. Things we’d
never be able to do on the low budgets that we usually work on.
We’re continually surprised by how much faith they have in us. Some
fans even seem to think that we can match big budget Hollywood
movies! We do most of our projects on a minimal budget; almost
zero budget. Most of the money goes on props and snacks! It’s
amazing that they have more faith in us than we actually have in
ourselves. But as we say, we’re amateurs and we’re still learning.
The Internet is our teacher
Do you plan to make videos about social issues?We think all of our videos are about social issues… sort of. We
mostly wanted to make fun videos that would make people laugh
and have a good time. When we began, we mostly wanted to make
cool fight sequences, because we love Kung Fu and action movies.
Later on, we decided to branch out and try out new things so that we
could learn more varied stuff.
What is the biggest challenge you face in Maldives?The biggest challenge for us is finding locations to shoot. And then
there’s the problem of finding equipment. We usually borrow all our
gear from friends. Without their help we would not have been able to
make even one video. As far as locations are concerned, we are
very geographically challenged so we make do with what we have.
We use the same locations over and over because it’s easier and it’s
very hard to find places with low traffic where pedestrians and other
people don’t walk into the shot while we’re shooting. When we were
39
youtube.com/user/spaceparadepro
fb.com/spaceparade
40
shooting Mirus Lee, there were two kids watching and they just
kept looking and didn’t budge even though we asked them
repeatedly that they’ll end up being in the shot. Not surprisingly,
they ended up being in the shots.
One other challenge we face is finding girls to act in our videos.
Perhaps it’s because the idea of being in a movie or short movie is
still generally frowned upon. Maybe… we don’t know for sure.
There might be other reasons. What we know is that anyone who
watches our videos will realize that we are having good, clean fun
in our movies. We’re not going to exploit anyone who offers to help
us out. And unlike the movies released by the so-called Dhivehi
Film Industry, we actually have some really cool, fun and different
things going on in our videos. We really hope that more girls will
come forward to help us out. We have several cool projects that
we’ve had to put on hold due to lack of female actors. We don’t
care if you can’t act. Most of us at Space Parade can’t act either
but we still have a fun time trying. It’s a skill that can be developed
through practice and experience. And since we’re also learning
and making mistakes as we go along, that’s fine. We’ll all learn
together and have an awesome time too!
How was life before Space Parade?Karam: Kind of boring. Very monotonous. That’s why we started
Space Parade. Our first project was going to be “Industry trailer”,
a fake movie trailer, but it wasn’t the first video we uploaded. We
managed to finish two others while “Industry trailer” was being
shot. However, that was also the first of our videos to get a huge
response from viewers. It’s still our most viewed video on
YouTube.
Any nal comments?We’d like to thank all our friends who has helped us every step of
the way. They volunteered to help us with everything, from
costumes to acting to post production. They didn’t have to do any
of it, but they did help us out when we needed them and they still
continue to do so. They are awesome! Shamin from Madhoship
should get a special mention because… Space Parade would not
exist without all the help he has given us. From lending equipment
to providing constructive criticism and even voluntarily taking on
post-production work, he’s been helping us from the very
beginning.
40
41
Karam
Three things to do before you dieMaster the art of eternal lifeTouristy TravelMake a really awesome film
Most hilarious memoryI once went to Dolphin Café and ordered a Spaghetti Carbonara and when I was
about to eat it I realized that it smelled really strongly of rotten onions. So I called
the waiter over and complained. Instead of apologizing he got really angry for
some reason and told me that since I had not specifically requested Spaghetti
Carbonara WITHOUT rotten onions, it was apparently all my fault! He got really
loud and then the manager came over and explained that the onions weren’t
rotten and that it was exactly how the dish was supposed to smell! And then the
waiter got even more furious and told me to just say that the food wasn’t good.
“Don’t blame it on the onions!” he barked at me. Biggest Aspiration: To become thin.
Fav Space Parade Video: SPTV Episode 1
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?To be able to run very fast… run without stopping!
AzMyst
Three things you want to do before you dieMake a feature length movieTravel the worldHave a Hollywood premier for a Space Parade movie Most embarrassing memoryThe umbrella incident! There are actually three such incidents but the last one
was the most embarrassing. It’s too complicated and long to summarize here
so just ask me about it if we ever meet in real life. Even now, friends run away if
they see me holding an umbrella. Also, I’ve come to accept the fact that an
umbrella in my hands in a dangerous weapon. So I never carry an umbrella
now, no matter how hard it is raining.
Biggest AspirationI’ve always wanted to create something really funny. Not necessarily a movie, it
could even be a story. I want to see a lot of people enjoy my work and have a
good time. There are only a few movies and stories that I can watch or read over
and over and still laugh out loud to myself. If I can create something that will
elicit that kind of reaction in other people, over and over again… that would be
extremely cool.
Fav Space Parade Video:My favorite is “Express Delivery” but I really love the work I did on “Ice Cream
with a Vengeance”. Mostly because it was the first Space Parade video I edited
and also because it was really difficult. It was a fight scene and I wanted to
ensure that it looked better and more realistic than any other fight scene seen in
a local movie. I learned a lot about editing from that project and I’m still, even
now, very happy with the way it turned out.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?Wolverine’s healing factor!
Iya
Three things you want to do before you dieMake a feature length movieHave a bionic eye that can record images and videos in HDHave a conversation with Christopher Nolan. Most embarrassing memoryActually, we made a short movie about that incident. Space Parade’s “Serial” is
basically a replay of the most embarrassing incident I’ve had, but with some
facts changed. Specifically, the locations and the names of the people
involved. It was actually a case of mistaken identity. I saw an old friend paying
the bill near the counter at Seagull and since I hadn’t seen in him years I thought
I’d surprise him by tickling him from behind. Don’t ask me why. He was
surrounded by his friends and family when I sneaked up behind him and tickled
him so hard he lost control and nearly fell to the ground. It was only when he
turned around that I realized that I had tickled a total stranger! I’m pretty sure the
guy is still wondering what happened that day.
Biggest AspirationFor Space Parade to make something that is timeless, that will be talked about
all over the world.
Fav Space Parade VideoIt’s a tie between “Industry Trailer” and “Ice Cream with a Vengeance”. We
actually started Space Parade with Industry Trailer and it took a lot of pre-
planning. I’m really proud of how it turned out.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?Deadpool’s healing power.
41
youtube.com/user/spaceparadepro
fb.com/spaceparade
42
randomacts ofKindness
I discovered this concept a few years back when I
was writing my life list and it was something so
amusing and fantastic I had to tell everyone I knew.
What is a random act of kindness? It’s doing
something for someone for no reason at all, and
without any expectation of anything in return. This is a
concept that is derived from kindness. A concept
that was once so common but now viewed through
skeptical eyes.
Just this year to celebrate DYM being registered, we
carried out 15 acts of random kindness which
included donating blood, buying ferry and bus
tickets for strangers, leaving a big tip for our favourite
waiter, giving food and drinks to construction
workers and leaving happy notes all around the city.
The day was filled with joy from the start. Some
people were super skeptical and kept asking what
was in it for us. Someone even said to our faces that
no one would ever do anything for someone without
expecting anything in return, I think we proved her
wrong that day.
It was a great learning experience for us. I don’t know
if our act of kindness was passed on or not, but I sure
felt like the day was just so great. Being kind is
extremely satisfying and one of the easiest ways to
be happy. We were just so filled with happiness that
day.
saying thank you to shopkeepers/service providers
after getting a service. I often say thanks and wish
taxi drivers a good day and some of them are
genuinely surprised and others are just happy. One
very nice taxi driver said that it was so nice meeting a
young person who appreciated the work they do,
and that made me happy too! See, being kind is a
win-win.
Sure, some people would never appreciate it, and
will be like, aren’t you doing this for your own sake
too? Well, maybe a little part of it is but once we start
42
43
So, how can you incorporate more random acts of
kindness in your everyday life? For starters, there is
this thing going on where on your birthday you carry
out acts of kindness equivalent to the age you turned
(20 Acts of kindness on my 20th birthday). Instead of
receiving presents and well wishes on your birthday,
you can give. Giving is so much more rewarding.
You can also do small things, things that you might
think wouldn’t even count but might end up making
someone’s day. Smiling to someone you see on the
street, opening the door for someone behind you,
saying thank you to shopkeepers/service providers
after getting a service. I often say thanks and wish
taxi drivers a good day and some of them are
genuinely surprised and others are just happy. One
very nice taxi driver said that it was so nice meeting a
young person who appreciated the work they do,
and that made me happy too! See, being kind is a
win-win.
Sure, some people would never appreciate it, and
will be like, aren’t you doing this for your own sake
too? Well, maybe a little part of it is but once we start
being kind it just comes automatically and becomes
a part of who you are.
So from today on, start to treat people a bit better.
Write a list of things you can do to be more kind.
Some of the things on my list are made with this
concept in mind such as paying for a strangers
groceries, praying for someone for a month straight
and complimenting someone for a week.
As one of my favourite talk show hosts, Ellen says “Be
kind to each other”
“Be kind to each other”
- Ellen DeGeneres
by: Shaha
4444
45f b . c o m / f a a h a g a
46
ARTHRITISB Y : T H I N A A NArthr i t is is not unheard of but a common
misconception is thinking that it is a disease. Arthritis
is collective term used to address many diseases.
For an example heart disease is not a disease but it
covers all the types of heart diseases like heart
attacks. Arthritis occurs in joints.
A joint is a place which joins two bones together.
Elbows, wrists and knees are all joints. No matter how
much you move, your bones are held in place by
elastic bands in the joint known as ligaments. The
end of each bone is covered by a smooth tissue
which is like an oil lubricant on hinges to allow two
bones to rub against each other smoothly.
Arthritis attacks the cartilage, the smooth tissue,
meaning the bones scrape against each other like
sandpaper. Arthritis can also cause the muscles
around your joints to puff up and it becomes difficult
and painful to move your joints. In worse cases, the
bones slip out of shape and the joints stick out or look
deformed.
The more you age, the more likely you are to develop
arthritis. However, this is alarmingly common among
the youth as well so think ahead and work your way
into preventing arthritis.
47
ARTHRITISB Y : T H I N A A N
Stick to the basics. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. It
keeps your muscles stronger and improves your
overall health.
Be quick on your feet. The moment you feel pain in
any of your joints treat it with an ice pack for about 20
minutes with reasonable intervals of time.
Drink plenty of water. The cartilage is about 70% of
water. Need I say more?
You are what you eat. Calcium keeps your bones
strong so never be too lenient when it comes to your
calcium intake. Cod liver oil has vitamin D which also
contributes to bone strength. Latest research also
shows that broccoli can reduce the incidence of
arthritis.
Slim down. The heavier you are the more you
pressure your joints with your weight.
Yoga and Stretching! This has a more permanent
effect on the strengthening of your muscles than any
other exercise. The more you stretch, the stronger
the muscles around your joints. It can really take the
load off your bones.
48
Cholestrolb y : T h i n a a n
In celebration of cholesterol awareness month this September
This is a topic I am proud to say that majority of the Maldivians have a keen insight on. Too much cholesterol is bad because it makes you overweight, gives
you heart diseases and cause other complications.
But is this all? What else do you know?
49
1. Rather than giving cholesterol the old boot, let’s hear it out.Cholesterol can be a high density lipoprotein (HDL) or a low density lipoprotein (LDL). HDLs are good cholesterol. Yes, there is actually such a thing. Good cholesterol is your secret admirer. They help you keep your body temperature stable, produce necessary hormones and keep you up and running. It also helps you hunt down the bad cholesterol (LDL) and get it out of your system before you know it!
2. A small change in your Friday LunchBy Friday lunch I mean chicken. Chicken is very popular among Maldivians which is good news because chicken is a low cholesterol choice for a food. However, if you leave the skin of the chicken on, you might as well be eating a lump of bad cholesterol.
3. Good things do not ALWAYS come in small packagesPeople always think that the less you eat the better. Not in the case of ice cream. A small cup of ice cream can cause more damage than gulping down 10 donuts in one go!
4. Girl Power!Men tend to have a harder time dealing with cholesterol than women thanks to the female hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen has been found to help in reduction of cholesterol levels
5. Vegan AdvantageBad cholesterol generally comes from any products obtained from animals. Milk, eggs and animal meat are all necessary for your diet but need to be eaten with great care in limited potions. Products obtained from plants however are full of good cholesterol.
50
As he passes by…
she tries to assault him
and get hold of his curves,
Which has nurtured her as a child
And between which
she entered this world,
As he passes by…
he see the lust in her eyes
that tear apart his clothes
he feel the intensity in her gaze
that pierces his body
with million sharp needles
in a moment,
As he passes by…
she thinks it is virility
to pass lewd remarks,
to talk about he as a product,
and to fondle with his arcs and bends
in her lecherous talks and laughs
with a bunch of crooks,
As he passes by…
A s t h e y p a s s b y . . .
50
51
he is much more than just fragrant flesh
walking in smart clothes
he is not a commodity
or, a menu at a restaurant
that she scans him in a moment
to choose something for herself,
As he passes by…
Today he smirks at the thought
And he feels pity,
for her brothers and sons,
who tie her weak threads
And who sit in her lap
innocently,
ignorant of the vulture inside…
Why this attempt to cut his wings
and silence his every thought
by confining he to four walls
like a tied animal,
to be used over and over
at will,
As they pass by…
b y : A l i S h i f r a a z
51
52
b y : F a z u S i n g a
Till the end, and then no more.
art by annaarmona.deviantart.com52
53
I loved you when you were boring and dull;When your lifestyle was mundane and dreary
Stuck close to you when you were broke and down;Held onto you when you were weak and unwell
Finally, you’re slim and pretty,Rolling in money all rich and
Thrifty; I loved you through thick and thin;And now you walk away, saying
My love is not from within
Maybe one day, when I’m long goneYou’ll surely yearn for someone to hold onPractically nothing to bargain with except
Those few not-so-subtle tricks up your sleeve;I wonder with whom you’ll replace me
Or if you wake up one day from your dream
And realize reality; when you find the lost faithsomewhere in the bouts of uncertainty;
Perhaps, you’ll reach out someday ahead,When you can see the world with better clarity
And will come a day when you and I are stripped bare
Nothing to hold on to, no money, fame or identity;So you shall see, what we are meant to be
None but beings who depend on one anotherFor survival and security
And when the day is gone
You’re left all aloneThrough the emptiness
You realize that even when you had nothingI had loved you anyway.
53
54
In the meantime, find us at:
Thank you for reading.
See you in October!
f b .com/dh i you thmovemen t
@ dh i you th
dh i you thmovemen t .b logspo t . com
dh iyou thmovemen t
dh i you thmovemen t@gma i l . com
F o l l o w t h i s l i n k f o r t h e o n l i n e a p p l i c a t i o n f o r m :
h t t p : / / b i t . l y / 1 a P b A W Y