Tempo magazine August 2011

AUGUST 2011

PAGE 14

LIVING ON A YACHT ABU DHABI STYLE

I know that I always go on an on about the renewal you get from summer and the opportunity to boot up, realign, tune up (etc) ... but now you’ll realise just how far I mean this. As you read this I’m preparing to return from a two week trip to the US (in time for Ramadan) that I am calling my “accreditation journey” and it is to regularise all my university documentation. I am returning to my alma mater after 25 years since my graduation (don’t you dare ask my age) to get my degrees attested. My first step is the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (howdy to you too) while my husband’s accreditation track involves Georgia Tech and Seattle University (SU is another story). The intention is to fly out on July 15 from Abu Dhabi to New York, then pick up a flight to Atlanta (for Georgia Tech), and then drive to Knoxville, pick up my attested certificate from UT, get it notarised there, then drive to the governor’s office in Nashville for another stamp of attestation, then fly out to Washington DC to the state department for Mrs Hillary Clinton’s signature, then over the UAE embassy there for the final round of attestation....

Crazy? Maybe....(and please send me your stories if you’ve been there, and drop me an email if you want to know how we fared). Yes, we could have had an attestation service do it for us from here, but frankly all the ones we spoke with were wishy-washy about the process, timings and final delivery. So - we decided to combine a mission with a vacation (kind of like the hybrid word “staycation”...we coin a new one: “missioncation”) and do it all ourselves. For sure, this is one long air and road trip, but I know it will be packed with wistful memories and new experiences.

Have a happy summer, and Ramadan Mubarak to all.

Sana Bagersh Managing Editor

bagersh@tempoplanet.com

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ADDRESS To reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: editorial@tempoplanet. com. If you need to find out where you can pick up your copy call: 02 667 3349 or check out the list of Tempo distribution points on our website.

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DISCLAIMER Tempo is a publication of BrandMoxie. Although Tempo Magazine does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

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MANAGING EDITOR Sana Bagersh FEATURES EDITOR Alma Kadragic EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sharon Carvalho MAGAZINE DESIGN Mark De Castro WEB DESIGN Rizwan Pervaiz MARKETING COORDINATOR Manjul Abhishek Laskar Laipubam DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Melaku Muluneh EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Angeli Castillo Dave Solomon Neena Rai Randy Parker Preethi Janice D’Sa Shamma Al Suwaidi Mariam Musallam Lean Abadi

Shahid Saeed Layla Ezzedeen Blakniss Manar Al Hinai Justin Thomas Ahmad Samir Rohith Bhat

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dear ed, You have entertained so many young minds and given them a platform to portray their thoughts and visions. You guys have done an awesome job! Looking forward to all the interesting material you have to offer. } Chris Xavi Hey Tempo, thanks for being the source of letting the youth know what’s hot and what’s not as well as what’s upcoming and new. You definitely reveal a lot about the city we have grown to love! } Ankit Lodha Dear Ed, just love city bites! Great call on COLUMBIANO COFFEE HOUSE....was really spoilt for choice! } Rohith Krishna Tempo! You guys are doing an amazing job! Love the retro articles, updates and the info that keeps us on track! Keep up the good work! } Denver Bopaiah Dear Ed, I love the individualistic design of Tempo as compared to other magazines I’ve seen in the UAE. It speaks for the youth with the youth voicing their ideas and that’s awesome! } Nyurka Fernandes

I am working on a really cool project with @AbuDhabiTempo.

Can’t wait for you guys to see it.

Thank You Tempo for this opportunity ‘am LOVIN’ IT .

Excellent, amazing improvement!

MOHAMED AHMED

MARGARITA CEJUDO-PERDOMO

Tempo’s New Look Intro is good and simply done!

SHAMIM KASSIBAWI

Something happening in Abu Dhabi and you think you have to know about it? Look no further! Grab yourself a copy of the Tempo!

Great stuff...I’d say it again!

JEPHIN MATHEW

NASEEH MOHAMMED NAZEER

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE SUMMER? 1. Working all summer 2. Taking time off but chilling at home 3. Going on holiday overseas

Cast your vote by going to www.tempoplanet.com

VIDEO QUEEN SHAMIM SHARES HER UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE IN THE UAE PR/social media-holic – Shamim Kassibawi –who hails from a mixed Arab/NZ background, created Shamimscene.com with a purpose - she wanted the world to know what’s happening in the city she now calls home!

TOO MUCH BIEBER FEVER? DANI SHAY TO THE RESCUE

By Lean Abadi

“The idea behind Shamimscene.com is to give the local and international community ‘real-life’ insight into the latest social events, new brands and products, key personalities in the community and more”, says Shamim.

With each video unedited and unplanned, Shamim brings you a nonjournalist’s perspective with raw footage of an event, product, or a person…like you were actually there!

Before I start, I want to state that I haven’t caught the “Bieber Fever” but I’m not a hater either. Something to excite ‘those’ girls out there and keep them away from the real JB for a moment is Dani Shay, a girl who looks EXACTLY like Justin Bieber.

Dani Shay, a 23 year-old talented singer, poet, and comedian, started doing covers of various popular songs on YouTube. Imagine her surprise when she got comments on her videos from fans and viewers who were amazed by how much she looked like the Biebs! Because of the comments from viewers, she decided to make a parody of JB’s single “Baby”, telling the world that JB copied HER. The judges on America’s Got Talent admire her confidence and great personality, and so will you!

Shamim recently went behind the scenes and interviewed some of the top bloggers in the UAE. She talked to them about the type of blog they write, the challenges faced when blogging and the stuff they like to write about.

Shamim also spoke to the readers of these blogs and asked them what they expect from the bloggers, why they like reading those particular blogs and to understand what the community is looking for.

To view this video, go to: www.tempoplanet.com.

To check out more videos from Shamim, go to www.shamimscene.com or follow her on Twitter @ShamimScene

WATCH HER VIDEO ON......

Here are some lines from her parody of Baby (called ‘What the Hell’): “Am I on Tv? Girl quit playin He looks just like me What are you sayin’?

Said there’s another who looks and sings like you And he’s on every single channel of the Youtube” Check out the video I was parking my car behind Etisalat on Electra and then saw a Toyota with a Mawaqif ticket placed under the windshield wiper! I almost left a message for the poor driver to tell him that his ticket could get nicked, but I didn’t, and so here’s the photo…and I’m hoping the driver, and others as well, will refrain from doing something so dumb!

Photo taken and sent in by Laskar Laipubam, Tempo’s marketing coordinator.

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING...

NEW ECOTOURISM ATTRACTION: DUBAI RANCH Dubailand has a new addition to its wide range of touristic and entertainmentbased attractions; it has opened the eco-tourism destination Dubai Ranch. Dubai Ranch, located in the heart of the Al Sahra Desert Resort, right off the Jebel Ali Lahbab Road, is part of Jebel Ali International Hotels. This new experience is a cultural addition to Dubailand which aims to show families and visitors how the ancestors of the UAE lived. It is an entertaining yet educational trip that makes visitors leave with greater knowledge about how bedouins used to live.

Dubai Ranch has a range of different activities for the public to enjoy, with activities ranging from campfire Fridays, to family picnics, to camel-milk tasting!

The ranch tries to capture the exciting wildlife and visitors may come across rare endangered Arabian foxes roaming around. Horse riding is also another activity that the ranch has to offer, with lessons provided on basic horse riding technique as well as the psychology and behavior of horses.

AL AIN RECOGNISED ON UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE LIST

By Karam Bukair The residents of Al Ain must be thrilled that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have inscribed Al Ain’s historical landmarks to the World Heritage List. As a tourist getaway Al Ain has preserved its cultural landmarks in places such as Hili, and in southern areas in Al Ain. UNESCO as an organization helps preserve culture and heritage in countries, provide funding and support. The following cultural sites were chosen to be inscribed to the World Heritage List: Jebel Hafit, the Hili region in the northeast of the city, Bidaa Bint Saud and the oases around the modern city (Al Ain Oasis, Hili Oasis, Al Jaimi Oasis, Al-Qattarah Oasis, Al-Mu’tarad Oasis, and Al-Muwayj’I Oasis).

H.H. SHEIKH SULTAN BIN TAHNOON AL NAHYAN SPOKE AT THE CEREMONY: “THE MARK OF OUR WISE LEADERSHIP IS CLEAR, THANKS TO THE LIMITLESS SUPPORT FOR THE HERITAGE PROTECTION PROJECTS.” What this achievement means for Al Ain is that UNESCO will ensure the safety and preservation of the chosen landmarks providing technical assistance, professional training and emergency assistance in the event of “immediate danger”.

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DUBAI’S ARTSPACE GALLERY PRESENTS A GROUP SHOW ON MIDDLE EASTERN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

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A DIVERSE EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY WORKS BY VARIOUS ARTISTS. 1- 31 AUGUST

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Artspace Gallery will be showcasing a selection of works by modern and contemporary Middle Eastern artists at an exhibition that will focus on calligraphic works. The exhibition will include works by Omar El-Nagdi, Alaa Ismail, Kamal Boullata, and Hussein Madi.

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Omar El-Nagdi, a sculptor, director, musician and philosopher, was born in Cairo in 1931 and studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts Helwan University, in 1953. An Egyptian master of colour, his paintings show a preoccupation with symbolic design, through the use of expressive textures, tonal contrast and a need to offer serious communication. His latest works use calligraphy in a contemporary style repeating sequential rhythms of Arabic letters in black and white and gold leaf.

Iraqi born Alaa Ismail (1974) started practicing the art of calligraphy from a young age. He studied various artistic disciplines at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Baghdad, including decorative arts, Islamic architecture, glass painting and Islamic Art. His paintings seek to use calligraphy in an expressive and gestural manner, displaying words of meaning and poetic significance. This marrying of bold textural strokes combined with Ismail’s love of the Arabic word, successfully presents calligraphy in a colourful layered contemporary style.

Kamal Boullata was born in 1942 in Jerusalem. He is a graduate of the Academy of Rome and the Corcoran Art Museum School in Washington DC. His works are primarily abstract and geometric in style, focusing on the ideas of division in Palestinian identity, and the utilization of forms to represent his sense of separation from the homeland. His writings on Islamic and modern Arab art and culture have appeared in various academic journals and anthologies.

Born in 1938 in Lebanon, Hussein Madi is a painter, sculptor and printmaker who is considered to be among the Arab world’s most leading artists. Madi’s art has been viewed by thousands of people around the world at such venues as the British Museum, the Venice Biennale and Tokyo’s Ueno Museum. Madi’s joyful experiments in colour and form have resulted in a unique body of work that relates to modern artists like Matisse and Picasso as well as to the principles of divine harmony that characterize the abstract designs of Islamic art.

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Tempo receives about half a dozen or so resumes a day. We received an interesting one recently ‘in response to a vacancy’ by an ‘injection molding machine assistant technician’ with five years’ regional experience. We can’t say for sure that Tempo doesn’t need one of those…but would decide only after we’ve figured out what that means.

A news announcement stated that Dubai First will be “Breathing New Life Into Credit Cards” by launching its “Titanium Life” credit card to respond to evolving consumer demand. We hope that Dubai First next comes out with something that breathes new life into our capacity for borrowing.

Concierge is elated about the news that Abu Dhabi has launched a programme to protect children from child abuse. Hooray for the rights of children. Our response on the Casey Anthony case in the USA: what exactly were those jurors thinking????!! Maybe “jurors of peers” should have been “professional jurors” with better knowledge of “circumstantial evidence” and the legal process.

Hanna Makki, if you’re reading this: no, neutering your cat is not cat-abuse.

Your eternally youthful eunuch-cat is probably grateful and sees this as the equivalent of a human botox fix.

Dubai-based Neutral has announced that it will collect 20,000 ltrs of vegetable oil from McDonalds that it uses annually to fry french fries and will convert this into biodiesel to fuel the chain’s cars! Wish they would also consider collecting frying oil from homes, to power the taxis of the UAE. Thumbs up, Neutral!

Concierge wants to thank the young Emirati who pulled up next to our car at the intersection of Al Khaleej Al Arabi and Delma, saw me using my cellphone, asked us to roll down our window, and told us politely not use a cellphone while driving. And done with a big smile. Thank you, for caring.

Concierge is beginning to think anyone named “Rebecca/ Rebekah” is destined/doomed to15 minutes of fame in 2011, and wonders if the name may perhaps be associated with occasional lapses of good judgement .

We bid goodbye to Harry Potter, News of the World, and the NASA shuttle programme. Which one is the hardest to take?

Sharjah launching a music fountain. RAK has launched an ice fun park.

Which one is harder to get to?

Concierge received some complaints from residents living in a first floor apartment in Tourist Club. The message is to the neighbors on the second floor: “please don’t move furniture around at 9am on Friday while we’re all trying to sleep in.”

Concierge received a message from a woman who lives in Deira addressed “to the community”: “people, please be considerate and refrain from spitting on the ground. Sometimes women wearing long dresses or abayas touch the ground with their garments...and nothing is more disgusting than washing off phlegm.”

Concierge wants to remind all: do not put your mobile phone in your back pocket if you are planning to use the toilet. Believe it or not, this is a growing phenomenon.

Dubai is investing US$7.8 billion to expand airport capacity at Dubai Airport over 10 years from the current 60 million passengers per year to 90 million. Brash and bold. Hopefully not just trickle-down, but trickle-across economics for the whole region.

And that, folks, is the bottom, bottom-line.

The Concierge at Tempo (Have a beef with someone, or a bone to pick to with us?

Email ‘The Concierge’: concierge@tempoplanet.com)

TECH TALK

Shahid Saeed | Talker for the Non-Techies

NEW MAC PRO AND MAC MINI WITH THUNDERBOLT

It looks like Apple will be launching the new versions of its Mac Pro and Mac Mini, and that the two are scheduled to hit stores anytime now. Both new Mac Pro and Mac Mini are said to come with Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology, and both will be preloaded with Mac OS X Lion.

THE HTC SENSATION

The HTC Sensation seems like a very frustrating device. Why you ask?

Because it comes so close to perfection yet it doesn’t quite get there. The high resolution screen is great but the quality brings it down, the software improvements are good but the video support isn’t, and while the overall performance is great the battery life is a disappointment. Overall the device is well made and comes with a decent camera and good call quality. All in all, a dual core smartphone that’s hard to beat.

THE NEW NOKIA X7

Nokia announced that the Nokia X7 would hit shelves in June 2011, and roll out in various parts of the world in the months to follow. The Nokia X7 is a sequel to its predecessor, the contentious Nokia X6, which was once seen principally as a multimedia device because of its large capacity for storage. Still, the X7 is a cool music phone because of the powerful hardware that makes it a powerful entertainment tool. The phone will be appreciated mostly by Nokia fans who favour the Symbian platform.

GAME HEDZ

Blakniss | Original game head from Atari to XBox!

MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPERS MAKE BIG PLAYS

Game Hedz friends and regional game developers take notice, Quirkat, keep their winning ways with the announcement of their “finalists” campaign for Facebook title, Euroscorers, “for the UEFA Champions League 2010/2011 season”. They have, “expanded the appeal of the fantasy football genre beyond the stereotypical male sports fan with its casual nature and social features; showcasing in-game gifts and micro-transactions, friend leagues and top player rankings”. Check it out!

Saudi developer (yea, who knew), Sema-Phore, has announced brand new title, UNEARTHED: TRAIL OF IBN BATTUTA. The title has been compared to Sony’s Uncharted in terms of its game play and adventure story line. It follows Arab fortune hunter Faris Jawad, as he dodges nefarious (I love that word) arms dealers, while seeking an as yet unknown fortune, along famed explorer, Ibn Battuta’s legendary...well, trail. It promises an exciting ride and entertaining exploration of the Arab world (from Morocco to Syria and more) minus the usual Western stereotypes (you know what I mean). Check the Game Hedz blog for the teaser trailer and other links. It’s cross platform including Facebook, Playstation, XBox Arcade and Wii as well as Windows, Android & iOS devices.

GEARS OF WAR 3 LEAK

Leading up to the September 20 launch date, a leak of preliminary Gears of War 3 single player campaign game play footage (complete with spoilers) found its way on to YouTube, and there was word of pirated downloadable versions of the game floating around. Epic said the footage is nothing close to what will be released. I recommend you don’t ruin the experience with sub par, buggy pirate junk. Up to print time the leak was being investigated.

SHORTCUTTING ON YOUR BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK

You may have seen the BlackBerry PlayBook, but you might not be familiar with how icons are arranged. The PlayBook arranges its icons in a way that is very similar to the iPad. You can move shortcuts around by tapping and holding an icon until it starts to pulsate. You’ll then see a check on the upper left part of the screen and a recycle bin under the icons. You need to keep your finger on the icon and simply drag it to where you want it to go.

Once you’ve done that just tap on the checkmark. Easy!

Unearthed: Trail of Ibn Battuta

EuroScorers

HEDZ UP Next month we’ll be getting ready for the Gears 3 launch and checking out a couple iPad titles just for giggles!

For now, get stuck into the ever popular, Infinity Blade (Epic) and Dead Space (Visceral) -two of my fave iPad games. Take the Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta poll and more at gamehedz. blogspot.com!

Know more about Blackberry Playbook

Louder | Dj Fresh Ft Sian Evans How We Roll | Loick Essien Ft Tanya Lacey The A Team | Ed Shreeran Changed The Way You Kiss Me | Example Don’t Wanna Go Home | Jason Derulo Best thing I Never Had | Beyonce Bounce | Calvin Harris Ft Kelis Give Me Everything | Pitbul/Ne-vo/Afrojack/Nayer Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) | Katy Perry Mr Saxobeat | Alexandra Stan

Party Rock Anthem | LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock Give Me Everything | Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer Rolling In The Deep | Adele Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) | Katy Perry Super Bass | Nicki Minaj The Edge Of Glory | Lady Gaga E.T. | Katy Perry Featuring Kanye West How To Love | Lil Wayne Good Life | One Republic Tonight Tonight | Hot Chelle Rae

LMFAO

PARTY ROCK ANTHEM

Linkin Park

IRIDESCENT

Gym Class Hereos

STERO HEARTS

Jennifer Lopez ft. Lil Wayne

I’M INTO YOU

Katy Perry

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT (T.G.I.F.)

Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

LOOK AT ME NOW

Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer

GIVE ME EVERYTHING

Nicki Minaj

SUPERBASS

Adele

ROLLING IN THE DEEP

Jason Derulo

DON’T WANNA GO HOME

View the #1 SONG IN THE UAE

The byproduct of the treatment would be used for agriculture. Visitors to the plant would witness the process of wastewater being recycled and prepared for reuse.

A DROP OF WATER NURTURING A DESERT FOREST

By Ellaine Fatima

“The plant will be launched in August 2011 and so far we are in the hardest part of the project; the sponsor mobilization phase. We want sponsors to help with investing in biodiversity and education. Once we achieve that, we’ll have six months to prepare for plantation and irrigation and to see how many people get involved. Hopefully Hayat will be completed by October 2011.”

Apart for reforestation, the group is keen on educating the public, and their target group is schools, universities and water treatment companies. They intend on educating the public by creating a visitor center for people to tour at least once a week.

“Here we will explain different species of plants, how foster homes to animals like gerbils, foxes, birds, etcetera are created and we will give the public additional information, aside from what they can learn from the books they read. For children we will conduct lessons about water conservation, its scarcity and the biodiversity of the UAE. This project is not just about forestation, it’s an effort to make people aware about the value of water. Some day we would like to integrate the tour of the forest with the visit of Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).”

If you would like to sponsor the Hayat project, email: hayat@istp2.ae

Hayat, meaning “Life” in Arabic, is a project initiated by a group of people who wish to renew the reforestation actions undertaken by the late H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Their dream is to breathe green life into a desert patch in Al Wathba. The goal of this initiative is to protect the biodiversity of the UAE and teach the public about it by experiencing it firsthand. Tempo sits down with Celine Delabie, the Project Coordinator, who shared the dream.

Delabie explained that the Hayat Project is a private initiative by a group of people who want to make a difference by focusing on reforestation. A core part of ‘Hayat’ is a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) which is located in Al Wathba Area. All the members of Hayat are currently employed in the construction of the plant.

The people behind the project are Philippe Paulissen, an Environmental and Water Engineer and Technical Director, Marc Richli who is a Civil and Water Engineer and Executive Managing Director and Delabie, who is the Project Coordinator and the Environmental and Water Engineer.

Hayat was initially setup to reduce the amount of wasted water and use whatever is in excess more efficiently. The plant project is large, and at full capacity will treat the wastewater of 300,000 m3/day, equivalent to the water consumption of 1.2 million inhabitants. After that, the treated water will then be sent back to the city of Abu Dhabi and surrounding farms to be re-used for soil conditioning and fertilizing.

“Since we have the land, the water, and the fertilizer available, we got the idea to build a forest as this will be a good way to educate the people and the children on the value of water conservation and protection of biodiversity.”

Delabie explained that the forest of indigenous trees would become adapted to desert conditions and, therefore, will have very low water demand. Waste water from sewage pipes will be recycled to make cleaner water and bio solid.

about the motivation for such a hiring policy. My companions suggested nepotism; the idea being one guy rises to the top, and thereafter only recruits his nearest and dearest possible? However, I think the situation is more likely to be the result of a psychoanalytic motivational researcher suggesting some hitherto unfathomable subconscious connection between huge steaks and African table staff.

By Justin Thomas

Toys R’ Us, The Tie Rack, and The Sock Shop all follow the pragmatic, but rather unimaginative, “does-what-it-says-on-the-tin” school of naming. This no-nonsense approach avoids the cryptic word play that can often leave consumers confused as to the exact nature of a business. These straight-laced names spare us the easy-to-miss mythology wrapped up in names like “Apple”, “Oracle” and “Nike”. They also spare us business names loaded with adolescent wackiness – Mr. Branson’s “Virgin” springs immediately to mind. Furthermore, these simple descriptive names protect us from the eponymous narcissism conveyed by the businesses bearing their founder’s moniker: Chanel, Hilton, and most grandiose of all “Marc by Marc Jacobs”. These more practical business names are honest, humble and reassuringly simple. They realistically shape our expectations while subduing our wilder imaginings.

This idea is not as off-the wall as it might sound. Psychoanalysis has been leveraged by the business world for well over half a century in attempt to discover consumers’ hidden fears, desires and motives. In the 1950s motivational researchers suggested to American Airlines that they recruit only middle aged air hostesses, as this would tap into their customers’ mother complexes. Earlier still in the 1920s Edward Bernays, nephew of Sigmund Freud, and father of PR helped the American Tobacco Company boost sales of cigarettes to women.

His cunning plan involved getting waspish twenty-something females to pose as members of the suffragette movement, and defiantly smoke their “torches of freedom” (cigarettes) in public. Who knows what effect the Meat Co’s table staff is having on the unconscious minds of its diners? Wild psychological speculations aside, the Meat Co was founded by two of South Africa’s most successful restaurateurs, and describes its self as ‘contemporary African’. This probably provides the simplest explanation for the distinctive table staff.

Like the Meat Co’s table staff, the menu too is large. However, if it’s your first time at the Meat Co then you›re probably going to go with the beef. Surprise, surprise we all ordered steaks, but none of us were carnivore enough to take on the 500 gram bad-boy, opting instead for variations on the 300 gram theme: T-bone, rib eye, well done, medium rare.

The steaks were all excellent, possibly the best steak I’d ever eaten.

That said, I very rarely eat steak, so my field of comparison is not large. There are alternatives to steak on the menu; seafood, lamb and chicken all make appearances, however I felt totally and utterly compelled to have steak, compelled perhaps by unconscious urges… who knows.

THE MEAT CO AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, PROUDLY FOLLOWS THIS CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY NAMING TRADITION. WELL BEFORE EVER SETTING FOOT IN THE MEAT CO YOU ALREADY HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT... I WAS THINKING BIG STEAK ON A BED OF STEAK IN A CREAMY STEAK SAUCE, WITH A T-BONE TIRAMISU TO FOLLOW. Abu Dhabi’s Meat Co (my destination for the evening) is part of a steakhouse chain spanning three continents. This particular link in the global Meat Co chain is located within Souk Qaryat Al Beri. The restaurant is excellently situated within the souk commanding great views of the Arabian Gulf, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful non-human dining companions in the world. At certain times of the day this body of water becomes a super-natural shade of blue, almost bordering on turquoise. I call this particular hue, “travel-brochure blue”; it’s the type of blue that less scrupulous travel agents recreate using Photoshop to artificially enhance their product.

Exteriors aside, the Meat Co’s interior decor is best described as forgettable minimalism.

On the plus side, there’s little in the way of pastiche or attention grabbing gimmickry. One exception to the unremarkable “blandscape” is a striking tower-like edifice constructed entirely of wine bottles (a leaning tower of vino, if you like). The bottles-everywhere vibe gives the impression of dining in a wine cellar. This theme is perhaps a little disconcerting for more devout Muslim clientele, and I suspect recovering alcoholics find it slightly problematic too? I discovered later that the wine bottle tower is actually a signature design feature of all the Meat Co restaurants; in fact, the London link in the Meat Co chain is officially known as the Meat and Wine Co. Another outstanding feature of the Meat Co is that the entire table staff (the men at least) all appear to be of South African origins. One of my dining companions impressively spoke a few words of Zulu, so we were able to confirm this hunch. In a nation where the vast majority of table staff is Asian, this impressive team of Africans, not a man shorter than six foot, is a pretty remarkable sight. My inner psychologist couldn’t help wonder

By Angeli Castillo 1.

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Use firm bananas and cut into 1 inch sections. Leave the peel on for easy handling, and then dig a “well” in the middle of each banana section with enough thickness for the ice cream and goodies to stay in place inside. Remove the peel after doing so.

Melt chocolate (chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or baking chocolate from Carrefour) in the microwave and dip the bottom portion of the banana in chocolate and then dip it once again in whatever add- ons you’d like. For example- sprinkles, crushed biscuits, crushed roasted almonds etc. To quickly harden the chocolate, place dipped bananas in the freezer for a few minutes.

Fill each “well” with ice cream and top with whip cream and even a maraschino cherry, or simply add some Hershey’s chocolate sauce.

ENJOY!

RATING SCALE: LEVEL 1: SUPER EASY

LEVEL 2: RELATIVELY EASY LEVEL 3: MEDIUM SKILLS REQUIRED LEVEL 4: COOKING SKILLS A MUST LEVEL 5: ARE YOU SURE YOU WANNA DO THIS?

WATCH HER INTERVIEW ABOUT HER STYLE...

MODELS Elissa Furnel Nikoo Ete Ayushi Misra Veronica Gautum PHOTOGRAPHER Mehr Singh, Hansraj Dochaniya

Ann J C, 22, a young fashionista who loves design and music, creates distinctive ‘lines’ that she defines using genres of music. She portrays the idea of music meeting fashion in creations that range from bright colours to simple black. Here she shares three of her looks.

STYLIST, HAIR AND MAKE UP Ann J.C

Think Disco! Think bling!

Throw on a pair of skinny jeans, retro- T-shirts, flashy accessories, studded pins and get into the groove.

“Rhythm and Blues” is an audio collage. It’s all about soul and harmony and a dash of glamour too.

Country music listeners tend to keep it simple; denim, cowboy boots, light cotton shirts, big buckled leather belts and the quintessential, and super essential, cowboy hat.

FASHION STATEMENT:

“FASHION NOT ONLY DEPICTS WHO WE ARE BUT IT IS ALSO A LIFESTYLE WE CREATE FOR OURSELVES” - Ann J.C

MARINA STYLE LIVING ON A YACHT

By Angeli Castillo

Life is smooth sailing for Abu Dhabi residents Margarita Cejudo-Perdomo and her husband, Dr. Rainer Speckardt, who live out of posh yacht at the Abu Dhabi Marina. During one scorching summer afternoon, the stylish nautical couple gave Tempo a tour of the 86-foot yacht, showing not only how to rock the boat, but how do it with class.

TEMPO | What made you decide to live on a yacht?

MARGARITA- There are a number of reasons why we have chosen to live aboard a yacht. Mainly, it suits our personalities. Both my husband and I have an extraordinary relationship with the sea. I was born and raised in the Canary Islands and he is a German sailing champion who has crossed the Atlantic ten times. No doubt the main reason was the opportunity to own a great ‘home’ in Abu Dhabi at the best location as well as the feeling of independence and peace of mind of knowing we could choose to sail away any time. Unobstructed views are important for us and living the ‘marina life’ is also perfect for Collin, our 42 kg Weimaraner Rescue Dog, as his favorite past time is swimming.

TEMPO | Could you give us an example of a normal day of a “nautical wife” ?

MARGARITA- I adore that term, ‘nautical wife’, it makes me feel like a superwoman. As a female, I am expected to carry out duties around the household in addition to yacht maintenance. It is incredible how much I end up knowing about yacht electronics and mechanics. As far as a normal day is concerned I juggle my responsibilities as an Independent Communications Consultant with the charter requests we receive as the only 86 foot yacht for hire in Abu Dhabi. We often let our ‘home’ for lavish events such as the Abu Dhabi FORMULA 1 Grand Prix. Hosting, whether for business or private reasons, is a big part of our yachting lifestyle and something we certainly take pleasure in doing no matter how much planning ahead required. I also set time apart to exercise with our dog, at least two hours a day.

TEMPO | Do you travel around the world on your home?

MARGARITA- I have not lived on a yacht outside the UAE, however my husband has for more than 10 years and he has the most amazing stories to tell our guests and friends. It is definitely in our future plans to take time off to sail around the world. We would be looking to interacting with the host cultures as much as possible as the real value of the experience.

TEMPO | What are the ups and downs of living on a yacht?

MARGARITA- I believe you will find plenty of positive points in all my answers.

The ups definitely outweigh the downs, however living in such a different environment requires a lot of energy and flexibility especially when we go through extensive repairs that can be both time consuming and expensive. They can easily test your patience. Sometimes you take for granted certain basics of living in a house that cannot be in a yacht. You can have issues such us power cuts, air conditioning or water problems. Living on a boat is not for everyone one must be very disciplined, passionate and dedicated. At the end of the day, it is a question of attitude!

TEMPO | What is your fondest memory of living on the yacht?

MARGARITA- As I mentioned before, we do a lot of entertaining, we often host plenty of friend get-togethers, dinners, cocktails…so I have very good memories of events and interesting guests we have had on board. Last year we attended a concert by the legendary Spanish Flamenco artist ‘Tomatito’ organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage (ADACH). The after-concert turned out to be an amazing totally improvised second concert party aboard our yacht after the artist and his entourage accepted our modest invitation. Needless to say friends and guests shared an unforgettable night.

TEMPO | How do you balance living at sea and working on land?

MARGARITA- It is a matter of getting used to, however for me it has been easy to balance my activities on land with marina living. My husband and I are both into culture, so attending events is one of the very few good excuses to get dragged out of our ‘retreat’. Keeping up with work is totally compatible with our

nautical lifestyle. As a matter of fact you feel like you are on a constant holiday when leaving or returning home.

TEMPO | Does living on a yacht have any impact on your lifestyle on land, and does it give you a different perspective on life?

MARGARITA- Absolutely, it does! It has a very positive impact on our social lives. Friends visit us more often and we even hold business appointments on board as it is the perfect environment to unwind and relax. Living on a yacht certainly makes us look at life from the ‘sea’ point of view, in other words, we share with friends and guests the values of any sailor: hospitality, assistance and good will.

TEMPO | What are the three most important things to keep in mind when at sea?

MARGARITA- A trip into open seas requires a certain degree of planning to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip. We look at factors that are all equally important: security systems, technical check, petrol and oil, weather and sea reports, and navigation systems. Around the UAE it is also crucial to check for shallow waters. My advice is to make sure you are out with an experienced skipper to avoid any incidents.

AN EXCEPTIONAL MONTH

MIND SOUP

By Shamma Al Suwaidi

By Ahmad Samir

For all Muslims out there, Ramadan is both a month dedicated to Allah and to your inner faith. It possesses a certain kind of magic that generates the flow of kindness, love, peace and all things nice. We care about the people around us more than we usually do. We give without expectations and always in return receive generously. It is a month of delightful memories.

I am generally inclined to believe that I am already an adult and should be treated as such. Whether or not that is true is another matter entirely; one that matters little to me. (I’m a grownup, okay?!).

As we grow older, we look forward to Ramadan more than we did the year before; a time of family gatherings where bonds are tightened and connections grow. The country becomes so intertwined and in sync that it is hard not to see the beauty in it. Just as if you’ve found a secret doorway to an enchanted land where ribbons of sparkling lights encircle you. That is Ramadan to me.

On the second of November 2004, it was around the 20th day of Ramadan when we heard the news. Our magical land of enchantment was forever changed. The country shed its tears. The beginning of the period of mourning had started. It was as if nature itself wept in grief.

The flowers that filled up the streets of Abu Dhabi, the trees and the bright shining lights lined along the sides of each lane withered and died. Sorrow and heartache was in the air and we all breathed it in slow steady breaths. With all the anguish that was surrounding us at that time; the only thing that really pulled us through was Ramadan.

What warmed our hearts was that during this tragedy we were surrounded by angels who took our mourning and turned it into prayers, and with those prayers we picked ourselves up and repaired our magic land even though the scar of that day will always remain.

I dedicate this one to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. You were a father to each and every one of us and were one of the greatest leaders that the Arab world has seen. You have given us what can never be replaced. Our love for you will always linger and you will never be forgotten. You will remain in our prayers, especially during Ramadan.

Follow me on smaks90@live.com

I am, more or less attuned in to the zeitgeist and popular culture of our time; I influence it and am influenced by it on a regular basis. (Pretty cool, huh?) I am also characterized by my use of a distinct lingo that is sure to befuddle anyone who isn’t well-versed in its baffling peculiarities. LOL, anyone? To be a teenager is to be part of a full-fledged culture…and yes, I am occasionally annoying.

If all this is anything to go by, I am, for all intent and purpose, a teenager: a particularly nasty creature, made so by the fact that he and his actions are so hopelessly unintelligible that they are seldom understood by anyone. Not even himself. A breed among which immaturity is rampant and insolent, and rebellious behavior is commonplace. (Or at least that’s how the stereotype goes). So I guess I am a teenager through and through; I am defined by my actions.

The fact that I’m a teenager is exactly why I will be writing this column; for you; the teenage reader. Let the others get the rest of the pages of the magazine, I don’t care. But this column is wholly dedicated to the interests of You. For others, it will provide a means to understanding –or at least momentarily acquainting with the convoluted mess that is the psyche of a teenager... seeing things from different perspectives. This brings us to the column’s name “Mind Soup”. That is to say, my mind’s soup dished out for your reading pleasure. Also, each column will end with a hashtag that epitomizes what it’s about #NewBeginnings.

Share your teenage angst with me… follow me on Twitter @ AhmedSamirS or drop me a line ahmedsamirsalama@yahoo.com

CHEW

BROWSE FUNK UP YOUR PHOTOS If you are one of those people who gets intimidated by the advanced photoshops available in the virtual planet…or whether you just want a quick filter for a photo… or more indepth post-processing for a nice album on your website… then this website is for you. Get creative with 190 easy-to-use photo effects under 30 different categories all in one place. Adjust contrast, hue, and colors, and give your photos extra character with the available tools.

Be inspired and look at other users’ uploads. The site offers an ergonomic interface and trouble-free sharing options. For a generation like this where photos are everywhere and are shot by everyone, this is a convenient way to jazz up your photos quickly. So get those photos stuck in your hard drive uploaded; be crazy and get experimental.

BeFunky.com

WRIGLEY’S NEW ‘5’ GUM Black is officially back as Wrigley announces the launch of a new premium accessory to hit the high street, the new ‘5’ gum. Wrigley’s announcement says that the new ‘5’ gum takes inspiration from the five human senses and, ‘through its unique mouth-watering and long-lasting flavours, offers a full and enticing sensorial experience as you chew.’

The new 5 is a cool after-dark must-have as it provides a heightened taste sensation to match those stimulating nights out with friends (so they say). It comes in flavours of cooling peppermint COBALT, tingling spearmint ELECTRO, and a mouth-watering watermelon TURBULENCE – all with slick designer appeal. Wrigley’s is hyping it up, but our advice is: just go out and try it. You may come out of the experience thinking you could have better spent your money on something else, or you really could fall for all the snazzy stuff they say about it.

LISTEN

GLAM UP ART OF NUDE COLLECTION Nude makeup or the trendy term, “griege” is a launching new ways to make you look fresh and modern. Make Up Forever releases its latest Art of Nude collection to offer women that fresh and natural look of the season.

In time for summer, they want you to punch up the look and avoid looking sallow, washed-out or over-decked during daytime. You can check out their offers on their Gel-based foundation, their Lip Line Perfector, their Rouge Artist Natural and their Star Powder.

BAD MEETS HELL: THE SEQUEL BY EMINEM AND ROYCE DA 5’9” Debut EP “Bad Meets Hell: The Sequel’ released by hip hop duo Eminem and Royce da 5’9” by Shady Records and Interscope Record is a good listen even though you may have to look a little harder the first time around.

With songs featuring Bruno Mars, the rest of Slaughterhouse and Liz Rodrigues, the album guarantees good music, great lyrics and typical Eminem flair.

The album has received positive reviews from the critics even though some say that this album is a step back for both rappers. The album features a track list that is nine songs long with two extra songs in the deluxe edition and makes Eminem the first artist in five years to make two Number One albums in a 12 month period.

READ

WEAR LAST MAN IN TOWER BY ARAVIND ADIGA

“Last Man in Tower” is a new release by The Man Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga winner who gives us another masterpiece set in ‘Modern India.’

The story revolves around a never-maintained but still “absolutely, unimpeachably pucca” middle-class block of flats in the Vishram Housing Society in the fast moving city of Mumbai. But when a rich property developer sets his sights on the building with the intention of transforming it in to a flashy apartment complex called Shanghai, he is met with resistance from a resident who becomes the ‘last man in tower’.

While the other tenants gladly agree to vacate for the sum of money offered to them, Yogesh Murthy or ‘Masterji’ clings to the flat and the memories it holds of his deceased wife and daughter.

Adiga beautifully brings forth the conflict a man faces when dealing with emotional and financial trauma and grabs the reader’s attention by smoothly detailing the hidden sad face of the urban conglomerates of India.

GET READY FOR SCHOOL Summer has just started and we’re already being reminded of school! Bhs has launched it’s Back to School range of clothes to fulfill all your uniform requirements. The Bhs school wear range is exclusively featured in Bhs stores at Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Raha Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Mushrif Mall (opening soon) Bawadi Mall and at Al Jabal Roundabout in Al Ain – perfect, there’s nowhere to escape to!

Bhs say that their school wear has Teflon and Non Iron to repel stains and make washing easier. There is a wide variety of hosiery, footwear and accessories for children aged three to 16 yrs.

Check out their multi buy promotions in their Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stores where you could get two boys shirts for Dh 89, two girls blouses for Dh 89 and two girls or boys trousers for Dh 139.

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HERITAGE NURTURED

IN THE HEART OF AL AIN Story and photos by Mariam Musallam

Despite being told by many people that the project of a Heritage Village would never succeed, Khalfan Bin Noman, the owner of the Cultural Heritage Village in Al Ain worked hard to build his project, and achieve his dream of combining past and present heritage under one roof.

Khalfan recalls the old days, and tells us of a dream he had as a boy.

“When I was a young boy I loved to draw old traditional houses and dreamed of having my own heritage village, one that simulates Emirati life before and after the union.”

He spent two and a half years to build his heritage village at the Al Ain SportPlex situated on the Khatam Al-Shakla Street in Al Ain. Khalfan’s village consists of several ”environments”. One is the “Town Environment” that reflects the nature of traditional and cultural features and contains homes of mud and palm leaves surrounding a mosque with narrow alleys between them to add to the traditional character. The architecture dates back to the forties and shows the designs made by the country’s forefathers and tells a lot about how they lived.

Another environment is the “Agricultural Environment” that consists of agricultural lands and beautiful creeks. Yet another is the “Desert Environment” that represents the nature of life in the harsh desert where people used to live in tents made of animal ‘hair’ (“bayt al shaar”).

The village also has two theatre halls to show displays of cultural events and celebrations, a museum, a traditional souk, restaurants and an exhibition area for old classical cars. Noman looks at it all and says,“THIS IS MY DREAM THAT HAS BECOME A REALITY”.

You can visit the Cultural Heritage Village at the Al Ain Sportflex everyday from 10am to 10pm.

Cost of entry is Dh 5 for adults and free for kids.

For more information call 03-7689779.

CELEBRATING THE UAE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY IF IT WAS IN YOUR HANDS HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE EMIRATIZATION?

NEXT MONTH’S QUESTIONS ARE: 1. What, in your opinion, has been the UAE’s greatest achievement, and why?

2. What do you think are the UAE’s defining values that could give it an edge in the league of world nations?

send us your views to sharon@tempoplanet.com

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I would employ Emiratis for any job in any company or ministry sector no matter how small the job is. For example, delivery guys that work in ministries that are hired to take confidential letters to other companies. I would replace expatriate employees with UAE nationals who are qualified. I would also hire Emirati consultants to make sure that Emiratization is being followed.

Some managers are scared of being replaced by qualified Emirati graduates who may hold higher educational degrees, and that is why they prefer to hire expatriates at junior level jobs. This is especially so in organizations that require for the manager to be Emirati. This way, these managers are not scared.

Never take NO for an answer!

While the initiative itself is a very just cause, the implementation nowadays is to increase the number of UAE nationals in an organization. An improvement in the implementation process should be made to the effect of empowering these individuals to become future leaders. Moreover a framework should be implemented in the hierarchy of any organization to spread the UAE nationals from the top to the bottom levels of an organization instead of only hiring them to fill lower level positions. For instance, companies should empower UAE nationals to reach top management level even if hired as supervisors and officer level staff.

Implementation of the program has a flaw that causes other nationalities to act in a defensive manner because they become afraid of losing their current positions.

People should be educated through the culture of the organization.

Emiratis must take their jobs seriously. They should not use “Emiratization” as an excuse to sit idle in a company or not become ambitious. The initiative is designed to get an emirati through the interview process but proving themselves once they have the job is on their shoulders.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE EMIRATIS ENTERING THE WORKFORCE?

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE EFFECTIVENESS MANAR AL HINAI OF EMIRATIZATION EFFORTS?

MOHAMMED AHMED DIPLOMATIC ATTACHÉ

ABDULLA AL ABOODI BANK RELATIONSHIP MANAGER SHEIKH HAMDAN AL SHARQI HEAD OF MARKETING RESEARCH 1.

To improve Emiratization there is some steps I have to consider: I would summarize my steps as the following: Improve the technical education and show the locals how life really is before they get to it by preparing them with knowledge that would help them face challenges.

• UAE nationals must accept the fact of the old life style does not exist anymore and they have to get used to the new working environment.

• We as Emiratis should work hard and think smart because there is nothing comes easy without effort.

• Emiratis should be prepared, train well, develop their skills and deploy to be able to lead their country and should be giving more responsibilities to be able to prove themselves.

• The government should also take the responsibility of encouraging the private sectors to employ locals and develop their skills.

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One of the major challenges facing the effectiveness of Emiratization is how some people depend on foreign workforce to satisfy their needs and the excuse is always the lack of experience!! We should give newly graduated Emiratis the chance to develop themselves by engaging them in the real world and giving them the right job opportunity to serve their own country.

3. • Learn how to manage team work.

• Accept the fact of nothing comes easy without working hard • Excellent performance will deliver the best result.

• Innovation is the most important for self development • Get the right coaching and mentoring.

• Always align your goals with the organizations goals • Respect the roles of your organization and ensure that you follow the career guidance and that you meet all of your job requirements.

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Emiratization should not only be focused on the employment only. I understand that UAE , being a new country pressured by the global turn of events, needs to have an abrupt and radical program to promote its citizen’s development. However, let us face the reality that there is no such thing as success that comes overnight. Burj Khalifa will not stand with six feet below the ground foundation. In other words, for Emiratization to be successful you have to have a strong and deeper foundation – and that starts with education. The collaborative effort of both the Emiratization and educational institutions starts with developing a curriculum that would require all the Emiratis to participate in activities that involve livelihood, financial intelligence, entrepreneurship and social responsibility. Like what we have in our grade school are subjects such as home economics where we are taught how to cook, preserve food, weave baskets, arts and décor, plant, sell items, tailoring, mechanical installation and repair and so on… All these have contributed in making us all independent and appreciate all types of job. It makes us more independent and more skillful in all aspects. And through the years, we became masters of different skills that are necessary in work production, appreciative of different job and competitive in workforce. Hence, childhood experiences have significant contributions in becoming an economically and socially responsible Emirati. An early education will change the Emirati’s attitude not only in term of employment but also in all aspect that encompasses them which will surely make the Emiratization more meaningful and successful.

2. The challenges are: Emiratis need to have more drive to secure the jobs they want Emiratis need to be ready to accept entry level jobs Emiratis need to build their skills so they can be more competitive 3.

MOISES MARISCAL TRAINING TELESALES 1.

ADITYA JAIN ASSISTANT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

YASMINE ABDULLAH MARKETING EXECUTIVE 1.

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From what I’ve heard, some Emiratis have been complaining that the Emiratization efforts usually benefit fresh graduates and not those with advanced careers. Therefore, I would work on creating more opportunities for the mid-career / senior level Emiratis.

It seems that some Emiratis tend to remain in their position for a longer period of time without climbing the corporate ladder. Also, because Emiratis are given special attention, more opportunities and higher salaries, they have a lot of negativity surrounding them. People may think that someone got their job not because he or she is qualified, but because he or she is local. Lastly, I recently realized that there are unemployed Emiratis, so it’s a myth to think that all Emiratis have jobs.

Well, they should definitely take advantage of the opportunities given to them! Yet, making sure of the potential growth program a company has to offer them before join.

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Mixing in UAE nationals and private companies could, if handled correctly, add synergy to the workplace. However, a few points need to be considered: UAE Universities and organizations like Emirates Nationals Development Programme and INJAZ UAE must hold more seminars and trainings on how private companies differ from Government entities. Diverse workplaces, higher targets and expectations, different working hours, as well as unique work cultures should be highlighted, so students and recent graduates know what to expect.

We need more events bringing together staff from private companies (maybe a few banks, marketing companies etc.) who can have a question and answer session with graduates on a oneto-one basis. From my experience, no fresh graduate knows exactly what an Investment Banker does; meeting a few of them will help graduates understand the career paths that are available to them, and what they can expect when they join. Informational Interviews will, in turn, help Emirati graduates shine during interviews.

First of all Emiratis have to realize that after graduation they should not expect to immediately land a job related to their trainings and educational background. They have to learn that other job opportunities may contribute in making them more skillful and intellectual in their future careers. Second, they have to change the attitude towards work. If they enter the workforce, they are bound by the rules and there is no exception regardless of their nationality. Third, they should accept summer and part time jobs in restaurants, government offices, community service organization, and other institutions offering opportunities such as waiters, document filers, street cleaners, events helpers and other entry level jobs. Fourth, a clause must be included in the contract that states that an Emirati employee should stay in the company for a minimum period of six months. This period should be viewed as a way to reimburse the company for the expenses incurred in training them for the job and grooming them as future leaders. In turn, they will become more resilient in the work challenges and will become more creative and ingenious in handling their job responsibilities.

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The UAE Government needs to be careful when setting quotas, and restrictions on hiring policies with the new program. During a recession, companies hunker down, freeze hiring and start new performance tracking initiatives to ensure everyone is pulling their weight.

As private companies are going through a tough time, especially those linked to construction and finance, the government needs to be careful with the Emiratization program, so as to not put too much pressure on firms.

The focus should be on making Emirati citizens the best people for the job, not on forcing companies to meet certain quotas. In the long run, having quotas for UAE citizens can seriously undermine the allure of the UAE as a base for international firms, who wish to expand into the Middle East.

3.

Just make sure you take some time to understand the firm’s culture. Some firms are extremely conservative, where you need appointments four days in advance to go in and have a five minute conversation with your boss.

Other firms allow you to wear jeans in the office, and the people give you strange looks when you call someone “sir”. Knowing a firm’s culture will help you tremendously by preventing careless mistakes. The second thing is, private companies “think” differently from government entities. People are expected to stay until they finish their work. This means that you may be allowed to come into work late, provided you stay back until your work is finished. This may even mean coming in on Saturdays occasionally. On the other hand, at government offices, everyone comes in on time, and leaves on time. Knowing the differences in culture can have a huge impact on your career growth within the company.

THE GROUP WAS FOUNDED BY INIGO VILLAGARCIA, FROM SPAIN, A YEAR AGO. HE SAW IT AS A WAY TO CONTINUE HIS PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS AND AS WAY OF REDUCING STRESS. THE CO-FOUNDER IS SANJEEV MENON WHO IS AN ACTIVE FITNESS ENTHUSIAST AND REDISCOVERED HIS LOVE FOR BLOOD PUMPING ADRENALINE EXPERIENCES THROUGH THIS GROUP.

ABU DHABI HIKERS, WALKERS, & OFF-ROAD MEETUP GROUP

Photo Credits- John Chervy Key People- Inigo Villagarcia and Sanjeev Menon

SANJEEV: OVER THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON HIKING BUT NOW WE HAVE STARTED TO OFFER ALL KINDS OF LAND, SEA AND AIR BASED ACTIVITIES.

A promise that members would feel a sense of achievement, positivity and go “beyond what we think we are capable of accomplishing”. What’s important is the company of likeminded people and the possibility of healthy friendships based on common interests.

Most of our group members are western expatriates who have moved here for professional reasons. We are proud to say some of them are experts and qualified in their sport like triathlons, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, sky diving etc.

Through an outdoor activity with our group you have a support system to learn a new skill or sport and you enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings, say compared to working out in a gym . In the summer we go scuba diving, swim in natural pools, and hike to mountains like Jabal Shams which during summer would be in the temperature range of 20-28 C.

WADI BANI OUF GROUP

LIWA GROUP

The group has a social meet up once a month. They use their website to get ideas from group members as well as to organize and schedule hikes and trips.

Visit their website

DOC IN THE HOUSE

Dr.DMS

| A Doc from the Bronx

LIVE WELL

Layla Ezzedeen | Performance Whiz and Feng Shui Practitioner

I HEART DR. DAVE

CAREFREE BODY

I GET FAN MAIL AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. LET ME SHARE A PARTICULAR EMAIL I RECEIVED. IT’S REALLY TOUCHING...

IT MADE ME SEE THAT I MADE A DIFFERENCE.

WITHOUT A HEALTHY BODY, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS IN LIFE. YOU CAN KEEP LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PILL, BUT THE FACT IS, GOOD HEALTH IS THE CUMULATIVE RESULT OF GOOD HABITS.

Dear Dr Dave,

Take care of your body now. Here’s what you can do to achieve good health:

Thanks for your column. I read it every issue and I look forward to your snips of wisdom and humour. I am a 16 yr old girl who is looking towards my future as I want to go to college. College scares me as it seems like so much work and I am afraid I will not succeed, or it will change me as the person I know and like today. Believe it or not, I have found your articles a source of inspiration for college. Even better than that, a source of DIRECTION for my future!!

I know it sounds weird, so let me explain. I know you’re a doctor, and I think that takes a lot of brains. In America, you go to college first, BEFORE you get into medical school. WOW, talk about a lot of school, BUT you did it. All those exams!!!!! I so LOVE Scrubs, Greys Anatomy and ER… so I know what you do.

Secondly, you seem like a cool regular guy- if I may say so. You seem to laugh and have a sense of humour ( sarcastic, but I like it). So despite all that study you still seem like none of this has changed you- or at least it seems like that to me.

Professionally, you have inspired me as I mentioned, but in an unconventional way. I used to look at doctors with such admiration since they seemed so unlike other adults. They are doctors!! They know how to fix people!! It’s really cool that you share your thoughts of being a doctor with us. I bet other doctors would not tell it like you have. Your apparent lack of empathy and your view of patients scares me and as much as I like your sarcasm, and I don’t want to end up like that.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for killing any ideas I may have had before, about being a doctor and preventing a huge mistake that would have stolen years away from my youth and forcing me into an apparently thankless job. I wish my teachers were all like you!

I heart Dr Dave.

I thank (sic) you saved my life!!!!”

WELL, YOU GOTTA LOVE HER. AND TRUE TO MY WORK, I SAVED A LIFE...

1. Cut out all sugars. This includes all pastries, chocolates and sodas.

Use organic honey or maple syrup to sweeten anything. Use at least 50% dark chocolate.

2. Cut out meats; white, red and all. I know, you won’t hear it, but it’s true; eating fear causes violence. You also want to avoid animal (and artificial) hormones; we’re humans, not cows or test tubes.

3. Cut out dairy. Tough one? Read the next idea. Use goat or sheep dairy if you really must have it, they don’t mess with our hormones as much as cow dairy.

4. Cut out wheat. It causes bloating and digestive dis-ease. Use rice, corn and all the other wonderful grains available in life. If you’re going to have bread, use only whole-wheat.

5. Eat raw greens daily. An apple isn’t enough. The rule is five to seven fruits and veggies. Emphasize the leafy greens.

6. Exercise at least four times a week. No time? I don’t believe you. A workout is worth far more than many other consumerist distractions, not least of which unhelpful TV. 7. Get rid of addictions. If I can quit, anyone can. It’s not only cigarettes and weekly alcohol; it’s also sugars, carbs, coffee, black tea and other food habits. At least start to become of aware of what it is you must have.

8. Read and inform yourself. Read about all of the above ideas. Know whose literature you’re reading; understand their motives and interests.

Be smart. Pick up the advice that only feels 100% right for you no matter who it comes from.

Get on with it traveler, through the journey of life!

PHOTOTRIPPING AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS A SPACE TO SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND YOUR TECHNIQUES

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jose Tuaño (STUDENT) TITLE: Cousins LOCATION: My Humble Abode SETTING: Manual PURPOSE OF THE SHOT: Collected these bottles on a trip to the US. I found them particularly interesting subjects.

CAMERA MODEL: Nikon D60 F-STOP/ APERTURE: F 5.3 ISO: 400 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/60s TIP: Look at the subjects from every possible angle, and take the picture from the best one. Even when it’s the most awkward.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Christopher Xaviour (BANKER) TITLE: Do u see what I see?

LOCATION: Kitchen SETTING: Manual PURPOSE OF THE SHOT: To experiment new combination and patterns within your reach.

CAMERA MODEL: Canon D-1000 F-STOP/ APERTURE: F 6.3 ISO: 1600 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/5 TIP: Never hesitate to use your creative side, trust your instincts and it will be your own.

Calling all photographers, our next topic is: NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT If you’d like to share your photos email them to: sharon@tempoplanet.com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Nyurka Mariah Daphne Fernandes (STUDENT) TITLE: A Guide for Adventure LOCATION: A particular balcony in Manipal, India SETTING: Manual PURPOSE OF THE SHOT: I wanted the open fields in the back, and the traditional lamp gave it perfect support.

CAMERA MODEL: Nikon D3000 F-STOP/ APERTURE: F 9 ISO: 200 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/160 secs TIP: Keep your eyes open for those minute details; observation is the key.

Lighting is critical to every photographer, so look for the different angles which you can give your object the essence of life.

ART WALK

AT AL KHUBAIRAT BRITISH SCHOOL Tempo was invited to a recent art exhibition at Al Khubairat British School. The art exhibits were developed by the design and media students. Here we present some of the art pieces on show.

Name: AS students Title: Product Design (light, docking stations, radio, speakers, bike light).

Medium: wood, plastic, metal, fabric Ideas/ Inspirations: Innovative designs for common products.

Name: Ravan Hussain (A2 student) Title: Exam - Machinery, Course work - Architecture Medium: canvas, mixed media, editing, paper sculpture Idea/ Inspiration: Exploration and discovery. Developed idea based on architecture.

Name: Lara Chamandi (GCSE student) Title: Two units -Similarities and Differences; Surfaces and Identities (Course work).

Medium: canvas Ideas Inspirations: Reincarnation, being an “Indian” in her past life. Also inspired by archways.

Name: Zeid Ghawi (AS student) Title: Exam- Mystery and Imagination, Course Work- Light Medium: canvas, mixed media, sculptures Idea/ Inspiration: Architecture

Name: Laura Hill Title: Similarities and Differences; Surfaces and Identities.

Medium: paper mache, mixed media, boats Ideas/Inspirations: Surfaces (fruits), identity (people), similarities (boats)

Cooler Box James Gordon (Wood- Laminated)

Tea/Sugar/Coffee Containers Augusta Quaynor ( Wood)

Desk Storage unit Matt Thompson (Wood)

Floor Lamp Craig Petue (Metal)

THE GOSPEL OF REBECCA BLACK

JUST HANDCRAFTED

Preethi Janice D’Sa | Scientist-artiste hybrid

By Rohith Bhat

What does it take to be a viral star? Do you want what it take to have millions of people screaming out your name (in frustration); to have millions of hits (dislikes) on you tube?

Then here are the 12 commandments for you:

THE SONG

ARABIC QUILLGRAPHY MASTERING LANGUAGE ON PAPER

One Have your Mom pay a bunch of morons to start your music career.

Hint- the more tone deaf your producer is the better!

Two Take singing lessons from a goat and make sure you get the bleating sound just rite!

Three Hire the drunk homeless around the corner to do your lyrics Four State the obvious!! The more obvious the better, fire is hot, the

sky is blue, Saturday comes after Friday, remember people depend on this important info to live!

Five Ensure that your whole song has only enough words to fill up a bumper sticker or the bar napkin of your dunk homeless lyricist, remember excess is a sin!

THE VIDEO Six Have your co stars in the video high on painkillers during the shoot (that way they can’t kill you midway!)

Seven Make sure to include the only black guy in world who can’t rap in your video, cultural diversity and all that, In fact try to imitate Bieber and Sean Kingston if you can, just so that people of all races and orientations feel included Eight Follow the instructions set in your lyrics to the ‘T’ after all if you deviate, it may get difficult for you fans to know what exactly you are doing in your day!

Nine Get inspired! Copy your dance move‘s from classic dance movies such as Dawn of the Dead, Resident Evil and Zombie Apocalypse.

Remember, life like and energetic movements are overrated

Ten Subtlety express your views against injustice in today’s society in your video; down with the stupid rules of seatbelts, driving age limit and sitting in your seat when someone appears to be driving over 80.

Eleven Keep smiling; remember that 9 inch nail sticking into your toe is just the price of fame and awesomeness

Twelve And finally use a mixture of arcane black magic and voodoo to make your song as addictive and catchy as possible!

Quillgraphy is not a new concept in the quilling world but Arabic quillgraphy is, thanks to Farah Al Fardh. All quilling needs is flexible paper, your deft fingers and plenty of imagination. If you think you fit the ‘quill’ bill, then Farah holds regional quilling workshops. This Emirati globe trotter is the regional representative of the UK Quilling guild and launched the first internet based Arabic quilling forum in June 2011.

If you, like me, know how to write Arabic, then Arabic quillgraphy should come easy. The quilling paper that Farah uses for the Arabic quillgraphy can be purchased through the US and UK online shops.

For those who are keen on using recycled paper, just ensure that the paper is soft enough to roll or bend (ladies, we would like your well manicured fingers to stay that way while you quill away).

How does Farah ensure that the paper used does not unravel? “I use white glue which gives a neat finishing and when it dries, the paper has a nice sheen to it.” Farah has used innovative techniques for each of the Arabic quillgraphy products shown. “The logo of a TV show called Nawader (which means ‘rare’) took a few more days to finish,” she adds.

The Creative Mastermind of Arabic Quilling has no plans to stop where she’s at, despite her global and regional success. Her goal is to spread the word about quilling. In fact, to get the quillers amongst us going, why don’t you quill inspirational Ramadan and Eid messages? Send me your best product photo. Farah and I will then select the best and I will showcase them on the Cultural Arts Travelogue facebook page, the handcrafted traveller’s portal that I have created for handcrafters just like you. Happy quilling.

Visit Farah at www.farooha.net Preethi Janice D’Sa runs a medical arts copywriting business. Join her culture, arts and travel facebook page.

} Neena Rai

An artist with a flair

A TIME TO GIVE I associate the Holy month of Ramadan with a time to celebrate and a time to give. Every year, during Ramadan, numerous artists slash their prices to make their works affordable so more and more people can have access to original pieces of work. This is the artists’ way of giving back, and this novel idea was put into practice by none other than Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, who started the Ramadan Art Bazaar.

Sumayyah believes that paintings, especially, original ones make excellent gifts not only during Ramadan but at any point of time. They are an intelligent and sophisticated choice for modern lifestyles.

A lot of people are hesitant to buy art as they are afraid of choosing the wrong piece of work. ‘If you know the other person’s taste in art, then it’s easy’, says Sumayyah. ‘But if you don’t, then the best thing is to buy an artwork from an established artist; someone whose paintings have value in the art market, because at the end of the day buying art is an investment’.

Here, are top 10 reasons why you should be visiting and buying paintings from the Ramadan Art Bazaar at Ghaf Gallery.

Ramadan Art Bazaar is on at Ghaf Gallery from 4-31 August 2011.

Visit Neena’s blog and website

1.

Ramadan is the month of giving, and all the artists have reduced their prices by more than 50%, just to help the common man collect original, unique artworks, and not just IKEA artwork.

2. All artworks are reasonably priced and nothing costs more than Dh 4000.

3. It is a terrific opportunity to acquire artworks from artists, whose works people generally cannot afford.

4. Due to the variety of artists participating, there is something for every one’s taste.

5. Apart from Emirati artists, people will find artworks from a lot of different nationalities.

6. It is a lovely gesture to support artists who are young and emerging by buying their art during this time.

7. Ramadan Art Bazaar is a showcase of artists living and practicing their art in the UAE, so you are supporting your community.

8. Ramadan Art Bazaar brings the community together to celebrate art.

9. This is an excellent time to become familiar with local artists and to get to know them better because this exhibition gives a chance to chat with the artists during the Iftar evenings.

10. Enjoy a Ramadan Iftar, and get briefed about UAE culture and tradition at Ramadan Art Bazaar with a programme called “Embrace Arabia”

by Ali Al Saloom (of “Ask Ali” fame).

COVERING SCIENCE AND RELIGION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

By Alma Kadragic

Recently, I attended a session of the conference Belief in Dialogue: Science, Culture and Modernity at the American University of Sharjah, organized by the British Council, in partnership with the University in association with the International Society of Science and Religion.

is with academic writers who don’t write for mass media,” Scammett said. Brown agreed that the material he sees provides either “a niche picture” or is broadly general. They were reflecting a concern with readership, reaching the largest number because topics that don’t interest readers get minimized or ignored.

Billed as a media roundtable, the session closed the three-day conference that included scholars from Europe, North America, UK, Asia, and the Middle East discussing how science and religion might be reconciled in an Islamic context and in the context of other religions.

The concerns are totally different in the Middle East. Because television is different than print and is the major source of information for people in the region, Khatib said, it cannot go against local culture, and “issues of religion and science are of special sensitivity.” Not coincidentally, Al Arabiya, one of the major satellite news channels broadcasting in Arabic, has neither a religion editor nor a science editor.

It was impossible for me to participate for three days, but I was eager to hear local media representatives talk about how they handled coverage of science and religion and made it to Sharjah for the final event. As often happens, the panel was somewhat ill-assorted. Several non journalists who were included - perhaps because they were guests at the conference - didn’t add much to the discussion.

However, foreign journalists of the caliber of Martin Redfern who reports on science and religion for BBC’s World Service; Andrew Brown who does the same at the Guardian; Essam Assoud who writes for Nature magazine; and John Scammett who writes opinion columns at USA Today were matched with major local figures: Francis Matthew, Editor at large, Gulf News; Nabil Khatib, Executive Editor, Al Arabiya; and Mishaal Al Gergawi, columnist, Gulf News.

Why isn’t there more coverage of science and religion? The journalists and editors from the US and Europe talked about the difference in audiences. “The problem

TWEET BETTER

By Ziad Samad In recent years, 75 million users have subscribed to Twitter because it is an easy, efficient and fun way to send text updates by SMS, instant messaging, the website and software like CoTweet Standard, Hootsuite and Tweetie. If you are one of those multitudes of silent Tweeters out there, read on about how to Tweet better.

1. Complete your profile. Remember it is an introduction not just to your friends, but the rest of the world as well. Take a moment to fill out your profile and let people know something about you. You don’t have to tell Twitter everything, but you do want to make an introduction. This includes putting up a smart profile picture.

2. Use the “Find People” feature to your advantage. It is one of the best ways to build a network of people who share your interests.

3. Review your follower requests. If there is a person who wants to follow you, spend a couple of minutes going through their profiles.

When Al Arabiya decided a year ago to do more stories about global warming to increase awareness in the region about the problem, Khatib added, the audience reaction was lukewarm. On the other hand, viewers everywhere have followed the manifestations of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and elsewhere with tremendous interest.

The difficulty in covering science and religion is that the first isn’t considered interesting while the second is off limits. Al Gergawi said that science isn’t considered a good career choice, at least not in the Gulf. People study science to teach, not to perform research. He noted too that secularism tends to be identified with atheism which limits discussion and news coverage. “We don’t have much of a sense of dialogue between science and religion,” Matthew concluded.

4. Good listening is important to good conversations. So balance your Tweets.

Start your day by checking your replies and who has been saying hello to you.

ReTweet (RT) as often as you Tweet and reply to your followers.

5. A number of online services are out there to increase your numbers overnight. If you are Tweeting on behalf of your company, this might be a good option. But the 1000 or so followers you pick up in two days will be a random bunch inclusive of spammers.

6. When talking to people don’t forget the @ symbol and their username. This is a common mistake for new Tweeters who are used to chatting on IMs. 7. Third-party clients like TweetDeck, Twhirl and Destroy Twitter, go out and fetch your tweets for you. These help you to organize the way you access your Tweets and give you extra features that are not available in Twitter itself.

8. The idea of Twitter is to make human connections. But it is not a substitute for the real world. So if you are in a cafe with a friend, we suggest putting away your smartphone for a while.

Your Tweets say a lot about you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and allow yourself to enjoy the community aspect of Social Networking. There is a lot to Twitter, so long as you remember that behind every account (most of the time) is a person, curious as to what you’re up to and what you have to say.

by BrandMoxie

GROUPON, COBONE, GONABIT… SHOULD YOU USE THEM TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS? AT BRANDMOXIE WE WORK CLOSELY WITH ENTREPRENEURS AND SMES IN EXPLORING NEW, AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT WAYS OF MARKETING. MANY OF OUR CLIENTS FACE SHRUNKEN MARKETING BUDGETS AND SLOWING BUSINESS CYCLES, AND RECENTLY MORE AND MORE HAVE BEEN SEEKING OUR ADVICE ON WHETHER THEY SHOULD RUN MARKETING PROGRAMMES THROUGH GROUP BUYING WEBSITES SUCH AS GROUPON, COBONE AND GONABIT. THESE ENTREPRENEURS SEE THEIR COMPETITORS SELLING THEIR SERVICES THIS WAY AND WONDER IF IT MAKES SENSE FOR THEM TO DO IT AS WELL. SO FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED US AND WONDERED, READ ON….

As a business owner you scratch your head and think that since everyone is using group buying websites, then they must work. They work beautifully - with almost no caveats - if you’re the consumer. As customer you’re getting great value deals and promotions at lower price thresholds than ever. But - if you’re the service provider you have to assess the opportunity carefully before jumping in. Consider the business model: your service is offered for a limited time, to an unlimited number, and usually becomes active when a certain number of people join the deal. The powerful marketing catalyst is that it gets all those interested in ‘the deal’ to aggressively push the offer to friends and family. So the consumer gets a great deal, you make new sales (without spending money for marketing), and the group buying site gets its margin. Perfect win-win, right? Well, not always...

The big advantage that these services offer a business owner is that they can build awareness about the company (and the offer) through their mass mailings.

Groupon, for instance, sends their ‘Deal of the Day’ in the US to a subscriber list of 70 million customers! All the group buying websites require you, as the business owner, to offer a big discount over your usual price, and to pass on a sizeable margin, to the group buying site as its commission. The idea is that you would make less money per sale, but you make more on volume, and you win new customers as well.

Where can it go wrong? For one, the discount you have to offer can sometimes be so steep that it cuts too much into your profit, and may ultimately not be worth it. That’s especially if you’re already on tight profit margins. If your profit margins are wider then you may be able to sustain offering the service at hefty discounts, in exchange for the promise of future returns.

Clearly the advantage may be better to you if you’re a service business, such as a hairdresser, as opposed to a product provider, such as a restaurant. The reason is that service oriented businesses usually have fixed overheads that make it easier ‘to get the resources working’ whereas a product based business has to incur new/ additional expenses in order to generate the transactions.

So the heart of matter is that you should be clear about your motives for participating in Groupon, Cobone etc. More often than not businesses use group buying sites not for the volume based returns, but for the promise of gaining new customers. The problem, and this is where we get into buyer psychology, is that this may damage the long term ‘positioning’ of your business as price is a dominant brand attribute. This is where your consumer may associate the facial and blow dry combo you offered once through Cobone with Dh 200 rather than with the Dh 450 that is the regular everyday price. In their minds they may not be ready to fork out Dh 450 for a Dh 200 service, but will be inclined to wait until that service is back ‘on sale.’ In the event the customer bought your service on Groupon, likes your service, and is ready to be a repeat customer (buying at regular prices), then whatever ‘losses’ you might have incurred on the initial purchase will be redeemed in subsequent full-priced transactions.

If your business relies on single purchases, such as bridal gowns and cars, then you shouldn’t participate, for the obvious reason that you won’t be getting repeat business from your investment. Rather, in this case if you chose to participate it would be for no more than to gain from the volume-based (minimized) returns.

Even assuming that the single-purchase person is going to recommend you to a friend, the repeat business opportunity may still be a long shot, and not worth any losses incurred from the discounts you gave.

While the lure of greater volume of business (even at smaller profit margins), and rapid exposure is always appealing, consider the challenges it poses to the long term sustainability of your business. Working for small margins can deplete your working capital quickly as you try to recover costs and make a profit. This is especially difficult for small businesses with insufficient equipment and small staff. Your staff may become overworked, exhausted and unmotivated just as your ‘newly-won’ customers become upset because you ran out of products or kept them waiting too long for service.

So while you shouldn’t rule out using group buying services such as Groupon, Cobone and Gonabit, as they will give you rapid exposure, make sure you plan well, and take into consideration all factors, including your costs, your resources, your profit margins, and the benefits that you expect to reap.

© BrandMoxie. All rights reserved.

Keep learning. www.unleashmoxie.com

YANK IN THE SANDLAND

Randy Parker | Captain America in Exile

TRAVEL TRAVAILS Whoever said “It is not the destination but the journey that matters” was profoundly insane and I suspect never had to negotiate the gauntlet of modern travel realities.

I recently returned to Abu Dhabi from three weeks in my homeland. I only get there once a year so it was a whirlwind of activity. I crossed the USA four times visiting family and friends. I had fun on the ground but getting to places was a trial of soul and spirit.

I started with a 14 hour flight from Abu Dhabi to New York’s JFK airport. There I had an overnight stay and an early morning flight to Salt Lake City and ultimately alighted in St. George, Utah. Two days later I did a round trip back to SLC, then to Las Vegas for a trip to Florida. After a few days there, I missed my return flight back to Las Vegas due to airport security detaining me for “suspicious items” in my luggage. By the time this issue was resolved my flight had left. That compressed my schedule even tighter…. I lost a day.

This is where it gets fun: I rebooked and the next day had to fly five hours from Florida to Las Vegas on a “red eye”. When I got to Vegas at midnight, I had to drive three hours back to St. George then go directly to that airport and spend nine hours getting to Chicago to catch my 14 hour flight back to Abu Dhabi after a four hour layover…. you do the math!

Some people regard travel as an exotic endeavor. That may have been true in the old steamship days when one had weeks to get somewhere. I am here to tell you that travel in modern times is stressful and exhausting. In my book, the destination wins over the journey every time!

Visit Randy's blog on your smart phone

JUST A THOUGHT

Manar Al Hinai

A Khaleeji girl who overthinks a lot and loves to write

THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN When I think of Ramadan I cannot help but think of nights of prayers that turn into midnight outings; Tang and Vimto become the drinks of the month, and sheesha becomes the night’s smell. Once boring Arabic TV channels become more interesting and controversial. Once crazy traffic at Airport and Mussafah roads become clear roads with sonic speeding cars racing half an hour before sunset. Long working days become short workless day.

Social and charity awareness increase dramatically. There is less music played, and more Quran read. Shopping malls close later than midnight, and Masjids become filled at every prayer with people more than willing to help those in need.

Ramadan is definitely my favorite time of the year. We renew our vows to Allah, get together with family and friends, and help those in need. It is the time of the year when we are reminded of the unfortunate by fasting from sunrise to sunset. We give our stomach and digestive system a holiday, and hopefully end up losing the extra pounds we accumulated during the year.

But most importantly Ramadan is the perfect time to get our religious priorities right, and hopefully continue doing good deeds all year round.

The following are some valuable lessons that I have learned over the years about Ramadan, mostly the hard way: • • • • • • • •

•

Never have salt and vinegar chips for sohoor.

Have laban and dates to break your fast, pray, and eat in stages Drink lots, and I mean lots, of water during Sohoor.

Have eggs for Sohoor. They do not digest for at least six hours, so you will not feel hungry Avoid going to the supermarket anytime from four to six pm Don’t drive on the left lane at 6:20pm Dedicate at least an hour a day to read the Quran Purchase your clothes, footwear, and anything you want to wear for Eid during the first week of Ramadan. All the good items will become sold out, and no tailor will make you anything after that period.

Finally avoid the crazy rush by leaving work later, rather than two or three pm.

Follow me on twitter @manar_alhinai

HOROSCOPE Aries (March 21-April 19) With fiery Mars in your sign tempers and temperatures are set to soar. A difficult aspect from Mars to the area of your chart ruling home and family could see you clashing with your nearest and dearest. By the end of August your energy levels will settle to a more constant and manageable pace, perfect for getting on top of any practical issues.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You start the month focused and wanting to be taken seriously. Others will be convinced by your methodical approach making this an ideal time to deal with officials like bank managers, accountants and bosses. Things will soon lighten up for you, an encounter with someone who ‹lights your candle› perhaps.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Keeping a watchful eye on the cash flow can be dreary, especially when your friends are out making the most of summer. It can feel as if you’re missing out on all the fun. But don’t despair because when you’re off on a bigger better holiday than everyone else you’ll be glad you saved your dough.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’re full of life this month, but what exactly are you achieving from all this activity?

There’s a chance you’ll be getting little in return for all your gallant efforts. This can be frustrating but a bright idea at the end of the month will help you find a solution to this.

Leo (July 23- August 22) August sees you at your most charming. You adore attention and there’s no shortage this month, but you’re generous with praise too and people will love to bask in the warm glow you’re emitting. Perhaps a holiday romance or a romantic interlude with someone from abroad is on the cards.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Strong undercurrents from other people are making you feel a little on edge. It seems everyone’s behaving oddly as though the sun’s gone to their heads. Even you’re acting a bit out of character. However you should be able to smooth over any brewing trouble with soothing words that just roll off the tongue.

Libra (September 23-October 22) You’re determined to set the world on fire in August. You’re feeling hot and ready to take the plunge with someone special. No one will be able to resist your confidence. This is an important month in an important year for you. Expect to be seeing more of the world and letting the world see more of you.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) A powerful and meaningful connection with someone is on the cards, whether you know them or not already. You’re a force to be reckoned with and when you set your sights on your ideal partner there will be no stopping you getting them, whether they like it or not!

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You’re feeling wonderfully energized as the month starts, leaving others in your wake as you bounce from one task to another. Watch out for ego clashes with other strong personalities who want the limelight too. You are a born traveller and philanthropist and now is a great time to in indulge both of these.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) The month begins with a feeling of harmony and balance and you are feeling a bit more confident about your financial circumstances. You feel at ease expressing your deeper feelings to loved ones too. However as the month moves forward the possibility of some tension between your work and domestic life increases.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Arguments with siblings, close friends and partners are possible this month and any trouble that does occur could simple be little more than hot air and bravado from all parties concerned. Day to day activities and getting about your normal routine could be fraught with complications and upsets in August.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) August is a good month to pour your energy into sorting out money matters and embarking on schemes that will see your cash working harder for you. Thinking of all the adventures you could soon afford to go on will be more than enough of an incentive to get wise with your dough - money equals freedom for you this month.

TEMPO LAUNCHES THE “I LOVE UAE” VIDEO COMPETITION IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR THE UAE AND CELEBRATE IT'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY THROUGH YOUR CREATIVITY! MAKE A MINI VIDEO ON THE UAE!

All participants should be 11+ years (with parental consent if under age) and should hold a valid UAE residency.

CRITERIA: • Be creative: music video, skit, snapshot, promo...

• Film on camera, mobile phone or anything you like!

• Language: Your choice! (if other than English or Arabic please include English subtitles) • All films should be no longer than 40 seconds • Deadline: August 15, 2011

You can Enter "For Me" or for "Me and My School"

All participants should be 18+ years with a high school diploma or equivalent and should hold a valid UAE residency.

FOR "ME AND MY SCHOOL" CATEGORY:

THEME: “I LOVE UAE”

TWO COMPETITIONS:

"FOR ME" CATEGORY:

PRIZES: • FIRST PRIZE FOR "ME" CATEGORY: Four week intensive film making course at the New York Film Academy, Abu Dhabi.

• FIRST PRIZE FOR "ME AND MY SCHOOL" CATEGORY: You will be invited with your class and your senior grades, to a film making workshop at the New York Film Academy, Abu Dhabi. The student who submitted the winning video will also win a video camera.

• RUNNER- UP PRIZES

For more details, go to: www.tempoplanet.com Start uploading your videos now!