bazaar June 2024

Elevate everyday meals

SONG

ZHOU YUTONG

Al-Rai, Al-Khairan Mall, The Avenues, Al-Kout, Boulevard, Promenade

About the Cover: The humble watermelon became a symbol for Palestinian resistance and resilience, because of how its colors mirror the Palestinian flag. This month’s cover is a response to Burning Man’s decision to remove an art installation entry titled From the River to the Sea which was set to appear in the event, deeming it antisemitic and silencing the voices that are still working hard to keep the true story of current events happening. So, we’re putting the watermelon where it deserves to be, on our most valuable space, the cover.

This month’s cover says it all. If you’re a human being with any sort of moral compass, and any sort of empathy, then you too have been sad and angry and disturbed and outraged, and have been feeling helpless, impotent even, by what’s been going on in Gaza, Palestine for the last 9 months. But at the same time, we’ve all been living our lives. Going to work, going to school, going to university, going on holiday, eating, drinking, sleeping, going to graduations, going to the beach, the gym, parties, chalets and everything else that we all do because ultimately, life doesn’t stop, can’t stop, no matter how depressed you are, how helpless you feel, you have to keep on going, and all you can do is to continue to pray, raise awareness, speak up, donate time and money, open your heart and mind, and to reeducate ignorant unaware people one person at a time, and to continue to believe that one day, this will end and life might go back to normal.

One way we’re trying to keep the Palestinian narrative front and center, is by celebrating the heritage. Food and culture are intertwined, shaping identities and fostering connections. Culinary traditions pass down stories, values, and heritage. This month, we visited Jafra, Kuwait’s newest Palestinian cuisine restaurant and we think you should too!

In our darkest moments, we find solace in the fact that the world is still full of dreamers and doers, who chase their dreams and try to make the world better even if in small doses. This month we meet Fedha Nazar for a quick game of Truth or Dare and learn more about the aspiring filmmaker. From movies to movement, Zumba instructor turned yoga guru and wellness coach Zaina Al Ghabra, tells us how she found new healing power in holistic power. By the time you get this issue, school will be winding down and we will be getting ready to jet for some fun summer adventures. We have a great guide that will help you pack with ease using MUJI’s great luggage options and travel products. Don’t forget to make some additions to your resort wear wardrobe. We’ve fallen in love with the latest collaboration between & Other Stories and artist Briana Lance. Indulge in gorgeous watercolor kaftans that will be perfect for lounging by the beach or exploring new cities.

If you’re going to be spending the hot months in K-town, now is the best time to give your home a refresher. IKEA’s new unbeatable prices has made home furnishings even more accessible than ever. Lear, about all the great products that have reduced prices.

The bazaar team...

Boss

Ahmed El-Adly

Editor

Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager

Ihab Youssef

Content Manager

Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions

Jennifer Cádiz

Design

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media

Yasmin Gamal

Israa Odeh

Contributing Writers

Yasmin Mustafa

Hamad Alkhuder

Communications

Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources

Fast Company

LA Times

MCT International

Newsweek

Printing

British Industries for Printing and Packaging

members of:

www.bpaww.com

INDEX JUNE 2024

24

PLANTING WATERMELON SEEDS

In a world where art is often seen as a powerful medium of expression and resistance, the removal of a pro-Palestine artwork from the Burning Man festival’s website has left many feeling voiceless. This decision, prompted by a petition labeling the artwork’s title, “From the River to the Sea,” as antisemitic, reflects a troubling trend where the voices of the oppressed are stifled under the guise of political correctness.

28

FEDHA DREAMS OF FILMS

Fedha Nazar, has always dreamt of becoming a successful film director. Films are a harmonious blend of storytelling, visual artistry, and technical craftsmanship. The complexity lies in the meticulous coordination of countless elements. Fedha tells us how she is inspired by sadness and what she wants to show the world with her work.

46

PORSCHE X GUST

Industry-leading companies have a responsibility towards the communities they operate in, and Behbehani Motors Company, pioneer in automotive engineering and sports car technology, showed us how it’s done. They hosted a group of marketing students from GUST for an all-day educational tour at its new facility to foster and mobilize an empowered Kuwaiti youth, capable of shaping a sustainable world for future generations.

WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

62

AFFORDABILITY AT IKEA

Making IKEA more affordable and accessible continues to be a commitment and priority for the company. They always aim to provide innovative solutions that make designing and furnishing your home more accessible. Find out how they’re making this happen and check out all the great deals you can find in the store right now. 54

84

Beat the summer heat and treat your family to an unforgettable summer getaway at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait with the “WaldorfKidz” summer getaway package. Designed to redefine family vacations, this package offers an array of enticing benefits that promise to create cherished memories for every member of the family.

102

BEIT JAFRA

Food and culture are intertwined, shaping identities and fostering connections. Culinary traditions pass down stories, values, and heritage. Jafra, Kuwait’s newest Palestinian cuisine restaurant celebrates and honors the rich heritage and delicious flavors. Learn more about our favorite dishes and heartwarming experience.

110

TRAVEL WITH MUJI

Packing for travel is an art form, balancing the need to bring everything you need with the desire to travel light. Whether you’re heading on a business trip, a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, smart packing can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. The secret is to start with the right luggage and packing tools that will work with you, not against you and everything you need is available at MUJI.

& OTHER STORIES X BRIANNA LANCE

In another outstanding collaboration, & Other Stories is bringing visionary perspectives together in a capsule collection, combining creative ways of working with zero-waste patterns and infusing them with Brianna Lance’s artistic expression. The artist is a versatile artist known for her vibrant and eclectic work across various mediums, including painting, fashion design, and illustration.

MOSCOW BISHKEK

SARAJEVO

BEIRUT

ANTALYA LARNACA

PRAGUE

SALALAH TBILISI

#1

What: @cookiesbouquet

Info: Dessert shop

Editor’s Note: Celebrate life’s greatest moments with bespoke cookies.

#2

What: @santanata.kw

Info: Bakery

Editor’s Note: We can’t stop at just one.

#4

#3

What: @t.d.bakers

Info: Chocolaty goodness

Editor’s Note: Because food is art in an edible medium.

What: @ottikwt

Info: Laundry providers app

Editor’s Note: Because we hate doing laundry.

#5

What: @jarra.kw

Info: Organizational products

Editor’s Note: Stay organized while traveling with your family.

A A VOICE SILENCED: BURNING MAN’S REMOVAL OF PRO PALESTINE ART

How a Festival’s Decision Speaks Volumes About Modern Hypocrisy

In a world where art is often seen as a powerful medium of expression and resistance, the removal of a pro-Palestine artwork from the Burning Man festival’s website has left many feeling voiceless. This decision, prompted by a petition labeling the artwork’s title, “From the River to the Sea,” as antisemitic, reflects a troubling trend where the voices of the oppressed are stifled unde guise of political correctness.

The artwork in question was an 8-by-14-foot fiberglass installation shaped like a watermelon, a poignant symbol of Palestinian resistance. Watermelons have historically been a quiet yet powerful emblem, representing the Palestinian identity and spirit in the face of ongoing occupation and aggression. The title, “From the River to the Sea,” is a slogan widely chanted at international protests against the bombardments of Gaza, a tragic reality that has resulted in over 35,000 deaths.

Burning Man, known for its principles of radical inclusion and self-expression, seemed like the perfect stage for such a significant piece. Yet, the festival’s removal of the artwork, following a Change.org petition, raises critical questions about whose voices are considered acceptable and whose are not. The petition argued that the slogan suggested an intent to annihilate Israel, a claim that overshadows the artwork’s intent to highlight Palestinian suffering and calls for freedom and justice.

The artist behind the installation drew inspiration from Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, quoting her powerful words: “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” This sentiment echoes deeply within the Palestinian struggle, where the fight for freedom and recognition continues against a backdrop of systemic oppression.

By removing the artwork, Burning Man has silenced a crucial narrative, one that highlights the Palestinian people’s plea for justice. This act of censorship not only denies Palestinian voices and reflects a broader hypocrisy in the modern world. In an era where movements like Black Lives Matter have rightly garnered global support, the Palestinian struggle for freedom remains marginalized, often misrepresented or suppressed.

This incident at Burning Man is more than just an isolated event; it’s a microcosm of a larger issue. It underscores the selective nature of the world’s empathy and the inconsistent application of principles that festivals like Burning Man claim to uphold. When art that seeks to amplify the plight of an oppressed group is deemed too controversial, it begs the question: Are we truly committed to the values of justice and equality for all?

AVOID THE GAP

How to help 4 generations get along at work

By Harvey Deutschendorf

One of the major challenges we all face in today’s workforce is how to collaborate with a variety of coworkers that grew up in different circumstances and possess different perspectives and preferences. Indeed, today’s workforce includes workers from four generations: Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers.

Too often, instead of trying to understand and value one another for our differences, many of us end up stereotyping, making judgements about, and blaming our coworkers from different generations. As a result, many employees unfortunately feel siloed and judged, which impacts their performance. The end result is a cycle of mistrust that affects the overall culture of an organization. Imagine, if instead of stereotyping and judging, we developed a culture of curiosity instead.

Emotional intelligence can help us move toward curiosity and focusing on creating the conditions that will bring teams together in an atmosphere of trust and appreciation for our differences. Here are some steps that we can take to get along with every generation at work.

Challenge stereotypes

There are many factors that make up a person apart from the era that they grew up in. The circumstances in which we are raised drastically vary and impact us as much as the times that we are brought up in.

I came to this realization during my first job in which I was working with seniors. Not having grandparents and having no close relations with people their age, I had the preconceived belief that all senior citizens thought the same way. But getting to know this community, I was quite surprised that there were many different perspectives and belief systems among the senior citizens I worked with.

While the time in which someone is raised is only one factor in their beliefs and values, it is helpful to understand how it impacted them. Instead of viewing other people’s characteristics as being lesser than their own, emotionally intelligent people ask questions and try to understand how these characteristics came about. They strive to avoid judging characteristics as “good” or “bad” but rather as different.

Business leaders can help their organizations develop emotional intelligence by bringing in speakers and offering workshops led by different generations in their workplace. They can also look for examples of teams that consist of employees from different generations working well together and learn how they are able to pull it off.

Finding common values and interests

One of the best ways to break barriers between

workers from different generations is to find common interests you share and set shared goals that you are all working toward.   This could include opportunities for staff to do volunteer work that all ages believe in and can get behind. For instance, helping children in poverty is a cause that many workers, regardless of their differences, can get behind.

Or you could open staff meetings and invite employees to share something that they are dealing with in their life or a cause that they are passionate about. This can help teams better understand what each other’s world looks like outside of work. It can also establish a better appreciation of the kinds of struggles and challenges everyone brings with them when they come to work.

You can also urge staff members to share one thing with their colleagues that they are grateful for or express what they appreciate about their colleagues. These kinds of positive conversations can help teams connect and build new bonds.

Support and encourage mentoring between age groups

Different generations of workers can take advantage of each other’s unique skills and experiences by mentoring one another. For example, younger workers could help older colleagues that may not be as up-to-date with the latest technology. Older workers could help their younger counterparts by sharing experiences that their junior cohorts have not come across yet.

Continually focus on the strengths that various generations bring to work. It is important to have reminders that we are all working together and that what we bring to the table makes for a stronger and more effective workplace. And, importantly, leaders have a responsibility to

catch and address instances of agism. Have visual reminders around the workplace to remind everyone of the value of people with different, but equal insights.

“Focus on developing an organizational culture of bonding where there is a deployment of a company listening strategy. Create workshops that teach active listening and collective appreciative inquiry skills with the goal of filling in the spaces between siloes that separate people by differences,” says leadership consultant Lydia Henry. “Learning new aspects of effective communication (written or verbal) encourages collaboration, increases productivity, and releases discretionary energy that is fueled by an enhanced sense of employee trust and psychological safety.”

Have fun together

Lastly, I recommend that intergenerational teams find opportunities to have fun together. Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. As comedian John Cleese once said, “Laughter is a force for democracy.”

We often overlook the power of laughter at work. Sharing fun experiences can break down barriers between workers from different backgrounds. Look for opportunities to do fun exercises and games that everyone enjoys and that can lighten the mood of a workplace. These efforts are a great way to relieve stress as well. In this way, emotional intelligence can help us all challenge stereotypes about our fellow workers, find common ground, mentor one another, and have fun at work.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.

FEDHA DREAMS OF FILMS

An indie filmmaker’s journey

By bazaar Staff

Fedha Nazar, has always dreamt of becoming a successful film director. “I’ve always wanted to create films, it’s always been in my DNA. I always wanted to create films from my own perspective, and how I see the world, so that it sticks with someone and has them thinking ‘I’ve never seen that before’ or opens their eyes to something new. even if it’s just one person, I honestly don’t mind as long as I make someone feel the way that I do when I watch a film that always makes me go back to it in my mind,” she explains.

Films are a harmonious blend of storytelling, visual artistry, and technical craftsmanship. The complexity lies in the meticulous coordination of countless elements: scriptwriting, direction, cinematography, acting, sound design, and editing. Each component must seamlessly integrate to evoke emotions and convey narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Fedha understands that and implements that in her work.

“It always starts with watching a film. I grasp onto very specific things in a film — like maybe how the protagonist walks, the lighting, or even the framing of the shot, and it’ll stick with me. Then I’ll start writing a script surrounding that one aspect that never left my brain since I last saw it. Then I’ll look for references from older films, newer films, even short films by

successful directors when they were film students, that match what I have in my mind. After that, I start casting and creating a crew. Scout the location, come up with a shot list, have meetings and rehearsals with my cast and crew, then finally, send out the call sheet and get ready for the big day,” she tells us.

As a filmmaker she is inspired by sadness to create art. For her, it’s a theme in life that makes her see the world the way that she does and make films that way. While not all of her work revolves around the emotion, it’s always there, sometimes as a hidden hint even if it is not so obvious. However, as a creator, she loves working on all kinds of projects especially when she feels that she can elevate it in her own style. She loves being as creative as she can, and dislikes being limited.

“Seeing everything, I envisioned, come to life. my god. I can’t even explain how it feels. It’s almost addicting! After I’m done shooting something, I run back home and think of something new, or something better, just to see it come alive later on,” Fedha tells us.

She also loves working with different people and feels like she has learned a lot by collaborating with others. “Who doesn’t like working with talented people? Everyone wants a talented cast and crew. But with time I learned to realize, that the crew and cast you end up picking, really need to know your art and how you are for everything to work out smoothly. It’s so important to make sure that the entire team knows my vision, but also for everyone to work well together. I want to be on set and feel like we’re all on the same page, or rather, the same team. I don’t like drama and I don’t like people who slack off, so I’ve grown very fond of specific people that I’ve held onto,” she explains.

There’s no clear path for indie filmmakers. There will always be a struggle, imposter syndrome, cringey art or reaching for things that are not promised. “You’ll just feel like you’re crazy for wanting this. It’s really hard. Oh, and it doesn’t pay well — especially in the beginning. I remember when I first said I wanted to be a director, I got mocked for it and was made to feel like I was full of myself. I’ve learned to mute all of that out because this is what I love — I love what I love, and I’ll do what I love, forever. Even if I fail, it’s okay. Even if there’s no place for my art or my films in this world, that’s okay. I’m doing this because I love it,” she tells us.

Fedha just finished working on a short film and hopes to premiere it soon, as well us submitting to film festivals. Like any other filmmaker, she dreams of winning an Academy Award. “What filmmaker doesn’t want an Oscar? Or any award that validates them and their art? To finally be seen and feel like you have a place in this world where people understand your odd perspective? I need that. Also… this is going to sound a bit funny, but I’ve always wanted to be studied at university. Imagine having a course about your films? That would be so cool. I want to have a few film students be crazy about me after learning about me in school. I think that might even validate me and my art way more than awards,” Fedha says.

We loved learning more about her process and filmmaking dreams, and can’t wait to see her grow and create even more beautiful art.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE

How would your mother describe you in one word?

I think she’d describe me as a dreamer. My head’s always in the clouds.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Brave, or resilient.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

If I’m really Kuwaiti. It’s like it’s hard to believe for some reason. But yes, I am

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

The fact that I’ve travelled and studied abroad at the age of 16, fully alone. I don’t know how I had the courage to do it, but I’m grateful that i did

What is your theme song?

Always and forever “Seigfried by Frank Ocean”

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Melancholia. It sounds so pretty, and sweet when in reality it just means sadness.

Where would you like to live?

I’ve been abroad for a huge chunk of my life and i feel like i liked the essence of Malibu but I realized it doesn’t really matter where I live. If I’m happy and content, that feeling will follow me anywhere I go

What is your dream retirement location? Malibu is the best place to sit back, and relax.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

It’s not really a famous quote, but anyone who knows me, knows that I love Sofia Coppola. And I heard her once say, “I try to just make what I want to make or what I would want to see. I try not to think about the audience too much” and that stuck with me ever since

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?

A dog, of course! loyal, cheerful, and forever by your side.

Do you miss anything from your childhood, and if so, what is it?

Just being carefree, and I feel like the concept of time was so blurry — I miss that. I’m too aware now of everyone and everything around me. I wish I could switch off somehow for a bit, like we easily could as kids.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it?

I would never! I love my name so much. It’s super traditional, and I was named after my sweet nana — which makes it even more special.

How would you describe your handshake, in one word?

Friendly, perhaps?

What is the toughest part of your character?

I’m actually really bossy and I love it. It doesn’t always come out but when it’s all business, my soft side almost never comes out, and it tends to shock people since I’m a soft-spoken person.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Frida Kahlo, she did a lot for the art culture and her community as well.

What in the world do you least desire? To be so judged and misunderstood.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?

Growth. I think we should all be held accountable for what we do, and if we ever do anything bad, then we should put in the work to constantly be better. It’s disheartening to see people who always think they’re right and never want to change. We should all do better.

Why do you think most people, who do, like you?

I’m not sure. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. But for the people who do like me, perhaps like me for being gentle and sweet. i’m not the kind of person who will always have the spotlight on me, I much rather prefer listening to people who feel like they’re being ignored.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”everything.

Follow Fedha on Instagram @fedhathepisces and follow her journey.

EMBRACING HOLISTIC WELLNESS WITH LAYAL

AL MUTAWA

A Journey to Self-Discovery and Empowerment

By bazaar Staff

Layal Al Mutawa, the dynamic force behind AB Wellness, opens up about her passion for holistic wellness and the driving forces that led her to create a sanctuary for well-being in Kuwait. From her personal journey to the innovative services at her wellness center, Layal shares insights and advice for those seeking a balanced and fulfilled life.

Layal Al Mutawa is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, dedicated to empowering others to live their best lives. What fuels her enthusiasm? The continuous journey of selfdiscovery and personal growth. Layal thrives on challenges that push her boundaries, innovate her approaches, and create a positive impact. Whether it’s exploring new wellness techniques, connecting with inspiring people, or fostering a vibrant community, Layal is driven by authenticity, balance, and purpose.

With a strong academic background in International Business, Strategy, and Governance, Layal’s journey to wellness was inspired by her family’s deep roots in dermatology and her personal experiences in the US. Merging her education with a passion for health, she envisioned a wellness center that integrates various modalities for holistic well-being. AB Wellness was born from this vision, offering a blend of professional expertise and personal care.

Unique Offerings at AB Wellness

AB Wellness sets itself apart with a range of unique services designed to promote comprehensive health:

● Infrared Sauna: Utilizing infrared light for a comfortable, relaxing experience that detoxifies the body, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.

● Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber: A treatment that increases oxygen levels in the body, aiding in healing and overall wellness.

● Sound Healing: Sessions that use soothing sounds and vibrations to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality.

● Body Treatments: Including scrubs, wraps, and massages with natural and organic products to nourish the skin.

● Hair Treatments: Natural and organic treatments to improve hair health, including scalp treatments and masks.

● Body Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of physical health, including diagnostic tests and physical exams. Running a wellness business in a competitive market

comes with its challenges. For Layal, staying ahead means continuous innovation and a strong focus on personalized wellness programs tailored to each client’s needs. This approach not only differentiates AB Wellness but also ensures maximum value and results for clients.

Looking ahead, AB Wellness aims to streamline services using technology, making it a one-stop destination for wellness. Layal envisions a seamless, convenient experience for clients, solidifying the center’s reputation for exceptional customer care.

AB Wellness was inspired by a desire to create a holistic sanctuary where individuals can nurture their mind, body, and spirit. Layal recognized the need for comprehensive wellness solutions beyond traditional treatments, aiming to empower people to proactively invest in their well-being and foster a supportive community. The center is dedicated to serving the local community with accessible, personalized, and culturally sensitive wellness solutions. Understanding the unique needs and challenges of the Kuwaiti community, the center tailors its services to meet these demands effectively.

Live Entertainment Night

Join us every Friday for live entertainment, Japanese robatayaki flavours and signature mocktails.

Every Friday from 7:30pm - 10:30pm

For Layal, holistic wellness means addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. AB Wellness integrates holistic approaches in every aspect, focusing on treating the whole person and empowering individuals through lifestyle modifications, stress management, and self-care practices. Her advice for those looking to improve their wellness journey is to embrace a holistic approach and prioritize self-care. Invest in practices that nourish your body, calm your mind, and uplift your spirit. Remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, and small, sustainable changes can lead to profound results over time.

Layal Al Mutawa’s dedication to holistic wellness shines through every aspect of AB Wellness, making it a beacon of health and vitality in Kuwait. Her passion, innovation, and personalized care are setting new standards in the wellness industry, inspiring others to embark on their own journey to well-being. Follow the center on Instagram @ABWellnessKW to renew your focus on wellness.

JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH WINS BIG AGAIN!

The hotel was named ‘Kuwait’s Leading Business Hotel 2024’ for the 11th Consecutive Year by the World Travel Awards

By bazaar staff

The recognition accorded by the World Travel Awards further solidifies the luxurious property’s position as the hospitality brand of choice in Kuwait for international, regional, and local business executives. Exemplifying its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for visitors, Jumeirah Messilah Beach has been crowned the “Kuwait’s Leading Business Hotel 2024” at the World Travel Awards. The luxurious property has secured the coveted honor for the 11th consecutive year, further solidifying its reputation for operational excellence and remarkable offerings within the hospitality sector.

Established in 1933, the World Travel Awards recognizes pioneering forces in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries through a public vote by trade professionals, business executives, and leisure travelers around the globe, making it one of the most popular and prominent industry recognitions worldwide.

The award winners in diverse categories for the Middle East and Indian Ocean region were honored at a grand ceremony organized in Dubai from 6-9 May 2024. Representing Jumeirah Messilah Beach, Nader Neishabouri, General Manager of the property, received the accolade.

Expressing his pride, Mr. Neishabouri stated: “Winning the award for the 11th consecutive year marks a significant milestone in our success journey. This achievement is a testament to our steadfast resolve and striving efforts to offer a memorable experience for our esteemed guests. It has also enabled us to further cement our position as the hospitality brand of choice in Kuwait for international, regional, and local business executives.”

“The contribution and perseverance of our committed team members and the unwavering support from our travel partners are the cornerstone of our success. It empowers us to deliver our promise of a world-class guest experience and make our property a premium and attractive destination for business executives and leisure travelers. These accolades also serve as an inspiration to continue our pursuit of excellence and set new benchmarks in the industry,” he added.

Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Messilah Beach is a five-star premium property, epitomizing an unparalleled luxury that upholds Kuwaiti tradition in design and values. Boasting 405 elegant rooms and suites as well as state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities, it is an ideal destination for business meetings and corporate events. Just a 20-minute drive from Kuwait International Airport, the property’s proximity to the capital’s major commercial, cultural, and heritage attractions complements the requirements for both business and leisure travelers.

For more information, call +965 22269600 or visit Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa’s Instagram @jumeirahmessilahbeach or visit their website Jumeirah.com

ZAINA AL GHABRA

Kuwait’s ten-year long Zumba instructor turned yogi/wellness coach finds new healing power in holistic living.

By Yasmin Mostafa

Walking into her first yoga class in 2006 was a foundation for Zaina’s love for the fitness world, exposing her mind to asanas, movements, breathwork, and the body temple. She had no idea what that class in Oklahoma would bring in terms of blessings. Little did she know that doing private ashtanga yoga with said ashtanga yogi @andrew_eppler_yoga would find her 10+ years later in one of her darkest moments in grief and inspire her to become a full-time yogi, yoga teacher and women’s integrative nutrition coach.

Zaina Al Ghabra’s initial life calling was to empower women through dance and fitness. Years ago in Oklahoma, she found some ladies dancing to a Zumba class in 2007. Months after she started training in ashtanga yoga, a dynamic form of the spiritual Hatha style, she took a side turn and landed on Zumba. While Ashtanga forfeited Zaina’s single-minded obsession and settled for a “backseat”, the first few minutes of Zaina’s first Zumba class made her feel at “home” with her body like never before. The Latin-inspired fitness/ dance duo epitomized her love for a women’s community, empowerment, like mindedness and free expression.

After being Zumba certified, Zaina started teaching her own classes at Gold’s Gym Oklahoma and continued teaching after moving back to Kuwait. Balancing evening classes alongside her corporate day jobs in Kuwait was the reality for many years until her famed classes would quickly fill up with students. “I felt I had something going on there and it later gave way to dropping my 9-5 and going full time.” In 2016 she hosted the very memorable and successful masterclass, guest starring international Zumba instructors @ ecemozcanes and @didem.zeybek and two popular events in 2015 at the BBS Alumni Club and at The Palms Hotel in kuwait. In 2019 Zaina decided to join Tiger Muay Thai, Phuket, in Thailand, a world-renowned Center and professional Mixed Martial Arts Training Camp, to train in Muay Thai; a time when the Zumba Academy launched Strong Nation, a martial arts based workout that allows women to grow muscle and shred in a safe way. Zaina became licensed to teach Strong Nation and continued teaching it up until 2023.

Expanding on her career, Zaina added Holistic Coaching to her offerings, with an aim to support her Zumba and Strong Nation clients at first. In 2019 she enrolled into an integrative holistic nutrition coaching course from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Towards the end of her program she learned of her father’s unfortunate terminal diagnosis. It was an incredibly hard time for her as she tried to support him during his treatments and with her newfound information. Her tough experience gave new meaning to her studies and her understanding of the growing mound of evidence to back the science of healthy nutrition. As she graduated from the program, she understood how nutrition can be used to fill the shortcomings of conventional medicine and change the consensus/wisdom on approaching health. A clear meaning of holistic living and wellness began to take form in Zaina’s mind and her subsequent life chapter to come.

After the passing of Dr. Shafiq Al-Ghabra in 2021, Zaina deeply mourned her closeness and intimate relationship with her father. Two months into her loss, after observing her lack of motivation to continue with coaching and her classes, she shelved her work schedule and went on a healing journey in Guatemala. Meditating amid nature

was everything she needed to begin to heal from her loss. A trip filled with permaculture principles, yoga, meditation, multiple trekkings through waterfalls, all while eating vegan/organic food were newfound blessings for her. Halfway into her trip she turned to an ancient Mayan cave, the “Temazcal”, and embraced the time-tested ancient method of sauna healing. Crying everyday gave her the gift of releasing as she shared her loss with the group and welcomed their support, love and understanding.

Still feeling heavy hearted, Zaina couldn’t still sail through her imminent grief and continue with coaching and her Zumba classes without the constant reminder of her father. She found herself falling back on yoga and applying for a yoga training in Thailand with faith that it would bring her more of what she needed. She quickly discovered

how impactful her new trip was, being a student during her grief and embracing new learnings.

“When I saw how powerful yoga was for me in terms of healing and what it was able to do for me, I instantly felt I had to share this.” Zaina says. Combining Hatha yoga with Vinyasa during her training was very spiritual and added ancient yoga philosophy to her physical practices. Even though her background was in ashtanga yoga with Andrew Eppler, she didn’t choose to train in ashtanga. Regretting that choice, one morning in class a breakthrough came for her as she discovered how her body could “hold” a single pose for a lot longer than she imagined her limits to be. Aside from the physical challenges, she was met with holistic practices which facilitated the space she needed to heal further and connect with her feelings and grief. After completing her training, she left Koh

Samui for Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand for 6 weeks to delve deeper into yoga. The island opened her up to a second layer of grief, which tied deeper with her Palestinian roots. Though challenged during those few weeks she released more feelings she didn’t know her body held onto for years.

As Zaina started teaching yoga in Kuwait in her private home studio and in several health clubs/gyms she made sure she always transferred ancient yoga philosophies and her learnings into her classes and to always come from the heart. “Being connected with what your students are going through and holding space for them is very important when teaching yoga”. And as she always seeks life mentors, Zaina drew on her new yogi mentors after her yoga training during her early days, connecting with Nikki @nikimariahelena, leading yoga teacher at Vikasa Yoga in Thailand, and Paul Teodo @teodoyogaguitar at The Yoga Barn in Bali.

While Zaina was in Thailand for three months of her Holistic Wellness course, it brought to her attention the elements in her immediate environments that can impact how she felt and the food choices she made. Applying her new learnings, she infused holistic changes to her environment by traveling frequently to places with lots of nature and sunlight which fed into her healing, or introducing simple changes inside her home to model examples of wellness living to her Instagram followers and wellness clients. Because the program also questioned what she was eating she introduced a diet change for herself. She decided to try a plant-based diet for a week and after discovering how energetic it made her feel she continues to be mostly plant based till today and speaks about the importance of incorporating more vegetables and fruits daily on many of her Instagram posts.

Zaina’s formula for healing herself was Yoga together with holistic health and wellness. It fueled her mission to share that magical duo with others together through her yoga classes and wellness coaching. After her loss in 2021, Zaina felt coaching brought her closer to her clients and was able to listen and understand more from them. It connected her with people’s different levels of struggles whether it be daily habit changes to make necessary diet/lifestyle changes, to mental health struggles like self-expression, self-prioritization and returning to the authentic self, to relationship/ family problems. “After grief you are able to hold space for people in a much more different way”. As she passed her one-year anniversary into teaching yoga, her ambitions are driving her to delve deeper into the healing world, grief, and the body of literature on Somatic healing.

Zaina is a holistic wellness coach and certified Yoga teacher. For inquiries on either, or booking a discovery call to your wellness journey visit www.zainaghabra.com or reach out to her on her Instagram page @zaina.ghabra@zaina.ghabra

GUST STUDENTS VISIT PORSCHE CENTRE SHUWAIKH

Porsche Centre Shuwaikh Welcomes GUST Marketing Students For An Immersive Brand Experience

By bazaar Staff

Behbehani Motors Company | Porsche Centre Shuwaikh, an industry leader and pioneer in automotive engineering and sports car technology, recently hosted a group of marketing students from the Gulf University of Science & Technology (GUST) for an all-day educational tour at its new facility located in Shuwaikh. This initiative aligns with Porsche Centre Shuwaikh’s (PCS) commitment to youth-led sustainability, aiming to foster and mobilize an empowered Kuwaiti youth, capable of shaping a sustainable world for future generations.

Porsche Centre Shuwaikh sought collaboration with GUST to organize a facility tour for marketing majors, to diversify their business knowledge and expand their horizons on the automotive sector and its latest offerings. Porsche Centre Shuwaikh’s collaborative efforts with GUST exemplify their unwavering dedication to enriching the educational experiences of Kuwaiti students.

Paying homage to almost seven decades of continued success in Kuwait, representatives at Porsche Centre Shuwaikh inaugurated the students’ tour of the facility with a brief overview

of the international brand, and its association with Behbehani Motors Company since 1957. Key milestones, including the pivotal year of inception, were highlighted, showcasing Porsche’s enduring presence and contribution to Kuwait’s automotive landscape. Students witnessed firsthand how the company has been synonymous with luxury, performance, and innovation, consistently exceeding customer expectations.

The students also learned about the legendary Porsche 356 which marked Kuwait’s debut in sports car sales, with the opening of the first

Porsche dealership in the Middle East, ranking as only 9th worldwide. GUST’s marketing students continued to explore Porsche Centre Shuwaikh’s newly developed facility, capturing its dynamic and captivating environment. Porsche Centre Shuwaikh’s impressive showroom covers 2,800 square meters, serving as the centrepiece that highlights Porsche’s diverse lineup of vehicles, from E-mobility to Preowned vehicles, SUVs, and sports cars. Students also visited the facility’s spacious service reception area, spanning 3,600 square meters, to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for customers.

Home to the Classic Porsche Cars Collection, Porsche Centre Shuwaikh treated the students to an engaging tour of its 850-square-meter on-site museum. Students delved into the rich heritage of Porsche and its continuous evolution, admiring the private collection showcase of special Porsche vehicles built by Porsche’s Kuwaiti importer, the Behbehani family.

Students expressed exceptional admiration for this part of the facility tour, as the remarkable exhibition combines rare and special Porsche vehicles, displayed with digital technology to immerse visitors in the brand’s rich history.

As the tour went on, students continued to gain a deeper understanding of Porsche’s ongoing dedication to innovation and technology. To promote and encourage sustainable mobility solutions, students were also introduced to Porsche E-Performance models available in Kuwait. This included interactive discussions on charging times and docking procedures, equipping students with firsthand knowledge of this rapidly developing automotive segment.

The students’ tour culminated with a fascinating exploration of Porsche Centre Shuwaikh’s services facility, witnessing the intricate workings of the service department. As they entered the extensive workshop, covering 5,900 square meters, students

experienced cutting-edge technology at the standard bays, including the brand-new dialogue bays in the inspection station, which further increases Porsche’s accuracy levels of vehicle diagnostics. Porsche’s skilled technicians introduced the students to the meticulous craftsmanship and care provided to maintain and service every Porsche to the highest service standards.

From technical operations to customer service protocols, students gained valuable insights into Porsche’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of its business. This gave students an overall understanding of how Porsche Centre Shuwaikh offers a world-class automotive experience, encompassing sales, service, and genuine parts. A notion that verified Porsche’s commitment to exceptional customer care and vehicle maintenance to those students.

Lauding the initiative, Mr. Hany Marie, General Manager of Porsche Centre Kuwait, said: “At Porsche Centre Shuwaikh, we firmly believe in empowering the future generation, by nurturing young talents and providing opportunities to learn and grow. Hosting facility tours at Porsche Centre Shuwaikh underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational development of Kuwaiti youth and fostering a passion for innovation and excellence.”

Mr. Hany Marie concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this initiative. “We are truly thrilled to have hosted marketing majors from the Gulf University of Science & Technology on this educational tour. We are confident that this experience will leave a lasting impression on the GUST marketing students and contribute significantly to their academic journey”, added Mr. Hany Marie.

Porsche Centre Shuwaikh remains steadfast in its dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community and inspiring generations of leaders and innovators for a sustainable future. The state-ofthe-art facility not only sets new standards in luxury automotive retail and service but also stands as a testament to sustainability and green technology. This is evidenced by the facility’s use of specialised water recycling and solar panels to generate renewable energy. Electric vehicle chargers are also installed throughout the facility to echo the company’s forward march toward a sustainable future for the automotive industry.

To find out how you can experience automotive excellence at a new level, follow @Porschecentrekuwait.

TALKING GREENE

The Invisible Threat Inside Us: Microplastics Found in Human Bodies

By Hamad AlKhudher

In a startling discovery that sheds light on the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, researchers have found microscopic particles of plastic, known as microplastics, inside the human body. This alarming revelation serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental impact of plastic on our health and well-being, urging us to reevaluate our reliance on this ubiquitous material.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, often invisible to the naked eye. They enter our bodies through various sources such as contaminated food and water, air pollution, and even personal care products. Once ingested or inhaled, these minuscule plastic fragments can accumulate in our organs, tissues, and bloodstream, potentially leading to a range of health issues.

Studies have linked the presence of microplastics in the human body to adverse health effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of the endocrine system. Furthermore, these particles have the potential to carry harmful chemicals and pathogens, posing additional risks to human health.

The prevalence of microplastics in our bodies underscores the urgent need to address the broader issue of plastic pollution. As a society, we must collectively reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable alternatives. By minimizing plastic consumption, recycling effectively, and supporting initiatives to clean up our environment, we can mitigate the spread of microplastics and safeguard our health.

Embracing eco-friendly practices and exploring innovative solutions, such as biodegradable materials and reusable alternatives, can help us break free from the harmful cycle of plastic pollution. It is imperative that we act now to protect our planet, our bodies, and future generations from the insidious threat of microplastics. Let us commit to a more sustainable future, where plastic plays a minimal role in our lives, and our health remains uncompromised.

Su er COLLECTION

SING ALONG

The sublime and deeply therapeutic joys of karaoke

By John Metcalfe

When Caitlin Bethune-Daniels met Chris Daniels on the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel, one of the ice-breaker facts she provided was that she’d won $500 in a karaoke competition singing Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.”

“He saw my profile and said, ‘I could marry this woman’ out loud,” recalls Bethune-Daniels, a school teacher in Union City.

What followed was a karaoke courtship in which Bethune-Daniels tested Chris to see if he was suitable enough to visit her favorite haunt, 7 Bamboo Lounge in San Jose.

“When we first started dating, we went to the Red Stag (for karaoke), because I wasn’t quite sure if it was serious,” she said. “And you don’t bring someone to your karaoke bar until you know it’s for real.”

But it did get serious, and the two got married last year – another success story chalked up to karaoke. Today, you’ll find them singing classic R&B and power ballads at 7 Bamboo, one of the oldest karaoke lounges in the Bay Area. Their voices join in an ocean of crooning, wailing and belting that swells nightly from dance floors in places like the old-school Mel-O-Dee Cocktails in El Cerrito, Effie’s in Campbell, the Mint in San Francisco and dozens of celebrated others.

Some people might wave off karaoke as a silly hobby, something to liven up boozy birthday parties and lame company events. They couldn’t be more wrong.

“Karaoke brings people together in one forum where we all can just enjoy ourselves in this moment of music and laughter and happiness,” said Keefer Harness, a financial-services agent from Sacramento who sings at Mel-O-Dee. “That’s why it’s such a great phenomenon and art form. What else is more fun than going out, having a cocktail and listening to people singing? It’s the American way.”

Karaoke around here has launched careers. William Hung began his climb to “American Idol” fame as a civil-engineering student at UC Berkeley who loved singing karaoke – disastrously, but with bulletproof confidence. In 2004, he mangled Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” in front of a stadium of Golden State Warriors fans, wowing two of Chris Farley’s brothers in attendance. “She may bang,” they deemed, “but William rocked.”

Dedrick Weathersby is a Broadway star who has performed in “Dreamgirls” in San Francisco and recently toured the country with his own one-man show about James Brown. He’s now written another Broadway production about Little Richard, “Tutti Frutti,” premiering this winter in Dallas, and credits his success to singing at Mel-O-Dee Cocktails.

Weathersby would come in wearing a stylish wig and practice “I Feel Good” and “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” while drinking his favorite drink, water with no ice. “I was like, ‘Wow, they really like

this … I actually can build a show around it!’” he says. “It was the welcoming experience of the MelO-Dee staff, the ownership and also the patrons that sparked the show that ended up with me being on a national tour.”

Having sung all over the country, Weathersby believes the karaoke crowd in the Bay is different. “It is more than just fun in the Bay Area. It’s people that probably did not get a shot or did get a shot but something happened in life, and it’s literally like a talent show.”

Karaoke is universal among race, gender and socioeconomic boundaries. Celebrities seem to enjoy it, too: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jimmy Fallon did a “Late Night” showdown as David Bowie and Axl Rose where Gordon-Levitt parodied Axl weirdly singing Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” Sir Paul McCartney participated in “Carpool Karaoke,” making James Corden shed tears with his rendition of “Let It Be.” Jewel visited a local bar for an “Undercover Karaoke” sketch with Funny or Die

while wearing a giant prosthetic nose and singing her own music with passion. “You could be an ugly girl with a voice like that,” a female listener told her, “and you’d get laid all the time.”

The celebrity sightings around here are a little more mundane, but nonetheless notable.

“When I was up at the Mint one night, the (California) state treasurer Fiona Ma was there with friends and singing,” said Che Angkham, a San Jose karaoke singer. “She was just hanging out and wearing some costume. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I guess I’m just here at the karaoke bar with state treasurer Fiona Ma.’”

“Pepa from Salt-n-Pepa came in one time after she had a concert at the SAP Center,” said Keith Geddes, aka “KG Kage,” a karaoke jockey who’s worked for a decade behind the booth at 7 Bamboo. “She sang Bon Jovi’s ‘Wanted Dead or Alive,’ and after that, the bartender and I were, like, ‘Can you sing one of your songs?’ She sang ‘Push It,’ and that was awesome.”

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7 Bamboo has attracted the likes of California Democratic Rep. Mike Honda, who reportedly brought his own CDs and performed slow ’60s and ’70s songs, and San Francisco 49ers players, decompressing after Sunday home games. Most often in these joints, though, you’ll find a diverse mix of ordinary folks: theater workers, part-time musicians, designers, maybe a retired heart surgeon or Golden Gate Fields horse trainer and public-school teachers – so many teachers.

“It’s funny, we get teachers from all around. It’s at the beginning of the sessions when school starts, when all these teachers come and get their karaoke in and do what they do,” said Pinole resident Delia Cavizo, a karaoke jockey for 15 years at Mel-O-Dee.

“I used to refer to it as ‘theraoake,’ because it was a good destresser,” said Bethune-Daniels, who last year taught a class of kids who grew up during online-pandemic education. “They really didn’t do kindergarten in a real way, and it was just a little chaotic. … Karaoke was a good way to break up the week and let off some steam and not have to think about what I was going back to in my classroom the next day.”

“I would see her get up on stage,” said Bethune-Daniels’ husband, Chris Daniels, “and all of the stress and all of the pain she’d been carrying from that day would melt off her face, and she would shine. And in that moment, she was fully herself.”

The therapy aspect of karaoke is real.

“Around 2012, I was not in a good place in life, I was dealing with personal emotional issues and

work issues, loneliness and depression and those kinds of things,” said Eckoes, a pseudonymous karaoke jockey who lives in Modesto.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a double life, but for me, it lets me disassociate,” he said. “And without it, I definitely wouldn’t have as deep of a social network as I do now, because of those relationships I made during karaoke.”

At 7 Bamboo, a group of regulars formed a friend group called “The Boo Crew.” “I think you can question the healthy life balance of this, but sometimes we would have what we call ‘perfect weeks,’ which is when we went to karaoke every night,” Angkham said.

“Outside karaoke, we actually did a couple trips,” Bethune-Daniels said. “One time we went to Tahoe for New Year’s Eve, got a big Airbnb and a whole bunch of us came. Another year we did a trip to Vegas where one girl was getting married, another was turning 30 and another 31, so we were finding any excuse to celebrate and making the trip all about that.”

So how do people pick their songs? Well, it turns out there can be complex motivations.

“It’s funny – what I’ve done before is get to the karaoke bar early, and I’ll choose Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ right away, because I know everyone else wants to sing it. And I know if I sing it, no one else can do it for a while,” Chris said.

“I was a pretty quiet kid when I was younger, and I think music and performing was one of my ways of building up confidence,” said Drew Jones, an account manager and musician who lives in Martinez and who performs at Cato’s Ale House in Oakland.

“I like to sing songs that people know – Goo Goo Dolls, blink-182, The Killers and stuff like that, because I like to feel the energy in the room,” Jones said. “When it’s a good crowd, you receive some energy and give some energy back. … It just creates a really cool ball of momentum, a nice ball of energy you get rolling through the course of the night.”

Gary Miyamori is known in karaoke circles as “One and Done,” because he comes into bars to sing one song that knocks people off their feet and then departs. “I don’t bring a list of songs. I just wave to (the karaoke jockey) that I’m here, and she picks one,” said Miyamori, who works in I.T. and lives in El Cerrito.

Miyamori has been singing since the ’80s, back when San Francisco’s Pier 39 had a place called Music Tracks where you could broadcast your warblings to tourists outside and also record it on a cassette tape. “I bought a machine, took lessons for about eight months and had a vocal coach,” he said. “I’m also a fifth-degree black belt in karate. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to go all the way.”

A lot of the older karaoke singers around the Bay have disappeared, Miyamori said. “There is a new breed of karaoke singers that have emerged. I noticed them a little before the pandemic. I don’t know what drives them,” he said. “Vocally, in my opinion, they are not as good. You can always tell an old-school karaokist, even if you have never seen them or heard them before. Generally, they have their songs down pat, and the songs they sing are quite polished.

“Just the other day, I heard some woman singing a Patsy Cline song called ‘Sweet Dreams,’” he continued. “I said, ‘Who is that?’ I ran to the back of the bar to see who it was. It was an elderly woman who just started coming to the Mel-O-Dee, a little while ago. The whole bar stood up to see who was singing. It was so good, it sent shivers down everyone’s spine. That doesn’t happen too often.”

Most of the time, the choice of the song doesn’t matter – what matters is that the singer commits fully to the energy of the room.

“If there’s a pie chart of what I like about karaoke, right, there’s a wedge that’s your turn to sing, which is really fun,” said Stephanie Whigham, who hosts karaoke nights at San Jose’s Caravan Lounge. “Then there’s a wedge that’s listening to your friends sing. But the bulk of the pie is that it’s socially acceptable to sing along with nearly everything in this community energy of shared music.”

That’s true even if you can’t hold a tune to save your life.

“Even if you can’t sing at all,” said Whigham, “and you put on ‘Tequila’ at the right time of night and sing those three words, people love it – it’s great.”

Photo by jevens julian on Unsplash.

WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT UNVEILS

EXCLUSIVE SUMMER PACKAGE

Experience Luxury And Adventures

By bazaar Staff

Beat the summer heat and treat your family to an unforgettable summer getaway at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait with the “WaldorfKidz” summer getaway package. Designed to redefine family vacations, this package offers an array of enticing benefits that promise to create cherished memories for every member of the family.

Families will enjoy a plethora of exclusive offerings, ensuring a remarkable stay, including complimentary breakfasts, where families kickstart their days with a delectable breakfast offering featuring a tantalizing selection of culinary delights, setting the perfect tone for a day of adventure and relaxation.

The exclusive package includes a generous 25% off spa treatments at the renowned Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Waldorf Astoria Spa, providing guests with a well-deserved opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate amidst opulent surroundings.

Families can also enjoy culinary delights at Ava Mediterranean and Roka Restaurants with a tempting 20% off, savoring exquisite dishes crafted by the hotel’s esteemed chefs. And as an added bonus, each suite includes two combo tickets offering access to a world of entertainment, featuring one Kidzania Kuwait Admission ticket, one TEKZONE play card, and one Quest admission voucher for a single round in the arena, ensuring endless fun and excitement for the entire family.

To take advantage of this extraordinary offer, guests are encouraged to book the minimum suite category of accommodation. Additionally, for those requiring additional tickets, booking a connecting room will ensure access for all family members.

The “WaldorfKidz” summer getaway package is available from 1st June 2024 until 15th September 2024. The tickets are not valid for special event days and have a 6-month validity from the date of the issue.

For reservations, please contact +965 2477 4444 and use the code “WaldorfKidz” while booking.

Serenity by the Pool: Summer Getaway Package

Escape the city heat and dive into an unforgettable summer journey at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait with Serenity by the Pool: Summer Getaway Package Immerse yourself in a serene oasis of tranquility, nestled amidst lush greenery and adorned with exquisite features. Whether you’re looking to embrace the joys of summer and the outdoor pool experience, spend quality time with family and friends, or simply unwind and relax, the pool offers an inviting and accommodating space for everyone to enjoy.

The Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offers the perfect escape from the bustling city, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip in its outdoor pool. Designed with the utmost comfort in mind, the pool features three different widths and two depths, catering to swimmers of all abilities.

This summer, Waldorf Astoria is introducing the exclusive Serenity by the Pool: Summer Getaway Package at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, offering a blissful escape from the city heat for 40 KWD per person, including one 0% cocktail per person, or 50 KWD per person, including a delectable array of food options and drinks. Children aged 0 to 3 years stay free, while those aged 4 to 12 years receive a generous 50% discount. The pool opens its doors from 10 am till sunset, inviting you to indulge in a day of relaxation and enjoyment. For reservations, please kindly contact +965 2477 4414

A Tantalizing Afternoon Tea Experience at Peacock Alley

Peacock Alley, a Parisian-inspired café known for its sophisticated atmosphere and exquisite culinary offerings, is inviting guests to indulge in a truly remarkable afternoon tea experience this summer.

Their crafted menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering options, such as freshly baked scones, homemade chocolates, delicate finger

sandwiches, and assorted warm quiches, that are sure to delight guests’ taste buds. To complement the brunch meals, Peacock Alley offers a carefully curated selection of fine teas, allowing guests to enjoy the overall ambiance at their own pace. You can indulge in the Afternoon Tea experience every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, from 3 pm to 11 pm. And for a delightful twist, the Afternoon Tea Brunch awaits you every Thursday and Friday, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. [Continued...]

Savoring the Essence of the Mediterranean: Ava’s Award-Winning Dining Experience

Ava, the Mediterranean Restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, is renowned for its delicious, relaxed, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. It has recently won the BBC Good Food Award for ‘Best Fine Dining’ in Kuwait. Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle across the coast, the food is light and fresh, showcasing the best cuisine from the French Riviera, the South of Italy, and the Greek Islands. Guests can choose from sharing items like woodfired pizzas, appetizers and salads, grilled items, and decadent desserts. For an intimate dinner, a birthday celebration, corporate get-together or a gathering with close friends, the dinner menu will set the tone for a memorable evening at AVA.

Luxuriate in Ultimate Relaxation at the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Spa

Boasting eight treatment rooms, three hammams, and two vitality pools, the Forbes Awarded Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Spa guarantees a serene environment for optimal relaxation. Guests can indulge in personalized treatments ranging from facials to massages, among other advanced skin and body therapies, individually tailored for both men and women.

This summer, guests can take advantage of the exclusive packages for the signature combinations of AMRA 24kt gold rejuvenating body oil. Allow the

adept therapists to whisk away tension and stress, immersing you in blissful relaxation. Following this, treat yourself to a 30-Minute Facial to revitalize your complexion and unveil a radiant glow. The skilled estheticians will cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish your skin, leaving it luminous and youthful. 90 Minutes | Price: KWD 99

For more information and reservations, please call +965 2477 4444, email: reservations.kuwait @waldorfastoria.com, or visit kuwait. waldorfastoria.com. Follow the hotel @WaldorfAstoriaKuwait on Instagram for the latest updates.

OVERTHINKING

Why our brains turn so easily to TikTok ‘advisors,’ celebrities, and conspiracy theories

By Next Big Idea Club

Amanda Montell is a writer, linguist, and podcast host. She is the author of Wordslut and the bestseller Cultish and host of the podcast, Sounds Like a Cult. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and more. She holds a degree in linguistics from NYU.

Below, Montell shares five key insights from her new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality.

1. The human mind is inherently clashing with the Information Age

Why does living in the so-called Information Age only seem to make life more confusing? Why does this particular time in history seem to be colliding so violently with the human spirit? It’s no secret that we’re living through an unprecedented mental health crisis: we’re isolated, languishing, burned out on screens, losing faith in everyone’s humanity, overthinking ourselves to death, putting our faith in TikTok astrologers, larger-than-life celebrities, blacking out on nostalgic chimeras of the past, cozying up to conspiracy theories.

In 2021, a CDC survey found that 42% of young people felt so sad or hopeless in the past two weeks that they couldn’t go about their normal days. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that between 2020 and 2021, crisis calls to their lifeline were up 251%.

The mental anguish is enough to make us think everyone has turned evil and the world is ending

once and for all. But as it turns out, much of the unease can be explained by cognitive biases—the mental magic tricks we play on ourselves. Like Mentos and Diet Coke, our innate mysticisms and the Information Age have combined explosively. Capitalism, data overload, and competitive pressure to know everything under the sun have clashed with our irrational nature to create a violently delusional era.

2. Cognitive biases are a useful lens to understand other people’s bizarre behaviors (and our own) Cognitive biases are psychological shortcuts we take both automatically and unconsciously. They are deep-rooted and sometimes ancient. They underlie so many of the mysterious, nonsensical choices we see people making these days— from my neighbor opting not to get vaccinated because a YouTuber in palazzo pants said it would “downgrade her DNA” to my commitment in my early twenties to stick out a romantic relationship that I knew caused me suffering.

From the sunk-cost fallacy to the halo effect to “the Ikea effect,” each bias is an illusion that allows us to maximize our limited time,

mental capabilities, and desire for meaning. The trouble is that they dominate our decisionmaking so naturally that we don’t notice how counterproductive many of them have become. Each different cognitive bias can be used as a lens to examine some confounding irrationality within ourselves. Developing an awareness of our cognitive biases is a way to have more compassion toward others’ irrationalities and skepticism of our own. It might be the only way to survive this age.

3. Science literacy doesn’t make us better at discerning facts

Here’s a perfect example of how more information doesn’t exactly help the world make more sense: A 2011 Yale experiment on climate change perceptions concluded that becoming more scientifically literate actually made study subjects less willing to entertain views they didn’t agree with. Why? Additional information just made them better at defending their existing beliefs. “Cultural polarization actually gets bigger, not smaller, as science literacy and numeracy increase,” concluded the study’s authors. “As ordinary members of the public learn more about science

. . . they become more skillful in seeking out and making sense of—or if necessary, explaining away—empirical evidence relating to their groups’ positions.”

This is an example of confirmation bias on steroids. During socio-politically fraught times like election years, it becomes especially important to recognize it. Using facts to try and force other people’s minds to change is not always, as a behavioral economist might say, a rational use of one’s limited time and cognitive resources. We do, however, actually have pretty good luck changing our own minds. A 2021 study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society found that when people trained themselves to notice their own thought processes, they were able to strengthen their defenses against misinformation and dogma.

4. Celebrity worship is one of the ways delusion has gone mainstream

During this era of mass loneliness and loss of identity, young people are increasingly investing in parasocial relationships with celebrities, whom they worship not just as entertainers but as saviors.

In 2019, a Japanese study found that about 30% of adolescents aspire to emulate a media figure, like their favorite singer or athlete. A 2021 study published in the North American Journal of Psychology measured that celebrity worship had increased dramatically since two decades prior.

A 2014 clinical examination concluded that high levels of celebrity worship are associated with psychological difficulties, including “concerns about body image . . . greater proneness to cosmetic surgery, sensation-seeking, cognitive rigidity, identity diffusion, and poor interpersonal boundaries.” Among other observed struggles were depression, anxiety, dissociation, narcissistic personality tendencies, thirst for fame, compulsive shopping and gambling, stalking behavior, excessive fantasizing (to the point of social dysfunction), addiction, and criminality.

It’s not unhealthy to admire a celebrity, but when people lack “positive stressors” from their real lives and communities, they can lose themselves in relationships that aren’t real. This intensity is responsible for the extreme cycles of celebrity worship and dethronement we see in pop culture, especially with regard to female stars. These concepts are found in the context of the “halo effect,” the unconscious tendency to make positive assumptions about a person’s overall character based on our impressions of one single trait.

5. Understanding “magical overthinking” can soothe our mental malaise

Classic “magical thinking” is broadly defined by the belief that one’s internal thoughts can affect external events. In moments of uncertainty, from the sudden death of a loved one to a worldwide pandemic, otherwise “reasonable” brains start to

buckle. Whether it’s the conviction that one can “manifest” their way out of financial hardship, thwart the apocalypse by learning to can their own peaches, stave off cancer with positive vibes, or transform an abusive relationship into a glorious one with hope alone, magical thinking works in service of restoring agency.

While magical thinking is an age-old habit, overthinking feels distinct to the modern era. Faced with a sudden glut of information, cognitive biases cause the modern mind to overthink and underthink the wrong things. We obsess unproductively over the same paranoias, but we blitz past complex deliberations that deserve more care. I have more than once experienced the disorientation of engaging in some battle of wits online, only to come up for air and feel in my body like I’d been using sparring tactics better suited to a neolithic predator than a theoretical conversation.

I’ve been referring to this era, when we’re so swiftly outpacing the psychological illusions that once served us, as the Age of Magical Overthinking. For me, having a label and a lens for these relatable experiences has been enormously validating. It can feel exhausting just to exist as a human in the world right now, but that’s not a personal problem. It’s because, in this everrestless age, so many of us have become “magical overthinkers.”

Photos by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash.

UNBEATABLE PRICES AT IKEA® Making Home Furnishing accessible, no matter your budget

By bazaar Staff

Even Lower Price MICKE desk, white KD22

Previous Price: KD32

IKEA’s commitment to affordability is deeply ingrained in its DNA, shaping not only its business model but also its philosophy. IKEA’s mission has always been to offer well-designed, functional products at prices that are accessible to everyone. This commitment to affordability permeates every aspect of the company’s operations, from product design and sourcing to marketing and distribution.

Making IKEA more affordable and accessible continues to be a commitment and priority for the company. They always aim to provide innovative solutions that make designing and furnishing your home more accessible.

IKEA continues to lower even more prices for many of their products with the same good quality.

Now you can get your favorite products at unbeatable prices, reduced like never before from IKEA.

In doing so, IKEA remains committed to its vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.

A clean and simple look that fits just about anywhere. You can combine it with other desks or drawer units in the MICKE series to ex- tend your work space. The clever design at the back hides messy cables.

The SLATTUM bed frame has soft upholstery and a padded headboard that complete the stylish and simple lines. Easy to like – and convenient to bring home thanks to the whole frame coming in a single package.

Even Lower Price SLATTUM upholstered bed frame, vissle dark grey  KD25

Previous Price: KD39

This trolley fits in the smallest of spaces and can be moved to wherever you need it. Use it as extra storage for all your kitchen utensils, desk accessories or for gloves, keys and mobile phones. Simple and smart! When all you need is a wardrobe with all the basic functions. If storage space is still not enough, why not add another wardrobe from the KLEPPSTAD series?

When it’s tidy by the TV it’s easier to indulge in your favourite TV series. Keep your games, controls and accessories in the large drawers and feed the cables through the outlets in the back.

Unbeatable price

Decorate with pictures you love. This frame has soft lines, is tested and approved for children’s rooms, and comes in many sizes. The plastic front protection is safe ― and does justice to the motif.

Even Lower Price RAMSTA day-bed, white  KD18

Previous Price: KD32

Even Lower Price IKEA 365+ carafe with stopper, clear glass/ cork

KD0.950

Previous Price: KD1.750

The IKEA 365+ series has everything for the table – to be enjoyed for its everyday simplicity or spiced up with colours and accessories. Made from tempered glass that holds both hot and cold beverages.

This day-bed is ideal for long lazy days or overnight guests. Completing with some fluffy, soft pillows gives you a really comfortable sofa or a nice chaise lounge. The choice is yours.

Even Lower Price FISKBO frame, black

KD0.500

Previous Price: KD0.950

Even Lower Price FRANKLIN bar stool with backrest, foldable, black/black

KD7.950

Previous Price: KD13.500

Simple to fold up, easy to stow away. This bar stool in black is always at hand when you need a few extra seats around the bar table, countertop or kitchen island.

Even Lower Price GLATTIS tray, brass-colour

KD1.950

Previous Price:

KD4.500

A tray for both tasty party treats and beautiful collections. The brass colour gives a feel of everyday luxury and the discreet edge makes the things stay in place where they’re supposed to be.

Visit IKEA at the Avenues, The Warehouse (Sabahiya), 360 Mall, Assima Mall, and Al-Khiran Mall.

HUMANITY’S SOUNDTRACK

How music has influenced society and what it means to be human

By Katie Lauer

When was the last time music made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, sent a chill down your spine or gave you goosebumps all over?

Whether it’s a full-body rush from joining in an outdoor choir of 58,000 Swifties at Levi’s Stadium or a shudder from the evocative tension that’s made Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” cinema’s unofficial mourning song, those moments spark a psychophysiological phenomenon or frisson.

The first time that intoxicating sensation rattled Jeremy Wagner — a composer, lecturer and the technical director of the Center for New Music & Audio Technologies at UC Berkeley — was during high school, when he was flooded with emotion while listening to the orchestral swells in the Beatles’ 1967 track “A Day in the Life.”

This physical reaction is commonly associated with a fear response in the animal kingdom — puffing up fur, for example, to fend off predators or keep warm. But Wagner said dynamic musical changes in melody, pitch, tone and rhythm can trigger a more evolved or even subtler form of that same mechanism in humans, replicating that same bodily tingling during moments of awe, sadness, thrill or novelty.

“For me, the feeling of frisson is most profound when you have that sense of awe, when you’re in the presence of something that is spectacular or difficult to access. Some people might call it the ‘divine’ or something bigger than yourself,” Wagner, 43, said. “The artistry at work is what’s causing the experience of awe, leading to that physiological response.”

Wagner leads a course at UC Berkeley that analyzes the exact oddities that lie at the nexus of music and perception.

Researchers have uncovered many reasons why and how music is so integral to life as we know it. Musical styles and artists that are enjoyed as a child, for example, often influence lifelong music tastes, largely because those songs were introduced at a time when brains are the most “plastic” and able to make connections.

However, there’s still a lot of unknowns shrouding what feels like such a deeply innate part of being human.

Wagner said that while brain imaging can illustrate which parts of the brain are active, for example, when people listen to music and feel frisson, medical scans fail to fully explain why the experience is enjoyable. Yet, he said, those unknowables can still act as stepping stones that guide intuitional understanding of why we enjoy music.

“When you’re looking at this data in the brain, a single cubic millimeter has hundreds of thousands of neurons participating, so the fact that something is lighting up might give us a hint at what’s going on, but it’s not really telling us the whole story,” he

said. “There’s this horizon beyond which it’s kind of difficult to know anything for certain, so I try to emphasize intuition.”

One thing is certain: Music has been a facet of civilization for tens of thousands of years. Researchers have discovered ancient artifacts, such as bones that were hollowed out and carved with holes — not dissimilar to a modern-day flute.

Daniel Levitin, a rocker-turned-neuroscientist who grew up in Moraga, has delved deep into the evolutionary forces behind our brains’ ability to translate music into meaning, a development that has shaped the history of humanity in the process.

Two of his New York Times bestselling books — “This Is Your Brain On Music” and “The World in Six Songs” — collectively explain how the mind is a natural change detector. It crafts understanding of

the world by searching for patterns and connecting feelings to memories.

Starting by age 5, he says, children can typically identify when a note is off key or a chord is out of sequence. Over time, those skills form a sort of mental rule book about music, specific to the culture in which you’re born.

Simultaneously, people’s reward centers trigger positive emotions when listening to music they like. As this happens in groups of people over time, Levitin says, song and dance physically help synchronize minds and form larger communities — effectively laying the foundations for civic life and society as we know it today.

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash.

Japanese Elegance with Mediterranean Flair

CORK IS THE NEW PLASTIC

Logitech’s material of the future is actually very old

By Nate Berg

Look around for the nearest keyboard or mouse, and chances are you’ll see a very dark piece of plastic. The aesthetics of computer accessories have long been stuck in this paradigm. Aside from a few outliers on the market, computer peripherals are dark and plastic because they’ve always been dark and plastic.

Logitech, a major producer of computer peripherals like keyboards, mice, cameras, and headsets, carries at least some of the responsibility for the drab aesthetics. But the company is also beginning to chart a new course for this essential add-on hardware by exploring the integration of new and more environmentally friendly materials like composites, biomaterials, and recycled materials into its production process. It’s a sustainability effort that could put a colorful new face on computer hardware.

One example is a headset made primarily out of cork. Developed by Logitech’s in-house designers as an experiment in lower-carbon material use, the headset replaces the typical plastic found in most headsets on the market with compressed cork for the earpads and a composite of cork and recycled plastic for the headband. Featuring mostly the light brown hue of the cork itself, the headset is a stylistic jump from what people have come to expect from conventional plastic products and computer aesthetics.

“Plastics are very valuable because they do offer lots of benefits in terms of durability, in terms of aesthetics, in terms of performance,” says Jasper Phua, Logitech’s global head of color,

material, and finish design. “However, as we start to think about better materials that are more sustainable for the planet, I think that opens the door to more alternatives. . . . It is a catalyst for innovation.”

Just a prototype at the moment, the headset is an example of the ways new materials could lead to changes in how these products look and feel. The tactility of compressed cork is much different than that of injection-molded plastic, for example. A new biomaterial might need to be slightly thicker to achieve the same durability as plastic, which could end up being reflected in a product’s overall form factor. Phua says experimenting with new materials may reshape even the most familiar pieces of a computer setup.

“I think what’s really exciting for designers is that it opens new avenues of aesthetics. And with that, I think there is also a shift in terms of what consumers expect in the look and feel of consumer electronic products,” he says.

Logtech isn’t ready to put cork-based products out for sale just yet, but Phua says the company has made significant efforts to move away from virgin plastic use. About two-thirds of Logitech’s products, which are sold around the world, are made with recycled plastic. “That’s about 3 million products shipped a week,” Phua says.

The transition toward more recycled materials has also had a side effect on the overall aesthetic of the products. Phua shows off the company’s current color palette of recycled plastics, which features dozens of tones from across the spectrum. A cork headset may not be on shelves anytime soon, but a cork-colored one could be.

“Sure, these biomaterials, renewable materials, are new, they’re exciting,” he says. “But there’s still lots to be done with recycled materials.”

The design teams at Logitech are using material explorations to better understand how their products can be made to have a lower carbon footprint, and other prototypes are being developed using cork in keyboards and mice. “We’re learning in terms of its feasibility. We’re learning in terms of its sustainability. We’re also learning in terms of its desirability,” Phua says, noting that a material like cork could set a product apart from its more conventional competitors in the marketplace. “New materials will also change the perception of what premium means.”

Photo by Kirill Shavlo on Unsplash.

DEAR GRADUATE

Watch your mouth

By Barbara Intermill

Graduation celebrations abound this time of year. Even our 4-year-old granddaughter got into it. With a miniature square cap proudly balanced on her head, she excitedly waved at us the entire time she and her classmates were recognized for completing preschool.

Amid the flurry of high school announcements were two we received from our nephews in New Mexico. And a particularly clever invite came from a young man in our community who is home-schooled by his mom. His announcement proudly informed us that he had earned status as valedictorian, class president and teacher’s pet.

So, dear graduates, no matter where your next stop is after this milestone, I congratulate you. And offer you some sage advice, if I may.

Watch your mouth. And not just what comes out in words. What you put into your body has the power to give you strength or make you weak. More than at any other age, young adults face the greatest risk for nutritional deficiencies that may harm their health in the years to come, say experts.

For example, young women are especially at risk for not getting enough protein in their diets.

This nutrient is essential for everything from muscle development to hormonal control. Plan to include protein-rich food such as eggs, lean meat, poultry, seafood, beans, soy products and nuts with each meal. These foods also supply iron, zinc and other nutrients to keep your young body and mind at its best.

Learn to like vegetables. Your mother was right. All colors and types of veggies contribute to fresh looking skin, resistance to disease and a healthy weight. Researchers say the ones most often missing from young adults’ diets are red and orange such as bell peppers, carrots and tomatoes. In fact, half the space on your plate should be occupied by vegetables, say nutrition experts. Really.

Take care of your bones. They will continue to absorb bone-building nutrients until you’re about 30 years of age when they reach their peak

strength. Gradual bone loss begins to occur after that time. So…think of calcium and protein-rich foods like milk, yogurt and calcium-fortified soy beverages as “money” in your lifetime bone bank. The more you save now, the better you’ll be able to withstand the slow withdrawals of bone mass in the future.

Experiment with good things. Learn how to cook, for example. I guarantee it’s a skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life.

Learn to enjoy all foods, even sweets and treats, in moderation. You may not appreciate it now, but your body needs to carry you through many years to come. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

Listen to the wise adults in your life. You’ll be one of them someday. Happy graduation!

Photo by MD Duran on Unsplash.

SEASON FINALE FOR THE FIRST TOYOTA GR YARIS CHAMPIONSHIP

ALSAYER recently held the closing ceremony of the first Toyota GR Yaris Championship at Multipurpose Hall in Ardiya

By bazaar Staff

The first GR Yaris Cup in the Middle East launched last November in Kuwait by Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Est Co. with the support of Toyota Motor Corporation in association with Kuwait Motor Town and Suffix Sports has now concluded its exciting first edition.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mubarak Naser Al Sayer – Group CEO, Mr. Bengt Schultz –Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Martin Aherne – Senior Business Manager Toyota Sales, Mr. Ibrahim Al Fozan – Senior Business Manager Service, Mr. Bader Faisal Al Sayer – Toyota Senior Marketing Manager, a group of Al-Sayer family, senior management members, representatives from Kuwait Motor Town (KMT ) and Suffix Sports, the team of sponsors, racers, members from Toyota Sales and Marketing, Toyota Ahmadi Service Performance Team along with press and media representatives.

Speaking on this occasion, Mubarak Al Sayer said: “I am delighted to have you with us to celebrate the success of the first-ever Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris championship, not only in Kuwait, but also in the GCC. After the first season of the championship, Toyota vehicles proved to be exciting, energetic, as well as of high quality, reliability and durability”.

Martin Aherne said: “The success of this championship has given us a great indication that we can achieve a strong, practical and safe presence in professional motorsport now and in the future.”

Bader Faisal Al Sayer said: “The Toyota Gazoo Racing Championship, which was held in Kuwait from November 2023 to March 2024, has been a great success at all levels. In addition to the continuous support of our big team, partners and sponsors. This Championship also gathered an exceptional level of engagement in our social media platforms and positive feedback motorsport fans and enthusiasts.”

GR Yaris is true sports car developed by experts at the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team and the 10 units which are part of the GR Yaris Cup are being race prepared under FIA regulations, in-house with skill and precision by service technicians at Al Sayer Ahmadi Performance. Carefully selected race specific components are added to the impressive standard specification to create a car at home circuit in the cut-throat environment of a one-make competition.

In conclusion, the winning sponsoring companies were honored, and prizes were distributed to the winning contestants, where Ahmed Al-Ghanim, driver of the Cofran Lubricants car, came in first place, Ali Al-Sabah and Jaber Al-Sabah, drivers of the Gazoo Racing Unit came in second place, and Salem Al-Nussif and Mohammed Al-Nussif, drivers of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait car, came in third place.

GR Yaris Cup Kuwait saw Toyota demonstrate the potential of the carbon-neutral fuel-powered GR Yaris during the fifth and final round. Produced from feedstock which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, this fuel boasts the same performance as conventional fossil fuel and is widely compatible with existing powertrain technology.

By pushing the boundaries of its latest innovations through its participation in motorsports, Toyota is helping bring diverse green mobility solutions to customers worldwide. This is a key factor in Toyota’s multi-pathway approach and the realization of a more carbon-neutral future for all.

Visit toyota.com.kw, call 1803803, or follow @toyotakw on Instagram.

CHANGING THE AGE-OLD PRACTICE OF WRITING

How two professors harnessed generative AI to teach students to be better writers

By Jeffrey R. Young

When ChatGPT emerged a year and half ago, many professors immediately worried that their students would use it as a substitute for doing their own written assignments—that they’d click a button on a chatbot instead of doing the thinking involved in responding to an essay prompt themselves.

But two English professors at Carnegie Mellon University had a different first reaction: They saw in this new technology a way to show students how to improve their writing skills.

To be clear, these professors—Suguru Ishizaki and David Kaufer—did also worry that generative AI tools could easily be abused by students. And it’s still a concern.

They had an idea, though, for how they could set up a unique set of guardrails that would make a new kind of teaching tool that could help students get more of their ideas into their assignments and spend less time thinking about formatting sentences.

“When everyone else was afraid that AI was going to hijack writing from students,” remembers Kaufer, “We said, ‘Well if we can restrain AI, then AI can reduce many of the remedial tasks of writing that keep students from really [looking] to see what’s going on with their writing.”

Restrained Generative AI

The professors call their approach “restrained generative AI,” and they’ve already built a prototype software tool to try it in classrooms—called

myScribe—that is being piloted in 10 courses at the university this semester.

Kaufer and Ishizaki were uniquely positioned. They have been building tools together to help teach writing for decades. A previous system they built, DocuScope, uses algorithms to spot patterns in student writing and visually show those patterns to students.

A key feature of their new tool is called “Notes to Prose,” which can take loose bullet points or stray thoughts typed by a student and turn them into sentences or draft paragraphs, thanks to an interface to ChatGPT.

“A bottleneck of writing is sentence generation—getting ideas into sentences,” Ishizaki says. “That is a big task. That part is really costly in terms of cognitive load.”

In other words, especially for beginning writers, it’s difficult to both think of new ideas and keep in mind all the rules of crafting a sentence at the same time, just as it’s difficult for a beginning driver to keep track of both the road surroundings and the mechanics of driving.

“We thought, ‘Can we really lighten that load with generative AI?” he says.

shift too early in the writing process into making fragments of ideas they put down into carefully crafted sentences, when they might just end up later deleting those sentences because the ideas may not fit into their final argument or essay.

“They start really polishing way too early,” Kaufer says. “And so what we’re trying to do is with AI, now you have a tool to rapidly prototype your language when you are prototyping the quality of your thinking.”

He says the concept is based on writing research from the 1980s that shows that experienced writers spend about 80% of their early writing time thinking about whole-text plans and organization and not about sentences.

Taming the Chatbot

Building their “notes to prose” feature took some doing, the professors say.

In their early experiments with ChatGPT, when they put in a few fragments and asked it to make sentences, “what we found is it starts to add a lot of new ideas into the text,” says Ishizaki. In other words, the tool tended to go even further

Kaufer adds that novice writers often

in completing an essay by adding in other information from its vast stores of training data.

“So we just came up with a really lengthy set of prompts that I can make sure that there are no new ideas or new concepts,” Ishizaki adds.

The technique is different from other attempts to focus the use of AI for education, in that the only source the myScribe bot draws from is the student’s notes rather than a wider dataset.

Stacie Rohrbach, an associate professor and director of graduate studies in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon, sees potential in tools like those her colleagues created.

“We’ve long encouraged students to always do a robust outline and say what are you trying to say in each sentence,” she says, and she hopes that “restrained AI” approaches could help that effort.

And she says she already sees student writers misuse ChatGPT and therefore believes some restraint is needed.

“This is the first year that I saw lots of AI-generated text,” she says. “And the ideas get lost. The sentences are framed correctly, but it ends up being gibberish.”

Preventing AI hallucinations

John Warner, an author and education consultant who is writing a book about AI and writing, says he wondered whether the myScribe tool would be able to fully prevent “hallucinations” by the AI chatbot, or instances where tools insert erroneous information.

“The folks that I talk to think that that’s probably not possible,” he says. “Hallucination is a feature of how large language models work. The large language model is absent judgment. You may not be able to get away from it making something up. Because what does it know?”

Kaufer says that their tests so far have been working. In an email follow-up interview he wrote: “It’s important to note that ‘notes to prose’ operates within the confines of a paragraph unit. This means that if it were to exceed the boundaries of the notes (or ‘hallucinate’), it would be readily apparent and easy to identify. The worry about AI hallucinating would expand if we were talking about larger discourse units.”

Ishizaki, though, acknowledged that it may not be possible to completely eliminate AI hallucinations in their tool. “But we are hoping that we can restrain or guide AI enough to minimize ‘hallucinations’ or inaccurate or unintended information so that writers can correct them during the review/revision process.”

He described their tool as a “vision” for how they hope the technology will develop, not just a one-off system. “We are setting the goal toward where writing technology should progress,” he says. “In other words, the concept of notes to prose is integral to our vision of the future of writing.”

‘ChatGPT is like having 1,000 interns’ Even as a vision, though, Warner says he has different dreams for the future of writing.

One tech writer, he says, noted that ChatGPT is like having 1,000 interns.

“On one hand, ‘Awesome,’” he says. “On the other hand, 1,000 interns are going to make a lot of mistakes. Interns early on cost you more time than they save, but the goal is over time that person makes less and less supervision, they learn.” But with AI, he says, “the oversight doesn’t necessarily improve the underlying product.”

In that way, he argues, AI chatbots end up being “a very powerful tool that requires enormous human oversight.”

And he argues that turning notes into text is in fact the important human process of writing that should be preserved.

“A lot of these tools want to make a process efficient that has no need to be efficient,” he says. “A huge thing happens when I go from my notes to a draft. It’s not just a translation—that these are my ideas and I want them on a page. It’s more like—these are my ideas, and my ideas take shape while I’m writing.”

Kaufer is sympathetic to that argument. “The point is, AI is here to stay and it’s not going to disappear,” he says. “There’s going to be a battle over how it’s going to be used. We’re fighting for responsible uses.”

Photos by Kaitlyn Baker and Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash.

NOT JUST REGULAR MAKE-UP REMOVAL, IT IS SKINCARE TOO.

Achieve healthier skin and diminish fine lines with Septona wet wipes.

Enriched with plant-based collagen which gives you healthier-looking skin and reduces fine lines.

The orchid extract is known for its anti-aging benefits due to its rich antioxidant content.

So this summer give your skin some extra care.

FASHION WITHOUT BORDERS

Tribe of 6’s Bold Vision for Inclusivity and Sustainability

By bazaar Staff

Step into a world where fashion transcends boundaries with Tribe of 6, the GCC’s fashleisure sustainable brand. Tribe of 6 is not just about clothes; it’s about crafting a narrative that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Their latest campaign video vividly brings this vision to life, capturing the essence of boundary-free fashion.

Imagine a dynamic collection where the outfits blend seamlessly through various backdrops— cityscapes, deserts, and lush, sustainable environments. Each outfit is more than just a piece of clothing, it is a statement of style; it’s a powerful metaphor for the brand’s adaptability and commitment to inclusivity.

Tribe of 6’s innovative approach to fashion is evident, the latest campaign showcases key looks in varying settings, embodying the versatility of the brand’s collection, it can take you from day to night, wherever you may be! It is a clear message that each outfit fits effortlessly into every part of our diverse world. The campaign highlights that fashion knows no boundaries, and Tribe of 6 effortlessly connects with our global community, showcasing that style can traverse any landscape.

The brand has carved out a significant niche in the fashion scene of the GCC region, earning widespread acclaim for its modern designs and sustainable fabrics. Tribe of 6 consistently delivers cohesive collections that are not only on-trend but also versatile. Their pieces feature fabrics like organic loop-back, recylcled nylon, modal and soft touch recyclped polyester offering a luxe feel, materials that are as soft as they are stylish, making comfort a key component for people on the go.

What sets Tribe of 6 apart is its dedication to creating momentum towards positive change. The brand brings communities together to celebrate diversity and inclusivity while promoting ecoconscious choices. They’re not just showing us where we come from; they’re guiding us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Tribe of 6 invites you to join this exciting journey. Be part of the tribe and experience a fashion revolution that transcends borders, embraces every individual, and champions a greener planet. Join the Tribe, where style and sustainability walk hand in hand, proving that together, we can redefine the future of fashion.

In addition to the standalone store in the Avenues (Grand Avenue – Phase 4), customers can explore and discover Tribe of 6 at select Foot Locker stores in Kuwait and UAE, Harvey Nichols Kuwait, and Debenhams in KSA, UAE and Kuwait. The brand is also available to shop online in Kuwait at www.kw.tribeof6.me, and at Footlocker. com and Namshi in all three markets, as well as Tamanna in Kuwait.

Follow the brand to stay up to date on their latest launches and news on Instagram @Tribeof6ME. You can also find them on Facebook at Tribe of 6.

It’s Pool Time!

GIVING WILDLIFE A CHANCE

Technology that saves animals

By FastCo Works

Wildlife, around the world, faces mounting existential crises: habitat destruction, climate change, and the threat of extinction. Technology is now an important part in efforts to tackle these enormous problems. Among these newest solutions are some innovative projects from the nonprofit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

In 2023, the organization launched AI-enabled surveillance technology to monitor the health of wildlife in remote and not-easily-accessible regions. It also worked alongside partners to clone highly endangered species, increasing the genetic diversity necessary for their survival.

Ideating and creating novel solutions that protect animals and ecosystems worldwide has earned San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance a place on Fast Company’s list of the world’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. Here, the Alliance chief conservation and wildlife health officer, Nadine Lamberski, and VP of wildlife conservation science, Megan Owen, share their thoughts about their organization’s culture of innovation.

1. How do you use technology to help address threats to wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity?

Owen:  One example is a system we developed called SageBRUSH. It integrates AI with visual, acoustic, and other types of sensors to monitor habitats. Paired with our Cougarvision software application, SageBRUSH can automatically identify species, allowing us to more quickly process

millions of captured images. What took months, we can now do in weeks.

Lamberski: During a severe drought in Kenya, we noticed through remote sensing, that elephants released into the Sarah Wildlife Conservancy were suffering. Their body conditions were declining, and it became necessary for us, with our partners, to intervene. We were able to supplement the elephants’ food until the rains came many months later.

2. How has technology helped overcome the challenges of supporting wildlife in remote areas?

Owen: We’ve been working with our partners to monitor polar bears’ den-emergence behavior in Svalbard, a high-Arctic island at 78 degrees north latitude. We had to develop a camera system that can withstand intense cold, operate in mountainous terrain, and be sensitive enough to identify a white bear against a white background. We’ve also used drones equipped with thermal sensors to better identify the exact location of dens.

Developing tools like these for complex, realworld applications requires a lot of research and development, but we can’t be tinkering too

long in the lab. We’re not an academic research institution— we’re a conservation organization.

3. How are you leveraging new scientific advancements to protect wildlife?

Lamberski: Dr. Kurt Benirschke founded our Frozen Zoo, a collection of more than 11,000 living cell cultures and other biological samples, on the belief that you should preserve things for reasons you don’t know yet. The Frozen Zoo is now one of six collections in the Alliance’s Wildlife Biodiversity Bank. Fifty years later, we’re fortunate that genomic sequencing has become so fast and inexpensive, and we have a wealth of information in the bank. We’re just beginning to tap into its true potential. Material from the Frozen Zoo helped with the recent cloning of endangered Przewalski horses and black-footed ferrets. The cloning introduced otherwise lost biodiversity back into those species, and it never would have happened without the foresight to collect those samples in the 1980s. These living cell lines have been waiting for science to catch up.

Photo by Hans-Jurgen Mager on Unsplash.

& OTHER STORIES PRESENTS VISIONARY CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH ARTIST BRIANNA LANCE

Get

ready for magical watercolor beauty

By bazaar Staff

Visionary perspectives are being brought together in this capsule collection, combining creative ways of working with zero-waste patterns and infusing them with Brianna Lance’s artistic expression.

Intriguing and unexpected partnerships and collaborations have been part of & Other Stories DNA since its launch in 2013. For the summer of 2024, the fashion brand is launching a capsule collection in collaboration with artist Brianna Lance, known for her richly detailed watercolor paintings filled with evocative symbols and mystical imagery. The collection consists of four pieces - two kaftans, one dress, and a jumpsuit, all adorned with original artwork created especially for the collaboration, depicting enigmatic elements from Lance’s imaginative world.

“My paintings reflect on hyper-feminine and hyper-mystical energies historically excluded from modern art,” says Brianna Lance.

“What I love about Brianna’s paintings is the playfulness and intriguing storytelling that she creates. And with the most beautiful color palette. Her work was perfect for the vision I had for this collection.” Says Frida Billegren, Atelier Designer.

Each piece of the collection was crafted using zero-waste patterns. This pattern-making method ensures that no textile fabric is wasted during production. For example, the scraps remaining after cutting out the neckline of the jumpsuit were used to create a pocket on the same piece.

Additionally, a digital printing process was used to transfer the artwork onto the items for a highquality finish.

Brianna Lance is a self-taught artist born in Texas and based in New York City. Driven to document her ongoing subconscious and spiritual journeys, Brianna Lance paints fantastical environments that are rich in detail and spontaneous in form. After a successful career in fashion, working as a designer, creative director, and consultant, in 2020, Lance decided to change her focus to painting. She is represented by Tappan Gallery, and her paintings have been showcased at Miami Art Week, Freehand Hotel, and The Standard Hotel. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and East Hampton Star. She has collaborated with The Edition Hotels, Ciao Lucia, and The Frankie Shop. Brianna Lance gave us more insight into the collaboration and her journey.

How did this collaboration come into being?

Frida Billegren, the Atelier Designer, came across my work through a mutual friend and was immediately drawn to my paintings. It felt like a perfect collaboration because she connected with and understood my art in a way that made

our partnership feel destined. For me, the most intriguing aspect of the project is the zero-waste patterns used to create the garments. An example of this can be seen in the jumpsuit, where the scraps from cutting out the neckline were repurposed to create a pocket on the same piece.

Tell us about the paintings adorning the garments. The jumpsuit is full of fruits I often paint, such as the pomegranate, symbolizing love and death. Each fruit has its symbolic meaning, creating subliminal messages that make you think of something without being aware of it. The eye is another recurring symbol in my paintings. I’m obsessed with paintings that look at you while you look at them. You can see it on the kaftan with the underwater theme, among pearls, shells, and sea creatures. The eye also appears on the green kaftan with a swan wrapped around a flower. The swan, in its turn, represents grace and beauty but can also be quite vicious. To me, the swan is a holistic symbol of femininity, which embodies both softness and beauty, intensity and strength. Finally, the asymmetrical dress has an abstract pastel wash that looks like the paintings before I put all the little figures onto them.

You transitioned from fashion designer and creative consultant/director to artist. What inspired this shift?

I started painting during the extreme lockdown in New York City. I lost all my clients in one day and had no idea what I was supposed to do. Suddenly, I had no job and couldn’t travel or go anywhere. I turned to painting to bring on my own happiness, and I soon realized that I was so happy and finally doing what I felt I was meant to do. Although I have been painting throughout my life, it was the first time in my life that I had chosen what I wanted to do instead of just following the next road to success.

What is your work about?

My paintings reflect on hyper-feminine and hyper-mystical energies historically excluded from modern art. I feel like all my inspiration

is channelled. The ideas and symbols come from sources like tarot readings or from things I perceive during meditation when trying to listen to something beyond myself. It’s nice because I don’t have to attach my ego to what I create; it doesn’t feel like it’s entirely mine. It feels like it belongs to everyone.

What is something that your creativity has taught you?

I believe my creative journey has taught me a valuable lesson about the nature of imagination and thought processes. It’s shown me that sharing the quirkiest or most emotional aspects of ourselves isn’t isolating. Often, we hesitate to reveal these parts to others. However, the act of expressing and witnessing others’ reactions is truly incredible. It fosters a sense of connection with everyone around you. This, I believe, is the

most significant lesson I’ve gained — realizing that my feelings and peculiar thoughts are not isolating. While perhaps not universal, there’s a common thread that can be found in many people, even those you might not expect.

What are your hopes for the outcome of this collaboration with & Other Stories?

I am very excited about this collaboration because it provides a unique opportunity for people to engage with my art. It’s great that those who cannot afford to purchase a painting can still invest in a dress, which offers an accessible way to live with the artwork without spending a lot of money. Having multiple ways for people to collect or experience my work is truly remarkable.

Visionary Capsule Collection will launch on Thursday 13 June 2024. Available globally in selected stores & at www.stories.com

A Little Sanctuary

PINTEREST SAYS

The year’s biggest summer travel trends

By Lacey Pfalz

Pinterest is home to over 1 billion travel-related searches and 10 billion travel saves in one year, making it an interesting playground for discovering the year’s new trends.

A new report by Pinterest identified the new summer travel trends that travelers — and especially younger Gen Z travelers — are seeking out more than ever before.

Adventure travel is here to stay

Travelers are seeking out ways to satisfy a craving for adventure. Searches for adventure activities on Pinterest increased 45 percent from 2023, and the natural world is once again top-of-mind for many travelers. Adventure travel also brings a sense of personal growth and presents a different sort of challenge for many, making it a fun, bucketlist travel experience.

Luxury safari lodge interest has grown 110%, with trending adventure travel destination Tanzania growing 60% year over year, largely in part due to its safari adventures. Water park rides rose 170 percent, while train journeys and hiking trails also rose 900 and 94 percent, respectively. Additionally, activities like mountaineering, trekking, adventure camping and caving grew in interest by around 40 percent.

Travelers are also more interested in traveling to the Amazon rainforest: Searches for travel within the Amazon grew 120% from 2023.

Travelers are seeking quiet wellness escapes

Travelers on Pinterest are getting more and more interested in leaving behind the hustle and bustle culture for something quieter and more serene. Searches for “quiet life” skyrocketed 530% year over year, and searches for quiet travel have also shown an increase in interest.

Quiet places and calm places have risen 50% and 43% each. Travel journal pages increased by 155%, showing a greater interest in recording travel experiences and in wellness travel and activities.

Additionally, travelers are seeking out more information on village vibes (145% increase), cabins in the mountains (180%), countryside (60%), national parks (250%) and glamping aesthetics (260%) than they did last year.

Trending quiet life destinations include Okinawa, Japan (35% increase) and the English countryside (31% increase).

Travelers are seeking out the unexplored

Along with an interest in slower, less crowded travel experiences also comes a different sort of travel inspiration: seeking out mysterious places that provide a sense of wonder and exploration.

Interest in places on Earth that don’t feel real grew 240% year over year. Additionally, calming nature grew 340%; exploring abandoned places

grew 230%; beautiful places in the world grew 150%; ancient cities grew 75% and haunted places grew 155%.

Top trending mysterious destinations that are seeing newfound popularity include Machu Picchu, which saw 190% growth in searches, and Edinburgh, Scotland, which saw a 56% growth.

Trending Gen Z summer destinations Jasper, Canada, is this summer’s hottest destination for Gen Z travelers, who desire greater connection with the world around them, outside of their phones. Home to Jasper National Park,

it’s a breathtaking place that promises ample exploration and adventure travel opportunities, along with great photography opportunities. Searches for Jasper grew 155% year over year. Interest in learning about other destinations also grew from last year. London lifestyle grew 340%; South African food in particular rose 320%; Santorini party grew 300%; Goa nightlife grew 270%; and summer in Brazil rose 250%.

Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash.

COS X KAZUKI TABATA

COS collaborates with Japanese Shibori artisan Kazuki Tabata on limited edition collection

By bazaar Staff

COS announces a limited-edition collection featuring the traditional Japanese resist-dying craft of shibori by Kyoto-based artisan Kazuki Tabata. Utilizing this time-honored technique, mesmerizing patterns emerge through binding, folding, and dyeing cloth in limitless ways.

Inspired by contemporary culture, the London-based fashion brand is known for elevated wardrobe pieces and innovative designs that are made to last. Dedicated to quality and sustainability, COS takes a bespoke approach to design, creating unique collections that combine function with timeless style. Material innovation and experimental design details are frequently revisited to include sartorial advances and ensure the considered use of recycled, renewed, or sustainably sourced fibers.

Based in Kyoto, Japan, Kazuki Tabata is one of the last traditional artisans dedicated to the time-honored craft of shibori. Binding, stitching, folding, twisting or compressing he employs specialized manual-resist techniques to intricately dye cloth, resulting in vibrant patterns and surfaces.

Kazuki studied sound and lighting at the Osaka School of Sound Arts at the Visual Arts College, however, his initial exposure to traditional craftsmanship occurred during a visit to his father’s workplace, and fueled by a determination to preserve age-old techniques, he found inspiration to embark on crafting shibori.

After dedicating extensive hours to hand-dyeing and refining crucial skills, Kazuki encountered Kyoto’s traditional Kyo Shikanoko Shibori - a unique artistry resembling fawn spots, known as the most challenging style of the technique due to the numerous sections of fabric tied in even and tight rows.

Challenged to re-produce the sekka snow flower shibori, a rare and delicate form, he embarked on a self-taught journey through trial and error, aspiring to pass down his knowledge to future generations. This marked the inception of his career, with Kyo Shikanoko Shibori becoming his main specialty. To this day, he expertly practices shibori in his workshop in the southwest of Kyoto, creating a diverse range of designs for his namesake company, Tabata Shibori.

The collaboration proudly celebrates the fusion of traditional craft and modern design through a 14-piece capsule that spans womenswear, menswear, and accessories. COS’ signature silhouettes are transformed through the craft of shibori: the result is a capsule with a unique blend of texture and flair. As art and fashion intertwine, soft tones of blue, orange and brown evoke a sense of timelessness and calm.

Designed for creative layering and adaptable styling, each garment captures the essence of summer dressing. Highlighting the collection’s dedication to intricate craftsmanship, the Sekka Shibori technique is used to create a delicate silk scarf with intricately crafted sekka snow crystals. Additionally, the Tesuji Shibori technique takes centre stage on garments made from more sustainable materials such as recycled nylon and TENCEL Lyocell.

The capsule launches online at cos.com and in select COS stores in June 2024.

OVER PRODUCTIVE

This is the dark side of having too many habits

By Stephanie Vozza

Habits are the building blocks of productivity. They help you effortlessly move through your day, accomplishing what you want to do without reinventing the wheel each time. Relying too heavily on habits, however, can come at a cost.

“Habits and routines are very effective at creating comfort in an otherwise chaotic existence,” says Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make it to the End with No Regrets. “Getting very busy with ‘now’ helps us to avoid the stark reality that later that may not quite pan out the way we hoped.”

Initially, focusing on optimizing habits makes you feel good because you will be productive in the short term. And that is where some of the risk comes in—in the medium and long term, Wellman continues.

“We want to be more efficient and effective and all the things that lead us to this promised land of happiness,” she explains. “But the routines that we succumb to end up routinizing our lives to the point where they become mundane and lack spontaneity.”

How to Know It’s Time to Ditch Habits Wellman recommends looking for the warning signs, such as a lingering sense that a different version of your life might be a little more interesting or exciting.

“Sometimes that comes as a whisper,” she says. “We might compare ourselves to other people, which is usually a horrifying endeavor, especially on social media. But there can be a constructive effect to that. Maybe you see your friend going to a concert in the park, but you chose to stay home because it was laundry night.”

Another clue it’s time to ditch the habit is when people in your life suggest it. Sometimes, we have blinders on and don’t realize that we aren’t truly living, says Wellman. “Maybe you have a friend who says, ‘Hey, you’ve got to shake things up a little bit,’” she says. That might be an indication that other people see the potential for more aliveness in you.”

A third indicator is a strong reliance on staying in your comfort zone. Wellman recommends getting inquisitive. Ask yourself, “Is this comfort adding to my life or detracting from it?”

“Maybe not today, but if you extrapolate and imagine doing this thing seven months down the road, is this going to make you feel like you showed up and lived your life and had experiences that you’re proud of?” she asks. “Or is it going to make you feel a little bit regretful? Maybe you played it small?”

Questioning Your Habits

Ditching habits altogether would make your life

unnecessarily complicated and disorderly, but too much structure and process can create a life reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day. Wellman says there needs to be a continuum of how habits can exist.

“I’m not happy with simply finding the middle ground, because then we feel a little bit satisfied with ourselves and say, ‘I’ve got habits that work for me,’” she says. “When we feel like habits are working for us, it is our job to notice where they both serve us and stifle us. Anytime you have a habit, it is at risk of stifling you.”

For example, Wellman suggests saying, “Habit of mine, I appreciate that you get me to the gym on Monday and Wednesday. But am I just going through the motions? What if I alter my routine? What if I took the training wheels off and try that interesting twist of the workout rather than just doing the same thing again and again?”

Novelty is a basic psychological need—one that we don’t pay enough attention to at the cost of trying to manage and feel good today.

“We get a quick hit of dopamine when we manage our routine today,” says Wellman. “But we’re not looking at the bigger picture: Did I experience life this week? Did I feel alive in the last month? Did I feel like I had an interesting or riveting experience that sparked creativity and helped me

be even more productive at work? It’s dulling the edges in our lives that robs us of vitality.”

Why It’s Important to Shake Things Up

While ditching habits can be uncomfortable because it forces you to change, the discombobulation you feel can be the precipice that leads to a widened life of vitality. “To me, that’s the sign of growth,” says Wellman. “That’s the sign of a life’s getting lived around here.”

A life of habits brings to mind author Robin Sharma’s quote: “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” If you maintain your habit status quo, you might look back on your life and realize you were a highly functioning zombie stuck in autopilot, says Wellman.

“You may end up with that feeling like you missed out on a whole lot of interesting opportunities that only novelty and spontaneity can bring,” she says. “That you overlooked the serendipitous moments, which in an ironic way can make you even more productive. The infusion of novelty is the answer. One of the common regrets people have when they get near the end of life is, ‘Did I participate in my life enough?’”

Photo by Prophsee Journals on Unsplash.

FUN, FRESH, AND TOTALLY FABULOUS!

Celebrate Summer with Cheekee Munkee’s Awesome New Collection!

By bazaar Staff

Hey there! Get ready to have the best summer ever with Cheekee Munkee! This brand is all about fun, fashion, and fabulous adventures. With their latest collection, you’re in for a treat – think bright colors, cool outfits, and beach-ready swimwear that makes every day feel like a holiday.

Cheekee Munkee’s new collection is a rainbow of joy for kids aged 1-7. From vibrant swimwear and printed matching sets to easy-breezy dresses and cozy hooded poncho towel, everything is made with comfort and style in mind. Your little adventurers can play, explore, and look super cool while doing it!

And those of you that are beach and pool lovers! Cheekee Munkee’s swimwear collection is here to make waves. These swimsuits are made from quick-drying fabrics that keep you comfy and come with UPF 50 protection to keep you safe in the sun. With fun designs and bright colors, you’ll be the star of every summer snapshot. Don’t forget to pair them with Cheekee Munkee’s adorable sunglasses for the ultimate seaside style!

What we love is that Cheekee Munkee is a local brand with a global heart. They focus on great quality and awesome value, making sure every piece is durable and affordable; letting kids be kids! Looking good and doing good – what’s not to love?

This summer, it’s all about friendship and fun with Cheekee Munkee. Their SS24 campaign is centered on Togetherness, Friendship, and Fun, celebrating the magic of outdoor play and the joy of making new friends. Every outfit is designed to capture the carefree spirit of summer adventures and we absolutely love the collection!

The best part, Cheekee Munkee’s designs are made with kids in mind, ensuring every piece is comfy, offers unique Cheekee Munkee prints, and is super stylish. Whether you’re racing through the park, splashing at the beach, or soaking up the sun, Cheekee Munkee outfits keep up with your little ones endless energy and fun.

Get set for a stylish, fun-filled summer with Cheekee Munkee’s latest collection. It’s all about letting kids be kids while looking absolutely adorable. So, embrace the season of sunshine and laughter with outfits that celebrate the joy of childhood. Cheekee Munkee brings you fun, fresh fashion that makes every day a little brighter and a whole lot more fun!

You can enjoy and shop Cheekee Munkee at selected Debenhams and Mothercare stores in the UAE, KSA and Kuwait. The brand is also available to shop online at Debenhams, Mothercare and Namshi across these markets, as well as Tamanna in Kuwait. Follow them on @cheekeemunkeeme to get a glimpse of their collections.

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

At this middle school, students teach each other

By Luis Melecio-Zambrano

In Gilroy Prep’s eighth-grade math class, there are no quiet rows of orderly desks facing an instructor. Instead, the room feels less like a classroom and more like the floor of a stock exchange, with the constant buzz of conversation as students sketch slopes and equations on tablets that project their stylus strokes onto nearby screens.

All the while, a trio of clipboard-wielding students circulate among their classmates — huddled in groups of three on the periphery of the room — asking questions, gesturing at the screens and explaining algebraic concepts.

Gilroy Prep is one of a small cohort of schools in the country experimenting with this method known as the Squads model — students in grades sixth through eighth educating each other under the purview of a teacher.

Despite the novelty, the students seem to appreciate the collaborative approach. “At first, it was a little weird to me, but then I feel like it’s better because we work together more,” said Daniel Lopez, a sixth-grader at Gilroy Prep.

The final grade for this method is still pending, but school leaders say it teaches important “soft

[Continued...]

skills” that improve interpersonal communication, boosts social awareness, and better educates students. They also note that Gilroy Prep boasts a greater portion of students who score higher in state standardized tests and a lower ratio who are regularly absent from class than the surrounding district.

While education experts caution against putting too much faith in the method prematurely, the Squads model is slowly spreading.

Navigator Schools — the group of charter schools that includes Gilroy Prep — has reached out to a staggering 16,000 schools across the country to offer to educate them about their teaching methods. Thus far, a few dozen educators have come to learn more about Squads, and last

academic year, a Seattle charter school took up the method.

The original idea for Squads was born out of boredom.

James Dent, the chief academic officer for Navigator schools, recalled his son complaining about being bored in class. So Dent — then principal of Gilroy Prep — told his son to teach himself. Weeks later, his son still remembered the self-taught lesson.

Dent wondered if this self-teaching might be applied to the classroom, so he devised a system that might get the students to teach themselves and each other. Together with an experimentally minded group of teachers, he began testing the method on students in 2016.

Initially, students made instructional videos, but later they shifted to groups — inspired by other teaching methods and the study groups that Dent loved in college. The first attempts at Squads used military terms for the different roles — with majors looking over captains — and the students were grouped into twos and fives before Dent and his entourage finally settled on groups of three.

“When we started trying all these crazy things, I was really honestly just scared,” said Hollister Prep Principal Norma Knox, who was among the first teachers to teach Squads. “I remember we had a meeting with one of our funders, and I said, ‘These are people’s kids. We’re experimenting with real human beings with these practices.’”

Eventually, the experimentation slowed down and squads settled on its current iteration, where it is applied at Gilroy Prep, Hollister Prep and Watsonville Prep. Here, a teacher looks over three student teachers, each of whom are responsible for three squads of three each. Before teaching, student teachers are assigned homework that goes over the next day’s lesson plan.

On the day of the lesson, while the other students do a warm-up assignment, the teacher checks in with the team leaders to make sure they understand the material. The student teachers are given a key that includes answers as well as the questions and prompts to help their fellow students answer them

on their own. The student teachers also monitor whether the members of their squads understand the material and share this information with the teacher, who can stop the class and offer a mini-lesson if the class is struggling with a particularly thorny concept. At the end of class, each student takes an electronic quiz, which immediately informs the teacher which concepts the students grasped.

The model can present a learning curve for both students and teachers, but students like that peers are able to fill each other’s gaps in knowledge.

For eighth-grade teacher Jeremiah Williams, the biggest asset is the immediate access to the students; rather than one set of eyes looking over 30 students, he now has three students and often another instructor to help him monitor the room. Paired with the instant analytics gathered from the electronic quizzes, he says he gains deep insight into the class.

“I have five sets of eyes getting to them all. So no one’s getting left behind. No one’s hiding. Everybody is getting the one on one attention they deserve,” he said.

According to Eva Vives, a psychologist at the University of Ghent in Belgium, similar student-tostudent methods can help students of all levels learn while boosting communication skills. The squads model may also benefit because the teacher is active in the room, which could help make sure that students

aren’t teaching each other false information.

But despite the promise, Vives cautions against putting too much credence in a technique that has not been tested scientifically. “As far as we know, there’s no revolutionary miracle teaching method,” said Vives in an email. “Developing a new teaching method is good, but developing an evidence-based teaching method is better.”

Bruce Fuller, who studies charter schools at UC Berkeley, agrees since subtle differences in student motivation and family make-up can lead to real differences in academics. “It’s hard to put a spotlight on a (teaching) practice and say, ‘That’s the magic,’” he said.

Caprice Young, the CEO of Navigator schools, asserted that the teaching approach is what makes the difference, and she hopes to see the model spread.

“What we’re doing in the classroom is something that can be done in other schools,” she said. “It’s completely replicable, and we’re eager to support other schools that might want to do it.”

As for Williams, who has used several other teaching methods over his seven years as a teacher, he favors this one. “It takes the best attributes of all of them and combines them,” he said. “I think it’s the future — plain and simple.”

Photos by Jason Sung on Unsplash.

BEIT JAFRA

Discover the restaurant that is serving up an ode to Palestine on a plate, with a side of resilience

By bazaar staff

Food is symbolic of resistance when words are inadequate. And we are out of words. We will not delve into a political commentary, as we’ve all heard enough. Let us, instead, celebrate everything magical about the power of food, and how it is deeply intertwined with culture. Food continues to shape identities and foster connections. Culinary traditions pass down stories, values, and heritage. This is what we are beautifully seeing at Beit Jafra. The authentic Palestinian eatery at The Avenues’ Souk area is always full, brimming with energy, with powerful Palestinian taraweed creating the backdrop for an immersive dining experience.

One bazaar colleague described how adamant she was about showing up in solidarity with Palestine but ended up staying for the za’atar. And the za’atar is glorious, as is the olive oil, and the kaak Al Quds. You are first greeted by this gracious array of delicacies set on your table. It’s your diyafa, after all, and how you would be received in a typical Palestinian home. The ritual of zaatar w zeit (Thyme and Olive oil) is observed to the finest detail. You tear off a piece of the delicious, freshly baked, sesame-encased bread and passionately dip it in the delicious olive oil, followed by homemade fragrant zaatar mix. This prepares the palate for the delicious flavors to come. This is a ritual of the land, an ode to generations of farmers who have mastered this handcrafted art of preparing the simplest form of sustenance: bread, oil, and herbs.

At Beit Jafra, the decor alone will take you through a panorama of historic Palestine. Inside, an array of moving photographs decorates the walls, the arched walls echo the architecture we see in the old streets of Jerusalem. The music, an incredible arrangement of the authentic taraweed once performed by women traditionally to air their joys and sadness, the Palestinian muwaal, if you may, sets the tone for the culinary escapade. From happier upbeat moments to slower, sombre movements, the music at Beit Jafra offers a glimpse into an often-overlooked element of Palestinian heritage.

The name Jafra signifies beauty, or a beautiful girl, or a female gazelle. And this is what we see throughout this gorgeous space. Smiling faces, beautiful food, and awe-inspiring resilience.

Each table is adorned with a clay vase, hand painted with Palestinian-inspired designs by local artist Abrar Al-Zankawi. Around each vase is a key hanging on a rope, symbolic of the keys of return. Authentic Palestinian tatreez (embroidery) is prominent throughout. Wherever you turn, your senses

flood with emotion. Pride, sadness, excitement?

We’re excited that finally, restaurant-goers in Kuwait can get a taste of what it’s like to dine at your favorite Palestinian auntie’s house, because politics aside, Palestinian food is easily some of the tastiest, most delicious cuisine you could ever have the privilege of sampling. And it’s all about authentic ingredients, which Beit Jafra has down to an art.

Beit Jafra’s menu is wide and varied, celebrating dishes from different Palestinian villages, prepared by Palestinian chefs and served by the friendliest Palestinian team. The heroes behind these dishes are amazing women, each with her unique story to tell. Each lady brings her story, her history, and her version of how she learned to serve up the classic offerings available at Beit Jafra. You can check out their stories by following @Jafra.Kuwait on Instagram. There’s nothing fancy going on here, just pure authentic homely dishes prepared fresh daily for breakfast, sharing plates, soups and salads, and main courses fit for a family feast like Maglooba, Mloukhia, and msakhan with desserts like the OG Nabulsi Kunafa with an unforgettable cheese pull and Roz bihaleeb.

One of the most preferred dishes at Beit Jafra has to be the classic Zaatar Mutabbaq, an oftenforgotten dish amidst a sea of manaqeesh offerings. While we do love the classic manqousheh, the art of preparing Mutabbaq is as multi-layered as this flaky pastry. Unlike dried zaatar which features in most Levantine pastries, Mutabbaq requires fresh zaatar, the first distinct factor that makes this Palestinian pastry stand out. The other element is olive oil, which is plentiful; you smell it, see it, and taste it with every bite. Paired off with zesty

sumac, and sweet onions, you come to Beit Jafra just for this. Trust us, you won’t forget it!

Personally, the fattet msakhan was one of my favorites, albeit a more modern, rendition of the classic. They also serve up a mean classic Fattet Hummus for those who love the original. I also loved the powerful flavors of the Roumaniya, a classic lentil and eggplant stew prepared with delicious pomegranate molasses, and how the Maglooba, usually served in a giant pot, is scaled down into smaller individual portions. Each small pot is prepared as you would prepare it at home, but you also get to be a part of the joyful ritual of drumming on the pot after flipping it to reveal the glorious arrangement of rice, chicken, and vegetables, served with a small bowl of yogurt just like the way teta makes it.

Visit Beit Jafra today at The Souk- The Avenues. For more information, follow @jafra.kuwait on Instagram. Photography by Muneera AlKhulaifi @I9ora on Instagram.

CHILL OUT

Is your leadership style unintentionally aggressive?

By Leah Mether

We often conjure stereotypical images of overt hostility when we think of aggressive communication: raised voices, forceful demands, and intimidating behavior. However, aggression can take subtler forms, catching even the most well-intentioned leaders off guard. You may be unintentionally aggressive.

You don’t have to be a leader who resorts to yelling or bullying to be considered an aggressive communicator. You might intend to be strong, assertive, and direct and be shocked to discover that others view you as closed-minded, aggressive, and blunt.

So, what exactly is aggressive communication, and how does it differ from assertiveness? At its core, aggressive is about winning at the expense of others—I win, you lose—whereas assertiveness involves balancing your needs and the other person’s needs; putting forward your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs in a calm, considered, and respectful way, listening, and looking for a win-win where possible. Yet many leaders don’t understand this difference and their aggressive communication may inadvertently undermine their leadership effectiveness.

Signs of aggressive communication

Understanding and recognizing the signs of aggressive communication is crucial for leaders. These signs may include:

• Disregarding and disrespecting others’ feelings and opinions.

• Viewing situations in black and white where you’re right, and others are wrong.

• Seeking the last word in an argument and wanting to win.

• Frequently interrupting or talking over others.

• Being closed-minded and unwilling to listen or consider other points of view.

• Blaming others and reacting defensively.

• Doing more telling than asking.

• Seeking unnecessary confrontation.

• Being abrupt and blunt rather than direct.

• Holding unrealistic expectations and being highly critical.

• Having a curt tone.

• Being fast-paced and focused on tasks and actions at the expense of people.

While aggressive communication can offer a fleeting sense of power and effectiveness, it’s a short-term solution with long-lasting consequences.

The pitfalls of aggressive communication

A common rebuttal from aggressive communicators, particularly in the workplace, is: “It doesn’t matter whether people like me, as long as I get results.” While results may be achieved

in the short term, they come at the cost of trust and respect, the essential elements of effective leadership. People may do what you ask but do so out of fear and obligation. This breeds resentment and leads to a loss of discretionary effort.

When individuals feel compelled to follow orders rather than being genuinely motivated to support and assist you productivity and morale suffer. While you might get what you want day-today, people are unlikely to go above and beyond for you or deliver their best work. Moreover, aggressive communication creates an environment of tension and mistrust, hindering collaboration and innovation.

Making decisions without considering other perspectives leads to blind spots and mistakes. A leader who dismisses dissenting opinions or fails to seek input from team members overlooks valuable insights and alternative solutions. This tunnel vision can result in poor decisionmaking and missed opportunities for growth and improvement.

Aggressive communication also distracts and detracts from your message. If you lose your cool, the focus shifts from what you’re saying to how you’re saying it, rendering your communication ineffective. Regardless of how valid your point is, people are no longer listening as their attention is on your behavior, undermining your credibility.

Awareness is key

The key to overcoming unintentional aggression lies

in self-awareness and intentional communication. You need to be conscious of how you communicate, your choices, its impact on others, and how it influences people’s perceptions of you.

Communicating aggressively does not make you a strong leader, it’s a weakness. Your success depends on your ability to get the best out of your people. If you’re unintentionally aggressive, you won’t be able to achieve this. Recognizing your tendencies towards aggressive communication doesn’t make you a bad person or even necessarily a poor leader. Acknowledging it means you can do something about it and is the first step toward growth and improvement.

While there are occasions when aggressive communication does have its place— in an emergency, if your rights or safety are threatened, you need someone to stop or take action immediately, or someone is about to get hurt— adjusting your communication back to assertive quickly afterward is vital.

Assertiveness allows leaders to address issues and resolve conflicts constructively without intimidation or coercion. Developing assertiveness skills paves the way for stronger relationships, increased influence, improved decision-making, and better organizational performance.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash.

Enjoy our Breakfast Menu at Mais Alghanim “Sharq”

Daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM - Ground Floor

BURNING ENERGY

Do calories really count?

By Barbara Intermill

A recent column about my husband and I trying to shed a few vacation pounds brought these responses:

“I read your article about counting calories after a trip to Texas. I can totally relate. In 2016, I started an Excel spread sheet and kept track of each calorie. I dropped from 275 to 231 (pounds),” said Red in York, Nebraska.

“Four years ago during COVID, I decided to get serious. When I graduated from aviation cadets and returned from Vietnam in 1970, I weighed 170. So I set that as my birthday goal for the following year. I made it 1 day prior (to my birthday),” he continued.

“I still keep track of every calorie and stay between 170 and 180. So I can say your system is fantastic. Just stick to it,” he said.

Jerry in Tucson had a different take: “I read your column about calories. While it read true as far as it went, I’m not sure it was that useful to folks in the weight loss game.”

“For any age, to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume. But the problem lies in the area of metabolism, and there isn’t an easy way to measure that. It’s complicated, and hormones are the main drivers of what our body does with food, but to solve the problem you have to study hormones, not count calories. The ‘counting calories’ game is a loser - it just doesn’t work,” he explained.

“And nothing personal, but being a registered dietitian is no recipe for success in this area. Not your fault, but what you were taught doesn’t work - if it did we wouldn’t have an obesity epidemic in this country,” he added.

No offense taken, Jerry. You are indeed right that to lose weight we need to burn more calories than we consume. And metabolism (how our bodies burn those calories) as well as hormones play a role. So does exercise since it helps speed up metabolism. What and when we eat also affects how our bodies burn calories.

According to a 2021 review on this topic in the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, there are multiple ways to lose weight that are supported by good research. And there is no one best strategy to lose weight. However, say these researchers,“reducing daily caloric intake is the most important factor for weight loss.”

So, whatever strategy we use, the goal is to burn off stored calories (aka fat).

After I asked reader Red if I could use his name in this piece, he responded, “Absolutely. I was just amazed that someone else was basically using the same system that I am using. The main thing it does for me is give me discipline in my eating.”

Us, too. My husband is currently down 13 pounds. And I’m still battling the final four. Thanks for your comments.

Photo by Pickled Stardust on Unsplash.

By bazaar Staff

Packing for travel is an art form, balancing the need to bring everything you need with the desire to travel light. Whether you’re heading on a business trip, a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, smart packing can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. The secret is to start with the right luggage and packing tools that will work with you not against you and everything you need is available at MUJI.

Rolling in with the right suitcase

MUJI suitcases are renowned for their minimalist design, functionality, and durability. Emphasizing simplicity and practicality, these suitcases feature lightweight materials and robust construction, ensuring ease of travel and longevity. Their thoughtful design includes smooth-rolling wheels, sturdy handles, and spacious interiors with wellorganized compartments. MUJI suitcases come in various sizes to cater to different travel needs, from carry-ons to larger checked baggage. The brand’s focus on quality and user-friendly features, such as easy-to-open zippers and secure locks, makes MUJI a popular choice for travelers seeking reliable and stylish luggage options especially with the beautiful pastel colors that will make it easier to spot your suitcase.

Play tetris with your packing cubes

Packing cubes are essential tools for organized and efficient travel. These lightweight, zippered fabric containers come in various sizes and are designed to compartmentalize and maximize suitcase space. By grouping similar items together—such as clothing, toiletries, or electronics—packing cubes simplify packing, making it easy to locate items without rummaging through your entire suitcase. They also help compress clothes, reducing bulk and saving space. Ideal for both short trips and long journeys, packing cubes streamline the packing process, keep belongings neat, and can even be used to separate clean clothes from dirty laundry, enhancing overall travel convenience.

Don’t leave your favorite skincare and hair products behind We’re very attached to our favorite products and our skin and hair does not like it when we use something different while we’re traveling. Travel-sized toiletry bottles are indispensable, offering a compact and convenient way to carry essential liquids and gels while adhering to airline regulations. The MUJI reusable, leak-proof bottles help you pack just the right amount of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other toiletries, minimizing bulk and spills. Pairing these with a good toiletries bag enhances your travel experience. MUJI bags offer multiple compartments, waterproof lining, and a sturdy yet lightweight design. The hanging hook can be particularly useful for accessing items in small bathroom spaces. Together, these items keep your toiletries organized, accessible, and secure throughout your journey.

Visit the MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or shop online at muji.com.kw. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast.

‘UNHAPPY LEAVE’ IS A REAL THING

But here’s why it’s not enough

By Art Markman

The idea of a “mental health day” started off as an informal concept. People would talk about taking a day of their sick leave to rest or recharge after a particularly stressful period of work. More recently, many more workplaces are offering official wellness days. My own employer, The University of Texas, offers up to eight hours of wellness time a year for full-time employees. A recent story highlighted a Chinese supermarket chain that is offering up to 10 days of leave per year for employees feeling unhappy.

Is leave like this a good idea?

As with all questions related to human psychology, the answer is “it depends.”

When a mental health day is a good idea

A short break from work can sometimes be helpful. If you have engaged in really demanding work, then spending time you find relaxing or rewarding can be rejuvenating. Work that is demanding may just tax your thinking capacity, or it might involve stress related to avoiding a potential catastrophe. When you get through the demanding work, some rest provides time to recharge that can help you return to work with fresh eyes and a positive attitude.

You should take a little more care when thinking about a break in the middle of a stressful event. A lot depends on whether you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. At one extreme, I was asked to lead one of our central planning groups to help the University of Texas prepare to reopen during the COVID pandemic. That process was going to take several months to complete and involved many long workdays. Taking the occasional afternoon or day to go for a hike was valuable to keep up the marathon.

When it’s worth it to push through

However, if you have only a little time left to finish a stressful project, then it’s probably better to finish it and then take a break rather than taking a break in the middle of it. Research going back almost 100 years demonstrates that people continue thinking about tasks that they are in the middle of. So, if you try to take a break during an ongoing task, it may be very hard for you to disconnect from it. You might get more value from the break by waiting until you complete the big task.

These mental health days are largely helpful when you need rest, relaxation, and disconnection. Many people don’t get enough sleep, are not able to take time for themselves, or lack the time to engage in self-care. Being able to take the occasional day to catch up on sleep, do enjoyable activities, or hit the spa or salon may be just what the doctor ordered.

Systemic issues

Wellness days are also not a cure for more chronic conditions. If you’re suffering from long-term feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety, you

should treat this as a medical problem. Work with a professional to develop a more comprehensive plan to treat what is going on. Mental health is health. You would not take a day at the spa to repair a broken ankle. While a day off from the grind can be helpful, you shouldn’t expect that treating yourself will cure a chronic mental health concern.

In addition, you may be in a stressful life situation that is ongoing. Relationship issues, long-term care for ill family members, and debt are all major stressors that can have a huge impact on your life. If your company has an Employee Assistance Plan, you may want to engage with it

to get help and advice about how to address the life events that are affecting you.

Finally, mental wellness-leave is not a cure for a toxic work environment. A workplace that has unrealistic expectations, abusive bosses, or a culture of harassment cannot expect that the occasional day off will make up for these significant issues. A company that tries to paper over its contribution to the mental health challenges of its employees with leave time each year needs to take a hard look at itself and fix the underlying problem, rather than treating the symptoms.

Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash.

EZRA

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro

Synopsis: EZRA centers on comedian Max co-parenting autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna.

TAROT: THE DEATH CARD

Genre: Horror

Cast: Olwen Fouéré, Avantika, Jacob Batalon

Synopsis: When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death.

DARKNESS OF MAN

Genre: Action, Thriller

Cast:  Jean-Claude Van Damme, Nick Diaz

Synopsis: Interpol operative Russell Hatch witnesses the death of an informant when a seemingly routine raid goes wrong. Years later, he finds himself protecting the informant’s son from a group of merciless gangs involved in an all-out turf war.

DRAGONKEEPER

Genre: Animation, Adventure

Cast: Bill Nighy, Mayalinee Griffiths

Synopsis: The fate of ancient China rests on the shoulders of one young girl, who must find the last remaining dragon egg and fulfill her destiny.

POSSESSIONS

Genre: Horror

Cast: Clive Standen, Mason Wells

Synopsis: A father who seeks a fresh start with his son after the loss of his wife, and purchased a storage unit facility sight unseen, but secrets buried behind the metal doors become a parent’s worst nightmare.

WRONG PLACE

Genre: Animation, Comedy

Cast: Bruce Willis, Ashley Greene

Synopsis: A methamphetamines cook hunts down the former Police chief of a small town in order to silence him before he can deliver eyewitness testimony against his family, but ultimately finds himself up against more than he had bargained for.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS FOR YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES FROM XCITE

The Best Tech for Travelers

By bazaar Staff

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to embark on new adventures. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring new cities, or going on a hiking trip, having the right tech can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. With Xcite, we’ll explore the essential gadgets that every traveler should consider packing this summer.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Traveling can be noisy, whether you’re on a plane, train, or bus. Noise-canceling headphones can help you create a peaceful environment, allowing you to relax or focus on your favorite music or podcasts. Xcite has a wide range of headphones to choose from, whether you’re looking for Active noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, or portability. You will find the headphones that suit your needs with so many brands available Apple, Huawei, Bose, JBL and much more.

Compact Cameras and Action Cams

Capture every moment of your adventure with a high-quality camera. Compact cameras and action cams are perfect for travelers who want to document their journey without carrying bulky equipment. Xcite offers a wide range of brands, from Go Pro and DJI for action cameras to Sony and Canon for compact cameras. At Xcite you will find the perfect camera for your summer adventure.

Luggage

Having the right luggage can make your travel experience much more convenient. Look for durable, lightweight options with plenty of storage space and easy maneuverability to ensure your belongings are safe and organized. Xcite has a wide range of luggage that are durable, have good storage capacity and easy to use from American Tourister available on and xcite.com.

Power Banks

Keeping your devices charged can be challenging when you’re on the move. Power banks are essential for ensuring your gadgets never run out of battery, especially during long days of exploration. Xcite offers power banks from so many different brands depending on your need of capacity, charging speed, number of ports from Anker, Belkin, Blupebble and much more.

Tablets

For those who enjoy portable entertainment solutions, tablets are perfect travel companions. They allow you to watch movies, stay connected and even get some work done on the go. Xcite has a wide range of tablets to choose from with different price points and features, for example battery life, display quality, storage capacity, and versatility from Apple, Lenovo, Samsung, Honor and so many other brands.

With the right tech gadgets from Xcite, your summer travels can be more enjoyable, efficient, and memorable. From noise-canceling headphones to reliable luggage, these essential items ensure you are well-prepared for any adventure that comes your way. Pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to explore the world.

Stay updated on the latest events, monthly promotions and offers by subscribing to the monthly newsletter on xcite.com, follow X-cite’s social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Snapchat, @xcitealghanim or Facebook at XcitebyAlghanim and win prizes with contests, or visit the online store at www.xcite.com.

Shiftcam LensUltra Premium Smartphone Camera Lenses

Discover the full power of mobile photography and videography with Shiftcam LensUltra Premium Smartphone camera lenses and filters. Whether you want to boost your smartphone camera or benefit from the three filters, ShiftCam’s LensUltra Full Kit has something to impress you.

Logitech G Astro A30 The Mandalorian Edition Headset

Open a universe of gaming possibilities with the Logitech G Astro A30 Headset The Mandalorian Edition. It effortlessly syncs to your PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and more.

Hydrow Vista Rower

Take your at-home rowing sessions to the next level with the Hydrow Vista Rower. This luxurious rower boasts a sleek design and an immersive display. Engage your muscles effectively at home with this Hydrow rower.

Microsoft Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen

Dive into new dimensions of productivity with the Microsoft Surface Pro Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen. Designed for the Surface Pro, this pair offers flexible use. Complement your Surface Pro with this powerful keyboard/stylus bundle!

Yubico YubiKey 5 Series

A proven, secure method for 2-factor authentication, this gadget secures your login information to hundreds of services. A proven, secure method for 2-factor authentication, this gadget secures your login information to hundreds of services.

Scosche BaseLynx 2.0 Vert

Streamline your device management with the Scosche BaseLynx 2.0 Vert, a sleek and efficient multi-device charging station. It integrates beautifully into your home or office. Elevate your charging experience with Scosche BaseLynx 2.0 Vert—where style meets utility.

THE DEATH OF TRUTH

by Steven Brill, Nonfiction

How did we become a world where facts — shared truths — have lost their power to hold us together as a community? Bestselling journalist Steven Brill documents the forces and people, from Silicon Valley to Madison Avenue to Moscow to Washington, that have created and exploited this world of chaos and division — and offers practical solutions for what we can do about it.

MAGIC PILL

By Johann Harri, Nonfiction

The bestselling author of Stolen Focus offers a revelatory look at the new drugs transforming weight loss as we know it — from his personal experience on Ozempic to our ability to heal our society’s dysfunctional relationship with food, weight, and our bodies.

THE SECRET HISTORY OF SHARKS

by John Long, Nonfiction

From ancient megalodons to fearsome Great Whites, this book tells the complete, untold story of how sharks emerged as Earth’s ultimate survivors, by world-leading paleontologist John Long.

POWERED BY ADHD

by Amelia Kelly, Nonfiction

Practical strategies and exercises that empower women with ADHD to use their gifts for everyday success. With more than 20 years of experience working with neurodivergence, Dr. Amelia Kelley offers guidance, skills, and tools that emphasize flexibility and self-compassion to help women develop a positive self-image and see immediate results in all areas of life.

THE INFERNAL MACHINE

by Steven Johnson, Nonfiction

A sweeping account of the anarchists who terrorized the streets of New York and the detective duo who transformed policing to meet the threat — a tale of fanaticism, forensic science, and dynamite from the bestselling author of The Ghost Map.

IN THIS ECONOMY

by Kyla Scanlon, Nonfiction

An illustrated guide to the mad math and terrible terminology of economics, from one of the internet’s favorite financial educators. This indispensable handbook reveals the hidden forces driving key economic outcomes, the most common myths to steer clear of, and the dusty, outdated assumptions that constrain our political imagination, offering a bold new path to building a prosperous society that works for everyone.

SHORTWAVE FOR GMAIL

The smartest email app on planet Earth. Save an hour a day with the help of AI.

NOTINOTES

A simple notes app, which only lives in your QS and notification panel. Quickly add, view and edit your notes and show them as notifications. All you need to do is adding the tile in your Quick Settings panel and you’re ready to note.

VIA BROWSER

Via browser is a lite browser with powerful functions. Designed on geek thinking. Make hard things Simple. All is for your browse experience. iOS and Android

VOLUME LOCK

A simple sound control tool that offers you total volume control. Using this app you will have the opportunity to lock the volume and prevent them from unexpected changes.

GROOVIFI

Love Spotify? So do we! Groovifi is a playlist generator that allows Spotify users to create playlists according to very specific and fine-tuned criteria. Groovifi uses a special algorithm that scans over 70 million songs on Spotify to create playlists based on your preferences!

COLOR CHANGING CAMERA

With Color Changing Camera you have the power to change the color of anything you see through your smartphone camera, all in real-time, even before capturing the picture.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUN 21

A dream could bring some big personal insights on the 2nd. Avoid authority figures for best results on the 12th. Ideas to improve your career are yours on the 26th.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

You could have a very good time traveling with friends on the 4th. Children bring great joy on the 18th. Past actions could pay current dividends on the 23rd.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22

Much progress could be made with your career on the 4th. Friends have a lot to say to you on the 12th. Don’t believe everything that you hear on the 20th.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22

Conversations with your significant other really flow on the 2nd. Avoid authority figures on the job on the 12th for best results. Family and friends want to get together on the 26th.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22

Something that you have invested in could pay dividends on the 4th. Don’t believe everything that you hear on the 16th. You and your honey could have a good time traveling on the 29th.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22

Avoid an argument with your mate by doing a solo project on the 11th. An idea to make more money at work could come to you on the 21st. You are especially charismatic on the 29th.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

Your partner could be very receptive to a discussion about change on the 2nd. You sparkle and shine on the 20th and 21st. You can really have a good time with your friends on the 15th.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

Work doesn’t appeal on the 8th and 9th; do something fun instead. You seem to know just what to say and how to say it on the 22nd and 23rd. Expect interesting and constructive communication from your significant other on the 26th.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

You are looking for a really good time on the 5th. You sparkle and shine on the 24th and 25th. If you take time to look within on the 29th, you may be able to find an intuition to improve your job.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19

Your creativity is extremely high on the 2nd, and writing is particularly favored. Don’t believe everything you hear on the 16th and 17th. Confusion is possible on the 20th; leave important decisions for another day.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

Things are definitely going to go your way on the 1st. Being obstinate on the 11th will cost you. An inner intuition on the 21st could bring more money into your life.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20

On the 4th, people find you attractive and articulate. If you buy it on the 16th, you may pay too much. On the 29th, you are exceptionally good at seeing others’ points of view.