CityPagesKuwait Magazine February 2012 Issue

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FEBRUARY

2012 ISSUE: 26

OF E D I PR 012 KUWAIT 2

CONTENTS Editor-in-Chief | Dhari Al-Muhareb General Manager | Jameel Arif Content Supervisor | Claudia Farias

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10 Arabic Typography - the impressive art

Sales Manager | Muhammed Altaf Business Development | Mais Ghandoor Creative Department Head | Tanya Burns Photography | Natalia Citcai

Sarah Al-Sayegh

CONTRIBUTORS Aysha Schurman Christina Pinto

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Smart For-us Concept

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2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

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Toyota NS4 Plug-In Hybrid

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Olive Oil Uses for Beauty

Dalal Al-Janaie Dr. Nazia Nausheen Hind Al-Nahedh Jennifer Wright John MacArthur John Miller Lana Al-Resheed Paul Stephen Taz Stansbery Zethu Sibiya CityPages accepts unsolicited ar ticles (1000 words or less) in English or Arabic. Submissions may be sent to:

submissions@citypageskuwait.com

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Mumawwash Rice

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Mutabbaq Zubaidi

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Sabb El-Gafsha

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The Point System on Mars and on Venus

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Change Your Breath: From Bad to Good

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in .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx format.

CityPages will notify the author upon acceptance but will not entertain inquiries.

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DISCLAIMER

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication including pictures, articles, artworks, and overall design may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated in any language in any form or means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the written permission of the editor or the publisher.

Copyright © February 2012.

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Extra care has been used to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine. However, the publisher will not accept responsibility for errors and omissions in the publication. In addition, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Photos have been altered to comply with the Laws of Kuwait.

Publishing & Distribution P. O. Box 1541, Safat - 13016, Kuwait Hotline. 66973003 E-mail: info@citypageskuwait.com

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E-mail: advertise@citypageskuwait.com FOR PRESS COVERAGE & PRESS RELEASES

Call: 66973003 (or) E-mail: pr@citypageskuwait.com

14 K's PATH Celebrates first-eve 'Bark in the Park'

68 68 Kuwait Fashion Update 70

FOR ADVERTISING Call: 66973003 (or)

February Book Releases U.S. Singles Top 40 Hollywood Movie Releases

Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Spring 2012

26 LANA AL-RESHEED'SPAGE

HAPPY NATIONA Marketing’s Four P’s (Part-II)......................................26

08 REVIEWPAGES

The Dragon.....................................................................8

This Month In CityPages...

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Fried Junky - Setting the trend for taste Artistic Thoughts At 8

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Lighten Up Kuwait - 2012

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A Beet a Day May Keep the Doctor Away!

@citypageskuwait

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Social Media Trends - 2012

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Ayesha Al-Humaidhi

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Abdul Aziz Al-Balool

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Chef Osama

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Farah Al-Humaidhi

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Mohammed Alanjeri

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Mona Al-Aryan

citypageskuwait.com

Citypageskuwait

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Marketing's Four P's - Part-4

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/Citypageskuwait

Does Your Spouse May You Sick?

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Connect with us!

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Cool Gadgets for Everyone

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Toshiba Unveils Ultrabook, Slim & Practical

Homework for Grown-ips.................................29 Horoscopes & Famous Birthdays.....................86 PressPages.....................................................82 Question Of The Month....................................23 CityGuide........................................................85

AL DAY KUWAIT

CityPages

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We are Closer than you think!

DISTRIBUTION POINTS Pick up a free copy of CityPages at one of the following locations:

From The Editor Galleria 2000, Salmiya

Dear Readers...

I sit behind my computer with a mind moving a million miles per minute. For those who personally know me, that's not unusual, but the cause for this 'head-traffic' is a bit different. My heart is filled with gratitude and humility. Nothing worthwhile is ever built with the hands of one – including CityPages! – and our success is based not by one but, rather, our incredible staff and contributors. 'No man is an island' and that certainly holds true with the building of CityPages!

Wow..., can you believe it? We’re already in the 2nd month of the New Year already! How is your New Year’s Resolution doing? LOL Hopefully, you’re really serious about reaching the goals that you set for yourself a few weeks ago and it’s not just an emotional decision you made :) Are you still on course? Are you happier now once you know that happiness is a choice? Are you eating less junk food? Are you smoking less? Are you prioritising more time for more important things like your family? Are you more healthy physically, mentally and spiritually?

If you are willing to be honest with yourself, there will be times when you are really tempted to give up the well meaning decision that you made. Come on, be honest! You know how I know? Because, many people go through the same thing! There is nothing new under the sun. There is no problem in your life that others have not experienced. Get this inside your head... YOU ARE NOT THAT SPECIAL!!! LOL Or that unique that you think your problem is so difficult that nobody else has ever experienced it or that nobody would understand what you are going through. The truth is, hundreds or thousands or even millions of people had gone through the exact or similar things to what you are experiencing... and most of them survived and conquered their problems. If they are able to have breakthrough and come out as a winner at the other end of the tunnel… YOU CAN TOO!!!

Our February cover proudly displays the photographic techniques of my friend Sara Al-Sayegh which goes well with our theme for this month – ‘Pride of Kuwait’ as we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Kuwait’s National Day and the 21st anniversary of its Liberation Day. We, at CityPages, extend our heartiest congratulatory wishes to Kuwait on its National Day and Liberation Day. We have carefully selected a few good men and women and even young children who have a passion for excellence in whatever they do.

I am sure that you will love reading about them in this issue.

Lastly, I am pleased to announce that we have 3 new contributors joining our family from the coming month and you will now be able to get expert tips on pet care from Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi, clear your misconceptions about insurance by Mona Al-Aryan, and get some fresh ideas on room planning, space planning, choosing the right colors, Lighting, Kitchens and bathrooms, and decorating with a budget by Farah Al-Humaidhi.

Till next month...... Enjoy reading this issue.

Jameel Arif

O

360 Mall Level 3

Fahaheel & Jabriya

Kuwait City

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Salmiya

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Egaila

Kuwait University (Communications Department)

(British School of Kuwait)

(Kuwait International Airport)

Hawally - Zawya Center

K’S PATH celebrates dogs and their humans at first-ever ‘Bark in the Park’ Fundraiser event engages over 100 families & their dogs in interactive games & contests K’S PATH (Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat) - a non profit organization committed to animal welfare and habitat protection – successfully held its first ever ‘Bark in the Park’ on Saturday 21st January 2012 at the Mishref Fair Grounds. Despite the sudden chilly weather, over a 100 families attended the fundraiser event with their beloved dogs to try their luck in a variety of competitions and games in a carnival setting. Proceeds from this novel fundraiser support K’S PATH’s programs in animal welfare, environment and habitat protection.

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“The response to our first ever dog-centric event has been encouraging and positive, with many visitors requesting similar canine events later in the year”, says K’S PATH Chairman Ayeshah Al Humaidhi. “Bark in the Park proved to a great outing for dogs and their families to spend a weekend together in fun-packed team competitions, buy exciting dog treats and grooming products from trusted vendors, and get to know other members of Kuwait’s dog-loving community. Big thanks to our main sponsors for making this fundraiser possible – Blue Buffalo Co., Pawsh Boutique, Petzone and Move One – and our dedicated volun-

teers for a memorable and eventful day!”

Dogs and their families enjoyed fabulous fare from a host of select vendors such as The November Bakery, Popcornopolis, Blue Pitt Bull Kennel, Q8 Bullies Kennel, Kerry A Sellers Photography, Epetome, Kuwait Petography, Organica Fish and Chips, Basic Organic Pet and Feed, Royal Animal Hospital, Gloria Jeans Coffee and Animal Care. Visitors also bagged special door and raffle prizes from Easa Al Yousifi and Sons, Ethan Allen, Johnny Rocket, Moevenpick, Hard Rock Cafe, Baskets made perfect and Alghanim.

A series of fun competitions were held across the day with dogs and their humans cheered on by onlookers. The winners are as follow: Best Child Handler: First place – Chicano; Second place - Havanah; Third place – Coco Chanel Most Obedient: First place – Isko; Second place – Capo; Third place - Bear Best Dressed: First place – Jackson; Second place – Pablo and Rimo; Third place - Candy Best Lookalike: First place – Magic; Second place – Rix; Third place – Cabo Terrific Pet Tricks: Winner - Cloudy Temptation Alley: First place – Flora; Second place – Cinnamon; Third place - Cabo Best Veteran: Winner – Susie Most Adorable Round 1: First place – Bozo; Second place – Miley; Third place – Caesar Most Adorable Round 2: First place – Minicubs; Second place – Luty; Third place - Eddie Egg Race: First place – Capo; Second place – Jackson; Third place – Sam

9 February 2012

Christina Pinto

Arabic typography the impressive art Typography is the art of creating a visual representation from words. Arabic typography is breaking new ground with the advent of internet, mass communication and awareness.

The visual art of Arabic typography bears a deeper meaning in the linguistic message. Type design and letterforms are an artistic endeavor by designers often to make a statement. Designers learn from Arabic’s rich calligraphic heritage to interpret Arabic letterforms in a manner that is attractive and engaging to readers.

Many creative graphic designers are emerging in the Middle East and abroad to propel Arabic typeface into a level of prominence.

Three of the most talented names in the field, who have made Arabic typography an identifiable art with their imaginative interpretation and inventive endeavors in the professional field, have expressed their views exclusively to Citypages.

Mohamed Abdulrub is a 24 year old Arabic typographer/graphic designer. His specialty is Arabic corporate identity, branding, and typography and he has been involved in the field for the past 5 years.

Khalid Shahin is a self-taught Arabic Calligrapher and abstract artist.

He is also a branding consultant and designer of logotypes and illustrator of expressive Arabic letterforms with 27+ years of experience. His talent has been acknowledged in two solo exhibitions in Italy and Dubai as well as many group exhibitions throughout the world.

Majid Alyousef is a calligrapher, designer and creative professional. His skills feature a unique combination of calligraphy, typography and digital art.

He has a Masters degree in Computer Art, with a focus on Interactive Design and Game Development; He recently won the first prize at the Islamic Arts Festival in Sharjah 2011. Majid continues to offer his services to internationally reputable advertising agencies, design houses and corporate clients

How do you choose the text and what is your approach to Arabic typographic art?

towards everything around me. My ap- and use words and letters as a part of proach is unique and you can feel this the overall scene without exactly saying from my artwork titles i.e. Clutter, Com- anything.

the Quran or reading my father's Ara-

Mohamed Abdulrub: The text is depend-

motion, Revolution, Nested, Anarchy,

to develop into a hobby/passion.

ent on the specific project and what the

Meditative etc.

How did you develop your pasMajid Alyousef: Most of the content for my sion for Arabic typography?

Khalid Shahin: Well, I’m completely

artwork comes from famous quotes, po- Mohamed Abdulrub: Growing up the UK ems, Quranic verses, and other sources I had little familiarization with the Arabic that promote good values and meanings. text. The only contact with Arabic typogSome works though are totally abstract raphy I had was either through reading

myself over the past 25 years or so.

client is trying to communicate through that particular piece of typography.

Khalid Shahin: I don’t follow guidelines in my artwork. It’s simply an abstract art which reflects my current feeling(s) 10 www.citypageskuwait.com

bic newspaper. It was at the age of about 16 that my fascination began

self-taught. I’ve done well teaching I realized my passion in Arabic Calligraphy when I was 9 years old. Luckily my father was an artist and calligra-

Work by: Mohamed Abdulrub

pher too. I think in some ways the lack of a later stage and they did help in the formal training was beneficial, because I technical issues and delivery mechanics was forced to create my own unique iden- more than the artistic aspects. tity.

Majid Alyousef: I started when I was What does it mean to be a proabout eight years old in school and had fessional typographic artist? guidance from my parents and teachers. Mohamed Abdulrub: On a professional level, it entails a lot of hard work, mainIs there software that helps you taining a good rapport with clients, strict become a good typographic artist? deadlines, managing multiples project at one given time. Always keeping ahead of Mohamed Abdulrub: No. However, there trends and ensuring the work produced is software that can assist in the developis unique and interesting. Advertising ment of an idea. In the end, it is mainly and marketing along with constant netdown to the individual’s creative flair and working, is pinnacle to bringing in new their ideas. clients and repeat customers.

Khalid Shahin: No, software and graphic Khalid Shahin: Being a professional artapplications are just tools. It’s all about ist means I should have the main ingretalent, practice and exercise. dients that go into the ‘artist’ pie i.e the Majid Alyousef: I learned the art using passion to do it and the ability to pertraditional methods, free hand callig- severe and to able to embrace failure raphy and drawing. Software came at as a necessary part of the process and

utilize it to move forward.

Majid Alyousef: A professional typography artist works on type-design, creating and developing fonts, usage of fonts in design context like books and magazines or online. He should be skillful in the craftsmanship of type.

How has Arabic typography changed since you first became involved?

Mohamed Abdulrub: Arabic typography has come a long way since I became involved professionally. The number of Arabic typographers has increased along with the new media, such as motion graphic 3D. There are a lot more young emerging Arabic typographers that are contributing to enriching this art form.

Khalid Shahin: I have played a great role in publicizing and promoting this

type of art especially in Europe and Latin America where I managed to sell more than 150 pieces to non-Arabs.

Majid Alyousef: The major changes were influenced by computer and computer fonts. The variety or available styles and the quality of the printing and production with high-tech machines affected the art of typography massively.

Has any of your work been influenced by western typography?

Mohamed Abdulrub: Yes. I love western typography and incorporating it into Arabic typography. I use Western Serif and Sans-serif as a template for my Arabic typography because they make very interesting and beautiful letter forms.

Khalid Shahin: Not really. I'm inspired by other artists, the way they work, and the way they brand their art.

Work by: Majid AlYousef

11 February 2012

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Majid Alyousef: Yes, because I studied in both eastern and western art schools which gave me better understanding of the philosophies behind each one. There is a piece I made last year, named Dialogue with Mondrian. This piece had very traditional Arabic letters written exactly according to the classical rules but it was totally done using western media and techniques.

How well-known is Arabic typography?

Mohamed Abdulrub: It is becoming widely known, with thanks to the GCC countries commissioning work and attracting western and far eastern audience. One example would be the Emirates logo, which is a great work of Arabic typography displayed all over the world on Airplanes and sport teams, such as Arsenal.

Khalid Shahin: It’s very well-known especially in the past two decades. Arabic typography is part of Islamic Calligraphy which has arguably become the most revered form of Islamic art. Islamic calligraphy has become a flourishing Islamic art business in these modern times.

Majid Alyousef: Arabic typography is still in the early stages and needs more work. Arabic calligraphy on the other hand is very well known and appreciated worldwide.

What is the relationship between Calligraphy and Typography?

matter how beautiful or unattractive it is, I analyze it.

Khalid Shahin: There is no single source of inspiration but I’m a big fan of Turkish and Japanese art; especially ink painting on silk and paper.

Majid Alyousef: Many sources, but my main influence comes from the classical dancing and ballet with all the fine articulated movements of the human figures.

Another main source is science and math especially visualizing mathematical problems or theories like fractals and chaos applications.

How can Arabic typography be connected to other kinds of media like advertising?

Mohamed Abdulrub: Arabic typography is an artistic form of communication and communicates the product or brand values to the consumer/target market.

Khalid Shahin: It’s already connected. I developed more than 8 Logos and brand identities for famous firms around the Arab world using my unique style of Arabic Typography/calligraphy and letterform. Currently, I’m working on developing the entire packaging for a famous Belgian chocolate company.

Majid Alyousef: Arabic type is very flexible and organic, it has superior ability to shape and adapt which makes it very suitable for logo design, yet with aesthetic rules

set it is very challenging to come up with a logo design that embrace the Arabic letters in their best possible shapes.

How would youngsters go about making a career in Arabic typography?

Mohamed Abdulrub: Initially one would take up a graphic design course. To publicize work, one must share on sites such as Flickr, Facebook, Deviant art, Stumble upon and Behance network. Networking is critical; tell everybody and anybody about your work.

I personally have had lot of work commissioned simply by word of mouth or people being made aware of my work.

Majid Alyousef: They need to have persistence and determination. Arabic typography is more difficult than Latin, so it is better they start with Latin type design to understand the anatomy and structure of letters.

Then, move to Arabic to study traditional calligraphy at least as visual and anatomical study before working on developing Arabic type and typographic treatments with confidence.

Work by: Khalid Shahin

Mohamed Abdulrub: They are practically the same thing, both being letters put together in an aesthetically appealing way to communicate. Calligraphy is the traditional vintage experimental typography. That being said, calligraphy can have a modern influence.

Khalid Shahin: Some people think typography is somehow a branch of calligraphy, I totally disagree. Calligraphy is the art of hand writing and it has its own rules while Typography is the technique of digitally or manually arranging, designing, and modifying type, glyphs and letterforms. Calligraphy is inconsistent in presentation and usage while Typography must be consistent. Elements of calligraphy can certainly be incorporated into typography, especially when talking about the aesthetics of glyphs.

Majid Alyousef: Since communication issues became the main responsibility of typography, calligraphy now is evolving into a form of fine art especial abstract art and novelty crafts.

From where do you derive your inspiration for your art?

Mohamed Abdulrub: I would say, my surroundings are probably the most inspiring. Magazine, packaging, the internet, everywhere there is type or imagery, no

13 February 2012

Taz Stansbery

DOES YOUR SPOUSE MAKE YOU SICK? We are all familiar with the popular phrase that has united couples in holy matrimony for many centuries. The verbal agreement exchanged during wedding ceremonies is commonly referred to as “vows”. When speaking these vows it is considered binding in loyalty to one another, and is a lifelong promise to never depart one from the other under any circumstance.

When you accepted these vows, did you ever wonder if your spouse would be the cause of your sickness or failing health? If you were to become aware that your spouse was making you sick, would you remain there until death did you apart? Could the love for your spouse be questionable if you chose to no longer honor those vows due to your spouse being the reason for your demise? Finally, would it be morally wrong for you to save your health rather than saving your marriage?

Recently, I spoke with a young lady who desperately needed answers to these questions. She appeared extremely passionate about her family and her relationship with her spouse; but she resented the amount of time she had to invest in attempting to maintain a healthy and normal household. A newlywed, she envisioned starting a new exciting life as husband and wife; crossing her T’s and dotting her I’s, being careful not to become another statistic of the “perfect relationship gone bad”. To her surprise, she soon realized that no one person can plan a perfect marriage. (A perfect marriage in a sense, given things within the imperfections mesh well in an acceptable and workable fashion). It would take two to equally agree and work

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towards a mutual goal. Now, before marriage here are two perfectly healthy, independent, accomplished individuals who felt a union would only strengthen what they each were capable of separately. Only 6 months into the marriage, this lady could barely live under the same roof with her husband, let alone lead a happy healthy marriage. However, the health of the marriage wasn’t the only thing failing. She visited her Doctor for a regular checkup and was warned that her blood pressure was a little steep, and she needed to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. He asked if there was anything that came to mind that she could eliminate from her life that might be contributing to her high blood pressure condition. Reluctant to disclose that she was in a stressful marriage, which she faced at least 80% of her time outside of work; she shrugged her shoulders and, answered, “No Doctor Nothing I could think of at the moment”. Deep down inside she knew that it was likely that she would face an argument when she arrived home that evening. On her

drive home she performed a self evaluation and concluded that her short temper probably contributed to a large portion of the problems she had at home. So she decided to work on managing her patience. She practiced this for months, but she still found herself arguing and unhappy in her marriage. She had realized that no matter how patient she was, there were just certain things that she expected of her husband that was just nonexistent. She realized that many of the arguments stemmed from personality differences, things that it wouldn’t be fair to expect anyone to change about themselves. So she struggled trying to fit square blocks in round circles for the sake of saving her marriage. At her next Doctor’s appointment, she wanted to hear that her blood pressure was stabilized; however, she learned she would now have to take medication to help stabilize it. Distraught, all she could think about is despite how much effort she had already invested into transforming herself to avoid

stressing so much, it still did not better her health.

In fact, it worsened. Her stress levels had increased to the point where she is now suffering from Thyroids and has regular Doctor’s appointments to monitor the condition.

Sadly, the relationship has spiraled completely out of control from one extreme to the next, increasing stress levels with each new circumstance. Her high blood pressure medication contains ingredients which serve as a reverse alopecia causing excessive hair loss, as well as ingredients that contributes to massive weight gain. She no longer feels desirable, and her husband is not the greatest at acknowledging and comforting her during this time of turmoil. Her self esteem is shattered. Her beauty and appearance is now a major factor in boosting her self esteem so she spends money more often than usual to help maintain her desired appearance. They now find themselves arguing more and more over financial issues due to overspending. There’s a strain on their sex life, and there is minimal communication other than that of the regular controversy. In the beginning, this young lady never imagined that a relationship could take such a toll on her health. So now the only thing this couple is planning is an exit strategy, when really they should be planning a happy 1 year anniversary.

Many may question though, could it really be the spouse that made her sick? Or was this simply impeccable timing, and her health conditions were a ticking time bomb and her husband is the victim that crossed its path? Psychologists refer to stress as a process in which environmental demands strain an organism’s adaptive capacity, resulting in both psychological as well as biological changes that could place a person at risk for illness. Anything that causes stress is considered a stressor. Divorce, marital problems, death, illness, finance, etc. are all amongst the long list of stressors. Studies indicate, that the higher the importance of a goal, when interfered with, the higher the effects of stress. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the less importance of a goal, the less the effects of stress when interfered with. Inability to cope with stress is ultimately what causes a strain on the biological stress perspective and emphasizes the activation of certain physiological and physically demanding conditions. So it is true that chronic negative stress may be harmful to the health. But, how harmful? Research also indicates that there are different stages of stress. In the final phase, reduction of the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine occurs in the brain, causing depression. Traumatic stressful events may trigger either behavioral or biological processes that contribute to the onset of disease. Chronic stress has been associated with increased reports of illness. Exposure to chronic stress may result in permanent or at the very least long-term psychological, biological, or behavioral responses that alter the progression of illness. In addition, the longer the stress endured, the more likely a person was to become ill.

10 Ways to Minimize Marital Stress 1. Communicate about everything 2. Be a good listener 3. Respect one another 4. Be supportive and Understanding 5. Compromise 6. Have consideration for your spouse and things they go through 7. Attend marriage counseling, if necessary 8. Establish a common goal and work towards it collectively 9. Love unconditionally and express it open and outwardly 10. A family that prays together stays together

INSIGHTPAGES One direct way that I can personally relate marital stress to health is that of my very own sister. One year ago my dear sister was laid to rest due to pericarditis heart disease. Looking at her no one would have ever known she was suffering from poor heart conditions.

She was lively and happy to the second she took her last breath. However, what did show was the obvious pain from living in an unhappy relationship for 19 years. Now, only she and God knows why she would stay in such a draining declining relationship for that long, but the fact is, she did. But an even bigger question would be to ask, how did she manage in such a stress filled environment for as long as she did with heart problems? I guess the appropriate response would be that she simply loved him to death!

So the question remains. Should the previous couple sacrifice their marriage for the sake of a longer happier life? Or, did my sister take the right approach by honoring her vows until death did them part? Tough deal right? Especially when your life and wellness is at stake. Relative to unwanted stress, research suggests that individuals have different coping styles, and depending on how well or how poorly people cope with stress will determine how more or less the stress will affect them physically, psychologically, or biologically.

In addition, research also suggests that support in stressful situations can lessen the amount of stress a person undergoes. A person in a highly stressed predicament can be at ease when the mood is lightened, thereby decreasing the susceptibility of disease.

Therefore, rather than ending a dying marriage, showing genuine spousal support can possibly be the life saving prescription.

15 February 2012

Connect with Hind:

HIND AL-NAHEDH Social Media Geek

hindrelations@gmail.com Hind Al-Nahedh @Hindrelations Hindrelations.blogspot.com

Social Media Trends 2012 Hello Social Savvies, Hope This year treating you well digitally ;) the word Social Media is becoming familiar & important every day , don't you agree? well this issue i decided to share with you some of the key social media trends for this year , brought to you by the media to tech and digital news room " Tech Crunch " In 2011, social media had its share of growing pains. Large brands and corporations took to social media in force to try to find footing in this expanding medium. Some brands found success, while others found peril and new PR nightmares.

The take on the social media landscape for 2012. Here were a few key trends Tech Crunch recommended we should look out for in 2012:

1. Social TV Integration Many shows have already begun to integrate social TV, either through polling or integrating social elements within the show. See my example of how both the UFC and WWE are integrating social media into their programming. Social media played a pivotal role in the last presidential election, and it will likely be more integrated into political broadcasts. " We Just noticed that in Kuwait Ommah 2012 " electors online campaigns :) As each news channel fights hard to keep their viewers engaged, networks like CNN and Fox have made significant strides to engage their audience, although some would argue that this social media integration has come at the expense of hard-hitting journalism and analysis.

2. TV Is Going Online in a Big Way 2012 will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be streamed live to the world. Since the Super Bowl is generally viewed as the mother of all advertising spectacles, it will add a new dynamic into the digital component to advertising and social media integration.

3. Facebook Credits Take Center stage Facebook in 2012 has the potential to project its power and truly take Facebook credits into a viable currency. Amy puts it quite well when she says “they’re building an online destination we’ll never need to 16 www.citypageskuwait.com

leave, and my guess is they’re only about 8% of the way through their product roadmap.”

4. Big Business Has Woken Up The way corporate entities approach social media is shifting. Many companies realize that setting up Twitter, YouTube and Facebook accounts is not going to cut it as their social media strategy.

Brands will need to seriously shift their perspective by treating social channels more like communication channels and less like an advertising channels in order to make a difference. From my perspective this transition has already occurred, judging by the extent to which brands’ Twitter accounts are now used as channels for CRM and customer support, managing pissed off or happy customers in near realtime.

5. ROI Is Still Huge ROI will remain a key metric to any social media strategy. The concept of engagement is now becoming more and more an excepted metric. CEO adoption of social media is improving, and more CEOs are recognizing the benefits of humanizing their brand by taking to Twitter.

Customer service, research and image branding could all be considered social media intangibles, yet all three are obviously important in business. Social channels impact every single aspect of business from human relations to finance, sales, operations and legal. It’s important for everyone to understand how social media

affects their role and responsibilities. Opposite of television, social media is a dialogue vs. a monologue and if a brand is able to collect opinions real-time in high volume via social channels like Facebook polls, they can save a great deal of money on formal research studies.

There have been a lot of discussions about social media fatigue and whether brands refuse to play for that reason. With over a billion people on social media it’s irresponsible for any brand not to have some sort of presence. 2012 will be the year for brands to go beyond cookie cutter campaigns and really determine how it not only adds value to their company, but how it adds value for their customers. 2012 will be crucial for companies and social media. For those who don’t see a direct correlation between social media and sales consider:

Last but not least Note for 2012 : “Social media is an ideal tool for moving people up the fan ladder, from being a casual fan of a brand to a loyalist, because the communication channels allow people to build stronger emotional connections with brands.”

That’s all for this month, please feel free to engage or ask me for anything related ... stay tuned !

Source : Tech Crunch

Salem Al-Mubarak Street, Salmiya. Tel. 25720289-98, Fax: 25720327, www.alfanarmall-kw.com

17 January 2012

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18 www.citypageskuwait.com

LANA AL-RESHEED

Connect with Lana:

Director of Marketing & PR The Convention Center & Royal Suites Hotel

lana@theconventioncenter.com.kw Lana Alresheed @LanaAlresheed

Marketing’s Four P’s: Part-4 Dear Readers….

I hope that you stepped into the New Year successfully and are ready to take your businesses to the next step.

This is the fourth and final part of my topic on the 4 P’s of Marketing. This month I will focus on the last P which is Promotion. Let us together understand the importance of Promotion in business.

PROMOTION “Promotion” refers to the advertising and selling side of marketing. It is how you let people know what you’ve got for sale. The purpose of promotion is to get people to understand what your product is, what they can use it for, and why they should want it. You want the customers who are looking for a product to know that your product satisfies their needs.

To be effective, your promotional efforts should contain a clear message targeted to a specific audience reached via an appropriate channel. Your target audience will be the people who use or influence the purchase of your product. You should focus your market research efforts on identifying these individuals. Your message must be consistent with your overall marketing image, get your target audience’s attention, and elicit the response you desire, whether it is to purchase your product or to form an opinion. The channel you select for your message will likely involve use of a few key marketing channels. Promotion may involve advertising, public relations, personal selling, and sales promotions.

A key channel is advertising. Advertising methods to promote your product or service include the following: • Radio: Radio advertisements are relatively inexpensive ways to inform potential local customers about your business. Mid-to-late week is generally the best time to run your radio Ad. • Television: Television allows access to regional or national audiences, but may be more expensive than other options.

• Print: Direct mail and printed materials, including newspapers, magazines, and flyers, allow you to explain what, when, where, and why people should buy from you. You can send letters, fact sheets, contests, coupons, and brochures directly to new or old customers.

Sales promotions are special offerings designed to encourage purchases. Promotions might include free samples, coupons, contests, incentives, loyalty programs, prizes, and rebates.

Other programs might focus on educating customers through seminars or reaching them through trade shows. Your target audience may be more receptive to one method than another.

• Electronic: Company Web sites provide useful information to interested consumers and clients. Password-protected areas allow users to more intimately interact with you. Advertisements allow broad promotion of your products. Direct e-mail contact is possible if you have collected detailed customer information.

• Word of Mouth: Word of mouth depends on satisfied customers (or dissatisfied customers) telling their acquaintances about the effectiveness of your products.

Public relations (PR) usually focuses on creating a favorable business image. Important components of a good public relations program include being a good neighbor, being involved in the community, and providing open house days.

News stories, often initiated through press releases, can be good sources of publicity.

Personal selling focuses on the role of a salesperson in your communication plans. Salespeople can tailor communication to customers and are very important in building relationships.

While personal selling is an important tool, it is costly.

So you should make efforts to target personal selling carefully.

Additional sources of promotion may be attending or participating in trade shows, setting up displays at public events, and networking socially.

Final Comment The four P’s—product, price, place, and promotion—should work together in your marketing mix.

Often, decisions on one element will influence the choices available in others.

Selecting an effective mix for your market will take time and effort, but these will pay off as you satisfy customers and create a profitable business.

Once you have a good marketing mix—the right product at the right price, offered in the right place and promoted in the right way—you will need to continue to stay on top of market changes and adopt your marketing mix as necessary.

Marketing is a part of your venture that will never end.

I hope you understand the 4P’s of marketing carefully and apply them to your business. If you have any questions regarding your business, please feel free to contact me for an advice.

Till next month, happy marketing.

19 February 2012

Connect with Dalal:

Dalal Al-Janaie

Success Coach, Business and Life Mars Venus Coaching, Kuwait

dalal@marsvenuscoaching.com Mars Venus Coaching Kwt @marsvenuskuwait

The Point System on Mars and on Venus How Men and Women Keep Score Differently Dear readers, it’s so nice to connect with you once again!

This month I would like to address an important scoring system that is going on in our daily lives. No, I am not talking about football games or any other sport. This system affects our moods, our ability to think, and really, our lives.

Dr. John Gray, author of the bestselling book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, calls it ‘the point system’.

The point system is basically a scoring system that both men and women use in their relationships to gauge the balance between them. Typically, points are counted by both parties surrounding the amount they have given and the amount they have received.

So, for example, whenever you do something nice, you give yourself a point/s and whenever you receive something nice, you give your partner a point/s. So, seems simple enough right? Not so fast. Remember men and women are hardwired differently and therefore their counting system does not follow the same standard. How could it? Did you forget that men are from Mars and women are from Venus?

Dr. John Gray talks in depth about the point system in his book and describes these among many other differences. He explains that women count points in “singles” so no matter how big or small the token of love is, it only scores one point. Each thought counts once. Men, on the other hand, count points as a measure of size and value, so it is typical to give away multiple points at any time. Can you see how this can lead to a slight problem?

Married Couples Let’s take a look at how this works in the home.

The husband goes to work, and comes back, in the mind of the woman he gets two points, one for going and one for coming back, no more no less. In the husband’s mind, the more money he makes, should translate into more points, so he may give himself 20 and 30 points a day where she only gave her husband two. In the husband’s mind, the more money he is making should translate into more points, but this is not the case on Venus.

20 www.citypageskuwait.com

When it comes to her, she also went to work then she came home and dealt with the kids, the maids, the house, so she gets four points. So, in the wife’s mind there is an imbalance. She has done the math and found that her four points are much more than his two points, and the relationship is uneven which will make her unhappy.

Special Occasions With Valentine’s Day coming up, many men are giving their Venusians flowers, which is an excellent gesture of love and care. Martians beware, even with flowers, there is a point system. Men believe that a large bouquet of five dozen roses is equivalent to something close to 1,000 points and as this is a large gesture of love, after this bouquet, he doesn’t have to give her another bouquet for another year, at least. Sound familiar? Well Martians, this is not what the understanding is on Venus. On Venus, a gift counts as one point no matter how large or how small. A bouquet of a thousand roses is equivalent to one rose, they both get one point. So Martians, if you want to score points with flowers, Dr. Gray’s research suggests another approach, buy her a single rose once a week, every week or on a continuous basis. This will count much more and make your Venusian happier and more loving.

Dealing with the Point System

Martians • Give your Venusian about 20 minutes of undivided attention and allow her to tell you about her day. Be attentive and listen.

• Help and assist without your Venusian asking for help.

• Flowers are excellent. Make sure to send a continuous stream and not necessarily in large quantities.

• A hug. Actually, Venusians needs four hugs a day!

Venusians • Compliment and reward your Martians for his efforts and acknowledge that your Martian has done something nice.

• Allow yourself to need your Martians help • Accept assistance from your Martians even if you feel you may do it in a different/preferred way.

Readers, I have tried to pass you the basics of this very important concept but as with anything, there are varieties of this issue and each situation may be very different than the other. If you would like more insight surrounding this subject, please feel free to contact me with your questions, queries, stories, or comments, I would love to hear from you!

Now we are aware that there is a point system, so how does one ensure that the relationship is balanced?

I wish you balanced relationships!

‫نظام النقاط اخلاص بالعالقات حسب نظرية‬ ‫مارس فينوس‬ ‫أعزائي القراء‪ ،‬يسعدني أن ألتقي بكم مرة أخرى‪.‬‬ ‫هل تعلمون أن احلياة لعبة مبنية على النقاط؟ و هل تعلمون بأن عالقاتنا اخلاصة تتأثر يوميا بهذه النقاط وتؤثر على نفسيتنا وعلى‬ ‫قدرتنا على التفكير و بالتالي على حياتنا؟‬ ‫الدكتور جون غراي مؤلف سلسلة كتب الرجال من املريخ‬ ‫و النساء من الزهرة‪ ،‬يوضح نظام النقاط في العالقات‪.‬‬ ‫فكل شخص يحسب عالقته مع الطرف اآلخر في األخذ‬ ‫و في العطاء‪ .‬فعندما نقوم بعمل طيب اجتاه الشخص‬ ‫اآلخر نعطي أنفسنا عدد من النقاط‪ ،‬نقطة واحده أو بعض‬ ‫النقاط‪ ،‬و كذلك عندما يعطينا الطرف األخر عمل طيب‬ ‫فأننا نعطيه نقطة واحدة أو عدد من النقاط‪ .‬قد تبدو األمور‬ ‫بسيطة‪ ،‬ولكن متهلوا قليال‪ .‬يجب تذكر بأن الرجل قادم من‬ ‫كوكب املريخ و املرأة قادمة من كوكب الزهرة ولكل منهم‬ ‫طبيعة مختلفة عن اآلخر‪ ،‬فنظام عد النقاط مختلف لكل‬ ‫منهم‪.‬‬ ‫املرأة الزهرة حتسب النقاط بطريقة أن كل عمل طيب يقابله‬ ‫نقطة واحده فقط‪ ،‬أما الرجل املريخ فانه يحسب النقاط‬ ‫بطريقة أخرى و هي أن العمل الطيب له نقاط حسب‬ ‫حجمه و كميته و سعره و قيمته‪ .‬و النتيجة أن الرجل و املرأة‬ ‫لهم نظرة مختلفة في تقييم النقاط‪ .‬و هنا تبدأ املشاكل‪.‬‬

‫نظام عد النقاط بالنسبة لألزواج ‪-:‬‬

‫لننظر إلى كيفية عمل نظام النقاط داخل البيت‪ .‬عندما‬ ‫يذهب الزوج للعمل و يعود منه فان زوجته تعطيه نقطة‬ ‫للذهاب و نقطة للعودة ‪ .‬و بالنسبة لذهابها للعمل و‬ ‫عودتها منه و باهتمامها باملنزل و باألطفال فأنها تعطي‬ ‫نفسها ‪ 4‬نقاط‪ .‬أما الزوج فهو يعد ذهابه و عودته من‬ ‫العمل بإعطاء نفسه نقاط كثيرة مثل ‪ 20‬أو ‪ 30‬نقطه‬ ‫حسب مقدار دخله‪ .‬في حني أعطته املرأة نقطتني فقط ‪.‬‬ ‫فعندما حتسب املرأة النقاط من منظورها حتس بان العالقة‬ ‫‪21‬‬ ‫‪February 2012‬‬

‫غير متوازنة فيؤدي إلى اإلحساس بالتعاسة‪ .‬أما الرجل فانه‬ ‫يشعر كلما زاد وقته في العمل و زاد دخله فان نقاطه ستزيد‬ ‫عند زوجته و لكن هذا ال يحدث‪.‬‬

‫مثال لبعض احلاالت اخلاصة ‪-:‬‬

‫في يوم احلب العاملي القادم قد يعطي بعض الرجال لزوجاتهم‬ ‫الورود‪ ،‬وهذا يعتبر تعبير رائع عن احلب‪ .‬فالرجل يعتقد أن باقة‬ ‫الورد الكبيرة ميثل عدد ‪ 1000‬نقطة في نظام النقاط في‬ ‫عالقته مع زوجته‪ ،‬و يعتقد بأنه ال يحتاج أن يقدم أي وردة‬ ‫ملدة طويلة‪ .‬و يبدأ اخللل في حساب النقاط‪ ،‬فاملرأة تعد باقة‬ ‫الورد كبيرة أم صغيرة أم وردة واحدة كلهم جميعا نقطة‬ ‫واحدة فقط‪ .‬فنصيحة لألزواج ‪ ،‬إذا كنتم تريدون احملافظة‬ ‫على عالقة متوازنة مع زوجاتكم ‪ ،‬عليكم بتغيير أسلوبكم‬ ‫في التعبير عن مشاعركم ‪ ،‬فبدال من إهداء باقة ورد كبيرة‬ ‫واحده في املناسبات الكبيرة ميكنكم إعطاء وردة واحدة مثال‬ ‫كل أسبوع‪ ،‬مما يشعر الزوجة بالسعادة و احلب لشعورها‬ ‫بإحساسك الدائم بوجودها‪.‬‬

‫كيفية ضمان وجود عالقة متوازنة بني األزواج‬ ‫حسب نظام النقاط اخلاص مبارس فينوس‬

‫بالنسبة للرجل املريخ ‪-:‬‬

‫‪ - 3‬قدم لها الهدايا بصورة مستمرة و لو وردة واحدة كل فترة‬ ‫‪ - 4‬احضن املرأة الزهرة و اغمرها بحنانك يوميا‬

‫بالنسبة للمرأة الزهرة‬ ‫‪ - 1‬أثني على األعمال الطيبة التي قدمها الرجل املريخ‬ ‫لتشجيعه‬ ‫‪ - 2‬اطلبي املساعدة من الرجل املريخ حتى في األمور التي‬ ‫ميكنك تقدميها بدونه‬ ‫‪ - 3‬إحلاح و بصيغة السؤال و ليس األمر‬ ‫‪ - 4‬تقبلي املساعدة من الرجل املريخ عندما يقدمها لك في‬ ‫كل األحوال‬ ‫أعزائي القراء ما سبق هو شرح مبسط لعالقة الرجل املريخ‬ ‫باملرأة الزهرة ‪ ،‬فأنا أحاول أن أوصل لكم املبادئ األساسية‬ ‫لهذا املوضوع ‪ ،‬و لكن اعلموا أن كل شخص يختلف عن‬ ‫اآلخر و كل عالقة تختلف عن األخرى ‪ ،‬مما يؤدي إلى ضرورة‬ ‫إعادة النظر في توازن العالقة ‪.‬‬ ‫إني أرحب بالتواصل معكم و أرغب باالستماع لتجاربكم و‬ ‫استفساراتكم حول هذا املوضوع‪.‬‬

‫‪ - 1‬أعطي املرأة الزهرة ‪ 20‬دقيقة من اهتمامك واتركها‬ ‫تتكلم عن شجونها اليومية‬ ‫‪ - 2‬بادر بتقدمي املساعدة للمرأة الزهرة بدون أن تطلب منك‬

‫متنياتي لكم بالعالقات متوازنة‪.‬‬

Fried Junky,

setting the trend for taste

Youngsters often have dreams, but very few have the tenacity to work towards their goals, much less fulfill them at a tender age of 15. CityPages had the pleasure of meeting one idealistic Kuwaiti youth, who has dreams of owning his own restaurant.

Mohammad Abdula Al-Rasheed is not your average high school student. When you meet him, he makes quite an impression, especially when he talks passionately about his business venture; fried chocolate. Such a concept has never been experienced in Kuwait. He can proudly say he is the first Kuwaiti to start such a new, unheard of business. The idea has set the foundation and he is slowly building on his dream, brick by brick. According to Mohammad, if a person’s skill and hobby can be combined and propelled by passion, the person can triumph.

CityPages asked him why he thought of fried chocolates and he responded, because it is new. In business the ones with new ideas are often the most successful and Mohammad is determined to hold the statement as the 22 www.citypageskuwait.com

truth.

Chocolate has always been a weakness of mine, he confesses with a laugh. A twist to the concept of selling chocolate was the way to success and thus, he thought of fried chocolate.

The entire point of his business is doing something innovative that will appeal to the population. Mohammad would describe his business as: unique and untried.

When people hear about his suggestion that they try fried chocolate, he is on the receiving end of perplexed stares and odd looks. Fried chocolates are as alien a concept as the Goat’s head delicacy. The young lad takes great pleasure in proving them wrong by offering them a sample of delicious fried chocolate.

The business was started in May 2011 with the financial backing of his mother. Mohammad is grateful for the support of his family, without which he wouldn’t have had the drive and guts to strive for his dream. At first, his family did not receive his business idea very

well. They thought his fried chocolate recipes were absurd and more of a joke for April fool’s day. They changed their minds when they witnessed his dedication and hard work. One taste and they were hooked.

They knew not to take the teen lightly.

Mohammad also received positive feedback from his clients, who savored every bite of the distinctive flavor of chocolate. There were a few who had a few negative comments. He challenged their opinions with his tasty treats and soon they relished the delectable fried confectionaries!

When questioned about his source of inspiration, Mohammad praised the ingenious work of European chefs, who he enjoys watching on TV shows. He appreciates how the chefs encourage their apprentices to create their own dish. The foremost ideal of cooking is that the cook must be inventive and experiment until the recipe is perfect. The skills Mohammad has learnt from watching these chefs have helped him become a better cook. He even talks to professional chefs by email, asking questions and getting an opinion on his recipes.

With careful thought, he designs the recipes for his dishes in his signature style. I was curious if any of his recipes had failed to meet his expectations. Considering he has never tried anything difficult or complex, his dishes have all turned out great.

Mohammad always knew he wanted to be associated with the profession. He feels the same level of creative meditation Michelangelo felt when painting the Sistine Chapel.

It is a huge feat to jump from a humble chef to a restaurant owner. Has the youngster considered a long term plan? Having started small, his home-based business caters to parties, events and gatherings. It is a lot easier to serve large events than small ones. The main reason he is careful about his cliental is that he doesn’t want to be held responsible for delivering cold food. The loss in taste and quality reflects badly on his business. With the expressed aim of one day owning a restaurant, he ensures to maintain a strict standard.

I wondered if all young entrepreneurs harbored such enthusiasm. He replied that he has been in touch with other youngsters similar to himself and they shared his zeal for striking it big with an exceptional idea.

Mohammad invests dedication in all his endeavors, including his schoolwork. He is a straight ‘A’ student even while managing a growing business. How is he able to

Question of the Month

You are handle both his responsibilities? He tells me it is possible with a proper balance.

As Kuwait supports small business and resourceful entrepreneurs, Mohammad is positive he can convince the Government, of his ability and the credibility of his idea. Hence, he is optimistic for the future.

Fried chocolate is his passion and he wants every person to love his chocolate as much as he does. Currently, he sustains his business with the funds he receives from frequenting expos and catering events.

The hottest selling chocolate is the kinder chocolates though it is not particularly his favorite. His customers absolutely adore fried kinder whereas his preference is white chocolates. How far has his experimentation with frying progressed? Enough that he knows fried pizza tastes amazing and fried cola makes a good appetizer.

He is satisfied with the growth of his business, but the restaurant is the golden cup he wants to grasp. It is a vivid establishment in his mind. A calm, relaxed place where people can enjoy fried food, similar to the atmosphere at most fast food establishments. He hopes his beloved fried chocolate will bring smiles to people’s faces and uplift their spirits. Mohammad says that

the most wonderful aspect of chocolate, it is a mood changer.

As for the location, he would be happy if his restaurant occupied a space in one of the big trendy malls of Kuwait. More than that, he wants the restaurant to be popular with the same fame as the Chocolate Bar. Mohammad wants to join the ranks of these stylish desert bars and gratify a large line of customers.

Everything has already been worked out in his head.

All he needs is the right circumstance to allow him to fulfill what he considers his destiny.

To the youngsters of Kuwait, Mohammad Abdula AlRasheed wants to be a role model for budding entrepreneurs who are riddled with uncertainty. His message for Kuwait on National day reads, “Do the work you want to do! Do not care about the negativity you receive from others. I hope everyone has a great holiday! � In the future, he will detail his struggles in a book, and he hopes readers with potential will approach him for advice. He ardently wants to be a shining example for the youth of Kuwait, especially those who like him have a great idea!!

participating in a race. You overtake the second person.

What position are you in?

Let us know what you think!

Email us at: hello@citypageskuwait.com Your answer could be published in our next issue.

LAST MONTH'S ANSWER Eskimos live at the North Pole and Penguins live at the South Pole.

23

February 2012

Changing the Fate of Animals The abandoned/stray animals of Kuwait did not have a voice, but with the arrival of Ayeshah Al Humaidhi, their years of silent suffering are at an end.

Ayeshah is fighting to give all and every animal a fighting chance to live a happy life though her organization K'S PATH, be it wildlife or domestic. The protection of Kuwait wildlife and habitats is not taken lightly by her. Her organization is at the forefront, raising awareness and encouraging people to respect all living beings. When she is not campaigning, she is providing love and care to deserving animals like those who have been tortured or rescued, helping them to thrive.

Growing up around animals, Ayeshah cultivated a love for them that she carried with her in her pursuit of education. Noticing what was happening around her; she rose to the challenge and decided to fight the odds for change.In every sphere, education, health facilities and bureaucracy, her organization has achieved something to better the lives of innocent animals.

CityPages was thrilled to able to speak with the animal welfare activist on the great improvements she is perpetuating that will greatly enhance the status of animals.

Please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Ayeshah Al Humaidhi. I am the founder and Chairman of the Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and their Habitat, or simply known as (K'S PATH).

Can you tell us about your educational background?

I was educated in Kuwait through High School. I went to Bayan Bilingual School and later went to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where I did my Undergraduate Degree in business and a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Management.

What inspired you to become an Animal Rights Welfare Activist?

Really, it was just that I identified a need. I started out while I was in college; I was a very active volunteer in multiple animal welfare organizations, specifically companion animal shelters. When I returned to Kuwait in 2004 after I completed my studies, I was horrified by what was taking place in this country and that very little was being done about it.

It was a huge problem that I identified and as I have a passion for animals, I was inspired to do something about it.

You initially began by offering shelter to 24 www.citypageskuwait.com

stray dogs, but over the years, you have provided several other stray animals a safe home to live in. We would like to know the facilities that you offer for the protection of stray animals?

I started out with a shelter for companion animals, namely dogs and cats. But that changed quickly as there are other animals in dire need. So now we work with farm animals, equine, migratory birds (shot during migratory season) and illegally smuggled wildlife.

We currently offer sanctuary to eight baboons, and I have a hand in raising anillegally smuggled hyena.

We also do habitat protection. These incidents have furthered our movement as an organization toward wildlife (indigenous Kuwaiti wildlife) as they are threatened by pollution, human movement, loss of habitat and habitat destruction.

What kind of special training have you gone through?

Life training for one.A lot of what I know has been through experience. I have attended many seminars on dog training and I have mentored under a professional dog trainer. I have gone to a lot of conferences and seminars abroad as well as frequented shelters and sanctuaries. Places where I can learn the best practices and find great ideas for my organization. We also attend the annual HSUS Animal Expo, which is the

PRIDE

OF

012 KUWAIT 2

Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi 25 February 2012

largest animal conference in the world.

What is the worst thing that you have seen happened to an animal?

The worst thing that is of great concern to me is what is going on in the food industry. 60 billion animals are raised for food annually in the world, 50 billion are chickens and they are no longer raised on the quintessential farm. These animals are treated in a heinous and gruesome way. It is despicable and it truly breaks my heart to think of the millions of animals suffering in the food industry. The issue with me is not people eating meat, but how the animals are raised and slaughtered.

What different processes does a stray animal go through before being ready for adoption at your shelter?

When a stray dog or cat is brought into our shelter, a little paperwork needs to be filled before the animal moves to the care of our veterinarian. The animal is given a check up to make sure the vaccinations are up to date and it is clear of parasites, injuries, diseases etc. Then, they are moved to quarantine for a whole week to make surethat they do not develop any diseases and also, give them the chance to get acquainted with their new surroundings. After a minimum of a week, they are given an assessment for adoptability and to obtain other personal information about the animal. Once they are sterilized, their adoption profiles are advertised online and offlinemedia.

What do you like most about your work?

I like the challenge of my job and I love working with animals. I feel pleasure on seeing the success stories where a sick animal gets better, or a cat bringing joy to a new family. I also treasure the people I work with who share my passion and zeal.

What is most challenging about what you do?

I think it is the fact that most people do not seem to care. Most people don’t see the value in what we do or the importance of animals and nature. Worse, is the direct cruelty we see people commit, including children which is very disturbing. It is also very challenging to change an entire society’s mindset.

issue of cruelty towards animals, since the establishment of your organization?

We had a huge breakthrough last semester where we

There are a good number of people out there that do care, but never had the opportunity or vehicle to express their feelings as well as put them into action.

By founding an organization like (KSPATH), it offers people the vehicle to make a change.

conservation and habitat protection. We developed a

Now people are talking about the issues due to increased awareness.

field trips.

How do your volunteers contribute to the welfare activities undertaken by your organization?

At the end of the day, we are a nonprofit organization, resources are limited and the small staff cannot be relied on to do everything. We depend on volunteers to do a lot of jobs and they are an essential component to conduct the activities undertaken by the organization.

were invited to a public school to talk about marine K - 12 curriculums on humane education which has received positive feedback. Our organization receives invitations from schools to do presentations on different issues, and many schools visit the shelter on

What according to you are the 3 keys to success in life?

Roll with the punches, commitment and a thick skin.

What saddens you and what can make you happy?

Seeing animals suffer and people’s apathy makes me unhappy. I am happy to work with children especially educating them on these relevant issues. They show

What are your views on the adoption of stray animals?

I think it is wonderful. Our animal shelter is an adoption center with a goal to place animals into homes, which we do quite well. Four years ago it was difficult to place animals into a good home, but now we place about 4 to 12 within a week. It is a huge increase and shows that our organization is growing in popularity.

What are your goals or some of the plans for the future?

I would love to see a country wide change in animal control. Currently the Government controls stray dogs and cats through poisoning, which is very cruel and inefficient. We did institute a humane animal control program forKuwait Oil Companyin the Ahmadi area, which has been very successful. We have proof that it works and we also have a case study of how it works and its cost. It is just a matter of the Government adopting our strategy.

What are the procedures for anyone to adopt an animal from the shelter?

Our website has all the information about the timings and the animals available for adoption. The family visits for an interview. We counsel them on pet ownership and advice them on the animals. We have a specially designed matching program for dogs, wherein we try to match a dog to the family based on certain aspects of their life. It is a very successful and effective system.

much more understanding and empathy, and will certainly do good things for society given the right guidance.

What are your other hobbies?

I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies. I do love to travel and learn about new cultures, and how they see animals.

Finally, how can the youth contribute, in their own significant way, in promoting the peaceful coexistence of human beings and animals?

They can be volunteers in this line of work. We have a lot young volunteers. Definitely talking about the issues is one way to make a contribution. When children talk to their parents about littering, recycling etc, it has an effect.

Your message for us at CityPages Magazine?

Encourage your readers to recycle their magazines. I applaud you and love the fact you bring attention to these social initiatives and issues.

Your

message for the people of Kuwait on the National Day? On National Day we are all proud of our country and Nationality,show me the pride by respecting the land

What are the changes that you have witnessed in the mindsets of people on the 26 www.citypageskuwait.com

Have you ever tried to bring educational awareness to the schools?

we live on. Actions speak louder than words so I would like to see more action and less talk.

27 February 2012

28 www.citypageskuwait.com

HOMEWORK FOR GROWN UPS

Everything you learned at school....but can you remember?

QUIZ

MISSING NUMBER What is the missing number?

1. What colour is the bullseye on a standard dartboard?

2. In which city is the European Parliament based?

3. Which country had a secret police force known as the Tonton Macoute?

3

4. Which South American country was named after the Italian city of Venice?

6. How many emirates make up the United Arab Emirates?

9. The only English alphabet that does not appear in the names of any compound throughout the periodic table?

10. What is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan called?

8

THE END What word or phrase is associated with the end of each of the following items?

Example: life = death

12. Whose autobiography is named as the “Long Walk to Freedom” published in 1994?

1. a train 2. a tunnel 3. a ship (back end) 4. a race

13. Which is the first thirty minute cartoon to be aired during prime time?

14. For how long did the “Hundred years’ War” continue?

15. How do we know “Edvige Antonia Albina Maino” better as?

5. time 6. an airplane (back end) 7. this magazine

ANSWERS: 1.CABOOSE, 2.LIGHT OR OPENING, 3.STERN, 4.FINISH, 5. ETERNITY, 6.AFT OR TAIL, 7. THIS PUZZLE

17.Which country has the maximum representation of

1

ANSWERS:

11. Which company is the world’s largest ship builder?

16. Who discovered Thorium?

6

THE ANSWER IS 11. Each piece of the center pie equals to the sum of the corresponding pieces from the left and the right pie (3+8)

8. Queen Elizabeth II apologized for "past misdeeds'" during her first official visit to which country in May 2011?

6 ?

3

5. How many rounds are there in an Olympic boxing match?

7. In 2011 the Australian PM called for an end to which internet fad?

9

5

women in Parliament?

18. What is an ‘Alto Cumulus’?

19. What do Americans call a dinner jacket?

20. In which continent is Mount Kilimanjaro?

JUMBLED WORDS U

P

D

Y

M

=

G

U

N

E

D

=

24. What 2 colours are most confused in colour blindness?

D

U

L

I

B

=

25. Who had his first solo number one hit in the UK with ‘I just called to say I love you’?

I

M

P

A

G

E

=

Y

A

V

I

N

T

=

N

N

O

I

O

22. What is the square root of 9?

23. Where is Casablanca?

ANSWERS:

ANSWERS:

=

1.DUMPY, 2.NUDGE, 3.BUILD, 4.MAGPIE, 5. VANITY, 6.ONION

21. How many degrees in a right angle?

29 February 2012

1. Red, 2. Strasburg, 3. Haiti, 4. Venezuela, 5. 4, 6. 7, 7.

Planking, 8. Ireland, 9. J, 10. Durand Line, 11. Hyundai, 12.

Nelson Mandela, 13. Flintstones, 14. 116, 15. Sonia Gandhi, 16. Jons Jakob Berzelius, 17. Rawanda, 18. Cloud, 19. Tuxedo, 20. Africa, 21. 90 degrees, 22. 3, 23. Morocco, 24. Red and Green, 25. Stevie Wonder

Innovation is his PR strategy Wataniya Telecom is a recognized name in Kuwait and it is owing to the hard work of Abdul Aziz Al Balool and his team. The PR director makes sure the image of Wataniya Telecom is well presented to the media as well as building a strong reputation for the company.

The company is associated with innovative and original PR techniques due to the clever handling of its PR department headed by the Director.

Abdul Aziz strikes a balance between the aspirations of the company and the expectations of the client. He plans for the development of every aspect of Wataniya telecom’s image, creating a brand name linked with good business practices.

Abdul Aziz is at the top of the PR field having spearheaded many attention-grabbing campaigns for Wataniya telecom. His cutting edge approach to PR has placed him as an individual with bright ideas and pioneering work. He always considered himself most suited for the job of PR professional, possessing the skills, intellect and aptitude to fulfill the goals of the company. He only strengthened his talents under the weight of demands and in the face of challenges.

CityPages interviewed the PR director concerning his efforts in his profession to uplift Wataniya to new heights.

Kindly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Abdul Aziz Al-Balool PR director at Wataniya Telecom.

Please tell us about your education?

I hold a Bachelors degree in English literature.

Can you tell us a little about your career path?

I started my career path in public relations; first in banking industry then real estate and now in telecommunications.

Describe your role at Wataniya Telecom?

At Wataniya telecom the public relations department is a vital and important one. Our role is to design exposure and awareness PR strategies to cater to the need sof the society and our customers. These plans are divided between commercial PR related to products and services launch and others to corporate social responsibility (CSR) through which we support the society with different tactics out of which could be targeted sponsorships in different active fields e.g. environment, sports etc.

30 www.citypageskuwait.com

Tell us of any professional achievements to date?

Our achievements in public relations department at Wataniya are numerous and couldn’t be limited to few lines. One of the major achievements was the launch of Wataniya Drama TV during last Ramadan which was totally an exclusive concept introduced for the first time by a private sector company. Moreover, we’ve designed several remarkable campaigns that have made an echo in the society and among our customer base like 'GiveKuwait' which we have launched recently for the second consecutive year.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

We get our inspiration from our eagerness to introduce the best to our customers and from keeping an eye on the latest trends in telecommunications worldwide so we can customize them to match the local need. Our major inspiration source comes out from our customers’ themselves who we listen to and make sure we fulfill their desires and requests. Worth to mention as well that at Wataniya we work in a team spirit and we brainstorm to reach creative and innovative ideas matching with the Kuwaiti culture.

What do you like most about your job?

It’s the challenge I think and the creativity. PR is all about innovation and ability to be creative around the clock. What I like most is the power of this challenging field in positioning brands and upgrading others through state of the art and comprehensive ideas and campaigns.

What are your personal and professional goals?

On profession level, Wataniya is a major player in the Kuwaiti market driving its way with success in every step with a clear finger print in the evolution of the mobile industry in the market and this is due to its strategic communication plans either on PR or marketing level.

What according to you are the 3 keys to success in the PR field?

According to my experience these keys are: education, innovation and creativity.

What are your future plans?

We have a lot of plans in the pipeline and currently we are in the selection process. Our choice will be based on the effectiveness of the PR tactics to make an im-

PRIDE

OF

012 KUWAIT 2

Abdul Aziz Al-Balool 31 February 2012

Salmiya , Salaem Mubarak street- Tel: 2571 4174, Kaifan (Next to University) - Tel: 2482 1666 Salam International Hospital - Tel: 2254 1250 / 2254 1280, KOC Hospital - Ahmadi - Tel: 130 ext. 62305 Al Rashid hospital, Salmiya - Tel: 2561 1925, Sheikh Mishal complex, Abu Halifa - Tel: 2373 4005, Sief, opposite sief palace, Gulaf street - Tel: 2247 7257 American University of Middle-East - (AUM) - 2225 1400 ext.1067 Discovery centre, Child Care centre, Kuwait International Airport (Duty Free)

32 www.citypageskuwait.com

Licensed Franchisee: Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd. P.O. Box: 809 Safat 13009 State of Kuwait Tel : 00965 1 840 840 Fax : 00965 2484 4300 info@al-ghunaim.net

pact and create the difference. We can promise that 2012 will witness a lot of out-of-the-box campaigns

by Wataniya.

What sports do you play?

I do bowling and swimming.

new challenge to maintain our customers’ satisfaction and to overcome any difficulties we might face towards achieving this goal.

If you were not a PR professional, what would you be?

A PR professional.

What was the most difficult situation you have been in when responding to media and public inquiries. What made it difficult? How did you handle it?

Like any other company, we do face at Wataniya some hard times but we do our best to solve them smoothly and with great understanding; each day we have a

to succeed and to make a difference.

Your message for people of Kuwait on its national day?

On this occasion and on behalf of myself and Wataniya, I would like to convey my deep congratulations to our beloved Kuwait, nation and citizens, wishing them

And lastly, any tips for aspiring PR students?

I would just tell them that PR is an impressive field and a very demanding yet challenging one. In order to succeed, they should have a strong love to the industry with high level of commitment and a determination

prosperity and bright future.

Your message for us at CityPages magazine?

Thank you for this opportunity and I wish you all success.

33 February 2012

Aysha Schurman

Olive Oil Uses for Beauty There are many olive oil uses to be found in the average home. From cleaning to cooking, olive oil is an all around handy product. Not only does it taste delicious, it's good for you, inside and out. Olive oil can be a cheap and simple little aid, especially when it comes to beauty.

Olive oil is a fantastic moisturizer for your nails, skin and hair. Including a little olive oil in your diet is an effective way to help strengthen these three things from the inside. However, you can also use the oil to strengthen them on the outside.

Olive oil not only helps moisturize your nails, skin and hair, it helps protect them from damage.

Olive Oil 101 There are actually many different types of olive oils.

The main types are extra virgin, virgin, pure and extra light. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and extra light is the lowest quality. Extra virgin olive oil has monounsaturated fats and plenty of vitamins E. This makes it perfect for reviving dry and damaged nails, skin or hair.

Olive Oil Uses for Nails Moisturize nails and cuticles. Dip a finger into a small amount of olive oil. Rub the finger across the grain of your nails and make sure to include your cuticles. Rub the oil in well and let it soak into the skin and nail for as long as possible before washing your hands. The oil will help strengthen and protect your nails while adding a little shine.

Olive Oil Uses for Skin Moisturize dry skin. To moisturize dry skin, sim-

ply rub a little olive on the area. For heavy moisturizing, apply ample amounts of olive oil to the skin right before you go to sleep. Cover the area with some old socks, pants, sweatshirt or whatnot. Let the oil soak into your skin while you sleep. In the morning your skin will be soft and hydrated.

Exfoliate dry skin. To exfoliate and moisturize

skin, make a shower scrub using olive oil and Epsom

34 www.citypageskuwait.com

salt. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup Epsom salt. Use the mixture to scrub your body the next time you take a shower. Rinse well. Your skin will end up feeling silky smooth and soft.

excess oil and gently brush over your eyelashes, being careful not to get any in your eyes. Your eyelashes will look dark and glossy while also getting moisturized.

Protect and moisturize chapped lips. Ol-

oil treatment to deeply condition your hair. Spread the oil onto your scalp and hair. Cover your hair and let the oil soak in for around 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse your hair as needed to remove excess oil. Once your hair dries, it will be healthy, shiny and soft.

ive oil is good enough to eat, and thus safe enough to wear on your lips. Dab a finger in a small amount of olive oil and rub the oil into your lips. Let the oil soak into your lips to heal chapping and help protect against wind irritation.

Olive Oil Uses for Hair Moisturize eyelashes. Instead of using mascara, try olive oil to darken your eyelashes. Just dip an eyelash brush or comb into a little olive oil. Wipe off any

Moisturize hair. Use some warm olive oil as a hot

35 January 2012

Dr. Mike, Dr. Bonnie and Dr. Jasem

Wellness, Fitness and Obesity Consultants, Hawally (6504-4125)

A science-based monthly column based upon the U. S. National Institute of Health www ‘Clinical Guidelines on the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity’

Lighten Up Kuwait© - 2012 With the New Science of Weight Control© Lose those unwanted kilos as you read this exciting monthly column. How? We will teach you step by easy step to understand the problem, design a plan and begin that plan. Let’s get started.

We will show you the latest diet facts from over 25,400 published scientific studies ... Plus, super effective practical tips from Dr. Mike, Dr. Bonnie and Dr. Jasem’s many, many years of effective obesity consultancy with thousands of successful patients ... many your very own neighbors.

At last you will be able to separate the truth from untrue to the benefit of your waist line.

This fresh way of thinking is timely. As we began 2012 it is a horrifying fact that over 70% of adult Kuwaitis are either overweight or obese! That’s right, and over 60 % of our children are overweight or obese.

This means that 70% of our population is rushing toward an early death from hypertension, dyslipidemia (high blood fats), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, infertility and cancer.

In spite of the numerous weight control programs operating in Kuwait our weight problems are growing year by year. This proves that none of the previous weight control methods have worked!

Why have they failed so miserably? They have failed for the simple reason that they are not based upon true science. They are based upon rumor, myth and wishful thinking, and they create more questions than they answer.

• As this new millennium begins we need a radically new science-based advantage that helps us to understand the problem of being overweight or obese • That provides science-based tools needed to design a solution that’s right for you • And gives the science-based support required to successfully implement your planned solution.

We need a radically different advantage because without such an advantage our overall health will soon spin out of control, life quality for all Kuwaitis will continue to diminish, and hundreds of thousands of lives will be cut short as we progressively sicken and die.

Month by month we will help you ’Lighten Up’ with a new and valuable chapter in The New Science of Weight Control that will take you line by line and program you for successful management of your weight. Tens of thousands have already used this information to achieve success. So can you!

36 www.citypageskuwait.com

Science Based Fact

If the words are wrong, the diet can never be right!

To be successful we must all know the true meaning of words, such as Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat, Diet, Storage Foods, Non-storage Foods, Hunger Hormones, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Obesity, Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, Fiber, Low Carb, High Carb, Abdominal Obesity, Scale Weight, Insulin Resistance…all have specific scientific meanings, yet even most doctors do not know what they really mean.

Within The New Science of Weight Control, as within all science, the exact meaning is extremely important. Let’s see why.

Thousands of my patients have told me

that they never get hungry.

But, it is a science based fact that if you are not hungry, you cannot eat.

Not one bite!

There are no exceptions to this rule, period!

It is physically impossible to eat if you are not hungry!

Science Based Fact

Hunger builds over time. As the time between meals increases, hunger becomes greater – until you eat!

Cynthia, a 42 year old patient, 5’ 4”( 162 cm) 174 lbs. ( 79 kg) told me, “Oh, Dr. Green, I never get hungry – I really don’t have a problem with my ap-

petite -- no, hunger is not my problem.

I don’t know why I eat. I guess I just get bored. Any ideas?”

I have interview thousands and thousands of patients with weight problems and cannot remember one that did not say, “I never get hungry. Hunger is not my problem!”

Wrong, wrong, wrong!

Science-Based Evidence tells us clearly that every aspect of human eating behavior is controlled by hormones.

There are hormones to tell us when to eat, how much to eat, what foods to eat, and when to quit eating.

People still believe that they never experience hunger because they seem to confuse every-day hunger signals, those caused by normal hunger hormones, with those that are identified with the potbellied, wide eyed starvation hunger experienced by emaciated African children seen on World Hunger posters.

Real every day hunger is caused by brain, gut and fat cell hormones. You cannot feel hormones working because hormones work silently below the conscious level. Hunger hormones are powerful determinates of your behavior, and they are constantly whispering into your subconscious…“Go on, have a snack, have a Snickers®, a bagel, a Coke® – really, you need the energy.”

Science Based Fact

There is no defense against every day hunger caused by hunger hormones – only a good offence!

And that offence is preventive eating.

Preventive eating means to eat a little of the right foods before your hormones make you eat wrong foods. Yes, that’s right! If you eat the right foods, like lean protein, fresh fruits (not juices), vegetables, no-fat dairy and plenty of water, you can and will keep these hormones in check!

Science Based Fact

But, if you don’t take care of hunger hormones - your hunger hormones will definitely take care of you!

“Dr. Green, how are we to control these hormones if we can’t see or feel them working?”

The answer is by using all the tools science has given us, tools that naturally

suppress hunger hormones.

For example: • Lean protein • Unprocessed carbohydrates (whole fruits, vegetables, seeds, true whole grains) • Pharmaceutical grade CMRs (Complete Meal Replacements) • High calcium no-fat dairy • Water • Fiber • Regular aerobic exercise • Regular stress management • Certain herbs and minerals By consistent use of these scientific tools you can be successful in controlling your hunger hormones, your weight and subsequently your health.

How are we to stay focused in a world of constant eating opportunities, constant temptation and inexpensive high calorie foods?

By choosing science-based tools in an offensive campaign to control the hormones that, left unchecked, will drive us toward weight gain, ultimately obesity and devastating diseases! Tools such as; • Choosing to never skip meals.

• Avoiding natural hunger hormone stimulants such as sugars and processed carbohydrates, breads, cereals, juices, cookies, candy, chocolate, rice, pasta).

• Never going into an eating situation (restaurants, movies, friend’s homes, family dinners, sporting events, shopping malls, or even our own kitchen) without preventatively eating.

Button #2 Fats and Oils can actually decrease your hunger! But they can also make you fat and cause disease. This is a very dangerous button to push (eating fatty foods).

ing of foods that push the right hormone buttons; protein (deli meats), nofat cheese, non-fat milk and yogurt, cut raw fresh veggies, and plenty of water!

Button #3

Button #10

Fiber slows absorption of carbohydrates, stabilizes blood sugar, decreases insulin production and thereby decreases hunger.

Walking or other exercises 3-7 times weekly, plus a minimum of 30 - 60 minutes of aerobic exercise, definitely decreases appetite and stress.

Button #4a 1st. Protein increases the body’s overall metabolic rate, thereby helping to control weight gain.

Button #4b 2nd. Lean protein is the most powerful natural appetite suppressant known.

Button #4c 3rd Lean protein while dieting will prevent loss of muscle. This is one of the most powerful hormone control buttons.

Push this button often.

Wrong Hormone Buttons Processed carbohydrates are really sugar in disguise. This is the wrong hormone button to push. These buttons will increase hunger and/or stimulate fat storage.

All processed Carbohydrates push the wrong hormone buttons: • Breads • Bagels • Cookies • Cereals

Button #5

• Pretzels

Water stretches the stomach causing one to feel full. Therefore water is a natural appetite suppressant.

• Pasta • Sugar • Honey

Button #6

• Fruit juice

Stress management reduces hunger hormones, decreases weight gain, helps prevent the increase of blood sugar, decreases effectiveness of insulin, increases fat accumulation (especially in stomach), decreases elevation of blood pressure, decreases artery disease, elevated cholesterol, and heart disease.

• Dried Fruits • Rice

Science Based Fact

Permanent weight control is achievable. It really is as simple as identifying the tools that will push the right hormonal buttons, and then consciously pushing them often! This is your offence!

What are these powerful buttons? Let’s see the Buttons that can and will keep you in control for the rest of your life!

Button #1 Unprocessed carbohydrates (natural foods) decrease hunger and the total amount you will eat.

Button #7 CMR (pharmaceutical grade proteins) reduces hunger and substitutes a controlled calorie meal, directly countering meal calorie inflation.

Button #8 Calcium, in the form of no-fat dairy products, stops fat formation and increases fat loss during dieting. This is why we recommend mixing CMRs with skimmed milk!

Button #9 Snacks anytime during the day consist37 February 2012

A BEET A DAY MAY KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY! Beets are very beneficial to the body. Beet juice is very powerful. Don't take too much when you start using. You may want to try 1/2 medium size beetroot to 1 whole a week.

Beetroot juice is very potent, and it is recommended that when you drink the raw juice dilute it at least 4 times with other milder juices such as carrot, cucumber, or celery.

Beetroot is so powerful it may make you feel dizzy during cleansing, this discomfort is normal as toxins are being eliminated. It is advisable to drink plenty of water to help in the elimination of toxins.

When you start eating beets you will notice a red color to your urine and stools, don’t worry as this is just the color from the beet.

Beet is better when taken raw as heat destroys some of the nutrient content. You may consume as a juice or grate it as an ingredient to your favorite salad and dishes.

WHY BEETS ARE GOOD FOR YOU? 1. One beet a day helps normalize blood pressure

8. Drinking beet juice regularly can help relieve con-

2. Reduces cholesterol by 30 to 40%

stipation

CAUTION:

9. Improves menstrual problems

Anyone with a history of oxalate-con-

10. Cures anemia

taining kidney stones should avoid over-

6. Cleans the intestines

12. Helps keep the elasticity of arteries, when con-

consuming beetroot and beet greens.

7. Fights cancer

sumed regularly it can help prevent varicose veins.

3. Cleans and builds the blood 4. Calms the nerves 5. Improves the health of the liver, kidneys, and bladder

De-tox Beetroot Juice This drink is works best on an empty stomach:

INGREDIENTS 1 small beetroot 1 stalk celery 1/2 cucumber 1 carrot 1 cup of pineapple chunks

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut the top from the beet root and scrub using a stiff vegetable brush and water to remove any dirt.

2. Peel the cucumber.

3. Slice the pineapples into cubes.

4. Cut the fruit and vegetables to fit into a juicer.

5. Juice and enjoy

38 www.citypageskuwait.com

DR. NAZIA NAUSHEEN

Change Your Breath: From Bad to Good

Bad breath or halitosis, whichever you call it; is likely to be experienced by most adults at least occasionally. Bad breath, either real or imagined, can have a significant impact on a person's social and professional life Aside from the mouth, there are other parts of the body that cause similar bad breath such as the tonsils, nose, esophagus, stomach, and certain systemic diseases. Let us see the causes of bad breath: Bad Breath may be from: Tonsils – Putrefaction (the breakdown of bacteria in the absence of oxygen) in the tonsils causes bad breath in three to five percent of halitosis cases.

Nose – Oddly enough the nose ranks second in terms of sources of bad breath. However, the foul smells that originate from the nose are slightly different from those that come from the mouth. In most cases, bad nasal odours are caused by sinus infections, bacteria, or foreign bodies in the nose.

Esophagus – In this case bad breath is due to the malfunctioning of the valve located between the esophagus and stomach. This situation is usually caused by GERD or a hiatal hernia.

Stomach – Though rare, the stomach is a cause of bad breath in cases where there are other underlying health issues. For instance, acid reflux and fistula are the only ways that bad odours can travel from the stomach to the mouth as the esophagus is normally a one-way tube (except in burping).

Systemic diseases – This generally refers to non-oral conditions that lead to breath halitosis. Carcinoma, diabetes mellitus, trimethylaminuria, renal infections and failure, Fetor hepaticus (a by-product of chronic liver failure), bronchial or lung infections as well as metabolic dysfunctions are some of the

diseases that can lead to persistent bad breath.

Breath halitosis is one of the hardest conditions to diagnose. There is no single true and tested method of detecting if one has bad breath or not. Not even self-diagnosis can determine if one truly has bad breath as most methods are unreliable at best. Furthermore, there is no standard meter by which one’s breath can be measured. One of the simplest methods of detecting whether you have bad breath or not is to ask a friend to confirm it for you and then determine whether the halitosis is coming from your mouth or nose.

the teeth, they can make already-bad breath even worse.

Quick Fixes to End Bad Breath

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is another

Although you'll want to learn what's behind your halitosis -- and treat the long-term cause -- you can temporarily turn bad breath good with these quick fixes:

reason good breath may turn bad.

Saliva helps keep your mouth clean.

When your body doesn't make enough saliva, it can't wash away odor-causing bacteria. Conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and the autoimmune condition Sjögren's syndrome can cause dry mouth, as can medications for depression, hypertension, or allergies.

Tobacco products are bad for just

Bad breath is as common as many of the foods and conditions that cause it. The question is, how can you banish bad breath -- or better yet, avoid it altogether?

about every part of your body, including your breath. Not only does tobacco cause bad breath, but it also stains teeth, irritates gums, and raises your risk of oral cancers.

Three Common Causes of Bad Breath

Although smelly foods, dry mouth, and tobacco are among the more common causes of halitosis, bad breath can also be caused by periodontal disease, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, post-nasal drip, infection, dirty dentures, and liver or kidney problems. If bad breath worries you, be sure to talk to your dentist or doctor to rule out more serious reasons for halitosis.

Food is by far the most common reason good breath goes bad, and we do love the fare that can lead to bad breath, from onions and garlic, to coffee and cheese. Not only do items like these have strong -- and to some -- objectionable odors, but when food particles get stuck on the tongue and between

•Drink more water. Water or sugarfree beverages help keep your mouth clean by keeping it moist.

•Brush your teeth and tongue.

There's nothing better than brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing to foil bad breath, •Avoid caffeinated beverages. These can leave your mouth parched, so steer clear of caffeinated beverages if you have a problem with dry mouth.

•Chew sugarless gum. Chewing gum can help banish bad breath by stimulating saliva, which washes away bacteria on teeth and gums.

•Ask about antimicrobial mouthwash. Mouthwashes can help,but don't rely on mints and mouthwashes to tame bad breath over the long-term. Some mouthwashes may stain teeth when used too often. Discuss with your dentist to see if an antimicrobial wash is right for you.

39 February 2012

Mohammad Altaf

The Cultivator of Simple Fine Cuisine Present day celebrities featured on the television includes amazingly talented Chefs. The Middle East boasts of one very special personality, Chef Osama El-Sayed. A well-known TV celebrity and food expert, he is highly regarded for his healthy, convenient and easy to prepare recipes.

His live daily shows "Maa Osama Atyab" (It's More Delicious with Osama) and "Bilhanna wa Shiffa" (with Joy and Good Health) attracts many food fans while his cookbooks are equally sought after. His illustrious career as a chef included many renowned establishments where he used his skills to woo high-class and important customers. The reason for his large success is due to his ability of creating amazing food with simple techniques for home cooking and to charm the public with his passion for food.

The chef is known for his friendly demeanor and approachable nature. He regularly interacts with his fans, offering tips and answering questions. His website ‘The Good Taste Company’ is a haven for those who want to explore his world of healthy and wholesome food. The best part of his website is the nutritious recipes and his blog which contains valuable information on food.

Chef Osama treasures his career and relishes every moment he is behind the stove. In every project he has been involved in, his live shows, TV and recipes; you can feel the love and dedication he imparts into his cooking.

Citypages met the amiable Chef Osama to discuss his exciting life as a celebrity chef.

Was yours a conscious decision to become a chef or did you find you fell into it?

Ans: Actually there was no conscious decision involved in becoming a chef. During my early days there was no such chef in our region who could be considered as a source of inspiration and motivation for this field. It was actually during my study in Hotel Technical Institute Cairo that I thought about different careers and found this field interesting and aspiring and gradually my interest started growing it this field.

Tell us about your education?

I graduated from Hotel Technical Institute Cairo and after that I moved to States where I studied in La Academic de Cuisine which is French Cooking Academy where I learned different aspects of cooking and sweets like ice carvings and chocolate sculptures then I went for some nutrition courses in Cornell. I always considered education as an ongoing process in order to update your knowledge and skills.

What influences your cooking?

The culture is one of the big influences in my cooking because it gives you the knowledge that what type of food people use in their anniversaries and birthday parties and on other gatherings.

40 www.citypageskuwait.com

Where was your first job?

My first job was in Nile Hilton during my internship and I worked there for another six months. After that I moved to States and during my studies I was working in three different restaurants. Then I had the opportunity to work in Restaurant called Serbian Crown which was rated as an elite restaurant and was famous for its dinner and indeed it was a very good opportunity.

What made you to move to the USA? As I mentioned earlier that I wanted to study further in my field so this was the exact motive behind this move.

How was the working experience there in the US? It was a very educational experience over there because there were so many nationalities working with me and all of them were living in their own culture. I was working with different chefs and creating different menu so in this regard it was fabulous educational experience.

heard that you orchestrated banquet presentations for President William Clinton and for Vice President Al Gore. How was the experience like?

I

When you talk about presidential dinners, it was always a matter of honor for us. When I was working in a Kitchen company which is regarded as one of the elite companies, we used to do so. It was really honorable and interesting experience. These were fundraising dinners for democratic party and it was interesting in the sense that everybody use to purchase high price ticket for this dinner in order to do the fund raising.

What according to you is your secret ingredient?

My secret ingredient is fresh ingredients or having the knowledge about ingredients. The fresh and basic ingredients are the key to success.

Do you find it a challenge to constantly innovate?

It is the challenge which I will say has kept me inspired to do something new which has never been done before. In fact it is a sort of fuel for me to do something new every day.

How do you spend your spare time?

Even in my free time I am surrounded by food, like searching for new recipes, ingredients and trying different food.

Tell us about the cook books that you have authored?

Like my three kids I have three cookbooks and I am really proud of them. They are same like my kids in a way. First book Bin Hanna Wa Shifa is really good for beginners who want to learn traditional food with modern twist. It is a must have book because after reading this book everybody can cook something.

The second one is Maa Osama Atyab. It is about more refined cooking of Arabia and it also contains the request from different people about different dishes which everybody would like to cook. Then the third one which is Sweets of Arabia and it is about the most typical and famous Arabian sweets. I have mentioned in this book that our sweets are not complimentary in this part of the world and they can be even taken alone with a cup of tea.

Do you have any plans to write more cookbooks?

Yes I have further plans and once I will write any it will be more for professional cooks who are already in the field and in this book I will also share my experiences while working with different chefs.

Have you ever thought about opening a restaurant?

As a consultant I have opened so many restaurants for my clients. But when I think about opening my own restaurant I think that while doing so I will be away from my current working where I share so much knowledge with people through internet, newspapers

Chef Osama 41 February January 2012 2012

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and magazines because then I will have lesser time of interacting with others.

You have a lot going on, what do you do to relax?

Believe it or not, I work to relax. I never lie down and see grass grow, it is the work who relax me and gives me joy.

How is your experience on the TV? I started on TV in 1991 with my first show where I built my kitchen at home. I never consider TV as a source of fame, rather I consider it as a connection with people who ho are just siiting and watching me. It is just like that I have been invited to different houses.

What is the difference in cooking live on TV and otherwise?

I always enjoy live cooking because you immediately get the results for what you have done by the views of you viewers.

What is the most memorable meal you have ever eaten?

I did not have yet.

What advice would you give home chefs who are inspired by your style of cookery?

All the young chefs should be inspired by the culture and real food. They should believe in other country’s culture and food and when they will do this they will start enjoying eating and cooking. Second thing is that they should learn from the sources who know that what is new going on around them. They should learn from different people and different chefs.

Your message for us at CityPages magazine?

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity of this interview and I would like to wish you very best of luck. I am going to visit Kuwait in March and I am looking forward to meet you one on one and by that time I will have some more recipes specially created for Kuwaiti People.

43 February 2012

Mumawwash Rice n

1 cup mung bean (eyed - green lentils)

n

1 1/2 cup basmati rice

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1/2 Kg shrimps, peeled and deveined, tail-on

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2 tablespoon ground spices (cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric)

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2 tablespoon dried dill

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Salt

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4 tablespoon olive oil

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4 tablespoon clarified butter

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2 onion, chopped

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4 garlic cloves, minced

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1/2 teaspoon saffron

l

Rinse and drain lentils. Rinse and soak rice in water for 30 minutes.

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1 dried lemon, whole (Omani Lumi)

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Rub shrimps with 1 tablespoon of spices and I tablespoon of dill, season with salt. Cover

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2 chili pepper (optional)

and refrigerate for an hour.

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1 tablespoon tamarind paste

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Tomato and coriander, chopped for garnish

l

Heat 2 tablespoons of each olive oil and clarified butter in a pan over medium heat. Add 1

onion, garlic. SautĂŠ for 2minutes or until golden brown. l

Add lentils, the remaining quantity of spices and dill. Stir until well combined.

l

Crush saffron, mix with stock, add it to the lentils.

l

Poke a hole in the dried lemon, using the edge of a small sharp knife.

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Add the lemon and the peppers to the lentils mixture.

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Drainrice; add it to the mixture, stirring constantly.

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Let come to a boil, lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes or until fully cooked.

l

Heat the remaining quantity of oil and clarified butter in another pan over medium heat; add

the remaining onions and sautĂŠ for 5 minutes or until golden brown. l l

Add shrimps and tamarind paste. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring frequently.

Serve lentils and rice mixture in a big plate with shrimps on top. Garnish with chopped

tomatoes and coriander.

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Rice with lentils and shrimps

Usually prepared with dried shrimps, but we used fresh shrimps for a twist.

45 February 2012

Layered pomfret fish and Basmati rice

Zubaidi is the national Kuwaiti fish‌ 46 www.citypageskuwait.com

Mutabbaq Zubaidi

n

1 Kg Zubaidi (pomfret fish)

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1 tablespoon ground spices (ginger, dried lemon, cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, black peeper)

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1 cup olive oil

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1 tablespoon lemon juice

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4 cup water

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3 onion, medium size

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1 celery stalk, cut into chunks

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1 carrot, cut into chunks

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1 lemon, cut into slices

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2 bay leaves

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2 green pepper, cut into julienne

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1/4 cup raisins

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1/2 teaspoon saffron

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3 cup stock

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Clean the fish and leave it in salted water with some flour for30 minutes.

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1 tablespoon corn oil

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Rinse and drain in a colander.

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4 cup basmati rice, parboiled

l

Make slits on both sides of the fish using a sharp knife.

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2 cup yogurt

l

In a mixing bowl, mix half of the spices, half of the olive oil, lemon juice and season with

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Salt and pepper

salt and pepper. l

Marinate the fish, making sure that the marinade is covering all over the fish and into the slits. Set aside.

l

Boil water in a large pan. Cut one onion into big chunks, add it to the water.

l

Add celery, carrot, lemon and bay leaves.

l

Add the marinated fish and let boil for 5 minutes. Take out the fish and set aside.

l

Cut the remaining onions into julienne. Heat the remaining oil in another pan over medium heat and sautĂŠ the onions.

l

Add green pepper, stirring the mixture for 5 minutes.

l

Add the remaining spices, raisins, saffron and stock. Season with salt and pepper.

l

Let the mixture come to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 7 minutes.

l

Grease a large non-stick pan with corn oil.

l

In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 cup rice with yogurt. Spread to cover the bottom of the pan.

l

Assemble layers of the fish, onion mixture, the remaining rice alternatively, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper, pressing down slightly.

l

Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, lower the heat, cover and let cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.

l

Let cool. Invert the pan over a large serving plate.

47 February 2012

Sabb El-Gafsha n

1 tablespoon yeast

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1 teaspoon sugar

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1 cup warm water

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2 cup all-purpose flour

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1 cup chickpeas flour

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1 egg, beaten

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1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

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1/2 teaspoon saffron

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1/2 teaspoon rose water

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Vegetable oil for frying

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Sugar syrup, for serving

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Pistachio, for garnish l

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, ready to cook the gnocchi.

l

Combine the ricotta, parmesan and egg in a large mixing bowl and lightly mash them all to gether. Sift on three-quarters of the fl our and use your hands to mix it in gently. Add more, as required, until the dough just holds together. It should be very soft.

l

Divide the dough into 3 pieces and place on a lightly fl oured work surface.

l

Roll the pieces into long cigars and cut into 2 cm lengths. Handle the gnocchi gently as they will be quite fragile.

l

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a large heavy-based frying pan. Add the garlic and fry gently for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the peas, chives and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and keep over a very low heat while you cook the gnocchi.

l

Adjust the temperature under the pot of water to give you a gentle rolling boil. Drop in half of the gnocchi, a few at a time, stirring very gently as you do so to keep the water moving. After about 3–4 minutes they will rise to the surface, indicating they are cooked. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and transfer to the frying pan while you cook the remaining gnocchi.

l 48 www.citypageskuwait.com

Gently toss all the gnocchi in the sauce and serve straight away with grated parmesan.

Kuwaiti Golden Fritters

49 February 2012

Farah presents each piece with Panache Farah Al Humaidhi is a well-known name in interior design circles for the distinct beauty her imaginative mind can instill in a room. Her furniture designs are the perfect mix of practicality, beauty and space conservation which is why they are high in demand. You have to attend one of her exhibitions to understand the level of her ingenuity; her furniture amazes everyone with its innovative design.

An attractive one seater can be converted into two ottomons while still retaining its aesthetic appeal.

Farah’s originality stems from the different technique, shapes and colors she infuses into her design strategy, ensuring each piece is unique and functional. Her interior design shop, “Pieces by Farah” boasts of some impressive cliental. The work spaces she has designed for major companies are eyecatching and highly appreciated. Her work ethic and dedication to providing the best service have also made her very popular and trustworthy.

An intelligent and creative woman, she is setting herself up for more triumphs in the future. It is all due to her tenacity and will to fulfill her dream.

CityPages had the privilege of sitting down for a chat with this vivacious woman to learn more about her and her contributions to the Kuwait interior design profession.

Hi! Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Farah Najeeb Al Humaidhi, a Kuwaiti Interior designer started working since 2004, earned my MBA in 2010. I run my own business of interior design and construction and just launched my first furniture line.

How and when did you decide that ‘Interior Design’ was where you wanted to pursue a career?

I studied interior design as I always wanted to make it my career. I think I wanted to be a designer when I was in high school and I worked on my drawing skills in order to support this dream... i also once wanted to be a denstist ... I think this refelects my love and attention to small details!

What is your education background and training?

I earned my bachelor degree in interior design from the American university of Sharjah, and completed my MBA in 2010 from Kuwait Maastricht school of Business. I started working on my own business after graduating immediately and my training was through the trails and errors I made as a business owner.

Why did you decide to do an MBA? I needed a business foundation, in my bachelor studies there were barely any business courses.. and when your run your own business you need the business know-how, you deal with pricing budgeting, marketing, PR, project management and that just what we think we need!

What are a room's most important elements?

Each room needs a focal point, it can be a sofa, a bed, 50 www.citypageskuwait.com

a striking wall with an art work.. so in my opinion each room is different and each space has its own characteristics… the most important thing in a room though is that all the elements need to blend in together correctly whether you want to create a monochromatic color mood or a contrasting scheme.

What’s your favorite piece of furniture currently in your own home?

There are two pieces I love, a TV unit which I designed myself and a female portrait I purchased from Egypt by an artist called Adel Al Sewee.

Can you remember your first design project? Describe it a bit.

Yes, it was for a good friend of mine, I designed her bedroom. I needed to create two spaces in one small space. a sleeping area and a sitting area where she could entertain friends. The challenge was in creating these two while not making the small room even look smaller. I divided the room In to two spaces the back being the sleeping area, which I raised a step. The front was the sitting area, raising the bed helped in keeping the TV visually accessible which was in the sitting area. I played around with some indirect lighting to give the room a certain mood. The ceiling was low in the back area to give that private area a more cozy feel.

Are there any famous interior designers that have left an impression on you and why?

My taste changes with time, designers I used to get inspired by when I graduated are different than those I like today. I also like to stay updated with the new designers especially new product designers. I think product design has started to inspire me more than interior

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Farah Al-Humaidhi 51 February 2012

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design It self. There is more thought and detailing in that area. Many designers start as designers and are then asked to design products like Zaha Hadid, Karim Rashed, Philip Stark and many more,,, I also try to stay updated with Nada Debs work. Even though she blends a lot of the oriental motifs and design in to her pieces which is not very much my style.. but I truly admire the way she thinks and how she created a brand we Arabs should be proud of.

Where do you find inspiration when you need?

I can find inspiration from a photograph of a certain scene… or a dress I see a friend wearing… and unless im in the right mood nothing can inspire me,,, there are times when I get inspired from a picture I see just before going to bed.. and that surely keeps me up all night. I don’t know when it will come really.

How do you manage to keep up with current ‘interiors trends’?

I look at interior design blogs, try to attend interior design expo. Books are very useful too.

Can you tell us about some of the interior projects that you have done in Kuwait?

We have done many projects whether they are commercial, offices or residential. Some of the latest ones we have done are Skin Clinic in Al Tejariya tower, a skin and cosmetic clinic which was very modern and we used a lot of the colors white and apple green played around with privacy versus public space which in hand created a very interesting corridor. Vida, an all female exclusive gym, the use of materials was interesting where we used concrete and raw wood and at the same time these heavy rough materials had to be conveyed as feminine. Al Wataniya Head office, is an old project but dear to me. We wanted to go out of the typical office feel. It’s a telecommunication company it needs to reflect modernism, speed, up to date and yet trust worthy. We have done many beauty centers around Kuwait the latest was Perfect Ten also in AL Tijariya tower. We also did alot of food and beverage projects around kuwait naming some of them Nathans, designed new Yogen Fruz branches, Redmango, Villa Pizza and many more.

What are the current projects you're working on?

We have several project in hand which are mostly commercial.

What's the research process like? Do you do a lot of research of the function of the place?

Ofcourse, research which is the first part is the main element of any design. You'll be lucky if you get the chance to work with an identical project to a previos one. But that is rarely the case. Many times you are faced with new scope and new challenges, and I do not know everything. I need to learn and research! For instant doing the Skin Clinic required a lot of research as I have not done any project in the medical field and so I had to learn too much and quickly!

How do you deal with client criteria such as budget constraints?

We try to work within clients budgets. But there is always a minimum budget that remains feasible for us to work. We have overheads and running cost which we need to cover if we want to remain in the business. We try to explain that to clients and many of them understand. If a client had a low budget we explain to them what they can get with that amount. If they want more we make it clear that its not possible, trying to avoid surprises from their side and ours!

So with difficult clients do you feel like your designs get diluted or do you just understand that it's a two way interaction process?

With time you gain a skill of learning which client you can work well with. A difficult client with me might not be a difficult client with another designer. Hiring an interior designer is also about creating a relationship. We need to speak the same language. I become a important part of their lives in the duration of their projects.

So I try to be selective inorder not the get a project where in the end is not me,, the client did not hire me to design something I DON’T like.

Do you see part of your role as educating the client as well?

Yes! It is important, clients are not designers if they were they don’t need me! so I try to help them in understanding their design. I become their eye sometimes. I guide them when I feel they need the guidance in order to create a beautiful design you need a smooth design process that is only obtained by good relationship between the designer and client. And only when they speak the same language this is possible.

What mediums do you work in? What are the various areas that you work in?

Today I prefer designing commercial spaces such as restaurants, shops and offices over residential. I feel there is more space for creativity and clients are more open to new ideas.

Tell us about your recent launch of "PIECES

BY FARAH"?

“Pieces By Farah” is an innovative & customizable furniture line that reflects the harmonious amalgamation of exquisiteness of art with functional application.

“Pieces” is basically a dream come true that has been nurtured within me from quite a long time. “Pieces” is all about tastefulness, elegance, functional, adaptability & none the least Uniqueness. These hand crafted furniture pieces can be customized according to the wide range of available colors & can be the muse to an home designer.

Does your work have a specific theme running through it?

I have intentially created my first line to be diverse in

themes inorder for me to understand the taste of the users and even test my self. But I hope that in the future I start to create a line that reveolves around one or two themes or maybe each line is a theme, I am really taking this one step at a time.

What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?

The Most frustrating part is when you are compelled to change your design due to unwarranted site issues and it is rewarding, when the project completes and I have a contented client with me.

Tell us something unusual that happened in your carreer It has been a roller coster these couple of years. Everything was new to me and unsual! we had our ups and downs. But everything at the end of the day turns out to the better.

Share something you would like the people to know about you or your ideas?

Each person/artist has a unique stroke/touch that makes him a distinct identity. Similarly my distinctiveness comes from my upbringing, the outlook I possess, the manner I approach in a design, design strategy formulation are just to name a few. However I believe that I am systematic & very passionate about what I do. And as to what I do, I do it, not solely from business perspective but to keep the fire alive from within while.

What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview?

Never give up on your dreams. No matter how long it takes to reach there, remember Failure is a stepping stone to Success.

Your message to the people of Kuwait on the National Day? Wishing all a Happy National Day and I wish to tell every kuwaity to give the country with all the love they have. It dserves the best and nothing but the best. We are the hope for the future.

Your message for us at CityPages magazine.

I Congratulate the entire team at CityPages magazine for providing such high level of excellence & wishing all a very fruitful year ahead.

53 February 2012

Artistic Thoughts At 8 Some discover their inner artistic strength at a young age and develop it while others find their way to art by tapping into a source of inspiration.

Hamed Al-Refaei is a mixture of both, inborn talent and inspiration. At a young age of 8, he wields his art brush to create art whose vibrancy and intensity that amazes all who lay their eyes on it. It is not only the vividness of the colors that impresses viewers but the introduction of elaborate shapes and designs that are evocative of well-known abstract painters.

Mrs. Samar Al-Mutawa noticed her son’s interest in color and shapes when he showed his coloring work. Hamed would also cover his notebooks with doodles, using whatever time he had to give himself an outlet for his creative expression. Samar made a decision on her son’s future when she came across an article about the ‘Young Picasso’, a ten year old named Hamad Al Humaidan. His paintings captured the fascination of the artist community as the use of bold black lines, bright colors and Cubist forms resemble the works of Pablo Picasso. She showed Hamad the article and it gave him the motivation to pursue his own artistic endeavors at an age when very few would take him seriously. The ‘Picasso Hamad’ became his role model as he started on his journey as an artist.

aptitude for art emerges from the heart of the person compelled her to give her son the backing he needed.

It was initiated by the symbolic handing over a professional artist canvass to Hamed. He set to work to on his own distinct style, with little assistance from his mother. Her thoughts and encouragement helped him find the direction of his art. She also tried to teach him a few things about design, but often he would rather explore his creativity on a personal level.

For him, art is an adventure where freedom is the most treasured part of it.

Hamed just likes to have fun and let his mind wander in an imaginative space as he paints from his child-like perspective. There are no A student of art and design, she understood rules controlling his art and he delights in his the various aspects of art and what it takes artistic independence, which he considers the to be an artist. The belief that the love and ability to mix acrylic with oil or smother acryl54 www.citypageskuwait.com

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“I am very sad and shocked by this development. This year Palestine was officially admitted to UNESCO, yet we are still being silenced. As a politically involved artist I am no stranger to opposition, but never before have I been censored by the very same people who nominated me in the first place. Lacoste’s prejudice and censorship puts a major dent in the idea of corporate involvement in the arts. It is deeply worrying.”

Hamed Al-Refaei

55 February 2012

56 www.citypageskuwait.com

ics with pastels without criticism.

Hamed likes to work with color first, dabbing on the white until the entire surface is filled with several colors designed to create physical borders and shapes. Over the wetness of the canvass, he writes statements or letters in a random fashion. It is evident that texture and color is his forte. His paintings may be a cohesive combination of interesting different facets of art, but color is given prominence.

Sometimes he even incorporates traditional and known symbols into his paintings.

INTERVIEWPAGES

Every painting is an explosion of color, shapes and brush strokes, created from his hands or with the more structured caress of the traditional brushes. The abstract pieces are stunning and invoke a myriad of emotions in the viewer.

Though he may complete his canvases in a short time of three hours, each piece is infused with his identifiable style. His favorite artistic style is a 3D effect where the paintings appear to have materialized out of the canvass. He searches for the perfect mixture of colors to give the canvass the kind of appearance he wants.

Moreover, he devises meaning into his painting from his inventive mind. His art may not carry his elaborate words, but each piece has something special to say.

His mother offers him encouragement every step of the way, telling him art is for fun and there is no such thing as a mistake. Samar tries to instill into her son the very true definition of art. It is a creative outlet for the artist’s opinions, emotions and views. It may not be structured but the very least your art must touch souls. Each art work carries the innocence and liberty of a young boy while attempting to form a semblance of structure that correlates well with each other for a masterpiece.

57 February 2012

Hear Here Callers don’t need to re-pair the Luna Bluetooth headset. The earpiece has a near-field communication chip to quickly link with a cellphone.

When someone pops the Luna out of its base, the headset sends a signal to the phone telling it to turn on Bluetooth and put the call through.

Joy of Six Milwaukee’s pliers can snip a screw or create a wire loop without the user ever having to change his grip. A wire stripper and a bolt cutter sit side by side inside the jaw of this springloaded needle nose.

Coolpix P510 Superzoom The Nikon Coolpix P510 features a 42x optical zoom lens that has a range of 24mm to 1000mm (Equivalent in 35-mm [135] format), and it features the same 16.1 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor that is found in the Coolpix P310. The Nikon Coolpix P510 also features an an ISO range of up to 3200 or a Hi 1 setting which is equivalent to 6400, and it comes with Nikon’s lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function.

It also features built in GPS, an improved scene auto selector mode, and target finding auto-focus, and a range of preset modes which include nine scene modes– two Portrait options, Landscape, two Night Portrait options, Night Landscape, Closeup, and two Backlighting options.

Trigger-Happy The AppBlaster gun adds a precision grip to iPhones. Snap the phone to the barrel, and download one of seven compatible apps. Games superimpose targets and enemies—ducks, troops, aliens—over a live camera image of the room around you. Pulling the trigger taps two conductive pads on the screen to fire.

Collection Cataloger HP’s scanner captures 3-D objects without complicated lighting setups. Users place an object on the bed and extend a camera-equipped arm above it. The eight-megapixel camera snaps six shots (three exposures with and without flash), which an internal processor merges together to produce a single perfectly lit still.

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All-in-One Cinema At just over eight pounds, the MegaPlex is a complete pop-up theater. Its three LCD-based projector bulbs pump out 2,800 lumens, which is enough light to display video from a laptop, game system or even a smartphone as a 100-inch image. Two 10-watt speakers handle the audio.

Lock Up The BungeeAir keeps iPhone owners from losing their phones, and their keys. A key fob and paired phone case connect on the long-range 2.4-gigahertz wireless frequency. If the devices separate by more than 50 feet, the pieces alert the user.

Sock Spinner The 14-inch-tall Laundry POD saves campers and road-trippers from dirty duds, using little water and no electricity. When washers crank the handle, gears spin the internal drum (containing up to six T-shirts and 1.5 gallons of water) three times for every rotation. Drain the soapy water through the base, refill to rinse, and then spin dry.

Audio Nut Mirrorless Camera Both rugged and portable, Yamaha's singlespeaker iPod dock doesn’t skimp on bass.

Behind its protective steel grill, a four-inch woofer pumps out mids and lows while a single tweeter handles the high notes. Together they provide booming mobile output.

Firebird Sweet With multiple processors onboard, Gibson’s Firebird X can generate its own effects, including distortion and reverb, or shift through any of 55 tonal variations using knobs on the body.

Strummers can also load their own custom effects from a computer over USB.

The Pentax K-01 is a mirror-less interchangeable-lens camera which is equipped with the same K-mount lens mount used by Pentax’s DSLR lenses. It has been built around a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, providing roughly 13 times the size of the 1/2.3-inch-type sensor found in the Pentax Q. ISO settings range from ISO 100 to ISO 25,600, and burst mode provides 6 frames per second capture at full resolution, and the camera will capture 1080p video at 24 fps, 25 fps, and 30 fps, as well as 720p video at 60 fps.

59 February 2012

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Perma-Doodle Improv Electronics’s memo board saves sketches, lists and notes for later. Apply pressure to the 9.5inch screen, and liquid crystals under the surface turn from clear to green. Flash storage holds 200 files, which a processor converts to PDF files for transfer to a computer.

Survival Tool Pendants Wenger the iconic Swiss Army knife manufacturer has launched a new line of survival tools called the HyperX range which has been designed to be carried as pendants rather than the traditional knifes.

Flipping 3-D Watching 3-D TV is terribly awkward for eyeglass wearers, who need to stack on two sets of specs to get the 3-D effect. LG’s 1.1-ounce pair of clipon lenses works with any of the company’s passive 3-D displays. The lenses’ circular polarization also matches up with most movie-theater 3-D.

Sly Security The Bottle Lock frees bikers from bulky U-locks and clanking chains. The five-foot plastic-coated steel cable coils inside a bottle that rests in a standard frame-mounted cage. It reels out of the bottle, wraps around the bike frame, and locks back into itself.

Xappr And Micro-Xappr Guns The new iOS Xappr and Micro-Xappr guns developed by MetalCompass has been designed to bring augmented reality first person shooter style games to Apple’s iPhone smartphones.

X-Fi 2 Headphones Creative have unveiled a pair of new additions to their range of headphones - the new HN-900, Aurvana X-Fi 2 noise-cancelling headphones, both equipped with 40mm Neodymium magnet drivers.

61 February 2012

Toshiba Unveils Ultrabook, Slim and Practical John Maliakalm, Regional Manager of Toshiba Gulf - KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain was present with Kamal Aboul Hosn, General Manager of Arabian Business Machines Company (ABM) Kuwait, as the two professionals represented the Toshiba Company’s release of the Ultrabook at InfoConnect 2012 exhibition, held in Kuwait.

The Portégé Z830 Ultrabook is 40 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter, not to mention has a very lustrous design. It is a perfect companion for a regular traveler. Its profile and specifications are amazing, a definite enhancement from the regular thin notebooks in the market. There has been no compromise on performance and features, professionals and personal users will enjoy the full capability of the Ultrabook. It just wowed those present at the exhibition.

John and Kamal talked to CityPages on the release of the Ultrabook.

How would you define Toshiba Ultrabook?

customers and customers who require the notebook at work.

The connectivity we require and the functionalities you expect from the notebook differ from personal to the professional level.

The good thing about Toshiba is that it is the only Ultrabook that have full sized portals. Other manufacturers have micro attachments and you have to find adaptors for these kinds of attachments. Moreover, some notebooks don’t even have ports which make it very difficult for the notebook to function in a working environment. That is where Toshiba is unique; the fact that the notebook does have full sized ports.

Toshiba is the lightest Ultrabook with full functionality that is what differentiates it from any other manufacturer. The Ultrabook is useful to both our regular

The problem in the past was when manufacturers tried to make notebooks smaller and lighter, they inadvert-

What is an Ultrabook?

Ultrabook is defined by Intel. The objective of the machine is that it should be light with minimum weightage. It should definitely be mobile and at the same time provide full functionality of what you can do with a regular notebook.

Intel foresees by the end of this year Ultrabook would take up almost 30 to 40 percent of the overall market share. They eventually would like to see a switch from the current regular notebook to Ultrabooks.

62 www.citypageskuwait.com

ently decreased the efficiency of the machine. With the help of Intel’s processors, the machine is able to retain its full functionality making it light and travel-friendly.

Which notebook was the lightest before the release of Toshiba notebook?

The notebooks are divided into groups based on one main aspect: the screen size. There are notebooks say of 7 inch, 11 inch and 13 inch screens. Our machine is right now in the 13 inch category, and in that spectrum we are the thinnest. Most of the manufacturers invest in 13 inch screen Ultrabooks.

Who is the customer base targetted for the Ultra notebook?

The customer base we are targeting are people who are well versed with notebooks and its functions, customers who require the specifications on offer and people who travel a lot.

Regular travellers will find the notebook to be very useful as it is slim and easy to carry instead of the usual heavy machines. The machine has a long battery life so owners don’t have to worry about the need to charge often or the battery running out midway.

The new product we have launched contains the 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 Processor. A notebook with the Core i7 Processor will be released at a later date.

Can you tell us a bit about the optical disc drives? When you have a slip notebook, you tend to lose the use of external devices.

Over the period time you realize that the dependency of people on external optical discs or external media sets has declined. This is primarily due to the fact that USBs are more famous than discs since the latter has the weakness that one scratch might cause the loss of data.

Most of the data are easily downloadable as bandwidths are high. You can download material more than 6 GB in a matter of few minutes. Over a period of time the usage of disc drives like the floppy disc has declined. It has not phased out entirely but people who are buying this machine are usually not first time users. We do not think they will depend on optical disc drives. However, if the customer really requires such devices, there are options in the market. Customers can buy an external optical disc and connect it to one of the ports.

What are the technical specifications of the Ultrabook?

Ultrabook comes with an Intel Core i5 processor and built in USB ports. It works on windows 7 Home Premium operating system with a battery life that lasts up to 7 to 8 hours under standard operating conditions. It also has a 15 pin VGA port if you want to connect to an external monitor and has a full port for wire networking. It also supports wireless technology. Currently, the capacity we have is 120 GB and it comes with a 4 to 6 GB Ram. Additionally, the notebook features a wired Ethernet port and an HDMI port for connection to the TV, monitors and digital projectors.

The right side of the notebook has a USB 3.0-capable port and a cable lock facility. The left side has headphone and microphone ports in addition to a SD card slot.

laptops; the keys are evenly spread out. Moreover, the laptop has a 1.8" 160GB Toshiba StorE Steel external hard drive, which is a very useful to users.

The price for Kuwait market?

We have positioned this product at KD 345 as per the launch price.

How do u see Infoconnect exhibition as a platform to launch your product?

Infoconnect has always been a big platform for us. This year we decided to partner with Toshiba’s Kuwait distributor ABM, so we did not have our Toshiba stand at the exhibition.

We have also taken a step closer to the customer with a special offer. With the notebook release, we highlighted the ‘'Drive Home a BMW with Toshiba' promotion. Our customers have a good opportunity to win a BMW5 series with every purchase of a Toshiba product from any authorized retailer or reseller. They enter a raffle draw to win.

This is the biggest crowd pull of the entire year when it comes to our industry.

What do you expect from the event?

As always this was one of our highest selling seasons in the Kuwaiti calendar. We would like the customers to see the Ultrabook and the latest line of products from Toshiba at the same time. The response to the Toshiba unveiling has been positive according to partners.

There was an immense crowd on day one.

What are the prominent features of Toshiba’s Ultrabook that make it stand out in the crowd?

The best feature that makes it stand out is the fact that it is the lightest Ultrabook you can find. When it comes to utility, I think that’s where it is more sensible. It has full ports and you do not see this in any other manufacturer. The layout of the keyboard is better than other 63 February 2012

February Book Releases Wanting some books to get you through winter? This February 2012 new book release calendar features the books that people are talking about this month.

I've Got Your Number

The House I Loved

A Good American

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella starts when Poppy Wyatt loses her engagement ring and phone in the same afternoon. When she finds someone else's phone abandoned in a trash can, she decides to use it to report her stolen ring. Little does she know that the new phone will connect her to the owner. A series of text message and e-mail antics follow.

In The House I Loved, Tatiana de Rosnay takes readers to Paris in the 1860s. It is a story of memory, love and change that de Rosnay's fans and those who enjoy historical fiction will be drawn to.

Alex George's debut novel, A Good American, is the story of two American immigrants who came to New Orleans in 1904 and ended up in a small town in Missouri. The story is narrated by their grandson and follows the family through 20th century American history, providing an uplifting family tale.

Lone Wolf

No One is Here Except All of Us

The Wolf Gift

No One is Here Except All of Us by Ramona Ausubel is about a remote Jewish village in Romania in 1939 that decides to live in a fantasy world in order to avoid the impending doom surrounding them. The book explores history, storytelling, hope and community. It is a big literary debut for 2012.

Anne Rice is best known for The Vampire Chronicles, although in recent years her fiction has taken a different turn. Now Rice is tackling werewolves -- creatures second only to vampires in a Twilight/supernatural fiction obsessed culture. Rice's werewolves, however, are sure to be a far cry from Jacob Black.

American Dervish: A Novel

Why We Broke Up

Sophie Kinsella

Jodi Picoult

Lone Wolf is the story of an estranged adult child who returns home after his father and sister are in a serious accident. He wants to stop life support to his father so the organs can be donated to his sister, but the decision is complicated by tensions within the family.

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Tatiana de Rosnay

Ramona Ausubel

Alex George

Anne Rice

Ayad Akhtar

Daniel Handler, Maira Kalman

Little Hayat Shah is in love. He may be a preteen, but his feelings for his mother's best friend, Mina, are palpable. This fictional family drama covers teen angst and issues of faith through the childhood of a Muslim Pakistani American growing up in the 1980s Midwest.

Laurasays, "Words are inadequate when it comes to rating this heartfelt novel.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship.

USA Singles Top 40

ENTERTAINMENTPAGES

01

Set Fire To The Rain

21

Pumped Up Kicks

31

Without You

02

We Found Love

22

Red Solo Cup

32

Mr. Know It All

Good Feeling

23

Marry The Night

33

Turn Me On

24

Dance (A$$)

34

05

The One That Got Away

25

It Girl

35

We Owned The Night

06

Stronger

26

5 O'Clock

36

Rolling In The Deep

It Will Rain

27

Talk That Talk

37

Without You

28

Paradise

38

Ass Back Home

09

Sexy And I Know It

29

We Are Young

39

All Your Life

10

Someone Like You

30

40

If This Was A Movie

11

I Won't Give Up

12

Strange Clouds

03

Adele

Rihanna & Calvin Harris

Flo Rida

04

07

David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

Katy Perry

Kelly Clarkson

Bruno Mars

08

13 14 15

David Guetta & Usher

LMFAO

Adele

Lady Gaga

Big Sean & Nicki Minaj

Jason Derulo

T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen

Rihanna & Jay-z

Coldplay

Glee Cast

You Chris Young

Kelly Clarkson

Moves Like Jagger

Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

Ours

Taylor Swift

Lady Antebellum

Adele

Stereo Hearts

Gym Class Heroes

Gym Class Heroes

Band Perry

Taylor Swift

B.o.B

T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)

Will.i.am, Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez

Rack City Tyga

The Motto

Drake & Lil Wayne

Party Rock Anthem

17

International Love

18

Make Me Proud

20

Toby Keith

Glee Cast

Jason Mraz

16

19

Foster The People

LMFAO

Pitbull & Chris Brown

Drake

Ni**as In Paris

Jay-Z & Kanye West

Domino Jessie J

65 February 2012

Hollywood Movie Releases Wanderlust

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Leave your baggage behind.

Synopsis:

He Rides Again.

Synopsis:

George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) are an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple. After George is downsized out of his job, they find themselves with only one option: to move in with George's awful brother in Atlanta.On the way there, George and Linda stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic community populated by colorful characters who embrace a different way of looking at things.

Directed by: David Wain

Starring:

Directed by:

Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor

Starring:

Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Justin Theroux, Malin Akerman, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta

Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Johnny Whitworth, Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido, Fergus Riordan

Genres:

Genres:

Comedy

Action/Fantasy/Adventure/3D/Sequel

This Means War

Gone

It's Spy Against Spy. Synopsis:

No One Believes Her. Nothing Will Stop Her.

Synopsis:

The world's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other.

Directed by:

Directed by:

Starring:

Starring:

Genres:

Genres:

McG

Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Chelsea, Handler, Til Schweiger, Angela Bassett Action/Adventure/Comedy

Amanda Seyfried, Erin Carufel, Sebastian Stan, Jennifer Carpenter, Wes Bentley, Emily Wickerhsham Thriller/Suspense

Good Deeds

A family of whales trapped beneath the ice, one unforgettable rescue.

Wesley Deeds Is About To Discover The Person He Was Meant To Be.

Synopsis:

A fact-based film about the 1988 rescue of a trio of California gray whales that got trapped under the ice of the Arctic Circle.

The tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. Local newsman Adam Carlson (Krasinski) can’t wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market.

Directed by:

Directed by:

Starring:

Starring:

Ken Kwapis

John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Danson, Vinessa Shaw

Genres:

Drama/Romance/True Story

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One night, a young woman named Jill returns home to find her sister's bed empty.

She's convinced the serial killer who kidnapped her two years before has come back to finish the job. But the police do not believe Jill, who knows time is running out. With no one to turn to, she sets off to find her sister and face her abductor once and for all.

Heitor Dhalia

Big Miracle

Synopsis:

The story sees Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider (Nicholas Cage), hiding out in remote Eastern Europe and struggling to repress his curse. Blaze is recruited by a sect to take on The Devil (Ciaran Hinds), who wants to take over his mortal son’s body on the kid’s birthday. Idris Elba plays an alcoholic warrior monk tasked with finding Ghost Rider. Johnny Whitworth plays a criminal who is recruited by The Devil to find the boy and is later turned into a demonic creature.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry, Thandie Newton, Jamie Kennedy, Rebecca Romijn

Genres:

Drama/Comedy/Romance

An affluent and successful entrepreneur is about to get married when he becomes enamored with a down-on-her-luck single mom.

The Lady

I Am Bruce Lee

Synopsis:

Synopsis:

Water Can Flow Or It Can Crash. Be Water, My Friend

Game...Set...the Perfect Match!

The story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris and the epic story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement.

Directed by:

Directed by:

Starring:

Starring:

Genres:

Genres:

Luc Besson

Features interviews with people who knew Bruce intimately, along with a broad array of international icons from the entertainment and athletic fields combined with rarely seen archival footage and classic photos.

Pete McCormack

Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis

Drama /Political

Documentary

Touchback

Act of Valor

The only way to change his life...is to relive it.

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday

Synopsis:

Synopsis:

A man in his late 20s who was the star of his high school football team, but whose career was ended when he shattered his leg in his final season. After hitting his head a decade later, he wakes up to find himself back in time, a week before the big game.

Directed by: Don Handfield

Starring:

Directed by:

Mike McCoy, Scott Waugh

Brian Presley, Drew Powell, Kurt Russell, Melanie Lynskey, Christine Lahti, Marc Blucas

Starring:

Genres:

Genres:

Drama/Sports/Football

Roselyn Sanchez, Emilio Rivera

Action/Thriller

The Innkeepers

Chronicle

A Ghost Story For The Minimum Wage

Synopsis:

After over one hundred years of service, The Yankee Pedlar Inn is shutting its doors for good. The last remaining employees -Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) - are determined to uncover proof of what many believe to be one of New England's most haunted hotels. As the Inn’s final days draw near, odd guests check in as the pair of minimum wage “ghost hunters” begin to experience strange and alarming events that may ultimately cause them to be mere footnotes in the hotel’s long unexplained history.

A Navy Seal squad goes on a covert mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent, and, in the process, takes down a complex web of terrorist cells determined to strike America at all costs.

What are you capable of?.

Synopsis:

Directed by:

Directed by:

Starring:

Starring:

Ti West

Sara Paxton, Pat Healy

Genres:

Thriller/Horror

Three high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.

Josh Trank

Dane DeHaan, Ashley Hinshaw, Anna Wood, Joe Vaz, Luke Tyler

Genres:

Drama/Fantasy/Teen

67 February 2012

Zethu Sibiya

Kuwait Fashion Update Kuwaiti fashion is bold, creative and edgy. Its style is influenced by international trends mixed with a fusion of local trends which are in turn influenced by the vast Islamic arts and spectacular architecture that is spread across the middle. Subconsciously we are all affected by fashion and style in our everyday, from exclusive designer brands to the cheapest clothing lines, this is still fashion. And designers send us down a selective path each season whether we know it or not.

From the runaways in New York, Milan, Paris, London and Rio De Janerio to Delhi, there is a universal word that binds fashion together and that is TREND. Trends are a powerful tool that we all use to choose our clothes of choice: from colors to accessories, design elements to the very fabrics and textures we love. And trends are positively embraced in Kuwait.

When it comes to following trends one has to be careful and

fashion magnet and you just blend in.

trend.

Basically, Trends are cool but they are not for everyone.

I usually prefer to follow beauty trends, season colors and design elements. Beauty trends, can be easily worked into your fashion sense and can add a daring element to your personality if this is what you wish. Also, perhaps just one detail of a trend in your outfit would do just fine.

Before you make a decision to be part of a trend ask yourself a few questions; What image do you want to project?

Do you want to stand out or blend in?

Do you want to create your own personal style or you are satisfied with being part of the crowd? You need to know if this trend will work for you or not. There is no such thing as bad fashion or style, there is however people who make wrong fashion decisions therefore creating disastrous style statements.

Keep in mind that trends come and go and style remains. Its takes patience, passion and a deep self love (and usually deep pockets) to develop a style. Fashion

Sweet lilac-Spring 2012 color cautious.

Fashion may be a little piece of heaven but a trend will turn that sweet heaven into a living hell if one is not careful.

Trends tend to be worn by everyone, which means even if it doesn’t suit you, you will wear it just because others are rocking it. The problem begins when we all start to look the same; the beauty and edgy feel or uniqueness of the trend is then taken away and it is left bare like a colorless canvas covered in black. If you are not fashion savvy you will not know how to work with a trend. Your individual personality is therefore lost to the trend and you become part of the thousands of people on the earth who rock it just for show, the trend easily overshadows your natural abilities to be a

Star dust-Spring 2012 color

68 www.citypageskuwait.com

It’s also important to keep in mind of where you are, where you are going and what image you want to present.

On a brighter note, it is SPRING and this season is the season to blossom and be subtly playful with colors. The runways for Summer/Spring 2012 has been littered with wonderful bursts of color, after all Spring is the season of broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and re-growth.

Its important to know what colors would be in season and what colors work for you. most times youwill find that the seasons colors do not appeal to you and this is ok.

Cockatoo-Spring 2012 color is about experimenting and taking risks.

What I adore about Kuwaiti style is how global influences in fashion are elegantly presented in a conservative way.

Already, to me, this puts Arab nationals on the top of the well dressed list. The make is daring yet subtle, it’s colorful and extremely creative and bold. It is very inspiring and also impressive that young women have a sense of make-up artistry.

Arabs do what most celebrated individuals, put to the test, would not be able to pull it off well stylishly.

There is an air of elegance and grace that comes with a personal style as opposed to just being part of a short lived

Here are a few examples of Spring 2012 colors as they we seen on the runways.

These colors are not put given so to restrict you to them, but they serve as more of a guide and give you a basic idea or know how into what one would be looking to get or feel in terns of in-season fashion.

There are still some colors like neon and lemon lime that will work this spring depending on how well they are put to togather. you can always go with neutral colors and add an eye popping detail with neon colored accessories or flats. of course there are always colors that are season less.

Tangerine Tango-Spring 2012 color

69 January 2012

Giorgio Armani PrivĂŠ Haute

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Couture Spring 2012

71 February 2012

Expressing the Fashion Value of Kuwait Deer&Dear is fashion brand that represents the stylishness and fashion forward ideals of Kuwait. Hints of foreign designers are evident in the clothing line, but the brand remains distinctly special, blending the cultural aspects of Kuwait with the current trends in fashion.

The owners, Mohammed Alanjeri and Najlaa Alkhorashi, wanted a Kuwait-derived brand to compete with the global brand. Deer & Dear emerged after careful thought.

Mohammed and Najlaa made their dreams come true by focusing on design, quality and brand value. In 2009, they showcased their trendy casual line for teenagers and it was well received by the public.

It is more about fashion; the owners want customers to enjoy the experience of being associated with the brand. The brand listens to the customers and tries to appeal to their tastes. Additionally, the brand’s limited addition items are just as enticing as they usually are fashionably unique in a certain way. New items are offered to customers every fortnight to continuously flame the interest in the brand.

The brand furthermore thinks of the future of Kuwait fashion by supporting future designers. The potential designers provide the brand with designs whilst being assured that their clothing contains their signature.

The entire concept of the brand is to provide clothes in fad at the best price, ensuring quality and brand value is upheld for the fashion conscious of Kuwait.

CityPages is eager to provide fashion fans with an insight into Kuwait’s successful brand, courtesy of Mohammed and Najlaa.

Kindly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Mohammed Alanjeri the founder of the brand Deer& Dear.

Please tell us about your educational background?

I have a degree in Civil Engineering & I am a Construction Engineer by profession.

What inspired you to start a fashion brand in Kuwait?

Kuwait has always been up to date with fashion trends & all the designer labels are easy to reach. We noticed that most designs are repetitive & represent foreign brands. We being patriotic, decided to create a Kuwaiti clothing brand which should be as good as any foreign brand.

What difficulties did you face to launch 72 www.citypageskuwait.com

a home-grown brand in a country where international brands are highly accepted?

Our main focus was on the design, quality & brand value for the first Kuwaiti fashion brand in Kuwait.

Due to our hard work & detailed quality monitoring, we were welcomed with both hands by the local market. The main difficulty is to consistently maintain our standards.

What has been the most challenging aspect of setting up your label?

We were lucky to choose our brand name, Deer & Dear, which is indeed a catchy name. We tried many options to keep it simple, yet retain our originality of the logo and we came up with deer horns. Now where ever you see deer horns prints or illustrations, you can immediately associate with Deer & Dear clothing.

Can you explain your design process of

a new piece?

We travel to USA , Europe to search for the new fashion inspirations, then we make our own designs keeping latest trends in mind & after several design checks, our exclusive factories manufacture samples & then after a number of quality checks, we finalize a new piece.

Are there any designers that you would compare yourself to or that you admire?

We are indeed unique in our way but still you could find us among Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Hackett.

Who designs your collection and what inspirations are used?

We design our clothes internally. Most of our designs are based on historic facts of Kuwait & our latest range is representing Local organizations such as P2BK, Sports Communities & Kuwait Rider’s Club, etc.

PRIDE

OF

012 KUWAIT 2

Mohammed Alanjeri 73 February 2012

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Are there any pieces from your collections that you are particularly fond or proud of?

I am really proud of all our collection because it has

Do you have plans to take the brand to other countries or would concentrate in the local market firt?

Kuwait’s flag.

We are already in touch with malls in Saudi Arabia &

What else do you get up to in any spare time that you manage to have?

Lately we’ve been very busy but every now & then I spend time with my family, travelling & dining out

UAE .

Do you think a ‘fast’ or ‘friendly’ service is most important in retail?

A fast friendly service is a perfect combination in our industry.

Will you concentrate on franchising recognized brands or create and develop new brands?

Our prime focus is to maintain our excising brands but

How do you think technology—tweeting, blogging, social media, etc.—has affected fashion? For better or worse?

Continuous hard work, innovation & above all “PASSION”

we are indeed open to take a new brand on board provided it meets our criteria.

For sure all the digital media has a big impact on the

What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in the future?

retail industry. We use tweeting, blogging & socializing

In future we plan to have more Deer & Dear stores in

on almost daily basis & the results are impeccable.

the region, Europe & America, that represent Deer & Dear as a first Kuwaiti fashion brand, inspired inter-

You currently have two outlets in Kuwait,

What according to you are the 3 keys to success in your field?

nationally.

what is the criteria for selecting a location for your outlets?

In moments of weakness what do you do?

Our prime focus is to be in a mall, where there is traffic

I get my positive energy from my family as they’ve al-

& our merchandise can be portrayed & inspired.

ways been by my side.

Your message for people of Kuwait on its national day Congratulations to all people in Kuwait & enjoy the local festivities of the month.

Your message for us at City Pages magazine?

Special gratification to the CityPages team for wonderful magazine & keep it up.

75 February 2012

Smart For-us Concept Smart's For-us Concept Is One Really, Really Compact Pickup Smart might only make very small cars, but its designers have created something slightly larger for a Detroit auto show concept: a pickup truck/coupe crossover called the For-us.

The For-us is based on the existing ForTwo convertible, but is nearly three feet longer at 139.6 inches in length. That additional length benefits the cargo space more than the passenger compartment, as the For-us is still exclusively a two-seater. The concept's wheelbase, at 97.7 inches, is a roughly two feet longer than that of the standard ForTwo, with a track widened by two inches. The For-us rides two inches higher than a production ForTwo, and has extremely short front and rear overhangs to keep the look consistent with the rest of Smart’s vehicles.

The concept’s arrow-shaped headlights are intended to recall water droplets streaming across an airplane’s window, with outer rings within the housings that serve as turn signals and a row of LEDs that act as daytime running lights. The parallelogramshaped taillights are of a modular design, and can open to provide a small storage space. The concept is supposed to look off-road-ready, and the increased ride height along with three-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55R18-size Michelin off-road tires help pull off that look.

76 www.citypageskuwait.com

Also helping the For-us look more rugged is the stubby little pickup bed aft of the Bpillars. The three-foot tailgate can be electrically lowered and extended. Considering compact pickups can offer beds up to six feet long, that isn't much, but Smart thinks it's plenty for hauling small odds and ends, including its own hybrid-electric eBike.

The For-us includes integrated docks for a pair of Smart’s electric bicycles, which can charge the bikes as the miniscule pickup drives.

Those bikes aren't the only things powered by electricity, as the For-us itself utilizes an electric drivetrain pulled from the Smart ForTwo eD. That system is comprised of 55-kW magnetoelectric motor and a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides power to the rear wheels. The package is good for 96 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed well over 80 mph, according to Smart. The For-us gets the same estimated range as the Smart eD, at around 87 miles per charge. Smart says the battery can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent in only three and a half hours, while a full charge takes no more than eight hours.

The concept represents Smart’s take on the future of urban utility. Though it’s hard to see this pint-sized pickup as a replacement for the full-sized trucks Americans love so dearly, we’ll have to wait and see if this concept heads to production to find out if the automaker’s solution is indeed a smart one.

77 February 2012

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Birth of a Hot Hatch? Hyundai Gives Veloster a Much-Needed Power Boost The Hyundai Veloster has all the looks of a hot hatch, but sadly none of the hotness.

The biggest complaint about the Korean automaker's quirky three-door coupe has been its lack of power, with only 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque motivating its front wheels.

Hyundai is responding at the 2012 Detroit show with the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, a 201-hp version that will arrive in summer 2012. Now that the Veloster can be had with the power to complement its racy looks, will it achieve true hot hatch greatness?

On the outside, a few cosmetic enhancements give the already showy Veloster an even more rambunctious presence. The Veloster Turbo maintains the standard model's 104.3-inch wheelbase but grows 1.2 inches in length, and adds 0.6 inch in width.

Gone is the standard Veloster's bucktoothed front end, replaced by a wide-open, hexagonal grille flanked by small, round foglights. The Veloster Turbo also gets a unique rear valance with a diffuser and new dual round-tip center exhaust setup. Turbo-specific side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/40R18 tires contribute to the Veloster Turbo's tuner-inspired look. Two exclusive Turbo colors are Endurance Gray and Matte Gray, Hyundai's first-ever matte paint. In addition, the Turbo model can be had in Elite White, Kona Orange, and Hydrate Blue, the three new colors available for all 2013 Velosters.

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Toyota NS4 Plug-In Hybrid The Best-Looking Toyota Sedan We've Seen in Some Time The Toyota NS4 concept on display at the 2012 Detroit show is Toyota's vision of the state of the plug-in hybrid sedan art circa 2015, with emphasis on four core values: safety, environmental impact, connectivity, and design. It's that last one that most impressed the crowd. This is the best looking Toyota sedan we've seen in quite some time, combining a modified triangle greenhouse with a cab forward windshield and trapezoidal detail elements at the front and rear.

79 February 2012

Tackling the World of Insurance Warba Insurance Company is one of the leading insurance companies in Kuwait. The company is well-know and trusted for its spotless service record and customer satisfaction. Mona Al Aryan is the Deputy Manager at Warba Insurance Company and she is has reached her high position after a lot of effort and hard work. It is not easy to be a Kuwaiti woman in the insurance field as she regularly has to face numerous trials on the job. Nevertheless, as a determined woman, she loves the challenges she is faced with every day.

CityPages interviewed Mona Al Aryan to discuss her experiences.

Please introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a Kuwaiti Citizen, 29 yrs old working in the private sector (Insurance field) since 7 yrs.

Can you tell us about your educational background?

I hold a Bachelors degree from Kuwait University in Business administration (PR & Marketing). Further, I have a Certificate in Professional Insurance (P.I.C) which is recognized by the Cll “Chartered Insurance Institute- UK” as equivalent to the Cll Diploma in Insurance.

What made you interested in this field?

My Spirit of challenge made me more interested in this field specially as we cannot see many Kuwaitis in insurance field.

What does your current role entail?

My main role as “Deputy Manager”(Group life insurance Underwriting & Claims) entails communicating with clients, providing services with best prices. Facilitating the training of the junior underwriters about the insurance underwriting policies and strategies to improve product quality on our team. Building strong teamwork by motivating each member. Planning for upcoming projects and events. (If any) and Business correspondence.

Can you tell us a little about your career path?

I have been working in Warba Insurance Company since August 2004, I had my PIC during this period, I am also a member of corporate identity committee in which we Initiate, and develop corporate identity which represents a process to identify the company from the competition.

Tell us something unusual that happened in your career.

I had a position as a Team Leader “Warba Social Media 80 www.citypageskuwait.com

channel” in our firm and this was an unusual experience engaging the insurance business into the online presence. Managing and controlling team member activity, and leading efficient channels of social media for information, updates, marketing and services” Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube.

In this field, where do you get inspiration from?

Like everyone else I sometimes have a problem getting inspiration, but the most important thing is God's blessing, I see myself as a self motivated person can tell that insurance prospective depends on the experience, the more you experience, the better it will be.

What do you like most about your job?

My current job helped me to develop my skills in handling large projects and events, and helped me to handle more higher responsibilities in future wise, the most thing i like in my job is own satisfaction from work, and that its challenging.

What is most challenging about what you do?

Being a Kuwaiti working in insurance field is my challenge. I am aiming to have more skills and responsibilities. Looking forward to develop my career.

According to you how important are to have an insurance policy?

"Safety First" is "Safety Always." That is my favorite quote; the right insurance policy will go a long way toward helping you safeguard your earning power and your possessions. In this I will show you four policies that you shouldn't do without “Life, Health, Motor, and house holder’s insurance”

What is a common misconception people

have about Insurance field?

People always say “I do not need life insurance” People do not know about insurance due to lack of knowledge.

People misuse the policy after buying it. People always say “My driving record in my car has nothing to do with my motor insurance.” Some people say that “All Insurance is a form of Gambling, which is forbidden in Islam”

What are your goals for the future?

My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.

What according to you are the 3 keys to success in the PR field?

Good Management skills, good valuable communications, and motivation with performance.

What advice would you offer someone considering this career?

Insurance is a very important sector and is growing more and more in the GCC, so I would like to welcome people to get educated and involve their life with insurance for a better and secured future life.

Your message for us at CityPages Magazine?

I would like to thank CityPages for this interview and I wish you keep ahead with much more success.

Your message for the people of Kuwait on the National Day? May peace be upon our country and happy national day to every one.

PRIDE

OF

012 KUWAIT 2

Mona Al-Aryan 81 February 2012

Caribou Coffee‘s largest store in the world opened in Turkey

Caribou Coffee which entered the Turkish market as a partnership between Al Sayer Franchising Company and Yıldız Holding opened its first store at Bagdat Street, Caddebostan on 3rd December 2011.

The prestigious opening ceremony was attended by Al Sayer Franchising Company Chairman Mr. Sayer Al Sayer, the Managing Director Mr. Hamad M. Al Sayer, the General Manager Mr. Boulos Younes, Caribou Coffee Company CEO and President Mike Tattersfield and Joint Ventures, Retail, Godiva Vice President Mr. Burak Elmas and Yıldız Holding Food, Frozen Food and Personal Care Group Director Zeki Ziya Sözen.

Commenting on the occasion Al Sayer Franchising Company Managing Director Hamad M. Al Sayer said:"Our family wants to diversify its investments in Turkey by focusing on the Retail Coffee business, construction, automotive and trade sectors.”

adidas brings you less weight, more speed with adizero

This February adidas launches its latest adizero range, its lightest ever collection of performance footwear and apparel designed to help serious athletes get faster. Using groundbreaking technology to develop lighter materials, adidas is continuing to set new standards in innovative performance products with the new adizero range.

In an increasingly competitive world of sport the need for speed has never been greater. In response, adidas has created a range of footwear and matching apparel designed to improve performance and make every athlete better by offering the lightest products in their class whether it’s football, tennis, basketball or general training for your chosen sport.

HSBC MAKING IT EASIER FOR KUWAIT TO DO BUSINESS WITH CHINA

Ladies at the ‘Gate’ know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach HSBC KUWAIT announced that it has launched a new service which will allow corporate and institutional clients to trade and settle in Chinese Renminbi (RMB) offshore, making it easier for Kuwaiti companies to forge ties with businesses in one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world.

‘The Gate’ is offering its guests a tasty Valentines package consisting of an intimate candle-lit dinner for two, a complimentary glass of Duval Leroy Rose for the ladies upon arrival and to round-off the evening a selection of delicious Swiss chocolates, all for just AED590 per couple.

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Pure Gold Jewellers appointed exclusive gold and diamond jewellery retailer for A ‘ ldeasa That EsSalasil Duty Free’ at Kuwait International Airport

Simon Vaughan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Kuwait said "China is already the world's biggest exporter and second largest economy and is likely to achieve top global economic status within a few years. In this context, demand for China’s currency, the Renminbi, is increasing and as restrictions are lifted, it is on course to become one of the world’s global currencies within a few years".

Award winning jewellery retailer Pure Gold Jewellers has strengthened its travel retail business with the winning of exclusive rights to operate gold and diamonds jewellery retail for Aldeasa That EsSalasil Duty Free at the Kuwait International Airport (part of the World Duty Free Group). Pure Gold Jewellers is the only UAE based jewellery retailer to be awarded the prestigious contract.

Aston Martin’s first production V12 Zagato to debut at Kuwait Concours d’Elegance

The Kuwait Concours d’Elegance, in its third successive year, is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries. Having gone from strength to strength in the past two years, this event has become the earliest of its type in what is considered by car connoisseurs as ‘the season’.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said “We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.”

Velvet, A New, Utterly Feminine Diva From Roger Dubuis

Roberto Coin’s Octopus Collection Underscores Continuous Innovation STARBUCKS Proudly Completes a Successful 2011 Final Quarter of Community Activities Starbucks hailed the success of its 2011 final quarter of community-related activities, which were specifically aimed at developing the wellbeing of Kuwait’s natural environment.

Inspired by the world of the Diva, the new Velvet collection from the Genevan watchmaker, ROGER DUBUIS will be in the spotlight at SIHH 2012.

Uninhibited, inventive and precious, it recalls the energy of such women on their march towards independence: dazzlingly attractive and full of spirit, their natural elegance magnified by the willingness to dare. The principal piece in the collection is a model in pink gold set with diamonds that underline its strong design,

Roberto Coin announced the Middle East launch of its’ Octopus Collection. The collection comprises yellow and white gold bangles and rings with colorless and brown diamonds as well as a rose gold ring and bangle with colorless diamonds and black sapphires.

The aquatic-themed Octopus collection includes bracelets where the creature’s tentacles, encrusted with colorless and brown diamonds and black sapphires, wrap themselves around the wearer’s wrist in a subtle and delicate style.

priceless expertise, refined jewellery and seductive grace.

Philips’ Sparq ultrasound system brings clarity and intuitive Toshiba launches ease-of-use to point-of- PortégZé 830,the world’s care clinicians lightest Ultrabook™ in the Middle East Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) has showcased its Sparq point-of-care ultrasound system at this year’s Arab Health Congress & Exhibition, taken place from January 23rd to the 26th at the Dubai World Trade Center. Sparq is a mobile system designed to provide immediate, intuitive ultrasound imaging for guidance during regional anesthesia and pain medicine procedures and at the bedside to examine critically ill patients in emergency departments and critical care units.

As part of the Starbucks Kuwait Partners program, Partner volunteers were involved in a number of community initiatives with schools and educational establishments in Kuwait, including Nuzha School for Girls, Khawla School for Girls, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) and the Kuwait Center for Autism, amongst many others.

Toshiba Gulf Computer Systems Division launches the 13.3” Portégé Z830 Ultrabook™ device, the company’s first Intel® Core™ processor based Ultrabook™ that offers portability, durability, performance and essential multimedia features in a slim and sleek design.

Farfasha offers gold jewellery for Valentine’s Day

Farfasha, the trendsetting gold jewellery brand of Damas, is offering various heart-shaped designs in time for Valentine’s Day. The designs range from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and anklets, and are available at select Damas stores across the GCC, Lebanon and Egypt.

The heart-shaped designs are being carried by four of the seven themes under the 2011/2012 collection which was launched in November 2011. These are Dolce Vita, Moonlight, Mirror and Breeze.

83 February 2012

OSN Hails Successful Participation at INFOCONNECT 2012 showcasing its latest technology and content offering

Unlock the powerful secrets to presenting on television, radio and at events. Get set to master the “Art of Presenting” with Presenting 101! presenting and to promote your personality to your audience, this is important. Audiences just want to relate to you, so whatever and wherever you present, be yourself.

Presenters have to be someone others have things in common with or can relate to. They should have a love of life and a zest for sharing stories and information, be inquisitive and enjoy taking risks. These simple tips will make the world of difference in your delivery.”

In the book she delivers a wealth of knowledge that, as a result, has been creating quite a buzz.

“I feel incredibly grateful how the book has been received. People are excited by the launch and the fact that other journalists, established presenters and students of the Presenting 101 workshops have supported me with this venture

OSN hailed the success of its participation at the InfoConnect Exhibition which was held at the Kuwait Fair Grounds between 29 January and 4 February 2012. OSN has been an active participant at InfoConnect for 11 consecutive years, as it continues to strengthen its presence across the Kuwaiti market to showcase its latest technology and content offering to serve its growing customers’ needs.

Commenting on the company’s participations, David Butorac, CEO of OSN said: “We are pleased to have taken part of this year’s InfoConnect exhibition as this is our 11th consecutive year and look forward to continue entertaining our customers. Our stand provided us with a great platform to showcase first-hand the quality of our True 1080i HD programming to hundreds of visitors, who were welcomed and serviced by our sales and service team.”

Over the course of the week, visitors enjoyed a unique journey at the OSN stand that showcased the latest technology and premium television programming as well as exploring the variety of unique and exciting packages tailored specially for InfoConnect visitors. Packages included free Showbox HD receivers, free HD decoders, free Box office movies and additional channels with subscriptions, all designed to offer customers the chance to enjoy a truly unique television and entertainment experience with OSN.

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means the world to me. It validates the reason why this book eventuated - the desire to enable readers with the confidence to succeed.”

It would probably be hard to image that this strong and courageous woman was once terrified of public speaking. Rebecca Rifai’s phobia was very real and as a result, a major roadblock in her life. However, with an enthusiasm for self-development, Rebecca soon discovered that there were really only two options to this obstacle. One – to avoid public speaking or, two – tackle the fear head on.

Rebecca’s passion for presenting has taken her around the world working with some of the biggest names in television, radio and events. She has presented to audiences from oneon-one to the millions and is now thrilled to be sharing her knowledge within the pages of her first publication.

“The best decision I have ever made was to throw myself into public speaking, without ever looking back. It was a challenging commitment, but one worth pursuing, as before I knew it my rising confidence would cultivate a colourful presenting career. As this process took place, I developed a real desire to share the secrets that I was learning and I found myself teaching others the techniques and tools I had learnt. In doing so, I established an exciting and powerful learning process that has been documented in my book, Presenting 101.”

All of the exercises that are in the book have been incorporated into the very successful Presenting 101 workshops, which have attracted students from an array of industries. “In the workshops we have had people from all different backgrounds attend. Dentists, models, actors, I.T. professionals, construction managers and the like have all been interested in learning the skills of public speaking in a fun and supportive way. And why not make it fun, right?

Public speaking is such a valuable skill in life and the last thing I would want is for people to be intimidated by the subject.”

REBECCA RIFAI Author, Presenting 101

Presenting 101 is an inviting read, full of activities to: activate your confidence, invigorate your passion for presenting, build your charisma,

"Public speaking is a valuable skill that can open up many opportunities in your life. Now it’s time to find your voice and embrace speaking with enthusiasm. In Presenting 101 you’ll discover the secrets to not only using your voice and body to project your message and personality to an audience, but now you’ll also learn

strengthen your voice and so much more. “You’ll be taken through exercises to invigorate your

what it takes to stand out in the television, radio and events industries.”

CityGuide AL M. Gallery

................................

Museum of Modern Art

Dar Al Mashreq Gallery

Tel: +965

Art Galleries

Tel: +965 22996447 Fax: +965 22996449 Email: info@al-m-gallery.com Address: Salhia Complex, Gate 4, Mezanine 2, Place 16.

Address: Gulf Road, in the front of Souq Sharq, close to Maritime Museum

Tel: +965

................................

SADU House – Traditional Textile Arts

Address: Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, in the front of Corniche Hotel, before Marina Mall

to the National Museum of Kuwait

................................

Bayt Al Lothan

................................

Boushahri Gallery Tel:+965 25621119

Address: Salmiya, Baghdad St.36, in the front of Al Laheeb Mosque

................................

Contemporary Art Platform Tel: +965 24925636

Address: Life Center (Industrial Shuwaikh, Block 2, Street 28, Top floor). The same building as Eureka/Midas.

................................

Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah Al Americani Cultural Centre and Administrative Offices in the Historic Americani Hospital Buildings P.O. BOX: 23996, Safat 13100, Kuwait Tel: (965) 2240 0992 Fax: (965) 2246 7770 Email: info@darmuseum.org.kw

................................

Dar Al Funoon Gallery Tel:+ 965 22433138 Address: Al Watiah, Behbehani Compound, House n. 28

................................

Dar El Cid

Email: dar-el-cid@trmkt.com Tel: + 965 25318061 Address: Jabriya, Block 12, Street 1, Bld. 24-25

................................

FA Gallery Tel: +965 22 49 8999

Address: Sharq, Block 2, Gulf road, Villa 76, next to Al Amiri Hospital.

................................

Ghadir Gallery

(Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al Baqsmi )

Tel: +965 2435101, 2426240 Address: Mishref, Block 6, Street 5, Villa No. 40

Address: Arabian Gulf Road, Next

Tel:22432395 Fax: 22437532 Email:info@alsadu.org.kw

................................

Sultan Gallery Tel: +965 24714325/26 ext. 111 Address: South Sabhan, Block 8, Street 105Building 168

................................

Tilal Gallery Tel: +965 22256101 Address: Shuwaikh, Jahra Road, Tilal Complex 22436686

Car Rentals Al-Mulla 22421660 ................................

Al-Sayer 22441425 ................................

Al-Zamel Auto Est. 24832626 ................................

Autolease 24846999 ................................

AVIS 22465282 ................................

Budget 24810844 ................................

Europcar 24842988 ................................

Hertz 24319326 ................................

International Car Rental 22453827 ................................

National 24343139 ................................

Rent a Honda 24838470 ................................

Sanbouk 22446297

Hospitals Private Dar Al-Shifa 22423151 ................................

Hadi 25312555 ................................

Mowasat 25711533 ................................

Rashed 25624000 ................................

Salam 25333177/3254

Hospitals Public Adan 23940600 ................................

Allergy 24849252 ................................

Amiri 22450005 ................................

Blood Bank 25336538 ................................

Cancer Control Centre 24849100 ................................

Chest Diseases 24838990/24849400 ................................

Drug Control 24837245 ................................

Farwaniya Hospital 24883000/24888000 ................................

Ibn Sina 24840300 ................................

Infectious Dieseases 24870351 ................................

Islamic Medical Centre 24849000 ................................

Jahra Hospital 24575300 ................................

Kidney Centre 24840027

................................

Maternity 24848067 ................................

Military 247299911 ................................

Mubarak Al-Kabir 25312700/9 ................................

Opthalmology 24840300 ................................

Psychiatric Centre 24843900 ................................

Quarantine 24873272 ................................

Razi 24846000 ................................

Sabah 24812000/5000 ................................

Transplant Centre 24840300

Le Royal Tower 1831831 ................................

Al-Khaldia Public 24813331 ................................

Kuwait Hayat Hotel 25634760 ................................

Rumaitheia Public 25610399

Movenpick Hotel Kuwait 24610033 ................................

Oassis Hotel 22465489 ................................

Radisson Blu Hotel 25673000 ................................

Ramada Kuwait Hotel 1821111 ................................

Ritz Sharq Boutique 22499911 ................................

Sheraton Hotel 1835555 ................................

Swiss Belhotel Plaza 22436686 ................................

The Palms Hotel & Spa 1824060

Hotels

Libraries

Costa Del Sol Hotel 1 830 083 ................................

Kuwait National Public Library 22415181 ................................

Courtyard by Marriott 22997000 ................................

Crowne Plaza 24742000 ................................

Four Points by Sheraton

22242205 ................................

Hilton Kuwait Resort 22256222 ................................

Holiday Inn Down Town 1841000 ................................

Holiday Inn Salmiya 1847777 ................................

Imperial Hotel 22528766 ................................

J.W. Marriott 22455550 ................................

Kempinski Julaia 1844444 ................................

Kuwait Palace Hotel 22571030 ................................

Le Royal Arabia 22510999 ................................

Welcome Home in Kuwait

Kuwait University Library 24816497 ................................

British Council 22515512 ................................

Library Gulf University 22645806 ................................

Al-Ahmadi Public 23987086 ................................

Al Dae'ah Public 22515686 ................................

Dahiyat Abdulla AlSalem Public 22548878 ................................

Al-Dasma Public (Woman) 22530842 ................................

Al-Faiha'a Public 22540898 ................................

Al-Farwaniya Public 24720570 ................................

Fahaheel Public 23913810 ................................

Al-Qadseia Public 22515298 ................................

Museums Bait Al-Bader Est. 22429158 ................................

Kuwait House Museum 24846336 ................................

Kuwait National Museum 22451195 ................................

Mohd Al-Shaybani Museum 25320901 ................................

Tareq Rajab Museum 25339063 ................................

Educational Science Museum 22421268 ................................

Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyah 22400992 ................................

KOC Display Centre 23982393 ................................

Popular Traditional Museum 22429158 ................................

Bayt Al-Qurain 25430343

Theatres Abdulaziz Hussein Cultural Center 1804500 ................................

Al-Dasma Theater 22521059 ................................

Al-Shameia Theater 24845737 ................................

Al-Tahreer Theater 24813376 ................................

Kuwait Public Theater 24816222 ................................

Kuwait Elizabethans 25631725 ................................

Kuwait Players 25625316

HOTEL

85 February 2012

The exciting influence of Uranus will still be felt intensely with this planet

ARIES

(March 21 - April 19)

near the cusp of your Rising Sign. You'll have plenty of new influences and unexpected developments in your personal life, but career matters will be difficult and frustrating. It might be time to get back to the basics and prepare a solid resume or build on your skill set. Even though the new year has already begun, you'll focus on setting new goals for the future and looking at the big picture. There will be a strong focus on sharing new ideas and building friendships with like-minded people.

You'll feel lucky and satisfied with your life again this month. Jupiter

TAURUS

(April 20 - May 20)

near the cusp of your Rising Sign will help you expand your life and feel grateful for what you have. The Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in Aquarius may cause tension this month, especially with regard to your career or reputation. You might need to have vision and do some thinking outside the box in order to resolve issues. Pluto in Capricorn will help you be re-

Horoscopes February is a minefield of stop-and-start energy.

Big business planets Mars and Saturn are retrograde (napping), and important projects may have to fight to break through logjams. The good news is that the wily planet Pluto is simmering in the place of business and sending waves of inspiration, aided by imaginative Neptune. Also, Pisces rules the latter part of the month. By that point, there's no way you can keep a new brainchild from breaking out and getting a good reception. The best days to act, however, remain during the New Moon period of February 21 and 22 Paris Hilton

alistic about travel or educational plans. The Full Moon in Leo on February

17th February

7 will cause disruption in your home or family life.

Mars in Virgo and square to your Rising Sign brings stress within your

GEMINI

(May 21 - June 20)

home or family. Someone could be critical of your choices, or you may feel that you have too many things to do. Taking time to get organized will help a great deal. The Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in Aquarius and in good aspect to your sign will help you feel positive and proactive. You'll have the desire to work on your skills or connect with people in other countries. Venus in Pisces may bring a relationship in which you're easily taken advantage of or a co-dependent situation.

A Pisces New Moon on February 21 will help to heighten your intuition

CANCER

(June 21 - July 22)

and bring out empathy. You're a very sensitive, caring person, but this

Robbie Williams 13th February

ability to nurture will extend even further. Venus in Pisces will enhance your natural tendency to connect with others. You'll try to help if someone is in need. Uranus in Aries could be problematic and make you feel uncomfortable. There will be many sudden changes and unexpected developments to get used to. You may want to stay in your comfort zone but be forced to move in a new direction.

Uranus near the cusp of Aries will energize you and bring a sense of an-

LEO

(July 23 - August 22)

ticipation and excitement. Pluto in Capricorn might bring extra responsi-

Sheryl Crow

bilities at the office. You'll work tirelessly to complete everything. Three

11th February

planets in Aquarius will cause tension in a close relationship mainly because you'll have a strong desire for freedom and independence. You might ignore the needs of your partner and decide to do your own thing.

A Full Moon in your sign on February 7 could negatively affect your confidence and sense of well-being for a few days or up to a month.

Ashton Kutcher 7th February

VIRGO

(August 23 - September 22)

Mars is still in your Rising Sign, helping you stay focused and organized.

You have a long to-do list, but because you will be highly efficient, you'll get a lot of things done. Venus in Pisces will bring out an emotional response to relationship issues. Patience and compassion will be needed when dealing with your partner. You should try to avoid being critical or demanding. This planet will oppose Mars in Virgo, though, so it might be difficult to compromise and avoid bickering. A Pisces New Moon on February 21 will help you take the high road and be more understanding.

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Shakira

2nd February

Life could still be stressful due to Saturn moving in your Rising Sign, Pluto in square, and Uranus opposite. A lot of powerful energies are working at cross-purposes. You might feel limited or held back by circumstances this month, though, and you'll have the vision to move forward on some initiatives. If you're looking for a new love interest, expect the unexpected. A Full Moon in Leo on February 7 could bring power struggles with a

LIBRA

even if you have the urge to make changes. Creative energy will be strong

(September 23 - October 22)

& Famous Birthdays

friend, but you'll be able to work it out.

Josh Groban

13th February

CAPRICORN

Peter Gabriel

Pluto in your Rising Sign has brought much transformation over the past couple of years. You've been learning how to let go and accept change.

This placement will continue to be an influence for several years. There will be a few surprises with Uranus in Aries. Go with the flow and adjust later. Jupiter in Taurus will open up your love life and aid creative projects. You'll be able to attract love into your life, enjoy yourself, and take pleasure in simple things as well as luxuries. Venus in Pisces brings good times and warm feelings toward neighbors, relatives, and community.

SAGITTARIUS

20th February

SCORPIO

Cindy Crawford

(December 22 - January 19)

4th February

This month you'll be challenged to be compassionate and sensitive, especially with loved ones. Be helpful and kind and put others first. This could be a challenge if you have personal plans and objectives that have to be set aside in order to accommodate someone else. The Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in Aquarius will bring community involvement and the opportunity to connect with relatives and neighbors. You'll work together to achieve goals with a shared vision. A Pisces New Moon on February 21 will help you further develop your intuition, empathize with others, and interpret your dreams.

(November 22 - December 21)

Urmila Matondkar

Jupiter in Taurus and opposite your sign may bring a bit of tension with your partner, if you have one. Essentially, compromises will be necessary and you'll try to keep the peace. Venus in Pisces will help you to be compassionate. You'll be idealistic in love and may be living in a fantasy world when it comes to romantic matters. The Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in Aquarius will bring tension at home or within your family. You may have the urge to act independently and avoid responsibilities. The Aquarius energy will urge you to align with causes and think of others globally.

(October 23 - November 21)

27th February

The Sun, Mercury, and Neptune in your Rising Sign this month will en-

tune in your sign, you might be unclear about what to do next, though.

Jupiter in Taurus could be problematic. Struggles with a family member

Drew Barrymore

may be frustrating. A Leo Full Moon on February 7 will cause disruption in

22nd February

your relationship. Your significant other will cause drama. A Pisces New

AQUARIUS

time to visualize what you want and put your ideas into action. With Nep-

(January 20 - February 18)

sure that you're confident, articulate, and visionary. This will be a good

Moon on February 21 will emphasize your intuition.

11th February

PISCES

Abishekh Bachchan

(February 19 - March 20)

Rihanna

20th February

Mars in Virgo, opposite your Ascendant, could bring bickering and arguments with your romantic partner. You'll be defensive and easily hurt if critical comments are made. Venus is in your Rising Sign this month, adding to your sensitive, emotional nature. Mars opposite Venus will make love matters challenging. A New Moon in Pisces on February 21 will help foster the positive qualities of this sign. You'll have strong intuitive hunches and an active dream life. Compassion for others will help you live according to your spiritual values. Take time for quiet reflection and meditation.

87 February 2012

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89 February 2012

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91 February 2012