Peace Issue

HUMAN CALCULATOR and how he uses his brain CATS &DOGS and how you can give them a home APPS to improve your photography skills SPRING GLOW fashion DUBAI MARATHON to train for Mount Everest base camp ON TOP OF THE WORLD inspiration to climb for a cause CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS and where to do what GENERAL KNOWLEDGE do you know enough?

Top Youth Volunteer Shrimal Attapattu

tells us what it’s like to touch people’s lives and create a positive impact

AED 10

Written by Youth for Youth

Your

Passion

Space

thewalltreat.com

1

Editor’s Letter

SUPER POWERS

When I was really young my wonderfully crazy parents taught me something very valuable (which I didn’t necessarily believe back then).

They said that every person on earth has super powers, which they don’t know they have, and that is why no one ever uses them. I was told that it was one of the greatest secrets in the world and that only a selected few knew about those super powers and I was very lucky to be one of them.

It was a great big secret because those powers are so powerful that ONE person can change the whole universe single-handedly. I’ve started to believe that what they’ve taught me is true. If one person can calculate the answer to 89 to the power of 20 in less than one minute (p. 9) and another can beat the record, running a marathon for the first time (p.44), then what else are people capable of? What am I capable of?

Spring always reminds me of a scene in Bambi, animals running around and birds chirping happily, loads of sun beams shining through the trees and just a feeling of utter joy. This month we’ve decided to include our furry friends in our fashion shoot (p.26) and give you a chance to make a difference in their lives by giving them a good home where they can live happily ever after.

I urge you to get out there and try out your super powers as soon as you can. Start out with something small like volunteering at charitable organizations (p. 61) and making a difference. Then you can move on to greater things like climbing Mount Everest (p.46) for a good cause and bending spoons and stuff. Make sure you find great background music while you’re doing your thing.

MARIA ROUSAN editor@one8one.net

My Say TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

Pasquala van Beusekom I was looking at all the awesome pictures on your Facebook page! They all look amazing.

Write to us at mysay@one8one.net and tell us what you think. All submissions must include your name and contact details.

Submissions may be edited for spelling or length and may be published in any medium. All submissions become property of one8one.

Ramya Just wanted to say that I loved your latest issue! As an English project we have to make our own magazine based on a theme and have to have an article and an interview. I have chosen my magazine to be about photography.

Danielle Van Jaarsveld I am more than intrigued and although I have never actually written anything that has ever been published, I thought to myself, what’s the harm in trying?

Hayon Shin I’ve read your magazines and I really love the work that the youth have done and the beautiful presentation of the magazine. The fact that the youth have such a powerful voice coupled with professionalism while still being able to maintain their youthful familiarity was what mostly impressed me. And it’s made me want to be a part of the crew. :)

Ghadeer Nasser Abeidoh Thank you so much one8one for the Media passes to BOLDtalks I can’t wait to speak to the speakers!

Editor’s Letter 1 My Say 2 ‘s Up 4-5 S’ cool Stuff 6-9 Buy vs Adopt 10-11 When It Rhymes 12 Bookshelf 13 Gaming 14-15 Local Band: The Flaming Trees 16-17 Hitlist 19 Album Reviews 20 Concerts 22-23 Fashion: Spring Glow 24-29 HIs and Her Looks 30-31 Superyouth: Shrimal Attapattu 32-35 Are We the Ones to Blame? 36 Smiles 37 Gizmos & Gadgets 38 Movies 39 Human Nature 40-41 Photographer: Maitha Bint Khalid 42-43 Steps to Great Heights 44-45 On the top of the World 46-47 OMG! 48 Photography 50-51 Letters to a Coach 52-53 You Are What You Eat 54-55 Astrology 56-57 Quiz 58 Brain Food 59 Jokes 60 Charitable Organizations 61 For You to Know 62 How to Submit to ‘one8one’ 63

‘s up What When Where

MARCH

The Mouse that Roared, DUCTAC, Dubai (Mar 1-Mar 3)

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai (Mar 2-Mar 11)

Careers UAE, DICEC, Dubai (Mar 5-Mar 7)

Abu Dhabi Festival, Abu Dhabi (Mar 11-April 6)

The Emirates International Festival of Literature, InterContinental Hotel, Festival City, Dubai (Mar 6-Mar 10)

Duran Duran Live, 7he Sevens Stadium, Dubai

Dubai International Boat Show, Mina Seyahi, Dubai (Mar 13-Mar 17) Women as Global Leaders Conference, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi (Mar 13-Mar 15)

Design Days Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai (Mar 18-Mar 21)

Family Art Workshop: Italian Renaissance Drawing, Studio Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi (Mar 7-Mar 8)

Emerging Artist Award, Plantation Lounge, Sofitel Hotel JBR, Dubai (Mar 13-Mar 31)

Tbreak Developers Conference, Knowledge Village, Dubai (Mar 14-Mar 15)

David Guetta Live, Yas Arena, Abu Dhabi

Sandance ft.

Calvin Harris, Snow Patrol & Eric Morillo, Nasimi Beach, Dubai

Abu Dhabi Netball League: Abu Dhabi vs.

Bahrain , Al Ain (Mar 8-Mar 10)

Fleshcrawl Live, Rock City Club, Dubai

Auditions for ‘Cats’, DUCTAC, Dubai (Mar 16-Mar 17)

Taste of Dubai, Dubai Media City, Dubai (Mar 15-Mar 17)

Art Dubai, Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai (Mar 21-Mar 24) Navroz

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Abu Dhabi (Mar 28-April 2)

Know of something going on in town? Want to share? Write to us about it to mysay@one8one.net.

8 6

S’ cool stuff EMIRATES AVIATION COLLEGE HITS THE HIGHEST GRADUATES NUMBER Emirates Aviation College honoured 197 graduates at Monday’s graduation ceremony. Presided over by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, the ceremony was attended by 500 families, friends and Emirates’ senior management. Students were awarded degrees across a multitude of disciplines including 13 UAE national graduates, all also Emirates staff, who received the higher national diploma in Computing and Software Engineering. Additionally, the ceremony also commemorated 28 graduates from the postgraduate MBA programmes, 17 of whom are Emirates staff, and all of whom are professionals working in the aviation, logistics, and IT fields.

Emirates Aviation College will introduce two additional programmes; an MSc in Aviation Safety and a higher national diploma in Operations Engineering.

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY EMPOWERS WOMEN AT THE WOMEN’S LUNCHBOX 2012 Murdoch University, Dubai’s debut Women’s Lunchbox 2012 set a precedent for all academic institutions as it launched in true Murdoch style with a panel discussion on one of the most talked about topics; Social Media: Return on Investment. Two hundred women from various disciplines filled to the ballroom to the brim and expressed delight to have been invited to an event where they were given a platform to excel and network with like-minded professionals.

The panel, consisting of 5 women, all experts in their respective fields, revealed how they measured return on investment within their industries.

PASSION TO PROFESSION: GAMING ACADEMY OPEN DAY twofour54 tadreeb hosted an open day at the Gaming Academy in Abu Dhabi on 1st February. The open day provided details of the Academy’s 16 month gaming courses, which will officially commence with the first student intake in March 2012. The courses have been specifically tailored and developed by Ubisoft professionals and include an internship at Ubisoft’s new development studio at twofour54.

ART & FASHION AT ESMOD FASHION STORE Esmod Dubai, the only French institute fully dedicated to fashion in the region, has held the “ Art & Fashion Exhibition” of Alan Germain at the Esmod Fashion Store in Dubai’s Wafi Mall. The exhibition generated major interest among fashion enthusiasts in the emirate.

Mr. Germain was in Dubai to conduct a week-long workshop on artinspired costume design for the students of Esmod. The exhibition at Wafi was a culmination of the workshop, featuring the creations of the students who were required to create dresses inspired by famous 20th century artists. They were required to use any type of fabrics in their design, but were given the challenge of making their creations in less than 6 days with an Haute Couture spirit in mind.

COLOR AND FASHION WITH TALA SAMMAN AT SAKS! I went to the Tala Samman’s event held at Saks Fifth Avenue for their new S/S Collection and omg the event was full of colours, sweets cakes and of course gorgeous fashion! From the Candy Bar, the DJ and the Nail Station everything made the event so good! Tala Samman herself looked gorgeous and I was lucky enough to speak to her and she even commented on my bag.

To showcase the clothes there was a mini fashion show, all the fashion was chosen and styled by Tala Samman and I definitely love her taste! by

LOUISA NORTHCOTE

AUD HELPS RAISE AED 65,000 FOR SENSES RESIDENTIAL AND DAY CARE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS The American University in Dubai (AUD) has yet accomplished another humanitarian mission by organizing a charity concert, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Jumeirah and the Rotary Club of Milano San Siro, on its campus. The classical music concert featured two renowned artists from the Conservatory of Milan: piano player Massimo Fiocchi Malaspina, and baritone Niccolo’ Scaccabarozzi, who performed for the first time in the UAE. Proceeds from the fund-raising concert, amounting to AED65,000, were donated to the Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs, a residential care facility in Dubai that caters to disabled children and young adults.

THE KING OF DRIFT: AHMED AL AMERI Hundreds of motorsports fans gathered in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on Friday to witness exceptional drifting skills and exhilarating performances on display during the UAE’s Red Bull Car Park Drift local Qualifier. A heated battle between some of the best local driving talents culminated in crowning Ahmed Al Amiri King of Drift for the 2nd consecutive year, adding him to the representatives’ line up for the final competition in Beirut, which promises to deliver an intense face-off for the win of the regional title.

The panel of judges, including Rally and Race Champion Abdo Feghali, Captain Ahmed Bin Hadi from Abu Dhabi Police and Essa Saleh from the Emirates Motorsports Federations, evaluated the drivers according to specific standards.

LEARN TO COOK EMIRATI FOOD WITH TDIC’S ‘SARAREED’ COOKBOOK TDIC is continuing its mission of promoting and preserving local heritage with the publication of Sarareed – an Emirati cuisine cookbook. Sarareed consists of more than 80 traditional recipes that were gathered from different regions of the UAE, and incorporates drinks, desserts, breads, soups, condiments, ghee and spices, dried food, rice, and main dishes. Passed on from generation to generation, Emirati recipes are imprinted on Emirati memory. Sarareed shows the reader ways in which to prepare delicious meals from the simplest ingredients that exist in the UAE’s vast desert and rich sea.

MMA KICKS IT AT JBR one8one gave me a great opportunity to witness the MMA competition in Dubai held on JBR Marina which by far has been one of the best competitions I’ve ever been to in the UAE. Amazing fights and fighters! The Russian team was by far the best in terms of technique and stamina. The guys from Generation Extreme were amazing as well. The whole event was extremely well organized with a relatively large crowd that seemed to enjoy every second of it. by

octavian lehadus

Photo: Adrian Lehadus

TALKS WITH A MENTAL CALCULATOR On the 25th of Feb, I was lucky enough to attend BOLDtalks in Dubai, which is an annual event that has been going on in Dubai for 3 years now, it brings together some of the most acclaimed international speakers to talk about a variety of subjects and makes way for open dialogue between the audience and the speakers.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Rudiger Gamm (also known as the mental calculator) about how we can maximize our brain potential.

First of all, I’ve read so much about you, you’re recognized internationally as a modern day genius and you’re also a whiz with numbers but it didn’t start until quite recently when you graduated from school, can you tell me when and how did it start?

It all started when I was 21, it was exactly 2 weeks after I had left school, I’d decided that I wanted to be good at something, so I started memorizing 2 digits numbers to different powers, and I recognized that I can memorize more numbers so I kept going.

That was the very first beginning, after that I moved on with my talent and tried to develop it.

So what was it like in high school for you?

It was a catastrophe, I was very bad in math, I failed school because of it. I was known as the worst math student in the entire school.

How did it happen all the sudden? what made you want to become better at math?

I think it’s not math that I’m good at, I think I’m good at a type of mental concentration. It has nothing to do with numbers, I like numbers but the main challenge for me is to see what the brain is able to do.

What did you study in university?

I didn’t go to university because I have no high school education, I’m not allowed to study in Germany! I think we have a problem with our education systems in general is that it doesn’t matter what you can do, what matters to them is how long you’ve been at school.

Yet you are an accomplished brain trainer, can you tell us a bit about your work.

The secret to training the brain is not to enlarge the activity of the brain but instead you must minimize it. It’s just like using the muscle, for example the bench press; if you can only lift 50 kilos you will need 100% of the muscles but if you can lift 200 kilos, and want to lift the 50 you will end up using 5 or 10% of the muscles and it’s the same with the brain, you need to be able to do a lot while exerting little effort, and the only way to do that is to use the brain as a whole, to synchronize the hemispheres of the brain, right and left side. The left side is used for logical activities, the right side is for creativity. Most people use just one side, mostly the left side. But if you are able to synchronize these hemispheres you can do things that you wouldn’t believe.

Can you tell us what’s the most interesting part of your job and what’s the most difficult part?

The most interesting part of my job is that I get to do what I can do, I help people develop their abilities, and the most difficult part is to make people realize how easy it can be.

People think it’s very difficult and complicated, but everybody is able to train their brain.

What kind of exercises do we have to do to train our brain?

To synchronize the hemispheres of your brain you must realize that the left side of your brain controls the right side of your body and the right side of your brain controls the left side of your body, so if you can do different activities crossing over, there will be an increased activity in your corpus collosum (which is the part that divides the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres) and it will help make the flow of the information better.

Just as a side note, I read somewhere that women have a larger corpos collosum than men do, is that true?

Yes, normally women are more intelligent than men.

I’m going to quote you on that, is that ok?

Sure, why not?

Can you give a piece of advice to youth who are struggling in high school or uni and they want to become better?

They must believe in their abilities, many students have an over activity in the left hemisphere of the brain and they’re not relaxed. you must understand that you need time to learn and you must study the right thing, because not everybody is able to do the same thing, there are differences between people’s brains and you must be able to find the right balance. by

Ghadeer abeidoh

10

Buy vs. Adopt by

PARINAAZ NAVDAR

When it comes to the pet abandonment, the UAE isn’t a poster child for responsible pet ownership. Every year, hundreds, if not thousands of pet “owners” leave their dogs, cats, hamsters, etc. behind as they relocate to greener pastures or realise their puppy or kitten has outgrown its cute phase.

As someone who has recently adopted a pet, I can assure you that a dog, whether a cross or a pure-bred hound is going to love you exactly the same. Will show you the same loyalty, will jump and bounce around happily when you walk through your door, will be just as frustrating to house-train and will play fetch and heed your commands exactly the same. And a cat, whether adopted or bought will ignore you and be indifferent just the same. Why then, do we still see the need to “buy” a pet than adopt one of the many who are filling the kennels and catteries in the UAE? While pure-bred dogs and cats are no doubt prettier to look at, what kind of idea are we suggesting when we put down thousands of dirhams for a fluffy Pekinese? The next time you think of wanting a pet, consider adopting one and instead donating the extra money to one of the many shelters who are doing an outstanding job of taking care of other people’s responsibilities.

Moreover, the fact is that cross-breed dogs and cats tend to have a better temperament than their pure-bred cousins, usually adopting the best qualities of the two breeds they share.

They tend to be healthier with fewer inbreeding problems, which means fewer visits to the vet and more money in your pocket.

It is not your place nor mine to judge whether a pure bred dog is more deserving of a good home as opposed to a loving cross; they are all equally as loving. It is the mind-set of people that needs to change. Only when backyard breeders realise that the first criteria for pet owners is not “pure-bred” or “cute and fluffy” will the cruel cycle of pet abandonment stop. So the next time you are thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting one.

Like dubai-based dog shelter K9 Friends says, “Don’t buy when kennel dogs cry.”

!!! A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A PET: By adopting a pet you save TWO lives – Not only are you giving an abandoned dog or cat a home, you are making space for one more at the shelter.

Your location and the type of pet you are adopting – Large dogs are best suited to villas and homes with a garden because they need lots of exercise. Smaller doggies far better in an apartment. Cats are usually happy in their own little corner and don’t require much space of their own. Will someone always be there to spend time with your pet? Again, this is more important for a dog, because they are, after all, social creatures. The happiest dogs are those with constant companions, and who can resist a cuddle from a cutie? Another factor that is very important to consider in the UAE is the holiday situation – who would look after your pet when you’re on holiday?

The expenses – From grooming, training and feeding to vaccinations, multivitamins and visits to the vet, pets don’t come cheap and you shouldn’t expect them to either. On average, expect to spend anywhere in the AED500 range at the least per month; however, you will want to budget a lot more the first time you bring your pet home. “On average vaccinations a year cost AED330. Good food such as Royal Canin would cost AED 85 per month,” says Lesley Muncey, Chairperson of Feline Friends.

Puppy/kitten or dog/cat? – Puppies usually need constant attention and training, but there’s just no denying the cuteness. However, if you aren’t sure who’s always going to be home, it may be best to adopt older dogs or cats who have already developed their unique personalities and are more independent.

Fostering vs. adopting – If you’re not quite sure if you’re ready for the responsibility of having a pet for the next 10 to 15 years of your life, you may want to consider fostering a dog or cat first. This not only provides a lot of help to shelters who are stretched quite thin, but also gives you a chance to figure out whether you are responsible enough to keep a pet… you never know, you might just end up adopting the dog you foster.

ANIMAL SHELTERS AND FOSTER CARERS: K9 Friends Phone: 04 8858031 Email: info@k9friends.com

Dubai Animal Rescue Centre Phone: 050 8587844 Email: info@darcuae.org

Feline Friends Dubai Phone: 050 4510058 Email: info@felinefriends.com

Feline Friends Abu Dhabi Phone: 050 5822916 Email: info@felinefriendsuae.com

Friends of Animals Phone: 050 7242588 Email: info@friendsofanimalsdxb.com Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter Phone: 06 5453985 Email: cresswell.e@gmail.com

12

When It Rhymes OF LIFE AND LOVE by

ANWaR MARWAN

A lot I wrote in my past years, A lot I have admired, I have loved, and shed tears, I have laughed, been defiant, Listen to me, open your ears, My words hold treasures, Treasures so wonderful, my dears.

I was a lad with a few springs, But I had words that far exceed, My years, and it still rings, A bell, of sweetest sound indeed, Wake, hear the birds happily sing, What else matters? What do you need?

If you could list every blessing, Then you curse as you see and heed, My words, you can’t count everything And you won’t, let me speak in your stead.

Blessed we are, but we never see it, Only lose it and it is crystal clear, The blind curse vague sight and sit, Down, yet, can they not hear?

There are better people much worse, They can’t see, nor hear Not even a word.

Look never at what you haven’t, Just stare always at what you own, Bluntly said, cry you wouldn’t, Always your skills hone, Take trust in my words, cursing what you are you couldn’t.

About love I have little to say, Love is a mystery of making a person sway, Sway to wind, sway in every way, In heart, in body and mind, every day, Before loves takes you prisoner, do stay, In your cabin, become what you want, then say: “I’m not bothered by the rose winds, I pray, To find someone who could my sails sway, For that someone, has in her cabin to stay, And learn, improve, and live her own way”

TRAPPED

by

Areeba Sadiq

Africa once my homeland, From the seas to the sand I’ve survived through the beating and whipping we had Always thinking-was life that bad?

Here, I was alone in chains that bounded me tight Across the coarse seas, we travelled through the night Facing winds so harsh, the gales so strong Petrified and shivering as the journey was long Isolated, remote from those whom were dear Having dark thoughts- will they ever come near?

Separation, segregation, discrimination there was, Then slavery accompanied to cover up the loss The blacks treated harshly, white treated with love Why oh why, wasn’t there anything left for us?

There I would sit crouched down in a small cellar No one bothers, no one asks ‘how are you young fellah?’

My big brown eyes, always staring in fright Will they ever get to see the sunlight?

Captured, caught, lost forever Not a future ahead, nor a place to escape-never I walk through the dark mines, my freedom buried in the dark coal Ever wondering...did I have a role?

Eyes bloodshot, my little hands trembling Tired and exhausted from all that stumbling Without any love, without any care Feeling lonely, and hurt why’s life so unfair?

I drag my shovel in the depth of the mine Why can’t my life be so fine?

An only child- with not a right Each child have their dreams and I have mine To replace these anxious, frightful eyes Believing that all slaves are nice Give me happiness and freedom full of glee And bring back faith in humanity.

13

Bookshelf by

DINA HASSAN

PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

by Stephen Chbosky Stephen Chbosky’s plot line in this particular novel follows a sixteen year old named Charlie as he navigates through high school after having lost his friend to suicide. Leaving Middle School and beginning his freshman year of High School, Charlie is a character mixed into the strange world of love, drugs, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and not only dealing with the loss of a good friend but his favorite aunt as well. Dealing with setbacks of being a teenager, Charlie develops a crush on an older girl, makes friends with her step brother and is supported by his English teacher Bill, all of whom help move the plot line along, to help Charlie find himself and his emotions. A novel filled with mixed emotions, drama and an occasional good laugh, this is one you will not want to put down after the first chapter.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

by Jonathan Safran Foer If you’ve been to the movie theaters recently you will have seen advertisements for Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks’ new movie ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’. But seeing as the movie is yet to be released everyone will just have to read the book. Like every book-turned-movie the case will most likely be that the book is better, especially with this one. The story follows a young boy called Oskar, who goes looking for the thing that will be unlocked with the key he finds in his father’s closet following his death in the Twin Towers on September 11, along with the fictional characters Eloise and Stuart Little. With the narrator being a 9 year old, the novel is enchanting. Despite 9/11 being slightly overdone in the book world, it is still a very good read.

MATANZAS BAY

by Parker Francis This novel is the first of the Quint Mitchell Mystery Series.

Quint is a private detective (PI) based out of Jacksonville Beach, Florida who volunteered to help with an archaeological survey run by his friend Jeffrey Poe in St. Augustine. On his expedition he unearths the body of the city’s vice mayor.

Because of a feud over a new development called Matanzas Bay, Mitchell’s friend Poe is the prime suspect for the murder and while trying to prove his friend’s innocence, he also stirs up haunting memories of his own brother’s murder. Filled with unexpected turns, civil war crises left unattended, racial violence, near death experiences and other interesting events, this is one of the more entertaining mystery novels one will read in their lifetime.

Read a book lately?

Want to share it with us?

Tell us about at mysay@one8one.net

14

Gaming Syndicate Leave it to Electronic Arts to remake a real-time strategy to a first person shooter. Regardless, Syndicate has our attention for its innovative gameplay and futuristic world setting. It’s 2069, and the world is on the boiling point of a brutal war. There is no government, there are no rules and there are no consequences. Guess who is going to put an end to it? You are correct, sir.

Street Fighter X Tekken What, you want more reason than having Street Fighter and Tekken in one game? You crazy, you.

Capcom is undertaking the Hulk-esque task of bringing together two of the most popular fighting game franchise with this March release. The game will feature a roster consisting of the best of the best, including Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Guile, Balrog, Jin, Ogre, Kuma, King, etc. It’s a long, long list.

I Am Alive Ubisoft’s survival thriller aims to be just that – survival and thrilling. The player must micro-manage everything they have got, from food to pills to medicine, and even the character’s stamina. Jumping, climbing, running, all cost stamina, and it must be used incisively, or face flat-out death. It’s got the post-apocalyptic setting but it’s fresh gameplay mechanics breathes a new life into the stifling genre.

Mass Effect 3 The ancient alien race known as Reapers are back, and they are hell-bent on achieving what they do best – all-out invasion, total destruction, and a clean swipe of the galaxy. Only one person can put a stop to it, and that is of course, Commander Shepard, who brushed off death in 2010’s Mass Effect 2, collected a team specializing in kicking ass, and become the only hope for not only mother Earth, but also for the entire civilization of the galaxy. Mass Effect 3 is to be the final chapter in Shepard’s story.

Alan Wake After un-darkening the dark spooky passages of Bright Light Falls (ironic, isn’t it?) on the Xbox 360, developers Remedy Entertainment is bringing their scare-fest on the PC. Alan Wake is about a writer, of the same name, who is facing an odd enemy – his novel, and he doesn’t even remember writing it. The psychological thriller offers a multi-layered story and Remedy’s trademark gameplay mechanics, i.e, slow-motion action-packed sequences.

LOCAL BEATS

The Flaming Trees

LOCAL BEATS

The Flaming Trees

817

4 young 20-somethings, 4 diverse nationalities, 4 distinctive sounds, one passion- Music. Meet Elias Sabella, Alaa Ineni, Ibad Khalid and Jiten Jeswani.

Meet The Flaming Trees.

What started years ago in high school as a fun musical experiment, is now a fullfledged alternative/hard rock band that has been nominated to open for acts such as Nickleback and Coldplay and have played on the same stage as 30 Seconds to Mars!

But how did it all start? “Well, when I was in 7th grade, I was always interested in music and wanted to start a band,” says Elias, the founder, rhythm guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. “So I started a school band but that didn’t work out very well. Then 4 years ago, I started this band, although the members have changed so many times!

I’m the only one remaining from the original members,” he adds. Although the years saw members come and go, the distinct sound of The Flaming Trees remain the same.

While Elias writes lyrics to their songs, all other members contribute to the track.

“Whenever I write something, the guys add riffs, drums, etc to it,” says Elias. “But most of our stuff comes during practice breaks. While we are practicing one song, we stop in between to jam. That’s when sometimes we like what comes out of it and it becomes a song!” adds Alaa, the drummer. But what does a regular 20-something write about? “I write mainly about life,” says Elias. “I used to write about love before but the guys started getting on my back saying we aren’t a boy-band,” they all crack up as Elias continues. “So now I write about life in general, how sometimes it’s not so easy. I write about the darker side of love, you know, breakups and stuff,” Elias says seriously. “Whenever he’s heartbroken, he starts to write!” jokes Ibad and Alaa.

Ibad, the lead guitarist, is the misfit of the band, or the “black goat” as Alaa teasingly calls him. “I’ve always been into metal and was previously in a death metal band. But since I’ve joined the band I’ve started listening to hard rock so that I can play stuff that matches this sound. Although, my influences would be old school metal like Ozzy Osborne and Black Sabbath,” Ibad continues defending himself. But that is what makes the band unique. “Since we all have different sounds, we all bring something different to the table,” Alaa agrees. “Me and Elias are into stuff like Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Guns n Roses,” he adds.

But besides having distinctive tastes in music, these 4 lads also come from 4 very diverse parts of the world. Elias is Jordanian and met Alaa, who hails from Syria, in church. Ibad comes from Pakistan and joined the band 7 months ago, while Jiten, the oldest member of the band is from India. In spite of this, it is easy to see the chemistry between them as they constantly engage in silly banter.

3 of the 4 members are still in university and this does take up a lot of their time making it hard to practice on a daily basis. “Now we have to balance a lot of things and organize our time,” says Ibad. “Sometimes our gigs clash with our studies and that’s when it gets tricky. But our biggest disadvantage is the 21+ rule in most places.

We have to wait a year to overcome that,” Elias explains.

Currently the guys are keeping it low since their bass player, Jiten is out of the country for a few weeks but they do have big plans ahead. “We are in talks with the CHILLOUT Festival to play there for this year’s event,” Alaa says. “And hopefully even an album in April! It’s about time we make an album, but we keep procrastinating that,” he laughs. by

Sandra Mergulhão

MUSIC

GET THE PHOTO APPS

19

1. PART OF ME Katy Perry

2. SET FIRE TO THE RAIN Adele

3. WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU Whitney Houston

4. STRONGER Kelly Clarkson

5. ROLLING IN THE DEEP

SNAPSEED Winner of Apple’s “iPad App of the Year” award, Snapseed is an app that packs a gazillion of features for post-production photography. It’s simple yet intuitive interface helps you get the most artistic results. $4.99 (iOS), coming soon to Android.

Absolutely the best for online tech entertainment.

6. WE ARE YOUNG 7. SOMEONE LIKE YOU

AWESOME URLS: WWW.MASHABLE.COM

Adele

fun. ft. Janelle Monae

Hitlist

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ADELE LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

50/50

Cast: Adele Adkins, Jo Allen and Stephanie Cavey

Cast: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick

Magnificent! An eight-times Grammy winner, soul sensation- Adele graces the stage of Royal Albert Hall for an absolutely stunning performance. In our age and day of auto-tuned, over-produced music, it is a breath of fresh air to see somebody so talented give a show of pure simplicity and raw vocals. Adele adds a pinch of humor that gives the concert a feel like it’s a bunch of friends gathering and singing together rather than an immensely successful singer performing for an enormous audience. The orchestra, the arrangements, the lighting and, most of all, Adele turn this into a collector’s item.

An insightful story from Colin Clark and his week spent with the queen of cinema, Marilyn Monroe, while working for Sir Laurence Olivier at a set of “The Prince and The Showgirl” It is the first time Ms Monroe is shown as an insecure, unhappy and fragile woman, who constantly looked for affection and never cared of the consequences. In the midst of her worldwide success, there was a woman who wanted to be loved, start a family and live a simple life. Mr Clark spends a week with Marilyn, who lets him into her life, but only for a short while, breaking his heart in the end. My Week with Marilyn is probably the most personal movie about the Blue Screen beauty to date.

When Adam (Joseph GordonLevitt) finds out he’s got a rare form of cancer his life turns upside down. His already-on-the-rocks relationship, friendships and family relationship are all tested to the max. Adam’s life, as a young radio host, suddenly looks totally different and makes him question everything.

This dramatic, sometimes-comedy will leave you laughing and crying as long as you’re watching it.

Truly touching.

Adele

8. WE FOUND LOVE Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

9. STARSHIPS Niki Minaj

10. TURN UP THE MUSIC Chris Brown

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OUT ON DVD...

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Album Reviews BJÖRK ‘BIOPHILIA’ “Biophilia”, Björk’s eighth studio album that has introduced a new level of interacting with music. One can argue she is one of the most innovative and boundarie-pushing artists of the past 15 years. The album has been converted into the apps that can be downloaded from Apple iTunes. Each song is an App, that consists of a unique interface, which lets you touch, play and construct music and its visual elements.

Speaking of the sound of “Biophilia”, true to Björk’s nature, it is filled with strings, some dubstep, lots of vocals and just plain new/old Björk. I personally don’t know whether I like the record or the package it comes with, for it’s unique but is it as good as “Vespertine”?

WHITNEY HOUSTON ‘THE GREATEST HITS’ I write in loving memory of the greatest voice of all time. Although I was very young when I first heard her songs but for some reason I know almost all the lyrics. Who doesn’t? The first CD has all of Whitney Houston’s original old songs.

The ones you used to hear everywhere when you were a kid. The second has all the remixes of the old songs like “I wana dance with Somebody” and “I’m Your Baby Tonight” for those that like something a little different. There are three new songs that make an appearance on this disk which we’ve not heard before and they are amazing. The last song in the album is “The Star Spangled Banner” with the Florida Orchestra.

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Concerts

Invisible Light Scissor Sisters by

STEREOHEAD

Photos: Anton Rodionov Talk about the unexpected! This is the last band on earth I expected to see in the UAE. Do I need to say how surprised I was? The duo performed at Flash Forum, which is a mid-size venue that probably fit a couple of thousands that night. Thanks to its size, the whole show felt intimate, as real as it gets and reminded me more of those one-off performances at a smaller venue; personal, natural and raw.

Even though the funky divas came out almost one hour late, people seemed to be having a blast. There were costumes, oversized wigs, super-high heels and other stuff you don’t see everyday. The best part about the event was people who were of all ages. At some point I found myself inbetween a 60 year old woman and a 25 year old guy, and let me tell you, both of them were dancing the night away.

The band performed most of their hits from all the three albums they have released to date. The crowd went ballistic to Take Your Mama and Fire With Fire. I, personally, found myself singing along to most of their songs, after all, I did start listening to them from Comfortably Numb days. What amazed me the most is how they did not change their costumes for most part of the show. Jake wore the “denim disater”, the name I gave it the second he came on stage, and Ana looked like someone from Alice in Wonderland, which perfectly fit them both. They are the Scissor Sisters after all!

To finish their one-and-a-half hour show the duo quickly changed into darker ourtifts with Jake wearing skin-tight denim pants and a vest, looking like someone from Star Treck and Ana in a stripy dress, which reminded me of one of those illusion images where the longer you look at it the more stuff you see. Clothes aside, the show ended with their latest single “Invisible Light”, which is probably their darkest piece to date.

Some didn’t get it, the others felt euphoric, I was among the latter.

Overall, Flash has outdone themselves again: brilliant organization, great venue, and, most imortantly, a fantastic choice of musicians. Let’s just hope they never stop spoiling us with all the events.

Kasabian, thanks to Done Events, hit the stage on the 10th of Feb at 7he Sevens stadium which was a rather compact venue but was packed with many fans of different generations and nationalities (with a whole lot of Brits to support a band of their region). This event was an eccentric one considering it was a rock band rather than an artist who is frequently played on the radio in Dubai and still managed to bring out so many fans.

The band played their classic hits ‘Club Foot’, ‘Shoot the runner’, ‘Vlad the Impaler’ and ended with a more electronic styled ‘Switchblade Symphony’ which made people go crazy, including some with boxes on their heads while most of the fans danced throughout the show. The band members, all unique in terms of singing and dressing, seemed to enjoy their time on stage as they came out grinning almost instantly at the sight of their cheering fans (especially their drummer Ian who had the jolliest smile even when he seemed to be struggling).

Tom even interacted with the crowd humorously as he stated “We’re from Leicester and have Walkers backstage” referring to the crisps produced in their home town.

And although the fans started off quietly, throughout the show the Kasabian’s music made them much more enthusiastic. The stage was set up well with their gigantic logo projected at the back, and should we say the lighting was perfect!

Overall, we enjoyed the show, its great atmosphere and weather (before Dubai gets too hot), however it was disappointing to see it end in only an hour and a half.

They did make up for it though, with the amazing display of fireworks at the end, shimmering in the sky for good 10 minutes. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more bands like Kasabian who can put on a good show in Dubai more often.

Re-Wired Kasabian by

Lisa Machtlinger & Diana K

Spring Glow

Marta Cvetkovic wears Dress/ MaxMara Cardigan/ D&G Belt / Massimo Dutti Accessories/New Look

Holli Supka wears Top/ Forever21 Skirt/ Forever21 Belt/ Massimo Dutti Accessories/ Forever21

Shaylin Wilkins wears Dress/ H&M Faux-Fur Gilet/ Massimo Dutti Necklace/ Promod Bangles/ Bershka

Nadine Talaat (left) wears Dress/ Promod Jumper/ Forever21 Boots/ Forever21 Headband/ New Look Dania Chatila wears Dress/ New Look Cardigan/ D&G Shoes/ Max & Co Headband/ Forever21 On Dania’s lap/ Henry from Feline Friends

Marta Cvetkovic wears Faux-Fur Jacket/ Promod Dress/ Calzedonia Shoes/ Zara Headband/ Miu-Miu Marta’s companions/Brianne, Aztec and Lexi from K9 Friends

Want to be a model?

We are looking for all shapes and sizes. If you know how to smile and want to try modeling, email us your photo and why you’d want to be a model to mysay@one8one.net If you know a bit about fashion, write to us or help out our stylists and a photographer during the fashion shoots. It’s loads of fun!

We would like to thank K9 Friends and Feline Friends for providing us with beautiful animals for the shoot. www.felinefriendsdubai.com www.k9friends.com

Dahlia Dandashi wears Dress/ TopShop Boots/ UGG Necklace / Forever21 Headband/ New Look

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Her Look

by LOUISA NORTHCOTE

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BRIGHTS! Spring/Summer is finally here! Time to get rid of those winter colours and bring some brights into your wardrobe! Colour was the hottest trend at this season’s London Fashion Week! Neon is definitely the in thing at the moment so don’t be afraid to wear some colour!

CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL INVASION! Dubai has finally caught the Cambridge Satchel syndrome! The Cambridge Satchel Company is a British company founded in 2008 originally aimed at school children because of its traditional satchel style but they have now become a saught-after piece in the fashion world! The leather satchels are great for this season because of how bright they are. The satchels can be found in many stores located around the city now: Bloomingdale’s, Harvey Nichols and S*UCE are among some, or visit their website www. cambridgesatchelcompany.co.uk. Join the satchel mania and you won’t regret it trust me!

MINT MANIA! A great bright colour you should have in your wardrobe at the moment is mint, like this ACNE jumper, which is for both men and women. Lots of celebs have been seen wearing it, including Kanye West when he was front row at London Fashion Week.

GLITTER! Another way to bring some more colour into your life is to wear any colour of the rainbow on your nails, but to add that extra special touch use a bright glitter nail polish instead! Nail Station has just launched their range of glitter polishes and they are gorgeous!

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His Look MAKE IT POP! Just like the ladies, colour is the thing to be seem wearing this season for the guys as well. London Fashion Week was full of fashion forward guys sporting that little pop of colour, with either, a bag, a coat or a signature piece of clothing!

THE VINTAGE LOOK IS SO IN Who said old isn’t in? Vintage looking items have been seen everywhere in the fashion scene recently. Leather lace ups are a perfect way to add the vintage touch to a guys outfit, they look perfect paired with something modern like jeans!

FEELING PATCHY Shoulder patches are a great way to add that little something different to a jumper or a top! Suede patches are the best way forward they look and feel great!

Shrimal Attapattu

“See, we all have things to do, everyone is busy, obviously, but at the end of the day if you ask what the purpose of life is, you would say; to help someone, to make someone smile.�

In the world where it’s more important to have the latest gadget or next season‘s shoes, it is rare and definitely inspirational to meet someone, whose life is dedicated to others more than himself. Meet Shrimal, a 22-year old graduate with a degree in Travel & Tourism Management who is the youngest member of Volunteer in Dubai organization to complete over 200 hours a year. one8one caught up with this selfless individual to give you an insight on what really goes on in his big heart.

Tell us more about yourself.

Well I am 22 and I’ve just graduated from the Skyline University in Sharjah, majoring in BBA in Travel & Tourism Management. I am about to start working at FitnessFirst, which should be fun.

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Seems like you’ve got it all in place. So why have you started volunteering?

Well I hope so. I guess in Dubai you don’t get many chances to help out.

Most people here are well off, and when an opportunity comes you take it. I have always wanted to help out, and I had limited transport, I saw VolunteerinDubai page on Facebook and I thought I would try it out for fun.

How does Volunteer In Dubai work?

We have our own site, www.volunteerindubai.com and whenever we have events coming up we go to the site, check it out and sign up for the events.

What was the first charity that you volunteered for?

It was back in April 2009, on April 1st, like April Fool’s Day. It was a shoe sale, Crocs shoe sale. Basically the whole idea of the event was, for every pair of Crocs sold, they would donate a pair to schools, like some schools in Ajman. This was the first event that I saw through the Facebook group.

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Which charity do you enjoy volunteering for the most?

We have an event called Funday-Sunday, it’s basically on every Sunday, Sunday mornings, and we take special needs kids to specific events, like Ski Dubai, Wild Wadi, Soccer Circus and Cinemas in Mirdif City Centre and Mall of the Emirates. You make sure they have a good time. I make sure I am always free to attend. We usually have 25 the 30 kids that go. Since I’m a regular I take two or three kids at a time.

“Shake hands with the garbage man; give him a buck or 5 bucks, something small.

For you it is a small thing but to him, the deal is big.”

Do you have any sort of inspiration that you look up to?

It’s just really the satisfaction, you go for one event, you see those kids, having a good time, you go back home, you feel really good and you want to go back again. It’s as simple as that.

But as for how I started, I guess it would be my mom. Back when I was in Sri-Lanka, I had my 8th birthday and we took food back to an orphanage and just celebrated my birthday. That whole experience, gave me experience basically.

What is the most memorable experience you have had?

The kids from Funday-Sunday, you can’t really expect much from them because they can’t talk first of all and their lives are in the home. Around two weeks ago we had an event, and when they first come off the bus to the event they have no idea where they are and these two kids when they saw me, they just came running because they remembered and recognized me.

Tell us about Lola and her personal recommendation of you?

Lola is the founder of Volunteer in Dubai, and she also has another thing called Aid in Motion, which collects clothes and unwanted household items that she uses for emergency relief like the Philippines and Pakistan when there are floods. Because I have been there since almost the beginning of Volunteer in Dubai, it’s been 3 years and I’ve been there every step of the way. I’m one of the oldest members of VID.

How do you spread the awareness of volunteering in Dubai? Do you use any means of communication?

I always ask my frieds to come along for events. There are about eight friends of mine from the university who take part in various Volunteer In Dubai events.

It’s more like a multiplier effect, even their friends take part now; and when my friends see photos of me at events tagged on Facebook, they get curious, wanting to know more...

With the new job coming up, how do you plan on combining that with volunteering? Wouldn’t it be too much?

I am entitled to a one off-day a week, so I am hoping to take it on Sundays so I can spend every Sunday morning with the special needs kids, and other days, if there are events before/after my shifts, I’m hoping to take part in them. I guess time will show.

Where do you hope to find yourself in about 10 years?

Short-term as in the next few years, I would like to keep doing this. Later on, down the line in about 10 or 15 years, I would like to build an orphanage back in Colombo, in Sri Lanka. And well, that’s the dream.

What message do you want to send to people about your volunteer work?

See, we all have things to do, everyone is busy, obviously, but at the end of the day if you ask what the purpose of life is, you would say; to help someone, to make someone smile. If you can do that, just make someone smile you’ve done something, so it’s about taking the time out, maybe just half an hour of your day, do something good for a change. Shake hands with the garbage man; give him a buck or 5 buck, something small. For you it is a small thing but to them it is a big deal. by

HEINRICH TAUTE

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Are We the Ones to Blame?

by DINUSHKA SUDUSINGHE

Have you ever thrown away a piece of paper that you could use again? Have you ever thrown a plastic can to a rubbish bin when there’s a recycling bin right next to you? If we are being honest, we all have done something like this before, but did you ever stop to think how this would affect our lives or the earth? Paper we use comes from the rainforest, so can you imagine all of those trees being deforested just for paper? There is only one way to stop this and its to recycle. Next time you think of throwing a piece of paper into the bin, look at the other side of the paper or see if there are some blank spaces you could use or write on, because eventually one day we are going to run out of paper and trees. Did you know that the rainforests are the lungs of our earth, they recycle the carbon dioxide we emit and produce oxygen for us to breathe in? We depend on the trees for our survival, so we need to start recycling before it’s too late!

Most probably, everyone drinks something which is contained inside a plastic cup at least once a week and has thrown it into a rubbish bin instead of a recycling bin that is few a meters away at most or even right next to you. Did you know recycling 1 plastic cup saves enough energy to power up a T.V for 3 hours, families throw about 40kg of plastic every year and it takes 500 years for plastic to decompose! Each person recycling plastic can change everything! Just that one plastic cup you put into a recycling bin can change everything and make it possible for the families who don’t have electricity to benefit from one simple act.

So it’s time for us to make a change! Next time you throw a piece of paper away, a glass bottle, a plastic bottle or plastic can… think! We only get the one earth; so we must try to sustain it for all we’re worth! GET RECYCLING!

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Smiles

by SHYAMSANKER S.

Have you ever noticed how a small, usually unnoticed gesture can make you feel so good? A smile, a few friendly words can turn your day around. Here’s why I love the little things that make you smile.

I walk out of my house in a stupor induced from wanting to sleep for those few extra minutes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m usually a morning person, but the chilly weather at this time of the year makes my sleep so much more special.

I put my earphones on, and begin my rather long and sleepy journey to work.

It’s funny how all this turns around when I visit the gas station to get myself a cup of coffee. As I enter the store, I’m greeted with a loud ‘Good Morning, Sir!’ and a warm, jovial smile. Without knowing it, the feeling’s caught on, and I’m in the same bubbly mood. No caffeine required. Of course, I still do get my coffee, but the small gesture makes a rather big difference. Contagious, the smile spreads a positivity and sense of fun that I carry to the office. It’s nice to see people being nice. I find that it inspires acts of kindness in others too. Not to mention the good feeling it leaves behind. A smile to a stranger, a thank you, a little chat or a gentle handshake can go a long way. This brings to mind a beautiful and rather lengthy quote from one of my favorite movies, Stranger than Fiction – ‘We still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction.

And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and nobler cause.’

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Gizmos & Gadgets

by ANTON RODIONOV

Spring is knocking on our doors and so are the new devices. While the whole world is hanging in suspense for a new iPad3 and Samsung Galaxy S3, I would like to talk about what’s been given to the public and what you could find in the shops now, not two months later.

Shall we start?

LYTRO Let’s talk “ Amazing!”. This is Lytro- the world’s only camera that captures an entire light field providing you with interactive images. Confused? So was I. You see, up until Lytro, our average cameras would capture a single pane of light, resulting in an image that one could not interact with after its been captured, ie the focus of the image had to be defined before the shutter did its thing, now with Lytro, all you have to do is click and then worry about the focus.You can even share the photos online and let the others control the focus. With this new technology possibilities are endless. To find out more about this techy wonder go to www.lytro.com

BLACKBERRY PORCHE DESIGN P‘9981 First and foremost, let me just say that if RIM does not stop this string of tragic product releases, they will be bankrupt. Their “new,” high-end device, BlackBerry Porche Design P’9981 is pretty much the BB Bold 9900 dressed in a shiny armor. The software of the handset is the same tired BlackBerry OS 7 with the Porche skin on top. Scratch beneath the surface and all the specs will remind you of 9900 with a massive AED7000+ pricetag slapped on it. All the worthlessness aside, however, some credit should be given where it’s due- the phone sports a unique industrial design, adding on some class and weight to the usual cheap-felt RIM products. I would not advise this to anybody, after all, there is only so long you can milk the cow, and this cow is in desperate need of retirement.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE “A phone? A tablet? A note! It’s the Samsung Galaxy Note!”- yes this is the way marketing works at Samsung. Confuse your customer, let them figure it all out! I personally think that Samsung is the only Android manufacturer at the moment worth buying, if that’s how you roll. However, the weakest point of the Note is its size. At 5.3’, the thing is actually too big to be used as a phone, as it is impossible to use it with one hand, fit it into your pocket or simply place against your face while making a call; at the same time the Note is too small for it to be a tablet. It is way too small to watch movies on or enjoy the large screen real estate while sketching, designing or simply browsing the net. Size aside, this device is beautifully crafted, it packs a dual-core processor, which makes it a fast horse to ride and the battery life is good enough to last you a little over a day. If you are looking for an Android phone, look for a Galaxy Nexus; as for Android tablets, Asus Transformer Prime is a much better buy.

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JOHN CARTER FROM MARS Cast: Taylor Kitsch Disney is banking on this upcoming sci-fi adventure as their pre-summer blockbuster, and it does look impressive in scale. It follows a Civil War vet who is transported to Mars and has to battle a barbarian force to protect the princess. It’s an expensive film and Disney is making sure it’s a must-see event.

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Movies

DR SEUSS’S THE LORAX

WRATH OF THE TITANS

Cast: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny Devito

Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Rosamund Pike

The film tells the story of Ted, an idealistic young boy who seeks the help of The Lorax, a grumpy yet gentle creature, to win the love of the girl of his dreams. If you appreciate Dr. Seuss’s stories and styles from films like The Grinch and Horton Hears a Who, then chances are, you will love this film.

“Clash of the Titans”, we saw the Greek hero Perseus taking on the Kraken to save queen Andromeda. Now, in “Wrath of the Titans” we revisit Perseus’s exploits in adventures inspired by Greek Mythology. This time, he attempts to rescue Zeus from an alliance formed by treacherous Ares and the malevolent Hades.

HUNGER GAMES

MIRROR MIRROR

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson

Cast: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts

Based on the first book of science fiction Hunger Games trilogy, the film follows of the story of Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to replace her sister in the “Hunger Games”, an event where two teenagers from each district are forcibly chosen to fight each other to death.

Director Tarsem Singh brings the classic tale of Snow White in its latest film adaptation.

While we are used to the classic Disney adaptation of Snow White, Singh brings comedy and his own brand of fantasy to the classic tale, and provides a new twist on the traditional story.

LONDON PARIS NEW YORK Cast: Ali Zafar Pakistani actor Ali Zafar has proven himself successful in India so far, but this upcoming romantic comedy is his chance to prove that he has chops as a leading man in a major Bollywood production. While inspired by movies like ‘A Lot like Love’, it looks pleasant and pretty enough to be a surprise hit come March.

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Human Nature byHamza arif

Maintaining a strictly rational approach can be the harder choice in the short term but in the long term i believe yields far greater rewards. I believe that the most powerful and courageous choice we can make is to embrace the power of reason no matter how uncertain or difficult the journey may be. We should attempt to approach life as the ultimate scientist with an open mind and without preconceptions, the reward for our efforts will be the truth, and that is to be prized above all else. A common belief is that to live a fullfilling life we should simply pursue happiness for ourselves and others, yet even our very happyness is subject to the laws of truth. How can we be sure that our actions are making us truly happy if we dont have a rational understanding of the universe we live in and majorly ourselves. What i believe is that we may be able to explain our lives and the universe using reason alone. Of course taking into the account the fact that all beauty and majesty of anything is enhanced by its truthfullness.

Our very name “sapiens” is Latin for “being wise” or “knowing”. Hence, even literally we were meant to seek truth and knowledge. Surely the greatest gift of sentience is the ability to consider one’s own existence and mortality. I cannot think of anything more appalling than the thought of someone having lived this life without having considered their own nature of existence. This is what fundamentally separates us from (our knowledge of) animals. This self awareness is the crowning achievement of the human intellect; to neglect it is to abandon what makes us uniquely human.

Einstein says- A human being is a part of the whole, called by us “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Maitha Bint Khalid While most young ladies love to strike a pose as soon as they see a lens, we found an incredibly talented young lady that chooses to be behind the lens at all times.

She has a strong vision for her country and would rather have her photographs speak for themselves.

“My inspiration is our country’s future. I want the coming generations to feel what I feel when taking those pictures; I want them to be proud of where they come from.”

Maitha Bint Khalid took up professional photography in 2005 but her passion started long before that. “Just recently I realized that my addiction started when my mother bought me my first Polaroid camera when I was in first grade,” she recalls. “And since then I bought new cameras constantly. I didn’t really feel the addiction until 2003 when I bought my first compact digital camera and started to take photos of almost everything that caught my eye. But after much experimentation, I knew it was time for a better camera so I bought my first professional camera in 2005,” she adds.

Maitha is currently majoring in Emirati Studies at Zayed University in Dubai and is fascinated by the local Emirati culture and heritage. This is her inspiration.

This is her country. “My inspiration is our country’s future,” she says sincerely.

She’s a quiet girl who exudes poise and self-assurance. But what is unmistakably noticeable is her patriotism for her nation. “With my work, I am capturing history and culture with an artistic eye. I want the coming generations to feel what I feel when taking those pictures; I want them to be proud of where they come from. Through my studies, I want to support my photographs with research and vice-versa in order to transfer the physical and mental picture onto images and ultimately to our coming generations,” Maitha says with confidence.

In spite of being just 23 years old, Maitha is part of several photography societies like The Emirates Photography Society “PSUAE”. She has also won numerous local and international competitions including the best Emirati Photographer of 2011, FIAP Golden Medal and the 7th Honorable mention in the International Photography Awards Los Angeles, 2011.

When asked what her most memorable moment was, she immediately lights up, “ It was May 29th, 2010 when I won the best Emirati Photographer. I was looking forward to this achievement since 2008 when the competition first started.”

Maitha believes in “optical nutrition” and develops her photography skills by examining other prominent photographers’ work. But participating in competitions and exhibitions keeps her motivated.

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While the photography industry in the UAE is just beginning to mature, she has her own take on what can be done to further develop this industry. “I think we need promote and encourage photographers’ originality and individuality by facilitating interaction between local and international photographers from different schools of thought,” she says. But coming from a very conservative family, Maitha has faced a few challenges and has managed to overcome them. “In the beginning, my father refused that I write my full name but eventually agreed on writing my first two names”, she says. “Then I asked his permission to participate in competitions and with the blessings of Allah, I achieved my first award, and after that several other awards which helped assure my father that I’m on the right path,” she says.

Maitha believes that one should start off by learning the basics of photography and try different styles to find their most suitable and creative style. Only then should one work hard and master it. But the most essential trait a photographer must have is a creative eye, according to her. “It’s crucial to see what others can’t see. But that doesn’t mean that the camera is not important. However, the priority is you - the artist within you,” she smiles. by

Sandra Mergulhão

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Steps to Great Heights

by Hana Hassanbek & Serene Nemer

“the rewarding feeling of crossing the finish line, knowing that the money raised was going towards the Eco Farm & Orphanage made it worthwhile.�

The Standard Chartered marathon is one of the most popular sport events in Dubai.

Last year saw over 14,000 people get involved and this year they were a record breaking 20,000 people there. Also this year the magnificent Burj Khalifa is where the runners start and finish, which makes it evermore special. The atmosphere was electric and with so many different nationalities and ages coming to the event allowed all the runners feel very supported. My group was running the 10k to help raise money for an Eco-Farm & Orphanage project that we are going to visit in June.

Dubtant and a record breaking winner Ayele Abshero Biza Winner in women category Aselefech Mergia Medessa

For me, the run was an exciting challenge - having never taken part in the Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon before I was unsure of what to expect. The vast number of people participating, the English College group I was running with and the purpose behind the run made it all the more enjoyable, however strenuous it may have been. It was definitely a physically taxing experience but the rewarding feeling of crossing the finish line, knowing that the money raised was going towards the Eco Farm & Orphanage made it worthwhile.

The Eco Farm & Orphanage is sitatued near the basecamp of Everest. Seventeen and trekking to Everest Base Camp. Something I consider to be a once in a lifetime experience and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in The English College, Everest Base Camp Challenge.

Everest is situated in the centre of the Himalayas and has one of the harshest climates known to men. For some of the locals life is extremely difficult and this is where Mission Himalaya’s Eco Farm & Orphanage project comes in. The proceeds fundraised by the students taking part in the challenge go towards the Eco Farm & Orphanage. Continually supported by The English College, their aim is to build a self-sustaining Eco Farm and Home for Orphaned, Homeless children in Nepal.

The trip, which consists of 14 students led by 2 members of staff, will be a total of 17 days. During which we will meet a variety of people from the countries of Kathmandu and Tibet, embrace their way of life, the different cultures and take in sights, which we would be unable to experience otherwise.

So as time is nearing our departure in July, fundraising is well underway! One of the ways in which the students as a whole have raised money, was by taking part in the Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon’s 10km run in January. This annual event was ever more popular this year which could be felt in the atmosphere on the day. The thousands of people taking part in the 10km run all took off at an early start of 7.15 am. While I was running it also got me to start thinking about the fulfilling feeling of reaching Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5250 metres, knowing I have followed in the footsteps of climbers who were the first to venture up the tallest mountain in the world.

I truly believe this will be an experience of a lifetime and I am looking forward to accomplishing it this summer.

On The Top Of The World

On a superficial level, Atte Miettinen is an unassuming man, sitting in Starbucks dressed in clothes that didn’t exactly differentiate him from the plethora of weekend shoppers and tourists; however, what distinguishes him from the rest isn’t the logo on his jeans or the cards in his wallet, but what he has accomplished and perhaps more importantly, where he is going.

In 2003 during a holiday trip, Atte and some friends successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa. Naturally, since then he has surmounted the mountains of Elbrus (Russia), Aconcagua (Argentina) and Kosciuszko (Indonesia) and Vinson Massif (Antarctica). Geography enthusiasts may have noticed a correlation between the aforementioned summits in that they are the highest mountains for their respective continents, others that they are all of dubious pronunciation. Of Finnish origin, Atte is attempting to become the first of his countrymen to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, of which he is only two summits, Mount Everest (Nepal) and Mount McKinley (United States of America), away from completing.

46

An endeavour of such an extreme nature evokes equally extreme emotions and reactions. He describes it as an almost spiritual experience, one that makes you realise your limitless potential be it on a mountain or in the workplace.

Furthermore, it predicates a relationship with nature in that is practically impossible to emulate in the routine and banality of modern life. He regards meeting peoples whose lives are interconnected with nature as a privilege, one that is humbling and enriches his own through the profound alteration of his perspectives. Speaking from personal experience, he says it opens the mind and influences your outlook, allowing you to derive satisfaction from experiences rather than materialistic objects. During his travels, he has cultivated an altruistic flair which is reflected by volunteering to teach disadvantaged children in Nepal with his ever supportive wife.

Atte describes mountaineering as a personal act, one that allows for a reflection on life and unlocking potential that would otherwise be undiscovered. The process of creating goals and objectives allows for one to gauge their selfbetterment whilst simultaneously working out your limits. An anecdote he provided was when he initially attempted Aconcagua, an incident whereby he was forced to discontinue due to developing a serious throat infection. However, he admirably returned to Argentina and successfully conquered the mountain, which I personally believe reflects that even limits have limits.

The contrast between nature’s serenity and perils allows you to feel enriched and augmented, complimented by the euphoria associated with reaching the summit. A disconcertingly amusing story he revealed to us is that after an arduous trek, one mountaineer was so relieved upon reaching the summit she exclaimed her happiness and fainted from oxygen deprivation (he ensured us she was okay). Subsequently, it develops a respect and appreciation for nature and the environment which he feels is being overlooked, a feeling I couldn’t help but identify with as I observed people hurriedly exchanging Visas for Frappuccino’s whilst absorbed with their smartphones.

The inherent difficulties and complexities involved in undertaking such a feat nurtures an almost unique relationship with fellow travellers. He describes a particular breed of friendship that is created when you entrust your life into the hands of others, one that isn’t dissimilar from military comradeship; likewise, a universal characteristic shared by those involved is the compulsion to better themselves through physical and mental exertion, allowing the most diverse people to be united through a single cause. It teaches you the merits and importance of collaboration, attributes which can be translated into both your personal and professional lives.

by

SIOBHAN FRAILE

However, there is the omnipresent element of danger involved in all of his expeditions. Before he even gets near a mountain, months of physical training must be undertaken to ensure an adequate level of stamina and endurance. Being of a humorous disposition, he recalls the odd glances exchanged when residents of his apartment block caught him running up and down the fire escape, or when he runs down a beach at ridiculous o’clock with a tire strung to his back.

This danger is most infamously observed at Everest, where 219 climbers have tragically lost their lives since the original expedition in 1922.

Likewise, he must envision and strategize for hypothetical scenarios that may arise to ensure that he is prepared for the eventuality of a crisis. He emphasizes that preparation is a keyword, reminding me of the old adage failing to plan is planning to fail. Choosing reputable companies and experienced mountaineers is an essential towards mitigating the chance of failure or even crisis, advice which he says isn’t heeded by many and causes unnecessary tragedies. Timing is critical with short windows of opportunity that allow for safe ascents. An example of this is again Mount Everest, which can only be reasonably summited during the monsoon period in May. He has seen profound changes in mountaineering over the years, notably in the demographics and constitution of those whom attempt it. It has become more mainstream, with a proportional increase in women, youth, the elderly and even families. However, he cautions against those who irrationally assume that they can scale a mountain with little or no training. A certain machismo blinds some into thinking that they are sufficiently prepared to ascend (and descend) a mountain. He notes that this not only endangers themselves but those unfortunate enough to be travelling with them, since each member’s life is interdependent on the unit.

“mountaineering is a personal act, one that allows for a reflection on life and unlocking potential that would otherwise be undiscovered.”

Mount Everest remains his ultimate goal, touching upon the mysterious ‘magical’ qualities that attracted him to it. He believes that youth should be exposed to not just mountaineering, but general areas of enrichment that enhance the value of their lives. His departing message to us is that people can do anything they want to do, to not be afraid to dream and to realise these ambitions through grasping every opportunity that is presented to them. And at the end of the day he is probably right; although academia and our careers matter, when we reflect upon our lives we won’t recall our report cards or management feedback, it will be the moments that gave us purpose and the experiences that took our breath away.

For being the living embodiment of that sentiment, I tip my hat in his general direction.

OMG!

shared by

William Ayass

‘Typewriter’ is the longest word you can type on one row of the keyboard.

Your nose can remember and identify over 50,000 smells.

Sharks are immune to cancer.

Regardless it’s size or thickness, no paper in the world can be folded over 7 times.

North Dakota has never had an earthquake.

Right handed people are likely to live up to 9 years longer than a lefty.

An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

100 people a year choke on ballpoint pens.

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JOSH SALDANHA

An Emirati friend once told me that the spirits and Jinn roam the desert in the dark and it was best to not upset them by disturbing. I have never been one to believe in these things, but in the silence I couldn’t help feel a bit spooked all alone in dark. Regardless, I got out and tried to make out where I was in the darkness. I could barely see my hands in front of my face, but the stars were glowing above my head. I tried to snap whatever I could when quickly I noticed silhouettes around me. Suddenly I could see the outlines of the dunes I had ventured into – the sun was coming up! I noticed a solitary figure in the dunes which stood out. Just like me, this tree stood alone by itself and as the sun rose, I snapped a shot of my solitary companion as I felt the sun’s rays warming the cold sand around me. I had never had a moment like that with nature before, and to think that it would’ve happened in the metropolitan city of Dubai!

Lalaine Rose

Ramya Iyer

Rawan Hanoon

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Josh Saldanha

52

Letters to a Coach Get advice from our life coach Maria Chatila. Write to her at coach@one8one.net. All writing will remain anonymous.

Q. I seem to be rather careless with my

money management. I study in India and have a fixed monthly budget that includes my rent and other necessities. I usually end up falling short by a bit towards the end of the month. At 22, I’m not too comfortable with spending my parent’s money. I’d like to learn to save, and spend wisely.

Maria V. Chatila is presently living in Dubai with her husband and three children. She works as an Education & Relationship Life Coach. She is dedicated to helping schools, families, couples and individuals to build personal and family awareness’ while creating empowering relationships. Maria has given talks and workshops to groups as well as working privately with clients.

Spend wisely I can sense from your letter that you are deeply concerned with your money management. First, I suggest that you sit down and work on your core values. What is important to you in your life? What inspires you to wake up and be proactive? How does money enable you to achieve those values? What are you saying ‘yes’ to when you spend your money that makes you fall short to the more important needs in your life at the end of the month? Asking yourself these questions will help you to become more clear, conscious and most importantly, honest with yourself.

Next, look back at your values and ask yourself what is driving your discomfort with spending your parent’s money? The words ‘I’d like to…’ really mean something but you hold the key with all of the answers to this very deep question. Challenge yourself and reflect inward to find the answer. What is the challenge for you when you spend your parent’s money? What do you secretly wish you could do instead of spending your parent’s money? What is stopping you?

Finally, I highly recommend that you sit down with a financial mentor. As an expert, the mentor will be able to look at your expenses and your income and help you to come up with a plan that fits your needs. Remember that as students, you spend years learning how to be academic achievers but the great majority of students rarely learn how to save and spend money independently.

Listen I believe a great place to start is with the term ‘communication’. What does it really mean? ‘Communication is the conveying of messages from one person to another’ Wikipedia. I imagine that your friend is struggling to have her messages conveyed with the most skill. This is often the case with many young adults and teenagers.

In fact, there are many adults on the planet that have still not mastered the skill of communication. However, from the sound of your letter, it seems that SA is probably keeping matters to herself because she feels unsafe to share her insecurities with friends and family.

Q. Another friend, SA, often keeps matters

to herself be it good or bad, and this messes up her communication with family and friends. She finds it very hard to trust people and doesn’t include other’s opinions while making decisions, although they may be of some help. She’d rather announce events when they’re successful; to save face if anything goes wrong.

A great exercise to help your friend work on this challenge is to begin by letting her vent her frustrations about communicating with friends and family. Ask her to write them down as short captions. It is important that she doesn’t get lost in telling long stories. Ensure that you are not judging her by making comments and encouraging her to feel ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Next, take her sheet of paper and put it out in front of her.

Ask her to release the issue and look at it on the paper as if it no longer belonged to her. Challenge her to describe how she could get support and trust family and friends now that she does not own her issue.

This exercise will help her to see her issue as separate to herself. Most people are so attached to their fears and issues that they cannot objectively brainstorm new ways of improving their situation. Let me know how this activity goes and remember, she is not wrong in feeling what she feels, but she can always choose to perceive her situation differently by putting it out in front.

Help with university It seems as though you are a very concerned friend and I applaud you for caring.

However, I also caution you for being judgmental. I imagine that your judgment is unconscious and that you are trying to help your friend. I encourage you to help your friend complete the ‘Core Values Exercise’. This exercise will help her understand what is stopping her from achieving the drive and motivation that she is lacking at the moment.

My method of eliciting core values is easy and very effective. Start by taking a piece of paper and pencil and draw a line down the middle of the sheet of paper. On the left side, write down the characteristics of people that you find challenging to be with. I do this because it is always easiest for most people to pinpoint the characteristics in others that they do not like. Don’t stop at just 2-3 characteristics; ask yourself ‘what else’ over and over until you have exhausted your list.

Next, write the opposite of each characteristic on the right side of the sheet. This part can be challenging because now, you are asking yourself, ‘if I am challenged by that characteristic, what would I like them to be like’. Once this is complete, you are halfway through eliciting your core values.

Finally, continue by taking your ‘ideal characteristics list’ and begin clearly defining what they mean to YOU. I state the word YOU strongly because every-one has the right to define them differently, that is why our core values are unique to each person.

Remember, this is not an English assignment. You are not defining what the word means as a vocabulary assignment, you are asking yourself, ‘what does this mean to me and how would I know that someone is achieving this characteristic’. As you work your way down the list, you may find yourself linking characteristics together because they may mean the same thing, this is fine and very common.

It may become apparent to her that the courses she is taking are not aligning with her values system. Finally, your friend may be needing some normalising so I would sit her down and let her know that what she is experiencing is very normal and that understanding what her core values are will help her to choose courses at university that will keep her ‘on purpose’ with what excites her and with what she will naturally find motivating.

Q. A friend of mine from university

hasn’t been able to finish her course yet because she hasn’t been doing too well, academically. While she is smart, she doesn’t work hard enough. The course is rather demanding, and requires more than last minute studying. She’s fallen back a few years. At this point, she doesn’t work because she has lost the drive and interest to finish what she started. She is a close friend of mine, and I’d like to see her doing well. I do tell her what I think, and try to motivate her to work harder, but she doesn’t listen.

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You Are What YouEat Photo : Dahlia Dandashi

I was hanging out with friends and as usual we decide to go grab something to eat since we’ve been out all day on the beach and were starving. So we went to the nearest fast-food place and I order the biggest double cheese burger, extra large fries and (I wonder why I even bother) a diet Coke. You’ll never guess what happened next. It was as if someone had given me a tranquilizer. I sank in the chair with a stomach ache, could no longer function properly and felt like my brain had gone numb. I barely had the strength to make it home. It was the worse experience I’d ever had with food. From then on I decided to find out how I can teach myself to make good choices when it comes to eating out.

It’s actually easier than we think. Wherever you are there’s bound to be something healthy on the menu. We also need to watch out for those extras like dressings, cheeses and sauces no matter how tempting they are.

RULES FOR KEEPING IT HEALTHY Go for a balanced meal which means: a. lean proteins like grilled chicken, meat, fish or beans if you’re vegetarian b. fruits and vegetables. And no, fries are not veggies c. whole grains like wholewheat bread and brown rice Drink water Hydrate your body and don’t go for sodas and energy drinks, they’re full of sugar, caffeine, food colouring and loads of other disgusting stuff.

Don’t over eat Most fast food places will come at you with huge portions and try to sell you even larger portions, extra fries, desserts and sauces. Don’t let them fool you - go for the smaller meals. If you’re at a restaurant ask for your sauces and salad dressing on the side and don’t eat them all. Chose salsa and mustard instead of mayo and don’t eat that bread and butter they put on your table as soon as you arrive. Use non fat milk instead of cream or whole milk and when they ask you what you want for the side order go for salad or vegetables, you know it’s the right choice. Dessert sir/madam? Say NO THANK YOU and have some fruits about an hour after your food.

Things to get for a quick bite at the mall: • Wholewheat veggie pizza. Go for fresh and/or organic • Grilled protein sandwich with wholewheat bread and no mayo.

• Small burger • Baked potato • Salad with grilled meats • Frozen yogurt by

Health freak

Astro March 2012

PISCES (19 February - 20 March)

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Friends are fighting over your attention this month and you’re loving it. Watch out for your sibling and be nice because whatever it is that is bothering you about them are the same qualities you have, so if you don’t like what they’re doing, change. Don’t try to fix whatever’s going on at home, you’ll only make it worse, just wait and it may resolve itself.

You don’t know where or why you have more money this month but it feels great.

A friend may ask to borrow some and you may choose to be generous but you won’t have any money left with you afterwards. You’re trying really hard to keep someone’s secret, but don’t worry, someone else knows and will spill it before you ever think of telling anyone.

You feel great and everyone can see that. People can’t help but look at you as you pass by them, the energy is very attractive. Some may even comment on how great you look. Take the compliment and smile. You know how great you are so don’t make any drastic changes just to impress someone. You’re already perfect.

This month you need to slow down and take it easy even when you really feel like going out and partying. You need the rest. When you’re asked for a favor be careful not to over commit and under deliver.

Listen to your parents; you know they’re right, even when it doesn’t make sense. Get out a little more and exercise it will make you feel really good.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Your friends may be planning a prank that is not funny at all or is it the other way around?

Watch out you don’t hurt or upset anyone. Be patient with your friends this month, you know they love you and are just being stupid sometimes.

Gather all the facts before you react. If you’re really angry find a place you can work out on your own and release all the stress.

Studies are great and loads of activities at school. You may even get a certificate as a surprise for being so great at something that you’ve been doing lately. There’s no better time to put a plan for becoming even better since you now have a good base and clear vision of where you want to be. Now that you know what you want you are able to make quick decisions when your friends ask you for things.

AAAH! Vacation. Try to get away this month, you need it.

If not, you may want to spend some time on the beach or at the club and pretend you’re on some island in the Bahamas.

There are some changes coming your way, but don’t get frustrated. Everything always happens for a reason.

Don’t complain and embrace whatever comes your way next.

There are things you’ve been doing together with some friends and it’s been loads of fun. Don’t be upset that you’re not getting enough recognition for it and stay committed if you promised to finish whatever it is that you were doing. Those are the times you find out who your real friends are. Just wait and time will reveal everything you wanted to know.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You have great friends and you’ve gotten along really well until you start seeing things in each other that you don’t necessarily like. You can either talk it through or remember that little things shouldn’t be dwelled over. Relax and get away from your every day environment for a bit if you can. Instead of fighting for everything sit with your sibling and work out what’s yours and what’s theirs.

School’s been really exciting this month with great new challenges and opportunities coming your way. If you have any suggestions for your parents you may want to write them down and hand it to them. They would be happy to receive them and may even give you what you want but you need to be patient. Just wait for great things to come your way.

Fighting with friends is a no no, especially this month. Sit down and write everything you feel. If you still feel like you need to confront your friend do so when you’re calm and rational. You have choices regarding which path to follow and you don’t need to make a decision within hours. Take your time and whatever it is you’re going to do great.

Time to rearrange your room.

Take the time to go through all your old stuff and give it away.

Try not to get carried away with all the writing and the music at home or else it will interfere with your studies.

You will make new friends and meet some new people but some of them you just can’t make out. Give them the space to talk and tell you who they are and what they are passionate about.

(21 March- 20 April)

(21 July- 20 August)

(23 November- 20 December)

(21 April- 20 May)

(21 August- 20 September)

(21 December- 19 January)

21 May- 20 June)

(21 September- 20 October)

(20 January- 18 February)

(21 June- 20 July)

(21 October- 22 November)

(19 February- 20 March)

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General Knowledge Quiz

Tick the answers in the quiz to find out just how much you know.

(1 point per question).

1. If I take 3 lollipops out of a basket containing 9 lollipops how many lollys do I have?

2. A chef at a restaurant has 5 potatoes to feed a table of 3 people - how can he give them equal portions without fractions?

more than an average student. Keep your mind open and try to keep all that information you find on the net because it will come up one day and you will need it.

When someone talks to you on any topic you are quite confident because you know you have a good base of knowledge. If there is anything you don’t know and are interested in you will look it up and remember it forever.

Keep it up and keep practicing. There is great potential and you can become great at it.

17-24

WOW! You’re a whizz. You’re one of those people that may not rely heavily on Google for everything since you’ve learned to retain quite a lot in that heavy brain of yours. You may notice that most of the time you have the advantage while engaged in a conversation. All those things you keep in your head are great starting points to a conversation and always keep people interested in what you have to say. You’re like a walking Encyclopedia.

Answers

9-16 You’re quite knowledgeable and know a little

1.3;2.Mashed potatoes;3.Bee hummingbird;4.New Zeland;5.8;6.

Aphrodite;7.Chinese, English, Hindustani;8.1989;9.Fe;10.7;11.

Istanbul (Europe and Asia);12.42;13.Cygnet;14.Arachnophobia;15.

Dolly;16.Foxtrot;17.190;18.Ostrich;19.Sahara Desert;20.Dead Sea;21.

Brazil;22.Bahrain;23.13;24.Cairo

You know what you need to know. What you were taught at school or your parents and not more.

What would happen if your iphone or BlackBerry died on you all of a sudden and someone asked you an interesting question you don’t know the answer to? Don’t be a Google-holic and try to keep that information in your head once you search for it. You may want to work on your GK a little more and set aside some time every day to practice. Use Google, word puzzles and trivia websites.

Make it fun.

1-8

3. What is the worlds smallest bird?

4. Which country gave women the right to vote first?

5. How many tentacles does an Octupus have?

6. In Greek Mythology who was the goddess of Love?

7. What are the worlds 3 most spoken Languages?

8. What year did the Berlin Wall come down?

9. What is the Chemical Symbol for Iron?

10. How many sides does a Heptagon have?

11. Which is the only city in the world to lie in 2 continents?

12. How many eyes are there in a pack of 52 cards?

13. What is a baby swan called?

14. What is the fear of spiders called?

15. What was the name of the first cloned sheep?

16. What is the international radio code word for the letter F? 17. What is 20% of 950?

18. What is the worlds largest bird?

19. What is the biggest desert in the world?

20. What sea does the river Jordan flow into?

21. What is the largest coffee growing country?

22. Which country’s national anthem is only music and no words?

23. What is regarded as a lucky number in Italy?

24. What is the largest city in Africa?

CROSSWORD

59

Across

Down

3 4 5 7 8 9

Something that involves our entire planet 1 Similar to comfort Positive human emotion 2 Human creation that can unite Country that never invaded billions of poople through sound State of being clam and untroubled 3 Organization that fights for ecology Ability to do/say almost anything of the Mother Earth (2 words) Group of countries, entities, people 4 Ying-Yang, a state of balance joined together 6 The only neutral European country 11 When two or more parties agree to terms, 10 Optimistic wish for improvement however with a few shortcomings 13 Almost silent 12 A white bird associated with peace 15 Harmful, usually fatal chaos 14 Something that’s been given to us at birth caused by at least two countries 16 Smallest country in the world

Brain Food SUDOKU Easy

1

3

3

2

4 8

1

4 6

5

4

7

6

8 7 5 1 2 6

1

6

9 11

10

7

8

9

4 9 6 7

1

13 14

3 8

5 7 3 1

1 1 6

3

Hard 5 9 1 3 6 2 4 7 8

7 4 6 8 9 1 3 2 5

1 6 2 9 3 7 5 8 4

9 8 7 1 4 5 2 3 6

4 3 5 2 8 6 7 9 1

1

9 2 8 7 4 3 6 5 1

3 4 7 1 5 6 9 2 8

5 6 1 2 8 9 7 3 4

8 3 9 6 1 7 5 4 2

1 5 2 9 3 4 8 7 6

6 7 4 8 2 5 1 9 3

7 1 5 4 6 2 3 8 9

4 8 3 5 9 1 2 6 7

2 9 6 3 7 8 4 1 5

4 2 6 9

1

Answers from the previous issue 8 2 3 5 7 4 6 1 9

6

P I N K I P A S S M I N E S F H

3

3 9 6 6

2 7 8 6 5 9 1 4 3

8 2

1 4

6 1 9 4 2 3 8 5 7

1

3

9 5

15 16

3 5 4 7 1 8 9 6 2

7

Hard

12

Easy

5

2

7

8

6

4

H E A R T E C U P I D H F L O W E R S C O R R V A L E N T I N B S I O N A M T B C A N D L E S O N N A C R O S E S R I E N D R F L I R O N E Y A W C L O V E

S W E S E T H E A R T

60

Jokes A vampire bat came flapping in from the night covered in fresh blood and parked himself on the roof of the cave to get some sleep. Pretty soon all the other bats smelled the blood and began hassling him about where he got it.

Vampire Bat

He told them to go away and let him get some sleep but they persisted until finally he gave in.

“OK, follow me” he said and flew out of the cave with hundreds of bats behind him.

Down through the valley they went, across a river and into a forest full of trees. Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him.

“Now, do you see that tree over there?” he asked.

“Yes, Yes, Yes!” the bats all screamed in a frenzy.

“Good” said the bat, “Because I sure didn’t!”

Divine Cat Once upon a time, there was a cat who died. When she got to heaven, God asked her how she liked being on earth. She told the Lord that it was awful, she had to sleep in cold back alleys where there was no food and life was hard. God told her that he was sorry it had had turned out that way but here, in heaven, she would be happy and He would give her the most comfortable, warm pillow to sleep on. The cat laid down upon the pillow and was happy.

A few days later, about a dozen mice that came to heaven together and God asked them how they had liked earth. Earth was no better for them than it was the cat.

They explained to God that it was tough and exhausting and their feet were worn out from always running from cats and dogs and people. God felt bad for the mice and decided to give them rollerskates.

One day God sees the cat again and asked her how she was liking heaven.

She explained that it was absolutely wonderful. The pillow he gave her was the most comfortable place that she had ever slept on, but even better than the pillow were the meals on wheels.

61

Charitable Organizations Abu Dhabi

Here are a few places where you can call whenever you feel like giving or helping those in need.

Operation Smile Phone: 050 617 6746 Web: www.operationsmile.org Emirates Wildlife Society Phone: 02 634 7117 Web: http://uae.panda.org Takatof Phone: 02 698 8600, 800 825 2863 Web: www.takatof.ae The Citizens’ Foundation Phone: 02 602 3656 Web: www.thecitizensfoundation.org United Nations Development Programme Phone: 02 446 7600 Web: www.undp.org.ae Red Crescent for United Arab Emirates Phone: 02 884 8144 Web: www.rcuae.ae

Dubai All 4 Down’s Syndrome Phone: 050 880 9228 Web: www.all4downsyndrome.com Emirates Environmental Group Phone: 04 344 8622 Web: www.eeg-uae.org Dubai Centre for Special Needs Phone: 04 344 0966 Web: www.dcsneeds.ae

Dubai Charity Phone: 04 268 2000 Web: www.dubaicharity.org.ae

Gulf 4 Good Phone: 04 368 0222 Web: www.gulf4good.org

Senses Residential Care Home for Children with Special Needs Phone: 04 4572675

Dubai Cares Phone: 04 450 4550 Web: www.dubaicares.ae

Children’s Hope Foundation Phone: 04 511 1905 Web: www.chfdubai.org

Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs Phone: 04 340 4844 Web: http://alnoorspneeds.ae

Volunteer in the UAE Phone: 04 452 1106 Web: www.volunteerinabudhabi.com www.volunteerindubai.com

For you to know and the best is picked out for each section of the magazine, website and books.

-If your work was not published and you ask about it, there is no way that we can find it as we receive a large number of submissions each year. If chosen, your article will get published within 5 months At the end of your work please of your submission date. include the following originality -Ideas for creative categories statement to confirm that this is would be: School News, Art, Poetry, your original work. Please include Fiction, Opinion, Community your full name: Service, Culture, Travel, Jokes, How things work, Sports, Health “I, FILL IN WITH FULL NAME and Fitness, Interview, Review, certify that the above and/or attached work is entirely original.” Technology, College Essays, Real Life Experiences.

-You can submit scanned or You will be able to request photocopied prints of art work anonymity. If for any reason what so ever you do not want your name but please make sure it is of high quality. And remember that we to be published, your request will be respected, but you must include will not return them.

-Anyone can send photos. Take your name and all the above pictures of your friends or any mentioned information. chosen topic and send it through to us and we will publish it either on the website or in our magazine.

-We reserve the right to publish our -If you are published you will receive a letter from us as well edited version without your prior as a copy of the magazine issue approval. or book which includes your -We may not print your name on personal articles and in some cases work. If you are published on our website you will receive an email may change the names to protect notification with the link to your other people’s identities. work.

-All material submitted to us becomes the property of one8one.

By submitting your work to one8one magazine you are giving one8one will print 10,000 copies of us the non-exclusive right to the magazine, which means that publish your work in any format, over 30,000 people will be able to including all print, electronic and view your work. Our website will online media. be open to general public as well, -Our editorial staff will review all so anyone can see it. the submissions. Each one is read by two editorial staff members There are no deadlines to when you submit your work. We accept your submissions all year long.

However if the work you send in is specifically for an event or occasion, please try and send it in at least one month prior to the date.

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How to Submit to one8one

Submission Guidelines: Remember that we completely depend on you, young youth, to send in your writing and make creative contributions.

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You can submit your work in three different ways: Through your school: Written work and art/photos may be submitted directly through your school. Provide your work to your teacher and he/she will be able to guide you.

Through email: You can also send us your work by email, but please make sure you’ve read the guidelines before you do.

All written work and videos should be sent through email.

Email us at mysay@one8one.net Through direct mail: You can send your work through direct mail. Please make sure your work is neatly written or typed and do not forget to include your details.

Send your work directly to: one8one, P.O Box 117890, Dubai- UAE

Please include the following:

1. Name 2. Date of birth (year) 3. Address (area you live in) 4. Telephone number 5. Email address 6. Name of school you attend There is no word limit to the writing you submit, but keep in mind that most published pieces are fewer than 1,500 words.

The work you submit may be published in one8one monthly magazine, in our books or/and on our website. Submissions will not be returned, so please keep a copy for yourself if you need to. Label all your work; interview, poetry, art, article, fiction, non-fiction‌ etc.

You can email your art of photography as an email attachment, scan items as grayscale line art or color file of at least 300 dpi (resolution) and smaller than 10mb when saved.

Do not scan as a halftone. Save all items as a TIFF (.tif), PICT or JPEG file, before sending as an attachment.

You can email a video (no longer than 5 minutes) to us in the following formats: MOV, .AVI, MPEG, and .WMV.

Editor in Cheif Maria Rousan Deputy Editor Dina Hassan

How does this work?

You send in your articles, we read them, choose the best ones and publish them in the magazine. If you get published, you have a chance to win loads of cool stuff and represent one8one at major concerts happening in the UAE. You will get media passes to the events and an amazing camera to take pictures. You’ll have a blast at the concert then write about it for one8one. Which concert did you say you’ve always wanted to go to?

Send your work in to mysay@one8one.net.

Only the crème de la crème of the work we’re sent makes it on to the pages of our magazine so put your best foot forward and get writing.

Sports Editor Hana Hassanbek Cover Graphics by Alessandro Zanchetta Graphic Design/ Production Anton Rodionov

Love to write?

Whether it’s poems, book reviews, game reviews, fiction or nonfiction: if you write, we want to read.

Like Fashion?

No matter what shape or size you are, we’re looking for character. If you’ve got what it takes to be in front of the camera we want you in our photoshoot.

Play an instrument?

Let us hear about it!

Read a book lately?

Send us a review and give others the chance to read it or leave it.

Love sports?

Write to us so we can let everyone else know how much fun your sport is and how they can join in.

Play video games?

We want to know what the best and most disappointing games are that you’ve played. You never know what you might win just by giving us your opinion.

Like jokes?

Knock knock on our email and make us laugh!

Are you an art lover?

Show us what you can do. Beautiful things are meant to be seen.

Love your camera?

Pick it up and send us your best photos to be published.

Know of a cool event?

Let us know and we’ll be there to take pictures.

Do you like to act?

Young thespians, show us what you can do.

Watch movies?

Tell us all about the latest movies you’ve seen so everyone else can know if it’s worth watching or not.

Listen to music?

What’s your favourite band? Write about them so everyone can have a listen.

Fashion Art Director/ Stylist Ivana Arsenikevic Stylist Assistant Ivana Mazic Make-up Artist Lidia MakeUpArt Photography Marko Zirdum Contributors Maria Chatila - Life Coach Feline Friends - Cat (Fashion shoot) K9 Friends- Dogs (Fashion shoot) Youth Contributors Adrian Lehadus Anton Rodionov Anwar Marwan Areeba Sadiq Dahlia Dandashi Dania Chatila Diana K Dina Hassan Dinushka Sudusinghe Ghadeer Abeidoh Hamza Arif Hana Hassanbek Heinrich Taute Holli Supka Josh Saldanha Lalaine Rose

Lisa Machtlinger Louisa Northcote Maitha Bint Khalid Marta Cvetkovic Nadine Taalat Octavian Lehadus Parinaaz Navdar Rawan Hanoon Ramya Iyer Sandra Mergulhão Serene Nemer Shaylin Wilkins Shyamsanker S. Siobhan Fraile Stereohead William Ayass

Advertising 050-5501412 ad@blkiris.com Publishing Black Iris Publishing FZ LLE Printers Raidy Printing Group

Discover your hidden talent and explode your creativity!

Join our drama and arts Club at Super Dooper, A Stage for Arts.

Open day at Waves DAMAC building, Marina Level, Dubai Marina March 10, 2012, 11am to 5pm.

t. + 9714 4548391 m. +97150 1516632 Dubai Waves DAMAC Building, Marina Level info@superdooper.ae www.facebook.com/SuperDooperDXB