Features

The more fashion-oriented of two versions of the same vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz GLC300e 4Matic Coupe might be less spacious and less practical than its wagon body sister, but for many, is the more desirable for its stylishly sloping lift-back roofline and hunkered down glasshouse.

First launched in 2016 and face-lifted since 2019, the GLC300e Coupe is the improved hybrid model in the GLC-Class line-up. In addition to mild exterior and interior design updates and expanded, and updated technology and assistance systems, it gains improved electric output, a new gearbox, quicker acceleration and improved EV range.

Little altered for 2019, the CLC-Class Coupe gains the expected fascia refresh with restyled intakes, grille, lights, bumper and so forth. Slightly more aggressive — especially in AMG Line specification, as driven — it remains among the best-looking SUV in its niche segment. Sitting high off the ground with a broad rhinestone-like patterned grille now wider at the bottom, the GLC-Class Coupe features bulging bodywork and surfacing, high flanks, small glasshouse, low, flowing roofline and a lift-back rear. Contrasting with its more traditional regular SUV sister model, it has a dramatically squat stance that emphasises its width.

Smooth and silent

Subtly distinguished as a hybrid model among the line-up with its small badges, the GLC300e Coupe is powered by a an in-line turbocharged, direct injection 2-litre four-cylinder engine developing 208BHP at 5,500rpm and 258lb/ft at 1,200-4,000rpm, in addition to a transmission-integral electric motor developing 120BHP and 324/b/ft. 

Driven using combustion or electric power, or a combination of both, the GLC300e Coupe’s available combined system output of 315BHP and 515lb/ft effortlessly and briskly powers its hefty 2,040kg through the 0-100km/ h acceleration benchmark in just 5.7-seconds and onto a 230km/h top speed.

Powering all wheels via an in-house-developed 9-speed automatic gearbox replacing an outgoing 7-speeder, the GLC300e better utilises available output for improved performance, versatility and fuel economy, rated at 2.2-2.6l/100km, combined. With a 13.5kWh battery, the GLC300e Coupe claims a near silent 45-52km EV range, suitable for short commuting. 

Driven more spiritedly on inclines, the GLC300e’s batteries, however, naturally deplete sooner. On the move charging is meanwhile achieved with regenerative brakes scavenging and converting kinetic energy, but as a plug-in hybrid, full charging time using a household socket takes five-hours or 1.5-hours using a high capacity charger.

Flexible delivery

Responsive off the line with a near instant electric shove and four-wheel-drive traction, the GLC300e Coupe confidently glides in EV mode with plenty of ever-present torque. More muscular with both motors in operation, it nevertheless performs well even when batteries are depleted and it is running primarily on its familiar yet capable combustion engine. Notably heavier than non-hybrid GLC-Class versions, the GLC300e Coupe’s performance isn’t much blunted by the extra heft, even when running on combustion, and is versatile across its generous mid-range, and happily revs to its redline.

A balanced SUV that is refined inside, settled and stable at speed, the GLC300e Coupe also handles well for its weight and height. Its steering is direct and quick, with tidy turn-in, but not quite as nuanced for road feel or ultimate grip thresholds as the non-AMG version with slimmer, higher profile tyres. That said, the driven AMG Line version’s enormous staggered 245/ 40R19 front and 275/ 35R19 rear tyres do provide plenty of grip through hard driven corners as the dig in, under weight transfer to the outside, while four-wheel-drive alters power distribution as needed between front and rear.

Classy cabin

A smooth drive that feels hunkered down on the road, the GLC300e Coupe well controls its 2,040kg weight through corners, but low profile tyres can feel slightly firmer over especially jagged road imperfections and cracks. Poised and settled under most circumstances, one did feel that slightly firmer damping and rebound control, and reduced suspension compression would suit some of Amman’s larger speed bumps. That said, the more comfort-oriented non-AMG GLC wagon managed such bumps with greater fluency. 

However, all things considered, the GLC300e Coupe is a reassuringly confident drive that well reconciles ride and handling properties.

Refined, well-insulated and capable of 130km/ h in EV mode, the GLC300e Coupe is stylishly contemporary and classy inside in design, quality and materials. Well-equipped with a slew of convenience, infotainment, safety, driver assistance features, its reversing camera, parking assistance and blindspot warning proved particularly useful given its rakishly low roofline and small glasshouse. 

The GLC300e Coupe delivers a well-adjustable and supportive driving position, and good front space, while rear headroom is practical, but less than its wagon body sister. Meanwhile, the optional strap-down over floor spare tyre reduces its nominally adequate 350-litre minimum and 1250-litre maximum luggage volume.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, turbocharged, in-line 4-cylinders/electric motor

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 9-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

0-100km/ h: 5.7-seconds

Maximum speed combined (electric only): 230km/h (130km/h)

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 208 (211) [155] @5,500rpm

Electric power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 120 (122) [90]

Combined system power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 315 (320) [235]

Power-to-weight, combined: 154BHP/ tonne

Torque, lb/ ft (Nm): 258 (350) @ 1,200-4,000rpm

Electric torque, lb/ ft (Nm): 324 (440)

Combined system torque, lb/ ft (Nm): 516 (700)

Torque-to-weight, combined: 343Nm/ tonne

Fuel consumption, combined: 2.2-2.6 litres/100km

CO2 emissions, combined: 49-60g/km

Fuel tank: 57-litres

EV range: 45-52km

Battery capacity, kWh: 13.5

Electrical consumption, combined: 16.2-18.7kWh/100km

10-100 per cent charging time, home socket 2.3kW/fast charger 7.4kW: 5-/ 1.5-hours

Length: 4,731mm

Width: 1,890mm

Height: 1,622mm

Wheelbase: 2,873mm

Track, F/ R: 1,614/1,605mm

Aerodynamic drag co-efficiency: 0.33

Unladen weight: 2.040kg

Gross weight: 2,610kg

Payload: 570kg

Towing weight, braked/unbraked: 2,000/750kg

Steering: Electric-assisted, rack and pinion

Turning circle: 11.8-metres

Suspension: Multi-link, anti-roll bars

Brakes: Perforated, ventilated/ventilated discs, regenerative braking

Tyres, F/ R: 245/ 40R19/275/35R19

By Ayah Murad
Pharmacist & Clinical Dietician

An often debilitating condition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) leads to frequent, recurrent abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhoea. There is currently no specific cure for it, so dietary and lifestyle changes are essential. In this article, I help you identify triggers and to adopt a strategy to make them less frequent and less severe. 

What is IBS?

IBS is a long-term condition of the gut that causes episodes of tummy cramps, bloating and constipation or diarrhoea. Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem with how the bowel works. Probiotics (the little friendly bacteria that inhabit the colon), help digest food that cannot be broken down efficiently and make it simple to pass through the colon for healthier bowel movements and emptying without creating gas and pain.

The presence of the good bacteria in your intestines is important for the immune system, as they secrete antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal chemicals. They also form a physical barrier to combat toxins or an invasion of bacteria and yeasts. Probiotics create a small acidic bubble in the intestines which promotes iron and other mineral absorption. Since the serotonin hormone (the happy hormone) is synthesised in the gut by probiotics, they also can help you maintain your mood and reduce your stress levels.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are naturally found in fermented food such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, homemade pickles, naturally fermented apple cider vinegar or garlic vinegar. You’ll get better results when probiotics are mixed with prebiotics: the nutrients found in fruits (such as apples) and vegetables. The best time to eat food rich in prebiotics and probiotics is first thing in the morning or right before going to sleep.

What reduces or kills friendly bacteria

• Taking antibiotics or laxatives

• Having a food allergy that leads to diarrhoea

• Drinking water rich in chlorine

• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol 

• Having a diet that is rich in refined sugars and poor in fermented foods 

• Suffering from chronic stress

Pharmacies carry probiotic and prebiotic supplements. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to choose the most suitable type for you. 

Digestive enzymes

The lack of digestive enzymes can also be a cause of IBS. Some people cannot produce enough of the digestive enzyme called lactase. These individuals are allergic to lactose (milk sugar). Every time they drink milk or have milk as a hidden ingredient in what they eat, they suffer from maldigestion, bloating with or without diarrhoea and sometimes constipation.

Digestive enzymes are vital in supporting healthy digestion, reducing gas formation, bloating, indigestion and constipation following meals. Some natural digestive enzymes are present in kiwi, pineapples, ginger and papaya. Make sure to drink warm water with ginger slices and lemon zest after main meals, as this will help your stomach produce all the necessary enzymes for healthier digestion. You can also find digestive enzyme supplements at the pharmacy.

Your choice of fibre

The human body cannot digest many types of food, including cellulose (a complex carbohydrate found in bran or high fibre bread). While most people with IBS benefit from at least a moderate increase in dietary fibre intake, certain high fibre foods, such as bran, may increase gas production and bloating. However, the fibre in fruits and vegetables is easily digested.

Avoiding wax-coated fruits and vegetables

So many fruits and vegetables produce natural wax to protect themselves from bugs and other environmental factors after being harvested. Natural wax is a type of fat that can be digested by our body but synthetic wax cannot be digested. Some grocery stores wax all kinds of fruit and vegetables to make them shiny, glossy and more attractive to the consumer (this includes bell peppers, apples, cucumbers and even lemons). So make sure to de-wax your vegetables before consuming them by soaking your vegetables in vinegar and a small amount of baking soda.

Avoiding food that may bloat you

One typical example of a food that bloats is dairy. Well-ripened sour cheese, like Parmesan or blue cheese, are smart options for those with irritable bowel syndrome but not yellow cheese as it is high in fat content. Yoghurt is the exception – the good bacteria in yoghurt helps digest the lactose for you. Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits. Avoid cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi or cabbage, arugula, collard greens, radishes and watercress. 

IBS prevention tips

• Snacking at bedtime on a blend of sour yoghurt with dill and cucumber; add two slices of ginger along with your probiotics

• Drinking warm water with blossom water and lemon zest when you wake up and on an empty stomach

• Reducing the number of caffeinated drinks throughout your day as they may increase your stress hormones 

• Avoiding food that your body cannot digest or take a digestive enzyme 30 minutes before eating them

• Drinking water with crushed mint through the day

• Emptying your bowels daily by ensuring that you eat vegetables and fruit regularly

• Limiting food rich in fat including those with hidden fats

• Reducing the amount of red meat and poultry meals per week as they require a long time to digest

• Avoiding cold meals as they can reduce the blood circulation around the digestive system and thereby provide fewer digestive enzymes

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari

New York: Harper Perennial, 2018

Pp. 443

Most history books are very specific, focusing on narrowly defined topics, locations or time periods. Yuval Noah Harari, a history professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, does the opposite, taking on the whole span of human existence and examining its physical, cognitive, economic sociological, cultural, and environmental dynamics.

Even more boldly, he demolishes major presuppositions and myths which most humans take for granted and regard as truths. To him, truth is to be found in science and even that is ever-changing in the light of ongoing research and discoveries.

“Sapiens” is nothing if not provocative. Many will be surprised, and some offended, that the first chapter of the book, which is about the evolution of early humans, is entitled “An Animal of No Significance” — could that be us? According to the author, “Animals much like modern humans first appeared about 2.5 million years ago. But for countless generations they did not stand out from the myriad other organisms that populated the planet.” (p. 4)

Harari discusses what features, such as extraordinarily large brains, distinguish humans from other animals, as well as the drawbacks of overly large brains and theories of how Homo sapiens became the dominant type of human. Another distinguishing feature is that “since humans are born underdeveloped, they can be educated and socialised to a far greater extent than any other animal”, a fact that has had an enormous impact on subsequent history. (p. 10)

The book is divided into four parts: The Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Mankind, and the Scientific Revolution. While the general outline may be familiar to an educated reader, Harari’s gift is bringing out the ironies and real drama of history, explaining what various changes meant for humans’ everyday lives and for the future. To do so, he links seemingly unrelated phenomena, recasts ancient events in modern-day metaphor, and poses questions of current relevance.

The evolution of their language is key to Homo sapiens’ success: “As far as we know, only Sapiens can talk about entire kinds of entities that they have never seen, touched or smelled” which enables extensive social cooperation and collective imagination, including human trust in intangibles such as the value of money and joint-stock companies: “That’s why Sapiens rule the world, whereas ants eat our leftovers and chimps are locked up in zoos and research laboratories.” (pp. 24-5)

There are many shockers in this book, such as when Harari sums up the Agricultural Revolution as “History’s Biggest Fraud”. However, he argues persuasively for this as well as for his other contentions: “The Agricultural Revolution certainly enlarged the sum total of food at the disposal of humankind, but the extra food did not translate into a better diet or more leisure. Rather, it translated into population explosions and pampered elites… Everywhere, rulers and elites sprang up, living off the peasants’ surplus food and leaving them with only a bare subsistence.” 

(p. 101)

Similarly, a survey of political systems from the time of the Hammurabi Code to American democracy, which coexisted with slavery and racial segregation, confirms his view that there is no justice in history: “Most sociopolitical hierarchies lack a logical or biological basis — they are nothing but the perpetuation of chance events supported by myths.” (p. 144)

Part 3 traces the emergence of universal orders — money, empire, and religion, from the first millennium BC on. Then, about 500 years ago, the Scientific Revolution erupted, ironically by humans admitting their ignorance and their need to know. This motivated the European imperialist voyages of “discovery”, seeking new knowledge and new territory and wealth to conquer. “Science, industry and military technology intertwined only with the advent of the capitalist system and the Industrial Revolution. Once this relationship was established, however, it quickly transformed the world.” (p. 264)

The predominance of capitalism also changed ethics: Its rise was coupled with the destruction of indigenous cultures and the advent of the Atlantic slave trade, as the profit motive became all pervasive with no guarantee of just distribution. While millions died due to colonial and religious wars and Nazism, “Capitalism has killed millions out of cold indifference coupled with greed.” (p. 331) 

Two additional themes run throughout the narrative: the enormous cruelty inflicted on domesticated animals as a result of industrialised agriculture, and the huge changes that human endeavour has caused to the environment. (Harari deliberately does not call it the destruction of nature, as he contends that nature cannot be destroyed.) Still, he concludes, “all of these upheavals are dwarfed by the most momentous social revolution that ever befell humankind: the collapse of the family and the local community and their replacement by the state and the market”. (p. 355)

After treating the reader to this sometimes-harrowing review of history, Harari asks if humans are happier in view of the way things have developed. Proceeding to assess the pluses and minuses, his answer is equivocal. Not knowing how human achievements have influenced the happiness and suffering of individuals is, according to him, “the biggest lacuna in our understanding of history. We had better start filling it”. (p. 396)

The book’s last chapter is literally mind-blowing as Harari sketches the possible consequences of current technological research whereby scientists are engineering living beings in laboratories, replacing the laws of evolution by intelligent design. “Tinkering with our genes won’t necessarily kill us. But we might fiddle with Homo sapiens to such an extent that we would no longer be Homo sapiens”. (p. 404)

Depending on one’s own philosophical inclination, one might find Harari either terribly cynical or brilliantly visionary. In a very interesting interview included after the main text, he explains how his personal ethics connect to his view of history. “Sapiens” is available at Books@cafe.

PARIS — Genetic differences between identical twins can begin very early in embryonic development, according to a recent study that researchers said has implications for how these siblings help scientists tease out the effects of nature versus nurture. 

Identical — or monozygotic — twins come from a single fertilised egg that splits in two. 

They are important research subjects because they are thought to have minimal genetic differences. 

This means that when physical or behavioural differences emerge, environmental factors are presumed to be the likely cause. 

But the new research, published in the journal Nature Genetics, suggests that the role of genetic factors in shaping these differences has been underestimated.

“The classic model has been to use identical twins to help you to separate the influence of genetics versus environment in analysis of diseases,” said Kari Stefansson, head of Iceland’s deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of US pharma firm Amgen. 

“So if you take identical twins raised apart and one of them developed autism, the classic interpretation has been that that is caused by the environment.”

“But that is an extraordinarily dangerous conclusion,” he told AFP, adding that there is a possibility that the disease could be due to an early genetic mutation that happened in one of the twins but not the other.

Stefansson and his team sequenced the genomes of 387 pairs of identical twins and their parents, spouses and children in order to track genetic mutations.

They measured mutations that occur during embryonic growth and found that identical twins differ by an average of 5.2 early developmental mutations. 

In 15 per cent of twins, the number of diverging mutations is higher. 

When a mutation happens in the first few weeks of embryonic development, it would be expected to be widespread both in an individual’s cells and in those of their offspring. 

In one of the pairs of twins studied, for example, a mutation was present in all of cells in one sibling’s body — meaning it likely happened very early in development — but not at all in the other twin. 

Stefansson said that out of the initial mass that would go on to form the individuals, “one of the twins is made out of the descendants of the cell where the mutation took place and nothing else”, while the other was not. 

“These mutations are interesting because they allow you to begin to explore the way in which twinning happens.” 

Given the genetic differences found, the very term identical may be misleading to describe the siblings. 

“I am more inclined to call them monozygotic twins today than identical,” Stefansson said.

PARIS — Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will this year reach levels 50 per cent higher than before the industrial revolution because of manmade emissions, Britain's Met Office recently predicted.

It forecasted the annual average CO2 concentration measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii in 2021 will be around 2.29 parts per million (ppm) higher than in 2020. 

It said CO2 concentrations will exceed 417 ppm at some point between April and June — 50 per cent higher than the 278 ppm present in the late 18th century when the industrial era kicked off.

This is despite an unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 because of the pandemic. 

"Since CO2 stays in the atmosphere for a very long time, each year's emissions add to those from previous years and cause the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere to keep increasing," said Richard Betts, lead producer of the Met Office's annual CO2 forecast.

"Although the COVID-19 pandemic meant that less CO2 was emitted worldwide in 2020 than in previous years, that still added to the ongoing build up in the atmosphere."

Mauna Loa has been continuously monitoring atmospheric CO2 levels — which fluctuate according to season but continue to climb annually — since 1958.

The United Nations says emissions from energy, food production, transport and industry must fall more than 7 per cent every year throughout the next decade in order to keep the temperature goals of the Paris climate deal in play.

The 2015 accord enjoins nations to limiting global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to 1.5C if at all possible. 

With just over 1C of warming so far, Earth is already beset by extreme weather events such as flooding, droughts and tropical storms supercharged by rising sea-levels.

The Met Office said it took around 200 years for CO2 concentrations to increase 25 per cent since the industrial era began. 

"But now just 30 years later we are approaching a 50 per cent increase," said Betts.

"Reversing this trend and slowing the atmospheric CO2 rise will need global emissions to reduce, and bringing them to a halt will need global emissions to be brought down to net zero."

LOS ANGELES — When the Marvel superhero movies reached their box office-shattering climax in 2019, nobody could have predicted the saga’s next instalment would be a kitsch, black-and-white TV sitcom called “WandaVision”.

But a lot has changed since Iron Man and friends saved the world in that summer’s all-time record-grossing blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” (and mopped up some loose plot points in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” shortly thereafter.)

The wildly popular franchise of 23 interconnected movies has ground to a halt along with the rest of the world as COVID-19 shuttered movie theatres, delaying “Black Widow” and other big-screen superhero sequels.

Meanwhile parent company Disney has splashed out billions bringing its biggest franchises and characters to the Disney+ TV platform, as it locks horns with Netflix, HBO Max and others in the spendthrift “streaming wars.”

So here to finally push onward the over-arching plot of Marvel’s “cinematic universe” is “WandaVision”, an oddball and fiercely original series on Disney+.

It stars witch Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), and other-worldly android Vision (Paul Bettany), two B-list superheroes who struck up an unlikely but fan-favourite romance across several recent Marvel films.

“WandaVision” finds them — without explanation — living happily married in the idyllic 1950s town of Westview, which is seemingly lifted straight from an episode of “Bewitched” or “I Love Lucy” (complete with canned laughter track.)

They still have superpowers, but have traded battles with genocidal villains for a cosy world of school fundraisers, neighbourhood watch meetings and anniversary dinners.

If that sounds incredibly weird, it is.

“When I first heard the pitch of the show, I was gobsmacked,” admitted director Matt Shakman.

“There are so many shows out there on streaming right now — to find something that feels so special, like it hasn’t been done before, that’s really rare,” he told AFP. “And this definitely is one of those.”

‘Secret sauce’

Of course, all is not what it seems.

Mystery shrouds the arrival of Wanda and Vision in their bizarre new home, and some neighbours appear to know more than they initially let on.

Trailers suggest that later episodes will hop through time and bring Marvel fans the more familiar popcorn action sequences they have been craving — and, indeed, scenes shot in colour.

Keeping plot under wraps, Marvel has shown press just three well-received episodes, which are remarkable mainly for humorous set-pieces in which the pair narrowly avoid revealing their secret to nosy neighbours.

“The [Marvel] movies are hilarious and that’s definitely a huge part of their secret sauce,” said Shakman, who drew influence from his background on other TV comedies including “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.

“The number one rule that we learned on ‘Sunny’ is if it makes us laugh, it will make other people laugh.”

Beyond the gags, starved Marvel obsessives are itching to find out what has happened to their favourite characters.

Marvel has produced dozens of TV series before, but “WandaVision” is the first confirmed to fit — somehow — into the films’ grand, shared storyline.

An explosion of fan theories has tried to solve these riddles, not least how the show gets around Vision’s death in 2018 film “Avengers: Infinity War”.

“There is so much anticipation for the show,” said Shakman.

“The ‘why’ of it all is part of the great mystery of the show,” he explained.

‘Crazy risks’

“WandaVision” is just the first of a dozen Marvel series in the works for Disney+.

Bosses hope the shows can emulate the small-screen crossover success of “Star Wars” smash hit “The Mandalorian”, which has sent subscribers to the new platform in their droves.

But while “Star Wars” films have traditionally stuck to a fairly rigid “space Western” formula, Marvel have never been afraid to experiment, said Shakman.

“They have been taking these crazy risks the whole time — ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’... they’re constantly playing around with genre and tone and doing things that other people thought were pretty bonkers,” he said.

“That worked out great in the end. And ‘WandaVision’ definitely is a big swing... it’s very different.”

By Andrew Marszal

KATHMANDU — Nepali mountaineers who conquered one of the world’s most treacherous peaks returned home to a rapturous welcome on Tuesday, with cheering supporters hailing their first-ever winter summit of K2 as a triumph for their Himalayan nation.

Their ascent in mid-January of the world’s second-highest mountain — the notoriously challenging 8,611-metre “savage mountain” of Pakistan — shone a much-deserved spotlight on their own climbing prowess. 

A band played patriotic songs as the team arrived in Kathmandu, while well-wishers held out flowers and waved national flags.

“This is not just our success — it is for all Nepalis, so that our future generations can look back and be proud about achievements of Nepali climbers,” one of the 10 summiteers, Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, told AFP.

Kami Rita Sherpa, who has climbed Everest a record 24 times, said the recognition was long overdue.

“The Western climbers did not set the records without the help of Sherpas,” he told AFP in Kathmandu.

“All the routes are set by us, the food is cooked by us, their loads are carried by our brothers — they haven’t done it alone.”

To reflect their immense pride in making the achievement in their country’s name, the team sang the Nepali anthem, with their distinctive national flag fluttering in one of their hands, as they neared K2’s savage summit.

Invisible climbers

Since the first British teams set their sights on summiting Everest in the 1920s, Nepali climbers — mostly from the Sherpa ethnic group — have been by their side. 

But they did not aspire to reach for the heavens — among Nepal’s poorest communities, they risked life and limb to help foreign climbers achieve their life-long ambitions because they needed to feed their families.

Ang Tharkay, who was part of the successful 1950 French expedition to Annapurna — the first recorded ascent of a peak above 8,000 metres — refused to be part of the summit team. For him, being part of the record books was less important than running the risk of losing his fingers and toes to frostbite, which would jeopardise his livelihood.

The industry has since grown into a lucrative sector, attracting hundreds of foreign climbers each year and bringing in millions of dollars in revenue for the government.

An experienced guide can make up to $10,000 — many times the country’s average annual income — for several months of hazardous work.

The risks remain high despite the commercialisation of the sector, with Nepalis hired by foreign climbers making up a quarter of deaths on Himalayan mountains, according to the authoritative Himalayan Database.

In 2014, an avalanche killed 16 Nepalis who were hauling gear up Everest, triggering an unprecedented shutdown of the season and demands for better compensation and benefits. 

Taking control

The exploits of the K2 team, which included Nirmal Purja, who last year smashed the speed record for summiting the world’s 14 highest peaks, reflect the changing approach of modern-day Nepali climbers.

In 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa achieved international recognition when he completed the first summit of Everest with New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary.

But in the following decades, only four other Nepalis have claimed first summits of the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, compared to nearly 70 mostly European mountaineers.

In recent years, however, climbers like Purja have set record after record, and are hopeful their feats will inspire the next generation of Nepali mountaineers.

Meanwhile, local expedition groups — instead of playing second fiddle to foreign climbing agencies — now bring the bulk of paying clients into Nepal.

Italy’s legendary Reinhold Messner has seen the transformation first-hand.

“When I heard the K2 news I thought ‘finally!’,” Messner told AFP, recalling that in his first ascent of Everest without supplemental oxygen in 1978, the Sherpas would follow him as he navigated upwards.

In contrast, today’s Sherpas are in front of the climbers, setting routes and guiding them.

“It is an evolution... and this is also important for the future economy of the country.”

Alpine journalist Ed Douglas, who has called for better protections for the high-altitude workers, said the climbers deserve credit for “taking control of their own industry”.

The K2 winter summit showed that Nepalis “are now mountaineers in their right”, added Dawa Steven Sherpa, who runs Asian Trekking, an expedition company.

“There is no question about whether they deserve to have that place on the podium with all the other celebrated mountaineers that have come before us.”

The largest and most luxurious offering from China’s state-owned automotive Changan, the CS95 makes a clear and bold statement about the brand’s intentions and capabilities. Quite the impressively well-equipped, spacious and comfortable flagship effort, the CS95 is a competitively priced mid-size 7-seat crossover SUV with an up-market style and interior ambiance. Recently face-lifted since 2019, the Changan CS95 gains an even grander and more imposing presence that seems to exaggerate its perceived size, and meanwhile delivers cosseting refinement, confident performance and a comfortably reassuring ride quality.

Imposing presence

First launched in the Chinese market back in 2017 after being unveiled at the previous year’s Beijing auto Show, the Changan CS95 was quick to receive a face-lift, which includes significant front design and interior revisions, not to mention a lighter rear refresh, which includes a mildly re-styled bumper and the introduction of a full width light assembly across its tailgate. Significantly overhauled in its front aesthetic, the Changan CS95 ditches its previous Land Rover-like slotted grille design and oversized lettering for a nearly full height grille.

Heavy on the chrome, the Changan CS95’s enormous new grille is an imposing sight with its large wide-spaced horizontal slats extending far down to integrate with its lower and side intakes as a single dominating feature. Set within this new powerful floating effect grille is Changan’s emblem. Tall and upright with level waistline and roofline, the CS95 has plenty of road presence, and an air of solidity and conservatism. Meanwhile, its jutting rear tailgate spoiler, floating roofline and forward angled C-pillar lend it a sense of sporting momentum.

Refined delivery

Under its high rise bonnet, the Changan CS95 is meanwhile powered by a prodigious turbocharged direct injection 2-litre four-cylinder engine, transversely-mounted, and driving front, or all four wheels, as tested in latter specification on Amman roads. Primarily sending power frontwards and allocating power to the rear wheels when necessary for additional traction, grip and stability, the CS95 channels its output through a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox with three Eco, Snow and Sport driving profile settings, in addition to selectable 2WD, 4WD and auto driving modes.

Producing 230BHP at a 5,000-5,500rpm plateau and 266lb/ft torque throughout a wide 1,750-3,500rpm band the Changan CS95’s turbocharger spools up quickly with little by way of lag from idling engine speed. Responsive off the line, the CS95 carries its not insubstantial estimated 2,117kg mass through the 0-100km/h benchmark in an estimated 11-seconds, and on a top speed of around 190km/h. Smooth, quiet and willing through to its rev limit, the CS95 is, however, at its best riding its broad and versatile torque rich mid-range sweet spot.

Reassuring ride

Though brief, the test drive opportunity did highlight the CS95’s stable, planted and comfortable ride quality, well refined for most vibrations, harshness and noise. A natural highway cruiser that sits on the road with a reassuringly ‘heavy’ feel, the CS95 is certainly a comfortable crossover that well absorbs imperfections, yet seems slightly firmer than its smaller CS75 sister model, which rode with a more forgivingly pliant quality over sudden and jagged road imperfections. Meanwhile vertical control seemed good on initial judgment during this brief driving opportunity.

Turning tidily and with decent body lean control for a vehicle of this weight, height and size, a longer test drive would, however, yield a more nuanced impression. That said, the CS95 nonetheless proved to be confidently capable if not outright quick, and flexible and eager when accelerating ups fast inclines. Its light steering is easy and accurate for the most part, but is set up for comfort rather quick wrist flick reflexes or sportily textured feel and feedback. Meanwhile, the CS95 returns comparatively moderate estimated 9.4l/100km combined cycle efficiency.

Classy cabin

A large and upright crossover, the Changan CS95 is comparatively wieldy and manoeuvrable for its size with its commanding driving position, light steering and reversing camera and sensors, and also benefits from generous ground clearance for mounting kerbs and other obstacles. Spacious in all directions inside, the CS95 delivers generous passenger space in the front two rows and useable third row seats, while wide doors and swing angles allow easy access. Boot space is similarly functional with all seats deployed, but increases incrementally with folding the rear rows.

Significantly revised inside since 2019, the CS95 adopts a classier, more premium look and feel, with stylish new horizontally-oriented design, integrated, partitioned and driver-oriented centre console, huge infotainment screen, ambient lighting and new gear lever design. Leathers, inlays and textures and plastics are of mostly good quality, with the few hard plastic surfaces mostly well concealed.

Well equipped with numerous infotainment, convenience and electronic gadgets including vented massaging front seats for the latest 2021 model year, the CS95 also comes with a generous list of standard and optional safety and driver assistance features, including multiple airbags.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, transverse, turbocharged 4-cylinders

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 230 (233) [171.3] @5,000-5,500rpm

Specific power: 115BHP/litre (approximately)

Power-to-weight: 108.6BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 266 (360) @1,750-3,500rpm

Specific torque: 180Nm/litre (approximately)

Torque-to-weight: 170Nm/tonne

0-100km/h: 11-seconds (estimate)

Top speed: 190km/h (estimate)

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4-litres/100km (estimate)

Fuel capacity: 74-litres

Length: 4,949mm

Width: 1,930mm

Height: 1,790mm

Wheelbase: 2,810mm

Kerb weight: 2,117kg (estimate)

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/multi-link

Steering: Electric-assisted rack & pinion

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs/discs

Tyres: 245/55R19

Price, on-the-road, with comprehensive insurance: JD38,500

The New Year means new beginnings, making it an excellent time for some spring cleaning at the end of winter. I don’t mean our closets (although mine always need it!). I’m referring to getting rid of toxic friendships that suck the joy out of our lives and leave us feeling downright exhausted.

Let’s be honest with ourselves: Some friendships we have are very high maintenance. Take an authentic inventory of your friendship circles and ask yourself this question: “Do I value our friendship enough to do the work it takes to be a good friend, or am I just pretending that this is a real friendship when, in fact, this person is someone who depletes me?”

One of the greatest things I love about my closest friends is their listening ears and genuine care. They are not friends who only want to manipulate the conversation and talk about themselves. Real friends listen well and share well from their honest and authentic hearts. They give you the gift of their presence as well as a safe place to be yourself. They love you when you’re happy and encourage you when you’re sad. They are willing to go with you on the roller coaster ride of life with all its ups and downs. They love you enough not to say “I told you so,” but speak the truth in love without making you feel judged.

What does any of this have to do with food?

Freeing ourselves from toxic friendships or empty relationships frees us to spend more time on priorities that benefit our families and us. Don’t forget that a healthier YOU means a healthier family. By focusing on more important priorities, you set an example for your children, showing them what it looks like to say “no” to something and instead say “yes” to the things you truly value. This, in turn, empowers you to say “no” to food temptations and sets you up to give your best “yes” to a healthier choice.

One right choice makes it easier to make the next best choice and this is true for everything in life, not just when it comes to food. Strengthening our “Patience Muscles” can help us train our minds to be patient enough to wait before reaching for that readily available junk. The more often we do this, the better we become at saying “no” to ourselves out of a place of love and not out of fear. We can choose to love ourselves enough to take better care of our bodies instead of living in fear of the scale or people’s judgment.

The greatest gift 

we can give ourselves

Being our own best advocate and friend is the gift of loving ourselves enough to care. If you think of it, we could be that toxic friend to ourselves when we refuse to listen to our body as it begs us to be a little kinder to it. It begs us in the form of physical pain, headaches, a lack of energy and increased fatigue. It begs us when it affects our sleep and a million other aspects of our lives, such as depleting our self-confidence until we lose our sense of self.

If we could step out of our heads just long enough to see what we are doing to ourselves, we would pause and run in the opposite direction. We would clean up our act and start to impact our lives like a good friend who stops in to visit in the middle of the chaos. Good friends wouldn’t stand idle and watch you do all the work; they’d jump right in and lend you a hand.

Fellow Desperate Dieters, let’s roll up our sleeves and do the work one day at a time to help us declutter unnecessary things that are taking valuable real-estate in our lives. Here’s to a healthier and happier New Year!

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine