Signature-feb-12

FEBRUARY FE EBRUA BRUAR UA ARY RY 201 2012 0122

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AMAZING THINGS WE LOVE WANDERLUST

LONDON & MALDIVES ON A SONG

JAMES BLUNT SOLE TALK

FERRAGAMO

CONTENTS 12

CELEBRITY JAMES BLUNT

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30 SIGNATURE HOME VERSACE

PLACES LONDON

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CARS DETROIT MOTOR SHOW

16 SPORTS TOUR OF OMAN 18 TRAVEL MALDIVES 24 ART THE RUNNING HORSE 62 TECHNOLOGY CES 72 EVENT OER CEO GOLF

PLUS MORE........

FEBRUARY FE EBRUA BRUAR UA ARY RY 201 2012 0122

63 AMAZING THINGS WE LOVE

WANDERLUST

LONDON & MALDIVES ON A SONG

JAMES BLUNT

EDIT NOTE

SOLE TALK

FERRAGAMO VOL1 - ISSUE 6 COVER IMAGE SALVATORE FERRAGAMO CREDIT: ARCHIVIO FOTO LOCCHI EDITOR IN CHIEF FATMA AL ARAIMI GROUP EDITOR

BIG SPENDERS

MAYANK SINGH ASSISTANT EDITOR DEEPA RAJAN CORRESPONDENT MYSSAA AL HINAIAH EXPERTS Travel - BRUCE STEWART, ANNE COLBY Fashion - NATASHA LUNN, NADIA FOUZI Finance & Investments - K. L PRASAD ART Senior Art Director SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR Senior Designer ALIYA AL- WAHAIBI Senior Photographer RAJESH RAJAN PRODUCTION Production Head GOVINDRAJ RAMESH

As you read through these pages, you will find that we have tackled the ever-difficult task of narrowing down a list of items that would be perfect for the men and women in your life. We know how difficult the task of finding that special something for someone who only likes the best is, but we’ve got it covered in our ultimate gift guide. From watches, pens, gadgets, fashion accessories, beauty products and even antiques, you can find it all.

While we are all for the materialistic pampering there is something beyond that, which makes the joy of giving a bit brighter in the altruistic sense of being.

Take for example the Giving Pledge campaign which was launched in the US in June 2010. A joint venture between Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, the campaign has unlocked billions of dollars for philanthropic causes. The Pledge itself is radical in its simplicity. Its signers have to be billionaires. And they have to promise to give at least half of their fortune to charity during their lifetimes.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Advertising Manager CHANDNI MANIAR Asst. Advertising Manager JISHA VELLUVAN CORPORATE Chief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGAL Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROY Vice President - RAVI RAMAN

The pledge maybe restricted to the US, but nothing stops us from adopting it in a small way into our own lives, is it? Choose a charity, choose them all. Spend time with the underprivileged and the neglected. Form a group of like-minded friends and put together an event to raise charity. There are countless organisations in your neighbourhood that will be more than happy to accept your services in kind or cash.

The simplest thing of them all is to drop a penny or two into the donation box even as you shop at your favourite outlet.

Senior Business Support Executive RADHA KUMAR Business Support Executive ZUWAINA SAID AL RASHDI UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC Signature is published monthly and released in the first week of every month. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. Signature accepts no responsibility for advertising content.

Correspondence should be addressed to SIGNATURE UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC, PO Box 3305, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Mobile +968 99849242 Fax +968 24707939

e-mail: signature@umsoman.com/ reachsignature@gmail.com/ www.umsoman.com

BE IT MATERIALISTIC INDULGENCES OR BE IT YOUR LOVE...SPLURGE ON LIFE. BE THE BIG SPENDER

BLOCK YOUR DATES JANUARY 2012 2012 Polar Plunge When: Feb. 3 -4 Where: Virgina Beach, USA

Wax Lantern Procession When: Feb. 3 Where: Salé, Morocco

The Banff Mountain Film Festival

When: Feb. 2 Where: The Carriageworks, Leeds, England

Milan Fashion Week

When: February 22 - 28 Where: Milan, Italy

Extreme Sailing Series – Act 1 When: Feb. 28 to Mar. 1 Where: Muscat, Oman

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

When: Feb. 20 - 21 Where: Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Sibelius, Prokofiev and Stravinsky with the BBC Symphony Orchestra When: Feb. 24 Where: Barbican, Silk Street, London, UK

Paris Fashion Week

When Feb. 28 - Mar. 8 Where: Paris, France

FOCUS

ART COUTURE 8

Ferragamo Family

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orn in the tiny village of Bonito, near Naples, in 1898 to a very poor family, Salvatore Ferragamo was the eleventh of 14 children. For his sisters’ First Communion, Salvatore made shoes for them, and thus found his calling at a tender age of nine. The young and ambitious man went on to open his first shoe shop in his parent’s house when he was just 14 but then in 1914, he left for America to join his brothers in Boston. Soon after, he went to California where he began to make shoes for the American Film Company, crafting custom-made shoes for rising movie stars.

During his time in California, he even studied anatomy at the University of Southern California in a quest to make his designs flawless (he designed the steel arch support so that shoes could give better support to the feet and the body). Salvatore’s creativity, his exquisite craftsmanship and the incomparable comfort of his shoes soon made Salvatore a name synonymous with original design, high quality, and a perfect fit. His creations were favourites among stars like Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Cecil B. DeMille. The famous ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, were designed by none other than Salvatore himself.

Sinuous. curvilinear lines. Abstract ornamental patterns. Cubist graphics and African tattoos. How Salvatore Ferragamo redefined classic Italian luxury…

FOCUS However, his thriving reputation as 'Shoemaker to the Stars' only partially satisfied him. After spending thirteen years in the United States, Salvatore returned to Italy in 1927, this time settling in Florence and consequently founding the eponymous brand which today is one of the most celebrated luxury brands in the world. In 1938, the Ferragamo showroom was established in Palazzo Spini Feroni, the medieval building in the heart of Florence, served as the company’s headquarters where stars would fly down for fittings and request personal orders. Every day, more than 350 pairs of shoes where produced in his state-of-the-art factory that employed 750 shoemakers.

Salvatore was always recognised as a visionary, and his designs ranged from the strikingly bizarre objet d'art to the traditionally elegant, often serving as the main inspiration to other footwear designers of his time and beyond. For instance, in the 1930s and 40, when leather was scarce, Salvatore experimented with materials like cork, raffia and cellophane.

Thus the famous cork wedge was born – a style that subsequently changed the course of shoe design history. After Salvatore’s death in 1960, the brand kept its prestige and excellent reputation. A new chapter began thanks to the capable hands of his wife Wanda and their six children, whose business acumen and strong values developed the brand further and included the expansion of both the distribution network and the product range.

Today, his name lives on as an international

METALLIC STILETTOS

These shoes were especially designed by Salvatore for Marilyn Monroe.Through his shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo contributed to the legend Marilyn would become: they accentuated the innate and intense sensuality of the woman whom Salvatore likened to Venus, the Greek goddess of beauty.

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RAINBOW PLATFORMS

Perhaps one of the most outrageous shoe ever produced this golden sandal with a rainbow elevator base was designed for Judy Garland in 1938.

THE INVISIBLE SHOE

In 1947, Salvatore designed a continuous thread upper consisting of a transparent nylon thread-like element, which gave rise to the invisible sandal.

company and has expanded its operations to include luxury shoes, bags, eyewear, silk accessories, watches, perfumes and a readyto-wear clothing line. The brand is still a firm favourite among the stars today: Judy Dench, Madonna, Al Pacino, Rihanna and Mila Jovovich are just a few among many patrons.

The ready-to-wear is currently designed by Massimiliano Giornetti, who has been with the brand for over a decade and he continues to use science and technology (a recurring phenomenon with the brand) to take his creations to new levels. Under his direction, Salvatore Ferragamo presented its first-ever Resort Collecetion in New York in June 2011.

A month later, the brand unveiled its first jewellery collection designed in collaboration with Gianni Bulgari. While still avant-garde, the brand imbibes modern designs that reflect the mood of the times – from colour blocked dresses and tribal print scarves to bucket bags and cone-heeled sandals, Salvatore’s name and vision clearly still lives on – both, in name as well as spirit.

MOSAIC PLATFORMS

The famed mosaic platforms were first created for Carmen Miranda in 1936.

VARA AND VARINA

The original model was created by Fiamma Salvatore in 1978.

Till date, more than a million pairs have been sold, making it the most successful shoe in its category. Over the years, it has been made in every possible colour, fabric and skin, without losing any of its charm.

GANCINO

The “Gancino” has come to represent the brand, appearing on a multitude of Ferragamo accessories and articles of clothing.

In Italian, the word gancino denotes a small metal clasp used to hang or hook various objects. This is how the “Gancino” began to be used in the Seventies as the clasp for a bag, which Fiamma, created for her mother.

CELEBRITY

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SOLOIST

SOLDIER

JAMES BLUNT WENT FROM MAKING WAR TO MAKING SOME REALLY AWESOME MUSIC. DEEPA RAJAN SENDS SOME QUICK QUERIES HIS WAY AND GETS SOME TONGUE-IN-CHEEK REPLIES…

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singer-songwriter and musician, James Blunt shot to fame with his debut album, Back to Bedlam and single releases, including You're Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover, in 2005.

After recording on the independent American label Custard Records, Blunt won two Brit Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, and by 2006 was nominated for five Grammy Awards. The following year, he released his second album All the Lost Souls (2007). Blunt's third studio album, Some Kind of Trouble, was released in November 2010.

Worldwide, Blunt has sold over 15 million albums, and his debut album, Back to Bedlam, was the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK. Blunt now sees the first two albums as a pair of book ends –action and reaction. Some Kind of Trouble, is a new chapter. “The second album was quite introverted. It was about perception. But the songs in Some Kind of Trouble are not about fame and celebrity – they’re about reality,” Blunt says. “I’ve been hanging out with my friends, writing songs about the world we live in, and where we want to go.” In this tabloid-driven age of overexposure, Blunt fervently wants the music to have the first and final word. “The world wants public figures to over-share and I don’t feel comfortable doing it, so I kind of enjoy the way the songs try to speak for themselves.”

CELEBRITY

It’s not that he’s not concerned about world events, it’s more that in this self-absorbed world, he is an artist who realises the world does not revolve around him. “With so much attention, it’s easy for musicians to think too much of themselves and their position in the world,” he says. “We’re not worthy of that kind of self consideration.”

In fact, Blunt feels the best use of stardom is to use it to shine the spotlight with those doing good. As he had done on previous concert treks, on his 2008-2009 globe-spanning tour Blunt raised funds for Doctors Without Borders, the international medical humanitarian organisation whose work the Sandhurst graduate witnessed first-hand as a British military officer stationed in Kosovo. He also works closely with Friends of the Earth to increase awareness of climate change.

Indeed, as much as he loves making new music, for Blunt, the ultimate joy comes from playing the songs live and sharing them with an audience.

Blunt’s first date with Oman came in the year 2009, where he performed in a sold out show making him promise the audience that he would be back with more! And, true to his word, James Blunt will be performing for us again this month!

In a quick interview with Signature, he talks about his new album and his excitement in coming back to Oman….

You come from a military family. Was it expected of you to join the forces?

“The army paid for my education, so I owed them 4 years.”

From making war to making music, how easily (or not so easily) would you say things have worked out for you?

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“Like a swan... Graceful on the surface, paddling furiously under water.”

In what ways is Some Kind of Trouble different from your earlier works?

“It’s electric, baby! The album is delightfully upbeat and uncynical.“It captures a bit of the mood of the early ‘80s. There was a global atmosphere in the West that we could do anything–the same optimism we felt as teenagers. Some Kind of Trouble really captures that same sense of freedom and excitement and naivety.”

With auto-tune and digital influences in music these days, do you think music is losing its essence?

“There’s loads of good music around – it’s just harder to find.”

In this tabloid-driven age of overexposure (for eg: your oft written about friendship with Prince Harry) how do you manage the negative publicity?

“I don’t buy the tabloids.”

Quick Takes Song you love performing Superstar

How do you feel returning to a place (Oman) where your arrival was greeted with such enthusiasm last time around? Also, there have been great changes in the region since you were last here….What kind of message do you hope to portray through your music?

“I had such fun last time round that I’m just excited to be coming back. The changes in the region have been monumental. I can sense the spirit of an audience and I hope that music will bring strangers together."

Favourite musician Paul Simon

What’s next for James Blunt?

“The year-long world tour finishes in a few days. Then I’m going to go home and wash my clothes.”

Watch James Blunt perform at the Intercontinental Concert Gardens on Feb. 15. He is being brought to Muscat by ALIVE Entertainment & HiFM

One song you wish you had composed None. I just hope I can write some great songs of my own.

February is the month of love. If there were one song you’d sing for a special person in your life, it would be My new album has a song called If Time Is All I Have.

Flying a plane, skiing, riding a bike or performing a gig? What’s James Blunt’s high?

Sharing life with friends…

justinimberlake.com

NEW

EVENT

PAR EXCELLENCE The eighth edition of the OER CEO Golf was a whole new ball game! A report

What a day in the life of corporate Oman!

OER CEO Golf 2012, the premium corporate networking platform presented by Nawras Business Solutions, dazzled the business community of Oman with a day of golf, highpowered gathering, sophisticated ambience and mind-blowing entertainment on the cool greens of Muscat Hills on January 12.

With over 200 CEOs, managers, business leaders and virtually the who’s who of Oman’s corporate world taking part in the biggest event in the Sultanate’s corporate calendar, OER CEO Golf 2012 broke new ground in terms of participation, unique game format, thrilling activities and exciting prizes. The golfers were divided into teams of four and played the 18-hole Texas Scramble. One of the most noteworthy parts of this year’s OER CEO Golf was the enthusiastic participation of a number of women golfers.

For the non-golfers, a special golfing clinic was arranged. A simple competition of chipping, pitching and putting was organised which enabled participants to not only understand the finer nuances of golf but also gave them a chance to win the biggest prize of the day – a

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Rolex watch.

The OER CEO Golf 2012 champions were Ravi Narayanan, Chandra Sekhar Das, Debabrata Mukerjee, and Pamela Mouries. And the Most Promising Golfer-to-be was Samir Hamamji who won himself a Rolex. Presented by Nawras Business Solutions for the fourth consecutive year, OER CEO Golf 2012 was powered by Infiniti while Rolex, from Khimji’s Watches was the Official Time Keeper and the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba were Publicity Partners.

Samsung, Capital Store, Left Bank, Patchi & Bateel, Muscat Hills, OUA, Travel Point, Silver Senses Salon and Mumtaz Mahal, City Seasons Hotel and Agility were the prize partners. And the Support Partners were Hi & Al Youm Al Sabe (Media Partners); AXA (Insurance); Oman Printers & Stationers (Printing) OUA (Beverage); Qatar Airways and Travel City Travel Point (Travel); Merge FM and Al Wisal FM (Radio); Infoline (Call Centre); and Aggreko (Energy).

The morning session began with a welcome address by Sandeep Sehgal, Chief Executive, United Media Services (UMS) followed by HE

Mohammed bin Hamad al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas; Samir Fancy, Chairman Renaissance Services; Ross Cormack, CEO Nawras; Divyendu Kumar, Managing Director, Infiniti; and Madhu Jesrani, General Manager, Khimji’s Watches unveiling the tournament’s score card.

The ceremonial tee-off was also done by HE Rumhy, Fancy, Cormack, Kumar and Jesrani as the golfers eagerly awaited to get their clubs to the tee. Before they went on the greens, the golfers got a few expert tips from world famous trick shot specialist and South African PGA golfer, Michael Scholz.

The Nawras kiosk hosted a complimentary massage centre throughout the day for the golfers and non-golfers to unwind and de-stress themselves with a soothing and invigorating massage. The Infiniti Putting Challenge saw many guests winning a special gift designed by the chief designer of Infiniti cars Shiro Nakamura. A swanky display of Infiniti M, FX & QX models also attracted a number of inquisitive and prospector buyers. For the golfers-to-be, well known leadership consultant,

John Mitchell, delivered an inspiring talk on ‘Driving Change from the fairway to the boardroom’ before the golfers-to-be took to the fairway for the chipping, pitching and putting competition.

By the time the golfers and non-golfers returned from play, Michael Scholz who earlier gave golfing tips was ready with a mesmerising one-hour show delighting the audience by interspersing quick wit with his golf tricks.

The morning gave way to a scintillating evening of music, entertainment and of course the gala awards. Starting with a brilliant dance performance by LED Dancers that launched the Infiniti FX model, the excitement and anticipation of the awards was taken to a crescendo by Daniela Maxova, renowned international illusionist who charmed the audience with her tricks against a background of hypnotic music and dance interludes.

Ross Cormack, CEO, Nawras, gave an interesting presentation to showcase the company’s many Nawras firsts to the business sector and their latest pleasingly different product for the business community – Nawras Business Mousbak.

This service gives business customers the ability to communicate with free calls between all employees while benefiting from a convenient recharging and credit distribution facility through a secured online system and controlling cost on their mobile spend.

The grand surprise of the evening was the unveiling of the new OER logo to coincide with the 15th anniversary this year of the Oman Economic Review. The audience was wowed by the prospect of the Sultanate’s premiere business magazine taking on a new identity, ethos and personality in tune with the changing times.

It was non-stop fun and networking from morning to evening as OER CEO Golf, presented by Nawras, provided the perfect setting for mixing business with pleasure.”

SPORTS

FOLLOW

BEGINNING FEB. 14, THE TOUR OF OMAN WILL COMPRISE SIX STAGES LIKE LAST YEAR, BUT WILL COVER A TOTAL DISTANCE OF 873KM UNLIKE 848KM IN 2011. YOUR GUIDE TO THE ROUTE…

DAY 1, STAGE 1

Tuesday, Feb. 14 Distance: 159km From: Alam Palace in Muscat to Al Hauqain in Wilayat Al Rustaq Starts: 12:00 hrs Ends: 16:00 hrs

DAY 2, STAGE 2

Wednesday, Feb 15, Distance: 140.5km From Bait Al Batah in Wilayat Sur to Wadi Dayqah in Wilayat Quriyyat Starts: 12:30 hrs Ends: 16:00 hrs

DAY 3, STAGE 3

Thursday, Feb 16 Distance: 144.5km From Wadi Bani Kharus in Wilayat Al Awabi to Bank Muscat in Murtafat Al Matar - Wilayat al Seeb Starts: 12:40 hrs Ends: 16:00 hrs

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THE TRAIL DAY 5, STAGE 5

DAY 4, STAGE 4

Friday, Feb 17 Distance: 142.5km From Nafa region in Wilayat Bidbid to Wadi Kabir (near horses statues) in Wilayat Muttrah Starts: 12:45 hrs Ends: 16:30 hrs

Saturday, Feb 18 Distance: 158km From Royal Opera house in Wilayat Boushar to Jabal Al Akhdar in Wilayat Nizwa Starts: 12:00 hrs Ends: 16:00 hrs

DAY 6, STAGE 6

Sunday, Feb.19 Distance: 130.5km From Al Khaud village in Wilayat al Seeb to Al Samka roundabout A in Wilayat Muttrah Starts: 12 :00 hrs Ends: 15 :00 hrs

FAST FACTS

Six straight stages covering a total distance of 875 km 128 elite cyclists time trial Two bonus sprints on each stage

THE STAKES

The total amount of prize money for the 2012 Tour of Oman is €111,480 (Rials 56,000 approx) and split as follows: STAGES CLASSIFICATION €54,330 (RIALS 27,300 APPROX) GENERAL INDIVIDUAL TIME CLASSIFICATION €37,150 (RIALS 18,700 APPROX) POINTS CLASSIFICATION €5,000 (RIALS 2,500 APPROX) YOUNG RIDER CLASSIFICATION €5,000 (RIALS 2,500 APPROX) MOST AGGRESSIVE RIDER CLASSIFICATION €5,000 (RIALS 2,500 APPROX) TEAM CLASSIFICATION €5,000 (RIALS 2,500 APPROX) For more information log on to www.tourofoman.om

PLACES

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A LONDON THING London is a melting pot that blends in the old and the new to offer you the idyllic brew of life! What better time to visit this city than to experience the Olympics buzz or to simply romance its inimitable history…

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he key to experiencing London lies in choosing the right hotel, located strategically between the stoic facades of history and modern structures of a shopping paradise.

Ladies and gentlemen, before you say “No, such a place cannot exist”, do book yourself into Sofitel St. James, located in the heart of London's West End. Rarely does a hotel manage to make its guests feel like they are stepping out from the hustle and bustle of life and into their own private oasis, even more so in the beehive that is cosmopolitan London.

The efforts of the Sofitel St. James then in doing just that are made more remarkable due to its position in the beating heart of one of the most historic cities on the planet. Like the majority of the building in and around the area, with Pall Mall, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Palace all within walking distance, the façade of Sofitel St James blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Historic memorials to wars fought long ago stand sentinel before the hotel, a timely reminder to the sense of place that pervades parts of London.

Inside then, the British classicist theme strikes

PLACES

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as a marked contrast to contemporary French hospitality. This apparent contradiction works to its own advantage, perhaps harking back to a time when mobile then and instant communications meant a more measured approach to life in all its forms. The street and all its multitudes are just 20m away but reclined into one of the lobby’s sumptuous armchairs, welcome refreshment in hand, you could be in another world.

The rooms, as one would expect from a building of its kind, are compact but fitted out to the highest possible standard. A customary flat-screen television sits above a beautifully crafted armoir, which also acts as a home for the mini-fridge. Interlocking rooms and an option for king-size beds or singles also offers flexibility for families. The style of the bathrooms, resplendent with robes, slippers and dripping in Hermes accessories, is true Victorian glamour with its black and white tiled floor and wooden swing doors. No expense has been spared, however small the item.

The temptation when staying in London of course is to try and sample dinner in any one of the hundreds of Michelin stars the UK’s capital has to offer. However, guests need look no further than The Balcon, Sofitel St James’ in house restaurant. Food and beverage lists are designed for both those with specific knowledge, or the layman, eager to try something new and interesting. Premier service and delectable food, all wrapped in a setting that carries the duality of old British and contemporary French styles with effortless ease, makes this fine dining as it should be.

The hotel is also home to an award-winning spa. The Sofitel SO SPA is designed over three floors with original historic features, beautiful high ceilings and natural daylight.

Unfortunately, we did not have the time to try out the spa services, but one can always be assured an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience with the different treatments the spa promises with the use of luxurious products from Carita and Cinq Mondes.

With every square inch of the hotel seeped in luxurious comfort, Sofitel St James is what one calls true five-star luxury; luxury is not the sole proviso of beach resorts and is equally applicable to an urban location. Five-star is about service. It is about style. But first and foremost it is about treating each and every guest, regardless of background or bank balance, as a veritable Marquis of the Manor.

Make Sofitel St James your base and take your significant other on a trail of historic London.

Do not miss…

Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery The hero of the sea battle that defeated the Spanish Armada, Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson survey this iconic landmark and meeting place for people from every corner of the world. Right in front of it lies The National Gallery with its enormous collection of paintings, including dozens of pieces from the most famous masters in history. Free to enter, to browse, to gawp and gape, this venerable cathedral of culture has something to suit every taste.

The Original London Tour If you do not want to do individual pit stops, you can always hop on to The Original London tour. With over 80 stops, three main sightseeing routes and countless photo opportunities, this is the best way to sit back, relax and take in the sights, sounds and iconic views of the city, both ancient and modern.

lazy picnic, (the weather permitting, of course)?

Settle for the St Jame’s Park. Within walking distance from the hotel, this is said to be the oldest of the Royal Parks. Three royal palaces skirt St James's Park which provides habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you may even catch a movie shoot or two in this famous landmark!

The Tower of London This more than 900-year-old building, occasional dungeon, palace or mini-castle is one of the key sites to see for any visitor to London. Situated in a prime location on the North Bank of the River Thames, it offers visitors the chance to soak up the hundreds of years of history that the city has to offer.

The London Eye A Ferris wheel of gigantic proportions, these enclosed cabins offer not only some respite from traditional British weather but also unsurpassed views of London, as it gently rotates its way through the axis.

Shop till you drop The latest high street collections can be found in Covent Garden and the designer collections furnish the windows of Bond Street and Sloane Street. Sofitel London St James is within walking distance of Regent Street, Oxford Street, Jermyn Street and many other major shopping areas.

Musical rendezvous Book tickets to some of the best shows in the world. Both the London Theatre and the English National Opera are just a few steps away from the hotel.

Park yourself here!

In the mood for a romantic stroll or perhaps a

St Paul’s Catherdral St Paul's, with its world-famous dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior, and uncover fascinating stories about its history.

Blissful

TRAVEL

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Surrender Far from the madding crowd, whisk your partner away to the magical land of Maldives. We promise you will never want to leave

TRAVEL

T

he wide expanse of territorial water, peppered with the atolls that enable Maldivian life to ride out its own unique sets of challenges and circumstances, is also the archetypal romantic getaway. No other place on the planet provides such luxury and seclusion, allowing the guests to watch the hours drift by in their own personal paradise.

The arrival at Male airport, essentially the only city among the Maldives' thousands of little islands and communities, gives a pretty fair estimation of the kind of adventure that you are just embarking upon. A dramatic strip of reclaimed land, essentially its own island just off the main land mass of Male in one of the atolls. There are few a places that still accept commercial airliners where for all the world it appears you are about to belly-flop onto the glittering, azure ocean. A number of options await, depending on the resort you are based in, but the basic thing to understand is that the travelling hasn’t stopped there.

A speed boat will now bounce you off to your destination, or perhaps for those having to get to a different atoll (remember the country stretches through the Indian Ocean for over 90,0000 sqkm, with 26 natural ring-like atolls and 1,190 islands) the thrill of a seaplane is yours for the taking.

Among the many resorts, lie the Holiday Island and the Sun Island (part of the Villa Hotels group) and are among the finest around. A Robinson Crusoe moment awaits as you realise, still some distance away from rocking up to the

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shoreline, that you are about to be on the most exotic of places.

Only these islands have a great deal of more home comforts to them than was available to Daniel Defoe’s castaway, and to have to quantify the correct number of stars of ‘luxury’ is to actually do a great injustice to nature’s bounty. However, as in any walk of life, it is always pleasant to have things around you that are just a cut above the normal. If the design of the complex is sympathetic to the environment, it helps to not only set the tone of the location but also enhance the holiday.

The Villa Hotels group offers many options to choose from and we chose to divide our vacation at two of its properties: the Holiday Island Resort & Spa and the Sun Island Resort & Spa. The Holiday Island Resort & Spa is “a Stunning, Untouched Eden.” Nestled on the tip of South Ari Atoll , a mere 700m long and 140m wide island and just 97km from Male International Airport, (reachable in 35 minutes by seaplane or two and a half hours by speedboat). The Holiday Island offers you personalised luxury and modern indulgences with its superb services.

Explore the underwater treasures of one of the world’s premier dive locations or sip a beverage on your private terrace as you watch the sun dip below the horizon or simply lounge on the white coral sand and soak up the radiant sun. You can choose the comfort of your own private beach bungalow with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Each bungalow sits directly on the breathtaking beach that surrounds the beautiful Holiday Island.

Our next stop was the Sun Island Resort & Spa, which is just a five-minute boat ride from the Holiday Island Resort & Spa. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that this resort grows its own fruit and vegetables in orchards located in the centre of the island. It is also a place where you can pick up the phone and have a pizza delivered to your room on a bicycle. With a wide variety of entertainment and sports options, this is an ideal resort for families with older children as well as young couples. Nestled on Nalaguraidhoo in the South Ari Atoll, this resort, unlike the Holiday Island, offers you a

variety of staying options. The 426 beautifully furnished guest rooms and suites range from their expansive, two-bedroom Presidential Suite, featuring a private beachfront terrace and Jacuzzi tub to their unique Water Bungalows, set on stilts above a tranquil lagoon with private stairways leading to the water and of course, the Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms. Needless to say all the rooms are equipped with everything that aids the comfort and luxury of your romantic getaway.

There’s plenty to do in and around the resort and there is plenty to eat too! Organise a candlelit dinner at the Ristorante Al Pontile, where traditional Italian cuisine meets the beauty of the tropic. Enjoy sumptuous buffet meals at the Maaniyaa Restaurant. Sip a mocktail along the shore from the Beach Lounge, that offers the ultimate laid-back bliss.

Of course no resort is complete without a spa, is it? Both Holiday Island and Sun Island house the signature Araamu Spa which promises you an awakening of the sense in the truest of senses. Scented oils, gentle music and caring hands bring to life the ancient art of healing, allowing the spirit to achieve a state of blissful transcendence. Fall under the soothing spell of traditional Maldivian healing techniques, enhanced by the natural essence of flowers, marine plants, and herbs. Beautify the body from the outside-in with therapeutic massages, facials and skin treatments and experience the restorative powers of the breathtaking island paradise. What better way to wind your day down than with a relaxing spa treatment, surrounded by nothing but the blue ocean.

At the end of the day, however you decide to travel, arrive and stay while you are in Maldives, remember that you are indeed privileged to be able to witness what the world has to offer and that in our interconnected and instantaneous world, the sound of silence is perhaps the biggest blessing of them all.

For more information you can log on to http://www.villahotels.com. You can also click on http://www.villahotels.com/Resorts/Sun-Island-ResortSpa and http://www.villahotels.com/Resorts/HolidayIsland-Resort-Spa

SIGNATURE PROPERTIES

SUNSET BOULEVARD Muriya Salalah Beach Project

I

t is always relaxing to watch the sun go down as you idle away sipping your favourite fizz listening to a soulful tune. Well, with a new landmark on the Salalah Beach promenade opening its doors soon, you can just do that! The new 5-star Juweira Boutique Hotel faces the marina front and offers guests a scenic view from the comfort of their own outdoor terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea. Each of the 65 rooms, which include 21 suites, is equipped with top class facilities offering comfortable and spacious relaxation. In addition to this, the resort will soon boast the Marina Apartment Blocks, which are in the finishing stage. The first of the finished apartments have already been handed over. The villas, are in various stages of construction with the first few also ready for handover. Further exciting additions will be ready to open later in the year as the marina will be ready for berthing in mid-2012 and the Rotana Hotel will open at the end of 2012, providing a further 400 rooms to the Salalah Beach project.

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THE PROJECT Construction of the Salalah Beach project began in mid-2008, the resort is set in an area of 15.6 million square metres. Once completed it will feature luxury freehold apartments and villas, its own shopping and retail outlets, five 5-star hotels and two marina boutique hotels, two 18-hole PGA Golf Courses, a 200-berth inland marina and a marina town, restaurants and cafes.

SIGNATURE HOMES

A DASH OF METAL VERSACE HOME COLLECTION

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esigned by Donatella Versace, the collection now includes more plastic, giving lamps and innovative chairs and seating – the latest in furnishing accessories – extra sinuosity and intensity.

Metal is the material of the season and forms a link throughout the entire collection. This is exemplified in the gilt strip – shiny, satin or chromium plated – resulting in a graphic interpretation of the house’s emblematic Greek logo. At times this effect is rendered decoratively by laser, while at other times it is structurally part of the actual furniture.

The color palette goes from vibrant blues to lacquered red, from a golden yellow to an elegant pearl gray, with touches of black and white.

Fabrics are opulent and, along with leathers and velvets exclusive to the Versace Home collection, there are cotton satins and silk satins, shiny laminated textiles, and technical fabrics with lacquer effects.

Among the many diverse decorations there is a return of the iconic Baroque print proposed on a resin-coated fabric or embroidered by hand on leather or velvet, and a python print inspired by the Versace fashion collections.

Available Versace Home boutique, The Dubai Mall

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YOUR GUIDE TO…

GIFT OF COMPANY

WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING GIFTS FOR WOMEN ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, SAYS SHAWN STEPHENS

M

ore often than not men tend to think they know exactly what their women want. Men normally do not get beyond red roses, candies or chocolates in heart shaped boxes, teddy bears with ‘I love you’ written on them, movies and concerts, or even candlelight dinners. Yes, women are die-hard romantics and emotional creatures. They expect their men to please them with gifts and many wish to have fairytale days where the men in their life treat them like a princess and sweep them off their feet.

Here are some choices apart from the usual flowers, chocolates, candies, candle light dinners or cards, which can be an addition to the main gift…

GEM OF AN IDEA Always an instant hit with all women irrespective of their ages. Jewellery studded with diamonds, rubies or emeralds are a favorite with women. Be it diamond stud earrings, heart pendants, bracelets or necklaces women love it all.

DESIGNER HEARTS This is a tricky one, but will win you lots of smiles if you get this right! If your woman is fashion-savvy and you know what she likes, you can always get onto websites like THEOUTNET.COM or Net-A-Porter and get her favourite dresses, a branded handbag, a pair of shoes, you know she has her eye on. Do not

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worry, for the return policy is always there to help you out, just in case!

NOT ALL MATERIAL GIRLS Yes they love their Guccis and Pradas, but more than that women love thoughtful gifts from their partners and you can score some major brownie points if you pick the right gift for her. Women appreciate it when their men put some thought into the gifts they are buying for them. Some options here can be a book or a movie or a music CD she has been searching for high and low, a gadget she fancies, or a gift certificate she can utilise at her favourite spa. You could buy a digital frame and load it with pictures that are memorable in both your lives or you could even surprise her and take her out on a trip down memory lane by revisiting right from where you met to where you went for your honeymoon. Just get your thinking hat on and the sky is the limit!

Men often complain that women are complex creatures. Frankly, they are simple beings who would be happy with undivided attention be it on a holiday, a cruise or even a day spent at home with you whipping up a meal for them.

Give them the gift of your company. Begin with breakfast in bed, follow it up with a little shopping trip and a simple meal and then end it with a movie or even your wedding video curled up on the couch along with your meal from the favourite take-out place. A day of undivided attention once in a while will keep her smiling for the rest of your lives.

AFTER ALL, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE….

Shawn Stephens is a PR professional and has worked on the teams that handled accounts like Dubai Film Festival, Christies, Art Dubai, Qatar Airways, The Hilton group, Adidas and Dior. He is seen quite often on the red carpet making show-stopping entrances at some of the most chic events and parties in Dubai and around the Middle East. He is currently Account Director with Z7 communications in Dubai, United Arab Emirates that handles Versace, TOD’s, TAG Heuer, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bonhams, JAMM art advisory, MRPORTER.COM, Net-a-Porter, THEOUTNET.COM and Hoss Intropia.

YOUR GUIDE TO…

FOR THE BIG KIDS GADGET YOUR WAY TO HIS HEART, SAYS JACQUI RENDELL

I

have been thinking about why we give gifts. All across the world, people give gifts be it for birthdays, weddings, Christmas and other celebrations that bring us together with family and friends.

We even give gifts on many other occasions that have been added to the calendar such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. The cynics amongst us will contend that these days are just commercialisation to get us to spend more, but I feel that most people enjoy giving and receiving gifts.

There is something lovely about receiving a beautifully gift-wrapped present that makes you smile even before you have opened it. I just think that it is an important part of human interaction, helping define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends and it is the giver, rather than the receiver, who gains the most from a gift. However, the choosing of a perfect gift can be a frustrating time where we pull our hair out trying to search for something suitable!

We have all, I am sure, spent hours of fruitless searching through the shops only to come home empty handed. My advice is don’t wait until you get to the shops, as this only leads to frustration.

I find that if you sit down and really think about a person, what their interests and hobbies are, you might start to get a few ideas about what to buy. The Internet is a great place to shop for ideas and doing a bit of research into their hobbies can often give an idea for a perfect present. Internet shopping can also save you an unnecessary trip to the shops but even if you cannot buy online at least you can search for where you might be able to buy your gift idea.

Once you have found your gift, another important part is to wrap it nicely. Nothing says more about how high you hold a person in esteem than the time taken and effort expended in making even the smallest gift attractively presented. It should not be an option to present it in the carrier bag in which you bought it! Pretty wrapping paper, a bow and gift tag shows that you care enough to take the trouble to make the gift look attractive because you care. Having said that, I can sum up men’s favourite gifts up in three words: gadgets, gadgets, and more gadgets! We all know that most men are big kids at heart and we also know that when we buy our favourite nephew a remote-controlled car it is much more likely that the adult male

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members of the family will be the ones who end up playing with it! Men are not so hung up on the thought behind the present, they are just delighted if you get it right. Men must get so fed up of aftershave gift set and pairs of socks so do try to find out what they really like.

Here are my top picks GADGETS The list is endless, but a metal detector, electronic chess set, finger drum kit, whistling key ring finder and one of those penknives with 100 different tools will keep them amused for hours. It is a fact that men love gadgets, so go online to the shops that sell all that stuff and you are bound to find the perfect gift for your man.

REMOTE-CONTROLLED ANYTHING Cars, boats, planes and helicopters, if they have a remote control it is bound to please. The fact that they now sell all these items in adult versions proves that there is a market for them and why not?

The fact that most men have to be in control of the T.V remote control from an early age proves that it must be in their blood!

BOOKS Cliched as it might seem, try getting books like the Guinness Book of World Records, 1001 places/things to see before you die and many others that will hold their interest. Books about their favourite sports or hobbies are also bound to be popular.

TICKETS FOR SPORT/ADVENTURE DAYS Most men have an interest in sport so if you can obtain tickets for them to see their favourite team in action, it is bound to be a hit! Also, paintballing, indoor or outdoor skydiving, zorbing (the recreation of rolling downhill in an orb, generally made of transparent plastic), or a course in rally driving should also make them happy. My husband loved it when I secretly arranged for him to go to watch his favourite sport, golf.

GAMES X-Box, Wii & Playstation now have games to suit everyone. The games are now so interactive that his favourite sport can be played at home. Even men who at one time would not think to sit down and play a computer game are snapping up these new game consoles, because where else can you play golf with Tiger Woods or fly a commercial airliner in the comfort of your own home.

Finding the right present can simply be about taking a little time to get it right, so don’t leave it to the last minute to start looking. If you care enough to buy a gift then make your purchase something that they will remember forever, leaving both of you with happy memories.

Happy Shopping!

The author is originally from Yeovil in Somerset, England and has made Oman her home for the last four years along with her husband Tony. Jacqui is on the committee of the Women’s Guild of Oman, where she helps organise events. The Guild is a charity that now has over 2000 members of all nationalities which helps bring the ladies together for social events, whilst raising money for many worthwhile local charities.

Media Partner

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GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION, FOR ALL 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR!

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Amalgam Fine Collection Phone: +44 (0)1243 527 300; Email: sales@ amalgamcollection.com Website: http://www.finemodelcars.com Amouage Phone: Sabco Commerical Centre: 24560533/Muscat City Centre: 24558581 Website: www.amouage.com

AN S

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Captial Store Phone: 24561888; Email: qurum@csoman.com Website: www.csoman.com

page 42-46

Jawahir Oman Jewellers Phone: 24563239; Email:enquiries@jawahiroman.com

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Khimji’s Watches Phone: 24699173/24699174; Email: krwatchs@omantel.net.om

page 52-53

Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle Store Phone: 24796161/24560419

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Lanvin Phone:+971 43198156 ; Email:Trading@uaetrading.ae

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Mistal Phone: 22004444; Email: info@mistaloman.com

page 54

Mouawad Muscat Phone: 24560945; Email: oma.kp@mouawad.com

page 47

Porsche Design Qurum City Center Phone: 24470774; Email:enquiries@jawahiroman.com

page 50

Tiffany&Co Jawahir Oman Jewellers Phone: 24563239; Email:enquiries@jawahiroman.com

page 48-49

TOD's Dubai Phone: (+971) 43554417 Website: www.tods.com

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ORM ULA 1 LAD Y Y I N_ Y

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page 51

page 58

Tahani Antiques Phone: 24562589; Email: tahani@omantel.net.om

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page 51

House of Fraser Website: www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Live Luggage Ltd Phone: +44 (0) 1491 636393; Email: info@liveluggage.com Website: http://www.liveluggage.com

TAG

page 40

page 58

Gucci Available at all leading luxury retail outlets Phone: 24814501

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page 59

Bang & Olufsen Phone: 24479465 Website: www.bang-olufsen.com

Dolce & Gabbana Make Up Website: www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com

COFFEE BE

page 38

Trumstand Website: http://www.pleiadesdesigns.co.jp www.mrporter.com

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page 58 page 57

G AN

TIME

PIECE

ART

GALLOPING SUCCESS

Among the many sights and sounds that one must visit in Beirut, Lebanon is The Running Horse Contemporary Art Space gallery. Lea Sednaoui, founder and director, speaks to Signature on their quest to promote art across the region

T

he brain-child of Lea Sednaoui, a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martin’s, The Running Horse has been billed as a welcome addition to Lebanon’s art scene ever since it opened in May 2009.

Located in the Quarantine, industrial region of Beirut, Lebanon, The Running Horse (TRH) calls itself a communicative platform looking

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to promote contemporary language; inviting emerging artists from Lebanon and the MiddleEast in order to articulate concepts and generate creative possibilities through different media from painting and photography to video and installation.

Signature spoke with Lea Sednaoui, Founder and Director of The Running Horse on the art gallery’s unusual name, success and its debut visit to Art Dubai…

Lea Sednaoui

How did you come up with The Running Horse?

Any particular thought process behind the name?

“The name of the gallery had to inspire, in terms of concept and space. I needed something open ended with multiple possibilities. The Running Horse is a free movement in permanent evolution, it is a metaphor for the space itself that could move, the artists and their works and the viewers and their interpretation…”

We read somewhere that you planned to convert the space in a mattress depot into a personal sculpture studio and then opened a gallery instead. What made you change your mind?

“The space originally was a mattress depot to Sleep Comfort (the store next door) that I initially converted to become my studio, as I studied sculpture at St Martins. But I quickly felt I needed to interact with art and needed interaction on a more engaged level.”

What role do art galleries such as yours play in representing Arab art to the world?

“The Running Horse focuses mainly on promoting and pushing emerging talents, allowing them to grow, develop their practices and be part of the art market. The Middle-East is a buzzing region of the world, especially in the arts. Representing emerging artists from the region allows to culturally instigate and restore a dialogue in a global contemporary language.”

ART

Is this your first time at Art Dubai? What made you choose Hiba Kalache and Alfred Tarazi to represent your gallery at the Fair?

“YES ! It is our first time. Having a focus stand at the fair is in my view a better way to introduce the gallery, as it is our first participation and presence in Dubai. Hiba and Alfred are part of the gallery’s Running Talents, their works and approaches are drastically different, however they reflect the gallery’s spirit. Hiba’s work is mainly formed of inks and intricate drawings on paper, is introspective on womanhood, or a particular insight on a specific conjuncture while Alfred Tarazi’s practice actively inquires

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interpretation and memory in the aftermath of the Lebanese civil war, using digital images, archives and mixed media.”

Finally, we love the name of your periodical ‘newspaper on art’ called Green Rhino Hunts.

Why is it called so and what is its role in keeping your art gallery afoot?

“Green Rhino Hunts is a blast! We launched it just over a year ago now, and the name of the publication is basically an anagram of The Running Horse. It's a playful wink, and great way to interact with our friends and collectors.”

Favourite Middle Eastern Artist I really love the works of Mona Hatoum… amongst many others…!

Definition of good art “I am drawn to art that is engaged whether politically, or socially but do place great importance to execution of artworks. They need to have the right balance of concept and aesthetics. At the end of the day, it is about your gut feeling.”

The medium that you love best….

Sculpture and video.

The Running Horse will exhibit at Art Dubai 2012 from March 21-24 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Su a ag a a s a j a ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ismaili Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Shanfari Ahmed al Mamari Amer al EXTRAORDINARY Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al Toqi OMANIS. AhmedAAl Busaidi and Hamad Al NATION OF TALENTED Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m a SUPER ACHIEVERS. ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ismaili Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Shanfari Ahmed al Mamari Amer al Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al Toqi Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Al Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m a ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ismaili Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Shanfari Ahmed al Mamari Amer al Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al Toqi Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Al Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m a ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ismaili Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Shanfari Ahmed al Mamari Amer al Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al Toqi Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Al Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m a n i al Balushi Shadiya al Ismaili Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Shanfari ONE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF IT.

super achievers of the Sultanate

A timeless souvenir dedicated to the nation.

The second edition of Jawharat Oman chronicles

extraordinary Omanis and their incredible deeds.

To be part of this unique opportunity, please contact

Farheen 99438592/Radha 92801033, radhak@umsoman.com

DESIGN

AN ARCHITECTURAL PARALLEL André C.Meyerhans looks at architectural similarities and differences between Oman and Bahrain

While the history of Oman and Bahrain show parallels, contemporary architecture took different paths. One often wonders why this happened and why– nonetheless – both managed to be successful in their own way?

Persians had considerable influence at a certain period of time and overseas trading contributed significantly to the growth of society. Finally, the Portuguese and British used both territories as base for their regional presence during their imperialistic expansion phase – so far the similarities in history.

of materials too and had an even bigger impact on the decorative opulence.

Typical construction materials in Bahrain and Oman are mud bricks, stones and palm trees.

Very interesting are the coral blocks often seen along the coast line; their high porosity ensures a low weight and a high insulation factor. Lime was used for mortar and plaster.

The availability of various materials determined how the structure was built. The building’s significance to society and the financial capability of the owner influenced the selection

Climate and Islamic culture influenced the urban landscape and the layout of the architecture in similar ways too. Generally small windows and plaster screens reduce the impact of the strong sun but also ensure privacy.

Organising domestic structures around a courtyard fulfills a similar purpose. A tree often provides shade to the courtyard and evaporation over its leaves reduces temperature in the patio by an additional few degrees.

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These comments might appear to generalise, however, the region is very similar in terms of what it provides as building materials. Even the diverse countryside of Oman remains within this selection – with the exception of baked bricks which were used in the port of Sohar. Whether these bricks came from a local production or brought there through trade remains unclear.

Looking at contemporary architecture, the two countries developed their architecture into different directions: Bahrain impresses with futuristic looking buildings that reach for the sky. Much glass and transparency implies high-tech construction. Dominating colours are whites, greens and blues often with a metallic touch or mirror effect. While the World Trade Center with its sustainability implying wind turbines might be the most eye-catching structure in Manama’s skyline, the structures of the financial center wind themselves not less impressive towards the sun. The NBB Tower would be an earlier example of the same family.

All these buildings are an expression of an understanding that the nation is part of the international business world. The architecture speaks the Esperanto of global power houses: location-detached design, slick appearance, impressive heights!

Oman took a different path: modern architecture is not so much about a design that would reflect

where the country is heading to, as it is the case in Bahrain, but about an evolutionary process, one which developed the architectural tradition to suit changing requirements and changing mind sets. Sultan’s Al Alam Palace as well as the surrounding governmental buildings, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Bustan Palace and the Chedi Hotel clearly indicate the Omani roots yet show contemporary construction methodologies and layouts optimised according to modern, operational understandings. The modern, architectural language conserved traditional elements such as small openings, pointed arches and introverted organisation. Decorative elements appear in modified form and scale but in similar application. The architecture evolved to new forms while widely referencing to its origin, the traditional Omani buildings.

Many comparisons may be drawn between the Bahraini way or the Omani way. Is it better to build architecture that pictures the drive forward yet is somehow visually detached from the roots or architecture that clearly emerged from the own tradition yet might be outside what is globally considered contemporary architecture? Both directions are equally good.

They reflect the respective cultures, whereby “culture” means a set of shared attitudes, values and goals that characterise the country and the people living in it. Just by focusing on different aspects and stressing different parameters in life, architectural styles of Oman and Bahrain diverged and developed in their own way. It will be interesting to see whether the two styles come closer again in the future or not – and if so, where will they meet?

André C. Meyerhans is a Swiss architect who lives and works in Dubai, UAE. His creations range from 250’000m2-urban plans and onebillion-US-dollar mixed use developments to furniture-like objects, art and jewellery. André has also written for various trade magazines and held lectures in numerous institutions on architecture and design. He is also a regular guest critique at the Architectural Department of the American University in Sharjah. For more details you can visit www.acmeyerhans.com

SHOWSTOPPERS

CARS

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Hosted at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, from January 9 through to 28, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 was the first of many great auto shows to come over the course of the year. This year’s show didn’t disappoint either, introducing visitors to a world of great vehicles, connectivity and interaction. But as always, there were a few that stood out and made our eyes go pop with interest! Here are some of our favourites.

Acura NSX Concept

Taking centre stage at the Acura stand was the NSX Concept; a car that finally brings back Honda’s NSX model name. It is to be developed and built in America with a new performance hybrid system. The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including application of Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Veloster has already become a resounding success story for Hyundai. But this has not stopped the Korean brand from taking it up a notch with the all-new 2013 Veloster Turbo. Armed with 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1750 – 4500 the hot hatch will surely be able to put up a worthy challenge against competitors such as the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper/Clubman S. with a better power-to-weight ratio than all of them, and a unique sporttuned steering and suspension hardware set.

Cadillac ATS

Destined to go head-to-head against the likes of the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4, Cadillac’s new 2013 ATS compact luxury sports sedan is intended to challenge the world's best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, The ATS is a new expression of Cadillac's Art & Science execution philosophy. It will offer a broad lineup of engines – including an all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower and Cadillac's award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 318 horsepower.

Ford Fusion

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars. It is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers' choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, delivering on Ford's commitment to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

CARS Bentley Continental V8

To complement the flagship 6.0 litre W12 GT and GTC, Bentley debut the new Continental GT and GTC V8 models at this year’s show. The new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 in the Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible delivers maximum power of 500bhp at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000rpm. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of over 290km/h.

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The sky's the limit now for driving fun with the new 911 Carrera: the Coupé is following on from the Cabriolet and introducing the superior attributes of the new generation 911 in the open-top sports car market segment. At the same time, the new lightweight top technology enables the typical 911 roof line to be retained in full for the first time: even with the top closed, the Cabriolet reveals the unmistakable 911 silhouette – never before were Cabrio and Coupé so similar.

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Mercedes-Benz SL

The all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort – infused with ground-breaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminium and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor and features even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine.

Lexus LF-LC

Designed by the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the LF-LC hybrid sport coupe was a pure design exercise.

Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the Calty team quickly went to work. They were seeking new ways to redefine the Lexus design style with emotive, avantgarde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

TECHNOLOGY

e s e h T

Another year; another grand trade show. In fact, the 2012 International CES was the largest in the event’s 44 year history, with a record number of more than 3,100 exhibitors across the largest show floor in CES history – 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space – and drawing a record of more than 153,000 attendees, including more than 34,000 international attendees.

More than 20,000 new products were launched at the show but as always there were some that just stood out of the crowd. Here are some of our favourite products of this year’s show 72

Samsung 55-inch Super OLED TV

This year’s CES brought us one step closer to having true OLED screens in our living room. One such masterpiece was Samsung’s 55-inch Super OLED TV. Super OLED technology delivers the ultimate in picture quality and thinness, since there is no need for a color filter as the OLED pixel unit comprises self-emitting RGB sub-pixels laid directly on the display panel, each emitting its own light. The technology is also able to differentiate varying degrees of blacks and shadows, so that users can enjoy unparalleled detail even in the darkest of scenes for the ultimate TV experience.

PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Digital Camera

The feature-packed Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary look and feel. This new model has a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor along with a 12X Optical Zoom lens, ISO range of up to 3200 and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm. For photographers on the move, this camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 3.0-inch LCD for easy viewing of images and High-Speed Burst mode where images are continuously captured at 6.8 frames per second.

But what makes it truly impressive is its incredibly small form factor and the fact that the 12x zoom is cramped into a lens that only extends out about half an inch.

Truly impressive stuff.

Dell XPS 13

Standing head and shoulders above the rest the new Dell XPS 13 stole the show away from every other ultraportable at the show. The 18mm ultraportable manages to cram a 13.3-inch display into a 12-inch formfactor. Running either Core i5 2467M or i7 2637M dualcore processors, paired with 4GB of memory and either 128GB or 256GB SSDs, the XPS 13 measures just 12.4 x 8.1 x 0.24-0.71 inches and 2.99 pounds despite offering up to eight hrs battery life. Performance aside the XPS 13, with its combination aluminum-carbon fibre frame, is stunning to look at too. And that is before you factor in its size which is 15 per cent smaller than the MacBook Air.

Sonomax eers Custom Earbuds When it comes to attaining the ultimate audiophile experience, few devices can match the comfort and performance of custom-fit earbuds. Unfortunately the time and money it takes to obtain them makes it an impractical solution, until now that is. The SonoFit disposable headband hermetically seals your earlobes in on each side, then fill the inside of your earlobes with a medical grade silicone compound. The process takes about five minutes, after which you’ve got a pair of awesome earbuds literally made just for you.

Asus Transformer Prime TF700T

One of the more impressive tablets at the show, the Asus Transformer Prime TF700T features a 1.3GHz Quad-core Tegra3 processor, a stunning 1920 × 1200 Super IPS+ panel display with Gorilla Glass, 8MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera and comes with 32GB and 64GB internal memory.

But most important of all, it is now the world’s first Google-licensed Ice Cream Sandwich tablet.

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Nikon FXFormat D4

One of the most intriguing launches of the show was Nikon’s successor to its D3 flagship – the aptly named D4. It builds upon the legacy of the proven D3 and is engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that is sure to deliver unparalleled performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.

Thumbs Down!

CES is a breeding ground for innovative ideas.

But occasionally you get some products that just leave you with just one question in your mind…

“Huh?” EZ Gas Just one such idea is the EZ Gas check that can detect gas leaks. As if the tell-tale smell of a gas leak wasn’t enough to convince you already.

Nokia Lumina 900

Not only is the Nokia Lumia 900, the first of Nokia's Windows Phonebased range to feature high-speed LTE connectivity, but it is also by far one of the best Nokia phones to date and one that we are eagerly waiting to get our hands on. In addition to its LTE support, the Lumia 900 has a 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack Display, and a long-lasting 1830 mAH battery, Nokia's exclusive Carl Zeiss optics, with large aperture (F2.2) and wide angle focal length (28mm) and a large aperture front-facing camera.

Mugtuk iPhone cases If you are possessive about your iPhone then pretty much any case from Mugtuk should be on the top of your shopping list. Put these on your phone and pretty much anyone would be terrified to come within ten metres of it.

Watch Your Bag Take some time and ask yourself this question – do I really need an alarm clock that is shaped like a disproportionate hand holding a bag filled with what can only be described as a rainbow of morphing colours?

LISTEN

CHART BUSTERS

FROM TONY BENNETT TO VAN HALEN, WE HAVE IT ALL THIS MONTH… WILLPOWER – WILL-I-AM Willpower is the upcoming, fourth studio album by rapper will.i.am, known for his work with the Black Eyed Peas. The album was originally entitled Black Einstein, but the title was changed after it was suggested the title could be deemed offensive.

This is a 2-CD set that features the newly remastered original album, single-only mixes, non-LP singles, the super-rare promotional single Coming Home, and new alternate mixes of nearly the entire album.

ELECTRIC SEA – BUCKETHEAD

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC? – TONY BENNETT

Electric Sea is the thirty-fifth studio album by avant-garde guitarist Buckethead. It is also a sequel to his 2002 release Electric Tears. The album contains 11 tracks.

The masterful Tony Bennett in his own inimitable style interprets 15 classic love songs. The ideal Tony Bennett collection to set the mood for romance!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH – VAN HALEN

EDITH PIAF [SPECIAL EDITION] – EDITH PIAF

The 12th studio album from American hard rock band Van Halen is their first album with new material since 1998's Van Halen III.

This French icon recorded over 275 songs in her brief but legendary career. Of the 275, songs this 3-CD set contains 51 of Edith's biggest hits in an embossed metal collectors tin.

SCARS AND STORIES – THE FRAY This is the upcoming third studio album by American alternative rock band The Fray.

The album artwork was revealed on November 16, 2011; following the video premiere of the first single, Heartbeat.

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DIANA ROSS 1976: SPECIAL EDITION

ROSES – THE CRANBERRIES The Cranberries are back with their first studio album in over ten years! The album contains 11 new songs and was produced by the band's old friend and collaborator Stephen Street.

A fine display of team-spirit…

A big “Thank You” to all those who helped make OER CEO Golf 2012 a success.

To the presenter,

for truly getting the corporate world closer.

To our associate partner,

for powering the inspired performance.

To the official timekeeper,

To our ‘publicity partners’,

for crowning the achievement.

for turning OER CEO Golf 2012 into a headline event.

To our ‘prize partners’,

for adding to the dazzle

and delight of the occasion. To our ‘media partners’,

To our partners for insurance –

&

radio –

printing –

&

for the sensational coverage.

beverage –

call centre –

travel –

and energy –

Al Wisal FM

for their invaluable support.

Above all, we extend our sincere gratitude to all the captains of industry who participated…

See you on the greens at OER CEO Golf 2013.

WATCH

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE GRAB A BUCKET OF POPCORN AND YOUR FAVOURITE FIZZ AND ENJOY THE MOST-AWAITED RELEASES OF THIS MONTH! THE VOW

SAFE HOUSE

GONE

SNOW TOWN

Releasing very aptly on Feb 14, this romantic drama revolves around a husband who is trying to win back the love of his newly wed who loses her memory in a tragic car accident.

This movie is a race against time- a girl tries to save her sister from a serial killer who is a convicted murderer out in the open!

BIG MIRACLE

Inspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore)

A teenager falls in love with a serial killer and gets pulled into a vicious trap of violence and torture. Based on a true story that took Australia by a complete shock, it is sure to keep you intrigued till the last minute.

THIS MEANS WAR

Two top CIA agents are torn apart when they discover that they are dating the same woman. A rom-com that’s sure to tickle your funny bone!

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

WANDERLUST

A young lawyer (Daniel Radcliffe) travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorner woman terrorising the locals.

A raucous comedy about a couple who leave the big city life to join a community where the only rule to follow is “to be yourself”!

STAR WARS: EPISODE I (3D)

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

The ultimate sci-fi popcorn flick-turned-popculture myth machine is back! In 3D. Do we see a frenzy at the advance booking counters?! Yes we do!!

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A young CIA agent is tasked to look after a fugitive who is under house arrest. Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds star in this action-packed thriller.

A follow-up to the 2008 hit movie Journey to the Centre of the Earth, this movie is all about finding loved ones on a mystical island.

Packed with action, this one’s sure to enthrall the audience!

S T R AT E G I C D E P T H .

OER has evolved from one of Oman’s pioneering business magazines into a brand that not just enlightens – but also enables and engages Oman’s corporate community across multiple touchpoints.

Offering decision-makers a highly credible, incisive, relevant and up-to-date source of information. Championing larger causes, like local entrepreneurship, the environment, and social awareness. And leveraging collaboration far beyond traditional print media – to deliver value far greater than just advertising.

OER, in its all new avatar, invites you to forge a partnership that adds strategic depth to your engagement with Oman’s business community.

Log on to oeronline.com

ENLIGHTEN. ENABLE. ENGAGE.

FOOD

CAVIAR ANYONE?

Know your Belugas from your salmons‌

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S

omeone once said that Caviar is to dining what a sable coat is to a girl in evening dress. Caviar… considered to be one of the most luxurious gourmet ingredient, is the rarest of forms of food available around the world. It is an expensive treat to your taste-buds! Although for a long time only “Russian caviar” was referred to as caviar, today the definition has expanded both semantically and geometrically. Nowadays caviar is found all over the world with a wide range of different types of caviar for example hackleback caviar, paddlefish caviar, salmon roe etc.

Very simply put, caviar is processed, salted fish roe (eggs). The three main varieties include: BELUGA It is the world’s most expensive variety of caviar. Its roe is large and the colour ranges from black to pale grey. It has got a smooth buttery flavour to it. The reason why it is so expensive is because beluga sturgeon is on the verge of extinction.

Fewer than 100 beluga sturgeon are caught each year. Because of its immense size, the Beluga caviar has the biggest eggs, which are highly sought for their large grain and fine skin. The lightest grey is the most highly appreciated, although the taste, described by experts, is a "faint flavour of the sea".

OSSETRA Ossetra, also known as ‘ossetra caviar’ or ‘asetra caviar’ is the Russian term for sturgeon. At one time the term ‘ossetra’ simply referred to Russian sturgeon species harvested for this type of caviar. It is most widely preferred of them all!

Why? Simply because it has a very nutty and slightly fruity flavour to it. It looks, smells, and tastes a little different each time one tries it. Generally nutty and buttery in taste, the savory roe ranges from deep black to light gold and almost white.

SEVRUGA It produces the smallest roe of the three main caviar varieties and hence is the more inexpensive of the three (if you can call it that!) Found in varied varieties and in abundance, the roe is black or very light grey. It’s got a buttery flavour to it, though it is saltier, richer and more intense than its other counterparts, which is why it is often referred to as the “Strong Sturgeon”. It is the smallest of the Caspian Sea sturgeons, rarely weighing over 25kg. Iranian Sevruga’s (one of the premium forms of sevruga) texture consists of a lustrous greenish-gray to darkgrey. It is also notable for its rather crunchy texture and deep flavours of salt and butter. The other main varieties of Iranian and Russian caviar are more delicate and smooth in comparison.

THE OTHERS PADDLE-FISH CAVIAR Paddle fish caviar is considered to be the most subtle of them all when it comes to the distinctive taste of the roe. It has lesser salt content and a better after taste.

This is the reason why it is also called as the “first timer’s caviar” and is perfect for those who want to indulge in this luxurious product for the very first time. The roe is comparable in size to Sevruga caviar, and consists of a distinguished silver hue. It is earthy and slightly buttery in flavour.

SALMON ROE CAVIAR Commonly found in the northern ocean waters off Alaska and Russia, Salmon Roe caviar may look a bit unusual compared to other sturgeon caviar but the flavour is just as similar. Typically, Salmon Roe caviar is bright orange with almost a yellowish hue, and the eggs are on the larger side as compared to the normal roe size. Salmon Roe can last up to half a year when frozen, though eating it fresh is highly recommended.

Roe Rules

•Never use a metal spoon to scoop up or serve caviar, unless you want to be left with a very unpleasant metal taste in your mouth. Serve it with a mother-of-pearl spoon or even a wood or plastic spoon would suffice.

•Avoid crushing the eggs while scooping it from the caviar jar. You wouldn’t want to serve or be served mush caviar!

•When served caviar as an hors d'oeuvre, no matter how much you might be tempted by its flavour, don’t serve yourself more than two spoonfuls of it! It is considered bad taste!

•The simplest way of tasting caviar is to place a little on the back of the hand at the junction of the thumb and forefinger.

Serve with…

Accompaniments that don't overwhelm its flavour (if with anything at all). Remember simpler is better. Traditional garnishes include small slices of toast, blinis (small pancakes), unsalted crackers, creme fraiche or sour cream..

Just the right amount…

If you are serving caviar by itself, figure on one to two ounces per person. If the caviar will be served on top of something else as an hors d'oeuvre, use half to one ounce per person as a guide.

TAKE10

For The Single Crowd Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? Are people around you doing the ‘couple’ thing and it’s getting your goat? Fear not, we bring some ‘chicken soup for the lonely soul’…

Pamper Yourself This, of course, is not restricted to just any one day. Pampering the self is a must. Go to a spa, go on a shopping spree or just do something that you love and wouldn’t have been able to do if you were dating! After all, if you don’t love yourself enough, who else will? No better day for ‘Me-Time’ than V-Day.

Cook up a storm!

Cooking, and for some baking, are among the best stress-busters! And, if you feel like doing nothing, just make your kitchen your base and cook yourself a new dish. A dish you have been dying to make, or bake yourself an ‘I am awesome’ cake!

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Give Back You may be single, but there are many others out there who are worse off than you are. Why not make a difference in their lives. Get some flowers and candies for all those neglected people out there in old age homes and orphanages. After all, love is all about sharing the emotion, is it not?

Get Fit What better way to burn some of that pent up energy than enrolling yourself into an innovative fitness routine! Rev up your Valentine's Day and try a class that is totally out of the box.

Ignore It! Valentine's Day is just another date on the calendar, so why not just ignore it and treat it like any other day of the year? Ignorance is bliss they say! It’s the easiest thing to do and hassle free too ! Make “who cares” the mantra of the day and get going!

Dance Dance Put on your dancing shoes and bust some moves! The best thing about dancing is that you really need not go to a club. Make your home your dance floor and go wild!

Host An Anti-Valentine's Day Party This is the ultimate vindication!

Throw a party for all your single/married-yet-unhappy friends!

A party where no flowers, candies, roses and mushy cards are allowed!

For more details refer to the movie ‘Valentine’s Day’.

Share It With A Friend It is not just about couple love, you know! It is also about spending time and living it up with friends that have been with you through thick and thin. Go on, celebrate the day with a friend who is single as well! It’s the best way to spend quality time with them and celeberate the ‘single and free’ status!

Do nothing!

Pull a sickie, veg out in front of the TV, order affordable take-out and then later on you can always rub all the money you saved (not spending on the day!) in your married friends’ faces. You shall have the last laugh, yes you shall!!

Think Positive Even if you do indulge in all of the above, none of it will make any sense unless you keep yourself positive.

Being single is not just about moping over the status. Be happy for all the things you have been blessed with and if you feel you need to do something about your status, then get up and make an action plan! Be Postive, no matter what you do!

IMPERIALE COLLECTION