bazaar December 2014 by bazaar magazine

December 2014 | Issue # 188 w w w. b a za a r -m agazine.c om

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CLINIC

Int

About The Cover Zaina Al-Humaidhi, a local shutterbug, has an amazing habit of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, and our December cover, which was shot from her travels in Jaipur, India, is a prime example. Zaina confesses it was “just a random shot” and says, “I had just bought the umbrella from one of the people selling them at the old palace we were visiting, and I was in love with the vibrant colors.” We love it as well, and you can read more about her and see more of her inspiring work in this issue!

Seems like only yesterday I was planning my summer vacation. Yet here we are, suddenly in December, with 2015 right around the corner. In what has become a yearly ritual (sort of a comedy of the absurd), it’s time to discuss and plan one’s new year resolutions, which are almost always the best way to set oneself up for failure and disappointment with grand promises and ideas that are almost guaranteed to fail. If they were easy or achievable, why put them off until January of the next year? Besides, who the hell wants to start anything new and difficult while it’s cold and rainy and it gets dark quickly? I can honestly think of nothing more depressing than trudging off to the gym while it’s cold and dark, whether it’s early in the morning before going to work (can you imagine stepping out into the cold after that post-workout shower?), or after work on the way home, when you’re tired and all you want to do is remain comatose on your couch going through the menus on Talabat.com. What other resolutions are amongst the more popular ones I hear (or commit to) every January? “I’m going to stop smoking on the first of January.” Sure you are. While you’re grumpy, hungover, and depressed that you just got back from another over-expensive holiday that changed nothing in your life whatsoever, and still need to pay an outrageous roaming bill, since they got you once again.

The bazaar team...

Before we get depressed over those failed resolutions, us bazaar peeps would much rather end this year with a bang! Firstly, we interview some of Kuwait’s captivating stars: Mai Al Nakib, who truly made Kuwait proud when she recently won the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s First Book Award for her moving collection of short stories, The Hidden Light of Objects, and the always hilarious George Tarabay, an engineer, standup comedian, poet, voice-over artist, and blogger, but you may know him best as MC and star on the radio in Kuwait.

Staff Writer

We never seem to run out of creatives in Kuwait to feature, and this month we spotlight some more inspiring women such as Zaina Al-Humaidhi, the local shutterbug, who captured our vibrant amazing cover for this issue, and who showcases her skill of turning everyday mundane items/situations into a piece of artistic beauty, and Leah Khalil, whose mesmerizing henna designs meld the traditional with her imagination to give them a unique and modern twist. bazaar is nothing if not a fan of the mighty burger, and this month we give some more great options for the other burgaholics among us when we visit and taste the delights at Humble Burger, Dukkan Burger, and also the new home of Junkyard and Elevation Burger… but don’t stop at their burgers – we were spoiled for choice, and believe us when we say that when it comes to these places, there is never too much of a good thing! This month, we have also bowed to the masses and decided to end 2014 by taking the cake – the cupcake of course – when we took to the streets of Kuwait for our Great Cupcake Hunt! Speaking of food, don’t forget that the annual infamous bazaar Dining and Delivery Guide 2015 is coming out soon, and will be available all over Kuwait from January onwards. Be sure to grab a copy as quickly as possible, since they literally fly off the shelves, or if you prefer, you can download it onto your smartphone or tablet for even more convenience. And on that final note for 2015, from bazaar to you all, Happy Festivus, for the rest of us!

Ahmed El-Adly

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Staff Writer/Online Media Amira Haroun Sarah O. Wali Brook McClurg Kiko Al-Zaidan

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Editor

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The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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Contributing Writers Ayman Nassar Bibi Al-Falah Deepa Pant Heena Parkar Jamie Etheridge Liltera R. Williams Loaay Ahmed Lulua Al-Osaimi Michelle Johnson Mike Campbell Mohammed El Soukkary Omar Khalil Patrick Makhoul Reshmi Revi Strawberry Girl Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg

Photographers Celeste Altamiranda Chris Close Timothy Carr

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INDEX DECEMBER '14

MAI AL-NAKIB

BILINGUAL MAGAZINE DESIGN

In this month’s up close and personal, we go on a special journey with Mai Al-Nakib as she speaks to bazaar about her fiction debut and award-winning book, The Hidden Light of Objects. For the long-time academic, Mai rediscovers an earlier sense of herself as a creative writer.

Even though Nuqat’s creative conference has come to an end, the conference’s activities will shape the way we collectively communicate in the future. We take a closer look at the Bilingual Design Magazine Workshop with Yara Khoury, and the resulting work will surely astound you!

100

GEORGE TARABAY

THE SOCIAL DESIGNER

KUWAIT’S NURSERY DRIVERS

Get to know George Tarabay, an engineer by profession and standup comedian by heart. In this conversation of wits, Ayman Nassar finds out more about this jack-of-alltrades who has been coming to our radio waves every morning with an arsenal of quick-witted humor and passion for expression.

Yara Al Adib takes on truth or dare with a designer’s edge. Upon her return to Kuwait, she’s been shaking up the way we perceive design to solve the world’s problems through innovative approaches. With initiatives like the Kuwait Sustainability Jam, this social designer is all about positively instigating change.

In 2012, Kuwait broke the world record in the number of traffic deaths with an average of 17 deaths per 100,000 cases. The Porsche Kids Driving School is fostering safe driving habits, encouraging kids to monitor the drivers in the family to ultimately create a better future.

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THE GREAT CUPCAKE HUNT

THE SPICE PRINCE

Ten years ago an epic battle ensued in Kuwait. Bakers filled their piping bags, cake recipes were perfected and beautiful cupcakes filled the country. We take you on this month’s hunt for the bakeries that have, thankfully, made it through the battle of the cupcakes, and are here to stay.

The world’s most eccentric chef is coming to Kuwait and bazaar has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the man behind the spices. We take you on the extraordinary personal journey of Reza Mahammad, a true food lover and the international sensation known as the Spice Prince of India.

Mai Al-Nakib, pg 38

RUSSELL BRAND

FESTIVUS

TREASURES FROM INDIA

THE BISTRO MAIS ALGHANIM

ZAINA AL-HUMAIDHI

He’s the unlikely hero, his antics are affable, but we love him anyways. With the release of Russell Brand’s new book in October of this year, we take a closer look at Revolution, and what motivates this enigmatic entertainer-turned-activist to share his message with the world.

Looking to celebrate the holiday season in a totally new way? Join the bazaar team and celebrate Festivus! We explore this holiday born in the iconic now defunct show, Seinfeld. All you have to do is follow our stepby-step breakdown of the makings of the perfect Festivus, and your holiday season will surely be unlike no other.

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition with a majestic tale. Running until January 25, 2015, the exhibition is entitled “Treasures from India: Jewels from the Al-Thani Collection.” Our very own Deepa Pant sat with the curator at The Met, Navina Najat Haidar, to discuss all things Islamic art.

In keeping with tradition, Mais Alghanim brings us another brilliant concept. This European style bistro, with an Arabic twist, boasts a glorious view and gastronomic concoctions. Did we mention they serve shisha? Enjoy dessert and a coffee or go for a full meal, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the experience.

A master of perception, Zaina Al-Humaidhi has perfected the art of amateur photography. Through her travels, Zaina is always gracing Instagram with brilliantly structured and gloriously colored photos. With an eye for beauty in the redundant, it’s no wonder we’ve chosen one of her images for this issue’s cover.

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CAVALLI CLASS

what’s on

BIRD’S EYE VIEW - Ali Cherri Exhibition Dates: November 19 until December 19, 2014 Venue: Contemporary Art Platform (CAP)

COVER UP! - A solo exhibition by Adel Abidin Dates: Opens December 16, 2014; 7-9pm, Runs December 16 – January 8, 2014 Venue: The Sultan Gallery

A bird’s eye view implies the bigger picture. Ali Cherri describes it as “a technical term as used, for instance, for architectural perspectives, which imply an impossible viewpoint that no one can have.” For years now, this Beirut-born (in 1976) artist has been creating a poetic and resolutely political visual language, as reflected in this exhibition. Cherri revisits recent events, such as the war in Syria in the video installation Pipe Dreams (2011) based on the telephone conversation between the Syrian cosmonaut Mohammed Faris, who was part of the Russian expedition to the space station Mir, and the former President Hafez alAssad, intermingling archival images and images of the 2011 uprising. Produced between 2010 and 2014, this body of work is an excellent summary of Ali Cherri’s multifaceted practice, equally versed in video, photography and installation. Here he unravels his interrogations about the real and the virtual; taking us towards new territories of fiction. Olivia Marsaud

The exhibition, Adel Abidin’s first in Kuwait, will bring together two video installations Cover Up (2014) and Three Love Songs (2010) with a series of new text-based sculptures related to Three Love Songs (2014). Adel Abidin is a visual artist whose projects, whilst focused on global social, political, and cultural issues inspired by his Iraqi heritage, are playful and ironic. His video and sculptural installations often reference pop culture, racial stereotypes and traditional icons, designing tense situations of confrontation and dialogue that truly engage the viewer. For more on Adel Abidin you can visit his website www.adelabidin.com. Sultan Gallery is located at South Sabhan, Block 8, Street 105, Building No. 168, Kuwait. Call 2471 4325 ext 110; 6097 0001, or visit their website www.sultangallery.com.

Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) is located in Kuwait Industrial Shuwaikh Block 2, St. 28, Life Center. Call 2492 5636 for more information. MADSTAND ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY SHOW Date: Friday, December 12, 2014 Venue: Warehouse No.005, Kuwait International Fair Hall #5, Mishref Since being established, providing entertainment through creativity had been the promise of MadStand Entertainment. MadStand had successfully managed to become a key player in Kuwait’s entertainment industry by offering a wide variety of events, including stand-up comedy shows, musical shows, children shows, and talk shows. International standards became a must, where all shows organized by MadStand follow the highest criteria for entertainment. The Wayans Brothers Stand-up Comedy Show was one of a kind, being the ﬁrst international show to be hosted in K-town. Being the vibe at that time, the show was a major success with a new record set of 5,000 in the audience. Being a clean comedy show, the audience left with a huge smile and a great mood. As stated by many,“It’s a night we’ll never forget!” It is time to deliver a heck of an experience again on the 12th of December in Warehouse No.005, starring Godfrey, Will Sylvince, Rachel Feinstein, and the one and only Maz Jobrani. Do not miss the fun this time and be prepared for many surprises! Tickets are available at www.madstand.org/booking and several ofﬂine sales points. For more information phone 182 1010 or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @madstand. 30

AL CORNICHE FITNESS CONVENTION 2014 Date: Thursday December 18, 2014 Venue: Al Corniche Club For the 7th time in a row, Al Corniche proudly announces its annual Fitness Convention 2014 to be held on Thursday 18th December at the Al Corniche Club, sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Co. The event is hosted by 4 key international industry experts who will conduct seminars covering a full range of topics. Presenters include: Frank Furness: International Motivational Speaker, Sales Trainer and Best Selling Author, Paul Bedford: Retention Guru & regular speaker at IHRSA, LIW and FIA Flame Conferences, Bridget Rosser: Management Consultant in the UK & Certified DISC Trainer, Duncan Green: Managing Director and Principal Consultant for MomentumBD Ltd. This event is a great opportunity to mingle with international fitness professionals, network locally and globally, learn, up-skill and last but not least, have fun. This is an event not only for decision makers, but for team members of all ranks and they are aiming for maximum attendance possible. Book now by calling 2225 5255 or visit www.alcornicheclub.com/Events.

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what’s trending As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more. facebook.com/bazaarmagazine

what: @JamKuwait info: The platform for emerging musicians in Kuwait! editor’s note: contact jamkuwait965@gmail.com for details.

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what: @winchq8 info: Kuwait’s first roadside assistance app. editor’s note: App launching soon.

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what: @HappyHolidays_Kw info: Curated the best of the holiday’s must haves. editor’s note: Follow them for special offers and much more.

START READING! Scan to read full digital issue. what: @StashKuwait info: Curating cool products from all over the world. editor’s note: We LOVE this Sling Grip for our devices.

what: @TenThousandthSpoon info: Food Photography by Jaclyn. editor’s note: Check out tenthousandthspoon.blogspot.com 32

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what: @Korconcept info: A one-stop shop for all things man! editor’s note: Located opposite Seif Palace.

what: @CopyLab info: Created by Chris Rellas. editor’s note: Classical art revived with modern twists.

what: @K7LCosmetics info: Kuwaiti-born beauty concept! editor’s note: Shop online www.K7L.com.

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truth or dare

THE SOCIAL DESIGNER Yara Al Adib by bazaar staff

26-year-old Yara Al Adib’s return to Kuwait after an incredible seven years has been more than eventful. Her to-do list is long and demanding, but is exemplified by her desire to spread the impact of design thinking as problem-solving through innovative approaches. She kicked off her return by organizing several workshops, including the most recent Kuwait Sustainability Jam, which took place at startup hub Sirdab Lab. After attending the Sustainability Jam several times during her time studying abroad in Europe for her Masters in Service - Social Design in Milan, Yara was inspired by the experience, and wished to share it with people in Kuwait. The Sustainability Jam is an annual event that takes place globally, revolving around sustainability, in terms of the environment, society, and the economy. It aims to bring together professionals and students from various backgrounds to spend a weekend creating sustainable products and services for Kuwait. The event was successful in providing a platform for creatives from different walks of life to share ideas, meet like-minded people and get inspired about instigating change. Yara said, “This sheds a light on the importance of sustainability in order to give birth to citizens who are more socially and environmentally aware.” This social designer also aims to host “The Global Service Jam” in February 2015 and the “Global Government Jam” in June 2015, with the same goal of inspiring and motivating people to come up with innovative services and ideas for a better Kuwait. It is Yara’s involvement with social and service design that triggered her desire to emulate and spread this method of design thinking to Kuwait. Her ethos is loud and clear, as Yara is after designing the experience, “Simply put, social design is: designing products and/or services for a better society (positive impact). Providing citizens with social services like health, education, culture, security, employment, and transportation are the pillars of any country. Governments and business providers have to cater citizens with flawless services by designing pleasant experiences.” In a world where the economy heavily relies on service industries, and companies are finding it harder and harder to maintain exceptional services, Yara’s design specialty arrives at the perfect time. How would your mother describe you in one word? Persistent. How would you describe your mother in one word? A fighter. 34

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? “Which place do you call home?” I truly can’t answer that. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? When I was in kindergarten, I told my friends that my father was the prime minister. What is your theme song? Friends, “I’ll be there for you.” What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? “Spring-Avera” a combination of Primavera (meaning spring in Italian) and Spring. Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? Greece, where you can’t tell the difference between the water and the sky. What is the first famous quote that comes to mind? “United we stand, divided we fall.” What do you miss about your childhood? Me being wild and carefree. What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in? Dog. Describe your handshake in one word? Firm.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love my name, I should thank Fairuz and my dad for that. What is the toughest part of your character? I like things my way. Who is your favorite historical figure? I truly respect people like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi. What in the world do you least desire? When people are dishonest with themselves and those around them. What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world better? Sharing: whether sharing things between one another or exchanging true feelings/thoughts with those around you. Why do you think most people like you? Expressive and straight-forward. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” Unity. For more information about Yara, you can visit be.net/YaraAlAdib, yaradesigntochange.tumblr.com, or Instagram @q8sjam.

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bazaar love/hate

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS The 5 F’s of planning for the New Year by bazaar staff

It’s that time of the year again: New Year’s Resolutions. And while it is easy enough to see the inherent problems with arbitrary goal dates and starting points, the point remains, there seems to be nothing better for starting over as starting at a perceived beginning. So, in light of the coming New Year, and the inevitable onslaught of people looking to make new changes with the start of the New Year, here they are; your top 5 conundrums to making the most life-altering list of all – New Year’s Resolutions. #5 Free Time – Make no mistake, as another year passed, you just got older; one more revolution around the sun. It is officially time to start doing that thing you always meant to do that you haven’t gotten around to. Unfortunately, you may find that real-life trying may just prove that you had been right to avoid it all along. Apparently, I will just never be the ballerina I thought I would be, but then, if you were ready to deal with that kind of potential rejection, you would have tried earlier. So go for it if you are bold, but don’t be surprised if you are ill-prepared! #4 The Fisique (Ok I jest, the physique) – To be honest, you are probably best to make your New Year’s health resolutions mid-year, that way by the 36

time NYE rolls around, you are already on a roll. Yes, it is pretty hard to change speeds halfway through your holiday dinner. Plus, if you think about it, there are probably a lot of reasons why you set yourself up for failure if you just set them on January 1st because it is the years end. At the very least, the machines at the gym are going to be absolutely packed with people who made the same commitments. Give it three weeks, this will pass! If you are poised to start a new health regime of working out and eating better at the start of the New Year, stay aware – danger lurks everywhere! #3 Friends – There is no better time to say... out with the old friends and in with the new than the start of the New Year. If you get the chance, exit your New Year’s Eve party just after midnight, that way they cannot say you haven’t seen them since the previous year – and then run. The downside is you may be forced to make new friends. Or just become a hermit. That works too. #2 Financial – Let’s be honest, you’re getting older. That money isn’t saving itself. It is great to be able to go away on every little vacation you get a chance to, but at some point, you are going to

have to mind your money (Oooh, unless you make traveling your business, in which case, keep going!). There is nothing more fulfilling than noticing your bank account inflating by virtue of you holding out on things you would have previously partaken in. On the other hand, going out and having fun is good too. This is a tough one. I leave it to your discretion. #1 Family – When it comes to family we can all likely put a little more love into the world. For all the respect, admiration, mutual frustration we have with our family members, there is little doubt that for most of us, they are the most important people in our lives. Have you slid into a difficult situation with a brother? Perhaps some unresolved issues with your father? Perhaps you haven’t been as good as you could be to your mother? Well, simply put, there is no time better than now to let them know how you feel and make that move towards being a better family member yourself. I challenge you – especially if you are feeling justified for your frustrations – to simply let it go, and be the bigger better person. Your New Year will thank you! Love/Hate is your guide to life’s little conundrums.

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MAI AL-NAKIB

THE HIDDEN LIGHT OF OBJECTS by bazaar staff

With a career in academia, Mai Al-Nakib has always written professionally. Still, she didn’t envision that her fiction debut would arrive as a collection of short stories, let alone an award-winning book. For Mai, The Hidden Light of Objects marked a rediscovery of an earlier sense of herself as a creative writer. “It feels like I’ve come full circle,” Mai told bazaar. Spending most of her childhood reading, writing and scribbling away in countless notebooks, when it came to The Hidden Light of Objects, Mai relived those experiences by putting her thoughts to paper, expressing her ability to weave the social reality of the region into her fiction. Published as a collection of short stories, The Hidden Light of Objects addresses moments that are often ignored in the lives of people living in Kuwait and the Middle East, and tackles a wide range of issues that have affected life in the region over the last 60 years. The Hidden Light of Objects won the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s First Book Award in 2014, the first short story collection to win in the history of the award. At the festival, the author presented The Hidden Light of Objects on a panel about the short story with American author Tom Barbash. She also participated on two other panels, one about the experience of living and writing in the Middle East, and another organized by the Amnesty International Imprisoned Writers Series, focusing on the plight of Syrian writers. Amongst the 47 writers who were nominated for the First Book Award, readers chose The Hidden Light of Objects as the winner. 38

While Mai is currently busy writing her first novel, we were eager to discuss how this win may change perceptions about our region. For the first time in a long time, readers abroad seem eager to learn about a version of our region different from the one depicted in mainstream media. More importantly, we are finally witnessing a shift in the way the literary scene views Arab authors who write in English. The Kuwait-born author left the country as an infant. Upon her return from the US at the age of six, she attended the American School of Kuwait along with her sisters, rare at the time for a young girl whose parents were both Kuwaiti. From there, she went on to study English literature as an undergraduate at Kuwait University and completed her graduate studies in the US, also in English literature. With a PhD from Brown University, Mai’s experience teaching postcolonial studies and comparative literature at Kuwait University defined her role as an academic. Still, she has always envisioned herself as writing creatively on some level. She said, “I do think that I always saw myself as a writer. In graduate school, I began to think of myself as more of an academic than a writer; though, of course, writing is one of the main occupations of academics.” It was Mai’s personal experience that triggered her return to fiction writing and motivated her to write the short stories. Returning to Kuwait in a postinvasion and, more precisely, a post-9/11 era, the author was left with a sense of dislocation, unfamiliar with the country’s changed social dynamics. She explained, “The Kuwait I returned to was a place that was completely different from the one I grew up in. It was more intolerant, more conservative, and much less adventurous than it had once been, and this felt incredibly disorienting and stifling to me. I needed to open a window onto something else – something I thought I remembered and wanted to bring to life once again, at least in writing. The stories provided me with that opportunity.” While one might accept the idea that personal history and experience will always affect a writer’s work, to conclude that The Hidden Light of Objects is an autobiography would be an incomplete assessment. The series of short stories are enticing fictional tales of life, hope, loss, memory and place – moving far beyond the merely personal. When Mai first began to write the stories that would make up The Hidden Light of Objects, she didn’t envision that they would form a collection. As she continued to write, however, she noticed a number of recurrences: characters sometimes resurfaced, as did a series of objects, specific words, and a certain tonality. She explained, “The trope of objects is, above all, what holds the stories together. The first-person vignettes – narrated by a recurring character named Mina – is another element that links the stories together. The stories consider how chance objects can trigger forgotten memories or sensations and how that recollection or experience can transform understandings of the past, present, and future. This occurs at a personal level for many of the individual characters, but has implications beyond the characters to society more generally.” The release of The Hidden Light of Objects has further sparked the literary debate on writing about the Middle East, specifically Kuwait, in the English

language rather than in Arabic. The author’s first language happens to be English, so she couldn’t turn to Arabic to write these fictional stories. In any case, defining her audience wasn’t her main priority at the time. It was the reception of the published collection that stimulated this debate, reflecting a clear change in how different generations perceive culture. Mai received generous support from the local literary scene, and the reviews in Kuwaiti newspapers and magazines, both English and Arabic, have been positive. Mai recently addressed this issue at Kuwaiti author and cultural critic Taleb Al-Refai’s Cultural Circle, which she noted was an encouraging experience and helped open a dialogue between the growing number of Arab writers who write in English and those who write in Arabic. Mai affiliates herself with a group of Arab women writers who write in English, “These are writers I read, respect, even teach – writers including Ahdaf Soueif, Selma Dabbagh, Hanan Al-Shaykh, Fadia Faqir, and Diana Abu-Jaber, among others. Another group of writers I feel a great affinity with – Arab or otherwise – are those who express the singular experience of inhabiting the in-between: writers like Kafka and Emile Habibi; Rushdie and Caryl Phillips; Ghassan Kanafani and Assia Djebar. Postcolonial writers, diasporic writers, exilic writers – the writers I most admire, the writers who have shaped my life as a scholar.” In the process of writing her debut, Mai developed a sense of a very specific audience. She explained, “I had a sense that I was writing, at least in part, to a small group of people, both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti, who came of age in Kuwait around the same time I did. Having this particular group in mind did not affect the way I wrote the stories, but it did give me some pleasure to consider how they might respond.” But once the book was published, Mai found that The Hidden Light of Objects resonated with readers from different places, who seemed to relate to many of the themes presented in the short stories. She said, “Writers write as a way to connect with readers, and it is incredibly gratifying to know that readers from many places seem to be connecting with my book.” Mai is currently considering having the collection of short stories translated to Arabic. She said, “It’s important to me, as an Arab writer, to have an Arabic-reading audience and a translation would ensure that. On the other hand, I think I would feel a certain vulnerability about having the stories appear in Arabic. Firstly, because it would mean handing over the reigns to someone else, trusting a talented translator to capture the spirit of my book. Secondly, and more importantly, I’m hesitant about having the book translated because I sometimes worry that the content might sound jarring or incongruous to an Arabic-reading audience. Perhaps I’m overthinking it. In any case, there are plans for an Arabic translation, and we’ll see how that goes.” The Hidden Light of Objects was released by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing in the UK and MENA region in April 2014. It will be released in the US in January 2015, and she will be doing a book tour there in February. She’ll be back in March 2015 to participate in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai. 39

up close and personal

MAI AL-NAKIB What do you most value in your friends? Kindness, generosity of spirit, confidence, humor, and loyalty. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Lying on a beach in the late afternoon sun, not a care in the world. What is your greatest fear? Time passing. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My capacity to obsess over time passing. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Arrogance. Which living person do you most admire? I have two: Fredric Jameson and Noam Chomsky. What is your greatest extravagance? Travel. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “It’s problematic.” What is it that you most dislike? Fanaticisms and extremisms of all stripes. Which talent would you most like to have? To run like Mo Farah. If you could have any job, what would it be? Full-time writer. What would you consider your greatest achievement? The Hidden Light of Objects. What is your most treasured possession? That’s a secret! What is your most marked characteristic? I tend to be nostalgic. And then I tell myself to snap out of it, only to slip back in. Where would you most like to live? Paris or Brooklyn. What are your favorite words to live by? To paraphrase Hitchcock, there’s nothing better than a clear horizon. For more information, visit www.maialnakib.com Photos courtesy of Chris Close.

76 40

SWAROVSKI

THE 80’S MOVIES REBOOT Good or bad…they’re coming by bazaar staff

If there is one thing that Hollywood is looking for these days, it is a sure thing. As blockbustersized movies have all blown the budgets way out of proportion to even average revenues, Hollywood is looking to mitigate risk in all of its films. Given this, it is no wonder they are currently so hung-up on movies based on successful comic books and sequels. The last in this line – and arguably the one that requires the least amount of risk and work, but is simultaneously the most arduous task to do correctly – is the movie remake. Often, these films get mired in wave after wave of development ideas that do not end up seeing the light of day. The industry presently has an obsession with all things 80’s. Here are the films to be on the lookout for. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) Ed Helms (The Hangover star) will be playing an all-grown-up version of Rusty Griswold in what’s being described as a ‘reboot’ of National Lampoon’s Vacation (even though it’s technically a sequel if Helms is playing Rusty and not a new version of Chevy Chase’s Clark). Horrible Bosses scribes John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein wrote the script and are looking to make their directorial debuts with this film, set to be in production soon. An American Werewolf in London (1981) The rights to perhaps the greatest werewolf movie of all time were bought from director John Landis by The Weinstein Company back in June 2009, with The Number 23 writer Fernley Phillips hired to give the classic tale a “modern spin.” This endeavor was probably brought on by a case of Twilight fever, which has since cooled down – which means there’s a good chance this will never see the light of day (or, rather, the light of the moon). Fletch (1985) Kevin Smith was supposed to make a new Fletch with frequent collaborator Jason Lee in the role of the crack reporter/master of disguise originally incarnated by Chevy Chase. While with Jason Sudeikis currently slated to play the lead, this could indeed be a funny remake. Escape From New York (1981) This B-movie mini-classic followed the adventures of professional anti-hero Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) as he infiltrated the maximum-security prison that is in a future NYC, to rescue the President of the United States. Hollywood’s been trying to get this remake off the ground for years and everyone from Gerard Butler to Jason Stathom have been rumored for the role of Plissken (“Call me Snake ...”). Speculation is that they may even attempt a trilogy out of it… Poltergeist (1982) One of the best horror films of the 80s and one of the greatest haunted house movies of 42

all time. The Sam Raimi produced remake is currently in production with a cast that includes Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Rosemary DeWitt and Jane Adams, with a release date at the start of, 2015. Romancing the Stone (1984) Forget (or maybe just embrace) the fact that it’s kind of a shameless rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Romancing the Stone is a rollicking good time, with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner oozing hot chemistry as adventurer Jack Colton and romance writer Joan Wilder, respectively. There have been a lot of people tied to the project including Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler as leading potentials, yet nothing is confirmed at this time. Currently listed on IMDb as “in-production.” Scarface (1983) It’s a classic for all the wrong reasons, but Scarface remains one of the most groundbreaking crime dramas of all time, a grand opera of excess from director Brian De Palma and star Al Pacino. While at face value this sounds like it may be a terrible idea, speculation that it might be adapted

to fit the world of modern Mexican drug cartels has the potential to give this a relevancy even the original couldn’t muster. Still, it’s hard to beat an original. Keep an eye out! WarGames (1983) The story of two computer-savvy teenagers (originally played by Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy) who gain entry into a powerful military weapons program could arguably benefit from an upgrade to account for today’s light-years-ahead technology. Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) was announced as the director of the reboot being set up at MGM back in June 2011, though there’s been no going forward with playing Global Thermo Nuclear War ever since. Given changes in the technological landscape since the original, this remake could actually be poised to do what a remake can do best: reimagine an old scenario through new possibilities. There are remakes afoot! Make sure to watch the originals first; these were great the first time around!

LEGEND PUMA THE H-STREET. THE CLASSIC IS BACK.

OF AIGRETTES, BROOCHES AND DAGGERS Jewels from the Al Thani Collection by Deepa Pant

Finial from the Throne of Tipu Sultan

Elephant shaped turban ornament

Aigrette

If you’re in New York to ring in the New Year, you might consider the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a lesson in culture and history. New York is home to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the finest museums that houses collections spanning more than 5,000 years. But don’t let that overwhelm you. The best place to start perhaps would be to check out the current exhibition entitled “Treasures from India: Jewels from the Al-Thani Collection” that runs until January 25, 2015. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the evolving styles of the jeweled arts in India from the Mughal period until the early 20th century, with emphasis on later exchanges with the West and opens a window to Indian treasures for the international community. This is an exhibition with a grand narrative. 60 pieces illustrate the beautiful traditions and narrative of the styles through the ages in the courts of Indian 44

Dagger

Maharajahs. According to the Museum notes, “it includes historical works from the Mughal period in the 17th century and from various courts and centers of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Hyderabad; a group of late 19th- and 20th-century jewels made for India’s Maharajas by Cartier and other Western firms; and contemporary commissions inspired by traditional Indian forms.” The workmanship of many of the pieces is extraordinary, while the stories behind them are often equally compelling. Among the many stupendous works is a jade dagger originally owned by two emperors – Jahangir and his son Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal. So how did this collection come about? According to The New York Times, in 2009, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al-Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family, visited an exhibition titled “Maharaja, the Splendor of India’s Royal Courts,” at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and was smitten.

Over the next four years, Sheikh Hamad went on a quest to put together a collection of Indian jewelry and artwork of exceptional provenance, buying up the best that could be found in auctions or through specialized dealers. In his own words, Sheikh Hamad reveals his fascination for the artistic traditions deeply rooted in India’s rich cultural history. “The jeweled arts of India have fascinated me from an early age and I have been fortunate to be able to assemble a meaningful collection that spans from the Mughal period to the present day.” “I am delighted that The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be exhibiting highlights from the collection, making the subject known to a wider audience.” This exhibition is an ode to all those countless Indian artisans and their incredible visual artistry, chock-full of masterpieces, an incredible mosaic of ethereal colors and gems, leaving the audiences with a sense of joy and wonder. [continued...}

GAP

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Diamond Necklace for a Prince (kanthi)

Dagger (kard) with European H

Q AND ART: NAVINA NAJAT HAIDAR

Curator, Department of Islamic Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art A stalwart with a firm grip on Islamic art, author and scholar, Dr. Navina Najat Haidar is the Islamic art curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She brings her extensive knowledge of art history, and extensive travels to the table, coupled with her passion for all things art. For a deeper insight, bazaar interviews Navina 46

Haidar to get a behind the scenes perspective on this exhibition. Meanwhile, commenting on the art scene in Kuwait, Dr. Haidar remarks that Kuwait has been a leader in the field of culture and boasts of an interesting contemporary art scene. “Kuwait is home to many great private collections, including jeweled arts,” Haidar added.

Please tell us a bit about your background and how did you end up as a curator? I was trained at the universities of Delhi, London and Oxford in art history. A degree in this area can lead you into academia, commerce or museums. I ended up as a curator because I happened to move to the U.S. at the time when the Met was looking for someone to handle the later Islamic and Indian material. I guess it was a good fit since I have been here ever since. I always liked working closely with objects, so enjoy being in a museum. What inspired you to focus on Islamic art? Simply put: the beauty, intellectual depth and relevance of Islamic art drew me toward it. Having said that, ‘it’ is not one thing, but many, and that variety of expression and tradition is also very appealing. The Middle East, its history, art and culture, are all fascinating. And north India, where I grew up, is filled with Mughal and Sultanate monuments. Could you shed some light on the historical context of the Al Thani collection? The collection spans works of art from the 17th century Mughal period, all the way to the present day. The Mughal material is represented by jade objects and other courtly works. From late 18th century India come relics from the period of Tipu Sultan, including a tiger head finial from his throne. There is a strong component of early 20th century material reflecting the patronage of western firms such as Cartier by the Maharajas of India. Can you tell us about the jade dagger that was originally owned by Jahangir and Shah Jahan? The dagger hilt is carved in the shape of a European youth’s head, which is of unique form. This might have been the work of a European lapidary at the Mughal court. The head could have been based on an image of Christ the Good Shepherd, or a ‘blackamoor.” Jahangir is portrayed in two paintings of his period, wearing a similar dagger which has led to the idea that he might have commissioned it. The blade has the title and date of his son Shah Jahan, which is why it was likely rebladed in his period. The blade is also inlaid with a small umbrella motif and that of fish - royal and auspicious symbols in the Mughal period. What are your personal favorite pieces in the collection, and why? The dagger is my favorite piece. It is very elegant and skillfully carved. It also tells the story of cultural exchange, which is important and interesting. Were there any particular challenges in organizing the show? We selected 60 objects out of a larger collection. Sometimes it was hard to choose between pieces, as you can imagine. What do you hope that people with take away from this show? I hope they appreciate the skill of the jewelers and the role of the patrons. I also hope they see how creative the Indian imagination in the jeweled arts is. The exhibition runs from October 28, 2014 to January 25, 2015. For more information, please visit www.metmuseum.org. Images courtesy: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

ARAB FUSION AT ITS FINEST

Dukkan Burger offers modern delicacies infused with local spices by bazaar staff

Dukkan Burger is an innovative restaurant that offers burgers unlike any other. Flavors from across the globe inspire their recipes, and even modern classics are infused with local spices for a unique twist. If you’re looking for exciting dishes such as a shawarma spiced burger with maabooch aioli or saffron pancakes, then this is definitely a place you won’t want to miss. Dukkans, or small supply stores, historically played a strong role in neighborhoods, as they were the community gathering spots where people could meet, buy supplies, and bond. The first thing you notice upon entering Dukkan Burger is the strong influence this local heritage plays into their décor. There are spices hanging from the ceiling, warmly glowing lights made out of milk jugs, and pantry items embellished with their funky logo. They have customized wooden menus, and the trendy 48

chairs are made from refurbished crates. Given the creative juxtaposition of old and new decorations, their logo of an Arab man in traditional clothing sporting modern sunglasses makes perfect sense. Dukkan Burger’s seating is very open and arranged to replicate the open seating of a diwaniyah. When you’re seated, you’re immediately offered a small cup of Arabic gahwa and a sweet plump date. The modern music slowly pumping in the background creates a comfortable ambiance, and you’re given time to appreciate the contemporary artwork as you sip your gahwa. With their brightly colored walls, wooden barrels, and traditional Arab trinkets, the atmosphere truly sustains the notion of cherishing cultural heritage. When I looked over their wooden menus, I noticed that they have completely original dishes with ingredients that varied from the typical burger joint. I

ordered a Vimto shake and an Orange Basil Mojito, which is a special Dukkan soda. Their handcrafted drinks come in empty milk jugs balanced on a crate, adorned with attractive labels boasting your name. The Vimto shake was sweet and comforting like strawberry milk. The Mojito was simply phenomenal; it was an explosion of fresh flavors. The orange, basil, and lime were infused together in perfect harmony. After the shakes, I tried the Dukkan platter, which the chef described as “Arabia on a plate.” It featured a combination of succulent Arabic breakfast items: freshly fried falafels, a delicate dollop of hummus, flavorful labneh, hot lablabi (Tunisian chickpea soup), as well as peppered eggs with tomatoes, parsley and onions. Their saffron pancakes were also deliciously thick, topped with a sweet cream, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar without being overwhelmingly sweet.

I asked what other unique fusion breakfast dishes they had, and I was immediately offered the Kanafa French Toast. It was a fluffy milk loaf, lightly grilled, topped with kanafa, ishta, a tower of whipped cream, and pistachios. Although it looked like a dessert, it wasn’t cloyingly sweet; it was the perfect breakfast dish to pair with a hot cup of tea. After breakfast, I had to try two of their most popular appetizers. The Aftershock was an incredible dish of crispy shrimps in a creamy, tangy sauce that leaves you with a spicy aftertaste, perfectly balanced with strings of curled veggies on top. The Cola Barbeque Beef Tips were tasty morsels of smoky grilled meat, wrapped in juicy beef bacon and dipped in homemade cola barbecue sauce. The bite-sized tips can be plucked up with toothpicks and melt-in-your-mouth with deep flavor. For a true treat to your taste buds, I suggest

you try the classic Dukkan burger. It is heavily influenced by the delicious flavor profiles of kebab and shawarma, but it stands alone as a spectacular burger. The beef itself is 1st grade Black Angus shipped specially from Australia, and the potato buns are infused with zaatar. The inside of the burger features melted kashkaval cheese, sumac tossed onions, parsley, and dukkan sauce. When paired with their special maabooch aioli, it was addictively flavorful and truly the star of this restaurant. They also have a South West chicken sandwich that is out of this world. It’s a soft sandwich of lightly buttermilk fried chicken, melted American cheddar, pickles, fresh lettuce, special sauce, as well as fried onion rings to add a wonderful crunch. I ended the fantastic feast with Date Tiramisu, which came in an individual glass jar. Once you pop open the lid, you’re hit with the delightful scent of

dates and rich sweet cream. The layers of toffee, mascarpone, and date sauce were perfectly creamy and just light enough to end your meal with a sweet satisfaction. As I finally finished the last of my remarkable meal, I complimented the chef and asked if it was difficult to keep churning out creative cuisine. “It can be a hard job,” the chef admitted, “but the people are my strength. When I see return customers, they fuel my passion to work harder and create more dishes.” After that experience, I will definitely be a regular customer at Dukkan Burger! Dukkan Burger is located at 83rd Street, Bneid Al Qar, next to Le Royal Hotel. Their hours of operation are from 8:00am to 11:00pm. For more information, please call 180 0011 or go to their Facebook and Instagram @Dukkan_Burger or visit www.dukkan-burger.com. 49

Introducing the collection PINKB

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bazaar music “Music can change the world because it can change people.” ~ Bono

MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGY

MY FAVOURITE FADED FANTASY

LONDON SESSIONS

Monuments to an Elegy is the upcoming tenth studio album by the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, due for release this month. Band leader Billy Corgan has noted that – similar to the band’s previous release, Oceania – the album will be part of the ongoing project, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, the first in a two-part album series (the second album, Day For Night, will come in 2015) after inking a new deal with label BMG. For those interested in sound, think: “guitars, guitars, guitars, and more guitars,” Corgan wrote, “but more so on the epic side of things than, say, grossly metallic.”

The Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice has been away for eight years, but now he’s back, with My Favourite Faded Fantasy, the new album that he made with producer Rick Rubin. Led by new single “I Don’t Want To Change You”, this album follows the seminal O – which sold two million copies worldwide – as well as the million selling, Brit-nominated follow-up, 9. My Favourite Faded Fantasy is a grand, orchestral slow-builder, a power-ballad that’s too polite to announce itself as such. As an album it is a love affair, but – this time – it’s arguably with that act of making music itself.

Mary J. Blige has once again confounded expectations and ventured into new musical territory by crossing the Atlantic to collaborate with some of this decade’s most celebrated UK musical talent – including Disclosure, Eg White, Emile Sandé, Jimmy Napes, Naughty Boy, Sam Romans and Sam Smith – and recorded a new studio album, The London Sessions. “It’s all about the London Music scene and I’m so excited to have been part of it, to record my album,” says Blige. “The songs are fun, therapeutic and soulful. This is a beautiful change for me and I’m proud of what we have done here.”

by Smashing Pumpkins

MOTION

by Damien Rice

by Mary J. Blige

by Calvin Harris

by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

CHEEK TO CHEEK

NOTHING HAS CHANGED

Grammy-award winning global superstar Calvin Harris has released his explosive fourth studio album, Motion. This hotly anticipated album features a remarkable list of chart-topping artists including Big Sean, John Newman, R3hab as well as Ellie Goulding, Gwen Stefani, and HAIM, for which the Los Angeles Times stated “The presence of strong women does wonders for Harris’ amped-up music. They bring out the man, not the meathead, in the machine.’’ When it comes to the dance-music midas touch, Calvin Harris is the undisputed king right now, and he is currently the world’s highest-paid DJ – Forbes reckons that he takes home USD 66 million annually.

Cheek to Cheek is a collaborative album by American singers Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Bennett and Gaga first met backstage in 2011, after performing at the Robin Hood Foundation gala in NYC. The two later recorded a rendition of “The Lady Is a Tramp”, and began discussing plans for working on a jazz project. Cheek to Cheek consists of jazz standards by popular jazz composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. The album was inspired by their desire to introduce the songs to a younger generation, since they believed that the tracks had universal appeal. Gaga deviated from her characteristic pop tracks, wanting instead authentic jazz sounding vocals.

Nothing Has Changed delivers for the first time the definitive collection of Bowie’s music from 1964 to 2014. It compiles tracks from every period of Bowie’s career from his earliest incarnations with “Liza Jane” and “Can’t Help Thinking About Me” right up to James Murphy’s “Hello Steve Reich Mix” of “Love Is Lost” from last year. The album features Bowie’s first new music since The Next Day. The new single “Sue” was especially recorded with long-time collaborator Tony Visconti. Alongside the brand new track, Nothing Has Changed features the previously unreleased “Let Me Sleep Beside You” from the “Toy” sessions, and the stunning 2001 re-recording of the 1971 outtake “Shadow Man.”

by David Bowie

source: www.amazon.com

MILLY

ARRAYA CENTER, GROUND FLOOR, SHUHADA STREET ENTRANCE, SHARQ | TEL: 22997739

TRANSFORMING THE ART OF HENNA

A student poses a creative modern twist on a popular cultural tradition by bazaar staff

Leah K. Khalil is a high school senior making rounds online for turning the art of henna into imaginative and original drawings. Straying from the norm of shapes and flowers, Leah creates inventive designs relying both on her imagination and her interests. The young artist grew up in Kuwait and is in her last year at Lycée Français de Koweït, a local French high school. We reached out to her to learn more about her intriguing hobby, and find out what inspired her to take a well-known practice and turn it into art that transcends traditional expectations. When did your passion for henna emerge? I have always had a passion to draw on my hands, and I was looking for a way to make it more permanent. The moment I had access to a tube of henna, I started experimenting and drawing. My sister and I tried henna tattoos in salons in Kuwait, but it always had a traditional twist to the end result. And they never could replicate a complicated design. The henna tube was the magic wand to do my own thing and experiment on designs. Why choose henna over permanent body art? The henna gives me tattoos without being totally and permanently committed to them, or having to live with them for the rest of my life. I have a fascination for body art, and using one’s skin as a canvas but I am nowhere old enough to get a tattoo. I use the henna to get a version of a tattoo! What other interests do you have beside henna? I like to work with my hands; most of my hobbies involve working with my hands. I am easily bored and constantly need to do something more, whether that be writing poetry, drawing henna, crocheting, or folding origami. It’s the ability to create something out of simple stuff. Transformation is what interests me really. Who are some of the people who inspire you? Famous tattoo artists are those I look up, to see their latest designs. And I also look at art around me to be inspired for the next stunt. Writers such as A.A. Milne, Ray Bradbury, and Edgar Allen Poe also inspire me a lot, as do many books, quotes, and sayings. Words can strongly influence the creative aspects of my drawings. How do you come up with non-traditional henna designs? Most of my henna art is inspired from permanent tattoos found online, but there’s a lot of improvisation that happens when I have the tube in my hand and I concentrate on an arm or a back. Because it has a non-permanent feel to the henna tattoo, I look for what could be pretty or to express an idea. What are the motivators behind your creative projects? My main motivator is aesthetics. I look for beauty, to put beauty on the skin. We have on our hand a very complex machine: the body, and I try to embellish it. It’s about reflecting some expression and emotions. 54

The henna is tailored to the person it’s done on. I highlight the beauty first and make an elegant, delicate, attractive drawing. It has to be pleasing to my eye; otherwise I can’t feel I have achieved much. What are some of the challenges that arise with henna artwork? That’s a good question! The biggest challenge is doing something and realizing that it doesn’t look good, getting disappointed by the end result. The other challenge is finding the material: finding good quality henna with the least chemicals possible. Sometimes it could be an idea that’s too complicated to draw. What henna piece are you most proud of? I am proud of a few ones I made, because I put so much effort and time in it. It’s an ephemeral art and it will disappear. So it’s more about the

next drawing I’ll make rather than the one that is washed away with time. We were amazed to discover that the talented henna artist was skilled in many other hobbies, and was able to demonstrate a strong grasp of art and wisdom at such a young age. From origami to poetry to crocheting, Leah’s online photo albums are littered with samples of her original transformative art. The young student will hopefully be graduating this year, and plans on continuing to share her love of unique henna and endless creative abilities with the world. If you’d like to see more of Leah’s creative henna artwork, ask for a custom drawing, or learn about her other hobbies, look her up on Instagram @leahkkhalil.

SWATCH

THE LATEST IN CROWDFUNDING Arab-centric and global compared by bazaar staff

In the fast-paced world of tech companies, perhaps no concept has done more to revolutionize business models around the globe than the idea of crowdfunding. Basically just a way to get people with good ideas in front of people with capital, the result has been nothing less than revolutionary for their democratic methods of simply letting the best rise to the top. Thus far however, there have been specific hindrances to crowdfunding in the Arab world – including but not limited to, for example, some websites requirements for countries and banks that they will accept projects from, and a new idea that has largely only been proven in the Western world thus far, to name a couple. In the last couple of years, we have updated you on ones that have opened specific to the Arab world, and seek here to update you on the best of crowdfunding now, in the Arab world and out of it, to help you determine what’s best for your project. Zoomaal Previously featured here in bazaar when they were just getting started, they now have an established track record in funding projects. Launched in July of 2013, this crowdfunding site is specific to the Arab world. “Zoomaal” comes from the Arabic phrase pronounced “thoo maal,” which means ‘someone with money’ as a direct translation. This is a perfect, concise way to describe an Arab crowdfunding platform. It also helps that it sounds unique and catchy in English too. The vision of Zoomaal is based heavily on supporting Arab creativity and innovation. And since crowdfunding is based on acquiring money from the people, projects need to be creative and innovative in order to have appeal and thus get funded. Started with just 60 projects, they now 56

seem well established with lots of fully funded and in-process projects to support. Aflamnah Started in July of 2012 by husband and wife team Vida Rizq and Lotfi Bencheikh, Aflamnah – which simply translated means “our films” in Arabic – is a platform aimed at filmmakers from the Arab world and is based in Dubai. While there have been projects from MENA on Kickstarter, the filmmakers have typically been based in the U.S. or the U.K. where you must have an account to collect the funds for your crowdfunding campaign. Aflamnah offers a combination of the Kickstarter/Indiegogo models, in that there is a USD 110 upload fee to post the project to their site, then they ask for a 6% commission on the money raised and don’t penalize those who haven’t reached their target goal with extra fees. It also lays out a structure of tiers and rewards for donating money to a project that is similar to other sites. Furthermore it also has an advisory committee that is made up of leading figures from the fields of business, finance, legal and creative to support in ensuring the success and continued development of the Aflamnah business. Indiegogo Originally launched with a focus on film, Indiegogo pivoted to include funding for literally anything and is becoming known for financing personal and causerelated campaigns such as that for the bullied bus monitor, which raised over USD 700,000. It accepts all projects without review. As Indiegogo says on its website, “Our platform is available to anyone, anywhere, to raise money for anything.” While its success fee at 4 percent is 1 percent lower than most websites, it does charge one of the highest fees in the industry – 9 percent – if you don’t meet your goal.

Kickstarter The most well-known of the crowdfunding websites, Kickstarter focuses on creative endeavors including design, the arts (film, publishing, music), gaming and technology. While Kickstarter can’t be used to fund businesses per se, it does accept products and has had some remarkably successful campaigns, including about 50 that have generated over a million dollars in funding. Kickstarter “curates” its projects, meaning it has a rigorous submission process, and if you aren’t approved to post, it can be quite disappointing (Indiegogo accepts projects from around the world, while Kickstarter only accepts project creators from the U.S., U.K. and Canada.) Gofundme This one makes the list for its seeming lack of rules, when compared to the others. A friend of mine recently attempted to pay for his Masters education this way. Admittedly, there was something that felt a little tacky or uncouth about it. But, if you are bold enough to ask, and people support you enough to want to help, it is hard to fault a person for trying – more power to you! The key to Gofundme is that there are no deadlines or goal requirements (and thus, no penalty for missing a goal); you keep every donation you receive. They charge roughly 6-8% depending on several factors, plus a per donation fee. I think I will start a gofundme for a buyout of my bazaar contract and a round-the-world trip…any supporters for me out there?! There are many crowdfunding options out there to meet the needs of your projects. Make sure to properly understand the fees, as well as any restrictions involved before picking the one that is right for you.

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CAPTURING LIFE

THROUGH A

POSITIVE LE Zaina Al-Humaidhi turns everyday events into beautiful images by bazaar staff

Rather than seek out obvious subjects of beauty, a local shutterbug has made waves capturing the hidden beauty in the ordinary. With a sharp eye for color and appreciation of the unusual, amateur photographer Zaina Al-Humaidhi shows a skillful mastery of changing perceptions with her work. The young photographer’s passion involves making art out of situations that other people might not even give a second glance. Bursting with vibrant colors and usually delivering a message of positivity, Zaina’s photographs shine a light on how everyday events can be reimagined into beautiful photographs. Zaina grew up in Kuwait, spending both her primary and secondary years studying at local schools before moving on to work in PR at a bank. Despite the popularity of her work and her strong grasp of creative imagery, photography was just a hobby she picked up after the emergence of Instagram. “With time, I realized that I really enjoyed photography and started developing my skills further” says Zaina. The local photographer then formed a unique outlook on seeking out the best shots – she captures events from her daily life and revisits them to draw out beautiful aspects on the scene. Her love of yoga, the outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new cultures, are some of the many scenes highlighted on her Instagram feed. There is image after image of everyday people in everyday situations, creatively edited to turn a once ordinary event into a beautiful piece of art. Her work features a wide array of images, from that of an elephant strolling down a city street, women hard at work sewing clothes while adorned wth bright sarees, and a lone Indian man standing out amongst the crowd in a hot pink turban. “It all depends on the place and time.” explains Zaina, “I’m proud of all my work, but especially of photographs taken abroad in areas that are not perceived as being as nice or scenic.” [continued...] 58

[...continued] Perhaps the best example of this can be seen right on our cover this month, a beautifully patterned umbrella with its vivid colors popping out from a black and white background. “This was actually a very random shot,” confesses Zaina, “I had just bought the umbrella from one of the people selling them at the old palace we were visiting, and I was in love with the vibrant colors. I didn’t want to be part of the shot, I just wanted the umbrella to be the main character.” The themes of her photographs generally uncover how a simple detail can be edited to create a large effect. Her love of picking out the differences in the ordinary relates back to the people who inspire her the most, her mother and sisters. “We’re all very close, yet so different and have different styles,” reveals Zaina, “Our differences are my inspiration.” Rather than place importance on the location, Zaina focuses on the mood and general energy of snapping shots. It all boils down to how the place makes her feel. “I personally don’t have any challenges that restrict me from pursuing my 60

hobby. The only personal challenge would be that it depends a lot on my mood,” explains Zaina, “If I’m in a good mood, I see good shots. If I’m not, you could put me in the most scenic part of the world and I wouldn’t be able to take a shot!” However, her love and growing skill in photography has placed a strong, beneficial impact on both her mood and daily perception of life. “Photography makes me see the world in a different way. Everything to me is a piece of art,” says Zaina, “I now have a more positive outlook towards life. I’m most proud of my photographs that have changed people’s perception of something or some place.” Encouraging positivity and playing with artistic creativity come to life within her photographs. Zaina shows great talent despite being relatively new and not receiving much training. She offers these words of encouragement to any aspiring artists: “As much as you read and learn, photography has to come from the inside. It’s not something you learn from a textbook. There is no right or wrong. Do what you feel is right, other people’s opinions should not affect your work.”

Even for those who don’t wish to dabble in photography, perhaps the most important thing we can do is support the growth and development of local artists. “Appreciate their work. Give them credit,” says Zaina, “Accept that each artist has a different point of view.” Photography can change the way we view everyday events, and even the most hardhearted person can change their outlook if they view life from a different angle. “I try a lot to add a positive vibe to my photographs,” says Zaina. “I hope people see my photos and change their perceptions about their life and the world.” Through her work and her words, Zaina has shown how even the most mundane events can seem spectacular when placed behind the right lens. She will continue to shine her light on the ordinary, and capture the unusual beauty of the daily interactions in her life. If you’d like to see more of Zaina’s unique photographs and learn about her celebration of positivity, follow her on Instagram @zalhumaidhi.

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THE BEST OF TIMES… THE WORST OF TIMES by Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg

So… the wonderful peeps at bazaar suggested that I might want to write this month about being an adult, and how sometimes, that sucks (not their word; mine). This is truth. Sometimes, the responsibilities of being all grown up just aren’t fun. Job, family, children, bills, blah, blah, blah – all conspire to rob life of quality and joy. Here’s my advice on that score: get pathologically pissy about carving out time for yourself to do something you enjoy, every single week. Drop the kids off at Grandma’s, turn off your gadgets (and I know you have more than one), and go do something that gives YOU pleasure. You’re welcome. What I really want to say is goodbye. After seven years in Kuwait, Bill and I are returning to Canada to our daughters and grandsons. I think this has been the worst and the best month of my life. I hate goodbyes… but I’m so excited to smooch the Opasons again. It’s like living in the gray space. Sad to say “Goodbye,” excited to say “Hello!” At the same time. It’s a bit crazy-making. Kuwait has been good to us. Professionally, I’ve been privileged to be a part of the measurable change, culturally and socially, that’s happened over the past few years. Mental health issues have become much more prominent, the stigma of seeking psychological help is lessening, and I’ve met some incredibly stellar peeps doing great things here; Kuwaitis and expats working together for the good of all of Kuwait’s residents. Personally, it’s been amazing to be part of a multicultural, global community where everyone (but me) speaks at least two languages, where a profound sense of the ridiculous provokes genuine laughter, and where there is a genuine appreciation for the things that make us all different, and yet the same. While there are things about Kuwait that aren’t wonderful (just as there are things about Canada that aren’t wonderful) I have loved living here. I like the weather (even the hottest day in August), the palm trees, the nearly endless blue skies (providing the pollution isn’t too bad that day), the desert, the coffee culture, and the food. Oh yes, the food. From our favorite Ayyame in Marina Crescent to the myriad of great burger bars, to the fact that McDonalds delivers. Not that I eat there… But if I did, I could get my filet-o-fish delivered. How cool is that? “How,” I ask you, “will I survive in Canada without Talabat?” And don’t even get me started on the spa. I’ve been seeing the wonderful ladies at Nailz Plus on Restaurant Street in Salmiya every week for seven years. Guess how often I’ll be going to the spa in Canada? (Hint: think never. It’s waaaaaaay too $$$). The flat I will rent in Canada will fit nicely – with room leftover – into the sala of the flat I currently 62

rent. When I run to breakfast on Saturday mornings (in the dark, freezing cold of the Canadian winter) I will not get to pass the informal show n’ shine that always happens at the Beda’a Starbucks. (Holy horsefeathers, Batman! Those are niiiiiiiiice bikes… and cars) Prime & Toast is a lovely front row seat for that parade of polished steel cruising by. I never could understand those who complain, “There’s nothing to do in Kuwait.” In truth, there’s not enough time to do everything available. For instance, I never managed to learn to scuba dive, even though I wanted to and there’s great clubs here. I haven’t learned to salsa, even though there are real Argentinian salsa teachers here. I never learned Arabic (and I’m ashamed to say that. I certainly should have and wish I had) even though there’s lots of places to take language lessons. There’s choral music, orchestras, jazz bands, world-class drama troupes, theatre, football, rugby, baseball, swimming, diving, and cricket. Heck, there’s even lawn bowling!

Cycling clubs, running clubs, badminton, basketball, martial arts, camel racing, horse racing, drag racing, drifting… I can’t name all the things there are to do in Kuwait. Of course, I had to go and look – but there’s definitely a LOT to do. Actually, I guess I’ve come full circle in saying goodbye. When the responsibilities of being an adult become too much, pick something you loved to do when the only job you had was to get an education. (Remember those days?) Find out who else is doing that thing, and go join them. The quality of your life will improve dramatically. *sigh* So long, Kuwait. It’s been a slice. A Canadian psychologist traveling the world on a busman’s holiday, Dr. Susannah writes about anything that catches her attention. Bossy from birth, compassionate by choice, and funny by accident. You can visit: www.soorcenter.com or follow her on Twitter @drsusannah.

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AN UNLIKELY HERO Russell Brand

by bazaar staff

At the very least, Russell Brand is an enigma. He is tough to pin down and affable as he is opinionated. He’s often an instigator, such as when he recently showed up at Fox News headquarters to object to his interview being canceled with a high profile interviewer. After being escorted off the premises by security he finished his speech about the travails of fighting the news behemoth on camera, in his car, as he left. He has been referred to as a champagnesocialist, which, considering his high earning potential in recent years and his increasingly leftist leanings, is not far off the mark. Yet, he presents his points with a vigor and believability rarely seen in recent times. These days, he does seem to be rebranding himself – pun absolutely intended – as a bit of a political activist. With the release of his new book in October of this year, we check in to see what motivates him lately. The initial reaction, after his breakout role in the 2008 movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a role which he would later go on to recreate for 2010’s Get Him To The Greek, was that he was a straw man, and not to be taken seriously. A bright but ultimately feckless man when it comes to the larger concerns of a modern world. But Russell seems intent on building a media empire. One based on, it seems thus far, honest reporting, independent thought, and a willingness to buck the mainstream trends of an increasingly binary global conversation. In many ways he seems to be an answer to the voiceless generation X (though arguably adopted as spokesperson for generation Y) before him. I say voiceless, not for a lack of ability to garner one, but rather for the apathy at which most X’ers approach most things political. They seem at best, too savvy to play along with a game that they have already been pushed out of, and at worst – too self-involved to care. For his part, Brand, with his lothario with an occasional heart of gold demeanor, and razorsharp wit, seems to be a character in which his generation finds an unwitting spokesman. In excerpts from his new book, Revolution, released in October of this year, he talked about the growing disparity in global wealth. He has regularly pried apart the clenched and corrupt fists of American politics in order to peer inside the machine. One striking point of note, he said that one key element to a more even world environment was, “No more private security for the wealthy and the powerful. (An) economist argued in 2005 that roughly one in four Americans are employed to guard in various forms the wealth of the rich. So if you want to get rid of rich and poor, get rid of guard labor.” By this token, no wonder so many feel oppressed. “This may be the point in the article where you start shouting the word “hypocrite.” Don’t think I’m unaware of the inevitability of such a charge. 64

I know, I know. I’m rich, I’m famous, I have money, I have had private security on and off for years. There is no doubt that I as much as anyone have to change. Revolution is change. I believe in change, personal change most of all. Know, too, that I have seen what fame and fortune have to offer and I know it’s not the answer. Of course, I have to change as an individual and part of that will be sharing wealth, though without systemic change, that will be a sweet, futile gesture.’’ It may be letting himself off a bit easy to say that without systemic change, the giving of his money to causes would be futile, but he’s not necessarily wrong. It would be easy enough to see how many times humanitarian efforts and capital have gone to graft given a lack of transparency or adequate measures to get help to the people they intend to help. That said, there will most certainly come the point where Russell will have to put his money where his mouth is. He goes on to cite more of the economic disparity when speaking again about security. “These systems can be very expensive. America employs more private security guards than high-school teachers. States and countries with high inequality tend to hire proportionally more guard labor. If you’ve ever spent time in a radically unequal city in South Africa, you’ll see that both the rich and the poor live surrounded by private security contractors, barbed wire and electrified fencing. Some people have nice prison cages, and

others have not so nice ones.” He continues, “Companies spend a lot of money protecting their CEOs. Oracle spent USD 4.6m. One casino empire – the Las Vegas Sands – spent USD 2.45m. This money isn’t security so much as it is designed to wall these people off from the society they rule, so they never have to interact with normal people under circumstances they may not control. If you just got rid of this security, these people would be a lot less willing to ruthlessly prey on society.” “One of the most remarkable things you learn when you work in a position of political influence is just how much titles separate the wealthy and the politicians from citizens. Ordinary people will use a title before addressing someone, and that immediately makes that ordinary person a supplicant, and the titled one, a person of influence. Or if both have titles, then there’s upper-class solidarity. Rank, hierarchy, these are designed to create a structure whereby power is shaped in the very act of greeting someone.” For a man who seeks to break down some of the social constructs that have traditionally separated the rich from the poor, there is certainly a lot of work to do. His new book, Revolution, is just one way in which he seeks to get his message out to the common people. Russell Brand’s new book, Revolution, is out now and available online and at a bookstore near you!

WEST END WATCHES

BILINGUA L

MAGAZINE DESIGN WITH NUQAT LIKE, COMMENT, ANDSHARE

by bazaar staff

After all that was said and done, anyone who attended the lectures at Nuqat’s fifth annual creative conference walked away feeling inspired. Whether you’ve simply visited the chillout spot at the Al Amricani Cultural Center managed by Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah, or attended the workshops and events held at Beit Al Sadu, AlMakan and even the Cinemagics roof top cinema, to say that the conference’s activities left us with a strong impression, would be an understatement. We all left Nuqat with a desire to change, create and innovate. The Bilingual Magazine Design workshop with Yara Khoury, for instance, opened up our eyes to how the world of publishing in the Middle East is quickly evolving. What we loved even more was the workshop’s use of the Arabic language, and how messages in both English and Arabic came to life in such an inspired environment. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Design Director Yara Khoury from Al Mohtaraf, a highly versatile design house with offices across the Middle East. Al Mohtaraf is one of the region’s few specialized graphic design houses, renowned for their vision to carry out designs that emulate the contemporary cultural scene of the Arab region. We are all familiar with the notion that we are loaded with information nowadays. Whether you work in publishing or follow a magazine, news organization, social media channel, website or even a WhatsApp group, information overload is a phenomenon one cannot escape. Even us publishers turn to social media for the latest and greatest updates, constantly scouring social media networks to present to our readers features that they want to read based on their 66

likes, shares, comments and more. Given that we all receive an endless flow of information that our mind tries to make sense of, understand and sort as useful or trivial; the workshop explored the theme of information overload, by dissecting and then synthesizing this information. Hosted at AlMakan, the participants experienced a journey that linked people, events and ideas in the form of a periodical publication. Participants learnt how to use the elements of layout design such as grids, typefaces, colors, photos and bilingual layout solutions, and were shown how to create a periodical publication using their own social media messages that the participants were either sent by themselves or received by others. To simplify the matter even further, the participants were asked to utilize the last 20 SMS, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn sent and/or received messages to design a sample article from this periodical. They were each asked to find an underlying idea or a single theme that connects the messages together to make a story, a theme, a timeline, or even visual poetry. They also had the option of choosing a more diverse route by connecting seemingly disparate messages that make the readers build their own impressions. The resulting work was wonderful, and we chose to showcase sample layouts from participants Holly Liu, Aysha AlHouli and Yara Zeidan to exemplify the results of this workshop. Mastheads came to life, incorporating both English and Arabic fonts, along with publication covers and an 8-page article sample. For more information, please visit www.nuqat.me. Follow Yara Khoury on Twitter @yarakhoury and check out www.almohtaraf.com.

YARA ZEIDAN

AYSHA ALHOULI HOLLY LIU

THE SPICE PRINCE Q8 FOOD FESTIVAL PRESENTS:

by bazaar staff

Reza Mahammad on life, spice and all things food IN KUWAIT We know him as the Spice Prince of India, an eccentric chef who has an infectious love for food and an encyclopedia of knowledge on all things spice. His television appearances have educated and entertained the world with a history of some of India’s most popular dishes, and connected people across continents that share the same foods. Though his fame, and incredible dishes precedes him, it is Reza Mahammad’s insatiable and absolute love for what he does that has put him on the map as one of the world’s finest chefs, and as a celebrity chef at the upcoming Q8 Food Festival set to take place in March. Reza may have been born into the culinary world, with a father who opened one of the oldest Indian restaurants in England, but he didn’t plan to become part of the family business. As a young child he was sent away from England to an Indian boarding school to keep him connected with his roots. That’s where his appreciation for food began in the most unconventional way at the tender age of 10. “I used to go on holiday to my grandparents’ house, and it was all food oriented,” he told bazaar. “They used to have these huge cauldrons that they used to make jam and stuff. Because we were young and we had energy, we had to keep stirring the pot, to save them the hassle really. I think that was my introduction into cooking, by stirring a pot.” He grew to appreciate lavish and luxury foods 68

through dinners his parents hosted in England, but planned to continue his education in what he was most passionate about, art history. His plans had to take a back seat though when the 16-year-old was suddenly thrust into the restaurant business after the untimely death of his father left him in charge of the Star of India in London’s South Kensington. “It was tough,” he said. “Of course it was tough. I was thrown into this at 16. There were all these issues that came up, so I was up against it from the moment we said go, in a sense.” From the start, his new adventure was a learning experience, and one that he embraced fully. Though he never went through a formal culinary education, Reza dove in head first, and soaked up everything he could from the experienced managers, and his own research on Indian cuisine. In no time the Star of India had attracted diners from all over the world to the British capital. From royalty to locals, tourists and movie stars, it became a place regaled for its cuisine, and Reza’s charismatic ability to make any guest feel at home. He became infamous among restaurateurs in the city, and in early 1992 he was commissioned to do a segment on the popular show Curry Connection. Reza recalls that day with amazement. He sat on the train on the way to the television station, wondering what he was doing and why he was even there. He wanted to get off at every stop, petrified [continued...]

[...continued] by the idea of being on camera. “I just wanted to run, but I thought I can’t do that because I’d already made an agreement to be there, so I had to honor that, and I did. It comes naturally now, but it’s hard work. I think whatever craft you take, or you do, you’ve got to work and you have to work through the end.” As Star of India continued to enjoy international fame, Reza’s personal adventure in the culinary world was expanding. Today Reza hosts one of the Food Network’s most popular television shows: The Spice Prince of India. You’ll find him riding elephants through the Indian jungle, trying exotic dishes and cooking in ancient pots, all while he takes you to the root of a dish you may have tried a thousand times before. To do this as well as he does, Reza has years of research and experience under his belt. We asked him a bit about Arab spices, and were told a fascinating story of Arab traders who monopolized the spice route for centuries. When he needed to validate a point, he immediately went into his personal library for the answer. “Let me look it up, I have a book called History of Food,” his voice fading a bit as he went through the library stack. “I have loads of books, loads and loads of books. I’ve got some old books that go 70

back to how it all started. Let’s see, a history of hunting gathering, jewels of the sea. Ah, here it is!” For Reza, the secret to success is constant inquisition, and a child-like wonder at the work you are doing. He leaves no spice undiscovered, and questions everything. To truly understand a spice, he said, one has to explore its history and the stories behind them. It’s important to understand the elements and how they are grown. Most important though, Reza says it’s not about what spice you use, it’s how you use it. “There is some sort of sequence, but the sequences can change. It depends on what you are doing and how you are doing it,” he said. He added a very important piece of advice: “People forget to taste their own food to make sure there is the right balancing of seasoning with salt. It may not need extra spices, you may just need to augment the flavor with a bit of salt.” We asked Reza what his favorite spice was, and spoken like a true prince, he couldn’t pick just one. He regaled us with tale of Darius, King of Persia, who sent Alexander the Great a bag of sesame seeds, meant to suggest the number of his troops. Alexander, in return, sent Darius a bag of mustard seeds, not only more numerous because of their smaller size, but also more

potent and fiery than sesame. Two books and several television shows later, the Spice Prince of India has now taken his culinary expertise to the south of France with the establishment of Chez Cartier, a culinary school near Bordeaux. The stunning 19th Century Maison de Maître is surrounded with rolling hills and plenty of fresh and fabulous produce. The workshops are limited to eight food lovers. Participants don’t have to be very skilled as Reza has everything prepared, and lets the student focus on understanding how all the ingredients come together. In March of next year his travel adventures will bring him here, where he will be a “debutant” in Kuwait! His demonstrations at the Q8 Food Festival are bound to give attendees a taste of his process, and tips on how to make some of his best dishes. No matter if you are a foodie or not, his infectious energy is bound to get you pulling your old pot out to make that curry dish you had always been afraid of. For more information on Reza’s restaurant Star of India visit www.starofindia.eu. To find out about Reza’s culinary school and his work, visit www.rezamahammad.co.uk. For information on Reza’s travel tours visit travelwithreza.com, or follow him on Twitter @RezaMahammad.

H A FF O E ER OD O K E D JA D 27 CK ET PU

AEO

1ST AVENUE - THE AVENUES 22581988 THE MALL - THE AVENUES 22583040 MARINA MALL 22581496

REALITY TV PROGRAMMING The best of the worst by bazaar staff

Oh, the Schadenfreude! When it comes to reality television, it seems there are always a glut of new shows to keep up with. We here at bazaar HQ have spent countless exercise hours parked on our couches, for you, dear readers, in hopes of bringing you the freshest of the fresh, the newest of the new… the best of the worst! The real answer behind the proliferation of reality TV is of course, not a change in the viewing esthetic of a smaller, more tight-knit, world populace, or even likely a change in cultural moors. It is simply that they are cheaper to make. And since they are cheaper to make, they are easier to let succeed or fail on their own merit. Seemingly as well, there are endless supplies of people in the world eager for their 15 minutes of fame. With that in mind, we give you the best of what is new in the world of reality TV.

My Strange Addiction – This show focuses on people with compulsive behaviors that cause them to do everything from eat weird and wild non-food items, to bizarre fixations. Everything from adults who can’t stop sucking their thumb, to a lady who left her fiancée after his ultimatum that she must choose between him and her love for puppets – she chose puppets! There’s obsessive weight-lifting, a girl who can’t stop cleaning, and someone who eats laundry detergent (bazaar does not recommend this or any of these behaviors). In short, there is a lot of weirdness out there.

The First 48 – This show, based on the premise that most criminal cases are solved within the first 48 hours after a crime has occurred, follows various detectives through a number of U.S. cities as they attempt to do just that. A show that starts the instant the calls come in and follows police from their initial broad net to the point where a suspect is pinned down. We watch detectives battle the clock for leads, while the incident is still fresh enough to yield them. From wrong turns and miscues to gut hunches and interrogation room battles, this show is a raw look at how a detective goes about getting their culprit(s). 72

The People’s Couch – Ok…this show is about as Meta as things can possibly get (except of course, for me, talking about this show, which is about watching people on other shows, which would be meta (Squared)…I’ve gone cross-eyed thinking about that one). In short, this is a show where several groups of people watch the television programs from the past week, and you basically just watch their reactions as they do. While this may seem to have all the appeal of watching paint dry, it is actually quite entertaining. Bearing in mind that a show like this will always be made or broken by the people that form the bulk of the screen time, these people have it. They are mostly regular Joe sorts – though a polished version – that seeks to represent several different demographics: there is the Nuclear family, the girlfriends group, the African-American family, the older ladies knitting group. Really, the trick to this show is in the editing, but it is surprisingly entertaining. [continued...]

SALHIYA MEDICAL

Anthony Bourdain – I could probably watch Anthony Bourdain do or eat just about anything and be satisfied. His wit, his grumpy ol’ man angst, his love for all things cultural, and his occasional Russian sidekick Zamir Gotta, all make for a recipe I can’t help but be entertained by. It seems that in an effort to keep him relevant, his producers are constantly trying new ways of packaging and editing his shows to connect with different audiences. With 4 different TV shows featuring him so far (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, The Layover, and The Mind of a Chef) it is clear that people are taken by his no-nonsense gruff. Keep it up Bourdain!

The (not so) Real Housewives of Everywhere – Most people are probably sick of these shows at this point, and I certainly would not fault them for that. Even when the shows were still in their infant stage, before they became the now formulaic rollercoaster of frenemies that they are today, they lacked in the depth department. The glossed-over version of the lives that we are shown are thus one-dimensional takes of realities that don’t really exist. However, with their recent dips into the international market with Melbourne, Athens, Vancouver and Cheshire, perhaps some international women is just what the recipe needs to get interesting again. Real Housewives of Kuwait anyone?

Monsters Inside Me – If this one doesn’t freak you out, then nothing will! This show is all about parasitic infections, told through dramatic realization of the symptoms. Basically, you just returned from a Doctors without Borders trip to the Congo and find yourself with a weird growth pulsing underneath your skin – what could it be? Really, these stories are scary, creepy, and give me the heejy-jeeby’s just thinking about them. Basically an awesome show! Now 5 seasons in, this show proves there really is a lot of scary stuff out there!

Masterchef (everywhere) – This is another one of those shows that grew to prominence to the point that it has become a brand of its own. A competitive cooking reality show that is open to amateur and home chefs, people have been wowed by the onscreen drama of challenges and between chef critiques. With 6 seasons of Masterchef, including a version that features Australia, Canada, USA, UK, and the newest – Masterchef Junior, they continue to tweak the show for an ever-growing audience. Cops – Many people forget about this old time favorite of reality television that basically helped to start the entire craze. Started in 1989 and currently airing its 27th season in the states, it is one of the longest running shows on TV anywhere. It has followed officers through 140 different American cities as well as in England, Hong Kong and Russia. But what can you say about this show that gives us a first hand look into these worlds? In its latest season, for the first time in the shows history, an audio technician for the show died after being hit by stray gunfire from a policeman, who was in a shootout with a suspect at a fast food restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. That humbling and regrettable point aside, it does probe that the show is still going into the fray year after year for arguably the realist of reality television. Reality TV is not to be taken lightly. It is addictive and has been proven to kill brain cells and destroy memory…I think, I can’t remember to be honest – too much TV!

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bazaar goes dining

THE BISTRO MAIS ALGHANIM The finest Middle Eastern fusion by bazaar staff

The amazing people behind Mais Alghanim have brought us yet another incredible concept, The Bistro. This Middle Eastern fusion concept takes the comfort foods we’ve grown up with and love, and created their modern gastronomic equivalents. Reimagining traditional Middle Eastern foods comes easy to the masterminds behind The Bistro. Located in the new Miral Complex in Mangaf, the view is absolutely magnificent, as is the food. With an array of mouth-watering choices, and empty stomachs, we were on a mission to try as many delicacies as possible. With the option of outdoor or indoor seating, it took us no time at all to decide we’d enjoy our meal outdoors. Beautiful weather and the scenery to match, we were beyond excited to be dining with such a glorious view and sampling delicious foods. Overlooking the Mangaf sea area, when you sit 76

outside at The Bistro, you can enjoy a delicious hot coffee to accompany your shisha or enjoy the food and the view. Clear blue waters gently lap the shore, and if you’re there at sunset, you’re in for a treat. The glorious colors of the sky intensify as the sun sets deeper into the sea. The seating itself is very reminiscent of a European style bistro with an Arabic twist, with neutral browns and beiges, accented with green. As we admired the view, the food started to make its way to our table. We were presented with flavored sodas to start us off. Refreshing and delicious, the sodas helped us build an appetite as we started munching on our salad. The Shrimp and Crab Salad was absolutely refreshing. Mixed lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes mixed in with fresh mushrooms and creamy avocado, topped off with shrimps and shredded crabsticks dressed harmoniously with a creamy lemon dressing. It was magnificent. As we

approached the end of the salad, freshly baked, steaming bread was brought to us accompanied by a Sultaniyah. The bread was fluffy, airy, and everything bread should be! It was an absolute delight to even consume on its own, let alone dipped into anything. The Sultaniyah, was a smoky, grilled eggplant that was so soft and flavorful, you couldn’t help but scoop it all up in the bread. Dressed with a molasses glaze and topped off with pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts, this dip’s flavors kept us reaching for more bread. If bread isn’t your ideal option, then opt for one of their many flavorful fatayers. Next on their list, they presented us with a delectable Chicken Moghrabiya Roll. Yes you read that right, this traditional dish was created with an incredible twist that had us enjoying it as though it were maki. Wheat puffs cooked with onions and chicken, then flattened and rolled into servings,

the moghrabiya was bursting with flavor and served alongside a delicious dip that compliments and enhances the flavors. Did I mention we were brought basket upon basket of their fresh bread? Yum! The mains came in slower, which meant we could take our time with each one. First up, we got the Chicken Shawerma Sizzler. A whole new take on the chicken shawerma, this deconstructed shawerma reminded us of fajitas, sans tortilla wraps. Using their fresh bread, you place a few of the sizzling chicken strips and top it off with some garlic mayo, pickles, shredded lettuce, grilled onion, green peppers, and tomato slices. The sheer joy of creating the shawerma ourselves was overwhelming and fun! Our next main came in the form of a steak. Beautifully carved, the Beef Tenderloin with Herb Sauce was cooked to perfection. Two juicy medallions, the tenderloin was flavorful and served

alongside diced potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and grilled asparagus. The herb sauce was the perfect condiment for the steak as it brought the whole dish together. Even after a feast like this, you must leave room for dessert and it came our way, after night had fallen. With the stars twinkling in the skies, and the moon rising beautifully against the sea, the whole experience was enhanced with dessert. We started with the Chocolate Volcano, which is a gloriously chocolaty molten soufflélike cake. As soon as you break through the crust, you’re met with the hot molten center. The alternating spoonfuls of cake and vanilla ice cream were perfection. Just when I thought dessert couldn’t get any better, the fine people of The Bistro brought out a plate so beautiful we couldn’t help but admire it. The Lokum Pudding was absolutely stunning to look at and a party by the spoonful. A base

of kunafah (sweetened vermicelli) to start, topped with a perfectly shaped muhalabiya (milk pudding) with subtle hints of cardamom, and drizzled over it a sticky deliciously sweet pink glaze. The pink glaze was the crown on top of this beautiful pudding nest. With floral accents to this glaze, it’s made with melted rose-flavored Turkish delights. Every bite of this delicious concoction transported me straight to my childhood. An absolute must-try, The Bistro boasts an impressive menu alongside a splendid view. If you’re going on a weekend, try to be early as the place gets packed really quickly! The Bistro is located in the Miral Complex off the coast of Mangaf past the Hilton Resort, for more info please call 2205 4200. Visit their website at www.bistromais.com or follow them on Instagram @BistroMais. 77

GAMES ON THE GO by Patrick Makhoul

With each passing year, more and more people are playing video games. The video game industry is huge – raking in USD 21.5 billion in 2013. People aren’t just playing games at home on their consoles anymore. More people are playing games on their smartphones, even those who were never into gaming to begin with. Mobile games have a bad reputation. If you pay a visit to the iPhone’s Appstore you might get your answer as to why that is. There happens to be a lot of low-quality games available. Developing games for mobile devices is a fairly inexpensive venture so people and companies try to capitalize on the popularity of smartphones. Over half the people who play video games play games on their smartphones. Add that to the fact that over 4 million iPhone 6 devices were preordered in one day and you get a clearer idea as to how huge the smartphone market is and how much potential there is. That’s why you have developers trying to come up with the next big thing like “Angry Birds’’ and then you have developers who clone popular games to try and make a quick buck. The result of this is that the Appstore gets filled with low-quality, badly developed games and clones of popular titles. There isn’t anyone really monitoring the quality of the apps that are allowed to be sold in the Appstore. So what makes a good smartphone game? The best kinds of games tend to be those that are designed specifically for the device you’re playing on. It sounds like such an obvious thing, but there are quite a few games available that try to mimic games available on home consoles or PCs. Great games designed for consoles will not necessarily be fun on smartphones. The most popular way to control games on phones is through touch screen, so the majority of the time your view is going be obstructed in some way. The other way to control games is by motion controls, tilting your device, which isn’t always accurate, can get frustrating. Playing a firstperson shooter on your phone will get annoying after some time and this is the case with the popular first-person shooter “Bioshock’’ which was recently released in the Appstore. The port isn’t bad, but it doesn’t play as well on the phone as it does on consoles. The best kinds of games use your phone’s touch and motion controls efficiently. They keep things simple. The phone’s screen size is not as big as tablets, so it’s best when developers keep the screen clutter free. “Canabalt’’ was one of the first popular titles released for the iPhone, creating an entire new sub-genre called 78

RECOMMENDED GAMES

Threes

The games I have the most fun with on my phone are puzzle games. My favorite is probably “Threes’’. “Threes’’ is a straightforward puzzle game that does an amazing job hooking you in. It’s charming, addictive, and a lot of fun. The aim is simple; match up the numbers on the board to accumulate higher numbers until the board is full. Another highly acclaimed puzzle game is “Monument Valley”. In “Monument Valley’’ you have to lead your character through mazes that are inspired by M.C. Escher. These environments are optical illusions and look impossible to traverse and you must interact with the environment to discover the solution to finish a level.

Walking Mars

I also really enjoy adventure and roleplaying games. “Terra Battle’’ is a fairly new game developed by Mistwalker. Mistwalker is helmed by legendary game developer Hironobu Sakaguchi who is the creator of the massive “Final Fantasy’’ franchise. ‘’Terra Battle’’ is a tile-based tactical role-playing game, which mixes in some puzzle elements. “Waking Mars’’ is a fun adventure game that lets you traverse through underground caves on Mars where you encounter alien lifeforms that you have to interact with to progress through the game.

Super Crate Box

The most popular games that people play on smartphones are those you can play in quickshort bursts. Like in “Bejeweled’’,”Temple Run’’,“Angry Birds,’’ and countless others. “Super Crate Box’’ is one of my favorite pickup-and-play games on the iPhone. It takes place on a 2D map with crates that pop up randomly to give you weapons that you have to use to take out never-ending waves of enemies. The main goal is to survive as long as possible while taking out as many enemies as you can. Another one of my favorites is “Super Hexagon’’. “Super Hexagon’’ is a fast-paced game where you control a little triangle navigating through a maze that is quickly “collapsing” - the levels are unbeatable and the longer you survive the harder the game gets.

the “Endless Run”. In “Canabalt’’ your character automatically runs across the screen and the only controls you have is tapping the screen to make the character jump over obstacles. This simplicity lent to the game’s addictiveness and was later replicated in some form in countless other games, including the popular “Temple

Run’’. Another game that did a fantastic job with controls was “Ridiculous Fishing’’. Where it used motion and touch controls efficiently. You tilt your device as your line descends into the water to grab the fish you want, and then you tap on the fish as they’re flung into the air so you could shoot them for cash.

BHS

FESTIVUS… For the rest of us! by bazaar staff

Frank Costanza: Many [holiday seasons] ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way… Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll? Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born … a Festivus, for the rest of us! Cosmo Kramer: That must have been some kind of doll. Frank Costanza: She was. And so it begun…a holiday, born in earnest response to the over-inflated commercialism of an increasingly uncaring world, a holiday meant to elucidate both man’s spiritual decline and articulate a one-world, unifying theme; the inclusionary tactics of an open-ended invitation… ”for the rest of us!” If this all sounds hyperbolic and overwrought, it is. But, for a holiday born of a comedic skit, what more can you ask for? The fact that the holiday has taken off like it has, should only serve as proof that the world was waiting for something like this. The Festivus holiday, introduced to an American TV watching public on December 18, 1997 through an anti-holiday episode of the now defunct show, Seinfeld, is said to be celebrated December 23rd of each year (although some celebrate it on other days as well, primarily due to its anti-holiday component). The word Festivus, in this sense, was coined by scriptwriter Dan O’Keefe, who worked on the American sitcom, and according to him the name “just popped into my head.” The English word festive derives from Latin “festivus,” which in turn derives from festus “joyous; holiday, feast day.” This well-celebrated holiday parody serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures 80

and commercialism of any Holiday season. Think of it as a form of playful consumer resistance. Originally a family tradition of O’Keefe, the holiday entered popular culture after it was made the focus of a 1997 episode of the program. There are basically three communal components and a couple of decorative points that you will need to know to celebrate this new holiday. The usual holiday tradition of a tree is manifested in the form of an unadorned aluminum pole, which is in direct contrast to normal holiday materialism. Those attending Festivus may also participate in the “Airing of Grievances” which is an opportunity to tell others how they have disappointed you in the past year, followed by a Festivus dinner, and then completed by the “Feats of Strength” where the head of the household must be pinned. All of these traditions are based upon the events in the Seinfeld episode. Here is a breakdown of how they play out: Festivus ‘Tree’ There is a Festivus pole that is purposefully unadorned, as a direct – if minimalistic – response to the ubiquitous Holiday tree. It should also be pointed out that Fesitvus miracles are likely to happen all the time. The only thing is, Festivus miracles are normally easily explainable things which we pretend are miracles, for effect. Feel free to call out your own miracle at will (me writing this article is a Festivus miracle – Yeah!). Then there are three official things that have to happen. The first of them, like any good holiday, starts with a family dinner. Festivus dinner A celebratory dinner is held on the evening

of Festivus that is normally outside the norm of holiday food. In the Seinfeld episode, the on-air meal was shown to be some sort of meatloaf and spaghetti with red sauce. The original holiday dinner in the O’Keefe household featured turkey or ham followed by a Pepperidge Farm cake decorated with M&M’s, as described in detail in Dan O’Keefe’s The Real Festivus. Airing of Grievances The “Airing of Grievances,” takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. It consists of each person lashing out at others and the world about how they have been disappointed in the past year. Think about it, how many of your family functions have ended in one big fight by the end of the night? Wouldn’t it be better to just get that out of the way at the beginning? Feats of Strength The “Feats of Strength” is the final tradition observed in the celebration of Festivus, celebrated immediately following, or during, the Festivus dinner. The head of the household selects one person at the celebration and challenges that person to a wrestling match. Tradition states that Festivus is not over until the head of the household is pinned during the match. Again I ask, how many of your family functions threaten to get physical? Wouldn’t it be better to get dad involved and wrestle it out at the beginning so we know for certain who the king of the clan is? Whatever holiday you decide to celebrate this year, the bazaar team wishes you a wonderful holiday season full of friends, family, and food. See you around the Festivus pole!

FREDAMILY

FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

FRANKLIN MARSHALL OLGA

FROM RUSSIA

DAVID

FROM SPAIN

#CLOSE2ME NEW WINTER COLLECTION WILLIAMS FROM ITALY

The Avenues | 360 Mall

GUIDE TO DRIVING IN KUWAIT, PART II: by Lulua Al Osaimi

After giving my father a copy of bazaar’s November issue featuring my ‘Guide to Driving in Kuwait’ article, I called him during my lunch break to see what he thought. “Hey Dad, so what did you think of my article?” to which he replied, “You know I didn’t finish it because I was reading it while at the red light on my way to work.” “Bwahaha come on Dad! That was the whole point of the article! ” So with my father’s honest comment as inspiration, and me being the aware driver that I am, I think I missed a couple of guidelines…

Continued: 32. When making a left turn at the light, all lanes have the right to make the left hand turn, even if there is only space for two lanes. 33. New speed limit cameras – are those things even on? 34. Waiting to make a U-turn? Yeah sure, until the person on your right decides that they want to make it two lanes and turns in front of you while making the U-turn, almost causing you to T-bone their vehicle. 35. Never come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Always keep it rolling. 36. Find trash in your car? Pull up to a public rubbish bin conveniently located on almost every street, but make sure to not actually throw it inside the bin. Hey, someone will clean it up any way. *side eye* 37. If the driver ahead of you is not driving as fast as you’d like, drive within inches of their bumper, while simultaneously flashing your high beams to blind them. Now, that is multitasking. 38. When parking in a parking lot, those lines painted on the ground mean nothing…absolutely nothing. 39. No parking spots available in the parking lot because four cars have already taken up the eight parking spots? No worries, just get in where you fit in! That includes behind an already parked car, or if you have a SUV, drive up and over anything. Just make sure to put on your emergency brake, because of course, it is an emergency! 40. And after you get in where you fit in, open your car door as quickly and hard as possible. Doing this and making your car door come into direct contact with the parked car next to you will actually move their car, giving you more room to park. 41. Come across random traffic and smoke in the air late night on the road? Don’t panic, it’s either a car accident or a wedding celebration. And if it’s a wedding celebration, get ready to sit patiently while friends of the groom put on a free show! 82

42. Seatbelt for safety? Nah...too tight. 43. If you want to get some errands done with minimal traffic, roads are mostly clear on weekend mornings until 1pm. You know we love our sleep. 44. Need to exit the roundabout, but you’re in the inside lane? Don’t hesitate, just turn and go. 45. One lane with 30 cars waiting, but that one car comes and bi-passes all 30 cars, and then requests to be allowed in once they’ve reached the front… allow them, they’re clearly in a hurry to go nowhere. 46. Remember that life lesson you learned when you were 3 years old about taking turns? Yeah, let’s pretend that never happened. 47. Having your windshield chipped or cracked by some random object that just came out of nowhere is normal, and bound to happen, repeatedly, so get used to it. I think I have covered all of the guidelines to driving in Kuwait, but I also am pretty sure I will be reminded by something on my way home from work today. But make sure you remember, revolution begins with one…Blinker! Food for Thought: As much as my friends and family know how much I enjoy a good laugh, as well as making others smile, I was compelled to write these pieces because of the reality and seriousness of the matter. As an artivist (Artist + Activist), I find that some issues are better received through the lens of satire and humor, but with my ultimate goal of always bringing awareness to the issue at hand. I do believe that a positive shift with anything in the world ultimately begins with oneself, and hope through my artwork and writing that I can inspire others to reflect on their own thoughts and actions. I think we all can agree that Kuwait is a beautiful place with many possibilities, but it is up to us all to help cultivate and foster these positive possibilities. Peace, light, and gratitude #staywoke.

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FINDING THE

FUNNY IN FRIENDS’ PLACES by Ayman Nassar

continues to dazzle audiences with his arsenal of quick-witted humor and passion for expression. Despite his several accolades, anyone who meets him will be struck by how down-to-earth his demeanor is. I was first introduced to George when I was a novice court jester seeking advice, which he was quick to dispel. When I went on to meet and perform with him, he was even more helpful in guiding me around the trade by taking me under his wing. It is hard to find a person of such character, and for now we shall delve deep into the magnificent mind of this multi-faceted, self-proclaimed #1 Fan of all things Nutella. What made you decide to get into comedy? I was bored…just kidding. I was six and didn’t understand or speak English and my American neighbor and I found a clip on TV by comedian Jerry Lewis called ‘We like to hike’. We laughed even though we both did not understand much? The experience stuck in my head. Here I was laughing with the same kid whom I wasn’t able to communicate with, but through laughter we had a common ground. My dad nurtured it as he was a very funny person.

If television has falsely taught us anything, it is from the wisdom of the little blue Franco-Belgian creatures that believe in specialization; to each their own craft. The baker bakes, the brainy brains, and the strong lifts weights. Only one can be a jackof-all-trades, and in that regard we have found our Papa Smurf (sans the white beard and blue skin!) The world is a very small place. And when we talk about Kuwait, it gets even smaller. As with the first thing we do when adding a new friend on Facebook, we check to see mutual friends and are always surprised at the results. Chances are you have heard of our funny friend, either directly over the radio in the morning, or indirectly as the automated answering machine for several companies in Kuwait. We are talking about George Tarabay, an Engineer by profession and a standup comedian by heart, George also finds himself in his spare time to be a poet, writer, blogger, voice-over artist, musician and MC for Radio; you might be familiar with his antics on the local morning English show with his co-hosts. A veteran comedian of eight years, George

Do you remember the first joke you ever told? I told my dad I wanted to be a comedian. How would you classify your type of comedy? Dark, so dark it’s late at night and the electricity just got cut off. Who do you draw inspiration from? Who has influenced you? Many…mainly Louis CK. I learned that you can say anything, whatever it is, but only if you present it well and portray knowledge and strong confidence. What was your favorite comedic experience? What was your worst? My favorite would be when I get heckled by the audience. Many of these typically happen at every single show, it started as people thinking “let’s test the new guy” then it became [continued...] 85

[...continued] my trademark – “the comic who puts hecklers down.” My worst experience would be when I lost my dad last February. As a comic, few make me laugh, but he was always on top of that list. I lost his presence but never his essence. Run us through a typical show, how long before do you prepare, what do you do? If it’s a big show like what I am working on right now it could take months to bring the whole production together and make a linear format that runs smoothly. For jokes, it’s random. In a single day I can write a thousad jokes or for months I can write none. I go to the show knowing what I want to convey but never how I will do it. I start my show with a standard joke, once I get that crucial first laugh, everything rolls out. Mostly Improv[isation] and heckler put-downs. In your opinion, what’s the difference between rehearsing for a performance and improvising onstage? Which do you prefer? Rehearsing is crucial to ensure the production starts and wraps up within a set key frame and that you have harmony between lights, sound and media. For a performance, I practice every second! I am always trying (yes, trying) to be funny. That always gives me a sense of what works and what does not. It’s all about persona and it’s always a work in progress. I obviously prefer improv though, but even that takes rehearsing, not in the theatrical sense, rather sharpening your reflexes every second. You obviously must watch different comedians. How do you keep your thoughts fresh and ensure they are not influenced by others so as not to be accused of sampling other comedians’ works? There is a French saying that goes, “Rien ne se perd, rien ne se crée, tout se transforme” which means nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything transforms. We are what we consume, and not in the culinary sense alone, we are a bundle of feelings, culture and many other factors. Everything inspires at every second. You keep it fresh and original by putting your own spin on it. Once you do that and master it, it applies to comedy and everything else. And this is my process. Do you ever get stage fright? Once. Only because I had food poisoning and I was worried I might need to use the toilet mid performance. How do you strike a balance between your many talents? I don’t…I live in a constant state of chaos, in my house, my life and my work. Would you go watch yourself perform? Maybe, if I was bored. Would love to watch Louis CK live though. What advice would you give to anyone wishing to start a standup comedy career? Don’t. Or be crazy enough to disregard my advice and then by all means please do it! It’s a bitter-sweet process. If it pays off it’s great, if it doesn’t, it is still great. Does that make sense? No? Great. Follow George Tarabay on Facebook: GeorgeTheComic, YouTube: GeorgeTarabayComedy, Twitter, Instagram or Vine @GeorgeTarabay. Images courtesy of Celeste AlTamiranda and Timothy Carr. 86

VISION EXPRESS

bookworms

‘TIS THE SEASON! The Novel, The Epistolary, and The Guilty Pleasure by bazaar staff

Being jolly and merry are apparently two things I seem to lack when it comes to my book selections. Sitting in front of my “library” and browsing my virtual library for hours got me to this conclusion, I don’t have happy-go-lucky books! Well, that’s not entirely true, I’ve just come to realize that I have nothing dashing enough for the holiday season. What I do have are extremes: heavy-hearted books (covers an array of genres and authors), Sci-Fi/fantasy, or the guilty pleasures people don’t admit to owning. But I, as most people know, have no shame in what I read. So for this season of festivities, I’d like to present to you my top three “unseasonal” books. My first option was a no-brainer. I’ve been itching to find an excuse to sneak this book into a “must-read” list. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger has always been a personal favorite of mine. I first read this book in high school, as did most people. Yes there’s a certain stigma and negative publicity attached to this title, but I stand by my belief, the book is harmless. Salinger managed to perfectly embody a 16 year-old boy when writing this, with all the anger, emotions, and anxiety that comes with being a teenager. An outsider looking in, Holden Caulfield is a self-proclaimed phony with a deep-rooted resentment towards phony people. 88

A coming-of-age novel, The Catcher in the Rye was originally intended for adults, but Caulfield’s relatable angst made it popular amongst younger crowds. To start you off, let me define epistolary before I jump right into it. An epistolary is relating to the writing of letters, which basically translates to a complete coherent novel written in the form of penned correspondence. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn is a wonderfully written tale defying all the rules of grammar and spelling. Based in the fictitious island of Nollop where the government uses Nollop’s pangram “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” as law, Ella Minnow Pea along with her family and friends document the happenings through their correspondence. When a single letter falls off the pangram’s monument, chaos ensues and the use of said letter becomes banned. In order to restore order, and letters, in the alphabet, a committee must be formed for a new and modified pangram to take Nollops’ place. Find out what happens to the citizens of Nollop through this “Novel Without Letters.” Guilty pleasures are awesome, end of story. Every person has a book, or set *ahem*, that we don’t really admit to reading, let alone enjoying them. Indulgences are important though, especially

after reading an epic fantasy or a hefty biography, or the ever-so-thick anthology! Back to my point, my ultimate guilty pleasure author is Lauren Weisberger, the woman better known for The Devil Wears Prada. But the book chosen from this “shoe cover” collection is none other than Last Night At Château Marmont. Based in New York, we follow the story of a happy couple, Julian and Brooke. Brooke being the working wife who supports her husband while he struggles to become a recognized musician. When a record label finally discovers Julian, their life turns upside down as they attempt to navigate the fine line between married life and “famedom.” Between the paparazzi stalking them, the late night parties, and hotel rendezvous their life is open to uninvited scrutiny. This is an awesome book full of ups, downs, and mischief. Easy and fun to read, you can easily get through it in a day or two! Oh to the joys of reading ALL THE BOOKS! Regardless of taste, you’ll always find yourself drawn to a book or two in each of the aforementioned categories. Now say it loud and say it proud, books are awesome! Stay tuned for next month’s selection of non-fiction literary goodness.

The perfect gifts for the Holidays!

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FRESH, TASTY, HUMBLE

Humble Burgers, the new friendly neighborhood food stop by bazaar staff

Humble Burgers is a tiny bright green restaurant that stands out from the quiet residential area of Fintas. It looked different from the typical burger joint, with its clean bright colors and ample parking. Their minimalist design was quite intriguing, and I immediately felt welcomed by the simplicity of their establishment. It is a small shop, but still modern and welcoming. While I only knew about this joint’s growing popularity based on word-of-mouth, I was extremely eager to sample what the buzz was all about. Founded by Mubarak Jaffar and brought to you by the same people who delivered us with home-grown concepts like The Kitchen and Junkyard, Humble Burger arrives as your typical neighborhood eatery. Simply, a quiet place to enjoy quality burgers that is born right here in Kuwait. I also noticed that Humble Burgers offered the perfect place for carryout orders, but was cozy enough to have a private meal with a significant other. There were a few simple tables, with large windows that cast beautiful natural sunlight inside the store. Even the water was served in a quaint mason jar mug, as were the utensils and brown paper napkins. I quickly flipped through the menu, and I could tell that the items were very different from a typical burger joint. Despite its simplistic vibe, the menu featured modern food items such as housemade potato buns, freshly made juices, and a wide array of sandwiches to suit any taste. I started with the beetroot salad, a simple plate of sweet juicy beets mixed with creamy feta cheese 90

and deliciously roasted pine nuts. It was very light and refreshing, and not overwhelmingly sweet. I also tried their pumpkin salad, which featured a smokey sweet balsamic honey dressing, tangy feta cheese, and nicely roasted pumpkin slices arranged in a cute starfish pattern. As I was finishing up the tasty salads, I was hit with the aroma of freshly cooked appetizers. The smell wafted towards the table from afar, and I found my mouth excitedly salivating by the time the server placed the plate before me. I was impressed by the golden fried, super crunchy onion rings which erupted with flavor. The roasted potatoes had strong bursts of rosemary and olive oil. And the breading on the mozzarella sticks was as deliciously flavorful as the hot gooey cheese on the inside. Despite the humble brown board and green checkered paper they were served on, the starters were very high quality and had elegant flavor profiles. I was then quickly served some of their most popular burgers and sliders. The meat had a perfectly browned crust and was not overcooked or overseasoned. The fine flavor of the juicy beef was allowed to shine and was not overwhelmed by unnecessary spices. All of their burgers featured their soft, pillowy potato buns. They were deliciously fluffy but sturdy enough to contain the toppings without being messy. The Humble Burger itself was phenomenal, with gently cooked beef, elegant smokey mayo, delicately grilled onions, cool crisp lettuce, melted cheddar cheese and house BBQ sauce. It looked like a classic burger but the unique combination of ingredients gave it a

phenomenal taste. Although this quaint little store had many customizable burgers to choose from, I was most impressed by their Turkey Cranberry and Brie sandwich. A soft crusty baguette, sweet cranberry spread, and thickly cut moist turkey meat, made this sandwich taste just like Thanksgiving! Even though I was stuffed, I couldn’t help but try what they called “golden chocolate triangles.” The simply-named dish was anything but ordinary! It featured golden brown puff pastry triangles dripping in warm Nutella, yet somehow was still light and crunchy. They also had a tangy and subtly sweet baked vanilla cheesecake, complemented with swirls of chocolate, a dollop of vanilla ice cream, and fresh ripe blueberries. I was comfortable throughout the entire meal and left feeling satisfied. I was impressed by the attentiveness of their service even though they were filling lots of carryout orders. All in all, the low-key location seems like a great place to pick-up take out or for couples who want some quiet conversation. Humble Burgers isn’t just a “burger joint,” but a nice neighborhood food shop to get fairly-priced, great-tasting meals. If you’re looking for a classy yet comfortable local meal, then stop by and try out a Humble Burger! Humble Burgers is located at Block 1, Street 1, Building 11, Fintas. For more info call 2390 0133. You can also check out their menu/order online on Talabat or visit them on Facebook and Instagram @HumbleBurgers.

BIKEWORLD

OSTO

OURA

inside/out

U2: A BURGLAR IN YOUR ICLOUD? You too, can be a multimillionaire! by bazaar staff

When U2 released their latest record, they did so with the wild bravado of businessmen looking for synergistic capabilities between brands over post-golf Scotches at the clubhouse: of course everyone is going to want it on their phone…for free! And, whether you were one of the people who excitedly listened to your gratis new record in your iCloud, or were one of the ones who cursed the band for their intrusion of same, the move was certainly polarizing. The backlash that ensued now well-known, the marketing campaign thus apologized for, one fact remains unexplored: was it, from a business perspective, successful? At first listen the album is 11 tracks of stadium-sized, well-polished – if typical – soaring guitars, with a tight rhythm section driving the way underneath; they definitely benefit from the many years spent as a cohesive unit. From the opening sing-a-long choir and rhythmic skipping rim shot of the record, the listener is meant to evoke a homey house party feel amongst friends – look guys, they’re just like us! Then, just as quickly, the sheet is pulled to reveal the full band, too big to be contained by such small spaces. It works too; the drop is a monster. Shortly thereafter, Bono’s voice, all shimmer and sooth, floats across the top of the sonic landscape as he “chase(es) down the days of fear,” with a vocal processing that 94

unfortunately undercuts the content of his words. This interplay of contrasts, between big and small moments, a stadium band playing at occasional smallness, old guys playing at youth by mixing newer sounds amongst their own, is a theme that repeats throughout. But enough of all this, for this is not actually meant to be a record review (fans of the bands later work will love it, fans who think they sold their souls to the pop gods for another 15 minutes of fame may feel vindicated). Rather, as far as business is concerned, this is a chance to see if their gamble – if one can even call it that, given the amount of upfront money the band received before one musical note was even heard – paid off or not. At the recent Web Summit tech conference in Dublin, Bono announced to a packed audience that the decision to giveaway U2’s latest record, Songs of Innocence, via a deal with Apple, was “one of the proudest things for us ever.” While some might see as counterintuitive any company strategy that gives the product away for free, Bono cites the overall reach of the album as justification, “we did in three weeks with Songs of Innocence what took us 30 years to do with The Joshua Tree.” To this point, according to a recent Billboard article, prior to this record, 14 million customers had purchased music by U2 from Apple since

the opening of the iTunes Store in 2003. With an estimated 82 million having downloaded the record since its release, the band garnered almost 6 times the listeners nearly overnight, as they had in the previous 11 years. In addition, they received a USD 100 million in free media exposure from Apple’s global marketing campaign and a Billboard estimated USD 5 million upfront fee, excluding royalties. Not a bad return for a free giveaway. In response to those who have been vocal about their outrage to the perceived gumption of the bands distribution deal, Bono still chooses to look on the bright side, saying, “We got a lot of people who were uninterested in U2 to be mad with U2. And I would call that an improvement in the relationship.” For now, however, Bono says they are continuing on with their long partnership with Apple, attempting to bring listeners the next best thing in music, citing potential new formats and interactive visuals that would potentially create “more value than a simple MP3 file.” Inside/Out is your guide to all things music related. Feel free to send your demos, show flyers, or Soundcloud recordings for your chance to be featured here. WE LOVE NEW MUSIC!

ABOU EL SID

FASTT

TELCO

IMAGINACTIVE FITNESS APP

“Don’t ask, just run!” by bazaar staff

Apocalypse scenarios are always fun to follow. The genre inspires us to rush to the cinemas to watch the latest film, the bookshop to buy the latest book, or the gaming store to play the latest game. But if I were to walk out of my office right now and find myself faced with impending doom, I’d probably hide away in a bunker somewhere and hope for the best. Enter Imaginactive, a fitness tech startup, and their Apocalypse Survival Training (AST) app that not only lets you train for said scenario, but also whips you into shape. With AST, you can enjoy the weather and get a great workout at the same time! Because sometimes, hiding just won’t cut it. Honestly though, I get it, the gym can be daunting and you just don’t feel like going. But with the weather taking a turn for the cooler, there’s no excuse to not enjoy the great outdoors. With Imaginactive, the Apocalypse Survival Training app, you can enjoy the weather and get a great workout at the same time! Even though the storyline you follow is set in London, you can do it anywhere! All you need is an open mind, an imagination, and an appreciation for a good story. Did I mention that it was entirely crowdfunded through Kickstarter? I was lucky to get a hold of founder, Adele Kirby, midmayhem to ask her a few questions. What is Imaginactive Fitness and what inspired the making of the app? Imaginactive Fitness is my startup company, which will be fusing fitness, storytelling and geekery to make exercise epic! We’re talking known and beloved elements of popular culture storytelling (films, TV, books, comics) and using them to make something often less beloved – exercise – more accessible and enjoyable. It all came about thanks to years of my friends asking me to use my professional fitness background in conjunction with my writing and love of all thing geek, to make exercise more fun and ‘meaningful.’ Why this storyline and not, say, zombies or any other doomsday scenario? Zombies have been done and done and done again, and done really well by Six To Start in their (highly recommended) running game ‘‘Zombies Run’’. While we have a number of future scenarios on the cards, we decided to start with an alien invasion because kaiju-style aliens are such an outstandingly versatile enemy. They can chase you – prompting running – but they can also be moving above you and be destroying the environment around you, prompting ducking, weaving, jumping, side-stepping etc., so the running elements of the programme become more about agility than straight jogging/running interval training. They can look like anything, sound like anything – and that’s particularly important for us as we’re an aural series – and have any kind of powers/ 98

abilities, so there’s so much you can do with them. They can be stupid or intelligent, instinctive or malevolent, there are no traditions to respect or re-make as you would have with vampires, zombies or more established enemies. Many people are also familiar with films like King Kong, Transformers and Pacific Rim and understand the idea of being this small, fragile creature under the feet of monsters, where your physical abilities are the difference between life and death. What do you want the people of Kuwait to know about this app? AST will be much more economical and fun than a gym membership, especially if you don’t really know how to run your own training program. You

can work out on your own, or with friends, and 2 out of every 3 episodes can be done from the comfort of your own home (the running episodes do need to be done outdoors). The exercises are mostly timed rather than rep based so you can work out at your own level – it’s suitable for a wide fitness range. And as the story is a sci-fi drama set in London, it’s also great mental escapism! No, zombies aren’t involved, but monsters, aliens, and general unknown wrath can be just as threatening to mankind! The app won’t be released until the third quarter of 2015, but if you want to keep track of their progress visit www.imaginactive-fitness.com. It’s up to you, dear reader, to save the world, and yourself, so RUN!

TIKTOK

KUWAIT’S NURSERY DRIVERS

Your littlest backseat driver may save your life by bazaar staff

On November 18 the Kuwait Times newspaper reported the death of a Kuwaiti motorist in his 30s who caused a fatal accident on the Fifth Ring Road earlier that week. Preliminary investigations have concluded that the motorist was driving at top speed and lost control of the car. He died in the emergency vehicle en route to Farwaniya Hospital. In the same update the national newspaper reported on four more separate and unrelated accidents in which seven people were severely injured and taken to a hospital. Kuwait broke the world record in the number of traffic deaths in 2012, with an average of 17 deaths recorded in every 100,000 cases. According to reports of traffic incidents in the first three quarters of 2014 completed by the Ministry of Interior, 225 people have died on impact out of the 49,437 reported incidents. The country has become notorious for its high speeds and mangled, burnt wreckages found on highway dividers and the side of roads. The country is not alone. According to the United Nations, road accidents are a leading cause of death, injury and disability around the world. Almost 1.3 million people perish in automobile crashes per year, and 20 to 50 million are injured or disabled. As a response to these numbers the international body passed a resolution in May 2010 that focused on improving road safety. In conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) they launched a program titled “A Decade of Action for Road Safety” initiative for 2011-2020. Initiatives have sprung up around the world to raise awareness about road safety issues, and impose hard-handed laws on traffic violations. Here, Porsche Center Kuwait has taken a novel, and more long-term approach than most by teaching kids 3 –7 about traffic safety at their Porsche Kids Driving School (PKDS). “Research indicates that young children form their attitudes early and these attitudes will shape their behaviors later in life,” says Abdulmohsen Behbehani, Director at Behbehani Motors Company. “In fact, most children will develop their attitudes about driving by wat=ching their parents and other adults. In an ideal world, all parents would be safe drivers, but this is not always the case. That’s why the Porsche Kids Driving School program was developed to introduce road and traffic safety guidelines to children between the ages of 3 and 7 years.” The program is headed up by Mike Finn, the former head teacher at the British School of Kuwait, who points to research that kids between the age of 3 – 7 are at their most formative years. The impressions made on them now will be taken with them into their teenage years when they get behind the wheel. The program, sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company and approved by The Ministry of Education and The Ministry of 100

Abdulmohsen Behbehani

Interior, aims to teach children about the most important traffic safety issues. Private schools across the nation are invited to bring in some of their youngest students to the Qadsiya Sports Club’s basketball arena. There, they are given a classroom session, the opportunity to practice what they have learned on an indoor track and a package to further implement the safety standards they learned on the field trip. For the students, it starts with a short lecture on the responsibilities of the driver to the car, pedestrians and other vehicles. The lecture includes an emphasis on the four golden rules: click seatbelt, keep arms and head inside the vehicle, make sure to hold hands, look and listen as you cross the road, and no mobiles while driving. The

lessons are then enforced through songs, videos and games like the traffic light game, go when the light is green, stop at red and slow on yellow. The children are then taken out of the classroom, and into their very own plastic Porsche Boxter or 911, based on their size. They take an introductory lap around a circuit of cones and ribbons. Assistants point out the roundabout, U-turn, tunnel, pedestrian crossing and traffic lights. Students are instructed to drive around the circuit with a focus on keeping a safe distance from the driver in front of them, watching for oncoming drivers and most important, being courteous to other drivers. “They understand that concept, you know, when they are going up the stairs in the school, or

if they are going through a doorway and the teacher is coming, they understand the concept that they have to stop and give way,” said Finn. “So we teach them to say ‘after you sir,’ or ‘after you madam’.” We dropped in on one of the morning sessions, and walked into a basketball court filled with laughter and happy shrieks. Students from the Little Harvard Nursery steered blue and red Porsche 911s around the track under the watchful eye of teachers and aids. When one of the kids got stuck, an adult would grab the back handle of the car and push them in the right direction. The children’s driving skills are hard to find on some roads in Kuwait. They slowed as they approached roundabouts, focused on keeping safe distances, and every one of them wore their proper safety belt. Some were even practicing

crossing the road safely. For Finn, the most important impact of the program is after the students leave the sports complex. They arrive home armed with a certificate of participation and a license from PKDS with the quote “I know my road rules,” the school’s way of giving them the confidence to remind their parents of the safety rules they learned. They are also given a Porsche Safe Driving Handbook for parents that outline rules and regulations, laws, and safety standards for driving with children. The biggest impact, however, comes from the schools, and a comprehensive curriculum on how to include the life skill of road safety into their teaching schedules. “It helps them to then reinforce an ongoing

basis,” said Finn. “We only get the children for a couple of hours. We try to make as big an impression as we can. When they finish driving the cars they will always tell you it’s great. We can’t let it stop there.” Finn used his more than three decades of experience to create the curriculum and is already seeing an impact. Children who have gone through the program stop him in malls and when prompted, recite the four golden rules. This is the little ray of hope that a joint effort between schools, parents and Porsche will help create a generation of safe, confident drivers. For more information on the Porsche Kids Driving School visit their website at pkds.org. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @pkdsq8. 101

big boys toys Because grown men still need to play

STUDEBAKER SAFETY RAZOR & BADGER SET

TAYLORMADE RSI 1 IRONS

HENDO HOVERBOARD

Give your shaving routine a serious upgrade with the Studebaker Brass Safety Razor & Badger Brush. This grooming gear doesn’t only look slick, the razor is a classic 3-piece double-edged safety model, with each piece cut, finished, and assembled by hand in Pittsburgh, USA by Studebaker Metals who do craftsmanship like a throwback to a forgotten time when things were made with care and sweat. Made from 260-alloy brass and sterling silver, it arrives with 5 Personna comfort-coated stainless steel blades. The matching brush is made using grade-A badger hair that’s fitted to a handformed American brass handle, with a planished (smoothed and toughened) finish that serves as a great compliment to the razor.

Golf technology seems to move at an ever faster pace each year, and the TaylorMade RSi 1 Irons are the latest example. Built to compensate for the fact that 76% of all iron shots are mis-hits struck outside the sweet spot, these new clubs feature Face Slot technology in the 3-8 irons that puts a durable epoxy compound all the way through the club in two slots on the toe and heel. This allows the face to flex more easily, resulting in better ball speed and more consistent distance across the face. Other features include an improved Speed Pocket in the 3-7 irons, the company’s thinnest face ever, a new True Temper Reax 90 steel shaft, and a stabilized head structure for improved sound and feel.

It’s impossible to talk about hoverboards without invoking a particular movie title: Remember that awesome scene from Back to the Future Part II? It’s one step closer to reality! It may have taken 20 years, but a California startup just built a real, working hoverboard. The Hendo Hoverboard isn’t another hoax, it’s an actual hoverboard, complete with 4 hover engine housings on the bottom that help respond to your movements. The highperformance design makes this a smooth ride that currently relies on magnets to levitate the board over a metal surface, but the tech continues to improve, and could be ready for other surfaces soon as well.

www.uncrate.com

CAST ALUMINUM AND WOOD FURNITURE

QUADROFOIL

REFOLD’S PORTABLE CARDBOARD DESK

It seems that creative designers are always finding new ways to join materials in beautiful and striking combinations. Designer Hilla Shamia creates her cast aluminum and wood furnishings through a process that involves pouring molten aluminum directly onto the wood, letting it burn and seep deep into the woodgrain, creating a fresh look that blends the natural and the industrial. The legs and bases of each piece are cast in place, naturally joining the wood and metal and creating smooth gradient tones where the two meet. This interplay between the two materials emphasizes the inherent loveliness of both and would look fantastic in both modern and rustic homes.

Quadrofoil is a thrilling, sustainable electric watercraft that lets you fly over water! Aerodynamic design and precision engineering enable it to glide on water and provide an entirely new and thrilling water experience. The lightweight, eco-friendly watercraft is almost silent and has zero emissions, it has a cruising speed up to 20 knots and a range of up to 62 miles on a single charge. It boasts a patented, integrated steering system, a steering wheel with an integrated touch screen that keeps you informed about battery life, range, speed, and power consumption, and since its lightweight composite hull weighs only 220 pounds, it’s also easy to get in and out of the water.

Many will tell you that it’s unhealthy to sit in front of your computer for hours at a time, but you can’t usually bring a standing desk with you to a remote studio or the park. However, you won’t have to make do with chairs and laps now that Refold’s cardboard standing desk is on the way, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign. Think of it as origami office furniture – so long as you’re willing to lug about 14 pounds with you, you can set up a leg-friendly workstation in about two minutes. It’s sturdy enough to handle the weight of many desktop PCs, and there are different sizes to accommodate both kids and taller adults.

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FAMILY. FASHION. ONE DESTINATION AUTUMN / WINTER

COLLECTION

2014

CENTREPOINT

BELLA

Contact lenses made beautiful by bazaar staff

Contact lenses are liberating for the spectacle-clad crowd. Unless you enjoy the statement, then you’ll enjoy the bigger statement this will make. Did you ever wonder what you’d look like with different colored eyes? Whenever we start wondering about our hair color, we dye it, because it’s that simple. With our eyes on the other hand, we’re a little more cautious and much less daring. But with the introduction of contact lenses, we’ve been given the opportunity to experiment to our heart’s content. Vision Express, a leader in the optical industry, has brought to us an incredible product, Bella colored contact lenses. Taking the region by storm, the Vision Express branches all over Kuwait and the GCC markets are now supplying and recommending Bella contacts. The lens material and design guarantee customer satisfaction and overall delight! As always, Vision Express offers only the best to their customers and values their contentment. Whenever a customer asks for colored contact lenses, Vision Express confidently recommends the best the market has to offer. Bella is Vision Express’ top choice due to not only their diversity in color, but also to the comfort they provide the wearer. There are three major categories Bella colored contact lenses offer; Natural, Enlarging, and the Enlarging Natural collections. The Natural collection is known for the “Contour and Natural” feature which gives the wearer a natural look. The Enlarging collection provides a “Highlight and Snow White” look that gives the impression of bigger and more defined eyes. And finally, the Enlarging Natural collection, which gives off the look of “Diamonds” that is natural, yet lets the eyes appear larger in size. Each type is created with precision to give you utmost comfort while making it look like you are not even wearing contacts. The diversity in color and design makes Bella a leader in the colored contact lens market. You can choose the colors that suit you and your lifestyle and look as though they were your natural color. If you naturally have darker eyes, you can go for the defined lenses, as they’ll look the most natural on you. If your skin tone is on the darker side of the spectrum, opt for the greens, and if you’re on the lighter side, then go for the blues. The hazels and grays suit almost every skin tone out there, but your choices are limitless. The material the lenses are made of and the additive to the lens solution make Bella colored contacts perfectly safe for the most sensitive of eyes. The lenses themselves are the daily disposable type and last for three months, which makes these lenses hygienic. They also work perfectly well for first time contact lens users, as 104

they’re easy to put in and take out. With new colors added all the time, you’ll never be left wanting a color again. So visit your nearest Vision Express and check out their extensive color collection from the Bella colored contact lenses catalogue.

Pop into your nearest Vision Express and pick up a pair of Bella colored contacts! Vision Express can be found at 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Marina Mall, The Gate Mall, Al Bairaq, Rawda Co-op and Salwa Co-op.

BISTRO

Loaay's Two Cents Got business problems or challenges at work? With his Two Cents page, Loaay Ahmed shares his expertise in strategic management consulting to help managers, employees and entrepreneurs thrive.

Goals, strategy, plans and all these terms are overrated. Our family business doesn’t have any of that and we’ve been in business for 23 years. When will teachers and consultants stop talking theories?

So what’s the problem with lack of focus as long as you’re profitable? If your joy comes purely from seeing your bank account getting fatter, then it’s fine for you. Your employees and customers, on the hand, will have a different story to tell. When your single focus is on the bottom line regardless, you won’t invest in your employees that much and you won’t make business decisions based on what’s best for customers. This strategy leads to high turnover of employees and customers’ defection. The only way that some companies don’t feel the negative impact of such a strategy is when they hold a monopoly over certain desirable brands. In this case, the profit comes from the strength of the brand with not much credit to the importer. Can anyone look back 50 years later and genuinely feel proud? Not in my book. Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop, once said in an interview with Jane Brainbridge, “Profit is not the objective of my business, it is providing a product and a service that’s good enough that people give you a profit for providing it.” Wanting more money just for the sake of it won’t build a business empire. Great entrepreneurs are passionate about a certain product or industry. They’re not in it just to make money, but also to add to it. Such entrepreneurs make life better. One more thing, when you want more money by selling anything that’s a goal; when your focus is to aggressively cut corners in every way to achieve your goal that’s a strategy; and when you’re again delaying renovating the worn-out customer reception area that’s a plan; nothing theoretical here... and that’s just my two cents.

No matter what tasks I get done there’s always more. It’s like I’m swimming in an endless ocean. On top of that, my employees are asking for attention. I know it’s their right, but I don’t have the time. Is there an easier way to manage?

Here’s a typical manager’s daily schedule: After handling yesterday’s emails a couple of internal meetings take place and just like that it’s midday. Now it’s time to give some updates by phone, to chase feedback from colleagues, and to answer other departments’ questions and of course the CEO’s quick inquiry that somehow always drags to a 25-minute phone call. The day is gone and lunch was a quick bite on the way out of the office, if any. That’s assuming there was no disaster that requires staying till the evening. Sound familiar? This manager is a saint, right? Wrong. The devastating fact is that most people are too busy to

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manage. The word ‘manager’ refers to two responsibilities: projects and people. The schedule we reviewed above was filled with projectrelated activities. So this person was a good project manager but not people manager. Part of your time needs to go to projects and the other part needs to go to developing your team. Bottom line, either hire more employees and trust your team better so you can delegate, or strip down the things you do to the bare essentials so you don’t manage too many people...and that’s just my two cents.

Most customers keep jumping from one business to another. Very few stay for the long term. When can a business claim that this or that customer is truly loyal to the brand and how long should we wait before that happens? Customer loyalty comes from continuous purchasing, promotion of the business to others, and defending the business when needed. Except the defending part, all of these behaviors are quantifiable and can and should be measured. Your ultimate brand success is when it has become almost invisible to your customers’ conscious mind and an organic element in their subconscious mind so much so that they buy your product/service as a habit. You become second nature to your customers that the concept of buying from you is not something they have to question, debate or even consider before every purchase. It’s like you have a monopoly over their purchase decision when it comes to your product/service category. It takes roughly anywhere from 10 to 20 years to achieve this invisible status. Rarely, you may start a new company with a knock out business model, product or service that’s brilliantly thought of and overwhelmingly executed to a point where you accelerate your journey to invisibility in the minds of your customers. Tools to consider for measuring loyal customers behaviors are Net Promoter Score – or System as it’s called nowadays – for loyalty, sales records to analyze buying frequency, volume, and range of past purchases; and likelihood of repurchase questions to gage future commitments or uncover hidden concerns. Many companies are after waves of trends. While it’s a valid strategy, trends come and go. Long-term customer commitments, however, need time and attention to grow solid...and that’s just my two cents.

For Loaay Ahmed’s advice on business or work matters, send a short email to loaay@knightscapital.com. Regrettably, only the questions chosen for publishing will be answered. Loaay Ahmed is a management adviser and strategic expert. To learn more about Loaay and his consulting service, strategic business therapy, visit www.knightscapital.com.

SOCIETY

JUNKYARD

The Kuwait City rendition, Junkyard opens its third location at Al Hamra Luxury Center by bazaar staff

If, like us, you’ve long been fans of the Junkyard concept inspired by street classics, then you will share in our joy when we learned about this dining sensation’s latest location in Al Hamra Luxury Center’s Café Court. Considered as the concept’s third location, the downtown rendition in Al Hamra Luxury Center fulfills Junkyard’s promise to get even closer to their ever-growing fan base. What began as a kitschy, underground concept in Abu Hassaniah’s The Village soon saw the brand open a second location in Arabella in Al-Bida’a. Now famous for its breakfast menu, the opening of an Arabella location familiarized residents of the Salmiya district, along with its neighboring suburban areas, with Junkyard’s ethos of “keeping it simple.” Today, Kuwait city-goers, whether residing around the Al-Asimah district or working in the city, have the fantastic opportunity to get to know the concept’s most loved classics along with new menu additions that are inclusive of most peoples’ favorites. By focusing on excellent execution of a pared down menu, and using superior ingredients of 108

predominantly in-house preparation, Junkyard successfully accomplishes their goal of delivering tasty “Street Classics.” All of the items are prepared in house, and the result is freshness with every single order. The playful name of a concept built on daring to be different is part of this brand’s charming personality. Founded by Mubarak Jaffar, Junkyard is a locally crafted concept from start to finish, making this establishment a preferred option for out-of-towners who are looking to try restaurants that are born in Kuwait, and even locals who like to stay away from franchises and would rather dine locally. Upon arrival to the Al Hamra Luxury Center’s Café Court, the restaurant’s aesthetic resembles a cool, upscale cafeteria. The setup of Junkyard is quite simple and chic, complete with a homely chalkboard that clearly denotes the menu. Unlike the concept’s other branches located in Arabella and The Village, you make your order at the main counter and receive a modern pager. Once ready, you would be paged to come up and receive your order. We loved how all of their trays were made out

of repurposed wood, and the dishes we sampled were well presented in brightly striped blue and white packaging and never messy. Clean, elegant and simple with an edgy street attitude. When it comes to the menu’s evolution and development, we tried out a selection of new items at Junkyard. These include new sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, and vegetarian options, while classic items have been updated. If you’re thinking of a movie night at Al Hamra’s Grand Cinemas, then head to Junkyard with friends prior to the screening, and order a multitude of ‘street’ sides. We loved their classic street fries; hand cut and loaded with beautifully melted mixed cheese, chopped up bits crispy beef bacon, onion tanglers that effortlessly intermingle with every bite and their signature homemade sauce. The chili cheese fries are great for those looking for a spicy kick, while the crunchy onion rings manage to be down right delicate with their understated and minimalistic breading that allows the onion flavor to pronounce itself more than expected. Wing lovers will relish the street

wings, also breaded in house and tossed with their signature buffalo sauce and side of blue cheese dip. Also on their list of street sides, we loved the jalapeno bites that were expertly offset with blue cheese sauce. The quesadillas, also a new addition to the menu, are soon to become everyone’s favorite. We sampled the chicken option, and absolutely enjoyed the freshness of the grilled chicken chipotle-infused strips, mixed cheese and sautéed onions that were balanced out by the moist guacamole and sour cream dip. You can also go for a vegetarian or beef option. Before we delved into the Junkyard world of sensational burgers, we opted to try their new selection of salads, of which the Portobello Mushroom Salad was the star of the afternoon. Think one, commanding and carefully battered Portobello mushroom set aside a bed of rocket leaves, freshly sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. The texture of the salad is built by the addition of toasted pine nuts, shaved Parmesan cheese and finished with their homemade pesto and balsamic dressing.

If you’re looking to stay away from burgers, then the new sandwiches at Junkyard deliver a multitude of options for you. The thickly baked toast bread makes for an amazing home to a variety of fillings. Marinated grilled chicken topped with cheddar cheese, or pastrami and mustard combinations, to vegetarian favorites like Mozzarella and mushrooms, offer diners the option of trying something different while still indulging in a filling meal. However, we couldn’t come all the way to Junkyard and not try their infamous burgers. Their namesake Junky burger with top-secret sauce was both good and inventive, despite our own partiality to the Bacon Burger. The “Chubby Cheese” is also a strong standout here. With regards to the sizes of the burgers, you can even go for a smaller slider size if you wish to leave room for dessert. What we love about Junkyard’s menu is that it cleverly caters to different palates while still remaining simple. If you are less inclined towards burgers, there are also a combination of chicken options, most notable for the fact that all breading

is done on premises, a welcomed departure from the frozen and pre-breaded varietal used by so many other places. Their Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, which they pride themselves on, is delectable and every bite proved more addictive than the one before it. As far as desserts are concerned, we went for the Salted Caramel Brownie topped off with chocolate sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream. However be sure to try their bestselling Chubby Balls, balls of baked biscuits drenched in a mixture of their homemade signature sauce and further drizzled with chocolate sauce. By the end of our meal, we left Junkyard with a sense of pride of a concept that was locally founded, and is quickly expanding across the country and the GCC.

Get your Junkyard fix by heading to the Café Court at Al Hamra Luxury Center (2227 0292), Arabella in Al-Bida’a, or The Village Complex in Abu Hassaniah (2390 1022/33). Follow them via Instagram @junkyardkw or order from Talabat.com. 109

MY AFFAIR WITH ANDROID by Bibi Al-Falah

It wasn’t a typical introduction to the “other” famed operating system, nor was it a planned one. It all happened on a trip back from Bahrain, when I lost my iPhone and had to get a new smartphone at the airport. Anxiously waiting at Zain’s branch, I got the most basic smartphone I could find because I wasn’t about to buy another iPhone 5S when the iPhone 6 release was just around the corner. I ended up with the Huawei Ascend P7, and something very unexpected happened after just one day of use…I liked it! “Android,” … the operating system that iPhone users cringe at the sound of and boast about how iOS is so much better (me being one of them), wasn’t so bad after all. In truth, we really have no idea what we’re talking about (as per usual). Everyone simply prefers iOS because we are inherently slaves to our iTunes accounts; a brilliant move on Apple’s part. Back to my new phone… The Chinese manufacturing giant Huawei (which many are still very unfamiliar with) turned out to be one of the most user-friendly mobiles I ever used. The size was perfect (a pinch larger than the iPhone 6), the design was sleek, and it’s extremely light. Now to the interface…the Google Play store (iTunes App store equivalent for Android) has almost all the same applications as iOS. My screens were very easy to use, the phone was very 110

organized and it didn’t take more than a minute to figure out all the functions I require for my day-today phone needs. Aside from basic functionality, the camera is absolutely amazing! It delivers super clear pictures with editing options that go far beyond just filters. I had to say I was impressed, considering this is one of the cheaper alternative smartphones on the market. Back to the Android OS, I started getting more input from regular Android users and addressing the main objections most iOS users bring up when considering the switch. The largest objection is that you don’t have access to your iTunes account. As a solution, my co-worker told me about an application called Double Twist which is apparently the cure for iTunes addicts. When downloaded on your Mac/PC and your Android phone, you will be able to sync your iTunes music library over Wi-Fi without even having to plug in. If that was your biggest concern for the switch, you may now rejoice. In other reviews, there were some large differences that have now skimmed down with the release of iOS8. For example, Apple used to block third party keyboard software such as SwiftKey (this is an amazing app that gives you a much easier keyboard to type with and gets smarter the more you use it, predicting your next words in every sentence). I honestly don’t know how I used to type

before this app, it’s that much better. Anyway! iOS has unblocked SwiftKey and other similar apps solving that barrier. I also have the application Truecaller which is an absolute MUST when you are on a new phone after losing an old one. On Android, Truecaller detects who is calling you as they are calling you, allowing my phone to identify most numbers I hadn’t saved yet. On the iPhone, you have to manually go into the App and enter the number to search the user. On the other hand, an issue I have with Android is not being able to use emojis on Instagram comments. Some of my Samsung friends don’t seem to have this issue, so there must be a solution that I am still too apathetic to figure out. Either way, I can now confidently say that people should choose their phones based on their preferred aesthetic and functionality, not on the operating system. Having said that, I am going to proudly purchase the iPhone 6 Plus because I don’t think it’s too big and am more comfortable having a larger phone with access to all parts of my iTunes library including shows, especially with the 5.5 inch screen. As a testimony to how simple Android is, however, I have no issue continuing to use my P7 until the exaggerated price points of the new Apple device deflate. How about you? Which phone will you choose next?

TAIBA

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Teaching our children by modeling the behavior we want them to learn by Jamie Etheridge

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been taking my kids to the Secret Garden Project in Salmiya. Organized by the same folks that created the pop up farmer’s market, Shakshooka, the garden is a community project that invites anyone who would like to take part to help grow the garden. Since we live in an apartment, like so many families in Kuwait, my children do not have access to a garden or regular opportunities to dig in the dirt, play on the grass or otherwise engage with nature. So when I found out about the garden, I was ecstatic that they would have a chance to do all those things. I never considered my own role in this whole ‘gardening’ adventure. The truth is, I’m more than a bit of a homebody and I seldom spend time playing in the dirt. At home, our amazing housekeeper and nanny takes care of the plants and even grew tomatoes on our balcony last year. I’m more studious. I like to spend my time reading books, writing or crocheting afghans and tote bags. So on the first Saturday that we went to the garden, I brought along my camera and a few bottles of water with the idea that I would give the girls free rein to help in the garden and I would take some nice photos and sit back and watch. And that’s what I did. At least for the first 15 or 20 minutes. I roamed around the garden and like any proud mama would, snapped pictures of my girls hauling dirt and watering the plants and helping out. It made me so proud to see my daughters working in the garden and I was happy to sit and watch them, until my three year old came over and asked: “Mama, what are you doing? Come play with me.” That’s when it hit me: I’m such a hypocrite! I talk such a great line about community projects and spending time outdoors and teaching my children to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle. And yet here I was sitting in the shade and taking photos. As a mom, I realized I had totally just failed rule number one of parenting: model the behavior you want your children to learn. By sitting on my butt, I was sending my children mixed messages. Do what I say and not what I do. So I grabbed a bucket and trowel and helped fill a planter with sand and soil and lightener. Once it was prepped, we chose seeds and planted, and then helped the girls to water the garden. By the time I left I was sweaty, red-faced and in much need of a shower. But I felt amazing. I felt like I had learned an incredibly valuable lesson about how to be a mom. (Six years into motherhood, I’m still learning how to be a parent and many days are a lesson in what I’ve done wrong and how to get it right next time!) Maybe my girls didn’t even notice that at first I wasn’t working. Maybe they were so excited and so busy being engaged themselves 112

that it never crossed their minds to wonder why I was sitting instead of planting and painting. But I’m glad I did get up and get involved. I’m glad I worked. I know in Kuwait we tend to let the help do much of the hard labor. We stand on the sidelines while the nannies change our children’s diapers or feed our toddlers their dinner. We make phone calls and social visits while our maids cook dinner and wash clothes. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having help and I am personally grateful for all the help I can get. But our children learn by watching us. If we don’t cook meals, how can we teach them this very important life skill? If we don’t read, how will they ever learn to love books? It’s easy to let life get in the way, to worry what

others will think when they see you sweating and hauling dirt like a madwoman. But when your kids are heading off to college, you won’t remember what others thought. Instead you will be hoping and praying that your children are self-sufficient, resourceful, capable, curious and most of all, prepared to take care of themselves and live a responsible life. Whether they become those things or not is a direct result of how we parent and what we show them about what is important and valuable in this world. Kuwait Moms Guide is a local online resource providing everything moms in Kuwait need to know. You can visit them at www.kuwaitmomsguide.com or follow them on Instagram @kuwaitmomsguide.

HOLIDAY INN A Whole New Experience An authentic culinary experience awaits you as you dine it at the newly renovated Ayam Zaman Restaurant. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of East & tempt your appetite with an array of the most delectable Lebanese dishes prepared by our skilful chefs.

Stay Connected : Holiday Inn Kuwait - Salmiya R

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For Reservations Call : 1847 777 or 25760 444

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‫متحف سعود الطريجي‬ ‫‪by Strawberry girl‬‬

‫أغلبنا ال يعرف عن الكنوز المخفية في متحف خاص‬ ‫في منطقة الفيحاء‪ .‬صاحب المتحف سعود الطريجي أمضى‬ ‫سنوات في تجميع ما يزيد عن مليون ونصف قطعة من دول‬ ‫مختلفة‪ ،‬وعرضها في متحفه حتى يتمكن الناس من رؤية‬ ‫هذه القطع النادرة ‪.‬‬ ‫لقد بدأ سعود الطريجي بممارسة هوايته في جمع‬ ‫األشياء األثرية والقديمة منذ كان في الثانية عشرة‬ ‫من عمره‪ .‬ويشرح كيف واجه المشاكل مع عائلته عندما‬ ‫كان طفال‪« :‬أول القطع التي جمعتها في طفولتي كانت‬ ‫تلك التي تركها جيراننا خلفهم في بيوتهم القديمة عند‬ ‫انتقالهم من حينا السكني القديم في منطقة (جبلة) وثم‬ ‫المرقاب في العام ‪ .1954‬أمي كانت تظن في ذلك الوقت‬ ‫بأن تلك القطع قد تنقل إلينا بعض األمراض ألن جيراننا‬ ‫قد يكونوا مرضى‪ .‬و قد منعتني من وضعها في المنزل‪،‬‬ ‫ولذلك اضطررت أن أحتفظ بها فوق سطح المنزل»‪.‬‬ ‫لقد كان المتحف ينتقل مع صاحبه سعود حتى استقر‬ ‫في النهاية في منزله الحالي الكائن في منطقة الفيحاء‪.‬‬ ‫لقد انتقل متحفه إلى بيته في المنصورية وكان وقتها‬ ‫المتحف صغيرا‪ ،‬وقبل قرابة ‪ 25‬سنة انتقل إلى بيته الحالي‬ ‫حيث خصص مساحة عدة غرف ليعرض بها مقتنياته‪ ،‬إال‬ ‫أنه الزال يعتقد أنه بحاجة إلى مساحة أكبر لعرض كل ما‬ ‫لديه‪ .‬واليوم يقوم أفراد عائلته الذين كانوا يعترضون على‬

‫فكرة المتحف بزيارته ويثنون على الجهد الذي بذله‪ .‬إال أنه‬ ‫حزين ألنه فقد جزأ من مقتنياته خالل الحريق الذي نشب‬ ‫في المتحف قبل بضع سنوات‪.‬‬ ‫لقد جمع مقتنياته األولى من الكويت‪ ،‬وبعد أن كبر‬ ‫وأصبح يسافر توفرت له فرص أكثر إلقتناء أشياء من‬ ‫مختلف الدول حول العالم‪ .‬وبالرغم من كون مقتنياته‬ ‫األولى من الكويت إال أن أغلبها لم يكن صناعة محلية‬ ‫بل من دول مثل الهند وإندونيسيا وغيرها‪ ،‬و قد جلبها‬ ‫البحارون والغواصون الكويتيون من هناك حيث كانوا‬ ‫يستبدلونها بالتمر الذي جلبوه معهم من العراق‪ .‬و بعد‬ ‫عودة الغواصين إلى الكويت يقمون ببيع هذا األشياء‪.‬‬ ‫يحتوي متحف الطريجي على مجموعة واسعة من‬ ‫األشياء بما فيها قطع هي األولى من نوعها من أول شهادة‬ ‫جنسية كويتية‪ ،‬أو خالط العجين األمريكي أديسون والذي‬ ‫يحمل الرقم ‪ ،1‬و قد اشتراه الطريجي بأكثر من ‪3000‬‬ ‫دوالر أمريكي حيث أنه أقدم من ‪ 120‬سنة‪ .‬و أيضا يحتوي‬ ‫المتحف على أول كرة قدم دخلت الكويت عام ‪.1930‬‬ ‫و قد زار المتحف مئات من طلبة المدارس والجامعات‬ ‫على مدار السنوات الماضية‪ .‬ويشرح الطريجي أن الطلبة‬ ‫يأتون غالبا للحصول على المعلومات والصور التي تساعدهم‬ ‫في كتابة بحوثهم‪ ،‬حيث أن المتحف يحتوي على العديد من‬ ‫القطع و الوثائق التي تروي تاريخ ومسيرة التعليم في‬

‫الكويت‪ ،‬بما فيها المجسمات التي تمثل المدارس القديمة‪،‬‬ ‫واألدوات المدرسية القديمة‪ ،‬والكثير غيرها‪.‬‬ ‫و هناك المزيد من الكنوز المكنونة في المتحف مثل‬ ‫سرير أحد السالطين العثمانيين‪ .‬أيضا هناك العشرات من‬ ‫األسلحة المختلفة من جميع األنواع والعصور‪ ،‬ومن بينها‬ ‫بعض األسلحة التي أهداها شيوخ من آل الصباح لسعود‬ ‫الطريجي‪ .‬أيضا اآلالت الموسيقية القديمة واألجهزة‬ ‫المشغلة للموسيقى (بشتختة) التي كانت تشكل جزءا‬ ‫رئيسيا من الحياة الكويتية‪ ،‬والمتحف يحتوي على العشرات‬ ‫منها‪ ،‬ويمكن للزوار أن يستمعوا لألغاني الكويتية والعربية‬ ‫القديمة من خاللها‪.‬‬ ‫أيضا هناك كم هائل من العمالت القديمة والطوابع‬ ‫البريدية والتي يعود تاريخ بعضها إلى أكثر من ‪300‬‬ ‫سنة‪ .‬أيضا يحتفظ الطريجي بالكثير من القناني القديمة‪،‬‬ ‫والسجائر‪ ،‬وعلب الكبريت‪ ،‬وأدوات التجميل‪ ،‬واألحذية‪،‬‬ ‫واألواني المنزلية‪ ،‬والمجوهرات والحلي‪ ،‬واألدوات المنزلية‬ ‫وغيرها الكثير‪ .‬و يوجد رف خاص فقط لساعات أفراد‬ ‫العائلة الذين توفوا‪ .‬كم يمكن أن يستمتع الزوار بمشاهدة‬ ‫ركن خاص يظهر المهن الكويتية القديمة‪ .‬يوجد أيضا ركن‬ ‫خاص يروي قصة الغزو العراقي الغاشم على الكويت‪.‬‬ ‫يمكن للراغبين زيارة المتحف وبدون رسوم‪ ،‬لكن‬ ‫يفضل اإلتصال مسبقا على رقم‪99772999 :‬‬ ‫‪114‬‬

FANTASY WORLD

NOT A ROOM, A RESIDENCE Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait City by bazaar staff

When traveling for extended periods of time, we sometimes crave an experience that delivers more than what an average hotel can offer. We love the luxurious amenities, but miss using our favorite brand of shampoo. A hotel’s dining option of five restaurants seems tantalizing at a glance, but after a while all you want is a meal that you can prepare yourself. This phrase rings true for many business travelers who arrive in Kuwait for several months at a time, working on special projects, or even families who ‘winter’ in Kuwait to take advantage of our mild weather and amazing outdoor activities. It’s true. The idea of a five star hotel is initially appealing, but when you’re in town for more than two weeks, you start missing those inimitable comforts of home. Enter the Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait City, your home away from home in Kuwait. 116

Upon walking through the doors of the Residence Inn, you’re immediately taken into the main lobby’s understated luxurious décor marked by bespoke oriental touches. The staff eagerly greets you with welcoming smiles, and their uniforms, colorful tunics matched with easygoing jeans, epitomize casual chic. You’ve arrived at Kuwait’s first Apart-hotel, where the rooms are actually more than your typical hotel room – they are suites in every meaning of the word. With a concept that is completely different from the every day notion of a hotel, the Residence Inn offers customers looking for an extended stay in Kuwait a myriad of amenities and options that makes them feel right at home. For newcomers to Kuwait, the Residence Inn serves as the perfect starting point to explore and arrive in a new place.

Located in the heart of the city in Sharq, Kuwait’s corporate hub, project managers flying in from abroad and who like to travel light, will benefit from this location’s strong connection points. Whether they are seeking a location that is close to the offices that they will be working at, or if they wish to stay somewhere that is connected to all of Kuwait city’s modern leisure and culture points like Souq Sharq or the Sadu House, the business traveler benefits from both business and pleasure at the Residence Inn. Family travelers arriving from neighboring GCC countries will feel the same way, as the Residence Inn’s ethos echoes with warm hospitality, rather than most corporate driven hotels that deliver a bare and stark aesthetic. If visiting with a large family, you can benefit from connected suites that easily open up to create one large open

space that accommodates the entire family. The suites, not rooms, are extremely spacious. Business travelers and tourists alike can enjoy staying in the studio apartment-like suites that are equipped with anything and everything that they might need: starting with the most comfortable double beds, functioning ironing boards and even to pots and pans in the fully equipped kitchens. The suites are well thought out, with separate areas for working, sleeping, eating and relaxing so you feel right at home. One of our favorite highlights, however, has to be the stunning view of the Arabian Gulf that envelops and floods the floor to ceiling windows with light. You’re immediately one with the sea, and can absolutely relax with a book or while working. If you’re looking for a larger space, the Sharq and Jibla suites deliver panoramic views,

are fitted with the most luxurious finishing such as gold fixtures in the bathrooms, and allow families to stay together in one place. When staying at the Residence Inn, you have a space to completely relax in a social and casual setting. You can stay connected with free Wifi in the lobby or use the Business Center, and they even offer to fill your fridge with whatever you wish. Upon checking in, there’s even a welcome Amenity Kit to start off your stay along with a ‘fill my fridge’ card. Fill out this card with the items of your choice, and upon return to your suite after a day’s work or exploring the city, you will find that your fridge has been fully stocked with the requested items. Such personalized services distinguish this establishment from other places. The service is thoroughly accommodating, as the experts at the Residence Inn will advise you

about where to go out for dinner, where you could find the closest cinema, and much more. A grab and go market is also available at the restaurant of the hotel, Blendz, and is filled with basic amenities to start off your stay. The restaurant itself, located on the ground floor of the hotel premises is light and airy, as its décor follows the same theme as the main lobby. The Residence Inn also offers its guests complimentary hot breakfast, there’s a fitness center and gym, as well as ample underground parking for long stay guests. The Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait City is located in Sharq, Abdullah Saleh Almulla Street. For more information, please visit residenceinnkuwait.com or call 2205 9500 for rates and reservations. 117

HOW I WON A TRIP TO INDIA by Omar Khalil

On the 30th of April, 2014, AUK’s Diwaniya Book Club organized a Sherlock Holmes themed Murder Mystery event that took place in the university’s courtyard. Most participants joined at the prospect of dressing up and role-playing as fascinating characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle, engaging with other characters in an animated and eventful scenario, and attempting to solve an intriguing mystery that was filled with twists and secrets...I joined at the prospect of free food. I picked the role of a doctor who had triumphantly killed a large beast and survived to tell the tale, so of course, I donned a convincing (if I do say so myself) attire, complete with a fake mustache, bowler hat and bloody bandages, and spent the entire night trying to convince people of my amazing feats like a crazy person. Keeping true to my character, though, I also had to figure out who was the murderer. The victim was my character’s employee, whom my character was very loyal and faithful to. This gave me a fervent incentive to try and figure out who killed my subordinate as quickly and efficiently as possible. Naturally, I did that by pointing accusatory fingers to as many suspicious-looking people as I possibly could (everyone) whilst vaguely trying to make some 118

sense out of the clues I was able to find. I won, somehow. I stood up after that surprising announcement and quickly primed myself to give a short thank you speech and accept my prize. The second announcement that immediately followed was even more surprising. While I would have been perfectly content with a voucher or a mini iPad, I wasn’t however, prepared to learn that the grand prize was actually a 4-day trip to India, all expenses paid, including a tour of Agra and the Taj Mahal! I felt pretty chuffed, to say the very, very least. The trip was entirely planned out from start to finish by the Diwaniya Book Club, and there was very minimal organization required from my end. The flight to India was super comfortable and we were greeted by our tour guide waiting for us at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. He gave us a ride to Taj Palace, a fantastic five-star hotel in New Delhi where we were served fantastic breakfast and stayed in a fantastic luxury room that had a fantastic view of the outer courtyard. The place was truly fantastic in every sense of the word. The actual trip to the Taj Mahal was more stellar than I had initially expected. Our tour guide walked us around and gave interesting insights whenever we would reach a key location. His commentary on

the history of the Taj Mahal and the Emperor that built it was enlivened and delivered as if it was a fairy tale, so I never felt bored during the entirety of the tour. Viewing the Taj Mahal up close, on the other hand, did feel like a fairy tale, almost as if it was something taken straight out of a dream. It was massive, especially considering that it contained only one main room where the tomb of the Emperor and one of his wives was kept. It was also almost wholly made of marble, and because of that, the palace seemed to gradually change in color to a darker hue as the sun slowly shifted. Witnessing that firsthand was a surreal experience. We spent our final days engaging in other interesting activities, including a short round of mini-golf in the hotel’s courtyard, but nonetheless the glowing image of the Taj Mahal stayed fresh in my mind. It’s still pretty baffling that I was given the opportunity to experience all of that just for figuring out whodunit, although, suffice it to say, I am truly grateful for it. This is one memory I will never forget. About the Author: Omar Khalil is a student at American University of Kuwait and is an avid member of the Diwaniya Book Club. For more information about AUK visit www.auk.edu.kw.

MCDONALDS

bazaar movie night The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in December

RECLAIM

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

FOXCATCHER

Release Date: December 4 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Drama, Thriller Cast: John Cusack/Ryan Phillippe/Rachelle Lefevre

Release Date: December 11 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Ian McKellen/Martin Freeman/Cate Blanchett

Release Date: December 11 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Cast: Steve Carell/Channing Tatum/Mark Ruffalo.

Synopsis: Steven and Shannon are a young couple who have decided to adopt an orphan after Shannon loses the ability to conceive through a horrific car accident. After hooking up with an international rescue adoption agency, they soon discover that all is not what it seems. Suddenly their newly adopted daughter goes missing in a small town, and Steven and Shannon will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind her disappearance and the dangerous secret behind the agency they trusted. Risking their own lives, they will discover just what being a parent means and how far they will go to get their child back.

Synopsis: This movie brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath to Lake-town. However, there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. The Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide - unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Synopsis: Foxcatcher tells the story of Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz, who sees a way out from the shadow of his more celebrated wrestling brother Dave and a life of poverty when he is summoned by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont to move onto his estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Desperate to gain the respect of his disapproving mother, du Pont begins “coaching” a worldclass athletic team and, in the process, lures Mark into dangerous habits and a self-destructive spiral. Based on actual events, this is a gripping and profound story of fragile men who pinned their hopes on a desperate obsession for greatness that was to end in tragedy.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 3

ANNIE

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

Release Date: December 18 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family Cast: Ben Stiller/Robin Williams/Owen Wilson

Release Date: December 25 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family Cast: Jamie Foxx/Rose Byrne/Quvenzhané Wallis

Release Date: December 25 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Drama Cast: Christian Bale/Joel Edgerton/Ben Kingsley

Synopsis: Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled night at the museum ever - Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. When the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah begin to die out, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. Other famous stars and cameos include, Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), Ben Kingsley (Schindler’s List, Ender’s Game) Steve Coogan (The Trip, Alan Partridge shows), Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect) and Ricky Gervais (The Office, Muppets Most Wanted).

Synopsis: Annie (played by Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis also from Beasts from the Southern Wild fame) is a young, happy foster kid who’s also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan. But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Jay-Z and Will Smith served as producers, as well as Willow Smith (Will Smith’s daughter), who was originally set to play Annie, but dropped out.

Synopsis: From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) comes this epic biblical adventure. The story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state-of-theart visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues. Interestingly, the role of Moses was previously played by Val Kilmer in The Prince of Egypt, who, like Christian Bale, has also played Batman.

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For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit: Cinescape: www.cinescape.com.kw or Facebook: Cinescape – Kuwait National Cinema Company. *Above programs are subject to change without prior notice.

RESIDENCE INN

DISC CONNECT

In a digital age, vinyl records are back by Anna Bernasek

Number of vinyl records sold in the United States in 2007: 1 million Number of vinyl records sold in the United States in 2013: 6 million On Main Street in the tiny hamlet of Amagansett, New York, there’s a florist, a wine store, a few restaurants, a handful of clothes stores and then there’s Innersleeve Records, which opened a little over two years ago. Owner Craig Wright started in the music business in the late 1980s, collecting records and working at a record store when vinyl was on the way out. Today vinyl is in, and his store buys, sells and trades records. “I’ve done it long enough for the trend to come back,” he says. “A lot of record stores closed when rents were rising and sales declining. But now sales are increasing.” At a time when album sales are falling, the growth of vinyl is a bright spot in the music industry. In the first half of 2014, sales of vinyl records were 4 million, compared with 2.9 million for the first half of 2013, an increase of almost 40 percent, according to Nielsen SoundScan. At the same time, total album sales in the United States were down almost 15 percent to 121 million units, due to falling sales of CDs and digital albums. Despite vinyl’s double-digit growth, it makes up only 3 percent of total album sales and is dwarfed by the size of digital downloads. On-demand streams were up 42 percent in the first six months 122

of 2014 to more than 70 billion songs, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Still, the music industry began to take notice when sales of vinyl suddenly started to accelerate in 2008. “It really began as a grassroots indie concept,” says Wright. “Now major artists like Taylor Swift are getting into it.” So far this year, the biggest-selling vinyl albums are Lazaretto by Jack White and AM by the Arctic Monkeys, as well as classic albums by the Beatles and Bob Marley. So who’s buying vinyl? According to Wright, it’s not just nostalgic oldsters looking to relive their youth or record collectors in the hunt for a rare album. “We see younger people getting into it. One kid gets into it and it just kind of spreads,” says Wright. “When you buy virtual music you’ve got nothing to hold on to. So for the first time with records, kids are holding something physical in their hand and collecting something they can show off and be proud of.” What does this mean for the music business overall? It suggests that Taylor Swift is right: the album does have a future, albeit a niche one. Or as Slate’s Will Oremus argued earlier this year growth in vinyl sales can be seen as “yet another manifestation of the societal fetishization of all things ‘vintage’ and analog, which is pretty clearly a response to digitization…” Perhaps Peter Allen put it best in his hit song from the 1970s “Everything Old Is New Again.”

Yet, while vinyl is growing, it’s not going to be the music industry’s savior. Total physical album sales were down 14.9% in the US in the first half of 2014, to just shy of 121 million units. CD sales led the way down, falling by 19.6% (there were still nearly 63 million of them sold), while digital album sales were down 11.6% to 53.8 million units. Set against that, the 4 million vinyl albums sold are an irrelevance. Streaming, meanwhile, continues to flourish. Ondemand streams were up 42% from a year ago (to more than 70 billion streams), of which audio streams (think Spotify, Rdio, Beats, etc) were up 50.1% and video streams (think Youtube, Vevo) up 35.2%. The problem for the music industry is that the revenue generated by streaming (through royalties) is not making up for the decline in music ownership, at least not yet. However, when you add up all digital purchases of individual tracks and online streams, and combine them with physical sales, the total dollar “equivalent” of albums sold declined by only 3.3% in the first six months of 2014 (assuming 10 digital downloads, or 1,500 streams of a song, equals the dollar value of an album sale). In July 2013 the fall was 4.6%. So who knows? If current trends hold up, even this gap could even be closed before too long – though it would take a lot longer for music sales to recover to the level they had before the streaming revolution began.

BUTCHER’S DEN

ZUMBA IN THE CIRCUIT

Get your groove on with Noha from Curves For Women

Zumba has grown popular in Kuwait and globally as one of the most fun workouts that helps you burn tons of calories – without even realizing. But today, Curves For Women is introducing another form of Zumba that involves dance and aerobic elements combined with interval training and machines. How many times have you cancelled a workout session because you were too tired in the morning, exhausted after work, or wanted to just chill in the evening? This is the number one problem many of us face when it comes to working out and altering routines. So, if you are someone who finds yourself struggling to stay motivated, then one of our Zumba In The Circuit classes may be right for you. Easily adaptable into any busy schedule, Zumba In The Circuit allows you to be in and out in just 30 minutes and fits all fitness levels. It is a complete workout, combining choreography of grooves inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and music, while incorporating hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, and the mambo – resulting in a metabolism-boosting, 124

strength-building and cardio workout unlike any other Zumba class you’ve attended before, guaranteed to thwart boredom. On average, a woman burns 245 calories per hour walking, 490 calories per hour jogging, and 560 calories per hour running, yet a whopping 850 calories with Zumba In The Circuit – making it the most beneficial of all these activities and a favorite in Curves For Women clubs. With classes available averagely from 8am-6pm everyday excluding Fridays, Curves For Women gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and into your favorite old pair of jeans – quickly. Noha Sharaf shows us why. The class warms up together and cools down together, notes Noha, who began her Zumba In The Circuit in February 2014, after years of specialized training. “Zumba In The Circuit is perfect for non-dancers, new exercisers, or for those who have been hesitant to try a group fitness class,” she says. “It’s like a mini version of a Zumba class that moves exercisers from one exercise station to the next to the beats of reggaeton, salsa, merengue,

hip-hop and more, and it suits everyone! The circuit lasts only half an hour, in contrast to a typical Zumba Fitness class of 60 minutes, while still burning more than 800 calories,” she adds. After numerous years in specialized training and attending various international training events, Noha believes the best thing about Zumba In The Circuit is how it combines strength training with cardio and dancing for a varied workout that never gets boring. It gives participants so much energy and increases their muscle strength in just 30 minutes, all in the same work-out. “It’s just such a fantastic concept! For me, the best thing is the participants. The atmosphere is slightly different when instructing Zumba In The Circuit, the energy is flowing and the participants are always extremely satisfied. I’ve had many women come up to me at the end of a session saying that they wouldn’t even have dared to try Zumba if it wasn’t for Curves and the 30 minute circuit training.” Noha says. Until you try it, here are the 7 Benefits of Zumba:

1. Burn calories FAST One of the greatest benefits of Zumba In The Circuit, is how quickly you can watch those calories disappear. The high-octane, Latin-inspired dance rhythms of Zumba combined with the benefits of metabolism-boosting cardio and strength training into one complete workout, in just 30 minutes of contagious grooves. On average, Zumba In The Circuit can help you burn more calories in just 30 minutes! Just participating in one class per week for a year will help you shed at least 0.5kg of body fat per month, while maintaining a healthy weight over time. Keeping in mind you do not need to know how to dance to enjoy an energetic Zumba In The Circuit, making it a fun, fast and safe complete workout. 2. Fit FUN into your busy schedule Zumba In The Circuit, unlike other fitness classes, is made to get your body moving and your blood flowing. At Curves For Women, you can reduce stress, clear your mind, burn calories and get stronger in just 30 minutes with the support of their instructors attending to you throughout your

30 minutes of complete workout. It’s like having a personal trainer without the financial burden. 3. Made for YOU Whether you are just starting out, exercise occasionally, or want to test your fitness limit – Zumba In The Circuit has it all. You are in control of your own endurance and pace in class, allowing you to adapt your intensity to what fits within your lifestyle and personal fitness goal. 4. Build endurance, coordination, and MORE Not only does Zumba In The Circuit help you build endurance and coordination, it gives your entire body a full-workout in only 30 minutes. With your entire body being put to use, Zumba In The Circuit alone can help you strengthen your heart and lungs, increase circulation and flexibility, and tone your muscles. 5. Get SOCIAL Different from personal training or regularly attending a gym, the atmosphere at Zumba In The Circuit is one you can’t help but get involved in. Whether going with a friend or on your own, you’re bound to feel right at home at Curves For Women

within an exciting atmosphere and community of confident women whose bond will make you wanting to come back for more. 6. Be MENTALLY prepared Zumba In The Circuit does not just have physical benefits, but mental as well. The musical atmosphere consistent with the dance moves helps boost your mood and result in an increase of your endorphin levels. Best thing about all this? You leave your Curves For Woman Club full of energy and the positivity follows with you after class! 7. MOTIVATE yourself So, explore your creative side and express yourself through movement with Zumba In The Circuit. Why wait? Change you life today. It’s not a competition, it’s about improving your life, while at Curves For Women. Just have fun while you shed those kilograms away, keeping that desire to come back for more.

For more information about Curves For Women, please call 2226 1739 or visit www.CurvesMe.com. 125

ELEVATION BURGER

Brings a new store, and local creativity to Bida’a

During the month of November, Elevation Burger opened its sixth and newest store in Bida’a. The newest Elevation Burger store overlooks the beautiful view of the Rimal garden and the famous Ta’awon Street with two floors and a spacious outdoor seating area. Burger lovers in Bida’a, Salwa, Salmiya and Rumaithya can now enjoy a more nutritious and eco-friendly American Classic closer to home thanks to Elevation Burger’s 100% USDA certified halal organic grass-fed beef burgers wrapped in soft potato buns and topped with a variety of local produce prepared fresh daily. Elevation Burger designed the new store at Bida’a to be a hub where people can enjoy nutritious food with friends and family. Compared to grainfed beef, Elevation Burger’s juicy organic grass-fed beef patties are slim on calories and saturated fat, but rich with Omega 3, Beta Carotene, Vitamins “A” and “E” and CLA. All these nutritional elements play a role in strengthening one’s overall health and reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Fries at Elevation Burger are freshly cut daily and fried in heart-healthy olive oil using a two-step patented process created by Hans Hess, Elevation Burger’s founder. 126

To celebrate the inauguration of the new store, Elevation Burger, together with Nuqat, presented The Organic Link, a cultural live graffiti show on the closing night of Nuqat’s 2014 creative conference. Elevation Burger offered the new Bida’a Store as a space for talented graffiti artists to collaborate and create artwork. On the night of November 19, 2014, accompanied by the inspiring beats of DJ Khaled Telp, Graffiti artists: Soliman, Mohamad, Abrar (blacklightme), Abduallah (bufifty), Yousef (joegraffi), Kels (kelsix), Mohamad Abo Hekmah (monstariam) and more came together at Elevation Burger to create over 100 square meters of street art. All the pieces of art were created to reflect values the artists and Elevation Burger believe in: To Live: A life well lived is a life full of health, not deprivation. A life well lived is a life enriched with food that is good to your taste buds, good for your well-being, and good for our communities and the environment. To Empower: People pursue their dreams when they are empowered. To empower individuals we must develop their talent and provide them with better choices. To Enlighten: Throughout our journey we have learned a lot about the food we eat, where it

comes from, how it is prepared, and the impact these practices have on our health, economy, and our planet. People have the right to know. And we transparently tell them what they want to know. To Create: In a nation with so much potential, each person can create and recreate every day. Young talents can leave a legacy of value that helps their community and brings them joy. To Guard: We make better burgers and sell them for profit, but never at the cost of our people or our planet. Everyone instinctively guards his/her home. A clean, balanced environment is the home we wish to live in, and sustain for all of us to enjoy. Prior to the Organic Link graffiti show, Elevation Burger distributed cherry tomato plants to thank Elevation’s friends and loyal fans, who have supported the Elevation Burger journey. The plants are meant to remind Elevation Burger lovers of the nutritious value of local produce and bring them the joy of growing their own food. To learn more about Elevation Burger’s food, locations, and upcoming events make sure to follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @elevationkw.

KERASTRAIGHT

bazaar apps

128

INTRO (ABOUT.ME)

INBOX BY GMAIL

Business cards haven’t changed much in the last few decades. About.me wants to change that. The site that enables users to create simple onepage websites about themselves, rolled out Intro, a new app that functions as a digital business card. Unlike LinkedIn, whose users skew more toward the corporate world, photo-centric about.me tends to attract artists and musicians and those whose skills and experience may not fit into the resume format as well. As its name suggests, Intro is focused on enabling those first, often critical, introductions. The app creates a card with your photo, biography, email and phone number. Intro’s users can share their information with anyone, and can also choose what type of information they want to share each time.

Your email inbox should help you live and work better, but instead it often buries the important stuff and creates more stress than it relieves. Inbox, built by the Gmail team, keeps things organized and helps you get back to what matters. Similar messages are bundled together so you can deal with them all at once, and get rid of them with one tap. Get the most important information without even opening the message. Snooze emails and Reminders to come back when you are ready to deal with them, whenever you choose. Beware though, you need to be invited from a user, or request an invite from them directly for this free app to work. Also there is currently no signature function.

OFFTIME

BRAINWAVE TUNER

The OFFTIME app gives you space to breathe in our hyper-connected world. It is a clutterfree app that helps you prioritize the calls, texts and notifications you receive in routine. It works by only letting important stuff pass to you, while halting stuff that can actually wait. For example, 4 missed calls in succession from the same number hints at urgent matters. So Offtime will permit the next call from the same number to come through. Helpful pre-set profiles are ‘Focused Work’, ‘Family’ and ‘Unplugging.’ ‘Unplugging’ automatically mutes notifications, calls and texts, while app access is restricted. Another benefit is that those who want to learn more about their digital habits can also receive information about their smartphone usage with the help of an ‘Insights’ function.

Music soothes the savage beast. Think of how many times you‘ve thrown on some music to help you vent, put you to sleep or even help you keep your focus. You may even have created playlists on your smartphone for numerous occasions. Now there is an app to find the best playlist for your current need. Brainwave Tuner is a brain wave stimulation application that generates tones with binaural beats, which can apparently change your brain frequency toward your desired state – be it relaxation or enhanced attention. 10 preset sound patterns are included in Brainwave Tuner Lite for therapy for headaches, or to help with concentration, attention, relaxation, selfhypnosis, sleep induction and Earth Meditation for a peaceful night’s sleep.

BITMOJI

GOOGLE FIT

Bitstrips, creators of the popular Facebook and mobile application that allows users to place cartoon avatars of themselves in various situations, has now launched Bitmoji, its customizable emoji sharing app on iOS and Android devices. As the name implies, Bitmoji takes your avatar and uses it to create a large number of emoji that you can then paste into your chats or other apps. If you don’t already have a character, the app will prompt you to create one and provide the tools for doing so. Afterwards, things are as simple as picking the most appropriate image for the situation and selecting the app you want to paste it into. This could quickly get annoying for your friends – LET’S DO IT!

Google’s homegrown attempt at tracking fitness has finally arrived. Google Fit is an activity and fitness-tracking app which syncs with the wider Google Fit platform. The app does nothing new and measures walking, running, cycling and other physical activities as well as helping you set goals based on either duration or steps while showing your progress throughout the day. However, the info display though is much cleaner when compared with other apps. You can also link it to other third party devices such as RunKeeper and Nike+. Google’s goal is to consolidate all of your data into one centralized location, so if you’re running with Nike+, cycling with RunKeeper, and using your watch to check your heartbeat, you can see all the data in one place.

MAS

bazaar fitness

THE FOOD INTOLERANCE CYCLE Part 2: Getting the Balance Restored by Mike Campbell

Last month we discussed the worrying effects that certain food types can have on our gut and the immune system housed there. We examined the basics of what can go wrong and why it goes wrong. In this month’s piece I would like to offer some possible solutions so that you can make positive steps into getting a balance restored to your gut, having an improved immune system and generally limit potential exposure to future serious side effects. In Dr. Jillian Sarno Teta’s book Natural Solutions for Digestive Health she breaks the process of a gut restoration program into five steps. These steps are explained in detail in her book, but as a basic outline they following the following steps. Please note that all these steps are to be completed in conjunction with each other and within a four week period. 1. Remove irritating foods. This includes eliminating gluten, dairy products, soy, night-shade vegetables such as white potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, beans, legumes, sugar and other sweeteners. Dr. Teta provides a comprehensive list of “powerfoods” to incorporate into your diet. 2. Take probiotics. The recommended dose varies, but aim for somewhere between 50 – 100 billon colony forming units or CFU’s. These probiotics should feature both lactobacillus and bifido bacteria strains. 3. Boost the body’s digestive ability. This can be achieved by supplementing with a plant enzyme formula (found in capsules). Leading strength and conditioning coaches also recommend supplementing with HCL (Hydrochloride) to be taken with meals to see if you would benefit from stomach acid. 4. Repair the gut lining. For this step you would be required to take a gut-restoring complex made up of nutrients. There are many great options available today for gastrointestinal repair. Look for a product that contains all or most of the compounds you need. The best formulas available will contain a combination of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and herbs. There are many nutrients that can be taken but you should include L-Glutamine, Glutamine and Zinc Carnosine. These, as well as the above probiotics and supplements, can be purchased from many supplement or health food stores. 5. The final step in the five phases is lifestyle change. The key three areas here are establishing a bathroom routine, utilizing stress-reduction techniques and establishing a great sleep routine. One of the instant and easiest areas to address is by improving the quality of an individual’s sleep. The best plan is one that maintains a regular sleep-wake cycle. This means you should go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day. Aim to be in 130

bed before 11p.m. each night. Most current research supports that going to bed before this time promotes the best hormonal environment for sleep, regeneration and even fat-burning. You need to create a sleeping environment that promotes deep restful slumber. This means you must turn of all electronic equipment at least 30 minutes before bed. Better yet, remove them and have none in the room. The light from these devices stimulates the brain and assists in releasing compounds that keep you awake. Yes…you can wait to check your Snapchat in the morning. Finally, try to create a bedtime routine. This may involve a shower, reading or mediating. Another excellent source of information on targeting gut health is Doug Kaufmann’s book The Fungus Link which touches on the Phase One Diet. This book is designed to teach you how to eliminate certain organisms from your body, such as fungus. Parasitic yeasts and fungi can infect human tissue, which in turn cause miserable symptoms. Once on board, these organisms can only survive with their

favorite food source, which is sugar. Kaufmann’s diet seeks to starve and rid the body of these parasitic organisms while eliminating foods that are commonly contaminated with fungal poisons known as Mycotoxins. If you’re reading this and thinking that it’s all a bit much to cope with, then keep it simple. Begin with adding the right Zinc to your diet, along with Vitamin A, D and Glutamine. Supplement your food with a probiotic and work on decreasing stress and improving your sleep. For those with serious health concerns, elimination diets and the Phase One diet have helped and healed many thousands of people. If you’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, then it’s only in your hands to fix it. Mike Campbell is the GM and Co Founder of Inspire Pure Fitness and Inspire 2.0 at Sahara. Email info@inspirekw.com or nooriya@inspirekw.com, or you can visit them at www.inspirekw.com.

NAZ

Experience the Authentic Persian Flavors at NAZ

nazkwt

www.naz-restaurant.com

THE GREAT CUPCAKE HUNT by bazaar staff

It is one of the few American contributions to the culinary arts, and one of the biggest crazes in the past two decades. With a world of possibility in the cake, and an equally tall layer of icing, the cupcake has become a favorite dessert option around the world. Culinary artists have created heavenly treats that combine a medley of flavors, colors and creativity and have cultivated a worldwide sensation. We found that the first mention of the cupcake is in 1828 in a cookbook by Eliza Leslie, also known as Miss Leslie, called Seventy-Five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats. She called it the cupcake because instead of measuring out the ingredients using weights, she used cups, and baked them in small quantities. In a time of stone ovens and metal scales, her method proved quick and easy, though its popularity would not peak for more than 150 years. Kuwait had its cupcake burst in the early part of this century, when it seemed that everyone and their mother, quite literally, was baking cupcakes for a living. Franchises were brought from the United States, local bakeries loaded their piping tubes and home bakers rolled up their sleeves. Almost ten years later, only the strongest have survived the cupcake battle, and here they are.

MAGNOLIA BAKERY

Magnolia Bakery may just be the reason why cupcakes made their explosion into pop food culture in 2000. Though the small Upper Westside shop in New York City opened its doors four years earlier, it was Carrie Bradshaw, who bit into a vanilla cupcake with pink frosting as she announced her crush on Aidan in the third season of SATC, which put the bakery on the map. It became an international sensation and a stop on the show’s city tour. When they made their debut in Kuwait in 2012, it was as if the godfather of cupcakes had arrived. With a new flavor of the month, every month, the world renowned bakery keeps us coming back for more. Magnolia is located in the Al Hamra Luxury Center. For orders you can call 2227 0285, email magnoliabakery@acquirefoods.com or find them on Talabat. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @Magnoliakuwait.

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES After trying Magnolia Bakery, creator of the Sprinkles brand, Candace Nelson, wanted an artful and handcrafted dessert that showcased her talent in creating occasion cakes, but could be eaten every day. Sprinkles made its debut in Beverly Hills, California in 2005 and has since grown to more than a dozen locations, drive thru cupcakes and even a 24-hour cupcake ATM machine. One bite of their delicious lemon coconut cupcake, and you are sure to be hooked for life. We had the chance to try their current flavor of the month: the S’more. We could almost hear the campfire crackling when we bit into the graham cracker-lined Belgian dark chocolate cake filled with bittersweet chocolate ganache and topped with toasted marshmallow frosting. Sprinkles Cupcakes is located in the Grand Avenue – The Avenues. For delivery you can call 2221 4444 or find them on Talabat. Go to www.sprinkles.com, or follow them on Twitter @sprinkles, on Instagram @sprinklescupcakesme or on Facebook @SprinklesMiddleEast 132

JUJU’S CUPCAKE

It is impossible to do a cupcake hunt without the local favorite, Juju’s. Started by the late Nejoud Boodai, the small stand has made big waves in the Kuwait dessert scene, and for good reason. Besides the incredibly moist cake, and the light whipped icing, their amazing cupcake combinations are bound to fill any craving. Think Oreo Red Velvet, Ferrero Rocher and the incredibly unique Caramel Popcorn. Want a classic like Carrot Cake, chocolate or vanilla but with your own twist? Juju’s is the only cupcake cafe in the country that lets you choose from toppings like M&Ms, marshmallows and Maltesers. Juju’s Cupcake is located on the ground floor of Al Fanar shopping centre. To place orders check then out on Talabat or call 2572 2999 or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @jujusKw.

CRUMBS

The little bakery has made a name for itself with the daily fresh baked cupcakes that have the perfect balance between icing and cake. Their most popular, the red velvet with white chocolate frosting, boasts of a tender cake, topped with a surprisingly light and delicious icing. Don’t stop at the red velvet though! Their sticky toffee is divine with the cream cheese frosting. The saucy brownie is filled with chocolate ganache and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce, and the blackout is sure to win over any chocolate lover with chocolate cake, chocolate pudding and dark fudge frosting. Crumbs is a specialty dessert bakery in Kuwait located in Shaab Sea Side Al Kandi Street and Tasha Towers in Fintas. To order call 2263 6614 or 5527 8627, email orders@crumbs.com.kw or find them on Talabat. For more information visit their website at www.crumbs.com.kw and follow them on Facebook @crumbs.kw, Instagram or Twitter @ilovecrumbs.

NOVEMBER BAKERY

What started off as baking sugar cookies for her family and friends, has become one of Kuwait’s finest homegrown bakeries. With all the recipes tried, tested, and perfected by owner Bibi Hayat, you are sure to find the perfect cupcake for your afternoon on the couch or evening at a friends house. While you are spoilt for choice at November Bakery, it is easy to enjoy their fine baking in the simplest of flavors. Our choice for the day was the Jude cupcake: a simple chocolate base with a hint of mocha and topped with white chocolate frosting, all done in that perfect November way. November Bakery is located in the Al Tilal complex in Shuwaikh. For more information visit www.thenovemberbakery.com or call 2225 5454. Follow them on Twitter @novembertweets or Instagram @novembercompany.

CARAMEL BAKERY

There is something thrilling about seeing the turquoise Caramel dessert box. You know that whatever is inside is going to be fantastic, and probably one of the best (insert favorite cupcake flavor) you have ever had. So you can imagine our disappointment when the clerk told us that cupcakes were made to order, and never put on display. Our crushed faces gave us away, but then brightened again as he directed us to this mini delight. Think of it as a disassembled cupcake, with the frosting in the middle instead of on top. The best part? You can have it in just a single bite. Caramel Bakery is located in Bneid Algar in Almanar Complex. To pre order call 2253 3258 or 2253 3257. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @Caramel_Kuwait or on Facebook: Caramel.Kuwait. 133

IKE

GENERATING SOLAR POWER From roadways

by Zoë Schlanger

Next time you’re out for a stroll on a sunny afternoon, bend down and touch the sidewalk. All the warmth you feel is solar energy, frittered away into useless heat. Now picture the vast expanses of roads and parking lots all over the world, baking in the sun. What if that sunlight could be harnessed for electricity? What if, instead of cement and asphalt, roads were paved with solar cells? In a stretch of bike path in the Netherlands, a design consortium has turned that technofuturistic vision into a promising, albeit small, reality. The 230-foot-long, USD 3.7 million bike path in the town of Krommenie opened to the public last month, and its creators, the research group TNO, say it is the world’s first public road to include embedded solar cells. The “SolaRoad” project was built in prefabricated slabs of concrete approximately eight by 11 feet, topped with crystalline silicon solar cells coated in a thin layer of translucent tempered glass. Allowing as much sunlight as possible to hit the solar cells was a particular design challenge on a surface that must also be safe and practical for cyclists, the creators said. While the path is expected to generate electricity to meet the needs of only three houses, TNO and the government of the province of North Holland (which funded the project), say it is pilot project for a much larger vision of paving roads with similar solar-cell slabs. The cells must lie flat on the road instead of being angled like rooftop solar panels, so each unit of bike path will produce about 30 percent less power than their typical rooftop counterparts. But, the designers note, the Netherlands’ total road surface spans around 87,000 miles of potential solar-cell hosting asphalt. That’s “significantly larger” than the area of suitable rooftops, according to the creators. In the U.S., husband-and-wife duo Scott and Julie Brusaw have dedicated their lives to a similar vision. Their Idaho-based Solar Roadways project has received multiple research grants from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to build a solar parking lot, completed in March, and raised USD 2.2 million on Indiegogo earlier this year to continue development. The FHWA is currently reviewing test results from the Brusaws’ solar parking lot. The agency considers the technology to be interesting, though very preliminary, and cautions the public against imbuing the idea with too much utopianism. But Scott Brusaw, the veteran electrical engineer behind the design, has big hopes. “We have a variety of projects slated for 2015 here in our hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho, including an Amtrak train station plaza, a city welcome center parking lot, downtown city sidewalks, an animal 136

shelter parking lot, and a local airport,” Brusaw says. “Once those are installed, we will monitor them for a full year to make sure we are satisfied with them and then we begin spreading out to other areas.” In a video about Solar Roadways that went viral earlier this year, with 18 million views and counting, Brusaw’s interlocking hexagonal panel design is shown in mock-ups with built-in LEDs programmed to display lane lines and crosswalks, as well as heating elements that would, according to the video, keep roads a few degrees above freezing, thus eliminating the danger of winter ice. Underground channels running alongside the solar roads would house electrical cables, eliminating the need for telephone poles. According to Brusaw’s calculations, which he breaks down on the project’s website, if all

roads, parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, bike paths, and sidewalks in the continental U.S. were replaced with Solar Roadways’ panels, they would produce over three times the electricity currently used in the country. While Brusaw’s vision may be of a far-off future, the era of attainable solar power is already here. A Deutsche Bank report in October concluded that by 2016, solar power will cost the same or less than electricity from the conventional power grid in almost every U.S. state. The cost of solar panels have fallen precipitously in recent years. In 1972, the price of an average watt of solar power stood at USD 75. In 2012, that dropped to less than USD 1 per watt. By 2015, solar modules from China are expected to run the consumer just 42 US cents per watt.

POTBELLY

PINTXOS

Beats, bubbles and bites by Reshmi Revi

In the season of good cheer and festive tidings, I often play tour guide to friends of mine who will pop by Ktown around this time to visit, due to the amazing weather, as well as because they’ve heard so much about the country from yours truly. From the intricate architecture of the mosques, the wintery morning dog walks along the Corniche, to the colorful souks and the gargantuan malls, the one thing that usually stops me in my tracks is, you guessed it: where do I go to feed them? A foodie myself, I usually search for places where the ambiance is cozy and the food healthy yet finger-licking good to share. American novelist, M.F.K. Fisher once professed, “Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.” Indeed. If sampling various tasty healthy morsels and having a rip-roaring time is on your agenda, then you should most definitely visit Pintxos. Yes the name initially does boggle the minds of some but I assure you, the food here is something serious foodies can appreciate and will enjoy. Pronounced “pin-chos,” the eatery’s name pays homage to the Spanish word pincho, which means thorn or spike. According to Wiki, pintxo is a small snack traditionally consumed in bars in Nothern Spain, especially in the autonomous Basque Country and Navarre. The hors d’oeuvres here, if you will, vastly differ from the conventional tapas dishes as the pintxos are served in small bites, usually on a stick, skewer or toothpick and often on a piece of bread. What the chefs at Pintxos have done however, is come up with a menu in its own league. The food menu is divided into 9 yummy parts; Crisp (salad), Pintxos, Tapas, Tostadas, Baskets, Mains, The Chef’s Specials, From the Josper Oven and Desserts. The Josper Oven is a unique charcoal-oven and grill, which is able to successfully manipulate its cooking temperature and various levels of grilling, to ensure your food is tender and tasty. From a health and wellbeing perspective, what I enjoyed about Pintxos was that the dishes weren’t overly laden with sticky sauces and mayonnaise. Instead it was simple, rustic and yet, fabulously amazing. One of my favorites was the charred grapefruit and orange salad. Imagine thick segments of grapefruit and orange wedges grilled to perfection on top of a bed of lettuce and spinach leaves. Grapefruit and oranges are laden with vitamin C, perfect to help boost your immune system and help ward off colds this winter. Grapefruit is also rich in lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient that helps against free radicals and decreases tumor activity. I enjoyed this salad immensely, as for starters, every part of it was coated in this smoky vinaigrette which paired well with the grilled fruit. 138

From the Josper Oven, my little entourage were happy we picked the baked mussels with red onion relish. Mussels, be it the salt or the freshwater kind, are packed with protein and selenium. Selenium, an essential mineral enzyme, helps with thyroid function and muscle function. A cup of these molluscs provides you with roughly 18grams of protein and 67mg of selenium, 122% of the recommended daily selenium intake for adult men and women. My other two favorites were the beef skewers with fresh bay leaves, roasted baby potatoes with garlic aioli on the side, and the baked mushrooms in foil (if you’re vitamin D deficient, mushrooms are the way to go, as they’re packed with them). For dessert, the options I would suggest depend on where you and your friends are at with your nutrition plans. To those wanting to watch their weight, I’d go with a selection from their cocktail list, my favorite being the Jalapeno margarita – jalapeno and Serrano chilies muddled and shaken with fresh lime, pineapple juice and a splash of

agave syrup (you can request for the syrup to be on the side). If you’re carbing up, off-season or intending to celebrate life with a cheat meal, I would then definitely opt for their pain perdue with a raspberry shiso jam. All in all, Pintxos really does live up to its tagline of Beats, Bubbles and Bites. Diners have the option of enjoying the lovely weather with their al fresco seating arrangement or the cozy booths and lounge chairs along with its chilled-out vibe and awesome music indoors. Pintxos is located on the Al Seif Strip on Gulf Road opposite Seif Palace. It is open Sun-Sat 12pm to 11pm. You can contact them on 2249 8325 or follow them on Instagram @pintxoskw. Reshmi Revi is a NZCF Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Enthusiast and an Evolve Supplements Sponsored Athlete who competes in bodybuilding. Follow her on Instagram @Q8MissFit

PARTYLAND

@PARTYLANDKWT @PARTYLAND_KUWAIT

bazaar checks it out BATH & BODY WORKS UNVEILS A VANILLA LIKE YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED! Meet glamor this fall as Bath & Body Works lands their newest and most irresistible Signature Collection fragrance – Wild Madagascar Vanilla. At the heart of this fragrance masterpiece is an exclusive vanilla accord from the exotic island of Madagascar – the most expensive and desired vanilla in the world. To perfectly enhance its most unique qualities, it’s wrapped with ingredients that bring out its natural beauty. The result is, quite simply, sensual and unforgettable. The Madagascar Vanilla Orchid blooms only for one day, making its fragrance discovery rare and extremely precious – it’s pure luxury in every drop. The luxe, carefully-curated ingredients combined with a rich and exotic package design makes for a truly one-of-a-kind fragrance. Fragrance Notes: Top: African Pear, Sparkling Clementine, Ruby Apple Mid: Wild Jasmine, Sheer Gardenia, Heliotrope Petals, Golden Plumeria Dry: Madagascar Vanilla Accord, White Sandalwood, Creamy Musk Wild Madagascar Vanilla Eau de Parfum is KD 14 and is available in Bath & Body Works stores throughout Kuwait.

STELLA MCCARTNEY LAUNCHES THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN WORLDWIDE Stella McCartney Ltd, in partnership with the Kering Corporate Foundation launched the White Ribbon Campaign, supporting the elimination of Violence against Women, starting on November 15, 2014 and running through to November 29, 2014. During this period, specially created white ribbon badges were given out to Stella McCartney customers purchasing any item from the brand’s stores and online shop. Apart from this, the campaign was shared on social media networks with the hashtags #WR4W, as well as #WhiteRibbon, #VAW, and #endVAW. Stella McCartney Kuwait also participated in this noble campaign by handing out badges to customers and the store staff sported the badges during the entire duration of the campaign. As with the worldwide campaign, Stella McCartney Kuwait’s Instagram @STELLAMCCARTNEYKUWAIT also reflected the campaign. The Kering Foundation fights violence against women and supports awareness-raising campaigns on women’s rights and solidarity projects in partnership with local and international NGOs. The White Ribbon campaign was first launched last year, reaching approximately 55 million people. The Stella McCartney boutique in Kuwait is located at Thuraya Mall.

CYPRUS – EASIER TO GET TO THAN EVER! There is a myriad of islands in the Mediterranean, but only one does Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, call home and, that’s CYPRUS. Whatever your pace or special interest, Cyprus is uniquely poised to welcome you. Its beaches are not only beautiful; they are certified as among the cleanest in Europe. And, just a short drive from the crystal clear waters of its coast is the pine-clad Troodos Mountains, where wild moufflons roam and cedars grow. Cyprus is a haven for archaeology lovers. With a more than 10000 years of history, the list of treasures is boundless. Linger in idyllic villages, where the rhythm slows down and there’s always time for another coffee. Experience a distinctive cuisine composed of meze, small plates of everything from flame-grilled, delicately spiced meats to fresh vegetables and amazing cheeses, such as the halloumi. Take your family to Europe’s largest Waterpark, based in Ayia Napa. Cyprus is one of the most popular places in the Mediterranean to say “I do,” and one of the most romantic destinations for honeymooners. “KOPIASTE”, this is the Cypriot way to say “Come join us”- GULF AIR now operates DIRECT FLIGHTS from Kuwait every Wednesday and Sunday. For more information on travel in Cyprus go to www.visitcyprus.com or for flights visit www.gulfair.com.

TANGLE TEEZER – MEET PINK BAUBLELICIOUS Tangle Teezer’s hottest addition to their classic collection of cute Compact Stylers This super stylish detangler is the must have accessory of the season. With its sleek, shiny surface it will never fail to impress when your hair is in desperate need of an extra boost. Whether you’re looking to gently add some texture at the roots, tame those stray-away hairs or add polish and shine to a finished style, the Compact Styler is your new best friend whilst you’re on the go. Fitting into even the smallest of handbags, its detachable cover protects teeth from debris, giving your hair a clean sweep every time. Touching down just in time for Christmas, with its cracking packaging, this essential sleek tool in dazzling pink chrome will be sure to add some serious sparkle to any stocking. Tangle Teezer is exclusively distributed in Kuwait by beau-tique cosmetics international. For more information, you can call beau-tique on 2225 1285.

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A FEAST FOR THE EYES THE One’s deliciously romantic Timeless Elegance dining style puts classic femininity and understated opulence on the menu this winter. For starters, it mixes light turquoise shades and rose gold accents with warm cream, beige and milk chocolate hues for a mouth-watering effect. Add to this a tasteful blend of tactile upholstery, clear glass, glazed ceramics and elegant lighting, for a result that oozes luxury and sophistication. The secret recipe to whipping up this look is to contrast clean, straight lines with a few curvaceous pieces. Good examples of the former include the unique rose gold-mirrored dining table as well as the wooden display cabinet and sideboard. Add a shapely wingback chair and side table, curvy dining chairs and a pair of well-rounded table lamps to balance out the flavors. While mood lighting from tall turquoise tapers in a glamorous glass candelabrum will enhance the romantic ambiance, striking tableware such as beaded placemats, silver rimmed crockery, chrome cutlery and bejewelled butterfly napkin rings will make appetizing additions. Finish off with an unusual mirrored wall clock and a sprinkling of flowers for a home fashion feast that will please even the most discerning palate.

PORSCHE CENTRE KUWAIT HERALDS ARRIVAL OF THE ALL-NEW CAYENNE Embodying more power and greater efficiency, Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behebani Motors Company has welcomed the arrival of the all-new Cayenne, boasting enhanced performance, a sharpened design and more exciting features as standard. The new Cayenne extends the model’s evolving, 12-year success story as it continues to underline its position as a true sports car amongst SUVs. The new generation Cayenne will launch in three versions: Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and for the first time, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. Adding another chapter to Porsche’s unrivalled legacy of breaking new automotive ground, this model, together with the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the 918 Spyder, makes Porsche the world’s only carmaker to offer three plug-in hybrid models. Since its inception the Cayenne has come to realize and define an ambitious dream; a luxury SUV with sports car credentials. With typical Porsche DNA the new Cayenne delivers a pioneering benchmark whether being driven through the city, in challenging off-road conditions or in the ultimate test; on the race track. All three new Cayenne models feature redeveloped engines which deliver higher torque than their predecessors, coupled with lower fuel consumption, as Porsche continues its ethos of delivering increased power without compromising efficiency. When matched with more precise handling capabilities, the new Cayenne represents a sports SUV beyond compare. The new Cayenne models are now available at Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company.

STARBUCKS LAUNCHES FAVORITE HOLIDAY DRINKS Customers across the Middle East can once more enjoy the signature Toffee Nut Latte, Toffee Nut Frappuccino and the popular Holiday Blend that makes its recent triumphant return to Starbucks stores across the Middle East. Toffee Nut Latte fans can relish the seasonal flavors of the popular beverage which is back on popular demand. The rich, buttery flavor of the sweet toffee is combined with the warmth of the toasted nuts and blended with smooth espresso and velvety steamed milk. Joining the Toffee Nut range this winter is the Toffee Nut Frappuccino blended beverage. A cool mix of roasted nuts, toffee, coffee and ice, all blended for a smooth finish, topped with whipped cream and toffee-flavored sprinkles, makes it the perfect winter beverage. In addition to the Toffee Nut beverages, Starbucks will also add some seasonal cheer into the morning cup of coffee with its exclusive Holiday Blend. With its rich aromas and bold flavors, the Holiday Blend complements sweet and savory feasts, as it warms the heart with every sip. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the exclusive range of winter themed merchandise makes the Starbucks experience all the more enjoyable. Beautiful mugs and tumblers, perfect for last minute gifts, fun stocking fillers, or just personal treats are available for purchase across all Starbucks stores.

)‫كافيه سوبريم ورابطة أبناء الكويت للدراجات النارية لدعم حملة (موفمبر‬ ‫ وترسيخ السلوك‬،‫حرصا على التنمية واإلهتمام والتعاون بين كافيه سوبريم وأبناء رابطة الدراجات الناريه‬ ‫ وبث أخالق هواة الدراجات النارية السليمة بالمجتمع الكويتي من خالل توعية‬،‫اإليجابي بين أعضاء الفريق‬ ‫ حيث يتبرع رجال العالم‬،‫ودعم مرضى سرطان البروستاتا والذي يعرف بشهر موفمبر في جميع أنحاء العالم‬ .»‫ يوما‬30 ‫بأطالة الشارب لمدة‬ ‫إنطلقت الرابطة في المسيرة من كافيه سوبريم فرع مجمع الكوت منذ الصباح إلى كافيه سوبريم في مجمع‬ ‫البستان واختتموا المسيرة في كافيه سوبريم فرع المنطقة الحرة ميناء الشويخ بوجود نخبة من اإلعالميين‬ ‫ حيث أن هدفهم األسمى تحقيق التوعية في مكافحة السرطان ورفع المعاناة عن مرضاه مؤكدين‬.‫والصحفيين‬ ‫في ذات السياق على أهمية نشر برامج التوعية الصحية وتعريف جميع أفراد المجتمع باألمراض الخطيرة‬ ‫التي تفتك بالمجتمع والسيما مرض السرطان الذي تفشى في السنوات األخيرة من خالل إجراء الكشف الطبي‬ .‫واعطاء إرشادات كفيلة بحماية اإلنسان من خالل معرفة المرض في مرحلته األولى‬

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A HEATED POOL WITH 5-FOOT-TALL WAVES Proposed For Melbourne’s Harbor by Sophie Weiner

Melbourne-based architect Damian Rogers has proposed a floating wave pool for surfers in Victoria Harbor. The heated pool would filter salt water from the harbor, and could create waves up to five feet tall. A sandy beach, grassy hill, and a row of shops are also included in the design. The international engineering firm Arup is leading the proposal with Rogers’s idea. Floating pools in urban settings aren’t a new idea. There have been proposals for filtered pools in Eastern European rivers and New York’s own 142

East River. But as far as we can tell, this is the first floating pool in a major city to incorporate waves (although a similar concept is in the works in the mountains of North Wales). Max Wells, the CEO of Surfing Victoria, expressed hopes for the project to The Age. He believes that unlike past plans for floating surf pools (yes, apparently there have been others), this proposal has the potential to really happen. “The reason for that is they’ve got the right location and the indication that it will be available to them,” he said. “I can

imagine having surfers in suits heading for an afterwork session and kids coming to Docklands carrying surfboards on Melbourne’s trains and trams.” The pool would likely be used as a location for international surfing competitions as well as for lessons and as a public beach. The project would cost at least USD 6.9 million and would need to be approved by Melbourne City Council and Places Victoria, although the project is planned to be privately funded by developers. Both organizations have already met with Arup about the proposal.

CAFE SUPREME

bazaar books Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. ~ Jessamyn West

SO, ANYWAY... by John Cleese

John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected with Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and beyond, now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, So, Anyway…, Cleese takes readers on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world, from his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town and his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), to the founding of the landmark comedy troupe that would propel him to worldwide renown. The Pythons pioneered a new kind of comedy that prized invention, silliness, and absurdity. Along the way, he found his first true love with actress Connie Booth and transformed himself from a reluctant performer to a world class actor and back again. Twisting and turning through surprising stories and hilarious digressions, this story of a young man’s journey to the pinnacle of comedy is a masterly performance by a master performer.

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THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP

THE WOMAN I WANTED TO BE

PRINCE LESTAT: THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES

PLAYING IT MY WAY: MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

by Marie Kondo

by Diane von Furstenberg

by Anne Rice

by Sachin Tendulkar

This best-selling guide takes readers step-by-step through Mario Kondo’s revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing. Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? The cleaning consultant takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-byroom or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-bycategory system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list). With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home – and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

One of the most influential, admired, and innovative women of our time: fashion designer, philanthropist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Diane von Furstenberg offers a book about becoming the woman she wanted to be. Diane von Furstenberg started out with a suitcase full of jersey dresses and an idea of who she wanted to be, in her words, “the kind of woman who is independent and who doesn’t rely on a man to pay her bills.” She has since become that woman, establishing herself as a global brand and a major force in the fashion industry, all the while raising a family and maintaining “my children are my greatest creation.” In The Woman I Wanted to Be, von Furstenberg reflects on her extraordinary life, from childhood in Brussels to her days as a young, jet-setting princess, to creating the dress that came to symbolize independence and power for an entire generation of women. With remarkable honesty and wisdom, von Furstenberg mines the rich territory of what it means to be a woman.

Rice once again summons up the irresistible spirit-world of the oldest and most powerful forces of the night, invisible beings unleashed on an unsuspecting world able to take blood from humans, in a long-awaited return to the extraordinary world of the characters, legend, and lore of all the Vampire Chronicles. The novel opens with the vampire world in crisis, vampires have been proliferating out of control; burnings have commenced all over the world, huge massacres, old vampires creating havoc, roused from slumber in the earth. As the novel moves from presentday New York to ancient Egypt, the worlds and beings of all the Vampire Chronicles come together in this large, fiercely ambitious novel to ultimately rise up and seek out who – or what – the Voice is, and to discover the secret of what it desires and why. And, at the book’s center, the seemingly absent, curiously missing hero-wanderer, the dazzling, dangerous rebeloutlaw – the great hope of the Undead, the dazzling Prince Lestat.

The greatest run-scorer in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013 after an astonishing 24 years at the top. The most celebrated Indian cricketer of all time, he received the Bharat Ratna Award - India’s highest civilian honor – on the day of his retirement. Now Sachin Tendulkar tells his own remarkable story, from his first Test cap at the age of 16 to his 100th international century and the emotional final farewell that brought his country to a standstill. From a young age Sachin Tendulkar was the cornerstone of India’s batting line-up, his every move watched by a cricket-mad nation’s devoted followers. Never has a cricketer performed at such a high level for so long and with such style. Despite his celebrity status, Sachin Tendulkar has always remained a very private man. Now, for the first time, he provides a fascinating insight into his personal life and gives a frank and revealing account of a sporting life like no other.

source: www.amazon.com

ONE SMALL STEP by Mohammed El Soukkary

I declare that December is here, and it is almost time for the New Year. We love to make promises to ourselves at the eleventh hour don’t we? Right before we go to sleep, we promise ourselves that in the morning we will get our lives together, eat better, lose weight, and stop whatever bad habit we hate most at this moment. On the weekend, we promise to start our diet at the beginning of the week (Sunday or Monday as the case may be), justifying one ‘final’ bender before we pull ourselves together. Having failed these, we then for opt for the monthly ritual; “next month,” we say to ourselves “I will begin a rigorous program of proper eating, sleeping early and no more binge watching TV shows.” When that goes down the sinkhole following its predecessors, we look to the final frontier (not space…the New Year) as the final hope for getting it together. In a mass decision to pretend that we have not done this before, we embrace the tradition of coming up with resolutions every New Year, which we then fairly quickly let go of usually by mid-January or early February at the latest. On the bright side, this gives us the opportunity to recycle our resolutions for the next New Year. The trouble with making all these life affirming promises that we don’t keep is that they lurk at the back of our minds and almost imperceptibly poke at our consciousness in the form of those 146

moments of clarity that come when you are lying in bed at three in the morning, keeping the cycle of broken promises going. There are patterns of common promises that we make, losing weight, quitting smoking, making more time for ourselves, travel more, spend better, read more, and volunteering. The resolutions we make tell us where we think we need to improve, but seldom how we need to go about achieving those targets, which of course does nothing to make us feel better about ourselves. In the short term, when we make the promise and visualize the result in our mind, we get a sense of accomplishment similar to the one we would have gotten if we had actually gone out and done the deed. What this means is that our constant visualization and promises of improvement become substitutes for actual achievements in our minds, which in turn means that we are less likely to put the effort into achieving our goals, because after all, our minds have already felt the sought-after sense of accomplishment. Some time will pass, and that feeling will fade, spurring us to think about self-improvement again, triggering the habitual response of making a promise/resolution to reach for the stars starting tomorrow morning, or next week, next month, or even on the first of January. The cycle goes on. How about something a little different this

time? Try taking one small step, instead of trying to leap over the chasm all at once; Homer Simpson’s attempt at that put into visual terms precisely what happens to those who make that attempt without any prior preparation. One small step for you, can eventually become one giant leap for you (what, did you think it would be a giant leap for mankind?) Instead of promising yourself to become a specimen of physical perfection who volunteers at the local soup kitchen/hospital or whatever you think the most dramatic place to volunteer is, figure out what it is you actually need to do in order to achieve that goal, break it down into steps, and make that first step your resolution instead. Break down one resolution into smaller, easier to apply segments; it might be more useful to start with one and see what happens instead of starting with a long list and curling up in a corner shaking your head as you are overwhelmed by the thought of doing all those tasks. The goal here is to break the habit of not keeping our promises and not sticking to our resolutions, and the best way to do that is to start with small steps, and then work our way up. Taking the first step is already hard enough, without the added burden of it being a compound, complex task. It is better to take small steps one after the other instead of just thinking about taking one giant leap.

TANGLE TEEZER

bazaar a la mode ADEAM AT AL OSTOURA Feminine Grace ADEAM presented a very ladylike collection for Fall 2014. The decidedly feminine pieces included tailored outerwear, prim dresses, party frocks, and billowing gowns. Designer Hanako Maeda’s inspiration for this line was Yasunari Kawabata’s novel Snow Country. The fabrics used were opulent, like brocades; while the palette was restrained with dove gray and powder pinks leading the marquee. ADEAM is available Mezzanine (Salhiya).

at Al

Ostoura

HARVEY NICHOLS KUWAIT LAUNCHES THE LONG-AWAITED SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER The long-awaited SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker collection is now available in the Harvey Nichols Kuwait store, located in The Avenues Mall, for those trendsetters on the lookout for a new celebrity and influential brand. “We developed this collection to encourage women to take risks and break away from the fashion rules they imagine,” explains Sarah Jessica Parker. “The inspiration for the collection really was born from my love for the single sole, my vivid memories of NYC in the latter part of the 70s and all the great shoe designers who were telling their shoe stories at that time. After a bit of an absence, I was excited about giving it a new heartbeat.” Using this statement, Sarah explains the inspiration to infuse the collection with personal details of her past, present and future fashion influences. From the names of shoes, such as ‘Carrie’ (from her infamous role in the TV show SATC) to the grosgrain ribbon detail found on each product representing her childhood, each style offers a story as personal to the wearer as it is to Sarah Jessica. The exclusive shoe and bag collection can now be found at the accessories and footwear departments of Harvey Nichols Kuwait, with a promise to leave all the Sarah Jessica Parker fans nostalgic for her authentic character.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS LAUNCHES AEO AND AERIE HOLIDAY ‘14 COLLECTIONS American Eagle Outfitters has announced the launch of its AEO and Aerie Holiday Collections. The collections continue to emphasize individual style by incorporating unique textures, fun prints and chunky accessories in their casual collection. For those looking for the perfect outfit for their holiday events, the collection also brings customers fancy dresses and shirts. Winter usually means boring, ill-fitting and monotone sweaters – but not for the AEO Girl! This season is all about Navajo prints, lace, florals and sparkle sweaters. Girls can stay cozy but still look cute in feminine sweaters, cardigans and tops. Sparkle and shine is integrated in multiple items throughout the collection from sweaters to shift dresses. Lace and floral tops are great for layering under AEO denim jackets and cardigans. The collection stays grounded to the simple and casual AEO girl with lots of signature hoodies, tees and denim. For those of you traveling to cooler temperatures you can “Get Down” in down-filled puffer jackets and vests over colorful thermals. The Men’s Holiday Collection brings the rugged outdoors feel to life with heritage fleece and flannels, camouflage and thermals. Outerwear is big this season in menswear as down-filled puffer jackets come in a wide variety of colors from silver to red and orange! Denim and plaid western shirts are still an AEO staple this collection but with new styles, washes and colors. Layering is also key for the AEO guy this season as the collection includes lots of fleece, flannel, thermals and winter jackets and scarves. The Aerie Holiday Collection has a cozy yet cool vibe. Girls will be able to curl up in knit socks and traditional and menswear plaids for a cozy night in. Aerie hasn’t forgotten their girly-girls though! Feminine florals and cute animals are integrated in sweaters, knits and pajama pants throughout the collection. Girls can be warm and comfortable wherever they are in Aerie leggings, sweater-knit joggers, pom-pom beanies and blanket scarves. 148

H&M WINTER FASHION H&M’s WINTER FASHION look book features model Kate King, portraying a series of festive and casual outfits which include bold kaleidoscopic prints, pleated skirts, fringe details and wide-legged trousers. A black infused plethora of prints and oversized shapes are the focus of the H&M WINTER FASHION collection. Floral motifs reign throughout, brightening chic cocktail dresses accentuated with full pleated skirts and asymmetric hemlines. Fringe accents, light wide-legged pants, and knitted cold-shoulder turtleneck sweaters are noteworthy details in this line, and offer that irresistible nonchalance feel. Long printed tunics paired with high-waist informal trousers give the ensemble a relaxing resort-inspired look. The looks showcase the prevalent trend of mixing opposite styles, such as sporty details with more elegant and lady-like items. The looks are accessorized with sleek and minimalist white canvas shoes for that extra cool & sought-after comfort. The collection is daring, like floral in fall, flourishing with femininity, dressed in disproportioned volumes & opposing styles, with a unique touch – offering an all together unforgettable fanfare of fashion this season. For more information or a store near you visit www.hm.com/kw.

HARVEY NICHOLS KUWAIT RECEIVES LATEST NIKE WOMEN’S COLOR BLOCK COLLECTION Harvey Nichols Kuwait recently launched an exclusive Nike Women’s Color Block Collection; an archiveinspired capsule collection wherein color blocking, performance and scale of both prints and silhouettes combine to infuse classic Nike styles with graphic impact. Since its Fall ‘13 debut, Nike Tech Fleece has become renowned for offering lightweight warmth that responds to natural motion. For the release of the Nike Women’s Color Block Collection, Nike’s modernized version of classic sport fleece appears in bold color blocks. Reflective details fragment the colors into irreverent patterns on the Nike Tech Fleece Cocoon Jacket, Tech Fleece Crew and Tech Fleece Pants. To complement the color blocking, the collection also introduces a wild stripe print mash-up remixed with the archive Nike Mezzo print. The unique pattern transforms the Signal Graphic Tee into a limited-edition piece, as each tee is cut differently from the fabric roll and overprinted with a dot pattern. The exclusive pieces are available in two distinct color themes: Classic Sport Block, featuring black/gray and heather/white with a reflective gray Nike Futura logo; and High-End Subtle Block, featuring navy, burgundy, gray and heather with a reflective black Nike Futura logo. The Nike Women’s Color Block Collection is exclusive to Harvey Nichols in Kuwait located in their women’s contemporary department. Available in limited quantities. NEW LOOK AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 New Look launches its Autumn/Winter 2014 collection which features this season’s most covetable key pieces and trends for men and women. For women, fabrics are smooth and futuristic and decoration comes in bold linear patterns, flashes of pink and daring animal prints. Think sculpted shapes, layering and graphic black and white. Relaxed daywear sees brushed cotton-check shirting mixed with chunky knitwear and felted wool in gritty khaki tones. Boyfriend jeans and acid washes update the denim collection. Landing in-store in time to address every festive fashion challenge, New Look’s evening story revisits the late 1960s for fabulous partywear. Lush velvets and shimmering metallics are covered with embellishment, complemented by gorgeously bejewelled party shoes. Checks are a big deal in everything from elegant tailoring, statement clutches and killer heels to cozy scarves, sweaters and blanket coats. Outerwear is varied and stylish; parkas with uberluxe furry hoods, cocoon coats in bold checks and pastels and over-sized boyfriend coats in mannish checks. New Look’s womenswear range includes Petites, for women 5’3” and under, and Inspire, available up to size 28. The collection is available at New Look stores located at The Avenues and Al Bairaq Mall, Fintas. Opening soon in Salam Mall, Salmiya. You can also follow them on Facebook: NewLookMiddleEast, Twitter @newlook_me or Instagram @newlookmiddleeast. FALL 2014 COOL RIDER WITH KIPLING Khaki is the new black, so let Cool Rider forward march your functionality to the front lines of fashion. On-the-go style means staying connected – with your colleagues, with your family, and with the new season trends. From the surplus store to the streets, the new season calls for a sophisticated take on camouflage and khaki colorways – call it dressy army. Tap into the new color code with the Halia shoulder bag in their key canard hue: structured, spacious and sophisticated, it’s the perfect work-to-weekend carry-all. Also on their style agenda is the Nami in their brand new camo print – with two ways to wear, this is the companion to help you soldier through the day. Bringing up the rear is the new Yaretzi backpack: in stylish black, it’s perfect for exploring the city this Fall. When Fall’s mood takes its cues from army-inflected hues, Kipling’s new season recruits are ready to stand to attention. For more information and to find a store near you visit www.kipling.com. 149

bazaar investigates EDO ANNOUNCEMENT: “We regret to inform our very dear customers that we have been asked to vacate the premises of EDO at Shaab al Bahri in January 2015. We have been delighted to serve you all for the past 12 years, and will continue to do it, providing you with a great dining experience in our new location at the Sahara Golf Club. Thank you once again for your support all these years and for helping us to become the best dining venue in Kuwait. Come and join us at EDO CLUB, where our new dishes will delight you. Our Japanese chefs will make sure you experience the best in Japanese dining.” EDO CLUB is located at Sahara Golf Club, 6th Ring Road, near the Hunting and Equestrian Club. For more details phone 2220 3464 or 6600 7341.

GET COZY WITH GAP Be prepared to be delighted by the festive assortment of Gap’s Holiday Collection, both to wear and give. Organized by the themes of Crazy Stripes, Fair Isle and Party, the collection recognizes Rebekka Bay, Creative Director and Head of Marketing’s cohesive design direction. The ‘Crazy Stripe’ style story consists of incredible vibrant colors, setting a fun and distinctive tone this season. A key highlight in the women’s collection is knit top dresses, accessories, and moto sweatpants, while the men’s collection sees cotton and cashmere crewneck jumpers, puffer vests and slim fit Bedford Cords stylishly leading the way. Another style story in this collection is ‘Fair Isle & Shine’’ which concentrates on the traditional red pop pallets in luxe fabrications and yarns. Women can add some glam and shine with sparkly sweatpants. For a casual look, the soft knit sweatpants are a great alternative. The ‘Engineered Traditional’ style story includes black denim in various fits – Legging Jeans, Real Straight, Always Skinny and High Rise. Plaid and biker influences styles are also big in this collection, with Biker jackets, wool zip skirts and plaid fleece.

TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA PERFORM “IT DON’T MEAN A THING” For H&M’s holiday campaign This winter, H&M is celebrating the holidays with a spectacular campaign and festive collection. Global superstars Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga are the stars of the campaign, singing “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” from their #1 new album Cheek To Cheek. “We were inspired by the glitz, glamour, and opulence of the 1940s Big Band era,” says Johan Renck, director of the commercial. “The mood is one of festive celebration shot through with a strong sense of fashion and an underlying humor. It is intriguing, curious, exuberant, audacious, and filled with wonder.” The campaign is a thrilling fun adventure, where an H&M family of supermodels and superstars celebrate the spirit of giving and togetherness this holiday season. There’s a glittering mood, with an effortless glamour in playful red dresses, skirts, and tops that sparkle. Knits are a festive essential, just like the cozy oversized sweater worn by Lady Gaga in the print campaign. For men, there are plays on plaids for a festive spirit, especially a dapper plaid blazer that looks great layered with fun holiday sweaters.

‫ستيوارت ويتزمان يفتتح ثاني بوتيك له في الكويت‬ ‫ وقد تم اإلفتتاح في‬،‫أعلنت شركة ستيوارت ويتزمان عن افتتاح البوتيك الثاني لها في الكويت في مجمع األفينيوز‬ ‫ البوتيك ذو الواجهة الكوريان المضلعة يعكس مفهوم تجارة التجزئة المعاصر والديكور‬.‫شهر نوفمبر الماضي‬ ‫الرمادي تخلق مساحة عصرية حديثة‬/‫ لوحة لمسات اللون األبيض‬.‫الداخلي الذي تشتهر به ستيوارت ويتزمان‬ ‫ بينما تشتهر شركة ويتزمان بتصاميم الصنادل واألحذية ذات الكعب‬.‫لعرض أحذية وحقائب يد ستيوارت ويتزمان‬ ‫ سوف يقدم متجر الكويت تشكيلته الكاملة بما في ذلك األحذية ذات الرقبة الطويلة‬،‫العالي خاصة بين المشاهير‬ ‫ يدرك ستيوارت ويتزمان أن الحذاء المناسب أكثر من مجرد شكل أو وظيفة‬.‫واألحذية الرسمية واألحذية المسطحة‬ ‫ سنة كسبت تصاميمه قاعدة عمالء راقية جدا لمنتجات األحذية‬25 ‫ طوال أكثر من‬.‫ألنه يجعل المرأة تشعر بجمالها‬ ‫ تتمتع ماركة ستيوارت ويتزمان بحضور عالمي في عالم الموضة‬.‫الراقية ذات المالئمة والطراز والراحة الكبيرة‬ ‫ولدى محالت بيع التجزئة في الواليات المتحدة األمريكية وإيطاليا وسنغافورة ومنغوليا وفرنسا والصين وماليزيا‬ ‫والشرق األوسط وأندونيسيا وأستراليا وهونج كونج واليونان والمكسيك والهند وأسبانيا وموناكو وألمانيا وكندا‬ ‫ المدخل الشمالي‬،3 ‫ المرحلة‬،‫ مجمع األفينيوز‬،‫ ستيوارت ويتزمان‬.‫وسويسرا وروسيا‬

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MY ISLAND IN THE SUN A piece of paradise in Jamaica by Michelle Natasha Johnson

Wafting authentic smells of jerk chicken, roast breadfruit, sweet potatoes and juicy salt fish, and beef patties scented the air. White sand and bluest water, colorful buildings of pink, yellow, and the purple and of course the classic, red, yellow and green lined the streets of the vibrant Island of Jamaica. What makes Jamaica so special? The people and the sound of Reggae music heard coming from every other house. I can remember my parents taking my two older brothers and I every summer vacation (6-7 weeks) to Jamaica to visit our grandparents. As ungrateful as children can be, after three to four times of spending our entire vacation there, we wanted a change, why? Our school friend’s parents did not send their children to Jamaica; they spent their summer vacation in the United Kingdom usually to a caravan site in Wales. We had to catch a nine hour return flight from the UK. Do not get me wrong, it was fun once we arrived; visiting family and going on different excursions, but the problem was that we were away from our school friends. My parents, originally from Jamaica, had been living in the UK for as long as I can remember, even before I was born. They never left their culture, traditions and way of cooking behind. I may have been born in the UK, but I was raised as a Jamaican child. My home and community which consisted of uncle’s aunts and cousins was my little Jamaica. My parents still speak with their Jamaican patio accent 152

today. Visiting Jamaica it seemed like a home away from home, I found it very easy to adjust. The only thing that gave me away as a person born outside of Jamaica was my London accent and my infamous walk. Jamaicans tend to take life easy and generally walk at a much slower pace than I am accustomed to walking in London. Well here I am all grown up, living in Kuwait and wishing my parents would kindly send my airfare to visit them in Jamaica where they have been living for the past 10 years. My parents like, so many Jamaicans living in the UK, had enough of the cold English weather, and decided to retire early and return home. The airfare from Kuwait to Jamaica during December is astronomical and never encouraged me to want to break my bank account to pay for it, not including the presents I would have to buy the whole village...However as you know there is only so much putting off you can do when it comes to family and parents. So I closed my eyes and booked the ticket and off I went to visit my Island in the Sun and to re- connect myself with my people, the sounds, smells, food and rhythm of the land. On this trip I decided to book myself a few days at the Tamarind Great House, a jewel I found on the internet. This is where my story begins and my reunited trip to my homeland. I arrived in the evening completely exhausted from the flight and was welcomed by Fenton, the driver sent by Jillian and Brian, the owners of Tamarind Great House to

collect me. I arrived late and was surprised by the warm welcome. Gillian had prepared something light for me to eat and a hot drink. Her care and personal attention to a tired traveller was well appreciated. The next morning I was greeted by a concert of sounds (frogs, chickens and of course, far away in the distance, reggae music). I stood on the balcony and took in the magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, the gardens and the swimming pool below. The charm of Tamarind Great House lies in its amazing location and beautifully decorated rooms. So much taste and thought had gone into each area from the amazing staircase, the antiques and locally made furniture. Pictures of old Jamaica could even be seen on a few of the walls. Breakfast reminded me of what I used to eat when I was living with my parents. Fresh ingredients from Barry and Gillian’s garden were served on the veranda which consisted of salt fish, breadfruit, festival, fresh fruit and juice. After a fabulous 5 days I arrived at my parent’s home and was greeted by huge speaker boxes, loud music, family and friends of all generations celebrating in the street. In much supply was my favorite sorrel drink, and coconut ice cream. Smells of all fragrances filled the air as everyone seemed to be having a good time. I greeted my parents whose eyes were filled with tears. What a welcome! It was great to be around family and friends. I was truly thankful that I got to share a piece of paradise.

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DROWNING IN JAM

How to conquer “decision fatigue.” by Jane C. Hu

After my first day of work in a new city, I found myself sprawled facedown on the carpet of my new apartment. I needed to buy a couch, to finish writing assignments from my last job, to walk the dog – but after deciding which route to take between home and work, choosing a health insurance plan, and setting up a dozen new account passwords, I was totally useless. My husband asked me what I wanted to eat for dinner, and I didn’t care, as long as I didn’t have to think up a menu. It turns out there’s a scientific explanation for what I was experiencing: decision fatigue. The name is self-explanatory; constant decisionmaking can be overwhelming. Think about something as simple as grocery shopping after work. Do you get the organic berries at KD 3 or the nonorganic at KD 2? Which style of pasta? Which brand of juice? If you’re like me, you only manage to pick out a few things before you get cranky. It may seem liberating to live in a land of infinite choices, but research in decision-making suggests otherwise. In a classic study, Stanford researchers set up shop at an upscale grocery store chosen for its “extraordinary selection” of items, including 300 types of jam. One Saturday afternoon, they set up a sampling booth with 24 jams; the next week, they did the same but with just six jams. They found that people did seem to like the idea of having a lot of choices: More customers approached the 24-jam booth than the six-jam one. But people visiting the 24-jam booth tended to try only one or two jams – the same number as people in the six-jam group. When it came to buying jam, people in the hella-jams condition shut down, exhibiting what researchers call choice paralysis; only 3 percent bought any jam, whereas 30 percent of people in the six-jam booth took home a jar. From this study, the researchers coined a theory, aptly called choice overload. Making decisions isn’t the only daily activity that can wear you down. It’s what you aren’t doing that can exhaust you, too. Maintaining self-control takes subconscious thought and effort – the box of donuts in the break room you’re resisting is a low-level distraction throughout your day. As one group of researchers put it: “Just as a muscle gets tired from exertion, acts of self-control cause shortterm impairments in subsequent self-control.” Researchers call this ego depletion, referring to Freud’s “ego”: the moderate, socially acceptable version of ourselves that mediates between the superego and the id. People who are ego-depleted or decisionfatigued are looking for ways to get out of having to exert more self-control or make decisions, so they tend to be passive instead of active. In one cruel study, researchers made a group of participants do an incredibly pointless and ego-depleting task: Cross out all the instances of e in a document, 154

as long as it was more than one letter away from another vowel. (Meal is a no; vowel is a no; but mechanical would be a yes.) After that mind-numbing labor, participants were told that they would need to watch a video, but could stop it at any time to watch a clip of Saturday Night Live. The video was insanely boring – literally footage of a plain white wall. One group had to press a button to stop the video; the other had to hold down a button to keep watching the video. The button-pressers watched the boring video for a longer amount of time – in other words, people were so ego-depleted that even pressing a button felt like a lot of work. No wonder Netflix’s automatic “play next episode” function is so popular. Making decisions and exhibiting self-control are unavoidable daily activities; getting overwhelmed and sometimes making bad, impulsive decisions are occupational hazards of being human. But simple awareness of how to conserve your limited resources can help you stay productive throughout the day. First, get the important things out of the way early on in the day, before you’ve reached your frustration threshold or gotten distracted by breakroom crullers. Checking off your to-do list when your cognitive resources are fresh is a good strategy for avoiding rash decisions. Next, decrease your range of options. This may seem counterintuitive, since it requires making even more decisions. For instance, if you’re picking a restaurant for an important lunch meeting, first deciding on a certain part of town or type of cuisine can narrow your options. Like the participants in the jams study, you’re less likely to be paralyzed by

choice if you have few options instead of dozens. Once you’ve arrived at a decision, stick with it. Just accept that no decision is ever completely perfect, and remind yourself that it is the best you can do with the tools you have in the moment. Second-guessing yourself only requires making more decisions, which further depletes your cognitive resources. You might also end up happier; researchers have found that people who “satisfice,” or pick an option that meets requirements, are more content with their choices than people who try to pick the best option. To limit the number of options you can consider, set a self-imposed time limit for decision-making. If you’re buying a new laptop bag, you could spend an infinite amount of time studying features and optimizing price and value – but if you give yourself only five minutes to make a decision, there are only so many bags you can consider. You’ll save time, and, if the research findings hold up in real life, you’ll be happier with your decision, too. For less important tasks, consider outsourcing your decision-making. If you’re wondering whether to hit the gym after work or call a client, let someone else make the decision for you. I use a simple yes/no generator: Think of a question, hit a button, and the website spits out a randomly generated yea or nay. After all that decision-making, give yourself a break. Remember that productivity decreases over time, and try to replenish your depleted ego by indulging your id. Walk away from your desk. Splurge on a coffee drink. Watch YouTube videos of puppies on Roombas. Take a long lunch and come back fresh. If self-control is like a muscle, taking a rest can refuel your supply.

RIVER

bazaar around town BRITISH AMBASSADOR OPENS THE BRITISH COUNCIL’S EDUCATION UK EXHIBITION At EDUKEX 2014 students found ways to the “seeds of success” British Council, the UK’s International organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations held its Annual Education UK Exhibition - EDUKEX on November 8 & 9 2014 at the Regency Hotel Al Bidaa, officially opened by HMA Matthew Lodge, the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Grant Butler and Director of British Council Kuwait. The exhibition brought together 38 of the TOP UK universities, colleges and English language providers to meet with potential students and visitors to discuss the extensive choice of courses on offer by institutions at every academic level. All the universities that attended the exhibition feature in the Ministry of Higher Education’s list of accredited UK universities for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The event was sponsored by the Gulf Bank, this exhibition has portrayed more vibrancy than ever, with representatives from 38 British Universities and Colleges. Exhibitors provided the latest information on study opportunities in the UK, including the wide range of subject fields and levels of study that are available. Potential students were informed of the opportunity to find out all they need to know about GCSE’s, A-levels, foundation courses, English Language courses, career-based diplomas, first degree and postgraduate degree courses. The UK has a historical tradition of providing tertiary education and is renowned for the highest quality and standards. British Universities are found among the top 200 universities around the world. In the recently published QS World University Rankings 2013/14, six of the top universities in the world are in the UK. UK degree courses are seen throughout the world as being among the very best. The UK ranks second in the world in international research collaboration and teaching partnerships. Kuwaitis returning back after their study in the UK are equipped to make gainful contributions to their society and better serve their country. Another important benefit of studying in the UK is the chance to interact with people from many different backgrounds, nationalities and walks of life. In a multi-cultural society, where people are free to discuss almost any topic, it provides students the opportunity to learn a great deal about other cultures. For more information, please visit: www.britishcouncil.com.kw/en. You can also keep in touch with the British Council through their Twitter or Instagram @kwbritish and Facebook: britishcouncilkuwait.

OVER 8000 INDIVIDUALS JOIN THE FIFTH ANNUAL BEAT DIABETES WALKATHON IN KUWAIT A good stretch of the Gulf Road was dressed in blue early one Saturday morning in November, as over 8,000 people joined the fifth annual “Beat Diabetes Walkathon,” organized by the retail and hospitality conglomerate, Landmark Group. The event, which was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Dasman Diabetes Institute, marked a very successful completion for the fifth year in a row. The Beat Diabetes walkathon marks the culmination of a year-long timeline of diabetes awareness drives and activities led by the Landmark Group. Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer, Landmark Group Kuwait joined the supporters in the 3.1 km walk, reiterating the organisation’s support to the cause. Qualified trainers from the Fitness First led a mass warm-up session prior to the walk. Upbeat music added a fun element to the morning activity. Participants were also provided with complimentary t-shirts & caps in blue, the color that symbolizes the cause universally, and a healthy breakfast. The Group would like to thank their Co-Sponsor Al Ahli United Bank; Support Sponsors: Mais Al Ghanim, Al Ghanim/ Xerox, Abraaj, Safwan Trading, Fitness First & Isosstar; Media Sponsors: Al Rai, Al Jarida, Al Anba, Arab Times, Al Seyassah, Al Qabas, Kuwait Times, The Times, Sarab, Al Hadaf, Watch Styles, Business Islamica, Ahlan, The Talk, Executive Women, Al Yaqza, bazaar, Layalina, Samra, Avenues, Lana, Student Talk, City Pages; Bikers Associations: Kuwait Riders & Kuwait Dragon Riders, Phoenician riders & 789 Bikers in Kuwait Encounter, for their support in spreading awareness. Landmark Group encourages people to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to ensure early detection and better management of diabetes. Through its on-going campaigns such as ‘Beat Diabetes’, the Group actively seeks opportunities to raise awareness about the condition. The Group’s on-going efforts toward spreading awareness about diabetes have reached several thousand residents of Kuwait. In 2013, more than 6000 residents took part in the Kuwait edition of the Beat Diabetes walkathon at the Yacht Club and the Group successfully conducted free blood glucose tests for over three thousand people across Kuwait, during the month of November. Since launch of the Beat Diabetes campaign in the UAE in 2009, the initiative has grown in reach and participation. It currently has a presence across seven countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and India.

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MCDONALD’S LAUNCHES THE HAPPY MEAL AMBASSADOR IN KUWAIT On Friday 7th November, 2014, McDonald’s launched HAPPY in Kuwait. HAPPY is the ambassador for the Happy Meal and will take its place in the McDonald’s family alongside Ronald McDonald, as an educational character that promotes healthy options for kids. To celebrate the launch, an event was held at the McDonald’s branch in Sabah Al Salam from 4pm to 8pm. “The launch of HAPPY in Kuwait introduces a fun character that children can engage with and learn from. At the same time, HAPPY joins McDonald’s as an ambassador to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for children, informing parents of the healthy choices available with the Happy Meal. We are very pleased to have HAPPY join the McDonald’s family in Kuwait, and we are confident that children and adults alike will love our newest member,” commented Sherif Coutry, Marketing Director at McDonald’s Kuwait. The event at the Sabah Al Salem branch was an evening of fun-filled activities for the children and the whole family, with HAPPY being featured as the central character. Games included a life-sized board game, a HAPPY puzzle, a selfie booth and the HAPPY jump, with McDonald’s long-time brand ambassador, Ronald McDonald, taking part in all the fun. Families received points for participating in the activities, which they were able to redeem for prizes. “Families are very important to us at McDonald’s and HAPPY, along with Ronald McDonald, will encourage families to spend time together, as well as act as a reminder of the wholesome choices we are promoting for children,” added Coutry.

AL OSTOURA BRINGS VINTAGE LUXURY GOODS STORE ‘WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND’ TO KUWAIT Al Ostoura International has always been at the forefront of the fashion wave. Continuing its avant-garde trend, Al Ostoura has brought the premier vintage and luxury goods concept – What Goes Around Comes Around – to Kuwait. Located in Thuraya Mall, Salmiya, the boutique is the third outpost of the brand around the world. Founded in 1993, What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) is the leading company for authentic vintage and collectible luxury brands. The concept was introduced by founders and friends Gerard Maione and Seth Weisser, who opened a meticulously curated vintage boutique in SoHo, New York City. Today, the boutique has another location in Los Angeles as well. WGACA is home to many one-of-a-kind vintage pieces from labels like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Alaia, Comme des Garҫons, Dior, Prada, Celine, Gucci, and many more. Connoisseurs of vintage products know that each rare item is an investment and asset that only gains in value and prestige as time passes. The WGACA custom vintage line includes a collection of handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Recreated from authentic vintage items, the custom line is uniquely handcrafted to enhance the original item and add more to its looks and value. Quality, authenticity, individuality, and collectability are the core principles that drive the brand. Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Richie, Rita Ora, and Kelly Osbourne are some of the label’s famous customers who have been spotted carrying WGACA products. WGACA is also a favorite with collectors, editors, stylists, and A-list designers. What Goes Around Comes Around is indeed an exciting and promising initiative by Al Ostoura International to bring the “best of the best” of vintage luxury from around the world to Kuwait. Located in Thuraya Mall, Salmiya. For more information visit: www.alostoura.com.

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BUCKS

AN AMERICAN DREAM

Deferred for worldwide discoveries by Liltera R. Williams

“If you’re living without giving, your talents are null and void.” I came up with this quote just short of three years ago, when I made the conscious decision to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a well-known and respected writer. After frequently being told that writing is not a ‘real’ career, as a serial overachiever, I desperately wanted to prove others wrong. The feat became a huge challenge and, eventually, I was forced to shift my focus. Instead of wasting so much energy on appeasing the naysayers, I became more dedicated to those who supported me. More importantly, those who believed in me. They were and are more deserving of my attention. Suddenly, I was being told how much of an inspiration I am. Total strangers began to reach out with honest sentiments, sharing details of past regrets and unaccomplished goals. My purpose was already evident, but being recognized as a bearer of positivity with difference-making potential made it more clear. All I ever wanted to do was write, with or without compensation. Although I believed that I 160

was talented, from the beginning, I tried my best to always remain humble and appreciative. With each new achievement, I became even more aware that my words have power. No matter how many times I was rejected for lack of experience and being an incompatible match for numerous publications, the desire to create my own path to success continued to grow. I was internally motivated to be the best at doing what I love, minus the spite and ill-will feelings towards those who would not acknowledge my unique skills. Every ounce of feedback, including the non-responses, was a learning lesson. Now, here I am, in the Middle East, capitalizing on the freedom that I was granted because I had enough faith to travel outside of my comfort zone. I quit my corporate job as an SEO Copywriter in February of this year, briefly living what some people refer to as the American Dream, anticipating muchneeded change and seeking long-term fulfillment. Basically, I realized and accepted the fact that my dream was never really the American Dream in the first place; it was my personal and exclusive destiny. I’m temporarily in a totally different country,

attempting to stand out within an area that is unfamiliar to me, still striving to conquer the same objective: exemplifying why it’s important to LIVE YOUR DREAM. I am no longer a victim of fear, no longer trapped inside my own world filled with doubt and insecurity, no longer satisfied with being average or mediocre. Dreams do come true. I’m a living example and grateful for the opportunity to use my gift to show you how. I look forward to meeting you and being welcomed into your culture, now that I’ve officially #GoneGlobal. Join Liltera on December 6, 2014 at Q8 Bookstore, 6:00PM to 9:00PM, for her very first international book signing. Learn more about her company, iWrite4orU (www.iwrite4oru.com), her four self-published books, Amateur Thoughts: A Personal Collection of iWrite Poetry & LRW Quotes, Dearly Beloved S.I.S.T.A.S, Words from the Write Side of My Heart, and LIVE YOUR DREAM: How to Set and Accomplish Deadline-Driven Goals and also receive more information on future workshops for aspiring writers.

SOOR CENTER

bazaar techno Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ~ Arthur C. Clarke

IPAD FOOSBALL TABLE

MONSTER GO DJ PORTABLE MIXER

FITBIT SURGE

Get the tactile joy of real-life foosball and all the benefits of a digital scorekeeper with the iPad Foosball Table. This tabletop game hooks to your older iPad via a 30-pin connector, letting the four spinners on each side accurately control the digital players on the field. Other features include sliding colored markers on either end for keeping score, rubber feet to keep everything in place, and a number of options in the companion app, including customizable players and fields and the ability to add cheering crowds and other sound effects. While it might not match the resounding “thunk” of a goal scored on a real table, it also won’t take up a ton of room in your house.

Whether you want to be prepared for an impromptu set or just don’t want to bring a van full of backup equipment for your main rig, the Monster Go DJ Portable Mixer has you covered. Measuring less than 10 inches long, this pint-sized mixer packs in a surprising amount of capability, including dual touchscreens, physical effects knobs and crossfade slider, beat matching, a touch sampler, a sequencer, an EQ, recording capability, an SD card slot, line-in and line-out ports, a microphone input, and a headphone output — basically everything you might need to DJ a set in one sleek, highly portable package.

It’s a fitness watch with smart features. Or it’s a smartwatch with fitness features. Whichever way you view it, the Fitbit Surge is worth a spot on your wrist. Thanks to an arsenal of eight sensors — 3-axis accelerometers, a gyroscope, a compass, an ambient light sensor, GPS, and a heart rate monitor — it can deliver a host of stats, including pace, distance, elevation, calories burned, workout intensity, and even sport-specific metrics. Its backlit LCD touch screen provides support for smartwatch features like Caller ID, text alerts, and music control, and with a battery that lasts up to a week, it’ll keep on going long after most of its full-color competition has gone running for their chargers.

www.uncrate.com

POWERALL POWER BANK & JUMP STARTER

HEMINGWRITE

KODAK PIXPRO SP360 ACTION CAMERA

Portable batteries that charge up your various gadgets are nothing new. Nor is adding an emergency LED light to the mix. But the PowerAll Power Bank & Jump Starter goes above and beyond these other options by offering to power something even more vital: your vehicle. On a full charge, the pocket size PowerAll charger/ power supply can jump start your car 20 times. It functions as an LED flashlight or SOS signal beacon for up to 120 hours. On top of that it provides backup power for all your devices and comes with adapters for just about everything, including Apple 30-pin, Micro USB, Mini USB, LG, Samsung, PSP, and more. A must-have trunk stash for the off-roading gadgeteer.

Typewriters are great for distraction-free writing, but not so great for digital documents. iPads and laptops are great for storing work but they’re full of distractions. The Hemingwrite is a happy medium. This portable, single-purpose gadget combines a daylight-friendly, high-contrast 6-inch E Ink screen with a high-quality mechanical keyboard to offer all the focus of a typewriter and all the benefits of a modern device. It sports a die-cast aluminum case with a retro design and built-in handle, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE for constant backups to Evernote and Google Docs, a built-in memory of over 1 million pages, and a battery life of over 6 weeks, so even if you need to take a Thoreau-style retreat, you won’t have to pack along a charger.

Kodak has already thrown its hat into the action cam fray, but its new gadget offers a much wider view of the goings-on. The company’s PIXPRO SP360 effort captures footage with 360-degree views in full HD, which it says is capable of creating “fully immersive images” without having to employ a fleet of cameras. Features include a 16 megapixel sensor, 1080p video recording, 10 megapixel still shooting at 10 fps, built-in Wi-Fi with app control, NFC, motion detection, a time lapse mode, and a shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and waterresistant body. But the big deal is the lens, which lets you capture your surroundings in a variety of angles that no GoPro can pull off.

www.werd.com

www.uncrate.com

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IT’S COLD AND IT’S HERE!

How to unfreeze at the thought of winter by Heena Parkar

It’s not the stuffed clothes or the tight boots. It’s not the dim, pleasing sunlight or the need for prolonged exercise to keep warm. It’s just the unbearable cold, which might render winter a non-favorite for those who enjoy bright, sunny days and probably some sweat to keep fit. While all the aspects of cooler weather can bring a great smile, its treacherous, unforgiving freeze can bite right into your daily routine and comfortable schedule. If the bygone years have given you shivering days and made you lose out on commitments, then it’s time to combat and alter those encounters. Converting this short season into a realm of varied experiences and creating interesting possibilities will make you optimistic about the next four months, while preserving your yearly dedications. The morning deal: Short days are a distinguished feature of this time of the year. You need to focus on covering your daytime work or activities accordingly. For example, if you prefer jogging along the beach, then late afternoons can no longer be the perfect time. You might get demotivated by the early sunset, and heavy wind 164

can further add to your dismay. Consider shifting to early mornings as they are not only pleasant but also provide necessary vitamin D, otherwise limited due to the season. Moreover this experience resembles the one you have during your much loved, warm summer days, thereby lightening your mood. The bizarre plan: Think of a unique activity, which can be easily carried out throughout the season or most of it. This will definitely reduce your dislike toward the chill as you turn it into a learning opportunity. Photography might be interesting to start with. Rains can create beautiful scenes and bring life to everything around us. It’s the only time of the year where you get to click pictures of water droplets on windows or children playing in a puddle, for example. Make the most of it and maybe you can use them later. Get creative. Those hot beverages: What better way to feel warm, than drink warm! Moving away from the classic dependency on coffee and tea, try out other alternatives. Hot chocolate, Apple cider etc, can give an enriching feel. For those who aren’t into limiting their tea intake, herbal tea is a better deal.

Be healthy. You don’t want to spoil your appetite drinking liquids, which might damage the system from within. Amid all of this, don’t forget the most important one – water. Generally the intake reduces at this time causing various ill effects. Try having lukewarm water with a spoon of honey, garlic and a drop of lemon to keep your immune system healthy. Doing the ordinary: Continue your work and chores as they are. Keep your progress on-going and don’t stress about the minimal changes. Studies have indicated that the onset of a new season can get people worried about their attire. To reduce this feeling, you can adhere to changing only the necessary things. Pre-planning can also help in this regard. Get your home ready for winter. Fix that old heater before it’s too late and avoid shopping if your wardrobe already has tons of woolens stored. You don’t want to regret it later. In situations where you might want to cancel on plans due to bad weather, finding an alternate way to execute it is advisable, to reduce stress. And most of all, enjoy every minute in the best possible way. Happy winter!

FULL FAST

MOVE OVER HUMANS The Robocars are coming by Vivek Wadhwa

My prediction is that in fewer than 15 years, we will be debating whether human beings should be allowed to drive on highways. After all, we are prone to road rage; rush headlong into traffic jams; break rules; get distracted; and crash into each other. That is why our automobiles need tank-like bumper bars and military-grade crumple zones. And it is why we need speed limits and traffic police. Self-driving cars won’t have our limitations. They will prevent tens of thousands of fatalities every year and better our lifestyles. They will do to human drivers what the horseless carriage did to the horse and buggy. Tesla’s announcement of an autopilot feature in its next-generation Model S takes us much closer to this future. Yes, there are still technical and logistical hurdles; some academics believe it will take decades for robotic cars to learn to navigate the complexities of the “urban jungle;” and policy makers are undecided about the rules and regulations. But just as Tesla produced an electric vehicle that I liken to a spaceship that travels on land, so too will it keep adding software upgrades until its autopilot doesn’t need a human operator at the steering wheel. I expect this to happen within a decade – despite the obstacles. I have already placed an order for the new model so that I can be part of this evolution. Tesla isn’t alone in developing semi-automated driving assistants. Most car manufacturers now offer options in their high-end vehicles to keep them within their lane, adjust speed, warn of pedestrians, and stop in the event of an impending accident. These technologies work well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the automating braking systems of 24 vehicles and 166

gave 21 a ranking of “superior” or “advanced.” The new Tesla will be better than all of these. It will have sensors for image recognition, a 360-degree sonar system that can “see” its surroundings, and long-range radar to recognize signs and pedestrians. It will be able to change lanes on its own, obey speed-limit signs, avoid accidents, and park itself. It also will be able to pick us up at our front doors in the morning after driving itself out of the garage. Because Tesla controls practically everything with software – including the driving, suspension and climate – it can keep adding new features. Its cars are Internetconnected, and software updates are downloaded automatically, usually every month. Google is far ahead of Tesla in the race to build robotic cars. It already has several on the roads in California and says that they have logged 700,000 autonomous miles. But Google is going for all or nothing. Its new prototype vehicles don’t even have a steering wheel. The challenge this creates – and a problem that Tesla and the other carmakers will also face – is that the driving system has to be perfect before it can be allowed on the road without a human co-pilot. This also creates many legal and ethical issues. Who is responsible, for example, when a fully autonomous car has an accident? The liability issues regarding fully driverless cars will be easy: the car’s manufacturer or software maker will be responsible for any accident unless it can be shown that a human driver was at fault. But the hard part is what Ryan Calo, a University of Washington law professor, calls the “social meaning” of technology. He observes that a driverless car may always be better at avoiding a shopping cart. And

it may always be better than a human at avoiding a stroller. But what if the car confronts a shopping cart and a stroller at the same time? A human would plough into the shopping car to avoid the stroller; a driverless car might not. There will be many difficult choices and endless debates about ethics. But we can work these out. The numbers of fatalities caused by robotic cars will be a tiny fraction of the millions that humans have caused, after all. And if political leaders and lawyers in the United States try to stop progress, other countries will still adopt the new technologies; they are unstoppable. The U.S. may just end up playing catch-up with the rest of the world. The big advantage that self-driving cars will have is that they don’t need the safeguards and controls that humans do. They can communicate with each other to negotiate right of way and speed, warn each other of traffic hazards, and see in the dark – so they don’t need blinding high-beams. The real risks for robotic cars are the hazards that unpredictable humans create. That is why we will need to get humans out of the drivers’ seats. I am looking forward to having my wasted driving time turned into work and leisure. Robotic cars will enable major fuel savings because they won’t need the bumpers or steel cages and so will be lighter. We won’t have to worry about parking spots, because our cars will be able to drop us where we need to go to and pick us up when we are ready. We won’t even need to own our own cars, because transportation will be available on demand through our smartphones. I can’t wait for the traffic jams to disappear because our cars won’t rush headlong into traffic as mindlessly as we do.

HYPOXI

bazaar scopes what’s your sign? CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 Your relationship with others is weakening because you focus too much on your career. It’s important to balance your life, so make sure to plan time that you can spend with your friends and family. What seemed like a hopeless situation last month, now takes a positive turn. You’ll have something more to look forward to.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 Learn how to say “no,” Aquarius. There’s nothing wrong with being nice, but being too nice is as good as inviting others to take advantage of you. Take charge and you’ll gain respect. However now is not the time to procrastinate on things you need to do for yourself. It’s time to do the things you’ve been holding off for so long. You’ll eventually look back and be proud for finally getting it all done.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 20 Before you decide to make a drastic change, make sure to plan it thoroughly, and consult the important people in your life about it first. Your actions affect them, too, so it’s important to get their feedback before you make your final decision. However, don’t let self-doubt get the better of you either. Success is near. You just have to hold on to your confidence in order to get it. Understanding is the key to happiness in your relationship, being a good listener is more important than you realize.

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 19 A disappointment early in the month will make you realize that you don’t have control over everything. Instead of letting it get you down, focus on what you can control. Also, you’ll receive compliments and praise from your superiors for your great performance this month. Some of your co-workers will envy you, and might try to dampen your good mood, but don’t pay attention to them. Continue to focus on the positive things.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 You haven’t been hanging out with your friends as much as they want you to. Now is the time to show them how much you’ve missed their company. Plan some fun activities that you can all do together this month. In matters of the heart, a look to the past helps you make a decision for today. Be fair and truthful and it will work out as you wish.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 A dear friend might turn to you for help. Be diplomatic when giving advice – especially if you’re

giving it to someone who is very different from you. However, supporting and helping them will serve to strengthen your friendship. You can be sure that when the tables turn, your friend will be there to support and help you as well.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUN 22 You might feel a bit low at the beginning of this month. It’s good to surround yourself with positive people, such as friends and family who care about you. You’ll be feeling energetic and cheerful again before you know it. An unexpected windfall later this month will make an upcoming trip more enjoyable. You’ll have something special to look forward to. Be wary though that you should keep business and pleasure very separate this month.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 Stress from work is taking a toll on you. You’ll be happy to find that you can make your way through the rubble. Things will come a little easier now and you’ll be able to reap the rewards of hard work. Take this month to relax, and take a break away from anything stressful. A Libra brings extra fun to a weekend outing. This is the perfect opportunity to go on that exotic trip you’ve been dreaming of.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 The skills that you picked up last month will come in handy now. Your co-workers will be impressed by the amount of things that you know and can do. Your superiors might take notice too, and start assigning you the big projects. Good news will come this month for Virgos saving toward a big purchase. This is where the rewards start finally coming!

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 21 Focus on your goals, and prioritize the important things in your life. Some of your peers will try to sway you from your responsibilities, but stay firm in the things you know are important, and you will end up doing the right thing. An opportunity for career advancement comes midmonth. Think twice before jumping at something you know nothing about. News of a breakup will come out of nowhere. Even if you’re disappointed, you won’t be surprised.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Things are slowly getting better for you, but now is not the time to be lax. In fact, you should work harder, so that things will greatly improve at a faster rate. If you go back to being laid-back, all of your hard work will be for nothing. Avoid taking sides in a family fight unless you like playing with fire. Even the most diplomatic Libran could get burned. An Aries will come to you for advice, but make sure to use common sense when making financial decisions.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 You’ll receive a lot of good opportunities this month. It’s important that you search your heart and choose the one that you think is right. Don’t be pressured into choosing an opportunity that somebody else thinks is right for you.

source: www.2014horoscope.com 168

ADOLFO

PORSCHE (OBC)