November 2013 | issue # 176 w w w. bazaar-magazine.com
PORS
SCHE
TED B
BAKER
AU
ت ــ هـــ 2013 /3217
*حسب الشروط واألحكام
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Sometimes it feels like the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is the center of the world: the location is smack dab in the middle of everything. Europe is a few hours away. Most of the rest of Asia is also a few hours away, and of course, the entire Middle East is at your doorstep. For those of us who have lived here for a long time, we tend to overlook that fact, but I am always reminded of it by the newcomers to Kuwait who move here for work and use the region as their base for exploring the world. They usually start off by visiting Dubai, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, and Turkey, and then once they become more adventurous, they venture further out to Sri Lanka, Thailand, India (especially Goa), South Africa, and many other exotic locations, all relatively close, and relatively cheap to visit—especially when you convert the ever so powerful Kuwaiti Dinar into other currencies. Dare I say that sometimes it feels like Kuwait is the center of the GCC? Sure, there are tons of problems that we incessantly discuss, like the creaking infrastructure, the traffic, the airport, and many other problems that both expats and Kuwaitis face on a daily basis, but the very fact that these are the problems we discuss and not things like women’s rights, or their right to drive, democracy, towns that are cordoned off because of daily riots, armies rising up against civilians (or is that civilians rising up against armies?), car bombings on a daily basis, sectarian violence, and so much more, make Kuwait one of more peaceful places in the region. Sure, we don’t have the glitter and sparkle that Dubai has, and I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Rihanna to come perform here, but when it comes to the local scene and the hundreds of talented Kuwaiti and expat entrepreneurs, chefs, business people, artists, writers and innovators that one meets on a daily basis, I would wager that Kuwait is way up there on the totem pole, perhaps at the very top.
The bazaar team...
This month’s issue of bazaar is a perfect example of that, as we were blown away by just how many talented, adventurous, creative and inspiring people there are in this small but mighty country. First up, in this special issue, we present a spectacular sixpage edition of ‘up close and personal’ with the visionary Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah. We uncover a soulful story that begins with his serene monochromatic portrait gracing our cover. He talks to us about his latest endeavor which is the internationally renowned fragrances concept, The Fragrance Kitchen, and offers quiet reflections on topics ranging from the world of perfume, art, and fashion, to patriotic ambitions on a rapidly evolving Kuwait. We were mesmerized by his aesthetic vision and exemplary business mindset that celebrates the past, present, and future, and we’re sure that you will share our sentiments too.
Contributing Writers
We also go behind the scenes with Mr. Kuwait-Music himself, Caesar Fernandes, and speak about his new music website venture “Engage”. And try to sit still with Rana Alomani, the fitness and food guru who is a non-stop force in so many ways.
Boss
Syndicates and Sources
Ahmed El-Adly
LA Times MCT International MIT Review Fast Company The Japan News Tribune Media Services USA Today Slate Washington Post Variety News Service
Operations Rebecca Sweetman
Business Development Ihab Mokalled
Design Padmini Chandrasekaran
Staff Writer/Social Media Yasmine El Charif
Staff Writer Brook McClurg Sarah O. Wali
Communications Hala Y. Sharara
Editor A. Al-Duaij Abdulaziz Alhashash Abdulmohsen Al Mayyas Ayman Nassar Bibi Al-Falah Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg Deepa Pant Hanan E. Heena Parkar Jaye Sonia Loaay Ahmed Mike Campbell Purva Grover Reshmi Revi Shabana H. Shaikh
Photographers
Finally, one for the boys: we urge you to join the Movember revolution with a run down on what it is, and how to get involved! Show your solidarity and ‘grow a mo’ for charity!
Padmini Chandrasekaran
Ahmed El-Adly
facebook.com/bazaarmagazine
British Industries for Printing and Packaging
Online Media/Staff Writer
For those who are arts-inclined we feature a review of Kuwait’s very own Boushahri Gallery. Don’t miss our take on emoticons – love ’em or hate ‘em, they are here to stay. And don’t forget to check out our 2nd Infograph, this time on Kuwait’s driving trends.
Happy Reading!
Printing
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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). No one likes to be dumped;
recycle me, please.
Donald McPherson Hamad AlSarraf Romeo Productions Sarah O. Wali
Cover Donald McPherson
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The Avenues 225 971 11 Marina Mall 222 448 42 360 Mall 253 099 11
DKNY
INDEX NOVEMBER '13
40
26
32
92
104
ZAATAR W ZEIT
RANA ALOMANI
SHEIKH MAJED AL-SABAH
EYE BOUTIQUE
PRIME GRUB
A classic joint that has filled our tummies with many a scrumptious mankousheh, Zaatar w Zeit is constantly reinventing its menu offerings. We head down to their latest branch in Mahboula to check out this much-loved restaurant’s new look and sample their latest delicacies.
Get an instant fix of happy vibes as you read more about fitness and dance guru Rana Alomani in truth or dare. We check in with her at Rana Fitness, a constantly bustling haven of group fitness classes, as she talks to us about her ambition to inspire movement in others.
From a successful career in fashion to a mystical journey with fragrances, our six-page up close and personal feature with Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah is awe-inspiring. We uncover a soulful story; quiet reflections on the world of perfume, art, fashion, and patriotic ambitions on a rapidly evolving Kuwait.
If you’re usually lost when it comes to finding a pair of shades to suit your face, or your favorite pair of reading glasses needs an adjustment then head to Eye Boutique, as Mrs. Sanaz Saadat talks to us about this new destination for stylish eyewear and unsurpassed vision care.
A newcomer to the bazaar extended family of talented contributors, Reshmi Revi aka Q8MissFit, shows us how you can dine at your favorite restaurants while still adhering to a healthy diet. This month, she’s bypassing the French toast (In doing so, deserving a Medal of Honor) for customized, healthy options at Prime and Toast.
Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah, pg 32
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30 A DATE FILLED JOURNEY
ARABS ABROAD
The date, emblematic of our local culture, has actually traversed the world. In her latest cookbook, Sunbread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere, Sarah Al-Hamad portrays an ode to the date as she follows the footsteps of the glorious date palm across a plethora of destinations.
In the latest edition of our Arabs abroad column, we check in with Fatima Hasan in England where she has just finished a Masters in Design. She gives us the low down on her favorite works to date, her time spent working in Hong Kong, and what she misses most about her home, Bahrain.
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WAKEBOARD
INFOGRAPH
THE MIGHTY MO
ZOOMAAL
INSIDE OUT
We check in with DMB, the latest full-fledged supplier of products for virtually every sport where watermeets-board. Not just building a business, but rather a team and community of like-minded enthusiasts; we get their story and find out how you can get involved.
In this month’s pictorial of absolutely fictitious data points, we tackle the ever-looming topic of traffic. Flip your way through for a fun reveal about all of our local behaviors when it comes to the ways of the road. Be safe out there people!
With November now officially designated as the month in which men everywhere grow out their moustache in support of Men’s health related causes, they are sure to abound. We give you all the information you need to know to participate.
There is finally a crowdfunding source in the region for all of you creative types. In a first-ofits-kind effort geared specifically to the Arab region, Zoomaal is breaking new ground, and helping projects to do the same. Read on to find out about how to get your project noticed.
The team behind Kuwait-Music are all set to start on a new endeavor with the launch of their new site—Engage. We check in with Cesar Fernandez to talk about all things local to Kuwait music, and what this new site will bring.
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GSTAR
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Hotels & Health Clubs
Al Corniche Club Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya Flex Hilton Kuwait Resort & Spa Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Fawaniya Inspire Pure Fitness Pilates & More - Salmiya, Mahboula Spaloon The Palms Beach Hotel
Malls
360 Mall Dunkin Donuts
Arraya Haagen Dazs Galleria Marina Mall/Crescent Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar Johnny Rockets P.Q. Paul Souq Sharq Starbucks Haagen Dazs Breadz The Avenues Johnny Rockets Paul Pizza Express Starbucks Airport Mall Pizza Express Starbucks Dar Al Awadi I.O. Center Spoons Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex Starbucks
Beautylicious Brush Salon Dar Al Funoon Gallery Tilal Gold Class Lounge - Grand Cinemas Al Hamra Jacques Dessange Salon, Shaab Karizma Kuwait Airport Business Class Lounges Landmark - Al Rai café, Fahaheel, Salmiya London Limos N Bar N Style Nail Lounge Pink Moon Boutique Sultan Gallery That AlSalasil Bookstore - Airport, Marina, Salhiya, The Avenues THE One TIES Center TXP Window Tints
Stand Alones
Kuwait University
4 Boutique A.W.A.R.E. Center Alghanim Marine Alghanim Showrooms - Safat Al Rai, Shuweikh, Sharq, Fahaheel
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HUSH PUPPIES
what’s on? RUNQ8 10K CHARITY RUN/WALK
TACK - FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT
contemporary art auction. The preview will take place on Monday, November 11th at the CAP warehouse in industrial Shuwaikh. The auction will feature 55 works by emerging and established Arab, Iranian and international artists. TAG Heuer will be the exclusive sponsor for the auction. The sale will be conducted by Henry Highly, Head of Under the Influence contemporary art sale at Phillips (London). Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) is situated in Industrial Shuwaikh, Block 2, Street 28. For more information about the auction please visit: www.jamm-art.org SHADOWLAND
WHEN: November 30, 2013 at 8am. WHERE: Marina Crescent (Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, opposite Marina Mall) COST: Early Bird Registration: 10KD (First 300 participants only). Regular Registration: 12KD In its third year, RunQ8 is supporting Children’s Rehabilitation through the new FSRI Children’s Rehabilitation Program. Caring for a child with a physical and/or cognitive disability has significant emotional, physical and financial effects on the child and the family. RunQ8 believes that no child should be left behind due to lack of financial support or quality medical care and we hope you join us in this effort. This year we will be raising funds through RunQ8 to ensure that FSRI can continue to provide free comprehensive rehabilitative care to those children in the greatest need who have limited resources. For more information visit www.runq8.org or their Facebook: RunQ8 or Twitter @RunQ8Official or call 2572 0338. NUQAT: EXECUTING CULTURE SHOCK, CREATIVE CONFERENCE
WHEN: November 15, 2013, 6am-10pm. WHERE: TACK Entertainment City Ground - Doha The Team Association for Cricket in Kuwait (TACK), established in 2009 as a non-profit organization was created to help develop awareness of the sport of cricket and to improve standards in all areas of the game. Since its inception it has had more than 40 teams registered (including Alghanim Industries, Wataniya, DHL, Kharafi National etc). Their crowning glory was the completion of Doha Cricket Facility with grass layout and international standard floodlights. The Tournament takes the form of a T-20 Cricket Competition over 1 day. The exciting matches will be between Select Kuwait XI, India XI, Pakistan XI, Sri Lanka XI. The event will also include food stalls and prize giveaways along with a DJ playing live music. With over 2500 expatriates and nationals attending, as well as over 100 VIPS and dignitaries, you do not want to be the one who misses this event! For more information about TACK’s Four Nations Tournament (in association with Camco Global Events and IIK), or to be involved as a sponsor, please visit their website: www.tac-kuwait.com.
WHEN: November 21, 22 and 23, 2013 WHERE: Ice Skating Rink Shadowland is the groundbreaking new performance by internationally acclaimed dance troupe Pilobolus, and is best described as part shadow act, part dance, part circus and part concert, and for the first time in the Middle East, they will brighten Kuwait with their shows this November. A screen placed in the front of the stage allows the cast, along with the set of lights, to create an amazing spectacle entirely made with silhouettes of the dancers, who are also acrobats. You won’t want to miss this! There are limited seats so to avoid disappointment book now: www.eventmania.co or call 2298 6666 or 5599 5511. SAMSARA
JAMM ART AUCTION:
WHEN: November 7 – 12, 2013 WHERE: See website for details: www.nuqat.me CONTACT: info@nuqat.me.
WHEN: November 12, 2013 JAMM will be hosting its 4th, and final,
WHEN: November 18, 2913, 8pm WHERE: GUST University Amphitheatre, Mishref This November you do not need to go far for a night of live music under the stars. You will not want to miss Nawaf Gheraibah’s “Samsara”. Also featuring a talented orchestra of musicians and vocalists. For more information or to reserve your invitations visit: Gheraibah.com/samsara_invitations.html
For more event information please visit: GrapevineKuwait.com. Kuwait’s favorite & first true local events & activities website! 22
LA MARTINA
The Avenues Tel: 22597563 - 360 Mall Tel: 25309989
what’s trending As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more. facebook.com/bazaarmagazine
what: @bazaargram info: It’s here, our official Instagram account editor’s note: You better start following us. NOW!
twitter.com/bazaartweets
pinterest.com/bazaarmagazine
what: @qoutmarket info: Kuwait’s farmer’s market is finally here! editor’s note: The first Sat of every month, starting Nov 2nd
instagram.com/bazaargram
what: @funky_factory info: Unique goods sold in Kuwait for a funky lifestyle editor’s note: Don’t miss those Heisenberg t-shirts.
START READING! Scan to read full digital issue. what: @tshirtstorekw info: Fairtrade and organic cotton designs editor’s note: Stylish and affordable, you’ll love it!
what: Facebook.com/Movembershirts info: Rocking ‘stachs for awareness editor’s note: If you won’t grow a Mo, buy a t-shirt. 24
issuu.com/bazaarmagazine
what: bridesthrowingcats.com info: (Bride - Bouquet + Cat) * Photoshop = Brides Throwing Cats. editor’s note: : No cats were harmed in the making of this tumblr
what: Account for the global charity movement info: www.pinterest.com/movember editor’s note: See the men and women supporting the cause
what: whowhatwear.com info: A guide to shop the trends you love! editor’s note: Our source for fashion inspirations.
HOTEL PARTICULIER
truth or dare
DOING THE HAPPY DANCE Rana Alomani by bazaar staff
The energy levels are fueled with excitement and happy vibes at Rana Fitness. I was greeted with a flood of smiling hellos from the women leaving Rana’s early Zumba class as I entered this secluded sanctuary at the Women’s Cultural Society in Khaldiya to meet owner, and group fitness instructor extraordinaire, Rana Alomani. You would think that this fitness fiend has been busting her immaculate Zumba moves since childhood, but Rana was never a sporty kid. She explains, “I only began enjoying sports when I tried group fitness classes during my college days. I fell in love with the vibe of group activity, and building a sense of community. I was hooked! The music, the fun, it’s a different atmosphere from singular training, it’s alive.” Whether it’s qualifying for a fitness instructor certification, or taking up a culinary course (if she’s not teaching a class, she’s in the kitchen. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s teaching a class—a foodie after our own hearts!) while she pursued an engineering degree, Rana stresses that passion should always be the driving force behind any endeavor one chooses to carry out. She adds, “I don’t think anyone really knows what they want to do fresh out of high school, except for maybe what their family wants. It takes time to find your passion.” Upon her return to Kuwait, she even took up a part time job as a fitness instructor at several private health clubs. Back then this came as a shock to many, but it was a mere annoyance to Rana, who embraced the challenge head on. “I’m known to speak my mind, and if anything, I was challenged by the stigma attached to being a Kuwaiti woman ‘working in this field’, and not at a proper institute like a bank.” Furthermore, Rana was annoyed by profit driven fitness organizations that didn’t focus on providing a professional instructing environment. This led her to Rana Fitness, this quiet yet always lively, location amongst Khaldiya’s locale. Today, she focuses on her true calling: dancing and teaching. Not only so, she’s always travelling to fitness conventions to maintain and update her qualifications and learn new techniques, meet up with master trainers, and much more. Rana looks positively towards the future. She states, “I’m so proud that today’s youth have embraced fitness. They are becoming instructors, and even opening up their own gyms and teaching. It’s a HUGE change from ten years ago.” Rana also mentors a group of young women towards becoming instructors themselves. In the long run, it is her ultimate goal to open the door for other 26
young women to teach and take up a career in fitness. She concludes, “Whether they choose to do this as a hobby, part-time, or even as a full time position, it’s a beautiful and rewarding opportunity for me to inspire movement in others.” How would your mother describe you in one word? Passionate How would you describe your mother in one word? Accepting! Both of my parents always welcomed the crazy ideas my siblings and I came up with. Their reactions might vary from happy, surprise, to worry, but they never stifled us. What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked? Is your mother Kuwaiti? What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Going to culinary school while I was still in my senior year in college. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Passion Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? St. George, Utah. I was there last summer and completely fell in love with it. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” – Henry David Thoreau. What animal best describes the kind of partner
you’d be interested in? A Shark. What do you miss about your childhood? Being irresponsible! If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I always liked the name Dana for some reason. How would you describe your handshake in one word? It’s pretty normal! What is the toughest part of your character? My stubbornness. Who is your favorite historical figure? Churchill, as he had an amazing personality. He was not only a leader in politics, but he was also a philosopher and an artist. I also admire Gandhi from a humanitarian perspective. What in the world do you least desire? Greed and selfishness What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place? Kindness. People are not kind to one another anymore. Why do you think most girls/guys like you? I make them move and work out and be happy. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” Being content with yourself. For more information, follow Rana on Instagram @ranafitness and log on to www.ranafit.com.
MANGO
MOVEMBER A hirsute pursuit by bazaar staff
When the Movember Charity event began its humble and ambitious mission, very few people would have guessed that it would become the worldwide phenomenon that it has evolved into today. As a charity (and charity event) that bills itself as trying to “change the face of men’s health” –no doubt pun intended—it has taken on a life of its own. First of all, to put it bluntly, moustaches have been out of fashion, at least in the Western world for going on about 20 years now. As Freddy Mercury passed away and Magnum PI got canceled, the hairy lip people of the world started going the way of the dodo making ways for increasing amounts of man-scaping. That is, until they had a reason to do otherwise: the list of participating countries has grown to 11 and the lip caterpillar has rebounded bushier then ever-before. So what is this Movember thing exactly, you may be asking yourself. It is basically a month of foregoing razors in support of men’s health overall. Think of it as the testosteroneladen response to the pink of October’s Breast Cancer awareness. Originally rumored to have started in a bar in Southern Australia as early as 1999, the eventual charity that would grow to what we now know it as would start by 2004, but the gist remains the same: it is a time for men to stop shaving in order to either raise money for a men’s health related charity, to promote awareness of men’s health issues, or in solidarity with those who do. The notion is, though that it does not matter why you do it, but rather that you do it. The reality is that men, particularly, are an at-risk group for many health issues as they get older. On average, men die five years younger than women do, due in no small part to the fact that 24% of men are less likely to go to the doctor compared to women. Additionally, the suicide rate is four times higher for men than women. By most accounts, that qualifies them as an at-risk group in need of some support. The basics of the rules follow a 5-step plan that is available on their site. In it’s simplest form though, you basically declare your intention to grow and groom as you see fit for 30 days, without connecting to either the sideburns or chin grown, that’s about it (the rules also say something about conducting yourself as a gentleman, though I am not sure they mean it). And, while often it’s the funds raised by a charity that are most remembered, they cite the awareness raised through the power of the moustache is equally important. The growth of a new moustache prompts a conversation, which in turn generates awareness and educates people on the health issues that men face. Awareness 28
and education then prompts people to take action and change behavior, which will of course lead to changing and saving lives today. Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 3 Million (of what they call) Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate across 21 countries worldwide. Movember is also aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health causes in other parts of the world, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro, and
everywhere in between. In 2012, for example, over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world joined the movement, raising a total of USD 147 million. So, get together with your boys and throw out the razors for a month; things are going to get hairy! Movember takes place throughout the month of November. Show your solidarity by growing a moustache for charity and visit movember.com for more information.
MARINA QURESHI FW 2013
MOSAIC
Salhiya Complex, Mezzanine 1, Gate 3, Shop 36, Tel: 22 99 64 35 www.shopmosaickuwait.com
A DATE FILLED FOOD JOURNEY
Sunbread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere by bazaar staff
When Sarah Al-Hamad had her first bit of Sticky Toffee pudding in the recipe’s origin town of Cartmel, England the self proclaimed foodie and author knew there was something distinctly familiar about the dish. Sure enough its main ingredient was one she, and most from her hometown in Kuwait, have felt was exclusively Arab: the date. So began a journey that took her around the world to find her culture in other countries. “When you are abroad you are always looking for a connection between where you live and where you came from,“ she said. From date festivals in Kuwait to farms in California, each page of her cookbook Sunbread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere tells the story of the fruit’s arrival and impact on its newfound homes. The palms were brought to Spain as early as the 5th century when 30
Carthaginians who settled in what is now known as Alicante. The fruit became a symbol of fertility, and even influenced much of the architecture in the city. In England they were brought over during the Middle Ages, and considered a luxury food. Just a century ago they were introduced to the United States when the Department of Agriculture brought back 11 palms from Kuwait, and planted them in southern California. It is these stories that make Al-Hamad’s book such a great read. Besides amazing recipes that range from sunbread as made by the Ancient Egyptians to her own contemporary date cheesecake, she takes the reader on a journey of a food that has traveled the world. Her fascination with the story of the fruit’s travel is evident from cover to cover. On the inside of the book’s binding she highlights postage from all over the world that uses the date. She starts
the book with a map of the regions were dates have found a home. Each chapter is adorned with personal photos taken by Al-Hamad to document the plethora of people and places she connected with in order to follow the trail. While this is not her first cookbook, her Cardamom and Lime was the first on authentic Gulf cuisine, it’s definitely the one she feels most connected with. “On this voyage, in the footsteps of date palms everywhere, I have learned that nothing is as local as we believe, that people are always connected by ideas, trade, knowledge, and discoveries,” she says in her book. Sunbread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere is available for sale at Zeri Crafts in Salmiya. For more information call 9940 2406 or email info@zericrafts.com.
PROMOD
Al Kout Mall - Ground Floor . Marina Mall - Retail Floor 1 . The Avenues - First Avenue
THE
SCINTILLATION OF
SCENT UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH
MAJED AL-SABAH
SHEIKH
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by bazaar staff photography by Donald McPherson and Hamad AlSarraf
T
he business of fragrance, where Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah is concerned, is undergoing a massive reformation. Gone are the days of long-awaited and expected launches for the ‘it’ fragrance of the year. Instead, his latest masterful endeavor in the world of luxury culminates with the emerging empire of elusive scents that is The Fragrance Kitchen (TFK), premiering fragrances around the world on a monthly basis. Sheikh Majed is out to revolutionize how we perceive fragrances, and moreover, how we immerse ourselves in them. After a period of quiet following his Villa Moda days, “a serene turning point,” he deems gently, Sheikh Majed is now constantly on the go, as TFK is moving ahead quite rapidly with its international expansion plans. Starting with the sleek flagship store in Kuwait, and broadening its horizons to Dubai, Milan, Florence, Moscow, London and Manchester, TFK is setting an international standard for a young company from Kuwait by choosing locations marked as the prime fashion capitals of the world. He recalls TFK’s exclusive launch at London’s ritzy Selfridges, an event that witnessed a grand turnout of fellow GCC nationals in a touching, patriotic show of support. With a warm fondness, he adds, “For us, a one and a half year old company from Kuwait, it is a huge feat to have the most important location in Selfridges, right next to the Chanels and Estée Lauders of the world, the finest fragrances known to the sophisticated consumer. To get that recognition and that location, during the start of Fashion Week in London, for me, is an achievement for Kuwait and the region.” Entering the world of fragrances in what is largely considered to be an extremely saturated, and more importantly, Western-dominated market, draws many questions. However, it is truly characteristic of Sheikh Majed to take challenges head on, as he did more than twenty years ago. Once upon a time, a young twenty-two year old set out to start a fashion business and break a stigma that shrouded the region. He traveled west to convince high-end designers to come to the Middle East, managing a stereotype that seemed impossible, and exceptionally succeeded with Villa Moda and the luxury retail company he now co-owns with Tamdeen Group in Kuwait. Today, the Middle Eastern market is a priority for Western designer names, and has become the center of attention for fragrance producers and fashion houses alike. With TFK, he’s challenged himself to take a Kuwaiti company to unprecedented heights, showcasing a fine fragrance line exuberant with high-end quality ingredients to an international spectrum of consumers. After all, the scintillating scents are produced in a leading lab in the South of France, and adhere to the standards of any other international fragrance company, unlike other regional brands that choose to produce within their locales. He comments, “I might be known to always introduce a brand or concept that is totally different from the norm, yet I chose fragrances for deeply personal reasons.” 33
THAT’S THE BEAUTY BETWEEN MAGIC AND LOGIC.
We’re magically intrigued by our passions, yet we need logic to successfully realize our dreams.
Breaking away from the bustle and constantly changing hype attached with the trend driven world of fashion, TFK presents a completely different allure: passion, timelessness, and accessibility. These are values that deeply resounded with Sheikh Majed, as he wished to take on a project he personally related to. He might not be a chemist, but he is most certainly a ‘nose’. Personally blending his own fragrances for more than ten years, he was deeply inspired by this esoteric tradition of blending that members of his family observed, specifically his grandmother, for generations. His eyes glimmer with nostalgia as he tells tales of experiments past, “Ever since I was only eight years old, I’ve observed my grandmother blend and was enticed by how she mixed different precious oils and fragrances. When I started my business as a twenty-two year old, I’d blend my own fragrances and people would always stop me to ask what I wore.” 34
During the Villa Moda days, Sheikh Majed ventured forward with an experiment by placing a few bottles of his blends in the store, only to see them sell out in a few weeks. After astounding success with a project with Tom Ford in the production of the famed scent, Arabian Wood, a turning point was born. “Upon leaving Gucci in 2006, Tom Ford wanted to venture into the Kuwait market with men’s tailoring. I advised him with the notion of fragrances, and gave him some of my samples which led us to Arabian Wood.” The shelf life of fashion, after all, is a short one. Whereas fragrances, accessible to every gender, race and generation, are only bound by the change of scent. That is what he aims to create, he adds, “People might be quick to assume that the world doesn’t need another fragrance, but I think fragrance aficionados are looking for options besides mass produced fragrances, and applying the fashion cycle
to a fine fragrance business has never been done before.” At TFK, customers are lured in on a monthly basis, as new fragrances are continuously launched, the look and feel of every TFK store is completely transformed from the décor to the staff’s uniforms. Applying his wealth of expertise from a career in luxe retail, these fashion-driven touches are considered a first to the retail environment at TFK, and an organic progression for Sheikh Majed’s vision. With a current range of 80+ fragrances that are all unisex, divided into an everyday signature line in lighter-colored bottles, as well as a richer, exclusive line clad in dark, sexy, matte-finished black bottles, and a continuous flow of launches for special edition lines, TFK is bound to surprise and appease the desires of fragrance lovers worldwide. Sheikh Majed remarks that both product lines were tested via his retail experiment, and sales have shown
a much greater response to the more intense creations presented in the exclusive ranges. TFK is also bringing back heritage ingredients like amber, saffron and cedarwood with lines such as ‘Modern Heritage,’ by collaborating with established artists to design these bottles, as well as a special signature line that he personally likes to use, entitled ‘My Collection’. TFK aims to dispel the myth that Oud, a highly coveted fragrance that is commonly used in the Arab region, and also popular amongst a trend of Arabized Western perfumes, could be easily employed in any given fragrance. With years of expertise, Sheikh Majed explains to us the difference in ingredients employed, from high dosages of amber and sandalwood, to the elusiveness that is the original scent and difficult production of Oud. “Using the term ‘Oud’ when selling a perfume doesn’t mean that it does include natural
Oud. Sadly, customers fall for these marketing ploys. With TFK, we’re moving away from what is naturally expected, where we instead employ Arabic inspired notes in certain fragrances.” The international best seller ‘War of the Roses’, sensually twisted and different, exemplifies this, or the ingenious blend that is ‘Arab Spring’. For this special scent, available in the exclusive ‘My Collection’ range, TFK presents a beautiful controversial representation of a literal Arab spring, as it combines the rich oils of flowers that bloom in spring throughout the Middle East, such as roses, jasmine, and white lilies. Furthermore, TFK has made plans for the year ahead. With every boutique or pop up store opening, an exclusive fragrance to that location is born, charming customers to follow the growth of this remarkable brand across different cities around the world. Besides his cunning knowledge of retail and
fragrances, being a visually inclined individual by nature only enhances the final customer experience at TFK, or any other project that includes Sheikh Majed’s signature touch. When it came to the design of the TFK store, he decided to employ an experience of scent, rather than a showy display of extravagance as employed by other generic fragrance brands. At TFK, the fragrances are mystical and seductive, and this experience is conveyed to the customer in the subtlest of ways. Marketed discreetly, one enters a setting reminiscent of a film-noir; the store is dark, the demure bottles are dimly lit, enticing the customer to come inside and explore. The expertly trained staff, an impeccably dressed legion of attractive men, or rather, professional male models turned brand ambassadors, showcase their knowledge in assisting you to find the perfect scent: or even a scent for every mood. Such is the enigmatic crossover between fashion, art, and fragrance—it is one that is illustrative of Sheikh Majed’s admiration for the visual that is constantly apparent in his work. From the stunning displays we always observed at Villa Moda, to TFK, and even his personal Instagram account. Artistically disposed, he considers this social media tool as an evolved theatre of sorts that went from a physical manifestation to a digital one. “Ever since my time at Villa Moda, I’ve always been involved in merchandising and simply putting things together. My story with Instagram came by absolute chance and was never planned.” He smiles as he explains a process that delivers him with joy, an outlet for his regular musings. What began for the sole purpose of personal enjoyment, grew a mass following online that earned him a spot as one of Instagram’s officially suggested users, and the first from the Middle East. From a whimsical ‘Story In White’ series of almost 200 renderings that combine a handpicked selection of items (which he also aims to turn into a collector’s edition coffee table book) to videos always supported by musical themes, Sheikh Majed only translates how he views his surroundings. He adds, “I translate what I see, and put together a display that I believe is interesting. The encouragement I have received is solely based on people’s reactions and from the amazing people at Instagram.” This signifies yet another acknowledgement he is deeply grateful for. He’s even considering having his birthday this month at the Instagram headquarters, as a friendship resulted from his relationship with the social media channel that appealed to him the most. As opposed to what could be reflected as an intimidating demeanor presented by a series of continuous grand achievements, Sheikh Majed is actually quite quick to strike a friendship. He conveys this to the world through his frankness, which is sometimes mistaken for difficulty. Throughout our meeting, we couldn’t help but see a simple person, passionate at his core, eager to communicate a business that is personally challenging, rather than a personal agenda that is business inclined. He doesn’t enjoy grandiose celebrations such as the Sheikh of Chic, or the King of Fragrances, and we ask him why. “I’m a simple human being. People sometimes perceive me as an aggressive person, even business partners sometimes think I’m a very difficult person 35
to deal with.” He ponders, “I personally feel like people gave me these names, or titles, if you may, because during the fashion period I was the first one to stand up and speak and expose the Middle East. Back then, people in the region were very much media shy. Whereas now, with the fragrance period, it is an aftershock of sorts to the West.” TFK, at its core, is resplendent with its country of origin’s discerning taste, one that Sheikh Majed considers as “the most demanding. The Kuwaiti customer is certainly sophisticated and multi-layered, perhaps even the most avant-garde. They are constantly driven by the latest in media and technology. That’s how it’s always been since I started my fashion business, and is confirmed today by our GCC counterparts as well as the rest of the world.” After all, it is his patriotic ambition that challenges these stigmas, fortified with passion, and an intelligent business sense. Reflecting on today’s Kuwait, Sheikh Majed looks towards positive directions, wishing to elevate the country’s status on an international level. He remarks, “In taking TFK internationally, a goal that we planned on pursuing from the start, I wish to show the world that we in Kuwait and the Middle East, are here to change the world’s perception of what we are capable of achieving.” He’s been asked by many officials to represent Kuwait politically as an ambassador in fashion-centric nations such as Italy and France, yet he simply cannot live outside of Kuwait, and would rather drive the country towards a better future that extends far beyond his passion towards TFK. “With the blessings of Allah, and my family, I will always have a passion and a love for what I do, and I never want to mislead people into thinking otherwise. However, I do have a wishlist for Kuwait, along with many initiatives planned for this amazing country.” By choosing to stay in Kuwait, he is posed to serve his country in the best light possible. Talking to us more about his ‘wish list’, he wants to take his vision and aesthetic intelligence to completely revamp the country’s image specifically in three sectors that include Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait International Fair Company, and the Touristic Enterprises Company. He further explains that these three sectors, if handled in a proper manner, would create an influx of tourism in Kuwait that is intangible now. “The moment that those three, key sensitive areas are treated with the same type of vision and ingredients that I’ve implemented with TFK, for instance, the resulting blockbuster effect will be incredible for Kuwait, for our government, and for everyone. I know invested individuals abroad with riveting ideas, willing to undertake this broad assignment.” When asked if we should expect this change anytime soon, he modestly adds that he’s ‘put the word out’, and is looking to create a dynamic young team to join him in his mission, one that he doesn’t look to be fiscally rewarded for undertaking. Unveiled is a beautifully purist, political agenda. Perhaps it is Sheikh Majed’s personal experience, challenged by many circumstances that pushed to stifle him as a young man looking to start a fashion concept in Kuwait, that drive him towards supporting Kuwait’s modern youth. Resenting the common sense of social following that is omnipresent in Kuwait, contrary to the achievements of an older 36
generation of successful Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and artists, he wants the youth to want more than the social clout that they seek in business. “This phenomenon needs to stop. Whether it be a restaurant or an art gallery, success is only limited to a socially driven launch, and is always followed by a lull once the ‘trend’ has passed.” He explains heatedly, and then quietly tones down his voice in what was a passionate presentation of his wishlist, to add, “If we give the opportunity to the young, we will see miracles Inshallah.” He is constantly visited by young entrepreneurs seeking his advice, and, as per his nature, delivers a blunt, honest and always heartfelt evaluation to seek a business that they feel passion towards. Sheikh Majed has never been shy about his dreams, so others should never feel that way either. In considering the plight of the youth, he is most burdened by the notion that Kuwait’s generation needs a proper platform, one that projects the motivation that the youth requires to rise above the local arena to represent Kuwait in an international light. He concludes this discussion with a pensive pause, sipping on a delicate cup of cardamom-spiced coffee, which flowed generously during our meeting at the stylish TFK offices at Tamdeen Group’s head offices location at Mall 360. Our chat then turns to points of inspiration, as we believe that Sheikh Majed is constantly on the search to find a muse. To this, he laughingly pares down our humorous counsel to an inner feeling, “you might even call it a sixth sense,” he shrugs nonchalantly, “I don’t even use a calendar, or an agenda. We all have brains, simply use them! We always have to invest in ourselves
towards gaining more knowledge without relying on tools to become inspired.” Sheikh Majed might have enjoyed blending fragrances as a beloved hobby, he even calls it his yoga, finding a meditative state of refuge in this mythical tradition, yet his sixth sense towards wanting to start a fragrance business pushed him to better his knowledge when it came to the industry. He adds, “That’s the beauty between magic and logic. We’re magically intrigued by our passions, yet we need logic to successfully realize our dreams.” Even during his most spiritual mental states of mind, when he observes his prayers five times a day, he is inspired by this eccentric notion. “Astaghfor Allah, but I really do get ideas for my business while I’m engaged in prayer. I would enter a state of mind of deep reflection, as I am absorbed in my prayer, and bam! A solution, or idea somehow materializes.” As a deeply spiritual and religious man, he might value ambition, yet holds faith and family above all. Throughout his dazzling journey, he carries on a legacy of respect. Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah leaves us with timeless pieces of wisdom—keeping the faith, perseverance, and following one’s passion despite all of the odds that might hinder one’s true calling. The Fragrance Kitchen flagship store is located in Al Hamra Luxury Center in Kuwait, with international locations in Dubai, Milan, Florence, Moscow, London and Manchester and upcoming openings in Jeddah, Paris and New York. Please visit www.tfk.com/kw for more information or follow TFK on Instagram, @Instatfk. You can also follow Sheikh Majed AlSabah’s posts on Instagram, @Majedalsabahkuwait.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL What is your idea of perfect happiness? Having the blessings of Allah and my parents, followed by being with the person I love. What is your greatest fear? Fear of Allah. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Over eating sweets and desserts. What is the trait you most deplore in others? When people use you for their own interest and leave you once they get what they want. Which living person do you most admire? There are many who I admire, not one. What is your greatest extravagance? Food and fragrances. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Ya rab‌ When were you happiest? The liberation of Kuwait. Which talent would you most like to have? I would most like to have Steve Jobs’ talents. What would you consider your greatest achievement? Villa Moda. Where would you most like to live? Downtown Kuwait.
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SPECTACULAR SPECTRUM OF ART At Boushahri Gallery by Deepa Pant
If Damien Hirst was creating waves with his fetus sculptures in Doha, Qatar, Kuwait was not far behind. In a month-long exhibition, Boushahri Art Gallery made great strides in its very own ‘Miraculous Journey of Arab Art,’ that provided an exciting odyssey beckoning the art aficionados and critics. In an unusual take, Boushahri Gallery presented an intriguing exhibition of over 75 works drawn from the private collections. Reflecting the dynamism of Kuwait’s art scene and its wealthy collectors, the opportunity offered audiences a rare chance to explore an array of critically acclaimed artworks that ranged from figurative works to intense abstract compositions that have been tucked away in people’s homes for years. Among the renowned artists featured at the show were: Omar El Nagdy, Paul Guiragossian, Hassan Soliman, Fateh Al Moudarres, Sami Mohammed, Tahia Halim, Youssef Abdelke, Helmy El Touni, Issam El Said and Rachid Koraichi. Other notable names were: Hrair Diarbekirian, Ayman Baalbaki, Louay Kayyali, Serwan Baran, Abdul Latif Al Smoudi, Fatima El Hajj and Amine El Bacha. From Paul Guiragossian to Amine El Bacha, Lebanese artists seemed to be real favorites. One of Lebanon’s most revered painters, Guiragossian’s melancholic renderings of elongated female forms on canvas were hauntingly beautiful. The work of Lebanese artist Fatima El Hajj, known for her tender renderings in a vibrant palette, was equally spectacular. She carefully explores the relations and juxtaposition of memories in her work. In his imposing work, the visual style of Hrair Diarbekirian was exuberant. With a purity of line and color, the artist’s skill lies in incorporating gold leaf and has earned international recognition for his work. His work is among the collections of Kuwait’s Royal family, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Rainier of Monaco, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Anthony Quinn. As a painter and installation artist, Lebanese artist Ayman Baalbaki has always worked outside the box. Blending art and activism, Baalbaki reveals the strength of portraiture within his oeuvre and the work on display was a powerful statement on the current socio-political fabric in the region. Some of the most eloquent works were from Iraq. Issam El Said’s exquisitely detailed painting, depicting the silhouettes of three women, was rendered with artistic precision on canvas. Striking a balance between the traditional and the contemporary, the narrative visuals of Egyptian artist Omar El Nagdy’s works are imbued with a blend of symbolic elements, abstractions and assertions and have few parallels. 38
Ayman Baalbaki One of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, El Nagdy draws inspiration from native aesthetics and areas of Renaissance—human figures, nature and the landscape. Finally, among the artists, the one who stood out tall for his thought-provoking work was the Syrian artist Youssef Abdelke, who was recently in the news when he was jailed for over a month during the political turmoil in the country. “It has been an honor to have had this opportunity to showcase these artworks from the top-notch artists of the region, that are loaned from private collections,” said Yahya Suwailem, Director of the Boushahri Gallery. He further acknowledged
Paul Guiragossian the generous support from the collectors. Oscar Wilde once wrote, “Truth in art is the unity of a thing with itself: the outward rendered expressive of the inward; the soul made incarnate; the body instinct with spirit.” True to his words, the show was indeed a unique opportunity to discover rarely seen works, and soak up some thoughtprovoking art. The exhibition held from October 1 to October 31 was an extraordinary success, both in terms of the quality and breadth of the iconic collection. For further information, please contact Boushahri Art Gallery at: 2562 1119.
REEBOK
bazaar goes dining
ZAATAR W ZEIT A new look and menu options that make a classic, even better by bazaar staff
The newest addition to the Menus Complex is an old favorite in the Middle East, Zaatar w Zeit. The franchise is best known for its mankousheh, and loved for its variety of Lebanese food. Now, with a new location, they have given the restaurant a fresh look, and taken their motto “taste the simple pleasures” a step further. Whether you are headed in for a great lunch of pizza and wraps, a simple snack of zaatar mankousheh, or just a coffee, the new venue and menu selections at Zaatar w Zeit has something for everyone. The sunlit dining area is equipped with booths and tables for intimate or large parties. You can transform yourself to another time in Lebanon through the wall to ceiling photographs of scenes from Hamrah. Or simply enjoy a dessert with the ocean breeze in the large outside eating area. 40
Whatever your reasons to check out the new spot on Coastal Road, you will undoubtedly notice the clean, organic feel. Wooden tables, a chalkboard menu and wooden barstools at the main counter give the feeling that you aren’t just in another restaurant in Kuwait, but that you are about to get “fresh wholesome goodness in every bite,” as promised. We sat down with Operations Manager Tony El Haddad to talk about the new menu. “I’ve been with Zaatar w Zeit for 10 years now, it’s a part of me and I feel like it’s my own brand,” he said. El-Haddad is hard to pin down, as he moves from branch to branch to ensure that every ingredient is properly prepared, and the taste is never compromised. As the company grew, he says, times change as do people’s dining habits.
He recognizes, as a health-nut himself, that healthy is the way to go. Enter the incredible chef Mohamed Daher, an 8-year veteran of the concept. His excitement about the new additions was evident as he practically danced around the table while explaining what they had to offer. When the food came, it was clear why. We started with the basics, revamped chicken sticks with a honey mustard dip and the old favorite, 3 cheese sambousek. The chicken sticks were so good, we decided to spring for the halloumi sticks too, and we were not disappointed. They had the perfect blend of melted cheese with spiced breading, without being overrun with oils. For those health-nuts that won’t touch a fried stick with a ten-inch pole, fear not. Chef Daher perfected the tuna salad with their new Zooza Salad, and it’s just one of eight on the menu. The
baked potatoes, white beans, a boiled egg, corn and black olives on a bed of lettuce are topped with tuna and dressed with a mustard vinegar that screams fresh in your mouth. The new menu additions are even old favorites taken to new levels. Love baked potato? Craving cheese fries? Then you should definitely try the Potato in the pan. Served in a hot cast iron skillet, the sliced baked potato can be dressed with cheese, and a choice of (one or all) four meats: bacon, beef ham, turkey or a Frankfurt sausage. Make it as healthy as you want, or indulge for the day, either way it’s amazing with their homemade zaatar sauce. The personal favorite of ours, and Chef Daher’s, was definitely the veggie pizza. The thin crust made of soft dough creates the perfect base for the fresh ingredients. It’s piled high with zucchini, mozzarella and feta cheese, olives, green peppers, fresh rocca
and onions on a bed of pesto and a drizzle of olive oil. For those of you who are a little bolder with your taste buds, and love the spice, the Spizy Chicken is definitely the wrap for you. This marinated chicken is wrapped in melted cheese, with sautéed peppers, spinach and onions and a bit of their homemade spicy sauce. Want to calm down the spice? Try their new local fresh squeezed apple, orange, carrot or lemon juice. You should always leave room for dessert, but with Zaatar w Zeit’s desserts in a cup you can take it home to enjoy later. Their dessert menu boasts of vanilla custard, a specialty tiramisu, chocolate mousse and the favorite chocolate banana wrap. We sprung for the strawberry cheesecake and didn’t regret it one bit. This traditionally heavy dessert was as light as a mousse, yet still as creamy as a New York
Cheesecake, on a light graham crumb bed; with a thin layer of strawberry sauce, it was the perfect end to a delicious meal. The chefs and people at Zaatar w Zeit have shown the restaurant industry what it takes to go from a small bakery in your hometown to a regionally recognized fast urban dining establishment. By connecting with their customers, and delivering consistently fresh and healthy foods they are sure to be a favorite in the region for years to come. The new Zaatar w Zeit is located in the Menus Complex off the coastal road in Abu Halifa. They can also be found in The Avenues, Marina Crescent, Shamiya Mall and AUM. To contact them call 180 0333 or connect with them on Facebook: Zaatarwzeitkw or Twitter @ZaatarwzeitKW 41
EMOTI(CON)FOUNDED A cartoon-landscaped lexicon by bazaar staff
As anyone who fancies themselves any level of wordsmith will tell you, emoticons are the devil [winky face]. They represent, quite simply, the laziness of a society that no longer makes the efforts to express themselves in words(“use your words,” we chide in self-righteous indignation); at least, so I thought. But, also as a wordsmith, I must recognize the times as they change. To me there is a reason why the word “lunting” no longer exists in our common vernacular—simply put, people no longer need a word for walking while smoking a pipe (although, the boys of the infamous, locals-only Snuffed Briar would no doubt object)! Not that it doesn’t happen, just that it no longer represents so commonplace a thing so as to warrant its own place in our modern vernacular. Quite factually speaking, it is precisely the fact that languages do change that makes them a living, breathing thing, and keeps the spoken/ written word relevant, as forms of expression; even a novice linguist will tell you this [smiley face]. As a portmanteau of emotion and icon, it has additionally become something that can no longer be ignored, and is no doubt here to stay as long as the mediums under which they thrive continue to do so. As a pictorial representation of a facial expression that indicates more the mood and tone to a medium that otherwise is potentially inadequate to completely convey, perhaps I have been too rash in my rush to judgment. It seems, maybe…just maybe, even the act of hating them is something as bygone as home phones making them as necessary to modern life as the smartphone itself; whoa, that would be rough [rosycheeked bashful face]. Still, when it comes to the emoticon, I have a serious want to be snobbish [happy face with sunglasses on]. But I must acknowledge that it seems there are increasingly times when only an emoticon will express what I am feeling (the laborious nature of all the above as case in point). I know, it sounds silly, but while there is no word that, in the world of business might allow me to type “cute lil’ smiley face,” the mere presence of one might actually better express the sentiment I mean to convey. In addition, as the visual humanhead-facial equivalent of a little kitten, it can in fact buy you all kinds of leeway when trying to soften either an insult, a perceived negative answer, or a simple “no” to a friends request. Consider this: your friend asks you to help them move, you reply, via text, that simply, “I can’t.” Your friend is mad and assumes he has been flatly rejected by an unconcerned amigo. But if you say “I cant, ” who can be mad at that? This suggests, I can’t but please don’t be mad, as I wish that I could. Consider
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it a pictured equivalent to the insult sandwich (The process that took off in the 90’s workplace political correctness wherein a person softened an insult by opening and closing with a compliment; hence the compliments are the bread of what they are saying, meant to make the meat (i.e. the insult) go down easier). Duplicitous though it may be, it works. In contrast, what about the same request to help a friend move, but expressed with its opposite “I can’t, ”. This seemingly serves to say, “no I cannot help you, but dear friend, look how saddened I am by this?” So, much like our caved and stone wielding Neanderthal brothers of yore: where words fail, pictures suffice. And while we are on the subject of pictures as words, what about the font Wing-Dings? Has there ever been anybody in history who used this to express a particular thought? Perhaps then the medium comes into play too. While in the middle of a word document it might seem a lazy concession to using one’s ‘big boy’ words, in text form, it often says more than additional letters might. And if we are truly analyzing the medium, then we must acknowledge the true reason perhaps why emoticons have thrived in this environment: texts (much like their email brethren have long been criticized for not supplying tone to accompany
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the message, thus many messages go seriously misunderstood, often to either comedic or dramatic effect. When seen through that prism it makes sense that they have flourished and are thus almost used as another form of punctuation, meant only to further elucidate the full meaning of a sentence. Notably, it would be a man named Scott Fahlman on a Carnegie Mellon Computer group message board on September 19th, 1982 that would be the first to suggest the =) and =( as characters to imply emotion; but it would not be until the actual coded development of the emoji in 1999 (the pictures we now call emoticons, as opposed to our previous manipulation of punctuation to closely resemble a picture) that would serve as the true tipping point wherein they would be used by the masses. Still, if you’ve never seen Kurt Vonegut’s favorite emoticon, captured far before the language was known as such, as far back as 1973’s Breakfast of Champions novel (and used often across novels since in the same manner) then now would be a good time to go check it out; once again, the genius ahead of his time. Which I guess basically means I should get used to emoticons, and work to see them for what they are: a tool to aid in expression, and perhaps not the devil after all [smileyface] [weary face][single tear face][sleepy face].
H&M-womens
IN GRAND AVENUE-THE AVENUES STORE NOVEMBER 14TH HM.COM
ZOOMAAL
Crowdfunding for the Arab world by bazaar staff
There is a new player in the region for online commerce, but it is not in the way that you think: it is a website designed to help you get your project off the ground. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, crowdfunding it is a way to get projects funded by taking your case directly to your audience. Simply put, it allows people with a good idea, but no means to see it through, to see who might want to pitch in to make it happen. Normally, for their efforts, a funder would be compensated by some version of the finished product. As this sort of online marketing has begun to revolutionize online purchasing and manufacturing, it was only a matter of time before there was one specific to the Arab world; thank goodness it has arrived. We sit down with Abdallah Absi, CEO of Zoomaal, to see how it’s going. Tell us about the inspiration behind Zoomaal.com? From the age of 17, I have been trying and testing start-ups, although not getting funding required to carry through. Four and a half years later, and with hard earned experience, a thorough study of crowdfunding and how it works, an impressive list of investors, and an inspiration that started it all, I was able to put together the right project in Zoomaal. Living in a system with no government support to entrepreneurs and where there is much difficulty in acquiring funding from venture capitalists (especially for small projects) has been tough. It has also led to the slowing down of Arab innovation and creativity. Believing in the Arab world, and that Arabs really are creative people with so many potential projects that never get the financial means to make it happen, caused me to use all that I had learned previously on this endeavor. Is there any significance to the name? “Zoomaal” comes from the Arabic phrase pronounced “thoo maal,” which means ‘someone with money’ as a direct translation. This is a perfect, 44
concise way to describe an Arab crowdfunding platform. It also helps that it sounds unique and catchy in English too. When did it launch? Our official launch was on the 4th of July 2013, but there was a lot of work done before that in order to make sure that we already had projects up and running when we launched. How is your traffic at present? We have more than 600 projects in our pipeline, and have raised just short of $100,000 in funding to date. So we are quite happy with it. Why this website/market segment? We wanted to be able to help entrepreneurs that might have a creative idea but just lack the funding to make it work. Any problems/ particulars to the Arab world? Crowdfunding is a relatively new initiative in the Arab world; people are generally distrustful of paying money online. Who is your average user? Somewhat young, tech savvy users who are present on more than one social media platform, as well as people with credit cards and such who are able to fund. How important is it to have an Arab specific site of this kind (as opposed to Arabs just using the Western version of same)? The problem with the Western versions currently available in the world is that their payment systems are set up so that many people in Arab countries cannot fund projects on those platforms. Therefore, many Arab project owners on the site cannot be supported by their family and friends back home. Also, Arab projects do not get the exposure they deserve because the market is different. Additionally, there are language barriers, geographic barriers, and people in the area have more connections with media and organizations and are therefore better equipped to provide the marketing push and advice required for a successful campaign.
How important are “creativity and innovation” to your site and why do they feature so heavily in your projects? The vision of Zoomaal is based heavily on supporting Arab creativity and innovation. And since crowdfunding is based on acquiring money from the people, projects need to be creative and innovative in order to have appeal and thus get funded. What sort of projects find success and/or failure on your site? Cool gadgets and community projects are the most successful because they hold the most appeal to people. The project owners themselves, their connections and reach, if it’s a group or an organization, the social media presence is a pretty reliable indicator of the reach, and hence higher possibility of funding; all of these things help. Any notable projects you would like to speak about? We recently helped the musical group Mashrou’ Leila crowdfund their third album Ra’asuk. We raised around $67,000 for that. Another good one would be Project Dalala , which uses sentiment analysis to empower social change and development. This one is still going on currently and can be found on our site. Lastly, we had the ‘THIS Toothbrush’ which raised just under $19,000. What was really neat about this project is that it blended the old world traditional Miswak toothbrush with the modern Arab lifestyle. Where does the 5% service fee go? The 5% fee that Zoomaal takes from successful projects goes to the improvement of services provided, the honing of creativity present in the Arab world, and the educating of people in the Arab world about crowdfunding. Finish this sentence: In one year from now, the website will be… The center of Arab creativity and innovation! Zoomaal is up and running for all you creative entrepreneurs out there. Go to their website to learn more at www.zoomaal.com.
H&M - mens
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bazaar music
AM
by Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys have released their fifth album AM, produced by James Ford and co-produced by Ross Orton at Sage & Sound Recording, LA and Rancho De La Luna, Joshua Tree. Josh Homme, Pete Thomas and Bill Ryder-Jones all make guest appearances on this album which features the singles: “R U Mine?”, “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” AM has received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the 2013 Mercury Prize for best album. In September the album reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, and become the 2nd fastest selling album of the year so far. Arctic Monkeys also broke a record with the debut of AM becoming the first independent-label band to debut at number one in the UK with their first five albums.
LIGHTNING BOLT
by Pearl Jam
In October Pearl Jam released their much-anticipated tenth studio album, Lightning Bolt, on Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, Lightning Bolt marks Pearl Jam’s first studio album since the highly acclaimed Backspacer, which was released nearly four years ago. The first single off the album, “Mind Your Manners” was released in July and the second single “Sirens” in September. Speaking to Total Guitar, guitarist Mike McCready said of the album, “we finished seven songs two years ago” and “about four months ago we started up again with a brand new batch of songs to go along with those”. McCready also said that “there’s a Pink Floyd vibe to some of it, there’s a punk rock edge to other stuff”.
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THE DIVING BOARD
by Elton John
Elton John’s The Diving Board, is his first studio album in seven years. Produced by T Bone Burnett, the album features 12 new songs written by Elton and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as three piano interludes composed by the artist. The Diving Board returns Elton John to the piano, bass and drums lineup that marked the artist’s introduction to worldwide audiences more than 40 years ago. Elton explains that he needed to strip away the excesses and get back to the core of what he does as an artist. “That’s what The Diving Board represents. The Diving Board is the album I’ve been waiting to make for decades.” According to producer T Bone Burnett, The Diving Board is an album of music by a master at the peak of his artistic powers.
NOTHING WAS THE SAME
by Drake
Nothing Was The Same is the third album from the Canadian actor, rapper and R&B star Drake. “Hold On, We’re Going Home” coasts along on his hypnotic R&B crooning, bringing together an immediately unforgettable hook with silky and seductive soundscapes. Hearing both the delivery and magnetic production, it’s clear that Drake’s home is at the very top. The track also follows up the smash hit “Started From The Bottom”, which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is now nearing double-platinum status. Cash Money Records co-founder and CEO Bryan “Baby” Williams aka Birdman enthusiastically states, “an artist like Drake comes along only once in a lifetime. His talent as a lyricist, performer, and creative is unparalleled.
DAYS ARE GONE
by Haim
Days Are Gone is the highly anticipated debut album from breakout band HAIM. Recorded mostly in HAIM’s native Los Angeles, the album sees sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim working alongside acclaimed producers Ariel Rechtshaid (Usher, Vampire Weekend) and James Ford (Florence and the Machine, Arctic Monkeys). Days Are Gone features crowd favorites “Falling,” “Forever,” and “Don’t Save Me” as well as title track “Days Are Gone.” The Southern California trio has attracted a surge of industry attention since releasing their EPs Forever, Don’t Save Me and Falling. The band has also been prominently featured in Rolling Stone’s esteemed Best of Rock issue and Elle’s Women In Music issue, as well as recognized as “Faces to Watch 2013” by The Los Angeles Times.
WISE UP GHOST by Elvis Costello & The Roots Long-rumored and shrouded in mystery, this collaborative album between Elvis Costello and The Roots promises to be one of the most unexpected and surprising releases of 2013. Costello has never before put listeners in a position to speculate about his hip-hop credentials, but upon the announcement that the pop music maverick was rubbing shoulders with The Roots, fans and critics jumped to what seemed to be the most logical conclusion. However to the answer to this is: Wise Up Ghost is not an Elvis Costello hip-hop record. Definitely a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of the amazing parts, this album lives up to all of the intrigue and expectations. source: www.amazon.com
H&M-kids
IN GRAND AVENUE-THE AVENUES STORE NOVEMBER 14TH HM.COM
arabs abroad
FATIMA HASAN Interesting Arabs doing interesting things…elsewhere! by bazaar staff
Fatima Hasan is a 26 year-old Bahraini woman, living and working abroad in London. Having recently finished her Masters in Product and Space Design, not to mention a stint working in Hong Kong’s bustling field of interior design, she is now set up to live the life…just as she designed it. Despite a design background that is primarily in product and interiors, she also enjoys practicing other design disciplines on the side, including illustrations and bookbinding. When not designing, she is most likely to be found in the kitchen whipping up a batch of chocolate fudge brownies-her new favorite. Tell us about the inspiration behind your work? I’m really interested in the stories behind designs. In a lot of my projects, I spend a considerable amount of time working on a strong narrative to justify my work. It adds an interesting perspective and can generate a more powerful connection with the viewer or user. Sometimes an object so simple, can have a huge backstory, and that’s when I begin to appreciate the design a lot more. In terms of my inspiration, I am currently inspired by domestic life. More specifically, private instances that happen within the home that outsiders don’t get to see often. What is your favorite project you have worked on? It would most definitely have to be my final masters project. I began with the idea of disorder within the home. People are so obsessed with portraying themselves as being neat and tidy to others, and find it necessary to go clean-up crazy on their homes at the notice of unexpected visitors. It is these personal moments that define who you are, and it should not be considered a terrible mess, but a personal organization, created by the user and catered to them specifically. To me, I find these types of mess beautiful and wanted to reveal to others the beauty behind this disorder. 48
I am particularly attached to this project because of the cultural reference I incorporated into it. The design of the pegs themselves, are derived from the armrest detail of the Bahraini ‘dacha’, a bench found in local cafes. During the hot summers in Bahrain, men would take off their ghitra and agal (Arabic headdress) and temporarily hang them on this armrest detail. I liked the fact that this somehow had a connection with my project, so I took this specific detail, and decided to morph it into an item for hanging clothes, rather than something it was not originally meant to be used for. What do you find most different about work inside and outside of the Arab world? In my opinion, art and design is still a fresh concept back home (I’m going to focus on Bahrain, because places like Dubai are in the process of getting the design field booming). Not that much credit is given to gifted designers, simply because there’s not much of a market to get their work out there. For that reason, I don’t feel I could go back to Bahrain at this very moment and start up a product design company. People often tell me that since there aren’t many unique product design companies in Bahrain, it can be seen as a prime opportunity for me to start it myself, and create some sort of revelation. If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m still young, and don’t yet feel I have the drive to be able to do that. Before I begin to work for myself, I want to work for others, and I want to do it here in London where a field like this is already fully established. I think that working with like-minded individuals in a team will help build my design confidence, and at the same time, give me the chance to make good contacts in the design industry. Once I feel I have completed that chapter of my life, I can then make the move back to the Middle East and begin to
do what people are telling me to do now, with the confidence and drive needed to do so. Explain some differences in the different countries you have worked in and how you and your work have been received in different countries. Apart from the Middle East and Bahrain, I spent 1 year in Hong Kong working for an interior design company. I wasn’t given much creative license there. I was working on a lot of CAD drawings for the refurbishment of apartments and restaurants. It wasn’t really a chance for me to get my work out, but just a chance for me to gain good work experience in a new environment. Hong Kong is a manic city, even more fast-paced than London. It took me a bit of getting used to, but once I settled in, I couldn’t have been happier living there. But in terms of design prospects, again like Bahrain (perhaps not to the same extent) I didn’t think I could progress, which is what pushed me to move back to London, where things felt more right. What is your favorite thing about where you live now? The fact that there is always something do to. There’s no such thing as boredom in London. As long as you’ve got a good set of friends to enjoy it with, you’re always guaranteed to have a good time. What is the worst thing about where you live? It’s probably a generic response from all people living in London, but it has got to be the weather! I do enjoy the odd gray and rainy day: it’s what gives London its character, but I just wish it could be a bit warmer. My Arab blood doesn’t quite suit cold climates! Finish this: “In one year from now, my work will be…” better than last year!!! For more information on Fatima’s work you can find her online at www.fatimahasan.com
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INFOG
GRAPH
VINYLIZE
When sound stylishly evolves into sight by bazaar staff
Believing that the most important component of any successful product is the culture it embodies, brothers Zack and Zoltan, founders of the new kitsch eyewear brand Vinylize, are all about recycling and culture. Admiring the legacy left behind with vinyl records, vinyl music is the heritage that these design gurus aim to preserve through their inventive vision for eyewear- recycling old vinyl records into creating funky eyewear. Producing the first series from communist vinyl salvaged from the Budapest’s flea markets, Vinylize went through years of testing to develop methods to transform one of the most long lasting plastics into wearable eyewear. Based on a desire to make glasses of exceptional quality on a recyclable basis, the use of vinyl, in and of itself, gives this collection a distinctive and effortlessly stylish look. Think big, thick, rugged frames, with inimitable grooves serving an integral and signature aspect of the design aesthetic. Today, Vinylize is handmade in Budapest by Tipton Eyeworks, and is now available in Kuwait at the Eye Boutique. We interview Vinylize founder Zack Milaskey to give you the lowdown on how the highly coveted eye gear is developed. When did you begin this brand? We began Vinylize in 2001 when I was still living in Seattle, right before I moved to Budapest. Originally, we started the company Tipton Eyeworks where Vinylize was a concept brand. Today, it is our core business. What inspired you to begin this project? I wanted to make glasses from a material other than titanium. One day in the workshop, which at the time was the garage, I came upon my dad’s old LP collection. And a light bulb went off in my head, ‘why not just use old records to make glasses???’ Where do you draw inspiration for your line? Like most music enthusiasts, I also collect vinyl records. So it is only natural that a big part of my inspiration comes from the music I listen to. For example, I just picked up this ancient Sonny and Cher vinyl in Saigon and I began to think, what sort of shape would this be represented by? Ironically, when I got back to Budapest and checked its contents, it turned out to be by Dave Brubeck. So I had to design a jazzy sort of frame instead. What do you enjoy most about your line/ being a designer/ a crafts person? As a designer, I enjoy the challenge. The collection appears to be very simple: the only color that we can work with is black and the rims have to be fat. Stupidly enough, we did a collection made from colored vinyl. Unsurprisingly it flopped. Because people associate vinyl with the color black, the rims are thick so the grooves could be seen. So the challenge has become designing wearable 52
iconic shapes in black. As a crafts oriented person, I love the fusion of materials and creating a quality product from it. We pay attention to every detail, which I think is the essence of quality. What is the biggest challenge right now? The biggest challenge at the moment is production. This is a new concept and the methods of production are created by us. It’s not like we can go to an eyewear factory in China and place an order. They don’t even know what vinyl is. On top of that, we developed all the machines and methods to turn vinyl into eyewear and other products. What’s happening next for your line? Where do you see it going in the future? After some in-depth research, it turns out that the male demographic appreciates Vinylize the most. This seems logical because the biggest consumers of vinyl records are men. Consequently,
our focus has indeed become men. No fruity colors, just simplicity, exceptional quality and the culture of music. For the brand, I plan on expanding the range to include luggage items for DJ’s. We also have a few concepts for other eyewear collections and we are currently in the process of realizing them. Do you think that the Middle Eastern demand for your product will differ from the demand in Europe? If so, how will this change your focus in this market? The Middle Eastern line will certainly differ from what we offer in Europe. We will try to accommodate the sun! UV protective lenses will be available with a scratch resistant coating for more models than we usually offer our European clients. You can find Vinylize at the Eye Boutique, located in Mall 360. Please call 2530 9513 for more information.
GIULIETTA
GTA V: BANNED IN KUWAIT? by Jaye Sonia
When it comes to the topic of censorship, I’m generally pretty straightforward; I believe that consenting adults (and I’m placing emphasis on that phrase for a reason) should be allowed to choose what books they read, which movies and television shows they watch, what songs they listen to, and what games they play. In short, consenting adults should be allowed to choose what they consume. Obviously, the censorship debate is long and wide. And as much as I’d like to, I don’t think I could cover it on a single page – at least not without cutting out a lot of the much-needed background on the discussion. It’s just not something that can be summarized in a thousand words. With that said, censorship does exist in Kuwait (which comic book fans know first hand) and does impact what we hear, read, watch, and so on. Of course, enterprising individuals always manage to get the things they want, regardless of whether or not those things are banned. This includes video games. What follows is my opinion on Grand Theft Auto V. In part, this is an early review of the game (I haven’t completed the storyline yet) and some of the content it includes. I’m going to talk about what the game glamourizes, but I’m not going to talk about how it could impact young minds – ultimately, that’s up to parents to decide. Nor is this a call to censor the game in Kuwait, although it may appear as such to some. Instead, this is a review that I hope serves my readers – both expatriates and Kuwaiti. I hope that it makes parents aware of what the game contains before they run off to Rihab Complex to buy it for the children and younger adults in their household. Like many of its predecessors, Grand Theft Auto V is a crass game that pulls no punches. It includes pretty much anything that could offend anyone, anywhere, at any point in time – nudity, sexual references, drug use, prostitution, alcohol use, murder, loads of violence, racism, sexism, stereotypes of every sort, and probably a few other things I’ve yet to discover in the game. All of these lowbrow elements grace (and I use that word in the most ironic sense possible) its storyline. I’m not surprised in the least that it gets a Pegi rating of 18 (see: www.pegi.info) or an ESRB rating of X (see: www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp). And neither should you. The game isn’t built around the concept of being a hero in any way, shape, or form. Sure, there are some side missions where you can 54
follow Spike Lee’s advice and ‘do the right thing’, but those are far and few between. What’s the point in stopping a mugging or getting a kids BMX back when you’re assassinating corporate heads left and right? The list of things you can do wrong far exceeds the possibility of doing things right. The very storyline is built around your dark past (you play three criminals) and all the chaotic, psychotic, and violent things you could imagine. If it’s illegal somewhere, this game glorifies it. Is it fun? Sure. But that’s where that phrase consenting adult comes in. One would expect (or at least hope) that those playing this game have a basic understanding of morality; that they know right from wrong. Because, honestly, this is not the sort of game you want impressionable young minds emulating (well, not unless you fully intend to raise a psychopath). Would I buy this game for a kid? No. Would I discuss it with a teen or young adult? Possibly. In fact, it could be a great vehicle for mature discussion on a number of topics that parents and their children face in complex societies around the world. GTA V does have its innocent moments and,
I suppose if you looked hard enough, you could find things to do that aren’t overtly horrible and illegal. There are in-game races and sports. You can even challenge friends to tennis and golf games online (when you’re not robbing banks, of course). The game is massive, too. While I’ve played some of its predecessors, the sheer degree of how open and immersive Los Santos is boggles the mind. I could, quite literally, spend days just driving around the city and its surrounding areas. That says something, too. Rockstar has invested a lot into this game. It’s no wonder it generated $1 billion in sales the very first weekend it released. Your options for this sandbox are very, very open. Mature gamers will find a lot to do here – up to and including being eaten by a shark. In closing, there’s a lot to like about GTA V and I think adult gamers willing to engage the criminal part of their personalities will get a lot of mileage out of this game – even if they do pay 40+ dinars for it. But I’d be very mindful of where I leave this game, too, especially if there are minors in your household.
NAUTICA
BEING A ROSE, IS AN ART Exclusive: RosaPiù Products in Kuwait by Shabana H. Shaikh
Have you heard of natural roses that can last for a few years? Maybe, or maybe not. In an exclusive talk with bazaar, RosaPiù’s Founder and General Manager, Concetta Spitaleri revealed a fascinating array of products made of Ecuadorian roses, African leaves and foliage, which, when naturally treated, can remain fresh for more than 3 years – without water! Unlike other roses, Ecuadorian roses are renowned for their strong and long stems, succulent leaves and strong buds. The best varieties are cultivated on the foothills of the Ecuadorian volcanoes, at high altitude, where the sun shines 12 hours a day year long, and with volcanic soil rich in ingredients. These unique conditions and the elevated position of most farms in the mystical Andes, make Ecuadorian roses the best in the world. Hard as it is to believe, these beautiful real roses are then specially treated to retain their fresh look for more than 3 years, and it requires neither watering, nor special care. Hailing from Italy, Concetta Spitaleri came across Ecuadorian roses during an event many years ago. With 20 years of business experience at executive level, she is known for her exceptional entrepreneurial skills and dedication to humanitarian causes. Currently settled in Belgium, Concetta founded a company called RosaPiù, which aptly means ‘roses and more’ in Italian, and decided to explore the many possibilities using these preserved natural roses and foliages. While the produce comes from Ecuador and Africa, RosaPiù focuses on developing exclusive creative designs, offering floral adornments with a unique twist to your home and office decoration, private parties, and weddings. RosaPiù creations utilize roses, foliage and different kinds of leaves – all preserved through a closely guarded and patented technique. Concetta’s company has found a way to put the roses and foliage to rather unique usage. “We can custom make anything for our clients. Furniture, mirrors, art pieces made of roses and foliage, chandeliers with roses, cushions and table covers, and superb balls made of leaves,” explained Concetta as we browsed through the product catalogue. “We have even decorated entire walls of homes to enhance or compliment interiors,” she added. While she could not divulge the preservation technique – their trade secret – Concetta did share some light on the process. “The roses are cut at their peak stage and their freshness and beauty is stabilized. Some countries have tried with foliage, but the technique conceptualized in Africa was the successful one,” she explained, and having noticed that I was gazing at a foliage ‘decoration ball’, she smiled and added, “Oh, that one took two years of training to accomplish. Look at it minutely…you won’t find a fault.” Indeed the team undergoes intensive training 56
in making each product impeccable. There are at least 25 colors to choose from, besides the special editions, and customized color varieties for large regular orders. Concetta’s company has exclusive selling rights from her African and Ecuadorian producers for the UK, Ireland, France, USA and the Middle East. She chose Kuwait as her regional launch pad, recently appointing a new partner, Altarakma International General Trading Company, which will not only handle product-sales, but also provide a complete and customized wedding service. Inarguably, RosaPiù products’ Unique Selling Point is its ‘no maintenance’ feature. Speaking of dos and don’ts, Concetta said, “You don’t have to do anything, as long as it’s kept indoors, in cool and normal humid condition. For fragrance, you may add oil essence to it. To clean, just dust them off. But never use water on them,” she cautioned. Their private home-decorating commissions are also gaining popularity among the local clientele, wherein a dedicated team is ready to advice clients based on their space and taste. “In our homedecorations, we use roses, foliages, eucalyptus leaves, etc., which compliment almost anything. Our roses are also distinctive as tokens or giveaways. Customers like to combine chocolates, for instance, with our long-stem roses or gift boxes to make it extra
special,” Concetta explained. As we wrapped up the interview over coffee and a bowl of nutty chocolates, Concetta let me peek into her sketchbook, which contained designs of furniture, chandeliers, mirror-panels, Plexiglas and wallpapers, either made of multi-colored roses, petals, leaves, foliages, or a combination of all. “One designer suggested we make dresses with our roses, since we have already made tablecloths and cushion covers,” Concetta confided in an amused tone. And while the notion of a fresh rose skirt sounded über-cool, it was her little catalogue of natural, succulent, and velvety African leaves, that enchanted me the most. Apparently, although experts have tried preservation techniques with other kinds of flowers, the best and effective results are only seen with roses. It is, after all, an art to be a rose. Upcoming: RosaPiù official Press & Media launch is scheduled for 6th November, 2013 at the Main Entrance Arraya Center, Al Shuhada Street, Sharq. (Check website for details) For more information contact Mohammed Altarakma on 6615 1533 or email: m.altarakma@rosapiu.com Discover the infinite variety of RosaPiù exclusive creations on www.rosapiu.com.
New Season ADOLFO
MARCH FOR HONOUR 2013 by Abdulmohsen Al Mayyas
In November 2009, whilst enduring an arduous rehabilitation program for severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sustained on operations in Afghanistan, Ram Patten decided he wanted to do something to help increase awareness on the matter. He formulated a plan to speed march a sponsored mile to mark each loss the British Armed Forces had sustained since operations in Iraq and Afghanistan began in 2001. On the 4th November 2010 four teams of serving and ex-serving individuals from each of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces began an epic ‘March For Honour’. Starting in four separate locations across the UK, the teams dedicate and speed-marched a mile for every British military life lost on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. Each team marched an average of around 30 miles a day and a total distance of up to 260 miles, carrying no less than 55 pounds of equipment. The teams united along the route before marching into London on the 11th November 2010 to deliver the Book of Remembrance to the Royal Albert Hall for the National Festival of Remembrance. The March For Honour 2010 national fundraising event in the UK was a resounding success, which saw the cause raising in excess of GBP 740,000 (KD 337,000), all of which was donated to the recipient nominated charity. The year 2013 is set to be a great year for March For Honour fundraising. 2013 will see the March For Honour starting with a team setting off from Sief Palace to Messilah Beach along the Gulf Road and returning to the finish at the British Embassy in Kuwait. “The British expatriate community experiences the esteemed hospitality of Kuwait and therein wish to thank the State of Kuwait for the longstanding close ties in diplomacy, trade, investment and academia,” Ram Patten said. “We must lead by example in order for the public to follow suit in support of youth development in the State of Kuwait. Therefore I will utilize the March For Honour 2013 cause as a means to increase public awareness on the efforts and achievements of LOYAC, this year’s nominated recipient nonprofit organization.” LOYAC, a local non-profit organization, was founded by a group of committed women in Kuwait as a proactive response to the violence that shook the world in September 11, 2001. The founding members of LOYAC recognized that youth can be led towards peace by providing them with opportunities for personal growth, experiencing the joy of service and developing their professional skills through on-the-job training internships that build self confidence. Embracing peace as its prime awareness message, the group set about formulating programs and activities that will help 58
them achieve their stated objectives. Patten went on to say, “I am honored to announce that His Highness The Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Her Majesty’s Ambassador His Excellency Frank Baker OBE has agreed to be this year’s events patrons.” With immense support from their community and their government, The March For Honour’s mission is to utilize innovative means of fundraising in order to donate the funds raised to an annually nominated recipient charity. The team in Kuwait is set to cover a distance a little over 30 miles (50 km) along Kuwait City’s Gulf Road. The aim is to complete the distance in ten hours, in full combat marching order and carrying a 55lbs Bergen/military pack. All other participants will not be required to carry a load. “The concept is for the British expatriate community to celebrate our UK Armed Forces under SSAFA whilst simultaneously demonstrating the strength in our ties with our esteemed hosts in the State of Kuwait through the promotion of local youth development programmes under LOYAC.” Patten explained. The key is to amalgamate a contingent of British
and Kuwaiti nationals consisting of servicemen and women, veterans and civilians alike, not exceeding groups of thirty members at any one time, however we anticipate that we will attract between 300 600 participants. Team members will be invited to participate for the whole distance, with predetermined drop-off points for the relay groups. There is going to be a drive to encourage all of varying levels of ability to partake in the March For Honour 2013. The March For Honour cause was created to establish a firm, dependable and additional fundraising platform for annually nominated charities. Patten believes they do not get enough recognition and praise for the invaluable, essential and unfathomably tremendous work. Whether you are looking to participate or to just cheer the march on, we highly encourage coming out and being a part of this very unique event to support these soldiers for charity. For more information visit: www.marchforhonour.com, view them on youtube.com/marchforhonour, or follow them on Twitter, Instagram @marchforhonour
LAKELAND
PARISIAN CHIC FOR THE HIGH STREET
Get dressed for an everyday Parisian FĂŞte: Marant offers real clothes that capture the moment, iconic pieces from her career, reinterpreted for a wardrobe of must-have urban staples. Choose. Wear. Freely. Everything goes with everything!
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pour
The look du jour: Ladies, make a statement with an eclectic mix of boho elegance and rock ‘n’ roll insouciance. And men, Marant offers for the first time ever, a menswear collection, pieces with an air of vintage Americana and French flair.
The Isabel Marant pour H&M collection will be available exclusively at the Grand Avenue – The Avenues store in Kuwait on November 14th. For more information, please visit www.hm.com/kw.
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bazaar love/hate
OUR TOP 5 CONFLICTS ABOUT GETTING OLDER by bazaar staff
“They were so much younger then, they’re older than that now” - Al Most Dylan We live in an age-obsessed society, no doubt about it. Whether from cultural influence, mainstream press and magazines, or even the self-realization of age as reminded via increasingly creaky bones, it is something that you simply don’t notice until you do, and then it’s everywhere. When Oscar Wilde wrote his now famous lines (though often mistakenly attributed to George Bernard Shaw) that “youth is wasted on the young,” he was spot on; the trouble is, if I might humbly add to this, only old folks say it, and the young won’t listen. Whether stretching skin, or taking pills, dressing young or acting older, confusion about age permeates our modern world. With that in mind, we take a second here to celebrate and elaborate on the love/hate relationship that we all have with age. #5 – Classics become retro – It is a sad day indeed when you realize all the things that you once loved as a youth are now being recycled, are resurfacing, or worse—may even be liked ironically. Sure as the 80’s fashion and music of a few years ago is now resurfacing as 90’s influence, you can be sure that the ought’s are coming next. You must fight the urge to tell them how good that music was the first time around, and how you saw their 62
first show whenever at wherever with what’s his name—you are only further aging yourself. For, although, you think that their resurging hipness and the mutual admiration society you have formed will somehow transfer on to you, rest assured it won’t. You see, they love them/it as they are received now, and not in the near-Jurassic version that oldcobwebby-you recalls. Still, the love to be had is this—who cares why they are playing your favorite band, just stay quiet and enjoy the music. #4 – The obligations – Be they familial or otherwise, it seems that your teens into your twenties are filled with obligations; all the things that you have to do exceed what you want to do, by far. Perhaps it’s a trip with friends, or innumerable weddings (which incidentally always seem to happen in bunches of 3), perhaps it’s just a multi-generational family vacation, but it happens. Call it settling into your own skin, call it no longer caring, (or better yet don’t call me at all) but for whatever the reason, into your thirties and beyond, you simply cannot be bothered to do anything that you don’t want to. Of course you must beware, the end game of this is you as an older person before your time, grumpy and angry and refusing to leave the couch at all. Do what
you want, but remember that on occasion there just may be a birthday party to attend when you don’t totally feel like it. #3 – Friends – A funny thing happens with friends over time: the good ones become more so, the fair-weather are forgotten, and the new ones mean all that much more in light of how rare this gift is truly revealed to be. So, while you may enjoy as a youth being the life of the party and having friends in every which direction you choose, you do come to find out at the end that the more is most certainly not –the merrier. And all that is before you even happen to get old enough that all of your friends start to die off. Yes, give me one or two good and true friends, and I will show you a life well lived; as the only way to truly get one, is to be one. #2 – Viewing the ‘rents – There is much to love about getting to an age where you can finally see eye to eye with your parental units. The ability to understand all the complexity and nuance of their relationships and learning how it has all come to shape your own experiences can be invaluable. However, the down side is realizing that they just may have been right about everything they ever told you. What’s worse is that they don’t stop dispelling information throughout their days. Which means, on the off chance that you make the mistake of letting them know that you know they were right… you won’t ever hear the end of it! Lastly, for all of your independence, the slow, sneaking suspicion that you are in fact becoming your parents, is a tough pill to swallow ––proceed accordingly! #1 – Your body begins to betray you! – …And then one day you wake to find that without you knowing it, your body has begun to turn on you. Your late nights are suddenly rougher on you (true to form, even what is considered late, changes), the early mornings are a bit rougher, and often down right impossible without coffee. Now on the love side…and I get this is a reach, as what is there to love about your body getting older…but at least you don’t have the same expectation to be in perfect shape. It is no longer necessary to be in gym shape all year long. In fact, the longer you can just walk around on your own, you are already ahead of the game. Still, there is no denying the fact that you are an organism dying-ouch! So, there you have it: in the time it took to read this you have gotten older—deal with it! The Love/Hate column is a verbatim record of the permanent argument going on amongst the various personalities in our head. Join me, myself and I, next month as we all sit down with family for Love/Hate: The Holidays!
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THE PEOPLE OF PATIENCE by Ayman Nassar
Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the most awesome generation of them all? Without a shadow of a doubt, and without a hint of prejudice or bias in my opinion, I can honestly say that those born in the 80s and early 90s are the undisputed champions when it comes to the best generation there ever was (shout out to all those born in good ol’ 1986). This generation of pioneers can truly call themselves the inbetweeners; the bridge that best exemplified the link between the analog and the digital, the wired and the wireless, the present and the future. We grew up on the playground and then later migrated to the virtual world of zeros and ones. We cried when we scraped our knees and bruised our elbows, not when the touch screens of our iPads broke. We kicked footballs with our feet and not our opposable thumbs. Our first computer was the GUI enabled Windows ‘95; the blue screen of death was our greatest fear. To go online you had to go sit down in front of a CRT monitor (which required a lot of muscle to move, as did our TVs) and not simply whip out your smart phone and flick your finger across the screen whilst standing in line waiting for your low-fat caramel macchiato. 64
This was the generation that had to bear the Skrillex-like shrill of the dial-up modem as they connected to the internet with a speed of 56kbps! Phrases like, “get off the internet, I want to use the phone!” were not uncommon from parents. Many a times the dial-up would fail due to “line busy”, and we’d have to occupy ourselves with other mentally stimulating challenges. At that speed, downloads were a luxury that took days for music, and weeks for movies. We relied on VCD copies of said movies, obvious bootlegs recorded in a dreary cinema, to keep up-to-date with the latest happenings of Hollywood. Nowadays, everything is available at warp speed and perfect quality. People have volumes and volumes of data, but no time to watch any of it! If we wanted to call our friends, we had to dial their landlines, make idle small-talk with whomever picks up, and in case of calling a crush several times and getting her frustrated parents, the ‘coldshoulder-hang-up’ was implemented. If you were unlucky, you’d get a cross call, where someone inadvertently violates your line space and listens in to your conversation. A complete random stranger! TV was amazing too. We treaded the waters carefully, with only a few local channels available via
antenna, with a nifty little device that would make it spin like a weathervane as reception depended upon the weather. Then the satellite sprung into commercial existence with a thousand and one channels that play 24/7. But most importantly, this is the generation that knew how to PROGRAM THE VCR! You would go out and set the timer to record your favorite show, no sweat. We had to borrow our parents’ cell-phones when going out with our friends, as mobiles were still coming to fruition (and terribly expensive! Both as hardware and payment plan; those that handled the Ericsson T688 will recall). We were making history, we were the test subjects for the transition to touch screen! Can you imagine the difficulty of moving from using the indestructible Nokia 3310, or the pudgy Nokia “Panda” 6600 to iPhones and Androids? It was a time of surprise and delight, as we rarely knew who was calling, since caller ID only came out a short while after the mobile phone was introduced, it was also a subscription service. Nowadays apps like TrueCaller have taken the fun out of receiving calls from anonymous numbers, as a name is immediately assigned to the number. Music! This was the generation of the Walkman, and its successor, the Discman! Jogging was a lot of fun as you got a workout in your arms just carrying whatever device you were running with, and the Discman had a nasty habit of skipping. Just try to imagine sneaking one of those into class at school! Nowadays it is easy, with iPod shuffles literally the size of your thumb, that could be stashed anywhere! Last but certainly not least, photography! Before the days of smart phones and Instagram, photographs had to be taken on a special thing called ‘film’. Each film roll had a capacity of 36 shots depending on who loaded it, most of the time several shots were lost when loading, so the average was 32. As it cost money to buy the film, as well as money to have it developed, people were very picky over what they snapped, and hence there were no “selfies” back in the day, no pictures of floating fingers carrying funny objects, you basically did not click anything you did not want a stranger to see (and ridicule) later. Yes, if anything, this generation should be dubbed ‘the people of patience’. The greatest achievement of this generation has to be their ability to adapt. We adapted to every new release of Windows, we adapted to the flat screens, the touch screens, the Air Jordans, the music (from Britney to Miley, and every blonde in between) and the internet. The list is endless. We continue to adapt to this very day. Yes indeed, this generation will make some very strange grandparents!
CAMPUS CLOUD
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FREEZING BEAUTY by Bibi Al-Falah
One of my favorite summer quotes on Instagram this summer was “Summer. Hair gets lighter. Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Music gets louder. Life gets better.” Does this mean that we have to look at winter as the dismal opposite of this quote? NO WAY! I, for one, am a child of the winter and prefer it over summer for many reasons, especially fashion and beauty! So let me take a moment to re-write this quote for the colder months that are now upon us: “Winter. Hair gets shinier, clothes get classier, nail polish gets darker, and accessories get fiercer!” If you’re anything like me, putting a pair of boots on again, for the first time, is like a breath of fresh air. Summer fashion cannot even compete with the chic-ness of its colder counterpart. Here are some of my favorite tips for fashion and beauty this winter: 1. GO DARK. Dark nails, dark lips, dark shadow. My go-to nail polish color for the past few winters has been ‘Wicked’ by Essie, however I have recently ventured towards an even darker hue called ‘Luxedo’. It looks almost black when applied but you definitely feel like a rock star wearing it. Pair the vixen nails with an equally edgy smokey eye. There are so many fabulous YouTube videos on how to do this yourself, but when all else fails just layer dark grey shadow on your outer corners slowly, blend it inwards with a small makeup brush and add a winged eye with liquid liner. Wear intense smokey eyes with a nude lip, but if you’re just wearing simple eyeliner then definitely go for a deep burgundy lip color. One of the most amazing shades I’ve found is a dark red called ‘Beguiled’ from TopShop. This shade is almost always sold out, so I would suggest popping by Bobbi Brown for some fantastic options that are also super hydrating. Winter tip: Make sure you exfoliate your lips and put some Vaseline on before lipstick so that you don’t get any cracks in the cold! 2. L is for leather. We all love this trend, from leather boots to pants and every girl’s must-have winter staple: a black leather jacket. My style is often girly so it was really hard to find a leather jacket that didn’t feel too harsh. I finally found the perfect one at All Saints in London. I used to think that no leather jacket would ever suit me but I promise you leather jackets are like soul matesthere’s one out there for everyone! Winter tip: Don’t overdo too much leather in one outfit- keep it to two pieces maximum (ex. boots and a jacket or pants and a bag). 3. Moisturizer is your best friend. Make peace with it. Buy it in bulk. Keep it by your side at work 66
and at home. Moisturizing is always important but cold wind makes our skin so much more susceptible to dryness. Make sure you moisturize every day and keep a hand cream with you at all times. This is an ideal time to use a heavier night cream for the face. Winter tip: Don’t walk around the house barefoot! This is the fastest way to get dry skin on your heels. 4. Don’t neglect your feet! Just because you’re always in closed shoes it doesn’t mean you should be skipping out on pedicures. Keep your tosies in check with trips to the nail salon. Winter is a great time to get those extra treatments at salons like paraffin and hydrating exfoliations so that your skin stays baby soft. Winter tip: Put Vaseline on your heels before bed and wear a pair of socks. 5. Protect your strands. Winter is the best time to help your hair recover from all the sun damage and highlights that you probably had done. If you
have highlights in, give your hair a bleach break and stick to just root touch ups for color (by the summer, you will have a very natural ombre look). It’s always a good idea to get hair treatments done, but as a longer-term solution I would highly recommend doing one of the new protein or collagen hair treatments which last up to 3 months and are available at many different salons now including Eden Salon and The Boudoir. Winter tip: It’s extra tempting to take burning hot showers in the winter, but did you know that this severely dries out your skin and hair? For shinier hair, make the water at least lukewarm when rinsing out your conditioner. Have a fashionable November or “MO-vember” as many have renamed it in honor of the men’s health initiative taking over the world. Guys grow out their moustaches for the entire month as a manly statement with the goal of raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer charities. Way to go!
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MERCEDES BENZ Still on top
by bazaar staff
It is an often-overlooked fact that the Benz Patent Motorwagen of 1886 is largely considered to be the first automobile ever produced. In the nearly 130 years that have passed since that time, the Mercedes Benz corporation has remained synonymous with luxury and a forwardthinking ingenuity that has kept their designs outside as fresh as their technology in. It is little surprise then that they have again proved their overall worth with a recent announcement by the independent company Interbrand, that they are the number 11 Best Global Brand, and number 1 in Europe overall. They have also retained their title as the world’s most valuable premium automobile brand in 2013. Now holding this place mark for the second year in a row, they continue to exude a steady confidence in the markets and amongst their competitors. The brand’s value has risen by six percent in comparison to 2012, to 31.904 billion dollars. This continues an unbroken upward-trend that we have seen since 2009. “We are proud and delighted that we have been able to repeat last year’s success while also further raising the brand’s absolute value,” commented Dr. Jens Thiemer, Director of Brand Communication, Mercedes-Benz Cars, in reference to the results of the study. “This shows that our “Mercedes-Benz 2020” growth strategy and our “Best Customer Experience” marketing strategy are not only taking sales to new heights but also enhancing our international renown and image.” The study’s authors attribute the sustained success to Mercedes-Benz’s unmatched ability in the automotive sector to maintain the right balance between tradition and pioneering ideas in the field of mobility and to enthuse people around the world with its products. The generation of compact cars launched in the past two years is aimed specifically at modern target groups. Ranging from the new A-Class to the new S-Class, the vehicles demonstrate how Mercedes-Benz embodies contemporary luxury without neglecting individual mobility requirements. These latest designations of “Best Global Brands” are identified by Interbrand on an annual basis, based on overall performance and expected growth. The study is designed to identify the world’s 100 most valuable brands and is considered by leading CEOs worldwide to represent the competitive benchmark for the value of international brands. For more information on Mercedes-Benz products and services in Kuwait, please visit them online at www.mercedes-benz.com.kw or join them on Facebook: MercedesBenzKuwait or follow them on Twitter and Instagram @MercedesBenzKWT. The iPhone app for Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. can be downloaded for free by searching for ‘MB Kuwait’ in the Apple online app store. 68
BHS
DM BOARDING
A welcome community! by bazaar staff
In just a few short years, water sports that were previously unavailable locally have been on the rise. Most notably in this regard: wakeboarding. From Bnaider to Marina Crescent, you increasingly see people riding the wake of speedboats, and flipping and flying behind them at will. However, as pioneers for any new sport often find, the local selection of products, lessons, and their sporting counterparts have been hard to come by. With the arrival of DMBoarding (DMB), we are set to enter a whole new chapter of availability for the local scene. Far from just a selection of products for sale, the community that is being built via the owner, the team riders, and the throngs of people that have taken advantage of the lessons and promotions they offer, is making these sports available to everyone. If you have ever tried to look for something here, only to find out that it doesn’t exist locally and determined that you must import it, then you have a glimpse of the problems that have faced those looking to increase their options on the water. Now imagine that the product that you want to obtain is a 4+ meter tall x 1-meter wide (or 14 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide) surfboard, and you start to see how hard it can become. The arrival and selection of these Stand Up Paddle boards alone would make their company worth a visit; however, with the added stock of Kite surfing and Wakeboarding paraphernalia (not to mention well-managed and helpful lessons for all ages and skill-sets), they are not to be missed. Additionally, as the sole distributor of Slingshot and Mystic products in Kuwait—two well-known names in these sports—they are the only place to get your hands on some of these items. They are also a retailer of North Kite boarding, Fanatic, and F-one products as well, to name a few. For those who are unfamiliar with Kite surfing, their lesson packages may just be a great way to get into it. Basically, much like a bizarre mashup of wind surfing and wakeboarding, you are harnessing the energy of the wind via a kite to which you are tethered and on a wakeboardlike object. The feeling of being pulled up into the air by the wind’s power is, so I am told, one of the rare treats of modern sporting that you actually must try to believe; it is that awesome of a feeling. Still, there are many that with no prior knowledge assume that perhaps this sport is for those already in the know. That’s where Basile Quiroga, and his group of team riders come in: excited about the growth of their sport in Kuwait, and happy to share it with you via lessons, sport competitions, and by working with Q8 balance, who serve as a dealership for some of DMB’s 70
exclusive brands; their passion is contagious! In a recent sit-down with their team riders themselves to discuss the passion of their sport we got to learn a bit more about how they all got involved and what keeps them motivated. A team that is comprised of 2 Kuwaiti men, 1 woman, and a Frenchman who has relocated to be part of the local scene, they are growing as quickly as their reach in international competitions. In fact, at a recent stop on the WWA Wake Park World Series, one of their riders made it to the third round of competition, while another made an even bigger splash overall. After just two years in the sport, Shaira Almouri came in third in the Nationals portion of the competition; a great feat both for her and Kuwait at large as the sport
continues to grow regionally. As she now evolves into the sport of kite boarding as well, it will be interesting to watch her progress. If you are looking for lessons on any of the above, they do both one-on-one and group instruction. You can also just rent the equipment as well, based on your experience level. They offer supervision, if you are a novice with your own equipment and are just looking for someone to go out with you, for your own safety. They even offer an immersion course that allows you to go from “Zero to hero,” in the span of a weekend. When asked for a rundown on the company, Basile says, ”our mission is to help people learn to kite surf as safely, quickly and easily
as possible. We keep the pressure on to learn new skills, taking small steps that add up to big progress. But the vibe is always friendly and we never forget that it’s all about fun. You’ll work hard, you’ll learn a lot and you’ll laugh even more!” Of their primary riders, Yousef Ramadhan, a Kuwaiti who cites the Khiran lagoons as his favorite local spot, is an all-around athlete who has been into kite boarding since 2011. He says that what he loves best about it is “it never gets boring, conditions are always different, and the dynamic nature of the wind and waves mean you are constantly challenged.” He goes on to say that “the weightless feeling of floating through the air high above the water, and then coming
down for a relatively soft landing, or better yet, the feeling of immense power, when your kite plucks you off the water like you weigh nothing, leaves you with the feeling of accomplishment after your session.” For his part, Mohammed Albannai, a rider since 2007 sees Kite boarding as a huge stress reliever. A Kuwaiti himself who learned and competed in the sport in Miami, he loves the technicality of tricks, particularly when at his favorite local spot, the Bnaider sandbar. Yaquob Anway Al Nasrallah, a rider since 2011, recently participated in the Dubai Kite competition. He “loves the sensation of the ride itself, and how it makes (him) feel.” His favorite spot is Marina Crescent, where you are still close enough to people to wow them
with your tricks. As the only non-local on the DMB riding team, Vince Berthez travels often to Kuwait for events and will next be seen at the WWA wake park event in the Philippines. What is most notable about all of their team is that they really just seem excited to get the word out to everybody about Wakeboarding, Kite boarding and Stand Up Paddle-boarding. They are doing it for the love and absolutely everybody is welcome. Find them on the beach or search them out online…you won’t be sorry. Go to www.dmboarding.com to check out all their products and information on lessons. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ dmboarding 71
FASTE
ELCO
bazaar fitness
BEAUTIFUL STRENGTH by Mike Campbell
“Consistency is very important. The more consistent you are, the more progress you will make to reach your goals.” Frank Medrano Would you like hear about a health and fitness phenomenon which has taken off internationally, and is now starting to spread through Kuwait? It’s going to open your eyes and make you view things a little differently than you do now. From upside down, to sideways: Calisthenics has arrived. cal·is·then·ics - From Greek kalli-, beautiful (from kallos, beauty) and sthenos, strength. Whether it’s a bar or ring muscle-up, a clap pull-up, an L-sit or a walking handstand, body weight training in the Middle East is on the rise! Names like Frank Medrano or Ricardo Hurtado, also known as “The Last Emperor,” are really bringing the ‘old school’ calisthenics back to the forefront of fitness, and making it cool, all over again. Calisthenics has a long and rich history dating back to the Spartans. It incorporates a variety of exercises, often rhythmical movements, and generally without using equipment or apparatus. These exercises are intended to increase body strength and flexibility with movements such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only one’s body weight for resistance. They are usually conducted in concert with stretches. Calisthenics, when performed vigorously and with variety, can benefit both muscular and cardiovascular fitness, in addition to improving psychomotor skills such as balance, agility and coordination. Taking a walk along the benches of Southern California you will stop to stare and be left mesmerized by the feats of these male and female athletes, as they bring various gymnastic moves 74
to life, right in front of you. The list of exercises is endless, from front levers, human flags, one arm pull-ups, to hand stand push-ups inspiring and motivating people from all levels of fitness to get inverted and get back to “playing”. Mobility is king, and the key to learning these feats of strength and balance is in the foundation exercises of (but not limited to) squatting, lunging, pull ups, dipping, twisting, crunches, planking and handstands. So it begs the question that, if the elements of body weight training have been around for a while, then why is it just now that calisthenics is on the rise in popularity? Without a doubt social media has played a huge role in the re-emergence of the “street gymnast”. Contenders include Instagram and YouTube, which enable people from all over the globe to see for themselves the tricks these masters are performing. However, apart from the obvious showmanship, the benefits of calisthenics simply cannot be ignored. The mastering of one’s body translates into a better, stronger athlete. The development of joint strength, core strength, and neurological efficiency all benefits that come with the proper training of calisthenics. Body weight training is fun. It’s like play time as a child. You can hang out with your friends at home, the park or the gym and show each other your latest skills. It builds strength, flexibility, mobility, coordination, balance agility and confidence. The exercises can be performed anywhere! No matter where you are, you will have an effective training method at your disposal. I believe that working on these exercises
will help people tackle the everyday challenges of sport, work and life. There is also a lot of research to say that performing body weight exercises might be easier on the nervous system. This also means you can possibly train more often. An interesting fact is that the “Old School” Strongmen were extremely proficient in mastering their bodyweight. Men like Sig Klein, Arthor Saxon or Eugene Sandow could not only perform impressive feats of strengths, but they had supreme control of their bodies. If you’re interested in reading more I would encourage you to check out the World Calisthenics Organisation (WCO). This was founded by Kenneth Gallarzo and Brendan Cosso. They transformed what is commonly known as the ‘Street Workout’ into a professional series of competitions to solidify calisthenics as a sport and bring it in to the forefront of professional competitions. The WCO was the first ever to hold a legitimate calisthenics competition, with reach to nearly 37,000 onlookers, at the LA Fit Expo in January 2013. There are street-styled workouts available now in Kuwait, and Inspire Pure Fitness is looking to run workshops in the near future, in conjunction with coaches from the WCO. Follow them on Facebook: Inspire Pure Fitness Kuwait or Twitter: @inspireq8 Mike Campbell is the GM and Co Founder of Inspire Pure Fitness. For further information please email: info@inspirekw.com or jane@inspirekw.com or visit www.inspirekw.com.
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bazaar health
THE SECRET TO…. WELL, EVERYTHING by Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg
The June edition of National Geographic Magazine features an article on Mount Everest— it is very disturbing reading. In short, the insatiable demand of the world’s adventurous to “…stand on top of the world” is destroying the rather fragile eco-system where the earth and sky meet. But that’s not the most disturbing part. There are bodies, quite a number of them, just lying where the individuals fell, now frozen to the mountain. The Kingdom of Nepal does not have the ways or means to remove the dead climbers, and the people who are climbing the mountain are there for just one purpose – to reach the summit. Packing out the body of a fellow climber is not on the agenda. What makes this sad is that the climbers who die on Mount Everest probably didn’t have to die. The majority of them become disabled and distressed not because of the danger of the climb itself, but because they have not prepared for the stresses of the activity. According to the article, people are not dying because of mountaineering accidents (falling into a crevasse, etc.) but because they tackle the tallest mountain in the world without adequate preparation. They haven’t trained at high altitudes; they don’t know what dehydration at 30,000 feet feels like; they haven’t prepared for the cold, the dark, or the physical exertion. And, it kills them. I’m not going to climb Mount Everest (though I did climb Mt. Sinai and feel pretty chuffed about that) but the lesson is still valid. If I want to do anything significant, I have to plan for success. In taking up running last January, I would have been incredibly foolish to get up off my couch where I’d lived for the past seventeen years and enter an ultra marathon (the equivalent of deciding to climb Mount Everest without adequate preparation). I would have died. No, actually, I would have quit before finishing – I have no desire to die in the effort to get fit and healthy. So it is with any goal we have. There is no substitute for careful preparation, purposeful planning, and supportive people. Whatever your goal is – quitting smoking, getting fit, losing weight, running a marathon, climbing Mount Everest – success is really only possible when we give up the idea that “…this will be easy,” and plan to work hard; to take advantage of every single scrap of support we can find in the effort to make a lifestyle change, and to make that change a permanent one. There is no greater satisfaction than the internal euphoria of achieving a goal that required every ounce of will, determination, and grit. Especially the fortitude we didn’t know we had. 76
“
There really is no secret
Hard work and discipline are what you need to succeed. This applies to everything. There really is no secret – or shortcut – that will get you around this. Get to it. Now.
And therein lies the “secret” to everything. There is no elevator to success. Everyone has to take the stairs. Sometimes lack of preparation means we fail. Sometimes, taking a shortcut can have a much more devastating consequence. If you have a goal – something you want to accomplish – plan to take advantage of every scrap of support you can find, and decide ahead of time that there’s no substitute for doing the hard stuff, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
”
The “secret” of success will be yours. What do you want to accomplish? Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg is a Canadian psychologist traveling the world on a busman’s holiday. Bossy from birth, compassionate by choice, and funny by accident, Dr. Susannah writes about anything that catches her attention. Visit: www.soorcenter.com or follow her on Twitter: @drsusannah
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bazaar movie night The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in November
THOR: THE DARK WORLD 3D
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
THE COUNSELOR
Release Date: November 7 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Chris Hemsworth/Natalie Portman/Tom Hiddleston
Release Date: November 21 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Jennifer Lawrence/Liam Hemsworth/Josh Hutcherson
Release Date: November 21 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller Cast: Brad Pitt/Goran Visnjic/Michael Fassbender
Synopsis: Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.
Synopsis: In this, the second of The Hunger Games Trilogy, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.
Synopsis: Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) have joined forces in the motion picture thriller The Counselor, also starring, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Javier Bardem,. McCarthy, making his screenwriting debut and Scott interweave the author’s characteristic wit and dark humor with a nightmarish scenario, in which a respected lawyer’s one-time dalliance with an illegal business deal spirals out of control and he winds up being involved in drug trafficking. With a killer cast like this, surely you can’t go wrong.
DELIVERY MAN
THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY
PARKLAND
Release Date: November 28 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Comedy Cast: Vince Vaughn/Chris Pratt/Cobie Smulders
Release Date: November 28 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Comedy Cast: Sanaa Lathan/Terrence Howard/Taye Diggs
Release Date: November 28 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller Cast: Zac Efron/Tom Welling/Billy Bob Thornton
Synopsis: From DreamWorks Pictures comes Delivery Man, the story of affable underachiever David Wozniak, whose mundane life is turned upside down when he finds out that he fathered 533 children through sperm donations he made twenty years earlier. In debt to the mob, rejected by his pregnant girlfriend, things couldn’t look worse for David when he is hit with a lawsuit from 142 of the 533 twenty-somethings who want to know the identity of the donor. As David struggles to decide whether or not he should reveal his true identity, he embarks on a journey that leads him to discover not only his true self but the father he could become as well.
Synopsis: The Best Man Holiday is the longawaited next chapter to The Best Man, the film that ushered in a new era of comedy. When the college friends finally reunite over the Christmas holidays after 15 years, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited. Malcolm D. Lee returns to write and direct this sequel to his directorial debut. Sean Daniel from The Mummy franchise produces alongside Lee. In March 2013, Terrence Howard while talking about the film said: “I think it’s going to be an amazing film and I get tearyeyed thinking about it because there’s some tragedy in it. That’s all I’ll say…”
Synopsis: Recounting the chaotic events that occurred in Dallas, on Nov. 22, 1963, Parkland weaves together the perspectives of a handful of ordinary individuals suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances: the young doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital; Dallas’ chief of the Secret Service; an unwitting cameraman who captured what became the most watched and examined film in history; the FBI agents who nearly had the gunman within their grasp; the brother of Lee Harvey Oswald, left to deal with his shattered family; and JFK’s security team, witnesses to both the president’s death and Lyndon Johnson’s rise to power over a nation whose innocence was forever altered.
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For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit: Cinescape: www.cinescape.com.kw or Facebook: Cinescape – Kuwait National Cinema Company, Grand Cinemas: kw.grandcinemas.com or Facebook: Grand Cinemas Kuwait.
CROCS - women
SERVICE HERO
Bettering customer satisfaction in Kuwait and the Middle East by bazaar staff
Service Hero President, Faten Abu-Ghazaleh, tells us more about the concept that is revolutionizing customer satisfaction throughout the Middle East. What does the Service Hero CSI ideally mean, and what does it measure? The Service Hero Customer Satisfaction Index was designed to resolve two issues: one for consumers and one for companies. For consumers the problem is “how can I get better service from the companies I deal with in Kuwait”? For companies the challenge is “where do we stand on creating customer satisfaction and loyalty compared to companies that we compete with, and compared to the overall country index?” By solving these two problems, the economy of the country will begin to improve overtime as we see improvements in the performance of industries within it. The index measures 10 key service attributes on a 10 point rating scale on a before and after basis. The key attributes are: staff attitude, speed, location, value, reliability, product quality, call center, website, comparison to an ideal, and likelihood to recommend. Based on this 100% customer derived input, the index computes overall scores for each company based on all the attributes. It measures them across 17 key industry categories including communication, banking, healthcare, automotive, restaurants, airlines and specialty stores. How is a typical Service Hero assessment carried out? The survey is open throughout the year on www.servicehero.com as well as the Service Hero page on Facebook and on android applications. It takes customers less than 4 minutes to assess a brand and leave comments. SH then compiles a quarterly index as well as an annual one. Consumers can vote for the same brand only once per quarter, but can vote on as many other brands as they want. Each assessment period has a minimum target of 3000 assessments with the year-end target being over 10,000 assessments that are vetted for quality and authenticity. What is the role of the Independent Advisory Council? Since our early beginnings, we were determined to have an Independent Advisory Council in order to have an independent entity oversee our work and ensure that findings are fair and impartial. The council is composed of two distinct groups – academic institutions and professionals from companies not evaluated in the index. They’ve all been handpicked for their experience in marketing, research and business best practices. Members include: Dr. Carol Ross of the American University of Kuwait, Abdulwahab Al Ghanim of the Australian College of Kuwait, Dr. Hassan El-Sady 80
of the Gulf Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Nabil El-Hilali of Kuwait Maastricht Business School, Abdulmajeed Al Shatti, ex- Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Dr. Reinhold Leichtfuss Senior Partner and Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group, Nauman Sehgal, Chief Operating Officer of Noor Investment Company, and Yann Pavie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GulfMerger. How does the Advisory Council at Service Hero ensure that results from various assessments are accurate, objective and justified? Service Hero works on the principle of full transparency. In following that tenet, The Advisory Council is exposed to all information on collected data, statistical results, and validation rules that have been applied. They’re also asked for advice on some aspects of the index whenever such an occasion merits it. By having this independent entity part of the reporting process, Service Hero ensures that its assessments are objective and accurate. Are members of the Advisory Council actively involved in the Service Hero assessment process? Advisory Council members meet with the executive team of Service Hero at the kickoff of a new assessment period to discuss any changes or improvements to the data collection process. This may include adding new tools or applications – such as smartphone optimization of the survey, or the use of QR codes – as well as new categories that may be added. Council members, especially those in colleges, also invite their student bodies to be active promoters of the index as the promise is “this is good for the economy of Kuwait and consumers”. Is the Advisory Council set to expand, will we be seeing new members joining the current board? We are always looking to add members whom add experience and insight to the team. As Service Hero plans to expand outside Kuwait, the Advisory Council will also expand to reflect independent professionals and experts in marketing and service excellence. We have already got confirmations from
three universities in the UAE to join the index and will be announcing their identities as we roll out the index in that country. How does the level of customer satisfaction in Kuwait compare to other Customer Service Indices in the United States and United Kingdom in the year 2012? On the face of it, Kuwait’s customer satisfaction levels seem to be comparable and even higher than those in the US and the UK where they also run a similar national customer satisfaction index. The Kuwait index for 2012 scored 7.86 versus 7.59 for the US ACSI and 7.53 for the UK CSI. However, it must be noted that customer expectations and attitudes to service in Kuwait, a developing nation, will be different, and perhaps lower than how customers expect and perceive service in developed and mature economies. Having said that, some industries in Kuwait are higher than those in both other countries while some are lower. For example we are lower for new car sales and fast food but we are higher for airlines, retail and cafes. What are some of Service Hero’s latest developments for the year 2013? The chief change this year is that the index is now open year-round. In the first three years since the index started, it was only open during the last quarter of the year. However, due to requests from both consumers and companies, we have now opened it so that it is a 365-day assessment. We’re constantly reviewing the total customer experience when they are conducting the survey. That meant enhancing the sign-in and registration process to allow consumers to login via their Facebook account to make the process easier. Finally, we improved on the ease of a consumer selecting and identifying brands by including a text search function upon their entering the brand name.
For more information, log on to www.servicehero.com
ECKO
inside/out
KUWAIT-MUSIC BECOMES ENGAGE by bazaar staff
In our continued efforts to bridge the gap between local musicians, musical interests, and the larger world-wide music community, we sit down this month with a couple who have for some time now been the epicenter for all things musical in Kuwait. Originally launched in December of 2010 by husband and wife team Caesar Fernandes and Narine Okjian Fernandes, Kuwait-Music.com quickly became the pulse by which our local music community could be measured. Not just a resource to connect musicians with other musicians, it was also a bastion for hope in an otherwise insular marketplace. With an aim that was simply to help other musicians hear of each others music, in hopes of creating a more cohesive community. An aim that by all accounts they have achieved. Now, seemingly hitting their head on a glass ceiling of local limitations, they look forward to the next big thing with an evolution of the site itself, and the dream that accompanies it. As the child of two popular regional singers from the 60’s and 70’s, who incidentally met via a gig, it is fair to say that music was in Caesar’s veins before he even knew it. Now, grown up, and dividing his time between a day job in IT and a night hobby of playing four instruments (guitar, piano, drums, and bass), he is a busy man to be sure. Still, in between these two great passions he has found a way to maintain his allegiances to both simultaneously: by combining a place for musicians to benefit from his IT know-how. At its height, Kuwait-Music made a substantial impact via the work of the Fernandes’ as well as their content strategist, Nabeel Mohan. Here is a quick rundown of their stats thus far: more than 124 bands, artists and DJ’s registered for their services; 37,000+ Facebook followers, 10,000+ on Twitter; a successful tenure as the first Red Bull partner in Kuwait to run Bed Room Jam, Red Bull’s global online battle of the bands; 35 or so exclusive interviews with local artists, and the promoter of more than 300 music related concerts and events. Also, through their partnerships with some of the biggest local corporations including Wataniya Telecom, Al Shaya, Al Yousifi, Adawliah Electronics, and Al Homaizi Group, they assured that musicians were actually able to get paid. Also notable, when the BBC wanted to do a report on some of the challenges of music and censorship in Kuwait for their world report program, of course they went to the Kuwait-Music team for their expertise. So, with their hands in so much of the local industry it came as a shock to many 82
when they announced in July that they would be transitioning the site into a new site. Hence: Kuwait-Music becomes Engage. When asked, Caesar replies simply that the dream has grown, and with it too, so shall the reach of the site overall. Basically the reason for the transition is that the scope of the site became too limiting for what they were trying to do. What worked about it was that is was purely a local musicianbased community service and as such, a platform to get people together. However, once it became clear that it had reached a critical point and its ability to grow plateaued, what’s commonly known as market saturation in the business world, it became apparent
that they needed a change. What is notable here though is that, far from being a turning away from what they were previously doing with Kuwait-Music, Engage will be an embracing of what worked about it, but broadcast in a more inclusive worldwide forum, whilst adding some new tools for their musician base. What Engage will be, simply, is a music promotion tool for musicians, based on usergenerated content, meant to open doors between the three most crucial instruments in the music promotion game: the musicians, the listeners, and the promoters. There will be a different version of account that you can set up, based on your needs as a user of the site. Further, since one of their main
aims is to be the most useful tool for regional talent to date (as well as a few targeted other areas), the website will be available in English, French, and Arabic, a potential breakthrough of sorts for regional musicians. Think of it as the Sound Cloud and Reverb Nation of both live bands and electronic music, but geared specifically to the Arab world. So, where Kuwait-Music is more reporting and blogging on music as the main dish, think of the new site as a place where the music itself is the main dish, with all of the other comment and opinion as the sides. If all goes well, Engage could be one more tool for you to get your music out there. Further, as one of the rare sites with a vested
interest in our local and regional music scene, you can rest assured that this is where the site will likely shine the brightest. Currently slated to launch by the end of November, they are presently in the final stages of developing their database management and mobile integration- both of which mean good things for you musicians out there. So, if like many local musicians, you have been longing for the day when more sites will be geared specifically to your needs, rather than developed for another audience but forced to work locally for lack of better options, Engage may be just the site for you. Additionally, made by local users who still are every bit involved in the local market, albeit
with a larger stage from which to broadcast, they would love to hear your feedback on how it is working. We will be sure to follow up with them in the coming months for updates. Inside/Out is brought to you by the last person in the world promoting music via myspace.com. What, you’ve never heard o’me? Not surprised. Don’t be the last one on your current platform: out with the old, Engage with the new! And send us your latest Miley Cyrus mashups, provided they are appropriately dressed! For now, get updates on the site www.engageiscoming.com. Also, follow them on Twitter @engagethemusic or on Facebook: Kuwaitmusic 83
RICKY GERVAIS
Playing ‘nice’ for a change by Meredith Blake
Ricky Gervais doesn’t understand why you’re so afraid of him. “People come up to me and say, ‘Oh, I was scared to ask for your autograph in case you put me down,’” Gervais says in a hushed tone during a recent interview in New York. “No, no, I would never do that.” It’s not difficult to understand this misperception. Ever since The Office catapulted him to global fame a dozen years ago, the writer, director, actor and professional provocateur has come to be synonymous with a brand of humor that, although never truly meanspirited, is fueled by discomfort. Enjoying Gervais’ work, whether he’s ridiculing Hollywood’s A-listers to their faces at the Golden Globes or being serenaded by David Bowie as a “chubby little loser” in Extras, requires a welldeveloped taste for cringe comedy and a strong appreciation of irony. But the Netflix series Derek, which debuted recently, finds Gervais, 52, venturing into earnest new territory. Though it employs the now-ubiquitous mockumentary format Gervais pioneered in The Office, the series otherwise lacks many of his creative hallmarks. Most notably, instead of starring as a hapless buffoon or a thinly veiled version of himself, Gervais plays Derek Noakes, the simple-minded but big-hearted employee of an underfunded English nursing home. (Many have assumed that Derek, with his pronounced underbite and stooped posture, is on the autism spectrum; Gervais says he is not.) “It’s more important to be kind than clever or good-looking,” he proclaims, through tears, in the pilot episode. This is more or less the message of the series, in which the villains are penny-pinching bureaucrats and haughty young people, and the heroes are the old and infirm and those who care for them. Though it still contains plenty of off-color jokes, Derek is disarmingly sweet and sentimental — one might even say sappy. (How else to describe a poignant scene in the season finale set to Coldplay?) And that is the point, according to Gervais: “There’s a saying, ‘Kindness affects not only the person that you’re being kind to, but the person who’s being kind. It makes you feel better as well.” It is not the kind of Sunday School adage many would expect to hear from Gervais, who uses his Twitter account (5 million followers and counting) to spar with evangelists, and who once said that bad parents should be sterilized. Which may be why the British media were quick to assume he was making fun of the disabled when the Derek pilot premiered on British TV last year. Surely, it didn’t help that on Twitter he’d repeatedly used a derogatory British slang word for people with 84
Down syndrome, or that his last series, HBO’s Life’s Too Short, was one long joke about little people. Writing for the Guardian, Tanya Gold branded him a “self-serving hypocrite” who trafficked in “lazy cruelty.” Critics stateside, meanwhile, have been less confused by Gervais’ intent than by the show’s uneven tone. (“By turns, hilarious and histrionic, illuminating and infuriating,” said the Los Angeles Times’ Mary McNamara.) Although it’s tempting to say that with Derek, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated mischief-makers has gone soft, Gervais insists his outlook hasn’t changed. Instead, he says, people simply forget that he’s putting on a persona. “I’d be horrified to think that people believed some of the things I said in jokes. I play a misinformed bigot often.” Still, that doesn’t mean Gervais is at ease playing nice. If anything, he says, creating a heartfelt show is “more worrying” than relying on the same shtick. “When you’re just being funny and mucking around ... that’s a get-out clause. When you do something that you want people to take seriously, you’ve got to be careful.” Derek may be a departure in terms of its tone, but it’s set firmly within the same commonplace, slightly rundown milieu as The Office. The goal, he says, is “making the ordinary extraordinary.” And it’s a world he knows slightly better than most comedians of his stature, given his own delayed
path to stardom. After a fleeting brush with fame in his early 20s as a member of the new wave group Seona Dancing — the band was big in the Philippines — Gervais quietly settled into a career in radio. He co-created The Office with his then-assistant, Stephen Merchant (now starring in HBO’s Hello Ladies), and he was 40 by the time it became an international hit. Though Gervais clearly enjoys hamming it up with big-name stars such as Liam Neeson and Johnny Depp, it’s telling that his most frequent collaborators are Merchant and Karl Pilkington, who makes his acting debut in Derek and started out as a producer on his radio show. Derek, co-produced with Britain’s Channel 4, marks Gervais’ first series for Netflix, following a long and fruitful partnership with HBO. The company’s hands-off approach to development appealed to his fascistic streak as an artist. “It’s like Internet freedom with network ratings,” he says. When it comes to his own viewing habits, Gervais remains addicted to reality television, the genre that spawned The Office. “Do you know The Apprentice? We did one, The Young Apprentice. And I thought, ‘Oh, I can’t watch that, because I can’t hate 16-year-olds,’” Gervais says. “I was wrong. I hated them immediately.” Sounds like a Ricky we know.
DODGE
UNDER THE DOME بقلم :عبدالعزيز احلشاش
تعاني الدراما التلفزيونية في كل مكان من مشكلة أزلية ..و هي عدم وجود الفكرة المناسبة التي قد تشد أغلبية المشاهدين ،أو أن تعتقد الشبكة التلفزيونية أن هذا المسلسل سيالقي صدى كبيرا ولكنها تفاجئ بأن العمل لم يحض بنسبة متابعة عالية ..و قد خيب كل التوقعات. و ألن اإلعتماد على رواية صدرت في األسواق والقت رواجا كبيرا تعتبر خطوة أقل خطورة من غيرها ،فلقد لجأت شبكة CBSاألمريكية لتبني واحدة من روائع الكاتب األمريكي الكبير ستيفن كينجUnder the Dome و التي صدرت في عام 2009وهي مزيج من الخيال العلمي والغموض والتشويق ،كما أنها ال تخلو من الولوج في النفس البشرية ودوافعها وتقلباتها ،كما عودنا كينج دائما فهو ملك قصص الرعب واألشهر عالميا و يعتبر من أبرز من كتبوا الرعب ممزوجا في السيكولوجية النفسية للبشر .
تعتبر رواية Under the Domeمن الروايات التي تطرح تساؤالت عديدة ..ماذا يحدث لو وقعت مدينة صغيرة تحت حصار قبة شفافة ال يعلم أحد من أين جاءت؟ و قد عزلتهم هذه القبة عن العالم الخارجي وأصبحوا يعيشون في معزل عن أمريكا والعالم . فال أحد يستطيع أن يدخل أو يخرج من هذه القبة، مع العلم أنه لم يقل منسوب الهواء ولم تتأثر األجواء المناخية داخل هذه المدينة المحصورة ،و لعل أبرز ما يميز هذه الفكرة المجنونة من أفكار كينج أنها تبرز لنا الوجه الحقيقي لإلنسان في ظل هذه الظروف التي تدفعه للبحث عن خالصه حتى لو كان ذلك على حساب اإلنسانية ..إذ نرى الكثير من الشخصيات تحاول أن تستحوذ على السلطة في ظل ضعف سلطة مركز الشرطة والقانون . و أجمل ما في هذه الرواية أنك تجد تنوع جميل في الشخصيات أبطال القصة ..فهناك الرجل الهارب والذي يصدف أن تنزل القبة على المدينة وهو في داخلها فال
يستطيع الهروب ،و أيضا هناك المحررة الصحفية التي تبحث عن زوجها الدكتور والذي قتله هذا الرجل الهارب، و هناك الشرطية التي تتولى إدارة مركز الشرطة بعد وفاة رئيسها ،و هناك الشاب المراهق الذي يلتقي في فتاة كانت في طريق سفر مع أهلها إلى منطقه أخرى لعالج والدتها المريضة ،فيقع في غرامها بعد أن تحبسهم القبة رغما عن إرادتهم في هذه المدينة المعزولة. كما نجد هناك العديد من الشخصيات األخرى مثل مذيعوا اإلذاعة والرجل الذي يحاول السيطرة على المدينة وغسل عقول الناس و هناك ابنه المضطرب نفسيا والذي يحب فتاة ويحبسها في قبو. شخصيا لم أقرأ الرواية ولكنني أخذت فكرة عامة عنها من خالل المسلسل التلفزيوني الذي عرض في فترة الصيف في 13حلقة تلفزيونية وكانت من أروع و أنجح ما عرض هذا الصيف حيث قررت القناة أن تسمح له بجزء آخر سيعرض في العام القادم. 86
TAIBA CLINIC
Loaay's Two Cents Got business problems or challenges at work? With his Two Cents page, Loaay Ahmed shares his expertise in strategic management consulting to help managers, employees and entrepreneurs thrive.
Q
I have around KD1.5 million to invest. Should I start and manage a new business or invest in an existing one?
Managing a new business needs patience, nerves of steel, and strategic planning. A global formula suggests that 80% of newly established businesses fail by the third year. The financial tsunami that the world has been affected by might even shorten the three years period. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that an authentic idea has no chance of succeeding, just have real expectations so as not to be disappointed. Although cash is king, it’s not everything. You need to be sure of your own management style. Some entrepreneurs get quite a rush from transforming a new business with endless challenges into a strong brand. Others like to hit the ground running with large and successful existing businesses, and then expand. The right kind of investment can give you good returns with little or no involvement. However, there are no guarantees. The type of business you’ll invest in, market conditions, skills of the management team, and many other factors affect your ROI. The difficult part – depending on whether you’re a major shareholder or not – is that you might not always have the legal right to influence the direction of the business to what you see fit. The benefit, on the other side, is that you’re free to explore other interests in business or in life. Either way, get into things you know and have a passion for. If losing your capital will jeopardize your financial security, you might want to invest less than the amount you allocated. No need to sweat right from the start...and that’s just my two cents.
Q
Our new management team is pushing new tasks on me that I have no experience in. I don’t want to be involved in projects that I might not perform well in because I’m not good at them. How can I get out of such tasks?
The more interesting question is: Should you? You’re in a comfort zone and you may not have developed trust in your new management yet. So, your natural reaction is to get into your shell and wait for things to go back to how they were. There’s a rule in martial arts: The best way to avoid being hurt by a throw is to roll with it. Instead of resisting change, which is a natural human reaction, be open to exploring the new experience. You might learn something new from it and add to your expertise. Yes, you might not deliver to the best standards, but that’s the nature of learning and development. Just do your best and pay attention to all aspects of your role, while keeping an eye on the impact of your contribution on the overall project. However, before you submerge yourself in the new direction, ask your manager about how the new skills you’ll gain will add value to your career path. Also, if your involvement in new projects will affect your main
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deliverables and productivity, you must flag it with your management before accepting the new responsibilities. This way, if other areas are negatively affected, your management has been already informed. And talking about it after the effect is not the same as addressing it before you start the new project, regardless of how obvious you may think it should be to your management, the reality in most cases is that it’s not as obvious. If all the above didn’t change your mind, remember that managers have the legal right to ask employees to perform new tasks...and that’s just my two cents.
Q
Help! Our CEO is planning to announce a public policy to hire only nationals and make it clear that the company has no interest in hiring foreigners. He wants to time this announcement with the National Day celebrations believing that it’s more patriotic. I’m concerned about the company coming across as racist. Should I try to persuade him off of it? Worldwide, the citizens of any country take priority in recruitment over expatriates. In some markets, companies are not allowed to hire foreign employees until they release an ad in the local papers and prove that no local candidate has the right skills or makes a good fit within the team. Yet, rejecting a candidate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender or any form of personal circumstances is illegal in many countries. Your CEO could be walking on eggshells with this PR announcement. Before anything is said and done, the legal department has to approve the act of making this policy public to avoid any legal consequences. If and only if it’s legal, then the company needs to examine its major customers’ segments. If the majority of your customers are local citizens who will see this policy as patriotic, then you’re safe. If you have a mix of foreign and local customers, then you might want to think twice before going out of your way to lose customers and hand them on a silver platter to competition. How would your current expatriate employees feel about this policy? Are their jobs safe? Will they not fit in with the new culture that will develop soon? How will this new vibe affect productivity? Brands may be described in words that are usually associated with human beings, but a company is not an individual, it’s an entity, and CEOs have to think twice before mixing their own likes and dislikes with the company’s reputation...and that’s just my two cents. For Loaay Ahmed’s advice on business or work matters, send a short email to loaay@knightscapital.com. Regrettably, only the questions chosen for publishing will be answered. Loaay Ahmed is a management consultant and strategic expert. To learn more about Loaay and his consulting service, strategic business therapy, visit www.knightscapital.com.
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BORDEAUX LIPS by Hanan E.
Cosmetics are a great option when it comes to updating your look, as not everybody can afford a new fall wardrobe; but a mere tube of lipstick is practically within everybody’s reach, without compromising ones budget. Take a cue from current trends; shades such as succulent wine, luscious burgundy, and deep raspberry are very happening at the moment, it’s a look that’s both fierce and feminine that oozes fall fashion. You may not even have to go shopping; that instant ‘pick me up’ glam item could be hiding in your makeup drawer. Color transition is highly recommended prior to attempting such a bold look; a lighter version of the current trend is perfect for in-between seasons, as the weather gets colder, gradually increase the hue to a medium jewel toned lipstick. Once it’s officially cold outside you’ll be ready for full on bordeaux lips, this maneuver is less dramatic, and easier on the eyes. Keep things simple by pairing eyes with a charcoal pencil during the day, for afternoons and night time; a thin stroke of liquid gray liner placed closely to the upper lash line is preferred, curl lashes and follow with a coat or two of your favorite mascara. The ideal eye shadow for this look is neutral, a single tone that closely 90
mimics the natural color of the eyelids, or a wash of a soft eggshell tone, if you’re using loose mineral foundation; dust the eyelids with a sheer application. Foundation ought to be matte, it could be substituted with either a shine free beauty balm, or a light dusting of powder. As for blush (this should be the last step), choose an oil free formula, a sheer application of a subtle rosy shade will flatter the overall appearance. Applying ‘blush’ should always be the last step in makeup, this method gives a sense of ‘how much’ or ‘little’ is needed. Moving on to a complimenting hairstyle, unless you’re attending a red carpet event, keep things simple (big hair and a loud mouth aren’t the best of combinations in real life). The low ponytail made several appearances during the fall/winter 2013 shows, a reoccurring trend that dominated several runways; (as seen at Milly, Ralph Lauren and 3.1 Philip Lim, to name but a few). This effortless hairdo is incredibly chic, not to mention cold weather friendly, as most winter attire consists of turtle necks. Simply gather hair at the nape of the neck, and secure with a band, you may twist some strands over the band to camouflage it. Makeup should complement an outfit; this
particular look works great with ensembles such as the pantsuit, as the volume of scarlet lips will balance the masculinity of the trousers. Another piece that works well with this look is the ‘full circle skirt’; this sweet piece dominated major runway shows during the fall/winter 2013 presentations. Prestigious fashion houses such as Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Christian Dior repeatedly showcased this particular item, its incredibly elegant and very lady like. The original version of the “full circle skirt’ made its first appearance during the 1950’s, a style that gained instant popularity for its demure aesthetic. It was also adopted and made popular by the late fashion icon, and UNICEF good-will ambassador Audrey Hepburn. To maintain the overall ‘lady-like appeal’ of this look, finish off with an equally delicate pair of shoes, a sleek stiletto with a moderate heel is ideal, as it will bring the whole thing together. There you have it, the complete guide to mastering ‘bordeaux lips’.
Brought to you by the beautiful people at Stylish Avenue. You can contact them by email: stylish.avenueQ8@gmail.com. For more beauty tips follow them on Instagram @Stylish_Avenue.
CROCS - men
EYE BOUTIQUE
Your destination for stylish eyewear and unsurpassed vision care by bazaar staff
Sanaz Saadat
Choosing eyewear is always a personal experience. We may spend hours drooling over those vintage wayfarers, as we strive to find those reading glasses that provide the best fit, or eagerly anticipate the arrival of the latest Chanel shades we demanded as a birthday gift. It takes someone like eyewear expert Sanaz Saadat, the brainchild behind this new concept by the renowned Hassan’s Optics, to truly understand the personal experience behind purchasing, or affectionately caring for, a specific pair of eyewear. Inspired by the iconic accessory that is the simple pair of shades, she tells us how Eye Boutique is setting the standard in inimitable vision care and eyewear fashion in Kuwait and the region. Tell us more about the Eye Boutique concept. How is it different from any other eyewear store in Kuwait? Eye Boutique is a totally new concept in the 92
eyewear business. It is not just about sunglasses or ophthalmic spectacles or contact lenses. It is a personalized and comprehensive approach to vision care and fashion. Our vision and philosophy is to always provide exemplary service combined with an outstanding variety of high quality products. Have you always been a fan of the eyewear trend? Yes. I consider eyewear to be the best fashion item to express our true personalities. Eyes are the first contact point between two people, so it is unlikely that any interesting eyepiece will go unrecognized. We usually encourage our customers to try on the weirdest pieces on display and it is amazing how some pieces just fit the face immediately and become a part of the character of its wearer. When it comes to following the trends in eyewear, we are a team of three people at Eye Boutique that constantly go through brands and the latest trends. We’re constantly updating one another, suggesting
brands, checking out new brands and trends, then we decide which ones would suit the market best based on their shapes and prices. What motivated you to develop this concept? I have always had an appreciation for beauty and quality. During the years that I was involved in Hassan’s, I came across many unique brands and models that I really wanted to introduce to the region but at the time we didn’t have the appropriate space and environment for these collections. My real passion for eyewear started, however, when I discovered the vintage treasures of eyewear that were in Hassan’s old stocks. Like any classic or vintage item, these pieces are of high quality and excellent materials and didn’t even change or rust after 40 years! Realizing a potential, and a market for items such as vintage shades, we started putting the business plan for the first Eye Boutique. We originally wanted to have a space to bring everything
Photography by Romeo Productions, www.romeoproductions.com
new and interesting to Kuwait and see how the market reacts to it. The feedback was surprisingly positive and we decided to expand the concept and open in the UAE and then again in Kuwait sooner than we originally had planned. Describe a typical visit to the Eye Boutique, what should customers expect to find? We are not running a retail business, we are managing a boutique. People come to visit us to see the new trends, get optical advice, look for what suits their needs, get their eyewear adjusted or repaired, or just learn about unique designers, while enjoying an indulgent cup of espresso. Eye Boutique is the perfect place to find the right optical looks for the right moment. At the end of the day, nobody would spend a night at the opera in a pair of hiking boots, or go for a run in high heels! Our team is trained to help every customer find the right pair of eyewear based on their face
shape, color, need, and budget. At Eye Boutique, we have a vast variety of eyewear that are picked for their high quality, but we also believe that the most expensive or the most trendy pieces are not necessarily the best pair for our clients. We help customers find pieces that complement their features and match their personalities. What are some styles that customers would never find at other eyewear stores? Customers should expect to find many exclusive brands and crazy shapes, special collaborations with designers, as well as eyewear by young talents and even local talents. For us, it is essential to choose for you an up–to-date and appropriate piece! The Eye Boutique team travels around the world to pick a unique collection of eyewear for you each season, so expect to see pieces that you wouldn’t normally find anywhere else.
What are some of the latest trends available at Eye Boutique? Right now, we have a lot of mirror effect glasses and a lot of round-shaped glasses… The mirror trend will continue throughout the winter, but with less colorful acetate frames. What’s your future vision for Eye Boutique? We would like to become a destination for anyone looking for new and unique eyewear. This is an ambition of ours that we are constantly working towards, providing the best in both services and products.
Eye Boutique is located at Mall 360 (2530 9513), The Mall at the Grand Avenue—The Avenues (2220 0618) and also at The Dubai Mall, Dubai. For more information, visit www.eyeboutiqueme.com or check them out on Twitter @EyeboutiqueME, Facebook: EyeBoutiqueME and Instagram, @Eyeboutique. 93
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM OSCAR RACE
A record 76 foreign-language Oscar submissions point to heated race by Mark Olsen
A record 76 movies will vie for the 2014 foreign-language Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced last month, and the race looks to be wide open. Yet even as the narrowing-down to five final nominees has barely begun, the seemingly annual controversy over the process is already in full swing. Unlike last season, when Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke’s French-language Amour rolled up prize after prize en route to the Academy Awards and eventually took home the statuette for best foreign-language film, there’s no foregone frontrunner this time around. “The good news for everybody this year is that there is no Amour this year,” said Jeff Lipsky of Adopt Films, which is releasing two of the movies in contention: Israel’s Bethlehem and Palestine’s Omar. For the first time, final voting in the category will be open to all members of the academy without restrictions. Previously any academy member wishing to vote in the category had to see all five nominees in a theater; this year, screeners of the five nominees will be sent to all members, who will be allowed to vote as in most other categories. As in the past, potential contenders are initially chosen not by the academy but by committees in each country; only one submission from each nation is allowed and the process in each country can be rife with internal politics. This year, at least two prominent films from the festival circuit, India’s The Lunchbox and Japan’s Like Father, Like Son, were not chosen by the committees of their respective countries. The director of The Lunchbox, Ritesh Batra, set off some controversy when he publicly complained about being passed over in favor of the lesserknown The Good Road and was subsequently forced to apologize. Other high-profile titles are not in the race because they did not meet certain academy rules. For instance, the French film Blue Is the Warmest Color — which won the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize this year (just as Amour did last year) — missed the academy’s cutoff for eligibility because it did not open in French theaters before the end of September. The film will be eligible next year. Yet even if Blue had been released in time, whether it would have been chosen by the French delegation, which ultimately submitted Renoir, is another matter. Such vagaries can be frustrating for U.S. distributors who handle foreign titles and hope their inclusion in the Oscar race can lure in audiences. “This happens every year. This is how ridiculous the system is and how flawed it is,” said Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, who is releasing both Blue and Like Father, Like Son. 94
Like Father, Like Son “There is something wrong with it,” added Sehring, “and it’s almost an embarrassment to the academy that the Golden Globes this year, I guarantee you that their lineup of what qualifies for best foreign-language film is going to be much more representative than the academy.” Even with a few notable omissions, there will still be plenty of movies to watch out for. Sony Pictures Classics has released the winner the last four years running and this year has two competitive titles. One is Wadjda, which is the first movie submitted by Saudi Arabia (which has no commercial theaters) and whose campaign could benefit from its powerful back story of how female director Haifaa Mansour came to make the film. It also has the Iranian submission The Past, a French-set, mostly French-language story made by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, whose previous film, A Separation, won the foreignlanguage Oscar in 2012.
“I think the process of selection for the foreignlanguage film category, it has gotten better and better,” said Michael Barker, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics. “But still something happens at every stage, whether it’s the country selection or the shortlist or the final five where you go, ‘How did that happen?’” Besides Saudi Arabia, Moldova submitted for the first time, and Montenegro, formerly part of Yugoslavia, entered for the first time as an independent country. The submitted films will next be screened by members of the academy’s foreign language committee, broken into a number of smaller groups. The top vote-getters, along with a few films added by an executive committee, will then be announced as a shortlist of nine films in early January. That shortlist will be whittled down in a second phase of screenings by a smaller group of members to the final list of five nominees.
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MOVEMBER
STATS 1
The 1st of November marks the start of Movember, where clean-shaven men MUST grow and groom a moustache.
760 The number of times a man with touch his ‘tache in one day!
96
According to recent research overall 96% of men diagnosed with any stage testicular cancer will be cured.
40
Is the reasonable age to begin screening for prostate cancer, except for those with genetic dispositions and strong family histories of prostate cancer.
2
854,000 The number of people around the world who participated in Movember in 2011.
17 Men are less likely to have been treated for a mental health problem than women (17% compared to 29%). This could be because, when asked, women are more likely to report symptoms of common mental health problems
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths amongst men after lung cancer.
100 More than 100 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer on a daily basis.
1/6
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths amongst men after lung cancer.
Sources: Gulf News, TradeArabia News Service, Jacamo.co.uk, Men’s Health, uk.movember.com.
96
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PATRICK DEMPSEY For the Sacoor Brothers by bazaar staff
As the new spokesman for Sacoor Brothers clothing, a Lisbon based retailer founded in 1989, Patrick Dempsey is now putting his face to the growing brand known for high end fabrics and cuts alike. As a company that began by selling very affordable articles for men and women, they have been on a steady incline ever since. In 2001 Sacoor Brothers opened its first Sacoor Woman store and in 2007, has additionally begun an international expansion. Known as much for his work in film as a teenager in the 80’s as he is now for his role in the now culminating series Grey’s Anatomy, in this interview with Patrick, we get a glimpse of the man and his passions: After eight years, do you still like to play Dr. Shepherd? Yes. We are going to start season ten, which is remarkable. We are close to 200 episodes. It was a remarkable journey. Having a job like that in the world we live in today and that has lasted that long, is pretty good, so I’m very grateful for that. Every year and every episode I discover something new, whether it’s in front of the camera or off, with the character, with myself. There is always something to discover if you keep looking for something new and trying to move forward creatively, whether that’s in front of the lens or behind it or with the people you work with or looking at yourself and when trying to understand what you need to improve. I think that show has always forced you to try to improve as a person and as an actor. Is it easier to play a doctor now than in the beginning? Good question... At the beginning there was a real sense of discovery, because I knew the character was going to follow the show. Now I know what they expect from me. It’s like being in a band or being in a symphony, you have a specific instrument that you need to play in order to fit in with the entire group. I try to make the most of it. I think we are really just working on being as emotionally engaged in the scene as much as possible. Will it be difficult to part from that character once the show is over? I think so, because it’s been a very long relationship. It’s been ten years. That’s a big chunk of your life, it’s been a remarkable experience, it’s given me a wonderful life, a lot of opportunities... So yes, I’m sure it will be. This character has given you a lot of opportunities? Yes. The success of the show is worldwide. And that visibility helps you tremendously. Things like this come up and it gives you a lot more choices in life and it provides you very well quality of life, that is very enjoyable. 98
You auditioned for the role of Dr. House and ended up as a surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy. Would you see yourself working as a real life doctor? I don’t know if I’d work as a real life doctor, I think there are some great doctors out there. Certainly playing a doctor on television and that visibility has helped me start the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing, in some ways that’s nice. People project on to Shepherd. And to be able to do something that is positive for the community that I grew up in, it’s probably the most satisfying thing for me, that’s come out of Grey’s Anatomy. Your popularity sky-rocketed with Dr. Shepherd. How do you deal with fame? Can it be hard to handle sometimes or not? I think you just have to remain grounded. I’m glad it happened at this point of my life, because it doesn’t happen every day and these experiences are very rare. And these opportunities you have are incredible, I’m very grateful for what it’s given me. But you have to take it seriously enough to make the most of it, but you don’t take it too seriously because ultimately fame is fleeting.
You started in the entertainment business in your teens. How did you end up in Hollywood? I performed in a bar. I did slaps of comedy, in what was called the Vaudeville, the modern vaudevillian and I had an opportunity to do a talent competition and I won that and I ended up going to the national finals in New York where I was introduced to an agent. An agent signed me and then I had an opportunity to audition for Broadway play, which I received and that sort of opened the door for me to get on a national level and make it to New York City. I was seventeen, so it’s been a long ride in this town. A long but a good ride... I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve had a career and to be a working actor-which is all I really wanted to be. It’s a challenging profession. I think it’s important to have things outside of it that rounds you out and not make it all about the business. I don’t think it’s satisfying enough. Do you prefer TV or cinema? I just prefer working. I don’t care what it is. For further information about Sacoor Brothers and their latest collections visit www.sacoorbrothers.com
“The Professional Choice”
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Luxurious. Sensory. Scientific.
BEAUTIQUE
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beau-tique cosmetics intl. Call us on 2225 1285 or find us online at: facebook.com/beautiquecosmetics twitter.com/beautiquekuwait instagram.com/beautiquecosmetics
bazaar apps Fashion apps!
BEAUTYLISH
SHOPSTYLE
FANCY
STYLEBOOK
Fancy is a social photo sharing app, part store, part magazine, and part wish list, created by Joseph Einhorn. The New York-based website and app allow users to engage in socially oriented shopping through picture feeds and sharing. Users can purchase products directly through the app, which acts as an intermediary between the consumer and the retailer. Originally started as an invitation-only photo blog where more than 5,000 tastemakers and celebrities upload and tag images of their possessions, as well as the baubles they’d like to own, it has since opened to the public, and is now valued at over USD 300 million. Available for free on iPhone and Android devices.
Get the most out of your closet. For the price of a latte or a gossip magazine, you can have a closet assistant for life! Stylebook has over 90 features to help you curate your closet and get more out of what you own. Import your actual clothes, create magazine-style outfits, plan what to wear and track your style inspirations with this totally customizable app. Stylebook is an expert wardrobe organization and closet management tool created by a fashion industry insider, who got her start as an intern in the Vogue fashion closet. Available for $3.99 on iPhone and iPad devices.
POSE
SILK KNOTS
Pose is the fashion and beauty app you can use to see and shop the looks shared by the world’s top trendsetters and influencers, to help you figure out what to wear each day. Every morning, Pose has brand new recommendations and styles for you to explore based on the season and the occasion. With thousands of the top fashion bloggers and stylists on Pose, you can follow the people whose style you like, and see their photos in real time. Also use it to see new ways to wear items you already own, like skinny jeans or a leather jacket. Available for free on iPhone and Android devices.
If you’re as obsessed with the house’s silkwear as we are, you’ll understand that a Hermès scarf is like a bottle of fine wine—it only gets better with age. Silk Knots is the first-ever Hermes app that allows Hermèsiennes to learn the countless ways to incorporate the iconic silk scarf into everyone’s lifestyle, and presents it all in a very chic, very Hermès way. With the Silk Knots app, you can learn how to tie 6 different knots using step by step videos, discover the 20 new Hermès knotting cards, browse a selection of scarves from the Autumn/Winter collection and find out all about the Hermès Silk universe. Available for free on iPhone devices.
With this free app, available for download on iPhone and Android, you can choose from thousands of makeup reviews, nail designs, beauty tips, and video makeup tutorials, to get beauty inspired. You can check and post questions on community reviews and forums with experts, to be more informed, and then use the app to purchase the beauty products you are after straight from your phone. Also includes editorial features for the latest product releases and trends so you can ensure you are ahead of the curve. Featured brands include all your favorites, such as MAC, Sephora, Smashbox, Make Up For Ever, Shiseido, etc.
100
ShopStyle by Popsugar (pop culture celebrity news and e-commerce site) brings together fashion stores and designer brands in one handy app. Shop the latest styles by brand or category from over 300 retailers. Can be sorted by: lowest or highest price, most popular, by brand, color, sale, or size. Save your favorites for purchase later, or get alerted when a product goes on sale. You can even share with your family or friends, giving them great gift ideas for you. Whether you’re filling your wardrobe wish list, or just browsing the latest trends, ShopStyle, free for iPhone devices, is the perfect way to get your shopping fix on the go.
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bazaar goes cruising
THE DEFINITIVE CRUISER by bazaar staff
The All New 2014 Chevrolet Impala, the latest in this long line of classic American cars, carries on the tradition of great design as well as comfort throughout. Unrivaled in the cruising department as this brand are, it makes it all the more fitting that we feature it here in the cruising section. In the 10th rendition of this popular model, this 2014 King of the road reminds us why it has been on top of the automobile game for so long. With its definitive head-turning styling, greater interior spaciousness and advanced technologies never before available in an Impala, it again deserves our attention. The 2014 Impala—Chevy’s iconic flagship sedan—is new from the ground up, with muscular design elements that provide a nod to the past while embracing Chevy’s modern styling. Inside, an all-new passenger environment offers more front and rear legroom, generous storage and smartphone-influenced connectivity with nextgeneration MyLink. It’s also a quieter environment with a greater emphasis on comfort – including BOSE active noise cancelation technology on fourcylinder models (and if you don’t know the beauty that is BOSE sound systems, no doubt any further explanation here would be lost). The Impala’s long, low proportion has a windswept profile that suggests motion, while the range of 18 and 19, inch wheels are tailored to the body to provide that “just right” stance, filling out the wheel-well with a sleekness that all cruisers demand. At the front, low-profile projector-beam headlamps – or HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps on LTZ – sweep around the corners and frame a wide grille, while a power dome hood conveys performance. The LTZ’s LED daytime running lamps provide a contemporary visual statement, along with great visibility. Sculpted coves in the body sides add to the Impala’s design, with a signature cue in the rear fenders that acknowledges classic Impala designs. The “greenhouse” area is long, enhancing the sleek look of the car while maintaining excellent visibility. The trunk area appears short to complement the overall proportion, but opens to reveal a space with 18.8 cubic-feet (532 liters) of cargo room. Diagonal dual-signature tail-lamps and – on LTZ – chrome-outlined exhaust outlets complete the rear-end appearance. The 2014 Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior with greater attention to detail and upscale features – seen 102
in everything from the wraparound flow of the bold instrument panel into the door panels and the available ambient lighting, to the soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seats’ stitching. The instrument panel integrates a dynamic instrument cluster with a standard 4.2inch color display with reconfigurable features for the driver information center. An eight-inch touch screen with concealed storage behind it is matched with the available Chevy MyLink system on LT and LTZ models. A comprehensive package of sound-absorbing, sound-suppressing and even active noise cancelation which helps make the 2014 Impala Chevrolet’s quietest full-size sedan ever. An acoustically laminated windshield and front-door glass, along with liquid-applied sound deadener, sound-absorbing carpet and an isolated engine cradle, are some of the features that help provide a quieter driving experience. These high-end interior materials and details such as high-quality fabric, sueded microfiber and perforated leather
appointments complement the quiet environment and give the Impala a substantive look and feel. The instrument cluster has a rich look, with multidimensional gauges and a configurable color driver information center with a 4.2-inch screen. The cluster’s ice-blue lighting enhances the upscale aura of the cabin, while available chrome trim with “bleed-through” ambient lighting further enhances the cabin’s sophisticated flair. It completely transforms the trim’s appearance by illuminating it during nighttime driving. If you are a technology nut, like we are here, this is where some of their advancements start to shine. A prominent “center stack” is integrated in the instrument panel and houses the climate controls and Chevrolet MyLink, which includes navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming among many other features – and is controlled via a touch screen on an available eight-inch display. A standard audio amplifier is a feature not typical for the segment and a BOSE surround-sound audio system is available – the first in a Chevrolet car.
Additional available features include remote start, passive entry/exit, keyless starting, power tilting/ telescoping steering column with memory, dualzone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats. The Impala also packs great storage options, including a generous center console and a hidden storage area behind the optional motorized eight-inch color touch screen. Chevrolet’s nextgeneration MyLink infotainment system, with its intuitive, smartphone-inspired interface, debuts on the new Impala – a system that has already captured the 2013 Best-of-CES Award in the Car Tech category, chosen by tech news provider CNET. When it comes to the “horses under the hood,” Impala offers all the amazing power you would expect from the powertrains; featuring fuel-saving direct injection and lightweight components, which is the 3.6L V-6Output for the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm). That is the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally-aspirated V-6 engine. Lightweight features support a more
balanced driving experience and include an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine. The All New Chevrolet Impala’s engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models feature an electric variable-assist steering system (EPS) that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned. Designed to complement Impala’s balance of responsiveness and comfort, the EPS’s feel is light and direct, with greater assistance at low speeds and higher effort at highway speeds. It also incorporates Pull Drift Compensation, which automatically adjusts the steering effort to account for factors such as crowned roads or high crosswinds – factors that typically cause the driver to turn the steering wheel slightly to maintain a straight path. Sensors detect the steering correction and adjust the torque applied to the steering system to relieve the effort on the driver, helping to maintain smooth, straight driving with less input.
Pull Drift Compensation is an integrated feature of the EPS system and engages seamlessly, without the driver’s knowledge. The 2014 Impala offers one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the segment, and they do it well. It employs advanced technologies – including radar – to help avoid crashes. Visual and audible alerts, depending on the alert feature, help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent. The alerts are designed to identify potential threats with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes. Viewed as a whole, the safety, style, technology and engine, all coalesce to keep Impalas title as the classic cruising car for years to come. For more information or a test drive visit any of their 4 showrooms around Kuwait. You can also find them online at www.alghanim.com or reach them by phone 2475 4400. 103
PRIME GRUB
Catered to your liking by Reshmi Revi
George Bernard Shaw once lamented “there is no sincerer love than the love of food.” I’m pretty sure this Irish playwright has never set foot in good ol’ K-town but one can playfully attest he probably had our food and beverage industry in mind with that quote. As a Personal Trainer in Kuwait, I always seem to hear the same war cry amongst clients- that it’s so hard to eat somewhat healthily when dining out. For an individual who is always on the go, I find that this is simply not true. I tend to prep 70% of my meals at home and the rest of the 30%, I dine out. I never feel like I’m suffering or am in some social-exile, as most restaurants will try their best and cater to your culinary whim, no matter how ludicrous it may sound (to them ya3ni, to them!). Trust me, I know, for I’m always pushing the culinary boundaries and their patience when it comes to me and my food. One of my favorite restaurants to eat at has to be Prime&Toast. The 2 branches at Al Bida’a and by Seef Palace, famed for its gastronomic brunch delights (if it’s your cheat meal, do try their French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Sliders!) will cater to your health trip. In preparation for my recent bodybuilding competition, I used to have breakfast at their Al Bida’a eatery almost on a daily basis as it was close-by to a client’s place. My order? 8 poached egg whites with a side order of fresh zaatar and olive oil. That’s roughly 29g protein, 2g carbs and 14g of good fats at 250kcals per dish. I sometimes would even modify it and throw in grilled chicken for a bit more of a protein boost. The staff are super-friendly and will go out of their way to help you with your order. I’ve also dined in during lunch and have modified some of their dishes; my fave being their pumpkin and beetroot salad. It originally comes with goat cheese but seeing I don’t eat dairy, opted for grilled chicken instead. #winning If you’re after red meat post-workout, try their grilled fillet mignon with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges. It’s the BombDotCom! Whatever you may fancy, Prime&Toast certainly have got you covered when it comes to healthy meal options. Their eatery by Seef is open 24hours around the clock. Perfect if you’re nocturnal like me and are wanting to grab a bite post your 3am run! You can contact Prime&Toast on Al Bida’a 2225 3131 or Al Seef 2241 1252. Reshmi Revi is the Personal Training & Education Manager for MultiWorks Personal Training. She is also an IFBB Bikini Competitor and an avid foodie! Follow her on Instagram @Q8MissFit. 104
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THE FIRST HOUR OF THE WORK DAY How successful people chose to spent it by Kevin Purdy
How much does the first hour of every day matter? As it turns out, a lot. It can be the hour you see everything clearly, get one real thing done, and focus on the human side of work rather than your task list. Remember when you used to have a period at the beginning of every day to think about your schedule, catch up with friends, maybe knock out a few tasks? It was called home room, and it went away after high school. But many successful people schedule themselves a kind of grown-up home room every day. You should too. DON’T CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR THE FIRST HOUR. SERIOUSLY. STOP THAT. Tumblr founder David Karp will “try hard” not to check his email until 9:30 or 10 a.m., according to an Inc. profile of him. “Reading e-mails at home never feels good or productive,” Karp said. “If something urgently needs my attention, someone will call or text me.” Not all of us can roll into the office whenever our Vespa happens to get us there, but most of us with jobs that don’t require constant on-call awareness can trade e-mail for organization and single-focus work. It’s an idea that serves as the title of Julie Morgenstern’s work management book Never Check Email In The Morning, and it’s a fine strategy for leaving the office with the feeling that, even on the most over-booked days, you got at least one real thing done. If you need to make sure the most important messages from select people come through instantly, ‘AwayFind’ can monitor your inbox and get your attention when something notable arrives. Otherwise, it’s a gradual but rewarding process of training interrupters and coworkers not to expect instantaneous morning response to anything they send in your off-hours. GAIN AWARENESS, BE GRATEFUL One smart, simple question on curated Q & A site Quora asked “How do the most successful people start their day?” The most popular response came from a devotee of Tony Robbins, the self-help guru who pitched the power of mindful first-hour rituals long before we all had little computers next to our beds. Robbins suggests setting up an “Hour of Power,” “30 Minutes to Thrive,” or at least “Fifteen Minutes to Fulfillment.” Part of it involves light exercise, part of it involves motivational incantations, but the most accessible piece involves 10 minutes of thinking of everything you’re grateful for: in yourself, among your family and friends, in your career, and the like. After that, visualize “everything you want in your life as if you had it today.” Robbins offers the “Hour of Power” segment of his Ultimate Edge series as a free audio stream. 106
Blogger Mike McGrath also wrote a concise summary of the Hour of Power). You can be sure that at least some of the more driven people you’ve met in your career are working on Robbins’ plan. DO THE BIG, SHOULDER-SAGGING STUFF FIRST Brian Tracy’s classic time-management book Eat That Frog gets its title from a Mark Twain saying that, if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, you’ve got it behind you for the rest of the day, and nothing else looks so bad. Combine that with the concept of getting one thing done before you wade into email, and you’ve got a day-to-day system in place. Here’s how to force yourself to stick to it: CHOOSE YOUR FROG “Choose your frog, and write it down on a piece of paper that you’ll see when you arrive back at your desk in the morning,” Gina Tripani advises in her Work Smart series.”If you can, gather together the material you’ll need to get it done and have that out, too.” One benefit to tackling that terrible, weighty thing you don’t want to do first thing in the morning is that you get some space from the other people involved in that thing--the people who often make the thing more complicated and frustrating. Without their literal or figurative eyes over your shoulder, the terrible thing often feels less complex, and you can get more done. ASK YOURSELF IF YOU’RE DOING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO Feeling unfulfilled at work shouldn’t be something you realize months too late, or even years. Consider making an earnest attempt every
morning at what the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs told a graduating class at Stanford to do: When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. “CUSTOMER SERVICE” (OR YOUR OWN EQUIVALENT) Craigslist founder Craig Newmark answered the first hour question succinctly: “Customer service.” He went on to explain (or expand) that he also worked on current projects, services for military families and veterans, and protecting voting rights. But customer service is what Newmark does every single day at Craigslist, responding to user complaints and smiting scammers and spammers. He almost certainly has bigger fish he could pitch in on every day, but Newmark says customers service “anchors me to reality.” Your own version of customer service might be keeping in touch with contacts from yearago projects, checking in with coworkers you don’t regularly interact with, asking questions of mentors, and just generally handling the human side of work that quickly gets lost between task list items. But do your customer service on the regular, and you’ll have a more reliable roster of helpers when the time comes.
ACQUA EVA
bazaar techno Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ~ Arthur C. Clarke
IMPOSSIBLE INSTANT LAB
KAPTURE
PINTOFEED
We have reached the point where technology has begun to eat its own tail. Here’s more proof: the Impossible Instant Lab will quickly turn any image on your iPhone or iPod Touch into an old school Polaroid print. Simply select any photo from your device, place it on the Instant Lab and within seconds it ejects your analog photo, ready to develop in front of your eyes. For more info on what a Polaroid print is, just ask somebody old. With over double of their funding goals reached on Kickstarter before the end of the campaign, look out for this product in a store near you.
Sure, your smartphone has the ability to record voice memos, but using it means you have to know ahead of time about something you’ll want recorded. Kapture (KD 20 and up) is different. It’s an always-on audio-recording wristband — so any time you feel the need to capture the last 60 seconds of audio, all you have to do is tap it, and it instantly saves. And, with the included smartphone app, you can store, edit, share, and replay your old audio clips for as long as you want. Choose from a range of colors to customize the strap and grill of your Kapture, including black, white, yellow, sea foam, and orange.
You already do basically everything with your phone — pay your bills, set your fantasy line-up etc— you might as well use it to take care of your pets. With Pintofeed (KD 50), all you need is a smartphone to make sure Sparky or Pookie never miss a meal, whether you’re working late, on vacation, or just too lazy to feed the animal that relies on you for literally everything. This smart feeder can hold up to ten pounds of food in airtight seals, and dispenses it according to your wireless command or an intelligent schedule that learns your pet’s routine. It can be programmed to dole out any amount. The only thing easier would be to not own a pet at all.
www.uncrate.com
www.uncrate.com
www.uncrate.com
GARMIN FORERUNNER 220/620
IPHONE FOR GIANTS!
GRIFFIN MULTIDOCK
GPS-enabled running watches are a serious tool in a runner’s arsenal, and Garmin recently outed two new ones — the Forerunner 220 and 620 — to help runners get a better grip on their performance. These new wi-fi enabled touchscreen smartwatches measure all the crucial fitness metrics plus they offer recovery data, training plan support, and track personal records, laps, and calories. They also offer Live Track, which allows family, friends and stalkers to follow where you are on your run.
Forget the iPhone5S! We’re so excited about this design (and the fact that it’s almost available) that we can barely breathe. TableConnect literally makes your iPhone or iPad about the size of a full grown man. Once connected to your personal phone or tablet, TableConnect delivers the ultimate multi-touch experience. Use millions of apps already out there waiting to get supersized. TableConnect’s design and function simply blend seamlessly. You can now access all your apps photos, videos, movies and more with the swipe of a finger - or even a full hand.
In an age where expecting humans to limit themselves to a single piece of electronics is a little too much to ask for, what could be better than to own a physical hub where multiple things can be charged simultaneously? The Griffin MultiDock can indeed be a rather handy tool as it lets you charge and store up to ten tablets and phones in one space-saving place. You can even stack multiple docks for simultaneous charging of a fleet of up to 30 devices. With that level of device addiction you’ll likely be anxious and bored while they charge, but be brave.
www.werd.com
www.yankodesign.com
www.engadget.com
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KURT GEIGER
Strut stylishly this winter by bazaar staff
With its prominent location at Mall 360 as well as the 2nd Avenue, The Avenues, Kurt Geiger’s autumn/winter collection wows with elegant silhouettes, and vibrant styles that will inject life and color to your fall wardrobes. As the UK’s leading luxury footwear brand, Kurt Geiger never fails to deliver the promise of elegance, its Mayfair heritage sublimely representing British style. Long since its first opening in Bond Street in 1963, Kurt Geiger captures our attention with inimitable styles. For this season, stunning features presenting glamour reign supremely throughout its versatile collections such as Kurt Geiger London, KG by Kurt Geiger and Carvela. First things first, the ‘Court Collection’, featuring Kurt Geiger’s signature London pointytoed stiletto, takes center stage. For every fashionista, these courts are a must for a confident strut. The heart of the ‘B Series’ styles, the Britton stiletto made in Italy is emblematic of both of Kurt Geiger B-studios, from Mayfair’s ‘Bond’ Street to East London’s ‘Britton’ Street. 110
To match those flaming red lips for winter, choose the Britton pump in a fiery scarlet shade, or make like the runways and go pretty in pink. We also love the idea that heels have gone chunky this season, if only the runway models followed suit! Still, the new ‘Court Collection’ offers an assertive heel, in medium to sky-high lengths, that’s as pointy as the ‘Britton pump. Prepare to fall head over heels with the collection in store, crafted from beautiful suede to supple leathers, with colorings that range from a cheeky pink, funky fluorescent yellow and royal blue, to this season’s most wanted metallics in pinks, bronze and silvers. Sitting pretty alongside the new ‘Court Collection’, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Kurt Geiger’s ‘Everything but the Dress’ accessories collection. Expect texture, and lots of it, combined with discreet dark tone-on-tone combinations that will take you from day to night in a flawless fashion. For an edgier style, we recommend the cross body styles like the ‘Deuce’ mini bag, finished with gold and gunmetal hardware for
polished, put-together elegance matched with an urban edge. Don’t forget, your fall and winter wardrobe is never complete without a selection of boots and booties, and super minimal trainers designed to compliment any outfit. Think little black boots, enameled with spurs and embellishments, Beatle boots and knee-boots and re-imagined motorcycle styles. The new ‘Trainers’ collection delivers us with London’s new taste of grunge; monochromatic with flashes of metallic and even a flash of bold neon highlights, embossed croc and super soft suede. From the Carvela collection, the riding trend takes over the boot styles on offer. Carvela brings country chic right to the heart of the city, and you’ll want to immediately live the life of the city hunter and embody these British heritage styles suitable for hunting, shooting and fishing. Kurt Geiger is located at the 2nd Avenue, The Avenues and Level 1 at Mall 360. For more information, please call 2259 7660.
PARTYLAND
bazaar checks it out ALSHAYA PARTNERS WITH BABEL RESTAURANT BRAND TO EXPAND IN THE MENA REGION M.H. Alshaya Co. has announced the signing of a franchise partnership with Afkar Holding Group, the Lebanese Babel restaurant operator. The partnership supports the expansion of Babel, the acclaimed Lebanese restaurant brand, into selected markets across the Middle East and North Africa. Babel, which has achieved five star accreditation in Lebanon, is renowned for its dynamic restaurant design, its progressive interpretation of Lebanese ingredients, and its outstanding hospitality. The first Babel restaurants to be managed by Alshaya, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators, are expected to open in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, each with the distinctive design and architecture that characterizes the brand. The brand was established in Lebanon in 2009 with the opening of Babel in Dbayeh. Babel Bay in Zaituna Bay followed in 2012, with Babel Bahr in the Amchit area of Lebanon opening most recently in August 2013. All three restaurants have achieved a reputation and loyal following through word of mouth alone. Guests at Babel are introduced to the tastes and flavors of traditional Lebanese cuisine, reinvented with a contemporary twist and using outstanding, high quality ingredients. Commenting on the new partnership, Dory Rizk, CEO of Afkar Holding Group said: “At Babel we are committed to bringing our customers a compelling hospitality experience that explores the complexity of Lebanese cuisine and delivers outstanding service and ambience. We are very pleased to partner with Alshaya, whose proven reputation for successfully franchising international brands gives us great confidence about Babel’s future growth outside of Lebanon.” Mohammed Alshaya added: “We are delighted to be able to bring this outstanding Lebanese dining concept to new markets, further broadening the diversity of dining choices that we are able to offer our customers. In the short time since it was founded, Babel has rapidly earned a reputation for excellence, and we look forward to partnering with the brand to replicate its success beyond Lebanon.”
مستشفى طيبة ترحب بإنضمام الدكتور مايكل دوبليسي كإستشاري طب وجراحة العيون صرحت غادة،في إطار سعي مستشفى طيبة والعيادات التخصصية التابعة لها لتقديم أفضل الخدمات الطبية في جميع المجاالت بإشراف كادر طبي متميز استشاري طب وجراحة العيون ورئيس ًا لقسم طب وجراحة العيون في مستشفى،عبدالخالق مديرة التواصل التسويقي عن إنضمام الدكتور مايكل دوبليسي . الواليات المتحدة األمريكية، حصل الدكتور دوبليسي على عضوية الزمالة واإلقامة من جامعة ديوك والمعهد الوطني للعيون وجامعة فلوريدا الجنوبية.طيبة .كما انه حاصل على العديد من الشهادات المميزة لكونه مؤلف للعديد من الكتب وحاصل على الرقم القياسي العالمي إلجرائه مائة عملية ليزك في اليوم كما أكدت عن تميز قسم طب وجراحة العيون بالعديد من الخدمات واألجهزة واألدوات الطبية المتطورة التي تطابق المواصفات العالمية لعالج العديد من جراحات الكتاراكت (المياه البيضاء) وإلتهابات وإصابات العين وعمليات،) جراحات الجلوكوما (المياه الزرقاء:الحاالت البسيطة والمستعصية والتشخيص المبكر مثل وتشير عبدالخالق أننا نحرص. باإلضافه إلى الفحوصات الدورية لألطفال وطلبة المدارس، وفحوصات العين الدوريه لمرضى السكري،الليزك لعالج القرنية كما،في مستشفى طيبة على توفير المعلومات والمنشورات المفيده للمريض في جميع انحاء المستشفى التي قد تغنيه عن السؤال عن العديد من األمراض ) لنشر الوعي العام عن طريق توفير المعلومات والنصائح الطبية والردTaibaHospital@( كرسنا سبل التواصل اإلجتماعي الفيسبوك والتويتر واإلنستغرام .على األسئلة واإلستفسارات
WATANIYA TELECOM SPONSORED DIVER FAISAL AL-MOSAWI The first certified diver with this disability in Kuwait, Asia and the Middle East Wataniya Telecom announced sponsoring the first certified diver with physical disability in Kuwait, Asia and the Middle East Faisal Al-Mosawi. This sponsorship comes as part of its social responsibility strategy and its commitment towards the community. People with disabilities have proven their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements and stand proud in Kuwait and worldwide. Wataniya Telecom aims at encouraging diver Faisal Al-Mosawi who promised to achieve more. Al-Mosawi successfully obtained a special diving coach license for people with disabilities certified locally and internationally and holds more than one diving license from international accredited organization PADI. In his words Al-Mosawi expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Wataniya Telecom and encouraged the private sector’s organizations to provide more support for all individuals with disabilities: “We are proud to bring such achievements to our beloved Kuwait”. Al-Mosawi promised to continue achieving success in the upcoming tournaments; one is taking place soon in Malaysia. For more information about Wataniya Telecom’s latest packs and offers, please visit www.wataniya.com, or follow them on Twitter @wataniyatelecom, or Instagram @wataniyatelecom 112
MBMC OFFERS YOU THE PRICE OF A LIFETIME ON CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP AND RAM The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands offer vehicles that cover every possible driving need, from the luxurious Chrysler 300 to the high performance Dodge Charger and the legendary off-road performance of the Jeep range through to the power and capability of Ram trucks. Through to the end of October, Al Mulla & Behbehani Motor Co. (MBMC), the sole distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Mopar in Kuwait, gives you the price of a lifetime on selected 2013 models across the entire range. “We’re giving customers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the region’s most popular vehicles at prices that even further enhance the remarkable value for money that Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles are known for,” said Chris Henderson, General Manager of MBMC. If you’re looking for exciting driving and head turning style, the Dodge Charger with its 292hp 3.6-litre Pentastar engine and 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox checks all the right boxes, and starting at just KD 6,999 represents amazing value for money, as does the true 7 seater Dodge Durango with its 360hp 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 6.5” touchscreen entertainment centre, remote start and 3 zone AC from just KD 8,999. Currently on offer from only KD 9,999, the Chrysler 300 Limited, which features the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 8.4” Uconnect entertainment system, luxurious interior, rear back up camera and parking sensors offers tremendous value for money, especially with MBMC’s trade in allowance of up to KD 500, free registration, free insurance and free 2 year/40,000km service package. The formation of MBMC in 2006 created a new benchmark in Kuwait’s automotive industry for the sales, service and parts supply of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Today, MBMC continues to go from strength to strength, building on its foundation of over 65 years commitment to customer care. Adding value to customer relationships continues to be a central pillar of MBMC’s long-term objectives. “Our reputation for exceptionally high levels of specification, commitment to the highest build quality, consistently strong residual values and determination to deliver exceptional customer service means we’re constantly developing and expanding our delivery of promises to our customers,” concluded Henderson.
THE REGENCY BRINGS BACK ITS AUTHENTIC BBQ EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT As the eagerly awaited winter season approaches, The Regency relaunches its charming poolside Barbeque Nights on Wednesdays. The BBQ nights offers mouth-watering barbequed delicacies including fresh meats, seafood and a variety of delightful salads and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf every Wednesday from 7:00pm onwards. The Hotel’s spectacular setting, beautiful landscape combined with the warm spring weather reflects the ambience of the BBQ dinner buffet. The BBQ stations offer a range of mouthwatering dishes that have been specially prepared to cater to any guest’s tastes – starting from the Pasta Corner to the grills’ stations which includes beef medallions rested in cola and chili marinade, smoked prime ribs with honey and teriyaki sauce, jumbo prawns marinated with garlic and Mediterranean herbs, swordfish steaks in addition to Shawarma and Saj stations. Along with side orders of Chinese fried rice, Italian crisp fried seafood and Indian chicken Tandoori among others, guests will indulge in a menu that offers delicious cold buffet that include mixed seafood salad, Hawaiian chicken salad, Thai tuna salad and a selection of homemade bread rolls. To end a perfect night, a scrumptious assortment of desserts is available, with homemade gateaux, Cheesecakes to the irresistible chocolate fountain, crepes and ice cream. At poolside, The Regency presents the highest quality dining experience with premium cuts of beef, lamb and chicken, the freshest seafood, exciting sauces, salads and condiments and artistically crafted works of art amongst their collection of desserts. For more details or reservations please call 2576 6666 or visit their website: www.theregencykuwait.com.
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THE BEMUSING WORLD OF BAGS by Purva Grover
Envelope, clutch, baguette, minaudière, hobo, tote and many more! It’s not easy to pick a bag that both reflects and understands us. Some of us believe in carrying our world with us and others like to strut light. Join us on a bag hunt to identify a bag that is your type. Ask us the oldest question from the fashion book, “What would we never be caught dead wearing?” and we would ignore the question, a reaction that often both surprises and annoys people. After all, you can’t be a fashion follower and announce to the world that you would be fine getting caught dead wearing anything, for instance a horrendous, nude lace number. But then, that’s the type of fashion followers that we are. So our answer to the question always is, “We don’t want to be caught dead without a bag or purse in hand!” Now, this has a deeper meaning. Being caught dead without a bag would mean we left home or work in such a hurry that we forgot our wallet, hand mirror, lip gloss, shades, notebook, pencils (I prefer those over pens)… A lady without a hand bag is the biggest fashion faux paus in our eyes. And we sincerely believe that just like there is a perfect match for all you perfect woman, there is a perfect bag too. All we need to do is look! Here’s something that will help you get started. First, a shout out to the believers of the phrase ‘the bigger the bag, the better it is’. We know you love to carry your little world in your big bag and one can find anything from a hand-sanitizer to a stapler and blush on to tomato sauce sachet in your bag. Yes, women who believe in being prepared for anything from a night-out to an evacuation can be identified with the mythical bottomless hobo. You would see celebs carrying this crescent-shaped roomy shoulder bag when traveling. Another favorite while traveling, or even walking with the kids to the mall, is the tote bag. Totes are not slouchy like hobos and come with two handles. Sarah Michelle Gellar was recently spotted with a shiny black Chanel patent quilted tote while promoting her show, The Crazy Ones, in NYC. Our new favorite totes are from Barabara Rihl, especially the ones in interesting hues from honey to fluro pink. Bucket and messenger bags are other roomy options, and they are loved by the men folk too! On that note, do check out the bags from Gucci Men’s Spring 2014 range. So what are the other options to pack a room full in? Backpacks and athlete bags, which will bring a big smile 114
Two tone clasp bag & envelope bag, Heatons to your face when you see how much stuff can be stored inside these. No wonder, some recent research says that an average woman’s handbag weighs 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)! Have you ever weighed your bag? If you do, do let us know the numbers. Now, while we do carry these biggies to work on some days, on most days we prefer the baguette and satchel, the latter for its flat bottom. And they work as life saviors on days when we don’t get time to switch bags before a business dinner. From larger than life, to small is pretty; the fashion bible says that a lady must-have a clutch, an envelope and a fold over clutch. If the trio is in your wardrobe then you won’t have to spend hours wondering what to carry for a fancy dinner or a club outing. These small evening bags have space just enough to fit in the essentials like gloss, shades, mobile, keys, etc. We have a weakness for metallic clutches and neon envelopes. It is beautiful the way these tiny pieces light up an outfit. And yes, another petite bag option that we love is the mini flap bag. Khloe Kardashian was seen carrying an adorable Chanel Lego mini flap
Clutch, Next recently, and those who were in tune with Chanel’s Spring 2013 line would recognise this one as a leather shoulder bag version of the Chanel Lego Clutch. Last in our list of petite ‘adorables’ is the minaudière. If you love all things French from their language to the wine then you would love the minaudière, a small ornamental case, which we prefer to call a jewelry piece rather than a bag. And the best place to spot these jewelled, sequined, pearled, et al tiny treats is on the runways or the red carpet evenings, award nights in particular. It’s simple, just like every season this time around, there are enough options to bag but then, not everything on the shelves or runway will compliment your need and look. So, remember to compile your very own ‘bag’ wish list before you head out for some bagilicious fun. And please don’t disappoint us: come back with more than one luxury bag! As Karl Lagerfield says, “Luxury bags make your life more pleasant, make you dream, give you confidence, and show your neighbors you are doing well.” Images courtesy of Heatons and Next.
SNYDERS
SHARING SWEETNESS
Muiza Rajapkar and her culinary delights by Heena Parkar
As a passionate cook, Muiza Rajapkar has spent three years in Kuwait discovering and experimenting with desserts, and eventually writing her very own recipes. For this homemaker, life is all about sharing first-hand discoveries with family and friends. Her Indian heritage narrates how her post-married life bought a new opportunity where she could try out new sweets and nurture this skill. With an idea to develop more on this aspect, she began sharing and presenting her delicacies to those with a similar liking or craving for sweets, through her Facebook page: Muiza’s Culinary Delights. This gave her the necessary boost, which instantly changed baking from just a time-filler, to a hobby. Here she explains how over the years, it has became a routine which if not practiced, leaves an incomplete feeling. Out of everything that you cook, from Indian traditional food to Italian cuisines, why has baking become your favorite? Some things just happen because they have to. That is exactly how it started. I just happened to try baking a cake for the first time and it turned out to be better than what I expected. This success motivated me to further continue trying. Moreover, it kept me busy. My mother’s encouragement was yet another reason why I wanted to try something different. Despite being a housewife, she always encouraged me to try something new and stand out. So basically, you always managed to do a good job with it? There were failures. There always are. In fact, the second time itself, I faced failure. I tried baking chocolate muffins, which turned out to be a disaster. At this point, I was really discouraged and gave up. However, after a month, I had guests coming over and decided to try again. I repeated the chocolate muffins and they were great this time. From there, it really took off. When and why did you decide to start the Facebook page? It was because I wanted people to know what I was making. I realized that many people were trying new things here and I wanted to be a part of that. That’s when I decided to put all my tried and tested recipes online. It has been 4 months since I started my page. Sharing recipes makes me really happy. I feel I am a part of something. Facebook was the best option I had to connect with people and interact with them. It was amazing how I shared my ideas with people in exchange for their own. Moreover it gave me a reason to socialize with everyone around here, as I was new then. What were the reactions you received? It is always a proud moment when people 116
tried out my recipes and came back to me commenting they liked it. This is one reason why I am continuing with it. My husband also helped and appreciated me. He would encourage me to try something new. Even though he is not fond of sweets, he would definitely try the ones I made. It took me sometime to build up confidence about the recipes but once the number of followers increased, it was overwhelming. Any comment in particular that you remember? I remember the first message of appreciation from a lady who was following me. She tried one of my recipes and wrote back to me. Her message said that I have magic in my hands. She loves the way I present and cook. She also appreciated me for what I do by sharing my recipes. She asked me for other new ones, if I had them. Whenever I feel discouraged, I read it, so as to get a push. I think that when people like what I do then I don’t have
any reason to give up. What was your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment was the chocolate cake I baked for my husband’s birthday. It turned out to a big hit. It has taken my confidence to a completely different level. Are you planning to further expand your hobby into something concrete? In future, I plan to expand my hobby into work. If I get the chance I would love to take orders. My friends and family members always ask me to make something special on occasions and I love to do it, even if not asked. I generally make these desserts, and love to have my friends over, but I dream of sharing it throughout Kuwait. I want to make it big. To try interesting recipes, you can follow Muiza on Facebook: Muiza’s Culinary Delights
BERSHKA
INSTAGRAM’S $720 MILLION PRINT BUTTON by Austin Carr
If Instagram were to add a print button, allowing its massive community of shutterbugs to order physical copies of their photos right from the app, how much revenue could that drive? According to CanvasPop co-founder Adrian Salamunovic, a conservative estimate would peg that number at around $720 million annually. Salamunovic’s back-of-the-envelope calculation comes just a week after Instagram announced its plans to monetize. In a blog post entitled “Instagram as a growing business,” the Facebook-owned photo-sharing service outlined its advertising program, promising that only a “handful of brands” would produce ads designed to be “enjoyable and creative in much the same way you see engaging, high-quality ads when you flip through your favorite magazine.” Predictably, the announcement was met with a certain measure of protest. But given that Instagram has eschewed going after myriad other business opportunities such as photo printing--however enticing they may now be at this scale--it’s all the more clear how committed the company is to its ad-based approach. Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom has long avoided letting business strategy trump user experience. From the beginning, members of his disciplined team were laser-focused on designing the perfect app--they weren’t distracted by short118
term, revenue-generating tactics. Of course, as a lean start-up flush with capital, it’s a luxury--if not now a Silicon Valley cliché--to say you’re focused on product rather than profit. But with more than 150 million users, and with revenue expectations forever ballooning, it’s especially impressive that the company has managed to remain undistracted. “You could throw almost any feature at that many users and monetize it,” says Salamunovic, who has built a multimillion-dollar business from social media services like Facebook. In his view, printing alone--of items such as canvases, postcards, or photo books--would be a massive business, even if it were outsourced to companies like CanvasPop or Shutterfly. If Instagram introduced a print button in its app, Salamunovic estimates that even if the service saw only a 1% conversation rate, with an average monthly transaction of $40, the company could help to generate $60 million a month, or $720 million a year. Salamunovic stresses that this is an extremely conservative approximation; the conversation rate and average monthly transaction on CanvasPop alone is significantly higher. (To be clear, Instagram would only take a cut of this revenue from third-party services; it would certainly be a headache to handle its own printing, though it would likely be more lucrative.)
Salamunovic realizes a partnership like this is a fantasy. But that hasn’t stopped him from “creating the what-if scenario.” He’s been in touch with Systrom about it over the years, and recently even connected with Instagram business operations director Emily White. “Emily is super friendly and polite, and basically said that they are 100% aware of us but that there are no immediate plans to add this [print button] feature,” Salamunovic says. In other words, not much has changed since the early days. Quick-buck schemes abounded, but none distracted Systrom. The fervor around the service started a burgeoning economy of companies turning its treasure trove of digital images into everything from coasters to T-shirts to canvas prints. Polaroid even announced plans to roll out a physical Instagram camera in 2014. Systrom didn’t want to be in the photo tchotchke game. “It’s not the next $1 billion business,” he said. The fact is, however, such schemes are rapidly becoming $1 billion businesses. And that figure would be significantly higher if factoring in selling potential premium photo packs or branded filters, which, in the past, Systrom has hinted he’s open to experimenting with. But, unlike ads, he and his team have decided they’re simply not worth the cost to the user experience.
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LORDE STORMS TOWARD THE THRONE OF POP MUSIC by Haley Blum
Lorde doesn’t want you to have to settle. “So much of the music that’s on top 40 radio is so dumb, and people aren’t that dumb,” says the 16-year-old from New Zealand. “People settle for that music because that’s all there is in pop.” Side-stepping the distracting antics of other teen stars, specifically the Disney-preened ones, Lorde (real name: Ella Yelich-O’Connor) is ushering smart, sophisticated pop into a world that desperately needs it. Her single “Royals” — a slow-burning but super-catchy ode to the mundaneness of real life — landed atop USA Today’s alternative and adultalternative airplay charts and at No. 8 on USA Today’s top 40. She trailed only Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry recently in downloads, with “Royals” selling 263,000 copies. The song recently hit No. 1 on iTunes and Billboard’s Hot 100. She’s already gained the admiration of musicians industry-wide, ranging from Cyrus to Elton John. Her single “Tennis Court” “is one of the most touching, beautiful things on earth,” John recently told USA Today. “You just open your mouth in wonder.” Lena Dunham, Olivia Wilde and Carson Daly also count themselves as fans. The Auckland native has two theories about why listeners have connected with her music: “There’s not a lot of reality in pop music sometimes. It can feel quite detached from people’s lives, and so that was something people appreciate about my music maybe. But also, it’s 120
super, super simple, which is kind of refreshing.” “Royals” was inspired by the lavish, over-thetop lifestyle of hip-hop and pop artists. “I realized that lots of the references (in their lyrics) didn’t really relate to anything in my life,” says Lorde, though she does count herself as a fan of Drake and Nicki Minaj. But when choosing her stage name, YelichO’Connor sought out a royal-sounding moniker, inspired by her childhood obsession with aristocracy, “something that has always fascinated me. Everything that happened to a royal family in, like, the 17th century is just absurd, but cool.” She added the silent “e” at the end of “Lord” for a feminine touch. She signed a development deal with Universal Records at age 12 after an artists and repertoire rep saw video of her performing in her school talent show. But things didn’t really get going until she partnered with co-writer Joel Little and released her EP, The Love Club, on music-streaming site SoundCloud for free last year (it was officially released by Universal in March). Her full-length debut album, Pure Heroine, came out 30th September. “The (new) record is quite different from the EP, musically, in that I just have kind of grown up a bit since I wrote the EP. I’m better at making beats and writing songs and stuff,” she says with a laugh. “The material feels more mature. I think it’s way better than the EP.” True to her philosophy of keeping things
simple, Pure Heroine is “not a super-long record,” she says. With 10 songs, including “Royals” and “Tennis Court,” it clocks in at 37 minutes. “I hate it when albums drag,” she says. She says she didn’t let the pressure of hurtling success affect the recording process of Pure Heroine. In fact, it was “quite a stress-free process,” she says coolly, as if there were really no other way to go about it. If she fits in with any stereotype of her age group, it’s that Lorde is an avid social media user, connecting with fans through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and other platforms. Her constantly updated Tumblr account is spellbinding; interspersed with responses to fans’ questions and comments is an eclectic collection of images — ancient architecture, a furry green coat, a collection of wigs, an aisle full of meat in a supermarket — that make for a sampling of what’s swirling around in her head. “I like Tumblr because it’s somewhere I can put all the visual stuff that’s in my brain. When I’m writing music, it’s a visual process just as much as a sonic one, and you can scroll through my Tumblr and see what I listened to months ago when I was writing,” she says. “Artists who don’t control their own social media in this day and age are just crazy,” she adds. “It’s such an important link to people who care about you.”
TAAL
BOSSINI FALL / WINTER 2013 COLLECTION Combining both comfort and effortless style, Bossini launches its new season collection inspired by this year’s biggest trends. From checked patterns and vibrantly colored pants to a whimsy of florals and nautical stripes. The colors seasonally reflect this year’s most wanted shades of blue, deep reds, royal green, greys and blacks juxtaposed with a fresher color palette of bold neons, playful corals and sheer pastels. A collection suited for the entire family, the latest line allows men, women and kids alike to flaunt the latest trends. Women may choose from stylish pieces including floaty madras skirts, rayon blouses and country-chic plaid skirts. Also, just in time for winter: tops, sweaters and cardigans are available in a variety of styles and trendy looks.
FEMININE
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florals
DENIM dreaming
PRETTY IN
paisley
Bossini is available at: Hawally Al Othman Center (2263 0813) Fahaheel Ajial Mall (2391 8034) Qurtoba Coop (2535 9401) Farwaniya Mugathir Complex (2473 9844) Khaldiya Coop (2492 6377) and at Centrepoint Al Rai- Fahaheel- Kuwait City- Salmiya- Hawally- Jahra- Fintas- Sulaibikhat-The Avenues. For more information follow @LandmarkQ8 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 123
bazaar books Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. ~ Jessamyn West
LET ME OFF AT THE TOP! by Ron Burgundy
BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY
ROBERT PLANT: A LIFE by Paul Rees
by Helen Fielding
From his humble beginnings in a desolate Iowa coal mining town, his years at Our Lady Queen of Chewbacca High School to his odds-defying climb to the dizzying heights of becoming America’s most trusted and beloved television News Anchor, Ron Burgundy pulls no punches in Let Me Off at the Top! My Classy Life and Other Musings In his very own words Burgundy reveals his most private thoughts, his triumphs and his disappointments. His life reads like an adventure story complete with knock down fights, beautiful women and double-fisted excitement on every page. Along the way, he hobnobbed with people you wish you knew and some you honestly wish you didn’t -celebrities, presidents, presidents’ wives, celebrities’ wives, the list goes on. This may well be the most thrilling book ever written, by a man of great physical, moral and spiritual strength and not surprisingly a great literary talent as well.
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Bridget Jones—one of the most beloved characters in modern literature - is back! In Helen Fielding’s wildly funny, hotly-anticipated new novel, Bridget faces a few rather pressing questions: What do you do when your girlfriend’s sixtieth birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s thirtieth? Is it better to die of Botox or die of loneliness because you’re so wrinkly? Is it wrong to lie about your age when online dating? Pondering these and other modern dilemmas, Bridget Jones stumbles through the challenges of loss, single motherhood, tweeting, texting, technology, and rediscovering her sexuality in—Warning! Bad, outdated phrase approaching!—middle age. In a triumphant return after fourteen years of silence, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is timely, tender, touching, page-turning, witty, wise, outrageous, and bloody hilarious.
Robert Plant by Paul Rees is the definitive biography of Led Zeppelin’s legendary frontman. As lead singer for one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of all time—whose song “Stairway to Heaven” has been played more times on American radio than any other track— Robert Plant defined what it means to be a rock god. Over the course of his twenty-year career, British music journalist and editor Paul Rees has interviewed such greats as Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, and AC/DC. Rees now offers a full portrait of Robert Plant for the first time, exploring the forces that shaped him, the ravaging highs and lows of the Zeppelin years—including his relationship with Jimmy Page and John Bonham—and his life as a solo artist today. Robert Plant: A Life is the never-before-told story of a gifted, complicated music icon who changed the face of rock ‘n’ roll.
HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT
CITY AS CANVAS
by Foster Huntington
by Carlo McCormick and Sean Corcoran
Most of you have probably at some point dreamt of ditching your mind-numbing nine to five, packing up your things in a van, and heading for the open road. Foster Huntington, author and photographer of previously released The Burning House: What would you take?, did exactly that two years ago, and has been living in his VW Vanagon ever since. Along the way he has run into a number of like-minded people and their vans, documenting them as he went. Produced in conjunction with creative studio Doubledays and Cartwright, this Kickstarter funded coffee-table book spans 125 pages and features 100 photos of camping vans, as well as anecdotes about other travelers, and stories from his own experiences exploring the country surfing and camping. You can also follow his amazing photoinspired journey on Instagram @fosterhunting
Street art books are easy to find but ones like City As Canvas are rare. Offering authentic history and deep context, it chronicles the crucial first chapter of the emergence of graffiti and early street art through Martin Wong (1946 – 1999) and his artist friends who were firmly entrenched in the NYC street art world in the late ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Showcasing Wong’s enormous graffiti art collection, the book contains artwork, photographs, black books, letters, postcards, posters, and flyers made by Wong and his artist friends. The book contains previously unpublished art by famous street artists such as Futura 2000, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Christopher “Daze” Ellis, LA II, Lady Pink, and Keith Haring, to name only a few. City as Canvas traces the origins of urban self-expression and the era of “outlaw” street art in New York, which primed the floodgates for graffiti art to spread worldwide.
source: www.amazon.com
SHAWARMA-MATIC
TEN FLYING MYTHS DEBUNKED by Alex Davies
Flying can be a mysterious experience: Planes are incredibly complicated, even scary machines, and pilots and flight attendants don’t tell you too much about what’s going on. So it makes sense that people believe all sorts of interesting “facts” about air travel. The problem is that a lot of them aren’t true. From “you get drunk faster in the air” to “the air in planes is riddled with germs,” here are 10 airplane myths that needed to be debunked: 1. Opening a plane door while in flight is a real safety risk. It isn’t. When the plane is at cruising altitude, it’s pressurised. That pressure means that getting a door open would require superhuman strength. To quote Patrick Smith, an airline pilot, blogger, and author of Cockpit Confidential: “You cannot - repeat, cannot - open the doors or emergency hatches of an aeroplane in flight. You can’t open them for the simple reason that cabin pressure won’t allow it.” So don’t worry about the occasional passenger going nuts and everyone flying out of the plane as the result of an opened door, it isn’t going to happen. Which leads us to the next myth... 2. A small hole in a plane will leave to everyone being sucked right out. Patrick Smith notes that while bombs and largescale structural failures can cause disastrous, rapid decompression, a small hole in a plane’s fuselage is a different matter. After a foot-long breach in an Alaska Airlines MD-80 plane led to an emergency descent in 2006, Smith wrote in his Salon column: “The breach was a small one, and once the cabin pressure had escaped, it could be reasonably assumed that the plane was going to stay in one solid piece and fly just fine. Which it did.” 3. You get drunk faster at cruising altitude. Discovery’s Mythbusters took this one on, and found it categorically false. But because planes are not pressurised to sea level (it’s the equivalent of breathing at about 8,000 feet up), there’s less oxygen in the air, which can make you feel drunk. 4. Planes dump human waste while in the air. Doesn’t happen. So many people have complained about supposedly being hit by flying waste from above, the FAA created a fact sheet to address this myth. It wrote: “It’s physically impossible for a pilot to dump a tank while in flight.” If you do get hit by waste, it almost certainly came from a bird. 5. You can get stuck on a plane toilet if you flush while sitting down. You can get stuck, but only if your body forms a perfect seal on the vacuum toilet. This is difficult to do. Adam Savage of Mythbusters tried it out, and despite serious suction, got up without 126
a problem. But it’s still probably a good idea to stand before flushing. 6. Recirculated air in planes spreads disease. This one seems logical, but Patrick Smith puts it to bed: The air circulates until eventually it is drawn into the lower fuselage, where about half of it is vented overboard. The remaining portion is run through filters, and then re-mixed with a fresh supply from the engines, and the cycle begins again. Those underfloor filters are described by manufacturers as being of “hospital quality.” Boeing says that between 94 and 99.9 per cent of airborne microbes are captured, and there’s a total change-over of air every two or three minutes - far more frequently than occurs in buildings. Do watch out, however, for germs left behind on surfaces like tray tables (consider bringing some sanitary wipes or hand sanitizer). 7. Wearing your seat belt can hurt your chances of surviving a plane crash. Think of this as similar to wearing a seatbelt in a car. While it’s not crazy to think that your seatbelt can hinder a hasty escape from a crashed plane, it does far more good than harm. Business Insider spoke with Keven Hiatt, CEO of the non-profit Flight Safety Foundation, about the crash landing of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco. He told us in a situation like that, “you would potentially be thrown out of your seat,” and could hit another passenger or a bulkhead. So it’s better to be in your seat and have to deal with unbuckling, than to find yourself flying through the air.
8. Pilots can control airflow to keep passengers sedated and save on fuel. Again, Patrick Smith has the real data: “The idea that we cut back on oxygen is simply ridiculous. Oxygen levels are determined by pressurization.” 9. Oxygen masks are decoys, meant to keep passengers calm before a crash. This one, propagated by the character Tyler Durden in Fight Club, is way off the mark, according to Smith. If the cabin loses pressure (which can easily happen without leading to a crash), everyone on board is left breathing the air at 30,000 feet, which is oxygen-poor (the summit of Mt Everest is 29,029 feet high). Until the pilots can bring the plane down to about 10,000 feet, where the air is safely oxygenrich, those masks keep everyone breathing normally. That’s fairly important. 10. You have no chance of surviving a plane crash. After the crash landing of Asiana Flight 214, it seemed incredible that 304 of 307 people on board survived. But that’s in line with numbers from the National Transportation Safety Board, which show that 95% of passengers involved in accidents on US carriers between 1983 and 2000 survived. (An “accident” is an event “in which any person suffers death, or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.”) That’s thanks to strict regulations that make sure modern planes are fire-resistant, easy to evacuate, and capable of going through major trauma without falling apart. Source: Business Insider Australia
BOSSINI
THE SNOOZE BUTTON
The habit is putting your productivity to sleep, so quit hitting it by Laura Vanderkam
You need to respect the alarm. But don’t just take it from us--consider recent research. Every morning, millions of people fight a battle--with themselves. The battlefield is the bedroom, and the weapon is the snooze button. When the alarm goes off, and you’re not yet ready to greet the rosy-fingered dawn, this devilish invention lets you put off the inevitable for nine more minutes. And then maybe nine more minutes. And so forth, until you’re dashing out the door, late again. Hitting the snooze button is a bad idea, for two reasons. First, the quality of sleep you get in snooze intervals is incredibly low. Dr. Matthew Mingrone, lead physician at Eos Sleep’s California centers says that, “Hitting the snooze button is, in fact, bad for sleep and can leave you groggier and more tired than initially getting out of bed after the first alarm. Instead of achieving an additional nine minutes of restful, deep sleep, our bodies endure nine minutes of light sleep.” But even more important, as Roy Baumeister and John Tierney write in their book, Willpower, is that “You have a finite amount of willpower that becomes depleted as you use it.” If you spend your limited supply of willpower battling with yourself about what time to get out of bed, it’s not there when you need it to stay calm with a difficult colleague. Here are some strategies people have used to kick the snooze button habit for good: 1. Wake up at the right time. The body goes through cycles of deeper and lighter sleep. It’s far more painful to get up during deep sleep than light sleep. Meghan Miller Brawley, a freelance indexer and researcher, says that once her first baby was finally sleeping through the night, “I used an app on my phone called Sleep Cycle. It uses movement and the phone’s motion sensor to determine (roughly) when you’re at the lightest sleep level.” She reports that “It worked pretty well, and I usually was able to get up when my alarm went off.” 2. Build a new morning habit. Shauna Lambert, who lives outside Seattle, says that “I conquered my snooze button earlier this year when I decided I wanted to run in the mornings.” She learned from Charles Duhigg’s book, The Power of Habit, that habits require a cue. “I decided that my cue would be a snippet of a favorite song that I programmed on my phone to act as my alarm. When my alarm goes off it is a few feet away from bed, so I have to get out of bed and turn it off.” Her exercise clothes are right there, so she practically trips over them. “I try to follow the same order of things each day so that it becomes an ingrained habit rather than something I have 128
to think about. It took me about a month for this to really become a habit, but now when I hear my ‘cue’ in the morning I am up and have my running shoes on before I even think about if I really want to go run. On the mornings when I don’t run, I don’t use my running cue alarm.” 3. Go ahead and sleep in. Rather than hit snooze three times, why not set your alarm half an hour later? That’s the time you’ll be getting up anyway, and you can enjoy every minute of sleep until then. There’s no moral virtue in setting your alarm to reflect a life you’re not actually living. 4. Bribe yourself. Chrissy Das of Jacksonville, Florida, reports that she learned to forego lazy mornings by
“planning a fun activity for first thing in the morning so I have a reason to get up.” For instance, she bought a new book, and “I allow myself to read it in the mornings only.” If she wants to find out what happens, she has to skip the snooze button. Some people buy programmable coffeemakers and put them near (or even in) their bedrooms. That way, when the alarm goes off, the aroma is wafting in, and the caffeine is right there. That’s a cue and a reward in one fell swoop. 5. Make failure difficult. Carrie Willard wakes up early so she can get some work done before she homeschools her seven children. “My alarm clock is a $2 Ikea special, and it doesn’t have a snooze button,” she says. Hence, no temptation. “I get up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. every day, even on weekends.”
SOOR CENTER
TOM CLANCY
Took unusual path to stardom by Dennis Drabelle
Let me take you back to the thrilling days of yesteryear, when The Washington Post Book World was a stand-alone section that ran a regular feature called Book Report and a man named Tom Clancy was a Calvert County, Md. insurance agent preparing to publish his first book. In June 1984, Michele Slung, The Washington Post’s books reporter, wrote about a double unlikelihood: the decision by the little-known Naval Institute Press in Annapolis, Md. to branch out from nonfiction books on nautical matters and to start publishing fiction, and the luck of a budding novelist in selling his first book to the first house he sent it to. A photo of Clancy, who died last month, at age 66, tops Slung’s report — the leftmost anchor of a trio that also includes Richard Nixon and Michael Jackson (together at last). She noted that the Naval Institute dates to 1873, when it was founded, in part, to let naval officers kibitz about how their favorite branch of the service was being run. A hundred and eleven years later, one of its editors described it as “a nonprofit membership organization that publishes magazines and books.” It wasn’t an organization that commanded much national attention, but its small press was about to dive into fiction because, as Slung put it, “they knew they had their book.” Fred Rainbow, who was an editor of the Naval Institute’s magazine at the time, remembers, however, that they didn’t know what they had in Tom Clancy right away. Clancy’s first contact with the Naval Institute had been unpromising. He had written a letter to the editor, which he wanted to deliver in person. When Rainbow found out Clancy’s occupation, he said to him over the phone, “I know why you want to come here in person. You want to sell me insurance.” I was a Book World editor then (and now), and I remember being skeptical about this upstart press and its author from nowhere. But I was won over by my late colleague Reid Beddow. When The Hunt for Red October, Clancy’s thriller about a Russian submarine and its rogue commander, came out — in October, naturally — Beddow wrote our review, calling it “a tremendously enjoyable and gripping novel of naval derring-do.” I can’t swear that Beddow was the first to rave about Red October, but his review was among the early rivulets in what swelled into a flood of praise. In any case, three weeks later Red October surfaced on a Washington Post fiction bestseller list that also included thrillers by Stephen King and Peter Straub (as co-authors) and Mary Higgins Clark, as well as the higherbrow novels God Knows, by Joseph Heller, and Lincoln, by Gore Vidal. 130
An even bigger boost was provided by President Ronald Reagan, who, when Time magazine asked him about his favorite recent book, voted for Red October. The book went on to top bestseller lists, become a movie starring Sean Connery and play into the hands of Major League Baseball, which likes to describe the last few weeks of the regular season as “the hunt for October.” Its author and his fictional hero, Jack Ryan, became an influential franchise. So influential, in fact, that the mystery field acquired a new subgenre: the techno-thriller. Slung’s report describes fact-checkers at Naval Institute Press poring over the manuscript for eight months — as well they should have, since, Slung said, Clancy “hadn’t ever been on a sub in his life” when he wrote the manuscript. How successful he was at conjuring up a milieu of which his knowledge was only secondhand can
be gleaned from Beddow’s review: “Clancy’s strong suit is his facile handling of the gadgetry of modern weapons systems. Readers who don’t know the difference between Tomahawk or Harpoon missiles will lap up his depiction of a hide-and-seek world, one where killer submarines shadow missile-firing submarines above an ocean floor alive with electronic sensors flashing data to ultra-highspeed computers.” Beddow himself was a Navy man, so he had the jump on Clancy there. But Clancy, of course, was the one who got rich, thanks to Red October and a string of other novels that, according to his website, added up to 17 number-one bestsellers. In 1984, Clancy told The Post that he was proud that all his facts and technical knowledge checked out — and that he knew he was lucky to have his first novel chosen by the Naval Institute Press. “I did everything wrong the right way,” he said.
COSMETIC SURGERY CLINIC
bazaar around town STARBUCKS EXPANDS IN THE REGION WITH NEW AND RENOVATED STORES Driven by its passion to offer the greatest customer experience, Starbucks, the world’s leading coffee retail chain, has recently set out on an innovative journey carrying out a series of new store launches and renovations in the region. By the end of the year, the company plans to launch 20 more new locations and give another 18 stores in Jordan, Qatar and other countries a new look. With a growing demand for Starbucks’ premium taste and the emerging “coffee culture” of individuals addressing personal, social and professional matters at cafes, the company feels obligated to cater to this trend. It continues to create the perfect experience for its customers away from home and work, something Starbucks calls “The Third Place Experience,” where everyone can belong. Starbucks marked the start of its journey of creativity and style which focuses on incorporating a local element into the store designs, in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Opening an entirely new chapter for itself in the region, Starbucks began with the launch of the Middle East’s first Starbucks Reserve store at the Grand Avenue – The Avenues, offering coffee lovers the opportunity to enjoy a range of specially selected, rare, exquisite and single-origin coffees. It is also home to the unique Clover brewing system which is being used for the first time in the region. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Starbucks revamped the Marina Crescent store unveiling a meticulously designed interior, inspired by Arab motifs and Kuwait’s famous pearl diving, seafaring, and trading heritage. Elements such as the dhow and Arabic calligraphy create a relaxed, cultured social hub that customers can connect to. By expanding its presence across the region and bringing forward a new concept that relates to its customers, Starbucks continues to be the number one coffeehouse of choice.
HUGO ARRIVES TO KUWAIT Serb Fashion announces the launch of ‘Hugo’ at the Prestige in The Avenues. The HUGO brand delivers innovative looks for men and women with a modern, urban attitude. Embodying an edgy yet confident style, HUGO is unconventional and progressive without being loud. The collection appeals to those who regard fashion as a matter of personal style.
KITOKO HAIR THERAPY – LUXURIOUS. SENSORY. SCIENTIFIC. Whatever your style, everyone wants beautiful, youthful-looking, manageable hair that radiates health and vitality. However, we are all different, and so are our hair and scalp needs. Now you can reveal the true beauty of your hair with Kitoko Advanced Hair Therapy - a luxurious range of highly effective in-salon and homecare treatments, specifically designed to meet and exceed your individual requirements. Whatever your hair or scalp concern, each Kitoko product contains a unique blend of natural African plant extracts, expertly selected by their development chemists for their incredible rejuvenating and restorative qualities, ensuring fantastically healthy, beautiful hair. Combined with Kitoko unique Electron Acceptor Technology and ultra-gentle formulas, completely free from sulphates, parabens, waxes and mineral oils, Kitoko Advanced Hair Therapy will transform your hair with real, unrivalled results. Kitoko products regimes and special treatments are available in Kuwait and distributed by beau-tique cosmetics international. For more information please call: 2225 1285.
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YELLOW 911 GT3 BEATS OUT COUNTLESS SUBMISSIONS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD Kuwaiti based 911 owner takes runner up spot in Porsche “50 Years of 911” photo contest Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, is proud to announce that local Porsche enthusiast and 911 GT3 owner, Engineer Yousef Al Gahtani, took runner up honors in the international “50 Years of 911” photo competition, organized by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. As part of the 50-year 911 anniversary celebration, owners from across the world were asked to upload photos of their Porsche 911 onto a specially produced website. Whether interior, exterior or other details unique to their 911, the competition focused on owners showcasing their Porsche from its best side. Porsche fans from around the world cast their votes for the winners. Yousef Al Gahtani’s image of himself in his 911 GT3 was voted the second best photo out of more than 2,000 submissions. He and the other two winners from Germany won an exclusive photo shoot with a professional photographer and their 911. When receiving the news on his win, Yousef Al Gahtani recollects: “I was astonished when I was contacted by Porsche in Germany congratulating me to the second highest voted photo in the contest. There were so many other great contenders and I never dreamed of making it into the top three. “My 911 GT3 has always been special to me and I love every second behind the steering wheel. Being the runner up in this competition as a long-standing 911 fan is simply amazing.” Considered to be the quintessential sports car and a reference point for all Porsche series, the iconic 911 model has indisputably held its rank in the sport automobile industry with countless race victories to its credit and a vehicle that fully exemplifies the authenticity of the Porsche brand. Spanning an era of seven generations, from the birth of a legend in 1963, the 911 series reconciles apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality.
TRIUMPH SPORTS BRA - TRIACTION Triumph International is well aware of the special needs of active women and with the Triaction Extreme Sports bra offers a special product in a modern look that also guarantees optimal support, a high level of wearer comfort, and a maximum freedom of movement. Through the use of product innovation moisture such as sweat is very easily transported to the exterior so that clothing stays dry. In addition, there are no pressure points so they do not cut into the flesh. The basic material of this modern, highly functional sports bra features concealed stretch circular knit fabric in the bust, combined with stretch net tulle in back. The special blend in the side panels ensures perfect support at even extreme levels of stress (Level 4) right up to the bigger sizes. The sports bra has pre-formed seamless cups, comfortable soft straps with integrated gel mass and a super soft under-breast band with clothing-psychological characteristics. Optimal wearer comfort is guaranteed through the use of high-tech material such as CoolMax, Tactel and Micro, all with excellent clothing-psychological characteristics. Triaction Sports Bras are available in Triumph stores (Avenues, Marina and Bairaq) and Debenhams.
ROYALE HAYAT HOSPITAL AND NBK LAUNCHED “BE AWARE” TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month, Royale Hayat Hospital teamed up with NBK and launched the “Be Aware” campaign, enabling women to have the mammogram test for 30 KD during October, November, and December 2013. “Be Aware” initiative highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to ensure maintaining good health. Experts agree on the relevance of detecting cancer in its early stages, which reduces deaths and increases the chances of recovery by 90 percent. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, which is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. “We are proud to be part of NBK’s, ‘Be Aware’ initiative and believe that awareness is the key in our fight against breast cancer. Royale Hayat Hospital has built a reputation serving women’s healthcare needs from the days of its inception. We know that prevention, early-detection, and patienteducation are the best tools in fighting this disease that affects millions of women across the globe”, said Deputy CEO Dr. Bader Alzaid Altraiji during the launch of ‘Be Aware’ campaign in Kuwait and on Royale Hayat social network sites (Twitter, Facebook and YouTube). 133
‘WOMEN-ONLY’ SPACES GROW IN INDIA by Annie Gowen
In the months since a gruesome gang rape riveted India, a ‘women-only’ culture has been on the rise here, with Indians increasingly seeking out women-only buses, cabs, travel groups and hotel floors. One city is preparing to open a womenonly park. And this month, the government is launching a women-only bank it hopes will empower women financially. In a country where reported sexual violence is increasing — despite heightened attention to the problem — many say the women-only spaces are a welcome refuge from lewd looks, groping and unwanted male attention. The concept appeals to women across a broad spectrum of Indian society, including a 60-year-old named Sarita, who recently traveled to New Delhi from a village in Maharashtra by train and said she still had to squabble with male passengers who tried to sit next to her in the women’s coach. “It’s the ways of men,” Sarita said. “They’re not good. How can we coexist?” But critics argue that the trend toward separation threatens the gains that women have made in education and access to new career fields over the past two decades, as the economy has rapidly modernized. It’s the men who need to change their behavior, they argue, not women. “It’s appalling,” said Jayati Ghosh, an economics professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. “It’s a way for a patriarchal society to announce it’s not going to protect women. It’s simply going to segregate women and restrict their freedom, instead of securing it.” “Must banks too go pink?” the headline of an editorial in the Hindu, a leading newspaper, asked recently. Some women-only spaces — in trains, on Delhi’s Metro system — already had existed before December, when a 23-year-old physical therapy student was gang-raped and injured so severely she later died. The country’s male-dominated culture is rooted in religious customs and societal norms that date back centuries, and the sexes were long kept separate in schools and temples. But the Dec. 16 rape and subsequent death penalty sentences for the four attackers drew intense attention to the problem of sexual violence against women in India, where reports of rape have increased more than 25 percent in recent years, statistics show. Some women believe the harsh sentences will have little impact and feel the harassment problem is getting worse, forcing them to retreat. After the gang rape, state governments across India scrambled to do something — anything — that would calm a public increasingly agitated about sexual violence. They installed help lines for crime victims, 134
(AP Photo/Saurabh Das, File) more street lighting, better surveillance cameras. But it was the idea of creating more safe places for women that really caught the attention of bureaucrats. The city of Coimbatore, in the southern part of the country, announced plans to spruce up a decrepit park and limit it to women, who would also have access to a gym with a female fitness trainer. Localities from Assam to Odisha created women-only bus lines. The ministry of tourism began pushing even small hotels to add female-only floors. And the government announced plans for a $161 million banking system exclusively for women, the Bhartiya Mahila Bank, with a predominantly female staff and 25 branches across the country. It is set to be launched Nov. 19, the birthday of Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister and the country’s most revered female icon. A spokesman for the finance ministry, D.S. Malik, said that the new bank is a “major step” toward correcting the gender inequity in credit and banking in India, where only 26 percent of women have a bank account, compared with 44 percent of men. But some women’s scholars and advocates don’t believe segregating the sexes is empowering, saying it could have a negative impact in the long run. “The attempt is to shrink women into limited spaces,” said Ranjana Kumari, the director of the Center for Social Research in New Delhi. “Women still have to come out and walk on the same streets and work in the same offices and shop in the same markets as men.” Limiting such spaces out of concern for women’s safety “is not at all a good
message,” she said. “It encourages segregation and more violence.” One recent evening, Aishwarrya Kapoor, 20, a recent college graduate with a sociology degree, wanted to attend a birthday party at a club near a mall in downtown Delhi. As it happened, it was the same mall at which the victim in the gang rape had watched the movie Life of Pi with a male friend before heading home on a bus, where the attack occurred. Kapoor’s mother was adamant: The young woman could go to the party only if she hired a cab driven by a female for the night. “Because in India, even though we are in the 21st century, with any [male] cab driver it’s not really safe,” the young woman said. The company Kapoor hired, Sakha Cabs for Women, was founded in 2010 in Delhi and now has 12 female drivers, with 62 others in training. After the gang rape, its founders say, business increased 50 to 60 percent, and they’re often booked several days in advance. One of the young drivers, a college student who goes by one name, Geeta, 21, said she thinks her female clients feel more secure traveling with her than with a male. And yet. “I think it’s horrible women have to find watertight compartments, so to say,” Geeta said as she shifted gears and sped through Delhi’s clamorous traffic, horns honking in her wake. At 4 feet 9 inches tall and 99 pounds, she has to sit on top of a tapestry pillow to see over the steering wheel. “There should be women in all walks of life and all fields of life,” she said. “Where we don’t feel isolated.”
MEDISANA
big boys toys Because grown men still need to play
BREAKING BAD LEGO LAB PLAYSET
PORSCHE 2014 911 & S CABRIOLET
ALFA PIZZA FORNO CIAO PIZZA OVEN
For obvious reasons, Lego will never make an official Breaking Bad set, so the guys at Citizen Brick have given us the next best thing, the Breaking Bad Lego Lab Playset (KD 70). Built with stunningly-accurate detail, Gus Fring’s industrial laundry superlab has everything you’d expect in a multimillion dollar methcooking outfit. This set comes with over 500 pieces, including some with pretty incredible decals, as well as three custom minifigs: Walter White, Gus Fring, and Mike Ehrmantraut. Build it and recreate some of your favorite cringe-inducing scenes — word is still out on whether a box cutter comes with the set. In memory of one of our favorite shows-ever!
Porsche’s 2014 911 Turbo and Turbo S are available as a drop-top. They both feature a magnesium-framed cloth top that stows away in just 13 seconds at speeds up to 37mph. Both cars are exclusively equipped with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission that transfers power to all four wheel and a host of high-tech electronic features including an active rear wheel steering system that helps the car feel more nimble at low speeds and more stable at high speeds. The Turbo delivers 520hp while the upgraded S model pushes 560hp with off-the-line acceleration that will tear off a toupee in first gear.
Backyard pizza making is a big deal these days. If you’re ready to give it a try, the Forno Ciao is great place to start. It’s an Italian-made, outdoor wood-fired oven featuring patented Forninox technology which allows the Ciao to reach cooking temperature in only ten minutes, even with only a few pieces of wood, allowing it to turn out up to 30 pizzas in only one hour. Also it is fully insulated, so it stores and retains heat during cooking and remains “cool to the touch”. As they say, once you’ve tasted your favorite meal prepared in an authentic Italian wood-fired oven, you’ll have a hard time going back.
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MARSHALL STANMORE SPEAKER
LONDON SKYLINE LANDMARK CHESS SET
KOVIT CYCLES
Get the classic look and sound of a Marshall amplifier and the connectivity of a modern speaker system with the Marshall Stanmore Speaker (KD 115). These retro jam boxes feature Bluetooth connectivity, a gold coiled 3.5 millimeter cable, an RCA input, and an optical input — so you can play just about any device through them, including your record player, smartphone, or Apple TV. Two 3/4 inch dome tweeters, a five and a quarter inch woofer, controls for bass, treble, and volume give you some of the best sound you’ve heard from a speaker set of this size.
Imagine your city skyline as a chessboard battleground; which landmark would declare itself as the almighty king and who serves as its faithful pawn? Well, according to British designers Ian Flood and Chris Prosser, London’s Canary Wharf, Renzo Piano’s Shard and Norman Foster’s Gherkin would all deserve high ranks, while the ubiquitous London terraced house fulfilled the role of the pawn. Flood and Prosser have established the Kickstarter campaign with the hopes of expanding their idea beyond London’s skyline. The set makes a stunning collectable and unique gift too.
When it comes to frame design for high performance cycling, carbon fiber has been around for decades but the IsoTruss construction coming out of Utah’s Kovit Cycles is something new. These designs replace standard carbon fiber with a web-like carbon structure that even by cycling standards is ridiculously light. The highly symmetric and redundant nature of the IsoTruss structure means that a catastrophic fail is less likely and damage to one section can be easily repaired as opposed to replacing the entire frame. These frames weigh in at just 1.3 pounds but are just as rigid and ride-able as other high-end racing bikes.
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CROSTI
DOES HUMOR BELONG IN MUSIC? Weird Al tells you why it does by Walter Tunis
Late in his career, Frank Zappa released a concert recording with a title that posed this question: “Does Humor Belong in Music?” That was in 1986. Even then, Weird Al Yankovic had an answer. Nearly three decades later as pop music’s champion satirist, he remains steadfast in his stance. “It does belong,” said Yankovic, 53. “I think humor is denigrated a lot in music and in a lot of other media. But comedy is such an important part of life. It’s certainly important to me. It’s important to all civilization. “A lot of people think, perhaps, that because something is funny, there isn’t much art involved in it. I would beg to differ,” Yankovic said. “As an example, I would like to think my band is one of the best bands in the world. They do everything from gangsta rap to polka music. The fact that the music is funny doesn’t mean they are any less talented or any less skillful. In fact, the opposite is true.” A lifelong Californian, Yankovic began his career by making homemade tapes of songs, accompanying himself on accordion. He eventually got them broadcast on The Dr. Demento Radio Show. But the world got to know “Weird Al” at the dawn of the age of music videos. There, he was able to parody not only the top-selling pop hits of the day but the promotional video clips that accompanied them. “I’ve always liked focusing on songs that are, of course, big hits — ideally ones that hit the top of the Billboard charts, songs that are getting a lot of airplay. They could be getting a lot of 138
exposure through the Internet or have some kind of recognizable musical or lyrical hook that really pops out when you hear it. “More often than not, it really comes down to finding a song that I have a clever enough idea for. There are a lot of songs that seem like they would be good fodder for parody, but either they’ve been beaten into the ground by everybody else on YouTube or I can’t think of what I would consider to be a reasonable idea for it.” What sets Yankovic apart from many satirists — and most comics, in general — is that his humor is seldom, if ever, mean-spirited. By adhering to a pop song’s melody but dramatically altering its lyrics, he creates songs that are simply silly. In the ‘80s, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” became “Like a Surgeon,” and Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Bad” became “Eat It” and “Fat.” In the ‘90s, the Coolio pop-rap hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” was transformed into “Amish Paradise.” On his 2011 album Alpocalypse, Yankovic playfully skewers songs by Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Queen, along with a polka medley (“Polka Face”) that crams bits of hits by Lady Antebellum, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and more into the melody of the “Liechtensteiner Polka.” “I guess the humor is more of an extension of my personality,” Yankovic said. “I just can’t go for the jugular. Certainly I have done things over my career that might be construed as mean or perhaps crossing the line. But by and large, I try not to step on people’s toes. I prefer poking somebody in the ribs instead of kicking them in the butt.”
Most artists (Coolio being a noted exception) have viewed Yankovic parodies as badges of honor. Having a hit receive the Weird Al treatment is regularly seen as a career milestone. Yankovic said the acceptance of one touchstone artist gave almost immediate credibility to his comic adventures. “All of the artists have been great sports. But Michael Jackson I have to give special thanks to. When I did my parodies of ‘Beat It’ and ‘Bad,’ he was the biggest celebrity in the world. He certainly didn’t need to even acknowledge me. Instead, he thought what I was doing was funny and he gave me his blessing. That definitely went a long way in getting other artists’ approvals. “The artists that wouldn’t pick up the phone before to talk to my manager were all of sudden saying, ‘Well, if Michael Jackson says it’s OK, then this Weird Al guy must be worth dealing with.’” Alpocalypse offered another generous artistic blessing. Among the album’s highlights is “Craigslist,” which is set to the vocal and instrumental accents of The Doors. If the vintage pop feel sounds eerily authentic, it’s because Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek played on it. Manzarek died in May at age 74. “That was amazing,” Yankovic said of working with Manzarek. “What a great guy. What a legend. I remember when I came up with the idea for ‘Craigslist,’ before I had even written the lyrics, I thought, ‘Hmm, I wonder if Ray Manzarek would play on this?’ So I contacted him and without even hearing a single lyric, he said, ‘Absolutely.’ Definitely one of the high points of my life.”
SHADOWLAND
WHEELS OF FORTUNE by Mark Johanson
Who knew amusement parks were such a deadly serious business? There is a fun-filled arms race raging around the world as wily speculators try to build the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, and rake in a few hundred million tourist dollars as well. In October the final piece was hoisted into place for the High Roller, a 55-story wheel that’s the star attraction in a $550 million complex on the Las Vegas Strip from Caesars Entertainment Corp. When it opens this winter, the High Roller will eclipse the 541-foot Singapore Flyer as the tallest wheel in the world. Vegas will hold the crown for barely two years before the New York Wheel is slated to open in May 2016, rising 625 feet above Staten Island and offering panoramic views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Richard Marin, CEO of New York Wheel LLC, expects the attraction to lure 4.5 million people across New York Harbor annually and make the Cinderella borough one of the Big Apple’s top visitor destinations. “The wheel will extend the tourism boundaries of New York City to its natural and magnificent limits,” Marin says. “It will become one of New York City’s – and the 140
world’s – great landmark attractions, alongside the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.” But New York is in a neck-and-neck race with the 689-foot Dubai Eye, due to start spinning in 2015 alongside the emirate’s other superlatives: the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), highest hotel (JW Marriott Marquis) and largest man-made island (Palm Jumeirah). Not far behind are the world’s largest spokefree wheel, in Changzhou, China; the Nippon Moon in Japan, whose design team promises that it will be almost twice the scale of the 433-foot London Eye; and a second Vegas wheel, the SkyVue. Dozens more are due across the globe in the next five years. The current craze started in 2000 with the opening of the London Eye, the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with climate-controlled capsules replacing wobbling baskets. “The London Eye proved you could build one of these wheels as a stand-alone attraction and it could work and it could be profitable,” says Nick Weisenberger, author of Observation Wheels: Guide to the World’s Largest Ferris Wheels. “The Eye
has done for London what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris,” wrote Richard Rogers, one of the architects of Paris’s Centre Pompidou. Weisenberger says the next generation of wheels will boast transparent touch screens that describe the view below, and even Google Glass-type windows. “I think we could see some noncircular design shapes, like a square, triangle or pentagon, where passenger capsules would move around a stationary track as opposed to a wheel turning,” he says. “We could see observation towers with roller coasters attached – a concept called the Polercoaster – or entire amusement parks built in a vertical, skyscraper configuration occupying a very small footprint.” Not bad for a revolutionary idea dreamed up by a humble bridge-builder from Pennsylvania, George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who went loopy at the turn of the 19th century. His “pleasure wheel,” the world’s first, started turning at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. It was 264 feet tall and carried 2,160 people. At 50 cents per ride (the same as the entrance fee for the fair), it was so popular that it saved the World’s Fair from financial ruin.
DIABETES WALK
bazaar a la mode DKNY NIGHT SPORTS RESORT/PRE–SPRING 2014 There are many ways to play New York style. DKNY serves up versatile elements of glam and street, with a touch of bling and a flash of chic. Work by day, party by night — it’s all in how you wear it. The palette sparkles like the city: Black, Gold, Champagne, and jewel tones of Amethyst, Sapphire and Chartreuse. Tailoring is an eclectic mix of sport, shape and shine. The new bomber — gold-plated or contrast-sleeved. The goldzip motorcycle, puffer vest or quilted city parker. Leatheredged tuxes to suit up or split up. Jewel-studded chiffon blouses. Sequined and flounce skirts. The long lace skirt that transforms shorts or leggings. The slash-arm dress with its sexy show of skin. Lace tunics. Ruffled lace slips. Cape jersey chemises. And the must-have tux cape to top it all, day or night. After holiday, comes a collage of clean, fresh graphics Black, White, Ash Grey, Silver — with shots of Crimson and Coral. Tech mesh and sculpted seamed illusion dresses. Merino sweaters with neoprene sleeves. Sequin pieces or silver-foil print sweats to dress up or dress down, and collage-patch jackets and coats to zip it all up. Pre-spring lightens the dark with dawn-drenched colors: Deep pinks. Sunset nudes. Deep blue seas. Shades of gray. Asymmetrical and layered up as desired. Bombers and motorcycle jackets to wear with skirts, dresses or pants. Sheer, studded and/or sequin sleeveless tunics and system dresses. Simple, swirled dresses that sail into spring. Play it sexy, sporty, tailored, feminine or masculine — Uptown. Downtown. Cool. Dramatic. Or any combo in between. These are pieces to create your own brand of New York chic.
PLAYING WITH THE DEVIL BY KILIAN New perfume for Men and Women Playing With The Devil, was created with perfumer Calice Becker. This fragrance is part of the “In the Garden of Good and Evil” collection, all composed around the idea of “forbidden fruit”. Playing With The Devil is a fruity animal fragrance built on a set of contrasts and oppositions to express the ‘wink’ expressed in the name. In the opening, an overdose of fruity notes - Blood Orange, Blackcurrant buds, White Peach and Lychee - combined with hot spices – Black Pepper from Madagascar and Pimento Berries – bring the olfactory “forbidden fruit” signature. The heart is a woodsy accord - Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli - dressed by the femininity of the Rose of May and the more sensual femininity of the Jasmine Sambac from India. In the dry down, Cistus and Ambrarome were overdosed in a classic oriental accord - Tonka Bean, Benzoin, Vanilla - to bring out the animalistic sensuality. Calice Becker describes Playing With The Devil as “a summer walk in the woods at dusk”.
NEXT WOMENSWEAR AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 Next Middle East released its new Autumn/Winter 2013 range touching base with the trends rocking this season’s catwalks, while keeping in line with the brand’s trademark English heritage look and feel in its exquisite women’s, men’s and children’s ranges. Next’s Autumn/Winter 2013 women’s collection recreates the punk and rock chic vibe seen across the Autumn/Winter catwalks with this season’s must-have checks and tartan combined with leather and denim. Splashes of red add color to a darker palette of grays and black. Denim shirts are worn with cord minis, pencil skirts and trousers to create a chic 70’s vibe. The new range has prints and patterns adapted for a more formal look in smart blazers worn with soft printed shirts and tailored trousers. Leather adds an injection of catwalk chic on trims and sleeves, or full on with dresses and pencil skirts. You will see the season’s big color, navy, teamed with tan and red across fitted dresses, formal peplum tops and pencil skirts. Make the look bolder by adding large floral prints. So whether your style is punk chic or true ladylike glamour, Next has the fashion season covered – beautifully. 142
LAETITIA CASTA: A FREE WOMAN AND ... DI VINE! Laetitia Casta is the new Gerard Darel muse. She confirms the soft revolution initiated by the house, aiming at more glamour and modernity. Laetitia Casta appears surrounded by a rebel appeal, in a posture that is at the same time conquering and super-sensual. Suddenly, the Darel woman becomes infinitely more troubling. Under the impulse of Gerard Darel, the actress imagined a project that goes far beyond a classic collaboration. While she is the image of the next campaign (under the lens of Alasdair McLellan), she also participated in the short film, “Di vine!” where she incarnates a contemporary Parisienne, seeking adventure. Gerard Darel gave Laetitia total carte blanche for the project and she chose Apollo Thomas, a young video artist straight out of the Beaux-Arts, and, as main actor, at her side, a handsome Greek with a magnetic presence, Paraskevas Boubourakas. Di vine! is a cinematographic stroll in outdoors Paris by day/indoors during sentimental night. The heroine (Laetitia Casta), her cape thrown over the shoulder and wearing sexy thigh-high boots, runs towards her destiny –or towards her desire. Free and light. On the cobblestones, love on the run. It’s her choice, after a passionate adventure that she chooses to make into an au-revoir. The enigmatic smile of her lips underlined in purple seems to express the pleasure that is conveyed by this audacity: now, she alone is the mistress of her own destiny. To the hot beats of pop alchemist Blood Orange, one watches black stockings, a man’s back, superbly tattooed with Chinese calligraphies, and, on Laetitia Casta, a moiré blouse, a long coat in Mongolian lambskin, belted in leather, as well as the Di vine! bag, house novelty. A few pieces with racy simplicity, inspired by Laetitia and almost sewn just for her, taken from the special collection, which came out in October.
PARFOIS ACCESSORIES COLLECTION This winter add a fresh and trendy twist to your feminine style with Parfois’ all new winter accessories collection. The new collection has an extensive range of stunning pieces to complement your everyday winter outfit. Select from a wide range of hand bags, over-sized clutches, patterned scarves, soft ballerinas and a mix of chunky and delicate jewelry designs to add some extra charm to your cold-season attire options. The colors that rule the colder months are black, white, beige, burgundy and neutrals. Visit Parfois today for all your winter fashion essentials!
SHERWAL Sherwal is a label for ethnic fashion, with a contemporary twist. Authenticity and style lie at the heart of the Sherwal concept. Sherwal began crafting great-fitting, vintage-inspired harem pants in 2012. They made them distinctively unique by using ethnic fabrics with buoyant bold prints to give them true character and soul. Then, they added other authentic pieces of clothes, using embroidery, hand printing, personalized touches and playful details, and this is how Sherwal Ethnic fashion was born. The brand’s signature is its raw edge and ever changing designs that remain uninfluenced by trends. Sherwal is a style in itself, one that, to a certain extent, embodies a specific lifestyle. It stands for uniqueness, charm, boldness and glamour. For the Spring/Summer collection, African and Mexican tribal prints meet with electric summer beats. Bright, bold and buoyant, the Sherwalista is strong on the inside and shares her playfulness on the outside. With every collection, Hamsa Rabie, the founder and designer of Sherwal, transforms a fusion of styles inspired by cultures, artforms and trends. 143
TOM HANKS The everyman
by Rick Bentley
Tom Hanks is all smiles as he strolls into the meeting room at the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s not unusual. Hanks has built a reputation as one of nicest and hardest-working actors in Hollywood. This is the first day of a three-week publicity blitz for his latest film, Captain Phillips, which will take him across the country and abroad. Later this year, he will make a similar tour for Saving Mr. Banks, which will keep him so busy that he doesn’t have another acting job on the schedule this year. Dressed entirely in black, his hair is cut short, with only a few strands of gray along his neck giving away that he’s 57 years old. It would seem logical that an actor who has won two Oscars would pick his next job at his leisure. That’s not the case for Hanks, who looks at many factors — the writing, interest by the studio, what director or other actors involved — when deciding what he will do next. It’s not that he’s picky, but Hanks doesn’t want to put his time and energy into a project that may never get made. “You don’t go to the harbor and get on a boat that’s not going out to sea,” Hanks says. That analogy might have been spawned by all of the water work he did while filming “Captain Phillips.” The film, which opened last month in the US, is based on the true story of the attack in 2009 on a cargo ship by a group of Somali pirates, the first such assault on an American ship in two centuries. As Hanks has done in so many films — from Saving Private Ryan to Cast Away — he takes on the role of a man who seems to be living an ordinary life but is pushed to do amazing things because of outside circumstances. Director Paul Greengrass says no one is better at playing “the ordinary man” than Hanks. That Hanks had been cast to play Phillips was one of the major reasons Greengrass signed on to direct. “He’s not playing some superhero. He’s not playing some guy with special powers. He’s just a regular guy. Tom Hanks is the greatest actor for playing the everyman. Tom proves yet again — although it really didn’t need proving again — that he’s one of the great, great American actors of all time because he embodies the best of us,” Greengrass says. Captain Phillips is Hanks’ latest role based on a real character. He had such parts in Apollo 13 and Charlie Wilson’s War. Saving Mr. Banks has him playing Walt Disney. Hanks sarcastically reacts to the mention of all the reality-based roles, saying: “I’ve got to get out of this line of work and start playing fake people.” Although both of his upcoming roles are reality based, Hanks’ approach to each was different. “Phillips is alive and Walt Disney is dead,” Hanks says. “Phillips is a concrete source of 144
everything: what he thought, what he did, what he’s like, what the job is like. With Walt Disney, we are dealing with some degree of iconography. In one, I’m playing a historic figure in a very specific setting in which the scenes are specifically constructed. With Richard Phillips, we are trying to capture the essence of what was going on in his head.” He calls his portrayal of Disney “a classical rendering” compared to his “emotional rendering” of Phillips. Hanks sat down with Phillips twice — along with reading his book — to size up the man. What struck him the most was the sense of humor Phillips has. Hank is convinced that it was the one factor that helped Phillips survive the ordeal. “He’s a very happy-go-lucky guy. I would describe him as almost jolly. He’s funny, bemused by everything,” Hanks says. “But when he’s on the ship it’s all deadly serious. His wife even told me that she doesn’t visit him anymore when he’s on ship because he’s all business. “We tend to think merchant mariners are going to be cigar-chomping guys, but Rich is an accomplished professional. He earned this job, which is a bitch of a job.” Much of the filming was done off the coast of Malta, an experience Hanks found physically challenging. He’s no stranger to uncomfortable shooting environments, having spent hours in an airplane used to replicate zero gravity while filming Apollo 13. Asked if he ever thought — while studying theater at Chabot College in Hayward, California, or California State University, Sacramento — that having an acting career would mean stomachchurning events, Hanks says he’s never looked at any such requirements as a negative. He recalls how the first time he had an acting scene outdoors
— in Splash — that he thought it was the coolest thing to go to work in a Speedo and a T-shirt. Hanks has played mostly dramatic roles in recent years. During the early part of his career, he leaned toward comedy with movies such as The ‘Burbs, Turner & Hooch and Dragnet. Those days, Hanks laments, are sadly over because the majority of full-blown comedies today feature young casts doing outrageous things. He feels like he’s reached an age — unless Woody Allen calls — where comedy is behind him. His main comedy outlet now is the Toy Story movies. And he’s OK with the dramatic direction. “Comedies are hard because they have to be funny. And if they aren’t funny, there is no substitute for that,” Hanks says. “Look, I’ve done enough. I’m 57. I don’t sit around thinking, ‘I’d love to make a comedy about coal miners.’ I don’t think that way. I just see what comes down the pike and see if I can figure it out or not.” Hank does very dramatic work as Phillips and is already getting Oscar buzz — a fact of acting life Hanks has learned to take with a grain of salt. Despite all the success he’s had, Hanks remains the same humble and approachable person who became a professional actor in 1980 with the lowbudget horror film He Knows You’re Alone. He credits his slow climb up the fandom ladder with keeping him grounded. “I was fortune because I was able to work a long time without any kind of celebrity heat. I was just a guy on TV for awhile. Then I was a guy in movies for awhile,” Hanks says. “Then I did enough work that the attention became bigger. I feel bad for anyone who is ‘an overnight success.’ The worst thing you can imagine is that you deserve it somehow. If you are an overnight sensation, you might think that. You can’t put too much importance on it.”
HYPOXI
ABILITY TO CHOOSE WISELY DECLINES WITH AGE Study suggests by Monte Morin
When it comes to making boneheaded choices, teenagers usually win society’s award for overall poor decision-making. Yet a study published recently in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that our ability to make wise choices changes over time, and actually declines with old age. In fact, the study found that in certain situations, the decision-making ability of people older than 65 was worse than that of adolescents. While teens were more apt to drive carelessly, the study’s authors argued that seniors were more likely to make poor medical or financial decisions. The study involved 135 men and women ages 12 to 90. Each was assigned a sum of money — $125 — and then asked a series of “lottery questions.” The questions were designed to gauge risk aversion, consistency of thought and rationality. Seniors “disturbingly” chose irrational wager options 25 percent of the time, according to the study. An example of an irrational choice would be to bypass a sure gain of $5 in favor of an ambiguous or risky choice to win the same amount of cash. 146
By contrast, adolescents chose irrational options 10 percent of the time, while young and midlife adults chose them only 5 percent of the time. Seniors were far more cautious than the other age groups when choosing between two possible cash gains. If faced with the option of receiving $5 for certain, or a lottery that paid $20 with a 50 percent chance of winning, seniors chose the $5. When seniors faced a choice between two losses, however, such as losing $5 for certain or choosing a lottery in which they stood a 50 percent chance of losing $20 or nothing, they chose the riskier option with the higher potential loss. Seniors also lacked consistency, the study found. When a certain question was asked four times, seniors switched their answers “significantly” more than all other age groups and roughly twice as often as adults ages 21 to 50, the authors said. The authors argued that the pattern of decisionmaking among elder participants in the study was not a function of illness or age-related dementia. The 36 seniors who participated were all screened and determined to be healthy.
Levy said the findings fall in line with a growing body of research that suggests older adults make decisions detrimental to the wealth, health and general well-being. For instance, they generally borrow at higher interest rates, incorrectly estimate property values and pay more fees to financial institutions. The reason for such behavior remained a mystery, but it did raise potential policy issues, considering that seniors are more likely to fail to choose health plans correctly and more likely to make voting errors, the authors wrote. “The decrease in consistency and rationality may be due to a general reduction in cognitive function, which occurs even in healthy aging, although we were surprised that it is so extreme,” Levy said. “As for the risk preferences, it may be that as they are getting closer to the end of their life, people assume that it is less likely for uncertain events to actually happen to them, which drives them to take less risks with gains but more risks with losses,” Levy said. “But that is pure speculation — more research is needed to understand these phenomena.”
STARBUCKS
bazaar scopes
ARIES
November is likely to begin with a certain level of ambiguity or uncertainty surrounding work and love matters. Keep a low profile and avoid jumping to conclusions until after the 11th, when energy levels increase and indecisiveness no longer plagues you. As confident and energetic as you feel, however, avoid taking on too many new projects, as you’re likely to feel their weight in the last week of the month. Moderation and focus are keys to success now. The 27th is excellent for finding love in unexpected places.
MAY 21 – JUNE 21
APRIL 20 – MAY 20
MARCH 21 – APRIL 19
TAURUS GEMINI CANCER
OCT 23 – NOV 21 NOV 22 – DEC 21 DEC 22 – JAN 19
PISCES
Your charm is considerable this month. However, a simple flirtation could be misinterpreted as more than it is, so watch that you don’t land yourself into unnecessarily complicated situations. You could change your mind, or cool off, in the last week of November. The same may be true of taking on new creative projects - you can start them feeling gung-ho, and then lose interest later. Ups and downs come from the need to frequently discern between fact and fancy. Finding a middle ground is the key.
JUNE 22 – JULY 22
AQUARIUS
You’re feeling especially optimistic about your work this month, and you’re being received in a wonderfully charming light. It’s easy to rally up support now. As long as you avoid the trap of taking on too many responsibilities, you’ll be fine later in the month when complications can arise and things become extremely busy. Don’t spread yourself out too thin. Problems that have been brewing in your close relationships can become pressing from the 11th forward. Conversations are helpful around the 15th-16th, but backtracking is likely from the 24th forward.
Work relationships improve in November, but avoid overloading your plate with responsibilities, as they are likely to come back to haunt you in the last week of the month when things can get very hectic. Mix-ups and other such challenges are likely then. Any “crisis” occurring in your work at this time is simply clearing the way towards better work conditions. Carefully watch your spending and financial dealings around the 6th-8th. The temptation to borrow from the future, combined with unrealistic expectations, can lead you down the wrong road. A relationship strengthens on the 27th.
LEO
JAN 20 – FEB 18
While your career initiatives remain on the front burner in November, pressure to perform is reduced, and your social life begins to take more priority. You’re in high demand with friends, and group activities can keep you pleasantly busy this month. Even so, exercise moderation when it comes to answering those demands, as the last week of November can be especially hectic and you may regret having scheduled too many activities. A partner’s behavior can be baffling around the 6th-7th. Financial matters become clearer but more pressing.
Good energy for relationships and negotiations is with you for most of November. Your attitude towards your close ties is transforming in significant ways. Single Geminis might meet an especially charming and communicative love interest. Work and professional matters are well starred this month. Your goals are clearer and motivation is easy to find. From the 11th, you could feel a strong desire to renovate your home, but be careful that you don’t take on more projects than you can reasonably handle. From the 24th, complications can arise that have you rethinking what you’ve started.
JULY 23 – AUG 22
CAPRICORN
Your private life is especially animated this month. You’re not as willing to share your feelings with the world in November, and personal plans are in an early stage of development. You’re in a period of reflection and preparation, so take things as slowly as you can. Sacrifices may need to be made when it comes to your relationships - you are required to be sympathetic and helpful now. The last few days of the month, however, bring love matters up front and center. Appreciation for your efforts is forthcoming now.
The 10th brings heightened emotions and personal revelations, generally relationship-related, with the Full Moon in your sign. At around the same time, romance begins to heat up. Some of you are pursuing it more assertively, and others are experiencing ups and downs. Avoid new relationships that seem to be inviting trouble. The 15th-16th is strong for romance and creativity. Shared finances can become tricky to handle in the last week of the month and into December, so do what you can to straighten out debt, as well as ownership and joint money matters, before then.
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
Personal popularity soars this month. Your independent spirit pushes up and out, and you enjoy plenty of scope for doing your own thing. Others take special interest in you. Enhancing your appearance in some manner serves to increase your confidence even further. Career and finances are especially strong, particularly on the 15th-16th and 23rd-27th. Even so, be careful that you don’t let runaway optimism lead you to take on more projects than you can handle, as you’ll likely feel the pressure in the last week of the month.
Your sights are set high in November, but several circumstances help to bring you back down to earth. You can successfully combine practical matters and more fanciful ones this month. With focus, you can make enormous progress in your work. You are likely to deal with romantic illusions on the 6th-7th. Career and financial matters are strong and settled by the 15th-16th, after a scurry of activity and worries on the 10th. The last week of the month brings powerful intuition for work, and the chance to turn losses into gains.
AUG 23 – SEPT 22
LIBRA SCORPIO
Financial matters seem very promising this month, but do be careful that you don’t overdo spending or purchase large ticket items that you are likely to regret later in November. Ambiguity surrounding career matters on the 6th-7th clears up by the 15th16th. Romantic proclamations or relationship challenges are likely on the 10th. Trust issues are in play. Trying to separate fact from fiction in your love life could put you on an emotional rollercoaster. Personal impact is strong this month, especially from the 11th forward.
SEPT 23 – OCT 22
You’re so busy this month that it’s easy to get distracted and miss important information. Working your charm is effortless now, however, but do watch for confusion in love and friendship on the 6th-7th. After this, you’re much better off with more clarity in these areas of life. Mechanical break-downs, misinformation, dealing with red tape, and other such annoyances, are likely in the last week of November. Concentrate on getting your work done well the first time so you won’t have to redo things later.
FEB 19 – MARCH 20
what’s your sign?
source: www.freeastrology.com 148
ﺗﺤﺮﺭﻱ ﻣﻦ ﻗﻴﻮﺩﻙ ﻟﻴﺰﺭ ﻹﺯﺍﻟﺔ ﺷﻌﺮ ﺍﻟﺠﺴﻢ ﺍﻟﻜﺎﻣﻞ * ﺑﺪﻭﻥ ﺃﻟﻢ
138
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NOOR CLINIC
ﺑﺪﻭﻥ ﺑﻄﻦ ﻭ ﻇﻬﺮ
ﺧﺪﻣﺎﺕ ﻗﺴﻢ ﺍﻟﺠﻠﺪﻳﺔ ﻭ ﺍﻟﻠﻴﺰﺭ : ﺇﺯﺍﻟﺔ ﺷﻌﺮ ﺍﳉﺴﻢ ﳉﻤﻴﻊ ﺃﻧﻮﺍﻉ ﺍﻟﺒﺸﺮﺓ . ﻧﺤﺖ ﺍﳉﺴﻢ ﻭ ﻧﻘﻞ ﺍﻟﺪﻫﻮﻥ . ﺗﺼﻐﻴﺮ ﺣﺠﻢ ﺍﻷﻧﻒ ﻭﺭﺳﻤﻪ ﻣﻦ ﺩﻭﻥ ﺟﺮﺍﺣﻪ . ﻋﻼﺝ ﺗﺸﻘﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﺎ ﺑﻌﺪ ﺍﻟﻮﻻﺩﺓ . ﻋﻼﺝ ﺗﺸﻘﻘﺎﺕ ﺍﻟـ Stretch Marksﺑﺈﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡﺍﻟﻜﺎﺭﺑﻮﻛﺴﻲ ﺛﻴﺮﺍﺑﻲ .
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DKNY (OBC)