COVER
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PINKB
BERRY
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The bazaar team... Boss Ahmed El-Adly
Operations Business Development I hab M ok alled
This issue of bazaar promises an escape from the scorching summer sizzle, starting with our super cool underwater heat-busting cover, and our traditional ‘beat the heat’ feature that brings you k-town’s most loved summer activities. We KNOW the fooding doesn’t end with Ramadan, it simply takes on a whole new level, so our search for everything yum continues full speed. Get your taste of Premium Choice’s delicious steaks and desserts for this weekend’s pool-side barbeque, head to Izakaya to sample the latest in Japanese cuisine with a French twist, or have a hearty Italian feast at your next gathering courtesy of the latest pizzeria in town, Croccante. Don’t forget to check out our summer installment of fabulous bazaarites; get up close and personal with Shamlan Al-Bahar and get on board his latest Escapade, and end all summer boredom by checking out a special edition of truth or dare with Kuwait’s mostloved activities blog, The Grapevine Kuwait. If all else fails, and you’re still bored, then retail therapy is in order. From the online world, get comfy with Lauren Moshi’s art inspired loungewear available at Goji Boutique.com, check out our new Stylights feature premiering with magnificent couture gowns from Pavoni, or explore Kuwait’s latest architectural marvel that promises an unparalleled retail experience, Al Hamra Tower. Feeling like your home needs a summer revamp? Pay a leisurely visit to the new supersized Safat Home showroom for some incredible designs, and end your day at the uber-chic Walls Boutique at Seven Zones. On a final note, don’t forget that this issue of bazaar is a combined July/August issue, so we’ll be back in full force come September. Until then, turn on, tune in, and drop out!
Happy Summering! Ahmed El-Adly
Design Sumaiya AL-Shar han
Staff Writer/Social Media Yasmine El Char if
Staff Writer Kevin Smith
Communications Consultant Hala Y. Sharara
Editor A. Al-Duaij
Contributing Writers Abdulaziz Al Hashash Amal S Arwa Saifi Christopher Hockey Craig Loomis Deepa Pant Diva Undecided Dr. Juliet and Dr. Nisrine Jaye Sonia Kareem Chehayeb Loaay Ahmed Mr. Antonio Carluccio Nancy Papathanasopoulou Shabana H. Shaikh Strawberry Girl Sumayyah Meehan Zainab Mirza
Photographers Dalal-Doub Kerry Sellers Kevin Smith Shabana H. Shaikh Sumaiya AL-Sharhan
Printing
British Industries for Printing and Packaging
LA Times Daily Star USA Today MTC International MIT Review Travel Times Hollywood Watch Slate Tribune Media Services
bazaar can be found at the following locations:
Yusra Ahmad
Is it my imagination or is Kuwait still totally packed and crowded? I had assumed that since all the schools and universities were off for the summer, most families would be gone by now, leaving us unfortunate few behind. I wonder why. Is it the endless disturbances all over the Middle East making travel to Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and other popular summer destinations not such an appealing idea? Is it the fact that Ramadan starts in a couple of weeks and many of us prefer to spend it at home, and not go on holiday, since fasting is easier that way? Is it the ever increasing price of going on holiday, be it the costs of tickets, hotels in Europe and other travel related expenses? I think it’s probably a mixture of all the above, meaning I still get stuck in traffic every day on the way to work!
Syndicates and Sources
Starbucks Coffee (65 branches) Cozmo - 4 branches Topshop Galleria Complex The Video Club Souk Sharq Energie Costa Café H&M Bredz Jacques Dessange Miss Sixty Airport Mall Häagen Dasz Virgin Megastore The One Café ACK (Australian College of Kuwait) AUK (American University of Kuwait) AUM (American University of Middle East) Boxhill College Marble Slab D’Lush Early Bird Café Harley Davidson Al-Kout Mall Centrepoint Café Johnny Rockets Pizza Express Al Corniche Club Kuwait Airways Oasis Club Shay W Nanaa Le PQ Cafe Boushahri Clinic Al Salam Hospital 4 x 4 Customs Ligne Roset Hard Rock Café Pilates & More Mowasat Hospital Camille Albane Dar Al Funoon I.O. Centers Cutting Edge Salon Dasman Diabetic Centre The Burger Hub Dunkin Donuts Waterlemon Café Supreme International Clinic Casper & Gambini’s Segafredo Cafe O Pao Cafe
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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MOVADO
INDEX JULY/AUG ' 12
74
98
58
48
122
BEAT THE HEAT
SRI LANKA
OMAR NAKIB
CROCCANTE
CARLUCCIO’S
Summertime happens every year, yet we’re always surprised by the K-town’s summer heat! We’ve put together a list of essential activities right here in K-town, from island hopping to poolside fun, beat the heat is your ultimate summer guide.
The story of an ancient island told in the interwoven language of history and legend. bazaar travels to where the souls of an ancient people are brought to life and lost friendships are rekindled.
From his humble beginnings with ballpoint pen in sketchbooks, to oil paint on canvas, Omar Nakib’s art is as striking as it is perplexing. One look at his work and you’ll be pulled into his world.
Pizza night just got a whole lot yummier! We were delighted to try out Kuwait’s newest pizzeria, Croccante. Feast from delectable pizzas and garlic breads; select ‘slices of heaven’ to a one of a kind dessert calzone.
With summer upon us some of us feel trapped in our homes in the comfort of our airconditioning. We teamed up with Carluccio’s to bring you some exclusive recipes to work on at home and serve up a summer feast.
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50
IZAKAYA
AL-HAMRA TOWER
Discover an authentic Japanese tradition that has been given a modern twist to deliver excellent Asian fusion cuisine in a funky, cool setting at the bustling dining spot on the Bida’a strip.
You drive past it every day; you can’t help but notice it. But how much do you know about it? We explored AlHamra Tower (even the very top!) to let you know how amazing this building really is.
Omar Nakib, p. 58
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GRAPEVINING KUWAIT
LE MITA ZA 7 MA
SHAMLAN AL-BAHAR
STYLIGHTS
KUWAIT SEA BASE
Marvin Gaye sang that he ‘heard it through the grapevine’. Join in the chorus and find out more about the girl behind the blog that’s letting people know about all the cool events going on in Kuwait.
We don’t seem to have an issue that doesn’t have something to say about traffic in Kuwait. With the new youth driven social initiative, Le Mita Za7ma, though, we finally have something good to say about it.
From Pink Coffee chronicles to the adventurous Escapade, Shamlan AlBahar is a whirlwind of activity. We managed to pin him down to ask him a few questions and get some invaluable travel tips.
Meet the talents behind the latest couture line to take the fashion world by storm, Pavoni, Our new bazaar feature, stylights, promises to bring you an insider’s look into the beautiful minds of the fashion industry.
With the new Kuwait Sea Base app, you explore the rich marine environment living below the waters of Kuwait. Learn why the sea of Kuwait deserves more respect than it gets from you iPhone/iPad/ iPod touch!
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NIKE
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With a bilingual audience, our articles are in English and Arabic, and cover everything from what’s on to the bizarre. We print and distribute 10,000 copies of bazaar every month; each issue is read by an average of 4 people, giving us a total readership of over 40,000 bazaar is published every month (except August) and delivered free of charge to a large subscriber database, as well as distributed free of charge in all of the following locations: Cafés & Eateries
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Sharq Co-op Sheikha Complex Souk Salmiya Souk Sharq The Avenues The Palms Hotel Zain Headquarters Clinics & Hospitals Al Safat American Hospital Boushahri Clinic Dasman Diabetes Institute Diet Care Center International Clinic Kaizen Seif Hospital Soor Clinic Hotels & Health Clubs Al Corniche Club Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya Flex Hilton Kuwait Resort & Spa Holiday Inn, Salmiya Pilates & More - Salmiya, Mahboula The Palms Beach Hotel Malls 360 Mall Dunkin Donuts Arraya Haagen Dazs Galleria
Marina Mall/Crescent Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar Johnny Rockets P.Q. Paul Virgin Megastore Souq Sharq Starbucks Haagen Dazs Breadz The Avenues Johnny Rockets Paul Pizza Express Crumbs Haagen Dazs Starbucks Airport Mall Pizza Express Starbucks Dar Al Awadi I.O. Center Spoons Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex Starbucks
Stand Alones 4 Boutique A.W.A.R.E. Center Alghanim Marine
Beautylicious Brush Salon Cozmo Bowling - Salmiya, Kaifan, Discovery Mall, Mahboula Dar Al Funoon Gallery Tilal Goji Boutique Jacques Dessange Salon, Shaab Karizma Kuwait 4X4 Landmark - Al Rai café, Fahaheel, Salmiya London Limos N Bar N Style Pink Moon Boutique Sultan Gallery THE One The Video Club TIES Center Schools & Universities American International School American University of Kuwait Australian College Kuwait Boxhill College Universal American School Kuwait University Starbucks Khaldiya Starbucks Adeliya Starbucks Jabriya Starbucks Shuwaikh
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As well our monthly magazine, our free-access website gives us the ability to reach an even broader audience, with an average number of 28,000 unique visitors. Packed with our articles covering entertainment, art, local happenings, music, movies, fashion, interiors, health, and interviews with the people responsible for said genres, bazaar‘s website will not disappoint.
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Too lazy to go pick up bazaar from your local café, now you can browse through the complete physical magazine online via issuu.com. Featuring our in-depth interviews, reviews, stellar photography, and the latest ads showcasing what hot in the market right now; you can browse through bazaar freely and securely, whether you're on your PC, laptop, Smartphone, or tablet. 24
MINI COOPER
up close and personal
CREATING THE NONEXISTENT Shamlan Al-Bahar By bazaar staff
We’ve previously covered the wonderful Marketing and PR agency, Pink Coffee, in our bazaar pages. Yet, one person that never truly escapes our memory from our first meeting is Co-founder and Managing Director Shamlan Al-Bahar. We remember first arriving at Pink Coffee expecting to be wowed with creative ideas and an awesome record of outstanding artwork fashioned for several boutique companies in Kuwait. However, to our absolute delight, we were so pleased to be met with the humble and ever-so gracious Shamlan Al-Bahar, who modestly downplays the incredible work this small marketing and PR company has accomplished in as little as three years, and instead, chooses to speak about his latest Escapade trip with a group of travelers that just returned from Goa. When it came to establishing Pink Coffee Marketing and PR, along with his partner, Dana Al Otaibi, Al-Bahar insisted on instilling operatives that would give back to Kuwait, enrich his surrounding environment, and more importantly, empower the youth. The creative collective at the agency have been responsible for making dreams come true for many small businesses and various 26
initiatives we’ve followed intently over several years, including The Protégés, Mutubtub, Small to Big, and Small to Big London. “Pink Coffee started with zero capital, we literally started from zilch! Dana actually used to be one of my students, and, somehow, we brainstormed the company in one sitting. After Dana came on board with her stellar organizational skills, we were well on our way.” By simply honoring his beliefs, Al-Bahar managed to create the nonexistent. Contrary to the present situation, there were little initiatives present at the time for small businesses in Kuwait that allowed for the complete development and training of young entrepreneurs, Small to Big was truly an unprecendented feat. He recounts many hardships his team faced at the beginning, yet what brought on their success was their transparent honesty in wishing to honor their objectives and give back to society in a remarkable way. Pink Coffee fever soon hit the blogs, and a loyal following was born. With his quiet-natured and subdued personality, one can hardly decipher that Al-Bahar is an avid traveler, and a lover of adventures. Meeting him for the second time, we couldn’t help but notice how our conversations always tend to deviate towards traveling. His office, or
as he claims, ‘the meeting room’, is a fantasyland for travelers; filled with various collectibles and knickknacks from different parts of the world. A union jack sofa-stool is comfortably centered in the room beckoning visitors to lazily lounge around, rare and collectible photos gently decorate the window panels that surround the entire room, and little figurines dressed in Russian garbs playfully invite visitors to say hello. This ‘meeting room’ rather becomes a mini museum that effectively mirrors Al-Bahar’s character. He comments, “Traveling has been a huge influence on my life since my younger student days; studying abroad, backpacking across different regions of the world, and even today in creating our the initiative and travel program, Escapade.” Al-Bahar stresses that the generations of today are exposed to traveling, yet fail to understand what makes traveling so special. “It’s a character shaping experience. In no way can a person deem that they’ve experienced truly rare moments if they don’t take the road less traveled. I’ve met my alltime favorite legends while traveling, like GNR (Guns and Roses) and Bono from U2! The best part was, they were both random encounters.” Since his younger days, AlBahar would save some money, get on a plane, and simply
explore the unknown. From the rising excitement in his voice, we could tell that Escapade embodies Al-Bahar’s greater ambition: creating memories before they happen. He might claim that he has an eye for spotting the perfect setting for that elusive memory before it takes place, we just think he’s up their on our cool list for establishing Pink Coffee, and meeting GNR! We notice that by the end of our sitting, we uncovered a whole new side of Al-Bahar that was easy going and fun, that he almost sold us on abandoning our bazaar posts to join his upcoming Euro trip that will take his team from Portugal to Italy. He adds, “The group was excellent, the moments were priceless. When the place and the people come together in harmony, every moment is. Stopping in the middle of nowhere on an empty highway in Omaha, enjoying the breeze and great conversation—all of these little details make for an unforgettable moment. People travel to the biggest cities, to stay at the best hotels, yet they fail to notice that the moments that do stay with you are miniscule and rarely found at such places.” Nowadays, when Al-Bahar isn’t exploring a city at some random corner of the world, he chooses to spend his time at Pink Coffee Marketing and PR working alongside
his team with a trusted network of clients to continue carving out the nonexistent. Escapade is only but a part of what he believes is part of the Pink Coffee experience. Escapade is organized once or twice a year, and allows select participants to experience adventures, or the real taste of traveling. Whether avid photographers, looking for beauty off the beaten tracks, or cultural enthusiasts who consider themselves students of the world, there is a place for everyone seeking that special experience.
bazaar questionnaire: What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness is when you hit the bed knowing that you achieved something that will make someone happy. What is your greatest fear? That would be when my place and surroundings will not fit my ideas anymore. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? When I believe in an idea, sometimes I’ll believe it’s flawless. Which living person do you most admire?
I would say Daniel Day Lewis; the dedication he gives to his art is second to none. What is your greatest extravagance? Maybe books? It may sound corny, but yeah, definitely books! Which words or phrases do you most overuse? When you keep your mind in your head. When were you happiest? Whenever I see my family happy. Which talent would you most like to have? Singing! I’m a very bad singer actually; people I know literally wear earplugs. What would you consider your greatest achievement? Pink Coffee Where would you most like to live? Dublin, Ireland, and to this date I am still pursuing this dream.
For more information visit www.pinkcoffee.co.uk, follow Shamlan’s activities on facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Coffee-Marketing-PR/, and twitter, @pinkcoffeeco. 27
truth or dare
BOREDOM BUSTER The Grapevine Kuwait By bazaar staff
Here at bazaar, we run out of space on a monthly basis when it comes to selecting content to print, we cover so many stories about different places, people, and events that we wish we can print double the number of pages to show people that k-town is, indeed, jam packed with stuff to do! I’ve personally heard this argument a thousand times, “There’s never anything to do here, and I’m so bored!” Well, if you never believed us, then believe The Grapevine, one of Kuwait’s most loved websites that pioneered in showcasing local events and activities from a rich network of contributors, including yours truly! Wendy Villalva, the brainchild behind The Grapevine Kuwait, was at a loss when she moved to Kuwait two years ago. Until she stumbled upon Kuwait’s rich resource of bloggers, “I was so amazed at how much stuff was out there for me to do, given that I came here with NO idea about what to expect. I also noticed that a website that operated as a hub to notify readers of these events mentioned from so many sources would be helpful!” She explained, and adds, “Well, it helped me first! It was very difficult for me to meet others who shared the same interests as I did-- or to meet other people from my country!” 28
Ecuadorian born, and American raised, Wendy sought to simply provide a fun resource. Little did she know that this little online gem has garnered the likes and support from many, as her consistent style in simply delivering fun filled ideas in the form of constant posts, sweet and bubbly nature in the social world (she’s a true delight in person as well!) make for a truly successful, credible source. So, if you’re at the latest crafts workshop, ask your mate if they heard about it ‘through The Grapevine.’ They’ll probably answer you with an excited ‘yes!’. How would your mother describe you in one word? Caring. How would you describe your mother in one word? Loving. What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked? I’ll tell you guys later! What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Move to Kuwait. I never thought I’d end up on the other side of the planet! What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Wow!
Where would you like to live? / What is your dream retirement location? Anywhere with a beautiful beach and a quick car (plane) ride away from my family. Heck, let’s just build homes for the whole family on the same beach! (you did say “dream”!) What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? "The happiest people are not the people who have the most... they are the people who know how to make the most out of what they have..." What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in? I already met my ideal partner, and he is a combination of all sorts. What do you miss about your childhood? The innocence of it all; it seems kids are growing up so quickly these days! If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn’t as I am too attached to it already. How would you describe your handshake in one word? Hello!!! What is the toughest part of your character? I’m too nice; therefore people sometimes take advantage of my kindness, but on the other hand I can also be brutally honest. Does this make sense? Who is your favorite historical figure? One of my faves is Benjamin Franklin—the man was a genius!! What in the world do you least desire? I least desire environments full of racism, discrimination & hypocrisy. What do you think is lacking in the world, which would make the world a better place? R-E-S-P-E-C-T towards one another Why do you think most girls/guys like you? Because of my super fun & outgoing personality! Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” LOVE, in all its forms. Cliché, yes, but oh-so-true!
To read about the latest events and activities in our lovely K-town, make The Grapevine Kuwait your daily morning online stop! For more information, please visit www.grapevinekuwait.com , follow on Twitter, @TheGrapevineQ8 Instagram, @TheGrapevineKuwait and facebook, www.facebook.com/TheGrapevineKuwait.
TOPSHOP
YOUTHFUL ELEVATION Giving back to Kuwait through tasty burgers By bazaar staff
We’ve always known that Elevation Burger is about delivering an alternative to unhealthy junk food. Their grass-fed beef burgers are as tasty as they are healthy. We at bazaar love that we can get our burger fix guilt free! As if it wasn’t enough already that they serve up burgers of 100% USDA-certified organic, 100% grass-fed, 100% free-range beef, 100% groundon-promises and hand-cut fries fried in 100% heart-healthy olive oil, and use environmentally sustainable architectural finishes and equipment, now they are opening up their kitchens to the youth of Kuwait! Teaming up with LOYAC, the youth organization that educates, encourages and supports young Kuwaitis in hope of creating the leaders of tomorrow and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Elevation are giving young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in various positions across the company. Abdulaziz Al-Dughaishem is responsible for relieving you of your hard-earned cash in exchange for your burger and fries. He learned fast and can easily keep up with the onslaught of hungry customers that have become a familiar sight at 30
Elevation Burger at The Avenues. Sarah Al-Bloushi and Anwar Al-Hamad are working at the head office in the marketing department and are responsible for a highly important task, which we will try to help out with right here too. Through social media and social networking they have to let the Elevation faithful know that The Avenues location will be closed for the next three to four months due to finishing construction on Phase III. Before you blow a fuse though, fear not. If you didn’t know, and you probably do as the LOYAC girls have been telling everybody, Elevation recently opened a new location at Al-Hamra Tower. It means that Abdulaaziz will be tending the cash register their soon too. Going along with him from The Avenues to Al-Hamra will be Nora AlQadhi and Jana Al-Munaifi. These girls are learning what it takes to deliver healthy, tasty food and get it out to customers fast. Hand cutting the fries proved difficult initially. But now they’ve built up sufficient muscle to make easy work out of making those fries. They rotate through the duties of the kitchen, so they know the full process from grilling burgers, frying fries and even serving the food to
the customers at their tables. For Ali Ashkanani of Elevation Burger this is all about giving back to the community. Getting young people involved, giving them something to dedicate to for six weeks through summer is his small way of contributing. The girls in the marketing department are catching on fast; they say that seeing young Kuwaitis working hard can only be a positive thing for Elevation Burger. This is the first year Elevation Burger has been involved with the LOYAC work experience program but Ali can already see this as becoming an annual initiative. For LOYAC it gives young people the opportunity to work under supervision and without judgment (as can unfortunately happen sometimes). They are checked on regularly by someone from LOYAC so this is a comfortable and safe environment to gain real life work experience. So everyone benefits and, of course, the burgers are as tasty as ever.
Eleavtion Burger is now open at Al-Hamra Tower. For more information call 2259 7516 or visit www.elevationburger.com.
BURGAN BANK
LE MITA ZA7 MA? Good Samaritans are putting an end to Kuwait’s traffic By bazaar staff
We’re positive that this is a question that crosses your minds at least once a day; ‘til when will the roads remain this crowded? We’ve often attributed Kuwait’s traffic as unnecessary, manageable, and more importantly, disruptive! An intolerable phenomenon, we won’t even get into describing the traffic during our more than regular dust days, where everything seems to come to a screeching halt, and no heed is given to driving in a safe manner. It truly saddens us to type this sentence, yet the notion of safe driving practices escapes most drivers on a regular basis, so why should safe traffic practices be of any significant concern on dustier days? Instead of delving into the scarier numbers of traffic violations, traffic accidents, and deaths caused by unsafe traffic practices, let us immediately consider the solutions that will drive credible change. Le Mita Za7ma (‘til when will the roads remain crowded?), the Arabic slogan for a youth driven awareness campaign aims to tackle this issue head on. You might perceive the traffic phenomenon as a purely local, or Kuwaiti, happening as we are directly affected by aimless traffic jams and saddening accidents on a daily basis. However, traffic regulation and monitoring is an issue of 32
regional proportions. As Kuwait marked the Arab Traffic Week last May, Le Mita Za7ma emerged as a shining initiative organized by the youth. Instead of waiting on legislation, the populist movement took shape on twitter under the handle, @Le_Mita_Za7ma and #Le_Mita_Za7ma, where pictures of useless traffic jams, traffic warnings, traffic violations were sent to the twitter accounts home page. In an unprecedented manner, a constructive dialogue emerged between the youth and publishing authorities such as Al Watan, and even our very own Ministry of Interior. Instead of negative remarks aimed at blaming or attacking certain segments of society, the tweets are indeed helpful and informative, geared towards offering plausible solutions and feasible goals to combat the traffic phenomenon. The surge of involvement and voluntary action from the local youth is truly remarkable, demonstrating how positive intent can breed positive action that is credible and constructive. Since it’s young inception, Le Mita Za7ma vowed to end the problems caused by the ever-increasing traffic phenomenon, sharing more than one thousand images via its twitter account to reflect the magnitude and severity of traffic congestion. Providing its support, Al Watan also adopted the campaign on its website portal and twitter
account, sharing pictures, traffic warnings and safe practice measures with its online followers. The youth delegation from Le Mita Za7ma deems that their campaign is open-ended, and will continue until feasible action by the government is taken to end the problems caused by traffic congestion. Official support was quick to follow, as the local government authorities are determined to show their support towards the youth driven movement, offering to take up the dynamic suggestions offered by the youth. Sharing his thoughts on this new campaign is youth member and volunteer Abdullah Al-Haddad, where he states, “As a member of the campaign I would like to invite all the Kuwaiti youth to be a part of this campaign and be positive about finding the right solutions to prevent this problem from happening as I'm sure that non of Kuwait’s citizens enjoy the traffic we experience everyday especially in our unbearable weather conditions during the harsh months of summer.” Be a part of change immediately, follow Le Mita Za7ma on twitter for more information, @Le_ Mita_Za7ma, tweet them your road side tips, traffic warning pictures, or any information that might help. Spread the word and add the hashtag, #Le_ Mita_Za7ma to your tweets!
SHOEBOX
bazaar goes dining
IZAKAYA The Japanese local By bazaar staff
Tucked away at the top of a flight of stairs above a coffee shop, Izakaya is a hidden gem in the heart of the bustling dining scene at Al-Bida’a, that offers an oasis of calm and Japanese fusion cuisine. In Japan, an Izakaya is part of the cultural fabric, much like the pub is to the English, the shisha café is to Arabs, and the bistro is to the French. In Japanese, the word "izakaya" is a compound word consisting of "i" (to stay) and "sakaya" (sake shop). At Izakaya Kuwait, they obviously forgo the sake part of the equation and simply focus on culinary creations that will have you following the first part – to stay. Entering Izakaya is like stepping into another land. You immediately feel transported to the cosy watering holes of Japan. The interior at Izakaya is a mix of curved spaces and layered structure. The bar you encounter as you enter curves its way through most of the restaurant, from behind the chefs prepare the food. When sitting at the bar, you can choose from high bar stools or low chairs with plenty of space to eat. 34
Seemingly carved into the wall are rounded booths with huge circular tables that encourage group dining and shared culinary experiences. The menu itself reflects this philosophy with most dishes made to share or small enough to order a few items and pick and choose with your group. As there’s so much to choose from, you’ll be thankful for this approach. Let each person choose two or three dishes and you’ll be more than satisfied. The curved walls also serve as subtle illumination for the restaurant. Think not of bright, airy and modern, yet intimate and traditional. The cuisine is a pleasing mixture of both, fusing the old and the new, with the authentic and the international. From the Raw Bar we tried the Yellowtail Sashimi with Watermelon and Orange Caviar, and a Salmon Sashimi with Jalapeño Relish which melted in the mouth as good salmon should. The Seared Tuna with Daikon Jam and Garlic Soy was delicious, as was the Rolled Wagyu Beef Tataki with Julienne Chives and Pears with Black Truffle Vinaigrette - I think we polished those off before the waitress
even finished telling us what it was. Like its namesake at the cinema always is, Popcorn Shrimp was polished off before the metaphoric movie began and the Crispy Lotus Root with Tomato Basil Jam was not far behind. It’s all about sharing at Izakaya and the To Share menu spans two pages. Spinach Gyoza with Black Sesame Sauce, Edamame Ravioli, these dishes just kept on coming – good thing there were four of us to share the in the feasting. We slowed down to devour the Oven-baked Honey Soy Mixed Mushrooms and time stood still as we tucked into the Over-baked Crayfish with Miso Béchamel – a pity there were four of us to share these! The staff took the time and explained the names of each dish and answered any questions we had about unusual ingredients. So when we delved onto the Robata Grill section (think Japanese charcoal barbecue) for instance, we discovered that yuzu in Lamb chop with Yuzu and Cilantro Salsa, is an East Asian, rare citrus fruit. The Stuffed Jalapeño with Minced Lamb and House Made
Ketchup was stuffed full of flavour and delivered a mild kick, and the Grilled Local Shrimp with Ginger Garlic Paste reminded us how good local seafood can taste. The winner from this section though had to be the Grilled Wagyu Tenderloin with Garlic and Mirin Jus. Served on a sizzling platter, the jus was poured over at the table wowing the senses with hisses, aromas and looking absolutely appetizing. It tasted even better. What better way to cleanse the palate after all that protein than with some Maki Rolls? We tried Fugakyo, Crispy Shrimp and the Spicy Tuna, the
latter being my favourite of the three. Served with wasabi, you can add a little kick to these, served with the traditional pickled ginger, which truly does cleanse your palate. Our waitress recommended the Pain Perdue with Raspberry Shisho Jam but I insisted on the Yuzu Crème Brulee and so we opted for both and, following the theme of the evening, shared dessert. The Pain Perdue is Izakaya’s take on French toast and while it was delicious, I was glad I stuck to my guns on the crème brulee - the kick of citrus perfectly balanced the creamy richness of a fine dessert.
Finishing up with a cup of green tea, we shared a wonderful night at Izakaya. From the décor, to the food, to the great service staff and talented chef, there’s a lot waiting for you at the top of that staircase in Al-Bida’a.
Izakaya is located above Costa Coffee, to the right of the Movenpick Hotel in Al-Bida’a. For reservations call 2225 3133. For more information visit www.facebook.com/pages/Izakaya-Kuwait or follow them on twitter @IZAKAYAkwt. 35
Goji's Pick
MOSHI LOVING By bazaar staff
When a passion for the finer things in life materializes in clothing, fashion is inspired above anything else. Brother and sister team, Michael and Lauren, paid heed to art, design, and comfort when they founded their standout clothing company, Lauren Moshi. Creating meticulously crafted pieces in limited quantities, each garment is an inimitable piece of artwork, as every line that is part of her intricate designs is hand drawn by Lauren. For those who share their passion for high fashion and fine art, comfort is the piece de resistance for Moshi lovers; Lauren Moshi’s current collections promise maximum comfort, 36
with fabulous tanks, tee’s, sweaters, dresses, open cardigans, hoodies, sweat pants and totes. All are adorned with her fine designs, from a peace daisy, Rottweiler, diamond lips, tiger face, peacock, peace signs, Aztec deer, herringbone bow, camellia, nyla, lips, monster truck, tambourines, and much more. The Lauren Moshi brand always makes sure its cuts and colors are in alliance with the season's latest trends. The outrageously talented designs meet with vibrant mint greens, sunshine yellows, salmon pinks, black and whites. Loose, oversized tops, baseballs tops with 3/4 sleeves and longer backs, dresses with tank tops and longer tails
and loose sweat pants with monster trunks and tambourines running along the sides. An ordinary day running errands in jeans can be spiced up with a colorful Lauren Moshi top. A day at the beach can look so in-style with a Lauren Moshi tambourine dress. Your power walk can be so much more invigorating in Moshi’s killer sweat pants. One thing is for sure, Lauren Moshi's current summer collection is not to be missed. There is a piece for everyone in there.
Lauren Moshi is carried by Goji Boutique, simply click on www.gojiboutique.com to shop the collection.
SWATCH
(PUSH THE BUTTON OF FUN )
“ARTEMIS” AND OTHER MOEMS Nada Faris celebrates new online space with first ebook By bazaar staff
We were completely elated when we found out that Nada Faris, a bonafide bazaarite whose articles in bazaar speak miles of her inimitable talent, has officially launched her website and is giving away a free poetry ebook to mark this special endeavor. With a BA in English Literature, Nada Faris is also finalizing an MA in Comparative Literature from Kuwait University. She won a number of poetry awards and continues to publish fiction and nonfiction in local magazines and newspapers. She had previously worked as an English teacher, a translator, and an editor at both New Horizon and Expression and still writes for En.V Magazine. When ambition meets a talented writer with a plan, Nada Faris sets a remarkable example for her peers. How and when did you first become interested in writing? I began writing as soon as I learned English. I wrote plays for my aunts and uncles, recited poetry in school, and told convoluted horror tales on long car rides. It wasn’t until I was 17 years old, however, that I decided to make it my mission. I transferred to the College of Arts, read an average of 100 books a year, and wrote poetry, plays, and short stories. You’re a writer with a plan. Do you believe this should be the case for other authors in the making? It depends on the kind of writers they want to be. In the West, publishers expect an author to satify a specific target audience. If publishers risked their big bucks on a fantasy writer, they assume that this writer would continue to publish in the same field in order to satisfy his/her target audience. It’s not impossible to 38
write other things, but it is very risky, and very difficult to alternate between genres if it involved a change of readers. Since I know this, I’m biding my time. Before I contact an agent for my paranormal novel, I’m hoping to hip-hop and cirss-cross over all kinds of writing opportunities. Authors in the making should keep their preferred publishers in mind. We read on your website that getting published in Arabic is part of your long term goals, what is the most challenging part of this endeavour? Definitely my lack of knowledge. It wasn’t until I joined the Master’s Program in Comparative Literature that I started reading Arabic books. I’ve begun reading a lot, taking a number of workshops and courses, and experimenting with fiction and nonfiction. I still throw many baddliyat. My friends always tease me when I translate “Did you wear makeup?” into “Lebastay mekyaj?” Do you feel like we are losing touch with our Arab roots as more writers of the younger generation move towards publishing in English? We don’t ask resturant enterpreneurs who launch burger boutiques and cupcake stores if they’re losing touch with their roots. Writers are also businessmen and women who want a bigger platform of readers. In today’s world, English offers this expansion. I’ve made it part of my mission to excel in Arabic but I see nothing wrong in writers who chose to write solely in English. It’s a purely practical business decision. You experiment with various forms of writing, which genre appeals to you the most? The genre I love the most, paranormal fiction, is the genre I will embark upon at the end of my
experimentation. In the meantime, everything is fascinating to a certain degree. Just to name a few, I’ve written slam poetry, short fiction, articles, interviews, and reviews. I’m also working on my academic thesis, a TV Show, and some Arabic short stories. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, do you have some tips you could share with other aspiring writers? Writer’s block only occurs to people who do not know what to write next. When I plan in advance I never suffer from writer’s block. I’m the ultimate planner. I love planning things (anything!) as much as I love pizza. But sometimes I am rushed and an editor would ask me to “hand something in,” so I write without a plan. I hate those days. They make me feel incompetent. A collection of Slam Poems performed live at the event, Taste of Jamaica’s 3-in-1 Extravaganza, “Artemis” And Other Moems is a work of fiction. All narrators, themes, and subjects are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. If you missed out on her performance, make sure you visit www.nadafaris.com to listen to all of these poems for free! After all, they were written to be performed, not only to be read. "Artemis" And Other Moems is now available for free on smashwords.com in a number of versions: Kindle, Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions,PCs, Old Sony models, and Palm reading devices. Photograph courtesy of Dalal Al-Doub.
AUNOMDE LA ROSE
THE ART OF WALLS Walls Boutique By bazaar staff
How can wallpaper be inspiring? I’ve always admired the occasional wallpaper print to ornately decorate the simple corner, or a barren wall in an empty hallway, yet I never imagined that the uses of wallpaper designs could immensely evolve to inspire art pieces, decorative panels and design themes that are carried throughout an entire home. That’s what happens when select taste is applied to acquiring a collection of bespoke wallpaper designs and complimentary accessories at the Walls Boutique located at the Seven Zones design haven in Shuwaikh’s industrial area. Owned and operated by ADECO group “Adel Alduaij General Trading & Contracting Co.”, the Walls Boutique is part of a leading company that has pioneered in the world of interiors, carrying out various contracting projects throughout Kuwait and the GCC. Such projects include the design implementation of Hotel Missoni here in Kuwait, with its incandescent colors, rich materials, and fabulous fittings, the luxurious Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Kuwait Hilton Resort, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait, and the Emirates Air Line new airport office in Dubai. Imagine, this world of design expertise is now serving local customers through one venture that offers endless options, the Walls Boutique, a luxe, modern boutique specialized in providing high class wall covering, panels, paints and other home accessories. The spacious showroom offers customers an 40
unprecedented shopping experience, where it almost feels like a design museum, and ode to the classic wallpaper, if you may. Upon entering the main hall, the walls are decorated with full rolls of various kinds of wallpaper on display from select international brands like HookedonWalls and Casa Deco, along with neat squares, or samples of its matching kind elegantly placed along its full counterpart. So, if you’re visiting for a quick DIY job, you can simply grab the roll off the rack, and head to the cashier. If you, like this bazaar editor, would rather enjoy a whimsical stroll, then you’re in for a treat. Besides the stylish gallery with various wallpaper designs, the display can give you countless design ideas to implement in one’s home. Instead of classical partitions to divide the living space, create decorate panels by applying wallpaper to plain wooden panels, or frame cut out lengths of your choosing as pieces of art, unite the entire theme of your room by applying a modern pattern to one wall—the options only begin with one visit! Our stroll then leads us to a cozy, and absolutely colorful design space; we’re told that interior designers often visit this ‘meeting’ area with their clients, and even ADECO interior experts like to meet with clients in this room, as upholstery services are also offered to match a chosen wallpaper design. Expect to see interior architects, designers, and even event planners at the showroom looking to attain that desirable effect for their next project.
Upon delving further, an open space emerges with different floorings matched with different wallpaper designs. Consider this area as a simulation space, to see how the wallpaper looks on larger spaces. The following section includes a curtains and blinds solutions space, then a fun and bright kids section surprises us; all of the wall stickers in different patterns, along with the wallpaper are made with child-friendly materials. Have we also mentioned that all of the wallpaper designs are so easy to maintain? Simply clean with a damp cloth, and rest assured that your favorite shade of bright orange will stay vibrant, as all of the wallpaper designs are fade-proof, too. Our stroll ended at a massive floors solution section, accompanied by a thrilling viewing of designer wallpapers on display made with exotic materials like rare ostrich leather, velvets, and dainty lace. Clients can expect a full service at the Walls Boutique, starting with an expert team that will take any required measurements for a desired space, offering a full selection based on the image/idea you had in mind, to applying and implementing the design. From walls, floors, curtains, blinds and much more, all of your design woes are solved at the Walls Boutique.
The Walls Boutique is located in the Seven Zones Design Center in Shuwaikh, please call 2483 6961.
I WATCH
Stylights
PAVONI A new world of couture By bazaar staff
In this interview with the visionary duo behind the captivating Pavoni, Mike Derderian, creative director and head designer, reveals that no expense is spared when it comes to fabrics and craftsmanship. Since its inception, Pavoni offers ‘haute couture’ artistry, style and quality at ready to wear prices. Quickly becoming one of the most inspired luxury labels on the market today, the vision of classic elegance fused with a contemporary edge spurred a loyal international following of celebrities and socialites alike. At the tender age of four seasons old, Pavoni showcases seasoned expertise in the world of couture, proving itself a fierce competitor amongst some of the biggest names in the industry. How did Gianni Falcone & Mike Derderian come to work together to create Pavoni? It really began as a childhood dream between me and my business partner Gianni, whom I’ve known since high school. We graduated fashion school together, and from that point on we had set a goal to have our own fashion label in the 42
future. This became a reality about 11 months ago as we embarked on this amazing venture in Los Angeles that truly changed our lives. Pavoni was born in the basement of our home, and our first completed dress would mark the turning point in our lives. Why the name Pavoni? The word Pavoni means peacock in Italian, a majestic bird that has long been recognized as the symbol of elegance. We aimed to create a line that would distinguish itself as the epitome of sophistication, one that embodies everything a woman should be; delicate yet strong, opulent yet dignified. The Pavoni muse is a woman who, while being tasteful, does not lack the confidence and desire to make a statement when entering a room, a woman who appreciates standing out from the crowd but who does so with refinement and grace. What materials are used in creating the bespoke gowns? When it comes to choosing fabrics for any collection, I rely on two of the main five senses; touch and sight. I’ve always preferred using silk
chiffons, crepes and satins as I believe that they add a feeling of luxury while staying current with today’s modern fashion trends. Silk tulle is another important fabric for the season, as I was mesmerized by its lightness and its capacity to outline any silhouette regardless of the shape of the body. Lace is surely another one of my favorite materials to work with… I believe that every piece of lace is an artwork in and by itself, whether it is used plain, in any color combination or beaded to highlight its beautiful shapes. It is one of the oldest forms of luxury knitting techniques that has survived the test of time and has become a staple on any runway and present in every woman’s wardrobe. Unlike any other fabric, lace embodies femininity, an expression of a pure form of romantic beauty. I will continue to use it in every collection, and will make it a signature of the house for many seasons to come. How long does it take to produce one dress? A Pavoni dress is usually created on an individual order basis. We do not mass-produce our dresses and each is done using very traditional hand finishing techniques that are common within
the couture world. A dress can take anywhere from 100 hours of work to 3500 hours of work. The Rose petal dress from the Pre-Fall 2012 collection, for instance, features individually hand-cut silk organza strips; each are molded to shape using a hand iron and placed as individual petals on the surface of the dress covering almost 75 meters of fabric and then encrusted in over 15,000 pieces of Swarovski crystals, hand beaded individually to create shapes of geometric flowers that decorated the dress from the tip of its shoulder all the way to the edge of the train hem line. This dress is by far our most exclusive dress and this would be the example of a dress that took about 3500 hours of work to complete. What’s the story line for the Fall/Winter 2013 collection? The Pavoni Fall/Winter 2013 collection takes red carpet dressing to the extreme, and expresses the picturesque and artistic beauty of the Crusades during the 11th-13th century period. With strong details alongside more delicate floral motifs, intricate fabrics like chiffon silks, delicate lace meets dramatic necklace-inspired beading on the
dresses. These combinations of details, silhouettes and styles, lend to this collection an incomparable feeling of luxury. It is through the novel arrangement of handmade drapes and cascading fabric, all the way through the uncontested virtuoso of the ball gowns where the collection is sure to create effects of dazzling freshness. The styles magically come to life gowned in luscious colours of Oxblood red, Rosewood, Rose Gold and the elegant and timeless combination of Black and Nude. Highlighted by the beautiful embroideries created by the studio, these powerful gowns turn into soft, yet commanding, masterpieces. How does Pavoni perceive the Middle Eastern woman? Middle Eastern women are considered by far to be some of the most beautiful women in the world, and I was lucky enough to be surrounded by them for a big part of my life. I believe that our collections celebrate and embrace women of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. However, having been born in the Middle East region and having a mother of Lebanese origin, these elements brought to my life a different type
and level of aesthetic, that which mixes touches of the region’s far reaching history and elegant beauty with a modern international flare creating a type of defiance between Orientalism and the disorienting effects of Modernism. Our collections do not make any obvious equivalence between the Arab culture and that of the rest of the world; on the contrary, the references are selective and are chosen to enhance the general aesthetic. Having had that influence in my life has given me a kind of appreciation for embellishment and hand work, whether in the form of embroidery or the delicate cascades of a silk drape, I believe that it is now a staple and signature aspect in our designs and something that we will continue to use for the future.
Pavoni is organizing several trunk shows and VIP presentations in Beirut, Dubai and Qatar. Pavoni will be available at Harvey Nichols in Kuwait starting this fall and at select regional retailers in the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.pavonicollection.com. 43
UNDER THE SEA Kuwait Sea Base: an iPhone App to take the plunge with By Nancy Papathanasopoulou
Sea enthusiasts are in for a treat with the new Kuwait Sea Base App for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. A fun and educational app, Kuwait Sea Base is for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world of the Kuwaiti and Arabian Gulf coast line. Providing a visually appealing, and real understanding of the wealth of invaluable species that live down below, younger generations become more enlightened about a heritage in need of preservation and respect. 44
Sponsored by TOTAL Foundation and TOTAL Kuwait and supported by The Voluntary Work Center, The Scientific Center and the Kuwaiti Coast Guard, the Kuwait Turtle Conservation Project (KTCP) studied sea turtles and their habitat in the southern Kuwaiti sea and islets Qaru and Umm AlMaradim constantly for three years (2008-2011). Sea turtles are rare in Kuwait, especially Green turtles, whose nesting grounds disappeared after the construction works in Umm Al-Maradim. As they
are probably trying to adapt to the modifications in their ecosystem, they roam the northern Arabian Gulf, endangered and vulnerable, as they do in most other seas of the planet. KTCP tried to study and understand sea turtle populations in Kuwait. International experts and Kuwaiti volunteers were part of this effort, the first ever of its kind in the country. Apart from its other deliverables, such as a general management plan proposal for the Kubbar-Qaru-Umm Al-Maradim Protected Area, a turtle exhibit at the Aquarium of the Scientific Center, an ebook named The Soul of Kuwaiti Turtles (download it in ePub or PDF form at www.pinaki.info/books-soul.htm) and other environmental education materials, KTCP also produced an extensive database of turtles, fish, invertebrates, corals and sea mammals. Without any additional funds when the project was completed, some members of the project decided to put together an iPhone App using part of that data, in order for it to profit all sea enthusiasts who have access to the iPhone/iPad and iPod Touch and want an easy-to-use identification guide not just for the Kuwaiti Sea but also for the whole northern Arabian Gulf, to which the species mentioned in the App are all too common. 90% of the photography was taken in Kuwait and many Kuwaiti and International photographers, credited for their photos, contributed their work to KTCP, and the iPhone app. Developed by US software developing company Science Seals LLC, the development team decided to pursue the project as part of their social responsibility program after visiting the islands of Qaru and Umm Al-Maradim last year. Impressed by the beauty of the islands, Kuwait Sea Base was a vision that became a reality. After an introductory welcome screen, the user is invited to browse through a comprehensive list of 203 marine species, including fish, sharks, rays and turtles. Four search options are available for the user to locate a certain species: Common name, Scientific Name, Family, and a photo gallery, including thumbnails of the species where photos are available. By simply clicking on a thumbnail, then on “more”, the user is granted concise information about a certain fish. Sharing is made possible by clicking on the “Email” option at the top right of the screen. The sea of Kuwait is beautiful, rich, diverse and awaiting respect. This respect can only be achieved through knowledge of its natural heritage. So take the plunge and explore Kuwait’s underwater wealth!
You can download the Kuwait Sea Base App for free at the App Store.
KITOKO
bazaar movie night The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in July
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Synopsis: The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.
MAGIC MIKE Genre: Comedy Cast: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer and Olivia Munn Synopsis: Set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money.
TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS Genre: Animation, Action, Family Cast: Lucy Hale, Jesse McCartney and Megan Hilty Synopsis: Tinker Bell meets Periwinkle and ventures into the winter woods with her and Tinker Bell's other friends to find the secret of fairy wings.
PLAYBACK Genre: Horror, Thriller Cast: Christian Slater, Ambyr Childers and Toby Hemingway Synopsis: When a group of high school students dig into their town's infamous past they unwittingly unlock an
Evil that corrupts and destroys them. Possessing its victims through video playback and using them for malevolent purposes, it closes in on one specific soul, threatening to expose the town's deepest, darkest secret.
THE RAID: REDEMPTION Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Cast: Iko Uwais, Ananda George and Ray Sahetapy Synopsis: As a rookie member of an elite special-forces team, Rama (Iko Uwais) is instructed to hang back during a covert mission involving the extraction of a brutal crime lord from a rundown fifteen-story apartment block. But when a spotter blows their cover, boss Tama (Ray Sahetaphy) offers lifelong sanctuary to every killer, gangster, and thief in the building in exchange for their heads. Now Rama must stand in for the team's fallen leader (Joe Taslim) and use every iota of his fighting strength - winding through every floor and every room to complete the mission and escape with his life.
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For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, log on to www.cinescape.com.kw
CURVES
LET’S CROCCANTE! Pizza night just got tastier By bazaar staff
Pizza night, always a delightfully devious bazaar ritual, entered an experimental phase when we decided to try out the brand new Croccante Pizzeria. Because our food curiosities never end with our office hours, we didn’t mind that the brand new pizzeria currently operates on a delivery basis. If anything, our appetites were already so intrigued after seeing all our fellow bloggers post mouthwatering pictures of their pizza feasts online! First of all, I was initially piqued by the name chosen for this new pizzeria, as Croccante is an Italian dessert, a traditional almond brittle. Perhaps the name, Croccante, invokes the happy crunch of brittle when you sample the pizzas, I couldn’t wait to find out whether or not this promise rang true. The digital menu, as the main restaurant is soon due to open in Salmiya, offers a wide selection of interesting pizzas, some with internationally inspired namesakes that already had us drooling, and a secretive pink sauce that left us wondering. From Brooklyn, Thursday Midnight, (A) in Beirut to Ibiza, we started making our selections. Being avid lovers of garlic bread, we went for both the garlic bread topped with fresh mushrooms, and the garlic bread with Mozzarella cheese and pink sauce. If you’re a devout foodie, you know its best to try the garlic bread before the pizza, as the first sampling offers you an inclination of the quality of the dough. First verdict: that promise of crunch, followed by a playful interlude of delicious textures, holds true! The simple fresh ingredients were bursting with flavors, and the pink sauce simply tickled our fancies even more. 48
The best part? We also made sure to order a Rocca salad, or the salad of the day on offer, and scattered the Rocca leaves on top of the garlic breads to better enjoy the flavorful crunch. We’re definitely not omitting the main event of the evening, which starred Brooklyn, Ibiza, and a mysterious Road 63. Starting out with the Brooklyn, we dug into a haven of meaty goodness, tasty salami with mozzarella cheese, tomato, and aromatic basil. Like the garlic bread, the dough is light as air, crunchy on the outside and slightly softer in the middle. The Ibiza offers more crunchy goodness, with shredded grilled chicken, mushrooms, delicious green and red chillis, and fragrant garlic oil. All oils are served in small containers alongside the pizza, so you may drizzle to your hearts desire, or simply dunk in your slice for an extra kick of flavors. The true surprise came in the form of the Road 63 pizza, with slightly spiced sausages, tomato, Mozzarella and mushrooms, topped with small swirls of the signature pink sauce. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of sauces on top of pizzas, yet the pink sauce offered a great contrasting flavor to the spiced sausages and tomato sauce, resulting in a mellow flavor that melts in the mouth. We also ordered pizzas by the slice, and these delicacies are perfect, as they didn’t make this editor feel burdened with gluttonous guilt. The first ‘Slice of Heaven’ was my personal favorite as it included my favorite pizza toppings; tomato sauce, smoked turkey, Mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and Oregano— we promise a feast of flavors with this choice. For dessert, we couldn’t resist but order both the
dessert of the day, which to our luck included a dreamy Nutella Calzone, and the house Bu Hamad Cake. A towering display of smooth layers of salted caramel and chocolate, the Bu Hamad cake is expertly balanced, leaving you wanting more with each bite, we couldn’t resist devouring this slice in its entirety. The Nutella Calzone, nonetheless, was a lovely departure from the regular; the Nutella-based, Ganache filling brought us more joy when our taste buds were met with crushed nuts, and soft pieces of banana, resulting in what we joyously decided was a Nutella-banana-split calzone.
Make sure your next pizza night is a Croccante one, order your pizza feast by calling 2573 2321. Delivery starts from 6 pm, and last orders are taken at 10:45. Follow Croccante on Instagram for their latest updates at croccante_.
TAIBA HOSPITAL ARABIC
AL-HAMRA TOWER The tower of tomorrow By bazaar staff
Cruising the Gulf road, heading down the First Ring Road, navigating Kuwait City, off-roading in the desert, it doesn’t really matter where you are; you can’t help but notice Al-Hamra Tower. Its presence is a symbol of Kuwait’s prosperity and forwardlooking philosophy as well as a stunning example of innovative modern architecture and engineering. It may not be the tallest building in the world, but as we all know, size isn’t everything. Looking like a chic, cloaked figure watching over the entire country, AlHamra Tower is of course the tallest building in Kuwait but there is so much more to it. If you’re looking for facts though, it is; the second tallest building in the Middle East, the second tallest concrete structure in the world, the fifth tallest office building in the world, and the twelfth tallest building in the world. The tower is, with its asymmetrical design, a feat 50
of engineering. The two flaring walls that wrap around the tower make this the highest sculpted or twisting tower in the world. To achieve this meant engineering the impossible to create a building that exists in harmony with its surroundings and makes this a unique structure that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The shape of the building was dictated by the environment. Where most buildings have four, or at least two identical facades, Al-Hamra Tower has four entirely different facades. Not only does this deliver a stunning aesthetic, but it is entirely practical too. The north façade is constructed entirely of glass to afford magnificent, unbroken views of the Gulf – Kuwait Towers look minuscule from this vantage point. The glass itself is exceptional in that it actually curves around the corners of this façade. The south side of the building is cloaked entirely in concrete. With the
desert sun beating down from this compass point, the concrete keeps the building cool. Limestone slabs applied to the concrete absorb solar radiation and block out the sun. The design of the windows on the carved out south façade also serve to further protect the tenants from the blistering heat here in Kuwait. Along the curved sections of the flaring walls, the limestone was broken down and made onto truncatus. Essentially this is like laying mosaic tile on to a mesh and applying it to the exterior of the building. By hand! It took teams of workmen five months to complete this intricate work but it adds another unique element to this truly inspiring building. The site of the Al-Hamra Tower is wrapped up in Kuwait history. The tower has been built on what was the site of Kuwait’s very first cinema and one of the first entertainment venues in the Gulf. Embracing this
trailblazing mind-set, Al-Hamra wants their tower to serve as inspiration of what Kuwait can do and what it can be. Not only is it a feat of engineering, but it also shows what can be achieved through private industry here in Kuwait. The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merill (SOM) of Chicago, who also designed Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The beauty of Al-Hamra Tower lies in its assimilation with its surroundings. It feels like a Kuwaiti building, built for Kuwait and the construction itself was carried out by Kuwaiti contractors. Burj Khalifa seems like it could exist anywhere. Al-Hamra Tower is divided vertically into three stacked office-floor zones. Visitor and tenants to the office spaces will reach the upper two zones by heading to sky lobbies on the thirtieth and fiftieth floors. These lobbies in the sky will feature meeting
spaces and other amenities to conduct business in a place like no other. At the base of the building is the Luxury Center. This shopping paradise is already open for business and features exclusive stores not seen before in Kuwait - Hermes, Vera Wang and Versace Café, to name but a few. The space is spread over five floors and 24000 m2. In tribute to the site’s heritage there will also be a state-of-the-art cinema complex. A gym and a spa are also present and members will be able to enjoy a roof garden atop the mall. At the heart of the Luxury Center you’ll find the largest LED screen in Kuwait, which also houses an elevator behind its screen. Outside the Luxury Center is the Plaza which spans 6000 m2 where guests can enjoy the musical water fountain, while dining at one of the many cafes and restaurants. The crowning glory of Al-Hamra Tower though,
sits of course at the very top of the building. On the top floor is a mesmerizing space, thirty meters high and spanning 1700 meters squared that will offer a dining experience unparalleled in Kuwait. Windows reach from the floor to the ceiling and wrap all the way around delivering a full vista of the Gulf. As if that were not enough, the restaurant will also feature internal balconies, accessible by elevators, to offer a private dining experience at the top of the world. So whether you want to hit the exclusive stores, dine amongst the clouds, or merely strain your neck looking up at this stunning building, there is no denying it is an inspiring and welcome addition to Kuwait’s skyline. For more information, follow Al-Hamra Tower on twitter, @AlHamraTower, or visit www.alhamra.com.kw. 51
snap
Photographed by: Kerry Sellers
Title: Untitled Location: Fujeirah, UAE Description: The stairs of Al Bidya Fort stand above the ancient Al Bidya Mosque. Although disputable, the mosque has been Carbon-dated to be around 500 years old. The secrets lie with the stairs. The stairs have counted the footsteps of those who have traversed them, those who have tripped and fallen down, and those who have stood and etched graffiti into the wall above. From bare feet to leather sandals made in Arabia, and leather sandals made in Portugal to rubber slippers made in China, how many footsteps have the stairs endured? The beauty of photography is that it is left open for the viewer’s interpretation. It is an art form in which the artist sees and captures a moment in time for us to forever contemplate. Instead of saying “this is how I saw it” a photo asks the viewer to simply “see”.e For your snap submissions, please send an email including the photo with its title, location, and description to snap@bazaar-magazine.com. Give us something to see.
freedom to express 52
965BAKERY
FUTURE GEEK, PART I By Jaye Sonia
While I’m sure it isn’t a big surprise to a lot of you, I’ve long been a science-fiction fan. The books and movies I loved as a young adult informed a great deal of my interest in the world today – both as a writer and a thinker. I grew up reading the work of people like Isaac Asimov, C.S. Friedman, H.G. Wells, and Arthur C. Clarke, all of whom painted these incredible pictures of what the future might hold – both good and bad. I imagine, had any of them been born into the iGeneration, the words they would write would paint pictures even more fantastic. Think about it. The young adults graduating high school don’t know a time without The Internet, global communication, or portable electronic devices. The fact that wireless power distribution already exists – which many of us would only consider purely part of the realm of science fiction – is a fact for them. It’s an undeniable, unquestionable proof (and something I’m sure you Tesla fans out there are smiling about). And these future generations will grow accustomed to an advanced world; one that in increasingly more devoted to the practical application of the 54
sciences, both in personal and public use. In short, they will grow up in a world that would be mere fantasy to our grandparents. (I’m not holding my breath for flying skateboards, though). But what does that mean for the geek? As all of this advanced technology becomes more and more common, I think the world will start to forget that all of this once dwelt almost exclusively in the realm of the geek. Even the most resistant philistines will begin to accept, with some grudging respect, that the once mysterious fringedweller is now the backbone of our evolving society. Look around. Look at all those iDevices, the Powermats charging them, and the Wi-Fi networks that every coffee shop has to support them. Look at the people using them. They are not the members of some crazy fringe culture with purple hair and a nose ring. They are fathers checking on daughters, mothers looking up recipes, and students sending texts to friends. They are people sharing GPS locations so that their family and friends can find them with ease. They are “checking in” to Facebook and Foursquare. Even our cars have technology
we only once dreamt possible. HUDs (Head-Up Display), once only used in precision attack aircraft, are making cars safer (BMW, GM, and Audi are developing these as we speak) and micro cameras, complete with a cabin view screen, make parallel parking a dream. Surely, just driving one of these cars won’t make you a geek? In short, I think the geek of today – at least as he is portrayed in the media – is going to go away. Sure, we’ll still have technophiles and enthusiasts, but I’m not sure if they’ll be as interested in improving on the technology as much as collecting it. I think brand recognition will play an increasing role in how we view one another, as well. And that, I think, will be one of our defining factors for the future geek. He is going to become increasingly more specialized, focusing his attention on innovation and improvement. I suspect that, while his focus may be married to a particular brand of technology, he’ll be the one looking to continue to bridge the gap – making his devices work in ways never intended. I think we’re going to see whole new types of geeks, too. We’re going to see that generic title replaced by iGeeks, DroidGeeks, and xHeads (just to name a few) – each a specialist in their favorite brand of technology – in their place. Perhaps we won’t even call them geeks. Maybe, as society merges and the world grows smaller, another culture, with a far more appropriate term, will label them. (Anyone know the Chinese word for geek?). Or perhaps, as we grow closer, we’ll lose all need for the word. I suppose, at the end of the day, I have to smile. While we thankfully don’t have aliens invading our planet or a colony on Mars (although this might be cool), a great deal of what those science fiction writers – the early, farsighted visionaries of the sci-fi world – has come true. They may not have been predictions, but they certainly played their part by inspiring us, as a race, to do and be more. And with each jump in the race to a technological convergence, all of this brings us closer to the day when our future geek becomes the man of the present, drawing up plans for an even better tomorrow. It’s an exciting time, too. Until next time, get your geek on!
RETAIL ACADEMY
BLOWN FUSES AND OVERSIZED LUGGAGE Tips for traversing new territories By Zainab Mirza
Dreams have surprising ways of coming true, though they may follow their own path. I’d always dreamed of travelling to Europe and suddenly last summer, my mother, sister and I went on a trip to Central Europe. The places we visited weren’t right on top of my ‘Must Visit’ list but on numerous train journeys in and about the country, ambulatory explorations in several towns and cities, I realized it was a severely underrated region and I came to love it. Though a wonderful trip, some incidences added touches of dismay or discomfort that taught me some important lessons. Carry a quality converter for all your gadgets. Our first stop was Hradec Králové, a town 100 km from Prague. After a quick shower, I plugged my hair dryer into the converter (bought from a supermarket in Kuwait), and into the two pin socket. I dried my hair for a minute and then there was complete silence. Having lived in India for five years, I incredulously wondered, loadshedding? In Europe? I stepped into the dark corridor to investigate. It then dawned on me that my convertor had blown a fuse on the entire floor. Mortified, I buried the offending devices into my suitcase and from then on, kept my wet hair scrunched up into a ponytail. Invest in sensible, manageable luggage. We had never really carried our luggage 56
before and chose bags without realising we would be changing numerous trains and buses or going up and down platforms and streets. The object of my woes was a horrendous green and orange monstrosity, a large airbag that I had to lug all over the country. Struggling with it, I had one consistent fantasy; to have it accidentally fall upon the train tracks. After three torturous days, I discovered the bag had wheels on one end. Boy, did I feel stupid. But I was ecstatic! I cheerfully began wheeling the cursed thing everywhere, including platform stairs. At a station, later that day, an elderly gentleman called out to me from behind and pointed to something black that looked suspiciously like a wheel. Well, I still had one left. I tilted the bag sideways, continuing to wheel it over everything, until my sister noticed the black trail we had left behind us - mortal remains of the second wheel. Travel light but pack for erratic weather changes. While packing for the trip I stuck to jeans and cotton tees, scoffing at the suggestion of bundling jackets into my suitcase for a summer trip. In retrospect, I laughed at my naiveté, especially at the Krimml Waterfall in Austria, the highest in the country. As we trudged uphill to the falls, it started drizzling and the air grew chilly. Soon, we were cold. Very cold. We took cover in a tourist store that sold,
besides a great many curios and worthless souvenirs, makeshift raincoats that were more like giant plastic bags, priced at 3 Euro each. We enveloped ourselves in these undignified contraptions, ignoring the strange looks our bizarre ensembles elicited from better prepared fellow tourists. It didn’t matter; we were warm! Don’t panic if you don’t have a plan. Learn to go with the flow. When we took the train to Budapest, we were riding out into the unknown. We had no maps, hotel bookings, or even a phrase book. We hadn’t exchanged our Euros for the local currency… heck we didn’t even know what it was! But as we stepped onto the platform, we met a woman who rented out rooms and were soon ensconced in an apartment, close to some magnificent sights, halal restaurants and the Danube that flows through the city. We had enlightening conversations about the violent Communist occupation of Hungary with the lady we called our savior. It was a fantastic experience in the city that became my favorite, and I learnt that it’s okay to spend more time in a place that enraptures you, even if it means spending less time elsewhere. At the end of the trip, after blowing a hotel fuse, arduously heaving a cumbersome piece of luggage up and down railway platforms, roads, into buses and hotels, and packing myself into a plastic bag, I think I became a slightly wiser traveler.
MAIS ALGHANIM
OMAR NAKIB Riding the small plastic horse By bazaar staff
Omar Nakib
Omar Nakib is an obsessive drawer. He has been drawing since the 9th grade with his favourite medium – ballpoint pen in sketchbooks. His teachers at the American International School recently cut him loose from his sketchbooks and he has expanded his oeuvre to large-scale canvases, and now he employs color, paint, markers, texture and gesso. As you can see he has a unique, disturbing, humorous and experimental style. He describes his work as a stream-ofconsciousness and while he has no idea where his inspiration comes from, we caught up with Omar 58
recently and asked him a few questions about his art to see if we could gain more of an understanding of this talented young artist. When did you first start drawing? Early on, I always used to imitate people who imitated the Simpsons. I used to copy people’s fan art, each containing their own imperfections, and for some reason, for the longest time, I drew them without noses. I still don’t know why. I used to do that obsessively until I was 12. A wide gap filled the space between that and grade 10, which is when my school issued us a “personal project”. I, along with someone else, chose to do a film. Around the
same time, this girl in my class was having an art show. To satisfy some form of budget for the film, I asked if I could take part and sell some drawings, she agreed. I started drawing immediately. The art show never took place, I had saved up only 30 KD, and the film fulfilled my knowledge in wondering what an abortion feels like and how it looks like when you look at it. What do you like about using ballpoint pens? The thing I enjoy most about ballpoint is that it’s a small plastic horse and you’re the fat kid wedging yourself on top of it trying not to fall. At least that’s how I feel, and I feel fat. It’s wonderful.
Tell us about your influences and favourite artists? My influences are Alex Pardee, Francis Bacon, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Alex Pardee was a starting point; I started accidently ripping him off before finding my own style. Francis Bacon is the artist I look upon in awe, and Jean-Michel Basquiat showed that sometimes competency is the least effective way to get something across, and I mean that in the best possible way. Other influences include: Robert Mapplethorpe, David Choe, Stanley Kubrick, Chris Mars, Merzbow, Masonna, Franz Kline, David Lynch, Dali, Rothko, Willem De Kooning, Arshile Gorky, Louie C.K. and the vocal
styling’s of Freddie Mercury. You started with pen in notebooks and are now working with paint on canvases. Do you like this evolution? Yes, but the concept of stepping out of the comfort zone still scares me. Its something I still do, but when I do, I always look at the floor. How do you feel it benefits your art? Sometimes on your floor-looking journeys you’ll see a wingless fly, or a blinded cat, or an artfully arranged collection of human faeces, and the image will be yours forever. Your memory can only dictate its interpretation years from
now. The novelty of having that memory and the interpretation of it is enough, and it acts as a greater benefit. What are you trying to say with your work? Nothing worth wasting a sentence on. What inspires you? Fat and angry people. Do you think there is an inspiring art scene in Kuwait/Gulf Region? I told my grandmother I wanted to be an artist and she laughed. So no, not yet. What are your plans for the future? Apparently not very good ones. 59
HAPPY TIMES! Soor Center celebrates its third anniversary By Soor Center
Looking out from the penthouse windows of the Soor Center, one can see a brightly lit city of modern buildings and the beautiful Arabian Gulf beyond. The view is sadly contrasted by thousands of Kuwaitis who suffer silently with problems not often or openly talked about in a conservative society such as ours. These problems, emotional mostly, are often far worse than the physical illnesses that will follow if the underlying emotional ones are left untreated. In this landscape of quiet despair, the Soor Center for Professional Therapy and Assessment is a beacon of hope for those silent sufferers. The Soor Center was founded in 2009 by the late Dr. Jaafar Behbehani and Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa to raise the bar of psychological practice in our region to the rigors of North American standards. On June 14th, 2012, the Soor Center celebrated its third anniversary. A number of distinguished guests attended the event. Among them were His Excellency, the American Ambassador, Matthew Tueller and His Excellency Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, former Minister of Health 60
and cofounder of Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice. Dr. Hilal marked the event with a heartfelt speech expressing his sincere gratitude to the Soor Center for offering its services pro bono to the children of Bayt Abdullah and lauding Dr. Jaafar’s determination and dedication to provide exemplary services to all who need them. “Unobtrusively,” said Dr. Hilal, “Dr. Jaafar set the wheels in motion for all of us here tonight. Each of us has been given part of the flame that burnt within him to carry forward his integrity, his intellectual vigor and above all his love and compassion for the children.” Dr. Hilal then presented Dr. Naif with a beautiful model of Bayt Abdullah, as “a small token of our huge appreciation for your support in the memory of our late friend Dr. Jaafar.” In accepting the good wishes of the many friends in attendance, Dr. Naif noted that the Soor Center has grown from 3 therapists at the start to over 25 today. Soor Center professionals have conducted more than 7,000 sessions since the clinic’s inception and have worked with individuals, students, couples and families as well as corporate clients like Dar Al-Shifa
and New Mowasat hospitals, Zain Telecom and the Sultan Center. As a US licensed psychologist Dr. Naif has helped ten interns complete some or all of their required hours for certification in the US and Canada at the Soor Center. Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, Clinical Coordinator at the Soor Center, elaborated on how the clinic’s therapists and psychologists are encouraged to pursue additional professional training and certifications. “Nothing speaks more directly of our success than the fact that 40% of our present clients were referred by satisfied friends.” She also explained how Soor provides public education and professional development opportunities to the wider community. She added that the Soor Center gives her the opportunity to continue in Dr. Jaafar’s altruistic tradition that no one who needs help is ever turned away from the Soor Center. For more information, please call 2290 1677, visit www.soorcenter.com. Contact ali@soorcenter.com, or follow their tweets @SoorCenterQ8.
MUBAADER
مراوح طاقة الرياح بقلمStrawberry Girl :
تعتمد الكويت على النفط في إنتاج الطاقة ،ولذلك الكهرباء رخيصة بالمقارنة مع الدول األخرى .و بالرغم من وجود الكثير من القوى الطبيعية التي يمكن إنتاج الطاقة منها ،إال أنه ال يوجد تركيز في موضوع إيجاد مصادر بديلة للطاقة. محمد النقي مواطن كويتي قرر أن يجد طريقة لإلستفادة من الطاقة الشمسية و طاقة الرياح و وجدها هواية بالنسبة له .لقد قام بتثبيت مراوح الرياح خارج منزله في منطقة سلوى و هذا ما جذب انتباه الذين يمرون من جسر المسيلة على شارع الفحاحيل ،حيث أنه ليس من المألوف رؤية مثل هذه المراوح في الكويت .و ينوي النقي إستخدام هذه المراوح في توليد الطاقة. لقد بدأ اهتمامه في طاقة الرياح و الطاقة الشمسية في بداية الثمانينات من القرن الماضي .و يذكر محمد تلك الفترة قائال" :وقتها قمت بتركيب ألواح الطاقة الشمسية و استخدمتها في تسخين المياه المستعملة في المطبخ .لكن تعرضت هذه األلواح الشمسية للتلف خالل الغزو في العام 1990و ذلك بسبب حرائق آبار النفط ،عندما تساقط السائل األسود اللزج الناتج عن هذه الحرائق على األلواح و أتلفها". و يقوم النقي حاليا بتصميم غرفة صغيرة سوف تجهز باألدوات الكهربائية وااللكترونية مثل الغسالة ،و الثالجة ،و التلفاز ،و غيرها ،و التي سيقوم بتشغيلها على الطاقة الناتجة من مراوح الهواء. لقد أبهره إستخدام الدول المتقدمة لطاقة الرياح ،و ضرب مثاال على دولة الدانمرك و التي تغطي % 10من إستهالك الكهرباء منتجة من طاقة الرياح في العام .2010 و شرح أن الدانمرك تعمل على توسيع اإلعتماد على طاقة الرياح في إنتاج الطاقة لتصل إلى تغطية 100%من الكهرباء من طاقة الرياح في العام ،2050حيث أنها تقع على البحر الشمالي والتي بها نسبة عالية من سرعة الرياح أغلب أوقات السنة .و أثنى النقي كذلك على إهتمام تلك الدول بقضية تدوير النفايات و تحويلها إلى طاقة باإلضافة إلى إستخدامها للنفايات العضوية كأسمدة وأن لديهم محطات مختلفة إلنتاج الطاقة من عدة مصادر. و يأمل النقي أن يتم تنفيذ مشاريع مشابهة هنا في الكويت أو العالم العربي .وعلق النقي قائال" :منذ 22عاما و
نحن نسمع عن إقامة مشاريع مشابهة إلنتاج الطاقة المتجددة و التي تحافظ على البيئة ،و تم رصد ميزانية ضخمة لها ،إال أننا لم نرى أي من هذه المشاريع إلى اليوم .يجب أن تكون مثل هذه المشاريع جزء من خطة التنمية للبلد .فمثال يمكننا أن نستخدم الطاقة الصادرة من إحراق النفايات مثل اإلطارات لتوليد الطاقة بدل تلويث البيئة بالحرق العشوائي". النقي يجرب اآلن طاقة الرياح على اإلستعماالت البسيطة. لقد قام بجلب مراوح الرياح من دول مختلفة إلى أنها ال تعمل بعد ،حيث أنه قام بتركيب بعضها ،إال إنها تحتاج أن تثبت في ارتفاعات أعلى من ذلك .و يرى أن أفضل األماكن لالستفادة
من طاقة الرياح هنا في الكويت هو خالل التخييم في البر، حيث أن الناس ال تحتاج إلى الكثير من الكهرباء التي تقتصر على استخدام التدفئة ،و التلفاز ،و المصابيح. باإلضافة إلى التسع مراوح التي قام النقي بتركيبها و التي ال تعمل بعد ،فإن لديه المزيد من المراوح التي لم يثبتها بعد .و تختلف المراوح في أشكالها و أحجامها ،ولكل واحد لها قدرة مختلفة على إنتاج الطاقة .و المراوح الموجودة لديه يمكنها أن تنتج ما بين 500 – 300واط ،بينما المراوح في الدول المتقدمة ممكن أن تنتج حتى 25ميغا واط ،إال أن حجمها و وزنها أكبر. 62
ELEVATION BURGER
bazaar techno Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ~ Arthur C. Clarke
SAMSUNG GALAXY S III Trying to decide which Android phone to buy? Your decision just got a little harder (or a lot easier). The Samsung Galaxy S III ($TBA) is the Korean giant's latest flagship smartphone, packing a 4.8 inch, 1280x720 HD Super AMOLED display, a 1.4GHz Exynos 4 Quad processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera, a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera, Samsung's new Siri-like S Voice speech-powered interface, NFC, the now-standard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 4.0/GPS/sensor array, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of built-in storage with microSD expansion, HSPA+ — LTE will appear later — and, of course, Android 4.0.
www.samsung.com
B&O PLAY BEOPLAY A3 Is it a speaker system? A case? A stand? Actually, the B&O Play Beoplay A3 (£450; roughly $730) is a mix of all three, effectively turning your iPad into a TV. The triangular system features speakers mounted on two sides the iPad and uses an orientation sensor to activate the proper speakers depending on whether you've got it resting in horizontal or vertical orientation. Other features include a built-in battery good for 5 hours of playback, an integrated dock connector, and adapters for any model of iPad.
www.beoplay.com
JAWBONE BIG JAMBOX Like your Jambox, but wish it had just a little more oomph? Say hello to the Jawbone Big Jambox ($300). Looking enough like its predecessor that you might not notice the difference at first glance, the Big Jambox is, in fact, a bigger Jambox, featuring the same Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free mojo as the original, but with more powerful precision-tuned drivers and dual passive bass radiators for bigger sound, a 15-hour built-in rechargeable battery, LiveAudio technology, and the ability to receive updates via Jawbone's MyTalk website.
www.jawbone.com
SONY SMARTWATCH Like it or not, it looks like there's going to be a lot of companies wanting you to wear a computer on your wrist this year. The Sony SmartWatch ($150) is just the latest example. Sporting a 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen display, Bluetooth 3.0, and four days of battery life, this sleek, square-ish watch connects to your Android phone, giving you the ability to read texts and emails, receive Facebook and Twitter updates, initiate and answer calls, control music playback, and run apps optimized for the small screen from Google Play. Or you could just wear a Rolex/Omega/Casio — your call.
www.sonymobile.com
BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA Sure, if you've bought a DSLR in the last couple of years, odds are it can record video. But thanks to its built-in video compression, the results might not be what you're looking for — and if so, you might want to try the Blackmagic Cinema Camera ($3,000). Sporting a compact design, it features a high-resolution 2.5K sensor, a built-in SSD with RAW video recording capability, 13 stops of dynamic range, Thunderbolt in/out capability, a large LCD touchscreen display, and compatibility with Canon EF and Zeiss ZF lenses.
www.blackmagic-design.com 64
MADA
PREMIUM CHOICE Delivering quality to your doorstep By bazaar staff
It’s no secret that we at bazaar are voracious carnivores. Be it burgers, blood-dripping steak, kebabs, shawarma – you name it, we’ll wolf it down. Put simply, if it used to walk around we want to put it in our stomachs. But to be honest with you we’re also pretty lazy. So if we were forced into a hunter gatherer way of life, we’d probably become vegetarian, because who wants to be out chasing down animals, butchering them, catching fish, gutting them… it seems like a lot of work. Sometimes heading down to the supermarket to buy the meat or fish can be almost as monumental a task. You have to deal with the traffic on the way there, you have to find a parking space, they don’t always 66
have what you went there for in the first place, the guy at the meat counter doesn’t know his sirloin from his rump, then you have to stand in line, waiting for the guy whose K-net card refuses to be recognised by the machine and the cashier is too occupied singing along to whatever bad pop song is playing over the speakers to really care, finally when you get home and throw those steaks on the grill and serve them up you realise that they are different sizes and even quality. I’m exhausted just writing about it! We’re also enthusiastic about technology here at bazaar too though. So it was with great joy that we discovered www.premiumchoice.me. This website combines meat and e-commerce.
What’s not to love about that? Not only does the site offer a hassle-free way to buy meat and seafood but the quality is far better than anything you can find in the supermarket. The site itself is a breeze to use. Anybody familiar with Amazon will have a basket brimful with ribeyes and lobster tails in no time. All the steaks are halal certified and pre-cut in the USA where they are sourced and frozen individually and vacuum packed. Premium Choice controls the entire supply chain from the states to its storage facilities here in Kuwait. This means, not only are you guaranteed not to offend guests at your next grill party by serving someone a bigger steak than the person sitting next to them, but also that they can
guarantee the quality of the meat they deliver to you. They deliver the meat and seafood to you still frozen so you can store it and defrost when you need it. This skips the unnecessary step of the supermarket defrosting the meat themselves and you having to either refreeze it or use within a couple of days. The delivery will be made within twenty-four hours and you can choose a morning or afternoon delivery. As for the food itself; the steaks are various cuts of USDA Certified "Choice Grade" Black Angus Beef or Wagyu Kobe Beef. On the website you’ll find instructions on how to defrost and cook the steaks to perfection every time. Following the onsite instructions, unique for each cut, produces melt-in-
your-mouth steaks that bring the steakhouse to your own dining room. They also offer burger patties that will have guests at your next barbecue thinking you’re a grill master. For the less meat enthusiastic, Scottish salmon fillets or scallops make a great alternative. We again cooked them following the instructions on the website to produce fantastic results. The order can be paid for online or by cash or card on delivery. Whatever you as the customer are most comfortable with. They also provide convenient special value packs such as the Griller’s Feast, the Weekend Getaway, or the Surf & Turf. Each package is prepared with head count in mind and works out a little cheaper than buying the meats and seafood individually.
In keeping with the restaurant at home theme, Premium Choice also offers a variety of desserts too. They will be delivered frozen and all you have to do is defrost and enjoy. The cheesecake is out of this world. The perfect ending to your perfect home cooked meal. A meal that you can now prepare with the greatest of ease, using the highest quality meats and seafood available, delivered direct to your door. Simply visit www.premiumchoice.me to get your meat fix. You can also find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/premiumchoice. Join our fcebook group at: www.facebook.com/premiumchoiceme. 67
THE NEW SAFAT HOME The one-stop home shop By bazaar staff
When the new Safat Home opened its doors in Shuwaikh, we were so eager to pay this new showroom a leisurely visit. Avid fans of Safat Home at the Al-Rai showroom will quickly become regular ongoers of the new Safat Home in Shuwaikh, as Al Ghanim has unified all of their home services under one spacious roof. Safat Home is famous for having a comprehensive variety of homeware, from classic designs to modern pieces, that suits every type of home and taste. With a rebranded logo that simply exudes coziness and easy living, the showroom modestly boasts an ever-larger variety of services and products. If you’re building, finishing, or revamping your home, all of your wishes are met at the new Safat Home. Alongside the brilliant furniture collections of classical and modern designs on display, floor tiles, bathroom tiles, as well as engineering and design offices cater to specific requests such as elevators and air conditioning installation and other engineering mechanics that go into one’s home. Everyday great value offers will have you addicted to the new showroom, from bathroom fixtures, luxurious bed linens (we love the bridal linens available, not only 68
do they come in a beautifully packaged trunk, they make for an essential bridal gift) to color coordinated home accessories; the daily great value offers are surely a customer favorite. For those looking to buy larger quantities of bathroom fixtures, look out for the upstairs section for special clearance prices! The look and feel of the showroom is truly refreshing. When it comes to that decided day where you will be spending hours at a time inside a furniture/homeware store to cross off that mighty todo list, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a confined space with narrow aisles. For Ramadan prep, now is an excellent time to beat the crowds and take advantage of the beautiful dining tables, entertaining sets, and accessories on offer to spruce up your dining area. At the new Safat Home, the flow of your shopping experience is a visitor's true delight; featuring natural light to illuminate all of the products on offer, wide aisles, and ample display space where the cutest knickknack you're seeking will no longer remain in hiding. Furthermore, the showroom has several entrances, so you're not limited to going through the entire showroom when you're on one of those speedy home shopping visits. When it came to
our visit, we loved that we had the choice to leisurely stroll and become inspired by the different designs on offer. We also immediately Instagramed a Missoniinspired settee that would make for the perfect corner alongside a lonely bookcase, and some amazing wall art in different designs of heels that will have our fashion editor jumping for joy. Also centrally located in the showroom is a fullyfledged cafe, where visitors can enjoy a break from shopping, and eagerly take down notes of what they'd like to add to their shopping carts. Making your dream home a reality is now truly feasible, as Safat Home also makes your mission a convenient one by providing flexible credit conditions and a free one year warranty for furniture items. The new Safat Home showroom is located in Shuwaikh near AlGhanim service center. Opening hours are 9 am -10 pm Sat-Thu, and 2 pm -10 pm on Fri. For more information, please call 1838 883 or find Safat Home on twitter and instagram, @safat_ home, and Pinterest.com/safathome and facebook, www.facebook.com/safatbyghanim.
NAPKET
STICKER SHOCK Some of the most expensive hotel suites By Jane Reynolds
When even the prices of the standard rooms at some of our favorite luxury hotels shock us, you can only imagine our heart palpitations when we see the nightly rates of these hotels' top-of-the-line suites. But if we were going to splurge on anything in life, it'd probably be a stay at one of these suites. After all, they're priced high for a reason; they are some of the most beautiful spaces we've ever seen, with stylized decor, all of the high-tech amenities anyone could want, and extra services for the lucky guests who can afford to book one of these spots. So would you prefer a brand-new car or a one-night stay at the most expensive suite at The New York Palace? These may make you think twice. The Hotel: The Joule, A Luxury Hotel Collection – Dallas The Price: $7,400/night Our Favorite Feature: The Joule is one of the coolest, and most luxurious, hotels in downtown Dallas and it has a penthouse to match. This multi-level suite, with two bedrooms, features over-the-top amenities such as a fireplace, a martini station, and gorgeous photography by artist Bram Tihany. But we gotta say, the bathroom takes the cake; we love the black-and-white floor mosaic, the open vibe, and the staggering views of downtown from the deep soaking tub. The Hotel: The New York Palace The Price: $22,000/night Our Favorite Feature: One of New York's most visually stunning hotels, the New York Palace has a gilded, grandiose style, huge rooms, a luxe spa, and a fantastic gym. Its Royal Suite is among the most opulent, and expensive, suites in the City, with lavish Louis XV decor. The suite's highlight is that it includes butler service. 70
The Hotel: Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona The Price: $7,800/night Our Favorite Feature: The 98-room Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxurious hotels in Barcelona, and certainly has one of the most recognizable hotel brand names in the city. The gorgeous penthouse features two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and a cool, sleek design. But our favorite features are the massive double balconies, overlooking Passeig de Gracia. The Hotel: Four Seasons Washington D.C. The Price: $15,000/night Our Favorite Feature: Located in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, the Four Seasons hits the high notes with luxuriously appointed rooms, a Michael Mina restaurant, a massive tri-level fitness center, and exceptional service from a devoted staff. It's Royal Suite, with wood paneling, a gas fireplace, and an enormous outdoor terrace, showcases why the Four Seasons is the top luxury option in Georgetown and one of the best in the city. The best part? The suite even has its own small gym with two cardio machines with personal TVs, so no more having to work out with the rest of the 1% in the hotel's fitness center. The Hotel: Montage Beverly Hills The Price: $9,000/night Our Favorite Feature: This 201-room luxury hotel located in the heart of upscale Beverly Hills is elegant in every way, from the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture to the perfectly manicured courtyard to the presidential suite. The spacious marble bathroom is a highlight but the real cherry on top is that guests of the suite are given a Mercedes-Benz to drive during their stay.
MAX
(HOLIDAYS, LANDSCAPE)
ON THE RUNWAY With Pakistani haute couture By Deepa Pant
It was an evening adorned with vivacious colors, style and substance as the Pakistan couture was unveiled at Pakistan Women’s Forum. The brilliant blues, paprika reds, dramatic silhouettes and richly embellished outfits with timeless elegance hit the runway with a bang.
It was a feast of Pakistani fashions in myriad colors, designs, cuts and textures at the recently held Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza. The event was hosted by the members of the Pakistan Women’s Forum of Kuwait, in collaboration with Fashioneastas.com and Designers Lounge Dubai, at the Holiday Inn in Salmiya. Fashion collections of renowned designers like Sana Abbas, Naz Junaid, Waseem Noor, Lubna Elahi, Maharani, Alishae and Uzma Hai were showcased at this glittering event. The fashion paid tribute to the glorious textile culture of Pakistan. The event saw models sashaying the ramp in spectacular salwaar – kameezes, anarkalis and churidars, swirling peshwas and churidars in dreamy textures like silks, chiffons and banarsis in myriad colors. The show opened with Sana Abbas’s collection of cool palates of soft delicate shades, with a soft feminine touch, achieved through intricate embroideries and impeccable finishes. Uzma Hai’s collection was dominated by silk fabrics, rich colors and a medley of patterns and stripes. Meanwhile, Lubna Elahi’s collection was in an array of colors, fabrics and techniques. Maharani’s magical collection, highlighting exquisitely embellished long kameezes with intricate detailing in zari, swarovski crystals and diamantes sequins, was indeed a splendid line of opulent traditional techniques. Designer’s Lounge collection showcased clothes with strong feminine aesthetics that spelt simplicity and grace. Rich in style and silhouette, Wasim Noor sent a 72
beautiful mixture of vibrant colors down the catwalk, capturing the essence of timeless sophistication in his embellished couture. Putting a twist on the classic was Naz Zunaid. The collection captured the audience’s attention with a dramatic display of anarkali-churidar suits and peshwas with impeccable embellishments and touch of brocades. Alishae’s whimsical collection took us on a journey with clothes aimed at the modern women. True to PWF style, the fashion odyssey featured the perfect balance and juxtaposition of glamour and culture. The mehendi scene (henna) and dance sequence totally floored the guests. There was a raffle with great prizes donated by local businesses and community members. The overwhelming attendance was a clear indication of the successful job by the committee members. "I would like to thank all those who lent their support to the event and made it such a success,' said the Pakistan Woman’s Forum (PWF) President Yasmin Mirza. “We had a great turnout and people enjoyed the show. The event was an endeavor to showcase that Pakistani women are smart, progressive and committed.” She expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the committee, PWF members, the fashion designers, models, makeup and hair artists, and various companies for their sponsorship, contributions and support for the event. She explained, “We are an organization in which our main focus is working towards the betterment of children and women and are actively involved in charitable causes both in Kuwait and in Pakistan.”
Over the years PWF has contributed its fair share in promoting Pakistani culture and improving the image of our women as motivated and committed towards making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.” The guest of Honor for the event was Sheikha Hessa Al Salam Al Sabah, Chairperson, National Development Project, Atamana. The event was graced by the PWF patron Dr. Husna Iftikhar, wife of the Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait. Among those in attendance were wives of the ambassadors of Republic of Bangladesh (Punam Shahad), Republic of Nepal (Sita Paudel), Republic of Sri Lanka (Jayalakshimi Marry Ann Wijeratne), Mynamar (Mu Mu Cho), Brunei Dar al Salam (Pengiran Muspapa Aliuddin), Republic of Indonesia (Eva Adamhar), and Republic of Korea (Hee Sookkim). Naseem Tahir, a Yemeni expatriate said she was delighted to see the fashion fiesta. "Very feminine and gorgeous collection,” she said. Safiah Amir Ahmed, a PWF volunteer who walked the ramp said that they had been practicing for the past two months for the show. "I feel extremely happy to be one of the participants.” PWF-Kuwait is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Yasmeen Muzaffar with the concept that women can make a significant contribution to society alongside the International community to achieve their common goals and is affiliated with the Pakistani Embassy in Kuwait.
Photographs courtesy: Photo Memorie/PWF.
APPLEBEES
BEAT THE HEAT Kuwait Style By bazaar staff
ISLAND HOPPING most famous islands of Kuwait. Pronounced "Failacha", it combines the ancient history of Kuwait, dating back to the early Stone Age and the modern history of Kuwait. The home of Kuwait's main archaeological site, Failaka's history goes back to the Bronze Age Dilmun civilization, which was centerd in Bahrain. It may be assumed that there was at least inter-Gulf trade between 2200 and 1800 BC. The Greeks arrived in the 4th century BC in the form of a garrison sent by Nearchus, one of Alexander the Great's admirals. A small settlement existed on the island prior to this, but it was as the Greek town of Ikaros that the settlement became a real city. The Greeks lived on Failaka for two centuries. Failaka Island had a small Greek colony from 325 to 150 BC and was part of a maritime trade route in the Ptolomeic era. The remains of a temple can be found there today. Coins and seals found there point to Failaka remaining an important trading post with links to Iraq, Persia, the Mediterranean, the Levant, India and Africa. Visit www.failakaheritagevillage.com for more information on trips and packages
Kubbar Uninhabited Kubbar Island lies at a distance of 18 nautical miles south of Failaka Island opposite Al-Fahaheel coastline, and 19 nautical miles from Al-Zoor coast. It has many species of rare plants, in addition to some scarce corals. There are low hills in middle of the island, which gradually slope towards sea level. Its shores are quite and its sand is soft. Seagulls and flamingos exist there in great numbers. Preliminary measures such as limiting human activities on the island and its coast were implemented to protect the island from pollution, which would threaten its natural life. These measures were taken following the desertion of some rare birds and the disappearance of rare plants from the island. Tourism will surely flourish on the island once the project to turn it into a protected zone has been implemented.
Failaka Failaka Island lies twenty kilometers east of Kuwait City, opposite the Bay of that name, and 50 kilometers from the southernmost tip of Iraq. It is one of the most important islands of Kuwait. The Island of Failaka is one of the most beautiful and 74
Qaruh Island Qaruh Island is located at the southernmost part of the coastal zone of Kuwait .The Island is surrounded by coral reefs and is a well known breeding ground for birds and turtles. The lithology is composed mostly of medium to coarse sand with soft mud found in the southern coastal area.
Umm Al-Maradim Island Umm Al-Maradim Island is located 15 kilometers to the east of An-Nuwaisib and covers an area of approximately 0.25 square kilometers. The shore of the island is formed of medium sand and coral reefs are located around the island. The island is a breeding ground for migratory birds. Take the boat out, consult your GPS device and enjoy some Kuwait summer fun!
ACTIVITIES
PAINTBALL KUWAIT PAINTBALL is a combination of the childhood game "tag" and "hide & seek", but is much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different game formats, typically a group of players will divide into two teams to play "Capture the flag". The number of players on each team can vary from one, two, five, seven, ten up to 18 on each side of the field. Games can be played either indoors or outdoors and take various forms, of which some of the most popular are scenario and speedball, also sometimes known as tourney ball under various circumstances. Rules for playing paintball vary widely, with most designed to ensure that participants enjoy the sport in a safe environment. For more on PAINTBALL KUWAIT please visit www.paintball-kuwait.com
JET SKIING How could we tell you about all there is to do in Kuwait this summer without mentioning the ever-famous Jet Ski Rentals? Available to all throughout the year, not just during the summer months, you and your friends (or you, solo, if your friends are what you’re trying to get away from) can rent Jet Skis right off the Gulf Road shore, next to Kuwait Towers, to enjoy some solitary fun in the middle of the deep blue. Hot summer sun, splashing waves and high speeds make for a very self-sufficient, fun way to turn down the heat! We don’t have a phone number, or website, but drive out to the shore next to Kuwait Towers - they’re a local landmark you can’t miss!
AQUA PARK Aqua Park was inaugurated in 1995 and is the first and biggest water Park in the Arab Gulf Region. Spread over a total area of 60,000m3 it is located on Gulf Road next to the Kuwait Towers. Equipped with attraction for children and adults alike, this is definitely the place to be to beat the heat with a splash! For more on Aqua Park please visit www.aquaparkkuwait.com
COZMO BOWLING The most interactive entertainment centre in Kuwait. Whether you're looking for fun with friends or family, sports activity & competition, or events that will be remembered – this is the place to be! With four locations; Salmiya, Kaifan, Discovery and Mahboula, they've made it impossible for you NOT to join the fun! For more on COZMO please visit www.cozmobowling.com continued on next page...
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THE SCIENTIFIC CENTER KUWAIT During the Summer, The Scientific Center is introducing the 5th IMAX Film Festival, which shows four 3D films. And also introducing the SPEED interactive exhibit in Discovery Place. The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) fortifies the message of scientific awareness in the State of Kuwait, while strengthening its cultural heritage.Its activities are dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge related to the environment. TSCK encourages people’s care and commitment in preserving the desert, marine life, and ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf region. For information, call 1 848 888 or visit www.tsck.org.kw
PRO KART KUWAIT Karting dream in Kuwait became true, a professional pro karting circuit is open now, if you want to live the real completion racing challenge visit them at Jaber Al Ahmad International Circuit located on the 6th Ring Road between 50& 55 roads at the opposite side of 360 Mall. Pro Kart circuit is opened all week days, special programs could be arranged for groups, schools, universities and teams wishing to participate in the championships (corporate) , 14 years old drivers are permitted to race (male & female) and they also we have dolphine karts for ages 5 to 8 years old and you can BOOK a birthday party for the kids . For more information please call 9006 9121 or visit www.prokartkw.com.
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AT 360 MALL Under the guidance of your instructor, you will experience the next best thing to flying a real commercial jet airliner. Choose from a wide variety of airports, weather conditions and options. You take control and taxi, takeoff, fly and land the aircraft yourself! Choose from over 24,000 airports worldwide. It is a real replica Boeing 737 simulator with full cockpit layout, instruments and systems. For more info please contact 2530 9690
WHAT IS K-LUE? The idea of the game is about arranging a customized adventure where teams have to look for clues around Kuwait. You experience lots of unexpected situations that you have to overcome all while having fun and breaking one's daily routine. Their way of moving out of this life is K-lue. An extraordinary treasure hunt on a national level, K-lue gives you the chance to experience a unique personally customized scavenger hunt for you and your friends to enjoy. If there is anything they promise, it's a fun adventure! Be prepared to enjoy one of the most exciting quests. Don't forget to bring your guts, if you don't have any, please don't come. Visit www.k-lue.com for more information or call 9998 2286.
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QNET
bazaar psych By Dr. Juliet and Dr. Nisrine
Do you have questions for a psychologist? Are you afraid or embarrassed to see one? Well, we may have the answers you need! Now you can ask Dr. Juliet and Dr. Nisrine for psychological and social advice for free! Q. What, exactly, is hypnosis? Is it the same thing we see on TV when someone swings a watch in front of you and you start talking about stuff? Thanks, Curious A. Unfortunately, movies and TV shows have clouded the understanding of hypnosis, as it is often portrayed as a tool for controlling people’s minds leading them to engage in comical or suggestible behavior. In addition, there has been a lot of controversy concerning the association between hypnosis and recovered childhood abuse. Regardless of this misinformation and controversy, hypnotic procedures continue to be researched and used as applied psychological tools. There have been decades of research into hypnosis and its validity. Hypnosis is a scientific and applied clinical tool. The American Psychological Association (APA) has a specific division, Division 30, which is dedicated to advancing knowledge and research into this psychological process. The APA defines hypnosis as a “procedure during which … suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented … a hypnotic procedure is used to encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions … one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes … in perception, sensation, emotion, though or behavior …” (APA, Division 30) Individuals who provide hypnosis need to be trained and certified. It is our professional opinion that prior to engaging in hypnosis, a client needs to meet with a mental health professional who can understand the client’s background, profile his/her personality, comprehend current symptoms, and develop an individualized treatment plan. Hypnosis may be suggested as one of many techniques to 78
Dr. Nisrine
Dr. Juliet
be used during the healing process. However, it is important to remember that hypnosis is not suitable for all disorders and it is not the ultimate cure. Sometimes, hypnosis is used in conjunction with other therapy techniques to get the client healthy again.
unable to get through to her. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mom in need of guidance A. Your concern is understandable, but it’s important for you to realize that children her age are in a process of asserting their personalities, so it’s quite normal for her to be slightly stubborn. The key is for you to be consistent in your delivery of rewards and punishments so that she is clear about what is right and wrong, keeping in mind that children her age don’t have as much attention span as older children. So, it’s also quite normal that she may repeat the same “unacceptable behavior” that she was once punished for. Once again, remain consistent in your response to her behavior. Young children respond to changes in their environment behaviorally as they still do not possess the emotional vocabulary and cognitive sophistication that older children have. Thus, it’s important for you to monitor any recent changes in your home environment that she may be responding to. In addition, at her age, especially since you have described her as smart and social, it’s important that you afford her ample opportunities to explore her world through various activities. Such activities should involve a combination of indoor and outdoor opportunities so that she can stimulate different areas of her brain and release her increasing energy productively.
Q. How can childhood sexual abuse or molestation affect our adult intimate relationships? Thanks, Seeking Peace of Mind A. Childhood sexual abuse or molestation can undoubtedly impact future intimate relationships, given the critical component of trust. The specifics of the abuse and/or molestation are important so as to better understand the residual effects on individuals. For example, if the abuse was practiced by someone the child trusted and loved, the effects would probably be different than if it was by a stranger. In either way, we believe that the abuse would impact relationships in that trust issues, intimacy and feelings of safety will all play a big part when trying to get close to someone. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, it is our recommendation that you meet with a professional who can help you work through the trauma so it does not impact the quality of future relationships. The past should not be allowed to control your present and future functioning. If you pretend that the abuse has no effect in your intimacy with another person, you may be setting yourself up for a failure with your loved one and also with close relationships such as friendships. Q. My 2 ½ year old daughter is very smart, sweet, and social. However, she is very stubborn, and has a strong personality which leaves me, at times,
For psychological advice, send your questions to drjdinkha@kaizen-kw.com. Please note that not all questions can be published. Dr. Juliet and Dr. Nisrine are bilingual and bicultural expert psychologists on various personal and social issues. Visit www.kaizen-kw.com or follow them on www.facebook.com/kaizen2q8.
10.OH.8
TELLY HAPPY TV, time and happiness By Diva Undecided
Ever wondered what people did before the advent of the television as an everyday lifestyle habit; at a time, when an elephant sized chunk of the day was not consumed by being stationery in front of the telly or when health statistics of an average man were directly not correlated to the time spent in front of the one eyed monster. Based on my macro level hypothesis, here’s what could have been the scenario; quality family time, time spent on honing one’s skills or simply being more physically active. It is believed that 1 in 4 people complain about not having enough time to do everything their daily routine demands, which, more or less, is the result of our electronically media-challenged agendas. Subsequently, this leads to mismanaged time, work and our happiness. But how often have the roots of this phenomenon been scrutinized? The television has experienced gradual ranking and a portion size within our everyday lives owing to reality TV, channel fest and umpteen satellite packages. Couple this with the betterment of one’s disposable income and sedentary habits and you are translated with the average man spending more time parked in front of the telly post a 9-5 stretch of being parked in front of the PC. According to experts 80
from the University of Queensland, Australia, every single hour of TV viewed may shorten life by as much as 22 minutes. Furthermore, anyone who spends six hours a day in front of the box is at risk of dying 5 years sooner than those who enjoy more active pastimes. It can safely be assumed that happiness for most of us is controlled by an important monetary element. However, being happy by having more room for other quality things but the TV may just be the other crucial happiness quotient. Giving up on TV may be a foreign concept to conceptualize, particularly for those who have developed a strong connection to the TV but here’s four reasons why it would be a blessing in disguise. The Fat Factor: Imagine the irony of watching The Biggest Loser while mindlessly downing a bowl of cheetos or caramel popcorn. The argument continues to be at the heart of alarming health statistics across the world: Mindless eating amidst the sedentary lifestyle. Needless to say, all the damage continues to happen in front of the telly, where the elimination of such would produce positive results for the waistline. The Money factor: Einstein referred to the concept of compounding as "the eighth wonder of the world." Imagine translating Einstein’s philosophy
into the monthly/ yearly satellite TV bills. Average bills compounded over a set period would equate to sizeable savings with potential for countless options for future financial cushioning. Less TV = More sleep = More success: You are what you eat. The same belief goes for logging in adequate sleep time; you are how much you sleep. Researchers continue to correlate lack of sleep to being drunk. Hence, shaving off the one hour of 90210 / True blood/reruns of Friends can help you be more productive the next day and be well worth the sacrifice. Giving up the parallel life: Blair Warldorf, Serena Vanderwoodsen and the age-old Carrie Bradshaw may well have justified socialite status to support those Roger Vivier’s and Manolo’s but to imagine living as their alias in your head may catch up to reality sooner than later. Living life based on someone else’s definition of success or lifestyle is one thing and for that to be based on the life of a fictional character is another. So here’s a thought amidst summer time, and with Ramadan just round the corner: Make the best of time, explore your true potential and exploit it. After all, when there is a will, there is a way, and there is a time.
BOSSINI (LANDSCAPE)
BEIRUT ART FAIR Alluring rendezvous for art lovers By Deepa Pant
Beirut Art Fair is a key fixture in the international art calendar. If you’re a collector, curator or just an art aficionado, this is the event for you.
Forget the global economic meltdown, the time is still ripe for an investment in art. Beirut is bustling with excitement, for all the right reasons. The city long recognized for art that is as old and as historic as the city itself, is fast becoming a hub for art that is new and experimental. The Beirut Art Fair (BAF), the region’s premier art show for modern and contemporary works from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (ME. NA.SA.) region kicks off its third edition from July 5 to July 8 at the Beirut International Exhibition Leisure Center (BIEL). Capturing the essence of the region, the Fair brings together an ensemble of topnotch international galleries, curated exhibitions, a lecture series, and conversations with artists and experts. From region’s stalwarts like Paul Guiragossian, to Charles Khoury and Lalla Essaydi to Zong Kai from China, the fair has it all. BAF is well represented with contemporary artworks in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, VJing, comic strip and 82
street art, represented by over 40 galleries from 13 countries, showcasing over 500 artists in the Middle East, North African and South Asia regions. BAF last year garnered critical acclaim with sales exceeding one million US dollars and attendance of over 10,000 visitors. Laure d’ Hauteville, Founder and Beirut Art Fair Manager, acknowledges, “Art is one of the priority values in my life because it builds bridges likely to install an exchange between cultures. It can inspire us to reflect on the world we live in.” The fair, she says, is like a showcase for art, culture, liberty of expression and a unique place for exchange of ideas. She further notes, “The diversity of trends presented at the fair is a reflection of the artistic exuberance that is moving the art world of today and tomorrow.” “Lebanon represents a cultural mosaic, and remains a strategic platform for exchange and influences,” she says. “To me, the city of Beirut is at the heart of this dynamic.”
Pascal Odille, the art director adds, Beirut Art fair brings a diverse landscape of artists and designs that reflect not only the vitality of the participating galleries, but also the artistic effervescence that drives the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region. “The public,” he says, “will understand that art presented at the Beirut Art Fair does not only respond to the single phenomenon of the art market but also aims at promoting all the expressions of a universal language reaching beyond borders and stereotypes.” There are a few standouts, such as the highend artworks of Boutros Al Maari, Edgar Mazigi, the sculptures of Nadim Karam, the portraits of Yousef Yousef, the mesmerizing works of Paul Guiragossian, the great compositions of Charles Khoury, the works of Marwan Kassab Bachi, and the compositions of Chaouki Chamoun. According to Odille, calligraphy and poetry are also strongly represented in the works of a number of featured artists. There does seem to be an appetite for contemporary and out of the box works. “The tone of approach, for many of the region’s artists, consists of taking a certain distance from the real world, so often marked by a painful context due to the war, as well as political and economic upheavals. This distance is expressed through dreams, humor or diversion like it
is the case with the installations of Rita Awn or Alain Vassoyan,” explains Odille. The artists are affected by the socio-political conditions and this sensitivity is well represented in the works of Ayman Baalbaki, Sari El Khazen, and Mohamed El Baz. The idiom of day to day bitter reality is explored in the works of Halida Boughriet, Rania Matar, Lara Tabet and Reem Al Faisal.
One of the highlights is a project titled “Correspondences” curated by Catherine David. It consists of the correspondence between two eminent figures of the Arab contemporary culture: the celebrated Saudi writer Abdel Rahman Munif, author of “ City of Salt”, and painter Marwan Kassab Bachi. An impressive gallery from Madrid, Sabrina Amrani gallery showcases a juxtaposition of eclectic works by Waqas Khan, Amina Benbouchta, Zoulikha
Bouabdellah, and Nicene Kossentini. The Frenc -Algerian artist Zoulikha’s works toy with cultural duality and imbalances, as well as cultural fusion and the ability to transcend borders. Pakistani artist Waqas Khan’s works in ink on paper are truly unique. Waqas’ works are not mere drawings but are like storylines built up from ideas and concepts obtained from the Muslim, Hindu and Sufi traditions. Not to be missed are the works showcased by Art Chowk Gallery (Dubai/Pakistan). Standing tall among these artists is Simeen Farhat. According to the gallery notes, Farhat’s installations take their origins from the calligraphic legacy of South Asia and the Middle East. Another artist to watch out is Asif Ahmed, a miniaturist, who subtly balances the graceful precision of miniature painting with exploration of scale, composition and subject that is rooted in the present. Some other spectacular works featured are of Rania Matar, Charles Khoury, Lateefa bint Maktoum, Reda Abdel Rahman and Rashid Al Khalif. The fair also offers a line-up of art fair talks and other events to run alongside the exhibition and is surely on its way to becoming a staple on the international art scene. The fair promises to be a voyage into the realm of vivacious art. BAF is definitely more than the sum of its parts. Don’t miss it! The Beirut Art fair runs from July 5 to July 8 at BIEL. For more information, please visit www.beirut-art-fair.com. Images courtesy: Beirut Art Fair/Galleries. 83
BR AD PITT 'Killing Them Softly' at Cannes By Bryan Alexander
Angelina Jolie did not make it to the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Brad Pitt's Killing Them Softly. But as far as Pitt was concerned, his family was very much in the picture. Just before Pitt entered the festival hall for the film, he snapped a shot of the scene -- hundreds of fans and photographers focused on him. An electronic postcard for the Jolie-Pitt clan. "I don't like being separated from my family. So you send photos back and forth," Pitt says. "That's the great thing about technology." So to complete the postcard to Jolie and their children - Maddox, 10, Pax, 8, Zahara, 7, Shiloh, 5, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 3 - you could say, "Wish You Were Here. Dad rocked it in Cannes." Killing Them Softly, which also stars Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini and Richard Jenkins, received a 10-minute standing ovation from the adoring French audience. That left director Andrew Dominik feeling a little awkward. "It's so weird," Dominik says as he settles down at a table with Pitt to discuss the movie. "You handle it so well. It is not easy to have people focus on you. I stand 84
there feeling like an idiot." "Oh, no," Pitt responds. "I still feel like an idiot." "But you hide it so well," Dominik says. The two have developed a relationship since working together on 2007's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. While Pitt was filming 2011's Moneyball, Dominik sent him the crime novel Cogan's Trade. Then he pressed the issue via his own technology. "I sent him a text saying: 'That book I sent you, I'm going to do it. Are you interested?' " Dominik says. "He wrote back, 'Yep.' It all took two text messages." Says Pitt, "He just came over (to Pitt's home), laid out the story and we were done." "And then we were doing our bit for the economy," Dominik says. In Killing Them Softly, set during the economic turmoil of 2008, Pitt's Mob enforcer is sent to clean up after a robbery of a Mob-protected poker game causes a loss of faith in the underworld micro-economy. His bloody bailout gets the Mob economy back on track, but the brutal cleanup means that Goodfellas bad boy
Liotta whimpers his way through a ferocious beating. "I don't know how many times I've seen that scene, but it's just unsettling for me," Pitt says. "Even (at the premiere), it was pretty tough. Ray is used to giving the beating (in movies). That's what we'd expect from him." Even with solid reviews at the festival for the Mob flick, Pitt's personal life often overshadowed the movie. Questions about his upcoming wedding to Jolie -- the two became engaged in April -- made some of the biggest headlines of the week. Pitt handles the questions with grace, even if he doesn't enjoy them. But the attention can be good for a movie, especially an independent film like Killing Them Softly. "It's good and bad," Pitt says. "You work around it." For the record, Pitt said at a news conference that the couple have "actually, really, truly" not set a date for the wedding, despite rumors of a date in August. But when they do start planning, you can bet that the kids will be back in the picture. "Yes, we'd like to make them a part of it, a big part of it. Beyond that, I don't know."
CARLUCCIO'S
BE A SOCIAL MEDIA MAGNATE You don't have to be a star to shine on twitter By Walter Pacheco
It's no wonder the Orlando Magic's all-star center Dwight Howard pulls in more than 3 million people to his Twitter account, but other people with less celebrity cachet are busy growing armies of Twitter followers. An Orlando, Fla., Twitter user known as "@PrincessAlexx _" isn't a TV or radio personality, but her snarky comments about life in fewer than 140 characters _ the maximum allowed by Twitter _ has helped her capture nearly 75,000 followers. "I never wonder what my ex is doing because I'm secure in myself as an individual and there's not much he can do locked up in my basement," read a tweet she posted June 1. "@PrincessAlexx _," who doesn't use her real name on Twitter, did not respond to interview requests. Twitaholic, a website that tracks Twitter use, shows "@PrincessAlexx _" is the 10th-most-followed Twitter account in Orlando. Others who have amassed big Twitter followings say it takes dedication and a unique voice to lure, nurture and maintain followers. 86
"No matter what, being authentic is the No. 1 thing that draws followers," said Jemele Hill (@jemelehill), an ESPN columnist who lives in Orlando. Her Twitter account has more than 114,000 followers. Hill admits that having the backing of a major network such as ESPN or any media agency helps reach a wider audience, but attracting followers to your Twitter feed "is not easy by any stretch," she said. "I tweet regularly and try to respond to followers who ask me questions. I feel that you keep them engaged and in a conversation," said Hill, who has sent more than 40,000 tweets since joining the social network in 2009. "But it can be overwhelming when you have thousands of followers." Sometimes a small audience is all you need. "I'm sure that when Dwight Howard reached his first million followers, he was thrilled," Hill said. "I know I was really excited when I reached 10,000 followers. But 200 followers is pretty good for someone who doesn't have a platform like TV or media. That means you've managed to engage people at some level with who you are, and that's great.
MAX (MAP)
big boys toys
THREE MAN CHESS And you thought regular chess was hard. Three Man Chess ($TBA) switches the ancient game from a square board to a round one, making room for a third set of pieces — gray, in this case — and opening up a whole new world of possible moves, strategies, and ways to get beaten when you least expect it.
www.amazon.com
THE CRIB Whether you're looking for a backyard office, weekend cabin, or just want to reduce your ecological footprint, The Crib ($TBA) is a good choice. Designed for both flexibility and eco-friendliness, it is fabricated off-site and assembled where ever you desire. The three available models range from 315 sq. ft. of total area in the Basic model up to 650 sq. ft. in the Extended model, and can be outfitted with a hidden kitchen, a bathroom on the lower level, a 140 sq. ft. deck accessible via a glass and metal garage door, and a loft with either 60 sq. ft. or 120 sq. ft. of space.
www.thecrib.info
RUBICON ATOMIC PREAMP We're not going to pretend to understand what a Rubidium atomic clock — 100,000 times more stable than a traditional crystal oscillator! — has to do with sound quality, but we do know that the Rubicon Atomic Preamp ($TBA) is the first DAC to ship with one. Other features include Antelope's 64-bit Accoustically Focused Clocking technology, 384 kHz USB streaming, DLNA support, dual stage headphone amps, and dual S/PDIF de-jittered outputs.
http://antelopeaudio.com
ADASTRA YACHT Built to haul Hong Kong businessman Anto Marden and his lucky guests to and from his Indonesian islands, the Adastra Yacht ($15 million) combines luxury accommodations with the speed, fuel economy, and seafaring capabilities of a stripped down cruiser. Features of the nearly all-custom boat include a superstructure crafted from carbon fiber with a Nomex honeycomb core, a glass and kevlar foam sandwich hull, incredible on-deck lounging areas, a full-width master bedroom with full bath, two guest cabins, a massive Caterpillar C18 main engine cranking out 1150 hp, a top speed of 22.5 knots, and a range of 4,000 miles.
www.john-shuttleworth.com
PAL-V ONE Is it a car? A helicopter? A plane? Actually, the Pal-V One ($TBA) combines elements of all three. This threewheeled gyroplane drives like a sports car on the ground — with an 8-second 0-60 time and 112 mph top speed to prove it — but in just minutes, the single rotor, propeller, and rear wings extend, enabling the vehicle to take off and land in very tight spaces, while travelling up to 4,000 feet under the power of the flight-tested gasoline engine, and flying up to 300 miles away. Hitting the friendly skies near you in 2014.
http://pal-v.com 88
GULFNET
SNEAK ER PEOPLE Destination Marina Mall By bazaar staff
You can tell a lot about people by the shoes they wear. So what better way to get out and meet people here in Kuwait than by camping out in a sneaker store? The newly opened Foot Locker at Marina Mall seemed like the perfect place to do this. We asked people where they were going, what they were planning and how many pairs of sneakers they owned. Then we got more personal with five more questions: 1. Why Foot Locker 2. Favorite brand of sneakers? 3. First pair of sneakers? 4. What are you listening to? 5. What’s the current trend? Marina Mall reflects the diversity of cultures here in Kuwait and it seems that they all have one thing in common. They love sneakers.
Abdulla Al Dajani Age/Occupation: 17- student Hobbies: arts, graphic design, photography and composing music. Pairs of sneakers: 3 Thursday Night Destination: where the music is. Summer plans: traveling to Jordan, applying to college. 1.It has the best variety of modern American street life style. 2.Converse- Pumped Up All Star. 3.Merell 4.Dubstep, Electro Club and New age symphonies 5.Architecture and graphic design.
Ahmed Khalid Age/Occupation: 20- Military personnel Hobbies: Wrestling, boxing, and MMA. Pairs of sneakers: 4 Thursday night destination: (Gizzing ) Salmiya. Summer plans: Traveling abroad. 1.Their brands are known world-wide and the products are quality. 2.LACOSTE 3.Timberland 4.Rap and R&B 5.Tanning and beach parties.
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Mohamed Age/Occupation: 16- student Hobbies: basketball and other sports Pairs of sneakers: 6 Thursday night destination: Marina Mall Summer plans: going to sea. 1.Good selection of basketball shoes. 2.Air Jordans 3.Classic Adidas trainers 4.Khaleeji music 5.Tanning and beach parties.
Ahmed Saad Al Din Age/Occupation: 30- Manager Hobbies: football Pairs of sneakers: 2 Thursday night destination: relaxing Summer plans: no plans- go with the flow 1.Because it has the best selection of sneakers 2.Pumas 3.Pumas 4.Arabic music 5.Real Madrid
Ali Al Lingawi Age/Occupation: 24 - student Hobbies: basketball, photography Pairs of sneakers: around 10 Thursday night destination: party Summer plans: going to the beach and out to sea. 1.Good Style, works with everything. 2.Air Jordans 3.Puma 4.Bob Marley 5.Funny haircuts
AbdulMohsen Age/Occupation: 22 - university student Hobbies: target shooting Pairs of sneakers: 20 maybe Thursday night destination: the chalet Summer plans: summer school and going to sea. 1.Good selection of stylish sports shoes. 2.LACOSTE 3.NY shoes 4.R&B 5.Tanning and beach parties
Jolan Age/Occupation: 30 Hobbies: basketball Pairs of sneakers: 3 Thursday night destination: the basketball playgrounds Summer plans: Join Hoops league and go to the beach 1.Good collection of kicks 2.LACOSTE classics as well as Nike. 3.Kobe’s shoes 4.Hill songs 5.NBA Playoffs - GO OKC!
Ghanim Sager Age/Occupation: 21- student Hobbies: dancing Pairs of sneakers: 5 Thursday night destination: Hip Hop class Summer plans: summer course and dancing practice. 1.Has good Hip Hop shoes 2.Nike Air 3.Nike 4.Tynisha Keli 5.Dancing and choreography.
Leo Dimitui Age/Occupation: 31 Hobbies: playing basketball and billiards Pairs of sneakers: 4 Thursday night destination: undecided. Summer plans: try to enjoy the outdoors. 1.Because of the selection of nice shoes 2.LACOSTE 3.LACOSTE 4.The radio: NBA playoffs news 5.The NBA playoffs
Mohammed (Doss) Age/Occupation: 22- student Hobbies: Hip Hop dancing and instruction pairs of sneakers: 4 Thursday night Destination: Hip Hop dance class Summer plans: target shooting a dance video 1.because they got amazing styles of shoes 2.Nike Air 3.Air Jordan 4.Wiz Khalifa and Drake 5.People are crazy about Dubstep these days.
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قدِّر نف�سك بقلمAmal S :
نسيت قلمي لفترة رحلت فيها مع الحياة ،شغلتني أمور كثيرة و لكن الحنين أعادني إلى األوراق ،فأنا أعشق الحروف وأتمنى أن أقطن داخل الكتب وصفحاتها،الأدري ماذا سأكتب اآلن؟ علمتني الحياة الكثير،تعلمت أن أفرح،تعلمت أن أبتسم ،تعلمت أن أستمتع بكل األشياء و أبسط األمور ،تعلمت أن أستمتع برشفات كوب الشاي الصباحي و بكل مشهد تقع عيناي عليه و أنا أستقل السيارة صباحا للذهاب لعملي حتى و ان كانت زهرة يانعة زاهية اللون على طرف الطريق. تعلمت أن أتنفس نسمات الهواء من قلبي،تعلمت كيف أحب الدنيا بكل ما فيها،تعلمت أن الحياة لحظات فلما الأملؤها بالسعادة؟جميلة هي الحياة حين نملؤها بالحب و نجملها بالصبر،كل منا سيقابل تحديات و لكن الفيصل هو أنت ....هل تعلمت؟ حينئذ سترى الصعوبات ذللت و سترى نفسك أكثر حكمة و نضجا و هدوء. أحيانا كثيرة أشعر باليأس يراودني و تتشابك خيوط القلق من حولي و لكني سرعان ما أحدث نفسي قائال :إن العمر لحظات ،نجمعها و نجمعها فإذ بها ترسم قدرنا،فلم تضيع أيامي في قلق أو كرب أو حزن؟لما ال أبتسم للحياة و أعانق لحظاتها بكل أمل. قررت أن أقوم بما أحب فأنا أسافر في بحر من المتعة حين أكتب؟أشعر بنبضات قلبي تتسارع و كأنني رأيت من أحب بعد طول غياب،أشتقت فعال للقلم ،إشتقت للكلمات ،أشتقت للتعابير. أحببت الحياة فأحبتني و لم أجد سبيال لحل لغزها سوى بالحب،تعلمت أن الحب هو
المعجزة هو ا لقوة هو الطريق،أحبوا اهلل،أحبوا أنفسكم،وأحبوا الناس. تفقد حياتنا معناها حين يجرنا الواقع في تياره فنكاد ال نعي من اللحظات التي نعيشها شيئا ننام ،نصحو ،نعمل و نمرح و لكن دون تمتع ،أن زلت قدمك في هذه الدوامة أستفق و انهض و حاول الخروج فورا ،تمتع بكل لحظة في حياتك ال تدع الواقع يجهض أحالمك،إستمتع بما أنعم اهلل عليك إستشعرعطايا الخالق الوفيرة التي قدمها لك وأشكر اهلل،وأبتسم ،قدر نعمة اإلبصار،نعمة السمع،نعمة العقل و يالها من نعمة جزيلة أنه العقل ،أعمله في الخير،أستثمره فيما تحب فكل منا ميزه اهلل بموهبة أكتشف موهبتك أصقلها بالعلم و المعرفة ال تستكسين ال تستسلم فلم نسمع عن عالم مشهور أو باحث أو مخترع إال وترافقت رحلته في طلب العلم بالكفاح،المثابرة،والعزيمة. جلست مع نفسي و حاورتها هل ستعيشين حياتك كما ترسم الظروف؟ فأجابت:ال أنا سأرسم الطريق. هل ستعملين لجني المال و العيش الكريم فقط؟ ال سأعمل ألبدع و أستمتع وأسعد وأسعد الناس و أضيف للعالم و أجني المال و العيش الكريم. ال تكن ضعيفا فالمؤمن القوي خير و أحب إلى اهلل من المؤمن الضعيف،تسلح بالعلم،تزود بالمعرفة،إبدأ بنفسك وأترك عنك صغائر األمور و اإلنشغال بما ال يفيد،أحب نفسك و قدرها خير تقدير فأنت مميز و تستحق،وإن لم تقدر ذاتك فال تنتظر التقدير من أحد. 92
ELCHE
NBK CELEBRATES SIX DECADES OF SERVING KUWAIT By bazaar staff
In celebrating its 60th anniversary, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) organized a memorable ceremony under the patronage and presence of H.H the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, H.H the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Speaker of the National Assembly Ahmad Al Saadoun, H.H the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Ahmad Al Sabah, along with NBK senior officials and NBK board members and executives. NBK Vice Chairman Nasser Al Sayer, delivered a genuine speech on behalf of NBK Chairman Mohammad Al Bahar, expressing his deep appreciation for His Highness’s contribution in commemorating this important milestone for the bank that continues to serve our nation in providing the highest caliber of banking services for its loyal customers. 94
Sixty years of services express a remarkable milestone; paving the way for the banking industry in Kuwait as the first national bank and Shareholding Company in Kuwait and the GCC, NBK dedicates its continuous success to Kuwait. Paying a tribute to its home, Kuwait will always be where NBK belongs, evolving from a small bank that occupies the area of three shops to one of the largest and most profitable banks in the region. During the elegant ceremony, NBK conducted a showing of a documentary film that highlighted NBK’s history and contributions in the development of the national economy. During the ceremony, NBK honored Bader Khaled Al Bader, Mohammad Saleh Behbehani, Meshari Mohammad Al Jassim, Nasser Mohammad Al Sayer and Suleiman Abdullah Al Eiban, and Abdel latif Ali Shehab, as its first customers for their continuous support and commitment to
NBK since its establishment. Today, NBK continues to set the standard and maintains its leadership in the local and regional markets. In 2012, NBK is the highest rated and best bank in the Middle East and one of the World’s Safest Banks. NBK truly believes that all of its profound accomplishments could not be achieved without the support and dedication of its valuable customers and employees. NBK has a long tradition in supporting social and community-oriented activities in the country. Today, NBK maintains its leading position as one of the country's largest employers in the private sector. For more about NBK, log on to www.nbk.com, find them on facebook by visiting, www.facebook.com/NBK.fans. For twitter and Instagram, please follow @nbkpage.
ALMUBARAKIYAH DENTAL
IS IT JUST ME OR… Does Kuwait look like a ghost town? By Sumayyah Meehan
“If isolation tempers the strong, it is the stumbling block of the uncertain.”
It happens every year. The mass exodus of citizens to far off exotic locales and the migration of homesick expatriates yearning to see loved ones back home. Those left behind relish in the somewhat empty country. There is less traffic, more parking spaces and you’re almost always guaranteed a table at your favorite restaurant. However, this year, things are a bit different. Kuwait is just a little too quiet. The always-bustling streets and busy markets are barer than summers past. The grocery stores barely have any customers. And the amusement parks are devoid of guests laughing their heads off atop mind-jarring rides. It feels as if Kuwait has turned into a veritable ghost town, more so than ever. Granted, you won’t find any tumbleweed rolling down the street and there is not a cowboy any where near spittin’ distance. Normally, I enjoy the peace and tranquility of Kuwait in full summer mode. But this year, the atmosphere is eerily creepy and I feel isolated to say the least. Not only that, but I feel anxious most of the time and on the brink of panic for no apparent reason. I have found myself, much to my chagrin, yearning for a good old-fashioned heart pumping and horn thumping traffic jam. I even miss that evil stare, you know the one, I often get when I snag a parking space before someone else. Even a trip 96
~Paul Cezanne
to my favorite beauty boutique recently left me feeling lonely. There were no other customers nearby to compare scents with, except for the overweight gentleman who was sniffing bottle after bottle in an attempt to find the perfect gift for his betrothed. After another day of solitude, this time taking a walk on a local beach that was scarily bare, it hit me. I’m suffering from a somewhat convoluted form of separation anxiety. Traditionally, separation anxiety is defined as, “Anxiety provoked in a young child by separation or the threat of separation from their mother.” For me, I’m not actually lovesick for the absent members of Kuwait’s booming metropolis like I first thought. Quite the contrary, instead I am missing the stressful situations that occur as a result of living in the aforementioned metropolis, like the traffic jams and having to shops in malls with crowds that are shoulder to shoulder. I’m used to having to struggle to do certain activities in Kuwait. Take away the struggle, and the battle is simply not worth fighting. So, alas, I am destined to spend the remaining days of summer yearning for bumper to bumper traffic and crowds as thick as dark molasses poured straight up. And by the time things get back to normal around here, I am sure I will lament the peaceful days of summer.
KERA STRAIGHT
bazaar travels
SIX DAYS ON A RESPLENDENT ISLAND By Shabana H. Shaikh
“The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe; it contains as many variations of Culture, Scenery and Climate as some countries, a dozen times its size.” ~ Arthur C. Clarke - Author, inventor and futurist (1917-2008)
Back in college, my friend Seema and I would daydream of one day making lots of money so that we could travel to far off places. Money, we made. Travel, we did. But it would take us 12 years to finally realize this dream together, having been caught up in different countries making 'lots of money' that makes you forget why you were making it in the first place. And so, Sri Lanka happened this March, where we were to re-discover an old friendship and a prehistoric country. Throughout history, this island country was known by many names. In India, it was known as Lanka, ancient Greeks called it Taprobane, while the Arabs referred to it as Serendib. In the last millennium, it was called Ceylon before being renamed in 1972 into the modern day Sri Lanka, which means "resplendent island" in Sanskrit, and truly so. One of the first written references to the island is found in the Indian epic Ramayana. According to the Hindu mythology, a land bridge once existed between India and Sri Lanka, and was reportedly passable on foot up to 1480 AD, that is until cyclones deepened the channel. It is Sri Lanka’s sleepy riverside village of Kitulgala, which owes its popularity to the Kelani River – where David Lean’s Oscar-winning 1957 classic The Bridge over the River Kwai was filmed. Unlike many other islands, Sri Lanka is not just sand 98
and sea. As a tourist you have the opportunity to gaze on palm-fringed beaches and a lapping Indian Ocean, tropical grasslands and soaring mountain peaks – all within a few hours of travel! Ruins of ancient kingdoms across the mainland give insight into a sophisticated ancient society and 2,500 years of heritage. We were aware of Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, but eventually discovered that it apparently has no marked seasons. It is bizarre to inform readers that we landed in the country without any prior tour or hotel bookings. It was all part of our daringness to feel like adventurers! We were, however, armed with good research. Day-1: Vicki and Kumari, the Elephant We found an excellent value-for-money tour service before exiting Colombo airport, which I would happily recommend. As we stepped out into the humid air, Vicki, our Sinhalese driver-cum-tour guide, greeted us with 'the look', the same one that we assessed him with. But Vicki would ultimately prove to be an indispensible asset. To my particular delight, Vicki not only spoke English, but also Hindi and Arabic! Our very first stop was at an Elephant Safari en route to Giritale, towards the Cultural Triangle in Central mainland. Kumari, the baby elephant, became our maiden elephant ride. I watched with a combination of trepidation and awe as my friend, being the more daring
of the two, rode astride Kumari and fed her two dozen bananas during our 30 minute ride, while I sat clinging to the railings on Kumari's back. Day-2: Ancient Splendor of Polonnaruwa Whether you appreciate history or not, Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle – home to five of the country's seven UNESCO sites – will undoubtedly impress you. We opted to visit Polonnaruwa, which was the second capital of Medieval Sri Lanka for 200 years. It's a lot younger than Anuradhapura, but contains better preserved relics. The city at its prime possessed a marvelous collection of palaces, temples and statuary - much of which still stands today. It takes nearly a full day and stamina under-the-sun to see this 11th century archeological site, the highlight being the Buddha statues carved from the cliff face at Galvehera. Also known as the "Cave of the Spirits of Knowledge" the three statues of Buddha, one standing, one meditating and one reclining, are amazing examples of the ancient art of stone-carving. It is important to warn you that no photos should be taken with your back directed at any statues of Buddha throughout the country. (If you unwittingly happen to do so, be prepared to be chided by the locals, who take it as a serious offence). The outer walls of the main hall of the Royal Palace
of King Parakramabahu I still remain standing, but the ruined Lankathilaka, a massive image house containing a headless figure of Buddha, is more impressive. I could not help wondering how the invading Indian warriors reached high enough to behead the imposing statue. Climbing Sigiriya, the Lion's Rock Inarguably, our most arduous experience was climbing the 500ft rock fortress ‘Sigiriya’. Also known as the Lion's Rock, Sigiriya is popularly considered the "eighth wonder of the world" – and frankly, it isn't undeserved. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century, the fortress sits atop a single rock, which rises 500ft sheer from a vast expanse of surrounding rainforest. You approach the rock along a thoroughfare that was once lined with pools and fountains, and a huge pleasure garden. But what started as an adventure became the weight of the world. We huffed and puffed and sat several times on our way up the ancient stone steps gravely hoping that the hyped view from the top would be worth it. Halfway through, we nearly gave up and almost turned to descend before my friend pulled my hand and dragged me the rest of the way up. (Later, we could only be glad we persevered otherwise, we would have lived to regret it). From here an ancient staircase proceeds between two gigantic brick lion paws, once part of a sculpture consisting of a lion's head and shoulders, with the
gaping jaw forming the entrance to the stairs. A section of the original staircase that once wound its way across the cliff face still remains. It is completely enclosed by a wall known as the 'Mirror Wall', which is still adorned with ancient graffiti. You can climb an additional spiral staircase to access a tiny cave, filled with frescoes of semi-naked women, most of which were destroyed by Buddhist monks of latter years for being distractive. A final vertiginous climb brings you to the summit, where the foundations of the nine-storey palace can still be seen. The king's stone throne and the swimming pool remain intact. When you stand here, you cease to wonder why the infamous king chose Sirigiya for his palace site. Apart from being a natural fortress, the breathtaking view of the lush country sprawling below would give anyone a ‘kingly’ sort of feeling. Dambulla Cave Temple After our tiring, but rewarding tryst with Sigiriya, we literally fell asleep in our car, as we headed out towards our next destination. When Vicki stopped at Dambulla, our sleep-clogged minds could barely register the significance of the place. The caves at Dambulla date back to 1301 and are considered the finest preserved. According to the legend, they were all constructed by the exiled King Valagam Bahu, who built them for the 14 years he was exiled here, as a penitential calendar. A large 14m
long expiring Buddha dominates one side of the main chamber. As you leave, the giant Buddha statue that sits at the base of the hill above the visitor's centre is notable as being the only Buddha in the world in the "argumentative" pose – in fact, as I gazed up at it, I could eerily sense his pensive mood (or maybe I'm just over-imaginative!). Day-3: Sightseeing and Curio, Gem shopping in Kandy Kandy was the last home of the Sri Lankan kings and to date bears testament to its status as a royal city. It is oriented around a massive central lake, built by its last ruler Sri Wickrama Rajasinha (I can't help adding historical facts and names) and lies about 480m above sea level, on a plain amidst towering hills and looped by Mahaweli, the country’s largest river. Blessed with a temperate climate, scenic location and rich history, Kandy is any travelers' favorite. During August, Kandy – also an UNESCO site - dazzles with the sounds and lights of the Perehara – a magnificent procession where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets of Kandy. We started our first morning in Kandy by driving uphill to catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper lake Drive before setting out to do some shopping. I must warn you that in Kandy you could get carried away by shopping gems and jewelry, handicrafts, batiks, silks continued on next page...
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etc. as our credit cards were to later reveal to our dismay! Next, we headed out to the impressive Royal Botanical Gardens, which date back to 1371. Apparently, it was impossible to cover the entire property, even as we marveled at the magnificent array of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees – all of peculiar shapes, towering heights and very difficult herbal names. A separate Orchid Nursery on the premises is not to be missed. Totally famished by now, we coaxed Vicki to take us for an early dinner of Sri Lankan fish curry, which interestingly is served with plenty of plain rice, and two assortments of pickled vegetables. As we finished our delectable dinner, it began to rain – cats, dogs and leaping frogs! But Vicki had umbrellas in his car. We drove frantically for our evening engagement, a Kandyan Cultural Dance performance that ended with a spectacular fire-walking finale. Our last stop, Kandy's famed Temple of the Tooth Relic contains Sri Lanka's most valuable Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha, secretly smuggled from his funeral pyre and carried to Anuradhapura. Visitors at the temple can also see the stuffed remains of Raja, an elephant that served the temple for 50 years. Be sure to dress appropriately before visiting the temples, as too short skirts, strapless tops, and even short pants on men will get you turned away by the security guards. Surprisingly, all this was a day's worth of exploration! Day-3 & 4: Nuwara Elliya, a throw-back in time The drive from Kandy to Nuwara Elliya was awfully nauseating, as we headed to the home of the country's most famous export, tea. Starting from Kandy the tea plantations carpet the slopes of the mountains, rising all the way up to the highest points on the island, well over 2,000m in height. On our way, we stopped for a visit of a Tea factory, 100 continued from previous page
sat down at the café to enjoy freshly brewed Ceylon Tea and had a buffet lunch while watching the mist roll over the surrounding hills completely obscuring them from sight. Here we experienced a winter-like climate in the height of summer! After a much-needed repose (you can't help feeling soothed in Nuwara Elliya), we started the next morning with a boat ride around Lake Gregory followed by a visit to Seetha Amman Temple, which is supposedly built at the spot where Ravana held Sita captive, as related in Hindus' epic Ramayana. The small temple has a collection of statues, including three crude statues carved from black stone, which I was told are 5000 years old and were excavated from where the temple stands today. Nuwara Elliya is a throw-back in time, often referred to as "Little England", because of its European-like climate, and many British chose to build their homes here in yesteryears. The town contains many remnants of the bygone colonial era – quaint little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows, a red-brick post office, and even a golf course. Our hotel Ceybank itself is a 200 years old white-washed colonial home, which was once the residence of the governors of Nuwara Elliya. Day-5: Passing through Colombo and Buhari Briyani I must confess that Colombo was not a preferred stop on my itinerary. Quiet understandably, it is like any other city made up of historical and modern buildings and infested with traffic. The half-a-day that we spent driving through Colombo, almost succeeded in dampening our moods, but thanks to Vicki's relentless efforts, we managed to visit the Gangarama Temple, which also houses a museum of antiquities, and had the pleasure of eating delicious south-Indian styled Buhari briyani at the popular De Buhari restaurant, which only a native can point out to you.
Day-6: Sunrise at Negambo A visit to Sri Lanka is incomplete without at least a day spent in one of its Coastal towns. This fact was strongly emphasized by Vicki and although he recommended Hikkaduwwa, we opted to spend our last night in the North-West coastal town of Negambo. Situated 17kms from Colombo and just 6kms from Bandaranaike International Airport, Negambo is an ideal closure if you have only few days to experience the island’s diversity. Its long sandy beaches and proximity to the airport has made Negambo one of the most popular beach resorts on the island. I personally recommend it for unwinding after a hectic tour like ours. We spent a memorable time here watching the sunrise, and walking along the beach until it became too warm to idle around. It is quiet impossible to forget a travel experience that has all the ingredients of an ideal escape – good company, remarkably preserved history, a rich culture, incomparable scenery and a native guide, who went out of his way on several occasions, simply because he wanted us to make the best of our time and money. For me, Sri Lanka also has the special distinction of being the country where two friends discover that old friendships never cease to be. (Special thanks to Vicki) The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is between the main rainy seasons. November to April is the driest season on the south-west coast and up in the hills. May to September is the best time to visit east coast, as it is dry during this period. Hence, Sri Lanka is round-theyear destination-there is always a good time to visit at least some part of the country. Photography courtesy of Shabana Shaikh |Seema Lachwani |Vicki.
BAROUI
A STATEMENT PIECE Blast your look past dullsville! By Ellen Warren
It's people-watching season. Now that we're no longer swaddled in sweaters, jackets, coats and such, it's easy to spot the fashion items that make a big impression. I've got one word for you: necklaces. With an exclamation point! Make that two!! So many of us are on a shopping budget (I know I am) and looking for that Wonderful-One-Thing that will make any outfit look special. After spending the last few weeks watching women stroll around town, the single item that makes me think, "Wow, does she look great," is a statement necklace. Susan Swimmer, the fashion features editor at More magazine, found a neon-bright one at Ann Taylor for less than $100 that she wears all the time. Then she sent me the link to the Kate Spade necklace shown here so I could ooh and aah. I did more than that. I headed to Nordstrom to try it on. It was love. Unrequited love. Because $348 is way, way more than I'd ever spend on a piece of costume jewelry. And you don't have to. Kathryn Finney, a bargain shopper if I've ever met one (she's founder of budgetfashionista.com), fancies giant necklaces that grab you by the throat. One of her favorite resources is Etsy (etsy.com) and it's one of my faves too. You can spend hours on that site searching through the (literally) tens of thousands of options under "statement necklace" and, especially, "statement necklace bib." Trust me, it's dangerous. And many, too many, of the fantastic options are less than $50. (Beware that many are one of a kind, so if you want it, act quickly.) I'm crazy about the "bubble statement necklace" in turquoise from Ily Couture on Etsy for $49. But the "green bead statement necklace Mexican style" from JustineJustine on Etsy for $50 is pretty primo too. 102
Either of these (and zillions more) would make the most boring black T-shirt or white cotton sundress look utterly fantastic. And, in case you're thinking that the colors don't go with anything you own, think again. When it comes to these jewelry choices, anything goes. Really, you can't clash. But if you're still locked in a matchy-matchy kind of world (get out of it) and are looking for a specific color, go to Charming Charlie (charmingcharlie.com), one of my favorite sources for frugal jewelry. It's so inexpensive that you can wear it for just a season or two and then feel fine about donating it. The Charming Charlie stores are organized by color and are overwhelmingly inviting, or just overwhelming. Type in a color on the site and you'll turn up hundreds of options in the shade of your choice. And the prices? You'll need CPR. The "oceana statement necklace" in blue and green (a worthy low-cost substitute for the Kate Spade) is a mere $14.97. Yum. And the "royal jewels collar necklace" ($24.97) is a raspberry stunner. Or how about that purple "layered chain and bead necklace," a real grabber at $14.97? I know many women in their 30s-and-beyond think that the chic-forcheap Forever21 is too youthful for them. Ladies, think again. The jewelry and accessories there are a steal and work for all ages. If you want to play How Low Can You Go, a look at the necklaces at forever21.com is a must. Check out the "sparkling collar necklace" in brown/gold, a knockout at a knockout price: $9.80. Another option is the "colorful flower necklace" in pink/coral or cream/black for $12.80. At those prices, no need to pick just one. Have I got your attention? Now go shopping for a die-for necklace and capture the attention of nosy passers-by who will ask you where they can get one just like it.
PREMIUM CHOICE
CROWD TILT The power of the people By Matt McNab
Looking for a way to pool money for a group purchase without having to make the rounds and collect lots of cash? The online crowd-sourcing program Crowdtilt (www.crowdtilt.com) uses social media to build a crowd-sourcing campaign to fund big group purchases. Crowdtilt works as a personalized Kickstarter, another crowd-sourcing website used to fund individuals' creative projects. Crowdtilt functions through social networks, using Facebook and Twitter to drum up support for whatever the person is trying to fund; signing up for a Crowdtilt account requires the user to link the account with his or her Facebook profile. The site is meant to fund more personal things - weddings, gifts, vacations and tailgates number 104
the campaigns - as opposed to funding artistic and entrepreneurial projects like Kickstarter does. To reach the desired goal, the funding campaigns have seven days to garner enough pledges to reach the target amount. When the target amount is reached, the campaign "tilts" and the user collects the pledged money. Crowdtilt takes a 2.5 percent fee from the campaign's owner and each contributor pays an additional 2.5 percent credit card processing fee, but only if the campaign tilts and reaches or exceeds its target amount. The funds are sent through one of three methods: check, direct deposit or PayPal deposit. James Beshara and Khaled Hussein, who both had previous experience in either funding projects or startup companies, co-founded the company. Beshara,
a Wake Forest graduate, created a funding project while in college called the Dvelo Fund, which helped send students unable to pay for a trip abroad to thirdworld countries to study development issues. Hussein, an Egyptian and Virginia Tech graduate, worked for Rackspace Hosting after the company purchased a startup he helped manage. Crowdtilt was previously based in Austin, Texas and had its initial release there. After securing an investment from Y Combinator, a startup investment firm that has funded more than 450 startup companies, Beshara and Hussein have since moved their operation to San Francisco and opened their site to a national audience. For more information visit www.crowdtilt.com.
ALACANT
two cents
Loaay’s Two Cents Got business problems or challenges at work? With his Two Cents column, Loaay Ahmed shares his expertise in strategic management consulting to help managers, employees and entrepreneurs thrive.
Q
One of our sales executives is old school. He doesn't know how to turn a computer on or what an email is. Although he has the highest sales record among the team, he doesn't fit in with the brand culture. Wouldn't such a personality be odd and confusing to customers and to the rest of the team?
to music. Again, nobody thought less of Apple for being inspired by others. The keyword here is 'inspiration' not copying. Use the existing business you found as a source open to interpretation and modify it to suit your market. Knowing that your favorite automotive brand was in some manner inspired by Ford didn't affect how much you love it because it's not a copy of Ford...and that's just my two cents.
LA: If three of the best organic free-range chickens were served to you on one big plate, shouldn't that be a great gourmet meal? Well, stop drooling; the answer is no. When other ingredients like vegetables, rice and some gravy are missing a whole chicken farm won't make a remarkable dish. It’s when all the different ingredients come together that customers get hooked. If all team members had the same personality and attitude, there would be no internal competition and no alternative perspectives, which means the company would not reach its full potential. What matters is how you and your colleagues coexist internally and externally. Has he been ignoring the weekly meetings? Does he feel that product training is needless? Is he never present at the company’s open day activities? Does he give false or out of date information to prospects and customer? So what if he thinks that "Cut & Paste" is something one does in an art project! As long as he’s behaving within the characteristics of the brand then he fits in fine, and probably more so than any 'new school' employee who cheats or doesn't believe in the company. Besides, if this computer illiterate is closing the highest volume of sales, maybe the rest of the team is the wrong fit for him...and that's just my two cents.
Q
Q
I came across a business outside the country and felt the idea would work locally, but I prefer to start up the same concept on my own rather than becoming their representative or dealer. Is that copying? Would customers accept it?
LA: In the seventh decade of the 19th century Van Gogh, among many other artists in France, became crazed with Japanese culture and art. This influence is evident in his artwork. Nobody thought less of Van Gogh for being inspired by others. The art of Creative Thinking breaks down creativity to different levels. The wellknown 'original' type of creativity is the one that hits you in the shower or when the idea fairy whispers genius abstracts into your right hemisphere. Another type is called 'second hand creativity', which is an idea born from an existing similar or different one. Apple, for example, didn't invent MP3 music players; Sony started the whole concept with the Walkman. However, Apple simplified it and added the software that changed the way we purchase and listen
If you were not in a business of sensitive nature, would you hire a candidate with a record of a criminal misdemeanor?
LA: There's a fundamental reason why no human being can be hanged twice. The first sentence causes the defendant to die so the second sentence is defunct. The law gives one punishment per crime. Society, however, has the tendency to treat every person who committed a crime or a misdemeanor with a guilty-for-life attitude. How many times should a person pay for the same wrong act? That doesn't mean you should hire a thief as your next cashier; although it's possible but most likely no one would allow it. If the candidate had a record for armed robbery, for example, your Human Resources might not be thrilled to hire him as the warehouse chief security guard, even though someone could find it a good idea since he knows what to look for, but that might be too out there for most companies. You can take a completely different perspective on this subject. One can argue that people who went to prison for a short time understand and appreciate the value of being free and independent more than many others who take their freedom for granted and can relatively easily find new job offers. Therefore, the ex-convicts might be more committed to keep their job and more grateful for the opportunity. If your company doesn’t offer any person with a misdemeanor a job and neither did other companies, how do you expect these candidates to improve their lives without doing something worse or going to the Government for social support? As long as the candidate went to jail for something irrelevant to the job position, there’s no practical reason why they shouldn’t they be hired for any position they are suitable for. Don’t worry about customers’ reaction. Flip it to your advantage and make a PR campaign of it saying that you open the door to many ‘rejects’ to show the market what a great leader and how humane your company is. Be wise and merciful...and that's just my two cents.
For Loaay Ahmed's advice on business or work matters, send a short email to loaay@knightscapital.com. Please note that only the questions chosen for publishing will be answered.
Loaay Ahmed is a management consultant and strategic expert. To learn more about Loaay and his consulting service, strategic business therapy, visit www.knightscapital.com. 106
KAIZEN (landscape)
bazaar fiction
THE GRADUATE By Craig Loomis
Let’s get it out of the way and in the open at the very beginning: I have a college degree in psychology. The degree, the paper itself, is in my room, under the bed, tucked neatly in my suitcase. But there’s more: I wipe tabletops, clean ashtrays, mop floors, and sweep up everything the birds don’t eat; I stack all the dirty dishes and uneaten food on large wooden trays and carry everything back to the kitchen. I bend down to pick up the cigarette butts that they toss under the table. In the end, I rearrange the salt and peppershakers, refold the napkins and place the menus just right. You’d think that after all that I’d be angry, depressed, or even something like vengeful, or maybe all of them put together, especially after four years of college, but I am none of these things. And every two years when I fly home, a village clinging to a blue green hillside, one mountain 108
range from Manila—in the evening, the glow of the city leaking over the hilltops like a second sun-my mother, father and cousin, still not believing, say, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ or ‘What’s the point of all that learning if it all comes down to this?’ My father pounding his fist on the tabletop to show this is not a laughing matter, shouting, ‘Wasted schooling, wasted.’ I nod, sip my tea, and wait for them to finish. If it weren’t for the money that I send to them every month, they’d insist I not return, not ever. But I do go back, and even though my mother will cry all the way to the airport, my father keeps insisting, ‘There’s got to be another way,’ before the final hugs and handshakes, he’ll take me aside, and in his special fatherly way remind me, ‘Don’t forget to write.’ Of course, I know exactly what he means. See how Table 33 is extra dirty because a family of four with twin toddlers has left islands of bread and cookie crumbs in a neat round pool of chocolate
milk? Of course they know nothing of cleanliness, how could they at five or six years old? In fact, it is important they leave a mess, garbage under the table and chairs, white sails of napkins cartwheeling from one chair leg to the next, to the next…. Their mess is my job, my college degree at work. The couple at Table 29 is in love, too young to be married, their knees touching under the table, staring into one another’s eyes, talking small whispery talk. Their cellphones not once leaving their hands. Their table will be easy to clean, almost nothing at all: twisted napkins, soda straws bent double. Tables 17-26 are thick with smokers, even though we make sure to place tiny plastic signs on every table top that reads please don’t, with a drawing of a smoking cigarette X’d out in red. Of course, such tiny plastic signs mean nothing to them, and we never insist they stop, put out their
cigarettes, read the signs in front of them, Arabic on one side, English on the other. The management is very clear on this. Next to the plastic signs are ashtrays. The two girls at table 9 lift their niquabs to sip their orange juice. I don’t know the rule about things like this and so, just in case, look away until they are done. Now they think something is very funny, a muted laughter, and aim their cellphones at one another, clicking photos. I think about this for a while. What if they ask me to take a photo of the two of them? They say you can tell by their eyes if they are smiling. As a rule, the single men and women don’t care about eating; they specialize in drinking coffee, or tea or juice; they are here to get the best peoplewatching tables. Aiming their tables and chairs in the right direction is everything. And then there are the pigeons that stroll from table to table, the
little brown birds that think hopping is walking. Throw a crust of bread on the bricks, and like a kind of magic, a firestorm of birds will come out of an empty blue sky. Children think this great fun and throw bits of bread, sparking a riot of birds. Nannies squeal and cover their faces, fathers laugh. Pigeons have no problem maiming one another for these crumbs. Every Saturday afternoon about this time, the same fellow, clutching two or three cellphones in his hand, walks back and forth with his pet monkey clinging to his shoulder. He walks and talks like he doesn’t know the monkey is there, every now and again, half-turning, surprised to see such a hairy creature pulling at his ear. The monkey has patches of red bald spots along its back, behind its ears, at the tip of its tail. It bares its yellow teeth at anyone who reaches to touch it. A small parade of children always trail after the two of them, followed
by a flurry of purple and pink pajama-ed nannies hurrying to keep up. To get my attention, sometimes the older ones, the men, will raise their hands like they are in the classroom, and if I am not fast enough, they are quick to snap their fingers. ‘Light my cigarette, move my chair back, bring me more ice. . . no, less ice. . .. What time is it? Never mind.’ These are older men, somebody’s grandpa, with the whitest dishdashas, fingering their misbahas; they are content to live in another time, another place. Because it is too late for them to change, I light their cigarettes, scoot their chairs back three maybe four centimeters, bring them more, no, less ice… There is no victory in being angry with people like this. So yes, I am putting my a college degree in psychology to work, twelve hours a day, six days a week, one day off, for laundry and basketball; and, in the end, being sure to write home every payday. 109
HIGHWAY TO HELL Do higher speed limits cause more accidents? By Katy Waldman
The Texas Department of Transportation is debating whether to increase the speed limit along a 41-mile length of road between San Antonio and Austin to 85 miles per hour. If they agree to the boost, this stretch of State Highway 130 would host the highest speed limit in the country and the second highest in the world. Do higher speed limits cause more car accidents? No, but they do cause more severe ones. Accidents that occur at high speeds are more often fatal, since high-velocity objects collide with greater force. Overwhelmingly, studies show that freeway deaths increase with freeway speed limits, although it's hard to know how much of that upturn stems from the greater volume of overall traffic that's drawn in by looser speed regulations. What a raised speed limit probably won't do is inflate the number of collisions. It's often assumed that higher caps will make roadways more dangerous, because motorists will exceed whatever ceiling is in place. Likewise, people think lower speed limits will promote safety by tamping down velocity. In fact, studies show that 110
drivers rarely overshoot their speed comfort zones, even with legal encouragement - and that the perception of hazard on freeways with high speed limits can actually boost safety by heightening drivers' caution. Two recent cases helped refute the notion that relaxed speed limits lead to more accidents. After New York raised the cap on its highway traffic to 65 mph in 1995, the state's total crash rate dropped by 4 percent. And in 2000, the Automobile Club of Southern California determined that higher speed limits in that state did not increase the rate of statewide accidents over a period of five years. A study of Iowa's 1996 increase of the state speed limit from 55 to 65 mph concluded that this speed hike caused a jump in traffic accidents. In a lengthy literature review of traffic engineering studies, however, it stands alone in its conclusion that higher speed limits cause more crashes. The key to road safety is uniform traffic flow: Accidents occur when cars move at divergent rates. In the 1950s, pioneering traffic researcher David Solomon determined that cars are more likely to
crash when they are travelling above or below the median traffic speed, regardless of what that speed is. Highway authorities now typically set speed limits by establishing the "85th percentile speed" - that is, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, "a speed at or below which 85 percent of people drive at any given location under good weather and visibility conditions." Empirical data allows state highway authorities to account for the true-to-life road conditions, rather than imposing an artificial cap on traffic flow. Getting people to abide by new speed limits isn't easy. A 1996 study by the National Motorists Association suggests that drivers will adjust their velocities only slightly in response to new legal strictures. In a study of 22 states where speed limits were either raised or lowered by five, 10, 15, or 20 miles per hour, researchers found that cars' average velocities did change, but by less than two miles per hour. Rather than the tempo of travel, shifting road regulations altered the rate of compliance: Violations of the speed limit increased when limits were lowered, and decreased when limits went up.
TAAL
bazaar bites All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. - John Gunther
DOUBE TOMATO BRUSCHETTA INGREDIENTS • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon • 6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil • 3 cloves minced garlic • 1/4 cup olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 French baguette • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven on broiler setting. In a large bowl, combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown. Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozzarella cheese. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
GARLIC PRIME RIB
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fatty side up. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Spread the mixture over the fatty layer of the roast, and let the roast sit out until it is at room temperature, no longer than 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 260 degrees C. Bake the roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 165 degrees C, and continue roasting for an additional 60 to 75 minutes. The internal temperature of the roast should be at 53 degrees C for medium rare. Allow the roast to rest for 10 or 15 minutes before carving so the meat can retain its juices.
• • • • • •
1 (10 pound) prime rib roast 10 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2 teaspoons dried thyme
PEACH-A-BERRY PIE
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Place peaches and berries in a colander for about 15 minutes to drain any excess fluid, then transfer to a large bowl. Gently toss with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Transfer to a pie crust. Dot with butter, and top with remaining crust. Cut vents in top crust, and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until crust is golden brown.
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112
DIRECTIONS
4 cups fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced 1 cup fresh raspberries 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 (9 inch) pie crusts 2 tablespoons butter, softened and cut into pieces 1 tablespoon coarse granulated sugar
source: allrecipes.com
HOME CENTRE
عامل الورق اجلديد بقلم :عبدالعزيز الحشاش
هل نحن في عصر النشر االلكتروني ؟ هل انتهى عصر الورق و دخلنا في عصر النشر االلكتروني الحقيقي بشكل جدا وال يقبل للجدل ؟ قبل االجابة على االسئلة السابقة دعونا نعود معا إلى تاريخ النشر الورقي الذي عرفته البشرية ،تقول آن ماري كريستان“ :إن اإلرهاصات المبكرة للكلمة المكتوبة كانت في حوض نهر الدانوب الذي شهد قيام حضارة راقية خالل األلفية السادسة والرابعة قبل الميالد” ،وأرجعت تطور هذه الحضارة إلى مهارة أهلها في صنع الفخار والصلصال الذي كان الخامة المفضلة لصنع اإلشكال والتماثيل والتصاوير الزخرفية ،وتطور فن النقش لتصبح مجموعة من اإلشارات والرموز ،وتلك كانت البدايات األولى التي أتاحت للعين أن تتدرب على قراءة هذه الرموز .ثم حدث تطور في حضارة الشرق القديم -الكتابة المسمارية -حيث استخدم قلم محدب لعمل عالمات ذات أبعاد ثالثية على سطح طين ،لكن هذا النوع من الكتابة كان معقداً وهو ما قيد استخدامها في المجتمع ،وباتت فئة قليلة من الكتّاب فقط هم الذين كان في استطاعتهم الكتابة ،ثم حدث تطور الحق في بالد ما بين النهرين عندما استخدموا الصلصال والبوص الذي كان يوجد بكثرة في أرجاء السهل الرسوبي لنهري دجلة والفرات ،وبهذه المواد تم صنع ألواح تتم الكتابة عليها ،وكذلك صناعة أقالم تستخدم للنقش أو حفر الرموز ،وكانت ألواح الصلصال تحتاج إلى تصفية وتنقية طويلة وإضافة عامل مزيل للشحم لوقايتها من التشقق أثناء التجفيف ،وبعد فراغ الكاتب من كتابة النص فإنه يترك اللوح لكي يجف. أما المصريون القدماء ،فقد كانت لديهم رموز وعالمات تطورت إلى الكتابة الهيروغليفية المعروفة في الحضارة الفرعونية ،وبعد تطورات متالحقة نشأ نوع جديد من الكتابة اعتمد على الصورة المختصرة وسجلت بواسطتها شؤون الحياة اليومية وهو ما يعرف بالهيراطيقي. أما في الصين ،فقد كانت كتاباتهم رمزية ومحفورة على عظمة الكتف أو صدفة السلحفاة،
والصينيون يعود لهم الفضل في اكتشاف الورق والتمكن من استخدامه ،ويقدر بعض المؤرخين أن هذا االكتشاف كان في بداية القرن األول من الميالد ،وأنهم استخدموا سيقان نبات الخيزران الوفير جداً في الصين والذي يشكل وجود كبير في كافة مفاصل التاريخ الصيني وله استخدامات عديدة. وهكذا استمر اإلنسان في التطور ،فقد كتب على الجلود واألخشاب وألواح الطين، وصو ً ال للورق . و مع دوران عجلة الحياة استمر التغيير ليطل كل شيء في الحياة بما فيه الورق ،فأخذت يشهد عالم النشر الورقي تراجعا في السنوات األخيرة أمام سطوة النشر االلكتروني . فاليوم تستطيع بالدخول إلى مواقع مثل األمازون و غيرها من مواقع الشراء االلكتروني و تقتني بسهولة كل ما يحلو لك من الكتب و قراءها مباشرة من خالل أجهزة الحاسب المختلفة و الهواتف الذكية الجديدة مثل اآليباد و اآليفون و غيرها من األجهزة . اليوم تستطيع أن تقرأ أينما كنت ..في الصحراء ..في البحر ..في الجو أو في األرض، فلقد سهلت عملية الشراء االلكتروني أن يعود مجد القراءة من جديد بعد أن ضاع وسط زحمة االختراعات المختلفة في تاريخ البشرية ،و لكن يبدو أن االختراعات أنصفت أخيرا البذرة األولى للمعرفة و االطالع للعقل االنساني ..لقد أنصفت القراءة .و لكن لنكن واقعيين ..فعندما نقارن استفادة الغرب والشعوب األخرى من خاصية القراءة االلكترونية الجديدة مع استفادتنا كعرب فسنجد أننا ال نزال شعب ال يقرأ و ال نزال نستخدم أجهزة هواتفنا و الحواسيب لنشاهد مقاطع فيديو مضحكة أو لندخل في جدل مع بعضنا في مواضيع سياسية أو طائفية .نحن بحاجة لنهضة لكي نواكب هذا االنقالب الذي يجتاح العالم في سوق النشر االلكتروني. 114
PIZZA HUT
APP REVIEW EmergencyLink stores vital information in case of emergency By Melanie Pinola
Web/Android/iPhone: If you or a family member were in an accident, would emergency responders or people close to you know what to do or who to contact for information? If the answer is no, you may need EmergencyLink. The free emergency response service stores you and your loved ones' vital information in one place. When you create an EmergencyLink account, you create emergency contacts who will be contacted in case of emergency. Then you can add any medical conditions or directives and information about important records (e.g., where your Social Security card is stored or information about your life insurance policy). EmergencyLink sends you a free emergency ID 116
card and two emergency ID key tags that contain your account ID, so in case of an emergency, emergency responders can call EmergencyLink and get critical information needed for your treatment and care. You can add children, parents and others to your account as well, and each will get ID cards. You can select which emergency contacts can access which information. A big benefit of the service is you can update your emergency info without having to resend or reshare all your information. Android, iPhone and Blackberry apps are available. Giving loved ones and emergency responders access to your vital information is one of the most important things you can do. EmergencyLink makes
this easy and keeps your data secure (but for peace of mind, you can be selective about the information you store on the service or mask the data your share on it: e.g., list bank account names and phone numbers but not the actual account numbers or give password hints). Whether you use EmergencyLink or create an in-case-of-emergency everything document on your own, this is something you should make sure you have in place sooner rather than later - because accidents, unfortunately, happen when you least expect them. Lifehacker recommends downloads, apps, websites and shortcuts that actually save time. For more tips and tricks, visit Lifehacker at lifehacker.com.
LG
bazaar a la mode LIVE LOUD THIS SUMMER WITH AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS Looks to live in for the AEO Girl: Colored Denim: Skinny Jeans,Midi Shorts in an assortment of new colors from pop to pastels. Feather Light T: Color-blocking is made easy with this soft T in solids or contrasting stripes. Options in T’s, Tanks and crops. Boho Dresses: Printed and colorful maxi and regular length dresses are perfect for lazy summer days. Looks to live in for the AEO Guy: Surf Inspired: cargo and preppy shorts in new bold colors, graphic T’s or fun striped Polos. Legend T: Summer’s must have item, comes in v-neck, Henley and the all new crew pocket T. Plaid Shirts: This classic staple now comes in bright colors, bold patterns and short sleeves that scream summertime.
BATH & BODY WORKS CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH THE MIDDLE EAST’S FAVORITE FRAGRANCES Bath & Body Works, which has earned a place as a much loved brand of fragrances, is celebrating summer by presenting the Middle East’s favorite fragrances with an exclusive offer available in all stores. The top five best selling Signature Collection fragrances across the Middle East are: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Twilight Woods, Sweet Pea, Paris Amour and Midnight Pomegranate. Japanese Cherry Blossom is perfect for those wanting a sophisticated and graceful scent. For a lingering feel of an enchanting autumn evening, there is Twilight Woods. Sweet Pea encompasses a springlike, energetic yet delicate spirit. For those seeking an elegant and rich aura, look no further than Midnight Pomegranate. The best-selling range is finally completed by the fragrance Paris Amour, indulgent and rich, evoking feelings of a chic walk along the Champs Elysées. Available at Marina Mall, The Avenues, and Al Fanar Mall.
BAUME & MERCIER UNVEILS SUMMERY INTERCHANGEABLE STRAPS FOR LINEA A brand that has consistently focused on delivering style and femininity in women’s timepieces since its inception, Baume & Mercier brings a new sense of style and selection to the forefront. In fact, its iconic, sensually curved Linea watch is one of the most versatile pieces on the market today thanks to its amazing, fast easy-to-use interchangeable strap system. For Spring/Summer 2012, the new strap colors exude a warm appeal, and gently reflect the brand’s inviting Seaside Living spirit of sharing important moments in life with family and friends. The three newest strap offerings, each with two-tone color details, embody the fashion trends of today, with a timeless eye toward accessorizing for the future. Among the genuine leather straps of this season are Sky Dawn, Ocean Foam and Amber Sunset. The interchangeable yet secured system is so simple and ingenious, with no damaged fingernails!
DESIGUAL BY MONSIEUR CHRISTIAN LACROIX The universe developed by the designer Monsieur C. Lacroix within the Desigual planet has multiplied this season, reinterpreting the icons that make it even more recognizable and extending them to the Man and new Shoes collections. He states, “The collection transmits my own personal vision of the Desigual world, which is sufficiently rich in itself, but I’ve attempted to add some touches from my own personal universe”. The fashion designer combines the past and the present to invent the future, suggesting a rendezvous between the brand’s geometric motifs with new interpretations: stripes and graphics mixed with traces of old tapestries, references inspired by Cubism and Constructivism combined with 18th century Rococo-style carvings. With this collection, the designer Monsieur C. Lacroix seeks to become even more Not The Same, finding new forms of expression for the brand’s spirit and trying out new territories, making the maxim of the NEW&GOOD collection completely his own.
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LET’S SALSA THIS SUMMER! Salsa brings men three main collections, starting with ‘Dark was the Night’. In love with the evening twilight, a man who likes to go out at night and for whom the dusk is the ideal moment for an urban and discerning appearance. In ‘Century Star’, the richest era of international cinema and the clothing of that time, and with ‘Have a Nice Day’; the eternal glory of a man who is laid-back but still lives life intensely. For women, ‘Dark as Red’ shows the sensuality of movements and the mystery of dance express the female duality. In ‘4 Natural Elements’, the 4 natural elements reflect an intuitive and sophisticated woman whose look transmits the power of fire and the smoothness of water, the strength of the wind and the mysticism of the earth in close contact with nature. ‘Have a Nice Day’ for the contemporary woman, who, with coloured stripes, clothes in tencel and a mixture of raw materials, paints brightly-coloured pictures in shades of blue, white and deep pink.
VILEBREQUIN SHOWCASES SUMMER 2012 SWIMWEAR AT 360 MALL Vilebrequin recently organized an unprecedented event at the 360 Mall in Kuwait to showcase its luxurious collection to local beach lovers and prepare them for the fun-filled summer season. Held for two consecutive Fridays in May 2012, the event featured children and adult models strolling around the mall both draped in the matching Vilebrequin swimsuits. A tribute to the brand’s ethos, this signified Vilebrequin’s admiration to the bond between father and son, passing on values from one generation to another. Vilebrequin, the trend-setting French men’s beachwear company, is recognized worldwide as the leading name for men’s and boy’s swimwear, beach accessories, and ready-to-wear garments. Comfortable, practical and versatile to meet the needs and tastes of both adults and children, the swimwear collection for summer 2012 is characterized by its exclusive prints and carefully designed cut. Vilebrequin is located at 360 Mall. For more information, call 2530 9890 or visit www.vilebrequin.com.
SPLASH LAUNCHES ‘BEING HUMAN’ IN KUWAIT Supporting a strong charitable cause, Splash, the region’s leading high street retailer has inked a deal with ‘Being Human’. Pioneered and promoted by Salman Khan, one of India’s leading actors, the ‘Being Human’ collection is hip and cool, with a message that stands out loud and clear. Flaunting the symbolic message of Being Human, the tees use color and style to highlight its dedication to the cause of education and healthcare for the underprivileged, and proceeds from sales go to the Being Human Foundation. The collection is produced and provided by Mandhana Industries Ltd., the exclusive licensee for ‘Being Human’ merchandise. The line-up will offer 29 options in t-shirts for men while carrying the signature Being Human tagline. Semi-formal trousers, denims, shorts and shirts in various styles are also part of the range. ‘Being Human’ is available in Centrepoint stores located at Al Rai, Salmiya, Fintas, Awqaf, Hawally & Fahaheel and the Splash store at The Avenues.
KIEHL’S SUMMER SECRETS! It’s great to enjoy the sunshine and get a golden tan, but the sun can be dangerous too. Kiehl’s has some super-protective formulas that will keep you protected from the harmful UV rays in the atmosphere and prevent you from becoming lobster-red. Both anti-aging and UV protection agents, Superfluid UV Defense SPF 50 + is a wonder-product. Vital Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30 is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides UVA and UVB protection and contains natural hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Soybean oil and Vitamin E to soften dry skin. This very water-resistant formulation, keeps you protected for up to 80 minutes in water! A combination of Abyssine and Corallina Extract, Abyssine Lotion + SPF 15 has both anti-aging and SPF qualities, dermatologist tested to ensure gentleness for even the most sensitive skin. A great, non-sticky lotion with a fresh aroma, effective protection and quick absorption: Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 is a daily necessity for anyone living in eternal sunshine!
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THE COMIC POWER OF A FACIAL TICK By Jim Quilty
The main obstacle to his alleviating his boredom, and the object of his comic plotting, is his marriage.
It would be interesting to know how Marcello Mastroianni devised the character of Ferdinando Cefalù. The narrator and main character of the 1961 comedy Divorce Italian Style is a masterful conflation of hair cream, indolently limp-lidded eyes and, dangling from the corner of his mouth, a cigarette holder. Most of all, though, there’s that facial tick – a twitch of the lip over his left canine, and a sharp sucking of air, as though to dislodge a chunk of Parma ham caught there. It might suggest self-satisfaction or resignation or a laconic expression of excitement. Anyway, the tick nicely punctuates the scoundrel: You may not feel sympathy for him, but you certainly enjoy the way he makes you dislike him. Mastroianni’s performance is one of the several things to admire, and enjoy, in Divorce Italian Style. It was directed and co-written by Pietro Germi (1914-1974) – in the view of some 120
cineastes the most underrated filmmaker to arise from Italy’s neo-realist movement. Well acted and shot, the film is above all very well written and paced. Cefalù is the wastrel son of a dissolute baron in the Sicilian town of Agramonte, which he depicts as being populated by “18,000 souls, 4,300 of them illiterate, 17,000 of them underemployed or unemployed.” By Cefalù’s count, the town has about 24 churches, some of them fine pieces of late-16th century baroque architecture. As Cefalù’s father has gambled away most of the family fortune, he’s had to hand over half the family palace to his sister’s husband – a wealthy farmer who bought up most of the family properties, allowing the baron to pay his debts. The Cefalù family palace thus doubles as a microcosm of mid-20th century Italy. Germi’s lampoon of an Italy weighed down by its history – pinned between the Catholic Church
and an obsolescent aristocracy – sets the serious premise of the comedy that is to follow. Mastroianni’s character is bored. Married to the clinging Rosalia (Daniela Rocca) for over a decade and still childless, titled but without immense wealth, Cefalù is drawn to younger women. Since his life is so insular, it turns out the woman to whom he’s most attracted is his 16-year-old cousin Angela (Stefania Sandrelli). She is the perfect object of infatuation, being present (living in the same palace as Cefalù) yet largely absent (being away at school for much of the year). Were this an Anglo-Saxon film, Angela’s age and bloodline proximity to Cefalù might block his efforts to realize his desires. Not here. Here, the main obstacle to his alleviating his boredom, and the object of his comic plotting, is his marriage. For all the serious ground upon which this film is built it is a remarkably playful piece of work. Much of the film’s hilarity arises from Cefalù’s narration and the fantasy sequences that leap from his imagination. He has to keep all this from the sweetly overbearing Rosalia, of course, and at various points his narration sputters to a halt when she walks into the frame – as though she’s so oppressive she can hear his very thoughts. Germi is also aware of the commonalities and contrasts between his version of Italy and those of his colleagues, particularly of his friend and colleague Federico Fellini – whose La Dolce Vita had been released the year before Divorce. Germi carefully writes Fellini’s altogether different film – which also starred Mastroianni (in a not altogether different role) – into his own, by having its local release provoke such a scandal that Agramonte’s men race to the over-booked cinema with their own chairs. Divorce Italian Style is a cleverly devised and highly entertaining film and one that has a certain resonance in this country, whose sociological eccentricities have at times been not unlike those that Germi satirizes. Audiences tended to like Germi’s work when he was alive, and Divorce Italian Style was no exception. It was nominated for the 1962 Palme D’Or, and won Cannes’ prize for best comedy. The next year, the film was nominated for best director and best actor Oscars. It did win the Oscar for best script. While Gassman is likely less well-known to casual audiences, it can be said with some justification that Mastroianni is the best-known actor in Italian cinema history. This retrospective gave audiences a chance to explore eight additional films in a range of styles by several Italian filmmakers – some better known than others.
TAIBA HOSPITAL (ARABIC)
CARLUCCIO'S Bring Carluccio into your kitchen By Mr. Antonio Carluccio Summer time is here again. For those not getting away from the oppressive heat that Kuwait can radiate in these months, staying inside is an absolute must. Hiding from the heat though can deprive us of restaurant visits and great food. That doesn’t mean you have to reach for the pizza takeout menu again though… Bazaar has a better idea. Pulling in help from Carluccio’s we’ve put together a spread of divine recipes to help fill those long summer days. Located at The Avenues, Carluccio’s serves up affordable Italian cuisine in the form of breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can also stop by to fill up the home pantry from their delicious selection of fresh food such as cheese, olives and baked goods with an outstanding range of products imported from Italy. So brave the heat to head down and pick up the ingredients and then retreat to your A/C cooled home and get cracking on these delicious dishes. Some of them are a little advanced so if you’re a novice chef, don’t worry, you have all summer to perfect these recipes. Maybe you’ll be serving them up as part of your feats this Ramadan… 2 whole eggs – for egg wash 50ml whole milk 60gm ‘00’ flour 500ml vegetable oil 100gm buffalo mozzarella Handful of basil leaves All previously made arancini rice All previously made pepolata sauce Sprig of parsley for garnish
To prepare the arancini rice: Bundle the parsley,
MOZZARELLA ARANCINI WITH PEPOLATA SAUCE ARANCINI RICE 350 gm Carnaroli rice 135 gm grated parmesan 35 ml olive oil 125 gm finely chopped white onion 4 sprigs of parsley 4 gm salt 4 sprigs of thyme 2 bay leaves PEPOLATA SAUCE 100ml vegetable stock 1 peeled garlic glove 3gm ground black pepper 30ml olive oil 50gm white onion 100gm red bell pepper 100gm yellow bell pepper 5gm salt ARANCINI 80gm bread crumbs 122
thyme and bay leaves with string. Gently sweat the chopped onions with the bundle in olive oil. Stir in the Carnaroli rice making sure all the grains are coated with oil. Season. Add water to the pan of rice and onions and bring to the boil. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 8 – 12 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Leave the rice to cool and once cool thoroughly mix in the grated parmesan. To prepare the pepolata sauce: Half the peppers and remove the seeds. Roughly chop the peppers and roughly dice the onion and garlic. In a large pot heat the olive oil, and add the onions and the garlic, lightly brown, then add the peppers. Once the peppers have browned add the vegetable stock and simmer until the peppers are tender. Blend the pepper mix and liquid until you have a smooth paste & season to taste. To prepare the arancini: Take 60gm of the arancini rice and roll it into a ball. Create a hole in the rice ball and stuff it with a small piece of mozzarella and a small piece of fresh basil and reshape. Roll the ball in the flour, then in the egg and milk mix and finally roll in the breadcrumbs. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and deep fry the arancini ball until golden brown. Serve with a side portion of the pepolata sauce and garnish with a sprig of parsley.
BRUSCHETTA CON INSALATA DI POMODORO Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 slices of white crusty bread 500g vine tomatoes 120g roasted yellow peppers 65ml extra virgin olive oil 12g fresh basil, roughly chopped 12g garlic, finely chopped 4 spring onions, finely chopped 1g dried oregano Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper Method: Chop the tomatoes & the roasted peppers into 1cm cubes & place in a bowl. Add the finely chopped spring onion, garlic, oregano & basil to the tomatoes & peppers. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil & give everything a good mix. Add the salt & pepper to taste. Drizzle the slices of bread with olive oil and grill or toast until crisp. Heap the tomato mix on top and serve.
PENNE GIARDINIERA Ingredients Spinach balls Butter Red chilies Courgettes Garlic peeled Grano padano Penne regine
4 pax
Quantity 24pcs 80gr 20gr 600gr 20gr 240gr 500gr
Method Put a pot of water with salt for boiling. Cook the penne regine in boiling water till its al dente (takes about 10min) Grate the courgettes. Finely dice the chilies and the garlic. Heat the butter in a pan. Add chilies and garlic. Sauté Add the grated courgettes and fry for about a minute. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss. Add some grated parmesan cheese. Season to taste. Serve in a pasta bowl with 6 spinach balls on top.
CHOCOLATE FONDANTE
4 pax
Ingredients Quantity Chocolate Dark Couverture 135gr Butter unsalted 135gr Whole eggs 135gr Castor sugar 70gr Egg yolk 55gr Flour 30gr Aluminium silver cups 4 ea Vanilla ice cream – 240 gr Mint leaves for garnish 4 pcs Method Brush the silver cups with softened unsalted butter and keep aside. In a bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and softened butter and put it over a bain marie until melted. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, mix together whole eggs, egg yolks and castor sugar until fluffy. Do not over whisk. Pour the melted chocolate and butter mix over the eggs and whisk until incorporated. Sift the flour and fold it in the fondente mix. Pour the mix in the buttered cups until 3/4th of its quantity. Bake it in a pre-heated oven for 8 minutes at 180⁰C. Place the warm fondente upside down in a small bowl. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the fondente. Garnish it with mint leaves on the vanilla ice cream.
TIRAMISU Ingredients Quantity Mascarpone Cheese 200g Double Cream 200 mL Egg Yolk 124 gms Castor Sugar 70 gms Gelatin Leaves 3 gms Saviordi Biscuits 160 g Espresso Coffee 200 mL Method Whisk together mascarpone cheese and double cream in an electric mixer until slightly stiff. Set aside. In another bowl, put the egg yolk and whisk slowly. Put the sugar with small amount of water in a pan and boil until it reaches 121 degrees. Put gelatin in ice water until soft. Squeeze the excess water and melt it into syrup. Add all to the egg yolk, put the mixer speed on high. Put the egg yolk in a bowl and gently fold in the mascarpone and the cream mix using a spatula. Keep in the fridge to set. Heat up the coffee and add a little bit of water. In a bowl, soak the Saviordi biscuit in coffee and line the glass until full. Put laddles of mascarpone and cream mix on top and spread it even. Line one more layer on top of the mix. Do not press the biscuits. Finish off the last layer with the mascarpone mix. Make sure its even spread and the mixture reaches the top off the glass. Presentation: Serve cold with dusted cocoa powder on top or melted chocolate.
Carluccio’s is located at The Avenues Mall. For more information call 2259 7310 or visit : www.carluccios.com/restaurants/kuwait-avenues-mall. 123
BE A BETTER iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHER By Kate Rockwood
As smartphones (and their apps) become increasingly sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras are no longer a shutterbug's best friend. And with new technology comes new obsessive tricks—like these from Adam Bronkhorst's new book, SnApp Shots: How to Take Great Pictures With Smartphones and Apps. 1. Fake a better lens: The lens on the iPhone is only 5 mm wide, compared with 10 times that on a DSLR. With no optical zoom, blowing up photos means quickly degrading the image quality. Apps like AutoStitch and 124
Pano allow you to piece together panoramic shots. 2. Lighten up: Your phone's built-in flash likely turns your subject into an overexposed paste face. Cover the flash with paper to soften the effect, or cast a different color: The Hipstamatic app can change the flash to any color of the rainbow. 3. Tilt it: For a more mature-looking trick, try the app TiltShift. When shot from above, the subject of the image appears in razor-sharp focus, while its surroundings appear soft, out of focus, and slightly blurred.
VW
bazaar books Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. ~ Jessamyn West THE JUJU RULES by Mr. Hart Seely In this uproarious, unforgettable fan confessional, Seely shares the basics of juju for the beginner—“Setting the Table,” asking for a called strike instead of a walk-off homer—to advanced juju—“Bringing the Neg,” predicting bad events to keep them from actually happening—to the deepest, darkest formulas of this age-old art. Along the way readers come to know Hart and his hilarious band of fellow juju practitioners, a secret club of friends whose fandom bonds them across decades, not to mention won/loss columns. Nostalgic, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny, The Juju Rules is a memoir of a life well-lived in service to one’s team that shows how love can be a powerful passion in the best way.
MIDNIGHT IN PEKING by Paul French Peking in 1937 is a heady mix of privilege and scandal, opulence and opium dens, rumors and superstition. The Japanese are encircling the city, and the discovery of Pamela Werner's body sends a shiver through already nervous Peking. Is it the work of a madman? One of the ruthless Japanese soldiers now surrounding the city? Or perhaps the dreaded fox spirits? With the suspect list growing and clues sparse, two detectives—one British and one Chinese—race against the clock to solve the crime before the Japanese invade and Peking as they know it is gone forever. Can they find the killer in time, before the Japanese invade? Historian and China expert Paul French at last uncovers the truth behind this notorious murder, and offers a rare glimpse of the last days of colonial Peking.
THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach At Westish College, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league until a routine throw goes disastrously off course. In the aftermath of his error, the fates of five people are upended. Henry's fight against self-doubt threatens to ruin his future. College president Guert Affenlight has fallen unexpectedly and helplessly in love. Owen Dunne becomes caught up in a dangerous affair. Mike Schwartz realizes he has guided Henry's career at the expense of his own. And Pella Affenlight returns to Westish after escaping an ill-fated marriage, determined to start a new life. As the season counts down to its climactic final game, these five are forced to confront their deepest hopes, anxieties, and secrets.
LIARS & OUTLIERS by Bruce Schneier When we think about trust, we naturally think about personal relationships or bank vaults. That's too narrow. Trust is much broader, and much more important. Nothing in society works without trust. It's the foundation of communities, commerce, democracy— everything. In this insightful and entertaining book, Schneier weaves together ideas from across the social and biological sciences to explain how society induces trust. He shows how trust works and fails in social settings, communities, organizations, countries, and the world. In today's hyper-connected society, understanding the mechanisms of trust is as important as understanding electricity was a century ago.
CONFESSIONS OF A SCARY MOMMY by Jill Smokler When Jill Smokler was first home with her small children, she thought her blog would be something to keep friends and family updated. To her surprise, she hit a chord in the hearts of mothers everywhere. Total strangers were contributing their views on that strange reality called motherhood. As other women shared their stories, Jill realized she wasn’t alone in her feelings of exhaustion and imperfection. But she sensed her readers were still holding back, so decided to start an anonymous confessional, a place where real moms could leave their most honest thoughts without fearing condemnation. The reactions were amazing: some sad, some pee-in-your-pants funny, some brutally honest. But they were real, not a commercial glamorization. Confessions of a Scary Mommy combines all-new essays from Jill with the best of the anonymous confessions.
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source: www.amazon.com
SHOP & SHIP
bazaar around town ACID WEAR – THE SECOND BIGGEST THREAT TO ORAL HEALTH Acid Wear is the softening and gradual loss of the surface of the tooth’s enamel caused by the acids from everyday foods and drink such as fruit, fruit juices and soft drinks. When combined with abrasion during tooth brushing over time, the effects can result in undesirable changes to the teeth, making them look dull, yellow, translucent and thin. Progressive erosion may result in the underlying dentine becoming exposed, resulting in sensitivity often felt as a twinge when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. In the long term, the effects of Acid Wear may mean that dental treatment is necessary. Unlike cavities, Acid Wear affects the tooth’s whole surface and unfortunately, the effects are irreversible. “The modern diet is an extremely acidic one that can permanently damage tooth enamel. Repeated eating and drinking of low ph foodstuffs, such as citrus fruits and juices, can cause acid wear that leads to erosion,” said Dr. Mohammed Al Hadlaq, dentist assistant registrar ministry of health Kuwait – Sheikha Futouh Al Sabah Clinic (Shamiyah Poli Clinic), “To some degree, unfortunately, the condition is irreversible. The key is prevention, and this is only achieved through proper awareness of the condition and the willingness to make minor lifestyle changes,” he added. Preventative steps include avoiding brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks when the enamel is at its softest. Brushing should be done before meals or at least one hour after eating. Soft/fizzy drinks shouldn’t be swished around or held in the mouth for prolonged periods - using a straw placed towards the back of the mouth to keep the fluid away from the teeth. Teeth brushing should be done gently, but thoroughly, with a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that is low in abrasion, non acidic and has maximum fluoride availability. Regular dental check-ups should be undertaken. Pronamel, formulated by GlaxoSmithKline, is a new, everyday toothpaste designed for the re-hardening of acid softened tooth enamel. It should be used twice daily, as normal everyday toothpaste, to help protect teeth against the effects of Acid Wear.
THE NEW SAFAT HOME OPENS ITS DOORS IN SHUWAIKH Safat Home, one of Kuwait’s leading home furniture and accessories store, has opened its new branch in Shuwaikh. Safat Home is famous for having a comprehensive variety of homeware, from classic designs to modern pieces, that suits every type of home and taste. The new Shuwaikh showroom features a new and wide range of items including home furniture and accessories, a variety of tiles and sanitary items. A design center is available for all customers who wish to purchase tiles and sanitary items to provide design solutions. A special engineering solutions division caters to specific requests such as elevators and air conditioning installation and other engineering mechanics that go into one’s home. Whether moving into your new home, or renovating your dream space, Safat Home makes it all convenient as it provides free delivery and installation of furniture, flexible credit conditions and free warranty for one year on furniture items.
CARLUCCIO’S ITALIAN FIESTA NOW AT YOUR DOORSTEP Carluccio’s, the authentic Italian restaurant, located at the Avenues is all set to treat its customers to a complete Italian experience in the comfort of their homes. The multi course home delivery menu features a range of antipasti such as ‘Arancini’ (deep fried rice balls filled with melting mozzarella and meat ragu) and ‘Bresaola’ (thinly sliced cured beef served with rocket leaves and shaved parmesan). For pasta lovers, there's an appetizing choice of Penne Giardiniera, Lasagne, Seafood Linguine, Ravioli and Penne Arrabiata. The menu also includes a range of soups, salads, risottos and wood-fired authentic Napoli-style pizzas. Rounding of the scrumptious feast is a fine selection of dessert, which includes Tiramisu, Crosta di Fragole, Lemon Tart and Chocolate Bread and Butter pudding. Carluccio’s is conveniently located in The Avenues, Phase 1 and is open daily from 9:00 am, –11.00 pm. For delivery please call: 2259 7310.
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THE ENHANCED MCLAREN MP4-12C: MORE POWER AND USABILITY McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make its 12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive yet even easier to live with. • 25PS (25hp) power increase takes McLaren 12C’s maximum output to 625PS (616hp). • Even faster on-the-limit with no loss in efficiency. • Feature and drivetrain enhancements make the 12C more rewarding to drive and easier to live with. • Innovative Intake Sound Generator (ISG) now allows programmable aural drama inside the 12C cockpit. • More colour and leather finish options give extra scope for customer personalisation. Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognizes that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set. McLaren Automotive’s debut model is the MP4-12C. Drawing on the company’s long-standing Formula 1 experience in its concept and development, the 12C will be lighter, more powerful, more fuel efficient and more exclusive than its key competition. “We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car. Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”
THE HIGH-END, CONTEMPORARY ZEEBRGR NOW DELIVERS! ZeeBrgr is now delivering its high-quality, contemporary cuisine to the comfort of its fans’ homes and offices. If you handn’t already sampled the ZeeBrgr yummy factor, then now is your chance! Whether it is the Tartufo Brgr™, glazed with special pesto sauce underneath a juicy U.S. Black Angus patty, or the “flagship” ZeeBrgr™, topped with a short-stack of crunchy onion rings that are trickling with tasty special sauce, or the delectable, soft, Popcorn Pain Perdu™ , drizzled with sweet caramel sauce and complimented with creamy iced-vanilla and fresh cream, you are bound to embark on a gastronomic journey unequaled by another in Kuwait. ZeeBrgr will also cater to private and corporate parties. The next time you crave quality in a Brgr, visit www.zeebrgr.com and order to your heart’s content, or call 2561 2371. Follow @zeebrgr on twitter and instagram, and facebook.com/zeebrgr. Opening Hours: 12 pm till 11:30 pm.
AL TIJARI: MORE SURPRISES DURING CASHBACK SHOPPING CAMPAIGN AT “BEST” UNITED ELECTRONICS Commercial Bank of Kuwait announced the continuation for two months of the "Shop and Receive Cash-Back" campaign launched by the bank on 26/4/2012 until 26/6/2012, in cooperation with Best United Electronics Stores. Al-Tijari customer holders of credit cards and prepaid cards are given the chance to shop at "Best Stores" and receive 10% cash back of the value of their purchases during the offer period. Mr. Ramzi Sabboury, Executive Manager, Sales and Marketing Department - Retail Banking Division, said that Al-Tijari credit and prepaid cardholders enjoy several discounts and exclusive and pleasant surprises. The bank will arrange a draw on four cash prizes with a value of KD 500/- for the first prize, where any shopper will get a chance to win cash prizes when shopping with their Al-Tijari credit or prepaid card during the last period of the campaign, from 1/6/2012 to 26/6/2012. Each customer will have the chance to enter the draw for each KD 10 spent at Best Stores.
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WOULD YOU UNDRESS IN FRONT OF A WINDOW WITHOUT BLINDS? Facebook privacy settings explained By Scott Kleinburg
Last week, I sent a Facebook message to a friend from high school that I used to know pretty well. Subject line: Videos and your privacy settings. Granted we don't talk often these days, but when I saw some questionable video titles - not porn but also not safe for work - start to show up in my Facebook feed, I had a pretty good feeling that wasn't by design. The funny part? The video was about undressing in front of a window without blinds. If that's not a perfect segue for a reminder on checking your privacy settings, I don't know what is. I don't consider myself the social media police; I really just like to be helpful. While I share a lot, I'm also very well aware of what I'm sending and who sees what. Sometimes, when our days are busy and we're mindlessly clicking, things sneak by. Or - and this trend disturbs me - we just don't pay 130
attention. I understand that signing up via Facebook is easy. One password, single button sign-in. I get it, but with great power comes great responsibility. It's not Facebook's fault. In fact, I'm impressed with the steps Facebook has taken to simplify privacy in apps. Before you add an app to your Timeline, you are greeted with the following question front and center: "Who can see posts this app makes for you on your Facebook Timeline?" From there, with one click or just a few, you can select everyone, friends or only your cousin from Montana - be as specific as you want to be. "Only me" is the safest choice if you aren't sure - you can always go back and tweak later. How? Go to your privacy settings and then choose "Ads, Apps and Websites." You'll be surprised at how much control you actually have. Or just click "go to app" without giving it any
thought and possibly get a Facebook message from me (see above). We see most of this on Facebook because that's where we share the most, but it's just as important to check your privacy settings on other social networks that you use. On Twitter, go to settings and then click "apps." Here, you can revoke access to sites you no longer use or sites you no longer want to use. Don't worry, you can always add them back later if necessary. On Google+, click on your profile photo on the upper right portion of the screen and click privacy to control what you share and how you share it. I'm not trying to scare you, but here's the bottom line: If someone asks you about your social media privacy settings and you have no idea what they are talking about, you have a problem. When in doubt, ask. Just don't do nothing.
HYPOXI
ALI SLEEQ The Avant-garde musician By Kareem Chehayeb
At the forefront of the Kuwaiti music scene, Ali Sleeq works tirelessly to try and break down the boundaries that have built up around music in Kuwait. Fittingly, his preferred genres are blues and jazz. When did you start playing the bass? I picked up the bass in 2000, when I was in Lebanon during my first year of university at AUB. I was inspired after I saw many local bands perform, and as you know there is a thriving music scene in Lebanon as opposed to Kuwait so it was kind of a no-brainer really. Who are some of your biggest musical influences? I was always into blues; it started since high school and only augmented and matured in university. 132
Muddy Waters for sure; it’s just his style is so simple yet so emotional and that feel is something I always try to achieve. On the other side, which is fairly recent (about 7 years ago), is jazz. My main influence there is John Coltrane, as he went from being an underdog to a legend is a short period of time, and was always evolving; he started with bebop and ended with avant-garde/free-jazz. When it comes to bass, I don’t look for the flashiest (such as Victor Wooten etc) but more of “groove” bassists, the most being Donald “Duck” Dunn.
fullness of a guitar for harmony. I do fiddle around on the harmonica too.
Do you play any other musical instruments? I do have two guitars; a Telecaster and an acoustic. I taught myself, mostly so I can write music; with the bass you can make lines and riffs but you need that
You currently run Avant-Garde Music Projects. Tell us a little about what it's all about and how it came to be. I must admit it was more of a challenge to myself; I’ve been performing in Kuwait since 2005 but I was
Having been an active musician in Kuwait for many years, how have the circumstances changed for musicians? It’s sort of an up and down, mood thing. One minute you think things are picking up, and then you see it’s all downhill. I might be more cynical / negative than most but I do not see any major changes that are worth talking about. You still get cancelled shows, as well as lack of venues which hinder progress.
always with a band (Lounging Criminals, Mojolaters Blues Band). As much as I love being in a band situation, I also have my own personality which I wanted to bring out. So I started this initiative called Avant-Garde Music Projects. First and foremost it’s about music collaborations; bring different musicians together for one-off projects, and the second thing is making gigs. I consider it my own creative space to be in charge without referring back to anyone. How many shows have you currently organized, and how was the overall turnout? Two have been made so far, Blend Music Festival 1 & 2; both had around 200 people attend. It was highly covered by the media and press, and I am very happy with the turnout. Six local acts in total performed at the events to great reviews. From rock to jazz to metal.
Is it easy to organize shows in Kuwait? What has that been like for you? It wasn’t a cakewalk I’ll tell you that! But Bayt Lothan (where both events took place) were supportive 100% to the last detail and they were very easy to work with. It’s all about how much you prepare I guess; last minute crunching will always be difficult. Any future plans for Avante-Garde? Due to my heavy schedule (I performed at the Bija Concert with Nawaf Ghraibah), my other recording session gigs, dayjob and marriage, it’s been slower than at first; however I am currently recording a track with local producer Fuad Murad of Household Productions on an electro-jazz experiment, and other small projects which I cannot announce at the moment. I also am planning a major concert in
November, which, if it goes to plan, will be a great step forward in Kuwait’s music scene. What advice would you give for a young musician who lives in Kuwait? Practice till your fingers bleed; play what you like not what people want to hear, never give up. It also helps to be able to say no. It will help you out in the long run as people would otherwise take advantage of you.
For more information on Avant Garde Music Projects visit www.facebook.com/pages/Avant-Garde-MusicProjects/302130436502573. You can also keep up to date with Ali on Twitter @AliSleeq or through his blog www.speaktheblues.blogspot.com. 133
bazaar investigates MINDSHARE ORGANIZES A FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES DAY FOR THE KUWAIT AUTISM CENTER As part of a regional CSR plan across the MENA region, Mindshare Kuwait recently organized a day of fun and entertainment for over 120 children at the Kuwait Autism Centre. The day was planned to put a smile on the children’s faces and provide a change to the their usual routine. The fun-filled day provided plenty of opportunities for interaction between the Mindshare team and the center staff and children including competitive games, entertainment and clown shows. The event concluded with a lively lunch. Elie Farah, Managing Director Mindshare Kuwait, said: “We feel really privileged to have been able to spend time with the children today. They were great fun and it was really humbling for us to see how much hard work, dedication and effort the center staff put in every day for these kids. The work they do is fantastic and it was, quite frankly, a real eye-opener for us”. “Mindshare takes its social responsibility program very seriously, and we believe we can have a real impact in the places where we live and work. I just hope that our own small contribution here in Kuwait City goes some way to giving something back our community”.
JUICY COUTURE GOES BRITISH THIS FALL WITH L.A. LOVES LONDON The Juicy girl returns from her summer travels with a sophisticated air about her — everything’s a bit more sexy and cool. With its sunny Los Angeles energy, the Fall 2012 collection injects California cool with hints of punk influence. Peppered with menswear tailoring, tongue-in-cheek nods to status and elements of 1970’s Sunset Strip, Juicy Couture celebrates London Mod this fall. The unconventional treatment of more traditional materials gives way to cool, polished looks. Houndstooth, paisley and plaid, in deep red, blue and toffee, make for interesting color-blocking and pattern play. Prints fashioned in simple silhouettes like draped silk paisley pajama pants and an English snaffle shift become the perfect pieces for chic, relaxed dressing. Embossed monogram leather bags and pave-drenched gold and silver jewelry finish the look with a witty air of posh sophistication. A little fur, a hint of rock and lot of attitude amount to seriously fun dressing. Juicy Couture is located in 360 Mall, Tel. 2530 9599
CROS OPENS ITS DOORS IN SOUK AL MUBARAKIYA CROCS successfully opened its 7th store located in Souk Al Mubarkiya on June 11, 2012, a branch that is of great value to Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa Commercial Co. Back in the 1930’s, the late Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa had opened his very first trading location, which specialized in food products and textiles, in this specific branch at Souk Al Mubarakiya. Throughout the recent years, this store had been rented out to other retailers, and was finally re-attained after a 6-year struggle, to operate the CROCS brand. Today, the CROCS store is flourishing with colors reflecting the blend of history with modern life, bringing a ray of light to Souk Al Mubarkiya with a various range of collections and colors. CROCS’ expansion into this strategic location illustrates the bond between the past, present and future, which holds an inordinate significance to Kuwait, and Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa Commercial Co.
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EXCLUSIVE ACCESSORIES FROM VICTORIA’S SECRET Available from July, your summer travel becomes instantly stylish with Victoria’s Secret new collection of branded accessories including cosmetic cases, wallets, totes, bags and luggage. Be ready for your close up anywhere you go, with a must-have cosmetic case to stash your beauty and glam goodies. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and prints, including a fresh take on the Victoria’s Secret Graffiti print or the iconic Signature pink stripe. Splurge in supermodel style. Luxe small leather goods, in all your favorite styles. Wallets, coin cases, passport covers, phone cases and business card holders for the organized jet setter. All are genuine calfskin leather, embossed with a stunning python print and available in new seasonal colors silver & gold metallic, pink, black and white for a fresh summer feel. Style is in the bag with the go-everywhere totes. The multi-use fashion totes, bags, cross bodies and wristlets are available in a variety of fabrics and prints, including genuine calfskin leather in silver embossed python print and nylon, in an exciting new colored python print – you are sure to find the perfect one for every occasion. Turn heads and keep on rolling with the high-tech high-style travel pieces. The travel and business collection includes iPad cases, laptop bags to overnight bags and a 20” trolley with coordinating weekender bag - perfect carry-on for glam girls. Also added this season is a stylish travel adaptor with case, available in Signature pink stripe or black sequin to add more sparkle to your travels – Be sure to make a statement!
H&M ANNOUNCES AN EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION WITH MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 “Maison Martin Margiela is one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades. I am so excited by this radical collaboration which will give fashion lovers around the world the chance to wear special pieces by Maison Martin Margiela. This collaboration will be a great and memorable fashion moment”, says Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M. “We are very happy to present Maison Martin Margiela pieces with H&M, offering a new interpretation of our vision. The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further. We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all.” Maison Martin Margiela.
CHARLES AND KEITH SUMMER 2012: ESCAPIST FANTASY Charles & Keith Summer 2012 welcomes you to an escapist fantasy island where lush flora and fauna and the fashion tribe greets you in their exotic terrain. Be inspired by graphic ethnic motifs and craftsmanship of the effortless sleek contemporary. Live the life of castaway in paradise with Charles & Keith Summer 2012 collection to speak the new testament of cosmopolitan fashion. Engage the chic resort attitude in Tropicaland Collection with hot tutti-frutti exuberant shades of thriving green, lemon yellow and zesty orange. Unite with the fashion race in Neo Ethnic Collection this summer where ethnic meets new age tribal trend. Speak the tasteful language of Urbanite Collection as fashion sheds light on the uber stylish manifestation of the concrete urban ethnology in high-shine metallic surfaces of gleaming silver and liquid gold with nude, black and wine, redefining the meaning of modern minimalism. Charles & Keith is located at The Avenues or visit www.charleskeith.com for the full collection.
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DEVELOPING THE WORLD WIDE WEB Going behind the scenes of the internet By Arwa Saifi
When talking about web careers, issues relating to web development and web designing are often at the forefront. We have heard the term ‘Web Designing’ several times but what is ‘Web Development’? Web development is all one needs to know in order to create, design, build and support websites. Web development includes various aspects that contribute to the overall appeal of a website e.g. aesthetics, ease of use, impressive and relevant content, functionality, appropriate graphics, convenient navigation, search features, visual clues etc. The essence of web development therefore is to ensure that a website fulfills its purpose. The role of a Web Developer Web developers design, build and maintain new websites and also upgrade existing ones in line with their clients' needs. They work in all sectors of industry, be it commerce, government, education etc. However, a web developer is mainly 136
responsible for programming the functionality of a website which involves the writing of the necessary programming code. Much of this programming code is behind the scenes and not visible to the user. However, a web developer may also be responsible for the code that the user sees. This is the HTML/DHTML and JavaScript that make up most of the web pages you interact with in your web browser. The Web Developer’s role is often confused with that of the Web Designer’s role. However, these two roles are very different! Web Designer vs Web Developer A person who designs web pages is called a web designer. A web designer is similar to a graphic designer. In fact, many graphic designers are web designers and vice-versa. Sometimes, the term web designer is used to describe a web developer, but in reality, a web designer focuses on the user interface. He/she is responsible for the layout, colour, font
styles etc. In short, a web designer is responsible for the look and feel of the website. On the other hand, a web developer does have basic knowledge about designing but is mainly a software developer or software engineer who is specifically engaged in the development of World Wide Web applications. He/ she is a person who undertakes programming tasks for a website. A career in this field Students who wish to pursue a career in this field need not necessarily have formal qualifications but a degree in any field is highly recommended as it always proves to be an added advantage. However, students certainly need to possess a good knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user) and 'back end' systems (how it works). They should be well versed with programming / scripting languages like HTML, XML, JavaScript, Java, ASP.NET, Style sheet language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), databases (SQL & MySQL), 2D animation & web
development applications like Flash & Dreamweaver respectively. They should also have an understanding of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for website development and site accessibility. As a web developer, a student needs to know not only how to write good code, but also how to collaborate with designers, create features that people can use and invent new programs and software that will get the job done. Job prospects Job opportunities in this field are plenty with leading companies like Wipro, Infosys, etc that recruit professional web developers and web designers on a regular basis. The increasing popularity of the web has made talented and well-trained web developers a hot commodity in today's job market. Unlike the early days of the internet, employers are now looking for web developers with at least a bachelor's degree in any field as well as a few years of work experience.
Employers want to see evidence of a student’s experience along with any qualifications he/she may have. Hence, students must keep a portfolio of work, demonstrating their creative and technical ability. This can be in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website. If they lack commercial experience, developing and designing a site for a local community group or voluntary agency could be used in their portfolio. Future trend IT trends indicate that web services will continue to grow. The demand for new classes of applications that use the web is bound to increase. Web developers should note that the future isn’t just about establishing an internet presence for their client. It is necessary to have an owner mentality i.e. they should feel that they are the owners of the website developed by them and it is they who are totally responsible for the success or failure of the website. They should develop
and design websites in a way that attracts users especially the target audience to such an extent that they visit the site repeatedly. Are you passionate about the World Wide Web? Web development is interesting but at the same time, it is a field which requires tremendous hard work and dedication. Students wanting to become professional and successful web developers must have the drive / passion for the web environment. They need to be conversant with design to a certain extent but they should be exceptionally good at programming / coding. To succeed as a web developer, you must write good code. This requires paying attention to minute details, taking pride in your work, having a thirst for knowledge and of course, being good at problem solving. If you have these qualities, and if you are able to adapt to change and work well with other programmers, a career in web development is simply the right choice! 137
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CHRONO PLASTIC FROM SWATCH: TEN PLASTIC FANTASTIC DESIGNS WITH MOOD ENHANCING COLORS. Swatch's ever-growing global fan base desires and deserves a constantly changing choice of watches to adorn the most on-trend wrists worldwide. Ensuring these enthusiasts are regularly stimulated and surprised is, of course, extremely important to the iconic Swiss watch and jewelry maker, evidenced by the regular unveiling of new Swatch collections which always disclose dynamic details, cool colors, fun-packed and fashionably stunning styles. Chrono Plastic is no exception to the sky-high standard long established by Swatch. Produced to the finest levels of technical excellence, demonstrating the attention to detail and innovation that characterizes all Swatch products, this collection of ten new watches boasts a sumptuous and 'must-have' selection of soft hues and hot colors all designed to delight in different ways. Combining the sleek mix of solid plastic and silicone - with which Swatch has famously revolutionized the world of watch making - each time piece within the Chrono Plastic collection asserts a dynamic visual statement in its own right. The ten watches are offered in a versatile palette of either classic and restrained black, light brown, grey, anthracite or white, as well as more fiercely eye-popping colors such as orange, red, blue, bright pink and light blue. Furthermore, to create double the impact, all the watches feature crisply printed digits upon their dials, in colors that contrast subtly or dramatically with the overall shades used throughout the 42 mm diameter cases and straps. Fantastically-plastic and ultra-modern, the Chrono Plastic collection proposes numerous ways in which different moods - whether calm, sporty, urban or extrovert - can be expressed with different colors resonating from the latest designs created by Swatch.
FIRST PORSCHE SERVICE CLINIC IN NEWLY EXTENDED AFTER SALES FACILITY The Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, celebrated the official inauguration of its new state-of-the-art Service Centre located in Al Rai with a special event for its customers. The new workshop extension features an additional 12 work bays with the most advanced equipment, and After Sales online systems. Customers benefit from two Direct Dialogue bays, where a Porsche-trained technician can assess vehicles and highlight any necessary work to a vehicle owner before it commences. The facility also includes a separated engine and gearbox repair area, as well as a special tools area. Porsche Centre Kuwait’s dedication to outstanding customer service can be seen when entering the modern and luxurious waiting lounge, featuring comfortable seating, a dedicated espresso bar, and an exhibition of Porsche Design Drivers Selection items. For more information about the Porsche model range or to book a service appointment, please call 1 888 911 or visit the Porsche Centre Showroom in Al Rai.
COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER WITH THE NEW STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRAPPUCCINO Starbucks brings you its celebrated Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino. A thirst quenching drink bursting with natural fruity flavours, this icy sensation is the perfect refreshment to chill you out on the hottest of summer days. Starbucks only sources and selects the freshest strawberries to create the syrup for this most delicious and popular Frappuccino blend which is inspired by the much loved country style treat of strawberries and cream. The 100 % locally sourced strawberry syrup, reaffirms Starbucks’ commitment to always bring its customers the freshest and most delightful beverages. Also part of the Frappuccino range, customers can make the most of the exclusive Discover Your Own Frappuccino that allows them to create their own iced beverage with a variety of syrups, toppings, and intensities. Customers can create up to 87,000 different combinations to satisfy individual tastes! The Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino is available in all Starbucks branches throughout Kuwait.
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LEGENDARY G-CLASS CONTINUES TO SURPRISE The Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG are coming to Kuwait! The new G 63 AMG impresses with state-of-the-art drive technology and expressive design. All this is largely attributable to the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 400 kW (544 hp) and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission system. Even more exclusive is the new G 65 AMG: its 6.0-litre biturbo engine delivers 450 kW (612 hp) and reaches a maximum torque of 1000 newton metres – a record in the off-road segment. This top-of-the-range V12 model delights the connoisseur with its incomparably dynamic handling characteristics. The G 65 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 m/h in just 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h (electronically limited). Michael Ruehle, General Manager, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co., said, "Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style." The new G 63 & G 65 AMG will be available in Kuwait from September, through Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. – The Authorised General Distributor of MercedesBenz in Kuwait. For more information on G63 AMG or any Mercedes-Benz product or service please visit www.mercedes-benz.com.kw, facebook, www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzKuwait or twitter, @MercedesBenzKWT. You can download the iPhone application for Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. for free by searching for ‘MB Kuwait‘ in the Apple app store.
VIVA UNVEILS BRANDED JAZEERA AIRWAYS AIRCRAFT VIVA, Kuwait’s newest and most advanced mobile telecommunications service provider, unveiled its latest marketing innovation through its newly branded Jazeera Airways aircraft. The company collaborated with Jazeera Airways to brand one of its aircrafts to take the VIVA brand around the region in an initiative that is the first of its kind in the region. The unveiling took place at Kuwait International Airport on the 29th of May 2012, when the aircraft landed for the first time after being branded. VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Badran said: “We are pleased to be the first company in the region to achieve this milestone. Our collaboration with Jazeera Airways is the first aircraft wrap of its kind and is only the latest in VIVA’s continued marketing initiatives.” For more information about VIVA, visit any of VIVA’s 14 branches or authorized dealers, or www.viva.com.kw.
KENZO AND VANS PARTNER ON A NEW SERIES OF SUMMER FOOTWEAR Kenzo and Vans are pleased to announce a series of new collections for summer 2012. For the first assortment of styles, Kenzo's vibrant colors and net prints from the Spring Summer 2012 season are featured on Vans’ original skate shoe, the Era. The first assortment includes seven colorways available for men and women that feature the bright blue, white, green and red colors seen on the Kenzo Spring 2012 runway. The styles retail starting at 90 Euro/125 USD. The collections will be sold at Kenzo stores, Kenzo.com and at select retail partners including Opening Ceremony, Colette, Harvey Nichols, Bosco Milan, Lane Crawford and IT. For more information on Kenzo, please visit www.kenzo.com. For more information on Vans, please visit www.vans.com.
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THE SADU HOUSE The key to Kuwaiti identity By Christopher Hockey
Last month’s visit to Kuwait National Museum failed to impress or shed light on the true meaning of Kuwaiti national identity (bazaar June 2012). This month, the third museum review, focuses on Sadu House. Could a much smaller, more specialised museum do a better job? Sadu House is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Bedouin Weaving. Perhaps textiles hold the key to Kuwaiti identity? I visited the museum with a special eye on this question. What is the Museum? The galleries are spread throughout a beautiful traditional Kuwaiti house (Beit AlSadu) in the City. As you stand at the entrance to the building, it is immediately obvious that this is a well organised, professionally run establishment. The displays consist of a wide variety of beautifully crafted Bedouin textiles and the equipment used to make them. Unlike the National Museum, there are explanations aplenty, which include both technical commentaries and explanations of how the items were utilised. There is a lot of information about the dyes, spindles, looms that the Bedouins used. The museum is focussed and the displays are clear about how this tradecraft fits into Kuwaiti history. The layout of the museum 140
is a little confusing but that is only due to the nature of the house’s architecture. There is a room focusing on Bisht (cloak) production and embroidery, rooms that focus on various weaving techniques and structures and rooms that concentrate on equipment. The ALSADU project runs as a cooperative owned by currently active weavers. There is an acceptance of change and a celebration of the more modern weaving techniques. Indeed the project aims not only to preserve but also to improve the weaving tradition and its methods. The displays show how desert weaving has been integrated into urban life today and how the social role of the weavers has had to adapt. Weavers have had to find a new niche within the market economy. Their work now has to be sold commercially and the weavers must use imported materials and ideas. Al-Sadu is the Bedouin term for weaving and for the loom. Weaving was the main expression of Bedouin art and the museum attributes an almost mythical, poetic value to the work. To the Bedouins, there were two sides to the industry. Weavers were needed to create functional items (tents, tent dividers, bags and rugs) with different techniques used for different items but they also were essentially artists. In what was otherwise a
simple and practical lifestyle, weavers provided luxury. They created aesthetically beautiful patterns that were important to tribal identity. The patterns (executed from memory) in the fabric identify desert animals and plants. They reflect symmetry, rhythm and harmony. Sadu House is committed to understanding and documenting the meanings behind these patterns. The weavers would use horse, camel, sheep and goat hair and until recently all the dyes used were from natural plants found in the desert. Few of the oldest textiles still exist because the Bedouin would discard and replace old items. The museum however does house pieces from the late Nineteenth Century. The floor loom that was used could be rolled up with a half completed textile attached and carried around. This meant it was well suited to the nomadic lifestyle. The museum, and its associated cooperative, plays an important role in the community. Sadu House is used as a headquarters for the Kuwait Textiles Arts Association (KTAA). Both the KTAA and Sadu House itself offer frequent lectures, exhibitions and craft fairs. Workshops are also offered for both children and adults. These include classes taught by Kuwaiti ‘master weavers’ on how to use the
ground loom and are offered to beginners as well as those with experience. Overall visitor experience The museum is classy, clean and smart. There are enough exhibits to maintain the visitor’s interest but not so many that the intrinsic value is lost. The significance and purpose of every piece (both textiles and tools of the trade) is made very clear. There is also a small library and a video room. Whilst the film is a little outdated, it remains a very informative explanation of the aims of Sadu House and the importance of weaving to Kuwait. Near the entrance there is a gift shop where you can purchase traditional works, with the proceeds going to the weavers who are part of the co-operative. Opposite this, a small cafe offers coffee and cake. These basic
customer amenities make for a well-rounded visit but there could perhaps be a guide or a reception desk to welcome you on arrival. Overall the museum would interest both textile enthusiasts and the more casual visitor. What does it say about Kuwaiti national identity? As important as textiles and the processes of weaving were to Kuwait’s past, in themselves they cannot represent Kuwait as a nation. However, the way this museum preserves Bedouin traditions and teaches about weaving as an art form encourages the visitor to engage with their past. It shows how hard work and skill were important aspects of life as a Bedouin, how people took pride in their work and how much meaning they attributed to everyday items such as clothing. The museums acceptance of change
is refreshing; it shows that modernisation does not have to be a bad thing- tradition and heritage can find an important niche in modern urbanised society. The museum sends a very clear message: that Kuwait has a rich cultural past hidden in the Bedouin way of life.
For more information on current classes and exhibitions follow Sadu House on Facebook or Twitter, @SaduHouse, and visit the KTAA website www.kuwaittextilearts.org. Sadu House is located in front of Kuwait National Museum, close to the National Library. The building is located on the corner of the Gulf Road and the street used to access the National Museum. The museum is open Sunday to Thursday 08.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 20.00. 141
DESIGNING HAPPINESS
Why design is the secret engine of the social network By E.B. Boyd
For the last year or so, a designer by the name of Nicholas Felton has been hunkered down at a desk just 15 feet away from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's. Felton is something of a design superstar—his stunning layouts chronicling his life have earned him a spot in an exhibit at MoMA—but in Silicon Valley, his ilk are known as "pixel pushers." Yet Felton's proximity to power is no accident. Facebook is one of the very few Valley companies whose senior management, starting with the CEO, understands design as a sustainable competitive advantage. "We're not just responsible for the pixels," Felton says. "We're responsible for a lot of the core ideas for how the product works." Zuckerberg and VP of product Chris Cox hired Felton last year (by buying his startup, Daytum) to oversee the development of Timeline, the life chronicle that, since this past January, has become the personalized profile page for each of Facebook's members. Zuckerberg, Cox, and Felton talked daily about the development of Timeline. The key design breakthrough came at a meeting that Felton and the CEO had last summer. "[Mark] drew the idea on the board," Felton says. "His idea was, 'Have we tried something like having this center line down the middle that would divide the two columns and act as the spectrum of time?' I started playing with it, and it worked even better than I anticipated." So instead of assembling users' past activities as a vertical set 142
of "bricks" stacked on top of each other, Facebook adopted a timeline—the standard for historical chronicles since, well, the beginning of time. Felton smiles when asked if Zuckerberg, a programmer, has a design sensibility. "It's surprisingly good. I've been really impressed by comments that he'll make about letter or line spacing." But more than that, Felton respects the freedom Zuckerberg gives him and his colleagues to experiment. "There's a lack of attachment to the way the company has done things previously," he says. "It kind of threw me at first." Facebook is playing a different design game than the rest of Silicon Valley. Instead of obsessing about making tasks like posting a photo easier or making the interface more beautiful, Facebook is getting its product out of the way. The goal, explains Cox, is to "make the experience of using Facebook as seamless and easy as talking to people in real life." That sounds like the absence of design, but the simplicity of the look and the reach of the service has attracted top designers, including Rasmus Andersson from Spotify and Mike Matas, who worked on the original iPhone at Apple. Remembering his first meeting with Zuckerberg, Felton says, "The more we talked, the more we realized that our desires for [Daytum's] product were really aligned with what Facebook wanted to do, and we had the opportunity to do it on the biggest playing field in the planet." In the past three years, Facebook's design team has grown from 20 people to 90.
"The biggest thing that's different is that Facebook is not about human-computer interaction," says Cox. Most designers in the computer industry have focused on helping humans interact with machines. But Facebook is about human-to-human interaction. "We don't want people to remember their interactions with Facebook," says director of design Kate Aronowitz. "We want them to remember their interactions with their friends and family." Cox calls this "social design." "It's more like designing a plaza or a restaurant," he explains. "The best building is one where the people inside get it and work together and are connected. That connectivity is created by how everything is arranged." But describing the company's goal as "designing a plaza" leaves out the biggest idea behind Facebook's design. Facebook doesn't just want to catalyze interactions. It wants to catalyze emotions. It wants you to have the same feelings—the positive ones at least—that you have when you cuddle up to friends and family in person. The company shorthand for this is "serotonin," the neurotransmitter that sparks feelings of happiness. A sticky note with the word scrawled on it is tacked on the wall of a design meeting I sit in on. "That's our term for those little moments of delight you get on Facebook," explains Julie Zhuo, a design manager. And Cox clearly understands this as well: "It's the science of things you can't reason about, that you just feel," he says. "So when we're going off to create something new, it's important to be iterating in that mind-set."
starbucks
bazaar scopes
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
TAU R U S
April 20 - May 20
GEMINI
May 21 - June 21
The Sun and Mars occupy your 7th house of committed relationships this month and you will have ample energy in that area. Problems or old grievances could surface and you will have to deal with them. You’ll do just fine if you keep your head. Venus and Mercury in your 8th house of shared finances bode well for the month. Just don’t go on a spending spree around the 23rd. With the Sun moving into that house you may feel you have enough to spend without regard, only to find out later, you didn’t. Also after the Sun changes signs into Libra, expect old problems with your living space to find workable solutions.
CANCER
Have you been watching the family budget? If you haven’t, you will. It will be your key focus this month, but not in a burdensome way. You may surprise yourself at your own creativity when it comes to juggling the checkbook and financial responsibilities this month. Jupiter in your 7th house of committed relationships urges your partner to assist in these matters. Look for that help to continue for the next year. After the 21st, the Sun moves into your 9th house of long distance travel and higher thinking. If it doesn’t get you out on the road, it will get you traveling in your mind. Either way, it promotes a pleasant learning experience. So take the trip, you’ll love it.
June 22 - July 22
If you are looking for that vacation, now is the time. Pack those bags and don’t look back. Plan well, so that after the 14th you make it home without incident. More than likely, the call to return will come for obligations in the employment/career area. This will be a time for you to shine especially after the 21st, when the Sun enters you house of career. Also, watch those purse strings this month. With Uranus, the planet of surprises good and bad, in your 2nd house of Money and Values, along with Neptune, the deceiver, you could have a jolt or two where money is concerned. With influences from Jupiter, Venus and Mercury, I’ll wager they will be to your benefit.
LEO
The career sector of your chart is ablaze this month. The Sun and Mars, both fire planets, light up the fireworks in your 10th house of Career for a great time and a time for real advancement. Your mind is going with the possibilities for the future with Mercury and Venus planted firmly in the house of Hopes and Wishes. With Saturn in last degrees of the 7th house of partnerships, relationship issues will probably be a major motivating force for the next year. The Sun moves into your 11th house of Hopes and Wishes after the 21st to help get you focused on what you want in life for the next year. Lay down some constructive planning and make a road map to achieve these goals.
July 23 - Aug 22
July should be a very happy time for you. The Sun and Mars are in your 11th house of Hopes and Wishes firing the imagination with thoughts of the future and the possibilities it could bring. Look for surprises around the home front this month. They could really be great. Your career also will be getting a major boost for the next year with Jupiter, the Santa Claus planet, in your house of career and public standing. By the last week of July, you may feel you energy level slipping and you feel the urge to retreat from life for a time. However, with Venus slipping into your 1st house of Self don’t be surprised to find a romantic interest or two hovering about.
VIRGO
Nov 22 - Dec 21 Dec 22 - Jan 19 Jan 20 - Feb 18
With the Sun in your 12th house of “behind the scenes” activity, you may choose to sit back and relax. Time to reflect on the past year. Having Mars there as well could mean your energy level is truly at low tide. Your ruling planet Venus is in your 1st house of Self and this could draw romance to you. With Uranus and Neptune in your 5th house of Romance the chances are even greater. Jupiter throws a dreamy light on it all from the 11th house of Hopes and Wishes for a very pleasant time for you. The energy starts to return when the Sun crosses into Libra around the 21st. There is something of a warning here, the Sun combines with Mercury and you many lose sight of your identity for the day on the 28th.
Aug 23 - Sept 22
LIBRA
Sept 23 - Oct 22
S CO R P I O
Oct 23 - Nov 21
S A G I T TA R I U S C A P R I CO R N A Q UA R I U S PISCES
Feb 19 - March 20
what’s your sign? You have vibrant health this month with the Sun and Mars in your 6th house of Health and Employment. You could gain some huge personal satisfaction for your job as well. You will also be supported by the committed other in your life in these endeavors. You will however, have to mind closely what you say this month, especially around the 22nd, when you could step in it up to your knee. The sun changes sign into Libra on the 21st, the Equinox and the first day of Fall, and your attention will be drawn to that committed other. You will probably want to spend as much time as possible with this person as you reap the seeds of love planted back in the spring.
Romance is all over you this month with the Sun and Mars in your 5th house of Romance and Creativity. You’ll be feeling very sexy with that Mars influence. Just be careful it doesn’t get out of control around the 22nd. An interest on the job could sweep you off your feet on the 4th, but it can fall apart just as quickly. With Saturn in you 2nd house of Money and Values, be careful about over spending with regards to these romantic inclinations. The Sun moves into your 6th house of Health and Employment on the 21st and you will feel the pull to improve your health or your job, or both. With Mercury there all month you should have a clear plan in mind for accomplishing these plans.
With the Sun and Mars in your 4th house of Home, you may feel the need for redecorating. This could be a sword that cuts both ways this month. Pluto, the planet of rebirth, isn’t all that happy with your plans and could work against you on the 7th and the 22nd. On the 22nd when you may feel completely frustrated with yourself. This is coming from the planet Saturn, the Restrictor, placed firmly in your 1st house of Self. Think things through carefully before beginning. The Sun changes signs into Libra on the 21st, providing you with new romantic opportunities during the last week of the month. Anything started during that time will find ample support next month. Lucky you.
With the Sun and Mars in your 3rd house of Communication and Short Trips, you’ll be the busy little beaver this month running here and there and talking all the time. Endless chatter. Careful around the 7th as something you say on the job could get you into hot water. Be especially careful on the 22nd, as taking your eyes from the road for just a moment could result in an accident. After the Sun changes signs into Libra on the 21st, you will find you are drawn to the homefront more than usual. You could feel the urge to change or add something to your living space. Neptune and Uranus in your 8th house of Shared Resources supports you in any change you with to make, especially if it’s eclectic and artsy.
You’re a busy person this month with the Sun and Mars in your 2nd house of Money and Values. They may be up for review at this time and you could find yourself in a bit of a re-vamping mood. This could cause problems on the 7th and 22nd as people around you may react with resistance to those changes. Just keep your cool and remember that Mercury in your 3rd house of Communication this month helps you to express your aims and reasons effectively. After the 21st the Sun changes signs into Libra, to further assist in expressing yourself. Jupiter entered your 1st house of Self last month and I again caution you about over eating and over indulging. Also, try to avoid becoming over inflated with yourself. This influence lasts a year.
This month you are enlivened by the Sun and Mars in your 1st house of Self. You will be filled with energy. Your mind will probably be on money matters and how to accumulate more through your employment. There could be some surprises in that category as well. The caution is not to overextend yourself and cause health problems, as current planetary configurations indicate they might be difficult to diagnose and treat. When the Sun changes signs into Libra, your 2nd house of Money and Values on the 21st, the money focus is re-doubled. You may find you have more in resources than you had counted on. source: www.horoscopessign.com
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