bazaar December 2021 issue by bazaar magazine

December 2021 | Issue #263

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About the Cover: When we think of leisurely drives to Bnaider, we often find ourselves cruising down the highway top down, with only the wind in our hair and the sultry purr of a Ferrari serving as our soundtrack to the drive. So you could only imagine our excitement when we were asked by Ferrari to deliver our vision for the stunning Portofino M! The dream was there, and we collaborated with the incredible talents at Out The Box and the stunning model Beatriz Sanchez to make this vision come to life. From our gorgeous cover shot, to the langurous lifestyle photoshoot, bazaar Studios is so excited to present to you Bnaider Dreamin’ with the Ferrari Portofino M.

December 2021 | Issue #263

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Welcome to the December issue of bazaar, one of our biggest, plumpest, most exciting issues of the year! Usually, by now, we’d be in full on end of year/Christmas spirit mode (and we are, sort of, kind of, maybe), but the recent news about yet another variant, yet another list of countries added to a travel ban list, yet another potential vaccine, kind of dampened our spirits, even if just a little bit. Since, just like most of you, we were all starting to book, make plans, and daydream about long forgotten trips here, there and everywhere. We’ve kept our spirits up by meeting up with inspiring locals, spending time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather and experimenting with new looks for the new season. We get Up Close & Personal with the Alshakhs brothers, Hani and Jawad, who are behind one of Kuwait’s coolest creative co-working spaces, Studio Corners. We also played a little game of Truth or Dare with Taiba Qabazard, chemist, artist and athlete to find out how she became a professional artist. We also delve into the wonderful world of jewelry designer Rasha Mansour, whose eponymous brand is putting a modern spin on ancient Egyptian symbols like we’ve never seen before. The weather has been gorgeous recently and we’ve been making the most of it on weekends by getting around the campfire with friends and family for the local tradition of kashta. It’s much easier now that we can grab a Kashta Bundle from Makani. All we need to worry about, is who is in charge of the playlist and if we can ever agree on all the songs.

The bazaar team... Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Editor Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz

Design Shadi Mofeed

Far from the desert, we can still enjoy the chalehat, and what better way to get there than in a beautiful Ferrari Portofino M? Put the top down and enjoy the wind blowing in your hair as you cruise down the highway listening to the beautiful purr of this mighty beast. Our bazaar Studios team captured the vibe perfectly in our latest photoshoot for this ultra-special Prancing Horse in its vibrant red and sexy new streamlined body. It’s an homage to a life well lived and that je ne sais quois feeling of being fully present in the moment.

Staff Writer/Online Media

Nothing says holidays and New Year’s like getting a wardrobe update. Sparkle and celebrate this season with some new festive fits from H&M, COS, Monki and & Other Stories. Our fashion editorial photoshoot will inspire you to find the boldest version of yourself, so you can rock the festive season in style.

Cover by

Our love language might just be food-centered, because when we headed to Maki for an al fresco lunch and to try out their new menu items, we were instantly smitten! From Maki to the glitz and glamor of the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, we’ve found your ultimate New Year’s Eve destination! We’ve rounded up the hotel’s hottest activities for you, all you have to do is simply to decide what to wear! The year is ending, and a new one is starting. The cycle of life waits for no one, so don’t dawdle here and flip the page to enjoy this issue. Happy Reading! Ahmed El-Adly

Mariam Raslan Yasmin Gamal

Communications Hala Y. Sharara bazaar Studios

Contributing Photographers Ahmad Al Dhafiri Aidan Brooks

Contributing Writers Craig Loomis

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

Printing British Industries for Printing and Packaging

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w w w. b p a w w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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INDEX DECEMBER 2021 32

THE BROTHERS ALSHAKHS: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Brothers Hani and Jawad did not dream of opening a coworking creative studio when they were growing up. Instead, a need for a space where one sibling could record and edit his instructional video pushed them in that direction. Studio Corners has since become one of Kuwait’s creative hotspots, providing people, including our vagabond band of creators at bazaar Studios, access to a studio and equipment that is very much needed to make every content idea come true!

TAIBA QABAZARD: CHEMIST, ATHLETE AND ARTIST

BNAIDER DREAMIN’

Taiba went to the United States to study chemistry and ended up minoring in Studio Arts and found her calling as an artist. But for her, art is more than just creating visually appealing pieces, it’s rather about creating change and giving everyone a safe space to heal, learn and grow! Inspiration starts here, so flip on to read Taiba’s story.

The ever-so-iconic Ferrari Portofino M served as our inspiration when it came to conceiving the Bnaider Dreamin’ concept. Captured by Out The Box Kuwait and produced by our very own bazaar Studios, this photoshoot harks back to days of leisure driving to beautiful destinations, without a worry in the world, with only the purr of this mighty beast serving as our driving soundtrack.

128

MAKE NEW MAGICAL MEMORIES AT CELEBRATE IN STYLE THE TOYOTA SUPRA ‘Tis the season to dress to the nines with festive fits Since its inception, the Supra was designed and built for FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT! from H&M, COS, & Other Stories and Monki! Discover the race track. It’s a monster in terms of performance, yet The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is here to shake things up and to help us celebrate the arrival of 2022. An array of wonderful celebratory events available to choose from across the hotel, ensure that guests will create magical memories this New Year’s Eve.

a delightful array of incredible fashions from our favorite high-street brands! Complete with disco balls to pass the vibe check, make this holiday season a celebration like no other with this special photoshoot by bazaar Studios.

it handles beautifully and still manages to look sleek and completely at home in the city. Find out why this might just be the perfect next car for you.

CMY

152 EXCITING NEW DISHES AT MAKI

Maki has always surprised and delighted our taste buds, and the new additions to the menu were no exceptions. We went to enjoy the gorgeous winter sunshine as we lunched al fresco and sampled the cozy dishes that are definitely going to be everyone’s new faves this season.

162 MAKANI’S KASHTA BUNDLES MAKE CAMPING EASIER

Being in charge of the food for any kashta or camping trip can be challenging. You need to please everyone present and not forget anything. The food experts at Makani have done all the hard work for you and are offering grab and go kits that will have you winning all the kashta kudos you deserve!

CELEBRATE IN STYLE P. 94

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Featuring: @ascia & @twinshadban

what's trending December 2021

What: @lovebabyroo Info: Mama-owned brand curating ethical and eco friendly baby brands Editor’s Note: Educational, aesthetic and ethical. What’s not to love?

What: @neonkw_ Info: Accessories to add to your other accessories. Editor’s Note: We’re obsessed with the beaded shoe thing.

#2 What: @sKuwait_Game Info: Get ready and get your mind in the game for the biggest event in Kuwait. Editor’s Note: Obsessed with Squid Game? Then this is for you.

#5 What: @offgridkw Info: Your one-stop-shop for outdoor living essentials. Editor’s Note: Camping season is knocking and we’re ready for it.

What: @ncigstudios Info: Want to pitch your TV show idea to Netflix? This is where to start. Editor’s Note: You might be the next big thing!

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EXPERIENCE

AN ENCHANTING WINTER WONDERLAND DREAM AT JUMEIRAH

Indulge in an unforgettable festive season and let us spoil you with an endless array of experiences to start the New Year on a high note. From our festive brunch at Garden Café on December 25th to a whimsical, New Year’s Eve Cabana dinner under the glittering stars on the beach. Discover poolside dining escapades overlooking the sparkling Arabian Gulf Sea and a hearty, set menu at Olio Trattoria Italiana. All of this and so much more have been creatively curated at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa to treat you to a festive season full of shimmering glamour and elegance.

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RED BULL BAR BAHR IS BACK The Kuwaiti Land and Sea Race is on in December By bazaar staff

Kuwait’s premier land and sea race, Red Bull Bar Bahr, is set to take off once again next month. The race combines two of Kuwait’s most beloved sports into a single, exciting tournament. The 2021 Edition of Red Bull Bar Bahr takes place on December 3, 2021, at Al Khiran in Kuwait.

Red Bull Bar Bahr is a competitive relay race that begins with a quad bike first half on land, and then continues, once that is complete, into the sea with the use of jet skis. The race has attracted many local star and championship winning athletes. Among them are Mohammed Burbayea, Fahad Al Musallam, Mishary Bushaiba, Mohammad Al Baz, and many more. The unique aspect of the race is the combining of major sporting disciplines, and the relay aspect, which gives fans the opportunity to watch both sports take the stage towards a shared goal. Teams of two racers compete for the best overall time and first position. The race begins with the quad racers at the starting line, and away from their bikes. Once the race begins all quad

racers run on foot to their quads and take off through the obstacle-laden closed-course circuit. There they will face man-made mounds, dirt, mud, and various obstacles along the way. Upon completing the course, they will find themselves on the shore, where they will disembark and hand over the keys to their partner’s jet ski. From there the jet ski racers will rush into the sea, mount their watercraft, start their engines, and finish the race. The jet ski section is no less grueling, and all competitors expect a tough battle all the way to the finish line. Both members of every team will have their skills put to the test, regardless of experience. There will be strict safety measures in place during the racing tournament. All team members must wear a full-face helmet at all times and

have a valid driving license for the vehicle they will be riding at the time of the event. Admittance for spectators is free for all those who wish to attend. There is no sign-up requirement, or registration of any kind needed. Simply be present at the location on the day of the race and have a good time. This year, the event is being sponsored by the Basel Al Salem Al Sabah Motor Racing Club, Voss Water, Room Service, and the Kuwait Times.

To stay up-to-date follow @RedBullKuwait on Instagram and Twitter, and @RedBull on Facebook.

TOGETHER TONIGHT, TOGETHER TOMORROW NEW SEASON COLLECTION

SCAN THE CODE

PANTO IS BACK IN KUWAIT

Staged in Kuwait celebrates its 10th season by bringing Dick Whittington to the stage this December By bazaar staff

Annual Pantomimes are a tradition in Kuwait and have been showing on our stages with talented actors, outrageous costumes, and magnificent sets since 1953. Panto brings laughs and giggles and treats for the entire family to enjoy! Children, parents and grandparents can all come together and enjoy the best of British theatre right here in the heart of Kuwait. New to pantomime? Welcome to the magic! Called Panto for short, it is a magical form of entertainment that encompasses drama, music, dance, and physical comedy all wrapped around a fair y-tale stor y. It is a piece of theatre that interactively engages an audience and fun for the entire family. This year the Staged In Kuwait family is putting on a traditional British pantomime production of Dick Whittington! Dick Whittington is the purrr fect pantomime adventure that follows the hero as he seeks his fame, fortune and happiness in London Town. With help from the magical Fair y Bowbells and his trusty feline friend Tommy, what could possibly go wrong? The whole production is a community venture, created by community volunteers under the Staged in Kuwait banner. We are so excited to be back out of the COVID 19- shutdown and ready to see productions on stage with our families once again. For those of you concerned, they will still adhere to the health and Safety regulations put in place by the Ministr y of Health. Also, the venue is wheelchair accessible and the event has various tiers of tickets making it affordable for ever yone. Staged in Kuwait’s Founder and Artistic Director, Tim Waddell, also the director of Dick Whittington, is delighted with this year’s enthusiasm and commitment from the volunteers, cast and crew adding “What a delight it is to bring the community back together after this long hiatus. The magic of Panto is created by the community and it is this spirit of merriment and joy that makes it great.” Staged in Kuwait is ever growing and expanding; their doors are open to the community and they welcome all kinds of handson cooperation from back stage to front of house duties. SIK is a place where you can learn, grow, give back to the community and feel safe. Productions like this one need support and we’re happy to see that Aspire, Pinkberr y and Shake Shack, have chosen to sponsor, support and contribute to make it possible to bring Panto to us this year. For more information visit stagedinkuwait.com. There will be five performances only showing from December 9 - 11 at the Al Hmely Back Stage theatre in Jabria. Purchase tickets online from siktkts.com. 30

up close & personal

STUDIO CORNERS

Hani and Jawad Alshakhs, brothers providing a space for creative collaboration By bazaar staff

As we know, malls really are de rigueur in Kuwait, and now that both the threat of coronavirus and the weather has cooled, Kuwait is back to building a new mega mall here, or an even larger mall there. Sometimes, though, the smaller ones are well-worth a visit. You can find some real gems in mini-malls, which typically support local, family-owned businesses. bazaar Studios discovered a little star of a place in Salmiya’s 8 Mall, called Studio Corners, and built to provide exactly what it says on the label – differently designed areas within a studio setting. Once we found out that the place is run by brothers Hani and Jawad Alshakhs, we were eager to sit down with them both and delve a little deeper into their relationship and business plan.

Jawad and Hani Alshakhs

Think of famous brothers and who immediately comes to mind? Cain and Abel may immediately pop up, let’s not go there, and perhaps the sneakerheads among you may think of the Puma and Adidas brothers, again, not a great relationship. Perhaps this goes to show that fraternal sibling rivalry is not so easily put aside. But surely, there must be examples of brothers with a more complementary, yin and yang, mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship. The Wright brothers - without whom none of you would be packing your bags to fly off to concerts in Riyadh or weekends in Dubai –these are a better example. The conscientious and industrious older brother Wilbur seems to have been the pragmatic driving force behind their extensive research with the bright and younger brother Orville lending his vigor to the project on how to best control flight. A similar older brother/younger brother dynamic can also be seen at play in Studio Corners, where the brothers Hani and Jawad Alshakhs work extremely well together. It’s not the first time they’ve endeavored to do this as they come from a family who is happy to delve into the scary quagmire that can sometimes come from working with friends or family. But “scary” hasn’t been the brothers’ experience. Their first big project, years ago, was real estate which involved a large number of their family, ten to be exact. Poor logistics, not enough planning and more than a bit of bad luck led to the project’s failure but there were no enduring familial fallouts nor recriminations. The skilled and rare ability to successfully compartmentalize business and interpersonal relationships is strong within the Alshakhs family, “As much as is humanly possible,” laughs Hani. This experience must have shaped the brothers’ good attitude, because they simply know no other way than to accept things as they happen and just keep moving onward and upward from there. In fact, if anything, with failure came lessons learned and a stronger more experienced foundation on which to build successful ventures. As an educator who needed to be able to teach online, Hani was the first to come up with the idea of sharing a space with others, and

having that space pay for itself. Like a buy-to-let to pay the mortgage, but you’re also one of the roommates. Seems ingenious. “It came out of necessity,” Hani explains. Like many successful entrepreneurs, Hani recognized that if he needed a service, such as media content creation, others would most likely be looking for it too. Ever the pragmatist Hani decided - rather than outsourcing - it was cheaper for him to learn how to do all the various aspects of content creation, from sound to lighting and videography and, in providing the right environment for himself to create in, he’d be providing opportunities for others to use that space too. Given the highly competitive nature of the industry and how people sometimes can naturally want to keep resources to themselves, developing a space like Studio Corners is a particularly generous and empathetic move, not just a business idea. Studio Corners is constantly evolving; something has been added, they’ve got more equipment, made new backdrops on wheels, or there’s a new creative using the space. So, you get to meet like-minded artists, build your network, and strengthen the creative community in Kuwait. When asked about Studio Corners as a business, Jawad says, “It’s got a life of its own,” but he does question its sustainability. “Creatives like to be in control and prefer to have their own space,” he muses. But here is where the

beauty of Studio Corners comes in. It’s almost like an incubator of talent. There are incredible creatives, visionaries who can’t afford to invest in their own equipment but who can afford to rent and experience the range of quality supplies and services on offer in a well-run, professional setup with everything from a podcasting studio to collaborative areas with a multitude of sockets and charging outlets. From within a safe and supportive space these creative newbies get to develop their portfolios, establish themselves and then move on. “Moving on” is exactly where Jawad questions the sustainability of Studio Corners, but in Kuwait there will always be a next generation of artists who require a space in which to work, team up and express themselves. In Studio Corners, no matter if it’s Hani sporting his dishdasha or Jawad coming in after his latest travels, they are always open to sharing their ideas and technical advice with the users. They seem genuinely interested in how their space is being used, be it podcaster or visual artist, and it’s rare to hear them say, “no” when it comes to implementing a creative idea in-studio. You can sometimes even see an entire temporary set being built in one of the corners; it’s more often than not a bazaar Studios project or collaboration to be fair. bazaar starts to ask the brothers, “Of the two of you, who…” and Jawad finishes the question for bazaar, “…calls the shots?” The question was

going to be “Who is the more dedicated to the space”, but this subject seems more fun. Hani immediately says, “I wouldn’t say it’s collaborative decision making, but it is very close to that.” He goes on to explain, “I have the business perspective always in mind so the decisions that I make are geared toward breaking even, revenue, gross profit, and that kind of thing.” Hani is not a creative who wants to build his own personal play space, which can be the temptation if you are an owner and creative at the same time. It is also a very older brother trait; keep on the straight and narrow so the younger brother, and other business partners, get to explore alternative areas safely. Despite this apparent rigidity Hani is very flexible and remains open to new ideas. Jawad goes on to say, “Flexibility was built into the idea of Studio Corners from the beginning.” Even the glass dividing wall is in reality an accordion door which opens up the floor completely, changing the possibilities for usage entirely. It’s exciting to see what other projects, collaborations or opportunities Studio Corners will lend itself to. But perhaps more than anything, it’s fascinating to see how these two brothers both with disparate responsibilities, continue to work together from different angles, yet aim to achieve the same goals for not only their own needs, but for the creative community’s needs too. We are grateful. [Continued...]

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value about your friends? H: Can’t really pinpoint any single trait, generally would say I value them as individuals. J: They’re non-judgmental and supportive. Which living person do you most admire? H: My mother. J: My art mentor for his insightfulness and work ethic. What is your idea of perfect happiness? H: My family’s happiness. J: Accepting life as it comes, the good with the bad. What is your greatest extravagance? H: Going on an extended camping or overlanding trip. J: I spend much more than I should when traveling. What is your most treasured possession? H: I don’t consider any of my possessions treasured. When I was younger, I would say my book collection. Currently I see them as tools, I constantly write notes in the margins which is something I could not imagine doing before. J: My decade old dropbox account. What is your greatest fear? H: Losing people I care about. J: Losing access to my dropbox account. What is your most marked characteristic? H: Being easy going. J: Introversion. Which talent would you most like to have? H: Portrait drawing, I use to draw constantly from middle school up to university. After I entered work life I slowly stopped and have always wanted to get back to it. J: Public speaking. What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for? H: Having a high threshold hold for stress. J: I’m always learning something new. What is the human trait you most dislike about others? H: Being too judgmental. J: Nosiness. What is it that you most dislike? H: Too much work, of which I have plenty. J: Bad parenting. 34

[...Continued]

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? H: In Arabic ‫“ مو مشكلة‬Not a problem”. J: “That means” or “‫ ”يعني‬in Arabic. What are your favorite words to live by? H: Arabic prayer from Imam Ali ‫إلهي انت كما احب‬ ‫“ فأجعلني كما تحب‬My lord you are as i like you to be, so make me as you would like me to be”. J: You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Where would you most like to live? H: Anywhere with a view and no shopping malls. J: Tuscany. If you could have any job, what would it be? H: I really wanted to be a surgeon. J: Movie critic.

What would you consider your greatest achievement? H: Still working on that. J: Worked with and learned from very talented designers throughout my career. What do you hope for the future? H: Success in my business venture for my goal of financial freedom. J: To work on something that makes people’s lives easier and happier.

Studio Corners is located on the 5th floor of 8 Mall in Salmiya. For bookings visit studiocorners. com and follow @studio.corners on Instagram to stay up to date with their news.

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KASHTA TIME!

Make your time out in the desert easier with our simple guide By bazaar staff

Ready to pack your car and head out to the desert? It’s a fun activity that’s decidedly Kuwaiti. Friends or family members head out to the dunes to barbeque, play games and spend the day in the beautiful sands of Kuwait. Whether this is your first time or you’re an old-timer, things have changed a lot. From companies specializing in outdoor furniture that will deliver to your location to restaurants that have ready-to-grill boxes, you can make the whole experience much easier on yourself.

The Gear A quick scroll through Instagram will yield results like @kashta.kwt, @Kashta_zone_kw and @ breeze_kwt among many others. From modern to classic setups you can find one that fits your perfect aesthetic. The beach is still an option If you are not ready to commit to a full day, but still want to have some fun, you can always set up by the Arabian Gulf. Most of the Kashta companies will set you up by the water. It is a different experience but a lot of fun. You can enjoy the salty sea breeze and the company of your friends at the same time. Yummy in my tummy There are so many wonderful ready-to-grill boxes available now, that you can take with you. They’re already packed in their coolers and marinating in delicious spices, just waiting to hit the coals. Bonus points if you remember drinks and dessert (but we’re good with s’mores). 36

Stay hydrated It’s easy to think you might not get thirsty because it is not as hot anymore, but you will need to pack water. Take more than you think you need so you’re not caught out in the desert dying for a drink. First Aid Kit Hopefully you won’t need it, but it is always better to be prepared. Grab one from most pharmacies or large supermarkets, because they’ve been packed with the basics that you will need for the most common emergencies. If you’re spending the day with anyone that needs medication, make sure you have everything with you. Check the car This should go without saying, but check your tires, gas and oil before you set out. Yes the desert isn’t hours and hours away, but preventing minor issues is quite easy. Do It Yourself The Dinars can start adding up fast if you’re not careful, but you can still have fun without paying

an arm and a leg. You need a good picnic blanket, food, drinks and some lighting if you plan to stay later in the day. It won’t be Insta-worthy but can be just as much fun, if you invite the right people. Head to True Value, City Stars, and Afkary Expo for budget-friendly Kashta essentials! We can’t stress this enough: CLEAN UP WHEN YOU’RE DONE! After a long day of fun, it might be tempting to just leave the camping site without a thorough cleanup, but please don’t be that person. Our last drive out to wafra featured an entire highway riddled with desert trash on both sides. Not only is this disgusting and unsightly, we’re literally wreaking havoc on habitats that don’t really belong to us. The desert belongs to everyone, and before humans, it belongs to the wildlife that lives there. Littering and leaving trash behind is just wrong and taking 30 minutes out of your day to make sure that you’re leaving nothing behind, means that the next time you visit you will enjoy yourself more. Photo by Vincent Battault on Unsplash.

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ELON IN SPACE

Elon Musk’s Starship rocket may launch to orbit in January By Rob Pegoraro

Elon Musk is almost ready to light SpaceX’s biggest candle yet. In a video appearance at a space-science conference, he predicted the two-stage, fully reusable Starship rocket could make its first orbital launch early next year. “The first orbital flight, we’re hoping to do in January,” “We’ll be complete with the launch pad and launch tower later this month,” the SpaceXfounder and Tesla CEO said at the fall meeting of the National Academy of Science’s Space Studies Board. “We’ll do a bunch of tests in December and hopefully launch in January.” Construction is currently underway at the rocket firm’s Boca Chica, Texas test site. SpaceXalso needs to secure a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration, which Musk said forecast will arrive around the end of the year. Starship has the potential to make SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy look as obsolete as traditional, expendable rockets now appear next to those partially-reusable launch vehicles. Falcon 9, first launched in 2010 and since May 2020 the rocket American astronauts ride to the International Space Station, can send 25 tons to low Earth orbit; Falcon Heavy, which debuted in 2018, can loft 70 tons to low Earth orbit. But Starship is designed to carry 110 tons—and, with refueling of its second stage in orbit, can send that much to the moon or Mars. Starship’s Super Heavy booster, which has yet to fly, will initially feature 29 Raptor enginesburning liquid methane and oxygen to develop 12 million pounds of thrust, as Musk tweeted Tuesday above a picture of those 29 engines. Musk said that will evolve to 33 engines with 2.2 times the 7.7 million pounds of thrust of the Saturn V rocket that went to the Moon half a century ago—some 17 million pounds. “It’s the biggest rocket ever designed,” Musk said. And both Starship’s Super Heavy first stage and its six-engine second stage—also named Starship, and which has carried out an increasingly successful series of test flights over the last year—can return to Earth for reuse. “What we’re aiming to develop with Starship is a generalized way to transport large amounts of mass or people,” Musk said. But first, this vehicle has to launch and land successfully, and Musk returned to his habit of waving off excessive optimism. “I would not say that this is likely to be successful, but we’ll make a lot of progress,” he said, adding that rapid production from the Starship factory at Boca Chica will allow the company to iterate rapidly. “We’re aiming to make a great many.”

Starship’s second stage also now stands to play a critical role in NASA’s return to the Moon later this decade, with the space agency having picked a version of that vehicle to take astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back. Musk nodded to that contract, saying “I look forward to doing that for NASA,” but added that Starship’s cargo-transport capabilities would support the construction of a larger lunar base. “We could have a moon research station, which would be amazing.” But Musk has much bigger dreams for what hundreds of Starship vehicles could accomplish: ensure that humanity’s fate is no longer rooted to that of Earth. “Long term, it’s essential for preserving the light of consciousness,” he said. “The probable lifespan of civilization is much greater if we’re a multiplanet species.” Questions and answers After Musk’s roughly 15-minute speech—which began with his son X sitting on his lap and waving hi—he took questions from Space Studies Board members. The schedule had that budgeted for 15 minutes, but Musk stayed for more than 55 minutes and got well into the weeds. One question about Musk’s decision to build Starship and Super Heavy out of stainless steel instead of aluminum or carbon-fiber composite elicited a detail-soaked answer about how steel is not just cheaper and easier to work with but

stronger when filled with cryogenic propellants. “Obviously you can tell I’m a big fan of stainless steel,” Musk concluded that soliloquoy, joking: “Stainless steel and I should get a room or something.” A question about protecting astronauts on long interplanetary journeys from the high radiation of solar storms got a much less complete response ending with: “We don’t have all the answers there.” Musk used a comment about SpaceX’s role in launching NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper probe to that moon of Jupiter to tout how Starship could send much larger payloads into the solar system if we can generate fuel from resources mined from other worlds. “Basically, anyplace we can put the gas station, that gives us a whole leap forward,” he said. One other attendee had a more skeptical view of SpaceX tampering with other planets, asking Musk about how he will avoid contaminating Mars with human microbes. He suggested that human exploration could be kept confined to part of Mars, saying “You wouldn’t want to spread biological debris all over Mars.” But the header image of Musk’s Twitter account—a series of images showing the hypothetical terraforming of Mars into an Earth-like world—suggest he has his sights set far higher.

Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash.

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TAIBA QABAZARD Meet the artist inspired by change By bazaar staff

Our destinations are often reached by winding roads, unexpected roadblocks, and interesting detours. Taiba Qabazard is the perfect example of the unexpected and surprising journey but makes absolute sense in hindsight. She’s all the things at once; weightlifter, artist, vocal about her beliefs and values as well as being an all-round inspiring young woman. She is an artist who is tr ying to create a safe place for people to be in and embrace their differences, while tr ying to create change in young people who are carr ying societal and generational baggage and trauma. “I like to create art with meaning, art that people can relate to and maybe somewhat heal from,” Taiba explains. She found her way into the art world when she travelled to the United States for her undergraduate degree and ended up minoring in Studio Arts. Her exposure to the art community and its diverse environment inspired her to work on recreating it locally when she came back. “Art was my way out of this world. An imaginar y parallel universe where I can translate my thoughts into reality,” she says. Taiba’s current style is interesting and despite being created using a single line without lifting the pen, shows depth, meaning and layers that hide behind its simplicity. “My style differs from time to time; I would describe it more of like a diversity of moods and feelings translated into paintings and drawings,” she explains, but she is also not limiting herself to one thing and continues, “Ver y recently I have been focusing on one line drawing but I have had experience with many forms of art as it is a non-stop practice throughout my life.” As a student in the US, she took part in her first experience and found it to be exhilarating. “It was an amazing experience but my goal was to go past local exhibitions and art displaying. Art in general is gaining a lot of audiences compared to 10 years ago which is not a downside and local exhibitions now have much more depth in art appreciation which is something I’m really thankful of.” She dabbles in ever ything like meditating, boxing, Olympic weightlifting, traveling, searching for cr ystals, and tr ying different artistic habits which have kept her in constant motion and always experiencing different things. And it seems to reflect on a fluidity within her art and can probably be explained by her muse, Change. “Change inspires me. As an artist, being stagnant really affects my aura, energy, and creativity; so, I tr y to create a space with positivity and growth.

Our daily life experiences and lessons inspire me to create pieces that might help someone who might have had the same experience. Growing up in a judgmental society never really gave a chance to anyone who was willing to be different and that itself inspires me to look at society’s rules as merely suggestions,” she elaborates. All of her interests have another common theme; healthy body, healthy mind. “Art, working out, meditating, and enjoying nature are all part of creating a safe space for a healthy mental state,” Taiba says.

She majored in chemistr y and ended up teaching for a while in Kuwait, but just recently took a leap of faith to become a full-time artist. Despite how different the two fields are she explains that teaching was a useful experience. “Teaching chemistr y definitely shaped me into a better instructor and understanding how each person might have different learning abilities which can also help me with my art and sending out the desired messages more clearly for ever yone to understand. I love chemistr y and I love teaching it, but if I must be restricted with

ways of teaching chemistr y then a full-time artist sounds better as I can teach it however I’d like and in the most beneficial way possible,” she explains. Taiba holds a nuanced view of her ability to reach a wider global audience online but prefers showing art in real life because it offers viewers a more interactive approach. “It has been a catalyst for my exposure, but I always believe good art will definitely find its way within people’s lives (locally). Social media, for sure, increases exposure worldwide which is always a great thing,” Taiba explains. She also recently created a collection of prints that featured women’s portraits in black and white with empowering color ful statements around them. She explains how that project came about, “I had an urge to send out messages of empowerment at that time, creating art in this manner was a must because I myself needed those words of empowerment. Art definitely needs to say something but it’s not a necessity to all artists depending on their purpose for creating art. In my opinion, I think if art does not provoke feelings either of discomfort or ease then to me I haven’t really created something memorable.” She then converted them into tote bags which wasn’t the plan, yet she says “Why not? Right? Art is meant to be fun however that might look like.” Art is more than a visual representation, it is a voice, a tool, the medium and the message. It is a way to express and a way to evolve, and making it accessible is just one of the many ways for that to happen. Seeing change is something that Taiba is passionate about, and she refuses to accept the status quo or get too hung up about the past. “The art scene in Kuwait is slowly but surely changing, we still have people glorifying a specific time with traditional art which is not a bad thing, but to create an ongoing culture of development in the art scene we must aim to be our authentic self and express art in different ways. I would like to change the art scene in Kuwait and appreciate ever y artist who tries to create art with purpose and benefit the next generations,” she explains. Her inclusive and welcoming approach makes art more relatable and accessible to a wider and diverse audience, which is something we can all agree on. [Continued...]

truth or dare

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? Ambitious. How would you describe your mother in one word? Generous. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? “Why do you have to go to the gym everyday?” What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Drove to the airport, booked, & travelled to Greece with a backpack only. What is your theme song? Unstoppable- Sia. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Art. Where would you like to live? The United States of America. What is your dream retirement location? Hawaii. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”- Buddha Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life? Lion. Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it? The simplicity and innocence. Everything was simple during the early 90s. If you could change your name, to what would you change it? I would not change my name, I was named after my grandmother and that to me is irreplaceable. How would you describe your handshake, in one word? Hug! What is the toughest part of your character? I’m a very stubborn person, a workaholic, and what I want I usually work hard to get. Which might cause neglect in my social life because I’m very work oriented. Who is your favorite historical figure? I don’t have any. What in the world do you least desire? Greed. What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place? We are lacking kindness which would make this world much more bearable if we practice more of it. Why do you think most people who do, like you? People say I’m way too kind, that might be the reason? Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” “…doing what you love, and loving what you do!” Follow @artbytaibaa on Instagram for more on her art and to stay up-to-date with her journey. 42

[...Continued]

ARE YOU TOO SET ON YOUR GOALS?

When goal-setting gets in the way of happiness By J. W. Traphagan

“It would seem,” wrote George Orwell in his essay Can Socialists Be Happy?, “that human beings are not able to describe, nor perhaps to imagine, happiness except in terms of contrast.” Orwell wrote about those who imagine future utopias unlike the worlds in which they are living. He argued they are like people with a toothache who think happiness comes only in not having a toothache. You set the goal of not having a toothache and organize your life and worries around that goal. When the pain is gone, you’ve achieved your utopia.

We live in an age of anxiety driven by an economic model of life where much of what we do is based on a contrast between where we are and where we think we want to be. We set goals that assume the goal of life itself is to attain, acquire, and become, whether that which we gain comes in the form of money, achievement, or recognition. Teachers, relatives, and others tell children to set goals about which college to attend or what career they plan to develop. What do you want to be when you grow up? Aim high! It starts early. Of course, it’s necessar y to set goals at times. We’ll never find our way out of the environmental crisis we’ve created if we don’t do things like setting goals aimed at reducing carbon emissions. But goal-setting also presents a problem in that it pushes us to live for the future, rather than to experience the present. Think of it this way: If I decide to climb to the top of a mountain and put my head down as I diligently ascend, I miss ever ything around me along the way as I focus my attention on getting to the top, and worr ying about what happens if I don’t make it. It’s the base and sides of the mountain, as philosopher Robert Pirsig put it, that sustain life—not the peak. And if you get there, what do you find? Snow, rocks, cold

wind, and maybe a nice view. But that view is of the world pushed into the distance, in which ever ything that allows me to stand atop the mountain is too small to truly experience. Unfortunately, living for the future has a way of generating anxiety about the possibility it may not come true. The problem with setting goals is that it creates a contrast between where I am and an imagined future of success, much like the utopian visions Or well describes. Goal-setting, particularly long-term personal goal-setting, can easily become a life driven by the illusion that you can know where you are going. One looks ahead without recognizing the maze of potential roads leading in multiple directions from the point where you stand at any givenmoment. It’s a view from the bottom of the mountain in which you point to some spot above and say, I want to be there. The problem is that you have no idea what will happen once you start walking along the path to get there. And, of course, if you keep your sights focused on the end-point, you’ll miss ever ything along the way. A release from anxiety arises when you focus on the present, rather than either the past or future. But life lived this way turns out to be much easier to talk about than to do. The cultures in which most modern and postmodern

people live demand some level of planning and the ongoing political, environmental, and other problems we face behoove us to think about the future. Thus, I’m not proposing that we all just wander around aimlessly through life letting the wind blow us from one thing to another. That sounds good in romanticized books about Zen, but it doesn’t work in our world. Proximate planning or goal setting can be ver y helpful, as long as one doesn’t become too attached to the goals set, particularly when those goals are set by others. Put another way: Anxiety arises when the future becomes constantly contrasted with the present and we live our lives primarily aimed at a future that may never come to be. Our identities then become expressed in terms of that future, rather than centering on who we are in the present. It’s easy to drift from setting goals to becoming the goals one sets (or that are set by others). And a life hitching your identity to one end game means that you tend not to recognize the interesting moves and passages that might lead to more enjoyable end games—many of which were unimaginable when starting along the path. Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.

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SPEED CHARGING

Ford teases a new cable capable of charging electric cars in 5 minutes By Mark Wilson

Electric cars beat out gas vehicles in just about every imaginable way. Except one. It’s not so much the range (EVs get about 300 miles between charges these days); it’s the actual charging time. EVs require 20 minutes or more to recharge—a lifetime for people accustomed to quick trips to the gas pump. However, new research out of Purdue University (funded by an R&D alliance with Ford Motor Co.) proposes a way to change this, by redesigning the charging cable itself. The patentpending cable technology is capable of recharging an EV in an estimated five minutes. Though just as beneficial is what the new design offers in terms of user experience. What’s the breakthrough? The new cable sends more current than the cables we have today—a whopping 4.6 times the current sent through industry-leading Tesla Supercharger cables. The reason we can’t build these cables today is that moving that much electricity generates a lot of heat. 46

Some of that heat can be dissipated naturally by just making the cable thicker. But to move so much current with today’s technologies would necessitate a relatively inflexible cable that’s so wide in diameter—and so weighed down with pricey copper—that many people would have difficulty plugging it into their cars. “For anyone with a disability, or older people with limited mobility, it would be more and more challenging,” notes Michael Degner, senior technical leader at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. But the Ford/Purdue technology allows a highcurrent cable to be as small, or perhaps even smaller, than the cables we have today, while also moving far more electricity. How? The technique comes down to liquid cooling, which has already been used successfully in technologies like graphics cards and LED lamps. The cable is wrapped up like a garden hose, with liquid running over the wire. As that liquid heats up, it evaporates within the cable itself.

Due to the chemical coolant being used, the liquid turns into a vapor well before it reaches the scorching boiling point of water, which would burn your hands. As Degner explains, this technique works to cool the wiring, even at low temperatures, because the phase change between liquid and vapor still requires a large amount of (heat) energy to occur. Ford estimates it will need about two more years to hone the technology for market. However, even if it does, a better cable alone won’t be enough to reach five-minute charge times. Ford’s batteries will also need to be updated to accept so much power so quickly, because today’s batteries are their own bottleneck to faster charging speeds. Degner says Ford is on it, noting, “We’re working on many things in parallel.”

Photo by Red Dot on Unsplash.

FSKuwait

GO OUTSIDE

The maker of Pokemon Go says the metaverse should take you outside By Jeff Beer

Before Faceboo, er, Meta and Microsoft unveiled their high-profile and ambitious visions for the metaverse in October, Niantic founder and CEO John Hanke wrote a company blog post titled, “The Metaverse is a Dystopian Nightmare. Let’s Build A Better Reality.” In it, the leader of the company behind the augmented reality games Pokemon Go, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, and Ingress Prime says that too much of the conversation and vision around the metaverse is focused on escaping the real world in favor of a virtual one. “We believe we can use technology to lean into the ‘reality’ of augmented reality— encouraging everyone, ourselves included, to stand up, walk outside, and connect with people and the world around us,” wrote Hanke. “Technology should be used to make these core human experiences better—not to replace them.” Now Niantic is launching its first-ever brand campaign to bring that vision to life. Dropping on National Hiking Day to put a finer point on it, the company is aiming to harness the collective power of its games and remind people that there is a company with its own unique vision behind them, one that sees technology’s potential outside in the real world. Niantic’s director of worldwide product marketing, Archit Bhargava, says that from a marketing perspective, the company—which started within Google in 2010 and became an independent company in 2015—has traditionally invested in building its game brands, like the recently launched Pikmin Bloom. “Deep down, we’ve always felt and talked about Niantic

having this backseat as a company facilitating these products,” says Bhargava. Launched in 2016, Pokemon Go, for example, became a global hit and has made $6 billion in revenue. “Especially now, with so much conversation about the metaverse and spending more time in these virtual worlds, we felt that it’s even more important for us to articulate our point of view. We wanted to find a way to do it in an elegant and energetic way.” Created with the agency Gravity Road, the spot opens with a shadowy specter in the air, first above a suburban street, then a rainy city night, then a sun-drenched apartment window. You can’t quite make out what it is, but it’s big. It’s grabbing people’s attention as they work at their desks, watch TV, lay in bed. It sparks them into action. When they’re ready, their gaming handles flash above them, hero style. Then they’re adventuring through city streets, parks, and more, as videogame prompts hail their attention. Bumblebee from The Transformers pops up on a street corner. Pikachu is on a girl’s shoulder. It culminates with a crowd ascending a grassy hill, city steps, and apartment roofs until the camera pans up to reveal an airship—Niantic’s logo—flying by as the beacon they’ve been following. Bhargava says the augmented reality is intentionally subtle because they didn’t want to overshadow how awesome the real world is. “The idea was, what if this ship was calling people outside like an ice cream truck of optimism,” he says. While long planned, the timing, in terms of how the metaverse has exploded into the larger culture

conversation right now, couldn’t be better. The company is also taking the opportunity to invite developers into the fold with its new Lightship platform, an augmented-reality development kit launched last week for developers to access Niantic’s tools to build their own experiences. The new ad actually premiered inside Ingress, accessed at in-game markers (or “portals”) at different physical geographic locations where players can access game inventory. The spot also includes several easter eggs for fans of its games to find and use to access exclusive merchandise and tickets to Niantic events. Ultimately, the new campaign is yet another parent company hoping to remind people that there is a name behind the names they already know. Witness every P&G ad ever made. Or how Sony has long aimed to show all its gaming characters as roomies under one corporate roof. What makes Niantic a bit different is how this campaign serves not only as a reminder of what it is, but in the context of the broader metaverse, what it’s not. Bhargava says too much of the metaverse conversation revolves around a general acceptance that the future will be largely spent in a virtual environment, and that the real world is something we’ve given up on. “We are absolutely anti that,” he says. “We’re focused on a future where technology and our tools can be a layer on top of reality— be additive, be subtle, and that’s what we want to represent in this vision.”

Photo by David Grandmougin on Unsplash.

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Bnaider Dreamin’ The Ferrari Portofino M

Experience a voyage of rediscovery, fall in love with en plain air driving Nothing says ‘showing up’ quite like the dazzling Ferrari Portofino M, as the latest evolution of the Prancing Horse 2+ GT spider is unveiled in this spectacular shoot. Emerging like a Phoenix since the start of the pandemic, the Portofino M is inimitably a symbol of a voyage of rediscovery, igniting the Prancing Horse’s powerful pursuit of innovation while paying homage to heritage, passion, and crafting perfection.

Long recognized as the moniker for ‘Modificata’ the ‘M’ in the Ferrari Portofino reflects how evolution underpins all the progress that this special car has undergone to deliver a significant boost in performance. Our voyage to Bnaider was indeed supercharged with rediscovery, the sound of the wind wistfully vied for our attention against the roaring exhaust of this beautiful beast—Ferrari’s iconic driving soundtrack. Sexy, powerful, and oh-so-fast, the Portofino M is

everything a Ferrari should be. With its redesigned powertrain, a brand new eight-speed gearbox and five-position Manettino that also includes Race mode, you’re instantly delivered with authentic GT performance, driving pleasure, agility and exceptional versatility. The Ferrari Portofino M’s 3855cc engine belongs to the V8 turbo family voted “International Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions (2016-2019). The power unit can punch out 620 cv at 7,500 rpm, 20 cv more than the Ferrari Portofino.

Experience luxury at every turn, extreme onboard comfort, both well ventilated and heated seats, and authentic coupé that retracts with ease in a mere fifteen seconds. Seamlessly sculptural, the design of the Ferrari Portofino M is voluminous yet streamlined, with sleek lines, the flow from exterior to interior is artful at every turn. The wraparound front bumpers incorporate imposing,

sculptural air intakes that lend a decisive, aggressive look to the front of the car. Gorgeous, diamond-finish wheel rims spark excitement, elegance and an inimitable sense of sportiness. Plunge into densely padded seats, and admire the studied symmetry of the cockpit’s arrangement complete with the iconic analogue rev counter in a generous circular, anti-glare binnacle.

Produced by bazaar Studios Creative Direction and Photography: @outtheboxww Styling: @byfarahforeal Model: Beatriz Sanchez @Beasd3

The Ferrari Portofino M’s HMI (Human-Machine Interface is located exactly on the same axis as the dynamic steering wheel, allowing you to sit back, relax, and drive more intuitively. Sync up your Smartphone, and enjoy everything that the touchscreen enabled infotainment system functions on offer. Whether you’re looking to create your own musical soundtrack to an unforgettable drive, or seamlessly want to access the HD multitouch capacitive screen with Split Views to allow different types of content to be viewed.

For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road, visit safat.ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait.

THE JUNIORS TAKE FIRST AT KUWAIT FINALS

Kuwaiti Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Champions Win Place At Qatar World Finals By bazaar staff

The Juniors team secured the country title this year at the Kuwait edition of the wildly popular accelerated football tournament. Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five took place throughout October 2021, with the final match played on November 4, 2021.

This year the qualifiers rounds were divided into four groups, one for each day of competition. The first group division brought the following results: Team Red Castle defeated team AFG 5-0. Red Castle went on to lose to Caspion 0-2 in their second match. Caspion were the division leaders that day, also taking a win against AFG by a score of 1-0. Red Castle were the runners-up for their group. In the second group division, The Juniors took both matches that day to come out on top. First game was against Al-Nashami with a final score of 2-0, and second against Golden Boys with a 5-0 score. Golden Boys also suffered a loss to AlNashami by 0-5, who came second place in their group. The third group saw team Jayeenkom take first place by winning their matches against their

scheduled opponents. First match was against Trend, 5-0. Second game they were matched up with Morocco, which they won by a final tally of 4-0. Trend went on to beat Morocco 1-0 to qualify for the runner-up position. The fourth group saw team Al-Najjar take their division with decisive wins against Yellows Time (4-1), and Abaden (2-0). For second position, Abaden defeated Yellows Time, 3-1. Division champions and runner-ups automatically qualified for the quarterfinals. Quarterfinals first match went to Al-Nashami, who took the win 3-1 over Caspian. Second quarterfinal game saw Al-Najjar take a strong win against Trend, 5-0. The third quarter final was a 4-0 win for The Juniors against Red Castle. Fourth and last quarter-final match went to Jayeenkom winning 3-0 over Abadeen. Semi-finals first match went to The Juniors, taking a 1-0 lead over Nashami.

Second semi-finals had Al-Najjar squeak by Jayeenkom by 2-1. At a packed Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Country Finals attendance, The Juniors won with a maximum score of 5-0 over Al-Najjar to close out the tournament with confidence. The worldwide tournament includes over 30 participating countries. For the first time in the history of Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five, the World Finals will be held in an Arab Gulf country, Qatar. The events were held in cooperation with sports group, Puma, and water company Acqua Eva, who both proudly supported the major event as well as Kuwait Times.

To find out more about the Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five, follow @RedBullKuwait on Instagram and Twitter, and @RedBull on Facebook.

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TAILGATING

Or “I know what I’m doing” By Craig Loomis

He is at it again, tailgating although he calls it ‘I know what I’m doing.’ Hurling down the roadway at 140klm the last time I looked, with only a meter or two separating us from the red SUV in front of us. “Need a little more space there, don’t you think?” I say between clenched teeth. “Why’s that?” And with that I know that whatever else I might say in way of recommendation, suggestion, friendly advice, will go unheeded. “Just saying,” and I pretend a shrug. “I know what I’m doing if that’s what you’re saying but not saying,” he says in a philosophical way. I smirk to show him we are on the same side. But then I surprise myself with, “It’s not about you, it’s about me, if you really must know, and how about that guy in the red SUV? I mean, what’s to keep him from not slamming on his brakes? Ever think of that? How about that?” When he turns to look at me, I grow wide-eyed, motioning to him to look straight ahead, and he says, “And why would he do something stupid like that? What he needs to do is go faster, or plan B, get out of the way. How about that? Look 62

behind us.” When he goes back to eyes on the road--the red SUV’s license plate forever embossed in my brain--I dare to look behind, and he is right, a line of cars has neatly stacked up behind us, all happily tailgating, all thinking this is the stuff of driving. “Ok, but until he does speed up maybe we could move to another lane. Slide over,” using both hands to show him how easy it is to slide. “Easy enough.” “Why would I do that? He needs to get out of the way,” he says angrily, motioning to the red SUV. “This is no time for ego, pride. Do us all a favor and move over.” “Lah, lah, it’s all about respect,” back to looking at me again. “He needs to respect other drivers. Everybody knows this.” “Yes, yes,” thinking that will send him back to looking straight ahead. Meanwhile, the cars behind us, one after another, effortlessly, move into the next lane and roar by, making sure to give my friend a hard stare, as if, in some way, this is all his fault. “Did you see that? See what they did? A simple slide to the right, not even a slide, a

nudge,” my words coming out small and screechy. “No sense of respect, this one,” he replies. And if possible, he edges even closer to the red SUV, whose driver, by now, has not stopped staring into his rearview mirror, mouthing words. My throat is dry, and as I glance for help, there is no one there, only a new line of cars behind that have now decided to honk and flash their lights. In the end, we exit and all tailgating and “I know what I am doing” disappear. We have almost arrived, making our way down a lazy sidestreet, when out of nowhere he slams on his brakes, lurching us forward. “What? What?” When he points, I see a brown-shirted man waiting to cross the street, or not. My friend motions for him to cross, and we both watch him consider it, looking both ways, even glancing at the treetops, before briskly crossing. I stare at him until he says, “What?” Because I don’t know where to start, how to point out the obvious, I simply say, “Nothing.” He shakes his head. “Wish you’d make up your mind.” Photo by why kei on Unsplash.

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THE MYTHICAL WORLD OF RASHA MANSOUR Discover the eponymous jewelry brand that’s putting a modern spin on Ancient Egyptian relics By bazaar staff

Ancient Egyptian mythology has fascinated the minds of designers for decades. I mean, how could one forget Karl Lagerfeld’s last Métiers d’Art show for Chanel? A regal celebration of scarabs and pyramid-shaped bags paraded down the runway, it was a fanfare of bold gold alongside pristine Lapis blue. Ancient Egyptian jewelry is forever iconic, for it represents a way of life and a culture that continues to captivate the young minds of today’s world. For jewelry designer Rasha Mansour, her aim is to honor and preserve the authentic meaning and message behind these Ancient Egyptian relics to present a jewelry line that is modernly inimitable, yet also tells a story. Based in Dubai, jewelry designer Mansour believes that “Egyptomania” is taking over the world, and her jewelry label is not only a product of passion but also a well-studied art form. She begins by telling bazaar, “I have studied The Egyptian Mysteries for the last 12 years with a teacher called Katy Noura Butler, who lives in Nazlet El Semman by the Giza Pyramids. Every piece I do is thoroughly thought-out, and I follow the exact dimensions of what the Ancient Egyptians used to create their art.” Pyramids, for instance, are scaled-down using exact measures, and precise attention to detail shows exacting textures seen on Ancient Egyptian tombs and relics. Mansour’s jewelry presents an artistic journey in its own right, one that captivates the viewer from the very moment they’ve laid eyes on one of her pieces. Already an Egyptian-celebrity fan favorite, her pieces have made crowd-pleasing appearances on none other than Mona Zaki, who wore a stunning selection of the designer’s jewelry at the recent Cairo International Film Festival. Mansour never claimed to be a traditionally trained jewelry designer, but her passion led her to vigorously self-learn. “I am self-taught over a period of 15 years of reading about jewelry and stones and spending a lot of time with my mother in the old jewelry factories in Deira, Dubai, and meeting the talented artisans there. I remember grasping all the details and mechanisms very clearly and creating pieces from all types of material in my teens. My passion for stones came particularly from years of self-healing negative patterns within myself, which led me to the discovery of crystal healing and the benefits of each stone.” She recounts how she would spend so much time agonizingly taking care of her mother’s jewelry, carefully detangling necklaces, and in doing so she began collecting her own pieces as a young teen. Her foray into jewelry design began when a family jeweler actually wanted to copy a piece of jewelry she had liked in a shop, but had deemed overpriced. “And then I stopped dead in my tracks. I was in a corporate job for almost 20 years and 64

I realized I had barely designed or done anything creative during that time. I told him I would be back. I went home that day and sketched my first piece based on inspiration from the piece I had seen and the result was 100 percent different from what I wanted to copy. A friend saw it, ordered one, then I started sketching more. Then I went back to my old books on gold and jewelry and stones and dived into it more for a few months and here we are.” Her work is quickly evolving though, further developing her sketches and her obsession with the Lotus flower continues to grow in all of its different representations. Lotuses feature widely in her pieces, observed for thousands of years by Ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of the sun, creation, and rebirth, as the flower follows the sun cycle, closing up and sinking beneath the waters of the Nile at night, to rise once again and open up at dawn. Not only is Mansour’s presentation of the lotus ever-sostriking and modern, but it is also true to form, emulating the curves of the beautiful flower. She cites the Ancient Egyptians’ obsession with the afterlife as her muse for the Lotus. “They lived for the afterlife and prepared for it. They knew this life. And I love how they revered the lotus flower for what it stood for. It grows with roots latched in mud. It submerges every night into river water and then just like a miracle re-blooms the next morning sparkling clean. That’s why this flower is associated with rebirth and enlightenment. That’s what we, as humans, all need and what we are going through. You see, If I could recreate my identity through my designs then so can anyone. I left my corporate job which was extremely toxic to me and was actually starting to affect my physical health to pursue a passion that does nothing but give me positive energy and so much love every day. I am sure that a lot of people will relate to my vision of Rebirth especially in regards to what we all went through in the last few years.” From the stunning detail featured in the Isis Necklace, which portrays the goddess Isis who wept for her beloved husband Osiris, the goddess of love Hathor, the Eye of Horus which feature as a statement pendant or earrings, long known as a symbol of protection, regal power, and good health. Mansour’s designs are so intricate, especially when we consider her recreation of King Tut’s dagger, which was originally first found as part of King Tut’s tomb filled with treasures, to the goddess Bastet. These pieces did require time for their first production, but with good reason too, as the designer explains her process, “Bastet took three months and King Tutankhamen’s dagger took around two months. This is because I study the details, and the history of each original piece and recreate it as best as I can. Recreating the God Ptah, for instance, who was believed to be the God of Craftsmanship in Ancient Egypt, meant that I had to melt the gold over 16 times until I got him right.”

Rasha Mansour

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Mansour’s caring eye in her selection of stones is not to be overlooked either, as she incorporates certified gemstones and diamonds to complete a given piece’s telling story. She says, “I visualize the pieces first. I close my eyes and visualize each colored stone and what would work. Then I research stones of that color that co-relate to the meaning of the piece. I produce it and then wear it around for a few days to see how I feel. I have rarely changed the stones and I am grateful that my visualization is strong as is my intuition.” Mansour has also chosen to work with only 18 Karat gold because she wants her clients to invest in jewelry, and not just buy it because it’s nice-looking or pretty. “The resale value is important to me,” she explains, adding that she thoroughly considers the weight of her pieces. “I care a lot about my clients ears. Yes, ears. Obsessed actually. I weigh all earrings before mass producing and wear them around the house a lot to ensure my clients won’t need stitches in a few years due to the weight of the earrings.” We asked the designer about her favorites from her collection, and she cites her Ankh pieces and the Five Flower Lotus bracelet to be close to her heart. She also favors Khepri, the scarab god, and has created so many pieces modeling this icon, including the now-famous Golden Parade ring. Khepri’s chosen symbol, the scarab beetle keeps him connected to the sun. Whether you choose the Khepri rendition with pearl, citrine, or resplendent sapphires reminiscent of the Pharaonic reverence of prized Lapis Lazuli, this ring is definitely a statement maker and will turn heads wherever you go. You can shop Rasha Mansour’s jewelry easily on her website, and we highly recommend that you take the time to read her posts on the jewelry line’s official Instagram account, @ByRashaMansour, as the designer will regale you with stories about Ancient Egyptian culture. Every buying experience can be easily personalized by reaching out to Mansour via DM, as she takes the time to speak to her customers about the journey of each and every special piece. We close our conversation with Mansour by asking her about she would like to do next, “Continue to do what I am doing, grow my vision of creating timeless heirlooms that will be passed from mother to daughter or father to son, and continue hearing ‘Rasha, since I put it on I haven’t been able to take it off.’ That’s the most amazing thing to hear.”

Shop By Rasha Mansour on her website www.ByRashaMansour.com and follow her latest work on Instagram @ByRashaMansour. 66

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BATH & BODY WORKS

bathandbodyworksarabia • www.bathandbodyworks.com.kw Customer Service: 182-12-12

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY

Did the pandemic change conspicuous consumption? By Adele Peters

In a new survey of thousands of global consumers, nearly half said that they’ve realized during the pandemic that they have too many clothes. Some 44% said that when they shop—for anything, not just clothing—brands are now less of a factor; 53% said that they’re now more likely to repair something than replace it. And while around half of respondents said that they were shopping differently for financial reasons, nearly a third said that they were driven by sustainability, a trend that is likely to last beyond the pandemic. The survey, EY’s Future Consumer Index, is the eighth edition of a project that started in April 2020 as COVID-19 spread. “The point was really just to understand what fundamental shifts were taking place,” says Kristina Rogers, global consumer leader at the consulting firm EY. People started resetting their priorities about consumption because of the pandemic, she says, and many are deciding that they want to buy fewer, higher-quality products that can last longer. For many people who have been working at home, surrounded by stuff, there’s a realization 68

that they already own too much. “There’s this trend more towards being more considerate in terms of what they buy in the future,” Rogers says. (Though the long lines of ships filled with new goods at our ports might indicate people’s actual habits are differing from what they say in a survey, or that things have reset since the depths of the pandemic.) Fewer people—only 27%—now agree with the statement that they buy more things because it makes them happy. And 85% say that they want to consider sustainability when shopping. “There’s often a large intention and action gap with consumers, so we don’t know what the actual result will be,” Rogers explains. “But I think we’re seeing a lot now around consumers ready to change their behavior to make better-informed [decisions about] products for the good of society. And in fact, what’s coming through now is much more demand for brands and companies to take some responsibility for leading some of that positive change.” Brands may want to rethink what they sell.

“In addition to the steps that companies might already be taking to tackle ESG [environmental, social, and governance] targets, companies will need to pay attention to this data and continue to monitor for which segments of consumers are including issues such as sustainability and workers’ rights as a purchase criterion, as well as their willingness to pay more for products that are sustainably and ethically sourced,” Rogers says. “As these consumer segments continue to grow and accelerate the call for change, companies will need to revisit their business practices across the value chain, from sourcing to production to demand creation,” she adds. “Fast fashion, for instance, deploys a ‘buy-use-dispose’ demand model that is not future fit. If they are not going to survive on high volume and fast turnover, fast fashion will need to consider a combination of higher quality, more expensive items, subscription models, circular resell models, and so on.”

Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash.

‫ﺣﻤﻞ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ‬ ّ !‫ﻓــــﻮت ﻟــــــﻮﻛﺮ‬ !‫ﺗﺴﻮق ﻓﻲ أي وﻗﺖ و أي ﻣﻜﺎن‬

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ARE YOUR TEXTS SECURE?

When it comes to messaging privacy, WhatsApp now beats Apple thanks to end-to-end encrypted backups By Michael Grothaus

WhatApp just announced it has launched the much-anticipated ability to back up chats that remain fully end-to-end encrypted to Apple’s iCloud and Google Drive. Prior to today’s rollout of end-to-end encrypted backups, when WhatsApp messages were backed up to iCloud or Google Drive, the messages could be accessed by Apple or Google under certain circumstances when the companies were compelled to do so by law enforcement.

But with WhatsApp now offering the ability to back up messages to the cloud that remain fully end-to-end encrypted, no one but the user can ever read those backed-up messages no matter what. In a blog post announcing the rollout of the much-anticipated privacy and security feature, WhatsApp said: “While end-to-end encrypted messages you send and receive are stored on your device, many people also want a way to back up their chats in case they lose their phone. Starting today, we are making available an extra, optional layer of security to protect backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud with end-to-end encryption. No other global messaging service at this scale provides this level of security for their users’ messages, media, voice messages, video calls, and chat backups.

You can now secure your end-to-end encrypted backup with either a password of your choice or a 64-digit encryption key that only you know. Neither WhatsApp nor your backup service provider will be able to read your backups or access the key required to unlock it.” The rollout of end-to-end encrypted backups does have one potential downside: since no one but the user can now decrypt their backed-up messages, if they should forget their password or encryption key there would be no way the user could unencrypted their backed-up messages. But that’s the tradeoff for anything that is fully end-to-end encrypted. Today’s news also means that the Facebookowned messaging app is even more private and secure than Apple’s own Messages app. While

Apple encrypts iMessages that are backed up to a user’s iCloud account, Apple continues to hold the key, which means they could be ordered to decrypt a user’s iCloud backup and hand the messages over if compelled to do so by legal bodies. So far Apple has resisted calls to endto-end encrypt iCloud or Messages backups, but perhaps now that WhatsApp is offering end-toend encrypted backups, Apple may finally decide to do the same. WhatsApp notes that while it’s rolling out the end-to-end encrypted backups feature starting today, it will be a phased rollout, which means some users may not see the option for a while.

Photo by Adem AY on Unsplash.

admissions@auk.edu.kw Tel: 1802040/(+965) 2224-8399 Ext: 3148 www.auk.edu.kw The American University of Kuwait received its Institutional Accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC), Ministry of Higher Education in the State of Kuwait, and has a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with Dartmouth College (Hanover, N Hampshire - USA).

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT AT BURJ ALSHAYA TO STAGE A STUNNING PROGRAM OF HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS Say hello to 2022 with Gold, Glitter & Glamour! By bazaar staff

This New Year’s Eve, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is ready to shake things up! Celebrate the arrival of 2022 at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait and create magical memories from the stunning surrounds of the property’s restaurants and lounges. An array of wonderful celebratory events are available to choose from across the hotel will ensure that guests will create magical memories this New Year’s Eve. A theme of “Gold, Glitter & Glamour” will kick the festivities into a sophisticated swing, encouraging revellers to wear their most glitzy attire for the occasion, relish every moment and bid in the New Year with endless joy.

The 21st floor outdoor terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait is the perfect destination to welcome the New Year 72

Ring in the New Year at Sintoho Restaurant Dine High In The Sky At Sintoho There’s nothing quite like ushering in the New Year at the iconic Sintoho. You can savour the chic evening ambience and experience worldclass Asian cuisine on offer at Sintoho this New Year’s Eve. Panoramic city views, a stylish set of gold-inspired decorations and a stunning range of dishes designed for sharing creates a convivial party scene with an elegant twist. There are three packages available for reservation, starting from KWD 100 per person, including a five-course family-style set menu designed for sharing, with drinks, entertainment and table decorations. Create Lifelong Memories At Al Bandar Get ready for an elevated New Year’s Eve with the ultimate dining experience in a luxury private cabana at Al Bandar. Complete with the dedicated service of a private butler, beautifully arranged decorations and stunning views of the infinity pool and the city, this is an occasion that will create memories to last a lifetime. The private cabanas are the perfect answer to festive groups looking for a luxurious service yet also a private atmosphere. The dining experience includes a beautifully presented five-course menu, created and overseen by Executive Chef Thierry Papillier, which will be served under the night’s sky with a bottle of sparkling Gold Emotion for every two guests. Each secluded cabana will be decked out with a range of fun party decorations that provide a stylish private party atmosphere. Guests depart with a takeaway box of 30 premium roses and a personalized, signed menu from the hotel’s Executive Chef as a memento from an unforgettable evening. Prices are KWD 250 per person.

Private Cabana dining at Al Bandar 73

New Year’s Eve Highlights The uber-chic and much-loved lounge mood of Al Bandar is a perfect for a convivial New Year’s Eve party amongst friends in the fresh air. With no reservation required, from 7 PM onwards guests can expect a live DJ and an electric atmosphere under the stars. Lounge packages are available on a walk-in basis, starting from KWD 45 including a three-course dining package and a beverage. The contemporary surroundings of Elements serves up two New Year’s Eve package options starting from KWD 50 per person, incorporating a lavish buffet dining experience, unlimited standard beverage menu and virtual entertainment. On New Year’s Day, guests are invited to savour the moment with an extended “Buffet Breakfast Feast” with an elevated breakfast experience that will surprise and delight. The breakfast is available from 8 AM until 3 PM, priced at KWD 15 per person. If you fancy yourself an Italian gala experience, expect spectacular views from the hotel’s 21st floor that create a glittering party atmosphere at Dai Forni this New Year’s Eve. An authentic fivecourse menu of Italian fine dining combines with a sophisticated ambience, producing a classy affair that will live long in your memory. Package prices start at Dai Forni Restaurant start at KWD 100 per person.

A perfect staycation awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

Festive Masterpieces await at Al Soor Lounge The skilled pastry chefs and chocolatiers of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait are destined to steal the show this festive season, with outstanding presentations of their work at the affectionately known “living room of Kuwait”, Al Soor Lounge. Guests can expect stunning floral arrangements, courtesy of official hotel florist Alissar Flowers, to combine with an array of sweet treats, pastries and chocolates, all designed for enjoyment at Al Soor Lounge, as well as for takeaway purchase for gifting and sharing with loved ones. Al Soor Lounge becomes the perfect holiday season meeting point for the distinguished ladies of Kuwait City this year, thanks to the festivethemed dessert selections including handmade praline chocolates, Bûche de Nöel, and more. A variety of chocolates made on property by skilled artisans will provide a wide choice of gifting opportunities for showing love and appreciation this holiday season.

For more information, or to pre-order, please call the dedicated Festive Desk on +965 2200 6065 or email festive.kuwait@fourseasons.com. Follow @FSKuwait on Instagram for the latest updates.

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Outdoor dining excitement at Al Bandar Lounge

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SAY GOODBYE THE SMART WAY It’s time to reverse resolutions and purge the unnecessary, a life audit followed by an edit! By Yasmin Gamal

For many people, January is for resolutions. They make their lists, they publicly or privately state their goals and get started moving towards them. It’s laudable to want to add healthy habits to your life, but what do you do with the ones you already have that aren’t serving you? It’s time for a life audit followed by an edit. We don’t need an official from an organization to come into our lives and inspect us to know that we’re sticking to old beliefs, carrying extra mental and emotional baggage and hoarding items we don’t need. We just need to make some time and space over the course of the coming weekends to take stock and reassess what we want to carry forward into the new year. I have always been a fan of breaking up big goals into smaller manageable milestones, but I am even a bigger fan of purging, decluttering and generally getting rid of things. I regularly delete unnecessary files from my computer, throw away stuff at home and donate any clothing that I haven’t worn in a while. Discarding old habits, thoughts and patterns is just part of that process, and perhaps the most important. You still have a few weekends to go before 2021 bids us farewell, so schedule some time for yourself to take stock of where you are and how it makes you feel. Challenge your thoughts Negative and mistrustful thoughts are quite common. Many of us automatically think that bad things will happen and that people are out to get us. But sadly, that only becomes a reality because you are thinking about it. Most people we meet will be trustworthy and neutral towards us and you probably have an equal chance of having good or bad things happening to you. The first step to break this cycle is to notice it when it happens, then challenge it. Instead of thinking: My friends must hate me, ask yourself to come up with actual evidence of this. If you always assume that the sky will fall, remind yourself of all of the times it didn’t. Your life will not change overnight, but if you stick to it, you will eventually find yourself happier and more open to life. If these thoughts are too difficult to handle on your own, it might be time to seek professional help instead. 76

Don’t get stuck in the past Doing things just because “that’s how we’ve always done them” is perhaps the easiest rut to get stuck in. It could be a boring job, wearing the same clothes or meeting your friends at the same spot every week. Notice the things you do on autopilot and challenge them. Maybe you can do things differently. Ask for new responsibilities at work, move your clothes in your closet so you can’t easily reach for your favorite jeans and make a list of interesting places you would like to go to with your friends. Help yourself by making changes easier. The world will not give you what you want unless you reach out and grab it.

Don’t worry too much about the future If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we have very little control over the future, but what we can do is tweak the present. There’s a huge difference between planning for the future (which is great) and being paralized by it (terrible). Focus on today, on this moment, it’s the only one that you have direct control over. Take a deep breath and choose to enjoy it even if it is difficult, tomorrow will come anyway and who knows, you might even realize that it is a good day. Just do your best today and everyday and trust the process to work. Photo by Estúdio Bloom on Unsplash.

INSIDE OUT

The direct link between company culture and customer loyalty By Augusto Lins

In recent years, we’ve seen growing emphasis on culture as a driver of business success—with plenty of data to prove it. One study found that engaged employees can drive a 21% increase in profitability, and a 10% bump in customer ratings. But still, when I get into a room with investors today, talking culture feels like speaking another language. Too often, business success is over rationalized. We forget that rapid growth—exciting growth—doesn’t happen because of a smart business plan. It happens when a company has a entrepreneurial culture. When employees feel empowered to throw the plan out the window and take a risk. This kind of culture doesn’t grow magically out of a company’s ethos or values. A winning culture is defined by action. And to grasp its true impact, investors and business leaders must think about culture more holistically. We have to understand how culture can fundamentally shift the way a company makes decisions,in a way that will always result in better outcomes for the business. What a Winning Culture Looks Like in Action To illustrate this, I often tell a story about how we built the logistics department at my company. At first, we considered hiring a leading logistics expert from a competitor. The ask? Bring us a plan that will give us an edge over the competition. But after deep thinking, we realized that an expert couldn’t deliver what we were looking for. An old hand would follow the best practice. To win, we needed the unexpected. So we changed track. We got a bright trainee right out of university—a smart kid who knew nothing about logistics, but was capable of learning fast. He spent time with all the big logistics companies in the country, took the best from each, and invented his own way. Today, that same logistics operation helps us deliver to our customers faster than competitors. The lesson here is simple: creating an environment where people feel empowered to take risks is fundamental to fostering innovation. By listening to people who are just starting out, we move away from the expected answer. Option A is to continue as you are, with little change and predictable growth. Option B is to take a chance on a major disruption, where the potential is limitless. How to Know if Your Culture is Built For Innovation In order to succeed, a company must empower innovation at all levels. But once you’re on the inside, it can be hard to see objectively if this is the culture you’re building. A good way to diagnose this is to look at hiring. How do new employees begin their journey at your company?

Most of the time, when a new employee walks through the door, they’re given a title and a job description. What that says is: here’s your lane. Rather, we should be telling new hires: this is what we believe you can achieve. If Customers Are Leaving, Culture Could Be to Blame I learned early in my career that the quickest path to company failure is a lack of customers— whether they’re leaving, or the company can’t find them in the first place. That much is a given. But it might surprise you to learn that customer retention also has a lot to do with company culture and attitude Culture is about what a company values—and if it isn’t the customer, they’ll go elsewhere. To build a company that’s truly customercentric, every single person in your business needs to have exposure to the client. Whatever their job title, make sure employees at every level are spending time with customers. They need to hear first-hand the problems your company is working to solve.

In a Competitive Job Market, Culture Gives Companies an Edge Whether investors are listening or not, if companies don’t focus on culture now, it will catch up with them in the long-term. All over the world, we’re witnessing what people are calling the Great Resignation. Even with high unemployment, people are increasingly picky about where they’ll work—and where they won’t. Culture shift starts with being humble and being honest. Look at your company as if it were a person. Why do I want to work for them? How will they help me achieve my goals? Don’t be the big boss who assumes to have all the answers. Be ready to be challenged by the youth, to be asked to do better. Show them how to care about every customer individually. Invest in an entrepreneurial culture, and when it’s time to deliver, you will still have a team behind you.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.

LEVEL UP YOUR EVERYDAY WITH TALABAT MART Talabat’s Abdullah AlMansour gives us the lowdown on how talabat mart is elevating the e-commerce game in Kuwait By bazaar staff

When we saw talabat mart’s #cookwithme campaign, we knew that this fresh new service is up to something special. After all, talabat’s decision to enter the e-commerce realm to deliver everyday groceries was always going to be about enriching the lives of their everyday customers. But talabat always ups the delivery game the smart way, utilizing a data driven strategy to streamline our everyday wants and needs with just a few simple taps. So, if you’re missing that one ingredient that will make or break your main dish at your next dinner party, rest assured that talabat mart has you covered! But we’ve still got a few questions that are perplexing us here at bazaar. Like: How does talabat mart maintain its 30-minute delivery promise? How do they even guarantee that we’re getting the best quality products? Where are the veggies sourced from? Who’s the genius who decided to create a dedicated gaming category on the platform and can we thank him personally? Here to answer all of our burning questions about talabat mart is Abdullah AlMansour, Senior Manager - Comms, PA, CR at talabat. talabat is widely renowned as an industry-leading delivery aggregator, so why launch talabat mart, and in turn, begin enter the e-commerce field? At talabat, we saw an opportunity in the e-commerce industry to potentially expand our offerings by providing a quick delivery experience of groceries that is controlled end to end by talabat. We constantly work to perfect our timeliness and speed of delivery for both food and groceries. Our main focus goes towards ensuring the best customer experience, while delivering all of your everyday essentials straight to your door. Was this decision always a part of the company’s growth plan? Yes, the talabat platform has already been offering both, combining convenience, variety and speed 80

Abdullah AlMansour, Senior Manager - Comms, PA, CR at talabat

There are 9 talabat marts located strategically around the country to ensure that each area talabat mart delivers to has a convenient location for groceries to be picked by talabat mart riders and these were the aspects that we transferred over when we launched talabat mart. We realized that by launching this new venture, we would not only save customers from a trip to the store and deliver their essentials faster, but also cater to different customer needs and desires. What makes talabat mart unique? Not only do we deliver within 30 minutes, talabat mart carries over 8,000 items at affordable prices that cater to daily and weekly needs. Anything that a customer would want is available on the platform, and delivered in no time! We have a strong and well-rounded assortment of +750 imported products and even +1,000 promo pack items, so variety is also key. So, how does the service work exactly? It’s as simple as it gets! The customer would just have to log into their talabat account on our application, go to the ‘Groceries’ section, select talabat mart and explore! We have over 30 categories of groceries that can be added to their basket, and a quick checkout feature with live tracking. No matter the quantities of groceries ordered, they will be at their doorstep in no time!

How does talabat mart guarantee the 30-minute delivery promise? With 9 talabat marts located strategically around the countr y, we ensure that all areas we deliver to allow for the shortest drive time possible. When a customer places an order, by the time talabat assigns a deliver y driver, the order is already being prepared by our pickers in the location. As the rider reaches our talabat mart, the order is already picked, packed and ready to be delivered by our rider. This operation process is backed up by the best-in-class tech solutions, which helps us make sure that talabat mart provides the best customer experience in a timely manner. talabat mart has more than 33 product categories! How are these products curated? Our goal with launching talabat mart was to cater to our customers’ ever y need. The categorization was curated by analyzing and studying customer shopping behavior, which gave us an indication of what would be needed for a quick commerce solution such as talabat mart. With the use of tech and customization within the platform, we came to see talabat mart as it is today.

How does the talabat mart team remain attuned to customers’ desires and wants? Being a tech company, talabat has a ver y experienced team that is always on top of it when it comes to market trends and new launches. With their help, we capture customers’ requirements and ordering trends through our app or through direct feedback from them, and apply it to our platform. Who are talabat mart’s partnered suppliers? We have a multitude of local distributors and multinational supplies alongside well-loved brands and local star tups. We often par tner with external consolidators to impor t goodies from around the world. Earlier this year, we launched a regional initiative to enable local brands to expor t and sell their products in other markets and help them expand their business reach. We star ted it with a collaboration with talabat Mar t Qatar, where we received a range of ‘Made in Qatar’ products that were made available to customers here in Kuwait. This initiative was a big success, and we are looking to implement it in different markets. [Continued...]

Where are the fresh groceries, such as veggies, fruit, fresh meat & Chicken deli, and well as dairy products sourced from? The groceries are the best possible local suppliers, which guarantees the quality and variety of products at affordable prices. What was the craziest order ever received by talabat mart? I wouldn’t call this crazy, but the value was impressive. Our top sold order value was 1,250 KD, and we needed five cars to pack and deliver it! It was a massive surprise, but we got it done! Can you tell us more about talabat mart’s #cookwithme campaign? Why do you feel that the campaign has resounded so well with talabat’s followers? #CookwithMe was a campaign that totally embodied the talabat spirit. We challenged Tiktokers to cook specific and creative dishes that content creators invented. Everyone had the opportunity to try something new, become a chef for a night, and get creative with their recipes! The campaign was a huge success, that we decided to share the opportunity to create the same dishes and participate in the challenge with the rest of our customers by having a special #CookwithMe category on talabat mart to make their lives easier and have the products needed just a click away.

Missing the Laban to go with your Machboos? Get it on talabat mart!

What’s next for talabat mart? What are some of talabat mart’s goals in 2022? Our goal for talabat mart is to optimize our operations in line with our logistics to further reduce our delivery time. Our goal for talabat mart is for the platform to be the most convenient to customers, so that’s our logical next step! We are also aiming to increase the assortment of products we offer as customer ordering trends change, and with the help of their feedback. Through this, talabat mart will have the opportunity to partner with more local start-ups and loved brands throughout the country.

Start using talabat mart right now via the talabat app! Stay updated about the company’s latest by following @talabatkwt on social media. 82

[...Continued]

Impromptu gathering? Get your snacks delivered in 30 minutes with talabat mart

IDENTIFY AND MAXIMIZE YOUR STRENGTHS

You only need an hour By Klaus Heesch

I overcame colorblindness by collaborating with—and trusting—people who were much better than I am at seeing color. As a leader, I learned early on to identify where they are stronger than I am in other ways as well. It can be intimidating to manage someone who might have more subject matter expertise or perhaps has more education in a particular area. Or maybe, as in my case, some people are just more organized than you. Those are the people you want on your team.

Focus on strengths, not weaknesses Whether you are a people leader or an individual contributor, you want to optimize for your own strengths while leveraging and encouraging the strengths of your colleagues. Why? Because science shows that focusing on strengths is better for motivation. A recent study by Gallup shows that a focus on strengths can increase performance by 8% to 18% and lower attrition rates by 20% to 73%. That last figure is one to consider, especially during the Great Resignation. There are lots of tools out there to help you understand your strengths. Gallup has the Clifton Strengthsfinder. Another great one is StrengthScope, which includes resources on how to have strength-finding conversations with your team. Yet another popular tool, named 16 Personalities, yields a detailed report on strengths and weaknesses that they describe as a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are and why you do things the way you do. This last one feels a little more lightweight and fun (IMHO) as it includes a set of cute illustrations representing each of the personality types. Conduct an exercise in understanding It’s important and empowering to understand your own strengths. But the power of this

understanding is multiplied when you share it with your collaborators. It takes some vulnerability to openly discuss one’s own strengths and weaknesses. Whether between a manager and direct report or between colleagues, it requires a safe space. But if you have those things, it’s totally possible to sync your strengths and turn your collaboration into a powerhouse of self-reflection and mutual support. It helps to have each of you go through one of the analysis tools in advance of the conversation. But it’s not a requisite. It can also be healthy and helpful to simply sit and list out those tasks that you feel are your strengths and weaknesses. It’s the one-on-one conversation and sharing here that will strengthen you both. There is a simple illustration of what this exercise might look like on the FunRestrospectivessite. A simple grid on the whiteboard (or if you are remote, a tool like Mural or Google Jamboard) is your workspace for idea-sharing. How the exercise works Each participant writes their strengths and weaknesses on individual Post-it notes. (10 minutes) Each person shares their strengths. Discuss briefly those you both share, and go deeper on those that are unique. (5 minutes each)

Talk through each of the weaknesses by giving each other some background and context. (5 minutes each) Take a break. Maybe even come back to it tomorrow after you’ve both had time to process. Sort the notes by pushing all of the common/ shared strengths to one side. Then focus on finding the complement for each strength/weakness, for example, may I have listed “organizational skill” as a weakness, but my colleague has it as a strength. Move both Post-its to their side of the chart. This is something you both agree that they’ll own. (20 minutes) Discuss and agree on which weaknesses are shared. Where you both may fall short, how will you attain the strengths that are needed? Does someone else on the team have that strength? Can you bring someone else in or create a new role? (10 minutes) The times indicated here are just a suggestion. Sometimes these conversations can be so engaging that they extend over several sessions over multiple days. No matter how long it takes, it’ll be important to keep returning to the discussion of the strengths in your one-onone meetings. Make space for holding each other accountable and supporting one another. Photo by Ben White on Unsplash.

THE GREAT RESIGNATION

60% of millennials find purpose at work, but many are still looking to quit, survey finds By Zlati Meyer

Snigdha Sur runs the media company The Juggernaut, which she started in 2019. She appreciates the autonomy to solve problems on her own and is passionate about diversifying media, though she admits it’s hard to fundraise. The 31-yearold New York Cityresident now has more than 120 freelancers and overall loves what she does. She’s among the 60% of millennials who find great meaning and purpose in their jobs, making them the largest demographic to feel this sense of fulfillment, according to a new survey by GoodHire, the background check technology company. That’s in contrast with Gen Xers’ 51%, Baby Boomers’ 44%, and Gen Z’s 41%. “I feel like my 20s was a lot about learning for learning’s sake and getting good on the hard skills,” Sur says. “There’s a Venn diagram of things you love to do, things the world needs and things you can get paid for. You ideally want to be at the center.” 86

Despite millennials’ positive feelings about work, this cohort is looking for an exit strategy. Forty-six percent say they plan to job hunt in the next 12 months versus 36% of Gen Z, 34% of Gen Z, and 19% of Boomers. All four age groups cite higher salary as their top reasons. The contradiction makes sense, according to Lindsey Pollak, author of The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace, because millennials experienced two of the biggest downturns in recent history once they were already in the workplace—the Great Recession and the global economic woes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is the first generation to really start their careers in an era of social media and it’s so, so very visible on social media what people are contributing to the world. You can see people with a purpose. You can see people achieving big things,” she explains. “That has a lot to do with their desire to align their personal brand or their personal image with the image of things they believe in.” At the same time, Pollak points out, millennials are at a time in their lives when

they need the finances to hit certain milestones, such as having children and buying a home. A third factor to consider is work flexibility. Those eyeing the door include tech recruiter Yesenia Estrada. The 27-year-old Chicagoan credits her employer with letting her work from home and providing a steady paycheck, but aspires to follow her relatives into real estate or open her own cannabis business. “Having to answer to someone or attending pointless corporate meetings, sometimes I feel I have to be glued to my computer, even though it’s in my house,” she explains. Estrada adds that she’d like to quit in more than a year, so she can save enough money to live her entrepreneurial dream. To Pollack, it comes down to millennials needing to decide whether purpose, cash or flexibility is most crucial to them. “You have to figure out for you what is your top priority is, what is your top decision maker,” she says. “The trifecta of factors that are important to many members of this generation is coming to a head right now. That’s why we have the Great

Messi x SikSilk: Now At Jack Wills And Debenhams At The Avenues

The Messi Brand collaborates with UK Athleisure brand SikSilk and the collection is not to be missed! By bazaar staff

Athleisure brand, SikSilk just dropped their Messi x SikSilk collection, cementing their street cred as the best urban brand. SikSilk’s edgy aesthetic is a constant celebration of individuality; every outfit is interpreted by the wearer, and not what other people think. Collaborating with the iconic, Messi Brand, SikSilk is bringing fans just what they love, want and need. You can #followthemovement too, and shop the collection exclusively in Kuwait at Jack Wills and Debenhams in Grand AvenueThe Avenues.

Select styles from the Messi X SikSilk collab are available in Juniors sizes too!

Lionel Andrés Messi is almost unrivaled and can easily be considered as one of the best players in the world and of his generation. Only Cristiano Ronaldo comes close as a rival. Born and raised in Argentina, Messi’s football career boasts seven Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, most hat-tricks in the Copa América and many more awards for his exceptional skills on the field. SikSilk’s soccer-themed collaborations started with the Spring Summer 2019 collection. Partnering with Dani Alves, they ensured their garments became a firm Spanish football dressing room favorite. We absolutely adore collaborations that stem out of passion. Messi’s interest in SikSilk started before the idea for the collaboration came about

as he was already a SikSilk fan. This collaboration has been three years in the making, and began with SikSilk owners taking trips to Argentina to meet Messi’s family to seeing first-hand where Messi grew up and played football as a kid. Messi’s sister Maria Sol was heavily involved in the design journey for the SikSilk collab. The fashion label scored a goal (pun intended) with this one, since the Messi Brand is hugely influential and has been included in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Messi’s move to PSG this summer sparked a sale of 150 thousand club shirts with his name in only just seven minutes! You can get your hands on the collection right now, but hurry because it’s guaranteed to sell out quickly. The range includes t-shirts, skinny jeans, hoodies, slippers, hoodies, wallets, hats, baseball jerseys, jumpers, bags and joggers. Select styles from the collection are also available in Juniors sizes! SikSilk have held nothing back and have dropped a full and comprehensive collection. WIth strong colors and contrasting elements, the items are instant classics, timeless but edgy and modern. With Messi’s brand on the taping, and a crown on the embroidered logo, it is easily differentiated from SikSilk’s other items and you too can feel connected to the soccer giant by fashion association.

The Messi x SikSilk collection is exclusively available now at Jack Wills and Debenhams in Grand Avenue - The avenues . Our readers in Qatar and the UAE, can find the collection exclusively at Debenhams.

IT IS OK TO BE UNHAPPY

The downside of hyper-positivity at work By J. W. Traphagan

The other day, I read a tweet in which someone asked if positive people are more successful than others, or if being positive leads to more success. It’s an interesting question, not because it has an answer, but because it contains a common assumption: that success and positivity are necessarily correlated. Amidst all the happy face emojis and exclamation points punctuating mundane sentences with false familiarity, how often do people ask if all that positivity is, well, positive? I define hyper-positivity as the overuse of emojis, exclamation points, and adjectives like “excited,” adverbs like “tremendously,” or business-world cliches like “reach out” in a way that creates a disingenuous tone in writing. It also refers to individuals who use emotive patterns of speech and presentation of ideas to the point they become tiring to interact with. Generally, hyper-positivity in relation to the workplace can devalue reasoned positive values and actions. Everything becomes upbeat—happy, happy, happy—and this can generate suspicion or distrust among those who don’t really see the world that way or who bring a strongly analytical perspective to what they do. Part of the reason that some people respond to this hyper-positivity negatively is that they feel familiarity and trust need to be earned—they are not products of positive words or attitudes, but of time working together and recognition of shared common values and ideas. In the U.S., at least, this issue is intensified because Americans have a way of conflating positivity with being polite or professional. But there is a difference and the two do not necessarily need to intersect. I bring a skeptical mindset to almost everything I do, and I see polite skepticism as a fundamental component of professionalism. I trust working environments and peers with whom I can have open disagreement accompanied by careful thinking. An overemphasis on positivity leads me to question the extent to which I am hearing the true thoughts of others, which, in turn, leads me to be less trustful of their comments and analyses. Hyper-positivity can also create intercultural problems when working with individuals from other societies, such as Japan, in which this sort of self-representation isn’t the norm but is seen as rather odd. For Japanese, being polite is far more important than vocalizing feelings of friendliness, and being polite means respecting the status of others and maintaining a level of decorum as a relationship is developed and trust earned over time. Happy smiles and exclamatory comments don’t necessarily engender trust. Some of the pitfalls of hyper-positivity could be addressed if we brought back a sense of professional decorum—an emphasis on modest and measured reactions to others—and a recognition that we need not be on a “bestie” basis with everyone we meet. I often receive email from outside companies soliciting my 90

business for things like educational software or documentary videos. They usually begin with something like, “Hey John!” despite the fact that I’ve never encountered the sender. I would call those emails examples of toxicpositivity, because they generate the opposite response from what is desired by the sender. Those solicitations head straight to spam most of the time. I don’t even read them. Why? Because the sender failed to recognize that friends, colleagues, and complete strangers are different and, thus, require different styles of interaction in order to build trust. Much has been written about the pressures young professional women, in particular, feel to present themselves both in email and in person as warm or friendly, which is basically another way of saying non-aggressive. This leads to overuse of things like exclamation points and apologetic statements to ensure male readers interpret the tone of emails from women as benign and upbeat. Of course, the problem of hyper-positivity isn’t just one of too many exclamation points or emojis. Hyper-positivity is often a product of unfair expectations placed on people in the workplace—and particularly on women—in which professionalism is equated with being friendly and people face professional repercussions if they fail to adhere to expected, usually gendered, social rules.

Hyper-positivity has a way of undermining a sense that others are objectively and carefully reacting to complex situations and to those with whom they interact. It also can be interpreted as being disingenuous and, as a result, can erode trust among co-workers or prevent the development of good working relationships with others attempting to gain one’s attention or business. But it is the gendered nature of hyperpositivity that is most pernicious, because the expectation that women will “soften” their tone by being overly friendly reinforces and reproduces the structures of male dominance that continue to characterize the workplace and society more broadly. And this is why bringing back a sense of decorum is so important: Hyper-positivity is a product of systemic or structural sexism. To address that problem, we need to recognize the consequences women face if they do not perform professionally. Cutting down on the emojis, doing less “reaching out,” and not being excited about mundane things would contribute to creating more equitable environments for work grounded in feelings of mutual trust rather than feigned familiarity.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.

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THREE LIFE GOAL RED FLAGS

You might be more successful than you think, backed by science By Jeff Haden Take a look around. It’s easy to find someone— if you’re like me, to find plenty of someones— who seem more accomplished. If they’re entrepreneurs, maybe they have more employees, more locations, more prestigious customers, more funding. Or in broader terms, they’re more talented. More skilled. Or just more successful, whether professionally or personally. But that may not actually be the case. Depending on your definition of success— because everyone’s definition of success should be different—what might appear to be red flags can actually be signs you’re more successful than you imagine. You have only one or two close friends For one thing, close friendship are increasingly rare. Twenty-one percent of millennial respondents to a 2019 survey reported they had zero friends. Plus, the 2021 American Perspectives Survey found that Americans report having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to friends less often, and relying less on friends for personal support. (If you’re wondering, the average person’s number of “close” friends is 2.08.) But then there’s this: A study of 300,000 people found that just having a few close friends leads to a 50% better chance of survival than not. So while you might want to have more friends, what matters is the quality of your friendships, not the quantity. It’s what I think of as 3 a.m. friends: People who, if you call them at 3 in the morning because you need help, will come. No questions asked. The key is to have two or three really, really good friends — and then, of course, plenty of people who aren’t necessarily friends but are fun to be around. Or share common interests. Or create a mutually beneficial relationship You tend to think you’re wrong We all know people who take a position . . . and then proclaim, bluster, and pontificate while totally disregarding differing opinions or points of view. They know they’re right, and want you to know they’re right. Their behavior isn’t an indication of intelligence, though. It’s a classic sign of the Dunning-Kruger effect, a type of cognitive bias in which people believe they’re smarter and more skilled than they actually are. Combine a lack of self-awareness with low cognitive ability, and boom: You overestimate your own intelligence and competence. As Dunning, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, says, “If you’re incompetent, you can’t know you’re incompetent. The skills you need to produce the right answer

are the very same skills you need to recognize the right answer.” Or as my grandfather said, “The dumber you are, the more you think you know.” But there’s a flip side: People with high ability tend to underestimate how good they are. They underrate their relative competence, and at the same time assume that tasks that are easy for them are just as easy for other people. Don’t think you have all the answers? Don’t automatically assume you’re right? Are more likely to say, “I think” rather than “I know“? That likely means you’re smarter, and more accomplished, than you think. Because wisdom (and success) comes from realizing that while you might know a lot, there’s still a lot you don’t know. And there’s still a lot you want to find out. You don’t feel rich Money matters. But where feeling successful and happy is concerned, money doesn’t matter nearly as much as you might think. As a 2009 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found, affluence is a weak predictor of happiness. And according to this

famous 2010 Princeton study: The $75,000 target is a little like the 10,000 hours to mastery rule: Accurate in the aggregate, maybe, but not so much in the specific. Your number may be $100,000. Or it may be $35,000. Instead of defining success by a finish line—a number, a metric, a certain house or certain car or certain public profile—define success by whether you get to do work you enjoy. Work that leaves you feeling fulfilled, satisfied, and happy. Work that allows you to control, as much as possible, your own destiny. And then by whether you have the opportunity, at least occasionally, to make positive choices. To spend a portion of your income on things that you want to do: investing, recreation, supporting a cause . . . whatever makes you feel more fulfilled and happy.

If you can do that, you’re successful. Having even more money will only change the degree of your happiness and fulfillment. Not its fundamental nature. Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash.

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SEASON'S GREETINGS

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MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON A STYLISH ONE WITH FESTIVE COLLECTIONS FROM H&M, COS, & OTHER STORIES, AND MONKI We're totally ready to gather with our nearest and dearest to usher in the vibrant, festive season. A busy social calendar means that you'll probably need a new outfit, or two! This is why we've rounded up our favorite show-stopping looks from H&M, COS, & Other Stories and Monki to give your wardrobe a much-needed dose of festive cheer. Turn heads in this season's most statement-making fits as you make your IRL celebration debut. Embrace the power of the sparkly dress, indulge every style whim with a fantasy-fulling velvet outfit matched with on-trend fuzzy accessories, or scale it all back with the minimalist lines of a black-on-black ensemble. Whatever tickles your style fancy, we definitely know that our festive fashion editorial brings together the biggest standout looks, complete with bright and merry disco balls to pass the vibe check and party-ready footwear to complete your look.

Find the collections at H&M, COS, & Other Stories and Monki stores across Kuwait. Shop H&M online at kw.hm.com or on the H&M MENA App, and COS at kw.cosstores.com.

Coat, KD 80. Dress, KD 39. Boots, KD 25. Shirt, KD 30. Trousers, KD 44. Knitwear, KD 39. Shoes, KD 20. All from COS.

Top, KD 4.990. Dress, KD 14.990. All from H&M.

Coat, KD 29.990. Trousers, KD 13.990, and shoes, KD 5.990. All from H&M.

Jacket, KD 22.990, Jumper, KD 16.990, and Trousers, KD 13.990, from H&M.

Dress, KD 62.900 and boots, KD 76.900, from & Other Stories.

Velvet Top, KD 8, Velvet Trousers, KD 11, Socks, KD 3, Jane Shoes, KD 18, and Black and White printed bag, KD 11, all from Monki.

Dress KD 18, Top, KD 8 and Bucket Heart Hat, KD 11, all from Monki.

Coat, KD 95, Knit Sweater, KD 39 and trousers, KD 30. All from COS.

Dress, KD 62.900 from & Other Stories.

Dress, KD 14.990, from H&M.

Jacket, KD 22.990. Jumper KD 16.990. Trousers, KD 13.990. Shoes, KD 19.990. All from H&M.

Shirt, KD 8.990. Dress, KD 12.990. Shoes, KD 15.990. Dress KD 12.990 and top, KD 4.990. All from H&M

Produced by bazaar Studios Art Direction and Styling team @byfarahforeal Photography @itsahmaed Models @aneshka.d @freckledlightskin Hair @terra_salon Makeup @by_rasha

SALAMAT

You should still take sick days—even if you’re working remotely By Scott Dust and Shannon Taylor

For many, the “return to work” isn’t going well. This time, however, it has nothing to do with long commutes, putting on work clothes, or the ability to walk the dog during lunch. Recent research illustrates that as employees go back to the office, some are acting rudely toward one another. This seems strange, as most would assume that employees would enjoy reconnecting with their officemates to make up for lost time. The source of the problem is that employees are exhibiting cold and flu-like systems as temperatures begin to drop. And in turn, many of their coworkers are worried that their sniffling or coughing colleagues have COVID-19 and will get them sick. In our study, published in the  Journal of Applied Psychology, we found evidence from two worker samples that employees are exhibiting strange behavior around their sickly colleagues. The study points  out that pre-COVID-19, employees who went to work while under the weather were considered tough or dedicated workers because they were willing to gut it out and get their work done. Covering their mouth to cough or sneeze was enough. Now, in the post-COVID-19 world, this is not enough. The findings illustrate that employees are more likely to mistreat their sick colleagues when they’re saddled with heavy workloads. This is increasingly common, as the pandemic has left many organizations understaffed and employees stretched thin. When overburdened employees work with colleagues who appear sick, they’re more likely to keep their distance from those colleagues, limit their conversations with them, or avoid them altogether. Worse yet, these employees are more likely to be condescending and make demeaning or derogatory remarks toward their sick colleagues. So much for collaboration. But it’s not all bad news. Some employees were genuinely worried about  the well-being of their sick colleagues. But those with heavy workloads reacted with self-concern, such that they were focused on their own physical wellbeing. And organizations hoping to get back to the good ole days of in-office collaboration should realize it’s been tough for employees to shed their COVID-19-induced, self-protective mindsets. What should organizational decision-makers do? Actionable steps Organizations need to recognize that employees are going to show up to work, even when sick, 104

out of financial necessity  or due to strong organizational norms. During the height of the pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provided paid leave taken for COVID-19, however this has since expired. Moreover, unfortunately, there is no such thing as a federal paid sick leave law. As a result, as Olga Khazan wrote in The Atlantic, “Americans are some of the only workers in the Western world  who risk getting fired  if they don’t drag their sick selves into work.” Policymakers can enact legislation to ensure that employees aren’t forced to choose between their financial demands and their health. Further, organizations could deter presenteeism (taking the form of showing up sick to work) by offering

paid sick leave or instituting reasonable absence policies. Organizations might balk at the additional costs. But paid sick leave could produce cost savings because it  stops the spread of illness. Not to mention, as this recent research suggests, doing so could reduce the costs associated with workplace mistreatment. Although COVID-19 has been devastating, there have been a few silver linings as it relates to the future of work. Employees are demanding, and in most cases receiving, increased flexibility and mental health resources. It’s time to add another win to the ledger: Paid sick leave. Photo by Kristine Wook on Unsplash.

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24.950

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Our obsession with the numbers is making our lives feel empty By J. W. Traphagan If you spend time on Twitter, you may notice regular tweets like, “so excited, almost to 500 followers!” People ask others to follow them, promising to follow back. And if you don’t follow back quickly, there’s a good chance the other person will unfollow you. Tweet often to get more followers, we are told. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat are no different. Even Venmo, which is for the purpose of transferring money, states, “Adding friends is an important part of the Venmo experience.” Clearly, we should want more money and more friends. It’s the quantity that matters. On social media, as in life, people are often focused on how much they can get or produce. It seems much less common to be focused on the quality of one’s tweets—or the quality of one’s followers and friends on social media—than it is to have a lot of either. The result is an endless shallowness, a monotony of empty tweets and remote acquaintances whose primary existences are experienced as amounts. The emphasis on quantity starts early. How many candies did you get on Halloween? A big haul is best. And at the most pernicious of all holidays, children are taught to value how many presents are under the Christmas tree, often with little concern for the quality or meaning of those presents. It stays with us as we age: How many cars do you own? How many children do you have? How many steps did I walk today? We even represent the value of individuals in terms of a quantity—we call it net worth. Counting permeates most aspects of our lives. Several years ago at my university, for example, upper-level administrators implemented a system in which they would count the number of butts in seats (a quantity) for each college and then allocate funds (another quantity) on the basis of whether or not a given college has met its assigned benchmark of butts (yet another quantity) for the year. Colleges that surpass the butt benchmark get more money; those that don’t get less. Why is this bad? Because, the endless emphasis on quantity distracts us from something much more important: Quality. Being focused on how many butts are in seats shifts attention away from the much more important question of the quality of learning and thinking that is going on in the classrooms (and among the students whose butts we are concerned with counting). This transforms the complex balance among different forms of knowledge production into a numbers game, privileging disciplines that can draw large numbers of students, like engineering and business, over those that don’t, like philosophy and cultural studies.

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It’s basically the same as counting followers on Twitter. And the emphasis on counting tends to promote the absence of quality, which as philosopher Robert Pirsig put it, “is the essence of squareness.” And to be square is to be boring, conventional, uninteresting. In other words, it’s shallow. We live in a “quantocracy.” We live in a society driven by the idea that everything must be counted and then judged on the basis of how many of something we have accumulated—more is usually better. Indeed, it’s in the way we often approach networking that this problem is most clearly evident. Social media platforms encourage us to conceptualize our network in terms of how many people we are connected to, rather than in terms of the quality of the connections and the types of people with whom we are linked. Although it may feel good to have a large number of followers on Twitter or Linkedin, or to see that number rising quickly, those numbers are empty. Why? Because quantocracies subordinate quality to quantity and generate an environment where counting, rather than understanding the meanings and values behind what is counted, becomes viewed as the goal in and of itself. What

matters is how many? without a great deal of reflection on how good? Our society tells us to care about how much or how many we have of things, ideas, and even types of people. It devalues the much more important task of understanding the qualities, experiences, and meanings of those things, ideas, and people that shape our lives and bring us satisfaction and happiness. In our workplaces (and more generally in our lives), we need to ask a simple question: Do we want to live in a world driven by how much we have of everything or do we want to live in a world driven by the quality of what we have, our experiences, and our lives? If we wish, both as individuals and as a society, to live in the latter, the first step is to stop counting everything. Rather than being concerned with the number of followers we have on Twitter or Linkedin, or the number of butts we have in college classroom seats, we might want to begin by asking about the qualities of the people who follow us and whom we follow or the features of education that generate responsible citizens and a healthy society. Photo by Volkan Olmez on Unsplash.

ICONS OF PORSCHE

Porsche hosts one of the region’s largest car culture gatherings and attracts thousands of visitors By bazaar staff

With over 7,000 attendees from the region gathered at The Slab in Dubai Design District and more than 1,000 Porsche cars onsite across the weekend, the first ever “Icons of Porsche” festival made history as one of the biggest public events held by an automotive manufacturer in the Middle East region. 108

Thousands of enthusiasts, Porsche owners and families flocked to the two-day event on November 19 and 20 for the first Porsche event in the Middle East celebrating classic cars, art and culture, designed to bring communities together. With many classic and iconic cars on display, the event was the largest gathering of legendary vehicles from the Porsche Museum outside of Germany this year. In addition, the event saw the visionary design studies from the Porsche Unseen series on display for the first time at a public event outside of Germany. The celebration featured several local and international contemporary art from the likes of Chris Labrooy, live entertainment, musical performances, food vendors such as the Porsche infused DRVN Coffee and presentations on stage by Grant Larson, Director Special Projects & Style at Porsche AG, Achim Stejskal, Director Porsche Museum, and several well-known car collectors. Hundreds of classic car owners from across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Oman made the journey to Dubai to visit the event and display their own beloved icons at the festival, while Porsche owners participated in Porsche parades featuring some rare and customized cars. Dr. Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Middle East and Africa, was impressed with the response from the public: “We know that the region is home to a variety of rare and unique classic Porsches, and we wanted to bring them together with the local community in an event focused on car culture in a family-friendly

environment. Our dreams were big and so were our plans, but the outcome has astonished us all. “The passion was felt right from the beginning when we announced the Icons of Porsche. It was incredible to see more than 7,000 car collectors, brand fans, enthusiast clubs, Porsche owners, families and friends come together for a big celebration of motoring culture, and we plan to make this an annual event moving forward,” he added. Grant Larson, Director Special Projects & Style at Porsche AG, commented: “This is my first visit to the Middle East and I have been overwhelmed by the interest and enthusiasm in our brand and products in this region. I think the guests truly appreciated that this was not another motor show or product display, but simply a space for them to have a good time, connect with each other

and learn more about the brand’s heritage firsthand. This event was great to fuel the passion for Porsche, cars in general and showcasing to the public that car culture can be interesting and fun.” Some of the cars on display included Le Manswinning racing icons such as the 911 GT1 or the 917 KH which celebrated the brand’s history of success in motorsports. Performing musicians included Danny Neville, Shebani, Jamy Deville and Abri, while displays included artworks from Chris Labrooy, B.A.V.Z. and Jeffrey Docherty.

For more information visit Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, please call 1870 870 or head to porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow @PorscheCentreKuwait on Instagram and Facebook. 109

WHICH DISNEY MOVIES SHOULD YOUR CHILD WATCH?

Scientists created this database to help you decide By Connie Lin

For turn-of-the-millennium kids who grew up during a renaissance era for animated films, Disney movies are sweet flashbacks of childhood. Who wouldn’t think fondly of school nights spent with popcorn and the remote control, watching colorful hand-sketched lions, dragons, and genies dash across the screen?

As it turns out, that’s a ver y good thing, according to new research in childhood development. A group of Texas academics recently analyzed the effect of animated films— culled from the vast catalog of productions released by Walt Disney Pictures between 1937 and 2020—on children’s cognitive and behavioral functions, and they found the movies played a valuable role in inspiring dialogue from children, about tough issues they may be facing at that delicate time in their lives. For example, on the heavy themes of death and grief, researchers cite a pivotal scene from 1994’s The Lion King, in which the heir to the throne Simba beholds the spirit of his father, Mufasa. “Disney doesn’t really discuss in-depth about a family member dying such as a parent or a sibling. That leaves room for parents to discuss this with their child,” says Carol Leung, a coauthor of the study. “We can also bring these characters as conversation starters into the therapy session

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to have children understand these concepts. It’s also a way for the children to connect and build rapport.” It helps that Disney movies are famed for their heart—infusing slapstick comedies and swashbuckling adventures with enduring life lessons about love, friendship, good vs. evil, death and loss, and the strength of family. According to the study, 73% of the 155 films included illustrated themes of loving yourself and others, and 27% focused on morality and social principles. “Disney films can also teach children about unfair situations in society and acceptance of racial, ethnic, religious, cultural and other differences,” adds Monit Cheung, the study’s lead author. Take Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, or Tarzan, for example. But if you’re unfamiliar with those films, or other Disney classics, the study also compiles a table of all 155 films and their chief themes or morals, which you can refer to when selecting

a show for your children to watch depending on what they’re going through in life. Feeling defeated? “Don’t give up,” urges Finding Nemo. Identity crisis? “Embrace our true nature,” The Incredibles. There’s also “economic exploitation” in A Bug’s Life (which I won’t tr y to describe). Finally, it’s noteworthy that Disney itself has evolved over the years, to blend timeless stories with an ever-more diverse understanding of the world and all its corners and crevices. It’s moved away from the ivor y castle princes and princesses, and shined a light on the oddballs, the outcasts, and the downtrodden members of society. And as it does, Yu-Ju Huang, another co-author of the study, says the animation powerhouse’s films can “open parent-child conversations to nourish children’s minds and broaden their horizons of life.”

Photo by Patrícia Ferreira on Unsplash.

BEWARE THE MENTORING TRAP

Why creating a mentoring program at your organization can be problematic By J. W. Traphagan

The other day I was asked to lead a committee that would assess and make recommendations for the mentoring program in my department. I was a bit surprised, since I had no idea such a mentoring program existed. We talk about mentoring, of course. But the presence of a systematic approach to mentoring was news to me. I’m normally a big fan of systematic approaches to things, but as I reflected on the idea, I started wondering whether mentoring programs make much sense. When I started teaching at the University of Texas in 2001, I was assigned a faculty mentor. I’m pretty sure I never actually spoke to him about anything related to mentoring. I’m not sure I ever spoke to him about anything at all. Part of the problem was that the department chair at the time had made it clear new hires were on their own—after asking about whether I should pursue an opportunity that had arisen, he told me, “It’s up to you; I’m not going to hold your hand.” That certainly was an excellent way to shut down requests for advice. But there was another, deeper, reason I didn’t talk with my mentor: Power. As with many mentorship programs, the idea was that senior faculty would pair with junior faculty and mentor them about all things academia. Most important in this was the tenure process, which is both challenging and arcane. The problem is that those same senior faculty members assigned as mentors will be making decisions about the future of the junior faculty when it comes time for promotion and tenure. And it’s unlikely that they will spend a great deal of time reflecting on whether they did a good job mentoring a particular recruit as the promotion file is being evaluated. I see mentorship as falling into two categories: forced and organic. Forced mentorship is often the kind that exists in “programs” aimed at helping junior people work through the complex power and policy structures that exist in an organization. The problem is that the person doing the mentoring is usually also embedded in those structures and, in fact, may be both symbolically and practically someone who holds power over junior employees. In this case, the idea of mentoring may have little meaning, because the junior person is unlikely to query about or raise issues that may be controversial or that might suggest anything negative about the organization. It may be prudent for the mentee to keep their cards close to the vest. In other words, forced mentoring programs may look good on paper, because they make it appear as though an organization is enacting policies and procedures to help junior employees succeed and develop in their careers, but the basic power structures in any organization are likely to work against open and honest communication 112

between assigned mentor and mentee. It is not possible to fully trust someone who ultimately will be in a position of power to make decisions about your future. Organic mentoring relationships are much more likely to bear fruit because they are grounded in a sense of mutual trust that emerges as the relationship develops over time. This is particularly true if the relationship involves a mentor outside of the organization in which the mentee works—that can mean another company or even just another division within a company. If the relationship develops naturally, there is a good potential for the mentee to gain knowledge and insight that will help, because the mentee will feel empowered to raise difficult issues should they arise. This brings up a basic question: Should we even bother with forced mentorship programs? Although I think mentoring is important, I’m not very enthusiastic about programs that assign mentoring relationships within an organizational structure. They’re more likely to reinforce power

relationships and cause individuals who lack power to avoid interactions with senior staff. The last thing I would have done was tell my mentor that the chair of my department was basically callous in his response to my request for advice. Why? Because my mentor was at the same rank as the department chair and, no doubt, regularly discussed junior faculty with him. The last thing I wanted to do was sound like a whiner. The most important message to keep in mind is that leaders need to recognize that just having a mentoring program does not mean you are accomplishing anything positive. In fact, depending on how it’s constructed, your mentoring program may do more damage than good. And as for that committee, I declined to serve on it.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash.

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H&M’S INNOVATION CIRCULAR DESIGN STORY COLLECTION IS DROPPING DEC 9!

Get ready for the party! Until then, read our interview with the Innovation Circular Design Story collection creatives to get you excited for the festive season ahead. By bazaar staff

H&M’s pioneering new collection, Innovation Circular Design Story, celebrates two themes; sustainability and joy. It is about embracing the future, boldly. Made using a plethora of cutting-edge recycled and recyclable materials, and with maximum attention to adaptability and usage, the collection highlights H&M’s commitment to a more circular form of production. To celebrate this new collection, H&M has teamed up with Normani Kordei, Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber amongst others, to embrace the excitement and anticipation of party-prep and dressing up. The cherry on top? The inimitable stylist Ib Kamara styled the entire campaign!

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looks, posing in front of the mirror, dancing, and being free. The collection was created by the H&M design team together with the stylist Ib Kamara, who contributed as Creative Advisor and styled the campaign. Both Kamara and Pavarotti were given creative agency to bring their dynamic, colorful vision to life. “I was proud to work with H&M on a collection that is so committed to circularity and positive change, while also embracing style, bold color, great fit. It’s a really multifaceted, rich collection, and it captures a special feeling for me; the excitement and anticipation of getting ready, of choosing a look and making oneself into a star.” Ib Kamara, Stylist and Creative Advisor. Find more details below as we speak with H&M Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson and Concept Designer Ella Soccorsi. Ann-Sofie Johansson- Creative Advisor at H&M The Innovation Circular Design Story collection is a bold move by H&M, how long has this collection been in the works? The Innovation Circular Design Story is the fourth drop in our wider Innovation Stories project, which we launched earlier this year and which explores themes of sustainability and circularity. Innovation Stories is a real watershed moment for us – an amazing step towards the future, with confidence, boldness, optimism. The Innovation Stories project is really important to all of us at H&M and has involved a great deal of work and planning, so, in that sense, this specific collection has been in the works for a while. It’s part of a much wider focus that we have here at H&M; it’s a consolidation of a lot of the past work we’ve been doing around circularity, and it is a real celebration of fashion and a showcase for the radical potentials of more sustainable processes and fabrics.

The Innovation Circular Design Story is the latest addition to H&M’s Innovation Stories, a ground-breaking new sustainability initiative that focuses on forward-thinking design and innovative materials. The collection is for those who love to experiment and express themselves,

and this jubilant ethos is also reflected in the campaign; shot by the pioneering photographer Rafael Pavarotti and titled “Just before the party starts”. The theme captures the sensation of getting ready, and the optimism and individuality of those who love fashion, glamming up, choosing

The Innovation Circular Design Story collection highlights the importance of recyclability and easy recycling—can you please further elaborate on what this means for the loyal H&M customer? What does easy recycling mean to the everyday H&M customer? Every piece in this collection was created with the intention of optimizing circular design and usage. I think our customers really care about these issues and we are proud that this collection will help

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them to involve themselves in the recycling and circularity process. We really wanted the collection to provoke consideration and conversation around how people wear and treat clothing, so we made a point of emphasizing usage, to try to encourage people to think about sustainability and circularity when they get dressed. That’s why there is a real focus on maximising the ways all of the pieces can be worn – so even though many of the pieces are super bright and bold, they are also adaptable, through straps that can change fits, or hooks that adjust sizes so pieces can be shared or kept for years. I love the cropped bra top, which has multiple fastenings at the back so it can be adjusted to fit many different sizes – ideal for lending to friends, or for keeping for decades. When working on this collection, we also considered not only the look and construction of each piece, but also the deconstruction; the way pieces can be adapted or broken down for recycling, hence the use of innovations such as RESORTEC Smart stitch dissolvable threading. A key part of that was to send a message to our consumers about recycling their clothing, and 116

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thinking about the lifespan of the pieces they buy. Another focus has been on making items from solely one material, “Mono-fibre”, to enable easier recycling. It’s about fashion trying to take responsibility for its own waste, and teaching consumers about how to be involved in that. What was it like working with Ib Kamara to style this special collection? It was such a pleasure! Ib Kamara has served as creative advisor for the collection, and he worked really closely with H&M´s design team. Ib has such a strong vision and an amazing eye and I know that our team really appreciate that. I think you really see his skill and his vision in this collection; in the color, the accessorizing, the vibrancy, the styling combinations. What is next for the Innovation Circular Design Story journey at H&M? The collection is a key step in moving towards more circular practices. It’s par t of a series of steps for us, and par t of our wider Innovation Stories series. Our mission is purposeful

design, where products are designed to be reused and re-purposed; moving away from linear thinking. That’s why we recently launched the Circular Designer Tool, which embeds circularity at all stages of the design process, guiding our team along the way. This collection is all par t of these steps and the making of it saw us implement the use of the Circular Design Tool for the first time. By 2025 the aim is that all H&M products are designed using the tool. Another goal is to ensure that we are using 30% recycled materials across the business by 2025. Finally, we aim to be a climate positive business by 2040. Ella Soccorsi- Concept Designer at H&M What is the design inspiration behind this collection? Did the materials inspire the designs for this collection, or did the design inspire the production process? Circularity – that was the central inspiration. And joy! We were really interested in making a collection that pushed forward conversations around recycling and reusing fashion and materials,

while making something that was beautiful, bold, optimistic. We looked at the history of fashion – polka dots, suiting, bows, frills – and to the future, to make a really dynamic collection. I think many of us have really missed fashion over the pandemic, and missed its transformative aspects; we wanted to make a collection that signaled a return to excitement, to self-expression, to dressing up. Breaking stereotypes was a key focus for us; we felt that people had a vision in their head when you talk about sustainable fashion, and we wanted to challenge that. We wanted to show it is possible to do a bright, fashion-focused collection but designed with circularity in mind. In terms of design and production, it was a very fluid process – I never felt that we had to compromise because the recycled fabrications we are working with are of such high quality that they really allow for creativity and experimentation. How did H&M’s production teams work with design to see this cutting-edge collection come to life? Design and production worked closely together on 118

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this to ensure that every fabrication, every detail, every element was considered. That is how we believe that circularity must function – it needs to be imbedded at all stages of the design process. That’s actually why H&M have recently launched the circular design tool, or Circulator, as AnnSofie mentioned above – it’s an incredible tool that helps all of us at H&M, and across the wider industry, to ensure that new creations are built with circularity and recyclability at the forefront. The guide has been developed in line with the vision for a circular economy for fashion set by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. I am already finding it an incredible resource within the studio. It’s an essential tool. What are the key materials that are utilized in this collection and what makes them sustainable? There are many amazing fabrics and techniques within this collection. REPREVE Our Oceans is a collection of fibres sourced from waste bottles found at sea. It’s used within the collection on faux fur coats, puffers, dresses and trousers. And Ambercycle Cycora makes use of old garments

and end-of-life textile waste. You see it used in pieces like the black women’s trousers with strap details. RESORTECS smart stitch, which AnnSofie mentioned, is a dissolvable sewing thread, which allows garments to be easily be taken apart and recycled when they finally reach the end of their life cycle. It was used to attach sequins and beads in this collection. Finally, personally, I think people will also be really intrigued by some of the leather-look jackets and shoes, made from Vegea, an amazing vegan material made from grape skins, stalks and seeds left over during the wine making process. The pieces are super special and am so impressed by this incredible material. It’s not a new material for us, we have used it before, but I think it’s important to show that being sustainable is also about consistency, and building strong relationships with those who are doing pioneering sustainability work within the industry, season upon season. H&M’s Innovation Circular Design Story Collection drops on December 9 in selected stores and on kw.hm.com, the H&M MENA App.

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MINUS

This new social network allows you 100 posts—for life By Elizabeth Segran

Facebook and Instagram are designed to consume our time and attention, but it is increasingly clear that this is damaging to our mental health, privacy, and democracy. In response, Ben Grosser, an artist and professor at the University of Illinois, has invented an unusual new social network. Called Minus, it’s a platform that mimics Facebook but discourages constant engagement by giving users 100 posts—for their entire lifetime. Meant as a provocation rather than a sustainable business, Minus builds on more than a decade of Grosser’s work exploring what healthier, richer communication might look like on the internet. Grosser focuses on the cultural effects of social media, particularly the way it preys on users’ insecurities, taps into our desire for instant gratification, and is designed to be addictive. Over the past few weeks, his work has become increasingly relevant, as leaked internal documents and the recent testimony from whistleblower Frances Haugen reveal exactly how much Facebook knows about the damage its platform does. Facebook says it is exploring ways to reduce its negative effects on people’s well-being, through features like giving users the option to remove “likes” from posts. This is something Grosser began exploring a decade ago. In 2012, he created the Facebook Demetricator—a browser extension that allows you to remove the “like” count, shares, number of comments, and other figures from your feed—as a way to explore how what we post might change if we are less focused on our friends’ responses. (He later created versions for Instagram and Twitter.) In 2017, when it became clear that Facebook was using artificial intelligence to study users’ emotions to better target them for ads, Grosser launched GoRando, a tool that allows you to react to people’s posts with random emotions, making it harder for the platform to read your state of mind. The idea for the Minus social network emerged from another one of Grosser’s projects. In 2019, he created a video that spliced together every time Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, mentioned growth in media appearances between 2004 and 2019. “I thought it would add up to 5 or 10 minutes, but by the time I was done, it was almost 50 minutes,” he says. “As a company, Facebook has been obsessed with more and more growth.” This has become even more evident by Haugen’s comments that Facebook consistently “chooses profits over safety.” Grosser decided to experiment with building a Facebook-like platform where engagement and growth are not the goals. On Minus, every user gets a total of 100 posts to use within their entire lifetime, which forces them to think carefully about how they want to use each post. There are no likes, time stamps, or follower counts, so users are not compelled to think about how others might react to a post. Nor do they need to worry about whether they are posting quickly enough. 120

On the other hand, users have an unlimited ability to respond to others’ posts. “Minus revolves around the question of what would happen if social media didn’t always compel you to participate in it, but actively worked to limit your participation,” Grosser says. “So you don’t feel like you always need to be on it, or feel like you could step away for a period of time without consequences.” As users signed up and played around with Minus, Grosser got to explore how they responded. One person calculated how long they were expected to live and how frequently they would be able to post within their lifetime. (The answer was every 143 days.) There were a lot of poems, quotes, and questions. There tended to be little politics or trolling, partly, Grosser says, because posts are not rewarded by “likes” or higher rankings in the feed. “Polarizing speech doesn’t rise to the top,” Grosser says. “Nothing rises to the top. I think the lack of ‘likes’ or algorithmic feed is part of making that different feel.” Ultimately, the Minus platform is geared toward spurring conversation, since users could respond to posts freely. “The only way to gauge the success

of your post was if there was a conversation in response to it,” Grosser says. “That’s how human interaction worked until social media. We didn’t go to parties and walk away with lists of numbers about how we were being seen. We had to listen to someone, think about what they had said, and respond if we felt compelled to.” Minus is a fascinating exploration into how social media might work if constant engagement were not at the center of the experience. But how can it inform the design of real social media platforms, like Facebook? Minus does not run ads to generate revenue, so it does not have the same incentives as Facebook to keep users on the site. But Grosser hopes that it can nudge social media platforms to rethink some of their features to prioritize user well-being. “I don’t know if we can have an online social network that’s good for society within a capitalist system,” he says. “But I do know that almost nobody has tried.”

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash.

AMERICAN EAGLE HAS LANDED AT THE GATE MALL!

Find cozy sets, this season’s must-have jackets and so much more By bazaar staff

Are you after the warmest fits for the coziest month of the year? Looking for super-soft hoodies, on-trend lightweight flannels, and the ultimate 90s throwback pair of jeans? We all know that American Eagle simply has it all, and their new store at The Gate Mall-Kuwait is completely decked out with their latest collections featuring renowned Middle Eastern influencers Ascia @Ascia and the Emirati twins, Mohammed and Humaid Hadban @TwinsHadban.

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Our visit to the American Eagle store at The Gate Mall quickly evolved into one huge shopping spree! But first, the all important details about their latest incredible collections. Aimed at getting people excited for cozy, seasonal styles, the collection celebrates all the things we have come to miss this past year: The connections, the gatherings, the togetherness. Building on American Eagle’s desire to connect with customers on a local level, the campaign is a first of its kind for the brand, bringing together a truly global cast that represents inclusivity, authenticity, and optimism. We absolutely love how this campaign celebrates American Eagle’s latest fashion collections, capturing why it’s everyone’s go-to when it comes to value, comfort, and most importantly the fit of the iconic AE jeans. The campaign is fully on display at The Gate Mall store, with Ascia’s picks cleverly displayed at the entrance right across from the Hadban Twins’ picks. The staff at the store are more than welcoming, always offering styling tips, showing us their fave picks too, and repping AE in the best way possible. We checked out the latest new Athletic Skinny jean for men, designed with more room through the thigh, along with the Original and Slim Straight, always upping the level of comfort and flexibility. On-trend, lightweight flannels were seen across both the women’s and men’s collections and are perfect for layering over basics, musthave thermal and Graphic Tees. There are also lots of corduroy and denim jackets with cozy

fleece details, that we couldn’t help but pick out a jacket from the men’s collection to pair with our everyday jeggings. From the women’s collection, it is safe to say that the Mom Jeans is a constant favorite. For this season, the quintessential pair of denim gets an instant update with a new straight-leg vibe. We’re also really digging the massive 90s throwback vibe which we felt in so many pieces from this season’s collection, like the relaxed high rise, or the 90s Boyfriend Jean. Paired with a checked, oversized blazer, or this season’s musthave fuzzy oversized tartan-print jacket and plush tees, we instantly wanted to curl up for a rewatch of Clueless. Cozy-knit cardigans are also making a big splash this season, and American Eagle has a variety of styles, from oversized to cropped to complete your favorite fit. It goes without saying that your wardrobe will be truly incomplete without a matching hoodie and trouser set from American Eagle. We loved all the colorways, from taupe, grey, tan to bright teal and burgundy! We really think that these sets will be flying off the shelves, and will make for the ultimate everyday uniform. So, make sure you head to The Gate Mall to check out all of American Eagle’s seasonal must-haves!

The new American Eagle Store is located in The Gate Mall, Egaila. Follow @americaneagleme and shop the new collections in-stores, online americaneagle.com.kw, and via the American Eagle ME app. 123

RACI

Speed decision making made easy By Maynard Webb

Q. Our company is tripling in size and I’m looking for advice on how to revise our leadership team and determine if we should create a separate leadership body now that we are bigger. Also, what kind of decision-making structures should we employ to adapt to our next stage of growth? -Founder of a Series C company Dear Founder, Congrats on being in this place. It sounds as if the flywheel is spinning. Good for you for thinking about all these pieces. First, let’s talk about the idea of creating a separate leadership body. As you grow, it makes sense to consider this change. It can be unwieldy and even ineffective when exec teams become too big. It’s understandable you want to break them down into smaller groups. I suggest these entities be no more than 20 people. When I was at eBay, we had two of these groups, one called “executive staff” and one called “senior staff.” Every quarter we nominated someone on the senior staff to go to the exec staff meetings and report back. While there’s good reason for dividing leadership entities, you can’t just say, “Poof there’s another body!” and think that will solve the issues. Every entity has to have a purpose, rules and guidelines. Ask yourself, “What is its purpose of this new leadership body and what are you going to use them for?” “What will you bring to them?” You also have to determine who is in charge and create agendas so that everyone knows what to work on. Now, let’s get into decision making. It’s great to have models and guidelines for how people make everyday decisions. I use the RACI (Responsible, Approves, Consulted, Informed) model, which clearly articulates who does what. I mentioned RACI in another Dear Founder letter, and I will get into more detail here to address your situation. I have used this matrix for many years at big companies, where it helped clarify roles and responsibilities in crossfunctional teams and projects. We use it today at the Webb Investment Network to determine everything from who owns the final decision on investments, to our PR strategy. It’s become such a part of everything we do that it’s now shorthand. The first step in this model is to clarify what the decision is and when it has to be made. Write it down. Then, you employ RACI, an acronym that delineates the necessary stakeholders in a decision. This outlines the person who is: Responsible. Who is the owner? Who sets the strategy? Who will decide? Ideally this should be one person, but it can be two. Remember,

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decision-making needs to be pushed down to the lowest competent level. If that’s not done, it means you are not delegating enough. Worse, it means that you may be running a monarchy. Approves. Who will ratify or veto? This is the person who delegates the work to the “R”. Consulted. Who will be affected? These people do not have the right to make the decision, but you have the obligation to get their input before the decision is made, and you want to know what they have to say. Informed: Who has to be informed about the decision? Always err on the side of informing too many people rather than too few. This model can help to make decisions faster and implement them more effectively because it helps to put aside internal bickering (which is often due to uncertainty about who owns what) and get on with the task of decision making. This model helps provide role clarity, which can often be a source of tension. It will eradicate confusing

debates and help codify roles without having emotional battles. As you scale, it’s also important to remember that the best decisions do not come from a majority vote or from a single authoritative voice. They are the result of something more balanced. The RACI model allows decisions to be made collaboratively, with the input of several voices and all the necessary data—but ultimately the answer is determined by a single decision maker who was tasked with this responsibility. Ultimately, successful decision-making isn’t just about speed or outcome—it’s about empowering others to make the best decisions. As you continue you grow you will have to look at delegation and determine when you should let go more. You and exec staff should look at every decision and ask if you should have made the decision or could someone else make it. It feels good to make decisions, but it’s even more rewarding—and more sustainable and scalable— to have other people capable of making the right decisions for team. Photo by Florian Schmetz on Unsplash.

THE RISE OF CROCS

How Crocs went from laughingstock to red carpet By Elizabeth Segran

Nobody is neutral about Crocs. In the two decades since the clunky plastic clog first debuted, people have fallen squarely into one of two camps: Those who love the comfort and functionality, and those who mercilessly mock how hideous they are. But since the pandemic started, Crocs has convinced more people to switch from haters to lovers. In 2020, the company’s revenues reached a record high of $1.4 billion, a 12.6% spike from the year before. During that time, Crocs’s stock was among the best-per forming in the retail industry, with shares rallying by more than 260%. Part of the brand’s growth can be attributed to people craving comfort in the midst of lockdown, but part of it is also due to the legion of highprofile fans, including Priyanka Chopra, Justin Bieber, and Post Malone, all of whom have partnered with the brand in recent months. At the heart of Crocs’s success lies some marketing wizardry. From the start, the brand has been aware of how polarizing its shoes are, inspiring feelings of disgust from many consumers. But rather than defend itself against these antagonists, it has harnessed the hatred to create a narrative about how the shoe represents radical inclusivity and individuality–values that are increasingly important, particularly among young people. For now, the message appears to be resonating, but as the brand becomes increasingly mainstream, it’s unclear whether Crocs will be able to count on shaming its haters to fuel its growth. Shaming the haters Most companies work hard to establish brand recognition with consumers—but since launching in 2002, Crocs has never had to do that. “We’ve never had trouble with brand awareness,” says Michelle Poole, Crocs’s president. “You can show our iconic silhouette throughout the world, and people everywhere can identify it as Crocs, which is unusual.” There were many consumers who quickly embraced the shoe, drawn largely to its practicality and comfort, including healthcare professionals, chefs, and kids. But the company’s biggest struggle was always figuring out how to expand its base and resonate with more consumers. Back in 2010, Time named Crocs one of the 50 worst inventions of all time because they were so ugly. In that story, Crocs’s then-CEO explained that the brand was trying out more palatable silhouettes, like ballet flats, and was quoted as saying, “If we make it a little bit more stylish, then we start to appeal to a larger audience.” But around five years ago, the marketers at Crocs had a revelation: there was no point in trying

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to win over haters. Instead, they would focus on how unique the shoes were. “Yes, we’re ugly; yes, we’re polarizing,” says Heidi Cooley, Crocs’s CMO. “But importantly, we’re one-of-a-kind. And what we recognized is that this is exactly what resonated with some of our fans: They too see themselves as one-of-a-kind.” Act fast, collaborate often Crocs has also been quick to embrace its celebrity fans, many of whom style the shoes to fit their personal aesthetic: Diplo’s Crocs fit into his his psychedelic, hippy style; Zooey Deschanel wears hers with vintage dresses. Cooley says that the marketing team moves to quickly capitalize on the moment. “We don’t work with partners who aren’t authentic fans of the brand,” says Cooley. “We make sure that these influencers were already wearing our shoes before we approach them.” These collaborations have been very successful, often selling out in days. And they’ve brought in thousands of new customers who likely never would have considered wearing the shoes before. The Post Malone clogs, for instance,

came in black and pink, with a chunky sole and a drawcord that gave them an industrial chic look to match the musician’s hardcore tattooed aesthetic. Justin Bieber’s Crocs were lavender and covered with oversized charms, which he styled with streetwear. Meanwhile, actress Priyanka Chopra was photographed wearing Crocs that had been customized with glitter, and in 2020 she became the brand’s ambassador. What if there are no more haters? Crocs’s strategy has been so successful that the shoes are increasingly mainstream. But this could represent a problem: What will Crocs represent when it has fully saturated the market? The brand is on a tear now, but eventually this growth will slow down, and the big question is what Crocs will do next. “People are going to eventually move on to the next thing to love, or hate, or love to hate,” says Bitar. “It could leave Crocs behind. It’s just a matter of how long this hockey stick of growth is going to last.” Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.

THE TOYOTA SUPRA Designed for the race track, say hello to the king of the road By bazaar staff

It looks like a race car, sounds like a race car, drives like a race car, but it is also an amazing everyday drive. The Supra purrs in the city and roars on the race track because it is a car that was envisioned to be a sports car but with everyday driving comfort in mind. Powered by a straight six front engine and smooth rear-wheel drive, the Supra has always been the ultimate Toyota sports car, ever since its inception in 1978. The fifth-generation Supra carries that heritage into the future. It boasts a 6 cylinder engine, 3.0L turbo with direct injection, and 335hp which achieve smooth and direct acceleration feel, worthy of the pure sports car that it is. The sexy aerodynamically designed body shape and underfloor aerodynamic items support and enhance straight-line stability even at high speeds, making it a thrilling yet highly responsive ride. It handles like a dream come true, but hasn’t made any compromises in comfort and luxury.

Schedule a test drive today to experience the Toyota Supra for yourself. Visit toyota.com.kw, call 1803803, or follow @toyotakw on Instagram.

RADICALLY SUSTAINABLE BOOTS

The family that started Timberland goes green as Erem By Elizabeth Segran On the surface, Erem’s newly launched hiking boot has a similar look to the iconic Timberland boot. And any similarities between the two make sense, because both companies were founded by the Swartz family, who have been in the business for four generations. Nathan Swartz founded Timberland in 1952 and helped design the brand’s hard-wearing boot, which became popular among hikers and construction workers alike. Eventually, Nathan’s grandson Jeff became CEO of Timberland and in 2011, he sold the company to VF Corp. Jeff and his son Noah launched their new company, Erem. While most footwear on the market contains plastic soles and foam that does not decompose, Erem’s two debut boot styles are constructed using recycled rubber, biodegradable foam made from corn, and organic cotton. At the end of the boot’s life, customers can return it to Erem, which will take apart all the components to reuse and recycle. It was 28-year-old Noah who first came up with the idea for Erem. Like his father and grandfather, Noah had spent his childhood immersed in the shoe business, visiting factories and having dinner-table conversations with his family about nuances in boot design. But his father sold the family business while Noah was attending Columbia University, which left him wondering what he wanted to do with his career. “Noah was a fourth generation lurking in the wings,” Jeff says. “Generational family businesses are strange, rare creatures, and Noah was mad at me in a deep way. He had a picture in his head of taking over the business, but when I sold the company, that picture disappeared.” After college, Noah worked for several brands focused on sustainability, such as Beyond Meat, Modern Meadow, and Superpedestrian. He attended Harvard Business School and began to plot out his next move. While he was there, it became clear to him that he wanted to return to his roots as a boot-maker, but this time with an eco-friendly focus. That’s when he quit his MBA program to launch Erem. Together, Jeff and Noah decided to build a boot designed for desert hiking. It resembles the Timberland boot, with its rugged sole and light-brown suede exterior—but Jeff downplays the resemblance. “Any similarity to a Timberland silhouette is coincidental and driven by their influence from elements of the military and work boot heritage,” he says. The goal was to use the most sustainable technology on the market, creating shoes made from eco-friendly materials that are also biodegradable. While recycled plastic is very

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popular in the fashion industry, Erem’s team decided against it. “All things being equal, recycled polyester is better than virgin [or new] polyester,” Noah says. “But because most consumers do not recycle, this plastic will end up in a landfill. Our belief was that our responsibility should extend beyond the point of sale to what happens at the end of its life.” But making a performance boot out of biodegradable materials is a complex proposition. Erem had to build its supply chain from scratch rather than sourcing from mainstream suppliers that service footwear brands. They worked with a manufacturer to create a rubber outsole embedded with a biodegradability enhancer that will allow it to decompose in 7 to 14 years, depending on environmental conditions, rather than the 400 years typical for traditional rubber outsoles. “If you want to find threads or rubber that are [biodegradable], you can’t find it on a drop-down menu with one of these suppliers,” Jeff says. “These suppliers are focused on whether there is a demand for this material. And for now, there isn’t.”

While most footwear is made by laminating layers together with hot plastic adhesives, Erem’s boots are largely constructed by stitching layers together using linen thread, rather than polyester thread, an approach that makes it easier to take the boot apart for repairs and recycling. However, Noah says, it took a long time for the sewing factory to learn how to use the linen. “The tension settings in the factory machines are set to polyester,” he says. “The thread is only 0.03% of our boot, by volume. But it was important to us that we use linen.” Erem invites customers to send boots in for repair and, ultimately, to request a free return label to send in their old boots rather than throwing them away. The plan is to collect these old shoes and rip them apart into their component materials to recycle the rubber, metals, and more. But the brand does not expect all customers to make an effort to do so. If the shoes do end up in the trash, the materials will ultimately decompose.

Photo by Raoul Ortega on Unsplash.

SMILEY X H&M

H&M launches an upbeat and vibrant streetwear collaboration with Smiley By bazaar staff

We all know Smiley. It is an instantly recognizable motif that we all know and love. Bonus points if you remember the Forest Gump reference too. This season H&M is presenting us with a new streetwear collaboration together with the universal counterculture symbol Smiley. As a youthful symbol of defiant optimism, the campaign feels upbeat and vibrant with highlights from the ‘90s. The collection is infused with full on retro vibes, designed for both Men and Women. 136

The collection includes tie-dye hoodies, loose-fit denim and relaxed joggers, tees, rugby shirts and sport socks. Even fun, flippant accessories and key pieces like the pile vest and the puffer jacket. The color palette is light purple, off-white, soft beige and solid black. The vast majority of the collection is made using more sustainable materials. The Smiley is a symbol of positivity that has influenced people around the world for almost 50 years, and a cult-status symbol within music, dance and art. This collection is an exciting and playful mix of the of the ‘90s – a decidedly retro vibe – with a hyper-modern touch. The Smiley x H&M Collection is available now in selected stores, online on kw.hm.com and on the H&M MENA App with prices starting from KD 2.500. 137

HELLO?

This is why leaders should never text the word ‘hi’ By Justin Pot—Zapier

If my manager ever texts me “hi,” “hello,” or “hey,” without any further context, I will assume that I’m fired. It’s the only logical conclusion. The same goes for “are you around?”, “let me know when you get in,” and “can we talk?” I would have no idea how to respond to these messages. I know this because I ran an advanced computer simulation of this exact scenario, using an AI replica of my consciousness (a Black Mirror Slackbot, basically). You might think I’m paranoid, and you’re not wrong. But there’s more to this than my personal hangups: I know people in multiple industries who have gotten messages like this and assumed the worst. Managers, consider this a PSA. Don’t text your report “hey” and then wait for them to respond. Get to the point, or we’re going to assume the point is very very bad. Let’s talk more about why. The history of hello What do you say after you pick up the phone? Most people say “hello,” and there’s a reason for that: phone companies taught people to say it in the 1800s. When you call someone on the phone, it’s not clear when the other person is there—unless they say something first. The English word “hello” was invented for this reason. The word caught on, in part, because phone books instructed people to begin conversations by saying “hello” as a way to confirm both people were on the line. This habit, and the word, stuck. The medium created a new kind of etiquette. This tech-to-etiquette pattern happens regularly. Team chat tools are a different medium than the telephone and require a different kind of etiquette. You don’t need to confirm the other person is there before you begin talking because they’ll see the message when they log in. At Zapier, we’ve been a remote team for around a decade, and one of our Slack etiquette rules is “Don’t wait for a response before getting to the point.” Get to the point Because text-based messages are different from a phone call, saying “hello” before getting to the point actually makes communication take longer: •You say hello. •Eventually, the other person says hello back. •Eventually, you see this response, then ask your question. •Eventually, the other person sees your question and answers it. This is less efficient than the alternative: •You say hello and ask your question. •Eventually, the other person answers the question. 138

This is normalized at our company and in text messages more broadly. Doing anything else feels odd, and odd behavior makes people ask questions. Alfred Hitchcock, film director and master of suspense, is attributed as saying, “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” That’s what makes a simple “Hey,” from a manager so terrifying. The default, over team chat apps, is to just explain what you want or need. Not doing that implies that you’ve got something serious to say—something you prefer not to say before you know the other person is there. In my mind, that means I’m about to be fired. Of course, mistakes will happen—that’s ok. My Zapier colleague Janine, who was also once my manager, sometimes slips up. But, as she explains, she’s good about correcting herself: I love this. It’s such a thoughtful way to course correct. If you ever say “Hi” to your direct report, don’t panic—just keep typing.

But what if I actually do want to fire you? That’s a good question! If you want to fire me, feel free to text me the word “hey” without any context. I’ll figure out what you mean, move to the mountains—far away from any internet access— and begin my new life as a hunter-gatherer. This will not go well, which is entirely your fault, but you don’t need to worry about my Glassdoor review because I’ll be off the grid. More seriously: if you actually do need to have a serious (and potentially career-affecting) conversation with someone in a remote context, consider doing it during a regularly scheduled oneon-one session, so there’s no pre-conversation anxiety. Or you might do what Janine does: Either way, it’s better to have conversations like these face to face, not via text. It’s the kind thing to do.

Photo by Vladislav Klapin on Unsplash.

NEXT KIDS GET CUTE AND COZY FOR THE HOLIDAYS Adorable and functional clothing that will bring a smile to everyone’s face By bazaar staff

It’s officially fuzzy socks and hot cocoa weather. The time of the year we start pulling on sweaters and bundling up in the morning. But more importantly we need to make sure that our little ones are warm. They, on the other hand, are excited to explore more of the world and we want to make sure that they’re dressed comfortably. It’s also the holiday season so some added cheer and festivity is the sweet cherry on top that makes everything come together. The latest winter collection by Next Kids shows that the brand understood the assignment.

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Get ready to have your heart melted from the cuteness of your kids outfits. The NEXT Kids collection has everything from classic seasonal colors like reds and tartans to whimsical character sweatshirts and fuzzy festive pullovers to fun knitwear. It’s all about the details. We love the addition of a ruched color and a velvet neck tie to classic tartan that makes the dress pop. Little girls and boys will love the holiday themed pullovers that

have pom poms, embroidered shades on Santa and color changing sequins that add texture, movement and interesting colors. The use of appliques and three-dimensional details like spikes will have your little one roaring like a dinosaur from excitement. For more festive looks perfect for parties, Next has taken a modern approach that still feels very seasonal. Beautiful animal print skirts in updated colors and shimmery metallics will have your little girl twirling with joy.

Have a wonderful season full of joy, warmth and happiness with your kids dressed in beautiful and warm outfits that will make everyone feel merry. Next has 15 locations across Kuwait, with more than more than 70 stores across KSA, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan. to find your nearest location visit www.alshaya.com and stay updated about Next’s latest on social media by following @ Next_Arabia on Facebook and Instagram.. 141

MONEY IS MAKING US SICK

As women and as a society. Here’s a solution By Sallie Krawcheck Women’s #1 source of stress is money. The pandemic has exacerbated this. Women have lost their jobs at a disproportionate rate; have been forced to leave the workforce at a disproportionate rate; have lost productivity at a disproportionate rate; and have lost out on promotions at a disproportionate rate. The gender pay gap’s lesser-known cousin— the gender wealth gap—already had non-Black women owning a paltry 32 cents to a white man’s dollar on average, and a single penny for Black women. (And those numbers were calculated before the pandemic.) And the negative financial impact of the pandemic may well ripple and grow for years for women from dollars not earned, retirement contributions not made, compounding of returns missed out on, promotions not achieved. It’s probably no surprise, then, that the recent Ellevest Financial Wellness Survey found that money is making women literally sick. Nearly half of all women—and 61% of millennial women—report that worrying about money has caused them to be emotionally or mentally unwell. And 40% of all women—and half of millennial women—say that worrying about money has made them physically sick. The importance of this is hard to overstate. The pay and wealth gaps are also arguably making our society sick as well. We know that if you want to improve a society, you get more money in the hands of women. They in turn invest that money into their communities (some 85 or 90 cents of a dollar vs. 10 cents for men in developing markets). We further know that societies are fairer when women have more money, the economy grows, and their families are better off. Is it even a stretch to say that the future is scarier? And that global warming could be worse because of this inequality? (Keep in mind women are more likely to believe in global warming and worry about its effects, as demonstrated by the young women leading the protests at the recent COP26 summit.) And yet as a society, we persist in gaslighting women about their money challenges. Women’s media diet consists of a steady menu of articles on wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual. (And it’s hard to argue against any of those.) But when it comes to financial wellness, the articles are scarce, and they can be damaging. For example, a study showed that 90% of articles on money written for women were about saving and budgeting. (In contrast, 72% of articles targeted to men on money are about investing and growing their money.) Read one after another

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of these, and it’s as if the systemic issues don’t exist, but that the gender wealth gap is a problem that she can solve by coupon-clipping her way to prosperity. Or just drinking fewer lattes. Or having fewer facials. Or buying fewer shoes. It isn’t. Looking at another way, these articles tell her that if she is able to solve her money challenges with a few simple smart shopping tips then it’s her fault that she does not have more money. It’s not. In turn, as the Ellevest Financial Wellness Survey demonstrates, if she is stressed about money and lacks a sense of financial wellness, her total wellness is damaged, as the stress over money corrodes her well-being. The solution? Systemic problems need systemic solutions, such as legislating mandated paid parental leave (since it’s with the birth of the first child that the gender pay gap starts to kick in). And more accessible and affordable child

care. And more generous sick leave policies. And more national government support for entrepreneurs to take care of their employees (and themselves). What’s within her individual control? Normalizing talking about money with other women. Today, for many women, money is a taboo topic—again, the result of harmful money messages she receives—with women preferring to talk about literally anything else, including their own death, than money. In contrast, some 40%+ of women report that talking about money alleviates stress. Imagine a country in which money is no longer a source of stress, but a source of strength, for women. Imagine a country, then, in which women have more power, stronger voices, improved health, more agency, greater equality. Sign us up. Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash.

#X-CITED FOR GIFTING We’ve got some gift ideas that are going to be a hit this holiday season By bazaar staff

T’is the season to get really #x-cited about getting the perfect gift for your loved ones. Giving is a fine art that some people are natural masters at. If you are not one of the chosen few, don’t worry we’ve done some digging and are sharing our favorite X-CITE gift ideas, not just for the season, but all year round too.

Games gone digital

Get ready for some IRL fun Digital Cards Digital cards are one of our favorite hacks. A gift card gives your recipient the opportunity to choose their own gift without any awkwardness. X-CITE stocks a wide range of cards from different providers like iTunes, Google Playstore, XBox, Playstation and more. If you’re new to the world of game cards, it is like giving someone hours and hours of fun as they enjoy playing their new favorite games or listening to their new media. And because their are different prices for each one, you can spend as much or as little as you need. bazaar tip: Make sure that you’re buying the right card for their system. iOS users will need iTunes

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Level up the gaming experinece

cards while Android users can use the Google Playstore cards. If you’re buying a console specific card, make sure it’s the right one.

easiest way to find out what they would love is usually to just ask what they need to make their setup perfect.

Gaming Gear If you prefer giving something more tangible than zeros and ones zooming on the internet cables, then check out the Gaming Zone section at X-CITE. If you have a friend or family member who enjoys gaming, then they’re definitely constantly on the lookout for the hottest and greatest gear. There’s something for every budget, from the comfiest gaming chairs to amazing keyboards that light up. bazaar tip: It can be easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you’re not a gamer yourself, but the

Tabletop Games This is one of our favorite gift ideas because it brings people together, across different age groups. Who doesn’t have childhood memories of challenging (and often beating) grown-ups at Monopoly or inventing new words while playing Scrabble? It’s time to invite the kids to the table and introduce them to a world of fun (and family drama). Pick from classics like Risk or Family Feud to completely new ones like Azul or Tokyo Highway. bazaar tip: Be mindful of the player’s age range

Acrade fun, no quarters needed!

No excuses with these powerful gaming laptops!

Get ready to vroom, vroom! Have, fun, but stay safe!

and capabilities. Some games are forgiving and easy to understand quickly while others need some strategic thinking and a grasp of complicated game mechanics. We always like gifting tabletop games in pairs: a simpler one that doesn’t need hours of setup or explanation and another one that can be played over multiple hours. Arcade Gaming If you are a go big or go home kind of gifter, then the arcade games are for you. Full sized cabinet arcade games are the perfect addition to any

game room. They are decor, entertainment and pzazz all rolled into one large package. bazaar tip: Grab some snacks when you give this one to recreate an old-school arcade feel and get ready for hours of fun! Gaming Laptops Gaming laptops have come a very long way since they were introduced. They’re now smaller, lighter and more powerful than ever, so the player can take their games wherever they go. They’re also decked out with special lighting and sound effects

to enhance the experience. bazaar tip: Throw in a Steam gift card so they can add purchase and download new games as soon as they start using their shiny new machine. E-Mobility This is perhaps our favorite category. Electric scooters and go-karts are the hottest gift of the season. IRL speed and excitement, plus time away from a screen is a great gift! bazaar tip: Safety first, make sure you get a helmet with your gift to keep your loved ones safe.

For a comprehensive list of X-cite’s 42 store locations and to shop online for the latest deals visit www.xcite.com. Download the X-cite app for Android on Google Play or iPhone on the App Store. Follow X-cite social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, @xcitealghanim and Facebook XcitebyAlghanim. Call 180 3535 for further Inquiries. 145

bazaar movie night November Movies

ETERNALS

MASQUERADE

UNDER THE STADIUM LIGHTS

SEAL TEAM

GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

KING RICHARD

Release Date: 4 November Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington Synopsis: The Eternals, a race of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants.

Release Date: 11 November Genre: Animation, Comedy Cast: Dolph Lundgren, J.K. Simmons, Kristen Schaal Synopsis: After his best friend is killed in a shark attack, Quinn, a lovable yet tenacious seal assembles a SEAL TEAM to fight back against a gang of sharks overtaking the neighborhood. Striving to bring peace back to their undersea community.

Release Date: 4 November Genre: Horror, Thriller Cast: Bella Thorne, Alyvia Alyn Lind Synopsis: A young girl struggles to survive after a group of home invaders break into her house to steal her family’s priceless artwork.

Release Date: 18 November Genre: Comedy, Fantasy Cast: Mckenna Grace,Finn Wolfhard Synopsis: When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

Source: cinescape.com.kw 146

Release Date: 4 November Genre: Action, Sport Cast: Milo Gibson, Laurence Fishburne, Abigail Hawk Synopsis: Brother’s Keeper is a true story about the ‘09 Abilene High School Football team.

Release Date: 18 November Genre: Biography, Drama Cast: Jon Bernthal, Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton Synopsis: A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams.

H&M HOME HOLIDAY 2021 Design your holiday home, how you want By bazaar staff

H&M HOME’s holiday collection is all about finding your own traditions and making the season more beautiful and personal than ever before. Decorate for elegant coziness with furry cushions, contemporary ornaments, and holiday-themed home fragrances.

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This Christmas, H&M HOME presents two different ways to make the season merry and bright. First, we see an elegant, yet minimalistic approach, where natural whites, warm textiles, light ceramics, and accents of bright dusty green encourage you to decorate in a bright and tonal color scale. Meanwhile, we also see a more traditional take on Holiday decorating, with a classic and ornamental look, where the color red brings together a natural and rustic feel, that invites you to cozy up inside with your family and loved ones. Key pieces from the collection include a wide range of candles that add to the holiday ambience, with alluring seasonal scents such as pine and cinnamon. A diverse range of joyous details provide inspiration and easy updates for the season. Decorate the living room with Christmas-themed cushion covers and eclectic candelabras or candle holders, making the space warm and inviting and a place for family and friends to prepare and get in the right mood for the upcoming holidays. The magical Christmas ornaments are perfect when you start decorating the tree and every room in the home — and they will easily become the new family favorites, which can be brought back and re-used year after year. The glass car with a Christmas tree on the roof will make you nostalgic and want to hurry home for Christmas, while the little tin soldier in glass will light the stars in the eyes of the kids. The H&M HOME Holiday Collection is available now in selected stores, online on kw.hm.com and on the H&M MENA App with prices starting from KD 0.990. 149

bazaar books

BEASTS OF A LITTLE LAND

FIND YOUR UNICORN SPACE

by Juhea Kim, Fiction

by Eve Rodsky, Self-help

An epic story of love, war, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement, following the intertwined fates of a young girl sold to a courtesan school and the penniless son of a hunter. In 1917, deep in the snowy mountains of occupied Korea, an impoverished local hunter on the brink of starvation saves a young Japanese officer from an attacking tiger. In an instant, their fates are connected—and from this encounter unfolds a saga that spans half a century. In the aftermath, a young girl named Jade is sold by her family to Miss Silver’s courtesan school, an act of desperation that will cement her place in the lowest social status. When she befriends an orphan boy named JungHo, who scrapes together a living begging on the streets of Seoul, they form a deep friendship. As they come of age, JungHo is swept up in the revolutionary fight for independence, and Jade becomes a sought-after performer with a new romantic prospect of noble birth. Soon Jade must decide whether she will risk everything for the one who would do the same for her.

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In her acclaimed New York Times bestseller (and Reese’s Book Club pick) Fair Play, Eve Rodsky urged women to rebalance their domestic responsibilities and reclaim time for themselves. Her book started a national conversation and launched a movement toward greater equality on the home front...and then quarantine hit, and life as we knew it was upended. Now all of us are faced with an even more pressing question: how can we--even in the bleakest days of working-from-home, remoteschooling, and too-much-togetherness--carve out a little time for ourselves? This personal time-what Rodsky calls Unicorn Space, what makes us interesting--isn’t just a luxury, she explains. The research is clear that it’s a necessity for our mental health, our physical well-being, and our very sense of self. But how do we find any time for ourselves in a moment when we have less autonomy than we’ve ever had? And what do we do with that freedom when we actually get it? Find Your Unicorn Space is a practical program for reclaiming (or discovering for the first time) the natural gifts, interests, and talents that make you uniquely you.

HOW TO BOOK A MURDER

By Scarlett Thomas, Memoir

By Cynthia Kuhn, Mystery

A darkly funny sports memoir about a mid-life crisis, exercise addiction, tennis, and how to grow up when you really, really don’t want to. At fortyone, Scarlett Thomas was a successful novelist and a senior academic. She’d quit smoking, gotten healthier, settled down in a lovely house with a wonderful partner. She’d had all the therapy. Then her beloved dog died. Of her three fathers (she’d acquired a stepfather at ten), one died of a heroin overdose and the other two were diagnosed with cancer. Her sister-in-law became pregnant at the same time that she realized that she really was never going to become a mother. For the first time in her life, maintaining her ideal weight had become nearly impossible. She was supposed to grow up, but she didn’t know how. So instead, she decided to regress: to go back to the thing she’d loved best as a child but had inexplicably abandoned: tennis. Thomas knows she’s not the only person to have wondered if you throw enough money and time and passion at something, whether you can make your dream come true.

ORPHANS OF THE STORM

To help save her family’s floundering Colorado bookstore, Starlit Bookshop, newly minted Ph.D. Emma Starrs agrees to plan a mystery-themed dinner party for her wealthy, well-connected high school classmate Tabitha Baxter. It’s a delightful evening of cocktails and conjecture until Tabitha’s husband, Tip—hosting the affair in the guise of Edgar Allan Poe’s detective C. Auguste Dupin—winds up murdered. In a heartbeat, Emma and her aunt Nora, a famous mystery writer, become suspects. Emma is sure the party’s over for Starlit events, until celebrated author Calliope Nightfall, whose gothic sensibilities are intrigued by the circumstances, implores the bookseller to create a Poe-themed launch event for her latest tome. Throwing a bash to die for while searching for additional clues is already enough to drive Emma stark raven mad, but another shocking crime soon reveals that Silvercrest has not yet reached the final chapter of the puzzling case. Someone in this charming artistic community has murder on the mind, and if Emma cannot outwit the killer, she and her beloved aunt will land behind bars, to walk free nevermore.

THE LIAR’S KNOT

By Celia Imrie, Fiction

By M. A. Carrick, Fantasy

Nice, France, 1911: After three years of marriage, young seamstress Marcela Caretto has finally had enough. Her husband, Michael, an ambitious tailor, has become cruel and controlling and she determines to get a divorce. But while awaiting the judges’ decision on the custody of their two small boys, Michael receives news that changes everything. Meanwhile fun-loving New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with some friends. Restless, she resolves to head home aboard the most celebrated steamer in the world – RMS Titanic. As the ship sets sail for America, carrying two infants bearing false names, the paths of Marcela, Michael and Margaret cross - and nothing will ever be the same again. From the Sunday Times-bestselling author, Celia Imrie, Orphans of the Storm dives into the waters of the past to unearth a sweeping, epic tale of the sinking of the Titanic that radiates with humanity and hums with life.

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Source: Goodreads.com

Trust is the thread that binds us . . . and the rope that hangs us. In Nadezra, peace is as tenuous as a single thread. The ruthless House Indestor has been destroyed, but darkness still weaves through the city’s filthy back alleys and jewelbright gardens, seen by those who know where to look. Derossi Vargo has always known. He has sacrificed more than anyone imagines to carve himself a position of power among the nobility, hiding a will of steel behind a velvet smile. He’ll be damned if he lets anyone threaten what he’s built. Grey Serrado knows all too well. Bent under the yoke of too many burdens, he fights to protect the city’s most vulnerable. Sooner or later, that fight will demand more than he can give. And Ren, daughter of no clan, knows best of all. Caught in a knot of lies, torn between her heritage and her aristocratic masquerade, she relies on her gift for reading pattern to survive. And it shows her the web of corruption that traps her city.

COZY DISHES AT MAKI

New menu additions, Al Fresco dining and an elevated winter experience at Kuwait’s iconic Japanese-inspired culinary destination By bazaar staff

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Sushi is high up on our list of comfort foods. It is a very different experience than everything else. Generally, it is a fullon, sensory experience; from snapping chopsticks to the smell of soy sauce and ginger and the umami flavor bombs to the wonderful colors of the fresh fish. It’s also our first choice in the summer, but once the cooler months hit us, we often start craving some warmth and coziness coupled with sitting outside in the cool crisp air. Good news for us, because our favorite Japanese-inspired restaurant has just launched some new menu items and will be dropping one more this December. We were invited to Maki for a sneak peek into their new additions, and we’re here with all the deets! We choose to dine at the Marina Waves location because the temperature has finally dropped enough for us to fully enjoy being outdoors. As we made our way up the stairs and into the restaurant we were already giddy with excitement even though we had no idea what was in store for us. As always, Maki’s staff are the living example of hospitality and they always do such a terrific job of setting the tone for the entire dining experience. They offered us drinks and we ordered Rose Lemonade, a cold and refreshing rose lemonade that is made with a beautiful combination of cranberr y and lemon juice. Our ser ver suggested that we tr y the Wasabi Mojito Juice, and we were intrigued. He explained that it was made with Wasabi, 7-Up, lime, mint and sweetened with brown sugar. It was something completely new to us and we were not disappointed. We were expecting it to be spicy, but instead it is refreshing with a hint of warmth that hits your throat moments after you take a sip. It’s comforting in such a new way, per fect for the cooler weather months! Because it was such a wonder ful day, the sun was shining and the breeze was playful, we were inspired to start with salads. We are suckers for fun texture and crunch, so we chose a Crispy Salad. The bowl was an explosion of colors with rocket, assorted lettuce, carrot, pink pepper, avocado, crispy harusame, sweet potato, beetroot, crabsticks, exotic cress, wasabi and yuzu flakes dressed with a special Maki sauce. The Maki Chef Special, is also a tried and true favorite. Next we sampled the three new additions that have already made it to the menu. We were excited to see the Shiso Shiromi Tempura, because we love the light and airy coating and batter that is iconic of all tempura dishes. This one was very [Continued...]

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interesting because it was made from a white fish, covered with shiso leaves and a tangy yuzu sauce. The Azayaka Oranji Maki is an experience in and of itself. It arrived at the table with a special chef sauce and a small pipette that reminded us of Middle School science experiments. The maki is filled with salmon, crab, avocado, shiso leaves, rice paper, black truffle pearls and togarashi. We tried to describe it to each other but ended up agreeing that it was delicious and so layered with flavor that we couldn’t summarize it in words. We already love sushi, but the Daniella Maki wowed us and elevated our relationship to the next level. On the outside, it looked like a normal sushi roll, but don’t be fooled. Salmon, crabsticks, tempura prawn, avocado, cress, cherry tomato, togarashi and tsurai special sauce come together with a surprise ingredient, zaatar to make this scrumptious Maki invention. It is a collision of Japanese and Middle Eastern classics that creates something completely new and wonderful.

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When we’re feeling a little low energy, or just craving some soul-food, we always think of ramen. Lucky for us, we’re getting a new ramen dish from Maki this month and we were quite lucky to sample it before it made its debut. The Beef Ramen is made with Cer tified Angus Beef and shimeji mushroom, which sit on a tower of delicious thick chewy noodles. To say that the broth in this dish is an umami bomb would be an understatement! We were already stuffed but we just had to have desser t, can you blame us? What better way to end on a high note than with a slice of Donostia Cheesecake. A silky smooth cheesecake ser ved with your choice of sauce. We chose the chocolate but you can also have it with strawberr y sauce. It was gone in seconds. We had some green tea with it to finish off a beautiful hear t warming meal. The sun and our spirits were high, as we left Maki knowing ver y well that we were going to be back ver y soon.

Maki has three locations in Kuwait – The M2 in Salhiya (2247 9721); Marina Waves (2576 3226) and Burj Jassem, (2290 1010). Visit www.olivermaki.com for more information, call 182 3080 for delivery. Watch the innovation on Instagram and Twitter @Makirest and Facebook at MakiRestaurant.

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bazaar techno

VICTROLA REVOLUTION GO

TULA MIC

LOCKLY VISION SMART LOCK

SCOSCHE POWERUP 600 TORCH

GABB WATCH

PICO MAX

Introducing the Victrola Revolution GO, the world’s first portable, rechargeable, Bluetooth® record player. The battery-powered Revolution GO allows you to take vinyl records any place you want to listen. Tailgate party? No problem. Camping trip? Perfect. Imagine yourself anywhere – with your albums spinning by your side. If you love vinyl as much as we do, you know the feeling of being in a place where you wish you could listen to your favorite vinyl, but, with no electrical outlet in sight, you simply can’t. This is no longer the case with the Victrola Revolution GO.

This high-tech stainless steel coffee warmer from Cosori features touch controls, a vivid and easyto-read LED display, and a water-resistant warming plate. The heating element allows the plate to go up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can customize the temperature of your beverage to anywhere between 77 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit — and adjust it to the exact degree. It’s a gamechanging feature for the true coffee and tea geeks out there.

Featuring ultra-fast USB-C, the Tula works with your computer as a high-quality USB microphone for podcasting, ZOOM, YouTube and more. With 8GB of internal memory, its own function keys and a powerful battery, the Tula can also record on its own for up to 12 hours – wherever you are. Tula has partnered with Klevgrand, a Swedish software company, to embed their revolutionary Brusfri noise reducing algorithm into Tula’s software so that, with the touch of a button, you can remove unwanted background noise. The Tula Mic is brought to you by the team behind the world-renowned Soyuz Microphones.

Want to give your kids a way to communicate with you but without giving them a smartphone? The Gabb Watch is the perfect solution. The Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device. The built-in microphone can record their voice messages and send them to any of their listed contacts. The preset message feature makes for quick responses, and can be customized for your kid’s needs. Emoji messaging makes for fun communication. Set up to 10 custom contacts in your kid’s Gabb Watch to ensure safe, exclusive communication.

Source: bestproducts.com 156

Need a little peace of mind when heading out on the road? If you get in a bind, Scosche’s PowerUp 600 Torch power pack gives you three handy tools to help out: a rechargeable 600-amp jump starter, a mobile device charger, and a multi-mode LED flashlight. It’s got enough juice to jumpstart a car, boat, or ATV three times on one charge. Once you’ve charged the PowerUp 600 Torch, it’ll hold its charge for six months. And it’s waterproof with the rear cap closed, so you can go off-roading in wet environments without worry.

Grow thriving plants everywhere with a click telescopic LED lights, multiple mounts, and a self-watering system. Anyone can do it! Powered by high-performance power-efficient LEDs from OSRAM, Pico Max provides all the necessary wavelengths of light to replace the sun completely and allows you to grow plants all year round. These powerful LEDs are chosen to support a wide range of plants and each color wavelength stimulates a specific biological function in plants. The revised mounting system involves one magnetic half on the Pico Max and a mating multipurpose metal bracket, which could be mounted on a wall/ glass/ mirror using included adhesive patches or on magnetized surfaces.

LIFE JUST GOT ROSÉ-IER

Celebrate important moments with MARTINI 0.0 Rosé By bazaar staff

Last summer we introduced you to MARTINI 0.0, a non-alcoholic sparkling grape drink with a light, delicate sweet and fruity taste that became a wonderful addition to our table all summer. This time we’re taking things one step further with MARTINI’s new alcohol-free Rosé. Life is all about the moments, big and small, that are worth celebrating and what better way to do that than with a refreshing drink.

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The trend in the drinks industr y has been strongly moving in the zero-alcohol direction with many consumers choosing to indulge without the alcohol. With over 150 years of experience in the industr y MARTINI was able to formulate an exciting drink that will tingle your taste buds. Just in time for the holidays and New Year’s, MARTINI Rosé is the per fect companion at your gatherings, dinners and par ties. MARTINI 0.0 Rosé is not a wine since it isn’t fermented, so there is no alcohol content at all. It is made from the highest quality concentrated grape juice and red fruits, grown and carefully crafted in the sun-drenched hillsides of Nor thern Italy. MARTINI 0.0 Rosé provides connoisseurs an all-natural, alcohol-free sparkling beverage that

still retains the same great flavor that MARTINI is known for. Stylish, refreshing and sparkling, are the adjectives that come to mind while gleefully sipping a glass of MARTINI 0.0 Rosé. After a tumultuous year and a half, we’re finally ready to socialize, celebrate and fully experience life. We’re star ting small and taking things easy, but we want to make ever y moment count. Traditionally, Rosé is a summer y drink, per fect for sitting outside and letting the world go by as you enjoy deep conversation with friends at a cute little café. Lucky for us in Kuwait, our winters are mild and it is the time of the year that we set off for the deser t and pull our chairs out in the garden to enjoy the warm glow of the sun.

Whether you’re celebrating a bir thday, anniversar y, the holidays or even just living a glorious life, you’re probably going to do it with a lavish spread on the table. Level the whole affair by adding a bottle of MARTINI 0.0 Rosé and some fancy flutes. The bubbly sparkling drink is a wonder ful par tner to ever ything from salads, cheese boards and charcuterie to meatier dishes and kebabs. Live life to the fullest, you’ve definitely earned it, by making ever y moment count.

You can find MARTINI 0.0 Rosé at roomserviceq8.com and select retailers. Follow @roomserviceq8 on Instagram for more information.

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bazaar Apps

TSUKI ADVENTURE

UNIMIME

SPARK CAMERA

LENS BUDDY

MINDFULNESS COACH

WACKY FACE

Tsuki was lonely. A stressful job. A thankless boss. A busy, chaotic life in a noisy city. But one day with the arrival of a plain letter, everything changed for Tsuki.The letter was from Tsuki’s grandfather who had passed away, leaving Tsuki the family carrot farm in rustic Mushroom Village. What a perfect opportunity for a new beginning. Escape modern life and delve into a cute world.

Spark Camera makes it easier than ever to capture a weekend, a vacation, or anything that makes your life light up. Capture as many moments as you’d like in 1080p HD. Easily add photos and videos from your camera roll to any of your videos. WIth over 20 filters, powerful editing, slomo, music editing and more, this is your new BFF.

Mindfulness Coach was created by VA’s National Center for PTSD and is a great tool to help you be present moment, without passing judgment on it. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective for reducing stress, improving emotional balance, increasing self-awareness, helping with anxiety and depression, and coping more effectively with chronic pain.

Unimime is a fun, hard to master, physics based, balancing game. Begin your journey as an average mime, barely keeping yourself upright. Master the art of the unicycle and become a death defying ninja - or zombie - navigating neck breaking, flat surfaces, minor inclines and boxes, the size of paperback novels! This is a truly challenging game, but it is rewarding once you have figured it out.

Lens Buddy is a simple yet powerful timer camera app that will take pictures of you and your loved ones without the need to press buttons or even hold the device. Just set your desired time interval between the shots and let the camera roll! Take your photography to the next level, without needing a photographer on-call.

Are you tired of playing games the old fashioned way? Want to try something that is both new and completely ridiculous. Look into your front camera and wink your eyes or open your mouth to attack enemies! Unlock a wide variety of parts to customize your favorite creatures. Wacky Face is a completely new way of playing on the iPhone X and newer. iOS only

play.google.com itunes.apple.com 160

THE FOOL-PROOF KASHTA GUIDE WITH MAKANI! Take advantage of Makani’s incredible Kashta Bundles for an amazing outdoor cooking experience By bazaar staff

Calling all camping and kashta fanatics! Last month we explored Makani’s shelves, freezers and aisles for the things that would make our trip to the desert also a festival of food. They have definitely one-upped us by launching their Kashta Bundles to make our lives easier, our bellies happier and our day (or days if you are camping) full of fun. Makani has always been the home of main meal ingredients and they’re definitely taking their calling seriously. They understand that food brings people together. A meal is about the wonderful flavors, but it is also about the company and the people who sit around the table with you. Kashtas are the perfect example of this and Makani’s food experts have come up with a way to make this season’s trip to the desert even more magical. They have carefully curated and selected customer favorites and kashta classics and packaged them into perfect grab and go kits, so you have everything you need for a delicious meal. Choose your favorite one from the available seven options or get a couple to please all of your adventure buddies! It feels that everyone ends up craving hot-offthe-grill steak when they’re out in the desert so 162

the Steak Bundle (enough for 6 people) is a nobrainer for anyone who wants to be the next grill master. It comes packed with two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin Steak, two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Ribeye Steak, two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Striploin “NY Strip” Steak, two bags of Green Giant Corn on the Cob 4 Ears and a stick of Blue River Butter. So you will also be getting some delicious buttery corn as a side dish. Cooking Tips: For the perfect steak, make sure to bring the steak to room temperature, season well with your favorite spices, sear on high heat and make sure not to overcook it. Then let it rest for 5 minutes, cut across the grain and serve. For a more laid back affair, we love throwing hot dogs on the grill. The Hotdog Bundle (enough for 10 people) is perfect for kids and adults

alike. The bundle includes Martin’s three packs of Top Sliced Potato Rolls and National Deli Beef Frankfurters. Cooking Tips: Once the hotdogs are at room temperature, place them on a clean grill that has been brushed with oil. Grill them on a medium-low heat and make sure to regularly turn the hotdogs to get an even and beautiful sear. The buns are more than a vehicle for the hotdogs, so they need to be treated with the respect they deserve, brush with melted butter and toast on the grill face down, over indirect heat, for one minute for a beautiful toasty layer. Add your favorite toppings, relishes, sauces and enjoy. Another people-pleaser at kashtas and camping trips are burgers. The Burger Bundle is perfect for a full campsite, since it is enough for 20 people. It includes a Greater Omaha Ground

Burger Bundle (20 People)

Steak Bundle (6 People)

Beef Chuck, four packs of Martin’s Potato Rolls and five packs of Yasmin Sliced Yellow Cheddar Cheese. Cooking Tips: Starting with a clean grill and cold ground beef, create a hot zone (with more coals) and a cooler zone (with fewer coals) for more indirect heat. Season the meat right before placing it on the grill and start your burger in the hot zone to achieve a perfect crust and then move it to the cooler zone. Keep an eye on the grill to avoid flare-ups. The burger is ready when it is no longer sticking to the grill. For a juicy burger don’t press on the meat or overwork it. Add cheese at the last minute so that it melts on the burger, then place in the buns, add toppings to your preference and enjoy immediately. For some serious Kashta Kudos, go the traditional route with a lamb kabsa! The Lamb Bundle (enough for 8 people) has everything you need for the delicious classic dish. You will be

Hotdog Bundle (10 People)

Lamb Bundle (8 People)

getting a Classic Lamb Leg Bone-in, Chump Off , one bag of Al Taiyeb Basmati XL Rice, a bag of Al Raie Saudi Salt, Chef’s Choice Cinnamon Sticks, Chef’s Choice Golden Raisins, Chef’s Choice Black Pepper Powder, Chef’s Choice Roasted Cardamom, Chef’s Choice Meat Spices, Rosanna Tomato Paste, a bottle of Chef’s Choice Sunflower Oil and two sticks of Blue River Butter. Cooking Tips: This dish is slightly more involved but so worth it. In a pressure cooker add some oil, your favorite spices, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste and diced fresh tomatoes. Add the meat and sear then add in your favorite meat spices. Cover the meat with water and bring to a boil. Cover the pressure cooker and allow the meat to cook, but not fully, on a medium heat. Add the washed and soaked rice to the pressure cooker, stir and add water. Reduce the heat and leave for 10 mins. Bon appetit, or “Sahtain”! The Makani Kashta Bundles are going to

make your trip a wonder ful experience, but you should also remember to pack wireless speakers so you can blast your favorite tunes, lots of water, and don’t forget dessert! Be respectful of the desert, clean up after yourself so you can enjoy it the next time you visit.

Makani is located in Shuwaikh, Jahra and Fahaheel and is open from 07.00 AM to 10 PM every day. The Makani Kashta Bundles are available at the Shuwaikh and Fahaheel locations. You can call or whatsapp the Hotline number 180 9090 to order or make inquiries. Follow Makani for updates on Instagram @makanikw or head to makanifoods.com to order online.

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bazaar music

DECEMBER MUSIC Deck the halls, toast the chestnuts and start the festive music. We’re bringing the cheer home by jingling the bells and getting into the holiday mood. We all have our favorite holiday season music. It might be a classic and it might be something more esoteric. We wanted to round up some fun tunes that should be added to your playlist rotation. May the season bring you upbeat music and happy dance moves.

Title: Christmas in the Heart Artist: Bob Dylan Release date: 2009

Title: A Charlie Brown Christmas Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio Release date: 1965

Title: An Old-Fashioned Christmas Artist: The Carpenters Release date: 1984

Bob Dylan does not sound like Christmas. His voice is grizzly and baritone but that’s exactly what makes this charming and slightly on the subversive side. It is unexpected, weird yet totally inspired as an album. The lineup of song includes a carol like “The First Noel” and a post-War pop tune like “Christmas Island”. Dylan honors his music roots and sings earnestly and honestly every time.

We refuse to believe that anyone exists who has never watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. The iconic animated movie is well-loved by kids and adults alike because of its touching storyline. The laid-back West Coast jazz soundtrack has become instantly recognizable by the generations of people who have seen the movie and often rewatch it every year. It perfectly captures the characters, their struggles and their eventual triumphs, big and small.

The album project had its genesis in several unused tracks from the Carpenters’ previous Christmas album, 1978’s Christmas Portrait. Richard Carpenter took these tracks and recorded new material around them, and this album was the end result. The album (in its original LP and cassette form) includes the slow version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (a faster version appeared on the Christmas Portrait album).

Title: Wrapped in Red Artist: Kelly Clarkson Release date: 2013

Title: Everyday Is Christmas Artist: Sia Release date: 2018

Title: A Holly Dolly Christmas Artist: Dolly Parton Release date: 2020

Wrapped in Red is the sixth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on October 25, 2013 by RCA Records. The album is a follow-up to her first greatest hits album, Greatest Hits – Chapter One. Wrapped in Red consists of sixteen tracks, featuring five original songs copenned with Kurstin and eleven cover versions of Christmas standards and carols, two of which are duets featuring recording artists Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood.

Everyday Is Christmas is the eighth studio album and first Christmas album by Australian singersongwriter Sia, released by Atlantic Records and Monkey Puzzle on 17 November 2017. Her first album with Atlantic, it features original songs cowritten and produced by Greg Kurstin. The lead single, “Santa’s Coming for Us”, was released on 30 October 2017, and “Snowman” was released as a promotional single on 9 November.

A Holly Dolly Christmas is the forty-seventh solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on October 2, 2020, by Parton’s Butterfly Records in partnership with 12Tone Music Group. It is Parton’s third Christmas album, following 1984’s Once Upon a Christmas with Kenny Rogers and 1990’s Home for Christmas. The album features guest appearances by Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, and Parton’s brother Randy.

Sources: wikipedia.com 164

GOOD FOR YOUR HEART GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN

oceanspride.me

bazaar around town ‘BUY 1 GET 1 FREE TICKET’ EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR ALL ABK CUSTOMERS WITH VOX CINEMAS

‫هـ‬-‫ت‬

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2019/226/

• Enjoy the offer at VOX Cinemas, The Avenues when using your ABK debit card • Upgrade the size of your popcorn and soft drink for free

Terms and Conditions apply

Any movie, any day, on location or online.

Terms and Conditions apply

‘BUY 1 GET 1 FREE’ TICKET OFFER AVAILABLE TO ALL ABK CUSTOMERS

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) continues to collaborate with VOX Cinemas whereby every ABK customer can avail the ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free Ticket’ offer at VOX Cinemas, the Avenues in Kuwait. To benefit from the fabulous offer, customers should use any of ABK debit cards when booking online or in location. The movie tickets included in this offer are 2D Standard and Premium View, 3D Standard and Premium View, 2D and 3D Max Premium View, and 2D and 3D Kids Cinema. As icing on the cake, and at no additional charge, ABK customers can also upgrade their popcorn and beverage to a larger size. This offer is available all days of the week, including weekends.

For more information, call Ahlan Ahli 1 899 899 or visit eahli.com

Simpler Banking

For more information on this offer, please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899. DKNY HOLIDAY 2021 SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION The Holiday 2021 Sportswear collection is anchored by a monochromatic palette of black, ivory and silver with pops of magenta, regal purple, and malachite. Winter necessities like blazers and vests are cropped and produced in bright colors while wardrobe staples like bodysuits and turtlenecks are updated in mesh fabrics and bright prints. Cropped knit sweaters and knit dresses are standout pieces in the sportswear collection. DKNY pure linen dresses, pants and tops come in a neutral palette with pops of yellow and blue for resort-ready dressing. DKNY Sport focuses on athleisure, with sweatsuits, leggings, bike shorts and sports bras in a bright, cheerful palette with pops of zest, laser pink, marigold, and “beach” turquoise accents. DKNY sport joggers and boxy cropped tees are key pieces in the assortment. The DKNY sport collection features details like debossed logos, reflective stripes, and strategically placed cutouts. DKNY sport knit sets and bodysuits in soft neutrals balance out the bright pastels and neons but stay true to the season. DKNY is located in The Avenues (2nd Avenue and Grand Avenue), 360 Kuwait (The Fountain and The Oasis), Al Kout Mall (The Mall and Souq), Marina Mall, Promenade, Gate mall, Awtad Al Jahra, also available at ontime.com and home delivery: 55199767. For updates and fashion ideas follow @DKNY.me and @alyasra on Instagram or call 1820012. CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION (CCE) DELIVERS “ADVANCED NEGOTIATION SKILLS” FOR BURGAN BANK EMPLOYEES The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held an “Advanced Negotiation Skills” course for members of Burgan Bank’s middle management. The course aimed at enhancing the participants’ negotiation techniques and strategies across various complex situations. Key elements of the course focused on developing a balance of power, persuasion, and rapport building techniques through various psychological tactics. The course was delivered at Burgan Bank’s premises by the CCE Facilitator, Mr. Ali Derisavi, an esteemed management consultant, speaker, trainer, author and change agent with over 20 years of professional experience. “This interactive course has achieved its objective of preparing talents from Burgan Bank to become confident and authentic negotiators who will be able to close deals confidently and maximize value in the agreements while resolving differences before they get escalated. With our interactive courses and seasoned facilitators, our participants can practice as they learn with hands-on challenges and guided feedback.” said Ms. Nehal ElShafei, Director of CCE at AUK More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw HOLIDAY SEASON WITH BATH & BODY WORKS Hear those jingle bells? It can only mean one thing – the holidays are here, and we couldn’t be more excited! Sweets, Fresh Pines, Sugar Cookies, Cranberries, Cinnamon, Peppermint and many more fragrances are waiting for you! At Bath & Body Works, we will find all things HOLIDAY, and the biggest Holiday Collection is already available in stores, the website and the new mobile app! Looking for Body Care, Home Fragrances, Hand Soaps, Sanitizers and many more? It is the one-stop-all-things! Speaking of festive favorites, have you explored everything Bath & Body Works has to offer? We’re super hyped about the body care collection – from shower gels and body washes to fine fragrance mists and body lotions, they’ll have you smelling merry and bright all day. And if these don’t ring in enough holiday cheer, turn your home into a fragrant wonderland with the newest Festive-scented Candle or Wallflowers air freshener plug-in. Btw, don’t forget to deck your sleigh with some car fragrances. If you’re tired of running from store to store trying to finish up your gift list, they’ve got your back (and shopping bags). The shelves are jam-packed with goodies for literally everyone. For that last-minute white elephant exchange or the perfect perfume or cologne for that special someone, don’t look anywhere else – Bath & Body Works Holiday Season 2020 has something for everyone. Join in the social conversation on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @bathandbodyworksarabia and shop online at www.bathandbodyworks.com.kw. 166

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bazaar scopes

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Now listen up. You know and we know that you enjoy a little doubledealing now and then, especially where relationships are concerned; and there is someone who will severely tempt you over the holiday season. Giving way to temptation isn’t something you’re especially against – that’s what temptation’s for, after all.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 In the middle of the holiday season, you may find yourself continually thinking about how your life has developed over the past three or four years, whether you’ve made really good use of your time, established a firm relationship, made sure your career has developed in the way you wanted. This will naturally lead to thinking about the future, and if you can manage to find a few peaceful hours it’ll be a good time at which to plan the future.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22

Your mind will be remarkably bright and clear this month, which is a good thing because it’s an excellent time to do some firm forward planning – good, too, if you find you have to do research of some sort (this doesn’t necessarily mean deep research, but just finding out a few facts about some area of your life, or some person in it. Your concentration will be good, and you’ll fly through tasks that would take you much longer at other times.

Oh, yes – it’s going to be just the sort of holiday season you enjoy, with plenty of parties, food, drink, dancing, and very likely meeting someone who will make your previous experience of love seem very dim indeed. (Well, maybe). You love life, and over the holiday season, life will love you right back. That’s about all there is to say – it doesn’t seem likely that over-indulgence will do anything but make the pleasure even more enjoyable, even if there are a few morning-after qualms.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22

Try to slow down a bit this month and take a little time to relax, because after the 21st, when the Sun comes romping into your life, it will be all gone. Having a good time where you’re concerned usually costs money, and there won’t be much doubt about that this month, whether you’re buying something or giving a friend or lover a good time.

I suppose we have to say that you’ll find it difficult to relax and enjoy the holidays this year – some problem or other will be continually nagging away at you and you’ll find it almost impossible to forget about it. Given that worry is usually a major part of your life, this may not disturb you as much as it would some other people, and there’s at least every indication that by worrying away at the problem you’ll see a clear way around it by the end of the month.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 Someone is going to become more important to you this month than you ever thought they could – a colleague, a friend, a lover? Whatever they suggest – a business plan, a day out, or a night in? – will go very well indeed, and you’ll end up caring much more about him or her. After the 15th settle down and enjoy the Christmas season; Venus sashays into your sign on the 15th and your life will be as covered with glitter as you yourself!

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 You’ll feel as though something is hanging over you, without the faintest idea of what it could be. The fact is that it’s probably due to some minor physical quirk or other – nothing serious, maybe something as simple as your not taking enough exercise. Ignore it, take a bit more exercise, watch your food intake – and force yourself really to enjoy life. Once you start, you won’t find it difficult.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Perhaps you have something vital to say to your partner or a close relative and have held back because you don’t want to be tactless or cause upset. The time will be right to clear the air after the 15th when any hesitation will melt away and you’ll be glad when you’ve had your say. From that date, you’ll also feel really lucky, positive, and outgoing which will set you up very nicely for the coming holiday season.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 Use your clever, canny Scorpio qualities to make investments and you’ll not be disappointed with the eventual outcome -especially if you think long term. But this is also a good time for a little self-indulgence and let’s face it you’re good at that too! You can worry about any increases to your waistline later on – by making a New Year Resolution perhaps? Maybe? Let no-one or nothing cramp your style.

The planets positively insist that you have an adventure this Christmas. That may mean booking an adventure holiday, or fulfilling one of those strange ambitions some people have – like climbing Mont Blanc or bungeejumping off the side of a skyscraper, or it may mean just going up to a guy or girl you see across a crowded room and suggesting that they might like to inspect your collection of early Egyptian foot-warmers.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 This may be an extremely expensive Christmas for you. You’re usually generous, but this season that instinct runs away with you, and you may find yourself wincing at your bank statement when it comes in February. Never mind, it’ll have been worth it – just think of your lover in those expensive pink pajamas, and remember how s/he thanked you for them! 168

Source: wisehoroscope.org

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