signature - july 09 by oeronline emagazine

inside Focus One of the all-time great cars of the 20th century — the iconic Volkswagen Beetle!

Front-runner Legendary author, broadcaster and environmental activist — David Suzuki.

People

Meet Maestro Erol Erdinç — a composer, a pianist, a teacher and a cultural ambassador of the Republic of Turkey.

22 Art Vivid interpretations of a world that was by Abdul Majeed Karooh…

Technology Power gadgets that offer you untamed, power-guzzling high performance...

Up Front

Collectible

Accessories

Fashion

Style

Index

The Last Word

Places

Inside information on a few of the must-go-to and one-of- a-kind shops and spots in Paris.

Cover Image courtesy ABDUL MAJEED KAROOH / Bait Muzna Gallery CONCEPT & CREATION PRIYA NAIR CONTENT DEEPA RAJAN RANA ALAWNEH GHALIB ABDULLAH AL FORI FATMA AL ARAIMI MOHAMMED FAHMI RAJAB ART Creative Director - ARMANDO L. BUENAGUA Art Director - SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR Designer - ALIYA AL WAHAIBI PRODUCTION HEAD GOVINDRAJ RAMESH ADVERTISING & MARKETING Group Advertising Manager - MIMI DEB Sr Media Executive - FAREEDA S AL BALUSHI Sr Media Executive - GULNAR CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer - SANDEEP SEHGAL Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROY Vice President - RAVI RAMAN DISTRIBUTED WITH OER by United Media Services LLC Signature is an OER presentation 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

OER Signature

United Media Services LLC, PO Box 3305, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Mobile +968 99849242 Fax +968 24707939

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Works of Heart Art is generally defined as a human skill. It’s also said Art imitates life. So is a painting a true portrayal of nature or is it just the way an artist sees it? Is music a representation of our culture and the times we live in, or is it merely the way a musician interprets it? A photographer shoots a scene from a particular angle, one that appeals to him the most. But outside that frozen frame lie a whole load of angles and perspectives that lie unseen. The same applies to films, books, sculptures, architecture, gardens, fashion, jewellery… and the answer probably is that it’s a little bit of everything. And that is what is so great about art. Irrespective of its form, it’s open to interpretation and re-interpretation, invention and re-invention, time and again. If an artist uses a technique, it becomes his own, even if it is an age-old method. And it’s the same with music; even the classics are open to reinterpretation by those who can pick up the nuances and make them their own. Emerson said, “The very highest praise we can attribute to any writer, painter, sculptor, builder, is, that he actually possessed the thought or feeling with which he has inspired us. The artist, who is to produce a work which is to be admired not by his friends or his townspeople, or his contemporaries, but by all men; and which is to be more beautiful to the eye in proportion to its culture, must disindividualize himself, and be a man of no party, and no manner, and no age, but one through whom the soul of all men circulates, as the common air through his lungs.” And that really is the heart of the matter. Art, in any form, belongs to no one and to everyone. It knows no tenets and has no borders. And it’s been a true embodiment of the human soul from time immemorial and will remain so till eternity… Enjoy the issue; we’ll see you next month.

UPFRONT

The latest and out-of-the-ordinary…

Perfect Getaway

Here’s a piece of good news for all of you who were planning a getaway to the Maldives. Your options for that perfect hideaway just got better. For, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa will be opening soon (July 26, 2009). Located on the Addu Atoll, the resort will encompass over 6km of coastline and nearly 2km of breathtaking white sandy beach. The resort will comprise 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas with panoramic views. And for the ultimate spa experience, CHI, The Spa, will offer guests three signature cowrie shell experiences when the resort opens. Nice and indulgent!

Soft and Soothing

This is a ‘miraculous’ balm that intensely nourishes the face and the body’s driest areas: the nose bridge, cheekbones, chin and elbows. The Baume des Familles, S.O.S. Repair Balm from Nuxe, is a cocktail of five plant oils (sedge, hazelnut, macadamia, echium, and apricot) that fortify fragile skins. To enhance their action are six essential flower waxes (lavender, mimosa, chamomile, rose, narcissus, and acacia) that soften like no other. Vitamins A and E regenerate your skin, and shea butter and honey repair. Suitable for the whole family, including children aged 36 months or over, your skin finds instant smoothness and comfort with this balm, brought to you by Muscat Pharmacy’s Perfumes & Cosmetics.

UPFRONT

Jet Set It is smarter than a smartphone! People, say hello to the Samsung Jet! Not just another full touch mobile phone, it supports the latest smartphone features which include a multi-task manager and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, bringing user-friendly menu navigations in a sleek and compact design. The phone, which is now available at Mustafa Sultan Electronics showroom, boasts of world firsts in both display technology and speed of performance. Its pioneering 16M WVGA AMOLED display (3.1â&#x20AC;?) offers the most vivid and colourful full touch mobile experience available and its 800MHZ application processor delivers breathtaking speed and stunning performance, making the Jet the fastest full touch handset on the market today!

Tee Off

We know it is the summer, but we also know that a little heat cannot stop a true golfer. Add to that the fact that Muscat Hills is offering special membership packages throughout the summer (valid till September). Individual packages on offer are RO450 for the four months, R0350 for any three consecutive months and R0240 for any two consecutive months. Family Summer Membership packages are also included in the offer. All of the packages will allow members to enjoy unlimited rounds of golf on the 9-holes now open, and free use of golf carts (those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult). Very tempting!

UPFRONT

Roadster Reinvented The new BMW Z4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a modern interpretation of the classic roadster design â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has arrived in Oman. In addition to the authentic proportions and flowing design language of the car, the design of the new BMW Z4, available at Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, is demonstrated through classic details interpreted in contemporary style. The aluminium shells of the two-piece lightweight hardtop come to rest in the roof compartment, retracting in just 20 seconds and saving maximum space in the process. Even with the roof closed, the new BMW Z4 retains all the proportions that are so typical of a genuine roadster.

Quintessential Class It’s a designer phone alright! The Porsche Design P’9522 is milled from a single solid aluminium block and a single sheet of scratchproof glass; its finish is pure and sleek. In combination with its quintessential black and brushed aluminium finish, the phone also has the very latest communications technology, together with excellent sound and picture reproduction: a touchscreen AM OLED display, in-built GPS receiver and a 5 megapixel camera. And that’s not all… it also has a finger print sensor. Access to personal data is secured by means of a sensor which identifies the user’s finger print. Want one? Head straight to any of the Porsche Design outlets in the city.

Awaken your Senses A fusion of freshness and sensuality, Versace Versense is, as its name suggests, a promise for the senses. A blend of the vital Mediterranean aroma of bergamot, green mandarins, prickly pears, sea daffodil, cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood, cedarwood, olive tree and musk, this floral-woody scent comes in a beautiful crystal bottle with a crowned metal top and central Medusa logo. It is simply the ultimate in refinement, femininity and sensuality, we think! Available with Salam Studio and Stores, it has a bath line too.

UPFRONT

Fragrance of Light

Distilled from light, Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Eaux Fraîches - Tiaré-Mimosa and Cherry Blossomare marriages of raw materials such as sun-kissed citrus, with the delicious Pamplelune and cherry blossoms. One is sensually solar white and yellow, the other a joyfully luminous white and pink; each celebrates with passion the arrival of Spring. Almost like two runaways from faraway lands, they reveal the paradisiacal side of a sun-drenched archipelago and the whimsical side of another, where cherry blossoms grow!

Platinum Luxury

We simply love La Prairie’s Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, a unique skin-transforming formula that recharges the skin’s electrical balance with pure platinum to insure ageless performance — the cream protects the skin’s DNA, and replenishes moisture continuously. This product creates balance, improves hydration, guards your skin’s youthful appearance, and actively reduces the effects of time. It’s said to be one of the most expensive creams in the world; one can’t expect any less. Available at Salam Studio & Stores, Qurum; Areej, Muscat City Centre; For You, Qurum City Centre.

Silky Smooth

This is just perfect for the summer…Kanebo International’s Sensai Silky Bronze sun protective cream for the body provides you with three-way protection against sun, water and sand. The cream features a silicone oil base as well as ultra-fine, high-dispersion TiO2 (titanium dioxide) particles; the formulation spreads effortlessly over the entire surface of the body. Luxuriously rich, refined yet powerful, this anti-ageing cream-type sunscreen with SPF 30 provides long-lasting protection against both UVA/ UVB rays even in intense sunshine; the cream leaves your skin feeling all lustrous and silky-bronze. Available at Capital Store, Khimji’s, Salam Studio & Stores (all in Qurum), Areej (MCC), Perfumes & Cosmetics, Jawharat Al Shatti.

Time Zones

From the house of Graham comes the Chronofighter Oversized GMT with its signature ‘left-handdrive’ controls. It features a large orange and black sapphire bezel face with 24-hour markers to indicate a second time zone. The large red-tipped hollowed and white GMT hand is set with the crown at 9 o’clock. This model is equipped with the innovative calibre G1733 and is water resistant to 330 feet (100m) and comes with a hypoallergenic, black rubber strap. And what’s more is that this timepiece, available exclusively at Gallery Argan, is complete with ergonomic level and lugs and timeless luxury, we might add!

FRONT-RUNNER

The David Suzuki Experience David Suzuki is a kind of terrestrial Jacques Cousteau, responsible for introducing tens of millions to the nature of things… Over the course of an unusual life — a Japanese boy raised in Canada’s suburbs to achieving scientific renown — David Takayoshi Suzuki’s has been a story of extraordinary achievements that began in the Valhalla of a bloody war. In a 2004 CBS poll, Suzuki, 73, was overwhelmingly voted as the greatest man of their nation alive by adoring countrymen.

However, to the legendary author, broadcaster and environmental activist, all that hero worship, is simply, like the name of his beloved TV show, in ‘The Nature of Things’. Since the early 1970s when he first burst onto the scene, Suzuki has been pretty much the talismanic face of green activism the world over, leading campaigns, raising awareness and fighting

governments with his books, TV and radio shows and passionate utterances in magazines and newspaper articles. In a conversation with the ‘Nature Life’ magazine Suzuki said about his unique methods: “I’ve always tried to be open to any kind of idea that could get through to people. So I’ve done tapes in the past, I’ve done videos; I’ve done different kinds of records, radio and television. I mean,

I’ve just tried any medium that I could get.” And few have done it with as much flair, nature will testify… …And so will viewership ratings. Suzuki’s critically acclaimed 1993 PBS series, ‘The Secret of Life’ and his series ‘A Planet for The Taking’ became massive hits with the latter commanding a record average of 1.8 million viewers per episode earning him a United Nations

FRONT-RUNNER

“We’re going down a very dangerous path and I believe we now have a very narrow window. This is the time to act and if we don’t act in the next few years, we’re toast.”

Environment Programme Medal. Later Suzuki was to sum up his perspective in the series thus: “We have both a sense of the importance of the wilderness and space in our culture and an attitude that it is limitless and therefore we needn’t worry.” He concluded with a call for a major ‘perceptual shift’ in our relationship with nature and the wild. Suzuki’s torrid affair with nature bloomed in the most unlikely of circumstances: in a war camp, in Slocan, a wildly beautiful district deep inside British Columbia in the midst of World War II, where he found himself interned

with his family. Nature’s glory and mystery imprinted early on him; he grew up to become Canada’s premier young geneticist, an awardwinning bench scientist who at 33 was professor. Suzuki received his BA from Amherst College in Massachusetts in 1958, and his PhD in zoology from the University of Chicago. But something — perhaps the memory of the role that genetics had played in his family’s persecution — made him restless with his fruit flies, and before long he’d embarked on a second career, creating nature documentaries for television

and radio. The best-loved of them, a TV series called ‘The Nature of Things’, began its run in 1979 and has aired in some 50 countries around the world, making Suzuki a kind of terrestrial Jacques Cousteau, responsible for introducing tens of millions to the world ‘Out There’. As he stepped off the cutting edge of genetic research for a Cousteau like evangelical role in the media, he did not turn into a happy-speak temporiser — far from it. Suzuki figured out that with his grounding in science, what would hit home the hardest would be telling the truth the way it was — in the raw. He was among the

earliest to raise a cry about climate change, for instance, and he’s never relented. Though he’s now in his seventies, he toured Canada earlier this year, giving a string of speeches about the need for an international agreement on CO2 emissions. In 1990, carrying forward his fight for reversing global climate change, Suzuki cofounded the David Suzuki Foundation, “To find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us.” The Foundation focuses on four critical areas: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy sustainability.

BECAUSE YOUR SMILE IS IMPORTANT TO US.

Services offered include, but are not limited to: • Comprehensive Examination. • Professional Cleaning. • Cosmetic Dental Makeovers. • CAD CAM All Ceramic Crowns. • Porcelain Veneers. • Complete Dentures. • Removable Partial Dentures. • Fixed Permanent Bridges. • Implant Crowns and Dentures. • Full Mouth Reconstructions. • Tooth Colored Fillings. • Zoom! One hour in Ofce Whitening. • 3-D Digital X-ray Radiography. • Laser Tissue Therapy.

Dr. Gregorio P. Sena D.D.S., C.A.G.S. Specialized in Prosthodontics (U.S.A.) Member of the American College of Prosthodontists Member of American Dental Association. Former Assistant Clinical Professor at Boston University and Central University of Venezuela

Dr. Dina A. Macki D.M.D., C.A.G.S. Specialized in Prosthodontics (U.S.A.) Member of the American College of Prosthodontists Member of American Dental Association. Former Assistant Clinical Professor at Boston University

Building# 5879, Way# 666 Qurum P.O. Box 686 M.S.Q., PC 115, Oman Ph.: +968 24566395/24566397 Fax: +968 24566396

FRONT-RUNNER

But despite all that he has done to turn the tide for nature, Suzuki is worried. He says: “We’re going down a very dangerous path and I believe we now have a very narrow window. This is the time to act and if we don’t act in the next few years, we’re toast. I’m at the end of my life; I have more than I need of everything. Whatever happens now is not going to affect me, but it’s going to affect my grandchildren. I’ve got to do everything I can to make sure that my grandchildren don’t say to me, ‘Grandpa, you could have done more’.” Sure, it is rough having Planet Earth for a beat.

Especially if you are a Suzuki, passionately in love with nature, as species vanish, glaciers melt and cities choke with pollution; it can feel a bit like covering crime in a mafia stronghold, violently far from gardens bursting with wildflowers in a distant war camp, untouched by the excesses of a bloody conflict. But despite his grim concerns, Suzuki remains as much a doughty fighter for his beloved cause as he was when he moved from science labs into the thick of battle, armed with his pen and TV cameras, as an unflagging and highly effective environmental champion.

Suzuki has been pretty much the talismanic face of green activism the world over, leading campaigns, raising awareness and fighting governments with his books, TV and radio shows and passionate utterances in magazines and newspaper articles.

Collectible

Crystal Art In the world of crystal lighting pieces, the Baccarat ‘Mille Nuit’ chandelier outshines them all… Some names, over a period of time, acquire such reverence that they don’t need an introduction. French crystal maker, Baccarat, is one of them. These are the people who have been lighting up palaces and adding grandeur to mansions and luxury hotels for over 240 years. The hand-crafted elegance of the world’s most prestigious

names in crystal works is truly a class apart. Perhaps, that is what makes this Baccarat chandelier, available at Capital Store, Qurum, in Muscat, so desirable. A part of the prestigious ‘Mille Nuits’ collection, this eightlight chandelier is a pure realisation of its artist’s vision. Mathais, its artist and designer, has been known to

possess an extreme and pure sensibility that reflects in his appreciation and celebration of form and object. For the past 15 years, this self-taught artist has created designs with innovative aesthetics, drawing inspiration from fantasies. The ‘Mille Nuit’ chandelier comes with eight glass arms in one main tier, a top glass canopy, with tall glass crooks

and glass crooks at gallery level, bevelled tapered drops, a glass-ribbed central stem, eight glass bevelled grease pans, one large bevelled bottom canopy bowl and eight external lights. Quite the synchronisation of form and the legendary Baccarat ‘savoir faire’, this work of art brings home the magic of crystal in all its brilliance.

FOCUS

A Bugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life The Volkswagen Beetle was and is an icon and will forever be remembered as one of the all-time great cars of the 20th century, says Malcolm X Crasta.

FOCUS

The Beetle was superior to every other vehicle in its class and come the 1960s, it held its own even against the might of the Mini.

No matter how old you are or how much you know about cars, just so long as you have passed grade school, there is a good chance that you have, at some point or another, heard of the Volkswagen Beetle. The original was, and to date still is, the longestrunning, most-produced automobile of a single design. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, an icon and will forever be remembered as one of the all-time great cars of the 20th century. It even gave rise to some of the most beloved characters in the world of entertainment such as ‘Bumblebee’, of ‘Transformers’ fame, and ‘Herbie’ of well, ‘Herbie’ fame. Here is its story… It all began at the end of the summer of 1933, when a

certain dictator named Adolf Hitler ordered a certain automobile wizard, who we know as Ferdinand Porsche, to create a ‘People’s Car’, or as they called it ‘Volks-Wagen’ in German. Most of his requirements were simple enough; he was to develop a vehicle capable of transporting two adults and three children at 100kmph and should be available to the people of the Third Reich, through a savings scheme, at 990 Reichmarks. The problem was that 990 Reichmarks would be just about enough if you wanted to buy yourself a small motorbike at the time. Initially, a number of prospective prototypes were developed. In fact, prior to even being summoned by Hitler, Porsche had already been

working on similar vehicles, Porsche Type 12 of 1931, the Porsche Type 32 in 1933, to the one requested by Hitler and this became the groundwork for the cars that followed. The first official prototype for the Beetle was the Type 60 of October 1935. The Type 60 was soon renamed the ‘V1’ and the convertible version was called the ‘V2’. This design was further updated and called the ‘V3’ and extensive testing began. And just as with all tests, data was collected, the car was improved and the name was changed to the ‘VW30’. By now all cars had the distinct shape that we have come to be familiar with and, with the exception of the Type 12, all had the rearmounted, air-cooled engine.

It was not until the former Opel Manager, Heinrich Nordhoff, was appointed Managing Director of the Volkswagen factory, that the factory hit full swing.

Milestones

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the first ‘People’s Car’, the Porsche Museum will display two rare prototypes of the Volkswagen Beetle. The exhibit will trace Ferdinand Porsche’s history in creating seven different small cars for various manufacturers in the early 1930s, followed by the first ‘Study for the Production of a Germany People’s Car’ presented to the then Reich Ministry of Transport in January 1934, leading to the order to build it. The history of Beetle prototype development and the first VW factory in pre-war Germany will be celebrated. — Although, as is well known, World War II meant that production didn’t start until 1945. The special exhibition will feature original pictures from the Porsche archives. The cars on display will be a pre-war Beetle prototype, number VW38, which was used personally by Ferdinand Porsche, and an early-1950s diesel-powered Beetle prototype. The exhibit which opened on June 22 will close on July 31.

Just before its final launch, it was officially named the KdFWagen by Hitler himself. Unfortunately, only a handful of vehicles were produced before the Second World War broke out and all production lines were consequently shifted to producing military

vehicles. The Beetle’s chassis were used in the production of the Kübelwagen Type 82 and the amphibious Schwimmwagen Type 166, the most mass-produced amphibious car in history. But, contrary to what you may think, this actually, at least to a certain

extent, worked in favour of the Beetle. In being used for military purposes it proved its resilience, come rain, shine, ice or heat. After the war, in 1945, the VW factory was handed over to the British by the Americans,

to be dismantled and shipped to Britain. Luckily for Volkswagen, no British automobile manufacturer was interested in the brand. It was common thought amongst the people that producing the car would be completely uneconomic and that no one would actu-

FOCUS

It all began in 1933, when Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche, to create a ‘People’s Car’, or as they called it ‘Volks-Wagen’ in German.

ally be interested in purchasing it. Instead the factory survived by building cars for the British military who, thanks to the persuasive powers of British Army officer Major Ivan Hirst, ordered 20,000 of the cars and by 1946, the factory was producing about 1000 cars per month. But it was not until the former Opel Manager, Heinrich Nordhoff, was appointed Managing Director of the Volkswagen factory, that the factory hit full swing. Under his patronage, the production increased dramatically over the following decade and the one-millionth car came off the assembly line by 1955. The main reason for its im-

A New Age mense success was its performance. It was superior to every other vehicle in its class and come 1960s, it held its own even against the might of the Mini. From here onwards it was a matter of ‘lived happily ever after’ or at least till the mid 1970s. By then sales began to drop because of stiff competition. This coupled with VW less successful companion cars and its over-reliance on the Beetle meant that VW was strapped for cash but needed to come up with a successor for the Beetle and needed it fast. With the help of German Government funding and the designing talent of Giorgetto Giugiaro, VW launched the Golf in 1974. Although it was

the only other car that VW sold that was as popular as the Beetle, it did not kill its sales. It was built alongside the Beetle in Germany until 1978; the production was then moved to Brazil and Mexico. The final batch of 3,000 Beetles were sold, in 2003, as 2004 models and tagged the ‘Última Edición’, with whitewall tires, a host of previously-discontinued chrome trim, and the choice of two special paint colours taken from the New Beetle. The all new Beetle, which is still sold today, was first seen at the 1994 North American International Auto Show in the form of the ‘Concept 1’. Strong public reactions made its eventual production inevi-

table, and in 1998 Volkswagen launched the New Beetle. And although its design was heavily influenced by the original, it drivetrain wasn’t. Quite unlike its predecessor, which was rear engine and rear-wheel-drive, this new one was front engine and front-wheel-drive. The last original Beetle — No. 21,529,464 — was produced in Puebla, Mexico, on 30 July 2003. This last car was immediately shipped off to the company’s museum in Wolfsburg, Germany and was sent off in style thanks to a mariachi band and a number of advertisements that paid homage to a legend and a true icon of the automotive world.

The New Beetle was first unveiled at the 1994 North American International Auto Show in the form of the ‘Concept 1’ and was first launched publicly in 1998. One look at the exterior and it is clear that VW had only one objective with the Beetle and that was to continue their combined mission as iconic cars, designed and engineered to stir the passions of those who love the heritage and the pure fun of Volkswagen. But unlike the exterior, the interior and drivetrain were completely overhauled. The New Beetle now comes equipped with Volkswagen’s rock-solid 1.6L and 2.0L, in-line, four-cylinder gasoline engines, producing 102hp and 115hp respectively. And quite unlike its predecessor it is no longer rear-engined, instead it is now frontengined. The power is now delivered to the front wheels, instead of the back, through a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. For those of you that love open-top motoring, the New Beetle is also available in cabriolet form and comes equipped with a six-speed gearbox. While the new model may not share the full-blown success of its predecessor, it is still a fun drive, a great buy and an icon in its own right.

ART

A Connoisseurs’ Artist Abdul Majeed Karooh’s works are not just strokes of colours, they are today’s vivid interpretations of a world that was, SAYS DEEPA RAJAN...

He prides himself on being a self-made man. And, Abdul Majeed Bin Hakeem Karooh is truly just that. Born in 1975, Karooh began his passionate affair with colours at the age of eight. He started painting professionally at 18. That same year, he had a painting in a group exhibition in Germany — which was sold, not something that happens often with young artists.

His inspiration comes from his childhood, filled with happy memories, as well as the unique heritage and folklore of the Sultanate of Oman. But, what strikes one most about his art is that Karooh uses the knife, instead of the usual brush, to paint. His successful, contemporary ‘Omani Door’ series are set in bright yet natural colours and are the memories of his family ancestral home in Muttrah. While, his ‘Oman Architectural’ series were inspired by his father, one of the capital’s main constructors, who taught him all he knows. “I owe my love for the arts to my father, who taught me how to hold a brush,” says Karooh and adds, “I like speaking of Muttrah through my paintings because I share a deep bond with the place. This is where

I was born and since I live in Seeb now, I feel nostalgic about it. I tried to capture various aspects of Muttrah as seen through my eyes.” His eyes shine as he reminisces, “Each house has a door and behind each door there are secrets. My artworks of doors are a portal to the old world charm of Muttrah.” The Corniche holds a special place in his heart and he recollects how he was saved thrice from drowning in the Corniche waters! Be it his father, his art teacher in school or even a French artist he met at Al Harthy Complex a long time ago, Karooh has learnt to create a distinctive style of his own from all of them. Trained in Beirut, Karooh feels, “My paintings are a reflection of my attachments and my

ART FOCUS

thoughts. If I can recreate particular moments from my life through my paintings, then I would consider it an achievement.” His strong bond with his nation and its heritage is what makes him explore the varied hues of Oman through doors, walls and the coastal line. And he manages to

produce amazingly bright, contemporary landscapes which depict his joyful memories. According to Karooh, each artist evolves his own style as he grows and in his works one can see the unmistakable imprint of his surroundings. Having dabbled with acrylic, oil and also graphic mediums,

he is currently training young artists in the use of the knife painting technique at the Omani Society of Fine Arts and says he wants to give his community what he never had. Though he remembers his days as a struggling artist, one can sense a well-deserved satisfaction in the fact that

he knows that whatever he has accomplished today is because of sheer hard work and perseverance. Says Karooh, “I want to be able to provide to a firm platform for the youth and encourage their talent. I had no one to guide me or show me the way.” Of course, he adds that he was lucky to have found

his way to the Omani Society for Fine Arts and patrons such as Mr. Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Times of Oman. Karooh says his mother is his most ardent fan. And the one painting that he holds close to heart is that of an old mosque in Muttrah that his mother is very attached to. Perhaps, that is the reason why he has still held on to it and never put it up for sale. His next exhibition may still be a concept, with either horses or royal family portraits, but Abdul Majeed Karooh has made a firm impression as a successful connoisseursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; artist. And yet, he remains humble and rooted in a strong culture and a heritage that is as vibrant as the hues that his easel holds.

ACCESSORIES

P’3120 Aluminium-Ballpoint Pen from Porsche Design (Available at Porsche Design, Bareeq Al Shatti and QCC)

Sleek Style Néo-Classique fountain pen from S.T.Dupont (Available at Capital Store, Qurum)

Buy them for yourself or gift them to someone who deserves the very best!

Limited Edition Secret Journey trilogy (Secret Journey I, Secret Journey II and Secret Journey III with their respective ink bottle and map) by Caran d’Ache (For further details contact Khimji’s Watches)

Pen case from Porsche Design (Available at Porsche Design, Bareeq Al Shatti and QCC)

One Pen Pouch (with zipper) by Mont Blanc (Available at Capital Store, Qurum)

Starwalker BlackMystery fountain pen from MontBlanc (Available at Capital Store, Qurum)

*Montblanc pens are also available at Montblanc Boutique, Muscat City Centre Shiva pen by Caran d’Ache (Limited Edition) (For further details contact Khimji’s Watches)

Racing Fountain Pen from Chopard (For further details contact Khimji’s Watches)

PEOPLE

Perfect Symphony He’s a composer, a pianist, a teacher and above all, a proud Cultural Ambassador of his country — the Republic of Turkey. He’s Maestro Erol Erdinç. Deepa Rajan met him on his visit to Oman.

“I’m romantic, tragic, pathetic (sic)….just like Tchaikovsky (famous Russian composer who gave us ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Swan Lake’)”, says Maestro Erol Erdinç talking of the classical influences that motivate the Turkish conductor. And one need not wonder why. For, like Tchaikovsky’s compositions, Erdinç’s ardour for music and dedication to his country inspire and move you, undeniably so. Erdinç, who considers himself the ‘solider of Ataturk’, is proud to be part of the legacy that His Excellency, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk left for the Turkish people to carry forward. Erdinç’s 40-year journey began when he started studying Composition with well-

known Turkish Composer A. Adnan Saygun and the piano with T. Cetiz at the Ankara State Conservatory which was founded by P. Hindemith. After graduating in Composition, he stayed on at the Conservatory to teach, while also working as a pianist with the Ankara State Opera and Ballet. Six years later, in 1975, he went to Paris where he studied Conducting under renowned artists such as Jean Martinon at the Le Conservatoire de Paris (Paris Conservatory) and Pierre Dervaux at the École Normale de Musique de Paris (National School of Music of Paris); Composition with Nadia Boulanger, Pierre Petit and Accompaniment with Pierre Pontier. He also

participated in master classes given by Pierre Boulez and Kirill Kondrashin. And each of these are venerated names in the field. Returning to his country in 1980, Erdinç conducted at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet until 1983; he then moved on to conduct with the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, which presents about 64 performances a season, in response to strong public demand. This, perhaps, proves that Turkish people have music in their blood. In forty years, Erdinç says Turkey’s musical inclinations have grown by leaps and bounds. “We now have 18 operas and symphony orchestras across the towns of the country. We also have conservatories

with musicians from abroad coming to teach students,” he states. An educator himself, the Maestro has taught at the Istanbul University Conservatory, where he developed remarkable pedagogic work. After spending time at Bilkent University as Dean of the Music Faculty, he moved on to become a Member of the Board of the Ankara State Conservatory. There he created and leads the Haceteppe Symphony Orchestra that has greatly contributed to the musical life of the city. Erdinç was also invited as Guest Professor to the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, the Porto State Music Faculty in Portugal and the Londrina International

The Finer Points When not conducting or composing Music, Erdinç is practising his Karate chops. Apart from Tchaikovsky, he is partial to A. Adnan Saygun, his mentor. He plays the piano very well and often plays it for his wife, who is Brazilian and is also a musician.

Festival in Brazil. So is it an easy task to keep the youth hooked on to classical music amid the much popular cacophony of hip-hop, rap, etc.? Erdinç’s answer to that one is simple. “If one chooses the music, one must be true to it and be disciplined.” Erdinç’s son, who was studying in a French school, chose to give up the high life to come back and learn music and now, says Erdinç, there are times when he has to ask his son to go out and take a break. So, he adds, it is all about how much you are willing to give up for your passion. A feeling Erdinç is no stranger to… …For each time he goes

out for a performance, Erdinç is nervous and each performance brings a thrill to him, even after all these years. And sometimes, yes, even the best of the best have been known to miss a key, but not Erdinç, who says he has thankfully never confronted such a situation. His concerts as a Chamber Pianist have taken him all over the world as has his passion for Jazz. While he was still a student at the Conservatory, he started to play piano solo in different formations. Many years later he introduced Symphonic Jazz Music to Turkey, through the ‘Spring Concerts’ with the Istanbul State Symphony. Erdinç has also served as a jury member several

times in many prestigious international competitions, including the Concours de musique du Canada (Canadian Music Competition) and the Enescu Conductors Competition in Romania. Also a great communicator, at the beginning of his career Erdinç worked on producing music on the television network. Years later, in 1991, he created his own TV programme on TRT 2, the State Cultural Channel, where different aspects of music were approached. As a Composer and Orchestrator, he has written numerous works for orchestra, choir, symphonic jazz orchestra and music for children, integrating

traditional Turkish modal music, popular styles, jazz and creating his own musical language. An Artistic Advisor to the Ministry of Culture for three years, Erdinç was presented, by the Turkish Government, with the title of ‘State Artist’ — an award given to honour only the most distinguished artistes in his country... and it is an honour welldeserved for a man who is a true musician at heart. “As a Turkish musician I am fighting to give Turkey a voice in the world, and as a Cultural Ambassador it becomes my duty to make people aware of Turkey. After every performance, when people applaud and say ‘he is Turkish’, that is my real reward.”

FASHION

Grey jacket with white trouser in cotton

CANALI SPRING/ SUMMER 2009 Lightness and colour combined with traditional tailoring, attention to detail and the noblest raw materials, that is what Canaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/Summer 2009 collections is all aboutâ&#x20AC;Ś 38

White jacket with pearl grey trouser in cotton

FASHION

Pearl grey blouzon with white trouser in cotton

Canali is available at Salam Studio and Stores, Qurum and Muscat City Centre.

White suit in linen

PLACES

Beyond

Champs Elysees 42

Travelling to Paris this summer? Bregje van Baaren lists out some lesser known places to shop at while thereâ&#x20AC;Ś

‘Partir, c’est mourir un peu’ (to leave is to die a little) is what the French say. This is perhaps how one feels after concluding a break in Paris, a truly enchanting city. However, to put it in Ernest Hemingway’s words, ‘If you are lucky enough to have lived [or stayed for three days] in Paris as a young man [or woman], then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast.’ Most of us know Paris as this energetic and romantic European city. As you fly into the ‘City of Lights’, you can never tire of the impressive, panoramic view. Paris is also characterised by a

sophisticated and intellectual flow [mojo]. In this city which also famously hosts fashion weeks and shows, you can be a happy shopper, an art lover or just wander around the streets, reflecting on life and perhaps stumble on some live classical music. It is here where you can drive or double park [though perhaps not as a tourist!] a big Mercedes in a small street without being over-the-top or tacky. And at the same time, you can eat the most delicious mussels at a simple place where the walls are decked out with the paintings of a local and still unknown artist.

Yes, the city is famous for its iron icon, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum and the broad shopping street — the ‘Champs Elysees’ where even the famous ‘Arabian Oud’ has a branch now. On an aside, though it’s the national symbol, when you ask an average Parisian, it’s very possible that he / she will admit to have never been on the Eiffel Tower themselves! Perhaps, one of the locals will instead provide you with a list [written on a napkin!] of the most known/ unknown locations in his or her city. Spots, which go beyond the famous and touristy places, and by some French even considered banal.

As the French, in general, are famous for a lot of things apart from their ambition to be excellent tourist guides, here’s some inside information on a few of the must-go-to and oneof- a-kind shops and spots when travelling to Paris this summer. Bon Voyage!

COLETTE: GADGETS AND TOYS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS Named after a famous French writer, Colette is an unique cult shop in Paris with only one branch worldwide. The shop is the destination for sophisticated shopaholics or gadget lovers, or just worth a visit for those who

PLACES

want something other than the Galeries Lafayette (the French chain of stores also to be found in the UAE now). Colette offers you a lot of gadgets, art books, upcoming [beyond the latest!] trends in clothes, shoes and make-up from brands like Comme des Garçons. The shop owners understand the true meaning of avant-garde and pay attention to the work of upcoming designing talent as well. For those accompanying and who don’t like shopping; there is also a tea salon and restaurant.

AZZEDINE ALAÏA: DRESS LIKE MICHELLE OBAMA The atelier/shop/showroom and outlet of the Tunisianborn fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, is not recognised as a shop from the outside. You have to ring the doorbell to get in. Next to long-legged, top models like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, who used to show his clothes on the runways, Alaïa is almost petite. The

fashion designer is, however, big in name and as much in demand as other exclusive fashion designers such as Dolce&Gabbana and Prada. He has, however, a different marketing approach. No website, not many shops worldwide, some prêt-aporter but not as a less expensive sub-label. You are not allowed to take pictures of the beautiful shop interior made of steel and concrete. The ones who advertise him the most are those who sport his style such as the singer Tina Turner and Michelle Obama, the wife of the current President of the United States of America. Some of Alaïa’s female-curvefriendly clothes fit tightly and thus created his alias — as ‘The King of Cling’. However, the First Lady of the US recently attended a NATOdinner in a typical Alaïa luxurious-cut, knit-dress and she was also seen wearing one of his famous waist-belts during the US Presidential pre-elections. Alaïa is located in the

bourgeois Le Marais district, 3rd arrondissement and 4th arrondissement, where it’s alleged the American actor Johnny Depp and his family reside, and yes, where you can find good falafels as well.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN: SOME SOLE SEARCHING Monsieur Christian Louboutin, the luxury French shoe and bag designer is known worldwide as is his well-known trademark — his red-soled shoes. Famous wearers showing-off the red soles on the movie-screen are actors such as Penelope Cruz in one of her latest productions and Sarah Jessica Parker as her SATCcharacter ‘Carry Bradshaw’. The French designer who claims that ‘A woman carries her clothes, but it is the shoe that carries the woman’, was inspired by fashion house Chanel to create shoes with red soles. While designing his first prototype he thought something was missing. Thanks to a bottle of Chanel’s

red nail polish, [belonging to a person who ‘Mr. L’ worked with], he created the idea of the famous red sole. The king of ultra-feminine shoes previously worked for famous designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Charles Jourdan before he opened his first shop in Paris in 1992.

RÉMINISCENCE: DISCOVER PATCHOULI Réminiscence sells jewellery for both women and men and is famous for its distinctive and exclusive [relatively hard to find outside France] perfumes inspired by India and the Orient. The Réminiscence story began in 1970, on the French Riviera in Juan-lesPins, where the very first boutique was opened. The name refers to ‘remembering’ which perhaps indicates that whoever buys earrings, a necklace or a perfume of this brand is guaranteed a Proustian memory. If you enjoy your Spring and Summer holidays at the

French Coast or travel to Paris often, you must pay a visit to any one of the typical turquoise-painted shops which smell like patchouli, one of the perfumes they sell. Recommendations for when on a break from ALL the shopping:

LA MOSQUÉE DE PARIS: Built in the 1920’s in the courtyard reminiscent of a Mughal Palace, the Mosque resembles the architecture of Mosques in Morocco made out of concrete and decorated with mosaics, wood carvings and wrought-iron imported from the Maghreb. One can enjoy a sweet Moroccan mint tea at the adjacent Muslim Restaurant de la Mosquée de Paris.

CAFÉ MARLY: Located in the courtyard of the well-known though magnificent Louvre you can watch the tourists pass by, those who did not go beyond the common places, while drinking your coffee.

ADDRESSES: Colette 213 rue Saint-Honoré 75001 Paris Tel: +33 1 55 35 33 90 Fax: +33 1 55 35 33 99 www.colette.fr Open from Monday to Saturday 11am to 7pm. Azzedine Alaïa 7 rue Moussy 4th Arrondissement Paris 75004 Tel: +33 1 42 72 19 19 Christian Louboutin JJR 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau 75001 Paris Christian Louboutin St Honoré 68 rue du faubourg St Honoré 75008 Paris Tel: +33 (1) 42 36 53 66 Fax: +33 (1) 42 36 99 73 www.christianlouboutin.com Open from Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 7.00pm Réminiscence For several shop locations in Paris please visit www.reminiscence.fr also available in Saudi Arabia. La Mosquée de Paris 39, rue Geoffroy-St-Hilaire http://www.mosquee-de-paris.org/ Tel. Restaurant : +33 (0)1-43-3118-14

Technology

Gadget Godzillas窶的 Shod in hard steel and real leather, these gadgets are beasts built for untamed, power-guzzling high performance. This is what power gadgets are all about窶ｦ

Just like when Japanese small cars swamped the auto market in the oil-crisis-hit mid-seventies, there are good reasons now to welcome nifty little ultraportable gadgets into a world gripped by a frightening economic slump. After all, aren’t they so very sensible? A compact car moving you to office every day at a comfortable speed on very little fuel like a lowcost camera churning out error-free, blameless pictures with utter, boring reliability — and a never ending battery life. How practical! But what is a gadget for you: a utilitarian appliance or an object worthy of adrenaline-pumping craving? If you are the utilitarian sort then you may want to leave this page right now, for what follows is serious adrenalinepumping stuff. Shod in hard steel and real leather, these are beasts built for high performance — insensible, untamed, insane, powerguzzling performance that’s got nothing to do with green fuels… If you are still here then bow to the godzillas of the gadget world and read on… (This is Part I of the article which reviews a few high performance desktops and laptops. Look out for Part II in the next issue where we bring you some more power gadgets you could use.)

DESKTOPS

Falcon Northwest Mach V If you have a fortune to burn and will kill to possess the most powerful desktop ever made, then this one is clearly for you — along with the Maingear Ephex (Intel Core i7 965) but that we will talk about next. This super configurable, ultra-fashionable beast from Northwest ripples with multiple ‘eight-packs’ of menacing power, costs anything between US $5000 to US $15000, and is designed strictly for high-end computing enthusiasts. It has tonnes of memory, a massive storage capacity, an amazing display and an un-ending

array of thrilling features, all primed to fire wild passions. For this review we chose Northwest’s medium range Mach V which costs US $7795 — and every buck of that price is worth the bang it produces. So, what makes the Falcon Mach V such dynamite? To begin with, housed in an imposing Silverstone Temjin TJ03 full tower case, this machine is propelled by a spanking-new (Nehalem-based) Intel Core i7 965 Extreme processor, over clocked from 3.2 GHz to 3.8 GHz for that additional mindnumbing kick.

If you think that is insane, read on: the machine (version regardless) comes loaded with 12GB of DDR3-1066 memory, along with an Intel 80GB solid state drive for booting and a 1-terabyte, 7200-rpm Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 hard drive for storage. And that’s not all: for the above mentioned US $7795 you also get a 22-inch Samsung 2243 LCD and a Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 digital speaker system that will drive most audiophiles insane. Is there more to the incredible Mach V story? You bet there is. Get your hands on one and feel the heat.

Technology

Maingear Ephex (Intel Core i7 965)

If ever there was a benchmark burning, record busting PC created to blast even a gadget guru out of his senses then here it is: the Maingear Ephex Intel Core i7 9c5. Now this is what we call power: the smell of burning rubber, a whoosh of wild energy that slams you in the jaw, a machine that spreads fear even before it has got to work. This PC spells power blatantly as it sits there bristling in its imposing, full-tower chassis with a

windowed case door glowing with liquid coolants and an automotive-grade black paint job blazing with the green ‘Flamewerks’ logo. As one admirer put it, “The Maingear Ephex is one of those PC systems you look at and say, ‘Woof, I bet that’s fast.’” And fast it is. And as mean as they come, with an aweinspiring assembly of high performance components built around an over clocked

3.925GHz Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition processor (as against 3.8 of the Falcon). Just sample what goes into the machine: three (yes three) 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 280 graphic processors, one 80GB Intel X-25M solid state hard drive and 4x dual-layer Bluray burner. At the heart of the Ephex is its over clocked quad-core Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition processor that kicks

out massive bolts of power into its three Nvidia GeForce GTX 280 graphics cards which are a part of the machine’s unique 3SLI configuration (a cutting edge Intel technology that enables three channels of power). In other words, the Ephex is an unmatched assembly of speed of up to 3.9 GHz and distribution; a Michael Phelps in full tilt, arms and legs hooked to an inexhaustible energy pump.

LAPTOPS

Alienware Area-51 m17x fore-knowledge, however, the Area-51 m17x is still a bit of a shocker — like a sharp elbow in the solar plexus. First, it is quite easily the most powerful gaming laptop to have ever been made and second at US $6000 + it is inarguably among the most expensive laptops to have ever been marketed!

When you are in Alienware territory you know pretty much what to expect — loads of power for lots of cash! We mean you are unlikely to find

an Alienware built to compete with an Asus Netbook — thin, light, energy saving, cheap and politically correct. Oh no, not a chance! Despite that

Sure you will find cheaper (as low as US $1400) alternatives of the Area but those are for the kids — yawn-inducing midrange components packed into pepperminty boxes. The one we tested out was the fully loaded, scorching hot, US $6000, monster created for the ultimate in high-definition

excitement — while on the move. Though, one must admit, that moving the 11-pound Area around is not necessarily recommended for some one with ischemic heart disease or the possibility of it. But would we want this Alienware to be any lighter? Sure, if it is possible to roll all the coolest high-end components that one can buy into a lighter frame, because that is what the Area-51 m17x is — punk, rock and heavy metal rolled into one machine: 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 processor, 4GB, 667MHz DDR2 memory, 1 terabyte hard disc, and a Blu Ray drive. Make all that any lighter if you can and we will take it.

Dell XPS M1730 Laptop Computer The M1730, the latest in Dell’s ground-breaking line of XPS performance laptops is a jaw-dropping mix of the past and the future — trademark features like flashing speaker grill LEDs spun off with zany new touches like an integrated Logitech GamePanel LCD and a10key numeric keypad. The result: an amazingly refined package that delivers both on build and performance big time. At around 11 pounds, the M1730 is not exactly light. But expecting this big daddy of the laptop space to be light is like asking a Lamborghini to lead a Greenpeace Rally. As we warned, the XPS 730x, (like

every gadget in this feature) is for grown-ups. It is serious, track-scorching stuff, built for performance — the sort that does not come by saving on weight, energy or cost. Expectedly, therefore, the tank-like M1730, devours energy and in exchange pounds out some serious thump, driven by a battery of best-of-breed, high-end components like the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, Nvidia SLI graphics, the first mobile PhysX processor, and two massive 7,200rpm hard drives. Running all that pricey hardware is obviously tiring business and therefore the Dell’s battery life, predictably enough, is just a shade over

one hour 20 minutes. Inside its imposing case the XPS M1730, inspired by the legendary Aurora MALX from Dell’s subsidiary, Alienware, boasts an array of killer components that combine to deliver outstanding performance particularly

on parameters crucial to high-end gaming and entertainment buffs like frame rates and the ability to handle the latest in emerging games. On such counts the XPS M1730 must rank among the best rigs in the market today.

STYLE

What is it about a man and his bike! Caught in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;my motorbike gave up on meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; moment, McConaughey looks the perfect biker dude in a leather jacket, faded blue jeans and his Shoei helmet. Now, if this is how he looks when he is miffed, we hope for all the women out there that the bike gives up on him more often!

If looks could kill, Matthew McConaughey would be very busy defending himself against innumerable heartbreaking charges! At 38, the father of one-year-old Levi is not just a hunk, he is also an actor who has held his own. Born Matthew David McConaughey, on November 4, 1969, in Uvalde, Texas, he grew up with two older brothers, Michael and Pat,

many ad-libs. He would later use Wooderson's motto, ‘Just Keep Livin’, to name his production company, JKL Productions. Roles in ‘Angels in the Outfield’ (1994), ‘The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (1994), ‘Boys on the Side’ (1995), and ‘Lone Star’ (1996) followed. His fame exploded big-time after his performance as an idealistic young lawyer in

movie ‘Sahara’ (2005), and travelled all over the US in an Airstream trailer to promote it. That same year, he was also cast in ‘Two for the Money’ (2005), playing a former football player who gets caught up in the world of high-stakes gambling. Shortly thereafter, he won roles in the romantic comedies ‘Failure to Launch’ and ‘The Loop’, starring in the latter alongside

keeps the women swooning and this despite the fact that he recently confessed that he does not use deodorant at all! And while the Axe Company may have given him a year’s supply of deodorants with some advice on why he might want to use it, we think this is one man whose testosterones do all the talking!

McConaughey Magnetism! He’s a charmer and he knows it! If there were a school of style, Matthew McConaughey would be one of its ace students… in Longview, Texas. His father Jim played briefly for the ‘Green Bay Packers’ as a Defensive Back before getting into the oil industry and his mother, Kay, was a schoolteacher. After he graduated from Longview High School in 1988, McConaughey spent a year travelling in Australia, doing odd jobs, before returning to the US and enrolling in the University of Texas at Austin. There, after considering studying law, he instead earned a degree in Film Studies in 1993, a year after his father died of a heart attack. By then, Matthew had already begun working as an actor on television; first in commercials, then in an episode of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’. McConaughey first came to national prominence thanks to his role in Richard Linklater's sleeper hit, ‘Dazed and Confused’ (1993). Cast to play the minor part of ‘David Wooderson’, he was able to expand the role into a memorable one with his

‘A Time to Kill’ (1996), based on John Grisham's novel of the same name. The boost in his visibility allowed him to progress to high-profile films in 1997 such as ‘Contact’ (alongside Jodie Foster) and ‘Amistad’, directed by Steven Spielberg. But neither film was a huge success, nor was McConaughey's 1998 re-teaming with Richard Linklater in ‘The Newton Boys’. His ‘IT’-boy status began fading as a result. And to add insult to injury, Matthew was arrest on minor drug charges in 1999. During that same period, McConaughey embarked on long jaunts to Mali and the Amazon. He then took on roles in movies like ‘EDtv’ (1999), ‘U-571’ (2000), ‘The Wedding Planner’ (2001), ‘Thirteen Conversations About One Thing’ (2001), and ‘Reign of Fire’ (2002). He climbed right back up the ‘fame’ ladder after the 2003 romantic comedy ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ (with Kate Hudson). He then starred in the adventure

fellow ‘Sahara’ alum and then girlfriend Penelope Cruz. McConaughey, who was once voted the most handsome student during his senior year of high school, has always been popular with the fairer sex. Women have always been impressed by his downhome charm, free spirit and (perhaps most importantly) chiselled abs. Already swooning when they see him onscreen, women find the fun-loving yet straightforward actor even more attractive in real life. A consequence of the ‘McConaughey magnetism’ is that he has been romantically linked with a bevy of Hollywood's most desirable starlets. He's dated the likes of Patricia Arquette, Ashley Judd and Sandra Bullock and Penelope Cruz. But most of his romances have generally remained private. After his relationship with Penelope Cruz ended in 2006, he moved on with model Camila Alves, who gave birth to their son Levi in July 2008. There is something about this Irish-American actor that

The outdoorsy fitness buff — PEOPLE magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ in 2005 — is often seen sweating it out shirtless. But he sure does clean up well! Dressed in a classic black shirt and corduroy trousers held together by his signature j.k. livin leather belt, McConaughey looks very much the charmer he is. Not to mention, Brazilian girlfriend, Camilla Alves, who adds majorly to this man’s style quotient.

INDEX

Books you must read, music you must tune in to and movies you must see…

Books

• Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? — Neil Gaiman • Black Hills — Nora Roberts • American Adulterer — Jed Mercurio • Girl in a Blue Dress — Gaynor Arnold • In the Valley of Ancient Rain Gods — James Lee Burke • Jericho’s Fall — Stephen L. Carter • Twenties Girl — Sophie Kinsella • Watch the Skies — James Patterson • The Girl Who Played with Fire — Stieg Larsson • Hot Pursuit: A Novel — Suzanne Brockmann

Movies • • • • • • • • • •

Watchmen (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray] Coraline [Blu-ray] Knowing [Blu-ray] 12 Monkeys [Blu-ray] The Towering Inferno [Blu-ray] Fast & Furious [Blu-ray] Pink Panther 2 [DVD] Inkheart [DVD] The Code [DVD] History Channel’s Ancient Aliens [DVD]

Music • • • • • • • • • • •

BLACKsummers’ night — Maxwell [CD] John Lennon — Live Peace in Toronto 1969 [CD] Nothing Personal — All Time Low [CD] Priority — The Pointer Sisters [CD] La Roux — La Roux [CD] Mahler: Symphony No. 6 — Gustav Mahler, David Zinman, and Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich [CD] Greatest Hits — Michael Quatro [CD] Jump for Joy — Peggy Lee [CD] Take Me Home — Celtic Thunder [CD] Leave This Town — Daughtry [CD]

THE LAST WORD

‫هناك الكثري من النظريات حول‬ ‫الطبيعة ولكن الطبيعة تتحدى كل‬ . ‫هذه النظريات‬

‫رينوار‬

You come to nature with all her theories, and she knocks them all flat.

Renoir

uotes ‫عندما ال يكون هناك مكان للروح‬ . ‫ ال يكون هناك مكان للفن‬,

‫ليوناردو دافن�شي‬

Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.

Leonardo da Vinci

‫الإبداع له دائما حق ال�سبق‬

‫هرني مات�سي‬

Creativity takes courage.

Henri Matisse 54

‫ر�أيي �أن �أف�ضل �شئ هو �أن توا�صل العمل حتى ي�شعر حمبو الفن �أنهم‬ . ‫م�شدودون �إليهه تلقائيا بدال من �أن يكونوا بحاجة �إىل �رشحه‬ ‫الر�سم هو روح الفن لأن الفن لي�س فيه مكان للخداع ولذلك ال ميكن‬ ‫�أن ن�صف الفن ب�أنه جيد �أو �سيئ فهو فن جمرد‬

‫�سلفادور دايل‬

Drawing is the honesty of the art. There is no possibility of cheating. It is either good or bad.

‫فن�سنت فان جوخ‬

My opinion is that the best thing would be to work on till art lovers feel drawn toward it of their own accord, instead of having to praise or to explain it.

Vincent van Gogh

Salvador Dali

‫ من ال�سماء‬, ‫الفنان عبارة عن بوتقة للم�شاعر التي ت�أتي من كل مكان‬ ‫والأر�ض ومن جمرد ق�صا�صة ورق �أو �شكل عابر �أو حتى من �شبكة‬ . ‫عنكبوت على احلائط‬

‫بابلو بيكا�سو‬

The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.

Pablo Picasso

‫بدون جو تكون اللوحة بدون معنى‬ ‫رمربانديت‬ Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.

Rembrandt

‫يف حالة كان هناك رمز معني يف �صورة من �صورة ف�إن هذا الرمز لي�س‬ ‫مق�صودا من جانبي ونتيجة مل �أ�سعى اليها لكي ي�صل �إليها �أحد بل هي‬ . ‫جمرد فكرة و�صل النا�س �إليها بعد ذلك وف�رسها كل على ح�سب ذوقه‬

‫مارك ت�شاجال‬

If a symbol should be discovered in a painting of mine, it was not my intention. It is a result I did not seek. It is something that may be found afterwards, and which can be interpreted according to taste.

Marc Chagall