CityPagesKuwait January 2014 Issue

MAGAZINE

Issue 49, January 2014

CELEBRATING 4 YEARS OF CITYPAGES

Pg. 40

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FOOD

INTERVIEW

55 Diary of a Nutritionista

30 Fatma AlQallaf 36 Ali Cha'aban 44 Aydah Merza 50 Yousef AlQanai 56 Reem Al Mulla 70 Abdullah AlEssa 84 Dana Ghareeb 96 Hannah AlDelaimi 100 Rahil Hesan 104 Musaed AlMutairi

HEALTH

21 Computer Vision Syndrome 22 Mother's Milk - Always the Best Start

BEAUTY

58 Arabic Scent

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KIDS

126 Kids Pages

96 ENTERTAINMENT

LITERATURE

78 January Movie Releases

76 Fame in the Adriatic by Nada Faris 79 Short Stories by Nadia AlHassan 82 January Book Releases 83 CP BookClub by Nada Soliman

80 Top Music Charts

92 FASHION

60 Fashion Photoshoot 92 Kids Fashion Photoshoot 102 Fashion Update

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FEATURE

REGULARS

18 How to Loose a Guy in Ten Ways

40 Asnan Live 59 The City Guide 111 Events 119 Press

24 Coffee is Good for You 34 No More Monkeys Climbing On The Schools 42 The Golden Ratio 68 Next Payments 74 Know Your BirthStone 81 The Snow Queen - FROZEN 90 The Use of Light in Movies

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124 Say Cheez with CityPages 128 Horoscopes 130 Homework for Grown-Ups

TECHNOLOGY FITNESS

26 What is Really Going on With Your Core - Ladies?

28 Fail-Proof Your 2014 Fitness Resolution!

73 Video Game of The Year 2013 88 Cool New Gadgets

100 ISSUE 49, VOLUME 4, JANUARY 2014 8

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Dear Readers‌ Dhari Al-Muhareb Editor-in-Chief

Jameel Arif

General Manager & Editor

Abeer Al-Abduljalil Managing Editor

Kinda Al-Faris

Executive Editor

Muhammed Altaf Sr. Sales Manager

Claudia Farias

Content Supervisor

Happy 2014!

Change is inevitable. In fact, as far as publishing industry is concerned, the only constant we can assume is that there will be constant change.

The past four years have brought about great and enormous change in CityPages magazine.

Four years ago this month, CityPages launched its first Issue. The first issue itself was revolutionary. Not only did we cover features and people completely unheard of at the time, but we did so with more style and a unique way than all of our competitors combined.

Throughout the year years we have always tried to be the FIRST in many things and we pride in ourselves by being a leader and an inspiration for so many.

Tanya Burns

Creative Director

Keeping with the trend, this month we celebrate the International Month of Creativity and speaking of creativity, I am surprised to see the amazing creativity of so many talented people in Kuwait and had a very tough time to choose who to feature in this issue. I am sure you will like our choices.

Graphic Designers Mohammed Syed Khaled Al-Enezi

Another interesting feature of the issue is our Fashion Photoshoot, which we have taken to the next level with some additional talent on board.

Contributing Team Layla Harmony Abdullah AlEssa Abdullah Y. Shams AlDeen Maha Al-Rashed Abdulaziz Al-Khamis Mohammad Al-Sharrah Abdalla AlMuzaini Nadia Al-Hassan Adnan Najeeb Al-Abbar Nada Soliman Ahmed Al-Ragum Nada Faris Ali - DJ RAVEN Oussama T. Hussein ARTRONAUTS Reshmi Revi ASAMA Perfumes Sanaa Abdul Hamid BirthKuwait Sandra Bakhamian Dr. Nazia Nausheen Sherihan A. Hassabo Faisal Al-Dhofari Talah Alabdulaaly Halah Faisal AlHajji Zahra Ashkanani Khaled Al-Amiri Khaled Al-Zawawi Zahra Taqi Photography Team Abdulaziz AlSoraya Natalia Sitcai Abdulaziz AlShayaji Shahbaz Hussain Ahmad Emad Abdullah Hamadah Antonio O. Alcantara I Othman AlMishaan Eric O. Fabro Bulk Distribution Team V. Rajan S. V. Gopal

I am so happy to announce that we have around 10 new talented team members joining us this month and all I can say about them is that their work will speak for themselves.

Yet on this auspicious occasion, with so much change in the air, we thought you might appreciate something a little more familiar. To celebrate our fourth year of bringing change to the coverage of the amazing features and interviews, we're going back to the beginning. In honor of the early days of CityPages, we're offering the best of CityPages features and interviews as a commemorative, downloadable PDF, and to celebrate how far we've come, we're stuffing it with much, much more.

We hope you'll have as much fun reading this issue of CityPages as we had putting it together. And we hope you will accept our sincerest thanks for being a part of this grand revolution for the past four years.

Jameel Arif General Manager & Editor

jameelrf@citypageskuwait.com

Cover Photoshoot by:

Corporate Copies and Subscriptions Distributed through:

Our new team member Abdullah AlEssa Instagram: @pickapicq8

DISCLAIMER

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.

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 Š January 2014 12 citypageskuwait.com

CityPages accepts unsolicited ar ticles (1000 words or less) in English or Arabic. Submissions may be sent to:

submissions@citypageskuwait.com

in .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx format. CityPages will notify the author upon acceptance but will not entertain inquiries.

Free Copies of CityPages are Available at:

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(Kuwait International Airport)

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(British School of Kuwait)

SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you would like to receive copies of CityPages magazine at your location as distribution point or reading material, please get in touch with our distribution team at: subscriptions@citypageskuwait.com January, 2014

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Dear Readers, A happy new year to you, I hope that we all start off 2014 with more passion and abundance of energy, the two things required to push forward with your resolutions. My one resolution is to spend more time with loved ones, what’s yours?

CityPages enters the New Year with renewed vigor, new additions to the team and bigger and better issues to come.

In this issue read about the renowned carpet collector and dealer Aydah Merza also featured on our cover, and since January is the International month for creativity, we are featuring some of our very own talented persons from welders, to sketch artists, photographers and painters. We pride ourselves on content, and hope our pages will keep you company and inspire you while you have coffee or wait in the doctor’s office. We can be found pretty much everywhere.

I wish you success and abundance in whatever you dream of, so remember to dream big.

Sincerely,

Kinda Al Faris Executive Editor

Photograph by: Paparazzi Studio @paparazzistudio

A big thanks to Rene for the make-up and Esra for hair done at GLOSS SALON, the CP beauty and hair services provider.

FOR ADVERTISING E-mail: advertise@citypageskuwait.com

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

Reach Us Your Way!

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Hello Lovely Readers, Happy New Year and Happy fourth Anniversary to us!

2014 begins with happiness, good news, creativity and the right people....the right team that we are going to share with them the success and glory.

Happiness is a choice! So be happy. Be yourself. If others don’t like it, then let them be. Life isn’t about pleasing everybody, always choose to be around the right people & be inspired by the best!

Here we are celebrating and sharing our happiness with you all in our 4th Anniversary, celebrating our years of success, hard work and creation.

Always remember it's so hard to lead and so easy to follow!

We promise you this year will be different, we will always be the source of inspiration, leaders in what we do and we will come with new talents, new faces, and new challenges.

Relax & stay tuned for our big news on our upcoming issues!

It's our time to make the most of it!

Blessed by You!

Abeer M Alabduljalil

Photograph by: Paparazzi Studio @paparazzistudio

Managing Editor

TO INVITE CITYPAGES TEAM TO YOUR EVENTS E-mail: events@citypageskuwait.com

www.citypageskuwait.com

@citypageskuwait

@citypageskuwait

@citypageskuwait January, 2014

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How to Lose a Guy in 10 “Ways” the Arabian style!

I

am sure most of our readers are familiar with Kate Hudson’s and Matthew McConaughey’s 2003 movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. Well, as we watched in the movie, it is probably not that hard when you put your mind to it, is it?

But how about the fact that they ended up together after all!

Now, let’s pause a little and look at that matter from a slightly different angle. Let’s see, if “Andie” and “Ben” ended up totally in love even after all what she tried to put him through to drive him away in 10 days. Then maybe - just maybe - we could also be losing our guys in ways that we actually think makes us win them?!

Fitting this theory to our Eastern society, let the listing begins of the top 10 things you should consider “quitting” if you want to keep your guy.

Pick a red pen and add the word “DON’T” in the blanks along the way where you read a paragraph that describe things that you do.

Way #1: ……“Stick” to him in the name of love.

And I quote “stick” because this is the exact expression that I got asking a man about the most things he hates when it comes to Arab women. “They stick to you” he says and paused for what seemed like an attempt to get the right word… “like a leech.” he continued !! Well, to make things clear here, leeches are segmented worms which are predominantly blood suckers – meaning they feed on blood!!! Asking the anonymous man to elaborate on his not-so-pleasant description, he explained that Arab women don’t let you do anything; “once she 18

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is in your life, you must be living for her – and for her ONLY”. As a woman, and I really wish to be judgmental here; but I found it true! When a man thinks about doing something with his friends instead of us, we think “he stopped loving me and doesn’t want to be with me anymore”, if he has to work late even, then he is definitely cheating, if he by any chance indulges himself to believe that there is such thing as “time for himself” then he is simply damned for Eternity.

Way #2: ……………Talk Endlessly!

“Listening” is a woman’s quality. We love to talk and listen too; and then we unleash the personal, financial, marriage and relationship counselor to the person who came to us with a problem. No harm we believe in our capabilities as world-fixers, but the problem lies in the fact that we don’t realize men also want to world-fixers more than anything else, just not by listening to our girls’ issues; ALL THE TIME! As women in general, and specially as Arabs, we talk a lot. It brings us closer to our girlfriends no doubt, but guys can’t live with a girl who goes on and on about things we tend to call “problems”. For them, your friend buying the same dress you wanted and saw first is just meaningless. Pause a second here though, it is not necessarily because men have more “real” concerns; it is because shopping isn’t one of their issues. Try the offer on the new PlayStation or the announced release date of IOS 8; then you are all ears!

Way #3: ……………Challenge his MANHOOD when required “You are not man enough”, “if you were a man…”, “I thought I am married to a real man”…. And the list goes on and on with many sentences Arab women invented to tease their men and get them to do something they are not on board with. Thinking that this sentence will just get him to do what you ask is basically wrong. Defying a man has consequences –serious and unpredictable ones I tell you. Even if he does it because you do know how and when to turn this key – you have just lost your man; on a level!

Way #4: …………Repeatedly use the threatening divorce/break-up card.

While we Arab masterminds believe that if we ask for divorce, he will go back to his senses and realize he can’t “live” without me; the rest of the world think differently. Statistics show that women around the world strangely think asking for divorce means: to get a divorce; for real! Imagine?

YES he loves you, YES he cares for you, and YES he wants to keep you in his life; BUT you are not his oxygen - one day, he will just drop it; he will stop fighting for someone who is easily giving him away with each obstacle along the way.

Can you really blame him?

Way #5: …………….Claim what is between you is far beyond looks.

Why do we let ourselves go down the “what we have is far beyond looks” lane?

A man’s memory of your once-upon- a- time beauty and the fashionable wardrobe you had a couple of centuries ago is like a fish’s – incredibly short. Even the world’s top thinkers are shallow and weak when it comes to a woman’s appearance. We can’t deny it, neither can they!

Way #6: …………….Keep aggravating him with every chance you get.

“Never make him feel important or that he is too good for you or else he will LOOK OUTSIDE” (excuse my literal translation but I had to convey how we Arabs put this every-woman’s-nightmare phrase). The advise that we get from a sister, a friend, or even from mothers to keep him in your “zone” by brainwashing him and make him believe that if you (if ever) decide to release him to the outside world, he will never find what he had with you, or someone as good as you. Whisper in his ears while he is sleeping that you are a gift bestowed upon him from the skies (by mistake of course. Remember, he doesn’t deserve you) and he should never dare to risk losing you because out there… there is nothing else for him!

News flash: On the contrary, don’t drive him to start looking for what he doesn’t find with you…Be sure he’ll find it elsewhere.

Way #7: ……………Hire a Marriage Counselor: Your Mom! Inviting your mother (or any other family member for that matter) for a gathering, lunch, or an indoors movie night is one thing; and inviting her to a FIGHT is whole different thing. This never-ending family intervention makes things worse.

If you can’t reach a method to convince him with your opinion on your own, then simply let it go and don’t call your mother for support.

Way #8: …………….Constantly try to change him Let’s admit it; we do tend to make a project out of men. For example, you meet a man and suddenly you have to be the phenomenal reason he quit smoking after 13 years. When we are not busy, we actually take the time to point out everything negative in them so that they believe they need to be changed and give in.

By the way, men don’t really hate it when we try to change them, they actually adapt to this characteristic pretty well. But the fact stands that they are pushed away when “forced” into doing something they absolutely hate. Ladies, we are

totally entitled to change our men – sometimes they need it and we are their only hope. However, be smart about it – a man would willingly change if you asked the *proper way. *Men’s proper ways differ from one to the other. Figure out your man’s way and strike.

Way #9: ……………Play the victim Most women find it too hard to utter the word “sorry”. They calm down and would like things to get back to normal; just not by saying “I am sorry” or admitting they did something wrong, God forbid. And so we had to create an alternative, an invention to miraculously get us off the hook, save face, keep our men thinking we are always “right”. In that undiscovered land, we can always be the victims and tables can be always turned; it is the place where “THEY” apologizes for “OUR” mistakes.

Way#10: ……………Master the art of unjustified Jealousy Men will usually understand jealousy in the beginning of a relationship. Moreover, they will actually love it because it boosts their manly feeling that they are being fought over. In later years of your relationship, not so much! After a while, a man sees the woman’s unjustified and continuous jealousy as distrust and “low self-esteem” and this by nature drives men away. Nothing is worse than nag and keep nagging about another girl, while this other girl seems so confident and certain of herself. Get what you are doing here?

THE BRIEF GUIDE LOSE him

KEEP him

Destroy anything in his life that doesn’t in- Turn the “Glue” feature off! And give him clude you. He is yours and no one else’s. a legal space; according to the constitution of Women World of course Share, Share, and Share everything with him

You can totally share, but choose the subjects that would least bore him to death

Use the 4 magic words (You call yourself a man?) and unleash the resting beast

Don’t cross the RED LINE to a man’s territory and never underestimate him as a man

Divorce, Divorce, Divorce…Keep threatening to evaporate out of his life and leave him oxygen-less

Don’t say it unless you mean it

Settle for being “the wife and the mother Don’t get too practical. Keep track and of my children” only see yourself through his eyes Open your ears to everyone around you Don’t run applying any advice you hear; and learn from others’ mistakes instead of others speak from different experiences your own that don’t necessarily match yours Open the door for endless family interference in your life

Protect your relationship from outside intruders (Intruders = ANYONE other than YOU and HIM)

Make an extreme makeover plan that eventually results in a person that doesn’t recognize himself anymore

If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it…

Always remind yourself that you are RIGHT

Have a balance relationship where both of you make mistakes and deserve an apology every now and then

Be jealous; for no reason whatsoever

Be jealous; for logical reasons only

Sherihan A. Hassabo Sherihan A. Hassabo is a passionate writer who started expressing her opinion about controversial subjects when she was 14. When she is not directing events, she likes to investigate the interesting relationships' controversy in our Eastern society. Every month, and from real life experience; Sherihan will share a story, an idea, opinion, or a simple advice for men and women to live happily ever after.

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COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

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n recent years, the use of computers and portable digital devices has increased rapidly, allowing us to access information and interact with others more easily and efficiently than ever before. But there’s a cost to all the texting, emailing and web-surfing we do daily on our tablets, smart phones and computers – its called Computer Vision Syndrome, or digital eye strain.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is not one specific eye problem.

In fact, it encompasses a wide range of eyestrain and eye pain experienced by computer users. Eyestrain includes a variety of symptoms from headaches, blurred vision, dry and sore eyes to neck pain and fatigue. This temporary condition results from staring at a computer monitor or digital device, uninterrupted, for a long period of time. The level of discomfort increases with the amount of time spent at the computer.

The visual requirements for computer use are very high and demand fine ocular motor skills. Often the symbols and letters on computer screens are not sharply defined, the contrast between the letters and background is reduced and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen make viewing strenuous. The focusing and movement requirements of the eyes for computer viewing can also place additional demands on the visual system. Even minor vision problems, such as under-corrected or uncorrected vision, have a significant effect on the comfort and visual performance at a computer. In addition, some patients find that their eyeglasses or contact lenses are not suitable for the specific viewing distances of their computer screen.

As a result, our eyes must work harder when viewing a computer monitor than they would when looking at a printed page. In most cases, symptoms of CVS occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them. Persons who spend more than two consecutive hours in front of the computer are at an increased risk of developing CVS. Adults are not the only ones vulnerable to Computer Vision Syndrome.

Children who frequently use computers and digital devices at school and at home can also experience CVS, especially under poor lighting conditions and when looking at the screen too closely. Children are actually more likely to develop symptoms of CVS than adults since their visual systems are not yet matured and not able to handle the stress of computer use. Many eye care practitioners who specialize in children’s vision believe prolonged computer use

among children puts them at risk for progressing myopia.

To lower the risk of Computer Vision Syndrome one should limit the time they spend using computers and digital devices. Frequent breaks are encouraged to minimize the development of eye focusing problems and eye irritation.

Look away from the screen and into the distance for at least 30 seconds as this exercise helps relax the focusing muscles inside the eye.

Modify your workstation so that it is suitable for extended computer use. The amount of room lighting is a critical factor. The brightness of the display should be adjusted to approximately the same brightness of the room. Avoid using brightly lit digital devices in a dark room. Improper posture during computer use can also cause Computer Vision Syndrome. More importantly one should never sit too close to the display or hold a digital device at a short distance from the eyes. This is especially important with children.

Visit your eye-care practitioner regularly for a thorough eye exam to ensure your optical prescriptions are accurate. Your eye-care practitioner can recommend various solutions to minimize Computer Vision Syndrome. Lenses with specialized tints and coatings can reduce the exposure to the potentially harmful blue light which is emitted from the screens of all digital devices. You may need glasses to correct your computer vision problems. These specialized “computer glasses” are specifically tailored according to your habitual viewing distance and are an ideal solution for computer users over the age of 40. Special eye drops can offer a solution to dry eyes by keeping your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day.

The strain on the eyes caused by Computer Vision Syndrome is the result of living in today’s “near-point world.” Take a break from your computer, smart phone or tablet and give your eyes a rest.

Erika Habig

Erika Habig is an optometrist and contact lens specialist at International Optique.

She studied at the Beuth University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry and Dispensing Optics.

For more information contact International Optique. Tel: 25714007 – 97234787, www.intoptic.com – info@intoptic.com, Instagram: @intoptique

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Mother’s Milk

Always The Best Start Start the New Year off right by giving your baby the best start to their new life ~ Plan to breastfeed your baby right from the beginning, immediately after birth. Plan for success by getting the facts about breastfeeding directly from a Certified Lactation Consultant and Pediatrician, and Coordinator for the Breastfeeding Promotion and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Implementation Program for Kuwait, Dr. Mona AlSomaie. to eat at least eight times a day. A baby may not wake frequently enough if exposed to labor drugs or maternal medications, is experiencing jaundice or recovering from trauma, or is using a pacifier. In addition, it is possible for a baby to shutdown normal waking behavior if their feeding cues have been ignored.

Newborns must eat at least 8-12 times a day, and should be allowed to nurse as frequently as they desire (on demand) in order to meet their nutritional requirements and behavioral/emotional needs.

Myth #4: If a mother has an infection, is sick, or requires medication, she should stop nursing.

Dr. Mona: Most breastfeeding infections (cracked nipples, mastitis, thrush) can be resolved while continuing to nurse. In addition, a baby is best protected from other illnesses or infections by breastfeeding. As for medication, often there is an alternative medication that is safe while breastfeeding so that only rarely would a mother need to stop breastfeeding while taking a medication.

It is important to speak to a lactation consultant if you have questions, as most doctors do not have the specialized training to provide accurate information on Myth #1: Mothers who don’t have milk when their babies are born should feed such matters. their babies with a bottle until their milk comes in.

Myth #5: Mothers should never be used as a pacifier.

Dr. Mona: This type of thinking comes from a misunderstanding about how the process of breastfeeding works. The body is designed to produce Colostrum when a new baby is born. This nutrient-immunoglobin-rich substance is produced as the new infant suckles, in small but sufficient quantities. A newborn can only ingest very little milk as the infant stomach is so small, which is why colostrum is ideal: all the nutrients and immunological substances the baby needs in a small condense form. What most mothers think of as the typical white milk develops a few days later coinciding with the changing and growing needs of the baby. Offering a newborn formula can create many challenges later including difficulty nursing due to nipple confusion or reactions or sensitivity to formula and low-milk supply. It is best to establish a strong milk supply and a successful breastfeeding routine immediately after birth. If supplementation is medically necessary, it can be delivered through a syringe or small cup to avoid nipple confusion.

Myth#2: If a baby is still hungry after nursing it is necessary to supplement with a bottle of formula.

Dr. Mona: Most often a hungry baby is the result of a poor latch or nursing technique, and not the result of a mother not having enough milk. In fact, supplementing with formula will only make the problem worse and may lead to a low milk supply. The best plan of action is to correct any problems with the latching and evaluate the frequency of nursing. The more frequently a baby nurses, the more milk the mother will produce. If the baby is latching properly then the baby will receive all the milk that the baby needs.

Myth #3: Never wake a sleeping baby.

Dr. Mona: While most babies will let you know when they need to eat, newborn babies may not wake often enough on their own and should be awakened 22

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Dr. Mona: Comforting, soothing, and meeting sucking needs at a mother’s breast is nature’s original design. Pacifiers are only substitutes for the mother when she can’t be available. Babies who are soothed primarily at the breast have superior oral-facial development, avoid nipple confusion, stimulate an adequate milk supply, and provide the mother with prolonged lactational amenorrhea (natures way of spacing children).

Myth#6: Nursing a baby longer than three months will interfere with the relationship between a husband and wife.

Dr. Mona: Mature parents acknowledge that the demands of a newborn are intense for the first year of life, but lessen over time. If they work together they can grow closer as they both develop new parenting skills and bond with their baby.

Myth #7: Babies only need the benefits of their mother’s milk until 6 months.

Dr. Mona: For the first year of life breast milk will be the primary source for necessary nutrition for a baby, even once solids are introduced at around 6 months. Breastmilk evolves according to the changing needs of the baby beyond their first year and well into toddler-hood, providing nutrition, immunological protections and probiotics. In addition, babies nurse for more than nutrition.

They also nurse when they are lonely, frightened or in pain.

Myth #8: Low milk supply is the result of a mother not eating or drinking enough.

Dr. Mona: This is the greatest myth of all. Although there is a long answer, the short response is this: Infants fed non-human milk are at a higher risk for disease- the thymus in a baby who is fed non-human milk is subnormal in size, on average about half the size of the thymus of an exclusively breastfed baby.

Non-human milk also damages your infants developing digestive system. If even a small amount of formula or other foods are given, this changes the gut flora so that within 24-hours it resembles that of an adult gut, which is more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and infection. Once a baby resumes an exclusive diet of human milk, it takes 2-4 weeks for the gut flora to return to normal. Nonhuman milk also increases your baby’s risk for developing allergies.

It is important for parents to be aware of these facts before they make any decision about how they will feed their baby as most doctors have only a cursory education about human lactation and formula companies spend millions trying to convince parents that formula is “good enough” for their babies. The simple truth is human babies are designed for human milk.

Are you passionate about helping mothers succeed? Join BirthKuwait and the Kuwait Lactation Consultant Society (KLCS) for the first ever Volunteer Peer Dr. Mona: Actually the most common cause of a low-milk supply is a poor latch Breastfeeding Counselor Training workshop in April 2014! All those interested or infrequent nursing. Most mothers who nurse frequently and have a good should email info@birthkuwait.com to learn how to register. breastfeeding technique will produce plenty of milk for their baby.

For more information or breastfeeding support email info@birthkuwait.com or send us a message on facebook, twitter or instagram @birthkuwait.

Myth #9: Breastfeeding is not realistic given the demands of modern life.

You can also visit one of the MOH Breastfeeding Clinics at Al Sabah Hospital Dr. Mona: A baby’s dependence on their mother for the first year of life is 96623969 or Adan Hospital 99994367 to consult with certified Lactation intense, of course. But the time goes by quickly! If it is possible, take a break from Consultants or contact the Kuwait LaLecheLeague (LLL) Peer Group Leader or work and focus your attention on your baby. If that is not possible, take advantage Breastfeeding Support Club (BFSCLUB) Peer Counselors at lllkuwait@gmail. of pumps and laws that require employers of nursing mothers to provide time com or info@bfsclub.com. and privacy to pump or time to go home to feed their baby. Enlist the support of your family and employer to ensure that your baby’s needs are priority. It is Sarah Paksima Sarah Paksima is a Board Member of BirthKuwait and a Doula, Childbirth Educator. possible! Do the best you can!

Myth #10: Feeding a baby formula will not impact the health of a baby if you live in a modern country.

BirthKuwait is a non-profit organization operating as part of The Voluntary Health Association.For more information, visit their website: www.birthkuwait.com or Instagram: @birthkuwait

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Coffee is good for you All of you who have chosen to give up coffee as a new years resolution be ware: Cardio Vascular Health

Endometrial Cancer

A Japanese study conducted on 27 healthy adults has demonstrated for the first time that drinking 1 cup of coffee helps small blood vessel circulation. By heightening only slightly the blood pressure, caffeine contributed to a 30% rise in blood irrigation in the peripheral limbs like hands and feet.

Drinking coffee can also lower the risk of developing endometrial cancer, which represents 3.9% of all cancers worldwide. Of the gynaecological cancers it is common but it has a low mortality rate. In 8 studies, based on over 2,500 cases, the risk of developing such tumour is lowered by 7% per each cup of coffee consumed per day. Coffee contains many bio active products including antioxidants, which have cancer preventing qualities.

Type 2 Diabetes According to research carried out by the Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) drinking 3-4 cups of coffee per day lowers the risk off developing type 2 diabetes by approximately 25%. Why? It seems that coffee aids the metabolism of carbohydrates and helps balance glucose.

Liver Cancer A recent meta analysis which comprehends 16 studies and 3.153 liver cancer cases has proven that coffee reduces of about 40% the risk of a Hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, 9 studies have shown that individuals who drink 3 cups per day lower the risk of the disease by more than 50%.

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Melanoma

Life expectancy

A recent study published on the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that there is no relation between shortened life expectancy and the consumption of large amounts of coffee. In fact it seems the more coffee one drink the longer the life span. The study followed 229.119 healthy men and 173.141 healthy women between the ages of 50 -71 for a period spanning 1-14 years. They found that the ones who survived in the period between 1995 and 2008 were the ones who drank most coffee, in particular men, who had a lower morality rate compared to non-coffee drinkers.

A recent Italian study has shown that coffee reduces the risk of melanoma of almost 50%, if drunk daily.

So, how much can we drink? Healthy dose is The results are more significant in certain individuals, between 3-4 cups per day. Over 8 cups is considered ones with particular metabolic characteristics, yet the excessive and it can cause anxiety and palpitations. findings are very encouraging.

And what’s inside a cup of coffee? An espresso from the bar contains 40 milligrams of caffeine, while Fractures home made espresso contains 80 and American In the past it was thought that caffeine could reduce coffee about 120. It contains over 900 substances, bone density. A recent study in Sweden, based on including important minerals like potassium, calcium, over 3,800 hip fractures in menopausal women magnesium, vitamins and polyphenols. Also coffee has demonstrated that coffee has no relation to has very few calories, so it’s good for the diet. osteoporosis or fractures.

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What’s really going on with your core ladies cuts through the abdominal wall, the muscles are wounded. These three layers that create the abdominal wall are cut through and stitched back together allowing for scaring to occur, but most importantly it allows for dysfunction in the abdominal wall. And where the scaring and adhesions occur, muscle fibers lose their ability to slide across one another effectively creating what we call “pain”. That in turn causes women to avoid contracting those painful muscles and develop faulty muscle recruitment patterns. These faulty recruitment patterns destabilize the back and indirectly destabilize the body as a whole. If that doesn’t make sense, picture this, you’ve got a telephone wire going through the house, Ten days post delivery I was back at work, I had my gorgeous son (yes you cut the wire and reconnect it, but when you try to use the phone it every mother thinks her child is gorgeous) and I was eager to get back to doesn’t always work. This is basically the same thing. normal. Well, normal had changed. The stresses of having a child were intense, but what was more intense was the weird aches and pains that An important point to keep in mind is that once you have had your child, I was experiencing that could only mean one thing….I was getting old! whether naturally or by c-section, you must always remember that it is So asking my physician all he could tell me was that these were normal imperative that you re-integrate those muscles that have stretched for pains that would go away within a month, so the trusting person in me the past 9 months into your body. believed that those pains would disappear within a month. A month passes and I’m still in the same situation, in fact 2 years later and I was Maha AlRashed still in pain. Through a couple of my friends, a CHEK Practitioner was recommended and I was educated on what was going on in my body.

And so my journey of discovery began.

The joys of motherhood; As a parent there is nothing more satisfying than watching my child grow and mature into the kind of person that I would like him to be as an adult; then I suddenly get a flashback of the process of becoming a mother. I remember the delivery, which I won’t get into details of, but I remember post delivery and the process of recovery. I’m not here to tell anyone how they should feel about having their baby and whether they should do it the natural way or opt for a C-Section, but what I would like is for every mother-to- be out there to be able to make an informed decision.

I discovered through long talks and many hours of research that C-Sections can cause a lot of problems for women. When the doctor 26

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Maha AlRashed is a CHEK Certified Exercise Coach and a regular contributor for CityPages magazine.

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Fail-Proof Your 2014 Fitness Resolution!

American author Nail Gailman once lamented; "I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world.

You're doing things you've never done before and more importantly, you're Doing Something."

Hello 2014 and welcome the moshpit of New Year-fueled resolutions.

Let's be honest. We all have a tendency to haphazardly make them on the eve but will 2014 be your year where your fitness goals are finally met? According to www.static brain.com, the number 1 resolution for 2014 is to lose weight. However research has shown that only 8% are successful in achieving their resolutions.

So what can you do to ensure that you become part of this little percentage to succeed through this?

1) Get your food prep done Every Saturday evening, I tend to plan my week out. When you think about it, it can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming trying to fit in 2 training sessions with having to walk my dogs, training clients and managing a team of trainers. As I'm constantly running around, the tendency to eat junk food for example is high because it's convenient and fast. Hence my Saturday nights are spent cooking up large quantities of food, placing them in containers and freezing them. I tend to cook enough food to keep me happy for say 3 days.

When it comes to food, if you aren't sure what your macronutrients should be, why not hit up Club Fit (www.clubfit.me)? Abdullah Al Askari and his team have started up Club Fit Gourmet, a food delivery service tailor-made to suit your nutritional needs. Whether your goal is to lose weight or gain a bit of muscle mass, you're required to attend a consultation prior to that so they can specifically plan out a meal plan for you. With this in mind, there's no stress of what to eat for you and to help with your goal. As such this would greatly benefit you and your New Year's resolution as your food prep is done!

2) Prioritize your training sessions Here's a scenario for you: You'd never cancel on a meeting with your 28

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boss right? Even when the workload is crazy. Hence why would you cancel on your own workout session? The MayoClinic.Com has touted the benefits of exercise, stating that it's been known to reduce stress, relieve anxiety and depression. In a hectic environment, you need that down time at the gym to vent.

If you're finding challenging, finding time to head down to the gym, why not have them come to you? MultiWorks (www.multiworks.net) is a mobile personal training platform whereby personal trainers can train you in the comfort of your own home. I know clients who would train in-between their meetings. The company now also has a mobile massage and physiotherapy division. Hence should you need physio or massage at home, this too can be arranged at your own timely convenience.

For the ladies feeling like they're wanting to get down and have a bit of a fun dance session, I recommend Rana Al Omani's Zumba classes (www. ranafit.com). She tends to post her weekly schedule on her Instagram account @ranafitness.

3) Commit to be fit Yes, it's always easy making a resolution. The true strength of one's character lies in living up TO that resolution. Life is a learning curve. If you didn't get your food prep ready in time today, don't stress. There's always tomorrow to start afresh. I always find that clients sometimes are very hard on themselves when it comes to their fitness and food regime so much so that they end up hating every moment of it, as it then becomes such an unhappy and unpleasant experience. As such, no wonder resolutions are then broken prematurely. Bear in mind, it takes 3 months to at least build a habit so whenever you don't get it 100% right, don't be hard on yourself. At least you're trying to make a difference in your life in a country where cases of type II diabetes and obesity are rampant.

Reshmi Revi Certified Professional Trainer

Reshmi Revi is the Education and Personal Training Manager for MultiWorks and an IFBB Bikini Competitor. A Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Reshmi holds a Bachelors of Communication Studies Degree from the Auckland University of Technology. A fitness enthusiast, she welcomes your queries and comments at rrevi@multiworks. net. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram @Q8MissFit.

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Fatma AlQallaf Fatma AlQallaf is the Administration and Financial Manager at Clean Care Company. Clean Care provides the services of cleaning to the Kuwaiti market for both domestic and corporate sector. Clean Care has brought a revolution in this field taking this job to a professional level while introducing new technologies and innovations for its clients. Every worker at Clean Care is well equipped and trained in his field. Fatma has joined this family business a year ago and has huge contribution to its rapid development. Holding a Masters in Business Administration and having worked in different companies Fatima brings a wide array of experience to Clean Care Co. She is the kind of person who is never satisfied and is always looking for better. CityPages was lucky to get a chance to sit with Fatma and know more about her future plans for the company.

Hi, Please introduce yourself to our readers: I am Fatma Al-Qallaf Admin and Financial Manger at cleaning care establishment here in Kuwait. It is a Kuwaiti found and managed company that uses the newest technology and cleaning solutions to provide the best cleaning services to our clients.

When was Clean Care established and how did the idea come up?

Cleaning care was founded in may of 2011 by my brother Nasser and there is a good story of how he started and came up with the idea. Well , my brother is very lazy when is comes to cleaning.

He never likes cleaning anything himself he always get someone to do it for him, since he was a chill.

On the other hand my father and I are always trying to get him to clean his room, the cars and anything that comes up. “That made me look like the better child and always tees him about it�.

Anyhow after my brother graduated from engineering school in Canada he returned home and started a family but his laziness towards cleaning still did not leave him so he started using cleaning companies to clean his place on several occasions. Every time a cleaning company leaves his home he either does not like their work, have too many remarks of what they did wrong , some of their staff lack the cleaning skills and knowledge and most of the time he becomes more tired than the cleaning staff because he needs to be there watching every single move they do.

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Long story short, he grow tired of tired and then a light lit in a moment of need saying “why don’t I start a cleaning company where I but myself in my client shoes while cleaning and care for his/her place as if it is mine and also not forgetting to preserve the enviromant by using natural and environmentally friendly materials and trained skilled staff.

And that’s how clean care was born.

How was the initial response from the market?

First we started to market our services to the corporate and commercial sectors where we found lots of support from the big Kuwaiti companies and hotels.

We did not start serving the private homes and villas until early 2013 and we found a very good response from the market that gave us a push to try and challenge ourselves to be better and offer the newest and best to our ability.

What are the full range of services that are offered by Clean Care?

We clean care like to think of ourselves as solution providers to any and every cleaning service a client wants or needs.

Our services are as follows: • General cleaning • Detailing • Marble grinding, polishing and restoration • glass cleaning • building’s interface cleaning • dry cleaning ( sofa- carpet) • janitorial cleaning services All our services are available to clients as a onetime project or as contract will quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily visits. we also have some other free services such as: • Providing cleaning consultation tips and advises not only to our clients but also to anyone who contacts Cleaning Care and asks. At the end we do care.

• Distributing monthly issued respected magazines to our clients as a privilege.

How big is your team and do you conduct any kind of training for them?

We are a small team of about 20 people full time and some others as part time. We can divid our team into 2 section: 1- Office team which includes finance, sales, marketing, development and accounting 2- Operation team which include operations, call center, purchasing, transportation and quality control.

As far as training goes we love training to the point where we made some courses mandatory and must take because we like to think that training the human elemnt in any particular company it the one that puts it on the top. At the end of the day the cleaning world is advancing so should we otherwise we will be left behind.

Training courses are set to suit the employee’s and company’s needs. For example, a security will take computer course where the operation Forman will take a quality control course, a marketing officer attends marking seminars. As for myself I am planning

to take some abroad courses this year which most ly are not being conducted in Kuwait.

Tell us about your education and previous work experiences?

I have done quite a bit of studying, schooling and also transferred between jobs. I will mention what I remember: • 2003 graduated from Kuwait university business school with management information system degree • I Worked in my uncles lawfirm as an intern • Spent A couple of months in Kuwait ministry of finance • Also About 6 month in gulf bank of Kuwait • For the better time of my career I spent 7 years in SLB schlumberger as accountant and then in management • Then I decided to continue my graduate studies and I got masters in business MBA in 2010 • I took a couple of courses along the way things I am interested in like photograhgy, exhibitions planning , gift rapping and handy crafts • I spent a year in korea and other countries like Singapore I think that concludes everything.

How and when did you decide to join the company?

Well after coming back to Kuwait from a year living in Korea and since I am used to working in private sector. I found that the government jobs are not for me since they run at a slow pace motion to my taste. I applied for jobs in a few companies and they gave me offers that are tempting and my sneaky brother was helping me all the time to go apply and get interviewed for jobs. After all the help I got from him he also gave me a surprised offer to mach all the others and I choose to be with him.

I joined the Clean Care in April 2013. Now Clean Care has become a part of me and I cannot just stop thinking about it and try to give it my best.

SAFIR INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Sea shell resort- Kuwait The Regency hotel - KUWAIT Medical clinics Asnan tower- Kuwait Wholistichealth rehabilitation center Industrial Yosef Ahmad Alganim & Sons W.l.l Behbehani motors Honda showroom and garage Food sadafco osaka restaurant come cafes big smoke burger Live style The boudoir salon Retro salon Me time salon Enamel salon And many others Service providers Ghaliah Technology- Kuwait IO Centers - Kuwait Agriculture the green island (lina – agri) Officials Some embassies Government offices

What are some of your future plans?

What does your role as the Admin and Internally: we are looking forward to develop some Financial Manger in the company entail? of our cleaning techniques by introducing some My role is to take care of and lead the office team mentioned before and report back to our General Manager “Nasser”. We plan to gather and try to execute the plan to the best of our abilty but when something goes south (wrong) it is my job to inform him what it is and to present a suitable solution but to take the action or not is totally up to him.

As my bother always say that he is the bone of the Clean Care and I am the part (a big part) of the muscles that acts on the bone.

Healthy muscles mean healthy company and in time wealthy in both knowledge and finance .

Can you tell us about a few of your notable clients?

Client are both corporate and privet homes. I will mention some of them only the ones I am at liberty to mention since we at clean care do respect everyone’s privacy and instructions.

Corporate clients are being characterized in fields: Hotels: SAFIR HOTEL AND RESIDENCES MOVENPICK- HOTEL KUWAIT

procedures and standing orders and we are looking to implement suitable quality control system that is internationally approved to reassure our clients when they are working with us and choose us they are getting exactly what they have paid for not less Externally: we are looking to introduce an new service to the market which we are currently developing it have to do with housekeeping and arranging peoples homes and privet things.

Also we are visiting a couple of international cleaning exhibitions to make sure that we are following technology.

Your message for us at CityPages?

Thank you for having me here for this lovely interview and my message to you is keep on educating us with your lovely magazine articles we are in need for it.

My message to your readers is that we at Clean Care are honored to serve you at anytime whether it is for a cleaning job or an advise, you are more than welcome to contact us.

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No More Monkeys Climbing on the Schools In 2002, Kuwait became the 158th country to sign on to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, better known as CITES. Signing into the convention is not a legal obligation like a treaty or a charter; rather, signatories guarantee that they will follow the procedures set forth by the convention. In short, CITES sets trade regulations and enforcement requirements for the trade of all animals and plants. In many cases there are no special requirements and animals may be traded in accordance with individual countries’ import/ export policies. In the case of threatened species, CITES certificates may be issued for trade, and in the case of endangered species, no trade is allowed except between specially licensed facilities such as zoos and sanctuaries. Most importantly for the purposes of this article, the CITES convention lays down guidelines for the enforcement of wildlife crimes and the process and procedures related to confiscation and housing of smuggled species. A traded animal that requires CITES certificates must have them, or it is an illegal trade and the animal must be handled in accordance with individual countries’ laws. Kuwait has promised to abide by all of the CITES provisions, but so far the trafficking of illegal wildlife is only getting worse.

December 6th, 2013. I am home, writing a grant for my other job as fundraising director for a small non-profit called Animal Balance. My phone rings, and it’s my daughter’s school. Ordinarily, a phone call from school during the day is a bad thing, and the administrator calling quickly assures me everything is fine with my daughter. Instead they are calling about quite a different issue: two baboons loose on the school grounds. The security guards are trying to keep them at bay, but the kids are mostly restricted to their rooms to avoid potentially dangerous wildlife. It so happens today I’m available, and my two animal control technicians are already driving towards the city. I quickly change into my uniform, grab my chemical capture kit and dart gun, and run out the door, stopping just long enough to grab some fruit. Bait is often critical in these kinds of captures.

two baboons and a classroom of school lunches. Baboons have their own special list of dangerous attributes. They are surprisingly strong and have sharp teeth. Furthermore, the list of diseases they can be carriers of include rabies, HIV and Hepatitis B. It’s a very long list indeed. Those attributes put together can be absolutely terrifying, particularly when you take into consideration baboon temperament and social structure.

Baboons have strong parental instincts. Therefore two baboons are much more dangerous than one alone, simply because one will defend the other. They are also fiercely protective of resources. The presence of food, a wrong step toward a younger baboon, really any movement at all can result in a bite or an all-out attack. It was prudent the school called in the wildlife professionals.

In fact, K’S PATH was not the first phone call the school made. First to respond were the police. They came, looked, said they would be back, and then left. I arrived within 20 minutes and started coming up with a plan. The first thing to do at the scene of any incident is to ensure safety of bystanders, self, then the animal in question, and I rapidly set about moving the security perimeter back to a safer distance and removing all possible spectators.

There are four ways to catch most animals: by trap, by hand, by tool, and by chemical capture (dart). At K’S PATH, we believe that the way an animal is captured must be as painless and stress free as possible, or we aren’t fulfilling our obligation as an animal welfare organization. Dart, therefore, is not usually a first choice. There are simply far too many things that can go wrong, particularly on an animal as small as a baboon, where a quick movement can mean death or injury instead of humane capture, and an animal feeling the effects of anesthesia while at a great height can be injured or killed. However, upon arrival, both baboons were on top of a playground sunshade. Trapping, hand capture, and tools were not immediately options. Given the urgency of the situation with children trapped and the risk of losing the baboons somewhere in the city, I opted to quickly dart the larger baboon and see if the smaller I drive fast; warning lights but no siren. All I can picture in my mind is one might be more approachable afterwards. I prepped my equipment 34

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and provided a one-minute crash course to a security guard on how to act as a capture assistant; give me blanket, gloves, or fruit as needed, make no noise, and don’t move unless it’s to keep the animals from moving towards the school.

I began by attempting to lure the baboons toward me so that I could set up the conditions necessary for chemical capture. These conditions for an animal as small as a baboon are pretty precise: a clear side-view of the rear leg, favorable wind, a safe backdrop, and a distance not greater than 15 meters. The trick is the animal needs to be still, and there should be little or no wind. All of these conditions have to be met, or no shot can be attempted to be made. A single dart loaded with drugs is about 6kd.

I began to try luring the animals down from their lofty perch by throwing pieces of fruit near them. Initially, this only scared them, and they ran along the outer wall, along the roof of a neighboring school, and finally down into a small yard used for building maintenance equipment. At this point I had hope of a gentle hand capture as the animals were coming very close to retrieve food, but they quickly grew wary of me and climbed over the outer wall. I attempted a dart shot on the larger baboon while I was perched on the top of the outer wall; lucky for him I missed, because the situation was about to develop into one with much more favorable conditions.

Following the attempted shot, the baboons again ascended to the roof of the neighboring school. Using my newly trained assistants, we were able to make the baboons feel trapped in something of an enclave on the roof. Now my staff arrived, bringing with them all of the equipment I hadn’t had time to put in my own truck. As I examined the roof, I noticed a door that looked like it lead to a small hallway-like room.

On closer examination, that’s exactly what it was: A hallway 5m long with a door on each end. To me, it was a perfect baboon trap. I gave instructions to my staff to bring their equipment inside the school to the other side of the second door. Then I took a page out of Hansel and Gretel and lay down of trail of fruit leading from inside the hallway to the roof. Within about two minutes I had lured both baboons into the hallway then gently closed the outer door, trapping them inside. They were not yet caught, but confinement is 90% of any capture.

the room. Doing so would have released the baboons into a school building filled with children. I quickly put a stop to their capers, buying enough time to get the baboons into a cage, using my gloved hands and an old broom found in the hall. Firm but gentle pressure and the patience born from thousands of captures won the day. The baboons were safely caught in less than an hour and were sent directly out to our I now entered the hallway with the baboons to begin to build trust. sanctuary to be seen by the K’S PATH veterinarian.

That’s when the police finally showed back up, attempting to barge into In the end, the police were very grateful for us having come to catch the baboons. The reality is that no matter how good their intentions, they are not equipped or trained to capture wildlife. The instincts needed to adapt to a changing wildlife situation are not born; they must be trained.

Wildlife professionals require a large toolbox of capture options and the training to use them. Currently, there is no one in Kuwait with this capability except for one un-funded non-profit organization, K’S PATH. Under CITES, Kuwait has agreed to have these professionals and to have a facility where seized animals can be taken. Kuwait is currently using the zoo for both of these things, and that is not an acceptable option for many reasons. Most important among them the fact that potentially diseased, smuggled wildlife should not be brought into a facility housing healthy rare and endangered species. For now, K’S PATH must provide these services and absorb all of these costs because there is no other options for these poor animals, the victims of human crime.

Kuwait has an obligation and the ability to do better. In the mean time, more cheetahs, lions, and baboons (to name only a few) are being brought into the country all the time and the problem continues to worsen. A small non-profit should not have to provide a government service without government funding, but, for the foreseeable future, that is exactly what is happening.

John Peaveler

A monthly article contributed by John Peaveler and Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi of K'S PATH

January, 2014

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ALI CHA'ABAN “A strong idea with powerful execution is a key element for creating a master piece of art” are the words said by 23 years old young Lebanese artist and director Ali Cha’aban. At such a young age Ali has a profound name in Arab world in the field of Art and Direction. Having Majored in Mass Media and communication it seems that he is perfectly ready for this field where he has set the standards for himself and is improving them with every new piece of art. Ali is a God gifted artist who is always self inspired and then matches his style and technique with his inspiration to create a perfect master piece every time he holds brush. For him, Canvas is the world and sky is the limit. Ali advises to young artists to be engaged with the world around them and never get frightened by the criticisms because fear is a friend and criticism makes you smarter. CityPages sat with Ali Cha’aban and got some in-depth details about and from this aspiring artist which will be a source of significance for our readers.

What inspired you to first start drawing? Did you struggle in your formative years or did it come easy to you?

I don’t think there was a certain time where I wasn’t inspired. I’m generally intrigued by my surroundings. Inspiration wasn’t the problem, finding your style and technique, however, was a difficult challenge. Initially, yes. Everyone struggles to create a harmony within him and the form of art he’d like to display. To know your limitations and your boundaries, and to what extent can you push those limits. It’s like being stuck in a constant paradox.

Tell us about your education?

I majored in Mass Media and Communication, and I minored in Anthropology. That pretty much sums up where my urge for creativity flourished. Human interaction as a whole is very intriguing.

Were you self-taught or formally educated? (or mixture of both, mentors etc…)

Back in high school I used to be in upper-level art classes that introduced us to mixed medias. That satisfied our creative appetite and introduced us to the many mediums that can be utilized to further develop your art or message. But in university I did nothing related to art, maybe a class of graphic design or two. However, actual education about this forms of work, no. So you can say I’m self-taught.

What describes your work or style of art?

Poster art. The whole process of printing them plays a big role in its aesthetic; whether textured, silkscreened along with special executions. I love posters, ever since the early 40’s and posters became an imminent form of way to display a message. Whether propaganda, awareness, advertising, and quite recently art. A side note: posters played a big role in boosting the morale of the soldiers back in World War II. How has your style changed over the years?

It has evolved quite sporadically. From Digital to graffiti, to mixing both and then later adding the typographic element. I feel like I’m still finding myself, when I started I was January, 2014

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heavily interested in the Pop Art culture, as my work has been maturing I find myself linked to my Arabism much more. I felt like my culture is more interesting, more complex and more subjective to explore. So now calligraphy is heavily involved as opposed to bright colors and humoristic artwork.

What do you believe is a key element in creating a good piece of art?

The idea. The idea is everything. A strong idea followed with a powerful execution. The very concept of developing a first, second and third draft before you present it is very important.

Make sure your heart is in it, you’re in your There’s a lot of mixed media work on the comfort zone, and don’t work when you’re market these days, how do you differentiate not in the mood, that will create a disaster. yours from the rest? In other words, what do you feel makes your work unique and truly Which artists or creators do you return to your own? for a quick boost of inspiration?

There is a lot. In fact artists nowadays are Jonathan Barnbrook, who claimed to have a dime a dozen. What I try to do is have an developed the graphic design bible. Reza important message to convey across the Abedini, whom I feel is a typographic artwork, a message to impact the viewer. Art philosopher. Ben Frost, a graffiti guru who is is meant for everyone, whether aesthetically very underrated. Looking at their work is like a pleasing or plain disgusting. Art is a means of breathe of fresh air. communication that is way more beautiful than any sort of medium. So the message is bold, How do you choose the subject of your daring, with hidden innuendos for the viewer art? to decipher. Whether they’re social or socio- Connectivity plays a huge role in this. Staying political or mainstream. connect with everyday news can be a great factor that impacts your work. I like to create What is your creative process like? work of what is in the “now,” what is fresh, My work begins in a little red book. I write what is recent and what is significant. those ideas down. Some of them evolve into a joke that is written on Twitter and others evolve Do you do anything in particular to seal into posters because I feel the idea should be your art? supported visually. But the fun thing, it’s always I'm more into "certificate of authentication" I humorous quotes and sayings from mainstream hate putting my logo or signature on a piece media than Arabized or Arabian ‫ امثال‬or sayings of artwork because I feel like it ruins its appeal. that get twisted or remixed. Like the whole But that's just me. I'm starting to stamp my concept of Art evolving from words is what artwork because I've been a victim of theft makes it count. when it comes to idea or even the entire

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artwork, once or twice.

What’s the last novel you read and last movie that you saw that you’d recommend?

Which movies and books do you always return to?

“Habibi” by Craig Thompson, a graphic novel masterpiece. And I currently started reading “Tipping With Allah” by Michael Muhammad Knight. A complex take on a Muslim’s drug use and it’s spiritual connectivity with religion.

I’m not much of a movie person, but I’d fall in love with a movie for its direction such as The Prestige, Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2, Sin City and The Watchmen. I adore anything produced

by Christopher Nolan, Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino and Zack Snyder. The graphic novel ‘Habibi’ remains as a personal favorite, it was recommended by a fellow genius/artist Jassim Al-Saddah, because of my interest in Arabic calligraphy and typography.

Current and upcoming projects?

2-3 projects depending on the time. One of them is called ‫ فيلم‬and the other is called ‫ مجتمعنا‬Remix. Mixes of both pop modern and the Arabic peninsula.

What would you tell an aspiring artist who is working hard but still needs and wants to break through to the next level?

Be engaged. Engage with the world around you. Put yourself out there and don’t fear criticism. Fear is a friend that is misunderstood.

Criticism helps built a smarter you.

Your message for us at CityPages: Expose more creative individuals, I think that CityPages does a great job in highlighting proper and smart entrepreneurs. Your formula of exposure is correct, you just need to apply it in a wider range and more frequently.

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Asnan Tower HOLDS CHARITY EVENTS AT QUOT MARKET #AsnanMarket

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Asnan Kids balloons

Asnan Kids booth

Quot Market

LOYAC mambers sells balloons for charity

Kids having fun at Asnan Kids Petting Zoo

Kids at Asnan Kids Petting Zoo

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7th December witnessed a great event organised by Asnan Tower at the Quot market. Balloons were sold to raise charity in co-operation with LOYAC. Asnan Tower also organised a Petting Zoo in cooperation with K'PATH where children were able to play with the animals. Asnan Tower donated a cheque for a house in Kuwait which is now being used for shelter of poor families. This inspirational event was held to spread awareness and grab people's attention especially kids and was sponsored by AsnanKids. Asnan Tower, being the biggest dental centre in the Middle East aims is to bring smiles and happiness in the society's and make them aware of what they are capable of providing for charity. Asnan Tower is trying to accomplish as many events like this and to keep it aims clear.

CityPages magazine has launched a new section ‘Asnan Live’ in collaboration with Asnan Tower to keep its readers updated with events and social activities organized

by Asnan Tower regularly.

Asnan Tower, being the biggest dental center in the Middle East, supports the social and cultural life in Kuwait. Hence, its very natural that it organises and sponsors variety of events on a regular basis.

You will enjoy exploring the exciting life of Asnan Tower and this section will enable you to be a part of Asnan family.

LOYAC Volunteers

Asnan Kids team with friends

Ascia visits Asnan Kids booth

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The Exposé The Golden Ratio Natures Number

Beauty seems to have a number. Known by many names throughout history as the golden proportion, golden mean, divine proportion, Phi (Φ, the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet) and most commonly, the golden ratio. It is a magical mathematical number hidden in plain sight whilst vibrating behind the balance of beauty and proportion found in numerous aspects from our organic and natural world to our known universe.

Sparking the imagination of countless prominent scholars, scientists, thinkers, mathematicians, architects, botanists, artists and astronomers for millennia as it was discovered, lost and rediscovered. People like the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, Euclid and Pythagoras, to Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, Renaissance astronomer Johannes Kepler and even Leonardo Da Vinci. Some believe it is irrefutable evidence of intelligent design, others consider it as a marvel of natures’ evolutionary genius.

Essential in mathematics, geometry and art, phi can be defined as 'the proportion arising from the division of a straight line into two segments so that the ratio of the whole line to the larger part is exactly the same as the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part'. This irrational ratio of proportionality suggests being a mathematical embodiment of natural aesthetic beauty as well as natures code towards optimal functionality.

We’ll get to that. First, a simple illustration on how we actually get Phi and what makes it so mysterious.

Starting at 0, each number is obtained by adding the previous number to the current: 0+1 = 1 1+1 = 2 1+2 = 3 2+3 = 5 3+5 = 8 Continuing this process indefinitely, we get the Fibonacci sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987 …

Simple really.

Now here is where phi comes into play. By dividing the current number to the previous, in other words always the larger number by the smaller number, you will notice that the sequence strives closer and closer to phi as we move up. It continually swings over and under the phi ratio, never quite getting there until eventually we can’t quite visually tell the difference.

If we start creating squares using the Fibonacci sequence we get a Fibonacci or “Golden” rectangle. Add a curve arching from one corner to the opposite corner; we get the Fibonacci spiral, which can be seen throughout the natural world.

Lets take a line, if you divide a line into two parts so that: the longer part divided by the smaller part; is also equal to the whole length; divided by the longer part; then you will have:

As we keep creating new squares size-based on the next Fibonacci number, the pattern of the spiral becomes more and more spirally, fine-tuned if you may, as it approaches phi but then again never quite reaching it. Peculiarly, this spiral phenomenon along with the Fibonacci sequence and phi are all around us. Here are a few examples.

The Golden Ratio or Φ = 1.6180339887… continues indefinitely.

Nautilus Shell

To fully recognize phi, one has to recognize a weird yet fascinating series of numbers, perhaps the most famous mathematical sequence of all time, the Fibonacci sequence, named after Leonardo of Pisa. Leonardo is best known to the modern world for spreading of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe through his 1202 A.D. book “Liber Abaci”, in which he mentioned these mysterious numbers significantly. So how does this relate to phi? The Fibonacci sequence is nature’s instinctive way of generating phi. For those who are not familiar with this famous Each new chamber is proportioned sequence, here’s a quick crash course introduction. by phi relative to the preceding chamber.

The Fibonacci Sequence 42

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Galaxies

As above, so below…

Sunflowers

Sunflowers have a golden spiral seed arrangement. This offers a biological advantage because it maximizes the number of seeds that can be packed into a seed head.

In The Human Body Faces are filled with examples of the Golden Ratio. The mouth and nose are each positioned at golden sections of the distance between the eyes and the bottom of the chin. Comparable proportions can been seen from the side, and even the eye and ear itself.

It is important to realize that different people have different bodies, however averages of a wide range of populations tend towards phi. It has been said that the closer our proportions adhere to phi, the more "attractive" those traits are perceived to be.

Art & Design ‘Without mathematics there is no art’. The words of famous Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli are quite suitable from a mathematical perspective, especially bearing in mind the most stunning and attractive works of art ever created. From Leonardo Da Vinci’s Saint Jerome and Mona Lisa, to Michelangelo’s legendary David sculpture.

When phi is used in design, it plays on a natural language that our brains are hardwired to interpret. Since phi is all around us, it becomes a comfortable ratio and so, naturally, it’s as if we have been trained to find it pleasing to our eyes. Designers who use phi undoubtedly create designs that are more effective and visually alluring. If you haven’t, then start using it and compare your results.

We have 8 fingers in total, 5 digits on each hand, 3 bones in each finger, 2 bones in each thumb and 1 thumb on each hand. The ratio of our forearm and our hand is phi. Phi is apparent in the sections of each finger. Beauty transcends our metaphysical ideals of what constitutes it.

Maybe it can be justified on a scientific level with phi being the source to unlocking its secrets. If ever there was a blueprint for aesthetically pleasing creations whether animate or inanimate, phi could most If you divide the length of certainly be that blueprint. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that many your forearm (elbow to great artists and designers, men who dedicated most of their lives in wrist) by the length of your pursuing the perfect artistic expression of beauty, embraced this ‘divine hand, you'll get phi. The proportion’ in most if not all of their work. distance between your shoulder line and the top of So why are we not taught anything about this in school? This is not just your head, divided by the applicable mathematics, it is inspirational, eye opening and to some even length of your head will give life changing. It can transform how someone observes and interacts with you phi. the natural world around them.

In Nature, Plants, Growth Patterns…

Most of the plant world seems to adhere to phi and the Fibonacci sequence in regards to appearance as well as functionality. The amount of petals in a flower constantly conforms to the Fibonacci sequence. A Lily for example has three petals, Buttercups have five, Chicory's got 21, Daisy's have 34, and so on. Phi appears in petals allowing optimal exposure to sunlight while avoiding complete blockage from new petals due to the ideal arrangement each petal is angled towards.

As Arthur Benjamin wonderfully put it, “mathematics is not just solving for X, it’s also figuring out WHY.” One cannot dismiss the significance of this irrational number.

Theoretically, beauty itself doesn’t have to be rational, or does it? Many have attempted to define beauty and what makes beautiful things appear to us as beautiful. It’s certainly a subjective assessment, as they say, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’.

In the words of Sam Hafford, “This simple number, so much more than just another ordinary decimal, allows us to appreciate the ordinary world in a most extraordinary way, perhaps that in itself is beauty.” Perhaps it is.

Perhaps that’s precisely why it is irrational, unattainable and inaccessible whilst being ever so close to phi is evidently just as satisfying.

Whether you believe this is more evidence of intelligent design or that phi is the epitome of an ever-present evolutionary process, both should equally be in awe of the beauty it creates. There seems to be a sense of order in a lot of the chaos around us. It would be more than worth our while to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of phi.

The Fibonacci sequence is also evident in the way most species of plants branch out and the number of leaves at any stage of growth will almost always be a Fibonacci number. Cauliflowers, Broccoli, Pinecones, Pineapples and just about anything that is “pine” based, will most certainly display Fibonacci sets of parallel spirals. Hurricanes and tornados seen from above also exhibit this phenomenon.

Abdullah Y. Shams Al-Deen Abdullah is a graduated with a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from California State University at Northridge - Los Angeles, California. Abdullah was a columnist for the National Union of Kuwaiti Students in America, Nebras E-zine for almost 4 years covering a wide range of topics from the oil industry and technology to sports and culture.

An investigative Journalist at heart, researching and presenting intriguing, inspirational and important topics that otherwise do not find the light of day gives his great satisfaction. Follow Abdullah on Instagram @a_shamsideen

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Holds her much awaited annual exhibit of oriental carpets at Gallery Tilal from 5-30 January Aydah Merza is someone I have had the pleasure of previously interviewing and working with and am always keen on sitting with because an hour with her is quite the educational experience; especially for those who, like me are quite clueless about the revered art of oriental carpet making.

By: Kinda AlFaris

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Picking up where we left off last time where Aydah was still in her buying phase, traipsing the world for choice finds and for new pieces to add to her already vast collection of stunning oriental carpets, I asked her the most obvious question of her whereabouts from January of 2013 until today.

The interview was conducted at her house as she was in the throes of preparation of her annual exhibit that she is having this month at Gallery Tilal. She points out all the carpets rolled up waiting to be collected by the gallery staff and I see quite a stack as she has her coffee and works on double checking that the names on the invitations are all correct. She also shows me a copy of her new book that she recently published featuring her carpet collection to be handed out with the beautifully made invitations. I learn that she is recently back from Russia where she visited the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg Russia and Hanover, Germany where she attended the annual Domotex Carpets Exhibition.

As expected while all that was taking place she began to teach me some more about carpets, such as how to tell the difference between pure silk, and wool blends, the types of inks and how to ascertain their authenticity. She advises me on methods used in restoring old and damaged carpets and how to avoid being cheated by zealous carpet sellers, how even she (at the beginning of her journey) did once fall victim of certain seller of carpets who managed to sell her a phony carpet; upon cleaned she discovered that the inks ran – where with original carpets they are not supposed to bleed on to each other 46

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(another indication of authenticity). Aydah took her complaint to the Union of Carpet Makers of Asfahan, who took action immediately.

Only then did I also learn that there are unions who take action on behalf of the buyers and the producers as well. Not surprisingly, the head of the union turned out to be the son of possibly the biggest name synonymous with carpets in the world of oriental carpets and rugs. Hence this should comfort those who chose to invest their money in carpets that their rights are somewhat protected and the suppliers are policed. I asked her then how she guarantees the legitimacy of the pieces she sells, to which she shows me a copy of a certificate that she provides to the owner. This certificate states the type of carpet and its characteristics, and date. She does this for all her carpets, and this is what sets her apart from many of the individual carpet dealers.

When asked what her setbacks were this year, she states that they have been few and far between, adding that her clientele have been extremely supportive and avidly await her exhibitions. The things she is keen to immerse herself in is the world of antique carpets and has a plan to visit more exhibits and markets this year in addition to attending the annual exhibits. She has commissioned a few representative buyers to procure the pieces she wants while she plans to follow her new passion for old carpets.

Her advice to someone who wants to follow their passion the same way Aydah has after leaving her long corporate career is one “must” love what they do, and that “it’s perfectly alright to start from scratch, with not a penny in the bank”. She guarantees that “when you start selling the money will come, you need to be very patient and not to expect immediate results”. She states that instant gratification will eventually kill ones ambition and morale; and that nothing beats patience and hard work.

Aydah’s Carpets can be found at Gallery Tilal from the 5th – 30th of January, or log on to her new website www.aydahcarpets.com for contact information and more.

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Let’s Go Forward Event 240k Challenge run and a 10k Race is held in March 2014.

Yousef AlQanai is a Personal Development Advocate, Ultra Runner, Founder & CEO of Forward Events.

In his early years Yousef struggled with his weight as a teenager; weighing 130KG (286 Pounds) Yousef challenged himself to change the course of his life. At the age of 17, he began taking his first steps towards healthier living. With a set goal in mind, Yousef continued to work hard with extreme dedication until he was finally 50KG lighter. His personal transformation gave rise to his interest in helping others realize their own inner strengths, in turn, this is when the concept of Forward was incepted.

Striving for personal growth and empowering others, Yousef completed the toughest footrace on earth, the 250K Marathon des Sables (MdS) in the hot deserts of Morocco for a period of 6 days, marking the beginning of a series of personal achievements. Which then led to the launch of the Let’s Go Forward 240k challenge run (formerly known as RunKuwait) from Kuwait’s northern to its southern borders in 6 days. He did the run twice in 2012 and 2013 and now it is a much bigger event with a larger reach taking place on March 5th 2014 to March 10th as the Let’s Go Forward Event.

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world” – Howard Zinn

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Yousef AlQanai January, 2014

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From Kuwait Marathon organised by Forward on 3rd November 2013 - LetsGoForward.com

Hyndai RunKuwait 240K run challenge from Kuwait's northern to its southern bordrs, February 2013.

Tell us about The Let’s Go Forward Event Let’s Go Forward is a sport running event that empowers its participants who have society’s well being at heart. The event not only entertains the athletic crowd but also facilitates channels for people to contribute and give-back to the world nurturing their sense of purpose.

The Event’s campaign puts its vision into reality through The 240k Challenge and The 10k Race The 240k Challenge a group of 8 runners including myself will run the entire country from its northern to its southern borders, a distance of 240km in 6 days to raise awareness for The Forward Initiative helping those in need.

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From Kuwait Marathon organised by Forward on 3rd November 2013 - LetsGoForward.com

The 10k Race and The 3k Fun Run When runners of the 240k Challenge reach the Salmiya area, a 10k – Ten Kilometer Race and a 3k Fun Run will be held starting at the scientific center

Lets put it simple, If we don’t run the 240k, there wont be sponsors and therefore no event, no event means no awareness and exposure for the forward initiative helping those in need.

Why are you doing all this? Running a whole country, 240k running, the fatigue, the difficulties?

I get this question a lot, why run the entire country, it makes no sense.

Well, I’v made a decision long time ago that I want to dedicate my life helping others and I believe everyone should ‘give back’ one way or another. In order to get donations and raise awareness for those in need, an extraordinary event must take place to attract the media attention and sponsorships.

Why did you choose the Ultra running sport as your channel to contribute?

The hardship of running an ultra distance such as the 240k symbolize the hardship of those in need, you have to feel the difficulties in order to be able to give back.

What Is The Forward Initiative?

The Forward Initiative wristbands is a charity system that invites participants in the Let’s Go Forward event to wear one upon their registration.

Hyndai RunKuwait 240K run challenge

Wristbands will be given to the 10k Race runners upon their registration.

From the revenue generated there will be an allocated amount that will be given to local charities and the rest will be used to sponsor children in need from poor / developing countries. The Forward Initiative aims to provide these children with life’s basic needs such as shelter, proper food distribution, and education in order for them to have a better future.

Yousef signing some T-shirts for fans during the Hyundai RunKuwait 240K challenge

Our golden sponsors are Asnan Tower, Diet Your Message for CityPages Readers Care, Yacob Behbehani (Luminox), K rich Thank You for reading my interview, Our Supporters are CityPages Magazine, Atom Fitness, Healthylicious, Blue Circle, Lulu I invite you to support The Forward Initiative AlBassam Fitness Nutritionist, and The Scientific by joining the 10k race or the 3k fun run to Center; which is where the 10k race will be. help those in need. You will get a wrest band with your participation and by wearing it know What is your Dream? that someone somewhere is getting a chance Let’s Go Forward Around The World, a for a better future. distance of 33,350 Kilo meters done in three years to raise awareness for the Forward Initiative

Who are the sponsors?

I will start by Thanking CityPages for their What is Next? support starting with this interview to help raise Follow YousefAlQanai on Instagram: awareness for the event.

I'm currently planning to do Let’s Go Forward instagram.com/YousefAlQanai Our official partners are Ali Abdulwahab & QATAR and DUBAI, which is all a Pre-Launch Personal Website: alqanai.com Sons Co through their brand Nike Stores for Let’s Go Forward Around The World.

Contact Yousef: yousef@alqanai.com January, 2014

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Legumes Love Affair Legumes are often called “the poor people’s meat,” however, they technically should be known as “healthy people’s meat”. The term legume is used to refer to beans and lentils. In both, Australian and the American healthy eating guide, the plate model is split into 5 food groups where legumes shares a spot with both ‘meat/protein’ food group and the ‘vegetables’ food group, possibly reflecting the importance of including them in your daily diet.

Legumes are quite the fighters when it comes to kicking chronic diseases.They are known to lower cholesterols levels due to the presence of soluble fibre which lower the risk of coronary heart disease. Since they are also made up of protein and are low in saturated fat (unlike meat), they can easily be substituted in place of meat for a heart healthy meal.

The presence of high dietary fibre and its low GI property make it the perfect choice for people with diabetes or those who are watching their weight. It helps control the blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after a meal and keeps you fuller for longer. It also boasts a significant amount of antioxidants, folic acid, magnesium, iron and B-group Vitamins.

5 Tips for eating more legumes 1. Enjoy baked beans on whole grain toast for a filling breakfast 2. Add lentils to your favorite soup recipe this winter.

2. Use a pressure cooker or a crock pot to bring the legumes to a gentle boil and then simmer for 1 hour. (Avoid stirring to prevent legumes from breaking) 3. Feel free to use any seasoning that are salty or acidic such as tomatoes, lemon juice or any other citrus juices only after the legumes are cooked, otherwise adding these ingredients will increase the cooking time.

4. The water used to cook the legumes contains a fair amount of Vitamin B and Folic acid that leaches into the water during the cooking process. It is best to try use the liquid when possible. For e.g. in stew/ soups If you are not able to soak overnight, follow the method below (end result is slightly mushy compared to the previous method).

Method TWO: 1. For each cup dried legumes you want to cook, add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to a pot with appropriate amount of water and bring the legume to boil for 2 minutes.

2. Set aside to soak for 1 hour and then cook as mentioned above (i.e bring to boil, then simmer for 1 hour).

Keep in mind; you will need additional water when cooking. As a rough guide, about ¼ – ½ cup extra water per cup of legumes

3. Make your own low fat hummus and serve with baby carrots or celery sticks Dietitian's tip: If using canned legumes for convenience, rinse them after opening to snack on. the can to remove excess salt and additives that is added during the canning process.

4. Add your choice of beans to stir-fry dishes.

5. Add four bean mixes to your salad.

How to cook your own legumes

Sanaa Abdul Hamid

Method ONE: 1. Soak them overnight in plenty of water and refrigerate it (to reduce cooking time and prevent fermentation). Skim off any skins that float to the surface and rinse them again with clean water.

Sanaa holds Masters of Clinical Dietetics from University of Queensland, Australia and is an Clinical dietitian at Hadi Hospital . Sanaa is a also a blogger and very active on Instagram.

Read more from Sanaa at: Blog: www.fit-n-fancy.com , Instagram: Sanaa_dietitian

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Reem Al Mulla

Reem Al Mulla is a young Kuwait Artist and poet. She has recently completed her bachelors from GUST with major in Management Information System. At a very young age Reem has already inspired many people around her who watch her work with a lot of amazement and admiration. While getting inspiration for herself from the tiny things around her like daily experiences, movies, songs…etc, her work is a source of inspiration for the upcoming artists. According to Reem 'Art' is world of expression without limits; you can express anything through your art. CityPages sits with this young inspiring artist to bring further details for its readers.

Please introduce yourself to our readers?

Greetings readers, my name’s Reem Almulla, an artist and an English poet with passion and dreams, favorite music is metal music, adores vintage and strange things, a spontaneous Aquarius.

Please tell us about your education?

I’m a fresh graduate from GUST University Kuwait, bachelors in Management Information Systems.

What describes your work or style of art?

My style of art is Surrealism which is defined drawing ones imagination and fantasy through using specific colors, symbols, and expressing emotions with a touch of cartoony style 56

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How do you go about drawing, and what goes through your mind, from start to end?

Before or when I start drawing, I have to inspired by an idea which can either by daily life, peoples experiences, movies, songs… etc. When I become inspired I pick the elements in my mind, choose the colors then start drawing my idea on a sketch.

What are some of the things that you have worked on?

Sometimes I like to draw mini comics, comic strips and pin ups for another idea of drawing, and sometimes I draw my own short stories.

What are your other hobbies besides sketching?

What is your most favorite subject to I write English poetry that’s my second hobby. draw? And why?

Masks and mimes, they represent mystery Who do you think are some of the top artists out there? and hidden feelings.

To my personal perspective In Kuwait, As an artist, who inspires and influences Abdullah Safar and Anfal Al Baqsami for your work? surrealism art, In the US Glenn Arthur and Mostly by myself, then my family and close Rik Lee. friends.

What wisdom could you give us, about What do you believe is a key element in being an Artist? Do you have any tips you creating a good piece of art? could give?

Strong passion within an artist is the true key Art is a world of free expression without element in creating a good piece of art. limits, so my tip to my fellow artists is to be your own art and never be something in your What part of designing is most fun and art which isn’t your own. easy, and what is most hard?

Coloring is the most fun and easy, and the Your message for us at CityPages: Thank you for the honor to be interviewed hardest is inking the details. in CityPages, I deeply appreciate it from all What are some of the things that you do of my heart, and thank you for every reader to keep yourself creative? who will read my interview.

Using different materials, tools, colors and Be yourself, it’s the first step to become what listen to music. always you dream of.

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Arabic Scent

Arabian perfumes have long been alluring the world with their distinct fragrances and are now the same with ancient heritage as well as fine luxury.

With a history spanning more than 1000 years, Arabian perfumes are steeped in exotic and local traditions. Take a walk down any of the Middle Eastern souks, be it the Khan Al Khalili street in Cairo, the Sikkat Al Khalili street in Dubai or Al Mubarakia souk in Kuwait, it will surely be one smelly affair that you won’t forget anytime soon.

The base in traditional Arabian perfumes is jasmine, amber, musk and oud. The common fragrance for men is Rose Flower oil (Dhan al Ward). In the MiddleEast the one of the best roses are found in the Valley of Taif in Saudi Arabia.

The two popular types of Arabic perfumes are Oud and Bukhoor, apart from attars and pure natural oils. Oud is naturally fragranced wood that can be used on the skin and Bukhoor burnt to let the smoke spread a smell in the house, on your clothes and into the woman hair!

With depression striking about every industry in the region, perfumes business have been doing very well. The global perfume market is predictable to expand rapidly to reach sales of US$33 billion by the year 2015, according to a 2011 report by Global Industry Analysts. Perfumes manufactured in Arabia currently account for USD 270 million of global sales, rising by almost 20% in 2012.

Therefore, the way of perfumes marketing is like an art and aesthetics that plays a huge role in determining the shapes of the extravagant bottles. New ideas and designs are being used to capture the essence of the perfume and to gain the customer attractiveness. Packaging is also important, it always should be like an art painting. The perfume must look beautiful that reflect the nice smell of the scent.

Arabic culture and perfumes are brilliant! As a matter of truth, it would be acceptable to power today's perfume industry for the Arabians, regardless if the manufactories locations in Europe for example, in my opinion the perfumes fashion depends on the Arabic tastes, flavors and demand. Historically in the 58

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Arabic culture and perfume, Arabs located in a dry part in the planet and desert, so by far the most viable economic movement over the centuries has been trade and they are famous for their trading activities.

They travel from a single side of the dessert to another on camels for trading with people from various communities. Through these travels, they're able to gather a wide collection of spices which are engaged within the making of Arabic perfumes. Oud one example utilized as a perfume since ancient times which was from India. Oud is usually a piece of wood which includes a sweet smell, when burnt the smoke produce by it can be pleasant.Oud also is used in the course of different functions. Oud oil could also be extracted and bottled.

A further with the Arabic perfumes is Bakhoor (smoke perfumes). It has been applied within the Arabic culture which can be created up of a mixture of spices.

Bakhoor looks like smaller coals which are burnt to make a pleasant scent. The Arabs also grew their very own plants which have been used in producing of perfumes. Jasmine was the famous well-known of these plants. Oil perfumes played a important role within the Arabic perfume, premium oil perfumes had been extracted from a wide selection of materials for example agar wood, frankincense and flowers like roses.

Frankincense was also a significant perfume inside the Arabic civilization which features a sweet aromatic scent, nevertheless frankincense cannot be employed by everybody because it is high priced and mostly utilized for religious purposes.

Finely, the Arabic perfumes and test is very important in the world perfumes industry, to note that Oud, bakhoor and oil perfumes are majorly applied in the manufacturing of contemporary day Arabic perfumes..

ASAMA Perfumes

The creative method gave ASAMA Perfumes the time and the opportunity to craft fragrances while working with the highest quality ingredients in a bottle and using Arabic and Western scents as a unique concept point for the fragrances. They welcome your comments at pr@asamaforever.com. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @ASAMAPerfumes

Model: Priya Sidani Photographer: Pisces Photography Hair & Makeup: Fresh Look Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Special Thanks to: May AlEissa Shop n Drop @shopndrop

Alaa & Esraa AlMutawa Hangers Boutique @hangerskwt

Haya AlFassam Bliss Boutique @blisskwt

Maja Bencic Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait @radissonbluhotelkuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: Top: American Retro Pants: Bleulab Jacket: American Retro available at Bliss Boutique and Clutch from Shop n Drop , Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: Dress: Night Cap by: Carisa Rene: available at Shop n Drop , Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: Dress: For Love & Lemon available at Shop n Drop , Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: Skirt: American Retro: available at Bliss Boutique, Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: T-Shirt: Fashion Attack Trousers: Mounay available at Hangers Boutique , Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Priya Sidani is wearing: Dress: Jolie Moi available at Hangers Boutique , Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait

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Next Payments Pay with your mobile

A Kuwaiti company that offers an easily integrated mobile payment service has Designed, developed, and established in Kuwait by the remarkable work of two been evidently making its way into the market, with many payment methods in entrepreneur brothers Sayed Abbas Al-Mohri and Sayed Hussain Al-Mohri, the co-founder of the company. Both are graduates of Virginia Tech University in the market, Next Payments offers one of a kind service.

Virginia State, USA, who worked hard to make a change in the modern Kuwait.

The use of mobile technology has become widespread with astonishing speed Next Payments deals with in house production and have managed to gather all over the world introducing advanced methods into payment industry. It is an highly talented and hard working Kuwaiti professionals to create a more innovate unconventional payment method; instead of paying with cash, check, or credit enjoyable and one of a kind work environment. cards, a consumer can pay using only his/her mobile phone for a wide range of The system at this time runs on a prepaid basis, with a token number involved; services.

Merchants access the system through Next Business app to create a token Next Payments is a mobile-based payment service. The idea is simple and for their customers. The business holder simply inserts the invoice amount convenient for businesses and customers. Customers can simply get started into the application and the system generates a code, which should be given by downloading the app from App Store or Google Play searching "Next Pay". to the customers. Customers using Next Pay app enter the token number in Whereas Business owners search "Next Business" app .The main objective is to their application and proceed with the payment. Next Pay accounts can easily establish an efficient and convenient payment system available for everyone, by get recharged using bank cards, and be ready to pay to all stores that provide providing the luxury of paying from any place in the globe with the only condition the service. Only available in Kuwait as of now, but also having in mind to go of both the merchant and the customer devices be connected to the Internet. international, Next Payments deals with all banks in Kuwait efficiently.

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Next Payments offers: Convenience - you don't need to carry your wallet, you can have your phone as

your wallet and pay on the go.

Enjoyable experience - it is one of the fastest payment services in the world, averaging 15 seconds or less to process a transaction.

Highly Reliable - ultra high security measures with outstanding system

performance to ensure a reliable service, Dr. Hussain Almohri, a professor in Kuwait University with a PhD in Networks and Systems Security handles security critically.

Privacy - no customer private data is disclosed to any unauthorized party. All your data remains private and safe.

Availability - you can pay to whoever you want over the distance without the

need for being at the business location or the store.

Next Payments is on the way of becoming the next trend in Kuwait, a revolutionary technology that is bond to shine with a bright future. Take a moment to download and get started with this new innovate technology.

To get in touch: Instagram: @nextpayments Twitter: @nextpayments Website: Support@techkw.com Phone: +965 22217380

T H E K U WA I T I Halah Faisal AlHajji

A graduate from Kuwait University with a positive outlook on life, on my journey of self discovery in finding the right balance of living . A lover of fashion, fitness, traveling, food and all things innovate. Lets make 2014 count thought positively and hard work and inspire each other one step at a time.

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Abdullah Al Essa “Great things happen by chance” is a phrase which fits very well for the young Abdullah AlEssa, because at the age of 12 when he was downloading Adobe on his computer, he never knew that he is going to have a passion for it in his future. He is now 21 and has recently graduated from ACK. Abdullah is s graphic designer and a photographer as well but if you will ask him about his first choice, he would say ‘Graphic Designing’. As far as photography is concerned Abullah does outdoor shoots as well but his preference is for studio work. We are proud to announce that Abdullah has also joined our team and as a matter of fact, the amazing cover of this issue is shot by no other than himself. Ladies and gentlemen; may we introduce you to Abdullah Al Essa: Hi, Please introduce yourself to our then create it the way you imagined it; Imagination can play a big role in this field and "there are no limits readers: My name is Abdullah AlEssa, I'm 21 years old, an ACK graduate (Majoring in business management) My hobbies include: Photography, Graphic Design and some other things.

to imagination".

Can you tell us about a few of your graphic design projects you have done for clients?

How did you get your start in photog- Sure, raphy? What came first? Photography •Family Comes First -Home based business (Branding) or Graphic Designing?

Graphic Design: I got into Graphic Design first; when I was 12 years old I basically downloaded Adobe Photoshop into my computer without knowing that it would be a passion of mine. As I kept learning more about graphic design, I downloaded Adobe Illustrator, which added more to my capabilities, widened my capacity and took me into new levels of graphic design. I have been trying my best to learn something new everyday for the past 9 years, for more than one reason: • It is not just art, it is a passion of mine.

• it is a highly competitive field.

• The diversity of the field Photography: I got into Photography when I was 14 years old.

One day, my older brother (Bader) showed me a photograph that he had taken and it captivated me, so I bought a camera just to take a similar photograph, and I did. Ever since then, I've been in love with photography.

How would you describe your work?

I don't like to stick to a specific style of work, most of my work in photography is related to studio photography, but, I also do outdoor photography.

In graphic design, I do branding (including: logo deign, banners, flyers, role-ups, etc.)

•Obra De Arte - Home based business (Logo Design) •Birwaz - Conference (Branding) •Pick A Pic - My personal photography studio (Branding) These are some of the projects that I've worked on

What is Pick-a-Pick Studio? How and when did the idea come up?

Pick A Pic Studio is a mobile photography studio, but I also have a place for customers who prefer coming to the studio.

The services that the studio offers: • Photography • Graphic design I've had the idea in my mind for a long while, but in May-2013 as a project in a class that I was taking I created the studio. I was so passionate about it, that I couldn't end the project when the semester ended.

How is the response so far?

People are showing appreciation and interest and I appreciate that, and hopefully it will keep growing as a business, but since the studio is kind of new, not many people have heard about it.

Are there any photographers and graphic designers who have influenced you?

What’s the best subject for you when I'm usually influenced by work, not people. what I mean is: you want to take a photo?

As I said, I don't like to stick to one subject, but the most preferable field of photography is studio photography. Studio photography is a very big field, it is a field where you can imagine the photograph and

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there aren't specific photographers/graphic designers who have influenced me, I usually get influenced by the projects I see.

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Do you think that flickr has changed My laptop, a pencil and a sheet of paper to sketch on photography by providing young pho- Photography equipment: tographers with a convenient way to My laptop, my camera and the studio equipment showcase their works?

Yes I do, but I also think that lately flickr got overshadowed by applications/websites such as: • Instagram: Instagram wasn’t originally created for business accounts to show their work, but it provides a very easy and friendly environment. Also, more people use Instagram than flickr.

• Behance: Behance is a website/application that provides a space for any kind of art to be shown, artists from all categories can show their projects on behance.

Who are some people that inspire you?

I look at the work that people do, not the people themselves.

What was the best advice you ever got about succeeding in the world of photography?

"Use what you have to get what you don't have" "Go wild with your imagination"

What's the best thing someone's said to you about your work?

People have said so many nice things about my work, but the thing that excites me the most, is when someone says "I LOVE YOUR WORK"

What equipment can you not be without?

Graphic design equipment:

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(including: flashes, tripods, Chrome, etc.)

How do you feel about joining the CityPages magazine team?

I am loving it!

VIDEOGAME OF THE YEAR: 2013 2013 has been an excellent year for gaming, especially that that year truly marked the beginning of the new generation by the release of the PS4 and the XBOX One. A lot of good games have been released this year, and playing them was super fun. But of course, playing the games is not as fun as picking a game of the year; it’s hard work! Picking a favorite game for me, is as hard for me as for a mother to pick a favorite child. Haha.

Anyways, for one to pick a game as a game of the year, many normal games have to be ignored, and the subject and comparison would be between the greatest games of the year. It’s even hard for two people to pick the same game of the year, so I’ll have to mention the runner-ups as well, so no one would get sad for his game not at least being nominated for the Game of the Year award. And with no further ado, I shall begin:

5. The Last of Us The whole world is falling apart because of a fungal infection that is turning people into flesh-eating zombies, and only a few survivors with two opposing military groups fighting each other in order to preserve the rations and survive on their own. You are escorting Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, to the capital city hoping she might be carrying the cure to this disease. The game takes a survival horror approach to the 3rd person action genre making it unique and very much fun and downright creepy!

Genre: Third Person Action Developer: Naughty Dog Release Date: 14th of June Rating: M Console: PS3

4. Fire Emblem: Awakening Radiant worlds? Check. Fun gameplay? Check. Most amazing Original Soundtrack of the year? Double check! This game has it all, using the same Fire Emblem formula we grow up with and loved. In this game, you take on the role of the hero who after fighting the demon lord is immediately fallen, then awakened by Chrom, the prince, only to see that the biggest countries are on the verge of war with the dead rising and the malevolent forces of the greatest empires. The game is, like the rest of the Fire Emblem franchise, Turn-based Strategy — that means, it’s like a normal JRPG but requires a lot of strategizing.

Genre: Strategy Developer: Intelligent Systems Release Date: 4th of February Rating: T Console: 3DS

3. Super Mario 3D World Even after 28 years, each Super Mario title re-establishes the foundations of the platformer genre, and gaming altogether. Super Mario 3D requires you AGAIN to defeat Bowser and save 4 fairy princess. THANK GOD PEACH IS A PLAYABLE CHARACTER IN THIS GAME. Anyway, the world is really crisp, and the levels are all top-notch. In this field, Nintendo knows how to deliver every single time, and it makes each Super Mario game a must! The game is a Type B platformer, in which it’s not an open world, but a dynamic one where you are always forced to go to the next place.

Genre: Platformer Developer: Nintendo EAD Release Date: 18th of November Rating: E Console: Wii U

2. Bioshock Infinite

Irrational Games is known for creating amazing worlds, just like Rapture in Bioshock, or the Von Braun in System Shock 2. And in this game, Colombia, the city in the sky, is even more amazing than the previous two. Set in a steampunk 1912, the player, Booker Dewitt is requested to ‘save the girl to wipe away the debt’. In his odyssey in the floating sky city, he has to save Elizabeth with an arsenal of weaponry and a fine selection of vigors that work like magic to help him on his way through the civil wars and time rifts, and all the madness happening above the clouds.

The game takes the first person shooter genre to its extremes, with some RPG influences.

Genre: FPS Developer: Irrational Games Release Date: 26th of March Rating: M Console: PC

1. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch At first, I didn’t want to give this game The Game of the Year award considering that it was a port (it was originally released on the NDS back in 2010), but then I remembered that it was only in Japan so we had no chance of experiencing it. But now that it was ported to the PS3, and it’s the first time we experience it, I figured that I can… and I should!

This game is nothing short of amazing. It’s about Oliver, a kid who his mother died on him, and a fairy told him that he could save her if he went to Ni no Kuni (the other world), he has a chance of bringing her back to life. In his amazing adventure in the world of Ni no Kuni, he has to defeat the White Witch, and the evil one Shadaar in order to save Ni no Kuni, which was infested with monsters.

Genre: JRPG Developer: Level-5 Release Date: 22nd of January Rating: E+10 Console: PS3

Other good games of 2013 that sadly didn’t make it into the list are: DmC, Antichamber, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Tomb Raider, Pandora’s Tower, Metro: Last Light, Pikmin 3, Dragon’s Crown, Rayman Legends, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, The Wonderful 101, Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Tearaway.

Adnan Najeeb Al-Abbar

Adnan is studying Theoretical Physics at the college of Sciences and Technology in Kuwait University. His Hobbies include Anime, manga, heavy metal, jazz, gaming, writing, and reading. In Writing field he is into Reviews, critiques, essays, plays, and short short-stories.

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By: Oussama T. Hussein Having finished his studies in computer science in mid 90s, he discovered that he also has a great passion for diamonds and jewelry. Osama decided to go to America where he studied gemology in one of the highly recognized university in terms of gemology GIA. He obtained 8 diplomas throughout his gemology study itinerary and he was lucky enough to immediately work for a pioneer of jewelry in the Middle-East, Mr. Robert Mouawad in Saudi Arabia. His career at Mouawad lasted for around 5 years during which he learned that passion and ambition are the only ways to succeed in the world of jewelry. He moved after that to Qatar and then to Dubai where he had the chance to work in one of the biggest companies of jewelry and watches --Swatch Group International. Osama was appointed as the Regional Brand Manager for MENA and India region of a unique brand called Leon Hatot, an exclusive diamond brand that made a lot of success. He moved to Kuwait a couple of years ago, where he was once again lucky to work with Kallista Holding Company which is in fact one of the biggest Joailliers in Kuwait and practically amongst few jewelers that have their own factory and make their own designs. He is the brand manager at Kallista Holding and takes care of developing existing products and new products as well in addition to his managerial role that is to maintain the great image of the company in all ways and to get its customers better services.

The jewelry and diamond field is a very sophisticated yet exigent and demanding, it necessitates a lot of hard work and ambition and great skills to keep update with everything going around you and to give your customers the perfect product that will just make them feel special and unique.

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JANUARY BIRTHSTONE IS GARNET Garnet, the birthstone for January, signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend Where are Garnets found?

Red Color Garnets - Different red colors include a bright pink garnet The popular January Birthstone of the Garnet is found in the following called rhodolite, a bright red garnet called anthill and an orange Malayan garnet. The Almandine garnet are red color varieties, with pyrope (also countries: called Bohemian garnet) which is associated with Victorian jewelry Sri Lanka, Malaya, India, Africa, Uruguay, U.S. and Brazil Brilliant Green Color Garnets are called demantoid garnets which are extremely rare and quite valuable.

The Color of the Garnet The traditional color associated with the garnet is the deep red color and was strongly favored as a popular gem in Victorian jewelry. The meaning of colors through the ages represented many aspects of life.

Social, religious, biblical and Christian symbolism were all reflected in the color Red! The symbolic meaning of the color red was was of fire and was associated with power and importance. The January birthstone is not just confined to the deep red color, garnets can be found in nearly all other colors including orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and colorless. Some details about the January Birthstone garnet colors are as follows: Type of Garnet

Definition of the Garnet Definition of Garnet, the January birth stone: The word garnet is derived from the Greek word "granatum" which means "pomegranate seed" which reflect the shape and color of the crystals. Garnets are a group of hard glassy minerals (silicates of various metals) used as gemstones and as an abrasive. Pure crystals of garnet are used as gemstones. The garnet family contain 7 major types: almandine, andradite, demantoid, grossularite, pyrope, spessartite, uvarovite stones. Crystal structure of the garnet, the January birthstone Isometric, rhombic, dodecahedron.

The History of the Garnet For those who were born in the month of January the garnet is the traditional birthstone. The history, myths, legends and folklore surrounding the magical properties of different birthstones have been handed down through the ages and from different civilisations.

Color Details of garnet stones

Andradite

Colors include the green Demantoid with chromium and iron as the green colorants, the yellow Topazolite with manganese yellow/ orange colorants and black Melanite

Ugrandite

Colors include the green Tsavorite with vanadium as the green colorant, Hessonite with manganese as the orange/yellow colorant.

Rhodolite

Color: Rose-red, raspberry to violet from a combination of pyrope and almandine with iron as the purple colorant

Spessartite

Color: Orange, red to brown from manganese orange colorants

Almandite

Color: Deep red with brown undertone.

Pyrope

Color: Intense deep red from iron colorants

Tropical zodiac Sign

Dates

Stone

Aquarius

21 January – 19 February

Garnet

Pisces

20 February – 21 March

Amethyst

Aries

22 March – 20 April

Heliotrope

Taurus

21 April – 21 May

Sapphire

Gemini

22 May – 21 June

Agate

Cancer

21 June – 22 July

Emerald

Leo

23 July – 22 August

Virgo

23 August – 22 September

Carnelian

Libra

23 September – 23 October

Chrysolite

Scorpio

24 October – 21 November

Beryl

Sagittarius

22 November – 21 December

Topaz

Capricorn

22 December – 21 January

Ruby

Onyx

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Fame in the Adriatic “Bound by the benefits they confer as much as by those they receive.”

Chapter Eleven

Luciano’s bloodied knife glistens between the teeth of the wild mare who runs toward me.

I cover my eyes.

Then he runs past.

Without laying a finger on me. I breathe a sigh of relief, crossing myself.

Luciano continues to roll on the ground, crying out in agony. Behind me, Giuseppe and Arturo wait on the ship. The fact that none of the men at port came through the path to the village means that they think the weather will settle down shortly. If I go to port, I will risk running into the wild mare again, but more than that, I will be leaving the man who saved my life behind. If I stay, to help Luciano, I risk losing my only chance to escape Corfu, not only to achieve my dream, but also to dodge the punishments that await me for allowing the mare to escape.

“Maria?” Luciano calls out, trying and failing to crawl on all fours. “Maria!”

I dash over. “It’s alright,” I coo, “I’m here, I didn’t leave, I’ll take care of you.”

“It burns, Maria. It burns!” His right hand clutches his left eye, which oozes blood between his fingers down his wrist and arm. “It burns! It burns!”

I pull him up, blood and rain replacing jasmine, Luciano’s fragrance. “It burns, it burns,” every iteration breaks my heart into smaller pieces. I help him stand on his feet, but he slides again, his male body almost crashing me into the ground.

“Easy, easy,” I say, hoping to sedate his frantic weeping.

“It burns, it burns!”

I almost trip on something that turns out to be my basket. “Wait, wait,” I tell him before I lay him on the ground, using a tree to support his back.

I rummage through whatever’s left in the basket and feel my way on the ground until I find a flask, the laudanum, and my red dress. I tell him to open his mouth, but Luciano doesn’t acknowledge my presence now, he seems to be caught in a haze of pain and delirium. I squeeze his nose and pour some of the laudanum in his mouth. He swallows the content and carries on wailing.

I uncork the flask and give him some water to drink which pours down the sides of his mouth, onto his chest, mingling with the rain.

I rip off the sleeve of my dress and hold it up until the rain drenches the fabric.

I slowly part his right hand from his left eye, at first facing strong resistance.

When his whole body loosens up, I wash out his eye to the best of my ability.

The gash is horrible.

An injury like that could’ve killed him. I’m surprised it didn’t. I whisper a prayer over his health, hoping God preserves it further.

“What is that?” he says slowly, stretching the words, the narcotic taking effect at last. “That.” He pokes my lip with his index finger, startling me.

“Easy now.” I rip off my other sleeve and hold it up. Drip, drip, stop. No more rain. Wonderful. Seriously wonderful. I almost fling the sleeve in the air and curse and damn and swear. Why the universe has been conspiring against me all day, I will never know. What can I do now with the dry and 76

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dirty sleeve? I can neither use it to clean Luciano’s eye, nor wrap it around his head.

When I look at Luciano, he is smiling, his healthy eye struggling to stay awake. He plagued me with his eyes this morning, he swayed me this way and that, and now, my poor prince can barely maintain eye contact. I stroke the healthy side of his face. “Is the pain gone?”

He moves his head ever so slightly to run his lips against my hand. Luciano says, “A little,” and breaths against my fingers, but I barely hear it for my heart races and my stomach knots. Oh God. This man can move me even on his deathbed.

“Maria,” he whispers.

My heart is wedged in my throat impeding speech. “Mm?” I mumbled.

“What did you say?” He touches my upper lip with the tip of his finger then slides the tip along the surface. Pain penetrates my heart. “Just now, when you cleaned the wound.”

A prayer. A prayer to preserve your life. I answer with my mind, my heart, and body, but not my mouth. I shake off the feeling then rip another strip from my red dress. “Luca,” comes out without thinking. “I’m not sure if the blood coagulated or if the wound is closing up, either way, I can’t treat you here. You need a proper doctor.”

“No.” “Yes, Luca, you need a hospital, it’s too dark, we’re alone and I have nothing to offer.” I think of the pigeon dung and my bile rises. I’m prepared for an irritation in the eye…not a stabbing. I wet my lips. I think, though I could be totally imagining it, that I can taste his finger.

“I don’t want to move,” Luciano says.

I sigh. It is the effects of the laudanum. I lean in to pull him up again so I can drag him to the hospital, and he fidgets but doesn’t get up. He’s so heavy. I change my position, sitting on one knee in order to place all my weight on the other leg. I tuck both arms beneath his, and heave once before Luciano crashes his lips upon me.

My eyes dilate in shock.

Oh God. Oh God. He’s inebriated, he doesn’t know what he’s doing, but oh God my strength saps and I melt into his embrace.

Luciano kisses me with a stupefied fervor, expunging my rationality like a game of darts, hitting the center mark with every flick, stirring something in the pit of my stomach. He envelops my own tongue with his lips and sucks me into submission.

“Maria,” he breathes into my mouth after. “Say yes.”

Yes? I’m sure I lost my focus during the kiss but I didn’t feel him mumble a previous conversation.

“Say yes, Maria,” he presses.

Yes to what? I look into his beautiful face, now deformed, half scarred beyond repair. He kisses the tip of my nose before grinning, his look breaching the boundaries of both malevolence and lunacy. “Say you’ll be my celebrity.”

“Oh honey,” I sigh, “We have got to get you into a hospital immediately.” I move to get up. He pulls me back down. “Say yes, Maria.”

“Come on, Luca. Easy does it now.”

Luciano fixes me with a dominant look. “I’m not an imbecile Maria. Neither am I an invalid.” To prove his point, he tries to get up then slips back down again. I offer to help him, and he acquiesces. Since he recently lost his eye, his brain has not yet registered the loss. His vision will thus fluctuate for some time.

For a moment, I wonder if I’m hallucinating as well. In the distance behind one of the trees, I see a dress flapping in the wind.

“Hey!” I yell instinctively.

The silhouette scuttles away.

“Hey! Come back.” I cannot run after the witness and leave Luciano. I curse a thousand times under my breath. So what now? A witness added onto the list of things that went wrong? A witness who can prove that I, Maria Botticelli, stood by as a wild slave who stabbed a nobleman escaped.

A stellar ending to the day’s events!

We struggle up the paved pathway toward the Well of Knowledge. Sunlight is finally beginning to wade through the leaves, illuminating our lane.

“You will be famous.”

“Mhmm.”

“You will be rich.”

“Mhmm.”

“You will be wanted by everyone.”

Hm. “Just say yes.”

“Let’s get you to a hospital first and then I’ll say whatever you want.”

Luciano gives me a look that says “Settled.” A swarm of shivers flutters over my back. I don’t know why it feels like I just struck a deal with Satan. Signora Barbarino’s words play in my mind again.

‘If you’ve money with Luciano, tell Lucifer good morrow’ Well. It is morning all right. Not sure about the ‘good’ part though.

I shake my head. What am I talking about? He risked his own life to save me and lost his eye in the process!

“Argh…” Luciano begins to moan. “Maria, I don’t feel well. I…Maria...”

The effect of the laudanum is probably waning off. “Hang in there Luca. Look the Ottoman’s house is further ahead.”

But Luciano doesn’t hang in there. First, he empties out the content of his stomach, which is not the sweet and sour pork we had for dinner, but pasta, and something green, spinach maybe? It really does take me a moment before I snap out of it and realize that Luciano is on the floor and he has blacked out.

Oh God. Oh God, oh God. I’d say this day can’t get any worse but this is a new day, and last night has been the worst of all my sixteen years. I yell hysterically.

“Help! Someone please! Help!” I knock on all the doors until I reach the Ottomans’ house. People begin to file out, flinging insults in numerous languages. “Help him! Please! Anyone!” I beg and plead and point, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Maria!” Haci Musa Ismail, the Ottoman family’s father, jogs over in his white sleeping gown. The hair on his balding head sticks out on the right side.

“What’s the matter?” The question comes out of lips that are surrounded by a thick bush of hair, going all the way up to his ears.

“Luciano, Luciano, he’s…” I croak.

Haci Musa’s elder boys, younger replicas of their father, Achmed and Mohammet, flank the Haci. They ask him what’s going on. He tells Achmed, “Take the girl to the Cretans. Ride with her in the carriage. Deliver the news to his family”—of course I do not mention that Geovani has disowned his son—“then take the carriage and meet me and your brother at the hospital.”

Achmed asks his father what to do with me, “Deliver her to her mother!”

Haci Musa assures me that they will take good care of Luciano, as soon as they get him a carriage, they’ll drive him to the hospital. He tells me I can

see him again when he wakes up. He doesn’t tell me I am immoral for wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning. He doesn’t tell me he suspects I butchered Luciano’s eye myself. He doesn’t even bring up the fact that I am in men’s clothing.

Instead of the accusations and blame, he mitigates all my fears. I nod then run like the wind with his son. When we reach the Cretans’ house, Achmed raps on the door and I stoop to catch my breath.

“Open up Marcus! We need the carriage.”

Marcus opens a window. “Why don’t you make a carpet, roll it over your body, and die in it. Swell?”

“Marcus please!” I lend Achmed my voice. “Luciano de’Pellegrino is sick.

He’s on his way to the hospital. We need the carriage to tell his parents.”

It’s true that we can run there, after all, I had made the same journey countless of times the previous day, but my nerves are shaken, and I am dangerously out of breath, and though Achmed is twenty-three with decent build, he has just woken up. I don’t think he can make the trip with haste.

Quintus opens the other window. “Did you say Luciano, Maria, the Venetian Fugger?”

“Yes!” “Alright, I’m coming down.”

Quintus takes us in his red and gold carriage, reminding me of my ripped dress, of the wild mare, and of Luciano’s kiss.

We make the trip quickly. Quintus rides his horse faster than he had ever ridden the animal before. Poor Cretan. If he thinks the Pellegrinos will spoil him for saving their little Fugger, he’s in for a letdown.

I knock on the door. The men lag behind, Achmed doing his duty, Quintus grabbing an opportunity.

Signor Geovani and his wife appear. I choke on the words when I realize my real story is, “I was going to run away with Giuseppe when I ran into your son at the edge of the village most likely investigating the whereabouts of your wild mare, who by the way, didn’t only escape, but also managed to stab your son in the eye.”

“I…Ugh…” When Signor Geovani yells at me to speak up I finally cry, “Luciano, he’s hurt. He needs you. Please help him. He’s on his way to the hospital.”

“What do you mean hurt? How? Why? And how come you know about it?”

Signora Alessandra’s accusations fly at me from every angle. She mentions my hair, clothes, rescue party, and the fact that I’m covered in dirt, rain, and mud.

Mother wakes up during the commotion.

Signor Geovani pulls his wife back in the house. They don’t tell me thank you. They don’t tell me what they plan to do. Before he slams the door he barks a command at Quintus, telling him to wait till they change their clothes.

Mother yanks me up the rickety wooden steps into our house.

“Mama, no, no, you don’t understand!” I pull away when we enter the living room and face her. “Luciano is hurt! Because of me! I moved, Mama! I called for help! I attracted attention! He lost an eye because of me.”

“He is not our responsibility, Maria! Look at you, look at your clothes! Do you realize what this is going to do to your reputation? You are ruined!”

“I don’t care about my reputation!”

“Of course you do! You live in a world in which a female’s reputation is everything! I don’t get to choose the rules, child. They are what they are.”

The pain, the turbulent emotions, the fatigue, the fact that I haven’t slept all night, the fact that I witnessed a man lose his eye, the fact that I administered a narcotic on a man without knowing its side effects… all these things, together, end up breaking the last shred of strength I possess.

I collapse on the wooden floor.

“Mama…” I whisper. “I kissed him.”

Nada Faris

Nada Faris is the author of Before Young Adult Fiction, a collection of award-winning short stories, poems and articles that is available at That Al-Salasil (Avenues Mall), Jareer Bookshop, and Kuwait Bookshop (Al-Muthanna Complex). For more of her work, please visit her website: www.nadafaris.com.

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JANUARY Movie Releases PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

THE LEGEND OF HERCULES

LONE SURVIVOR

DEVIL'S DUE

THE NUT JOB

Director: Christopher B. Landon

Director: Renny Guillermo del Toro Director: Harlin

Director: Peter GoreBergh Verbinski Director:

Director:Radio JamesSilence Wan Director:

Director: Peter Robert Schwentke Director: Lepeniotis

Starring: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra

Starring: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee, Liam McIntyre, Rade Serbedzija

Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig

Starring: Zach Gilford, Allison Miller, Colin Walker, Catherine Kresge, Aimee Carrero, Madison Wolfe

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Stephen Lang,

Genres: Thriller, Horror, Suspense

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Action

Genres: Drama, Action, War

Genres: Thriller, Horror

Synopsis: Described by sources as a

Synopsis: In Ancient Greece 1200 B.C., a

Synopsis: Tells the story of four Navy

Synopsis: After a mysterious, lost night

Synopsis: After being banished to the city,

queen succumbs to the lust of Zeus to bear a son promised to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and restore peace to a land in hardship. But this prince, Hercules, knows nothing of his real identity or his destiny. He desires only one thing: the love of Hebe, Princess of Crete, who has been promised to his own brother. When Hercules learns of his greater purpose, he must choose: to flee with his true love or to fulfill his destiny and become the true hero of his time. The story behind one of the greatest myths is revealed in this action-packed epic - a tale of love, sacrifice and the strength of the human spirit.

SEALs on an ill-fated covert mission to

on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple

the mischievous Surly Squirrel plans a nut

neutralize a high-level Taliban operative who

finds themselves dealing with an earlier-

store heist of outrageous proportions and gets

than-planned pregnancy. While recording

caught up in a convoluted bank heist.

everything for posterity, the husband begins

Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is

to notice odd behavior in his wife that they

banished from his park and forced to survive

initially write off to nerves, but, as the months

in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the

pass, it becomes evident that the dark changes

one thing that may be able to save his life, and

to her body and mind have a much more

the rest of park community, as they gear up

sinister origin.

for winter - Maury's Nut Store.

“cousin” to the Paranormal Activity movies.

The film will be Latino-themed. It will star a Latino cast and will tackle Catholic-based paranormal mythology

are ambushed by enemy forces in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan

Jeff Dunham, Sarah Gadon Genres: Comedy, Family

I, FRANKENSTEIN

LABOR DAY

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT

JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT

RIDE ALONG

Director: Stuart Seth Rogen, Director: BeattieEvan Goldberg

Director: Jason Seth Rogen, Director: ReitmanEvan Goldberg

Director: Evan Goldberg Director: Seth Tom Rogen, Gormican

Director:Kenneth Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg Director: Branagh

Director: Tim SethStory Rogen, Evan Goldberg Director:

Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Jai Courtney, Miranda Otto, Caitlin Stasey

Starring: Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet, Gattlin Griffith, James Van Der Beek, Clark Gregg, Tom Lipinski

Starring: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Mackenzie Davis, Imogen Poots, Josh Pais

Starring: Chris Pine, Kenneth Branagh, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, David Paymer

Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter

Genres: HorrorAdventure Genres: Crime, Sci-Fi, Action,

Genres: Genres: Drama Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure Synopsis: Follows a 13-year-old Henry

Genres: Sci-Fi, Romantic, Comedy Action, Adventure

Genres: Adventure Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure Synopsis: This original story follow a young

Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy Genres: Action, Adventure

Synopsis: 200 years after his shocking

Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his

creation, Dr. Frankenstein's creature, Adam,

house and care for his reclusive mother Adele

still walks the earth. But when he finds

while confronting all the pangs of adolescence.

himself in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind.

that confusing "moment" in every dating

and his mother encounter Frank Chambers,

relationship when you have to decide "So…

a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.

citypageskuwait.com

find themselves where we’ve all been– at

On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry

an escaped convict. The events of this long

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Synopsis: Follows three best friends who

where is this going?"

Jack (Chris Pine) as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot. The story follows him from 9/11, through his tour of duty in Afghanistan, which scarred him forever, and into his early days in the Financial Intelligence Unit of the modern CIA where he becomes an analyst, under the guardianship of his handler, Harper (Kevin Costner). When Ryan believes he’s uncovered a Russian plot to collapse the United States economy, he goes from being an analyst to becoming a spy and must fight to save his own life and those of countless others, while also trying to protect the thing that's more important to him than anything, his relationship with his fiancée Cathy (Keira Knightley).

Synopsis: When a tough undercover officer's (Ice Cube) future brother-in-law (Kevin Hart) joins him on an overnight shift, the wisecracking trainee gets accidentally embroiled in the seasoned cop's latest case.

Now, in order to prove that he is worthy of his future bride, he must survive the most insane night of his life.

When a fast-talking guy joins his girlfriend’s brother—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer’s latest case. Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride, he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life.

Take Each Day As It Comes Looking out onto the beautiful scenery of Ireland, William put his hand to his chest and sighed. He found a rock to sit on and he started to hum an old Irish song, “Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.”

heart that he will soon see the light at the end of the tunnel. I stood up and put my hand out to help him up. He frowned at me and I nudged him to take my hand. He took my hand and got up, little did he know that I was trying to teach him yet another lesson. “William, did I not just put my hand out to help you up?”

I asked. He nodded silently. “Then do not be afraid. You are never on your own He put his hands to his face and cried. You could almost feel his pain run through in life, there will always be somebody there for you to help you get back up on your body, his tears fell one by one onto his lap. I sat next to him, but I didn’t your feet. You don’t have to suffer alone.” mutter a word. You could see the sadness in his eyes and all his worries were drawn onto his face. I picked up a single flower and handed it to him. “Do you He closed his eyes, took my hand and held it tightly. think flowers can grow if they are not showered with rain?” He looked up at me gave a small but sad smile and said, “Of course not, flowers need rain to grow After awhile, it started to get dark so it was time to head back home. “Will I be okay?” he asked. I knew things would get better soon, it just takes some time. and sunshine.”

“Of course you will William, you just need to take each day as it comes. Take I nodded and placed my hand on his. “We as humans need rain to grow as well. as much time as you need, get all this sadness and pain out of your system, cry Sometimes, we may feel like we will never get through the day, sometimes whenever you feel the urge to cry and then turn to me and I will sit by your we feel like our whole life is falling apart and we just want to curl up in bed and side to help you through another day. And one day, you will wake up and the never leave. But, if we didn’t struggle in life, we wouldn’t be able to grow and sadness will be gone, that day will come, I promise. Until then, give your heart appreciate the good times. Problems never last William, I promise you that.” some time to heal.” He squeezed my arm and in a quiet and sad voice, he said, “I hope so. I really do.”

He looked away and I could hear him weep silently. It was hard watching him fall apart, my heart ached for him and I didn’t know what to do.

Nadia AlHassan

“I made mistakes and now I have to deal with the consequences. But, it’s breaking me into pieces. I go to bed every night and I can never sleep, my shoulders are heavy and I don’t think things will ever get better, ever,” he whispered and you could hear the pain in his voice.

I couldn’t allow him to give up on life because I know from the bottom of my

Nadia Al-Hassan is a student in Ireland, studying Journalism. She is passionate about writing stories and poetry. Nadia loves helping people with her stories. She believes that words are beautiful and powerful.

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TOP MUSIC CHARTS 1

2 3

Timber

Pitbull & Ke$ha

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Wrecking Ball Miley Cyrus

We Were Us

Counting Stars

13

Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert

The Monster

14

Ellie Goulding

OneRepublic

Eminem & Rihanna

Burn

15

Sweater Weather

Say Something

16

Story Of My Life

6

Let Her Go

17

Pompeii

7

Drunk In Love

18

Do What U Want

4

Royals

5

8 9 10 11

Lorde

A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera Passenger

Beyonce & Jay-Z

Demons

Imagine Dragons

Wake Me Up! Avicii

Bound 2

Kanye West

Hold On We're Going Home Drake

19

Neighbourhood One Direction Bastille

Lady Gaga & R. Kelly

White Walls Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, ScHoolboy Q & Hollis

24

Midnight Memories

25

It Won't Stop

27

Jason Derulo

28

Idina Menzel

29 30 31

Lorde

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21

Adore You Miley Cyrus

33

22

Best Day Of My Life

23

Unconditionally

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Let It Go

Mine Would Be You Blake Shelton

Stay The Night

Zedd & Hayley Williams

Whatever She's Got David Nail

Give It 2 U

Robin Thicke & Kendrick Lamar

Carolina Parmalee

Demi Lovato

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Turn Down For What DJ Snake & Lil Jon

Replay

36

Zendaya

37

Chris Brown & Nicki Minaj

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Marry Me

Let It Go

American Authors

DJ Raven

Roar

Katy Perry

Team

34

Sevyn Streeter

26

20

Katy Perry

One Direction

Love More

Walking On Air Katy Perry

39

John Mayer & Katy Perry

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Jason Derulo & 2 Chainz

Who You Love Talk Dirty

THE SNOW QUEEN "FROZEN"

Beautifully animated, smartly written, Frozen adds another worthy entry to the Disney library The artists and writers at the Walt Disney Animation Studios are in the habit of outdoing themselves and this is quite evident from thir latest release - FROZEN. Frozen is a 2013 American animated movie produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, it is the 53rd animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series.

comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen.

The movie won 17 awards and is nominated for the golden globes and The OSCARS.

The story revolves are as even before Elsa's powers of shooting ice and snow from her fingertips run rampant, the animation guided by directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee is stunning-- Elsa and Anna's parents perish in a single shot of a howling storm at sea, and the stony cliffs surrounding the village of Arrendel are dramatic even before coated in ice. Elsa revels in her powers as a little girl, but after a close call with Anna and a poorly aimed bolt of ice, she's convinced to hide her strengths and retreat from their tight sisterly bond. The death of the king and queen means Elsa must take over, but the stress of her coronation (and Anna's dumb-cluck decision to get engaged to a hunky prince she just met) makes her lose control. Elsa storms up into the mountains, leaving ice castles and blizzards in her wake and belting the power ballad "Let It Go." Anna's heroic journey is, refreshingly, not about a boy or even about herself-she travels into the mountains to convince Elsa to return, and teams up with rugged ice salesman Kristof (Jonathan Groff) to get there. Kristof and Anna are going to fall for each other eventually, of course, and she'll ditch that princely fiancĂŠ Hans (Santino Fontana), but the focus remains firmly on Anna and Elsa, as Lee's screenplay repeatedly subverts fairy tale tropes to make them about sisterly, not romantic, love. The beats of the story and the catchy songs can feel a bit factory-produced-- funny sidekicks in the form of mountain trolls show up at the exact right time for a laugh Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, "Frozen" is the coolest

Ahmad Al-Ragum

Ahmad is a 28 year old Kuwaiti working in marketing field. He is in love with movies, traveling and football. Follow AlRgum on Instagram and Twitter: @ALRAGUM

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JANUARY Book Releases Hope you add some of these to your 2014 collection.

A Week in Winter

Maeve Binchy

When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped

by Rigger, a bad boy turned good, and her niece, Orla, Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone House’s big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms.

For the Benefit of Those Who See

Seventh Son Orson Scott Card

From the author of ENDER’S GAME, comes an unforgettable story about young Alvin Maker: the seventh son of a seventh son. Born into an alternative frontier America where life is hard and folk magic is real, Alvin is gifted with the power. He must learn to use his gift wisely. But dark forces are arrayed against Alvin, and only a young girl with second sight can protect him.

Apple Tree Yard Louise Doughty

Dispatches from the World of the Blind

Rosemary Mahoney

In the tradition of Oliver Sacks's THE ISLAND OF THE COLORBLIND, Rosemary Mahoney tells the story of Braille Without Borders, the first school for the blind in Tibet, and of Sabriye Tenberken, the remarkable blind woman who founded the school. Fascinated and impressed by what she learned from the blind children of Tibet, Mahoney was moved to investigate further the cultural history of blindness. Having read FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO SEE, you will never see the world in quite the same way again.

The Invention of Wings

Sue Monk Kidd

Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave, yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household.

On her 11th birthday, Sarah Grimke is given ownership of Handful. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next 35 years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies, and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love.

God's Whispers to a Woman's Heart: A Devotional

Suspenseful, erotically charged and masterfully paced, Louise Doughty’s APPLE TREE YARD is an intelligent psychological thriller about desire and its consequences by a writer of phenomenal gifts.

Soy Sauce for Beginners

Kirstin Chen

Gretchen Lin, adrift at the age of thirty, leaves her floundering marriage in San Francisco to move back to her childhood home in Singapore and immediately finds herself face-to-face with the twin headaches she’s avoided her entire adult life: her mother’s drinking problem and the machinations of her father’s artisanal soy sauce business.

Autobiography of Us Aria Beth Sloss

Cindi McMenamin

Every moment of every day, God is at your side, ready to speak to your heart. He knows exactly how you feel and longs to help --- whether you are in need of wisdom, encouragement, or comfort. In GOD'S WHISPERS TO A WOMAN'S HEART, author Cindi McMenamin shares what it means to experience the presence of God at all times, in all places.

As you read of His many promises and assurances to you in the Bible, you'll come to realize just how much He loves you.

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In 1960s California, Rebecca Madden and her friend Alex dream of lives beyond their mothers' narrow expectations. Their struggle to define themselves against the backdrop of an American cultural revolution unites them early on, until a single act of betrayal changes everything. Decades later, Rebecca’s haunting meditation on the past reveals the truth about that night, the years that followed, and the friendship that shaped her.

BOOK CLUB

The Way of the Bow is the recipient of numerous international awards, amongst them the Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum. The Alchemist (1988), his most famous novel, has been translated to 67 languages. The author has sold 150 million copies worldwide.

Next Month...

The Way of the Bow is a story that talks about the author’s favorite hobby, which is Archery.

The story tells of the best Archer in a country who abandoned his art and worked as a carpenter. He is forced to take up a challenge by a stranger who has heard that he is the best Archer in the country. During this challenge there will be an exchange of experience and advice.

The Way of the Bow doesn’t just talk about archery as a sport or a how, it talks about how learning the aspects of this sport can help people in their daily life, if these teachings are integrated into it. The teaching include; the bow, the arrow, the target, posture, how to hold the arrow, how to draw the bow-string, how to look at the target, the moment of release, repetition, how to observe the flight of the arrow and the archer without the bow, without the arrow and without the target.

H

appy new year everyone. Hope everyone had a wonderful ending to 2013 and a great beginning to 2014. I wish you all happiness and health. What a better way to start this New Year than reading more books, and to top that is to start it by reading a book for my favorite author Paulo Coelho. This month I will review his unpublished book The Way of the Bow. This book is only available electronically to be purchased online for a reason that he will not yet reveal to his fans or readers. Paulo Coelho also known as Paul Rabbit is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist. He has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. He

Throughout the story, several thoughts are reflected; our daily efforts and work, how to overcome difficulties, steadfastness, courage to take risky decisions, and much more. Paulo Coelho expressed in these few pages many of the values which inspire our daily work: innovation, flexibility, adaptation to changes, enthusiasm and more importantly team work.

“I wrote this text in which bow, arrow, target and archer form an integral part of the same system of growth and challenge.” — Paulo Coelho.

Next month I will review another book by the great Danielle Steel called The Kiss. In her 53rd bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores how a single shattering moment can change lives forever. The Kiss is at once a moving testament to the fragility of life and a breathtaking story about the power of love to heal, to free, to transform, and to make broken spirits whole.

Nada Soliman

nada.soliman@citypageskuwait.com

Meet Nada, our team member is simply a book savvy. Every month Nada picks her favourite book and shares with you its review. Please feel free to contact Nada to discuss your opinion or ask her opinion on your favourite book or author.

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Dana Ghareeb 84

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Obsessed with delicious food but

oblivious to

“safe food”

Wardrobe: Dress by Kenzo , shoes by Jimmy Choo

A reality in Kuwait that a nationwide initiative aims to tackle by providing the country with a platform to educate themselves on food safety through Safe Food, Safe Family

We are pretty knit-picky when it comes to our food aren’t we? Hearing the “oh the steak at this restaurant is the best” or “I have the best machboos recipe ever” is synonymous with us foodies in Kuwait. Here’s a fact for you that may not sound surprising but is something we’ve conveniently ignored. “Food that’s not too tasty or isn’t seasoned right won’t kill you. Food that’s not prepared safely might!”.

We speak to Dana Ghareeb, registered dietitian at Safe Food, Safe Family, a food safety initiative by Al Yasra Foods that aims to kick-start a conversation about food safety, to ultimately reduce the number of food contamination and food poisoning cases in Kuwait.

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In Kuwait, we often hear of dieting and nutrition tips but food safety is something we’re hearing for the first time. What brought about this initiative?

This initiative stemmed from the fact that food poisoning is something that happens all around us all the time yet, people are not even how or why it’s happened in the first place. For example, if you ask anyone around you what temperature their freezer is set at, most people would have no clue.

Imagine freezing your meats and chicken at the wrong temperature for days! Now that is a serious health hazard. In addition to that, most people in Kuwait have housekeepers that do all the cooking and kitchen-related tasks and these housekeepers are not trained on food safety which is a very serious issue in Kuwait as food poisoning can actually be fatal.

That is the reason this initiative was conceptualized and stands as a way to tackle this issue and provide the necessary information to households in Kuwait. The initiative is led by a team of certified nutritionists, and all our initiatives, events and activities tie back to our main mission – to ensure households in Kuwait are privy to the best food safety standards, thus eliminating any voluntary chances of food poisoning.

What are some of the common mistakes that people in Kuwait make when it comes to food safety?

Some of the most common ones are setting their freezers and fridges at the wrong temperature, not using different chopping boards for different food items, not washing fruits and vegetables before and after peeling them, under cooking food items, and keeping perishable food items unrefrigerated for long hours. It’s a common sight during lunch parties here whereby food is kept on the dining table for more than two hours. For a country like Kuwait, where the weather is so hot, food that’s left out should be back in the fridge within two hours or it’s bound to harbour bacteria.

The list is endless, but we can’t blame people here because they have not been exposed to the right food safety practices in Kuwait. Through our community initiative, we hope that more and more people are privy to this information and these mistakes will soon be non-existent in our society.

How do you plan to engage people in Kuwait about food safety?

Our main tool of engagement is our website – www.safefoodsafefamily. org, which houses the most important food safety practices in one platform.

The website is available in both English and Arabic with downloadable material in Hindi, Tagalog and Malayalam. We also have videos available on our Youtube channel – Safe Food, Safe Family whereby we have basic food safety videos in five languages as well as monthly videos that focus on a different topic.

Social media is also an important tool and our Instagram account - @ safefoodsafefamily provides tips and tricks on food safety. And most importantly, we have weekly events at various cooperatives across Kuwait as well as events in public areas that educate consumers at large on the basics of food safety. We recently held two BBQ events in Messila Beach and Green Island educating people on the safe ways to BBQ.

How does the initiative plan to educate housekeepers in Kuwait on food safety?

Most of our housekeepers come from the Philippines and India. There are two ways in which we aim to teach housekeepers the basic food safety practices. We have written material on food safety in Hindi, Malayalam and Tagalog that employers can download for them from our website www.safefoodsafefamily.org and the second way is through videos in their own languages. We believe watching and learning works best with housekeepers so having videos in their own language would give them a sense of attachment and interest in the topic.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of the campaign?

Our ideal goal is to get every single person in Kuwait to be aware of the four most important aspects of food safety that revolve around cook, clean, chill and separate and to at least understand the ramifications of poor food safety choices. We want to see food poisoning statistics go down in Kuwait and we want more and more people educated by food safety.

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Cool New Gadgets To Add To Your Wishlist A crazy-smart humidifier, a watch that keeps track of your basketball shots, and more

OMG Life Autographer The Autographer wearable camera records daily life automatically. It takes cues from sensors that measure temperature, motion, light, orientation, and location to register when surroundings change and then triggers the shutter button to capture key moments.

Nest Protect

Wireless Sports Hoop Tracker

The Protect is a smart smoke alarm. Instead of immediately squealing when smoke levels increase, it first gives a vocal warning. If the source isn’t dangerous—say, a boisterous stir-fry—a user can wave a hand under the device to hush the alarm

With the Hoop Tracker watch, a basketball player can tally stats during training sessions. The watch receives data wirelessly from a paddle on the rim that registers successful shots and an accelerometer that senses the vibrations of misses

Edgertronic

Roolen Breath

Micro Phone Lens

High-speed video cameras typically cost $25,000 or more. The Edgertronic costs one-fifth that price and is capable of shooting nearly 18,000 frames per second.

To reduce costs, engineers stripped the components down to the essentials: image sensor, chip set, memory, and processor.

The Breath is the first humidifier to automatically maintain optimal humidity in a room. Sensors detect ambient moisture levels, and the three-liter device changes its vapor output accordingly, keeping humidity at 40 to 55 percent.

The six-millimeter Micro Phone Lens can magnify an object up to 60 times on a smartphone. It’s made from a silicone variation that is optically identical to glass and naturally sticky, so it selfadheres to a phone’s camera lens.

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Parrot Flower Power With Flower Power, a user can monitor a plant’s health from afar. The battery-powered sensor records light, moisture, temperature, and other stats. It sends the data to a smartphone, where an app compares the info with the optimal conditions for that species and suggests how to provide care.

Monsieur The Monsieur artificially intelligent robotic bartender makes a Manhattan perfectly every time: It mixes drinks to within a milliliter of accuracy. The mini-fridgesize device has eight 30-ounce bottles controlled by pumps and a microprocessor. Monsieur also makes recommendations based on drink habits.

Quirky Zeus

Runtastic Libra The Libra scale doesn’t stop at displaying weight: It also calculatesbody fat, muscle mass, water content, and bone mass. Four areas on the scale’s glass plate generate electric current—the resistance it encounters from the body informs the results.

The Zeus combination snow shovel and brush reduces trunk clutter. The two-foot-long brush serves as the polycarbonate shovel’s handle. It can also be detached and used on its own.

HP Chromebook 11

Dynamic Keyboard

The Chromebook 11 charges via micro-USB, so users can carry one charger for multiple devices. Because the laptop uses so little power—it’s fanless and has an ARM processor—a 5.25V micro-USB charger is enough to do the job.

As a user types on the Android Dynamic Keyboard, the letterschange size to make composing texts easier. After hitting a particular letter, the letters that most frequently follow grow larger. The size difference reduces the chance of hitting a wrong letter, which helps increase typing speed.

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The Use Of Light In Movies Light is an integral part of cinematography and is largely responsible for the look of the film. It can easily set the tone of a scene and make or break how "good" a movie looks. It can also be used artistically. Light can represent a feeling or a presence. Coloured lights can hold meaning or highlight the tone of a scene. This gallery will examine how cinematographers achieve the lighting in their films and how that light can affect the audience.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind [1977]

On a technical level positioning the lights is usually about creating a scene that looks good while staying contextual with the environment. However it can also be used artistically. Where are you casting your shadows? What do you want to show the audience or hide in darkness?

Key Light

3 Point Lighting

An example of a creative, artistic use of light. In this scene in Close Encounters of the Third Kind The bright light blinds the characters and keeps the aliens a foggy mystery.

Silence of the Lambs [1991]

In Silence of the Lambs during this end scene the audience is able to see what is happening in the supposed pitch black basement through the eyes of Buffalo Bill. this is a creative use of light and creates nitive coherence.

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This set up is called 3 point lighting, it's the most basic and the most used set up in cinema. It can be broken down into 3 parts. 1. Key light, the primary source of light in a shot. 2. Fill light, the secondary light, fills in the shadows cast by the key. 3. Back light, used to make an object pop from the background. The 3 point system lights objects in a three dimensional way creating a fuller more interesting image. However using it by the book often ends up in a "sitcom" look, most cinematographers us variations on this system using only one light, only two or adjusting the brightness of the lights. To break things down further I'll dissect each part of the system.

The key light is the primary source of light in a shot.

The complex process of placing the lights for a movie can all be narrowed down to one question: Where is your key? Once you answer that question the rest becomes easy. It's the just looking at the subject and then applying what is appropriate. Want shadows filled? go ahead. No? Okay then don't there is no set rule book, just a set of guidelines. Most of the time the key light should be contextual within the scene, it could be lights from a car, a lamp, a fire etc. If a character is in a dark cave and a bright light is shining on him from nowhere it's distracting for the audience. When placing the key shadows should also be taken into account. The majority of the time shadows will face the audience. Not only does this look better but by having the light come from within the frame it draws the audience in, creating a more 3 dimensional space.

Fill Light and Back Light Once the question Where is your key? is answered focus is put on the shadows. When lighting objects with the key shadows are a must; highlights and low lights are the basis of good photography. So the fill light basically is the light used to fill in these shadows

The sentiment "less is more" will often create fantastic imagery the most dramatic images are the ones with high contrast between whites and blacks.

Fargo [1996]

and varies wildly based on the amount of shadow you want. More dramatic movies like The Godfather will have darker shadows while comedies will have almost none. By casting shadows and filling them texture and detail is created with the light. In this still the lamp sitting behind the character is creating back light around the head and shoulders. Back light makes objects pop from the background and prevents them from getting lost in darkness. A back light will also prevent an image from looking two dimensional. Back light and fill light are often not used by cinematographers in scenes. It all depends on the situation and the motivation.

And here we see Elswit breaking from usual lighting technique. There is only one source of light, showing just Lewis' face; he blends right into the background.

The shadows aren't facing the audience either. The bright light shines directly onto Lewis, he's transfixed, we want to see what he's looking at. It's an effective use of light that shows breaking "rules" is common and can result in interesting images.

Sin City [2005]

We can see from these stills that Deakins has used a very natural very white light for this movie. White light comes from the sun so by using this Fargo becomes more real, it doesn't exist in some beautiful cinematic world but the one we live in. Consistency is important for a movie to feel like a natural whole; consistent colour temps and colour palettes are large parts of creating a consistent world. Deakins keeps using white light even during the indoor scenes of Fargo.

Skyfall [2012]

There Will Be Blood [2007]

In this still we have both strong key light and back light. A dark shadow is cast with little to no fill in place.

The Third Man [1949] Here we can see 3 pont in action. Despite the fact that Daniel Day Lewis is most likely lit just fine by just the sun through the clouds (casts no shadows) cinematographer Robert Elswit has placed a key light and a back light on Lewis. Not only does it make him pop, it creates more texture highlighting the sweat and oil on his face.

Deakins' colour temp choice on Skyfall is so wildly different when compared to Fargo. It shows he's thoughtful, picking what's best for each movie he helps make. Which is good because these are two very different movies. Skyfall is a Bond movie, escapism in it's purist form: exciting, fun, and full of action, nothing highlights this better than the intense contrast (teal and orange) and dark shadows. In Skyfall the drama on screen matches the dramatic colouring. You can easily see this in play when the movie breaks from it's pattern set before. In one of the last scenes in Scotland (this still). Deakins uses white diffuse light. He communicates to the audience visually how the scene feels, it's relaxed, the calm before the storm.

Abdulaziz AlKhamis

Abdulaziz is a Kuwaiti Film Maker, Visual Artist and a Script Writer. He graduated from the UK, with a passion to mix art and visuals.

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Photographer: Fawaz Ashour-DC Studio at: Photo Moment Studio

Salmiya - Olympia Mall, 2nd floor

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Photographer: Fawaz Ashour-DC Studio at: Photo Moment Studio

Salmiya - Olympia Mall, 2nd floor

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Photographer: Fawaz Ashour-DC Studio at: Photo Moment Studio

Salmiya - Olympia Mall, 2nd floor

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Photographer: Fawaz Ashour-DC Studio at: Photo Moment Studio

Salmiya - Olympia Mall, 2nd floor

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Creative Fashion Designer, Fashion Blogger, Interior Designer, these are few aspects of Hannah Al-Delaimi. Hannah did her graduation with diploma in Art & Design and BA Hons. in Interior Designing from UK. Always obsessed with fashion, structure, textile and textures, Hannah started her career as a Personal Shopper with TopShop Kuwait. she has recently launched her own brand -ENTI. ENTI a creative brand serving the needs of fashionable mothers and workaholics. A wide variety with latest style and updated customs ENTI is fresh breeze in Kuwait market. CityPages brings you this exclusive interview with Hannah.

Hannah Al-Delaimi Please introduce yourself to our readers: What inspired you towards fashion?

I am a Kuwaiti/ British Designer/ Fashion Blogger.

I have always had an obsession with fashion, structure, textiles and My love for design and creativity combined with fashion is what urged me. One of my favourite designers “Hussein Chalayan” I see as a legend. textures and this helped me begin my journey into ENTI. His focus on structure and individuality is what caught my eye.

Tell us about your education?

I graduated with a Diploma in Art & Design and a BA Hons degree in What is ENTI? How did the idea develop and come to existence?

Interior Design both from the UK. During my Foundation year in Art & Design, I gained the skills that Nowadays the majority of the public will notice are weight fluctuating allowed me to access my creative mind and created a number of designs. constantly, the issue of what to wear for the latest events and look effortlessly glamorous without having anyone notice your shapely One of which was chosen for the College fashion show. physique!

Did you go for any formal training in fashion and designing?

At the end of the day what is life if you can’t enjoy all its aspects!

Yes. After graduating, I began my journey through the fashion industry as the first official Personal Shopper in Topshop Kuwait. During this period I decided to create something that flows beautifully on the female figure, I was introduced to Alanoud Badr – Founder of the Blazer line Lady yet chic for today’s woman who’s always on the go - a garment that Foazaza. I worked on styling her Autumn/ Winter 2012 shoot. hangs and accentuates in all the right places. So I came up with ENTI. Furthermore I styled shoots related to TOPSHOP Kuwait.

Why you did not continue with Interior Design?

I found fashion becoming somewhat an obsession. Interior Design can be similar to Fashion Design in the sense that they both follow the same seasonal trends and at the end it’s all about inspiration and structure.

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What does ENTI offer?

A versatile, functionable, fresh modern look which can be made unique to the wearer.

They can be worn with flat shoes and denim for round about town, try semi-formal for the office, or dressed up with jewellery, heels and a clutch for dinner.

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ENTI offers a minimal timeless sophistication to which style will last.

How do you decide and choose the designs under ENTI? The pieces should be practical for everyday wear and of a unique design or silouhette to flatter the female figure of all shapes and sizes.

These should also garments that you can wear anytime of the day to numerous occasions.

What sort of customer is ENTI for?

ENTI understands the needs of the fashionable mother, the stylish daughter, the workaholic, and the jetsetter.

In modern day society, the majority women are super woman!

She’s a business woman, a mother etc. and what’s more, she does it all looking fabulous! Good job ladies. The nicest feeling is to be able to get everything done without having to change outfits 3 times a day.

What’s next?

ENTI collection will continue to serve its purpose. There are plans of starting a male collection, but I can’t say when yet, stay tuned and hope you like it.

What are your other hobbies?

I enjoy doing yoga and working out. Sketching is definitely a favourite passion of mine though!

What country gets your creative juices flowing?

Italy for sure. There’s something serene about Rome in specific that moves me. The history in the Architecture, the originality, the beauty all around and the gelato!!

Describe your personal style in one sentence…

Practical, modern, versatile and understated.

Best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Make sure you have the support of your family and friends because ultimately you will need it!

Your message for us at CityPages magazine: First I’d like to say I am a big fan of the CityPages magazine. I really enjoy the content as it has a little something for everyone.

I especially like the photo-shoots, the themes are innovative and well executed.

You have a great team, keep it up!

Finally I’d like to thank the CityPages for supporting and shedding light on ENTI and all Kuwait’s local talents.

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Rahil Hesan

Witty, whimsical and charming, Rahil Hesan reflects her chic style, vibrant and serene knowing fashion by heart and is living it.

She graduated Fashion Designs from Cavendish College in London, and also completed courses in Accessory designs, Textile, Color Theory and Fashion Psychology.

Her boutique Warda Za’abeel Road which means flower is her style sanctum for the past five years.

Joining Dubai Fashion Week for the first time doesn’t mean her being neophyte in the fashion arena, her no nonsense know-how in the trade is on her blood, she breath and live on it.

Her collection is the totality of her persona, her angst, her glamour her feelings and her own style agenda.

Rahil Hesan is very personal to her working habits and is involve from the designs to fabric choice, cutting to embroidery, embellishments to finishing. Meticulously inclined her details mark a place and make it special.

She designs all her own collection, both for fashion and accessories dreaming it into a signature global garment. Her new boutique cum atelier in Jumeirah, symbolize her, restrained yet elegant.

“The new fashion line is a continuation of my spirit and my feeling for fashion, uncomprising all the details that I want to add to the shape of the garment, making it younger and cooler, but still with an attitude and style that make it a signature design of my line.”

Her clients are overt and individual, they love to talk about themselves and get involved in process, until the wardrobe is finished. Her favorite designer is Madame Chanel, who for her was one of the most inspiring women of her time because she was both fierce and free and worked for herself. She was endowed with natural talent that made her global. Talent is one of the most inspiring things in life and not everybody has it, but it’s amazing to see it in those who possess it.

“I love Dior too for his extraordinary use of embroidery.

He understood its intricacies. A lot of different talents are inspiring in different fields, with a sense of being open, receptive, humble and disciplined. Clients who definitely understand their femininity in fashion buys my clothes, their individualistic take on trends and wearability, comfortable and fit, an image of a woman with richer style sensibilities and more nuanced depictions of fashion.”

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WARDA HAUTE COUTURE LAUNCHES WARDA HOMME Dubai designer Rahil Hesan introduces MENSWEAR LUXURY LABEL Hi, Please introduce yourself to our readers: My name is Rahil Hesan, my friends call me Rose. I am a designer/couturier.

How was your journey to become a designer?

My journey started from childhood, I always knew I was going to be a designer. I love making people look beautiful.

Did you go for any formal training in fashion and designing?

Yes I did. I graduated from London Cavendish School of fashion.

You design both clothes and accessories - Which one is your favorite and why?

I love designing clothes, I will like to stick with that, but if my clients request accessories I can make them. Sometimes accessorizing is part of the pieces so I have to make them anyway.

What is your creative process like?

It includes consulting with my team, drawing up a mood board, and sketching.

When was Warda Haute Couture established and why did you opt for naming the label with your name instead?

Warda is almost a decade now and being part of this industry I would say that it’s a must to grow with the branch that will grow in the same tree. Warda means Rose, and Warda means flower. So I’m Warda.

Where do you take inspiration from?

I am inspired by the beauty around me, my travels and the way people interact with their everyday lives. I am inspired by real people.

To date, which collection has left the deepest impression on you?

My Empress and Imperatriz 2013 collection. It was inspired by Royalty.

What sort of customer do you design for?

I design for those that know quality and are willing to spend money to stand out. Every Warda piece is unique and I only make one design. So you know that no one else in the world has your dress.

Can you name some celebrities and important personalities who have worn your collection?

Sofia Milos, Gemma White, Samantha Gutstadt

What made you venture into men's wear?

There is a gap for home grown menswear luxury brands and I took it upon myself to fill that gap.

How would you describe you first men's collection - "HOMME"?

It embodies everything Masculine, luxe and sophisticated, hence the apt title “Homme”

What's next? What are your future plans?

Maybe I’ll venture into furniture, we will see, the future is unpredictable and the possibilities are endless.

Describe your personal style in one sentence…

I will say classic and chic.

Your message for us at CityPages magazine?

Wishing you all the best this new year will offer!

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TAMBOUR MONOGRAM Valentine’s day 2014 edition

Give yourself a natural lift

The Body Shop offers Pomegranate skincare products for women over 40

T

o celebrate Valentine’s Day, Louis Vuitton Horlogerie presents two new models in the Tambour Monogram collection.

The Tambour Monogram Valentine’s Day 2014 edition takes its inspiration from the Fine Jewellery collection, Dentelle de Monogram, adopting the famous motif on its mother-of-pearl dial set with 11 diamond indexes. It also boasts a bright and flamboyantly coloured strap in red Pomme d’amour Vernis leather, sewn with chapes and embossed with the Monogram, giving more textured relief to the material.

Two models – 28 or 33 mm – featuring vibrant red, steel and a quartz movement will be available in Louis Vuitton stores.

Steel case Mother-of-pearl dial with set indexes and red Dentelle de Monogram motif Pomme d’amour Vernis leather strap with chapes and Monogram embossing Quartz movement

Dumond Autumn Winter '13 Collection

Brand is inspired by the nature of the mystical state of Bahia to develop an inspiring winter collection

www.louisvuitton.com

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Splash In Love with Fashion Unveils fourth edition of the Splash Calendar

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Musaed AlMutairi “A personal Shopper is all about customers� shows perfectly in the dedication of Musaed Awadh AlMutairi, a 32 years old Kuwait lad working at Harvey Nichols as its first Kuwaiti Personal Shopper. Musaed started his career in fashion industry in 2004 with Villa Moda and is now very satisfied with his field. According to him Harvey Nichols has provided him with the opportunities to meet with the key persons in the field from where he knows about latest trends and gets himself updated. Musaed spends lots of time in organizing his wardrobe.

Musaed was kind enough to spare some time from his busy schedule and provide us some useful and trendy information for our readers.

Please introduce yourself to our readers: My name is Musaed Awadh Almutairi and I am a 32 year old personal shopper with Harvey Nichols.

Where has your journey within Harvey Nichols taken you?

My journey with Harvey Nichols began when I became a personal shopper with them. This job made me more aware about fashion and got me excited about what more I can learn about it. Who sets the trends? What affects them? Who are the leaders in the industry?

What was your first job in fashion and how did you get it?

I joined the fashion industry when I got my first job with Villa Moda in 2004. A friend of mine let me know about a part time opening in Villa Moda which he thought would suit me. I applied and was interviewed by human resources and the owner, Sheikh Majed Jaber Humoud Alsabah. I was hired the same day to work in the multi-brand women's section.

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Photographer: Natalia Sitcai at: Moonlight Studios Location: Tom Ford at Prestige Avenues

What does the role of Personal Shopper for a major luxury department store actually entail?

As an employee in Harvey Nichols, I strive to make sure that the shopper is teleported to a world of fashion in all aspects. It isn't only about the products. It is about the mannequins, employees, the food, and the whole environment of the store. I want the shopper to come in and find that all that they need is provided from the most basic of needs such as where to put their expensive handbags when they are sitting in the store. As a personal shopper, it is all about the customer.

Sometimes you get a customer that wants help picking out some pieces and you follow them in the store providing them with that help. Other times I get people that tell me they want a whole makeover and it is up to me to pick out a whole look that would fit the diverse clientele we get.

I also try to help my fellow staff members close some difficult sales and advise them about fashion whenever they need help.

Which designers or brands do you personally wear and why?

Tom Ford. Why? Simply, because this brand fits me and my character the best. As with any piece of clothing, you want to wear whatever portrays your character and clothing is probably the first thing people look at to tell your story.

What does an average day consist of for you?

An average day for me consists of work and meeting people. If I am not working then I am meeting somebody either for business or pleasure and it often is both. I spend a lot of time organizing and checking on my wardrobe and making sure I have the week planned out regarding what I am doing and what I am wearing. If I have some more free time away from family, friends, and work then I would probably be reading a good book.

Winter may be only just beginning but in fashion terms, it’s high time to start thinking about SS14. Are there any key pieces or trends we can buy into now that will see us through to next season 106

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Photographer: Natalia Sitcai at: Moonlight Studios Location: Tom Ford at Prestige Avenues

What opportunities has Harvey Nichols given you?

Being linked with Harvey Nichols has opened up many opportunities for me and widened my horizons within the fashion world. Networking within that community became easier and it gave me access to key persons in the industry. It also allowed me to get in touch with a wide array of consumers and understand their needs and how I can help them achieve the look that fits them best.

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and beyond?

I believe that the trends that will stick with us through SS14 are mixing materials in some pieces. Also, in regards to evening wear, the mermaid tail will stay with us through summer.

Oversized shirts, skinny pants, and sneaker high heels are popular now and will be popular in 2014 women's fashion.

Photographer: Natalia Sitcai at: Moonlight Studios Location: Tom Ford at Prestige Avenues

What is special about Harvey Nichols to you?

The location is in a major center in Kuwait and we get many visitors to the store. It also is in a section of the Avenues that links between the Grand Avenues and the luxury brands of Prestige Avenues. Harvey Nichols is the biggest luxury department store in Kuwait and it is a great opportunity to be a part of the team that runs it.

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What is your proudest achievement in your career so far?

Besides getting interviewed for this magazine, I made a name for myself in the fashion world that enables me to attend the major fashion gatherings and give my opinion regarding some of the fashion that makes it to Kuwait.

What would you say to a prospective Harvey Nichols candidate about working at Harvey Nichols?

Run away! No seriously, you have to make sure you love fashion to work in Harvey Nichols. It is a demanding job that requires you to deal with many people. It is also a big store and you have to be able to learn about all aspects of the store ranging from the clothes to the food that is served and be able to give your opinion about them to different people with different tastes.

Finally, your message for us at CityPages magazine: I truly appreciate the opportunity to be heard by your readers who are a very important part of our community, the young adults, or the youth of Kuwait. I was also able to reflect more about my reasons for being in the industry after being asked these questions and found out more about myself, which was nice.

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Photographer: Natalia Sitcai at: Moonlight Studios Location: Tom Ford at Prestige Avenues

The Gingerbread & Cream Latte The Gingerbread Coffee Cooler

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SHOEBOX NY KUWAIT DEBUTS 2013 UGG COLLECTION IN FIERCE RUNWAY STYLE-OFF AT THE AVENUES MALL

Eng. Dalal’s new book entitled “Design & Style Workshop” launching at Pottery Barn home furnishings retail store.

REWIND - A Beach Cleaning initiative by The Finance Club at Kuwait University

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Press Conference announcing the Kuwait Yacht Show 2014

Media Introduced to the New winter menu at Zafran Kuwait

SADEEM Photography Expo at The Avenues

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COACH Celebrates its 1st Anniversary of its store at Grand Avenues Kuwait

Upper Crust Pizzeria opens a new branch at Al Bida’a area

RIJEEMY HEALTH VILLAGE AT 360 MALL

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#WataniyaHangout - The Comedy Hangout 2 by GAS Events and Madstand

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Triwa Launching Event at Q Cafe hosted by Yacob Behbehani & Sons Co.

"Journeys with Louis Vuitton" CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN KUWAIT

SAMARISH Launch at ShoeBox

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‫اﻟﻤﺬاق اﻟﻬﻨﺪي ا ﺻﻴﻞ‬ THE REAL INDIAN TASTE

C O M P A N Y

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Joseph & Joe's Cafe Opening

QUOT Market

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‫برج احلمراء يحتفل بالذكرى األولى على انطالقته‬ ‫ نظم البرج " غاليري " دعى إليه‬،‫ بهذه املناسبة‬.‫ بذكرى مرور عام واحد على افتتاحه‬، ‫أطول ناطحة سحاب في الكويت‬،‫احتفل برج احلمراء‬ ‫ عرض فيه اجنازاته وأبرز محطاته‬،‫عدد من الضيوف الكبار و أبرز شخصيات التواصل اإلجتماعي و مندوبي وسائل اإلعالم ورجال الصحافة‬ ‫ بدء من تصميمه‬،‫ إلى جانب ما حصده من شهادات التقدير واجلوائز التي حصل عليها‬،‫وأهم أحداثه التي شهدها على مدار السنة‬ ‫ ما‬،ً‫ من أحجار اجلير املركبة يدويا‬22,000 ‫ وكسوته من‬،‫ ما جعله أحد ابداعات تصميم األبراج في العالم‬،‫الهندسي اخلارجي الفريد اخملتلف‬ ‫ ما جعله‬،‫ طابقا ً للمكاتب اجملهزة بأحدث صنوف التكنولوجيا‬62 ‫ إلى احتوائه‬،‫جعله أطول ناطحة سحاب مكسوة باجلير الكلسي الطبيعي‬ ‫ ما جعلها األسرع في العالم‬،‫ متر في الثانية‬10 ‫ مصعدا ً ثمانية منها بسرعة‬53 ً ‫ وأيضا‬،‫خامس أطول برج للمكاتب في العالم‬. ،‫مييز برج احلمراء موقعه االستراتيجي الفريد وسط قلب الكويت واطاللته البانورامية الشاملة على مدينة الكويت ومياه اخلليج العربي‬ ً ‫ جهزت جميعا‬،ً‫ مترا‬137 ‫ والثاني‬،ً‫ مترا‬250 ‫ طابقني اثنني أولهما على ارتفاع‬،‫وتوفيره أعلى و أفخم قاعات لالجتماعات واملؤمترات في الكويت‬

‫بأحدث التقنيات السمعية البصرية‬.

Certina DS-2 Chronograph Few chronographs can boast of having the true precision of a chronometer. The new DS-2 Chronograph – with its ETA PRECIDRIVE movement, can make the claim and prove it – with added good looks nothing short of breathtaking.

Gorgeous detailing, faultless precision, available in either a standard or Limited Edition version (with COSC certification), to please all watch connoisseurs.

The real power of chrono timing comes alive in its true, measurable accuracy. The CERTINA DS-2 Chronograph has at its core the new Swiss Made ETA PRECIDRIVE quartz movement, with 1/100th-sec. accuracy and 12h, 30m, 60s functions and date. This new cutting-edge movement offers the precision of a chronometer in a sporty and handsome timepiece available in a variety of models, including a Limited Edition version (only 1888 units).

Behind the sporty elegance of the DS-2 and its brushed/polished 41mm stainless steel case, rounded anti-reflective sapphire crystal and tachymeterscale aluminium bezel, the dial is an impressive design composition. In the standard version, it is a handsome black colour behind coloured hands.

In the Limited Edition, it wears an elegant silver dial and black snailed chrono counters, with nickelled-black hands and indices and a three-row brushed/polished stainless-steel bracelet. Superluminova is applied to the hands and indices.

Madison New York - Winter Watch Madison New York launched its spectacular new collection on December 1st 2013. The winter watch collection is designed to suit your taste from the casual Sailor theme to the laid-back Retro look. Grab your favorite style at your nearest Elements location!

‫تعلن شركه اليمنتس للساعات واالكسسوارات عن وصول مجموعه الشتاء احلديثه من ساعات ماديسون نيو يورك في‬ ‫ قم بزياره احد فروع اليمنتس للساعات‬.‫ توجد تصاميم مختلفه والوان متنوعه لتناسب جميع االذواق‬.2013 ‫ديسمبر االول‬ ‫واالكسسوارات الختيار ما يناسبك اليوم‬.

CERTINA DS CERTINA's brilliant 125-year journey includes many remarkable innovations. The movement inside the new CERTINA DS―with its extraordinary power reserve of some 80 hours, is proof of the brand's longtime unwavering focus on excellence. By blending design elements reminiscent of CERTINA's early years with some of the latest automatic-watch technology, as well as features like a see-through case-back, the DS includes the best of both yesterday and today.

The new ETA Powermatic 80 movement at the heart of the CERTINA DS is a powerful example of modern watchmaking achievement. Its exceptional power reserve of 80 hours ensures that through more than three full days, your DS will keep perfect time, ready to go back to work or play when you are.

The DS unites elegance, precision and practicality by placing this extraordinary movement inside a beautiful and sport-classic 40mm polished 316L stainlesssteel case with brushed lugs and a polished bezel. A transparent case-back lets watch lovers cast a glance inside at the movement, whose black rotor is decorated with the CERTINA turtle logo.

A rounded sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating opens onto an anthracite-coloured concave dial, decorated with the former "double-C" CERTINA logo also embossed over the crown tip, in a wink back at history. Nickelled hands and indices are treated with Superluminova for greatest readability.

KidZania Kuwait Welcomes Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Co. (KFM) As Latest Industry Partner KidZania Kuwait, the children-sized metropolis, welcomes Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Co. (KFM), a leading name in Kuwait’s food industry, as its latest Industry Partner. Aligning with KidZania’s award-winning ‘edutainment’ concept, which combines entertainment and education, KFM will sponsor the new Cupcake Factory establishment, where children can try their hands at baking in a safe and stimulating environment.

The budding bakers will begin by learning about KFM’s hygiene procedures, such as how to wash hands for proper handling of ingredients and the importance of wearing gloves and a mouth cover. The young bakers will also have the opportunity to make and decorate their own their cupcakes in a realistic factory environment.

“Our establishment within KidZania Kuwait will demonstrate the many aspects of food production and baking to Kuwait’s kids, which in turn will allow us to communicate with our future customers in an unique manner,” commented Motlaq Al-Zayed, CEO of Kuwait Flour Mills & Bakeries Co. “KFM is always keen to provide the best quality and the widest range of products in the market and we see our partnership with KidZania Kuwait as being a great way to showcase our focus on providing the best nutritional food products for children. We are looking forward to being part of the edutainment concept that KidZania offers.”

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Royale Hayat Hospital Celebrates 7th Anniversary More than 400 guests attended Royale Hayat Hospital celebration on December 5, 2013. Attendees gathered at Missoni Hotel, in celebration of Royale Hayat Hospital 7th years of dedicated, and personalized luxurious medical care to the Kuwaiti society.

Royale Hayat Hospital chairman, deputy CEO, board members, doctors, staff, administration, nurses, and the many other dedicated team members were welcomed in a classical themed ceremony and dinner.

Recognizing the hospital’s achievements, Royale Hayat Chairman and board members presented awards to staff members with outstanding performance, dedication and commitment. “These awards are for meeting and exceeding the highest standards and supporting Royal Hayat since the beginning of its journey. I thank you all at Royale Hayat Hospital for making it happen; your contribution paved the way to reach our current status. However, now we have more responsibilities as the market expects more from us and we jointly must exceed the expectations.” said Pradeep K. Handa, Chairman, Royale Hayat Hospital.

Dr. Bader Alzaid Altraiji, Deputy CEO congratulated everyone on this special occasion and said,” As we celebrate the 7th anniversary of this iconic institution, we honor the diversity of our team that made every milestone possible, and we reflect on our significant achievements at Royale Hayat Hospital; among those, winning the best hospital in Kuwait Award three years in a row, and having the first General Surgery and Bariatric: Center of Bariatric in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Kuwait and the Middle East, and the only CAP accredited hospital laboratory among Kuwait hospitals.”

Night of Style and Rhythm for Marina Hotel’s Annual Staff Party Employees from Marina Hotel Kuwait gathered recently at Salwa Sabah Al Ahmed Theater and Hall to celebrate their annual staff party themed “The Retro Night”. The event was filled with fun, excitement and individuality which gave everyone the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy.

Gracing the event Mr. Nabil Hammoud, General Manager, appreciated the team spirit that prevailed between the hotel’s management and employees. He thanked the employees for their great efforts and dedication throughout the year of 2013 emphasizing to keep on the good work. He reiterated the hotel’s vision of exceptional care of guests by focusing on offering superior services and to aim higher and work better together through constant commitment while striving for excellence. Employees and team members were recognized for their outstanding efforts and great accomplishments attained throughout the years.

The interesting program lined up included prizes for the best dressed Retro outfit in addition to special recognition awards which were distributed by Mr. Nabil Hammoud in various categories for Employee of the year, Best Supervisor of the year and Best Performer of the year. The most awaited part was revealing of Mr. & Ms. Marina 2013 based on professionalism, team player and peer relationship fairly done by means of ballot by the hotel employees.

MIDO - MULTIFORT TWO CROWNS A real technological masterpiece, the Sydney Harbour Bridge epitomises the era of the industrial revolution in the 1930s. Beyond their functional role, such structures and buildings also have great aesthetic value.

The Multifort beautifully evokes the architecture of this symbolic construction.

Reliable and durable, this distinctive timepiece is equipped with an elaborate, finely decorated automatic movement that can be admired through a transparent case back. With a 42 mm diameter and water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft), the Multifort Two Crowns is an indispensable accessory that will satisfy any diving enthusiast who appreciates Swiss tradition and expertise.

The satinated and polished steel case encircles an anthracite dial decorated with vertical Geneva stripes.

A must for divers, this model is adorned with a rotating flange, the first quarter of which is treated with orange Super-LumiNova® in subtle reference to Mido’s emblematic colour. This Multifort is also distinguished by its two screw-down crowns. The first, at 2 o’clock, enables the flange to be adjusted to measure the immersion time. The other crown, at 4 o’clock, is for setting the time and winding. The vertical satinated and nickel-plated hands are treated with SuperLumiNova®, as are the indexes, ensuring maximum reading comfort, both underwater and at night. An anti-reflecting sapphire crystal, treated on both sides, further enhances the readability of the time.

Beating the NBA: As Britain Prepares to Host 13th NBA Game, Kuwaiti’s New Book Exposes Basketball’s Biggest Foul – Ticket Prices.

Written by Motez Bishara, ‘Beating the NBA: Tales From a Frugal Fan’ follows the author’s real life adventure as he travels the length and breadth of the United States to see thirty-one NBA games at the lowest possible price. Part gripping memoir and part exposé into the rapidly-evolving ticket industry, Bishara’s book makes fascinating reading for any sports fan.

While football and rugby tickets on home soil do not boast a reputation for being cheap, those in North America vent similar frustrations at the cost of tickets to NBA basketball games. However, a hugely-insightful new book follows one London-based Kuwaiti as he sells his Arsenal tickets to slam dunk a truly unique adventure across the pond.

‘Beating the NBA: Tales From a Frugal Fan’ follows the author across the United States to thirty-one NBA games done ‘on the cheap’. Aside from Bishara’s fascinating personal story, his book offers fans a wealth of tips and strategies for getting their own hands on tickets to the most coveted events, without breaking the bank.

Synopsis: As one of the most powerful sports leagues in the world, it’s no surprise that the National Basketball Association is ruthless when it comes to pricing its premium seats. Tickets to watch even the worst teams are touted at hundreds – and often thousands – of dollars, pricing out all but the wealthiest fans.

But just outside its glistening arenas, on the city pavements and internet classifieds, lurks the NBA’s dirty little secret: Good tickets can be had for pennies on the dollar…if you know how to play the system. For one frugal fan that’s when the adventure begins.

A value-conscious professional stock investor by day, and a sports-obsessed haggler by night, Motez Bishara sets off on a madcap thirty-one game, cross-continental quest to buy the best NBA tickets at the lowest possible prices.

From Miami to Portland, hilarious anecdotes and insightful interviews combine to uncover the rapidly evolving ticketing industry. By maximizing those trends, *Beating the NBA* empowers fans to achieve the most elusive victory in all of sports: bagging a great deal.

The author makes it clear that his book applies to almost any sport.

“The overriding point I make is that the ticketing systems in most sports are fatally flawed; I’m only focusing on the NBA and basketball as I have a huge amount of personal experience, having attended most major NBA arenas over the past few years. However, the strategies in my book can be deployed by fans of any sport to dramatically lower the costs of attending live events,” says Bishara.

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For more details please visit any of our stores or contact us on

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Arraya Ballroom launches its new website to enhance guest experience!

To complement the strong presence of the country’s most prestigious events venue, Arraya Ballroom managed by Marriott International today announced the unveiling of its new website at www.ArrayaBallroomKuwait.com – a fully virtual setting for loyal and prospective guests.

The launch aligns with the vision of Marriott Hotels in Kuwait to reach out to more and more customers at the touch of a button.

Visitors will first notice the website's futuristic design, which focuses attention on spectacular, large photos throughout the homepage.

Moreover, every beneficial detail about the ballroom has been conveyed at the website from its location and venue, to the types of celebrations and ceremonies held, and the technical specifications at the ballroom – all of which are available in each to download reading material for future planning as well. In addition to that, Arraya’s YouTube Video Tour has also been uploaded to help potential guests fully experience the ballroom's unique architecture and decor before ever setting foot on its property. For guests wishing to book or reserve events and enquiries directly online, the ballroom’s website easily allows them to do so too!

Coach Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary with Ascia Al-Faraj To mark its first year anniversary at The Avenues, Coach – a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections – celebrated in style with renowned fashion blogger Ascia Al-Faraj of The Hybrids.

Taking place in-store, guests were treated to a live cellist performance, as well as a complimentary monogramming service and a competition that gave one lucky customer the opportunity to win their favourite Coach item.

Throughout the evening, as guests enjoyed the delicious canapés and mocktails on offer, they also had the chance to meet and mingle with Ascia – who topped off a great night with a memorable cake cutting ceremony.

Continuing the celebration, the store will be giving one additional customer the opportunity to win their “Wish List” – bag, shoe and accessory – up to 28th December 2013.

Gulf Bank provides Seasonal Flu shots to all its employees as part of its annual health program As part of Gulf Bank’s continued effort to maintain the health and wellbeing of its staff, the Bank in association with the Dar Al Fouad Clinic provided free flu shots for all its employees. With flu season approaching Gulf Bank undertook the responsibility to provide its employees with preventative measures in order to ensure employees maintain good health.

This is an annual activity along with other health initiatives, which aim at enhancing the employees work environment.

This is in line with Gulf Bank’s recently launched ‘Health Awareness’ road show in partnership with Dar Al Fouad Clinic, who specialize in dietary health and wellbeing advice and treatment. This year-long program has been designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and general wellbeing amongst employees. Each employee is given the opportunity to receive a free general consultation to review sugar levels, blood pressure, weight analysis as well as dietary or nutritional advice where needed.

As a socially responsible leading financial institution Gulf Bank will continue to provide employees with programs that promote a healthy lifestyle as a healthy body supports a healthy mind.

VIVA Launches a New Prepaid Hourly Draw Campaign and Announces Lucky Winners of First Three Days VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most developed telecom operator, introduced a new prepaid hourly draw campaign, giving customers a chance to win one of many Apple iPhone 5c. The campaign began on 23 December 2013 and will last until 6 January 2014.

VIVA’s hourly prepaid draw campaign offers customers chances by recharging their prepaid lines where they will automatically gain one chance to enter the draw for every KD1 spent. VIVA will hold an hourly draw as of 24 December, choosing 24 lucky prepaid winners on a daily basis. Through this newly launched campaign, VIVA is presenting its loyal prepaid customers a treat with the latest iPhone 5c.

VIVA reiterates its commitment to providing unique promotions designed to create an exceptional customer experience and reward its prepaid customers for their continued trust in VIVA. VIVA will continue to seek new and innovative ways to facilitate the lives of its customers and share with them the latest in communication technology.

“THE REAL WEALTH OF THE MIDDLE EAST IS ITS PEOPLE” Omar Alghanim addresses a group of visiting Harvard Business School students and local Harvard alumni

Omar Alghanim, CEO of Alghanim Industries and Chairman of Gulf Bank, addressed visiting second year Harvard Business School (HBS) students and members of the Harvard University Alumni Association of Kuwait (HUAAK) on the importance of entrepreneurism during a dinner on 6 January, which was sponsored by the HUAAK to mark the inaugural HBS ‘Trek’ to Kuwait.

Attending the dinner were 30 students from HBS as part of a business tour of the GCC, which included stops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The visit to Kuwait was organised by Hamad Al Wazzan and Khaled Jafar, who are currently studying at HBS. Also present at the dinner was Dr Brian Hall, the Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, as well as several prominent Kuwaiti Harvard alumni, including: Mohammad Eissa, Managing Director of Gulf Investment Corporation, Yousef Al Essa, CEO, Amwal International Investment Company and Salah Al Fulaij, CEO, NBK Capital .

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with

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Dalal AlDughaishem

website: www.saycheeez.net email: info@saycheeez.net Twitter & flicker & instagram: @saycheeez_photo phone number (only whats app ): 55062262

Dalal is a profession photographer specializing in Kids and Babies Photography. Contact us if you wish to feature your Kids brand in CityPages magazine.

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Brought to you by:

Kids Pages

A: ______________________

N: ______________________

B: ______________________

O: ______________________

C: ______________________

P: ______________________

D: ______________________

Q: ______________________

E: ______________________

R: ______________________

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ANSWERS: 1.c, 2.b, 3.c, 4.b, 5.c, 6.a, 7.c, 8.c, 9.a, 10.a

Make Words

How many 3 or more letter words can you make with the letters in the word below. Each letter may be only used once.

C

P N

R S E E T

A

Example: CAR,...

Send us your answers by email to: cpkids@citypageskuwait.com along with your name and contact number

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Jumbled Words 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

HMY CIRH DKEC EKWE FTI ECHW GDAL UONN EHN NAWT DHIS HASC

= = = = = = = = = = = =

ANSWERS: 1.HIM, 2.RICH, 3.DECK, 4. WEEK, 5.FIT, 6.CHEW, 7.GLAD, 8.NOUN, 9.HEN, 10.WANT, 11.DISH, 12.CASH

Name an Animal Starting with...

Interesting Human Body Facts

•Research suggests that Children tend to grow faster in spring season as compared to any other time of the year !

•Food is either cooled or warmed to a suitable temperature in the mouth !

•Do you know that your Toe-prints are also unique, just like your finger prints !And imagine even your tongue print is unique!

•You know ,you have no sense of smell when you're sleeping!

•You know ,you can see your nose all the time but somehow your brain always ignores it!

•We all blink after every few seconds, but do we know the purpose of blinking ! Blinking helps to wash tears over our eyeballs.That keeps them clean and moist.

•An average person has over 1,460 dreams a year which is about 4 dreams every night!

•The human body has enough iron in it to make 3 inches long nail.

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Horoscopes January is highly energized beginning on January 1, with the New Moon in ambitious Capricorn setting the pace for this dynamic month. The dramatic Leo Full Moon of January 15 shines its light on your fiscal condition. This lunation conjuncts Jupiter and squares Mars. Be warned - you could seem reckless in your personal life or with existing funds, but you may just have a strategy in mind. January 30 and 31 are the most important days of the month. You could initiate a surprise move that possibly provokes others to lavish accolades upon you. The cosmos is on your side on these last two days of January, so follow your instincts.

ARIES

LEO

(March 21 - April 19)

(July 23 - August 22)

Start the year in a party mood with big crowds of friends and crazy fun times. A hyperactive partner or lover could throw more sparks, too. Things can stay fun so long as you don't get too outrageous and competitive. Arguments are possible but not required. An extra happy and lucky January 15 Full Moon blesses your home, but it might bring a sudden change at work. This could be pleasant and profitable as well as surprising. January 29 and 30 might be socially stressful, but the atmosphere should lighten up around you as Venus turns direct on January 31.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Pick one old but good habit to carry with you into the New Year and let go of the rest. Start the year fresh and intense, happy to work hard and willing to give things time to prosper and grow for you. The Full Moon on January 15 can put you in better touch with friends and family who respect your judgment more than you realize. Cozy up with loved ones and relax more. The last few days of the month could get tense, especially with co-workers, but any threats you feel are more likely short-lived and due to other people's insecurities.

VIRGO (March 21 - April 19)

New Year's Day could bring you a "change partners and dance" scenario. You're the one who holds all the power to make people happy, including you, so don't feel insecure or worried. Sweet dreams of the universally perfect lover could rock you when the Full Moon hits on January 15. Look kindly but closely at your casual friends, and don't be surprised if one of them is looking at you with moonlight in his or her eyes. The last few days of the month bring emotional and intellectual confusion as wishful thinking and willingness to overlook flaws outweighs cold, clear better judgment.

GEMINI

LIBRA

(May 21 - June 20)

(September 23 - October 22)

Make only a few resolutions, but be intense and stick to them as long as you can. Each single day has the power to widen your horizons and bring the world to you. You have good friends and older associates to help you if the partying gets too wild for comfort. The Full Moon on January 15 might bring money or maybe a desired gift or two if you can resist asking too directly for anything. The last week of the month looks financially promising, too. As Venus retrograde ends soon, try to keep a low profile and be selectively but sincerely generous.

Dance the New Year in and swing with a multitude of partners, none of whom you're obliged to keep. It's a wildly creative and fun-filled time, so enjoy the burst of popularity and all the social intensity that it brings. The Full Moon on January 15 smiles brightly on your career situation. Being stable and reliable gives you tremendous staying power if this is where you want to be. Domestic tension may arise as the month ends, and you may question your happiness with things at home. Don't make any rash changes. Things may look and feel different after Venus turns direct on January 31.

It's a supercharged New Year that could bring you major money anxieties and a fear of not being able to give enough. The generosity of other people and their truly good feelings for you may be hard to recognize, but relax and prepare to receive for a change. Your good luck continues with the January 15 Full Moon, when favors are unexpectedly returned and someone spontaneously rewards you for just being you. Smile, say thank you, and feel appreciated. Concerns over money and feelings of unworthiness may arise again near the end of the month. Take a deep breath and realize that everything is covered.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

The New Year hits you hard, as it often does, but this time it hits with more intensity. However, you have a lot of partners and people who love you for support. Cherish them. Let the Full Moon on January 15 motivate you to improve your daily routine. Be that much more health conscious and happy to allow yourself the occasional treat or small pleasure to keep morale and self-motivation high. You deserve those little daily pleasures as much as anyone. Think more kindly about yourself as the month ends.

Listen and believe it when a partner admires and compliments you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

It's an intense and deeply felt private New Year when you've never been more motivated to ditch useless fantasies and try something new. The January 15 Full Moon works to improve your daily routine, self-discipline, and health regimen. It will involve tiny changes at home, perhaps inspired to impress and please a secret someone. It doesn't matter, so long as you feel and perform better. As the end of the Venus retrograde approaches, look for January 28 through January 30 to be emotionally charged, with hot buttons exposed and waiting to be punched. These wild feelings should subside after January 31.

CANCER

SCORPIO

PISCES

(June 21 - July 22)

(October 23 - November 21)

(March 21 - April 19)

Hot romance and intense relationship issues could keep the sparks flying for the first few days of January. Feel lucky and in charge, and don't escape into junk food heaven. You have another super-lucky Full Moon on January 15, and you should look like a million bucks, so feel like it and be good to yourself. There are people relying on your good sense and sound advice. From January 28 until the end of the month it might be hard to keep your partner happy. Don't blame yourself.

Watch the happy vibes return on their own once Venus turns direct on January 31.

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It's a new year full of intensity and good intentions. If a friend loses a wallet or keys, you can psychically find the missing item. Volunteer to be the designated driver and enjoy those warm, fuzzy, virtuous feelings in private. Sometimes keeping a low profile is best, and the January 15 Full Moon brings you countless opportunities for random acts of kindness and anonymous gifts from the heart. This is all good for your karma - and blood pressure. Some minor disagreements or social discomforts could arise before Venus turns direct on January 31. Don't let this disturb your digestion, as self-correction comes quickly.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

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It's an action-packed, intense New Year, just the way you like it. You also may like how much you do for everyone behind the scenes.

Don't develop a Cinderella complex, but don't stop the good work! The Full Moon on January 15 brings you tremendous luck and prestige in public, while testing the limits of your good nature with friends and family. It's important to respect yourself, too, and remember that when you're home, it's your home. When Venus turns direct on January 31, you may feel at your most strung out and uncertain about everyone around you. This, too, shall pass.

The year could start with a wild night out on the town or a passionately wild and heavy night in a more intimate setting with only a few close friends. Brace yourself for serious interactions and equally sincere displays of kindness and affection. Look forward to more kindness and gentleness at the January 15 Full Moon. The mood may not last long, but it will be sweet while it does. Guard your feelings and protect your heart during the last few days of January. That's when rough words and rowdy behavior could surface before Venus turns direct on January 31.

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HOMEWORK FOR GROWN UPS EVERYTHING YOU LEARNED AT SCHOOL... BUT CAN YOU REMEMBER? General Knowledge Quiz 1. A phlebotomist extracts what from the human body?

Test Your Vocabulary Which of the following would most likely cause a feeling of

dismay?

2. What is the female equivalent of polygyny?

3. How many feet are there in a fathom?

1. knowing you'll never finish the report due tomorrow

4. Granadilla is another name for which fruit?

2. going shopping to buy a gift for a friend

5. Nariyal is the Indian term for which nut?

3. reading an article about how to get a summer job

6. Who was president of Vietnam from 1945-54?

4. getting a call from a persistent telemarketer

9. Who was the eldest of the Marx Brothers?

10. What type of creature is a dugite?

ANSWER: 1. Dismay is a noun that means the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles.

1957?

If you discover late Sunday night that the dog really did eat your homework, you might cry out in dismay.

Dismay describes an emotional state of alarm, fear, or serious disappointment.

8. What type of animal was inside Sputnik 2 when launched into orbit in

The first part of dismay comes from the Latin prefix dis-, which comes in handy when you want to put a negative spin on words (dishonest, discount, disenchant, etc.). The last bit of dismay most likely comes from the Germanic word magan, meaning "to be able to." You can employ the word dismay to describe how you feel in a variety of negative situations that you doubt you are able to handle.

7. In which county of the UK is Bramber Castle?

11. What are the first names of English novelist G K Chesterton?

12. In computing what does DMA normally stand for?

13. Who painted The Water Lily Pool?

14. Which vitamin is also known as pantothenic acid?

Cool Maths Puzzle 3. "How many cubic feet of soil are there in a hole that measures 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot?"

15. A couple celebrating their crystal wedding anniversary have been

a) Zero b) 3 c) 60 d) 4

married for how many years?

16. The song Luck be a Lady features in which musical?

17. In the city of Manchester (England) the Irk and Medlock join which river?

ANSWERS :(a)

18. What type of animal is a Kolinsky?

19. Who wrote the book Catch-22?

20. Kodiak Island is in which US state?

JUMBLED WORDS g e d d o

21. In the human body what is the hallux?

23. The 1999 film Tea with Mussolini is based on whose autobiography?

24. Port Said is in which North African country?

25. In which year were premium bonds first issued in Britain?

ANSWERS: 1.Blood, 2. Polyandry 3.Six, 4.Passion-fruit, 5. Coconut, 6. Ho Chi Min, 7. West Sussex, 8. Dog(called Laika - no, sadly she never made it back..), 9. Chico (real name Leonard Marx), 10. Snake, 11. Gilbert Keith (1874-1936), 12. Direct Memory Access, 13. Claude Monet, 14. B5, 15. 15 (fifteen), 16. Guys and Dolls, 17. Irwell, 18. Weasel, 19. Joseph Heller, 20. Alaska, 21. Big toe, 22. 1509, 23. Franco Zeffirelli, 24. Egypt, 25. 1956

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s e p I o a s a n u e n u m m i e m a g g I N ANSWERS:DODGE, POISE, NAUSEA, IMMUNE, GAMING

22. In which year did Henry VIII become King of England?

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Opening Soon in Kuwait At The Gate Mall