Tempo magazine November 2011

THE FUTURE OF THE EMIRATI FILM INDUSTRY

PAGE 14

NOVEMBER 2011

It’s nice when things click. Sometimes they click after studied planning, and some times through sheer serendipity. When we launched the “I Love UAE” competition we thought it would be good way to get multi-media and film fans involved in shooting short videos in tribute to the UAE’s 40th anniversary. Little did we know that the interest would grow and grow...to a lively discussion on ways to nurture art among young people.... to incredible alliances with other entities, and now...to an invitation by Abu Dhabi TV to showcase some of the videos on their channels! Tempo organised a session for the young film makers to receive their critiques and guidance from Abu Dhabi TV (you can see photos of the session on page 6 ), and a few of the entrants are already working with Abu Dhabi TV on various production projects. How great is that?

Then there’s Tempo’s Heart and Soul Bazaar at the One to One Hotel in October where communities got together, got to know each other, and celebrated together. The instance of lucky serendipity is how painters, both professionals and amateurs, were lured to the bazaar by the idea of artistic expression and the opportunity to imagine and create. Join us again on November 26th at the One to One Hotel as we continue our “Dedication to the Nation.”

Here’s to community and togetherness,

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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MANAGING EDITOR Sana Bagersh FEATURES EDITOR Alma Kadragic EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sharon Carvalho MAGAZINE DESIGN Mark De Castro MARKETING COORDINATOR Manjul Abhishek Laskar Laipubam DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Melaku Muluneh EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Angeli Castillo Dave Solomon Neena Rai Preethi Janice D’Sa Aditya Jain Sara Taher Hana Makki

Shahid Saeed Layla Ezzedeen Blakniss Manar Al Hinai Rohith Bhat Randy Parker Sarah Widdup

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Hello Ed, Thank you for the “I Love UAE” competition and thank you now for the “ Tempo Heart and Soul Bazaar”…you are all heart and soul, Tempo - Shadia Malik Dear Ed, I cross this little grassy island to park my car near my house on the Corniche. And very often I step into dog poop! I know you’ve written about this problem before, but please publish my letter so people remember what a pain it is. Scoop your poop, people! - R.N. (aka totally pissed off)

Dear Ed, Tempo’s making news! - http://www.digitalproductionme.com/ article-4734-i-love-uae-winners-announced/ - Almas Naseem Dear Ed, The movies at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival were unbelievable! Foreign films expand your thoughts and perspectives - Claire A

The CAT offers thanks for the acknowledgement!

We can hardly wait to showcase our Janys De Jewelry Tips handwoven jewelry work. Thanks for arranging the bazaar! - Jan Preethi D’Sa

Dear Ed, The community bazaar sounds interesting! - Sarah Widdup Dear Tempo, I am a tourist to this country and I have to say I am totally impressed with Dubai’s metro. It is fast, cheap and convenient - Armand

QUESTION Lady Gaga PitBull Adele U2

Can’t believe it’s been two years, still remember when we launched little Tempo! Sniff sniff - Kulsoom Zakir Shahid Saeed, loved your article in @AbuDhabiTempo. You always have the best technological recommendations! - Manar Al Hinai

FAB! @AbuDhabi Tempo is organizing the Tempo’s Heart n’ Soul Community Bazaar!

Oct 29th, 2-6 @onetoonehotel’s terrace - AD Culture & Society RESULTS OF LAST MONTH’S VOTE:

Q: Do you think there will be another recession?

Which artist would you most like to see perform in UAE? 1.

2.

3.

4.

Dear Ed, Every month is a new challenge but guess what? You do a wonderful job!

- Margarita Isabelle Cejudo-Perdomo

Go to tempoplanet to vote

100%

0%

0%

SAID YES, I THINK SO

SAID NO, I THINK IT’S JUST TALK

SAID I DON’T REALLY CARE, IT DOESN’T AFFECT ME ANYWAY

CAMPUS VIEW

DEATH BY IMAGINATION By Rohith Bhat For some reason these days I can never get through a class without imagining my professors dying horrible gruesome deaths in front of my eyes. It could be the effect of vacation withdrawal, it could be sheer boredom, or it could be an early warning sign that there’s a serial killer movie-slash-novel writer-slash-police report, in the future with my name on it! So instead of doing my assignment for the day I decided to do what I do whenever I’m faced with a dilemma; list out the pros and cons of each of the ways I wish to kill my professors.

1) Tie them to the railway tracks while twirling my villainous moustache and doing my evil laugh.

PRO: I can finally figure out at what time the two trains meet when travelling from point A and B at different speeds.

CON: I’ll have to grow a moustache.

2) Hang them inches over a tub of sharks with lasers attached.

PRO: Sharks are an endangered species so feeding them is definitely eco friendly.

CON: I have no idea how to attach lasers to sharks.

3) Force feed them liver until they burst (just like they did in se7en) PRO: Well God did say feed the hungry; that should count for something, right?

CON: I’ll have to actually cook the liver myself.

4) Send Hannibal Lector (the cannibal) on a picnic with them as the main course PRO: Who doesn’t love a picnic?

CON: I may end up as dessert.

5) Turn into a werewolf and bite their heads off PRO: I get to be a werewolf.

CON: I’ll be susceptible to fleas!!!

6) Put about 50kgs worth of dynamite in front of their office and light the fuse.

PRO: I get to play with dynamite.

CON: That worked out so well in Tom and Jerry!

7) Tie them to a chair and force them to watch 50 hours of The Simple Life.

PRO: Now they’ll get what’s it’s like to have your brain numbed.

CON: I’ll actually have to buy a blue ray of The Simple Life!! Not going to happen!

10) Ehh, I’ll think of something later.....and yes I do know that I’ve skipped out on a few numbers in between. Maybe it’s not such a good idea to kill my math teacher! (And mom, if you’re reading this, I was joking).

SHAMIMSCENE AT THE DUBAI FASHION WEEK Shamim was behind the scenes at Dubai Fashion Week’s showcase of the designer Dabya. With a collection inspired by butterflies and their graceful movements, Dabya promises to be one of the region’s most promising young designers.

Take a look at what went down.

THE WONDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE (OR AN AWESOME WAY TO TIME TRAVEL)

By Aditya Jain When I daydream at work, it’s usually about what life would be like if I lived continuously in a hip hop video, or how Scrooge McDuck doesn’t break his neck diving into all those coins, or how is it possible to have a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean where there is a 24 hour time difference between two adjacent time zones.

The last one is true, there does exist a tiny island called Kiribati where if you stand on the International Date Line, your left foot will be stuck on Sunday and your right foot can be living it up on Monday.

Confuses the hell out of me - I’m sure a better system exists, but no one has had the time to think of it. So Kiribatians just grin and bear it, time traveling while getting groceries, all the while trying to fix their Facebook accounts to show the right birthdays. The worst would probably be scheduling meetings at work. (“Well Bob, once again you’re a day late for the conference”. “But I thought you said Wednesday morning”. “Well it is”. “Not where I live, and not where we’re standing now”. “Well why don’t you shift to your right then”. “No, you move to the left…” You get the picture.)

There’s so much you can do to exploit the time differential: you could register your kids in two schools on two halves of the island, and have them learning for six days out of the week. You could also have them sit for exams in the eastern side of Kiribati, and then sit again the next day on the western side. And voila! You are the proud parent of superkids, and you can watch them graduate from Harvard. The possibilities are endless…

I believe the International Date Line should be more famous. Time traveling is pretty much right up there with Barney Stinson, hammerhead sharks and The White Stripes in terms of awesomeness. The International Date Line allowed Jules Verne to write his seminal book, “Around the World in 80 Days.” It confused Magellan when he sailed around the world, and led to his well documented aversion to calendars. Even the Pope had a special delegation explain this phenomenon to him when it was first documented.

Of course, when you cross the date line, you haven’t really gone backward or forward in time, since our measurement of time is all relative. For instance, picture yourself as a Russian peasant, living in Provideniya, on the Eastern coast of Russia.

Once, while yelling at a sheep for prematurely losing its wool, you realize from your son’s geography textbook that you live just 20 minutes away from the International Date Line. Or commandeer a boat and steer it to Alaska and you know that you’ve just gained a day. Of course, when we travel, we go somewhere and then come back, thereby eliminating any time gained / lost while traveling. You may not have a reason to go back, or interestingly, you may decide to embrace this special extra day and see it as a gift to you of time.

TEMPO’S “I LOVE UAE” VIDEO COMPETITION WATCH US ON TV!

The “I Love UAE” film competition Tempo held in association with the New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi may be over but Tempo and the impact is growing. Abu Dhabi TV has got into the action and now wants to air some of the videos on their channels!

Abu Dhabi TV selected some of the videos that were submitted for the competition and which they felt most reflected the theme of “UAE national day”.

Tempo organised a little creative session at our offices as each participant was given a critique on how to improve the video and raise the technical standard so it is good enough for broadcasting on TV. Mr Mohammed Farah, the Projects Production Manager at Abu Dhabi Media Company met with each of the producers of the chosen films.

DUC NEW PRO

TION

RS! O T C A R CALL FO

Ethiopian Female } 16 - 25 South Asian Male } 35 - 65 Arab Female } 30 - 65

Casting for a short film production to be filmed during November/December 2011. Both professional and amateur actors can apply.

If you would are interested to coming to an audition email: sharon@tempoplanet.com to find out more!

TEMPO’S HEART N’ SOUL COMMUNITY BAZAAR BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER ONE BAZAAR AT A TIME!

Tempo magazine is hosting its second community bazaar called ‘Tempo’s Heart n’ Soul Community Bazaar’ and hopes to bring the capital’s communities together with this initiative. Taking place on Saturday, November 26 at One to One Hotel- The Village from 2-6 pm, the bazaar is aimed at families and will also showcase creative works of students and amateur artists.

Sana Bagersh, Managing Editor of Tempo, says “I’ve always believed that nurturing community brings about a sense of belonging when the people from different expatriate groups gather to celebrate and learn more about each other. It is this feeling of camaraderie that Tempo wanted to bring out through the bazaar.”

The bazaar also stresses the importance of reusing and recycling, and encouraging the passing on of products to others, rather than disposing of them. Those interested in participating can rent tables and sell anything they wish to, except for food and beverages, and entry is free to all!

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Why is it that the famous-for-nothing Kim Kardashians and the Paris Hiltons of the world getting so much fanfare whenever they grace our shores? Because of the gossip they generate, that’s why. Speaking of which: why did Kim Kardashian rush out of Alhan restaurant in Abu Dhabi right before the photo opps? She claimed someone pulled her hair! (BTW, you had to be there to know that)

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Tche Tche cafe in the UAE....please enlighen your customers about how you pronounce your name. Overheard: “Let’s meet at chi chi.”

“Where?” “Shi shi.” Say what?!” “Tishee tishee.” “Huh?” “Forget it, let’s go to Starbucks...” (You get the picture).

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Speaking of coffee shops, there›s a golden rule that goes like this: “if it aint broke don’t fix it” or my version “if it’s exquisite, don’t dare touch it” and here is where I seque to La brioche’s cheese quiche which used to be a perfect product at Dh 10, but now they added four cheeses (including the dreaded blue cheese) and tagged on another Dh 10 percent, and made it virtually inedible and overpriced. Guys, don’t mess with perfection.

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Yasalam is rolling out and concerts are all over the place right now.

How great is it to be in the centre of all these fabulous choices!

But we need to mind the two evils of excess: underage drinking, and scalpers. Nuff said.

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ADFF last month showed us that film festivals can be enriching and that outdoor cinema is incredible. What an amazing venue the Fairmont is. However....and there is always a however round the corner.....next time ADFF should consider keeping their events venues close together. Film afficionados don’t relish watching something at Marina Mall, rushing to the Fairmont for a talk and then coming back to the Abu Dhabi Theatre. Doesn’t work. Here’s an idea: try transforming Heritage Village into the venue for talks, use adjoining Hiltonia for outdoor cinema, and if there’s still a need, get either Emirates Palace or Hilton Hotel to accommodate bits and pieces. Bottom line: keep it together geographically.

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Concierge is no prude, but OSN really pushes the envelope with this nudity and the foul language thing. It was midday and the whole family was flipping through channels when we came across scenes from the movie Machete - and we’re talking full body nudity. Hmmmm.

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A tip from the Concierge: are you on googlemail (gmail), and who isn’t? Did you know that there’s a small link at the bottom corner of the email page that shows “activity details”. Click on it and it opens a window that shows who is accessing your account, complete with IP addresses. You may be see the IMAP server in the UK (this is for mobile phone access), but nothing more than that. If you see strange IPs from other places in the world it could indicate that your password has been compromised so get a new one immediately. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The bazaar will be set up on The Terrace of the One to One Hotel- The Village and there will be something for all ages including art, crafts, handicrafts, books, toys and henna stalls.

“Like all good things that come in small packages, this community bazaar organized

by Tempo is surely a season starter. We will continue bringing these lovely events to enchant our One to One community and guests.” said Jessica Asher, Marketing and Communications Manager at One to One Hotel- The Village.

To book a table, please call 02-6673349 or email Sharon@tempoplanet.com

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

Write to me: concierge@tempoplanet.com The Concierge

TECH TALK

Shahid Saeed | Talker for the Non-Techies

So what’s the verdict? It was awesome...with a couple reservations. There was the same great gameplay, even more breathtaking environments, new enemies, at least one unannounced all-new weapon (the Vulcan, a two-person automatic gatlin gun) with great voice acting and plenty of action.

The story was wrapped up nicely, though not without heartbreak. The locust/ lambent menace was eradicated, Dom sacrificed his life for his friends and found his peace, and Marcus found, and just as quickly lost, his Dad.

BLACKBERRY BOLD 9900 Research in Motion’s latest attempt at gaining a foothold in the smartphone industry is the BlackBerry Bold 9900, ie its first ever 4G phone. It’s iconic design, complete with stainless steel frame body and sculpted surface make it the lightest BlackBerry to date. It has a full touch screen and QWERTY keyboard made a little wider so you can easily work your way around apps, websites and messages. Swiping, pinching and zooming with a Liquid Graphics touch screen together with 1.2GHz processor, 8GB memory, Dual-band Wi-Fi, 720p HD video recording and BlackBerry 7 OS provides fluid animation and instant responses. The smartphone was launched two months ago and both Etisalat and Du offer payment plans with service contracts.

MY DATA PLAN BY ETISALAT Etisalat brings My Data Plan for post paid Data SIM cards that give you attractive packages and other benefits to access to data on your mobile, tablet or PC. You can choose from basic, plus extra or ultra package starting from basic AED 29 for 100 MB per month and Ultra AED 449 for 20GB per month. Etisalat is also discounting AED 100 per month for Club Ultra package. Etisalat is offering up to 42 Mbps speed depending on your device.

MY FAV APP

Blakniss | Original game head from Atari to XBox!

GEARS OF WAR 3: POST MORTEM (MEGA SPOILER ALERT!) E-Day finally arrived and many hours have been spent grinding away at the Gears 3 campaign, multiplayer games and the campaign multiplayer! Aww yisss!

APPLE IPHONE 4S Apple has announced the iPhone 4S instead of the long awaited the iPhone 5 which looks almost identical to the iPhone 4, but is totally overhauled by inner specs.

It includes the new Apple A5 dual core chip, dual core graphics, 1GB RAM, 8 megapixel camera, 1080p HD video recording, artificial intelligent assistant Siri, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Assisted GPS, Digital compass, 14.4 Mbps downstream and 5.8 Mbps upstream, iOS 5, iCloud, facetime, AirPlay, iMessage, Music and a long time battery with up to 8 hours talk time and up to 200 hours standby. It comes in white and black colour with 16GB, 32GB and finally 64GB capacity. Most reviewers say it’s a minor tweak, rather than a noteworthy revamp.

MANAGE AND MODERATE YOUR WORDPRESS FROM YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD Now you can edit, manage and moderate your WordPress blog and/or website from your iPhone through a versatile “WorldPress” application. Now you can move around freely without worrying about your work. This application works on both Apple iPhone and iPad and is available for free download from the APP Store.

GAME HEDZ

RESERVATIONS The reservations involve pacing and story issues. There were times when the combat was a bit fatiguing and should have been broken up with a mission, or two, that was less combat heavy (like Intestinal Fortitude - the worm chapter in Gears 2) and presented a couple time-based or agility challenges. The story was awesome, but one felt the ending could have elaborated on the fate of Marcus and the COG remnant, in a post-locust world, with a nice montage or epilogue of some kind.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GEARS? But (there›s always a but) this ending, I believe, is cleverly designed to segue into the ongoing comic and book series. A fifth book, entitled The Slab, is to be released indicating a closer look at the cryptic main character himself, Marcus Fenix. The Slab refers to the prison where Fenix was held for four years, and from where he was freed at the beginning of Gears 1.

Between the next three comics (released bi-monthly - the third comic in the six arc series is due in December) and The Slab we finally get a detailed look at the character we have followed for the entire series, but about whom we really know nothing. I hereby dub this literature compulsory reading for an even satisfying closure to this part of the Gears saga! And, Fenix›s conspicuous facial scar is likely to be explained. I have it on good authority that there is material in the book and comics, that appears nowhere else in the games. So there.

Otherwise, the existence of the new above-ground feral locusts suggests that the war is not quite over, and the future of the Gears franchise lies both in the past and future of the Seran universe, and the other characters we have come to love.

Hedz Up Review of iOS title Shadowgun!

Follow me on @shahidaasi

My Favourite app is Barbie Fashionistas Swappin Styles for iPhone and also for iPad. I like this app because I love Barbie and this app helps me choose my favourite fashionista personality. I can customize my Barbie’s look by swapping head, hairstyle, top, bottom, dress, shoes, purse and I can even change her colour. The most beautiful part is that after customizing, I can take a picture which directly stores into the photo app.

- Mariam Jamshed

IN FOCUS:

By Ahmed Samir

AN INTERVIEW WITH MOHAMMED AL OTAIBA, HEAD OF IMAGENATION ABU DHABI I had a chat with Mohammed Al-Otaiba, the newly appointed head of Imagenation Abu Dhabi, to talk about the film industry in the UAE and his personal experiences.

Mohammed, what’s a good film?

I think it’s quite subjective. Are we saying it’s a good story, or one that commercially makes sense? How are we going to make a judgment? If it’s an art house film, for example, then you are catering to the artists out there, who are looking for stories that are more intellectual. Also, art house films are more visually appealing: nice imagery, colours, cinematography. These elements can also be found in other, commercially focused films, but I guess other factors come into play, mainly the budget. I think, bottom line, a film has to find an audience.

If it does find a good audience, I think it did a good job.

What kind of film would you like to see come out of this region? The UAE, for instance.

We are raising the bar here with Imagenation. We are exploring different sorts of stories and different genres; stories from the UAE, from the region, that we’d like to share with the world.

One film that we’ve just completed is a coming of age story called Sea Shadow, and the other film that hopefully we’ll have ready by the beginning of 2012 is called Djinn, which is a horror film. So we have two very different genres that appeal to different demographics, different audiences. The former’s more of an art house film while the latter is very commercial.

Is a good filmmaker born or made? A bit of both. You are born with a quality, the quality of being a storyteller. The ability to tell a story and to engage your audience. If you are born with that talent, it can be nurtured by, perhaps, learning new methods, new practices and the technology that one can use to tell that story.

When did the film bug hit Mohammed Al-Otaiba? You’ve written short film scripts and made a documentary that won several awards, tell me about that. I suppose growing up you really enjoy watching films. But hit me, in the sense that wanting to tell a story visually, that challenge, that intrigue, started in 2001 when I was living in New York and working there. I took film courses at the New York Film Academy, and from day one I realized that I love this art! It allowed me to express myself visually. From then on, aside from making a few shorts, I entered a couple of competitions in the US and I got recognition. I made a documentary that won a bronze medal and that was screened in the UK, then it aired on Abu Dhabi TV. That was in 2005. I realized that if the writing’s good, if the story’s solid, everything else that follows will become just as good, or better. Years after that I decided to sit and write, focusing on narrative, no more documentaries. In 2009, the Abu Dhabi film commission announced its Aflam Qaseera short film contest, and I decided to go for it! I sent my script and it was, honestly, a fantastic competition. In the end they selected six winners who will get funded, and hopefully have their short films produced.

What was it like working on Djinn? It was a crew of about 120. It was amazing seeing how people communicate and work together, and to see how the director’s vision is translated into the images that he would like to see, and how he sub-communicates that to us, to the crew: to the cinematographer, the lighting expert, the actors.

Any experience in particular that you’d like to share? When we were on the set, we weren’t allowed to say the word djinn! The first four days, we started filming at the Al-Hamra village, in Ras Al-Khaimah. It’s an abandoned village that’s particularly historical. And people say that it’s haunted. Shooting there gave the story more appeal and authenticity. We had to be careful not to mock and invoke any malevolent spirits! Otherwise, it was very hot, very dusty; we had to be very patient with one another. It’s not very glamorous being on a film set.

We worked for 29 days and finished on time, on budget. There was also fantastic work done with makeup. I can’t give away much, but one of our malevolent characters had to use a lot of makeup and costumes, and they did a fantastic job. You’ll see what I mean once the film’s released.

You’re a writer – where do you draw inspiration from? Anywhere. It can come from one’s personal experiences, it can come from the news and coming across interesting situations and interesting characters, and wondering: why does this happen? What drove that person to behave in this way? And then you use your imagination to extrapolate and put the different elements together.

When did you start writing? Writing has always been in the back of mind, in a sense. I’ve always been interested in creative writing, whether for film, script or stories. When I was younger, I didn’t know what approach to take. Then when I got involved with filmmaking I was taught how to handle a camera and what there needs to be in a solid script. I had a fear of writing, and I had to confront that fear… that was the first step. And it did take time. There is no shame in getting criticism and feedback, and in seeking mentors.

What experiences have affected your life? I worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ten years. I also spent five years in New York with the United Nations, and some time in Beijing. In Beijing the embassy covered China, Vietnam and Mongolia. I had the opportunity to visit countries that I might not have thought of visiting. My last post was in London, where embassy covered the UK and Iceland. And I’m sure these experiences have affected me one way or another, all positively.

What has life taught you? To be patient. To be a good listener. To look before I leap. To be kind to people. To appreciate people and to appreciate their work, and to show appreciation for any support they might give you. And things like filmmaking do take time, to mature and develop. I’m always happy to receive constructive criticism, in anything I do. Any free advice is always welcome.

Any advice to aspiring filmmakers, aspiring writers? Keep working at it. It’s a skill that takes time. I would encourage people to start writing, and share their writing with people who’ve got experience. Find a mentor. Approach film entities, such as the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, approach Twofour 54, and others who are there to nurture talent at an early stage.

At Imagenation we’ve got a programme called Mawaheb and it’s a mentorship/internship programme for aspiring filmmakers to break into the industry.

Be sure to visit our website, www.imagenation.ae

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CAT SUPERHEROES ANIMAL ACTION TO THE RESCUE!

By Sara Taher

Every Sunday evening, I meet my good friends Shafic and Marwan in front of Mariah Mall on Najda Street. Marwan comes prepared with a big bag full of cat food, fresh water and disposable dishes. Our task? To visit 12 spots on the block, all designated on a map, delivering fresh supplies to the stray cats stationed there. The young kittens get wet food, while the older cats get portions of dry food. As we make our way through our route, the cats greet us (meow, not hello!) with their tails high in the air.

Conditions for stray animals in Abu Dhabi are extremely harsh. Competition for food becomes more fierce as populations increase. Fresh water is scarce and diseases spread quickly through groups. This is where my good friend Marwan (cat super-hero by night, mild mannered lawyer by day) comes in. Marwan is an active member of Animal Action Abu Dhabi; an animal rights group started by expatriates to deal with these issues. Volunteers in the group go out three times a week to feed strays, bringing along fresh water, dry and wet food.

In addition to feeding, the group also traps strays and neuters them, thereby keeping the population in check in certain areas. After a cat has been neutered, it will stay overnight in an enclosure to recover before being released to the same spot that it was picked up. In order to identify neutered cats, once they are anesthetized, the doctor will clip the top part of one of the cat’s ears. This might seem cruel at first but the cat is under general anesthetic at the time and does not feel a thing. The method is a great way to assess a cat’s status from a distance. While not everyone will agree that neutering the street cats is the right thing to do, the procedure does solve a lot of problems. Male cats that are neutered are much more docile; territorial squabbles become less fierce, young kittens don’t have to worry about being suffocated by roaming males and the cats can live long, normal and healthy lives.

The streets of Abu Dhabi are littered with stray cats. They congregate around garbage tins, restaurants, or places near little pockets of sand. Unfortunately, as the population of humans has steadily increased, more and more expatriates began feeding strays. While feeding strays is a very nice gesture, it does not really solve the problem. Groups like Animal Action Abu Dhabi go a long way to help strays live healthy, normal lives.

To find out more about Animal Action Abu Dhabi and to see how you can contribute, please visit their Facebook page.

The group is always grateful for volunteers.

And, you too might get the chance to be a super hero by night.

By Alma Kadragic

THE FUTURE OF THE EMIRATI FILM INDUSTRY:

YUSRA ABDUL QADER AND DUAA MUKHAYER

City of Gold which opened the 2009 Dubai International Film Festival is usually considered to be the first full length Emirati narrative film. A highlight of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Film Festival last month was the world premiere of Sea Shadow, the first full length film by an Emirati produced

by Image Nation which is part of the Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Ali Mostafa and Nawaf Al-Janahi who directed these pioneering films are recognized as significant filmmakers. The question for the future of the Emirati film industry, is who comes after them? Is there a pipeline of younger Emiratis who will write, direct, and produce the narrative films and documentaries of future film festivals?

Two recent graduates of Zayed University in Abu Dhabi - as well as the directors of the short films shown at ADFF and the Doha Tribeca Film Festival - suggest the answer. Yusra Abdul Qader, 24, and Duaa Mukhayer, 23, have been making films during most of their university career.

Like many young teenagers, Yusra “played” with video at home, but after she enrolled at Zayed in 2007, play became more serious. She and Duaa knew each other from going to the same high school and living in the same neighbourhood, but they weren’t friends. At Zayed they found a common interest in still photography and video and became close. Although Yusra’s specialization was Film and Broadcast and Duaa’s Multimedia and Print Journalism, they shared the desire to create digital content, and, as Yusra said, “we proved ourselves making films.”

Their senior capstone project, The Legend, is a film portrait of the Western region of Abu Dhabi where people stick to old traditions and live a simpler life. “We chose the name to make people curious about our project,” Yusra explained, and they succeeded in generating enough interest so that seven newspapers published stories about their film.

The Legend is entirely their work; they wrote the script; photographed the scenes; voiced over in Arabic; and provided English subtitles. Moreover, to fulfil capstone requirements, they also created posters, a photo gallery, and a book “to make it professional.”

Earlier video work began as projects for class. “Then,” Duaa remembered, “we started in video competitions.” In 2010 Yusra was named Best Student Videographer at Zayed University. They took 2nd or 3rd place two years in a row in the Habib Al Reda student competition, winning the Media Innovation Award.

They won an award for the short film Mawaqif at the ZU Middle East Film Festival.

In June they participated in the Dubai Festival of Student Films.

Now the next step is to complete The Legend. They like to use the cooler months from November to March for shooting their material. Editing and post production work fine when it’s too hot to be outside. They have been in discussion with funding sources, and they are thinking about starting their own production company.

“We need to see what the requirements are,” said Duaa. “We’re waiting for the right moment.” They say their parents are supportive and have been from the beginning. Meanwhile, the team of Yusra and Duaa is available for work as free lancers, to produce campaigns and informational packages for companies and organizations as they decide how to proceed with filmmaking and get into some of those major film festivals here and in the region.

mon

MY NOVEMBER ECO PLEDGE

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1 Arjun Suria

November

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Global Village starts today!

Eid M

Peanut Butter Lovers month!

ubar ak!

Sonu Nigam live in concert @ Madinat Arena tomorrow

Chris Xaviour

15

Sir Paul McCartney @ Yas Arena

Tamakkan Seminar @ University of Wollongong, Dubai

Rhea Matthew

ay! d h irt

22 5th International Date Palm Festival 21-26

Robert Corley

21

Anna

Dubai Air Show @ Airport Expo, Dubai 13-17

20 b my s ’ It

L PUL T OU GE PA

SIAL Middle East @ ADNEC 21-23

ar Islamic New Ye

29 Pearl Prince

28 Saira Aslam

Saif Al Madani

27

Hansel Punnam

14 Grace

13 Ghadi Bou Samra

8 Davina Lewis

7

Alex Abante

6

Airport Exchange 2011 @ ADNEC 28-30

day!

th y bir tI ’s m

3

4

Usta d Ra perf hat Fat orm eh A s@ ADN li Khan EC

Dentistry 2011 @ ADNEC 1-3

sat

fri

Amin

Alvin Meneses

2

thu

5

Anjora Gomes

wed

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rp enio s a pt th Ado mon

@ the Seae 1-4 y b a Cinem abi Cornich Abu Dh Ankit Lodha

11

12

Shombe

Ferdz Ibay

Formula 1 Etihad Air ways Abu Dhabi grand Pr ix 11-13

It’s the weekend!!!

Beats on the Beach @ Abu Dhabi Corniche 9-12

17

Haya

16

Hooba

18

Lama Y.

19 gy Conference Pediatric Neurolo inental Hotel, nt rco te 2011 @ In Abu Dhabi 19-20

Marlene Vaz

24

25

26 Rozanne Vaz

Roxy

Michelle

My mom’s birthday!

@ 2011 e l y t s Home EC 24-26 ADN

It’s m y 1st Sion Sadiq

30

Yasmine Elhamouly

d t an s l u C u The Incub

Run @ Yas ADNIC YAS on 25th! cuit Marina Cir

Abu Dhabi Art @ Saadiyat Cultural District 16-19

Middle East Manufacturing @ ADNEC 14-16

23

Britney Spears @ Yas Arena

MY NOVEMBER TO DO LIST

The Cu @ Du stomer bai M Show arina MEN , 28- A 30

@Y as A ren a

Gail D’souza

10

Eman

9

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Tempo’s Heart n’ Soul Community Bazaar @ One to One Hotel, Abu Dhabi!

THE ABU DHABI ANIME CLUB

The Abu Dhabi Anime Club (formerly J-AMFM or Japanese-Anime, Manga, Film & Music) was established in Abu Dhabi in 2004 as a social group for people who enjoyed Japanese Anime and Culture.

The group has grown and evolved into the fantastic organization it is today by the passionate dedication of a group of original members to keep their connections alive and flourishing. Taking the original idea that the group would welcome all who were interested, they have grown that ideal into using their individual talents and characteristics (such as cosplay, gaming and artistic expression) to promote and support charitable causes.

I think the main reason that ADAC has seen such an explosion of growth is due to the dedication of those that have poured a significant amount of time and energy into promoting the group. New members are welcomed daily and the group continues to reach out to local and internet communities, spreading the word about their organization, and offering others an opportunity to join whether they want to help a local charity or simply hang out with like minded individuals who share their interest in Japan.

MESSAGE TO OTHER ANIME FANS:

Are you an Otaku?

Do you e n j oy A n i m e, Manga, Japanese Music or Films in all their myriad forms? Then you need to join the Abu Dhabi Anime Club - a place where fans of Japanese popular culture can gather to share their interests and learn more about Japanese media and society as a whole.

Anime fans are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered and I feel fortunate to have met many wonderful friends through my interest in Anime and Japanese culture. I have learned so much from my fellow ADAC members and feel that my life has been enriched not only by our shared love of Anime and Japanese culture, but by simply being with such a diverse group of people.

To put it simply, I consider my ADAC family as lifelong friends who helped me become the person I am today and I am extremely grateful for their ongoing support.

UP-COMING EVENT: World Game Championship on Dec 2.

More info: http://adanimeclub.com/mainhall/?p=183

FOUNDER: Amy Zimmerman PRESIDENT: Abigail Kerr VICE PRESIDENT: Maha Mohamed GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Ezz Alloush TREASURER: Laila Helena COSPLAY TEAM LEADERS: Naureen and Sonia WEB DEVELOPER: Hammad

OUR WEBSITE http://adanimeclub.com/ FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/AbuDhabianimeclub EMAIL adanimeclub@gmail.com

DOC IN THE HOUSE

Dr.DMS

| A Doc from the Bronx

LIVE WELL

Layla Ezzedeen | Performance Whiz and Feng Shui Practitioner

THE UNSUNG HEROES

PLACEMENT WITH INTENTION

This acknowledgement is long overdue. It’s time to recognize some very important colleagues that I work very closely with.

It’s been roughly a month since you’ve implemented the Feng Shui basics for home and rooms (remember you can visit issuu.com and view all previous Tempo articles). Hopefully, you’re enjoying the difference. Furniture placement can be taken a step further with the Bagua, which I introduced back in June. These nine areas of life map onto a space as follows:

They work all the time. They rarely seem to have days off. They take a lot of flak from everyone- the patients, doctors, the patient’s families and friends. But, they are invaluable to the practice of medicine.

They can be my best friends, my allies, my set of eyes when I am not around. But at the same time they can be my arch enemies. They are to be respected and feared equally. And don’t make the mistake of questioning whether they are knowledgeable. They can be your worse enemy in your time of need, so do not underestimate them!

Every day it seems they are stretched in terms of their patience, mental fatigue, work load and other’s expectations. However, like clockwork, they come back for more. They are often recognized, but frequently overlooked.

So, who are these apparently selfless souls? The junior doctors? Are you kidding me!!??

EMPOWERMENT

FAME AND FUTURE

REALATIONSHIPS

COMMUNITY

HEALTH

CREATIVITY

WISDOM

SELF

HELPFUL PEOPLE

Entrance to space along this side The Bagua may not cover all areas of an irregular space. Contrary to the general opinion, this calls for special Feng Shui “cures” but is not typically cause for serious worry. Here’s a shortlist of items you can place in the various areas of the house to improve your overall enthusiasm and engagement: Self: Water and/or metallic elements (though not sharp), items that are personally meaningful, anything that gently represents “flow”, blue, black or metallic colors. Avoid plants and earthy objects.

Wisdom: Books, study materials, meditation / prayer rug, religious or spiritual items, lights, browns. Avoid water and plants and their corresponding colors.

I am talking about the Nursing Staff (also known as “Sister!!!!!!!!” to some of you buffoons ).

Community: Family heirlooms and/or photos, tall items, plants, flowers, computer, telephone, the color green. Avoid reds and metals.

Very early in my training, I was cautiously advised by one of my seasoned attending physicians (you may know them as “consultants”) in the emergency department, to treat the nurses with respect: “They can make you have a good day, or a terrible one, be nice”. This is valuable and sound advice that I have come to understand very clearly and pass onto all my junior scrubs.

Empowerment: Tall items, tall plants, water elements, the color green. Avoid anything sharp or metallic.

They come in all shapes and sizes, colours, both men and women. Most have traveled very far to be here, many of them leaving loved ones and families behind. I suspect that they are grossly underpaid, given the amount of responsibility that they are burdened with every shift. Yet, despite these seemingly adverse conditions they will console you during times of hardship, attempt to answer all your banal and seemingly unimportant questions about whether you can have a private room or not, or if you can go outside and smoke, etc with an air apparent of someone who is there to help and listen. Could you do all that? Day in, day out?

Please be kind and respectful towards them. They are human beings and they have human emotions (most do anyways); so “don’t bite the hand that feeds,” and also realize that crocodiles have tears too.

I wouldn’t call this a warning, but rather, a gentle reminder.

Fame and future: Lights, candles, tall plants, anything that represents rising, the color red. Avoid blues and blacks or anything related to water and metals and avoid items that represent the past.

Relationships: Anything that represents loving relationships, using pairs for couples and groups for friendships, browns and red colors. Avoid plants, greens and metals. Flowers are appropriate.

Creativity: Music, musical instruments, art or hobby equipment, items for children and pets, photos of these, white, browns and metallic colors. Water supports this area. Avoid reds and greens.

Helpful People: Religious items, protective symbols, a table and/or chair to put things on when needed, same colour guidelines as for Creativity.

Health: Pay particular attention to cleanliness here, group seating area, lighting, healthy plants though not too tall and imposing, water fountain also small to medium-sized.

Although cleanliness is emphasized for this last area, it is important in all areas. Use your creativity and intuition to build on the above suggestions. If it feels right, it probably is.

Need help?

Share your thoughts on my Facebook page

CELEBRATING THE

UAE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY Being from the GCC countries means that each and every one of the six countries is home to me and my fellow Bahrainis. An important step is to ensure you’re being part of the UAE’s further development. So when the UAE encourages recycling for instance, we should take part in ensuring the success of that initiative. When the UAE asks its citizens and residents to vote for its Butinah Island then yes, we will aid them in the quest. Bahraini business owners residing in the UAE should also give back to the UAE’s economy, whether by hiring Emiratis and thereby increasing the number of Emiratis in the work force, or by contributing their profits to donate equipment to hospitals, or fix broken roads. We should also put use the education and knowledge provided to us by Emirati schools and universities to research, or become part of projects that would boost the Emirati economy and businesses.

Name: Fatima Ali Nationality: Bahraini Occupation: Student

I believe this should not pertain only to ‹my community› but rather to the community residing in UAE itself. I greatly believe in voluntary work, and I believe one can help the community in that manner. For example a while back one of my Electrical Engineering Design Projects was used to make an educational toy for children with Down’s Syndrome in the UAE. I am also involved in some non profit organizations such as Theory Lamp (www. facebook.com/TheoryLamp). I believe that schools and universities in UAE should introduce the students to voluntary work and through that they can teach people how to help each other. For example, a lot of students these days go for voluntary internship/ training at Sheikh Khalifa Hospital and attend the annual Terry Fox run as well. Such behaviour should be encouraged, and the newer generation should be taught that money is not everything.

Name: Umair Nathani Occupation: Student Nationality: Pakistani

I believe that the Filipino community is a necessity to any culture. We are naturally a fun loving, happy, helpful, smiling, patient and friendly bunch. Who can say no to such a group? We are everywhere: healthcare, entertainment, service staff in hotels, airlines, airports, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. We have and we can contribute our talents, professions to UAE. Since we Filipinos put great emphasis on being family oriented I believe that through us UAE can learn the real value of time well spent with the family. This brings to light one of our most unsung heroes: the domestic helpers and even the un-skilled workers. Many of them are mothers who sacrifice their health and time away from their family and loved ones for many years out of necessity. Coming from a “third world” country, Filipinos understand the value of money and hard work, and put their effort into anything and everything.

Sometimes being away from family or being raised in another country, any Filipino will tell you that their family and loved ones are their priority, so no matter who you are, where you are from or how deep your pockets go; you are bound to realize that Filipinos take pride in everything they do, and with a smile on their face.

Name: Angeli Castillo Occupation: Freelance Photographer Nationality: Filipino

WHAT IN YOUR VIEW CAN YOUR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTE TO THE UAE? - MANAR AL HINAI

I think the main contribution my community is making to the UAE is improving the multiculturalism of the community’s demographic and diversifying the melting pot of cultures while adding to the wealth of nationalities and experiences available in the UAE. Reaching out to both the native-born and newcomers to the UAE and developing lasting relationships among their ethnic and religious communities encourages these communities to participate fully in society and enhance the level of economic, social, and cultural integration into the UAE. The great benefits of multiculturalism are that it enriches the UAE’s society of nationals and expats. It brings new traditions and new ideas to the table. It helps people to develop a sense of tolerance and peace towards other cultures. They become worldly, and learn about other places and people. It also helps them to connect with other people and learn how to cooperate, compromise and synergise.

Name: Alwaleed Osman Occupation: Student Nationality: Egyptian

Even as a member of the expat community, I feel I play an important part in the UAE’s development.

Because I’m helping students become proficient in English, these young people will be well prepared to be global leaders in whatever field they choose.

Name: Alone Elisha Occupation: Teacher Nationality: American

I like to think we simply contribute other opinions and values than what is already here. Seeing things from other people›s perspective is important, so we bring a European perspective to meet an Arabian perspective. It’s just part of the world coming together to lean about each other.

I just mean, people’s traditions are deep rooted so for me to be here and hear about the Arabian families celebrating Eid, and fasting during Ramadan is something I had not experienced before. It has enabled me to understand why this occurs and the Muslim beliefs behind it. At the same time it amazes me to hear parents of my Muslim children and my Muslim colleagues wishing me a happy Christmas and asking me how I spend my holidays and what I do with my family when I’m home. It’s all part of the world finally beginning to understand each other and respect each other’s views. It’s nice to think Abu Dhabi in many respects is leading the way with this!

Name- Ian Pugh Occupation- Teacher Nationality: UK

MUSICAL INSPIRATION: Youth String Orchestra Takes on the Capital

By Hana Maki

Always on the look out for interesting events I was intrigued when I heard about a group of kids popping up around the city, instruments in hand, performing classical concerts much to the surprise of a delighted audience! I spoke to musician and conductor of Abu Dhabi Strings Orchestra, Emma Stansfield.

“It’s true I was a bit naughty! I wanted us to have fun so the orchestra went and played on the public beach on the Corniche,” said Emma. “I thought it would be cool, like a busking atmosphere, and Coldstone Creamery said yes sure set yourselves up. We were all ready to play, we had our stands, instruments, and all the parents came to watch.

“There was quite a big audience emerging. Just as I was about to begin a security guard walks up and says, “sorry you can’t play.” I was stunned. I looked at all the kids, and audience, and just said pleeaase can we talk about this! He explained I needed permission from the beach, luckily his boss was there and I showed him the people all waiting for me to go and conduct.

He said “ok”, but he wanted to talk to me afterwards… I was so nervous. The whole time I was conducting I was expecting him to stop me! Afterwards he came straight up to me but this time with a huge smile. He absolutely loved the music, everyone did, it was a fantastic day.”

Emma started this grass roots orchestra in December last year with the goal of taking live peformances out into the community. One concert was in the Library of Khalifa University. I didn’t know what the reception would be, but lots of local guys came up afterwards saying how much they enjoyed the live music.

I went a long to one of the practice meet ups and I found myself becoming surprised. I really hadn’t expected them all to come from different schools, to be different ages and to come from such different places. As soon as the music began the reason why all these kids were meant to play together became clear, the powerful sounds of the strings; I was overwhelmed.

“I like how all the instruments play their own set of music and when you put it all together it sounds really amazing! When we perform together you really feel like you have a piece mastered,” says Braxton Rhodes, the newest member of Abu Dhabi Strings.

There was no doubt this grass roots orchestra’s powerful performances came through a lot hard work. Violinist Fiona D’Silva told me she practices “four hours a day”, and Lu Ye complained about her “red fingers”. “It’s quite a big commitment, I want it to be even better quality and that means even more rehearsing. If you’re surrounded by other people that are also doing the same thing then it helps. You also need to have inspirational influences,” Emma told me. Emma herself has played the violin with the likes of Kanye West and Harry Connick Jr, and the Abu Dhabi Strings had the amazing honour of playing with the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, probably one of the most famous musicians of the modern age.

“You know when you learn to play an instrument you learn so much about classical music. A lot of people our age just don’t know what we know,” explained Jenny Willbond. That may be true, yet their music does seem to hypnotise any audience. Where could this orchestra go next? “Hogwarts!”

Photo caption:

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TOP ROW

1.Nick Kohn, 14, U.S.A 2. Niki Moosavi, 13, Iran 3. Shanthi Hopley, 16, India U.S.A 4. Sarah Joubert, 16, France Algeria 5. Veronica Reeves, 13, Australia 6. Ephraim Belnap, 14, U.S.A

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MIDDLE ROW

1. Anjali Hopley, 13, India U.S.A 2. Fiona D’Silva, 14, India 3. Emma Stansfield, Conductor 4. Amelia Tee, 15, Malaysia 5. Jenny Willbond, 17, U.K

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: BOTTOM ROW

1. Maha Faruqi, 13, Pakistan 2.Lu Ye, 15, China 3. Sara Morris, 13, U.K 4. Naomi Mulligan, 13, U.K 5. Zainab Majid, 15, Pakistan 6.Braxton Rhodes, 14, U.S.A

exclaimed Veronica Reeves. Then with a smile Emma revealed, “We’re going to be playing in Café Arabia on Friday the 25th November at 4pm. It’s a great venue, there’s going to be a buffet, lemonades, art on the walls and we have a wonderful repertoire. It’ll be exciting.”

After hearing the guys practice, one thing for sure is that this is not a concert to be missed. There are limited seats, at Dh 30 each, including refreshments. If you’re interested in seeing this exciting string orchestra perform make sure you RSVP at abudhabistrings@gmail.com or check them out on their website www.abudhabistrings.com

HOMESCHOOLING THE HIDDEN GEM

By Sarah Widdup

THE PERSONAL HOMESCHOOLING EXPERIENCE OF AN ABU DHABI MOM I homeschool my daughter. No really, I do. Now I bet you’re either thinking she’s mad! or what a hippy! , but forget that for a moment while I take a break from hugging trees and constructing conspiracy theories to tell you all about it. I’m joking about the conspiracy theories, but I do like trees, hehehe. Initially, my husband and I decided to pursue the homeschooling option as a way to avoid the gigantic school fees here. And they are huge! Not having a spare Dh 60,000 lying around for tuition is an excellent motivator for being more involved in your child’s education.

So we contacted the NZ Correspondence School, registered our little darling, paid the minimal fees, and we were all sorted. Easy as that. Well, that was the easy bit. Next came the bit where I realised that this was going to be quite the commitment.

The first few weeks were challenging, to be diplomatic. A really big box arrived full of all sorts of educational things, and my wee girl and I unpacked it with glee. Math equipment, paints, tutoring books, story books and much more poured out, and I started to see that this was going to be a pretty big deal. I may actually have to do something, rather than just throw some worksheets at her. I was going to have to get my brain around this and fast. After an hour or so of perusing the materials, my fear was turned to excitement. The teaching guides were great! They seemed to know that I wasn’t a proper teacher, and all the instructions were geared towards me understanding what I needed to teach, how to teach it, and when.

Crisis averted, I went to bed a touch excited about the whole thing. The next day we struck out into the land of education, with some trepidation, but also a bucket load of enthusiasm. My darling daughter, who is a bit of a bright spark if I do say so myself, had no problems with the work, but she had a huge problem with the idea of her Mum being her teacher. She wanted a proper teacher, not someone who was going to teach her and then make her clean her room and finish her dinner.

The first few weeks had a soundtrack of “but you’re NOT a teacher Mum, you’re just Mum”. Well gee thanks! Apparently when you become a mother your brain drops out your ear. At least that’s what it seems my girl was trying to say. Soon though, little miss discovered that her Mum could think, and explain, and teach her, and it has changed our relationship in all kinds of positive ways. She looks to me for guidance more now, and I am so proud of her ability to ask questions and then apply the answers to her work.

After a few months of diligence and fun, we’re at a place where we enjoy working together.

Seeing her begin to think creatively, and to implement her ideas, is an amazing thing. She has come so far, and the sense of pride I get when I see her reading to herself, or writing something (because she wants to, not because she has to) is worth all the moments of frustration. We still have plenty of frustrating moments, trust me. There have been days when I could have been bald from tearing my hair out. With time and effort, those days get less frequent. Most of our time is spent enjoying the schoolwork we do, spending time together, and getting to know each other in a whole different way. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

HANDY RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS EMBASSIES Your embassy may have details on whom to contact in your home country for curriculum advice. If not, they’ll be able to point you in the direction of someone who can!

• UK - Tel: 02 610 1100, Website: www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk • USA - Tel: 02 414 2200, Website: www.abudhabi.usembassy.gov • Australia - Tel: 02 401 7500, Email: abudhabi.embassy@dfat.gov.au • NZ - Tel: 02 406 9891, Email: embassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz • South Africa - Tel: 02 447 3446, Website: www.southafrica.ae For information on other countries, see your home country’s embassy website.

HOMESCHOOLING GROUPS AND MEET-UPS • www.abudhabihomeschoolers.org: Excellent group providing support and events, as well as information on resources. Great for socialising your little student, and keeping you in the loop too!

• www.abudhabiwoman.com: This is not strictly a homeschooling site, but there are many parents on the board, and the members are warm and helpful. Do a search for informal kids meet-ups, or if in doubt, just ask!

ART AND CRAFT SUPPLIES • United Bookstore (Mina Shopping Centre): Great selection of arts and crafts bits - sparkles, feathers, and paints galore. Also good for children’s books and stationery.

• MacGrudy’s (Al Wahda Mall): Good range of art supplies, as well as exercise books and educational toys.

PLAYGROUPS/SOCIALISATION • www.abudhabimums.ae: Abu Dhabi Mums organises a number of age, interest, and language based playgroups. Head to the website to check out all the available options, some of which may require registration.

• St. Andrews Playgroup: This is an excellent, volunteer-run playgroup, based at St Andrews Church in Mushrif. For information on age groups, times and days, call the church office on 02 446 1631.

JUST HANDCRAFTED

Preethi Janice D’Sa | Scientist-artiste hybrid

GOING TEXTURAL WITH HANDCRAFTS

book talk:

A book review by Azza El Masri

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Marie Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows, 2008

Emirati culture, history, desert and community provide ample colour, textures, patterns, motifs and inspiration to us handcrafters.

This is a book I devoured in four hours! It was so beautifully crafted and so enticing that I couldn’t get myself to put it down, not even for a toilet break. I found myself sitting with the members of the book club, laughing at the unusual stories that brought the members together, crying at the impending doom of one of them, and feeling the incredible bond that they share.

Take the example of the Sia’Z brand. Veena Hemlani, the brand’s designer, is a girl after my own heart. Like me, she dumped the traditional crochet “granny motif” technique. Unlike me, she combined crocheting with gorgeous brocade to create glam clutches. Armed with a degree in fashion design as well as with needles and crochet hooks, Veena has also used trendy bangles to incorporate into her signature bangle bags.

Veena says, “My university graduation collection was called “Diminishing Barriers” which dealt with the intermingling of cultures to create a whole new global culture. I used elements from ancient Egypt, Moghul India, Elizabethan England and the Far East to create a line of evening wear.”

Authors have always been fascinated by the Second World War, and many have based their stories on the very heartwrenching and violent period from 1939 to 1945. World War II has always been a sensitive topic, because of the incredible material destruction it brought (the shocking trauma of the large number of souls lost) but, also, and maybe even more importantly, because of the crimes that man could commit on his own brother and fellow citizen. Friendships were doubted, families were broken, and neighbors became strangers. Cruelty reared its ugly head during those dire times.

Studio Saubhagya, by Sonal Abarjatya, also uses textures and yarns in her work, but her way of expression has led to embroidered jewelry and accessories. This professional textural designer says, “My expertise (and passion) lies in surface ornamentation. I hand-embroider and hand-stitch every piece of jewelry. I have devised a design process by meticulous choice of the fabric, embroidery threads and embellishments. The motif is transferred on the fabric, the embroidery is completed and followed by embellishment with precious stones and pearls.”

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow’s epistolary novel fashions its beautiful characters in that dreadful time and intricately weaves their lives so that they seem palpable and reachable, to the attentive reader. Based upon Shaffer’s long and rigorous research, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society sets the story in London with author Juliet Ashton who has grown weary of writing about the war and its aftermath and receives a letter out of the blue from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey who has come across a book that belonged to her. Both characters begin a correspondence spurred by their mutual love for reading, and that is when our heroine is introduced to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Curious and nosy as she is, she delves into the secrets of the members who, in turn, send her –some willingly, and some not – stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation.

While these are unique ways to incorporate culture into one’s handcraft, the finishing of the designers’ work is faultless. After all what’s the point in designing a product if the finishing sucks? Good finishing (and shine if you are working with silver and stones) is one of the factors that sets accomplished handcrafters apart from the cheap deals that ride the globe like virtual cowboys. I will address other factors in upcoming issues.

Preethi Janice D’Sa owns a boutique medical arts copywriting business and Janys De jewelry line. Join the handcrafted advocate’s trips and treats at https://www. facebook.com/CulturalArtsTravelogue

Shaffer and Barrows has shown a new perspective of this era that will please everyone with an appreciation for historical novels. If you’re a book lover, this charming novel will enter your heart and won’t leave your consciousness for a long time.

MINI MINX

Angeli Castillo | Making minutes out of molehills

ARTICULATE

Neena Rai | An artist with a flair

GOT A HOME FOR YOUR HOMEMADE?

EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR AND ART GALORE!

Ananasa does. Meet the lovely ladies who created Ananasa.com, a website where Middle Eastern artisans and originators get the chance to showcase and sell their work online and inspire similar visionaries with their creativity. Zaina Kanaan and Rania Kanaan created this website to cater to both Arabic and English speakers alike.

My favourite time of the year is back! The weather has cooled down considerably. The birds are chirping, people looking happier, and there is definite optimism in the air. We just celebrated Diwali, hoping and praying for a better and prosperous year ahead. And in November, a plethora of festivities await. There is something exciting for everyone. We have Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Eid, the Formula 1 races, the art bus, and not to mention the boating and camping season in full bloom.

The two Arab-Canadian sisters, who are in their mid twenties, currently reside in Dubai. They have a big belief that the Middle East is not adequately represented to the world believe and that the language of art, handmade and originality can, without prejudice, touch people all around the world while still be proudly made in the Middle East.

Their story begins when they arrived in Dubai. They encountered difficulty getting into the art scene and selling their work. Realizing how valuable the online industry is in cutting down these barriers, they then decided to make a website for people that have a hobby, passion or interest that they wish to pursue but don’t know where to start or don’t have the time, capital or network of people to start their own thing.

Being of Arab origin, “Ana” in Arabic means “I” and “Nas” means “people,” and Ananasa is all about the designer or artist and the people. Ananasa has an A at the end which in Arabic signifies femininity.

The sisters explain that their brand positioning is aimed at creating a link between the idea of original, individual, unique and handmade to Ananasa. The site aims to reduce any obstacle for locally based artisans to make the world see the real artistic beauty present in the Middle East.

Ananasa, as they put it, is simply a home for anything handmade.

For Abu Dhabi Art Fair, many famous artists and galleries representing them will be in town. For those who are interested, keep the 16th to the 19th November free in your calendar. This year the artwork will be shown at the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi. I have been going to the Abu Dhabi Art Fair for the last few years, since it started and it has been getting better each time.

Jalal Luqman and Mohammed Kanoo are having an open call exhibition for their upcoming exhibition titled “Visions of Speed”. I long to participate in this exhibition (it opens on the 11th of November). Inshallah, I will have all my paintings finished by then.

At the F1, people from all over the world will coverage to see the super cars zip by. It is a proud moment for all the Emiratis and the expats who work around the clock to make things happen. It is also a great feat for the organizers as well as the security personnel who work day and night to make event safe for everyone to attend.

For those who are new to the country or Abu Dhabi, these events are a must attend. So, make sure that you go and make the most of it. As for me, I wish to be partying on some fancy schmancy yacht, after I am done with painting my artwork that is.

MEDIA COLUMN expect to find homes intact; an absence of revolutionary gangs shooting in the streets; and a peaceful evening and sleep interrupted only when the alarm sounds in the morning.

By Alma Kadragic

LOOKING AT THE MIDDLE EAST FROM CANADA: MONSIEUR LAZHAR

Incendies which means fires with a connotation of criminal fires or arson is the story of adult twins who embark on a search into their mother›s past after she leaves them deathbed messages. The search leads to flashbacks of war and senseless destruction and eventually confronts them with an unknown brother and father. Most of the film takes place in a country whose history seems close to Lebanon’s, but it was shot in Jordan, so it’s impossible to identify cities and villages which are given fictional names. Horrible things happened to the mother in her homeland, and the almost accidental nature of the violence she barely survived eventually touches her Canadian children whose lives she made entirely different by emigrating west.

Monsieur Lazhar is shot entirely in Montreal with most of the characters being 11 and 12-year old children in an apparently typical middle school in a decent neighborhood. We don’t see the Middle Eastern background and understand it only through the main character, a 40ish teacher from Algeria looking for asylum in Canada. He has endured political and sectarian horrors in his country, which contrast to the personal local traumas faced by his pupils who seem to come from caring middle class families.

It’s hard when you live in peaceful countries where criminal actions come from criminals, not the government, and are pursued by police that you can trust to understand life surrounded by absolute uncertainty where random violence either government-sanctioned or coming from armed groups the government cannot control - happens all the time. There is no room for living ethically; there is only the fight to survive and the struggle to escape to where it is safer.

Neither Philippe Falardeau nor Denis Villeneuve, the director of Incendies, has a Middle Eastern background. Both, however, seem to be fascinated by the contrast between life in peaceful Canada and in non peaceful places in the Middle East and North Africa. And yet their films show that there is no absolute escape. Crimes from far away will resonate on another continent. Moreover, death happens everywhere, and takes as its victims not only those who die. The living can be its victims too.

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) is going on as I write this column with 80 films being screened in three venues including a beautiful new outdoor theater at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel. That’s where the grand opening took place a few days ago with stars strutting the red carpet and the Canadian French language film Monsieur Lazhar the opening night special for film lovers.

Directed by Philippe Falardeau, Monsieur Lazhar is Canada’s official submission to the competition for foreign language Oscar. For the second year in a row, a Canadian film in French competing for the Oscar is being screened at ADFF. Last year it was Incendies, which is a very different story than Monsieur Lazhar and realized by a different set of creative film talents from screenwriter to director to actors.

But the films come from a similar impulse to bring the realities of the Middle East home to an audience that knows the region only from headlines. In each case the film is based on a play and concerns a confrontation of Canadians who are living normal lives according to what in developed countries is considered normal: sufficient income, safe streets, non intrusive social rules, and secular government. Every day when people come home from work or school, they

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AND VISION Michael Useem Speaks in Abu Dhabi

MARKET RESEARCH Getting the Right Answers

By Sana Bagersh

A multinational client approached us recently with a request for market research.

The client had a sophisticated research platform that they use successfully in North America, and they wanted to replicate the results here. After studying their methodology and the survey form, we advised them (delicately) that they had the wrong survey, the wrong platform, the wrong environment and the wrong audience. We told them that we would be able to deliver the mechanics of the requirement (ie gather the information for them using their tools), but the data would be virtually useless to them.

The client’s survey (a proprietary, “signature” questionnaire) was eight pages long, with complicated rating scale questions (very pleasant, somewhat pleasant, neither pleasant nor unpleasant, somewhat unpleasant, very unpleasant etc….) that needed to be translated into Arabic, Urdu and Farsi…and had to be administered via phone or email across a few markets in the Gulf.

We explained that the cultural, demographic, linguistic, social and indeed, geographical, dynamics of this region required considerable modification to both the survey and the methods of gathering the data.

Eventually, we worked together to deconstruct the “proprietary, signature questionnaire” into simple questions with direct answers, that maintained conformity and integrity across multiple languages. And we mapped out the locations that provided the most representative sampling possible and created a mechanism whereby the data would be gathered at the most productive times.

The one universal truth in market research is that people everywhere do not like to participate in research. They do not like to be called at dinner time by a chirpy telemarketer asking them how they dispose of their household waste, and even less by a clipboard wielding interviewer promising “just a few questions”…

We tried during the market research process with the client to guard against “interview bias,” a problem doubly compounded by the fact that we were dealing cross culturally and in multiple languages. We all know that it is virtually impossible to eliminate bias, but the most important thing is to be aware of these biases and to minimize them as much as possible.

We identified certain biases that we needed to be especially mindful of in this instance. One was “moderator acceptance bias,” and this is where the respondent tells the questioner what he or she wants to hear, another is “leading acceptance bias” and this is where the respondent asks for explanation and the questioner starts putting words in the respondent’s mouth, and most importantly the “misunderstood question bias” and this is where the respondent doesn’t understand the question because of a different interpretation of the question due to the way it relates to his or her cultural and social context.

Most importantly we wanted to keep in mind that when conducting research it is critical to remember that it is all about gaining a deeper and more profound understanding of the respondent by asking the right questions - simply and succinctly. And this means not getting bogged down in process, technology or aesthetics.

Keep on learning. Visit www.unleashmoxie.com for inspiration and knowledge.

Michael Useem, a prominent leadership speaker, recently addressed a hall full of c-suite executives in Abu Dhabi at an event organized by the Higher Colleges of Technology and Knowledge@Wharton. Tempo attended the seminar...

Useem, an excellent speaker, plunged the audience into a series of real crisis events, engaging them and drawing them to explore complex problems and present possible solutions. This process of debating, probing and analyzing enabled the participants to identify the principles of leadership and delve deeper into their own leadership potential.

Useem presented several real life business scenarios when high leadership skills was called in. One of the examples he gave was the takeover by IBM of Lotus notes. “Imagine that you’re Lou Gerstner, IBM’s CEO. It’s June 7, 1995. You’re Lou Gerstner. I’m Jim Manzi of independent Lotus…IBM acquired Lotus in mid-1995 for $3.5 million, an acquisition that was first resisted, then embraced.”

Lotus had had a tough year, he explained. “They’d already announced a 15% cut back in white-collar workforce. They had plans for cost cutting of $50 million after a quarterly loss…now write the speech Lou Gerstner would give on stage at the Wang Center when speaking to 2,200 Lotus employees the day after the acquisition. What questions would you expect?”

Useem explained that the Lotus employees were apprehensive about the takeover and the incompatibility of their own culture with IBM’s more straight laced approach. The Lotus employees wanted to know about IBM’s vision, its business strategy for Lotus, and the personal implications for the employees.

“Then you get to a question that Lou Gerstner was asked. Here’s the actual question: At the next company party, at the next annual Lotus event, will you come and wear a woman’s dress? Here’s what he said: You give me 20% growth, and I’ll give you anything you want”.

Useem explained that at this point humour was a sign of character.

“You’ve got to say what you say in a way that it hits people. Say it so it sticks. They came to the Wang Center thinking layoffs and left thinking this guy must have a growth plan.”

Referring to strong leaders who have defined the paths of their companies and organizations, he said: “You’ve got to get this leadership thing right if you want to get where we want to go. What are the leadership qualities that really make a difference? What are the common capacities? Strong moral character. Passion for a point of view. A vision they believed in. They walk their talk under a lot of duress. They have character.”

Check out Useem’s books: “The Leader’s Checklist: 15 Mission-Critical Principles,” “The Go Point: When It’s Time to Decide—Knowing What to Do and When to Do It,” and “The Leadership Moment.”

YANK IN THE SANDLAND

Randy Parker | Captain America in Exile

TURKEY DAY

JUST A THOUGHT

Manar Al Hinai

FAKING IT Standing in the middle of a fashion exhibition, surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of major fashion labels, is a dream come true for every fashionista out there. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci called my name as I made my way through adjacent kiosks and booths.

Because Thanksgiving is an exclusively North American holiday, many of you may not know much about it. In the USA, it is celebrated on the last Thursday in November and is an occasion for families to get together and reflect on the blessings of the year over a feast.

Legend has it that the first Thanksgiving occurred when the newly arrived Pilgrims, who came to the New World due to religious persecution in their own countries, joined the indigenous Native Americans in a feast. No doubt the Pilgrims were thrilled as they were starving and the Indians had all the food.

By the way the Native American people were referred to as Indians because Chris Columbus thought he had sailed around the world and landed in India. I hope he fired his navigator...he was going in the right direction but a different continent kind of got in his way.

The turkey has been the traditional main course of the Thanksgiving feast.

Come to think about it, turkeys are not the most intelligent birds; they have been known to drown themselves by looking up during rainstorms and getting heart attacks from the noise of low flying jets.

They can fly for short distances but prefer to run on the ground. The largest one on record is a whopping 38 kilos. Turkeys are unique and native to North America and they are very tasty!

In a rare display of bad judgment founding father, statesman and inventor Ben Franklin lobbied that the turkey should be the national bird of the then new United States. I am glad he was overruled and the bald eagle prevailed. I would not feel comfortable carving up the national symbol with a sharp knife and I doubt bald eagle would be as flavorful anyway.

I have been absent the last four Thanksgivings at home. I miss the food, the reunions, and the inevitable family squabbles that tend to happen when we all get together once a year. And those can be quite entertaining!

Visit Randy's blog on your smart phone

A Khaleeji girl who overthinks a lot and loves to write

“Taste our pizza flavored Halloumi cheese,” called out a salesman. That’s it. He had me right there, and made me stop for the first time since I entered the exhibition hall.

I thought to myself “How can anyone fake a flavour?” Then again I was surrounded by every fake and replicated product in the universe under one roof. If sellers get away by replicating Italian products, then the world has absolutely no problem faking the taste of cheese. This small evening trip opened my eyes for the first time to the reality I am living in. The cheap manufactured bags displayed on cheap plastic shelves shed a light on a bigger truth in our society. Many out there are faking a social life as well!

A young gal purchases a fake Birkin bag from a cheap, Chinese food smelling exhibition, to fake a richer life. She carries on with her snotty nose, to her secret lover’s Range Rover which he paid for by a bank loan that eats up half of his salary every month to fake that he was just as rich as her. They met at a Starbucks, after she winked at him whilst carrying her fake crocodile skin Kelly bag. They then go ahead faking love promises which they both know are just as fake as their relationship.

For as long as banks will continue to give away loans to shallow individuals who want the money to buy a Vertu phone which will take them two years to repay, and for as long as these exhibitions and replicated products merchants go through life unpunished, these young people will continue to live a life a falsehood. All hail profit aiming banks and replicated products manufacturers for they are the most influential powers in society.

The man on the moon once told me: “What do you mean that everyone’s living in a fake reality? Hold on I forgot to renew my account in my virtual online world.”

Follow me on twitter @manar_alhinai

HOROSCOPE Aries (21 March - 19 April) This is your time to shine. This will be an interesting month for you. Use this time to discover facets of yourself that you have forgotten or overlooked recently. You do have a softer side. You finish the month in a soft and lazy way, as this month ends and begins a new cycle for you.

Taurus (20 April - 20 May) You may feel a little run down this month as this time marks the passing of a cycle for you.

You could feel especially introspective between the 14th and the 18th. Pressures in your employment could bring an illness or stress you into speaking your mind. This could come at a time when what you have to say may be too honest for the ears that hear it.

Gemini (21 May -20 June) Activities with your career are very pleasant this month. There will be many activities with close friends as well this month. There is a caution regarding a possible someone placing you in a compromising position regarding your value system or your money. Guard both purse and heart.

Cancer (21 June - 22 July) You could feel greatly inspired this month, as you discover a deeper side to yourself. Problems and conflict could arise between your career, home, and mate, placing you in an awkward position. Concede on small points, but, “Stand Your Ground.”

Leo (23 July - 22 August) There is much activity in your money sectors this month. Waiting until the last minute to file your taxes may actually work to your advantage...this time. A leadership position may be thrust upon you and the weight of that call may cause you to retreat to some degree. Reach into the depths of who you are for the words and the strength you need to pull you through this time.

Virgo (23 August - 22 September) Marriage and Partnerships could be upset this month. Or, give you a window to look through that you never had before. The scenery could be surprising and revealing. The remainder of November will pass with renewed interest in your employment. Take time to read-up on the latest techniques in your field.

Libra (23 September - 22 October) There is an emphasis on your partnerships during the first three weeks of this month. Pressures build and seek to be released. How you handle the situation will reflect directly in the world and you could gain or lose by how you handle the situation. Not to worry though, love is right around the corner and though others may feel you may not be ready to jump back into the dating game, you really are.

Scorpio (23 October - 21 November)

Eclectic romance has your attention this month. Someone, the likes of which you have never encountered before could turn your head and your interests. This theme plays quietly through the events of the month. Do not let a shouting match lead you to a sore throat that could take some time to heal.

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)

Your money and your love are under stress this month. Jointly held assets could come under stress forcing you to make some decisions that could cost you in the long run.

Wait it out and be patient. That way you can keep the romance and the cash.

Capricorn (22 December - 19 January) You could be brimming with energy this month. Maybe a little too much. This could put pressure on your committed relationships resulting in a showdown. You could be accused of being selfabsorbed and selfish during that time. Even with the use of soft words, you could wind-up feeling slighted and betrayed.

Aquarius (20 January - 18 February) Pressure from behind the scenes reaches critical mass. You could be driving yourself too hard or allowing others to do it to you. This could result in an illness just to take you out of the game. Be cautious of what you say and whom you say it to when expressing your personal opinions at that time as well, or it could get you into trouble.

Pisces (19 February - 20 March) You attract the attentions of others romantically this month. You could find some very interesting people approaching you and this could be very tempting. A proposal from a romantic interest could put you in an awkward position and yet at the same time provide a means and an answer to a problem you have had for some time. It’s a delicate balance.

NOVEMBER 26

FUN•FAMILY•FOOD

AND LOTS OF GREAT DEALS!

SATURDAY

2-6 PM TERRACE OF THE

ONE TO ONE HOTEL TO BOOK A TABLE OR FOR MORE INFO CALL SHARON ON 02-6673349 OR EMAIL sharon@tempoplanet.com