Tempo magazine January 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TEMPO’S SOCIAL EXPERIMENT | ONE YEAR CHALLENGE

CAN YOU KEEP YOUR PLEDGE ?

+ PLUS

POETRY EVENING AT SORBONNE FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI CHEF THE MAKING OF ‘THE JOURNEY’ GRANNY, TAKE ME HOME

know more on page 12

JANUARY 2012

RESOLUTION KEEPER 2012

2012 | january issue

welcome

editor’s letter

www.tempoplanet.com

Although time is an infinite continuum, the start of a “new year” carries such excitement because it implies the start of new things, and an opportunity for new chances.

In this issue we’re running a social experiment (see pages 12 and 13). We’ve asked a number of you about your resolutions for next year, with the idea that we’ll try to catch up with each person to see if you’ve kept your promises. If you want to be part of this experiment which we call “Resolution Keeper 2012” then send your pledges to us and we’ll contact you at the end of next year (assuming you have the same contact details) to see if you’ve kept your promises to yourself. We suspect that just the pressure of follow up will make you all strive to keep your word. We’ll see what happens....

Tempo looks forward to making its own resolutions as well. We’ve tweaked our design and layout for 2012 and strive to keep improving and evolving. We love getting your feedback... tell us what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to see more of in 2012. We look forward to incredible year of more community engagement and greater representation of the mosaic of communities we have in the UAE. And I take this opportunity to thank our writers, columnists and contributors for their dedication and for making Tempo the grass roots, community focused publication that it is.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sana Bagersh

contents:

04 > letters to the editor 05 > uspace 06 > what’s hot 07 > the bottom bottom line 08 > tech talk / game hedz 09 > tempo’s top 10 songs / on my ipod 10 > beat with dj natalie brogan 12 > resolution keeper 2012 14 > city bites 15 > poetry evening at the sorbonne 16 > people calendar 18 > youth talk 19 > photo tripping 20 > cooking passion 21 > the making of ‘the journey’ 22 > granny, take me home!

23 > doc in the house / live well 24 > mum unlimited / campus view 25 > just handcrafted / articulate 26 > media 28 > mini minx / just a thought

Managing Editor bagersh@tempoplanet.com

MICROSOFT TAG SCANNING GUIDELINES download www.gettag.mobi to your smart phone run application click on tag beside each article to have fun with online content, videos & cool tags!

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: 02 491 8624/25 or check out the list of Tempo distribution points on our website.

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Advertisers can request brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach advertising call: 02 491 8624/25, fax: 02 491 8626 email: advertising@tempoplanet.com

for Blackberry this is done through BBM

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.

for iPhone download BeeTag or Neo Reader

MEDIA LICENCE NO. 1/105866/24295

QR SCANNING GUIDELINES Scan the QR CODE using your smart phone

Cover story: New Years’ comes but once a year. We make resolutions and vow to keep them and fulfill them before the next New Year’s Eve comes knocking on our door. But do we actually keep them? This year, Tempo is taking its readers to task.

MANAGING EDITOR Sana Bagersh FEATURES EDITOR Alma Kadragic EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sharon Carvalho MARKETING COORDINATOR Manjul Abhishek Laskar Laipubam

PUBLISHED BY:

MAGAZINE DESIGN Mark De Castro DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Melaku Muluneh

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Angeli Castillo Dave Solomon Layla Ezzedeen Neena Rai Janice D’Sa Sara Taher Ian Mason Blakniss Manar Al Hinai Sarah Widdup Ahmed Samir Justin Thomas Rohith Bhat

www.tempoplanet.com

letters to the editor Dear Ed, I want to thank Tempo for covering art, and for encouraging artists. I loved the three pages you dedicated (in Tempo’s last issue) to artists in the community. Who knows, with encouragement like this, maybe we may have a Picasso in our midst.

- Maria S Dear Ed, It was nice to see Tempo on Abu Dhabi TV. The videos of Tempo’s “I Love UAE” dedication to a nation looked great. Some were a bit blurry, but they still looked fantastic. I just wished the station ran more of them.

- Stuart M.

Dear Ed, I’m a big fan of Time Capsule and Blue Print. Please have more pages on things like that.

- Amy (‘fashionista extraordinaire’) Excitement! My first column in Tempo December issue! “Mum Unlimited”.

You should check it out :) - Sarah Widdup

u vote

What would you like to see more of in Tempo? Write to us at sharon@tempoplanet.com

Tempo asked its readers what the best thing about December in Abu Dhabi, and this is what they said…

Jason Roque D’souza: Christmas! And the great weather :) Bk Smug: National Day and Cold Weather :) Sanaa Hamati: It’s the most beautiful time of the year :) Sean Brent: I get to use all sorts of excuse to shop, like Christmas and endless parties!

RESULTS OF LAST MONTH’S VOTE: What was your favourite film series of 2011?

70% 10% 10% 10%

QUESTION: If you were allowed to use only one of the following, which would it be?

1. Phone 2. Computer 3. Television

TEMPO IN 2012:

0%

Harry Potter is Fast and X-Men is my Transformers Twilight Saga my favourite Furious is my favourite film is my favourite is my favourite film series favourite film series film series film series series go to tempoplanet to vote

www.tempoplanet.com

u space

a melodious life A Poem by Noura Al Noaimi Wear a serene smile on your woven sleeves Leave your heart within the boundaries of your chest Enclose your problems in a strained jar Pace your steps prior to running by yourself Ease your own throbbing pain at night Fight till your heart feels extraordinarily right And when push comes to shove Hold on to your strongest ties tight Not all years can tumble by Not all tears will trickle down Not all moments are meant to last Not all shots will hit you fast Some say you’ll grow, disregard those who will not believe Trust me when I say eventually, your heart will beat at ease I may not be the first to say this my friend And I doubt that I’ll be the last But it’s your job as a human, to commit to your life’s given tasks I am inclined to grasp your hand; I comply to lead you through In the end it’s your chosen path, whether virtual or true Love will either lead you to peace, or trespass you through a war With every well-taken risk, assure yourself the higher you will soar So live your life thoroughly, endure the bitter Love the empty ones, dispose your intoxicated litter Run through these obstacles, break all the difficult limits Create your life’s remarkable goals with strong ambition You might lead the way but first follow to be led Not all shooting bullets will aim at your head Please the pleasant and succeed in the face of the disturbed Shout out the words of your heart until you are heard Fall into the unknown and gaze into the void Because before you wake up in the morning, your story will be heard

have yourself a tempo little new year

‎( sung to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” )

By Bearose Karmel Velarde

Have yourself a Tempo little New Year Let your heart be light From now on your articles will be in my sight, yeah Have yourself a Tempo little New Year May the posts be read!

From now on your words will reach miles away, oh Here we are as your loyal fans Happy golden days of sand, ah Faithful friends who are dear to you They gather near the stands once more, ooh Through the years we all will be together And if the fates allow Hang a shining star upon Tempo’s logo, oh yeah, oh And have yourself a Tempo little New Year now, oh, oh Empty stands won’t be so nice Fill them up for us once more, oh, oh Through the year we have been reading Tempo~ If the fates allow, oh yeah But ‘til then we’ll have to muddle through somehow, oh yeah, oh, oh And have yourself a Tempo little New Year now, ooh yeah, oh, ooh *bow*

Ho! Ho! Ho! Have a terrific 2012 with lots of Tempo! :)

talking books > By Azza El Masri What makes a good dystopian a ‘you-must-read-this-now-or-I’llkill-you’ novel? Suspense, romance, and the ability to be transported in an unpredictable future and that, is exactly what Veronica Roth created.

Much like The Hunger Games, Divergent unleashed a buzz in the young adult fiction world.

Now, don’t start flipping the page because you saw the words ”young” and “adult” { DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth, 2011 }

printed beside each other, and breathe, because there are no supernatural species in this book whatsoever. In fact, everybody’s human, and everybody stays human.

Divergent is set in a futuristic Chicago where society is divided in five factions, each dedicated to a particular value. Upon turning 16 teenagers must choose the faction they will have to commit to for the rest of their lives. When it’s Beatrice Prior’s turn, she is torn between staying with her family and being who she really is. The following events will unfold a startling romance and a deadly secret that might result in the collapse of the community Beatrice has always known.

This novel will leave you hanging by a thread until you concede to the idea of a sequel to this mind-blowing dystopian. Roth’s innovative debut touches on everything from propaganda-disguised regimens to teenage confusion. Readers of all ages will enjoy this because it’s simple underlying message is what interests you.

www.tempoplanet.com

what’s hot > picture perfect: nurturing women in film Michelle Nickelson runs the UAE chapter of Women in Film (WIF) which is based in Los Angeles. Through WIFT Michelle is able to encourage and support female film makers in their creative efforts in the entertainment industry.

TEMPO: Tell us about yourself and your background in film.

MICHELLE: My background is mainly from the business end of the film industry. I was involved in business development for a company my father was a shareholder in called Manex Entertainment. The company was a visual effects house and won two Academy Awards for What Dreams May Come and The Matrix. My interest is writing and I am now producing several projects, some that I have written.

I would consider myself a writer and producer.

TEMPO: What is the objective of WIFT UAE? MICHELLE: We are placing an emphasis on writing to incorporate the oral traditions of storytelling from the region and adapt this to film, TV and new media. One does not have to have professional experience to benefit from WIFT UAE, as we are interested in working with students as well.

TEMPO: What has WIFT achieved and what are your future plans?

MICHELLE: We have been operating as WIFT UAE since September 2011, and have so far hosted two lectures. The first lecture covered screenwriting with Lamar Sanders from NYU Abu Dhabi and the second lecture covered IP Law in the UAE with Fiona Robertson from The Rights Lawyers in Dubai. For the future, we have several people from the US film industry we are planning to bring here as visiting filmmakers. There will be seminars and master classes for the local community with these filmmakers and we’ll give the local community an opportunity to interact with film professionals.

We are also looking into online seminars with industry professionals in the US for members to view from the website, as we can do these on a continual basis. We are very thankful for our sponsors who have been supporting our efforts.

TEMPO: Do you think the film industry can be lucrative in the UAE? MICHELLE: It is possible. The most important thing from a business standpoint is that there needs to be a system of incentives for international filmmakers to film here, and this would need to be setup through the government. I have been asked to consult to another country regarding the same issue and there are several ways the UAE can also do this, even though there are no taxes here. It’s all about the bottom line; the UAE is a great place to come and film, it›s safe, the people are great, and there is a growing pool of talent.

However, if it’s cheaper, because of financial incentives, to film in another location, then that is where a producer will go. I think with the success of filming Mission Impossible 4 in Dubai, people are starting to realize how important filming in a certain location can be to bring attention about the host location to an international audience. This type of “location product placement” is a lot more effective than buying a 30 second spot on a news channel. There is also a trickle down effect; big productions come to the UAE and the local standard for talent benefits from learning from more experienced people. It also has an effect on tourism; people like to visit locations where a favorite film of theirs was shot.

TEMPO: What do you think are the steps forward to develop the film industry in the UAE? MICHELLE: First, financial incentives. Second I think the business end of films needs to be taught as well as the technical side. Everyone here aspires to be a director, it’s great, but watch when the credits roll on a film. There are a lot more technical people involved in filming than directors and they work constantly. Here, no one wants to be a really amazing camera, sound or lighting person. In the US, there are unions for these, so the level of talent is a lot higher and these positions are considered as viable professions.

Also, indie producers here need to know how to package their projects. There are a lot of talented people here, but the level of how their projects are presented is pretty low.

If something like what gets shown here landed on a producer›s desk in Los Angeles, it would go straight in the bin. The level of professionalism needs to keep being developed to compete on an international level. Those who are committed will get to that level.

TEMPO: There are a lot of aspiring actors and film makers. Can you give them a realistic picture: is there money to be made in the film industry?

MICHELLE: The film industry is one of the few that is truly international. As more countries become developed, more cinemas come online, so yes, it is a lucrative business and growing, but only on an international level. The regional and local level at this point, does not sustain itself financially, but eventually that could change.

Think about it, if you go to the cinema and there is a local movie with people you have never heard of, or a film with Tom Cruise and you have to decide where to spend your Dh 30, around 98 percent will pick the one with Cruise. The two percent, who might spend their money on the local film, does not make for a financial model that can sustain the industry and make a profit. The reality of the film industry is that unless people are paying to buy a ticket and see the film or buy merchandise from the film, it does not matter how well it did in a festival. Bottom line is, did this film make money? Remember your film is competing for the audience’s money against all the big studio films.

We have launched a film investment fund, MENA CineFinance from DIFC through UIB investment bank. The fund is the first professionally managed film and media investment fund in the MENA Region. We know that there is money to be made in the industry; it just has to be managed correctly like any other class of investment. The response has been very positive as the industry is starting to take off in the MENA region. We have some very solid people and talent involved with the company, if there was no money in the industry, it is doubtful they would waste their time. An interesting point, if you look at the investment portfolios of many of the top guys in the GCC, is that they almost all own stock in public media companies.

TEMPO: What would you say to young film makers out there?

MICHELLE: My favorite word, “TRY.” If you don’t try, you will never know. It’s easy to quit, or worse, worry about “what if ?” Just do it, and try, the worst thing that can happen is you realize that whatever it is you thought you wanted to do, either turns out to be perfect for you, or does not work at all.

Most people are afraid of failure; personally I don’t see it as failure, it’s experience. I worked for a short while in the investment industry at a brokerage house in Beverly Hills. I learned pretty quickly that this was not for me, but I did learn a lot about the investment business. I have been able to use that experience as well to my advantage.

To have been able to get the attention of an investment bank and now to be represented by a major US talent agency, this was not luck, this was hard work. It was also “working smart,” I took what I knew from both business development and investments and my experience working with people in the film industry and put together a business plan that works. If you are a young filmmaker and you have a problem with working hard, then this is NOT the industry for you! Also I would say, don›t be afraid to ask, as the saying goes, “You don’t ask, you don’t get.” It’s amazing what you put into motion when you ask - it’s the first step.

www.tempoplanet.com

christmas: in a labour camp >

By Bahareh Amidi

I attended a Christmas party on December 9 at one of the many labour camps here in Abu Dhabi. What’s special about it? It is a women’s labour camp housing over 100 women in accommodation that could be considered adequate, at best. Two common bathrooms, and bunk beds for all… it is a wonder that these women come out pretty and clean all the time!

I was honoured to be one of the thirty expat women who decided to share a little bit of Christmas joy with these women who have left their families to make a living. With fabulous food provided by the Fairmont and gifts for all, it was truly a fabulous day. My only hope is that next Christmas, all these wonderful ladies will be home with their families, hosting their own Christmas party. Here’s a poem about my experience:

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Poem By Bahareh Amidi There are a group of women here today…

Here Today…

A place called labor camp.

About 100 ladies will stay here to sleep the other warm bodies will go home to sleep next to their husbands after tucking in their kids.

We are sitting in the not garden but cement courtyard of the labor camp.

Those who live here are the guests tonight.

How odd to be a guest in your own home.

Those who are hosting the party are nice but have no sense of what goes on in the guests’ hearts and minds.

When singing jingle bells, we might think of Santa’s sleigh while they think of the x-mas tree empty under in their home back home.

If we remember x-mas is about the birth of a savior then we will all rejoice.

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I never thought I would ever say this, but yes, there are instances of “too much service,” and yes, too much is almost as bad as too little.

A lovely new restaurant near Nahyan Camp is a great example of this: I went there recently and I was asked how good my food was by no less than four people, and everytime I wiped my mouth with a tissue, a doting waitress appeared from nowhere to dispose of of the tissues and to refill my drink. Guys, don’t sweat it, your food’s great... just don’t scare away your customers with service overkill.

If you’re an event organising company and you claim to be a class act, then act classy and do the right thing; don’t hire young students for your events and then pay them a month after the event is over.

That’s shoddy at best with nothing classy about it at all.

Anna from Bateen sent in a message to the concierge lamenting how she was terminated from work. “It’s strange: I’m not upset because I was fired,” she says,” but how summarily that happened.

I would have like to know a few months before so I would have time to plan my transition to my next job.” Too true, Anna. Good luck with your job search.

Have I told you about a jewel of a restaurant nestled in backroads of Khalidiya, near La Brioche. This one’s called Shish Shawerma (sic) and they serve shawarma like its never been served before. Fresh out of the oven pita bread, a delicious menu of meats, cheeses and salads, and a cool happening energy.

Cinema alert! If you’re the management of a movie theatre and thinking of renovating the interiors, please upholster the seats with something wipeable and cleanable, and entirely practical, such as vinyl or plastic. Get over the cloth fixation as fabric can harbor bed bugs, and we all know that cinemas are the most conducive environment for spreading these nasty pests.

Daniel, a resident of Al Barsha, once told me, if ever you have a bed bug problem, stay away from “actellic,” the stuff is as toxic to humans as it is to bed bugs, and you don’t want to exterminate half of your family as you try to rid yourself from a few bugs. Daniel says he tried it and says it was a close call for his family .

Kudos to the “Ecoventure Al Fala Desert Camp” that is specifically designed for school groups. Not only does it offer a safe educational environment to young children but also an unadulterated desert experience. This is a great example of how you can use a new vision, and a whole lot of inventiveness, to satisfy a niche in the market.

The Westin at the Abu Dhabi Golf Course? Swaaanky. In an understated, hip kind of way. I’m thinking Tiger Woods and the other pros will probably stay in it in Jan. Definitely giving this one a “like”.

Advice for a better planet: if you enjoy picking up freebie magazines and newspapers, such as Tempo, Abu Dhabi Week and 7Days, think of recycling the publication, by either sharing it with others or returning it to the newstand. Reuse, recycle, and spread empathy and consideration.

That’s all for today. Send me your rants, raves, gripes and grumbles.

Write to me: concierge@tempoplanet.com

The Concierge

www.tempoplanet.com

game hedz >

tech talk >

Blakniss | Original game head from Atari to XBox!

Shahid Saeed | Talker for the Non-Techies

S’long 2011! Wuz up 2012!

What’s new?

2011 Highlights

MSI CX640 LAPTOP

Okay it’ll be different for everyone but here are my highlights: • • • • • • •

Dead Space 2 - in particular, the Severed DLC Gears of War 3 Multiplayer Beta Portal 2 - funniest game of the year.

The Playstation Network Blackout (not that it was a good thing, just that it was a big deal) RAAM’s Shadow Gears 3 DLC The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim GAME OF THE YEAR - Portal 2 - I love my Gears Brothers, but this was too good in too many ways.

MSI CX640, inspired by top-of-the-line luxury sedans and design concept integrating external quality and internal performance, features the latest second generation Intel Core i5 processor.

The laptop offers components that make it a well rounded machine, capable of good multi-tasking.

A dedicated NVIDIA Geforce GT520M graphic card delivers good photo and video usage and editing. Spec include 8GB RAM , 320/500/640GB Hard Disk Drive with rock solid hard drive protection, 15.6” HD display, super-multi / Blue-Ray Drive, 2 high end recessed speakers, hidden hotkeys, shimmering touchpad, 1.3 megapixel camera, card reader, gigabit LAN, Wireless B/G/N Adapter, Bluetooth 3.0 (Optional), VGA/HDMI out, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, 6 cells / 8 cells battery with faster battery charge.

BLACKBERRY CURVE 9360 Predictions of 2012 • • • • • • •

Mass Effect 3 will be the most anticipated game (March, PC/PS3/Xbox 360) Metal Gear Solid Rising will rock (TBA, PS3/Xbox 360) Grand Theft Auto V (TBA) Bioshock: Infinite (TBA, PC/PS3/Xbox 360 Halo 4 (Q4, Xbox 360) Diablo III (TBA, PC) GAME OF THE YEAR - Mass Effect 3 - the series has been consistent, and it simply kicks butt.

Now if you agree, disagree or have other suggestions, bounce by the Game Hedz blog and let us know. We have polls you can take or feel free to just make comments!

We should mention that iOS games also shone in 2011. Infinity Blade II outdid its predecessor, but has a ways to go before its mind blowing. Shadowgun also did great for the platform, and suggests that it›s only getting better. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for what comes in 2012.

Otherwise, all the best for 2012 and game on!

my fav app > Rihana Shibu

The new BlackBerry Curve 9360 is sleek and lightweight, a must have for socially active people who enjoy easy portabiity. It has 800 MHz processor, 512 Mb RAM, 512 Mb eMMC expandable up to 32GB with hot swappable microSD. It has a “Spectacular Display” 480X360 pixel HVGA+, Integrated GPS, 5MP Camera with flash and face detection, VGA video recording (640 X 480), 35 key backlit narrow QWERTY keyboard, 802.11 B/G/N Wi-Fi, NFC Enabled and next generation Blackberry 7 OS.

NEWS AND GOSSIP Google Translate

Half of the people who use Google Translate are people who will not admit they are using it. The other half is transcribing perfectly good sentences in one language into pure gibberish of another language. Yet there is no denying that Google Translate is one of the web’s most useful everyday tools.

It supports more than 30 languages and delivering impressively accurate results well, most of the time. Now the Google Translate app is one of the most remarkable programs you can load onto your iPhone. While most people probably won’t need it that often, it can be immensely useful while you’re travelling and find yourself in unexpected circumstances.

COOL APP My Favourite app is Zynga CityVille for iPhone and also for iPad. I like this app because I can use it from my pc and iPhone using my Facebook account. I’ve used this app to build and run my own city, manage my neighborhood and develop franchises with friends. I’ve also assigned jobs to people, set up trading arrangements and done so much other stuff. It’s very easy to use and lots of fun.”

The Converter Plus all-in one calculation app could become an obsession for number lovers. It delivers numbers on nearly everything, from currency conversions to loan interest figures. It converts metric to imperial measurements for temperature, cooking volumes, lengths and more.

Follow me on @shahidaasi

www.tempoplanet.com

View the #1 SONG IN THE UAE

Dr. DMS- I listen to a mix of (mostly) older stuff. Hard and heavy, maybe a little dark, but music, “to rock out, with your ... ”, You should know the rest. I loathe anything on the radio or playing in shops here- the DJs, the music (I detest Lady GaGa, LMFAO, etc.), the lack of variety, blah, blah, blah.

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Someone like you - Adele The one that got away - Katy Perry

Black Sabbath - Sweet Leaf Death From Above 1979 - Pull Out Bad Brains - Banned in DC Slayer - South of Heaven Kyuss - Gardenia

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Grandmaster Flash - White Lines Steel Panther - Turn out the lights Joy Division - She’s Lost Control The Strokes - Heart In A Cage NWA - 100 Miles And Running

Rolling in the Deep - Adele Sexy and I know it - LMFAO International Love - PitBull ft. Chris Brown It’s the most wonderful time of the year - Andy Williams O Holy Night - Kenny Rogers Silver Bells - Bing Crosby Good Old Days - Ziggy Marley What makes you beautiful - One Direction

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We found love - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris Sexy and I know it - LMFAO It will rain - Bruno Mars The one that got away - Katy Perry Good Feeling - Flo Rida Ni**as in Paris - Jay Z and Kanye West Someone Like you - Adele Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera Without you - David Guetta ft. Usher 5 O’ Clock - Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen

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Cannonball - Little Mix Paradise - Coldplay Dance with me tonight - Olly Murs Dedication to my Ex - Lloyd ft. Andre 3000 and Lil Wayne We found love - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris Good Feeling - Flo Rida Levels - Avicci Hurt - Leona Lewis Lego House - Ed Sheeran 5 O’ Clock - Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen

www.tempoplanet.com

the beat> dj natalie brogan

By Angeli Castillo

Breaking into the highly competitive world of DJing is hard enough, but DJ Natalie Brogan, based in Abu Dhabi is one of a handful of female DJs who has not only managed to survive, but to thrive in a male dominated industry. Tempo chatted with the DJ queen...

Guetta?

TEMPO: You’ve only been DJing for a few years and yet you’ve gained quite a

TWO: Any favorite moments?

NATALIE: I think being on the main stage is a big enough reason!

reputation. Tell us about your beginnings…

NATALIE: I’m 26 and I’m from Manchester in the UK. I worked as beauty therapist for Chanel. But I wanted to learn to DJ so enrolled in a DJ course at Manchester Midi School in 2006 and started to play parties at the weekends.

In 2009 I decided to give up my day job and try a summer in Ibiza where I was lucky to play weekly boat parties, bars and nightclubs. From there I was offered a four month residency at the Fairmont in Abu Dhabi and after two years I’m still here and have gone on to play in Dubai, Jordan, Qatar and India.

I’ve played huge events such as Creamfields and hosted my own nights.

TEMPO: How have you become quite successful and what is the most challenging thing about being a female DJ artist in the UAE and the region?

NATALIE: Being female in such a male dominated industry is always going to be hard. Being female and being a DJ is tough as there are so many who become DJs for the wrong reasons. For me it’s always been about my love for good music which makes it different. For a start, the UAE doesn’t have many DJs who are female and on top of that I don’t play commercial music so I suppose I’m different from most, which is where I have gained the respect from fellow DJs and promoters. This has got me where I want to be.

A QUICK EIGHT WITH NATALIE: ONE: What did it feel like performing alongside Tiesto, Deadmau5 and David NATALIE: The best feeling in the world.

THREE: Do you have a special “ceremony” of sorts before a big night?

NATALIE: Make sure I’ve been to the toilet…haha FOUR: How does the crowd in the UAE compare to other places you have been

to?

NATALIE: They like to party every night of the week which is good for me FIVE: What New Year resolution advice do you offer your fans?

NATALIE: Live everyday like it’s your last.

SIX: What advice do you offer aspiring young artists?

NATALIE: Play the music for the girls and the boys will follow.

SEVEN: Where do you know want to be in five years?

NATALIE: The year 2012 will be the year I finish my production course so

fingers crossed in five years I will have some productions and would have played in more countries.

EIGHT: What do you think off when you hear the word TEMPO? NATALIE: A fun free informative magazine

www.tempoplanet.com

cover story > resolution keeper 2012

James Franklin 1. Play a concert 2. Do well in University 3. Get a fantastic job doing something awesome in the media industry

Do you want Tempo to hold you accountable and track you down at the end of 2012 to see if you kept your resolutions? Then send us your resolutions to editorial@tempoplanet.com or register it on Jason D’souza www.tempoplanet.com and we will check to 1. I will put in more effort to be sponsored see if you have kept your promises. this year for skateboarding Be sure to make your resolutions 2. I will make my parents proud 3. Try and reduce my chocolate consumption specific and actionable.

Mariam Abassi 1. Study very hard to achieve good grades for IGCSE’s to make my parents proud 2. Learn how to cycle 3. Try to stop being a facebook addict 4. Make 2012 fun filled, adventurous, mysterious and a year to be remembered!

Natasha Motwani 1. Work hard to achieve my goals 2. Shop less, save more!

3. Be a better person, friend and daughter 4. Be more patient, and complain less

Nicole Raj 1. I will work towards achieving Good grades in my IGCSE exams this year 2. I plan to excersise daily 3. I plan to involve myself in charity this year as i love helping people!!

Ian Mason

New Years’ comes but once a year. We party the night away, make resolutions the next morning and vow to keep them and fulfill them before the next New Year’s Eve comes knocking on our door. But do we actually keep them? This year, Tempo is taking its readers to task.

1. Improve the service culture in Abu Dhabi (through Tamakkan corporate workshops, of course!)

2. Do more exercise 3. Don’t make resolutions for 2013

Ousha Ahmed Al-Romaithi 1. To live all alone in a place that isn’t the UAE 2. I want to be able to go on the streets and draw something that people will appreciate 3. I want to learn how to play the piano and the oud jan

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Simone Carvalho 1. To not get too distracted while studying 2. Figure out how to eat less chocolates as I get more cavities due to it 3. To try and become a much better photographer 4. To think and be a much better person

Jose Tuano 1. Enjoy Abu Dhabi as much as I can, before it’s summer again 2. Improve as a photographer 3. Improve as a person 4. Become less lazy

Tamsyn D’souza 1. To shed 15 kilos 2. To travel to either Spain or Italy 3. To own a house of my own 4. To go for a Hollywood style romantic dinner for the first time in my life

Yassin Daoud 1. Learn a new language. French, Italian or Spanish 2. Study Psychology in University 3. Travel a heck of a lot 4. Hit the gym!

We asked you to send us your resolutions and are posting them publicly for all to see. At the end of the year, we will get back in touch with you (hound you if we have to) to see if you have fulfilled your resolutions. Have you got it in you to stick it out? Let’s wait until next year to see…

Abu Dhabi Community String Orchestra 1. A series of concerts for school children around the capital taking music to children who might not have seen an orchestra up close before and especially because it will be by young people themselves 2. A concert to accompany a puppet theatre production - also for children and young people 3. A collaboration with Arabic musicians in a work for strings, percussion and oud

Noura Al Noaimi 1. Apply my interior design skills into freelancing 2. Take a leap of faith by starting my career at an early age 3. Begin building my company “iDesignIt” 4. Live a double-track life of marriage and studying 5. Prepare for an art exhibition 6. Participate in photography competitions and internships

Manar Al Hinai 1. Become a columnist for the New York Times 2. Go to Hajj 3. Expand my clothing business 4. Learn Spanish jul

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city bites Brioche at La Brioche Let them eat cake > By Justin Thomas It’s winter time again and it’s the season of alfresco dining; a time when both smokers and non-smokers compete for outdoor tables. My breakfast destination for the morning was La Brioche in Khalifa A, or the Big Alif, as I like to call it. Thankfully, I managed to get an outdoor table, and the weather was just the right side of perfect.

A bright smiling face arrived at my table wishing me, “good morning,” and then, as if to add sugar to honey, she wished me “bonjour” too. I paused and smiled. “Bonjour,” I replied in my best French accent - which made me feel, and sound, slightly creepy. I placed my order, a little high on the special attention that had been paid to me. A few seconds later I heard the same waitress: “good morning - bonjour”, she said, smiling at the next customer, and the next, and the next. My feelings of specialness evaporated like the head on a bad latte.

The waitress’s “bonjour” was no-doubt her modest contribution towards pushing the brand’s friendly French-ness. La Brioche after all is the French term for an enriched form of pastry (Queen Marie Antoinette is apocryphally reported to have said “: Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” - let them eat cake, with reference to France’s famished peasants). But the idea of people greeting each other with formulaic and often very insincere

pleasantries is becoming all too common. I, for one, long for more sincere, spontaneous, creative and heartfelt human communication in all spheres of life - even restaurants.

Consider, for example, I recently received a text message wishing me: “choicest blessings on the auspicious occasion of Eid al Adha”. The sender, a long forgotten colleague, had obviously sent this “one size fits all” message to a large group of the contacts from his phone’s address book. Rather than respond directly to the sender’s greeting, many of the recipients, probably just group-texted their own generic Eid messages. I have to question the value of such greetings. Are we really wishing each other well? How much heart and soul can there be in these effortless bulk-communications? It is easy to imagine a future where we pre-program our phones with the following instruction: If Date = Dec 25th; send text “wishing you the sincerest season’s greetings” to contact group = “friends and family”. For the recipients and the senders of such thoughtless pre-programmed messages, what exactly would be the benefit? Both, generic template-texts and my waitress’s scripted greetings are classic example of what we used to call “cant”.

Historian Ben Wilson describes can’t as a four-letter word that has all but faded from the English language. Cant, like brioche, originates from the Norman French. Cant meant chanting, in a derogatory sense; it meant a type of formulaic speech used to mask the absence of genuine devotion.

Cant is decorum and sobriety, without sincerity; cant is jargon and cliché masquerading as substance; cant is well choreographed verbiage bereft of any authenticity. Lord Byron, English poet and self-imposed exile, declared the 19th Century as the age of cant. The word may not have survived but the practice is thriving.

Table-staff cant aside, La Brioche is a pleasant enough place to breakfast. The outdoor seating is comfortable and well placed; the high hedge obscures the unappetising site of car parks and construction sites. Furthermore, the floral decorations add a pretty touch of pink and white. The menu is in English and French, and there’s also a French/ Arabic version. The menu runs to 12 pages, and none of the dishes are overly described. Looking to my fellow diners the full breakfast option (scrambled eggs with turkey bacon and chicken sausages) seems to be a very popular choice. However, in keeping with the French idea of “le petit dejeuner,” I opted for the croissants package (two croissants a coffee and, what I can only describe as, a shot of orange juice: glass, small, very). The croissants were amongst the best I have tasted anywhere, while my coffee was relatively unremarkable. The shot of juice the smallest ever, but good fresh fare.

La Brioche, as the name suggests, is a specialist baker. And while dining, I noticed a steady stream of customers arriving to buy boxes of cakes, French loaves and croissants to go. Before leaving, I asked the waitress for a brioche to go, she gave me a sympathetic look and said, in an infectiously upbeat Philippines accent, “we don’t have sir, sorry finished”.

C’est la vie, I retorted, performing my most nonchalant Gallic shrug.

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poetry evening at the sorbonne Tempo was invited to a special poetry evening organized by Paris- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The cultural initiative, called a Soiree Poetique (Poetic Evening) is aimed at encouraging the creativity among students and bridging the gap between civilizations. Here are some of the poems shared by students…

IMMORTALITY

THE LEDGE

ACROSS ALL WINDS

By Farah Chamma

By Christian Collins

By Farah Chamma

Hold me, surround me, be the air that is around me Forever be perpetual, embrace my soul…

Interpret words, encrypt them into sympathizing silence…

Take me to a world of peace and no violence

I climbed out onto the ledge and looked down I’ll never fly I thought to myself with a frown I had always wanted to, always thought I could But something inside me said I never would Day after day I walked the ledge in hopes of flight Dreaming of the day where if I tried hard enough I just might One special day not long ago I met a man An angel perhaps, believed in me, said yes you can I was scared, so very scared because I thought he was wrong O had never flown before and as such I just didn’t belong He filled me with confidence and took away my fears I was feeling things, myself that I had not felt in years He took me to the ledge and said that something had begun anew I closed my eyes and from behind he pushed me and… I flew

Beneath tapestries of sky and clouds of ivory In a waltz we dance on bridges and on alleys

As my soul immersed the air with tranquility, I tenderly closed my eyes, my eyelashes soothingly slide down…

Harmonious melodies hummed, as immortality grasped me to sleep

Across mosques’ minarets, we hear the prayers Then descend to hear the mirth of avid card players Upon extending roads, we both speed along Shining with the city lighte, singing its songs With the freedom of vagabonds, with dusk and day On the vast waterfront, we accelerate, we say Whether it was inner solace, or a touch of rage On your seat I always, share and assuage We face fierce gusts, we feel the distant sky Across all winds, my bike and I…

Ankit Lodha

It’s my 1st Birthday!

Happy New Year Tempo readers!

It’s ‘Humiliation Day’ today!

Lama Youness

9

Ismael Gabriel Saballa

8

3

Arjun Suria

2

Bersabeh Melaku

January

1

10

Laveezah Khan

nter, @ Expo Ce Steel Fab ah 9-12 Sharj

Geopolitics of Roots: No Man’s Land- Art Exhibition @ Carbon12 Dubai

National Blood Donor Month

16

17 World Future Environment Exhibition 16-19

World Future Energy Summit 16-19

23 Osama El Kamel

24 Arab Hea lth @ DICEC 2 2012 3-26

Veronica

29

Rami Ik

Hap Weddin py 25th g An Mum an niversary d Dad!

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 26-29

30

Zainab Khan

International Dental Conference @ DICEC 31/1-2/2

i b Duba Medla 23-26 C @ DICE

31

Zeeshan Razzaqi

22

Marlon Alcaraz

Marlene Vaz

Intersec Middle East @ DICEC 15-17

Simone Carvalho

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Mehreen Malik

15

Recruitment Show Tawdheef

pping Dubai Sho al Festiv b 5 Jan- 5 Fe

6

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Duba iI Carn nternati on ival 5 Jan- al Racin g 10 M arch

Stay in bed and cuddle up today Davina Lewis

13

Come visit BrandMoxie’s new office to learn about what we can do to help achieve your business goals in 2012

C54 BLDG., M01 & M02 AL NAHYAN CAMP, BEHIND TRANS AD BUILDING INTERSECTION OF MUROOR + DELMA FOR MORE INFO CALL 02 491 8624/25 www.brandmoxie.com

Expo Center, DecoBuild @ -26 h ja Shar 23

MY JANUARY TO DO LIST

Sharan Dominic D’Souza

26

Saif Al Madani

25

lic Day b u p e R y Happ dia!!!

In

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Dunlop 24H Car Race @ Dubai Autodrome 13-14

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Rhythm of your heart @ Dubai Media City

Health and Fitness Funday @ ADNEC 21-2 3

Merwin Mathias

19

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Tara Al Marzooqi

18

Backstage pr ‘Hats’ and ‘D esents agger @ DUCTAC 13 Shorts’ -14

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Nana Christie

12

Leila Fedama

Shombe

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Tekno Tube Arabia @ DICEC 7-10

Mariam Abassi

Bernadette Velasco

Hansel Punnam

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Chris Xaviour

4

National Thank You Month!

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

MY JANUARY ECO PLEDGE

Say thank you to someone today!

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youth talk The teenager code > By Ahmed Samir A teenager is part of an entirely different and unique social group. It is a group that is complete with rules of conduct, and even its own entirely new form of communication! It all began with a need… But before I go on you need to hear the “back story.”

About two decades ago electronics companies made a seemingly magical device called a cellular phone widely available. The device dwarfed other technologies and went on to become one of the biggest inventions of recent time. Using it you could make calls, send text messages, and do a whole lot of other, equally amazing things, wirelessly.

As is the case with every generation, the young are the ones who embrace new technology and acclimatize themselves to it. As the lead adopters of the technology, they have shaped how it will then be used. The cellular phone quickly became the teenager’s tool of communication of choice. Then, needing to communicate with fellow teenagers, and having to deal with expensive SMS and phone bills, the teenager was met with a problem: How can I utilize this new technology to socialize while not drilling a hole in my parents’ wallets?

In this case, as with many others, the saying “necessity is the mother of invention,” proved thoroughly true.

Faced with such a dilemma, the teenager created a new language. Or at least, a cell phone-friendly way of using it. Shorter messages meant smaller phone bills, and less reason for parents to kill their children. And this is why and how “The Teenager Code” was born. The code involved the use of acronyms, and other wordings for words and phrases. This also served the teenager’s characteristic need for privacy. The code could only be deciphered and read by teenagers! That is, a code, that only the initiated (teenagers, that is) are privy to. The result was a new form communicating, consisting of over 6,000 acronyms, with a few listed below:

LOL = Laughing Out Loud TTYL = Talk to You Later BRB = Be Right Back OMG = Oh My Goodness B2W = Back to Work L8R = Later PIR = Parents In Room (for when the folks barge in unexpectedly!)

OTB = Off to Bed ^5 = High Five CU = See You It is generally held that overusing the code isn’t good for eloquence and language skill, so, as with many things, moderation is key.

Follow me on Twitter or email AhmedSamirSalama@yahoo.com

Because we can > By Shamma Al Suwaidi No one can stop you from transcending the limit: because YOU CAN. Nelson Mandela was the first Black South African president; he fought against poverty and inequality, and he was a savior for his country.

Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence, inspiring his people to fight for their rights and freedom.

Another person who never gave up is Ludwig Van Beethoven who didn’t let the fact that he was deaf stop him from making music, and now he is a legend. Helen Keller was the first blind and deaf person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Newton, Einstein, Bill Gates and many more go down in history for the things and changes they have brought into this world, for believing in their efforts and for not giving up.

All of these people made a difference in the world. You can too. The thing most of us do is set goals and plans for the future but we don’t really accomplish them. We keep talking about the changes we want to make yet never set out to make them. We postpone our dreams and wishes for ‘later’. Why? Because we let our laziness and insecurity get the best of us. Think of Mandela: even though he was jailed for 27 years he still had the strength to bring the change. What was thought to be impossible suddenly was done because of faith, because of strength, but most of all: because he believed he could.

What seems impossible to us is somehow marked as a “no entry” zone; we start running in the opposite direction because the words “you can’t” are set in stone somewhere in our thoughts. Do we challenge them? No. We think, why bother when it can’t be done? But how do we know that it can’t be done when we never tried to do it? It’s just the easy way out.

The fear of failure outshines our motivation.

No one ever succeeded by doing nothing and expecting everything to work out. In order for us to reach success we’d have to go through a couple of failures. Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that it won’t work.”

If we want to succeed, we have to want it bad enough that we will do whatever is necessary to achieve it. No words will shake our belief in our ability to accomplish whatever it is we set our minds to do.

Why? Simply, BECAUSE WE CAN!

A forum for photographers to showcase their work. To participate email at editorial@tempoplanet.com | NEXT TOPIC: PORTRAITS

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photo tripping

Name: Asa Pollendine Purpose of the shot: Open prawn sandwich is very Swedish and being Swedish myself I can be critical about this lovely treat, but this one did not disappoint.

Camera: Canon EOS 450d Setting: f/6.3 ISO: 100 My tip: As a confident beginner I try to follow tips like; fill the frame, look for that perfect light and keep clicking.

Name: Christine Eunice Gandia Purpose of the shot: A photo full of brightness and color of the strawberry.

Camera: Canon 550D Setting: f/5.6 ISO: 1250 My tip: It always takes practice to achieve something.

Name: Ma. Cheryl Esteban Purpose of the shot: I took a bite of this pie and it was yummy! I wanted to convey that in this picture.

Camera: Sony Alpha 330 Setting: f/5 ISO: 200 My tip: Never hesitate to take pictures of even the most mundane things. There is beauty and story even in the littlest things.

Name: Maria Shahzad Purpose of the shot: I want to capture the taste of home-cooked food.

Camera: Nokia D3000 Setting: f/3.5 ISO: 400 My tip: Getting up close to your food will bring out texture, making it more interesting.

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cooking passion: chef khulood of the uae

By Manar Al Hinai

Chef Khulood scores two first for the UAE: The first professional Emirati chef and the first female Emirati chef.

Cooking may come naturally to some, but very few of us have the passion and drive to perfect what we know and turn it into a career. Khulood Atiq Saeed is a trailblazer on two counts: she is the first professional Emirati chef and the first female Emirati chef. Tempo talked to her and presents her story, in her own words, as translated from the Arabic.

“My family at home discovered my talent. I went through a tough time in the beginning because I didn’t know how to cook, and that fact encouraged me to enter the kitchen and try to cook something… and I was barely eight. My older brother Saeed was one of the first to encourage me to cook, and now it is my husband Esam who shares my success in this field.

“I did not go to a cooking school. It was a talent that I helped develop by working in big hotel groups. Now I work as a consultant for Arabic and Emirati food in TDIC.

“I like to make everything especially my father’s favorite, God rest his soul. Everything I made for him involved a conversation that brought us closer together, and every time I cook one of his favorite dishes I recall our conversations and our times together.

“I see my biggest achievement as the love people have for me, especially children and the elderly. I also think that being able to bring back Emirati

cuisine and dishes at a time when it was about to be extinct is a great achievement. Right now, my goal now is to present these dishes internationally.

“It is not enough for me that I am Emirati even if I am the first or the last professional chef. The goal is to present Emirati cuisine to the world because I believe that a country’s kitchen is a mirror of its culture through the times. I want to continue learning about Emirati cuisine, followed by Indian, Italian, and Arabic.

“I look to my first cook book being launched soon. I will continue working in the media sector by conducting cooking shows, preparing courses to teach Emirati and Arabic cuisine followed by other international dishes.

There is a greater turnout of non-Emiratis to Emirati and GCC or Khaleeji dish demonstrtions and I think this is because it is the first time that people get to see Emirati cuisine presented by an Emirati.

I wish for every Emirati girl or boy who loves to cook to never hesitate from entering this field. Cooking if a fine art form especially when it is presented passionately by the chef.

And I believe the most important life’s lesson is to be humble, ambitious, and persistent in developing oneself.

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the making of ‘the journey’:

Director, DoP and Focus Puller in action

getting experience on a real set

By James Franklin

Years from now when my biographers seek to understand James Franklin the famous film director’s humble beginnings they will draw attention to my involvement in the short film ‘The Journey’. The experience whilst having its testing times will prove to be invaluable to me.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies in Australia at the University of Wollongong. I have always had an urge to express myself creatively and film has always been the primary way that I have sought to achieve this.

I was lucky enough to complete the last three years of my schooling in Abu Dhabi. What was great about this time was it made it possible for me to expand my exposure to knowledge and skills in film making. More recently I was able to gain first hand knowledge of many more elements of the production process through working as a production assistant on the locally developed film ‘The Journey’. As with many real world experiences it has made me re-examine my future notions of potential roles in the film industry. Frankly I did not realise the amount of work that went on behind the scenes and the intensity of the process required to achieve a high quality final result.

Amy, the DoP framing Jamal The crew of ‘The Journey’

A love of working behind the scenes helped me deal with the stresses as well as the opportunity to work with a talented and fun team. It was all certainly worth it with a fun-packed (and I mean packed! - day 1 starting at 6:30am and ending at 2:30am the next) with this sort of intensity for three days. The days zoomed by way too quickly for my liking! In their company I was able to learn invaluable tips and tricks by listening closely and watching exchanges between the director and director of photography as they discussed possible shots and then made them a reality with the participation of the lighting crew and focus puller and DIT (I know it is as much gibberish to you as it was to me just a while ago) For now after this experience, I have decided to think more about investigating the more creative path of becoming a director of photography, a more creative element of the production and one that better suits my interests. I will go back to Australia with this great experience under my belt, an experience that has encouraged me to continue to actively pursue my passion through study and more work experience.

DoP and Focus Puller on the sands of Liwa

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trailblazer granny, take me home!

By Sara Taher

Taxis are a predominant feature of everyday life in the nation’s capital. Since my arrival five years ago, I have relied solely on taxis and the kindness (or pity) of friends for mobility.

Even car owners readily opt for cabs on outings, as parking in the city can sometimes be cumbersome, if not an utter nightmare.

Although the post of taxi driver was initially reserved exclusively for men, I was pleasantly surprised when I hopped into a cab the other day only to be greeted by a woman!

Smiling confidently, Miss Evelyn Peres Leynes was obviously accustomed to reactions like mine. Sensing my thoughts, she assured me that I hadn’t gotten into a pink cab. Once my fears of going colour blind were quelled, I couldn’t resist asking a million questions about how she ended up in such a male dominated profession.

Like most expatriates, Evelyn came to the United Arab Emirates five years ago seeking employment in a stable environment, to support her family back in the Philippines. After working different posts, she joined Emirates Taxi in 2010 as a driver of the pink taxis, catering exclusively to a female clientele. However, she soon realized that the demand for the regular, or yellow, cabs was significantly higher and thus she decided to switch.

She has been driving her silver cab for roughly a year and is quite content with her choice. Passengers are almost always intrigued and while she gets asked the same questions repeatedly, her enthusiasm shows that she doesn’t mind recounting her story. While she admits that her job is very stressful, physically and mentally, the thought of her three grandchildren back home leads her on.

The establishment of The Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, also known as Trans AD, in 2007 flooded the streets of Abu Dhabi with regulated silver cars, which soon became a trusted form of public transportation. Previously, taxi services were unreliable and erratic. In 2010, Trans AD introduced the pink taxis, driven by women for female passengers. While Trans Ad currently operates over 5,000 cabs in Abu Dhabi, the available pink cabs are few.

Evelyn is part of a rare breed of women, braving the male dominated post and taking on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Currently, there are only 4 women operating yellow cabs. While she is always greeted positively by passengers, her coworkers are not as accepting. We both laugh as she recounts how sometimes, while waiting at a traffic light, she sees a fellow cab driver nearby staring at her bewildered and wild-eyed!

Having arrived to my destination, I can’t help but admire this grandmother who has deliberately chosen this difficult post, only to tackle it with an infectious smile. If you are ever lucky enough to chance upon her, you will meet a graceful woman, full of wisdom, patience and most importantly; an excellent sense of direction! And be sure to tell her I said ‘hi’.

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doc in the house >

Dr.DMS | A Doc from the Bronx

The Good and the Bad: Why Is Good News Always So Bad? Happy New Year folks!!! I hope 2012 is a bumper year and proves those Mayans wrong!!!! No time to talk about resolutions…that is so last year.

This month, I would like to share a confusing phenomenon that I seem to experience every shift, without fail. With almost every patient-doctor conversation I have at work, it will invariably end with “I have good news and bad news...”

But, let me be very clear about this - not all bad news is bad. Let me explain.

Often I am left with telling people that the worst news that I have for them, is that they can go home! (Doctor humour, obviously). Seriously, that’s the worst news that I can come up with. But, here’s the tough part - giving them the good news. “The good news is...... I can’t find anything wrong”. Here comes trouble!

The way I see it, that is good news. Despite all my questioning, examination, labs, CT/xrays/ultrasounds etc I can’t find ANYTHING that is going to hurt you today and yes, you can actually go home. You may think that you’re dying, but today is not your day. Think about that for a moment.

live well >

Can you say that in your daily life, that you are burdened with that much responsibility? Someone else’s life? I am not being an elitist, but I just want you to understand what’s going on in my head, when I make that decision: that you can go home. Personally, I think it is a huge decision, and one not to be taken lightly.

There is a standard joke amongst ER docs: “hey, remember that guy you sent home yesterday....” and it sends chills down your spine because it’s always followed by some bad news. And this, we definitely take personally.

But we are human, and “to err is human”. Medicine is not a profession of 100 percent certainty 100 percent of the time - not here, not anywhere, and it never will be. Now, I can’t speak for all my medical colleagues, but I take work seriously, and with that I also take the welfare of my patients seriously too.

So, if we ever meet, and I give you the “bad” news, try and be positive and see it as a good thing. There is always someone out there who won’t be as fortunate.

Layla Ezzedeen | Performance Whiz and Feng Shui Practitioner

The Final Round-Up: Kicking Off 2012 With Positive Karma By now, we’ve covered all the major cornerstones for a journey toward an energized and healthy life. Let’s recap these fundamentals and use them to move forward:

8.

1.

9.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Assess yourself. Use the Bagua as a way to navigate through the areas of your life. Highlight the problem areas.

Define your goals. Again, use the Bagua to determine what you want to see happen in the different areas of your life.

Declutter your physical space. Out with the old, ugly, broken, sad and useless. Live tidily and neatly.

Declutter your body. No more stale, junk non-foods. Live in a wholesome body.

Declutter your mind. Go through the past, the present and expectations of the future. Live today.

Declutter your relationships. No more time-wasting, energy sucking pseudo-humans. Live with integrity.

Now that you’ve been through a lot of stuff, physical and otherwise, redefine your goals. Commit to ambition.

Share your thoughts on my Facebook page

Implement feng shui placement fundamentals. Set your bed/desk diagonally opposite the entrance, plants next to electric equipment, and the like.

Streamline motion through your space.

Decorate your spaces with meaningful colours, items, textures etc. For this, you are your own reference point. See in your space and décor what you want to see in your life.

Understand that our habits and lifestyles are not random. Take charge of all that you can take charge of; this is empowerment. Any time you feel down and out, take out this list for life-space management and tackle what makes sense to tackle in the moment.

I leave you with the names of those who have made all the difference in my life, use them as a launch pad for finding the ideas that will revolutionize your life: Jim Rohn, Karen Kingston, Dave Ellis, Louise Hay and Jerry & Esther Hicks. Read their literature – let me know what you think. All the best.

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campus view >

mum unlimited >

Rohith Bhat

Sarah Widdup | Living the dream, needing the sleep

The Two Hundred Things That Keep Me From Studying

This conversation always begins the same way, first there’s the question “Why such low marks?” after which there’s the shuffling of feet and the desperate look at possible exits...the fake heart attack to get out of the conversation... and after all hope of avoidance is lost then the answer is no answer at all!

Because no matter how much we try to wrap up our explanations in pretty paper or flowery words it always comes down to three essential points: I failed because: Number one: “I ran out of time” Number two: “The guy next to me didn’t let me copy/I should have studied harder” Number three: “I didn’t study” because...

• Attempt #1 is ruined by a phone call from a friend asking important questions (eg “did you hear about Jen?”) • Attempt #2 is ruined by absorption in that all important question “How did those bean bag shaped pigs build those (angry) bird breakable structures without hands or even feet?”

• Attempt #3 is ruined by the beep (origin Facebook) ‘Dude I thought you were studying! What are you doing on Facebook???’

• Attempt #4 is ruined by a sudden interest in a book I’ve read a thousand times before • Attempt #5 is ruined by a friend coming over to get ‘inspired’ to study • Attempt #6 is ruined by a new must see video out on Youtube! (That everyone’s Facebooking about) • Attempt #7 is ruined by: is it just me or does the sky look funny today -need to do a web search • Attempt #8 is ruined by: I just got an idea for a new article, have to pen down my thoughts!!

And I’m pretty sure that anyone can guess what happened during all my “attempts” to study, and where I succumbed. So dear reader, under such extreme circumstances and the nefarious schemes to keep a dedicated student down, is the ‘F’ really my fault???

Is Anybody In There?

It’s a tricky thing to navigate this mothering lark, especially in the age we live in. Gone are the days when Mum stayed at home (because that’s what mums did), and Dad was the hunter-gatherer.

Now mothers are juggling the huge responsibility of raising their kids, with a need or desire to continue to work and *gasp*, have a social life!

And why not! The thing that keeps many a mum sane throughout the day, myself included, is a sense of self. New mums can testify that for the first few months or so of your new arrival, um, arriving, life is all about the bubba.

And so it should be. Whether you’re straight back to the workplace, or lucky enough to stay home, there are so many challenges and responsibilities that it’s no wonder that our kids become the main focus. The trick, once routines are sorted and you’re feeling confident, is to remember who you are.

In the first year of my daughter’s life I was not qualified to discuss anything but her (much to most people’s dismay hehehe). She was my world, and as such I talked about what was going on in my life – my child. If you’d asked me what I liked to do for fun I would have stared at you blankly. I would have really had to think about it. And I have been thinking about it for a few years now. What do I like? What do I want to do as “myself ” and for myself ?

Actually, there are two tricks to this “being yourself ” thing. The second one is – don’t feel guilty for doing things for yourself! Mummy guilt is a powerful thing and should be avoided. Being happy is important, so do things that make you feel that way. A happy mum usually means a happy house and happy kids. It can also mean a messy kitchen. So what! We’re happy!

After much soul searching and reflection, I have dragged my sense of self back into existence. Look, here I am! I’m writing, which is my thing. I actually have a few “things,” but this is my main one. We all have that “thing” we want to do, and we all have, or at least had, a pretty clear idea of who we were before we had kids. Maybe it changed with time, but it’s definitely there. It just needs to be unpacked and put back on display.

www.tempoplanet.com

just handcrafted >

articulate >

Janice D’Sa | Scientist artiste hybrid

Neena Rai | An artist with a flair

New Year Dose of Advice for the Creative

It’s the beginning of another promising year. That is, a promising year if you endeavor to do your very best to make that happen.

I received a letter from a desperate fan seeking advice about how he can make peace with his creative side as it drives him nuts whilst he pursues the daily rigours of a mundane, dull and dreary job. While he was studying for his “specialised” degree, he felt the calling to become a poet and has since eight years been writing profusely. Unfortunately, his work remains unpublished and he doesn’t know what to do.

Well, from my own experience, I found out (very early on!) that it’s one thing to be talented and hopeful. It’s another thing to face one’s fears of rejection, take that talent and hone it towards success. Creativity needs to be shared with others. That’s where the young poet went wrong – he did not seek like-minded people. He chose to hide his poems and stay in his comfort zone.

The recent poet festival would have been a great place to hang out. He could have been inspired by Abu Dhabi based poet, Bahareh Amidi, who went on a limb and decided to give her creativity total flight, despite all the risks and challenges. I bet her success story was not without sweat, toil and tears.

The UAE is full of peer support groups in the creative arts arena that you can join. Pursue it. Don’t hide your creativity. Read inspiring books on people who built successful lives from nothing.

Avoid poverty thinking. Take action. Seek out a coach who can keep you accountable to reach your goals. And 2012 can be not only promising but successful beyond your imagination.

Jan D’Sa helps handcrafters stay rooted in success. Join this handcrafted advocate’s trips and treats at https://www.facebook.com/ CulturalArtsTravelogue

Exhibition: E7SASI

Khawla Darwish and Mona Fares, two young and upcoming artists based out of Dubai organized an exhibition at DUCTAC. The work of these ladies is quite interesting and the title of their exhibition, “E7SASI,” especially intriguing.

“E7SASI” is a play on words. The original word is the Arabic word “ehsasi” which translates into “my feelings”. The inclusion of the number 7 represents a letter from the Arabic language that does not exist in the English alphabet. The ladies mention that ‹it is common amongst our generation to write in this “new” language that combines numbers and letters to create words written in the English alphabet that can be read in Arabic. This new way of writing is indicative of the world we now live in, where the traditional and the contemporary exist side by side, aided by modern technology.

While Khawla is an artist and wants to represent the UAE in all important art events, Mona is an artist and a designer. She has a label called Neon Edge which she launched in 2009. Both Mona and Khawla were raised in the UAE. While Khawla is an Emirati, Mona is a half Egyptian and half German who moved to Dubai when she was two years old. Mona has lived in Dubai for over 24 years and has acquired a deep sense of belonging within the local culture. She completed her BA of Arts and Design in Dubai. She also studied various design fields such as architecture, furniture design, interior design, graphic design, product design, jewelry design, photography, digital video making, textiles and more. Mona feels that, seeing Dubai grow from a desert into a cosmopolitan city within such a short time, gave her the opportunity to be exposed to a multicultural, dynamic and stimulating environment. This helped form the person she is today, and is reflected in the art and designs she creates. Khawla received her artistic education at Zayed University in Dubai from the college of Art and Design, and also received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and kindergarten studies.

Most of her works express the culture she was born and raised in, in a contemporary and modern way. She has exhibited her art works in many exhibitions throughout the five years that she has been painting, including the Venice Biennale in the year 2009.

www.tempoplanet.com

media >

By Alma Kadragic

Last year at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, I attended TEDxDoha which took place at the Katara Heritage Village during the Festival although not actually part of it. I went because an old friend who was running the show told me about it, and I had never been to any TEDx before that. The show wasn’t great, but as sometimes happens, I sat next to young couple and started talking.

I’m really happy to know that our chance conversation in Doha introduced me to someone, in fact, two people who knew what they wanted and knew how to go about getting it. Back then we exchanged business cards, and Susan followed up by putting me on the list of people interested in what was happening with Habibi.

She sounded American and turned out to have been born and lived in New York City where I’m from and had gone to school in Virginia and Texas. Her husband who was from East Asia said he was an artist, and they were living in Amsterdam. She said she was a filmmaker and had come to Doha looking for support to complete her film titled Habibi.

From time to time, we would get updates on progress with the film. The updates sometimes included a delicate request for financial help, but they were gracefully done, and I’m sure helped raise some funds.

Some of you who have read this far may by now recognize that the young woman was Susan Youssef who did indeed finish her film which was shown in December at the Dubai International Film Festival in the Muhr Arabic Feature Film category.

The film whose full title is HABIBI RASAK KHARBAN is billed as coming from Palestine, USA, Netherlands, UAE won first place as Best Film in the Muhr competition. It was also recognized as best by the International Federation of Film Critics.

Susan’s husband Man Kit Lam was co- executive producer of Habibi and shared with his wife the award for Best Editing. Maisa Abd Elhadi who played the female lead won Best Actress.

Habibi takes the classic love story of Majnun and Leila and updates to today’s Palestine in Gaza where the young lovers fight their families and the political situation for the right to be together.

After our meeting in October 2010 in Doha, Susan was able to link up with the Enjaaz Fund for post production that’s connected with the Dubai International Film Festival. Enjaaz made it possible for Habibi to be finished and in time for showing at DIFF.

Susan’s story is for me a perfect example of doing what you have to do to realize your dream, in other words, entrepreneurship. Putting together a film – Susan wrote, directed, edited, and produced Habibi – is a business proposition. Looking for production or post-production funding is like looking for angel investors, someone to take a chance on your idea which really means taking a chance on you. Every entrepreneurial endeavor begins and ends with the character of the entrepreneur.

When I met Susan and Man a year ago, I liked them and wished them well. I also had no way of knowing that they were the real thing, people who had the talent, the fortitude, and the people skills to make their film and realize their dream.

These film festivals Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are contributing to building an industry in parts of the Middle East that never had one. They’re doing it by supporting local talent and inviting the most promising talent from the rest of the world to show what they can do.

The biggest news story of the Dubai International Film Festival may have been Tom Cruise coming to the Middle East premiere of Mission Impossible 4. That certainly helped boost Dubai’s international reputation, but the more important story is Susan Youssef and other young artists from the region and the world showing what they can do.

www.tempoplanet.com

tamakkan: get battle ready keep moving and growing > By Ian Mason

I vividly remember my first trip to Hong Kong more than 25 years ago. My wife and I had decided to use the Metro to get around. On our first day, we found the Metro station (easy), bought a ticket (no problems) and stood on the platform, expectantly waiting for the next train. It soon arrived, announced by a furnace of gushing air, and rumbled into the station before easing to a stop, the doors neatly aligned with the queuing areas dotted along the platform.

It was all tranquil and serene as the electric doors glided open, and we stood back, in our traditional British-mannered upbringing, to allow the arriving passengers to alight. As Julia Roberts once said, mistake... big mistake! Suddenly, from behind, swarmed an army of human bodies. Battalions of rushing commuters, pushing, shoving, bumping, elbowing, bustling past us in their bid to be the first through the train doors.

The people inside the train were forced back, until they finally found a crack in the advancing lines and zig-zagged their way onto the platform. We couldn’t retreat. We just cowered beneath an arsenal of briefcases, handbags, shopping baskets, stilettos and brogues as waves of battle-hardened troops, flanking wide, powered towards their target.

Finally the skirmish was over. The doors slammed shut, and the train sped off to its next battlefield. We were left behind, our innocence and naivety mortally wounded, as peace again descended on the station. Is there a moral to this story? You bet. Don’t stand still or you will be crushed by the crowd.

Same in the business world. The world of commerce in Abu Dhabi is thronging with competition, and those who stand still will be trampled in the rush. What does “standing still” mean? It is not keeping up with current trends. It is being complacent. Thinking “my world’s OK, Jack”. Believing you can’t improve. Not upskilling yourself and your staff.

If you do not undertake training, you are susceptible to attack from the well-armed forces around you. The young turks. The dissidents. Those who see the wisdom of training their staff to be the best in the game and invest heavily in employee development.

Training in today’s business world is not a luxury. You can’t just spend a few dirhams of petty cash. Training is now a necessary part of your business strategy, and deserves a 12-month plan to ensure your staff update their skills and are equipped with the latest knowledge to battle the corporate world.

Plug alert: Tamakkan Corporate Bootcamp workshops have been designed to get companies into shape for the challenges that lurk in 2012, and, indeed, there will be challenges. It will be a survival of the fittest.

Marketing, project management, leadership, customer service – these are the business weapons for the 21st century. Make sure you have them in your armoury. Otherwise, you’ll be crushed by the advancing army. Just like we were in Hong Kong.

Ian Mason is a Tamakkan trainer and coaches on marketing, hospitality and media. Tamakkan offers a range of business workshops for corporate and for entrepreneurs.

Contact BrandMoxie on (02) 4918625 or email business@brandmoxie.com for a workshop schedule.

www.tempoplanet.com

just a thought >

mini minx >

Manar Al Hinai | A Khaleeji girl who overthinks a lot and loves to write

Angeli Castillo | Making minutes out of molehills

Resolutions can come true

Art with flair: Graphic Designer “Hamoodi”

At last, it is the time of the year again. That magical time when we let go of all the exhaustion and stress that came with the old year, and we are ready to embark on the New Year’s journey.

Digital artist Ahmed Rahman of Abu Dhabi is a creative with flair. His passion for music and the arts is why he has chosen to be a graphic designer. Tempo caught up with “Hamoodi” as he is fondly called by his friends and peers.

In Arabic we have a saying that goes like “elly fat mat,” which translates to “Whatever happened is dead,” meaning we should not look back, and instead focus all of our energy and emotions on the bright future lying ahead of us.

Even for those who enjoyed 2011, the idea of a new year is nothing short of a miracle, and a great chance to write down new resolutions and goals to achieve in the next twelve months.

But did you know that of all the people who have set New Years’ Resolutions, fewer than ten percent actually achieve them? So how do you ensure your success and achieve your goals? Very simple; by following the tips below that proved to be beneficial to me last year.

1. Write down your goals: it’s a fact. Writing down your goals raises your chances of success.

2. Commit to your goals. Promise yourself that you will achieve them.

3. Tell your family and friends about your goals. Talking about them encourages you to achieve your target.

4. Get accountable. Make it a habit once in a while to sit down with your family member or friend and talk about your resolutions.

5. Make a plan to achieve your goal. Some people like to start backwards, by where you would see yourself…back to where you are today.

6. Remind yourself about your goals. Some people like to stick post-it notes on their bathroom mirror or in their car.

7. Believe and visualize. Visualize yourself sitting with your closed ones at the end of the 2012 with all your dreams achieved.

How does it feel? Visualize for at least five minutes every day and see how your life will change.

May this year be the year you realize your desires and goals!

Follow me on twitter @manar_alhinai

Hamoodi has a soft spot for photography and is also a musician who likes to play the guitar and piano. Being in multiple genres allows him to deliver a unique message through his art work. “My family and friends are one of the solid foundations of my work as they appreciate and motivate me to do more and give more, said Hamoodi.

He believes that “if anyone wants to be an artist and create great work with great ideas, then they actually can; of course they should strive to be creative.” What separates Hamoodi from other artists is the personal touch and connection he has with his subjects. Through his work you can feel his energy and the good vibes he puts out.

“I am motivated by anyone and anything in the digital world that is better than me; I analyze their work in detail and try to come up with a new that is inspired by the original work,” he said.

Hamoodi is inspired by Frida Khalo, Salvador Dali and Alexa Meades. He see that being a young digital artist means contending with a lot of competitors, but says that he is never discouraged. Instead he advises digital designers who are just starting to seek their true calling and start experiencing.

“If you’re really serious about it and into it, and you are talented and creative then you should put yourself out there until you feel you’re satisfied about what you’re doing. For me, I’m still experiencing stuff and experimenting, and thank God the results are amazing.” It is hard work but I think with the right dedication, perseverance and mindset you can break the mold and prove what you have to offer.

Note: For more of Hamoodi’s work you can find them in these sites: • http://hamoodirahman.deviantart.com/ • https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150201883706836.313512.5550368 35&type=3