June 2017 | Issue # 216 www.bazaar.town
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ABOUT THE COVER Our June cover by local photographer Mohammad Alramadan is captioned “Two friends enjoying a conservation as the sun sets on the beach”. It is everything we envision Ramadan to be: peaceful, tranquil, traditional and warm. “Photography captures the beauty of life, and people we love, meet and deal with every day.” Mohammad says. With his passion for street photography, nature, landscape and wildlife, our chosen cover photo was taken candidly. “The best pictures anyone can take are the ones that are not staged.” Great capture, Mohammad! Follow him on Instagram @malramadan.
The mad exodus has begun and it’s not the usual summer exodus that we’re all accustomed to. You know the one - the wives and kids and maids leaving for the summer en masse, while the poor husbands stay in Kuwait to work and have to deal with the summer heat and lovely dust storms alone, stealing occasional weekends away here and there. They’re pretty easy to spot at the supermarkets, hovering around the cooked food section, with their almost empty shopping baskets. This year’s exodus is different however, because so many expats are leaving for good. The ongoing recession that nobody really talks about publicly has led to many professionals being laid off due to cost cutting, and the job market is so bad that it’s become almost impossible for expat professionals to find alternative jobs. The problem is that, as more expats leave, the recession will get worse, since there is less spending power in the country, more empty apartments and villas, and less people around to eat at the two billion restaurant malls that are currently open in Kuwait. It’s a serious problem, and one that needs to be faced head on as soon as possible.
The bazaar team... Boss Ahmed El-Adly
Operations Tim Burns
Business Development Ihab Mokalled
Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz
Content Coordinator Yasmine El Charif
Design Ahmed Al-Ashab
Staff Writer/Online Media
Still, we at bazaar like to look at the bright side and remain hopeful. The spirit of Ramadan is among us, after all! Regardless of what’s happening in the world, it’s always nice to remember that after a long day of fasting in the blistering heat, you can gather with your loved ones over Iftar to celebrate our countless blessings and the spirit of the Holy month. While we’re quite aware of the Maghreb prayer timings shifting a little later every day, we’re staying strong this month because our June issue is packed with everything you need to make this Ramadan a special one!
Amira Haroun
We begin with inspirational meetings with the Abolish Article 153 organization founders to discuss their latest award and how they campaign for success. We also play a game of truth or dare with creative author Bibi Salem AL-Sabah, who talks to us about the third edition of her renowned Ramadan Coloring and Activity books illustrated by local talent Nada Dalloul (did we mention that the books are for all ages? YAY!). We also get up close and personal with Snappcard CEO Muneer Hanbali, and delight in a riveting conversation with Porsche Centre Kuwait’s Director Abdulmohsen Behbehani.
Cover By
Change up your Ramadan look this month with flair, as we present beautiful pages of the hottest looks to sport this season from our own curated fashion shoot that showcases modern to traditional looks, as well as an incredible fashion spread to style your Ramadan the MANGO way! You can even shop their latest collections online to avoid that needless post-work traffic. Looking for a place to enjoy Iftar outside of the house? We got you covered at Khaneen with their special spread of classic Kuwaiti dishes with a modern twist. What about an enjoyable meal before starting your next day of fasting? Go light for suhoor and check out our review of the newest healthy eatery Skinny Fork. We even conducted a thorough tasting of Haute Gourmet Hot Dog’s new breakfast menu so you can plan that first Eid breakfast with ease! Hotdog pancakes, anyone? We also have our very own list of the best Ramadan Life Hacks to get you through the month, and we speak to beloved Lifestyle coach Anka Oprisor to learn about how you can reset our body and mind while fasting! Happy Ramadaning! Ahmed El-Adly
Staff Writer Yasmine Dalloul
Communications Hala Y. Sharara
Editor Alia Al Duaij Mohammad Alramadan
Contributing Writers Abdulaziz Alhashash Anka Oprisor Barry Rodrigues George Tarabay Sarah Wali Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg Zainab Mirza
Contributing Photographers Caroline Ericson Yousef Al Nasser
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w w w. b p aw w. c o m 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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INDEX JUNE 2017 36
MUNEER HANBALI June’s Up Close and Personal candidate takes things to a techy route to teach us all about the newest features his baby SnappCard has to offer! Read all about one man’s journey into a regional startup, and how his consulting expertise has helped it grow into the great tool it is today.
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BIBI SALEM AL-SABAH
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DAVID HANNERS
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RAMADAN LIFE HACKS
Bibi “Bee” Salem Al-Sabah brings her quirk with a side of education this Ramadan! She sits down with us to play a friendly game of Truth or Dare, as she discusses her latest Ramadan activity book that recently hit the stands! Just in time for the holy month!
bazaar goes country with this talented musician who specializes in telling stories. We meet David Hanners, who shares with us the fascinating details of his life as a journalist, and how some of the greatest stories he’s come across translated into song.
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In this issue, we score some one-on-one time with Porsche Centre Kuwait’s very own director, Abdulmohsen Behbehani. In this in depth interview, he dishes on growing up in the Behbehani empire, and the automotive family’s soft spot and long love for Porsches.
Guess what? MANGO now lets you shop online locally, which means you get your premium pick of the orchard anywhere, anytime and at your convenience! Read all about MANGO’s amazing shopping experience and styles to look out for in this issue.
Ramadan is always delicious, and filled with endless options at Khaneen! Try something a little different this month and enjoy your Iftar outside of your home, without having to compromise your favorites or worry about the cleanup. Read all about Khaneen’s Ramadan menu in this issue!
During this month of compassion and kindness, we must remember that these acts need to extend to animals in need as well. Luckily, Rescue Adopt Foster (RAF) is on the roster as an initiative working hard to meet the goals of saving as many animals as possible in Kuwait. Read all about them in this issue.
ABDULMOHSEN BEHBEHANI
RAMADAN WITH MANGO
KHANEEN’S IFTAR
P. 58 BAB ALQASR
We absolutely love Ramadan, but in between all the social obligations and time spent waiting to eat, (not to mention the risk of weight gain) we’re also aware that it can play a toll on your patience. Check out our life hacks to make your month easier – you can thank us later.
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what's trending June 2017
What: @dinadali.kw Info: Dara’as and dishdashas made by two fabulous sisters. Editor’s Note: Perfect way to up your Ramadan attire.
What: @ladydork Info: Yoga guru with daily wellness tips and postures. Editor’s Note: A posture a day keeps the negative energy away!
What: @361.world Info: The region’s first travel journal. Editor’s Note: To support their printing, check out link in bio!
What: @artemis,kw Info: French wood sunglasses and phone cases galore! Editor’s Note: A one of a kind new look for summer.
www.bazaar.town
What: @kidpreneurs_kw Info: Sirdab Lab fueling kids' creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Editor’s Note: New batch starts June 11! Register now!
What: @thouqi Info: Embracing the style of the modern Arab woman! Editor’s Note: We love these gorgeous looks.
What: @onenessliving Info: Beautiful organic handmade soaps. Editor’s Note: The perfect gift this Ramadan season!
What: @alkanafanikwt Info: Kuwait’s premiere kanaferie. Editor’s Note: Because Ramadan.
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 22
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truth or dare
BIBI’S RAMADAN
Maintaining tradition and magic By bazaar staff
“Did you know that the Qasr Nayef cannon was a gift from the Shah of Iran in 1906?” Bibi Salem Al-Sabah says excitedly as she flips through her latest and newly released My Ramadan Jumbo Activity Book. “It was originally housed in Seif Palace until the 1930s, and has been used to mark the commencement of Iftar since the 1960s!” This tidbit of trivia is only one of the many facts that appear in Bibi’s series of coloring books centered around Ramadan, stemmed from her self-branded Bee’s Ideas: an entity created by Bibi to inspire Kuwait’s youth to embrace local culture in an inclusive way. Bibi’s international childhood as an ambassador’s daughter provides a genuine love for local culture; “My parents had a habit of picking up a children’s book about the culture of whichever country we lived in for us to assimilate. I still do that to this very day! I love embracing different cultures, just how I want ours to be embraced in return.” Ramadan plays a major role to ideas put into fruition, and it’s no wonder that with the Smith College alumna’s professional background in education, a learning outlet would be the outcome of her ideas. “I’ve always loved Ramadan. After my grandmother’s passing, I wanted to survive her spirit by doing something to spread the magic of Ramadan to the community, because she always made it so wonderful for me during my child and adulthood.” With that sentiment, she and her longtime illustrator, Nada Dalloul, ventured to release Bibi’s first My Ramadan Coloring and Activity Book in 2015. This later ushered in her 2016 edition (complete with stickers), and the most current, “bigger and better” book with even more activities and facts to fill the curious days of little ones! “There is so much we don’t know about Ramadan, and My Ramadan makes it more relatable for people to enjoy and explore!” In addition to word searches, scrambles and other fun activities, the book includes a handy pull out of the lunar calendar to tack on your fridge! The Ramadan fun extends to the whole family! Bee’s Ideas has created an activity suitable for ages 8 to 80. Her “selfish love of hearing people’s stories” formed a ‘table topic’ deck of cards to ignite conversations during those long Ramadan gatherings. These cards have questions to ask one another regarding Ramadan and holiday traditions of each respective player’s yesteryear, and pose as an allinclusive activity to bring people together. Bibi’s My Ramadan projects have proven to come with a mighty force that leaves locals and international residents thankful and happy. My Ramadan is currently 24
a part of a Boston Mommy and Me group, and has sold copies in the UK and France. And we can’t forget Bibi’s reach to the children of Kuwait, who now recognize her by name and approach her in gratitude and anticipation for the next book’s release! With that, she stays strong with ethos and intention: “All that I’m doing, is to create memories, magic and tradition. I’ve come to realize that traditions have to be made and that word-of-mouth dies. So let’s embrace what we have and let our culture live on!”
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word? Warmhearted. How would you describe your mother in one word? Selfless. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? “Do you ride a camel to work?” What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? I guest lectured at a high school class in Harlem. What is your theme song? "Alors On Danse" - Stromae. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Faja’a. Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? I’d love to live on a farm that’s on a beach. However, I haven’t found the location yet! What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Just do it”- Nike. What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in? A bear: adaptable, considerate and cuddly. What do you miss about your childhood? Time. It moves too fast as an adult. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? As a kid, I wanted to be Christina because a bunch of books I read had really cool Christinas in it. How would you describe your handshake in one word? I don’t, I dab. What is the toughest part of your character? I daydream, so it takes me a while to do anything. Who is your favorite historical figure? Dr. Seuss. What in the world do you least desire? Chewing with your mouth open. What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place? Compassion. Why do you think most girls/guys like you? I’m easy-going. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” Machboos.
For more ideas on where to purchase My Ramadan Jumbo Activity Book, follow @beesideas on Instagram! Buzzzz! Check out a preview of Bibi’s activity in this issue!
All DC characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s17)
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RESCUE.ADOPT.FOSTER.
Kuwait’s great animal rescue organization By bazaar staff
The global rise of social media has brought a lot of very real issues to many people’s attention at a faster rate than ever before. Locally, one huge issue that we can no longer turn a blind eye to is animal displacement, abandonment and abuse in the streets and homes of Kuwait. That is why kind souls like Danna Jawhar and Fay Al-Ajmi decided to use the widespread means of communication to take matters into their own hands and help resolve the issue once and for all by creating RAF. An acronym for Rescue Adopt Foster, RAF was inspired by Danna and Fay’s eternal love for animals and their very first co-rescue, Elmo the cat. “We had been following rescue accounts on Instagram, and one day, we saw Elmo – who had been attacked by a dog. After that, it was our fate to rescue animals and care for them, it's who we are and it's what we love to do.” Danna explained warmly, as Fay pipes in; “Having so many rescues that needed homes we had to think outside the box which lead us to creating RAF.” People all over Kuwait stay connected through Instagram and WhatsApp to alert Danna and Fay of cases discovered, and like super heroes, the friends make the trek to the situation to see what they can do. They aren’t always easy cases, but with a lot of 26
compassion and teamwork, their objective to rescue the helpless animals of Kuwait and get them into foster care provided by volunteers has turned into a reality. Why are you both passionate about this cause? Danna: Its simple: Animals. There is no feeling like fighting for a living creature that doesn’t have a voice. I will never understand animal cruelty. We have rescues that are missing their teeth from being kicked and being dumped in cardboard boxes on the side of a road; we HAVE to help them. Fay: Having pets that mean the world to us makes us think of all the helpless souls who need our help. We can't begin to imagine what our own pets would go through if God forbid they got out or were in abusive homes. What are the benefits of rescuing/fostering abandoned animals for people who never had a pet before? D: It’s a temporary bonding experience like never before! It’s not only fun having an animal around, its special to see this animal rely on you, learn to trust you again and get attached to you! F: Pets are an amazing experience for adults and children, just the feeling of helping an innocent soul makes you feel so proud of yourself. It’s a good chance to teach younger generations to be kind to animals and how to care for them and show them that animals too have feelings just like us humans. Can you share some success stories with our readers?
D: Elmo’s story is close to my heart. His injuries extensive, he suffered depression, he wouldn’t eat, and he was covered in ringworm and because he was so weak his body couldn’t fight off any infections. We decided the only way this cat would survive was to show him LOVE. We bought him so many toys, treats, blankets, made him boiled chicken and hand fed him. Even the nurses would joke and change his cast colours daily to keep everything positive! This was a lesson: animals respond to kindness. F: Mine would have to be Sammy. I saw a picture of a dog lying on the side of the road; she was lifeless. I decided I wanted to try and help her. When I got to her, I didn’t even know if she was alive or not. I rushed her to the vet, and the first thing I was told was to put her to sleep because she wasn’t going to survive the night. I refused. Sammy was obviously used for breeding and when she wasn’t needed, cruel people dumped her, shot her in her tummy and stabbed her in the hips. They basically left her to bleed out and die. We found dead, undeveloped puppies, in her tummy. She is now perfect, after a long recovery and almost a year at the vet, she learnt to walk, love and trust again! How can people get involved with RAF? Foster, donate, adopt and follow us on Instagram. We are constantly in need of fosters and donations, so please direct message us, if you’re willing. Follow RAF on Instagram and get involved by keeping updated on @raf.kw.
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Sacochier
THERE’S A MONSTER IN MY SEAT An interview with Subway Doodle
By Ashley Alleluya
Appreciate boredom. Illustrator Ben Rubin of Brooklyn, NY owes his popularity to it. Boring rides in the tube led to the creation of Ben's private underground fantasy world that is the New York subway system. A world where fuzzy monsters sit among us as invisible equals. Ben's work as Subway Doodle is the manifestation of his extraordinary imagination brought to life for all of us to enjoy. And what work it is. His drawings of the distinctive blue creatures interacting with commuters on the subway are at once hilarious and relatable. Judging by the almost 170,000 fans on Instagram, there are many others who feel the same way. But how does Ben Rubin feel about his novel endeavor? Has doodling (or any form of drawing or art) always been a creative outlet for you? The first picture I remember drawing as a child was a picture of Godzilla. I must have been about five or six years old. By the age of seven, I knew I wanted to be a cartoonist when I grew up. At the age of 12, I started working The Museum of Cartoon Art in Rye Brook, NY every Sunday until I went off to college. I studied Fine Arts and pursued a career as an illustrator and a cartoonist. I started drawing on the subway commute about five years ago when I bought my first iPad, sketching to pass the time. One day I took a picture with my iPad on the train and drew over the picture. It was fun so I did another, and another. Subway Doodle evolved from there. The blue creatures that feature in most of your doodles – do they have distinct personalities in your mind? As a child, I consumed an abundance of comic books, TV and movies. Now, my brain is just smashing it all together and regurgitating it. Initially, the creatures didn't have much significance, but as Subway Doodle evolved, they became fairly accurate representations of what one encounters on the subway every day. The creatures I draw are mostly blue because I don't want them to be interpreted as a criticism or representation of any particular race or nationality. How do you choose the perfect candidates for your doodles? Does the doodle come first or does the subject inspire the drawing? Sometimes I take a picture with an idea in mind, but most of the time I just take pictures and start drawing without knowing where I'll end up. I take a lot of pictures, but only a fraction of them become doodles. How long does each piece on an average take to complete? I went through a phase where I challenged myself to create one doodle a day. The pressure to keep up started to take the fun out of it, so I slowed down. I 28
probably spend four to eight hours on each doodle and aim to complete two or three doodles a week. How do unsuspecting individuals usually react to your doodles? When I had a very small audience, I didn't worry about taking pictures of strangers without their knowledge. These days I only use shots where no one is clearly recognizable or I change their facial features. All of the children in my Subway Doodles are my kids or friends' kids. They are willing participants in my doodles, but are also my toughest critics! My mother, father, girlfriend and friends have also appeared in my doodles. The doodles featuring my friends and family are my favorites. Most of the comments on your social media praise your work for being so relatable. What is it about the animated form of art that you think affects people this deeply? Sometimes my doodles illustrate a common subway experience that a lot of riders can relate to. Yet sometimes I'm just drawing for the sake of drawing. I'm not trying to say anything. It's interesting how some
people find something relatable in the doodles that weren't intended to be anything at all. Do you get collaboration requests from other artists often? I receive collaboration requests from other artists from time to time. I enjoy collaborations if I think their style compliments and adds an interesting dimension to my work. My goal as an artist is to feel creatively fulfilled. I am happiest when I am creating something.
To check out Subway Doodle's amazing work, please visit www.subwaydoodle.com, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @Subwaydoodle. Photos courtesy of Subway Doodle. Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud: @KingdomeMagazine, and on Instagram @Kingdome. co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.
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ABDULMOHSEN
BEHBEHANI:
A PASSION FOR PORSCHE
STANDING STRONG FOR GENERATIONS TO COME By bazaar staff
Director of Porsche Centre Kuwait Abdulmohsen Behbehani
The Porsche name is synonymous with the sonorous sound of its inimitable engine. The impeccable performance and character of each and every model has never failed to ignite the thrill in the hearts of Kuwait’s drivers for the past six decades. Today, Porsche Centre Kuwait celebrates its 60th anniversary and the astonishing partnership of excellence between the brand and Behbehani Motors Company. 30
The journey began in 1957, and continues to thrive under the leadership of Group President Ali Morad Behbehani, and Group Director Abdulmohsen Behbehani, who maintains the legacy of its founding father. bazaar chatted with Abdulmohsen Behbehani, the face of the third generation of the Behbehani family. Not only did he share with us his first memory of his Porsche experience, he also shares how the brand’s journey in Kuwait constantly influences his drive and passion, propelling him further toward fulfilling the legacy of this longstanding partnership in Kuwait. We met up with Abdulmohsen at the sleek and majestic Porsche Centre Kuwait. The latest car models gleamed in the natural light, perfectly lined up to greet avid Porsche fans and new buyers alike. Abdulmohsen showed us around the various departments at Porsche Centre Kuwait, from customization to the swanky Carrera CafÊ, he seamlessly explained each and every aspect of the operation that continues to impress Porsche enthusiasts across the nation. Porsche Centre Kuwait has been around for 60 years. How has the centre evolved throughout the past six decades? Porsche Centre Kuwait was inaugurated in 1957 to introduce to the people of Kuwait one of the most luxurious German automotive brands and sports car manufacturers. In the early years, the showroom had displayed a number of iconic vehicles, which were soon after demanded by sports car fans and enthusiasts in the country and the region. Responding to this demand, the centre continued to evolve throughout a number of expansions and renovations to excel at providing our customers with the optimum Porsche experience. Today we have a full-fledged facility encompassing an array of tailor made Porsche services including Porsche Exclusive, which allows every Porsche owner to personally customize their Porsche favorite to reflect their personal style on their selected ride. Porsche Centre Kuwait had earned its status as an Exclusive Flagship Dealer since 2009, and continues to offer its customers with the best-in-class services. Can you recall your first memory with Porsche? I remember visiting the showroom at a very young age with my father and grandfather, and coming across the Porsche vehicles on display was fascinating to my eyes. I was born amid the fever of Porsche love and passion for the brand, which grew onto me as I became more involved with the business at a later stage. Behbehani Group as a whole has celebrated many milestones over the years, which do you personally consider is your greatest achievement? We definitely crafted a name of our own by increasing our partnership goals and portfolio of brands for our Watches & Jewelry Division over the years, to stand along our main Automotive [Continued...]
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Division. I am personally involved with the day to day brand relationship and development with our partners, which translates into our successful partnerships. As the Director of the group and Porsche Centre Kuwait, how do you lead the company’s vision toward the future while still maintaining its legacy and heritage? Both my father and grandfather had set a solid foundation for the business, which I became more involved in given my capacity as the Director of the group. We follow a strict philosophy of preserving the essence of what we do and how we do it, following the image which my grandfather had envisioned the business route back in the years. Porsche Centre Kuwait has maintained and surpassed our business strategies and the only way forward is to keep driving this company on a similar path with increased expectations and goals, which we are certain of achieving in the coming years. Porsche as a brand has evolved with us here in Kuwait and our family’s legacy and the brand’s traditions has come to be intertwined to preserve the core ethics and principles of Porsche. 32
[Continued...]
What are some of the core values of the business that were established 60 years ago that still ring true today? First and foremost, the invariable philosophy of preserving the essence of the business that revolves around transparency and respect. Our business model is built on transparency across all its levels and sections where we believe trust is created as a result and reciprocated between us and our customers. Additionally, respect is one of our core values which we ensure to intertwine into our daily business practice as well. Being involved in the family business is quite an endeavor. What does this involvement represent to you? I grew up around family members who were immersed in the world of business and who would speak to us about the importance of keeping the family and business at the top of our minds at all times. It was evident to me that I would take on the journey of being the third generation Behbehani and learned quite unforgettable lessons from my father and his wealth of experience. The strong foundation that my grandfather started and passed on to my
father is remarkable and thus instilled in me a sense of passion and endless commitment and to preserve the legacy and eventually reflect this onto further heights of success. Do you personally have a favorite Porsche model? I enjoy driving the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. It’s my favorite for the streets of Kuwait. An SUV concept beating with Porsche intelligent performance is a masterpiece to keep your hands attached to its steering wheel. The Cayenne is a great representative of the SUV capabilities with a corresponding sophisticated design of a sports car with character and stature, which can also be refined through endless array of customization options offered. What is one piece of advice you rigorously follow and would like to share? It’s essential to be armed with advice and learning lessons from one’s own as well as others’ experiences, and the one advice I would like to share today is to envision a future for the business and ensure everyone involved is dedicated to witness this success, including oneself.
How do you envision PCK in the near future? Porsche Centre Kuwait has manifested itself to an unparalleled position in the automotive industry in Kuwait, and we are setting our next business goals to higher levels than the previous years, because we are certain that we have the capabilities to achieve our next goals. Furthermore, we are planning a number of upcoming projects in line with our expansion strategies for the coming years across Kuwait, which include structuring a stand-alone Aftersales Service Centre and Bodyshop as part of a new showroom facility, which will be dedicated to cater to customer’s needs and requests. The new facility project is expected to reach completion during the year 2019 and we are currently exploring additional areas of expansions for increased dedication and the ultimate goal of offering premium services to our customers and Porsche enthusiasts. Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company is located in Al Rai. Call 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com for more information. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait. Photography by Yousef Al Nasser @YousefCam on Instagram. 33
RAMADAN LIFE HACKS
Making the month fly by, one tip at a time By bazaar staff
We all know that Ramadan is a challenging month that has many rewards; its spiritual and cultural values, resetting your system, family bonding, delicious and well deserved food, and a conscious stream of acts showcasing compassion and warmth filling our everyday lives and atmosphere. At least, between 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Sunrise to sunset can be a little testing for many, especially under the hot sun, and the hazy days of Ramadan can get a little stressful, even post breakfast! But don’t worry; we have some fun life hacks for you to survive R2K17! ORGANIZE YOUR INVITES Okay, so this is a big issue – especially if you’re an unmarried local who still lives with their parents. Ramadan is the quintessential time for gathering people together, and generosity knows no limits. That’s all completely lovely, but things can get messy if they aren’t done in an orderly fashion. Think about whom you want to invite, whom you should invite, which groups go well together, and the feasts you’ll provide so that mama/cook/nanny can organize themselves as well. I highly recommend spreadsheets for this procedure; sometimes, it’s necessary. Turn your gathering into a fruitful one, and organize an Iftar drive, or gather donations for the needy—every little step helps, and getting organized about it is so important! FIND YOUR GO-TO-GUYS Having Ramadan essentials on your Iftar table is a right that doesn’t come without responsibility, and consistency is key! This is why, we recommend that you know who your necessary suppliers are. You’re going to need a juice guy for the Jallab and Qamr il Deen, a samboosa guy, an Iranian bread firin, a qatayef and knefeh supplier and of course, a solid source for dates to break your fast with – or to at least have at the table. If you’re still in search for the ideal place to procure these essentials, I advise you to use everyday, nuclear family Iftar time for trial-and-error periods; because nothing brings a family closer than judging the heck out of somebody’s samboosa making. GET YOURSELF A DECENT ABAYA OR TWO This one is for you, Ladies! Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year because of the fact that it is socially acceptable – nay, encouraged – to prance around in the most comfortable article of clothing known to woman, the abaya. Or, dara’a. Or, dishdasha – whatever your preference, this beautifully tailored piece of cloth will be your best friend this month, so keep it classy, comfy and stylish; you never know who will be coming over, or where you’ll be invited to. 34
RAMADRAMAS ARE YOUR FRIEND #nodrama #nofighting are cardinal rules to follow during Ramadan, but TV is the exception! If Keeping Up with the Kardashians is more your thing, luckily, OSN’s E! seems to have a never ending Kardashian marathon to make days spent waiting for food pass by a little faster (and really, who has ever wanted to eat while watching the Kardashians?), but Kuwait’s local channels are where it’s at! Mosalsalat, or as we affectionately call them, “Ramadramas”, are the 30 day special soaps we wait all year for, and their intense plotlines can take up two hours a day to finish. Do it up, and do it with gusto. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your mom! PLEASE, DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CHILDREN Not everyone is guilty of doing this, but some of us might be (my family, for one). Gergeean candy. We tend to forget to stock up on it, and it has happened that children will show up at our doorstep singing their song and their faces will fall when they realize that we have no candy or treats to give! Don’t be like my mom and ask if they want qatayef to go. Save yourself the mortification and risks of crushing a child’s mid-month spirit by stocking up early on in the month, and even the most exclusively adult household will be prepared.
MOVEMENT IS KEY Staying immobile during Ramadan is just asking for your body to shut down and retain all sorts of fats and water while fasting. Try not to go to the extremes of sleeping all day and gorging yourself at night. Exercise is key! Whether your thing is yoga, a bit of cardio, or you’d like to invest in some at-home exercises, do your thing! Also, early birds may notice that the weather is absolutely gorgeous early in the morning. If your neighborhood permits you to do so, go for a short walk to jumpstart your day! PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE Be kind this month. Be patient, and be understanding and empathetic. Don’t be afraid to dole out some cash to the workmen standing underneath the hot sun all day, and most of all, be tolerant. Even with all the fun, food, family and tradition, the most important thing about Ramadan is compassion and kindness. Practice what you preach!
Mubarak 3aleikom ilShahar, and we wish you all a blessed and peaceful Ramadan 2017.
bab alqasr
FOR PETE’S SAKE: STOP POSTING EVERYTHING!
Recommended track: “Like I Loved You” - Dj Sava By George Tarabay
An unnecessary capture of a very mundane task
I am not no hater, and I am the biggest preacher of ‘following your heart’ and ‘following your gut’. But maybe in my previous articles I failed to complete my advocacy for these points, because you should not only follow your heart, but you must also heed your dignity. What is it in the past two years, that people cannot enjoy anything unless they post it online? I recently was at the Think Again concert by the Afterthought band (Check them out, NOW) and these guys were on stage sweating their way into the show’s climax. Everyone was blown away by it, but everyone was also snapping or taking videos! I just wanted to stand up and scream, “Enjoy the live performance, fools!” But then, I got hungry so I went and ate a sandwich in my car instead. What is up with people? You crack a joke, they laugh. Then, they immediately ask: Can you repeat it? I want to snap it! A kid could do something cute, people would “Ahhhhh”, then immediately ask: Can you repeat it, A’ammo? I want to post about what you did! What are we teaching our kids? That they should be stuck on replay, in 10-second increments (or 15 seconds for my Instagram story homies)? 36
The beauty of personal growth is encapsulating yourself in the experience. I almost never use my phone on vacation, because if I paid 1800 KD to visit the Maldives for four nights, you can bet your sweet potato that I’m going to experience every second through my seven senses (sixth sense + one spare). I completely understand this phenomenon if you are a blogger. Film, or make an art piece to show the beauty of the country you visited, or the moment you experienced, I am for all of these things. But do I really need to see 13 story posts of you’re eating a salad? Or you posing in different ways? Your kids? Or your sickly friend at the hospital? It’s as if, since the camera migrated from the big studios and into our pockets, everything became up for grabs. No boundaries, no sensitivity, no empathy, just a collective of moments we post to increase our fake likability online and pretend that we are cool. Sadly, trying to impress people who are in turn trying to impress us. People live for their stories, but when the day comes and you sit next to the chimney fire (Unless Elon Musk invents something better, and he will) with your grandkids, what stories from your life will you share? All the stories you have would have been sadly purged after 24 hours. You’re missing out on that great performance.
You’re missing out on soaking your eyes with that breathtaking scene around you. You’re missing out on holding the hand of that friend who needs you for support, not for live coverage! And most importantly, you’re missing out on your kids and they’re missing out on their parent! It’s not ok that every time your kid interacts with you, he would have to look through a lens and see the apple logo. Life is gigantic, and I am almost definitely sure that it was not created so we can experience every single second through a 5-inch screen. If that were the case, then why bother do anything else? As always, I end every article with a joke, but this time the joke is what we have become… Anyway, do you, but please don’t shove it in my face. Alone I stand, alone I fight this massive movement of…Oh wait. I can unfollow people. Never mind all of the above. Don’t follow me on Instagram, but follow @afterthoughtrox. They cool, son!
George Tarabay is a local radio host, comedian, and marketing expert. For his latest updates, follow him on Instagram @GeorgeTarabay. For more comic relief, check out George on Facebook.com/Georgethecomic.
MIRIADE
USE STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS TO GET AHEAD
How some of the most successful companies use collaboration to become smarter, stronger, and faster By Stephanie Vozza
Two brains can be better than one. Some of the most successful companies evolve by forming strategic relationships with other innovative minds. “Even the most progressive companies are forced to constantly think about the evolution of their business,” says David Nour, author of Co-Create: How Your Business Will Profit From Innovative and Strategic Collaboration. “They know what got you here won’t get you there. Strategic relationships allow companies to rethink their businesses and their evolution.” RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER COMPANIES Strategic relationships with other companies are different than partnerships, says Nour. Hilton and Uber recently joined forces to cocreate value in the hospitality industry, says Nour. Hilton had hung a lot of pride on the fact that it was the first hotel brand to place color televisions in rooms and offer room service, but executives realized that these things aren’t important to the millennial audience. The company had to think beyond its walls. Recognizing Uber’s growing market reach, Hilton created a new service that presets the hotel as the recommended destination on the Uber app. “By joining forces, the two companies are cocreating value when none previously existed,” says Nour. “In other words, the space between a hotel and various events or between the airport and the hotel used to be a bit of an anonymous wasteland. But now it is becoming a seamless extension of both brands.” Hilton’s guest satisfaction is no longer limited to the experience inside the hotel property; it is deeply linked to the outcome that brought the guest to that hotel location. Uber is getting the opportunity to be the transportation provider to events and activities outside of the hotel. RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYEES Strategic relationships can also happen between companies and their employees. In 2015, Adidas decided to challenge its business model, with its new CEO, Mark King, asking employees for their best ideas to move the brand forward. Nearly 500 viable projects were proposed, and the winner was an idea that included three simple words: Netflix for runners. A year later, Adidas launched Avenue A, a 38
subscription service for runners that delivers a box of items curated by well-known runners, such as fitness instructor Nicole Winhoffer. “Adidas’s Avenue A took them way out of their comfort zone as a sports apparel and footwear company and into curated, cobranded merchandising where those curators do not work directly for Adidas but bring their own leading-edge brands to the table,” says Nour. “This activates an army, and now Adidas is taking curation to other parts of their business.” RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS Tesla has evolved its company by being deeply aware of the customer experience and forming relationships with drivers, says Nour. In September 2015, the company launched its Model X, an electric sports utility vehicle that also competes with traditional SUVs on the interior space and amenities. But the design of its doors is where the Model X leaves iteration in the dust, says Nour. “Every facet of the design of this car takes into consideration all the complaints about today’s minivans and SUVs. The falcon-wing doors solve several of those with amazing elegance.” For example, buyers with children need to install car seats in the second row, which makes the third row of seats nearly impossible to access. Parking in tight spaces is also challenging to buyers who need to help their children out of the car. HOW TO FORM A STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP 1. Strategic thinking. Strategic relationships aren’t simply about iteration, says Nour. “Too often, companies innovate by coming up with a better product, new color, or new flavor,” he
says. “They’re doing the same thing a little bit better. Few companies do that intuitively well, but fewer do disruption. That’s about new things make the old things obsolete. Forget five to 10 years’ strategic plan; it’s impossible to predict that far. You can forecast the next 18 to 36 months. How do we need to behave differently to succeed to the next chapter?” Nour suggests asking yourself, “If I’m your biggest competitor, how will I disrupt you?” “If you don’t disrupt yourself, someone else will.” 2. A visionary leader. Great companies start with visionary leaders who challenge the status quo, not defend it, says Nour. “Business has to evolve and fundamentally change,” he says. “We don’t admit that we don’t have all the answers.” 3. Another party. Find another party that can bring a unique perspective or lens around common mission, vision, or enemy. “Who has a vested interest in your success?” says Nour. “Who will dramatically benefit? Who can bring a very different part?” Each party needs to bring a piece of the puzzle and together create something that’s different. 4. Executive buy-in. “If reinventing business isn’t one of the top three priorities of senior leadership or board, it becomes somebody’s pet project, and the rug will get pulled out from under it,” says Nour. 5. Someone who owns the execution. Someone has to be in charge of the project, identifying what works and creating a prototype. “Be realistic about your resources,” says Nour. “How much time will this take? What does the strategic relationship need to think and execute? What are your milestones and metrics? Then how do we take it to market?”
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VALUE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Muneer Hanbali and the SnappCard journey
By bazaar staff
The evolution of loyalty cards goes something like this: get a card with your first, second or third purchase at a specific café or store. Retrieve a stamp or two. Tuck it into your wallet in anticipation for the day you collect enough stamps to land you a free cookie or coffee. You eventually forget about the card, or end up losing it, till you have to get another one. The loyalty card concept was a vicious cycle, until Muneer Hanbali, CEO of SnappCard Kuwait took matters into his own hands to revolutionize the way that we use them. The American University of Sharjah graduate fancies himself an entrepreneur, a “hype guy”, and is one of the most personable tech consultants you’ll ever meet.
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Current partner and founder of SnappCard, Alborz Toofani agreed wholeheartedly when the two met in 2015, and clicked right away. “He approached me because of the sneakers I was wearing,” he laughs “limited edition Air Max 1 Florals! We’re both sneakerheads.” But besides Muneer’s great taste in footwear, Alborz saw something in the savvy young entrepreneur and kept insisting that he should jump on board with the Dubai based SnappCard. “He kept asking me when I was going to leave what I was doing and join him in Dubai, but I like doing my own thing and being my own boss – so, I was appointed CEO of Kuwait and Bahrain.” SnappCard is the GCC’s answer to a stressfree loyalty program that makes consumers feel valued with the businesses they frequent. What’s great about it, besides all the free goodies that come along with point collection, is that it’s environmentally friendly, being paperless and plastic-free, and easy to use as it runs at your
fingertips on your device. Since Muneer joined operations, SnappCard has expanded to over 150 stores, and has advanced in features as well as user traffic. “I'm extremely proud of what I've brought to the table thus far and I owe it all to those that shared the passion for the product.” Besides growth in numbers, Muneer used his longstanding consulting expertise to introduce unbeatable new features to further advance the product. This includes a smart system for businesses to understand their consumer’s preferences via buyer activity, in order to offer beneficial freebies according to their taste – meaning, the term loyalty can be taken to a whole new level between vendor and customer. Which brings us to the next great contribution Muneer has made: for the first time in Kuwait, “delivery points” are now a thing! This means that every time you order on SnappCard, you collect points and end up with a free item on your
second or third order, delivered to your doorstep. “The economy isn’t great right now, and people want more value for their buck. We're a priveleged society, with super high expectations. So what SnappCard does is it validates who gets that extra piece of pie.” SnappCard might just be the greatest invention to hit Kuwait since sliced bread – although not too many people know about it yet. “I’d say at this point, 90% of Kuwait is unaware of the app, but what’s important to me is quality, not quantity. As long as it’s seamless, works well, and keeps consumers happy, we know we’re doing our job. I have no doubt that these great attributes will spread the word and we’ll have more users than before.” The great mind behind the evolution of this amazing app is a great inspiration to get our minds ticking, and accepting the secrets of the tech-world when it comes to collecting relevant data. “Many of us become wary about sharing information with apps, but if I'm getting a complimentary service or item from my favorite places, all the time, why not? We're the only app that gives back to consumers for the countless times they've visited the store without recognition. The sky is the limit when it comes to rewarding our loyal users." And with SnappCard, there are definitely a few loyal friendships we’d like to form. We see you, Amami!
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value in your friends? Their sense of humor. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Traveling - whenever, wherever and however I want. What is your greatest fear? Not being able to deliver. I’ve always been a man of my word and make it my top priority to keep my promises sometimes a bit too much that it becomes the expectation. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My curiosity. I want to know everything about everything and I'm persistent to get there. My friends laugh at it but I really do know too much for my own good. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Courtesy compliments, or compliments that are necessarily untrue or ""مجاملة. We do too much of it in our culture and society. It gives the wrong impression and usually ends up in major disappointment. Which living person do you most admire? Manoj Bhargava, the founder and CEO of 5-hour energy drink. His goal is to change the world and he’s actually doing it. What is your greatest extravagance? My time.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “No worries.” What is it that you most dislike? Social Media. It is by FAR the most anti social invention in history. The perfect example of the direction we’re heading towards is an episode from Black Mirror called “Nose Dive” - watch it this weekend. Which talent would you most like to have? To play the Oud [Lute]. Something about the sounds of oud calm me down and make me zone out. If you could have any job, what would it be? A SME Advisor, laying the framework and strategy for existing and future entrepreneurs. What would you consider your greatest achievement? My network. 80% of the people I know I've learnt
great lessons from and thankfully was able to offer the same in return. Nothing brings me more gratification than that random "Thank You" call. What is your most treasured possession? My cat, King Julian, he’s the bomb, surprisingly super loyal and not dismissive like other cats. What is your most marked characteristic? My confidence. Where would you most like to live? Santa Monica, California. What are your favorite words to live by? Strategy is as good as the action that follows it vision without action is hallucination.
SnappCard is available for download on Android and IOS on Google Play Store and the App Store. Follow them on Instagram @snappcardkwt. 41
STOP SELLING, START HELPING By Barry Rodrigues
If you’re a business owner, you’re probably wondering about this headline? If you don’t sell, how are you going to churn a profit, how will you make a living and take care of your family? How will the circle of life continue? After all, why should I help people? What is in it for me? In keeping with the famous quote by the sales & motivational guru, Zig Ziglar who aptly said “Stop, selling. Start helping”, I am merely trying to let you know that in a world where advertising messages are a dime a million, brands that actually want to help their customers, end up getting most of the business. And what better way to help your customers, than putting out quality content that they will appreciate and share? I have been advocating the benefits of quality content for a while now and I see that some big names in Kuwait are seeing the light – finally. Instead of publishing push content on their digital channels, they are now focusing on pull content by telling stories about their company or their brand. So what are the key drivers to building good content that attracts customers and engages with them? I am not a marketing guru but a hands-on marketer who is learning through research and experimentation. In the new world of digital marketing media, there is no fixed way of achieving success. The key is to keep trying different combinations and figure out which one 42
suits your brand the best. So here is my take on what should help you get your content marketing initiative off the ground. First, since most of your content marketing initiatives are going to be rolled out through social media, make sure you have a content strategy. Of course, nothing is written in stone, and chances are you will probably chop and change stuff as you go along which is absolutely normal. The key is to have a direction for you to move forward. Secondly, it is not always about original content. With all the meetings, appointments, Snapchat stories and tweets, we don’t have time to consistently create original content but that doesn’t have to spell doom for you as a marketer. Utilizing content that is available online is a great timesaver and enables you to spend less time creating it and a bit more time curating it. Just make sure you do two things. Credit your sources for the usage of their content and equally importantly, make sure you spin the content by writing a byline or two to link it to your business or industry. There is a certain knack to doing this, and you may not get it right the first time, but once you get the hang of it, you will automatically start getting attention. If you absolutely can’t figure out how to do this, apps like Crowdfire should be able to help you get curated content that you can readily post after briefly reviewing it. They have a free version that you can test out but I recommend the paid version for better results and the ability to remove all Crowdfire branding. Third, not everything you post needs to be
about your industry or your product. It doesn’t hurt to post funny, informative or viral content on your social feeds. What this does is, it puts you in the line of conversation with a new audience and this is where you can try and gently make an impression and win some new followers. Finally, one big mistake I see people make is that they don’t spend enough time mining the data on their platforms. Publishing content is good but it is merely 30% of the social media game. Most platforms give you the ability to look at trending hashtags. What you should be doing is monitoring those hashtags and looking up users or brands that share interests with yours and then find context to start a conversation. You can do wonders on LinkedIn like see where people went to school or if you are part of the same business group. Finding common ground is the essence of any conversation, whether it is in person or online, and this is a fantastic tool you can use to talk to your potential customers base once you get the hang of it. Remember, it is no longer about the convenience of technology but is more about capitalizing on a cultural shift that has begun to reshape the way we do business worldwide. Putting your content out there is a great way of positioning yourself as an industry leader in your field and earning your customer’s trust. Barry Rodrigues is Head of Marketing & Product Development at Future Communications and an associate advisor with the International Advisors Group in Kuwait. For comments, please email Barry at barry@nexgenconsulting.co.uk.
yasra dalia 4
PLAYING THE BLAME GAME By Zainab Mirza
The Most Popular Version No. of players: 2+ Roles: Player, Scapegoat Object of the game: To evade all responsibility and successfully throw the blame off oneself no matter the situation or setting. Instructions The first version of the Blame Game involves finding a scapegoat to lay the fault on. The Scapegoat is the person that is held accountable for the mistakes or faults of others, and is blamed for things that they had nothing to do with. Scapegoats can be timid, and people who are repeatedly taken for granted. Players find it easy to hurl the blame on them because they are perceived as less likely to retaliate. This game works perfectly for people who do not want to take responsibility for their actions, or are too afraid to find fault with themselves, lest others catch sight of what they feel is vulnerability. Players do not realize that it takes courage to admit one's faults, and view any sign of being seen to have made a mistake as one of weakness. They are obsessed with how others view them. They also consider this version to be the easy way out, not wanting to exert effort in correcting their behavior or judgment. The problem with this version is that The Player cannot advance with such a mindset, as without self-awareness, there can be no self-improvement. They do not realize how severely it can affect personal, social and professional relationships, and stunt growth. Example scenario: You're on your way to the airport to catch a flight. As soon you approach the check-in counter, you realize 44
your passport is lying on your bedside at home. Hell breaks loose in your mind, as you blame everyone you know for coming in your way and making you forget to pick it up as you were leaving home. It was your spouse's fault for choosing that precise moment to hug you goodbye, your five-year-old's fault for calling your attention to their latest masterpiece, your boss's fault for ringing you just as you were wheeling your bag out. Fate for infusing a hundred thoughts of things that had to be done... But the mistake was not yours. Sound familiar? Alternate version No. of players: 1 Role: Victim Object of the game: To blame oneself for whatever goes wrong Requirements: Negative self-image Instructions: The Blame Game can also be played in single player mode. This involves The Player victimizing themselves for all their misfortunes and mistakes as a result of how they perceive themselves. This version also impedes inner growth and progress, as The Player is too wrapped up in their own misery and insecurity to think beyond it. Example scenario: After being together for a while, a man tells his spouse he's no longer interested in her and leaves her for another. The woman blames herself for driving him away, over-analyzing every moment of their time together to pinpoint everything she thinks she did wrong, loses her self-confidence, and becomes insecure about herself. She develops a deeply negative self-image, damaging her chances of successful relationships in the future, as she has lost touch with the fact that it's as important to offer kindness and love to oneself as it is to others.
Ideal version No. of players: 1 Role: Hero Object of the game: To hold oneself accountable for one's errors or failings Requirements: A solution-focused approach to life Instructions: In this final version, The Player takes responsibility for their actions and the consequences of those actions. The Player does what they can to fix anything that goes wrong, without placing the blame onto someone else. They refrain from blaming themselves for everything that goes wrong in their life and falling into a miserable stupor of self-doubt and low self-esteem. But instead, they analyze a situation rationally and take responsibility for whatever didn't go the way they'd planned it to, if it was their fault. The Player then learns from their mistakes or the reasons behind a failure and moves on, noting the lesson learnt and enforcing it. Example scenario: A boy, while playing with his toy airplane, accidentally bumps into his mom, who in turn drops the bowl of spaghetti and meatballs she was going to serve the family. There goes dinner. Instead of berating him, the mom asks him to be careful, calls on the entire family to clean up the mess, and then help her make an impromptu dinner for their starving selves. It's effortless to accuse someone of something that we know was our fault. So is paralyzing ourselves with persistent self-shaming. But owning up to our mistakes and their repercussions takes guts, an active conscience, and consciousness to accept our limitations and work towards overcoming them. Which version of the game do you prefer to play?
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WILL YOU BE HIGHLY EMPLOYABLE IN 2027?
Do these 5 things right now to still be employable in a decade By Gwen Moran
Think about the workplace 10 years ago: The first iPhone wouldn’t be released until July 2007. There probably wasn’t “an app for that.” Open floor plans hadn’t yet become a privacybusting phenomenon. And people weren’t obsessed with “the cloud.” Certainly, smart devices, cloud-based platforms, and the way we work have been transformed over the past decade. We’re changing jobs more often—now, more often because we want to. And the breakneck speed of technology is once again transforming the way we will work. But it’s hard to know exactly what the workplace will look like in 10 years, says Barbara Mistick, president of Wilson College and coauthor of Stretch: How to FutureProof Yourself for Tomorrow’s Workplace. So keeping yourself marketable and relevant for a long career is a constant process of evaluation, education, and adaptation, she says. Here’s what you need to do to keep yourself prepared for—and even ahead of—what comes next. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN (AND OUTSIDE OF) YOUR INDUSTRY The first thing you need to do is evaluate the best sources of information about your industry or career path, Mistick says. What conferences, organizations, websites, publications, or other resources have the best and most insightful information and resources? Connect with those resources so that you’re staying apprised of the information they have to offer. Beyond that, you should also be watching innovation in other industries, says strategist and adviser Elizabeth Crook, author of the new book Live Large: The Achiever’s Guide to What’s Next. Technology and process innovation aren’t typically limited to one sector. For example, if you’re in marketing, keep an eye on what’s happening in finance. Could the machine learning and automated approaches to checking out customers’ financial health give you clues about better targeting your market? When you explore different areas, you never know what you’ll find that’s relevant, she says. Crook says she recently read a book about quantum physics that reminded her there’s more than one way to do things. That seems like a basic concept, she says, but it helped her not get mired in stale thinking. SCHEDULE CHECKUPS TWICE A YEAR You probably go for a medical checkup every year or two. You get your car serviced regularly. But are you scheduling time to ensure that your own skills and 46
education are up to date? If not, that’s a mistake, Mistick says. Her strategic plans for customers are typically focused on two to three years because 10 years is too far out to accurately predict. Similarly, professionals need to “reevaluate every couple of years to make sure that whatever skills you’re working on, they’re still the skills you think you should be working on,” she says. FIND WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR SKILLS Once you get to a certain point in your career, it’s easy to get complacent or think you know it all. That’s deadly. In order to stay relevant and marketable, you need to keep finding ways to stretch your skills, Mistick says. “Your company or organization is not going to provide the level of professional assistance or development that you need in order to keep your career relevant. I’d say the No. 1 thing you have to do is realize that the responsibility for your professional development is on you,” she says. So seek out projects where you’ll need to learn new skills or tools. For example, if you’re trying to develop more managerial and leadership skills, seek out opportunities to work on your company’s strategic planning projects. Share your goals with your supervisor and mentor to help you find opportunities, she says. DOCUMENT YOUR DEVELOPMENT Keep a professional development log to track the
classes, continuing education, and other development opportunities in which you’ve participated, advises Mark Anthony Dyson, creator of The Voice of Job Seekers blog and podcast. He recommends blogging or podcasting to develop an online presence and brand yourself as a leader and lifelong learner. However, if you’re not comfortable with such a highly visible format, building an online presence by publishing occasional content about your sector, viewpoints, and achievements can be a good way to build your visibility. Your interviewers are going to be looking for that, he says. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE Don’t adopt storylines that will hold you back, such as “I’m not a tech person, or “I could never learn to code.” You’re probably going to have to get increasingly comfortable with technology as it becomes a bigger part of every job, Mistick says. Work on skills that are obviously more in demand, such as the ability to collaborate virtually and manage change. Staying ready for the future will likely mean doing things you really don’t want to do or feel prepared to do. But the minute you let that fear or hesitation stop you from learning what you need to navigate the future of your work, you’re beginning to let your skills expire. “You can’t be focused on trying to keep everything in a neat little box. You have to step outside that,” she says.
Faces
CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE
Local organization Abolish Article 153 receives EU Chaillot Prize for Human Rights in the GCC By bazaar staff
Abolish 153 members (left to right) Sundus Hamza, Sheikha Al Nafisi, Alanoud AlSharekh, Amira Behbehani and Shoroq Burhama with Nick Westcott, Director of EU relations in GCC and Middle East
Here at bazaar, we’ve long been avid proponents of the nonprofit organization Abolish Article 153. We’ve spoken to several of the organization’s founders in the past, all in an effort to shed light on issues that are not only relative to our state of Kuwait, but also to the entire region. Established by Alanoud AlSharekh, Amira Behbehani, Lulu Al-Sabah, Sheikha Al Nafisi and Sundus Hamza, the campaign aims at promoting non-violent culture and spreading awareness against all types of violence that have become increasingly observed in Kuwaiti society recently, especially violence against children and women. Since the organization’s inception in 2015, the ampaign to Abolish Article 153 of the 48
Kuwaiti Penal Code has accomplished so much in raising awareness, and the most recent recognition of this solely independent campaign by the European Union's Chaillot Prize for Human Rights marks an international tribute to Kuwait's vibrant civil society and its vital role in bringing about change. The ceremony held at Dar Hamad last month featured a presentation of the prize by the EU Managing Director in the GCC Nicholas Westcott, the Ambassador of Malta (currently presiding over the European Union) Patrick Cole, the French, Belgian and German Ambassadors who have been strong supporters of the cause, the Ambassadors of Hungary, Spain, Austria, Greece and the Netherlands and a representative of the UK. The US ambassador to Kuwait Laurence Silverman, who is a great supporter of the campaign, also attended the event, along with representatives of the Kuwaiti civil society and those interested in human rights issues.
In the three years since the establishment of the campaign, and through cooperating with volunteer committees and other public benefit organizations, the campaign's programs have been trying to consolidate and develop Kuwaiti society culturally and morally to reduce violence and to promote peaceful coexistence especially by enacting strict, firm and effective laws. Therefore, the campaign works with the legislators of the State to give birth to legislations that protect against domestic violence and to amend and abolish others in order to safeguard the dignity of all; every resident and citizen. One of the fundamental criteria for the advancement of nations is the preservation of the dignity of individuals and the preservation of freedoms and rights. The campaign to abolish Article 153 includes studies, lectures and training programs to empower the public and raise awareness about the violation of women's rights in some laws. Kuwaiti women
Team Abolish 153 with 9 EU Ambassadors, US Ambassador and a U.K. Embassy representative and the EU Director and his GCC team have proved their worth in various fields, and their protection and equality is a guaranteed right within the articles of the Constitution of the State of Kuwait. The Kuwaiti Penal Code aims at promoting non-violent culture and spreading awareness against all types of violence that have become increasingly observed in Kuwaiti society, especially violence against children and women. If you’re still unaware of what Article 153 proposes, Alanoud AlSharekh previously told bazaar that “it justifies murdering female kin and it’s a strange justification. It’s not Sharia compliant, it’s in violation of our constitution and every human rights treaty signed by Kuwait. We’re better than this, as a people and as a country.” For local renowned artist Amira Behbehani, joining the organization and campaign arrived as a natural decision, “I really believed in the cause and I blindly said yes to joining, even though I need to be trained in the laws to be capable
to answer any questions about it.” Through the artist’s network, she works side by side with the Abolish Article 153 team to organize awareness and fund raising events. For Sheikha Al Nafisi, she illustrates the campaign’s ethos with these concise words, “We are the voices of women in need, and those who have sadly departed.” While there are specific rules and laws to follow, Article 153 has omitted them and is inherently flawed because it is easily abused. with the establishment of a child protection laws after a ten-year of struggle along with a string of awards recognizing the organization’s exceptional campaigning abilities, Abolish Article 153 hopes to convince people that the next step would be to enact a law that would protect women. The team has utilized Kuwait’s vibrant creative scene to spread their ethos and mission, and this is clearly communicated through various art exhibitions. Most recently, an art exhibition representing women was held at Kuwait’s ‘The
Hub’ creative space, showcasing the works of various artists to encourage women to obtain their full rights, and to also mark a clear sign of support from the community for the Abolish Article 153 campaign. Now that they’ve gotten the word out, everyone is very aware of this article and all the similar legislations. Abolish Article 153 has paved the way for change and for giving Kuwait what it needs to be great, and this most recent award from the EU Chaillot Prize for Human Rights in the GCC arrives as yet another remarkable stepping stone toward inciting change.
For more information about the Abolish Article 153 Organization and campaign, please follow them on Instagram @Abolish153 or visit www.abolish153.org. Photo by Irine Kuklina, onepluswhite.com. 49
SIX SIMPLE HABITS OF “LUCKY” PEOPLE
Luck might seem random, but it’s actually something that can be learned and increased By Stephanie Vozza
Some people seem to have all the luck. They’re in the right place at the right time. They’re top of mind and chosen for the best assignments. And they just happen to make connections that end up advancing their career. While luck seems like a random concept, it’s actually something that can be learned and increased, says Stephen Simpson, author of Get Lucky Now: The Proven 7 Secrets of Successful People. “If you open yourself up to the concept of luck, it often seems to find you,” he says. “A closed mind is one of the worsT mind-sets to have.” A London-based physician and “mind coach,” Simpson works with professional golf and poker players, helping them attract more luck in their lives. Through his research, he’s discovered that lucky people have similar practices and beliefs. 1. WORK ON DEVELOPING YOUR INTUITION The most important secret to being luckier is developing skills of intuition, says Simpson. “Intuition, like any other skill, can be improved with practice,” he says. “Poet and author Robert Graves knew its value when he said, ‘Intuition is the supra-logic that cuts out all the routine processes of thought and leaps straight from the problem to the answer.'” 2. SET GOALS YOU CAN CONTROL A lot is written about setting goals, but Simpson says most people don’t choose the right goals. “They’re too big and too far away,” he says. “Even though we would like to think otherwise, we’re all kids, and we would all rather have instant gratification.” In 2014, Simpson started coaching professional poker player Chris Moorman, who had a goal to earn more money. Moorman shared that he was irritated by the things people were saying about him, as well as the distractions that go on in a poker tournament, neither of which he could control, says Simpson. “Instead of setting a goal to earn more money, he set the goal of controlling his mental focus,” says Simpson. “He committed to giving every single hand his maximum attention to avoid mistakes. The amazing thing is that two weeks later, he won his first live event and over a million dollars.” 3. EXPAND YOUR CIRCLES “In the business world, as in movies, the big breaks flow through contacts between people,” 50
writes Max Gunther in his book, How To Get Lucky. “Not necessarily close friendships, just contacts– sometimes tenuous ones,” he explains. Your chances of getting a lucky break are in direct proportion to the number of people you know. Develop a network of friends and acquaintances at home and at work. Attend events with the goal of meeting one new person. “Luck flows along linked chains of people until it hits targets,” Gunther writes. Thor Muller and Lane Becker, authors of Get Lucky: How To Put Planned Serendipity to Work For You and Your Business, say this kind of motion is a basic element of serendipity. “To move is to shake things up, to break out of your routine, to find new ways to consistently meet new people and run into new ideas,” they write. “Motion does not discriminate based on experience, IQ, or educational background–it simply rewards energetic, spontaneous action.” 4. BE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS While long-range plans are helpful, it’s important to not take them seriously, says Gunther. Lucky people permit themselves to be distracted by ideas that are interesting and exciting. “The lucky are aware that life is always going to be a turbulent sea of opportunities drifting randomly past in all directions,” he writes. “If you put blinders on yourself so that you can see only the straight ahead, you will miss nearly everything. A plan can be used as a kind of guide
into the future, but should never be allowed to harden into a law.” Luck is often about making connections no one else has. For example, Arthur Fry, cocreator of the Post-It Note, learned about the adhesive technology because he happened to attend a lecture given by the inventor, Becker said in an interview with Inc. “So, for anyone looking to activate their geek brain (the part of the brain that has many curiosities), take steps to advance your education–in whatever shape that takes,” he said. “Be alert and be present, even when you’re doing nonwork-related activities. You never know where or when inspiration will strike.” 5. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME Being able to visualize your success is one way to obtain it, says Simpson. He suggests developing a mantra, a few sentences that can act like your game plan. “I’ve got this,” for example, or “Because I can.” A mantra, or positive affirmation, provides a single focus point, removes past and future, leaving only the present and the now, and enhances intuition, says Simpson. It also deals with distractions, highlights what is possible, and builds confidence. 6. TURN NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES No matter how lucky someone is, they will have to deal with adversity. Instead of ruminating over bad luck, look for the bright side or the new opportunity that presents itself.
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RAMADAN – A BLESSING!
Let this Ramadan be different and healthful By Anka Oprisor
There are so many different opinions and stories when it comes to fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan. As an expat freshly relocated to Kuwait, I try to adapt to the cultural habits that I heard about, especially when it comes to experiencing Ramadan. Many have told me that it’s the hardest month of the year, because people starve themselves during the day and eat all night. That just sounds too hard, and harmful for the body. But if done correctly, Ramadan is the perfect time to reset your body and soul. Time went fast and there it was: Ramadan! Some were happy, some were already suffering. I took the decision to take up fasting before Ramadan officially started (as much as I can: 3 days or 5 days week…) preparing myself mentally for what people call “the torture”. Everyone started asking me, what for!? I don’t need to lose weight, plus, I’m an expat so no need and it’s unhealthy too… all of this made me even more curious to experience Ramadan on my own to find out more about the truth, or to at least understand all of these different opinions or misconceptions. As a lifestyle coach, I love testing out different fitness and nutrition methods on myself, and then I enjoy sharing the true experience as it happened. Therefore, I mentally prepared myself and started my first Ramadan journey, I’m saying first because this will officially be my fourth Ramadan to enjoy in Kuwait. From experiment to experience, I learned all about the REAL benefits of fasting, and enjoying the holiest month that is Ramadan. As the days passed by, I got carried away and lost myself (in all the good ways) within this new experience. Honestly, I found Ramadan to be the most beneficial time that I have ever experienced in terms of health and wellness. A quiet and calm month, when everything is less hectic and life slows down, Ramadan gives you time to gather your thoughts together. To relax, breath, pray and sit with yourself. It is a time to meditate and reflect over all aspects of your life. A ‘food-less’ month gives your system a break, and reverses the damage done over the year. Health wise, Ramadan is a time to detox and speed up the development of your body restoring overall health and reset the genetic code. From my personal experience, Ramadan is the perfect start for a new lifestyle. Fasting can actually boost health and fitness when it is correctly adapted for everyone’s condition, health and fitness levels. With the right, specialized guidance, one can manage their energy levels and make the most 52
of out of Ramadan to kick start that healthy lifestyle journey they’ve always dreamed about. My personal advice for a great, beautiful month: -Use fitness (by having personalized training) to stay sharp. -Learn all about the importance of eating right, and think nutrients not kcals, quality not quantity. Eat for your body’s needs. and not for what your eyes crave. -Manage free time effectively. Manage sleeping, resting
and stress. Enjoy family time and social gatherings. -Develop your sense of spirituality during Ramadan! Have a healthy blessed One! Anka Oprisor is a local lifestyle coach and Operations Manager at 20Seven Fitness Studios. For more information about Anka Oprisor, please follow her on Instagram @anka_oprisor.
Royal hayat
ARAMADAN MANGO From florals to metallics,
make every look count
this Ramadan season
By bazaar staff
‘Tis the season for beautiful gatherings and wistful Ramadan nights. MANGO’s new Ramadan collection perfectly exemplifies every whimsical moment for the season, gifting the brand’s Middle Eastern clientele with a collection that comes alive with its vibrant color palette, accessories, silhouettes and stunning finishes and materials. Look effortlessly splendid this Ramadan, courtesy of the designers at MANGO.
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Paying special attention to the Middle East comes as no surprise for MANGO. Since the brand’s arrival to the region in 2006, MANGO boasts more than 250 successful stores with dedicated, fashionable collections adapted to the traditions of the region. Full of prints, especially floral ones, and with a great variety of fabrics, including jacquard, poplin, satin and metallic finishes, the collection adapts to the style of the modern day Middle Eastern woman. Because MANGO knows that this Ramadan season can be a busy one, they’ve just extended their e-commerce services to adapt the Arabic language to its online shopping website— effectively making shopping online accessible for more people across the region! Following the website’s successful launch in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Kuwait, the website is not only accessible in Arabic, it also introduces unique features that highlight local shopping habits and style preferences. An example of this is their Store Credit policy, a new payment method that simplifies the returns procedures for customers who opt for the payment on delivery method, thus avoiding bank transfer procedures. It has 55
also introduced improvements to the mobile app, resulting in over 70% of users in these countries benefiting from the improved performance they offer. Updating your wardrobe has never been easier, more comfortable or more fulfilling. Whether you choose to visit any of MANGO’s beautiful shops, or you’d rather shop online, you can rest assured that you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking out those perfect Ramadan outfits that take you from the office to that special Iftar gathering. With a range of prints and styles to choose from, the wardrobe of your dreams can be turned into a reality with MANGO’s eclectic styles, fit for a queen. Our personal favorites include their collection of wide legged pants and modern jumpsuits for a modest yet fashionable feel. We also love their kimonos! With beautiful, delicate prints and 56
waterfall layers at the back, these attractive cuts can be paired with dresses, tops and trousers galore. Don’t forget to take a walk on the more bohemian side as well, with their textured and fringe-hemmed pieces, which would make any outfit come alive. We also have our eyes on the elegant, tailored blazer, because who doesn’t love a good blazer with an edgy trouser and shirt to create that androgynous chic look? Now, go on and shop your hearts out this month! Browse to your heart’s content for fabulous fashion to embrace the most wonderful time of the year. You deserve that new look for Ramadan, and for Eid too! Shop the latest collections from MANGO at The Avenues, 360 Mall, The Promenade, Gate Mall, and Kout Mall. For more information or to shop online, please visit shop.mango.com/KW. 57
EMBRACE THE TRADITION AND SPIRIT OF RAMADAN
At Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa By bazaar staff
Planning the daily Iftar meal for the entire family, each and every day, throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan can be hard work! Take the night off to discover a memorable Iftar experience in the largest ballroom Kuwait has to offer. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait’s idyllic resort, embraces the tradition and spirit of Ramadan with special offerings. Friends and family are invited to come together for a memorable Iftar experience in the iconic Badriah Ballroom and a delicious Ghabka gathering with Shisha in the beautifully decorated tent of Garden Café Restaurant. Kuwait’s largest Ballroom, Badriah, is once again transformed into a glittering tent with a unique theme and concept offering private dining areas. Guests are invited to break their fast with a sumptuous Iftar buffet presenting traditional flavors emblematic to the Holy Month and featuring an enhanced focus on live-cooking stations of Saj, Shawarma and pasta assortments, Arabic mix grill counter of Kebab, Kheshkhash grills, and Lamb Harees with local favorites such as Arayes meat stuffed pitas and Shrimp Majboos. Other classics include traditional hot and cold mezzeh, Arabic sweets, dates and nuts, Ramadan juices and the must-try Chocolate Shawarma. Iftar at Badriah is guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds for a truly memorable experience. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, the Hotel’s all-day dining Restaurant Garden Café hosts an exceptional Ghabga experience and surprises guests with wholesome offerings under a beautifully-adorned outdoor tent. For those looking to pass the evening away in serene surroundings while enjoying shisha and Arabian melodies, the relaxed atmosphere in Garden Café's tent treats guests to a blend of tradition and authentic dishes. Ramadan Nights can also be enjoyed at Arabesque Middle Eastern Café, which offers the perfect venue to chill out with family and friends with a deliciously prepared à la carte menu for the Holy month, including flavorful shisha. Opening times are from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Iftar buffet with live Oud entertainment is priced at KWD 19 per person and the Ghabga offering is priced at KWD 14 per person. Prices include Ramadan drinks and a selection of teas. It's also important to mention that children aged 6 to 12 years old will enjoy a 50% discount and kids below 6 years old dine on a complimentary basis. 58
So why not treat the family for a much needed break from that pre-Iftar rush? No more worrying about every individual of your family's preference when it comes to Iftar, because Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa offers it all! If you'd rather spend those beautiful long Ramadan nights outside of the home, then perhaps an evening out at any of the hotel's esteemed dining outlets will keep you entertained and relaxed, all month long. All you have to do is visit the beautiful grounds of
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa to make your Ramadan experience one to remember. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is located between Al Ta’awon Street and the Fahaheel Expressway in Al Messilah. For more information or reservations, please call 2226 9666. Follow the resort on Facebook:JumeirahMessilahBeach, Twitter @JumeirahMB and Instagram: @JumeirahMessilahBeach for the latest updates.
Careem
WHO’S YOUR FRIEND?
An encounter with a purely social demon
By Umjay M.
They’re hard to miss. Lurking in the background, curiously observing. You catch them at meetings, when you’re out for coffee with friends, sometimes even at events around town, popping up in the shadows of the flash of a random group selfie. Peeping at you from behind a stickerbomb of other creatures, all manifestations of someone else’s thoughts, all fighting for a little bit of your attention. Dark and withdrawn enough to ward off unwanted attention, they carry the innocence of an inquisitive child, one that makes it so that you can’t help but give them that little bit of attention that they almost secretly, desperately seek. Do you ever wonder how many people have had the exact same thoughts as you? It is said that on average, we have between 50 and 70,000 thoughts a day. That comes out to somewhere between 35 and 48 thoughts a minute. That’s a lot to process. And while most are fleeting thoughts of everyday life, underneath those, linger a small group of thoughts, lurking in the background, curiously observing, persistently prodding, demanding to be heard. Accompanying you throughout your days, evolving, adapting, they grow familiar, almost friendly. While most of us spend our lives fighting them, Faisal Babajan thought it better to befriend them, make them his own. After all, they were purely social demons trying desperately to make a connection. Himself a soft-spoken introvert, it is easy to see Faisal in his demons. They were him, just slightly more social, somewhat darker, and spoke up when Faisal would otherwise have chosen not to – his alter ego, if you will. They were born during Faisal’s childhood as he struggled to make friends while constantly moving schools. Instead of silencing them, he used them as a means to connect with others. Simple, relatable and most importantly, recreatable, Faisal hoped people would recognize themselves in his demons, enough to make them their own. Because, whether or not we have the exact same thoughts, we all have demons. In his show Heterotopia Demons, Faisal invited a group of fellow artists to participate in what he called the PS.Demons Sketchbook Project. Held in DIA Yarmouk on an April evening, as you make your way through the pristine halls, you know you’ve arrived when you find yourself face-to-face with a 2-foot, 3D demon, greeting you at the door. Demons are everywhere. On the 60
walls, on the floors, suspended midair, strapped to a tree of helium balloons, you forget the soft murmurs of the crowd, completely pass up the opportunity for what looked like an amazing, fresh fruit cocktail, and become fully engaged with these little creatures. As you slowly step out of your head and look up at the faces around you, you begin to connect the dots between artist and demon. In this project a variety of regional illustrators and artists were given two pages to fill in one week. One was to be filled with their choice of art to express who they are as artists, and on the other, they were to recreate Faisal’s demons using their own style. Not only did it make for a beautiful contrast between the many different interpretations of the demons, but it brought together artists from different genres who otherwise may not have connected. Among the participating artists was Alaa Ahmed. A classical artist who specializes in portraits, his demon takes on a much lessfriendlier demeanor. Perfectly framed in gold, no longer innocent and curious, it takes on the form of a human, disturbingly lifelike, portraying a much darker energy than that of its original counterpart. Zahra Al-Mahdi, infamous for her anatomical cross section mixed-media art, shared with us the internal anatomy of her demons. An unamused Qumooth of the Doghouse Collective stands on a bag of falafel, surrounded by a group of four toddler-like demons. One, upside down in her right hand, legs flailing in the air, the other climbing the side of her face, the third sitting atop her right foot, fiddling, the fourth, standing to the side, looking up at her stare.
While most of the artists dressed up their demons, or integrated them into the backgrounds of their story, one artist in particular chose to interact with hers. Ghadeer Al Mesri is shown addressing her demon – resting on the palm of her hand, it reaches back toward her face. Lurking in the corners of Sheena’s mind, she writes to them, responding to their calls for attention with positive reinforcement, accepting their existence, and understanding their importance. Thoughts are tricky little things. I mean, they’re not real, they’re just thoughts. But the mind is a powerful tool, and that small group of thoughts that’s been lingering in the back of your mind ever since that one kid in the fifth grade called you awkward, have been evolving and adapting and slowly coming to life. So instead of trying to ignore them, or worse yet, fight them, Faisal invites you to #EmbraceYourDemons.
Participating Artists: Zahra Al-Mahdi; Mohammed AlMohanna; Reem Madooh; Thuraya Lynn; Alaa Ahmed; Ghadeer Al-Mesri; Tareq Sultan; Sheena Doesn’t Know; F160; Dochan; Kristina Egle; Nizzy; Norah A-Jassar; Athoub Al-Busaily; Ricardas Blazukas; Dh_c. Photography by: Salman Moghaddam. Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud @KingdomeMagazine, Instagram @Kingdome.co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.
Midas
THE BREATHTAKING
BAB ALQASR Exploring the best of Abu Dhabi’s West End
By bazaar staff
Bab Al Qasr at Abu Dhabi West End
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Bab Al Qasr 2-Bed Apartment
Fancy a long weekend away, basking in super luxurious surroundings showcasing a mix of modern and Arabesque design within iconic architecture? Abu Dhabi’s luxury five stars Bab Al Qasr Hotel in the West End of the UAE capital, has everything you could possibly need for a relaxing city break with all the trappings of a beach holiday. Accompanying the astounding ambience and authentic Arabic hospitality is a long list of wonderful amenities and experiences to indulge in. No doubt that, once there, you will want to stay a little bit longer than just a few days so you can explore this impressive hotel and its grounds at your leisure.
Deluxe Suite Bedroom
Poolside at Bab Al Qasr
The hotel complex boasts 677 rooms available for short and extended stays for business and leisure travelers. The hotel has a full service business center if you really must keep in touch with the office. The facilities available are exemplary and you will indubitably be thrilled by any time spent in this sensational hotel which stands a mere twenty-five minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport and is also accessible by road from Dubai. The drive up to the hotel alone is spectacular, with a beautiful stretch of road running its way along the corniche overlooking the white sand beaches, crystal blue waters lapping along the edges of the hotel’s private beach. This is a rather elite area of Abu Dhabi, with the Presidential Palace just a stone’s throw away. You don’t have to be a world leader though to enjoy the hotel’s 419m2 presidential suite with a breathtaking vista to behold bar none. Rest assured that it’s not just this superb suite that has these views, rooms offer a variety of iconic Abu Dhabi views of the Presidential Palace, the Corniche and the Abu Dhabi Islands and Seaview. All the rooms have been dressed with wonderful attention to detail. Patterns are carved into the dark wood furniture reflecting the mashrabiya inspired designs to be seen all over the hotel and its exterior. Little touches of throws, pillows and other homely soft furnishings make the accommodation comfortably domestic with the decidedly highest of standards ensuring you thoroughly enjoy your time spent winding down inside. A home away from home it is possible to select sizable residences for longer stays, with two or three bedrooms or a compact studio for easy living. All rooms have high speed Wi-Fi and 24hour room-service. As you make your way into the main lobby, look up at the awe-inspiringly vast interior with its expansively dignified and majestic décor. Fully sized palm trees, set into the marble floors alongside a water feature like an oasis in the desert, are dwarfed by the height of the vaulted ceilings. Other lounge areas are hung with imposingly grand chandeliers, which loom overhead while you languish at length below, the vigilant staff attending to your every request with charm and a smile. When it comes to the highest levels of customer service the hotel provides a 24hours concierge facility happy to fulfill all of your possible demands at any hour of the day or night, there’s even a Butler upon request! [Continued...]
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Within the hotel a veritable feast of international dining options awaits. You can choose from several restaurants and bars to delight in dishes which range from traditional Arabic and Moroccan delicacies, to inspired fine dining or refreshingly healthy meals. The Artisan Kitchen showcases live cooking stations and an international menu; Limo restaurant offers an urban atmosphere; Limo Bar, the pool side modern Loop Bar; Morjana for Middle Eastern cuisine; and the Fresh Basil delicatessen shop offers gourmet products delivered directly to your door. For your larger banquets, plan your next event at Abu Dhabi’s premier meeting and conference destinations at Bab Al Qasr, as the hotels offers a flexible world-class venue that can be tailored to your event’s needs. If overindulgence isn’t your style and you want to maintain your fitness regime during your stay there is a fitness center that hotel guests can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The gym has state of the art equipment and you can warm up your aching muscles in the steam room and sauna. The swimming pools are just incredible to behold; the huge outdoor infinity pool is a feat of design and engineering and with the integrated shallow pool this means you can enjoy the water without having to go out of your depth. Ask any of the staff on site about the water sports activities available and they will help you to organize your leisure activities during your stay, which should keep the whole family busy. Perhaps while the children are being entertained you can take advantage of this brief respite to escape to the tranquil sanctuary of the Ayana Spa. The two-floor luxury spa, with six treatment rooms, uses ancient Arabian techniques, healing herbs and organic ingredients in its considerable treatment menu which includes Thai, Hot Stone and Moroccan massages, as well as an assortment of body scrubs and facials. Once you’ve discovered Bab Al Qasr for yourself, there is no doubt that you'd like to share the experience, and this Ramadan the hotel presents the ideal setting to spend time with family and friends. The custom-built pavilion displays exquisitely elaborate décor and every night you shall be serenaded by soothing live entertainment, while savoring the sprawling Iftar buffet and á la carte Suhoor menu. Bab Al Qasr truly is a wonderful destination to host high-profile social gatherings, wedding celebrations, and social events. The dedicated specialist Events team is available to help you plan and deliver the perfect event. For more information, please call +971 2205 3000 or email info@babalqasr.com. Visit www.millenniumhotels.com and follow them on Instagram @babalqasrhotel for the latest updates. 64
The Premier Suite
Bab Al Qasr Exterior and Private Beach
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THREE STEPS TO SUCCESS WITH TANGLE TEEZER DUBAI beautique cosmetics intl. celebrates Dubai launch and beautyworld Middle East
By bazaar staff
The world’s tallest building and iconic Burj Khalifa houses the prestigious Armani Hotel, a magnificent work of art envisioned by fashion icon Giorgio Armani. Inside the Armani Ristorante the tables are perfectly set awaiting the special guests of beautique cosmetics intl.'s head table. Sara Rith of Tangle Teezer, James Gresty of label.m, Jez Barnett of KeraStraight, Steve Thomas of Impact Consultants and Sofia Rashidi from Sephora are all being generously hosted by Managing Director and founder of beautique cosmetics intl., Louai Mackarem. This accomplished group are coming together to celebrate the success of the brand’s presence at the largest international trade fair in the region, beautyworld Middle East. beautique cosmetics intl. has been introducing cutting edge brands since 2009 to the heart of the Kuwaiti market. Following its success in Kuwait, beautique cosmetics intl. has expanded to Dubai, opening an office, launching campaigns and enjoying three successful days showcasing Tangle Teezer products at beautyworld Middle East. Guests are arriving. The night is young and conversation is overlapping as each attendee is elated to exchange their perspectives on the incredible beauty exhibition that saw brands from all over the world come together for a few days in one place. Sara Rith shares notes with guests on how the last three days were significant for Tangle Teezer through beautique cosmetics intl.'s trade fair presence. You may know the brand as the celebrities’ favorite hairbrush; Cara Delevigne, Salma Hayak and Keira Knightly are only a few of the stars that state they dare not leave the house without a compact Teezer in tow. Tangle Teezer is best known for the compact detangling brush as well as the original detangler. However, with experience comes the understanding that just one brush won’t do. There are naturally stages to getting one's hair prepped to perfection and that is why the famous 3-Steps were created utilizing the astounding Tangle Teezer products. The Tangle Teezer completes the first step of detangling with minimum fuss, breakage and damage which prepares you for step two, the perfect blow-dry. This is achieved by using the incredible blow-styling tools. Finally, the Ultimate Hairbrush with its innovative teeth technology takes you through the third step for that final flourish. At the beauty exhibition, these three simple steps were explained to many intrigued passers-by, hairstylists, salon owners and consumers. At the dinner Sephora’s Sofia Rashidi listens intently to the talk of the 3 steps and 66
previews the samples of Tangle Teezer exclusives they will be getting for all Sephora UAE stores this coming season. The night would not have been possible without beautique cosmetics intl.'s amazing Dubai team; Sales Manager Majdi Jadallah, Head Sales Fatma Karimy, Annie Centeno Marketing and PR and Assistant Managing Director Amgad Gerges. They sat together on a table attended by Lucy Perry for Rapid and Heba Farag beautique’s Assistant General Manager, who played a great role in bringing this all together. On a separate table Zaineb Almosawi, beautique cosmetics intl.'s newest member and Head of Public Relations and Brands, converses with the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and ITP Media Group’s Anneka Healey. Marie Claire’s beauty editor Sarah Rasheed brings her cosmetics
know-how to the table. As the night goes on the topics transpire to in-depth sharing of experiences in life, love and adventure. The dinner flourishes into a very special night to remember. Also in attendance are Bassel Komaty from DMN and Hazem El-Hadary who put together the media campaign. Congratulations are in order as beautyworld Middle East came and went with so many new names, faces, unique experiences and overall, great success! Until next year... As for beautique cosmetics intl., this was just the first welcome into the city of Dubai and the beginning of so much more to come. For more information, please visit beautique cosmetics intl.'s website, www.beautiquecosmeticsintl.com.
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RAMADAN
FASHION From modern to traditional
By bazaar studios
In this month of reflection and appreciation, bazaar wants to take a moment to consider all the women in our lives who contribute so much. The preparations and organization it takes to receive guests and provide sustenance with all the traditional fayre of this time, takes a great many woman hours, and we say thanks! We leave you with our chosen looks for the month, from modern to traditional, to make this Ramadan as seamless, and fashionable, as can be! Model, Tarryn Bam; Photography, Yousef Al Nasser; Hair & Make-up, Charlene Payne for TONI & GUY. Special Thanks to Harriet and Richard Bushman.
Dress by Hissa Zainal, Harvey Nichols. Bow Tie by @agapanthussilk. Scarf (worn as cummerbund) by @agapanthussilk. Shoes, stylist’s own. 69
Kimono by FRS For Restless Sleepers, Bloomingdale's. Blouse by @Agapanthussilk. Jeans by JBrand, Bloomingdale's. Bag by Moniandj, Sacochier. Bracelets by @By_Lulwa.
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Blouse by See by ChloĂŠ, Bloomingdale's. Trousers by Theory, Bloomingdale's.
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Far left Shirt by Victoria Victoria Beckham, Harvey Nichols. Skirt by Elegant by Laila, Harvey Nichols. Shoes by Charlotte Olympia, Harvey Nichols. Left Robe by @Agapanthussilk. T-Shirt by êtrecécile, Harvey Nichols. Jeans by JBrand, Bloomingdale's. Necklace by @By_lulwa. This page Kaftan by Sandra Mansour, Bloomingdale's Top by DVF, Bloomingdale's. Jeans by JBrand, Bloomingdale's. Bag by m2malletier, Bloomingdale's. Shoes by SJP, Harvey Nichols.
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Our gorgeous international model, Tarryn, is dressed from top to toe in brands curated to showcase the very best in women’s international fashion working beautifully alongside local designers. Each brand has either a woman at the helm as designer or the company is creatively led by a woman. Multi-million dollar businesses such as Victoria Beckham as well as smaller initiatives working from home like @by_lulwa sit together to create a wonderfully harmonious sartorial offering.
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Left page Tunic by @agapathussilk. Jeans by JBrand,Bloomingdale's. Shoes by SJP, Harvey Nichols. This page Kaftan by @design_me.
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FEELING LIKE EEYORE By Dr Susannah Joy Schuilenberg
"It's so difficult to describe depression to someone who's never been there, because it's not sadness." - JK Rowling Believing depression is “sadness” is a common and destructive myth. No one ever asks for help for ‘sadness.’ When you’re sad, you watch a funny movie, go out with a friend, stay in bed for the day bingeing on Netflix, or eat a whole tub of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Then you’re over it, and you get on with living. We all experience periods of sadness, sometimes a momentary mood quickly gone, and sometimes for a few days as we wrestle with life circumstances that aren’t ideal. Once the situation is resolved, or the sun comes out, or a friend calls, the mood evaporates and equilibrium returns. Depression is something much, much more than mere ‘sadness’ or feeling blue. The protocol for assessing for depression is very specific and the DSM5* states: Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly attributable to another medical condition. 1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). 76
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation.) 3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. 4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day. 5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down). 6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. 7. Feelings of worthlessness, feeling of excessive or inappropriate guilt on nearly an every day basis. 8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others). 9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. Obviously, “sadness” doesn’t even begin to cover it. If you’re a human being, you might experience a depressive episode. If you’ve experienced one episode of depression, you have a really high chance of experiencing another. The good news is that depression is treatable. In fact, research currently indicates that mild to moderate depression responds best to a combination of talk therapy and exercise. Yes, you read that right. Exercise. For severe depression, or depression with suicidal ideation, talk therapy and medication may be the best prescription, (plus exercise, this is a necessity). Notice what I did right there? Depression needs talk therapy. If you’re experiencing depression, you need to see a professional who focuses on evidence-based practice.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes break depression and aid in recovery, and continued therapy may help prevent future episodes. You know this, right? Depression is a mental health issue that needs to be addressed. It isn’t the blues. It isn’t feeling down. It isn’t something to ignore. Successive episodes of depression tend to be worse, last longer, and cause more dysfunction. Channeling 'Eeyore' as an alter ego is no way to live. On the flip side, dismissing depression as ‘sadness’ is harmful; as if depression is nothing to worry about. “Oh, he’s just depressed. He failed his midterm.” “Why are you so depressed? She’ll call tomorrow.” “I’m so depressed. I finished ‘Game of Thrones’ and I don’t know what I’ll watch next.” This is not depression, and calling it that dismisses the agony that people YOU know are experiencing because they are truly depressed. Depression is feeling like you're lost something but having no clue when or where you last had it. Then one day you realize what you lost is yourself. If you can answer ‘yes’ to more than one of the criteria for depression, ask for help. Life hasn’t been enjoyable for a long time. Acknowledge that things are actually more serious than you’ve been willing to admit to yourself. Depression IS treatable. You don’t have to live like this. Ask for help. *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (Copyright © 2013). American Psychiatric Association. All Rights Reserved. Dr Susannah is a leading psychologist, registered professional counsellor and Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling based in Canada. Follow @DrSusannah on Twitter and Instagram.
Toni & guy
June Promotions 30% OFF Styling + Make Up Combo (Villa) 30% OFF Semi Permanent Lashes (Villa) 30% OFF Blow-dry + Treatments Combo Receive 20% OFF your next visit when visiting us during EID Opening hours 9:00AM to 6:00PM 7 days a week.
Villa TONI&GUY, CLIFFS Residential Tower, Block 9, Baghdad St., Lane 7, Bldg 638, Salmiya 6616 6966 or 2572 3381 TONI&GUY Hairdressing for Ladies and Gents, Al Corniche Club, Al Shaab Al Bahary, Gulf Road 6617 8889 or 2566 3286 toniandguykw toniandguykw toniandguykw www.toniandguykuwait.com
13 REASONS WHY بقلم :عبدالعزيز الحشاش
هل سمعتم عن هذا املسلسل ؟ أو شاهدتم لقطات منه؟ أو رمبا حدثكم أحد أصدقائكم عنه؟ إذا مل مير عليكم إسم املسلسل األمرييك الجديد Reasons Why 13فحتام ستسمعون عنه قريبا ..ورمبا ستشاهدونه .املسلسل من إنتاج نيتفلكس التي انطلقت بقوة يف عامل اإلنتاج التلفزيوين الرقمي حيث تبث مسلسالتها من خالل موقعها عىل اإلنرتنت أو من خالل تطبيقها املتوفر عىل الهواتف الذكية واأليباد .إنترش إسم املسلسل بقوة واحتل املركز األول كأكرث مسلسل تم التغريد عنه يف تويرت لعام 2017إىل هذه اللحظة متخطيا مسلسل Game of Thrones ولكن ملاذا كل هذه الشهره املفاجئة ملسلسل من إنتاج نيتفلكس ومل يعرض عىل أي قناة تلفزيونية إىل اآلن؟ ..السبب ببساطة أن قصته واقعية جدا ..وتالمس كل املجتمعات وكل شخص منا. لن أحرق عليكم قصة املسلسل ..والذي هو باملناسبة مأخوذ من رواية كتبت قبل 10سنوات ..قرأتها املطربة النجمة سيلينا قوميز ..وتحمست إلنتاجها بالتعاون مع نيتفلكس .سأكتفي
بالقول أن املسلسل يتناول موضوع متداول جدا يف كل مجتمع رغم اختالف ثقافته ..إنه موضوع التنمر يف املدارس .نعم التنمر ..وبالنسبة ملن ال يعرف ما هو التنمر فهو ببساطة أن يستقوي شخص أو مجموعة أشخاص ضد شخص واحد يكون أضعف منهم شكليا أو حتى عىل مستوى الشخصية ..فيكون منطوي وغري اجتامعي ..وبالتايل فإنه فريسة سهله لهؤالء الذين يتخذونه وسيله لينرشوا سمعتهم كأشخاص أقوياء مسيطرين. ويكرث التنمر يف املدرسة كمجتمع يتعايش فيه أفراد ..فيهم القوي وفيهم الضعيف .أشارت العديد من اإلحصائيات أن من أسباب إنتحار املراهقني يف عمر صغري هو تعرضهم للتنمر واملضايقات يف املدرسة ..فيشعرون بالخوف والعزله وعدم اإلنتامء .وهذه بالضبط فكرة املسلسل ..حيث يبدأ املسلسل بخرب انتحار الطالبة هانا بيكر ..و لكن يا ترى من كان السبب وراء انتحارها ؟ ..هناك 13سببا ستتعرف عليهم مبتابعتك للمسلسل ،الذي يتكون من 13حلقة فقط ،ويف كل حلقة
ستتعرف عىل شخصية من الشخصيات التي كانت سببا يف إقدام هانا عىل اإلنتحار .املسلسل يعتمد عىل أسلوب الرسد املغلف بالغموض ..من خالل هانا نفسها التي ترسد تفاصيل ما حدث لها بعد مامتها ..كيف؟ شاهد املسلسل وتعرف عىل ما حدث لهانا بيكر ..رمبا ستتعاطف معها ..ورمبا ستلومها ..ولكنك بالتأكيد ستتعرف بالنهاية عىل عامل التنمر يف املدارس إذا كنت غريبا عنه ومل تسمع به .ورمبا تكتشف أثناء مشاهدتك للعمل أنك أنت كنت متنمرا يف فرتة من فرتات حياتك ..وأنك آذيت أحدا ..وكنت تعتقد أنك مل ترتك فيه األثر الكبري ..من يعلم؟ فكلنا خطاؤون ..ولكن أبشع خطيئة هي تلك التي نرتكبها دون أن نعلم عواقبها عىل غرينا ..ترى كم شخص جرحناه بكلمة دون أن نعلم؟ ..وكم شخص آذيناه وحطمناه وكرسنا يشء يف شخصيته ونفسيته دون أن ندرك؟ ..شاهدوا املسلسل أرجوكم .. وبعد أن تنتهوا من مشاهدته ..راجعوا أنفسكم ..فهل أنتم ضحايا مثل هانا بيكر؟ أم أنتم مذنبون مثل الذي تسببوا يف دمارها؟ 78
fantasy world
GET REWARDED THIS SUMMER WITH GULF BANK
Get the most out of your holiday budget with amazing benefits and rewards! By bazaar staff
We all know that planning your summer travel budget can sometimes be tricky. Just when you think you got the best deal for your airline bookings for that family vacation you’ve been dreaming about all-year long, you consider the expensive accommodation costs, and that smile of relief is turned upside down. Budget restrictions can also present you with the conundrum of choosing when to travel this summer. Do you just get away for Eid, or do you travel during the holidays and also plan a different summer leave? But, what if we told you that you can do both trips, and get so much more value out of your travel budget with Gulf Bank? The region’s renowned bank, recognized for the “Best Customer Loyalty Programme in Kuwait” by Banker Middle East and "Best Credit Card Product in the Middle East" from The Asian Banker knows all about their customer’s needs, especially when it comes to the Eid and summer travel season! 80
With Gulf Bank’s amazing ‘Gulf Rewards’ Credit Card program, you can enjoy many benefits that you can utilize all year long, but are essentially super handy when it comes to planning those summer holidays! Launched in October 2015, Gulf Bank customers can benefit from the fastest and most generous loyalty points program in Kuwait. This is one of many reasons why we love Gulf Bank, because with this loyalty program, you can instantly redeem points online for both flights and hotel stays! Your summer planning is now instantly simplified, and you are totally spoiled for choice because you get to choose from 300,000 partner hotels worldwide. If you were worried about that super expensive hotel stay in New York, then simply check out your points available and start redeeming them. You have earned yourself an awesome vacation, and Gulf Bank wholeheartedly agrees and is rewarding you with all of these amazing benefits. Unlike other rewards programs, checking your points under the ‘Gulf Rewards’ couldn’t be easier, because Gulf Bank understands the importance of user-friendly accessibility to make the process super simple for their valued customers. All you would need to do is visit their dedicated, bilingual website, e-gulfbank.com/gulfpoints-en, log in and voila! View your points, and redeem your travel-friendly rewards
instantly for those dreamy savings on flights and hotel stays. You know that means more money saved to go shopping when traveling abroad, and going on those amazing excursions to explore the country you are visiting is no longer a cost that you would need to worry about. Look out for special offers advertised in this section! Did we also mention that you can access all of this through your smartphone? Simply download the mobile banking application, and you’re sorted. Gulf Bank has really made it amazingly easy to benefit from all of these rewards, proving to us further how well they understand their customer’s needs. Another tricky aspect of planning your holiday is making sure that you have the right travel insurance for you and your family. Let’s face it, having the knowledge that your and your family’s safety is insured while traveling is truly valuable and even considered as priceless! You can never control flight cancelations, baggage loss, unexpected delays and medical emergencies—that’s simply a fact of life we tend to forget about. For Gulf Bank Credit Card holders, you can also now check this item off your travel to-do planning list and feel secured if you purchase your airline tickets valued at KD 75 or more using your Credit Card. Not only would you
be insuring yourself in the process, but your entire family as well because the Credit Card holder, their spouse and any dependent children under the age of 18 will equally benefit from this fantastic coverage. For Europe bound travelers this summer, you can use the same travel insurance during your Schengen Visa application process, as the insurance covers multiple trips, presents you with 24-hour coverage while abroad, and covers up to 90 days per trip. The beautiful fantasy of spending your summer hopping from one mesmerizing Greek island to the next one can be turned into reality with right budget, along with the help of your friends at Gulf Bank, so what are you waiting for? If you’re still hesitant about using your Gulf Bank Credit Card to book your tickets for the summer, then you will be delighted to learn that Gulf Bank just launched a promotional campaign encouraging you to “Spend More, Win More”! This campaign promises loads of rewards for Credit Card holders, giving you chances to enter draws for prizes and win up to KD 25,000 as Cash Back. The last part of your travel budget planning process usually revolves around how much pocket money you will be allocating for your trip—and that’s never an easy part to plan! We’re always thinking of
ways to stretch our Dinars, and with the Gulf Bank ‘Entertainer’ app, you can stretch your travel budget further to even make room in your expenses for more gifts for your loved ones back home. Available for download for existing Gulf Bank Credit Card holders through the App Store for iOS users and the Google Play store for Android users, the app is considered as Kuwait’s first geo-locator mobile application, offering you amazing and exclusive deals in Kuwait, the UAE and the United Kingdom. Booking that Eid getaway in Dubai is no longer a budget burden, as you can save up to KD 10,000 annually with Gulf Bank’s “Entertainer” app! Use the app at restaurants, hotels, spas, as well as fun children’s activities at more than 900 restaurants and merchants in Kuwait, the UAE and the UK! Want to take advantage of these offers and also earn more ‘Gulf Reward’ points? Use your Gulf Bank Credit Card to pay for any of Gulf Bank ‘Entertainer’ app’s many ‘‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offers, giving you even more chances to win in the ongoing “Spend More & Win More” campaign. We’re loving the sound of all of these savings on our summer planning budget, which is why we are also getting the app ASAP! To get access to all of these added bargains and benefits, visit e-gulfbank.com/ entertainer to receive your activation code.
There you have it, guys. You can be a savvy saver and still travel to the destination of your dreams this summer. Sure, we always advise that you plan your budget wisely, but with amazing benefits and rewards from Gulf Bank to help you plan, we think that you're set for success for summer. Here's another added bonus: Enjoy complimentary access to more than 500 airport lounges with Gulf Bank Credit Cards based on your type of card when traveling this summer. Happy travels!
Gulf Bank offers its customers a wide range of Credit Cards including Visa Infinite, Visa Signature, Visa Platinum and Visa Internet. In collaboration with MasterCard, Gulf bank offers its customers MasterCard World, MasterCard Platinum along with MasterCard Titanium, and any of the above cards can be issued for free for the first year. For more information, please visit their website www.e-gulfbank.com. Follow Gulf Bank on social media for the latest updates @Gulf_Bank on Instagram and Twitter, Snapchat: Gulf-Bank and Facebook: @GulfBank. 81
BEAUTY AND BRAINS
The Women of OITNB Are Really Smart (And They Know It, Too) By Emily Mae Czachor
More than two years ago, Orange Is The New Black (OITNB) actress Samira Wiley sent a cryptic text message to two of her then co-stars (and real-life best friends), Danielle Brooks and Uzo Aduba. "We need to sit down over coffee," the text message read. The message, it turned out, was the precursor for Wiley's impending "goodbye" – spurred by the forthcoming death of her beloved "OITNB" character, Poussey. And, while Brooks and Aduba were somewhat blindsided by the news, Wiley had been privy to it for months already. "It was heavy," Brooks remembered, of filming the chilling and, startlingly relevant scene in which Wiley's character (a black female inmate) is senselessly strangled by a white male correctional officer. "It was hea-vy." Mostly, though, the women grieved the loss of Wiley herself. In addition to co-workers, the women of "OITNB" are, firstly, a family. "Selfishly, I was sad and upset," Aduba said, gesturing to Wiley. "She's pure love." Poussey's death, as well as its implications, was a focal point of Netflix's screening and panel event Friday evening at North Hollywood's Saban Media Center. The sit-down featured a moderated conversation between Variety's Debra Birnbaum and the leading women of Orange Is The New Black; Laverne Cox, Taylor Schilling, Taryn Manning, and Blair Brown, in addition to Wiley, Brooks, and Aduba; ahead of OITNB Season 5. Birnbaum addressed Wiley first to kick off the discussion. "We're happy to see you alive and well," Birnbaum joked. "I'm happy to be alive," quipped Wiley, the 30-year-old actress who has already begun to establish her artistic prowess outside of Orange with her comparably resonant supporting role in Hulu's screen adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale. The panelists laughed, but Poussey's death – and the incalculable real-world deaths it's meant to represent – are anything but blithe. And, in the wake of current social unrest, the stakes feel particularly high. "Our show seems relevant now more than ever," Cox said. "There's a resistance that's happening at Litchfield right now, and there's a resistance that's happening in the country." "It's our responsibility as artists to reflect the time that we're living in," Wiley echoed. "It's an incredible responsibility that we have." But, despite the scope of OITNB's socio-political reach, the actors try not to feel too encumbered by it. "I don't think the action is to be an activist," Aduba agreed. "But it forces the audience to be responsible. You're forced to see [the characters'] humanity." And that humanness – the relatability of it – she says, makes all the difference. 82
And it's true; in so many ways, the incisive, quickwitted authenticity with which OITNB gives voice to narratives not-oft showcased in mainstream TV is something of a revelation. It is a show that, from its onset, has unapologetically built its narrative clout on the three-dimensional, thoroughly-developed, and acutely heartrending stories of female inmates— many of whom are women of color, hold LGBTQ+ identities, grapple with mental illness, and struggle with substance abuse. In mirroring the evolving socio-political zeitgeist throughout its four-season lifespan, OITNB has tackled a conveyor belt of nightmarish real-world issues, including (but certainly not limited to): prison privatization, police brutality, and Black Lives Matter. And, in doing that, it has catalyzed a wider series of dialogues and a heightened awareness of those issues and how they manifest outside of the show. "Just by being honest, there's a ripple effect,"
Schilling said, reiterating writer/creator Jenji Kohan's mantra that "the personal is universal." Schilling, however, tries to focus predominantly on her role as a storyteller first, advocate second. "Crossing those lines is a political act," Schilling said, "But that's not the genesis of it." In just a 30-minute timespan, the panelists also managed to touch on a medley of topics, both practical and theoretical, including the philosophies behind Netflix's push toward innovative TV and "the osmosis of character" (Aduba's delightfully thoughtful (albeit, roundabout) response to the question "If you could play any character besides your own, who would it be?"). "My cast is smart," Brooks cut in, finally articulating the sentiment that had been hanging in the air for the duration of the evening. "That's all I have to say. Intelligent women." Season 5 of Orange Is The New Black debuts on Netflix this June.
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WANT MORE FLEXIBLE HOURS?
Here’s how to get them without asking your boss By Georgene Huang
First, some good news: Job flexibility is more widespread than you think. Now for the bad news: Most employers don’t shout their flex-time offerings from the rooftops, so many employees don’t take advantage of them. But because your company’s policies might not be clearly spelled out, you may be able to build some more flexibility into your schedule on your own, then ask permission—or forgiveness—later. FLEXTIME’S MANY (HIDDEN) FORMS Whether you admit it or not, work-life balance is probably pretty important to you. Employers know it’s important, too. Just take a look at the careers websites of major employers. You’ll often see photos of smiling employees, mission statements, and descriptions of what the company’s workplace culture is like. But what’s typically missing is actual detail about the policies that make that culture what it is. No prospective hire can just hop on over to an employer’s website and find out whether they’d be able to leave at 4:30 p.m. two days a week to go to yoga class, or even at a consistent hour that lets them pick their kid up before daycare closes. That doesn’t mean those options don’t exist. According to HR professionals surveyed by the Society for Human Resources Management, 56% of employers offered some type of flexible working arrangement in 2016. But when we crowdsource information about work-life balance and job flexibility on Fairygodboss, the employer review platform for women that I cofounded, employees more commonly say that their companies have flexible work cultures or that they’ve struck informal arrangements with their managers. After all, job flexibility takes many forms. There are part-time jobs, remote roles, and formally compressed workweeks (where you put in 40 hours between Monday and Thursday), not to mention all those times you might just ask your boss, “Hey, could I work from home tomorrow?” And indeed, if you want a more flexible schedule, you certainly can ask for it. But many people worry about the stigma of doing so. Some even argue that employers should offer flexibility to everyone in order to preempt that fear. Instead, you might be able to take matters into your own hands. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before determining whether that’s the right move. WHAT’S THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN? There’s an old adage that it’s better to seek forgiveness than to ask permission. This is 84
something I often hear people in our community suggest to each other when it comes to taking an afternoon off or leaving the office early. On Fairygodboss, one user recently advised other women thinking of working at Vistaprint, the custom printing company, to take that approach.
officially sanctioned. While that works fine for a while, those agreements tend to be vulnerable if your boss leaves or gets promoted. In fact, many people tell us at Fairygodboss that they start looking for a new job when their managers change and they suddenly lose their flexibility.
My two pieces of advice: 1. Don’t apologize for having responsibilities outside of work. Get your work done, be flexible (sometimes work at night or a few hours on a weekend to get your work done), but don’t apologize when you have to leave regularly to pick up your kid. 2. Don’t over explain! “I need to leave because of xyz...” Just do it, your work will show your dedication and you will be recognized for it.
WILL MERELY ASKING HURT YOU? Sometimes just inquiring about flexibility can be a risk, whether or not you actually get it. If you’re worried that might be the case—unfair as it may be—how can you get the information you need without the negative consequences? You may reach a point where you need quite a lot of flexibility and fear your current employer might not be able to offer it to you. In these cases, your first stop should always be the HR department, where you can ask somebody about the general policies in place. It’s also smart to talk to other colleagues one-on-one whom you’ve seen work flexibly. This way you may be able to protect yourself from any fallout if your boss turns down your request and questions your commitment to your work. No matter what, keep in mind that flexible work can take many forms. While it’s still a sensitive topic in some workplaces, you might have more leeway to tailor how—and determine whom—you ask, depending on what arrangement you want. Or possibly just skip the conversation altogether.
IS YOUR BOSS THE ULTIMATE DECISION MAKER? When it comes to flex time, your boss may or may not have the final say. Sometimes there’s a departmental or company-wide policy that you can take advantage of without your manager having to make a judgment call. But the difference between an official and unofficial policy here is really important—even if you have an understanding manager who grants your request to work from home on Thursdays. I’ve heard of many scenarios where someone is happy to be granted a type of flexibility that isn’t
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eFASHION
Premium outlet prices, all year long, are a short visit away
By bazaar staff
Sometimes online shopping isn’t for everyone, and it came to us as a relief that premium outlet shop eFashion wasn’t another website, but a real brick and mortar shop that offers amazing deals! The original, and Kuwait’s first, premium outlet was opened by Eureka Electronics in Hawally in 2014. Most recently, the fashion-conscious residents of Fahaheel were seen queuing to view the latest promotions this discount branded-clothing store has to offer. bazaar went to take a closer look and was delighted to discover, not just the best deals, but also some of the unique values this retailer holds, which ensure that customers, and their wallets, always come first. It used to be that, those who could afford to, would travel abroad and bring back past-season, clearance items to sell here, at double or triple the market price when considered new! Even so, there were always customers eager to buy recognized brands like Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and Calvin Klein, despite the incredibly hiked-up prices. Seeing this type of end-user exploitation was enough to inspire Ahmed Al Qenae, the founder of Eureka Electronics, to do something about it. He decided to go large scale to keep prices down and started the journey of introducing big brands at bargain prices to Kuwait. Generally, across the board, prices in-store are 30% less than market price, using a business model that utilizes lower margins with large numbers of stock pieces. This further benefits the customer because it means that when deal hunting for clothes, there is invariably a full sizerange. You can also take advantage of the luxury of being able to try on the clothes before you buy, something on-line shopping will never solve even with virtual changing rooms. Those of you buying clothing items as gifts can be confident in the noquibble returns policy, giving you complete peace of mind when it comes to purchasing those presents for Eid. Heck, with discounts like these, you should get yourself a new Eid wardrobe! With nearly 200 brands under one roof, eFashion has something for each member of the family, for all occasions and at every budget. Imagine the total savings possible when you take shopping for all the family members into account across beauty 86
and cosmetics, casual fashion, sportswear and equipment, swimwear and designer sunglasses. This month introduces a gorgeous range of women’s evening wear at both the Hawally and Fahaheel locations. Look out for greater footwear collections from the summer shows in Milan, which will be coming soon. As you step instore you can immediately tell why eFashion is proudly considered a premium outlet. As if the guaranteed lower prices aren’t enough to convince you to visit, the presentation is remarkably well organized, with clearly discernable areas for the different brands and sections. Peruse the shelves filled with Michael Kors bags, True Religion jeans, Timberland boots and Ralph Lauren shirts alongside other North American and European labels like Roots and Under Armour. Stylishly dressed mannequins give you clues on how to put items together and on the rails, you will see different clothing items hung together which gently suggest finished outfits. Head to toe shopping couldn’t be easier and the entire store floor is refreshed every six weeks to keep you coming back! A delightful little surprise was to find that the typical outlet myth could be dispelled here. Don’t think that you will find dated styles at eFashion, because the concept prides itself on a turn-around of under 8 weeks. From when the store buyer finds that perfect eFashion item, to when it arrives at Kuwait customs and is then displayed on the shop floor. You can be sure that the items are in for this season and at the lowest prices to be found! As well as these great deals, you will often find hundreds of promotions across the store and in all departments. They even have sales! That’s a continually marked down, current season, designer brand, imported fashion item on promotion or on sale. bazaar is in! Particularly noteworthy is the staff customer service. Super friendly greetings and genuinely offering to help, they give you space to shop, but you can feel their presence the moment you have a question or require any assistance. No doubt, this high level of service will continue in the next eFashion project. There are exciting plans for a third eFashion store, as the company continues to fulfil their commitment to deliver more price promises to more shoppers across the country. Watch this space to find out exactly where!
eFashion can be found in eMall opposite Qadsia Stadium in Hawally near the large Sultan Center, and in Yaal Mall, Fahaheel Al-Dabous street near Kout Mall. For the latest offers and promotions follow them Instagram @efashionq8 and Facebook: eMall. Photography by Caroline Ericson, @PixbyCaroline on Instagram. 87
SAY CHEESE
Will sending selfies to a Jupiter moon get the attention of an E.T.?
By Louis Sahagun
Emcee Tom O’Key seemed giddy as dozens of guests filed into an outdoor theater in this Mojave Desert town on a recent Saturday night to learn about an icy moon of Jupiter and take a stab at connecting with whatever — or whomever — may be living there. “We’re sending selfies to Europa here tonight, folks,” O’Key told those who had gathered in the Joshua Tree Astronomy Arts Theater. “Take a moment to reach out to the cosmos and say, ‘We here on Earth care.’” Sponsored by the Southern California Desert Video Astronomers, the public program featured a documentary, 3-D holographic projections, views through telescopes and what was believed to be the first opportunity to send video selfies to a moon of Jupiter that NASA scientists have identified as one of the likeliest homes of extraterrestrial life in our solar system. Zerrin Leckey, 9, was among the first to take a few deep breaths, smile, then speak into the lens of a video camera connected to a device that converts audio and visual images into flashes of laser aimed at the moon — only 37 minutes away at light speed. “Hi, Europa!” he said. “This is Zerrin on Earth. I’m turning 10.” Next up was Jean Mueller, 67, a retired telescope operator at the Palomar Observatory who has discovered more than 30 comets. “I photographed everything in the sky except you, Europa,” she said. “Now, I’m talking to you in person, and that’s pretty nice.” The casual tone of these pioneering attempts at intragalactic communication was fine with O’Key, who didn’t hesitate to note the limits of the technology in the astronomy club’s “Europa is Alive!” event or “the giggle factor involved in all this.” It was O’Key, 63, a retired technical consultant in personal injury litigation cases, and Leonard Holmberg, 62, a retired developer of optics-based products, who put together the selfie-sender: “An instrument comprised of a video camera, a laptop computer, fiber-optics technology and a yellow laser that cost us about $400,” O’Key said. “We like to think we’re bringing extraterrestrial adventure to everyday people,” he said. “Of course, we’d need the power of the sun to generate a coherent beam strong enough to hit Europa,” Holmberg said. “But at least some of the photons in the transmissions we’re sending are reaching their target. No doubt about it.” The project, Holmberg said, suggests how far technology has advanced since charismatic physicist Carl Sagan popularized the possibility of making contact with extraterrestrial life. Sagan led a team that developed communications 88
materials that were aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 space probes launched in 1977 to make drive-by visits to planets in this solar system and then continue on to explore space. The packages included images of a man and woman and musical samplings, including Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” O’Key and Holmberg consider themselves “Saganites,” inspired by NASA’s recent announcement that Europa and Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, harbor all the ingredients needed for life to evolve: heat, organic material and vast oceans of water capped by ice. “What they’re doing is fine with me,” said Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the nonprofit Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute based in Mountain View, California. “But it’s fair to say we don’t know if aliens are friendly, or if they even exist. If they do, will they be cute and cuddly like the one in the movie E.T., or will they be like the Kardashians? “In that case,” he continued, “we should keep a low profile. You don’t want your tombstone to read: I’m responsible for the obliteration of the human race.” Jim Bell, an astronomer at Arizona State University and president of the Pasadena-based Planetary Society, described the Joshua Tree effort as “delightful.”
“It’s a testament,” Bell said, “to the ability of every man nowadays to have access to technology that was only a dream a decade ago.” Scientists have been searching the skies for signs of alien civilizations for decades, mostly based on the premise that they, like us, would use bursts of radio and laser light we might be able to hear or see. The SETI Institute runs an array of radio telescopes designed to act as an enormous ear capable of scanning more than a million stars over 10 billion radio frequencies. It still has not detected any signal produced by someone else out there. The Mars lander "Phoenix", launched in 2007, carried recorded greetings. A year later, NASA beamed the Beatles’ “Across the Universe” at the North Star, Polaris. In 2012, a now-defunct company leased a huge radio telescope in Carmel Valley, Calif., and offered to transmit personal messages and photos from Earth to various stars for free. Now, there’s the astronomy club led by O’Key, who as a boy liked to shine a flashlight beam at the Earth’s moon knowing it would get there in 1.2 seconds. “The only exceptional thing about our attempt to communicate with an alien world,” he said, “is how easy and inexpensive it has become to give it a try.”
savanna
6HowRED FLAGS THAT SAY YOUR BOSS IS GOING TO BE A NIGHTMARE to spot a bad boss before you take the job By Michael Grothaus
The old adage is often true: We don’t quit jobs, we quit bosses. Besides hurting your mental well-being and productivity, working for a bad boss can severely impact your health. Researchers from Harvard Business School and Stanford University found that the stress bad bosses cause can be as damaging as secondhand smoke. And those bad bosses may also be making you sad, lazy, and fat. Of course, many of us don’t have the financial or logistical freedom to just quit a job without a new one lined up if we get stuck with a bad boss. So what is one to do? You can of course learn to deal with the bad boss as best you can. However, as with most maladies, the best medicine is prevention. Here are the biggest red flags to look out for, according to a recruiter and management professional we spoke to. RED FLAG NO. 1: DO THEY LACK BASIC RESPECT AND MANNERS? “Even with my experience of interviewing, I’ve sometimes slipped up on what looked like a wellplanned schedule at the start of a day blocked out for interviews and ended up running over and being late for the next interviewee,” says Sarah Dowzell, the COO at Natural HR. “Unexpected events can happen to the most organized of people, but how they react will tell you a lot about the person.” This is often the most easily discernible red flag, says Dowzell. “Acknowledging and apologizing for being late to the interviewee is basic manners, and if the hiring manager doesn’t do this, what does it tell you about how they treat people?” RED FLAG NO. 2: AN INFLATED EGO “These are the hiring managers who are more interested in talking about themselves than interviewing you,” says Dowzell. She points out that it’s easy to spot a boss with an inflated ego: If you ask them any questions about the team you’ll potentially be joining, their answers will often focus on them and their personal achievements rather than the wider team. RED FLAG NO. 3: PRONOUNS MATTER The best bosses are team players who realize the contribution and value of every single person in the group. But as many of us know, there are plenty of bad bosses who believe that successes are theirs alone, and failures are due to their subordinates. But how can you tell which camp your prospective boss falls into when meeting them for the first time? Hanwell says to pay attention to how they use pronouns in the context of the conversation. “If your interviewer uses the term ‘you’ in communicating negative information—such as, 90
‘You will deal with a lot of ambiguity’—don’t expect the boss to be a mentor,” he says. “If the boss chooses the word ‘I’ to describe the department’s success, that’s a red flag. If the interviewer says ‘we’ in regards to a particular challenge the team or company faced, it may indicate that he or she deflects responsibility and places blame.” RED FLAG NO. 4: THE BOSS ASKS INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS One of the worst red flags to keep an eye out for is whether the prospective boss asks you any questions that may potentially violate your civil rights. “All of the legislations listed are designed to prevent discrimination in the workplace and mean that hiring managers should not be asking questions such as ‘Do you have children, or plan to have children?” says Dowzell. RED FLAG NO. 5: SIGNS THE BOSS (AND COMPANY) SEE YOU AS A LACKEY Dowzell says that there are still plenty of bosses and companies that see their employees as little more than servants. To demonstrate this point, she tells
me about the experience of one of the first people she hired for her company. Before interviewing at Natural HR, James had interviewed at a nearby larger business that had bigger budgets. “James told me that after a great interview with a nearby company, he was introduced to a director who just happened to be passing as he was leaving the building, and all he said to James was, ‘First thing you need to know about working here, James: milk and two sugars!” says Dowzell. “That was enough to tell James all he needed to know about what his life would be like working for this company.” RED FLAG NO. 6: THE BOSS LACKS ENTHUSIASM Hanwell says the final red flag to keep an eye out for is whether or not you sense enthusiasm and passion from the prospective boss while they are interviewing you. “Measure this by paying attention to your feelings,” he says. “You should feel a sense of excitement when you consider working for them. But if you feel like the boss hates his or her job and doesn’t care, leave immediately. Chances are, the office is full of disengaged employees who are plagued by low morale.”
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TELLING STORIES THROUGH SONG David Hanners and the folk music comeback By bazaar staff
Photo by Larry May
Folk music is an underrated genre in this region, and few people can pull it off. In fact, it's known to be one of the least favored musical genres in Kuwait, and with good reason – we haven’t been exposed to it properly, other than the mainstream selections in the early '90s that would play on our local radio stations in the morning. David Hanners, however, is the very person to redefine and reintroduce the fallen, and oftenmisunderstood genre to our humble ears. With a penchant for storytelling, an ethos that thrives on authenticity, and a lifelong love for folk music, he skillfully strums his guitar to tell tales of what once was in a way that will make you want to listen. Moving to Kuwait three years ago from the United States, the award-winning writer 92
brought with him a storytelling expertise that was gained by a history of moving to different cities throughout his life. From hometown Casey, Illinois, to university years spent across the Wabash River in Terre Haute, Indiana, to professional years all over Texas, Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Kuwait, David has seen and heard many stories over the years as an endorsed journalist, songwriter and overall spectator. “When I was working as a news reporter for various publications in the United States, I had to travel a lot – and as a journalist, it was always my duty to get the story out there with accuracy.” And with that level of experience, and a Pulitzer Prize under his belt, being a “fly on the wall” poses as the ideal prerequisite for his ability to recreate events – this explains why most of his songs are based on his retelling of real stories he’s been exposed to, and has exposed throughout his life. “To me, a big passion for songwriting is in the words,” David says matter-of-factly as he plays a few chords on his Gibson J-35, delivering a solid, rustic sound
that embraces the Americana genre his image and lyrics portray. “Given my professional and personal background, a lot of my songs wind up being a documentation of the disintegration of parts of the American dream.” And his music does hit close to home, as is illustrated through his previously released albums. His latest album in particular, There Are No Secrets in This Town, arrives as a product of his days shifting from a reporting to a recording career to pursue music as more than just a hobby. The album is centered on the reimagining of happenings in his University town, Terre Haute. But they aren’t necessarily tales of nostalgia that tell actual tales of the Indiana State University alum’s life. “I've always written about an America in disarray [through journalism] , but my songs were mostly about random events in people's lives”, he explains, and tells us of how this album was created based on a piece of oral history he had stumbled upon, featuring an interview with a woman who ran a tavern in Terre Haute from Prohibition to
the 1970s. In the interview, she highlighted all the interesting characters she’d met and stories she’d witnessed throughout the years. “The characters she spoke about are ones I felt I knew: sad-sack men, veterans on barstools telling war stories, and men and women with secrets to keep.” He says as he goes on to tell us of each track in detail: “Red I. Miller Shoes”, inspired by the woman’s fascination with one of her employees’ shoes – a trendy brand she was fond of during that decade. And another fascinating tale, “The Day James Jones Came to Town”, which illustrates well-known writer James Jones’ frequent visits out of a writer’s colony to Terre Haute, and his touching platonic friendship formed with the tavern-owner over the years. As David continued to list his tracks and explain with fervor what the back-story of each song written was, we see a gleam in his eye that displayed such longing and excitement to recreate fascinating happenings of the past. With a firm grip on his passion for storytelling coupled with his everlasting intention to stay
authentic in his music, David’s relocation to Kuwait comes with the intent to expand this talent in different ways that will reach and inspire fellow songwriters. “A big objective of mine in Kuwait is to encourage songwriting craft through storytelling. I’d like to be a part of creating an initiative here, or at least partaking in it regularly, where songwriters can congregate to discuss their work and get feedback.” Because to David, who has years of education through experience in songwriting, his playing a role in the progress the community is making with musical expression is vital, and as an avid musician himself, he only wants to help their interest grow. “My experience has taught me that 80% of good songwriting is editing. There’s a lot of talent here, and there are a lot of people looking to harness that talent and develop it. You can only go at it alone for so long.” But stepping aside from what David wants to do for the musical community to what Kuwait as a musical entity can do for him, we press for details. “If living in Kuwait has allowed me to
do anything, it has made me step back and look at the bigger picture. Sometimes, you just have to go somewhere else to learn about where you came from.” His last album was released in 2014, and tells tales of a town that’s dear to his heart. He is known for retelling stories through music, similar to the likes of iconic influencers such as Woody Guthrie and Tom Waits. What about the next album? What can local narratives hailing from the region do for his creative conscience? “I’d love to record my next album here! The songs I've written for my next record still tell those individual and personal stories, but they are connected in a way that the songs on my previous albums weren't. I just need to find more musicians!” he laughs. “Anyone know of a good fiddle player?” David’s music is available for free download at www.davidhanners.com, and www.reverbnation.com/ davidhanners. David plays lots of gigs and shows at various venues in Kuwait. Just don’t ask him to play “Hotel California.” 93
CHILD'S PLAY
Mattel's latest toy is a voice-activated speaker with an AI tailor-made for kids. By Mark Wilson
"Okay, Google, how fast do lions run?" yelled my toddler to our new Google Home smart speaker. "Okay, Google, how far is our moon?" The voice assistant had understood me perfectly moments earlier, but it couldn't process a single question asked by my son's higher-pitched, less articulated voice. "She doesn't help!" he lamented with a frown. My son's disappointment is the exact problem that Mattel believes it can fix with Aristotle, a $349 (KD 106) voice-activated speaker launched last month which functions like Google Home or Amazon Echo devices. But rather than rule the entire house, Aristotle is built to live in a child's room--and answer a child's questions. In this most intimate of spaces, Aristotle is designed to be far more specific than the generic voice assistants of today: a nanny, friend, and tutor, equally able to soothe a newborn and aid a tween with foreign-language homework. It's an AI to help raise your child. "We tried to solve the fundamental problem of most baby products, which is they don't grow with you," says Robb Fujioka, senior vice president and chief products officer at Mattel. "We spent a lot of time investing in how it would age." For new parents, Aristotle can be a smart baby monitor: It's equipped with a camera that streams video to your phone. Via an app, parents can program the device to auto-soothe their baby when she wakes up crying, setting it to glow like a night-light or play a favorite song. The assistant will also help log things like wet diapers and feedings, thus introducing the possibility of automatically replenishing products. Though the device will have various retail partners, it's notably compatible with Amazon's Alexa service. In what Mattel calls "parent mode," anything a parent would ask Alexa can be asked through Aristotle; they simply begin a question with "Alexa" rather than "Aristotle," as if they're addressing two different people. But it's the child-to-Aristotle connection that makes the device such an interesting entrant in the rapidly commoditized voice-assistant market. Companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google are trying to rule voice with everything-for-everyone personalities that ultimately fail to serve more specific user groups and needs; Aristotle's narrower focus may help it succeed in a competitive space. Key to that is Aristotle's ability to understand young voices. "It was one of the core things we tried to resolve from the get-go," says Fujioka. "Our audience often says words completely differently [even from one another]." To deal with that complication, Mattel partnered with PullString, a San Francisco-based company that focuses on AI conversation and speech 94
recognition. Embedded with PullString's platform, Aristotle will mature alongside its young listeners, constantly improving its recognition capabilities as children get older. For toddlers, Aristotle will turn its LED various colors and ask the listener to identify them; older kids can ask Aristotle factoids like, "Who was the 16th president of the United States?" or request to play a game. All of this points at Aristotle's greater intent: It's built for play. Mattel is, after all, a toy company with lots of intellectual property. "Imagine what happens with Hot Wheels and Thomas the Tank Engine when you have this connected hub," says Fujioka of Aristotle's future ecosystem. "Do you hear sound effects? Can you have greater interactions?" Mattel imagines that even cheap, simplistic die-cast cars can be loaded with low-cost chips to connect to Aristotle. Meanwhile, the device's camera will use object recognition to identify flash cards, or even a toy without any special electronics, essentially adding interactions to make it feel more dynamic. The company is aiming to roll out these features early next year. Mattel is also opening Aristotle to third-party developers, allowing partners to build connected toys and apps. One such program, which could be available as early as the fall, will support thousands
of children's books on the platform so that Aristotle might read kids a story while a tablet projects related art onto the ceiling. All of these capabilities will undoubtedly put pressure on Mattel to protect the privacy of its young users. Hackers accessed 6.4 million children's profiles, which included names, birthdays, and photos, at electronic toy maker VTech in late 2015; more recently, Genesis Toys' connected doll was the subject of official complaints in the U.S. and was banned in Germany because it came equipped with a microphone that could, potentially, be manipulated to record users. Mattel has already invested greatly in the privacy of children going online (it debuted its connected Barbie nearly two years ago); it's using one of the highest encryption standards for Aristotle's transmissions to its servers. While Aristotle's built-in camera and third-party features may open Mattel up to security scrutiny, they're also essential to creating a rich ecosystem that can further differentiate Aristotle from the more broadly positioned voice assistants being peddled by Amazon, Apple, and Google. "There is really no point to competing with them," says Fujioka. "They want to be the top of the funnel when it comes to search. Our focus around AI is, how do we educate and entertain children?"
Enjoy European Peach!
As an exclusively summer, cool, juicy, and full of avor fruit, the peach is considered as the fruit of purity and immortality, according to some Eastern traditions.
peach garden
The peach is ideal for those watching their diet, since it is low in calories, and high in vitamins. Food safety is a top priority for Europe.
www.peachgarden.eu
ÂŹ The Peach Growers Associations that take part in the implementation of this program perform tests in privately-owned laboratories, to ensure thus the safety and quality of the products sold to consumers in the international market.
CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND GREECE
STAR QUALITY
Why is Ed Sheeran so popular? By Patrick Ryan
“Treacly,” “boring” and “sexless” aren’t words you’d typically ascribe to one of the world’s biggest pop stars. But they’re adjectives that journalists and festival organizers have lobbed at Ed Sheeran, who rock icon Morissey slammed in 2015, telling Boulder Weekly that “things can’t possibly get any worse” than his music. Yet despite the vitriol, the scruffy British troubadour has achieved perhaps inexplicable success. His first two albums — 2012’s + (read as “plus”) and 2014’s x (read as “multiply”) — have accrued nearly 3 billion streams combined and sold more than 20 million song downloads, according to Nielsen Music. His popular single, “Shape of You,” has reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, making Sheeran the first artist ever to debut in the top 10 with two songs simultaneously (the other being “Castle on the Hill,” which bowed at No. 6 in mid-January). And with his third album ÷ (aka “divide”), recently released, the prolific 26-year-old could reach new heights. Judging solely by its singles, “I think [this album] will take him to the next level,” says Billboard senior editor Jem Aswad. “He’s already selling out stadiums. You can’t get much bigger than he is, but from all indications, it seems like this album could do that.” It helps that “his music is multi-generational,” Aswad says. “His inoffensiveness is something that puts people off, but at the same time, it opens him up to acceptance from a much wider demographic.” Already, Sheeran has a combined 41.4 million followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where he’ll regularly garner more than 500,000 likes for his casual, cheekily captioned photos of cats, snacks and his shirtless, tattooed body. “In the age of seeing things play out in real time and very calculated images being scrutinized, I think him being him has played into his success,” says Anne T. Donahue, a columnist at MTV who has written about Sheeran. “He’s never tried to learn to dance or (sing) harmony with a boy band. … He’s a very white young man with red hair from England, so he’s not facing a huge uphill battle or anything, but it’s important that he’s never compromised his image.” It’s a soft-spoken but playful persona that he has cultivated since 2012, when he packed a onetwo punch in the USA with his Grammy-nominated single “The A Team” and guest appearance on Taylor Swift’s Red (on duet “Everything Has Changed”). The country-turned-pop star’s co-sign was pivotal in Sheeran’s ascent, allowing him to build a stateside fan base as an opener on her Red Tour’s North American leg. 96
“The association was close enough for him to be able to benefit from it, but not so close that he was eclipsed by her,” Aswad says. “The timing on it worked very well and helped him out enough that he can stand on his own.” Now, Sheeran has two Grammy Awards (song of the year and best pop solo performance for “Thinking Out Loud”) and a stacked résumé boasting collaborations with Pharrell Williams (“Sing”), The Weeknd (“Dark Times”) and Rick Rubin (“Don’t”).
He’s also managed to grow both sonically and lyrically: marrying tropical house with acoustic guitar on “Shape of You,” and moving away from his usual navel-gazing on “Castle on the Hill.” “He’s writing in terms of, ‘I grew up, I used to have these friends, this is how everyone’s living,’” Donahue says. “That actually [shows] an incredibly self-reflective standpoint.” If he continues his gradual evolution on this next album, “I think he’ll have no problem fitting into the 2017 pop climate.”
sultan center
SHOP LIKE A SULTAN
Save time with 24hrs online shopping and home delivery with Sultan Center By bazaar staff
Has anyone else noticed just how banging Kuwait is at the moment? From rock gigs, art exhibitions, to international productions–it’s all going on. On top of that, we have to fit in family and friends, work or study; so when is there any time to shop for those Ramadan necessities and planning our everyday meals? Because Sultan Center always recognizes customer needs, there is now access to Sultan Center online shopping! Yes, shop within the comfort of your own home or on the go with your mobile using the TSC Online Store app! 98
As we’ve been super busy moving from the Free Trade Zone to Salmiya and setting up the new office, we decided to save time by using The Sultan Center’s new online groceries shopping delivery service. It’s so easy to use, and we earned ourselves some sorely needed down-time through saving ourselves a trip to the store. The cleanly designed website is effortless to peruse, with clearly marked areas making it simple to navigate. A wide variety of healthy offerings and specialist food products is available at a glance, as well as health and beauty items and household goods. Keep coming back to the website as home living, electronics and recipes will soon be available. Gone are the days of the outside chance that your favored location hasn’t
everything needed for that day’s shop, the virtual store has everything that is available. A dedicated team of online customer support agents are available to guide you throughout your entire shopping journey. They are there from the time you start to browse the site for all your supermarket needs to the time the groceries arrive at your doorstep. The idea of choosing fruit or vegetables without handling them, does seem a little alien. Rest assured however, as it is the role of these customer service agents to make sure that only the freshest and best quality items are selected, just as you would take the time to select them for yourself. All chosen items go through a quality control phase where each piece from your virtual
basket is thoroughly inspected by an elite team of personal shoppers before being put in your actual physical basket. While TSC shoppers look for your groceries, they follow the, “Would I buy it?” policy. This means that all produce is tested before it’s sent to your chosen address and if a shopper would not buy it for himself; it will not be bought for you! Anything chilled or frozen, wings its way across town in a transportation vehicle fully equipped with temperature controlled sections. The delivery is scheduled as per your selected timeslot making sure your groceries reach you in perfect condition. A feature that is fantastic to use is the ‘Multi Search’ button which drops down a handy little notepad for you to jot down a list of items. All the items will be searched for at once and presented will be options of each similar product found for you to choose from. This is the perfect tool for shopping with a recipe in mind as you can immediately see if all the required ingredients are available. As people tend to be creatures of habit, the opportunity to store shopping lists is a great time saver. Reordering a previous weekly or monthly order is merely a few clicks away. Such a simple service to use on the website is the 'My Shopping Lists' section. Items you regularly shop for can be placed into a list by clicking on the icon below the product picture. There are handy pre-tabbed lists to start you off, but you can add your own specific ones, and as many as you like. This bazaarite used the Multi Search option to check a load of ingredients for a favorite gathering dish, chose from the suggested items, added them into the created shopping list, and then clicked on the 'Add All' to Cart. If you want to make any changes to your set lists, this is always possible. It’s also a great way to split your shopping into items you buy less regularly but consistently from the items you may buy weekly. The whole process took just moments to complete and made groceries shopping online even easier than expected! One final check by the Quality Control Agents and your goods are carefully packed up and sent on their way. With a daily schedule of delivery timeslots available between 1 p.m.-10 p.m., whether you want your groceries on your doorstep after a hard day’s slog at university or work or placed on your patio before an afternoon gathering, Sultan has you covered. There is even free delivery on carts over KD 40! With an unparalleled level of service and commitment to customer care, TSC Online shopping might just be the perfect solution for when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and need a little bit of extra time to get all you need done. Why not give it a go?
To create an account to access all The Sultan Center online shopping services go to www.sultan-Center.com. Follow @sultan_Center on Instagram for the latest updates or call their Hotline at 1844 449 for any additional enquiries. 99
WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE JOB CANDIDATES WITH THESE THREE “WEAKNESSES” Expert says hiring managers need to stop downplaying candidates’ flaws By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
There are millions of different jobs, and each company has its own culture, so what employers actually want in job candidates varies widely. But personality research suggests that all strong candidates tend to look rather similar, in the sense that there’s a limited number of attributes that make them strong: They’re generally more rewarding to deal with, more capable, and more willing to work hard than others are. Employers may use many different names for what they want—grit, adaptability, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurialism—but what they always need is ability, likability, and drive. You can ride those qualities to the bank any day of the week. But while these three competencies predict future job performance and career success with remarkable accuracy, they don’t tell the full story about a candidate’s potential. In fact, no matter how attractive a candidate’s “bright side” may be, they’ll always have a “dark side,” too—a set of undesirable or counterproductive traits that hinder their ability to work well, mostly because of their disruptive effects on others. Hiring managers tend to focus on attributes that predict positive career outcomes—like teamwork, engagement, performance, and leadership skills—and neglect the ones that predict derailment and failure: coasting, underperformance, antisocial behaviors, and the like. But whenever you hire somebody, they’re bringing a combination of these qualities with them through the door every single time. So if you want to assess the whole person and make sure you hire people with the best overall personality profiles, you can’t pretend they’re flawless. Instead, you need to look—intentionally— for the least problematic weaknesses a candidate might have. Here are three of them: 1. CONFORMISM We live in a world that celebrates “originals” and rule-breakers, but no organization (or society) could function if such individuals made up the majority. In fact, any collective system requires the bulk of its people to follow rules and norms, and employers know this. While many companies say they need innovators and disruptors, what they truly require is people who will do what they’re told. As Susan Cain recently pointed out in the Times, this isn’t a bad thing; 100
“followership” is a skill set we need just as badly as leadership. (“Perhaps the biggest disservice done by the outsize glorification of ‘leadership skills,'” she adds, “is to the practice of leadership itself . . . It attracts those who are motivated by the spotlight rather than by the ideas and people they serve.”) And yet you’ll find no job listing out there that includes terms like “obedient” or “dutiful,” except perhaps in the military. 2. ATTENTION-SEEKING We might be fascinated by narcissists, but the common view is that great employees and leaders let their achievements speak for themselves. If two people are equally talented or productive, most of us would say that we’d rather work with the one who avoids self-promotion and seems humble and modest. Yet meta-analytic studies show that attention-seeking individuals emerge more often as leaders, and they’re often perceived as more effective once they do, according to 360-degree feedback data. The danger, of course, is that many attentionseeking job candidates may also be narcissistic, so the best-case scenario is someone who enjoys performing and being the center of attention but isn’t actually self-obsessed or entitled. In other words, it isn’t always a bad thing to hire an altruistic exhibitionist—a selfless clown. 3. (A DOSE OF) DISHONESTY Make no mistake: Pathological dishonesty is
harmful, particularly when coupled with low integrity. You don’t want to give a job to a lowdown liar. But dishonesty isn’t a categorical evil in practice. Not only is it minimally problematic in small doses, but most of us know how it can even be useful, as the phrase “white lie” indicates. People who are brutally honest straight-talkers may even struggle more in their careers than those who are able to fake it— within reason—particularly if they seem authentic in the process. That may not sit well with you, but there’s research to suggest, additionally, that dishonest people tend to be more creative (perhaps because because lying requires creativity and imagination). So if you’re hiring someone for a creative role, there’s a better chance you’ll be interviewing candidates who are adept at bending the truth. But most of them probably won’t be doing it maliciously. After all, the premise that we should “just be ourselves” is both naïve and foolish given what we know of human psychology. Behaviorally, full authenticity describes acting without inhibitions or constraints, as we do when we’re partying with our friends—not a great formula for the workplace. The ideal employee is capable of exercising diplomacy and adhering to social etiquette, and this inevitably requires being at least somewhat dishonest: telling people that they’ve done well when they haven’t (especially if they’ve tried hard); telling your boss she had a great idea when in fact she didn’t; making a client feel like the most important person in the world when they’re actually really irritating.
hatay رﻣﻀﺎن ﻓﻲ ﻫﺎﺗﺎي ﻏﻴﺮ ﻣﺸﻜﻞ اﻟﺒﺤﺮ اﻟﻤﺘﻮﺳﻂ
ﻛﺒﺎب اﻟﺪﺟﺎج و ﻛﺒﺎب اﻟﻮزﻳﺮ و ﺷﻴﺶ ﻃﺎووق و ﻟﺤﻢ اﻟﺘﻜﺔ
AKDENIZ MIX Chicken kebab, meat kebab, lamb shish kebab, and chicken shish kebab
@ ﻟﻠﺤﺠﺰ واﻻﺳﺘﻌﻼم
ﻣﺘﻮﻓﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ
GIGANTIC OCTOPUS ART IS THE KEY TO A CORAL REEF’S REVIVAL Artists and entrepreneurs transform ship into interactive dive site in the British Virgin Islands
By Eillie Anzilotti
On a rainy day in mid-April, a group of artists, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and locals gathered on the shore of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands to watch the Kodiak Queen, one of five boats that survived the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, sink to the bottom of the ocean. At one point, they thought she was going to flip. It was a tense moment. For months before, a team of artists had devoted themselves to cleaning the boat and transforming its many chambers into an interactive art experience, adorned with a hollow rebar and mesh kraken whose 80-foot tentacles extend along the length of the deck. At the bottom of the ocean, the Kodiak Queen would become the Project YOKO BVI Art Reef, a unique new dive site in the BVI that would act as both a tourist site and a way to draw attention and conservation efforts to the region’s plummeting coral reef populations. If the boat flipped on the way to the bottom of the ocean, much of the artists’ work would have been compromised. But just as the Kodiak Queen sank under the surface, she righted herself, and a cheer went up from the crowd on the beach. “Watching this ship, which has so much history and so many hours put into it, go down was a joyful thing,” Aydika James tells Fast Company. “It felt like a beginning.” James is the art director of Secret Samurai Productions, a collective of artists that aims to solve real-world problems through art. She’s also a member of Maverick1000, a group of entrepreneurs who meet annually on Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island in the BVI. That meeting last year, James says, is how the idea for the Project YOKO art reef came about. During the course of the weeklong meeting, Lauren Keil, the foundation manager for Unite BVI–a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the islands, particularly its children– gave a presentation on the challenges the BVI community and oceans were facing: namely, that global warming and overfishing of the goliath grouper species have impacted the health of 90% of the region’s coral reefs, which account for 45% of the tourism industry in the BVI. Keil also addressed the fact that despite the BVIs being surrounded by ocean, more than one in 10 local children do not know how to swim, and as such, are disconnected from the health of the marine environment around them. It didn’t take long, James says, for her and a team of Maverick1000 entrepreneurs to connect the dots between the issues, and propose Project YOKO (a mashup of Kodiak Queen and 102
the boat’s former name, Navy fuel barge YO-44), as a solution. “I thought: An old abandoned ship is a great platform for an art piece, and an art piece could be a great tourism draw—we could tie dive proceeds from this eco-tourism site back into marine health maintenance efforts and swim instruction programs for the island’s kids,” James says. The idea was to transform the ship, and partner with marine science cause partners would use the site as a base to conduct research and rehabilitation efforts. James and her team pitched the proposal to the Maverick1000 conference last spring; on the spot, fellow Mavericks and Branson pledged enough funds to support the project’s development. Though a local BVI blog estimated the project cost over $4 million, James says it was accomplished with a fraction of that sum, but won’t release the actual cost. The Secret Samurai Productions team, led by James, started work on the ship almost right away. “Once we were on the ground in the BVI doing this build, half the people who walked by, James says, “just looked at us and asked, ‘What the heck are
you doing?’’ But as it started to come together, James says, “we had tremendous support from the government and locals—young schoolchildren came by to paint their names on the ship, and one woman, who learned that the proceeds would go back to children’s swim education, offered to cook for our team.” And in the process, the network of partners backing the Project YOKO art reef brought in the environmental research nonprofit Beneath the Waves, which will use an emerging technology called environmental DNA, or eDNA, to collect data on the entire marine ecosystem around the vessel. That hollow kraken actually plays a role here: The body and tentacles will act as a protected environment in which scientists will foster the repopulation of the dwindling goliath grouper, whose presence in the waters helps form the ecosystem that is essential to the health of the coral reefs. Had the ship rolled, like James initially feared she would, the height of the kraken in the water would have shifted, and created a less optimal habitat for the grouper. As the ship rests now, it’s at the exact location scientists need to start rehabilitating the species.
life with cacao
HUSSEIN BAYDOUN
WHEN INSPIRATION TAKES OVER THE CANVAS
By bazaar staff
Local sketch artist Hussein Baydoun values inspiration. So much that, he could spend days on end searching for the perfect subject to sketch. Once he does, however, there’s no stopping the swift, but calculated, movement of his hand across a blank canvas. 104
“Drawing and sketching requires a relaxed state of mind, and absolute calm. I forget everything around me—my mind is focused on the canvas in front me,” The artist began, “but I can also go for days, and at times years, without sketching if I’m feeling uninspired.” Nonetheless, the past ten years have been full of inspiring moments for Hussein, as his hobby for realistic sketch art never left his imagination since he began dabbling with sketch drawing at the tender age of 8. He spoke further on his earlier years, “During the Gulf War, my family relocated to Lebanon but my dad still lived in Kuwait. He used to encourage me to send him my drawings in exchange for a small monetary reward, and I remember drawing an old lady crossing the street, holding a cane. I remember drawing out the shadows, and portraying the sidewalk colors—everyone said it was so advanced for my age.” Throughout his developing years, his family constantly nurtured and encouraged his talents— his mother even gifted him a clear folder album to keep his earlier works safe. While Hussein’s family believed in his talents at such a young age, Hussein didn’t realize at the time that he would be doing the exact same thing for his future daughters, Joud and Julia. The last ten years proved to be a hard, long self-taught experience for the artist. “I utilized YouTube to learn everything I know now, “he explained, “I also owe so much to my earliest mentor during my school days, my teacher Mr. Imad. He always kept me focused on my hobby. He taught me the basic skills and tools I needed to further my talent.” Hussein cites Leonardo da Vinci’s employment of science in art as an early inspiration, teaching him how to properly research his subjects before he starts a sketch to form a plan that would successfully allow him to complete the sketch he has in mind. The famous works of the Lebanese caricaturist Stavro Jabra also resound deeply with Hussein, especially Stavro’s extremely realistic use of detail in his caricature sketches. Hussein considers each and every sketch he works on as a challenge, whether that involves his use of colors, to medium, subject and even the type of canvas that the artists chooses to employ for each specific sketch. He said, “I look at every sketch I complete as a learning experience. This is what excites me.” From miniscule, 3-cm sized IKEA frames that inspired Hussein to stretch his sketching abilities to produce so much detail in a literal ‘mini cooper’ rendition, to oversized canvases that would take hours to complete—the artist never stops wondering who or what his next sketch would be about. Hussein is open to using any type of medium to bring his sketch work to life, “It’s like my hands take on a mind of their own. I could use pencil colors, or paint, or even coffee! Once inspiration strikes, I go with the flow and let my hands move across the canvas.” An example that best illustrates this creative’s wonderings is a large sketch of the singer Kathem [Continued...]
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Al Saher. As a huge fan of the Kathem, Hussein is especially fascinated by the singer’s facial expressions, taking pause to capture his detailed, and absolutely emotional, facial inflections to appear on a huge canvas. Despite his realistic efforts, Hussein is also his work’s biggest critic. He looked at his sketch of the singer, and immediately spotted the mistakes. Never discouraged, Hussein is eager to sketch again to further his talents and correct his mistakes. He sees his style as continuously evolving and improving, and considers practice as the most important factor that allows him to grow his skills as an artist. The same could be said about all of his work, whether he focuses his efforts on creating incredibly realistic renditions of animals, or other people he deeply admires like Lebanese legend and singer Wadi Al Safi. With many past appearances in local news outlets, the notion of fame might seem tempting. Yet, Hussein’s family play a huge role in developing his personal goals as an artist. He told bazaar that “As much as gaining recognition could excite me, I consider my daughter Joud’s emerging love for drawing as more important. I see myself in her drawings. I hang up all of my work around the house to surround her and my family with art and to inspire her to express herself through art.” At almost 6 years old, Joud is already showing promising talent, and Hussein is eager to teach her the basic skills he also acquired at such a young age. Family is paramount to the artist, and he cites his daughters Joud and Julia as his constant reminder to keep sketching, and when he’s feeling uninspired—he looks to young Joud’s budding ambition, and the urge to sketch returns. While he dabbled with caricature art in the past, Hussein favors creating realistic sketches, as he loves capturing his subject’s in the most real possible manner, even with faults and all. “I never aim to beautify my subjects. I just want to portray what I view.” Sketching comes so naturally to Hussein, that once the inspiration strikes, nothing can stop him. His sketching rituals involve him plugging in his headphones and working away at a canvas while listening to the music that he loves. He enjoys the soothing sounds of Fairuz, Kathem Al Saher, and Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and loses himself completely to the work in progress. His creative bubble, once created, cannot be interrupted—except for his daughter Joud. “Once, Joud approached me, asking me how to draw a perfect circle. I explained to her the various methods, from using the protractor, to finding a jar or circular shape to trace around. We drew the circle, then went outside to our garden, and she looked up to the sky, then asked me to draw her a picture of a round moon. As simplistic as that sounded, it took me six hours to complete the moon sketch. Her questions, her curiosity, and her sense of amazement by art truly drive me to continue with my sketch work.” 106
In looking to the future, Hussein not only wishes to share his art with family, but with the world. He hopes to teach other young students, just like his daughter Joud, about the special connection he has with his sketch pad. How, in what feels like mere moments, hours could pass as he pours his emotions on to a blank canvas, only to have it transformed at the end into a magnificent piece of art. For more information about Hussein Baydoun, please follow the artist’s work on Instagram: @hassoonation_art.
shawarmamatic
FOUR WAYS TO TELL WHAT YOUR VOICE IS SAYING ABOUT YOU Our voices communicate as much about us as the words we speak By Anett Grant
A big multinational company recently sent me a speaking client who “lacked leadership presence.” Looking at her resume, that seemed odd. She was accomplished. She was energetic. She was focused. What was she missing? When we met, I quickly realized that her voice sounded rather nasally. So I asked her a question: “Do you have a hearing problem?” “Yes!” she replied. “How did you know?” I suspected that might be the case because her voice had a particular quality to it that I’d heard before in clients with hearing difficulties. Her voice told me something about her that I wouldn’t otherwise have known. You may not have a hearing problem, but your voice conveys all kinds of information about you to listeners—perhaps more than you realize. 1. TEST FOR RESONANCE We tend to interpret a strong voice as a sign of confidence. But what’s a “strong voice”? It’s one that’s resonant—the sound is full and rich. That isn’t a question of pitch or volume. It all depends on where the sound is coming from in your body. Put your fingers on your throat and make an “ohh” sound. If your regular speaking voice feels the same way, it may be too gravelly. Now pinch the bridge of your nose and make an “eee” sound. If your regular voice feels this way, your voice may be too nasally. Finally, make a “mahh” sound and note what your 108
lips feel like. If your ordinary speaking voice sounds like this, you’re in the sweet spot of resonance. It may take practice, but that’s where you want your voice to be if you want to project confidence. 2. LOOSEN UP Your voice also reveals your stress level. Typically, our voices get crackly when we’ve got a lot of tightness in our throats—often as a result of stress. The muscles around your vocal chords are constricting, limiting your air flow. Your audience will assume you’re as high-strung or uptight as you sound. But if your voice is smooth, you won’t speak with this tightness. The muscles around your vocal chords can relax, and your sound flows. Listeners will feel that you’re at ease and see you as strong. You can figure out how much tightness there is in your voice by listening to the way you finish sentences. If your tone tends to drop at the end, you likely have a smooth voice. If your sentences go up at the end or if your voice start to break up a little bit—kind of like that unpleasant feeling of swallowing potato chips you haven’t chewed enough—it’s probably on the tight side. 3. ADJUST THE VOLUME CONTROLS Your voice can also hint at (or scream) your level of emotional control. This is where volume comes in. If you’re too loud, chances are you’re managing your emotions by pushing harder—too hard. I’ve had many executives sent to me because they were basically shouting on a regular basis without realizing it.
If your volume is too quiet, on the other hand, you might be thought to be holding back a flood of emotions. I’ve also worked with clients who are hard to hear, even in a small room. Both extremes convey much the same thing, though—that you’re not fully in control of your feelings. Speaking volume can actually be tricky to selfdiagnose. You may think you sound just fine while others don’t. The best solution is often some sort of technology. Ideally, you would use a VU-meter, which is what I use with my clients. Otherwise you can find an app that serves as a decent substitute. The same way you need to look in the mirror to make sure your clothes fit and match, you often need some sort of recording device to see if your volume is right. 4. TAKE ITS TEMPERATURE Our voices can also project warmth—or not. If your voice has a round quality, it’ll sound warmer. A “round” voice is smooth and even, with one consistent flow— think of James Earl Jones. If your voice is sharp and abrupt (the opposite of round), you’ll project more coolness. This isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the world; you may grab your listeners’ attention that way. But the risk of a sharp voice is coming off as attacking, like those robotic Daleks in Doctor Who. To feel what a round, even voice is like, place your hand in front of you and extend it outward, like you’re hitting a backhand shot in tennis. As you extend your arm, make an “ohh” sound. This will get you in the habit of elongating your vowels and smoothing out any choppiness.
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THE ORANGETHEORY FITNESS EXPERIENCE “Orangetheory does it for me!”
By bazaar staff
Aphrodite Ayrout
When bazaar first heard about Orangetheory Fitness from our friends, we couldn’t believe the hype, and decided to find out more about this new group personal-training, interval-fitness concept. Regular readers will know that we’ve previously covered the theory behind Orange60, but it’s just not quite the same as trying it. We completed 16 classes over a one month period and spoke to other OTF members to discover more about their own #OrangeJourney. Sisters Heba and Tasneem Rashwan were just days away from accepting that they needed bariatric surgery, and weeks away from going under the knife. All their doctors had written them off, saying that they were so morbidly obese they would never be able to shift the weight any other way. They had indeed deviated far from their previous lives as active, high-school basketball players and were extremely disappointed in themselves. Both exhibiting high blood pressure with a pre-type II diabetes diagnosis, they were the unhealthiest they’d ever been in their lives, and they knew that this wasn’t the example they wanted to lead for their youngest sister Batool. 110
Science teacher Heba, with a masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health from Bristol University, spotted a post on social media about Orangetheory Fitness and immediately knew that the science behind it made absolute sense. The High-intensity Interval Training program was a proven method of weight-loss and building muscle mass and would of course keep the body burning calories after the exercise itself had stopped. She roped in Tasmeen and together they dragged Batool into the gym, her first time ever! Having tried absolutely every gym before, personal trainers and diets, not one of them was really confident that OTF would work, or even that they could physically take part. Other gyms had prevented them from doing certain exercises, worried that the girls would either injure themselves because of their size, or adversely affect the gym’s good results record. Voicing their concerns to OTF, the response was that if they weren’t happy, they could have a full refund. This intrigued the women. Surely there must be something to Orange60 if such a guarantee is offered. They tried the class and almost at once they were all addicted. Forty-five kilograms of weight-loss between them later, and it’s safe to say they never got, nor asked for, their money back. “It’s changed our lives. We used to just go
home and go to work, eating for comfort. Now we have a social life! We’re confident and have so much more energy,” says Tasmeen. Exercisephobe Batool can’t believe she can now do a 2000 meter row in the allotted time, Heba can run a 10-minute mile and all the girls are training to complete a 10 KM run this November. As sisters joining together, they no doubt gave themselves support in starting this venture. But the coaches encouraged the natural edge of competition that exists with siblings, which pushes them all further in the gym. Again, the ladies cite the importance of the coaches not giving up on them, even in moments of weakness. “They have to cope with my drama,” laughs Heba. The highly trained instructors know how to safely push each of the girls beyond their own self-doubt. “[The Coaches] make the impossible, possible.” Venture into Orangetheory Fitness Salmiya on any given day and you can see Najebah Marafi working out, proudly wearing her commissioned, one-of-a kind “Orange is my new theory” teeshirt. “From weight training to Zumba, and trying every class possible offered by my gym…nothing worked or gave me the results that I was looking for.” Also obese and dealing with pre-Type II Diabetes, Najebah worked hard to lose the weight and regain her health. Now she is working
Batool, Tasneem, Maya, and Heba
on sculpting her body. She doesn’t get bored because it’s never the same class. Orangetheory Corporate has an entire team dedicated only to designing new fitness programs to make sure this continues to be true. A workout Najebah particularly enjoys is the partner workout. “It pushes you more. I want to win and I don’t want to disappoint my partner.” Obsessed with the skinny look, Aphrodite Ayrout’s diet was calorie restrictive; healthy food but limited amounts. Last year, a friend told her about OTF and, “It literally changed my life”. She liked the idea of the after-burn effect; it played into her daily calculations of consuming and burning calories. However, Aphrodite learned that she needed to eat in order to survive the gym. “Your body needs to be treated the way it deserves. Orangetheory helped a lot to put this idea in my head”. Aphrodite credits the warm atmosphere and amazing coaches for helping to push her forward to achieve her health goals, “They never give up on you. Now my friends say I look healthier and I feel it too!” Someone else who doesn’t want to disappoint her gym partner and cousin Renad, is Raghda Yasin. “We do everything together. We’ve been together for 25 years and she’s got a wedding in two months, so this is our shared goal.” First time gym member, Raghda like others, had also
failed at previous diet and exercise regimens. She tried prescribed home-delivery food options, which have few calories but very little nutritious content, and didn’t combine it with exercise. “I’d lose 2-3kg at first, but I’d stop the diet and regain it all back and more. Now I’ve lost 10kg and I’m keeping it off!” She also mentions that the only one hour workout frees up more of her time to do other things, whereas before she would be slogging away at a treadmill for hours without seeing much effect. Ragda also uses Orange60 as a way to relieve stress and the studio doubles as a safe haven for 4 percent of her day. “It’s better that it’s a women’s-only gym; I want my space.” Cousin Renad agrees. “My fiancé loves to work out. I’m the complete opposite and I wouldn’t want to work out with him.” She works out instead with her other cousin Randa, Ragda’s sister. A trio of women who have turned from the regular chowing down on huge mounds of mansaf, to chewing up kilometers on the treadmill instead. If there is a theme that runs through all the interviews that we conducted, it’s that of support and empathy from all the staff. There is absolutely no judgement from the trainers at all. “[At the first weigh-in] I was emotionally preparing myself for the lecture,” says Batool, “but it never came.” Head Coach Maya Novak can’t understand why a
Personal Trainer would not be more supportive. Head Coach Maya, from Croatia, has always been in love with physical activity. There simply was no fitness industry in a country rebuilding itself back from war, so instead she became an IT programmer for Siemens. As she worked in IT she put in extra hours working a second role as a personal trainer, eventually gaining a clientele large enough to say goodbye to software forever. Her passion was to make this her full-time career and once in Kuwait, she was introduced to Khaled Jafar, Orangetheory Fitness Master Franchisee for the GCC. He showed her the plans for the business and she thought, “if I had my own gym, this is how I would do it. All my passions connected in one.” Maya has a fantastic friendship with, and respect for, the members of OTF. Asked why she stays Maya blurts out, “The results! The ladies here are so happy.” Genuine happiness being something that the Rashwan sisters had referenced to bazaar in conversation earlier. “As long as I stay in Kuwait, this will be my company,” smiles Maya. The Ladies-Only Orangetheory Fitness is located on the mezzanine floor, Symphony Mall, Salmiya. To book an Orange60 free trial session DM them on Instagram @orangetheoryfitnesskw or call 9412 2295 for your free class. Find more stories and interviews on www.bazaar.town. 111
bazaar eats in
KEEP BOWLIN’
Redefining our obsession with the deep dish By bazaar staff
In our humble opinion, food always tastes better in a bowl. The ultimate cozy way of eating offers a plethora of possibilities in flavors, combinations and indulgences. So imagine our overjoy and excitement when we discovered that there was a full-functioning establishment dedicated to make our deep eating dreams come true. We know what we’re having for lunch this month! It always happens that, especially in an office as small as ours, when we all want to eat family style, people have different cravings. Who’s still committed to their never-ending health kick, and who is trying to climb back on the good-eating wagon? Also, who doesn’t care about the carb count but isn’t prone to wholesomeness sneaking its way into their dietary habits? Luckily, The Bowl can satiate any of those demands. So onto the menu we go, where we peruse and click to our hearts’ desires. Separated into five easy sections, the menu provides endless variety packed into a comprehensible format. You could opt to “make your own bowl” with listed options ranging from protein, 112
to vegetables, to additional fun toppings from nuts, pomegranate seeds and sauces like hummus, tahini, mushroom, and Persian mint oil, to name a few. If you’re lost on choice and feel that your skill in combining flavors is lacking, then you could easily opt for one of their favorite bowls! The honorable mentions that have made it onto our Hall of Fame are: the Protein Fix Bowl: ancient grains (which are absolutely delicious), coffee steak, guacamole and mushroom sauce; and the Chef’s Bowl: beat still our hearts with ancient grains, homemade meatballs with pomegranate sauce, yogurt with cucumber, crispy onion and pomegranates. This time around, however, we decided to branch out a little. Our resident difficult eater who consistently changes her dietary habits every month (me) found herself ordering the Kale Revolution: completely vegan, with quinoa “meatballs”, corn, beetroot, and edamame – all on a bed of kale. I’m usually a huge fan of the real meatballs and thought that this plant-based version wouldn’t compare, but boy did it ever! No animal proteins were missed in this filling and satisfying bowl, and all hints of sweet and savory flavors melded perfectly – yet, I still felt clean and not a speck of guilt had lingered. My dining counterpart decided to stick to what she knew she loved best and opted for the forementioned Protein Fix Bowl. Now, let us tell you, dear readers: we’ve
all tried this bowl before, and while we don’t like playing favorites, we can’t not give credit where it’s due. You all need to start dry rubbing your steak with coffee, because coffee steak is the best way to go when it comes to eating meat. The bitter, nuttiness of coffee brings out flavors in meat that you never thought existed, giving it the taste of freshly grilled each time. Madame Editor, never one for following a crowd, was able to trust her instincts with flavor. She has a knack for it, after all, just as she does with words! She opted to build her own bowl! Start out with a bed of Kale, toss in some delightfully grilled chicken, throw in some blanched greens and add a nice drizzle of tahini. I would’ve gone for the creamy saffron sauce, but different strokes! All in all, our Bowl experience was lovely as always – and we were beyond satisfied with the choices we’d made. The best thing about the bowl, however, is that there isn’t any limit to the combinations you can create with their delicious offerings! In fact, each order made only inspires us to think outside the box a little come next indulgence. However, there are no regrets; never any, only happiness. The Bowl is located at Crystal Tower and Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center. Follow them on Instagram: @thebowlkw.
nestle
NestleCafeKwt
NestleCafeKw
COLOR YOUR RAMADAN A sneak peek from Bibi Al-sabah’s latest Ramadan Activity book
By bazaar staff
This Ramadan, engage all of your senses and have some fun with our truth or dare candidate Bibi Salem Al-Sabah’s latest project, My Ramadan Jumbo Activity + Coloring Book. Illustrated by Nada Dalloul, this book promises tons of fun for the entire family! To order your copy, follow @BeesIdeas on Instagram.
FRESH BURGER CHARGRILLED BURGER
Have your fotoor at Fresh Burger and dessert is on us!
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Enjoy Fresh Burgers’ famous mix of fresh meat (locally sourced from Kuwait). With swiss cheese that will melt in your mouth.. Don’t miss the taste. When purchasing any large meal, get a caramel biscuit sweet or a Nutella biscuit sweet free. THIS PROMOTION IS VALID DURING RAMADAN ONLY
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READY, SET, SHOP AND SHIP!
Shop your online summer wishlist and catch the best online savings with Shop & Ship
By bazaar staff
With the Eid and summer holidays coming up that usually means a ton of commitments (and shopping for fashionable outfits) to visit family and friends, and we certainly can’t be expected to go empty-handed! We’re also pretty sure that you’re sorting out your summer must-have list, from swimwear to beach accessories like amazing new wireless speakers—we know it’s all what you’re thinking about! A great way to make your dinar go further is to catch the online shopping sales that come with the start of summer. Of course, there is that 116
additional benefit of not having to fight amongst the crowds at the mall to get your hands on the best bargains come sales time. When you’re faced with this conundrum, it’s only natural to want to shop online. You log on to your favorite website, add the item you’ve had your eye on, which is finally discounted to a price you can afford, then the screen pops up with, “OOPS! Sorry, we do not deliver to Kuwait.” What to do you then? You get all of your online shopping delivery needs sorted with Shop & Ship! By registering for membership with Shop & Ship (S&S) the virtual doors are thrown open to a global emporium which reaches across 5 continents so you can happily shop to your heart’s content. They provide you with 18 addresses across the globe, which you can use as you browse away. At checkout simply put the
S&S address of the country you’re shopping in and Shop & Ship will do the rest, redirecting your parcel from that country to exactly where you have specified in Kuwait. Another added bonus is that you can take delivery of goods at your home, office, or any other address of your choice. And did we mention that S&S membership lasts a lifetime; no fussy, renewable accounts systems here. If you had your eye on that handmade trinket from India, or you’re literally drooling over that vintage typewriter that lives in an Etsy shop all the way in the U.S., all you have to do is input the country address given to you from Shop & Ship, and your online wish lists become a thing of the past. For further peace of mind, it’s good to know that all shipments valued up to 100 USD are automatically insured against damage and loss
with S&S. There’s no better price than free and here S&S of course does not fail to deliver. If you are shipping products valued more than 100 USD you can insure them at a very competitive price via their insurance service S&S Protect. When it comes to pricing of shipments we can see a marked difference to other companies’ similar services. Other shipping forwarders calculate their charges based on volumetric weight – a method where the shipping cost is determined by multiplying the length, width and height of the package divided by a numeric factor (most often 5,000). S&S, on the other hand, insists on only charging by actual weight, which means a more competitive price and no hidden fees. This bazaar staffer’s favorite eau de parfum, found only in New York, comes in a massive box with the delicate 30ml bottle placed daintily in its
center. Luckily by S&S’ measurements, it weighs only mere ounces, so it is affordable to have sent over using this service. Before, the price by volumetric weight would have been so huge that the transport costs were inhibitive in their exorbitance. Not anymore with Shop & Ship! Speaking of lovely perfumes, S&S has developed tailored solutions for fragrance lovers and collectors with its S&S Perfume service. With this service, you can shop perfumes and fragrances directly from the U.S. with impressive savings. You also don’t have to worry about international customs restrictions of perfumes either; S&S takes care of all of the declarations for you, so there’s one less thing to worry about. So go on, start browsing and do your online shopping homework to find the best deals to add to your basket, because S&S will swiftly take
care of the rest! Pay special attention to your favorite websites at the beginning of June, and watch prices on your favorite items start dropping swiftly. As soon as you see that drop, don't miss out on the next bargain! Happy Eid!
Visit www.shopandship.com to sign up for Shop & Ship! Better yet, sign up for S&S for only USD 1 with the promo code SNS1BAZAAR! For more information, follow @ShopandShip_Insta on Instagram, @ShopandShip on Twitter and Facebook: MyShopandShip. 117
bazaar music
TRUTH IS A BEAUTIFUL THING By London Grammar
By Saint Etienne
HOME COUNTIES
FEED THE MACHINE
London Grammar are scheduled to make the rounds on the festival circuit this summer, and they’ll be doing so with a brand new album under their belts. The UK-based outfit has announced it will release its sophomore album, Truth Is A Beautiful Thing, on June 9th through Metal & Dust/Ministry of Sound. “The first album was a lot more about relationships, but then the second one is too – but in a different way,” singer Hannah Reid recently told NME of the “dream-like” Truth Is A Beautiful Thing. “It’s probably about the relationship you have with yourself, rather than one specific other person.’’
Back in 2012, Saint Etienne returned after a seven-year absence with Words and Music by Saint Etienne. Now, they’ve announce their follow-up album. Home Counties finds the UK alternative dance trio capturing a day in the life of the “doughnut of shires that ring the capital” of London. By writing about the post-war towns that gave birth to The Beatles, Prodigy, Depeche Mode, and the Sutton United football club, the band examines “the love/hate relationship people have with home. Suburbia’s anonymity is exactly why it’s a source of inspiration,” said the band’s Bob Stanley.
Nickelback will be back onstage this summer and they’ll have a new album to promote. The band is in the studio putting the finishing touches on a new disc called Feed the Machine, set for release on June 9, and they’ll feed the touring machine by kicking off a summer North American trek on June 23. Nickelback leader Chad Kroeger: "This album is heavier, as a whole, than a lot of our previous records," he said. "We've gone back to some pretty crunchy roots, and we're happy about that. We're always stretching off in different directions and trying different things, but we went with more of an aggressive sound on this record."
THE ROAD PART 1
By Nickelback
By Unkle
By Com Truise
ITERATION
MELODRAMA
The Road Part 1 features Lanegan and ESKA, as well as Keaton Henson, Primal Scream’s Andrew Innes, The Duke Spirit’s Liela Moss, Queens of the Stone Age drummer Jon Theodore, Beck drummer Justin Stanley, Mïnk, Dhani Harrison, Elliott Power, YSÉE, and Callum Finn. "I hadn’t made a record in a long time, and the incarnation of UNKLE had changed in that now, it was me on my own," says Lavelle. "For that reason, I wanted to make a record that I hadn’t been able to before, going back to the roots of where I came from, with a foot in modern London."
Vintage synth-loving producer Seth Haley aka Com Truise will release his first album of all-new material since 2011 this June. Iteration is the LA-based artist’s second album, as 2012’s In Decay was a compilation of tracks from his early years and will arrive on his regular home record label, Ghostly International. According to a recent press release, the album is mainly made up of “neon-streaked melodies, big drums, robotic grooves and bleary nostalgia” and tells a story of “longing, hope, anxiety, and triumph." Haley explains.
Lorde revealed more details about her forthcoming album. The singer/songwriter whose second studio record Melodrama will drop June 16, has confirmed it 'will tell the story of a single house party'. "With a party, there's that moment where a great song comes on and you're ecstatic," Lorde told NY Times supplement The Cut. "There's that moment where you're alone in the bathroom, looking in the mirror, and you start feeling horrible." Rumor spread that the album is a 'break-up record' after the end of her relationship with James Lowe, and that is untrue.
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By Lorde
Source: www.amazon.co.uk
sutis
big boys toys
GRANDVIEW BARREL SAUNA
BAGLIETTO 46M FAST YACHT
SONY A9 CAMERA
DJI DRONE GOGGLES
SHAMAN ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE
PHYSICAL PONG TABLE
Regular sauna use has many health benefits, such as better skin, improved circulation, and even weight loss. Enjoy them from home with a Grandview Barrel Sauna. Crafted from your choice of western red cedar, hemlock fir or Nordic spruce, these spacious saunas can hold up to eight people and are available with or without a front canopy. They come standard with an electric heater with the option to upgrade to a wood-burning stove, and also include stones, a bucket, a ladle, and a thermometer/hygrometer, so you'll have everything you need for a great experience.
Unless you're willing to strap on a wingsuit, the sensation of flying is difficult to achieve. The DJI Drone Goggles give you the ability to experience flight first hand with your feet securely on the ground. Depending on the mode, it will turn either the camera or the entire drone based on your head movements, making control incredibly intuitive. Dual 1920x1080 screens provide outstanding visuals with just 110ms of latency, a touchpad control, and an HDMI input .
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Built entirely from aluminium with sleek, aggressive lines, the Baglietto 46M Fast Yacht is a comfortably quick way to cross the water. Both the exterior and interior were designed by Francesco Paszkowski, with the latter offering resort-like accommodations for up to 12 guests and ten crew. Its dual MTU 16v4000 M93L engines produce a total of 4,615 hp, enough for the 46-meter craft to hit a cruising speed of 20 knots and a maximum speed of 26 knots. It has a range of 1,000 nautical miles, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the spacious teak decks between ports.
Whether you fish, hunt, or explore, the Shaman All Terrain Vehicle promises to be more versatile than anything you'll find at your local dealership. Each of its eight wheels has its own suspension, mounted to a closed frame designed to protect critical components. Low-pressure tires provide a comfortable ride, and it can be equipped with a screw propeller, which works with the boat-formed frame and high-performance water pumps to give it amphibious capabilities.
Its physical shutter allows the Sony A9 Camera to do things the D5s and 1Ds of the world can't. At its core is the world's first stacked full-frame CMOS sensor, which puts memory onboard the sensor to enable processing that's up to 20x faster than previous Sony full-frames. Paired with a new Bionz X processing engine, it can make up to 60 auto focus and exposure calculations per second and shoot 20 stills per second. The hybrid AF system has 693 phase detection points and thanks to the fully electronic shutter, you can follow the action without any blackout through the Quad-VGA OLED EVF.
When last we saw it, it was a one-off build that wasn't for sale. Now you can buy a Physical Pong Table of your very own. The new design is smaller — and boxier — than the original, yet still brings the magically simple gameplay of the Atari classic to the real world. As with the original, the cube-shaped ball is moved with hidden magnets, while the paddles are controlled mechanically. Your score is displayed via a LED display, and the ends fold up when not in use so it can double as a coffee table.
Source: www.uncrate.com
fat burger
bazaar goes dining
AS GOOD AS GRANDMA’S COOKING Khaneen’s Ramadan 2017 menu
By bazaar staff
Ramadan is a joyous time to connect: connect with family, friends, spirituality and togetherness. What better place to reconvene those sentiments than in a hassle-free traditional setting? Because you can’t cook all month long, right? This holy month, give yourself a break from slaving over a hot stove, (and the torture of smelling delicious food on an empty stomach) with a lovely Iftar outing at Khaneen. This local concept offers just what you’re looking for when it comes to breaking your fast: culture, hospitality, tradition and a touch of modernity, complete with all your holiday favorites on the menu. And furthermore, their locations in the scenic Murouj complex or urban, historical Mubarakiya souq make for the ideal venue to visit, or host! Walking into Khaneen’s colorful restaurant is always welcoming, and between its specialties in Kuwaiti fare and hospitality, it never fails to make you feel like you’re walking into your beloved mama 3oda (grandmother)’s house for an unforgettable feast that somehow has the ability to tell tales of tradition with each bite. Enter their Ramadan menu, presented to you in the midst of brightly colored table settings of a pure aqua with lovely lights and indoor trees adorning the restaurant’s interior. Visiting an old Kuwaiti house is always comfortable, and Khaneen’s successful objective is to replicate this. Sometimes, taking a break from Iftar routine means that you’ll have to compromise your Ramadan traditions! But Khaneen’s menu offers enough diversity that stays true to culture, so there’s no need for any of those sacrifices to be made. At a fixed price per person, you can take your pick from any of your Ramadan favorites – and believe us when we tell you that all the cult classics have been included. Everyone knows that a classic Iftar meal comprises of the following elements: soup to start, followed by a salad, accompanied with a cold and hot appetizer, an indulgent main course, a little something sweet, a traditional juice or Vimto, and a bit of tea or coffee to finish. Khaneen takes this flow of tradition very seriously, and has curated the perfect spread on their menu to have you feeling like you’re dining at home, and all for great value! But first, dates and something cool to drink. Local customs encourage breaking the fast with a healthful date or two, which is why the sweet fruit is always at the Iftar table, and a nice cooling drink of laban. Khaneen’s special concoction of laban and mint does the trick nicely, and quenches all thirst built up from a hard day of fasting under Kuwait’s unforgiving heat. If you’d 122
like to go towards a fruitier route, the refreshing and flowery Rose Sharbat, or flavored Bethan Bil Ward will satisfy. You could also nod in appreciation towards a local Ramadan tradition and try Khaneen’s take on Vimto – iced and frothed, sipped through a straw! Just like field berries on a hot summer’s day. For our Iftar experience, we chose the beloved lentil soup out of their two soup offerings (lentil or mushroom), along with a fattoush salad to follow. Both tasted exactly like home, with hints of cardamom and pops of lemon in the soup making the porridge come alive, and the salad offering a fresh and authentic blend of crunch within veggies with their little pieces of deep fried pita bread – an essential when it comes to mimicking your grandmother’s all-star fattoush recipe. To join your starters in that oh-so-decadent Ramadan fashion, hot and cold appetizers are a must! Khaneen has handpicked everybody’s favorite staples for the Iftar table to enjoy at their restaurant. Hummus, muttabal or grape leaves are on offer, and adding a hot mix of a kubba compilation, cheese and vegetable samboosa, delicious, paper thin Uroug bread, or the famous, traditional Kuwaiti jareesh or harees porridges. In our humble opinion, based on what we’ve tried, hummus is essential, as is samboosa – especially when filled with cheese! They also make a delicious kubba platter consisting of the classic bulgur and meat, potato croquette, and dill infused shell. It’s definitely an appetite whetting variety! The main attractions pull the whole meal together, and Khaneen brings it home with gusto! Just look at this spread they have offered: Lamb or chicken Machboos, the same Lamb Machboos with added laban, shrimp-laden Murabian, Kuwaiti savory Gabbot dumplings in saucy tomato-based (marag) stew, Marag Bamya (okra stew served with Basmati rice), or Rice with Kabab – all the Kuwaiti favorites! We had their chicken machboos and everything from its presentation to its taste was mesmerizing in such an authentic way. Served in a little classic jidr pot, the spiced rice mixed with sweetened onions served alongside a perfectly roasted chicken leg looked small but delivered a whole lot in flavor. Just don’t forget to add a generous drizzle of daqoos! And to finish off your feast on a sweet note, because we all know that Ramadan is code for “eating dessert every day without guilt”, treat yourself to a choice of your all-time favorites: Kunafa, offering both traditional styles made with cream or cheese, depending on your preference, the Kuwaiti Elba milk and saffron pudding, the regionally loved Muhallabiya pudding, or our personal favorite, Lugaymat—sweet, fried doughnut holes mixed with a sticky sweet syrup and dusted with pistachio. They also have these addictive lugaymiyat that we thoroughly enjoyed, in NUTELLA form! Could anything be better paired with a steaming hot cup of tea? Khaneen is located at Murouj off of 6th ring road, and Souq Al Mubarakiya in Kuwait City. For delivery, call them at 185 0005, or order through Talabat and Carriage. Follow them on Instagram @khaneen.restaurant, and Facebook as Khaneen Restaurant. Photography by Caroline Ericson, Instagram @PixbyCaroline. 123
bazaar movie night
The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in June
COUP D’ETAT
THE EXCEPTION
SALTY
THE MUMMY
TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT
ALL EYEZ ON ME
Release Date: June 1st Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Comedy Cast: Michael Caine, Odeya Rush, Katie Holmes Synopsis: Coup d’Etat is an upcoming American satirical comedy film by Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse. The film stars Michael Caine, Odeya Rush and Katie Holmes. The screenplay was amongst the 2006 Black List, an industry survey that showcases the "most liked" unproduced motion picture screenplays. A teenage girl and a dictator become unlikey, yet innocent pen pals, but when the dictator is forced out of his country, he suddenly shows up at her house to seek refuge with his only remaining friend.
Release Date: June 8th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy Cast: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis Synopsis: Thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension. From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.
Release Date: June 1st Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Drama Cast: Lily James, Jai Courtney, Christopher Plummer Synopsis: The Exception is a 2016 British-American romantic war drama film. German soldier Stefan Brandt goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in the Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country's authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser's life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke, one of the Kaiser's maids.
Release Date: June 26th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi Cast: Laura Haddock, Mark Wahlberg, Gemma Chan, Anthony Hopkins Synopsis: Transformers: The Last Knight is the fifth installment of the live-action Transformers film series and a direct sequel to 2014's Transformers: Age of Extinction. Humans are at war with the Transformers, and Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets of the past. It's up to the unlikely alliance of Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), Bumblebee, an English lord (Anthony Hopkins) and an Oxford professor (Laura Haddock) to save the world.
Release Date: June 8th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action Cast: Antonio Banderas, Olga Kurylenko, Ben Cura Synopsis: The story follows Turk Henry (Antonio Banderas); a mega platinum rock star who's married to a supermodel (Olga Kurylenko) and rich beyond his wildest dreams. Whilst on holiday, his wife is mysteriously abducted by a group of renegade, ship-less pirates. With little assistance from local authorities Turk is forced to embark on a mission to rescue his wife. With life skills better suited to playing bass, playing the field, and partying he is forced to navigate through deadly jungles and take on ruthless bandits.
Release Date: June 29th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Biography/Drama/Music Cast: Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham Synopsis: All Eyez On Me tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world's most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur's raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing. Staring Kat Graham, Lauren Cohan and Hill Harper.
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. 124
cake shop
+965 66199354,55991377,95545160 +965 2491 5167 www.thecakeshop.com.kw thecakeshop_kuwait TheCakeShopOfficial thecakeshopq8 thecakeshop1234@gmail.com
ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
Zaatar W Zeit’s new flavors, staying true to tradition By bazaar staff
Kafta Mohammara: a delicious new dish at Zaatar W Zeit
There are always so many great places to eat at (or from) in Kuwait, but there are always a few favorites that we hold near and dear to our tummies. One of those favorites, is without a question, Zaatar W Zeit. When this beloved eatery made its way from Beirut to Kuwait 12 years ago, those who were familiar with versatile Lebanese eats were overjoyed, and those who were new to the concept didn’t know what they were in for. Till this very day, it’s rare that you’ll walk into a Zaatar W Zeit (ZWZ) restaurant without finding it filled with happy diners, engrossed in great food and good conversation and company. But its fill is never overwhelming, and each of their eight locations in Kuwait offers a lovely atmosphere to feel comfortable spending time in. And then there’s the food – oh, glorious food! One of the greatest things about ZWZ is how flexible their menu’s contents are! It’s one of the few places you 126
could confidently frequent to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks and tea in between! Though their menu seems to be simple, it’s in fact, bursting with originality in modern flavors used to adapt classical traditions. While it always has creature comforts such as their award-winning manakeesh selection (possibly, the staple they’re most known for throughout the region) as well as pizzas and sweet and savory wraps, ZWZ keeps us on our toes with their items on offer, by updating the menu and creating great new dishes to introduce unforgettable flavors to our palates. So, why don’t we try some of those new dishes, then? Because it’s always fun to step out of your comfort zone and understand what greatness you can get out of any eatery’s menu! We decided to munch on some Hummus and Crackers while we waited for other goodies to arrive, and let us tell you— this appetizer was a promising start that foreshadowed an amazing production to follow. ZWZ is known for making all of its baked goods from scratch, in house, fresh daily, and these crackers were no exception! Paired with a delightful homemade hummus that’s been seasoned with freshly chopped veggies like zucchini and tomato,
each crunch was as pleasurable as the last. But seriously, the crackers: don’t be surprised if you end up munching on them without the dip! Of course, what’s a lovely meal without a fresh, light and healthy salad? Luckily, their new Chicken Kale Salad: made with kale, flax seeds, dried apricots, green thyme, purslane and a beautifully seasoned grilled chicken breast cut into inviting strips to share (or indulge in for yourself!). What was great about this dish, drizzled lightly with a traditional holy-grail type of dressing comprising of lemon and olive oil, is that it worked so well as a meal to satisfy, satiate and accommodate any health-conscious person’s appetite post workout, or during a clean eating program. Tip: It’s Paleo, Atkins and Whole30 friendly! What came next doesn’t fall into a carb-free category, but it maintained ZWZ’s quintessential light flavor. With the newly introduced Street Food section on the menu, ZWZ brings a twist to tradition by creating a Kafta and Muhammara Wrap made with their renowned homemade dough. Flaky, light, and ever-so-pleasurable, the ZWZ rendition of street food sandwiches was ready to kill!
Just when we thought we couldn’t have any more, however, a delightful Wild Thyme manakeesh made its way to our table. We happily obliged; because you can’t not have manakeesh when you visit ZWZ! Also, Wild Thyme indeed sounded like a wild time to us – and it really was! Spiced with extra sumac, the flatbread delivered a sweet and savory, yet nutty mix of flavors that was complimented perfectly with the signature multi-cereal dough it was sandwiched between. This is definitely our idea of a perfect, light breakfast, dinner or snack option. And while we’re on the subject of the plethora of dough variations offered at ZWZ, we have a lovely life hack for you: you could stick to the mouthwatering traditional dough they use to create their delicious sandwiches and flatbreads with, or you could opt for substitutions with their multi-cereal dough or their brand new oat dough! We had an oat dough Labneh wrap, and to be honest, I don’t think I can ever go back to white bread when it comes to eating the traditional clotted cream. Nutty, floury, delicious and extremely satisfying with flavors bursting with tart, refreshing hints of mint. But what’s life without a little something sweet? Pair that with a Lebanese restaurant, and you know what you’ll be getting – all the knefeh! And because it’s ZWZ in particular, you can very well expect that the infamous dessert will come with a gastronomically elevated twist! Expectations were exceeded when not one, but two, variations of the knefeh were set before us. One of which was presented in “wrap” style, would be with the mixture of mozzarella cheese, caramelized vermicelli and rosewater syrup sandwiched between two thin slices of sesame bread. Breaking it apart to share brings the ultimate pull that is more than Instagram-worthy. And then, in its own little cast-iron pan, comes the Knefeh in the Pan – an artfully displayed platter of hot, hot, hot knefeh accompanied with little circles of homemade sesame bread, (similar to its wrappedup cousin mentioned above) and a lovely little tub of sugary rosewater syrup for the sake of free drizzling. Imagine how lovely this dish is to share, and think of all the mini knefeh tacos you can create while enjoying it! What’s even better about ZWZ’s homemade knefeh dishes is that they take this dessert so seriously, that it’s always made in its own, special little oven so that its taste and outcome are never tampered with. It just goes to show that you can modernize the tradition of knefeh all you want, but it should always be treated with respect. Thank you, Zaatar W Zeit, for recognizing that, as you’ve done with all the other delicious offerings on your timeless menu. This is why, no matter what you’re craving, Zaatar W Zeit is always a good idea, and will always remain close to our hearts as a one stop eatery that’s deigned to satisfy.
Zaatar W Zeit has eight great locations around Kuwait. Find the one closest to you by calling 1800 333. Follow them on Instagram @zaatarwzeitkw for the latest updates!
Hummus & Crackers
Chicken Kale Salad
Z Knefeh
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bazaar techno
ELBOW CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER
MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP
CONDUCTIVE WALLPAPER CONCEPT
FENDER TONE
ELEVATION LAB BATTERY PRO
LOEWE BILD 9 TV
Iconic as the cassette itself has become, most portable players obscured their contents inside plastic housings. The Elbow Cassette Tape Player is different. Simultaneously stripped down and innovative, this concept uses a single pulley to drive the tape and an optical sensor to track the speed. Combined with the bi-axial arm and control wheel, that means it's incredibly small and leaves most of the cassette exposed for your visual enjoyment. Audio is output via a standard 3.5mm headphone plug. The device recharges via mini-USB, a port that doubles as a way to transfer audio to a computer.
The times, they are a-changing. While digital modeling amps are nothing new, the connectivity of the Fender Mustang GT Amps and companion Tone app is. Using a WiFi and Bluetooth connection, it lets you browse through tons of presets — custom, preset, or straight from big-name artists — on your phone, select the perfect sound with just a tap, and access a plethora of effects. The amp itself is based on Fender's best-selling Mustang series, and is available in three sizes from 40 to 200 watts.
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Sporting a two-tone design and powered by a 7th Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the Microsoft Surface Laptop is a quality alternative to the company's hybrid devices. Its 13.5-inch touchscreen offers a resolution of 2256 x 1504 and is covered in Gorilla Glass for added durability, while the keyboard is covered in Alcantara for comfort. Windows 10 S comes pre-installed, promising better security and performance while locking you into apps from the Windows Store. Available in four colors combos, including silver, graphite gold, cobalt blue, and burgundy.
If you have an Apple Watch, you have an iPhone. The Elevation Lab Battery Pro can keep them both juiced up. It has an integrated, MFI-certified magnetic Watch charger built-in, so there are no cords to lose and has a strap to keep your timepiece in place as it charges. There's an included cable for charging your iPhone, and with 2.4A output, it does so fast. Its 8000mAh battery provides over two weeks of Watch charges and over three days of iPhone use, all in a package that's roughly the size of an iPhone 7.
Nearly every house is built using the same concept: electric runs through wires in the walls, to lights, outlets, and switches. The Conductive Wallpaper Concept does away with this, instead embedding circuitry into wall coverings. Lines of conductive ink run across each panel and are linked together with short strips of metal, terminating in either novel controls or the lights, fans, and other electronics they operate. While it's very much only a concept for now, it's not hard to look and see how it could easily be adapted to carry power to your wall-mounted TV or sound system in a far more subtle fashion.
Influenced partly by Art Deco, the TV sits inside one of three metal frames (there's one for a table, a wall, and a free stand) that are hand-forged, ground and polished. When switched on, the 7mm-thin, OLED HDR 4K display automatically slides upwards to reveal a 120W integrated soundbar. Should you want more audio performance, the TV also connects wirelessly with the company's Klang 9 speakers and has an integrated 5.1-channel decoder to eliminate the need for a separate box.
Source: blessthisstuff.com Source: uncrate.com
Mac
AN HAUTE BREAKFAST AFFAIR
Start off your Eid with Haute's new breakfast menu! By bazaar staff
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and a month of it being absent from our daily lives only makes the heart grow fonder. That’s why this spark of good news will only pique further interest for innovative Eid plans! Readers: our beloved hot dog heaven, Haute, now offers BREAKFAST on their menu! Could anything be more fun? And just before the Holy Month of Ramadan hit, we were invited to a secret tasting to try out what they have to offer – and let us just say, that breakfast with a side of Haute dogs is our new favorite thing. As we sat down to breakfast at the lovely, intimate affair that included a small handful of friends from the creative community, we were greeted warmly with a lovely surprise! Owner of GRND Coffee, Lulu, joined our table for a brief moment to inform us that her specialty coffee concept would be collaborating with Haute’s breakfast menu! She then brought over her equipment to handcraft flavorful cups of artisanal coffees for us to enjoy with our lovely breakfast that was being freshly prepared. They certainly added a perk to the experience! Then came our first courses: sandwiches! Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Haute captures the versatile meal by adding in an inclusive breakfast vibe to it. The NY Sandwich consisted of beans, crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs sandwiched between two grilled pieces of brioche, and it was a hit amongst all the companions! Filling, and offering the best of all breakfast worlds, it’s a surefire way for any craving to be satisfied. Its counterpart, The Carlos, was a winner for those who aren’t egg-sandwich inclined. Made with a blend of white and yellow cheeses, thick, cured turkey ham, and an in-house made guacamole, grilled and melted to perfection with a beautiful pull upon breaking apart. Protein for days, this sandwich was a stellar choice. And pro tip: both sandwich plates come with gorgeously sautéed garlic potatoes that practically melt in your mouth with the amount of flavor infused. Paired with the requisite pot of white sauce (strongly resembling lightly whipped sour cream), your palate will surely be happy. Other entrees sampled were creative, hot-dog inspired dishes – because Haute is a renowned, clean, made-from-scratch, hot dog joint! So, we were more than overjoyed to enjoy their homemade hot dogs in the style of Haute Omelet; hot dog wrapped in an exquisite omelet, and Frank’s Egg; a classic hot dog topped with their gorgeously scrambled eggs and a lovely mound of shredded cheese, placed comfortably within a classic potato roll. But the showstopper here was definitely the Benedict! Perfectly poached eggs nestled delicately atop homemade hot dog slices, resting on a soft English muffin pillow will give you that warm fuzzy feeling that makes breakfast worth getting out of bed for. And ladle it with some homemade hollandaise sauce? Yes, please! 130
Yes, Kuwait – they have pancakes too. And boy, are we ever grateful! Those pancakes were certainly one of our favorite highlights of the tasting, as they graced us with not one, but two different types! Haute Pancake, a savory pancake, was first introduced, which gave us a glimpse into Haute’s extraordinary pancake making skills. This classic stack of pancakes was presented au natural, with no muss or fuss drizzled atop; only a sprinkle of caramelized hot dog strips julienned to perfection that were almost unrecognizable without taking a bite. Served with a small bottle of pure maple syrup on the side, the experience took traditional pancakes to another level! And it’s worth mentioning that these pancakes achieved the perfect amount of fluff and cakiness – you don’t want your pancakes to be too cakey, but you also don’t want them to be crepe-like either. So good job, Haute; you get a pancake award! The next pancake platter presented was a little more intense, but these babies were most definitely worth it. Dubbed Marble Pancake, the chocolate covered pancakes are definitely dedicated to those who prefer to go the “dessert style pancake route”, but are decadent enough that everyone can take a bite for a bit of sweet satisfaction. Each layer of cake featured a generous coating of this mystery chocolate concoction that vaguely reminded us of lovely, sugary Kinder confection in liquid form. Needless to say, it left us with an intense sugar buzz that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Just when we thought we couldn’t handle any more sugar – or carbs – Haute caught us by surprise. A plate of gastronomically pleasing Paris Style French toast made its way to our table, and it was just gleaming with such beautiful presentation that we couldn’t resist! Haute took a rolled approach with this dish, and decided to drizzle it with a lovely caramel sauce and spiced vanilla ice cream on the side, while placing a playfully peeled banana on the side for added pleasure – because, why not? It's also important for us to let you all in on a special Haute secret: Haute also plans to collaborate with other local up and coming coffee shops that will pop up at the restaurant to perfectly accompany the new breakfast menu with Kuwait’s best artisan coffee concepts that we’ve all come to love. With ultimate satisfaction, we complete our breakfast experience at Haute saddened by the fact that we won’t be able to enjoy it again until Eid, but excited that this is set to be a permanent fixture on their menu. As though Haute hasn’t impressed us enough with their delicious hot dogs, their indulgent breakfast items have only proven that this great establishment is determined to achieve the most decadent of food dreams, and they do so with gusto.
Haute Gourmet Hot Dogs is located in Sharq, on Khalid bin Waleed Street. Call them at 5147 0388, and follow them on Instagram @hautekw for more information. 131
bazaar apps
QUIZLET LEARN
MOVIE PAL
GLASSWIRE
RUNTASTY
MICROSOFT TO DO
YOUTUBE TV
Create custom flashcards to help keep you on top of your school subjects, prep for standardized tests, or just help make homework easier. With Quizlet Learn, you can give the app your deadline for needing to know certain material, and it will create an adaptive plan to keep you working, track your progress, and offer encouragement. In addition to creating your own cards, you can also share your cards with others in the Quizlet community, as well as use other students' cards.
GlassWire helps you keep track of your data. It shows you a real-time graph that shows how much data you've used, the apps that use it, and more. It's most useful for those who have limited data caps and want to keep track of how much they've used. However, it's also an excellent way to see the apps that access your network the most and how often they do it. You can even have GlassWire alert you whenever a specific app accesses data. It's free to download with no in-app purchases.
To Do is Microsoft's latest app. It's a to-do list app with a simple design and simple function. It allows you to create lists of things that you need to do. It then syncs them between your PC and your Android device. You can create tasks, add reminders, make the tasks recur (like taking out the garbage every week), and create new lists to help keep yourself organized. It looks and works a lot like Wunderlist except that it's more simplified. It's currently completely free to download and use.
Movie Pal is a social app for movie watchers. The basic idea is that it helps you keep track of what movies you've seen and the ones you want to watch. You can create groups and invite friends to share in the movie watching fun. You can also add movies to a watch list. When you've seen it, you mark the movie as seen and it'll no longer show up in search results. That way you can always get a fresh list of movies that you haven't seen yet. It's free to download and use.
Runtasty is a new cooking app from Runtastic. It aims to provide healthy meal ideas without being too restrictive. It features over 40 recipes that include options for vegans, vegetarians, glutenfree, and other dietary restrictions. Each recipe is accompanied by a step-by-step video. The recipes can be organized based on how long they take to cook, how many calories they have, and other filters. It's currently free to use but we expect Runtastic to improve the selection and probably add some paid options over time.
YouTube TV is the latest online TV service to hit the world. At its launch, it was only available in five areas although more coverage has been promised soon. It has a decent design, an unlimited cloud-based DVR, and each account can be shared with up to six people. Of course, it also has Chromecast support and integration with YouTube Red Originals. It's not bad for the price, although its lack of availability has slowed the hype train considerably. Keep an eye on this one in the long term.
tomsguide.com androidauthority.com 132
the kitchen
CLEAN EATING WITH SKINNY FORK A new way to eat healthy in Kuwait
by Sarah Wali
We all want to eat healthy, we know there are nutritional benefits of eating said healthy food, but we don’t really want to give up our refined sugar, fried foods and buttery treats. There are only so many variations of a salad that you can have, and without a little sugar, a bit of oil and some guilty pleasures food can get well, boring. Or so we thought. Sisters Najla and Rugaya AlNafisi have shown healthy can be delicious and fun with a boutique deli and space in Kuwait City that celebrates healthy choices. Skinny Fork offers delectable yet highly 134
nutritious food, and a space for health freelancers to offer workshops and classes. “Basically, we are a lifestyle space,” said Najla. “Somewhere you can have coffee and educate people about the food you eat.” From the moment you walk into Skinny Fork the ambience dictates a sense of cleanliness. Positive energy seems to flow from the delicately lit greenery against the beige wall. Tangerines hang on branches at the juice bar, bright and fresh. The design and execution by Jassim Alshehab and ArchJS’s Mai AlHendi sets a relaxed, but upbeat tone for your meal. The menu was created by the sisters, and is based largely on foods they have enjoyed with their family
at home. Yet, each was refined to include nutritional benefits and is full of flavor. “We don’t really believe in being strict on your diet or sticking to certain food types,” said Rugaya. “Even at home, we eat with clean ingredients but we mix it up every now and then. I feel that it’s natural to do that.” Indeed, one could eat anything from a burger or taco, to a homemade peanut butter PB Slice at Skinny Fork and still have a completely healthy meal. To start, we recommend ordering the Flax Crax; a menu item the sisters called addictive, and they were right. Made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and za’atar, these are the perfect starter when eaten with the
delicious Tropical Avo Dip. The earthy seeds are the perfect combination with the sweet mango, creamy avocado and zesty lime. For the salad fan, Skinny Fork offers five delicious salads. For those who like a nutty, yet sweet salad, Rugaya would recommend the crunchy wild rice mango salad with toasted almonds. If you are looking for something creamier the goat cheese and sweet potato salad with white quinoa will fill you up and keep you going for the rest of the day. When it came to the main entrée, we were treated to something that was not on the menu: An Egg Masala Wrap with mint chutney. Inspired by a recipe the girls have been enjoying for years, the wrap is all at once refreshing and spicy. The omelet is cooked in coconut oil instead of butter and bursts with Indian spices. The mint chutney offers just enough to cool the palate, and it is all wrapped in a delicious quinoa and za'atar tortilla. It is the perfect way to start your day. Our personal favorite was the Messy Chickpea Burger. The thick patty is full of nutrients from both chickpeas and vegetables, and is topped with avocado, homemade cashew sauce, lettuce and tomato. The burger rests between two oat buns that are strong enough to hold the burger together, but also light enough that they won’t weigh you down. Served with their delicious sweet potato fries and lemon cashew dip, it is a meal that will fill you up without running you down for the rest of the day. Najla and Rugaya are excited about everything Skinny Fork has to offer, but they also want people to explore new combinations that you may not see on the menu. “A lot of our food is meant to be mixed,” said Najla. “We want people to interact with our food. We have a couple of dips that you can mix and match with the dishes. Also, we have (chicken and avocado) addon options for anything that you want.” Having fun with the sisters' encouragements for customers to customize their meal to their own tastes, we've compiled some recommendations. Add their skinny yoghurt dip to the pistachio crumb chicken for some extra cream and a splash of zest. For even more of a kick, the Zesty Brussels Sprouts make for a perfect side, paired with a skinny dip like our favorite, the Tropical Avo. And because life is sweet, remember to leave room for one of their vegan, healthy desserts. We were skeptical at first; how could dessert be delicious and vegan? One bite into their Vegan PB muffin and we're hooked. The homemade crunchy peanut butter had just enough salt to accent the delicious cocoa muffin. It is the much better version of a chocolate peanut butter cup, and definitely not a version you will want to share.
Skinny Fork is located on Ahmad Al Jaber Street in Kuwait City next to Doha Bank. They are open Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun-Thurs from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For more information, follow them Instagram @skinnyfork. Photography by Sarah Wali. 135
bazaar books
OPTION B
By Sheryl Sandberg
After the sudden death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg felt certain that she and her children would never feel pure joy again. “I was in ‘the void,’” she writes, “a vast emptiness that fills your heart and lungs and restricts your ability to think or even breathe.” Her friend Adam Grant, a psychologist at Wharton, told her there are concrete steps people can take to recover and rebound from life-shattering experiences. We are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. It is a muscle that everyone can build. Option B combines Sheryl’s personal insights with Adam’s eyeopening research on finding strength in the face of adversity. Beginning with the gut-wrenching moment when she finds her husband, Dave Goldberg, collapsed on a gym floor, Sheryl opens up her heart—and her journal— to describe the acute grief and isolation she felt in the wake of his death.
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ASTROPHYSICS FOR PEOPLE IN A HURRY
RISING STAR: THE MAKING OF BARACK OBAMA
What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the large and vast universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mindexpanding questions than the acclaimed astrophysicist and renowned best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson. But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in tasty chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day. While you wait for your morning coffee to brew, for the bus, the train, or a plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.
Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama captivatingly describes Barack Obama's tumultuous upbringing as a young black man attending an almost-all-white, elite private school in Honolulu while being raised almost exclusively by his white grandparents. After recounting Obama's college years in California and New York, Garrow charts Obama's time as a Chicago community organizer, working in some of the city's roughest neighborhoods; his years at the top of his Harvard Law School class; and his return to Chicago, where Obama honed his skills as a hardknuckled politician, first in the state legislature and then as a candidate for the United States Senate. This is a gripping read about a young man born into uncommon family circumstances, whose faith in his own talents came face-to-face with fantastic ambitions and a desire to do good in the world.
by Neil deGrasse Tyson
By David Garrow
THE FIX
CAMINO ISLAND: A NOVEL
Amos Decker witnesses a murder just outside FBI headquarters. A man shoots a woman, execution-style, on a crowded sidewalk, then turns the gun on himself. Even with Decker's extraordinary powers of observation, the killing is baffling. Decker and his team can find absolutely no connection between the shooter, who happens to be a family man with a successful consulting business, and his victim, a schoolteacher. Nor is there a hint of any possible motive for the attack. Enter Harper Brown. An agent of the Defense Intelligence Agency, she orders Decker to back off the case. The murder is part of an open DIA investigation, one so classified that Decker and his team aren't cleared for it. They learn that the DIA believes solving the murder is now a matter of national security. Critical information may have been leaked to a hostile government, or worse, an international terrorist group.
A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a secure vault deep below Princeton University’s Firestone Library. Their loot is priceless, but Princeton has insured it for twenty-five million dollars. Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a prominent dealer in rare books. Very few people know that he occasionally dabbles in the black market of stolen books and manuscripts. Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer’s block who has recently been laid off from her teaching position. She is approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous offer of money convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends, ideally getting close enough to him to learn his secrets.
by David Baldacci
By John Grisham
Source: www.amazon.co.uk
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FOUAD ALGHANIM & SONS AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY BRINGS ALL-NEW LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR S TO KUWAIT Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company, the exclusive dealer of Lamborghini in Kuwait, recently gave supercar owners in the state a sneak preview of the all-new Lamborghini Aventador S. The swashbuckling supercar was showcased during a special test drive event for the dealership’s VIP clients, during which invitees were given the opportunity to test the new model against its predecessor, the Aventador. Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company and Lamborghini brought two Aventador S vehicles for the road show/VIP test drive and comparison test which took place around the Murooj/Sahara area on April 18, 19 and 20, with a briefing at the Traptani restaurant. The in-depth briefing for the clients, which covered all essential data about the car and its handling and capabilities, was carried out by a professional Lamborghini driving instructor that accompanied the cars during the event. Customers who performed the comparison and agility test reported that the new Aventador S was a significant improvement from its predecessor - the Aventador. The Aventador S is the next generation of the V12 Lamborghini flagship models. The latest version comes with comprehensive upgrades such as the new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics, thus setting a new benchmark for the V12 Lamborghini. The Aventador S has been redeveloped around a ‘total control concept’ to provide a superior drive, ride and performance. Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company Lamborghini showroom is located in Shuwaikh at Tilal Complex and is open six days a week from Saturday to Thursday during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT VISITS AUK Sheikha Dana Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees at American University of Kuwait (AUK), the President of AUK, Dr. Tim Sullivan, Provost Dr. Rawda Awwad, and the Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs, Ms. Amal Al-Binali, met a delegation from the American University of Beirut (AUB) to discuss possible future collaborations between the two universities during the delegation’s visit to Kuwait in May 2017. The delegation from AUB was headed by AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri, Dr. Imad Baalbaki, Vice President for Advancement, and Ms. Salma Oueida, Associate Vice president for Development and Alumni Affairs. Following the meeting, President Khuri and his team received a tour of AUK’s campus, during which they visited the Library and the newly completed Student Center. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw.
CELEBRATE THIS RAMADAN WITH DEAN & DELUCA This Ramadan, DEAN & DELUCA, Kuwait’s gourmet café and grocery brand, brings its customers a special range of traditional cuisines and signature food products. Whether coming together at the Café with your friends and family over an authentic Iftar, or having people over to celebrate the spirit of sharing, DEAN & DELUCA has the perfect solution. If you’re planning an impressive Ramadan Iftar or Ghabka, then DEAN & DELUCA Catering is your answer to all your catering needs. Presenting an array of catering options, DEAN & DELUCA Catering transforms every occasion into a successful and memorable one by offering a unique and tailored experience. For the month of Ramadan DEAN & DELUCA Catering offers customers a special selection of Iftar buffet set menus. Whether you choose a traditional feast or wish to add a contemporary twist to your dinner setting, our team of experts can help you customize your menu through the array of available menu options. For more information about DEAN & DELUCA Catering visit www.deandeluca.catering or call 2208 0777. Follow their latest updates on Facebook: DeanDelucaME and Instagram @DeanDelucaME.
ABK LAUNCHES THE ALL NEW A+ STUDENT ACCOUNT FOR YOUTH Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced the launch of its all new A+ Student account for youth. The campaign offers a variety of benefits and privileges throughout the year, cash draws and a grand car draw in December. The campaign launched on 17 May 2017 and will run through to December 2017. One of the many features A+ Student accountholders can enjoy are the cash draws for new and existing students that allow them to win back their student allowance of KD 200 during the draw months of May and September, with a grand draw in December for a 2017 Dodge Charger SE. The first cash draw will take place in May with 10 winners and the second draw will take place in September with 20 winners. Both existing and new customers get the chance to enter the draws with an increased chance of winning with every KD 10 deposited into the A + Student account. For more information, please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899 899.
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PORSCHE MILESTONE: ONE-MILLIONTH 911 ROLLS OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE It is the archetypal sports car for everyday driving, and a style icon that is unmistakable as both the face and heart of the Porsche brand: the 911. Today in Zuffenhausen, the one-millionth model rolled off the production line – a Carrera S in a special “Irish Green” exterior color, with numerous exclusive features to emulate the first 911 models from 1963. The two-door, rear-engine car remains the most strategically important model in the product range and makes a huge contribution to maintaining Porsche’s position as one of the most profitable automotive manufacturers in the world. The Porsche 911 established a new category and remains at the pinnacle of the premium sports car segment. In 2016 alone, 32,365 vehicles were delivered worldwide. Nevertheless, it has maintained its exclusivity over the decades and has become a coveted collector’s item. The quality of the 911 is legendary and as such, over 70 percent of all 911s ever built are still ready to drive today. In addition, it can consistently be found at the top of quality rankings such as the “Initial Quality Study” from the US market research institute J.D. Power. Its mythology has been cultivated by countless motorsport successes. Designed for both the road and track, no other sports car embodies this recipe for success quite like the 911. Over half of Porsche’s 30,000 race wins can be credited to the iconic car. It thrills private motor sport enthusiasts around the world in numerous racing series. One significant factor in this success is the production site at the headquarters in Zuffenhausen, where all 911s are manufactured. Today, all two-door models – 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – and their various derivatives are handled on one assembly line thanks to a sophisticated production approach. The assembly workers are experts in up to 200 different tasks and, with their passion and knowledge, they ensure that each Porsche is delivered in the quality that is typical of the brand. The one-millionth 911 will start its journey at Porsche AG, before then moving on to enrich the collection at the Porsche Museum, followed by a world tour that will include road trips in the Scottish Highlands, around the Nürburgring, the USA, China and beyond. To learn more about Porsche in Kuwait, please visit www.porschekuwait.com or call 1870 870. For regular updates on the brand, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Facebook and Instagram.
AAB MODEST WEAR LAUNCHES IN KUWAIT London-based modest fashion label Aab, has launched in Kuwait in collaboration with Debenhams – a franchise of M.H. Alshaya Co. The brand that has gained international recognition since unveiling its first collection in 2007 has launched this week in seven Debenhams stores across Kuwait, UAE, KSA and Bahrain, with more launches planned across the region later in the year. After finding it increasingly difficult to shop for fashionable modest clothing pieces that were stylish and mirrored that with her busy modern lifestyle, London-born Muslim Nazmin Alim founded fashion label Aab. The brand has hit the spot for many style-savvy ladies seeking conservative yet practical wardrobe essentials, propelling Aab almost immediately to the forefront in the modest clothing sector across the globe. The brand offers an elegant range of clothing, with pieces including hoodies, turtleneck slips, kimonos and cover up jumpsuits, as well as a variety of hijabs and abayas for every occasion. The brand creates luxurious yet street style inspired clothing for the everyday woman, whether she’s always on the go, a stay-at-home mother or a university student. Aab’s items are lightweight and airy and perfect for the Middle East climate. Every piece is carefully hand finished, with full attention to detail, ensuring each item of clothing is delivered with the highest of quality. Aab is now available in two Debenhams stores across Kuwait, including 1st Avenue – The Avenues and Souk Sharq.
MIDAS FURNITURE LAUNCHES ‘TRADE-IN’ CAMPAIGN In promoting its “total convenience” service, Midas Furniture has announced the start of the Midas Furniture Trade-In Campaign, which allows customers to trade-in their old furniture for new and enjoy 3 amazing benefits: Renew, Save and Relax. Midas Trade-In is a unique service offered by Midas in an effort to make it easier and more affordable for people to renew their homes. The offer allows customers to show up to any Midas Home Furniture showroom, inform a salesperson that they intend to trade-in their old furniture, and proceed to choose from the vast selection of Modern and Classical furniture without worrying what to do with the old furniture. Midas Trade-In is part of an exclusive bouquet of value-added services that incorporates Free Delivery & Assembly, removal of the traded in furniture and “the highest” level of customer service. Midas offers an unparalleled selection of stylish quality furniture and accessories which represent excellent value for money backed up by first class services. Midas is one of the largest furniture retailers in home and office furniture, with branches located throughout the GCC and Arab world. Follow them on Instagram @midasfurniture or call them on 1888 886.
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FERRARI KUWAIT LAUNCHES ITS MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION CAR EVER “812 SUPERFAST” Al Zayani Kuwait, the official Ferrari dealer in Kuwait, unveiled the all-new 812 Superfast at the new state of the art Ferrari showroom with a breath-taking ceremony. The exceptionally futuristic 812 sets a new benchmark in the mid-front-engine sports car segment, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance like never before. True to its name, the 812 Superfast is unquestionably the fastest road-going Ferrari ever built. Powered by the new naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, the vehicle achieves its maximum power output at 8,500 rpm with a maximum speed of 340 Km/h, prancing from 0 to 100 in a blistering 2.9 seconds. Designed as the flagship V12 Berlinetta, the model embodies Ferrari’s revered V12 heritage that sprung to life in 1947, with the birth of the brand and building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdf. Its timely world premiere at Geneva Motor Show coincides with Ferrari’s 70th anniversary celebrations this year, building on its recognition as the only manufacturer to have continuously produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines throughout that time. The 812 Superfast is the first Ferrari to sport EPS (Electric Power Steering) which, in line with Ferrari tradition, is used to fully exploit the potential of the car’s performance by integrating it with all of its electronic vehicle dynamics controls. This solution saw the introduction of the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) which, following on from the experience gained with the F12tdf, combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept built around tyre dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. All integrated with the vehicle dynamics control systems based on Version 5.0 of the SSC, with the aim of improving the 812 Superfast’s agility and response time to steering wheel inputs. Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance program offered with the 812 Superfast. Available across the entire Ferrari range, the program covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners buying pre-owned Ferraris. You can visit Al Zayani at the 4th ring road, Al Rai, or call them on 180 8010. Visit their website online online at www.al-zayani.com for more information.
CHILLI BEANS LAUNCHES DC COMICS COLLECTION Chilli Beans, one of the largest sunglasses & accessories brands in Latin America, starts the month with a bang – launching the DC Comics collection, inspired by Warner Bros. The collection screams ENTERTAINMENT and is full of special characters. Chilli Beans invades the comic book universe and launches an exclusive, limited edition range of sunglasses, watches and vista frames inspired by the thrilling stories of DC Comics heroes and villains. The details are intricate and the personality of each character is elevated and transformed into incredible products. With a focus on the latest movie, Chilli Beans has brought the best characters from DC Comic's universe and turned their individual qualities into true collector's pieces. As Chilli Beans heads to the DC universe, fans will freak out with this new, unique collection which is the only one in the world. Great products for all generations, with each hero and villain having had special attention and unique details like Swarovski stones, laser-personalized lens, iridescent treatment, holographic details and many more. Follow Chilli Beans on Instagram @Chillibeans.arabia , Facebook: Chillibeansarabia and Twitter @ChillibeansA. Chilli Beans is located at Avenues Mall, 360 Mall, Marina Mall,Fanar Mall and Al-Kout Mall.
PIONEERING REGIONAL AIRLINE EXPANDS TO EURASIA FOR THE FIRST TIME As part of its robust expansion plans, JAZEERA Airways, the first private airline in Kuwait and the Middle East is proud to announce the launch of its new direct flights to Eurasia, starting with Baku, Azerbaijan as the first destination. Jazeera Airways’ foray into emerging global hubs reveals more novel ventures as part of the airline’s natural growth and its global ambition. Built on the fundamentals of creating a better connected world through innovation-led growth and customer centricity, the award winning airline is poised to fly to Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan on 23 June 2017. Hailed as a popular destination for summer vacationers, Jazeera Airways will provide a frequency of two weekly flights scheduled on Mondays and Fridays with departure at 9:00 a.m. and arrival at 12:10 p.m. and 13:10 p.m. with arrival at 14:25 p.m. respectively. The ever-growing Kuwaiti airline is the first to provide direct flights of increased frequency to this emerging holiday destination. With the provision of efficient visa procedures, that enables visa on arrival for Kuwaitis. For detailed information please visit www.evisa.gov.az. To book the flights to Baku or Jazeera Airways, call 177 or visit the airline’s website on www.jazeeraairways.com.
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AL KOUT EMBRACES THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN This Holy Month, Souq Al Kout will be embracing the spirit of the season and wishing all its customers a joyous Ramdan. Al Kout is known for its creative and fun entertainment and leisure-based activities and for holding unique events throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This year is no exception. On the 9th and 10th of June, Al Kout will host a series of Gergeaan activities for kids and "big-kids" alike. This fun-for-all-the-family event will see kids in their traditional costumes enjoying their Gergeaan candies and treats. In addition, every night during the holy month, Al Kout will be treating its customers with complimentary coffee and dates at the "hospitality corner" at the ground level of the mall. Souq Al Kout is part of AL KOUT and under the overarching umbrella of the Tamdeen Group – Kuwait’s leading mixed-use property developer. AL KOUT is transforming the Al-Fahaheel area into a vibrant social and economic center that is truly iconic, reflecting the architectural heritage of Kuwait and the region. With projects worth US$ 2 billion in the pipeline, the Tamdeen Group is committed to developing significant symbols for Kuwait. You can visit Al Kout at Fahaheel Coastal Road, or call them for more information on 2393 0101.
THIS VACATION ENJOY BONDING WITH YOUR KIDS THROUGH FUN FILLED GAMES As vacations begin parents try to find ways to engage and bond more with their kids. Family time is very important as it brings everyone closer together, creating an open communication between parents and their kids. Moreover family time builds strong family ties. This vacation create lots of fun memories with your kids with Fantasy World’s toys; as it offers a wide array of toys that encourage family bonding. Play with Toys that induces family bonding, such as the Evergreen Monopoly, Pie Face, Jenga, Speak Out, Toilet Trouble, Boom Boom Balloon, and Wet Head. These toys promote quality time between parents and children. It is noteworthy to mention that Fantasy World goes that extra mile to bring in the latest and trendiest toys that kids request, and procured from all over the world, a factor that ensures originality and quality of the product. Find out more by visiting Fantasy World’s social media platforms on Facebook: fantasyworldtoyskuwait, Instagram: @fantasyworldtoys and YouTube: fantasyworld Kuwait. GULF BANK AWARDED THE ‘BEST MOBILE BANKING EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST’ Gulf Bank is proud to have won ‘Best Mobile Banking Experience in the Middle East’ at the Arabian Business Kuwait Awards. This year’s Arabian Business Kuwait Awards had 13 award categories, but only one of which awarded excellence at the Middle East regional level. Winners were selected through a rigorous judging process with shortlists of nominees in each category created by the ITP Executive editorial team based on business activity over the past 12 months. This shortlist was then assessed before the winners’ announcement. The services included in the Mobile Banking App and Online Banking are: checking account details; making ad-hoc transfers; biometric verification for transfers; automatic IBAN data population; creating a standing order; setting future-dated transactions; and adding and managing beneficiaries. Find out more at www.e-gulfbank.com, call the Customer Contact Center on 1805 805, visit its social media accounts, or visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches in Kuwait. JIMMY CHOO UNVEILS PRE FALL 2017 COLLECTION Jimmy Choo unveils the Pre-Fall 2017 Women’s collection starring model Steffy Argelich. The summer ready aesthetic of the collection is brought to life by photographer Theo Wenner with a series of images depicting the free spirited sentiment that runs through the collection. Contemporary styling is set against architectural grandeur reinforcing the beguiling contradictions at the heart of the collection; an assertive attitude blended with romance and a tough sensuality. The sun lit background enhances the colour palette of vintage rose, hot pinks and assertive metallic studs. The video exudes the rebellious confidence of modern day rock ingénues balanced by a relaxed mood that sees the Jimmy Choo Woman engage in a playful game of cat and mouse with the story to be continued. Jimmy Choo is located at The Avenues and 360 Mall. For more information, visit www.alyasra.com. RENEW YOUR RAMADAN WARDROBE At New Look, Ramadan 2017 is all about sophisticated tailoring pieces for the daytime and dreamy maxi dresses for star-filled nights. Daytime styling is all about the minimalist silhouette, with clean lines and fluid fabrics for a fresh take on sartorial style. Choose a sophisticated jumpsuit in pastel pink or muted grey. Key details to look out for this season include frontal pleats and fabric tie belts. You can channel the trend by pairing a tailored cropped trouser with a printed top in botanical florals. Complete the look with an envelope clutch and a barely-there heel sandal. For a perfect day to night outfit, update your favorite dress with a bohemian kimono in a Nineties-inspired floral print. Accessorize with a multi-layer choker and a pair of open-toe lace-up heels. Attending an event before sundown? Opt for a floaty maxi with frill sleeves in a soft shade of green. Feminine prints are key, with the long sleeve floral maxi promising to be a wardrobe staple for the season ahead. The Ramadan Collection is available at all New Look stores throughout Kuwait at The Avenues, Al Bairaq Mall, Al Salam Mall and Promenade Mall. 140
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VIMTO RETURNS WITH LIMITED-EDITION, PERSONALIZED BOTTLES Vimto and Bloomingdale’s continue to give you more ways to share the spirit of the holy season with limited edition, personalized Vimto bottles. The unique package will be available in Kuwait until June 20, 2017. This pop-up will offer customers the unique opportunity to customize their own version of the iconic label of Vimto with Swarovski crystals, or choose a box of mini bottles customized with their initials, each packaged in a limited edition gold and burgundy gift box. The retail prices will be as follows: Regular Vimto bottle with customized name KD 4, Regular Vimto bottle with Swarovski customized name KD 8, Regular Vimto bottle with full Swarovski customization KD 16, Vimto Mini Box (12 bottles) KD 5, Vimto Mini with customized initials (12 bottles) KD 10, Vimto Mini with initial customized by Swarovski (12 bottles) KD 15. Whether purchasing for a loved one or friend or as a personal treat, customers are encouraged to share their personalization experience with the dedicated hashtag, #MyVimto --- echoing the ethos of the campaign. Follow Bloomingdale’s on social media @BloomingdaleME. For more on Vimto visit www.vimtoarabia.com.
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS Orangetheory Fitness is the energizing group personal training, interval fitness concept that is sweeping the world. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory Fitness is a 60-minute workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Participants burn from 500 to 1000 calories per 60-minute training session (individual results vary), using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training and free weights. The physiology behind the Orangetheory Fitness workout involves heart-rate-monitored training designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. The result is the Orange Effect – more energy, visible toning and extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours post-workout. Orangetheory Fitness studios are designed to motivate. Highly qualified personal trainers inspire participants to beat plateaus and stick to their goals. The dynamic created by working out in a group setting has proven benefits – support, energy, endurance and accountability. Your First Class is Free! DM Orangetheory Fitness on Instagram @orangetheoryfitnesskw, or call 9412 2295 for your free class. The fitness studio is located in Symphony Mall, Salmiya, and is a Ladies Only Fitness Facility. SLEDGERS LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION IN KUWAIT Established in 1921, Sledgers continues to deliver exceptional products, by fusing the original design with today's enhanced innovative footwear technology. The current collection is a strong combination of old friends and new favorites, all of which feature Sledgers’ formula of luxurious full grain leather uppers and leather linings. Whilst firmly safeguarding the Sledgers’ corner-stones of Comfort, Quality, Style, the collection builds on three very strong themes of traditional, modern and easy access. The brand’s Soft Step, Flex & Move, and Lightweight technologies continue to feature heavily in the line, along with other key features such as Wide Fitting. Over the coming months and years, plans for Sledgers will see product lines diversify, marketing initiatives strengthen, and distribution networks widen. Exclusively available at Comfort Zone stores. To find out more about Comfort Zone, follow their Instagram account @cz_kw, Facebook at /Comfort Zone Kuwait or call them on 2224 9300. FACES WELCOMES OFRA MAKEUP IN ITS STORES! Faces is delighted to announce that it will be the beauty retail partner for OFRA, an internationally recognized name in the beauty industry, OFRA has a distinguished client list – including international celebrities, well-known franchises like Miss Universe, Olympic athletes, politicians and a variety of other famous personalities. The Faces at the Avenues will be selling the full range of uniquely designed OFRA makeup products. With 20 years of manufacturing experience, OFRA Cosmetics has distinguished itself as an innovator within the beauty industry. By formulating and producing exclusive skin care and makeup products in-house, OFRA does everything from product creation to testing, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. Faces was born in Kuwait in 1987. Today, Faces has 5 stores in various locations. Faces will bring its new concept to 89 Mall soon as its sixth store in the country. CHUBBY BALLS – SPREADING CHUBBY LOVE SINCE 2009 A plan has been set at the Chubby factory to spread The chubby love back into people’s lives. Life is all about those special moments with family and friends and what better way to share those beautiful moments than with a cup full of chubby happiness. This Ramadan, Chubby Balls has launched two new flavors – Chubby Dates and Chubby Pistachio. Gathering? They've got you covered with the chubby six pack and twelve pack. Now no more fighting over which flavors to order, as you can have them all. Just focus on enjoying the chubby love. The Chubby factory also has a special surprise for the family: the chubby bowl where you can choose your stuffing and the chubby pistachio bowl. What are you waiting for? Join the Chubby Movement – call the hotline 5662 2999 or order through Talabat or Carriage. To learn more about Chubby Balls and all their flavors, follow them on Instagram @chubbyballs, or visit www.chubbyballs.com 142
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VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22
ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19
A visit to a local museum or art gallery may move you to tears. Suddenly, you're aware of all the beauty around you and inspired to create some original works of your own. You do have a strong creative bent, so why not see how far your talent will take you? If possible, spend the evening surrounded by loved ones.
It looks like your ship is about to come in. The planetary configuration indicates that you can expect additional financial resources, perhaps a raise. You deserve it! You've been working long and hard these past several months. You've earned the respect of authority figures and the admiration of peers. Be careful not to fritter away the extra money. Put some aside for a rainy day.
LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 There are no half measures. You fiercly feel every emotion to the nth degree. This could make for an intense month. Make an effort to calm down. Rather than inject your opinion into every conversation, make it a point to step away from the group. The talk is animated enough without you stirring things up further. Spend time with loved ones. They will be more tolerant of your mood.
SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22
TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 Take extra care with your appearance and clean the house a bit this month. You may have some visitors; invite them in and make them comfortable. It's likely that they can be of great benefit in furthering your career. Perhaps one of them is well connected in a company you've long wanted to work for. Or maybe you will get an interesting stock tip. Stay alert!
You're likely feeling a desire to do something different and a little crazy. This month you may fulfill that desire by attending a group event, perhaps a concert. Or you could indulge a childhood fantasy and go to the circus. Whatever you do, take along the special someone in your life. The fun you're bound to have will be so much sweeter when shared with a loved one.
CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22
SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21
LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22
You have a persuasive nature. Take care that you don't come on too strong. You may try to rally support for a favored cause of yours. By all means, spread the word, but let others come to you if they're interested. You tend to beat people over the head about doing the "right" thing. Don't pressure anyone. If just a few people help, at least they will be truly committed.
CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19
Keep your eyes and ears open: You may receive some important information on specific ways to increase your income. This is just one of the many wonderful things bound to happen to you. You're looking great and people are responding to your warm, pleasant manner. Bask in the glow of all the goodwill surrounding you. It won't last forever!
You may be privy to some important knowledge. Perhaps an article gives you the impetus you need to invest in a promising stock. Perhaps you learn a famous person is coming to town to give a lecture. If your heart starts to race the minute you hear the news, this should be all the motivation you need to take the next steps. Good things are bound to come your way if you do.
GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 You may feel wanderlust and crave something new and different in your life. You just can't help but be a bit bored by the dullness of the routine. If adventure is what you want, why not plan an exotic trip? Even if you don't have the money now, you can still start doing some research. Just knowing that you're going to go someday will help raise your spirits.
You're looking gorgeous today, and have likely noticed the admiring glances you've received. Your passion is running high, and you may be able to spend time with a special someone. Fulfill your romantic fantasies. Light candles, use your best china, and dress up. Your partner will appreciate the effort. You're bound to have a wonderful evening.
AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 This could be your lucky day, especially in matters of the heart. You may feel particularly close to your special someone, as well as others in your immediate circle of friends. This is due in part to the planetary configuration. It shows your intuition and optimism running high. Use this to your advantage, especially if you have to sell something. Keep your expectations realistic.
PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 Try not to do everything all at once. Your social life is heating up and you may be in a frenzy preparing for all the gatherings you've been invited to. All this on top of your regular workload could send you into a tailspin. Pace yourself. Get your work done first before thinking about your social life. Remember, if you were unemployed, you wouldn't be able to go out at all! 144
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